Do we need to trade for another big?

[mook]

Call me crazy, but I'm ok with cutting Pendergraph to add Dampier. If it were 4 years ago and we were still a lottery team, I'd hold on to Jeff because he has a little upside.

But I want this team to shoot for 60+ wins. When you are going for that many wins the balance shifts in favor of proven (but declining) veterans over marginal (but somewhat improving) youth.

Dampier ain't great, but I'm much, much more comfortable with him playing meaningful minutes this year than Pendergraph. He's a better shot blocker, defender and rebounder, and he's actually big enough to defend other true centers. Pendergraph has a great motor and all, but he's too small to guard 5's and too slow to guard 4's.

 

[Pinwheel1]

Dampier is going to sign with us so he can play in November? Then he goes to 4th string by the end of the year? Not seeing that happening. Even if we (some fans) might think Oden will be out "indefinetley", I doubt Dampier is willing to take that gamble when he has other options. Pendergraph is obviously not an offensive juggernaut, , but if you are going to judge him on summer league then look at how he rebounded and sets screens for 4 minutes a half. Because that's all he is going to do during the season. He can hit an open 8 footer. (Which Dampier can not)

What Pendergraph can't do is create his own shot. But when the hell will that ever be needed. We don't ask Joel to do that. Now of course Pendergraph can't block shots like Joel nor can he defend like Joel, but he can mix it up for 4 minutes a half. (That leaves LMA playing center for 10 minutes a game and Camby with only 30) We are fine for a month or so.

 

[STOMP]

Pendergraph has a great motor and all, but he's too small to guard 5's and too slow to guard 4's.

dude's predraft size and athletic measurements were nearly identical to Al Horford's. A fair criticism (IMO) would be to say he lacks in skill and is too aggressive/a foul machine, but dude does have the size to defend either frontcourt spot (especially backups) and is not lacking foot speed or explosiveness.

Last year his PER was 12.1 which isn't horrible for a rookie coming off a major surgery (hip). For reference, Juwan Howard's was at 10.0 last season. I hold out hope for him being a serviceable backup and hopefully developing beyond that

STOMP

 

[mook]

Dampier is going to sign with us so he can play in November? Then he goes to 4th string by the end of the year? Not seeing that happening. Even if we (some fans) might think Oden will be out "indefinetley", I doubt Dampier is willing to take that gamble when he has other options.

I obviously don't know Dampier personally, but judging by his on-court demeanor he seems like a get-along kind of guy. He's 35 and looking for one last paycheck and a little more playoff excitement before he packs it in. He's pretty much in the exact same position as Juwan Howard was a year or two ago, except I think he's got a little more serviceability left in the tank, and he offers defense/rebounding instead of offense.
My guess is he goes where the most money is. Secondarily is the likelihood of winning. I'd bet playing time comes in third place. That seemed to be Mutombo's rationale a few years ago when he was basically in the same position.
I think the Blazers can probably net him if they want based on money and winning.

 

[mook]

dude's predraft size and athletic measurements were nearly identical to Al Horford's. A fair criticism (IMO) would be to say he lacks in skill and is too aggressive/a foul machine, but dude does have the size to defend either frontcourt spot (especially backups) and is not lacking foot speed or explosiveness.

Last year his PER was 12.1 which isn't horrible for a rookie coming off a major surgery (hip). For reference, Juwan Howard's was at 10.0 last season. I hold out hope for him being a serviceable backup and hopefully developing beyond that

STOMP

Yeah, it's really not that bad for a first season. Although you have to remember he got that PER playing garbage minutes.

I think it was summer league that got me a little more down on him. I just didn't think he was that dominant of a defensive presence in there. Better than many, but not really dominant.

I'm not passionate about dumping Pendergraph. I just don't think he has the defensive chops I want for somebody in his role. As this team (hopefully) moves toward contending, I'd like to see it fill out more of the smaller role-player stopgaps with proven veterans. I want guys in those roles to just not lose us playoff games with youngster mistakes and let our main guys carry the load.

 

[BGrantFan]

If we have to rely on Pendergraph for any kind of minutes we are going to be in trouble. The guy was brutal last year, he was even more brutal to watch in summer league. Sure he might have ADD and look like he's bad sometimes, but the guy sucks!

Brutal, offensively, but effective on the boards. He ended up being the 2nd leading rebounder in the Vegas League. If I can get rebounding and hustle out of my 4th string C on a 2nd-round contract, I'm good with it until he proves he isn't up to the task.

http://www.nba.com/summerleague2010/stats/

 

[STOMP]

I think it was summer league that got me a little more down on him. I just didn't think he was that dominant of a defensive presence in there. Better than many, but not really dominant.

summer league? really???

Qyntel Woods & Nicolas Batum

STOMP

 

[mook]

summer league? really???

Qyntel Woods & Nicolas Batum

STOMP

Batum only really played in one Summer League. I believe this was Jeff's second.

Qyntel (and Bayless) dominated in SL, but it was on offense.

I don't put a huge amount of stock in SL for most players. But when you have a guy who was picked in the second round, he's had two summer leagues and didn't really show that much defensive dominance, and he's got a -10 on 82games.com (which indicates he gave up a lot on defense when he played, despite the 12 PER), it's not really too hasty to give up on him.

Most 31st picks in the draft don't pan out. He might still, but given where the team is and what he's shown me so far, I'd rather go with a veteran for his spot.

 

[DaRizzle]

Im surprised nobody has mentioned who I think would be a great fit for you....DJ Mbenga

He has been buried on the Lakers depth chart and is itching to prove himself worthy of many more minutes which I think he can do. He is stronger than Oden and has a blackbelt in Karate. His offensive game SUCKS but he is a beast on defense and rebounding. On top of that you can get him REAL cheap and it isnt a risk at all. I truly believe he will outplay his next contract if givin the chance

 

[RoyToy]

Lol @ stronger than Oden

 

[STOMP]

Batum only really played in one Summer League. I believe this was Jeff's second.

Qyntel (and Bayless) dominated in SL, but it was on offense.

I don't put a huge amount of stock in SL for most players. But when you have a guy who was picked in the second round, he's had two summer leagues and didn't really show that much defensive dominance, and he's got a -10 on 82games.com (which indicates he gave up a lot on defense when he played, despite the 12 PER), it's not really too hasty to give up on him.

SL is usually a good showcase for guards/wings who can create a shot for themselves (see QW and Bayless). Post players and guys who play off the ball are often on the outside looking in.

I'm hardly predicting Pendergraph to set the world on fire this year, but the two reasons you've sited as being down on him (physical ability and SL) don't seem to hold up to examination... we shall see

STOMP

 

[DaRizzle]

Lol @ stronger than Oden

DJ Mbenga is freakin ripped...especially for a 7+ footer...Its hard to get definition on a body that size.....and with his martial arts he actually knows how to control his body and stay balanced and not...you know....get hurt.

Ill take DJ over Oden in an arm wrestling contest all day every day

 

[Pinwheel1]

I obviously don't know Dampier personally, but judging by his on-court demeanor he seems like a get-along kind of guy. He's 35 and looking for one last paycheck and a little more playoff excitement before he packs it in. He's pretty much in the exact same position as Juwan Howard was a year or two ago, except I think he's got a little more serviceability left in the tank, and he offers defense/rebounding instead of offense.
My guess is he goes where the most money is. Secondarily is the likelihood of winning. I'd bet playing time comes in third place. That seemed to be Mutombo's rationale a few years ago when he was basically in the same position.
I think the Blazers can probably net him if they want based on money and winning.

It seems to me that the playoff teams who have been after him the last few weeks can offer him just as much money (except Miami) and have just as much of a chance to win then we do. Plus more opportunity to play. I just don't see him as an option.

 

[RoyToy]

DJ Mbenga is freakin ripped...especially for a 7+ footer...Its hard to get definition on a body that size.....and with his martial arts he actually knows how to control his body and stay balanced and not...you know....get hurt.

Ill take DJ over Oden in an arm wrestling contest all day every day

Yeah....no.

 

[DaRizzle]

Yeah....no.

Your loss and mistake...I just saw the Nuggets actually picked him up a few weeks ago actually, my bad...You shall see

 

[Pinwheel1]

Your loss and mistake...I just saw the Nuggets actually picked him up a few weeks ago actually, my bad...You shall see

Yes I did notice that the lakers basically let him go. I was surprised because I actually thought he served a purpose for the lakers considering your own injuries issues with big men. So why exactly did they not want to keep him?

 

[DaRizzle]

Yes I did notice that the lakers basically let him go. I was surprised because I actually thought he served a purpose for the lakers considering your own injuries issues with big men. So why exactly did they not want to keep him?

He wanted to leave to try to get more playing time...understandable

We got Ratliff to replace him + Derrick Caracter (rookie PF/C)who has impressed in summer league

Plus moving Pau to the 5 and LO to the 4 as our starting lineup always worked well too

 

[MickZagger]

summer league? really???

Qyntel Woods & Nicolas Batum

STOMP

The guy shot something like 3-15 from the field in a game and was a liability to turn the ball over every time he got the ball. I think thats a little cause for concern.

 

[MickZagger]

Your loss and mistake...I just saw the Nuggets actually picked him up a few weeks ago actually, my bad...You shall see

I was just about to point that out. You call yourself a Laker fan, yet you don't even know who's on the team.

 

[tlongII]

No trade is needed. Pendergraph will be a serviceable backup for a month to 6 weeks. That's all we need. By then I predict Oden will be back regardless of what MIXUM is saying. We won't get enough value in a trade.

 

[oldmangrouch]

Pshaw. It's not like Camby has ever been injured in his career. Sure, if he goes down, the team is seriously boned.....but what is there to worry about?

 

[blazerboy30]

DJ Mbenga is freakin ripped...especially for a 7+ footer...Its hard to get definition on a body that size.....and with his martial arts he actually knows how to control his body and stay balanced and not...you know....get hurt.

Ill take DJ over Oden in an arm wrestling contest all day every day

Not that it really matters, but...

Many players have stated that Oden is the strongest man they have ever played against. This includes many veterans.

I'll take their word for it over your's.

 

[STOMP]

The guy shot something like 3-15 from the field in a game and was a liability to turn the ball over every time he got the ball. I think thats a little cause for concern.

as it's already been pointed out to you, he was also pretty dominant on the boards

if I put much stock in summer league play, based on the three games I watched I'd cut Babbitt yesterday... but I don't and have hopes for him developing as well

STOMP

 

[MickZagger]

Babbitt led the team PPG shooting 45% from the field as a rook. I don't know, I guess I just expect a little more out of a guy who played 4 years in college and played in his 2nd SL.

I just don't see much for his future with the team.

 

[jlprk]

And we could have kept my favorite player, who is 10 times the player Pendy is. For the same amount of money.

 

[Minstrel]

And we could have kept my favorite player, who is 10 times the player Pendy is. For the same amount of money.

Bob Whitsitt was a terrible basketball player.

 

[Nikolokolus]

I like Jeff's personality quite a lot, but if some kind of two or three for one trade wherein Jeff and Rudy plus filler goes out to bring back a forward/center of even middling skill (the caliber of a player like Brandon Bass, but not necessarily Brandon Bass) I'd be all over it; this team is a Marcus Camby sprained ankle, going from great theoretical depth at center in a month or two when/if Oden and Pryzbilla get back on the court, to a starting front court of LMA and Pendergraph.

Yikes.

 

[VanillaGorilla]

Im surprised nobody has mentioned who I think would be a great fit for you....DJ Mbenga

He has been buried on the Lakers depth chart and is itching to prove himself worthy of many more minutes which I think he can do. He is stronger than Oden and has a blackbelt in Karate. His offensive game SUCKS but he is a beast on defense and rebounding. On top of that you can get him REAL cheap and it isnt a risk at all. I truly believe he will outplay his next contract if givin the chance

Judo, not karate.

 

[BoomChakaLaka]

depends on pryz. if he can be back by mid november... no. if hes out till mid - late december.... yes.

forget oden at this point. guy isnt sure if he will be back by xmas. that should tell you all you need to know.

pendergraph blows. if we count on him we're dead anyway. with camby being injury prone and LA getting major minutes...id say get dampier ASAP. Cant hurt.

I'm sorry to say it, but I don't think we'll see either Joel nor Greg pre-Christmas.

To this, I would think about trading Pryz + Bayless + Pendy + Pick to Cleveland for Varejao. (RealGM tradechecker Approved).

 

[DaRizzle]

Not that it really matters, but...

Many players have stated that Oden is the strongest man they have ever played against. This includes many veterans.

I'll take their word for it over your's.

Mbenga is buried on the bench behind Bynum, Pau, and Odom not getting minutes