1-0 in games where Mom co-blogs
As a matter of fact, the fans always get tacos when she's in the press area and sticks around for the live blog, as was the case in tonight's 116-99 win over the Nuggets. And these happy developments provided Mom and Lakers fans quite the blast. To say the least, it's something of a tenuous period for the Purple and Gold, given how Trevor Ariza's recent foot fracture has combined with Andrew Bynum's "Subluxation Heard 'Round the World" to cause worries of deja vu all over again for the Lakers. After all, the team's hot '07 start was derailed by injury, so why wouldn't the same happen again with the injury bug apparently still carrying a grudge? Well, the Lakers seemed determined not only to thwart a historical repeat, but didn't even go into "Carry us, Kobe" mode doing it. Five Lakers chucked the rock more times than the New Jack Bauer, the same number of guys (Kobe included) that hit double figures. Obviously, this won't (nor should it) be the case in every go around, but the box score could serve as a statement of sorts. These Lakers are better equipped, mentally and physically, to weather this storm, and as a team.
The breakdown is below.
AK
THE GOOD
Derek Fisher: At least for one night, Andrew Bynum's scoring was picked up, and then some. 28 points. 6-7 from behind the arc, including four makes on four attempts in the third frame, a barrage that helped swing a sputtering momentum back in L.A.'s favor. As I've said many times, I've thus far grossly underestimated how much Fish's play would make a difference this season. Tonight would be one of those occasions demonstrating how off I was.
Lamar Odom: Three assists were all that prevented LO from a trip-dub, but there's very little complaining involved with a 15/11/7 effort. Actually, I suppose one could quibble about going 33% from the field (4-12), but Lamar made up for it with nine trips to the stripe, a septet of which were good. All the mark of an outing with an aggressive mindset, which is so key for Odom.
Kobe Bryant: The first half features only two attempts (both good), six points, five assists, and a Laker lead of 10. The third quarter features six more dimes, four running in back-to-back-to-back-to-back fashion over fewer than two minutes, helping the Lakers bump a dwindling Laker lead from four back up to digits. By the time the dust settled, Kobe had taken only seven shots to rack his 17 points, involving his teammates the entire way while never seeing his influence on the game's flow decrease. Games like these truly demonstrate The Mamba's ability to put a contest on a string.
Kwame Brown recovering from the bad experience against Phoenix: The "Is booing okay?" debate has been discussed to death by now, so I'm not looking to spark Round 1438. But it was nice to see both fans give Kwame some love during the player intros (all kidding aside, a clean slate of sorts needed to be expected by then) and Brown play as if the fiasco never happened. It also helped that there were no missed chippies and he snagged a season-high 11 boards. Mom in particular was very happy to see Kwame bounce back in reputable fashion, as the boo birds of last Thursday struck her as fairly heartbreaking. While Phil Jackson didn't appear blown away by Kwame's night, he praised some "moments" on Brown's part, whether a couple of early dunks or being active in the glass eating department. "He got involved in the game and lost himself in it and that's what's important."
Jordan Farmar and Ronny Turiaf combining for 30 off the pine: With the rotation now "Britney Spears' skirt short," it's imperative that bench players step up and prevent the load from falling too heavily on the starters. Ronny and Jordan did just that.
Coby Karl getting some PT against his old man's squad: Save his converted technical free throw, the game won't strike the uninformed eye as much to write home about. But despite airballing a three ball (his only attempt) and sailing a bounce pass into the stands about two feet from his dad's mug, I have a feeling it's a game people will never tire talking about.
Getting to do this with Mom: Not to sound like a big softy, but it really was a good time. Mom is a huge Lakers fan and spent the entire game bouncing up and down in her seat and reacting with great enthusiasm. Besides, it would have never dawned on me that court mops would sell huge on QVC. Mom notices these things.
THE BAD
Outside of a dicey third quarter where the game was knotted at 77 before the Lakers reblew the doors permanently open, not a whole heck of a lot, really. Yeah, you'd like to see do more of the lead expanding that happened in the final frame, but at the same time, this is a team playing without its second best player (Bynum) or perimeter defending specialist (Ariza), with a brand new big (DJ Mbenga) while two others (Chris Mihm and Vlad Radmanovic) sit on the shelf, plus Kwame Brown, Sasha Vujacic and Luke Walton all not operating at 100%. In cases like these, you'll sometimes have to disregard a lack of continual neck stepping and just take the win.
THE TURNING POINT
Those threes late in the third from D.Fish and Farmar (all assisted by Kobe) that put the Lakers back in the driver's seat. From there, they never rode shottie.
AK
Mom,
I never enjoyed a game thread so much!
AK,
I think your brother's been Wally Pipped!
Posted by: mel | January 22, 2008 at 12:20 AM
OK, a couple of things have officially got to stop.
First of all, can we please stop piling on Kwame. Lord knows that I've been something of a critic of his through my well-documented opposition to Mike T's insane posts, but when push comes to shove, this guy's a Laker. I want him to do well, because then our team does well. I also want him to do well because he seems like a genuinely nice guy, and more complex than his exterior would suggest. Let's face it - he's ain't Drew, and he's never going to be Drew. Let's just show this guy some love, keep the expectations real, and hunker down and see if we just can't pile up some wins while #17 gets healthy.
Second, enough already with the doom and gloom crap. This is still a damned good basketball team, one capable of completely dismantling a team with a winning record in the West, which is more than you can say for New York or Miami. I mean, have any of you predicting season's end actually WATCHED these guys play this year? We're still deep. We're still talented, and we still have Kobe running the floor. Basically, I see this team as much the same as last year's, but with Fish instead of Smush and a much-improved Farmar and Sasha. Minus the injuries, last year's team was pretty damned good. We can move the ball, we can defend, and we have the finest closer in the game. So none of this "We'll be lucky to sneak in as the 8th seed" crap.
And finally, can we PLEASE stop bagging on Lamar. I can't believe how many posts I read yesterday about Lamar and his "cursed" feet, how we needed to ship him out, how HE was the one who actually invaded Iraq, how he assassinated Kennedy and then shot Oswald to shut him up, yadda yadda yadda. This guy has shown more grit and heart than practically anyone else on the team, and has genuinely stepped up when called upon - remember when everyone said it would take him a while to round into form after his off-season surgeries? We're just seeing him return to where he was last year before he got injured, and that's a consistent high teens scoring, low teens rebounding, and a long defensive presence to boot. This guy plays through pain, he never complains, he doesn't get into ridiculous ego contests with Kobe, he can literally guard every position on the floor, he sucks up rebounds like they're made of cocaine-covered ecstacy... can we PLEASE all agree that he belongs on this team and stop suggesting that he be shipped out because OTHER PLAYERS TRIPPED OVER HIS FEET?!!?!?!?
OK, if we can just agree on those three things, I will be a much happier camper - as will, I suspect, many true Laker fans who read and participate in this blog.
Let Love Rule!
Posted by: SBPimp | January 22, 2008 at 12:35 AM
Phil really earned his money tonight. Running the offense through Kobe in the post was a brilliant game plan. Denver had no choice but to collapse on him. But he is such a great passer that he really made them pay for the double and triple teams. I expect to see much more of this while Andrew is out. The Spurs will be a tougher test because their guys are more diciplined then Denver but still, if you dont collapse on Kobe in the post he will kill you there to. It should be a good game.
MH
Posted by: michael h | January 22, 2008 at 12:45 AM
good win
Posted by: bill | January 22, 2008 at 12:47 AM
Nice bounce back game from Kwame. Nice to see Mbenga have an impact on his first of 10 days.
Posted by: joedub | January 22, 2008 at 12:49 AM
What it is.
Posted by: p0s1t1v3 | January 22, 2008 at 01:01 AM
let me add another goods:
Kwame only had two turnovers and both of them came from offensive fouls against Camby...
Pretty great for Kwame who we mostly refer as 1st draft pick with stone hands.
and btw, boy oh boy, i love Kobe more after this game...it shows a lot of his trust and leadership...
Posted by: 1331 | January 22, 2008 at 01:02 AM
AK,
The Bad:
Luke Walton, the guy has no confidence in his shot, 4 pts, 5 rebs, 3 assts and 1 TO in 26 minutes. And his defense is horrendous....
If they would want to win in San Antonio, Luke should increase his aggressiveness.
Posted by: NONZKI | January 22, 2008 at 01:08 AM
Blog it, Mama Kam!
Posted by: Long Time Laker Fan | January 22, 2008 at 01:11 AM
Great win and team effort. Banga was a nice surprise too.
Posted by: Critical Beatdown | January 22, 2008 at 01:22 AM
Great win! Lakers kept their composure even after Denver overtook them for a little while, and proceeded to blow the game open. Let's hope the good team play continues in the Texas two-step coming up.
Posted by: batman | January 22, 2008 at 01:50 AM
Just heard that Jermaine O'Neal plans to sit out the rest of the season to recuperate from injury. Kupchak and the Lakers dodged a bullet there bigtime, considering how strong the clamor was last summer to trade for him in this blog. Even JO was dropping hints of being traded to LA. But then, lucky (?) for all Laker fans, Kupchak doesn't ever read this blog anyway!
Posted by: batman | January 22, 2008 at 01:59 AM
WOOHOOOO!!!! WE WONN!!! WE WONNN!!!!!
What say the Kobe Haters Now? We don't need him ? because he didn't have to shoot 40 times?
Posted by: Gilly | January 22, 2008 at 02:15 AM
Althou, it is odd all these players getting injured :S It sucks !! I mean, next thing u know it's the Lakers Bench warmers versus the other teams benchwarmers.
Hope Carmelo gets well soon too, cuz i loved the competition on top of the west.
NBA, where injuries happen :S
Posted by: Gilly | January 22, 2008 at 02:17 AM
GO LAKERS GO!!!!!!
WHEN BYNUM RETURNS WE WILL BE UNSTOPPABLE!
Posted by: Alexinho17 | January 22, 2008 at 02:48 AM
KOBE FOR MVP! MVP! MVP!
Posted by: Tsiry | January 22, 2008 at 03:57 AM
Well, I guess we could ponder that the Nguggets defense is atrocious and that they lost Carmelo, given that they are as injury prone as the Lakers.
So although it's a good win, it's not THAT signifcant.
But what the heck!.
Hey, we just swept Denver and proved we can still avoid Kobe-ball and play at least .500 until our guys are back from injury.
One gotta be proud of the Lakers right now.
Posted by: Allan | January 22, 2008 at 04:32 AM
AK/BK
WIth the win, I believe we may be tied with PHX for the best record in the West. Since the rules do not allow D'Antoni to coach the All-Star game two years in a row, does this mean that Phil JAckson will most likely be tapped to coach the squad?
Also does that increase the chance of another Laker (Odom) on the team?
Posted by: Adam | January 22, 2008 at 05:48 AM
AK/BK
WIth the win, I believe we may be tied with PHX for the best record in the West. Since the rules do not allow D'Antoni to coach the All-Star game two years in a row, does this mean that Phil JAckson will most likely be tapped to coach the squad?
Also does that increase the chance of another Laker (Odom) on the team?
Posted by: Adam | January 22, 2008 at 05:49 AM
I will admit I was and still am a little weary of this team w/the injuries,but I am impressed w/the resilance they showed, maybe a luke,kwame trade for big ben and sephalophia will help us get that 'chip?!
Posted by: | January 22, 2008 at 05:50 AM
Kwam did what was asked of him. He grabbed 11 boards I saw some hunger on the glass he snatched a couple away from teammates, I hope he keeps that fire on the glass there isn't a guy stronger than him in the league.
He was doing a little swim move past Camby to get a couple offensive boards I hope PJ is in his ear to do that everynight.
If he is active and hungry on the glass like that and can develop a mean streak as an intimidater he would be a top 10 center. He can pass a little an excellent man on man defender and if he rebounds like that he would have atleast got the respect back from his peers.
As far as the Campy and Martin blow-by's I credit that to coming back from injury "THAT' play doesn't happen last year you know he can stick with a guy
Posted by: vizardronin | January 22, 2008 at 06:01 AM
LTLF,
"I'll bet he makes the rookie challenge this year. In fact, I wouldn't be surprised if he's the starting PG for the sophomores."
OK... aaaaannnddd?
You do realize Deron Williams, Chris Paul, Baron Davis, Nash, Iverson, etc. will be holding down the All-Star PG spots for years right? Not to mention Roy will start making them eventually too.
Nothing against Jordan, I like him. But I dont see a All-Star game in him ever.
Glad that he's in the rookie challenge though...
Posted by: Korey | January 22, 2008 at 06:59 AM
Michael T.
I am 100 percent positive that a. God does not care who wins basketball games and that b. He doesn't appreciate you calling his children dumb and stupid...
And being a person that has the name Michael, which means of or like God, you should be more forgiving and less critical of those who do not share the same point of view as you.
And you made that post on MLK day. Way to go! I forgive you though!
Michael aka -MJCMAN32
Posted by: MJCMAN32 | January 22, 2008 at 06:59 AM
Well so far i will take my foot out of my mouth on Lamar and Kawame, they had nice games. Wow did the Fish really step it up, the leader we have been looking for and thanks to your mom the lakers need all the help they can get.
GO LAKERS AND TROJAN BB
Posted by: pk-in-the-mesa | January 22, 2008 at 07:00 AM
Hello,
You forgot to mention Mbenga. Two rebounds and two blocks in what was it, four minutes. Also, I thought Crit played well. He is the only person, other than Koby who can really create his own shot. When the offense is stagnant because of the zone he should definitely be in the game. All in all this game was actually fun to watch. I think it was because of the proficient distribution of the ball by Koby and others.
Go Lakers!
Posted by: Minu | January 22, 2008 at 07:07 AM
AK- Sasha may not be 100 percent but it didnt prevent him from taking 10 shots, so the injury cant be that bad.
I understand the lakers are short handed but Sasha hurts the team more than helps the team and his defense is making Faith go loony.
Fisher and Farmar made 9 of 15 3s, thats how the lakers won. Thats 27 points.
Posted by: Laker Lover | January 22, 2008 at 07:09 AM
Make that 8 shots for the machine
Posted by: Laker Lover | January 22, 2008 at 07:10 AM
AK,
"With the rotation now "Britney Spears' skirt short,""
Remember, it's not the shortness of the rotation, it's what's underneath!!
Posted by: exhelodrvr | January 22, 2008 at 07:20 AM
Last night's game was good. I read the Associated Press line that almost implied that because Anthony goes down, the Lakers win. I'm sure he would've had an influence on the final score, but we were still up by double digits. I don't want to make too much of a win, but I don't want folks taking away from it either.
Posted by: Island_Gamer | January 22, 2008 at 07:26 AM
A few thoughts:
I think we are seeing Kobe revert back to player he was during the championship years. He scores when he needs to and sets the table for the others when that is what the defense is allowing.
Kobe has put his mind back to being a better/more consistent defender.
D. Fish cannot be more valuable to this team. I think he is one of the main reasons Kobe has been playing so well. Kobe has confidence in him and Fish gives the other guys’ confidence as well. Sure the team could be more consistent but even the bad games don't seem as bad this season.
I think Fisher is the guy that has the clout to pull Kobe back in if he strays too far from the team concept. Fisher is just an all around good influence on the team and while he won’t shoot lights out every night, he will be good for a handful of wins that the Lakers might not otherwise get.
Kwame getting booed the other night may have been the best thing to happen. Sure it hurt the Lakers for that game because Kwame being the mental case he is let it get to him. But the way the guys rallied around him, got the ball to him could wind up helping the team in a long run. The Lakers can play well with Kwame – like they did last year but we can’t have Kwame go into a shell and
And finally I wish Mike T. would just shut up with this calling everyone that doesn't agree with him stupid. Seriously Mike - grow up. Just because people don't share your Kwamecentric view of Lakers basketball it doesn't mean they are stupid. We get it Kwame is not 100% like a few other guys on the roster.
Are you a Rhodes scholar? Do you have an off the charts IQ? Did you graduate from an Ivy League school or top tier University? Even if the answer is yes no one cares! Please show a little humility. Stick to facts and logic to argue your case, if the best you can come up with is "You are stupid" go somewhere else and post. The truly great don’t run around telling people how great they are; people TELL THEM how great they are. Your basketball acumen is debatable but I certainly don’t see a lot of posts from bloggers hailing your greatness. Then again according to you we are all too stupid – which would beg the question. Why do you even waste your time with us idiots? Surely by now you realize none of us are smart enough to come to your point of view that Kwame is a basketball god so why not just leave??????
Eagleboy
Posted by: Eagleboy | January 22, 2008 at 07:28 AM
Good win.
But, for once I'd like to say that those who point out that the Lakers are undefeated when Kobe scores < 20 pts. need to refrain from letting the tail wag the dog. They don't win those game BECAUSE Kobe scores < 20. Kobe scores less then 20 BECAUSE they are so handily winning those games already.
That's all I got.
--FearlessWhackJob
Posted by: FearlessWhackJob | January 22, 2008 at 07:35 AM
I bet the tacos were extra tasty last night - that was a scrumptious win.
Kobe is just plain scary when he's in keep 'em guessing mode. His body language seemed to taunt the Nuggets, saying something like, "O, Denver...where's the ball? where's it going?.. Up your @$$, that's where!"
Also, I don't care who you are, it feels good watching Fish drain those high-arcing, momentum-creating J's.
Thanks to Momma K for blogging us to a terrific win.
Posted by: The D | January 22, 2008 at 07:36 AM
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TUESDAY (JANUARY 22, 2008)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TODAY IS – BRING BACK THE REAL KOBE BRYANT DAY.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Force is Iin balance as it should be. To all the wonderful fans who attended the game and
gave Kwame an ovation, I say Kudos to you. McGarnagle and others may have started something
and we may get that potential that everyone has been waiting for Kwame to reveal yet. Any time we can
defeat the Denver Nuggets handily and Kobe only takes 7 shots then surely this is our year.
ROLL CALL
(1) FAITH, MIKE T. TALIQ, Edwin Gueco ,, KEIFO, Wolf, Q WUOR, CLEON,
EASTCOASTJESSIE, MAMBA24Fan4Life, Fan of MAMBA, WhiteMAMBA24, Hmrhed
BlackMAMBA24, Afro_Joe, LAKERTRUTH, Kiwi, Wow, Peace, JCooL, David Whang,
AdamKiley, LakersryDeordie, ANGRYLAKER, TSIRY, ELLE, TIM-4-SHOW, tha_ SHOW,
TheLakeShow, WESJOENIXON, BAYWOOD, SBPIMP, utzworld THE BANNER HOLDER,
CaliKing, Rick Friedman,Thirty2, EXHELODRVR, ) JANAYA,CBUCK, DAXMDD, The D
GENERIC_ONE, TWOODY, JJ, Ajax, MITCHELL., LAKERTOM, Charles, BZAR, JUNO,
NEVER, LakaLover, Bynumite, LakerDogerDieHardInUpStateNY, Chucky.L.Ohnio, The Cat,
Sead94, LeftField, 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, RespectMyAuthorith, Hariyahu,
LAKER_STH, KobeFromManilas, RAY RAY, HOBBITMAGE, BONEZ, SARCOCOP,Staples24,
Bobby, COMPTONS FINEST, MIGUELINHO, MAN, KSANDHER, HYP117, TUKLAW, CDUB0512,
MRBARNEYDANGLES, BENJAMIN, MJCMAN32, PFUNK36, Christopher Lewis, SOCALIFE,
HAL9000, Michael J, Michael H, Michael A., ALEXINH017, VIOLATER, KIKOS_DAD, GINO, FATTY,
LAKERGURL, LEELO, CRITICAL BEATDOWN, BLAZE1BX, SIMONE, PAUL LEE, Jay EL, SocalSpider ,
WEAVE MAN, JON KAVULIC, Tajluck, NEMIA_FALETOGO, Caesar, BERKLEYLAKER, Dice8Up DION,
KARL, CRAIG, MITCHELL, B4HOOPS, RYAN, JR, Dascilla, tellitlikeitis, Nik Kannan, GABE, SEAN P.,
HanSoulFood, HollywoodJack, HAROLD, RICO TICO, DREW, NESTROSSBISTRO, LAKERAHOLIC, LAKOBER, SLO GAL, Linda Pineda, Jay Jay, TaosHum, DEREK, 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, 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, THE LOGO(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 OR CONQUER
Posted by: mAMBA24 | January 22, 2008 at 07:36 AM
Great win, we need it so badly. By some sources, Fish now shooting 46% from 3pt. I don expect him to have 20+ games all time Drew is out, but 15-17 average would be nice to have. We need a lot of people to step up they game under circumstances we have now. It would be nice to get one out of this Texas trip.
Posted by: LAL_Fan | January 22, 2008 at 07:38 AM
Let me address this first before other blogger start blogging about it and start to piss me off.
There are people that are going to start saying things like "why doesn't Kobe play like this all the time" or "if kobe was playing like this all the time, then we would be a much better team" and etc.
People KOBE will always pass the ball if guys are making shot!!! And I am sorry to say this because I am a die hard laker fan, but there is no way that any team can be prolific as we were last night from the arc. 11-25 (44%), that being said I believe that we should do away with the doom and gloom, we have Kobe, Lamar and Fish, if Kobe is worth his salt ( I believe he is) then the lakers will be much better than the pundits believe. I mean come on, we played horrible vs phoenix and they beat us by 8 in a game we had if Diaw didn't hit that jumper to put the lead back to 6. I see the lakers going 13-7 or 14-6 in a twenty game span (already 2-1).
Thanks for your time,
P.S we spend so much time pretending to be sports analyst that i believe we miss the excitement of the game.
THE GAME LAST NIGHT ROCKED !!!!!!!!!!!!
GO LAKERS!!!!
Posted by: purplehaemoglobin | January 22, 2008 at 07:49 AM
Let me address this first before other blogger start blogging about it and start to piss me off.
There are people that are going to start saying things like "why doesn't Kobe play like this all the time" or "if kobe was playing like this all the time, then we would be a much better team" and etc.
People KOBE will always pass the ball if guys are making shot!!! And I am sorry to say this because I am a die hard laker fan, but there is no way that any team can be prolific as we were last night from the arc. 11-25 (44%), that being said I believe that we should do away with the doom and gloom, we have Kobe, Lamar and Fish, if Kobe is worth his salt ( I believe he is) then the lakers will be much better than the pundits believe. I mean come on, we played horrible vs phoenix and they beat us by 8 in a game we had if Diaw didn't hit that jumper to put the lead back to 6. I see the lakers going 13-7 or 14-6 in a twenty game span (already 2-1).
Thanks for your time,
P.S we spend so much time pretending to be sports analyst that i believe we miss the excitement of the game.
THE GAME LAST NIGHT ROCKED !!!!!!!!!!!!
GO LAKERS!!!!
Posted by: purplehaemoglobin | January 22, 2008 at 07:50 AM
(I'm not going to say anything about the whole Mom thing.)
Well, it seems that Kobe has learned the Nefarious Foot of Lamar technique and wisely decided to use it against the enemy instead of his own teammates.
Good thinkin' Kobe! Way to keep your eye on the prize!
NO MVP! NO PEACE!
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | January 22, 2008 at 07:51 AM
Well, K Brothers.... it is nice to see that you love your mother. We all should, I suppose.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | January 22, 2008 at 07:54 AM
I'm so proud of KOBE and the way he played.
He cut down on the three pointers and played like MAGIC JOHNSON which is what this team needs right now while short handed.
That was a sensational and mature performance by KOBE.
Awesome, the stuff of greatness!!!
Posted by: Lakerbake | January 22, 2008 at 08:05 AM
NOW THAT WAS FUN TO WATCH!!
I like being entertained like that. A few points that stood out to me.
1) Kobe was incredible. Dominated the game without taking many shots. One of the better games I've seen Kobe play.
2) I applaud Kwame Brown's effort. In the third when Camby and the Nuggets went on a bit of run you could see that Kwame had run out of gas. That's obviously to be expected with a still busted ankle and not in game shape. It was nice that he ran out of gas due to being very active when he was on the court. We're not asking for Wilt Chamberlin, just effort and energy from #54.
3) Lamar Odom continues his aggressiveness and that's going to be a very games in the W column for the Lakers when the dust settles. He needs to focus a bit more on finishing at the rim, but if he keeps up the aggressiveness, I could care less.
4) I thought PJ coached a very good game, using timeouts at good times and experimenting with line-ups and rotations to get whatever he could out of this depleted line-up.
All around a fun game to watch and another statement game by these Lakers.
Posted by: Andrew Z | January 22, 2008 at 08:07 AM
By the way, Laker Nation, I'm really glad that Kwame Brown was cheered at introductions to the game. Made me proud to be a Lakers fan again.
Very good.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | January 22, 2008 at 08:08 AM
Fearless Whack Job,
"That's all I got. --FearlessWhackJob"
And all you got is just what we needed. Thanks
Posted by: mamba24 | January 22, 2008 at 08:11 AM
Man, that was a beautiful, beautiful, beautiful game.
Not only that, but I am now first place in my fantasy league~!!!!
What a beautiful game. If we play like this everyday we win everything.
GO LAKERS!!!
oh and finally Lamar showing something out there!!!!
Posted by: David Whang | January 22, 2008 at 08:12 AM
coming up for the lakers...16 of their next 22 games on the road
lakers will go 13-9
heard it here first
Posted by: mike | January 22, 2008 at 08:12 AM
Michael T.
"I am 100 percent positive that...God does not care who wins basketball games"
Posted by: MJCMAN32 | January 22, 2008 at 06:59 AM
I'm not so sure buddy. If Satan really is a Celtics fan...then, well, there you have it.
Wes
Posted by: | January 22, 2008 at 08:15 AM
Jon K you've done it again!
NO MVP! NO PEACE! NO MVP! NO PEACE! NO MVP! NO PEACE!
NO MVP! NO PEACE! NO MVP! NO PEACE! NO MVP! NO PEACE!
NO MVP! NO PEACE! NO MVP! NO PEACE! NO MVP! NO PEACE!
NO MVP! NO PEACE! NO MVP! NO PEACE! NO MVP! NO PEACE!
Posted by: mamba24 | January 22, 2008 at 08:17 AM
Jon K.,
"Well, it seems that Kobe has learned the Nefarious Foot of Lamar technique and wisely decided to use it against the enemy instead of his own teammates"
Haha.. man I almost woke up the gf cracking up to that joke... very very funny....
MAN IM SO HAPPY GO LAKERS!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: David Whang | January 22, 2008 at 08:22 AM
AK,
DFish has helped the Lakers and his absence has hurt Utah. Don't think the Jazz would have waived him if they knew the impact of their action.
Sam Smith of Chicago Tribune says Lakers should trade Kwame Brown and Vlade Rad for Ben Wallace. That's a hoot! Wallace is owed $29 mil after this season and can't score or shoot free throws better than Kwame. In addition, Vlade provides size AND outside shooting.
Trading Caron Bulter was a good trade because the Lakers needed size in the middle. Kwame gives them that.
Folks need to lay off Kwame.
Optimistic about beating the Spurs & Mavs.
Can't afford anymore injuries though.
Bet Mitch is receiving offers for Farmar & Sasha ...
Zakee is the man with insightful and thoughtful posts.
Posted by: Todd | January 22, 2008 at 08:22 AM
Eagleboy,
Love your post, man. I think part of the reason Mike T not going anywhere but this blog, very simple one - no other blogs like this one, with all the fans around the world and only other option for him just create his own and start post over there, I'm just wondering, how many "smart" people going to read it.
Posted by: LAL_Fan | January 22, 2008 at 08:42 AM
Early on during a moment of relative quietness, a male fan's baritone voice resonated throughout the Staples Center sellout crowd of 18,997.
"I love you Kwame," he yelled.
I BET THAT WAS MIKE T :)
Posted by: Gilly | January 22, 2008 at 08:44 AM