They say you can't judge a man until you walk a mile in his shoes
But you can judge Laker free throw shooting by the fact that players were on the verge of running a mile in their own shoes. As is the custom wrapping up most practices I've witnessed, the guys gather and each take a turn at the stripe. Assuming enough shots go down (in today's case, no less than three misses), Phil says a few words and they're done. Faulty attempts, however, result in baseline-to-baseline jogs and suicides. Today's practice produced a flurry of "yifting" (which was BK and my high football coach's phrase for running, presumably a nod to Miruts Yifter).
The first trio of misses came courtesy of The Critter, Coby Karl and Ronny Turiaf. Cue opening wave of penance. The second freebie outing saw whiffs from Vlad Radmanovic (who actually airballed) and repeat offenders Crittenton and Turiaf, the latter of whom was so disgusted with himself that he kicked the rock and almost nailed Sasha Vujacic. Round two of punishment. The third try appeared initially not to be the proverbial charm, with Carl and "The Face" (who's nearly automatic at the stripe) quickly clanging rim. But the boys regrouped and hung in there until final contestant Jordan Farmar swished net, allowing everyone's legs to stop burning.
Once the brick layers convention concluded, we could learn some Laker info. For starters, health. Luke Walton didn't practice today and likely won't suit up for tomorrow's game against the Jazz. He'll be able to talk shop on the bench with Kwame Brown, who participated in some aspects of today's workout (and in Phil Jackson's assessment looked "old and decrepit, even though he's a young man."), but shared Walton's "doubtful" status. Jackson praised Trevor Ariza's Christmas game against the Suns, but didn't specify whether he'd remain in the starting lineup in place of Walton, instead downplaying any importance to getting an intro from Lawrence Tanter. "It doesn't matter to me who starts. It matters to me who finishes. That's the important people. If the matchups are correct, I'll start whoever just to start the game. But as a game goes on, it's who finishes a game that counts."
Couldn't agree more. I know I've been pretty broken record on this topic, but starting is probably basketball's single most overblown/overrated subject by fans, media and even players alike. Minutes, especially those coming in the fourth quarter, mean a hell of a lot more. Yeah, it's certainly nice being named to the opening fivesome, but the nod hardly means "everything." Or even much in the way of substance, period.
A contest against the Jazz obviously sparks the topic of Derek Fisher, who played with Utah last season before requesting release from his contract to live and play in a city with better medical care for his daughter Tatum, who is battling Retinoblastoma. That Fisher prioritized family ahead of the financial has already been reported at great length and was further elaborated today. "The contract, everything you've worked for professionally, to put all that at risk and walk away from it was difficult, to say the least. But in the face of the personal adversities, it was pretty minute." However, D.Fish's thoughts on fearing theoretical professional remorse (joining a squad less successful than the one he left) haven't been discussed much. I asked Fish if he ever worried about finding himself in a situation he didn't enjoy on a professional level. "No," explained the point guard. "Had the professional part of it played a bigger role in the decision, yeah, maybe. My agent at the time, Mark Bartelstein, that was something that he said to me: Are you gonna be able to handle that (possibility)? I was like, there's nothing really to handle. One of the things he asked me was if financially I was really ready to take that kind of step. It was like, it doesn't really matter where I stand financially. We're in good shape. I didn't really worry much about what had happened. What Kobe had said as far as the future with the Laker organization. There was no "future" with me. There was only that day, you know?"
It sounded to me like Tatum's condition created a scenario where the concept of "winning" came a decided second in any thought process. Fisher agreed. "It really was, which I think has played a part in why I've found some success so far this season. A higher level than what people were used to seeing me play at. It's because there was no and is no concern over all the other stuff. I'm here to do a job. Our team is here to do job. We get paid to do it. We're employees. And obviously, you get the most out of it. You make the most out of it. But you don't stress yourself out over the wins and losses or the good performances and the bad performances that don't impact your life. What happened with Tatum is life changing and impacting. Everything else just kind of seems..."
"Nice?" I offered.
Pretty much.
Not to diss Vince Lombardi or even Henry "Red" Sanders (whose posters litter fellow Vandy grad BK's walls and ceilings), but while winning may be the goal, it is actually neither every or the only "thing." Certainly not in life's grander scheme.
Not that sports can't ever touch lives, of course. Ask Johnathan Lovett, a lucky Crossroads student (Baron Davis' Alma Mater!) whose parents bought a bid at a Boys and Girls Club of Santa Monica auction for him to play horse with Lamar Odom. Oddly enough, the two had already met. Lovett's mother Julie, a real estate agent, showed Odom a house after he arrived for Laker duty in 2004. The sale didn't happen, but it was a nonetheless fruitful day, as she surprised her boy by having him on hand when the forward showed up. "He just about had a heart attack. And all through the tour, (Odom) was so cute with Johnathan." They later into each other at a Quizno's (LO remembered Johnathon and gave out a John Hancock), so the man with the star haircut is a Lovett family fave. "He adores Lamar," gushed Julie while watching the two hoop it up. "He's a sweet kid, so they're kindred spirits out there."
The 12-year old Lovett just joined his school's sixth grade team as a relative round ball newbie, meaning tips from a nine-year vet will come in handy. The pair spent about 30-45 minutes shooting around, then going over footwork, spin moves, head fakes, follow through, etc. And the kid wasn't the only one marveling when Lamar demonstrated the ability to do 360's while dribbling through his legs. "If I did that, I'd get sick," laughed Johnathan's father, Bob. Upon trying it himself, the student managed not only to avoid puking, but got the rock through his legs while turning a few revolutions. The session concluded with LO hooking up his buddy with tix to tomorrow's game, a perfect ending to a killer afternoon. Upon describing the experience, Lovett quickly paused to catch his breath. "I'm speechless. One sec. One sec." Asked what he likes most about Lamar's game, Lovett said it was Odom's ability to take his time but remain in motion. Everything's smooth. "He's so confident." Lovett demonstrated a jab step maneuver passed on to Lamar from one Kobe Bryant. I noted that there are now three people in the entire world who know this move. Kobe. LO. And now Johnathan Lovett. The kid's eyes bugged out and he immediately retraced the sequence so he wouldn't forget what he learned.
Watching the Lovett off to the side and impressed by what he saw, Mitch Kupchak then summoned the lad up to his office and signed him to a ten-day contract.
Okay, the day wasn't that cool.
-AK
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I'm getting kind of misty.
Posted by: sruce sanchez | December 27, 2007 at 07:23 PM
by the way, thanks for all the insight. for us fanatics, this has become the one stop laker site. I used to comb a laker-laiden folder of bookmarks, but now it's just Kbros and the LAL schedule, followed by a daily stop over at: http://www.pixyland.org/peterpan/.
good stuff, AnBK
Posted by: sruce sanchez | December 27, 2007 at 07:42 PM
I hope the Lakers aren't on that Christmas high when they play Utah.
Posted by: never | December 27, 2007 at 07:58 PM
Did anyone listen to Mark Heisler today on Loose Cannons? Can you believe how much Heisler hates Kobe? Heisler said, "Kobe is the poster boy for too much, too soon". He also was saying that Kobe's reaction to his "insider article" he wrote last summer was a "crock". Talk about total denial.
Mark Heisler lists all of the other LA Times writers by name that agree with him that "Kobe is a great individual player... playing a team sport". This confirms what I have been saying all along. No one hates Kobe Bryant more then the entire writing staff of the LA Times.
Now Heisler also wants Kobe to apologize to Mitch Kupcake. For what? Taking three years to get Kobe surrounded by some talent? Kupcake still has yet to bring an All Star to the Lakers. In fact, he has stupidly traded away All Stars for garbage. Every sports writer, player, and fan in the country knows you put Kobe on a decent team and they will win - EVERYONE but Mark Heisler and The LA Times.
Let's be realistic here, Mitch got lucky. He finally had a couple of draft picks pan out (Bynum, Farmar, Crittenton). He gets a gift (Fisher) and he makes one, and I mean only one, good trade (Ariza), hardly a blockbuster. Now Mitch is a genius? None of these guys would start on any other winning team in the league. None!
If any one deserves an apology, it's Kobe. Kobe plays his heart out for three losing seasons while privately asking management for help and they do nothing. Then Kobe publicly demands a change. Mitch finally does something and guess what, we start to win. Kobe did the right thing. Sure it was ugly, but it worked. Thank you, Kobe. You deserve an apology. Most of all from Mark Heisler and his Kobe hating friends at the LA Times.
Posted by: Tiki 90036 | December 27, 2007 at 08:00 PM
Man that was long! lol, jk.
Hope we make the Jazz pay for last game. Punks booed DFish!
Go Lakers!
Posted by: Faith | December 27, 2007 at 08:01 PM
You are absolutely correct Tiki. But I wouldn't hold your breath waiting for Heisler to admit his errors.
Posted by: Dack Maddy | December 27, 2007 at 08:14 PM
Did Heisler mention AK/BK as "Kobe Haters"?
Posted by: AN1 | December 27, 2007 at 08:20 PM
what's up fellow Laker lovers!
i found a great blog with an awesome response to ESPN's article on kobe vs. lebron. it looks like a new blog because the 3 part series on kobe vs lebron is all there is but so far i like this guy.
check it out- http://respectkobe.com
GO LAKERS!! 2008 CHAMPIONS!!!!
Posted by: François | December 27, 2007 at 08:20 PM
Tiki, such is one of the main reasons why LA Times keep loosing readers because of its biased employs who think they are practising the art of Journalism....that is why Lou Dobbs bashed the living hell out of LA Times. These guys make combat veterans like me ashamed of defending the freedoms of people like them. If it were up to me, I would round those idiots up and fly them into Russia where the Putin and the Kremlin squash the throats of journalists...then they will remember and realize that the crap they do and say has nothing to do with Journalism. I rather watch Bin Laden's tape than to read a single LA Times Sports article...save BK and AK.
What Kobe did was right, Mitch Kupchak was right to trade Shaq also...I garauntee you that they would have not won another title had shaq stayed....Shaq only gave the heat one good season. Dare to contest me? Look at the stats from 05 to 07....even in the finals he played like trash. Lakers were exposed, they had no youth-speed....they sucked against the high pick and role....thats how the Spurs eliminated us that 2003 playoffs.
If Kobe was a ball hog it wouldn't take him 12 seasons to get 20,000 points...its the thing with us though...we have a short term memory. And correct me if I'm wrong Charles Barkley has the nerve to rip Kobe when he himself dissed his team saying "We really have a bad team" in a news conference and asked to be traded....couldn't handle or carry Philly after those key players left...if Kobe really hated his teammates he wouldn't lead the team in assists, and passes the ball to Bynum more than Odom. Ignorant, if this blog wasn't so good I wouldn't even have this atrocious place in my bookmark...
Posted by: Rhon Salmon | December 27, 2007 at 08:38 PM
What's wrong with this Peter Pan dude...
Posted by: Thi | December 27, 2007 at 08:41 PM
AN1,
Heisler did not mention AK/BK by name but lets face it, AK/BK do not have the same love and respect for Kobe that Vic the Brick, Mychal Thompson or most of the people that post have for Mr. Bryant.
I do think AK/BK do an outstanding job writing for this blog.
Posted by: Tiki 90036 | December 27, 2007 at 08:53 PM
Tiki,
"Heisler did not mention AK/BK by name but lets face it, AK/BK do not have the same love and respect for Kobe that Vic the Brick, Mychal Thompson or most of the people that post have for Mr. Bryant."
In fairness to me and BK, I'm not positive the love Vic The Brick has for Kobe can really be defined as "healthy." haha
Thanks for the nice words about the blog, by the way. Appreciate it.
AK
Posted by: Andrew Kamenetzky | December 27, 2007 at 09:20 PM
I find the writers of The OC Register do a much better job of objective writitng on the Lakers. Unlike the LATimes writers, they don't approach the Lakers with an agenda.
Unfortunately for the Times writers, they are constantly missing gems as they come from PJ, Kobe, and others. They are much too blinded with hate? to really listen, only hearing what they want to hear.
Kevin Ding on the other hand really brings insight into the goings on of the Lakers, because he asks good questions, and then listens. Similar to what AK/BK do. Its obvious AK/BK are not Lakers/Kobe fans, but it doesn't stop them from being objective and giving honest assessments on a daily basis.
Watching the Lakers Post Practice and game interviews on Lakers.com has really opened my eyes as to what a good vs a bad reporter has to offer. The LATimes, having a common denominator of hatred for Kobe as well as the Lakers shows the direction must come from the editors.
Like many, I rarely read the articles anymore.
Posted by: AN1 | December 27, 2007 at 09:21 PM
So... everything is fine.
The real question is "How are we getting Kevin Durant four years from now?"
Kevin Durant, Andrew Bynum, and wiser, older Kobe?
Fricken amazing.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | December 27, 2007 at 09:25 PM
"The real question is "How are we getting Kevin Durant four years from now?""
We aren't. But once Kwame shows he's healthy, some GM in love with his calves will trade a lottery pick for him, and the Lakers will draft a great power forward that way.
The downside of the trade is that the Lakers will only be trading Kwame's calves, not his hands.
Posted by: akrasian | December 27, 2007 at 09:31 PM
Doc Rivers said it right...people are so entrenched in tearing Kobe Bryant apart that they are missing greatness at its peak. Its a shame....I'm telling ya' if these journalist/writers want to learn how to be a true sports journalist and a fan of the sport...they would take a leaf out of their counterparts' book in other countries....this is why I LOVE Football (the sport we disrespect by calling it soccer instead of the one played in the NFL that uses 80% hands)....it is played in other places and regardless of the athlete these personal venomous grudges virtually non-exists, In Asia fans don't care about the Media's definition of Kobe....they care about the game's definition of Kobe--the 81 points (which was necessary granted that his team was down by 18 and missed everything including the sky that night), the ridiculous dunks and circus shots, and nifty passes. Things like this make me sick....and the sad thing is, even if Kobe wins 8 more titles he will still be seen as the ball-hogging prima-donna...who the heck gives us the right, both fans and journalists to judge another man. Shame on these LA Times writers for abusing the single power of Journalism, ultimately manipulating fans.
Journalism is the number one envoy of change, a Journalist is someone who becomes the single voice of opinion. This--that we're seeing is not Journalism this an example of the finest art of deception since Aristotle who managed manipulate the world of the past and present based on things he learned on the Continent of Africa...we believe his lies even today, ignoring that where he got his teachings from was the birthplace of the greatest civilization on earth. Throughout generations we still haven't recovered and still pour praises on the name of Aristotle, so it will be with Kobe Bryant--years after his retirement, we will never recover from the deception, and the unfair bombardment thus ignoring the fact of how great he was. Then again, I can't be mad at the Kobe Haters...its typical human nature.
Posted by: Rhon Salmon | December 27, 2007 at 09:46 PM
Fran,
That article you posted was spot on. You know...it amazes me what a sports writer would use abogus examples to glorify a player..at the expense of his credibility. Its become all to often now in sports. Lebron is a fantastic player no doubt..but im afraid in the attempt to hand the reins of the NBA over to the youth..SPORT WRITERS have developed tunnel vison.
Example: Does everyone remember Jordan swinging on Steve Kerr..(or was it someone else) but yet he's the worlds greatest teammate! Ok..let me try a different approach..how bout K.G.! Now I bet some of you are saying.."Uhh what does he have to do with anything..he never called out his teammates..or Mngmt"..but that's the point! See..as long as he was wasting away as a Wolve..WRITERS use the "He's just a loyal player to the team" phrase...lol..wait till Lebron leaves Cleveland..(he will) He will be have all WRITERS blessing..heck..he could even cuss out the player and management heading out the door..and still WRITERS would give him the benefit of the doubt
Posted by: Lakerahloic | December 27, 2007 at 09:49 PM
Tiki,
I have to agree that it's much too soon to applaud Mitch Kupchak for being a genius just because a number of things are coming together. Kobe's threats were at least as great a factor as Mitch's choices in getting things to fall into place.
In other news, Smush has been called back to Miami to continue his career. I wonder why Wade isn't getting dissed the way Kobe was over the past three years for being on a losing team and not making his teammates better (one of Wade's being Shaq!).
Kaman tonight is lelpless against Stoudamire, making Drew's performance the other night look more than AllStarish.
Finally, after losing in an ugly game against Cleveland, Dallas has fallen behind the Lakers, which means only San Antonio and Phoenix are ahead of us in the west (and New Orleans equal). We're in the top four and rising.
Posted by: Tsphere | December 27, 2007 at 09:51 PM
Here's a little snippet from ESPN's Daily Dime from today:
" Need a win boost? Dump all your troubles on the Knicks. See how teams have fared in increasing their win totals in the season after dealing a player to New York.
Zach Randolph was dealt to New York in the offseason from Portland, which is now 16-12 after going 32-50 last season.
Win Addition By Subtraction
Season Team Player Wins Added
'06-07 Blazers Zach Randolph ?
'05-06 Magic Steve Francis +4
'03-04 Suns S. Marbury +33
'03-04 Bulls Jamal Crawford +24
Lakers need to trade Kwame Brown to the Knicks. Addition by subtraction.
I don't care who they get back. Malik Rose would be a good choice.
Posted by: Long Time Laker Fan | December 27, 2007 at 10:06 PM
I think Heisler's a decent writer but he used to have an in with Kobe and then got tossed from the "cirlcle of trust". He's been complaining about it ever since.
Posted by: dave m | December 27, 2007 at 10:06 PM
What I find more touching than D Fish moving back to LA for his daughter, is what the Jazz organization did to allow him to leave the team. It's really cool to see sincerity like that from a business organization for Fisher's daughter's sake.
Posted by: mbir | December 27, 2007 at 10:13 PM
This man is the only reason I have cancelled my subscription to LA Times , and until the writers have not changed their attetude towards Kobe and Lakers , I am not going to touch this paper.
Posted by: tony | December 27, 2007 at 10:26 PM
"What I find more touching than D Fish moving back to LA for his daughter, is what the Jazz organization did to allow him to leave the team. It's really cool to see sincerity like that from a business organization for Fisher's daughter's sake."
I agree. A truly classy move by the Jazz front office.
Posted by: akrasian | December 27, 2007 at 10:28 PM
Yeah, it's a shame that the Jazz fans booed him. I understand the rationale and perhaps the sense of feeling betrayed, but ... it's a shame.
E
Posted by: Emma | December 27, 2007 at 10:32 PM
Tiki 90036,
Mark Heisler has become so lame and irrelevant, it is impossible to figure why the LA Times continues to employ him. Since the "insider" column, nothing Heisler has written resonates with any relevance. The Times now has one of the worst sports sections in America. Other than Plaschke's recent ode to Magic Johnson, the entire section isn't fit to line a bird cage.
The tradition of great American sportswriters, by and large, has disappeared. Part of the problem, as the NY Times recently noted, is that anybody who's any good has left the world of print for a bigger paycheck at ESPN.
I've said it before here and I'll say it again: The most insightful commentary about the Lakers continues to be found on this blog. Sure, the OC Register and the Press-Enterprise have better articles than the Times. But AK's introduction to the thread at the top is better than anything seen in print here in recent memory. Kudos, AK.
Posted by: Rick Friedman | December 27, 2007 at 10:43 PM
Another thing--
Odom and Bynum seem to have a great harmony happening in the paint. They don't get in each other's way rebounding and scoring like Elden Cambel and Shaq would.
This might be the dynamic C/PF combo we've been waiting for.
If we have a center and power forward who both average a double double, man alive we're gonna be tough to beat.
Wes
Posted by: wesjoenixon | December 27, 2007 at 11:05 PM
Dallas got whupped by the Cavs in Dallas. Dirk had an interesting game, 19 pts. on 6-17 shooting but he pulled down 20 rebounds. Despite him, Dallas was still outrebounded 56-45. Strange team, Dallas. I wouldn't be surprised to see Mark Cuban make a serious at Jason Kidd.
Posted by: bronxlakerfan | December 27, 2007 at 11:19 PM
Tiki,
What LA Times? You mean LA branch of Chicago Tribune.
Nobody read the LA Times sports pages anymore like we used to do. In today's technology, Heisler is a mere historian, TJ Simers is a comedian and Bill Plaschke is an expert of all sports and master of none, trying to be Jim Murray when he's not even at par with AK/BK.
Sadly, one of the best local sportscaster, Stu Nahan passed away yesterday. May his soul rest in peace.
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | December 27, 2007 at 11:35 PM
As I said on this blog (or maybe commented on the article) back in May I stated my anger to the LA Times for inciting the whole Kobe situation. Its the stupid Kobe "insider" whomever that is, that led to the irresponsible journalism. And believe me. The trade talk was way beforer Kupchek and Kobe. It started with Bill Plaschke. And if you want PROOF that it started with Plaschke, check out his columns at the end of April beginning of May right before the whole episode. He (somehow the voice of the sports section) said that it was time to trade Kobe Bryant. This was BEFORE Kobe went on his tirde due to the "insider".
I keep repeating this like a broken record, but i think it was the LA Times fault for the Kobe saga in the summer. Just look at how the Laker stories always are the most viewed. I think at some point today a Laker article was ahead of the Bhutto article. In the summer, Kobe stories surpassed Paris Hilton stories. The LA Times only gets readership because of the stupid stories it drums up. Now that Hal Fischman passed away, even KTLA news cant act as the "voice" balance of news so now the LA times can do whatever the hell it wants. im really interested to see what the new guy will choose to do, but I sense it wont make a change. The guy already says he wants to make money, not an agenda. Well Kobe stories makes money for the LA Times so there you go.
Posted by: The Lake Show | December 28, 2007 at 12:17 AM
AK, BK
A lot of today's post generate much heated criticism of your employer. Do you know if the Times is aware of this sentiment and if they would be able to respond to these concerns?
I feel that Kobe has been negatively portrayed by the media especially by the Times. I don't know much about journalism, but sometimes it appears that many journalists center Kobe as the cause of all things foul in Lakerland. Whether it was the breakup of the mini-dynasty or the playoff collapse against Phoenix, Kobe was to blame.
This blog has mentioned more positively valid aspects of Kobe's presence and game then the Times has written. Kobe's teammates aren't exactly the most sought out players. Bynum was the youngest draft pick while Brown was the biggest bust. Odom has always remained inconsistent. Turiaf and Walton were second round picks and Smush had never played so many minutes with any other team. Yet, Kobe was still able to take this team to the playoffs. Such accomplishments should be mentioned with more light in the media, and Kobe should be given some credence.
Posted by: never | December 28, 2007 at 12:47 AM
"Let's be realistic here, Mitch got lucky. He finally had a couple of draft picks pan out (Bynum, Farmar, Crittenton). He gets a gift (Fisher) and he makes one, and I mean only one, good trade (Ariza), hardly a blockbuster. Now Mitch is a genius? None of these guys would start on any other winning team in the league. None!"
In the last few years with the draft the Lakers have gotten Bynum (looks to be a future star, maybe a superstar, and already quite good), Turiaf, Farmar, Crittenton, and traded a draftee on draft day for Mo Evans, who was the actual talent given up for Ariza in trade. That's a very good stretch of drafting, especially where the Lakers were picking. He had made poor picks prior to that stretch, and some of his gambles hadn't worked out in trades prior to that stretch also. He's not a genius - but he deserves much more credit than saying that he got lucky. What the Lakers have done is rebuilt mostly on the fly, and done a good job at it, despite being somewhat hobbled at the start of the rebuild by having to trade Shaq prior to the free agent signing period. Now they are in a position where they are contenders this season, and probably very serious contenders by next season. Give Kupchak some credit for that, even while giving him blame for his mistakes - unless you want to say that the bad moves were just bad luck, of course.
Posted by: akrasian | December 28, 2007 at 06:19 AM
IN OTHER NEWS,
BYNUM CONINUES TO ASCEND TO THE TOP OF THE NBA:
BYNUM IS NOW RANKED...............WAIT FOR IT...................
26TH IN PER PER GAME
AND
12TH IN PER PER 48 MIN.
HE ALSO HAS BY FAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAARRRRRRRR THE BEST (+/-) STAT ON OUR TEAM.
THERE ARE THOSE THAT SAY STATS DON'T MATTER AND JUST WINS/LOSES ARE IMPORTANT.
LAKERS ARE 12 - 7 W/OUT KWAME "i suck at everything I do" BROWN,
INCLUDING HAVING WON 9 OF THE LAST 11.
BEWARE THOSE THAT DRINK THE KWAME KOOL AID, THERE JUDGMENT IS CLOUDED AND REASONING FLAWED.
Posted by: BYNUM FAN | December 28, 2007 at 06:23 AM
Mike T., here what PJ said about CAKEMAN
"He looks old and decrepit even though he's a young man," Jackson said. "He's still not ready for it."
Posted by: pk-in-the-mesa | December 28, 2007 at 06:26 AM
Just a note. Watch the rebounding on the defensive board and see how many rebounds LO gets while Bynum blocks off the Jazz. Rebounds which could go in his column if he was selfish.
Posted by: Jack | December 28, 2007 at 07:05 AM
I herd Mark kiester on the cannons and yes this guy was crying about Kobe and that the insider was a buch of croch. Hartman totally kissed his heisler and it stemed from there days when Steve worked for Raiders and from what i got from it is mark had steve in his hip pocket back then and steve basically was going get fired by the old man for not kicking mark out of press release info, so he quit.
Since Allan Mahamud passed away the times sport page has fail more each year, it has become a joke thank god for the blogs and the kam bros.
Posted by: pk-in-the-mesa | December 28, 2007 at 07:09 AM
"Our offense just clicked," Suns Coach Mike D'Antoni said.
And Amare Stoudemire was revving the engine.
He scored 30 points and grabbed 15 rebounds before leaving the game with more than three minutes left in the third quarter and not returning. Steve Nash left shortly after that, his nine points and 12 assists securely in place.
WOW how that statement, i guess the 113pts they scored on the lakers was a result of bad offense, but i think this should be saying our defense just clicked?
Kaman had 9pts 9rebs
Posted by: pk-in-the-mesa | December 28, 2007 at 07:34 AM
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DECEMBER 28, 2007 - 3 more day until THE YEAR OF THE LAKERS
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RIP BENAZIR BHUTTO
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HAPPY NEW YEAR LAKER BLOGGERS - STAY SAFE AND DONT WATCH THE GAME AND DRIVE
The Force is in Balance and all is well in Laker Land. The rest of the world is caught up in its usual
madness and all but thanks to people like GENERIC_ONE and ROCKY to single out 2 among many,
I believe this world can, must and will be a better place. In this time of celebration take
time to be with your Love ones and tell them you care. I LOVE YOU LAKER BLOGGERS! See, it’s
not so hard. Be nice and keep the force in balance. Of course you can take this nice thing to far, such
as J Walter Weatherman who felt guilty about the Suns decline. To that I say: KILL THE SUNS.
Ahem now to end my sermon. I promise to never make another guarantee but my right hand partner
in crime KEIFO has convinced me to reveal to you this. THE LAKERS WILL BE GREAT IN 08.
Which means 08 is TITLE TIME BABY! OK that’s it.
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Mamba will be taking a long needed 2 week vacation and upon my return I expect the Lakers to have
the best record in the NBA as well as having made a very surprise signing which will guarantee the
title that I predicted. Before I go please permit me a few shout outs:
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EDWIN GUECO you are the Gatekeeper.
Tha SHOW SECURITY is in your able hands.
ROCKY the benediction is up to you.
GENERIC ONE more stories for the masses and double the Zombie patrol.
FAITH just is there to inspire the troops.
BOB - I love you sister, if you ever leave your husband and I ever leave my Zombie/Vampire girlfriend Id like to have a cup of coffee with you.
EXHELODRVR keep the troops inspired with verse.
EAST COAST JESSIE - who sacrificed greater than any Laker fan( KG, RAY ALLEN PAUL PIERCE) - thank you for being one of us.
ANGRY LAKER stay angry until we get that title.
RICK FRIEDMAN keep showing the troops the meaning of class.
utzworld THE BANNER HOLDER wave the banner high, for mom and for all of us.
LAKER TRUTH you are!
TIM-4-SHOW - One of the most talented brothers I know, just keep on showing.
ELLE - Hi!
MIKE T You have more talent in your little finger than most people have in their whole body brother.
Don’t let them destroy you or you destroy yourself over trivial things. When you feel that anger coming on
Pick up a cake and throw it.
JUREMA I don’t know where you are but we miss and need your voice.
AK. and BK. The gods of this world, thank you my lords for allowing us pitiful bloggers the privilege of this forum with
out divine intervention, except in drastic and exceptional circumstances. You are truly great THANK YOU ANDREW and BRIAN KAMENETZKY.
LAKER BLOGGERS EVERYWHERE stay positive, you really do have a beautiful team so go out into the world
with class and show the world what it means to be a Laker Fan.
OK ENOUGH OF THIS; DO I HAVE TO SAY IT?
ROLL CALLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL
(1) FAITH, MIKE T. TALIQ, Edwin Gueco ,, KEIFO, WOLF, Q WUOR, CLEON, EASTCOASTJESSIE,
MAMBA24Fan4Life, Fan of MAMBA, WhiteMAMBA24, BlackMAMBA24, AFRO_JOE, LAKERTRUTH,
Kiwi, Wow, Peace, JCooL, David Whang, AdamKiley, LakersryDeordie, ANGRYLAKER, TSIRY, ELLE
TIM-4-SHOW, THA_ SHOW, TheLakeShow, WESJOENIXON, BAYWOOD, The_D, SBPIMP, DAXMDD
utzworld THE BANNER HOLDER, CaliKing, Rick Friedman,Thirty2, ExheloDrVr, ) JANAYA,CBUCK
GENERIC_ONE, TWOODY, JJ, Ajax, MITCHELL., LAKERTOM, Charles, BZAR, JUNO, NEVER,
JOREMA, VMAN, Korey, Xtro, MCGarnagle, Gugy, GDChild, Laker4Life, BLKTHGHT06, WONDAHBAB
KL BEAST, FearlessWhackJob, MARTY, JANDRO, LAKERFAZE, PhxLkrFAN, PRINCE, AKRASIAN
TexasLaker, BOB, EagleBoy, JR., Zakee, KOBES T., ZEN, Purple & Gold, TSPHERE, t_sensei
Tully Moxness, KobeRocks, David Peterson, centralk, FKILLAH, CYRUS(Ventrilquist), BOYSOY
Swettual, Andrew Z, LAL Fan, Brandon C., Kinglakernidas, HUBBIT, GREEK DUDE, BRONXLAKERFAN
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Jay Jay, TaosHum, DEREK, Caeser, Obel, CHITOWNLAKER, RealityCheckTime, CORNER J.
wiZo, MagicShaq, HugoBoss, OSCAR, RDLEE, RealityBites, LakerLarry, Bucky, Guy
LakerLifer, C.S. Jova, Tripgame3, SIXONEZERO, HOUSTON LAKER, Todd BATTLES
JONINJAPAN(INCANADA), LT Laker Fan, , KATE, TROY, Mainor, East Nyboer
JEFF, ANDY B., SwanWorld, PUPLE&GOLD_4EVA, Benny Blanca, CS in Virgina
TIM IN SYDNEY LakerBake, JMan, Mfeige, Jennifer, Chris H. Lincoln Laker, Reggie
Any_One_mouse, 10milliondollarZen, Shiva, Laker_Hopeful, LakerDawg, RDANEEL,
PHIL JACKSON, KOBE BRYANT, MARC GASOL, SUN YUE, JORDAN FARMER
RONNY TURIAF, V. RADMANOVIC, LAMAR ODOM, DEREK FISHER, TREVOR ARIZA
LUKE WALTON, KWAME BROWN, ANDREW BYNUM, COBY KARL, CHRIS MIHM,
JARVIS CRITTERTON, LARRY FULCHER, SASHA VUJACIC, TEX WINTER, JERRY BUSS
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ALL TOGETHER NOW:
WE ARE THE FREAKIN LA LAKERS THE WINNERS OF 14 NBA TITLES
THE TEAM WITH THE BEST WINNING PERCENTAGE IN NBA HISTORY
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 WILL EVER CONQUER OR DIVIDE US
Posted by: MAMBA24 | December 28, 2007 at 07:43 AM
Actually, I've always liked Heisler's reporting. He's a great writer and he continues to be a good resource for the back story of the personalities and egos of the Lakers and NBA. I think Heisler is right in that Kobe does share some of the blame for the breakup of the Shaq-Kobe Lakers. Though Heisler does seem to enjoy sticking it to the prickly and thin-skinned Kobe (especially toward the media).
I think Plaschke is a hack. He always has some knee-jerk reaction to a story that lacks perspective and usually ends up being completely wrong about most everything he writes about.
Posted by: Jeff M. | December 28, 2007 at 07:56 AM
Saw on TNT last night that Andrew Bynum was the player of the week!!
Go Bynum, nice way to show that you worked hard this past summer while Shaq was eating double cheeseburgers...
Lets DESTROY this Utah team.
Posted by: janaya | December 28, 2007 at 07:56 AM
akrasian ,
I would agree with you with your take on Mitch. Everyone was crying for his head, about 2 months ago, calling him names and etc. In fact he had a very tough task, rebuilding on the fly at the same time keeping Kobe happy. I would not blame him for Shaq trade, it was obvious choice between Kobe and Shaq, and if current Miami's state of disarray just prove it. At that time it was probably only trade available for Lakers to take. Yes, it came with a great pain of paying for Grant's contract.
At the same time I would see only one fundamental blinder- trading for Kwame and giving up Butler. 2 years latter we have an ALL-Star vs. someone who constantly on injured list and considered one of the biggest bust in NBA draft history. But to see all of this you really need to predict a future. Yes, some of you can point out Caron's talent was apparent even during his single season at Lakers but at the same time Lakers back then did not have any financial means to sign him being with Grant's contract way over the cap. Yes they offer Kwame's extension but, as they said, big men comes with premium, who can predict Kwame would routinely spent half of the season on injured list?
Posted by: LAL_Fan | December 28, 2007 at 08:15 AM
AVENGE FISH!!!
Posted by: Vman | December 28, 2007 at 08:16 AM
Mamba24,
Please change my name on rollcall to wondahbap...you have wondahbab. thanks
also....i've been having some fun blogging on phoenixsunsrising.blogspot.com as darkseeker.....haha
Posted by: wondahbap | December 28, 2007 at 08:25 AM
"I think Heisler is right in that Kobe does share some of the blame for the breakup of the Shaq-Kobe Lakers"
That is probably true, but anytime someone notes that, they typically ignore the fact that the Shaq-Kobe Lakers were probably not going to win another title anyway. It had been two years, Shaq was very out-of-shape, a majority of the other players on the team who played such important roles were getting older, and Shaq's salary demands would have handcuffed the team from adding additional pieces. Shaq was motivated by the trade to get himself into shape in Miami; that wouldn't have happened had he stayed in L.A. Shaq leaving the team was a necessary step for the team to make the climb back to the top.
Posted by: exhelodrvr | December 28, 2007 at 08:27 AM
pk-in-the-mesa,
Good one. The Clips aren't good, that's what clicked. They play them again in PHX. The Suns have had such an easy schedule so far.
Posted by: wondahbap | December 28, 2007 at 08:28 AM
Kobe on the Dan Patrick show! AM570
Posted by: Charles | December 28, 2007 at 08:38 AM
Mamba,
We will miss you. Rest up and come back STRONG!
--FearlessWhackJob
Posted by: FearlessWhackJob | December 28, 2007 at 09:27 AM
exhelodrvr....
I agree about the Shaq-Kobe breakup. Enough wasn't done to replenish the 3peat team so that it could keep winning. I believe that a sense of complacency hit the entire organization, where they felt that Shaq, Kobe and three guys out of the stands at Staples could win it all. Meanwhile, other teams had their sights set squarely on LA, and improved accordingly. I'm sure that both Shaq and Kobe wish that things had been handled differently, but the past cannot be changed.
Posted by: bronxlakerfan | December 28, 2007 at 09:44 AM
On the subject of Heisler...
I still read his stuff because he's a talented writer. I don't have a problem reading the works of people with whom I disagree. I may yell at him, but I still read. I also read the OC Register and the Press Telegram and ESPN and Yahoo Sports, and a bunch of other stuff.
I also read the papers of the cities for which the Lakers are about to play, and the ones they just played. I'm often struck by the way other cities gush positively about Kobe and how tepid we write about him here. Other cities don't even mention the Summer of Controversy at all. In fact, KLAC interviewed maybe a dozen sports writers around the country during the storm over the summer and it was such a non-issue with each and every one of them. Other cities continually and consitently saw his remarks as no different from other superstars that had done and said the same things.
The problem is that somehow the sports writers in this town gave greater weight and importance to Buss' support for Kobe during his trail and the perceived ingratitude of the trade demands that followed. Almost to a man/woman, sports journalists from other cities didn't see Buss' support as all that altruistic, and more in line with protecting his investment (which is considerable, and which pays him handsomely). So, in their minds, there wasn't much ingratitude to get upset about. They all saw that the players that surrounded Kobe would not even start for their home teams, anyway.
Maybe, though, their lack of derision for Kobe's actions were/are couched in self-interest as well, since each of the cities wanted to appear to be welcoming suitors for Kobe's next destination. And with that in mind, they would have to demonstrate favorable Kobe coverage. That aspect must in itself not be overlooked for the next two years as the possibility that Kobe moves is still definitely there.
However, it isn't all self-interest. Because even the coverage of Kobe in Colorado is fairly balanced. Those reporters there are VERY careful to separate the on-court Kobe (which they also gush about) from the off-court Kobe. Even the off-court stuff is falling by the wayside.
Only here is all the stuff wrapped up in a whole Kobe enchilada, which questions about character and moral fiber and all this other stuff mixed in. It really is kinda strange.
But, I still read it all. Because only after digesting it all do you get a real picture of what the landscape might truly be.
Others have noticed that I tend to fly off the handle when someone bashes Kobe in a way that I think is unfair. I'll do my research, and I'll tend to back up what I say with facts. Lately, I haven't had to do that as much, and some of the things I've said have started to pan out. So far...(that injury bug still looms on the horizon, though).
But, even of those bloggers who think me a Homer or Apologist, I still read what they write. I'm OK with Heisler's remarks because his aren't the only remarks I read.
Plus, that other guy, Platsche (or however you spell it) makes me laugh when his prognostications turn out wrong. If I don't read him, then I'd miss those wonderful moments.
Here's hoping Fish sinks the game winner over the Jazz on an assist from Kobe.
Here's hoping Bynum has another dominating game.
Here's hoping the Lakers overtake the Suns in the standings and get the #2 seed in the West.
Here's to the Lakers getting back to 26-13. Because, honestly, this season doesn't even START until the Lakers have played game 40. Because it was game 40 last season when the wheels started coming off the 50+ wins bandwagon. It will be games 40-82 that lets us know if there is any real improvement.
--FearlessWhackJob
Posted by: FearlessWhackJob | December 28, 2007 at 09:47 AM
Mamba24,
Have fun fishing in the snow, bring a portable heater with you with a satellite TV that will show Jazz & Celtics' games. We need your report on these two most important "barometer" games. They are called: " are we really ready for the big dance games?" I wish you postpone your trip until Monday as your final roll call. Don't drink and drive and most of all the Lakers Blog needs you, so come back alive.
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | December 28, 2007 at 09:48 AM
I'm with Vman, the Jazz fans should be ashamed of themselves for what they did to Fish, how could those idiots boo him?
Posted by: Elle | December 28, 2007 at 09:54 AM
OMG!!!!
I just looked at the Peter Pan link. My eyes are bleeding! What did I just see?!?
I need therapy, now. Lots of therapy.
His fiance wasn't that bad, though...
--FearlessWhackJob
Posted by: FearlessWhackJob | December 28, 2007 at 10:00 AM
Wes:
Great point. I’ve been saying the exact same thing about Bynum and Odom. Who else has a center and power forward averaging double-doubles. We totally dominate the boards with Drew and Lamar.
Tom
Posted by: LakerTom | December 28, 2007 at 10:59 AM
Akrasian,
In your draft analysis of Mitch Kupchak, you left one out. He also drafted Sasha "The
Electric Blanket" Vujacic. The Machine or The Face or whatever you want to call him,
Sahsa is actually starting to be productive for the team.
Posted by: Long Time Laker Fan | December 28, 2007 at 11:01 AM
AK,
Your story writing is awful. Please make it concise and advice you to read Mark Twain short stories. As this is La La land and you also need to be dramatic in your postings. We expect drama not trauma.
Coming to next game, Lakers will get whupped by Jazz. Just watch it. They are getting too relaxed and becoming over confident.
Bynum is doing better than last year. however, he has made most of the shots by alley oops. not real 1 on 1 or 2 on 1 situations.
Jazz will be better prepared and they understand the pattern. Too many alley oops to Bynum. they will just stop that and Bynum has to prove he can create his own shots. If they can stop Bynum, Lakers will be in trash. Odom as usual will act depending on the situation. If we are loosing then lamar will hold his tail in his legs and disappear.
Only Kobe can save us. But I have not seen clutch shooting from Kobe for a long while.
Posted by: Disgruntled,Fruntrated Laker Fan | December 28, 2007 at 12:04 PM
DFLF,
We're never gonna get anywhere if you don't tell me how you really feel.
AK
Posted by: Andrew Kamenetzky | December 28, 2007 at 12:06 PM
AK,
I just wanna let you know that this is the best sports blog EVER and just be your self.
Do you know Sklar brothers personally? Can you also get into to Jim Rome show and do some Jungle Karma? Its good for the Blog and laker community. Is it too much to ask?
Posted by: Disgruntled,Frustrated Laker Fan | December 28, 2007 at 12:37 PM
DFLF,
"I just wanna let you know that this is the best sports blog EVER and just be your self."
Well, that post was me "being myself." I don't write to try to create a "persona" or put on airs. I write as an extension of what/how I feel and hopefully present it in a funny, smart fashion. The notion of trying to "add more drama" (as you suggested earlier, this being L.A.) doesn't work for me. Laboring to add flair would feel fake, so I wouldn't even bother.
Mind you, I'm not trying to stick up for the piece or debate its quality. If you didn't like it, no worries. That's your opinion. I'm pretty thick-skinned and appreciate the honest feedback. I'm just explaining my mindset regarding the post.
"Do you know Sklar brothers personally? Can you also get into to Jim Rome show and do some Jungle Karma? Its good for the Blog and laker community. Is it too much to ask?"
I've known the Sklars my entire life, actually. They're also from St. Louis and we went to elementary school together from 2nd-4th grade. Very nice guys. They actually introduced BK and I to the editors at ESPN Magazine who gave us our start back in the day.
As for the Rome Show, I don't think BK and I can do that, since we're on the payroll as regular contributors/guests on the Steve Mason Show with ESPN radio. But I'm a big Rome fan, for what it's worth.
Thanks for the nice words about the blog. We appreciate it.
AK
Posted by: Andrew Kamenetzky | December 28, 2007 at 12:51 PM
I really don't get a lot of these insane comments. The Times and others were rough on Kobe because he was a freakin' idiot this summer. There's a right and wrong way of going about your business as a professional, and what kobe did was beyond wrong. Calling Dr. Buss an idiot? Insulting the entire front office? Going on and on and on like a little drama queen on whatever talk show he can get access to? Kobe made himself look like a fool in front of the entire world as he had his two day meltdown. And someone said his behavior worked? Uh, what exactly changed? Other than Kobe's image taking yet another hit, nothing changed. Kobe finally shut his mouth and it all went away. But I'm guessing those of you who defend Kobe also have a poster of him above your bed, so pointing out the absurdity of his behavior this summer is probably pointless.
Posted by: murph | December 28, 2007 at 03:58 PM
wearing those short shorts was a dumb thing to do. for one, the players didn't look comfortable in them . here i go again, bynum didn't perform up to par dragging his tail up and down the court,was out rebounded by those little guys and often left behind wondering wha happuned.
HEY BIG GUYS!!! DUNK THE FRIGGEN BALL AND 9 OUT OF TEN YOU WILL GET THOSE GUYS IN FOUL TROUBLE!!!
Posted by: apujac | December 31, 2007 at 05:28 AM