TNT: INSIDE THE NBA
Kenny Smith and Stuart Scott discuss the Aaron McKie trade, as well as the Lakers' rotation and depth chart.
Lakers GM Mitch Kupchak wrote:We have talked to a lot of other teams, talking about our request for a point guard, and, after seriously discussing with the New Jersey Nets, they have given this reply:
Stuart Scott: Well, they finally got a point guard. What does Jeff McInnis bring to this Lakers team?
Kenny Smith: He brings athleticism to the Lakers. He's a solid point guard, averaging 7 points per game, he's fast, can take you off the dribble. He was scored 10 points against the Lakers.
Stuart Scott: Good point, Kenny. What I want to know is, will he fit in the triangle offense?
Kenny Smith: I think he will. But the Lakers are also running that standard 3-man fast break, where McInnis will really fit into. The thing is, though, with the McKie trade, and Kobe Bryant about to come back, how is their rotation planned out? They have to fix their rotation.
Stuart Scott: Yeah Von Wafer played a lot of point guard with McKie still in the lineup but now that the Lakers have a true point guard in McInnis, it's either Wafer will play behind McInnis or play reduced minutes behind Kobe Bryant.
Kenny Smith: Well, Wafer is really a shooting guard, but played a lot of point guard. But the Lakers do have a backup point guard in Sasha Vujacic.
Stuart Scott: They still have that logjam at small forward. Lamar Odom, Devean George, Laron Profit and Luke Walton are all small forwards on this team. I've gotten word that the Lakers have been in talks of trading Luke Walton for a big man, who they don't have.
Kenny Smith: This analysis is going nowhere, Stuart, we'll position-wise, i can give you the Lakers' depth chart:
C-Chris Mihm
-Andrew Bynum
-Slava Medvedenko
PF-Kwame Brown
-Robert Horry
SF-Lamar Odom
-Devean George
-Luke Walton
-Laron Profit
SG-Kobe Bryant
-Von Wafer
-Tony Bobbit
PG-Jeff McInnis
-Sasha Vujacic
They do not want Von Wafer getting reduced minutes behind Kobe, since he proved excellent 3-point shooting and energy.
Stuart Scott: Well, this discussion will go on as the season progresses and when the Lakers get back to full strength.
Kenny: Okay tonight from Staples Center the Lakers, at 6-6, coming off 2 wins against the Bulls play longtime nemisis the Portland Trailblazers, who are at 5-9 and coming off 2 blowout losses against the Pistons and Kings respectively.
Stuart Scott: Tonight, 7:30 PT on TNT. Enjoy the game!