Am I the only one thinking Miami/Lakers finals?

[Greenas]

I'd honestly root for the Lakers over the Heat if it comes down to it. I would love for Nash to get a ring and while I dislike the lakers because of the rivalry I do respect them a lot more than I do the Heat.

[celticslove]

With the ageing nash and bryant OKC sez hell no! But lets see what mr. Stern does.

[Snakehead]

Am I the only one who thinks its a huge mistake to trade Bynum for the Dwightmare? D12s coming off back surgery... the difference between him and Bynum isnt that great to start with and for all we know his back could have hampered his abilities a bit. I just dont think its as smart a move as it sounds and if the Lakers get further than the 2nd round this year it will be because they got Nash, not Howard

I think there is a pretty big difference between the two players.  The only thing Bynum is better at is back to the basket scoring and Dwight is I think a good amount better at everything else and still scores 20 ppg.  Add in Howard playing with a PG who can get him easy points finally?

In addition, Bynum has had only one healthy season so bringing up health won't get you anywhere.

It's a smart move for sure.

True but Dwight was also "the guy" on the Magic. On a team with Kobe and Gasol I think his numbers may go down a bit... Good point about Nash, I actually think hes more important to that team's success to whether or not they have Dwight or Bynum. Still, coming off surgery, new environment, and having Kobe on your team I don't see him being much more effective than Bynum was on the Lakers. Could be wrong, but I just dont see it

Perhaps in points he scores a game, you are right there.  Across the board his numbers will probably look similar to Bynum on LA. I think his effeciency could be really amazing though and his FG % could be sky high.  I've always felt he would excel with a real PG and he has never played with one.  Think about Chandler with CP3 in New Orleans on steroids.

He has never played with a player as close to as good as Gasol, Kobe, or Nash.

However, his defensive prowess makes the team far better IMO.  Not that Bynum is a bad defensive player but Dwight gets you 50 wins or so alone if he's on your team due to his defensive and rebounding dominance.  The Lakers will be formidable.

[esel1000]

With the ageing nash and bryant OKC sez hell no! But lets see what mr. Stern does.

Nothing Stern doesn't own the Lakers, Cavs, or Magic. The only thing this shows is how much of a hypocrite Dan Gilbert is

[arambone]

i'm very excited for Cs, but our hopes hinge on rondo and bradley staying healthy, moreso than any other players, even kg.

Terrys d is as bad as ray allens, or worse. Theres a reason dallas didnt match to keep him.

We need another defensive warrior on perimeter, and we dont have that.

[esel1000]

Am I the only one who thinks its a huge mistake to trade Bynum for the Dwightmare? D12s coming off back surgery... the difference between him and Bynum isnt that great to start with and for all we know his back could have hampered his abilities a bit. I just dont think its as smart a move as it sounds and if the Lakers get further than the 2nd round this year it will be because they got Nash, not Howard

I think there is a pretty big difference between the two players.  The only thing Bynum is better at is back to the basket scoring and Dwight is I think a good amount better at everything else and still scores 20 ppg.  Add in Howard playing with a PG who can get him easy points finally?

In addition, Bynum has had only one healthy season so bringing up health won't get you anywhere.

It's a smart move for sure.

True but Dwight was also "the guy" on the Magic. On a team with Kobe and Gasol I think his numbers may go down a bit... Good point about Nash, I actually think hes more important to that team's success to whether or not they have Dwight or Bynum. Still, coming off surgery, new environment, and having Kobe on your team I don't see him being much more effective than Bynum was on the Lakers. Could be wrong, but I just dont see it

Perhaps in points he scores a game, you are right there.  Across the board his numbers will probably look similar to Bynum on LA. I think his effeciency could be really amazing though and his FG % could be sky high.  I've always felt he would excel with a real PG and he has never played with one.  Think about Chandler with CP3 in New Orleans on steroids.

He has never played with a player as close to as good as Gasol, Kobe, or Nash.

However, his defensive prowess makes the team far better IMO.  Not that Bynum is a bad defensive player but Dwight gets you 50 wins or so alone if he's on your team due to his defensive and rebounding dominance.  The Lakers will be formidable.

I see your points as well, Dwight with a real pg would be very good and would be the case here. Still, Dwight and Kobe are two guys who need the ball in their hands. Bynum has sort of learned to get along in the Laker system (Kobe takes a million shots and you get the rebound) where idk how it will sit with Howard... In all honestly I sort of see a repeat of the Knicks Amare and Melo, two plays who need the ball in their hand and dont mesh at all. Nash will definitely help with that, but if he goes down for any reason, I think that teams screwed honestly. Defensively they probably will upgrade a bit I agree there. Just remember this speculation also accounts for Dwight being at full strength after back surgery... we dont even know if that will be the case yet.

[Lightskinsmurf]

i'm very excited for Cs, but our hopes hinge on rondo and bradley staying healthy, moreso than any other players, even kg.

Terrys d is as bad as ray allens, or worse. Theres a reason dallas didnt match to keep him.

We need another defensive warrior on perimeter, and we dont have that.

Its not worse and even if it is just as bad hes offense is better than rays. He was the second leading scorer on dallas the championship year. Without him they don't win the ring. Last time ray helped us that much when it mattered most was probably 09 when he went off against the bulls.

[celtsfan84]

Am I the only one who thinks its a huge mistake to trade Bynum for the Dwightmare? D12s coming off back surgery... the difference between him and Bynum isnt that great to start with and for all we know his back could have hampered his abilities a bit. I just dont think its as smart a move as it sounds and if the Lakers get further than the 2nd round this year it will be because they got Nash, not Howard

I think there is a pretty big difference between the two players.  The only thing Bynum is better at is back to the basket scoring and Dwight is I think a good amount better at everything else and still scores 20 ppg.  Add in Howard playing with a PG who can get him easy points finally?

In addition, Bynum has had only one healthy season so bringing up health won't get you anywhere.

It's a smart move for sure.

True but Dwight was also "the guy" on the Magic. On a team with Kobe and Gasol I think his numbers may go down a bit... Good point about Nash, I actually think hes more important to that team's success to whether or not they have Dwight or Bynum. Still, coming off surgery, new environment, and having Kobe on your team I don't see him being much more effective than Bynum was on the Lakers. Could be wrong, but I just dont see it

Perhaps in points he scores a game, you are right there.  Across the board his numbers will probably look similar to Bynum on LA. I think his effeciency could be really amazing though and his FG % could be sky high.  I've always felt he would excel with a real PG and he has never played with one.  Think about Chandler with CP3 in New Orleans on steroids.

He has never played with a player as close to as good as Gasol, Kobe, or Nash.

However, his defensive prowess makes the team far better IMO.  Not that Bynum is a bad defensive player but Dwight gets you 50 wins or so alone if he's on your team due to his defensive and rebounding dominance.  The Lakers will be formidable.

I see your points as well, Dwight with a real pg would be very good and would be the case here. Still, Dwight and Kobe are two guys who need the ball in their hands. Bynum has sort of learned to get along in the Laker system (Kobe takes a million shots and you get the rebound) where idk how it will sit with Howard... In all honestly I sort of see a repeat of the Knicks Amare and Melo, two plays who need the ball in their hand and dont mesh at all. Nash will definitely help with that, but if he goes down for any reason, I think that teams screwed honestly. Defensively they probably will upgrade a bit I agree there. Just remember this speculation also accounts for Dwight being at full strength after back surgery... we dont even know if that will be the case yet.

Dwight doesn't need the ball in half court sets as much as you would think.  He gets a lot of his points off of running the break (he is the quickest center in the NBA) which will not disrupt the Lakers offense.  He also gets a lot of his points off of offensive rebounds which will not disrupt the Lakers offense.

Comparisons to Amar'e and Melo are WAY off.  I think even the most optimistic Laker-hater should acknowledge the fit is much better here.

[Snakehead]

Am I the only one who thinks its a huge mistake to trade Bynum for the Dwightmare? D12s coming off back surgery... the difference between him and Bynum isnt that great to start with and for all we know his back could have hampered his abilities a bit. I just dont think its as smart a move as it sounds and if the Lakers get further than the 2nd round this year it will be because they got Nash, not Howard

I think there is a pretty big difference between the two players.  The only thing Bynum is better at is back to the basket scoring and Dwight is I think a good amount better at everything else and still scores 20 ppg.  Add in Howard playing with a PG who can get him easy points finally?

In addition, Bynum has had only one healthy season so bringing up health won't get you anywhere.

It's a smart move for sure.

True but Dwight was also "the guy" on the Magic. On a team with Kobe and Gasol I think his numbers may go down a bit... Good point about Nash, I actually think hes more important to that team's success to whether or not they have Dwight or Bynum. Still, coming off surgery, new environment, and having Kobe on your team I don't see him being much more effective than Bynum was on the Lakers. Could be wrong, but I just dont see it

Perhaps in points he scores a game, you are right there.  Across the board his numbers will probably look similar to Bynum on LA. I think his effeciency could be really amazing though and his FG % could be sky high.  I've always felt he would excel with a real PG and he has never played with one.  Think about Chandler with CP3 in New Orleans on steroids.

He has never played with a player as close to as good as Gasol, Kobe, or Nash.

However, his defensive prowess makes the team far better IMO.  Not that Bynum is a bad defensive player but Dwight gets you 50 wins or so alone if he's on your team due to his defensive and rebounding dominance.  The Lakers will be formidable.

I see your points as well, Dwight with a real pg would be very good and would be the case here. Still, Dwight and Kobe are two guys who need the ball in their hands. Bynum has sort of learned to get along in the Laker system (Kobe takes a million shots and you get the rebound) where idk how it will sit with Howard... In all honestly I sort of see a repeat of the Knicks Amare and Melo, two plays who need the ball in their hand and dont mesh at all. Nash will definitely help with that, but if he goes down for any reason, I think that teams screwed honestly. Defensively they probably will upgrade a bit I agree there. Just remember this speculation also accounts for Dwight being at full strength after back surgery... we dont even know if that will be the case yet.

Dwight doesn't need the ball in half court sets as much as you would think.  He gets a lot of his points off of running the break (he is the quickest center in the NBA) which will not disrupt the Lakers offense.  He also gets a lot of his points off of offensive rebounds which will not disrupt the Lakers offense.

Comparisons to Amar'e and Melo are WAY off.  I think even the most optimistic Laker-hater should acknowledge the fit is much better here.

Yeah I think the fit as far as Dwight is fine, though he will have to accept scoring less.  So will Kobe and Nash probably.   Sacrificies will have to be made.  Kobe will have to let Nash control the offense.  So we will see how that all works out.

We definitely know Gasol is used to not seeing the ball much so maybe he can give them pointers.

[BballTim]

Am I the only one who thinks its a huge mistake to trade Bynum for the Dwightmare? D12s coming off back surgery... the difference between him and Bynum isnt that great to start with and for all we know his back could have hampered his abilities a bit. I just dont think its as smart a move as it sounds and if the Lakers get further than the 2nd round this year it will be because they got Nash, not Howard

I think there is a pretty big difference between the two players.  The only thing Bynum is better at is back to the basket scoring and Dwight is I think a good amount better at everything else and still scores 20 ppg.  Add in Howard playing with a PG who can get him easy points finally?

In addition, Bynum has had only one healthy season so bringing up health won't get you anywhere.

It's a smart move for sure.

True but Dwight was also "the guy" on the Magic. On a team with Kobe and Gasol I think his numbers may go down a bit... Good point about Nash, I actually think hes more important to that team's success to whether or not they have Dwight or Bynum. Still, coming off surgery, new environment, and having Kobe on your team I don't see him being much more effective than Bynum was on the Lakers. Could be wrong, but I just dont see it

Perhaps in points he scores a game, you are right there.  Across the board his numbers will probably look similar to Bynum on LA. I think his effeciency could be really amazing though and his FG % could be sky high.  I've always felt he would excel with a real PG and he has never played with one.  Think about Chandler with CP3 in New Orleans on steroids.

He has never played with a player as close to as good as Gasol, Kobe, or Nash.

However, his defensive prowess makes the team far better IMO.  Not that Bynum is a bad defensive player but Dwight gets you 50 wins or so alone if he's on your team due to his defensive and rebounding dominance.  The Lakers will be formidable.

I see your points as well, Dwight with a real pg would be very good and would be the case here. Still, Dwight and Kobe are two guys who need the ball in their hands. Bynum has sort of learned to get along in the Laker system (Kobe takes a million shots and you get the rebound) where idk how it will sit with Howard... In all honestly I sort of see a repeat of the Knicks Amare and Melo, two plays who need the ball in their hand and dont mesh at all. Nash will definitely help with that, but if he goes down for any reason, I think that teams screwed honestly. Defensively they probably will upgrade a bit I agree there. Just remember this speculation also accounts for Dwight being at full strength after back surgery... we dont even know if that will be the case yet.

Dwight doesn't need the ball in half court sets as much as you would think.  He gets a lot of his points off of running the break (he is the quickest center in the NBA) which will not disrupt the Lakers offense.  He also gets a lot of his points off of offensive rebounds which will not disrupt the Lakers offense.

Comparisons to Amar'e and Melo are WAY off.  I think even the most optimistic Laker-hater should acknowledge the fit is much better here.

  Dwight's been known to complain when he doesn't get the ball enough. He doesn't *need* it, but he obvioiusly wants it.

[esel1000]

Am I the only one who thinks its a huge mistake to trade Bynum for the Dwightmare? D12s coming off back surgery... the difference between him and Bynum isnt that great to start with and for all we know his back could have hampered his abilities a bit. I just dont think its as smart a move as it sounds and if the Lakers get further than the 2nd round this year it will be because they got Nash, not Howard

I think there is a pretty big difference between the two players.  The only thing Bynum is better at is back to the basket scoring and Dwight is I think a good amount better at everything else and still scores 20 ppg.  Add in Howard playing with a PG who can get him easy points finally?

In addition, Bynum has had only one healthy season so bringing up health won't get you anywhere.

It's a smart move for sure.

True but Dwight was also "the guy" on the Magic. On a team with Kobe and Gasol I think his numbers may go down a bit... Good point about Nash, I actually think hes more important to that team's success to whether or not they have Dwight or Bynum. Still, coming off surgery, new environment, and having Kobe on your team I don't see him being much more effective than Bynum was on the Lakers. Could be wrong, but I just dont see it

Perhaps in points he scores a game, you are right there.  Across the board his numbers will probably look similar to Bynum on LA. I think his effeciency could be really amazing though and his FG % could be sky high.  I've always felt he would excel with a real PG and he has never played with one.  Think about Chandler with CP3 in New Orleans on steroids.

He has never played with a player as close to as good as Gasol, Kobe, or Nash.

However, his defensive prowess makes the team far better IMO.  Not that Bynum is a bad defensive player but Dwight gets you 50 wins or so alone if he's on your team due to his defensive and rebounding dominance.  The Lakers will be formidable.

I see your points as well, Dwight with a real pg would be very good and would be the case here. Still, Dwight and Kobe are two guys who need the ball in their hands. Bynum has sort of learned to get along in the Laker system (Kobe takes a million shots and you get the rebound) where idk how it will sit with Howard... In all honestly I sort of see a repeat of the Knicks Amare and Melo, two plays who need the ball in their hand and dont mesh at all. Nash will definitely help with that, but if he goes down for any reason, I think that teams screwed honestly. Defensively they probably will upgrade a bit I agree there. Just remember this speculation also accounts for Dwight being at full strength after back surgery... we dont even know if that will be the case yet.

Dwight doesn't need the ball in half court sets as much as you would think.  He gets a lot of his points off of running the break (he is the quickest center in the NBA) which will not disrupt the Lakers offense.  He also gets a lot of his points off of offensive rebounds which will not disrupt the Lakers offense.

Comparisons to Amar'e and Melo are WAY off.  I think even the most optimistic Laker-hater should acknowledge the fit is much better here.

Yeah I think the fit as far as Dwight is fine, though he will have to accept scoring less.  So will Kobe and Nash probably.   Sacrificies will have to be made.  Kobe will have to let Nash control the offense.  So we will see how that all works out.

We definitely know Gasol is used to not seeing the ball much so maybe he can give them pointers.

To be honest the sacrifices part was why I made the Amare/Melo comparison... ill believe it when I see it, though idk if its in Kobe's blood to change. If he does it proves how bad he wants a 6th ring.  He drove one center out of town (Shaq). I'll be shocked if he and Dwight don't have at least one issue this year.

[celtsfan84]

Am I the only one who thinks its a huge mistake to trade Bynum for the Dwightmare? D12s coming off back surgery... the difference between him and Bynum isnt that great to start with and for all we know his back could have hampered his abilities a bit. I just dont think its as smart a move as it sounds and if the Lakers get further than the 2nd round this year it will be because they got Nash, not Howard

I think there is a pretty big difference between the two players.  The only thing Bynum is better at is back to the basket scoring and Dwight is I think a good amount better at everything else and still scores 20 ppg.  Add in Howard playing with a PG who can get him easy points finally?

In addition, Bynum has had only one healthy season so bringing up health won't get you anywhere.

It's a smart move for sure.

True but Dwight was also "the guy" on the Magic. On a team with Kobe and Gasol I think his numbers may go down a bit... Good point about Nash, I actually think hes more important to that team's success to whether or not they have Dwight or Bynum. Still, coming off surgery, new environment, and having Kobe on your team I don't see him being much more effective than Bynum was on the Lakers. Could be wrong, but I just dont see it

Perhaps in points he scores a game, you are right there.  Across the board his numbers will probably look similar to Bynum on LA. I think his effeciency could be really amazing though and his FG % could be sky high.  I've always felt he would excel with a real PG and he has never played with one.  Think about Chandler with CP3 in New Orleans on steroids.

He has never played with a player as close to as good as Gasol, Kobe, or Nash.

However, his defensive prowess makes the team far better IMO.  Not that Bynum is a bad defensive player but Dwight gets you 50 wins or so alone if he's on your team due to his defensive and rebounding dominance.  The Lakers will be formidable.

I see your points as well, Dwight with a real pg would be very good and would be the case here. Still, Dwight and Kobe are two guys who need the ball in their hands. Bynum has sort of learned to get along in the Laker system (Kobe takes a million shots and you get the rebound) where idk how it will sit with Howard... In all honestly I sort of see a repeat of the Knicks Amare and Melo, two plays who need the ball in their hand and dont mesh at all. Nash will definitely help with that, but if he goes down for any reason, I think that teams screwed honestly. Defensively they probably will upgrade a bit I agree there. Just remember this speculation also accounts for Dwight being at full strength after back surgery... we dont even know if that will be the case yet.

Dwight doesn't need the ball in half court sets as much as you would think.  He gets a lot of his points off of running the break (he is the quickest center in the NBA) which will not disrupt the Lakers offense.  He also gets a lot of his points off of offensive rebounds which will not disrupt the Lakers offense.

Comparisons to Amar'e and Melo are WAY off.  I think even the most optimistic Laker-hater should acknowledge the fit is much better here.

  Dwight's been known to complain when he doesn't get the ball enough. He doesn't *need* it, but he obvioiusly wants it.

If they are winning (which they will be), that becomes far less of a problem.  Winning heals a lot of wounds.

Complaining about touches when your best teammate is Hedo Turkoglu is a lot different than complaining about touches when your best teammate is Kobe Bryant . . . and you also have Pau Gasol and Steve Nash.

Was Pierce more willing to sacrifice for KG and Allen or for Potapenko and Delk?

[blink]

But I also think there are situations for DH that match his abilities much better than the aging lakers.  Yes he can somewhat cover up for the age in some of their legs, but to me he would be a better fit with a younger team.

Honestly I think DH is overrated.  In the era of very few quality centers, he is the best.  But the bar isn't very high.  I don't think it is a considerable drop between him and Bynum.  I don't buy that the Lakers instantly become a championship team with DH.  OKC has a player who can play great D on howard, and they have other bigs that will make his life difficult.
And did I mention that the lakers have no bench?  I think LAL have a extremely difficult time getting out of the west.

LA hasn't made it past the second round of the last 2 playoffs.  DH12 is a great player, no doubt, but how much better than Bynum is he?  Steve Nash is 38, and will be 39 before the next All-Star game.  Yes, he's still got something left in the tank, but there are few examples of 39 year-olds having major roles on NBA teams for a reason.

Without a doubt, LA has made themselves a better team this off-season, but a lot can happen in the 100 games between now and the Finals.  If you gave me a choice between LA and the field, I'd take the field.

Not a ton better than Bynum, but a MUCH better fit.

He has better lateral quickness than Bynum and can cover more ground defensively for his older teammates.

Bynum's big advantage over Dwight is post scoring, but the Lakers have a multitude of scoring options.

The Lakers don't really need Bynum's best attributes.  The Lakers desparately need Dwight's best attributes.

That's the difference, not overall talent level.

This.  I think there are situations in the NBA where Bynum is more valuable than Howard.  The 2012-2013 Lakers are not one of them.

[Brendan]

I think this starting 5 is very good:

Dwight
Gasol
Artest
Kobe
Nash

I don't think Artest is the defensive presence he used to be, but he's still low utilization. I'd expect Gasol to get the "harder" defensive job, so Dwight can help. Nash is very weak defender, and I'm not sure Kobe and Artest have enough athleticism to make up for it.

I do like the JO backup plan, IFF he stays healthy, which he won't.

Blake is a solid combo guard.

They could really use a guy that can shoot and play D at SG (Delonte without injury problems.) Then they could run out:

Dwight / JO
Gasol / McRoberts
Kobe / Artest
SG
Nash / Blake

with Blake and Kobe backing up the SG. I think that a good coach (do they have that?) makes that rotation work really well.

[Kane3387]

Let's see how Howard recovers from Back Surgery first.