Shape, I think every player has that kind of attitude. It's obvious Lamar wants to be out there, I honestly don't have a problem with that comment. I think he can be a vital part to our team as a 4th option behind our KGB. I also think he should accept the role as 6th man, he should blossom with that 2nd unit.
I normally always agree with Shape but I cant this time. I listened to that interview and I felt for Lamar. It's obvious he wants to play a significant role on this team and I like that attitude. If he came out and disrespected the team and said, "I won't come off the bench. Im better than that. This team needs me to start." I would have a problem with that. I like Lamar alot even as inconsistent as he as been in the past years. He seems like a great guy and a great teammate and I want him to stay on this team and play a significant role. If the Lakers underachieve this year, it wont have anything to do with Lamar in my opinion. We have the talent and with Kobe, Pau, and Drew leading the way, the sky is the limit.
Is shape considered a guru around these parts and if so why? No offense, just curious. Im ok with the slight bitching by Odom. He cares. It better end within the week and then it starts being a problem. This is obvious mind games by Phil. PJ even said that Odom would get first crack at the starting lineup and only if it didnt produce to his standards would he start Ariza
Most NBA players play harder during a contract year. So he isn't alone. The guy has started 573 games of his 587 game career, I mean if I were in his shoes, that would suck getting less minutes and coming off the bench during my contract year.
What I don't like about his comments is the selfishness he's displaying. It's one thing to want to fight for your starting spot and prove to the coach and your teammates you deserve to be out there for the majority of the minutes. I wish Odom did have this approach to PJax comments. Odom is more concerned about how coming off the bench is going to effect his wallet playing in the final year of his deal. If he takes care of business on the court he doesn't have anything to worry about when it comes to minutes and a possible long term extension from Kupchak. Instead Odom is building in excuses for himself to have another disappointing season. Odom hasn't produced well at the SF position since he's been in the Triangle and PJax is putting it out there to get Odom focused on what he needs to do in his new role, because there are other players on the team ready to take his minutes. It also gives guys like Ariza, Radman, or Walton extra motivation to improve their games in hopes of taking minutes away from Odom.
Well the guy is more talented that Vladdy, Ariza, and Walton. He has been a starter for 573 of 587 games, and then to become a bench player during your contract year. Most players do care about the money, you very rarely hear about players taking paycuts, and some players willing to hold out for more money, etc. For players that are pretty much guaranteed max money, it's not an issue, but if the roles were reversed they would be saying the same things. Big time players usually re-sign with their team because they also can offer more money than other teams. However when the home team offers less you you see them bolt. Nash was offered more from Phoenix, Joe Johnson offered more from Atlanta, Brand offered more from Phili than from Clippers, etc. Ben Wallace left a team he had great chemistry with, that had been quite competitive in the East for a while and even Champions, and he got a substantial contract offer in Detroit, (more reasonable price) but he leaves.
Shape is the fuckin' man around here. Probably the most knowledgeable Laker poster. He's done a lot for JBB (the best site to ever grace the internet, R.I.P) which was then formed with S2. Shape is a fuckin' idol, homie.
Shapecity is literally the Magic/Jordan of the Lakers Board. He keeps everything cool and running. His effort and detailed posts are inspiring; he's also a very laid back dude in general. Just keeping it real man.
I'm not a fan of Odom's attitude here. He's clearly more concerned about getting money in his wallet then what's actually best for the team. And honestly, does he need to worry about money? The dude's got an 8 figure bank account and more money than I'll ever see in a lifetime, money should be the least of his concerns. Odom SHOULD be focusing on winning. If that means he's a starter, then cool. But, if it means that we're better off with having him as a part of our second unit, then so be it. He needs to grow up. If he doesn't produce to begin the season, I wouldn't blame Phil for putting him with the second unit.
Go JBB!!! I still miss the old JBB days, it definately was the best website ever, i mean it, ever! Anyway, i totally agree with shape, odom's attitude coming into training camp is different to everyone else's. first thing he talks about is himself, while the first thing everybody else talks about is wanting a championship and being happy to be back with the rest of the team. Odom is the odd one out, he's the dumbest of the group and he needs to be straightened out, his contract has gone to his head, he hasnt realized that he isnt even the fifth most valuable player on this roster, and he is lucky that he would even be considered for a starting spot. He wants more money, the greedy little prick. We should rid ourselves of him before he quickly turns into a team cancer, which is very likely, he's bringing the mood down.