Lakers Season Preview

<font size="3">The 2004-2005 Los Angeles Lakers? Off-Season Review & Season Outlook</font>
<font size="1">by realdealbneal</font>

<font size="3"><font color="purple">Someone?s Gotta Go</font></font>
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 standing with unfamiliar faces?a different Laker team, ready to begin a new quest, in hopes to bring the Larry O?Brien trophy back to Los Angeles.

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<font size="3"><font color="purple">The Off-Season Transactions and Decisions</font></font>
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); also selected Marcus Douthit, out of Providence, with the 56th pick
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

<font color="purple">Departing players</font>: Shaquille O?Neal, Gary Payton, Rick Fox
<font color="purple">Arriving players</font>: Lamar Odom, Caron Butler, Brian Grant, Vlade Divac, Sasha Vujacic, Chris Mihm, Chucky Atkins, and Jumaine Jones
<font color="purple">Returning free agents</font>: Kobe Bryant, Slava Medvedenko
<font color="purple">Unsigned free agents</font>: Karl Malone, Horace Grant, Bryon Russell
<font color="purple">Unsigned draft picks</font>: Marcus Douthit
<font color="purple">Other additions</font>: Tony Bobbitt, Tierre Brown
<font color="purple">Waived</font>: Nate Johnson, Ike Nwankwo, Neil Yanke, Jerry Dupree

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<font size="3"><font color="purple">Breaking Down the Lakers (Starters)</font></font>


<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 per game
<font color="purple">2004-2005 Projected Stats: 8.0 PPG on 46% shooting, 5.2 RPG, 4.9 APG in 25.2 minutes per game</font>
Profile
We have a former Sacramento King on our team?
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 per game
<font color="purple">2004-2005 Projected Stats: 21.3 PPG on 45% shooting, 8.9 RPG, 5.1 APG in 36.4 minutes per game</font>
Profile
What role does he have on this team?
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 per game
<font color="purple">2004-2005 Projected Stats: 13.4 PPG on 42% shooting, 4.1 RPG, 4.2 APG in 32.4 minutes per game</font>
Profile
Butler...he was supposed to be good, right?
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 per game
<font color="purple">2004-2005 Projected Stats: 31.2 PPG on 45% shooting, 6.0 RPG, 5.9 APG in 40.3 minutes per game</font>
Profile
All by himself?
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 per game
<font color="purple">2004-2005 Projected Stats: 6.7 PPG on 41% shooting, 1.0 RPG, 3.8 APG in 21.3 minutes per game</font>
Profile
Starter material? Are you sure?
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.

<font size="3"><font color="purple">Breaking Down the Lakers (Bench)</font></font>


<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 per game
<font color="purple">2004-2005 Projected Stats: 10.2 PPG on 48% shooting, 5.2 RPG, 1.3 APG in 26.2 minutes per game</font>
Profile
Wasn't he a starter last year?
Yes, Brian Grant played a huge role as the Heat's center last year. He 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 per game
<font color="purple">2004-2005 Projected Stats: 7.2 PPG on 43% shooting, 1.6 RPG, 1.2 APG in 16.0 minutes per game</font>
Profile
A Kobe imitator?
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 per game
<font color="purple">2004-2005 Projected Stats: 6.2 PPG on 45% shooting, 2.4 RPG, 3.2 APG in 16.9 minutes per game</font>
Profile
Isn't that Bill's son?
Yes. 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">Chris Mihm - C</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 per game
<font color="purple">2004-2005 Projected Stats: 7.2 PPG on 48% shooting, 5.9 RPG, 1.9 APG in 21.5 minutes per game</font>
Profile
Will he be strong enough to play center?
Yes. 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">Tierre Brown - PG</font>
6?2? 189 lbs.
2004-2005 Salary: N/A
<font color="#800080">2004-2005 Projected Stats: 10.3 PPG on 43% shooting, 3.0 RPG, 2.9 APG in 22.3 minutes per game</font>
Profile
When was he drafted?
Tierre Brown was never drafted. He was signed by the Rockets in 2001, but waived that October. He played in the NBDL for the Lowgators, and was named the NBDL MVP in the 2003-2004 season. He's a good playmaker, and has above-average defense. He attacks the hoop and uses his quickness to get there. To be a successful point guard in the league, he'll have to bulk up a little more and work on his shot.


<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 per game
<font color="purple">2004-2005 Projected Stats: 7.1 PPG on 50% shooting, 3.0 RPG, 1.2 APG in 15.0 minutes per game</font>
Profile
I didn't see him much. Why not?
That's because 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, but last year, with Malone in the lineup, he didn't have the playing time he needed to develop.


<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 per game
<font color="purple">2004-2005 Projected Stats: 4.8 PPG on 41% shooting, 3.2 RPG, 0.9 APG in 14.2 minutes per game</font>
Profile
Jumaine who?
Jumaine Jones. He 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.

<font size="3"><font color="purple">Breaking Down the Lakers (IR)</font></font>


<font color="purple">Sasha Vujacic - PG</font>
6?7? 193 lbs.
2004-2005 Salary: $846,840
2003-2004 Stats: N/A
<font color="purple">2004-2005 Projected Stats: 2.6 PPG on 42% shooting, 1.1 RPG, 1.6 APG in 6.4 minutes per game</font>
Profile
Is he as good as Peja?
Not yet, but he's got potential. 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 later on down the road, but with Tierre Brown in the spotlight, Vujacic may find himself on the IR this season.


<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 per game
<font color="purple">2004-2005 Projected Stats: 5.2 PPG on 40% shooting, 3.1 RPG, 1.2 APG in 16.2 minutes per game</font>
Profile
Isn't he out until December?
That's a possibility. 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">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 per game
<font color="purple">2004-2005 Projected Stats: 3.8 PPG on 45% shooting, 3.5 RPG, 0.7 APG in 11.1 minutes per game</font>
Profile
He won't be playing center, right?
Possibly, if injuries keep Divac out of the lineup. 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 Cook continues to impress, Medvedenko will more than likely find himself on the injured reserve.

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<font size="3"><font color="purple">A Laker Warrior</font></font>


<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 per game
Profile
Okay, we'll take him...but why, if he didn't even play much?
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?

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<font size="3"><font color="purple">Guys We Should Look At</font></font>


<font color="purple">Sam Cassell - PG</font>
6?3? 185 lbs.
2004-2005 Salary: $5,650,000
2003-2004 Stats: 19.8 PPG on 49% shooting, 3.3 RPG, 7.3 APG in 35.0 minutes per game
Profile
What good would he do?
Although Cassell isn't known for his defense, his offensive game is not one to pass up. He's a great shooter and loves to attack the hoop, occasionally drawing the foul against centers going after the ball. Cassell also loves to pass, although on a Minnesota team, this was not his first option. An additional positive in a trade for Sam? He'd be reunited with the coach that won him two rings in Houston...Rudy T.


<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 per game
Profile
What good will he do?
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.


<font color="purple">Jamal Sampson - PF</font>
6?11? 235 lbs.
2004-2005 Salary: $695,046
2003-2004 Stats: 2.9 PPG on 48% shooting, 5.2 RPG, 0.7 APG in 13.0 minutes per game (10 games total last year)
Profile
Wasn't he a Laker?
He was...pretty much a backup to Shaq and Medvedenko. Sampson has yet to have a chance on any team, but considering his stats in just an average of 13 minutes a game, he did fairly well. He's a good shot-blocker and crashes the boards well. More than likely, this season will be his best, since the Bobcats will use him more than the Lakers did.

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<font size="3"><font color="purple">Who?s Our Coach?</font></font>


<font color="purple">Rudy Tomjanovich - Coach</font>
Coaching Profile
Rudy Tom-what?
Rudy Tomjanovich. If you don?t know him, you missed out on the early 90?s basketball and the Houston Rockets. It?s almost certain that the triangle will not be enforced this season, since Rudy T has little to no experience with it?but the Lakers may turn into a ?run-and-gun? team, much like the Mavericks and Kings have been all along. However, it starts with a stronger point guard, so Tomjanovich has some adjusting to do. Not to worry, Laker fans?Rudy T has two championships to show for his coaching abilities, both from the Houston Rockets in the 90?s, so he brings not only knowledge, but experience to our organization.

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<font size="3"><font color="purple">Don?t Underestimate the Lakers</font></font>

In their division, the Lakers will have the Kings, Suns, Clippers and Warriors to worry about. Of these four teams, the Kings will cause the most trouble for the Lakers, yet take this into consideration: the Kings gained nothing when they lost Divac. All they?ve done is acquire Greg Ostertag, which will do nothing for them, and sign a few rookies. Webber is still the same, just getting older?with bad knees. If the Lakers finish with the best record in their division, they will earn a top 3 seed in the playoffs.
Setting aside the Kings for a moment, let?s turn to the Lakers and pinpoint their strengths and weaknesses. Obviously, the Lakers are strong at nearly every position but the point, where Atkins is mostly considered backup-material. Even under Atkins, you have two or three guys who have no NBA experience. However, every team in the West has a weakness, so the Lakers only need one more off-season move to easily give themselves a guaranteed playoff spot, possibly more.
Depth
Making up for the lack of point guard material lies within the bench. The Lakers? bench is possibly the most talented in the West, with Walton, Grant, Mihm, Rush, and Vujacic all ready to step out and play team basketball this season. Also, considering there are a few guys sitting as reserves, and an extra player at that, there?s a possibility that one more trade is set to take place before the season begins. Whether or not it benefits the point guard or the bench, this trade could be a key transaction to the organization, in hopes to filling the void we have either now, or later on down the road, in our quest to win another championship.
Passing
A really important part of the Laker offense this season will be the passing game. Without Shaq, the Lakers will have to focus strictly on ball movement, and getting to the open man. To do this, the Lakers will use Kobe as their go-to guy, and Lamar Odom as their second option, if Kobe is double-teamed. Keep in mind that Odom has the skills of a point guard when it comes to passing, and for his size, this is unheard of in the NBA. Adding flavor to Odom?s big man passing skills is Vlade Divac, who can also pass extremely well for a center. Looking at this from a Laker perspective, I see huge improvements in the passing game, with no need to wait around for a shot, since our men are very active without the ball. Instead of two guys demanding the ball, it will be one go-to guy, with the rest backing him up, which will prove to be very effective once the season begins.
Rebounding
An aspect of the game that the Lakers need to focus on is rebounding. Offensive and defensive boards are going to be very important to the team this season, especially playing teams similar to the Pistons, who have two great rebounders in Ben and Rasheed, and a few others hidden on the bench. If shots aren?t falling, for Kobe or for anyone else, defensive rebounds will put the Lakers ahead of any team in the game as long as they are being pulled down by Divac and Odom. Butler, being a decent rebounder himself, should occasionally crash the boards when playing such teams as mentioned above.
Defense
Defensively, the Lakers are set. Kobe, Butler, Odom and Divac all have above-average defensive skills. Atkins, on the other hand, has room to improve because of his lack of height, but his speed keeps him from hitting rock-bottom defensively. If the Lakers can play great defense (forcing bad shots, intercepting in the passing lanes, and guarding the perimeter during a three-point ?rally?), Los Angeles can almost guarantee a winning season just by excellent defense alone.

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<font size="3"><font color="purple">My Predictions</font></font>

Lakers regular season record: 56-26 (first in the Pacific, third in the West)
Seed: 3rd seed
Playoffs: Western Conference Finals loss to the Spurs

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<font size="3"><font color="purple">What To Expect</font></font>

Expect the unexpected. Remember, the Lakers haven?t been underdogs since the early 90?s, after Magic?s departure. In other words, Kobe Bryant has yet to be an underdog. With so many NBA fans and analysts doubting this organization, the Lakers may step up and take their game to a whole new level, and shock a lot of critics. Some may say that Karl Malone is the key to our success, whether he comes back or not?and this may be true in a way, but not exactly. The Lakers can, and possibly will, win their division. Holding all of that talent, with two nice players in Kobe Bryant and Lamar Odom, will provide Laker fans with a new style of play, but could very well prove that releasing Shaq was beneficial to the team. Win or lose, this organization has a bright future ahead of them for years to come.

 

really nice :thumbsup: keep it up!

 

For shapecity and the others curious...bet on the opening day roster to look something like this:

C - Chris Mihm
PF - Brian Grant
SF - Lamar Odom
SG - Kobe Bryant
PG - Chucky Atkins

You'll see Bryant and Odom in for 35 minutes or more...but don't expect to see Atkins running the point against Andre Miller for a long time. I think Rudy T will start him, and he should, and then play Tierre off the bench. As far as the Odom/Grant situation goes...Odom will indeed play SF against Melo, but once K-Mart is out of the game, Odom will slide up and defend the four, while Butler comes in and guards the three, whoever is in the game at that time. This also gives time for Mihm to rest, and Grant may even play center midway through the game.

This is the advantage of flexibility within the roster caused by versatile players and depth...two things we've been missing for a while now.

 

Odom hasn't shot the ball well in preseason, but hopefully he can pick it up during the regular season. The preview was very nicely done.

 

Grr...

I forgot to update Vujacic and Brown, on the predicted stats.

Vujacic's should be:
<font color="Purple">2004-2005 Projected Stats: 2.6 PPG on 42% shooting, 1.1 RPG, 1.6 APG in 6.4 minutes per game</font>

And Brown's should be:
<font color="Purple">2004-2005 Projected Stats: 10.3 PPG on 43% shooting, 3.0 RPG, 2.9 APG in 22.3 minutes per game</font>

 

The kings gained interior defensive presence when they lost divac and acquired ostertag, which was by far their biggest weakness. They lost the best passing big man in the L. Haha i love how the writer will consider webbers knees but not grants lower back. People make it sound like he wont be any better than he was the end of last year. The guy has them projected to go to the western conference finals, HA! I understand this is a laker lover thread, but just to keep it honest...

 

<div class="quote_poster">Quoting GiantMidget:</div><div class="quote_post">The kings gained interior defensive presence when they lost divac and acquired ostertag, which was by far their biggest weakness. They lost the best passing big man in the L. Haha i love how the writer will consider webbers knees but not grants lower back. People make it sound like he wont be any better than he was the end of last year. The guy has them projected to go to the western conference finals, HA! I understand this is a laker lover thread, but just to keep it honest...</div>
So tell me...

What do you do when Ostertag and Christie are hurt (because currently, they are), and Webber pulls his yearly routine of getting injured...who plays the four? Bluthenthal? Miller? Okay...move Miller down. Who plays center? An injured Ostertag? Is Martin good enough to start at SG?

I don't have much to say about the Kings.

 

Lamar Odom dropping 21 a game in the West is unrealistic. 1) Odom is not a 4 in the western conference, so if he is forced into starting at the position it will inhibit his game on lots of nights. The defensive players at the 4 in the west are too good and to mobile...and he is going to say in foul trouble trying to guard western conference 4.

2) The Lakers need Odom to be a playmaker not a scorer. with Kobe chuckin up shots on a nightly basis then Odom now becomes the main guy who has to make & create most plays for everyone else. If Odom is chucking up enuff shots to average 21 a game, then that automatically seals the Lakers as a bad team in my opinion Because that leaves no one on the court to make the other 11 players on the roster better if Kobe & Odom are only focusing on their #'s. Chucky Atkins isnt a playmaking point guard. The Lakers need Odom to focus on creating for others 1st, not scoring.

Odom scoring # will probably stay about the same as last year imo, except his fg% may drop abit because in the West, you take away Odom's ablity to post up on a nightly basis from time to time during a course of a game, like he did with the heat. So now you in some ways regulate Odom to being a breakdown forward off the dribble and taking alot more perimeter shots, which add up into a decrease in fg%. And even if his fg% doesnt drop Iam certain it wont take a rise in the west. Your apg #'s for Odom look good tho.

 

Well, I really don't expect Lamar to stay at the four, either. Rudy T should start him there, but eventually move him down to play SF (throughout the game) because I believe Brian Grant can handle guys like Duncan and Garnett better than Odom...and plus, Brian Cook has been playing above-average (his standards, anyways) and Rudy T may want him to play more minutes.

An effective rotation is needed for the Lakers to win this year, and it's going to be very easy for us to do that because of our versatility and depth. If Tomjanovich experiments with our roster early, I believe he can find the best possible lineup...and I would put my money on it being what I named, but just slipping Odom down to SF during the game and adjusting the players accordingly.

 

From the Looks of things,The Lakers have made some Bold Moves in the off season.with a new coach,and some talented new players,this team looks like it's a slimer,effcient team than it has in the past.the Pre-season games they have played,they have looked incredibly great.

I Expect the Lakers to have a sucessful season,and they will as long as the Lakers have a healthy Kobe playing Ball,it will be alright for the team.

Despite some people saying the Lakers will not be sucessful as they usually are,i expect the Kings and the Lakers to fight it out on top of the NBA Pacfic.i think the Kings will win it,but the Lakers will as usual give a good run for the money against the Kings.

So this will be another good season for the Lakers,No Doubt.

 

With 50 year old Vlade Divac and his bad back or whatever is the problem, and Mihms good play in the preseason, I would rather see Mihm starting at the moment.

PG: Chucky Atkins
SG: Kobe Bryant
SF: Lamar Odom
PF: Briant Grant
C: Chris Mihm

That's the lineup I think will be best for opening night, however I don't think Chucky is safe enough at the moment to be a lock at the Point. Lamar Odom cannot play the PF in the West simply put, and Grant can't play the C in the West simply put. Thus, both will have to slide over if they're going to start, and with Vlade out, it'll leave the surprising Mihm at Center.

I also think you're being extremely optomistic. You actually think the Lakers will have the same record as last season, finish first in the division, with a more deadly Western Conference than last year? Sure they have more options than before, and are filled with talent on their bench and starting 5, but even with this roster, they are not nearly as good as last years team. Sorry, but I cannot see this happening.

Tierre Brown 10.3 PPG? I don't think he'll play enough or get enough shots to score that much. I can see him being a valuable player off the bench if he makes the team, and possibly take the starting PG spot from Atkins, but 10.3 PPG is too much to project for him with other offensive threats on the team.

I like the points you added at the bottom, they were clear and in depth. However you did say that the Lakers bench is possibly the most talented in the West, which I do not agree with. They're still a long stretch away from the Grizzlies bench, filled with starters.

Good preview, but I have some of my dissagreements.

 

3rd seed is correct. The Kings will not have a better record than the Lakers, simply put.

Great breakdown and analysis. I really like Brown. He seems to have that bounce in his ste needed to be a confident/successful point guard int his league. Reminds me of a poor-man's Steve Francis... Except without the Turnovers.

 

I agree with some of the points that Banks made, some of the stats you have projected are very unlikely. I also disagree with thier record. Though I believe they have a chance to win out their division, the Lakers making it to the WCF is highly unlikely and a pretty bold prediction.
There are many other teams in the West with much more depth and better rosters then the Lakers. What about Minnesota? Denver?

I project a 3rd seed as well but a second round exit.

 

I think my brother messed up on the stats actually because on his computer, he's got the preview on Word, and it's different stats. When he wrote out the preview, it was a while back and when the preseason was going on he was changing it. So I don't know. I'll have to ask him about it when he gets home.

 

<div class="quote_poster">Quoting TheAnswerIsAi3:</div><div class="quote_post">I think my brother messed up on the stats actually because on his computer, he's got the preview on Word, and it's different stats. When he wrote out the preview, it was a while back and when the preseason was going on he was changing it. So I don't know. I'll have to ask him about it when he gets home.</div>
Didn't really look into it, but I guess I didn't change a few of my stat predictions. I'll have it fixed later on...it's not that big of a deal really.

 

"I project a 3rd seed as well but a second round exit."

Does anyone else think that everything with this statement is wrong? So to get to the playoffs they'll have to finish ahead of the teams theyre competitive with being utah,portland,pheonix,yes i said phoenix.LA has ZERO low post scoring.If you look at the top teams in the west they all have low post scoring and presence.Excuse me not top teams, all playoff bound teams have low post scoring and presence.With that being said how can the lakers win the pacific over Sac,let alone make the playoffs.Onto the next overly optimistic prediction, who are the lakers going to beat in the playoffs? 2nd round?The only 2nd of anything LA might taste is the pacific division.Its the western conference yall, not the east. Last knock on the lakers that no one seems to have considered is that its a new team, the only players that know eachother are the 3 former miami players.My prediction for LA's season is a fight for 2nd in the pacific with pheonix. Take a look at each teams starting 5,pheonix's sure looks better to me.
PHX
1-nash
2-Q rich
3-marion
4-stoudemire
5-voskul
LA
1-atkins
2-bryant
3-odom
4-grant
5-divac/mihm?
The rest of the season depends on one variable, karl malone. IF he comes back at the time hes projected to and can contribute at least as much as he did last year, LA has a legit chance to MAKE the playoffs. If not, summer starts early for the lakers...

 

<div class="quote_poster">Quoting GiantMidget:</div><div class="quote_post">"I project a 3rd seed as well but a second round exit."

Does anyone else think that everything with this statement is wrong? So to get to the playoffs they'll have to finish ahead of the teams theyre competitive with being utah,portland,pheonix,yes i said phoenix.LA has ZERO low post scoring.If you look at the top teams in the west they all have low post scoring and presence.Excuse me not top teams, all playoff bound teams have low post scoring and presence.With that being said how can the lakers win the pacific over Sac,let alone make the playoffs.Onto the next overly optimistic prediction, who are the lakers going to beat in the playoffs? 2nd round?The only 2nd of anything LA might taste is the pacific division.Its the western conference yall, not the east. Last knock on the lakers that no one seems to have considered is that its a new team, the only players that know eachother are the 3 former miami players.My prediction for LA's season is a fight for 2nd in the pacific with pheonix. Take a look at each teams starting 5,pheonix's sure looks better to me.

The rest of the season depends on one variable, karl malone. IF he comes back at the time hes projected to and can contribute at least as much as he did last year, LA has a legit chance to MAKE the playoffs. If not, summer starts early for the lakers...</div>
See, you're one of those people that believe that a star-studded team will always push farther than a team with unity and chemistry...and you're wrong. No reason why I should try and explain why we'll go that far...that's what the preview is for...but I've already had this discussion with you I believe in another thread.

 

<div class="quote_poster">Quoting GiantMidget:</div><div class="quote_post">"I project a 3rd seed as well but a second round exit."

Does anyone else think that everything with this statement is wrong? So to get to the playoffs they'll have to finish ahead of the teams theyre competitive with being utah,portland,pheonix,yes i said phoenix.LA has ZERO low post scoring.If you look at the top teams in the west they all have low post scoring and presence.Excuse me not top teams, all playoff bound teams have low post scoring and presence.With that being said how can the lakers win the pacific over Sac,let alone make the playoffs.Onto the next overly optimistic prediction, who are the lakers going to beat in the playoffs? 2nd round?The only 2nd of anything LA might taste is the pacific division.Its the western conference yall, not the east. Last knock on the lakers that no one seems to have considered is that its a new team, the only players that know eachother are the 3 former miami players.My prediction for LA's season is a fight for 2nd in the pacific with pheonix. Take a look at each teams starting 5,pheonix's sure looks better to me.
PHX
1-nash
2-Q rich
3-marion
4-stoudemire
5-voskul
LA
1-atkins
2-bryant
3-odom
4-grant
5-divac/mihm?
The rest of the season depends on one variable, karl malone. IF he comes back at the time hes projected to and can contribute at least as much as he did last year, LA has a legit chance to MAKE the playoffs. If not, summer starts early for the lakers...</div>

Wait you first say that the Lakers are going to be the 3rd seed but then you say they will struggle to make the play offs? Ver interesting.

The Lakers will definetly make make the play offss. That is a fact. THey will fight for the top seed in thier division with the kings, but they will imo triumphant. The Suns? The suns have so many fan boys, overrating them so much. I doubt the Suns make the play offs. As real deal said a team full of stars isnt alwas the best answer. You can tell that by the lakers of last year. 4 future hall of famers, yet they lost.

Projected Line ups

Lakers
C-Chris Mihm
PF- Brian Grant
SF- Lamar Odom
SG- Kobe BRyant
PG- Chucky Atkins
Valuable bench players(starting material): Caron Butler, Vlade Divac, Tierre Brown

Suns
C- Voscull
PF- Amare SToudemire
SF- Shawn Marion
SG- Quentin Richardson
PG- Steve NAsh
Becnh cpable of starting- Joe Johnson

Well when you say the lakers have no inside presence they have Vlade, Brian Gran, and LAmar Odom possibly. That isnt good but it definetly doesnt suck. When your starting center is Voskull i don't think you should be talking.

Steve NAsh will be the key to your suns. With out him you guys will be totally screwed up. It is the Suns indeed who will be fighting for their play off spot.

btw: nice prevoew real deal it gives every one a view on the lakers.

 

Let me clear up the confusion by saying i never said the lakers would finish third, that quote was taken from someone elses post but it looks like i posted it because im a new member and cant use the "quote message" feature yet.Get it? The suns arent my team i only mentioned them because i think they'll be competitive with LA for 2nd in the pacific.Needed a team to use as an example to put the lakers team into perspective for anyone who isnt already a laker lover, since theyre already convinced they'll be a top playoff seed. Brian grant is already undersized and playing in the west will only make it harder for him to be effective.Vlade is old and slow "Vlade cant guard noboday".He is,however, the best passing big man and will be good for their offense.LA's big men rotation is simply too flimsy to compete in the west. Also, since when is tierre brown capable of being a starter and comparable to steve francis? Thats nuts. Lastly i dont know how you can brand me as someone that thinks star studded talent will always push further than a team with chemistry when i made the point that LA is a team of players that are new to eachother,hence little to no chemistry...