LA Times: Kwame's Learning Curve

Patronus · 11-27-2006, 02:50 PM

Quote:

"What Kwame needed was a brotherhood," said Bryant after Sunday night's 99-93 Lakers victory over the New Jersey Nets, a victory in which Brown contributed 13 points, nine rebounds, two blocked shots and an intimidating defensive presence. "This is a team that will embrace him, not throw him under the bus. We will always look out for him. We care for him. He was under a lot of pressure in Washington."

Source: LA Times 11/27/06

I'm really loving the progress that Kwame is making. I admit that when he missed the beginning of the season with the shoulder injury I had a case of "here we go again with the bust." However, his progress at the end of the season and particularly during the playoffs along with his progress so far this season really has me excited. If Kwame can become a consistent third or fourth scoring option while playing intimidating defense, I think this team can make some noise come playoffs.

You have to love that Phil Jackson is playing the young guys and really developing them while they learn.

Linus · 11-28-2006, 02:56 AM

Well, this is obviously a young team learning to get along together. It takes a while to develop players as well as chemistry. As far as Kwame Brown is concerned, we actually have to thank Ronnie Turiaf for pushing Kwame into elevating his game recently. I heard that Turiaf is/was Kwame's practice partner. Kwame is slowly developing and learning how to play this Laker system. It's great that Kobe is showing leadership and concern for everyone on his team.

And not to forget, thank you Phil Jackson for showing confidence on your rookies. Andrew Bynum and Jordan Farmar would definitely learn and benefit from playing the game instead of sitting on the bench.

Patronus · 11-28-2006, 10:21 AM

Turiaf is a great addition to the team. I like to think of him as "Mark Madsen who can actually play a little bit." The quick recovery from the heart surgery, his passion on the sidelines and the all-out hustle every minute that he is on the court is a great example for some of the other young guys like Kwame, Farmar and Bynum and it's also quite inspiring for the veterans.

I'm not ready to proclaim the Lakers ready to win a championship yet, but it does seem that ever championship team has a "Turiaf" kind of guy and it's great to see that chemistry building on this squad.

Linus · 11-28-2006, 11:14 PM

No, we are still a bit away from being championship contender. As we speak, the Lakers can qualify for a playoff spot, but to contend for the championship?, the Lakers need to win playoff games. And IMO, the Lakers are in that stage. Playoff contenders, yes. But championship contenders? Let's think about that in two years.

Odom07 · 12-01-2006, 09:58 AM

The only question now is do you guys think we still need Chris Mihm? How do you guys feel about a line up in which Smush is benched with Odom or Kobe starting at the point and Turiaf or Kwame starting?

Linus · 12-01-2006, 03:11 PM

Unfortunately, with Andrew Bynum's emergence and Kwame Brown's improvement on the court, that leaves Chris Mihm as the odd man out. I don't know if you could put Mihm as a power forward, but when trading deadline comes, I would assume that Mihm would be traded or part of a package. This is also true with Sasha Vujacic. I think with Jordan Farmar and Smush Parker, Sasha will be moved some time.

11-28-2006, 10:21 AM	#3 (permalink)
Patronus Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Los Angeles, CA Posts: 27	Turiaf is a great addition to the team. I like to think of him as "Mark Madsen who can actually play a little bit." The quick recovery from the heart surgery, his passion on the sidelines and the all-out hustle every minute that he is on the court is a great example for some of the other young guys like Kwame, Farmar and Bynum and it's also quite inspiring for the veterans. I'm not ready to proclaim the Lakers ready to win a championship yet, but it does seem that ever championship team has a "Turiaf" kind of guy and it's great to see that chemistry building on this squad. __________________ Order. Design. Tension. Balance. Light. Harmony.

11-28-2006, 11:14 PM	#4 (permalink)
Linus Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Los Angeles, CA Posts: 19	No, we are still a bit away from being championship contender. As we speak, the Lakers can qualify for a playoff spot, but to contend for the championship?, the Lakers need to win playoff games. And IMO, the Lakers are in that stage. Playoff contenders, yes. But championship contenders? Let's think about that in two years. __________________ The 50-50-90 rule: Anytime you have a 50-50 chance of getting something right, there's a 90% probability you'll get it wrong.

12-01-2006, 03:11 PM	#6 (permalink)
Linus Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Los Angeles, CA Posts: 19	Unfortunately, with Andrew Bynum's emergence and Kwame Brown's improvement on the court, that leaves Chris Mihm as the odd man out. I don't know if you could put Mihm as a power forward, but when trading deadline comes, I would assume that Mihm would be traded or part of a package. This is also true with Sasha Vujacic. I think with Jordan Farmar and Smush Parker, Sasha will be moved some time. __________________ The 50-50-90 rule: Anytime you have a 50-50 chance of getting something right, there's a 90% probability you'll get it wrong.

11-28-2006, 02:56 AM	#2 (permalink)
Linus Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Los Angeles, CA Posts: 19	Well, this is obviously a young team learning to get along together. It takes a while to develop players as well as chemistry. As far as Kwame Brown is concerned, we actually have to thank Ronnie Turiaf for pushing Kwame into elevating his game recently. I heard that Turiaf is/was Kwame's practice partner. Kwame is slowly developing and learning how to play this Laker system. It's great that Kobe is showing leadership and concern for everyone on his team. And not to forget, thank you Phil Jackson for showing confidence on your rookies. Andrew Bynum and Jordan Farmar would definitely learn and benefit from playing the game instead of sitting on the bench.

12-01-2006, 09:58 AM	#5 (permalink)
Odom07 New Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Posts: 4	The only question now is do you guys think we still need Chris Mihm? How do you guys feel about a line up in which Smush is benched with Odom or Kobe starting at the point and Turiaf or Kwame starting?