When Rudy was blocked by the tattooed Drug Man, Lamarcus came back and threw down a *vicious* dunk. What was most surprising about it was not the elevation or speed -- it was that LMA seemed absolutely determined, and he was not going to be denied. It was a seriously forceful dunk. Then last night, even though LMA had a terrible shooting night, he got to the line a LOT. He just seems considerably more aggressive. 11 boards helps make the case as well (though he rebounded poorly against the Nugs). I am wondering, though, whether our soft, baby-faced Forward is starting to sense what he is capable of in terms of being a Power Forward. He seems tougher, more single-minded. Is it just my imagination, or is it possible that Lamarcus is growing a pair? If so, he is going to get a LOT better. iWatas
I hope you're right. With a committed Aldridge alongside a healthy Oden and Roy, we'd have potentially the best Big 3 in the NBA. That is assuming that Oden ever plays up to his potential.
I noticed that, too. I think LA has finally realized what Nate has been telling him for two years, that living on the perimeter hoisting jump shots isn't the way he's going to elevate his game to the next level. LA has unguardable moves on the low post, and an unblockable close-in fadeaway. Plus he seems to be getting a mean streak in his game that reminds me of Lucas and Buck Williams. If LA turns out to be ANYTHING like those two guys, man, what a future the Blazers have at the PF spot.
That mean streak, or whatever it is we are all seeing when he plays inside....both offensively and defensively is where his potential lies. Its great that he has a nice jump shot, but that should merely be the frosting on the cake.
Now that you mention it, Aldridge sure has been throwing down dunks and looking more aggresive. I was at the Blazer game last night, and when Outlaw and Aldridge dunked on somebody, I noticed they gave them a little stare down and screamed! Which is good, shows we're getting aggresive and not gonna take any shit from anybody! I cannot wait for tomorrow, Laker game man that's gonna be sick! I'll be intrested to see if there is a little scuffle like usual...usually brought on by Odom or Kobe!
I don't think LMA has ever been as soft as some initially believed. Rather, he had a thin frame and didn't control his body well in the post. After a few years it's easy to see he isn't soft and his aggressiveness is more pronounced as he is able to compete inside better with his improved physique. A wiry frame doesn't help in the post in the NBA. Look no further than Travis and Kevin Durant as other examples. Both are wiry, tall but predominantly score from the outside like LMA did his first year and a half. It's not a knock that they're soft, it just means they get tossed around in the paint by bigger, wider, more sturdy players inside. LMA is becoming that bigger, stable player this year.
