Issues on the court, issues off the court
10.13 Update: Slow work day as the team heads back to the mainland, a hopeful and confident Andrew Bynum in tow.
Amidst all the Buss N' Kobe hooplah, it's tough for some to remember that the Lakers actually have preseason games to play. Given that, for the time being, said games are being played in Hawaii makes them tough to watch all the way through (some of us have to go to work, you know). So if you missed any or all of L.A.'s 119-106 loss Thursday night to the Warriors, their second straight preseason defeat at the hands of Golden State, nobody will revoke your "I'm a Laker Fan!" Card. What you didn't see was another sloppy game from the purple and gold. 25 turnovers, which, as the box shows, helped Golden State take 19 more shots from the floor and outscore the purple and gold in every quarter. So there's still work to be done on that end.
Those would be hardwood issues.
Off the court, the hoops world is still a-buzz over the statements from Jerry Buss that he would, in fact, entertain offers for 24 if Bryant still wants out. Assuming, of course, the offers are good enough and something can be crafted- not an easy proposition. Bryant (thankfully) didn't comment on the Busserview, and has no intention to do so. He might continue to talk with Phil Jackson (his "sounding board"), who acknowledged that Bryant may still be working out some emotional kinks regarding suiting up for L.A. after this summer's festivities.
Perhaps Dr. Buss was setting himself, rather than Jim Buss, up to be the bad guy should Kobe eventually be moved. Which, if you believe Bill Plaschke, is now inevitable.
Peter Vescey has a problem with Kobe's D. In the preseason. Must be a slow news day in New York.
TRADE KOBE ALREADY!
and do it to Phoenix!!
Kobe and Cook for Barbosa and Marion.
I think it makes both teams way better. Kobe competes for a championship now.
Phoenix
Nash
Kobe
Hill
Diaw
Stodamire
Lakers
Barbosa
Fisher
Marion
Odom
Bynum
Posted by: SickOfItAll | October 12, 2007 at 08:44 AM
TODAY: (FRI. OCTOBER 12, 2007) is dedicated to: ) PFUNK36
PAST HONOREES: MIKE TENIENTE, EDWIN GUECO, KLBEAST, GENERIC_ONE, A.K. J.J.,
LAKER TOM, SONNY BELFAST, JOREMA, TALIQ, DAVID WHANG, THA SHOW, FAITH, BOB
RICK FRIEDMAN, HOBBITMAGE, FATTY, KOBE APOLOGIST, ANGRY LAKER, ANDREW Z,
EXHELODRVR, TWOODY, WESJOENIXON, KWAME BROWN, WEST SIDE JESSIE,
LONG TIME LAKER FAN, DICE8UP, FEARLESS WHACKJOB, TAOSHUM, LAKERGURL,
CHARLES, SHAWN MARION, MITCH KUPCHAK, utzworld THE BANNER HOLDER,
MJCMAN32, VIOLATER
NEXT HONOREE ()
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To quote the late great James Brown “ Making it Funky” So Buss wants to get down with the
get get downs and we like sheep are suppose to just sit back and accept slop that is served to
us as caviar huh?. Will no one take this b@st@rd on. Will no one respond to the asinine
quotations drooling from this ghouls lips? There’s no need to fear! If you want to get Funky
Mr. Buss we have someone to take you on. The one, the only PFUNK36. And no he did
not bring parliament or the Bootsy with him. Pfunk is a Laker fan in the truest tradition. He’s
not one of these fans that think we have to klll the patient to save him. We don’t have to
destroy the United States to save it, Just get rid of that crack head GW. And so Pfunk36
says we don’t have to destroy the Lakers to save them, just get rid of that wino Buss and
ship his @ss. PFUnk36 can be deep and Pfunk36 can be funny and the two do not have to
be mutually exclusive. KOBE aint the problem yall. The problem is the FO who need to go.
As you might guess PFUNK36 is a Kobe fan and hopefully a little of that funk will rub off on
Kobe. IF the FO is the problem PFUNK36 has the solution and PFUNK36 thank you for
bringing your refreshing new take to the blog. For that and the thousand of other
wonderful things you do we honor you on this October 12, 2007. So enjoy your
day and know that the Blog as well as the world is a better place for your being.
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ABSOLUTELY NO FAITH IN MANAGEMENT BANDWAGON
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(1) Complex Brotha
(2) Mambs24
(3) XODUS
(4) RICK FRIEDMAN
(5) MJCMAN32
(6) MJCMAN33
(7) XODUS
(8) EXHELODRVR
(9) utzworrld THE BANNER HOLDER
(10) EDWIN GUECO
(11) LakerBake
(12) Benjamin
(13) TSPHERE
(14) Alexinho17
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WE ARE OUT IN THE 1St ROUND AGAIN IF KUPCAKE DOESN’T
GET OFF HIS @SS AND DO SOMETHING BANDWAGON
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(1) JAY JAY
(2) EXHELODRVR
(3) ANDREW Z
(4) COMPLEX BROTHA
(5) ANDREW Z
(6) Alexinho17
----------------------------------------------------
SELL THE LAKERS BANDWAGON
----------------------------------------------------
(1) utzworld THE BANNER HOLDER
(2) MAMBA24
(3) RICK FRIEDMAN
(4) ATL Laker Fan
----------------------------------------------------------------------
* SHAWN MARION TO LAKERS BANDWAGON.*
----------------------------------------------------------------------
(1) Shawn Marion
(2) AK
(3) FearlessWhackJob
(4 Rick Freidman
(5) Mamba24
(6) Jeff Pinoy
(7) AB
(8) #4
(9) Caesar
(10) Justin
(11) LALakerLover
(12) TaosHum
(13) McGARNAGLE
(14) Andrew Z
(15) Brandon
(16) Danny
(17) Xtro
(18) Gino
(19) LakerBake
(20) Zajkee
(21) Kiwi
(22) Paulie
(23) MJCMAN32
(24) TSPHERE
(25) Exhelodrvr
(26) Zakee\
(27) Xodus
(28) ChiTownLaker
(29) Q WUOR
(30) B4hoops
(31) Linda Pineda
(32) Laker Tom
(33) Complex Brotha
(34) Andy B
(35) Steve From New Jersey
(36) Long Time Laker Fan
(37) Hugo Boss
(38) KLBeast
(39) WesJoeNixon
(40) TajLuck
(41) Dice8Up
(42) Edwin Gueco
(43) GOV
(44) HAL9000
(45) JOREMA
(46) THE LAKE SHOW
(47) CUT & DRY
(48) Bob
(49) Benjamin
(50) Chris H.
(51) Alexinho17
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
55 WIN BANDWAGON MEMBERS:
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(1) Laker Tom (2) Marty (3) HUBBIT (4) Fearless Whack Job (5) Mamba24
(6) David Whang (7) BD (8) Dan Dan the Laker Fan (9) Long Time Laker Fan
(10) Roky (11) JoninJapan(In Canada) 12) JUNO (13) KEIFO,
(14) Alexinho17 (15) TALIQ (16) GENERIC_ONE (17) VIOLATER
(18) Twoody (19) SLO Gal (20) HobbitIMage (21) dice8up (22) KIWI
(23) DEREK (24) NIK KANNAN
Members at heart
(25) Bob (26) Faith (27) LakerLover (28) ComplexBrother
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ROLL THE DICE ON JO BANDWAGON
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(1).Tha Show (2) Andrew Z (3).Xodus (4).Mamba24 (5)Edwin Gueco
(6). Exhelodrvr (7). Long Time Laker Fan (8) Me (9)Fearless whackjob
10). LakerBake (11) Lincoln Laker (12) Benjamin (13) Alexinho17
----------------------------------------------------------
SACRAMENTO KINGS 50 WIN BANDWAGON
1. Sonnybelfast 2. Ron Artest
-------------------------------------------------------------
BYNUM BREAKOUT BANDWAGON
-------------------------------------------------------------
(1) LakerFaze (2) Mamba24 (3) DEREK
(4) RDLEE (5) LAKER TOM (6) BENNY BLANCA
(7) Violater (8) Jon Kavulic (9) BD
------------------------------------------------------
LAMAR BREAKOUT BANDWAGON
------------------------------------------------------
(1) VIOLATER
(2) MAMBA24
(3) NEVER
(4) MJCMAN32
(5) DICE8UP
(6) MRBARNEYDANGLES
(7) TWoody
------------------------------------------------
START RONNY TURIAF/ RONNY
FOR 6TH MAN BANDWAGON
------------------------------------------------
(1) LONG TIME LAKER FAN
(2) MICHAEL H.
(3) MAMBA24
(4) JON KAVULIC
(5) MRBARNEYDANGLES
--------------------------------------------------------
TRADE KWAME BEFORE DEADLINE/
SO DON’T LOSE CAP SPACE
---------------------------------------------------------
(1) ATL Laker Fan
(2) TWOODY
--------------------------------------------------
SASHA BREAKOUT BANDWAGON
------------------------------------------------
(1) FAITH
(2) LONGTIME LAKER LOVER
-------------------------------------------
SIGN SUN YUE BANDWAGON
-----------------------------------------
(1).FearlessWhackJob
(2) Laker Tom
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BALLAD OF THE LAKERS
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The doubters sat waiting for them to fail
Training camp came and they began to jell
L.O. looked like an allstar to be
Kobe appeared to be the new MVP
Bynum came out like the second coming of Shaq
Can I believe my eyes Sahsa is on the attack
The Lakers appeared strong and stood tall
And Kwame, yes Kwame caught every damn ball
Dfish kept all of the crew in line
Not one Laker was heard to whine.
The triangle my friend was a thjing of beauty
Even Scootie and Michael had to come to see
The season started and wouldnt you know
In November The Lakers beat every damn foe.
December and January went the same way
The Lakers became the Team, teams were afraid to play
They held to under seventy the high flying Suns
That was the same game Kobe scored 101
The regular season ended and they were so great
They broke the Bulls record they were 74 and 8
Then came the Playoffs and Im sure that you know
They ended up winning 16 in a row.
Mitch cried for joy and Jim gave up the crack
Jerry retook his Office the Lakers were Back
9Rings became 10 which made Phil the Best
For three years in a row The Lakers ruled the West
For each of those years Kobe won the MVP
Then Kobe retired and handed Bynum the Keys
But Bynum said NO! Kobe we both can drive
So when Kobe retired instead of 3 they won 5.
Which gave Kobe 8 NBA Titles and 5 MVPs
And Kobe not MJ became greatest in NBA history
AND NOW ROLL CALL:
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(1) FAITH, MIKE T. TALIQ, Edwin Gueco,, KEIFO, Mamba24Fan4Life, Fan of Mamba, Wolf, Man
KIWI, WOW, PEACE, J_COOL, DAVID WHANG, ADAM KILEY, LAKERSRYDEORDIE, CLEON
FISH_GUY,TIM-4-SHOW, THA_ SHOW, WESJOENIXON, BAYWOO, THE_D, SBPIMP,
CHARLES, Precious, NEVER, CALI KING, RICK FRIEDMAN,THIRTY2, EXHELODRVR,
GENERIC_ONE, TWOODY, JJ, AJAX, MITCHELL., LAKERTOM, LAKERFAN, CHARLES,
KHANG VMAN, KOREY, XTRO, MCGARNAGLE, GUGY, GDChild,Laker4Life, Laker Seth
KL BEAST, Jorema, FearlessWhackJob, MARTY, JANDRO, LAKERFAZE, PhxLkrFAN,
TexasLaker, BOB, TreacherousBalloons, EagleBoy, JR., EASTCOASTJESSIE, Zakee,
Tully Moxness, KobeRocks, David Peterson, centralk, 244Life, SamII, vi lakerfan,
Swettual, Utzworld, Andrew Z, LAL Fan, BRANDON C., Kinglakernidas, BlackMamba24,
FKILLAH, CYRUS(VENTRILIQUIST), RespectMyAuthorith, Waterboy, Hariyahu, HUBBIT
ZEN, SARCOCOP,Staples24, Bobby, COMPTONS FINEST, MIGUELINHO, Greek Dude,
TUKLAW, CDUB0512, MRBARNEYDANGLES,BENJAMIN,MJCMAN32, KobeFromManilas
SOCALIFE, HAL9000, Greekdude, Michael J, Michael H, Michael A., Rick Friedman,Phantom
Gunner24, GINO, FATTY, CBUCK,LAKERGURL, CRITICAL BEATDOWN, PFUNK36,
PAUL LEE, Jay EL, SocalSpider , WEAVE MAN, JON KAVULIC, Tajluck, Alexinho17
BERKLEYLAKER, Dice8Up DION, KARL, CRAIG, MITCHELL, Lakers4Life, Ryan,GiantSquid
JR, Dascilla, tellitlikeitisNik Kannan, GABE, SEAN P., HanSoulFood, HollywoodJack,
Jay Jay, TaosHum, HOBBITIMAGE, Caeser, Obel, CHITOWNLAKER, ANGRYLAKER
wiZo, MagicShaq, HugoBoss, OSCAR, RDLEE, RealityBites, LakerLarry, Bucky, LEELO,
Juno, LakerLifer, C.S. JOVA, BLAZE1BX, Tripgame3, TSPHERE, SIXONEZERO, TRIO
Mfeige, Reggie, Hollywood Jack, Reality Check Time, Jack In Hollywood, SLO Gal, Thi
JONINJAPAN(INCANADA), VIOLATER, LT Laker Fan, , KATE, TROY, Mainor, Caesar
JEFF, ANDY B., SWANWORLD, PUPLE&GOLD_4EVA, BENNY BLANCA,CS in Virg
EMMA, TIM IN SYDNEY RISING STAR, LakerBake, JuanMan888,Blkthght06, Man,
Any_One_mouse, 10milliondollarZen, Shiva, Laker_Hopeful, LakerDawg, East Nyboer
,Ghost of Spiderman, Steve in Denver Guy Owanlele, Lincoln Laker, Houston Laker
MITCH KUPCHAK, JERRY BUSS, PHIL JACKSON, KOBE BRYANT, CLEON, B4hoops
Marc Gasol, Sun Yue, Shamond, Williams, Ronny Turiaf, V. Radmanovic, Jennifer
Maurice Evans, Lamar Odom, Derek Fisher, Luke Walton, Brian Cook, KOBES T.
Kwame Brown, Andrew Bynum, Coby Karl, Chris Mihm, Sasha Vujacic
Jordan Farmar, Jarvis Critterton, JERMAINE ONEAL???, Larry Fulcher
ALL TOGETHER NOW:
WE ARE THE FREAKIN LA LAKERS THE WINNERS OF 14 NBA TITLES
THE HOME OF WILT, KAREEM, GEORGE MIKAN, SHAQ, MAGIC, KOBE,
ELGIN BAYLOR, JERRY WEST, PAT RILEY, JAMES WORTHY, SILK
COACHED BY THE 9 TIME TITLE WINNER PHIL (9RINGS) JACKSON AND
NO ONE AND NOTHING WILL EVER DIVIDE OR CONQUER
LAKERS TODAY LAKERS TOMORROW LAKERS FOREVER
Posted by: Mamba24 | October 12, 2007 at 08:48 AM
so, if it is time to move on, what to do next.?
This relationship is healthy. Neither of us are as happy as we want to be. Baby, it's nobody's fault. I still care for you. I want you to be happy. I just think that we both need to move on.
The "intimate times" are good, but the once in a while "steamy shot at the buzzer" doesn't mean we have to stay together. You'll move on and find someone who does those things you like. i'll find someone else who puts butts in the seats. You were a happy person before we met. I had others before you.
We had a great time while it lasted, and i thank you for that. But, it's time for both of us to try making new happy memories with someone else.
Just keep smiling and hold that head high. I love you. Take care of yourself.
Let's go shoe Shopping...! Find me a nice pair of Dengs.
Posted by: Benny Blanca | October 12, 2007 at 09:03 AM
THE LAKERS LOST
Anybody surprised?
Not when we have an owner and front office that simultaneously says "have faith in the players we have put together around Kobe" and "we can't get another great player here because we don't have good enough players to trade."
DOESN'T ANYONE NOTICE HOW SICK THAT IS?
Either we have a great team around Kobe and lots of good trading prospects OR we have a mediocre team with no prospects. How can we have a great team but nobody good enough to attract a trade? IT DOESN"T MAKE SENSE.
Oh and my two cents: If Bynum Critt and Rad are so great then why won't Bird take them along with Kwame's expiring contract for JO? God I wish HE thought they were as great as Buss senior and Buss Boy do.
Now THAT would be a team - Kobe, Fish, Lamar, and JO as starters with Luke if we go small or Mihm if we go big. But I guess the players we pegged our future on aren't good enough to make that 4-for-1 trade.
You know I almost wish Buss WOULD trade Kobe already so I could give up on the Lakers and root for my local team instead (the Warriors). Its getting too painful to keep my allegiance to a team where the owner and front office don't give a sh*t about the tradition I've been a part of for thirty years.
Posted by: Jay Jay | October 12, 2007 at 09:10 AM
I'm curious about Phil Jackson self proclaimed Kobe new team role:
The Great Distributor....A la Nash
Is this a plan to expose the other teammates weakness?
Is this a way to keep Kobe mad and uninterested in this season?
Is this a way of throwing already the towel because Phil know well that the guys around Kobe would play good one day and bad three other more days?
Knowing Phil Machiavellians plans we never know,
Posted by: jorema | October 12, 2007 at 09:13 AM
REPOST: WHY AREN'T WE TALKING ABOUT THE GAME LIKE WE DID THE FIRST ONE?
For all you students of the game you should check out the third quarter play by play.
http://www.nba.com/games/20071011/GSWLAL/playbyplay.html
NBA.com is an excellet way to interpret what you see. You watch the game. You keep track of the score. Then you check where the seperation comes from when we lose a game. This is preseason so you can't put too much into it yet. But look at Mihm's numbers. He had 11 points and 5 rebounds.
Eight of those points came in the third quarter. At the start of the third quarter the Lakers were behind by 7 points. When Chris was pulled from the game the Lakers were down by 13 points. I'm not blaming Chris but you've got to take the stats in context with the score.
With Mihm and Walton in the starting line-up there is no defensive stability whatsoever and this is what PJ said that the Lakers were going to emphasis. So what happened? Was it Kobe's fault? Was it Fishers' fault? Was it Turiaf's fault? I mean surely, with 8 points in the quarter, it wasn't Chris' fault...was it? Of course not! It's the combination of two defensive weakness' that makes for the breakdowns. It's too easy to attack and we lose control of the game. And when the action occurs in the midst of those breakdown, the points and rebounds mean nothing. When there are these types of breakdowns everything that occurs inside of these breakdown are what I consider to be "trash" stats. It's all based on a false reality. Chris Mihm scores 8 points but we get outscored by 6 points during this stretch for a 13 point defecit. It's not hard to figure.
Jay Jay,
If Mihm is so good then how come we lose when he plays even though he gets his stats?
mike
Posted by: Michael Teniente | October 12, 2007 at 09:19 AM
Benny Blanca said: Let's go shoe Shopping...! Find me a nice pair of Dengs."
Oh benny I'll be right over, maybe we can find some shoes to match my headband.
Posted by: SMUSH PARKER | October 12, 2007 at 09:21 AM
SMuSH,
you're not invited...
I don't want to be at the mall when you gamble on another steal and i get stuck picking up the foul.
Pat Riley isn't going to be happy when he finds out you've been on Laker Blogs.
Posted by: Benny Blanca | October 12, 2007 at 09:32 AM
Aside from our disaster of an owner, on the court the GS scrubs were twice as quick and athletic as the Lakers. Their second tier center did what he wanted against Bynum. There's no future there and the more he plays the less tradeable he is.
After the bitter taste of post season losses, it would have been nice to begin with an attitude built upon wins. Pre season or not, these weren't even competitive.
There's no spark, Jerry blew it out with the bad wind of his PR faus pas from hell. It would be easy to be patient if he hadn't dropped that headline on the national sporting press, but now the whole season is about THE Kobe trade and how the new group will adjust to the 2 year triangle learning curve. Unwatchable. And I wouldn't watch but there's nothing else on.
Posted by: Vman | October 12, 2007 at 09:35 AM
http://www.latimes.com/sports/la-sp-plaschke12oct12,1,3533371,full.column?coll=la-utilities-sports
"But it is obvious the minute the Lakers can acquire anything that even resembles fair value, Bryant is gone, and Buss won't much miss him."
Bye, bye, bye to the Malcontent. KLBeast won't miss kobe either. Never, ever mess with the guy who holds the checkbook. Kobe is a stupid ass.
"At that point, with Bryant firmly in control of the franchise, acting as both coach and assistant general manager, he and Buss were seemingly joined, swaggering hip to swaggering hip."
Where's all of the Kobe ass kisser who says that kobe's got nothing to do with personnel decisions? You fools are blinded by love for the Big Phony...soon to be the Big Yesterday's News.
"Maybe Buss finally lost his patience when, in June, an audiotape surfaced in which Bryant referred to Buss as an "idiot.""
Duh!!! It takes some nerves to call the guy who's paying you millions an "idiot", but that's kobe.
"Maybe Buss lost his cool when he heard Kevin Garnett say this week that he didn't want to become a Laker because of their front office problems. Maybe, then, Buss realized the incredible damage Bryant's public whining had done to the Lakers' reputation and brand."
Duh again! This is why i hate kobe as a professional. I'm glad Buss is finally taking control of his franchise that Kobe-ass has run to the ground. I hope it was worth it.
"You can't keep too many loyalties," Buss said.
Translation: Kobe was the wrong bet.
"His staff is filled with longtime employees. Even some of the ballboys have seemingly been there forever. This was a direct shot at Bryant's vindictiveness in the face of unconditional support."
KLBeast has been saying from day one that kobe's out for himself.....KOBE'S A SELFISH PRICK....out to "prove a point".
"Thankfully, finally, the owner [Buss] of the joint is grabbing him by the collar and ushering him [Kobe] there now."
IT'S ABOUT "F-ING" TIME.
Posted by: KL | October 12, 2007 at 09:38 AM
Mamba, add me on to the "Absolutely No Faith In Management" bandwagon...
i'm so disappointed that corporate tools (...isn't there something inherently wrong with you if you side with The Man?") actually believe that we should simply "show kobe the door"
AS IF kobes grow on trees. ridiculous.
so b/c managment and their shills are so arrogant, i'm accepting the inevitable. sign me up to the bandwagon. sadly.
Posted by: CBuck | October 12, 2007 at 09:40 AM
Jay Jay
"You know I almost wish Buss WOULD trade Kobe already so I could give up on the Lakers and root for my local team instead (the Warriors)."
i knew there was a reason i suspected that you're a bandwagon kobe fan....at least you're out of the closet now.
you remind me of the liberal guy who preaches "save the environemnt" at a pep rally in Malibu driving a Hummer H1....haha.....
Stay in the Bay area.
Posted by: KL | October 12, 2007 at 09:40 AM
Now that all Kobe's on his way out, you'll see the Kobe Lovers turn on Buss and Laker management.
True laker fans will support Buss and the Lakers....
You heard it here first....
Remember, the "beast" is ALWAYS right....sometimes...maybe...i think so....not sure....perhaps....questionable....dubious.....depends....
Posted by: KL | October 12, 2007 at 09:44 AM
jorema
why wouldnt you want kobe to be a facilitator? he has control over who does what. if he understands the game like he should, then he'll know to pass or shoot, AT HIS DISGRESSION. i would think that is the best players job.
Posted by: the WOLF | October 12, 2007 at 09:46 AM
Jay Jay,
"Its getting too painful to keep my allegiance to a team where the owner and front office don't give a sh*t about the tradition I've been a part of for thirty years. "
LOVE HURTS!
Posted by: MARQUIS DE SADE | October 12, 2007 at 09:47 AM
Jorema,
"Knowing Phil Machiavellians plans we never know, "
But I bet Machiavelli knows. But he's with Tupac right now.
Posted by: Mamba24 | October 12, 2007 at 09:50 AM
Vescey's column brings back a familiar criticism of Bryant - that he's willing not to give 100% to prove a point. Why isn't he playing the same brand of in-your-jersey defense that everyone was heralding him for playing with Team USA?
Here's the Kobe side. First, the rules of international play allow are more liberal on the perimeter. You can get away with more as a defender. Second, with such strong teammates around him, he has the luxury of focusing entirely on his own man and feels protected in that, if he gets burned, someone else will rotate over and have his back. A third excuse could be that he hasn't gotten totally comfortable with PJs new defensive schemes.
Here's the Lakers/fans side. It sucks that we know Kobe can play better defense and is choosing not to. Part of what he did for Team USA was be an example for his teammates. To set the bar high for them defensively. He's not bringing that so far with the Lakers.
Posted by: lakers_sth | October 12, 2007 at 09:50 AM
REBUILD
I think that was the term Mitch and Jerry wanted to avoid. The R word was avoided and yet now after 3 years before the Shaq, with Kobe all but gone, rebuilding is exactly what this team is still doing and doing it badly.
The best solution would be to pay the LA faithful back by trading Kobe to the CLippers for Maggete and Brand. Keep it in house and on local TV.
Posted by: Vman | October 12, 2007 at 09:53 AM
Sign me up for the vote of no confidence in management.
I'm still hoping for a miracle season, but when you're hoping for a miracle, it usually means you're in the midst of something horrible, and we are.
Posted by: Tim-4-Show | October 12, 2007 at 09:54 AM
its f-ing preseason, chill out. really.
Posted by: jay el. | October 12, 2007 at 09:57 AM
Posted by: KL | October 12, 2007 at 09:38 AM
i wouldnt say it same way, but i agree with this post. good for you.
to KOBE: when you act unprofessional, you get treated like an unprofessional.
dont let the door knob hit ya where the good lord split ya!!
lets get some hungry, TALENTED players (kobe's true asset)!
Posted by: the WOLF | October 12, 2007 at 09:58 AM
I know its pointless to argue with KL but for the record -
I am NOT a bandwagon Kobe fan. I lived 30 years in LA and went to over 50 games watching Magic - Silk - Kareem and that crew on up to last year when I moved up here. And I STILL went to both Laker games in Oakland. I have actively rooted for this franchise since 1977 and have NEVER seen such a callous front office. All Jerry Buss cares about now is making enough money to keep drinking and chasing girls 40 years younger than he is.
The bottom line is that he's smart enough to know that too many Laker fans are stupid enough to pay his exorbitant prices no matter who is wearing the uniform. And as long as fans do, he'll keep gutting the team and destroying our tradition.
Posted by: Jay Jay | October 12, 2007 at 10:01 AM
Vman-
"There's no spark, Jerry blew it out with the bad wind of his PR faux pas from hell." --
Now that is a great post!
I too am shocked that J. Buss, an avid poker player, would show his hand. What is to gain by the "PR faux pas from hell", even if he wanted to trade Kobe, doesn't this expose weaken his bargaining position? If this isn't an example of the Lakers needing new leadership, I do not know what is.
I agree that he just took the wind out of the sails of the ENTIRE season. All J Buss gained was “apparent” re-establishment of control. It seems as though he wants everyone to know, I am the boss here. Or perhaps more accurately, the captain...
yeah...of a sinking ship...
I certainly am glad Buss is having fun being owner of the Lakers. Someone should be enjoying themselves while the fans are wallowing in misery!
Posted by: C.S. | October 12, 2007 at 10:02 AM
I've brough this up before but I figured it would be appropriate to bring up again considering Dr Buss' statements. Jerry West used to talk about how there was an understanding with his players that, if they were unhappy and wanted to be traded, all they would have to do is express that to him and he would respect their wishes and work to accomodate them. That's the culture of the front office. It didn't begin with Shaq and it won't end with Kobe.
Inside, Kobe should be ecstatic that there's a light at the end of the tunnel for him (from his perspective). If he sees any remaining time with the Lakers as a nightmare he'd like to wake up from, he should be happy that Buss is going to continue to work to make that happen. Right?
The reason this is 'distracting' Kobe is because it's casting yet another negative light on him. He's now Kevin Garnett or Allen Iverson or Paul Pierce or Jermaine ONeal. Any of the series of recently disgruntled franchise players who put the progress of their teams on hold. Whose teams couldn't move forward until their wishes were granted.
Posted by: lakers_sth | October 12, 2007 at 10:04 AM
I'd like to offer some perspective on "Happy" KG and the Celtics.
The last time Boston won the title (1986), they were led by another "Big 3": future HOFers Bird (age 29), McHale (28) and Parish (33 and STILL 9 yrs from retirement). These 3 also led the team to titles in '81 and '84. The role-players in '86 included future HOFer Bill walton, Dennis Johnson (should be HOF) and Danny Ainge. They were coached by HOFer KC Jones, who also coached the '84 team.
Their new "Big 3" are: sure HOFer Garnett (age 31), P. Pierce (31) and R. Allen (32), none of whom have done much ever in the post-seaon (except KG once). The role players now are a collection of has-beens and D-League talent. The coach is so-so Doc Rivers.
They WILL have a learning curve and they are only 1 or 2 injuries away from being back in the lottery.
Not-so-appetizing food for thought.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: peetie44 | October 12, 2007 at 10:04 AM
mamba,
you're a funny MFer! machivelly is with tupac! lol! you make me proud.....!
you posted as smush too, huh? that was funny as hell too!
Posted by: the WOLF | October 12, 2007 at 10:05 AM
Where do we go from here?
Two games into the preseason and the conclusion of training camp and nothing great to report. J. Buss dropped the bomb and several of us see the light at the end of tunnel nearing. Can Kobe shake it off, I mean he's had bigger issues to deal with? Will other players, you know the un-tradable one's step up and have a franchise saving season, or will we be looking at the last moments of Kobe in Purple & Gold. In my opinion J. Buss really blew it with the before season out-break and he might as wlll place Kobe on Momster.com. trading away the one true asset and possibly best player in the game because you've failed to place talent on the court with him... Business is business, and I guess you have to cut you losses at some point. Just remember the Bulls failed to keep Pippen, Jordan and co happy and for years players refused to sign with that org. NOTE TO Jerry BUSS..... You might find yourself in similar shoes once Kobe's gone and no one wants to sign out west because its BUSINESS before loyalty!
Posted by: lakerfaze | October 12, 2007 at 10:05 AM
Laker_sth,
"He's not bringing that so far with the Lakers."
Well maybe when Kwame brings his malingering @ss back and
Lamar brings his toliet tissue delicate @ss back Kobe can "bring it"
as you say. But why should Kobe burn himself out in as 9Rings
himself said meaningless preseason games. The man spent the summer
playing for his nation and it is a well known fact that players that do
that usuually get injured during the season. so you want Kobe to use
up more of his precious energy on games that don't mean sh#t. We
know what Kobe can do. As far as I'm concerned he shouldn't play
at all this preseason and save himself for the season. That's basically
what 9rings let Scottie and MJ do when they played in the Olympics
Laker sth I respect you for real but let's be for real.
Posted by: Mamab24 | October 12, 2007 at 10:07 AM
So much for the Sasha big awakening....Last night it was the Sasha we all know.
Verdict....
So much for the Critt all star caliber talent and the let's go with him as cornerstone of the franchise.
So much for Bynum so-so showing. (Last night he reverted to his old "foul machine waiting to happen" super freaky show.) verdict: Same old Bynum.
So much for VLA great returning....he played like his old self...with a zombie carrying his shadows. Verdict....same old vla
So much...for Farmar expected improvement off season, you know "the gym rat". that was sold to us. verdict...same old Farmar.
So much for Lamar and Kwame 23 million investments. ...the same injuriy-recovering-re injured status always before the trading deadline.
Posted by: jorema | October 12, 2007 at 10:09 AM
Who would I trade Kobe for?
Dwight Howard & Turkoglu
Carmelo & Camby
LBJ
DWade & Haslem
Yao & Alston
KG & Ray Allen
Billips & Hamilton
Marion, Bell & Barbosa
Oden & Roy
Deng, Hinrich, Thomas
You have to get a franchise player in return if you trade Kobe. I don't see it happening.
Posted by: rdlee | October 12, 2007 at 10:10 AM
Wolf,
"mamba, you're a funny MFer! machivelly is with tupac! lol! you make me proud.....! you posted as smush too, huh? that was funny as hell too!"
Just trying to be like my big brother Wolf. I'm still trying to get the
howl down and i'm sorry to say my girlfriend said I didn't taste
like chicken at all. LOL!
Posted by: Mamba24 | October 12, 2007 at 10:11 AM
REPOST
If the Lakers trade Kobe for Dwight Howard. I'd be down for that. But I don't know if they would be willing to do it. See what we would be getting back.
http://img103.imageshack.us/img103/7654/dwight0df.jpg
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8o5_jGvyVvo
Your starting lineup
Bynum
Howard
Odom
Critt
Farmar
We could let these young guys just destroy the west.
Posted by: richtown | October 12, 2007 at 10:12 AM
kobe's D has definetly not been there this preseason
Posted by: greek dude | October 12, 2007 at 10:12 AM
When Kobe's rants were fresh earlier this summer, I posted that, if Kobe didn't get traded this summer, a lot would then depend on whether the team won more or lost more as the season got under way. If the team miraculously won a lot of games early on, found themselves in the upper echelon of the west like last year - that Kobe would get caught up in keeping that going. If the team loses a lot, then it'll crumble quickly and Kobe's frustration will be on display daily.
This is what PJ seems to be talking about and hoping for with his recent comments (referencing the 98 Bulls squad) about the team coming together and getting caught up in winning basketball games regardless of what's coming out of the FO.
Posted by: lakers_sth | October 12, 2007 at 10:13 AM
Benny Blanca said: SMuSH, you're not invited...
I don't want to be at the mall when you gamble on another steal and i get stuck picking up the foul. Pat Riley isn't going to be happy when he finds out you've been on Laker Blogs.
Hey is it my fault if some of that grease from Rileys head was
on the floor and I slipped and fouled the guy. I tried to tell Mr Pretty Riley
to get hip to headbands but he said something about one more word and
I'd be sleeping with the fishes. Gee I didn't know Mr. Riley liked to fish.
Posted by: SMUSH PARKER | October 12, 2007 at 10:18 AM
The distributor plan for Kobe is good if you have reliable teammates as Nash got in Phoenix.
With Finisher like Marion , Amare and now Hill.
With reliable and solid outside shooters like Raja, Diaw and most of the bench guys.
But if Nash have to pass to sasha, farmar, kwame, luke, and else....his eyes will close and he will shoot it himself.
Posted by: jorema | October 12, 2007 at 10:18 AM
hey ak,
hey man you jacked my theory of buss saying this crap to take the pressure off his son! i want royalties!! haha
Posted by: the WOLF | October 12, 2007 at 10:19 AM
lakers_sth..
its pre-season, an as much as people want to point to Kobe. WE know what he's capable of doing, and come season he'll step it up. I'm sure with all that's going on it must be tough to even lace 'em up at this point, much less take a chance at being injured chasing around guys in pre-season.. LO's out, Kwame's out so why make things worse? Just taking up for my boy Kobe, I guess. You know someone's got to be loyal around here!
LAKER-FAZE oops KOBE-FAZE!
Posted by: lakerfaze | October 12, 2007 at 10:20 AM
Here is the first edition of Short & Sweet.....by yours truly.......Short & Sweet
Buss Comments: Every smart business man realizes that for every great Plan A, it is wise to have a subsequent Plan B in case it doesn't work. The goal is always to accomplish Plan A, but understand that if it isn't possible.....you have a fallback Plan B. This is a quick summation of what Buss had to say about Kobe Bryant and his future with the team.
When the results of decisions don't pan out as hoped, the first thing to do is to point figures and criticize the results. That is what the majority would have liked to have heard from Dr. Buss. However, he took the high road in remaining in support of the management team he has put in place. Considering the fact that performance evaluations are highly fuild, in a short time the majority may have a different take on the decisions of the front office.
Lakers Pre-Season Update: First, growth and development is a process that does not complete itself immediately nor would you want it that way. Everything of true value takes time to develop. After 2 Exhibition/Pre-Season games it is understandable that some would be crying for something major to hold on to. However, impatient/impulsive is not the wise direction for this team at this point. Several key players are either not healthy or still adjusting back to game shape, and thus we are in a state of slow progress. If the season started tomorrow, there would be reason to be concerned. However, it doesn't, so everyone would be wise to calm down.
Specifically addressing Kobe's performance thus far, he is re-adjusting to his old responsibility as the facilitator of the offense. Not only is that a great thing, it should be noted that it will take some time to reach a high quality level. When he has made a complete adjustment, the Lakers will hopefully be in a great position to begin attacking teams consistently.
Patience is the key right now.
Posted by: Short & Sweet (S&S) | October 12, 2007 at 10:21 AM
CBUCK,
Mamba, add me on to the "Absolutely No Faith In Management" bandwagon...
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ABSOLUTELY NO FAITH IN MANAGEMENT BANDWAGON
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(1) Complex Brotha
(2) Mambs24
(3) XODUS
(4) RICK FRIEDMAN
(5) MJCMAN32
(6) MJCMAN33
(7) XODUS
(8) EXHELODRVR
(9) utzworrld THE BANNER HOLDER
(10) EDWIN GUECO
(11) LakerBake
(12) Benjamin
(13) TSPHERE
(14) Alexinho17
(15) CBUCK
Posted by: Mamba24 | October 12, 2007 at 10:22 AM
KLBeast,
"Remember, the "beast" is ALWAYS right....sometimes...maybe...i think so....not sure....perhaps....questionable....dubious.....depends...."
Godd@mnit Beast get a hold of yourself. You got a reputation to
uphold! ow suck it boy and stop this whinning. Where's that
Beast roar. LOL!
Posted by: Mamba24 | October 12, 2007 at 10:26 AM
"chasing girls 40 years younger than he is."
Um, try 50 years.
Posted by: Tim-4-Show | October 12, 2007 at 10:26 AM
In all.....
J. Buss essentially tells the NBA: "I tried to talk Kobe into staying, he refused, so he's available if the price is right. And the offers I've been getting aren't good enough."
So now we get to watch the first part of this season with the "when is Kobe leaving" cloud hanging over our heads. Yay.
Has anyone noticed that since Kobe came here, it's been nothing but one drama after another?
The constant battles with Shaq,
the incident in Colorado,
the Karl Malone/Vanessa thing,
the free agency,
the "did he tank the second half in game 7 against Sac",
the "I want to be traded....wait, no I don't" radio rants,
the parking lot video calling the owner an "idiot" and saying about his teammate "trade his ass",
and now the "when will he go" situation.
Can anyone name any other player in the league who has a history even remotely like this?
You know what? I'm sick of it. As great a player as he is, it's time to end the drama and let someone else have it. If we can get some good young players and a high draft pick or two, I say pull the trigger and let's go with the youth movement: Bynum, Farmer, J-Critt, and whoever we get for Kobe.
And as far as I'm concerned, the sooner the better. Let's end the drama and get on with it.
Posted by: Jason F. | October 12, 2007 at 10:26 AM
mamba,
dont worry the lil bro has become the big bro! dont worry about the GF, if she's biting, you're doing something right! holla playa! pimpin aint easy!
Posted by: the WOLF | October 12, 2007 at 10:26 AM
Jay Jay
"I am NOT a bandwagon Kobe fan. I lived 30 years in LA and went to over 50 games watching Magic - Silk - Kareem and that crew on up to last year when I moved up here."
i was apparently wrong...AGAIN....I recant my post on Jay Jay being a bandwagon kobe fan.
Go Warriors!
Posted by: KL | October 12, 2007 at 10:28 AM
Mike T, I only saw the first half and recorded the 2nd half to watch later, but from what I saw... Mihm looked a little better than the first game but... no Biedrins... so... that's probably why he looked better. That's got to be one of the worst defensive groups in the NBA right now when you put in Mihm, Cook and Walton. LOL! Wow! Talk about players rushing into the game to pad their stats!
I'm not convinced Mihm will be able to play significant minutes against any starting Center this season. He can come in against their backup but unless we need somebody to come in and give a few hard fouls, I just don't see it. I like the guy but that's my brutal assessment.
Kobe looked a little better though it seems he has an on/off switch as far as scoring or passing so if he's in one or the other mode, it's hard for him to juggle.
I thought Bynum had a few good aggressive moves. Between Bynum and Kwame, the Center position should be solid for us this year. Fisher, I dunno? He is what he is, so it's up to Farmar and Crittenton to step up, learn from him and try to reduce Fish's minutes to around 20-25 mins. max. Radmanovic has been promising. I dunno if Phil would start him or not but he can certainly give us 25-30 minutes between SF and PF. Cobe Karl? Nice story... if they want to sign him as a PR move, fine... then he can GRAB SOME BENCH!!! and work hard on the practice squad.
When we get Odom and Kwame back, this will be a solid team, I definitely think we could surprise this year - ASSuming... the Kobe situation doesn't blow up or we get hit with injuries again.
Posted by: TaosHum | October 12, 2007 at 10:28 AM
jay el.: "its f-ing preseason, chill out. really."
THANK YOU!!! Are there really people with a brain in their head who can complain Kobe's not playing defense in the preseason ... and think it means something?
If I were a pro, I'd take it easy during the flippin' WARMUPS for a preseason game, let alone the game itself. The only people giving 110% during preseason are those guys like Karl, Crittendon, E. Brown, who are trying to make the team, and Vlad, Sasha, who are trying to make up for last year, and Turiaf because, well, that's just who he is. And those are the only people who should be giving 110%. Everybody else, get into the flow, work out some kinks, DON'T GET INJURED... and we'll see your game when it means something on opening day.
Posted by: Marty | October 12, 2007 at 10:29 AM
Wolf,
WE didn't jack your theory. The dude who wrote the article we linked jacked your theory. Sick your lawyers on him. haha
AK
Posted by: Andrew Kamenetzky | October 12, 2007 at 10:31 AM
Sign me up for the vote of no confidence in management.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ABSOLUTELY NO FAITH IN MANAGEMENT BANDWAGON
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(1) Complex Brotha
(2) Mambs24
(3) XODUS
(4) RICK FRIEDMAN
(5) MJCMAN32
(6) MJCMAN33
(7) XODUS
(8) EXHELODRVR
(9) utzworrld THE BANNER HOLDER
(10) EDWIN GUECO
(11) LakerBake
(12) Benjamin
(13) TSPHERE
(14) Alexinho17
(15) CBUCK
(16) TIM_4_SHOW
Posted by: Mamab24 | October 12, 2007 at 10:31 AM
When you have 2 defensive liabilities in the line-up, Mihm and Walton, the whole unit will suffer. It's a team sport. PJ seems to believe that by using the term team defense that Kobe, Lamar/Turiaf, and Fisher should be able to cover for Mihm and Walton. But it doesn't work that way. If Kobe, Lamar/Turiaf, and Fisher have to continually cover for Mihm and Walton it's just too much to overcome. It places too much pressure on everyone else when they have to continuiously cover for the weak links. That's the nature of a team defense. It cuts two ways. People mention team defense like when it's applied properly it'll work. It'll only work when you stable components attached to it. When you don't have stable components the units is too fragile. There is no amount of "team defense" that will be able to cover for two defensive liabilities under any circumstance.
mike
Posted by: Michael Teniente | October 12, 2007 at 10:33 AM