Well, at least nobody wore black
There was a palpable Dead Man Walking vibe down in El Segundo today. No doubt this had at least something to do with the mood in the media waiting room, where the Lakers have, far as I could tell, been written off (in the interests of full disclosure, I am among those who feel the Lakers have no real chance of winning the series). That gave Wednesday night's Game 5 less the feel of a playoff game and more of a nationally televised execution- appropriate, since it'll likely pre-empt Law and Order reruns on TNT. More importantly, though, talking with Luke Walton, L.O., and Kobe, I wasn't overwhelmed with the sense that the players think they can shock the world with a comeback. P.J. was very emphatic that he still believes it can happen, but the troops? Not so sure. It wasn't anything specific that they said. Everyone used the right cliches and certainly nobody waxed on about early May vacation plans. It was just a feeling I picked up, and keep in mind, I'm hardly a psychologist. Maybe I'm wrong, and the sense of (albeit reluctant) resignation sensed was actually a steely cool determination. More a Three O'Clock High vibe. Everything worked out fine in that one.
In terms of news, Kobe spent most of the practice getting treatment on his back, which he tweaked in Game 4. He says he'll be fine. And after a very rough go Sunday, don't be surprised if Jordan Farmar gets bumped from his still new starting gig. Phil made it very clear he's reconsidering the situation. Among the replacement candidates? Smush, Shammond, Sasha, and AK. That last one's a dark horse.
Click below for today's audio.
BK
LUKE WALTON
Download luke_walton_5.1 on Game 5.mp3 (on preparing, on knowing what's at stake, staying in control)
Download luke_walton_5.1 on Game 5 II.mp3 (on PJ sending them home Monday, practice Tuesday, playing 48 full minutes)
Download luke_walton_5.1 on Game 5 III.mp3 (on not needing extra motivation- lose-and-go-home is plenty)
L.O. again downplayed his health issues ("I'm playing," he said), and seemed to emphasize breaking the game down. Taking it possession by possession, smaller picture to big. Not a bad plan. "Where there's a will, there's a way. So we just have to find a way," he said.
Download lamar_odom_5.1 on Game 5.mp3
Download lamar_odom_5.1 on Game 5 II.mp3
In the first clip with Kobe, he says PJ was "as irritated as I've seen him." That says something, I'm sure, since Kobe has seen a lot of the guy. Interesting comment as well in the second clip, where he admits being stuck in this cycle of playoff struggles has become frustrating. Makes sense, since most fans have become frustrated right along with him.
Download kobe_bryant_5.1 on Game 5.mp3
Download kobe_bryant_5.1 on Game 5 II.mp3
As I mentioned, PJ firmly emphasized his belief in the team, and said it's his job to make them believe. "I instill that in them," he said. Still, it was disappointing to hear him say that practice wasn't sharp at the outset. Coaches are generally critical of practice, sure, but today of all days, it would have been good to hear they took the court with a sense of purpose.
Download phil_jackson_5.1 on Game 5.mp3
Download phil_jackson_5.1 on Game 5 II.mp3 (on bad D in Game 4, lack of hustle, "soft" play, delivering the first blows rather than absorbing)
Download phil_jackson_5.1 on Game 5 III.mp3 (on guard situation, any disappointment in team's showing at this stage of his career)
OK, now that we're at the culmination, can we all just agree that Mitch has done a miserable job and needs to go? That choice to "build" around Kobe, make him the Man, was just foolish, and got the deserved results. These are the LAKERS, a venerable team with a wonderful past. Let's ask for a new leadership (Bye, Phil, nice work), and get a team that works.
Posted by: Doug | May 01, 2007 at 05:02 PM
AK,
You are in my deepest Dog-House for quoting Peter Veczey. That is a downer of all downers. TJ Simmers without the humor or heart.
I just have zero respect for this guy. Smirky, bad vibes around him.
How could you...
Baywood
Posted by: Baywood | May 01, 2007 at 05:21 PM
hahaha, yeah! start AK! but seriously, i think we should start smush tommorow. his D on nash has been pretty solid in this series. Our most succesful lineup so far has been
Shammond (to guard barbosa)
Smush (on nash)
Kobe (on raja)
Lamar (on Marion)
Kwame (on amerie [sic])
I realize that barbosa probaly wont start for them, but when he and nash are both in- the above is the lineup we should go with. Shammond does a reasonable job of slowing down the blur, but he needs to stop jacking up 20 footers. Smush is our best hope of containing nash, and he actually made a few good baskets last game and only had one or two horrible turnovers. We really need a miracle tommorow guys. I dont know how we are going to win in Phoneix. Realisticlly we need three miracles in a row- but i believe! I am missing a very important class tommorow night to watch the game, so the lakers better get it done.
Posted by: Gabe | May 01, 2007 at 05:23 PM
Year end Laker review
I’m not giving up yet, I’ll yell at my TV for game 5. Hopefully these Lakes show up to play rather than chanting “Cancun, Cancun.” Still, it seems to be time for the end review:
THE CORE
Kobe Bryant: Best in the NBA. Played strong all year. The whole package. The Lakers need to get him more support. Team is strong 2-4, but weak at 1 and 5. Kobe can play 2 or 3, and as he ages more time at the 3 spot may make sense. Phil did it a few times the last couple of games for defensive purposes The problem was the guards were Smush and Shammond.
Lamar Odom: Played well in the first half before injuries. Then showed heart, playing through 3 injuries and the death of a child. Long, rangy, athletic, unselfish, good post up game, Plays 4 and 3 spots equally well.
Luke Walton: Again, played well in the first half before injuries. Learned to play well at a faster speed than last year and developed a shooting touch. Has struggled to get back there since the ankle injury. High basketball IQ, good facilitator, good teammate. Played well as a starter but could also be a 6th man and lead the second unit. Fear could be Walton family brittleness, has had a few injuries.
THE KIDS:
Andrew Bynum: Still very young, hasn’t got an adult body yet, so too early to judge. Like so many Lakers, started better than he finished. Tall, and long, with good hands, smooth post moves, and a good shot blocker. Also sometimes looks lost, foul prone, not physical enough. But it is early – he is 19. We all look to Garnett or Jermaine O’Neil as the answer, but there is risk in dealing away Bynum as Portland did O’Neill – here are comparative stats at 19, with Bynum right in between those two:
Games Minutes Rebounds Blocks Points
Garnett 80 28.7 6.3 1.1 10.4
O’Neill 60 13.5 3.4 1.0 4.5
Bynum 82 21.9 4.2 1.6 7.8
Bynum could easily grow into a man over the summer, work out and put on some muscle, and be a good big man, that rarest of commodities. Or not, there is risk in sticking with him and in trading him.
Jordan Farmar: Have you heard this before? Started better than he finished. Performed above expectation out the gate then struggled. Still, a tough minded guard who will be a legit NBA player. Maybe off the bench, maybe a starter.
Rony Turiaf: The prototypical old school 4 – tough, defender, rebounder, can hit the open 15 footer. Brings a lot of energy. Forced to play at 5 with injuries this year, and Phil limited his minutes to protect his heart. A great 4 off the bench, could spell Odom, as well as Walton, with Odom sliding to the 3 spot. The Lakers have 3 kids with potential, but they probably won’t develop fast enough to plug the holes in the starting lineup next year.
THE REST:
Smush Parker. A Phil Jackson guard on paper. Tall, long arms, quick hands. But a failed experiment. An indifferent defender and inconsistent shooter when the Lakers need a tough on ball defender and a spot up shooter to take advantage when Kobe draws the defense.
Kwame Brown: Frustrating. Seems to provide the interior defense the Lakers need, but never really go going this year with injuries. May not have the mentality to play at the level he is capable of, surely doesn’t have the hands to be an offensive weapon. Needs to be a Ben Wallace or Dennis Rodman type, but doesn’t have the desire that role demands. Trade bait.
Mo Evans: Looked better earlier in the year. Must have been something in the Staples water. A few times looked like the Kobe of the second unit. Has athletic ability and plays tough at times. Sometimes you don’t know he is on the court. Not afraid to score, useful in a sub. Could be useful off the bench.
Chris Mihm: A huge question mark. With limited trade value due to injury may get a chance in camp next season.
Brian Cook: Not enough defensive presence. Seems to lose focus. Good streaky shooter off the bench. Not in top 8 of rotation for a contender.
Vlad Rad: A huge disappointment. Never seemed to get it, in any way.
Sasha V: Why do Eastern Europeans seem to never develop under Phil? Good shooters and floor players. Should fit into the triangle. Had his moments, but not enough of them.
Shammond Williams: Didn’t see enough of him to judge this year. Seemed to have the courage to shoot, which his teammates often lacked. A role player, deep in the depth chart.
Aaron McKie: Was he really on the roster? I thought Phil liked vets, thought he might be a Rick Fox type. I guess not.
So what do the Lakers need? More toughness. A guard who can defend on the ball, especially against the quick points, and who can hit the open looks Kobe will create for him. This is not Jason Kidd by the way. And a big man who can defend the middle, rebound, and score occasionally in the post. They can’t count on the kids to play that role. And they don’t have a lot to deal, so it will have to be free agents and teams looking to get rid of salaries.
Remember, before we fire Mitch and Phil and the Buss family, it takes time to rebuild, even when you are a storied franchise. The Lakers went 8 years between West Chamberlain’s title and Magic/Kareem, and 12 years between Showtime and Kobe/Shaq. Detroit 14 years from the Bad Boys to returning. Chicago last won in 1998. The Celtics in 1986. The Knick in (gasp!) 1973. The Lakers should be able to get there faster because of Kobe, but this is not an easy task. It is easy for all of us to build a team in our heads, but getting teams to make deals, and free agents to sign and making the right crystal ball moves with the draft is a crapshoot.
Go Lakers, let’s get this series back home!
Posted by: Tom Daniels | May 01, 2007 at 05:31 PM
We need Bill Billicek this offseason! If not him, we need a similar offseason to what the Patriots had, they know how to bring talent around their star player
Posted by: jay El. | May 01, 2007 at 05:47 PM
I BELIEVE!!!!!!!!
GO LAKERS!!!!
Posted by: HanSoulfood | May 01, 2007 at 06:07 PM
Tell us what AK can do that Sasha can't do? How about the honeymooner replacing Walton?
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | May 01, 2007 at 06:08 PM
How about Bill replacing Luke? Fewer turnovers, old man on court humor, and someone who could dunk along with Kobe & Lamar.
- Miguelinho
Posted by: Miguelinho | May 01, 2007 at 06:20 PM
Well looks as if BK has jumped off the ship ! Rumour has it he's hopped on that Warriors bandwagon ! I'm be at Game # 5 tomorrow night early and loud. I'll be dressed in full Laker gear" REPRESENTING" ! GO LAKERS !!
LALAKERFANFORVER !!!
PS: Come Thursday morning we'll preview Game # 6
Posted by: LALAKERLOVER | May 01, 2007 at 06:32 PM
AK/BK,
wassup with the blog?
is the non-email revealing names a new improvement?
i really wish you could make it so only registered users could post...
that would cut down on trolling and people faking that they are somebody they're not...
Posted by: Korey | May 01, 2007 at 06:35 PM
When all but one player on the team firmly believes he'll be gone next year, how do you get it together to come together as a team?
That is the curse of the Lakers. All or gone. It happened in Detroit years ago and it's happening now.
Posted by: Vman | May 01, 2007 at 06:50 PM
Smush Parker? Shammond? Sasha? I think not. PJ put Farmar in the position of second guessing himself with every move, by warning him he could lose the starting job. That's what happened on Sunday. Farmar's not the problem.
How does Walton keep HIS starting job, is what I'm wondering.
By the way, anyone see this yet in the New York Times:
"An academic study of the National Basketball Association, whose playoffs continue tonight, suggests that a racial bias found in other parts of American society has existed on the basketball court as well.
"A forthcoming paper by a University of Pennsylvania professor and a Cornell University graduate student says that, during the 13 seasons from 1991 through 2004, white referees called fouls at a greater rate against black players than against white players."
David Stern is dismissing the study, just as he dismisses anything else that's critical of the League.
Might explain how Steve Nash gets away with stuff Kobe and Lamar get dimed on every time.
Posted by: Rick Friedman | May 01, 2007 at 07:14 PM
Korey, as we moved out of the season, the blof is becoming faintish and cloudy. For people like me who is not even 20/15, I'm blogging in the clouds. It was the right description of the thread that it is no longer black and we belong to the dead team blogging. At least before, you see gold background and larger types on the box, I think the blog is driving us away not the trolls but the oldtimers, those baby boomers who are on their way to 2nd childhood.
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | May 01, 2007 at 07:23 PM
AK (sorry for repost but other thread is kinda old )
yeah yeah ... count me as one them ... i think you're a hater ... btw, there's nothing wrong with that, i hate on nash all the time, just wish you'd admit it when you hate instead of trying to pimp it as being objective.
so you've actually seen kobe on numerous possesions during a game get beat down the court because he iss arguing. and not just in one game, in numerous games. are you for real? that's a very serious accusation, i don't think even rasheed wallace is that bad and that's saying a lot. Any player that causes his team multiple baskets because off some off court bs like arguing with refs, deserves to be on the bench till he gets some common sense. well video editing or not, that player is definately not the kobe i know.
Go Lakers and umm F*** the Suns
Posted by: Taliq | May 01, 2007 at 07:24 PM
Testing
Posted by: Michael Teniente | May 01, 2007 at 07:33 PM
Rick,
That also explains why MJ got away with so much. Oh, wait, he's black, isn't he?
Do you have a link to the article? What does "higher rate" mean? Based on per game? Per minute?
What did black refs do?
How many refs are black, and how many are white?
Does the article provide the above information? If not, it is worse than having nothing, because it makes implications/draws conclusions without providing supporting data.
Posted by: exhelodrvr | May 01, 2007 at 07:37 PM
This is the article Rick Friedman was talking about, for those who wanna read it.
http://www.nytimes.com/2007/05/02/sports/basketball/02refs.html?_r=1&ref=sports&oref=slogin
AK
Posted by: Andrew Kamenetzky | May 01, 2007 at 07:50 PM
Tom Daniels
If Luke is part of our core, then we trully are a weak team.
To quote you he started fast and faded fast, long before his injuries. He seemed to wear out when he was covering for Odom and playing more minutes. Even with 60 days of rest, he's still not shooting well.
PJ can't develope Euro's? Tony Kukoc was pretty good.
Rebuilding takes time. But we should never have been in a rebuilding process in the first place. We had an historically bad trade that took this team down quite abit. The same people that destroyed an excellant team now want us to have faith in them as they rebuild it.
Your final summation was excellant. A good toygh guard will improve this team a lot.
Fatty
Posted by: Fatty | May 01, 2007 at 07:56 PM
LALAKERLOVER-
Well, I had predicted Suns in five, so technically, I'm not sure I was ever really aboard the ship to begin with. (haha)
BK
Posted by: Brian Kamenetzky | May 01, 2007 at 07:59 PM
AK,
Now I don't believe that at all, about the racial bias. If it were true then why can't Chris Mihm get any love? LOL! With all the fouls they called on Mihm it should have balanced out, right?
mike
Posted by: Michael Teniente | May 01, 2007 at 07:59 PM
Mike T,
Haha. You raise an interesting point. Lord knows Sasha, Slava and Travis Knight are/were also whistle magnets. It may have been broken, but I'm about 95% sure Knight once held the NBA playoff record for quickest foul out. 6 in 6 minutes. haha
AK
Posted by: Andrew Kamenetzky | May 01, 2007 at 08:02 PM
AK,
Good call on Travis Knight. Dude would get whistled when a butterfly flapped its wings in Brazil ... haha
Posted by: Sarcocop | May 01, 2007 at 08:05 PM
Sarcocop,
Nice call with the butterfly comparison. Yeah, Travis Knight was jawdropping in his ability to rack fouls. In my head, I used to be like, "Thousand-one, thousand two..." every time he checked into a game, because that whistle was just coming any second. In it's own right, it was actually pretty impressive. haha
AK
Posted by: Andrew Kamenetzky | May 01, 2007 at 08:11 PM
Mike T.
Funny and accurate. Except Mimm is a Laker and that would skew the study. All refs black or white hate the Lakers.
Unconscious bias? Interesting.
Fatty
Posted by: Fatty | May 01, 2007 at 08:13 PM
AK,
I noticed how you stopped counting at "thousand two." That's probably as far as you ever got. On the bright side, I bet having an NBA playoff record makes for a great pickup line. As long as Steve Javie is not hanging around the clubs to blow the whistle for bad grammar or something Knight's probably got it made ...
Posted by: Sarcocop | May 01, 2007 at 08:19 PM
Madsen picked up a few fouls pretty quick too.
Posted by: rdlee | May 01, 2007 at 08:25 PM
AK:
No GHE for me. But I’ll tell you, how the team comes out and plays in this game will tell you more than anything else about the character of the players we have. I fully expect the Lakers to win tomorrow night. Anything less will be a big disappointment. If the Suns could do it last year, then these guys better believe that they can do it this year and come out an play that way. No crying about the bad calls (and don’t try and tell me they ended up even) and bad breaks (does every rebound or ricochet have to bounce right to a Suns player? Enough is enough! Yes, they have a more talented team but the series will go to the team that plays best. And its not over until it’s over. One game at a time. Win a tough one tomorrow. Then home for a easy win to tie it up. And all of a sudden the pressure will be on the Suns. Game 7! We can do it!
Tom
Posted by: LakerTom | May 01, 2007 at 08:31 PM
Those Funs fans really do have some emotional issues don't they?
Anyway,
Go Warriors!!
Saddle up partners, the Warriors bandwagon is leaving Lakerville for NorCal on the fast track to the Western Conference Finals!
I Love the NBA Playoffs!!!!
Live from your Oven
LkrFan in Phoenix
Posted by: PhxLkrFan | May 01, 2007 at 08:34 PM
That article on race is VERY interesting. I have alway been a firm believer of bias amongst the refs, although I never thought that race was part of it. I always thought the refs either consciously or subconsciously were biased based on whether they liked that player or not. But this article does raises some excellent points to think about.
I first witnesed the officiating bias after watching Magic's last few years in the league. He was adored by the league and was obviously a major reason the league became as popular as it did. The popularity of the league resulted in highler salaires for everyone, including the refs. Even as a Laker fan in those days, I could not deny how favorable the calls always went towards Magic. Than came Jordan, who got almost as many calls as Magic did. And than came the granddaddy recipient of favorable calls, Dwayne Wade, who is another poster child of the league. Is it any wonder Kobe gets absulutely NO love from the refs?
Posted by: mitchell | May 01, 2007 at 08:37 PM
AMERICAN IDOL
Blake just broke off 'You give love a bad name" by Bon Jovi....I mean:
BROKE IT OFF!
THAT WAS TOUGH!
mike
Posted by: Michael Teniente | May 01, 2007 at 08:39 PM
And then on the other hand we have ... you know what's coming ... Dwyane Wade!
OK, in my mind the issue is settled. The LakersBlog anecdotal evidence officially repudiates the Penn/Cornell study. Anyone have Stern's phone number?
Posted by: Sarcocop | May 01, 2007 at 08:39 PM
So no fines or suspension for Nash's kick in Kobe's groin, huh? Predictable.
Posted by: tim | May 01, 2007 at 08:42 PM
I never thought I would say this, but I think I can now proudly call myself a Warrior fan. The Laker's have showed up for about half of their series so far and been MIA for the rest. These guys don't come to play every night, don't hustle for 4 quarters, and have too many individual goals. The Warriors have played as a team, hustled & worked hard and they are about to bounce the best team in the NBA. Even if they don't win it all, at least I know that they've tried their best to win, something the Laker's can't say.
Posted by: TK | May 01, 2007 at 08:44 PM
ak/bk,
CAN SOMEBODY TELL ME WHEN WE GET THE GOLD BACKGROUND FOR THE LAKER BLOG AGAIN???
For something so well liked by users, its a shame that it's been taken away.
That's like Magic Mountain shutting down the Colossus ride and never reopening it (or insert amusement park ride you like there).
C'mon!!!
If the Lakers arent going to win, at least give the users something they want.
Remember, customers are always right, and I know for a fact about 100,000 page refreshes * .02 cents per banner * 3 banners per page IS WHAT I AM CONTRIBUTING!!!
Posted by: Korey | May 01, 2007 at 08:45 PM
AK, thanks for putting the link up. Sorry, should have done it when I posted.
Posted by: Rick Friedman | May 01, 2007 at 08:48 PM
Have you noticed Faith hasn't posted for a couple of days? Did you see her last post?
"I'm out, this isn't a blog, this is a haters parade. We're better than this, those guys on the floor know it, this blog is better than this, old timers know it (Sorry AK and BK, you know you guys are always up there for me, but this isn't the blog we know and love).
Had we played defense, this would have been a different story. Refs or not, and believe me, I symphatize J Walter Weatherman, but even with that had we just played defense and not let them get us out mentally, it'd have been a different game. Maybe not a win, but a closer game most definitely. Not much effort on our part, and not much coaching on PJ's part imo. Either way, it's done.
GO LAKERS! I still have faith in you!"
Posted by: Faith | April 29, 2007 at 03:13 PM
Faith
Literally thousands of people read this blog everyday and look forward to your comments. Most ignore and see the haterism for which it is. Free speech can be a bummer sometimes, But when people like you and others properly use this gift, it is most enjoyable to read. Don't forget you are everybody's little sister on this blog, who just happens to know B-Ball. Take care. Fatty
Posted by: Fatty | May 01, 2007 at 08:55 PM
From the study about bias.
"The N.B.A.’s reciprocal study was conducted by the Segal Company, the actuarial consulting firm which designed the in-house data-collection system the league uses to identify patterns for referee-training purposes, to test for evidence of bias."
"System league uses to Identify referee patterns"
Using those patterns is convenient for NBA brass to send those who can wistle better in favor of a now favorite of the league: Steve Nash - phoenix Suns
Posted by: jorema | May 01, 2007 at 08:57 PM
ALRIGHT LAKER'S FANS THIS IS WHAT I WONT TO KNOW IF ALL OR MOST OF YOU WONT TO TRADE MOST OF THE PLAYER WE HAVE KNOW FOR NEW PLAYER AND I SEE SOME OF YOU WONT TO TRADE ANDREW WHICH I THINK THIS WOULD BE A GRATE MISSTAKE ON THE BE HALF OF THE LAKER MANAGEMENT. THIS IS WHAT I SEE THE LAKERS BRING TRUST NEED TO DO SEEING THAT THAY DONT WONT TO GO ABOVE THE SLARY CAP, HERE ARE SOME FREE AGENTS THE LAKERS SHOULD BE LOOKING ATE. GRANT HILL, OR E-JONES ONE OF THESE TO PLAYER COULD MAKE THE BANCH A MUCH IMPROVE BENACH NOW WE NEED TO ADRGRESS THE POINT.A-MILLER OR J-KIDD,M-WILLIAMS ONE OF THESE POINT COLD IMPROVE THE LAKERS BACK COURT.NOW IF THE LAKER COULD PACKER COOK AND SASHA AND ANY OTHER PLAYER NOT NAME KOLB,LAMAR,ANDREW,TURIAF. THEN AN ONLY THEN WILL WE AS LAKERS WILL SEE PROGRESS IN THIS TEAM MOVEING IN THE RIGHT DICTERION.
Posted by: LARRYOBONE | May 01, 2007 at 09:00 PM
If you haven't voted yet, LATimes.com is running a poll on which Laker you most want to get rid of:
http://www.latimes.com/sports/la-sp-lakers2may02,0,458672.story?coll=la-home-sports
Vote early and often!
Posted by: Rick Friedman | May 01, 2007 at 09:01 PM
Apparently not more than they hate Tim Duncan haha.
"6 in 6 minutes. haha" My man Sasha has broken that and set the world record lol.
Posted by: Faith | May 01, 2007 at 09:12 PM
I wish our Lakers can play with the passion of GS. They are playing great.
Fatty
Posted by: Fatty | May 01, 2007 at 09:22 PM
Thanks for the words Fatty. Like Kobe with his teammates, it's frustrating sometimes lol. Especially so close to a loss. I mean personally I try to treat everyone with respect...it's a shame others cannot do the same.
If anything I haven't a problem with "gloating"...or "pointed comments" that's the nature of the game...but it's become malicious and straight out mental. That's not the blog we know and love. Believe me, I've been around this blog awhile (haha) now...and even in its beginnings we had the haters, the lovers, and the middle men...but one thing was clear. A sense of respect, and a sense of Lakerdome. The same cannot be said for what it's become of late. Again, AK and BK, you're awesome. I know for the most part your hands are tied. Just like it is with this "background" haha.
But thanks for the words like I said Fatty. I shall try to "toughen up" and play "injured" haha.
Posted by: Faith | May 01, 2007 at 09:24 PM
Lakers need players who proved they can play hard....no more softies
o man...dirk is at the line...will he choke?
Posted by: HanSoulfood | May 01, 2007 at 09:28 PM
Warriors are testing the Mavs again. I guess you really never know. So how do we get back into this series? Its pretty easy, MAKE SOME SHOTS!. The suns have not shut us down on defense, we have shut ourselves down. Luke missed at least 5 shot from 5 feet or less in the last game. The supporting cast has to make their wide open looks because for the most part, most of their shots have been wide open because of Kobe being doubled and tripled. If Kobe scores 45 on 26 shots we win. If Kobe scores 45 on 35 shots we lose. We lose because when the other guys make their shots, it keeps the othe defense honest and Kobe has more room to manuver. We can post these guys up and get inside at will but we havent been finishing. I also would try Vlade instead of cook. he has shown at 6-10 that he can post up some. Bring him in for Luke when barbosa is guarding the 3 and post him and of course MAKE SOME SHOTS.
Posted by: michael h | May 01, 2007 at 09:29 PM
Faith
You know how I feel about the haterism. I left for longer than just a two day cooling off period. I came to the conclusion that I would refuse to let others take away from my enjoyment. I've learned a lot about basketball this season, and I want to learn more. No one is going to keep me from that.
Besides the Lakers need us. lol
Reporting stuff from rainy Flagstaff, Arizona
Fatty
Posted by: Fatty | May 01, 2007 at 09:39 PM
"CAN SOMEBODY TELL ME WHEN WE GET THE GOLD BACKGROUND FOR THE LAKER BLOG AGAIN???
For something so well liked by users, its a shame that it's been taken away."
SERIOUSLY AK/BK! EVER SINCE THE NEW FORMAT, THE SEASON WENT DOWN HILL!!!
Posted by: bobie | May 01, 2007 at 09:48 PM
The warrior train was on the way to the Semis when a little referee help and a few missed shots got in the way. Have no fear Warrior faithful, the next game is in Oaktown, and Cali is behind you! Go Golden State!
CHOO CHOOOOOOO!!!!!!
That's the sound of the San Antonio train as well, steaming towards the Semis on the way to the WCFs. Next Stop, Phoenix!!! Maybe I'll go to one of those games just to root for the dowfall of the Funs empire.
Live from Marlon Brando's armpit.
LkrFan
Posted by: PhxLkrFan | May 01, 2007 at 09:50 PM
God Jorema, give it a rest.
Posted by: Michael A | May 01, 2007 at 09:56 PM
i kinda miss STEVEN talking about the Heat and Shaq and Wade.
Where the hell is that guy?
Praise be to Shaq! MDE!!!!! Good job leading that 0-4 sweep out of the first round vs. the Bulls.
w000t!!!!!!!!
The Haters are funny because they always disappear. I really don't care what they say because they'd be loving it if Kobe was on their team.
Don't be discouraged Fatty, I think you're drinking too much AZ water. Get back on that Arrowhead!!!!! Game 5 tomorrow!
GO LAKERS!!!!!!!!
Posted by: socalife | May 01, 2007 at 10:00 PM
So disappointed to know that the Lakers didn't practice as hard as they should. Tomorrow's game/plays will show us which players we should keep and which players we should get rid of during this summer.
Posted by: gdchild | May 01, 2007 at 10:05 PM
Is there a "give us the gold background back" bandwagon yet?
If not, I am going to start one. Let me know if you want on.
Heck, all Laker fans can jump on this despite their views on Farmar/Smush, Kwame/Bynum, or Kobe/Odom...
Maybe if the Times and AK/BK see there is enough backing for the background, we can get back to a sense of "home" on the blog.
White backgrounds and purple links = Raptors blog, NOT A LAKER BLOG!!!
So here we go:
**** THE 'GIVE US THE GOLD LAKERBLOG BACKGROUND BACK' BANDWAGON ****
Korey (5/1/07)
if you want on, let ya boy know...
Posted by: Korey | May 01, 2007 at 10:05 PM
Live from Marlon Brando's armpit.
LkrFan
What are you drinking? lol Or should I say smoking? haha
Reporting about strange happenings in Arizona where Phxlakerfan is losing it. Too much wartime reporting. The stress is getting to him. lol
Fatty
Posted by: Fatty | May 01, 2007 at 10:07 PM
GOOOOO LAKERS!!!!
JUST ONE LAST TIME..
WE HAVE TO WIN THIS GAME. 4-2 IS BETTER THAN 4-1
WE HAVE TO MAKE SUNS TIRED SO THAT THEY CANNOT MAKE IT FARTHER THAN WESTERN CONF SEMIS..
WE JUST NEED THIS ONE GAME..A THRILLING VICTORY..
THE LAKERS OWE THIS TO THEIR FANS.. KOBE OWE THIS TO ME.
LETS KICK THEIR PHUKING AZOLES...
THIS IS STUPID BUT WE WIN. PERIOD.
Posted by: Disgruntled, Frustrated Laker Fan | May 01, 2007 at 10:14 PM
Korey
Its against my religion to be on bandwagons. But in this case I will make an exception.
sign me up !
Also, can we get an alpha bot message to phx trolls, that says F*** Y** as it sends a virus to their computer that changes their backgrounds to purple and gold?
Reporting from Arizona on "Team America Lakers ! F Yeah!"
Fatty
And good night Jon Kavulic, where ever you are.
Posted by: Fatty | May 01, 2007 at 10:21 PM
D'ANTONI ON L.O.:
"If he's hurt, thank goodness. He's one of the most talented players in the league. He's really good. He can present a lot of problems to a lot of people. He's long and athletic and knows how to play."
Yes, high class indeed. Now I know a bunch of people will say, "he doesn't mean it like that - he means it as a compliment."
But even so, to say "if he's hurt, thank goodness" is a very dumb thing to spew out of your mouth.
- Miguelinho
Posted by: Miguelinho | May 01, 2007 at 10:28 PM
Let me see if I understand, Faith left the blog for a few days because there are haters on here? Or are there people specifically hating on her?
Faith- How would your teammates feel in basketball if you took a few games off because fans were taunting you?
Posted by: Laker Lover | May 01, 2007 at 10:31 PM
**** THE 'GIVE US THE GOLD LAKERBLOG BACKGROUND BACK' BANDWAGON ****
Korey (5/1/07)
Miguelinho (5/1/07)
Posted by: Miguelinho | May 01, 2007 at 10:32 PM
Lakers take game 5 and were comin back to LA on Friday. That said, if we do happen to lose another game and the series, I would look back at the series as one we played after a very long season swith a team no where near 100% health wise.
I hope we do bring Odom back, and hope he gets surgery as soon as possible. Odom was on his way to being an all-star this year and we should set out to get him there next year. Putting faith in him will only bring his confidence level up after all the things he's been through, especially when he gets healthy. In future years, i hope we speak of the relationship of Kobe and Lamar Odom like the duo of Jordan and Pippen, but in their own unique way.
Bringing in another star player may get us to a championship, but its not certain. I think keeping an entire unit together for many years and building camaraderie of a complete team may serve just as well. Forget about the notion that Kobe is in his prime and the window of opporunity is closing. This is KOBE BRYANT were talkin about. I have no doubt that he's gonna be doin the same amazing and acrobatic things for years. That guy is a workaholic and takes care of his game and body better than anybody.
Our time will come, and it will come soon. We were unexpectedly close last year, and this year was pretty much unpredictable with the amount of injuries we faced. I think everyone will agree that there are two things all Lakers fans would love to see the most in the future:
One, we need get an assistant coach in here or a current coach now to take the initiative of establishing a much better defensive team.
Second, lets get back to SHOWTIME! This is hollywood, and I want to see us get up the tempo some more in future. Kobe, Odom, and even Mo Evans have some soaring dunking abilities that I wanna see everynight.
Bottom line, no matter what happens as far as the roster in future, I wanna see Lakers pick it up on both ends of court. Our goal should be to blow teams out each and every night during regular season, and not let so many games go to overtime or be anywhere near a close game.
Lets do this Lakers. Suns aren't ready for a reversal of fortunes. They did to us, lets dish it right back to them this year.
Posted by: steve o | May 01, 2007 at 10:36 PM
hell yeah, i want on the gold background bandwagon
Posted by: Gabe | May 01, 2007 at 10:41 PM
Hey Fatty boom batty,
How's tings up in Flag? Valley is getting hot already. I can't wait until I'm rich enough to buy a house and stay in your neck of the woods in the Summer time. Do you listen to any of the Valley talk bums? I can't stand Gambo and Ash. Especially Gambo. Smarty pants, that guy. Anyway, I have a long list of hot and sweaty places to report from all Summer long!! Hope you enjoy all of them.
Live from Rosie O'Donnell's skin folds
LkrFan
Posted by: PhxLkrFan | May 01, 2007 at 10:50 PM
Well i know alot of people that post on this blog may think that this is negative but it seems like the team has given up and is tired,thats what it sounds like from here anyway.If and i mean a big if we dont get the win i cant wait to see the off season moves(lets hope)i would like to see magliore,outlaw and a point guard with a brain and or wallace from the bobcats...i dont think these guys will be as expensive as the others(garnett,jo)and maybe a sign and trade with walton along the way.....FAITH......alot of the dirty stuff on the blog came up with the suns fans that poped up on this blog,they stired the pot even i got caught up in it as well........good to see you posting again....cheers
Posted by: Thirty 2 | May 01, 2007 at 11:08 PM
**** THE 'GIVE US THE GOLD LAKERBLOG BACKGROUND BACK' BANDWAGON ****
Korey (5/1/07)
Miguelinho (5/1/07)
Fatty(5/1/07)
Gabe(5/1/07)
Need something to agree on Laker bloggers? Want something that will make the trolls sick that they have Gold Laker Colors on their screen all day... Sick of white backgrounds and purple links that monotize the day and brainblock your thoughs???
Well, I am too. THIS AINT A Raptors blog, IT'S A LAKER BLOG!!!
Let's make the Times and AK/BK know that we ain't playin when we say we want the classic gold background back. Let me know if you want on the bandwagon, hopefully we can get to 100 people and make a statement!!!
Posted by: Korey | May 01, 2007 at 11:09 PM
Steve O
I pretty much agree with you. I do believe we need to add but not overhaul. I mean after everything he has been through this year who has a bigger heart then Lamar? If we can find one more consistant scorer and a guard, even off the bench that can play D we would be in great shape. Everyone wants that 2nd superstar but in reality it is very difficult with the cap the way it is to add enough other talent to win. Would KG and kobe be able to do it with CBA players filling in the roster because of their salaries? I dont think so. And the kobe is in his prime and needs to win now. If I recall MJ won 4 more titles after 28 and that was with taking time out for his baseball fantasy camp.
MH
Posted by: michael h | May 01, 2007 at 11:18 PM
This is something that i think ak and bk and the rest of the bloggers should look out for in this years draft.....a player by the name of BRAD NEWLEY from australia has nominated and he can play 6,6 and a stronger version of ginobili with alot of gutts and loves to play hard(has no fear)i know you have heard this before but a couple off coaches from my local team in adelaide just spent 2 weeks with kurt rambis and watched the way the lakers run the ship......my tip he will go in the second round .....watch this guy
Posted by: Thirty 2 | May 01, 2007 at 11:43 PM
jorema, your posts are really getting old. Your prejudice really shows through your posts. Give it up already! Even if we lose, we lose with dignity. Stop hating on somebody just because he is white.
Posted by: lalalandAl | May 01, 2007 at 11:47 PM
Laker Lover,
Sometimes it's better to get away from something to gain perspective. I left because I'd rather not say some things better left unsaid. More people should really do the same. In the first place, you can't curse here...and that would have been the extent of my post these last couple of days (actually Fatty exaggerrated, it's a day and a half or so lol). To add to that...with nursing school, it becomes hard to tell myself it's okay to check on the blog during breaks lol. As for someone hating on me personally, aside from KL0 who undoubtedly was just joking around...I'm pretty sure no one was. And yeah I can honestly say, I left partly because I got tired of the hate. "Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter*." Losing respect for one another when we're all here to root and enjoy this entertainment...is just sad.
*MLK Jr.
P.S. Yeah even I won't vote for Kobe for All defensive team of the year, perhaps 2nd team, or 3rd team...but considering how lax and "free willy" he's been all season long...I commend him for "winning" it, but like AK...I think it's somewhat out of place this season lol.
Posted by: Faith | May 01, 2007 at 11:51 PM
**** THE 'GIVE US THE GOLD LAKERBLOG BACKGROUND BACK' BANDWAGON ****
Korey (5/1/07)
Miguelinho (5/1/07)
Fatty(5/1/07)
Gabe(5/1/07)
Edwin Gueco (5/1/07)
Faith (5/1/07)
Bobie (5/1/07)
Posted by: Miguelinho - accounting for sentiments expressed earlier in thread | May 02, 2007 at 12:04 AM
Vlad Rad as the next Toni Kukoc? NOPE!
It is Hedo Turkoglu. Why didn't we get him..
Posted by: Rondiel | May 02, 2007 at 12:33 AM
count me in on the bandwagon, this new white crap sucks and the lakers have sucked every since we go it
Posted by: james | May 02, 2007 at 12:48 AM
AK BK
Please pass this along to Mitch
Dear Mitch
I dont know if you ever drop by the blog but if you do you know it really runs the gamit on ideas to fix the lakers. Until maybe this evening I was thinking that in order to recieve value we would probably have to give up Lamar to make any trade work. i even had him going to Seatle for Lewis(please disreguard) After considering what he has been through this year he may have the biggest heart in the nba and we need guys like that on our side. Plus he has recently emerged as possibly the leader of the team. Since Kobe has been battered in the past by the media, he continues to say the polite things, while Lamar says the things that need to be said. My SAVE lamar trade involves 2 other teams one with an unhappy star and the other with a free agent for sign and trade purposes.
1. we would need to give up several players for salary purposes.
Bynum, Farmar, Vlade mo evens and our 1st and 2nd picks to Mempis
for Pau Gasol(unhappy player).
2 Send Gasol to the Bobcats for Raymond Felton(up and coming PG who is exactly what we need to really compete) and Gerald Wallace SF (scores and defends.} Gasol would team with Okafor to make a great post tandom and Memphis would recieve a young center and PG and a couple of good bench players as well, to build around and we of course get a rising star at PG and a very complete SF Everyone wins here.
3 split our mid leval between jerry stackhouse and Pargo. (or other aging stars)
4 Resign Luke and Cris.
This is what our team would look like.
Felton pg
Kobe sg
wallace sf
kwame c
lamar PF
Bench
Luke
Ronny
stackhouse
cris
sasha
cook
Pargo
Shammond (Resign)
2nd round choice
I just think you could become GM of the year for this one.
Posted by: michael h | May 02, 2007 at 01:14 AM
Just checked out an article on hoopsworld....saying see ya to lo and that mr buss .....his patience is running thin with him and that they need his wage $14mill for a trade....maybe it is his last stand
Posted by: Thirty 2 | May 02, 2007 at 02:11 AM
**** THE 'GIVE US THE GOLD LAKERBLOG BACKGROUND BACK' BANDWAGON ****
Korey (5/1/07)
Miguelinho (5/1/07)
Fatty(5/1/07)
Gabe(5/1/07)
Edwin Gueco (5/1/07)
Faith (5/1/07)
Bobie (5/1/07)
Nonzki (5/2/07)
Posted by: nonzki | May 02, 2007 at 04:12 AM
No matter what happens in the next three (?) games, i am still very proud of this team, and will FOREVER be a Laker fan.
I am especially pleased that Kobe Bryant has shown that he deserves to be MVP:
1. His 46% FG percentage is his best in three (3) years
2. He took 4.4 fewer shot attempts, which reflects his increasing confidence in his teammates (too bad that the latter couldn't respond as much as hoped for).
3. He still won the scoring title despite taking less shot attempts.
4. He got selected to the All-Defensive First Team for the 5th time.
Personally, i am tickled by the possibility of keeping the roster intact for next year, just to see how it would work out. However, i would be a hypocrite if i said i didn't long for a championship next year (while Kobe is still in his prime), so i can understand if management would tweak the lineup to bring another all-star in. KG or JO, perhaps? :)
I wanna see a Game 7. Let's Go Lakers!!!!
Posted by: raymond42n | May 02, 2007 at 04:45 AM
Why do y'all even respond to the Trolls, I just don't read their posts, pretty easy. It stinks when "a real person" responds to the Trolls because then I get suckered into reading a post that is stupid and all about hate...
As many of you have intoned, this was certainly a frustrating Laker season, but it isn't close to being an all time frustrating laker playoff sereis. Let's chill out. Recall when Kobe and Shaq got tossed from the playoffs regularly dispite being "more talented" than their competition. THAT was frustrating!
But even then there was hope for the future, with two very bright young stars on the team. Things were looking up. Now things look down right bleak. With complex personnel issues, no upside to Kwame or Smush anymore, Mitch is going to have to pull off something that shows he is brilliant. The problem is most of us do not think he is or can.
So, GHF folks, keep up the potential trade scenerios, I'm lovin' them, (even stupid ones) it's what keeps me checking in on The Blog.
Posted by: C.S. | May 02, 2007 at 06:07 AM
from I was knee high I rarely watched any other games besides the LAKERS. I obviously couldn't miss last night's game between G-state and Dallas. I honestly must say i'm very sorry but we give PHIL tooooo much slack. You can tell those teams Defensively and offensively are well coached. It's actually boring to watch our team run the triangle offense when everybody plays a much more exciting freestyle game .......pick and rolls , screens, back cuts, curls.
Without kobe......the triangle looks like an experiment. There's just too much time wasted worrying about how long it will take players to execute the triangle offense........that's why the top players aren't attracted to the Lakers anymore.
Smush, Mihm, shammond, mckie..........all of there contracts end this year. That's 4 roster spots we can definitely upgrade. We DON'T NEED TO RESIGN THEM IF were serious about competing at a higher level.
Posted by: Dion | May 02, 2007 at 06:29 AM
And they said we were paranoid....
NEW YORK (AP) - An academic study of NBA officiating found that white referees called fouls at a greater rate against black players than against white players, The New York Times reported on its Web site Tuesday night.
The study by a University of Pennsylvania assistant professor and Cornell graduate student also found that black officials called fouls more frequently against white players than black, but noted that that tendency was not as pronounced.
Justin Wolfers, an assistant professor of business and public policy at Penn's Wharton School, and Joseph Price, a Cornell graduate student in economics, said the difference in calls "is large enough that the probability of a team winning is noticeably affected by the racial composition of the refereeing crew."
Posted by: Vman | May 02, 2007 at 07:05 AM
D'Antoni, on the injuries that have piled up for Odom: "If he's hurt, thank goodness. He's one of the most talented players in the league. He's really good. He can present a lot of problems to a lot of people. He's long and athletic and knows how to play."
Everyone knows it except LO. He needs to be on a team with 2 other consistent, dominant starters. Phoenix has 3 and one coming off the bench. It's 4 on 2 before we even jump it up.
Posted by: Vman | May 02, 2007 at 07:16 AM
michael h:
I'm not sure if the salaries would work.
Otherwise I like the trade.
Posted by: rdlee | May 02, 2007 at 07:29 AM
thirty 2
Brad Newly, Thanks, I will be looking for info on him come draft time.
Is 32 your age and then you change name every year?
Phxlakerfan
I listened once, on the way to the airport. Once was enough. Seriously, Phoenix radio doesn't work up here. After my daughter graduates from HS, we will be snow birding back and forth.
Lakerlover
If you haven't noticed, some of our best bloggers never come around anymore.
This is the day, let's make it a series!
Go Lakers!
Reporting from Arizona "Home of the Phx Suns, The team that has never won a title" Now that's something to brag about
Fatty
Posted by: Fatty | May 02, 2007 at 07:29 AM
Did we really go half a day with no trolls?
Hey, maybe we've got a shot at bringing this thing back to LA!
AK/BK, I don't mind so much not having the handle link to their email address, but the gray color is lousy. It's harder to notice who's posting. Is there a way for the editors to change the font color on their name from say gray to black?
Again, if this blog can change that quickly, maybe the Lakers can too! My only dream in the whole world is for the Lakers to bring it back to Staples.
Posted by: Tim-4-Show | May 02, 2007 at 07:30 AM
WITH SO MUCH THEORIES AND SPECULATION ON THIS BLOG, HERE ARE SOME WORDS DIRECTLY FROM OUR COACH AND BEST PLAYER:
"I did tell them that they have the brain power of slugs or earthworms," Jackson said. "That was just in the moment of irritation. That part is disappointing."
The latest questioning centered on whether Bryant was disappointed to be in this position at this point in his career after so many earlier successes.
"Oh, yeah. Very disappointing," Bryant said. "This is the third year we've kind of been struggling a little bit and it's very frustrating."
On Monday, Jackson showed the players a brief clip from "Hustle & Flow," yelled at them for demonstrating neither of the verbs in the movie's title, and then immediately sent them home, the latest sign he wasn't exactly enamored with the way things have gone.
Bryant, who has played under him for seven of his 11 years in the NBA, has never seen Jackson so incensed.
"As irritated as I've seen him," Bryant said matter-of-factly. "He was really upset, just frustrated. Hopefully the message got across."
Did it?
"I'm not sure," Jackson said. "I'm really not sure about that. They came out here and got rid of some bad karma, I think, from Sunday's game. It spilled over onto the court here and uglied up the court for about 20 minutes and I finally got them to work a little bit and get things done."
SO TO ALL THE LAKER PIPE DREAM FANS, WAKE UP! ALL IS NOT WELL.
DRASTIC TIMES CALL FOR DRASTIC MEASURES. AND HOPEFULLY THEY HAPPEN THIS SUMMER.
Posted by: tha show | May 02, 2007 at 07:51 AM
Wishful thinking michael h, but the lakers won't be able to do that and why the hell would memphis give you gasol for that crap, even gordon by himself is better than those guys combined and memphis wouldn't do that trade and also why would charlotte give you their up coming point gaurd and best player they got in wallace for gasol. Dude that won't happen and lakers I bet won't get no one good until kobe retires, so don't expect the lakers to win a championship in a few years.
Posted by: mario | May 02, 2007 at 07:52 AM
ATTENTION BLOGGERS:
Game time in 11 hours 7 minutes
Posted by: Mamba24 | May 02, 2007 at 07:55 AM
Why are you homos raising the white flag already??? It isnt over.... We have my lover Kobe in this team for crying out loud... I say Kwame Brown should retire, let Kobe hug the ball and everything will be fine.
Posted by: Kit | May 02, 2007 at 07:58 AM
Another long night in the Valley of the Sun. It's gameday, and you know what that means Laker fans; an an exciting article in the Arizona Republic about why Suns fans are such haters! I gotta tell you Laker faithful out there, it's some pretty heavy stuff. We all knew the Funs enjoyed a one way rivalry based on jealousy, but at least now some of them are willing to admit it. Here's the link to the article:
http://www.azcentral.com/sports/suns/articles/0502BeatLA-CP.html
And for all you Laker faithful that can't read the entire text, here are just a few highlights. (With perhaps a bit of commentary from the front.)
". . . more likely, it's because the Lakers have won 14 championships and we have, well, zero." (Quite a revelation! If only the rest of Funs fans could admit it!)
" Susy Broos, 29, of Chandler, explained her feelings.
'It's gratifying to beat the Lakers because:
• The cheer 'Beat LA' just sounds right!
• Kobe needs to be reminded that he's not a champion without Shaq!
• Californians think they are better than us!
• Jack Nicholson - who wears sunglasses indoors?'" (That's quite an e-mail from a Funs fan! Hey all you Californians out there! Don't forget to remind yourselves how much better you are than Arizonans today! And Jack, take off those stupid sunglasses, because there is no way you are cool enough to wear your shades inside. Oh . . . wait . . . yes you are. I retract that statement.)
" 'It would be immensely satisfying to knock both the Lakers and their swaggering fans down a few notches,' " (This guy thinks we swagger. Maybe so, but at least it's justified. On a different note, Funs fans are probably just as guilty of the same these days, what with them being the Pacific Division champs three years running. Big ups to the Funs!)
Should be another long hot one here in the Valley, and it's game day, so I'll be sweating it out to bring you the latest from the frontline. Hopefully the Funs fans will be on their best behavior as usual. As one of their fans proclaimed loudly, "Check out this douchebag. www.myspace.com/jfeig"
Your wartime douchebag,
reporting live from Shwan Kemp's sweaty brow
LkrFan
Posted by: PhxLkrFan | May 02, 2007 at 08:02 AM
sorry michael h, memphis or charlotte would never do this. memphis is going to get either oden or durant, so they would want a better core of young players. Charlotte's future is the young trio of Felton, Wallace, and Okafor, so splitting up them for a 27? year old pao gasol and no pg isn't what they are looking for.
Posted by: greek dude | May 02, 2007 at 08:07 AM
I guess I spoke too soon... they're all comin back.
Well, maybe like Faith, I too shall take a break from the blog.
As for hoopsworld... to get KG, we may need to part with LO. There's a problem with this though. We don't just need two stars, we need two all-stars and a solid third option. If we get rid of our third option guy (LO), who do we replace him with? Sure, KG & KB will perform a lot better than KB & LO, but without a third option I don't say we're an instant contender.
I suppose what I'm saying is, I'm not opposed to keeping LO. The guy HAS shown some heart here. Just look at the year he's had, it's e-a-s-i-l-y on par with the kate faber year, and really in a way worse. He lost his son, he had about three different injuries. I think with LO it's the consistency thing, which is why he's a third option guy, not a second option. He deserves to be on a contending team. Problem is, we're either losing Bynum OR LO... that's just the way it has to be. Moving Kwame (sorry MT) is also a fact of life. However, I don't see management moving both Kwame and Bynum unless they're getting a quality 5 somewhere (would Mihm really cut it? no way).
I will see the REAL fans soon! Go Lakers, bring it home to Staples!
Tim-4-Show
Posted by: Tim-4-Show | May 02, 2007 at 08:45 AM
"The reason it's such a sweet, sweet taste is that the Lakers and their fans are a bunch or ignorant, smug, anal cavities. Nothing better than knocking out the oud, obnoxious pretender to the throne, I say." (Typical Funs fan)
"Hey joshua...stop being a douche and go douche your snatch. It's startin' to reak in here." (Amazingly easy to get these guys fired up.)
They are riled up now. I will let it stew for a few hours. If anyone has the time, it would be fun to poke your head in there and help with getting them fired up. I Love it.
Live from the Home of the Saguaro
LkrFan
Posted by: PhxLkrFan | May 02, 2007 at 09:00 AM
I don't know if i like the names of bloggers being in grey. I keep reading the date as the name, so I was wondering why "May 01" kept posting so much.
Why wasn't there anything done after last years playoff loss?
If there aren't major changes made, starting immediately after tonights humiliating loss in Phoenix, I'm going to be fully prepared to be disgusted with the Buss family and Mitch.
I don't even wan't to talk about it.
Wes "about to be a Laker-hater" Joe Nixon
And yes, I have the right to be a Laker hater, so I don't want to hear any "true fans shouldn't become haters" talk.
Having followed every game (via internet, TV, radio or newspaper) for the last 20 years, I reserve the right to hate that which I love.
And that means YOU Lakers.
Love, and I do mean Love as in love-on-the-verge-of-being-hate,
Wes
Posted by: wesjoenixon | May 02, 2007 at 09:02 AM
Dear PhxLkrFan,
PLEASE, Do us all a favor and move your ass to LaLa Land if you're that miserable.
What a sad, pathetic way to live one's life.
By the way, I've spent many years of my life living in SoCal.
NewsFlash: It ain't that f------ g great.
GO SUNS!!
Posted by: Kevin | May 02, 2007 at 09:14 AM
Hey PhxLkrFan,
Tell me Mr. SoCal, just why are there 9,000 people moving from SoCal to the Valley of the Sun EVERY MONTH?
I know. They want to be just like you and have a MISERABLE life.
Right!!
Posted by: Kevin | May 02, 2007 at 09:28 AM
Kevin:
"I've spent many years of my life living in SoCal. NewsFlash: It ain't that f------ g great."
Yeah? Try living in South Bend, Indiana. Southern California is a garden of eden...a paradise to live in and see...but believe it or not, you wont find it so hot, if you ain't got that do-re-me...
Wes
Posted by: wesjoenixon | May 02, 2007 at 09:36 AM
AK/BK,
I have a question you may or may have an answer for. Are there limits for restructuring one's NBA contract? For example, if Kobe wanted to defer 10 million of his contract to say 2010 could the Lakers then use that 10 million to sign a player?
And, do you prefer soft or firm toothbrushes? I like the firm ones, even tough they usually draw a bit of blood.
Wes
Posted by: wesjoenixon | May 02, 2007 at 10:13 AM
Ak/BK
Well, I had predicted Suns in five, so technically, I'm not sure I was ever really aboard the ship to begin with. (haha)
BK
Posted by: Brian Kamenetzky | May 01, 2007 at 07:59 PM
What I dont understand is shouldnt the writers of this Blog be Laker Fans? Im not sure why you guys are here if u doubt the lakers. Bad Karma
True Laker Fans believe!!!
Go Lakers that prove the authors of this blog wrong!
Posted by: Tiffany | May 02, 2007 at 10:16 AM
Kevin,
Take a deep breath and calm down buddy. Los Angeles might be better than Phoenx in almost every aspct imaginalble, but you guys at least have Charles Barkeley cheering for your team.
Posted by: mitchell | May 02, 2007 at 10:17 AM
Wes,
As retired military, I have lived and been all over the world.
I lived in Hawaii for several years. I lived in San Diego for years.
So, it's all relative. Phoenix is a great place to live.
Garden of Eden? Compared to South Bend, maybe.
Mr. PhxLkrfan needs more important things to occupy his little brain, that's all.
Posted by: Kevin | May 02, 2007 at 10:20 AM
"........ ignorant, smug, anal cavities"
Is this moron talking about himself, again?
He really has quite the vocabulary. Too bad he can't put it to get use.
Posted by: Kevin | May 02, 2007 at 10:23 AM
THE TIME HAS COME TO DISMISS THE LA HAS-BEEN FRANCHISE
NEXT STEP TO THE 2007 NBA FINALS
STEVE "I AM THY FACE OF DOOM" GNASH AND THE SUNS SIDE OF THE FORCE
VS.
PHIL "FUNNY HOW I CANT SEEM TO WIN A PLAYOFF SERIES W/O SHAQ OR MJ" JACKSON AND HIS SLUGS AND EARTHWORMS
7.7 HOURS
Posted by: Jeff | May 02, 2007 at 11:53 AM
tiffany, if being a fan means that you think they can beat anybody, all evidence to the contrary, there are a lot of non-fans here, including the Brothers K. But then, at least we can use information in a logical way, so that's a fair trade-off for losing your stamp of approval.
Man, that kind of comment just brings the collective IQ around here down...
Posted by: Michael A | May 02, 2007 at 12:28 PM
whoa tim 4 show,
that's a low blow! Not many people bring up her name in conversation on the blog, but i won't be the one to reprimand you. Still, use caution when throwing katlyn Farber's name around. And seeing how she made of mockery of the state of colorado, i find it hard to compare her situation to my boy lamar's; who actually did have the "worst year ever". I mean this guy might as well be called Job!
Posted by: adam kiley | May 02, 2007 at 12:43 PM