Gomes3PC wrote:-= original quote snipped =-
You don't think the Celtics D had ANYTHING to do with Bynum having two of his worst games of the year? Of course not...it was just coincidence that he disappeared against the best defensive team in the NBA.
Honestly I think both Pau and Bynum are very good players and when on the court together and Odom playing SF, they could be a phenomenal frontcourt trio, certainly more talented than any in the NBA right now. But in this series, if the Celtics make this into a grind it out style that they have the first three series they've played, I think the Lakers will sorely miss the size and toughness Bynum brought. I think a big key will be whether Pau can make this a skill matchup in the paint vs. Perk, or if Perk can bully Gasol around like he did Bynum and Kwame.
And don't say Perk can't bully guys around. 18 and 16 against Rasheed and McDyess, two much tougher guys than Pau, says that when he gets rolling he can really hurt teams on BOTH ends.
The C's are a great defensive team. Nobody questioned that. But those games were 5 months ago. Gasol is a much more refined offensive player than Bynum was 5 months ago.
We will miss Bynum's rebounding and inside toughness, but the C's will have to deal with Gasol's offensive versatility.
I eally think Gasol is what the Lakers need right now in a series against a tough defensive team. Rememeber, the Jazz and the Spurs weer not softees.
Perkins was very active on the bords in the first two meetings. The Lakers will be up for that. They are playing very good defensively and hhave been able to shut tough teams down. They a re also getting it done on the boards.
As much as I love Bynum, I think at this point in their careers, in this series against the C's, the need Gasol more.
Next season of course, we will have both.
