Lakers chat

2007-11-06 13:05:54.0 Brian Kamenetzky: Hey everyone. Welcome to today’s chat.

2007-11-06 13:05:58.0 Luhnez: Given the recent success of the Lakers and how smoothly the Triangle has been running with Luke Walton, would you start Lamar Odom right away? I know he provides matchup problems, but Luke has been somewhat of a catalyst in this offense. The Triangle is running even better than it was last January and Luke Walton is a big reason for that.

2007-11-06 13:07:10.0 Brian Kamenetzky: Luhnez- Yeah, as soon as LO is available, I’d put him in the starting lineup. For Luke or Ronny would have to do a lot with matchups, but I think the goal is to have Luke captain the second unit if everyone is healthy. He’ll play plenty of fourth quarter minutes, either way.

2007-11-06 13:07:14.0 generic_one: Brian - It seems like you’re always earlier to these chats than Andrew. Would you attribute this to being married and having strict rules that are dictated on short notice? Andrew - How do you feel about giving away raisins to trick-or-treaters? I think it’s extremely insulting, personally.

2007-11-06 13:07:40.0 Brian Kamenetzky: Generic- Acutally, Andy was there first, I think.

2007-11-06 13:07:47.0 ah81: Brian how come you’re not in Kobe’s circle of trust?

2007-11-06 13:08:02.0 Brian Kamenetzky: ah81- Dude, we only have an hour...

2007-11-06 13:08:04.0 ah81: trade kobe for arenas and butler!

2007-11-06 13:08:08.0 Elle: What are the odds that we can teach kwame to dunk and or retain the ball in his hands?

2007-11-06 13:08:15.0 Andrew Kamenetzky: G!, I dispise raisens, so I agree. As they said in “Bennie and Joon,” raisens are just humilated grapes.

2007-11-06 13:08:24.0 Brian Kamenetzky: Elle- Dude, we only have an hour (haha)...

2007-11-06 13:08:46.0 ah81: What are the chances of signing Kwame to the mid level next year at 5 million?

2007-11-06 13:08:57.0 Elle: I’d volunteer to throw balls at random parts of his body, just to see if that would help

2007-11-06 13:09:03.0 Elle: I’ll even do it for free

2007-11-06 13:09:35.0 Mikey: Seriously, I wanted to pull my hair out the other night against PHX when Kwame tried to lay it up soft. What will it take for him to learn to get up and just throw it down?

2007-11-06 13:09:37.0 Brian Kamenetzky: Elle- Is that for you to take out your own frustrations at his play, or to actually help Kwame improve?

2007-11-06 13:09:58.0 Elle: to help him and my Lakers

2007-11-06 13:10:06.0 ah81: Kwame is my hero

2007-11-06 13:10:26.0 BR: Is Chris Mimm injured? His playing time has been very limited.

2007-11-06 13:10:27.0 Elle: haha that’s a first Kwame has fans?

2007-11-06 13:10:31.0 Andrew Kamenetzky: Ah81 - It depends on whether he a) can learn PF, and b) is willing to eventually concede a backup role. Unless Bynum regresses or gets traded, there’s no way he won’t eventually be the main center, maybe even this season.

2007-11-06 13:11:16.0 Brian Kamenetzky: Mikey- I can’t say I get it, either, but it is frustrating to see it happen, especially when he goes up with one hand or tries to lay it in and gets fouled, since he can’t hit FTs. I know his value is on the other end, but those points matter.

2007-11-06 13:11:35.0 Andrew Kamenetzky: AH8... so unless he’s cool with both, I don’t see Kwame coming back.

2007-11-06 13:11:38.0 Brian Kamenetzky: BR- Yeah, he’s still working his way back. Plus, his timing is off, his movement is slow. So he’s got some ground to make up.

2007-11-06 13:11:41.0 Luhnez: Given the Lakers strong start, do you think Buss is still looking to deal Kobe before this season’s trade deadline?

2007-11-06 13:13:20.0 pimp: just joined the chat - please provide a brief summary of what’s already been discussed...thanks!

2007-11-06 13:13:34.0 Brian Kamenetzky: pimp- just scroll (haha).

2007-11-06 13:13:37.0 Andrew Kamenetzky: Luhnez, if Kobe wants to be traded and doesn’t seem to budging (whether publicly or privately), they’ll still look to field offers (if not necessarily pull the trigger). it’s a matter of practicality. if he doesn’t want to be here, you’re eventually gonna end up crossing this bridge. And the sooner they trade him, the more they get (in my opinion). Plus, a franchise can’t function with a superstar who eveything revolves around but wants to be elsewhere.

2007-11-06 13:13:40.0 hariyahu: AK, BK - if there was one attainable player we could go out to get that would help the Lakers get better, who would that be? I’m not referring to a JO or an Artest - someone more like an Ariza, or an Outlaw - a good perimeter defender who could thrive in a cutting offense like ours.

2007-11-06 13:13:41.0 Luhnez: LOL

2007-11-06 13:14:33.0 Administrator2: Hey pimp-- you’ll be able to read a transcript later today-- but you haven’t missed much; the chat just started a few minutes ago.

2007-11-06 13:14:53.0 Luhnez: I agree w/ u Andrew. 100%.

2007-11-06 13:15:13.0 Administrator2: Transcript will be posted here: https://www.latimes.com/sports/

2007-11-06 13:15:29.0 Andrew Kamenetzky: hariyahu, I don’t know about “attainable” (since I can’t speak with complete knowledge about who a team would be willing to move), but I wouldn’t have minded the Lakers making a play for Ime Udoka (now with San Antonio). I don’t know if they could have afforded him, but he’s a good perimeter defender who can hit the three and wouldn’t have cost too, too much.

2007-11-06 13:15:35.0 Matico: are there any other trades on the horizon. what about indy’s Oneil?

2007-11-06 13:15:39.0 Andrew Kamenetzky: But again, he still may have been out of their price range.

2007-11-06 13:16:24.0 Mikey: I still say they must do everything humanly possible to avoid trading Kobe. Think it’s bad now, that would be a total disaster for L.A.

2007-11-06 13:16:38.0 Brian Kamenetzky: Matico- The last reports said the Pacers were going to hold on to him for a while. Whether that’s true or not, who knows. But in general, I always default to the idea that blockbusters won’t happen until they do....

2007-11-06 13:16:46.0 ah81: AK, BK why is jerry buss so relectant to go over the salary cap when the lakers are a prestigous franchise in one of the biggest cities in the United States? Is he that cheap?

2007-11-06 13:16:51.0 Brian Kamenetzky: ...It’s just so hard to put those sorts of deals together.

2007-11-06 13:16:54.0 Elle: Do any of you think that they will make any trades? I think they’ll just keep the team as is

2007-11-06 13:17:04.0 pimp: once the lakers start losing, and kobe is once again fed up, will he soften his demands on which teams he will go to?

2007-11-06 13:17:14.0 Luhnez: I think Kwame needs to go.. Kwame is a valuable trade asset this season

2007-11-06 13:17:24.0 Matico: I think if KB wants out you let hom out. Did anyone see how they played agains phx? He played within the offense and they kicked but. Almost always he wants to be it! Didnt Wooden say somethnig like a player cannot be more than the sum of its parts?!

2007-11-06 13:17:53.0 Administrator2: Hi folks, if you’ve asked a question and it hasn’t appeared yet, don’t worry-- just trying to give Andrew and Brian time to type. We haven’t forgotten about you!

2007-11-06 13:17:57.0 Elle: Dude ppl will PAY US to keep kwame

2007-11-06 13:18:01.0 Brian Kamenetzky: ah81- The Lakers are over the salary cap every year. It’s the luxury tax that they try to avoid, as do most teams, mostly because the cost-benefit for every dollar you go over it goes down pretty quickly. You can turn a 5 million dollar player into a 10 million, and so on and so forth.

2007-11-06 13:18:03.0 Andrew Kamenetzky: Mikey, I think they have done everything possible to avoid trading Kobe. But at the same time, there comes a point where you may have to face the inevitable and reality. You can’t just put off what you know will need to be done simply because it’s not palatable. Plus, an argument can be made that trading Kobe might truly be the best way to actually rebuild a full team. He’s their best trade asset.

2007-11-06 13:18:08.0 Luhnez: HAHAHA

2007-11-06 13:18:13.0 a: why isnt bynum getting more playing time? he is obviously better then brown

2007-11-06 13:18:57.0 ah81: The lakers have the 5th highest payroll or something... We should have the first! We’re the lakers

2007-11-06 13:19:48.0 Brian Kamenetzky: a- he’s getting a lot of run, and depending on how things shake out, it could be more. He needs to improve on the defensive end and get more consistent. Kwame still has a lot of value defending guys in the post. But his injury also has an effect on the rotation. It’s easier for Kwame to warm up and start the game.

2007-11-06 13:19:58.0 eagleboy: I am not sure the Bynum is obviously better defensively than Kwame. On offense no question.

2007-11-06 13:20:05.0 ah81: Kwame is worst then Elden Campbell,, I thought I would never say that about any laker power forward

2007-11-06 13:20:10.0 tej: do you guys think kobe will matchup against chris paul on defense tonight?

2007-11-06 13:20:25.0 Brian Kamenetzky: ah- Don’t get wrapped up in payroll numbers. They can be misleading. Only look at guys that could have been signed but weren’t b/c of cheaposity.

2007-11-06 13:20:47.0 Andrew Kamenetzky: Tej - At times he might, but for the most part, I imagine they’d rather keep Fish on Paul and let Kobe preserve himself for everything else he has to do.

2007-11-06 13:20:56.0 kikosdad: hey AK/BK...who’s going to be in the IR list for tonights game?

2007-11-06 13:20:58.0 Brian Kamenetzky: Elden Campbell wasn’t that bad. Spacey, but not that bad.

2007-11-06 13:21:12.0 eagleboy: Bynum is still young and showing improvement so it is a matter of time I hope before socks becomes better on D

2007-11-06 13:21:20.0 Luhnez: Don’t the Lakers needs a high profile superstar to put people in those courtside seats though? You can’t go from having the biggest superstar in the NBA to having a solid,serviceable, low-wattage team. Like Buss said. At the end of the day, this is a business. You have to get at least one top-tier all-star for the Bean.

2007-11-06 13:21:49.0 Brian Kamenetzky: kikosad- My guess: Karl, Odom, Mihm. Or maybe Critt. How’s that for a strong answer?

2007-11-06 13:21:50.0 Brian Kamenetzky: Haha.

2007-11-06 13:21:54.0 ah81: Elden Campbell, Sedale Threat, Anthony Peeler, George Lynch, Van Exel, that was my team!

2007-11-06 13:22:08.0 eagleboy: What do you think the chances the Lakers keep the focus and energy levels as high as we have seen through the first three games?

2007-11-06 13:22:11.0 Luhnez: AH81 - Don’t forget Sam Bowie and Pig Miller

2007-11-06 13:22:23.0 ah81: haha

2007-11-06 13:22:29.0 eagleboy: Who didn’t like Pig? He was great!

2007-11-06 13:22:37.0 Brian Kamenetzky: eagleboy- impossible to predict, really. They’re playing at a high level right now, but there will be lulls for sure.

2007-11-06 13:22:51.0 pimp: ak/bk, you guys should post one question and answer at a time...that avoids any confusion

2007-11-06 13:23:04.0 Andrew Kamenetzky: Kiko, I think Mihm will be active, Critt on the list with LO and Karl.

2007-11-06 13:23:13.0 Brian Kamenetzky: pimp- I’m still answering questions from last week....

2007-11-06 13:23:22.0 Andrew Kamenetzky: Pimp - Nobody likes a backseat chatter. haha

2007-11-06 13:23:25.0 Luhnez: How tense is the Laker lockerroom right now? I mean, certainly it’s a lot more fun now with the recent success, but how about preseason and after the first game? The Lakers won’t be on a winning streak forever.

2007-11-06 13:23:49.0 Luhnez: LOL.. My questions are on a roll.

2007-11-06 13:24:05.0 Administrator2: Pays to get here early, Luhnez! :)

2007-11-06 13:24:18.0 Luhnez: word

2007-11-06 13:24:32.0 kikosdad: I hope for tonight...they’ll manage to play Critt ...since he’ll be perfect match up for j.pargo or even bobby jackson...most specially with his height and speed..

2007-11-06 13:24:38.0 ah81: werd

2007-11-06 13:24:41.0 Andrew Kamenetzky: Luhnez,it’s not tense at all. Granted, before games, nobody’s ever in it besides Ronny and maybe Cook, but still, no tension. You want tension? Try spending time in the Dodger clubhouse last September. haha

2007-11-06 13:24:49.0 hariyahu: What are your thoughts on Chad Ford’s article in ESPN today?

2007-11-06 13:27:28.0 hariyahu: I like Udoka - wasn’t he on our summer league roster for a while?

2007-11-06 13:27:36.0 Andrew Kamenetzky: Harihayu, I actually think Ford’s article addressed some points pretty accurately. I personally think Kobe is the best player in the NBA, but depending on how one defines “best,” you can make an argument he’s not (and honestly, who really cares, since the whole thing is pretty arbitrary and meaningless, anyway). But in my opinion, his thoughts on Kobe’s mileage, how Kobe really wants to win, concerns another GM might have about taking on Kobe, etc. were all pretty well taken.

2007-11-06 13:28:00.0 Elle: Speaking of Cook, is this his last season as a Laker?

2007-11-06 13:28:02.0 hariyahu: Once LO comes back, shouldn’t we try to move Cook? He’s rotting away on our bench, and might be of value to a team like the Warriors.

2007-11-06 13:28:45.0 eagleboy: I agree with AK on Fords article - it is subjective but he does make plenty of valid points. As Laker or Kobe fans it may seem critical but come on Kobe is not without faults.

2007-11-06 13:29:06.0 Andrew Kamenetzky: Hariyahu, the bottom line is that you can say whatever you want about Kobe’s talent (which is borderline unparalelled in the NBA right now), but anybody who claims he doesn’t come with baggage is fooling themselves. And rather expensive baggage, I might add.

2007-11-06 13:29:17.0 Brian Kamenetzky: Eagleboy- I didn’t even find it particularly critical.

2007-11-06 13:29:36.0 Mikey: YES please move Cook, please. The guy moves like a zombie. No emotion, no expression, no fire. Just dead weight.

2007-11-06 13:30:08.0 eagleboy: BK - I didn’t either but as a Laker fan you could think it critical

2007-11-06 13:30:10.0 Andrew Kamenetzky: Harihayu, Udoka was on the actual roster back in 2004.

2007-11-06 13:30:18.0 a: how good is gasol and yue? will they be on the roster next year?

2007-11-06 13:30:25.0 hariyahu: AK, on the Chad Ford article - isn’t that something you can say for *any* star player who wants to get moved? KG had the same issues, but that didn’t stop the Celtics from trading away Jefferson and 6 other players (okay 2.5!) once they got Garnet.

2007-11-06 13:31:01.0 Brian Kamenetzky: hariyahu, elle- I don’t know if they’ll move Cook, or who would want him. I think people need to remember that he’s supposed to be a guy at the end of the bench who can come in and knock down a shot. He’s really no worse than most end-of-rotation players, and probably more useful than most.

2007-11-06 13:31:13.0 hariyahu: Just to be perfectly clear, I’m not saying Ford’s article was inaccurate - just generic garbage.

2007-11-06 13:31:17.0 eagleboy: My top players to move would be Cookie and Kwame. I don’t think either seems to be a guy busting his rear to improve.

2007-11-06 13:31:28.0 Mikey: Looking back, how do you think the team would have turned out had we kept Caron Butler? Would we have gotten any deeper into the playoffs with Butler instead of Brown?

2007-11-06 13:31:38.0 Elle: I love Cookie, I always cheer for him but come on

2007-11-06 13:31:43.0 Luhnez: OOOH GOOD QUESTION MIKEY

2007-11-06 13:31:47.0 Elle: He just does not seem to get any better

2007-11-06 13:31:58.0 Luhnez: Butler, Odom, Bryant.. damn

2007-11-06 13:32:24.0 Brian Kamenetzky: Mikey- Hard to say for sure, but they’d certainly have the more talented player, that’s for sure. And at what the Wizards paid to resign him, he’s a pretty nice bargain.

2007-11-06 13:32:34.0 ah81: AK/BK ,, Do you notice any resentment from Andrew Bynum towards Kobe Bryant with all that was said this past summer?

2007-11-06 13:32:39.0 Brian Kamenetzky: ...they’d have some position issues, but it probably could have been figured out.

2007-11-06 13:32:51.0 Andrew Kamenetzky: hari, KG didn’t have the same issues (outside of mileage, I guess). He’s been a much more cooperative player throughout his career and has never seemed unhappy even while playing with a high caliber roster. He’s never alienated himself from teammates and never trashed his organization publicly while playing for it. Yes, he’s expensive and yes, he’s been around a while. But he’s still playing at a high level (as is Kobe, for that matter).

2007-11-06 13:32:57.0 hariyahu: BK - I don’t think Cook is garbage - I remember him actually stepping up with some 20 pt games last year (or was it the year before?). I just think he’s not as useful to us as he’s to another team where his 3 pt shooting may be more desired.

2007-11-06 13:33:00.0 Brian Kamenetzky: ah81- No, not really. Or none that he’s making particularly public.

2007-11-06 13:33:03.0 pimp: how much money were the lakers under the cap?? instead of signing karl, could they have picked up a serviceable vet for the remainder of what they had leaft?? if any?

2007-11-06 13:33:27.0 eagleboy: Had they kept Butler - they would have won more games, but I doubt it would have gotten them a heck of a lot further in the playoffs

2007-11-06 13:33:47.0 a: u going to answer my gasol and yue question?

2007-11-06 13:34:00.0 Brian Kamenetzky: pimp- They weren’t under the cap at all. They were over. All they could do was go out and sign guys for their exceptions (vet, mle, etc.). There aren’t a lot of good players available for that. Why not Karl?

2007-11-06 13:34:48.0 Elle: i like Coby Karl, in fact we have named our two hasmters after him

2007-11-06 13:34:53.0 Brian Kamenetzky: a- I haven’t seen either play, other than some Yue highlights from this summer. From what I read, they both have potential but need a lot of work. I would guess that neither one will be here next year.

2007-11-06 13:35:03.0 hariyahu: Odom, Caron and Kobe could have been good - if Odom managed to stay injury-free. I think Odom, Caron, Kobe, Kwame would be better. AK, BK - why did we have to trade away Caron to get Kwame? Couldn’t we have just signed him as a FA? It’s not like the rest of the league was salivating at getting Kwame!

2007-11-06 13:35:04.0 Brian Kamenetzky: Just a guess, though.

2007-11-06 13:36:17.0 Andrew Kamenetzky: Eagle, I personally think they would have been better with Butler. He is a better perimeter defender than any SF they have (outside of Kobe), which could have helped offset the loss of kwame’s good interior one-on-one D. They lose one element but gain another. Plus, he’s a consistent #2 scorer who can let LO play the #3/facilitator role he’s most comfortable with. And he and Kobe were tight, which might have prevented some of the offseason stuff we saw. I never thought they gave that trio enough time to develop together and gel around Bynum.

2007-11-06 13:36:28.0 Andrew Kamenetzky: They didn’t want to pay Butler, which was a mistake.

2007-11-06 13:36:31.0 Brian Kamenetzky: Hariyahu- Unless Kwame would have come for the mid-level, I doubt they’d have had the ability to do it. No cap room. But given his youth and, um, potential, at that point Kwame probably would have gotten a deal for more than the MLE. Plus, there’s no guarantee you can get a guy on the FA market.

2007-11-06 13:36:33.0 fletch: Since the Kings will be 30 games out in February, will they take Kwame’s expiring contract for Artest?

2007-11-06 13:36:54.0 hariyahu: Same thing with the Bynum draft - sure he was a great pickup, but wasn’t he someone we could have picked later in the draft? I recall him saying afterwards that Portland was the only other team to have guaranteed him a spot - and they weren’t due till late in the first round.

2007-11-06 13:37:02.0 Brian Kamenetzky: fletch- It’s certainly a possibility.

2007-11-06 13:37:46.0 Elle: Hmmm Kwame for Arest, i don’t know which is worse

2007-11-06 13:37:51.0 Mikey: I think that a starting 5 of Fish, Kobe, Butler, Odom and Bynum would have been pretty good. Oh well.

2007-11-06 13:38:06.0 Andrew Kamenetzky: Mikey, I agree.

2007-11-06 13:38:09.0 Brian Kamenetzky: hari- I don’t think he’d have slipped much more, but generally if you want a guy you should go get him (Renaldo Balkman like exceptions aside) rather than play chicken with trading down a few spots.

2007-11-06 13:38:19.0 ah81: I think Kobe should grow his afro back

2007-11-06 13:38:20.0 STLKobefan: Hello home boys. The majority of the team has Zero trade value. Except for Lamar. He is inconsistent, doesn’t bring it every night. Isn’t there someone who can help them that Lamar will bring.Lamar for Artest?

2007-11-06 13:38:34.0 hariyahu: BK, based on how exactly Kwame had performed till then, I wouldn’t have been surprised if he could have been picked for the MLE. May be not. But 8M was definitely bad for a #1 pick that had shown very fleeting glimpses of “potential”.

2007-11-06 13:38:44.0 Mikey: Artest would just be the 07-08 Rodman. Hopefully the FO doesn’t want to repeat that debacle.

2007-11-06 13:39:09.0 Andrew Kamenetzky: Plus, I didn’t like the idea of trading for Kwame right on the heels of drafting Bynum, who’s already a project. Throw in the fact that LO has always been inconsistent and you need someone to be a rock with Kobe. Butler could have been that guy, which is why it struck me as shortsighted from the jump to trade him.

2007-11-06 13:39:13.0 eagleboy: Rodman wasn’t a debacle for the Bulls

2007-11-06 13:39:34.0 Elle: Is Rodman still alive? (serious question)

2007-11-06 13:39:36.0 Brian Kamenetzky: hariyahu- Obviously we’ll never know, but remember, this is the NBA. Look around at the money some of these guys get, and then decide if it would be outrageous for Kwame to have gotten paid like that.

2007-11-06 13:39:52.0 ah81: Ak,BK,,,, What do you think of Rick Bucher? Is he credible?

2007-11-06 13:39:58.0 eagleboy: Rodman said he wants to coach in the WNBA

2007-11-06 13:40:06.0 Luhnez: Ric Bucher is the 2007 Jim Gray

2007-11-06 13:40:21.0 Luhnez: Kobe’s people call Bucher and let him know that they’ll give him interviews

2007-11-06 13:40:23.0 eagleboy: Rodman as coach would be fun to watch

2007-11-06 13:40:24.0 Elle: Ohh I’d pay to see that

2007-11-06 13:40:28.0 Brian Kamenetzky: ah81- Generally, yes, but he’s gotten deep into this Kobe stuff and it hasn’t helped him...

2007-11-06 13:40:30.0 Luhnez: as long as he becomes the “Kobe Insider”

2007-11-06 13:40:41.0 Mikey: Well yeah, in his pre-cross dressing days lol. BTW anyone know what happened to JR Rider? That was another guy who frustrated the hell outta me. Got the skills, just too bad he had issues.

2007-11-06 13:40:46.0 eagleboy: I can’t stand Bucher.

2007-11-06 13:41:09.0 eagleboy: Isn’t JR in jail? He kept having run ins with the law.

2007-11-06 13:41:12.0 Luhnez: JR Rider was on that kryptonite

2007-11-06 13:41:15.0 Brian Kamenetzky: ...he keeps having to dig himself out of the holes he makes with his Grand Declarative Statements. It’s not always a good thing to have “access” since a player’s camp can use you to disseminate information on their behalf for strategic reasons.

2007-11-06 13:41:18.0 Andrew Kamenetzky: STL, Outside of the fact that I don’t subbing artest for LO makes them any better (and the money doesn’t match), if you bring in Ron Ron, I think it would be prudent to keep LO. They’re tight from their NY high school days and if you haven’t noticed, Artest has a tendancy to go goony bird every now and then. A voice he’s known for a while could prove valuable with keeping him outta trouble.

2007-11-06 13:41:21.0 Elle: Anyone know what happened to Shammond?

2007-11-06 13:42:19.0 Andrew Kamenetzky: Elle - Shammond is playing in Europe again. Side note: When Shammond’s all done, he should consider consider a career in broadcasting. He’s a bright guy with a good voice.

2007-11-06 13:42:32.0 b-man: is Kobe a poison in the locker room?

2007-11-06 13:43:09.0 Brian Kamenetzky: I think “poison” is a little harsh. It’s not like the name plate over his locker has one of those skull and crossbones, sick face icons on it.

2007-11-06 13:43:18.0 Elle: is Britney Spears a train wreck?

2007-11-06 13:43:21.0 hariyahu: I think we are one good defense-oriented SF away from being legitimate title contenders - I stated that before we started the season, and I’m sticking to it. We need someone who can hold their ground (relatively speaking of course, as you can never shut a player down in this league) against the LeBrons and Melos. A younger Bruce Bowen with a better jump shot!

2007-11-06 13:43:30.0 Brian Kamenetzky: That said, he’s not necessarily the easiest teammate in the world, either.

2007-11-06 13:43:43.0 Brian Kamenetzky: Elle- I think that’s fair.

2007-11-06 13:43:50.0 Andrew Kamenetzky: Elle - She should change the name on her drivers lisence to “Casey Jones.”

2007-11-06 13:44:30.0 Elle: hehe poor Brti Brit

2007-11-06 13:45:35.0 STLKobefan: RA is a cocobird, but he brings it everynight. Lamar doesn’t, but I’ll take your word for it. Tonights game on FSN? Another long night a Hooters

2007-11-06 13:46:24.0 Andrew Kamenetzky: STL, it’s on FSN, although I can’t guarantee the local STL hooters will have it on TV.

2007-11-06 13:46:26.0 Luhnez: Any thoughts on what Phil Jax’s situation is next year? Does it depend on Kobe, or does he like this team aside from 24?

2007-11-06 13:46:27.0 ah81: Ak,BK,, do you think Phil Jackson would coach this team without kobe?

2007-11-06 13:47:40.0 Brian Kamenetzky: ah, lunez- A month ago, I thought not. But I’m starting to think that may not be true. It really depends on what they get back for him. If the team is competitive, he might. But if they tear it down to rebuild completely, no.

2007-11-06 13:47:49.0 champ: do you think LO coming back might mess with the chemistry a lil bit? ill kist be happy if cook is out of the rotation i guess...

2007-11-06 13:47:51.0 a: which player is going to lose minutes when odom comes back?

2007-11-06 13:48:30.0 Andrew Kamenetzky: Champ - No, I don’t think LO coming back will mess up anything. LO is a guy who looks to blend more than dominate as it is, so I think it’ll be fine.

2007-11-06 13:48:38.0 b-man: seems like there are few things as important in Basketball as team chemistry. I’d take a solid team guy over a slightly more talented problem. For me, Fish over Marbury, LO over Artest, LaBron over Kobe.

2007-11-06 13:48:41.0 john: I’m in Cost Rica so give me a break. What level can the Lakers reach if they remain 80% healthy?

2007-11-06 13:49:23.0 Mikey: All things aside, LO has gone through a hell of a lot on and off the court, and for him to be able to play as well as he has especially the last games against PHX I give him props. I think we need to stop expecting him to reach that next tier, if he is happy where he is then so be it.

2007-11-06 13:49:25.0 Andrew Kamenetzky: a) When LO comes back, I’m expecting Luke to play off the bench, with him and Vlad eating up any remaining minutes Cook would have had.

2007-11-06 13:50:24.0 eagleboy: I am all for keeping Cook on the bench....

2007-11-06 13:50:26.0 champ: is there anyone in the league that can take brian cook off of us?

2007-11-06 13:50:27.0 me: It is Cook tradable?

2007-11-06 13:50:29.0 fletch: Any chance we could trade Cook for a sack of nickels?

2007-11-06 13:50:31.0 Andrew Kamenetzky: I think you’re gonna see a lot of “Cook DNP-CD,” unless something like foul trouble or the need to pick up points quickly dictate him being on the court.

2007-11-06 13:50:51.0 champ: What do you think Mitch was thinking when he signed Brian Cook to such a deal...truthfully hes not even worth half of the money hes making

2007-11-06 13:51:13.0 champ: who in the league would trade for him???

2007-11-06 13:51:37.0 a: so turiaf will remain the starter when odom is back?

2007-11-06 13:51:42.0 Mikey: Was he just looking at his size maybe? Since we all know Barbosa was sitting below him...=/

2007-11-06 13:51:45.0 treetop: Cook needs to be cooked

2007-11-06 13:51:48.0 kalika: big man who can move outside and hit a jumper

2007-11-06 13:51:59.0 STLKobefan: Why did Cook get a multi year deal?

2007-11-06 13:52:12.0 Brian Kamenetzky: champ- Take a look at rosters around the league. He’s on par for what he does and where he fits into the rotation. By NBA standards, he really doesn’t make that much money.

2007-11-06 13:52:19.0 john: How old is Cook?

2007-11-06 13:52:41.0 kikosdad: guys..i know Cookie is sucking (in a funk) right now as we speak..but he still giddy when the teams doing good ...look at the replays and he’s the first one off the bench to cheer for the team

2007-11-06 13:52:44.0 champ: maybe ur right...i guess his defense just annoys me

2007-11-06 13:53:08.0 Brian Kamenetzky: champ- as it should.

2007-11-06 13:53:16.0 Andrew Kamenetzky: Mikey - When they drafted Cook, I wasn’t even aware of Barbosa, but I was upset because they could have had Josh Howard, who I thought they needed more at the time. I was very unhappy with that pick, even though I thought Cook was a good player in college.

2007-11-06 13:53:23.0 Luhnez: KIKO is right.. Cook is playing a role. He’s trying to make the Lakers look cheerful

2007-11-06 13:53:39.0 Andrew Kamenetzky: Luhnez - Good line!

2007-11-06 13:53:41.0 Brian Kamenetzky: Luhnez- lol!

2007-11-06 13:53:47.0 john: That’s what we need...more cheerleaders.

2007-11-06 13:53:51.0 Luhnez: hehe.. thanks guys.

2007-11-06 13:53:59.0 Tony: I don’t want to be disrespectful, but I heard Jeanne Buss on the local readio the other day and wasn’t really impressed. Does the younger Buss generation have what it takes to run the Lakers?

2007-11-06 13:54:18.0 john: Good quesiton

2007-11-06 13:54:29.0 fletch: Jim Buss has a sweet mullet

2007-11-06 13:54:45.0 champ: yeah the two younger buss’s actually scare me a bit

2007-11-06 13:55:01.0 Andrew Kamenetzky: Tony - Just wait until you hear an interview with Jimmy Buss. Jeanie will seem like the second coming of the Logo. haha

2007-11-06 13:55:02.0 Elle: quick question, anyone know how I can get an autographed Bynum jersey to go along with my sister bynum bday cake?

2007-11-06 13:55:07.0 eagleboy: Who do you guys think are the least hardworking guys on the team?

2007-11-06 13:55:28.0 john: Buss and kids

2007-11-06 13:55:31.0 Andrew Kamenetzky: Eagle - Tough call, now that Smush is gone. haha

2007-11-06 13:55:46.0 Matico: was teh no trade clause a “must” for KB to sign his extension back when they let go of Shaq?

2007-11-06 13:55:47.0 Matico: It seems like a terrible mistake now.

2007-11-06 13:55:51.0 Brian Kamenetzky: eagleboy- I once saw Cobe Karl set up a hammock between two baskets and drink margaritas through a scrimmage.

2007-11-06 13:56:04.0 champ: lol

2007-11-06 13:56:11.0 b-man: eagle - sasha

2007-11-06 13:56:22.0 champ: i think its kwame

2007-11-06 13:56:43.0 eagleboy: my guess is Kwame and Cook

2007-11-06 13:56:45.0 Elle: Hey Sasha is hard worker bee

2007-11-06 13:56:47.0 champ: he just seems like he really doesnt like practice

2007-11-06 13:56:53.0 kikosdad: yup..i 2nd that...i also think it’s Kwame

2007-11-06 13:56:56.0 champ: but then again what do i know

2007-11-06 13:56:58.0 Mikey: Cook and Kwame get my vote lol.

2007-11-06 13:57:03.0 Brian Kamenetzky: b-man- It’s definitely not Sasha. If anything, he works too hard.

2007-11-06 13:57:17.0 eagleboy: nothing wrong with that, I like a margarita every once in a while

2007-11-06 13:57:36.0 eagleboy: even though Sasha has a rough time in games he seems to have a passion to play - he just hasn’t been very good in games

2007-11-06 13:57:39.0 Mikey: Sasha just needs to cut his hair, I think it gets in his eyes when he’s trying to shoot.

2007-11-06 13:57:45.0 champ: hey does anyone know how many minutes fish has been averaging?

2007-11-06 13:57:59.0 champ: he seems like hes having a good time out there too

2007-11-06 13:58:12.0 Elle: Kwame gets mine dude said something like “it’s contract year so I have to bring it”, why don’t you “bring it” now you dummy!

2007-11-06 13:58:18.0 champ: is it true that Kwame said at the end of last year that he has to play well cuz its a cotract year?

2007-11-06 13:58:23.0 Andrew Kamenetzky: Eagle - I gotta say, Karl’s margarita approach was pretty ballsy for a guy with only a partially guaranteed contract. haha

2007-11-06 13:58:27.0 eagleboy: Overall I kind of like the work ethic on the roster

2007-11-06 13:58:28.0 champ: man

2007-11-06 13:58:57.0 Luhnez: Sasha’s main problem is that he was rushing his shot.. You could tell in his release.. As he gets more floor experience, he’ll get more comfortable. The guy can shoot and now that he’s stronger he’s not as scared to take it to the rack.

2007-11-06 13:59:14.0 phantom: The big game this week is Minnesota. If they blow them out, they are on the right track this year.

2007-11-06 13:59:17.0 Brian Kamenetzky: Fish is averaging 28 minutes a game, which is about what they want, and yes, Kwame did say that, causing mass cringing amongst the media in the room.

2007-11-06 13:59:29.0 b-man: it’s early, but the team looks pretty different on the court last 2 games from last year. how much of that is Fish? 85%?

2007-11-06 13:59:48.0 eagleboy: Karl is a stud. Overcoming the cancer and all that - the guy may or may not make it in the NBA for the long haul but you cannot take away his effort

2007-11-06 14:00:26.0 dustin B: he’s also workin’ chea’

2007-11-06 14:00:27.0 dustin B: cheap

2007-11-06 14:00:38.0 fletch: How long before Kobe murders someone on the court? Dude doesnt look happy...

2007-11-06 14:00:45.0 eagleboy: Just think if Kwame had the desire and passion that Karl displays....there is something to be said for having to work hard to get what you want

2007-11-06 14:00:49.0 champ: i just hope fish doesnt run out of steam at the end of the year...hes been playing good basketball so far and they are gonna need his leadership throughtout the year and the playoffs

2007-11-06 14:00:58.0 Elle: Phil should have kicked Kwame for saying such a stupid thing in front of reporters

2007-11-06 14:01:14.0 dustin B: I missed it, what’d kwame say?

2007-11-06 14:01:25.0 Andrew Kamenetzky: Fletch - No, you’re right, Kobe don’t look all that happy, for the most part. As BK just told me over the phone, “he needs to turn that frown upside down.”

2007-11-06 14:01:31.0 Luhnez: B-Man - With Fish, the Lakers are able to properly run the offense. He’s like a Ron Harper type with younger legs. Kobe and Walton also know the offense really well, that’s why you see the triangle buzzing. Fisher is a leader though, and if the triangle is off for a couple of possessions, he’ll get them back on track.

2007-11-06 14:01:36.0 Luhnez: Kobe can’t necessarily do that, because Kobe gets caught up in that one-on-one.

2007-11-06 14:01:39.0 kalika: the lakers have plenty of talent on the roster...i wonder if phil is the right type of coach for this type of team

2007-11-06 14:01:44.0 Andrew Kamenetzky: I want to make sure that sissy line was attributed to BK and not me. haha

2007-11-06 14:01:48.0 champ: i think thats why mj didnt like kwame too much either...even though he drafted him

2007-11-06 14:01:50.0 Brian Kamenetzky: Dustin- That he needed to play well this year b/c it’s a contract year. Not his finest moment.

2007-11-06 14:02:00.0 kikosdad: who do you think will have a better game tonight compared to their last game.... Peja or Vlade???

2007-11-06 14:02:06.0 Brian Kamenetzky: Well, it’s true. Frown, upside down equals happy 24.

2007-11-06 14:02:15.0 b-man: luhnez - totally agree. I think fish’s impact is huge.

2007-11-06 14:02:42.0 dustin B: Kwame needs a 50% pay cut, because that’s how many shots and passes he misses

2007-11-06 14:02:48.0 eagleboy: I think most agree Fish seems to be making a huge impact and it isn’t his skills on the floor as much as his leadership

2007-11-06 14:03:03.0 Mikey: i don’t think there’s ever been a time when i’ve seen fish run out of steam, that guy doesn’t know how to let up, always taking the charge, diving on the floor, etc. he may not be the quickest or best defender anymore (not that he really ever was) but you can’t knock the guy’s work ethic. so glad to have him back haha.

2007-11-06 14:03:06.0 b-man: but fish is hitting shots too

2007-11-06 14:03:32.0 dustin B: Fish looked better in UT than he did during the championship years, so hopefully this is a true breakthru not an aparition

2007-11-06 14:03:36.0 Luhnez: I’m sure Phil told Fish at the beginning of the season to be the glue that this team needs. If Kobe isn’t a leader who will be? The guy who also has titles and has been to the promised land.

2007-11-06 14:03:38.0 champ: yeah fish is the heart of the team . always has been

2007-11-06 14:04:04.0 Administrator2: Hey folks, Andrew and Brian are busy, busy guys, so we’ll need to wrap up now.

2007-11-06 14:04:06.0 champ: i dont think kobe is a vocal leader a lot of the times

2007-11-06 14:04:09.0 eagleboy: I am curious to see how Utah fares without him. I think they will miss him....

2007-11-06 14:04:12.0 champ: though i think he trys

2007-11-06 14:04:27.0 Administrator2: Think maybe they have time for one more question?

2007-11-06 14:04:36.0 Luhnez: If healthy, are the Lakers as constructed a 50-win team? And how far could they get in the playoffs? Keep in mind that the Rockets are always hurt. Yao is too big to stay healthy a full season.

2007-11-06 14:04:39.0 b-man: AK BK - predictions for tonight

2007-11-06 14:04:41.0 Luhnez: AK/BK - KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK!

2007-11-06 14:05:06.0 champ: both u guys keep up the good work. u rock

2007-11-06 14:05:08.0 Brian Kamenetzky: bman- I predict taco night and that the vanilla ice cream dispenser will finally be working.

2007-11-06 14:05:25.0 Mikey: cool it was a great chat! til next time...

2007-11-06 14:05:26.0 Andrew Kamenetzky: B-Man, I predict Sasha will NOT score 82 points.

2007-11-06 14:05:28.0 b-man: hehe

2007-11-06 14:05:29.0 Brian Kamenetzky: Those are both good omens for a Lakers win!

2007-11-06 14:05:36.0 Administrator2: Chatters, if you missed any of today’s chat, the full transcript will be available later this afternoon at https://www.latimes.com/sports/

2007-11-06 14:06:00.0 Brian Kamenetzky: Thanks everyone! Stop by tonight’s live blog.

2007-11-06 14:06:12.0 Andrew Kamenetzky: Thanks y’all.

2007-11-06 14:06:34.0 Elle: thansk for your time guys

2007-11-06 14:06:44.0 Brian Kamenetzky: And thanks for yours!

2007-11-06 14:07:00.0 Brian Kamenetzky: See ya.

2007-11-06 14:07:07.0 Andrew Kamenetzky: See y’all on the live blog tonight!!!