If only every trip to El Segundo was this good
As a member of the Lakers working media, my average trip to El Segundo consists of the following:
-a wait in the press room until we're allowed in (varies daily).
-a brief glimpse of practice, followed by the watching of a team huddle from afar.
-a quick PJ interview, followed by Kobe, and generally L.O. or Luke, or another member of the supporting cast who happens to be in the news (usually due to injury).
-a little more standing around both for the purposes of making sure nothing else important might happen, and also looking like a dedicated reporter interested in squeezing every ounce of juicy news from the often unripe fruit of practice time.
-a trip home along the 405 and La Cienega that generally takes longer than the amount of time spent at the facility.
The process is very fast, and often I leave feeling I didn't learn much that wasn't already known. Fairly predictable, really.
Not today.
The first thing I noticed after signing in at the front desk (safety first) was that there were way too many people in the house for a normal Wednesday afternoon, even factoring in the whole "Lakers vs. Clippers for the right to cling to a low W.C. playoff seed" drama of tomorrow night's game. Not one, but two film crews. The first, I believe, was from HBO, who were filming a PSA with L.O. and Walton. I think. The second, however, was phalanx of camera and sound guys following Odom's every move. Turns out he was shooting material for his new website, and also stuff that could be used for his record label and clothing biz. The suggestion was made that L.O. could be setting himself up for his own reality series, and nobody really shot down the idea (though it was clear that for the time being, that wasn't why they were filming). But it was entertaining to watch, mostly because of the shocking inorganicness of it all. Odom takes extra jumpers, cameras follow him. Walks to get a Gatorade. Cameras follow. Walks back with Gatorade. Cameras follow. Does some leg work on one of the machines courtside. Cameras follow... and Athletic Performance Coordinator Alex McKechnie pokes fun.
"Stop showing off," he said. "You haven't done that in four years."
The news wasn't limited to L.O.'s Hollywood moment. Vlad Radmanovic practiced, and came through with flying colors. He absorbed contact on his shoulder, reported no problems, and says he'll be available tomorrow. Download vlad_radmanovic_4.11 on shoulder, practice.mp3
It got a little more interesting when Andrew Bynum was asked if he was prepared to continue taking on bigger minutes in the playoff drive because of Kwame Brown's injury. Bynum said he was... and that he had just heard Kwame would be out the rest of the season (he seems to imply the playoffs might be a possibility, though it's hard to tell). Certainly there's been a lot of speculation as to if/when 54 will return to the court, but Bynum is the first to say anything that definitive, far as I know. Granted, on anything other than the merits of Wii vs. X Box, your average 19 year old is not exactly the most reliable source of information, so it's possible Bynum's comment is incomplete or incorrect. Jackson said the team hadn't made any sort of declaration like that, and when we caught up to Kwame (literally- he was exiting the facility and in the front seat of his car), he said he was still day to day, has to be careful not to risk further injury, needs to have enough strength defensively, and doesn't want to play if he thinks he'll hurt the team. FYI, Kwame didn't practice today, and is doubtful for tomorrow. Until asked about Bynum's comments, Jackson had said only that there wasn't much different than what he reported yesterday- That they took another look, and "we're assured there's nothing else going on in that ankle."
Here's the Bynum clip, along with P.J.'s response. (In his clip, by the way, Bynum goes on to talk about how he needs to continue to stay aggressive, read and react faster to avoid foul trouble, and be a larger presence in the lane, among other things. He's trying not to let tough moments hurt his confidence. "Everybody has bad moments in this league. But you can't let them bring you down too far," Bynum said.)
Download andrew_bynum_4.11 on Kwame injury, staying aggressive, learning.mp3
Download phil_jackson_4.11 on Kwame injury.mp3
Download phil_jackson_4.11 on Kwame, Vlad Rad, importance of Clippers game.mp3 (also includes a Vlad Rad update, and thoughts on tomorrow night's game)
P.J. on developing Bynum as an organization, while putting a premium on winning. And L.O. also talked about getting him ready to take on a bigger load going into the playoff drive. It's something they're trying to do, but there's no substitute for experience.
Download phil_jackson_4.11 on developing Bynum.mp3
Download lamar_odom_4.11 on readying Bynum for playoff drive.mp3
Download phil_jackson_4.11 on Bynum's playoff role, how he can improve, Turiaf.mp3
Very interesting clip from L.O. on the quality and consistency of the team's efforts in practice. "You practice like you play," he said, noting that they've had a couple good ones in the last couple days. But the statement implies (based on recent results) that the Lakers haven't been practicing all that well. Not as well as they should, Odom said. Download lamar_odom_4.11 on practicing to play well.mp3
But for all that fun and excitement, the highlight of the day may have come at the end, when Luke Walton was confronted with tough questions about rumors of the sort you can only really find in L.A.- that he's dating Britney Spears. For the record, he's not, despite the fact the recently shorn singstress has shown up at Staples in a Walton jersey declaring via signage how cute she thinks he is. Walton, who has a girlfriend, said it was fun for a while, but at this point it's time to put this puppy to bed. "If I was playing in Milwaukee, this wouldn't happen," he joked. For the record, this may be the most entertaining bit of audio we've posted this year.
Download luke_walton_4.11 on Britney rumors.mp3
We're likely to have a little more fun with that last bit of, and I use this term loosely, "news."
BK
Of course Luke's not dating Britney, otherwise he would be using her connections to start filming a big-budget movie, utilizing his acting skills. He would also be making a Soft Rock/Pop record that would be released on Britney's label. It would be entitled "Luke Walton: Tall Tales". He's totally everything K-Fed isn't.
Posted by: ajax | April 11, 2007 at 07:03 PM
BK,
Will you take me with you tomorrow??
Posted by: dan the man aka smushcalade | April 11, 2007 at 07:04 PM
If the lakers make the playoffs, i do believe that that can be Phoenix in a series if the ball bounces the right way...what do you guys think...
Posted by: gerald cochran | April 11, 2007 at 07:04 PM
So now Luke is trying to get the Bucks to make him a big offer?
Posted by: exhelodrvr | April 11, 2007 at 07:27 PM
Honestly, no, I've seen nothing to make me think we can beat Phoenix. I'd much rather play San Antonio. And funny enough, I think Denver would rather play Phoenix, we should ask them for a trade, maybe get them to dump a few games.
why is Phoenix a worse match-up? We're a terrible defensive team, they have the bes toffense in basketball. We don't protect against the break well, they're one of the top-three fast-break teams. We don't play pick-and-roll very well - they have Nash. We have the best weapon in basketball, but because the games are going to be so high-scoring, they really don't care - they'll still out-score us.
Nah, I'd much rather play San Antonio. They like the pace slower, and I think that plays into our strengths a lot better.
Posted by: Michael A | April 11, 2007 at 07:35 PM
On Tuesday afternoon, i listened to Dr.Buss on Radio AM570, he said several things following:
- Jim Buss made all decisions, but if he was Jim, he would made some decision differently.
- He was happy with Phil (???).
- Lakers will add 1,2 players this summer on guard position.
-He compared Michael Jordan, Scottie Pippen to Kobe and Lamar, i guess Dr.Buss so busy with Poker tournment, he forgot NBA teams right now are different with NBA teams 15, 20 years ago.
Posted by: bluesky | April 11, 2007 at 07:38 PM
I know one cannot enter the real world from the Blog Matrix, but 4 days ago I wrote that Luke wouldn't be able to ride in Britney's limo if he signs with Milwaukee. Luke either A] read the post, B] greatish minds think alike, C] Milwaukee is the metaphor city of choice when describing the polar opposite of LA or D] sh#t happens.
One of these days, there will be proof positive that the blog has affected real events in the Purple and Gold world.
Posted by: Vman | April 11, 2007 at 07:56 PM
I tend to believe what Andrew said about Kwame is true and not what Phil and Kwame said.
Andrew is extremely honest and doesn't know what is right to say and what is not.
The Laker Organization wants fans to believe that the team still has a chance in the playoffs, but if the news that Kwame is out gets out then the fans will be upset about it.
But oh well soon enough we'll know if Andrew was right.
Posted by: lakofan | April 11, 2007 at 08:10 PM
Lakofan,
Unfortunately, I'm guessing you're right. When the news keeps including nothing in the way of progress, you start to get a vibe. I'll keep hope he'll suit up at some point during the postseason, but I'm not holding my breath for him to play any regular season games.
AK
Posted by: Andrew Kamenetzky | April 11, 2007 at 08:18 PM
Talking a lot about trading, what about sending Kwame to Suns as an exchange for Boris Diaw, that is what I want to see, on how Kwame can be effective as a center when you have a very good point guard like Steve Nash, let's bring Diaw to Lakers and Brown to Suns, that is what I'd like to see in the future.
Posted by: arnold | April 11, 2007 at 08:59 PM
Basically, I hope Marcus Camby and George Karl run into one another with their cars, and not to forget going at a very high rate of speed! If this happens i'll consider us even, for what they did to Kwame.
Posted by: adam kiley | April 11, 2007 at 09:02 PM
Wow, Luke is sooooo out of Britney's league, what was she thinking? She might be able to land Mark Madsen though, and then they should immediately be booked on Dancing With the Stars... even I'd tune in to watch that!
Posted by: J. Walter Weatherman | April 11, 2007 at 09:03 PM
AK,
Did it kill you to say I was right? haha. JK.
It's obvious that Kwame is hinting he won't play anymore, but Andrew is so 'media pure' that he said what he was told.
But we all know that the Lakers as an organization need to keep the fans hoping even if it's a small hope.
So instead of winning a game or two in the playoffs, they'll win none. Sorry to say so, but I believe it's true.
Posted by: lakofan | April 11, 2007 at 09:08 PM
Lakofan,
No, I just was very proud. I'll always remember where I was the first time you were actually right. haha
AK
Posted by: Andrew Kamenetzky | April 11, 2007 at 09:15 PM
I miss Xodus
He, i think Xodus is a He, would always give us a nice balance. Always fair, but at the same time optimistic. He was Andrew Z's and LakerTom's amalagam!
Posted by: adam kiley | April 11, 2007 at 09:15 PM
Vman,
I have no doubts that at least some of the Lakers (and their family/friends) read this blog, and the team probably laughs/discusses our entries during down times. I think players and their agents want to know how the fans (as well as sports writers) in their team's city are viewing them. I'd even say the Laker management scans the blogs to gauge how LA is thinking of the players and the team in general. For example, do you think Buss will offer a big contract to an unpopular player? When it comes down to it, it's all about the fans since we pay the money for the players/owners to get rich off of.
Not only that, but players are certainly at least a bit curious about what fans think of them. Think about it - these guys perform in front of tens of thousands of fans many times a month. They have to be at least a bit curious as to what those fans think of what they're doing right and wrong. And how else are they going to truly get a sense for what the fans think of them? Their agents are going to put a positive spin on things; family and friends may or may not tell the truth so as not to hurt any feelings, and the coaches don't want them distracted. So how are they going to get these critiques? Blog life; that's why Lamar and other players have their own webpages. Yeah, I'd say this blog plays an important part in several of the Laker's lives. The players probably won't dare admit it, but I think it's obvious.
That's why I always defend Smush Parker. His confidence may be affected by what he reads, or what someone tells him is being written about him on this blog. The fact that some bloggers pile up on him surely damages his confidence, making him a less than effective player. And it's unfair anywayr, particularly since these bloggers ignore other players struggling and blame everything on Smush. So much negativity can't be good for the morale of Smush, or the team for that matter. Can you imagine Lamar Odom, Luke, Cook or what ever Laker booting up their computers at home, or their laptops on plane trips/hotel rooms, and reading blogs from a bunch of so called fans screaming bloody murder about them? It's not like these guys aren't under enough pressure. That's why I'm trying to post my player criticisms with a constructive, balanced approach, not the emotionally charged, hateful rants like we get from certain bloggers.
These players are just human like the rest of us. They're young, maybe a bit insecure, maybe impressionable to an extent(just like any other performer, which is what they are, in essence). I really think we bloggers should be mindful of that.
Lastly, I'm certain some of us bloggers are known in the Laker locker room. For example, Michael T. probably gets a lot of attention. Smush, or his people, have probably taken note of Zakee's assault on him and my defense of him. Luke probably enjoys the positive attention he gets.
Just my 2 cents.
Posted by: troy | April 11, 2007 at 09:20 PM
AK,
You're mean!!!!!
you were....
seating in front of your computer typing, haha
Will I ever get that feeling about your comments? mmmmm, maybe, hahaha
Posted by: lakofan | April 11, 2007 at 09:27 PM
bluesky,
Those two players mentioned by Jerry Buss are MLE & BAE. The one 1st rd and two 2nd rd. If this is what Buss family are saying as a replacement of our free agents, then welcome to Laker Dark Ages. No Superstars around most probably 4 new Luke's talents which are good enough to defend the 8th seed on annual basis.
Where there is smoke, there's fire so if Britney is now single and Luke is on her radar, Luke is denying that's how Brad and Jolie started. This is another Laker soap developing, i'm sure there are paparazzi out there sifting our posts looking for news. Whatever is said here as mere rumor will be blown out of proportion by vultures. It's all talk about Luke and what about Smush? both are interwoven by destiny of their famous scrappy defense. lol!
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | April 11, 2007 at 09:28 PM
Lakofan,
Actually, now that I think about it, "sitting in front of my computer typing" describes 3/4 of my life. The moment may actually get lost in the shuffle. haha
AK
Posted by: Andrew Kamenetzky | April 11, 2007 at 09:30 PM
I still think the Suns will sweep the Lakers in the 1st round
Posted by: shaggy | April 11, 2007 at 09:38 PM
WOW Denver is playing extremely well; the series with the spurs is going to be great.
Maybe Denver will win that series, the spurs have experience, but Denver has young athletic players, so it's going to be hard for the spurs if the series goes to seven games.
At first, I thought if Denver wants San Antonio they can have them, but now I'm wondering if San Antonio can sustain Denver.
What I don't like about Denver is that they are way to cocky and it's annoying watching Carmelo show off, I like Carmelo, but I sometimes don't like his attitude.
Utah is playing horrible basketball, so I guess Houston will win that series, but who knows, Houston is also struggling.
Denver already clinched a playoff spot, so lets see what happens tomorrow with the Lakers.
I wanted San Antonio for the Lakers, the suns or Dallas will kill them.
The only way I see the Lakers maybe winning against the Suns is if we see the Andrew of the beginning of the season, the kid that wasn't afraid of Amare, but I think this team as a team gave up already.
Posted by: lakofan | April 11, 2007 at 09:44 PM
Well, with a well supported argument like that, I think shaggy is probably the captain of the debate team.
Thank you shaggy for enlightening us with all those facts.
Posted by: Ford | April 11, 2007 at 09:45 PM
AK,
That's what I thought, hahaha
Posted by: lakofan | April 11, 2007 at 09:47 PM
I hardly see the suns sweeping up this year, at worst it will be a 4-2 series with the lakers only winning two games. However, if we can run the triangle efficently and get kwame to play good defense to deter Amare somewhat I think we have a shot of winning the series again but won't be an easy task. The lakers just have to hold that 7 spot down, because we don't want to play dallas with that defense they have.
Why don't Kobe talk as much to the media, hes been really quiet this season as far as making any sort of negative comment. I mean dude has been way too squeaky clean this year, i need this boy to say some comment that challenges his teammate. I mean I like this new Kobe, but the real reason I started liking kobe was because he was not scared to call his teammates out like he did with Shaq.
As far as Denver, I am impressed with this team. Its just too bad they will play the spurs and they will lose that series no matter what. The spurs know nothing but how to play fundamental bball with their leader in Tim Duncan. But if they drew anyother team I would say yes they will beat them, but the Spurs are way to savvy for this nuggets and the Spurs know how to beat defenseless team. But I am very impressed with that team and they are big as fu*k with Nene and Camby which is scary to me. And why did the lakers not pick up Steve Blake, my man can flat out ball.
I WOULD TAKE BLAKE OVER SMUSH ANYDAY.
Posted by: wow | April 11, 2007 at 10:14 PM
It works two ways. You do your homework, your teachers will be nice to you. Your parents will allow you to go partying during weekends. When you are failing in some subjects, getting mostly d's in your grades, you get the negative vibes from different sectors. The law of nature does not change, you always reap what you sow.
Give us a Championship team and we will have 500 positive posts a day.
As a public figure earning millions a year, they should be matured enough to take the good and the bad reports. If they wanted to be praised then do something that is praiseworthy during gametime like Ronny Turiaf, that's my man, our Tarzan. If you turn to be lazy and inconsistent, what kind of response do you expect from Laker fans?
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | April 11, 2007 at 10:18 PM
A NEED FOR THE LAKERS TO REBUILD CONFIDENCE :
If the lakers fail to secure a win against the Clippers tomorrow, then I can assure my fellow bloggers that its over, we won't make the playoffs, but if by some sought of miracle, we manage to get that win i believe we are going to start a mini winning streak (WIN THE NEXT FOUR GAMES).
A win against the the Suns will be very crucial to jump start the Lakers from this sharp decline in confidence, and could be what the Doctor prescribed for a brilliant post season series against the Phoenix.
All the Lakers need to do to turn this around and boost their confidence is A. Believing in themselves as a team B. Willing your team to win, and playing team basketball. The reason Denver has won its last 7 games is simply a matter of confidence, they believe they can't lose, and that their team is better than any other team right now, and as such things began to happen for them. The lakers need a confidence booster, a belief in one's ability is crucial in any kind of sports, whatever we do in any aspect of life, once we begin to doubt our abilities, the loses and failure begins to pile up. The Lakers needs a big lift, It could even be Radman, coming off injuries or something else bringing hope to them and in a heart beat could restore that confidence in the locker room.
Please enough of blaming this on injuries, or Kwame's absence, lack of talents etc. We have enough talents on this team to make playoffs. However, we lack the confidence and most times the inspiration to win games.
We need some sought of luck and hard work in the last 4 games to boost our confidence and I believe we can still challenge the phoenix suns.
Posted by: AA LOS | April 11, 2007 at 10:21 PM
AA LOS
Good post dude , props...
But deep inside you probably understand , we need a bit different persollel.
To depend on Radman , the player who never was R Horry of basketball , in the wake of playoffs is bad bad thing.
We can argue over here for a decade , but we should always look at the big picture . Lakers starter used to be Shaq Kobe Fox Horry Fish.
Now Kwame KB Luke Lamar Smush .....
Enough said !
Posted by: albert | April 11, 2007 at 10:56 PM
AA - we can challenge the Suns? To what - a who-gets-Britney-for-a-girlfriend contest? Hell, I think Nash would even beat out Luke for that.
Face it, we are done for, dead in the water. If we even make the playoffs, we'll be lucky to take two games from the Suns - more likely win one or get swept. The team has NO chemistry and NO heart (other than Kobe and Rony and maybe Luke).
We need to reboot this summer:
1) Get Kupcake the balls to go after and get KG like West did with Shaq. Or fire his ass and find a GM who will. Kobe deserves KG and we can get him IF whoever our GM is is aggressive enough.
2) Get rid of the pouty whiners - Smush and Kwame - and the Serbian snowboarder. Let's find some players whose idea of a fun time is kicking ass and winning a championship!
3)Phil needs to get his fire back. His laid back complacency gives the Smushes of this team license to act the same. If he's too old, let him marry Jeanie and become part owner and give the reins to someone younger with the drive of Avery Johnson.
4) Get KG! Get KG! Get KG!
Posted by: Jay Jay | April 11, 2007 at 11:03 PM
Hey AK -
Can you find out if players read the blog or hear about it?
It would be interesting to know what they think
Posted by: bobie | April 11, 2007 at 11:45 PM
People need to uderstand that confidance comes with responsbility and the work that you put in the off season to get better... I can say none of the Lakers besides Kobe ( i think he was injured last summer though) and maybe Luke worked on their game in the off season.. This is the reason why we had such a bad year.... People you need to understand that it's not that we dont have talent, we just dont have responsible personal that has heart and cares to put in effort to work on their game....If you listened to Kobe the other day he even mention that we need to come early and stay late and work on our game.... But you can't ask to much out these low sissy's I guess. Exp ( Kwame, Smush, Sasha, Bynum but his still young)...
Thats why I say please Buss ship these guys out and get us winners and people that have heart and care what they bring everynight like Kobe, Lamar and luke
Posted by: Gino | April 11, 2007 at 11:50 PM
Troy,
OK, well said. I've hung with more than a few Lakers and my impression has been the media comes to them, they don't have to go to it. They're getting more mail and fan interaction than they can handle as it is. I asked our blog hosts early last year if any of the players or staff had mentioned reading the blog and the answer came back negative. That's been repeated since but, as you say, it doesn't mean they haven't checked in.
The last thing Kobe needs is to slog through more print about himself but I could see others checkin' in while bored on the road. I seriously doubt that Phil has checked out any of our panel of experts here for ideas but who knows?
The blog seems to be more about the community than the ideas. It's the people more than the posts. The personalities both abrasive and friendly, are the experience that makes it worth scrolling past the arrogant lectures and player haters to get to some familar friends and their latest thougths. After 2 years, we've beaten the same few subjects to death but most come back to say it again. I've been a season ticket holder and this has that kind of community feel except the high fives are virtual.
Posted by: Vman | April 11, 2007 at 11:59 PM
I think its either 7 seed or no playoffs at all. If we can get a win against pheonix it would be huge momentum into the playoffs... though i dont think we can win a series against them.
if we want to get better during the offseason, we need:
1) a better starting point gaurd, i don't need someone who can score like crazy, but someone who can play defense and fit into the offense
2) KG... it will be costly but worth it, if we cant get him we can go after J o'neal (??) dont know if he is available, but he dont look happy
3) Kupcake to instantly get better or a new GM
Posted by: Troy S. | April 12, 2007 at 12:24 AM
Bobie/Vman (The response addresses both of your posts),
I don't really know what each individual player thinks of the blog and frankly, I don't want to know. It's a no-win situation seeking that out. I'd rather write what I write and trust that if a player has a problem with a particular post, he'll say something and we'll talk it over. Otherwise, I'm fine assuming they like what I write, are indifferent to it, or simply haven't seen it. There are some players who read everything written about them and some who don't read a thing. But either way, not getting involved makes going about my business much easier.
I do know some within the organization read the blog (in part because they have staff who read articles about the team, in part because I've gotten feedback). But again, as long as I'm not hearing complaints, I'm happy to assume they either like it or are "fine with it." I can't really wrap myself up in anything beyond that.
AK
Posted by: Andrew Kamenetzky | April 12, 2007 at 12:30 AM
AK/BK
Thank you for doing this , we appreciate you doing this , if I can speak on everybody's behalf.
If some in Lakers organization dont like you posts , I say -tough !
We can critisize Lakers organization because we care fot it.
Posted by: albert | April 12, 2007 at 01:05 AM
I know, I know 2 in the morning and all that lol.
It's nice to hear that people in the organization actually reads this blog, but also nice to hear that they're competent enough to ignore some posts (haha). In all seriousness though, I think some here have good things to impart, and it's nice that someway it's getting through. Like our support of Lamar, more than anything, more than the insights, the improvements, I think those show that we're fans, and that we are the Lakers...and we will always be. So thanks for the medium AK and BK. Good job!
Posted by: Faith | April 12, 2007 at 02:26 AM
Gino, seriously, you need to come up with a higher grade of insult. Do you have sexual issues? I'm guessing for m the tone of a lot of your posts... I mean, what's the deal with calling Kwame a she-male all the time? Seriously Dude, Kwame would beat you and make you ask for more. There are probably a lot of she-males who could beat you too, some of them are pretty damn big.
Arnold, i see no reason for Phoenix to make that trade. None.
Posted by: Michael A | April 12, 2007 at 04:48 AM
AK, BK, just curious... ever leave your wallet there?
Posted by: Michael A | April 12, 2007 at 06:48 AM
All right everybody this is it. Smush haters, Smush supporters, Kwame bashers, Kwame shills, Laker fans of all stripes and persuasions this is it.
For all intents and purposes tonight’s game comes down to this:
WIN OR GO HOME. If the Lakers lose tonight then for all intents and purpose the season is over. I know some of you say you will be glad for this but will you really. If next wed. game is the final one for the season will you really be happy? I wager to say you won't. So I would just like to send out this one little wish. For one day, just one day can we keep things positive and root on the purple and gold. After tonight we all can revert back to our usual behavior, but for just one day, just one day, can we all send positive vibes and not negative ones to our team. That’s it, that’s all I got to say. I will blog no more today and if the Lakers win I will be back on the Blog tomorrow. But if they should fall then that’s it for me this season.
Which I'm sure will make some happy. So till tomorrow comes or next season comes
Andrew, Edwin, EX, Mike T. Vman, JJ, GoRakers, WOW, lakofan, Faith Shaggy, Stargazin, adam, LakerTom, RespectMyAuthorith, wesjoenixon, Gino, Tim-4-show,
Gurgy, Xtro, Zen, Zakee , Gunner24, Smushcalade, KIWI, Lakerlover, jandro, LAL_fan,
Fan0fMamba, thaShow, Korey, Strgazin and yes even Fakersz and Sonny Belfast it’s
Been a pleasure. I will leave all of you with this thought for tonights game:
WE ARE THE FREAKIN LA LAKERS AND NOBODY
COMES TO OUR HOUSE AND DISRESPECTS US.
LAKERS TODAY LAKERS TOMORROW LAKERS FOREVER
GO LAKERS GO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: Mamba24 | April 12, 2007 at 07:05 AM
Kambros,
You see this is the stuff we like...inside info on what's it like to work for the Laker family. I know, you're paid by the House of Times, but you've been sired by Lakers. Don't let anyone tell you differently.
Who knew that a trip to El Sugundo included such gems as these?
It's the little things that matter, the inside info. Give us more, please. Juicy stuff would be nice. Like, for instance, who knew that when Ralph Finnes was playing Amon Goth in Schindler's list, he had on his secret pair of red socks? No one knew, untill some team reporter posted iton the Schindler blog. (we'll actually, he admited it on Regis, but only because there was no one in charge of a blog to leak the info out.) Red socks! Who knew?
So, what's the inside info?
For example, perhaps someone wears a specifc pair of blue or black tights during games...no, that's Kobe..but you get the point. Inside info. Maybe someone keeps a little pet bunny in his locker or something and feeds it with tenderness after tough losses...
You get the point. If you have to, make it up. Or if you hire me as one of those street urchin singing newsie kids, I could make it up. Either way, good job.
Wes
Wes
Posted by: wesjoenixon | April 12, 2007 at 07:10 AM
Vman:
"I know one cannot enter the real world from the Blog Matrix, but 4 days ago I wrote that Luke wouldn't be able to ride in Britney's limo if he signs with Milwaukee."
My lord! It's been found, the portal into Luke's Brain! This is our chance...
Wes
Posted by: wesjoenixon | April 12, 2007 at 07:15 AM
Sorry I forgot to give a shout out to the best writing tag-team in the business.
AK, BK thanks its been a blast. Now remember boys and girls:
WE ARE THE FREAKIN LA LAKERS AND NOBODY
COMES TO OUR HOUSE AND DISRESPECTS US.
LAKERS TODAY LAKERS TOMORROW LAKERS FOREVER
GO LAKERS GO!!
See Ya!
Posted by: Mamba24 | April 12, 2007 at 07:54 AM
sounds like kwame is done for the year.
and even if he does come back, he will be at 60 - 75% verus an elite western conference team in a 7 game playoff series?
as for radmanovic, who cares??!
if it was mihm coming back, different story.
Posted by: tha show | April 12, 2007 at 08:01 AM
I also heard the interview with Dr. Buss, and he said he wouldn't mind going over the cap to pickup a good player.
CHAUNCEY BILLUPS, anyone????
BRYANT/GARNETT '07
Posted by: GO Rakers | April 12, 2007 at 08:03 AM
jayJay,
"Get Kupcake the balls to go after and get KG like West did with Shaq"
That is not a fair characterization of MK. Shaq was a free agent. KG is not.
Posted by: exhelodrvr | April 12, 2007 at 08:05 AM
Mamba24
If we lose tonuight and if we lose tommorow we will still make the playoffs.
Don't try to put all my hopes into this one game.
I am sticking to what I say. Smush sucks and if Phil doesn't do something before the playoffs we are doomed. Racman is going to help because now MO can play the 2 instead of subbing in for Luke at the 3 spot. Plus we need him to stretch the offense even though it Racman isn't going to help Smush's game at all because Smush doesn't create plays for other players.
But tonight is a big game but don't listen to Mamba in suggesting that a lose would end our playoff hopes. I mean do you realize that we already have 40 wins and that all the other teams are still trying to get to that point? Come on MAMBA, even though I don't like Smush I am still going root for him if I am in a room with a bunch of Cliipper fans. I will just let out my fustration on this blog so hopeful AK and BK get the point accross to management that as fans we are pissed.
Let's Go Lake Show.
We need Kwame back and we will be ready to go.
I wish Mihms would have been health so we didn't have to make such a big deal out of Kwame.
Posted by: Zakee | April 12, 2007 at 08:35 AM
I somehow think most of the regulars will be here to blog during the off season. You don't just turn off and on addictions like Laker basketball. I'll stop wearing my dolphin shorts to work meetings before I quit blogging.
Tht's promise.
Wes
Posted by: wesjoenixon | April 12, 2007 at 08:39 AM
Mamba24,
Here is my positive advice to the Lakers for tonight's game. Lately, Cutino Mobley is the player that leads all Clippers scorers. Somebody has to be focus on Cutino ONLY even when he is not holding the ball. What I see in our defense is when their guard does not have the ball they lose sight on his movement and they just go halfway between their guard and the group and daydreaming that the ball will fall in front of them. However when you have a hot player like Cutino, you have to refocus your targets on his moves, what he likes to do when he does not have the ball and his positionings in different plays. Put it in your mind that this player should not get more than three shots per quarter and not more 10 points for the whole game and you accomplished your objective. How can you do that? Don't let him get the ball at all times. Good guards are like hired assasins they know their targets, study their targets and shadow their target for 48 minutes or any minutes they are playing with their target. If Smush can do this little things, an advice that is really not that complicated then you will not hear any unpleasant post about his defense. If someone can stop or slow down Cutino, then it's 50% win. Next 50% will be for Brand & Maggette, compete for the rebounds against Kaman and let Kobe be Kobe and Odom be Odom, that's the job of role players just keep on feeding your lion and the tiger then you control 100% of the game.
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | April 12, 2007 at 09:22 AM
exhe - Not quite true.
Shaq was a free agent who could have been resigned, and would have if we didn't jettison players to give him extra money and make the deal extra sweet. And West was smart enough to do that.
KG I believe is in an opt out year, and could use that as leverage to force a trade IF Kup was man enough to sweeten the deal for both him and the T-Wolves. It CAN be done. Only question is if Dr Buss will back it and Mitch will man up and do it.
Posted by: Jay Jay | April 12, 2007 at 09:30 AM
AK,
You've mentioned your policy before and it's a good one which is one of the things that makes you the blog alpha dog.
Along the same subject:
I wanted to tell you a couple of months ago, the day you were quoted in the Detroit press about the CLippers / Lakers, saying they were like Charlie Sheen and Emilio Estevez... I ran into Emilio that afternoon. "Hey man you and Charlie made the sports pages... bla bla bla. I explained he was the Clippers in the metaphor, his look went from excited about the sports reference to his eyes rolling back muttering. So, the blog does in fact have a wide reach in the real world.
Posted by: Vman | April 12, 2007 at 10:05 AM
People I am beggening to feel the positve vibes coming from the Lakers. If we can stay in the seventh seed I really like are chaces vs. the Suns. Remember we took them to seven games last year with a less talented team then we have now. If Kwam can come back and be effective and if Andrew is able to step his game up I think we can beat them in six. Lamar will play great and Kobe will be Kobe
Posted by: james | April 12, 2007 at 10:22 AM