Lulling them into submission
To say the least, not the most dynamic of Laker contests we've seen this season. Upon first glance, a 110-105 Laker win over the Bucks would appear like a tightly-knit, back and forth, high scoring affair. Filled with chills, spills and thrills. And that's exactly the way things went down. Or at least how they would have, had either team played in a gear higher than neutral during most of the game. The first half in particular, save the efforts of Kobe Bryant and Andrew Bynum, featured Lakers playing like they were covered in that goo Bill Murray got slimed with during "Ghostbusters." Once the third quarter commenced, the purple and gold soldiers slowly began shaking off the cobwebs, eventually turning on the jets to create an energetic and winning box score.
No harm, no foul. Except for the bad dreams I had all three times I nodded off.
The breakdown and audio are below the jump.
-AK
The Good
Kobe Bryant: Between that ridiculous no-look to Trevor Ariza for the reverse jam, the up-and-under to wind down the Lakers first half scoring, the barrage of triples in the opening frame, or the sixteen fourth quarter points, Kobe would have likely landed in this column as it is. 37/5/7 games (with five trey balls for good measure) tend to net praise. But Kobe especially earned mention for gutting it out under two sets of tough circumstances. First, foul trouble. Three in the first half, followed by a fast fourth. They hurt him on D from time to time, but Bryant managed to make it work. Second, and even more impressive, he played one hell of a game while battling a viral upper respiratory infection. Despite feeling what one suspects resembled "crap," he showed more energy than the majority of his teammates (save two, who'll be revealed later) during the opening three frames. I hope he gets some well earned rest tonight.
Andrew Bynum: Here's one of the other fellas who didn't go half speed during the opening half. Save Kobe, nobody else did as much to help weather the lethargy storm than Drew. Like Bryant, he represented the bulk of early scoring (15), along with his increasingly typical glass-clean effort (9). Things continued well from there. Bynum wound down the night racking 25 points, 3 blocks and a career high 17 rebounds. Even more eye opening, six of them were offensive. For those worried the recent success will turn the kid complacent, you'll be pleased to know Drew said after the game that he's champing at the bit to join the "20/20" Club. At this rate, his membership card should be arriving in the mail soon.
Jordan Farmar's block late in the fourth: Charlie Bell beats him off the dribble heading to the rack for what's essentially a meaningless two points, tacos issues aside. But Farmar's competitive spirit just wouldn't allow him to concede the hoop. Or he just wanted to show off those oft-underrated hops. Either way, the sky was literally the limit. For that matter, Farmar's second half (eight points, plus a pair of dimes and distance balls) wasn't all that bad, either.
Ironically, Bell ended up scoring the basket that killed taco possibilities, but you know what, get over it people! I mostly say this because the media never get those coupons, anyway.
The Bad
The energy during the opening three quarters: Had he played at molasses speed, I'd have given Kobe a pass, since the guy was legitimately under the weather. As for just about everyone else, not sure why it took three quarters to appear like they didn't head to Staples after embarking on a field trip to an opium den. They may be the Milwaukee Bucks, but you still need to treat them like a legit opponent.
Kwame Brown: Of all dudes guilty of poppy-addled play, #54 was arguably the poppiest. Kwame seemed completely out of it and indifferent during his time on the court, not even offering much energy on D. The team doesn't expect much O from Brown, which works out great, because they got nada. Two attempts (including a tepid layup attempt that should have been dunked). Two misses. Two turnovers. Only one board. Zero minutes in the fourth (and less then eleven overall), which didn't surprise me one bit. Phil admitted after the game, in so many words, that Bynum's big minutes came in large part by not being able to preserve a lead with the kid on the pine.
Javaris Crittenton: I'll give The Critter this much. Along with Kobe and Drew, he was definitely the other Laker who appeared to have abstained from the pre-game barbiturates. Unfortunately, he also appeared hopped up on goofballs. From the moment he entered the second quarter, Crittenton played like a frantic kid trying to impress and continue siphoning minutes in Sasha Vujacic's absence. And like often the case when rookies attempt such missions, they often endanger their PT. In five minutes, The Critter missed two one shots (one absurdly frantic), turned the ball over twice, and was generally out of control. I'll go out on a limb and say Phil agreed, considering after Kobe picked up his third foul, Coach opted to go with Coby Karl as a replacement.
Me declaring early in the live blog that Derek Fisher sinking his first attempt was perhaps the sign of another scorching night: I'll take the hit for Fish's 3-13 finish. Superstitious as I am, I REALLY should have known better.
The turning point
The fourth quarter, when the Lakers either switched from Gatorade to Red Bull or remembered that a sweat does in fact need to be broken in order to win the overwhelming majority of NBA games. In any event, they took a four point lead and kicked it up another ten points. From there, some baskets were traded, but the Bucks did most of their damage in garbage time with the game in hand.
-AK
AUDIO: Lots of good stuff, including me accidentally asking Kobe if he's had sex before (listen to the audio, and it makes more sense...). After politely ignoring my verbal fumble, Kobe talked a lot about what it requires to play sick. Given all the success he's had in similar situations, I don't think it would be a bad idea for him to hang out with as many coughing preschoolers as possible if the Lakers face a Game 7 at some point this year.
Phil, as you might expect, pointed to the huge efforts from Bryant and Bynum. As for Drew, it's fun to hear his confidence growing with each game. You can tell some light bulbs have gone off on both ends, and he likes it. And when he talks about how badly he wants his first 20/20 game, it's like watching a kid staring at his presents before Christmas. He knows it's coming... but really can't wait.
- Phil Jackson: Download phil_jackson_1.11 postMIL.mp3
- Andrew Bynum: Download andrew_bynum_1.11 postMIL.mp3
- Lamar Odom: Download lamar_odom_1.11 postMIL.mp3
- Kobe Bryant: Download kobe_bryant_1.11 postMIL.mp3
BK
I noticed in a Drew interview how he spiffs up his language with 'super'. Keep doing it, Drew! You're Super!
Superman Returns!
Posted by: Mind_Sighter | January 12, 2008 at 10:21 AM
Phil calls the plays from the sidelines. Because the Bucks had average defenders that Kobe could every easily go 1-on-1 against to start the game, he called isolation plays for Kobe to start the game, to hopefully get them out of the gate quickly. It backfired in that everone became a spectator.
Posted by: richard | January 12, 2008 at 10:23 AM
for once, i agree with mike t
in the sense that bynum will break down a little this year. Teams will make more adjustments towards him, and he wont have the kind of success he has been used to.
on another note. if we can get to the conference finals, that would be a major step for this team. we need a year deep in the playoffs, so the team as a whole can gain experiece in the playoffs, cause its a different beast. next year is our best chance to win a title. kobe will still be kobe, and the team would have a lot of experience playing together. drew will be even better, as will everyone else. oh, plus boston/san antonio/phoenix/detroit will be older
Posted by: greek dude | January 12, 2008 at 10:30 AM
One more thought...
I think the second unit misses it's shooters. Until Vlad and Sasha can return I would start Ariza and give Luke to the bench.
Wes
Posted by: | January 12, 2008 at 10:30 AM
CornerJ,
WOW.....I'm on the bandwagon as much as anyone, but am not yet ready to say we'd beat the Celts in the finals. It would be one great series though.
Hope your right.
Posted by: Eric M | January 12, 2008 at 10:39 AM
Xodus,
I forgot about the "Report". LMAO.
I hope it does get posted. Should be good for at least 2 days of serious humor.
Posted by: Eric M | January 12, 2008 at 10:41 AM
>>>>>If this guy is struggling to keep his wind against the Bucks who play a poor mans version of structured ball....what's going to happen when we meet the elite of structured ball?
Posted by: Michael Teniente | January 11, 2008 at 11:11 PM
Basically what Mike T is saying is that we are doomed.
Because Bynum, who is really good, gets tired playing the Bucks, who are structured but suck. So it will be much worse agains better teams like Spurs, Cs or Pistons.
On the other hand, the option we have, Kwame Brown, is even worse.
Because if he can be so awful against the poor's men version of structured ball, imagine what will happen againd elite teams. 8 TOs? -42?
So, none of our centers give us a shot of winning.
Maybe Mihm could be the answer, but he is injured.
That said, here goes a little suggestion to Mike T.
Since you already know, in all your superior wisdom, that this team will go downhill, it would be much clever if you call it for this season.
Wait till next year and we will see what we can accomplish then.
Let us, stupid fans that can't see the obvious, to get illuded and still believe that we can make a run in the playoffs.
Don't be harsh on us. We, inferior minds, need that confort to get through the days.
Posted by: Allan | January 12, 2008 at 10:44 AM
TO: MIKE T,
We, the Lakers fans don't want to see your face in the Lakers Championship Parade in downtown L.A. this year. Stay home with your negativity (you sound like the guy who was kicked out on this blog, the one who hates KOBE so much. remember him?) Please bring your favorite laker player Kwame, with you when you leave town after this season.
Posted by: dacsila | January 12, 2008 at 10:46 AM
Mike T,
Before you go on and on and on about your "knowledge of basketball," please let me advise you. You are putting yourself in a group of people who believes that they "know basketball." That group is actually composed of 90% of people who lives, breathes, plays, watches, and analyzes basketball.
Your comment is utterly fruitless because your mindset is that "you are right and everyone is wrong." Let me tell you my friend, you are completely wrong. Your comment is your own opinion and it does not make it right. Did the Cavaliers make it to the Finals playing "structured" basketball last year? No. Basketball is basketball. Please do not tell me that the Spurs, Pistons, and Celtics were only practicing when they are playing inferior teams...the Celtics were stuggling against the Sonics in that game; they were not practicing (I was analyzing that game as well). Do not tell me that the Celtics were practicing against an inferior Bobcats team…BTW, who lost that game?
Believe me when I tell you this...the Lakers are playing structured basketball...it's called their "style of basketball." Both "style" and "structure" goes hand in hand…please read up on the “The Triangle Offense.” Here is the differential in team and opponents point total:
Celtics: 12.1 (O: 99.3 D: 87.2)
Pistons: 9.6 (O: 99.0 D: 89.4)
Lakers: 6.7 (O: 107.6 D: 100.9)
Spurs: 5.6 (O: 98.0 D: 92.4)
The Lakers current defense is on key with their last 4 Finals appearance. Do not let that opponent’s defensive stat fool you; the Lakers have been giving their bench players heavy minutes during garbage time. The Celtics are relying heavily on their Big 3; Garnett, Pierce, and Allen are still playing with 1 min left in a blowout game. The Spurs and Piston are relying heavily on their defense to win games. Where are the “structure” in the offense of the Celtics, Pistons, and Spurs? The key difference is that the Lakers have a bench and these 3 other team doesn’t. Do not tell me that the Spurs have a bench because their bench points come primarily from this guy name Manu. Did you see what happened to the Celtics when Ray Allen went down? Did you see what happened to the Spurs when Duncan and Parker when down? Did you see...wait a minute, the Pistons have no "structure" when it comes to offense.
The Lakers are right where they need to be. They are still progressing as a team and “if continued,” their style of basketball on offense and defense will be much stronger come June. The Lakers will be consider a powerhouse come June.
Out!!!!
Joe
Posted by: Joe | January 12, 2008 at 10:48 AM
Xodus,
I'm afraid that the "Report" may be delayed for some time. It is becoming increasingly difficult to find data to support putting Kwame back in the starting lineup. Research like that can take years.....decades even.
Posted by: Eric M | January 12, 2008 at 11:00 AM
Didn't Jordan do the same thing Crit's doing this year? I think it's pretty typical of rookies to try to hard. The smart ones figure it out.
Posted by: mel | January 12, 2008 at 11:24 AM
Bret.. That was so Gay.
Posted by: manu | January 12, 2008 at 11:32 AM
Mike T,
How come you don't do your post-game reports? I looked forward to reading them the next day.
Posted by: mel | January 12, 2008 at 11:37 AM
Hello everyone.
I have been reading this blog for a long time now but have never posted. I havent missed a single game for years now and feel that I have delved even deeper into my Lakers addiction with the teams recent improvement. I few observations as of late:
1. Bynums improvement is unbelievable. I remember rooting for him while at the same time realizing that he wasnt quite there yet. This year we have seen him dominate the center position in almost every recent game. Outplaying even good centers. I feel he is an all star caliber center right now.
2. The blog has been harping about the lakers need for a #2 scorer for a while. Complaining that Odom is not it because he isnt aggressive or consistent enough. Bynum is now our legitimate #2 and that allows Odom to play a more natural style of ball for him as a #3 scorer. As Odom finds his rythm this team will look better and better.
3. In years past we have seen Kobe dominate the ball both out of necesity, ego, and distrust of teamates. I loved watching him go for big games realizing that we usually needed him to do so in order to win. I also cringed when he would get in a dominating the ball mood because he would sometimes shoot poorly but mostly because it would clearly take the team out of rythm. I didnt necessarily blame him because his teamates would repeatedly miss opportunities when Kobe set them up.
It scared me it yesterdays game when Kobe began to take it over, the team was out of sync. Granted he took the game over because his teammates were sluggish, but in the past he would do this for too long. Yesterday he relinquished control and let the team finally find their rythm. That was good to see and I think demonstrates his recent maturity.
I haven't been this optomistic about the Lakers since the Shaq years. It's a great time to be a lakers fan. We should all just soak it in and enjoy it while it lasts.
Posted by: Laker Outsider | January 12, 2008 at 11:43 AM
I am a man of knowledge! And I can tell you this right now. There are 4 things in life that make for positive experience.
1. Knowledge
2. Understanding
3. Life
4. Wisdom
I said the other day that Andrew Bynum was like one of those life size cut outs of Shaq. Those cut outs have a device holding it up to make it look as if Shaq is there in real life.
That's Andrew Bynum right now! Kareem Abdul-Jabbar is the device that is holding him up. And this is how it goes.
1. Knowledge = Kareem Abdul-Jabbar
2. Understanding = Andrew Bynum is listening
3. Life = Andrew Bynum is applying what he is listening to.
4. Wisdom = Experience
Now I remember when I was a young guy. I really didn't have a formal education. I thought I knew how to read and write but I didn't really care because I wanted to be a gangster.
Then something strange happened to me. Through a series of events I started reading the Bible. The book, from the beginning, was pretty easy for me to understand. And I was accumulating knowledge at a rapid pace. Then I came across this one passage that stuck with me and I remember it to this day. That's why I can bring it up now. It goes like this:
First: "And I saw another mighty angel come down from heaven, clothed with a cloud: and a rainbow was upon his head, and his face was as it were the sun, and his feet as pillars of fire:
And he had in his hand a little book open: and he set his right foot upon the sea, and his left foot on the earth..."
Second: "And the voice which I heard from heaven spake unto me again, and said, Go and take the little book which is open in the hand of the angel which standeth upon the sea and upon the earth.
And I went unto the angel, and said unto him, Give me the little book. And he said unto me, Take it, and eat it up; and it shall make thy belly bitter, but it shall be in thy mouth sweet as honey.
And I took the little book out of the angel's hand, and ate it up; and it was in my mouth sweet as honey: and as soon as I had eaten it, my belly was bitter.
And he said unto me, Thou must prophesy again before many peoples, and nations, and tongues, and kings."
Now my experience is this: When I was receiving my spiritual instruction it was sweet as you can't imagine. I was, daily, tearing the Proverbs apart and trying to experience the truth of those saying. I can tell you from experience that my perspective was changing from day to day and it was exciting. A whole new world was opening up to me, in theory, and it was sweet as honey in my mouth.
But then the realities of life started crashing down on me and I had to fight to hold onto the words of truth that I was experiencing. Life was trying to make those words a big fat lie. At that point it became "bitter in my belly."
The reason why is this: When you receive knowledge or are just taught the basic principles of life, you have to testify to the whole world and the world is going to call you a liar by their actions towards you. It's the nature of the beast! That's just the way life is. Kind of like: Are you sure that what you're believing is the truth? The world doesn't operate that way! But you have to hold on to the teaching because you know they're true.
This is Andrew Bynum. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar is the mighty Angel with the little book in his hands. The heavens have commanded Andrew to take the book out of Kareem's hands and to eat it.
Andrew is eating it and the taste is very sweet to him mouth. He's applying what he's learning from Kareem immediately and it's tasting very pleasant.
But life hasn't kicked in, yet. Andrew still has to "prophesy again before many peoples, and nations, and tongues, and kings."
Right now Andrew is taking Kareem's teachings and is prophesying to the Laker fans and media and it's sweet! But soon, very soon, Andrew is going to have to take that knowledge he's getting from Kareem and he's going to have to prophesy before many people, and nations, and tongues, and kings.
The many people are the different arenas in the league, the fans. The nations are different basketball teams of the league. The tongues are the different offenses and defenses that Andrew is going to see from the nations. And the kings are the elite of the league. The Spurs, Celtics, and the Pistons.
What that means is this: The kings, who are in authority of the nations, are going to say to Andrew: We don't understand the language that you're speaking. And since we are the kings of the nations, we demand that you show us and not tell us that you belong in our company.
The demand of basketball life has yet to come crashing down on Andrew Bynum and Kareem's teachings. When NBA life comes crashing down on Andrew, Kareem isn't going to be able to prop him up anymore. Andrew is going to be challenged to hold fast what he's learned from Kareem. And at that point it will become bitter in his stomach.
What that means is this: When the going gets tough, will Andrew keep Kareem's teachings or will he start to do things that are contradictory to what Kareem is teaching? If Andrew did that, that would make Andrew a false prophet. And the kings of the NBA will punish him for it and say: Son...go home! You're no prophet and you are in way over your head.
On the other hand, if Andrew holds fast to the Kareem teachings and endures the test of the people's screams, the nations philosophies, and the king's executions...then the forth aspect of life will kick in. Wisdom!
This is my prophesy of things will play out. It's based on Knowedge, Understanding, Life, and Wisdom (experience).
Now, have I not testified to you all that I am, indeed, a pretty good writer? And, do I not belong in your company?
LOL!
Oh the theatrics!
mike
Posted by: Michael Teniente | January 12, 2008 at 11:48 AM
mel,
I'm busy writing some political thoughts. And I don't really like the Lakers philosophy right now. But if you enjoy my reports, I'll get back to it soon.
mike
Posted by: Michael Teniente | January 12, 2008 at 11:50 AM
dacsila,
What I do is called Analytical Writing. This is the nature of it:
"Analytical Writing Instruction
http://www.education.ky.gov/KDE/Instructional+Resources/High+School/English+Language+Arts/Writing/Analytical+Writing.htm
"Analytical writing is an especially important kind of writing to include in our K – 12 schools because it is often called for in post-secondary education, the workplace, service to the community and country, as well as in students' personal lives. The mental skills involved in analytical writing help students develop as critical thinkers and as learners. The communication skills developed through analytical writing help students solve problems, extend our understanding of subjects, and make changes that can benefit our society."
The intention of my writing is to benefit the whole of our Lakers society. I'm talking about Philosophical changes in how the Lakers play basketball.
As for the parade in June. LOL! I never go to those things anyway. I might watch it on tv, but to go in person. No Way!
Once the season is over, championship or not, I'm done the moment we're done.
I always wondered why I give so much attention to sports when in the end, right after a Championship season, it disappears into the air as if...well...all that emotional energy for this?
I get nothing out it! It's just something I grew up with and I can't seem to let it go for more important things.
The only thing that really has me going right now is my ability to involve myself through the blog because until I came across the blog...I was on the verge of cutting sports out of my life because of the vanity of it all.
And I anticipate the day is coming when I will cut sports out of my life and write about different things. To tell you the truth...I feel like I'm cheating myself out of life spending so much time blogging about things that have no bearing on me whatsoever. It's like I'm sinning or something. Just wasting my precious time.
mike
Posted by: Michael Teniente | January 12, 2008 at 12:05 PM
Lakers Outsider,
Couldn't agree with you more. The best thing about Bynum's development is how it allows the rest of the team to fill in behind him. Remember how Fisher wasn't good enough to be our #3 scorer behind Shaq and Kobe? Now we have a legit #3 scorer in Lamar, which allows Fisher to be a legit #4 scorer, and Luke/Ariza legit #5 scorers. No one has unreasonable expectations placed on them, and everyone can thrive. A guy can have an off game and others will pick up the slack.
I would LOVE to see VladRad get healthy and provide that offensive punch off the bench that he was providing earlier in the season - if he showed up to play in that game last night in his early-season form, our second unit would have blown the score wide open.
As for Mike T, the more you poke him, the more important he thinks he is. Please, let's not give him that satisfaction. He's a crazy, narcissistic, small-minded fool. Let's just leave it at that.
Posted by: SBPimp | January 12, 2008 at 12:32 PM
mike t quit.
Posted by: Steve From New Jersey | January 12, 2008 at 12:33 PM
Mike T., please get on to those other things. Write about something else, somewhere else, so the rest of us can be spared your long winded self aggrandizement. Your diatribe never allows discussion, because you're constantly supporting only what you've decided is right.
Part of debate in a forum such as this means accepting the points of others within the framework of the argument. I've never seen you do that. You repeatedly attempt to hammer your idea into everyone else's head until we all lash out and the you proceed to talk down to us as though we're some sort of plebeian mass to whom you owe no respect.
This is the last time I'm going to throw anything out there regarding you or anything you've go to say. You're not a great writer either. Where have you been published? On this blog? If you're such a great writer, why aren't you employed as such? Your self-proclaimed "analytical writing" only reflects opinion. Analysis has to do with fact. You neither accept fact at any juncture in your writing, nor do you discuss it. You only attempt to portray your personal feelings as facts by repeating them to us over and over. When the general public continues to show you evidence to the contrary of your arguments, you still dismiss it. I'm sorry for AK/BK having to endure your continued "analysis' on a day in day out basis.
Please Mike, nobody wants to hear it here anymore. Your points are no more valid than anyone else's.
PhxLkrFan
Posted by: PhxLkrFan | January 12, 2008 at 01:05 PM
The fact that the Lakers can beat a Bucks team that always seems to play well against them even though they (the Lakers) didn't play at a high level bodes well for the team. The other night in NO, Kobe didn't need to score as the rest of the team got off. Tonight, his offense was needed and he delivered for his team. Baby was off the chain. Again. You got to love Jeff VG's comments regarding Kwame and Bynum. Ideally, I would love to see Plan B (as ESPN referred to Bynum) play about 32 mins. a game with "Kalfee" Brown filling in the other sixteen. If Kwame is going to be a productive member of the rotation, he has got to carve out a niche for himself and be more than Drew's caddy or a human victory cigar. But, this business about Drew's stamina LAST NIGHT just seems like a certain blogger howling at the moon. We all agree that monitoring Drew's minutes over the course of the season
can only benefit him and the team in the long run. Again, that certain blogger claimed that Drew "crashed and burned" during the second half of the season last year. Well, so did the rest of the team, mostly due to injury. The fact is that Plan B is better conditioned this year, as well as being stronger and a year older. At 20, he's just growing to his manhood. Certainly, the best is yet to come for him.
I love this Laker team. I love watching them grow and compete. Sure, they stub their toes once in a while, but my feeling is that they can compete with any team in the league. They have to continue to take one game at a time...and continue to improve on both ends of the floor, especially defensively. GO LAKERS!!!!
Posted by: bronxlakerfan | January 12, 2008 at 02:15 PM
Edwin Gueco,
I don't think it's anything as complex as that. Crittenton is a rookie. That means
he's used to being one of the best 2 or 3 players on the floor in every game
he's played to this point. Now suddenly, EVERY player on the floor is as
good as him or better. It takes all rookies some time to adjust to.
Suddenly that soft pass he made in high school that was easy for his teammates
to catch for a layup on the break is too obvious and slow and gets picked off.
Suddenly his first offensive move (in the case of Critter, slash to the hoop)
usually isn't good enough to get him a good look, and sometimes his second
and third moves aren't any better.
Suddenly the opponent is doing a little pump fake juke and drawing him into
a foul, like he used to do to opponents in college. Or his opponent is so fast
that he just blows by Javaris on his way to the hoop.
Suddenly there's usually a hand in his face whenever he tries to take an
outside shot, unlike in the summer league.
And most importantly, the crowd and the coach and Kobe all want to win,
so they're hoping the second team will hold their ground or even extend
the lead.
So there's pressure. More pressure than he's ever seen before at any
level. And this is only regular season games!
In games like the Philly game, the Lakers were so far ahead, that the pressure
was off (and Philly's defense is pretty poor as well), so he not only played more
relaxed, but he led the team in scoring.
But when he's in tighter games, where the game is still on the line, he tightens
up. Now the basket looks the size of a coffee mug, and it seems like he's watching
everybody else play with the fast forward on his tivo, but he's at normal speed.
Turnovers happen. Bricked shots happen. Getting schooled happens.
If he keeps working hard and doesn't get too discouraged, eventually he'll feel like
he's playing at the same speed as everyone else. And then he won't look confused
on offense (should I shoot? should I pass?) When he has the open shot, he'll take it
and make it. When there's a tight passing lane, he'll make the bounce pass or a lob
so the defender can't pick it off. When he's driving to the hoop, he'll slide to the right
or left to avoid the defender trying to take the charge.
But until then, I think he should only be in for substantial minutes if the Lakers have
a big lead and then only with a couple of the better vets on the floor with him, so that
there's minimal pressure on him to be a main scorer.
Posted by: Long Time Laker Fan | January 12, 2008 at 02:18 PM
mel,
>>>Didn't Jordan do the same thing Crit's doing this year?
Yep, he definitely did. Jordan had times when he looked really good and times when he looked
like a rookie out there. Javaris is going through the same growing pains. Let's just hope he works
as hard this summer as Jordan worked last summer.
Posted by: Long Time Laker Fan | January 12, 2008 at 02:25 PM
A person has got to have some serious issues when he thinks he knows more than PAID color analysts for the LAL such as Norm Nixon and James Worthy who also happen to be multiple time NBA champions. Not to mention that he thinks that he knows more about basketball than a 9 time NBA champion coach. I mean, everyone is entitled to his or her opinion but come on....get real!!
Posted by: bronxlakerfan | January 12, 2008 at 02:25 PM
MIKE T,
You were right when you said "you're just wasting your time" We don't need you here, we're just simple minded sports fan that don't use high sounding, higly technical words that does'nt have a meaning at all the way you post your blog. Mind you, I maybe using simple and easy to understand words in blogging here, but I may have a higher education attainment than yours. Needless to say I have an MBA (Masters in Business Administration) degree but I don't use high sounding words the way you blog, that looks like being just a "SHOW OFF' without any substance at all.
Posted by: dacsila | January 12, 2008 at 02:27 PM
Mike T.......You have made alot of really good points since i started reading and posting on this blog but that last post involving the bible is a little wierd........By any chance have you heard of a guy by the name of DR PHILL.......
....Let him finish with Britney then give him a call
Posted by: Thirty2 | January 12, 2008 at 02:54 PM
"Analytical writing is an especially important kind of writing to include in our K – 12 schools because it is often called for in post-secondary education, the workplace, service to the community and country, as well as in students' personal lives."
The problem with analytical writing on a place like this the amount of uneducated thoughts that cry out when a structured thought is presented to them. In other words the people here are like your basic pesants. The "commons" if you will.
That's why they buy tickets to games and go to parades and stuff like that. I've never done any of that. And I never will. Come on! Buying a jersey of your favorite player? LOL! Are you kidding me? Can you imagine that? Walking around in a Jersey being over 20 years old?
Nay!...I'm actually thinking of getting into classical writing. A Lakers jersey? I just don't see anything in that. I really don't quite understand that thought for an adult. How do you present yourself to your wife? Look at me honey! What does your wife think of that?
LOL!
mike
Posted by: Michael Teniente | January 12, 2008 at 02:56 PM
I'd like to give Luke Walton some props for his defense in the past few games. In the game AT Milwawkee, Bobby Simmons was a big part of their 4th Q. comeback. Luke definitely kept him in check this time, as Simmons only finished with 2 points. Pretty poor production for a starter at the #3 spot. Luke and Trevor also combined to limit Peja in the NO game. Sorry, Faith....but I've got to give Luke a little love for his efforts. LOL!!!
Posted by: bronxlakerfan | January 12, 2008 at 02:56 PM
"for in post-secondary education, the workplace, service to the community and country"
You see what this part means is this:
Post-secondary education: People working on their masters and PHDs and stuff like that.
Service to the community and country: The writing is intended to present evaluations to people who are in charge, usually people with post-seconday educations. That would be Mitch Kupchak and Phil Jackson. The experts.
Usually when you talk to the commons with an analytical perspective they have no idea what the heck is being said.
That's 90 percent of you guys.
mike
Posted by: Michael Teniente | January 12, 2008 at 03:32 PM
Mike T
There is a reason that Christ preached about forgiveness and warned against judgment.
Any and all religions or philosophies about "God" are firmly founded upon collective tenets. The first tenet in most if not all monotheistic faiths is that God cannot be understood. He cannot be named, he cannot be defined. For a definition in any human language seeks to confine him. Therefore any conclusions you may have made about the nature of God are wholly susceptible to fallacy. This is where faith is involved. A person who is honest in their spirituality will examine their beliefs and necessarily come to the conclusion that he cannot understand God. Humility is needed. Humility is necessary to even respect God. Therefore Christ preaches (like many others throughout human history including other religious faiths as well as more contemporary examples MLK, Ghandi etc.) to refrain from judgment and holding steadfast beliefs, to forgive endlessly. These teachings appear true because they allow for the overwhelming possibilities of God and understand that his omnipotence must exceed any human understanding. Therefore religious conclusions that suppose to "Know" what pleases God or what is "right" etc etc are all basing their following tenets in direct opposition to their first core tenet--That God cannot be confined in language nor understood.
Mike I am not challenging your faith or questioning your spirituality, nor the merits of said journey, but take those lessons and apply them to your relationships. You cannot be so steadfast in your beliefs and cynical to any opposing views. This self-righteousness is limiting you. You are a talented writer, and you do know much about bball. Stop shouting others down and holding fast to conclusions/players for the sake of being right. Open your eyes and ears and let your mind be free to new ideas, new possibilities.
Peace brother.
Don't stop writing--you bring flavor to the blog.
jandro
Posted by: jandro | January 12, 2008 at 03:34 PM
REPOST
Note I always read the blogs daily but don't always post even when I really want to. Today is one of those days because of the comments made. Regarding Kobe, Drew and Kwame. We will need Kwame at least ths year to compeat in the playoffs and he really had a bad game today. So he has time to improve before playoffs and for our sake lets hope he does.
As for Kobe shooting too much was not bad. Teams tend to prepare for each other by watching for tendencies by opposing teams. Lakers have consistantly opened games by Kobe starting out sharing and getting others involved. The Bucks probably saw that and figured to send 1 player Ivy on Kobe and cover the rest as Kobe has had some off shooting nights. So to be effective you take what the other team gives you. So if Kobe takes advantage of single coverage (16 1st qtr points is effective) Kobe scores and is effective . Forces other team to adjust double teaming Kobe and opens up shots for rest of team. Makes it hard for teams to prepare for us or as I think Malone or Payton said pick your poison.
Still think we need pf like JO because Bostons success was that they crowded the paint with their bigs so Drew could not get loose as they played him with one big in back and one big fronting him. JO would have helped by stepping out for the 15-20 foot jumper and force Garnet to be honest and go out and play D.
Next no competition Drew is way better than Kwame so please end the debate. And as for Drew sucking wind, what ignorance. I did not see it and I watched the game. But Mike T to give you benefit of doubt or to just argue, Drew played his a$$ off and if he was fatigued you don't know if it was due to conditioning (I doubt that) or youth 20 yrs old should not be not tired. Maybe he had a bad nights sleep, people have those or was catching Kobes viral infection or whatever. But a one game does not make a trend.
JC also had a bad game but the lesson was hopefully learned by him as he played the team won and he got experience. so good deal overall. Also have patience as he is a point guard and is getting PT at SG. So he is learning a new mind set. Looks like he is being played out of necessity with Sasha hurt or the team is grooming him as a combo guard.
Lakers keep winning and improving!
I loved how Kobe patted JC when he came out of the game as to say its ok.
Posted by: JustaLakerFan | January 12, 2008 at 03:49 PM
Mike T said...
"Through a series of events I started reading the Bible..."
A book that teaches the virtues of SILENCE, HUMILITY and THE DANGER OF EXCESSIVE PRIDE - qualites of which you have NONE of.
Shut up, boy, and go have some Cake!
Posted by: utzworld - THE BANNER HOLDER | January 12, 2008 at 03:50 PM
Mike T,
I always have liked to read what you have to say whether I agree or not.
Stay strong. It's not that serious, nobody cares what a blog poster thinks anyways.
You have to admit, Bynum is making Kwame look like a clown.
Posted by: Rocky | January 12, 2008 at 04:22 PM
M T
""for in post-secondary education, the workplace, service to the community and country"
You see what this part means is this:
Post-secondary education: People working on their masters and PHDs and stuff like that.
Service to the community and country: The writing is intended to present evaluations to people who are in charge, usually people with post-seconday educations. That would be Mitch Kupchak and Phil Jackson. The experts.
Usually when you talk to the commons with an analytical perspective they have no idea what the heck is being said.
That's 90 percent of you guys."
LOL!! Secondary education is high school. Post-secondary education would be community college or a bachelor's degree program. NOT masters and PHDs.
"they have no idea what the heck is being said.
That's 90 percent of you guys."
Log, meet mote.
Posted by: exhelodrvr | January 12, 2008 at 04:54 PM
Mike,
You're starting to sound like that renowned writer Barton Fink. Keep up the good work.
Wes
Posted by: | January 12, 2008 at 04:57 PM
Mike T,
When someone goes out-of-the-way to tell people that he is a "man of knowledge," that tells me he is only fooling himself.
Here's the difference between you and people who are intelligent:
When you have to tell people that you are intelligent, you really are not. (You: Mike T.)
Intelligent people do not need to tell others that they are intelligent. (Intelligent People)
Sorry my brother, you are not a "man of knowledge."
Unlike the Lakers, you are a "pretender!!!"
Out!!!
Joe
Posted by: Joe | January 12, 2008 at 05:09 PM
......Thirty2.......=.......Pesant........You wouldnt know the first thing about me and how far i have gone with my education.............But unlike your good self my ego is in check......I might get into classic gardening.......
Posted by: Thirty2 | January 12, 2008 at 05:09 PM
Mike T is a pretender alright!!!
What a loser!! LOL...go away old man!
Go Lakers!!
Misty
Posted by: Misty | January 12, 2008 at 05:22 PM
http://www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ope/index.html?src=mr
Postsecondary is college.
Post means "after"
Secondary means grade school through high school.
Post/Secondary means after "High School."
College means stuff like degrees. Degrees means AA, BA, Masters, and PHDs.
But why would I expect you to understand that? That was my whole point, wasn't it?
mike
Posted by: Michael Teniente | January 12, 2008 at 08:06 PM
"MBA (Masters in Business Administration) degree but I don't use high sounding words the way you blog"
Of course you don't because your field is numbers and pushing paper. A bureaucrat, I believe. That means no creativity. Usually that means BORING!
LOL!
mike
Posted by: Michael Teniente | January 12, 2008 at 08:15 PM
Mike T. Guess who doesn't care what you think? Mitch and Phil. No Lakers care what you think, and neither do we. Get over yourself.
Posted by: PhxLkrFan | January 12, 2008 at 08:25 PM
M T,
"Secondary means grade school through high school."
AS usual, you are wrong. Secondary IS high school. Not grade school, not college.
Posted by: exhelodrvr | January 12, 2008 at 08:37 PM
Hey Mike T.,
Remember all of these things that you said over the summer? When did they happen? Are they still going to happen? I guess Lamar didn't get your message to spread the word to D.Fish. He ended up signing. Who else was on your list?
9. Say what you will BUT NOBODY AROUND THE LEAGUE WANT TO PLAY FOR PHIL JACKSON. Watch how many free agents that can make a difference we sign this year. NONE! They're not coming to Los Angeles. If Kobe Bryant isn't happy you think they're coming around? HELL NO! Are you so lost as to think that players around the league haven't heard the whispers about what it's like playing for Phil Jackson these days? Come on man. Mike Posted by: Michael Teniente | June 20, 2007 at 10:20 AM
8 . If people are going to put Kobe Bryant to the fire then you better put Phil Jackson right next to his ass, too. If Kobe is to blame Phil Jackson even more. Mike Posted by: Michael Teniente | June 20, 2007 at 10:31 AM
7. The idea that they're aren't whisper out there. Hell they're yelling it at the mountain tops...STARTING WITH KOBE BRYANT DEMANDING A TRADE! Get real. Mike Posted by: Michael Teniente | June 20, 2007 at 10:35 AM
6. Hell, all I need is for Lamar Odom to call his N.Y. friends to spread the word. Come to Los Angeles and Phil Jackson is going to chew you up through the white media. Not Lamar? Well, then Kobe can make a few calls. Not Kobe? Well, then Kwame...Andrew....Mo Evans. Word is going to spread because one way or the other Phil Jackson is out of here. Mike Posted by: Michael Teniente | June 20, 2007 at 11:15 AM
5. PhxLkrFan, I don't give a damn what you say. No free agents are going to sign with the Lakers. Not any that are any good. NOBODY WANTS TO PLAY FOR PHIL JACKSON. And if word isn't already out believe by the time thing is all over it will be.
Mike Posted by: Michael Teniente | June 20, 2007 at 10:33 AM
4. Lamar, do yourself a favor. Call Artest and Marbury and get them to spread the word. Los Angeles is no place to be playing as long as Phil Jackson is the coach. Tell them what the white media will do to them if they come to Los Angeles. Kobe, Lamar, Kwame, Bynum, Get on the damn phone and start spreading the word of what it's like to be playing for Phil Jackson and in front of the white media in Los Angeles. , Year after year the white media is always finding ways to trash you guys. This is your opportunity to strike back. Get on the phone and call all of your NBA friends and tell them what it's like to play for Phil Jackson and the white media inLos Angeles. Oh wait a minute. They already made those phone calls from the mid season point that's why the Lakers won't be able to sign any free agents this season. Kobe, Lamar, Kwame, Bynum, and Evans are saying: Damn mike t. you're on the late freight. That was done a long time ago LAMAR, KWAME, BYNUM, EVANS, If you guys had any type of dignity for your race, you'll get the hell out of here as soon as you can. We'll teach this MFer to F with us. Posted by: Michael Teniente | June 20, 2007 at 11:18 AM
3. The Knicks have more integrity than the Lakers do right now. You know why? Because Larry Brown did what Phil Jackson did this year and the Knicks owner fired his ass. Posted by: Michael Teniente | June 20, 2007 at 11:42 AM
(2) . MFers, you want to play hardball? Lets play hardball. By the time I'm done there will be no Superstars coming to Los Angeles. . I told you I was going to punk your asses Mike Posted by: Michael Teniente | June 20, 2007 at 10:41 AM
*****************************(****** AND NOW THE NUMBER ONE MIKE T. SAYING OF ALL TIME ******************************************************
(1) IM MIKE T. MFer! WHO ARE YOU? DO PEOPLE COME ON THIS BLOG TO READ ANDREW WHO? MIKE T. HAS AND ALWAYS
WILL BE HEARD. AND THATS SOMETHING YOU CANT SAY ABOUT YOURSELF Posted by: Michael Teniente | June 20, 2007 at 02:34 PM
***********************************************************************************************************************************************************************
Posted by: | January 12, 2008 at 08:39 PM
If secondary is high school the Postsecondary is college.
Damn, how ignorant can you be?
This is what I said: "Post-secondary education: People working on their masters and PHDs and stuff like that."
You see that point that says "stuff like that?"
That means everything involved in college. Does a guy really have to explain that to you?
I swear you're one ignorant guy.
mike
Posted by: Michael Teniente | January 13, 2008 at 12:03 AM
Janurary,
What's your point? That people don't come to read me? I said all that all summer long and look at the posts. They still are addressing me.
As long as I continue to post people will respond because what I have to say makes people say things. What you have to say is usually about me.
So what's your point?
mike
Posted by: Michael Teniente | January 13, 2008 at 12:48 AM
Mike T, who are you to judge people? You are a nobody!! Live with it...deal with it...if you didn't hear me the first time...YOU ARE A NOBODY!!
What a loser, what a waste of time, what a dumb boy!!
Posted by: Misty | January 13, 2008 at 02:45 AM
Am I the only one that thinks Lamar Odom shoud get traded? He's not the scorer that everyone seems to think he is and he never has the guts to pull it off in chunch time.
Posted by: HOD | January 14, 2008 at 08:39 PM
Kwame Brown NEEDS to be LET go. The Last 2 games the lakers have suffered from his inability to finish strong Box OUT and position him self on defense correctly. Its really sad that his attitude really shows otherwise he is to lax and needs to show urgency. Its about time he can catch the ball and hold on to it. I hope with this playing time that he would be able to establish himself like he did in the first part of the season.
Posted by: NickEspi | January 15, 2008 at 12:43 AM
Kwame Brown NEEDS to be LET go. The Last 2 games the lakers have suffered from his inability to finish strong Box OUT and position him self on defense correctly. Its really sad that his attitude really shows otherwise he is to lax and needs to show urgency. Its about time he can catch the ball and hold on to it. I hope with this playing time that he would be able to establish himself like he did in the first part of the season. On the better notice I Happy lakers are going to take a break!! Hope KB gets better..
Posted by: NickEspi | January 15, 2008 at 12:47 AM
http://gun.coolpage.biz/
Posted by: duglasina | January 23, 2008 at 01:38 PM