Bleacher Report - Articles by Leonard Kalfayan

Changes The LA Lakers Make to Return to NBA Finals in 2008-09

Leonard Kalfayan — Sun, 31 Aug 2008 17:48:20 -0400

Even though all the Lakers did this offseason was re-sign Sasha Vujacic, replace the departed Ronny Turiaf with Josh Powell, and sign the so-called Chinese Magic Johnson, Sun Yue, they enter the 2008-09 season substantially improved.

They exercised restraint, knowing that Trevor Ariza, Chris Mihm, and especially Andrew Bynum return in good health.

Here are the new keys to success:

1) Kobe Bryant, following his great Olympic experience, steps up another level in leadership by facilitating the new Laker inside game and intensifying his play on the defensive end.

2) Vladimir Radmanovic/Luke Walton/Trevor Ariza start at SF. Lamar Odom comes off the bench a la Manu Ginobili—playing starter minutes at PF and SF—and relishing his new role as leader of the Bench Mob while finishing with the first unit. Additionally, he embraces his NBA Sixth Man of the Year candidacy.

3) Andrew Bynum does emerge as the beast anticipated by the Laker front office. He is the shot-blocking presence sorely needed on the defensive end. At the offensive end he is the certain finisher at the rim—missing last year after he went down.

There is no better collection of interior passers in the league than Kobe, Pau Gasol, and Odom—all looking for Bynum coming off the block. Beyond that, he will demand increasing attention from his growing assortment of Kareem post moves.

He also picks up where he left off on the boards (10+ in 28 minutes per game last season).

4) Pau Gasol thrives in his more natural position of starting PF—adapting to all front line combinations—including with Odom and Bynum when the Lakers go BIG.

5) Sasha Vujacic emerges as arguably the best 3-point marksman off any NBA bench. His goal is to be the best perimeter shooter in the NBA. He makes his case this season.

6) 48 minutes of intensity from the PG spot—from greater depth and thus less wear and tear on Derek Fisher, thanks to an improved Jordan Farmar, sometimes from Vujacic, and even from Sun Yue as the season progresses.

7) Greater depth at center with Bynum, a healthy (at least for a while) Chris Mihm, Pau Gasol in a pinch, and maybe even D.J. Mbenga again at the end of the bench.

Of course, Josh Powell can play the five when the rotation goes small. Last year the center spot ended up being manned only by Gasol, Turiaf, and Mbenga—too weak against the Celtics.

Thus, the Lakers return to the NBA Finals. Who will they meet?

Where Will Corey Maggette Really End Up?

Leonard Kalfayan — Sun, 06 Jul 2008 07:20:48 -0400

In a relatively weak free agent year, especially with teams looking ahead to the potentially phenomenal 2009 and 2010 classes, Corey Maggette emerges this summer with elite status.

He is reportedly being courted by no less than the Spurs, Celtics, Pistons, Magic, and Jazz.

While the speculation has been that Corey is inclined to accept less in order to contend for a championship, don't believe it.

Barring the unlikely sign-and-trade, these top contenders can only offer their mid level exception (MLE). A full MLE contract is expected to be about $32 million over the 5-year maximum term.

Corey is no doubt flattered by the interest and attention, especially from the NBA champion Celtics, as well as the Spurs. And rightfully so. But, that will wear off fast, as soon as a $10 million-plus per year offer sheet is slipped across the table. He already made over $7 million last season after all.

Plus, players signing MLE money so far include the likes of Chris Duhon (Knicks), Desagana Diop (Mavericks), and Beno Udrih (Kings). They are not in Maggette's class, and surely he knows it.

Who has the wherewithal to offer Corey what he deserves? In the west, it's Golden State. In the east, it's Philadelphia.

Once Elton Brand decides to re-sign with the Clippers (as is still widely expected) and Josh Smith returns to the Hawks (also expected), then the Sixers and Warriors can open their registers for Maggette, the next best option for each.

My money is on the Warriors, but it should get really interesting this week.

Lakers: Who is The Best Free Agent to Pursue?

Leonard Kalfayan — Fri, 04 Jul 2008 16:31:42 -0400

After the defection of Baron Davis to the Clippers, and the retention of Agent Zero and Antawn Jamison by the Wizards...FA speculation has turned to...

Elton Brand: Does he stay with the Clips, or is he lured away by the Warriors?

Josh Smith: Does he choose Philly or Golden State over Atlanta?

Corey Maggette: Does he sign with the Spurs, the Celtics, or the Magic?

Andre Iguodala: Does he get an offer that the Sixers don't match?

Monta Ellis: Does he leave Chris Mullin reflecting on a summer of disaster?

James Posey: Does Boston lose him to someone else's full MLE?

But, if you are one whose interest is Laker FA prospects, you can forget about any of these FAs...with one possible exception: James Posey.

Reports that the Lakers are willing to provide their full five-year MLE to Posey are well-founded. He could step in as the starting small forward. Trevor Ariza would provide further perimeter defensive depth. Lamar Odom can then come off the bench for 30-plus minutes and provide a most dynamic rotation up front.

Posey would create a logjam at the 3, unless Vladimir Radmanovic or Luke Walton could be moved. Their contracts are considered by many to be albatrosses, but the two do have current value to certain teams. Walton would be the most expendable, based on his atrocious showing in the NBA finals.

Nevertheless, consider Posey to be a Laker longshot. Sure, they could use his defensive toughness and ability to hit timely threes. But, chances are he re-signs with the Celtics (or he re-joins the Rockets).

After the FA dust settles, the best addition the Lakers may make is the unheralded Quentin Ross. How desperately do the Lakers need SOMEONE to handle quick point guards on the perimeter? There isn't one FA in the whole bunch who fits that bill...except Ross.

Even if they have to let Sasha Vujacic walk, effectively adding Andrew Bynum, a healthy Trevor Ariza, and Quentin Ross would upgrade the Laker D substantially.

What Makes a Game a Sport?

Leonard Kalfayan — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 06:39:14 -0400

As the July 4 Hot Dog Eating Championship approaches...the question again arises...when is a game a sport? Or, what makes a game a sport?

I say it is when there is uncommon physical (athletic) ability...or physical conditioning (non-eating)...or muscle tone required to play.

Also, any game that uses a ball and which must be thrown (or shot), or kicked, or "struck" (club, racket, but not a pool cue) qualifies as a sport...but with certain exceptions.

Skill required? By itself, not enough to qualify as a sport.

So, any way you cut it, Hot Dog Eating IS NOT a sport.

How about Golf? Yes...but barely.

Bowling? No...but almost.

Pool (Billiards)? No.

Darts? No.

Poker? Of course not.

Ping Pong? No. Table Tennis? Yes.

Shuffleboard? Are you kidding?

Badminton? OK...yes.

Video games? What do you think?

Get the idea? Questions?

Ron Artest: Will He Stay or Will He Go?

Leonard Kalfayan — Sun, 29 Jun 2008 15:13:07 -0400

When asked last week if he would accept a contending team's mid-level exception (MLE), Ron Artest said, "Not in a million years...not in 10 million years."

However, more recent reports (credible or not) have Artest now contemplating opting out after all by the June 30 deadline. He has apparently made a "100-degree turn," in his words. That's not a full 180—but it is over half-way there.

Does this possible change of heart mean he would accept the MLE? Or does it mean one team or another is willing to line him up with a sign-and-trade relocation opportunity? Who would have the wherewithal to entice the Kings, as well as Artest and his agent, to make a move?

Does his being "tight" with Kobe and Lamar Odom mean anything? He traveled to watch them play the Celtics more than once during the Finals—and after that, he should know now that they could really use him.

Artest is straight about rejecting any team's MLE, only a trade of L.O.'s expiring contract for Artest would seem to work. Would L.A. risk that? That expiring contract of Odom's is pretty valuable. And, he might be the starting point guard next season!

Plus, Artest would want to play with both Kobe and Odom, right? Odom, who comes from the same parts as Artest, is an idol of his (that's right ... he said so).

To be realistic, and ruling out the Lakers, where could Artest end up? Can you see he and Wally Szcerbiak—along with his ridiculous, finally expiring contract—exchanging jerseys?

How about switching positions with Josh Howard? Or, how badly does Phoenix want to upgrade their defense? (But how badly does anyone want Boris Diaw or Leandro Barbosa?)

The Spurs could use him too, even if he is a bit outside their norm. But, who do they have to offer?

How about the New Orleans Hornets? They can let Jannero Pargo walk, and maybe have just enough to get it done—with their MLE and the $3 million received for their draft pick this year (and allowable for FA signing).

Would the Pistons even think about it? They certainly have the assets and the desire for a face lift.

What about the Nuggets? They had their chance this season. I doubt they get another. Charlotte apparently offered Gerald Wallace for T.J. Ford. Would the ex-King fetch Artest?

Sacramento will need a point guard after Beno Udrih signs elsewhere. Would Kirk Hinrich—alone, or with the seemingly expendable Tyrus Thomas—suffice to return Artest to the team that couldn't keep him the first time around?

Take a guess and check the first part—the opt-out part—of the answer on Monday. It still stands to reason that Artest plays out the final year in Sac-town—at least until February.

But, if he does spring, and you can't (or don't want to) picture him in Laker purple and gold, picture him in a Cavs, Mavs, Hornets, Pistons, Bobcats, or Bulls jersey instead. Can you stand it? Could he?

Boston Won't Be Back ... But Don't Count Out the Lakers

Leonard Kalfayan — Fri, 27 Jun 2008 17:30:42 -0400

Boston won't be back next year.

This was their year from Day One, and the same edge won't quite be there again. Kevin Garnett has been a career loser ... he has his one championship from riding Paul Pierce's coat tails. Ray Allen will decline a bit further. Pierce and the aforementioned and overrated Garnett will likely have trouble staying healthy for the full season.

Their bench will return to earth. Glenn "Big Baby" Davis ... stinks. He played part of one game in this year's finals. Leon Powe ... OK, but as good now as he will ever be. House ... forget it. Sam Cassell ... gone or a non-factor. P.J. Brown ... gone or a non-factor. Brian Scalabrine ... he's a joke. James Posey will re-sign. He hit his peak, too. Tony Allen ... he'll at least bring more value. Who else ... Alonzo Mourning? Robert Horry? Michael Finley?

Barring significant injury, the Lakers look to have the best chance again from the West. The roster that ended the season adds Andrew Bynum and Trevor Ariza (who really wasn't back despite playing a bit in the last two series). That's like having a top-three pick and a mid-first rounder already having proven NBA ability joining the squad. Both upgrade the defense considerably ... inside and out.

In addition, they will likely re-sign Sasha Vujacic and Ronny Turiaf ... at least Vujacic. And, who knows, they may be able to deal Luke Walton or Vladimir Radmanovic. They have only two players over 30 (and one is Kobe). That's a young team that now has championship experience ... and all the motivation it needs from watching Boston's disgraceful and classless celebratory behavior down the stretch of Game Six.

And the Finals weren't exactly the dismantling as many have portrayed. That perception is largely because of the meltdown in Game Six (in Boston, where the Celtics were nearly unbeatable). The Lakers won two games in the series, after all.

They weren't swept away like the Cavaliers in 2007. The Lakers should have won Game Four, of course (up by 20 with 18 minutes left) and Games One and Two were winnable by either team ... Boston prevailing, as always, on its home court. Nevertheless, Boston was certainly the better, MORE EXPERIENCED and more poised team ... but not a great team by historical standards (3-9 on the road in the playoffs).

In the West ... San Antonio will be no better and no worse. Golden State? ... Worse. Denver? ... Worse. Phoenix? ... Worse. Utah? ... Same as this year. New Orleans? ... A little better. Houston? ... Has a shot, but that McGrady/Yao combination still spells playoff elimination. Portland? ... Better, but too young to win the West. The Blazers replace the Nuggets in the top-eight seeds, though. Other than the Blazers, the non-playoff teams in the West this past season will still be the lottery teams next year.

So the Lakers have the inside track right now in the West for 2008-09. The East? Pistons? Cavs? Magic? Raptors? HEAT? Bulls? Bucks? Wizards? Am I leaving anyone out?