How about this lineup?

by 99bc99 on Dec 27, 2009 9:12 AM PST

I was pondering moving or changing the starting lineup because Artest is injured when I started to think about some issues of late. Bynum hasn't been effective the last half-dozen games or so, and looks to be in some sort of funk. It also appears very hard to get touches for both Pau and Drew at the same time. In fact, I was watching when Pau and Drew were stacked on one side last night vs. the Kings. Everytime Pau would get the ball on the perimeter to feed Drew, the Kings defender would sag back, knowing that Pau didn't have the range to hurt them. This happened about... 2-3 times, but illustrated a weakness having them both in the game when Drew is being unproductive.

Why not do something like this?

Guards- Kobe and Fisher

Power Forward- Pau Gasol- Run the offense through Pau like usual instead of force feeding a slumping Bynum.

Small Forward- Artest- Can hit the three better than most of our team, he's at like 33% or 34%. Great to feed into Pau

Center- Mbenga!- Why not? He can play the scrapper, defender, rebounder and be the cleanup guy. He will guard the paint, and maybe motivate Drew to move and play hard defense off the bench. The Lakers have proven very soft defending the offensive rebound; pretty surprising considering the length they have down low.

Anyway, just thoughts...

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DJ Mbenga would be in foul trouble quicker than a hiccup. Bynum is playing through some sort

of sickness. JVG said during the Cavs debacle that Bynum dealing with a respiratory problem and has a little bit of asthma. Just give it a few more days or weeks.

by E-ROC on Dec 27, 2009 9:32 AM PST reply actions

yeah

but he’s been playing poorly before that too. i doubt his illness has anything to do with it. he needs to start with Kareem again. This team can be an unstoppable force if he just did his job.

"Just by the aura of D.J. Mbenga being there, the shot missed."

by shaqfor3 on Dec 27, 2009 9:52 AM PST up reply actions

mbenga ...

defintly agree with this.. he can spread the floor with his 15 to 17 foot jumpers and he will play GREAT GREAT D… and if he gets into foul ttrouble.. then you just bring in your backup.. Andrew bynum or lamar odom

by matthewmafa on Dec 27, 2009 11:06 AM PST reply actions

maybe phil can use him as a motivational tool if bynum continues to play like this

pull him from the game and send him a message.

"Just by the aura of D.J. Mbenga being there, the shot missed."

by shaqfor3 on Dec 27, 2009 11:24 AM PST up reply actions

esxaclty

motivate the unmotivated..

by matthewmafa on Dec 27, 2009 3:04 PM PST up reply actions

Imiturity is the name of Bynum's Game

Just some quick observations of Young Drew. In watching him play when Pau was out he was active, he was motivated he was using his post moves, taking his time and making high percentage shots. He was also boxing out and rebounding the ball at a high clip. Since Gasol came back he has been invisible. Just watch the next game, he seems to not even be involved, because he has not gotten the same touches, so he just disappears. I don’t think he is ready mentally for the challenge of defending a championship. He is not willing to do the things we need him to do like rebound the ball and protect the paint. His head is not in the game because he is not scoring. He thinks that this is all about scoring . He doesn’t seem understand that his effort is mostly needed on the defensive end. He doesn’t get that he needs to rebound the ball and protect the paint. If he isn’t scoring he gives up in those erea’s. Our team gave up 17 offensive rebounds to the Sac Kings. Where was Drew ??? No more excuses for him he is straight up giving up on the floor. I will save anymore comments for when he becomes the player we hope he will become. As for Mbenga he always puts forth the effort , though he is a little foul prone, he is doing it trying to protect the paint. Not lazily swiping, & or reaching because he got beat !!!!!

by lakerlady on Dec 27, 2009 12:18 PM PST reply actions 2 recs

Agreed 100%

I think Drew needs to see what it takes to be a complete center; effort for the rebound and block, shuffling over to take a charge or make a defensive stop, and constant tracking of the ball and movement.

Last night there were a couple of times I saw the potential; on one play Drew went up high to rip a rebound, a second time he flew over to try and make a block. It showed the effort we need from him every night. He’s already got the post moves, he’s got the paycheck and contract, now lets see him get dirty and spend some effort in the paint.

How do you say get out of my house in Congolese? I think it’s “Mbenga!” Start him PJ!

by 99bc99 on Dec 27, 2009 2:50 PM PST up reply actions

Someone once told me that the 1st requirement to playing defense is

that “you have to care” and Bynum playes defense like he doesn’t. plain and simple. I could care less about his offensive skills. This team is in serious need of his defense.

"Michael Jordan once said the quality Bryant possessed that reminded him most of himself was the desire to distance himself from contemporaries."

by PURPLE AND GOLD FOR LIFE on Dec 27, 2009 5:04 PM PST up reply actions

We want Mbenga! We want Mbenga! We want Mbenga!!!

for MVP!

Shaquille O'Neal: "Tell him Shaq doesn’t respond to juvenile delinquents without a college degree. Tell him to get his degree, and we can talk. In the meantime, he should call me Dr. Shaq because I’m working on my PhD." (Referring to 17-year-old rookie Andrew Bynum, who compared himself to Shaq…except that he can make free throws.)
(courtesy of www.shaqquotes.com)

by KobeisGod on Dec 27, 2009 6:27 PM PST up reply actions 1 recs

Have you watched Mbenga play?

He doesn’t rebound well, has a laughable offensive game, and gets out of position on defense all the time because he tries to block everything. There’s a reason he’s not in the regular rotation.

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 Dec 27, 2009 4:24 PM PST reply actions

And if anyone thinks that he's an upgrade over Bynum

In any aspect whatsoever of the game, then you’re absolutely out of your mind.

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 Dec 27, 2009 5:11 PM PST up reply actions

hhah

mbengas Defense is WAY better then bynums

by matthewmafa on Dec 27, 2009 5:19 PM PST up reply actions

Uh, no it isn't

He gambles all the time for blocks and he’s out of position all the time. Stop trying to portray Mbenga as what he’s not — an actual rotation player.

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 Dec 27, 2009 5:22 PM PST up reply actions

one thing for certain...

mbenga is a better defensive player then andrew bynum…

by matthewmafa on Dec 27, 2009 6:14 PM PST up reply actions

So your reply is to restate your argument...

Without addressing any of my points. Nice.

nilwah’s post is pretty indicative of my thoughts though, so I’ll leave it at that.

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 Dec 28, 2009 1:23 AM PST up reply actions

In fairness to both Ben R and matthewmafa

Mbenga is a better shot blocker.

Bynum is a better post defender (against someone posting him up).

So, Mbenga is ostensibly the better defender. But I would have to agree with Ben R that Bynum is the more solid all around defensive center. Though I love Mbenga’s effort.

by nilwnah on Dec 27, 2009 10:46 PM PST up reply actions

not sure if it's better

but I can tell you one thing that is better than bynum on defense, his effort. That is for sure.

"Michael Jordan once said the quality Bryant possessed that reminded him most of himself was the desire to distance himself from contemporaries."

by PURPLE AND GOLD FOR LIFE on Dec 27, 2009 5:34 PM PST up reply actions 2 recs

+1 recd

by matthewmafa on Dec 27, 2009 6:14 PM PST up reply actions

DJ does provide a lot of effort

too bad a player’s output & use to the team isn’t always decided by effort. just ask sasha…

by Nostance on Dec 27, 2009 6:51 PM PST up reply actions

at least mbenga provides shot blocking..

sahsa just provides fouls and missed shots..

mbenga can actually dunk or do a layup.. machine cant even get to the basket or anything..

mbenga is way better rotation player then sahsa is right now..

by matthewmafa on Dec 27, 2009 7:18 PM PST up reply actions 1 recs

good point

I just wish Bynum had some of that same fire.

"Michael Jordan once said the quality Bryant possessed that reminded him most of himself was the desire to distance himself from contemporaries."

by PURPLE AND GOLD FOR LIFE on Dec 27, 2009 7:19 PM PST up reply actions

serioiusly..

he w*ould be a damn all star..

by matthewmafa on Dec 27, 2009 7:20 PM PST up reply actions 1 recs

Yup

I’m not saying keep Bynum on the second team for the rest of the season. I’m not saying extend a multi-year, huge contract to the guy.

What I am saying is that I want Drew to feel the burn, feel the need to motivate. Maybe this will do that, coming off the bench for an obviously inferior player.

And finally, even when Mbenga got jammed on by that sub-six-footer from Denver, he got up, dusted himself off, and kept going after the jam. Drew would have watched the boy dunk… at least Mbenga tried, and that’s what Drew needs to do right now.

by 99bc99 on Dec 27, 2009 7:34 PM PST up reply actions

lol Ben R, I think I laugh at every comment you make

but I have to disagree with you, DJ is an upgrade over Bynum on defense which Bynum lacks effort in, DJ can play 10 minutes and get three blocks whereas Bynum plays a whole game and gets 1 so thats my concern, Lakers have to protect the paint on dribble drives which is the Lakers krytonite and DJ does a WAY better job at protecting the rim eventhough he does get in foul trouble. Bynum of course has the better offensive game over DJ buts thats not what Lakers need Bynum for.

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 Dec 27, 2009 10:20 PM PST up reply actions

***kryptonite

spelling correction

by BrittneyM on Dec 27, 2009 10:24 PM PST up reply actions

Blocks aren't indicative of defensive prowess

Unless you’re an athletic freak like Howard or play a more free safety role like Camby, high block numbers don’t necessarily indicate that you’re playing good defense. Most of the time, the defender is putting himself way out of position to try for blocks, so opponents get easy baskets via that, which usually outweighs any advantage you get from a shot-blocker. Mbenga falls into this category, and while he’s nice for 5-10 minute spurts at the end of quarters, he gets exposed if played any longer than that, as he’s a far inferior post defender to Bynum.

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 Dec 28, 2009 1:26 AM PST up reply actions

I agree with you, you know I'm not much of stat person but if DJ can get that many blocks in

such short time compared to Bynum, it’s gotta be effort, that’s my concern. Lakers need more shot blocking at the rim when he is in and so far not so good. I guess we will have to watch and see what Bynum does these next games, I want to see some blocks(4 to 5 of them).

by BrittneyM on Dec 28, 2009 3:41 PM PST up reply actions

You're missing the point entirely

High block totals don’t equate to good defense. It does for Dwight Howard because he’s so ridiculously athletic that he covers huge swaths of the floor and challenges shots all around the floor. It does for Marcus Camby because his defensive style demands being a free safety and helping excessively. It doesn’t necessarily for Bynum because helping on players driving inthe lane is his job, as is post defense. Both aren’t highly conducive to high block totals, so a high block total doesn’t necessarily indicate that Bynum is doing his job on defense.

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 Dec 28, 2009 3:59 PM PST up reply actions

I think the point of my post was that Bynum needs to show effort.

I think that starting someone who is more defensively minded in chasing the block, or being active in the paint will show Drew what needs to be done. It’s all about being active, and Mbenga is the only other center they’ve got to start with Pau.

Activity, aggressiveness are what Drew needs to work on right now. Bench his butt for a few games and we’ll see if he pouts or steps up to the challenge.

Mbengaaaa!!!!!

by 99bc99 on Dec 28, 2009 4:57 PM PST up reply actions

I like the idea

DJ plays Defense, Bynum doesn’t but then on Offense DJ can hurt us cause he’s not a typical low-post player and likes to shoot jumpers, that some time go in, which is strange but I’ll take D over O any day, especially when your not getting neither one from your starting center(Bynum).

by BrittneyM on Dec 27, 2009 10:10 PM PST reply actions

AND

Kobe, Artest and Gasol can shoulder the Offensive load with DJ in the game.

by BrittneyM on Dec 27, 2009 10:11 PM PST up reply actions

but surprisingly...our problem has actually been on the offensive end rather than the defensive end...

by Nostance on Dec 27, 2009 11:10 PM PST up reply actions

Mbenga would seriously aggravate our offensive problems

He literally does nothing efficiently on offense — he doesn’t get offensive rebounds at a high rate, he has no post game, and his shooting stroke is comically bad (although he hits a fair percentage). He basically becomes an extra body on offense from whom the opposing team can simply help off.

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 Dec 28, 2009 1:28 AM PST up reply actions

lol

This is of course made worse by the fact that the ball is released toward the basket a minimum of .37 seconds after Mbenga obtains it.

I love the guy, but he and Powell redefine the term “black hole”

by Tagath on Dec 28, 2009 3:32 AM PST up reply actions

i do think mbenga shoudl play more

ok he doesnt do alot on offense except o rebounds and putbacks, but what else do you need besides effort and blocks when you are on the floor with kobe and gasol. i think bynum and gasol shoudlnt play at the same time anyway. bynum and odom off of the bench woudl be awesome. this way bynum would get his touches. i think it could work. i mean ben wallace and eric dampier are starters in the NBA, why cant Mbenga be one.

by LakersFoEva on Dec 29, 2009 12:02 PM PST reply actions