6-12th Men of the Year
The NBA only hands out an official award to the first man off an NBA bench, but for the Lakers, their entire reserve panel's work merits some kind of cash prize, ribbon or smiley face. If you ask one Kobe Bean Bryant, his pine boys are the cat's pajamas. In particular, the work of Sasha Vujacic, Ronny Turiaf and Jordan Farmar has stood out in bright, shiny fashion. Of course, if you're gonna credit the young Farmar, some props need to be simultaneously tossed in old man Fish's direction. The effectiveness of the purple and gold bench has been pretty obvious all season, but if any further evidence of their prowess is required, compare the Laker second unit to that of their opponent during tonight's match against the hapless Heat. Frankly, Miami's first unit ain't world's better.
September inspires Earth Wind and Fire to boogie, Neil Diamond to get sentimental and Kobe Bryant to have his hand fixed.
As the Cassell turns, his perceived quest to become P.J. Brown's teammate remains in limbo. In the meantime, if a playoff team is interested in shopping at Bed, Bath and Giricek, it may be open for business. And if these three or other free agents (wanna be or otherwise) don't join your roster, it's never too early to start thinking about the summer.
That sound you hear is the blogosphere puking in harmony at an LBJ milestone achieved.
On the plus side, Jamaal Tinsley's looking more upstanding to Pacers fans of late.
Upon further reflection, I have to correct myself from this morning. Sasha should win most improved player of the year (I orginally had Bynum in that slot) and we'll let the Drunken Master (Manu Ginobli...I call him that because the guy pivots from his waist like a drunken freak!) be a "6th Man" even though I think he's a starter in a benchies body.
To Phoenix Fan: Perhaps you should experience the glory of being a Life Long Laker Fan...you know, winning championships, having some of the greatest players to play on your team roster, the mystique of the Buss family, a coach who KNOWS how to win in the Playoffs-true, you've smoked us the last couple of years, but give Bob Villa some tools from the. 99 cent store and he's going to build a crappy house.
http://youtube.com/watch?v=-gPac1TIZZ4
Perhaps Phoenix Fan, you are sad that you get the Lard version of Shaquille instead of the Dominant version. Shaq 2.0 was waaaay better 4.0 (3.0 was a champion, thanks to the Free-Throw machine that is Dwayne Wade). No matter what, I find your lack of Faith disturbing. http://youtube.com/watch?v=VgGc9kruiLQ
Good luck in the PLayoffs, Phoenix Fan, I'm thinking a 2nd round match-up this year. GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jamie Sweet | February 28, 2008 at 12:40 PM
Charles,
It may well be. If the name is any indication, he/she does sound like a 16 year old kid...
Posted by: DK | February 28, 2008 at 12:41 PM
Tim-4-Show,
You're so right. I never understood why Phoenix let Kurt Thomas go. In fact why did they break up last year's team. Standing pat with Thomas and Marion was their best chance to win a title. Very curious moves by the Suns.
Now Thomas is playing with San Antonio.
Playoff run or no playoff run, Shaq was not the answer to the Sun's title hopes. What the heck were they thinking?
Who cares if he clogs up the lane, when you can just go around him. I'm still shaking my head over Phoenix letting Marion and Thomas go and instead getting Shaq to help them win a title.
As my kid says -Oh wow!- translates as I can't believe you're that stupid! LOL
Posted by: Fan of the Mamba | February 28, 2008 at 12:41 PM
(Said with hands over ears) - LA LA LA LA - we can't hear you troll! Yes we're living in our fantasy land - where championship flags wave from the rafters and the team is # 1 in the conference and....wait a minute....sounds an awful lot like REALITY to me.
So - I guess that means it's YOU living in the fantasy land!
Oh - ok - now I understand the comments you made.
Dream on....
Posted by: justanothermambafan | February 28, 2008 at 12:43 PM
I am amazed by how naive Laker fans are, every day they go at it, they read all the news, gossips and then regurgitate it with their own little twist, living in a fantasy what if world full of speculation. Geez Laker fans wake up and smell the roses and admit that Phoenix is the best in the West. Anyhow I also understand that talking about Lakers gives y’all some sense of belonging for that I feel for you and do not blame you mortals!
Be Happy that you have Lakers to cheer for even when your boss, loved ones, friends are beating up on you ..
Posted by: PhoenixFAN | February 28, 2008 at 12:26 PM
PhoenixFAN,
Thanks for your post. Let me just state the facts here. The Suns have only been the "best in the West" once in their history when they lost in the finals to the Boston Celtics. With the exception of that one year, the Suns have never been the "best in the West" at any other time because that distinction goes to the team that holds the title(Spurs)or wins the title this year(?). That's the only criteria to determine which team is the "best in the West". Although I'm a Laker fan, I'll say that the Lakers have the best record in the West and are playing the best basketball right now(the Rockets would argue this), but won't be the "best in the West" until they reach and win in the finals. The Lakers have been the "best in the West" and the league 14 times. The Suns have only one WC title. Thanks for the discussion.
Posted by: Nemaia Faletogo | February 28, 2008 at 12:46 PM
Ahhhh... the little puppy just pooped all over the blog.
Still cute though.
;-)
Posted by: Tim-4-Show | February 28, 2008 at 12:51 PM
Actually I am a Laker fan and was only messing with blood pressure :)..
Peace and Lakers Rock!!
Posted by: PhoenixFAN | February 28, 2008 at 12:51 PM
Charles,
Don't worry about the poop. The puppy is just trying to get some attention.
Pull a Caesar Milan and just let the wolf pack take care of the little pups.
Posted by: Tim-4-Show | February 28, 2008 at 12:53 PM
Mamba,
Just a shout-out from the past to the original 55-Win Bandwagon Believers…Fun, foresight, and faith in our Lakers.
THE OLD 55-WIN BANDWAGON – 86 BLOGGERS STRONG! – AUTOMATICALLY UPGRADED TO THE NEW 60-WIN BANDWAGON
Here are the official members of the the New 60-Win Bandwagon:
************************
THE ORIGINAL 55:
Korey
LakerTom
Lakersgirl
Deepak
TrueLakerFan
Faith
Jeff
David Richardson
wiZo (7/3/06)
Brylle (7/3/06)
Taliq (7/3/06)
Evan (7/3/06)
Jman449 (7/3/06)
Edwin Gueco (7/3/06)
Xodus (7/3/06)
Fearless (7/3/06)
alexinho17 (7/3/06)
MAGIC=GOAT (7/3/06)
befuddled (7/3/06)
Weave-Man (7/3/06)
Zach Z (7/3/06)
E.JENKINS (7/3/06)
David Gago (7/3/06)
purple and gold (7/04/06)
bronxlakerfan (7/4/06)
Jon Kavulic (7/5/06)
JF (7/6/06)
Mitch (7/6/06)
lakersrydeordie (7/7/06)
CBuck (7/7/06)
ZAKEE (7/10/06)
Kobe24 (7/10/06)
Joninjapan (7/10/06)
ocraM (7/10/06)
RichDaDCLakerFan (7/10/06)
Greg The Decider (7/10/06)
Josh (7/10/06)
keifo (7/11/06)
24-7 (7/11/06)
James Mason (4/3/06)
Hunter (7/13/06)
Sean714 (7/13/06)
nmbr1kobe24fan (7/13/06)
Romy R (7/13/06)
nyla (7/13/06)
JD (7/13/06)
Chi-Town Laker (7/13/06)
Anthony T. (7/13/06)
Digtaz (7/13/06)
utzworld (71306)
AB (7/13/06)
purplehaemoglobin (7/14/06)
pasryck (7/14/06)
LALAKERLOVER 7/14/06)
Bryan Kim (7/14/06)
OTHER MEMBERS"
onesocalkid (7/14/06)
LakerFaze (7/14/06)
The big chill (7/14/06)
LeJan (7/15/06)
THE WOLF (7/15/06)
Lance.P (7/18/06)
Andrew783 (7/20/06)
Chris H (7/21/06)
Baywood (7/21/06)
DB (7/21/06)
Quazzar (7/23/06)
Bmurph (7/28/06)
Guy Owanlele (7/31/06)
T-Woody (10/9/06)
Vman (10/9/06)
Nonzki (10/9/06)
Young.C (10/9/06)
Laker_Girl_424 (10/9/06)
Kayhan (10/10/06)
Roky (10/10/06)
Juno Ignacio (10/10/06)
LakerFan_1968 (10/10/06)
Dude (10/10/06)
Blaze1bx (10/10/06)
mti (10/10/06)
Putrid (10/12/06)
kob3_fans (10/13/06)
LOGO44 (10/13/06)
bob (10/17/06)
BlackMamba24 (11/02/06)
And! (11/03/06)
************************
55-Win Wallpaper courtesy of Brylle:
http://img214.imageshack.us/img214/2403/lakers2qq3.jpg
Thanks.
Tom
Posted by: LakerTom | February 28, 2008 at 12:54 PM
can we all get revved up to BASH Popovich for what we all know is going to happen?
Popovich bashes the Gasol trade, implying the league should set up a committee to approve trades... which, of course, he would be a part of... then... he turns around and trades away Brent Barry only... to eventually re-sign him after he gets released from the team he was traded to...
and that doesn't smell? LOL! Talk about the pot calling the kettle black!
My BASH Popovich tentacles are on high alert!
Posted by: TaosHum | February 28, 2008 at 12:58 PM
MAMBA24 - where are you??? We need roll-call!!!
Posted by: justanothermambafan | February 28, 2008 at 12:59 PM
Ignore the troll. Yes - ICE 16 is a cover.
Posted by: PsychedLakerGirl | February 28, 2008 at 01:00 PM
"Geez Laker fans wake up and smell the roses and admit that Phoenix is the best in the West."
Is that the same Phoenix team that is 1-3 against the Lakers, 0-4 against the Hornets, 5th in the Western Conference standings and below .500 with Shaq? Just want to make sure I know who you're talking about as Best in the West PhoenixFAN
Posted by: Gerbear | February 28, 2008 at 01:04 PM
Buenos Tardes Bloggers!
Much props to our bench, esp. Sasha, Farmar, and Turiaf. Props to Kupchack/Buss for drafting them and sticking with them. I agree with Faith, when healthy, we do have the best bench in the league.
Mel, you are right about the Suns bad drafting in recent years. In a couple of years, people will look back at when their GM Colangelo left as the start of their downfall.
I love it!! A phoenix fan telling us they are the best in the west when they are clearly #5 in the rankings! Talk about delusional.And he calls us MORTALS!! wow, this really made my day, thanks man.
Wishing you Peace, Love, and Gasooollll!!
Posted by: Lakers Legacy | February 28, 2008 at 01:05 PM
Ken and Xodus,
The amazing thing about the Fisher for Smush and Pau for Kwame moves is that they were 3-time winner moves for the Lakers:
1) Got rid of players who were a huge liability – Smush and Kwame.
2) Added players who are huge assets – Fisher and Pau.
3) Opened the door for other key players – Lamar and Jordan.
Finally, the trades really solidified Kobe’s desire to be a Laker for Life and helped restore the images of Mitch Kupchak and the Lakers front office.
Tom
Posted by: LakerTom | February 28, 2008 at 01:06 PM
Put me down for the "Bash Pop" bandwagon - LOL
OH - and also for the "55 win - now called the 60 win" bandwagon!!
GO LAKERS!!
The BEAN for MVP!!!
Posted by: justanothermambafan | February 28, 2008 at 01:11 PM
I am amazed by how awesome the Laker fans are, every day they wake up cheerful, full of life and excitement, ready to cheer for their beloved team. Now I can’t say the same about Phoenix fans on contrary Phoenix fans are devoid of NBA title and no wonder are mean, naïve and jealous. Lakers will prevail over the Suns.
So really be Happy that you have Lakers to cheer for even when your boss, loved ones and friends are asking for your time and attention.
DR. Buss “The Best” owner/boss/playa, PJ “The Best” Coach/fly fisherman, Kobe ‘The Best Assassin”, Andrew Bynum “The Best future Center” and Pau “The Best team mate”.
Go Lakers!!
Posted by: PhoenixFAN | February 28, 2008 at 01:13 PM
charles, its (the troll) probably not getting enough attention from the phoenix blogs. They're all using the short sword today after getting worked by CP and New Orleans. He's lashing out. I'm with everyone else; its fun to see, but no more fun than seeing JailBlazer fans or Kings fans go down in flames. Just another Laker opponent, whining.
We'll probably get more of em as it gets closer to the playoffs, and as they get closer entering the playoffs as a 5th seed. Bring em on.
Oh well. Might as well throw this at it. See if it bites.
.
.
.
HEY PHOENIXFAN,
I UNDERSTAND WHY YOU HATE US.
US: #1 IN THE WESTERN CONFERENCE
suns: 6-13 vs. WESTERN CONFERENCE PLAYOFF TEAMS
US: 3-1 vs. suns. 2-0 with bynum in line up.
suns: 1-3 vs the LAKERS. 0-1 with our OLD center leftovers.
US: WON 3 TITLES WITH SHAQ.
suns: lost 3 games with shaq.
US: 3 TITLES SINCE 2000
suns: Pacific Division "titles", I don't remember or care how many.
US: Championships window will be open for years.
suns: Closing time. Quick, what's the average age of your starters? If its over 30, you lose.
....it won't get any better than that for your Suns. Sorry. Stick around if you want to see a real franchise show you how its done. Ball don't lie, and neither does 14 championships.
I UNDERSTAND WHY YOU HATE US NOW.
Posted by: #4 | February 28, 2008 at 01:13 PM
Ex,
I know I said we should agree to disagree, but I can't resist haha. If the Suns' have an equal chance at losing in the first round before they did as they did after that qualifies it as a failure for several reasons I've gone over multiple times. We all know what their record against the top teams in the West was before the trade and if they can't beat those teams after what's the point? It's indefensible because there are so many negatives to it and the reasons the Suns gave to justify it (namely, defense) just weren't true. The Suns were talking like they were getting Tyson Chandler when they were really getting Kwame Brown with slower feet and better rebounding ability.
It's like I said yesterday, the Suns have been grossly mismanaged over the past two or three years and Kerr compounded it by making a deal that is a wash at best.
Posted by: Xodus | February 28, 2008 at 01:14 PM
LakerTom,
I was on that bandwagon last year... I got on mid year after the Lakers lost like 3 in a row. I thought they'd fight their way back...
I was just "Tim" back then.
Like Jamie Sweet would say, "Search your feelings... you know it to be true"
Posted by: Tim-4-Show | February 28, 2008 at 01:19 PM
LakerTom,
So in other words Kupchak has taken his name off the idiot GM list, but was quickly replaced by Steve Kerr!
Posted by: Xodus | February 28, 2008 at 01:23 PM
Xodus,
Shaq is getting better game by game..He's actually gettting in shape...It will be interesting how the playoffs go.
Posted by: zen | February 28, 2008 at 01:24 PM
Wow nice Laker Tom.. That was the ORIGINAL roll call 55 win bandwagon from 2 seasons ago! Kudos.
Everyone has been talking about the remainder of this season being like a college season. There have been undefeated college teams, and for some odd but justifiable reason, I think this years Lakers actually will flirt with the big 33. As long as we don't fall into complacency, I don't see why going 34-0 is far from fantasy. Yes, I went there, but no, I'm not going to start a bandwagon about undefeatedness (is that a word), because look what happened to New England.
We only have one real test coming up in that seven or eight game stretch starting with Toronto, NO, Houston, Dallas, and Utah, not to mention a back to back with GS. Then theres the second to last game of the season. The dreaded Spurs. I think that game will have much significance, seeing that by then we'll have Bynum back. You guys remember the 99-00 season? This is starting to remind me of it.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Chris H. | February 28, 2008 at 01:28 PM
Being the basketball historian, actually Charles took them to the finals only to lose 3 in a row to MJs BULLS after charles started gloating, saying they were the best team in the league, maybe thats why he hates on 24 so much cause he sees MJ in Kb24. GO LAKERS!!!!!!!! Wipe the floor with MIA. Also when the Suns win a title they will need 13 more to have a say in the Championship talk!!!
Posted by: RIZZO | February 28, 2008 at 01:29 PM
Xodus,
I think we should give it more time..I mean any team cannot adjust to Shaq on their team overnight..They are in a major adjustment period right now! And in the playoffs, they dont play back-to-back games, and I think that will help Shaq a lot.
Posted by: zen | February 28, 2008 at 01:29 PM
LakerTom,
We're gonna have to update that 55 wins poster. There are two guys on there who thankfully aren't on the team anymore. And another guy 95% of the blog doesn't want on the team anymore. LOL
Posted by: Xodus | February 28, 2008 at 01:35 PM
Tim-4-Show: "Phoenix is like the guy you see in Vegas who went on a big run only to keep playing and he's lost almost all his chips back, and now you're standing there watching him put his last red chip on the felt hoping for a blackjack to start another rally to bring him back from the depths of despair..."
Yeah...and,they're cocky, arrogant and overconfident just like that guy, too! But the real players at the table can see right through his @$$.
PhoenixFan:
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
Holla Back when you can count to 1.
Posted by: utzworld THE BANNER HOLDER | February 28, 2008 at 01:37 PM
WHAT HAPPENED TO PHOENIX?
I believe the problem with the Phoenix Suns is that their veteran players are starting to show their age and their younger players have not proven to be as good as they thought. The bottom line is that the team is over the hill and starting to slide downhill fast and now they don’t have the rising young stars or the draft picks to revitalize the team.
Look at the performance of the team even before the trade for Shaq. The Suns could not beat any of the other top teams in the West. They were humiliated by the Lakers and Andrew Bynum. Nash still seemed to be rolling but Bell didn’t seem to be the player he used to be. Diaw suddenly turned from a trade steal to an early bust. Barbosa all of a sudden seemed to lose the ability to turn a game around. Amare and Marion could not get along. Ownership swapped Kurt Thomas for Brian Skinner.
Look at today’s roster and you can immediately see the problems. First, the Suns traded the wrong guy. They miss Marion’s defense, 3-point shooting, and transition offense. Shaq has no lift and looks like Kwame on layups. Amare can now focus on shooting his jumpers and dunking his drives, who cares about defense and playmaking. Bell cannot shut anybody down or hit his shot. Barbosa is a shell of the force he was last year. And what in the hell are Sean Marks, Alando Tucker, Eric Piatkowski, Linton Johnson, or D.J. Strawberry going to bring to the table?
Then look at ownership and management. Robert Sarver already screwed up by trading Kurt Thomas and draft picks. Now there only hope is the pick they got from the Hawks in the Joe Johnson deal. Their general manager Steve Kerr convinced everybody that Shaq was the right way to go. Ooops. Good luck keeping your job, Steve. Now they have a half-court team that is being coached by a run-and-gun coach who has never played on or coached the type of team that they now are stuck with.
Who says there is no justice? The Lakers rise like Phoenix from the ashes while the Suns sink like Pompeii into the ashes. Once again, the world is back in balance.
Tom
Posted by: LakerTom | February 28, 2008 at 01:40 PM
zen,
I understand that, but who knows how long it will take them to adjust to Shaq or if they ever will. They've already fallen to 5th place after being in first when the initially made the deal. That would have them facing the sizzling hot Utah Jazz in the first round that has advantages up and down the lineup. If they keep playing .500ish ball the rest of the way it's very likely they'll end up having to play the Lakers, Utah, SA or New Orleans in the first round. All of whom I'd be surprised if they didn't sweep the Suns.
Posted by: Xodus | February 28, 2008 at 01:40 PM
Elle,
>>>How would we find out how many times he was at the fT
>>>line last year and how many times this year?
Luke got 124 free throws in the 60 games he played last year
(about 2 a game). This year he's gotten 61 free throws in the
51 games he's played.
Part of that is that Luke averaged 33 minutes last season, and
he's only getting 24 minutes this season. Also, with almost
every position other than SG improved, there's less need
for him to be aggressive in the offense, so he hasn't been.
Posted by: Long Time Laker Fan | February 28, 2008 at 01:42 PM
Today, ladies and gents, I have learned of a new, unstoppable phenomenon called the "zone." Apparently, once one achieves the "zone" level mastery, they can dodge bullets like Jules and Vincent, shoot flames out their arses like William Wallace, chug Jack Daniels like John 'Bluto' Blutarsky, eat eggs like Luke of the Cool Hand, drive a Mustang like Frank Bullitt (gosh, two Steve McQueen references in the same post?), shoot a Magnum like Harry Callahan, sing "Puttin' on the Ritz" like Frankenstein's monster, and finally, apparently, shoot the lights out like Jannero Pargo.
Check these fine quotes from a Sun's fan losing his faith:
"Marion would not have shut down PArgo, the dude couldn't miss...period. There's no defence when you're in the zone....none.
Do you even know what the zone is? Learn some sports idiot."
"Marion has had guys go off on him before. You think he is the zone eliminator? lol"
"A zone doesn't just start idiot. You're in it or not, it don't make a difference who's on you. Get a clue."
"Then explain why nobodies have gone OFF on great defenders in the past. Explain it, I dare you to try.
You can't that's the zone, it doesn't matter how good your defence is, when you through the ball up, it goes in, everytime.
Think Payton never got lit up, think Pippen never got lit up, think Marion never got lit up?
Exactley.
Next?"
Note, these are all from the same guy. You can read these quotes and more here:
http://www.azcentral.com/sports/suns/articles/0227sunsonline0228.html
Posted by: generic_one | February 28, 2008 at 01:44 PM
never,
To be sure, you need to encrypt your predictions. Otherwise, somebody on the opponent's blog can cut and paste your message into their blog which would negate the prognosticative effect of the prediction, leading to the Lakers losing the game, which would then by your fault.
I suggest googling for prediction encryption and following the instructions to the letter. Don't let the next loss be your fault.
Tom
Posted by: LakerTom | February 28, 2008 at 01:45 PM
DrewPauKobe
Yeah...I guess you are Right! I can't remember what team beat them..(Maybe you can recall) LOL...It upset me so bad. That i didn't watch them for some time..When we have these Nail bitters...It drives me Crazy. But then that's what make for a great game..
Gary....
Go Lakers.........
Posted by: GARY | February 28, 2008 at 01:48 PM
Check out azcentral.com they are about to string up Pornstache and Steve'punch in the face' Kerr. If you dont Know, MJ punched him in the face in practice, back in the day. I guess most people on this blog are young but i remember it like it was yesterday!
Posted by: RIZZO | February 28, 2008 at 01:51 PM
MISSION ACCOMPLISHED:
After Caesar was killed by his friend Brutus, Mark Antony spoke to the mob and through his famous speech “ Friends, Los Angelinos, countrymen, lend me your ears; I come to bury the Suns, not to praise them; The evil that fans do lives after them; The good is oft interred with their bones:” Anyhow, Mark Antony was able to sway the “mob” into chasing after Brutus who eventually ends up killing himself. My experiment was a success as I was able to sway the “bandwagon” fans to lash out, flailing their swords in protest and to protect their beloved Lakers. Wow! Here we are thousands of years later and inherent within us is the primordial state of “mob hood” or as you like to say band wagon-ism in us all. Fascinating!!
Go Lakers!!
Posted by: PhoenixFAN | February 28, 2008 at 01:52 PM
I feel like Eric Cartman rolling around in money that he won from Kyle in a bet.
That's what it's like to be a Lakers fan right about now, except we don't go on their blogs bragging like they do...
Posted by: Tim-4-Show | February 28, 2008 at 01:54 PM
#4, Lakers Legacy, PsychedLakerGirl, Tim-4-Show, DK, and the rest of my Family;
"Actually I am a Laker fan and was only messing with blood pressure"
That clearly indicates it's this same troll....
http://tinyurl.com/2oaaqv
I posted a reply for the dim witted troll a long time ago and had the heading of:
"My Blog family. I came back from lunch with an Entry reply from the Suns Fan. I apologize for the long blog, but this is the only way I may reply without raising my high blood pressure."
And had the Hubie Brown and the Czar dialog.
That is a pathetic existence on this blog. I have now lost all respect for this person.
I will now officially bury the troll. On his resting stone
THE TROLL THAT WISHED HE WAS. 2/28/08 (Crocodile Tears)
To Quote Ceasar Millan checking malice driven pups, (Thanks Tim-4-Show)
"Ssshhhhhtttt" (Finger point)
Fat Lady Singing!
Show time at the Apollo Brushing of the Clown.
and Finally....
http://tinyurl.com/29o3r6
Posted by: Charles | February 28, 2008 at 01:55 PM
Tim:
I think you've been reading too much Sports Guy.
"See, I think the Hughes deal was like splitting sixes against a 10 -- your hand was already going to lose, why make it worse? Poor Paxson. He's like the buddy in Vegas who went on a huge late-night run, had two grand in chips in front of him and everyone telling him, 'Come on, cash in -- we'll get a late night breakfast and come back strong tomorrow,' only he was saying, 'Nah, I can double this,' so everyone goes to eat ... then they come back 90 minutes later to find out that he's down to 200 bucks and getting worked over by a dealer who looks exactly like Bai Ling."
http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/page2/story?page=simmons/080227
Posted by: generic_one | February 28, 2008 at 01:58 PM
DK,
Awesome article about Kobe, one of the best I have ever read. Thank you for posting in its entirety.
10 in a row tonight.
Tom
Posted by: LakerTom | February 28, 2008 at 02:02 PM
LTLF,
Thanks for your response to my post to Jon K. after the last game.
I just got it, as I had first a bad cooling fan in my computer, then once I fixed that, the monitor was dead. When it rains it pours. Anyway I'm just getting caught up.
The summary of your response was:
"By comparison, Luke's 1-for-2 with a technical and a turnover just looks par for the course.
So why are there 50 people posting vitriolic posts about how
LUKE is losing the game? LaMarcus Aldridge scored 10
points in the quarter. Luke wasn't guarding him, Gasol
was. Yes, Travis Outlaw made two shots over Luke, but
it's not like he was waltzing past Luke for a layup.
That's the thing. There are a lot of people who have
decided to make Luke a scapegoat, so even though the
whole TEAM is playing poorly, they single out Luke and
scream and yell and gnash their teeth.
I didn't see any posts saying "Gasol sucks. His man
is scoring at will, so he's TOTALLY losing this game
for us. He should be on the bench". Yet those statements
would be just as valid as singling out Luke. "
My Response:
While I can see the point of your comment, here's why people, including me, are singling out Luke. Kobe is good 6 games out of 7; Pau is good 4 games out of 5; Fish is good 2 games out of 3. Luke is good 0 games out of 50. If Luke played even a "Modestly good game" ONCE IN A WHILE, every one would ignore when he plays bad sometimes.
Can you think of a single game in the last 25 where Luke contributed? He might of had 4 rebounds a couple of times, or shot 50% once or twice, but usually it is 1-4 shooting, turnovers, getting his shots blocked repeatedly, passing up shots when open and killing the offense, and poor D. It's obvious he has lost ALL confidence. I wish it weren't so.
Believe it or not, I like Luke. Both of my teenage daughters think Luke is "HOT" and won't sit and watch the game with me UNLESS Luke is on the floor. So I wish he would do better so I could have more "Quality" time with my girls.
As a middle aged white guy, I cheer for the "white guy that can't jump" to do well. But that doesn't mean I'll ignore it when he sucks......which is most of the time this year.
Regards,
Eric
Posted by: Eric M | February 28, 2008 at 02:02 PM
Another hilarious anti-drug commercial from Harold & Kumar:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_f9O4FFQyAE
Posted by: ajax | February 28, 2008 at 02:02 PM
Rizzo,
Barkely Right?
Just checking.
Posted by: Charles | February 28, 2008 at 02:08 PM
What's up, Lakerville!
Re Patrick O'Bryant (POB):
I live in the Bay Area and I can say that he has some moves and was never given a chance by Nellie. He has length and good footwork. MBenga has the bulk but POB has soft hands and a decent shot from 15 feet. I think he would be a good fit with the Lakers.
Re Shaq:
In the games where the Suns lost to the Pistons and Hornets, I was wondering where Shaq was. He was on the bench during key stretches where the Suns should be rallying to catch up with their opponents. I'm thinking that D'Antoni does not know how to use Shaq. You have this one player that is a big mismatch and yet I find him on the bench. How long do you think it would take before Shaq begins to grumble... that he's not on the court more... that he's not getting enough touches, etc.? And here you have Amare whose head is growing bigger by the day. How long before Shaq begins to resent the attention being heaped on Amare? Shaq may be saying the right things now but the day is coming when the facade will crumble when the losses mount. And I am only too happy to watch the train wreck. LOL
Go Lakers!
Posted by: SamII | February 28, 2008 at 02:09 PM
Edwin Gueco...
Please...couldn't you find a better way to refer to DJ Mbenga than a "Gorilla on the loose"? He's a man, not some sort of animal. I usually don't criticize anyone's postings, but please...choose your words more carefully.
Posted by: bronxlakerfan | February 28, 2008 at 02:09 PM
The problem with Phoenix is Dantoni. He only has an 8 man rotation. in other words hes running Nash and the boys to death, no wonder Marion hated it there, although working for Riles is probably worse as far as running.
But at least Riles uses and 8-10 man rotation in games, giving some guys a rest.
Dantoni just runs the same few guys for 82 games. you cant do that forever. he probably cost Nash at least 2 years of his career with all that running.
Posted by: BrandonC | February 28, 2008 at 02:10 PM
So Suns Fan,
That means stop doing this to my Family.....
http://tinyurl.com/2lqxbb
Posted by: Charles | February 28, 2008 at 02:13 PM
so now posted:
Phoenix is losing while Shaq's playing, Amare's putting up career numbers while the team suffers...
Check this out:
http://www.lyrics007.com/print.php?id=TWpjMU5UWTU
Amare will go were his big ego (just like his new mentor's) will take him.
Posted by: so now you know | February 28, 2008 at 10:33 AM
And,
Maybe the Phoenix fans can have this guy play for them.
http://www.therainiervalley.com/violin.html
Posted by: so now you know | February 28, 2008 at 11:59 AM
I'll add this:
http://www.cartoonstock.com/lowres/vsh0284l.jpg
Happy Thursday, guys and gals!
Lakers win another one tonight!
GO LAKERS!!!
Posted by: Happy Gilmore | February 28, 2008 at 02:14 PM
generic_one,
This was the funniest post on azcentral.com.
"Thank goodness Marion is gone. We were really in need of a fat, arrogant, out of shape turnover machine instead."
LOL
Posted by: Xodus | February 28, 2008 at 02:16 PM
A moment of silence for the troll....
21 rubber band to paper clip salute......
http://tinyurl.com/2nyvfv
Posted by: Charles | February 28, 2008 at 02:16 PM
mamba,
Larry, can you integrate the old 55-win bandwagon into the 60-win bandwagon after your roll cal. And add Tim-4-Show to the list and anybody else I may have forgotten. I had to dig the old list from a half-dead laptop so it may not have been the most accurate listing.
At any rate, as the original wack jobs, we deserve to be resurrected to polulate the new 60-Win bandwagon. Thanks.
Tom
Posted by: LakerTom | February 28, 2008 at 02:17 PM