Preseason Games <u>October</u> 12th - Seattle Supersonics @ Anaheim (Arrowhead Pond of Anaheim) 17th - Golden State Warriors @ Bakersfield (Centennial Garden) 19th - Sacramento Kings @ Fresno (Save Mart Center at Fresno State) 21st - Golden State Warriors @ STAPLES Center 22nd - Los Angeles Clippers @ STAPLES Center 24th - Phoenix Suns @ Las Vegas (Thomas and Mack Center at UNLV) 25th - Seattle Supersonics @ San Diego (San Diego Sports Arena) 28th - Washington Wizards @ Oklahoma City (Ford Center) Regular Season Games (games in bold are at home) <u>November</u> 2nd - Denver Nuggets 3rd - Utah Jazz 5th - San Antonio Spurs 7th - Atlanta 9th - New Orleans 10th - Memphis Grizzlies 12th - Orlando Magic 13th - Houston Rockets 17th - Los Angeles Clippers 19th - Phoenix Suns 21st - Chicago Bulls 23rd - Milwaukee Bucks 26th - Sacramento Kings 28th - New Orleans 30th - Milwaukee Bucks <u>December</u> 1st - Chicago Bulls 3rd - Golden State Warriors 8th - Phoenix Suns 11th - Los Angeles Clippers 12th - Orlando Magic 14th - Seattle Supersonics 16th - Sacramento Kings 17th - Washington Wizards 20th - Memphis Grizzlies 22nd - New Orleans Hornets 25th - Miami Heat 28th - Toronto Raptors <u>January</u> 2nd - Denver Nuggets 4th - San Antonio Spurs 5th - Dallas Mavericks 7th - Houston Rockets 10th - Minnesota Timberwolves 12th - Denver Nuggets 13th - Cleveland Cavaliers 15th - Golden State Warriors 17th - Utah Jazz 19th - Minnesota Timberwolves 21st - Golden State Warriors 25th - Seattle Supersonics 26th - Los Angeles Clippers 28th - New Jersey Nets 30th - Charlotte Bobcats <u>February</u> 1st - Portland Trailblazers 3rd - San Antonio Spurs 6th - Houston Rockets 7th - Atlanta Hawks 9th - New Jersey Nets 10th - Detroit Pistons 13th - Cleveland Cavaliers 15th - Utah Jazz 22nd - Boston Celtics 23rd - Portland Trailblazers 25th - Detroit Pistons 27th - Toronto Raptors 28th - New York Knicks <u>March</u> 2nd - Boston Celtics 4th - Dallas Mavericks 6th - Indiana Pacers 8th - Los Angeles Clippers 10th - Dallas Mavericks 12th - Charlotte Bobcats 14th - Washington Wizards 15th - Philadelphia 76ers 17th - Miami Heat 18th - Indiana Pacers 20th - Seattle Supersonics 22nd - Utah Jazz 24th - Denver Nuggets 27th - Philadelphia 76ers 29th - New York Knicks 31st - Minnesota Timberwolves <u>April</u> 2nd - San Antonio Spurs 3rd - Memphis Grizzlies 5th - Phoenix Suns 7th - Houston Rockets 8th - Seattle Supersonics 10th - Sacramento Kings 11th - Phoenix Suns 15th - Sacramento Kings 17th - Dallas Mavericks 18th - Golden State Warriors 20th - Portland Trailblazers <font color="Purple">Laker Strategy (against other teams)</font> <font color="Red">Atlanta Hawks</font> - Kobe will most likely have to play perimeter defense at his best in this game, by keeping Walker away from three point land...also, Odom will need to keep Harrington from the hoop, while Butler can focus on a young Childress to defend <font color="YellowGreen">Boston Celtics</font> - interesting matchup between Pierce and Kobe...Odom will have to move up and contain rookie Al Jefferson, who may be playing a huge role in Boston sooner or later...Atkins vs. Payton will be tough on the Lakers, especially with GP's anger directed at the organization <font color="DarkOrange">Charlotte Bobcats</font> - Divac and Mihm may have a hard time containing Okafor, but will definitely have a tough time scoring over him...the Lakers need to shut down his game, and keep Kapono from hitting threes, and this will be an easy task the rest of the way <font color="Red">Chicago Bulls</font> - Kobe vs. Gordon...this will test Gordon's game and see if he's also following Jordan's footsteps, or leaning in the direction of the Harold Minors and Jerry Stackhouses...Deng/Nocioni will have trouble with Odom, but Hinrich will beat Chucky Atkins to the hoop every time <font color="Red">Cleveland Cavaliers</font> - Kobe vs. Lebron...another Jordan comparison, so we'll see how far that goes...Ilgauskas will cause Divac problems...Atkins will fare well against Snow, and Butler will do well in this game with the matchup problems (that is, considering he starts at SF and LeBron is forced to defend Kobe) <font color="Blue">Dallas Mavericks</font> - Dampier and Nowitzki will dominate this game, so maybe the Lakers need to look into Divac/Odom at the 4 and 5, and letting Kobe/Butler/Rush handle the rest, with Atkins on the bench...the Lakers need a bigger lineup for this matchup, simple as that, yet need to be able to use fast break points to their advantage, since the Mavs lost Nash <font color="MediumTurquoise">Denver Nuggets</font> - it's Denver, the city that gave Kobe all of his energy to win games when flying back from his agendas last year...Kobe will have to hold down Carmelo, while someone puts K-Mart in his place (hopefully Malone will be in Los Angeles)...if Andre Miller begins to have a good night, Rush may need to be moved to the point instead of Atkins, or possibly Vujacic <font color="Blue">Detroit Pistons</font> - the championship rematch I wish would happen sooner...the key players will be Odom and Divac, and possibly the Lakers' perimeter shooters...Detroit will try and defend Kobe again, leaving Odom with the ball and Divac having to adjust to Ben Wallace (in other words...no scoring from Vlade...simply passing) and if done correctly, an excellent offensive strategy will overcome the Detroit defense Golden State Warriors - contain Jason Richardson and Andris Biedrins, and make sure that Claxton stays away from the lane, because he will penetrate as much as he can to kick the ball back out to Dunleavy or anyone able to shoot an open shot <font color="Red">Houston Rockets</font> - Yao & McGrady can be dismantled just as Shaq & Kobe were...focus on one player, and leave the other one open for scoring...obviously, shutting down McGrady will be Kobe's focus, so Odom should help with keeping this a possible task and not drift away from the hoop as much in these games Indiana Pacers - someone will have to hold Jermaine O'Neal to less points than Artest...let Artest shoot all night long, just keeping him 15+ feet away from the hoop, and the Lakers can come away with the win...Kobe should focus more on driving the hoop than shooting threes in this once, with the possibility of the DPOY in his face all game long <font color="Red">Los Angeles Clippers</font> - Kobe will pick apart Maggette's weaknesses in this game, which leaves Brand and Livingston...and if Odom can come out and grab boards, and our PG's play Livingston as a passer and not a scorer, the Lakers will reign as the best team in LA once again <font color="MediumTurquoise">Memphis Grizzlies</font> - Pau Gasol and Jason Williams will cause problems for Odom and Atkins, so it will be up to Kobe to play top-notch defense and to intercept any of J-Will's quick passes to Gasol in the passing lane...Swift seems tough, but possibly too tough against Divac, and could pick up early fouls, so he may not be a factor <font color="Red">Miami Heat</font> - main objective: shut down Shaq...Wade can drive all he wants, but Caron Butler will play solid defense against him as Kobe and Odom focus on incoming passes to Shaq...Divac will take charges, and Odom can be there for extra security around the hoop...when the time comes to "Hack-a-Shaq" (if needed), the Lakers can throw in a strong Brian Grant to foul Shaq hard and keep him from finishing <font color="Purple">Milwaukee Bucks</font> - stopping Michael Redd from having a great shooting performance will be on Kobe's list of things to do, while Odom and Butler handle everything else, from Desmond Mason to Joe Smith and Van Horn...it won't be very tough for the Lakers to pull away with this regular season series as long as they stop the shooting-end of the offense <font color="RoyalBlue">Minnesota Timberwolves</font> - main concerns for the Lakers would be Garnett and Cassell...in this game, Kobe should play the SF and help on a double team of Odom and Kobe against KG...Cassell will eat Atkins for dinner, unless Vujacic can step up and play defense <font color="Silver">New Jersey Nets</font> - look out for Nenad Krstic, who is pretty underrated...also, Kidd is expected to play by December, so he'll still be a factor in this game...Jefferson can be shut down by Kobe, so the Nets will have to rely on Mourning and Krstic, possibly Aaron Williams, to put some points on the board <font color="MediumTurquoise">New Orleans Hornets</font> - Davis will have to be treated as a shooting guard in this game, and Magloire will have to be double teamed in the paint...if the Heat can do it last year in the playoffs, the Lakers can do it during the regular season <font color="DarkOrange">New York Knicks</font> - Crawford and Marbury could cause trouble for the Laker backcourt, unless Atkins/Vujacic step up and play defense...Odom will dominate this game, and Butler will have many open jumpers from a collapsing NY defense <font color="Blue">Orlando Magic</font> - Dwight Howard will be a huge factor in this game, but the Lakers can't forget about the guards...if Francis is dismantled, we still have to worry about Mobley and his shooting, but it will be like the Rockets, without Ming's presence...depending on how good Howard is, we should win these games <font color="Red">Philadelphia 76ers</font> - stop Iverson...he holds the organization together, and without him, the Sixers will have 48 minutes to decide on who's the go-to guy, which will end up being nobody when Odom and Butler are holding their men...an athletic Dalembert isn't tough enough to go against Divac, so the Lakers should fare well against Philly <font color="DarkOrange">Phoenix Suns</font> - Nash will be a key player in this series, as well as Stoudemire...the Suns will have to choose between Quentin Richardson or Joe Johnson to put on Kobe, which should be Johnson (Richardson's defense is horrible)...Odom will have to man-up against Amare, with occasional help from Divac <font color="Red">Portland Trailblazers</font> - Odom will have a huge role in this game: shutting down Randolph...if Butler does well against Shareef (with possible help from Kobe), then the Lakers will have an advantage with perimeter shooting and shooting off screens <font color="Purple">Sacramento Kings</font> - huge defensive stops from Divac will be needed against Brad Miller in this game...the Lakers can hold everyone else, except Bibby, who may have the best performances of his career playing against Atkins...maybe Vujacic can have an opportunity against Bibby in these games <font color="Sienna">San Antonio Spurs</font> - stop Tim Duncan...he'll see these games against the Lakers as huge opportunities to work over anyone in his way...a sleeper will definitely be Manu Ginobili, so Kobe must be at his best to defend him (remember Ginobili's 38-pt performance last year) and Bowen's perimeter defense will shut down the three-point game of the Lakers, so mid-range shots and running off of screens will prove to be effective against the Spurs <font color="SeaGreen">Seattle Supersonics</font> - Ray Allen will want to shoot all day long, but Kobe will step up on defense, and take advantage of his screens to get to the hoop on Allen every chance he gets...watch out for Nick Collison, who is able to post up effectively and can shoot past the arc...he could be a difference-maker for the Sonics this season <font color="Purple">Toronto Raptors</font> - Rafer Alston will shoot (and make) open shots all day if Atkins doesn't stay on him...Vince will try and use his speed against Kobe and attack the hoop, unless Odom closes the gap...Bosh needs to be contained in the paint, and an unexperienced Araujo may have tons of trouble waiting underneath with Vlade Divac <font color="Purple">Utah Jazz</font> - Kirilenko will definitely take advantage of this game, now that Boozer is a part of the Jazz...Odom will have to work double the amount in the paint, as far as grabbing boards and keeping guys from easy buckets, along with Vlade's presence under the hoop...Kobe will take this game over against Arroyo, but his shooting percentage needs to be high for a Laker victory <font color="Blue">Washington Wizards</font> - the Lakers need to take advantage of this selfish team, with Jamison and Hughes wanting the ball to themselves...a problem will be created by Jamison when he switches from SF to PF and posts up, which is what he does best...Gilbert Arenas will more than likely try to play more like a shooting guard, rather than a point guard, which may give him a huge scoring advantage over Atkins...simply put, shut down Jamison and let Hughes shoot the lights out, and the Lakers will come away with a win
Great Analysis realdealbneal :thumbsup: You have done your Homework here,going over your Lakers team scheduled opponents with every nook and cranny you can come up with. I Liked what you said about the Kings with Bibby's track record of doing well vs Atkins.if the Lakers want to stop Bibby this year,there going to have to come up with something drastic to do so,and i don't know if they can. Just wanted to say excellent work here.Keep it up
The 2004-2005 Los Angeles Lakers? Off-Season Review & Season Outlook Someone?s Gotta Go The Lakers ended the 2003-2004 season the way it started?without a championship. What was once a dynasty had crumbled. Led by Phil Jackson, Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O?Neal, the Lakers faced a destiny that they knew would appear before their eyes sooner or later?just not this soon. Someone had to go, and unfortunately, Phil was the first to walk. Following him out the door was a bitter O?Neal, who seemed overjoyed by the trade to Miami. When the dust cleared and the media frenzy somewhat vanished, Kobe Bryant stood tall, still bearing purple and gold, but with new faces?and a new Laker team, ready to begin a new quest, in hopes to bring the Larry O?Brien trophy back to Los Angeles. The Off-Season Transactions and Decisions June 22nd ? Gary Payton re-signs with the Lakers, even after the devastating loss to the Pistons in five games in the NBA Finals NBA Draft 2004 ? with the 27th pick in the draft, the Lakers select a Euro standout, Sasha Vujacic, in hopes to fill the void at point guard, after losing Derek Fisher to free agency (Golden State) July 10th ? the Lakers hire former Houston Rockets coach Rudy Tomjanovich as head coach to replace Phil Jackson July 14th ? the Lakers trade Shaquille O?Neal to the Miami Heat for Lamar Odom, Caron Butler, Brian Grant, and a future first-round draft pick July 15th ? a day after the O?Neal trade, Kobe re-signs with the Lakers July 20th ? the Lakers ink center Vlade Divac to somewhat replace O?Neal in the paint August 2nd ? the Lakers re-sign Slava Medvedenko August 6th ? the Lakers sign free agent rookie Tony Bobbitt August 13th ? in a shocker, the Lakers trade Gary Payton, Rick Fox and a future first-round pick to the Celtics for Chris Mihm, Chucky Atkins and Jumaine Jones (after being amended) August 24th ? the Lakers sign free agent rookie Nate Johnson Departing players: Shaquille O?Neal, Gary Payton, Rick Fox Arriving players: Lamar Odom, Caron Butler, Brian Grant, Vlade Divac, Sasha Vujacic, Chris Mihm, Chucky Atkins, Jumaine Jones, Tony Bobbitt, and Nate Johnson Returning free agents: Kobe Bryant, Slava Medvedenko Breaking Down the Lakers Starters? <font color="Purple">Vlade Divac - C</font> 7?1? 260 lbs. 2004-2005 Salary: $4,900,000 2003-2004 Stats: 9.9 PPG on 47% shooting, 5.7 RPG, 5.3 APG in 28.6 minutes Vlade Divac, a former Laker, has a nice touch and really does well against bigger centers in the league. He's not very athletic, and his age is getting to him, but he's probably one of the best passing centers in the NBA right now, something that's needed in Los Angeles. His experience will be a plus, also. <font color="Purple">Lamar Odom - PF</font> 6?10? 225 lbs. 2004-2005 Salary: $10,465,000 2003-2004 Stats: 17.1 PPG on 43% shooting, 9.7 RPG, 4.1 APG in 37.5 minutes Lamar Odom can be seen as the "Scottie Pippen" of the Los Angeles Lakers. He can play all positions on the court except center...he's a decent defender, and a great passer. He crashes the boards well and is able to pull down 10 a game. The only problem would be his off-court issues, and being in Los Angeles, this is a concern...but it's possible that he's matured since then. His presence will surely be felt in the Lakers? lineup this season. <font color="Purple">Caron Butler - SF</font> 6?7? 217 lbs. 2004-2005 Salary: $1,920,560 2003-2004 Stats: 9.2 PPG on 38% shooting, 4.8 RPG, 1.9 APG in 29.9 minutes Caron Butler hasn't really had the opportunity most solid rookies have had, so he's yet to come out to his full potential. He can rebound well, slash to the hoop, and has a great deal of strength. His dribbling and jumpers need work, but once that is improved, he could be a great starter for the Lakers down the road. <font color="Purple">Kobe Bryant - SG</font> 6?6? 220 lbs. 2004-2005 Salary: $14,175,000 2003-2004 Stats: 24.0 PPG on 44% shooting, 5.5 RPG, 5.1 APG in 37.6 minutes Kobe Bryant is the obvious player to take the reigns of this team. No doubt, he is the best perimeter player in the league...in which you can assume that he's one of the best one-on-one players also. He can score in the clutch, or whenever you need the points. He's a great defensive player...just all-around incredible. He needs to focus on passing the ball this season, a key in the Lakers' success...pretty much sharing the ball similar to Michael Jordan back in the Bulls era. If he does this, the Lakers will be a threat once again. <font color="Purple">Chucky Atkins - PG</font> 5?11? 160 lbs. 2004-2005 Salary: $4,200,000 2003-2004 Stats: 8.4 PPG on 40% shooting, 1.5 RPG, 3.5 APG in 24.1 minutes Chucky Atkins likes to shoot when he needs to, and can hit the three. He's pretty quick, and he can sneak in and out of the paint easily on cuts, but it's because he's 5'11", which is pretty short, yet, not to take anything away from him because of that. However, he likes to shoot more than pass, so hopefully this can be adjusted in the practices soon enough. Bench? <font color="Purple">Brian Grant - PF</font> 6?9? 254 lbs. 2004-2005 Salary: $13,346,250 2003-2004 Stats: 8.7 PPG on 47% shooting, 6.9 RPG, 0.9 APG in 30.3 minutes Brian Grant has a really good jumper beyond the free throw line. He defends really well and can crash boards with the best of them. He's more of a power forward, so placing him at center would be a mistake. He likes to be on the court, and he brings a winning attitude to our organization. To have a successful year, Grant will have to contribute more on the offensive end, including in the assist column, coming off the bench. <font color="Purple">Kareem Rush - SG</font> 6?6? 215 lbs. 2004-2005 Salary: $1,172,446 2003-2004 Stats: 6.4 PPG on 44% shooting, 1.3 RPG, 0.8 APG in 17.3 minutes To some, Kareem Rush is a young kid who wants to be the next Kobe. He can shoot well, yet he's only streaky at times...he'll either make 5 threes in a row, or miss 4 of them. He needs to work on his handling and his strength on the drive...other than that, he's got a lot of potential. Rush?s goal this season should be providing a solid offense coming off the bench and making better decisions while on the court. <font color="Purple">Luke Walton - SF</font> 6?8? 235 lbs. 2004-2005 Salary: $620,046 2003-2004 Stats: 2.4 PPG on 43% shooting, 1.8 RPG, 1.6 APG in 10.1 minutes Luke Walton is the ?fan favorite? in Los Angeles. He has great court awareness, and his passing is much like Jason Kidd...eyes in the back of his head. He needs to work on his shot, and his ability to score...although, he's more of a pass-first type player. <font color="Purple">Sasha Vujacic - PG</font> 6?7? 193 lbs. 2004-2005 Salary: $846,840 2003-2004 Stats: N/A Sasha Vujacic is a combo guard who is quick and smart. He can dribble well, and has an eye for open players. If he develops a decent shot, he has the potential to become a starter at the point, and may get considerable playing time this season behind Chucky Atkins. <font color="Purple">Chris Mihm</font> 7?0? 265 lbs. 2004-2005 Salary: $3,375,000 2003-2004 Stats: 6.3 PPG on 49% shooting, 5.4 RPG, 0.3 APG in 17.5 minutes Chris Mihm can really play the post. He likes to score, and gets a kick out of the crowd when he does. By looking at him, you wouldn't think he's a tough player...but he is. He needs to take his game to a new level to earn the respect he deserves. <font color="Purple">Slava Medvedenko - PF</font> 6?10? 250 lbs. 2004-2005 Salary: approx. $3,000,000 2003-2004 Stats: 8.3 PPG on 44% shooting, 5.0 RPG, 0.8 APG in 21.2 minutes Slava Medvedenko can hit shots and score with jumpers. He's got a nice touch and can pull down boards, but needs to work heavily on his defense to become a better player. If Karl Malone returns, Medvedenko will more than likely find himself on the injured reserve. <font color="Purple">Jumaine Jones - SF</font> 6?8? 218 lbs. 2004-2005 Salary: $1,687,500 2003-2004 Stats: 2.2 PPG on 34% shooting, 1.6 RPG, 0.3 APG in 8.9 minutes Jumaine Jones can do nearly everything on the court, from defending to shooting the three...he just doesn't give it his all. He needs to try and become one of the leading role players for the Lakers, while focusing on driving to the hoop and dishing it out if needed. Injured Reserve <font color="Purple">Devean George - SF</font> 6?8? 240 lbs. 2004-2005 Salary: $4,500,000 2003-2004 Stats: 7.4 PPG on 41% shooting, 4.0 RPG, 1.4 APG in 23.8 minutes Devean George has proven to be a good, athletic forward who can rebound really well when he crashes the boards. His problem lies in his outside shot...where he literally has to be open to hit it. More drives to the hoop will make him a disciplined player, because he has the ability to play off screens...just not face up against a defender (such as Bowen or Hassell). <font color="Purple">Brian Cook - PF</font> 6?9? 234 lbs. 2004-2005 Salary: $809,300 2003-2004 Stats: 4.4 PPG on 48% shooting, 2.9 RPG, 0.6 APG in 12.6 minutes Brian Cook is a developing offensive player. He needs to get a little bigger and try to work more on his defense. He has good footwork and can be a good second option in the future for the Lakers. <font color="Purple">Nate Johnson - PG</font> 6?2? 190 lbs. 2004-2005 Salary: $385,277 2003-2004 Stats: N/A Nate Johnson is the "errorless player" from Florida State. The word "turnover" is not in his vocabulary, which made him one of the top point guards in the nation his senior year. Coming from the USBL, he's an excellent ball-handler and scorer. Only problem is that he may not be ready for the NBA. <font color="Purple">Tony Bobbitt - SG</font> 6?4? 190 lbs. 2004-2005 Salary: $385,277 2003-2004 Stats: N/A Tony Bobbitt has proven to be a tough defender in college. He can steal the ball from anyone if they don't keep their head up. Can play well, just not at a high level at this time. Laker Prospects <font color="Purple">Karl Malone - PF</font> 6?9? 259 lbs. 2004-2005 Salary: yet to be signed 2003-2004 Stats: 13.2 PPG on 48% shooting, 8.7 RPG, 3.9 APG in 32.7 minutes Karl Malone was a huge part of the Lakers? success last year, before suffering an injury that sidelined him for half of the season. ?The Mailman? has excellent defense and can provide great leadership to this Laker squad, if he returns. Malone did exceptionally well for a 19-year veteran last year, playing more than half of the game and putting up really impressive stats. Who wouldn?t want a two-time MVP and the second highest scorer in the history of the league? <font color="Purple">Marcus Banks - PG</font> 6?2? 200 lbs. 2004-2005 Salary: $1,343,200 2003-2004 Stats: 5.9 PPG on 40% shooting, 1.6 RPG, 2.2 APG in 17.1 minutes Marcus Banks was a Laker?but for a short period of time, being acquired (and then sent back) in the Gary Payton transaction. Banks is a tenacious defender and very aggressive, both offensively and defensively. He?s an above-average spot shooter, and could be one of the quickest players on the Lakers if he ends up in purple and gold. His playmaking needs work, yet he?s only in his second year as a pro. Banks would provide stability in the backcourt for the Lakers, something the organization desperately needs in hopes to make a run for the playoffs.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting MR_SAC_KING:</div><div class="quote_post">Great Analysis realdealbneal :thumbsup: You have done your Homework here,going over your Lakers team scheduled opponents with every nook and cranny you can come up with. I Liked what you said about the Kings with Bibby's track record of doing well vs Atkins.if the Lakers want to stop Bibby this year,there going to have to come up with something drastic to do so,and i don't know if they can. Just wanted to say excellent work here.Keep it up </div> Hey, I try. Thanks I really believe the Lakers have a difficult schedule, but what do you expect when you are the underdogs in the West? Teams want to dismantle you, and embarass you, and prove you wrong...it's going to be a tough road. However, I have faith that the Lakers can come away with at least a 50-win season. They need to all register as members here at JBB and come read my analysis for each team haha...
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting realdealbneal:</div><div class="quote_post">Hey, I try. Thanks I really believe the Lakers have a difficult schedule, but what do you expect when you are the underdogs in the West? Teams want to dismantle you, and embarass you, and prove you wrong...it's going to be a tough road. However, I have faith that the Lakers can come away with at least a 50-win season. They need to all register as members here at JBB and come read my analysis for each team haha...</div> I Think the Lakers will get a record between 45 and 50 myself,but this will be a tough year for the Lakers. Just keep things going well,and justbball will get better.
This is the closest thing any of us has seen to being a game thread file. I miss those days already. Great job realdeal. ? does any of these teams play their first games in October 30 & 31. Cause the Lakers last game is on the 20th of April and that's like the old days. Wasn't there last game this past year on April 14th or 16th?
The 10th of October begins the preseason, if I'm not mistaken. That lasts up until the 29th of that month. Then, no games until November 2nd. Season ends April 20th. In April of last season, games ran up until the 14th. The Lakers played Portland that Wednesday. The 28th of October (last year) was the beginning of last year's regular season, where the Lakers played Dallas. An easier way to put it... 2003-2004 season: Preseason (Oct. 5th - Oct. 24th) and the Regular Season (Oct. 28th - April 14th) 2004-2005 season: Preseason (Oct. 10th - Oct. 29th) and the Regular Season (Nov. 2nd - April 20th)
You forgot to mention the Lakers having to shut down Allan Houston and his lethal shooting. I never thought I'd say this but...the Knicks have a pretty good chance at beating the Lakers. But other then that good analysis. Do you really think the Lakers can win 50 games? I doubt it but you never know.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting Tribute to H2O:</div><div class="quote_post">You forgot to mention the Lakers having to shut down Allan Houston and his lethal shooting. I never thought I'd say this but...the Knicks have a pretty good chance at beating the Lakers. But other then that good analysis. Do you really think the Lakers can win 50 games? I doubt it but you never know.</div> There would be no need to mention Allan Houston, because Kobe is going to have his thumb down on him the whole game. He can't pass at all...his passes are off and are a little weak. Plus, he's going to want to shoot the whole game, and yes...he does have a nice jumper, but he's no leader...so this will ultimately lose the game for the Knicks if he tries to take over the game vs. one of the best defensive guards in the league. I'll give Allan Houston all the credit in the world when it comes to his shooting, but this year, he's going to have to do more than that against Los Angeles. If you remember right, George attempted to hold him many times when they played the Lakers...but you and I both know that DG didn't stand a chance against a shooter like Houston. It could be a different story if Caron Butler tries...but with Kobe, it's going to be one bad night for Allan. Thanks for the comment. I really do believe the Lakers can win 50+ because they now have more depth, with a better defensive starting five than they've ever had. Odom, Butler, Divac...these three are really good defensive players, especially Butler. Even Atkins is a decent player if he doesn't jack up too many shots. Without Shaq in the paint, Kobe will be able to drive hard into the lane (no lane congestion, and Kobe is one of the best one-on-one players in the league) and this will be hard to defend against. Ask Garnett, McGrady, and the others that Kobe drove in on and dunked on (plenty of video out there, just go check it out ).
Your right all he wants to do is shoot the whole game and other then that he's not an excellent guard but he's not going to shoot too much. If anything he doesnt shoot the ball enough which I always found very strange. Maybe someone can explain to me why. As for Kobe having his thumb on him the whole game...wasnt Kobe trying to hold Houston in that game two seasons ago. Houston had 53 pts against the Lakers. You say that Devean George usually plays defense on Houston your probably right again although I'm certain around the time Houston hit 30 pts...that Kobe was put on him since he's such a good defender. Then again that was two seasons ago and Houston has gotten two years older. On the other hand two years isnt that long of a time. To be honest I was just thinking of just Houston's shooting but how it works in conjunction with the rest of the Knick team. You know the intangibles a good shooter brings such as opening the game up. Because of Houston's shooting LA wont be able to double up on Marbury or Crawford and I dont think Atkins will be able to handle either one on one. I didnt think the Lakers would make the playoffs this year to be honest but your raising some good points. Kobe driving into the paint(something that scares me since New York has lost Mutumbo) wont be as effective against a team with a shotblocker but he'll probably get to the line often. Dont see how the Lakers will go far without a great post prescence or some perimeter shooting but they do have the best guard in the game so it can happen. Btw in case you havent noticed...Allan Houston is my favorite player of all time.
Atkins is going to be embarassed against alot of guards next year...especially because he's not exactly starting-material. I'll admit that. With all due respect to Houston, he's going to have to get players involved for the Knicks to win, but not to shy away from taking open shots and driving the lane every once in a while...same thing I say about Kobe. The Knicks have been underdogs before...and they did really well under pressure. I think the Lakers are in the same position, but Kobe feeds off pressure more than anyone in the league, and that's what makes the Lakers stronger. This is one of my main reasons for the Lakers to do better than just "exceptional" like a great deal of people believe. You also mention inside presence. Well, I think that the Lakers will only have to worry about Ming, Magloire, Shaq and Wallace (actual centers). Duncan and Garnett will have trouble with Odom (not as much as they would with Malone...possibly...but Odom isn't that bad of a defensive player). After Duncan and Garnett, I think Kobe and Butler can handle Parker/Manu and Cassell/Sprewell easily (that is, if Kobe happens to be moved to PG during these games because Atkins will be dismantled). In the West, you need a strong PF that can actually move around the court and can rebound. Odom can play all positions except center, and he can pull down boards...which makes me confident that in a way, Odom could be more valuable to the Lakers (with Kobe) than Shaq can be this year with the Heat. H2O, welcome to JBB. :two_thumb
Actually although I think Houston is the top scorer on the Knicks it will be Marbury's job to get everyone involve. He is the point guard afterall. Alot of things have changed but last time I checked the point guard was the one running the offense. And Kobe does feed off of pressure. Everytime I he shoots a three in the middle of the game I laugh cause I know he's going to miss)He doesnt suck from behind the arc but he's not a great three point shooter). Until it's a three pointer to tie or win the game then I get worried. However Kobe is going to have his work cut out for him. Vlade just came off his worse season in the NBA. Lamar Odom is an undersized powerforward. Atkins...we already discussed him and I for one dont see what's so great about Caron Butler. I was half certain and half hoping the Lakers would be dead. But sadly youve proven their not. For a second I got the impression that you think Ming and Shaq (the real centers) are minor annoyances. Their both pretty much unstoppable. I love Vlade...but come on. And your back up center is shorter then our small forward, Tim Thomas. By the way the Lakers wouldnt happen to have a need for an overpaid, undertalented, fake tough guy underacheiver would they? So you have a hole in the center position. I dont see how Garnett will have a problem with Odom. Looks like they play the same kind of game doesnt it? Malone did admirably against Duncan...but you still had to double him after game one and two. Your definetely going to have to do that again. But the Spurs signed Brent Barry who is 40% from behind the arc. Lakers will definetely have problems against the Spurs. By the way what's stopping teams from just collapsing on Kobe? Lakers have no strong outside shooters. No offense but the thought that Odom might have more of an impact in LA...then Shaq in Miami...is ludicrous. Odom will be good but Shaq Diesel is still Shaq Diesel. Thanks its good to be here.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting Tribute to H2O:</div><div class="quote_post">Actually although I think Houston is the top scorer on the Knicks it will be Marbury's job to get everyone involve. He is the point guard afterall.</div> That's true...but like with Kobe last year, he needed to pass more, and I'll admit that. Payton was trying to get guys involved, like Marbury...so it does fall on Houston's shoulders also. Guys like Walton and Rush have great games when the best scorers on the team (Knicks/Houston and Lakers/Kobe) get others involved. <div class="quote_poster">Quoting Tribute to H2O:</div><div class="quote_post">And Kobe does feed off of pressure. Everytime I he shoots a three in the middle of the game I laugh cause I know he's going to miss)He doesnt suck from behind the arc but he's not a great three point shooter). Until it's a three pointer to tie or win the game then I get worried. However Kobe is going to have his work cut out for him.</div> Definitely. He's seriously going to have to play like Michael Jordan to keep the Lakers on top of the West, which I'm not going to say that he will, but I won't assume that he can't, either. It's showtime for Kobe, and this time around, the whole Laker team is involved...because they have to be. <div class="quote_poster">Quoting Tribute to H2O:</div><div class="quote_post">Vlade just came off his worse season in the NBA.</div> True, but his presence will be felt more than Medvedenko as a center, so I'm thankful for Vlade and his flopping...for once. <div class="quote_poster">Quoting Tribute to H2O:</div><div class="quote_post">Lamar Odom is an undersized power forward.</div> If Malone comes back, I'll predict that the Lakers will be headed to the Western Conference Finals...because Odom can be moved down to SF, and Malone will start at PF, with Grant behind him, and Caron behind Odom. It looks promising. <div class="quote_poster">Quoting Tribute to H2O:</div><div class="quote_post">I for one dont see what's so great about Caron Butler.</div> Butler hasn't had the opportunity to show his full potential in Miami...mostly because of playing time and injuries. If he can stay healthy, a plus for him being on the Lakers is his defense. I really don't care how many scorers we have on the team, because Kobe is just that, and so is Odom. I'm mostly concerned about defense, especially in the paint and at the point. Otherwise, the Lakers are covered from top to bottom...new look, new style, new everything. <div class="quote_poster">Quoting Tribute to H2O:</div><div class="quote_post">I was half certain and half hoping the Lakers would be dead. But sadly youve proven their not.</div> That's what I do best Thanks. <div class="quote_poster">Quoting Tribute to H2O:</div><div class="quote_post">I dont see how Garnett will have a problem with Odom. Looks like they play the same kind of game doesnt it? Malone did admirably against Duncan...but you still had to double him after game one and two. Your definetely going to have to do that again.</div> It sounds bad, but at least Garnett and Duncan won't be putting in 40 a game against Odom/Grant/Vlade/Mihm...when in the past it was only Shaq and guys like Medvedenko, who has NO defense at all. No backups for Shaq really hurt the Lakers in the past two years...so take the Heat situation as a bad one, because their backups are Doleac and Zhi Zhi Wang. <div class="quote_poster">Quoting Tribute to H2O:</div><div class="quote_post">By the way what's stopping teams from just collapsing on Kobe?</div> Probably nothing...but that's exactly why I mentioned the key to the Lakers' success: passing. Kobe will absolutely need to pass...maybe that's why the Lakers are already pushing themselves with training and practices so early. <div class="quote_poster">Quoting Tribute to H2O:</div><div class="quote_post">Lakers have no strong outside shooters.</div> Well, they really didn't last year either, except for Fisher and Rush. George was terribly inconsistent, which hurt LA more than people realized. Now, they may have lost Fisher, but they gained Atkins (who shoots well beyond the arc), Butler (nice jumper and three), and retained a more-experienced Rush and Walton. Odom isn't a bad shooter, either. <div class="quote_poster">Quoting Tribute to H2O:</div><div class="quote_post">No offense but the thought that Odom might have more of an impact in LA...then Shaq in Miami...is ludicrous. Odom will be good but Shaq Diesel is still Shaq Diesel.</div> Shaq in Miami could be a bad situation in a couple of years, especially with the high expectations. Sure, Miami may do better...that is, unless Shaq suffers an injury...then what? Can you imagine a Miami team that was said to make the Eastern Finals...playing without Shaq? Wade and Jones...that's all. Doleac and Haslem in the frontcourt, with Wang as the first center off the bench. It would be terrible. Imagine if the Heat lost in the playoffs. Shaq would blow up sooner than everyone expects, and the media would jump right on it. Then again, things could go perfect, but there are only a few times that it happens to teams in the league...and I don't think I'd be the first to say that it'll be the Miami Heat in their first season with Shaq and a whole new style of play. Enjoy all of the debating, especially if you post in the Lakers forum. We need guys to debate with, just not to argue and bicker at There are plenty of threads to post in, so have fun. :thumbsup:
Well when your right your right. But deciding when to pass it and who to pass it to who has never been a problem. I cant remember a time when he didnt make the right decision(except one or two times when he should have dunked the basketball instead of taking the open jumper). And Kobe needed to help out with the passing and getting people involved because quite frankly...Payton was doing horrible. I dont know if it was the triangle offense, didnt like the city or is he just getting old. All I know is he didnt perform well and that I can just imagine what Marbury is going to do to him in Boston. :mrgreen: Kobe got his wish. Shaq is gone and he has is own team now. Lucky him he thrives on pressure cause there's going to be lots and lots of pressure on him in the way of double and triple teams. My money says he wont like it and will end up getting injured from playing so hard. He's going to run out of gas sometime. By the way, why dont you just let Kobe man the point? He's going to be the number one option anyway and you wont have Atkins on the floor who is a liability on defense. The Lakers are definetely better with Vlade then without. Ironic isnt it? Laker fans hated him and his flopping. Now their going to rely on it. Life is stranger then fiction. If Malone comes back and that is a big IF (afterall he wants a ring and at this moment his best chances are with the Spurs and Wolves but going to Miami and becoming Shaq's henchman is an option as well) then the Lakers front line isnt in as bad shape as I thought or rather hoped. Lamar Odom has the same problem Van Horn has. Too small to play PF effectively and too big to play SF effectively. Odom wont be able to elude other small forwards off the dribble and I dont think he really knows how to play with his back to the basket(not as easy as you think). Well you seem to know Caron Butler better then I do. He just seems like a barely above average small forward to me but I really dont know. Garnett and Duncan might not put forty a game...but it will be a very long night full of foul woes for the Laker frontline. I cant talk about that chinese guy since I have never seen him play but dont knock Doleac. Trust me he played for the Knicks so I know. Wish we had him back. He's no star but he's solid. Good compliment to Shaq actually. Doleac has a nice outside touch to go along with Shaq's unstoppable post up game. And then there's the new big dog in the West Yao Ming and unfortunately for the Lakers...they dont have anybody who can hope to stand up to him. Yao will tear Vlade, that guy who shoots too much and Mihm to pieces. Clog up the paint...it will be a nightmare. You guys had Shaq so you never really worried about Yao but take it from me...he's scary. The answer isnt as simple as passing when Kobe gets mobbed. It happened to Marbury in the Knicks-Nets series and when he passed the ball Shandon Has Been Anderson missed wide open three after wide open three. It wasnt pretty. This is why shooters are so valuable and so expensive. It stops that kind of nonsense and keeps the defense honest. The Lakers dont have shooters so their at a disadvantage. It's true the Lakers never had a bonified shooting before but they did have Shaq and Kobe on the same team. Instead of Caron Butler the Lakers should have gotten Eddie Jones. It's too late now. Atkins is a decent shooter I guess. Odom isnt too bad either. But having a really bonified consistent shooter is a tremendous help. I'd just like to know...why the hell does Devean George shoot three's like he can hit them?? He's a lousy three point shooter!What is he doing?? In the long run of course getting rid of Shaq was helpful. But be honest...wouldnt you rather win a few more championships now then prepare for the future? Of course the Heat will lose in the playoffs. Dont be silly. My Knicks will stop Shaq and company. We'll just put in Crawford and run Shaq to death. By the way realistically what do you think the Lakers chances are? Playoff seeding and how far do you expect them to go? Tell me the same about the Knicks. I think we have a great squad but supporters of my view are few and far in between. I guess that 31 year championship drought has hardened the hearts of alot of Knicks fans. Tell me what you think. I woke up in the morning thinking the Lakers were dead and buried. And now here they come back to life before my eyes. So sad. It's ok though. One of the powers in the West will lay them back to rest and just maybe it'll be the Kings(yes I know a Lakers fan's worst nightmare). It was good debating with you too and I'm going to call it a night. The other forums seem dead. Dont know if it's early in the morning where everyone else is living or what. We'll do this again sometime. Until then...KNICKS 4LIFE
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting Tribute to H2O:</div><div class="quote_post"> My money says he wont like it and will end up getting injured from playing so hard. He's going to run out of gas sometime.</div> Those who follow the Lakers would be able to tell about the time he had to be treated for dehydration and exhaustion, with IV's, after a game once. But, with Kobe's "6-6-6" routine, he develops alot of stamina/endurance/durability from it, and I believe he'll be okay. The ONLY worry I have is his previously-injured shoulder...but he did re-injure it near the end of the season, yet still played. <div class="quote_poster">Quoting Tribute to H2O:</div><div class="quote_post">By the way, why dont you just let Kobe man the point? He's going to be the number one option anyway and you wont have Atkins on the floor who is a liability on defense.</div> I thought about this, and I'm sure Rudy T and the Laker organization is thinking about this also. The problem is, Rush would be the SG...and as a point guard, Kobe will have to have a pass-first attitude, which will definitely hurt the Lakers in the long run. Michael Jordan could've played the point also, being that he had Pippen as a SF that could've played SG...but then, Jordan would have to pass alot more than he needed to. If you want to know the truth, I believe that Odom will run the point a few times next season, just because he passes like a PG and has the speed. The only problem with this is if the opposing team decides to trap at halfcourt, or press him...but I'm sure he'll do fine if he's desperately needed at PG. <div class="quote_poster">Quoting Tribute to H2O:</div><div class="quote_post">Lamar Odom has the same problem Van Horn has. Too small to play PF effectively and too big to play SF effectively. Odom wont be able to elude other small forwards off the dribble and I dont think he really knows how to play with his back to the basket (not as easy as you think).</div> Well, Odom can play four spots on the floor (the one he can't would be the five). He performs best at SF, and then PF...but he has trouble with his back to the basket because he's more of a slasher than someone that likes to use their weight (a true PF, an example would be Charles Barkley...didn't have height at 6'6", but used his mass to become the best rebounder in the league). I'm almost positive about Odom playing SF, with Grant at PF (his natural position) since BG played center for the Heat last year and did exceptionally well. But then again, Butler needs to start. People make excuses because of Grant's bad knees, but as a center, it would affect his game much more than if he was playing PF. <div class="quote_poster">Quoting Tribute to H2O:</div><div class="quote_post">Well you seem to know Caron Butler better then I do. He just seems like a barely above average small forward to me but I really dont know.</div> Well, right now he is barely above-average. I won't lie about that. I think he needs to start every game for the Lakers, but mostly be used as a defensive stopper rather than a shooter/slasher. He can shoot the three occasionally...but that's the key word. <div class="quote_poster">Quoting Tribute to H2O:</div><div class="quote_post">Garnett and Duncan might not put forty a game...but it will be a very long night full of foul woes for the Laker frontline. I cant talk about that chinese guy since I have never seen him play but dont knock Doleac. Trust me he played for the Knicks so I know. Wish we had him back. He's no star but he's solid. Good compliment to Shaq actually. Doleac has a nice outside touch to go along with Shaq's unstoppable post up game. And then there's the new big dog in the West Yao Ming and unfortunately for the Lakers...they dont have anybody who can hope to stand up to him. Yao will tear Vlade, that guy who shoots too much and Mihm to pieces. Clog up the paint...it will be a nightmare. You guys had Shaq so you never really worried about Yao but take it from me...he's scary.</div> For Garnett and Duncan, someone is going to have to pull them away from the basket, and put a hand in their face for the shot...and that guy will either be Odom or Brian Grant. I believe Odom can interfere in their shot, but his body won't be able to push them away from the hoop. Grant, however, is big enough...but he won't be starting over Odom...so more than likely, he won't be matching up to Garnett and Duncan enough. As for Ming, Vlade is going to have to figure something out...because Ming is an intelligent player, and rarely gets physical under the hoop. Problem with that is...Vlade uses charges better than any center I can name, yet it won't work against Yao. Therefore, the Lakers are going to have to use a Pistons-type strategy: letting Yao dump as many points without double-teams, but shut down McGrady and intercept the passing lanes, so McGrady is forced to take shots instead of pass to Yao. <div class="quote_poster">Quoting Tribute to H2O:</div><div class="quote_post">The answer isnt as simple as passing when Kobe gets mobbed. It happened to Marbury in the Knicks-Nets series and when he passed the ball Shandon Has Been Anderson missed wide open three after wide open three. It wasnt pretty. This is why shooters are so valuable and so expensive. It stops that kind of nonsense and keeps the defense honest. The Lakers dont have shooters so their at a disadvantage. It's true the Lakers never had a bonified shooting before but they did have Shaq and Kobe on the same team. Instead of Caron Butler the Lakers should have gotten Eddie Jones. It's too late now. Atkins is a decent shooter I guess. Odom isnt too bad either. But having a really bonified consistent shooter is a tremendous help. I'd just like to know...why the hell does Devean George shoot three's like he can hit them?? He's a lousy three point shooter!What is he doing??</div> Yeah, Eddie would've been nice...but I really don't see Eddie Jones and Kobe Bryant co-existing...almost like I don't quite see Jones and Shaq the best of friends either, after their problems in LA a few years ago. Haha...don't even mention Devean George :thumbsdow ...he won't be playing until December anyways because of an injury. As far as Kobe's answer to the Pistons' swarming defense...there wasn't one except for Gary Payton...yet he didn't do his job in the triangle. If the Lakers had any other point guard as good as Payton, they would've done better. Payton failed to help Kobe in bad situations...because the Pistons interfered in the passing lanes, especially between Shaq and Kobe...so Kobe went to look for the man who was SUPPOSED to be the starting/re-starting point of the offense, yet he wasn't there. Result? Forced shots, and no time for transition...and a Pistons championship victory. <div class="quote_poster">Quoting Tribute to H2O:</div><div class="quote_post">In the long run of course getting rid of Shaq was helpful. But be honest...wouldnt you rather win a few more championships now then prepare for the future? Of course the Heat will lose in the playoffs. Dont be silly. My Knicks will stop Shaq and company. We'll just put in Crawford and run Shaq to death.</div> I would've rather traded Shaq, and here's why. The Lakers were successful, don't get me wrong...but the Kobe/Shaq duo weren't going to win another championship. It didn't work for two years, but it was close. However, close isn't close enough for the duo said to be the best since Jordan/Pippen. About the Knicks/Heat games...the key will actually be running Shaq to death, like you said. Then again, you have to remember that Shaq's workouts are all now cardio-based, instead of lifting and maxing out. The Knicks can do what the Pistons, Spurs, and Wolves did...drive the lane on Damon Jones and throw it over Shaq's head. Marbury won't have trouble doing that...however, if the PG is Wade, it may be more difficult. <div class="quote_poster">Quoting Tribute to H2O:</div><div class="quote_post">By the way realistically what do you think the Lakers chances are? Playoff seeding and how far do you expect them to go? Tell me the same about the Knicks. I think we have a great squad but supporters of my view are few and far in between. I guess that 31 year championship drought has hardened the hearts of alot of Knicks fans. Tell me what you think.</div> Well, I don't want to go too deep in explaining my opinions about the Knicks, since this is a Lakers forum...but I will say that I believe that the Knicks can have another playoff run for sure. Without the Hornets in the East...they can grab the 5th or 6th seed (especially with the addition of Crawford). The only problem will be teams like Boston...with Al Jefferson and Gary Payton (if he plays) and well, Pierce, obviously. If Penny does well off the bench (I'm assuming he'll be on the bench), the Knicks can get to the playoffs and possibly win a first-round matchup with the 4th seed. If they get the 6th-8th seed, they may not make it past the first round only because the competition staring them in the face is Detroit, Pacers, and Heat. The Knicks can win a few games, but I don't know how many in a five-game series against these guys. The Lakers? Well, let's first assume they pick up Malone. I see them winning their division over the Kings (who are having trouble with keeping Peja on the team, and an aging Webber, and no backup center). A lineup of Divac, Malone, Odom, Bryant and Atkins...with Butler, Grant, Rush, Vujacic...geez...I'd say they'd make the Eastern Conf. Finals with that, but I'm optimistic. Now, without Malone...they could place second in their conference and still pick up a 6th seed in the playoffs, making it to the second round against possibly the Rockets or the Timberwolves...who knows really. The West is a toss-up. <div class="quote_poster">Quoting Tribute to H2O:</div><div class="quote_post">I woke up in the morning thinking the Lakers were dead and buried. And now here they come back to life before my eyes. So sad. It's ok though. One of the powers in the West will lay them back to rest and just maybe it'll be the Kings (yes I know a Lakers fan's worst nightmare). It was good debating with you too and I'm going to call it a night. The other forums seem dead. Dont know if it's early in the morning where everyone else is living or what. We'll do this again sometime. Until then...KNICKS 4LIFE </div> Sounds like a plan. I don't know about the Kings putting the Lakers to rest...they have no defense (still) and with Christie's injury and now without a backup for Miller, it may be tough. The Lakers are really deep this year. Either way, I'm sure the Lakers will surprise a few people that assume they won't even break .500 next season. Thanks for the debate...have a good night.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting trenchteam:</div><div class="quote_post">Good work with the article. gonna show it off to my fellow laker fans!</div> Thanks Tell them all to check out JBB :thumbsup:
