smackeddog wrote:See, needing time to gel isn't an excuse, it's a fact. It'll take them most of the season to get it together, plus Nash will take a month or so to get in the swing of things (he started slow last season).

I think the Lakers will be fine, as holfresh said they need time to jel. But, it is interesting, are we going to see a bit of hack a Shaq? I bet we do, at least as long as Howard shoots around 20% FT it is a damn good plan. And it is deflating for the rest of the Lakers.

holfresh wrote:

Bonn1997 wrote:

smackeddog wrote:See, needing time to gel isn't an excuse, it's a fact. It'll take them most of the season to get it together, plus Nash will take a month or so to get in the swing of things (he started slow last season).

When it's years 2 or 3 of players being together, it's an excuse.

It took Miami close to 2 years to gel running the same offense with the same coach and the same players...

Bonn1997 wrote:

holfresh wrote:

Bonn1997 wrote:

smackeddog wrote:See, needing time to gel isn't an excuse, it's a fact. It'll take them most of the season to get it together, plus Nash will take a month or so to get in the swing of things (he started slow last season).

When it's years 2 or 3 of players being together, it's an excuse.

It took Miami close to 2 years to gel running the same offense with the same coach and the same players...

No, it didn't. They were awesome in year 1.

It was even discussed last night...They started playing like this current team late last year when LeBron assumed the lead role..Wade and Bron was competing for lead role for a year and a half...They didn't have ball movement like this..They would beat you on athleticism and sheer talent...The Heat never used to play team ball like this...People spoke about breaking them up even last season...At least be honest about that...

mrKnickShot wrote:Lakers look - eh. Losing at home against a Dirkless Dallas?

Eddy Curry - 7 points and 4 boards! He actually played 16 minutes!!

Kobe - 22 points on 11-14 - Good. 1 rebound and 0 assists - Bad

Nash - 7 points 4 assists - eh.

Howard - 19 points and 11 boards on 8-12 - Good. 3-14 on FT's - AWFUL!

Gasol - 23 points, 13 boards and 6 assists - Good game

I said it and I stand by it: Kobe and Nash do not complement each other. Kobe is not a catch and shoot guy even though he's capable and his field goal percentage is not what it used to be. Kobe is accustomed to having to ball in his hand. Nash is accustomed to dominating the ball, can't see how that is going to work.

Howard and Nash should compliment each other very well.

I'm not so impressed with them beating LA without Dirk. Teams missing their franchise player often win games because, the teamwork becomes more evident, previous scouting likely won't help because you will be seeing players in positions and playing minutes opposing teams haven't seen before and, there is also the obligatory let down in intensity since the franchise player won't be there.

Mayo, Collinson and Brand were great pick ups.

The Mavs are better defensively and offensively than when they won their title. They will definitely be fighting for a top 4 seed no doubt.

Anji wrote:Mavs are going to be a top tier team.

Mayo, Collinson and Brand were great pick ups.

The Mavs are better defensively and offensively than when they won their title. They will definitely be fighting for a top 4 seed no doubt.

can't see that happening without Dirk. LA is a mess right now but, given time to gel, they should be OK. Defensively, their front line is monstrous. They just need to get their back court in sync.