Back to the drawing board
PROGRAMMING NOTE: Be sure to tune into Purple, Gold, and Blue today at 11. We'll be kicking around the Bynum injury, talking about where the Lakers go from here, FAs and potential trades... all with Bethlehem Shoals of Free Darko. Click on the show widget on the side of the page, and feel free to call in!
The Clippers did the Lakers a solid, beating Phoenix last night at Staples to allow the Lakers to maintain their perch high atop the Western Conference. (Ah, the Suns ain't that good anyway, right?) Ask Phil Jackson, though, and he'll tell you that if they'd like to stay there, LAL can't be a one man show as they were Monday night against Seattle. Everyone, from Kobe on down, needs to maintain the mindset of getting involved and staying that way. As it is, the Lakers- or at least some Lakers fans- are trying to suppress feelings of injury induced deja vu as nicks little (Sasha, Vlad) and big (Bynum) start to add up. It's widely suspected that the Lakers will add another body to the mix, to shore up the runway model thin frontcourt. PJ Brown says he's not interested, but Chris Webber is certainly an option (this deja vu thing really has legs).
What they'll be a mover and a shaker at the trade deadline is an open question, as there are good reasons to deal, and bigger limitations that could keep it from happening.
One silver lining to the Bynum injury? It shows how much Kobe believes in this team when he's healthy. There are, though, some lingering questions (and answers) about the injury aftermath.
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* CALM DOWN DOWN DON’T PANIC BANDWAGON *
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(1) AN1 – Owner & Driver
(2) MAMBA24- Riding Shotgun
(3) CHUCKY.L.OHNIO
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* GET WELL SOON BYNUM BANDWAGON *
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(1) ALL LAKER BLOGGERS - Owner
(2) MAMBA24- Driver
(3) KEIFO- Riding Shotgun
(4) tha Show – Security
(5) BYNUM BELIEVER – Chaplain
(6) RICK FRIEDMAN - Enforcer
(7) JEFF – Fan of the Baby BEAST
(8) CHARLES – Peace
(9) HmrHed - All Nails beware
(10) Utworld THE BANNER HOLDER
(11) XODUS –
(12) The CAT
(13) LAL_Fan
(14) Y-UR_Kidding
(13) Chucky.L.Ohnio
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55 WIN BANDWAGON MEMBERS:
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1) LAKERTOM……………………………(21) TALIQ……………………..(41) PURPLE & GOLD
(2) MAMBA24…………………………….(22) SLO GAL………………….(42) THIRTY2
(3) LONG_TIME_LAKER_FAN…………(23) DEREK……………………(43) BLACKMAMBA24
(4) JUNO…………………………………..(24) NIK KANAN….…..……….(44) JUSTIN
(5) GENERIC_ONE………………………(25) BOB………..….……..……(45) OutsiderGua
(6) HOBBITMAGE………………………..(26) FAITH……..…….………....(46) Violater
(7) MARTY………………………….…….(27) LAKERLOVER//….…….....(47) SHAQFAN
((8) DAVID WHANG……………….…….(28) COMPLEX_BROTHA…....(48) Houston Laker
(9) ROKY…..………………………..……(29) ISSANG…………………..(49) JEFF
(10) KEIFO………………………….……(30) WHITE MAMBA24…………(50) JOE DUBB
(11) VIOLATER…………………...……..(31) LAKALOVA………………....(51) utzworld - THE BANNER HOLDER
(12) DICE8UP…………………………......(32) EASTCOASTJESSIE............(52) THE CAT
(13) HUBBIT………………………….….(33) Q WUOR…………………...(53) CHUCKY.L.OHNIO
(14) BD…………………………………...(34) LAKERAHOLIC……………(54) HUEY
(15) JONNIN IN JAPAN………………..(35) TSIRY………………………..(55) CBUCK
(16) ALEXINHO17……………………..(36) DREW
(17) TWOODY………………………….(37) Nestro’s Bistro
(18) KIWI………………………………..(38) BLAZE1BX
(19) FEARLESS WHACK JOB……….(39) BZAR
(20) DAN DAN THE LAKER FAN…....(40) CHRIS H.
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Members at heart
(54) Bob……………… (56) Faith…………. (57) LakerLover… (58) ComplexBrother
59) Issang
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READY TO JUMP ON THE BANDWAGON BUT:
(60) RICK FRIEDMAN - NEEDS APOLOGIES FROM KOBE, FO AND ALL CONCERNED
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* 60 WIN BANDWAGON
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(1) LAKERAHOLIC – OWNER AND DRIVER
(2) BOB
(3) MAMBA24
(4) WHITE MAMBA24
(5) JOE
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THERES A NEW SHERIFF IN THE WEST AND ITS
THE FREAKIN LA. LAKERS BANDWAGON
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(1) MARK JACKSON – OWNER AND DRIVER
(2) JEFF VAN GUNDY
(3) BILL WALTON
(4) MAMBA24
(5) JANAYA - RIDING SHOTGUN
(6) JON K.
(7) IVI8KRS
(8) JOE DUBB
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MITCH KUPCHAK EXECUTIVE OF THE YEAR BANDWAGON
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(1) MAMBA24 – OWNER AND DRIVER
(2) JANAYA
(3) JON K. - RIDING SHOTGUN
(4) JOE DUBB
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MITCH KUPCHAK I OWE YOU AN APOLOGY BANDWAGON
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(1) MAMBA24 – OWNER AND DRIVER
(2) Tha SHOW – RIDING SHOTGUN
(3) JANAYA
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DAVID STERN IF KOBE BRYANT DOES NOT WIN THE
MVP THIS YEAR SOMEBODY IS GOING TO JAIL BANDWAGON
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(1) NIK KANNAN - OWNER AND DRIVER……….(14) TSPHERE
(2) MAMBA24………………………………………..(15) LARRY
(3) VIOLATER……………………………………….(16) CBUCK
(4) OUTSIDERGUA………………………………...(17) EAST COAST JESSIE
(5) LAKERTRUTH - RIDING SHOTGUN………...(18) WHITEMAMBA24
(6) ALEXINH017…………………………………....(19) BLACKMAMBA24
(7) DREREK…………………………………………(20) TSIRY
(8) SHAQFAN……………………………………….(21) CHUCK.L.OHNIO
(9) JANAYA.
(10) JON K.
(11) IVI8KRS
(12) JOE DUBB
(13) FEARLESS WHACK JOB - SECURITY
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ANDREW BYNUM MOST IMPROVED PLAYER IN THE NBA
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(1) LAKER FAZE OWNER AND DRIVER……….………(8) DEREK
(2) RDLEE - DING SHOTGUN………………..….……....(9) BENNY BLANCO
(3) VIOLATER…………………………………….………..(10) BD
(4) RICO TICO………………………………………….….(11) JANAYA
(5) MAMBA24………………………………………………(12) IVI8KRS
(6) LAKER TOM……………………………………………(13) JOE DUBB
(7) JON KAVULIC………………………………………….(14) FEARLESS WHACK JOB
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(1) FEARLESS WHACK JOB – OWNER AND DRIVER
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*VLAD RAD BREAKOUT BANDWAGON/ I REMEMBER WHY WE CREATED IT!
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(1) VIOLATER – OWNER AND DRIVER...(4) RICO TICO…………..(7) DREW
(2) MAMBA24……………………………….(5) KEIFO
(3) SIXONEZERO…………………………..(6) JANAYA
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BENCHMOB BANDWAGON CLUB
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(1) NESTRO’S BISTRO – OWNER AND DRIVER
(2) XODUS – RIDING SHOTGUN
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* SIGN CHRIS WEBBER BANDWAGON *
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(1) THE CAT – OWNER AND DRIVER
(2) MAMBA24 – Will assist Webber with his crutches
Posted by: Mamba24 | January 17, 2008 at 08:17 AM
Hey y'all, I read this story this morning on Hoopsworld...
Webber's New Home? The Los Angeles Lakers were rocked by the knee injury to Andrew Bynum. While eight weeks sounds like a long time, the franchise is just happy the damage was not nearly as serious as it could have been.
The timeline for Bynum's recovery is padded to make sure Bynum is completely sound before returning. Don't be surprised if he's not itching to get back on the court in five weeks or so.
In Bynum's absence the Lakers appear close to signing free agent Chris Webber.
Word is that the Lakers have reached out and a source close to the situation says that Webber has responded positively. While he still is going through the motions of courtship, there's a good chance he ends up a Laker in the coming week.
Webber had a long list of teams that he was supposedly in negotiation with but the Detroit Pistons and Orlando Magic have both publicly made indications that he's not a consideration. Apparently Webber would rather play for a contender in LA than a team like the Miami HEAT who are no longer an attractive option considering their record.
With word breaking that Vladimir Radmanovic may be out a couple more weeks (ankle), the Lakers certainly need the help. Webber can play either power forward or center. LA only has 14 on the roster so waiving a player is not an issue.
While the Lakers are still awaiting Webber's decision - it looks like it's just a matter of time before he joins the squad.
The Lakers have also contacted PJ Brown - who fits the defensive mindset the team has forged this season - but he's still holding out to see what the Chicago Bulls do at the deadline. Brown could end up prospering from a sign-and-trade for a lot more should the Bulls actually trigger something big. Whether they do or don't is immaterial - it's in Brown's best interest to wait before accepting the league minimum the Lakers have to offer.
Posted by: FredJ | January 17, 2008 at 08:19 AM
"I'll probably have to shoot the ball, be a little bit more aggressive on offense and pick up the scoring," he said.
really lamar? ya think?
this dude is as slow as a snail...wow...
Posted by: tha show | January 17, 2008 at 08:21 AM
Laker Lover.."LTLF- When Kobe starts averaging 44 shots a game, then I'll join
you in the complaints. When it happens every once in awhile, I'm fine with that.
In fact, I'd be happy to see another 81 point game. I would be entertained by that."
I couldn't have said it better myself. Thanks for saying it for me. LOL.
LOCKNLOAD..."Suck the Funs!! GO LAKERS!!"
I see we are getting ready for game night.
BRONXLAKERFAN..." SUCK THE FUNS!!!!! GO LAKERS....ICK THEIR KASSES!!!!"
Now THAT's WHAT I'M TALKING ABOUT
Dice8Up..."WHY CAN'T WE JUST ENJOY WHAT IS PLACED BEFORE US? WHY?"
I ask the same thing all the time Dice. But don't go away, stay and help to keep
the Force on the positive side.
Posted by: Mamba24 | January 17, 2008 at 08:28 AM
tha Show,
"this dude is as slow as a snail...wow..."
LOL! Give them hell show, give them hell.
Chris Webber to Miami FU. LOL I love it!
Posted by: Mamba24 | January 17, 2008 at 08:32 AM
I'm not a big Webber guy, but if he's gonna be a Laker, I suppose he could help off the bench for about 15-20 minutes a game.
Just don't EVER have him out on the court during crunch time.
Posted by: Rocky | January 17, 2008 at 08:38 AM
Laker Lover,
re: what PJ does and doesn't believe in. I seem to recall a game during the 05-06
season where Phil wanted to take Kobe out and Tex Winters said "You can't".
Wasn't that the sick game in San Antonio or maybe it was the 81 pt game.
The point I'm trying to make is that the focus on this entire thing is SCREWY! Kobe is
trying to win a championship! We all agree with this. Kobe has played "team ball"
his entire life! History actually verifies this. He has compensated for the deficiencies
in his team for 2 out of 12 seasons. Harping on "Team Ball vs. Kobe Ball" is
absolutely LUDICROUS! It is especially ridiculous against the backdrop of the
5 game losing streaks, and the 6 game losing streak of last year when Kobe was
playing TEAM BALL.
In order to have an AVERAGE of 44 shots a game, he has to do it more than once. It's
been ONE stinkin' game!!!! The worst part about it is that y'all want the Lakers to lose
to a team that has one of the worst records in the NBA so that the Lakers play
"TEAM BALL" on the hopes that his teammates will get it. Your understanding of how
teams become champions doesn't seem to match history. Championships are won
by doing WHATEVER it takes WHENEVER it takes to get the win. One person
can't do it all, but one person can make a difference. Kobe was that person in
Seattle and the Lakers are in 1st place because of him. Woo-Hoo!
ps.
Adir made a point about how many Finals MVP have taken 44 shots. That's a straw
argument. To translate, that's pathetically weak. Here's the reverse argument: How
many stars/superstars have taken 44 shots and lost? Has T-Mac taken 44 shots?
LeBron? KG? Vince? Nash? Novitsky? Dominique? Ok .... How many championships
have these people won?
Posted by: hobbitmage | January 17, 2008 at 08:42 AM
In Bynum's absence the Lakers appear close to signing free agent Chris Webber.
Posted by: PhxLkrFan | January 17, 2008 at 08:43 AM
Mamba, Put me ont the Get well and the sign C Webb wagons. Thought I asked last night?
Posted by: PhxLkrFan | January 17, 2008 at 08:48 AM
hobbitmage - lets see how it plays out the next 8 weeks against quality opponents and on the road.
Like I said I dont see booster boy saying Kobe shooting often( and mostly outside) is the game plan or a good idea. Dont forget if Durant makes a 18 footer the Lakers lose, or he even shoots a decent % instead of 6-26 the lakers lose.
Posted by: Laker Lover | January 17, 2008 at 08:49 AM
Edwin Gueco,
My perspective isn't AS pessimistic, (remember, we used to have A LOT of TROLLS on this blog early on, as well as people who thought it was hilarious to impersonate and attempt to embarrass other bloggers), but, yeah, I think we haven't improved on our third year.
I do miss some of those early bloggers and their insights. I learned a hell of a lot from JJ and Roland Lazenby.
I think the K Brothers could be helpful by asking the group more questions for the purpose of provoking discussion and observation. I love their writing style, but I think they've been reporting and collecting daily articles a bit to much.
The K Brothers interviews are always great. More of those could help.
Outside of that, maybe a bit more blog self-policing.
When people throw out just plain stupid trades options or angrily, obsessing on how Michael Teniente is an idiot, I think people should reprimand them.
I used to be A LOT more aggressive in calling people out. I've cooled down because I think I crossed the line a few too many times, but maybe I should start to lay the hammer down ever now and again.
I also owe the blog two Bio-Chrono readings for Trevor Ariza and Javaris Critterion. Those are always fun and, even if half the blog thinks it's pure lunacy, it is accurate.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | January 17, 2008 at 08:49 AM
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* GET WELL SOON BYNUM BANDWAGON *
---------------------------------------------------------------
(1) ALL LAKER BLOGGERS - Owner
(2) MAMBA24- Driver
(3) KEIFO- Riding Shotgun
(4) tha Show – Security
(5) BYNUM BELIEVER – Chaplain
(6) RICK FRIEDMAN - Enforcer
(7) JEFF – Fan of the Baby BEAST
(8) CHARLES – Peace
(9) HmrHed - All Nails beware
(10) Utworld THE BANNER HOLDER
(11) XODUS –
(12) The CAT
(13) LAL_Fan
(14) Y-UR_Kidding
(13) Chucky.L.Ohnio
(14) PhxLkrFan - A Real Fan
Posted by: Mamba24 | January 17, 2008 at 09:05 AM
Jon, K,
"even if half the blog thinks it's pure lunacy, it is accurate."
Accurate lunacy, I love it! LOL!
Posted by: Mamba24 | January 17, 2008 at 09:18 AM
In Kwame we trust!
I think we actually may be OK...this is basically an improved version of the team that took the Suns to seven games in the playoffs two years ago, but this version has much better point guard play and a higher caliber bench.
Just like we can't win by playing Kobe-ball all season, we haven't been winning by playing Bynum-ball, either. 60 wins, here we come.
Maybe Kwame and Odom could both get some time in with Kareem while Bynum is out?
Go Lakers :)
Happydaze
Posted by: Happydaze | January 17, 2008 at 09:45 AM
Laker Lover,
>>>you may be entertained by that by PJ isnt and he is the coach. PJ believes in team
>>>basketball, not making the game entertaining for Kobe loving fans.
I disagree. Kobe scored 81 in a close game. The team was down 14 points at halftime, and
pretty much everyone but Kobe was bricking - look at the stats - Kwame 1 for 5, Lamar 1 for 7,
Smush 5 for 11, Devean George 1 for 5. It was a bricklayers convention.
The start of the third showed two turnovers by Smush, a brick by Lamar, and a brick by
Kwame. Suddenly the Lakers were down 18 points. So Kobe, NOT WANTING TO LOSE,
went into Kobe-ball mode. He scored 27 in the 3rd and 28 in the fourth, to turn an 18 point
deficit into a victory in about a quarter and a half.
Phil Jackson was the coach, so if he didn't like it (as YOU claim), he could have taken
Kobe out at any point and gone back to a team-oriented LOSS.
PJ does believe in team basketball, but even ahead of that he believes in WINNING
basketball. What Kobe did that night turned a loss into a win.
And if Kobe does it again, I WILL BE CHEERING EVERY SHOT. And I'll bet you
Benjamins to bagels that Phil doesn't take him out if it happens.
Posted by: Long Time Laker Fan | January 17, 2008 at 01:18 PM