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I think Phil should at least consider it. The only advantage Kwame has over Mbenga is his one-on-one low post defense. But he doesnt come over and block any shots. I would much rather see Mbenga and Ronny starting side by side to patrol the paint and moving over LO to the 3. Didnt anyone else notice that the one time we were getting stops last night against Dallas was with both Ronny and Mbenga on the floor?? Its all because they actually go up and block shots. Offensively he's just as good as Kwame and I might even say a little bit better cause the ball doesnt seem to bounce off his hands. Only when playing against big low post players (i.e. Yao) would i wanna see kwame starting...

I'd give Kwame 3 more starts before this kind of thing should be considered. I know Kwame can play better than what he's been putting out lately.

I would start Mbenga, but I doubt Phil would do it. Phil likes starting Kwame because he knows how sensitive Kwame is, how confidence affects his game. Bringing Kwame off the bench might increase that pressure due to his being in a contract year, wanting to get his starting job back, etc. On the other hand, maybe it could lessen the pressure by having him play with the 2nd unit. I don't know, maybe we should try it. Did we even sign him for the rest of the year yet?

The biggest problem with Kwame, aside from the usual problems, is his conditioning. The guy can't jump, he's not moving defensively, he's not moving well on the court. He needs time.

milesfides wrote:I would start Mbenga, but I doubt Phil would do it. Phil likes starting Kwame because he knows how sensitive Kwame is, how confidence affects his game. Bringing Kwame off the bench might increase that pressure due to his being in a contract year, wanting to get his starting job back, etc. On the other hand, maybe it could lessen the pressure by having him play with the 2nd unit. I don't know, maybe we should try it. Did we even sign him for the rest of the year yet?

The biggest problem with Kwame, aside from the usual problems, is his conditioning. The guy can't jump, he's not moving defensively, he's not moving well on the court. He needs time.

Honestly Miles , Im over both Kwame , and L.O .

I mean at times it seems as if we're running a day care , not a basketball team , the way these guys are playing .

I am a bit impressed about DJ and I would defiantly think about signing him for the rest of the season .

I think if we keep Dj and when Bynum returns , we can have Dj pay 4 while Drew plays the 5 .

I think with these two guys clogging the middle and their shot blocking abilities it will seriously help us on Defense , and isnt that one of our concerns?

If you want to flush Kwame's confidence down the drain than start Mbenga over Kwame.

Big_Bad_LA wrote:If you want to flush Kwame's confidence down the drain than start Mbenga over Kwame.

Any lower than he is now ?

LOLLL

start Mbenga?

What games have you been watching? The guys is worse than Kwame. Kwame is a scrub but DJ makes him Kwame look like an all-star.

I am praying that he is sent packing after the 10 days. I would take Charles Barkeley as he is now (fat and full of jelly donuts) over these clowns.

I find it hard to believe we could not find a better quality professional elsewhere. D-League, Europe, the parking lot....

Starting Mbenga is as low as it can get.

and kwame = emo!

If Kwame's poor play keeps up, I'd have no problems starting Mbenga.
He can be a better defensive presence. He is a better shot blocker. He changes the opposing teams shots and they are not as willing to go to the hole with DJ in there.
He needs to be taught not to get into foul trouble. If you recall, Bynum also had foul-trouble issues but learned to keep himself in the games by not committing dumb fouls.

I appreciate the concern about Kwame confidence if demoted. Frankly, that would not stop me from stating DJ for several reasons.
First of all, the Lakers have to do whatever it takes to win. They cannot really worry about Kwame's confidence at the detriment of the rest of the team. Second, his confidence may actually get worse if he stays on the first unit and keeps sucking (appologize for being blunt). Lastly, he may actually improve if he is on the second unit and there is less focus on him.
That said, I don't believe Phil would do this. He is more comfortable with players who have played in the system longer. Remember how long he stuck with Smush last year when everyone wanted Farmar to get more PT?

We should start Mbenga so he can go Cloverfield on the opposition.

god no! mbenga is too fould prone, a shoots every chance he gets, and turns the ball over too much.... too much for kwame

is his contract for 10 days or 10 games? if its 10 days shouldnt his contract be over soon?

diturral wrote:is his contract for 10 days or 10 games? if its 10 days shouldnt his contract be over soon?

10 days. They signed him on Jan 22. When it expires, they can sign him to another 10 day contract. After that they have to either sign him for the rest of the year or let him go.

lol that is the lowest of the lowest. Imagine losing your spot to a guy signed for 10 days!

dingclancy wrote:lol that is the lowest of the lowest. Imagine losing your spot to a guy signed for 10 days!

when your hands are made of stone, anything is possible.

Can anyone tell me why, when Kwame gets the ball really deep in the post he doesn't dunk it?

Big_Bad_LA wrote:If you want to flush Kwame's confidence down the drain than start Mbenga over Kwame.

yes all hope could be lost

like there is any hope right now with this fella ...
Kwame is poor man's Jarron Collins, only with bigger butt.