Texas Two-Step, step one
PROGRAMMING NOTE: Once again, Lakers Blog is on the road. AK will be courtside- or wherever they put writers in San Antonio and Houston- tonight and tomorrow, which of course means a live blog from both games. So make sure to stop by at game time.
The Lakers head into San Antonio tonight (5:30, KCAL) having given off mixed signals in their first five games. The purple and gold have looked great (see Utah, Phoenix), they've looked less great (see Houston, New Orleans). No doubt they'll have to be the former if they'd like to return to L.A. with a win or two. The Lakers will know what to expect in San Antonio. It's just a question of getting it done against some tough D. The rivalry has plenty of history, but while the Lakers have actually played hard and reasonably well against the Spurs over the last couple of years, San Antonio has continued to dominate the league while LAL has been treading water. Of course, with .4 back in the house, things could change for the purple and gold. Add in a healthy Lamar Odom, whom the Lakers would like to free up as much as possible in the offense and a lull in the Kobe Bryant Saga, and many fans probably feel more optimistic about this game than they might have over the summer.
Things aren't quite as mellow in Chicago, where the Bulls are struggling and need to grow up fast, Kobe rumors or not. And if they don't win, the discussion in BullsVille continues. By the way, that the issue has died down (a little) locally doesn't mean others aren't still investigating the pros and cons of a Kobe deal.
Never mind!!! I guess it does say 5:30..Wow thats early
Posted by: zen | November 13, 2007 at 12:31 PM
Never mind!!! I guess it does say 5:30..Wow thats early
Posted by: zen | November 13, 2007 at 12:31 PM
Bring on the Spurs! We have Kwame Brown! What? Who? Why?
Posted by: Staples 24 | November 13, 2007 at 12:31 PM
Xodus,
"Kobe's made solid entry passes into him and always seems to be looking for him on lobs. Kobe was always made the best entry passes into Shaq in the early part of this decade and he seems to be using those skills with Bynum."
Great obeservation. Even Tex Winter has given some praise to Kobe for his newly developed team play. here's the article link I posted on the last blog.
http://www.hoopshype.com/articles/kobe_lazenby3.htm
Peace
Charles
Posted by: Charles | November 13, 2007 at 12:36 PM
xodus: "BTW, is it just me or are Baby Bynum and the Mamba beginning to build a little chemistry?"
There was something the other day about Kobe working on Drew with his post moves during practice too.
Posted by: lakers_sth | November 13, 2007 at 12:38 PM
literary metaphors, this is a great topic.
kobe is clearly faust. needs no explanation. free darko writers taking literary liberties are always intriguing, sometimes inaccurate. there is a poetic level to the game, but it is clearly more faustian than anything else.
Posted by: Alec | November 13, 2007 at 12:41 PM
Im a huge Laker fan and a Kobe fan, but, I agree with the Kobe/Gatsby analogy. I think it is brilliant and dead on in some ways
However, the only critique I have is that in order for the analogy to complete work, we need more time to fully evaluate Kobe's career. Kobe has been w/o Shaq for only 4 seasons now, and, I would argue, there has indeed been some improvement in the Lakers as a team. I would say the next 4 or 5 years will be crucial to whether or not Kobe is indeed destines for "greatness" ...at this point, it is entirely too premature to decide the legacy of one of the greatest players to ever walk on the court 3 or for years into the next major phase of his career.
I am just worry time will confirm the writer's analogy.
Posted by: Adam | November 13, 2007 at 12:43 PM
Kwame Brown will protect the rim. Manu and Tony can not penetrate because Kwame is a presence in the post.
Kobe will not get double team because Kwame will read the defense and help out in the offense.
Kwame wil grab 15 rebounds, block 4 shots, 8 of 9 from the free throw, alter 8 shots by the oppnents and take the winning mid range shot.
KWAME is the MAN!
Lakers will WIN or LOOSE in the hands of Kwame Brown. HANDS???
Posted by: Staples 24 | November 13, 2007 at 12:44 PM
Brian Kamenetzk
(Buy the Gatsby comparison or not, it's pretty clear he has seen Kobe play more than one time.)
BK
Yes Brian Kamenetzk...I figured that much when he/she mentioned that he/she hasn't seen Kobe play since He/she was 11..so ill assume he/she has aged a bit since that time of mention! ...oh and another thing..our last game vs Minny..I believe during the 4th quarter..about 7min went by without your play by play...you mentioned you were distracted by either a cheeleader or a ham sandwich..I dunno..I can't remember..anyhow..how bout not going Brian Cook on me by not having a Journalistic Lapse. Us folks in Mississippi can't watch the game so I rely on u to provide the play by play..thanks
Posted by: lakeraholic | November 13, 2007 at 12:45 PM
Mike T,
The Front office does not read this blog so you are wasting your time. Do you think every time Mitch does an interview that he makes sure that he tunes in to hear it, read it, or see it? I don't think so. He has a lot of other things to do and reading the L.A times Blog is not one of them.
Posted by: zen | November 13, 2007 at 12:48 PM
I feel so confident Spurs will loose tonight because KWAME will protect the RIM. Manu and Tony are scared of Kwame blocking thier shots.
Posted by: Staples 24 | November 13, 2007 at 12:49 PM
Staples 24
(Lakers will WIN or LOOSE in the hands of Kwame Brown. HANDS???)
Question?..are those the same hands Kwame uses to fumble the ball every chance he gets? Just asking!. Lol
Posted by: lakeraholic | November 13, 2007 at 12:50 PM
Xodus,
In regards to LO/Kobe without the ball in their hands, I agree. Continuing with that, I think Kobe is moving without the ball better than I've ever seen him so far this year. It has always been, pass it-clap your hands and scream for it back/watch as it goes somewhere else-get pissed when teammate misses shot. This year he's passing it not to just get an assist but to set up an assist, and even more importantly he's passing and moving, taking the defense's attention with him. I think it's evident in the amounts of points being scored by others not wearing #24 that he's more active on the offensive end (without the ball).
AS for Kobe-Bynum chemistry, couldn't agree more. And I think Kobe is having fun with it. I think the more confidence Drew gets, the more excited he gets, the better Kobe is going to become. Kobe knows how much easier life is when there's a big guy in the middle getting attention. The quicker the Lakers have that, the quicker they get to where Kobe wants to be. Bynum just needs to sustain the energy and passion level.
Posted by: Andrew Z | November 13, 2007 at 12:50 PM
Come one Folks the 5:30 Time is so the Rest of the nation gets to see Mamba in
Prime Time. David Stern is no fool. Mamba sells
Posted by: Mamba | November 13, 2007 at 12:52 PM
Mamba put me in the Vlad Rad breakout section..he's going to drop some 3's tonight!
Posted by: drew | November 13, 2007 at 12:54 PM
NBA.com says the game is at 5:30.
mike
Posted by: Michael Teniente | November 13, 2007 at 12:58 PM
hmm.. im all for the bandwagon thing but do we have to see it on every thread? i mean... it occupies probably at least 3 page lengths already...
Posted by: dxtah | November 13, 2007 at 01:01 PM
Just 1 time I wish Phil would put out the true 1st unit.
Bynum
Turiaf
Odom
Kobe
Farmar
That lineup makes me smile. That frontline should never be out-rebounded!
Pat's line no rebounds ,no rings, rings true today.
Lakers Sweep even if Kwame plays.
BD
Posted by: bd | November 13, 2007 at 01:04 PM
Staples 24 - Since when did Kwame have hands? haha..
Lakers should be able to pull off a sweep of this Texas b2b, given that they dont squander hard play and leads with open jumpers for the oppositions shooters. These two games will be hotly contested and if the Lakers do pull off the sweep, I'm sure it'll make some noise in the league. I also hope they beat Detroit on Friday since I'm going to that game. woot!
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Chris H. | November 13, 2007 at 01:08 PM
I'm afraid the Lakers are going to get a douse of beat down tonight. The Spurs are looking really good at this point. Let's hope the team continues to play team ball and have the game within reach at the end of the game then let Kobe be the playmaker. Please no Kobe Ball.
Posted by: Larry | November 13, 2007 at 01:09 PM
So I was reading the ESPN NBA page when I was suddenly reminded of two essential truths:
1) Man, I hate the Celtics, and
2) Man, I hate the Spurs.
Also, I don't like zombies.
Posted by: The D | November 13, 2007 at 01:14 PM
Kwame is the man.
Without him we don't stand a chance in the paint!!!
Posted by: Zakee | November 13, 2007 at 01:17 PM
Xodus,
I think it's a great idea. I think it signals finally an LO camping in the paint. I mean no one can beat him there, and not being the main ball handler allows that to happen.
I think it also means a chance for LO to be a little more selfish with the ball. When he was "pigeonholed" into the Pippen role, he often got caught up on the 3 point line, left with an unwise 3. This way he can be a little more selfish with the ball in the right place lol.
Now if we can only get him to effectively go right lol.
Posted by: Faith | November 13, 2007 at 01:19 PM
BRING ON 5:30!
Posted by: ajax | November 13, 2007 at 01:20 PM
zen,
Mtich Kupchak, in the Lakers Insider Magazine, said he does what all other fans do. He reads what's in papers and on the Internet.
KCAL 9, on LTV, reported last year that this site gets 5-7 thousands hits a day.
This is the largest newpaper outlet in the 2nd largest city in the States and you think the FO doesn't read what thier fans think?
It's useless to speak to people like you because of the peasant mindset you limit yourself to.
mike
Posted by: Michael Teniente | November 13, 2007 at 01:21 PM
Vlad will be the bomb tonight and he will dance again like Borat. Go Lakers!
Mamba,
Put me in the 55 win band wagon and start a we own da Celtics bandwagon.
Posted by: Laker Phil | November 13, 2007 at 01:22 PM
LO is the glue and Kwame is the rock.
Kobe is just kobe.
Turaif gets our engine runnig.
Luke is the leader of the bench mob.
Fisher is our captain.
Farmer is the little brotha.
Crit is the man that will get his chance.
Radman is the assassin
Bynum is the big dipper.
Evans is guard dog
Sasha is the sniper
Cook a cookie. Soft as dough.
Mihms is security in case any of the bigs go down.
Koby Carl is this year inspiration.
Together they are the 2008 world champs.
LO is the mtachup problem of the year thanks to Turaif. Now nobody can put their 3 man on Kobe Bean Bryant. What are you going to do when LO puts the post on YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!11
Lets Go Lake Show
Posted by: Zakee | November 13, 2007 at 01:24 PM
I'm about to join the likes of Mike T with a conspiracy of my own.
All I know is that I complained to the Times about AK/BK not going on the road with the team (the Lakers coverage this training camp was terrible) and whalla! The boys are traveling. (Well I didn't actually complain, but I did write a post THREATENING to complain to the bosses over at the times, and what a post it was--passionate but caring, tough but gentle, caustic, but with heart--all the things a once-in-a-lifetime post should be.
Surely if Phil Jackson can have his infinite layering of intentions and long stewing machinations come to fruition through his Walton/Mihm substitutions (wink wink Mike), then I can be responsible for the Kambros being given the keys to the tour bus.
Look for the signs people, it's all there.
Accidentally like a martyr,
Wes
Posted by: wesjoenixon | November 13, 2007 at 01:25 PM
" dxtah:
hmm.. im all for the bandwagon thing but do we have to see it on every thread? i mean... it occupies probably at least 3 page lengths already..."
-----------------------------
dxtah, have You considered starting starting a "No bandwagon in every thread" list?
Ha hah, just seriously joking! By the way.........
dxtah.......want to jump on "The MOB Rules" bandwagon? Sure could use some support for the cause, LOL
See you at the game!
Your friendly neighborhood lurker.
Nes
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oXOwKgvJuDk
Posted by: Nestro'sBistro | November 13, 2007 at 01:30 PM
I already had it program on my Direct TV KCAL9 and NBA TV are both at 5:30 PM. Can't miss a Kwame game!!!! hahahaha!
Posted by: Staples 24 | November 13, 2007 at 01:35 PM
lakeraholic-
I'll try to do better. Sometimes when those fourth quarters drag... it can get tough. And yeah, the Laker Girls do occasionally distract (haha).
BK
Posted by: Brian Kamenetzky | November 13, 2007 at 01:35 PM
Charles,
Thanks for the link. It was an interesting read.
Andrew Z,
Maybe the trade demands and rumors have helped Kobe Maybe detaching himself from the team has allowed it to grow. Maybe viewing himself as an outsider helped him see what HE needed to do properly ingratiate himself within this team.
Maybe I'm reaching? haha
Posted by: Xodus | November 13, 2007 at 01:38 PM
Zakee
"LO is the glue and Kwame is the rock".
You mean rock the boat with nervousness?
Posted by: Staples 24 | November 13, 2007 at 01:39 PM
Nobody likes the zombies.
If you like them you're probably a zombie yourself lol.
Posted by: Faith | November 13, 2007 at 01:42 PM
wow, no comments on Marbury? Obviously we wouldn't want him at full price but... if he really is available, you would think Kobe would be pleased if we picked up a Marbury. I know, I know... he's burned some bridges and done some dumb things but if Phil talked to him and agreed to have him on the team, that would be a very strong rotation of Marbury, Fish and Farmar and then we would have Crittenton and Cook's and possibly Kwame's contracts to dangle as trade bait for more of a pounder/rebounder PF, if the Lakers believe they can ride the Mihm/Bynum train at Center...
Posted by: TaosHum | November 13, 2007 at 01:43 PM
"AS for Kobe-Bynum chemistry, couldn't agree more. And I think Kobe is having fun with it. I think the more confidence Drew gets, the more excited he gets, the better Kobe is going to become."
Hey! Don't hurt Kwame's feeling? He is so fragile.
Posted by: Staples 24 | November 13, 2007 at 01:44 PM
"It's useless to speak to people like you because of the peasant mindset you limit yourself to."
LOL
Posted by: LAKER TRUTH | November 13, 2007 at 01:48 PM
AS for Kobe-Bynum chemistry, The quicker the Lakers have that, the quicker they get to where Kobe wants to be.
The quicker Kwame gets kick out like Smush?
Kwame is the MAN with no contract extension! hekhekhek!
Posted by: Staples 24 | November 13, 2007 at 01:48 PM
Last year in the Lakers Insider Magazine there was an interview with Mitch Kupchak. It was called "The Anatomy of a Trade." In that article Mitch said he wakes up just like everyone else and reads the latest.
Then he goes about discussing how a trade is developed. He probably did that interview because of the way the fans on this site are always making trade proposals.
He probably wanted the fans to know what goes into make a deal and in doing so explains why most of the proposals made on here just can't work.
Contrary to popular belief: These people are just as human as you and I.
mike
Posted by: Michael Teniente | November 13, 2007 at 01:52 PM
Get Your Hands up Kwame!!!
Anticipate the pass Kwame!!!
No 3 second calls Kwame!!!
Sasha....make a shot!!!...seriously!!!
(Even though you won't see a second of time tonight, unless it's garbage time)
Maurice...do something!!!
Brian Cook....don't dribble!!!...Better yet...Just get off my team! You look like and have about as much game as a retarded ogre!!
http://tinyurl.com/8r45t
(I'd trade him for some Staples Center garlic fries...both are way overpriced!!!)
Bynum..."Deez nutz" Duncan tonight!!! You're a beast!!!!
Kobe...as you are.
Lamar...You are some sort of weird Human/Gazelle hybrid!!
Are you going to jail for running that red light!?!? I hope not.
http://tinyurl.com/jxnah
Turiaf...Are you related to this guy!?!?
http://tinyurl.com/ypmf87
Jordan...You're my girlfriends favorite player...She doesn't know that much about basketball. UCLA baby!!!
Luke...Glad your with the second squad!!!
Mihm...please work on your Mihm range game!!!
Javaris...How bored do you look all the time!!!
http://tinyurl.com/35p5c7
Coby...your dad jumped my car in Vegas after the Nuggets game, tell him thanks again!!.....And say what's up to the D-league for me too.
Fisher...you are some sort of Human/Bulldog hybrid.
http://tinyurl.com/ypohg6
Vlade...Grow your hair back!!! Your freakn' me out dude!!!
Hmmm what else....
Lawrence Tanter....You have the greatest job is the world. I want to be you!!!
Anybody at that home game last year towards the end of the season (april 15th I think) when we played the Sonics?
If so, remember when Earl Watson blew by Smush for a lay up and Lawrence Tanter went, "Smuuuuuush Parker!!!" That was so funny! U suck Smush!!
Posted by: TheCaucasianSensation | November 13, 2007 at 01:54 PM
Doesn't it seem like the best outcome for all parties involved would be for Kobe to play the remaining years of his Lakers contract?
If Kobe leaves after two years:
- The Lakers do not make some lopsided trade, instead they free up valuable cap space, and can get fair value for that money.
- Kobe goes to the team of his choice.
If Kobe stays after two years:
- This would mean Kobe believes the team to be capable of contending for a championship.
So here's my solution: To get rid of the uncertainty, the Lakers front office should send out a statement of this "plan". Say, "Kobe will not be traded. If he decides not to opt out next year, we will have done our job as management in building a championship contender. If he decides to leave the Lakers, it will not be for naught. We will not have made a lopsided trade, AND we will then be able to sign a free agent with the space Kobe leaves behind."
I think a majority of the fans could roll with that, don't you?
Posted by: Kobe's T | November 13, 2007 at 01:55 PM
Mike T,
some people are more incompetent than others too.
Posted by: Faith | November 13, 2007 at 01:59 PM
What? Kwame decided to play tonight? Can't wait!! Let's see his 1st highlight in game 1 was he and Luke making a basket for Houston. The game 2 highlight was at tip-off, get this strategy, look the other way at the guy selling popcorn when they throw it up. Brilliant!
The Kwame Comedy Show. I am actually afraid to see what Kwame might do tonight and hopefully the kids aren't watching it or being exposed to it.
Posted by: bd | November 13, 2007 at 02:03 PM
I like the bandwagon thing in every thread as I liked the Jackson Journal. It's rare to have people show that kind of dedication for something they don't have ownership of, and I think to ask for that love to be tempered is the first step in asking for its dissolution, and nobody wants that.
Haven't we already lost enough icing off our sports cupcake?
Monday Night Football no longer on Monday night, Lakers and Dodgers home games no longer on local TV, football telecasts no longer showing highlights of other games during the game you're watching, maybe 4-5 Baseball playoff games a year on regular TV, everything on cable, nothing on regular TV with even the Superbowl heading to pay-per-view.
Things like the Bandwagon or Jackson's journal are about enthusiasm and passion and I wouldn't want to be the one to dam up that river or put a toll on that road.
Just a thought,
Wes
Posted by: wesjoenixon | November 13, 2007 at 02:05 PM
All the games that san antonio play at home are between 5 and 6...so it doesnt have anything to do with david stern...
Posted by: mike | November 13, 2007 at 02:06 PM
Kwame Brown the protector of the rim.
TURIAF should not start tonight, Cook should. Kwame and Cook toughest frontline in the WEST. Who's the man?
Posted by: Staples 24 | November 13, 2007 at 02:07 PM
Faith,
Now you're asking for a miracle! lol
Posted by: Xodus | November 13, 2007 at 02:12 PM
Laker Fans,
I heard that Kwame is starting tonight! Yes!
Tony and I are going to put a pick and roll clinic!
I will have a double-double and Kwame will score under 8 points and have less than 7 rebounds. Kwame will foul out also!
Posted by: Tim Duncan | November 13, 2007 at 02:15 PM
Zen,
The game time is 5:30 pm PST and the telecast is also 5:30 KCal, I just recorded on my Directv. (This is not a promotion on any of Companies mentioned). A year ago, they used to delay the telecast by an hour to get in tune with the LA gridlock, however this blog has raised the issue of commercialization in avoiding live telcast, if fact the blog put up two threads one for the radio and the other one for TV. Finally, the message has reached to the top echelon that in this day and age of online reporting, you can't delay the truth nor hide the score, it is either you show it live or don't show it all.
Message to Laker Fans on this Blog:
On a big game day with Spurs, Rockets and Pistons, whatever your opinions about Kobe, Walton, Kwame, Cook, Mihm etc. etc. or trading our player with this player????? if you are indeed a true Laker fan, please cease and desist to any kind of criticisms. (After the game, you can resume your commentaries.) All of us here, have our own spin about the players but not when the ball is in play. Whoever you are, whatever qualifications you have in your basketball resume, we have one objective on a big game day - WIN. If you still continue to criticize the very players who will play for the Lakers tonite and you call yourself a Laker fan, then you're an IRRELEVANT LAKER FAN, please join the other pundits in their intrigues......you don't belong to the Lakerville community...... to re-phrase a well-intentioned cliche' "Ask not what the Lakers can do for you, but what good cheers you can you offer for the Lakers."
GO LAKERS
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | November 13, 2007 at 02:17 PM
Bring it on Lake Show.
Colorado is awaiting the game and loves the Lakers!
5 Dec I'll be at the Pepsi Center in purple and gold!
Posted by: Hugo Boss | November 13, 2007 at 02:24 PM