Fixing Lamar and Luke
January 26th, 2008, 3:40 pm · 3 Comments · posted by KEVIN DING, OCREGISTER.COM
EL SEGUNDO — Lamar Odom was quite glum after the game Friday night in Dallas, where he stayed out of sync on offense, didn’t stop Dirk Nowitzki on defense and heard some words from Phil Jackson when Jackson pulled him in the third quarter.
On Saturday back home, Jackson followed through on what I suggested in the game story would make sense: He tweaked the triangle offense to set up Odom for some advantageous scenarios to score in games.
“Kobe (Bryant) came over to me last night and said he felt like there’s more pressure on Lamar to score now that Andrew (Bynum)’s out,” Jackson said, “and he’s pressing. So we did a few things here hopefully to advance some of those opportunities to score and be a part of it.”
Luke Walton acknowledged that he feels more pressure to score by how he said he was going to go out and search out more shots now.
“It has been weird,” he said. “The team has been moving the ball, but for some reason I haven’t been getting that many shots within the offense. I guess I’ve got to kind of get out there and start looking more for my shot instead of waiting for it to come to me.”
There will be more depth coming at forward with Vladimir Radmanovic (ankle) perhaps returning Sunday against Cleveland. Radmanovic hit all 10 jump shots he took in a drill Saturday, which Jackson said wins Radmanovic (who is on a $30 million contract) a financial prize by team rule: $10.
January 26th, 2008 at 9:50 pm
Unlike most people, I have been an Odom apologist, but I am finding it hard to justify his ineffectiveness, especially on offense, particularly in light of Bynum and Ariza’s absence.
Vlade’s return should be a big plus, especially if he shoots well. If not, his value would not be much more than Karl’s or Critt’s.
January 27th, 2008 at 12:50 am
The Lakers simply do not use Lamar correctly if they want him to score more. The Miami Heat used him a lot from the pinch post. Mainly from that sides of the free throw line area and had him attack from there. He’s not very good playing without the basketball.
Start giving him touches to start the game from those areas and you will see a big improvement in his offense. Why do they post up Kwame and Luke Walton more then Lamar?
January 31st, 2008 at 8:35 pm
Look, Lamar should never get less than 5 shots off of the offensive boards and on the break.
Then he has to get 10-12 from the triangle, and 6-8 free throws every night.
4 shots until the final play is ridiculous.
Mitch, who was on his way out of the GM doghouse is right back there for not making a move to help the team.