It's an obscure regulation, but you're apparently not allowed to elbow guys in the jaw
Unfortunately, Renaldo Balkman never read the NBA Rulebook's fine print. As as result, he's getting suspended one game for yesterday's flagrant (literally and basketball-y) shot to Sasha Vujacic's grill. I imagine Slovenia's Favorite Son won't be too unhappy with the decision, having talked with him after the game. Sasha mentioned that his time spent on the floor was in no way an attempt to play things up (accusations he dealt with after the incident where Carmelo Anthony grabbed him around the throat). Having seen the play live, I don't doubt that.
By the way, BK and I both noticed yesterday that not only are Balkman's elbows pointy (meaning that knock Vujacic took had to hurt), but so is the man's whole body. Nose. Face. Knees. Even his braids form into points. Dude may very well be the most angular cat in the entire league.
Anyhoo, justice has been served. On to Detroit.
-AK
Balkman is whack...
Posted by: Charles | January 30, 2008 at 02:28 PM
NYC is taking on Isiah's dirty side defensive philosophy.
Posted by: Charles | January 30, 2008 at 02:29 PM
I was very concerned for Sasha at the time of that play, it looked like it could have been much worse.
Posted by: Amazing_Happens | January 30, 2008 at 02:33 PM
sashaaaa!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
"this is MY year"
-sasha
Posted by: greek dude | January 30, 2008 at 02:38 PM
So he would be a natural for the Lakers offense!!
Posted by: exhelodrvr | January 30, 2008 at 02:38 PM
The ship is sinking! WOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!
Posted by: never | January 30, 2008 at 02:38 PM
he was jut pissy coz his hair isn't as pretty as Sasha's.
It's understandable really.
Posted by: Faith | January 30, 2008 at 02:55 PM
What's funny is, Sasha is the closest thing to an "enforcer" defensively for
the Lakers.
How many times have you seen Lamar or Kwame give a little meek touch
foul to some guy on a fast break that ends up giving them an easy 3 point
play.
Sasha, on the other hand, isn't afraid to take a guy down and MAKE SURE
they don't get the shot up. He did it to Nate Robinson on a fast break last
night and pissed little Nate RIGHT off. He also did it to LeBron the other
night. It wasn't a break, but LeBron got the ball deep in the post, and Sasha
knew he couldn't stop Bronnie from there, so he smacked him hard and
made sure he didn't get the shot off.
I like how Sasha gets under people's skin. This is like the third or fourth
time this season that someone has gotten a technical for lashing out at
the Machine and his tenacious D.
Hopefully, Sasha will get a reputation as a good defender. If that happens,
then he can get away with a lot of the crap that guys like Bowen and Bell
get away with, based on rep.
Posted by: Long Time Laker Fan | January 30, 2008 at 02:56 PM
Sasha, the Enforcer Machine.
Posted by: Amazing_Happens | January 30, 2008 at 03:04 PM
>>>Sasha, the Enforcer Machine.
In his best Ahnold accent: "giv me da ball if you want to liv."
Posted by: Long Time Laker Fan | January 30, 2008 at 03:11 PM
have you guys heard about this mega trade seems about to happen...
http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/news?slug=aw-kiddtrade013008&prov=yhoo&type=lgns
Kidd going to Dallas
Harris going to Porland
Outlaw, Frye, Stackhouse, Jack going to Jersey
Great trade for Dallas if it happens, makes no sense for Portland, but if it happens Dallas will be favorite in west...
Posted by: 10milliondollarzen | January 30, 2008 at 03:12 PM
"What's funny is, Sasha is the closest thing to an "enforcer" defensively for
the Lakers."
I'd like to add DJ Mbenga to that list. He had a very nice take down of Dirk while attempting to block his shot. It warmed my heart to see Dirk discumbobulated and dazed while he was sitting on the floor.
Posted by: AN1 | January 30, 2008 at 03:17 PM
LTLF,
I was just thinking exactly the same thing during the Cavs game when he got Sideshow bob out of the game lol.
Never, the ship isn't sinking so much as the roof is leaking---caving in lol.
Posted by: Faith | January 30, 2008 at 03:17 PM
10milliondollarzen,
>>>have you guys heard about this mega trade seems about to happen...
Yeah, I posted about it on the previous blog. I won't re-hash my whole post,
but if Portland was willing to give up Channing Frye, Travis Outlaw, and
Jarrett Jack just to get Devin Harris, then maybe they'd be interested in a
different young point guard for those three... Jordan Farmar.
I'd hate to give up Farmar, but to add Frye and Outlaw to the front court, I'd
have to consider it. Of course, that doesn't match up salary wise, but with
a few tweaks, I think this was the best variant of a deal I came up with:
Farmar, Ariza, and Mihm for
Jarrett Jack, Channing Frye, Travis Outlaw, and Josh McRoberts.
or if you're reluctant to part with Ariza (even though Outlaw could fill his
spot quite well)...
Farmar and Kwame for
Jarrett Jack, Travis Outlaw, and Joel Przybilla
Posted by: Long Time Laker Fan | January 30, 2008 at 03:23 PM
Justice being served? Remember when Kobe raked Manu across the face last year and missed the Knicks game. Kobe's assault on Manu was a love tap compared to Balkman's elbow. Sure Sasha acts alot to get calls. But I am sure he saw stars when Balkman elbowed him. I am sure it hurt Sasha, but Manu was probably ok and most of the blow I am sure was acted? Manu in reality was just scratched across the face, Sasha could have been concussed.
Posted by: richard | January 30, 2008 at 03:26 PM
Faith - thought that was just some wet clothes left by the maintenance crew dripping water onto the court.
But yes, the analogy is perfect.
Posted by: richard | January 30, 2008 at 03:28 PM
In his best Ahnold accent: "giv me da ball if you want to liv."
Posted by: Long Time Laker Fan | January 30, 2008 at 03:11 PM
hahahaha
Posted by: greek dude | January 30, 2008 at 03:31 PM
10milliondollarzen,
>>> makes no sense for Portland,
You forgot to mention that it's also a great deal for the Nets - give up Kidd and
get Jack, Frye, Outlaw, and cap space for next summer? Nice deal.
I agree that it sounds like Portland is giving up an awful lot, but it does kinda
make sense. Portland has a full 15 players under contract, and not a single
one expires this season. Plus they have the rights to Rudy Fernandez
who they're planning on bringing over from Europe next season. Then
add in the 1 first round and 2 second round picks this summer. That's
at least 17 players that they'd have for 15 spots next season.
So Portland really could use a 2-for-1 or even 3-for-1 trade to open up some
roster spots. It doesn't have to happen until the start of next season, but
if they let it go that long, they may have to waive someone and pay them.
And Portland does have some needs. With Aldridge, Frye, Przybilla and
Oden (not to mention LaFrentz and Josh McRoberts), they're pretty stacked
in the front court. And they have 3 good SF's in Outlaw, Martell Webster,
and James Jones. They have the best young SG in the league in
Brandon Roy.
Their weakest position is PG. They have 3 pretty good players in Jarrett
Jack, Steve Blake, and Sergio Rodriguez, but none of them is great. Jack
is a good defender, but bad shooter. Blake is better offensively but a
defensive liability. Rodriguez is very young and needs a lot more
development, but at times he looks like the most talented of the three.
Devin Harris is good on both ends of the floor, which makes him better than
any of the three Portland PGs.
So if they give up one of their 3 SF's, one of their 3 PG's, and one of their
front court players to get one very good PG, then that might be an overall
improvement for the team. And at the same time, it would free up the two
roster spots needed for Fernandez and their first round pick.
Posted by: Long Time Laker Fan | January 30, 2008 at 03:43 PM
I'd like to give props to Sasha for fouling Balkman back and not shaking his hand when Balkman reached to slap a low five.
You go boy!!!
Posted by: Charles | January 30, 2008 at 03:44 PM
I was hearing the Nets are acutally in talks with the Lakers and they would really like to get a deal done with the Lakers...
The trade would invlove Kwame's expiring contract, Luke Walton, Farmar, and a 2008 1st round pick.....
I think the Lakers will be crazy if they don't consider... I love Farmar, but c'mon your talking about KIDD
Posted by: Gino | January 30, 2008 at 03:49 PM
did I hear Sasha and tenacious D in the same sentence? Sasha is a terrible defender even by Laker standards, which is why 9 rings doesnt play him more.
Robinson was not upset at Sasha he was pissed because he didnt get a clear path foul- two shots and the ball. That should have been the call- Sasha was not making a play on the ball when u watch the replay.
And the elbow was bad but what is Sasha doing in his kitchen when the guy is flailing his elbows around? Funny how pespective works, it that was Kobe some would say Balkman was making space for himself.
Posted by: Laker Lover | January 30, 2008 at 03:53 PM
Turiaf takes the most hard fouls on this laker team. Kwame is softer than melted butter.
Posted by: Laker Lover | January 30, 2008 at 03:55 PM
Keep it up Sasha. Just limit turnovers and poor decisions. You will be fine and the Lakers will be fine.
What Steve Kerr had contributed to the Bulls and the Spurs to help them win championships, Sasha could do better than that.
Sasha can be in the company of Rick Fox and Robert Horry.
GO LAKERS!
GO KOBE!
GO SASHA!
Posted by: RONDIEL | January 30, 2008 at 04:03 PM
Gino,
Whattup man!
"I was hearing the Nets are acutally in talks with the Lakers and they would really like to get a deal done with the Lakers...
The trade would invlove Kwame's expiring contract, Luke Walton, Farmar, and a 2008 1st round pick....."
Where'd you get that info from?
Thanks
Posted by: Charles | January 30, 2008 at 04:06 PM
Sasha is the Steve Kerr of this Lakers team.
Posted by: xtro | January 30, 2008 at 04:09 PM
Long Time Laker Fan....
Yeah, I agree, very good deal for the Nets, who at the end of the day are 19-26 with Kidd.....I just think Outlaw is a really unique player to give up, and Frye is a nice depth player, and Jack as a back up makes Blake/Jack tandem pretty nice non-all star PG team......just a very risky move for a Trailblazers team who has been so consistently promising all season....
Posted by: 10milliondollarzen | January 30, 2008 at 04:10 PM
"Funny how pespective works"
I guess it depends on what color glasses a person wears.
What colors are yours? Orange and purple? Just curious.
Posted by: AN1 | January 30, 2008 at 04:14 PM
AN1 - I wear contacts if that answers your question.
Posted by: Laker Lover | January 30, 2008 at 04:35 PM
Better tell Kobe about this rule. Kobe is a dirty player who constantly elbows players.
Posted by: pearlmay | January 30, 2008 at 04:54 PM
You know, that David Lee had a good game for the Knicks. He needs to grow his hair and keep up the hustle so that he can gain the nickname
"David Lee Rough"
I just hope he keeps the scissor kicks and butt-less pants to a minimum.
Posted by: The D | January 30, 2008 at 05:02 PM
LAKER LOVER
"did I hear Sasha and tenacious D in the same sentence? Sasha is a terrible defender even by Laker standards, which is why 9 rings doesnt play him more."
AND JUST DOWN RIGHT TERRIBLE FOR THE WHOLE TEAM. OFFENSIVELY, IF HE'S NOT HOT WHICH SEEMS TO BE MOST OF THE TIME, HE'S NO BETTER THAN YOUR LOCAL HIGHSCHOOL ATHLETE. IT'S ABOUT TIME TO INCLUDE HIM IN ANY TRADE OFFERS.
BTW, I'M BACK FROM VACATION. I SEE KOBE STILL GETTING OWNED BY KING JAMES. BUT SHOULD HAVE EXPECTED THAT ANYWAY. I HAVE TO AGREE ALOT OF THE LOSSES LATELY HAS BEEN BECAUSE KOBE STOPS RUNNING THE OFFENSE. JUST LOOK AT THE SECOND HALF OF THE SPURS GAME.
BUT THE TEAM IS MUCH BETTER THIS YEAR. I ADMIT THAT. AT LEAST WE KNOW NOW BYNUM IS THE FUTURE AND NO TRADE TALKS WILL EVER INVOLVE HIM NOW!
Posted by: Gunner | January 30, 2008 at 05:07 PM
Laker Lover - Sasha's not even remotely a "terrible defender" . He's been getting under opposing players' skin for the last few seasons, aggravating the likes of Nash and Bibby. There's other reasons he hasn't been getting more playing time. #1 - outside of practice he's a streaky shooter who hasn't always made the best on court decisions - he has a tendency to jack them up quickly which gets on PJ's nerves. #2 - he's being primarily used as Kobe's backup and we all know that there's not a lot of minutes in that. Regardless, there's always been obvious talent there which is the reason they've renewed his contract and kept him around. Get those contacts cleaned.
Posted by: dave m | January 30, 2008 at 05:09 PM
XTRO,
"Sasha is the Steve Kerr of this Lakers team."
YEAH RIGHT! THAT'S AN EMBARRASSING STATEMENT TO STEVE KERR.
STEVE ALWAYS KNOCKED DOWN OPEN SHOTS CONSISTENTLY DAY IN DAY OUT IF HE WAS LEFT WIDE OPEN.
SASHA CAN BE OPEN AND ABOUT 75% OF HIS CAREER GAMES HE HAS BEEN COLD FROM THE OUTSIDE. TIRED OF HEARING ABOUT HIM BEING A GOOD PRACTICE PLAYERS. I KNOW ALOT OF THOSE GUYS. AND ALL THEY ARE DOING IS WATCHING THE GAME ON TV.
Posted by: Gunner | January 30, 2008 at 05:10 PM
Faith, Sasha does have great hair, it's so full of volume, I wonder what he uses to get it so bouncy. Also I'm a bit hurt that I was never added to the Sasha bandwagon, I'm a huge Sasha fan! and finally lol at the Sideshow Bob comment, I knew he reminded me someone.
Posted by: Elle | January 30, 2008 at 05:18 PM
WHICH COACH WOULD YOU LIKE TO PLAY FOR?
According to an SI Players NBA Poll, that coach is Phil Jackson, who led all coaches with 21%, followed by Mike Dantoni at 21%, Greg Popovich at 15%, Don Nelson at 10%, Jerry Sloan at 4%, and Pat Riley of the Heat and Doc Rivers of the Celts at 3%.
Players could not vote for their own coach. Riley and Rivers were the top vote getters from the Eastern Conference. Jackson got more than half the rookie vote despite his known dislike for playing rookies. lol.
Tom
Posted by: LakerTom | January 30, 2008 at 05:21 PM
I can't believe you had a wide open opportunity to get in a couple of great jokes about "The Face" and completely blew it.
Posted by: J. Walter Weatherman | January 30, 2008 at 05:27 PM
Gunner- welcome back. All these Sasha lovers are killing me , he played a good game last night but thats certainly not the same as being consistent. When a player is one dimensional like Sasha- shooter- and they are not hot, they are a waste of space.
If Sasha was so valuable, a guy with 9 rings would find a spot for him to play right?
Posted by: Laker Lover | January 30, 2008 at 05:31 PM
Weatherman,
"I can't believe you had a wide open opportunity to get in a couple of great jokes about "The Face" and completely blew it."
You have no idea how depressed I am right now. You're totally right. It was downright hackish of me to miss such a "fish-barrel" set up. And with a joke BK and I pioneered, no less. That's just pathetic. Disgraceful.
(Head lowered in shame)
AK
Posted by: Andrew Kamenetzky | January 30, 2008 at 05:31 PM
SAM SMITH ON KOBE WITH BYNUM OUT…
Interesting comments from Sam Smith from his column:
http://chicagosports.chicagotribune.com/sports/basketball/bulls/cs-080122asksamsmith,1,277435.story
Now that Kobe said with his own mouth that the Lakers are a championship-caliber team with Andrew Bynum in the lineup, do you expect him to force a trade out of L.A. if things go wrong now that Bynum will be out for 8 weeks? --Ralph, Los Angeles
It no longer matters. No matter what he says, the Lakers now know they art a highly competitive team with Kobe and Bynum. So neither is going anywhere no matter what they say. It's like parents with children who are brothers. They can fight all they want, but there's nowhere to go. I would now say with fair certainty that Kobe will be a Laker for the rest of his career, which seems to me hardly punishment. Also, when you look around the NBA and see the arenas emptying as teams lose, it's more vital than ever for the Lakers to have an attraction. And that's Kobe. So enjoy.
Tom
Posted by: LakerTom | January 30, 2008 at 05:32 PM
Lakerlover, what game were you watching?
Robinson was called with the technical because Sasha acted a little and made it seem like he had been pushed by Nate Robinson. The technical foul was called before he even showed any anger towards the none clear path foul technical. He didn't really push Sasha but it looked like he did in real time plus the addition of Sasha acting. If you look at the replay closely you can see this was all an act by Sasha.
When Sasha was in he basically shut down Crawford last night. So yes he did play with great defense. I'd prefer him over Luke any given day of the week and Sundays as well.
Posted by: duh | January 30, 2008 at 05:33 PM
Thank God you can still punch people in the throat!
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | January 30, 2008 at 05:59 PM
Orange and purple contacts, interesting.
Posted by: AN1 | January 30, 2008 at 06:01 PM
Laker Lover,
"If Sasha was so valuable, a guy with 9 rings would find a spot for him to play right? "
YOU'RE RIGHT! ISN'T THIS HIS 5TH YEAR WITH THE LAKERS? I THINK IT'S TIME FOR HIM TO GO BACK OVER TO EURO BASKETBALL. MAYBE HE CAN DEVELOP INTO THAT SO-CALLED HOT SHOOTING PRACTICE PLAYER THAT EVERYONE TALKS ABOUT. I HOPE MITCH AINT THINKING ABOUT RESIGNING HIM. SASHA SHOULD HAVE BEEN IN THE DEAL ALONG WITH COOK TO ORLANDO. WE GOT RID OF ONE TERRIBLE PLAYER BUT WE'RE STILL HOLDING ON TO SASHA FOR SOME REASON.
Posted by: Gunner | January 30, 2008 at 06:13 PM
Gunner,
What happened to Dwayne Wade? His team is playing worse than Kobe's did 2 years ago with no Shaq and Dwayne has a half a shaq.
Posted by: zen | January 30, 2008 at 06:58 PM
It's ok AK, I know next time around you guys will do an about-face and nail it. Something tells me you've learned from having to face the music this time around.
Posted by: J. Walter Weatherman | January 30, 2008 at 07:53 PM
dwayne has no legs and a bad shoulder. His ligaments were torn in that shoulder. Anyone who has ever torn ligaments knows that part of your body is the never the same.
Posted by: jon | January 31, 2008 at 06:22 PM
kobe has played very smart ball for a while now , some exceptions like a part of the cavs game when he started jacking them up , but for most part the kid is playing smart ball which can only make the lakers a better team. KUDOS TO KOBE. He is a great player when he plays smart. and when he is hot i have never seen a player get hotter.
Posted by: jon | January 31, 2008 at 06:26 PM
Leaving rich hamilton out for the entire third period my hurt the pistons. Alot of you guys like to complain about phil but phil's methods are proven , some of the others guy aren't. I wouldn't like their coaches choice of leaving rip on the bench. GOODIE
Posted by: jon | January 31, 2008 at 06:38 PM