A win so easy, it wasn't even worth Kobe's time
Which could explain his urge to take off early. Maybe catch the tail end of the Oscars, see how his pool picks were holding up (word is he picked upset Best Actress Marion Cottilard, which provides one's ballot a major boost), dish via text with friends over the fashion do's and don't's and who looked good while pregnant.
Or he was just pissed about the over the back's going unwhistled and figured, "My team's gonna smoke these chumps as it is, so this would be the perfect game to inform an officiating crew what a lousy job they're doing."
Probably one or the other.
In any event, this 111-91 win over the Sonics featured a quick Laker lead that was never relinquished or in jeopardy, with and without Bryant on the court. And frankly, Kobe didn't need a ton of time on the hardwood to put together a pretty good stat line (21/4/10, 8-13 shooting), work that help create the foundation for a cruise control victory in his absence. Plus, his teammates weren't exactly slouches with their two cents. Yet another double-double from Lamar Odom, 22 from Pau Gasol, and a baker's dozen off the bench from Sasha "I'm a Machine at any time of day" Vujacic were just the highlights of a roster greasing a box score from top to bottom. That action illustrates why your Los Angeles Lakers have leapfrogged past the recently embarassed Suns and currently sit atop the entire Western Conference (which ain't the only poll they're topping, FYI). When oats are being felt in such fashion, a team can even overcome refereeing botches that fester at a hereditary level.
Is it premature to start thinking about "34?"
The Lakers are a cohesive unit with everyone on the same page and enjoying each other's company. Which pretty much makes the Knicks the "Bizarro-Lakers."
Despite the positive impact of Cleveland's newest Cavs, if Danny Ferry is really serious about keeping LeBron James, it might be worth his time to spread a rumor about The King and Beyonce.
Ex Clipper Wang Zhi-Zhi may have been soft on the court, but he'll clock dudes on the street like nobody's business.
Good morning Mamba24 - glad you're back in tune with the force - hope all is well - with a request to join the esteemed roll-call! (Long-time reader, short-time blogger here).
Even so - no disrespect - but I got to agree on having Shaq-day when he's retired & his jersey is in the rafters. No fair giving him props while he's playing for the Funs! (Unless of course he's secretly working away at hamstringing their game from the inside - LOL!)
Posted by: justanothermambafan | February 25, 2008 at 10:30 AM
Xodus,
You're spot on. The thing is, the haters said that Kobe was selfish for not getting surgery, when actually surgery=lottery. Then, if he scores a lot, he's ballhogging, but when the defense has to respect his shot and he passes and gets easy looks for others, he's "riding their coat tails". If he has team mates who can catch a ball and make an open shot, his team is "loaded" but if he has Smush, Kwame, Cook, and Luke starting along side him, he's such a horrible player that he cannot lead that team to an NBA final.
Basically they have an excuse for everything.
I just ate some lunch and watched the 3rd Qtr of last night's game once again.
Brian Forte's call of "palming" was horrendous. He didn't even have an angle to make the call, and the ball actually bounced off of Kobe's shin and Kobe recovered. At NO TIME during the sequence did Kobe's hand go under the ball or even to its side, and there was no palming.
Kobe let him have it for that one, even looked at him during the following possession.
Then, Kobe let it go and began to go on a mission offensively like he usually does when he takes his frustrations out on the opponent. Moved the lead from 23 to 31, and then "Jelly" grabbed Kobe's left arm and held him while someone else stripped the rebound. Brian Forte was STANDING RIGHT THERE but did nothing. Kobe did one of his patented arm swings where he swings his arm in frustration.
The next sequence you cannot see (and I did not get the HD broadcast), Kobe was out of the screen but IN THE MIDDLE OF COURT coming downcourt. Brian Forte was right at the scorer's table.
It appears Kobe was looking straight ahead to find and guard his defensive assignment.
The whistle blew for the first technical.
Then Kobe turned his head and was upset and went over to him... said some words, Forte told him to calm down, Fisher pulled him away.
Everything was fine except Kobe, at the free throw line and Forte at mid court, Kobe turned around and looked at him and signaled over his right shoulder (maybe jesterinng towards "Jelly" to say there should have been a called foul)... without Kobe even finishing what he was saying, the second technical was called.
Obviously this was more than when Crawford ejected Duncan... but it's not much better.
I'd like to see a REFEREE suspension of this Forte. Not because I think he handled the technicals poorly, I think Kobe should have gotten one... but because he's a lousy ref and Kobe was just informing him of his poor judgement.
This Brian Forte makes Violet Palmer look like the greatest official we ever saw!
Posted by: Tim-4-Show | February 25, 2008 at 10:34 AM
Hey Mamba24, we missed you! I'm on the CHAMPIONSHIP and KOBE MVP bandwagons man. Thanks! Have a good day.
Posted by: Tsiry | February 25, 2008 at 10:35 AM
XODUS,
"I meant "raise the #34 to the rafters" certainly not the farters. LOL"
I know Xodus and I apologize, but it was just to good to let pass. LOL!
JesterGuru,
"Larry, thanks for getting me aboard...."
My pleasure, I should have had you on board a long time ago
my apologies.
LakerGirl1980,
"HE$% NO Mamba, uck shaqfu, he burned his bridge here. Just like he is burning it in Mia.
He went to phx to jump on the so call bandwagon to thier title. It aint happening. I will never
root for him or the suns, even though I was starting to feel sorry for him in Mia, that is how bad he looked."
Just tell us how you really feel LakerGirl1980. LOL!
The Outlaw,
" Mamba24, I'm glad you're back. My thoughts go out to you and your family. I'm semi-new to
this Lakers blog... I've been reading for a long, long time. But I've just started posting. I would be honored
to join your esteemed bandwagon."
Thank you Outlaw. As I always say you can't have a good Bandwagon without an Outlaw Welcome Aboard.
KEIFO,
"Speaking of "rolling"... Lakers on a big roll right now!!'
KEIFOOOOO! Now the day is complete. You aint seen nothing
yet! I predict 5,4 ,4 4 For the Playoffs. When even your harshest
critics start singing your praises you have arrived buddy.
NO MVP NO PEACE!
Posted by: Mamba24 | February 25, 2008 at 10:36 AM
Just a few things Jon K, you cheer for the Clippers (booooooooooooooo)?
LakerKen, I think the Laker girls are much better than the Clipper cheerleaders and here's why, on Saturday night they danced to "Girlfriend" and they cheer for the Clippers which clearly means that they have no self respect. At the end of the day Laker girls are better looking too, well maybe not the chick with the really big blond hair, I've named her "Scary" because her hair scares me.
You also know you've got a bad game going when Coby Karl comes in and the crowd gets up and begins to cheer his name. I really could not figure out what was going on and it took me a few seconds to realize that Karl was in and that the fans were chanting "Coby" not Kobe, it was fantastic!
Posted by: Elle | February 25, 2008 at 10:37 AM
Mamba24,
First, NICE TO HAVE YOU BACK! We NEED your roll call and all of this success is no fun without some of the original bloggers around.
But the Shaq thing is going great! Agent Shaq has made contact with the enemy and has taken out one of their henchmen. It looks like he planted a GPS device under his scalp. NICE WORK SHAQ! Also, it looks like he is working on bringing the "HEAT to PHEONIX"!
He will have them in rebuilding in NO TIME!!
GOOD JOB AGENT SHAQ.
THE LAKERS BLOG WILL SEND IN THE NEXT ORDERS SHORTLY. UNTIL THEN, SURVEY AND CONTINUE TO WORK ON THAT CHEMISTRY THERE. IT SHOULD BE "YOUR TEAM" IN NO TIME. ALSO, DEMAND THAT BALL OFTEN AND LET THEM KNOW WHEN YOU DON'T GET IT.
I EXPECT YOU TO BE CALLING OUT YOUR TEAMMATES POOR EFFORTS BY WEEKS END.
Agent: JANAYA
MAMBA!!!! ALL TOGETHER!!!!
WE ARE THE FREAKIN LA LAKERS THE WINNERS OF 14 NBA TITLES
THE TEAM WITH THE BEST WINNING PERCENTAGE IN NBA HISTORY
THE HOME OF WILT, KAREEM, GEORGE MIKAN, SHAQ, MAGIC, KOBE,
ELGIN BAYLOR, THE LOGO(JERRY WEST), PAT RILEY, JAMES WORTHY,
COACHED BY THE 9 TIME TITLE WINNER PHIL (9RINGS) JACKSON
AND NO ONE WILL EVER DIVIDE OR CONQUER US
Posted by: janaya | February 25, 2008 at 10:38 AM
01 RICK FRIEDMAN – Owner and Driver
02 MAMBA24 – Basking in the glow
03 KEIFO – Never had a doubt
04 JEFF – Security Chief
05 XODUS - Head Reporter and part time enforcer
06 utzworld THE BANNER HOLDER - Bearer of the Laker Flag
07 THE OUTLAW - He's reformed
08 MIKE T. Riding Shotgun
Posted by: Mamba24 | February 25, 2008 at 10:39 AM
Wattup Lakers Legacy!!!! Don't forget to hit the cat with the tickets for the next game bro....
Have a good one man.
Posted by: Charles | February 25, 2008 at 10:45 AM
I should ask do we know when playoff tickets go on sale? And where can I buy a Sasha jersey? I can't seem to find one online?
Posted by: Elle | February 25, 2008 at 10:45 AM
Floyd,
My favorite Laker of all-time is definitely Magic Johnson. If I could post a picture of my room when I was a kid, you'd see posters EVERY where. I literally covered every square inch of my room with posters. Half of them (which was a lot) were Lakers posters... loads of Magic ones, a Cooper one, two James Worthy ones (were actually my fav posters because I won them on a bet during the back-to-back year)... the only other guy that had almost as many posters on my wall of fame was MJ. 2 full walls + half the ceiling was comprised of Lakers posters, most all of them of Magic. I have saved most of those posters and if my wife lets me, I will soon hang them up in our garage (but she's already told me no... I'm just holding out hope).
Having answered Magic Johnson... I must confess that since the very first time I watched Kobe play in a live game (1996, his first game at the Portland Rose Garden), he has been my favorite Laker. I watched him during the shoot around and "saw" that killer instinct. Some things you can see in a person when they're just being themself and they don't know anyone is really looking. The guy wasn't even getting PT, he was like Critter sitting on the bench. I've been cheering for him the most of any Laker ever since that night.
He's not perfect, but when it's over, it's conceivable that I will change my mind from Magic to Kobe.... but we'll see.
Posted by: Tim-4-Show | February 25, 2008 at 10:45 AM
Best Laker to watch: Magic
Favorite Laker to emulate (back in HS when I could really play): Byron Scott draining threes (with apologies to #4, I wore it too....)
I, for one, am totally on for Shaq Day. Especially since he's single-handadly killing the team that I have grown to hate more than any other but the Spurs. Oh wonderous implosion of the Suns!
Charles: I should thank you for gettying things started in a positive fashion every day. I can't honestly believe there are still trolls and haters on this board right now. Here's to those who counteract them with Brick-like Laker Love!
(Up in Portland, I must rely on this board for my Laker Love fix. Can't wait to go see the team on Friday. I'll be holding down the fort for the blog in the Rose Garden.)
Posted by: Jesterguru | February 25, 2008 at 10:48 AM
Checking on LO's shooting in the Gasol era, he's at 63%... and so is Gasol. Of course, Bynum was leading the league at 62% when he went out. So we seem to have the makings of an entire front line shooting over 60%. Talk about a nightmare for opponents!
40yearfan
Posted by: 40yearfan | February 25, 2008 at 10:49 AM
JUSTANOTHER MAMBAFAN I had intended to put you in the Roll Call
this morning but it slipped my mind. My Bad. I apologize sir you will
be there tomorrow.
Posted by: Mamba24 | February 25, 2008 at 10:49 AM
Yeah sure as Bugs Bunny would say mamba shamba...Shaq Wack ...hehehehe..
Go Lakers!
Posted by: TheRealZenMaster | February 25, 2008 at 10:49 AM
Tim,
Is Violet so bad? I always thought she was halfway decent. Now, Steve Javie on the other hand....
Posted by: Jesterguru | February 25, 2008 at 10:52 AM
LAKERS LEGACY,
"as for Shaq day, I will have to respectfully decline until a later date. But I do agree the feud is over"
I can understand your feelings and fully respect them.
Also thanks for the kind words.
Posted by: mAMBA24 | February 25, 2008 at 10:52 AM
Xodus & AK,
Im almost convinced trading for Shaq was a bad idea..We all knew it was a gamble and their window is small.
I won't be totally convinced until the playoffs are over. History is not on the Suns side. I think it takes more than a couple months to get used to Shaq on your team which I think will be their downfall this year. Next year will be their last chance..
I am very suprised that Phoenix is 5-5 in their last 10 games..They haven't done that in a long time.
The question is, is it Shaq's play? Or the fact Phoenix is not used to playing with Shaq?
Posted by: zen | February 25, 2008 at 10:53 AM
When we go for nine, how do we match up? I know our record is overall better than Portland's, but how is the season series? Do they present any special dangers, opportunities, or challenges? I'm especially curious what you all think because we're playing them twice in such a short time.
Posted by: JohnnyP | February 25, 2008 at 10:55 AM
Mamba and the rest of Laker Nation...
How is everyoe doing???
How about them Lakers huh???
i live in Vegas and was so irritated last night... FSNNW was working all day... Then when the game came on it freakin went out til the game was over n came back on??
Well anyways... Jus wanted to share my pain...
LoL...
Posted by: cdub0512 | February 25, 2008 at 10:56 AM
*------------------------------------------------------------------*
THE LAKER CHAMPIONSHIP BANDWAGON
* ALL ABOARD! *
*------------------------------------------------------------------*
01 RICK FRIEDMAN – Owner and Driver
02 MAMBA24 – Basking in the glow
03 KEIFO – Never had a doubt
04 JEFF – Security Chief
05 XODUS - Head Reporter and part time enforcer
06 utzworld - THE BANNER HOLDER - Bearer of the Laker Flag
07 THE OUTLAW - He's reformed
08 KOBESBAD – And that’s good.
09 MIKE T.
Posted by: Mamba24 | February 25, 2008 at 10:56 AM
Floyd - Favorite Lakers of all time? Seeing as I'm only 23, I don't have much memory to go off of here. I remember Magic way back when I was 6 or 7 but never felt attached because I was too young. I loved Eddie Jones and wish he could have been a Laker for life. But I loved the mainstays from the 3Peat team... Fox, Horry, Shaw, Fish, Kobe, Shaq. Those were my guys. I loved watching Fox torture Stojokovic. ShawShaq Redemption was classic and Shaw always hit huge shots for us. Big Shot Rob. Mr .4 who shot 75% on 3s against the Spurs in the 2001 Playoffs - now the veteran leader on an up-and-coming club. And of course, Kobe and Shaq. Guys like Glen Rice, Horace Grant, Malone, Payton - their one or two years of service don't make them Lakers.
We should have a list of guys who were Lakers but should be blackballed from all Laker lists. I'll start with Cedric Ceballos, Kwame Brown, Elden Campbell and Smush Parker.
Posted by: puddle | February 25, 2008 at 10:57 AM
Put me on the championship bandwagon.
Posted by: AB | February 25, 2008 at 11:00 AM
Welcome back Mamba,
The Lakers have 8 more statement games this season (in CAPS)
Figure going 5-3 in these games plus 2 other losses
MY PREDICTION......... LAKERS WIN 60 GAMES
Tue, Feb 26 Portland
Thu, Feb 28 Miami
Fri, Feb 29 @ Portland
Sun, Mar 02 DALLAS
Tue, Mar 04 @ Sacramento
Fri, Mar 07 L.A. Clippers
Sun, Mar 09 Sacramento
Tue, Mar 11 Toronto
Fri, Mar 14 @ NEW ORLEANS
Sun, Mar 16 @ HOUSTON
Tue, Mar 18 @ DALLAS
Thu, Mar 20 @ UTAH
Fri, Mar 21 Seattle
Sun, Mar 23 Golden State
Mon, Mar 24 @ Golden State
Wed, Mar 26 Charlotte
Fri, Mar 28 Memphis
Sun, Mar 30 Washington
Wed, Apr 02 Portland
Fri, Apr 04 DALLAS
Sun, Apr 06 @ Sacramento
Tue, Apr 08 @ Portland
Thu, Apr 10 @ L.A. Clippers
Fri, Apr 11 NEW ORLEANS
Sun, Apr 13 SAN ANTONIO
Tue, Apr 15 Sacramento L.A. Lakers
Posted by: YOU EVER NOTICE | February 25, 2008 at 11:02 AM
I hear snakes on the blog – welcome back Mamba, may your mom be watching over you always.
Of concern to me is the SA Spurs – no one is talking about them – which is the way they like it. Under the radar and under appreciated, gives them motivation. Look at their record the last 10. Anything stand out? Yeah they have the same 9-1 record as us. To be the champ you have to knock out the champ. The Suns, Mavs, Rockets etc are secondary in my mind.
34 wins in a row? I’ll believe it when we get to 33.
Posted by: HmrHed | February 25, 2008 at 11:02 AM
Johnny P:
Don't worry about the Blazers. Been following them all year, being in PDX. Without Roy they have a less than zero shot of beating this Lakers team. I'd bet the house.
If Roy is back by Friday it could be competitive but it's not looking like that'll happen.
Posted by: Jesterguru | February 25, 2008 at 11:06 AM
When I first saw Kobe get ejected, I thought maybe he was overreacting, but watching the game on Tivo, I revised my thinking. With hurt ribs to add to his hurt finger, Kobe probably was not in the mood for him and his teammates being on the receiving end of continued beating under the boards. He may have just been reacting to frustration felt by upper echelon teams when an obviously inferior opponent endangers their title chances by playing in ways that can hurt key players. Or I could be wrong.
Floyd,
My favorite Laker will always and forever be Magic... he was the first player I ever paid attention too. Worthy was definitely a running mate for the ages, though.
mamba24,
Welcome back to you and your roll call.
Tim-4-Show and Xodus,
Kobe's going to get his MVP this year. I didn't think it was possible, but the excuse barrel may finally be empty.
1st place in the stacked Western Conference. Great day to be a Laker fan.
Have a good one. Go Lakers!
Happydaze
Posted by: Happydaze | February 25, 2008 at 11:07 AM
Jesterguru,
I personally don't think she's that bad, but A LOT of people think she's horrible. I've seen her miss blantant calls right in front of her the way Forte did last night, but other than that, never really notice much of her.
That's a good thing. The minute you know who's refereeing a game and wondering what that person's name is, there's probably something wrong.
Obviously, Dick Bavetta would be the exception... he's a class act and most everyone recognizes him when he's out there.
I used to despise Ronnie Garrison, but he's improved a lot since his earlier years. I'm hoping this Brian Forte guy improves too.
Posted by: Tim-4-Show | February 25, 2008 at 11:07 AM
While I share in the euphoria permeating this blog, I fear that the Lakers are not quite there yet. Don't jump on my case till you read what my concerns are. They are two:
1) The Laker defense still shows vulnerability. Other teams still get too many of their own rebounds. Easy second chance points for the opponent can spell doom on a night the Laker offense is sputtering. A defensive minded team like Detroit can still be a challenge.
2) With VladRad (possibly 2 weeks), Bynum, Ariaza, and Mihm all sidelined, it could get ugly if anyone else goes down. The Lakers still have a 15th roster slot open, I believe. A playoff experienced insurance player is worth the small investment.
I'm always of the belief one should never rest on their laurels until their are laurels to rest on. I'd rather be optimistic than pessimistic any day, but it's never to soon to make sure all the loose ends are wrapped up in a bow. I'm chomping at the bit for a Championship parade. The players, coaches, and front office still have some work to do. GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Rick Friedman | February 25, 2008 at 11:08 AM
Kobeapologists- Lasts nights ejection showed once again that Kobe acts immature when things dont go his way and is not a great leader. Great leaders are great in good times and bad especially bad times. Maybe it was a bad call but the game was not close and it wasnt even a playoff game.
During one of the Heat broadcasts, Hubie Brown pointed out that Wade and Marion were out at half time encouarging their teammaters. When the team is so crappy it would be easy to give up but that showed alot of leadership.
Wait until things get really tough in the playoffs.
Posted by: | February 25, 2008 at 11:08 AM
Mamba24,
Welcome back man. Please put me on the championship bandwagon. And after we win it all this year, please put me on the list every year for the next five years. Thanks.
Posted by: LAKER TRUTH | February 25, 2008 at 11:10 AM
JohnnyP,
Without Brandon Roy, they don't stand a chance (not unless we beat ourselves).
He hurt himself yesterday during the game, they were beating the Celts and then lost due to Roy's absence.
We should be able to take care of both games... but they are athletic and dangerous.
Posted by: Tim-4-Show | February 25, 2008 at 11:12 AM
TSIRY Any day hearing from you is a good day Thanks.
Agent: JANAYA LOL keep it comming my friend
40Year Fan
"I, for one, am totally on for Shaq Day. Especially since he's single-handadly killing the team that
I have grown to hate more than any other but the Spurs. "
You said it all. 40yearfan
CDUB0512,
"Mamba and the rest of Laker Nation...How is everyoNe doing??? "
Hey Cdub good to see your post again. We're on a roll now and
need all bloggers on board.
Posted by: Mamba24 | February 25, 2008 at 11:14 AM
It's always nice to see Mamba24 with the roll call.
Now if we can only get Gen_O back to tell us if indeed Kidd has turned zombie. Was it Kidd, or Shaq we were asking before.
As for the game. This one I'm going to have to agree with the Ks was easy lol. Easy win, just the way we like it. Now I understand that we kind of lost our way when Kobe was ejected, but still the game was nowhere near in reach, so why put back Pau? Well PJ knows what he's doing, so I bow to him.
Meanwhile, our defense is slowly but steadily improving. A different game with Wilcox of course because he's a pretty good shot blocker, and paint rebounder (I think we won the game), and offensive dunker. But most of the shots they shot were challenged, and in some instances I actually saw rotation on a team defense (way to go Sasha lol). We held KD as low as you can, considering he's got free reign to shoot. Incidentally the minute Kobe got off the floor, he got hot. So we have to learn to keep players down even without Kobe, or for that matter Trevor. Still valiant effort on the defensive end; held another opponent under 100. Always good in my book.
Go Lakers!
Posted by: Faith | February 25, 2008 at 11:15 AM
*------------------------------------------------------------------*
THE LAKER CHAMPIONSHIP BANDWAGON
* ALL ABOARD! *
*------------------------------------------------------------------*
01 RICK FRIEDMAN – Owner and Driver
02 MAMBA24 – Basking in the glow
03 KEIFO – Never had a doubt
04 JEFF – Security Chief
05 XODUS - Head Reporter and part time enforcer
06 utzworld - THE BANNER HOLDER - Bearer of the Laker Flag
07 THE OUTLAW - He's reformed
08 KOBESBAD – And that’s good.
09 WHITEMAMBA24 - Route Director
10 TSIRY – Passing out the championship hats
Posted by: Mamba24 | February 25, 2008 at 11:16 AM
Thanks, Mamba24! Now if I could just get on the "Kobe for MVP" and "Lakers Championship" bandwagons, my life would be complete - LOL!
Jesterguru - I'm with you on Javie - every time I see that dude I think to myself "Great - how's he going to make this game all about him??!!" Although I do think he's not as bad as he was - maybe he's growing a conscience or maybe just an appreciation for the greatness that is Kobe. Also agree on Violet - she's good - hangs tuff with the big boys.
Posted by: justanothermambafan | February 25, 2008 at 11:17 AM
Rick Friedman,
I don't think you're out of line. Having Vlad out really bites, mostly because we're beginning to run thin.
The defense should improve over the next two months. I think PJ knows this and is in the players' ear.
Posted by: Tim-4-Show | February 25, 2008 at 11:24 AM
"Luke Walton took his (Vlads) place in the starting lineup and had 11 points, seven rebounds and six assists against Seattle."
I have to say, I wasn't expecting that kind of game from Luke. Nice to see him throw one of his patented well-rounded games out there.
Posted by: J. Walter Weatherman | February 25, 2008 at 11:25 AM
The Captain gave the Lakers Blog a big shout out over on his blog! Kareem is a true Laker!
Posted by: Amazing_Happens | February 25, 2008 at 11:26 AM
Thanks Tim-4-show. I'm the tepid sort that looks game to game, rather than championship to championship.
That said, what do you make of HMrHed's worry about the Spurs. We beat them when Duncan was out, right? I guess all is speculation. Personally, I think and hope we will overwhelm when Bynum comes back.
Rick Friedman, won't Ariza help our defense? How have we done earlier in the season against Detroit? It is worrying that they beat the Suns by so much more than we did. But it is nice to argue via "who beat the Suns up more."
Posted by: JohnnyP | February 25, 2008 at 11:26 AM
Wherever Lebron James chooses to play big city or not, he will have to go thru BYNUM, GASOL and KOBE! In five years time, BYNUM 25, Gasol 31, Kobe 34. It is safe to say Lebron won't win a NBA Championship for the next five years. Big man dominates this game! Lakers got two and a kobe..
Posted by: Staples 24 | February 25, 2008 at 11:27 AM
YOUEVERNOTICE, :” Welcome back Mamba, The Lakers have 8 more statement games this season
Figure going 5-3 in these games plus 2 other losses “
Thanks, You know I Noticed that you are hardly ever wrong so I think I’ll agree with you. LOL!
HmrHed: “I hear snakes on the blog – welcome back Mamba, may your mom be watching over you
always. 34 wins in a row? I’ll believe it when we get to 33.”
Thank you HmrHed, as for 34 wins. If anybody can do it it’s 9Rings and Kobe and I would predict
If the Lakers…. Excuse me, when trhe Lakers when the Title this year they will be shooting for
Either 34 wins in a row or 73 wins next year
HappyDaze: “mamba24, Welcome back to you and your roll call”
Thank you and these days surely do take after your name.
RICK FRIEDMAN: “While I share in the euphoria permeating this blog, I fear that the Lakers
are not quite there yet. I'd rather be optimistic than pessimistic any day, but it's never to soon
to make sure all the loose ends are wrapped up in a bow. I'm chomping at the bit for a Championship parade. T
he players, coaches, and front office still have some work to do. GO LAKERS! “
Rick I think your sober observations are right on time sir. But excuse us if we enjoy
This for a little bit then as you say back to work.
LAKERTRUTH: “Please put me on the championship bandwagon. And after we
win it all this year, please put me on the list every year for the next five years. Thanks.”
NOW THAT’S WHAT I’M TALKING ABOUT! Right on LakerTruth and Thanks for the kind words.
*------------------------------------------------------------------*
THE LAKER CHAMPIONSHIP BANDWAGON
* ALL ABOARD! *
*------------------------------------------------------------------*
01 RICK FRIEDMAN – Owner and Driver
02 MAMBA24 – Basking in the glow
03 KEIFO – Never had a doubt
04 JEFF – Security Chief
05 XODUS - Head Reporter and part time enforcer
06 utzworld - THE BANNER HOLDER - Bearer of the Laker Flag
07 THE OUTLAW - He's reformed
08 KOBESBAD – And that’s good.
09 WHITEMAMBA24 - Route Director
10 TSIRY – Passing out the championship hats
11 AB – Crowd control director
12 LAKERTRUTH - Judge, Jury and Executioner
13 HAPPYDAZE - Director of Morale
Posted by: Mamba24 | February 25, 2008 at 11:36 AM
Xodus<
"We'll have a Shaq Day when the Lakers raise the #34 into the farters"
The "farters" is that you way of saying sahq is playing like sh!t right now.....lol
I know you meant rafters but I coudn't resist that one
Posted by: richtown | February 25, 2008 at 11:36 AM
Please don't put me on the championship bandwagon.
Because I'm already on the BACK-TO-BACK-TO-BACK-TO-BACK-TO-BACK LAKERS CHAMPIONSHIP BANDWAGON!!!!!
I think there are currently two other member heres, but they look like freaking lunatics to me.
Posted by: Amazing_Happens | February 25, 2008 at 11:42 AM
Nameless Blogger,
"Lasts nights ejection showed once again that Kobe acts immature when things dont go his way and is not a great leader."
How is that? Kobe was getting fouled and he wasn't getting the calls. If you were watching the game, #24 was being intense and ensuring there wasn't a lull with the intensity of his team.
Kobe also called out that Jr. referee when he called Kobe for a foul which the ref clearly didn't have the view. He was asking the ref "where did you see me hit him?" The ref replied "at the arms!" And Kobe replied "No, I got him at the stomach and the ribs ." Kobe's point was how can you make a call with an obstructed view?
"Great leaders are great in good times and bad especially bad times."
Which is contradictory to this statement. "Wade and Marion were out at half time encouarging their teammaters. When the team is so crappy it would be easy to give up but that showed alot of leadership."
I hope you realize and re-read "Great leaders are great in good times and bad especially bad times." Unless that is a typo. But from what you typed, you are insinuating that Great Leaders are bad, especially during bad times?
I believe YOU should wait until things get really tough in the playoffs. Considering you don't have a team affiliation on this blog, it would be wise to show up your point with a blog name and team that you root for.
Posted by: Charles | February 25, 2008 at 11:44 AM
MAMBA24-
Thanks for your amazing enthusiasm! Please add me to the CHAMPIONSHIP BANDWAGON!!!
And if you are starting a "KOBE FOR MVP BANDWAGON," I'd love to be on that one too!
Posted by: DrewPauKobe | February 25, 2008 at 11:46 AM
Mamba24, I would like a seat on the bandwagon as well!!
Charles, will do man, hopefully it will be against a good team.
Johnny P, I agree with Jester & Tim-4-show about Roy and the Blazers. He's definitely their leader and prob the most mature of the young guys they have over there.
60 wins for the 60th anniversary!!!
Posted by: Lakers Legacy | February 25, 2008 at 11:46 AM
Mamba24,
You should rename the Lakers Championship Bandwagon to the Lakers 2008 Championship Bandwagon. Got to differentiate #15 from the other 14 titles.
Also, you should put perennial GHE star Andrew Z at the top of the list since he was the first to say if we beat the Suns we will win the championship this year.
I also suggested earlier that when you create the bandwagon, you should just put all of the Laker fans in the roll call in it to start. Let the few naysayers ask to be removed. Otherwise, you will spend all of your time adding people. LOL.
Tom
Posted by: LakerTom | February 25, 2008 at 11:47 AM
JohnnyP,
I think the Spurs pose a legitimate threat. BG (Before Gasol) I thought we had about a 30 to 40% chance of beating them in a 7 game series. AG, we probably shifted that up to about an 80% chance. But now that they've traded for Kurt Thomas and will likely become hypocrites by signing Barry, I think our percentage drops.
I can't say how far our odds drop because I don't know how strong Bynum will be when he comes back. If he comes back at FULL strength, I think maybe we're 75% favorites, but if he's around eighty percent back (more likely) then we're probably around 55-60% favorites. In other words, very close to 50-50.
I don't know what to make of Houston or Utah though. Both of them are dangerous threats. I think realistically, we have 3 strong threats to us making the finals. Depending on how it all shakes out, it's possible we may have to face all 3 of them in the playoffs before seeing the Celts or Pistons.
Posted by: Tim-4-Show | February 25, 2008 at 11:47 AM
There will always be haters...
"Kobe is selfish!" "Luke can't play!" "Trade Lamar!"
...and they always go away when you keep your head up, your concentration strong and lift your performance to championship level!!
GO LAKERS!!!
KOBE FOR MVP!!!
Posted by: DrewPauKobe | February 25, 2008 at 11:50 AM
Mamba
Yeah... i don't have too much time to post.. But I read every post when I get a chance...
Glad to have u back BTW... Hope everything is well... I too lost my Grandfather the day after Christmas... But stay strong... N we're all here for ya... N the whole Laker Nation's got everyone's back on this blog...
It's nice to see how everything is now wothout all the negativity from people like KL, Gunner, Taos is still around but oh well... We got love for u as well...
BTW... It was pretty manly of Mike to admit he was impressed by Kobe after the PHX game... Nice...
Posted by: cdub0512 | February 25, 2008 at 11:51 AM