Leon Powe for the Lakers

by SimpleTruth on Jul 16, 2009 9:41 PM PDT Comment 42 comments

Assuming Lamar and Lakers are dead... here are some sample ideas for the Lakers

Leon Powe: Let us imagine for a bit. Yes, at the 4, he is undersized (like Paul millsap) but plays bigger than his size. He is also lacking in skill set (unlike Lamar). However, he is definitely a toughness upgrade over Lamar Odom. He is the poor man's version of Paul Millsap. However, Leon Powe's value is not questioned indeed. The Boston Celtics just slapped him by not offering him a contract (due to Rasheed). . what better way for him to slap the Celtics back and help give a championship to the "Lakers" who have the opportunity to give him trust despite his injury. Returning to California, playing as the third man... he will be allowed to be a "Rockets" type of tough defensive havoc the Lakers can utilize along with Ron Artest. He is definitely an upgrade over Powell and Mbenga... and IF health allows for him to return to playing an efficient 18 minutes a game... this will allow Andrew Bynum to develop into a force that he should be. According to 82games.com... Leon Powe can do an efficient job that he can outplay the average 4s and 5s he plays on the court. Also... according to basketball reference.com... Leon Powe won only 2 less games than Lamar Odom (despite playing far fewer minutes). Teams will be scared to sign him for his injury... but we live in the modern world... and Leon Powe can recover from his injury just as hundreds have before him. We Laker fans remember how Leon Powe punked, trashed and outmuscled Lamar and the Lakers. He can join us for 2 million....

All the other names from Joel Anthony, Joe Smith, Rasho Nesterovic, Kwame Brown... ie just a bunch of scrappy one dimensional, slightly injured veterans who can help shore the depth... but at this stage... they DO NOT help teams win... they are players who help teams barely 'survive' as Laker starters take a break. These options are small upgrades over Powell and Mbenga and these players deserve no more than 2 million dollars a year... but they help indeed.

Dream players (now that Odom's gone) whom would be awesome... but doubtful

Drew Gooden (more realistic) being that he's fallen far from what his 'draft pick's worth. If he is willing to take a paycut and be the number 3 man here in LA rather than San Antonio... then he shall provide 20 solid minutes as a backup.

So let's be real.. the remaining big men... are either too good/selfish for 2 million dollars a year OR not good enough to help Lakers win games. Leon Powe (though a risk) has proven himself to be a capable backup bigman.

Reminder... even with Garnett down... the Celtics did well with Powe to win 62 games. That is VERY good. In fact... the Celtics minus Powe... took the Magic to 7 games!! If Leon Powe played the Celtics would have beaten the Magic The Celtics HAD to use Mikki Moore and Brian Scalabrine? (PATHETIC).

Poll

Can the Lakers win a championship if they sign Leon Powe?

Yes, he outplays his opponent (on average) and wins only 2 less games than Lamar (despite less minutes)

149 votes

Yes, this tough, solid competitor who will make the Celtics pay!

201 votes

No, Lamar Odom's skill set is too vast (passing, rebounding, dribbling, spacing)

286 votes

No, He will not be a force within a year due to injuries

32 votes

668 votes | Poll has closed

0 recs | Comment 42 comments |

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Comments

No and no

No first because he’s a serious downgrade over Lamar. No also because he won’t be worth a damn this year due to injury.

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

by Justin N. on Jul 16, 2009 9:49 PM PDT reply actions

okay mr. know it all... who do you propose the lakers sign (other than Lamar) to make a difference with 2 million?

by SimpleTruth on Jul 17, 2009 12:32 PM PDT up reply actions

how about we think positive. And IF the moment comes that we need to replace odom, we’ll talk about it then. You’re spending energy all over powes balls due to a situation that hasn’t and is 60% not likely to happen.

by robi s on Jul 17, 2009 4:03 PM PDT up reply actions

I like Leon Powe

He plays all out. . . reminds me of Ronny Turiaf
If we can sign him for the league minimum or close to it, why not?

by SeanMillerSavior on Jul 16, 2009 10:07 PM PDT reply actions

a) We are over the cap, we can’t sign ANYONE without a sign and trade, I highly doubt the Lakers will want to do business with the Celtics

b) Powe had a serious injury, he wont be ready until well into next season

by robi s on Jul 17, 2009 1:04 AM PDT reply actions

"we can’t sign ANYONE without a sign and trade"

This is incorrect. The Lakers can sign any free agent with the Veteran’s Minimum Exception, which ranges from about $430k to $1.3m, depending on the player’s years of service in the NBA.

by Darkemans on Jul 17, 2009 5:45 AM PDT up reply actions

Same thing I wrote in the other thread

He’s not an upgrade, he’s a black hole on offense, and he’s going to be downright useless for half a season (and then some getting his rhythm back playing).

And Harrington and O’Neal? How on earth do you expect the Lakers to get either? O’Neal especially with his gargantuan salary. You’re not creating a whole lot of credibility for yourself here.

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 Jul 17, 2009 1:24 AM PDT reply actions

Yea no go

We need LO back. Without LO none of the remaining players that the Lakers are looking at are sufficient enough to get back to the Championship. We need to bite the bullet and pay Lamar, otherwise he will be on the Heat.

by jsballer3314 on Jul 17, 2009 5:25 AM PDT reply actions

You are all NOT realistic

What if Lamar Odom really does leave the Lakers?

The Lakers NEED to sign someone. Who will they get? Rasho? No. Chris Mihm. DEFINITELY NOT. Joel Anthony? Probably Miami. Chris Wilcox? He’s no different from DJ Mbenga (though slightly better). Joe Smith? Aging. There are no players who can contribute for a 2 million dollar exception.

Leon will have 5 months to heal before the season begins and he should regain his stride post-Christmas.

by SimpleTruth on Jul 17, 2009 8:51 AM PDT up reply actions

Are you kidding me people...

Has it come to this? an undersized INJURY PRONE 4 that has shredded his knee now for the 4th time? I’m as big a fan of Powe and his determination and work ethic and rise from adversity as anyone. I watched him play at Cal while he was here (only because he shredded his knee in high school did he even come here) and watched him leave (not before shredding his knee again). After each knee injury he was less explosive than before. And now that it’s happened again he’s going to be pretty much glued to the floor for the next year or two. Given the fact that he’s pretty much 6’7 or shorter, that’s not a good sign.

If he were a legit 6’9 or 6’10, without the knee injuries, he’d be a bonafide star in this league. He has the low post moves, the bulk, the talent, and the work ethic to get there. But that’s not fact… at this point, with this much injury risk, I can’t see him contributing anything to a contender this year. People don’t mess up knees this bad in the NFL, and there’s a reason why the Celtics, who know the most about his play as well as his injury, are not pursuing him.

THE GUY IS LIKE 6’6! he’s like barkley without the hops or the shot. as much as i would love having the guy on the team as a heartwarming story; pass.

by whorge on Jul 17, 2009 9:34 AM PDT reply actions

and one more thing

the sad thing is that powe is 2 or 3 times the basketball player that glen big fat davis will ever be. what a terrible time to destroy your knee again, right before your first FA contract. this guy has been dealt shitty hand after shitty hand.

by whorge on Jul 17, 2009 9:37 AM PDT up reply actions

You should probably reply to SimpleTruth

There seems to be only one person here in Camp Powe with everyone else giving it the big thumbs down.

by Tydides on Jul 17, 2009 9:40 AM PDT up reply actions

Go back to your myopic BN dude

No greeks here, but I wouldn’t mind Luc richard

Paul D. Kelley

by so.cal.native1952 on Jul 20, 2009 4:05 PM PDT up reply actions

You of all people calling someone else myopic is funny as hell

Do you actually have something to say about the subject or are you going to spout more tangential garbage like always (see your FAIL of a joke below)?

by Tydides on Jul 21, 2009 3:09 PM PDT up reply actions

I just like the fact that you came out of your B(M)N hole

Now I can have fun with you

Paul D. Kelley

by so.cal.native1952 on Jul 21, 2009 7:28 PM PDT up reply actions

As soon as you write something coherent and on topic

Then we can have a “fun” discussion. However, if your idea of fun is trotting out your usual incoherent babble in response to whatever it is I write, then you will “have fun” by yourself as I have no interest in feeding trolls here or anywhere else.

Quite frankly, your obsession with BN is telling and actually pretty disturbing. Now, if you have something to say about Leon Powe and how he does or does not fit in with the Lakers, then that’s something I’m interested in hearing. If not, then at least have the courtesy to the regulars here and to Josh to keep your personal business to yourself or on CC.

If, however, you can’t act like an adult and stay on topic, then I’ll simply mark your posts as spam/trolling and move on. That’s how this is going to work. So much for “fun”.

by Tydides on Jul 21, 2009 10:04 PM PDT up reply actions

You are such the high one I don't know if I can match your intellect !

But yes I think Powe would not help lakers, in fact I don’t see Lamar mattering next year. We got Artest and he = Trev and Labong so it to a championship again. BTW I have been a laker fan before you were born and I have know Ben since he was 18. So it comes down who is more capable to know basketball in this town.

Paul D. Kelley

by so.cal.native1952 on Jul 21, 2009 10:45 PM PDT up reply actions

I agree Powe would be a non-factor on next year's team

The injury alone should eliminate him from consideration, but as a replacement for Lamar who is a legit 6’11"? Powe is probably 6’8" with 5 pairs of socks. No way he replaces Odom’s activity on the glass (when his head is in the game).

P.S. Nowhere in this thread did I claim to be either older than you or “know basketball” more than you, so let’s keep your rambling to a minimum. It’s okay, no one is asking you to match my intellect. All I asked was that you keep your eye on the ball. You’re only receiving a reply here because you at least used one sentence to stay on topic, and that’s an improvement, so here’s your positive reinforcement for the day. If you have more sentences like your first one with actual justifications for your opinions, one day people may take your posts seriously!

by Tydides on Jul 21, 2009 11:14 PM PDT up reply actions

Basically I really don't care about your opinion so lets just go our separate ways !

but as a long time laker, dodger, ucla, usc, rams fan please don’t jugde me because I don’t care about your Myopic review.

Paul D. Kelley

BN is a myopic site

by so.cal.native1952 on Jul 21, 2009 11:36 PM PDT up reply actions

No one forced you to respond to me

So yes, take your ball and go home before you get exposed. That’s the first wise thing you’ve done in this thread.

And for God’s sake, look up the meaning of the word Myopic and quit butchering the English language.

You want to go separate ways? Then the solution is simple: Don’t troll my comments and you won’t get responses from me.

/End of response

by Tydides on Jul 21, 2009 11:51 PM PDT up reply actions

again you show worthless self

please e-mail me so we can really talk face to face

Paul D. Kelley

BN is a myopic site

by so.cal.native1952 on Jul 21, 2009 11:56 PM PDT up reply actions

You can't outwit me

So now it’s all about a “face to face” meeting, eh?
Sounds like you roll with a pretty tough crowd:

by Tydides on Jul 22, 2009 12:05 AM PDT up reply actions

Oh but I already have since your picture can't even be view

And you are WRONG again I don’t roll with anyone but myself don’t need a group or gang to make me feel in control. So which one is you my enemy or are you a terrorist like Mursh your little buddy. so just hit me up pkcourt@gmail.com oh and bring your PICTURE.

Paul D. Kelley

BN is a myopic site

by so.cal.native1952 on Jul 22, 2009 12:18 AM PDT up reply actions

LOL

“Enemies” and “Terrorists” eh? The Lakers sure are SERIOUS BUSINESS these days! Alas, I’m afraid my amusement with you has run its course and it’s time for you to disappear. I invoke the statement I made earlier:

If, however, you can’t act like an adult and stay on topic, then I’ll simply mark your posts as spam/trolling and move on.

And it appears you cannot. Thanks for the laughs though. You were like watching a roach trying to climb out of the toilet bowl.

/flagged as inappropriate
/end of responses

by Tydides on Jul 22, 2009 12:27 AM PDT up reply actions

This is quite the lovers quarrel you two have going here.

Get a room.

by Darkemans on Jul 22, 2009 12:36 AM PDT up reply actions 1 recs

There you go again running and hiding

Paul D. Kelley

BN is a myopic site

by so.cal.native1952 on Jul 22, 2009 6:36 AM PDT up reply actions

I agree about Powe having some bad luck.

by intuitive on Jul 17, 2009 12:28 PM PDT up reply actions

yes agreed. he sucks. i’d rather have slava medevenko back. I’d rather have oberto. He doesn’t offer a whole alot. The only time he ever looked good was playing against us, and needless to say we played like trash that series.

by robi s on Jul 17, 2009 10:42 AM PDT up reply actions

lol. slava? slava was destroyed by rasheed... leon had the ability to destroy lamar and gasol

by SimpleTruth on Jul 17, 2009 12:27 PM PDT up reply actions

haha it wasnt powe’s doing alone. He had a good game. Should we go crazy for von wafer? Or anyone else that has good games against the lakers?

It was a fluke dude. If he was able to do that consistently dont you think hed get more than 15 mins a game?

by robi s on Jul 17, 2009 3:59 PM PDT up reply actions

not to mention the fact that he would be paid 20 million a year since Duncan can even do that.

by robi s on Jul 17, 2009 4:04 PM PDT up reply actions

Important note

Miami Heat offering a midlevel exception is better than the Lakers offering 10 million a year because of taxes.

Of course, Florida has higher sales taxes.. property, etc… but who cares. Lamar has a home.. Miami is much more beautiful than LA and the Lakers will have to offer like 11.6 million a year to even match it.

by SimpleTruth on Jul 17, 2009 12:40 PM PDT reply actions

goodbye Lamar

by SimpleTruth on Jul 17, 2009 12:40 PM PDT up reply actions

Are you even a laker fan? damn dude, have a little optimism here.

by robi s on Jul 17, 2009 4:01 PM PDT up reply actions

please tell me

you didn’t mean this. You think $5.6m becomes $10m because of state income tax?

Wow.

by Shaky on Jul 19, 2009 11:58 AM PDT up reply actions

Who wrote this?

Have you ever watched Leon Powe play.

Even if he never got hurt, he is a black hole! I’m still waiting for the first pass he’s ever made. When he gets the ball, he shoots. Every time. The triangle is predicated on passing.

by wondahbap on Jul 17, 2009 12:49 PM PDT reply actions

This.

Just say no to Powe.

by Tydides on Jul 17, 2009 12:53 PM PDT up reply actions

Powe better than...

Josh Powell? Really? No, no, no, no. Given the time, Josh Powell could turn in to a force on the floor. He has a solid outside game for a big man, and plays the game the right way, hard.

I can’t believe someone actually asked about Kwame Brown… he is an upgrade to say, a 5th grader?

It’s either sign Lamar, or sign no one. Powell can handle the extra time, and he has earned it.

by matt92130 on Jul 18, 2009 6:14 AM PDT reply actions

No to Powe

But it was a well thought out Idea, Odom is too versatile and Powe only brings toughness but would Powe help the second unit score and spread the floor? Thats a No so to me it’s Odom or nothing.

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 Jul 19, 2009 12:18 PM PDT reply actions

We go with what we have.....

I don’t think anyone here is looking at the end of our season if we were to lose Lamar. The fact is that if he decides to go to another team for less money than we are offering just because they’re willing to guarantee more years or position him for a starting job, there’s nothing we can do. Regardless of how good a situation may be, some people just aren’t satisfied and want to see how green the grass is on the other side.

Maybe we can figure out a S & T with a squad that would like Lamar. Lamar to Miami for Haslem and a throw in, let’s say. Something like that. Otherwise we go with what we have, sign a player like Joe Smith or Rasho (Rasho actually had a pretty nice solid back-up type season last year) with the little bit of money we have left and let guys like Josh Powell, Adam Morrison and Luke Walton show us what they’re made of.

Is Lamar a huge loss? Of course. Is it the end before it’s even begun? Absolutely not.

by Themanthemyththelegend on Jul 20, 2009 2:10 PM PDT reply actions

We can't have Powe because it would be Pau Powe

Bang Bang I shot my gun Bang bang

Paul D. Kelley

by so.cal.native1952 on Jul 20, 2009 4:07 PM PDT reply actions

Powe No Go

Some have commented about a “big”…while LO is “big”, his skill set is much more. Players like Powe are, as some have pointed out, one-dimensional 4’s. No way, if he’s really the “black hole”, he gets along with that shoot happy bench we have (Sasha, Jordan, Josh).

IF, heaven forbid, LO goes to Miami (ugh!) the best players to fill in the significant gap would have to be a 3-4 combo player with similar skills: ability to get his own shot, shoot the outside shot, handle the ball backcourt to frontcourt, facilitate the offense, get some boards, be able to play with the starters big minutes if AB gets into foul trouble.

There are a few interesting free agents left that have something of the skill set that the Laker bench needs.

THE BEST OPTION: RESIGN LO! We’ll be in the finals again, again, and again (one for every year we have Artest and hopefully LO locked up)!!!

by 32Laker24-8 on Jul 20, 2009 11:06 PM PDT reply actions