Mike T.-

Again, because you give a guy a thumbs down in a journal doesn't mean it's his fault the game was lost, or that if he had followed your prescription (not that one was always given...) the Lakers would have won. You can point to your eight games, or your fifteen or whatever that Jackson cost the Lakers if you want. If you think they'd have won 53, 54 games or whatever with a different coach, that's fine. You're entitled. I would disagree. As for the Phoenix series, like I told you, the reason it didn't bother me was because a) the unique matchups Phoenix presents, and b) Phoenix at the time of the playoffs was a vastly superior team. It was worth trying different looks and different combinations to see what could be done. But they could have played 7, 8, 9, or 10 guys all series, and still would have lost in five. I'll ask again, how should his rotations have been different? Which guys would you have played, and why would it have mattered in the end? Personally, I'd have had Walton on a shorter leash, especially in Game 5 when he was horrible, but unfortunately, it's a double edged sword with him- when he's out, the offense often devolved into jump shooting from the perimeter, which isn't a great prescription to beat the Suns. But you can't point to the Jazz and say they played 8 or 9 guys and say "aha!", because the Jazz have 9 or 10 good players to choose from. The Lakers don't. After the top three or four, the rest of the guys are so limited, you have to mix and match them to get whatever you can out of them.

I think over all, the ledger comes out about even in Jackson's decision making- the good ones and the bad ones. Wasn't his best coaching job, and he didn't seem to have any sort of "magic touch" so to speak when things went wrong, but I think the primary reason the Lakers had such a lousy second half was because injuries decimated what was already a talent thin roster. You can disagree if you'd like. That's fine.

As for quoting Stu, you seem to go for these guys (be it Stu, Worthy, or whomever) when they agree with you, but the minute they don't (like saying something negative about Kwame, for example) you go off on them, calling them Uncle Toms, stooges, and the like. So which is it? Are they reliable sources of hoops knowledge or not? I think they are, but that doesn't mean I'm going to agree with everything they say.

Finally, as for Kwame, I would say yes, he should be ready to catch the ball even when guys pass to him off dish offs. This is professional hoops.

BK

OBTUSE

Main Entry:
ob·tuse
Pronunciation:
\äb-ˈtüs, əb-, -ˈtyüs\
Function:
adjective
Inflected Form(s):
ob·tus·er; -est
Etymology:
Middle English, from Latin obtusus blunt, dull, from past participle of obtundere to beat against, blunt, from ob- against + tundere to beat — more at ob-, contusion
Date:
15th century

1 a: not pointed or acute : blunt b (1)of an angle : exceeding 90 degrees but less than 180 degrees (2): having an obtuse angle — see triangle illustration cof a leaf : rounded at the free end2 a: lacking sharpness or quickness of sensibility or intellect : insensitive, stupid b: difficult to comprehend : not clear or precise in thought or expression
synonyms see dull
— ob·tuse·ly adverb
— ob·tuse·ness noun

GO LAKERS!!!

Mike T,
"5 spot is still asking the question: what the hell is going on here? "

That's because the 5 spot is clueless.

michael h,
"I was wondering how the warriors could handle Dallas then lose fall short in Utah and I think I know why. "

Avery Johnson is a new coach; Don Nelson is one of the most innovative coaches of all time, and Johnson didn't adjust well. (He will learn, but he is still relatively new at this.) Now Nelson is going against Sloan, who is arguably the greatest coach of all time.

I vote for Horry & the Spurs. I have a great disdain for the Suns and Amare's comments about taking the Lakers out in the 1st round quickly. Like he knows about winning championships. He was nothing when Kobe & Shaq dominated. Now we've got feather weight centers compared to that dynasty. Here's to the Suns defeat in a sweep by the Spurs. I hope Horry pours 3's on your MVP nose Nash.

Hate the Suns, Hate the Spurs. As long as whoever wins it doesn't win it next year.

BK, I'll answer your question on behalf of Mike, just in case he forgot... (assumes character)...:

PHIL'S 8-MAN PLAYOFF ROTATION (shouldabeen)

1. At the one, the biggest problem the entire season was Phil's insistence of sticking with Smush Parker - c'mon, Phil! Everyone knows you need two things to play the point: long arms and athleticism. Now, who has the longest arms on the team? Andrew Bynum. OK, but is he an athlete? Not nearly the athlete that Kwame Brown is, and he just happens to have the second-longest arms on the team. Therefore, our starting point guard should have been Kwame Brown.

2. Now I know this is going to be a controversial choice, because everyone's always talking about how we've got the best player in the world, blah blah blah. But the truth be told, the most important thing a shooting guard can do is play TEAM BALL. This means NOT taking the shot, but passing the ball to others. Yes, Kobe is talented. Yes, he can shoot, but we're just not going to win with him taking 30 shots a game. We need to play TEAM BALL. We need a shooting guard who DOESN'T put the ball in the basket - see the logic? Kobe = putting the ball in the basket = LOSING. Kwame = NOT putting the ball in the basket = WINNING. That's right, we need someone who immediately gives up the ball when it's passed to him, even if it's to a member of the opposing team (well, as long as it's not a white dude). Therefore our starting shooting guard should be: Kwame Brown.

3. Everyone knows you need an athlete at the small forward spot. I, for one, am tired of seeing Luke Walton constantly being beat to rebounds by more athletic small forwards - we need to win this matchup in order to win! We need our best athlete in this spot - as I've already proven, Kwame Brown is our best athlete. Think about it - everyone assumes that Kobe is our best athlete, but we've all seen him recklessly return from injury too soon, and coast his team by trying to do too much. Kwame knows, when you've got a sprained ankle, you need to sit half the season, AT LEAST. Sure, arrogant egoists like Kobe Bryant might be too worried about their individual scoring averages to sit out games, but Kwame knows that he would be hurting the team if he played before he was fully ready. I've done the research, guys - I've spent hours studying tape, observing the thighs and buttocks, the biceps and the pectorals - I'm absolutely convinced that Kwame is the most athletic, luscious, beefed-up piece of chocolate I've ever seen, and we need him at the 3 to win. Starting small forward: Kwame Brown.

4. Now, I know everyone talks about how Kwame can't play the 4, it's too hard, etc. But the truth of the matter is, the only reason Kwame hasn't developed those skills is because he's never been given a chance to develop them, because ball hogs like Kobe Bryant are taking all the shots, glory hounds like Lamar Odom are hogging all the rebounds, Phil refuses to put Kwame in at the 4 because he wants to hog all the credit for any success the Lakers have. But look at the truth, guys - Kwame has proven that he can do anything he sets his mind to. He is a warrior, and you can't underestimate his potential. We need to give him some space and let him operate, man! Starting power forward: Kwame Brown.

5. Now, I know what you're going to say. "Mike, you're starting Kwame Brown at every other spot - you CAN'T start him at the 5! That would violate the fundamental laws of physics!" Well, you're forgetting two things: I only have a fourth grade education, so I never LEARNED the fundamental laws of physics; hence, they don't apply to me (just look at Wile E. Coyote running off a cliff - he doesn't fall until he NOTICES where he is!). Also, everyone knows that once you write something down, it becomes the truth. Read it and weep, bitches!! You can't argue with me anymore!! Starting center: Kwame Brown.

6. First man off the bench has to have heart and energy, two things that are synonymous with Kwame Brown. Everyone talks about Farmar's "experience" getting to the Final Four of the NCAA Tournament, but don't forget that Kwame took his team to the CHAMPIONSHIP of the St. Ignatius 8th grade girls invitational tournament! Yes, he had to wear a wig, but that just proves this guy will do anything it takes to win. I ask you - what's better, winning, or ALMOST winning? 6th man: Kwame Brown.

7. OK, your second guy off the bench is mostly situational. He has to be versatile, since you never know who's going to hit the wall and need a break. Well, looking at our starting lineup, we see that every position is occupied by Kwame Brown. I don't know about you, but I don't want to see the drop that's going to happen in our play when we send in some scrub like Kobe Bryant in for Kwame. Obviously, the only guy who can step in and play at the level Kwame Brown is known for is... Kwame Brown. 7th Man: Kwame Brown.

8. Now, your last man off the bench is typically someone you're looking to develop, to groom for a position in the starting rotation down the road. How many times have we seen teams overwork their starters, watch them go down with injuries, and then have no one on the bench who can step up? Michael Jordan did his best to ruin Kwame, but his unmatched raw potential was too great for even the Modern Logo to destroy. We've got a diamond in the rough right there on the bench, and when Kwame Brown goes down with an injury, we need to make sure Kwame is ready to step up. 8th man: Kwame Brown.

I don't care if you respect me, BK. I know I am right, and everyone here knows it, too. I have written 87 consecutive journals, so I know I'm right. What have you done??!!?!? Maintained this blog so a bunch od idiots can come on here and slander Kwame Brown? You are a joke.

AK/BK are there going to be any Lamar or Kobe exit interviews?

Things are gettin all crazy! Jeeze Mike T, calm down, dude.

Here's who I'm rooting for (in order from most rootable for to least):

1) The Phoenix Suns: Talk about exciting basketball! A bunch of guys that run up and down the court with little game plan what-so-ever besides having a munchkin drive into the lane and pass them the ball? Amazing! It's like a three ring circus except without the clowns! Plus, just like all the Phoenix faithful have been touting, they do Showtime better than Showtime! Never you mind the Canuck they have running the offense, he's absolutely the best point guard in the league! Canada might finally get a reprieve for Brian Adams! Plus, they've got the friendliest guy in the league, Raja Bell. He's pretty great... I hear he teaches kindergarteners how to do takedowns and shows them the "stop, drop, and roll" maneuver for fire drills!

2) New Jersey Nets: Two words: Vince Carter. He's gotten a lot of flack for his past actions, but you can't help but love the guy. His team is obviously going to be out of the playoffs? He says he's injured. His team isn't doing well? He demands a trade. He's one of those guys that does what he wants when he wants, everyone else be damned. Beyond respectable, that's what he is. How can you NOT root for any team with him on it?

3) Cleveland Cavaliers: If there's anything the Playoffs need, it's more Sprite commercials. If LeBron can takes the Cavs further, that means I get to see so many more quality commercials. Why wouldn't anyone want that?

4) Detroit Pistons: Finally! Chris Webber can get a ring! Need I say more?

5) Utah Jazz: The only reason that they're not higher is because they didn't take Devean George. How could they not have seen the quality of DG? They took that stupid little bastard Derek Fisher. Damn, I'm glad he's gone. .4 seconds? Who cares?!?

6) San Antonio Spurs: Fundamental basketball is dumb. How is that supposed to win a championship? Robert Horry... what did that guy ever do for us? I hear he eats babies. Plus, they're the most likely to beat the Suns, so why the hell would I root for them? All of the guys on the team are just awful, their coaches included. The only reason I didn't rate them lower is because they have the Boardwalk, which I've heard is the happiest place on earth besides Disneyland. I think when I die, I'd like to have my ashes spread there.

7) Chicago Bulls: You know, I was trying to decide which team would get the lower ranking and I decided it would be the Warriors. Regardless, I pretty much hate them both for the same reasons. Who the hell wants to see a young team go deep into the playoffs and upset bonafide champions? The main reason I put the Warriors here is because I like Mark Cuban more than the Heat. I was really trying to decide who I wanted to see the most of in the Finals and would have much rather liked the camera showing Mark Cuban yelling from the sidelines like the courageous, upstanding warrior that he is than a bunch of old guys running around the court.

8) Golden State Warriors: Just. Plain. Bleah. See above. Plus, screw California.

(Sarcastic? Me??? Never!!!)

SBPimp,

That is hands down the Post of the Year!!

Kudos and thanks for making me laugh so hard.

Golden State
Utah
Chicago
Cleveland
San Antonio
Detroit.

Suns hahahaha, I told you karma will catch up with you. Spurs are going to kick your butt and Nash's nose as well. ;-)
Amare, Raja and D'antoni, I want to see your faces when you are eliminate. I will laugh so hard. Next season be a little more humble, maybe that will take you guys somewhere.

SBPIMP!!!!!

lol...hahahahahahahha

that is the funniest thing I read in the last week...

how about this:
SBPimp Blogging:
THUMBS UP!!!

Mamba24-

They're coming this week. We want to make sure we give everyone a chance to discuss the players before movingo on to the next one.

SBPimp-

Damn, that was funny.

BK

NOT-CHAEL TENIENTE:,
whoever you are ... great

I hate to be the on to bring up Smush Paker (ala Kwame) but I actually think playing him this season was an appropriate gamble.

Phil was trying to "bridge the gap" to farmar or some other PG. Its not like he didnt have a few good games this season too.. Didnt he have a game winning block or steal?

Anyways, Phil had to take the game and "trust" Smush because he was our only chance of playoff success this year from the PG spot. He gave him too logn a leash, but he was trying to get Smush to play at lest to last year's evel.

As shown in the playoffs, we needed Smush to come out scory and play sting defense.

However, when any team relies heavinglyon a smush parker, that team has problems!!!

Fatty,

Dude, you're really not letting me live this one down, huh? This is what I get for opening my big mouth (and trying to massage my own ego). haha

AK

Thanks for the kudos, guys. I don't want you to get the wrong idea, though - I didn't write that post for your reading pleasure, I wrote that post as a testiment (sic) against Phil Jackson.

As for who I'm rooting for, I'd love to see the underdog (GS) take it all, but I really don't care as long as Phoenix doesn't win. This year was the last straw for me - "Kobe sucks" chants? Cheering when he goes down injured? Those punks should NEVER get to see their team win it all, period.

Looking forward to seeing what offseason moves we make.

LAKERS FOREVER!

SBPimp, "I wrote that post as a testiment (sic) against Phil Jackson."
SBPimp that was downright cold lol. Bur then again you've got to be cold if you're
SBPimp lol.

kl "the beast",

Nash finally has a supporting cast that he can make better. Just because he is MVP with the Suns doesn't mean any team he goes on he becomes an MVP. If that was the case then Dallas would never have departed with him. He wasn't all that in Dallas. And the group of MVPs he's in company with just tells you that thanks to the commisioner your precious little "better all around player" can run up and down and pass the ball without being hand checked. Put his game in the 80's and he would have been close lined by Detroit, Boston and just dismissed by the Lakers. But in 2005 he now is an MVP. It must have taken the league a long time to finally recognize that this guy is the man. Put an asterisk on that "no touchie touchie on guards now" But hey go ahead and jump into a man jumping straight up so you can go to the foul line instead of dunking on him like oh Kobe did on him in the playoffs. But you go ahead and bask in your playoff loss to the Spurs with your no ring MVP candidate with an asterisk. John Stockton did the same exact thing Nash does now but he did it during Jordan's era with different rules. Where's his MVP trophy? All assists and no rings. Not to mention Jason Kidd. He does the same thing, with more triple doubles than your precious no touchie Nash. Where's his MVP? So yeah you keep believing in your weak nose bleeding team passer and while he's getting a breather lying down on the floor I hope he gets a good look at the Staples Center rafters to see the championship banners that yes Shaq & Kobe built. MVP MVP MVP Go Nash don't touch him go Nash don't touch him

I always root AGAINST the SUNS ! I don't usually watch after the lakers are out cause its just too painful ! However I'll be rooting for the Spurs cause I think Championships should be worshiped and not sprwead around to everyone !

Korey I liked your post on Smush

At the end of the day for the lakers to have had any hope this year....

Smush needed to develop...and Odom and Kwame needed to play well.Odom played well relatively well its fair to say he progressed...smush and kwame didnt really.

But we were never going to win with Farmar at the point just like we were never going to win with Bynum in the middle.Our only hope was Smush getting it together...he didnt and we didnt

Without that we were never going anywhere.Change the team if you like (and I imagine most of you do like) but without those players getting it done it was never going to happen.

Pulling Smush with 2 games to go was a stupid move...it was a psychological gamble and couldnt have turned out much worse.But youve got to take risks becasue sometimes its all you have.

Youve got $50 left and your rent is $100...your going to be booted out of your apartment anyway so why not gamble the money on red or black on the roulette table and see if you can possibly double it for the hundy...To me this sums up the lakers season...and the off season.If they dont take that bet instead of keeping the fiddy I will be very put out.

ex: Nice. I wonder how many sayings there are that apply to Kwame's cake problems.

To toss or not toss cake, that is the question.

Ask not what your cake can do for you - ask who you can toss your cake at.

The only thing we have to toss is cake itself.

A cake loses nothing of its frosting by frosting another cake.

Cake me once, shame on you. Cake me twice, shame on me.

For me, it's got to be the Pistons. Call me crazy, but I kind of like them. Also, I'm still not totally over the Lakers meltdown in the 2004 Finals, so the more titles the Pistons win, the more it validates their championship against the Lakers, relieving the perception that the dominat Lakers lost to an inferior team who just happened to draw a finals opponent that was lacking anything resembling team chemistry (or a healthy Karl Malone).

Ex he had two of the top ten players in the league for a decade during the 'two star' era...he often had a third all star as well Mark Eaton,Jeff Malone,Hornacek...its fair to say he had some talent to work with and alot of that was before the bulls were even on the scene...not that any one year you would necessarily say they should have done this or that...but you look back over that decade and wonder why something didnt happen at some point....

but dont mind me Im just being irritating...bad day!

Fatty,
"Still not satisfied, I changed the Laker girls to all Kwame's"

I don't think I want to live in your world.

kiwi,
"why not gamble the money on red or black on the roulette table and see if you can possibly double it for the hundy"

No, put the money on 00 and start Kwame at point guard!!