Piling up W's

Now where are those Bynum for J.O. bandwagon fans?

Any programmers out there who can hack my TiVO to bleep out every instance of Joel Meyers saying "length"?

I get a lot of "medical" offers via spam that might interest him.

lol

East Hyboer- Joel Myers is a piece of work, youd never hear chick say lenght or most of the comments.

And Stu drives me crazy- he said Kobes shot looked better in the 2nd half- duh shots that go in always look better than shots that miss.

For someone who has been doing this for a long time, Stu provides ZERO insight into a game.

Anyone think Joel will ever develop into another Laker legend?

Luria,

Bynum for JO fans are still in this blog, only they changed the tune this time, because of the great improvement of Bynum. It is what you call they changed their mind with the change of style of the player. Now they want retain, retain, retain but change another Center if he does not reform....

This is address to Kwame Brown:

"You have the physical strenght and can be good in rebound, all you have to learn is jump higher and learn the fundamental jumpshooting in the post or playing with the boards. You can be the resurrection of Moses Malone of the Sixers who is only 6'10'' but one of the best C ever played. If I were you, I will accept 50% reduction of salary for next year, go for one-on-one training with Moses find him whereever he is, pay him from your own savings and in two years' time, you will get back your old contract and be a monster in this league. If Andrew can improve, so is Kwame. However, If you opted for the status quo, then you retire in 2008 perhaps '09 with Smush because your liabilities are more than your assets, so currently, you have a zero net worth. You are something special when you were chosen by the Great MJ in '01 but after 7 years of tolerating your deficiencies, no sane team will pay you another $ 10M based on what you can do. Go Kwame, make the right decision."

Does anyone like Joel Myers' announcing? Who makes that hiring decision? I thought Paul Southerland (sp?) was at the very least a better than average announcer. However, I now find myself muting Joel and Stu even during wins.

Stu is one of the better commentators in the league (get NBA League pass if you do not believe me). But the Joel & Stu combo is not working for me. Like most Laker fans, Stu has zero respect for Joel's knowledge of the game (which incidently roughly equates to Joel's actual knowledge of the game...zero).

Ladeeeeeeees and Gentlemen,

I direct your attention to the center ring:

http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/hollinger/playoffodds

Hollinger's statistical model of playoff odds not only predicts that the Lakers
are the favorite to come out of the West...

But it has now joined the 55 win bandwagon.

That's right - a statistical model based on current performance of all teams
this season is now predicting 55 wins.

Any of you skeptics care to jump on the bandwagon now? When the Lakers
have 50 wins with 8 to play, you'll just seem like a lackey wannabe to jump
on the bandwagon at that point. :-)

The only real test in the next week is New Orleans. They are definitely
for real, having beaten Golden State and Phoenix without David West
in their last two games. Indiana is the ONLY sub .500 team they've lost
to.

But there are some differences since the last LA-NO game. When the
Hornets stung the Lakers, Kwame was on one of his regular swoons, and
Bynum hadn't emerged yet, so the Lakers started Mihm and played him
21 minutes. Lamar Odom was also out for that game, and the Lakers
hadn't yet acquired a certain wing defender named Ariza. Somehow I
think the Lakers with Odom, Ariza, and Brown will fare a little better
defensively, and will hold Peja Stojakovic under 36.

Go Lakers!

Vman,

I think Joel will, in fact, develop into a Laker legend...however, for the wrong reason...

It appears the Diesel is going to be in the shop for an extended period of time...

http://www.miamiherald.com/news/breaking_news/story/369789.html

Long Time Laker Fan,

I never questioned the Lakers couldn't win 55 games...My confidence is whether they can stay healthy enough to do it..I know they can if they stay healthy. But that has been a big "IF" over the past 2 seasons.

I THINK THE CELTICS GAME TOLD US WHERE WE ARE.

STILL CLIMBING BUT NOT THERE YET.

I'm still sore about the CELTICS loss.

I think this season if it stays on the current course will be a defining moment for Kobe Bryant.

If he plays well from the beginning in BIG GAMES against the Celtics, Spurs, and Pistons types of teams I think the team will follow or at least the ball will be in their court to follow.

If he struggles I don't think our confidence/experience will quite be enough at that level.

So as LeBron helped the CAVS beat the Celtics earlier this yr by leading with his dominance. He showed KG, Pierce, and Ray Allen that he was better than all of them.

Dwight Howard did the same thing because KG can't do a thing with him at all.

KOBE HAS NOT SHOWN THEM THAT IN EITHER MATCHUP.

I hate to say it but that's what the Lakers need and is the difference.
I believe Kobe can do it but he's gotta DO IT.
When Kobe's shooting terribly and not calm against Boston as he showed both times we don't have a chance. Bynum was unaggressive and allowed Kendrick Perkins to out shine him.
Lamar is Lamar.
Kobe's gotta be DOMINANT.

Simple as that, dominate, shoot over 50%, and be the playmaker when necessary too against the TOP 3 teams (Spurs, Celtics, Pistons)

Stu Lanz is the MAN

Phil hit the nail on the head. Relaxation/control/focus is crucial to Lamar's success.

Once again, I must recommend that he see a sports psychologist and begin a regular meditation training program.

GO LAKERS!

laker lover"And Stu drives me crazy- he said Kobes shot looked better in the 2nd half- duh shots that go in always look better than shots that miss."

stu was saying that kobe was getting more elevation on his shots and had more of an arc.

speaking of announcers, joel myers needs to go, and they need to bring in spero dedes in. hes an amazing announcer, yet the boring joel myers is still the tv announcer.

I hate how Joel says everything like he's narrating a Movie trailer.

I've been waiting for the days of 'select your soundtrack' on sports broadcasts for what seems like ages. How hard can it be to provide a secondary audio feed of just the game and no announcers? Doesn't KCAL/FSN understand how obnoxious Joel & Stu are?

I guess the bright side is they're still infinitely better than the dopes who do broadcasts for the Clippers. It is IMPOSSIBLE to listen to that guy who insists on saying "oh baby" every 3 minutes without wanting to throw up.

Can you imagine how devastating it would have been for this team if we would have traded Lamar Odom AND Andrew Bynum for Jermaine O'Neal? In my humble opinion (weaknesses of Lamar Odom aside) both players are better than Jermaine O'Neal.

GO LAKERS!

As a Laker-4-Life living in Oakland, I can say without hesitation that Joel Meyers is right up there with the Warriors' Bob Fitzgerald as the worst play-by-play announcer in the league.

In a league that includes Tom Dore of the Bulls, and Kevin friggin' Harlan of seemingly every TNT game that I want to watch, that's saying a lot.

I know a lot of people in the press liked Smush Parker when he was here in Los Angeles, but I always thought of him as a cancer. Yes, at times I referred to him as "Smush Spectacular" because he was capable of spectacular street-ball types of plays, but his self-centered attitude and lack of professionalism is the worst thing for a point guard. Your point guard is your general on the court and, quite frankly, Smush Parker is a mentally weak individual.

Thank God that Derek Fisher is back in the Purple and Gold! Thank you!

GO LAKERS!

Vman,

Joel Myers, another Laker legend?....hmmn his smirks and interviews with celebrities while the game is on play looks like another snake-oil salesman to me. lol

C.S.

Heard it was ugly a couple years back with Joel pulling a back room move to get Paul Sunderland out. Sunderland was solid and like-able, if not exciting.

ONe thing for sure: if they're going to keep Stu they should go with a younger, funnier play by play guy and let him grow with this new young team. Joel M is an old school pro better suited for radio... only.

LTLF- even with 50 plus wins the lakers will be at best a 5 seed in the west, and not have home court advantage in the playoffs.

If they fall to 6th its a likely matchup with SAS or Dallas- and a quick exit in the playoffs.

The thing I love about Bynum is the magic of the legacy.

He is the tuteledge of Kurt Rambis and Kareem Abdul-Jabaar.

Just as Kobe Bryant is the tuteledge of Jerry West.

Someday I hope that the Derek Fishers, the Kobe Bryants, the Jordan Farmars, the Andrew Bynums of today and tomorrow will be guiding the next generation of Lakers towards excellence.

Long Live the Legacy!

GO LAKERS!

Joel Myers should be sent to the Developmental League to work on his game.

The NO game is the yardstick this month. They've got all the pieces minus a bench. No one in the league can stay in front of Chris Paul and Chandler is big and athletic enough to give Andrew trouble especially on a back to back.

Trevor on Paul could be interesting. His size would at least get his attention.

As well as Ronny has played recently, it would be nice to see him on the floor with Lamar and Andrew again. Has Phil abandoned the LO at the 3 idea? As long as LO had strict instructions to NEVER shoot the 3 from the top of the key, that reads like strong front court on paper.

I agree with C.S. and can't believe how they let Sunderland go! He really got dissed by the Lakers but maintained a professional attitude as he went back to calling college games. Bring back Sunderland!

I thought Joel Myers did a good job on the radio with Mychal Thompson before he was promoted to TV. I used to listen to Lakers Re-Loaded in the morning after every Laker game when he was on AM570. He has good knowledge of the game.

In fact, I think Stu and Joel have very good chemistry. They're not exactly Aikman and Buck, but I would take them over Michaels and Madden. It's cool to hear them joke around with each other. Joel's work with Pac 10 football, shows that he's versatile with other sports. He's got a good voice...but the one knock is that he doesn't have the look.

Sometimes, I feel that at times, Stu and Joel are both clueless. Stu tends to love Kobe a bit too much and doesn't really point out anything Kobe's doing wrong. Joel sometimes gets a little too Costas-esque with all the historical stuff.

The victory last night has me convinced that Ariza should start in the place of Luke Walton. Luke would be a good member of the second unit and would help to distribute that rock that Jordan had trouble dishing.

Kobe is ranked #10 in Hollinger's crazy PER rankings. There is only one other Laker ranked in the top 50. And no, it is not Kwame or The Face. That's right, its Socks at #21. He is ahead of many notable names that will make the Western Conference All-Star game including Tracy McGrady, Carmelo, Josh Howard, Baron Davis, Shawn Marion, and Chris Kaman.

http://insider.espn.go.com/nba/hollinger/statistics?&action=login&appRedirect=http%3a%2f%2finsider.espn.go.com%2fnba%2fhollinger%2fstatistics

What do you guys think of these line-ups?

Bynum, Turiaf, Ariza, Kobe, Fish

Kwame, Odom, Luke, JC, Farmar

Closing: Bynum, Lamar, Ariza, Kobe, Fisher

Wouldn't that make a better 2nd unit that's more fluid with the offense? The Bench mob hasn't been that good as of late. (Even before Sasha and Vlad's injuries)

Just thoughts for today....

Edwin Gueco,

I found your address to Kwame Brown interesting.

I strongly believe that we are a significantly better team with Kwame Brown than without him. However, it is very difficult to get around the collective feeling Laker Nation has for Kwami the Swami: Disappointment.

We all feel he is being overpaid.

We see development with players like Andrew Bynum, Ronny Turiaf, Jordan Farmar... even Sasha Vuljicic. Comparatively, all these players have steadily improved while Kwame has not to the same degree.

Physically he is absolutely capable. He seems like an intelligent man. So, he should be able to understand the game sufficiently (it's not quantum mechanics, after all).

The issue seems to be Drive and Confidence.

Here's the problem as I see it: 1) Kwame lacks confidence because everywhere he's been someone has been screaming at him "DISAPPOINTMENT!" Whether it be his jerk father in high school, his jerk surrogate father ("I Don't Want To Be Like") Mike Jordan, or Laker Nation (led by BK). I'm uncertain whether or not not he has ever developed the spiritual core necessary to truly be confident and not overthink his decisions. Kwame would have tremendously benefited from one to two years in college. That not being the case, I can only hope that Phil Jackson (a defensively-minded center in his days) will personally take Kwame Brown under his wing, stop being the Zen Master, and be something of a father figure to Kwame and help build the spiritual core in him necessary for personal confidence. Otherwise, I just don't see him developing as he is capable.

2) Drive. Kwame comes from a little town in Georgia and a dysfunctional family. Everywhere he has gone he'd probably gotten laid at will and been overpaid (Washington and Los Angeles). In short, if Kwame completely fails as a player, what's the worst that can happen to him? Retire with several million dollars in the bank? In any case, it's a hell of a lot better than what he or his family went through growing up. There's no fear of failure. No drive to prove himself or prove someone else wrong. As a result, we see immature behavior from him like Cakegate and Chicken Headgate. Kwame doesn't go to sleep at night feeling his life will be incomplete if he doesn't win a Championship or Best Defensive Player of the Year or some other personal milestone. I just don't see it in his actions, his body language, his facial responses. I'm uncertain how to internalize drive with someone, though I do know that drive is contagious. There is no more driven player in the NBA than Kobe Bryant. Perhaps if Kobe WORKS to form a special bond with Kwame, not through intimidation, but compassion, maybe Kwame might start to get it. Maybe Kwame might start to develop a fire (even if it comes from the basic desire of proving his Dad wrong) that will lead to that Drive. That Kobesque, Rockyesque desire to be your best, whatever the cost in terms of time, energy and focus... even obsession.

Most of us want Kwame to succeed and, for me, the path is clear: Drive and Confidence. We have the best coaching staff in the NBA and two of the best player-leaders (Kobe and Fish) in the NBA. As leaders, these people win off the court by helping make our players the best they can be.

I hope they do this for Kwame because he could be a lot better than a disappointment and damned well should be.

GO LAKERS!

Personally, I like Joel Meyers. Unfortunately, he exists in the shadow of Chick Hearn, which must suck for him.

A lot of people don't like Stu either, but I do... a lot actually.

The bloggers doeth protest too much, methinks.

GO LAKERS!

Long Time Laker Fan-

55 win bandwagon?

I'm on the 60 win bandwagon! When that one stops, I'll jump on to the 55 win bandwagon, if there's still room ...

I was looking at the Suns comment page on the hollinger team rankings over
at espn.com, and a Suns fan was proposing this trade:

"Trade Marion to the Lakers for Kwame Brown and Radmanovic."

Just think what a sad state it must be for Phoenix fans if they're pining for
the snowboarder and big calves.

The thing i like is that at least the Lakers announcers are somewhat even handed with their call of the game, if the bad calls are in the Lakers favor, they say so. If the call goes against the Lakers, they say so. They are not hometown heros like most announcers. They give props to the the vistors often. Listen to the Bulls or Milwaukee announcers some time and you wil thank your stars for Joel Myers and his affinity for "length".

Ever gone to a wedding of people you barely know? At that wedding, ever get cornered into a conversation with someone's drunken uncle? Ever witness that uncle labor under the mistaken impression that he can deliver, solo voce, all of the funny scenes from Fletch, Animal House and/or Caddyshack? For like two hours straight?

Joel Myers reminds me of that guy.

Conversely, I like Stu Lantz. He knows that his position is to play "Barney" to someone elses' "Fred," and he plays this role with class and style. No one's ever going to be (or even approach) Chick Hearn, but I believe Stu deserves a better lead announcer than Joel.

Here's another gem from the Phoenix blog on espn:

"i think everyone is missing the point with the suns this year. we don't need
more defense. we need more offense"

Shyeah, right.

Since the beginning of the season I,have been meaning to join the 55 win bandwagon club. I now concider myself a full fledge member.

C.S.......I feel you with that League Pass comment. As a colorman, Stu Lantz is pretty good and while he obviously loves the Lakers, he is not obnoxious with his praise for the team. Not only that , but he is fair and objective about opposing players unlike most of the colorman around the league. The worst? Try Sean Elliot of the Spurs and the colorman for NO who I think is named Gil Gerard. These 2 are unapologetic homers who don't have an objective bone in their bodies, at least during the telecasts.

C.S.......I feel you with that League Pass comment. As a colorman, Stu Lantz is pretty good and while he obviously loves the Lakers, he is not obnoxious with his praise for the team. Not only that , but he is fair and objective about opposing players unlike most of the colorman around the league. The worst? Try Sean Elliot of the Spurs and the colorman for NO who I think is named Gil Gerard. These 2 are unapologetic homers who don't have an objective bone in their bodies, at least during the telecasts.

I have a feeling that Joel Meyers will be remembered as a Laker legend from the same group of legends that contains Smush Parker, Samaki Walker and Brian Cook.

LAKER FANS: WHY DO WE BASH KWAME BROWN? We better hope Bynam does not get hurt and if he does. Then Yall be hard on him like yall are on Kwame, I KNOW NONE OF YOU, who put Kwame down really know the game that good. If Kwame never go hurt Bynam would still be on the bence, just like if Mihms would have not got hurt 2 years ago, the Lakers would have never made it to the play offs.

If yall think Kwame is so bad, what would yall do if he gets traded to another team? Who will back up or start, You have to have 2 Big men in this league or you will make the playoffs but you wont advance.

I pray the trade Kwame to a Team and City that wants him, and I hope he goes to a team in the Laker division....

Then I guess we all will see who or what will happen. Bynam is good but if Kwame and to Defend him... I think Kwame will shut his offence of productivity down... then WHAT????

LAKER FANS BE HAPPY WE HAVE 2 GOOD YOUNG CENTERS

Joel Myers continues to be the WORST. Bitter, old man who feels the need to assign blame for anything that falls short of perfection. Chick Hearn would never mock our own players, like Joel does with Kwame and the sarcastic glossing of Sasha as "the machine." A horrible, bad man that needs to go away forever.

Lakers down early to Utah 5-0. Missed a couple of put backs, Utah already at the other end on offense, shot clock down to 10 seconds, and Joel is still at the other end, not letting go of the past, assigning blame. "You'll never get a better look than the Lakers got at the other end... Twice." It's amazing the Depression Era lens this man views basketball through.

Goodbye Joel. This is undoubtedly your last year and I cheer that fact.

I need some attention today so here I go. Kwame was unstopable. The Lakers would have lost if Kwame wasn't there playing that great post defense. Did you see him protecting the paint which eliminated any penetration from the little guards? He is amazing. Why you fools don't see it is because I know basketball and you don't. He was looking so smooth on offense you can see the greatness pouring out of those calves. My advice to Phil start Kwame till Bynum gets it. Bynum is fools gold any fool can see that.
Mike T and I both know that Kwame is the key to winning the Championship because we both study basketball unlike you fools.

Go Kwame !!!!

BD

LakerLover, Vman, et al,

I didn't really mean to start a "Joel Meyers sucks" bwagon, so I've got to clarify:
I don't hate Meyers; I just hate his obsession with "length". It's really getting over the top (no pun intended). I don't love him, but you could do worse. At least he doesn't think that the game is all about him.

And what's with all of the Paul Sunderland nostalgia by people who never even knew his real name? Man, that guy was the worst. When the Lakers were down he'd start scolding them like a schoolteacher. His voice would get all high and pinched... who needs that?

Personally, I'd love to see them switch the radio and TV guys. But Stu has the Chick dust all over him and will never be fired. I can live with that. Chick was worth it.

I think that the Lakers will eventually hire someone to replace Joel, but great announcers are pretty rare and it might take a while.

Laker Lover,

Your user name is clearly a misnomer. If the Lakers win 50 or more, they will be a top 4 seed and they will go to the
WCF, at least.

You should consider changing your user name to Laker Pessimist, or something like that.

Charles,

I'm fine with your starting lineup, and I even like having Lamar and Luke on the bench mob. But
Javaris has now had 3 games with more minutes, and he only played well in one of three. If Sasha's
ankle is feeling better on Tuesday or Wednesday, expect to see him back to getting minutes over JC.

Stu calls games as if the people watching have never seen a telecast before. It really is starting to get tired. Always talks about the same old facts about the players. (Same with Joel "Handsome Dan" Myers) I enjoy listening to commentators that were former coaches. ie: Hubie Brown, Doug Collins, Van Gundy. They break the game and the players down to a science. Much more interesting and enjoyable.

Apparently East Nyboer thinks he's the authority on all things related to Laker announcers.

Kevin G,

>>>If yall think Kwame is so bad, what would yall do if he gets traded to another team?

uhhhh. Is this a trick question?

I'd jump up and down and do a little dance in celebration.

>>>Who will back up or start,

Whoever they get back for Kwame would either back up at Center or start at PF.

>>>You have to have 2 Big men in this league or you will make the playoffs but you wont advance.

Maybe you should tell that to Kwame. Someone made a joke about T-Mac, but it applies to Kwame as well...

Kwame Brown -- he's like half a man and half a season.

Kevin G,

>>>LAKER FANS BE HAPPY WE HAVE 2 GOOD YOUNG CENTERS

Wellllllll. Technically they haven't signed Marc Gasol yet, but at least they have the rights to two good centers.

re: Lakers announcers, Myers is terrible, he takes everything so personally, bad play by the Lakers offends him, even if it's a couple possesions; and he drops homer comments in there all the time, rooting for the team; LA is a smart enough market to have a pro-laker commentator who doesn't root for the team like a fan does; Lantz is fine and basically objective ----but if you have league pass, by far the best play by play team I think I've ever heard is Marv Albert and laker lover Mark Jackson as the lead guys on the NJ Nets games (they sometimes have replacements, because of those guys national duties); that's the quality of announcers the Lakers should have, litearly makes the game more enjoyable.

Charles,

I like your line up. I've been thinking Lamar would be better on the 2nd unit.

unfortunately, with Joel Meyers in the lead seat calling the game puts Stu Lantz in the mode of the "expert" providing insights which... I don't recall anything insightful from Stu...

I like Stu but more in the mode of "that's right, Chick" than what is currently going on. I think Joel Meyers is a likeable enough guy, seems to be a professional "hit his mark" type guy, cranking out the commercial plugs, etc. but... he seems to miss big plays. Maybe it's me but I really don't know when Joel is excited about something. You KNOW when Bob Miller is excited about something! You say "Kings" you say Bob Miller! Joel Meyer on the other hand... I mean... I hate the celebrity interviews/PLUGS! did I say COMMERCIAL PLUGS? as much as the next guy though I doubt Joel has much input on that. But they sure do miss a lot of game and great plays doing that. I'd almost rather they give some up and coming college kid a shot. Surely there's someone who has been doing college basketball games for a little while who would jump up and down for this job? Maybe a Laker fan, perhaps? Somebody who would stand up and taunt on an Ariza slam? I'd LOVE that! I want a homer! I don't care what wonderful human beings are on the other team! I want them to hoot and ooooooh and ahhhhhh on the replays! Can I get an, Amen? Thank you...

I have been out of town and only got to read the posts on the Celtics game. Mike T and I must have been watching different games. What I saw was the Celtic's double teaming Bynum with KG and Perkins. This cut off the passes to Drew and hindered him getting to the boards. At the same time it opened up the lane from about 6 feet from the basket to the free throw line. If I remember correctly in the early part of the game we had up to 15 lay up's and short jumpers which we couldn't make. Give us 50% of those short shots which any respectable NBA player should make 80% of the time, and you have a totally different game and the Celtics probably have to change their defense.

I have been out of town and only got to read the posts on the Celtics game. Mike T and I must have been watching different games. What I saw was the Celtic's double teaming Bynum with KG and Perkins. This cut off the passes to Drew and hindered him getting to the boards. At the same time it opened up the lane from about 6 feet from the basket to the free throw line. If I remember correctly in the early part of the game we had up to 15 lay up's and short jumpers which we couldn't make. Give us 50% of those short shots which any respectable NBA player should make 80% of the time, and you have a totally different game and the Celtics probably have to change their defense.

LTLF

how do you know Marc Gasol is as good as you think he is?

Joel Myers is phooey.

Standing behind the shadow of Chick is tough...but that's not why I don't like Joel. He's just so annoying, and wrong. And a a jinx!

Wish we would have hired Spero instead. He's good.

I don't dislike Joel Myers or Stu Lantz. Both (and especially Stu) seem like good guys. But in a town that grew up on Chick Hearn and Vin Scully, and for the wealthiest team in the NBA, we sure ought to be able to do better. The sad truth is that Jerry Buss is a tightwad who would rather spend his funny money on 21-year-old babes than on a quality crew of announcers.

I mean how hard would it be to find the best young announcers around and put them in a position to follow in Chick's immortal footsteps? I mean, come onnnn! The announcers should build the fan base AND the excitement level of the city as the momentum of our team's victories builds. THIS announcing team is so freakin bland that except for this BLOG (yeah, AK/BK...THIS is the real center of Laker Nation!!!), you might fall asleep listening to them, or even be ready to painlessly absorb a Texas Chainsaw Vasectomy. At the very least, you shouldn't operate heavy machinery while listening to them.

Dr. Buss...dump the babes and hire some decent announcers!

I've got nothing against Stu and Joel, they're not great but they're not bad. I grew up in Miami so I didn't grow up listening to Chick. I prefer the radio guys, Spiro Dides and the color guy do a good job.

Come on, do we really need all this hate? When our team is doing good and you guys have no player to pick on, you have to pick on the announcer? Can we all act more like a TEAM!

Long Time Laker Fan and Laker Kev,

Thank you both for your response. I adjusted the line up without Vlad or Sasha due to their day to day injuries.

I agree PJ will insert Sasha as soon as he is ready. But how many times have we seen Sasha go up and down with his performance. Take example this season.

I appreciate both your open mind's in having LO with Walton on the Bench.

Peace and have a great year Long Time Laker Fan and Laker Kev!

BD,

LOL... I'll give you some attention. I know neither of us are sincerely down on Kwame other than what's been mentioned here. He has never, repeat, NEVER worked on his game. Those kind of players need to leave the team because they are not what will get us there. Second, he has potential. I thought the same thing of Smush, he had potential too. In fact, these guys have so much athletic talent, they could be superstars if they had the other ingredients to go with it. I think the reason I'm harsh on Kwame is because I know he can be so much better than he is. That and what you pointed out yourself... we have a blogger who makes outrageous statements that tend to draw a lot of responses from us.

Was I the only one crying last night when Caron scored 33 pts on 57% shooting, grabbed 4 boards, 5 assists, and 4 steals?

Then, I glance over at Kwame.... I'm completely in tears. I need a hug too! Maybe that's why he makes those posts... maybe he's hurting inside seeing what we all must see. That trade makes me cry every time I see him play.

Stu would be okay if I could just figure out if he's saying still or steal

I think both Drew,and Kwame are talented I must say Drew is out shining Kwame,because of his confidence and work ethics.
In his defense he is getting back from injuries it will take him a little time to pick up his game hopefully Drew will inspire him.

My two cents on the announcers: I like Stu well enough - he is better than most of the guys for the other NBA teams. Joel I just don't like him. He sounds phony and obnoxious. I didn't like him when he was with the Spurs back a few years ago when I first got the NBA league pass. That being said as much as I don't like him, he isn't as bad as the guys for the Warriors, Kings, and Spurs. among others. I hope the Lakers can Myers and bring Spero or someone else in.

No matter what I am a Lakers fan and will still watch as many games as I can regardless of the announcers.

Eagleboy.

sixonezero,

>>>how do you know Marc Gasol is as good as you think he is?

Well, I don't. But when he said "good young centers", I knew he couldn't be referring to Kwame. And Gasol
is the MVP of the league he's in, so he can't be all bad.

Joel has the same voice as Wink Martindale. And he's picked up the annoying habit of saying that certain things WILL happen. If Kobe has 10 points, 5 rebounds and 6 assists in the first half he'll say, "Kobe's going to have a triple double tonight" as though its already assured. Or "Get ready because Andrew Bynum is going to be a 20-10 guy soon..." Or that Drew will have a new career high because he scored a bunch in the first half. Isn't that a cardinal rule of broadcasting? Don't predict, just call the game. He's wrong almost every time he makes one of these predictions. Bugs the crap out of me.

It's very difficult for me to lampoon JM, especially after he put me on his morning Laker show a couple of times a couple of years back, while I was sitting on the 5 parking lot. Anyone out there remember that show on KLAC-- that was pretty sweet!

Having said that, the dude does make a few mistakes per game. My favorite is the game a few weeks back when the Lakers were honoring the 87-88 champs. JM referred to them as the 86-87 champs -- and I thought OK it was just a slip, but then he did it -- oh -- half-a-dozen more times.

This is especially annoying because that was the year RS made me cry. You would think JM would be sensitive to that!

Please put me on the 3 mistakes per game bandwagon.

Later ...

Dont count on Bynum yet. Ha has not developed a midrange jump shot and any moves. He still need time to develop , but he will be there in 3-4 years. Good teams will be able to control him in the playoffs.
This mini road trip will be a good indication of what to expect from a big road trip , which will define a season.

Watch out Joel Myers. Faith don't like you and that's a problem. (lol)

The thing I LOVE about going to Staples , besides obvious advantages of watching the live basketball , is NOT having to listen to any commentators , I dont care who , Chick (will all due respect) or anybody else for this matter.

Well, at the end of the survey we have a resounding NO on the Joel Meyer / Laker legend question. I particularly liked The D's description of his "likeability" factor.

I like Stu as he is a connection to the legend himself, but if you'll recall, when he came on board, he was the youngster beside Chick. It appears the blog thinks it might be time for a similar change. With the present youth movement in the Laker Org, KCAL might want to consider movin' Spero up to the big booth or continuing the search.

Unlike roster moves and coaching strategies, a blog vote on this subject might actually swing some weight in the real world.

LOL Rayray.

Can't help it.

Youth movement would dictate a Spero opening? All right!

RE: Stu, to be honest the fact that he came from the Spurs org does not help. He might as well have been a Suns announcer.

But I agree with you Faith-

I think the Lakers gorup of game callers are all way under average. I think Joel Myers is the best of the group just not for LA TV. Spero is too young and inexperienced to call it for the home team. Thompson is just taking the pay checks and waiting for the gmaes to finish although I like him because he is a LAKER. But I think STU LANTZ SUX. I hate the way he wants to show off the education he really does not have. Can't we have Big game James or somebody call the Laker games?

I have the league pass and watch almost every game

STU LANTZ is among the WORST analyzers that there are. He is real good at just trying to rub the information on the listeners face. The worst part is, the information that he is giving out is complete BS. I mean other than the fundamentals of the game, he does NOT know CRAPPP.

Example:

Stu: "For some reason the BIG men (foul) when they get picked by a smaller man."
Hey Stu that reason you seem to be looking for, for years now, is the small men are faster so get to the position faster and they are smaller and first it's hard to recognize or even see them (becasue they're smaller) and second the littlest contact puts the small man on the floor and that calls for a call. OK Stu? And you're calling game for which team the Timberwolves oh no that's the LA LAKERS.

Just like Mitch Kupchak getting praises for the success of this team, Stu calling the games STINKS.

Joel has the same voice as Wink Martindale. And he's picked up the annoying habit of saying that certain things WILL happen. If Kobe has 10 points, 5 rebounds and 6 assists in the first half he'll say, "Kobe's going to have a triple double tonight" as though its already assured. Or "Get ready because Andrew Bynum is going to be a 20-10 guy soon..." Or that Drew will have a new career high because he scored a bunch in the first half. Isn't that a cardinal rule of broadcasting? Don't predict, just call the game. He's wrong almost every time he makes one of these predictions. Bugs the crap out of me.

Tim-4-Show,

That trade still giving you nightmares? Just imagine if they traded Odom and Bynum for JO. I think both of us look at Drew knowing that the Lakers hit the Jackpot. My only thought of Kwame is what can he and filler get the Lakers in a trade to fill out the PF/C position. Do you agree that we are still missing 1 more special player to really contend this year? I still think we need a bruiser who will have Bynum's back come playoff time but what do I know.

Tk Care.

BD

Jon K,

"Most of us want Kwame to succeed and, for me, the path is clear: Drive and Confidence."

Jon K, you hit the nail on the problem of Kwame that his carefree attitude that everything is OK. (As if he is saying, just listen to Mike T. you will know the importance of Kwame.) He never took advantage of Kareem's presence. I saw Kareem's old games with Bruins, Bucks and Showtime Lakers, this is what Andrew except the hook shots. If he learns the hook shots, he will be stoppable and will be competing for the MVP too. On Kwame's case, It just occurs to me when I saw the game of Moses Malone on ESPN Classic when they beat the Lakers 4-0 in 1983. He was just fantastic on what he could do w/ his height and never became an impediment. Like last night, the kids Jordan, JC, Trevor were following the triangle, unfortunately, it is dismantled as soon it gets to Center, either he did not free himself, not so aggressive in manufacturing his shots or outright T/O upon catching the ball. The great Centers like Moses, Elvin Hayes, or even PF, Charles Barkley, they would flatten u or carry u with their strenght. Kwame could have done that but the ball was no longer in his possession so his strenght was wasted.

Edwin Gueco,

I agree. Every player who is a Laker needs to held to a higher standard. They are not Milwaukee Bucks or Memphis Grizzlies. They are Lakers. Being a Laker is literally the best a player can hope for. We don't have a professional football team. All we have is professional basketball and the best NBA program in its history... the Lakers.

That doesn't come without effort, intelligence, and sacrifice.

For all his issues, Kobe is a true Laker... without a doubt.

Being a Laker is not about a paycheck, it's about a spirit.

Shaq (though I admire him) was less a Laker than ANY other Laker Great. His work ethic was too stiffled.

Kwame Brown, man, you are a Laker now. No more Cakegate, no more crap. Time to scribe your name in Laker history.

Otherwise you are just another Smush Parker. I hope you enjoy Charlotte.

GO LAKERS!

Too bad most of the comments are about the announcers. Team must be playing good for little talk regarding them. Hopethat continues. I didn't know Gausol was MVP in his league but good to hear. As a b/u here he just needs to provide wide body to block out and get rebounds and play D. With Kwames huge pay gone we can allow for more cap space for FA. Take Kwame back if he shows change of attitude and give him contract with 50% paycut and put in incentives to make him play harder as another blogger noted.

Andrew Bynum is becoming the dunkadelic-beast of the west coast. AB is becoming a man in the low-post. If he stays in Kobe type shape and adds 20 pounds of muscle to his frame in the next 3-4 years your looking at a rival to Greg Oden for who's the second best center in the West.

Hey guys,
Think this is the PF we need.
Shows great touch

http://acbtv.acb.com/video/267

joel myers is terribly annoying. his voice sounds disingenuous and he is very obnoxious. there are also rumors abound that he back-stabbed paul sunderland. moreover, he doesnt call an objective game and he constantly bemoans his opinion on bad plays. hes so freaking annoying. lakers please get rid of him so we can have an appropriate voice for the new era dynasty.

MR. BUSS..... HELP!!!,
The ONLY thing I disliked about the Lakers play-off win over the Nugs the other night was having to listen to Joel Myers. Please Please Please can we get someone else to annouce?????? I thought I was the only one besides several of my neighbors that dislike him, too. He sounds like he shoud be annoucing at a horse race, not an NBA game. His voice sounds just like old Earl Sheib the car painting guy.....R i i i i i i ght!!!! Stu would be better if Joel wasn't always taking over him and mostly dissing our team. Please MR. BUSS, BUZZ him out! ! ! ! ! ! ! I'm so glad I got satellite TV now so I can listen to TNT....And NO JOEL>>>>>yeahhhhh!!!!! If there's more of you out there who want to help make a change. Start this with MR. BUSS....HELP!!!

If you want to really make an impression about getting Joel Myers fired. He's the place to contact Dr. Buss. feedback@la-lakers.com I just sent a complaint re Joel. You can, too!! Come on you guys lets get it done.

To complain about JOEL MYERS contact DR. BUSS at:
Feedback@LA-LAKERS.COM