34 replies to this topic

[Calisupra2nr]

Was listening to some morning ESPN radio on my way to the office and they basically talked about Dwight's body language as of late. The Denver game was just one of many instances this year where people have seen Dwight check out quicker than any other "superstar" this year. The callers questioned whether or not Dwight wanted to play, if he was frustrated with teammates, or if he was just not used to being on a new team, coming back from injury. One insider even said that since Dwight was told that he would not be 100% until post January, that he may be letting himself off the hook at times.

The talk on the radio then moved on to what this means for the Lakers franchise going forward. Because the guy we have looks like a shell of himself. He is not the "difference maker" we were all expecting and sold on. Everyone is obviously going to see how he looks as we finish the season rather than right now (obviously), but the point is that is something is up. Whether it is his health, his mental or emotional fragility, he is getting way too upset compared to everyone else on the team. Even Pau has handled things better than Dwight and Pau has been pure garbage this year.

Hopefully things turn around, Dwight gets healthy and we can make a viable push in the playoffs. But I would not necessarily bet on it.

Also, not a fan of the way Dwight has handled his frustration with teammates... he needs to become a more mature leader. See below:

Dwight and Nash had different takes on their little on-court dispute after McGee dunked ...
Steve was diplomatic:

"I think every single guard and big goes through a pick-and-roll could squabble over it every time the other team scores. I think that’s more just frustration because neither of us wanted him to score. That kind of stuff should happen. You should be pissed when the other team scores. That’s healthy."

Dwight kind of threw Steve under the bus:

"He was just explaining what happened, what he thought happened. Everybody makes mistakes."

"He just went for the steal and mistimed it and McGee went behind him and dunked the ball."

Edited by Calisupra2nr, December 27, 2012 - 12:23 PM.

[iDreamShake]

dwights doc said 9months post surgery til he gets his strength in his legs back,i believe that was in the most recent usatoday article. i also believe this is a big reason why hes 'checking out" ,it frustrates him that he cant dominate

[West Coast]

It's funny how I keep seeing this "he's a shell of his former self" yet is top 3 amongst centers in almost every category. Not bad.

My opinion is that he's frustrated that he's not 100% and doesn't have his full explosiveness back.

He'll get it back.

[avcpl]

Anyone remember that game back on Nov. 18th against Houston? He brought it on both sides of the floor, amazing energy, and seemed really happy the whole game. That was the last time he has been the games high scorer (and was also the games high rebounder) (and Kobe had 11 assists).
I do think health is a part of it but he has never brought that much energy and enthusiasm since that game....

[iDreamShake]

It's funny how I keep seeing this "he's a shell of his former self" yet is top 3 amongst centers in almost every category. Not bad.

My opinion is that he's frustrated that he's not 100% and doesn't have his full explosiveness back.

He'll get it back.

yup. i see improvement every 2-3 weeks,,,that alley oop in the first quarter last night was another benchmark. i expect us to be the best team in the nba after the allstar break bcuz of dwights improved health

[Calisupra2nr]

Hmm... interesting optimism. I can't say I agree that it is his health completely, but I do think things will look a lot different post all star break.

[Japago]

He's getting frustrated with the lack of defense around him. He mentioned it post-game.

Having to help out on almost every play on defense must be tough for somebody still coming back from a major injury.

It might seem like I'm just saying that because it's been my main complaint about this team, but I really believe it. That's the only complaint I've heard from Dwight about this team, and he's said it from the very beginning when he said he didn't want players to gamble as much.

Edited by Japago, December 27, 2012 - 09:11 AM.

[iDreamShake]

Hmm... interesting optimism. I can't say I agree that it is his health completely, but I do think things will look a lot different post all star break.

you see that alley oop in the first quarter last night?his head was almost at the rim, hes improving. another month and a half, we will see the team we all expected. - domination of the boards,more possessions of O because of Offensive and Defensive rebounds/ no easy layups in the paint/more pick n roll alley oops/improved post game from dwight because of quickness.

[RayRay]

It was Ryen Russillo who said it.
I kind of agree, I mean it looks like Howards frustratiuon gets the best of him at times

[Calisupra2nr]

Yeah... Skip Bayless always ripped Lebron for being a mentally fragile superstar. Dwight looks just as bad or even worse at times. I can't say I blame him, he is a good guy with a big heart that lets a lot of affect him, but at the same time, this is the Lakers we are talking about. If you can't handle it...well before I say that, let's see what happens going into the playoffs.

[leor_77]

He didn't bring it yesterday, but what about other recent games where he imposed himself defensively, especially the Knicks game? ESPN idiots love living in the moment, and looking at the last game - Now, don't get me wrong - I want him scoring MUCH MORE, but his averages this year are not too far off from his career averages.

[Disaster in Paradise]

Probably frustration with something he knows he can do, but cannot yet due to his surgery.

It's a process, but he still puts up a good amount of numbers.

[PhillyLaker24]

People that are saying Dwight looking sluggish out there due to his character dont know anything, it has to do with the simple fact he wasnt suppose to be back until Jan and is pushing to play right now. He clearly isnt in basketball shape due to his back, with time he will return to himself.

[The Hound]

People that are saying Dwight looking sluggish out there due to his character dont know anything, it has to do with the simple fact he wasnt suppose to be back until Jan and is pushing to play right now. He clearly isnt in basketball shape due to his back, with time he will return to himself.

didn't know you were friends with Dwight to know what's going on with him.

[SportyIntellectual]

I usually like Russillo. (no h***)

I don't like what Howard has to say when the microphone is in his face. He NEVER says the right thing. I'm not convinced that he has the heart needed to be a champion in this league.

[Calisupra2nr]

I posted in the topic what he said about Nash after the game yesterday. How do you throw Steve Nash of all people on the team under the bus like that - especially when it was mostly on Dwight to step a foot over and contest...

[dukecityspecialist]

eggsactly!

He didn't bring it yesterday, but what about other recent games where he imposed himself defensively, especially the Knicks game? ESPN idiots love living in the moment, and looking at the last game - Now, don't get me wrong - I want him scoring MUCH MORE, but his averages this year are not too far off from his career averages.

[steven v]

dwight sucks on offense ,, he always has..


too many people are impressed with dunking the ball..



dwight is good on the defense and not reliable on the offense.


his inability to score by himself and hit free throws will cost us a playoff game.

[Majesty]

dwight sucks on offense ,, he always has..


too many people are impressed with dunking the ball..



dwight is good on the defense and not reliable on the offense.


his inability to score by himself and hit free throws will cost us a playoff game.

it sure as heck cost the magic a trip to the finals...

OH WAIT!!!

[Nak]

Just one word: overrated. I'm sick of the "he is not healthy yet" excuses, if he is not ready to be a dominant force in the paint he should sit and heal up.