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.
LakerTom,
"No way you break up a championship team."
If you want a dynasty, you need to make changes. If you stand pat from one season to the next, it's almost a guarantee you won't repeat.
Posted by: exhelodrvr | February 25, 2008 at 06:30 PM
exhelodrvr,
You can afford to stand pat as long as each player is improving.... usually you're not so lucky.
The question will be, do guys like LO or LW improve their jump shot? Looks like LO's jump shot is already improving, I'm not sure if he's doing anything differently (doesn't appear so) but we'll see... maybe its just confidence.
With Craig Hodges on our side, there's no excuse for someone to shoot 25% from outside. None. Show up early, stay late, whatever... work with Hodges. Shooting 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600 shots a day or however many is a lot easier when you have guys to shag the ball and coaches passing to you. They can get that many shots up in under an hour if they keep it going, but if they're working on a particular technique they'd have to go a little slower at first just to make sure they get it down. The only thing I've noticed with LO is he doesn't tend to get the elbow lift he needs... Luke leans into his shot too much and he's far too hesitant. Farmar leans in, but then jumps straight up... Luke leans and then jumps forward.
Small problems to fix. Just take the time with Hodges and we'll be READY to ROCK N ROLL.
Posted by: Tim-4-Show | February 25, 2008 at 06:43 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
zen,
Great post. I agree with you that SA and Detroit would probably be our most formidable opponents in the postseason. As far as Gasol and Bynum go, I think the adjustment will have to made by Pau because he would have to move to the 4 spot whereas Andrew already knows the system playing the 5. I really don't think it will take to long for Pau and Andrew to get comfortable playing together. Our opponents will have the hardest time adjusting to Andrew's return because no team is prepared for our big lineup.
Kenny Smith has predicted that the Suns will beat the Lakers in the WCF. Both Shaq and Kidd have gotten all the headlines and are the hot topics in many discussions among NBA experts and analysts. Sure Gasol has been dubbed the best move of all the trades, but I like the way Gasol just goes out and handles business. IMO many of the experts say the Lakers are now the team to beat but still hate the Lakers(Legler, Bill Walton, Michael Wilbon, Charles Barkley, Jeff VanGundy and many others). I just glad that our Lakers are just working hard and winning. Can't wait for the playoffs!!! Go Lakers!!!
Posted by: Nemaia Faletogo | February 25, 2008 at 06:50 PM
With due respects to your opinion to the CLUTCH, please do not included Luke among them. We have seen Luke for the last three years in the playoffs, he disappears when he is needed most. It happened on the first playoff against the Suns on the 7th game, Luke was off. Last year, when Lakers won the 3rd playoff game in LA. he again disappeared on the 4th game. On the 5th game which was his contract renewal, he made 2 POINTS. Freaking to two points from a veteran during the playoffs, NO HEART and NO SPINE, it just boils the blood of true laker fan.
Luke is a good 5th man if Lakers is playing against Clippers, Sonics or T'Wolves. However for elite teams like Dallas, Spurs, Suns - Whatever statistics you will present, if the game is on the line and we depend on LUKE's assist or shot that is the end of any dream.
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | February 25, 2008 at 06:56 PM
kobe before the suns game on espn about lakers position.
"Starts to smell familiar"
Posted by: | February 25, 2008 at 06:57 PM
The Lakers have been great recently but they really owe a lot to Kobe Bryant. He has truly stepped up throughout the season whenever they've needed him and proven time and time again that he deserves the MVP award. I have written an article arguing my case for Kobe's first MVP award at LA BALL TALK
WWW.LABALLTALK.COM
Posted by: LA BALL TALK | February 25, 2008 at 07:04 PM
"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."
Four Years of inconsistency and no heart versus three weeks of good play. Until when does he revert back to being Lamar Odom? Still during this last three weeks of excellence from him, why can't he at 6'11" go strong and slam the ball, instead he gets blocked by Amare, how many times did he missed his easy lay ups? How many offensive rebounds Amare got the last time?
Odom is a nice guy, but if I want the Lakers to be strong in the NBA FInals, he won't be playing the crucial minutes. Just no way!
Posted by: Staples 24 | February 25, 2008 at 07:04 PM
LTLF,
If you are looking for that person who called Sasha ... Vujawack IT WAS ME!
And he deserved it. His game the last 3 years was embarassing.
That's undeniable. Watching Sasha play was sickening. Fouls at half-court. 3pt brick after brick after brick. Driving to the lane and not knowing what to do.
I dont know what happened this summer but obviously he got comfortable in what he can and cant do on the court. He stopped fouling 50 ft from the basket.
Now that he started being a contributor I posted that I wouldnt call him Vujawack anymore.
Not that I think he is the greatest thing since sliced bread but he's earned my respect as a" Long Time Laker fan" so to speak.
Doesnt mean I was wrong to call him Vujawack when in fact he was back then!
Posted by: Korey | February 25, 2008 at 07:05 PM
Staples,
Guess we just have agree to disagree. Just a few more comments and we can move on.
First, whether to keep Lamar or not will depend on how he plays and whether we win. If he plays great and we win, he will be a Laker for life. If he doesn’t play up to what we now expect, then he will be a great asset with a $13M expiring contract that will be traded the middle of next year like Kwame. Not this summer but next spring. We have already seen what a benefit such a contract was with the Pau deal.
Assuming the Lakers win it all, the starting lineup will be preserved. Andrew will get his 5-year $80M deal like Howard and Lamar will get something like a 3-year $35M new deal. Where the luxury tax decisions will come in will be on the non-starters: Farmar, Sasha, Ronny, etc. We also may see some trade activity involving Luke and possibly Vlade, depending on how he plays and how well Ariza develops. But bottom line, we will still be in the luxury tax and will stay there as long as we win.
Everybody makes too much about comments that Laker executives might make about the luxury tax. What do you expect them to say? We make more money than the rest of the teams and our franchise value has increased more than the rest of the teams so we are going to spend the difference to build a better team than you can and still make more money and see our franchise value increase? That would be foolish. Instead you bring out the tired and true sports line that this is a business and we have to watch expenses.
Anyway, that’s my last word on the luxury tax, which almost half of the NBA teams are going to end up paying this year versus a handful of teams that were penalized last year. It’s a new world where the Lakers and Celtics spend to be the best and stay the best.
By the way, I am just amazed that you claim Lamar has no heart and will not be in the lineup during crunch time in the playoffs. I couldn’t more disagree, especially about the heart issue. We’ll expect your apology and admission of foolishness after we win.
Tom
Posted by: LakerTom | February 25, 2008 at 07:16 PM
Good points LakerTom,
Back when the season first started and PJ was questioning whether or not Kobe's Heart was into "the Lakers", It wasn't becuase he wanted to be on the Bulls at the time as the talks were going on. Some reporter asked L.O. what he thought about Kobe being traded. L.O. snapped back something to the effect of "why would you even ask me a question like that?! As far as I'm concerned he' here and he's happy." That's what a real leader does. He didn't care about everything else going on with the team. that's also when he said that he wanted to be a laker for life.
I gained much respect for L.O. at that point. This guy has been through many ups and down since he's been in the league but he's one guy that has truly matured. So, I am not in favor of trading him, you may think he's soft but I think you may want to look closer at this guy. Just because he's a team guy and doesn't score a lot doesn't mean he's soft at all. Soft means you lack toughness or confidence and that's not what he is. I am sure that L.O. will be a key piece of the championship puzzle.
Posted by: The Original Ken | February 25, 2008 at 07:24 PM
Tim,
Improve your shooting? Man, it is so simple. Hell, just order one of those late night DVD sets on NBA.com. lol.
I remember a Karl Malone who couldn't hit a free throw when he came out of college. Or Magic himself, who was not a good free throw shooter and terrible 3-point shooter. Later in his career he was shooting technicals and burying 3-pointers. Of finally, Fish, who shot hundreds of shots a day while out during the season and improved dramatically in a period of a couple of months while not even playing.
Of course, then there's Kwame and Smush. Of course, Hodges probably didn't get the time of day or any respect from those two guys. lol. Like an accountant not keeping up on the latest tax laws or a taxi driver on the latest driving laws. You'ld think they would realize its part of the job to get better. If not, goodbye. Just like happened.
Tom
Posted by: LakerTom | February 25, 2008 at 07:25 PM
Deshawn Stevenson at the buzzer...for 3!!!!
And the hornets go down down down!!!!
Posted by: Korey | February 25, 2008 at 07:29 PM
ex,
I agree you always have to be improving but that doesn't mean you make changes just to make changes. Players grow older, grow less effective, or get better.
I would expect to see Sun Yue next year to add some defense to the point. I would expecct Coby and Mbenga to move on. I would hope Mihm might regain his form. And maybe we add a big body at power forward.
More likely the changes will come to the bench rather than the starters, unless Farmar pushes Fisher. Otherwise, I think we will see a repeat of this year's playoff lineup of Kobe, Fish, Drew, Pau, and Lamar.
Tom
Posted by: LakerTom | February 25, 2008 at 07:35 PM
Mamba:
I forgot the
Phil for COY
Kobe for DPOY
Bandwagons.
I also love Laker Kev's idea of the Total Package. Sort of like signing up for Comcast Triple Play. It would be the Lakers 10-Way Parlay or something like that. lol.
What fun to argue whether Drew or Pau are #2.
Tom
Posted by: LakerTom | February 25, 2008 at 07:40 PM
Tim,
OK. Time to get serious. lol. 8 is NOT enough.
First, the Celtics won 8 straight titles and 10 of 11 titles back in the Red Auerbach watered down early days. So we need to better that. Say 9 straight and 11 of 12.
Second, 5 of our titles really belong to Minnesota. So we need to replace 5 rings.
Third, we need to end up with more rings than the Celtics 16. Thus, at least 17.
OK, putting it all together, if we win the next 9 years in a row and 11 of 12 that would give us a total of our 9 existing LA rings plus 11 new rings for a grant total of 20 rings.
I’ll take it. Wrap it up and put in the fridge until 2020, when we’ll break it out and enjoy. I wonder if anybody has copyrighted 9-peat?
Tom
Posted by: LakerTom | February 25, 2008 at 07:47 PM
Ken:
I agree that Lamar is not soft. He is one tough mofo, that's for sure. Just watch him defending and rebounding. Dirty work that needs to be done.
Are you the Ken who was the big Bynum supporter over Kaman? Thanks.
Tom
Posted by: LakerTom | February 25, 2008 at 07:59 PM
Laker Lover,
” Charles- I always post with my name, I have no problem stating my opinion, no matter how unpopular it is.”
The reason why I posted my reply in the first place, is because it was nameless. This point is so moot on so many levels. Spiraling now….
“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?”
You’re the one who made the comment on the first place. “So any discussion” was actually on your behalf.
Good night dude……
Posted by: Charles | February 25, 2008 at 08:14 PM
Korey,
If you look at Sasha's stats, his shooting has improved steadily each year he has been with the Lakers. It's a significant exaggeration to say that he was "embarrassing" last year.
Posted by: exhelodrvr | February 25, 2008 at 08:21 PM
Of course! some other guy started posting as Ken so I'm the original Ken. That was funny back then, lol. Bynum is still my guy I was mad for a while with all the trade talk so I didn't post for a while but I always read the posts.
Ken
Posted by: The Original Ken | February 25, 2008 at 08:32 PM
ex,
I like Sasha. I really do. But improving how sucking super bad to sucking super kinda bad ain't nothing to write home about.
Sasha has made a DRAMATIC improvement this year.
He went from totally sucking to being pretty OK. Usable role player.
I mean, when you are a role player and your FG% is .392 then you suck. How can you be a shooting specialist and shoot below 40% from the field??? Doesnt make any sense. Add to that his quick trigger and non-ability to create plays and it was like WHY IS THIS GUY OUT HERE!
Sasha improved his FG% 9 PERCENT this year to 48. That's crazy.
Now you feel like if he is wide open he will make the shot.
No excuses for sucking. If you suck you suck. He was Vujawack the past 3 years.
Now he is Vujacic.
Posted by: Korey | February 25, 2008 at 08:42 PM
ex,
So yes his game was embarassing due to his sucky, one-dimensional #s.
Posted by: Korey | February 25, 2008 at 08:42 PM
Lakertom
"We’ll expect your apology and admission of foolishness after we win."
Wrong again! Lakers will win alright and Odom will be traded still! Not beacuse you win it all, you don't try and improve the next year. Somehow you are stuck with your thinking, I do not undertsand why? Odom and Walton are the weakest link in this championship run, win or loose, Lakers will try to improve the situation to dfend the title and create a dynasty.
Go back to early this season and last year in this blog and you will see "THE LACK OF HEART" and the trade him please... from almost everyone including yourself. How easy you forget!
Has Odom improve since his days with the Clippers and Miami? NOPE! He still can't go right! He still does not dominate inside like a big man does, his shots is still a suspect. His talelnt are still exactly the same, rebound and run, then what? He can not even finish strong even with all his skills as a ballhandler, can't get a consistent fastbreak with him at the helm as good as a passer he is, like Magic does. Why? Odom has a weak mind. That is why his style of play is always turned off and on. Frustrations is what you will end up with him.
Lakers let go of Glen Rice after winning the frist ring in 2000. We ended up winning another consecutive two. Rick Fox and Devean George fill up the spot, as it turned out RICK FOX had a lot of heart! He played with his heart in dfense and 3 point shot, Odom much skilled than Fox, but Fox had a lot more to give! George and Odom are more of the same, on and off sstyle and never got better with all the skills and athlecism they posses.
Bottomline, you are looking at it as a nice guy Odom that can help if turned on, I on the other hand is purely looking what's best for the team to compete at the highest level consistently for years to come. Odom won't be in my plan! Just can't! I wish him well though in another team. I really do.
Posted by: Staples 24 | February 25, 2008 at 08:58 PM
Staples24,
Why must you talk so reckless.
If we win the championship this year, Odom will have played a major role in all phases: scoring, rebounding, defense, passing.
Bynum isnt going to be 100% this year. So the onus will be primarily on Odom to do what he has been doing the last 10 games.
If Odom keeps averaging crazy #s (what like 18 pts, 11 boards, 5 ASTS), why in the hell would you knot keep him?
Glen Rice is a bad comparison for your argument. All he did was shoot a low % (43), didnt rebound (4.3rpg), be a defensive liability (thus we needed Fox in crunch times), and score (16ppg).
If all Lamar did was score, we would replace him in next year in a heartbeat.
BUT DAMN IT, dont you know Odom play C and PF for us?!!! He plays D, rebounds, and scores.
STOP HATING ON ODOM.
How can you be a laker fan and not acknowledge him balling right now?
If we win Odom will be the key. And thus, Odom will have proved his worthiness.
Posted by: Korey | February 25, 2008 at 09:12 PM
Korey,
Nice defense of Lamar, my man. How can Laker fans not appreciate what he is doing right now. It is not just Pau but Lamar who is carrying the boards right now, playing tough defense, taking care of the ball, and hitting 60% of his shots. What more do people want? He will be a Laker for Life if he continues to play like this. Even at his current salary.
Tom
Posted by: LakerTom | February 25, 2008 at 09:33 PM
Ken,
Glad it's you, man. Looking to shaing some fun times rooting Drew on as he becomes the next great Lakers center. lol.
Welcome back.
Tom
Posted by: LakerTom | February 25, 2008 at 09:36 PM
KOREY! You still not awake?
"Bynum isnt going to be 100% this year. So the onus will be primarily on Odom to do what he has been doing the last 10 games."
Dah! this year? Who says trade Odom this season, trading deadline is already over! Hello?
Odom can do his job this season, then gone next year!
I'm done discussing it with you.
Posted by: Staples 24 | February 25, 2008 at 09:38 PM
LakerTom,
I'm still trying to reconcile the fact that we had Smush and Kwame on the team the past couple years. They are really horrible. Way worse than I thought they were, lol. Yesterday Kwame had 1 point in 20 mins. 2 fouls, and 3 rebs!! Anyway, I'm just glad to see that you're fired up, we'll get that ring this year.
Posted by: The Original Ken | February 25, 2008 at 09:44 PM
Staples 24
You are done discussing with me because you are outclassed in this argument.
You have no comeback to my rebuttal of your lame Glen Rice comparison AND you provide no good reason to why Odom should be gone other than he makes too much $$$ for his pecking order in the league. Plus you didnt even mention that Glen Rice got unloaded cuz he made $$$ and he was super old.
Well, let's see....
- The Lakers have the deepest pockets in the league (save the Knicks)
- If you win the championship with core players all under 30 why would you trade any of those guys? So younger guys that are unproven can play? How does that make sense.
If you dont win the title, you make moves (including trading Odom maybe) to fix your team. But not for lottery picks or nothing like that.
CASE CLOSED MAN: YOU HAVE BEEN SERVICED...
neexxxxxxttttt!
Posted by: Korey | February 25, 2008 at 10:13 PM
I hate Kenny Smith now! He's picking the Suns over the Lakers in the WCF? Unreal!
Posted by: zen | February 25, 2008 at 10:22 PM
Was it a foul on the play? Probably but ive seen worse not get called and the players need to play through it and adjust. Either way its no reason to get ejected and the team never lacked for intensity in the game so I am not sure how Kobe getting ejected helped in that regard. Did any laker or coach say that was the case?
I will say the one good thing about Kobe getting ejected was it showed the lakers can play well without him even while some posters here say the lakers would be a lottery team.
Posted by: Laker Lover | February 25, 2008 at 02:02 PM
I disagree with the in that the ejection helped the Lakers very much and true as you said the Lakers can win without him.
He is getting hacked and fouled with no calls being made and getting touch fouls against him. Also some other blogger posted about the injury factor and getting pissed off by that.
I believe he was truly frustrated with the play calling by the bets and this was a great time to get thrown out and make a point. Lakers up by 30 with a quarter left victory almost in hand and knowing rest of team could help hold down Sonics.
He could get league to review calls (hopefuly FO backs him up and shows replays of calls against him not called).
He was fouled 3 times on that play with no calls being made. He was pushed in the back, foul 1, then same Sonic reached around Kobe and held hin around the chest with sore ribs foul 2, then as Kobe was trying to get to the ball Foul 2 and was slapped on arm foul 3 and he blew up.
I can go on about calls-non calls but league has been notified and ball now in their court.
Posted by: JustaLakerFan | February 26, 2008 at 12:32 AM
I've posted on this blog a couple of times and I've lurked around here daily but, now I am truly irritated.
You see, I'm usually posting on the ESPN boards and have come across a lot of great Laker fans and a lot of well.. not so great fans to say the least but, to get to the point I am really irritated at people that post without any sort of evidence.
I am tired of people just posting that "LBJ is better because he didn't rape any girl," I am tired of the "Lebron pwned Kobe twice this season that's why he should be MVP," and I am definitely tired of the "Kobe is averaging less points, rebounds, and assists then Kobe" argument.
I've replied in a civilized and educated manner but I always seem to be either a) threatened or b) insulted. it sickens me that it is impossible to have any sort of civilized conversation about basketball with anyone these days and it irritates me to no end when people nowadays love to end a conversation with "Yep, I knew it you're a moron."
Sorry about the rant and I know it has nothing really to do with a conversation about the Lakers and all but, I just thought you all could understand my frustrattions most.
Good night all and Go Lakers! Kobe for MVP!
Posted by: Steven Lim | February 26, 2008 at 01:09 AM
First of all brothers/sisters of DA BLOG....Kenny Smith and the other former ballers..Barkley, Walton, etc. are riding our wave just to be on the winning side, but hate us nevertheless. They want to ride with kidd, shaq, and the other "personalities" who play the game. Kobe has the opportunity to approach Jordan status, and they can't stand it.
I said before that Odom would thrive because he realizes he has been supplanted as the # 2 guy, and realizes he's gone if a good trade ever becomes available. The week link is LUKE...if Ariza doesn't come back, you will see for yourselves.
Let's give Mitch some credit, but not the lavish variety. If Bynum stays healthy, his thumb would still be up his ass. He was very fortunate to find a patsy at the right time......MAMBA.....Where's my name on the bandwagon??
Posted by: DOC4daLakeShow | February 26, 2008 at 06:09 AM
All those TNT analysts (aside from Ernie Johnson) are flip-floppers...Charles Barkley, really, is a hater cuz he's never WON the BIG game..So we all know how he feels about the Lakers...I just drown them out when their show airs...
Posted by: lakersrydeordie | February 26, 2008 at 07:37 AM
frank rizzo - how can you be so sure there will be no negative effects from kobes ejection. You dont think the referees will be watching Kobes whining and complaining even more now and put him on a short leash?
As far as that game it had no iimpact because it was a blowout but all it does in my opinion is increases Kobes reputation a a player who complains/whines on calls that dont go his way. There is a way to get that message to the refs and thats not it.
And the circumstances of the ejection are an indication of poor leadership. What is the message Kobe gave the team in a blowout against a terrible short handed team? That he cant handle his emotions when things go against him?
As to the point of gathering evidence showing Kobes poor leadership, I dont see the difference between that and showing evidence why Kobe should be MVP. Its all what happens on the court, and sometimes off the court.
Posted by: Laker Lover | February 26, 2008 at 09:19 AM