The Lakers size are overrated

[OsirusCeltics]

It just annoys me to hear all the sports pundits talk about the Lakers size like its mount everest and can never be conquered

The Lakers have a big rotation of Bynum, Gasol, and Odom. Thats it. The number alone should not be understated. One big goes down, and then their whole rotation is ruined. To me that is a very fragile lineup. Which was evident earlier in the season when Bynum was out. Or even when Gasol was hobbled by the hamstring injury.

And to say the Perkins trade made the Celtics less potent against the them is nonsense. The Celtics have a big man rotation of Kristic, KG, Big Baby, Troy Murphy, Jeff Green (when he plays the 4). That is more than enough to win a series against them. And whatever Shaq and JO bring after they come back would be a bonus (I do think Shaq would come back and help alot in the playoffs though)

When was the last time the Laker bigs have ever "dominated" a playoff series? The so called vaunted size did horribly against the undersized Thunder in a half court style of play mind you. They didn't do fairly well in the 2010 Finals either. KG was hobbled also, and that is why Gasol went of in that series. In a slowed down pace, the Thunder were still able to drive the lane and draw fouls on both Gasol and Bynum. To me both players are a recipient of whatever Kobe does on the floor (whether its by offensive rebounds, passes given off of the triangle offense, running the break). Gasol to me is not being utilized to his best potential, but that's not my problem

Enforcers and physical player they are not. A smaller Ibaka took Bynum out of the game. The key is too get defensive rebounds and limit the Lakers offensive possessions, since they are a horrible shooting team and need those second chance points. When the playoffs come I would not fear The Llama or Bambi Bynum

[BudweiserCeltic]

The last time the bigs dominated the series, how about last year against us... when Gasol got cheated off an MVP series.

[CelticSooner]

The last time the bigs dominated the series, how about last year against us... when Gasol got cheated off an MVP series.

Gasol was the definite MVP of that series for the Lakers. Don't tell that to Kobe lovers though.

Lakers size isn't overrated. It's a beast to deal with, especially on the glass. Second chance points killed the C's in the Finals last year. Thankfully KG is back to his big bad self and should help in that area more than he could then. The O'Neals will definitely even things if healthy.

[droponov]

The Celtics have a big man rotation of Kristic, KG, Big Baby, Troy Murphy, Jeff Green (when he plays the 4). That is more than enough to win a series against them.

Not even close.

When was the last time the Laker bigs have ever "dominated" a playoff series? The so called vaunted size did horribly against the undersized Thunder in a half court style of play mind you. They didn't do fairly well in the 2010 Finals either.

The Lakers turned around that series once they started going to their bigs more.

[angryguy77]

The Celtics have a big man rotation of Kristic, KG, Big Baby, Troy Murphy, Jeff Green (when he plays the 4). That is more than enough to win a series against them.

Not even close.

When was the last time the Laker bigs have ever "dominated" a playoff series? The so called vaunted size did horribly against the undersized Thunder in a half court style of play mind you. They didn't do fairly well in the 2010 Finals either.

The Lakers turned around that series once they started going to their bigs Joey Crawford more. 

fixed

[vinnie]

Lakers right now are playing the best basketball in the NBA, but thankfully it is only March.  I think they have the best group of big men in the league' but a healthy Shaq and JO will enable the celtics to overcome.

[footey]

The Lakers have two all star caliber bigs in the prime of their careers, whose games are complementary. Plus they have probably the best big off the bench in Odom who is a very good rebounder. Sorry, but we just can't match that. Our strength lies in our team work and savvy, and Rondo.

[RebusRankin]

Bynum is not an all-star. 6 years in you have to be past the potential stage imo.

KG, Shaq, JO, Murphy, Kristic, Green trumps Gasol, Bynum, Odom.

[KobeShesNotConsenting!]

jesus what is this 'overrated' week?

[KCattheStripe]

jesus what is this 'overrated' week?

This week is overrated.

[Bahku]

jesus what is this 'overrated' week?

This week is overrated.

Sports blog kill word of the month.

[RockinRyA]

They are rated just fine. They are formidable and gives us trouble (although i believe gasol can be handled by a 100% KG). What I'm more fearful against them is a hot and motivated Odom. I don't know how Green fares against Odom but I hope he can handle him, because we don't have anyone who can really guard Odom.(unlike in 2008 where Posey shut him down)

[OsirusCeltics]

Bynum is not an all-star. 6 years in you have to be past the potential stage imo.

KG, Shaq, JO, Murphy, Kristic, Green trumps Gasol, Bynum, Odom.

+1
Great point about Bynum

[LilRip]

having 2 legit 7-footers who are very capable both on defense and offense is pretty good. plus, having Odom off the bench is huge for them because he's as skilled as they come. they're not overrated. they present matchup problems.

the Thunder gave them problems but do you know what play did the Thunder in? Yup, that crucial putback by Gasol. And we were close to winning the championship in game 7 but you know what was the ultimate difference? about a bajillion offensive rebounds. In that 7-game series, whoever won the game was the one who won the boards. their size poses a problem.

i'm sure it's always part of the gameplan to "limit the Lakers' offensive possessions" but that's a lot easier said than done. i'm sure in our case, other teams' gameplan is to "not turn the ball over" because Rondo plays a perfect transition game and our shooters get open a lot on delayed transition, but goshdarnit, doesn't Rondo just mess their gameplan up?

[ballin]

No, they're not overrated.

What's HUGE is that Bynum and Gasol give them the ability to rotate THREE excellent rebounders and keep at least 1 shot blocker on the court at all times.

Odom and Gasol can generate their own offense while Bynum is really the only player who's dependent on putbacks and such.


End result: they're never losing a game because they got horribly out-rebounded (like we did in game 7 due to a hobbled KG and Glen Davis) or because they have a lineup that's a defensive sieve (any lineup in the NBA without a shotblocker in it is TOAST against halfway decent players).

Comparison to Celtics: When Shaq and KG are resting on the bench this year in the playoffs (I'm assuming JO is done for the year) we're gonna be dead meat. Krstic and Davis are going to get out-rebounded and just flat out attacked, giving up either free throws or and-1's. Enormous tactical mistake by Danny trading a shot blocker for a non shot blocker.