That's Entertainment!
A question left earlier today from reader "Jeff":
"Since Darko was brought up ... I'd like to hear you guy's All-Endless writing material team. What five guys (two guards, a center, two forwards) would you most like to have purely for the fact that there would never NOT be any dry news days? Skill matters not, purely entertainment value on (Von Wafer) or off (Ron Ron, Jackson) the court. Any players, any team, only rule is they must be active."
As most would imagine, this is the type of question that I'm willing to spend hours upon days upon weeks poring over. Hell, I'd apply for a grant and take a year off to do research if I thought the request had the slightest chance of getting approved. But since I'm betting against such generosity from the state of California, I've decided to budget my time a little more wisely and field my team in a more reasonable fashion.
When pondering a squad, I weighed criteria beyond what would provide "Andrew Kamenetzky the writer" easy punchlines, but actual entertainment. For example, as my two-time choice for "LVP," Michael Olowokandi provides me with many an easy joke. Frankly, the yuk yuks practically write themselves. But here's the catch: The Kandi Man's game is about as pleasant to view as porn starring 85-year-olds. Same with fellow fish-in-a-barrel guy Jerome James. Sure, he's destined to be considered among the worst signings in NBA history, which makes him effortlessly easy to mock. But again, do I really wanna watch this stiff plod up and down the hardwood? Not particularly. So I eliminated the "tortuous game" guys. I also bypassed guys who provide material solely because they're jerks. I don't care how much material I could get from teeing off on Stevie Franchise's diva personality. I don't wanna do November-June with "Steve-O" (as he once said to BK, as in, "Steve-O doesn't talk before games." Ain't often you see a fella refer to himself in the third-person nickname.). If I'm cherry-picking this team, it's gonna be cats I can endure for an entire season. And with that in mind, I give you my starting five, plus a 6th man.
PG: Sam Cassell. Dude is instant entertainment on so many levels. Funny looking. Odd voice. Endlessly quotable. BK insists he'll move to wherever Sam-I-Am ends up for his inevitable coaching gig, just to hear him talk every day. Plus, a very fun player to watch. He never, and I mean never, shuts up. He hits big shots down the stretch. He does the "big testicle dance" after hitting big shots down the stretch. What more do you need?
SG: Gilbert Arenas. Exciting player on the court. Very weird and funny away from it. I consider Agent Zero to be the NBA's version of Chad Johnson. Lives for the spotlight, but so inherently likable and genuinely witty that it doesn't feel off-putting. It doesn't hurt that neither seems motivated by a desire to upstage their teammates (ala TO), but just out to have some fun. Arenas reminds fans on a daily basis that basketball's actually a game, so lighten up and enjoy it. I'm sorry, but a dude yelling "hibachi" in a high-pitched voice after hitting shots is gloriously eccentric. And changing his battle cry to "quality shot" after Kobe critiqued his 60-point-night shot selection -- without seeming particularly angry at Kobe, either -- was a brilliant stroke of wit.
SF: Ron Artest. Need I really explain this one at length? While the Laker fan in me shudders at what could go wrong bringing Ron Ron to town, the Laker writer in me is tempted to put some trade papers in front of the Maloofs and assure him that either his brains or his signature will be on them. The phrase "nothing to talk about today" instantaneously ceases to exist with Artest in L.A. I mean, the man shaved "Kings" and a design into this head! And for seemingly no particular reason.
PF: Slava Medvedenko. Instead of justifying my presidency of the Slava Medvedenko Fan Club for the umpeenth time, I'm just gonna let this post, this post, this report card, this report card, this game thread and this interview summarize all of my emotions.
C: Scot Pollard. Just the anticipation of each game's hair style, hair color, beard/goatee/muttonchops configuration, and strange item to leave his mouth (saying, "Hey kids, do drugs" into an NBA camera, for example) is enough for the nod.
6th Man: A conditional Von Wafer. If we're talking rookie year Von Wafer, done and done. No brainer. But during his sophomore Summer League/pre-season, Wafer began an ill-fated attempt to run the offense as a point guard (shudder) and play "the right way," in a style that doesn't mostly consist of chucking (and bricking) every time he touches the ball. Becoming, as I like to call it, "equally ineffective but boring." Aside from one sequence in Long Beach where I'm 95% sure he turned the ball over on a double-dribble while trying to call time out (high-larious), Von "under control" simply doesn't cut it. But something tells me that if I offer Von a spot on the team, but under the strict condition that he shoot like a cracked-out sniper regardless of wherever he may be on the court, I might just be able to sell him.
So does this roster work as your "fave 6?" Or do you have alternate players in mind?
-AK
It takes a real man to say he's sorry ! Now thats the Kobe will all love !
Posted by: lalakerlover | July 05, 2007 at 10:43 PM
Pg- D williams
sg- mamba
sf-king james
pf- duncan
c- greg oden
2nd team
pg- barron davis
sg- wade
sf- melo
pf- garnett
C- Dewight howard
Posted by: Waco | July 05, 2007 at 10:44 PM
Sorry for the post but us Texans can't understand ya'lls california talk plus it is 12:46 am he in Tejas. Thought you wanted dream team.
Great news mamba is not as mad as he was at fo.!!!!!!!!
Posted by: waco | July 05, 2007 at 10:47 PM
DAMON JONES!!!!!!!
That guy is big time comedy. The way he dresses, talks, and thinks hes the best player ever.
And who's coaching???
I go with DON NELSON. And give him scotch and a cigarette to use on the sidelines.
I'd love Bruce Bowen on this team. He would somehow be even more annoying, stepping on ankles, laughing about it, and then hiding behind Ron Ron.
How about Wally Szerbiak, just to have a guy named Wally on the team.
Dikembe Mutombo, just for the butt of Damon Jones's Jokes.
Or Nene who think hes the brazilian Karl Malone.
Posted by: I miss van exel and eddie jones | July 05, 2007 at 10:49 PM
freekin' hilarious. that slava interview will be forever a classic.
cheers for bringing that one back.
:)
Posted by: p0s1t1v3 | July 05, 2007 at 10:57 PM
Do they have to be current? Vlade Divac, for his flops, his incredulous expressions when the charge wasn't called, and his general good-nature!
Posted by: exhelodrvr | July 05, 2007 at 10:58 PM
Interesting... I bet if you polled sportswriters on this exact question, roughly 70% of them would list Shaq as their starting center due to his penchant for classic quotes. Any particular reason Pollard gets the nod? Is Shaq too moody? (I seem to remember a few times he refused to talk to the media) Or maybe you're just more a visual person, so the hair thing really does it for you? Not a criticism of your selections by any means, just curious.
Posted by: Christopher F. | July 05, 2007 at 11:06 PM
http://www.clublakers.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=77361&sid=d42ae788441310b9cb3234672963ad34
Inside Job
Joined: 05 Jul 2007
Posts: 3
Posted: Thu Jul 05, 2007 12:34 pm Post subject: Hold onto your shorts Laker fans!!!!
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Hello everyone. My name is Tom, and my uncle works for the upper brass management of the Laker organization. I am not at liberty to disclouse who he is, or what capacity he functions in the organization. However, he does mention ideas, trade scenarios, and such that Mitch, Jim and Dr. B have been proposing. Most get shot down, however he mentioned to me yesterday while watching the fireworks and spending some quality time with the family,that Mitch is actively trying to improve the roster. Please know, its not entirely his fault. Often times, teams do not want to deal with the Lakers, because they don't want to make the Lakers better. However, in the event of not sounding too negative. I do have a silver lining to bring to everyone. Some may like these ideas, some may lash out with profanity laced tirades, but understand these are the deals that the Lakers are trying to get done right now.
Deal 1- The Lakers want most importantly Kevin Garnett to be a Laker. They were prepared to ship Bynum and Odom for his services before the draft, before Ainge backed out of the deal(a blessing in disguise). Since this time, Laker management has mulled it over, and decided that Andrew Bynum is OFF, yes you heard that right ,OFF THE TABLE for any deal involving bringing Kevin Garnett to the Lakers. The rumor that my uncle has been hearing is that Garnett is so dissapointed with Minnesota shopping him, when he was so loyal to them, that he is considering opting out of his contract next year, and signing with us for the full Mid-Level Exception(around 6 million a year). Minnesota knows this, and that is why the Garnett trade talks have heated up. Minnesota is trying to find a partner, but its difficult, since KG, who now feels betrayed is vetoing everything but Phoenix and the Lakers. Since Phoenix is not in a position to acquire Garnett, that leaves just the Los Angeles Lakers as a suitor that Garnett would accept. I am hearing that Mitch and company are waiting for the "fire sale" of Garnett(don't worry....things are going to heat up even more). The Lakers are hoping to put Minnesota in a position, that they were in , when they let go of Shaquille O'Neal. If it happens, look out. I asked my uncle what might the deal look like then? It appears the Lakers want him now for Kwame Brown, Lamar Odom, Brian Cook and 1st rounder in 2008! We'll see if this indeed comes to fruition.
Trade #2- Contray to what people may think, the Lakers would love to have Ron Artest in Purple and Gold. The problem is, getting him for the right price. The Lakers before didn't want to offer Jordan Farmar, since they were wafer-thin at the point guard position. However, with Javaris Crittenton(whom many believe to be the 2nd best point guard prospect in this draft) falling to the Lakers at #19( an absolute gift), the Lakers are now in preliminary talks with Sacramento regarding bringing in hard -nosed Ron Artest. My uncle let it slip that the offer is Vladamir Radmonovic, and Jordan Farmar for Ron Artest! Sacramento likes Farmar very much, but they do not want to deal to the Lakers. However, rest assured Mitch is trying his hardest to get this done.
Mid-Level Exception- They are going after Darko Milicic for the full Mid- Level Exception, but that is contingent upon what they get for the LLE. The Lakers organization, think that with his combination of size, skills and youth, he could be a valuable player on the Lakers and thrive significantly in the triangle offense.
Least- Level Exception- This is where the Lakers are trying to lure Derek Fisher back. They want to bring in back for 2 years at around 1.5 -1.8 million a year. The fact that he knows the triangle, and is a veteran is very valuable for the Lakers.
Chris Mihm- All indications are the Lakers would love to bring him back, but now more than 2.5 million a year, and that is if he is fully healthy enough and cleared to play. If we do not get Darko(a distinct posibility), then resigning Chris becomes even more pertinent for the Lakers organization.
Please understand that all things will get worked out this summer. You can rest assured two players are GUARANTEED back in Purple and Gold: Kobe Bryant and Andrew Bynum. As soon as more details come my way I will try and post them. Although I do not want to get anyones hopes up. Please understand these are just the things the Lakers organization is working on right now. Things do fall apart unexpectedly(i.e. Garnett to LA before the draft), but rest assured they are working to get something done.
Posted by: J-Cool | July 05, 2007 at 11:12 PM
CLASSIC!
Posted by: Rob | July 05, 2007 at 11:14 PM
It's great to see Kobe taking more responsibility for his childishness than the Apologists have, those who would 'poo-poo' the PR nightmare of the cell-phone video, as well as the Radio Tirade from Hell. I really, really hope this will teach the Kobe Genuflectors something about personal responsibility.
Dan Le Batard offers some excellent insight into the Kobe situation:
http://www.miamiherald.com/609/story/161684.html
Now that Kobe has begun to realize the errors of his ways, it is time for the Lakers to minimize their downside and get rid of this thorn in their collective side. Don't wait for the next episode of the Kobe Soap Opera.
As far as analysis of the situation, it's simple: Kobe realizes that he's not going to get traded (or at least he doesn't think he will), and all his whining has gotten him nothing - as it should have got him nothing. Sensing his imminent defeat, he's trying to mend the fences of the 'scorched earth' policy he took towards the same franchise which chartered a private jet for their spoiled child to and from Colorado. All of this only several days removed from the heroic example of Derek Fisher, the one-time Laker.
To the F.O.: You have 'beaten' the crybaby, subdued him and Bucher. I applaud you for not giving into the Baby Known as Kobe. But now that you have procured the PR victory, it's time to unload the Kob, and start anew.
For those of us concerned about our great franchise, Kobe being made to show some accountability is a great start. Now it's time to cleanse the Lakers system of Bryant, permanently.
Posted by: fakerz | July 05, 2007 at 11:20 PM
I guess Kupchack can expect the $4 million ring, next? Right, Apologists? That's the Kobe we all know and love. Truly a man of contrition.
Farce.
Posted by: fakerz | July 05, 2007 at 11:21 PM
Ok KL Calm Down Man I Didn't Know You Feel This Way Man I Just Saying Man That The FO Should Apologize For Not Making Moves It Is Just My Opinion Just Don't Be Mad At Me For Stating My Opinion.
Posted by: J-Cool | July 06, 2007 at 12:12 AM
repost
gdchild
“Kobe didn't have to apologize to Mitch. Kobe told the truth that the Lakers were in a mess b/o Mitch's ineptness”
Godchild=Mitchell in disguise.
Please pull your head out of kobe’s rectum. The only thing that’s a “mess” is kobe’s so-called legacy. A legacy that is closer to Gary Coleman than Michael Jordan. That’s right, kobe=Gary “What Ju Takin’ About Willis” Coleman. Haha $hits and giggles……..
“Can't stand these so called journalists. Too bad so many ignorant fans are misled by them.”
Mitchell, please use one screenname. Your post are becoming more ridiculous every day and with every post. We all know you’re kobe agent and you’ll “maim and kill” for kobe. Listen, if the “so-called” journalist are so poor, why don’t you write an essay and contribute to the AP or ESPN. Don’t cry when you get “return to sender” in 2 weeks. I hope your 10% commission is worth it. BTW, an essay begins with an introduction (don't forget the attention grabber), then the main points (like, I love kobe, I love kobe more, and I love kobe the mostest) and finally ends with a conclusion which should relate back to the intro. You got that? Okay, go getem' Tiger....
Posted by: KL | July 06, 2007 at 12:22 AM
Eddie Van Exel,
I debated Damon Jones as the starting PG and the 6th man. But Sam edged him out for his ability to combine comedy with legitmately exciting play. Von edged him as a 6th man because... well, he's Von Wafer. haha
Ex,
I would be open to retired players, but "Jeff's" criteria clearly state that the players must be current. Yet another reason I was happy the Hawks signed Slava to an ultimately pointless contract. haha
Christopher F.
I considered Shaq at center, but went with Pollard in part because of the heightened weirdo factor (although Shaq's certainly got a few quirks), in part because Shaq almost felt like too obvious a choice. I don't really know if the latter reason is particularly fair, but hey, what are ya gonna do?
AK
AK
Posted by: Andrew Kamenetzky | July 06, 2007 at 12:31 AM
j-Cool,
Interesting read. I say dont trade Farma though. I htink he is too good to let go even for Artest. I would be disapointed in that one. KBrown, Odom and Cook for KG is a good trade. Send Vlad and Sasha up to Cow town. Not Farmar, I want to keep him for another year or two at least see how he grows. I think that one would bite our arse someday. Thanks for the comments though haowever it plays out.
T-Woody
Posted by: T-Woody | July 06, 2007 at 12:31 AM
Hal, Just Wanted To Apologize For My Comments On The Last Thread. I Normally Dont Act Like That But There Are A Lot Of Jerks On This Place And I Thought You Were Being One. I Do Understand You Getting Hot Here, Tho. Sometimes People Dont Listen To Reason And Its Frustrating. Everyone Is Entitled To Their Opinions, But I Think Some People Put Stupid Comments On Purpose. Thats Why I Read Instead Of Posting. Dont Want To Stoke The Flames. Thank You For Correcting Me, By The Way! We're Cool!
Posted by: the WOLF | July 06, 2007 at 12:32 AM
AK And BK, It Dont Matter The Topics You Guys Choose For Your Threads, Its Always Going Back To KoBe And Trades! Resistance Is Futile.
Posted by: the WOLF | July 06, 2007 at 12:38 AM
Can the media punks and haters listen or read accurately?
Kobe apologized for the way the vedio came out, not the content, not the trade demand. Geez, these fools.
Kobe is the man.
Haters are dumbs and dumbers.
Posted by: gdchild | July 06, 2007 at 12:39 AM
kobe apoloizes to kupchak.
http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=2927333
hopefully 24 will be a laker.
Posted by: kobemania | July 06, 2007 at 12:41 AM
repost
hal9000
"Give the man some credit. It takes balls to go in front of cameras and apologize, no matter what the reason is. And yes, Kobe was right in only apologizing for the way that thinks played out because he -- and most Laker fans -- still believe that the Lakers F.O. has done a terrible job these last few years, and that the Lakers need to make some moves now to improve the team."
you got it wrong bro. kobe owes laker fans an apology for chasing shaq away and a second apology for being an a$$hole this summer (not to mention his entire laker career). FO owns us an aplogy for caving into kobe indirect demand for a quid pro quo for signing in 2004 only if shaq is traded. i'll ask you how are the lakers suppose to "improve the team" when kobe is a cancer an NOBODY OF STATURE WANTS TO PLAY IN LA. Proof you ask? name on free agent who have left their exisitng team to play in LA with kobe? Please do not respond with Aaron McOld, Smurf "street ballah" Parker and Theo Papa-Johns Pizza. I bet you can't name me one person. Ejones to Miami. Rashard Lewis to Magic. KG and GHill to Suns. $hit to LA because of kobe.
Posted by: KL | July 06, 2007 at 12:49 AM
repost
"Although he didn't rescind his trade request, Kobe Bryant softened his stance somewhat Thursday night, saying he had apologized to Los Angeles Lakers general manager Mitch Kupchak in person for the way he handled his upset feelings five weeks ago"
PREDICTABLE.
Sounds like Kobiatch realized there was no other team that wanted him but the Lakers. So, let me get the pressure and blame off myself by apologizing to Mitch and make it look like I'm doing the right thing. Once again. HE'S PREDICTABLE.
Posted by: gunner | July 06, 2007 at 12:53 AM
gdchilds,
"Haters are dumbs and dumbers."
Is there any such words as "dumb" and "dumbers" and "vedio"?
Oh, my bad. You were describing yourself.
Posted by: gunner | July 06, 2007 at 12:58 AM
Ill Play. I Got Andrew " I Hate Americans" Boguts, Carmelo "Sucka Punch" Anthony, And Sorry I Had To Add Him, Latrell " Cant Feed My Family" Sprewell In The Front Court. Jamaal "SuPa Fly" Tinsley and Nate " The Mad Midget" Robertson In The Back Court. Coached By Scott Skiles And Avery Johnson! See Who Gets Choked First! Fun For The Whole Family!
Posted by: the WOLF | July 06, 2007 at 01:00 AM
Things seem to be mellowing. I really do not see us in any kind of block buster unless KG forces a move. But I do not think that is a bad thing for our future. I want to see Andrew and Jordon one more year before shipping them off. I do think we will sign a vet with the MLE and probably trade for one but I do not see anything huge happening. If we are really trying for Darko. say goodbye to Kwame, he will be included in any trades. And management is smart enough not to GIVE Kobe away, so he will be back for at least one more year. If Lamar is healthy we will all be glad we didnt trade him. He really did get it last year before the injuries and I feel he emerged as the leader of this team by the end of the season. With good health and a couple of modest additions we could be a pretty good team, then in 08 with the quality free agent class, we will be better positioned to make a big deal.
Oh AK, how about Mikki Moore and his snakes for your all weird team?
MH
Posted by: michael h | July 06, 2007 at 01:28 AM
Wow! Assuming that was true, it's great to know that the FO is focussed on KG and Artest! If we get to keep Bynum in the middle of all this, I'll tip my hat to Kupchak and co. That would be sweet!
Though, I thought the BAE was every two years? If we used it last year on Noggin Williams, are we still eligible for one this year?
I like Darko for the MLE. If it happens, I'd rather we sign-and-trade Mihm to the Bulls or Grizzlies for Thabo or Dahntay Jones to get us better defense in the backcourt.
C: Bynum/Darko
PF: KG/Ronny
SF: Artest/Luke
SG: Kobe/Mo
PG: Thabo or Dahntay Jones/Crittenton
Now, THAT'S a serious team!!
Yes, yes, I know..a pipe dream :)
Posted by: hariyahu | July 06, 2007 at 01:28 AM
TOP 5 ALL MEDIA FRENZY TEAM.
ZACH RANDOLPH
RASHEED WALLACE
RON ARTEST
KOBE BRYANT
BARON DAVIS
PUT EM ALL IN THE SAME LOCKER ROOM AND LET THE HILARITY BEGIN.
Posted by: hollywood jack | July 06, 2007 at 02:01 AM
Report: Kobe softens stance toward Lakers
http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/news?slug=txlakersbryant&prov=st&type=lgns
Posted by: J-Cool | July 06, 2007 at 02:38 AM
Before we get too deep into this Kobe discussion, please bear in mind his shooting stats as compared to the rest of the Lakers in the 2004 Finals:
Game 1: Kobe 10-27 (37%) Rest of Lakers 19-46 (41%)
Game 2: Kobe 14-27 (52%) Rest of Lakers 24-53 (45%)
Game 3: Kobe 4-13 (31%) Rest of Lakers 23-61 (38%)
Game 4: Kobe 8-25 (32%) Rest of Lakers 25-53 (47%)
Game 5: Kobe 7-21 (33%) Rest of Lakers 24-54 (44%)
Still think he shouldn't just be given his outright release? If five games out of a thousand doesn't convince you, I don't know what will.
Posted by: Jman449 | July 06, 2007 at 03:36 AM
Well, if Rodman could be coaxed out of retirement it would be well worth it for the entertainment value. He has the total package when it comes to entertainment. Hair, weird run, Kung Fu chops to court bystanders, on the court fights, tattoos, bicycling while not playing, phew...he is a well that just doesn’t go dry. Heck, he could just stay on one end of the court if he wanted, he is that good. His on and off the court antics are Entertainment Hall of Fame status. In fact, since his actual basketball skills have invariably declined, I would expect him to "up" his Entertainment Factor. I am not sure what this would entail, lighting his jersey on fire or perhaps demanding to ride a pack mule while playing, but it would have to be significant.
The good thing about Rodman is also that he is in a class of his own, so he is always looking to upstage himself. The good times would, quite simply, never end.
Posted by: C.S. | July 06, 2007 at 04:35 AM
I have an Idea...
Kobe
Shaq
Malone
Payton
fisher
Posted by: ONE | July 06, 2007 at 05:37 AM
Willie,
re: how a professional athlete acts. You may not have seen my response to you on the other thread. However, in light of: http://www.pe.com/sports/basketball/lakers/stories/PE_Sports_Local_D_nba_notes_06.3f687b9.html
*I* am of the "opinion" that Kobe is acting with integrity. He's has acknowledged what he said in the past, something that our president won't do & he looked the goof-ball in the eye when he did
it. That shows a type of integrity that I would like all men to show regardless of if they play sports or not. I'd say professional, but my definition differs from yours.
Cheers,
Posted by: hobbitmage | July 06, 2007 at 05:54 AM
I'm sorry, but I disagree with those that continue to proclaim that the Lakers shouldn't go after guys like Grant Hill because they aren't "close to a championship" right now.
Memory is always different than reality, and it appears that people actually believe that the Lakers were a lot closer to a title than they really were before Phil came in. The Spurs had just swept the Lakers. This belief that teams are "close" to titles, needing just one player, can be misleading. Plus, the Lakers didn't simply just add 1 veteran and a coach. Plus, those veterans and changes were not guys that only played a few minutes here and there. Also, I saw someone say that both Shaq and Kobe were in their prime or at the peek of their careers. Shaq may have been, but Kobe wasn't.
How can you hold to this belief yet at the same time hold to the need of keeping Lamar Odom? How many upper level players does a team need to win a championship? Where are these superstars suppose to fit in?
My point is simple, you can't have it all ways at one time. Plus, wouldn't it be smart to have veterans to help mold the young guys at the key positions right now? I'm not talking about McKie and Divac either. I'm talking about veterans like Grant Hill that can still contribute key minutes. Plus, what is this belief that the veterans would have to give 30 minutes a night? In no case would veterans have to give 30 minutes a night if they were added to this team.
Mark my words, if the Lakers continue to let these "veterans" get picked up by other teams for less money than the Lakers could offer, they will live to regret it.
Fisher, George, Webber, Brown, and Anderson are the kinds of players worth getting NOW. If they are waiting until they are "championship ready" those guys will no longer be available and Kobe will be old. You have to be deliberate in building a championship team, unless you get a draft pick like Tim Duncan.
Posted by: JJ | July 06, 2007 at 05:59 AM
J-Cool,
That is THE post. That's the kind of rumor stuff I've been looking for for weeks....even if it's nonsense, it sure was good reading!
Wes
Posted by: wesjoenixon | July 06, 2007 at 06:00 AM
Finally! Good news--and more importantly--interesting news from Lakerland!
Kobe's steped back from the ledge and J-cool throws down the killer "rumor" post....
God has answered my prayers. Now if he could just send Phoebe Cates in my direction...
http://pages.prodigy.net/wizardfkap/pic/phoebiki.gif
Wes
Posted by: wesjoenixon | July 06, 2007 at 06:09 AM
I'm all for Darko at the mid-level. Even if the Kwame-Darko tandem tears a hole in the universe, I'd give it a try.
Wes
Posted by: wesjoenixon | July 06, 2007 at 06:17 AM
Oh no! Not one of those a-friend-of-an-uncle-who-once-knew-Napoleon-deals again. When is the horse shizzit gonna stop?
Oh how nice if it was true though... However, one scary thing - Darko Milicic??? This dude has had "great potential" for 186 years now. Yeah I know his a center and it may take time for him to develop but I have a bad feeling about that guy.
And it'd be nice if they didn't offer Mihm more than stated. Hell, his agent's strategy is allready working! People think 5.5 mill is too much and are talking about 3+ mill instead. Comeon people! 3 mill??? WAY too much for the Mihmster!
Posted by: Andy L | July 06, 2007 at 06:50 AM
Christopher F.: "I bet if you polled sportswriters on this exact question, roughly 70% of them would list Shaq as their starting center due to his penchant for classic quotes."
And let's not forget him trying on John Stockton's small small shorts. Those images still haunt my nightmares.
Posted by: Marty | July 06, 2007 at 06:50 AM
WEAK BLOG TOPIC FELLAS
Posted by: LakeShow32 | July 06, 2007 at 07:22 AM
Re: Exclusion of Shaq:
I think Shaq's more of an "All-Interview" team candidate than an "All-Material" kind of guy. A true All-Material guy needs to have some sort of involuntary quirk or psychological damage. Shaq is fully aware of the comedy inherent in being the world's biggest 12 year old multimillionaire, and he usually has some level of control over the situation.
This is why I think Rasheed Wallace and Stephen Jackson need some run. They're no Tank Johnsons, but Jackson is uproariously dimwitted and Sheed's just plain crazy.
Posted by: The D | July 06, 2007 at 07:30 AM
This is what Bill Plaschke of LA TIMES wrote in his column:
"If the Lakers regrettably aren't going to trade Bryant, then they might as well bring in somebody who can keep him quiet for his final year, and Fisher is that guy".
Bill Plastic wants to take Da' Fish and place him as a silencer on a shotgun!
We have an idea of Kobe's final year, may we know from LA Times when is the final year or month of Bill Plaschke in LA?
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | July 06, 2007 at 07:50 AM
I will say this about Kevin Garnett.
As each day passes, the Timberwolves options for KG continue to shrink. This can only work in the Lakers favor.
Posted by: LT Lakers Fan | July 06, 2007 at 07:59 AM
glad to see kobe show some (not much, but some) remorse for his offseason antics.
seems like he either did some self analyzing or somebody woke that kat up to reality.
i think kobe realized he only made the inept front office's job more difficult with his comments.
___________
KL,
we might not agree on everything, but i am glad to know there is mad respect between us.
thanks for the props.
you usually take on the entire the blog with your posts, and you seem to do it everyday. so i gotta prop you up for the consistency and believing in your own thoughts.
key note: i remember the 2004 finals versus the pistons. shaq was KILLING detroit. i was always more of a kobe guy, yet it was pretty damn obvious the pistons wanted to control the perimeter (kobe) and let shaq do what he had to do.
i think kobe made things even easier than the pistons could ever imagine. instead of recognizing detroit's plan to contain kobe, kobe kept jacking them up while shaq was hans solo on the block. damn, what a shame. and i realize karl malone was out, but so what? how in the hell did we lose to the pistons in 5 games? unreal. sorry grapes i guess.
kobe never gave shaq the chance to soften up the middle for him. kobe's shot was off during that series (thanks in large part to tayshaun prince), and i remember screaming at the tv 'they can't stop shaq. c'mon kobe, give the rock to shaq - let him open things up.'
it's kind of like football, you run the ball to set up the pass. you get that defense to bring up some help from the secondary to stop the run, and the passing game is wide open. i likened shaq's game to the running game, and kobe's to the passing game. damn i miss having that duo. damn!!!!!!!!!!!
unfortunately, kobe thought kobe was the best option to beat the pistons.
two years later, he had to watch an older shaq (who had one hell of a series versus the pistons - unstoppable pretty much) and d wade beat the pistons on their way to a title.
that series is one of kobe's mistakes that was hard to overlook.
peace.
Posted by: tha show | July 06, 2007 at 07:59 AM
I know he's getting old, but Gary Payton still needs to be on that list. Just for possibly topping the all-time trash talking list.
Posted by: The D | July 06, 2007 at 08:01 AM
He did apologize for the content.
"apologized to Los Angeles Lakers general manager Mitch Kupchak in person for the way he handled his upset feelings five weeks ago."
The way I see it, he told Mitch that he shouldn't have handled it the way he did, namely by saying the things he said to the media. I am sure Dr. B has quelled all of this nonsense behind closed doors. All of this despite the crap reports from all of the gossip reporters at ESPN.
Posted by: PhxLkrFan | July 06, 2007 at 08:21 AM
A player that may be a good fit for the Lakers is Jalen Rose. Under utilized in Phoenix last year and with Grant hill coming in, I would expect Rose to be on his way out. Who knows, there might have a little bit of life left in those legs. 10-15 minutes off the bench could possibly do the Lakers some good.
Posted by: LT Lakers Fan | July 06, 2007 at 08:23 AM
Kobe apologized and will perhaps stay with the Laker. The healing has begun. Kevin Garnett will perhaps push for the trade to the Lakers, knowing that Bryant will remain with the purple and gold. Off topic: the movie Transformers rocks!!!!!
Posted by: xtro | July 06, 2007 at 08:28 AM
KL,
typo "sour grapes i guess"
holla.
Posted by: tha show | July 06, 2007 at 08:29 AM
C.S.
Plus, with Rodman, you have the Carmen Electra factor!
Posted by: exhelodrvr | July 06, 2007 at 08:33 AM
J-Cool
"my uncle works for the upper brass management "
Umm.... does that mean he fixes the plumbing on the top floor of Lakers HQ?
Technically, I guess he knows what's "inside" Laker management. It may be the straight poop, but I don't think it's very helpful.
Posted by: The D | July 06, 2007 at 08:41 AM
WesJoe
A Kwame-Darko frontcourt WILL tear a hole in the universe. Pretty soon that scary nether-zone-flying-mirror-jail from Superman II would bust open and we'd all have to kneel before General Zod again. I hate kneeling before General Zod.
Posted by: The D | July 06, 2007 at 08:47 AM