Good morning !

I hate to say it but the injury to luke may be a blessing, giving more time to Sasha and Vlade who can actually knock down shots and aren't afraid to shoot. PJ can stop obsessing on mini-Walton. Kobe at SF is out rebounding Walton, is a better passer, and of course a better scorer by a long shot. We really need AB and Ariza back but maybe this injury will alter the rotations to get the real contributors ready for the playoffs.

thanks for the magic johnson interview with eric pincus.

i've always respected and looked for magic's opinion on the lakers.

Stranger in the Night's Worst Nightmare,

I can assure you that despite your obvious bias against King Kwame, King Kwame is indeed a great post player and easily this best post player on our team. I don't blame you for being fooled by the FOOL'S GOLD MASTER Andrew Bynum. But Young Andrew is weak. You can see by staring at his legs for a long long time and watching his every move and only focusing on his long legs during the game. He has no leg strength, which was why is completely fell apart last season after the all start break.

But who was bringing it every night last year? That's right King Kwame. King Kwame was killing the Suns the last two years in the playoffs and the only reason we didn't win is because Phil Jackson don't like minorities and wouldn't play King Kwame enough.

I know this stuff because I have been studying this for many many years. King Kwame closes the lane, making it all but impossible for guards to penetrate. That has a profound impact on our team's success, which is why the Lakers are like 30 games over .500 over the last 2 years when King Kwame is starting and getting big minutes.

Young Andrew may get a lot of stats, but I know basketball and true basketball fans will understand that King Kwame is the best post player on our team.

Young Andrew's day will come. I predict he will be a good center in the future, but not now and not for the next few years. It will take time for his young legs to develop.

Defense wins championships and King Kwame is 100 times the defender of Young Andrew. Plus Drew clearly has great chemistry with the second unit. Why would we want to mess up that chemistry by forcing Drew to play more minutes than his Young legs can handle?

Fact is, Lakers fans hate on King Kwame because they are jealous and how good he is.

I have studied all this for many many years. I have watched King Kwame's Kalves develop over the last several years into trobbing fast twitch muscle genius.

You will see, I am working very hard on a study that I am going to publish on this very website in 106 weeks. I am also having talks with a publisher to have my study in print and sold across the nation. This study will rock Lakerland to its core and possibly get Phil Jackson fired.

I don't want to give away all the points of my studied until it is published so I will close for now.

I have only one thing to say about Stranger in the Night's Worst Nightmare's posts:

SHUT UP!

Faith may have been cheering him on longer here on the blog, but as the
guy who started the Sasha Vujacic Breakout Bandwagon, I really enjoyed
last night's game. You watch, if Luke plays limited minutes on the road
trip, The Machine will pick up the slack, and you can bet your bottom Tolar
that he won't be reluctant to shoot, like Luke has been lately.

Faith! It's like our little boy's all growed up. ;-)

Why stop at Kidd? Lets get Jersey to throw Vince and Jefferson in there as well.

I can only assume that Stranger in the Night is Kwame's father. His mom named the happy little accident "Kwame" derived from the French "pour qui mois?" which means, "Why me?"

"[krchchchc] Search your feeelings, Kwame [krchchchc] you know it to be true..."

4-5 on this road trip.

The road trip is crucial in building mental toughness for this team which will pay huge dividens during the playoffs.

GO LAKERS!

Stranger in the Night,

Can you please send me an excerpt of your studies? I don't know if I can wait 106 weeks.

Nice game Kwame!
Kwame, LO, and Sasha played very well last night.

Hopefully they can carry this over to Detroit.
The problem with these guys is that every once in a while they have a breakout game and really contribute.

I hope that Kwame has a great game against an elite team for once. I mean really step up to the challenge and be a beast against Detroit.

That would improve his trade value greatly and we can finally get something back for putting up with his inconsitent, injured, not in shape a$$ for three years!

HawaiiD,

Great Post!

HappyDaze,

"Stay hot, Sasha; just relax and concentrate on the boards and making layups, Kwame."

Thats right! Have a great day bloggers! Peace!

i am assuming stranger in the night is a parody of Mike T....or perhaps Mike T. himself. Some dumb idiots have infiltrated this blog and sending it sinking.

Anyhow, back to the Jason Kidd scenario what did you guys think of the possible scenario I brought up yesterday?

Bulls get: Kidd, Kristic
Nets get: Lamar, Ben Wallace
Lakers get: Nocioni, Sefelosha

It works for all the teams. Kidd gets paired with Heinrich for a solid backcourt (Kirk is really a SG on offense since hes not the assist type and he defends the SG anyways). Plus Kristic gives them a few points down low. Nets get Lamar for the PF slot who can help run their offense and fits in as the 3rd wheel which he likes. Plus they get Wallace who can play just enough D to make that team better.

And the Lakers get Nocioni and Sefelosha which is solid. Nocioni is the kind of scorer we need when Kobe gets a rest, plus he's a tough guy.Sefelosha is another Ariza type who can play a couple of positions and play some D.

I know it seems like a long-shot, buts it the kind of deal that can happen when a Jason Kidd gets traded. Keep in mind that only a couple of teams have a legit shot at Kidd. Its because there are two qualifiers..1) that he wants to play there to play for the playoffs and 2) can handle his salary. A team like the Hawks wont happen sorry Atlanta, because Kidd wouldnt go to Atlanta lose in the first round of the playoffs. Hes thinking championship caliber.

I seriously am all over Kidd to the Bulls beacuse hes a big missing piece. Yeah they need an inside scorer, but that offense is plain stagnant, all they do is shoot jump shots. If they actually ran an Offense that was smooth, they get more than enough points. The Bulls would have to make it work so they have to get someone to take wallace. The Nets would take Wallace IF they got another good player to compliment RJ and VC. Who's better than Lamar Odom?

Dont be suprised if that happens. I had trade scenarios involving Ray Allen and Jason Richardson a couple of days before the draft, before any of you had an inkling that it was a possibility and guess what happened.

Also Id like to point out that while I think Kidd is great, Im not getting rid of Farmar or Crittenton to get him. A promising young point guard is not that much worse than an aging star PG. I rather bank on the idea that both end up so good that we trade one of them for a PF. See its not smart to only have one promising young PG, when thats one of the most sought positions. Crittenton or Farmar is worth Emeka Okafor, Charlie Villanueva, Wilcox, etc in a trade right now.

Kwame is servicable... resign him for 4 million... he is a big body and although he doesn't block shots, catch passes well, and is a brick around the basket (as is Lamar) he does keep the opposing center's big man away from the basket (even better than Bynum). Mike T (stranger in the night) is very accurate about this.
We must keep Lamar also, though not worth of his salary, he's a jack of all trades, though a master of none. As time passes and his shot comes around he will be a formidable presence come playoff time similar to the way Robert Hory use to pick it up. I'm not saying he's "Big Shot Lamar" but if he can stay healthy for once we will see his true value to the team.
I am still not sold on Farmar, he his a defensive liability and is not a true point guard, he will never be a Nash or a Paul who make up for their defense with offense production. Besides, Crit will be the man and he can be the man sooner if Phil doctor plays him mor, plus he ought to play Coby more, he is the purest outside shooter on the team.
Kobe's near triple double last night is not represenative of what will happen against the tougher teams, his game was similar to the Denver game, these teams play no defense. if Kobe tries to play that way against the defensive minded teams look for another 9 turnover game as he had against, who was it ... Cleveland SanAntonio? then who are you going to rely on Fish Farmar?
Our needs are at point guard and replacing Mr. Predictable Puke. Who was it on this blog that said it was time for him to have an injury? Nice Call, like death and taxes.
Since most of you don't want Kidd, we still need to find a point guard.
Some of you might say the Triangle doesn't really utilize a true point guard, okay, just give me someone who can dribble and make good passes with no turnovers. Too many times does Farmar just want to jack up the three point shot, and then when he tries to penetrate he gets sandwiched in the paint and turns it over, this is not college, unless your Kobe DWade or LBJ who can get a shot off after driving, its best you don't, especially in the Triangle offense. Now if we used more pick and rolls ala SA for Tony Parker and NO for Chris Paul I'd say go ahead but Farmar is never going to be quite that fast to pull off that drive to the basket on a consistent basis.

IN A NUTSHELL
Keep Kwame
Keep Lamar
Bench or trade Luke
Look for a true point guard
Play Crit and Coby more

Jon K.

I hope it is 5-4. But 2 back to backs? uh! Hope your well man! Holla when your in LA and checkout some of the Arnis - Eskrima groups out here!

Peace!

>>>I would trade some combination Farmar (albeit reluctantly), Walton,
>>>Kwame, and V-Rad for Kidd. I think we would have to throw in Farmar
>>>because the Nets would definitely want a good young PG in return.

Actually, I think they'd be just as happy with Crittenton as they would with
Farmar, and if they trade for Kidd, the Lakers would be better off with Farmar
than Crittenton. (I can hear the screams of "remember Bynum?" from the
Critter lovers now).

For starters, Farmar is extremely productive right now. His shooting has been
stellar, and he's also a very capable distributor, as he showed last night with
9 dimes and no turnovers. Crittenton shows little flashes of brillance when
he gets on the floor, but this season he has yet to play well when he's been
in during crucial minutes of a big game.

But another thing - Kidd is a tall, strong PG, who is losing a step of speed
by this point. Thus he's good at guarding taller PG's, but not so good at
guarding short quick PGs. That's where Farmar comes in (not to mention
Sasha). Farmar and Sasha are not bad at chasing around the smaller
faster PG's. That's why Fish wasn't in the game in the fourth quarters
against Dallas or New York -- because he isn't as good at chasing little water
bugs like Devin Harris or Nate Robinson around the court. Farmar and
Sasha don't completely shut them down, but they're not bad on them.

Including Farmar in the trade for Kidd would be a mistake. But LO plus Brown/Mihm/Crit or any combination thereof would be good. Doesn't sound like it's gonna happen though. Truth is, once Andrew's back, who needs Kidd and his $20 mil salary?

Long Time Laker Fan - one of the differences between the lakers and the likes of the Spurs Dallas Pistons is those teams are coasting at times during the season whereas this laker team is fighting for wins every night. Those elite teams know what it takes to win in the post-season and are veteran teams. So all wins and losses in the regular season are not created equal.

The Spurs are shutting down Tony Parker for awhile so he can be ready for the playoffs. The Lakers dont have that luxury with this team.

Lastly isnt it ironic that the lakers who are at times called a "young team" have so many injuries year after year.

Laker Lover,

I don't think it was so much 35 points or the defense...so much as we stopped turning the ball over. When you turn the ball over so much it gives them easy transition baskets...which as we saw in the previous 3 quarters, killed.

I think Sasha's defense wasn't so much he locked down Crawford (all props to him by the way), but that Crawford and his teammates (not to mention Isiah) didn't recognize that Sasha was overplaying him the whole game. He was stuck to his hip...if I was Crawford, I'd have faked, gotten a lot of calls on Sasha, and called on for more high picks.

Still Sasha did indeed play well. If for nothing else he saved us from a headache brigade headache for one night lol.

lol LTLF...you did indeed start it. You, greek dude and I are proud fans today. Sasha's just a different player this year (like most of us hoped).

Laker Nation – The Machine saved us from the ultimate embarrassment yesterday!!

1. Unfortunately, I agree with Tha Show, I see 3-6 as well. Back to backs are a bear when the team is one walking bruise. Also role players play smaller and slower on the road.

2. J-Kidd is not happening per PJ in the LA Times. Also see Hoopshype, he's close to joinning Clipper Darrell.

3. Any legs to Ben Wallace rumors??

YOU EVER NOTICE,

>>>I am still not sold on Farmar, he his a defensive liability and is not a true
>>>point guard, he will never be a Nash or a Paul who make up for their
>>>defense with offense production.

Huh?

First of all, you must realize that Farmar was on the floor in the fourth last
night BECAUSE he is better at defending small fast guards than Fish is.
He's not a lock down defender, but he's reasonably good. I would say that
BOTH Farmar and Sasha are WAY WAY better defenders than Steve
Nash.

And Chris Paul is actually a very good defender.

I know you've got a burr in your knickers that Crittenton isn't starting for
the Lakers, but so far Critter has been more flash than substance.
He makes a spectactular twisting, behind the back, juke and jive move
to the hoop and then bricks a layup or does a behind-the-back pass to the
other team. Farmar is more plain in his style, but he has an assist to
turnover ratio of about 2.

Right now, Farmar is like hearty soup and bread. Nothing fancy, but
nourishing. And Crittenton is like a shrimp, spinach, and arugula souffle
that's gone bad. It looks really fancy, but it might make you sick.

Be patient. Crittenton's time will come. And he will shine, or he will fall
flat on his face. I personally think the former, but until he proves it on the
court (as Farmar has), I won't rule out the latter.

AN1,

>>>Stu Jackson, VP of NBA Absurd Rulings and Suspensions has ruled
>>>Sasha Vujacic of the Los Angeles Lakers will be suspended one day
>>>without pay for his blow to the elbow of the Knicks Balkman.

LOL.

Good one, AN1.

At this point I'd rather have Jefferson, but I wouldn't trade Farmar. Critt is expendable as is Kwame, but you still need front court help as in a scorer/rebounder from the forward position. I like the Chicago scenario, but I don't see it. Maybe the nets will choke on their jerkey the way minnesota did in trading Santana. I'm just glad the Heat are toast with shaq, riley, and wade. The nets got a fair offer for kidd last year and tried to screw us, so bunk them too!!

The Lake Show,

One problem with your trade, or maybe more than one, but this is one is glaring - Nets never take Ben Wallace type of contract back. If they shopping Kidd they are ready to basically admit they going to into rebuilding mode. I would not be supprised if next on the trading block will be Carter or Jefferson.

LTLF

>>Right now, Farmar is like hearty soup and bread. Nothing fancy, but
>>nourishing. And Crittenton is like a shrimp, spinach, and arugula souffle
>>that's gone bad. It looks really fancy, but it might make you sick.

Still makes me hungry

Chris Webber signing w/ the Warriors only indicates to me that he really didn't want to play defense as his old Sixers coach O'Brien stated. I think if Webber had any real value left and wasn't a cancer, the Pistons would've wanted him. They clearly were happy w/ their young bigs instead of taking on a washed up prima donna. So, management in my eyes did the right thing by standing pat and getting DJ. I think defense(something that a player can bring every night) is better than an old jump shooting PF.

Go Lakers!