I'm over here now

So this was a nice little idea, but short-lived. Ultimately, I didn't have enough time to watch Laker games to feel like I could adequately comment on them.

I am writing off and on over at the WBRS sports blog. It's a good place to be. You can also hear me on the radio every Wednesday starting January 17th from midnight-2pm EST on WBRS with Mini-me (the major domo of the WBRS sports blog). For Laker writing, I urge you to go visit Kurt and Forum Blue and Gold, he's pretty much the best Laker blogger out there right now. Thanks to the few of you out there that came on by.

-mc

I love this man...

At last....

And the Laker season starts with a bang a 114-106 victory over the Phoenix Suns. Even without Kobe (or possibly without Kobe), the defense was solid and the ball movement was crisp, especially in the 2nd half. Lamar took the team on his shoulders and flat out led them. The offense was running entirely through his hands. It'll be interesting to see how much of that control he'll keep once Kobe returns.

What I liked last night

• Odom's outside shot. Lamar was 3-4 from beyond the arc, which is quite promising. He's always been able to exploit his size/speed combo by posting smaller guys or driving past big guys. He improved his 3-point shot last season and if it takes that one more step, Odom should be a no-question all-star.
• Mo Evans. This guy is a tough mo'fo. He's strong enough to back down SGs and quick/strong enough to guard a big 1, a 2 or a 3. The Lakers have historically had a tough time with post-up guards like Bonzi Wells and I think Evans is a guy who'll be able to contain him.
• Andrew Bynum. What's not to love? The 2nd year guy showed a nice offensive touch around the basket, pretty good hands and a knack for rebounding. His most impressive attribute, however, was his ability to pass out of the double-team. This is generally a very tough skill for big men to learn and it seems to come naturally to him. He finished with 5 assists and only 1 turnover.
• Jordan Farmar. He came in as a spark off the bench and instantly raised the energy level. He has the quickness and defensive vision to slow down opposing quick guards (another continual Laker problem).

What I didn't like

• Ronnie Turiaf's playing time. C'mon Phil, only 3 minutes? Get this man on the floor.

On the BRS sports blog, I predicted that the Lakers wouldn't make the playoffs. I'm still not certain, but it seems (albeit after only one game) that all of the young guys have made huge strides. If Phil can keep a nice balance and rhythym to the team once Kobe returns, this is going to be a fun team to watch that again will end up in the 6-10 range of teams in the West, but could make a lot of noise if it gets into the playoffs.

Laker Youtube find of the week

Inspired by Kurt of Forum Blue and Gold, here's a highlight reel of the 1995-1996 Lakers. Van Exel, Eddie Jones, Vlade, E-train Campbell, and Cedric Ceballos with a cameo by Mr. Earvin Johnson. Enjoy...

Ladies and Gentlemen, your 2006 first round pick

Intimidating isn't he?

Basketball and soccer

I stumbled across this clip on NBA.com and found it really interesting.

If you didn't watch it, the clip ends with Kobe talking about how much soccer helped him develop his footwork and he also noted how those raised on soccer such as Steve Nash and Manu Ginobli play at a different "rhythm." Other noted players who have had excellent footwork due to soccer include Hakeem Olajuwon and Dikembe Mutumbo.

Perhaps the best idea for improving our nationwide basketball fundamentals is to stop sending kids to AAU and instead send them to AYSO.

x-posted at WBRSsportsblog

Your 2006-2007 Laker Roster...in haiku format!

Kwame Brown

Bitched out by Jordan
Revitalized by Jackson
If only he could catch…

Kobe Bryant

Tenacious scorer
Frequent ballhog and rapist
Number eight no more

Andrew Bynum

They say that high school
Kids take time to develop.
At least he’s seven feet.

Brian Cook

He’s big. He can shoot.
Don’t ask for anything more
‘Cuz he can’t do it.

Maurice Evans

Acquired for Samb
I hear he plays good defense
I hope that’s not a lie

Jordan Farmar

Jews in basketball
Are reporters or owners.
This kid takes the court

Aaron McKie

Solid in Philly
Should have been “Ron Harper lite”
Please retire right now

Chris Mihm

A seven footer
With a nice shooting touch and moves,
Shouldn’t he score more?

Lamar Odom

Six foot ten inches
A multitude of mad skills
Kobe’s own Scottie

Smush Parker

Undrafted point guard
Solid in season, choked after.
Let’s teach him to shoot!

Vladimir Radmanovic

Vladimir now
Only when he learns to flop
Will he be Vlade

Ronny Turiaf

Heart problems are gone
Rebounds, hustle, dunks and blocks
The French Mark Madsen

Sasha Vujacic

Euro who can shoot.
Season highlight: trash talked Nash.
Too bad Nash bitched him.

Luke Walton

A Phil favorite
Son of “throw it down big man”
Student of the game

Shammond Williams

Quite short shooting guard
Not good enough to play point
Two mil down the drain.