Anybody worried about Gasol?

[Ghost Writer]

Are the Lakers and Suns merging?

Don't be a fvcking idiot.

You know who plays for who now.

I hope.

[Holt's Cat]

Don't be a fvcking idiot.

You know who plays for who now.

I hope.

I do. Do you?

[Medvedenko]

Are the Lakers and Suns merging?

If they did, you still wouldn't concede that could be the mighty spurs, making all previous posts BS. You're showing True Homer status buddy...keep it up.

[Ghost Writer]

You keep talking about these guys as if they're Mutombo or Alonzo Mourning Shaq, Amare, Gasol and Bynum aren't game-changers on defense. Amare is dumb and foul prone. Shaq is old and foul prone. Even if Parker doesn't score it's likely he'll get these guys in foul trouble. Gasol and Bynum aren't going to scare anyone away from the rim either

Watch a game.

All four of those players intimidate and block more shots than our frontcourt.

[Holt's Cat]

If they did, you still wouldn't concede that could be the mighty spurs, making all previous posts BS. You're showing True Homer status buddy...keep it up.

So the Lakers are the odds on favorites to win it all? Who's the homer now?

You're a genius.

[spursjustice]

I'm more worried about Bynum than Pau...
he's a better defensive player and his size, strength and length will bother us.. and we all know defence wins c'ships...

[DazedAndConfused]

You're right. I hope Gasol's back holds up.

How are Odom's joints doing these days?

I never said the Lakers were gonna stay injury free either. I'm just pointing out that there is no way you can say Parker will be 100% for the playoffs.

[Medvedenko]

So the Lakers are the odds on favorites to win it all? Who's the homer now?

You're a genius.

I never said odds on favourite....that's not what we are debating. We're debating the merits of having Bynum and Gasol man the middle versus TD and Oberto and subsequent match up problems we give you...that is all.

[Holt's Cat]

Well, if they are not the favorite in light of the Gasol trade, then I'm not sure how it's somehow unacceptable to feel good about the Spurs' chances in the spring.

[hitmanyr2k]

Watch a game.

All four of those players intimidate and block more shots than our frontcourt.

I see games all the time. NONE of those players intimidate anyone from attacking the rim. Shaq can barely stay on the floor these days because of foul trouble. Players can't wait to go at him on offense because they know he's old, won't move his feet and will pick up a silly foul rather than defend. Amare is just dumb and tries to rely too much on athleticism lol. Bynum has no defensive aura whatsoever and neither does Gasol. These guys are not going to change a game defensively like I saw Mourning do in the Heat '06 le run or like Mutombo did for so many years. They may try to knock Parker or Ginobili down but they'll pick up fouls in the process.

[cherylsteele]

But he isn't healthy.

Yes, right now that is true, we will see come playoff time.

[Medvedenko]

Well, if they are not the favorite in light of the Gasol trade, then I'm not sure how it's somehow unacceptable to feel good about the Spurs' chances in the spring.

I don't find it unacceptable if the Spurs win at all. Like I've said in different posts prior over the last few weeks. There are 4 teams in the West that have a great shot at going to the finals.

[cherylsteele]

I never said odds on favourite....that's not what we are debating. We're debating the merits of having Bynum and Gasol man the middle versus TD and Oberto and subsequent match up problems we give you...that is all.

Gasol makes the Lakers a much more balanced team, in the playoffs that can be important.

[sprrs]

Good take buddy....yes, the Spurs should be scared. Their mortal this year. Oh, will TP help, no doubt...but in 04 we had an answer to shutting him down.

TP has since developed a reliable jump shot. You'll have a little more trouble shutting him down if you use the '04 tactic.

[Medvedenko]

As I said in the match up thread...it's going to come down to role players and I see Odom being a tipping point.

[cherylsteele]

As I said in the match up thread...it's going to come down to role players and I see Odom being a tipping point.

It is possible, Udoka could be something like that as well as Barry. It will be a great series if it happens though.

[Medvedenko]

Yes, I would love the Lakers to get to the WC and possibly face you guys....a great series no doubt.

[Manu'sMagicalLeftHand]

Anybody worried about Gasol?

Definitely:

[Purple & Gold]

with gasol
look at odom line
he does not score

not worried

Odom doesn't score now anyways. He's a 4th or 5th option now (Fisher or Farmar) he won't really be needed to score.

[Purple & Gold]

One can make an arguement (a strong one) the Lakers regressed severely on defense by losing Brown - he was their best defending big man - it is not just about stats!

Only an idiot would make that argument. When Kwame is in there it's a layup drill against the Lakers. Not the case when Bynum's in there. Yes, Kwame has solid man-to-man post defense, but not that much better than Bynum's and not great enough where it covers the fact that he can't intimidate anybody driving to the hoop.

[DazedAndConfused]

Only an idiot would make that argument. When Kwame is in there it's a layup drill against the Lakers. Not the case when Bynum's in there. Yes, Kwame has solid man-to-man post defense, but not that much better than Bynum's and not great enough where it covers the fact that he can't intimidate anybody driving to the hoop.

Couldn't have said it any better. Kwame is not a defensive anchor, especially with all his injuries. Bynum can actually deter penetration and alter shots.

[ChumpDumper]

So lakerfans have declared this season's paper champions.

Sweet.

[Purple & Gold]

So lakerfans have declared this season's paper champions.

Sweet.

Lakers will win Team of the Decade DumpChumper

[Mister Sinister]

Lakers will win Team of the Decade DumpChumper

Wait, DumpChumper? Th...That doesn't make any sense! He chumps those things that are dumps? What does that even mean?

[Purple & Gold]

You don't have to make sense if your team has already won Team of the Decade and is about to win another one.