<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE </div><div class='quotemain'>Getting Inside The Western Conference champion Lakers were glad on draft day to have graduated to being one of the teams not looking to shake things up or bank on young help anymore. They were lying low going in with only the 58th overall pick—the Lakers’ first-rounder went to Memphis in the Pau Gasol trade—and stayed low Thursday night by doing nothing except picking Kentucky guard Joe Crawford with that second-round selection. Crawford, 22, is a 6-foot-5 shooting guard who hails from Detroit and provides some immediate depth at Kobe Bryant’s position in case the Lakers don’t re-sign Sasha Vujacic, who is a restricted free agent, or bring over Chinese guard Sun Yue, the 40th overall pick in the 2007 draft. Crawford, a four-year player at Kentucky who finished seventh on the school’s all-time 3-pointers list, will otherwise face an uphill battle to make the team. One of the other players with an edge over Crawford would be Coby Karl, an undrafted rookie who stuck with the Lakers all last season and will play on their summer-league team in Las Vegas. But Crawford, who can handle the ball well for an off-guard, will get his chance. “We had him projected to be drafted a lot higher than 58,” Lakers general manager Mitch Kupchak said of Crawford, the third-to-last pick in the draft. Kupchak said the Lakers did try to move up in the second round, but nothing materialized on the trade front. With the first-round pick the Lakers gave Memphis, the Grizzlies drafted Syracuse forward Donte Greene. Season Highlight: The Lakers knocked off the defending NBA champion San Antonio Spurs in five games in the Western Conference finals. Jerry West, one of Bryant’s idols and mentors, was on hand to present the trophy to the Lakers after the game. Turning Point: The Lakers’ Feb. 1 trade for Gasol—they gave up Kwame Brown’s expiring contract, rookie guard Javaris Crittenton, the draft rights to Marc Gasol and two No. 1 picks—gave them newfound belief that they had the power to contend for a title while Bynum was out with a knee injury. The Lakers finished the regular season 22-5 with Gasol in the lineup. Notes, Quotes • Perhaps it was all in good fun, but Shaquille O’Neal’s profane rapping about Kobe Bryant not being able to win an NBA championship yet without O’Neal drew tremendous public notice and resulted in O’Neal having his special deputy badges revoked by Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio. • Despite plentiful speculation about the Lakers trying to sign Ron Artest—who is not expected to opt out of existing contract—to a cut-rate deal, Artest went on a Los Angeles radio show to state clearly he would never take a lesser contract for a chance to win a championship. Quote To Note: “He’s going to have to come in an earn it.”—Lakers general manager Mitch Kupchak on second-round pick Joe Crawford’s prospects of making the team next season. Roster Report Draft Pick: Joe Crawford, G, 6-5, Kentucky—A longshot to make the Lakers’ roster next season and will need to do well in summer-league ball to ensure he even gets a non-guaranteed contract offer. Most Valuable Player: Bryant said it was not his best individual season, but it was his best as far as enjoyment and leadership. For that—and for being able to pour his full effort into the team after a rocky offseason—Bryant was rewarded with his first NBA MVP trophy. He ranked among the league leaders in per-game averages in points (second), assists (19th), free throw percentage (29th), steals (ninth) and minutes (10th). Most Disappointing Player: There weren’t many letdowns for the Lakers in their surprising NBA Finals run, but Luke Walton wound up giving the team far less in 2007-08 than in the previous season. Walton earned a fat new contract by averaging 11.4 points, 5.0 rebounds and 4.3 assists last season. But with several nagging injuries slowing him down and Vladimir Radmanovic and Ariza offering different potency, Walton gave the Lakers just 7.2 points, 3.9 rebounds and 2.9 assists this season. Biggest Needs: Bryant, who so loudly insisted that a roster overhaul was necessary with or without him last offseason, was asked what the Lakers need to do this summer. “Just relax,” Bryant said. Like Lakers management, Bryant believes the experience of a long playoff run and the anticipated return of Bynum from his injury gives the Lakers an excellent chance at returning to the NBA Finals next season. Free Agent Focus: Restricted free agents Sasha Vujacic and Ronny Turiaf are likely to come back, especially Vujacic, who often played down the stretch of most playoff games with Bryant moving to small forward. Both have been given qualifying offers. Ira Newble and DJ Mbenga are not expected to return, and the Lakers probably won’t be active in free agency. Player Notes: • G Kobe Bryant will again take on the role of defensive stopper for Team USA this summer as it prepares for gold-medal pursuit in the Beijing Olympics. • F Trevor Ariza officially exercised his player option to stay a Laker next season on June 20. He is in line to battle Luke Walton, Vladimir Radmanovic and perhaps Lamar Odom for playing time. • F Pau Gasol said he will try to dedicate time in his short offseason—he is playing for Spain—to rehabilitating back and ankle injuries he suffered during the NBA season</div> Source
Pau Gasol said he will try to dedicate time in his short offseason—he is playing for Spain—to rehabilitating back and ankle injuries he suffered during the NBA season I'd prefer Gasol dedicate his short offseason to locking himself in a gym and lifting weights 6 hours a day.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Shapecity @ Jul 4 2008, 12:59 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'>Pau Gasol said he will try to dedicate time in his short offseason—he is playing for Spain—to rehabilitating back and ankle injuries he suffered during the NBA season I'd prefer Gasol dedicate his short offseason to locking himself in a gym and lifting weights 6 hours a day.</div> Gasol is not physically weak. He's mentally weak.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Astral @ Jul 4 2008, 01:32 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Shapecity @ Jul 4 2008, 12:59 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'>Pau Gasol said he will try to dedicate time in his short offseason—he is playing for Spain—to rehabilitating back and ankle injuries he suffered during the NBA season I'd prefer Gasol dedicate his short offseason to locking himself in a gym and lifting weights 6 hours a day.</div> Gasol is not physically weak. He's mentally weak. </div> word. i think this is the main problem on ur team this mental weakness.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Astral @ Jul 4 2008, 01:32 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Shapecity @ Jul 4 2008, 12:59 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'>Pau Gasol said he will try to dedicate time in his short offseason—he is playing for Spain—to rehabilitating back and ankle injuries he suffered during the NBA season I'd prefer Gasol dedicate his short offseason to locking himself in a gym and lifting weights 6 hours a day.</div> Gasol is not physically weak. He's mentally weak. </div> I think adding some muscle in his upper body would give him more confidence in himself. Gasol needs to strengthen his upper body and develop his shoulders more. Look at those pics of him. He's relatively thin and gets pushed around in the low block far too, easy by other post players.
This is why adding Bynum to the mix next season will benefit Gasol. He won't have to play as much in the post next season, instead, he can focus on his strength, which is his midrange game.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Brian @ Jul 4 2008, 02:38 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'>This is why adding Bynum to the mix next season will benefit Gasol. He won't have to play as much in the post next season, instead, he can focus on his strength, which is his midrange game.</div> It will help, but there are teams the Lakers could face in the playoffs who have two quality big men in the front court who play physical. Hornets - Chandler & West Jazz - Boozer & Milsapp Suns - Amare & Shaq Rockets - Yao & Scola Clippers - Brand (if he re-signs) & Kaman Spurs - Duncan & Oberto or Thomas Blazers - Oden & Aldridge Improving his strength and conditioning should be a priority. Look at how much Bynum improved after just one offseason of fully committing to his workout routine.
Well, it's not like he's ultra skinny. I mean, look at the guy who was bullying him during the playoffs:
Duncan isn't exactly physical either, but he's great at using technique and leverage to keep players off balance. Plus his footwork is arguably the best amongst the post players in the game today. Bad example.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Astral @ Jul 4 2008, 03:00 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'>Well, it's not like he's ultra skinny. I mean, look at the guy who was bullying him during the playoffs: </div> Bullying? Pau stood his ground against Tim Duncan. He limited him to only 43% shooting in the WCF. What the hell are you talking about. And Pau did a pretty good job against the physical Utah Jazz as well. I agree he needs to add more muscle, but it's not like Gasol is a complete push over. His true value will be shown next season when he returns to his natural position. Gasol isn't suited to play center night in and night out, he's not strong enough.
Some players can get away with being thinner, and it can help with stamina. Like KG and Kareem aren`t very thick guys. However Gasol just needs to demand the ball more, and be more aggressive. Wow holding Tim Duncan to 43% is impressive.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Lavalamp @ Jul 4 2008, 03:08 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'>Some players can get away with being thinner, and it can help with stamina. Like KG and Kareem aren`t very thick guys. However Gasol just needs to demand the ball more, and be more aggressive.</div> KG has a similar body to Gasol, but KG works hard on his body in the offseason. He might not be bulky, but he has that lean, flexible muscle that Gasol needs to develop. KG works a lot on his core doing pilates and yoga all season long. I'll try to find the article on his workout routine, it's pretty intense.
Abunassar Impact Basketball system http://www.impactbball.com/ <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE </div><div class='quotemain'>You think Kevin Garnett is serious about making his Boston years count? If you don't, you will after getting a glimpse into his offseason regimen. From The Boston Globe: In one drill yesterday, Garnett showed how strong he is. Wearing a belt with a cable connected to it, Garnett was immovable as one man tried to yank him from the post with the cable and Abunassar tried unsuccessfully to steal the ball several times. The 6-foot-11-inch, 253-pounder also sprinted while pulling a man with a resistance cable. After the drill, a sweat-drenched Garnett made the majority of his free throws while pumping himself up. "C'mon Kevin. C'mon Kevin. C'mon Kevin," he said. Elsewhere, trainer Joe Abunassar says "He's a [workout] freak and always has been. He likes to come in and get it done." I know Abunassar's trying to tell us that Garnett's manic intensity shows up whether or not the game's actually on. But I couldn't help but think that, as with KG's competitive spirit, there's something a little crazy going on here.</div> <a href="http://sports.aol.com/fanhouse/2007/09/04/kgs-absolutely-insane-vegas-workouts/" target="_blank"> Source: FanHouse</a>
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Brian @ Jul 4 2008, 03:05 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Astral @ Jul 4 2008, 03:00 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'>Well, it's not like he's ultra skinny. I mean, look at the guy who was bullying him during the playoffs:</div> Bullying? Pau stood his ground against Tim Duncan. He limited him to only 43% shooting in the WCF. What the hell are you talking about. And Pau did a pretty good job against the physical Utah Jazz as well. I agree he needs to add more muscle, but it's not like Gasol is a complete push over. His true value will be shown next season when he returns to his natural position. Gasol isn't suited to play center night in and night out, he's not strong enough. </div> Do you need me to dig through the WCF thread where you and majority of the people were calling Pau a wuss and saying that he should stand up to Duncan? Duncan constantly powered through Gasol in the post. If you're saying that Gasol "held" Duncan to 43% shooting in the playoffs that's pretty much as saying that Ray Allen (or Paul Pierce) "locked up" Kobe Bryant during the playoffs. Neither is true. Spurs were having very difficult time scoring and were forced to go to Duncan again and again, even when he wasn't comfortable with it. In a similar fashion, Celtics defense prevented Kobe from driving and he was forced to put his trust in his teammates or take bad shots. Kobe did both. By the way, my point wasn't that Gasol is a weakling. Shape showed pictures of how skinny Gasol is and I responded by showing that the guy who handled Gasol pretty well isn't much stronger. Gasol actually got physical for one game. Game 5 I think, don't remember exactly. He started trying to power through Duncan and was pretty successful unless Duncan tricked him into a charge. Gasol has the strength to play in the post, he doesn't have the mind set. His mind is the main problem. Yes, getting stronger will give him extra confidence and enable him to play in the post more, but the majority of his problems are in his head.
Good points Astral. I probably mis-interpretted your post, my bad. I do think Gasol should add some more muscle, don't get me wrong, he really should bulk up. But next season, when Bynum returns, Gasol no longer has to play in the paint as much as he has had to ever since becoming a Laker. He'll be able to use his mid-range game more, which is his strength. Like I said before, Gasol's true value will be shown next season, when he returns to his natural position
