it would be nice to start off superbowl weekend with a lake show win tonight.

let's play some solid basketball.

crash the boards, and everything else will take care of itself.

c'mon show!

Neat!

Bring on the KCAL-HD!!!!!

I've written yet another email to the league office pleading with them to make up for the terrible decision to suspend "Mr Bryant". Last night's games only illustrate the absurdity of the whole thing. I'm letting them know this won't go away easily and they do need to make an effort to apologize to the fans and Kobe and maybe make up for this outrage.

Vman brought up a good point, we were talking about closing line-ups and all, and of course this depends on the situation, who we're matching up against, how much time on the clock, the score, and often overlooked... who's been playing well that night. But Vman's point is how we match up against certain teams, namely the suns. It's not just the suns, we also have Dallas, HOuston, and Denver that could potentially threaten. Seeing the way the suns manhandled the Spurs last night just made it plain to see, these guys are playing well. I am very pleased they're playing like this now, the high octane play that has a probability of breaking down by playoffs end. Remember our first three peat year? Ah, I mean the first time we SHOULD have three-peated. Our Lakers were on a record breaking pace, sweeping everyone and the minute we hit the finals, Magic pulls goes down, Scott goes down and we've got Wes Matthews in there trying to beat the Pistons. It's not impossible to envision a similar road block to the Suns, should their frontline go out or wear out (ie, Pistons of last year), they may not be as strong come playoff time as they are now.

That aside, because afterall, you shouldn't count on a team coming in week nor should you hope for it, how would we handle the Suns? Would Smush get revenge? Would Raja clamp down on Kobe? I really think we'd have to slow it down and go super big, with the Kwame/Bynum 4/5 line-up, which would cause PHX to shoot more from the perimeter... we would need to stop Nash from penitrating, perhaps Smush could lay off him a bit until he's 22 feet away from the hoop instead of playing chest to chest 35 feet out. Also, if Smush could learn some simple defensive recovery paths that would be helpful, in other words, cut Nash off instead of trailing. The help would likely come from Kobe, but again, if we force them to shoot outside and limit their transition opportunities, we would stand a fighting chance.

Thoughts? It's not like I've thought this all the way through, so I welcome opinions.

You've got to be shi**in me... Hollinger just ranked the Lakers at 17, under the Clippers?

What's he on... CRACK???

Chris Sheridan: (12:06 PM ET ) I thought it was justifiably called a flagrant, but iw was no where near a suspndable foul. LeBron appeared to be going for the ball, he was just going too fast and clipped D-Wade around the neck. It looked bad, but there was no evil intent there. I think the league office saw the Kobe flail as borderline evil intent.

The league hates Kobe and loves Wade and "King James" there's no denying it. In fact I wouldn't be surprised if they win an MVP award before Kobe does (per the MVP votes last year). How can you even compare Lebron to Kobe and Nash. The guy is good but he's not in their league yet. The fact that he even was considered should be an insult for Kobe and Nash. If anything Dirk should have been up there instead of LeBron. The reason why Kobe didn't win was because they said Kobe was a one-dimensional scorer, doesn't get his teammates involved. This year he's doing that, has an improved field goal percentage, shooting the ball less, and getting 6+ assist a night. His team is 10 games above the .500 mark. He has one border line all-star Odom. I'm only saying that because Odom didn't make it. He's an all star in my book.

A while back another ESPN writer, I believe it was Thorpe was asked who was better LeBron or Kobe and his answer was somewhere along the lines of "Please, don't tell me to compare someone whos won 3 championships to someone whos not." Lol stick it to em Thorpe. At least someone at ESPN has their head on right.

Oliver ( NY): Isn't it great to be able to make 9 FG and get 41 PTS? I LOVE THIS GAME!!! I wish Kobe would get even half the calls Wade gets. MJ's greatness was aided by "superstar" calls or no calls, sorry, but Kobe gets half the treatment of a wade or Lebron, why ?

A little redemption Sheridan but you're still on thin ice buddy. After all he did say Kobe deserved the punishment, unless I have my ESPN analyst mixed up.

Chris Sheridan: (12:40 PM ET ) You're preaching to the choir here, Oliver. every single night D-Wade gets three gift whistles (which even LeBron and Kobe don't get) at a minimum, and one or two late whistles, too. He's treated as preferrentially as Jordan was at the peak of his game, and it is infuriating to watch (unless you;re a Heat fan). And I say all that being one of the biggest D-Wade guys around, a Marquette grad even. But it's just plain unfair to see one guy get such special treatment. It takes away from the game.

Tim, I agree, but the Suns are a perimiter team and shoot the lights out frm the arc.

We need to defend the perimiter shooters!!
That will win us some games.

Yo check this posting from the ESPN chat this morning, its hilarious:

Oliver ( NY): Isn't it great to be able to make 9 FG and get 41 PTS? I LOVE THIS GAME!!! I wish Kobe would get even half the calls Wade gets. MJ's greatness was aided by "superstar" calls or no calls, sorry, but Kobe gets half the treatment of a wade or Lebron, why ?

Chris Sheridan: (12:40 PM ET ) You're preaching to the choir here, Oliver. every single night D-Wade gets three gift whistles (which even LeBron and Kobe don't get) at a minimum, and one or two late whistles, too. He's treated as preferrentially as Jordan was at the peak of his game, and it is infuriating to watch (unless you;re a Heat fan). And I say all that being one of the biggest D-Wade guys around, a Marquette grad even. But it's just plain unfair to see one guy get such special treatment. It takes away from the game.

Keifo,

Hollinger is just one dumb F*&k guy. Ignore his rankings.

does anybody think the lakers will keep this pace of 10 games above .500?

if so, that would lead to a 46-36 record.

what seed would they get with this kinda record?

can they improve upon this?

or does anybody think it will get worse?

kamenetzky brothers,
your "blog" has become a collection of links and a "chat room". check out ross siler's blog:
http://www.insidesocal.com/lakers/
it has lots of original content, the kind that fans crave. take a risk, put your thoughts down on a regular basis, and don't GIVE IN to just linking. you have access that regulars fans don't.
regards,
d.fense

If they don't suspend Lebron for the hit on Wade last night it gives all the anti-Kobe conspiracy theorists more ammunition. (Didn't see Manu clip Amare but if true - he should go down too.) If the league is serious about enforcing the rule across the board - there will be a lot of players getting suspended.

I just think the whole thing is ridiculous. If there is no foul called and you need to watch said play in slow motion to figure it wasn't really "natural" AND then need to interpret a players intention through some mind meld technology the NBA apparently has, I don't see the justification for suspending Kobe.

I don't think Lebron was trying to take Wades head off, and Kobe wasn't trying to break Manu's nose it was stuff that happened and there was no intent to do harm. But LBJ's hit looked worse to me.

Eagleboy

Eagleboy

pay per read sites are a joke.

i get more insight on this blog than on espn, foxsports, and cnn combined.

hollinger's a computer geek.....he should be reporting baseball w/ all those SABR members.....that's why they PLAY.....or else the Suns would already be champs...them and their false MVP Steve Nash....do you think anyone could imagine a world where steve f'n nash might be a 3 time consecutive MVP.....think about that....3 times? did jordan win 3 straight? MAGIC only had 3....they won championships....and stevie boy...the new darling of the nba? well thanks to a rule change and a talented squad...all these opey bobblehead's on tv, all think he's the next best thing....meanwhile one of the best ever to hold a bball...plays w/ a team that can't beat the knicks....and has them in the top 4 teams in the league...(anyone who includes UTAH should really be shot....honeymoon is over)....and still does not get his due......redemtion will be sweet....let me stop....or else i'll write a book........

Anybody else here think AK is nuts for putting up this line in today’s extra, "(unless Stu Jackson's involved, of course)."

Dude AK... your asking for trouble. I wouldn't be surprised if the NBA fines you, or maybe they will suspend the blog for a week.

I complained about the ref's too much on another forum, and I came home and found my 42" plasma was taken as a warning (they were looking for my first born, but fortunately I have no kids. They thought the TV was the next closest thing... and they were right).

So in closing... I think the NBA is run by a great group of guys, who DO NOT ABUSE THEIR POWER. They make the right calls. And anyone one who would question that deserves what they get.

P.S. I'll be enjoying tonight’s game on a 19" backup TV that does not have HD. I am hoping to appeal and get my baby back for the super bowl.

PAY SMUSH!!!! He ought to get taken-care-of off his performance last year; what he did in Game 4, his electrifiying trips "to the hole", his durabiltity, and his improving play. I love D-Fish, but, Smush is better than Fish and they payed him (sorta) before letting him go later...Smush and Farmar should be all the PG the Lakers need...

d-fense-

Point taken, though in our defense, if you go back and look, I think we've done a good job providing content, audio, practice reports, etc. These stretches where the team's out of town are a little tough, since we don't travel. At that point, our access isn't much better than yours (short of being able to email people to find out what's going on) so it's hard for us to get any kind of reporting done.

Ross does a great job, and I totally encourage people to read his stuff (as long as they keep coming to our site, as well- haha). But we'll take the challenge, so to speak,and keep it in mind going forward.

Thanks.

BK

dfense,

Actually, while I would also encourage folks to read Ross' blog (because it's well-written), I'll be kinda bummed if they do today, because he discusses a topic I was gonna get into today (How do people feel now that Caron Butler is an All-Star). Now it feels like copying.

DAMN YOU, SILER! DAMN YOU!!!

AK

I don't necessarily think it's Wade's fault for getting the calls. I think he's just smart enough to play into the way the refs are calling the game. THAT is the problem. Players who initiate contact in the lane immediately get a call. It basically takes away the defense all together. Big Centers and Power Forwards don't even attempt to block shots any more.

Yes, D-Wade gets the calls more than everyone else by far. And yes, I can't stand it any more than most. But, the league needs to readress the way they are calling games all together. It's becoming more of a formality than a sport.

I believe this ties to the "Kobe incident" as well. The league has too much control over the games.

This message is for Mike T (and anyone else that chooses to read).

I am trying really hard to see your side of this debate over Brown/Bynum, but I must admit that I currently disagree with your reasoning.

First, let me note as I did yesterday, that my main concern is that the Lakers put forth their best option to give them the better opportunity to win a championship. I agree with you that the only reason why they should even step on the practice court is the purpose of winning a championship. All of the summer work, the struggles during the season and the preparation found through each game is all for the purpose of being ready to fight for a championship in the post season. However, where we disagree is in the area of the best way to accomplish this. This is where I have some observations from your previous comments.

Not only do I disagree with your whole focus being that of the defensive end of the floor, I disagree with your assessment of the defensive attributes both Kwame and Andrew bring to floor. I agree that Kwame is a very solid defender in the one on one situation. He was also becoming a better defender in the pick and roll situations before his latest injury. The comments of some of the other top big men about his abilities to defend them are documented…starting with that of KG’s praise last season. However, I have yet to see him become a very good rebounder? With his size, quickness and overall athletic ability, he should be a double digit rebounder based on the minutes that he plays. Yet he isn’t. Outside of his basic defense, the rest of his game at times looks to be more suited for a smaller player. He doesn’t assert his length around the basket which would aid him greatly with secure those rebounds. He doesn’t assert his length or quickness as it relates to help defense on penetration. He would rather position himself for a charge than to attempt to block shots. Seeing as how the rules have been tailored to favor the offensive player more now than in recent years, he is up against a sizable challenge to be effective using this strategy. If you disagree with any of this, let me know.

As some have stated, Andrew’s defense is in some ways opposite and almost complimentary to that of Kwame, which is why I can understand the desire to see them play together. The hold up in that area is on the offensive end. Kwame just wasn’t comfortable I the role of power forward in the triangle offense, which identifies for me that the concern can not be strictly defense and that Phil Jackson agrees with that. Getting back to Andrew’s defense, clearly he is not a STRONG player in the post. Part of it is simply the development of this body, and part of it is a toughness of the mind. I expect both to develop in time…but we are looking at what is current NOW (See, I agree with you on that!). Right now, instead of imposing his size on opponents he is imposing his length. For being only a second year player, he has very good self awareness of his length. Both on the offensive and defensive ends of the floor he does a VERY good job of using his length to his greatest advantage. This is seen in several ways defensively including his ability to switch over to block shots, his ability to alter other shots, and his ability to grab rebounds up high and sustain them above his head. What hinders him is that inability to “throw his weight around”. Finally (on this subject), he has nice footwork which is seen on both ends of the floor, but he is a little slower than desired. It isn’t a problem when facing certain teams or certain situations, but it is at other times. I must throw in here that he has been successful at times in defending those same players that Kwame is. The perception, because of some foul troubles in certain games, is that he doesn’t do a good enough job to sustain a starting role, but there have been stretches during those same games against those same players where he has been able to gather himself and play solid defense against them. Let me also throw in here that in all fairness to Kwame, some of the fouls that Andrew has gotten have been the result of “rookie calls”. Phil has mentioned that in post game comments on several occasions this season. Once again, if you disagree, let me know.

This is where you (Mike T) normally stop with your comments. Rarely is there a time when you have much to say about the other end of the floor in this debate. I noticed yesterday that when mentioning the footwork of Bynum, it was almost as if you were using it as a negative for him that he is already doing s solid job with it. At one point you seemed to elude to the fact that he doesn’t need more playing time for development right now, because offensively he is already developed as much as can be this season with his footwork. Furthermore, you used that to support your argument for why Kwame should start over him. What??? I’m sorry but you lost me with all of that. I found no connection with the two things, and equally found it comical that something as impressive and essential as solid post footwork that you would attempt to lessen its importance. Then it dawned on me, your focus is defense, and it would have to be, for you to be so much in favor of Brown starting over Bynum. If this debate were to be equally focused on offense as defense (as really it should since the court is made up of two equally-sized halves), there is no real comparison between the two. In reality, there is no reason offensively where Brown should be in the game over Bynum. I say that not to be harsh as I equally like both men and believe that both are crucial to our team’s success. It’s just what I believe to be the reality of the matter. As it relates to footwork, Bynum is more polished. As it relates to utilizing your body and having good self-awareness, Bynum excels. As I mentioned earlier, he has a VERY good habit of keeping the ball above his head. I would imagine that Kareem has been enforcing that with him. As it relates to passing, I’m going to give only a SMALL advantage to Bynum right now, because Kwame has made some great strides in this area. As it relates to receiving the pass, I’m sorry but Bynum has a clear advantage here. Kwame has done a much better job this season, but still Bynum is better. Unless the pass is at his knees, Bynum retrieves the pass and most times converts it for a basket. His soft touch is seen in how he both receives and shoots the ball. This also brings in the area of free throws. With all the recent talk of poor free throw shooting, Bynum is actually a very good free throw shooter for a big man especially. This also an advantage he has over Kwame. Once again, if you disagree here, let me know.

As you can see, I believe that both offense and defense must be factored into the equation when evaluating the players on the court and the positions that they fill. As I have stated before, I not only am looking at single positions, I am looking at how they relate to the rest of the players as well. This is yet another reason why I feel Andrew should start. It is my belief that Jordan Farmar…whether Zakee likes it or not…will not be starting this year. Instead, he is most likely solidified as the backup point guard (not a bad consolation prize). As such, I have been studying his game and its strengths and I have come to the conclusion that he needs room to operate…namely in the lane. He has all the makings of being a point guard in the mold of Steve Nash, Tony Parker and Devin Harris (to name a few); he just needs time to develop. If you think back to Tony’s first season he also came off the bench and actually spent some time on a short leash with Coach Pop. That could be Farmar VERY soon. However, for now, he is a game changer which is what you look for in a reserve. He and Mo Evans are game changers…wait a minute, I can’t leave out Ronny T (sorry Ronny for almost overlooking you)…they are all game changers. The can change the tempo of a game, raise the energy of a game, and impact a game in great ways. To digress, if you have paid any attention to the Spurs you will notice that Manu is now coming off the bench AGAIN. Why? Pop realizes that he provides so much off the bench to impact the game and he can be so much more effective in that role. This is a prime example of what I have been saying on here as it relates to rotations. It’s not simply about “who is the best player” it’s about how it all fits together for the overall success of the team. Don’t believe me, but several NBA coaches look at that stuff…like Skiles when he was bringing Gordon off the bench.

Furthermore, I feel as though Farmar needs room in the paint which won’t be there if Bynum is posting up. Instead, I feel as though Kwame would be a better fit. Kwame isn’t going to fill the post in the same way, plus Kwame is quicker, which would allow the tempo to pick up. Basically put, if Farmar is going to be coming off the bench, Andrew should be starting…that is best for right now in my estimation. Once again, if you disagree, let me know.

Finally, this all boils down to one question, “What does Phil Jackson think is most important to start the game?” Really, it should be two questions, the second one being…”Who are you playing?” However, it is sometimes dangerous to have a fluxuating starting lineup that isn’t by force due to injuries. Normally, coaches work hard to develop consistency in their rotations. Phil may be one of the most consistent to a fault. Sometimes I wonder why the other teams don’t vary their substitutions when playing the Lakers realizing that they are going to have 2 consistent Kobe-less windows of opportunity each game at the start of the 2nd and 4th quarters. Phil rests him every game at those times. Like I said though, it comes down to what the direction of the team or game plan is at the beginning. I would still like to see Bynum start as I believe that it is more important to start out with a strong execution offensively than defensively. Putting a second unit that included Evans, Farmar and Kwame with either Kobe or Lamar would be a solid defensive unit, while being quick and athletic. If Kobe is out there…I’d include Ronny in that lineup. If Lamar is out there I would include Luke. In fact, they could have Ronny in there either way at times with Kobe or Lamar playing the small forward role.

As I have stated before…if you don’t agree (and you probably won’t), let me know.

tim,
the NBA has decided to sacrifice and alienate it's superstars in order to address this called image problem...so if melo has to get screwed from all star game again..so be it...if the world's best player...gets shafted out of the MVP again ....so be it....u know what i don;t understand though....is..it's clearly apparent that the best "storyline " for the NBA ould be for a kobe "redemption"....the boston fans cheering was no fluke....the fans KNOW....so why o these "analysts" stuff nash and d-wade down our throats? stern is a great commish...but from a marketing standpoint..they are really messing up in a sense......true...they are making the game more global...but the bias is ruining credibility....if you think MIAMI winning it all last year made you sick (never mind that shaq won one....they just weren;t THAT good to me)....wait'll the SUNS get every GD call d-wade would get, only to further the "global" game theory.....conspiracy theorists can agree.......

AK,

you took to long to write about something so obvious as Caron being an all star.

See instead of writing about conspiracy theories you should focus on what's in the moment.

but don't worry, you are the only 'original' since you didn't write about that.

Kevin Ding also wrote about it on his blog.

So at least you are not following the masses, haha

AK,

If Kwame keeps spending more time on the bench in Armani than the purple and gold I'm going to feel worse and worse about the trade.

How many games has that guy missed with the Lakers now? You see what Kobe plays with and how he treats his injuries when they happen, then you see how easy it is for Kwame to sit out and end up stealing cake.

Re: Caron Butler

Love the guy cuz he's a really good feel good story. I wish him luck because I root for all the ex-Lakers except the one who needs no introduction.

But in hindsight, Mitch made a good deal because of the injuries and Kwame can be handful and a presence inside. You really can't have too many big men.

It's kind of lame how reactionary some people are. Smush has a good game, he's great. He has a bad one, send him packing in his Smushcalade. Every single 35 year-old vet who's contract got bought out is all of a sudden a "must get" for the Lakers. There's a reason why those players were cut loose. A season is 82 games long and players and teams really need to be evaluated on a long-term basis, not hour to hour.

Besides, we can keep praying that Kwame will be our very own feel-good story who found refuge and redemption in LA.

fan of the mamba needs a math tutor LOL.

51-31 would be 20 games over .500.

LOL, sorry it had to be done.

Wondahbap,

I can only agree with you on 100% of the things you said.

The fans get it, why don't the others?

Miami winning last year was sickening, not just because of Shaq and all, but I agree with you, they weren't that good, they just got hot at the right time, perhaps with a little help, coupled with a mild Mav implosion and we have one hell of a comeback win by an overall weak team. In the recent history of champions, they're probably one of the weakest, if not the weakest champs in the past 20 years. But, sadly for most of us, they are champs and we can't take it away.

JJ,

There's no doubt that socks has amazing footwork. I'm actually stunned sometimes only because he's not supposed to be that basketball savvy... much of sock's development is directly tied to the cap working with him. I wish it was still an hour a day, frankly, but I understand because his PT has been higher than anticipated.

Also, is there any doubt this guy will be (if he isn't already) a premier shot-blocker? I cannot say this for Kwame. I think Michael T doesn't give him enough credit defensively given that he blocks a ton of shots and definitely alters other shots that don't get technically "blocked".

AK,

Who cares if the thought didn't get out quicker than the other guy. Many of us have been eyeing Butler's year. What a great player, and he deserves the cheers, you can't say anything bad about him... he wanted to stay here. With the emergence of socks, a fan is forced to wonder if we made the right deal or not, a line up with Butler LO and KB would be something, but there was no way for Kupcake to know socks would progress this quickly, plus his foul trouble would have made the position a liability sometimes, which is why I'm eager for Kwame to return. In the wizzard's minds, they made the right choice.