This season has been one of what ifs for Laker fans. What if Malone had been healthy? What if Shaq had been healthy? What if Kobe had been healthy? The season isn't over yet, but the only optimism that I can get out of this is that Kobe will be fresh come playoff time and Rush can get more playing time, guys can sort of find out their roles hopefully. I counted, and the Lakers have had 8-9 injured players this year. Nobody else in the league can compare.
<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">EL SEGUNDO, Calif. -- Kobe Bryant could be sidelined up to a month with a strained right shoulder, the same injury that sidelined the Lakers guard for six games this season. "We tried to be optimistic, but it looks like he could be out for a while," Los Angeles coach Phil Jackson said Saturday after practice. Bryant doesn't believe this injury is as bad as the one that kept him out of the lineup earlier, and he apparently doesn't expect to be out for a month despite the diagnosis</div> Oy...Atleast he is optomistic about it, I just dont want him to rush back, that could further set us back and hurt us more than help us. Link
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting the MDE:</div><div class="quote_post">This season has been one of what ifs for Laker fans. What if Malone had been healthy? What if Shaq had been healthy? What if Kobe had been healthy? The season isn't over yet, but the only optimism that I can get out of this is that Kobe will be fresh come playoff time and Rush can get more playing time, guys can sort of find out their roles hopefully. I counted, and the Lakers have had 8-9 injured players this year. Nobody else in the league can compare.</div> I think Shaq has been healthy, I think it is just laziness on his part, he sat out way too long with his strained calf, trying to make a point to Laker management I believe, as for Kobe and Malone...yes that is a major What If.
Huge setback for the Lakers, they also reported Malone will not return on schedule either. We really need Devean George to find his confidence and get back to the way he was playing earlier in the season. Maybe his 65 foot shot last night will help him out. Despite all of the injuries and different lineup changes, the Lakers are still in striking distance of a top 3 seed. At this point, I'd be happy if they could hold onto the 4th seed to have homecourt advantage in the first round and take out the Spurs or Mavs early. Kareem Rush will need to step up again, and I think the Lakers should really look at adding Ron Mercer if he's still out there, or picking up Walt Williams.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting shapecity:</div><div class="quote_post">I think the Lakers should really look at adding Ron Mercer if he's still out there, or picking up Walt Williams.</div> Try suggesting that on a Laker message board and they will rip you apart because almost everybody thinks Mercer and Williams have no defense, which they really don't. But they would be good fillers until Kobe gets back.
I think Kareem Rush is the key here, he has been nailing shots lately, and this situation can make or break him right here. He hit the big shot in Denver, he hit a big shot last night..He will have to take some shots now Kobe is down, I wouldnt mind picking up Mercer either...I would like to see Rush step up into the 3 role until Malone is back behind GP and Shaq, I also think Shaq should be getting more touches now than he has all season, he should average about 28 a game while Kobe and Malone are out
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting the MDE:</div><div class="quote_post">Try suggesting that on a Laker message board and they will rip you apart because almost everybody thinks Mercer and Williams have no defense, which they really don't. But they would be good fillers until Kobe gets back.</div> The Laker defense has been a problem already this season, but at least Walt can hit the open jumpers created by Payton and Shaq. If Shaq plays defense the way he did last night, he can compensate for some of the breakdowns Williams or Mercer would allow. I just think the Lakers need another solid scorer who can create their own shot with Kobe and Malone out. Besides they would be on 10 day contracts, and if they didn't fit in or play hard on defense the Lakers could just let them go.
This is a huge blow to The Lakers heading in the playoffs. First off their likely to lose Homecourt in the first round, defeating teams like The Mavs or The Spurs on the road will prove to be extremely difficult. Secondly it gives The Lakers VERY VERY little time to establish a rhythm heading into the playoffs. There expected starting five (Kobe, Shaq, Fox, Payton, Malone) have never played a single game together because of injuries, with Kobe going down it's likely to stay that way until a week or two before The Playoffs begin. Once again, The Lakers season this year should be turned into a made for TV movie on the USA network
Lakers can't seem to get a break this year. Between Malone, Kobe, and Fox being injuried for significant periods and Payton not being happy, its been quite a saga. Anyone know how many games the intended starting line up has actually been together this year?
It is most def a a devastating blow to the Lakers. But I think Kobe going to be ready come playoff time. So far this year it seem like Kobe has come back from injury as an improved player. The main thing is having a chance for the Lakers to adjust to each other. Gary Payton going to more than likely have to pick up the perimeter scoring load with Kobe out. But when Kobe comes back, he will have to fall back once again. I know Gary Payton adjusted well the 1st few times Kobe came back from injury this season. But he wasnt complaining about his role or shots like he did a couple weeks ago. They will probably lose home court advantage in the 1st round. but if the Lakers are healthy, I think they can still get pass the 1st round even without it to be honest. I think the Lakers still had hopes of getting the top seed, so can have home court in the West Finals if they make it. I think thats when home court advantage is really going to come into play because I dont care which set of two (t-wolves, Spurs, Kings, Lakers) make it to the West finals its more than likely going to be a seven game war. And thats when home court comes into play.
The Lakers are currently the 3rd seed so I don't see why we're talking about them losing home court. I think, as long as Malone comes back, they should be able to keep it. Plus, they still have Shaq, and, in the end, he is the ultimate difference maker, not Kobe. Plus, the Lakers didn't have home court last year in the 1st round and they beat the TWolves in 6 after going down 2-1, so, they are fully capable. But, don't count the Lakers out yet. They still have Shaq and he's the one that makes the most difference in the end.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting redscoon:</div><div class="quote_post">Anyone know how many games the intended starting line up has actually been together this year?</div> Not a single game. Fox would've been the starting 3 and he came back a few games after Malone went out.
Late on this thread, due to being away the last couple days. Just another blow to the Lakers, as usual. I don't think we'll need the help off of F/A, I think Rush will do fine, and hopefully this will give Brian Russell some more minutes as well. IMO we'll hang in there, I think we will hold our ground at the 4th spot when Malone gets back. And by the way, I was watching the Laker game today and they interviewed Kobe, did I hear them say he'll be missing some playoff games due to court dates? What the hell?
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting Purple N Gold:</div><div class="quote_post"> And by the way, I was watching the Laker game today and they interviewed Kobe, did I hear them say he'll be missing some playoff games due to court dates? What the hell? </div> Its old news that's he's going to miss games in april...It was announced early last week...here's a link from a local paper <div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">Kobe Bryant's awkward balancing act between basketball and legal commitments will apparently spill right into the NBA playoffs, presenting the worst-case scenario Lakers officials feared most. The Colorado judge presiding over Bryant's sexual assault case has tentatively set another round of pretrial hearings for April 26, 27 and 28. Based on last year's schedule for the best-of-seven first round, that three-day commitment almost certainly will overlap with Game 5. "Ouch,' coach Phil Jackson said upon hearing the new dates. "It's disturbing.'</div> Link
