alfurd wrote:-= original quote snipped =-
But maybe it'll be sufficient. It's fine to be demanding more on the defensive end but realistically the Lakers aren't going to be playing defense at the level of the Pistons, Spurs, and Celtics. Hopefully the defense will be good enough to keep the Lakers in games and that the the offense will be superior in those close games when scoring becomes a struggle and pressure D does jack. Moving Gasol to PF and having Bynum at C does make things interesting on D and how it'll allow the perimeter players to guard their assignments. It might not be enough but at least it could do something to cover up the issues that won't be resolved this season.
I agree, this is a much more acceptable goal than Pistons or Spurs level D. That's a very, very tall order. After all, that's what their entire identities are built around.
That said, I also agree with Erik and others that there's a definite need for improvement. No matter how many times I see rankings or stats that show otherwise, I just don't see this team, even with Bynum back, being able to really lock in over the final six minutes of a playoff game.
In my opinion, Gasol, Farmar, Fisher, Vujacic, Walton are all average or worse. (Highlight moment from Sunday's game -- watching Sasha get beat not once but twice off the dribble by Kidd in the span of five or six seconds.)
Odom and Ronny have their moments, but I wouldn't consider them stoppers.
Kobe is playing really well on the defensive end, but considering his offensive load it's always going to be hard for him to give complete effort in that regard (not that he won't try).
Bynum's return provides an immediate shot blocking presence, but I haven't seen him show the instincts or mobility that are required to be a true defensive force.
And Ariza, he's a big athletic body, but I'm not sure if he warrants the reputation he has.
I hope I'm way, way off (always a strong possibility). But defense, as well as experience, are my biggest concerns as the playoffs approach.
