Extra! Extra! (1.9)
While it would be understandable to assume that Phil Jackson rejiggered the triangle offense specifically for Kobe to score 45-50, that's actually not the case. And happy as Phil was with Kobe's scoring bursts, he's also a bit concerned about relying too much on #8. In other words, don't expect Kobe to average 47.5 ppg for the rest of 2006. The rest of the NBA will probably learn to live with it.
That being said, LO appreciated Kobe's little points jag (and not just because it helped bury the Clips).
We're almost halfway through the season, how we feeling about Kwame Brown? Thumbs up or thumbs down? For most people, it's probably something close to thumbs sideways.
The Lakers have about two days to make a call before Ronny Turiaf ends up either in a Lakers uni or Spain. But no matter where Turiaf plays this season, it's pretty amazing that Mitch Kupchak even has a decision to make this soon.
Lakers fans still jonsing for the "live and die for basketball" attitude of Latrell Sprewell may not get their fix fulfilled anytime soon. No word as to what his family's doing for their three squares.
(photo by Carrie Rosema/AP)
First of all, I think it's becoming more clear that hate him or love him, Kobe Bryant really is the most talented player in the league. Guys like Charles Barkeley will continue to withhold "best player" status because he thinks Kobe doesn't "make teammates better." That's such B.S. That's a myth based on the fact that star players on winning teams (Tim Duncan, for instance) have BETTER players around them. So without Duncan, Tony Parker would be Smush Parker? Ginobli would be Sasha?
If you examine the talent of Kobe, you have to give him the nod. Who else can score at will, when he chooses to? Notice he decided BEFORE the Sixers game that he would play well, and BEFORE the Clippers game that he wanted to silence the talk.... that's a MENTAL edge, when you can just will yourself to playing like that. Decide to go off, and then do so, night after night. Nobody in the league is better at that, hate him or love him. And not to mention his D which is also killer.
Let Lebron tell you, from ESPN Mag.... "When I think about the best players in the league, I think of the guys who've won champioships, guys like Tim Duncan, Kobe and Shaq. Of all of them, I like Kobe. His knowledge of the game and his killer instinct are what make him so tough. He's great with the ball and without the ball, and the things he can do offensively are kind of unbelievable. I don't think I have an instinct like Kobe, where I just want to kill everybody."
Now, if they can only find a way to surround this guy with championship caliber role players, they'd be fine. They still have personnel issues.
And my verdict is in on Kwame. As a #1 pick, sure he's fallen short of that expectation. But remember, the only reason he was a #1 is because Michael Jordan picked him... we all know now that MJ is not the best GM in the world. So Kwame is more of a late first round type of player. He can give you 10 and 10 a night if you just lower your expectations, and put him in the right role. Stop expecting Kwame to be the next Jermaine O'Neal, and he'll be fine.
Posted by: will | January 09, 2006 at 09:57 AM
33.7 PPG on 44.4% shooting, with 5.7 RPG and 4.5 APG.
I think the key to the Lakers success is Kobe having a 45% FG percentage, and averaging 5 assists per game. He's nearly there, and has good rebounding numbers and is obviously scoring a lot. Only time will tell where he is at the end of the year, though.
It's good to be back over .500 again.
Posted by: Jova | January 09, 2006 at 10:09 AM
Spree is so lame. I used to play ball with his brother Terrel at the gym and the guy drives a Mercedes with 24" "Spreewell" rims. Terrel is the senior president of that company so I'm pretty sure he is making some dough, which means Spree makes even more dough. His career is dead, and he killed it!!
He could help the Lakers of the bench though.
Hey guys a 5 game winning streak and the Lakers are in the 6 spot in the playoffs, guaranteed!!
If we don't pick up Ronny T do w loose the rights to him for next season?
As for Kwame, if he can grab rebounds and play D, both of which seem to be improving, then I'm ok with him. One thumb up one sidways but not down. Did anyone notice, he actually JUMPED for a rebound in the last game it was awesome!!
Go Lakers!!
--Scott
Posted by: Scott | January 09, 2006 at 10:13 AM
Kobe is an arrogant ass, he doesn't get it and he won't:there is no "I" in "team." I think he's a sociopath, his commnents directed at the Clippers the other night are so over the top, it pains me to even mention this.
Boy, did you blow it, Buss.
Posted by: Shag | January 09, 2006 at 10:14 AM
I’m giving Kwame the thumbs up. I think the obvious flaw in Kwame’s game is what’s going on between the ears. There are times when you can actually hear the anxiety coming through the television when the Lakers have the ball, but I do think that I’m seeing less of it. When evaluating him at this point you have to take into consideration the time he spent out injured. For someone coming into a new system, especially one which seems as difficult to grasp as Phil’s triangle, any time spent on the injured list is going to be magnified. From what I’ve seen it looks like he’s getting a bit more comfortable on the offensive end, at least becoming more aggressive (I’ve seen him taking the elbow jumper a couple of times and making a few nice facing the basket moves). I feel the Phil and Kobe both want to see him try to take a few more shots, even if the majority come off his hands with the touch of a brick layer. I think we all see that he has extremely quick feet, great athletic ability, and the ability to score 12-15 a game, but he gets so excited when he has the ball down low, he has a problem finishing. What I like best so far from Kwame is his interior defense. He hasn’t put up the shot blocking numbers I had hoped for, but his positioning and ability to muscle other teams stronger players (see the job he did on Shaq as an example) has really helped our team defense. I hope he continues to grow as we have seen from his last couple of games (double-double against the Clips) and by next season we have a solid 12-10 guy. I say thumbs up so far (with a grain of salt).
Posted by: Andrew Z | January 09, 2006 at 10:35 AM
I know this isn't directly Lakers related, but did anyone see Steve Javie's ejection of Morris Peterson last night? Javie is probably the worst basketball ref above the high school level. He makes a lot of bad calls motivated by his own mental issues. He seems to get into personal battles with players. Last night was a perfect example. Peterson picked up a T for arguing a call, and then Javie threw him out for the "slap" even after both Peterson and Vince Carter begged him to rescind the T (which he is allowed to do). By the way, has anyone ever seen a player from the opposing team argue to NOT get a guy thrown out? Obviously Peterson did not deserve the ejection. He probably didn't even deserve the first T he picked up. Javie has been doing this for years. Kobe is one of his favorite targets. The guy should be thrown out of the leage. He is barely good enough to ref at the Y.
Posted by: golal | January 09, 2006 at 10:42 AM
Shaq,
As much as I'm sure it pains you to admit, the Lakers made the right choice keeping Kobe over you. Yes, your new team has a better record than Kobe's at the moment, but that certainly isn't due to you. It is due to you having a supporting cast of Alonzo Mourning, Dwayne Wade, Antoine Walker, Udonis Haslem, Gary Payton, Jayson Williams, and James Posey as compared to Lamar Odom, Smush Parker, Sasha, Kwame, and Mihm.
Let's take a look for a minute, player by player.
Chris Mihm vs. Alonzo Mourning - Chris Mihm is foul prone and lacks mental toughness. When he picks up a couple of early fouls, which happens 9 times out of every 10 games, he checks out mentally for the rest of the game. Alonzo Mourning, on the other hand, is a future Hall of Famer and multiple-time All-Star. He would be starting for virtually every other team in the league.
Advantage: Heat
Lamar Odom vs. Dwayne Wade - Dwayne Wade is one of the top 10 players in the league. In fact, he's the true MVP of the Heat right now. At only 6-4, he does everything needed at any time. Lamar Odom is a versatile wonder. He rebounds, dishes, and can score at times, but lacks aggressiveness and decision-making on deciding WHEN to call his own number. He also cannot go to his right hand and misses at least two point blank layups every game. Miami was wise to keep Wade and trade Lamar.
Advantage: Heat (SMALL)
Antoine Walker vs. Smush Parker - Antoine Walker may very well be the best player in the entire league...in his own mind! Yes, he is one of the most overrated players in the NBA. Yes, his decision making on the three-ball is (How to put this delicately? Ah screw it.) MORONIC. But he is taller, faster, stronger, more talented, and all around BETTER than Smush. Smush is a scrappy Derek Fisher-esque player, but he's never going to making an All-Star team anytime soon.
Advantage: Heat
Udonis Haslem vs. Kwame Brown - Very close contest here of similar types of players. Both players are on the court for their rebounding and defense primarily. The difference is that Haslem has a high basketball IQ, can hit a mid-range jumper to spread the court and open up the paint, and can shoot a good percentage from the free-throw line. He isn't so fragile that if you look cross-eyed at him he'll check himself out mentally for three weeks. Kwame has more overall talent and a lot of upside potential, but Haslem is the better player RIGHT NOW.
Advantage: Heat
I could go on, but you get the point. You have a far superior supporting cast. You play in a far wimpier conference. And your team's record is still only slightly better than the Lakers.
Let's examine why that is for a second.
1. Your laziness over the last ten years is catching up to you. Yes, you made a big point of getting into shape before last year. But you still broke down in the playoffs. This year, it is back to your old fat-boy ways and you've been injured already and across-the-board you're having your worst season statistically since you've been in the league.
2. You has two whole years left on your contract while you were in L.A., but you'd failed to get yourself back into shape for years previous to that. In fact, you even put off a needed offseason surgery until the beginning of training camp one year because, as you put it, "why should you work during your time off?" And you call KOBE an arrogant ass? This decision caused you to miss the beginning of the regular season. Yet, you were asking for five more years AFTER the two more years you still had under contract. It was a rediculous request given your injury history and how much your body was breaking down. You KNEW that the request would not be answered.
3. As for "Over the Top" comments, over the last year and a half the Kobe/Shaq fued has been decidedly one-sided. Only one person has continued it, and guess what? It hasn't been Kobe. Kobe has kept his mouth shut and played basketball. You might want to try it sometime.
With the worst supporting cast in the league, Kobe will get his team to the playoffs and a first round upset.
With the best supporting cast in the league, you'll get your team to the playoffs and a predictable exit short of the finals. At which point you'll blame Pat Riley for not getting you the ball enough at crunch time.
Posted by: Jimbo | January 09, 2006 at 11:00 AM
It's a blessing to have "THE 8TH WONDER" on the Lakers. I bet every coach in the NBA would love to have a player like him. Evey team fan would love to root for a player like him. Love'm or Hate'm HE IS THE BEST IN THE LEAGUE.
I find myself watching these games...waiting, anticipating, wondering what is going to happen. What feat is "THE 8th WONDER" going to pull -off tonight? He is bringing that buzz back to Los Angeles. I wish I had an ounce of the will and determination that this man has. He is truly inspiring. All great people overcome big time adversities. That is what establishes them as great people.
The ones who crumble under such circumstances are the ones who are forgotten.
That is why "THE 8th WONDER" nickname is so perfect.
VIVALOSLAKERS!!!
Posted by: VIVALOSLAKERS | January 09, 2006 at 11:08 AM
As usual Shaq is up to his nonsense and hot air blowing!!!! By the way how can Shaq even claim to be the MDE (most Dominant Ever) when Kobe just passed him up for total 40 point games in his career???? Shaq is a fat loser and I'm so glad we got rid of that tub of crap.
Kobe 4 MVP!!!!!
Posted by: IH8Shaq | January 09, 2006 at 11:14 AM
Shag,
I'm sorry, but you've surely missed the point. Every GM of every sport always looks for players that display just that sort of killer instinct. What Kobe said only validates Buss' decision. Now he *knows* that if Mitch can by rook or by crook get some quality players to surround Kobe there *will* be more championships for the Lakers.
It is a BIG if. But, stars who are getting tired of loosing are certainly looking towards LA right now thinking how they would make a better Smush or Cook or Kwame or Mihm. Well, they ALL know they could make a better Kwame.
:)
Posted by: Fearless | January 09, 2006 at 11:20 AM
ya, Buss blew it all right. i just hope this kobe fella works out ok...eventually.
and by the way, there is no 'I' in team, but there is an 'M' and an 'E'. yet another overused sports saying (like 'makes his teammates better'). if you took Duncan off his team, KG aff his, LeBron off his, etc., their respective teams would suffer greatly. it is their singular presence that makes their team. that is why you back up the Brinks truck to pay these guys.
i have to wonder if you would have loved to have that arrogant sociopath hoisting up shots for your team!
Posted by: iluvbrokli | January 09, 2006 at 11:23 AM
It's quite an entertainment to see KO8E scoring at will in the last few games. Lots of Scoring and, best of all Winning. We've seen KO8E, Smush, Cookie, Longhorn Chris step it up. But, I'm still waiting for Lamar to break a 30 point game along with KO8E 10+ assist in the same game. I hope KO8E rubs off some of his killer instinct to Lamar.
Posted by: willn2win | January 09, 2006 at 11:35 AM
man i reapect kobe's game, but i guess being relatively new to the board, as well as an LSU alum, i still don't get the Shaq-bashing! sure the guy's skills are eroding after playing dominant basketball over 13 years at near 345 for a lot of it. but the hate some have for him...that doesn't bring you closer to kobe. that just makes you myopic. kobe and shaq don't like each other...but BOTH OF THEM together brought our franchise out of the 90's doldrums. Shaq was a big reason we Lakers fans feel a sense of entitlement and arrogance, so much so that we can now spit on the name of the very guy who led us to 3 rings. face it...if he weren't here those years, we would be nearing Celtics territory as far as years w/o a ring.
and Ih8shaq, at what point during the 3 ring ceremonies were you openly asking for Shaq's dismissal?
Posted by: iluvbrokli | January 09, 2006 at 11:39 AM
Actually, Phil is doing a lot less for Kobe than he did for Michael. With Jordan, the Bulls ran some quick isolations on the strong side for Jordan that usually worked to get him an extra six to eight points per game. Tex Winter has encouraged Jackson to go to the extra looks for Kobe. It would certainly make things easier for Kobe.
"There are situations in the offense that we should utilize for Kobe as we did for Michael," Tex told me recently. "Phil feels we're better off staying with our basic concepts and to try to move the ball more."
It makes sense not to depend too heavily on Kobe, but why not make his job easier if you can?
Roland Lazenby
author of The Show
Posted by: Roland Lazenby | January 09, 2006 at 11:54 AM
Every post, no matter what question or topic was proposed by AK/BK turns into a Kobe or Kobe vs Shaq thing. I’d like to hear more people comment on how they feel about Kwame’s performance so far this year.
I thought “will” made a good point that Kwame shouldn’t have been the #1 pick and should have been more of a late first rounder (maybe even early second). The unreal expectations set on this kid probably did more damage than we know. Anyway, I supported the Butler for Brown trade when it happened, I supported it when Kwame missed 97 layups in a row, and I support it now when he’s starting to show small signs of life. So Laker fans, no more Kobe or Shaq posts, how about Kwame?
Posted by: Andrew Z | January 09, 2006 at 11:59 AM
iluvbrokli,
What appears to be Shaq hate is merely a response to the overwhelming amount of Kobe hate poured on us by the media, Tim Legler, Charles Barkley, even Shaq himself.
When everybody seeks to pile on a guy like Kobe, the natural response is to also point out flaws in the other guy, just so we all keep things in perspective and the proper context. All the piling on makes it seem like Shaq was God, and Kobe was just BJ Armstrong.
Posted by: will | January 09, 2006 at 12:04 PM
ilovebokli,
I have an imense amount of gratitude for what Shaq brought the Lakers and the city of LA. However, Shaq has and continues to diminish his contrbution by conducting himself like a classless ingrate.
Dr. Buss paid him very well and the Lakers provided him with an opportunity to win by providing the players and personel to compliment his game.
Shaq continues to drag Dr. Buss, Kobe and the fans of LA through the dirt at every given opportunity. As far as the Kobe Shaq relationship, I really dont give a darn anymore, I am just tired of hearing about it and if the "Big you know what" could just show the same level of class that Kobe has, I would not have to.
Posted by: todd | January 09, 2006 at 12:04 PM
My disliking of Shaq is easy to explain. It stems from precisely three sources.
1. His getting into shape for the first time in years only AFTER we traded his lazy ass over to Miami. If he had been in shape; if he had worked out even a little in the offseason during his last two years with the Lakers; the Lakers would have won two more NBA championships and he would have gotten the max dollar contract extension he wanted.
2. The fact that he has done nothing but bash the Lakers and the Laker organization since he left.
3. The fact he still, STILL, won't shut up about Kobe. Kobe has moved on. He isn't still making clever little Godfather comments. Shaq has taken every opportunity given to him over the last year and a half to rip Kobe.
My disliking of Shaq has nothing to do with the fact he is playing for another team now. I couldn't have been happier to see Fisher get the inflated contract he got. My dislike of Shaq is in direct proportion to his taunting of the team that I love since his departure and his inability to just shut up and move on about Kobe.
When Shaq was a Laker he and Kobe shared blame for their little running fued. Now, however, there is only one person that can be blamed for it and he's no longer in a Laker uniform.
If Shaq hadn't brought this hatred upon himself for the way he has acted over the last 3-4 years then he would still feel the glow of my love for everything Lakers. All other former Lakers, from Eddie Jones to Nick van Exel, are still players that I love and root for.
Posted by: Jimbo | January 09, 2006 at 12:12 PM
Jimbo,
I could not have said it better; hell I even root for Pat Riley. The "Big Flame Thrower" is the one who is burning bridges.
Ok enough of that. I give Kwame the thums up, he is what I expected and I feel he can still be better.
Oh and Will you got that BJ Armstrong thing right.
Posted by: todd | January 09, 2006 at 12:28 PM
I don't like Shaq either. When he came to the Laker game this year like he was still the big whatever; that showed absolutely no class. Trying to rub it in like he had already won another ring with the Heat. That was the nail in the coffin for me.
Kwame is doing fine. Everybody knows his liabilities, but he's still got a lot of promise. He just needs to stay active.
Posted by: Rocky | January 09, 2006 at 12:39 PM
ok, i'm understanding a little more. but to me, it seems Shaq has individual bitterness directed mainly at two guys...Kobe and Buss. i still don't think he ever said bad things about the fans. it would be nice if shaq could let it go, but it is his nature to take things personally. it seems that some on the board take offense to shaq sniping at kobe, but (and trust me, i love what kobe brings to our team and i wouldn't trade him for any player), kobe did rat on the man to the police. i mean even those who staunchly defend our OCHO have to agree that it would be damn near impossible to get over that. i mean putting someone's business out on the streets like that, when he knows the man has a wife, and kobe's transgression had nothing to do with shaq personally, and then shaq having to play all year with the guy after being questioned by police about kobe's statement...someone please tell me at what point should a man "get over" that? and be honest!
Posted by: iluvbrokli | January 09, 2006 at 01:01 PM
and as for the kwame question...i guess your opinion depends on your expectation. if you thought he would come here and proved he deserved to be the #1 pick, you are probably a thumbs down on him. if you were hoping he would be a decent stop gap on the blocks, you are probably ok with what he gives.
i personally am a thumbs sideways guy. he doesn't need to be a 15-10 guy for me, but once he starts to understand the game to where it slows down a bit for him, it will be great. his tendancy to try to get the ball up as quick as possible leads to ugly brick shots from so close you wonder if he practices shots at all.
Posted by: iluvbrokli | January 09, 2006 at 01:07 PM
...someone please tell me at what point should a man "get over" that? and be honest!
You make a good point but I think two years is long enough. I am not saying that Shaq needs to like Kobe, I am just saying that enough is enough. I dont think that Kobe cares too much for Shaq either, the difference is that I dont keep hearing Kobe say it.
And as far as his disrespect of the fans, I think trashing the players and management IS trashing the fans. And if you dont buy that then certainly that BS visit to the game that Rocky mentoined should do it for you.
Posted by: todd | January 09, 2006 at 01:29 PM
but the game you speak of, he was roundly applauded.
i am not gonna get into which one is right as they are both wrong and i like them both. shaq's insistence on demeaning kobe's talent is tired and petty. but as a man, a father, and a husband, what kobe did was unforgivable. 2 years doesn't take that sort of betrayal away!
on to something else...i don't know when those on the west coast get rome is burning, but he had yet another take on kobe invloving the mike vick statement he made. won't ruin it for ya'll, just wanted to mention it since someone mentioned rome's take earlier.
Posted by: iluvbrokli | January 09, 2006 at 01:44 PM
Heck, I don't even think Kobe's the best player at his position, let alone the best player in the league.
It's clear Dwyane Wade is a better shooting guard than Kobe -- far more ahtletic (faster, quicker, and with better hops); far better at distinguishing a good shot from a bad shot; and far better at involving his teammates.
All in all, a superior talent and player.
Posted by: Khalil Smith | January 09, 2006 at 01:48 PM
Khalil,
yes, D-Wade routinely proves he's better when he's going head-up with kobe, right? D-wade is very talented, but he's not better than kobe, c'mon. all young guys can jump out the building, but can the kid shoot? can the kid be down by 15 and get it done by himself? and since when did quickness and jumping ability determine greatness. Harold Miner must have been the best ever then, huh. by the time Jordan was 27, there were several people quicker than he with greater jumping ability.
Posted by: iluvbrokli | January 09, 2006 at 02:09 PM
oh and just the number...
kobe dwade
FG 44% 47%
FT 81.3% 77.1%
min 40 38.3
3pts 35% 9% (not a typo)
PPG 33.7 26.5
apg 4.5 6.8
superior talent? what exactly bears that out. the only thing i glean from this is Wade goes to the hole more (as most young players are want to do), but he obviously is not yet a shooter (9% in threes for a "shooting" guard). secondly, wade plays point half the time, so his assist should be high, especially when you are surrounded by offensive players! no, the stats don't bare out that wade is better. just look at the numbers!
Posted by: iluvbrokli | January 09, 2006 at 02:24 PM
Hey Khalil-
You do the math.
Kobe + Shaq = 3 Rings & 4 Finals Appearances in 5 years.
Shaq + Dwyane Wade = close but no cigar!!!!
Bottom line is that Shaq is done! Hes on the rapid decline and the Heat are never going to win a championship with him. NEVER! However, the Lakers are on the up and up and Kobe & Phil will take LA to another championship before all is said and done. Just relax, and jump on the band wagon once you realize what's up. You have gotta be kidding me to say that Wade is better than Kobe. He hasn't accomplished 1/100th of what Kobe has. I admit Wade is a great player, but on the Kobe level!?!?!? HELL NO!!!!!!
Also to Iluvbrokli-
Of course I was applauding at the ring ceremonies when Shaq was here. I loved the guy when he was a Laker. I just think that the way he left the team was disgraceful and primarily due to his ego and selfishness. He couldnt see the bigger picture and stay put in the dynsaty that could have ended all dynasties, so I hate the guy now. He's a big baby and needs to shut the hell up. All he had to do was get in shape and work hard but he just couldnt do it. He started the chain of events that ruined the team, not Kobe so good riddance to him!
Posted by: Ih8Shaq | January 09, 2006 at 02:29 PM
KOBE "THE 8TH WONDER" BRYANT IS THE BEST IN THE LEAGUE...PERIOD.
Posted by: VIVALOSLAKERS | January 09, 2006 at 02:48 PM
I wasn't going to say anything about Kobe and Shaq but my take on Shaq is that he is very lazy, witty, self absorbed, but understands how to get people on his side. What Kobe said about Shaq to the police was wrong, however, the interview was over that period and what Kobe said about Shaq was not a tape. If Kobe wanted to intentionally hurt Shaq he would have mentioned his comments about Shaq on the tape but he did not. You would think a personnal convo with law officers would be private, instead the police and the defense team wanted to use the statement as their defense strategy to attack Kobe. The statement Kobe made to the police should have never got out, but thats American Justice. People also have to understand that it was Kobe first time getting in trouble with the law ever. If you were ever to read Kobe's transcript during is interview with the cops he said things he should never have talked about, and same with the Shaq statement. Conclusion: Kobe did not maliciously try to hurt Shaq through that statement, he taught the law quys were on his side, rather, they were ready to convict him on a crime they had little evidence for. If Kobe maliciously attacked Shaq, Shaq should not forgive him, but Kobe did not mean to hurt Shaq.
Posted by: Shola | January 09, 2006 at 02:53 PM
17-16? We all know the Lakers are at least 4 Wins better than that. 21-14 Lakers gave a lot of games. But, giving away games (not losing badly) is a huge part of maturing to be a very good team. Unlike last season, the Lakers are beating the better teams. The way the thy are coming along as team, the Lakers will accomplish more than expected. I hope they finish in 4th seed. Is that asking for too much? I can't wait until Shaq retires without winning another ring.
Change of subject, Texas/USC: Young vs Linart. First in NCAAF then soon in NFL. I think this will be the most anticipated rivalry in the future. It's like the Magic vs Bird of NFL. That will be Awesome.
Posted by: willn2win | January 09, 2006 at 03:10 PM
To all you Shaq lovers and Kobe haters....
If Shaq is better off without Kobe why didn't he win the championship in Orlando with Penny since he's so great? Why didn't he win it all last year with Wade?
Why aren't the Heat in first place in the Eastern conference this year. Why don't they have the best record in the league? You Kobe haters are always on trashing him, but I never seen another player will his team to a victory. When the Lakers get a few great players to make the lineup complete, they will go to the finals and win. The Heat have Shaq, Wade, Williams, Mourning, Walker, Payton and they won't even make the finals.....Who will they trade for next year?........KOBE???????????
Posted by: Baby G | January 09, 2006 at 03:11 PM
Will you people just shut up and stop freaking out about the Los Angeles Lakers?
The Lakers are a poor team right now but they will certainly prove everyone wrong in time but as for now, it's just another rebuilding team. I'm surprise they're this good. Well, they do have "The 8th Wonder of the World".
I find it sad that people compare Kobe Bryant's shooting percentage to players like Lebron James, Dywade wade, guys that have no experience of what it means to carry your team on your shoulders every night and be the person in the spotlight, whether it's being Embraced or Blamed at the end of the night. The only reason why Bryant's shooting percentage is not as high as it should be is because he takes shots out of this world. Kobe takes impossible shots and makes it look easy. Lebron's 50 percent field goal average is used to fool ignorant people. The guy takes lay-ups, I mean come on, you cannot compare Lebron James to Kobe. Kobe is so great that comparing a Lebron James to Kobe is like criticizing Kobe's himself.
Posted by: Kevin Nguyen | January 09, 2006 at 03:21 PM
Who cares about what shaq has to say and doesnt....shaq wanted to get out of town because
he knew the lakers wuld win more championships with him and kobe...but now kobe wuld be the man
it was evident when the detroit pistons decided to double kobe..not shaq and let ben wallace give up 4 inches and 70 pounds to Shaq...and still shaq culdnt average 35ppg even though he got enough of the ball
as for the theory about kobe not making his teammates better...well ppl now know who smush parker is !!!!
as for who is the best player in the league...its without a doubt....steve nash.... i mean who does he have?? apart from the matrix....who is not streets ahead of LO....the rest of the cast is so-so...i mean kurt thomas...boris diaw..jones ???
yes once he gets amare...diff story..but for now...steve nash is the best player in the league..followed by kobe ...and then dwade ..cmon dont bash dwade cos he plays on the same team as shaq...he is the 3rd best player....better than lebron even (right now) !!!
Posted by: kiran | January 09, 2006 at 03:44 PM
I agree with Andrew, enough of the Shaq-Kobe non-sense.
Talk about Kwame. I've personally nicknamed him "the human waste of life". The dude does nothing. He never reaches for a rebound, they have to come right to him. As soon as he get the ball on offense you know it's a turnover. The D is ok but nothing worth applauding. For me it's defintantly a thumbs way down. Is it me or are we seeing the reincarnation of Elden Campbell.
Posted by: Laker G | January 09, 2006 at 03:45 PM
Actually..I don't have an actual reference, but I do think Shaq did call Los Angeleans fake. You know. the General stereotype of hollywood...
He has on several occassions also mentioned his disdain for the city of L.A., as a city. How low is that? To classify a group of people in the city he played in and call the City that embraced him plastic and fickle. Maybe someone else can confirm that he has actually taken shots at the city and its fans? I'm quite sure he did.
So..yea. screw shaq. But even if he didn't..the whole Kobe feud thing is out of hand and all falls on his part...so..yea... screw shaq.
Posted by: S.Tan | January 09, 2006 at 04:05 PM
Kiran, I totally agree with you. Steve Nash is the best point guard in the league. Phoenix went from a non-playoff team B4 Nash, then to a Western Conf Final contender. I don’t think he’s the best player in the league. His defense is weak. If he can defend like AI, then no question about it. That will be scary.
To all the DWade fans, I think DWade is better than LB and Melo. But not KO8E. He has established a killer instinct in his game. NO, not on Kobe’s Level. But, he has been the main factor of the Heat’s victories. I see an upcoming huge rivalry between DWade vs KO8E. (let's force Shaq retire) Forget about the fade away jumpers and dazzling dunks, I wanna see more elbows thrown out there.
Posted by: willn2win | January 09, 2006 at 04:14 PM
Well you have 2 categories
MVP
1) Steve Nash
2) Kobe
3) D-Wade
4) Vince
5) KG
Best Player
1) Kobe
2) KG
3) D-Wade
4) J Kidd
5) TD
And being the best player dont mean nuthin unless you can lead your team to championships (eg...Reggie Bush...best player in College Football....but MVP == Vince Young)
Posted by: kiran | January 09, 2006 at 04:35 PM
By a show of hands, who is buying Dwayne Wade's injury.
I sit here and think about it, the guy explodes the next night with thirty something points however, a day or two before, he has a shin injury.
So ok...I began to think deeper, and a certain question came to mind.
Is Shaq trying to prove something before Miami meets the Lakers in L.A. on the 16th.
It was obvious the Lakers couldn't beat Utah when Kobe was suspended for those two games. So when Wade gets this so-called shin injury, this is Shaq's opportunity to prove he can win without wade...
WRONG!
Phoenix destroyed them that night and the look on Dwayne's face told me "Miami can't win without me".
Ok, I may be way off on this explanation, but who knows. Moving on...
Well, sort of moving on, because I want to share my piece about Shaq. Now, when Shaq was in L.A., I liked the guy, I mean hey...he was a Laker. He helped brought us three championships and the city of L.A. was proud of him and the entire team.
But lets not get it twisted here!
Shaq would not have won those titles if it wasn't for Kobe being on his side. We all know that, right?
But now that Shaq has moved on to other things, it's obvious he hasn't been able to leave the past alone. Now I don't know for sure if it's because of Kobe ratting on him way back then, or Kobe telling him to lose weight or whatever it may be, but as the controversy continues to go on, and the cheap shot Shaq has thrown our way, it has all came down to one conclusion...
SHAQ MISSES PLAYING IN L.A.
Say what you want, but think about it. Shaq's first year in Miami, he was angry, he was pumped, and he lost weight. At the end of the year, he failed. All that adredalin leaked out his body and reality kicked him in the ass.
He knew at that point, after losing in the eastern conference finals, he was better off siding with Kobe Bryant. He knew that he had a long way to go to win a title with the Miami Heat. He knew that because, he's been their with the Lakers.
So during the off-season, I'm willing to bet he had a conversation with Riley and told him to bring him some All-stars. Do what it takes, because I have something to prove.
So Riley brought in Williams, Posey, Walker, Payton and the season of 2005-06 begins. Oh but course, before that happened, Riley gave Shaq the nod and Shaq signed on the dotted line for a contract extension. BUT!
In his mind, he misses playing with the Lakers.
So what happens during the off-Season. Shaq loses focus and wants to play cop. Shaq gets fat and is out of shape. The new season starts and Shaq gets hurt. (Ankle)
Miami is unable to carry on without Shaq because Miami wants to play like a bunch of jackasses so the coach that took them to the eastern conference finals last year gets dethrowned and Riley takes over.
That's a mouthful!
Suddenly, Shaq comes back and is healthy, ready to play. But the question lies on the outcome of the season. If Miami doesn't make it to the finals this year and win the Championship, what will Shaq demand for next year in order to prove another point.
OR WAIT!
He hasn't proven his first point yet right.
Riiigghhtt!!!(Austin Powers)
Posted by: Ron aka Razmataz | January 09, 2006 at 04:58 PM
Shaq a "BIG BABY" !!! you want some milk Shakie? HAHA!
Posted by: Staples 8 | January 09, 2006 at 05:22 PM
Talking about Kobe and Shaq all the time is getting old. I love Kobe, I have since he came into the league, and I appreciate Shaq for his contributions to the Lakers, but he is wrong in this situation. It's time for him, and a lot of people on this blog to move on.
I think i'll give Kwame a thumb sideways. He plays good interior defense, and he rebounds ok, but his offense is definitely lacking. If he could score between 10 and 12 points a game it would really help us in the playoffs. I think he will be much better in one to two years. Once the kid gets some confidence, and learns to relax out there he'll be ok.
Posted by: Asaad Weaver | January 09, 2006 at 05:40 PM
the only point i was making was you don't have to love one and hate the other. and to the post about Shaq not being good b/c he didn't win w/o Kobe, that argument can always be put in reverse. do we think kobe is not any good b/c he has not won w/o shaq? the fact is shaq, in his second year, brought an expansion team to the finals and he was the single reason everyone(read: Orlando, Phoenix and NY) was tricked into believing Penny was worth a damn! he made that guy an all-everything point guard, so you can't use that as an example. hell, chris rock, tyra nor lil penny will take his calls anymore.
also, yes, shaq is overweight, but people are too quick to point that out as the reason he got hurt this year, but it simply isn't true. his conditioning had nothing to do with his ankle...he jumped and ron artest slid under him and he landed on ron's foot. can't blame that on conditioning.
i don't believe shaq has said anything about the organization or the fans. perhaps if you wanna say his ongoing feud w/ Buss and Kobe are by extension a feud w/ fans, that is a tenuous argument, but make it if you will. but for someone who smyted the fans and organization, they certainly showed him mad love by not only giving him a standing "o", but having the accompanying video and song salute, which had to have been OK'd by Buss. doesn't sound like the organization takes it as personally as some here.
all that said, i just wondered the genesis of the shaq-hating on this board. although i am a lifetime laker fan, i just was never able to hate either one of them.
Posted by: iluvbrokli | January 09, 2006 at 06:51 PM
to iluvbrokli
I love your comment's you sound like you know what your talking about,As I call it knowing the Xs an Os of basketball these clown's think just because they master N.B.A live 06 that there basketball expert's, prolly never even touch a rock before,them be the same one's at the parks pick-up games (taking a charge)lol
but anyway's a couple of point's to make
#1 I cant beleave people still talking about kobe,who would you trade for him,rather if he's better then d-wade are not it kill's me,I was the first one to say this but if kobe take this lakers team to the playyoffs an can some how get past the 1st round he should be M.V.P,Yeah you might say s-nash but look at he's team compare to our's he has another allstar player on his team in the matrix an they have WAYYYYYYYYYYY better shooters then we do,they knock on diaw,jones,eddie house,bell all those guy's can shot 3s I think there like shooting 40% in 3s something crazy like that.
k-brown is going to be fine,it's 3 thing's wrong with him #1 he's thinking to much if you play any sport's at all that's the number 1 rule of what not to do.
#2 he's trying to hard to prove himself to everyone,if he was right here listening to me i'll tell him to just relax an play your game,say what you want about the guy,he do have good post move's he just dont have a(touch)around the basket every-thing is hard that's all,an that's because he's not relax an he's thinking to much.
#3 he know's he's role now play(D) an grab reb that's all we want from him(IT'S THAT SIMPLE PEOPLE REALLY)he's going to be fine how many people learn the offense in one year anyway's.
HOLLA AT CHA BOY!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: samieza | January 09, 2006 at 07:13 PM
well while everyone is thinking about Kobe and Shaq ive been thinking about current PLayers on the Lakers squad.
I read ealy in this blog the only reason Kwame is considered a bust is because he was the # 1 overall pick in the draft. If he was drafted later in the first he wouldnt even be considered a bust just a cat with injury problems and somewhat of a late bloomer. most 2nd and 3rd year players in the NBA are Kwames age and you know how far along thier development is ......
About where Kwames is now. Luke Walton is a year older then Kwame and people say Luke hasnt developed his whole game yet. Well if kwame went to collegeand came out when Luke did he would be doing pretty good for NBA standards. So i think the main things the Lakers need to do and aredoing is to try to develope him into a good player by building his defensive and rebounding skills. I mean you have to give people a chance ot learn the triangle as well as giving people a chance to learn how to play with a player of Kobes caliber. next year Kwame should be a deffinate 10 and 10 player. and for someone who will be 24 at that time im happy with that. WE at least have to wait until next year before we cna really pass Judgment on this guy.
On another blog site i visietd today(which isnt nearly as good as this one) Thier was an entire segmant based on Bashing Andrew Bynum which is completely ridiculous. If you really think about what the Lakers were doing by drafting Andrew Bynum it was a pick for the future but not the too distant future. With Kareem working with him to build up his sky hook its kinda like when a gaurd goes into the off season and develops thier 3 point shooting(except instead of the offseason Bynum is working on it now) FOr the next few months I think he will get alot better in the hook shot, rebounding and maybe even finishing around the basket. then he can dominat the 06 summer league and then be a legit back up for Mihm . Then when kobe gets about 30 years old or so we could revise the old triangle(kobe and Shaq)but this time kobe be the focus and Bynum be the #2 guy. By then Sahsha will really be a 3 point threat and smush will be in his prime as the #3 Guy on the squad and Kwame will still be a good 12 and 10 guy then the Lakers will really have a squad to wreckin with.
Posted by: Lance P. | January 09, 2006 at 07:53 PM
Sorry AK/BK,
but i believe the kids have taken over.
Posted by: The In-Crowd | January 09, 2006 at 07:56 PM
How about posting arguments and views (no matter how far fetched) rather than statements like "KOBE IS THE EIGHT WONDER OF THE WORLD" I mean I am a die hard Kobe fan but that there is too much.
Posted by: The In-Crowd | January 09, 2006 at 08:00 PM
Lakers upgrade the the role players from Maddog and DFish to Kwame and Smush. Physical skills and size the Lakers got a lot of now but lost all the hustle and mental toughness. With DFish/Maddog/Fox it was LOOSE BALL! LOOSE BALL! Eyes popping and floor burns. Now its - hey someone lost the ball.
Kwame, Campbell and Olowonkandi ARE NOT ROLE MODELS!
Posted by: p ang | January 09, 2006 at 08:41 PM
nobody is better than kobe bryant...
Posted by: oinkskie | January 10, 2006 at 06:37 AM
"#2 he's trying to hard to prove himself to everyone,if he was right here listening to me i'll tell him to just relax an play your game,say what you want about the guy,he do have good post move's he just dont have a(touch)around the basket every-thing is hard that's all,an that's because he's not relax an he's thinking to much."
So samieza...mastered nba live '06, I see? Good for you...but if you're gonna pretend you know how to coach any pro basketball players, don't be a hypocrite.
That said..thank you for gracing us with your basketball expertise.
Posted by: S.Tan | January 10, 2006 at 07:32 AM
Well, Kobe's now officially in the company of Wilt and Elgin. He's one of the All-Time Greats.
If he wins two or more championships (from this point on), people will definitely be arguing on blogs fifteen years from now that "He was the greatest of all time."
What will Kobe have to accomplish to be the "Greatest of All Time?"
Posted by: Jon Kavulic | January 10, 2006 at 08:46 AM