Didier 'DJ' Mbenga Appreciation Thread

Enforcer · Joined: 07 Apr 2008 Posts: 1797 Location: The internets

I laughed when DJ took a fancy jumper man9

JSM · Posted: Thu Apr 24, 2008 9:38 am Post subject:

CarolinaLakerFan · Joined: 13 Jun 2006 Posts: 315 Location: South Carolina

VincentTH · Joined: 12 Mar 2008 Posts: 40

JSM · Posted: Sat Apr 26, 2008 7:13 pm Post subject:

He didn't dominate like he did in game 2 but he had a pretty decent game for only 7 1/2 minutes of play.

1 J
1 board
1 interception steal
stopped JR from getting an easy dunk

It's good that he's stepping up because Ronny clearly isn't 100% right yet.
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Kobe Bryant 8 · CL's Voice of Reason Joined: 16 Dec 2004 Posts: 13053

karacha · Joined: 01 Nov 2005 Posts: 15721

We can definitely use Mbenga next year. Frees up Ronny to play 4 100% of the time, and also limits Pau's minutes at center.

DJ is a perfect deep bench guy: hard worker, good attitude, plays good D... fouls too much, but that's not a problem at all when playing limited minutes - and on top of that he is super-strong. No one can push him around.
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Kobe Bryant 8 · CL's Voice of Reason Joined: 16 Dec 2004 Posts: 13053

d.carter4kobe · Joined: 21 Jul 2005 Posts: 1010

JSM · Posted: Sat Apr 26, 2008 7:49 pm Post subject:

I have to say that if Mitch doesn't bring him back I will be very disappointed.

Offer him a two year, $2.5-3m contract.

-He's cheap.
-A great team player, says he's here to do whatever Phil wants him to do.
-Has no ego whatsoever.
-Clearly is no stranger to the weight room.
-Spends a lot of time working on his game as you can tell a big difference between the DJ that showed up in LA to the DJ that played today.
-Sought out Kareem to help him on his offensive game and it's pretty evident with his developing hook shot and outside touch he's shown from time to time.
-Is a good defender and moves his feet quick enough to keep up with quick bigs like Dirk.
-Intimidates smaller guys with his blocking ability .
-He's a good clubbing buddy for Ronny.

If the Lakers give him some guidance and goals as to what they'd like to see him work on this summer, I think we could have ourselves a very nice backup for Drew next season.
-I'd have him continue to work on his offensive game with Kareem, with whatever Lakers are hanging out at the practice facilities this summer, and by himself some.
-I'd have him continue to work on his boxing out. It was very poor when he got here and has improved quite a bit, especially when he sets his mind to it, but he clearly can still improve.
-And Id like to see him work on his rebounding. He showed he's capable of rebounding like in game two when he was giving his best Dennis Rodman impersonation.

I think Mihm is done and now we don't have Marc Gasol coming over, we could really use DJ next season.
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mapabu1 · Joined: 02 Jul 2007 Posts: 2572

I thin DJ deserves to be back next year and get rid of Mihm

halekulani · Joined: 14 Jul 2005 Posts: 5815

mihm has been dead to me for like the past two years
i can't believe you guys still talk about him. it's like talking about aaron mckie. dude plays 2 min a year.

kop5789 · Joined: 20 Apr 2008 Posts: 504

JSM · Posted: Sat Apr 26, 2008 8:43 pm Post subject:

One thing I forgot to mention in my previous post. Phil playing him in the playoffs, albeit only when Ronny is under the weather, shows to me that Phil does have some faith in him or he would have went with Mihm over him. Once the season ended, I didn't know when the next time we'd see DJ on the floor again.

With Phil trusting him and him stepping up on this stage (especially if it continues), I think it certainly helps his case to be on the team next season.
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Laker's Fan · Joined: 08 Jun 2006 Posts: 249 Location: Santa Barbara

Just think, we were considering Webber or Mbenga. Webber retired in the first 5 games of his comeback while Mbenga, a player GS cut, has provided some good tough play.

Another good move by Laker managment. Mitch and Co are really on their game this year. Even Newble was a good move.
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JSM · Posted: Mon Apr 28, 2008 9:47 pm Post subject:

Spectacular first half by DJ.

His play slacked off a bit when he came in during the 2nd half.

But his tip-in jam off of Kobe's miss, his spoon fed dunk from Kobe, and his swat on Nene were all terrific.

Good energy in general tonight.

I'm not sure how effective he'll be against the Jazz. I think Phil will go with Ronny against Millsap. Maybe if Okur is in the game and Pau is on the bench, DJ might get some time.
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Enforcer · Joined: 07 Apr 2008 Posts: 1797 Location: The internets

Props to DJ for making the most out of his brief minutes.

two0one7 · Joined: 21 Jul 2007 Posts: 8550 Location: Laker Land

Didier comes through again! He's doing really well in these short burst Phil gives him.
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PC · Joined: 07 Feb 2008 Posts: 263 Location: L.A.

anyone post a video yet of the dunk???
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BDG · Posted: Mon Apr 28, 2008 9:55 pm Post subject:

DJ needs to be back here next year, even if it's as our 15th man.
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Slava laughed at the suggestion his skills might be affected by the down time. "Are you kidding?" he said. "Basketball is like ball. It's all a circle."

BEST VIDEO EVER ... AND AND THE SECOND BEST.

Laker7 · Joined: 21 May 2005 Posts: 64 Location: Past left field

lakerfan2 · Joined: 21 Feb 2007 Posts: 2847

that putback slam. man4

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Splash · Joined: 02 May 2007 Posts: 311 Location: City of Angels

Mbenga is tight man....

BUT OHHHHHH MY....OHH MYYYY.....

I don't think I recall a dude that's been posterized...OVER...AND OVER...AND OVER AGAIN!!!

Hahah. Boy needs to work on his hops! Either that...or just foul the crud out of the opposing player so he prevents himself from being the good ol' NBA poster child....lol.

All in all though, we're fortunate to have him on the squad and I truly appreciate his attitude, work ethic, hustle, and passion.

Go Lakers!!!

Andrew Evenstar · Posted: Mon Apr 28, 2008 11:32 pm Post subject:

SSpyder · Joined: 16 Oct 2007 Posts: 185

doggy dogg · Joined: 22 Jun 2004 Posts: 1266

KareemTheGreat33 · Joined: 09 Jul 2004 Posts: 1755 Location: Philippines

yong · Joined: 02 Apr 2006 Posts: 1995

hahaha. what a pick up by mitch.

and to think GS cut him when they are in serious need for a big man.

what were they thinking?!

i still remember their fans said that mbenga has bad hands, can't rebound, low bball iq, can't finish etc etc.

man.... i guess our expectations of big men have dropped so much, cause i am pretty satisfied with mbenga. especially when we had kwame....... before....

Nak · Joined: 03 Feb 2008 Posts: 1449 Location: Huelva, Spain

As I said in the game thread, Mbenga derserves a bigger role in the rotation. He is a hustle player, a warrior in the middle.
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BRING RON TO LA.

lotus · Joined: 13 May 2006 Posts: 500