Live from the Game - Lakers vs. Cavs

Damon Jones has a mohawk. Drew Gooden's involved in a high stakes beard growing contest with Washington's DeShawn Stevenson. Varajao's got a serious mane. LeBron may not have the best supporting cast, but their hair variety offered is simply A+

AK (who'll be doing the entire game, with BK still in Colorado for the X-Games)

First Quarter

During the time out, Andrew Bynum appears on the jumbotron and receives a rousing hand from the fans. Shock of all shocks.

6:30 - Nice display of teamwork, as Luke shuttles a pass recieved from Fish inside to LO, who puts down the uncontested dunk. On the previous possession, Walton had played some decent D on LeBron, sticking with "The King" at the top of the arc and not giving an inch of blow past space, forcing a long and missed jumper. Hopefully, this would be a sign of Luke (2 quick dimes) and Lamar (8 quick points) taking to heart the recent (and deserved) from Phil of their combined Texas production. Obviously, neither guy can take the place of Bynum. But they've simply got to provide more than their last two games. No way around it. So far, both are off to a good start.

3:58 - A weird pass from Walton back to Kobe goes astray, eventually ending up in Larry Hughes' mitts for the lay up. It was hard to tell from this angle if Kobe could have anticipated the ball path better or Luke just put it in the wrong spot, but in any case, two points for Cleveland.

3:36 - We're in the midst of a five hour TV timeout. Guys are actually on the court having a mini shootaround. No really, national games are fantastic.

Actually, my bad. The delay is actually not due to a TV timeout. There's a leak happening near the Laker goal that's being fixed. I take back my comments about nationally televised games. They're nothing shot of a marathon delight.

2:58 - After weaving his way in between LeBron and Andy Varajao for the snaking layup, KObe works against a posting LeBron, eventually poking the ball out of his hands. The next possession sees Kobe blanketing LeBron and forcing a bad shot. Nice stretch of D from Kobe, but I'm hoping his stretches guarding James remain somewhat sporadic until around the fourth. They may need that conserved energy down the stretch with this shorthanded team. As long as others can keep LeBron relatively under wraps, I'd see if that approach can work out.

The quarter ends with Ronny sinking a pair that puts the Lakers up by two, a lead held when LeBron's buzzer beating attempt comes too late (and missed anyway). 26-24 Lakers. Kobe and LO both have 8 apiece in the early going, and James is being held to under 50% and has taken 11 shots to get his 11 points. That's not a horrible trend in the works. Of course, the opening quarters have been pretty good for the Lakers during this recent slide. It's the third frame gumming up the works. But a good foundation is a good foundation, so I'll still take it. We'll see how the second goes.

Second Quarter

New nickname for Sasha? James Bond? Jason Bourne? Any other famous spies I'm forgetting?

6:39 - Devin Brown picks up a head of steam down court, then blows past Luke for the reverse layup. I'm not sure anybody could have kept up with Brown at that speed, but compounded with Luke's missed three on the ensuing possession (still 0-fer on the afternoon), Walton isn't having the bounce back game I was hoping might be coming after starting out decent enough. Lamar's also missed his only shots in the second after a fast start, so I hope this isn't a contagious backslide.

Vlad checks into the game for LO. His reception is mild applause, but I honestly think it may have taken some Laker fans a few minutes to remembver who the dude is.

5:05 - Kwame sets up Luke with a wide open look that finally goes down. If there's any Laker who'd been in desperate need to get on the board, Walton would qualify.

A Staples employee walks past me carrying four tequilla shots and limes for a courtside patron. You gotta love Laker fans.

2:22 - Having just seen LeBron create a little buzz putting down an alley oop layup, Kobe cranks up the stakes, throwing down the serious jam in the middle of some serious traffic. He barely had any room whatsoever to even pick up any velocity. To say the least, impressive. Unfortunately, that only cuts the Cleveland lead to 7, the game having gotten a little choppy for the Lakers.

24.0 - A rough stretch for the Lakers. First Kwame and LO pick up fouls in the course of about 15 seconds (the latter of which leads to Gooden sinking one of two at the stripe), then Fish's miss from 14 feet leads to a Lebron layup that could have actually tacked LO's third foul on top of it (I'm right next to that bucket and a lot of contact went uncalled). From there, Kobe gets to the line with three ticks left, but misses his first freebie attempt. Timeout, Cleveland. The second from the stripe goes down, a better fate than Boobie (immature giggle) Gibson's heave from halfcourt. Cavs 49, Lakers 40. Want an explanation as to the point swing over the second quarter? The Laker shooting percentage dropped from a robust 63% to a less impressive 45%. In the meantime, Cleveland's gone from 34.5 to 40%. That woud be a poor trend, one in need of fixing.

Third Quarter

11:41 - Nice little feed from LO to Luke, who scoops in the point blank layup. As mentioned a few times, Luke seriously needs to pick things up, so if that's not entirely what the doctor ordered, it at least qualifies as making a visit to the med center.

4:26 - Sorry, for the delay. I was arguing with an idiot. But during this period of wasting my own time, the Lakers have managed to outscore Cleveland 19-9, actually retaking a 59-58 led, before boobie Gibson puts his squad back ujp a point. 7 of those 19 came courtesy of Kobe, with LO pouring in another 4.

3:12 - Lebron slices his way towards a rattling reverse layup, but there's little reason for Cleveland to celebrate. Anderson Varajao is on the floor holding his left ankle and requires help getting off the floor. He's headed to the locker room and I'll give an update ASAP.

LO uses his size advantage to back down Devin Brown, then shuttles the rock over to a cutting Ronny Turiaf for the easy layup. Little time passes before Kobe drills nylon from 21 feet out, putting the Lakers up by one.

8.8 - Sasha's good from 19 feet, increasing that Laker advantage to two, the margin that rests as the third quarter ends. 71-69 Lakers.

Fourth Quarter

11:29 - Kwame misses both freebie attempts after getting hacked by Big Z, but Kobe snags a rebound amongst a sea of bodies, earning himself a hard earned trip to the stripe courtesy of Illguaskas (4th foul).

11:05 - Another trip by Kobe to the ground. Another trip to the line for two makes. 11 (and counting) goes to the line for Bryant thus far.

10:14 - A switch puts Kwame on LeBron around the arc, with Brown backing off too far from The King. Distance shot good for Lebron.

9:36 - Kobe misses a tough bank shot from nine feet, but Luke bodies his way towards the ball, then gets backed into the corner. His cross court to Farmar nearly leads to a backcourt violation, but the ball gets corralled and eventually drained from behind the arc.

7:58 - Kwame takes the bait and bites on a fake by Z, leading to the and one oportunity. Big man misses but the loose ball goes back to Cleveland, eventually turning into another basket for Z. Four points chipped away at the Laker lead.

6:37 - One first times this game where Kobe went a little too one on one, resetting and continually dribbling against LeBron, eventually putting up a contested jumper that misses pretty badly. Kobe's been pretty consistently efficient this game, so it's not the biggest deal in the world, but the brick does elicit some sighs from the crowd. Thankfully, that possession is made easier to swallow after Z picks up his 6th foul. With Varajao still out (ankle), the Cavs will have to go small. And the Lakers have to capitalize

5:15 - HUGE baseline shot by LBJ, drawing the foul on LO to boot. The free throw is good, giving the Cavs a three point lead.

3:29 - Very big play by Walton while guarding Lebron. With LeBron putting his head down to clear space, Luke goes over the top and pokes the balls away, scoops up the loose mess and gets the uncontested dunk. Risky attempt at a steal that often ends up a foul, but good fortunes. Unfortunately, he allows Larry Hughes a little too much space on a long jumper, which puts Cleveland back up before Fish hits a three.

There had also been a 90 second or so stretch where Kobe left the game for Fish. The Laker mo slowed down a bit during that time, so it'll be interesting to see why Phil made the move. My guess: KObe had been going a little one on one during that stretch and Phil didn't like the ball movement. Or he just thought Kobe was tired. But we'll see.

2:11 - Kobe's good for his 33rd point, squaring up the match at 92 even.

1:18 - After just seeing LeBron brick two clutch attempts at the stripe, Luke only hits one of two. Two seconds later, LeBron's got a layup.

Down by three, out of the timeout, horrible miscue by Walton. LO inbounded to Ronny, with the ball eventually ending up in Luke's hands with barely over a second left. Luke had a decent look at a three, but looked instead to Kobe. The Ball didn't get to Bryant in nearly enough time. Clock expires. Cavs 98, Lakers 95. For once, the Lakers actually played a fantastic third quarter, but watched the see saw battle in the fourth fall an opponent's way. Kobe finished with 33/11/6 (although he looked tired- and occasionally one on one happy- as the final frame wore down), but LO aside, got little help from his fellow starters in the scoring column. No others in double figures. 25 from the bench ain't bad, but didn't get 'er done. More to come later. Sorry to spoil your afternoon.

AK

Bookmark it:

January 27, 2008 | Permalink

Comments

Odom aggressive to start the game, lets see if this continues

Posted by: Vonislav Waferdenko | January 27, 2008 at 12:40 PM

Everyone talks so much about how good lebron is and if he is better than Kobe... They both took outside jumpers to start game. Kobe hit his but Lbron missed. He has a lot of work to do to ever begin to be as good as Kobe.

Posted by: 70slakerfan | January 27, 2008 at 12:41 PM

To all the Puke defenders: James will go for 40 if we do not sit this clown.

Posted by: passionate Lakers fan | January 27, 2008 at 12:43 PM

We're down by one point. Time to bench Luke before this game gets out of hand.

Posted by: LAKER TRUTH | January 27, 2008 at 12:44 PM

They are already talking about a spectacular play by lebron. Since when has making a layup a spectacular play. If he made a 360 slam, that would spectacular. They are so struck by lebron that evey thing he does is now spetacular. Give it a rest...

Posted by: 70slakerfan | January 27, 2008 at 12:45 PM

Luke Walton is guarding Lebron???????

Put Lamar on Him. Man were missing Ariza

Posted by: Paul Lee | January 27, 2008 at 12:45 PM

Good job by Kobefinding Kwame for the jam.

Posted by: Xodus | January 27, 2008 at 12:46 PM

that kobe kid is good

Posted by: CBuck | January 27, 2008 at 12:47 PM

There is 3 point brick by lebron

Posted by: 70slakerfan | January 27, 2008 at 12:48 PM

Yes, we've got to keep Odom involved. And Odom needs to look for his shot and spots where he can score.

Posted by: Xodus | January 27, 2008 at 12:48 PM

WOAH LO!

now THAT was an old school move

Posted by: CBuck | January 27, 2008 at 12:48 PM

Great move Lamar! This is what we need from you on a night to night basis.

Posted by: Xodus | January 27, 2008 at 12:49 PM

I guess Lamar finally read the memo.

Posted by: Rick Friedman | January 27, 2008 at 12:49 PM

WHY IS LUKE WALTON STARTING ON LEBRON JAMES?

Posted by: pfunk36 | January 27, 2008 at 12:50 PM

Lamar's havng a wake up game to start the quater. REALLY like him being agressive.

Can we keep that? Can we bottle it up and use it evernight? PLEEEEEEAAASE?

Posted by: Jeff | January 27, 2008 at 12:50 PM

So far tonight Luke and Lamar are playing well and Fisher is bricking his shots.

I guess tomorrow passionate Laker fan will be calling Fisher doo doo and
screaming how he needs to be traded.

Posted by: Long Time Laker Fan | January 27, 2008 at 12:51 PM

LO would do this just when my fantasy bball opponent is starting him and i need LO to have a silent game

oh well. i'll take this hot start any day though

Posted by: CBuck | January 27, 2008 at 12:51 PM

Yeah right 70slakerfan, Lebron scores more points and at a higher percentage, and gets more rebounds and assists. Homerism to a point is cool, but don't be ridiculous.

Posted by: dwh | January 27, 2008 at 12:51 PM

so odoms inconsistencies continue...at least its for the better this game. why cant he do this every game? hes got a great start minus the 2 missed free throws. fishers off too, hopefully farmar will get some more extended minutes and hit the open 3. kobe looks good without over shooting. lets keep it up.

GO LAKERS

Posted by: mrbarneydangles | January 27, 2008 at 12:51 PM

Mark Jackson: "Excuse me Drew Gooden I've got an appointment with the rim."

lol Mark Jackson is my favorite NBA announcer. He's smart, opinionated (but not in the arrogant Skip Bayless way.) and he's funny. Everything you want from a sports announcer.

There's gotta be a way to get Jackson, Jeff Van Gundy and Mike Breen onto TNT who are currently getting crappy "analysis" from Reggie Miller.

Posted by: Xodus | January 27, 2008 at 12:51 PM

The Kobe Lebron matchup would be if they guarded each other. So its not a kobe lebron matchup when luke walton is guarding lebron. Kobe will guard lebron at some point in this game but i bet lebron won't want any part of kobe...

Posted by: 70slakerfan | January 27, 2008 at 12:52 PM

Nice! Very good start. Odom being a lot more aggressive, Fisher not hesitating to take the shots, Kobe looking for Kwame for the dunk, ... Keep it up!

No "LeBron shut down Kobe" on ESPN.com tonight.

Go Lakers!!!!

Posted by: Tsiry | January 27, 2008 at 12:52 PM

Even if Lamar(blehead) has a good game today, the taste of his vanishing act against Dallas won't be washed away. Infact, I don't know if anything Lamar does the rest of the season will change my new opinion of him (that he should be traded).

Perhaps a killer game will only strengthen this opinion, just reinforce the frustration that he causes among Laker fans.

it's not his play, exactly, that I cant take anymore, it's his intelligence, effort and basketball acumen that disturbes me.

I wont even start with Kwame or Luke, other to say, we should have 3 different starters this time next year to play with Kobe and Fish.

Wes

Posted by: | January 27, 2008 at 12:55 PM

Kwame's been playing better than Luke. LUke truly sucks.

Posted by: troy | January 27, 2008 at 12:55 PM

I guess Lamar put down the weed, but Luke saw it on the table

Posted by: Vonislav Waferdenko | January 27, 2008 at 12:56 PM

i'm sorry...

larry brown is a hometown st. louis guy but his tattoos are ridicously stupid

he has "mama's boy" tattooed on his clavicle...which is proof positive that if you can't think of clever ideas to ink on your body, then don't get tattoos

Posted by: CBuck | January 27, 2008 at 12:57 PM

Cbuck,

I assume you mean "Larry Hughes," not Larry Brown. haha

Posted by: Andrew Kamenetzky | January 27, 2008 at 12:58 PM

What do ya know? PJ has already called 2 timeouts. I think he DID get the memo.

Posted by: Eric M | January 27, 2008 at 12:59 PM

yeah, AK, him too

(i thought it looked weird when i typed it)

Posted by: CBuck | January 27, 2008 at 12:59 PM

Where is Turiaf?

Posted by: pfunk36 | January 27, 2008 at 12:59 PM

fish is still fishin' today

Posted by: i_dont_want_to_be_like_Mike | January 27, 2008 at 01:00 PM

Phil is finally calling time outs when he should. Not, the only reason he is calling the timeouts is because a national audience will notice his lack of smart coaching if he doesn't. You can't leave players like gibson open for 3s in the corner. Those are cheap points Sasha...

Posted by: 70slakerfan | January 27, 2008 at 01:00 PM

GO LAKERS!

Posted by: Jon K. | January 27, 2008 at 01:00 PM

I thought so. To the best of my knowledge, Larry Brown is fairly ink-free. haha

Posted by: Andrew Kamenetzky | January 27, 2008 at 01:01 PM

Well if the game gets "rained out" it won't be the first time in the NBA, it happened in Seattle at the old Seattle Center Coliseum.

Posted by: dwh | January 27, 2008 at 01:02 PM

>>>To all the Puke defenders: James will go for 40 if we do not sit this clown.

He'll probably go for 40 whoever's guarding him.

Posted by: Long Time Laker Fan | January 27, 2008 at 01:02 PM

we have shots of magic talking to bynum...

ariza talking to a random fan

NBA ACTION! IT'S FANTASTIC!

Posted by: CBuck | January 27, 2008 at 01:03 PM

dwh, keep your eyes on your tv screen, I'm not going to entertain or go back and forth on any stupid comments but i will entertain real basketball and the facts....

Posted by: 70slakerfan | January 27, 2008 at 01:04 PM

I can't believe Larry Hughes is actually playing in this game... He's had such a bad season, the fans and cleveland built this site:

http://heylarryhughespleasestoptakingsomanybadshots.com/

LOL

Posted by: erik D | January 27, 2008 at 01:06 PM

bill walton says that "Lebron James is a man playing among children..."

has he forgotten that his son is guarding him?

Posted by: CBuck | January 27, 2008 at 01:08 PM

What's the deal with Lebron putting his mouth guard in his headband?

Posted by: Vonislav Waferdenko | January 27, 2008 at 01:10 PM

Hey.

I just noticed that Radmanovic is suited up.

Posted by: Long Time Laker Fan | January 27, 2008 at 01:10 PM

Bron and Kobe doing one on one! I was just thinking the same thing

Posted by: Vonislav Waferdenko | January 27, 2008 at 01:11 PM

They are using the word spectacular again. This time it is Bill Walton decribing that lebron used his left hand while going to his left. What is spectacular about using your left hand when you go to your left. On our highschool basketball team we had to use our left hand when going left or else we would run line drills.. Everything is so overly dramatized... a left handed layup is a left handed layup...

Posted by: 70slakerfan | January 27, 2008 at 01:12 PM

Van Gundy: "that's a foul!!" uh.... Jeff, everybody does that to star perimeter players

Posted by: Vonislav Waferdenko | January 27, 2008 at 01:16 PM

Kobe made a left handed layup over lebron but it was not called spetacular. I have made my poit and will not talk about it anymore.. Kobe has taken lebron twice now....

Posted by: 70slakerfan | January 27, 2008 at 01:16 PM

whatever you want to debate about Kobe vs. Bron, this much is hard to dispute - Lebron James is the best finisher in the world. Not even close

Posted by: Vonislav Waferdenko | January 27, 2008 at 01:19 PM

Looks like they're playing LeBron like they play Nash lately.

LeBron's line: 11 points, 0 assists.

At this rate, LeBron will score 44 points... on 48 shots.

Posted by: Long Time Laker Fan | January 27, 2008 at 01:21 PM

Nobody's playing so bad that I'd have to call him out so far.

Enjoyed the candid player shots.

Can't believe the reason for the leak. There will soon be job openings at a certain roofing company (unless the guys were union).

Posted by: max | January 27, 2008 at 01:21 PM

Kwame's actually playing competently. About as surprising as a bunch of workmen dressing down to their skivvies on a catwalk at 400 feet and then allowing them to drain on the court.

Posted by: Jon K. | January 27, 2008 at 01:22 PM

Lebron 5-11
Kobe 4-4

But Lebron is soooooo Amazin!!

The NBA..were Homeritis happens!

Posted by: Lakeraholic | January 27, 2008 at 01:23 PM

Lebron took 11 shots in the first quarter.....that's means he is on pace to shoot 44 times!

Do you think that is bad for Cleveland just as it is bad when Kobe took 44 shots for the Lakers?

It's all about perception.

Posted by: pfunk36 | January 27, 2008 at 01:23 PM

Sasha knocking out LeBron! Now that's basketball!

Posted by: Jon K. | January 27, 2008 at 01:26 PM

Words from Mark Jackson (today's ABC commentator): "Lamar should feel he is the third best player on the floor; it just has to be a mindset."
Here that, Lamara defenders?

Posted by: passionate Lakers fan | January 27, 2008 at 01:26 PM

CBuck,

"has he forgotten that his son is guarding him?"

LMAO.......Bill Walton talks just to hear himself make noise.

Posted by: Eric M | January 27, 2008 at 01:27 PM

>>"So far tonight Luke and Lamar are playing well and Fisher is bricking his shots."

What?! This is what I don't get about Luke fans. How is he playing "well" and Fisher is not? As of now, both Luke and Derek haven't made one shot yet (0-2 vs 0-3) and they both have one assist, both have 2 rebounds, both have 1 TO. Are you seeing something I'm not?

Posted by: max | January 27, 2008 at 01:27 PM

YEAH SASHA!!!!!

SMACK LEBRON UP!!!!

THAT's what you should do to guys who drive the lane. Show no mercy.
Too many people give little weak ass touch fouls and give the shooter an easy
3 point play.

Posted by: Long Time Laker Fan | January 27, 2008 at 01:27 PM

Good foul right there Sasha! Haha!

Posted by: Tsiry | January 27, 2008 at 01:28 PM

Sasha the Spy..LOLOLOL

Posted by: LAKER TRUTH | January 27, 2008 at 01:29 PM

Pfunk36,

"Lebron took 11 shots in the first quarter.....that's means he is on pace to shoot 44 times! Do you think that is bad for Cleveland just as it is bad when Kobe took 44 shots for the Lakers? It's all about perception."

I'd say the same thing about LeBron taking 44 shots as I said about Kobe taking 44 against Seattle. It may work out in the course of an individual game, but as a general rule, it's likely not a good thing. So yeah, I would say it's a bad thing (which is why I pointed out how many shots it took LeBron to get 11) and no, it's not all about "perception." (Whatever the hell that pseudo-intellectual crap means).

But kudos on another noble attempt at trying to come off as "profound." Of course, if you want to "trap me" with your genius observations, it might actually help to ask my opinion first before declaring it. Of course, if you did do that, you might not get the answer needed to set up your faux brilliance, which is the transparently obvious reason you don't ask first.

Again, I have no earthly idea why you insist on making everything adversarial, as opposed to just having a conversation. But hey, have at it. I'm not going anywhere.

Posted by: Andrew Kamenetzky | January 27, 2008 at 01:30 PM

Beautiful feed by Kobe to Farmar. Kobe's reminding people that while Lebron is a undoubtedly one of the top players in the game, Kobe's not ready to give up his spot just yet.

Posted by: Xodus | January 27, 2008 at 01:30 PM

Sasha obviously hasn't been through the CIA training course.

Posted by: Rick Friedman | January 27, 2008 at 01:31 PM

Sasha running into the Cavs huddle is an instant classic!

Posted by: Maleke | January 27, 2008 at 01:32 PM

Hahaha Wet clothe!

The NBA..Were Water Puddles Happens!

Posted by: Lakeraholic | January 27, 2008 at 01:33 PM

Thre is no debateing kobe and lebron. Kobe is proven and is the total basketball package. lebron has a lot more work to do, especially on his shot. This is his 4th year or is it his 5th year? He should be a better shooter by now. No more kobe vs lebron comparisons please...

Posted by: 70slakerfan | January 27, 2008 at 01:34 PM

AK,
>>>Of course, if you did do that, you might not get the answer needed to set up your faux brilliance, which is the transparently obvious reason you don't ask first.

Wow, AK. You are stylin' and on your game today!

Posted by: Rick Friedman | January 27, 2008 at 01:34 PM

Puke: do not shoot the ball.

Posted by: passionate Lakers fan | January 27, 2008 at 01:34 PM

I really don't see what's amazing with Lebron...

Posted by: Tsiry | January 27, 2008 at 01:34 PM

Make that 0-3 for Luke too w/ 1 more dime.

Posted by: max | January 27, 2008 at 01:35 PM

Lute Walton: Million dollar player and a two dollar game!

Posted by: Ernie | January 27, 2008 at 01:36 PM

our offense is out of sorts

Posted by: CBuck | January 27, 2008 at 01:36 PM

I just want to see Lamar destroy that punk Verajao

Posted by: Vonislav Waferdenko | January 27, 2008 at 01:36 PM

Posted by: Ernie | January 27, 2008 at 01:37 PM

Odom should be proving his worth right now..But hes not. Trade him now while you may be able to get something for him. He will never change and will never help kobe, he just too soft...

Posted by: 70slakerfan | January 27, 2008 at 01:38 PM

kobe's out /stuck on 31 for some time now

Posted by: vi lakerfan | January 27, 2008 at 01:39 PM

Man the Lakers are ice cold. Can't buy a bucket. This is when you hope that Lamar can become a threat inside. Instead he stays out on the perimeter, then gets taken out

Posted by: Vonislav Waferdenko | January 27, 2008 at 01:39 PM

Hey all you Lamar haters,

I'm sure Cleveland would love to trade Larry Hughes for Lamar. You keep
saying you want to trade him and you don't care what you get back? How
bout it? Odom for Hughes? Deal or no deal?

Posted by: Long Time Laker Fan | January 27, 2008 at 01:40 PM

Please, PLEASE glue Luke Walton to the bench for the rest of the game. The Staples Center roofers have had a better game today.

Posted by: Rick Friedman | January 27, 2008 at 01:41 PM

HEY ANYONE AGREES WITH ME

Bad sub right there. Taking Odom out for Vlad. Should have been Luke. Vlad needs a person to draw double teams so he can have open shots. Why have luke and Vlad in the same lineup together. The both require a playmaker on the court with them

Posted by: Paul Lee | January 27, 2008 at 01:42 PM

This game is depressing, I love my team (Lakers) and will continue to watch look at Odom...he should be assertive by now. I guess it will never be, can't change Lamar the player. Poor Kobe, he'll be playing 45 minutes a game till Bynum returns.

Posted by: Rhon Salmon | January 27, 2008 at 01:42 PM

Rick,

Thanks, I try. haha

Posted by: Andrew Kamenetzky | January 27, 2008 at 01:43 PM

Come on Lakers.

I don't think I've written an optimistic post in about a month.

Please be my muse and inspire me to see the glass more full than empty.

And Luke, one good game in the first 1/3 of the season as a starter isn't earning a paycheck.

Posted by: | January 27, 2008 at 01:44 PM

AK,
"faux brilliance"

It's just cubic zirconia in the rough!

Posted by: exhelodrvr | January 27, 2008 at 01:44 PM

Luke can't shoot. Luke is making bad passes. Luke can't post up. Luke can't play defense.

Posted by: Bill Walton | January 27, 2008 at 01:45 PM

I like Vlad. I play him alot although he doesn't do anything but hurts the team.

Posted by: Phil Jackson | January 27, 2008 at 01:46 PM

Walton is terrible, dump him

Posted by: me | January 27, 2008 at 01:46 PM

Kudos to Lamara and Kwame for stepping up. Even if only a little for Kwa.

Did Luke just make a shot??

And Fish!

Unfortunately the Mavs are still leading.

Posted by: max | January 27, 2008 at 01:47 PM

KOBE!!!

Posted by: Tsiry | January 27, 2008 at 01:48 PM

LUKE A LOB 2 KWAME BROWN????????????

HE HAS PROBLEMS MAKING A REGULAR DUNK. KNOW YOUR TEAMMATES.
PHILS GONNA HAVE TO PLAY KOBE AND LAMAR PRETTY MUCH THE WHOLE SECOND HALF WE NEED TO WIN EVERY GAME WE CAN, UNTIL WERE AT FULL STRENGTH

Posted by: Paul Lee | January 27, 2008 at 01:49 PM

People say I am a high IQ basketball player. I beg to differ. I like to throw lobs to Kwame Brown in traffic. I like to throw backward passes so the other team steals it and scores a layup.

Posted by: Luke Walton | January 27, 2008 at 01:49 PM

Why does phil always play his worst lineup? You will never see the cavs coach just play a team that flat out sucks on the floor.

Posted by: wow | January 27, 2008 at 01:50 PM

3rd quarter started early today.

Posted by: hoping | January 27, 2008 at 01:51 PM

Fisher 1 for 5
Luke 1 for 5
Turiaf 0 for 3
Radmanovic 0 for 2

Even with Lamar stepping it up tonight, it's not looking good.

11 points in the first 10 and a half minutes of the quarter for the Lakers.

Posted by: Long Time Laker Fan | January 27, 2008 at 01:51 PM

Why doesn't Kwame fight for rebounds? If it even looks like someone else may get to it first he doesn't move, thus creating a self fulfilled prophecy.

Why don't we use Sasha more as a spot up shooter? When he spots up he makes his shot, but he does it, maybe 3 times a game. Maybe.

Oh, and by the way. The egg came first. There were dinosaur eggs before chickens.

Posted by: | January 27, 2008 at 01:51 PM

Ex,

""faux brilliance" It's just cubic zirconia in the rough!"

That got a laugh in this area of press seating.

Posted by: Andrew Kamenetzky | January 27, 2008 at 01:51 PM

This is a weird game. The Lakers aren't shooting all that terrible, and the Cavs are shooting .400. Yet we're down by 9? And the whole team has only 37 pts?

Probably has something to do with Fish, Luke, Ronny and Radman going 2-15

Posted by: Vonislav Waferdenko | January 27, 2008 at 01:52 PM

only 5 shots by Kobe, he made them all (especially liked the last 2 b4 the timeout), but wer'e losing as usual no one else stepping up, Odom started good early, while Kobe ws on the bench no one stepped up only like 2 points.Yet some people om here still want to give odumb puke and kwamikk a break. Give me a break!!!! Doing something the same way over and over and expecting different results =insane.

odom=kwame=luke+insane
FO=insane
Phil's coaching and substitutions/calling timeouts=insane

any questions?????

Posted by: vi lakerfan | January 27, 2008 at 01:53 PM

Fish is really playing terrible tonight. I hope Farmar gets most of the minutes
in the second half.

Posted by: Long Time Laker Fan | January 27, 2008 at 01:55 PM

Ira Newble, what is the guy good for except for attempting to injure Kobe everytime we play them?

Posted by: Vonislav Waferdenko | January 27, 2008 at 01:55 PM

It's time to unleash Kobe Ball in the second half for any chance at a W.

Posted by: LAKER TRUTH | January 27, 2008 at 01:56 PM

start ronny to start the third

Posted by: CBuck | January 27, 2008 at 01:57 PM

Fish could miss every shot he takes for the rest of his Lakers career and
I will always love him (he gave me three rings).
Puke is playing well? (yeah, great D on LJ23).
Lamara is playing well? (yeah, and he will disappear during the road trip).

Posted by: passionate Lakers fan | January 27, 2008 at 01:57 PM

This game is so frustrating. So many timeout. OH MY GAWD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Posted by: wow | January 27, 2008 at 01:58 PM

Kevin G.
After watching the 1st half it is clear, KOBE does not like Kwame WOW I feel for Kwame 1st Jordan and Kobe, I hope he does not give up on the Lakers like he did Washington. I have seen him open after postin his man up and Kobe just looks the other way. When Tariuf was in the game the ball went down low more... I hope Kwame does not come back to the Lakers.. I hope he goes to a town and city that really wants him. It's sad when a man goes out and plays hard, hurt and nobody gives him a fair shake...

Posted by: Kevin G. | January 27, 2008 at 01:58 PM

We need Jerry West.....
He can still play the game better than these suckers around me.

Posted by: Kobe Bryant | January 27, 2008 at 01:59 PM

Teach, Wes (Long Time Laker Fan: please remember all of the above).

Posted by: passionate Lakers fan | January 27, 2008 at 02:01 PM

BENCH MOB NEEDS TO STEP UP 2ND HALF, NO MORE BAD 3RD QUARTER, WE NEED TO WIN THIS GAME!!!!!

Posted by: mrbarneydangles | January 27, 2008 at 02:01 PM

Don't worry guys.. Lakers got this

Posted by: David Whang | January 27, 2008 at 02:01 PM

For the first time, I will not argue with you regarding the above post.

Posted by: passionate Lakers fan | January 27, 2008 at 02:04 PM

So there are two teams here with one player MUCH better than anyone else
on the team.

One of them has taken 1/3 of the shots for his team and only has 1 assist.

The other has 5 assists, has taken only 6 shots, and keeps passing to his
teammates even though they aren't shooting well.

And LeBron with 17 shots and 0 assists has led his team to a 9 point lead over
Kobe with 6 shots and 5 assists.

I hope all you "Kobe should be a team player like LeBron" bloggers are
watching. Some nights, the best thing you can do for the team is shoot
more.

Posted by: Long Time Laker Fan | January 27, 2008 at 02:06 PM

MAN I miss the old Kobe.

I miss the three 360
I miss the I don't care what people think about me
I miss his explosiveness
I miss the I will not be nice to my teammates
I miss the me against the world attitude

I want the old Kobe back for just one game. And I mean this game

Posted by: wow | January 27, 2008 at 02:07 PM

Somebody please shoot Bill Walton.

Posted by: LAKER TRUTH | January 27, 2008 at 02:11 PM

Kevin G.
"After watching the 1st half it is clear, KOBE does not like Kwame WOW I feel for Kwame 1st Jordan and Kobe, I hope he does not give up on the Lakers like he did Washington. I have seen him open after postin his man up and Kobe just looks the other way. When Tariuf was in the game the ball went down low more... I hope Kwame does not come back to the Lakers.. I hope he goes to a town and city that really wants him. It's sad when a man goes out and plays hard, hurt and nobody gives him a fair shake... "

Huh! What the hell are you talking about?
I think a village is missing it's idiot!!!

Posted by: pslakerlover | January 27, 2008 at 02:11 PM

Regarding half-time show on ABC:
Bill: if you are going to hate on KB24, what about your 30 mil baby boy?
What say you!

Posted by: passionate Lakers fan | January 27, 2008 at 02:11 PM

Kevin G.
"I hope Kwame does not come back to the Lakers.. I hope he goes to a town and city that really wants him. It's sad when a man goes out and plays hard, hurt and nobody gives him a fair shake.."
-- I hope Kwame doesn't come back either. I hope Miami gets Kwame and takes another player that hurts our team (smush parker) and plugs them into their rotation. This guy does not go out and play hard. I see him pout. I see him stand around. I see him not hustling down the off on transition. He is getting a fair share and more. Lakers pay him 8 MILLIOn Dollars to score 5 points and grab 5 rebounds.

Posted by: Luke Walton | January 27, 2008 at 02:13 PM

KB24: un-leash your fury in the 2nd half.
We need to win the next two games to have some momentum before the
9 game road trip.

Posted by: passionate Lakers fan | January 27, 2008 at 02:15 PM

Would a layup by Luke be called a PukeUp? ... Just curious.

Posted by: pslakerlover | January 27, 2008 at 02:16 PM

Again, as I said it will take a HUGE effort to win today.

Cleveland has more warriors on the court.

We've got to play with more fire and intensity.

It takes more toughness.

Posted by: Lakerbake | January 27, 2008 at 02:17 PM

You talkin' loud.........and sayin' nothing.

Since you have no answers........you attack the messenger. Phil Jackson and Tex Winter and the local media (who all just happen to be white males.....but that's another story) constantly place the onus on Kobe to "make the players around him better" ........all of these things are a subterfuge to mask some personal ax to grind.

Example: Kobe is shooting 100% from the field 6/6 7 rebounds and 5 assists......a near flawless game

LeBron has jacked the ball up 17 times with 1 assist .......is LeBron selfish?

If the Lakers are to win this game Kobe has to stop this madness of appeasing Phil Jackson and become more aggressive

If he does.......don't hate......appreciate

Posted by: pfunk36 | January 27, 2008 at 02:17 PM

The bench lost that stretch when Kobe and LeBron sat.

The same thing happened in Cleveland.

Gotta be tougher.

Posted by: Lakerbake | January 27, 2008 at 02:19 PM

WHAT THE h#%@ WAS THAT, LAMAR!!!!!

Posted by: CBuck | January 27, 2008 at 02:21 PM

I am like Luke Walton. I think Kwame has good hands. I throw behind the back passes to him to catch and finish

Posted by: lamar odom | January 27, 2008 at 02:22 PM

Odom behind the back to the front row yeah!!!!!!!

Posted by: vi lakerfan | January 27, 2008 at 02:22 PM

Kwame stripping Hughes!!
The Battle of the Busts!!!!!!!

Posted by: Vinny | January 27, 2008 at 02:22 PM

wow! a good first five minutes for the third quarter

i like

Posted by: CBuck | January 27, 2008 at 02:23 PM

Have you ever seen a dumber play.....Behind the back; in traffic; to Kwame!

UGH! Instant turnover.

Come on Lamar.

Posted by: Eric M | January 27, 2008 at 02:23 PM

KOBE LOOKS LIKE WE GOTTA PLAY THROUGH THE REFS. JUST MAKE SURE TO CALL IT LIKE THAT ON BOTH ENDS

KOBE AND LAMAR NEED TO PLAY THE WHOLE SECOND HALF. USE TIMEOUTS TO GET THEM REST FROM TIME TO TIME PHIL

Posted by: Paul Lee | January 27, 2008 at 02:24 PM

I guess we had our 3rd qrt in the second..haha

The NBA..were Irony happens

Posted by: Lakeraholic | January 27, 2008 at 02:24 PM

The Cavs seem to be one of those teams the officials often allow quite a bit of leeway in playing physical defense (I'd say the Spurs, Celtics, Pistons are also in that category). Not to say it's a bad thing - officials are often way too whistle happy

Posted by: Vonislav Waferdenko | January 27, 2008 at 02:24 PM

Tie ballgame. Great way to start the 3rd. We NEED this game.

Colorado loves the Lakers!

Posted by: Hugo Boss | January 27, 2008 at 02:24 PM

we're back baby! Go Kobe!!!

Nice third quarter start.

Posted by: Tsiry | January 27, 2008 at 02:25 PM

Andrew Bynum for MVP...with him in the middle the Lakers are a championship contender...without him we are barely making the playoffs. No knock on Kobe but a solid center with good hands, ft shooting ability, and the length to get up on almost any shot is slightly more valuable than a guard who can put up 40...When you've got both = championship...when you've got only one, well, look how we've been doing against good teams and even mediocre teams.

Go Lakers!!!!! We need to win some without socks.

Posted by: thedropper | January 27, 2008 at 02:25 PM

Jeff Van Gundy just made an excellent observation about the combination that Phil Jackson has on the floor saying that a better combination would be Radmanovich playing along side Lamar Odom..........this is an excellent observation, but Phil for whatever reason is hell bent on playing Luke Walton a player that adds NOTHING TO THE EQUATION

Posted by: pfunk36 | January 27, 2008 at 02:26 PM

Kevin G.
Village idiot?? Come on Slim, Just watch the game. When he is open the ball does not come his way, Thats all I'm saying.. but dont make this personal...
wow

Posted by: Kevin G. | January 27, 2008 at 02:26 PM

I am sick of losing to the Cavs. Beat the freaking Cavs for heavens sake!

Posted by: richard | January 27, 2008 at 02:27 PM

"You talkin' loud.........and sayin' nothing.

The bottom line is people like you (with a herd mentality) put Kobe under such scrutiny for taking shots (even when they win) are exposed for your bias when asked to apply that same principal to LeBron James or anybody that who is not critcized for doing the same thing Kobe does. Since you have no answers........you attack the messenger. Phil Jackson and Tex Winter and the local media (who all just happen to be white males.....but that's another story) constantly place the onus on Kobe to "make the players around him better" ........all of these things are a subterfuge to mask some personal ax to grind.

Example: Kobe is shooting 100% from the field 6/6 7 rebounds and 5 assists......a near flawless game LeBron has jacked the ball up 17 times with 1 assist .......is LeBron selfish?

What does Bill Walton do? Talk about how great LeBron is. Bill Walton has allowed his personal feelings to enter into his analysis of the game.......either that or all his dope smoking has caught up to him. AK ,If the Lakers are to win this game Kobe has to stop this madness of appeasing Phil Jackson and become more aggressive. If he does.......don't hate......appreciate."

Well, I'll take your word on whether I'm talking loud and saying nothing, since you're the undisputed king of that skill.

Again, your hurry to lecture and sound "brilliant" causes you to miss a huge, integral point. I NEVER praised LeBron taking 11 shots. I actually presented it from the start as a BAD THING, something working to the LAKERS' ADVANTAGE, that he was having to work a lot to put himself on the board. That's a pretty important detail you just conveniently decided to ignore in a hurry to beat your chest.

For that matter, when I brought up Kobe's 44 shots in the context of being a bad thing, it was never accompanied by the notion of him being selfish. It was because it's an unrealistic, unfeasible plan, in large part because it's too taxing on Kobe, which Kobe would be the first to admit. But the word "selfish" never even came into my thoughts on the subject. Of course, since you never actually read what I or anybody else says, you probably just assumed I said it. Or, more likely, you don't want to know what I actually said, since knowing it would rob you of an opportunity to drone on and on about nothing.

Thus, as per usual, your entire premise is 100% hot air, a failed attempt to sound like you're exposing "the truth," when in fact you're just hearing yourself babble. But what else is new?

Posted by: Andrew Kamenetzky | January 27, 2008 at 02:30 PM

AK - that was spectacular. Are you in a good mood, or bad one? I hope you were smiling if you're going to be laying the smack down so bad....

You know, I look at the stats in the game, and can't figure out why we're down so much.

Posted by: Michael A | January 27, 2008 at 02:31 PM

PFunk,
AK is a serious Kobe hater. That's old news.

Posted by: LAKER TRUTH | January 27, 2008 at 02:33 PM

PFunk,
AK is also a big time Luke lover.
That's old news too.

I love it when Kobe gets to call his own fouls!!!

Posted by: pslakerlover | January 27, 2008 at 02:35 PM

IN DA FACE!

Posted by: CBuck | January 27, 2008 at 02:39 PM

Laker Truth,

For a guy who puts "truth" in his name, you sure do like to bend it.

Posted by: Andrew Kamenetzky | January 27, 2008 at 02:39 PM

that was a "coming to america" reference btw, folks

Posted by: CBuck | January 27, 2008 at 02:40 PM

The Mysterious Injury Bug of El Segundo and the Greater Los Angeles Area strikes again! It's somewhat satisfying to see that the bug isn't limited to going after Lakers players.

AK/BK, watch yourselves mmk? That bug has a mean grudge.

Posted by: AndrewT | January 27, 2008 at 02:40 PM

IN YOUR FACE LEBRON!!!!!

Go Kobe!

Posted by: Tsiry | January 27, 2008 at 02:41 PM

Wow I know Verajeo is hurting..

The NBA..Were 90deg turned ankles happens!

Posted by: lakeraholic | January 27, 2008 at 02:42 PM

geez how many lead changes?

Posted by: Bret | January 27, 2008 at 02:42 PM

"Kevin G.
Village idiot?? Come on Slim, Just watch the game. When he is open the ball does not come his way, Thats all I'm saying.. but dont make this personal...
wow "

First of all: Why do you start all of your posts by referencing yourself? No one can tell who you are trying to talk to.
Second: I was talking about your idiotic comment "It's sad when a man goes out and plays hard, hurt and nobody gives him a fair shake..", not whether or not he gets the ball when he is open.
Third: We all know what happens when you pass to an open Kwame!!!

Posted by: pslakerlover | January 27, 2008 at 02:42 PM

I got it. During the St. John's game. haha

Posted by: Andrew Kamenetzky | January 27, 2008 at 02:42 PM

Impact player of the Game: SASHA
* Foul on LBJ sends him briefly to the sidelines
* Spies on Cav's Huddle
* Takes down Verejao
GO SASHA! GO LAKERS!

Posted by: Rick Friedman | January 27, 2008 at 02:42 PM

"Thus, as per usual, your entire premise is 100% hot air, a failed attempt to sound like you're exposing "the truth," when in fact you're just hearing yourself babble. But what else is new?"

I see you got Jokes, because I know you don't think I'm 100% hot air......you can ask yo mama that because she has more knowledge of the game than you do based on everthing I have read from you on this blog

P.S. I mean No disrespect to yo mama

Posted by: pfunk36 | January 27, 2008 at 02:44 PM

Wes,

I agree that Sasha needs more shots, I think at least 10 shots a game till Bynum gets back. He's one of the few shooters we've got.

Odom and Fischer are VERY streaky.

Kwame and Luke......ahhhh never mind.

Posted by: Eric M | January 27, 2008 at 02:45 PM

AK,

I figured out why it takes 15 minutes for you to clear the posts sometimes. It's because you are feeding the animals with 1000 word replies. Please stop feeding the animals during the game so we can all converse.

Thanks,

PSLakerLover

PS, I agree with you by the way, but please save it for later!!!

Posted by: pslakerlover | January 27, 2008 at 02:46 PM

Michael A,

I'm in a very good mood. This is a fun game and I've having a great time. I just think it's hysterically stupid how Pfunk fancies himself this oracle of "truth," but always manages to overlook what I actually say on certain matters or just flat out doesn't ask me, instead stating what my "opinion" is. Granted, I know exactly why he operates like this (because if he didn't, he'd have no opportunity to lecture in pompous fashion), but it's just so transparently obvious, yet he's too taken with himself to realize this.

Posted by: Andrew Kamenetzky | January 27, 2008 at 02:46 PM

Wow Kobe gettn T'd up..

The NBA..Were People hack and swing and poke and grab and push Kobe without no calls happens!

Posted by: lakeraholic | January 27, 2008 at 02:47 PM

OMG. Did Phil just deliberately substitute in Luke to guard LeBron for the
final shot???? What was that?

Posted by: Long Time Laker Fan | January 27, 2008 at 02:47 PM

GREAT third quarter

this is what we can do, this is what we SHOULD do

very cohesive. now keep it together

if kobe must close it out, then so be it... but no depending on kob just for good ol' sake

Posted by: CBuck | January 27, 2008 at 02:48 PM

Pfunk,

"I see you got Jokes, because I know you don't think I'm 100% hot air......you can ask yo mama that because she has more knowledge of the game than you do based on everthing I have read from you on this blog P.S. I mean No disrespect to yo mama."

And as usual, you don't actually address anything I say, instead just attacking my "knowledge of the game" (and inferring that yours is so astronomically huge) Way to take the easy way out.

Again, I have no clue why you insist on this being adversarial, but if that's how you prefer it, whatever.

But I do appreciate you at least being respectful towards my mom. Thank you.

Posted by: Andrew Kamenetzky | January 27, 2008 at 02:49 PM

Posted by: Long Time Laker Fan | January 27, 2008 at 02:49 PM

Ok...lets see..Lebron goes in for a layup..Yells "And1" an he's being praised for calling his own foul..then Kobe does the same thing and Kobe gets crucified for it..

The NBA..Were Hypocriticalism happens!

Posted by: Lakeraholic | January 27, 2008 at 02:51 PM

Lebron has shot the ball 25 times!!! Will we see Peter Vesey criticise him like he did Kobe for taking 19 shots against San Antonio, a game in which kobe had an all around efficient game but again had no help....No one has said nothing about the 25 shots....

Posted by: 70slakerfan | January 27, 2008 at 02:51 PM

Marc Jackson just referred to Luke Walton as a "Knock down shooter who can spread the floor."

I guess anyone can do commentary.

Posted by: Eric M | January 27, 2008 at 02:54 PM

LeBron has got 27 pts on 25 attempts. That's great indeed...

Posted by: Tsiry | January 27, 2008 at 02:54 PM

great defense by luke on that strip

MARVELOUS defense if i say so

Posted by: CBuck | January 27, 2008 at 02:55 PM

WWWWWAAAAAAARRRRRRRRRRRRRRRIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIOOOOOOOOOOORRRRRRRRRRRRRR!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! W A R R I O R

Posted by: pslakerlover | January 27, 2008 at 02:55 PM

Hahah..Lebron is so clutch that with 303 sec left he passes the ball with .06 seconds left. He's a sharp Sponge!

The NBA..were Oxymorons happens!

Posted by: Lakeraholic | January 27, 2008 at 02:57 PM

Again - PJ playing Luke with his "recovering injury". Yeah right.

Posted by: max | January 27, 2008 at 02:57 PM

Personally, I think it's simply healthier for Lakerdom if everyone stopped interpreting every remotely negative comment as a deliberate "diss" towards Kobe.

Posted by: Vonislav Waferdenko | January 27, 2008 at 02:58 PM

we are working the offensive glass!

YES!

Posted by: CBuck | January 27, 2008 at 02:58 PM

The Machine is probably our best offensive player after Kobe.

Posted by: Tsiry | January 27, 2008 at 02:59 PM

four team cleveland fouls with 8:38 remaining!

Posted by: CBuck | January 27, 2008 at 02:59 PM

Bron playing some pretty decent D on Kobe. Now it's up to Kobe to stop settling for the J, and take it to the rim since the officials have been calling in his favor

Posted by: Vonislav Waferdenko | January 27, 2008 at 03:00 PM

lebron's playing tight defense on kobe...

if that's the case, kobe shoud:
A. drive like crazy and get more fouls
B. drive and kick out to the open shooter

Posted by: CBuck | January 27, 2008 at 03:02 PM

PSLakerlover,

You're absolutely right and I'll do my best to resist. Sometimes it can be hard, but it's true, the comments and conversation need to flow, so I'll try to exercise some self control. haha

Posted by: Andrew Kamenetzky | January 27, 2008 at 03:02 PM

cleveland's in the penalty!

that's what we get for attacking the hoop and crashing the offensive glass!

good fundamental basketball

Posted by: CBuck | January 27, 2008 at 03:04 PM

Lakers can't get a defensive board. Does this look familiar?

Posted by: Vonislav Waferdenko | January 27, 2008 at 03:06 PM

vonislav...

are we cosmic twins?

Posted by: CBuck | January 27, 2008 at 03:07 PM

Great defensive substitution Phil. Kwame just gave up 4 points. HAHA he is going out now LOL

Posted by: Tom | January 27, 2008 at 03:07 PM

Kwamika is removed and the fans cheer!
Long Time Laker Fan: what say you?

Posted by: passionate Lakers fan | January 27, 2008 at 03:08 PM

I just have to say that seeing Lamar back we are definately going to loose. He's bad luck!!!

Posted by: duh | January 27, 2008 at 03:08 PM

Ak..stop argueing with fellow bloggers..lol

The NBA..Were Journalistic Fortitude happens!

Posted by: lakeraholic | January 27, 2008 at 03:08 PM

BIG Z IS GONE!

now all we have to do is block out gooden and we're much better under the boards

Posted by: CBuck | January 27, 2008 at 03:09 PM

Finally an offensive foul on the Cavs for going over the back!

Posted by: Vonislav Waferdenko | January 27, 2008 at 03:09 PM

These guys on ABC are dreadful.

Posted by: Jon K. | January 27, 2008 at 03:10 PM

Surprised that since Lamar came back it's now a 1 point lead?????

Posted by: duh | January 27, 2008 at 03:12 PM

what hasnt j. vangundy comlained about today ,
its startin to get pretty annoying

Posted by: LAGUNERRO | January 27, 2008 at 03:12 PM

Lakerholic,

I already admitted I needed to stop. Stop piling on. haha

Posted by: Andrew Kamenetzky | January 27, 2008 at 03:12 PM

"I don't care about that stuff, man," Bryant said, laughing. "You know how many of those mano-a-mano battles I've seen? That's nothing to me."

Right now, it looks like Kobe does.

Posted by: Tom | January 27, 2008 at 03:13 PM

It's funny. When Kobe pokes at the ball when LeBron has it, Van Gundy makes
a big deal about it and how it should be a foul. But when LeBron is pokin' at
Kobe like he's the Pillsbury dough boy, Van Gundy calls it "good 1-on-1
defense".

Posted by: Long Time Laker Fan | January 27, 2008 at 03:14 PM

Cbuck, we shall see!

Posted by: Vonislav Waferdenko | January 27, 2008 at 03:14 PM

You see that score...the lakers being down by 1? Thank Kwame for that, he came in and pulled off two screwed up possessions....PIECE OF SH*T!!

Posted by: Rhon Salmon | January 27, 2008 at 03:14 PM

I blame Kwame Brown for this lead give away. He absolutely gave away the momentum on that four-point possession he gave away. His teammates say dont boo him so the Lakers fan just cheer when he comes off the floor. KWAME SUCKS

Posted by: Tom | January 27, 2008 at 03:15 PM

How 'bout those Staples Center cheers for Kwame!!! Oh, the crowd was cheering Kwame because Phil took him right back out of the game. Now, that's what I call good sportsmanship. LOL

Posted by: Rick Friedman | January 27, 2008 at 03:15 PM

Kobe has played wonderful until last 5 min and whatever remaining right now.

He is just forcing him self to show a greatness. You can use screen from Lamar. Lebron is doing that. Get screen and then you can dominate who ever guards you. he is just forcing issue when he is trying to shoot over lebron.

The game is in perfect condition with Z and that offensive robounder getting injured. If we blow this game, onus is on Kobe.

Posted by: Ajay | January 27, 2008 at 03:15 PM

Rhon Salmon
Totally agree.

Dang Kwame. Should we just award the opposing team 5 pts. when you approach the scorer's table?

Though what Van Gundy said about him was true.

Phil is calling time-outs. Wow.

Posted by: max | January 27, 2008 at 03:16 PM

Is anyone else watching Tiger kick the crap out of the rest of the World during the time outs???

Just Curious

Posted by: pslakerlover | January 27, 2008 at 03:16 PM

passionate Laker fan,

>>>Kwamika is removed and the fans cheer!
>>>Long Time Laker Fan: what say you?

I wouldn't have put him in. PJ put him in for Luke, who was doing ok. Kwame immediately gave up
4 straight points.

Posted by: Long Time Laker Fan | January 27, 2008 at 03:17 PM

okay, Vonislav, here's a big test

i think the lakes are in trouble if kobe keeps shooting jumpers

initially i thought we were rolling but now this offense is killing us

Posted by: CBuck | January 27, 2008 at 03:17 PM

Why is Kobe off the floor? So dumb!

Posted by: Tom | January 27, 2008 at 03:17 PM

Why would Phil take Kobe out of the game?

What an ego this guy has

Posted by: pfunk36 | January 27, 2008 at 03:17 PM

See Lamar sucks!!! Down by 1. I say that we will loose by 7 points at this rate.

Posted by: duh | January 27, 2008 at 03:17 PM

why is kobe out!!!! guess phil wants another L

Posted by: vi lakerfan | January 27, 2008 at 03:18 PM

Farmar with the late turnovers AGAIN.... ugh...

Posted by: Vonislav Waferdenko | January 27, 2008 at 03:18 PM

I am a great coach.
I play Vlad so he can do nothing in a game.
I bring Kwame in for 1 possesion to give up 4 points.
I take Kobe out of the game with 4 minutes left so we can get down by 4.

Posted by: Phil Jackson | January 27, 2008 at 03:19 PM

PHIL IS THROWING THIS GAME.. HE WANTS TO GET ANOTHER L ON PURPOSE

Posted by: kobe_24 | January 27, 2008 at 03:19 PM

Phil should be raked across hot coals if we lose this game.
Please insert KB24 (we are down by 4).

Posted by: passionate Lakers fan | January 27, 2008 at 03:19 PM

Kobe just got bleeped, priceless.

Posted by: pslakerlover | January 27, 2008 at 03:19 PM

Phil Just destoyed the momentum again......taking Kobe out

What is wrong with this guy?

Posted by: pfunk36 | January 27, 2008 at 03:20 PM

Larry Hughs hitting his shots? you can only laugh...

Posted by: Vonislav Waferdenko | January 27, 2008 at 03:20 PM

Damn Fisher, pull that foot back!!!

Posted by: pslakerlover | January 27, 2008 at 03:21 PM

Larry Hughes is making some difficult shots here late in the game. I think it stems from the beginning of the game when he found his rhythm when Kobe was giving him so much space to shoot. Kobe always does that.

Posted by: Phil Jackson | January 27, 2008 at 03:22 PM

The Lakers will NEVER REACH THEIR POTENTIAL as long as Phil Jackson is the coach.

The guy is narcissistic............do you like that word AK?

Posted by: pfunk36 | January 27, 2008 at 03:24 PM

I think he figures Kobe was a little tired - that's why he was off on some of his shots and didn't have enough footspeed to go by Lebron (think back towards 1st half, where Kobe had no prob blowing right by him). But once the lead went up to 4, he had no choice but to bring him back in

Posted by: Vonislav Waferdenko | January 27, 2008 at 03:25 PM

That play from Luke was his best in several games.

Who'd think he and Fish would get us back in the game after their starts.

And what message exactly was PJ sending by benching Kobe?