Extra! Extra! (1.31)
How bad are the New York Knickerbockers? The Lakers arrived in the Apple down 2 starters (Luke Walton, Kwame Brown), found out at the last minute Kobe Bryant was on punishment, and still came close during this 99-94 loss. The ever-shuffling Laker starting lineup got a quick jolt in the arm from Queens native Smush Parker and the half closed on tight action. But the second half was mostly about Eddy Curry putting up points and the Lakers not making plays down the stretch, despite many opportunities (and one heck of a dance by Vlad Radmanovic). But Mo Evans missed a trey with under 30 seconds left and Jered Jeffries made a key swat, eventually leading to a box score iced in New York's favor. The three game losing streak heads this evening to Boston, a team envious of the Lakers' comparatively victorious ways. Like Kermit the Frog says, it ain't easy being green. It hasn't been easy being one-time Celtic Chris Mihm these days, either. But fingers crossed, life could get considerably better.
Kobe's suspension after a contact to the face of Manu Ginobli brought out mucho thoughts and outrage from those keeping watchful eyes on the NBA. There was an appeal, but no dice. Opinions ranging from out of towners to KCAL reporter John Ireland to those within the Players Union seem to fall on the side of the New Jack Bauer getting the short end of the stick. Isaiah Thomas couldn't mask his relief over Bryant's absence, but for a few extra bucks, he might be singing a different tune.
Okay Lakers, we've now lost 5 of our last 6 games, we're on a losing streak, they're on a losing streak, someone is walking out of there a winner. You know that it will be Purple and Gold!
Let's put the misery behind us and live for today! Go Lakes!
Posted by: Tim | January 31, 2007 at 10:05 AM
Let's review: It's not a conspiracy, ok maybe a very mild one, like a paper cut vs a stab wound, and the league likes it's youth and our team is the LA Lakers.
The order goes Kobe, Phil, Kobe, Kobe, Phil, maybe Bynum. The timetable isn't clickin'. The long term plan may keep season ticket holders in line but it's not working for the top of our order. It's Kobe time, he obviously needs more help. The boys looked good on paper, nice try, but the team as is will not compete for a championship. The Lakers are about championships.
Andrew will be good, MAYBE dominant. He's made progress, but if we're waiting on him to dominate, Kobe won't be able to at 32... that's in NBA years. This isn't golf, the time is NOW.
Miami knows it, why don't we? Let's start with a vet perimeter defender with ref cred that can hit an open shot. Oh gee, one just became available.
Posted by: Vman | January 31, 2007 at 10:11 AM
that suspension was the biggest load of crap Ive ever seen...I guess the league doesnt want fans to be into the games anymore...they're taking the emotion from the players out, the ability to play defense, they tried to get rid of the ball, they call so many fouls now, fans are sleeping in the stands, now if players ruff someone up on drive to the basket, not only will you get the offensive foul, but you'll be suspended too. What a league
Posted by: Dev | January 31, 2007 at 10:11 AM
OK, so let's see here...
Forearm to throat (Kobe): 2 games
Clothesline to the head (Raja): 1 game
Accidental Elbow: (Kobe) 1 game
Yeah Stu Jackon, that makes all the sense in the world to me... ????
If that's not a clear example of bias, I don't know what is.
Posted by: J. Walter Weatherman | January 31, 2007 at 10:17 AM
Smush is garbage! This whole season he's had turnover after turnover at crucial times in games, just like last night. He also will pull up from a dribble and thinks he can shoot. Garbage, at best he's the 2nd guard off the bench. Farmar as well as Sasha has shown they are better players. Phil needs to give up on Smush and give the young guys a chance.
Posted by: Ramses | January 31, 2007 at 10:17 AM
KB's - you're yahoo sports link for " The three game losing streak heads this evening to Boston," doesn't work.....
Posted by: J. Walter Weatherman | January 31, 2007 at 10:18 AM
Who cares about the god damned suspension, IT'S OVER!!!
Mike T,
Read your Jackson Journal on the other thread and thought it made some good points. Let's hope young Drew can do enough to help us to some wins until we get our other big back.
Posted by: Andrew Z | January 31, 2007 at 10:20 AM
I just don't understand why Phil keeps going with Smush.
Maybe he doesn't want to give up on Smush Parker. Maybe he is being a good person to Smush. I mean the guy is in a contract year right? Maybe Phil really doesn't like rookies. If that's the case, why not go with Sasha. I mean clearly the team just doesn't give Smush the ball or involve him in the offense in crucial situations. They look right pass him on on the court, and they don't pass it to him for wide open shoots, because they are not sure about the guy making the shot. I mean this is really beginning to be a sad situation. We keep doing the same things over and over and over again. It just amazes me that we have lost more games against the lower half of the teams then the top half.
I am getting tired saying that Smush Parker sucks. It is getting really ridiculous to be saying the same thing over and over again. But it is not like the guy has changed my mind. Smush Parker is probably the greatest friend that you can have. But a starter for the LA Lakers is something that he is not. It is a shame to see a guy not take advantage on being on a team with the best player in the country. I mean Smush probably has the easiest job out of all the other starting point guards in the league. He is not responsible for nearly half the things that a traditional point is suppose to do. He is playing with two big men, and a 6'10 guy that can do everything in LO. I mean as a point guard playing along side of these guys should be a dream come true. Smush has no preassure on his shoulder. His job is the most simpliest in the entire NBA, but stll he can't even defend and knock down open jump shots.
At this point it is not like things are going to change, because at this point I think that Smush will alway give us a little, then turn right back into his old self again in the most critical time ofthe game.
Smush plays like a person that plays basketball in a pick up game that doesn't get the ball and thinks that it is everybody else's fault why his team is losing. You guys know. Like when you are out there playing and you play with 4 guys that are from the same town that you are not from and they tend to pass to ball to everybody but you. Well Smush is that guy.
Smush is the odd one in the starting lineup.
He is the only one on the team that doesn't make the teammates around him better. Luke does, KB, LO, AND even Bynum are all good at the basics of basketball. They make very good passes and are very fundementally sound.
I bet you guy in practice Smush is never first in any drills. That is the way he plays the game of basketball. He thinks he can just turn it on and off whenever he wants. Bsketball is about hard work and dedication. Smush is showing that over the course of the summer he did nothing to improve on his game. He has no confidence to make any type of play on the court. For some reason if you notice, Farmer doesn't care if he makes mistakes, because he know how to cover his mistake up in the next play or so. Smush on the other hand doesn't know how to do that. His mistakes are always crucial because he doesn't know how to erase the play by making something good happen. I don't think that any of the Lakers trust Smush Parker when it comes to his play making ability.
Posted by: Zakee | January 31, 2007 at 10:22 AM
Phil we as Laker fans are begging you to take Smush out of the starting lineup.
He is killing us. He can play his 25 mins a game as long as it is not at the end or at the start of the third or at the beginning of the game.
Posted by: Zakee | January 31, 2007 at 10:24 AM
I wrote at least three "emails" to the league yesterday. I'll probably write another one today.
They should be sued. By suspending Bryant, Stu & Stern made a much bigger spectacle out of this than it was. They are helping to create the very image problems they're trying to avoid.
John Ireland raised some good points about the direction of the league. I know Stern really has a vision of what he wants the NBA to look like (dress code) and he wants the league to be a world-wide attraction. It's tough to argue with his goals, but at the same time, the league is the players and teams. If Stern goes too far, who knows how the teams will respond, it could wind up blowing up in his face.
Posted by: Tim | January 31, 2007 at 10:31 AM
Very frustrating 6 game stretch for our guys. But we're a young team and our losing streak was going to come sooner or later. We're just a team that lacks focus right now and Phil even admits it. It's obvious Phil knows what hes going on per his 9 championship rings. What I don't understand is why Phil keeps playing Smush. It's time to realize he isn't going to get better Phil. He's had 1.5 seasons to improve? He's not a finisher. Maybe you should start him and later insert farmar or sasha in late games. The guy comes out hot sometimes in the first half and he has done well in like maybe 1 or 2 close comes? Lol come on Phil, it's time to think about our future and play someone else. Maurice Evans was doing a great job last night on Starbury. Contested his shots, made him turnover the ball. Vlad is doing good these past 2 games, although I would like for him to turnover the ball less. We'll be all right on this road trip with Kobe. He's gonna go off for sure. Look out Boston, the monster has escaped from his cage. Espn.com said that Eddie Jones has not yet decided but leaning towards Miami so we can assume that he's not going to be in a Laker jersey anytime soon. It's a shame we can use him right now. A savvy smart vet, with a decent jumper, and still great on defense. Anyway was anyone else impressed by the way Mo played Starbury? I think he did more then on OK job. Maybe we should do that more often?
Posted by: mik3y | January 31, 2007 at 10:34 AM
smush should not close out tha games any more. Maybe we should go with sasha....Sasha plays some hard D and doesn't turn the ball over. I can live with that.
Posted by: bob | January 31, 2007 at 10:40 AM
Zakee,
You finally made a half-way decent post, of course, the topic was of no surprise.
I have to disagree with asserting what Smush thinks and feels, we have no way of knowing that.
In fact, in many ways I admire the guy, he's still that underdog from last year, in my mind, and he's perhaps the best dollar value out there. My suggestion to you is to keep in mind he's a good back up to have, he's a good value for the money (these I know you realize), and that he has his moments and also his drawbacks. The criticism, if any, should be on Laker management for failing to find a suitable starter. They had money, they spent money on Shammond and McKie, and they spent money on Vlad. Hindsight is 20/20, but still...
Now maybe you can tell us what else you see besides the PG position.
Posted by: Tim | January 31, 2007 at 10:44 AM
I justed moved from the LA area to Boston about a month ago. I will be at tonight's game and you can bet Kobe will have a huge game against the Celtics.
Posted by: Francois | January 31, 2007 at 10:48 AM
Where's Mike T? Isn't it weird that we haven't won since Walton went out? Maybe he has a little more impact on the offensive side then we realize.
Posted by: zen | January 31, 2007 at 10:54 AM
Tim
there is nothing else besides our PG position lol
every other position has a nice combo working for it. Center: bynum/kwame SG: kobe/evens SF: Rad/Luke PF: Odom/Cookie
PG: Smush/sasha/farmar/shammond/Mckie....yet this is our weakest position.
I think the lakers should pick up eddie jones. the only reason i'm big fans of sasha and farmar is because I see the they are willing to learn and do other things. Most people talk about sashas bad shooting, but never talk about how good he has gotten at running the O and his D. Farmar is a rookie and has shown us his willingness to learn. Even steve kerr was shocked at how well the rook runs the triangle. I like those two but they need someone like eddie to learn from.
Posted by: bob | January 31, 2007 at 10:58 AM
I got ahold of Stu Jackson's email and here is his reasoning for the suspension:
"Kobe's actions were an unnatural basketball act. The video clearly shows that he took a jump shot (that was blocked) and followed through extending his arm and hand at the completion of the shooting motion. Then Kobe drove a stiff arm backward with force in an attempt (according to his own description) to 'accentuate' the play looking for a foul call. In doing so, he struck Ginobili in the face knocking him to the floor.
Plays such as these jeopardize the safety of players and cannot be permitted in our game."
It's basically exactly what they've said publicly...
Posted by: Tim | January 31, 2007 at 11:02 AM
I'm as big a kobe suporter as anyone...but he did that on purpose....he does it alot....(and i respect him for it...he's tough on his opponents..maybe T-MAC , KG, and the rest of em should take lessons...), but a suspension..cmon!
I'm in providence...and will see him take it out on this green TANKER called the celtics (hoping for oden or durant....or just maybe they'll be crying again...like they are that they missed out on duncan)...i think the only thing keeping Smush starting is his flashes of quickness to the basket...and quck hands on d.....But eventually he will let u down like he did against phoenix.....he cannot play the pick and roll.....ost against heady guards......
Posted by: wondahbap | January 31, 2007 at 11:02 AM
maybe sasha will start when he grows som balls...confidence sasha....stopping u from minutes and eventually money......
Posted by: wondahbap | January 31, 2007 at 11:04 AM
Hi all,
I have another "theory" about the New York suspension. The NBA may have done it to hurt Kobe's MVP chances. Think about it. New York is the biggest stage and probably a lot of votes come from there. The NBA may have been salivating at the thought that they can keep Kobe from playing in that game.
Kobe won't be MVP anyway unless the Lakers win the Pacific division..I've been saying this all a long and I don't think anyone believes it!!
Posted by: zen | January 31, 2007 at 11:09 AM
Laker Tom,
Did you like Phil's substitution with 4 to play?
Genius, let's bring in Smush, we have only rallied and cut it to 1 point, now it is the perfect time to bring in Smush. He's the answer.
What the ****!!!!!
OMG, being a Showtime fan, this is getting pretty frustrating. How can the Laker's Management stick with Smush Parker for almost 2 full years along side Kobe? I dont get it? Please explain. I can't take it anymore. LOL
What is happening? The NBA screws Kobe, Lakers, and their fans and then Phil cuts my heart out.
For 44 minutes I watch a team struggle with Free Throws, Rebounding, Defense, fight back at the end and then Phil just flushes it down the toilet. I am sure it is for learing purposes and it will make the Lakers better for the playoffs. Right? Yea, right.
Lakers must upgrade the guard position before Lakers ever win anything. Trade, start Farmar, I dont care, get it done Mitch!
bd
Posted by: bd | January 31, 2007 at 11:10 AM
I am really worried about this team. Phil has made comments the past two games that the bench players are thinking ME ME ME and look to get points and not run the offense.
This team should be closer and not divided by who scores more, instead of moving ahead they are going back. If they don't correct the problem soon, this team will not make the playoffs.
It's sad to see players becoming selfish when they should be closer as a team and want what's better for the team.
I have a bad feeling about Lamar, his comments the past few games are strange. Like I said before, he feels the pressure and is now just making excuses. I think he forgot his promise at the beginning of the season.
Smush is hurting this team a lot, at the end of games, he makes so many mistakes. He wants to show off and it's really hurting the team.
At the beginning of the season I felt the good vibes the team had, not anymore, the only players that are the same way, are Kobe, Luke, Kwame, Sasha, Jordan and Ronny.
I'm really surprised that other players are trying to just score points and not run the offense, very strange thing. And Phil is really worried about that.
The team should be on a winning streak, not a losing one.
If they don't win tonight is downhill for them, they will be two or 2 1/2 games back of Houston and just one from dropping to the 7 seed, that's not good.
Posted by: lakofan | January 31, 2007 at 11:10 AM
Enough with the Kobe got suspended talk already. Yes that one game hurt us and may come back to haunt us. We have bigger things to worry about. Like how to close out close games. Last nights game was hard to watch. We kept it close but never caught up to them. Our weaknesses are really starting to show. No one stepped up last night other than Vlad and Odom. Another poor free throw shooting night. The other team turns it over 20+ times and we still can't capitalize? Come on guys. Smush missed 9 out of 10 shots after scoring in the first? Phil admitted it himself. He blames himself for his players losing focus. Phil is great but sometimes I feel he makes bad substitutions, like the 2 previous games.
Posted by: mik3y | January 31, 2007 at 11:18 AM
it would be the besst thing for kobe to succeed........he's #1 in jersey sales again..that's y he changed it.....and a "redemption" for him is the best story line.....cmon..you don;tthink the nba wants kobe v. shaq in finals....?
Posted by: wondahbap | January 31, 2007 at 11:24 AM
zen,
"Isn't it weird that we haven't won since Walton went out?"
Not really. Our last 3 losses were against Charlotte, San Antonio, and New York.
Walton played in the Charlotte loss. As a matter of fact Matt Carroll was killing Walton in that game before Walton got hurt. In that game the Bobcats scored 106 points.
In the San Antonio game the Lakers held the Spurs to 80 points in regulation. That was good. But we lost in overtime, but still held the Spurs to 96 points. We lost because we missed 13 free throws. Not because we were missing Walton.
Against New York...we were missing Kobe Bryant. It's that simple. Not because we were missing Walton.
Since Walton went down the Lakers defense has improved dramatically. Starting in the 4th quarter of the Charlotte game. Walton went down in the 3rd quarter. Since Walton has been down the Lakers have only give up 30 points in a quarter only once. And that was last night against New York. It was in the 3rd quarter when they gave up 30 points.
We improved on defense since Walton went down. As for the offense, if we hit the free throws against San Antonio...it's a win. Against New York...if we have Kobe, it's a win. Early indication was say that we're not missing Walton as much as you think. But lets see how it develops in the coming games.
mike
Posted by: Michael Teniente | January 31, 2007 at 11:28 AM
I had a dream that the Lakers had Jason Kidd in their lineup and he was BALLING! Yah, it's disturbing that Lakers ball has entered my dreams, but Kidd seems like a great fit right now. Send off Kwame and the Vlad man and let's get this Kobe/Kidd show on the road!
Posted by: GMan | January 31, 2007 at 11:33 AM
Lakers need to try to feel for position for anticipating and wanting to grab every shot thrown. They stand around too much. HEY THAT BALL ISN'T GOING TO COME TO YOU JUST STANDING AND WISHING. YOU HAVE TO ANTICIPATE IT. They need to want to get those rebounds. That's one aspect that is killing us. They also seem to have lost a little bit of TEAM chemistry. But hey the weren't the Mavs and Suns on loosing streaks also in the begining of the year?
Posted by: johnny | January 31, 2007 at 11:34 AM
lakofan,
Bynum is still playing his role correctly don't you agree? He needs as agressive in the post than the rest. Lamar just needs time to get his rythm, he's not playing that bad. Maurice, Smush aren't looking for teamates as much as they should. Smush needs to drive and kick. He should know the probability at that moment if he's going to miss or get blocked, he's always had a bit of Tunel Vision anyways. But he's also a horrible passer, he needs to work on his visualization by using his imagination more by meditation or reading descriptive books. Maybe he does and that's his limitation. Jordan has the makings of that kind of point guard (better passes and decision making) and that's why he can make this team better just as he lead the Bruins to the Championship game in his sophmore year. That is why Zeeke and other see him as our point guard of the future. Look at what little Steve Nash is doing with the Suns. Phil needs to put an example to Smush selfishness and ineptness at making plays. He should start Farmar tonight!!!
Posted by: johnny | January 31, 2007 at 11:47 AM
Mike T,
good points. You don't think the Lakers may have a more sense of urgency on defense because their shorthanded? I think even with Walton, the defensive intensity would have been there against San Antonio. The whole team gets up for the big games. I think Walton could have helped L.A yesterday. Like you said, he plays better when Odom is out there.
I won't even count tonights game because Kobe will be mad. Let's see how they do for the rest of the road trip.
Posted by: zen | January 31, 2007 at 11:47 AM
We play smush because he's our best option at that position. You can argue that Farmar and sasha have more upside but as of now, smush's performance on the court is better than theirs.
Currently we're getting killed on the boards, and the solution to that is easy. When you see a shot about go up, dnt try and dash out for the fast break, and don't follow the ball hoping to get a rebound either. What you need to do is box out your man, the mentality being even if i dnt get the rebound my man won't either. If everyone makes a concerted effort to box out, we'll stop getting killed on the boards. Once we have that pat we can work from there on getting the ball out faster, but we need to stop the bleeding. We will constantly get beat if we can't control the boards, I dont care if nash is the point guard ova smush the end result would be the same. I mean it's simple math, offensive rebounds = more possesion. So we could shoot 50%, hold the opposition to 30% but still lose the game if we give them say 2ce as many possesions as we have.
An extreme example but hopefully it conveys my point. Stop pointing the finger at any one individual, rather point at the boards cuz that's the culprit.
In a laker squad that realizes the importance of rebounding we trust,
Go Lakers
Posted by: Taliq | January 31, 2007 at 11:48 AM
wondahbap,
If Kobe had never changed his number, he wouldn't be #1 in Jersey sales.
Posted by: zen | January 31, 2007 at 11:50 AM
I feel that the moment that Smush starts coming off the bench he will finally shine in our eyes. He's not a bad player but he's trying to be a star and not make he's fellows stars. Jordan can change this for the better. Hey I like Smush and I've been giving him a chance to prove me wrong. On occassions he has but Zeeke is right. He's one dimensional, and sometimes that one dimension can be enough to make you loose bad or win good, but not win consistantly. Farmar needs to start. He's got that hunger and he'll prove me right some day.
Posted by: johnny | January 31, 2007 at 11:53 AM
AK
You mentioned that the explanation of the rule suspension of Kobe was "idiocy and over controlling" measures from the league.
I agree. Over controlling is exactly the combustion that fuels conspiracy.
Now..
There is a written agenda in the entire NBA to conspire against KOBE?
No.
But, we know Stern is an over controlling freak. His agenda is applied and imposed and only if the player asociation can stop him, his rules stills. He is the one selling the idea of controlling Kobe greatness for sake of the NBA. WHY?
Michael Jordan, took the NBA in the palm of his HAND, Stern had being telling this to anybody who cares, and in some interviews he said it and repeat it: The best interest for the NBA is to let flourish many stars in the same time, not just one as in the times of Jordan.
If they let Kobe out of control, he will overwhelm and eclipse other stars players. The 81 points thing, multiple records broken, the words in everybody mouth that he is the best player in the NBA. Stern doesn’t want Kobe to be the other Jordan, not only because he is an accused rapist, but also to embrace a league of many and equal supers-stars.
In this process of equalization of stars they have to adopt some unfair treatment, somewhere, somehow, specially to Kobe the only one talented enough to separate himself from the others.
Clearly, this is a wrong and fascist approach and is backfiring at Stern right now, as it is in George Bush excess.
Stern premise is the same one that justifies injustice for the sake of obtaining an ultimate and greater goal.
Posted by: jorema | January 31, 2007 at 11:59 AM
"We cannot change the past but we can suggest changes in the future."
Based on that aforementioned statement, the suspension stays, all we can do as bloggers is to appeal to the proper authorities who controls the US sports to investigate NBA, like the IRS: by auditing those fines collected from players, coaches and teams(where do these funds go?); by reviewing the salaries and pensions of David Stearns and Stu Jackson (just like Mr. Grasso former CEO of Wall Street); their decisions that affect the sports entertainment whether it is based on the spirit of the constitution where an individual rights are safeguarded. Write to your Congressmen/women, Senators who are begging for your votes during elections and make them work there in Washington. Therefore, strike on the heart of the issue that will merit some results & not cry over spilled milk. Like what blogger Tim did, he already sent three letters to NBA, this time send the blog to all sports blogs and show your concern and exposed the gripe.
Based on that aforementioned statement, people kept on posting on this blog that this player sucks and this team is self-defeating and so forth...we lament our sufferings every lost game, making five shots in-a-row then commit the crucial turnovers or no defense at the end game. Again, this blog cannot do anything. We are again crying over spilled milk and quarrelling each other that test our individual sensitivities and hallowness of our grievances. Let us address our ideas to Jim Buss, Jerry Buss, lovely Jeannie Buss, Magic Johnson, Mitch Kupchalk, Phil Jackson - these persons could influence the change in the future while the blog will just narrate our continous sufferings as Laker fans. If you know anybody who is a season ticket holder or has a club seat at the Staples or sits on the front row, these are the "moneyed" fans that have the voice in the Front Office. In our case, we are only the jersey fans, the blog fans, the delayed KCAL can't-do-anything viewers, the Jack Haley's audience as if he was Superstar during his time, the Jackson Journal readers, the JJ no-comment readers, we are mere nobodies in the eyes of the Front Office. Tonight, we'll win, all the mistakes in the past soon beNo. forgotten. Here is the address where you can send your ideas, complaints, issues, grievances and lastly what solutions that you have in mind? Let us provide them a clear path to the possible solutions. Write the address below
Los Angeles Lakers
555 Nash Street
El Segundo, CA 90245
Tel. 310 426-6000
PS. Lastly, be proud that you are representing the 2nd biggest city in the USA, the host of two Summer Olympics and may get a nod for the 3rd time, the source or legal residence of the best players in NBA, the home of Hollywood... this is not small city or from a small state that is dependent on one team, however, we cannot stand a paralyzed Lakers. The fans should do something. GIVE THEM HELL!!! l-o-a(ngry)! (Sorry for the long post but we need to voice our concern and be counted.)
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | January 31, 2007 at 12:01 PM
I am not gonna bash Smush but i think Jordan should have finished that game, that missed shot and turnover was really magnified at the end, but lets not forget Smush won that game for us by stealing the ball from none other than J KIDD and stealing the ball against MIA from D WADE or blocking the hell out of jason terry to beat Dallas, come to think of it, what player has won more games for us besides KB24, the answer is SMUSH. So lets give him some slack.
Posted by: Rizzo | January 31, 2007 at 12:03 PM
Jorema-
I'm not sure I agree with your line of reasoning there regarding equal superstars. Sports LOVE dominating stars. Part of the reason the NBA thrived so much in the Jordan era is specifically because he was the dominating figure he was. His supremacy drove ratings. Golf tournaments suffer ratings wise when Tiger doesn't play well. Even X Games does more when Shaun White wins. We say we like underdogs, but society also pumps dominating sports figures as well, if not more. I just don't buy the notion that Stern wants to limit Kobe's popularity, especially since that popularity does nothing but earn money for the league. I need to see something that shows I'm wrong before I start buying into the conspiracy theories.
BK
Posted by: Brian Kamenetzky | January 31, 2007 at 12:09 PM
I'm not a "Smush Hater" but I think I've seen enough.
If he has to start don't let him finish the game. He is really only good for the first quarter. After that he disappears. Last night he comes out hot the first few minutes and what did he have? One basket the rest of the way?
Let him start if that what Phil wants, get his 6-8 points and then let him back up Sasha and Farmar. He is also a poor passer and he only plays defense in spurts.
I'm sorry but it's time to recognise Smush as a reserve. I like the skills he offers, I just don't think the Lakers will go far (second round?) in the playoffs with him playing starter minutes.
I hope we can win at least three games on the road trip...
Posted by: Andy B | January 31, 2007 at 12:11 PM
Taliq,
What you say is somewhat true but how do you justify taking Farmar out of the fourth when we were making a run and putting in Smush. A guy that plays no defense and makes horrible shot selections. There are times that Smush is better than Jordan and the rest but not lately. It's pretty obvious he was stinking it up in our last two losses. Secondly maybe Phil Jackson should take his own advice and start benching people. The problem is I don't know if Smush knows that hes playing bad. If he thinks hes doing good or is a major reason why his team is doing well, then we've got a major problem. He lack's focus and falls apart late in the game. Thats why hes a backup PG at best. Maybe benching him more won't be so bad. Just look at Vlad's numbers after his DNP. His DNP could have been because he got hurt during practice but he was doing pretty bad so thats probably a reason why Phil sat him that game. 5 of 9 shooting, 13 points, 9 rebs against Spurs. 8 out of 14 shooting, 18 points, 9 rebs against Knicks. Turnovers are still high but I'll live with it. If we get these numbers from Vlad very night we'd be a really deadly team. Earlier in the season when Smush felt threatened by Farmar he started playing better. Maybe if Phil benches him more he'd wise up and stop making dumb plays. Unlike Zakee I realize that there are alot of reasons why we've been losing as everyone already knows. But like I stated before I'm sick of Smush messing it up for us.
Posted by: mik3y | January 31, 2007 at 12:11 PM
I think we're seeing our overall lack of talent and experience starting to shine through. Hopefully our fast start gave us enough padding to hold on, and Kobe can bring this thing home for us.
Posted by: Andrew Z | January 31, 2007 at 12:19 PM
I think maybe Smush will play better coming off the bench, Jordan deserves to start right now because he has been playing better, runs the offense much better, passing and shooting, give the kid a shot, i think thats why we drafted him.
Posted by: Rizzo | January 31, 2007 at 12:25 PM
J Walter W
Kobe got one game for the Miller thing ...the other game was for talking like a thug about it.
Vman I agree whole heartedly...its one thing holding onto a bunch of talented young players thinking about the future but theya re sacrificing the present for the future...Kobe Bryant is in his prime NOW...how often do players like him come along and they are hoarding guys who are years away...I understand you want some youth and Ive been a big advocate of patience and chemistry but Ive come to the conclusion that we clearly need some more experienced players and one more big time guy...I just dont think you a win it all with a team of role players this young...maybe three seasons but that is a very long rebuilding process...its a tough call though because theres been just enough improvement individually and collectively to be a bit tantalising.I would say a hard nosed defending,rebounding power forward might be the ticket...we need to trade for Horace grant or Dennis Rodman.
Conspiracy theories...forget it...any fan of sports in general should want to eradicate that stuff like what Kobe pulled...has it occurred to any of you conspiracy theorists when wondering about Kobe not getting any calls that Kobe is making it look as if he was fouled and the the refs have a better view than you? if he is trying to draw fouls like that is it any wonder they are ref him tightly?
Posted by: Justin | January 31, 2007 at 12:29 PM
Andrew Z "Overall lack of talent"? What team are you talking about the Clippers? I know youre not talking about the Lakers, that makes you sound really STUPID,STUPID,STUPID, you know what, just turn in your Lakers pass, your truly an IDIOT.
Posted by: Rizzo | January 31, 2007 at 12:33 PM
Rizzo,
Phil can't bench Smush because he is sensitive. He doesn't want to hurt his confidence for the playoffs. The Lakers will need his experience in the playoffs.
Posted by: zen | January 31, 2007 at 12:34 PM
Rizzo,
Once again you bring up good points. I'm not anti-smush, I like the guy, I LOVE his quick hands. His defensive play against the Mavs was huge, he picked Nash's pocket in the playoffs, he has significant promise and I think overall he's a valuable asset to the club.
If the loss to the Spurs wasn't enough, last night could have gone differently. There really was no reason to make that substitution. For example, if the second string makes a huge run, let them continue to play UNLESS the other team makes a substitution that requires us to also make a change. The responsibility isn't totally on Smush for either losses, but the substitutions definitely had a negative impact.
Posted by: Tim | January 31, 2007 at 12:35 PM
BK
As a LA times employee you will never write in this blog about conspiracy from the NBA without a overwhelm proof to back up your allegations
The words Stern said regarding the focus of the NBA in Multiple superstars, and not just one, are his words, no mine.
Now, how you can accomplish that without controlling?
Everybody knows that Stern saw Jordan as the savior of the league in terms of stardom and ratings, but also Stern fought hard to control him and the era of the super agents (Remembers David Falk, Jordan's agent, and others?) And their enormous influence in decisions by teams, salaries, player’s association and also the league. So, Stern knew that the league was best served in a controlling mode. Multiple superstars benefits the entire league and a mayority of owners favors that.
The problem is that controlling is a blade of double side, because involve abuse, misuse and injustice.
Now, reading Phil words yesterday I understand between lines that he is denouncing a unfair treatment of Kobe, more evident in the last 2 or 3 weeks (his words, no mind) .
Now, unfair treatment is conspiracy?…
Yes.
They are doing it with premeditation and bad faith. Sometimes for personal retaliation, others to serve a hidden goal to supposedly benefits the NBA
Posted by: jorema | January 31, 2007 at 12:37 PM
bd:
We definitely need to get Smush out of the finishing lineup. Same old story. Phil runs plays for Smush or Smush just runs plays for himself at the start of the game to pad his stats and get off to a good start and then reverts to making bad decisions and taking bad shots the rest of the game. When one of our two major problmes right now are turnovers and guards leaking out for fast breaks and not helping rebound, the answer to close out games is not spelled Smush Parker. Farmar or even Sasha or MO should finish games in leiu of Smush.
Tom
Posted by: LakerTom | January 31, 2007 at 12:38 PM
Has Kidd been traded to Lakers yet?
I heard the NBA might suspend Kobe for Cooks swipe last night. They think that Kobe might have told Cook to take a swipe at him. They are going to review film on the day of the Cleveland game.
The Dictatorship will then decide on the # of games Kobe will miss.
No worries tonight thou, we have Smush starting.
bd
Posted by: bd | January 31, 2007 at 12:40 PM
Well i think if Smush sits his "sensitive" butt on the end of the bench it will make him hungry, and we do have to give Jordan some P/T so he can be comfortable in the crunch.
Posted by: Rizzo | January 31, 2007 at 12:43 PM
I cant explain it, we find some rotation that works and like clockwork Phil gets up and brings in the other unit after which it all heads downhill from there, sometimes i wonder if he sabotages the team not wanting us to get a big head.
Posted by: Rizzo | January 31, 2007 at 12:47 PM
Rizzo,
This is why I couldn't understand Michael T's thumbs up last night.
Posted by: Tim | January 31, 2007 at 12:55 PM