Know Thy Enemy: Houston, Seattle, New Orleans, Utah
Back by (semi) popular demand! Today we'll take a look at the rest of the Western Conference's lottery squads. While the Baltic Avenues of the West don't shape up as threats this season, this bunch, including the Rockets, Sonics, Hornets and Jazz, could make a little noise. But will they be better or worse than the Lakers?
HOUSTON ROCKETS (34-48 last season)
Big Gains: Traded for Shane Battier, Kirk Snyder.
Big Losses: Traded Stromile Swift. Bob Sura?
Big things were expected from the Rockets last season, with Yao Ming and Tracy McGrady (permanently referred to by Mom as "Yao's friend," since she always draws a blank trying to remember his name), having played a full season as a duo. Instead, the team suffered so many injuries, you expected news of Jeff Van Gundy getting shanked in the shower as a capper. But the talent is there, if stunningly fragile.
After healing up, Yao Ming spent the season's second half newly aggressive and absolutely balling, including a 28 point/11 board/2 block March. With Shaq on the decline (and content to let Wade carry his ass), "NBA's best center" could be Yao's for the taking. T-Mac is labeled by some as a poor man's Kobe Bryant (one hopes he has a rich man's Kobe Bryant health insurance plan), but Kobe-lite still shreds teams on a regular basis. Throw in Shane Battier, who can do just about everything (including take pressure off McGrady), and that's a pretty tough trio, reinforced by solid compliments Juwan Howard, Luther Head, Ryan Bowen, Rafer Alston, Deke "Cookie Monster" Motumbo, Snyder and Sura (assuming injuries don't force retirement, resigning him to life as a Stephen Baldwin impersonator). Then again, should everyone's medical history remain consistent, you could very well end up with Van Gundy's slower-than-a-parked-car offense being run through whoever's capable of walking. We watched that version last season. Ain't pretty.
Final Verdict: This a really tough one to call, since it's entirely health dependent. Should they all stay on the court, Yao-McGrady-Battier could keep Houston running side by side or even slightly ahead of the Purple and Gold. However, I've firmly established myself as a "gotta see it to believe it" kinda guy on this blog, so I'm gonna label them "worse than the Lakers." But an asterisk is understood. (AK)
SEATTLE SUPERSONICS (35-47 last season)
Big Gains: Drafted Mouhamed Saer Sene (not so much a big gain as a tall one), Denham Brown, Yotam Halperin, and brought '05 pick Mickael Gelabale over from Spain.
Big Losses: Traded Mikki Moore (and all his reptiles) for a second rounder in '09.
After a surprising '04-'05 campaign that saw them win 52 games and the Northwest, the Sonics took a serious step backward last year. And unless the NBA decides to award teams an extra five wins for every inexperienced, raw, below-the-legal-drinking-age center that they keep on the roster, they're one of the few W.C. squads shaping up to be worse this year than last. Most of the speculation around the team this summer has centered around where they'll play and who will sign the checks, as opposed to finding better players to receive them. Yes, they've still got Ray Allen and Rashard Lewis, but after that, the talent level drops off the Space Needle. Luke Ridnour is a solid player, as is Earl Watson. Nick Collison doesn't hurt anyone. Chris Wilcox, who is likely to return, if only on a one year tender deal, played well for Seattle after coming over from the Clips. Good players all, but nothing that excites you, and maybe just a mite backcourt heavy?
Even with Wilcox, there may not be a team in basketball with a more questionable frontcourt than the Sonics. They seem to be collecting young projects in the post with the enthusiasm of sci-fi geeks hoarding commemorative Star Wars glasses from Burger King. Robert Swift, Johan Petro, and Sene have a total of three years experience between them, and all need more work than a rusted out Chevette. Seattle was so weak on the boards last year that Wilcox, whose motor was constantly questioned in L.A., was easily their best rebounder at 8.2 a game. Sure he played well, but it would have been almost impossible for him not to be a force on Seattle's glass. They were among the worst rebounding teams in the league, especially on the defensive end (Reggie Evans, who only played 20 minutes a game before being traded to Denver, was second on the team with 6.7 RPG). Combine those problems with their tendency to let other teams score with Scott Baio-esque frequency (Seattle allowed 105.6 ppg, an NBA worst), and it paints an ugly picture.
Final Verdict: In a conference headed north, Seattle's going the wrong way. Much worse than the Lakers. (BK)
NEW ORLEANS/OKLAHOMA CITY HORNETS (38-44)
Big Gains: Traded for Tyson Chandler. Signed Peja Stojakovic, Bobby Jackson. Drafted Hilton Armstrong and Cedric Simmons.
Big Losses: Traded P.J. Brown, Kirk Snyder, J.R. Smith. Lost Speedy Claxton and Aaron Williams to free agency. Waived Moochie Norris (which is actually irrelevant, but he's one of my favorite scrub players, so I'll throw him in there).
Remember how Melrose Place started out as a totally unwatchable, boring piece of crap on the verge of getting canceled, then Heather Locklear joined the cast and it became awesome? That's basically the effect Chris Paul had on the Hornets. People talk about how dependent the Lakers are on Kobe. And that's often been the case. But the Hornets' relationship with CP could be summed up in two words: Crackhead. Pipe. Do you even remember how God awful these guys were just a season earlier? And with all due respect to '05-06 addition Desmond Mason (solid on both sides of the ball and likely the NBA's best artist) and the strides made by F David West (2nd in MIP balloting), Paul made it happen. Beyond anybody's craziest of dreams.
Cue aggressive overhaul.
Whether "aggressive" equals "overpaid and overrated" has divided many an NBA analyst. But even if none of the new additions are worth their paycheck, they all have their uses. Chandler is pricey for a guy without a go-to move, but he's an energetic rebounder and defender (West can provide the front court scoring). The way too expensive Stojakovic is older and injury-prone, but can stroke it from the French Quarter and moves well without the rock. Me thinks Paul will find him for a lot of wide open looks. And for the 40 games Jackson's healthy (I don't remember which reader calls Jax "The Suit," since he's always wearing one on the sidelines, but it's a great nickname), he gives them scoring, D, and serious nads. Plus, he's taking over for Claxton, who's always hurt anyway. And bottom line, if anyone can spark automatic meshing, it's Paul. He's the best rook point guard to emerge in eons. And if CP's running of a less talented squad indicates anything, these Hornets could pack a mighty... wait for it... sting.
Final Verdict: These guys upgraded, but so have other teams. The West is seriously tough. And even if the Lakers improve by just 3 wins, I'm skeptical as to whether NO/OKC's new parts equal the 11 necessary to pass them. They'll finish behind the Lakers (although not by enough to breathe easy). (AK)
UTAH JAZZ (41-41)
Big Gains: Drafted Ronnie Brewer, Dee Brown, and Paul Millsap (no relation to Ronnie, in either blood or spelling). Traded for Derek Fisher and Rafael Araujo, resigned Matt Harpring and Jarron Collins.
Big Losses: Traded Devin Brown, Keith McCloud, and Andre Owens to GSW, Kris Humphries and Robert Whaley to Toronto, while Greg Ostertag (mercifully) retired.
Two years ago, I had Utah in the playoffs, and they were terrible. Last year, I thought they'd struggle and they nearly cracked the playoff ladder. Maybe I'm the wrong guy to make an evaluation on these guys? They were basically a .500 team both with and without Carlos Boozer last year, so it's hard to say a healthy season from the big PF will be the difference maker, even if the words "healthy" and "Carlos Boozer" could be put in the same sentence without causing laughter. Utah has a great player in Andre Kiralenko, and some good ones in Boozer, Mehmet Okur (who at 18/9 probably tops the NBA's Unknown Production Team), and Harpring, plus some potential in Deron Williams and Brewer. While I'm not sure I'd have been running out to add his contract to my payroll, acquiring Derek Fisher will help take pressure off Williams and bolster Utah's backcourt. There's theoretically enough talent to challenge for a playoff spot, but Utah will have to find more scoring. 92 points a game is even boring in Utah.
They'll also have to fix a point differential (-2.6, worse than six lottery teams) that suggests they were lucky in '04-'05 to finish with at .500. I have a sneaking suspicion Utah will be this year what they were last year- a group that isn't talented enough to beat good teams that play to their capabilities, but will frustrate good teams on off nights. They won't blow into the gym and wipe people out. If the chips fall their way, they could contend for a playoff spot. But given the improvement around the conference, it'll be a tough road in for the Jazz.
Final Verdict: Almost a litmus test for playoff hopefuls in the West, like one of those signs you see heading onto a roller coaster. "You must be at least as tall as the Utah Jazz to ride this playoff ride." Being better than them won't necessarily get you in, but being worse means you're definitely out. Fortunately for the Lakers, they're on the top side of the hand. (BK)
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Fearless,
Thank you for that super eloquent response about Kobe's charity work.
Posted by: Rocky | August 15, 2006 at 12:12 PM
It probably belongs in a separate thread or post, but I’m curious about the ramifications of the salary cap/luxury tax on the Lakers this year, and next year.
If I understand it simply, the Lakers are presently carrying $76.5 million in salaries this year, and that princely sum includes the last year of Brian Grant’s contract which is some $15.5 million but reputedly do not count towards the cap.
Reportedly the cap this year is $65.4 million per team so if you subtract Grant’s $15.5M from the $76.5M, does that mean that the Lakers are (a) under the cap and (b) has some $3.5M it could still spend?
What exactly is the Mid Level Exception and the other exceptions?
The Lakers have guaranteed Kobe, LO, Kwame and Evans $43.5M for next year, and have options for Cook, Sasha and Bynum of approx $6M, but does the $5.2 for Vald the Impaler count? How much will the Lakers have to “pursue an All-Star caliber free agent” next year, assuming the cap is near where it is this year?
Posted by: Glenn | August 15, 2006 at 12:14 PM
I think the guys the Lakers have, are the one who will go to war with each other come training camp. Minus whoever's on the bubble. Smush will be the starter until somebody else snatches that from him. I actually think he will win the job hands down come camp. He is not a dumb kid and he wants to prove he belongs. He has to do that all along this season being no diff and I think it could easily make or break him but I could be wrong. I also believe it was mentioned by the Lakers coaching staff following Smush's exit interview, some of the things he needed to address during the offseason. And he stated maintained he'd be working on his midrange game and some other techniques. He's had the whole summer to digest what happened in the Playoffs. So no doubt he comes back hyped! He's a talented kid and can definitely become better and maybe even the point guard we need.
LAKERS RYDE OR DIE FOREVER
KOBE24 MVP 2007
Posted by: lakersrydeordie | August 15, 2006 at 12:26 PM
Hey Fearless:
Another poignant example of why 8/24 is damned if he does, damned if he doesn't right? Kudo's to 8/24 for doing something! And as far as educational system goes, that's why this writer's little one's (at great personal sacrifice) are in private school and not entrusted to hands of the state). I'd hate to be 8/24 and the place that he resides in this society. He shoots too much, he pouted and didn't shoot enough, he needs to trust the team more, but the team won't shoot.....around and around the criticism goes.
Well written Fearless, teachers rock!
Posted by: onesocalkid | August 15, 2006 at 01:10 PM
Andrew Z,
I have to disagree with one of your points:
"Kwame Brown developing a 12-15 spot up jumper "
That is not a key to this season-he needs to develop a five-foot-and-in game first.
Posted by: exhelodrvr | August 15, 2006 at 01:35 PM
Glenn,
The cap this year is actually $52-$53 million, but the luxury tax threshold is around $65 (I think). Either way, they're two different things. As for Brian Grant, his contract counts against the salary cap this year, but not the luxury tax because he was waived under a one time clause. Next year the cap will be about $55 million (I've heard) and like you mentioned, with Kobe, LO, Kwame, Vlad, Farmar, Bynum, and Evans all under contract we're basically capped out right there. We get the MLE every year, which is about $5 million per, regardless of where you stand in regards to the cap.
In summation, we have a snowball's chance in hell of landing an All-Star free agent unless they decide to play for the MLE (KG opting out of his owed $40 mil to play for us and $5 mil?--yeah right), or we acquire them in a sign and trade, where salaries would have to match up. So, unless we deal LO and/or Kwame, we won't have cap room to sign anyone of more consequence than say, Vlad Radmanovic (who seems pretty cheap compared to the $8 mil a year Chris Wilcox just got).
Posted by: Andrew Z | August 15, 2006 at 01:37 PM
*****THE FRANCHISES OF CHAMPIONS*****
wiZo:
While I never thought about it before, it’s interesting to see how LA’s football fans have adjusted to not having an NFL team. The result is strange to say the least.
There obviously are Raider fans who continue to support the team even though Al won their hearts, stole their money, and shafted them just like Oakland. Their loyalty is only surpassed by the fans in Oakland, who didn’t learn the first time and let Al screw them twice. The only real question is will LA join the twice-screwed list along with Oakland and let the Raiders move back. It’s a new definition of die-hard.
LA uniquely owns the distinction of being the only city to actually lose “two” NFL teams, just as San Diego is the only city to lose “two” NBA teams. Even years after Georgia took her lame act and team to St. Louis, there still appear to be remnants of Ram fans in LA. It’s pretty bad when you have to root for the “St. Louis” Rams.
Finally, there are the Niner fans in SoCal, an unusual conglomeration of ex-Raider and ex-Ram fans who jumped on the 49ers bandwagon during the glory years and now consider the Niners to be their team. These are only “smart” football fans in LA. They realize that the Niners share the same type of legacy in the NFL as the Lakers do in the NBA.
The Lakers and the Niners are truly the franchises of champions. Last year, the Niners, winners of 5 Super Bowls and the NFL franchise that stands for HOF quarterbacks, drafted Alex Smith to be the next great 49er quarterback to lead them to the Super Bowl. Last year, the Lakers, winner of 11 NBA championships and the NBA franchise that stands for HOF centers, drafted Andrew Bynum to be the next great Laker center to lead them to the NBA Finals.
So for those football fans who appreciate a franchise that sets the standard for HOF quarterbacks and has never lost a Super Bowl, welcome to the 49ers Bandwagon. Last year’s 4-Win Bandwagon has been replaced by this year’s 10-Win Bandwagon. Bill Walsh himself has now proclaimed that Mike Nolan has the 49ers moving in the right direction and that Alex Smith is beginning to look like he is going to develop into an outstanding quarterback. Frank Gore will be next great running back in the NFL and Vernon Davis will redefine the tight end position. Like the Lakers, the Niners are on the move back towards championship contention.
Tom
Posted by: LakerTom | August 15, 2006 at 02:09 PM
exhelodrvr,
You're right, I kind of put the cart before the horse on that one.
I was just thinking that a lot of time in the Triangle the guy who receives the pass at the elbow waits for a couple cutters and often when he pivots to face the basket he's left relatively open. That's why a player like Luc Longley and Horace Grant made a living playing in the Triangle, they were good from that distance. For that matter, a player like Brad Miller would excel in the Triangle.
You are right though, the dude needs to learn to walk before he runs.
Posted by: Andrew Z | August 15, 2006 at 02:24 PM
I think we all wish Kwame would deliver.....
Yet, I can't seem to forget him taking passes off the side of his dome more than once...
Little hands of stone....
Posted by: onesocalkid | August 15, 2006 at 02:32 PM
Andrew,
Kwame needs to learn to catch, first. If he can just catch the ball this year, he would be great. He's always camped under the basket because no one can dislodge him. Plus, he's so quick he usually gets there first, anyway.
Just. Catch. The. Ball.
--Fearless
PS. Thanks Rocky and Onesocalkid for the props. I just hope I haven't made teachers look bad with any of my previous posts. :)
Posted by: Fearless | August 15, 2006 at 02:41 PM
You know, it really is comical how our season rests in the hands of a dude who routinely allows a perfect dime bounce right off his forehead and out of bounds. I can just imagine Brian Shaw talking to Kwame on the sidelines telling him to, "just get me the ball!", the same way that Gene Hackman told that lineman in his football movie (which name eludes me right now).
I mean, dude is always standin' right there ready to make something happen if he can just catch the dang ball.
--Fearless
Posted by: Fearless | August 15, 2006 at 02:47 PM
BTW Fearless, (& Chris),
I think it was that great American author Samuel Clemens (Mark Twain) who once eruditely quipped: "There are no uneducated travelers!"
Nothing broadens the horizons of our perspectives, conciousness and knowledge the way travel does.
Posted by: Glenn | August 15, 2006 at 03:13 PM
Fearless,
Judging by your posts, you represent the profession well.
Niner fans,
You guys are dreaming if you think you're going to make the playoffs anytime soon. The Niners need a couple more good drafts to get to that level. My point is, the Chargers are the best team in the state of California, and the NFL for that matter. LT is the greatest running back since Barry Sanders, Gates is the best tight end ever, and Rivers is going to prove that he is at the level of Eli and Big Ben. And the Charger defense is tough, real tough.
Imagine having Wilt plugging up the middle, Pippen and Jordan roaming the perimeter, with Rodman and Bruce Bowen. That's how the Charger defense is.
This year will prove the Chargers to be unstoppable, lifting LT to legendary status. Bank on it.
And the Padres will come back to win the NL west. Believe it.
As a teacher myself, I hope I didn't make the profession look bad with my fanaticism. haha!
Posted by: Rocky | August 15, 2006 at 03:39 PM
Laker Tom, It is good to here that the 49drs are back on the right track I have been a long time 49rs fan my wish lsit for them is 8 and 8. If we can do that this year we have made some serious strides in the right direction.
Posted by: The big chill | August 15, 2006 at 03:51 PM
Sorry to post about the Niners but... The kind of accident/fate that brought Bartolo, Walsh and Montana and Lott and the rest of those guys together runs along approximately the same schedule as Halley's comet -- maybe when the comet comes back you will see another group like that in San Francisco. At least most of us have a decent chance of living long enough to see another Lakers championship. Not so with the Niners. I waited more than 15 years for that team to happen, and it will be a lot longer than that before it will happen again. But man they were worth waiting for, that is the truth.
Posted by: Guity | August 15, 2006 at 04:14 PM
Fearless, TrueLakerFan
I like that Farmar ranking. Not to pat myself on the back, but I have thought and posted since the draft that for the Lakers, drafting Farmar was just like having a #12 or #13 pick. There were not a whole lot of players that were better in this draft. Also, usually for the good point guards, they are able to step in right away, and it takes awhile for the big guys.
Posted by: Ken | August 15, 2006 at 06:35 PM
Fearless
Well said and it just goes to show how ppl are never satisfied with what Kobe or any rich person ever does. Kobe worked for his money and he get to chose how to spend. That also means he gets to chose to donate money or not donate it. Ppl should just thank him and move on. Go at the athletes that dont do any charity work or any donations.
Rocky
"Niner fans,
You guys are dreaming if you think you're going to make the playoffs anytime soon."
Im not sure if anyone thinks theyll be making the playoffs anytime soon. As a Niner fan I just want them to improve and the NFL is a sport where teams can have a complete turnaround (im not saying the Niners will) but as a fan its just keeping the faith that your team will improve. Just like all us Laker fans hope the Lakers did enough to improve and have another great season. NFL is different from the NBA and you never know how good the Niners will be.
Posted by: Shady | August 15, 2006 at 07:14 PM
this is courtesy of Eddie "case of mistaken identity" Johnson over at hoops hype.
Do you think that the addition of Vladimir Radmanovic will help the Lakers advance in the playoffs of for that matter even make it?
– Glenn W. Murray (City of Industry, California)
EJ: No. The Lakers need one more big-time scorer. Lamar Odom is very good, but he has too many quiet games. They need someone else to take over the offense when Kobe is having a rare off night or on the bench. If they find that person, then watch out!
Any thoughts?
Posted by: marc | August 15, 2006 at 08:06 PM
Ken,
I'll pat myself on the back, too. I posted on this blog the night before the draft that the Lakers would draft Farmar and that he would make a difference and that he would start at least a few games by the end of the season. So far, I'm 1 of 3, with my second prediction looking more and more probable. We even have a Start Farmar bandwagon posted and documented on this blog (because some would like to say they always knew, but have no proof of life -- you know, like how there were 50,000 people who saw Wilt score 100 points).
Maybe I'll pat your back while you pat mine. Better yet, everyone on the Bandwagon list should pat the back of the person to his/her left.
:)
--Fearless
PS: I just figured out why blogging is so cool. It is the electronic version of that soap box they used to put in the middle of the town square ready for anyone to ascend and state their mind. Only with blogging, there are an infinite number of soap boxes lined up, each for a different overall subject, and a different audience that just hangs on every word of the person currently standing on top of it. Very cool.
Posted by: Fearless | August 15, 2006 at 09:05 PM
Marc,
I see no reason why Vlad Rad shouldn't have a career year. It's L.O.'s game to be a complete players and distribute to his teammates. Kobe is execellent in dishing out assists as well. Vlad Rad likes to put it up, so he should be a major part of the offense. No he hasn't had the mintutes to put up major numbers, but he should have a career year for sure.
Fearless,
Yeah I'm n the starting 5 of the Farmar bandwagon. I think it will be best to start him and bring Smush in off of the bench for scoring.
Posted by: Ken | August 15, 2006 at 09:21 PM
Marc,
Umm....get cupcake to trade Mihm for Jamal Crawford. Mihm gives the knicks a much needed big body at center and Crawford gives us a natural born scorer. Crawford can get a bit out of control and is just passable on defense, however he has the potential to drop 30 on any given night. Just what you need for those rare Kobe off nights.
Speaking of off nights, I've been thinking about that notorious game 7 lately. Whilst I don't agree that Kobe quit, I do hope that he's made a pact with himself that if the situation should ever arise again, he'll go out guns blazing. Team work is great, but when you're down by 30 in the 4th quater, that's when you need a legendary performance from a dude capable of dropping 62 in 3 quaters, and 81 in a game. 30 points in a quater is insane...but so is Kobe's game. He should have tried, f**k the game plan.
Let's be clear though, I'm not saying my man quit. I just think maybe he's listening to the media a bit too much lately, and trying to be an ideal teammate. The Kobe I know always tries, the one in game 7 just stopped trying...o sh*t he did quit didn't he. Oh well, we all have our off days. But damn Kobe, ain't u supposed to be superman. Here's hoping the next time it happens, you'll go out 0-50 in the 4th quater if you have to...and f**k the media. Oh snap 0-50 in the 4th quater, but what about your teammates, damn I ain't know you're dat selfish.
Nah my man didn't stopped trying, he just tried in a different way, he gave the rock to his teammates. Next time they'll all do a better job, his teammates will knock down more of those shots and my boy Kobe will find a better balance btw going out 0-50 imma fight till my last breath, and dishing out 50 assists if y'all gonna gang up on me imma let my boys do the work.
In Kobe we trust,
Go Lakers
Posted by: Taliq | August 16, 2006 at 07:12 AM
Lakertom,
Youre lucky you are a fan of great franchises. I thought about this recently when my friend mentioned that Mark Gubicza entered the KC Royals Hall of Fame. He had a 132-136 record and 4 ERA. It made me think how lucky we are to have a great franchise...and that we dont have to retire players jersey's like AC Green or Paul LoDuca.
At the same time, I have to give props to someone who stays loyal to their team and supports their team even when they suck. I'm lucky that I grew up on the Lakers. Unfortunately, the year I started watching football as a kid was 1985...the year the Bears dominated everyone. So in a way I was a bandwagon fan (hey, i was a kid) but at least Ive stayed loyal since then. So I cant hate on Raider fans...despite the owner and moving. When it comes down to it, ultimately, youre a fan of the team, not the owner, coaches, or even the players. And I wouldnt want anyone to jump ship. I could never understand anyone who changes from one team to another (unless you actually move to that city or something). If you can change teams, how much can you have liked them in the first place? I remember several years ago my roomate suddenly switched from a "Laker fan" to a Clipper fan....i couldnt even look at the guy for 2 weeks.
Posted by: wiZo | August 16, 2006 at 08:53 AM
News: Wilcox signs for three years with Sonics.
>_<
Posted by: dan the man >_< aka smushcalade | August 16, 2006 at 09:02 AM
Taliq,
Interestingly, I was thinking about that game 7 too out of nowhere. From the beginning Ive defended Kobe. I still do for the most part. It must be tough to be that good, and to try to rely on your teamates while watching them throw up bricks. Kobe says that in game 7, he simply "stuck to the script". Im sure Kobe and Phil had discussions on strategy and decided to stick to the script. The problem is, that script stopped working in game 5. Now, Phil is a great coach in many respects....but he is a terrible terrible coach in terms of game-time adjustments. (He's been good at game to game adjustments in the past (but obviously not the Suns series) but even then I wonder how much of that is Tex and his staff helping him. And even in the Suns series Tex mentioned that Phil didnt really listen to his advice.) Phil is as egotistical and stubborn as you can get. Still, at the time I thought, at least Kobe had the composure to stick to the script....but at the same time, it does show a level of unflexibility.
But we also have to keep in mind, that there was one really positive thing about the way that series played out. Its not so much that Kobe quit. Its more like, he knew it was bad, and decided to be the captain that goes down with the ship. Its like a captain trying to motivate his crew, even tho he thinks they are going to sink. So although he got trashed in the media, I really think he earned a new respect from his teamates. If Kobe had gone down shooting, his teamates would feel like Kobe just doesnt trust them and that wouldnt be great for next season. (and heck, Kobe woulda been trashed in the media anyways, as a selfish ballhog that hates his teamates.) So ultimately I blame Phil more than anyone else. Still, I wish Kobe coulda taken at least a FEW more shots. =)
Posted by: wiZo | August 16, 2006 at 10:07 AM
WiZo,
That is just about the funniest story I've heard in a while. Maybe you should have reminded your roomate that Fan means Fanatic and that Fanatics CAN'T jump ship.
--Fearless
Posted by: Fearless | August 16, 2006 at 10:54 AM
WiZo,
You put it so well, I almost don't feel worthy of a comment. But, I do think that by passing to his teammates in the face of certain defeat, Kobe earned more respect from his teammates. That bodes well for this season. Also, all PJ had to do was tell Kobe, "handle it" and you know what would have happened.
Plus, the other players now know, and I mean KNOW, that there is no division between Kobe and Jax. They are on the same page whatever happens. There won't be any more petty Shaq/Kobe stuff happening in this loker room.
If Jax says it. It is law. Even to Kobe. That is a very strong statement. If you don't think so, just look at some of the other locker rooms around the league that are litterally falling apart at the seams.
--Fearless
Posted by: Fearless | August 16, 2006 at 11:11 AM
They reported yesterday that Wilcox signed a deal for 3yrs 24mil. I just read an article that says only 19.5 of it is guaranteed. If thats true...that is ridiculously cheap!
http://www.thenewstribune.com/sports/story/6029950p-5294107c.html
Fearless,
haha, if you think thats funny, i should say the story of when we found a big piece of poo under our couch. ...but saving it for when AK starts a "Poo Under the Couch" Blog.
Posted by: wiZo | August 16, 2006 at 11:35 AM
Fearless/Wizo,
The optimism is cool, but i wonder why none of kobe's teammates really stepped up for him when the media was busy bashing him for game 7. You'd think someone would step up to the mike and go...leave our boy alone, we love him.
And umm...yea phil layed a big fat egg on this one. But oh well, he's hopefully learnt a thing or two as well.
In Kobe we trust,
Go Lakers
Posted by: Taliq | August 16, 2006 at 11:35 AM
Taliq
i heard that Luke Walton stepped up for him, maybe his teammates did too. . .just seems like no one was paying them much attention huh
Posted by: joninjapan | August 16, 2006 at 12:31 PM
wiZO,
Are you serious about Wilcox for $8 mil a year is cheap? The guy has done NOTHING except show up tall. This has been the worst year for comletely overpaying players from Peja to Nene to Wilcox. Thank god the Lakers stayed away from this mess.
Posted by: Andrew Z | August 16, 2006 at 01:26 PM
joninjapan,
Oh...that was a weak endorsement by Luke. Rather than come out and express outrage, like yo my man stood by us, wdf is this quit stuff about. He said he hadn't heard much about it cuz he'd been up in the mountains, but that sure kobe stuck to the game plan. Not to be picky like kobe's unrelenting critics, but i just expected more emotion from Luke on the subject. And moreso, what was the stuff about him being in the mountains? It's like when your in school and they ask, who broke the glass, and cause you dont want to rat out the other guy, you go...umm i was in the bathroom when it happened.
And besides Luke, where was the outpoor of love for kobe from his teammates after game 7. Surely best damn sports, tnt, would have loved to have lamarr, smush, n co on for a few. But maybe I'm just looking at it from the wrong angle, maybe we should just be glad none of his teammates came out and said something negative, now the media would have run with that.
I really dont care whether kobe and his teammates are best of friends. They just need to bring that ship back home.
In Kobe we trust,
Go Lakers
Posted by: Taliq | August 16, 2006 at 01:47 PM
Andrew Z,
I think 8 million is very fair. Considering his size and upside...thats pretty much the going rate for a guy with that size/athleticism. The reason I said it was ridiculously cheap is that the article claimed that the deal was actually for 19.5 million with incentives up to 24 million. But these incentives will not be easy to get. So for the base salary of 6.5 mil a year...yes, i think that is really cheap!
Especially comparing that to the deals Nene and Gooden got (6yr 60something mil, 3yr 23mil respectively) Wilcox seems like a steal.
Of course your point is valid in that basically everyone got overpaid. But thats not new, in today's league, you almost have to overpay on an upside big man. So you might think Wilcox will suck and thats fine. Nene and Wilcox have shown flashes here and there but nothing substantial. I happen to think that Wilcox will pan out and be totally worth it. This guy was a beast in college and buried behind Brand till last year. The ONLY thing I wonder about is his work ethic...but he has the tools to be really good.
Posted by: wiZo | August 16, 2006 at 01:51 PM
Andrew Z,
Did we really stay away from the mess? 6 mil a year for vlad? Still not sure why we didn't offer that dough to marcus banks, not only did we not get much needed help in the back court, but our division rival phoenix picked him up. If vlad shows up with a game that resembles slava's game, I say let's have a cupcake party and be done with mitch once and for all
Posted by: Taliq | August 16, 2006 at 01:52 PM
taliq
thanks for that info, id only heard that luke had said something, i hadnt heard what hed actually said
and here i was thinking he was a good guy heh
Posted by: joninjapan | August 16, 2006 at 01:59 PM
Taliq,
I think the Vlad deal was above average. We definitely filled a need in getting a shooter, and he could be considered a poor man's Peja (or rich man's B. Cook) if you want to look at it that way. For the MLE I thought Kupchak did well. I definitely think giving that money to Banks would have been a bad idea. He would have been fine with a two year deal, but signing him to longer would have made the Farmar pick a waste.
I just think Wilcox has been a disappointment up until the last month or so of the season, and if that's enough to get him $8 mil a year, good for him, dude's gotta get paid.
I'll tell you, with Nene, Gooden, and Wilcox getting these deals it sure makes Kwame's $8.5 look really damn good, wouldn't you say?
Posted by: Andrew Z | August 16, 2006 at 03:24 PM
wiZO: you hit the nail on the head! I was pretty pissed after the whole thing went down. Kobe was being dissed everywhere. Many of my friends were hating on him saying "he is not Jordan!" I defended him and still do, but those who want to hate, hate. Anyway, as for game 6, I blame Kobe's teammates and definitely Phil for the loss in that game. Phil most of all. Kobe won that game and the team and Phil lost it for us. I was so pissed. We're up by 3 and we can't foul or make sure no one gets off 3 a pointer!! HELLO?!?!?!? anyway, Phil's stubborness is an asset in many situations but not all and I truly believe we might have made it to the Western Conference Finals and would have beaten Dallas --IMO.
Posted by: marc | August 16, 2006 at 03:47 PM
Rocky:
A Laker fan from San Diego? I guess you had no choice after San Diego lost both NBA franchises and will thus never get another.
The Chargers are still a good team but Phillip Rivers is still there big unknown for them. He could end of being a Ryan Leaf type disaster if he doesn’t pan out. They may really miss letting Drew Brees go.
I actually follow the Chargers as my Dad lives in San Diego and loves the Chargers. Gives me something to talk to old Dad about. He loved Drew Brees and is worried to death that Rivers will be a dud.
Tom
Posted by: LakerTom | August 16, 2006 at 04:40 PM
The big chill:
Always glad to meet another Niner fan.
Great movie if you are old enough to have seen it. I’ll add you to my Niners mini-blog roster. I really think we can win 8 games this year. Nolan has done a great job revamping the offense and Alex is finally looking like the player we were hoping for. Did you see the comments that Bill Walsh made? He thought the Niners looked great against the Bears and thinks Nolan is doing a super job turning the team around.
Tom
Posted by: LakerTom | August 16, 2006 at 04:41 PM
Guilty:
Are you still a Niner fan? I know that York, Nolan, and Smith don’t sound have the same ring yet as DeBartalo, Walsh, and Montana did, but that original accident/fate is eerily reproducing itself in San Francisco again.
A new owner takes over (DeBartalo/York) and screws up and hires wrong GM (Joe Thomas/Terry Donahue), then fires him and hires great new head coach (Walsh/Nolan), who drafts a great quarterback (Montana/Smith) who then triumphantly takes the Niners to football greatness.
Tom
Posted by: LakerTom | August 16, 2006 at 04:42 PM
Ken:
I agree with you on the Farmar ranking as well as the fact that it is easier for a good point guard to break into the starting lineup than a big man. Good post.
Tom
Posted by: LakerTom | August 16, 2006 at 04:43 PM
Shady:
The Lakers and the Niners are Franchises of the Champions. And they both are on the way back.
Tom
Posted by: LakerTom | August 16, 2006 at 04:43 PM
START-FARMER BANDWAGON - 18 BLOGGERS STRONG!
Fearless:
Just to let everybody know who are the Farmar backers on the blog.
STARTING-5:
LakerTom (7/11/06)
joninjapan (7/12/06)
lakerschamps07 (7/12/06)
RespectMyAuthoritah (7/13/06)
Ken (7/13/06)
OTHER MEMBERS:
AB (7/13/06)
utzworld (7/13/06)
Jon Kavulic (7/14/06)
Bryan Kim (7/14/06)
onesocalkid (7/14/06)
The big chill (7/14/06)
LakerFaze (7/14/06)
Fearless (7/14/06)
Brylle (7/21/06)
Roky (7/22/06)
wilcox2020 (7/23/06)
Lakers4life (7/23/06)
Jay Jay (7/24/06)
This is a fan-friendly bandwagon. Just sign up when you are finally convinced the Jordan Farmar is ready to be our starting point guard. Seats are guaranteed for any true Laker fan who wishes to join the consensus.
Thanks.
Tom
Posted by: LakerTom | August 16, 2006 at 04:43 PM
wiZo:
You are right that I am extremely lucky to be a fan of great franchises. However, I am old enough to have endured some horrendous down stretches, even for my beloved Yankees.
It is interesting how we become fans of the teams that we end up rooting for. I actually grew up in the Wisconsin and Illinois, moved to SoCal when I started high school, and then to NorCal when I was 30. While regional loyalties influenced my choice of football teams (Chicago Cardinals and San Francisco 49ers), it was players (Micky Mantle and Wilt Chamberlain) that influenced my choice of baseball and basketball teams.
In baseball, my first and only team has always been the Yankees and Micky Mantle was my first and all-time favorite player. I have personally been part of 10 Yankee World Series championships, starting with the win over the Brooklyn Dodgers in 1958, when Don Larson threw his perfect game, which I watched on TV. What most people don’t remember, however, was the 18 years from 1978 through 1996 when the Joe Torre era began, when the Yankees were a terrible team. So I have paid my dues as well as enjoyed my wins.
In football, I grew up as a Chicago Cardinals fan, followed them through their move to St. Louis but finally switched allegiances to the Niners when Walsh took over after I became disgusted at the inept Cardinals owner Bill Bidwell. Needless to say, it was the perfect time to switch as I was able to be part of five Super Bowl wins. Then came the problems with Eddie and what has become a 12 year drought for 49er fans. Now with Nolan, we finally are on the road back to the Super Bowl and should surprise everybody with a .500 record this year, the playoffs next year, and the Super Bowl the year after. We are the only team, by the way, to never lose in the Super Bowl.
In basketball, I grew up as a Wilt Chamberlain fan and my favorite team was always whomever Wilt played for. When he retired from the Lakers, I remained a Laker fan and have been ever since. Needless to say, being a Laker fan has been great, with our longest drought being the 7 years between the Wilt/West championship and the first Magic/Kareem championships.
I have seen each of my teams win championships, fall out of favor, and rebuild back to the championship level several times. As a result, I have a unique long term perspective and history that allows me to see when the cycle is turning and when the signs of a turnaround are real. That is probably why my posts seem overly optimistic to many bloggers, but as Jon K might say, all of my team’s biorhythms are all peaking right now, including the Lakers.
I agree that I am extremely fortunate to be able to say that my Lakers, 49ers, and Yankees are the Franchises of Champions.
Tom
Posted by: LakerTom | August 16, 2006 at 04:47 PM
WiZo,
As usual you provide wisdom in criticizing the team in Game 7 tho' you were really puting the blame on Phil for not making the adjustment. That was the argument of Mike T. when they lost that he did not call the time out, he did not activate D'George, he did not ask Kobe to take over the game, he did not use the veterans players much.
Well, I looked at it differently, he made the adjustments, tried for several plays but our boys were shooting BRICKS, they could not defend the pick and roll, they were committing too many turnovers so it's too late to do any kind of adjustment. Basically, that is the reason why we need a mix of new breed of players lots of energy for offense and defense but you also need the veterans who have the experience and the will to compete during the stretch of the playoffs. We created a bandwagon for the season but the season is really for rookies and averaged guys while the playoffs are for the superstars and the experienced playes, that's were they play and give their best. This was shown during the Miami vs. Dallas games. Miami Heats won due to experience and true grit on defense exhibited by Alonzo and other role players including Shaq in supporting D'Wade but it's all calculated risk including the ball possessions and calling of time outs. In the case of Lakers playoffs, after Game 6, PJ knew his pieces are not good enough to compete against the Suns. They could not guard those perimeter marksmen, failed to stop Nash and Co. slashing in the post. I hope with this new brand of guards and the help Vlad, history will not repeat. If they don't make the playoffs for this year, Mitch Kupchalk should resign!
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | August 16, 2006 at 09:40 PM
Kobe in G7 did what he was asked. In the first half, he shot a high percentage and scored a lot of points to keep us within the same zip code as PHX. In the second half, he went back to the strategy that had more or less been successful in the first six games, trying to get his teammates to come along for the ride.
The problem (and in Game 6, too) was that the rest of the team tightened up and shot a horrible percentage (as inexperienced teams often do). Even with the rest of the team's problems, if the big boys on the inside could have picked up 1 defensive rebound in 3 chances in Game 6, or if Kwame had the prescence of mind to foul Thomas when he got the ball, we are most likely moving on. How was that even possible? Kobe had a game for the ages in Game 6, making several hero shots near the end.
The worst thing we can do is pay attention to the media (particularly ESPN or Charles Barkley). These are people who blasted Kobe for shooting too much in Game 6 then three days later blasted him again for doing exactly what they said in Game 7. These same so-called experts didn't say boo when LeBron James put up a much worse Game 7 effort against Detroit. The ESPN gang has been busy ripping Kobe this summer because he doesn't run out of the stands to hand out water and slap hands during time outs at the World Championships. They are not to be taken seriously.
Posted by: Jman449 | August 17, 2006 at 03:13 AM
Laker Tom, like you I have been a long time 49rs fan as well as a Lakers fan. These are two class A organizations that seem to both be going in the right direction. I feel that both teams need one more year to gel and then look out for 2008. Both will be right back on top were they are supposed to be. Tom one more thing to throw at ya, what do you feel this lakers team needs to go to the next level. I personally think that L/O will never reach his full potential he is a supremely talented young man but he lacks the cofidence to be "The Man" he is more suited to be a 3rd scorer support kind of guy, that being said I was one who was in favor of the Odom for Artest move. I think this will be the year that he will either surpise me and become the all star we all think he can be or he will ultimately be traded in a package for a KG type player that can take us to the promised land now.
Posted by: The big chill | August 17, 2006 at 06:27 AM
Edwin Gueco
Why wouldn't the Lakers make the playoffs this year? It frustrates me that you guys still question that. The Lakers were on pace to make the playoffs the season after Shaq's summer departure but had injuries to the key players. IF they hadn't had those injuries they would have NEVER had a season of missing the post season. They came in and made the playoffs last eyar and if not for the many close losses, they would have been a 5th seed. That's not bad for a team bringing in a new coahc wit a complicated new system and 2 new starters.
Why even mention that they may not make the playoffs? That's not even an issue!
Posted by: JJ | August 17, 2006 at 07:49 AM
LakerTom,
"A Laker fan from San Diego? I guess you had no choice after San Diego lost both NBA franchises and will thus never get another."
Haha! How did I know that one was coming? I'll admit, this fact hurts being a native San Diegan. It's funny because nobody cared about the Clippers. They just sucked so bad. The only game that would sell out would be the Laker games, and the crowd would be pro-Laker. Kind of like a Raider game at Qualcomm. I find myself lonely sometimes here in Dago being a fanatic around all these fair-weather fans. There is just too much to do in San Diego, sports isn't a priority for our people. Especially when our team is losing.
But not for the Charger season this year. San Diego is hyped up about the Chargers this year. We have the best RB, the best TE, and maybe the strongest D in the NFL. Rivers is a question mark for sure. I'm not worried though. Rivers has all the tools, smarts, and leadership capabilities that it takes. I look for him to be even better than Brees.
I think New Orleans made a big mistake signing Brees for that high amount. Brees has peaked out ability-wise. I cannot see Brees leading a team to win the Super Bowl. His arm is limited, cannot throw a good deep ball, making it easier for the opposing defense to tighten up. Luckily for Brees, he's surrounded by Reggie and a bunch of good players this year. They'll be exciting, but not Super Bowl material. I think I'll go out on a limb and proclaim the Saints to be better than the Niners. Although I do like Alex Smith.
I remember watching Alex Smith in high school. At Helix high, he played with Reggie. Yes, Alex Smith and Reggie Bush were on the same high school team. My school, Monte Vista was the only school ever to beat their team. The score for that game was 17-13, it won the league championship for that year. Needless to say, this upset got the attention of Reggie and Alex Smith and 2 weeks later the same two teams met in the playoffs. Helix won that second game 70-3. Reggie was absolutely unstoppable! He was juking people out of their shoes ridiculously, making 'em look stupid. You'd listen to the crowd, and it'd be ooooooh aaahhhh! It was an amazing high school performance. Oh yeah, Reggie was a sophmore at the time and Alex was a junior, playing against a bunch of seniors.
That Helix team might have been the best high school team ever assembled in San Diego. And San Diego has come out with guys like Marcus Allen, Junior Seau, Ricky Williams, etc.
Anyways, Go Lakers!
Posted by: Rocky | August 17, 2006 at 10:04 AM
Rocky,
I agree, I live in San Digeo and this city has the worst sports fans in the country. I have never seen so many people care so little about their teams or even support them. I'm a huge Dodger fan, hate the Padres, but I go to Petco all the time just for baseball. It's an incredible park and no one ever shows up.
Anyway, I wish this city could pull in another NBA team, we have the population for it, but I don't think the commish would go for the "third time's a charm" marketing line to get a team here.
Posted by: Andrew Z | August 17, 2006 at 10:12 AM
football on a basketball blog, oh the heresy ;p
AK, when do we get our next batch of enemies?
Posted by: joninjapan | August 17, 2006 at 10:24 AM