Phil Jackson is in full-scale tinker mode with the Lakers this preseason. First there was talk about having Lamar Odom fill a reserve role. Then came word that Odom would be used as a ball-handling guard with Kobe Bryant moving to small forward. Now the Orange County Register reports that center Andrew Bynum could come off the bench unless his chemistry with Pau Gasol improves:
"It has been mentioned," Lakers consultant Tex Winter said of the coaching staff's internal discussions. "We played pretty well last year without him."
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"Right now, they're very clumsy; they're not working well together," Jackson said. "We've got a group that played very well together last year. There are some things that we have to discuss and see how long we drag this out -- or how quickly we facilitate it, because I think we have got the ability to play exceptionally well if we use all our skill players."
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Winter said a major factor in the slow start so far has been Bynum not giving maximum effort in practice.
"He's just not exerting himself, maybe," Winter said. "And most of the other guys are. I think he just needs to play a little harder."
Bynum has said himself that practice work hasn't had him completely riveted.
"This is the first year where it's kind of a little bit boring just because we have to run through the same stuff we already know," he said.
• Lakers' Bynum off the bench? (Orange County Register)
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They'll be ready to play together by the start of the season, It just takes some time..
I'm Rick James ****
Total Comments (973)
I think they will have to trade atleast one of Gasol, Odom or Bynum...The obvious choice is going to be Odom. They to clear some floor space and looks like all three big guys cannot co-exist, plus odom doesn't really like to come off the bench.
Maybe trade him for Marion and give him an extension....Or look for someone that's a good outside shooter to complement Bynum and Gasol's inside presence (Michael Redd? I know his contract is too huge, but this is LaLa land babe)
ESPN
Atlanta , GA
Total Comments (848)
I got the feeling that during the season a cog will go down. Lets keep the jewels and take it as far as we can!
Darth Vader
Miamisburg , OH
Total Comments (20)
what ever
ClydeMartinlll
Chesterfield , MO
Total Comments (22)
Phil Jackson and his d a m n mind games, Bynum is the 2nd best player on the team, he should not be benched, period!
Dinero
Glen Allen , VA
Total Comments (246)
they should bench Odom, he usually disappear down the stretch anyway. that could work
Jeremy_Wade:…
Atl, GA
Total Comments (305)
"We played pretty well last year without him." **** is Tex smokin'. Bynum was a beast before his injury & correct me if I'm wrong that was during last season. They need Bynum to start, no one else on that team can bring what he brings: toughness, blocks, inside post play......
D SUN
Total Comments (130)
If Bynum were to plaly on the second unit, LOOK WHAT A GREAT SECOND UNIT you would have. And who on the opposing teams have a second unit player that could stop him. Whatever The Lakers do, SOMEONE has to drop down to the second unit (which is strong enough now). Remember, it's a TEAM. Ask Manu how many minutes and points he scores coming off the bench.
RickLewis
Total Comments (3)
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