2005/2006: Looking In the Lakers Rear View

Ahh, what a depressing way to go out. Nevermind that. The Lakers exceeded many people's expectations and they should come back strong next year.

In this thread, I'm going to look back at the roster, post my opinions on the offseason, and predict next season.

I'll do this once I get back.

 

<u>The Roster</u>

<u>Smush Parker</u>
Season Statistics: 11.5 PPG, 3.3 RPG, 3.7 APG, .447% FG, .366% 3PT, +12.65 Efficiency Rating.

[imgl]http://www.nba.com/media/playerfile/smush_parker.jpg[/imgl]Smush Parker had his ups and downs this year. He would go through stretches where his game was starter material. Then he'd turn around and go through stretches where he was NBDL material. He was good for some steals...which really didn't help us much. For every steal he got, he would give up 3-6 baskets because he gambled a lot. He would occasionally have games where he would score at will. But most of his points came from wide open shots and drives. What kills Smush's grade though is his post-season performance. It was attrocious...and that's being kind. He around 30% from the field and was torched non-stop on defense. Maybe if Smush had more of an effect in the first round, the Lakers might be moving on to the second round. GRADE: C-

<u>Sasha Vujacic</u>
Season Statistics: 3.9 PPG, 1.9 RPG, 1.7 APG, .346% FG, .343% 3PT, +5.00 Efficiency Rating.

[imgl]http://www.nba.com/media/playerfile/sasha_vujacic.jpg[/imgl]He wasn't strong all season, nor was he strong for half of the season. Sasha really came on during the playoffs. He's a pesky defender that can grab steals in bunches. He's quick and he can shoot, whether he's shown it or not. This offseason, I'm looking for Sasha to really work out hard, try to bulk up. I also want him to find his shot, because he has deadly accuracy. If he can limit his gambling on defense and limit his foul attraction, Sasha could have a solid bench role with the Lakers for some years. GRADE: C

<u>Luke Walton</u>
Season Statistics: 5.0 PPG, 3.6 RPG, 2.3 APG, .412% FG, .327% 3PT, 7.45 Efficiency Rating.

[imgl]http://www.nba.com/media/playerfile/luke_walton.jpg[/imgl]Luke Walton was the reason for the Lakers turned around play in the second half. After a horrid first half of the season, Luke turned back into the player that Phil Jackson fell in love with. He was going to the hoop with intentions to score, he was finding open men, grabbing rebounds...he became the X factor the Lakers wanted him to. In the post-season, Walton scored more than what was expected from him. He also played some nice defense. If Luke can keep this up next year, he'll become the 6th man this team needs. GRADE: B

<u>Ronny Turiaf</u>
Season Statistics: 2.0 PPG, 1.6 RPG, 0.3 APG, .500% FG%, +3.00 Efficiency Rating.

No Picture Available. Ronny Turiaf has a heart-wrenching story. After recovering from life threatening surgery, he became the Lakers source of energy. Whether it was grabbing a key rebound, blocking a key shot, or just one of his crazy dances, the team and the fans fell in love with him right away. With a guarantee from Kobe to take him under his wing, expect Turiaf's work ethic, which is great already, to improve. He has no where to go but up from here. He has a nice offensive arsenal in his game, including a 17 foot jumper. He also has good defensive skills. Turiaf has a young, bright future. Let's watch him explode. GRADE: B

<u>Chris Mihm</u>
Season Statistics: 10.2 PPG, 6.3 RPG, 1.0 APG, .501% FG, +12.85 Efficiency Rating.

[imgl]http://www.nba.com/media/playerfile/chris_mihm.jpg[/imgl]After being the Lakers most consistent weapon other than Kobe in the first half, Mihm had an injury infested second half. He lost his starting spot to Kwame Brown when he went down with a severly sprained ankle, and he never got the spot back. He didn't see any minutes in the playoffs. Mihm is becoming a solid center with instructions from Kareem Abdul-Jabar. He has an effective jumper, and a solid post hook. If he can improve his defense and become more aggressive on th4e boards, he'll be in the Brad Miller range of centers. GRADE: C+

<u>Aaron McKie</u>
Season Statistics: 0.5 PPG, 1.4 RPG, 0.8 APG, .250% FG, +2.21 Efficiency Rating.

[imgl]http://www.nba.com/media/playerfile/aaron_mckie.jpg[/imgl]McKie got injured early in the year and from their on his stint with the Lakers was short-lived. He showed his age in the time he did get. The former 6th man didn't even average a point a game. Some people thought the Lakers were saving him for the play-offs, but he didn't see any time. I think it'd be best for McKie if he retired, because he won't have an effect on any team in this league. GRADE: F


<u>Jim Jackson</u>
Season Statistics: 3.0 PPG, 1.9 RPG, 0.9 APG, .290% FG, .364% 3PT, +2.45 Efficiency Rating.

[imgl]http://www.nba.com/media/playerfile/jim_jackson.jpg[/imgl]Brought in to bring some veteran leadership, outside scoring, and versatility to the team, Jackson actually brought good looks to the bench. Rumors were flying that Phil refused to play him because management didn't pull the trigger on an Artest trade. But I think Jimmy never really got into playing shape. He was slow on defense, his shots were short, and there was no news of him stepping up verbally. It's pretty obvious I think that Jim won't be back next year. GRADE: F

<u>Devean George</u>
Season Statistics: 6.3 PPG, 3.9 RPG, 1.0 APG, .400% FG, .313% 3PT, +7.79 Efficiency Rating.

[imgl]http://www.nba.com/media/playerfile/devean_george.jpg[/imgl]Once again, George dealt with some injuries this year. He also had games were he was horrendous and games where he fulfilled his talent. The fans like him, but he could have wasted his last chance with management. He's notorious for not living up to expectations and his fuse has run out. He had a horrible play-off series. He also got into it with Kobe during the play-offs because of missed assignments...how does he miss an assignment? He knows the triangle better than anyone on the team not named Kobe. I don't expect him back.GRADE: D

<u>Brian Cook</u>
Season Statistics: 7.9 PPG, 3.4 RPG, 0.9 APG, .511% FG, .429% 3PT, +9.02 Efficiency Rating.

[imgl]http://www.nba.com/media/playerfile/brian_cook.jpg[/imgl]Brian Cook had a pretty damn good year. He hit some big shots and had some big games when Kobe was suspended. Cook has the ability to score from anywhere on the court. His release is quick and his stroke is beautiful. He can change the other teams defensive scheme because he can show up on any given night. Next year, I think you'll see Cook putting up about 12 a game. He should get wide open shots all year long if Kobe plays like he did in the Lakers 3 wins during the playoffs. GRADE: B

<u>Andrew Bynum</u>
Season Statistics: 1.9 PPG, 1.7 RPG, 0.2 APG, .402% FG, +2.26 Efficiency Rating.

[imgl]http://www.nba.com/media/playerfile/andrew_bynum.jpg[/imgl]Being coined the carrier of the torch for the Lakers, Bynum had a quietly successful rookie season. It didn't show during the games, but it did in practice. He bulked up, slimmed down, added some nice shots to his post game. This offseason is going to be huge for Bynum. He has a full offseason to work with his mentor, Kareem Abdul-Jabar. He has a full offseason to bulk up. He has a full offseason to work on his speed. He has a full offseason to work on his release. He has a full offseason to lose some weight. He has a full offseason to improve and mature. I'm looking for him to become a solid role player next year. GRADE: B

<u>Kwame Brown</u>
Season Statistics: 7.4 PPG, 6.6 RPG, 1.0 APG, .526% FG, +10.60 Efficiency Rating.

[imgl]http://www.nba.com/media/playerfile/kwame_brown.jpg[/imgl]If Kwame would've played at center all year long, he would've averaged 13 and 8. He struggled worse than he did in Washington at PF this year, but when moved to center, Kwame blossomed. To go along with that, his post defense was top notch. If Kwame's still with us next year, I'm expecting him to be our starting center...unfortunately, I think Kwame will be shipped with possibly Odom in a blockbuster for KG...or shipped with a draft pick and a filler for Jermaine O'neal. If he is with us though, he'll have an impact all year long. GRADE: C+

<u>Lamar Odom</u>
Season Statistics: 14.8 PPG, 9.2 RPG, 5.5 APG, .481% FG, .372% 3PT, +21.45 Efficiency Rating.

[imgl]http://www.nba.com/media/playerfile/lamar_odom.jpg[/imgl]It took a while for Lamar to get used to Phil Jackson and the triangle, but when he did...he was deadly. He came on very strong at the end of the season and during the playoffs and it should carry into next year. Part of me doesn't want Lamar to go anywhere, and part of me wants him to be offered to Minnesota. If not traded, I expect 20, 10, and 5 from Lamar next season. GRADE: B-


<u>Kobe Bryant</u>
Season Statistics: 35.4 PPG, 5.3 RPG, 4.5 APG, .450% FG, .347% 3PT, +27.82 Efficiency Rating.

[imgl]http://www.nba.com/media/playerfile/kobe_bryant.jpg[/imgl]After an MVP deserving season and a heart breaking exit from the play-offs, Kobe Bryant matured a lot as a player and even as a leader. Breaking scoring records left and right, including his amazing 81 point game and 62 points in 3 quarters, Bryant has tattoo'd his name in record books forever. During the playoffs, Kobe changed his style of play and it improved the Lakers into an elite status. If Kobe can come in next year with the same mind-state of getting everyone involved, the Lakers will be a 55+ win team. I'm hoping for stats such as 27 PPG, 7 RPG, and 6 APG next year on 47% shooting. GRADe: A+


<u>The Offseason (This is what I want to happen):</u>
Sign a Veteran PG: There are rumors flying that Sam Cassell could bolt the Clippers for...the Lakers. He brings veteran leadership, winning, and skills to the club if he does sign. By signing a veteran PG, the Lakers bring more maturity and veteranship to the young squad. It also moves Smush Parker to the bench.

Draft a Young PG: Jordan Farmer, Dee Brown, Mustafa Shakur, Darius Washington Jr. These are all PG's in the draft that could have a bigger effect on our team than Smush Parker. Some of them can even be our future PG's. Drafting a young PG and molding him is something the Lakers must do. They haven't been able to get an effective PG in a while.

Get a Solid Big: Kevin Garnett or Jermaine O'neal would be ideal for this team and they are both on the trade block. Kevin Garnett is great friends with Kobe Bryant and the Lakers have some pieces they can string together to aquire him. Jermaine O'neal had an injury-plagued year, but I think he could have a monsterous effect on this team. Whatever they do, the Lakers shouldn't make a run at Kenyon Martin. He's all hype, solid role player.

<u>Next Year</u>
Honestly, no bias here, I see the Lakers being a 55+ win team IF they play like they did when they won 3 straight games against the Suns. That involves: Lamar Odom being the primary scorer and aggressive for the first half, Kobe Bryant creating for the first 3 quarters, Kwame Brown going to work in the post, and the other role players hitting shots that are created for them. It's a lot to ask for, but the Lakers showed they could do it. I'd like to see Lamar put up 20+, 10+, and 5+ a game. For Kobe, I'd like 27, 6+, and 6+.

If the Lakers make a move in the offseason, which is very possible as Phil Jackson said there would be big changes, it could hurt or help them. Depending on the moves, the Lakers could improve if the person is a quick learner or they could take a step back if it takes the player some time to learn the triangle.

Either way, I think we can expect an even more mature Kobe, a more aggressive Odom, and a solid Kwame Brown. This team did a lot of growing up pushing the Suns to 7 games. They gained a lot of experience from it and it should add some swagger to their step next year.

The 2006/2007 Laker season should be an exciting one full of entertainment, let's get ready!

 

How many games did we lose in the final 3 minutes this year? If we play with Kobe as initiator, he'll have his legs in the 4th (game 4 against PHX). With his legs, he'll put us in position to win all those games that we lost in the last 3 minutes. That's an additonal 4-6 wins.

 

Those aren't B's for potential, they actually showed something. Did Von Wafer bring energy, defense (shot altering, shot blocking, help, post), rebounding, some scoring and inspiration to the game, like Turiaf? I think not. Why do you think Phil Jackson put Turiaf in the game during the playoffs? He had an immediate impact on that game. I think he scored something like 7 points in his first 4 mintues. Why do you think Kobe Bryant is taking Ronny Turiaf under his wing? Because the kid leaves his heart and soul out there on the court every damn game. He expends more energy on the bench cheering his teammates on and supporting them than Wafer did in the NBDL. Wafer has an attitude of a street thug, on the other hand. If you try to criticize him, he explodes at you beacuse "you don't know what you're taking about." The day Wafer has potential will be the day that he shapes up, starts listening (why do you think he spent so much time down in the D league?), and starts doing more than jacking up 3's.

Andrew Bynum progressed lots this season. At the beginning of the year, he could barely bench 175 pounds. Now he's benching near 250. He bulked up like crazy, added a quick spin move and a hook shot to his game. When Kareem Abdul-Jabar rants and raves about you, you deserve more than a C.

 

<div class="quote_poster">Quoting Franchise4Ever:</div><div class="quote_post">Have you guys heard anything about Wafer? He says he looks up to Kobe and says Kobe is like a mentor and father to him. He also said that Kobe only expects the best from him and he hopes to show him that best. He said all of this in a interview before the D league championship.</div>

And you think Kobe thinks the same about him? Why would Kobe teach some kid with a punk attitude? Kobe is a winner, he'll teach someone who wants to win, not who thinks they don't belong in the d league.


<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">Just because there isn't any progress thats mentioned doesn't mean its not there. I said if your going to give Bynum and Turiaf a B for potential then give Wafer a C and mention him as well. Just because Bynum developed those moves doesn't mean he is gonna be good, again your basing those grades on speculation.</div>

If there was progress, why was he sent down to the D league when the Lakers needed a backup for Kobe? He obviously didn't progress at all, especially when there's basically no other SG on the roster.

<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">Ronny played 23 games, started 1, and played 7 MPG.
Bynum played 40 games, and averaged 7.3 MPG.
Wafer however only played 16 games, shot 17 three's, thats about 1.06 threes a game, so when does he just jack them up? His most three's attempted in a game is only 2.</div>

Did you watch those games he played in? He jacked the threes up. He didn't look for an open man, he didn't try and create his own shot. He would shoot with a man in his face or not, Phil Jackson doesn't like that. Why would he even continue shooting 3's if he was 2-17 last year? That's disgusting, thats .118%. He couldn't hit a shot from anywhere on the floor, .158%. Where are you getting this kid's explosive from? Because he was in college and the scouts said so? That doesn't mean jack.... in the NBA. He needs to lose his arrogance because no one cares about him in this league. Nobody outside of diehard Laker fans know who he is.

<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">Von Wafer showed he can be explosive, he is only a rookie, only 20 years old, and already sees Kobe as a mentor(wants to learn from him).</div>

Everybody wants to learn from Kobe, doesn't mean they will. Von needs to lose his attitude, because 99.9% of the league is better than him. He doesn't have anybodies respect. He needs to earn it. And what explosiveness did he show? He only had one dunk this year...that's not real explosive.

<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">Von may have a bad attitude but he is only 20 years old, his coach is the Zen freaking master, and I'm positive Kobe and the rest of the squad can clear up any problems he has. He should be up there IMO with atleast a C-</div>

So what if he's 20? Usually people with bad attitudes don't lose it. Look at Isiah Rider, JR Smith, Kenyon Martin, Bobby Flippin' Knight. Why would Kobe and the rest of the squad help Von? He needs to prove himself first. How does he warrant a C-? He was horrrible, he didn't change the flow of the game at all for the Lakers, he didn't have an effect on the season, he certainly didn't have an effect in the D league either. Wafer was the 39th pick for a reason...he's not going to be anything in this league, I bet my membership at JBB here on that.

 

<div class="quote_poster">Quoting Franchise4Ever:</div><div class="quote_post">He only played 16 games with Pjax meaning he doesn't know squat, give him 2 years experience and I bet all of those flaws you just said will have improved.</div>

Why do you think he's played 16 games? After Laron Profit went down with injury, there was no backup for Kobe...why didn't Wafer get the time? Because he's lazy. He didn't earn it. With Jackson, you have to earn your playing time, you have to earn it in practice. If he didn't get PT, that shows a lot about his work ethic. Without work ethic in this league, you go no where.

<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">Give me a break, he showed he can get to the rim and finish, is fast, and if he was to keep play like that up while still developing a jumper he would be good.</div>

Yeah, he's a great finisher you know...with his wonderful FG%


<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">Once he loses that he will be so much better.</div>
You're acting like this guy has star written all over him...he's going to be nothing more than a 6th man in this league.


<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">So I guess Andrew Bynum has respect, did one spin move to a dunk, and he is automatically a B?</div>

Andrew has more respect than Wafer. Andrew doesn't have an attitude, he wants to learn. He showed flashes of what he could do. That spin move on Shaq? Blocked Shots? Rebounds? Hooks? All of those were positive signs for the young stud.

<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">You are giving him a B for what you want him to do? Who is to say he is going to do that? Thats just speculation, if your going to go on that then you can say Von Wafer has had a mediocre rookie season he needs to work on his shot, learn PJax's system, etc. etc.</div>

Mediocore in 16 games? You just said he didn't get enough time, so he can't have a mediocore season. He'll be back in the D league next year, watch.

<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">And Bynum did? Getting a dunk on Shaq wasn't enough to completely throw them out of whack. In the 40 games he played did he change the momentum in any of them? Since apparently Wafer hasn't you must be implying that he did. I agree that Turiaf and Bynum should get B's but to leave out Wafer and not even give him a C- at the least is bull. Even a D- I would be happy with. This kid has potential, I can't believe I am the only one to see it.</div>

That Heat game, Bynum did change it. He gave the Lakers a lot of momentum. They fed off of that because he's supposed to be the next dominant big man for the Lakers. The crowd fed off of the energy and so did the players. Bynum came into a lot of games and blocked shots, altered shots, kept a lot of balls alive on the offensive end. He did a hell of a lot more than Wafer did. Wafer was just a spot on the bench. How can a kid have potential if he struggled in the D league?

<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">This is just taking a jab at Wafer and has nothing to back it up whatsoever. This is just a hater statement, and I never expected that from you.</div>

You don't even know me, you don't expect anything. Why do you think he was taken with the 39th pick. The Lakers have wanted a player who brings some athleticism to the team, so they took wafer. I bet they didn't take him for his three point shooting.

<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">He is a rookie so where did the "last year" come from. Even if someone is cold one game and keeps shooting and has an atrocious shooting night they should keep shooting to get hot. I sure as hell don't hear **** about when Kobe has those 11-34 nights, or worse. To fault this kid on his rookie season for not even knowing PJax's style of play and play sets is just a bull statement.</div>

Last year as in the season that just ended. Wafer didn't have a cold game, he had an attrocious season. The kid had a full offseason to learn Pjax's system. If Bynum can do it in the same amount of time, and Turiaf in half the time, that says something for Wafer's ability to learn. Did Kobe make up for those nights? Don't even mention Wafer in the same breath as Kobe, it's disrespectful. And yes, people did complain about Kobe shooting too much.

<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">He has a bright future, expect his work ethic explode, and he dances deserve a B?</div>

Did you not watch the playoffs, did you not see the effect he had in the first half. He scored, he defended, he hit his free throws. He has a hard work ethic, he works for his PT. Obviously Wafer doesn't work, because he doesn't get any PT. Why wasn't Ronnie sent down to the D league after open heart surgery? Because he committed himself to Phil Jackson and the Lakers, something Wafer hasn't.

<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">If he can find his shot and stop gambling he can bea good player for some years? And that gets a C? Why can't/couldn't you have put those about Von Wafer? If he finds his shot, stop gambles, and gets a good work ethic could be put in the overview.</div>

Wafer didn't earn his PT this year, that's why he doesn't deserve a grade. If he did, it would be a D. Ask a lot of Laker fans, they don't even like the cat. He's an undersized SG (the ideal size is 6'6, sure it's only an inch, but he isn't strong, either) and too big for a PG. He's going to struggle in this league, watch and see.

Your not making any sense here. I agree about the Bynum and Turiaf assessment but to not include another potential player is just "highway robbery" [/QUOTE]
Sasha earned everything this year. He was our peskiest defender. He created steals, played solid D and he found his shot in the PHX series. Sasha has a lot more upside than Wafer, and it's starting to show. Sasha struggled because he's from Europe, but now that he has learned the American game, PJax puts himin when we need a defensive player to stop the other teams PG.

 

I don't think Von Wafer's ever been talked about this much all season. I don't think he played enough to warrant a grade. I'd give him an I for Incomplete at this point.

I'd give Turiaf an A+ this season. Why? He busted his butt to get back on the court after having open heart surgery. The fact he played at all this season was a miracle and something any NBA fan has to respect. Even if he doesn't play a single minute on the court, he's cheering and encouraging his teammates all game long. The intangibles he brings to the Lakers were key for this team coming together and building chemistry.

Andrew Bynum I think a C grade is fair for him. He should some flashes of his potential, but he also showed some grade school mistakes on the court.

 

<div class="quote_poster">Quoting Franchise4Ever:</div><div class="quote_post">From your previous posts I thought otherwise, but apparently everyone on internet forums is snot nose little brats like yourself who think your opinion is more valuable than anything else.</div>

That's warning number 1, another personal attack will get you a 3 day suspension because all Laker fans have been previously warned because of the heated arguments they had with Suns fans.

<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">Most of your arguement is based on opinion rather than anything else. Also the other parts of your arguement are not even valid since you probably don't know anything about that. You questioned Von's work ethic yet
Who is to say that Von doesn't work on his game? Who's to say that he won't get over the slump of his poor atitude. Even if he is only to be destined to be a 6th man there has been a lot of good 6th men. Look at Ben Gordon of this day and age. The Sasha comments make you look like a hypocrite since everyone was saying Sasha sucked earlier. I was the only one who was defending him and saying he was good.</div>

What's the only news people heard about Von? He was sent down to the D league, where he sucked. What about Bynum? You heard about his improvement. Turiaf? You heard about his improvement...Wafer's improvement was great man! It was beautiful . You hear about player improvements all the time in LA, it's the media capital of the country along with NY.

The day Von Wafer can even hang with Ben Gordon will be the day that the Lakers win 5 championships in a row. Ben Gordon is stronger, much more mature, has a better attitude, a better work ethic, better skills, better shot, better clutch abilities, basically he's far better than Wafer can dream of being. Gordon came in to Chicago and made a huge impact from day 1. Wafer couldn't even make an impact on his D league team.



<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">Size has nothing to do with position and you should know that. A 6'2 could be a center if he met the right requirements and could do the impossible. I also can't believe you used he isn't strong as part of your arguement. </div>

Actually size has a lot to do with position. You'll never see a 6'2 center because they're not strong enough to grab rebounds over 7'0 people. I'm not saying a 6'5 person can't be successful @ SG, because he can...easily. But he has a lot of disadvantages such as size, strength, and if he faces someone with some length, he'll have problems getting shots with good looks. Size has a lot to do with position, common sense will tell you that.



<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">Who is to say Von can't get stronger? Who is to say he hasn't already?

Von deserves a C- for potential I would even be satisfied with a D-. Lastly what position in the draft you had has nothing to do with the player. Ben Wallace wasn't even drafted and yet he is a good player.</div>

I'll give you credit for draft positioning, I forgot all about Ben Wallace. How do I know that Von didn't get stronger? Because he couldn't have an impact in the D league. He was stinking it up down there. Maybe he can be an effective bench role player for the Lakers, but I just don't see it.