With the roster of the Lakers as of now looking like it will be: Gary Payton, Kobe Bryant, Caron Butler, Lamar Odom, Brian Grant, Vlade Divac, Kareem Rush, Luke Walton, Sasha Vujacic, Devean George, Rick Fox, Brian Cook, and possibly Slava and Douthit... what do you think the most effective rotations would be like, and what kind of offense would you like to see them run? although not likely, i would love to see Rudy T experiment with a starting lineup that could potentially cause a lot of matchup problems for many teams in the league. The lineup i would love to see starting games for us would be very big, athletic, long, and quick that could move the ball well. G: Kobe Bryant G: Caron Butler F: Lamar Odom F: Brian Grant C: Vlade Divac Kobe has always proven to be a very effective defender (the lakers most effective defender) on either guard position throughout the past few years. That being said, I think he would be fully capable of guarding starting pg's throughout the league. On the offensive end, teams would be hard pressed to figure out how to defend this team. From the 1-3, no other team would even be able to fathom having a starting lineup that had an average height of 6'8 and still be quick enough to play defense. The Spurs, Kings, Wolves, etc. would be forced to make a decision as to who Parker, Bibby, Cassell etc. would guard on defense and regardless of who they choose (most likely caron butler), they are going to be severely undersized in this matchup. Although the Lakers would not have a true PG in this lineup, Kobe and Odom would be able to split the ball-handling and playmaking duties (much like Lamar did for Miami and the Clippers before). Just an interesting thought. As for on offensive set, I think a high post princeton style offense would be ideal for this type of lineup. Brian Grant is still capable of hitting the open 15-18 footer, and Vlade is still able to knock down the 12-14 footer on a fairly consistent basis, not to mention his passing skills are unparalled among big men since Sabonis left the league. This style opens up the area by the basket allowing for a lot of movement and is a very high-energy and uptempo offense. With a lot of backcutting to the basket, Vlade is the ideal center to be feeding the cutters. In addition, this offense also creates a number of isolation situations for players to take their defender off the dribble and get creative in creating plays, a situation in which both kobe and odom would thrive in. I strongly feel that the lakers could be boasting a very deep and athletic team that many people are underestimating in the coming years if they are able to make the right moves in free agency and trades this year and next. Any other thoughts on what lineups you'd like to see, how you think they could be effective, and what kind of offensive sets this team could run?
for non-laker fans, please feel free to be critical, but support your arguments...thanks...i'd like to consider all options and theories before making my final judgement and the previous post was just what i have been thinking at the time... man i hope fox retires so that we can use that $ to sign someone else =T come on buss! give him 5 million to sit in the front office so we can sign a quality big man!
That line up would work especially with the loss of Fisher. I would like to see Rush in the line up at some point for the shooting he can provide, He could be the shooter they need on drives from Kobe and Lamar. I definetly think this team needs to run run run. I may consider inserting Rush or George and taking out Divac or Grant, Putting odom at the 4. That would allow them play even more up tempo. Thge Lakers Almost need to turn into a High fly act, and you have a point in saying they may have the guys to do it. Unfortunatly the best way to keep teams off the break is to put the ball in the hoop and with the lack of depth and defense at the 4 and 5 guys like Duncan and Garnett will be putting it in the basket on a regular basis.
SC Brian I like your lineup, but I would make one change to it, so Kobe is not forced to guard Nash, Parker, Bibby, and the other fast guards in the league. Kobe is capable of guarding them, but I'd rather not have him be responsible keeping up with them for an entire ball game. He would wear down, and also pick up cheap reach in fouls or get called for bumping them when they try to turn the corner on him. I would put Kareem Rush in the starting lineup, move Odom to the 4, and put Grant on the bench. Kareem Rush gives the Lakers a consistent shooter on the floor, and he can take on the task of guarding the opponents point guards. If Rush picks up some cheap fouls, he's not as detrimental to the teams success as Kobe is. The Lakers could easily insert Payton into the lineup. Odom had a monster year last season at the 4. Sure he was in the East getting away with it on most nights, but I don't see why he can't produce in the West at the 4. Aside from Duncan, Garnett, and a few others, Odom should be able to have an advantage in the majority of the games playing the 4 spot. My Lineup PG - Kobe (on offense, sg on defense) SG - Rush (on offense, pg on defense) SF - Butler PF - Odom C - Divac
I would go with this lineup: PG: Payton SG: Bryant SF: Butler PF: Odom C: Divac I think I'm really starting to believe Payton's excuse about his ineffectiveness offensively with Phil's triangle offense, and I'm willing to give him one more shot at the point. If Payton screws up yet again, I'd consider putting Vujacic depending on if he's ready for the NBA. I've already heard from news articles saying that Rudy T is going to allow Payton to roam around offensively, similar to how Payton was back in his glory days with Seattle. As for our shooting guard, I'd stick with Kobe there offensively and defensively. He's comfortable as a two guard, and he's made for a two guard. In our frontcourt, I'd stick with Butler. Who else do we have as our small forward that can take his spot? Devean George or Rick Fox? Butler, before his injury-plauged season, averaged 15.4 points 5.10 rebounds and 2.7 assists, so these stats alone prove that he is a proven scorer when the opportunity comes. Odom contributed in the Eastern Conference, so why would his stats decrease in the West? Heck, he did play for the LA Clippers once in his career, so I'd expect he has a feel for the Western Conference's firepower at the PF position. As for Vlade Divac, there's nobody else at the center position that has the meat in the interior. His production, however small they may be by the fewer minutes he may contribute, should be a plus.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting Emo:</div><div class="quote_post">I would go with this lineup: PG: Payton SG: Bryant SF: Butler PF: Odom C: Divac I think I'm really starting to believe Payton's excuse about his ineffectiveness offensively with Phil's triangle offense, and I'm willing to give him one more shot at the point. If Payton screws up yet again, I'd consider putting Vujacic depending on if he's ready for the NBA. I've already heard from news articles saying that Rudy T is going to allow Payton to roam around offensively, similar to how Payton was back in his glory days with Seattle. As for our shooting guard, I'd stick with Kobe there offensively and defensively. He's comfortable as a two guard, and he's made for a two guard. In our frontcourt, I'd stick with Butler. Who else do we have as our small forward that can take his spot? Devean George or Rick Fox? Butler, before his injury-plauged season, averaged 15.4 points 5.10 rebounds and 2.7 assists, so these stats alone prove that he is a proven scorer when the opportunity comes. Odom contributed in the Eastern Conference, so why would his stats decrease in the West? Heck, he did play for the LA Clippers once in his career, so I'd expect he has a feel for the Western Conference's firepower at the PF position. As for Vlade Divac, there's nobody else at the center position that has the meat in the interior. His production, however small they may be by the fewer minutes he may contribute, should be a plus.</div> this is the lineup I see Rudy starting off with for the beginning of the season. Right now, I see the Lakers having too many 3's. Could we trade payton and george for a decent point guard? i've been thinking and thinking and I can't come up with a pg that would work well in the lakers situation.
I'd rather trade Payton and George to get another solid big man. Kobe and Odom can handle the ball handling for the team, and Rush could defend opposing PGs. Assuming we sign Vlade, we are looking at two old men holding down the paint for us in Divac and Grant. I guarantee neither will make it through the entire 82 games, and we don't have much off the bench to back either up. I hope the Payton for Ratliff rumors heat up again.
I would love to get Ratliff having a possible lineup of.. PG- Kobe (On Offense, SG on D) SG- Rush (on Offense, PG on D) SF- Butler PF- Odom C- Ratliff That is one hell of a defensive team with Kobe, Butler and Rat. If that doesnt work out though I would like to see what Emo said, I think Odom can hold it down in the west against most teams I see the only 2 playes giving him trouble being Duncan and Garnett, but everyone struggles against them. Grant and Vlade are just to old to start in this league I think, Vlade would be great off of the bench if we get Theo and Grant is a nice banger that can come of the bench and give a solid performance everynight..
Here you go again just looking at the Offense side of the court. How would Butler Stay with Parker, not a chance. that means that Kobe would have to play Tony Parker and making Kobe work on both side of the court. Now that you have Kobe on Parker. What about Manu Ginobili Who is going to guard him? Butler The Spurs on the Pistons are the only team that play Match-up games we can go BIG OR SMALL You can bring Brent Barry to play point guard or Manu to play it. SO THAT CANCELL BUTLER OUT if Butler had a post game like Kobe or MJ i would worry but even if he does beat Parker we still have something the lakers don't have Two 7' footers waiting
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting Oneinpower:</div><div class="quote_post">Here you go again just looking at the Offense side of the court. How would Butler Stay with Parker, not a chance. that means that Kobe would have to play Tony Parker and making Kobe work on both side of the court. Now that you have Kobe on Parker. What about Manu Ginobili Who is going to guard him? Butler The Spurs on the Pistons are the only team that play Match-up games we can go BIG OR SMALL You can bring Brent Barry to play point guard or Manu to play it. SO THAT CANCELL BUTLER OUT if Butler had a post game like Kobe or MJ i would worry but even if he does beat Parker we still have something the lakers don't have Two 7' footers waiting</div> Hate to break this to you but Butler is a good Defender and could hang with Manu IMO, and who are your 7 footers, Duncan is respectable..but Rasho...please he is worthless he will just pick up fouls..
I'm not sold on Rush defending the point...at times last year, he had trouble staying in front of some of the 2s, let alone a 1 ... The lakers need to sign a small point guard (in the tyronn lue mold) to come off the bench...If they want someone cheap, I've always been a fan of Kareem Reid...I thin he has the ability to match the speed of the Tony Parkers and Mike Bibbys of the league...
Rush guarding the opposing PG is a bit of a stretch, but I like him starting over Payton at this point in their careers. Rush showed some flashes of greatness last season and if he commits to defense, I think he can do the job. I would also like to see the Lakers get a speedster PG, but one who has the strength to defend in the post as well. Pargo was decent for us when we had him, but anytime a guard took him into the paint it was an automatic two. The Lakers don't have any shot blocking as of yet, so getting a guard who can stay in front of the opposing teams PG is a must.
it seems like without a dominate big man these lakers will have a team similar to the mavs. all of them can score, produce offense, but i think the defense will not be as good as in recent years. but relying on offense doesnt get you rings.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting Wink23:</div><div class="quote_post">it seems like without a dominate big man these lakers will have a team similar to the mavs. all of them can score, produce offense, but i think the defense will not be as good as in recent years. but relying on offense doesnt get you rings. </div> Our D isnt bad with Kobe and Butler, if Lamar plays the 3 he will create some mis matches..if we can get Theo our D will be a lot better than it has been in the past couple of years..
The Laker D wasn't very good last year anyway...team defense is going to be key this year...at least they should finally be able to defend the pick n roll.. btw, I didn't list the lineups I want assuming no trades occur: PG: Payton SG: Kobe SF: Butler PF: Odom C: Divac if we can land ratliff for GP (highly doubt it) PG Butler SG Kobe SF Odom PF Grant C Ratliff
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting shapecity:</div><div class="quote_post">Rush guarding the opposing PG is a bit of a stretch, but I like him starting over Payton at this point in their careers. Rush showed some flashes of greatness last season and if he commits to defense, I think he can do the job. I would also like to see the Lakers get a speedster PG, but one who has the strength to defend in the post as well. Pargo was decent for us when we had him, but anytime a guard took him into the paint it was an automatic two.</div> Rush is an excellent shooter when he shoots consistently from the field. I also remember his 30 point outburst he acheived when he was subbed in during Bryant's shoulder injury, but the main problem I have with him is he's like a switch. He can turn it on when he's hot, (much like the series clincher against Minnesota in the Western Conference Finals going 6-7 from the perimeter) and suddenly turn it off, and be a no-show. I agree with you that his defense is a huge question mark, and that it needs a bit of tweaking here and there, so if he can make some adjustments to slowing and containing people for a change, he'll be alright. But starter status? Maybe in a year or two IMO. I think for our speedster point guard, we need an Earl Boykins type of player. One guy that came to mind was Tyronn Lue. I remember what he did in the 2001 Finals by slowing down Allen Iverson, and if we could put that guy to guard the likes of Mike Bibby and Tony Parker, I think he'd give 100% to the best of his ability no matter if he had to guard players from the top of the key to the low post. <div class="quote_poster">Quoting shapecity:</div><div class="quote_post">The Lakers don't have any shot blocking as of yet, so getting a guard who can stay in front of the opposing teams PG is a must.</div> I really hope that we can still get Theo Ratliff even if it means sending probably Gary Payton and Devean George to Portland. For one, Ratliff is a very intimidating force, (something we need since Shaq's departure) owns the glass, and brings out the energy and intensity for each and every basketball game. He never settles for less and leaves everything on the court. If there's still a way to land him to Los Angeles, a frontcourt of Butler, Odom, and Ratliff with Divac coming off the bench would be solid.
This is a really wild idea but if someone like DerMarr Johnson went to the Lakers, do you think it would it help them at all? I was just wondering after looking at the Free Agent List
SCBrian, I like the way you are thinking. Your lineup should have a very nice perimeter defense but a couple aging, declining big men. I like Walton coming in for Grant in an offense like you describe. The biggest problem in the short term is chemistry. You realize there is only one player in the starting lineup from last years team and a new head coach, so basically they are starting from scratch. As my Mavs showed last year, you can't just throw a bunch of talented guys together and expect them to gell in a year.
Not exactly. Odom, Butler and Grant were all starters when playin for the heat, so their is some chemistry right there in the front court. You can be Rudy T will have the 3 play together on some rotations. Kobe can play with anyone at anytime. YOU can bet on Payton scoring more in Rudy T's new offense too.
