More from your victorious (and non-victorious) Lakers
Last night's win against the Knicks ran pretty late, so I didn't have time to transcribe all of the player copy, but I wanted to make sure y'all got a complete taste of the locker room jabber. Some Ronny Turiaf and Jordan Farmar items (to go along with previously posted nuggets from PJ/Kobe/Sasha Vujacic), plus some thoughts from Derek Fisher after Sunday's loss to Cleveland, the third defeat in a row.
During those losses, there had been much talk about production being picked up during Andrew Bynum's absence (and frankly, those conversations don't end after last night's win). Is this a question of a player emerging as the unspoken (or even spoken) second option (and if so, "who" remains a mystery) or was it simply a matter of everybody upping their numbers a bit? Fish thought the latter scenario was the ticket and as last night's showing of six double-figure scorers showed, the savvy vet may be onto something. We also talked about the offensive tweaks that'll be required until mid-March (since no other Laker is truly capable of duplicating the options Bynum creates) and how, while winning is still a possibility, how much smaller a margin for error the team has running their game without Drew (an aspect that hasn't been talked about much, but can't possibly be overstated). Here's what everyone had to say.
AK
RONNY TURIAF
On whether last night's win was crucial before heading out in on the road
"Yes and no. We don't think about the trip right now. We had to take care of the home game before thinking about a trip. I think we made a mistake thinking about it before the Cleveland game, for example. But tonight, it was definitely better."
When told this type of outcome (coming from behind in the fourth) wouldn't happen on the road
"Why not? We played great in the fourth quarter. We had a great bond as far as team chemistry on defense. We got blocked shots. We helped each other out. Why is that stuff not going to work on the road if we play together like we did in the fourth quarter? C'mon, now. You gotta be positive at some point."
On whether the Lakers' 13-0 record when six players score in double figures is meaningful
Most definitely. When everybody is scoring, everybody is sharing the ball, that means the whole team is just happy and in sync with each other. If you see one guy with 14, the other guy with 20 or 10, the other guy with 10 or 15 or whatever, it's going to be different. The team can just key in on open guys. When Kobe is playing like he's playing tonight, especially when he's sharing the ball and just is making sure that we're all on the same page, we're happy just to be there. Hopefully, we can keep doing that."
On the difference between last night's win and the three losses against San Antonio, Dallas and Cleveland
"Staying focused. Put it capitals. Definitely staying focused."
On Thursday's game against Detroit
"There's nothing else to say about Detroit. They have arguably four or five all-stars. They've won championships. They've been together for about (4-6) years. That's enough said, man. It's gonna be a rough game and we know what we're up against. Detroit basketball, baby."
On whether the first three quarters were more an issue of the Knicks giving them a hard game or the Lakers just not getting their act together
"I think it's a little bit of both. Those guys are super talented, man. Don't be fooled by their record. Those guys are super talented players and it's a shame not to see them just put a little thing together, just kind of by themselves. I mean, good for us. They definitely did a good job just coming very, very aggressively. When they get confidence, it builds up. We definitely did a good job of staying focused. (Before) with us, it'd be a nine point lead and losing by four or five, you know what I mean? I think if we just stay focused and try to share the ball and make people pay for their mistakes... "
JORDAN FARMAR
On finishing the game strong
"PJ showed a lot of faith in us, leaving us in. He did in the previous two games and we didn't go all the way. But he realized it was a new game. We had a new energy. We were playing hard. Playing together. He just let us roll with it. We ended up getting it done."
On what it means for Jackson to have enough confidence in the fourth quarter unit (Kobe, Sasha, Farmar, Lamar Odom, Ronny) to leave them in for the entire frame (save Kwame Brown entering for Ronny about halfway through)
"It's very important. He's your Commander-in-Chief and if your coach has confidence in you, you play looser and freer and you're more successful."
DEREK FISHER (After the loss to Cleveland)
On whether the offense's clunkiness over the last few games was due to playing without Bynum
"That's a big part of it, which I felt would be an issue for us with having him out. How do we continue to operate efficiently, not just offensively, but defensively, in terms of what he brought us from the rebounding perspective and the shot blocking perspective? I knew it wasn't gonna be able to happen overnight and I knew it would take time for our team to figure it out. Overall, I think we've done a decent job, we just haven't had that margin for error. When you have all your players available, your margin for error is a little greater. When you're shorthanded, you don't have five or six minute stretches or a quarter to give away. You have to figure out how to sustain your effort 1-4 quarters and that's where we struggled. We played three of the best of the best teams in basketball and realistically had a chance to win all three games. We missed thirteen free throws on our home court. We let a team that plays at a slow pace come in and shoot the ball fourteen times more at the basket than we did. Those are things I'm looking at. I'm not really in a position of saying, "if Andrew was in, we'd have done this. If this guy was there..." I think there's so many many things that are in our control that we're not doing very well right now.
AK: Even taking into account that it might not be as effective without Andrew, do you see opportunities available to create an inside-outside game?
DF: Yeah, definitely, but without a guy of his abilities, that you can give the ball and kind of organically, it happens, you have to be more creative and have a greater knowledge of offensively what you're trying to do. In order to get that same type of penetration so you create inside-outside type perimeter shots.
AK: Does it come from maybe looking to take advantage of whatever post up scenarios might exist, then moving the ball outside?
DF: Yeah, but they still have to happen the right way and the offense has to happen the right way. Not only just to get the ball to a guy on the post, but that there's cutting and player movement around that.
AK: Is that something you guys are consciously trying to do and just losing sight of at times?
DF: We talk about it. We go over it in practice or in shoot-around. The coaches mention it. We have to get that penetration. That's key to our offensive system. But in the games, we won't be able to hold that thought and that concept from start to finish. That's the big problem we have.
On the road again
Just can't wait to get on the road again
The life I love is makin' music with my friends
And I can't wait to get on the road again
On the road again
Goin' places that I've never been
Seein' things that I may never see again,
And I can't wait to get on the road again.
On the road again
Like a band of gypsies we go down the highway
We're the best of friends
Insisting that the world be turnin' our way
And our way
Is on the road again
Just can't wait to get on the road again
The life I love is makin' music with my friends
And I can't wait to get on the road again
Posted by: Amazing_Happens | January 30, 2008 at 05:27 PM
SASHA BREAKOUT BANDWAGON
------------------------------------------------
(1) FAITH
(2) LONGTIME LAKER LOVER
(3) greek dude
(4) Rick Friedman
(5) Tsphere
(6) Yoda
(7) Xodus
(8) Nonzki
(9) Elle
Sorry for forgetting you Elle.
Posted by: Faith | January 30, 2008 at 05:46 PM
Taken from ESPN on D-WADE:
Tuesday's Worst
Dwyane Wade, Heat guard: A season-low seven points wasn't the worst of it. Missed all but one of his nine shots in a 117-87 thrashing at the hands of Boston. Ain't nobody named Pookie getting in my five.
LMAO! Call it hatred but I love to see this guy go down, he is one of the most overrated superstars in NBA history! And Shaq had the nerve to say this guy was better than Kobe?
If he wasn't so concerned about making stupid commercials with Charles Lkar-Hater-No-Ring-Having Barkley, proposing to each other and watching each othe pucker up for a swing on the golf course then maybe he would be having an ok game. This guy is no doubt the 50 Cent of the NBA overbloated by hype, saturated the media and that in turn has washed away whatever so-called talents he once had.
I know that sounds like hatred, it is. Because officials are quick to call Kobe for carrying when Wade does it every single time and he walked to the basket multiple times in the finals...c'mon. That is the biggest fall from grace I've ever seen.
And no, do not make any excuses for him--we've all seen Kobe's career, Kobe Bryant should be the one having games like Wade. I garauntee you that Heat roster is better than ours at the moment, and they loose 15 in a row with Wade at the helm and Shaq sometimes there? C'mon now! They an imply him not recovering from injury all they want...You think Kobe is not playing injured now? His knee is still bothering him, that is why sometimes his shots fail to fall. 2006 Kobe played with a nagging Knee problem, took the team to the playoffs and nearly downed Phoenix....then months later he had surgery...oh did I mention that he scored 62 and 81 on that bum knee?
If anything D-Wade at best should now be called D-Fade.
What am I saying in all of this? The lakers may loose a higher seed, but as long as he have Kobe look for us to go 6-3 on the road...there, I said it...he will explode for 50 at least once by the way.
Posted by: Rhon Salmon | January 30, 2008 at 05:50 PM
PLEASE lets start FIRETHATUGLYCOMMENTATOR.com and get rid of Joel Meyers, AKA SHREK's lovechild, GREMLIN with a Microphone, or FIVE head, not forehead. THis guy is terrible, doesnt know the game, arrogant, and tries to show up the legendary STU LANTZ, FIRETHEUGLYCOMMENTATOR.com, where is Marvelous Marv Albert, and his skunk resembling hairpiece when you need him.
Heyman, Long Beach
Posted by: Heyman Hakimi | January 30, 2008 at 05:54 PM
ROAD TRIP PREDICTION!
I think we have seen some good signs as a result of our improved competitiveness without Andrew Bynum over the last five games.
1) We played a great half against the Spurs and then fell apart in the third quarter.
2) We player a good half against the Mavs, fell apart again in the third quarter but rallied to make it a close game in the fourth quarter.
3) We played a good game against the Cavs but just did not execute down the stretch and lost a close one.
4) We rallied with great offense and improved defense to pull out a come-from-behind win against the Knicks.
As a result, here are my GHF 7-2 predictions for the upcoming road trip:
1) Detroit – Loss – Best team in the NBA?
2) Toronto – Win – Some nice pieces but beatable.
3) Washington – Win – No Arenas too offset Kobe.
4) New Jersey – Win - This is a terrible team.
5) Atlanta – Win – Hawks have come back to earth.
6) Orlando – Loss – Kwame is not the answer for Howard.
7) Miami – Win – Worst team in the NBA.
8) Charlotte – Win – They play us tough but w will prevail.
9) Minnesota – Win – Worst team in the West.
Lakers just need to tread water until Drew and Arisa return. Then we will be ready to make some real noise in the playoffs and win the Western Conference leading to a possible historic Lakers – Celtics NBA Final…
Tom
Posted by: LakerTom | January 30, 2008 at 05:55 PM
I agree with Fisher. Despite the losses being tough - those games were all winnable. It is frustrating at times to watch Phil play players and combinations of players that make you go "WTF!" However, I think it is important to keep in mind how different of a coach Jackson is compared to everyone else. He just doesn't do "conventional" a lot of the time and he has 9 rings to back up his method. I think most coaches try to win every game - and while I would believe Phil would like to win every game he could, he is comfortable with teaching lessons if you will - at the expense of a victory here or there. He will also throw guys into a situation to see how they react under pressure so he can decide what to do later when the games start to really count in the playoffs. He wants to test out what players can do what in crucial situations and maybe that is why sometimes we are all left scratching our heads trying to figure out what PJ was thinking. It is frustrating for sure, but I think he did a lot of the same stuff with the Bulls during their reign as well. So as always I say take each game as they come, try to get into Zen mode and watch the season unfold - it will unfold just as it should!
My two-cents worth. Feel free to slam away at my post!
Peace.
Eagleboy
Posted by: Eagleboy | January 30, 2008 at 05:59 PM
The main thing we are looking from our team over this road trip is the development of mental toughness. What we need to look at is how our team rebounds when they're down, particularly towards the end of this trip, when they're exhausted.
Ronny Turiaf mentioned that the key to the victory over the Knicks was "FOCUS" and that factor was lacking in previous games. The question I would ask (beyond the obvious lack of Andrew Bynum) is "Why has this focus been lacking? What's the root of this problem?"
If any one has an answer to that question, please send it my way so I can pay attention to that over the next couple weeks.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | January 30, 2008 at 06:07 PM
JON K.'S ROAD TRIP PREDICTION!
1) Detroit – Win – Lakers want to make a point. Kobe plays like a madman.
2) Toronto – Loss – Lakers get cocky and lose focus.
3) Washington – Loss – Caron Butler plays revengeball and Lakers start to doubt themselves after loss to Toronto and recognizing the length of the trip.
4) New Jersey – Win - Lakers are just much better.
5) Atlanta – Win – Lakers begin to get their rhythm.
6) Orlando – Loss – We don't have an answer for Howard.
7) Miami – Win – Big win. Kobe and team create lots of talk in sportsworld on how the tables have turned.
8) Charlotte – Lose – Overconfident, tired Lakers. Bobcats step up.
9) Minnesota – Win – Surprisingly tight game, but exhausted Lakers play tough and win.
5-4 LAKERS.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | January 30, 2008 at 06:13 PM
HOw many bandwagons are there???
we should start a "lets-stop-with-all-the-bandwagons" bandwagon....
Posted by: TrueLakerFan | January 30, 2008 at 06:17 PM
Eagleboy - no slam here. Think you're right on the money.
Posted by: dave m | January 30, 2008 at 06:26 PM
Rhon,
I agree that Kobe is better than Wade, but this season and especially yesterday's game aren't a true representation of his skills. First, he hasn't regained his pre-injury explosiveness and looks 1 or 2 steps slower than last season. And Wade was also battling flu-like symptoms last night and isn't playing against Orlando today because of it.
Wade when at full strength is one of the top 5 players in the league.
Posted by: Xodus | January 30, 2008 at 06:27 PM
Sasha predicts we take one game at a time and finish 9-0
"Why not, yeah, as long as Sasha play, sure, we, Lakers, Sasha, can do it. We to go 9-0."
- Sasha Vujacic
Posted by: AN1 | January 30, 2008 at 06:28 PM
did anybody see the classic Lakers Vs Warriors game on espn classic. it was magic's debut game back in 1996 after retiring for four years. and damn was he good, and man was chick the greatest announcer ive ever heard.
I think lamar needs to watch a lot more film of magic. he needs to try to watch his baby hook shot in the post and emulate it. i thought it loked pretty ugly but it sure is an effective swooping move across the lane tha only requires a goo bump in the defender's chest to get enough space to pull it off.
by the way lakers won that game 128 - 116
Magic had 19 pts, 11? assists and 8 boards. wht a stat line to have for ur first gme back in four years. Man were they fun to watch with eddie, nick, cedric, elden, vlade, and everyone else.
andand
Posted by: andand | January 30, 2008 at 06:35 PM
Rhon,
There's also no way Miami's roster is better than ours. Have you seen the guys they're putting on the floor. They're starting point guard Jason Williams is cooked and couldn't start on any other team in the league. Chris Quinn looks like he's 12 years old, Ricky Davis is a guy that gets his stats in spite of his team, Dorell Wright is talented but has limited basketball skill, Udonis Haslem is overrated on D and is only useful on a good team, Mark Blount is playing center but can't rebound or defend, and they've got Luke Jackson, Earl Barron and Joel Anthony playing big minutes. And don't even get me started on Shaq, who can't move on D, bend his legs, or rebound unless the ball falls into his lap.
We're injured but it's an insult to our guys to say they're worse than the mess down in Miami. The Heat have the worst roster in the NBA outside of Wade. And that's saying something when the Minnesota T-Wolves are still allowed around.
Posted by: Xodus | January 30, 2008 at 06:36 PM
You guys are all too optimistic..be realistic.
I guess it will be 2-7 at best...
Lakers might even end up 0-9.
situation is that good you know.
Posted by: tarugo | January 30, 2008 at 06:54 PM
ROAD TRIP PREDICTION
Kwame is Kwame;
LO shows up every second or third game;
DFish is good every other game.
Luke may or may not play......No difference;
Turief forced to play out of position;
Couple of back to backs;
Wish it weren't so but I've already predicted 4-5 or 3-6 for the roadtrip.
Only way we win 5 or more is if Sasha AND VRad go crazy on the trip and carry us with threes.
Posted by: Eric M | January 30, 2008 at 07:00 PM
Jon K
Charlotte is playing us on their back to back. They will be tired as well. We have a chance. Don't give up hope.
PJ gives books to players for trip? Last year he didn't pass them out on the long trip. Maybe felt team was hopeless?
This year its different, the books are coming. PJ has confidence in the team.
If I was PJ, these are the ones I would pass out.
DJ Mbenga - Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon
Kwame - How to succeed without really trying?: Basketball for Dummies; Catcher and the Rye;
Farmar - King Rat
Walton - Cool Hand Luke
Vladimir - Space Balls; E.T. ; Dianetics
Sasha - The Man who loved Women; Unsafe at any Speed
Lamar Odom - Lawrence of Arabia; Easy Rider
Kobe - The Man for All Seasons; Lord of the Rings; It takes a Village
Fisher - Oliver; The Bible
Ronny - Brave Heart; The Adventures of Black Beard the Pirate
Critt - The Natural
Mihm - Steel Magnolias; Giant
Coby Karl - Everybodies All American
Phil - The Old Man and the Sea; Moby Dick
Gary Vitti - AMA Handbook
Posted by: AN1 | January 30, 2008 at 07:15 PM
D-Wade=D-Fade
Flash=Flash in the pan
Posted by: YOU EVER NOTICE | January 30, 2008 at 07:17 PM
You people astound me sometimes
Farmar/crit future allstars? You might want to go over the list of guards in this conference
Sasha bandwagon because of one night against NY? let him do it on a consistent basis.
PUT ME ON THE SIMPSON BANDWAGON WITH ALL THE HOMERS
Posted by: YOU EVER NOTICE | January 30, 2008 at 07:24 PM
You people astound me sometimes
Farmar/crit future allstars? You might want to go over the list of guards in this conference
Sasha bandwagon because of one night against NY? let him do it on a consistent basis.
PUT ME ON THE SIMPSON BANDWAGON WITH ALL THE HOMERS
Posted by: YOU EVER NOTICE | January 30, 2008 at 07:25 PM
THE NUEVE is about to begin. Let's take it game by game. Expect challenges, stay tough. DEFENSE will be important. Try to get everyone involved not just watch Kobe tire out. We can do it. Stay tuned!
Colorado loves the Lakers!
Posted by: Hugo Boss | January 30, 2008 at 07:32 PM
Laker Tom, I'm with you with that prediction.. But Jon yours I can't be part of it, I find it a silly prediction dude.. I think you're more better sharing ideas about laker's games but not in Prediction, so stop it.. jk.. I really hope u don't get it right with that prediction.
Posted by: trio | January 30, 2008 at 07:33 PM
i personally think the lakers will go 7-2 who will they beat and lose to i dont know but one thing is clear that if focus is a problem the lakers have been talking about this road trip since training camp and will be ready
Posted by: jack | January 30, 2008 at 07:36 PM
I hope Phil plays LO, Kwame and Ronny on the front line for extended minutes.
When we beat Detroit in the beginning of the year, Prince had to guard LO at the 3 leaving Kobe and Hamilton dueling. Kobe will win that matchup the same way he's won it since they were both in high school.
Posted by: Vman | January 30, 2008 at 07:40 PM
Xodus,
Wade is a top 5 NBA in the League? What ? Are you sure of this? Why not let's make a list here: note: this is not in order and postition isn't considered.
1. Kobe against Wade = Ans. Kobe
2. Garnet against Wade = Ans. Garnet
3. Lebron against Wade = Ans. Lebron
4. Iverson against Wade = Ans. Iverson
5. Duncan against Wade = Ans. Duncan
6. Jason Kidd against Wade = Ans. Jason
7. Dirk against Wade = Ans. Dirk
8. D. Howard against Wade = Ans D. Howard
9. C. Paul against Wade = Ans. C. Paul
10. Redd against Wade = Ans. Redd
11. Shag against Wade = Ans. I let you decide of this.
Let's stop here. I'm getting tired, I still can't fiigure it out when will be my Answer is Wade. Top 5 in the League? dude you make me sick..
Posted by: trio | January 30, 2008 at 07:45 PM
After Bynum and Kobe, who is the most important piece for the Lakers?
Lamar? Fisher? Ariza? What does everyone think?
Posted by: DavyJonze | January 30, 2008 at 07:55 PM
by the way lakers won that game 128 - 116
Magic had 19 pts, 11? assists and 8 boards. wht a stat line to have for ur first gme back in four years. Man were they fun to watch with eddie, nick, cedric, elden, vlade, and everyone else.
andand
Posted by: andand | January 30, 2008 at 06:35 PM
One of my favorite Magic moments of all time!!! I didn't watch it on Classic, but I remember it like yesterday. Did you see the play where Magic faked a pass to no one and then went in for the layup (faked the pants off of the defender)
Classic Magic moment
Posted by: pslakerlover | January 30, 2008 at 08:04 PM
farmars playin in the rookies sophmore game, good hes getting some props. lets beat the pistons tomorrow.
GO LAKERS
Posted by: mrbarneydangles | January 30, 2008 at 08:07 PM
Lebron was KOBE-esque tonight!
Posted by: Amazing_Happens | January 30, 2008 at 08:40 PM
I think fill is full of it for saying he doesnt want kidd, if this is one of his games he plays in the media, which I think it is then ok, but kidd would be great for what the lakers would give up.
J-KIDD TO LA!!!!!!!!
Posted by: Stars_R_Aligned | January 30, 2008 at 08:56 PM
GIVE LEBRON JAMES HIS PROPS.
He is just as good as Kobe right now.
I hate to say it but it's true.
This guy is taking over games LATE now with scoring barrages now.
It's crazy.
Kobe is my man. And is the best IMO.
But its no longer blasphemous to say Lebron isnt on the same level of Kobe.
They are equally as nice right now.
Kobe is more proven.
but Lebron has just as much skills because his overwhelming physical makeup.
Posted by: Korey | January 30, 2008 at 09:05 PM
I think a more realistic road trip goes like this:
Detroit – Loss
Toronto – Loss
Washington – Win
New Jersey – Win
Atlanta – Win
Orlando – Loss
Miami – Win
Charlotte – Loss
Minnesota – Win
That's 5-4 and I will take it! This sets the stage for us to finish as a top four seed in the West, advance past the first round of the playoffs and we'll see what happens from there. I am so glad to hear that we have no interest in making a deal for Kidd. In all due respect to Kidd, he is an outstanding player, but our need is not at the point - Farmar's development and the addition of D-Fish have put us on solid ground. I was pulling for the deal last year, and after all of the Kupchak bashing that I was party to, I apologize. I was wrong. By standing pat, and adding Ariza, Kupchak should be a candidate for GM of the Year. Now, here is one for all the trade addicts (I consider myself a recovering trade addict) I have a client who is very close to the Bulls organization, and he told me today that he has heard rumblings of a possible deal between us and the Bulls - Wallace for Kwame and a second player - perhaps Radmonovic. The Bulls rid themselves of a ridiculous contract and get cap room, and we get much needed help on the blocks, especially with Socks on the shelf. It works on the trade machine, but seens too good to be true.
Posted by: Lincoln Laker | January 30, 2008 at 09:35 PM
Granted, Tuesday night's game was against the Knicks. Granted, every team presents a set of different match ups. Granted, on Thursday night we go into one of the arenas most unfriendly to the Lakers.
But Tuesday's game also spoke loud and clear to the issues that have dominated this blog since Bynum went down. Every Laker on the team (sans Walton) is a potential weapon, if only they would load the clip in the semi when they step onto the court. Odom with 22 points, Kwame with his biggest game, Sasha scoring almost at will. While the Defense is still too porous, we saw guys step up.
I'm thinking, if I were lucky enough to be along for the ride on this extended road trip, it would be a lot more fun if everybody stepped up. For a seeming eternity, all these guys will have is each other. It's way better to look at the guy sitting next to you on the plane if both of you have played your guts out in the game just left behind. Losing's gotta suck for the players as much or more than it does for us fans. Focus and willpower matter just as much as talent, which makes every game winnable if you want it more than your opponent. How many times have we seen the opposite happen with our Lakers.
So, no predictions. Just a repetition of Yogi Berra's "It ain't over till it's over." Every game is winnable till it's not.
Posted by: Rick Friedman | January 30, 2008 at 09:46 PM
Xodus,
You are not allowed to say anything complimentary about Wade or James, even if it is put in the context of "Kobe is better, but ...", because they are seen as rivals for the "best player" title. If you do, you are a "Kobe hater." It's in the bylaws; I'm surprised you weren't aware of that restriction.
Posted by: exhelodrvr | January 30, 2008 at 10:23 PM
I think Lakers will be 5-4 on this trip, that's on the average. Anything higher than that, is a good trip achievement. I just hope there are no more injuries and phase themselves well by using all players, it's time to test them now than later. Have faith.
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | January 30, 2008 at 10:37 PM
trio,
I said Wade when HEALTHY. He hasn't played like the old Wade all season. If you can't watch Wade over the previous two or three seasons and see that he was among the league's elite then I don't know what to say to you.
And If you're saying that J-Kidd, Dirk Nowitzki, Chris Paul and Iverson, Michael Redd were better than Wade last season or the previous season that's just comedy.
And if you're saying Shaq is the 11th best player in the NBA, well we shouldn't even be having this conversation, because you're operating on some Mike T sort of wavelength that I don't need to get into.
Posted by: Xodus | January 30, 2008 at 10:51 PM
Lakers still need a PF before Feb. 20th., one who can provide the rebound and play D like Ron Turiaf. Don't trade Vlad and Sasha, we need those long balls in the playoffs.
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | January 30, 2008 at 10:56 PM
Ex,
How could I have forgotten the bylaws. I'll never make that mistake again.
Posted by: Xodus | January 30, 2008 at 11:02 PM
I'd say that prior to his injury the top 5 players in the league in no particular order were:
Kobe, Lebron, Wade, KG and Duncan. If you're calling Michael Redd and Dirk Nowitzki, the biggest choker in the league, then we don't need to have this conversation, because you're too biased against Wade to be objective.
Posted by: Xodus | January 30, 2008 at 11:05 PM
Xodus,
Wade may not be 100%, but nobody ever is. I think I remember him putting like 35 8 and 8 on somebody last week and dropping 40 another nite.
Dwayne Wade is just fine in my opinion. Every player must adjust to injuries and old age.
Regardless, Wade is a top-10 player in the league still.
Top 5:
KOBE, LeBron, C. Paul, Duncan , K.G.
Top 10 then throw in:
Wade, Dirk, Nash, Howard, Dirk
Posted by: Korey | January 30, 2008 at 11:19 PM
Xodus,
Dirk is definitely better that Wade..
Come on, I put a note in there. Go and re-read again, I said that the list isn't in order.. D-wade was good but not a top five players. Any good player play with Shaq for sure he'll look great. He's flopping most of the time when he's going inside and get his points in Free thows because of that.. Everyone knows about this except probably you..
Anyway, let's not argue with this.. Wade as a topic isn't welcome in this blog..
Posted by: trio | January 30, 2008 at 11:22 PM
bring on Big Ben! ... sooner rather than later ...
Posted by: p0s1t1v3 | January 30, 2008 at 11:25 PM
Korey,
I agree that Wade is still getting his numbers on several nights but he doesn't look the same. He's lost the first step and explosion that took him from being a top 10-15 player to a top 5 player.
Posted by: Xodus | January 30, 2008 at 11:30 PM
Wade right now isn't as good as he's been in the past and that's because he's not right. Look at youtube clips of Wade and then watch a Heat game, he's not the same this year. He's somewhere between 10-20 right now. The previous two seasons he was in the top 5.
Posted by: Xodus | January 30, 2008 at 11:32 PM
Lakers go 9-0 with Sasha averaging 20 ppg... in turn, Van Gundy will consistently pronounce V-U-J-A-C-I-C properly for the rest of the season.
Posted by: sixonezero | January 30, 2008 at 11:33 PM
PEOPLE!
Please stop giving Lebron his props. He is not even as good as Kobe...Kobe had his ankle smashed the day before in Dallas or dont you remember? Kobe doesnt make excuses, but you could tell he was not the same out there.
Lebron got lucky that Kobe was playing on two bum ankles. In fact amazingly, over half the games Kobe has played against Lebron he has been injured. Even the last game in cleveland he had a groin injury.
He doesnt deserve anything yet!
Posted by: zen | January 30, 2008 at 11:41 PM
Put me down for the Lakers road trip at 7-2.
Posted by: LakerFan in Seattle | January 30, 2008 at 11:55 PM
oops,
had Dirk in that top 10 twice ...lol
oh well, throw Yao in there at 10.
Posted by: Korey | January 30, 2008 at 11:58 PM
Xodus,
Are you sure that D-Wade is in the top 5 players in the league?
When was the last time he became an ALL NBA 1st TEAM? And how many times?
Posted by: unanimous laker fan | January 31, 2008 at 12:09 AM
Korey, yeah LBJ is looking good. Will be very interesting to see what he can do in the playoffs this year. Have not heard anyone call him "LeBrick" or "LeBroom" recently that's for sure.
Posted by: McGarnagle | January 31, 2008 at 01:13 AM