<u>Interesting Fact:</u> Same record we had last year after 64 games... Good news is we are getting our two starters back, Odom and Walton, and we will go back to our original starting line up Kobe Smush Lamar Walton Kwame We will have Lamar and Luke able to work with the 2nd unit and get those bench guys doing well once again. More good news, the 7th and 8th seeds are not exactly playing great basketball either, so if we just shape up, and get a little 3 or 4 game winning streak going, we can actually get some momentum going again. The most important thing for us right now is to get back on our feet, and try to enter the playoffs at 5th or 6th seed with some MOMENTUM and getting our confidence back up and we will be just fine. Just thought I'd make this thread to kind of raise our spirits around here, I think we will be fine. Once Kobe gets the help he needs, he will no longer be as frustrated and go back to playing his game. How frustrated is Kobe? Well, when's the last time he's missed 5 free throws in one game? This is from a guy who's made 60+ and 40+ consecutive in the past 2 seasons. Keep your heads high boys, good times will soon be back.
Yup Yup!! The only thing though, I don't think we should expect any change in our play for the next 3-7 games or so, it's going to take everyone to get re-adjusted. It's going to take Luke and Odom some time to get back into the swing of things and get their stamina back. I think after about 5-7 games with them, we'll go back to playing good ball. Until then, I can easily see us still struggling.
Essentially, this is Bynum's rookie year...he's hit the rookie wall. Nobody expected all the injuries and nobody even wanted Bynum to get this much burn. He's burned out, which is very understandable. Farmar is absolute trash, or at least for awhile he has been. God he was pitiful last night, I can't believe some people want to hold on to this clown. The triangle really kills his game. His broken jumper has been exposed. Nothing like airballing a wide open three. Smush..haha, I can't believe how immature this cat is. I can't believe I tried defending him, as well. Seriously, we should let this cat just walk in the offseason...if it means that Shammond is our starter (if we do keep him, which I think we should) then so be it.
"The way they are playing now, it doesn't matter who comes back," said Lakers Coach Phil Jackson, obviously upset. "Jesus Christ could come back and we still wouldn't have a chance because we've ruined the mix by not playing together." Holy Sh!t! If this doesn't fire up a team nothing or no one can, even Jesus.
<div class="quote_poster">Duncan21 Wrote</div><div class="quote_post">"The way they are playing now, it doesn't matter who comes back," said Lakers Coach Phil Jackson, obviously upset. "Jesus Christ could come back and we still wouldn't have a chance because we've ruined the mix by not playing together." Holy Sh!t! If this doesn't fire up a team nothing or no one can, even Jesus.</div> I thought we already had Jesus on the team!
Even with the team healthy, it's going to take 3 or 4 games before they find the chemistry again. This year has been deterred by all the injuries the Lakers have gone through. It's a revolving door with our roster, and it kills the development and progress the team had early in the season. What's positive is the team is still confident and they aren't getting down on themselves during these win streaks. They understand it's the rash of injuries and fatigue that's hurt their chances to win, and hopefully the team learns the importance of having a solid defense. A solid defense can carry your squad when it's injured or tired. This game against Denver on Thursday is a must win.
Just wondering, but when are Luke and Odom due back? I've heard no news on this. As for our play, it's been pretty bad to say the least. Injuries have killed us and our chemistry. It's very difficult for your starters and your bench to function well together when you don't have a healthy team most of the season.
<div class="quote_poster">Moo2K4 Wrote</div><div class="quote_post">Just wondering, but when are Luke and Odom due back? I've heard no news on this. As for our play, it's been pretty bad to say the least. Injuries have killed us and our chemistry. It's very difficult for your starters and your bench to function well together when you don't have a healthy team most of the season.</div> Odom is due back Thursday according to him, and Walton should be ready the next game the Lakers play, which is Thursday as well.
Odom due back Thursday? Damn, that was quick. Remember when he first got injured, how reports were saying he would be out for the season? Wow. That would be great if he could return Thursday, but I really hope he's not rushing it. I mean, being out for the season, and being out for the week are a big stretch of games....
I think Lamar is rushing it. I think the report I read said that Lamar definatively said that he would be back on Thursday. I think he is just rushing and forcing himself back to try to win the Denver game. I hope it doesn't backfire
As much heat that Lamar has taken this season, I have much respect for him as a person. The guy went through the death of his child, to start the season off playing some of the best basketball of his career. Then, of course, he had another setback and injured his ankle. When he finally returned, played a couple of games, started to get his rythm back, BOOM! Injured again. I'm just glad the guy is detirmined to get back onto the court with all these recent setbacks. I know if I were in his shoes, I'd be a pretty depressed person. It's good to see he's still thinking positive, and that he has the guts to play through the pain. Lamar may be stupid on the court, but that doesn't change the way I feel about him off the court. I just hope he's making the right decision though.
<div class="quote_poster">Mamba Wrote</div><div class="quote_post">Essentially, this is Bynum's rookie year...he's hit the rookie wall. Nobody expected all the injuries and nobody even wanted Bynum to get this much burn. He's burned out, which is very understandable. Farmar is absolute trash, or at least for awhile he has been. God he was pitiful last night, I can't believe some people want to hold on to this clown. The triangle really kills his game. His broken jumper has been exposed. Nothing like airballing a wide open three. Smush..haha, I can't believe how immature this cat is. I can't believe I tried defending him, as well. Seriously, we should let this cat just walk in the offseason...if it means that Shammond is our starter (if we do keep him, which I think we should) then so be it.</div> I agree, they should just let Smush go, in the game yesterday Jim Gray was talking about Smush being ignorant toward Phil Jackson. This guy coached MJ and now is coaching Kobe, and Smush is being ignorant towards him. (i personally think he is full of himself right now) Also, he is the worst starting PG in the league, stat wise and by Basketball IQ.
We should send Smush back to where he belongs......Rucker Park. That way, he can play all the streetball he wants
I'm personally sick of Smush. The guy has a very low basketball IQ (mine is probably better) and just isn't very good. For a PG, he gets next to no assists. He's got too much of a scorers mentality and isn't very good at doing that. His defense doesn't really exist. His jumper is streaky as all hell. In general, there really isn't a positive thing about him that just sticks out and makes me want him back. At this stage, I'd rather see Shamu starting, or even Farmar, despite his recent rough stretch.
I can't go that far to say I'd like to see Farmar start. At least I know I could get some offense from Smush, Farmar has just been plain terrible lately. He's probably the only player on our roster playing worse than Smush.
<div class="quote_poster">Moo2K4 Wrote</div><div class="quote_post">I'm personally sick of Smush. The guy has a very low basketball IQ (mine is probably better) and just isn't very good. For a PG, he gets next to no assists. He's got too much of a scorers mentality and isn't very good at doing that. His defense doesn't really exist. His jumper is streaky as all hell. In general, there really isn't a positive thing about him that just sticks out and makes me want him back. At this stage, I'd rather see Shamu starting, or even Farmar, despite his recent rough stretch.</div> Don't forget his obnoxious FT % for a PG. Recently that cost us the Minny game and wasted Kobe's 40 point Double-Double.
Smush is horrible please get rid of him! He always seems to know what to do to screw up. He has no use for us other then being a 5th person on the floor. I hope Lakers get rid of him ASAP..
