Lakers: Training Camp Preview

Hey all,

Here's my Laker preview before Media Day and training camp.

I do my best to paint a positive picture - a few injuries and this thing can go south pretty quickly.

Still - before the season starts - optimism can be contagious.

http://www.hoopsworld.com/article_23496.shtml

Thanks

Eric

Good article. thanks for breaking it down.

I hope caveman has a great year!

I'm not very fond that Cook is still here but I'm happy about another Laker season.

Television is boring without the Lakers.

^Weezy Vlads problem has always been consistency...

even in Seattle he would hit 8 of 10 shots one game and go 2-11 the next 2....

he has NEVER in his career been any consistent even with shooting. Yes, when its said and done he has had solid percentage from beyond the arc but his overall FG has always been around 40% which is absolutely horrendous for a shooter with his quality and size...he can shoot over most defenders and he is quick and athletic...he should not shoot less than 45% to say at least...but he is just a knucklehead...has always been and will always be.

At this point we can just hope that Bynum has improved and Crittenton is the real deal. This offseason again proved the Lakers FO really aren't capable of pulling the trigger, whether it be due to a conservative nature, lack of parts or just incompetence. I really think Bynum is key. If Bynum can take another big step forward, then having guys like Cook and Vlad make more sense. Still I would think that one of those two should be dealt along with Kwame's contract. Seriously if you are going to bank your future on Bynum then Kwame, whose has proven that he is only capable of playing center has no place on this team. Furthermore two outside shooting big men is one too many. I believe this just shows the teams conservative nature. They don't want to deal Kwame unless it brings a superstar back because they want to protect themselves if Bynum doesn't develop. Well at this point you have about pushed Kobe off the team in favor of Bynum so might as well make the future now. Roll the dice and live with the results. No one ever wins being conservative just ask Marty Schottenheimer.

Weezy wrote:Can't wait for Monday and then for training camp and the reports that come out of it. Heck, I just can't wait for the season. I'm confident that Vlad will show this year why we signed him, now that he's healed I think he'll knock down those shots again. And while some don't think so, I do agree that Fisher is a major upgrade over Smush, on attitude, clutchness, and bball IQ (even though yes he does go under screens and take the occasional bad shot). I can't wait to see Bynum in action, see Mihm back on the court, see how much Turiaf has improved and get my first look at the rook. Crittenton was rated as the top PG prospect on some draft previews so I'm looking forward to seeing what he can do.

I love the optimism!

looking forward to seeing Bynum and Farmar. Those two guys did pretty good.

thanks for the article

Weezy wrote:Can't wait for Monday and then for training camp and the reports that come out of it. Heck, I just can't wait for the season. I'm confident that Vlad will show this year why we signed him, now that he's healed I think he'll knock down those shots again. And while some don't think so, I do agree that Fisher is a major upgrade over Smush, on attitude, clutchness, and bball IQ (even though yes he does go under screens and take the occasional bad shot). I can't wait to see Bynum in action, see Mihm back on the court, see how much Turiaf has improved and get my first look at the rook. Crittenton was rated as the top PG prospect on some draft previews so I'm looking forward to seeing what he can do.

I always liked weezy...

Weezy wrote:I'm not talking about Vlad's consistency, I'm talking about Vlad's ability to make a 3 point shot at all. Last year he made like 5 3's the entire year (exaggeration, please no one take me seriously, can't believe I have to actualy write this because some will). He was brought in to make open 3's and contribute, I don't expect him to suddenly be consistent every night. But last year he gave us like 3 good nights total, If he only brings 41 out of 82 good nights this year it's still better than last year. I'll take 12 ppg every other game over bricking every shot due to injury. I'm not expecing him to be our number to player, just to be much better than last year, and I don't think that's a lot to expect. 4 posts in and here comes that negativity already. I was just trying to be positive for a change.

Gotta love W's (not referring to our president) energy. Positive thinking.

If you all recall, Jackson stated before last season that he was going to give Mihm minutes at the 4. PJ pointed to Chris' skill-set as fitting the profile of a productive NBA PF. I'd like to see that.

Great Article

orangezack wrote:Great Article

You do know that's from last year, don't you?

Kobe Bryant 8 wrote:

orangezack wrote:Great Article

You do know that's from last year, don't you?

I know but its fun too look back