Tilted Forum Project Discussion Community - View Single Post - Ladies and gentlement, your 04-05 Los Angeles Lakers

espi · 07-20-2004, 12:53 PM

Well, this degenerated into a Kobe hatefest (not to say that I don't agree...I just don't think you can favorably compare Kobe, or anyone, to MJ).

The more import thing the Lakers need to look at is getting someone to draw doubles off Kobe; otherwise teams are going to collapse on him everytime he touches the ball.

You can argue that Odom or Butler will be that guy, but as an opposing coach, I would rather play single coverage on those too, and let their defenders play help defense on Kobe. I would rather take my chances leaving Odom open than letting Kobe get off an eas(y|ier) shot.

I'm surprised that no one has pointed out that Kobe, Odom and Butler all play the same position. (I know Odom was playing the 4 in Miami, but he's really more of a 3, and he played the 2 sporadically as a Clip). So, the Lakers are either gonna run a four guard team (Payton, Kobe, Odom, Butler), or one of those are gonna have to come off the bench along with George. I just don't think there's enough minutes in the game to accomodate all of those players. (Although, if I were Kupchak, I would look at trading George and trying to bring in a backup PG. Golden State now has three PGs under contract...pick up the phone, man).

07-20-2004, 12:53 PM	#35 (permalink)
espi Crazy Location: This is not my beautiful house	Well, this degenerated into a Kobe hatefest (not to say that I don't agree...I just don't think you can favorably compare Kobe, or anyone, to MJ). The more import thing the Lakers need to look at is getting someone to draw doubles off Kobe; otherwise teams are going to collapse on him everytime he touches the ball. You can argue that Odom or Butler will be that guy, but as an opposing coach, I would rather play single coverage on those too, and let their defenders play help defense on Kobe. I would rather take my chances leaving Odom open than letting Kobe get off an eas(y\|ier) shot. I'm surprised that no one has pointed out that Kobe, Odom and Butler all play the same position. (I know Odom was playing the 4 in Miami, but he's really more of a 3, and he played the 2 sporadically as a Clip). So, the Lakers are either gonna run a four guard team (Payton, Kobe, Odom, Butler), or one of those are gonna have to come off the bench along with George. I just don't think there's enough minutes in the game to accomodate all of those players. (Although, if I were Kupchak, I would look at trading George and trying to bring in a backup PG. Golden State now has three PGs under contract...pick up the phone, man). __________________ If it weren't for my horse, I never would've spent that year in college.