I was just thinking and maybe the Lakers could pick somebody up for a 10-day contract or for the rest of the year..who knows? It IS a possibility..But there is no need to panic, because the role players simply need to step up or we could just sign one of the guards we had earlier in the year (Ime Udoka, Maurice Carter) *(sg)Ron Mercer- I know, I know, the dude isn't known for his defense. But he is a pure scorer, and could socre the points that Kobe would normally get to a degree. Besides, it's not like he plays much worse of defense than Fox or anyone else! *(sg/sf)Walt Williams- He is old, but he is a vet that can flat out shoot. I mean, how much could a 10-day contract hurt the team? Actually, he is very similar to Bryon Russell, so I doubt this would ever happen. *(sg)Isaiah Rider- Hooked on drugs and out of shape, Isaiah would at least provide an emotional, hungry spark that would give the Lakers another threat off the ball. He has been here before and wants yet another chance, and I think he would rather earn some money than stay in the Phillipines playing bball.. *(sg/pg)Brian Shaw- B_Shaw is one of my favorite players, and he is currently a coach for the Lakeshow. He knows the system well and is very clutch, even if he has been out of the league for 3/4 of a year. He may be slow now, but get into shape, and come back with a vengence and something to prove. He could help the younger players and be a steadying force, much like Ron Harper from 2001. *(pg)Mike Penberthy- Remember the short white guy that looked like a fresher John Stockton? Well I think he is overseas playing but we could get him for a 10-dayer and then just let him go once Kobe comes back. The others seem to like him, and I remember him nailing down three balls that Shaq would kick out to him. However, he may be bitter with the Laker staff since they kept him off of the playoff roster. *(pg)Jannero Pargo- Was with the Lakers earlier this season, and some of last year. He is quick and can actually attempt to play some defense. He may acutally be a smart option! So, would anybody like to pick up some of the above? I know they are longshots, but heck, what does L.A. have to lose besides a couple of dollars?!
Other names I'd like them to take a look at are: Anthony Mason Charles Oakley Koko Archibong Rod Grizzard Monty Williams Tyrone Hill <div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">The Bulls may release Marcus Fizer to make room for guard Jannero Pargo, according to the Chicago Tribune. </div>
I like Mike Penberthy, he hustled a lot we need that right now...I do not want to see Isiah Rider in here, Walt Williams would be nice, so would Ron Mercer, one of those three
I think kareem rush will do a solid job filling in for kobe. He has been shooting very well this year.
^ I agree with lakeshow. Kareem Rush will do a good job replacing Kobe in these four weeks. He's starting to shoot the ball with confidence, for these last few games he's come off the bench, he's been hitting shots with accuracy, and I trust him to hit a variety of wide open shots for us. The only person I'd pick out of the list would probably be Walt Williams. The Lakers don't really have decent outside shooters when you take out Derek Fisher, Byron Russell, and Kareem Rush...so another perimeter veteran guy would be of some excellent help.
I'd rather see us not add any more guards, like lakeshow and laker_fever said. We have Russell and Rush, and I think that's enough to cover a few weeks for Kobe. More playing time for them will only help us get ready for the playoffs, anyway.
I think Rush will do a good job of replacing him. He's really getting more confidence with the more time he gets. I think hitting that game winner a week or so ago has really instilled a lot of confidence in him. So, if he keeps playing well, they really don't need anyone.
i also think rush is fine for now, he has made some very clutch shots. but i saw an interview with isiah rider and it looks like he was doing good so i would like to c if not the lakers then some team give him a chance.
Anthony Mason?? No way. He is a hell hole for a team. As a Bucks fan, he slowed down the offense, can't rebound, can't jump (because he is too fat) and is a cancer, you would regret signing him
Rush should fill in nicely for the Lakers in Kobe's absence. He can hit the open shots better than anyone coming off the Lakers' bench.
I agree Anthony Mason has a bad attitude and his been a cancer for the teams he's played on. This would be a different situation for Mason, because Phil Jackson knows how to handle these type of headcases, ala Dennis Rodman. Anthony Mason also wouldn't have the pressure of being one of the stars on the team, he'd only be a role player, but would provide the Lakers another threat in the post. Again, it's only for 10 days, so the benefits of Mason would far outweigh the risk. This would also be a chance for Mason to get a ring and play for a championship team, if he's not willing to shut his mouth for that, then after 10 days he can go back to being an NBA reject again.
I think the Lakers are pretty solid at the swingman positions due to their versatility...There is an abundance of combinations you could play with Fish, GP, Fox, George, Walton, and Rush to make up for Kobe's lost (position-wise). So they don't neccessarily have to sign a SG/SF nor would I advise them to... If the Lakers were to pickup a player, I would like them to sign a point guard to chase around the quicker players on the defensive end...they might just find someone who could be of use in the playoffs....perhaps a Kareem Reid, Marque Perry or Kenny Satterfield from the NBDL...
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting ANiMuS:</div><div class="quote_post">But they'll still lose in the playoffs with Rush instead of Kobe.</div> I wouldn't necessarily say that. I think, if Malone is back, that won't be true. The Lakers need Kobe, that's true, but, if they have 3/4 of the big four healthy, it'll be hard to count em out even if they are Kobe-less. Plus, as long as Shaq is there, they still have the ultimate difference maker, because, they can find people to replace Kobe at least somewhat, but, Shaq is impossible to replace for them. So, Shaq is, in essence, the most important part of the puzzle, as long as he's there, they have a good chance. Cause, we've seen what they do without him in the lineup and what they do without Kobe in the lineup. This team can still win as long as they have Shaq, but, without him, they're doomed.
Another thing about Anthony, he is lazy, and he is sitting home collecting his 5 mil from the Bucks this year and next, you think he would put forth the effort, I don't