The Bulls took it to the Kings last night...thank goodness we're not the Kings! I like this Bulls team a lot, actually. Unlike the Pistons, the Bulls have some real size on their team and a real inside presence. Yannick Noah and Taj Gibson are playing really well for them and Brad Miller is an extremely versatile big off their bench. The good news is that it doesn't seem that Derrick Rose is 100% these days (he's still apparently dealing with an ankle injury) and has been struggling as a result. X-Factor for the Bulls, IMO, is Luol Deng - who is also playing at a very high level these days. Ron Artest will undoubtedly draw the assignment of checking Deng.
The even better news is that Pau Gasol should be making his '09-'10 season debut tomorrow night assuming he makes it through a full practice later today with no residual pain whatsoever. My only concern there is the extent to which the Lakers will have to suffer through any re-integration and spacing issues in terms of Pau co-existing with Andrew on the starting unit, and Lamar going back to the bench to reprise his uber-6th man role. Of course none of this is bad news...it's all good.
Well i just don't get the bench Mob. The past 2 season they have really Sucked if 4 of them are out on the floor together at one time.With Lamar they looked good for awhile two seasons ago then later in that season they started to stink. And so far this season they look the same "suckie" This is the 3rd Season together as da mob but they aren't getting any better.They don't rebound don't score. And it's a lay up drill for the other team. Opponents score like 99% of the time everytime they have the ball. Either from a lay up or a put back from a offensive rebound. Then the Mob will turn it over or throw up bricks. At least they work well when 2 of them are on the court with 3 starters. Thats the limit.
WELL Gasol may be back this game so the Lakers might have to adjust some. Maybe a little out of wack. But if that happens the'll play defense.
The bench is really an issue for the Lakers this year, without Lamar Odome they seems to be out of place. With Lamar coming back they should stabelize it. That is assuming Pau Gasol is coming back tonight. Any how like many of us thnking already: " The bench better get their acts together. This Bulls team is tougher then anyone would get them credit for, better watch for them, they did beat the Celtics. Anyhow Kobe Bryant and company should take care of them.
VicDaRuler is going to the game! Liven, you goin' too? Yes sir >> VDR will be working tonight washing cars in the convention center parking lot. After he finishes he will bring out his hot dog cart and sell farmer johns as the fans exit staples with Taco coupons in hand.
No way the Lake Show come out stagnant tonight as the Big Spaniard makes his long awaited debut. Staples will be rockin with the help of Liven and VDR in the house. Also of note is Shannon Brown getting the lionshare of minutes off the bench (26 last game against Detroit, 14 of which came in the first half when the game was still close), and when coupled with Lamar's return to his 6th man role their combined production should fortify the bench. D-Rose is still struggling with injuries and conditioning (I know first hand as he is on every one of my fantasy teams), so the point guard quickness factor shouldn't be a glaring weakness tonight. Salmons is also struggling shooting the ball and Noah is too slight to handle the Laker bigs (apologies Taj Gibson). Personally, I'm hoping Phil puts Sasha in for a quick yank of Noah's pony tail (you have to capitalize on a players strengths..)
Hopefully this wont be the last time we see Kirk Hinrich suit up at Staples this season..
