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Can Kwame Brown Avoid the Bust Label?

This is a big year for Kwame Brown to demonstrate that he’s a consistent and reliable contributor on both ends of the floor. The former number one draft pick of the Wizards is now entering his sixth year in the league in what can only be described as a disappointing career, to date. That can all change, however, if Brown can build on the mild success he enjoyed last season. Brown has received his fair share of criticism in both Washington and LA for his lack of toughness and commitment to improving his game. He doesn’t appear to possess the competitive edge that he’ll need to develop to avoid being labeled a bust.

Personality traits aside, Brown possesses uncommon physical attributes for a player his size. He’s developed a functional repertoire of post moves, although he doesn’t appear confident in his moves and is yet to develop a go-to move. He’s made strides since coming over to the Lakers and if there’s one coach in the league that can maximize a player’s physical ability while overcoming any mental hurdles, it’s Phil Jackson. Brown has been called too nice; which in this day and age is refreshing. He’s historically lacked confidence and wilted under the heavy expectations heaped upon him in Washington.

It’s been five years since Brown entered the league as a project, but with promise and the potential to become a perennial all-star. If Brown’s mental approach and ball skills improve, combined with his physical gifts, the Lakers will be the beneficiary of an imposing big man that can alter the complexion of any game. If Brown fails to deliver on his potential the Lakers will surely suffer and you can finish stitching the letter B on the front of Brown’s sweater. Jack Nicholson, Justin Timberlake, Denzel Washington. How do you think they got their Los Angeles Lakers tickets? Visit StubHub to find out.

Phil Jackson to have hip surgery

Word out of LA this week that Lakers mentor, Phil Jackson, will have hip surgery should not come as a surprise to those that have followed the Zen Master’s career. The wear-and-tear of a lifetime playing and coaching in the NBA has taken its toll on Jackson’s body and forced him to take time off to focus on getting healthy. Jackson is tentatively scheduled to return to the Lakers bench in time for the opener against the Suns on October 31.

The Lakers shouldn’t miss a beat during Jackson’s absence; the Lakers boast a veteran coaching staff and Kobe Bryant’s leadership should keep the team humming while their head coach recovers from surgery.

What’s more concerning for Laker devotees is the long-term health of Phil Jackson. At the ripe age of 61 and having already walked away from coaching on two separate occasions, Jackson’s tenure as Lakers coach may not extend beyond the current season if his health doesn’t improve. . Much of the Lakers identity is associated with the Zen Master’s presence on the sideline. Jackson has demonstrated an ability to channel Kobe’s intensity and drive to win, which can look an awful lot like selfishness, into what he is trying to accomplish with his team.

Losing Phil Jackson to retirement would be a major blow for an organization that prides itself on its star power. If Jackson’s recovery drags on throughout the season and the Lakers struggle to compete in the Western Conference, this may be Phil’s last dance.

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Mitch Kupchak on the Hot Seat in LA

Despite engineering two NBA championships and spending nearly a quarter-century with the organization, Los Angeles Lakers General Manager, Mitch Kupchak, is on the hot-seat in La-La Land.

Kupchak must hope for a harmonious locker room, 50 regular season wins, and a return trip to the post-season. Sound realistic? Mr. Kupchak hopes so.

Make no mistake; Kupchak’s job is not an easy one. For starters, he was handed the reigns to one of professional sports’ most-admired organizations, succeeding his mentor, Jerry West. West, who established himself as arguably the greatest GM in the league’s history, was part of nine world championships with the Lakers, and is immortalized as the silhouette on the NBA’s logo. Further, Kupchak is charged with juggling the expectations of three of the NBA’s strongest personalities; Kobe Bryant, Phil Jackson, and long-time owner, Dr. Jerry Buss. It’s debatable how much cheese Kupchak has in regard to personnel decisions, given the influence Kobe maintains with Buss. If the Shaq Trade is an indication, Kupchak’s voice is barely discernable within the organization.

Finally, last season the Lakers ranked sixth in the NBA in team salary, despite finishing seventh in the Western Conference. The Lakers have tied-up nearly 40% of its payroll in Kobe Bryant and Lamar Odom, leaving little opportunity to significantly improve the roster. The challenges are immense for Kupchak, who is following a legend and must manage the Kobe-Phil-Buss dynamic. If the Lakers exceed expectations, pundits will point to Kobe’s play and Phil’s ability to harness Kobe’s game within the team concept. If the Lakers fail to meet expectations, Kupchak may be on his way out and searching for a 9-5.

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