Position Battles

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE </div><div class='quotemain'>HONOLULU -- Help wanted: two positions.

Short of hanging out a shingle, Lakers Coach Phil Jackson has thrown open a pair of training-camp battles, one a four-man race at point guard, the other a three-man race at center.</p>

Chris Mihm, Kwame Brown and Andrew Bynum will be fighting to start in the middle, and Javaris Crittenton, Jordan Farmar and Sasha Vujacic are trying to wrestle minutes from Derek Fisher at one of the guard spots.

Bynum has looked better on defense with his rebounding and shot-blocking so far, while Mihm has survived his first practices in almost 17 months after sitting out last season because of ankle surgery. Brown is not doing contact drills for at least a week, but he also figures into the mix as the Oct. 30 opener gets closer.

Jackson didn't give any of the three an edge.

"It doesn't matter, but I don't have a sense of it right now," he said, deferring to the eight upcoming exhibition games. "There's a good chance we'll play all three of them."

Fisher is expected to start next to Kobe Bryant in the backcourt, but the 33-year-old will be spelled plenty and his backup remains a mystery, although one of the frothier battles of camp so far has been the daily head-to-heads between Crittenton, this year's first-round pick, and Farmar, last year's first-rounder.

Crittenton, listed at 6 feet 5 and selected 19th overall, is three inches taller than Farmar and has already made somewhat of an impression.

"We'll see more obviously as exhibition games ensue, but at this point, he's got the skills that we like," Jackson said. "He's got the speed, he's got the verve. He takes the risks that I think are important for a guard and knows the value of the ball."

Crittenton penetrates well, but he needs to work on his shooting to become a more complete player.

Jackson knows what he gets with Fisher, chiefly an upgrade over Smush Parker, who became peeved and moody last season after his playing time was shortened.

"Fish makes big shots. He's a guy that gets the ball back for you on the defensive end by taking charges, getting steals," Jackson said. "Smush . . . was a sniper, one of the top steals leaders and had the ability to do some things extending the defense. It kind of opened up our defense at times and let us be penetrable."

Bryant, obviously, will start, but he might set up shop in a different spot on the floor on offense.

He has become comfortable in the wing but will move farther toward the top of the lane when the season begins.

"I kind of told him he's had off the last couple of years," Jackson said. "He's just kind of hedged on there in the wing, and hung out and played one-on-one, and pick and choose. I think our offense needs to have him as a distributor. He needs to get that mind-set back about being a playmaker and distributor. He's had his opportunity in scoring and being a great scorer."</div></p>

Source: LA Times</p>

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (starman85)</div><div class='quotemain'></p>

I think Fisher is a lock at the other guard spot, though I'd say Vujacik will get most of the backup minutes if Kobe really does move to the point. Vujacik is the best shooter out of that pool of guys.</p>

As for center, this has to be Bynum's year. This is a make or break year for him in terms of being part of a combo with Kobe. If he doesn't step it up this year, I can't see Kobe sitting through another summer like this one a year from now. That doesn't mean that Kwame won't contribute, though I do say it means Mihm is essentially out of the question. He's gonna be a backup all year long, IMO. If the Lakers manage to swing a deal, its probably going to include either Odom or Brown, or both. If Odom leaves town for a top 3, then Brown could concievably be starting alongside Bynum. But if they pick up a guy like Kirilenko, I definitely see Phil starting AK at the 4 instead of the 3.</p>

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I agree, Fisher is a lock for the starting job. The fight for backup PG is the one to keep an eye on. PJax favors experience, so Critt will have to be exceptional to pass Farmar in preseason. I wouldn't be surprised if the Lakers had Crit moonlight in the NBADL and NBA like they did with Farmar last season.</p>

I think PJax will give Bynum every opportunity to win the starting job, but won't be forced into it. If Bynum has a breakout season I expect it to be next year.</p>

Year 1 - wet behind the ears, only used in spot situations, wasn't sent to NBADL because they want his mindset to be that of a superstar and not one of a role player</p>

Year 2 - didn't take the offseason conditioning seriously, ended up playing more minutes than estimated due to injuries to teammates, hit the proverbial rookie wall, lost confidence in himself and from his peers</p>

Year 3 - has come into camp stronger and in shape, has a chip on his shoulder, has an open door chance to win the starting job, i expect more consistency throughout the season</p>

Year 4 - experience and confidence come together and Bynum breaks out</p>

I think you're right, the Lakers will shift Brown and Mihm a lot from the 4 and 5 spot in the rotations. They do seem in line to make a move with the frontcourt depth AS LONG AS they all can stay healthy.</p>

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