News and Notes from Tuesday's practice
Sorry. I meant to have this posted a little earlier, but got caught up in the "Great Boo Debate of 2006."
As one might expect, the mood was pretty good after trouncing Portland. Even as the squad gutted through penance sprints for missing free throws (although given the team's mediocre percentage, it's comforting to know they're not using up all the makes in practice), spirits were high and vibes positive. And after the vets were finished, the rooks kept their heads up during approximately 10 minutes of extended running. And while he didn't look particularly bitter over the extra hoofing, I did notice something with Andrew Bynum. You know that joyous spring in his step whenever he gets up off the bench and into a game? Not so much while he's chugging from baseline to baseline. Although if I were hauling 275 lbs, I wouldn't be loving life, either. But he's a trooper, for sure.
Brian Cook told me he had a good time celebrating his buddy's bachelor party in Cabo over the break. While he didn't manage to get a fishing trip in, he did find time to run every day. Honestly, I'm impressed. The closest I've ever come to exercise during a bachelor party would be hoisting shots of Patron in really rapid succession. Hats off, my man.
Luke Walton cares about your planet. While Devin Green was cleaning up Gatorade bottles on the ground (a rookie's glamor and excitement never ends), Walton semi-playfully chided him for tossing them in the regular trash can instead of the recycle bin. And damned if the message didn't get through to the youngster. On the very next clean up, Green put the plastic in its correct spot. Walton did acknowledge that the janitor probably puts all the bags in the same dumpster, anyway. But you gotta at least make the effort.
Asked about what it would take to hold their playoff positioning, Phil Jackson figured continual .500 ball probably won't cut it. So with 29 games left, how many W's did Jackson estimate would be needed? "24 and a half," he responded, tongue firmly in cheek. Continuing to eschew any magic number, PJ simply left it at a "large portion."
Hopefully, that phrase also describes makes vs. misses for Lamar Odom, who Jackson admits "has never been a high percentage shooter." But Odom still has a pretty flexible green light, because of his overall effect on games. "I told him at halftime, he's gonna have to start shooting the basketball... Keep the defense honest... We will worry about offensive rebounds with his shots. That's part of the rhythm of our offense." In other words, if Odom's 0-6 but has an open look, take it and trust his teammate's ability to clean up misses. It's no easy combo, offensive contributor and facilitator, but Jackson thinks LO "has a feel for it." And he's looking forward to watching those instincts tomorrow against Sacto, especially since Lamar "and Ronny Artest go back a long way. I'm sure they're gonna run Ron over on Kobe. That's just the natural process. But (Lamar) is going to have an opportunity to be influential in the game..."
Jackson acknowledged that Sacto's "playing better" since the addition of Artest, but seemed confident that even if the Lakers make no moves before tomorrow's deadline, they'll build upon whatever strides they've made. "These kids have been good students so far. We know we have some inconsistencies. We're trying to bridge that up. We'll try to improve the team if we can. But we don't, we're going forward."
Speaking of the trade deadline, Devean George's ears always tend to burn right around this time. He doesn't look thrilled by the chatter, but seems to have an "it is what it is" attitude. "For the last three years, I've been in every single trade rumor... I'm numb to it." I asked if that at least made him feel a little wanted on some level, since he's the topic of conversation. "I really didn't even think about it that way... Who knows what other teams want and other teams are trying to do. Maybe teams want me to move cap room. I don't have a contract (next year). So I don't know. There's a lot of different reasons. So I don't really think about it."
If George has indeed played his last game in a Laker uni (I'm guessing he hasn't), he will at least go out on a high note, having strung together four straight double digit scoring efforts. The biggest spark behind his spark? Necessity. "Kobe's been doing a lot of scoring, so I've just been really trying to take some load off him in that area... Once we all start contributing and at least being aggressive, even if we're not making shots, at least being aggressive, going up and attacking..."
As one of the only guys with extensive playoff push experience, leadership is being asked of George. "Just trying to help them understand what it's going to take, what's needed of them... (Seeing) some of the mistakes guys are making and trying to correct them, so that they don't keep making them over and over." It often reminds himself of being a young player during the threepeat years. "The same mistakes that Rob (Horry), B. Shaw and Harp are telling me, they made them, so it's just like a cycle... You come in as a rookie, you do these things and you don't know any better..."
George also touched upon (without my prompting, I might add) the importance of drowning out your atmosphere and remaining focused. It felt more than ironic, considering the back and forth going on all day regarding booing (I actually started laughing a bit). Not to start everything up again (honestly, let's not), but if George's wisdom counts, Kwame has to rise above any heckling in order to best help his team. Or play with ear plugs.
"They can't really focus on what they're hearing. They can't really focus on the crowd, because here in L.A., they get on us. "Booooooo! C'mon! Make a shot!" That kind of gets some guys, instead of them blocking it out. They have to block out the other things they can't control. If you miss a shot, you can't do anything about it. You've already missed the shot."
AK
off topic... By the way, Isiah is an idiot... he gave away a young guy AND a huge expiring contract when he clearly could've have gotten away with one or the other. Are you telling me that Jamal Crawford was a integral piece they just had to keep. It's almost fun to be out here (I live in New York) just to guess what he'll do next. We all knew he would pick up Jalen Rose and Stevie Francis, of course, they're shoot-first guards who will pair perfectly with Marbury and Crawford, but who could ever have anticipated just how much he'd screw the team to do it. Wow. Did Thomas hear that Larry Brown liked Kobe as a player and think "...hmm, ok, guards who like to shoot. I got it!!" Mark these words "Worst... GM... Ever..."
P.S. What's the over/under on post passes in their next game(against New Jersey)?
Six?
For the game?
Does the under sound bad?
Posted by: Christopher F. | February 22, 2006 at 08:50 PM
Kwame Brown is a Pu$$Y A$$ PANCY!
Hey Guys wanna play pretty?
F PRETTY!
WE WANT AGRESSION! SEND KWAME TO THE D LEAGUE OR GET HIS OUT OF THE NBA. he belongs in the WNBA LOL!
Posted by: Kev | February 22, 2006 at 08:57 PM
F Isiah Thomas
He's an idiot
Posted by: Kev | February 22, 2006 at 08:57 PM
Everybody needs to calm down, and stop getting on Kwame. The man certainly needs a break. To at least think about what he's doing wrong, soo he can fix it. We all need to shift our focus off him for a second and give him some breathing room. And what's up with KOBE, has anybody noticed that he's not shooting 35 shots a game anymore, i really want to know if he's doing it because he wants to help the team, or he's doing it because he realizes that if he keeps shooting 35 shots no other superstar would want to play with him?
Posted by: Hazher | February 22, 2006 at 09:24 PM
Man, if Orlando was willing to trade Francis for two crappy players, couldn't the lakers have offered something????????? Kwame? Slava? Sasha? Devin Green? Von Wafer? Come on Mitch, get something done!!!
Posted by: AB | February 22, 2006 at 09:26 PM
real quick...
An autistic kid scored 20 points in 4 minutes on February 15. Apparently the kid had been suiting up and sitting on the bench for the last three years for his high school team. His coach let him play the final four minutes of the final game of this season. He missed his first two shots, then he went on a tear. He seems to have a great outside shot.
No word yet on whether he's a "very good driver".
sorry
Posted by: Christopher F. | February 22, 2006 at 09:28 PM
mnaOman the GAME tommorrow, is BIG. if LO gives us a 20/15 game (or 28/10) NOWAY any of the SACTO caliber teams beat US. he CAN. he was on the VERGE of becoming a SUPER STAR there. C'mon LO. oh by the way KOBE'll kill Artest. no DOUBT in my mind.
Posted by: rayray | February 22, 2006 at 09:32 PM
Who wants to bet with me that if we get KG in la with KB. that will be a garuntee playoff finals. speacially with if LO stays
Posted by: Ha | February 22, 2006 at 09:35 PM
You know, AK, imagining you there at the Laker's practices, I'm struck wondering if the players or staff ever consult the wisdom of THE BLOG? THE BLOG is good, THE BLOG is wise. Are they aware of THE BLOG and the good work it does? Devean's comments on booing were ironic but did he know the definitive work already done on the subject by THE BLOG? He wouldn't have to take time schooling the rooks, they could consult THE [all knowing] BLOG. It's an edge they have on the other less fortunate teams.
Posted by: Vman | February 22, 2006 at 09:44 PM
Peter Vescey ( on NBA TV with fred carter)on lakers trade...
he said Warriors will send dunleavy,fish to utah and boozer to Lakers. Lakers will inturn send Mihm and George to Warriors.
AK/BK
can you please shed some light on this? is it possible?
lol. why cant mitch send slava to NY for J rose,crawford and frye. looks like Isiah is dumbest ass in the world. he might accept our offer too..
Posted by: Disgruntled, Frustated Laker Fan | February 22, 2006 at 09:51 PM
someone is a Espn insider? please check this out... i cant read the entire post, but i only read what the Lakers give and is stupid http://insider.espn.go.com/nba/insider/columns/story?columnist=ford_chad&id=2341042&action=login&appRedirect=http%3a%2f%2finsider.espn.go.com%2fnba%2finsider%2fcolumns%2fstory%3fcolumnist%3dford_chad%26id%3d2341042
we have to give away all the team! please check out the rest of the trade
Posted by: Jorge Delgado | February 22, 2006 at 10:10 PM
man ya'll bitch about kwame missing those lay ups, but seriously, hearing all those comments about him is getting more annoying that any brick kwame has put up, he is what he is, let him be and move on damn you guys swear like your paying his salary...anyways if we do trade D.George(wich i highly doubt) it will be a mistake, at least for this season, seeing as he is one of the few that has experience in the triangle, and come playoff time (yes they WILL make it) those first timer's will have trouble executing, devean can bring that spark we need, i hope that green light for lamar never fades, and hopefully he can bring it tomorrow against the Sac-town artest's, ya know kobe will be ready, can't hardly wait...
Go Lakers...
1-0
Posted by: TrueLakerFan | February 22, 2006 at 10:11 PM
Peter Vescey ( on NBA TV with fred carter)on lakers trade...
he said Warriors will send dunleavy,fish to utah and boozer to Lakers. Lakers will inturn send Mihm and George to Warriors.
for once, I hope this guy is right.
mike
Posted by: Michael Teniente | February 22, 2006 at 10:21 PM
The boozer/mihm trade seems unlikely to me, what with utah helping the lakers when they're 1.5 games behind for the last playoff spot? Would be strange, wouldn't it?
Posted by: cedichou | February 22, 2006 at 10:27 PM
Vman,
I doubt the players and coaches are checking out the blog on a daily basis, but we appreciate the props, for sure.
Disgruntled,
I've heard nothing about that Lakers-Warriors-Jazz trade. I tend to take anything Peter Vecsey says with a large grain of salt, because he's always struck me as a cheap shot gossip columnist (meaning he's a perfect fit for the NY Post). And according to the ESPN trade machine and RealGM, the salaries don't work. Maybe there are more pieces than Vescey is mentioning, but based on that, I'm not buying into it. Which basically means it'll happen, simply so I look dumb.
As for Isaiah, that trade might tempt him, except Slava's salary isn't quite big enough to truly cripple his payroll. Were he a max deal player owed money through 2013, done deal. Guaranteed.
AK
Posted by: Andrew Kamenetzky | February 22, 2006 at 10:28 PM
wow, clippers losing 4 or 5 straight games i think. their tied with memphis now. New Orleans have lost two straight, and are also slipping. This is a very good time for the Lakers to start a winning streak to make a push.
Posted by: tungtwista | February 22, 2006 at 10:28 PM
F Kwame the Pancy PU$$Y A$$!
He belongs in the WNBA
Trade Kwame for Lisa Leslie!
Trade Kwame for Lisa Leslie!
yes that's a perfect trade
lol
Posted by: Kev | February 22, 2006 at 10:33 PM
that ESPN insider thing is crazy. We don't even have LaRon Profit to trade him, so it's crazy.
mike
Posted by: Michael Teniente | February 22, 2006 at 10:37 PM
bring in Lisa Leslie! She plays very well with KObe
TRADE KWAME! FOR LISA LESLIE!
Posted by: Kev | February 22, 2006 at 10:37 PM
I heard Peter Vescey the stupid analysist say that
there's a chance the lakers will be involved in a three team trade
1st. Carlos Boozer traded to the warriors
THe warriors trade D Fish and Dunleavy to Utah
then the Lakers trade Deavean George Chris Mihm to the warriors for Carlos Boozer
because of salary cap purposes
that's very possible but please who the hell would want Mihm and George lol
Posted by: Kev | February 22, 2006 at 10:46 PM
Lol the clippers suck they have lost 5 in a row! lolz
I bet they will win against the lakers though cuz the lakers never beat teams that are on a losing streak
Posted by: Kev | February 22, 2006 at 10:49 PM
As for the Mihm, George trade...we'll know by tomorrow.
mike
Posted by: Michael Teniente | February 22, 2006 at 10:54 PM
Peter Vecsey's an idiot! He's always trying to start trouble. He's never said a single good thing about the Lakers...ever!! He's made some cheap shots at Kobe's personal life in a column about his 81 points. I can't stand the guy.
Posted by: Katie | February 22, 2006 at 11:02 PM
LOL! Peter Vecsey's an idiot! That's funny. I remember when the NBA used to be on NBC...Peter was a regular on the Sunday games...it's true, he never said anything good about the Lakers...and the Lakers had Magic, Kareem, and the rest...so you know he's a hater.
mike
Posted by: Michael Teniente | February 22, 2006 at 11:11 PM
AK,
Am I reading between the lines that some player has actually tuned into our crazy forum? Scary.
That Vescey scenario sounds plausible, salaries aside. Is there someway this could happen and we wouldn't have even sniffed a clue in the wind?
Posted by: Vman | February 22, 2006 at 11:12 PM
I have a great outside shot and
I'm a good driver, yes, I'm a good driver.
Posted by: R. Babbit | February 22, 2006 at 11:31 PM
The Mihm/George trade rumor makes sense for all teams involved.
1. Utah wants to unload Boozer
2. Dunleavy can't get along with Baron Davis
3. Mihm and George aren't in the Lakers long term plans anyway.
So, trading Dunleavy and Fisher to Utah makes sense seeing that since the Warriors got Davis to go along with Richardson, Fisher is kinda expendable.
With Kwame and Byunm holding the center position for the Lakers, and Mihm having a decent season, Mihm is expendable. Plus he fits into the Warriors coach, Mike Montgomery, idea of playing, plus he gets a descent bench player in George and a contract that coming off the books at the end of the year. I would make the deal in a hurry.
mike
Posted by: Michael Teniente | February 22, 2006 at 11:34 PM
Vman,
No, you're reading that incorrectly. I'm honestly not under the impression that any player or coach reads the blog regularly. They could, for all I know. But none have specifically mentioned it to me.
AK
Posted by: Andrew Kamenetzky | February 23, 2006 at 12:28 AM
That insider on ESPN would bring Stephon Marbury, Carlos Boozer, Tyronn Lue, and Donta Smith to the Lakers
Posted by: Gurpreet | February 23, 2006 at 12:49 AM
It's late am I still searching for trade rumors...LOL! It's great to be a writer...not a good one but a writer none the less.
mike
Posted by: Michael Teniente | February 23, 2006 at 01:03 AM
Kwame for Lisa Leslie - GREAT IDEA !!
Even better, trade Kwame for 5 doughnuts, 3rd round draft pick and talking parrot.
And BOOOOO Kwame all the way out of LA.
Posted by: ivan | February 23, 2006 at 03:58 AM
I would NOT want to trade Mihm and George for Boozer.
Mihm, when he stays out of foul trouble, is a very decent NBA center. These are hard to find. As for George, even if we don't resign him after this season we'll get salary cap flexibility. And if we DO trade him, who exactly are we going to bring in for defense and scoring off the bench? Luke Walton?
As for Boozer...what does he bring? He's been injured more often than any player except Grant Hill. Who knows if he'll be the player he was before the injury? And even if he is, are we sure we want his bloated contract?
I don't think that the trade works for the Lakers at all.
Posted by: Jimbo | February 23, 2006 at 07:44 AM
cedichou,
Maybe Utah knows something that we don't (about Boozer)
Plus, I feel with Utah its a race thing. Utah has more white players than any team in the league. They rarely keep their black players very long. I don't mean to bring up the race card, but it seems very obvious in Utah.
Posted by: Zen | February 23, 2006 at 08:01 AM
I heard Isaiah Thomas offered the autistic kid $60 million for six years.
Posted by: Andrew Z | February 23, 2006 at 09:41 AM
who is this "autistic" kid anyway?
Posted by: Disgruntled, Frustrated Laker Fan | February 23, 2006 at 01:44 PM
The autistic kid was a senior at a high school near Rochester, NY. He was the student manager of the boys varsity basketball team and in the last game of the year the coach put him in for something like two minutes. The other team knows it and really doensn't play defense, but the kid jacks up an airball on his first shot and then, get this, drops SIX three pointers IN A ROW!! He ends up with 20 points. The crowd was going nuts. I've never seen anything like it, it was totally unreal and absolutely the coolest thing ever.
Posted by: Andrew Z | February 23, 2006 at 04:03 PM