Goodbye DJ

[diturral]

On Sunday, it will likely be DJ Mbenga's last game playing with the Lakers, unless by a miracle of God he's signed on for the remainder of the season (not likely with Chris Mihm rounding into 12th man form).

I just want to take some time out of my day to say thanks, DJ, for making the Lakers even more fun to watch, especially when you came into the game in mostly meaningless situations. You paraded around on the court, going through the motions of an offense you still know nothing about.

But despite that, you gave us your all, and come Sunday, knowing that you will likely be playing for another 10-day contract with some other team -- I'm sure that when you touch the ball with 90 seconds to go in the first half with the Lakers up by 7, the first thing that will come to mind will be, "Show 'em the 14-footer." Which, by the way, you will miss horribly -- like every other jump shot you inexplicably attempted during your tenure with the Lakers.

So here's to you, DJ Mbenga, you big 7-foot monster. I bid you farewell.

[dockingsched]

i think he probably earned himself a look from another team.

[Erik Eleven]

That was harsh. I liked his attitude and energy a lot. He's very rough around the edges but nevertheless, he played hard and got a few blocks and putbacks.

Thank you, Mbenga. I hope they sign you for the remainder of the season, at least as insurance in case Kwame won't come back. If he does, maybe they'll have to let you go, but as far as I'm concerned, you should stay a bit longer.

[Erik Eleven]

By the way,

In eight minutes per game, Mbenga averages 1.5 ppg, 2.0 rpg, 0.2 apg, 0.2 spg, 0.7 bpg, shooting 45.9%.

Chris webbers numbers for this year: In 13 mpg, 4 ppg, 1 rpg, 2 apg, 1 spg, o bpg, shooting 40%.

[MAMBAEMD]

I think we should keep him.
There is no reason not to.
He is a good defensive player and his 3-4 minutes a game will come in handy the rest of season and the playoffs.
Why are they letting him go? Our bigs are injury prone.....

[KB20]

I could've sworn I read somewhere that he signed for the rest of the season. Either way, good luck to DJ.

[Sofa King]

By the way,

In eight minutes per game, Mbenga averages 1.5 ppg, 2.0 rpg, 0.2 apg, 0.2 spg, 0.7 bpg, shooting 45.9%.

Chris webbers numbers for this year: In 13 mpg, 4 ppg, 1 rpg, 2 apg, 1 spg, o bpg, shooting 40%.

Kwame with Memphis

12. 5 mpg, 3.0 ppg, 3.0 rpg, 1 apg, 1 bpg, shooting 100 %

[Jordan-esque]

LA Times:

Free-agent center DJ Mbenga will probably play his last game with the Lakers on Sunday in Miami. The team is not expected to sign him for the rest of the season after his second 10-day contract expires.

Mbenga is averaging 2.3 points and 2.1 rebounds in eight games.

Why Buss why?

Goodluck to you DJ.

[xX_BabyBoy_Xx]

he probably goes to Miami to fill Shaq's shoes.

[KingLakers]

With DJ leaving it probably means that Mihms return is imminent.

[Jordan-esque]

Lakers have 2 open rosters spots with DJ leaving...

[triplethreatt]

Lakers have 2 open rosters spots with DJ leaving...

It will be interesting to see if they do anything with those spots. They could bring up a guy from the DFenders for depth purposes, or wait to see if anyone else gets bought out of some value.

[bobobolas1]

Lakers have 2 open rosters spots with DJ leaving...

+1

[Sedale Threatt]

Doesn't seem like we really need any more bodies to me, especially once Drew comes back.

[CITYOFANGELSX3]

Lakers have 2 open rosters spots with DJ leaving...

Should be intresting to see which veterans get waived, sam cassell has been rumored.

[Erik Eleven]

Doesn't seem like we really need any more bodies to me, especially once Drew comes back.

I have a feeling we should stock up on bigs. I want a full center rotation, without counting Gasol. Since Bynum is undoubtedly our future center, Gasol's spot for the future will be the four, might as well start planning and acting around that. Not saying he shouldn't ever get minutes at C, just pondering ultimate scenario.

Fisher, Farmar,
Kobe, Sasha, Karl
Odom, Ariza, Luke
Gasol, Turiaf, Radman
Bynum, Mihm, ?

Either Kwame or Mbenga should be added. Remember, we're very likely to face an angry Shaquille in the first round. I gimpy Mihm and a recovering Bynum is not enough.

What's the word on Memphis buying Kwame out?

[islander009]

Is there really a reason for us to let him go? He isnt getting that big of a contract. as Erik Eleven stated since letting kwame brown, we dont have that grit nosed defender to hold off an angry shaq. Really wish that we keep him for the rest of the year, if not good luck DJ

[The Laker Kid]

as Erik Eleven stated since letting kwame brown, we dont have that grit nosed defender to hold off an angry shaq.

Andrew will tame an Angry Shaq

Oh well.. BYE DJ Mbenga. Good luck to you... you did your job WELL when you're a Laker..

[KObe Bryant]

We should sign him for the whole year. I'm sure the whole team would really miss him so much. He played so great in 20 days for our team. I'll miss him.. Thank you DJ!!

[milesfides]

Now, if this is true, it upsets me a little as a fan. Guy played hard and deserves to be signed for the prorated minimum. Is there any cheaper insurance in case Bynum doesn't come back as scheduled? Or if Mihm's still not ready or if Pau or Turiaf get injured?

Now this is just a little too cheap for me.