Cliff Levingston wrote:However, L.A. probably doesn't want Randolph. Odom is much better as a PF these days so you've got a conflict there, and they've already got enough guys who can score. Not to mention it really ups their long-term salary commitment.
I can see how the Lakers may not want to compromise what they have going. However, the only real offensive threat on that team is Kobe Bryant. Sure they have 3 other players averaging double digits in points, but that is only because Kobe creates for them. If a team locks in on Kobe, or just locks in to the Lakers role players (which is easier to do), the Lakers will not win that game.
I think it really depends on whether or not the Lakers want to try to make a heavy playoff push. With the cast they have now, they certainly can make the playoffs, but they will have a really tough time trying to make it past the first round.
Shaq was able to win a ring with another good wing player, so why hasn't Laker's management attempted to get Kobe a good post player?
As for Lamar Odom, he is the perfect player to put alongside 2 scorers. His natural skills are of a SF (ball handling, passing, driving to the basket), but he has the body of a PF. He has played well at SF in previous years, and I believe he actually prefers to play that position.
Derek Fisher / Jordan Farmer
Kobe Bryant / Luke Walton
Lamar Odom / Trevor Ariza
Zach Randolph / Vladamir Radmanovic
Andrew Bynum / Ronny Turiaf
That is very good lineup with a decent bench.