You know.. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar promised everyone that he could work with the kid and make him better.... this man has been pining for a head coaching position for years too. Maybe people should start listening to him. I think he's on to something.......

Derek Fisher fell into Mitch's lap because of Fisher's desire to play in a city where he felt his daughter could get the best medical care, so I don't know that he really deserves much credit for that signing.

I'll give him credit for drafting Walton, Farmar and Bynum, but you still can't ignore many of the other personnel moves he's made (i.e. Butler for Kwame, Rad's contract, Cook's contract). It seems he's got a decent eye for young talent, he just is lacking when it comes to evaluating pro talent, whether it be in a trade or signing/re-signing players.

I give Kupchack all the credit in the world. He saw what this team could be when no one else saw it and he had the guts to put his career on the line for what he believed to be correct. The man has won my respect.

Ditto on the Kareem comments. The man can develop a big man and deserves a chance to show how much more he can do.

I admit I was one of the naysayers regarding Bynum. Man, am I glad they didnt cave in to Kobe's tantrum over the summer. This kid really will be good one day. He's already becoming an impact player with the increased playing time. I still think the lakers are missing a few pieces to get them to the elite level though. They're young still and I think they'll only get better. Kobes' best chances of doing anything significant are with the Lakers, I really really hope he finally realizes that.

Bynum is developing into to a force. With the short list of big guys in the league, he can become an impact guy soon. He plays smart and plays within himself. He and Farmar has developed a nice pick and role game.

I must say I am socked at his development. I didn't think he would become a double-double guy this soon.

What have the Lakers done that is so amazing? They are average and will lose in the first round. Bynum isnt Shaq and Farmar isnt Magic Johnson, so stop pretending.

why is everyone jumping on the Lakers band wagon? Last year they started off good and then imploded the second half. It is too early to say these were great moves . . .. but both players are improving. The Lakers are still no where close to getting a championship.

That's rightm the Lakers are winning because everybody hasn't settled yet but come playoff time, it's 1st round bye-bye for the "alleged" rapist.

No, they arent an elite team yet, but they do have the experience now that they didnt 2yrs ago. They have improved and develope their young players, I think the difference between now and 2yrs ago, is that these players are now contributing and not standing around watching Kobe. Yes, they imploded last year, but they had an injury plagued second half. But I think the team has learned how to play through tough times like that.All teams go through it at some point. The difference is the great teams learn to win despite that. And I think a lot of people expected the Lakers to be like the Knicks are what with the incident over the summer with their superstar. I think a lot of people expected them to fall apart and be a huge distraction. Since, that hasnt happened I give them all the credit in the world for maturing into professionals and not allowing it to hurt the team. I think they've used it as motivation to improve and its showing,

"What have the Lakers done that is so amazing? They are average and will lose in the first round. Bynum isnt Shaq and Farmar isnt Magic Johnson, so stop pretending."

Dwight Howard isn't Shaq (in his prime) and Steve Nash isn't Magic either. You can be a really good, productive player and still not measure up to the HOF players you mentioned.

Hitman

Quit hating

Lakers didnt implode last year

They had injuries that killed their momentum after starting 26-13 and couldnt get it back......

Lakers are on their way to another 26-13 start and Bynum is a huge reason, within 2 years he will be a 20ppg-12rpg-3bpg type of player and Kobe will still be a 25-6-6 player

Fisher is a huge difference since he knows how to run the triangle and is the reason Odom's apg are down......If they play the Suns in the 1st round, a huge IF since they are looking like a top 5 seed, they will beat the Suns.....

Why???

2 years ago they were up 3-1 on Suns before Smush killed their chances of winning that series......Fish will be the difference maker as far as limiting the TO's that spurr the Suns fast break opps

"Now, as much as I like Lamar they could trade him"

Only if they can find someone to take him and his big contract.

Although I am eating crow on concerning Bynum, I am not ready to give Mitch GM of the year, like perfect 360 said
"Derek Fisher fell into Mitch's lap because of Fisher's desire to play in a city where he felt his daughter could get the best medical care, so I don't know that he really deserves much credit for that signing.

I'll give him credit for drafting Walton, Farmar and Bynum, but you still can't ignore many of the other personnel moves he's made (i.e. Butler for Kwame, Rad's contract, Cook's contract). "

If the Lakers can keep their core players (Kobe, Odom, Bynum, and maybe Farmarr) together for 2 more years (like the Pistons have done), watch out! The young guys can only get better (well, maybe not Kwame. His work ethic sucks). In terms of NBA experience, they're babies. Give them time to grow up.

"What have the Lakers done that is so amazing? They are average and will lose in the first round. Bynum isnt Shaq and Farmar isnt Magic Johnson, so stop pretending."

Dwight Howard isn't Shaq (in his prime) and Steve Nash isn't Magic either. You can be a really good, productive player and still not measure up to the HOF players you mentioned.

danm70 | 01/04/08

^^^ Well put. couldn't have said it better myself.

Mitch Kupchak just said **** to all you Laker fans who wanted him gone and Kobe continues to look dumb as this team continues to win and be successful.