He's No Kazaam
I like Luke Walton. Very nice guy. Improved a lot in the second half of last season. High hoops IQ. And absolutely zero threat whatsoever to the throne of Jack, Denzel, Leo and the rest of Hollywood that shows up regularly to watch him play. You could make a serious argument he wasn't very convincing playing himself. Of course, you could also make a serious argument he may just have been phoning this puppy in. But either way, as long as he had fun.
And on the positive side, at least we know Luke hasn't forgone off-season workouts in favor of intensive theatrical training. He should be in excellent shape come October.
By the way, did anybody happen to catch the entire episode? Was there even a shred of context established or does Luke Walton just happen to show up while pretty boy is shooting hoops by himself? Kind of reminds me of when celebrities pop by Springfield on "The Simpsons."
(Thanks to "Eric" for the link. BK and I had planned on reviewing his performance in live blog format, but forgot the date. As it turns out, with the 1 minute, 37 seconds running time, we simply spared everyone the most anti-climactic real time gathering ever).
AK
LakerTom,
Great Post, I agree totally. We have the better athletes, but we obviously don't have the better team. TOo much dribbling and not enough passing. I just think that the problem this team had was knowing where to be on offense and defense and just knocking down shots. I thought Carmelo shot way too much and Wade dribbled way too much but mostly the defense was bad. Bad rotation and just too much gambling. All of this is correctable w/ practice.
dref
Posted by: Dref | September 02, 2006 at 01:52 PM
Give the international players a couple of decades more of Nike ads and video games and they will be playing the same type of “Sports Center” ball that Team USA played during the FIBA games.
Tom
Posted by: LakerTom | September 02, 2006 at 01:57 PM
Steven,
Shaq is one of the worst possible choices for a team playing in an international tournament.
Posted by: exhelodrvr | September 02, 2006 at 01:57 PM
rayray:
Even I wouldn’t go so far as to say the Niners are back defensively. Remember, the Chargers didn’t even play their first string QB and their second string QB scored easily against our first team defense.
Wow. This must be my first “realist” post in a long time. Maybe I should post that Jordan Farmar should have been on Team USA? Naw, I don’t have enough time to respond to all the flack that I would get.
Anyway, let’s just say that the Niners defense looked much better and showed that they may have some playmakers. And who couldn’t love what Michael Robinson continues to show.
And I still have more faith in Alex than our defense. The Hicks’ fumble and Davis’ drop didn’t give him much of a chance last night. But I agree with you on Nolan. He will turn us around for sure.
Tom
Posted by: LakerTom | September 02, 2006 at 02:06 PM
Lakertom,
send the championship team-
i doubt, after playing through june, that the nba champs would want to play for the world championships/olympics. Imagine the Miami Heat squad having to play this summer after the nba finals. Shaq zo payton walker...older guys wouldnt be in to it. its a great idea because they would absolutely kill the international team mainly because they are a real team...but it just wouldnt work out. too many players on the team would just not want to play.
Posted by: sixonezero | September 02, 2006 at 02:56 PM
Have you seen Ronny Turiaf play during the world championships? He played very well when he had the minutes and he showed, like always, that he has a very Big heart!!i hope Phil was watching!!!
Posted by: pauliewalnuts | September 02, 2006 at 03:16 PM
sixonezero:
You are of course probably right. I am not even sure that there isn't some rule that would prevent our sending the NBA champions to represent the USA.
The other side of the coin though is that the NBA teams are already risking injury to their key players and it is no secret that David Stern envisions some form of international expansion beyond Canada involving the NBA, so who knows. I just know that you cannot dominate international "teams" year after year with all-star squads, as we have painfully found out.
Tom
Posted by: LakerTom | September 02, 2006 at 03:29 PM
Kobe better play next year.
New name for the King Lebron:
LEBRONZE James. He has 2 already,.
Posted by: willn2winn | September 02, 2006 at 05:37 PM
"In order for the USA Olympic Squad to Win the GOLD they need a proven leader and winner from the NBA. A player who is Head and Shoulders above the rest of the players in the World. A player who has won NBA Titles with two different NBA Squads. A player who is so DOMINANT that only Father Time can slow him down in the paint. A player who's credentials for winning illustrate a respect generated by basketball aficinados throughout the World."
--Steven
the Idiot
Calling you an idoit isnt right, I don't know you and I try and respect everyone so I'll earse that error in my head but won't edit this entry.
Listen, I read this blog along with alot of people; I also post occasionally. I take the time to read it and I'd appreciate it if you'd keep your senseless, idiotic, plain stupid opinions to youself. Are you drunk when you post? Do you know how to read? It says LAKERS BLOG, common sense should tell you, its for laker fans. If you're not one, hey that's cool, just dont come in here and waste everyone's time. Reading a post by you is almost as stupid as our president attempting to make a speech. There's nothing worse than aggressive stupidity. Everyone is entitled to be stupid, but some abuse the privilege, so just quit. I know it would be much more easier just to ignore your incomptent as* but your like bruce bowen is to the people he defends, flat out annoying. So shut the hell up, if you're single go out and get yourself a man or a woman, do the nasty, and focus your attention on something else. Since I love to write and this really might turn into a novel, I'll stop here. You can hate kobe, you can hate the lakers, you can hate me, but you better trust and believe you will respect us.
Posted by: 24Tushort08 | September 02, 2006 at 06:01 PM
From Faith's link:
"Word is Darius is in great shape, and has a chip on his shoulder and has something to prove, and that can only help the Blazers on the court and Darius to get his value up to be moved."
TO LAKERS MANAGMENT:
Damn! Jump on this guy before he becomes too expensive. If Miles is determined to be traded and plays with that chip on his shoulders, some team is going to take him off of Portland's hands, gladly. By that time the ante will increase and the Lakers will not be able to afford him. Now is the time to move on this "damaged" reputation player.
mike
Posted by: Michael Teniente | September 02, 2006 at 06:16 PM
Laker Tom,
I would almost prefer to wait a bit longer to see teams of the west sized up on this forum.
It's just too quiet. Too many levees need shoring up. As I've said before, my gut tells me that some major, almost unimaginable shake-ups may still be in the works, involving both of our teams, and perhaps more. This, of course, would make a lot of todays speculation and prognostications moot.
Besides, why rush it when we can talk media conspiracy against Kobe. There hasn't been nearly enough discussion on that. There will be plenty of time for basketball when the season gets here. You know; when the Kings start plowing through the division. Surprise!
All Beloved Niner Fans,
The sooner the better, but my concern is less about how fast they get back, and more that they are on the right course to get back. I do believe they are.
Although Ray Ray, I believe Alex will be the next great 49er quarterback. Draft picks over the next two years should be used to acquire defensive stoppers, although shoring up the offensive line should always be a priority.
Remember, Steve Young sat on the bench almost 5 years as a Niner. I've enjoyed Trent since he was a Bulldog. He can get us some W's and be a great mentor for Alex.
Defense ala Lott and Turner.
Go Niners!
Posted by: sonnybelfast | September 02, 2006 at 06:43 PM
Faith,
Keepin' us posted with nba tidbits, luggin' your laptop to the Ravine. YOUR AWESOME!!!...Xodus, ya lucky bashtud!(j/k lol)
willn2win,
Lebron who? LEBRONZE James from here on out!
>_<
Posted by: dan the man >_< aka smushcalade | September 02, 2006 at 07:31 PM
Michael T.,
If Phil can turn him around, I'd love to see Darius in Purple and Gold.
Go LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon Kavulic | September 02, 2006 at 07:40 PM
LAKERTOM
"Wow. This must be my first “realist” post in a long time. Maybe I should post that Jordan Farmar should have been on Team USA? Naw, I don’t have enough time to respond to all the flack that I would get." LLOL, funny stuff. Right, You post the FARMAR for TEAM USA and it could get UGLY.
AGREE. I wouldn't say the deffense is back in a CONTENDER form, niether. but, I think the NINERS are playing with an ATTITUDE on DA-D-SIDE. I feel they're SCRAMBLING, to try to find their IDENTITY. as for the ATTACK side, for a NINER team to be successful QB has to be a PRO-BOWLER and SMITH, whom by the WAY I really really hope can be that QB for us, doesn't look like being THERE, atleast YET. maybe SOMEHOW he pulls a BREEZ and becomes a GRADE-A QB for SF.
Posted by: rayray | September 02, 2006 at 09:05 PM
Jon K,
Yeah, I think both PJ and Kobe would be able to. But if Miles starts out hot next season he'll be out of our price range. The deal has to be done before the season starts or we're out.
mike
Posted by: Michael Teniente | September 02, 2006 at 09:17 PM
AK,
First let me clarify something, I don’t care what Mr. Wade or Mr. James did or didn’t do at the FIBA game; I really could care less.
I don’t follow players that I don’t like, and it has nothing to do with Kobe. I don’t like them because even if they are great players they are way over exposed and hyped and I personally don’t like that. I also don’t like their attitudes, sometimes I can take attitudes from certain players and sometimes I can’t. I like a lot of players that are not Lakers, such as T-Mac, Melo, AI and many more. I know what kind of player Kobe is and to me he is one of the best and the media saying something else will not change my opinion.
I responded to your post not because I previously stated that the two players or other players did or didn’t congratulate Greece. I responded to it because you mentioned Kobe and I thought it was out of place to put an NBA game in the same level as an international game.
I’ll answer your question; I don’t know if you really think that an NBA game is of great relevance around the world, because if you do, I think you are mistaken. To NBA fans around the world maybe, but I seriously doubt it. The NBA is not that popular, just look at the ratings. So for you to mention that what Kobe did was in the same level as what other players did is wrong.
An international game is followed by a whole country, because of pride and prestige and it means a great deal to those countries and for the USA players to do what they did is wrong. They are representing their country. When USA players do that it looks worse because of the status of the USA around the world. Especially when those players are “the best” players in the NBA.
If Kobe would of done the same thing in an international game I would have been real disappointed in him. But I really think Kobe knows better, especially since he grew up in another country and knows the importance of world championships to those countries.
As far as what he did in Phoenix, I could care less, the whole Suns team talked trash, didn’t give any respect to the Lakers before the playoffs and before game two. The coach with his excuses, Nash defending Bell, etc, etc, etc. And if the Suns would of done the same thing and walked away so what they had their reasons too, so no big deal. Is not the first time a team does that or the last time.
So did I answer your question?
Posted by: lakofan | September 02, 2006 at 09:33 PM
Mike T.
With all futurea availabel FA's who would like to see in purple and gold? This would include guys who want out of their current team such as Miles and a possibitlity of KG in the future. Whether its a role player or just in general any player. Doesnt have to be just one a list would be fine.
Posted by: Shady | September 02, 2006 at 09:38 PM
Cap is not a factor in this list.
Posted by: Shady | September 02, 2006 at 09:39 PM
If the NBA champions played, and won of course, then other countries couldn't complain about them being World Champs.
Posted by: LucasinOhio | September 02, 2006 at 09:51 PM
I know it's my country, but it was good to see th US lose. Especially after all the whinning in 2004. Carmelo and co got the playing time they bitched about and they still lose.
By the way, nice video. haha
Posted by: nyla | September 02, 2006 at 10:10 PM
"We aren't just swapping out the old with the new, We are trying to get better" Housecleaner Mike Nolan said after the niners cut 22 players Saturday, including veteran RB Terry Jackson and P Tom Rouen.
Nice to see the shake-up continue!
Tom, Shady, Sonny and other NINER fans out there,
Sept 17 will be here soon and will help tide us over until at least nba preseason.
>_<
Posted by: dan the man >_< aka smushcalade | September 02, 2006 at 11:56 PM
The MOST DOMINANT Center EVER to play in the NBA was also the one who UNEQUIVOCALLY LED the Los Angeles Laker organization to THREE STRAIGHT NBA Titles. The enept Mitch Kupchak allowed the ONLY possible enity outside of USC Football, which could bring championship title aspirations and hopes to hungry SoCal fans, get away. Now DWADE and the Miami Heat reap the rewards that come with playing alongside of The MOST DOMINANT Center in the NBA.
Kupchak would be better served to be placed in another position which would suitably corralate his NBA experience as a bench warmer during his roster filling days.
OUT!!!
the Truth
...and it hurts!!!!
Posted by: Steven. | September 03, 2006 at 12:20 AM
Steven - 'Most Stupid Ever to post on a Blog'
Steven your lack of knowledge in basketball is disturbing!!
If Shaq is the MOST DOMINANT Centre Ever,
Then what does that make 'Russell' you fool!!
NBA champion (1957, '59, '60, '61, '62, '63, '64, '65, '66, '68, '69);
NBA MVP (1958, '61, '62, '63, '65);
Steven would be better served to actually do some research and watch a basketball game!!
May be 'Master Yoda' can train him in how to use the Internet
May the Force be with you!!!
Sith_Lord
Posted by: Sith_Lord | September 03, 2006 at 12:53 AM
HEY,STEVEN AKA "FARTMAN"
WE ARE NOT HURT ABOUT YOUR SO CALLED "TRUTH", THE THING IS, I FEEL NAUSEATED EVRYTIME I READ YOUR STUPID POST THAT I'M ALWAYS ON THE VERGE OF VOMITING MY ENTIRE INTESTINES!!! CANT YOU SEE THIS BLOG IS FOR LA FANS..SO PLS FADE AWAY LIKE LEBRONZE AND DFADE..
TRUTH SUCKS!!!
OUT
Posted by: eugene | September 03, 2006 at 01:00 AM
LucasinOhio,
I agree 100%. I'm sick of hearing that too.
We need to send a team to the Olympics. These "ALLSTARS" aren't cutting it! And why not make that an extra incentive to win the NBA championship - YOU GET TO REPRESENT AMERICA IN THE OLYMPICS!
I know that it will never happen, but it's always fun to John Lennon style IMAGINE!
>_<
Posted by: dan the man >_< aka smushcalade | September 03, 2006 at 01:11 AM
I know with certainty that among Laker fans and other NBA fans generally, many, repeat many, are in agreement with Steven with regard to several points he makes about Shaq, Kupchak and others. Even if you do not agree with Stephen's observations, or appreciate his style in delivering them, almost all of you know that this is true, don't you?
You have a situation where Shaq was dethroned and exiled while the Saint was handed the ruby slippers and made king. To this day, and particularly now, many hard core Laker fans lament the day this happened. You are aware that this is true, aren't you?
As for me, I would just a soon have used both of them for catfish bait, so please, let's not get into a debate over which one of these Monrovia mud skippers was the biggest worm. That discussion can be for another thread, let's say near mid-season, when the Lakers are about 10 games under 500.
Also of no relevance to this post is your hatred (a word frequently used on this blog) for Stephen. It's quite possible that he thinks you are as idiotic as you think he is, and more than occasionally, he's probably right.
No, what this is about, citing my earlier post, begs the question.
Posted by: sonnybelfast | September 03, 2006 at 03:39 AM
Who has the right to give the litmus test?
Posted by: sonnybelfast | September 03, 2006 at 03:40 AM
AK/BK,
To correlate (at least parenthetically) with my last post, I'm curious to know in percentages, how many of your readers actually post.
I strongly suspect there is a lot of anti Kobe sentiment held by many Laker fans, who for obvious reasons, wouldn't dare to post here.
Posted by: sonnybelfast | September 03, 2006 at 03:46 AM
With all the crap that Raja Bell talked about Kobe rubbing his butt on Raja's balls and after Kobe being clotheslined by the throat I would not have wanted to shake Raja's hand. Then the Suns supported Raja's actions and I remember Tim Thomas walking through the Lakers after a play, almost causing a fight. I haven't heard that the Greeks did anything so provocative or disrespectful, and the US team represented our entire nation at an international tournament. I would say that Kobe not shaking hands was a lot more justified and a lot less important than the US team shaking hands after losing.
Posted by: Marcus | September 03, 2006 at 05:49 AM
Shady,
Right now I don't who are the future available FA's. I'd like to see how the present team does before I go into something like that. But just to let you know I think the Lakers would do well to move Chris Mihm and Luke Walton now. Walton because I think he going to have problems with the likes of Josh Howard and those type of SF's. Mihm because the Buss', and I agree with them, think that Bynum is going to be a star, which makes Mihm, in my opinion, our 3rd center. We don't need a 3rd center. Plus he's in a contract year. Golden opportunities don't come around very often. This Mihm, Cook, and Walton trade proposal for Miles is almost too perfect. Salaries match. Roster spots are created. The window for opportunity on this is going to close fast once the season starts. If he doesn't get injured Miles is going to have a break-out year.
But, again, this deal really only works out for the Lakers because Portland already has 15 guaranteed contracts on their roster. They would have to do something to make room for the 2 additional players they're receiving for the 1 they would be giving up. A little complicated but workable if it's their intention to get rid of Miles for a nickel and a dime. By the way, if Portland asked for Bynum in a proposed deal for Miles, NO WAY! Mihm...YES WAY!
mike
Posted by: Michael Teniente | September 03, 2006 at 08:16 AM
Sonnybelfast!!
The 'K Brothers' never told you who your father was!! It was thought better not tell in fear that you turn to 'Stupid Side' and become like your father. But we feel that we need stop you disturbing tendency to turn to the 'Stupid Side' and we can now reveal you father as 'Steven Lord of the Stupid Side'
By telling you now we can only hope that you return to the side of reason and intelligence.
May the Force be with you!!
Sith_Lord
Posted by: Sith_Lord | September 03, 2006 at 09:55 AM
If Portland is looking for a little veteran leadership for their young guys, Mihm, Cook and Walton would be very beneficial. According to Hoopshype.com, Portland has 12 players(mostly young guys) under contract and could use a little more experience on their roster.
Miles would complete the Lakers in my opinion. Just thinking about Kobe, Lamar, Kwame, and Darius playing cohesive Phil Jackson defense on the same team gets me giddy.
Posted by: Rocky | September 03, 2006 at 10:16 AM
WHAT WE ALREADY KNOW:
"It's painfully evident we don't own basketball anymore. Even more painful, we never will.
You didn't have to watch the game against Greece to figure that out. The pregame warmups told the tale.
On one side of the court, NBA superstars were acting like the Harlem Globetrotters, banking balls off the backboard for slams and throwing down tomahawk dunks to fire up the crowd at Saitama Super Arena in Japan.
On the other side, a bunch of Greeks with long names were calmly practicing free throws.
Flamboyance sells lots of shoes and replica jerseys. It gets you on the highlight clips on ESPN.
Unfortunately, it's the fundamentals that win games in international basketball."
http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/news?slug=ap-timdahlberg&prov=ap&type=lgns
mike
Posted by: Michael Teniente | September 03, 2006 at 10:48 AM
WEREN'T WE WAITING FOR THIS?:
"That one play was good enough to book the Americans on an early plane home, with the bronze medals they won in the world championships tucked securely in their luggage. No reason to bring them into the first-class section and show them off because bronze is not the color they were supposed to win.
The finger-pointing will begin before the flight even gets home. Armchair basketball experts will question both the makeup and the motivation of the team, and there will be a debate over whether a healthy Kobe Bryant might have made a difference.
Bryant most likely will be with the team next year as it tries to qualify for the Olympics, but that might turn into more of a negative than a positive. Kobe might be the most selfish player in the game, and if there is anything the Greeks taught us it's that teamwork can trump a lot of talent."
mike
Posted by: Michael Teniente | September 03, 2006 at 10:51 AM
I think that Tim Dahlberg, the writer of the article I posted, wrote that small piece about Kobe because his boys didn't get it done. He called Bryant the most selfish player in the NBA. Why? Because James, Wade, and Anthony couldn't get it done with their team ball? What hyporicy to call Bryant selfish and make comments about how Team USA was warming up. Wasn't all that stuff selfish? Putting on a show for Japan by acting like the Globetrotters? Man, he can't even see his inconsistent writing because of his need to belittle Bryant. Why? Because it's now up to Bryant to bring home the gold. No matter what it's all going to come up roses for Kobe. If Team USA loses with Bryant on the team, no big deal, the international community has caught up. If Team USA wins with Bryant, he's the saviour of American Basketball.
That just kills Tim Dahlberg so he gets his shots in now because it's all about Kobe now and there's nothing he can do about it.
Send in the big boy: KOBE BEAN BRYANT!
mike
Posted by: Michael Teniente | September 03, 2006 at 10:59 AM
Mike T-
wouldnt trading mihm, cook and walton leave the lakers with a thin front court? I dont think bynum can match 10 and 6 that mihm averaged last season even if given the minutes. I understand the lakers survived when mihm went down with his ankle injury but if kwame got hurt...lakers would be a little screwed.
who would come off the bench? Miles or Radmanovic? Neither one of them wants to play second fiddle hence Radmanovic signing with the lakers as opposed to sharing minutes with magette. Even if Miles is a far superior athlete than Radmanovic, wouldnt you agree that Radmanovic is a better fit in the triangle? Miles was never known to be a shooter. just a thought.
Posted by: sixonezero | September 03, 2006 at 11:32 AM
hey !!!!!!!
guess who s back ?
war is over for a while went back to my house but elecricty problems and trying to catch u r posts.
i thank all who asked and worried and prayed for me from the bottom of my heart ,thank u all.
i miss my litle laker family.
now for the basketball,haha ,usa got the boot.ok that was low(lebanon won over france but got beat by 47 (shit i m ashamed) so i cant talk).they did miss kobe,for his heroics,his determination and always playing his heart out.
i m sad that i missed so many arguments.
(ok quick,farmar over smush,kwame over mihm but big baby is always n1 to me)
miss u guys ,glad to be back.
and faith ''the wizard of youtube'' is back.
edwin bro(i saw u asking more than once)(u were my bro before the war) and i saw alot ask and i m sure i missed some but i wanted to thank u specially and all who cared.
and AK stop defending the kids,if i was kobe i would have given them the finger not went and congragulated.so nash stealing the MVP,the croseline,the bad referreing and the entire team giving up in the end(after going past jordanesq effort in game 4) is like lebronze over dribiling the ball.
gaznabi(i m not american but great articale,love the mortal quote haha)
sith_lord(may the force be with u and with the lakers)russel was the most with championship but was not dominating,on the other hand wilt could score and defend like a champ he was the most dominating,russel won the most,kareem won the most MVP and broke wat wilt had forgotten.but Shaq is worthy of such comparision for his three years where he lead us to 3 championships(1 title ,30+pts and 17 rebounds(not sure of the numbers).
Posted by: purple and gold | September 03, 2006 at 11:48 AM
sixonezero,
You make a good point. We survived without Mihm last year. As a matter of fact we excelled. If Kwame Brown goes down having Mihm replacing him does nothing for us. Under Mihm at the 5 spot the Lakers had trouble winning 3 and 4 games in a row. That's already a fact, why would it be any different? Having Brown go down and having Mihm replace him doesn't keep us rolling.
As for who will start, I would go with Miles and have Vlad Rad come off the bench.
mike
Posted by: Michael Teniente | September 03, 2006 at 12:15 PM
Sonny Belfast,
"To correlate (at least parenthetically) with my last post, I'm curious to know in percentages, how many of your readers actually post. I strongly suspect there is a lot of anti Kobe sentiment held by many Laker fans, who for obvious reasons, wouldn't dare to post here"
I don't know those percentages and I'm not sure they're kept.
AK
Posted by: Andrew Kamenetzky | September 03, 2006 at 12:18 PM
Lakofan,
I would disagree about the NBA not being big overseas. Were it not for the NBA's rise in popularity and influence, Team USA wouldn't be finding themselves having harder matches against overseas teams. Those teams becoming better is a direct result of the NBA's importance.
I understand what you're saying about the difference between FIBA and the NBA, but that doesn't matter to me. Sportsmanship is sportsmanship, whether FIBA or little league, and it's something I happen to think is important. Designating one stage as more mandatory for showing sportsmanship is pretty much splitting hairs. Unless you're worried about an international incident or something, I don't see one as better or worse than the other.
As far as Kobe not shaking hands with the Suns, I give him an absolute pass with Bell. I don't think he had any obligation whatsoever, considering the guy blatantly tried to hurt him. In my opinion, Bell's had it out for Kobe for the last couple seasons. I have no idea why, but it's something I've sensed that since about 2004. So if Kobe shines Bell, I have no problem whatsoever.
But the rest of the Suns earned a handshake. The Suns showed plenty of class in that series. Yes, they stood by Bell, but that's what teammates do. They never said, "What Bell did was right," mind you. They just talked about him being frustrated over calls, etc. And that's exactly what the Lakers would have done if the situations were reversed. Are you saying that if LO did the same thing to Diaw (not that he would, but run with it), that the rest of the Lakers would publicly condemn him? Of course not. They'd find ways to "justify" it without truly justifying it. This was pretty standard stuff that irritated Lakers fans because of the situation (playoff series). And I understand the emotions involved (I felt them, too). But if you look past that, the Suns' reaction to Bell was hardly unique.
And I listened to Nash, D'Antoni and others talk in entirety during post-game press conferences and in the locker rooms. They were giving the Lakers plenty of respect. They just thought they were getting the bad end of some calls and complained about it. But complaining about refs is standard NBA action. Phil Jackson has turned it into a high art form. Does it bother you when he does it? Again, not unique to the Suns.
And by the way, I should make something clear. While I think all those in question should have shaken hands, in the grand scheme of things, I also don't think it's that big a deal. I don't want people to think that I'm coming down hard on Kobe (or Wade, etc.) over this. There are much worse things a player can do and in most cases, that particular lack of sportsmanship can be chalked up to emotions. That doesn't excuse the actions, per say. But it does help distinguish a player who's simply upset at the time from a true jerk. In my opinion, Kobe, Wade and LeBron all were the former.
And yes, you did answer the question, even if we don't see eye to eye. Thank you.
AK
Posted by: Andrew Kamenetzky | September 03, 2006 at 12:49 PM
sixonezero, Mike T
I suppose that plan is good, if Bynum become a good center. I have absolutely no doubt he'll develop in a dominant center, but is he able to contribute right now ? A solid 10 minutes a game would be good for me. And that 10 minutes suppose that Kwame don't play 20 minutes anymore, and I'm not sure either he's ready. So, even if Mike T may disagree, I think we should keep Mihm.
In fact, we're in a wait & see mode, right now. Will Kwame develop in a good center and produce a 15/10 this season ? I'm maybe too optimistic, but I think he will. Will Bynum be ready to contribute for a solid 15 minutes *every game* ? Not sure.
So, right now, keeping Mihm is a safe bet. He's not a great center and he should be the back-up, and I hope he will be. I think it's Tom who said that Mihm will push Kwame for a position in the starting five, and I guess he's right. And only for that, Mihm is worth something.
The trade of Walton/Mihm/Cookie for Miles is intriguing. Sure, it brings us a head case, and it may not be the greatest thing to do, but maybe a change of scenery and Miles would become a good player. But that trade makes sense if Brown and Bynum turn into good/great centers. And if they do turn into good centers, I don't think that trade makes sense anymore.
Miles would give us rebounding, athleticism, shot-blocking, and some scoring. If the two centers become good players ? They do all that, but they'd do it better. And Miles is nowhere near Radmanovic as a shooter, so I'd keep Vlad.
In the end, I'm against that trade. Maybe it's the right decision, maybe not. But I'd rather have Mihm and develop our other guys than take a gamble with Miles, without knowing if Kwame and Bynum will help right now. In that case, we would have no centers and a head case. Don't want that.
Saga
PS : it's not the right blog to talk about that, but screw it, everybody loves sports, here. I'm a big tennis fan, and Andre Agassi retired a few hours ago. I still don't realize that I won't see that guy do all his tricks on the court, and I won't see that smile and I won't see this joy of playing ball with the best in the world. Sure, the next generation (Nadal, Baghdatis, Gasquet) will be great to watch, but still. A legend just stopped to play tennis, and the sport won't taste the same anymore. Just wanna say "thank you Andre" for all this years of great tennis, and for being such a great person. Hope you'll enjoy the new part of your life that just begins as much as I enjoyed watching you playing. I'll miss you.
Posted by: Saga | September 03, 2006 at 12:55 PM
I'm sure everyone but me knows this, but when does training camp start?? Please and thank you.
Posted by: 24Tushort08 | September 03, 2006 at 01:05 PM
AK/BK,
How many hits does this blog get on say, and "average" day? I'd almost bet that you boast to your bosses some of those numbers.
Doing our own counts, factoring in multiple posts and other variables, we can do the math to arrive at some ballpark numbers on the percentage of readers who actually post, and other things, don't you think?
Posted by: sonnybelfast | September 03, 2006 at 01:29 PM
24Tushort08,
I see you and others are projecting Kwame Brown as a 15-10 guy for the Lakers to be effective. Kwame at his best, in the month of April, was a 21-8 guy. The numbers won't tell the truth in this matter. It's his defense. Mihm's 10 and 6 didn't tell the truth because we were a 500 team with Mihm at those number. This isn't about number but about defense. The Lakers have scorers what they need is defense. Mihm doesn't give you that no matter if Kwame doesn't get his 15-10 and if Bynum doesn't develope. Mihm as a safety valve if all else fails is failure in and of itself anyway. So why not gamble?
mike
Posted by: Michael Teniente | September 03, 2006 at 01:34 PM
Sorry, that last post was for saga.
mike
Posted by: Michael Teniente | September 03, 2006 at 01:35 PM
Rocky,
Any discussion relating to getting Miles by the Lakers is crazy. MK is smarter than that! Miles is a dog! Also,we probably need to keep Mihm this year, or until Bynum is able to take over the backup C role.
But I can envision a few scenarios where it might make sense to trade Mihm. Any time that the Lakers have an oportunity to obtain a significnt player, in exchange for three role-players, MK would be crazy not to take a look.
As an example, last spring Orlando cleared some signifcant cap space by trading for the expiring contract of Penny Hardaway. By they still have the expiring contract of Grant Hill. They may keep him or they may trade him. I have not heard his name mentioned once in the last three months, but before the injuries took their toll, he was an all-star. Whether he is finlly healed or not is debatable. Whether he would he would be a good fit in the Laker system is also open to opinion.
Dont get me wrong, I am not advocating we trade for Grant Hill. But what I am saying is that there are still quality players in the NBA, who for whatever reason(cap purposes, personality, coaching disagreemens, injury, etc.) may be the missing quality player that the Lakers need to make a serious run for the title.
Its fine to sit around and exclaim (like proud parents) how our talented youngsters are going to become blue-ribbon all-stars and help Kobe to more titles. That may take years.
I am sorry to disagree with our self proclaimed expert LakerTom that we are fine and next year's MLE addition will take us over the top. Sorry, but I dont think so. This team is still missing another good player at the SF or PF position. Since Odom can play either position, it would give the team greater flexability. Using my earlier example, if the team were able to acquire a SF like Hill (or Artest), Odom then could stay at PF. If we were somehow able to target and acquire a PF, Odom would likely revert back to his role at SF.
I can think of litrally dozens of NBA players who could upgrade our roster at those positions. And that doesn't include just a few foreign types who have shown their skills recently in Japan.
Improvement at either Forward position is the most logical because we currently have an abundance of guards, until the team thins them out in training camp and sees who (like cream in a milk container) floats to the top of the pecking order. Same is true of the c positon.
The last thing we need on this team is D. Miles!
Posted by: LakerAl | September 03, 2006 at 01:36 PM
Welcome Back! Purple and Gold...you were missed. We're (your extended laker family here in lakerville) are happy you're okay.
24Tushort08, (by the way what does the name mean, I mean I can guess the 24 and the 8...but the others? lol)---training camp begins in October 4 in my estimation cause they said here (http://www.clublakers.com/index.php/training-camp-day-2/) "Day 2 of Training Camp" and it was Oct.5.
Posted by: Faith | September 03, 2006 at 01:36 PM
Purple and Gold,
Great News. Welcome back. I had been asking about you and looking for you in the Lebanese blogs. I immediately sent your blog to all my extended Lebanese family. They will be happy for you. Start rebuilding as fast as you can. The World did not forget you and has subscribed to a big help for Lebanon.
Lakers are a Family.
Baywood
Posted by: Baywood | September 03, 2006 at 01:57 PM
This blog used to be so cool. I can't believe it's already desintigrated into this mess in less than a year - oh well, it was fun while it lasted, now on to better things.
Posted by: Kevin McK | September 03, 2006 at 02:03 PM
sonny:
Why the disparaging comment about Monrovia. I happened to have lived there as a kid and it was a fine multi-racial community with ties to its sister city Monrovia, Liberia. What happened to the classy and funny guy who was being respectful and accepted as a guest participant in the blog? I was really starting to like him.
Tom
Posted by: LakerTom | September 03, 2006 at 02:19 PM