Kamenetzky Brothers

Kamenetzky Brothers
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Brian Kamenetzky
I think you have it backwards. Brown said Hill would play going forward.
DeAndre from LA [via mobile]
Do you guys feel that Bynum's antics have anything to do with Kareem's strained relationship with the lakers organization and his close mentoring of Drew? Given that it doesn't seem that they consulted Drew when they decided that Kareem's services had come to an end it would seem plausible that there could be some underlining issue there. I wonder if this sends mixed messages to Drew about his status as the teams future feature player. Your thoughts guys.
Brian Kamenetzky
I think Drew was fine with how his official relationship with Kareem ended. It wasn't like they stole his coach away from him, and left AB twisting in the wind. I think it's much more about Bynum becoming an All-Star, graduating to that elite status in the NBA where you know you're a big deal, where you know you're a star, and you know you're going to get paid. That's a heady place to be. Plus, I don't think he's ever been completely enamored with Mike Brown, or his system. Put it all together, and you can get this sort of immaturity. But on the list of possible explanations, I put Kareem near the bottom.
Marty (Eagle Mountain, UT)
Do you guys have any screenwriting projects in the pipeline, or do your ESPN responsibilities take up all your moonlighting time?
Brian Kamenetzky
Haven't written a screenplay in years, Marty, but who knows down the line? Right now, though, things are pretty tight time wise. Thanks for asking!
nick (cali)
you think lakers can go finals and win against chicago or miami?
Brian Kamenetzky
I wouldn't pick them, but if they get far enough for all of us to answer this question, a lot of good stuff has happened that might change the equation.
Ben (Los Angeles)
Brian, isn't it almost a given that with the lakes lack of bench that at some point in the playoffs they will either run out of gas or the bench will be their achilles heel?
Brian Kamenetzky
It's a very strong possibility, yes. Lack of depth isn't as big a problem in the playoffs as it is in the regular season, because starters play more minutes and rotations shrink... except the Lakers are down a starter already, and now will have to give more time to lesser players. And you still need at least some production from the bench.
Anie (LA)
Between Dallas and Denver- who do we want? Would we be the prohibitive favorites against either? I tried to run an argument with my bro last night that Dallas would be better because Dallas makes Kobe angry and Kobe plays crazy good when angry.
Brian Kamenetzky
Hey Anie-Like I mentioned before, I would rather play Dallas. I think the matchups work better, and the Mavs are less likely to pull the Lakers out of their comfort zone. Denver does things that could be a problem for the Lakers, even if they don't have the same sort of post skill as LA. And yeah, given what the Mavs did to L.A. last season, the revenge factor would be a major motivator.
Brian San francisco [via mobile]
Radio interview wit mike brown yesterday: "Can we expect more minutes from Hill?" MB: "It was Hill's time for some minutes and I put him in; may put him in against Sacremento so I can take a better look, and then decide for playoffs."
Brian Kamenetzky
Oh, I didn't hear that. But I wouldn't worry. I suspect that's MB just trying to avoid putting himself in a box. J Hill will play.
nick (cali)
u think kobe can win 6th ring b4 he retires?
Brian Kamenetzky
The odds say no, unfortunately, just because it's so hard to build up an elite team, and the Lakers are at the wrong end of the championship cycle, where they have to break up and reconstruct, rather than build. Hard to do.
nick (cali)
u think sessions can guard ty lawson in first round?
Brian Kamenetzky
Both Lawson and Miller would be big challenges for the Lakers, and put a strain on their pick and roll coverages (though in very different ways). As a unit, the Lakers will have to be much more consistent. It's obviously an issue for Sessions, but the bigs as well.
Jaime (Los Angeles) [via mobile]
Hey Brian, Do u think if the Lakers are dominant in their first couple playoff games they will take their foot off the gas so maybe they can squeeze in some games off MAP suspension
Brian Kamenetzky
Absolutely not. That's a really dangerous needle to try and thread. Start trying to lose games on purpose, and suddenly a series win can disappear.
George (LA, CA)
Hey guys..Lakers are in trouble aren't they.
Brian Kamenetzky
They are, yes. The Lakers are a team with legit championship aspirations, and should be in the conversation. But they have as thin a margin for error as any contender, and thinner than most. Very little can go wrong... and things are already going wrong.
skoolpsyk (Juniper Hills, CA)
Can MWP still practice with the team while on suspension?
Brian Kamenetzky
Yep. Just can't be with the team during games.
Brian Kamenetzky
Hey guys. Time for one or two more...
Brandon (North Carolina )
What is the long term plan for this team? Are they in a position to make a big deal this summer?
Brian Kamenetzky
Brandon, it's really hard to say. They have to clear salary because of the new rules in the CBA, but at the same time need to try and keep a winning team around Kobe. It'snot easy to do. I still think there's a good chance Gasol is moved, simply because he makes so much money and it's a lot to pay a guy now seen as a third option offensively. (Though he is far, far, far more valuable than that.)
Scott (Lexington)
How much has Sessions shoulder injury hampered his game?
Brian Kamenetzky
Hey Scott. It has been a problem, though I think the bigger issue is teams are adjusting to what the Lakers do now with him in the lineup. They've never been a big pick and roll team. Now they are, so teams are adjusting. They're learning where he's deficient defensively, too, and are attacking. But the shoulder is an issue, especially defensively. Tough to fight through screens.
Brian Kamenetzky
Ok, guys. I gotta run. Sorry I couldn't get to more Q's. Send yours to @espnlandolakers on Twitter if you didn't get a response. Thanks!

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