Luke, Mo and news

AK/BK-

"Both are healthy again (and in Walton's case, particularly well compensated),"

You both are just TRYING to get Mike T. started again, aren't you? You know any mention of Walton, especially his contract, brings out his dark alter ego, Mr. T. And not the Gold Chain wearing variety, either.

Just kidding, Mike. You know we all love ya here. :)

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TODAY: (THURSDAY OCTOBER 4 2007) is dedicated to: ) utzworld THE BANNER HOLDER
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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
NEXT HONOREE ( VIOLATER )
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A wise man once said “You have to stand for something or you’ll fall for anything”. Todays
honoree has no problem standing on the courage of his convictions. Is he a Laker fan?
Well….Yeah. He’s a laker fan if you mean does he want the best team possible to be put on
the floor everynight. Yes. He’s a laker fan if you believe that the current management are
steering periously close to malfeasance. Does he respect the Legends Kareem, Magic, etc.?
Yes. OK. Now the big test. What is his take on Kobe. He thinks the Mamba is the best player
in the NBA today and possibly one of the greatest of all time. WHAAAAAAAAAT?
SHUT YOUR MOUTH. BUT I’M JUST TALKING ABOUT utzworld THE BANNER HOLDER.
THEN WE CAN DIG IT! HE;S A COMPLICATED MAN AND NO ONE UNDERSTANDS HIM
BUT HIS WOMAN…allright enough of this nonsense. Utzworld is a person most of you
would probably not mind having a beer with and discussing sports. He’s a member of all
the best Wagons – NO FAITH IN MANAGEMENT and SELL THE LAKERS. Though I do
believe that the BANNER HOLDER has atreak of the antiestablishment rebel inside.
Utzworld is exceedingly knowledgeable about sports and so sits up there with the
Parthenon of greats – GENERIC_ONE THA_SHOW LAKER_TOM EDWIN GUECO
MIKE TENIENTE OR MIKE T. EXHELODRVR etc. He’s not known for long post.
His post are usually short and to the point and sometimes the point can sting.
But THE BANNER HOLDER is also the Light Bringer and helps keep the Blog from
shifting to the DARK SIDE. For this and the thousand other wonderful things that you
do today October 4, 2007 is dedicated to utworld THE BANNER HOLDER. And we
thank him for holding those 14 banners and hopefully before long he will have a 15th to
hold. So enjoy your day sir 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
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
"We Are Out in the First Round Again if Kupcake
Doesn't Get off His Ass and Do Something" Bandwagon.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
(1) JAY JAY
(2) EXHELODRVR
(3) ANDREW Z
(4) COMPLEX BROTHA
(5) ANDREW Z
----------------------------------------------------------------
SELL THE LAKERS BANDWAGON
--------------------------------------------------------------
(1) utzworld THE BANNER HOLDER
(2) MAMBA24
(3) RICK FRIEDMAN
------------------------------------------------------------------
* 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
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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) Complex Brother
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ROLL THE DICE ON JO BANDWAGON
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(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
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
BYNUM BREAKOUT BANDWAGON
(1) LakerFaze (2) Mamba24 (3) DEREK
(4) RDLEE (5) LAKER TOM (6) BENNY BLANCA
(7) Violater
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SASHA BREAKOUT BANDWAGON
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
(1) FAITH
(2) LONG TIME LAKER FAN
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AND NOW ROLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL CALLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL:
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(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, Tuklaw
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,CDUB0512
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,
SOCALIFE, HAL9000, Greekdude, Michael J, Michael H, Michael A., Rick Friedman, Benjamin
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, MJCMAN32
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, KOBE FROM MANILAS
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

Nice interview with Mighty Mo Evans.

Kwame is once again a disappointment. I'm still confused why Michael T. has such a love affair with the player. Still, I expect Kwame to have a significantly better season this season than last season. It is a contract year, after all.

I also expect Bynum to step up. Not to star status, but we should see the biggest leap of improvement from him yet. Expect a few 15 point quarters.

The little injuries (Kwame's sore ankle, Lamar's shoulder, Mihm's stiff ankle, Bynum's sore knee, etc.) worries me greatly. If we get hit by a plague of injuries this year, we're toast.

GO LAKERS!

Jeff said:
"You know any mention of Walton, especially his contract, brings out his dark alter ego, Mr.
T. And not the Gold Chain wearing variety, either."

I PITY THE FOOL WHO DARES TO INVOKE THE GREAT NAME OF MR. T. THE
GOLD AROUND MY NECK, EACH LINK IN THE CHAIN IS FOR A
A JACKSON JOURNAL I WROTE FOOL. NOW LEAVE ME ALONE SO ME
AND FACE CAN GO FLYING. THAT WALTON HE AINT SUCH A BAD
BOY HE JUST UNDER THAT EVIL INFLUENCE OF 9RINGS. I CAN'T
BRING MYSELF TO PRONOUNCE THAT FOOLS NAME. YOU KNOW THOSE
DIAMONDS IN 9RINGS RINGS ARE PHONY DON'T YA FOOL. THEY ARE
AS PHONY AS 9RINGS. HE SABOTAGED MY MOVIE COMEBACK.

repost,

KL,
"May the laker team win 45-50 games playing "team" basketball and see the 2nd round. Let's give the laker team (kobe included) hope of returning to championship glory."

(lower case)

Now, I hoping I'm wrong this year. And I'm hoping the Lakers can win 50. I believe they can if only Kobe goes back to sharing the rock with others. Points is not the problem with the Lakers. It's defense. If Kobe shares and we play good defense every game, we can win 50. That's what I'm hoping PJ concentrate on this preseason.

I believe this team can be similar to Detroit playing games in the mid 80's at least. Scores don't need to be high. That's where the Lakers lose control of the game. Play ball control, work through your offense and force the other teams to use up as much of their shot clock, and you got a solid defensive ball club. And if Kobe wants to take over at the end, he can. If the play that way, they can be top 5.

utzworld,
"KBros: The KL/Gunner routine is getting OLD OLD OLD. I'm not against free speech. Everyone has the right to express what they feel on a blog. But when you hear the same argument expressed AGAIN AND AGAIN AND AGAIN AND AGAIN AND AGAIN AND AGAIN day in - day out, it gets tiresome. "

The Gunner (offseason name) changes to Gunner24 (in season out of disrespect for Kobiatch). So, let it be known, I'm around here and not going away. I'll relax for the rest of the preseason, but if these fairweather Kobe fans show up on this blog spitting junk about Kobe is the reason why the Lakers exist or Kobe is the best or Kobe is the best in the universe or personal attacks, Gunner24 will be back! IN FULL CAPS!

I just read news about Lamar, he wants to address this statement to all bloggers here including who wanted to trade him to other teams.

Lamar Odom said:

"I don't want to be traded, This is where I'd like to end my career. L.A. is L.A., and it's also my second home."

http://www.latimes.com/sports/la-sp-lakerep4oct04,0,7548107.story?track=mostviewed-storylevel

******************************************************************************

On the same link, there is a news to our up and coming legend, now a mere name with an iffy contract beyond 2nd rd draft picks that people forecast to be cut. You cut the bad players but retain the good ones.

On Coby Karl.....

"The player with the most impressive touch through two days of training camp is quite possibly Coby Karl, an undrafted free-agent guard out of Boise State."

"He might be one of our best shooters on the team already," Jackson said. "He's got a great stroke."

Sasha & MO, you two are in great danger Coby Karl could grab your present position.

gunner said:
"but if these fairweather Kobe fans show up on this blog spitting junk about Kobe is the reason why the Lakers exist or Kobe is the best or Kobe is the best in the universe or personal attacks, Gunner24 will be back! IN FULL CAPS!

OH GUNNER! PLEASE DON'T LEAVE. WE NEED STRONG MEN LIKE YOU TO STAND UP TO THE KOBIATCHERS. IF YOU LEAVE I JUST
DON'T KNOW WHAT I WILL DO. I HATE THAT MAMBA SAMBA WHAT I NEED ARE STRONG MEN LIKE YOU AND SHAQ.

AK and BK,

Once again great work. I wish the Times' own articles were as detailed and well written as your reports. Give you guys a raise. Or if I catch you at Staples Center I will take you both out for a beer.

I am glad to see Mo working out with the big boys and elevating his game and not being afraid to take it to some of the guys. Everything thing I read about him, especially your great article on his trip to Africa, makes me want to go buy the Evens jersey more and more. This guy is trying to become the heart and soul of the NBA not just the Lakers. I applaud him.

Luke is still the man. I know Mike T will hate me for this. But Luke is showing class. He knows about the egos in basketball and he seems to have left his in the locker room. I hope to see him start and finish strong again this year.

T-Woody

Mamba24, you rock!

T-Woody

Utz and other Bloggers...

"KL/Gunner: Like I said, y'all are my brothers and all, but y'all have completely hijacked the tone & spirit of this Blog. You gotta tone it down dues...please...tone it the ***k down!!!"

No more "beast". I will tone the "F" down, but i reserve the right to bring the "beast" back.

I hope the laker team can put the summer bull-shizzle behind them and start the season playing good team ball. i know kobe has the "it" factor on the court to be a good floor leader and teammate and wish kobe well in his endeavor as the face of the laker franchise.

May the laker team win 45-50 games playing "team" basketball and see the 2nd round. Let's give the laker team (kobe included) hope of returning to championship glory.

-KL

I'll just let this one hang out there. From Bucher's recent report from Hawaii:

"Mitch Kupchak feigning ignorance of any offseason hullaballoo involving Kobe or Lamar Odom nodding toward Kwame Brown and predicting 'he's going to be one of the best players in the NBA,'"

TWOODY,
"Mamba24, you rock!"

Coming from you sir it is indeed an honor. Thank you!

Edwin,

I don't think Mo's status is in danger, regardless of how well Karl shoots. Mo's still much more athletic and (from my understanding) a considerably better defender. He's also produced at the NBA level. I'd be stunned if Evans got cut in favor of Karl.

I agree with you 100%, however, about Sasha. If Karl continues shooting the lights out and Kupchak wants to keep the roster at 14 (so a space is open in case a veteran becomes available down the stretch), I could easily see them eating the last year of Sasha's contract and waiving him. Karl can be signed on the cheap and if he's that much more productive than Sasha, it would make sense.

Another potential factor (and I should emphasize that I'm not 100% sure about this). If Sasha were waived, his salary would still count against the cap. But I don't know if it would still count towards the luxury tax. If it doesn't (and again, I emphasize, I don't know for sure) and the amount it takes to sign Karl (my guess is anywhere from 300-500k) is small enough to keep the Lakers from hitting the tax, that would be another incentive for keeping Karl and waiving Sasha. Assuming Karl looks to be the more productive player, of course.

AK

IT'S THAT TIME OF THE YEAR BOYS!!!

*************** YAHOO FANTASY BASKETBALL **************

League ID: 56878
League PW: golakers

Since we had such a success last year with the Blog Fantasy League, I've decided to do it again this year. Please sign up asap as space are limited. Please note to only sign up if you can be there for the Live Draft on Sun Oct 14 10:30am Pacific Time. Also try to use your Blog name so we know who you are. Hope to see you on Draft day!!!

WE'RE HALF WAY FULL. HURRY!!

yeah, Mo Evans is a kind of forgotten guy but he's a solid guy to bring into games. You always need guys like that. We'll see about Luke, I just don't think he has a body that will allow him to play full time minutes over a full season, same with Mihm. Nothing against those guys, but would we rather get 20-25 minutes/game from each for a full season or 35 minutes/game for 40 games? C'mon Vlad Rad! Man on a mission, right?

I think the Coby Karl comments are being used to motivate Sasha. Same with Bynum. He's got a knee strain, so he's hampered a bit, but he is practicing, which is a good thing, so Phil gets a dig in, Mihm looks GREAT! Bynum looks good... LOL!

GUNNERS DAME (aka LakerTom, Kobe Apologist, gchild, mitchell, irrationalfan/voice of unreason/deerdaddy, etc)

"OH GUNNER! PLEASE DON'T LEAVE. WE NEED STRONG MEN LIKE YOU TO STAND UP TO THE KOBIATCHERS. IF YOU LEAVE I JUST
DON'T KNOW WHAT I WILL DO. I HATE THAT MAMBA SAMBA WHAT I NEED ARE STRONG MEN LIKE YOU AND SHAQ."

Hey Utz, see why Gunner and the "Beast" exist? The blog wants us to exist. Either way, i'll still tone the "F" down for a while.

Gunner, since we're limited offensively as a collective unit, TEAM defense is the key. Let see what happens.

Did you happen to read the pre-season analysis of the 2007 Cavs?

http://insider.espn.go.com/nba/trainingcamp07/insider/columns/story?columnist=hollinger_john&page=CavaliersPreview0708&univLogin02=stateChanged&action=upsell&appRedirect=http%3a%2f%2finsider.espn.go.com%2fnba%2ftrainingcamp07%2finsider%2fcolumns%2fstory%3fcolumnist%3dhollinger_john%26page%3dCavaliersPreview0708%26univLogin02%3dstateChanged

the Cavs team was limited, like the lakers, but was able to succeed by playing to their strengths. our strengh, as a team, is not the offense as most "fairweather kobe fan" would make you believe, i humbly believe our strenth is going to be offensive efficiency AND team defense.

Unity is the key.

I'm sure there's a saying "united we stand, divided we fall"....i feel patriotic today.

"E Pluribus Unum" i say.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/E_pluribus_unum

I'M NOT WORTHY!
I'M NOT WORTHY!
I'M NOT WORTHY!
I'M NOT WORTHY!
I'M NOT WORTHY!

Thx 4 the love, Mamba. You had me at the Shaft references, dude. Betcha didn't know this, but "Shaft" is my favorite movie of all time!

I need to send this tribute to my mom (who's a bigger Laker fan than I am...quiet as its kept, it's HER banner that I'm holding!).

KL/Gunner - we still brothers, right?

P.S. Utzworld to Jim Buss: F-U!

AK-

Nice interview. The fact that Mo has worked on his handle makes me want to catch a few preseason games even more!

Mo's end of the season decline last year due to injury went under the radar in the face of the higher profile and more severe injuries on the Lakers. However, his athleticism was sorely missed on that second unit after the knee went bad.

I am worried about the lingering injuries on this team. There was banter at the end of last season about whether or not the Lakers should even try to make the playoffs or just pack it in for the lottery and heal up. Given their performance in the 1st round and the fact that Lamar and Kwame are still in recovery, perhaps it would have been better to not make the playoffs after all...

Memo to LAMAR -

I Don't Care if you don't want to be traded.

We need a team that can win NOW not when or if baby Bynum grows up of you maybe become the 15th all-star at the end of the bench.

We need to trade your ass NOW for JO or The Matrix or ANYone who already IS an All-Star and will give Kobe the support he needs so we can WIN NOW and convince both him and Phil to stay!

I like you Lamar but this ain't about feelings - its about being able to make a legit run at the Spurs/Suns/Mavs in the West and you and Baby Bynum are NOT the guys who will help Kobe get us there.

Remember the last 2 years???

"Insanity is repeating the same thing over and over and expecting different results"
- Benjamin Franklin

KL
Thank you very much for F-ing up this thread with that long URL...
Now it’s a pain in the behind trying to read the interview... maybe AK or BK can modify that entry.
People, please, use tinyurl.com...

utzworld - THE BANNER HOLDER ,
""Shaft" is my favorite movie of all time!, quiet as its kept, it's HER banner that I'm holding!

Righjt on Bro. If you can't hold a banner for Mom then there should be no banners.
Now for the $64,000 question. Which Shaft is better? Richard Roundtree or
Samuel L. Jackson. Careful.... Don't answer to fast, remember Samuel L. is a
JedhI Knight and kick some @ass with his lightsaber. As for the honor, you
are one of the Giants man! If we can't honor you there shouldn't be no honors.
Enjoy your day sir!

Mamba: Are you kidding? Richard Roundtree hands down!

An astute film watcher can easily figure out that Samuel L. Jackson's acting style is almost ENTIRELY based on the 3 Shaft films that Mr. Roundtree starred in. Jules in "Pulp Fiction" ain't nothing but Shaft with a Jerri Curl!

Mitch is DEEEE-LUSIONAL...

On another note:
I vote we no longer bring up the Shaq/Kobe thing ever again on this blog!
Shaq will be remembered as the 4th best center to ever play on the Lakers and we can all be grateful for the 3 championships he helped the TEAM win!!!

His legacy is exactly what he made it...Had he worked on his defense, free throws and wanted to be the "MDE" then maybe things would have turned out different for him!!!
The difference between him and the other Laker greats is that they worked very hard at improving and pushed themselves to be better year in and year out!
While Kobe is no angel and has made some very immature decisions, he does not run the team, which is painfully evident from his tirade this past summer...
If Kobe had as much power as those who think he forced Shaq out, KG, Marion or JO would be here by now!

utz
"KL/Gunner - we still brothers, right?"

always.

KLeon (kidding, CLeon)

"People, please, use tinyurl.com..."

my bad. i'll use tinyurl.com in the future.

I can't wait till opening day...

btw -- im just busy lately with work and stuff so i dont have much time to think and write down my thoughts -- i still check the board often so everyone please don't forget about me -- although that would be hard as i am on Mamba's VIP list haha.. i love your list Mamba.. congrats on The Banner Holder today hehe...

GO LAKERS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
STOP THE HATE 2008

AK,

>>>Another potential factor (and I should emphasize that I'm not 100% sure about this). If Sasha were waived, his salary would still
>>>count against the cap. But I don't know if it would still count towards the luxury tax. If it doesn't (and again, I emphasize, I don't
>>>know for sure) and the amount it takes to sign Karl (my guess is anywhere from 300-500k) is small enough to keep the Lakers from
>>>hitting the tax, that would be another incentive for keeping Karl and waiving Sasha. Assuming Karl looks to be the more productive player, of course.

It does count, both against the salary cap and the luxury tax. Karl is already signed for $427,163. I'm not sure how much of that is
guaranteed, but only the guaranteed part counts against the cap and the luxury tax. To get back under the luxury tax, the Lakers
would have to trade off one or more players for trade exceptions or less salary.

KL -

If Shaq cared about his Laker legacy that "Kobe tarnished" maybe he could have taken some lessons from past Lakers...The three he could have learned the most from are:
1. Kareem - who, no matter how many points he scored, never tried to show up his owner. He may not have been the most well liked person but when it came to being a professional, he was second to none!
2. Magic - Who never took a summer off even after winning a championship and never waited til the playoffs to turn in on.
3. A.C. Green - Humility. Not one play was ever ran for him and he played with 3 of the greatest - Magic, Worthy and Kareem. Not once did he complain about attention or act jealous of anothers success. I will also mention how he played HURT and almost never missed a game.

If Shaq would have been somewhat professional, he could have retired a Laker and been quite possibly the "MDE".

WHEN YOUR ACTIONS SPEAK VOLUMES, DON'T INTERUPT.

A TRUE CLASS ACT...

http://tinyurl.com/3xqxaq

Garret Anderson:
"I won't have any pity parties for myself," said Anderson, who might as well have been waving a white cane at Beckett in his first two plate appearances. "None of this 'why me' stuff. But sure, it's frustrating, and I had to bite my tongue to keep from losing my composure [with the media], but standing in a clubhouse amongst men, I'm no whiner."

Our laker club can use some "Garret Andersons" of the world. No whinning, just go out and compete and let the chips fall where they may....even if that means the Ping Pong balls of the NBA lottery.

I'm hoping to never see "kobe ball" again, not because it isn't exiting to watch kobe make circus shots, but rather, it's counterproductive as a whole on the laker team. one-on-five will ALWAYS fail.

max

"Ak, now you're encouraging the F-U stuff?"

hey, you gotta admit, the "F-U" schtick is kind of funny. the only reason most bloggers hate it is because it was initially directed towards kobe.

also, it's nice to have AKBeast once in a while.

Regarding Utzworld Day...

The dude's the "real" Real Deal Holy Field.....

We all could learn a few things from Utz about being laker fans.

Props to tha show too.

An interesting take on Phil Jackson's future with the Lakers is up on FoxSports.com

http://msn.foxsports.com/nba/story/7294574

Charley Rosen rates the pros and cons of PJ signing his extension, which Rosen says PJ will announce within the next four weeks.
The story is accompanied by a poll on what Jackson should do. As of this post, 64% are voting that PJ should sign the extension.

Phil Jackson said to AM 570 on Media day that the Lakers are going to change the way they run the offense to better fit the players strengths. I believe this was told to Kobe Bryant this summer to get him to calm down a little. Phil has realized the offense is not working for the current roster. Once Andrew develops, maybe they can go back to the traditional triangle, but in the meantime, it looks like it's going to change.

We got one hint of it with the up-tempo style in a recent article. However, the Lakers say EVERY year they are going to be more up tempo! and it never happens for a full season.

I'm looking forward to seeing how much they change the offense for the players.
I think if the Lakers stay healthy, they can be 4th or 5th in the west. If they are 4th, they will make it out of the first round.

If they stay healthy, there are a 55+ win team. I've heard no comments about the development of AB in camp. I hope he's doing well.

The Lamar Show,
Just signed up and excluded smush from draft rankings - oooooooh i feel goooood!

Here's the thing...

This year is all about Bynum.

If Bynum starts to show true glimpses of Greatness, Kobe will mellow out and gain a bit more fortitude.

If Bynum does NOT show true glimpses fo Greatness, the following thought will run continuously through Kobe Bryant's mind, "I cannot believe they didn't trade Bynum for Jason Kidd. I cannot believe this." That thought will cycle with a maddening effeciency until Kobe simply freaks out and the Lakers implode.

Period.

In short, the team not only has to do well, but Bynum has to prove that he's worth the faith that Lakers management have given him.

It's a lot of responsibility for what?, a 20 year old kid. Well, if he truly is a future Great, he'll deal with it and enjoy it. If he's not, he won't. It's that simple.

GO LAKERS!

is anybody else as concerned as i am about mihm?

here's a dude who tried to get more money this summer, couldn't get anybody to sign him so we re-signed him... and he's saying this!?!?

from espn insider
"Mihm, meanwhile, is the de facto center after questions he'd ever play again following two surgeries to repair a torn tendon and ligament on the inside of his right ankle. He missed all last season after doctors, in November, moved his heel nine millimeters to alleviate the strain on the tendon. ******He's back, but he said he isn't sure how consistently he'll be able to suit up or how long he'll be able to go on the nights he does play.

"This ankle is going to be something I have to keep an eye on," he said. "So far, so good."*****"

HE DOESN'T KNOW HOW CONSISTENTLY HE'LL BE ABLE TO SUIT UP?!?!?!?!? wha?!?!?!?

and we re-SIGNED him?

CLeon,
You noticed that KL is always thinking of the others. He was just being his generous self.

Jay Jay-

You sound like a disgruntled fantasy GM...
Was LO on your team last year? lol
Please enough about JO (Always hurt), and Matrix (LO owns him, and w/o Nash is a 14, 8 guy)...
You must be a spoiled BRAT just like Mr. Rat Bryant

Is Coby Karl wearing #8 yet?

GO LAKERS!

For once I agree with Jay Jay somewhat.

I'm almost resigned to the fact that no deal will happen until after the real games start if then.

Heck at this point, I would not be shocked if mgmt ate Kwame's expiring deal as it rolled off the books if it could be luxury tax protection for the Buss family pockets.

I just can't assume ANYTHING aggressive and positive will happen based on a front office action.

I can hope for a miracle on the court though but the last 2 yrs have trained me on how to approach this.

I hope Kobe makes these clowns shoot the ball. I hope Phil keeps publicly calling folks out to piss off Jim Buss too if it holds these guys (outside of Kobe) accountable to score about 75-78 points a game.
Kobe can still get an efficient close to 30 or 30.

CBUCK,
'HE DOESN'T KNOW HOW CONSISTENTLY HE'LL BE ABLE TO SUIT UP?!?!?!?!? wha?!?!?!?
and we re-SIGNED him?"

CALLING MIKE T. CALLING MIKE T. LOL.

jON kAVULIC,
"It's a lot of responsibility for what?, a 20 year old kid. Well, if he truly is a future Great,
he'll deal with it and enjoy it. If he's not, he won't. It's that simple."
NOW THERE'S A FAN WITH THE RIGHT ATTITUDE.

Zen,
"Phil Jackson said to AM 570 on Media day that the Lakers are going to change the way they run the offense"

I WISH MIKE T. OR THA SHOW OR ANYBODY FAMILIAR WITH HOW THE TRIANGLE WAS RUN
WITH THE BULLS WHEN MJ WAS IT'S FOCUS COULD DESCRIBE HOW KOBE COULD
BE MORE EFFECECTIVE IN THE TRIANGLE.

AK,

One point to remember about Karl though. The MID SEASON ROOKIE WALL.

While I like the reports I have heard about Karl and think (scratch, know) we need more shooters. Sasha has done a decent job but not lights out like we need him to be. That said what happens if Karl fades down the stretch. He is a college player used to a college season. If he can keep up then I am more than happy to unload Sasha for the cap/roster space.

I would miss the FACE, but I / we just cant wait for the consistancy anymore from some of these role players we need them to step up. Brian Cook is one of them. He needs to hit his shots and learn to play defense. Vlad, as much as he earns needs to play like he is able to or suffer the same fate. Everybody wants to trade Kwame for the same reasons.

Mo steped up last year, Luke has been improving every year. Luke though is great in the Triangle PJ type system. It has allowed him to thrive beyond many other players of more talent. Lamar is getting better every year as well. He just needs to be more aggressive out of the blocks. Famar needs to continue to elevate his game or he could be used as trade bait or filler as well.

I got a bit off track here but, the bottom line is getting rid of Sasha has its ups and downs right now. We just have to very carefully weigh this move ove the next few months and see where everyone is come Jan / Feb.

T-Woody

David Whang,
"I can't wait till opening day..."
Me either my friend good to have you back.

utzworld - THE BANNER HOLDER,

"Mamba: Are you kidding? Richard Roundtree hands down! An astute film watcher can easily figure
out that Samuel L. Jackson's acting style is almost ENTIRELY based on the 3 Shaft films that Mr. Roundtree
starred in. Jules in "Pulp Fiction" ain't nothing but Shaft with a Jerri Curl!"

Thank You Bro.! LOL! LOL! LOL!

David Whang -

STOP THE HATE IN 2008!!!
Word!
PRICELESS!!!

Couldn't agree with you more, Jon Kavulic: as Bynum goes, so goes the Lakers.

The Lakers need to improve and Bynum needs to improve the most. His improvement will have the most impact, followed by Lamar and then having DFish in the role once inhabited by Smush Parker.

If all the Lakers step up their game they will be very competitive. If they don't, Kobe is gone (if he isn't already).

Also, Phil Jackson needs to get them to learn team defense and then play it, as well as nurturing all the youth on the team. Plus, we're a young team - we should be fast breaking more.

Ohhhh! post deleted! Not writing that again, moving on...

http://tinyurl.com/2uteyl

some interesting comments:

"The Lakers drafted Bynum with the 10th overall pick in 2005.

"Just from looking at him, I'm impressed," said Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, a special assistant coach for the Lakers whose 38,387 career points are the most in NBA history. "He lost a lot of baby fat and his adult body started to emerge.

"People are expecting things from him and he has to deliver at some point."
#############

"What Phil had in Chicago, those guys were veterans, big bodies," Lakers star Kobe Bryant said Wednesday. "They had a lot of experience. Our guys are still young, it will take some learning, learn on the fly. The learning curve has to be sped up."

When asked if the Lakers had what it takes to contend for a championship, Jackson put the onus on his big men, saying: "I don't know. We'll have to be awfully good in the middle. We've got two guys who were injured and one guy who was a novice. They have to be real effective for us."

Jackson said all three will probably get a chance to play early in the season.

"We always had three centres in Chicago," Jackson said. "They plugged the middle, boxed guys out so Rodman could rebound."

###############

Jackson said he didn't know who he's going to be the starting centre.

"It doesn't matter. I don't have a sense of it right now," he said. "There's a good chance we'll play all three of them (on a regular basis). We may have to. As aggressive as we want to play defence, they may be in foul trouble.

"Rebounding and defence is what's going to help us win."

tsphere

"You noticed that KL is always thinking of the others. He was just being his generous self."

Grrr!

Easy there...i'm trying to be on my best behavior...plus, it was a joke..

BTW, i really like Evans. The dude's the classic Mr. Hussle.

KL,
"Did you happen to read the pre-season analysis of the 2007 Cavs? "

I just read it. It goes to show you how effective the Cavs were and the main reason why they went so far into the playoffs. They were the top two in Defensive Rebounds. And the Best in holding their opponents to the worst 3 point percentage. You hold down those numbers and you'll be in the game every night.

That's all the Lakers need to do is concentrate on those types of stats and be one the most effective teams in the league.

Is it just me or is Sasha's ability to make shots not the point? It's his ability to make good decisions that's in question and has far more impact than draining an open look. He may play tenacious D but picks up fouls in stupid situations way too often. PJ himself called him and idiot (or something similar) in reference to his decision-making at the Town Hall Meeting the year before last.

Didn't the off-season seem to last forever, especially with the most recent Kobe drama? It did to me.

My hope is that this season is one of those magical seasons where everything just "comes together." Suddenly Lamar plays at his potential. Kwame plays his ass off because it's a contract year. Rad Vlad reminds us why we were so excited when he first signed. Luke offers leadership, especially in those magical intangibles that lead a team to win. Farmar and The Critter play with intelligent, inspired competitive fire. Chris Mihm has the best numbers of his career. And Braveheart punches someone in the throat.

Kobe plays with undestracted aggressive fury and somehow learns to trust his fellow teammates with confidence.

We reach the Finals and clobber Boston.

And, in the end, all the credit for this miracle goes to two people Coach Jackson (and his coaching staff) and, my hero, Derek Fisher.

Derek, it's good to have you back.

GO LAKERS!

K brothers,

Is there anything you can do about the formatting for today's blog? I'm running at 1600X1200 and I still only get half the text with my browser
maximized. I have to use the scroll bar on the bottom (which is annoying) to read the all the text on the main blog entry. It hasn't been this way
in the past and you can use a few operators to either adjust the maximum width of the expressed page or just use the key
like I have in my response.

Check out http://htlmgoodies.com for the best page on using html if you're not that familiar with it (or even if you are, it's great).

Benjamin

Benjamin-

Not sure what the trouble is. Everything looks fine on my end, but I'll see if I can figure it out.

BK

MJC

First off, i've come to respect your POV eventhough we disagree.

"If Kobe had as much power as those who think he forced Shaq out, KG, Marion or JO would be here by now!"

Kobe's got no power now, but back in 2004, kobe had FO by the short hairs. Also, "power" isn't always brute force, power of persuasion is just as effective. Had kobe asked for what he wanted the way Paul Pierce asked for it, we might have KG right now!!!!! Grrr!

On your shaq POV, while i respect it, i humbly disagree. I don't believe shaq to be "lazy" whatsoever. If you want lazy, look at Olowokandi. This "lazy" reputation only surfaced during shaq's tenure with kobe. in other words, it was bull-shizzle created by kobe to discredit shaq. much like kobe's efforts to discredit his current teammate, GM and owner to get what he wants. it's classic "step over the person to get ahead" tatic. a very loathsome tatic if you as me.

Back to shaq, one doesn't become finals MVP 3 times or a regular season MVP if one's lazy. I readily admit that shaq did stupid things as kobe has, but i really didn't care as long as the laker team was winning championships....and they did under the shaq regime.

"If Shaq would have been somewhat professional, he could have retired a Laker and been quite possibly the "MDE"."

i disagree with you here. if this was the case, kobe could have just left LA when given the chance. I knew in 2003 that shaq had very little chanced if FO waited until 2004 to make a decision on the "shaq or kobe" question. kobe's younger...period, end of story. if FO only had to chose one player in 2004, kobe is the clear choice from an economic standpoint. from a championship standpoint, BOTH kobe and shaq were needed. 2.5 stars is the formula. check out the recent champions, Spurs, Detroit, Lakers and......drum roll.....MIAMI HEATS.

I truly believe that FO thought the "kobe/shaq feud" would mellow out once kobe matured a little. i think this summer and "media day" showed us that Old Kobe=New Kobe. kobe has not matured one bit.

Shaq is the "professional" in this case, not kobe....yet.

Kl is that u? Nice stuff about Kobs, nice to other bloggers, are you mellowing in your old age? Are just resting up for a renewed assualt once the season starts?

Is Benjamin a regular poster here? Because that looked like spam to me.

KL i understand your point, but question has always being why would Kobe ask to keep Shaq when; if the situations were revearsed shaq would do the same, they didn't like each other and every single basketball analyst including the sports guy felt it was time for them to be on seperate teams? Kobe is just not Alpha dog b material he had grown past that status. The only way it would work was for Shaq to allow Kobe to be become Alpha dog a which shaq wasn't prepared to do for kobe because of the past problems.

KL,

I have to say, we were probably great defenders in our time. No disrespect to Utzworld, (everything is cool), but i didn't really think we hijacked the blog.

I think we're responsible for setting a balance on this blog. Different opinions and outputs are what make the blog more effective now from before. I've notice, the people who are blogging still have learned to accept that while others have buggered off.

As I always say to the young bucks, DEFENSE wins ball games. It also keeps things in perspective.

5 DECEMBER 2007. The day is marked on my calendar. I bought my tickets to the game yesterday.

Lakers will finally win one in Denver!!!!!!!!!!

Colorado loves the Lakers!

KL -

not kobe....yet.
Well said and I agree...It seems to me Kobe is uncomfortable and TRIES too hard to say what he thinks people want to hear!
I actually taught with a guy who played with Kobe in high school at Lower Merion.
He knew I was a HUGE Laker fan and we would talk all the time. He said that he felt that Kobe spent so much time on hoops that he never understood the social aspect of the game and that Kobe was on such another level physically that he struggled in dealing with others. Sounds like history repeating itself with the lakers!
He is still young and who knows, maybe this will be his breakout year!

Anyway, lets put the whole Fued to bed, even NBA on ABC did by not televising this game on Christmas...

MJC

"He said that he felt that Kobe spent so much time on hoops that he never understood the social aspect of the game and that Kobe was on such another level physically that he struggled in dealing with others."

BINGO WAS HIS NAME.

Remember when Jordan said to Pippen "it's tough being me"? Being the #1 "franchise guy", rightly or wrongly, is more than just playing the game. If you ever listen to Charles Barkely he gives great insight on being the "franchise guy". I was hoping this summer would bring about a change in kob, but judging from how he handled the Bynum-TestmessageGate drama for your mama, the new kobe is exactly the same as the old kobe. that's very unfortunate for laker fans and kobe's teammates.

"He is still young and who knows, maybe this will be his breakout year!"

i agree with you here. let's hope this is the kobe breakout year.

"Anyway, lets put the whole Fued to bed, even NBA on ABC did by not televising this game on Christmas..."

funny thing about this so-called "feud", it's mostly made up drama. we all know kobe and shaq still don't like each other and i say, so what? if kobe wants the fans to stop talking about all this "crap" weather it's TextmessageGate, Shaq's departure, etc, just own up to it like a man, then move on. By hiding or pretending nothing happened only feuls the "KLBeasts" of the world.

Gunner24,

"I think we're responsible for setting a balance on this blog. Different opinions and outputs are what make the blog more effective now from before."

Yes you are right. You guys bring the balance. There are a few bloggers of whom I definitely disagree with, but a basketball opinion is a basketball opinion. I appreciate you and KL adding to the mix.

Have a good one.

Charles

KL Beast,

Great post man!!!!

Charles

This is the 3rd day in camp and we have players not practicing...nothing is settled. I'm holding off on my post until I see the first game.

Chris Mihm the starting center? Yeah, right! As Butcher said: The guy is coming off of 2 surgeries. What he didn't say was that Chris Mihm worked out for the league and couldn't catch on anywhere. Teams like Phoenix are going to sign scrubs before they went for Mihm. And now Mihm is going to be the starting center? LOL! Like I said: 3 days into camp and nothing is settled.

But Kupchak did give you a hint of what management expect concerning Kwame. Everything right now indicates that management and PJ are not on the same page.

PJ is trying to get the Lakers to commit to him before the season starts with a contract extension. But read Mitch and you get the feeling that Mitch is trying to get PJ to shut up about the contract and quit feeling so insecure.

Jackson waits for a sign
Lakers coach is undecided on contract extension
By Elliott Teaford, Staff Writer
Article Last Updated: 10/02/2007 11:41:57 PM PDT

Kupchak said he wasn't about to impose a deadline on Jackson, a Hall of Famer who is tied with the late Red Auerbach with an NBA-record nine league titles. Kupchak also suggested it was possible the deal wouldn't be completed by opening night.

"I think that's a possibility," Kupchak said. "From the organization's standpoint, I think we're hopeful. I don't expect it, no. We've extended an offer. We haven't had discussions in great detail. We have talked over the summer from time to time."

There isn't a great sense of urgency because, as Kupchak suggested, Jackson doesn't believe he is in a lame-duck situation.

"I don't think that applies to Phil," Kupchak said. "I don't think he's going to be any less secure as a coach if he doesn't have a contract or if he doesn't feel the organization is supporting him. I don't think that's the situation at all. This is something where there is a standing offer, and once he's comfortable with his health and with the players on this team then he'll make his decision."

You see the deal isn't going to get done before the season starts. But then Mitch goes on to say the Phil isn't a lame duck. To even say that implies Phil is feeling insecure.

You see this part? "and once he's comfortable with his health and with the players on this team then he'll make his decision."

You already know how PJ feels about the roster. Check this out. This is after PJ has realized that no changes were coming:

"Kobe knows how to live with things," Coach Phil Jackson said recently. "Basically, Kobe has always shown the ability to maneuver around situations. Even in a year that was as damning as any year could be [2003-04], we still went to the [NBA Finals].

"He'll be able to handle it, but I don't like it for the organization and the other guys. . . .

"I think as a coach, you play with what's given you. But when chemistry's not good, that's the one thing I want to make sure, that we have good chemistry, that guys want to play for each other and with each other. . . .

"If you've got guys who are willing to sacrifice, you can be talent-poor and still win. If your heart's not in it, you can't put your body in it and expect to succeed."

He starts off by saying that it's on Kobe to "maneuover" through "the situation." What situation is that? PJ compared it to the 2003-2004 season. Back then the situation was Shaq and Phil against Kobe. Well here we are in 2007-2008 and there isn't a Shaq type player on the roster. But Phil is still here. Gee I wonder what situation Kobe has to maneuover around this time.

Any, like I mentioned earlier, at this point PJ already tried his power play and he was publically calling for big changes up to this interview. So once he realizes that no changes were coming he says this:

"He'll (Kobe) be able to handle it, but I don't like it for the organization and the other guys. . . ."

OK, the part that says he doesn't like it for the organization is Phil looking over his shoulder because he had just challenged Jimmy Buss through the media and now he's concerned about the organization? I don't think so.

Second he concerned about "the guys?" Well, here's a guy who tried his hardest to get Odom, Kwame, and Bynum traded. When you combine that thought with the next thing he says:

""I think as a coach, you play with what's given you. But when chemistry's not good, that's the one thing I want to make sure, that we have good chemistry, that guys want to play for each other and with each other. . . .

"If you've got guys who are willing to sacrifice, you can be talent-poor and still win. If your heart's not in it, you can't put your body in it and expect to succeed."

You see how he refers to "talent-poor?" Who do you think those "guys" are? Talent-poor but play with "chemistry." Gee, I think he's talking about Mihm and Walton. And he expect Kobe to play with them with heart and if he doesn't he's already set the stage to blame Kobe.

I mean check out the last few interview PJ did. Heisler in Los Angeles, Sam Smith in Chicago, and Mitch Lawrence in New York.

Los Angeles, Chicago, and New York. He's setting this thing up nationally and in the end he's going to blame Kobe because he wants to start Mihm and Walton. And if we don't win....it's Kobe's fault.

mike

Gunner

"No disrespect to Utzworld, (everything is cool), but i didn't really think we hijacked the blog."

i'm obviously biased, but i agree with you. i remember when i first signed on as KL0044 saying same thing but 1000 times less offensive, everybody would shout me down and call me a sorts of names.

Now, at least there could be dissenting opinions and it is accepted by the supermajority of the blog. i read crap all day long, but i rarely call anybody an "idiot"......except LakerTom and IrrationalFan/Voice of Unreason/DeerDaddy (same guy).

You see? PJ is worried about "the guys." The guys are Mihm and Walton. That's good old boy maneuovering.

mike

KL & Gunner being nice.

Should I change my name to "utzworld - THE PEACE MAKER"?

max

"The only way it would work was for Shaq to allow Kobe to be become Alpha dog a which shaq wasn't prepared to do for kobe because of the past problems."

my humble opinion is that shaq wanted to pass the torch to kobe. similarly, i think haters like me want a reason to find kobe likable again. i point to three things that leads me to my opinion on shaq's motives.

1) Shaq declared that "kobe is the best player in the league, by far" in 2004
2) Shaq and PJ were trying to deviate from the shaq-focus offense to a more kobe-oriented offense in 2004 (check out PJ's Last Season), but the conclusion was "we can't make this kid happy".
3) Shaq was obviously starting to wear down and everybody wants to pass along his legacy to someone else.

I believe everybody, except kobe, wanted the script to end up like the Magic-Kareem script. i truly believe kobe wanted the Jordan script. Hence, kobe's obsession with playing in Chicago.

I'll also refer to you the Shaq-Kobe Christmas Day #3 (2007?) when shaq had to be the first to approach kobe to bury the hatchet.

I really can't figure out kobe's motivation as a athlete. i sometimes thinks that his ego and stubbornness clouds whatever smarts the guy has. Pride is a very evil thing sometimes....especially for men.

Mike T,

There's a major flaw in your logic. There's absolutely no reason to feel like a lame duck if a contract has actually been offered. The only reason Jackson would feel like a lame duck would be if the offer didn't exist. But knowing he has an open-ended offer would leave Jackson with literally no reason to even sort of think he's a lame duck. If anything, an open-ended offer makes you feel even more wanted. You're being told, "Take your time. We'll wait."

You're cherry picking certain words (in this case, "lame duck"), but completely ignoring the context of their usage.

AK

man, you gotta give it up for Mike T. -- I mean why let facts get in the way of your convictions, ya know? Here we have the facts: there is an contract extention on the table for PJ. It's up to him to sign it or not. Then we have Mike T.'s color commentary: "PJ is trying to get the Lakers to commit to him before the season starts with a contract extension."

Mike T. your life must be sweet -- if you get fired from your job, you say you quit -- if you run someone over, they stepped under your car -- your wife leaves you, you left her...

If Phil's all about protecting his good old boy fraternity of unathletic white guys, why didn't he start Steve Kerr ahead of Harper in Chicago? And why didn't he start Mark Madsen ahead of guys like Grant and Robert Horry?

These are questions I'm sure will never be answered. At least not with any sort of logic.

machiavelly,

Oh, to live in a world where every situation validates your own existence and preconceived notions. If only we could all be so lucky!

Xodus,

"If Phil's all about protecting his good old boy fraternity of unathletic white guys, why didn't he start Steve Kerr ahead of Harper in Chicago? And why didn't he start Mark Madsen ahead of guys like Grant and Robert Horry?"

He's a late bloomer. haha

AK

KL: The hatchet was buried back in Spring 06 at Staples...the same night Andrew made THE DUNK.

lol AK

Then why not just sign the damn thing and shut up?

mike

Well, last season we learned that Phil's objective was to get Luke the new contract, and that that took precedence over winning. Apparently, this season the main goal is to do the same for Mihm. Probably Sasha, too.

The lamd-duck thing came from T.J. Simers. The part about insecure came from Mitch.

Lame-duck? Insecure? Two terms to go hand in hand. And then all of sudden there published in the media. I didn't bring those things up.

mike

It's going to be interesting to see who ends up starting in the opener. The individual parts stack up to some of the Laker championship teams, with two being the same right out of the gate.

PG- Fisher... has lost a step from the championship version, but makes up for it with savvy and experience. Verdict--equal to Laker championship team.

SG - Bryant ... keeps getting better. Apparently not hampered by an injury. Verdict--better.

SF - Walton (?) ... we give up something here from the championship teams, obviously. Maybe more scoring, but less defense. Verdict--worse.

PF - Odom ... A solid player who often approaches a triple-double. Verdict--better.

C - Mihm (?) ... hard to tell who'll end up starting, and who will be healthy enough to start. Well, here we give up a lot. Verdict--way worse.

Bench -- Hmm. Here things get interesting, especially when you consider three of our bench players could supplant the starters at PG, SF and C. Which either says something about our depth, or something about our starters. Verdict--slightly better.

Overall verdict: Okay, overall, our individual parts don't match up to the Laker championship teams. But we have a chance for the sum of the parts to be equal to it. The keys will be training camp, how the team gels and how our team defense can improve. I like our team, and I'm sticking with 55. My purple-and-gold colored glasses are ready.

Mike T,

Because he wants to wait and decide. Or maybe he's trying to make the Lakers sweat a bit and hope it'll gain him some leverage for certain situations. Maybe he can't find a pen. Who knows?

My original point was simply that Phil's situation is anything but "lame duck" by definition. And that's the point Kupchak was trying to make, which is apparent.

AK

NYDaily News

Mitch Lawrence

Boston & L.A. are centers of NBA once again
Sunday, September 30th 2007, 4:00 AM

Meanwhile, Jackson and the Lakers have decided to put plans for an extension on hold. Owner Jerry Buss doesn't want to re-sign a coach at $10 million per season who can only get his team as far as the first round. And Jackson isn't that desperate to continue coaching a team that easily could finish in ninth place in the West.

"I think I have an outstanding offer to sign up again, but I have held that back because of my recovery," Jackson said, referring to his second hip replacement this past June. "Then there's the basis of how well the team does. If this team doesn't move forward quickly, and that's - I think - the second round of the playoffs, then I think we have to reconsider."

There's an offer on the table? I don't know who this Mitch Lawrence is but it would be pretty stupid to say that Jerry Buss doesn't want to sign a coach at 10 million a year who can't get out of the first round.

From the structure of that paragraph it seems Lawrence brought the subject up to Jackson and PJ responds with "I think" I have an outstanding offer. That's insecurity.

Unless Lawrence is making what he wrote about Buss is a lie...I think the organization is just doing what they always do. Being image conscious. Management never comes out and says anything straight out. But Lawrence seems to think he's communciated to Jerry Buss about the matter. And then Mitch Kupchak says the deal probably won't get done before the season starts but PJ shouldn't feel like a lame-duck or insecure.

Put two and two togetber.

mie

PJ isn't signing an extension because, like Danny Glover in Lethal Weapon, he's starting to feel "too old for this [stuff]."

Now, there are two things that will make him feel a lot younger: 1) Lakers get to second round or further, and 2) Kobe stays. We won't see an extension signed until the end of the season, if both of those things happen.

utz

"KL: The hatchet was buried back in Spring 06 at Staples...the same night Andrew made THE DUNK."

That was a very enjoyable game to watch. Very good footwork by Young Bynum.

Please see the link below.

http://www.metacafe.com/watch/297441/bynum_vs_oneil/

Again, Mike, read what Kupchak said and consider the entire context, as opposed to simply jumping on one word with "Ah ha!" It should all become obvious if you're willing to do that.

Also, since you're clinging to specific, exact words. Mitch never said "insecure." He said, "less secure," as in describing what state of Phil's job is NOT. There is a huge difference, should you decide to acknowledge it.

AK

http://www.latimes.com/sports/basketball/nba/lakers/la-sp-lakemedia2oct02,1,3335797.story?coll=la-headlines-sports-nba-lakers

T.J. Simers version of things.

Mitch Lawrence, T.J. Simers, Sam Smith all indicate the sun might be setting on Jackson but....no...there's an extension on the table.

mike

SAM SMITH FROM CHICAGO:

MARINA DEL REY, Calif. -- Phil Jackson sat sipping his favorite soft drink, the Arnold Palmer mixture of lemonade and iced tea. Jackson's cane, the one he uses as he recuperates from a second hip-replacement surgery, lay an easy putt away. Behind Jackson, the sun began to set into the glittering Pacific Ocean. The symbolism was obvious, even to me.

Is the sun about to set, not only on the brilliant coaching career of the newest NBA Hall of Fame coach but also on the glorious success enjoyed by the Los Angeles Lakers?

But there's an extension on the table for sure.

mike

Mike T,

So are you saying that there's actually no extension being offered? That everyone (Phil, Mitch, the Buss family) is lying, but telling the same version of the same lie? Do you think they're just offering him an extension because they don't think he'll actually sign it (or doing things to make him not want to sign it)? To look good for the fans or something? It's all for show?

Because unless either of the above is the case, it's not really possible for Phil to be a "lame duck," because he's being told he can stick around. That's the exact opposite of a lame duck situation. If Phil decided to leave on his own (which could be the flowery language equivalent of "the sun setting" on his career, I guess), that's not a lame duck situation. Lame ducks eventually get canned.

Honestly, I would say that Simers used the phrase "lame duck" incorrectly. Especially because if you listen to everything else he says after those two words, he's describing a scenario that's decidedly not "lame duck."

A "lame duck" is left in the position of no power, and that's not really the case for somebody being offered 20 million bucks to stick around another two years.

AK

The Lakers say there's an extension on the table but...conveniently, it won't get done before the season starts. Why is that? It's because the Lakers aren't fools. They're going to see what PJ does at the start of the season. If things don't go well...the talk of extension will go away. If things don't go well....he's a lame-duck.

mike

"Unless Lawrence is making what he wrote about Buss is a lie...I think the organization is just doing what they always do. Being image conscious. Management never comes out and says anything straight out."

Welcome to the corporate world Mr. T.

AK, i can't beleive you didn't let the Eddie Murphy skit through. i don't blame you though, it's graphic....funny as hell, but graphic.

I'm saying the Lakers, in theory, have an extension on the table but there's no way it gets done before the first part of the season. The Lakers are going to wait to make good on that extension until they see how the season starts.

Read Lawrence. What do you think he made that up about Jerry Buss? Read Smith...what does he base that on? Read Jackson and it seems to me everything he putting out there is based on his insecurity.

mike

KL,

Yeah, I axed it. And don't ever post anything remotely similar to something like that again. For real. If I hadn't caught it, put it through, and one of our editors saw it, BK and I could have gotten quite an earful. Seriously, think about that before posting. Everytime something goes through that shouldn't (and that you know isn't allowed), you may think it's hysterical, but we're the ones dealing with the consequences. We won't be as understanding again.

AK

Mike T,

But the Lakers keep saying that they'd love for Phil to sign it ASAP, whenever he wants. Before the season starts, if possible. So again, unless you think they're lying, that completely shoots down your theory.

AK

KL,

"Welcome to the corporate world Mr. T."

What's so funny is these guys act like they don't understand that. The extension is in theory. PJ can agree but by the time the details are worked out the first part of the season will be over and at that time if things aren't going well...that extension won't have any legs.

mike

I just have something to say-

::gets on soapbox::

Ever since training camp started, I' ve loved the atmosphere oin this blog. Over the offseason I really felt a war on, and both sides on the whole Kobe issue helped contribute to it.

But KL, Gunner, and others- I like the softening stance, and taking the "Let's see what this season brings, and healthy optimism all around" approach. You two know that I don't mind having you here, and y'all are fun to bounce ideas off of, to hear opposite sides of a viewpoint, and you both are pretty knowledgeable about the game (even if I tend to disagree with you both . Only time I can't stand it is when the Beast comes back and THE ABILITY TO USE THE CAPSLOCK KEY COMES BACK. Cause then, it's just devolving into repeated statements of an already established position, and cries of "Your mom!" "no....Your mom!" threaten to overwhelm us all. So kudos to you guys for taking it down a notch. Noone likes a troll. And people on the pro-Kobe issue, I'm looking at you too. ANYONE who wants anyone gone from this blog based on their viewpoints or because someone didn't like what they said needs to hush! This blog was founded and grew to be a forum for us to chat about lakers- all aspects, including the unpleasent ones. Just cause KL, Gunner, and others can be defiant A-holes some of the time, they are the A-holes in our family- and you love your family, no matter how much you hate them. SO I put out a call to everyone- Pro Kobe, Anti Kobe, Pro PJ, Anti PJ, even non Lakers fans who poke their head in.- Just cause someone says a viewpoint that you don't agree with, that does not give you guys the right to start saying unpleasentries about various family members of that someone. Let's discuss, not shout, we're all adults here ( Presumably- I've not met someone on here that doesn't have intellegent thought) Just cause someone thinks Kobe's a great player means he's entitled to that viewpoint, not that his head is shoved up Kobe's butt.

I love you guys like a second family- I love the civil tone we have here at the moment, let's try to keep it that way, mmmmkay?

Jeff

AK,

"Everytime something goes through that shouldn't (and that you know isn't allowed), you may think it's hysterical, but we're the ones dealing with the consequences. We won't be as understanding again."

i understand. i'm not trying to get you guys in trouble. my bad.

Mike T,

So what you're saying is that at this point, there's no physical contract for Phil to sign? He just needs to AGREE to eventually sign it. From there, once he agrees to the act of signing it, the Lakers will pretend to take a while drawing up the papers and purposely stall working out the details, all the while monitoring Phil's progress?

In other words, when Phil agrees to the extension, it will be to an agreement where the terms haven't been entirely ironed out? If he wakes up tomorrow morning and says, "I'm ready to sign," the Lakers will say, "Well, that's nice. But it'll be a while before there's anything to actually ink?"

Am I on the right track?

AK

"But the Lakers keep saying that they'd love for Phil to sign it ASAP, whenever he wants. Before the season starts, if possible. So again, unless you think they're lying, that completely shoots down your theory."

I don't think you're reading Kupchak:

Kupchak said he wasn't about to impose a deadline on Jackson, a Hall of Famer who is tied with the late Red Auerbach with an NBA-record nine league titles. Kupchak also suggested it was possible the deal wouldn't be completed by opening night.

"I think that's a possibility," Kupchak said. "From the organization's standpoint, I think we're hopeful. I don't expect it, no. We've extended an offer. We haven't had discussions in great detail. We have talked over the summer from time to time."

There isn't a great sense of urgency because, as Kupchak suggested, Jackson doesn't believe he is in a lame-duck situation.

"I don't think that applies to Phil," Kupchak said. "I don't think he's going to be any less secure as a coach if he doesn't have a contract or if he doesn't feel the organization is supporting him. I don't think that's the situation at all. This is something where there is a standing offer, and once he's comfortable with his health and with the players on this team then he'll make his decision."

Everything you read is based on this: Kupchak also suggested it was possible the deal wouldn't be completed by opening night.

That management buying time to let the season start so they can see how the season develops.

mike

no way Mihm starts, how does anyone know how many minutes his ankles can take? I think Kwame, if he can play, will start with Bynum backing up. If Bynum gives 20-25 solid minutes, providing even 10 and 8 with 2 blocks, then combined with Kwame, the C positon will yield close to 18-20 pts/15-20 rebounds per game. Not too shabby. Kwame can body the big guys and Bynum can provide the shot blocking. Mihm can provide spot minutes at C and PF with Turiaf being the #2 option at PF so where does that leave Cook?

If the Lakers are doing well around the trade deadline, I wouldn't be surprised if the Lakers keep Kwame and risk losing him in the offseason for nothing. I also wouldn't be surprised to see Cook and Sasha shipped out together or individually.

We really need Vlad Rad to step up and become the starter. I just don't believe Walton, like Mihm, has the type of body that can hold up for full time minutes over a full season.

Mike T,

I am reading what Kupchak is saying. I'm just not reading into it. That's the difference. And the reason I'm not reading into it is because there's nothing to read into. If they weren't sure about extending Phil, they wouldn't tell him it was a possibility right now. It's really that simple. You don't put that out there if you're not prepared for somebody to accept it. Especially now when the latest reports (which you're ignoring) say that he's considering signing it before the season starts.

AK

KL,

(In addition to your points regarding Shaq.) There was a video I caught on espn when Shaq was being interviewed on his move to Miami.

He claimed the reason why he left is that he and Dr. Buss had an agreement. If Shaq manged to get Karl Malone and Gary Payton for the Mid level and Veterans minumum, Dr. Buss would sign his extension. Which is why Shaq was distastefully (both in his disdain and bad rants) screaming "show me the Money Mother F*****" to Dr. Buss during a pre season game in Hawaii.

If anyone can find footage or a link to this, please share the video.

Peace and Blessing Blog

Charles

AK,

If Mo really has greatly improved his ball handling do you think there's any chance Phil could go to a big lineup with Mo at the 1 ala Harper in Chicago? Kobe will be the primary ball handler this season, so if he's improved
enough I think we could definitely use his size, athleticism and defense at the 1. At least until Critt is ready to take over the spot in a year or two.

ex-

I hear he pitched a fit when the Lakers let Jason Kapono get away. He'd have been great for the collection.

BK

AK,

You act like you have no clue about how corporate america works. I've explained myself clearly. If the Lakers get off to a good start...sure that extension is probably good as gold. But if they don't....there's no way a deal gets done.

mike

Mike T,

So again, what you're saying is that there is 0% chance the Lakers will allow Phil to sign the extension during preseason? That it's not even an option?

AK

AK,

Kupchak's quotes sound to me like he's saying the deal might not be completed because Phil may or may not have decided to sign by opening night. But what do I know? Those are just my two cents.

Xodus-

Of course that's what it means. It's fairly obvious to those reading for meaning, rather than reading to assign a predetermined meaning.

BK

Xodus,

"Kupchak's quotes sound to me like he's saying the deal might not be completed because Phil may or may not have decided to sign by opening night."

That's mostly because it's what Kupchak is saying. haha

AK

And, for those who haven't had a