As Mrs. Bueller asked Principal Rooney
PROGRAMMING NOTE: Join us for today's edition of Purple, Gold, and Blue. We'll have guests John Ireland (CBS/KCAL) and ESPN The Magazine's Molly Knight. 11 am. Click the show widget on the side of the page to listen, or go to www.NowLive.com.
Nine times?
And similar to her reaction upon learning her son Ferris had missed school nine times, Laker fans are amazed learn that with last night's 96-83 win over the Blazers, their purple and gold have now emerged victorious on nine straight occasions. But while a nonet of triumphs would hint towards an unbridled roll at hand, in truth, this Laker win was anything but a cruise control cake walk. For starters, bad start. The first quarter featured various sluggish elements, whether shooting, defense and overall energy. Jordan Farmar's insertion late in the frame provided an adrenaline shot in the arm, but despite the upped pulse on display, the Lakers were still prone to mental lapses and weak execution, often the reaction to Portland's physical style of gamesmanship. But despite these factors, the contest remained tight, a scenario where fans have typically counted on Kobe Bryant to take over. The Mamba didn't disappoint. Already having laid the foundation for a terrific second half, Bryant dropped 11 in the fourth quarter and helped his squad pull out of reach. The confetti may have fallen a mite early, but as the box score shows, it were more "glitch" than "jinx."
Performances such as last night's are the fodder for continual "Kobe:MVP" chatter among the fans and pundits (even those who once vehemently questioned Bryant's legitimacy for such hardware). Phil Jackson is on board with a nod for his star. Kobe's main competition for the award includes LeBron James, Kevin Garnett and Chris Paul. There's little danger, however, of Luke Walton siphoning away votes from The New Jack Bauer.
The Lakers being on top of the Western Conference would be an achievement during any season. But in 2008, it's absurdly hard to pull off, ridiculous to the point where tinkering by the league might be required. Then again, the curmudgeons aren't all that impressed with a .702 winning percentage in a conference where ten teams are above .500, so perhaps everything is hunky dory as is.
Hey Houston, the Lakers feel your pain.
The Smushcalade remains on blocks in Miami. William Henry and Sam Cassell should get together and go bowling. Aside from the general complications that come with asking Donald Sterling to part with casheesh, there's a potential wrinkle up north and in the desert.
Dallas is now in the Jamaal Magloire business.
Mamba23
60 before 20 ? Let's get technical.
60 before 20 !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Yes
50 before 20 Means 10-3 run... easy for this team !!!
55 before 20 is 15-3 run.... we've .been at this level for some time !!!!
60 before 20 is a 20-3 clip <<< That's our present pace; we can continue and rise to the challenge.
Mamba24 get the bandwagon hitched.
Baywood
Posted by: Baywood | February 27, 2008 at 11:54 AM
"That's phil trying to bite D'antoni's style."
Yea, except Phil is doing it because Drew, Ariza, Rad-man, and Chris are injured... not because everyone sitting on the bench are crappy. HaHa.
Posted by: frank rizzo | February 27, 2008 at 11:57 AM
Laker Tom - the finger wagging was being done by Sasha "The Machine" Vujacic. I didn't see Jordan doing it, but I could be wrong...
GO LAKERS!!
The BEAN for MVP!!! (or NO PEACE!)
Posted by: justanothermambafan | February 27, 2008 at 11:58 AM
Ali,
How in hell was T.J. Simers listed as one of the Top 10 columnists in the country? Who voted? Was it out of 10 columnists? This is inconceivable to me.
Wes,
Bynum-Gasol-Kobe-Lamar is going to work out. Bynum and Gasol game compliments each other. And with Farmar growing! YES!
Good times are ahead!
Who's hurt?
Mihm
Bynum
Ariza
Rad Vlad
Who's playing hurt?
Kobe
Luke
And look how well we're doing!
Fricken awesome!
I cannot wait until late April!
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | February 27, 2008 at 12:00 PM
AK/BK,
Just finished reading Ted Green’s latest at your SportsHubLA website. I have to say I agree with the poster who suggested that he replace TJ at the Times. What is Ted’s background and when will you have him on NowLive?
Nice interview with Ireland. I missed the part about the 55-Win Bandwagon as my computer burped right there. Funny, I didn’t remember that it was Ireland that called us all Wack Jobs last year and caused Fearless to change his name. LOL.
Good job, guys. Keep it up. 65-17 is full GHF.
Tom
Posted by: LakerTom | February 27, 2008 at 12:00 PM
LuKE
If others are dominating, Luke can fill in with the best of them. When healthy, he has improved defensively as the overall team D scheme has come together.
I will never understand why he could not or would not take a page out of his Uncle Larry Bird's book and practice his shot till the nets fell off. His hasn't developed much since he came into the league and that is a skill that's developable.
Luke as a consistent deep threat would change his career entirely.
Posted by: Vman | February 27, 2008 at 12:04 PM
Rebounding will be sick when Bynum comes back.
Bynum was doing a GREAT!!!! job against opposing centers. Add the fact that you can move Lamar to the 3 with Pau @ the 4. OMG. I know other teams are dreading this.
That's not just good on paper, you can take that to the bank. That IS a rebounding front line. PERIOD
Posted by: frank rizzo | February 27, 2008 at 12:04 PM
There's no nice way (or PC way to quote Jon K) it...
Simers is HORRIBLE.
Please K-Bros... I always look at my browser before clicking on the links just to make sure it's not a Simers link before I click it...
Please denote that its a Simers article before you link it, maybe an asterisk, or perhaps (Simers) written somewhere in the link...
Most of us cannot stand his writing and do not want to support him in anyway.
And while you're at it, maybe you could breeze through the office, head over to his desk, and "accidently" spill his coffee cup all over the place, ha ha ha.
Top 10 writer... he sounds like Michael T saying Kwame is the greatest center playing in the NBA.
Posted by: Tim-4-Show | February 27, 2008 at 12:06 PM
Jon K
>>> Honesty before coddling and worrying too much about offending people. This world needs a lot more truth and a lot less whiney people who criticize, but can't take having their perspective challenged aggressively.
All of us are ok with having our perspective challenged. That's the fun of this blog. It's ok to tell us our perspective on Luke is wrong.
But dubbing people you disagree with as "haters" fits the definition of a personal attack. A personal attack is distinct and separate from disagreement with an opinion. A personal attack doesn't have a place on this blog. In fact, it is prohibited by the "full legal terms you agree to by using this comment form" under LAT.com rules.
So let's be civil and respectful in our discourse here. It's got nothing to do with political correctness and everything to do with the spirit of this forum. Thanks.
Posted by: Rick Friedman | February 27, 2008 at 12:07 PM
Isnt it ironic that?
the very same people who constantly call posters of critical comments of Kobe, haters
the very SAME people who are hating on Simmers.
And the fact he was named top 10 in the country is a cruel irony to those same Simers haters.
Posted by: Laker Lover | February 27, 2008 at 12:10 PM
Jon,
This is not about political correctness and everyone in the world needing a hug; it is about people being able to express their opinions without you being dismissive and rude. Your opinion is not more valid than mine or Rick’s, we all deserve some degree of respect, we have a different point of view and that’s what makes this place so cool, if we all agreed with each other it would be a pretty boring place. You don’t need to agree with me or my opinions but at least acknowledge that I have the right to think and feel as I wish without being called a hater simply for using my brain and having opinions that don’t jive with yours.
Posted by: Elle | February 27, 2008 at 12:12 PM
AN 1, Jon:
Yeh dont know which list he is talking about, maybe the K Bros know.
No TJ No, Starbucks is not a country and neither is Sherman Oaks.
Posted by: Ali | February 27, 2008 at 12:14 PM
vman-
He's 7'8".
BK
Posted by: Brian Kamenetzky | February 27, 2008 at 12:16 PM
Laker Lover--
Not calling you a hater or hating on Simers...
Just don't enjoy his insidious baiting and snide, holier-than-thou attitude. While he is certainly entitiled to his opinion, I just wish he would opine in a different city, state, country or maybe even solar system.
It's not irony that makes me wish this; it's geography.
Posted by: stevevilakers | February 27, 2008 at 12:25 PM
Re: Luke bashing:
Look, every team's going to have a number of lesser talents and plenty of cold streaks. Reality of modern sports. On the other hand, Luke's been a great team chemistry guy, which to me is more valuable than the best stats of any other team's eight or ninth guy which is what Luke is for the Lakers.
Posted by: The D | February 27, 2008 at 12:26 PM
Nothing wrong with "criticising" any Laker out there for their PERFORMANCES.
But look at things objectively, ESPECIALLY IF YOU'RE A WRITER. If a writer wants to talk about Luke Walton, discuss his good and his bad and offer an opinion...
What makes Simers so horrible is that he has these opinions that are
1. Unsubstantiated
2. Based on stirring controversy
3. Anti-intelligent 90% of the time
Everyone on here has been critical of Kobe at some point or another, even the K-Bros... but the KBros give you objective opinions, they aren't pie in the sky and they aren't haters by any stretch of the imagination.
Simers = Lord of the Haters.
He looks at half the story.. the story that fits his own twisted view of reality. That's why he sucks.
Posted by: Tim-4-Show | February 27, 2008 at 12:26 PM
LakerTom,
Kudos for knowing who won the 1 on 1 tourney --Rudy T. that is some knowlege my friend.....
During one of our Championship years, I think it was either 87 or 88, if we didn't literally get down by 23 to 28 points in the middle of the third quarter we lost the game. And it never felt like we were going to lose either--if we were ahead in the third I was pretty worried and we lost a lot of those games---can anyone come up with actual scores in the mid 3rd and the final scores---does anyone even remember that?
Anyway our current team may have that confidence as well--it's good to see them not get shaken--like in the Suns game--our confidence and swagger is just starting to grow. And that's the scarey part for the rest of the NBA .
GO LAKERS!!!
Posted by: Floyd | February 27, 2008 at 12:28 PM
frank rizzo,
Also, I don't think Stache boy patented the 7-8 man rotation? Larry Brown have an 8 man rotation too?
Posted by: Charles | February 27, 2008 at 12:28 PM
stevevilakers- Simers is a little over the top at times and he tends to point out the things people dont really want to read or remember. Call it glass half empty or snide but I enjoy his coulmns most of the time whethere I agree with him or not. And he does have a charity with childrens hospital for the kids there so he cant be all bad.
Posted by: Laker Lover | February 27, 2008 at 12:30 PM
Elle & Rick,
This is a sports blog. Have you guys ever played sports? Why does a little smack talk bother you so much? It must be a little too close to the bone and resonate a bit too much.
You two are awfully thin-skinned for people who have no problem "calling out" the poor play of a wounded player (who the game before last had 11 points, 7 rebounds amd 7 assists) while we're atop the Western Conference for the first time in what feels like forever and we should by all reason feel extremely optimistic about our future.
Personally, I think you two are lame.
And if people are screaming "PUKE SUCKS!" when he's having an off game, especially considering the circumstances and the fact that we've won NINE IN A ROW!
If these people are unable to focus on the big ("The future's so bright I've got to wear shades!") picture and instead want to shout about how Luke isn't playing great ball right now.
Well, I find these people REASONABLY annoying and I will continue to call them haters.
I'm not against people criticizing the Lakers, especially when players are playing beneath their capabilities, but to shout about it and focus unduly upon it, especially considering how well we're doing is just plain lame.
Everyone who's had some life experience realizes that some people in this life are just haters. That's just the way it is and they serve little benefit to anyone.
I see no fault in calling something for what it is. If someone's a hater. Well, it brings me a little joy to remind them as such.
So, if you two want to obsess about how Luke is playing poorly hurt when we've won nine in a row and are on top of the Western Conference with half our team hurt... then you're a hater in my mind and can't appreciate things when the gettin's good.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | February 27, 2008 at 12:30 PM
I am a Simmers "Hater"
As least I can admit it. I just choose not to read his crap. Plain and simple.
I don't feel the need to disguise my dislike for his work.
I don't spend post after post, thread after thread, trying to poke holes in all his articles to try to justify my feelings. HaHa
Posted by: frank rizzo | February 27, 2008 at 12:32 PM
Wes and Jon K
I write from Barcelona, Pau's land. I was national referee at the ACB spanish League and I'd like to tell you it'll work. Jon K is simply right! Look:
- Drew is 7'00 / Pau is 7'00 / Lamar is 6'11
- Who has that front line?
- And who has so talented front line?
- Lamar playing as a 3 will ball even better than now, letting the doorstops to Drew & Pau.
- And yes, they will work togeteher, because of their mutual compliments as Jon said, but also because Kobe (he really makes better the others) and specially BECAUSE PAU IS GREAT (sorry 4 my english) TAKING OUT, COVERING THE 5-4 RIVAL so he let rebounds to his teammates, and I do really think Phil knew that.
So get ready to see LAL vs. SAS and (I hope) LAL vs. BOS or DET.
Barcelona's people were always pro-Lakers (since Wilt and later the showtime and Magic's dream of Barcelona '92). Madrid were pro-Celtics.
We see all your games here...!
GO LAKERS! GO!
Posted by: Slyboogaloo | February 27, 2008 at 12:33 PM
Happydaze,
He won't wear ANY purple and gold for the whole length of the NBA season? At all times or just during games? Are you serious? Really?
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | February 27, 2008 at 12:34 PM
Elle,
I don't want to be rude, but if you don't consider the comments coming from people about Luke "hater" worthy, I don't wanna know what kind of environment you grew up in. Maybe the moniker doesn't apply to you, but you have to agree it definitely applies to quite a few others around here.
Posted by: J. Walter Weatherman | February 27, 2008 at 12:34 PM
Wow
You would think with so much success this blog would be buzzing happily along right now, but that is not so...
CONFLICT!!!
Maybe everyone just needs something to complain about in life, and if the Lakers are doing well, how are they going to get out their anger?
TRUTH - people on this blog HATE on Luke constantly - no arguing that - it's usually very emotional
TRUTH - Laker Lover, you say almost nothing positive ever about anyone on the Lakers, so your name is very ironic to me
TRUTH - Jon K is a sensitive guy, a big time contributor here, and when you cross him you will incur his wrath!!
TRUTH - Elle is a sweetie caught in a web she didn't see coming
TRUTH - NONE OF YOU ACTUALLY KNOW ANYTHING ABOUT EACH OTHER, so personal attacks are meaningless
OPINION - Can't we all just get along? (lol)
Luke is not performing well, even he would admit that. But he is injured, we only have 8 guys who can even play right now, so we need some contribution from him at least until we get healthy. It won't always be pretty but he's not hurting us nearly as bad as the contributors make it out to be.
KOBE FOR MVP!!!
KOBE FOR MVP!!!
KOBE FOR MVP!!!
Posted by: DrewPauKobe | February 27, 2008 at 12:35 PM
wesjoenixon
no nuggets in sight?!
Posted by: ZIn Master | February 27, 2008 at 12:35 PM
Possible 1st round matchups-
Who do you think is the best and worst match up for the lakers, assuming they have home court?
Posted by: Laker Lover | February 27, 2008 at 12:35 PM
True Charles,
Fire32 is just too easy to poke at. He sits on this blog and just keeps saying "TIMMAY!" over and over again.
I know your not supposed to, but I bring my bag of troll food to work with me every morning. :)
Posted by: frank rizzo | February 27, 2008 at 12:36 PM
This team reminds me of this team...but we're even better:
1994-95: Newcomers Key Lakers' Revitalization
The Los Angeles Lakers were one of the league's most improved teams in 1994-95, and their playoff success augured well for the future. The Lakers had finished the previous season with a 33-49 record; in 1994-95 the team was 48-34. The 15-win improvement was second best in the league behind that of the Dallas Mavericks. Aside from the emergence of electrifying point guard Nick Van Exel, three new arrivals keyed the Lakers' turnaround: Head Coach Del Harris, free-agent signee Cedric Ceballos, and rookie Eddie Jones.
The postseason was even more satisfying. The Lakers earned a No. 5 seed in the playoffs, finishing in front of the defending NBA-champion Houston Rockets, and they met the fourth-seeded Seattle SuperSonics in the first round. Los Angeles was defeated soundly in Game 1 but responded with three straight victories to score an upset. Van Exel, who made a name for himself in the postseason, averaged 24.8 points and shot .500 from the field against the Sonics. In Game 3 of that series he set a team record by playing 48 minutes without committing a single turnover-all the more impressive considering that he handled the ball against a Seattle team that had led the league in steals.
In the Western Conference Semifinals the Lakers met the San Antonio Spurs, who had finished the season with the league's best record. Los Angeles won two games in an exciting series but fell to the Spurs in six. In Game 5 at San Antonio, with the Lakers down three games to one, Van Exel hit two buzzer-beating three-pointers-one at the end of regulation and one at the end of overtime-to give the Lakers a 98-96 victory.
For his team's effort, Harris was named NBA Coach of the Year. General Manager Jerry West was named NBA Executive of the Year for his work behind the scenes. On the court, Ceballos had a terrific season in his first year with the Lakers, averaging 21.7 points, 8.0 rebounds, and 1.03 steals and earning selection to the All-Star Game, although he didn't participate because of an injury. Van Exel averaged 16.9 points and 8.3 assists in the regular season, while center Vlade Divac averaged 16.0 points, 10.4 boards, and 2.18 blocks. Athletic swingman Jones averaged 14.0 points and won a spot on the NBA All-Rookie First Team
Oh yeah...
Wes
Posted by: wesjoenixon | February 27, 2008 at 12:38 PM
I just sent an email to TJ Siemers this morning and I got a prompt response back.
Here is the message I sent:
It's quite clear that you are not a professional
sports writer, you should be writing for the
gossip/entertainment section. Does it bother you that
much that you don't have any dirt to write about the
Lakers and/or Kobe? Would it kill you to write
something nice about the Lakers? No one is forcing
you to write about the Lakers, so don't sit there
whining like a crybaby.
I have never come across a writer with such disdain
for the local sports team as well as for the fans. You
are ridiculously biased, and no longer will I read
another article from you on-line to up your hit count.
BTW, in case you didn't know (brace yourself), every
single basketball fan in LA hates you and thinks your
a douche. I know, but you will get over the shock
eventually.
This is how he responded:
blah blah blah
He knows that I am completely right and can't say anything back...Punk....
Posted by: fkillah | February 27, 2008 at 12:38 PM
Frank Rizzo, Bloggers!
I think I found an ID on the troll!!!!!!!!
http://tinyurl.com/222cd8
Posted by: Charles | February 27, 2008 at 12:42 PM
Frank Rizzo,
I don't think Fire32 is a troll - he has been stand up in admitting when he was wrong, congratulating us when we win, and openly stating his desire for Bynum and the rest to get healthy so we can battle in the playoffs at full strength.
He's a Suns fan so he's an idiot (just kidding Fire) but he seems reasonable enough to me...
KOBE FOR MVP!!!
KOBE FOR MVP!!!
KOBE FOR MVP!!!
Posted by: DrewPauKobe | February 27, 2008 at 12:42 PM
Portland fans hate our stinking guts with a passion---I have a bunch of family there and believe me that city is obsessed with Laker hatred---we have knocked them out of the play-offs so much they can't even say the word Laker without throwing up in their collective mouths.
In the eighties they wouldn't even locally televise their away games with the Lakers for a couple of years---unprecedented indeed!
Actually I don't think there is any NBA cities that like us---the Lakers are either a love or hate team (and passionately so)--which speaks volumes for our relevence and another reason we will always be the team to beat "BEAT L.A." they ALL say.....I say.....wait for it ....GO LAKERS!!!!
Posted by: Floyd | February 27, 2008 at 12:44 PM
wesjoenixon,
Can you imagine what would happen today if Mitch traded a 16 ppg / 10rpg center, and traded that guy for a 13th pick in the draft????
I think he'd get killed.
Yet, Jerry West did precisely THAT.
Kobe Bryant... Jerry West's greatest draft choice (because he traded a cornerstone of the franchise to get him)
Posted by: Tim-4-Show | February 27, 2008 at 12:46 PM
ABOUT THAT SMALL FORWARD POSITION…
One interesting development we are watching courtesy of Drew’s, Trevor’s, and Vlade’s injury and Luke’s ineffectiveness has been the success of our 3-guard offense with Kobe playing the 3 to make room for Jordan and Sasha to play the 1 and 2. With the way that Jordan and Sasha have stepped up their games, this is a very potent shooting lineup that we are definitely going to see more of as we head into the playoffs. You can tell that Kobe loves this lineup. Teams are finding that it is very tough to beat the Lakers by doubling Kobe when Jordan and Sasha are raining 3’s on their heads.
I am also not worried at all about how Lamar plays when he slides down to the 3 once Drew returns to the starting lineup. Part of the reason is confidence that Lamar has found his niche in the offense, which is making hard dives and drives to the rim or posting up in isolation when matched up with a smaller player – neither of which is dependent upon his playing the 3 or 4. Like the Cap said, Lamar is like a Swiss Army Knife that gives Phil some great options on offense and defense. We’re going to see a lot of games where Lamar ends up being the key match-up that other teams cannot handle, especially after trying to scheme ways to defend Kobe and Drew and Pau.
The other part of the reason I’m not concerned about Lamar working out at the 3 is that he will still be playing a lot of minutes at the 4 backing up Pau when Pau is on the bench or playing the 5 to give Drew a breather. By using Pau to back up Drew and Lamar to back up Pau, the Lakers will then always have at least two of their three bigs – Drew, Pau, and Lamar – on the court at all times. These 3 players will make up the “real” twin towers and dominate the boards and interior defense. If we run into foul difficulties or injuries, then Ronny will see more playing time.
Returning to the 3, it is also obvious that Vlade and Trevor once healthy will dominate the remaining minutes at small forward that Kobe and Lamar do not cover, Vlade for his 3-point shooting and Trevor for his perimeter defense. Luke, like Ronny, may find himself to be the odd man out in small forward rotation, especially until he can regain his slight edge physically. A 100% healthy Luke would be another asset in our quiver. Anything less than 100% and Luke should just ride the pine and wait until next year.
So here is my prediction of minutes at the 3 once everybody is back and healthy: Kobe 12, Lamar 16, Ariza 12, Vlade 8. Luke 0.
Tom
Posted by: LakerTom | February 27, 2008 at 12:47 PM
Rick Friedman,
>>>But dubbing people you disagree with as "haters" fits
>>>the definition of a personal attack.
I disagree with that. Calling you a "hater" (and I'm not) is
just stating the belief that you are unreasonably biased
against a particular player.
If Kobe scores 50 points and the Lakers win and Gunner
criticizes him because he took 30 shots or because he
turned the ball over 7 times, he's harping on the negative
aspects of the game and ignoring the positive contributions
that Kobe made to the game. Calling him an "idiot" would
be a personal attack. Calling him a hater is just saying
that you think he is unreasonably biased against a
particular player.
If Luke turned the ball over 5 times a game and took 12
shots a game and the Lakers were on a losing streak,
then he would deserve the amount of crap he gets from
bloggers here.
But for Luke to get as much criticism as he does when
he has had a positive effect on the team more often than
not during a winning streak is unreasonable. He's not
nearly as bad as Smush or Kwame, as some would like
to imply, and he has been playing on an injured ankle
since New Years, because he knows the team is already
thin due to injuries.
Perhaps you would be happier if he had not played at
all in January so he could rest his ankle and get it back
to full strength. Then the team would have been even
thinner and might have lost a couple of games they won.
Remember the Memphis game where Bynum got injured?
The Lakers won that game by 1 point. Maybe they lose
it without Luke's 8 points, 6 rebounds, and 2 assists.
Remember the next game against Seattle? The Lakers
eventually got a win in overtime, but they might have
lost it without Luke's 10 rebounds and 7 assists.
Luke DID sit out against Detroit. So if all of you Luke
critics (note how I avoided the "hater" label there) were
right, that should make it easier for the Lakers to win,
right? Nope. They lost that one.
Anyway, back to the original point - I don't see calling
someone a hater as a personal attack. If Jon K called
Elle a Luke hater, I just see it as a short form of Jon K
saying, "Elle, you are unreasonably overcritical of
Luke". It just takes less typing to say "hater".
Posted by: Long Time Laker Fan | February 27, 2008 at 12:48 PM
The Lakers last game in the old Boston arena:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=POXL49YzEns&feature=related
Wes
Posted by: wesjoenixon | February 27, 2008 at 12:48 PM
Laker Lover--
Simers is cool with the charities...and I (begrudgingly) admit I think it's sometimes funny when he disses Dwyre. I just don't understand what all his negativity is supposed to be doing for LA fans. Let's just happily agree to disagree on this one. Either way, we have one hell of a team that TJ undoubtedly will have one hell of a time writing about.
Posted by: stevevilakers | February 27, 2008 at 12:49 PM
Tim,
Not to mention that the trade left the Lakers with no center at all since Shaq had not yet committed to sign as a free agent.
Tom
Posted by: LakerTom | February 27, 2008 at 12:50 PM
Has anyone else noticed how much better Sasha's DEFENSE has been this year, and even lately this year versus early in the year?
He may not be playing their best offensive weapon but he has gotten much better at position and aggressive defense, usually without fouling.
If he doesn't make that leap, PJ wouldn't be playing him as much. He's worked hard and deserves credit.
Posted by: DrewPauKobe | February 27, 2008 at 12:52 PM
Thanks for the link!
Posted by: Charles | February 27, 2008 at 12:53 PM
LTLF,
I guess "hater" is in the eye of the beholder? LOL
I agree with your sentiment, but some people on here mean "Hater" as an insult equivalent to "idiot" and some people don't.
Posted by: DrewPauKobe | February 27, 2008 at 12:55 PM
Sean P . . .
for you to say that the lakers of 91 were in any way a reasonable facsimile of their hey day showtime era is a gross misunderstanding of basketball . . . Although, i will give jordan a lot of credit . . . he took that series with ever ounce of basketball he could eek out. And again, u fail to say how the overall effects of scottie pippen and horace grant and bj armstrong and craig hodges affected the outcome of those games.
as for the rest of the league and your "supposed" youtube proof that all those players were so great . . i say this . . . ITS NOT HARD BEING THE SKINNY KID AT FAT CAMP. . . . in other eras, shawn kemp and charles barkley would be in the Professional Eating League. Karl Malone would have been an average powerforwards. John Stockton wouldnt be able to play point against chris paul, baron davis, tony parker and the new breed point guard.
and as reference i would like to point the Mr. Harold "the next Jordan" Miner and Mr Cedric "Lake Havasu" Ceballos and how ceballos was considered a transcendent talent for scoring 50 points. PLEASE give me a break. These players in the 90s were garbage compared to the athlete of today's NBA. I want you to tell me any one other than jordan who belongs on a top 25 all time NBA list who's prime was in the bulls era . . . . case closed
Posted by: SA | February 27, 2008 at 12:59 PM
Well said DrewPauKobe...
Like the K-Bros alluded to during their show today, some people
just seem to be hyper-critical of the way the Lakers (task-masters
I think one of them called them) are playing and nitpicking instead
of just enjoying the way this team has really come together and
provided us with the best show in baskeball AND they're winning.
I'd much rather have this Lakers team, flaws and all, than be a fan
of a very boring, but very good Spurs team.
Posted by: Bzar | February 27, 2008 at 12:59 PM
DrewPauKobe,
>>>Luke is not performing well, even he would admit that.
What would you call 11 points, 7 rebounds, 6 assists, and
a steal in a game?
Is that not performing well?
What would you call 8 points, 8 rebounds, and 4 assists?
Is that not performing well?
Those were Luke's two games previous to last night.
So if you say "Luke didn't play well last night." then
you are making an accurate statement.
If you say Luke played well in two of the last three
games, then you are making an accurate statement,
and you are giving Luke props for the games he plays
well in addition to criticizing him for games where he
doesn't play well.
If you say "Luke is not performing well", when he's played
well in two of his last 3 games, then you are showing
a bias towards focusing on when Luke doesn't play well.
If you want to avoid Jon K's "hater" label, just be reasonable.
On nights when Luke play well, say "Cool. Luke had a
good game tonight. I hope he can keep it up". And when
Luke has a bad night, say "Bummer. Luke had a bad
night tonight. Good thing Sasha picked up the slack."
It's when you add things like "Luke should be in the
D-League" or "Luke is the worst player in the NBA"
(BTW, I don't mean you specifically, but you - all the
bloggers), that's when you're being unreasonable. And
depending on how over-the-top you are, maybe you
deserve the "hater" label.
Posted by: Long Time Laker Fan | February 27, 2008 at 01:01 PM
Slyboogaloo,
Welcome to the blog, brother.
Go Barcelona!
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | February 27, 2008 at 01:05 PM
I would let Ronny into my party. Especially with those dance moves??? Come on what club wont want him in there?
Plus..was that DJ MBenga there with him????
I bet you that whoever was hosting the party at the club was a Lakers fan and is going to be pissed that they didn let Ronny in.
Also it must be nice to go out on a Tuesday night?
Posted by: The Lake Show | February 27, 2008 at 01:06 PM
That was a good one charles, but I'm actually alot taller than that. You say you don't respond to me, but what your are doing is responding to my comments thru other bloggers. Let's me know you are thinking of me and that makes me happy.
Anyway I'm still here and yes the SUNS are too.
BTW DrewPauKobe, THANX for the kind words (except for the idiot part) but like you said
you dont know me, so its meaningless LOL.
Posted by: Fire32 | February 27, 2008 at 01:08 PM
Believe it or not LakerTom,
I was for that trade the whole way. I was so excited... I wasn't convinced, but I was pretty sure we were going to see the second coming of MJ simply because West put so much faith in him, and Kobe by that time, actually would hang out at Chicago games... he wanted to be like Mike... and I'm proud to say, he is like Mike. (now before flamers get on my case, I said he was "like" Mike, not better, not equivalent, etc)
My favorite part of the John Ireland interview... to paraphrase:
I'm Derek Fisher, I'm a great family man, I'm going through some adversity, I've been there done that, I'm a fan favorite, we ALL NEED to come together or else we don't stand a chance...
(applause from the team & coaching staff... young Farmar looking on in awe thinking "some day that'll be me")....
Then, Kobe gets up
"I'm Kobe Bryant. I want to win 6 more NBA titles."
Sits down.
Everyone just sits there in silence.
And people wonder why we LOVE THIS GUY!
That response to JA Andande was classic...
"If it isn't us, then I don't care"
Fans, onlookers, and bloggers... just enjoy what you're seeing and have seen in the last 11 years... enjoy it. Hopefully we get another 10, but either way, revel in the moment and enjoy what we have while we have it.
Simers, don't let the door hit you on the way out.
Posted by: Tim-4-Show | February 27, 2008 at 01:08 PM
Simers is a moron...as is Plascke....except Plaschke is attempting to do an about-face and get on the Lakers bandwagon.
Hmm Simers is not. Im not sure who I respect more, Plascke who is a hypocrit back-stabber, fake, or Simers who is an old cranky moron with no talent to anything...
How is Ted Green, J.A. Adande not writing for them anymore...but those two jokes are??
On a serious note..AK/BK anyway to get into the sports writing business. I am sure that the time spent by bloggers here could actually end up good writing if given the resource. Im sure all of us would write Laker stories for free.
Posted by: The Lake Show | February 27, 2008 at 01:11 PM