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.
Count me in... I am from the far island of the Philipppines and i love the Lakers since i was 10 yrs old.
Posted by: nwhatdheck | February 25, 2008 at 04:12 PM
AN 1,
>>>March 1 - Players waived after this date are ineligible for
>>>the playoffs
I stand corrected. I heard one of the broadcasters on a recent game
mention that March 1st was the last day that teams could sign
players for them to be eligible for the playoffs, but I guess they were
wrong (they often are with subtleties of the rules like this).
So basically, the Lakers could wait and see. If they have 12
players in good health on the last day of the season, no problem --
make those your 12 player roster. If they only have 11 that look
like they'll be able to play well in the playoffs, then add someone
on the last day of the season and add them to the playoff roster.
Posted by: Long Time Laker Fan | February 25, 2008 at 04:13 PM
mamba... put me on the...
DAVID STERN IF KOBE BRYANT DOES NOT WIN THE
MVP THIS YEAR SOMEBODY IS GOING TO JAIL BANDWAGON
Posted by: keifo | February 25, 2008 at 04:14 PM
Regarding Kobe's ejection last night -
That Ref Brian Forte is a rookie right? Does anyone remember earlier in the game when Earl Watson of the Sonics got a tech - there was some arguing and staring down with the same ref, then PJ Carlisimo came on the floor to talk to his player and said something under his breath, and Forte got really heated towards Carlisimo and yelled at him as he walked away, I thought he was going to call another tech but then he let PJ go.
He's a hothead - you rarely see refs get visibly angry, and the best ones NEVER DO. It's their job to settle things down and not take it personally, but this kid is a LEGACY HIRE...he seems defensive and entitled, and I think Kobe was making a point. The league will review the plays, review the whole game in fact, and it will not be a great report for Brian Forte. Of course we won't hear about it because Stern allows zero transparency in the refereeing process (even after he promised to be more open following the scandal last summer), but the review will happen. It is still a players league.
And by the way, FOR ALL THE KOBE HATERS, getting kicked out after the game is over does not show poor leadership, it shows awareness of what's important. He picked his battle when he knew it wouldn't matter to the team.
KOBE FOR MVP!!!
KOBE FOR MVP!!!
KOBE FOR MVP!!!
Posted by: DrewPauKobe | February 25, 2008 at 04:18 PM
Long Time,
Time to stop with the silly trade Lamar scenarios. The way the guy is playing right now and will be in the future, he will be a Laker for life like he wants. He may have to take a slight cut in salary per year but will get it back in a longer contract.
Wake up, Long Time. We’re not going to waste money but the luxury tax has now become the ante to compete for a championship and things aren’t going to be like they were in your father’s or my time. If we were to follow your logic, we would never had made the trade for Pau. Or the Suns for Shaq. Or the Mavs for Kidd. Wake up!
The Lakers will win championships, happily pay luxury taxes, and still earn more and be worth more as a franchise than 9 out of the other 10 franchises. We will win another six championships before this team is done and gone so we can hang 20 off the rafters.
No way you break up a championship team. That’s like selling a winning stock. lol.
Tom
Posted by: LakerTom | February 25, 2008 at 04:22 PM
Mamba24,
Put me on the "Total Package" Bandwagon:
60 wins,
Mitch Kupchak, GM of the Year
Kobe, MVP of the regular season
Kobe, Finals MVP
Phil Jackson, Coach of the Year
Jordan Farmar, 6th Man of the Year
Anthing Else I May Have Forgotten
Posted by: Laker Kev | February 25, 2008 at 04:23 PM
>>>Where did “the Machine” nickname come from? Joel and Stu?
Yep. Joel and Stu started using it, and it's caught on.
At the time, I was referring to Sasha as "the Electric Blanket" (sort of
like Vinnie "the Microwave" Johnson) and most of the bloggers here
were referring to him as "the face". But The Machine has caught on.
Posted by: Long Time Laker Fan | February 25, 2008 at 04:23 PM
" As much as I want to do Bynum, Pau Odom, kobe on the first team, I think it will really benefit us if we make the 2nd team stronger by putting bynum in." - jaworski
Huh? Ummmmmmm that would be a big fat NO!!!! If Drew has proved ANYTHING this season, he's proved he will become the NEXT Great Big in the NBA (barring serious knee injuries the next 10 years) Drew, with the help of Cap, has not only worked his way to STARTING Status, He ATTACKS instead of waiting to be attacked. I have 100% faith, we're watching the next great center in the NBA, grow up, right in front of our eyes. Anyone remember watching another Laker great, grow up before our eyes? sure there's a learning curve, but it pays off in buckets in the long haul. Ahem.. Sorry Jaworski.. Bad Call.. Drew should be in there with the Big Dawgs, next to Kobe, he'll have a pretty nasty bite as well... watch.. I think the kid is hungry now for respect
Posted by: complex brotha | February 25, 2008 at 04:23 PM
DrewPauKobe,
Could not agree more!
Posted by: frank rizzo | February 25, 2008 at 04:26 PM
DrewPauKobe - frank rizzo
Amen!!!
Posted by: Charles | February 25, 2008 at 04:28 PM
LTLF,
I respect your logical reason for staying off the champ bandwagon this year, but fandom isn't always about logic.
- Logic said this team couldn't compete with the big boys this year - WRONG
- Logic said we couldn't get Pau for Kwame - WRONG
- Logic said Kobe's discontent would tear the team apart - WRONG
- Logic said PJ was getting too old and too worn down to lead this team back - WRONG
If you think that there's even only a 20% chance they win the title, wouldn't you rather go down believing than not? Laker Nation must have faith. It can be done and the more we believe, the more the country and our team will believe, and sometimes believing is the little extra push it takes.
If you change your mind, I will welcome you!!!
KOBE FOR MVP!!!
KOBE FOR MVP!!!
KOBE FOR MVP!!!
Posted by: DrewPauKobe | February 25, 2008 at 04:28 PM
Laker Tom: WELL SAID!
Frank Rizzo: THANKS!
Posted by: DrewPauKobe | February 25, 2008 at 04:33 PM
" But if there is a Lakers Dynasty Starts in 2009 Bandwagon, I'm on it. And if there isn't one, I'm starting it now".- Long Time Laker Fan
I kinda agree with the logic here LTLF. I mean, as little as what? 7-8 months ago, we were all in mourning, wondering IF we'd even have a season to cheer, let alone a winning one thusfar and might I add, NOBODY predicted sitting alone on top of the Conference AFTER the all star break, during training camp last fall. I'm enjoying this right now more than anything because you can see its a TEAM and guys are finding their place BUT lets not get carried away here with 08 strut on Figuerora plans..I like the Teams motto "One Game at a Time" I'd rather go into combat WITH Drew and Trevor, then without them and I'd rather have a healed pinky, then a "hold your breath everytime Kobe has the ball" pinky but you cant critique the Guts and swag the team is showing... I'm usually happiest when the rest of the league Hates Us.. thats an indicator of Dominance in Lakerland lol Good Times....
Posted by: complex brotha | February 25, 2008 at 04:42 PM
Laker TOm
"He may have to take a slight cut in salary per year but will get it back in a longer contract."
That's true. I remember him being interviewed after the first half of his first Laker playoff game. He said he was "kind of proud" to be playing in this game and this uniform.
I hope that extends to him not wanting to put Mitch to the fire in contract negotiations. Given his fragility, it's a tough call as to how many years to go out. What do you think sounds fair for him after next year?
Posted by: Vman | February 25, 2008 at 04:43 PM
complex brotha,
Thanks for saving me from saying the same thing. It will be nice to let Drew get his legs back off the bench for a few games but when he is ready he rides shotgun with kobe not in the back with the bench mob. lol.
Nothing complex about that. Drew is #2 and Pau is #3. It's that simple. Thanks, cb.
Tom
Posted by: LakerTom | February 25, 2008 at 04:45 PM
Laker Tom
I'm not too worried about tax right now, just enjoying the ride.
But Dr Buss is a businessman who has expressed concern about tax in the past.
Even Rambis on KLAC said the same thing. The Lakers can't bear burden too long. Some difficult decisions will have to be made.
Current Team salary: 71.5 plus 3 in lux penalty = 74.5 Buss is cool with that.
Next year projected team salary with all current players signed could exceed 84 million. With a lux penalty of 16 mil our total team salary would be 100 million.
That's a lot of mula for Dr. Buss to pay. I think there are solutions to the matter, which I feel LTLF is just speculating about.
One could be to offer Ronny and Sasha low entry, long term contracts like Luke got.
Then re-sign LO the following year to a lower priced extention. Followed by another extention for Kobe in three years for lower money. With the thought of keeping total salary constant and not too high.
Hey, sounds complicated to me, that's why I let my wife do our accounting.
Posted by: AN 1 | February 25, 2008 at 04:47 PM
Hey Mamba!
Welcome back.
Please put me on the Laker Championship bandwagon as "Official Mascot of Mr. Gasol"
and put me on the "Kobe for MVP" one as well
Posted by: The Cat | February 25, 2008 at 04:47 PM
LakerTom,
>>>The Lakers will win championships, happily pay luxury taxes,
>>>and still earn more and be worth more as a franchise than 9
>>>out of the other 10 franchises. We will win another six
>>>championships before this team is done and gone so we can
>>>hang 20 off the rafters.
I love your rose-colored view of the future and I hope it comes true.
I will gladly eat that well-seasoned crow if Buss will happily pay
the luxury tax to keep the team together.
Posted by: Long Time Laker Fan | February 25, 2008 at 04:47 PM
I'm with Laker Kev - "The Total Package" Bandwagon it is!
Laker Tom - I agree with you too - well said! This team is playing well, they've got great chemistry and they are hungry to win, not to mention Kobe is happy! NO WAY you mess with that!
Posted by: justanothermambafan | February 25, 2008 at 04:50 PM
Laker Kev - yup
Kobe for Defensive player of the Year
Posted by: AN 1 | February 25, 2008 at 04:50 PM
LakerTom,
6 more? Don't tell anyone this, but secretly, I'm hoping and praying for 7 straight. I think Kobe has seven seasons in him, and I'd love to see it... I know the odds are better for me winning the California Super Lottery (and I don't even live in California), but that's my hope. It would surpass the Celts in total, in longest streak of titles, and in any other category you can think of.
Posted by: Tim-4-Show | February 25, 2008 at 04:54 PM
Clutch stats at 82 games.
82games.com now has a table of stats showing how NBA players
play during clutch time (defined as 4th quarter or overtime, less
than 5 minutes left, neither team ahead by more than 5 points).
http://www.82games.com/CSORT11.HTM
So the two best clutch scorers are LeBron (59 points per 48 minutes
of clutch time) and Kobe (50 points). No surprise there. Gasol is
the next best clutch scorer for the Lakers (24 points per 48).
Now the more surprising stats.
The Lakers leading clutch rebounder?
The Lakers leading clutch assist guy?
The Lakers leading clutch steals guy?
It's all the same person. See if you can guess who it is before you
go check the stats and re-sort by those columns.
Posted by: Long Time Laker Fan | February 25, 2008 at 04:56 PM
Justanothermambafan,
I agree with you, I wish Chick was still around so we could hear him calling this team. Also I wish Jim Murray was still around so we could read his take on this team. We were pretty spoiled back then.
Posted by: Lakers Legacy | February 25, 2008 at 04:56 PM
LTLF,
The only teams that can beat L.A in a 7 game series are the Spurs and Detroit. I think both those teams are playing well...
If the Lakers have the home court throughout the playoffs, I like their chances to win it all..If Bynum comes, back that will be a huge plus..I wouldn't mind him coming off the bench at first if him and Gasol are lost out there together.
Bynum coming off the bench would just kill the older teams like SA and Detroit.
Posted by: zen | February 25, 2008 at 04:57 PM
LTLF,
The focus should indeed be on that 15th roster slot. If anyone else goes down, the Lakers will be dangerously short-handed. The departure of J-Crit, even though he was a rookie, left the Lakers without a strong third option at Guard. No disrespect to Coby Karl, but he hasn't logged enough NBA minutes to be of help down the stretch if Kobe, Fish, Jordan or Sasha get hurt. I'd like to see a playoff-tested veteran guard added to the roster this week. It would be great to see Ariza return in time, but it seems like a dicey proposition. That means Kobe will continue to log minutes at the 3, which gives us a very effective line-up, but a dangerously thin one. I'm sure Dr. Buss understands the value of insurance. A 15th player would be money well spent to protect the great run this team is having.
Posted by: Rick Friedman | February 25, 2008 at 04:59 PM
Charles- I always post with my name, I have no problem stating my opinion, no matter how unpopular it is.
We will have to agree with disagree on Kobe getting kicked out's benefit to the team According to his own comments he did not get kicked out on purpose so any discussion he did this to help the team is silly dont ya think?
The Lakers as a team are playing as good as i can remember dating back to the 80s in how they are dominating lesser opponents.
And ironically, injuries have actually helped the lakers this year. If Bynum doesnt get hurt no Gasol and if Luke doesnt get hurt Vlad doesnt start, and if Crit doesnt get traded Sasha doesnt get the minutes.
This is what great teams do , they overcome injuries not use them as an excuse for losing.
Posted by: Laker Lover | February 25, 2008 at 05:06 PM
Long Time.
The Lakers bigger worry is the luxury tax IF they don't win championships, which is the big driver for all of the extra income the Lakers need to pay those luxury taxes.
If we win, I think we will work it all out. Kobe will resign for less money and more years and everybody down the line will remain reasonable as a result. More positive leadership by Kobe to keep HIS team together.
That's my take on the luxury tax.
Tom
Posted by: LakerTom | February 25, 2008 at 05:08 PM
What's the Lakers Championship Bandwagon?
I'm not sure from peoples comments what its supposed to be.
Are we guaranteeing a Title? Not sure what its about.
Sorry, Just trying to learn.
Posted by: AN 1 | February 25, 2008 at 05:10 PM
frank rizzo - is that your only response , people say the stupidest things? So a great leader gets kicked out of a blowout game against an inferior opponent?
What does that have to do with understanding basketball? If anything getting kicked out like Phil alluded to, may hurt Kobe and the lakers with other referees
I dont remember seeing Magic MJ Bird getting tossed from a blowout game they were winning in the regular season do you?
Posted by: Laker Lover | February 25, 2008 at 05:11 PM
Mamba 24
I am joining the bandwagon for THE LAKERS 2008 CHAMPIONSHIP BANDWAGON, and DAVID STERN IF KOBE BRYANT DOES NOT WIN THE MVP THIS YEAR SOMEBODY IS GOING TO JAIL BANDWAGON
Kobi Bryan - greatest laker fan in the Philippines
Posted by: Kobi Bryan | February 25, 2008 at 05:17 PM
@ complex brotha - "I think the kid is hungry now for respect"
thats exactly how NOT to think. team first before SELF.
thanks for proving my point better.
Posted by: jaworski | February 25, 2008 at 05:20 PM
"Nothing complex about that. Drew is #2 and Pau is #3. It's that simple."
not the way i look at it. kobe #1, pau #2...
Other people here have the same sentiments?
Posted by: jaworski | February 25, 2008 at 05:26 PM
first let me say, i am laker fan and hope they win the title every year.
yes this team is good but lets not get crazy just yet.
to win in the playoffs you have to play good defense.
everything slows down in the playoffs, every possession becomes crucial. Defensive stops are a must.
Teams like the Celtics, Detroit and San Antonio will have the edge
because they play consistently tough defense.
I have yet to see them shut done the offense of a good team.
Posted by: xgen7 | February 25, 2008 at 05:31 PM
at the end of the day, its not important who's starting and whos coming off the bench... the team winning is ALL THAT MATTERS.
some just makes a big fuss out of who is in the starting 5...
if what we have is working, then go with it... theres no point in re arranging stuff just because someone has "proven" something. if PJ plays his card right, you have a killer team in our lineup.
but dont get me wrong, it doesnt mean im stuck with this lineup all the way... I know PJ will put bynum in the mix with gasol in one of these games.. how well they mix is the question. Same goes with the argument that bynum should play with kwame at the same time... we all know that PJ didnt go with taht too often.
come game time, its all about winning. win small, win big... diesnt matter... as long as you WIN.
Posted by: jaworski | February 25, 2008 at 05:32 PM
The roll call is for contributors, and Mike T was one of the best.
Wes
Posted by: wesjoenixon | February 25, 2008 at 05:32 PM
Mamba 24....Please add me to the Championship 2008 Bandwagon........anything less would just be uncivilized!!
The Lakers have a very good team and will doubtless make some serious noise in the postseason. One thing worries me as they move forward though. The lack of an enforcer type of player.
When I look at teams like the Celtics and the Spurs, I see a variety of "energy" players and physical types. Celts have "Big Baby" Davis, Pollard, Scalabrine, Posey, Perkins and Tony Allen. In fact they've got more butchers on that team than a meatcutter's convention.
The Spurs also play a tough brand of ball with Oberto, Bowen, Bonner, Horry and yes, Ginobli and Duncan. All of these players can be borderline dirty, even the "Big Fundamental", whose style includes moving screens and constant subtle pushes in the back when he is boxed out. Duncan also uses his hands liberally when completing his screen.
Our Lakers, on the other hand are more of a finesse team that relies on patient execution of its offense to score and a team concept on defense. Our main components on our front line, Pau and Lamar, are tough and tenacious but both are a little light in the cakes. Baby may be too young for the role, providing he comes back. Rad or Luke? I don't think so!
I think that unless the team adds someone else in the frontcourt, PJ needs to incorporate Ronny T. more into the scheme of things. Of all the current Lakers, Ronny T has the body, and mentality for the job of Laker tough guy. His only drawback is that he gets into foul trouble on a regular basis. And our reserve big, Beng Diddy, is just too unskilled to be trusted with many minutes.
I don't mean to be a wet blanket or rain on the Championship parade, but this has been in the back of my mind for a while. I posted pretty much the same thing a few days ago. I'd love to get some feedback from the blog on this subject.
Posted by: bronxlakerfan | February 25, 2008 at 05:37 PM
I LOVE THIS BLOG!!!!!
MAMBA24 IS BACK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
WE MISS MAN....
Posted by: dice8up | February 25, 2008 at 05:41 PM
Laker Lover,
Magic and Bird played in a different era. BAD COMPARISON. And they have both been ejected, not that makes any difference.
Players get ejected, that's apart of the game. It has no bearing on leadership. You can give 100 reasons why Kobe is a bad leader, and you would probably have a decent argument, but saying he is a bad leader because he got ejected = DUMB. Unless Kobe is pulling a Rasheed, getting tossed every other game, your statement is lame at best.
I don't need to argue that Kobe is a good leader, until you make a valid point. Then you're worth arguing with.
Posted by: frank rizzo | February 25, 2008 at 05:47 PM
SO WHY IS LAMAR SUDDENLY PLAYING SO MUCH BETTER?
There is no doubt that a big factor in the Lakers great play in February has been Lamar Odom, who is averaging a double-double, playing great defense, handling the ball flawlessly, and shooting over 60% from the field.
So why is Lamar suddenly playing so much better? Some say it is because the trade deadline is over so Lamar no longer has to worry about being traded. Others say it is because he no longer has to bear the burden of being the tea’s #2 scorer now that we have Pau Gasol. Or is it as Lamar himself says, he is finally healthy and recovered from all of his injuries and finding his niche in the Lakers Triangle Offense in his new role of playing without the ball in his hands? In reality, it is probably a combination of al of these factors, especially the fact that Lamar truly is finally fully healthy.
If you read between the lines and know Lamar Odom a little, you can see that he is on a mission to prove himself worthy of being a Laker for Life. The constant subject of trade rumors the last two years and victim of injuries and tragedies, Lamar is a wonderful but sensitive guy. A naturally instinctive player, he is better off letting the game come to him rather than taking over the game like Kobe. While Lamar has great instincts on the court, he is not really a very cerebral player and not the guy you want making tough decisions at the end of the game. Like Luke, he is prone to thinking too much in the clutch rather than just playing like he is able to do normally.
What has really impressed me about Lamar’s play in February is how well he has played without the ball in his hands. Opponents having to focus on Kobe and Pau have allowed Lamar to slide down the option list to the extent that he can literally run wild on the court, slicing and dicing the Lakers opponents with quick dives and hard drives to the hoop that are more and more ending up with a dunk rather than a simple layup. There is no more doubt in this posters mind that Lamar Odom will end up being extremely valuable in the playoffs. I predict he will be first string all-playoff performer. He will be to the Lakers and Kobe, Drew, and Pau what Tayshaun is to the Pistons and Chauncey, Rick, and Rasheed. The fourth star whom no team can handle in the playoffs.
Tom
Posted by: LakerTom | February 25, 2008 at 05:52 PM
"Wake up, Long Time. We’re not going to waste money but the luxury tax has now become the ante to compete for a championship and things aren’t going to be like they were in your father’s or my time. If we were to follow your logic, we would never had made the trade for Pau. Or the Suns for Shaq. Or the Mavs for Kidd. Wake up!"
Lakertom
You are absolutely wrong in this issue. It is one way to pay luxury tax for a Pau Gasol, it is another for Lamar. Lakers has been trying to trade Odom the last two years, you really think they will pay him what he is earning now and pay taxes. C'mon you are dreaming! As much as Lmar is playing excellent ball now, you look at the past four years and ask yourself is he worth all these, and the clear answer is a BIG NO. Especially when Lakers have other priorites this summer like, bynum, Turiaf, Sasha and maybe extending Farmar's contract. But hey, I understand Lamar is a good guy to have beacause he has stick for so long, it all depends what Lamar is going to get when he test the free agency market this summer.
Posted by: Staples 24 | February 25, 2008 at 05:52 PM
Watching Lebron and Big Ben play together is quite confusing, you can't tell which one is which, both wearing white headbands, same size body, and they move and walk pretty close. It's like watching Kobe and Laron Profit together.
========================================
THANKS STAPLES24.... YOU NEARLY KNOCK ME OFF MY CHAIR WITH THIS ONE...
Posted by: dice8up | February 25, 2008 at 05:54 PM
agree with frank...
get over it. kobe got tossed in a game already decided...
dont over think stuff...
Posted by: jaworski | February 25, 2008 at 05:56 PM
IT'S AMAZING HOW WINNING CURES PEOPLE'S PERCEPTION INTHIS BLOG... LOL...
ISN'T JUST A WHILE AGO THAT ONLY A HANDFUL HERE SAW HOW GREAT KOBE WAS AND IS.? AND THAT THE LAKERS COULD WIN WITH HIM, GIVEN THE RIGHT PERSONNEL?
I AM AMAZE HOW THIS HAS CHANGED...?...?... SUDDENLY, WE ARE A FULL HOUSE! .... WOW!!!!!!
I SAY IT AGAIN.... THIS YEAR IS LAKERS' YEAR....CONSISTENCY MY FRIENDS... CONSISTENCY.... THAT'S ALL I AM LOOKING FOR.
GO KOBE!!!!
GO LAKERS!!!
Posted by: dice8up | February 25, 2008 at 06:08 PM
"So a great leader gets kicked out of a blowout game against an inferior opponent?"
You seem to be missing the point, that's why I made the "no basketball understanding" comment.
That's like someone who watched one baseball game (Dodgers) in the late 80's. During that specific game Tommy Lasorda happened to have one of his famous tantrums. The on-looker would comment "he is a horrible leader for acting that way. Look he even kicked dirt on the umpire's shoes."
That person has no baseball knowledge. His comments are way off. Just like yours are.
A person with an understanding of the game would know this:
Getting a double T does not make a leader. Getting a double T does not make you a bad leader if you already are one. Its a part of the game that happens.
It could be extremely positive and inspire your team in some cases, it could be a horribly timed outburst and really kill your teams momentum and chances of winning in other cases.
Kobe's was right in between. The game was practically over anyways. No inspiration needed, no negative effects either (Kobe was going to sit the 4th anyways). All this not even mentioning the fact that he probably didn't deserve the first T anyways. HaHa.
Its painfully obvious that you wanted to make a point (Kobe = bad leader), and your looking for things to support your beliefs. Unfortunately for you, this "evidence" you selected had little to do with your argument, and it made you look like a n00b.
Posted by: frank rizzo | February 25, 2008 at 06:09 PM
Nice Lamar breakdown LakerTom.
Posted by: frank rizzo | February 25, 2008 at 06:11 PM
Staples 24 -
Lamar is under contract for next year already, no free agency this summer. Also, we can't lower our payroll over the summer by trading him unless it's with a team that is under the cap and will send back a trade exception...that is very unlikely to happen.
And though you are right that many have wanted to trade Lamar at different times during his Laker career, it wasn't to trade for nobody. Lamar does very valuable things, and those contributions would have to be replaced one way or another. Now that he can fill the stat sheet without pressure on him to be a primary option, he's free to thrive in his own style.
Let's not forget he lost an infant son and played valiantly with a torn labrum last year, in serious pain. He earned a lot of respect from PJ and Kobe last season, and that has resulted in more confidence now.
Lamar ain't going nowhere now that he's got teammates besides Kobe. He'll take the cut when the time comes.
Posted by: DrewPauKobe | February 25, 2008 at 06:18 PM
LTLF -
LOVE the CLUTCH stats, it quantifies the Hi-IQ thing about Luke. He's no superstar, but he's a great guy to have out there as a 5th player when the game is on the line, because he won't beat his own team when it really matters, and what's more these numbers prove he helps. I think a big problem for him is playing with the 2nd unit he's asked to do more than he's capable of. What frustrates me more than anything about Luke is that his shot has not improved since he got into the league. He should be shooting jumpers until his arms fall off. That would make him a real asset for another decade in the league.
Posted by: DrewPauKobe | February 25, 2008 at 06:20 PM
Long Time Laker Fan,
Thanks for the link...
BTW, believe this or not, I actually had the question CORRECT!
I know it's hard to believe, but I've noticed who gets clutch boards (and you told me they were all the same person)... you will see in all my post about the player, I mention that he does a good job grabbing O boards... and I noticed that because he always seems to do it with the game on the line!
Great post.
For those who didn't know, the player's initials are LW
Posted by: Tim-4-Show | February 25, 2008 at 06:22 PM
LTLF -
Go Luke!
And Bynum is the #1 shot blocker!
Posted by: RespectMyAuthoritah | February 25, 2008 at 06:27 PM
Get real people! Odom is more like a Mavs player or Suns, good enough but soft enough, not made for NBA Championships.
For the last time, you already have KOBE plus the addition of BYNUM and GASOL, we have seen so much positive things from these two this year compared to what we have seen in ODOM for the last four years, or you people were sleeping. WAKE UP! How many times this blog have the ODOM name came up with all the trades, any of you remember why that is? Or your memory only last the couple of weeks?
Posted by: Staples 24 | February 25, 2008 at 06:27 PM