Reading Between the (Head) Lines - The Lakers coaching staff are still high on Sasha

by C.A. Clark on Oct 5, 2009 2:27 PM PDT Comment 45 comments

My apologies for not writing anything of note lately. I thought my job would be easier once training camp started, but that has not turned out to be the case. The problem is not that there isn't any news to write about. The problem is that, since we here at SS&R don't merit a media credential just yet, we don't have a first hand account of what's going on at training camp. Therefore, any analysis that we could provide is going to sound almost exactly like that of the actual journalists who are paid to follow the team, and that is just boring (not to mention slightly plagiaristic). But I don't want to rest on my laurels while everybody else keeps you informed, so I'm going to do my best to go beyond all the stories coming out of camp. I'm going to try to tell you what it all means. All the easy analysis is taken care of, so this will be a little bit deeper and, by neccesity, some of it might be reaching.

Our first entry in what will hopefully become a series is regarding Sasha Vujacic. Everyone agrees that Sasha had a baaaad year during the 08-09 season. Many fans on this very site have been ready and willing to throw in the towell on Sasha, basically coming to the conclusion that the "Year of the Machine" was a fluke, and Sasha will never be able to return to the form that saw him sign a pretty lucrative $5 million/year deal. Well, I'm here to let you know that the Lakers' coaching staff disagrees with your assessment. They still think that Sasha has a lot to give this team, moreso than any of you probably think.

First off, it seems that Vujacic had a pretty humbling offseason. The Lakers' staff criticized Vujacic on everything from his attitude to his performance to his personal appearance over the last season. He got cut from his own national team. The coaches suggested that he take a break, get his mind right, and come back prepared to regain his form. Oh, and they told him to get a hair cut. If this article is to be believed, Sasha did everything the Lakers asked of him, and he did it in good spirits. I think Sasha's attitude in the face of such criticism has impressed the coaching staff. They see that he has acknowledged his mistakes, and is doing everything he can to correct them. If he truly does listen to the coaching staff as he seems to be doing, I think the Lakers staff thinks he can return to being the Machine, so much so that they are grooming him to be the first guard off the bench. In my mind, that is the only logical explanation for this.

Yes, friends, Sasha Vujacic is getting some time as the lead guard in training camp. Were any of you as shocked by that headline as I was? First of all, it's clear that Phil Jackson clearly doesn't think much of my analysis. (Seriously? I come up with a decent argument for playing with a two small guard lineup, and Phil comes back with "I'm experimenting with a lineup where Kobe and Artest are our guards" and follows with Sasha getting time as the point?) Second of all, on the surface, Sasha getting time at the point doesn't seem to make any sense at all. The Lakers already have a point guard. They already have a backup point guard. And they already have a bench warmer who is intended to play point guard, but just can't find any time. We may not be sure which one is which between Jordan Farmar and Shannon Brown on the depth chart, but we know they are both there. So why in the hell would PJ want Sasha to spend any time at a position that is the deepest (not the best depth, but the most number of players capable of playing) on the team?

Because he thinks Sasha might be the player he wants as the first guard off the bench, that's why. If that is the role he wants Sasha to play, Sasha has to play it at the point. The guard starters are Derek Fisher (the point guard) and Kobe Bryant (the shooting guard). I don't think any of us are unclear as to which of those two players will get subbed first, and which of those two players will play less. Which means that there will be about twice as many point guard minutes played off the bench as there will be shooting guard minutes. If PJ wants Sasha to play anywhere near 20 minutes/game, he'll probably have to get nearly half of those minutes at point guard. I can't think of another explanation for why this would be happening, unless it really is as simple as needing a 4th point guard for the team's 4 v 4 scrimmages (there are four teams).

Now, if my analysis is correct, most fans would probably be thinking to themselves: Why? Actually, for many fans, it's much more like: Whhhhyyyyyyyyyyyyyy? (while staring at the sky from their knees, with their arms raised). But this could end up as a good thing, and I'm not just saying so under the "Coaches know better than we do" logic. First off, Fisher is likely to play the least number of minutes of any of the starters. Which means that the first guard off the bench will need to be able to play just as well with the 1st team as he does with the 2nd. Since Fisher's only jobs on the court consist of spreading the floor, starting the offense, and getting burned by opposing guards (sorry, I couldn't resist), I can see why PJ might think that Sasha would be the best replacement. Sasha knows how to run the offense, this analysis presumes he will get his shot back, and he has shown at times that he is a decent defender (when not playing ridiculously over-aggresive defense that results in a ton of fouls). Then, when the rest of the 2nd unit comes into the game, Sasha can transition back to the 2 with Kobe on the bench, and either Farmar or Brown can pick up the 2nd guard off the bench minutes at the point. The second reason this could be a positive? It's no coincidence that Vujacic's best season came when he was allowed significant playing time, and that he struggled mightily last season in part because he was trying to do too much because he knew his playing time was going to be short. An increase in playing time could help Sasha return to the form that saw him play crunch time minutes in the NBA Finals two seasons ago.

Continuing down this path, it would seem clear that the coaching staff isn't particularly enamored with either of the backup point guards. Why would the coaches want Sasha to play minutes at a position slightly outside his comfort zone if they felt confident in players they already had at that position. For each player, it's likely a different reason. Brown could simply not quite be there yet, as it does take some time to really let the Triangle sink into your system. Brown provided some real quality, especially on defense, last season, but he might be considered too much of a liability at this point in running the offense to be considered for regular playing time, and he does not handle the ball particularly well. For Farmar, it could be as I mentioned above, that the coaches simply see Sasha as a better fit as the "bench player who plays a lot with the starters". Farmar has never been known as a guy that fits well into the triangle. But it seems more likely that if Farmar has fallen out of favor with the coaches, it is because of his attitude. Farmar has been quoted as saying he wants to be the starter. I didn't think at the time that it was a bad attitude thing, as it seemed to me that he understood his performance needed to match his desire. But if I've read it wrong, and Farmar really does have the bad attitude that some think he does, the coaches might be doing what they feel is neccesary to make sure that his bad attitude doesn't make it out onto the court. Regardless, I think its clear that this developement clearly means more PT for Sasha, unless it doesn't mean anything at all.

What do you think? Is PJ sending a message to Farmar or Brown? Does he really want Sasha to play 20 min/game? Will he respond to this analysis by having Vujacic released? Discuss.

Poll

Why do the coaches have Sasha Vujcac spending time at point guard in training camp?

They are sending a message to Farmar and/or Brown.

233 votes

They like the possibility of Vujacic being the 1st guard off the bench.

291 votes

The 4th scrimmage team needed a point guard.

95 votes

Phil Jackson is willing to do anything to make me look stupid.

58 votes

Kobe Bryant intends to be the first player in NBA history to play every minute of every game.

45 votes

The coaches were drinking heavily when they planned out training camp drills.

76 votes

798 votes | Poll has closed

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Comments

yea, I Agree

with everything in the third to last paragraph. it would seem smart for them, since with the first unit the pg doesn’t do much except bring the ball up, and then Sasha has the advantage of being able to spread the court the most. A big pg isn’t something Phil dislikes either.

by Huskies24 on Oct 5, 2009 3:08 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Line up Experimenting...

….has always been part of Phil’s process in the off-season. Last year he tried Bynum, Odom and Gasol at the same time and that didn’t work (too slow). He tried several different line ups and he always does this. If the purpose of this is to send a message then that message is being sent to Farmar and not Brown. If that was the case and they didn’t see Brown in their near future they would not of signed him to a contract. Farmar at the 2 guard of PG position is the result of Artest since he can play the 2 guard and Kobe the SF. Artest allows them the flexibility to change the line up in so many ways and I think this is Phil’s way of experimenting to see which line up creates the biggest mis-matches for the opponent. The key to all of this is a PG who can defend and hit the open shot which could be either Sasha or Brown because they are better defenders than Farmar. That is my take on it.

"When I walked into the locker room on my first day as a Laker and saw my gold uniform hanging there, I cried." - Magic Johnson (Best Laker Ever)

by PURPLE AND GOLD FOR LIFE on Oct 5, 2009 3:16 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

PJ definitely does like to experiment...

but those experiments usually have a point, trying to create some sort of matchup problem that otherwise wouldn’t exist. The experiment with Gasol, Bynum, and Odom is pretty self-explanatory. Any team would love to be able to play a front court with that kind of size. I suppose this experiment could fall under that same category of trying a big lineup, but he could just as easily do it with Kobe and Artest in the backcourt, so the experiment doesn’t seem to make as much sense there.

I agree that if there is a message to be sent, it’s definitely for Farmar more than Brown. But it does seem to me to be an indication that Brown isn’t quite where the coaches would like him to be in terms of them being comfortable playing him for significant amounts of time.

by C.A. Clark on Oct 5, 2009 3:44 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Well I think the way to send a message to Farmar would be to emphasize Brown more in the pre-season at PG than Sasha.

I can’t see Farmar being intimidated by Sasha at the point. I agree with you that it is more about the flexibility of different lineups with Sasha starting at the PG spot and then moving to the SG spot when Kobe goes out.

Maybe the theory is that Sasha needs time to get into the flow of the game. He doesn’t seem to succeed by coming in the game in short spurts especially when he is always on the floor with the 2nd team and therefor has a difficult time finding an open shot (i.e. forced to try and do too much). With him out there in the first quarter with Kobe, Pau, Bynum/Odom and Artest, Sasha wouldn’t have to try and do as much, and maybe have a better chance to succeed and be the “wide open” player that gets the benefit of playing the forgotten man on the court (otherwise knows as the Ariza role).

Lots of long, run-on sentences, sorry. Hopefully you get the point.

Well, sir, you are a cowardly son of a bitch! You just shot an unarmed man!.......Well, he should have armed himself if he's going to decorate his saloon with my friend. – Will Munny

by pslakerfan on Oct 5, 2009 3:59 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I agree

Out of the three (Sasha, Jordan, and Shannon), I’d say that Sasha is probably the biggest outside shooting threat. We already know that Sasha is poor when it comes to driving and finishing at the rim, so he definitely isn’t going to be playing any sort of slasher role. But your analysis does make much more sense given the way Sasha’s playing time came the previous year. I also remember Sasha having a wide variety of outside looks and finishing those opportunities, and as you mentioned, playing with the larger and more threatening players would really help him get those open looks.

by stephens on Oct 5, 2009 4:31 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I doubt that a coach of Phil’s stature is most likely to be worrying about creating a line up that makes sense both offensively and defensively instead of worrying about sending a message to any player.

On defense Fishers lack of speed hurts them.
On Offense, Farmar’s inability to hit the three consistently hurts them. Not to mention that Brown is a better defender than he is.
Shannon has the athletic abilities but too inexperienced in the triangle.

Sasha is the only one that makes sense because of his ability to shoot.

"When I walked into the locker room on my first day as a Laker and saw my gold uniform hanging there, I cried." - Magic Johnson (Best Laker Ever)

by PURPLE AND GOLD FOR LIFE on Oct 5, 2009 6:40 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

None of the above

Sasha is trade bait. Just like Vlade was last year. That was the only reason he got any playing time. Isn’t that what happened to Brian Cook and Maurice Evans? It’s all starting to make sense.

PJ learns from his past mistakes and the Houston series was a huge one.

by 81 Witness on Oct 5, 2009 3:38 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Different situation

Namely economically. For Sasha to get good enough for a team to take him off our hands, it would require him to be good enough for him to deserve a spot in the rotation. The only time he is traded, if any time, is in the ‘10-’11 season.

To secure ourselves against defeat lies in our own hands, but the opportunity of defeating the enemy is provided by the enemy himself.

by Ben R on Oct 5, 2009 9:03 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I wouldn't call this experimenting at all.

From the day Sasha got his contract, I think the plan all along was for Sasha to eventually become the 2nd starting guard.

He fits the profile Phil seems to like. He’s tall, versatile, and can shoot (still?). He is very capable of bring up the ball. As we’ve seen from Fisher, Ron Harper, BJ Armstrong, and John Paxton, true PG skills are required in this offense. Think about why they would give Sasha that money. It wasn’t the pine, and Fish’s time is limited. I don’t think Farmar will ever be the guy PJ wants. No messages being sent. I feel it’s Farmar who will be shipped out eventually. No disrespect to him or his game.

If anyone is regular at FB & G, I have been thinking this since the ‘07/08. If Sasha didn’t stink the joint up last year, we’d all be talking about him eventually assuming the role. All he needs to do is get back to being a knock down shooter, and decent defender.

It was always Sasha’s job to lose. From the day they gave him $30 million.

by wondahbap on Oct 5, 2009 4:11 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Correction - true PG skills AREN'T required

Given Phil’s preferences, Farmar is the one at a disadvantage.

by wondahbap on Oct 5, 2009 4:13 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I think your right

and i could totally see them having sasha start at some point. i think farmar has alot more heart than sasha though,idk but im still high on farmar,walton,ammo,and brown i think this bench will be a good one

YOU CAN PUT IT ON THE BOARD YES!
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by Czheck on Oct 5, 2009 5:33 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

$30 million?

His contract was $15 million/3 years.

To secure ourselves against defeat lies in our own hands, but the opportunity of defeating the enemy is provided by the enemy himself.

by Ben R on Oct 5, 2009 9:12 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

For some reason

I have 6 years 30 million. Oops.

by wondahbap on Oct 6, 2009 5:02 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

*thought

by wondahbap on Oct 6, 2009 5:02 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

this is close, though I don't know if the Lakers are that set in stone about things...

…but since when is Sasha getting PG minutes anything new? He even did that during the season a few times last year…

The greatest trick the devil ever pulled was convincing the world he didn't exist.

by Justin N. on Oct 6, 2009 11:43 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

didn't he say

he was originally drafted as a PG?

by Nostance on Oct 6, 2009 11:44 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

It's not new to see Sasha playing PG, but ...

What is new is that he’s doing it while the Lakers have two other viable options for backup .

Last season, Sasha did spend some time at the point guard, but only because Farmar got hurt and Fisher was already playing huge minutes every game. This was before Brown was on the roster, so Sasha was basically the only viable guard off the bench.

I don’t think the idea of Sasha playing point guard is strange or experimental by itself. What makes it strange for me is that the Lakers already have so many point guards on their roster.

by C.A. Clark on Oct 6, 2009 1:07 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

It just make sense....period.

PJ is blessed with so many combinations now that it makes sense to see what fits best at all positions. It looks like Kobe and Artest could share a lot of the time at the 2. And, both Brown and AMMO may be better options (or at least equally effective) at the 2 than Sasha because they are better playing off the dribble than he is, and can shoot the 3 as well. The PG in this offense is a spot-up shooter, where Fisher has excelled. Sasha should be able to play that roll and if he can regain his form, teams will pay for cheating off of him. Sasha, for all his craziness at times, is a better defensive option at PG than Farmar. I think for right now, Sasha 1st off the bench at PG is an idea, that will only play out if Sasha wins the competition and proves the theory. Right now its just theory.

by dforce on Oct 5, 2009 5:01 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

I like the idea

i think it would help sashas game to not be a shoot first,i am the machine kind of player. if he can learn how to pass teams will have to defend that as well, then he can camp shoot catch. i think sasha had the worst year of any nba player ever last year.

i think phil jackson knows what he is doing,and somehow it will make sasha a complete basketball player, or we could just trade him

YOU CAN PUT IT ON THE BOARD YES!
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by Czheck on Oct 5, 2009 5:27 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

....

could it be that Farmer is going to be traded and the Lakers are preparing for this?

If so, the words above would make a lot of sense.

by Djjeremiahj on Oct 5, 2009 5:46 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

YES!

by wondahbap on Oct 5, 2009 6:02 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

To me it is either:

1) Phil experimenting. He could be trying it just to prove to himself that it won’t work – like when he tried Lamar bringing the ball up last year.

2) It could also be preparation for moving Sacha or Jordan if the opportunity arises as was mentioned above.

On another note, I agree Sacha can spread the floor but I can’t see him getting too many shots with the 1st team. With adding Artest and Drew wanting to be an all-star it seems to me like it won’t leave many shots for Sacha.

Haters beware: Kobe's drive for 5 starts now!-SLAM Magazine

by olf on Oct 5, 2009 5:59 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

We don't need hmi to get his shots.

Just make the ones available to him when open. If Fish can force his shots up, then Sasha could take his when they are there. They will be.

No one in the NBA will trade for Sasha and the $24 million let on his contract. Especially, after last season. So anyone who thinks Sasha might get traded can forget it. Farmar is the tradeable asset.

by wondahbap on Oct 5, 2009 6:05 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

agree 100%... farmar's days are numbered

his biggest asset last year was being the lead of the fast paced bench mob, but that speed lineup isn’t there anymore. he’s like a soviet spy after the berlin wall came down…a man with an obsolete mission. time for farmar to become an rich oligarch on some other team

by dach on Oct 5, 2009 6:38 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

We're not going to slow down that much

We played at the fifth fastest pace in the league last year, and losing Ariza doesn’t suddenly make us one of the slower teams in the league. What hurt the fast-paced approach of the second unit more than anything was Odom moving to the starting lineup because he acted as the primary stabilizer and playmaker for the second unit. Farmar-Vujacic-Walton-Odom-Gasol can definitely run.

As to Farmar, what will decide his status next year will be whether the ‘07-’08 Farmar shows up or the ‘08-’09 Farmar; the former is worthy of taking the starting spot and the latter is more or less dead weight. Given the allure of a contract year, I’d bet on him playing more like his ‘07-’08 form, but we’ll see how it goes.

To secure ourselves against defeat lies in our own hands, but the opportunity of defeating the enemy is provided by the enemy himself.

by Ben R on Oct 5, 2009 9:21 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Hope Farmar can pull it together. Maybe he’s focused but the only things I heard about him lately are how he wants to start and that he’s got a walk-on part in some TV show – again.

I know this is Hollywood but I didn’t hear anything about how hard he worked this summer. (And I even saw something about Luke Walton putting in work.)

But on the good side it should be a great season regardless of what happens with Farmar.

Haters beware: Kobe's drive for 5 starts now!-SLAM Magazine

by olf on Oct 6, 2009 7:54 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I agree with both of your points but. . .we got rid of Brian Cook (by packaging him with Mo Evans of course) so I can dream that Mitch finds a way to get something for Sacha.

And I do agree that Sacha can camp on the 3 point line and will probably be open somewhat regularly. I guess my worry was more about Ron & Drew hogging the ball. But it’ll work out. Kobe will kick their ass if either one keeps doing that.

Haters beware: Kobe's drive for 5 starts now!-SLAM Magazine

by olf on Oct 5, 2009 6:54 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

We're not getting rid of Sasha

Way different economic climate; Orlando thought they were getting rid of a redundant player for two legitimate floor spacers. We’d be more or less dumping Sasha for no one in return. Teams are super-conscious about taking on dead-weight multiyear contracts nowadays. Unless, we’re taking more salary back in return, Sasha isn’t leaving until the ‘10-’11 season in which he’s an expiring contract.

To secure ourselves against defeat lies in our own hands, but the opportunity of defeating the enemy is provided by the enemy himself.

by Ben R on Oct 5, 2009 9:14 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Good point about the economic climate. I would still not not be surprised to see Sacha or Jordan go this mid-season.

Haters beware: Kobe's drive for 5 starts now!-SLAM Magazine

by olf on Oct 6, 2009 7:43 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Brian no longer served a purpose,

and had no value. Sasha still does. You could say Sasha had a bad year. Brian Cook was what he was.

by wondahbap on Oct 6, 2009 5:04 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I heard from an inside source that Sasha demanded they try him at the point just so he could be sure that his new haircut looked the best with the position phil wants to play him at. It’s cool though – they decided that his new hair really looks best when he’s waiting on the wing, so he’s’ not really gonna play the pg position at all.

by _logan_ on Oct 5, 2009 8:38 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

How about signing Stackhouse

Forget Sasha! Yes he is young but Stackhouse would be an upgrade as a back up to Kobe. Besides, he is looking to sign with a contender.

http://blogs.hoopshype.com/blogs/sierra/2009/10/05/stack-not-ready-to-retire/

"When I walked into the locker room on my first day as a Laker and saw my gold uniform hanging there, I cried." - Magic Johnson (Best Laker Ever)

by PURPLE AND GOLD FOR LIFE on Oct 6, 2009 8:45 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

No thanks.

by wondahbap on Oct 6, 2009 9:13 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Definitely not

He’s guaranteed to miss 15-20 games due to hammy problems, he’s lost practically all of the quickness that made him effective, and his outside shooting is horrid.

To secure ourselves against defeat lies in our own hands, but the opportunity of defeating the enemy is provided by the enemy himself.

by Ben R on Oct 6, 2009 10:29 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Plus, he'd be a1 year gamble

on a team that Mitch has worked hard to build for the future as well as for now.

by wondahbap on Oct 6, 2009 10:36 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I'd rather have Gerald Green instead of sign Jerry Stackhouse.

by E-ROC on Oct 6, 2009 3:25 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Green has tremendous leaping ability but he has no basketball IQ whatsoever.

by brianfbb on Oct 7, 2009 1:51 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

True, but Green would offer more to the Lakers than Stackhouse.

Jerry is shot, and even he wasn’t, he’s bound to miss games…..as a back-up.

by E-ROC on Oct 7, 2009 6:59 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Stackhouse is not the same Stackhouse so I hope the Lakers pass on this idea

There are basic Fundamentals that are needed to move forward in this game. Always keep your guard up at all times to avoid being caught in a trap. Overcome the fouls that will be commited against you REBOUND AND PRESS ON. ADJUST to the LimeLight: ALL-STAR PLAYERS ARE ALWAYS THE CENTER OF ATTENTION. Know what your role is and play your position. Find a game plan and execute it. REMEMBER YOU ONLY GET OUT OF THE GAME WHAT YOU PUT INTO IT.

by BrittneyM on Oct 6, 2009 7:23 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Trade Bate!

I think that PJ intentionally giving Sasha playing time to see if he can regain his ’07 form only to be traded by February or sooner. Even in Sasha plays well he is not consistently dependable. Too streaky and too emotional… in the NBA that does not make for a good combination.

by fastbr8k on Oct 6, 2009 11:31 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Tradoff

If traded they would have to take back salary of course but if they can get an expiring contract they will save the money they would have to pay Sasha in ‘10-’11 season. Maybe they can package Ammo in the trade and bring back an expiring contract. If Farmar doesn’t fit well this season I can also see him and Sasha packaged together in a deal for an expiring contract or draft pick instead of losing him for nothing in the off-season.

by fastbr8k on Oct 6, 2009 11:52 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Phil Needs a Shooter

Sasha is a Shooter. QED.

by LA Taco on Oct 6, 2009 12:12 PM PDT reply actions 1 recs

I can think of the lineup possibilities with Vujacic playing PG

So I think its more of an exploring of their options and changing things up. Every team will be geared or want to stop the Lakers this year so if the Lakers can throw alot of cruve balls and different looks then it will be hard for all teams to stop the Lakers so I like the idea. All each player has to do on the Lakers is produce when they get the time. Especially Vujacic.

by BrittneyM on Oct 6, 2009 7:20 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Technically speaking this isnt that big of a curve ball, Sasha played pg in europe so its not like he is asking sasha to do something he has never done before.

Alot of this is based purely on what I think phil wants to do late in games. Obviously (or I hope) Sasha isnt going to be playing major mins at point during the course of the game, but I feel this is purely a strategic move for 4th quarter heroics.

If you guys remember, Sasha was consistently on the floor in the closing minutes during the 08 campaign and was rather effective with his shooting and ability to spread the defense. This year I foresee Sasha being used to spread the floor once more, seeing how I dont imagine ron artest is going camping out at the arc.

this might however speak more about derek fisher. Is his age really starting to catch up on him? We knew he could never really guard the faster guards, but this is prob an insurance policy to fisher. As it stands, i would still rather have fisher has my 4th quarter guard, but if fish cant handle it anymore, plugging in sasha makes sense.

In Kobe we trust!

by robi s on Oct 7, 2009 4:27 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

We knew he [derek fisher] could never really guard the faster guards, but this is prob an insurance policy to fisher.

I know Sacha sometimes plays D like his hair is on fire but I’ve never really seen him be able to “really guard the faster guards” either. So I hope they have better insurance than that.

We now return you to another Lakers dynasty - already in progress. October 2009

by olf on Oct 7, 2009 7:22 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs