Lakers vs Celtics

[SoCalCoug]

Originally Posted by TheSizzle36

IMO, I think pigeon holing players into positions like that is a bit antiquated considering the way the game has evolved. It is almost like now you look at it as having 2 bigs, 2 wings and a ball handler. Yes, there are some teams where the delineation between those buckets is a bit more blurred, but in general it makes more sense than trying to say "I need a 5, 4, 3, 2 and a 1".

I agree for the most part. However, Bynum will generally guard the opponent's 5, or biggest post player. He will play on offense primarily with his back to the basket - I think the triangle actually has a specific role for a center (kind of the anchor of the triangle), and this will be filled by Bynum and will defend the other team's primary post-up player (usually the 5). The huge benefit to Gasol is that he will likely be playing against players that either are smaller or are not as quick as him. He's also less likely to be playing against someone who can overpower him as the "smaller" big. Also, he's much better facing the basket or cutting to the basket, which is more what his role would be in the triangle.

For the wing players, Kobe/Lamar is an upgrade over Kobe/Vlad or Kobe/Walton. Lamar has been playing as one of the bigs, but there are going to be many more mismatches he can exploit when both Bynum and Gasol are on the floor. He's got the quickness to play with smaller players, but if he's being guarded by a wing player, he'll be deadly posting up. Lamar is probably the most versatile player the Lakers have.

I think with Kobe and Lamar on the floor, the other position is really more of a shooter, although Fisher's such a good ballhandler that they tend to use him to drive into the paint. Farmar will thrive if he becomes a very good shooter. I think whether Farmar or Vujacic fills this role more in the absence of Fisher will depend primarily on the defensive matchup.