Comments on: Lakers 101, Magic 96: Orlando Almost Does All It Can and Still Loses Game 2

By: Temple3

Temple3 — Tue, 09 Jun 2009 16:36:12 +0000

Mizzo:

That’s an explanation that I can live with. Initially, I thought you were arguing along the lines of Jabbar not having a great deal of intensity because it was largely imperceptible. I feel where you’re coming from now.

Dan Marino. Ouch!! You could be right.

By: Mizzo

Mizzo — Tue, 09 Jun 2009 14:47:05 +0000

Kareem was a bad man. He’s my second best center of all time. You said who would you rather go with teaching. Speaking with both, I’d go with Patrick because the coach in me sees more patience in Ewing. Kareem was just too good and is rightfully bitter (he doesn’t show it) he never got a head coaching job in the L…which is bullshit. How can that happen? He’s one of the best of all time. Who better to learn from but the best?

By: Mizzo

Mizzo — Tue, 09 Jun 2009 14:42:13 +0000

Yeah, it’s not about not giving the Lakers credit. It’s all about the athlete. Dwight is gonna be hot if these cats get a ring and he never does.

Rebounding is about effort. Dwight lets the opposition slip under him on the box way too much, putting him in jeopardy of over the back fouls. Watch him tonight.

Yes he’s young and he will learn but the time is now. Not later. Marino anyone?

By: Temple3

Temple3 — Tue, 09 Jun 2009 14:29:30 +0000

Jerold:

I think we agree.

I didn’t mention Jabbar as a point of comparison for what Dwight Howard is doing. That would be unfair to say the least. I only mentioned Jabbar in the context of his tenacity and ability to consistently deliver on both ends of the floor and in all phases of the game (part of an earlier convo upthread with Mizzo about coaching D. Howard).

I most definitely agree about the Lakers length. That was my key to the Denver series — same thing here. And I also think you’re right in suggesting that Mizzo isn’t giving the Lake Show enough credit. Still, I can see his point — these guys do not evoke images of strong defense in any form or fashion — but they are blocking shots and pulling boards. They did it against Denver and they’re doing it again vs. ORL.

By: Jerold Wells Jr.

Jerold Wells Jr. — Tue, 09 Jun 2009 14:14:13 +0000

@Temple
I think it’s about evolution. I mean he’s 24! No college. Dude is learning on the job. 6 years in the league means what exactly? His defense arrived waaaaaaaay before his offense. We’ve seen this with him before. He was schooled by the Pistons too. The Lakers are long man. Plus dude still doesn’t have a go to move. I remember that being a critique of David Robinson as well. Thing is Big Dave could shoot facing up from 10-12 feet. I mean he won a scoring title for crying out loud. Dwight may want to look into the “throw it up and go get my own misses” method. Then again he’d still have to go through 2-3 bodies to retrieve his misses.

@Mizzo
You gotta give the Lakers credit man. I’m not going to stop singing this song!!!!! Gasol is doing his thing. He’s scoring (while shooting a decent percentage) and rebounding. Bynum is being a legit center for 5 minute stretches and L.O. is really getting it in. You keep asking for Dwight to be montrous but it’s not fair to ask him to play 3 on 1. These dudes aren’t bums man.

By: Temple3

Temple3 — Tue, 09 Jun 2009 13:49:50 +0000

Bottom line:

I don’t know if the gap between what is and what can be with Dwight Howard is about energy or execution.

Finally, Kareem’s methods were just as African as Ewing’s. I know what you meant, but a little precision here is always appreciated.

By: Temple3

Temple3 — Tue, 09 Jun 2009 13:48:14 +0000

Mizzo:

To each his own, but…

When Kareem was doing stuff like averaging 28 points, 17 rebounds, 5 assists and 4 blocks, what exactly was that?

Only Kareem and Chamberlain were as dominant in these 4 statistical categories — and Kareem didn’t have a Russell or an Olajuwon to steal his thunder. He was the thunder and the lightning.