Roster similarities: 2010 Kobe/Pau vs 2020 LBJ/AD Teams

[dockingsched]

Talking with my buddies we all noticed how eerily similar this roster construction is vs the 2010 Lakers.

2010 vs 2020 Lakers:

Kobe vs LBJ
Pau vs AD
MWP vs DGreen
Fisher vs Avery Bradley
Bynum vs Dwight

6th man:
Lamar vs Kuz

Both teams have solid defense and can take the twin towers approach. Then they can also go "small" with AD and Pau at 5 with Kuz and LO at the 4. As the 6th man, both Kuz and LO bring fire from the bench. LBJ and Kobe are also both older in their careers (respectively) but still killing it.





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I think this is a really good comparison as to the construction of both teams, something I had also noticed at the start of the season.

Both are relying heavily on being led by a star wing and big while surrounding them with similar style role players and similarly versatile X factors.

I think the biggest difference is Lamar Odom. While some would probably want to think of Kuzma as filling that role, that really underestimates how important Lamar was and how his ball handling, rebounding and defensive excellence was a key to the Lakers winning.

It’ll be really fun to see if they can replicate the same level of success.

[Sedale Threatt]

Talking with my buddies we all noticed how eerily similar this roster construction is vs the 2010 Lakers.

2010 vs 2020 Lakers:

Kobe vs LBJ
Pau vs AD
MWP vs DGreen
Fisher vs Avery Bradley
Bynum vs Dwight

6th man:
Lamar vs Kuz

Both teams have solid defense and can take the twin towers approach. Then they can also go "small" with AD and Pau at 5 with Kuz and LO at the 4. As the 6th man, both Kuz and LO bring fire from the bench. LBJ and Kobe are also both older in their careers (respectively) but still killing it.





Sent from my SM-N950U using RealGM mobile app

I think this is a really good comparison as to the construction of both teams, something I had also noticed at the start of the season.

Both are relying heavily on being led by a star wing and big while surrounding them with similar style role players and similarly versatile X factors.

I think the biggest difference is Lamar Odom. While some would probably want to think of Kuzma as filling that role, that really underestimates how important Lamar was and how his ball handling, rebounding and defensive excellence was a key to the Lakers winning.

It’ll be really fun to see if they can replicate the same level of success.

Once you accepted who Lamar was instead of wishing what he could be with a more assertive personality, he really was a quality player. Other than maybe Coop, the best 6th man we've ever had.

One thing about that 09-10 team, I'm always surprised looking back that we won 65 games. For all the success we've had over the years, we've only ever gotten to that threshold four times, and looking at that roster on paper, it doesn't feel like that would be one of them. (Indeed, B-R has them overachieving by four games.) But the main pieces really complemented each other, we had a ton of experience and great leadership and were outstanding on both ends. A case example of great chemistry and cohesion.

[Landsberger]

No other players in Laker's history frustrated me as much as Lamar and Horry. While they were key to our wins they also wasted immense talent. Kuzma's dedication to basketball is above both of them.... the results and talent maybe not but this is his first shot to be part of a legit team. For me the jury is still out on him.

[jigga_man]

09 Lakers rule all

[dAdo dA dEvil]

No other players in Laker's history frustrated me as much as Lamar and Horry. While they were key to our wins they also wasted immense talent. Kuzma's dedication to basketball is above both of them.... the results and talent maybe not but this is his first shot to be part of a legit team. For me the jury is still out on him.

No disrespect ... but, Let's say that Kuz's dedication to basketball is above both of them, still, I can't place Lamar and Horry with Kuz in the same sentence with it comes to basketball at this point. Lamar and Horry found what they meant to be in basketball . One as a versatile sixth man while the other one is a lucky clutch player. Kuz is not proven at this point. If he comes the same level or exceeds them both them I would be happy.

[Landsberger]

No other players in Laker's history frustrated me as much as Lamar and Horry. While they were key to our wins they also wasted immense talent. Kuzma's dedication to basketball is above both of them.... the results and talent maybe not but this is his first shot to be part of a legit team. For me the jury is still out on him.

No disrespect ... but, Let's say that Kuz's dedication to basketball is above both of them, still, I can't place Lamar and Horry with Kuz in the same sentence with it comes to basketball at this point. Lamar and Horry found what they meant to be in basketball . One as a versatile sixth man while the other one is a lucky clutch player. Kuz is not proven at this point. If he comes the same level or exceeds them both them I would be happy.

Hmmm ... Doesn't seem like anyone can put put two players in the same idea and not have someone completely misunderstand the statement and think I was comparing them.

I shouldn't have to do this but: My point about Horry and Lamar was that they had a ton more talent than Kuz has shown but less dedication to practicing their craft (at least from what I know). Neither Horry or Lamar did anything without at least one other super star on their team.... or in their cases 2. Lamar would have been a draft failure if he was forced to be a primary player on a team. Horry has a similar path. They played well in their rolls when they got to big games but neither led a team to big games.

Who knows where Kuz will end up but my guess is that if he keeps trying he can win a couple chips here and maybe make a few big shots like Horry and maybe be a reliable presence off the bench to boot. Not sure why this is controversial.

I thought it was pretty obvious that looking back on Lamar and Horry's career vs looking at Kuz at year 2.1 was not trying to compare them but I guess not.

As for "disrespect".... when you start off with that you really mean it.

[Kilroy]

I always thought LO was over-rated by Lakers fans... I actually see the comparison to Kuz although I do think Lamar was more talented and versatile... The similarity for me has to do with impact... I just remember getting super frustrated with Odom, because in the games we really needed him to step up, he always seemed to disappear. He'd always contribute, but I always felt like it wasn't when we really needed it...
Kuz has been kind of the same... Although he seems to be getting more consistent now.

Horry was Ok on D, but pretty much useless on offense, until it was time for a cold-blooded 3... That's not Kuz. He's never shown that spark for being klutch at this point. And I'll take a guy who doesn't do a whole lot all game but wins it for us in the last seconds, every time.