How good are We?

[iamworthy]

didn't we struggle against the Cavs last year?

We lost both games against them last year. The first game we had Bynum and he was just starting to show what he can do. The second time Bynum was hurt and Kwame was starting. The Cavs have never seen the big Spaniard in the lineup, nor have they seen LO as a six man. This team is just totally different.

[Chubby Chaser]

Please. Lebron makes his layups when he drives. But he's known for missing his free throws at the end of games. It's just what he does. But whatever. You can have your man crush over Lebron all you want, I don't really care. I'm more concerned about the Pacers right now.

[Farm Raid]

Correcting you by saying that LeBron not only doesn't "always" fail but has in fact has some incredibly clutch moments means he has a man crush? WOW

[dockingsched]

lakers aren't good enough to beat the celtics or cavs right now. lebron would run circles around this defense.

[shobe_81]

lakers aren't good enough to beat the celtics or cavs right now. lebron would run circles around this defense.

Yea I'm watching this and my head is spinning. That play they analyzed at halftime with Dfish letting the PG just run right by him was horrible. Kobe could've easily switched man with Fisher.

[hermes]

Correcting you by saying that LeBron not only doesn't "always" fail but has in fact has some incredibly clutch moments means he has a man crush? WOW

dang right man, its all or nothing, ain't got time for this middle ground crap

[Sedale Threatt]

lakers aren't good enough to beat the celtics or cavs right now. lebron would run circles around this defense.

But all you have to do is foul the kid at the end of the game and he'll choke from the line like he always does. Problem solved.

[Luxury]

Let's see if Santa grants my wish this Christmas..

[iamworthy]

Cavs are overrated. As is the lakers defense. But they simply cannot matchup with the talent this team has. Lebron can avg 35 and I still wouldnt be worried. At the end of the day this is a team sport. So I am more than willing to give LB his stats, Chris paul his 30/15 and we should still get the W.And Ill give any other star with an ok supporting cast there numbers also. The only team that can beat the Lakers right now is the team with the 3 future Hall of Famers. Basketball is a game of matchups. And when your playing the lakers, you have to matchup with our 6th, 7th, 8th and maybe 9th man. Not just the starting five.

[humblebum]

As a Celtics fan I will say that some of you are drastically underrating Lebron, especially playoff Lebron. Us folks in the eastern conference understand that Lebron is able to exploit all the weaknesses in the defense. He slashes at the gaps, finishes with power, he has ridiculous endurance, he finds the open man, he defends, and he grabs mans rebounds all game long. Radman would be absolutely worthless against Lebron. Ariza would get worn up in 2-3 quarters max and Kobe is WAY too small to deal with Lebron. So basically, if your team defense isn't essentially perfect it's dunks and layups for Lebron or easy kick out threes/jumpshots for all the Cavs shooters. Plus the Cavs are a very good rebounding and defensive team.

The Lakers are definitely one of three teams (along with Boston and Cleveland) that has a legit chance at winning it all. But unless they get their defense together (which they're definitely capable of) than they're going to have a tough time.

P.S. Why don't you guys start Ariza?

[larry14r]

As a Celtics fan I will say that some of you are drastically underrating Lebron, especially playoff Lebron. Us folks in the eastern conference understand that Lebron is able to exploit all the weaknesses in the defense. He slashes at the gaps, finishes with power, he has ridiculous endurance, he finds the open man, he defends, and he grabs mans rebounds all game long. Radman would be absolutely worthless against Lebron. Ariza would get worn up in 2-3 quarters max and Kobe is WAY too small to deal with Lebron. So basically, if your team defense isn't essentially perfect it's dunks and layups for Lebron or easy kick out threes/jumpshots for all the Cavs shooters. Plus the Cavs are a very good rebounding and defensive team.

The Lakers are definitely one of three teams (along with Boston and Cleveland) that has a legit chance at winning it all. But unless they get their defense together (which they're definitely capable of) than they're going to have a tough time.

P.S. Why don't you guys start Ariza?

It's because Ariza can't shoot consistently yet that's why, and the triangle offense you have to have a shooter in the starting lineup.

[Erik Eleven]

After yesterday's game, Radman is back in the dog house again. I agree that Ariza should start. I'd much rather win by 90-80 than a tight high scoring game.

Radman won't hurt the second unit as much as Ariza will help the first unit. The starters need his spark. It's all about defense. Eff the three point shooting until we can play defense for 48 minutes. Do it, Phil!

[hermes]

P.S. Why don't you guys start Ariza?

we're not the coach

[humblebum]

haha, hermes you funny individual you.

obviously i should have said, why doesn't Phil start Ariza?

If the main concern is defense than it makes sense that Ariza should win the job. If not it seems like lip service is paid to defense but without the all out commitment from the entire organization which is necessary.

[shobe_81]

Amazing Humblebum a Celtic fan is on the Lakers board. Let me guess, all the Lakers fan will start bashing him right? WRONG

See you won't get that type of treatment here unlike some of the members at the Celtics board

Anyways, to answer your question, Ariza is like a Spark plug off the bench, he provides the fast-break game the 2nd unit requires and that is a reason why Radman who cannot do anything in the transition phase will provide what Ariza does.

But I wouldn't mind Phil starting Ariza, unfortunately Phil plays mind games with everyone.

[iamworthy]

Keep in mind this is phil jackson we are talking about. Its way to early in the season for him to show his best hand, which is why LO has never been in the game with Bynum and Gasol. He knows exactly what he's doing.....playing with the leagues head.

[DEEP3CL]

Keep in mind this is phil jackson we are talking about. Its way to early in the season for him to show his best hand, which is why LO has never been in the game with Bynum and Gasol. He knows exactly what he's doing.....playing with the leagues head.

Damn imworthy I thought I was the only one who saw that................16 games in and those 3 haven't been on the floor not once strange to say the least.