7-2!
The Lakers' long frequent flier nightmare is over, and the results were outstanding. Seven wins in nine games, capped with a 117-92 blowout win over the Timberwolves Wednesday night in Minnesota. L.A. took control of this one early and, unlike games in Miami and Charlotte, never let the opposition back in. Up by nine after one quarter, 16 at the half, and 31 after three. In the NBA, no game is over until zeros flood the clock, but when the other team comes into the game at 10-40, the chances of a miracle comeback drop precipitously. The three headed monster of Kobe (29/5/5), Gasol (19/9/3 blocks on 9/11 from the floor), and L.O. (a trip-doub: 10/16/10) did the bulk of the damage, but they weren't alone. The Lakers had six players in double figures, and everyone on the active roster scored.
So the Lakers head into the All Star break at 35-17, and trending up.
BK
GOGOGOGO GOLD!
Posted by: Justin N | February 13, 2008 at 08:44 PM
So proud and yet our road continues. 7-2 on the NUEVE road trip with two losses and a combined 4 points difference in the losses.
The Sun has begun it's descent.
Colorado loves the Lakers!
Posted by: Hugo Boss | February 13, 2008 at 08:45 PM
Suns lose!
Baron Davis is a baaaaadmothaSHUTYOMOUTH!
Man, watch that last play and watch Nash set the screen for Barbosa, and then HOLD ELLIS BY THE JERSEY. If the Lakers have to defend that, they should keep that in mind, and knock away Nash's hand, because the refs won't call that illegal stuff at the end of the game.
Posted by: Amazing_Happens | February 13, 2008 at 08:50 PM
The lake show finally played a game to make the fans proud.
Not to mention a trip that we can all be giggly about.
Like the Jeffersons, we're movin on up!
And it feels oh so good!
Go Lakers!
Posted by: Faith | February 13, 2008 at 08:51 PM
7-2 road trip was great. 2 that got away keep you humble. Hopefully, Mitch will keep the team intact through the trading deadline. Lakers don't need to trade Sasha to get a shooter or half to the team to get Jason Kidd.
BTW, adding Jason Kidd to Dallas makes them worse! Devin Harris is a better defender and much better shooter. Won't trade Jordan Farmar for Jason Kidd even up. JKidds man will double off him in playoffs games to force Jkidd to hit jumpers. Guess what? Jkidd can't shoot. TV commentators keep talking about Hall of Fame and triple doubles. JKidd is not the response to Lakers getting Gasol. Mavs should have kept what they had and tried to get Jermaine O'neal. Go big if you are in the West and you are trying to make it out.
Posted by: Todd | February 13, 2008 at 08:58 PM
Wow I must admit that Suns-Warriors game was intense. I'm sorry but even the addition of Shaq won't cure there defensive woes. That one kid..uhhh..i forget his name..was having his was with Nash.
The NBA..were watchin Golden State and Pheonix is all offense happens
Posted by: lakeraholic | February 13, 2008 at 09:04 PM
Lakers played beautiful ball tonight and the hated Suns fall to the hated Warriors,LOL. We should've been 9-0 on this trip but 7-2 is getting the job done especially with a new acquisition(Pau)during the trip. While the defense still needs work, there's no question that the chemistry with Pau is getting better faster than I thought. I'm very excited about our team especially when Andrew and Ariza return. Go Lakers!!!
Posted by: Nemaia Faletogo | February 13, 2008 at 09:04 PM
HaHaHa! Whoooo! Devean George, man!
"Jason Kidd will have to wait another day, if not longer, before his wish to return to the Dallas Mavericks is fulfilled. The blockbuster trade between the New Jersey Nets and Mavericks is on hold after Dallas forward Devean George blocked the deal Wednesday, a source close to the negotiations said."
Posted by: TaosHum | February 13, 2008 at 09:04 PM
It seems like it was last century that the Lakers were home in LA. This is going to be some kind of homecoming, with countless Spanish flags waving in Staples and the fans ecstatic about the trade and the unbelievable realization that we went from potential destruction in the summer to being a contender.....
Posted by: swingleftshootright | February 13, 2008 at 09:07 PM
Hooray and GJ Lakers.
Ppl talked about Bynum all season like he was the important number 2. They've even said when he comes back it makes all the difference.
These ppl are wrong. Gasol is the biggest difference. Bynum is the bonus, not Gasol.
What a wonderful predicament to be in, trying to pick between the impact of Gasol and Bynum.
Kobe made em both better and they both played great.
Go Lakers!
Posted by: Benjamin | February 13, 2008 at 09:11 PM
I don't understand how George is blocking the trade - didn't we hear all offseason that Kobe was the only player in the NBA with a no trade clause? Or is George's clause a trade kicker, something of that nature?
Posted by: akrasian | February 13, 2008 at 09:12 PM
I think Kidd to the Mavs makes them better. I guess I'm in the minority. I find it kind of scary, but you know what? We can take em either way.
I can't get over Devean George's move. That's sweet beyond relief.
Posted by: Benjamin | February 13, 2008 at 09:13 PM
Akrasian,
George can veto a trade because he's playing on a one-year deal. It's part of the collective bargaining agreement for somebody with a similar contract and didn't come specifically because of negotiations on the part of George's agent. Kobe's no-trade clause had to be worked into his contract. They might sound the same, but it's a different situation.
AK
Posted by: Andrew Kamenetzky | February 13, 2008 at 09:18 PM
swingleft,
"and the fans ecstatic about the trade and "
Gasol is going to get one heck of an ovation when he is introduced for the first time at Staples.
Posted by: exhelodrvr | February 13, 2008 at 09:18 PM
AK,
Is it "legal" for one or both teams to buy out the no-trade clause from George? If so, he may be waiting for them to sweeten the deal.
Posted by: exhelodrvr | February 13, 2008 at 09:20 PM
wouldn't it be great if Cleveland swoops in now and gets Kidd? That Dallas team is so weak mentally they would implode! if this trade doesn't go through. I think Danny Ferry should roll the dice on this one, they've got to get somebody to team with King James or he'll remember it and use that as an excuse to leave for a bigger market.
Posted by: TaosHum | February 13, 2008 at 09:22 PM
Great road trip... loved Lamar's post game comments about Pau clicking in flawlessly!
http://cbs2.com/lakers
Posted by: 805LakerLove | February 13, 2008 at 09:39 PM
Exholdvr,
"AK, Is it "legal" for one or both teams to buy out the no-trade clause from George? If so, he may be waiting for them to sweeten the deal."
That's a really good question and to be honest, I have absolutely no idea. It doesn't sound kosher, since this wasn't a specification added to George's contract. It's a CBA clause. Kobe's no trade, however, was negotiated, which is why I assume he's able to subsequently waive it. But that's different than something that's part of standard contract language specifically for a deal of George's type.
But again, this is purely speculation on my part. What you're describing could actually be in the works, for all I know.
AK
Posted by: Andrew Kamenetzky | February 13, 2008 at 09:41 PM
AK/BK
Did you guys travel with the team on this road trip?
Posted by: 805LakerLove | February 13, 2008 at 09:44 PM
Ex-
I don't think so. The issue is, for George, that if he allows the trade he'll lose his Bird Rights (why? Cause the CBA says so...). Given his age and status around the league, that could seriously hamper his ability to get a new contract, because he'd count against the cap in any circumstance. With the Bird rights, even if the team he's on didn't want him, he'd be eligible for a sign and trade somewhere. Without them, he's at the mercy of teams with cap space (there aren't many) or the different exceptions, which not every team uses.
With that in mind, even if he could be bought out, I'm not sure he'd do it anyway. But I don't think he can, since as AK mentioned, it's a collective bargaining thing, not a negotiated contract sort of thing.
I'm sure more of this will become clear over the next day or so.
BK
Posted by: Brian Kamenetzky | February 13, 2008 at 09:50 PM
805LakerLove-
No, we weren't on the trip. Generally, we don't travel with the team.
BK
Posted by: Brian Kamenetzky | February 13, 2008 at 09:51 PM
AK,
It's all about his bird rights.. When your are on a 1 year deal, a player can veto a trade because he will lose his bird rights.
Posted by: zen | February 13, 2008 at 09:52 PM
How bogus is Kobe's "reaggravated" injury? KCAL reported that he asked to have his finger X-Rayed at the half... and then he went and just struggled through the 3rd... haha
John Ireland: Have you heard anything about Kobe's injury?
Phil J: Nope
Even PJ is participating in the conspiracy to get Kobe some rest!
Posted by: 805LakerLove | February 13, 2008 at 09:55 PM
The All Star Game will not be the same without Kobe if he sits.The 3 Point Shootout will be another boring event if Kobe decides not do it.Selfishly I want him to play but if he's hurt it's probably best he gets some much needed rest.
Posted by: jf | February 13, 2008 at 09:56 PM
Nice article from a Guy we love..
http://www.sportshubla.com/2008/02/13/triangle-thoughts-from-farmar-and-gasol/
Posted by: trio | February 13, 2008 at 09:57 PM
Zen,
Even beyond the Bird Rights issue, though, I'm not sure you can offer a player money to essentially waive a provision that's standard to a contract. Maybe I'm wrong, but that doesn't sound legal. If anything, it sounds like bribery. haha
AK
Posted by: Andrew Kamenetzky | February 13, 2008 at 09:58 PM
805LakerLove-
No, we weren't on the trip. Generally, we don't travel with the team.
BK
Posted by: Brian Kamenetzky | February 13, 2008 at 09:51 PM
-----------------------------------------------------------
BK,
I was beginning to wonder how on earth y'all were keeping up with the BLOG and the travel.
Btw, let me add myself to the long list of the appreciative. This blog is awesome - a Laker fan's best home. I can't believe I've missed it this long. I've never blogged before. Congrats to you and your bro for stealing my blogiginity. ha..ha.
Posted by: 805LakerLove | February 13, 2008 at 10:00 PM
From what I understood ESPN to say about the D-George "clause", so to speak, it isn't that he has a no trade clause, but rather a right to block the trade because if traded he would lose his "Bird rights". Essentially, this would mean he would no longer be able to be involved in a sign and trade deal when his contract expires.
I'm not sure how much cash it would take to make him give up that right and allow the trade to go through, but it really seems like it would be a pretty useless point in any of his future contract negotiations. It isn't like he's going to get any max contract offers next year, or for the rest of his career for that matter.
Posted by: LakerLarry | February 13, 2008 at 10:01 PM
This road trip tells me that we are now capable of competing for the NBA title. We were a couple of plays from being 9-0. That is mind boggling. Somebody pinch me, I must be dreaming. I never saw this coming, but I'm loving the ride. When Drew comes back, we will have a starting front line that is capable of producing 50-60 points and 30+ rebounds night in and night out, and that doesn't even factor in Kobe. Oh my goodness, this is going to be fun.
Posted by: Lincoln Laker | February 13, 2008 at 10:03 PM
Can anybody explain why these free-agent rights are named after Larry Bird?
Posted by: 805LakerLove | February 13, 2008 at 10:05 PM
Kobe might not play in the all-star game?
Kinda sad, but honestly whatever it takes to heal his finger up I don't care
Posted by: Justin N | February 13, 2008 at 10:06 PM
AK/BK,
Any preliminary thoughts about Pau's defense at the 4?
Better or worse than the 5?
I'm hoping the core work he's been doing will keep him from being so easily displaced off the block.
Posted by: 805LakerLove | February 13, 2008 at 10:08 PM
Hooray and GJ Lakers.
Ppl talked about Bynum all season like he was the important number 2. They've even said when he comes back it makes all the difference.
These ppl are wrong. Gasol is the biggest difference. Bynum is the bonus, not Gasol.
What a wonderful predicament to be in, trying to pick between the impact of Gasol and Bynum.
Kobe made em both better and they both played great.
Go Lakers!
Posted by: Benjamin | February 13, 2008 at 09:11 PM
Benjamin,
Hate to disagree with you mate and please don't start a Gasol/Bynum debate in the same vein that Mike T debated deliriously about Kwame being more important than Bynum. I'll just make it simple. Bynum even though he's younger and inexperienced is still better defensively than Gasol and alters way more shots. Kobe said it best when he stated that Bynum is our defensive anchor in the paint. Not taking anything away from what Pau means to the Lakers and the impact he has, but defense wins titles and Andrew will be our defensive anchor when he returns. Andrew is also a better rebounder, shot blocker and finisher around the rim than Pau. Pau obviously is better at putting the ball on the floor and shooting from outside. Kobe also mentioned in his pre-game interview tonight that he felt the Lakers were contenders before getting Pau, but that Pau makes them even stronger contenders now. I'm happy to have both for a long time. Go Lakers!!!
Posted by: Nemaia Faletogo | February 13, 2008 at 10:10 PM
Lincoln Laker,
It is a lot of fun. I can't wait for the Phoenix game on Tuesday. Pau should be working on his jump shot. I can guarantee Shaq won't be challenging it!
It will be a great "measuring stick" game for the Lakers sans Bynum. I honestly wouldn't be surprised if we blew them out.
Posted by: 805LakerLove | February 13, 2008 at 10:12 PM
Western teams (PX, D) have to make these deals now. Their window of opportunity is this year only. This year SA is aging, LA and Portland are newly formed, with missing centers (If Bynum scares them, imagine Ogden)and untested. Then there's NO.
PX and Big D know they have to bet all their marbles now because next year they don't have a chance.
Posted by: p ang | February 13, 2008 at 10:12 PM
With GAsol playing like this and Odom settling into a nice 3rd role, I think I might prefer Bynum off the bench. I cant say for sure for sure it's a good idea but just a thought. That way, he can KILL the 2nd unit players on the other team or sub for Gasol when he gets that 1st foul. I worry about Odom's role changing too much because he has shown to be ineffective when asked to do too much.
Posted by: Korey | February 13, 2008 at 10:19 PM
Nemaia,
I agree. There's no reason for us to be arguing about Pau/Andrew. They're going to complement each other very well.
Posted by: Xodus | February 13, 2008 at 10:20 PM
This is what I really found it funny! .. Well its kinda creative but... funny!
http://www.nba.com/suns/fans/locker_room_open.html
Posted by: Maxximo | February 13, 2008 at 10:22 PM
AK/BK,
if you got some blog-block on your topics make a topic of where Bynum should go when he comes back...
on the bench or back in the starting lineup?
what's the optimal lineup if everyone's healthy?
Posted by: Korey | February 13, 2008 at 10:24 PM
I love the "no snowboarding" comments!
Posted by: Amazing_Happens | February 13, 2008 at 10:25 PM
Korey,
I think Bynum will come off the bench when he first returns, but will and should return to the starting lineup as soon as he returns to form.
Our ceiling is so much higher as a team with Bynum as a starter because we're so much better defensively, and he's such a great rebounder.
Either way it's great to be having arguments about the merits of each guy rather than the conversations people used to have on here which basically boiled down to which guys sucked less. LOL
Posted by: Xodus | February 13, 2008 at 10:27 PM
Korey- That is a very astute comment about Odom. The Lakers can use their depth to their advantage more consistently by staggering their better players throughout the game.
Posted by: Amazing_Happens | February 13, 2008 at 10:29 PM
35 DOWN, 20 MORE TO GOOOOOOOO!
wooohoooo! very proud of the boys!
they all deserve a couple days off. may all of them enjoy a snowboarding injury-free break
...that means you, vladimir
Posted by: CBuck | February 13, 2008 at 10:38 PM
Xodus,
yea, it's a tuffy... I think it can work if we go big if and only if PJ can get Odom to commit to the little things.
He can't always concern himself with offensive rebounding because if Kobe drive or Fish shoots a corner 3 then the Small Forward (Odom) has to get back on D.
As a 3, Lamar Odom HAS to run the floor and keep up with other smallers 3s.
The one big advantage he must exercise is to ALWAYS box out and defensive rebound hard.
If you have 3 7'0 guys hustling for defensive rebounds we should be quite the 1 and done team. Good defense ends with the rebound as the great coaches say.
So It really really AND UNFORTUNATELY comes down to how Odom can cope with this and if he can't can PJ be smart enough to put Odom back at 4 and then let Bynum/Gasol rotate at 5.
very good problem to have though!
Posted by: Korey | February 13, 2008 at 10:40 PM
Year of the Trade:
Will this Kidd trade (as long as George doesn't tie it up too long) make the West the strongest conference of all time? It does not seem as if any teams in the West even lose anymore.
It sure was great to see them go 7-2 on this trip.
Posted by: christopher Lewis | February 13, 2008 at 10:41 PM
I hope Kobe sits out the All-Star game to rest and heal whatever nagging injuries all starting players in all teams have by this time of the year.
If he "fakes" a finger problem, that's fine with me.
All-Star is just a useless circus. I don't even watch it anymore.
Keep your eyes on the prize - which is the NBA championship - a player can just as easily get injured in the useless All-Star games.
Posted by: LakerinBC | February 13, 2008 at 10:46 PM
Most of y'all are happy that George blocked the trade. Why? I want this trade to go through. This guts Dallas for an aged point guard who lost his shooting touch. IMO, this would take Dallas out of the picture of teams we have to deal with. I understand JKidd is still a great baller, but so is Devin Harris. I think Devin Harris does more for Dallas than Kidd.
Anyway, I think Mitch should intervene to make this work. Let's trade Mihm to NJ as part of three-way with George coming to lala land. Everybody gets what they want. I'm pretty sure the numbers work also.
Nothing changes for Dallas in this trade.
Lakers get George instead of a useless Mihm.
New Jersey clears cap space at the end of the season with Mihm which is what they wanted with George.
George still loses his bird rights, but agrees to it for a chance to reunite with the FRONTRUNNER.
C'mon Mitch, give Cuban a call.
PS...This move is not really about the Lakers, although we do get a slight upgrade in players. This is really about getting this trade done for Dallas. Believe me, we want this to happen. This guts them a lot more than Shaq gutted Phoenix.
Posted by: long live chick | February 13, 2008 at 11:51 PM
I hope everyone got a chance to hear John Ireland's interview of Phil Jackson after the game. I have never seen PJ act that way. Almost every answer was a sacrastic one. Especially about Kobe's finger injury. I think it is his way of being giddy about the Lakers future without openly acting like a kid in a candy store. The highlights: (Some paraphrased)
JI: "Was a 7-2 road trip better than you expected".
PJ: "Well I said 5-4 would be good, so yes that would be better".
JI: "Kobe re-injured his finger, what do you know about that"?
PJ: "Nothing" (yeah right!)
JI: "Just that he's getting X-rays"?
PJ: "Yeah, heard that" (translatiion: wink, wink)
JI: "Did you notice any drop off in his game"
PJ: "Yes, in the fourth quarter" !!! (LOL, Kobe DNP the 4th quarter)
JI: Audibly shaken!!! "What would you like the team to think about on this break"
PJ: "Get rest, don't go skiing".
Other reporter: "Do you know how Kobe re-injured his finger"?
PJ: "He came to me at halftime and felt his hand needed to be X-rayed after the game" (Huh, after the game?)
John Ireland just losing it now!!!!!!
Obviously Kobe is BS'ing David A. Stern. (I assume his middle initial is A and it rhymes with smashpole)
Lakers look great, keep it up guys,
pslakerfan
Posted by: pslakerfan | February 13, 2008 at 11:56 PM
lalalalalalalalalala
la la la la la la...
Posted by: dice8up | February 14, 2008 at 03:01 AM
HELLO WORLD HOW DO YOU LIKE US NOW, GO LAKERS
Posted by: ANTHONY JOHNSON | February 14, 2008 at 04:27 AM