KCAL Feed Game Thread - Lakers vs. Knicks
January 30, 2007 | 5:33
pm
If I ran KCAL, I would take advantage of the delay and CGI in old footage of Kobe playing throughout the broadcast as a means of protesting #24's suspension. But I don't run KCAL. I'm just a dude with basic cable (and League Pass, of course).
AK
Hey guys I don't know if y'all know this, the Mamba is appealing the suspension.
I also just email Stu, the morron, Jackson To let him know what I think about his decision. WE all Lakers fan on this blog should make our voice heard.
Mamba, from the East coast
Posted by: mamba24fan4life | January 30, 2007 at 05:41 PM
the Garden sounds like a race track
Posted by: bob | January 30, 2007 at 05:42 PM
Is it just me, or does it sound like MSG is piping in noise to make the place sound louder? Or maybe it's just the feed. But either way, it sounds like the game is being played either in a wind tunnel or a airport landing strip. haha
AK
Posted by: Andrew Kamenetzky | January 30, 2007 at 05:44 PM
Smush needs at least 8 per qtr to save himself from the wolves around here!
Posted by: Maleke | January 30, 2007 at 05:49 PM
I'm on a delayed, delay. AK, can you block any of the posts that list "future" events or the score? There is always one person that wants to ruin a good movie.
Thankss!
Posted by: Maleke | January 30, 2007 at 05:51 PM
We STILL can't get a rebound OUTSIDE. LUKE WALTON miss ya.
Posted by: rayray | January 30, 2007 at 06:14 PM
Jordan and Coom aren't doing any thing.
Posted by: rayray | January 30, 2007 at 06:19 PM
It's crazy how Mo Ev is great agaist shooting guards and stalls agaisnt the Small Forwards.
Posted by: rayray | January 30, 2007 at 06:20 PM
LO is just rusty.
Posted by: rayray | January 30, 2007 at 06:20 PM
This thread feels like Pink Floyd -
"Hello, hello......is there anybody in there?"
Posted by: Maleke | January 30, 2007 at 06:26 PM
The answer to what Buss paid for the Lakers is 67.5 million. Thank you Roland Lazenby. Text away.
Posted by: Maleke | January 30, 2007 at 06:28 PM
Maleke,
I'm pacing myself for the second half. haha
AK
Posted by: Andrew Kamenetzky | January 30, 2007 at 06:42 PM
SMUSH PARKER IS KILLING US AND WE WON'T BE CONTENDER UNTIL HE IS TAKEN OUT OF THE STARTING LINEUP.
Posted by: Zakee | January 30, 2007 at 06:54 PM
I guess Cookie's good for a one-day suspension, the standard price Lakers pay for not putting their right arm in their pocket after a shot.
Posted by: Tsphere | January 30, 2007 at 06:56 PM
Hey, look! Definitive proof they bring Shammond on the roadies. haha
AK
Posted by: Andrew Kamenetzky | January 30, 2007 at 07:15 PM
Like Joel and Stu said before the game, it may take SEVERAL players for make up for KB24's 29ppg. Man, where is everyone??? STAR? LOLO?
Posted by: Maleke | January 30, 2007 at 07:22 PM
Maleke,
I can type in caps, if you think it'll make up for the loss of STARGAZIN. haha
AK
Posted by: Andrew Kamenetzky | January 30, 2007 at 07:26 PM
It would be nice to have one game at full strength. We're always limping along. How deep would we be with Mihm as another option? It's good to hear the NBA will give *some* of Kobe's money back if they are found wrong. What about the game he couldn't play?
Before such rash decisions, the player should get to play Stu and Stern 2 on 1.
Posted by: Maleke | January 30, 2007 at 07:26 PM
SCREW IT. I'M RALLY CAPPING!! SOMEONE HAS TO STAND UP!!!!!!!
Posted by: Maleke | January 30, 2007 at 07:27 PM
GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
COOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOK! (AN HOUR LATE)
Posted by: Maleke | January 30, 2007 at 07:28 PM
YOU EVER FEEL YOUR BLOGGING WHEN NOBODY IS READING?? THAT MIGHT BE THE OTHER LAKER BLOGS....BUUUUUUUUUT GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
MOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!
Posted by: Maleke | January 30, 2007 at 07:29 PM
JORRRRRRRRRRRRRRDOOOOOOOON FAAAAAAAAARMAAAAAAAR!!
NICE 3, EVEN THOUGH THAT ISN'T YOUR RANGE YET. GREAT HUSTLE FOR THE LOOSE BALL!! BRING IT!
Posted by: Maleke | January 30, 2007 at 07:32 PM
We appreciate your pluck, Maleke!
BK
Posted by: Brian Kamenetzky | January 30, 2007 at 07:33 PM
AK,
CAN I GET MY NAME ON THIS THREAD? rAyRaY, wHeRe ArT tHoU?
Posted by: Maleke | January 30, 2007 at 07:33 PM
U GUYS SUCK WITH YOUR LEAGUE PASS.
1,000,000,000 OTHER BLOGGERS WITH LEAGUE PASS.
1 MALEKE ON KCAL.
Posted by: Maleke | January 30, 2007 at 07:37 PM
One Maleke, yes, but a powerful force he is. I sound like Yoda.
BK
Posted by: Brian Kamenetzky | January 30, 2007 at 07:38 PM
ODOM NEEDS TO WIN THIS IN FRONT OF THE FAMILY!
Posted by: Maleke | January 30, 2007 at 07:40 PM
Smush Parker Sucks!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: Zakee | January 30, 2007 at 07:41 PM
IT WOULD BE FITTING IF LOSE TO ANOTHER HORRENDOUS TEAM.
BRING IT LO!
Posted by: Maleke | January 30, 2007 at 07:41 PM
Not cool, BK. How do you get to modify YOUR posts. Not cool. haha.
Posted by: Maleke | January 30, 2007 at 07:43 PM
VLAD RAD!!!! THIS FEELS LIKE IT HAPPENED AN HOUR AGO. WEIRD.
Posted by: Maleke | January 30, 2007 at 07:43 PM
AK,
About your earlier comment about how there's no conspiracy behind Kobe's suspension -
I think you're partially right. It's not so much a conspiracy as Jackson and Stern working overtime to prove that the league gives no preferential treatment.
To actively show there's no preferential treatment, they need to periodically suspend a superstar. But the irony is - they have consistently come down so hard on just ONE superstar in the league. In other words, they've somehow sunk to the point of applying bias as a way of "proving" there's no bias!
We all know there was no intent here - other than the intent to use the rules to get to the free throw line. Dwyane Wade does it every play, and the refs are very happy to give free throws. LeBron is using it more and more - just run full throttle, throw up the ball, reach out to make contact with the defender. Those guys shoot free throws.
Kobe gets suspended, because with Ginobili's bleeding and the Spurs' behind the scenes tattle-tale-ing, Jackson/Stern figure this is a good chance to show that there's no favoritism in the NBA. I don't think it's a direct conspiracy against Kobe - but Kobe's image and older age do go into the equation.
[Not squeaky clean] + [Ginobili bleeding] + [Spurs probably threatening to go public with a bias accusation] + [Desire to periodically prove evenhandedness] = Kobe's suspension.
The David Stern NBA. Sad.
Posted by: Miguelinho | January 30, 2007 at 07:45 PM
Other blogger,
Dude. You need a new macro. That button is used up.
Posted by: Maleke | January 30, 2007 at 07:45 PM
MALIK ROSE?
NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!
Posted by: Maleke | January 30, 2007 at 07:47 PM
DAVID LEE WAS PRACTICALLY WAITING UNDER THE BASKET DURING THAT SECOND FREE THROW.
I'LL BE WAITING FOR THE NBA'S FINE.
Posted by: Maleke | January 30, 2007 at 07:48 PM
TOP 3 STORIES IF THE LAKER'S LOSE:
1) SMUSH SUCKS
2) THE NBA SUCKS FOR SUSPENDING KOBE
3) TRADE ANYONE NOT NAMED KOBE OR BYNUM FOR KG.
Posted by: Maleke | January 30, 2007 at 07:52 PM
Well, that sucked.
Thanks for the "live" blog, K bros. Again, we are down 2 (or 3) starters...depending who is blogging. How can we expect to do anything with none of our primary weapons?
See you tomorrow.
Posted by: Maleke | January 30, 2007 at 07:55 PM
It's so cool, it's like you guys are in a hermetically sealed blog! lol.
It's like Lost. Which one's Jack? AK? Who's Sawyer? Maleke? Who're the others? The Smush Haters? just kidding guys. Keep up the good work.
Posted by: mel | January 30, 2007 at 07:59 PM
Mel,
"It's so cool, it's like you guys are in a hermetically sealed blog!"
Congrats, Mel. You win the award for "Funniest Comment of the Day." Kudos!
AK
Posted by: Andrew Kamenetzky | January 30, 2007 at 08:03 PM
O.K. Since I was in a hermetically sealed place myself (car) can anyone describe the Cookie foul that merits a suspension? Was it called? Was it intentional? Was it an unnatural basketball act (still can't get the picture of Horry riding Bynum out of my mind when I hear that)? Does anyone seriously think he'll get suspended? Details, details please!!!
Posted by: mel | January 30, 2007 at 08:07 PM
if joel meyer says Luke Waltons bball IQ one more time im going to puke!
Posted by: Laker Lover | January 30, 2007 at 08:08 PM
The funny thing is that the spurs and ginoblli both said kobe's "elbow" was unintentional.
Does anybody have espn insider? There are a couple articles on espn about kobe's elbow
Posted by: greek dude | January 30, 2007 at 08:10 PM
AK,
Thanks. There weren't very many competitors (the others were suspended), but I'll take it.
For my prize, can you please answer my question from today's Extra regarding the locker rooms at the Staples Center?
Posted by: mel | January 30, 2007 at 08:13 PM
THE JACKSON JOURNAL: 45th Game – New York Knicks (27-18)
By Michael C. Teniente
A thumb’s up for Phil Jackson!
KEY OBSERVATION
No Kobe against the Knicks equals a loss.
No matter what, the defense has improved with Lamar Odom. People may say this or they may say that, but the Lakers allowed 99 points tonight. Over the last 3 games the Lakers have allowed 106, 96, and 99 points. That’s a total of 301 points. That averages out to 100.3 points per game. That’s a big difference from the 110 points they were giving up before Odom came back. During that time the Lakers scored 97, 94, and 94 points. That’s a total of 285 points. That averages out to 95 points per game. The differential is –5.3.
Over the last 3 games Andrew Bynum’s man has collected 20 points and 18 rebounds, 21 points and 14 rebounds, and 27 points and 9 rebounds. That’s from Emeka Okafor, Tim Duncan, and Eddy Curry. People might reason that for the Knicks' game, Bynum was picking up fouls and it kind of messed up his game. But I say young Andrew was getting played by Curry while he was in the game. I was relived that Bynum pick-up his 3rd foul. What good is having Bynum guard Curry when he couldn’t stop him? I thought PJ should have pulled him earlier and I don’t mean because of fouls.
Let me make this plain to you all. Andrew Bynum isn’t ready to be the starting center. He scores pretty well. He rebounds pretty well. He blocks shots pretty well. But he isn’t strong enough to hold these guys down, yet. He doesn’t have enough strength. I’m a big Bynum fan and I wouldn’t trade him for anyone in the league, but I understand he’s only 19 years old. I understand that he needs a couple of years to let his weight and strength to come into sync with each other. He’ll be dominant then. Right now he isn’t even at his anticipated full playing weight and surely he hasn’t developed the strength to match what he weighs right now.
Bynum, without doubt, is our future starting center, but right now he a backup. I say that because, in my opinion, without Kwame Brown to stabilize the middle of the lane, Andrew Bynum can’t be left in there for long periods of time as the only big man. If PJ isn’t going to play Brown and Bynum together, Bynum is a back-up center for this season and if he doesn’t improve on his defense…next season, too.
Bynum as back-up center, as he is, I think, is a key for our bench when we get all our players back. I believe we will be a tough team if we had both Bynum and Walton coming off the bench.
2nd OBSERVATION
I like the Radmanovic is playing. In his 2 starts he scored 31 points and grabbed 18 rebounds. That’s 15.5 points and 9 rebounds per game at the 3 spot. People might complain that he messed up, but messing up is part of the game. When you hold a team to 94 and 99 points in two games, that’s pretty good. Maybe he didn’t make key plays but we shouldn’t need key plays to beat the Knicks even without 3 starters. I don’t know what PJ is going to do when Kwame Brown returns. If I were PJ I would start Bynum and Brown at the 4 and 5 spots. But if he doesn’t do that I wouldn’t mind seeing Radmanovic as the starting 3. That’s with Kwame Brown as the starting center.
3rd OBSERVATION
Smush Parker is reverting to his old self. The guy does pretty well but in the last couple of game he’s been messing up in the 4th quarter. He has a habit of making these boneheaded plays. To me he’s over estimating his good play. He’s not playing within himself. He’s trying to make things happen at the wrong times.
NOTES
Now that was a crazy Kobe Bryant suspension. Absolutely crazy! These head office guys are messing up the game.
GO LAKERS!
mike
Posted by: Michael Teniente | January 30, 2007 at 08:15 PM
not blaming the game on smush or anything, but this is the second game in a row, in the 4th, when the lakers are making a run, smush comes in and does stupid things. Last game it was 2 turnovers within 30 seconds, and today it was a quick fadeaway shot when he was still cold and dribbling off his foot, all again within 30 seconds. Why doesn't sasha play in crunch time??? he is a WAY better defender, and is actually clutch. Smush somehow get clutch steals, but lets his guy blow by him and makes stupid plays.
Posted by: greek dude | January 30, 2007 at 08:35 PM
AK,
Did you hear James Worthy?
He said the only reason he might think that the nba has it against Kobe is because he has a mind of his own and it's not a robot.
You may say it's because he's a Laker or works for the Lakers but that's not it.
Now its becoming more obvious the league has it against Kobe, conspiracy theory or no conspiracy theory it's hard to deny there's something fishy here.
BTW, Greg Anthony said he knows that the Spurs in fact reported the incident to the nba, I guess Popovich was just plain lying about being an accident.
________
About the game, well I said they were not going to win a single game, so no surprise about the outcome.
Especially when I hear the game on the radio and there is NO effort with this team. They will not win a game. This team is going down.
Lamar needs to step it up, ALL the players need to focus, this team can fall apart if they are not careful.
Posted by: lakofan | January 30, 2007 at 08:36 PM
Mike, i agree with lamar helping out the defense a lot. Also, Eddy Curry is much stronger than bynum, but the lakers started doubling Curry after bynum was out. if we doubled curry from the start, like we should have, he would have half the points, and we might have won the game, as he is a terrible passer out of the double team.
Posted by: greek dude | January 30, 2007 at 08:39 PM
Michael T,
Good post as usual. I have to agree with you regarding Kwame vs Bynum, at this point. Both have their advantages, and Kwame's is strength, Curry would not have abused Kwame like that.
Now for the disagreement. I have to give PJ a thumbs down this time. I'm sorry, but after the Smush melt down against the Spurs, he again removes Farmar just as we had made a good run and puts Smush back in. First play, Crawford blows by Smush for a lay-up, smush still standing there turning his head to watch, second play, smush fails to anticipate the screen, gets picked, crawford clean jumper, swish... next play, Vlad passes to Smush, who begins to drive the lane, smush dribbles off his knee. The game is now over despite subsequent three point shot by LO.
Those possessions could have been avoided by leaving in the player in the end who's playing hot. This wasn't one of those games where Jordan was stinking, he was playing very strong.
Mel, Cookie will not be suspended, that's the joke of it all. He took this three point shot at the end from the corner, on the way down, his shooting hand raked across the defender's face and his contact lens came out. This is not much more than what happened at the end of the Spurs game, except different shooter, different defender, and no bloody nose.
Posted by: Tim | January 30, 2007 at 08:45 PM
Okay I have to go with Zakee on this one. Smush sucked so bad that game. My god Mo-Evans is a 2 guard and even he can defend Starbury better. Bad shot selection, turn over after turn over. I'm sorry but his offensive game does not make up for all his bad plays. I don't know if it's lack of focus or what it is. Smush better wake up and smell the coffee because he's about to be out of a job this summer. I also have no idea why Phil Jackson changed the lineup when we were on a run in the 4th. When he put Smush in I knew it was over. A quick three followed by a turnover? It's not like the Knicks are a great team either. We had several opportunities to win this game. They had over 20 turnovers for crying outloud! Offensive rebounds guys, make your freaking free throws. Again, no fundamentals. Smush Parker just gets beat everytime. Everytime they set a pick. I'm sick of it. I'm sorry, I don't want to sound like Zakee but it has to be said. Smush Parker is playing bad basketball. Please make a trade Mitch we are hurting bad at PG. At least Farmar doesn't take bad shots and do sloppy turnover after sloppy turnover. He's a rook and like any rook he needs time in the nba to develop his game. He will make mistakes and I'm not saying hes playing a lot better then Smush. However, I'd rather have Farmar out there because at least he will learn from his mistakes. Sometimes I just wonder if Smush even listens to what the coaches are telling him. I mean Phil has given him all the opportunity in the world. I'm not telling you to take him out of the rotation but at least reduce his minutes (especially if its late in a tight game). This loss is not all on Smush either he was a contributing factor Bad free throws and not getting rebounds is what really killed us. Ronny what happen? You're 70% bud, Lamer is shaking off the cobwebs so he gets a pass. The rest of the Lakers need to start being more aggressive and hustle. On the upside Vlad is looking better today. He didn't rush his shots today which I'm glad. If we can get 15+ a night for him we're going to be very dangerous. We're spending 5 mil a year on you for a reason Vlad. 2 good games in a row and two big shots in both games. Keep doing what you're doing Vlad. I know it's very frustrating for us Laker fans with the loss tonight (due to the controversial suspension) and two tough OT losses but we'll be all right. Look for Kobe to carry this club on this road trip. You've done it now Jacko the Wacko, thats what happens when you piss off the best player in the nba. We're going to go 6-2 you dig with our other loss in Cleveland, because we seem to do bad when we play on national TV. Oh how great it would have been with a win tonight. What better way to stick it to the league then with a win tonight despite missing our superstar. All I have to say is watch out Boston the Mamba is coming and he's hungry. Shoulda, coulda, woulda we'll bounce back tommorow LakeShow. We have the best player in the league as well as the best fans in the league. Believe it!
Posted by: mik3y | January 30, 2007 at 08:57 PM
Mel,
I can't possibly picture Cook getting suspended. While I don't think Kobe should have been suspended in the first place, the incidents of contact were night and day different. Kobe's involved flailing arms and much more gesticulation on his part, possibly/likely to draw a foul. Cook's arm was simply extended and he came down on the guy. Not even in the ballpark. When Joel and Stu made the comparison, I'm pretty sure they were being sarcastic, as opposed to actually wondering.
Again, Kobe shouldn't have been suspended at all, in my opinion. But Cook's deal was as incidental as contact gets.
AK
Posted by: Andrew Kamenetzky | January 30, 2007 at 09:02 PM