Big questions for the second half
Sure, there were games here and there the Lakers would like to have back, but overall they won't do a lot of complaining about their first half performance or where they sit in the Western Conference coming
out of the All Star break. 35-17, 1.5 games back of Phoenix in the Pacific, and an equal distance away from the top of the W.C. A brief downturn after the injury to Andrew Bynum has given way to the intense optimism of the recent 7-2 roadie and the Pau Gasol deal.
In short, the Lakers are unquestionably big time players in the developing postseason story. That doesn't mean there aren't some outstanding questions to examine over the final 30 games of the regular season, the answers to which will go a long way towards determining exactly how big of players they'll be. So without further ado, the issues, big and small, Laker-related and across the W.C.:
- Pinkies and knees and feet, oh my! (And ankles, too. Oh my, again.) Will they derail championship hopes? If the Lakers are healthy, on paper they're probably the best team in the conference. Unfortunately, that's one Titanic-sized "if." As I am a few science classes short of a medical degree, I'll avoid making declarations about the health of Andrew Bynum's knee. The docs said when he went down it would be a minimum of eight weeks. That could mean eight, it could mean ten. Honestly, I have no idea, and I think most of the doctor's couldn't accurately stick a pin on the calendar to mark his exact return, either. It's a wait and see.
Then there's Kobe's pinkie. In any other year, surgery would have been a no brainer. This
season, however, one where LA is the aforementioned 1.5 games out of the top spot, but only three away from the ninth? Not to much. I think he should have the procedure, but as AK pointed out last week, I get 24's side of the argument, too. There's really no good answer, here. But as long as he plays, I'll worry that either a) he'll have stretches where his performance is diminished- the man may be a supernatural healer, but my understanding is he'll use that right hand periodically during his time on the court, so the likelihood of sustained abuse is high, and b) at some point something bad will happen, and he'll have no choice but to shut it down.
Those are the two biggies, but even with the questions, there's still reason to be optimistic. Bynum should return, Kobe is still Kobe. Assuming he can play, there's a good chance he'll play well. Meanwhile, in the supporting cast things aren't as rosy. Chris Mihm is once again down for a while. Trevor Ariza's healing isn't speeding along, and he's still expected to miss another eight weeks with a broken right foot. Luke Walton's ankle has been an issue all season, and will likely remain so. That still leaves plenty of troops in Phil Jackson's battalion, but given how depth has been a team strength all year, to see it being chipped away will give fans the willies.
- Along those lines, will Sasha Vujacic and/or Jordan Farmar sustain their elevated performance?
The Lakers have received a major boost in the backcourt this season, in
part
because both of these guys have become much more productive
players. But it's worth remembering that Farmar is still a second year
player, and it's not ridiculous to think that there could be some
inconsistencies in his play. We've seen some of that already. As for
Sasha, he's never been in a position to sustain elevated play
throughout a season, because he's never really elevated it to begin
with. I believe the kid has finally arrived, in terms of being a useful
member of the NBA fraternity, but he still has a lot to prove. - Can Walton bounce back? As Farmar and Sasha have gone up, Luke's game has gone down. While I think he's getting pounded a little too vociferously by some fans, there's no question that overall, he hasn't played very well, and there's been no consistency to his game. He'll no longer be asked to play starter's minutes (that's good), but with Ariza out for the foreseeable future, in the minutes Walton does get, he needs to play better.
- Given the potential for injury-induced turnover in the lineup, how fast can the gang get integrated at playoff time? The parts are there, but once the postseason rolls around, when teams get a chance to scout and hammer at them for seven games, throwing different looks and making adjustments, will the Lakers have enough continuity to respond in kind? As I've written before, while I think the Lakers have a good shot this year, I'm more inclined to call them a clear favorite next season, after the crew has had a full season to play together.
- How do you break down the Western Conference? It's almost
impossible to predict how the playoffs are going to pan out, in part
because it's almost impossible to predict where each team is going to
finish. Hell, at this point, it's almost impossible to predict what players
will be part of the W.C. race. Pau to L.A., Shaq to Phoenix, Kidd to Dallas. Rumors of Denver improving with Ron Artest. At this point, if
the Hornets acquired Dwight Howard for Rasual Butler, Hilton Armstrong,
some really cool Mardi Gras beads and a couple hurricanes. Nine teams
separated by 4.5 games, and it's still a work in progress.
- How healthy is Tony Parker? He practiced on Monday, but isn't ready for game action quite yet. With him in the backcourt, the Spurs are a totally different team. You know, the kind that wins championships. While I think rumors of their demise are a little premature (I'll believe it when I see it), it's hard to picture them winning a title unless Parker is fully fit.
- How will Kidd and Shaq change the dynamics of the conference? The reconstructed Kidd deal, assuming it goes down, is actually a better deal for Dallas, though there are those who wonder how much he'll actually improve them (personally, I think the biggest boost he'll provide is in the postseason cajones department). Shaq? I don't like that one for Phoenix, but we'll just have to wait and see.
- The Lakers play 19 more games at Staples before the playoffs. How many of those will be taco nights for media dining? Okay, the answer doesn't really affect the Lakers per se, but that doesn't mean it's not a very, very important question. Especially now that they've been including asada in the pregame feast.
Am I forgetting some? Add 'em to the discussion. But one thing's for certain- the last 30 games and into the playoffs? It's gonna be a whole lot of fun.
BK
Dear Grasshoppers!!
I understand without the "Vision" and "Know how" life of a Laker fan (grasshoppers) can be painful, full of speculation, lots of ifs ands and butts and a merry go around. Allow me to put all the grasshoppers at ease by sharing my Vision. I see Lakers in the final against Detroit this year and the mighty Lakers prevail. I also have the vision for the next 3 years after this year's final and shall reveal it next year. So in the meantime please continue to wax on and wax off. Lastly, please do not confuse Phil Jackson with a Zen Master; he is a mere mortal who happens to be an excellent basketball coach.
Enjoy!!
The Real Zen Master
ps: I enjoy Magic Johnson's insight and commentary on TNT.
Posted by: TheRealZenMaster | February 19, 2008 at 02:47 PM
bronxlakerfan,
thanks for the link. i feel sometimes barkely is totally on point and honest, and sometimes just doesn't think. but as an analyst, he makes viewers go ooohhh and ahhh....
thank you again.
Posted by: Charles | February 19, 2008 at 02:49 PM
Why does everyone except Bill Walton let Shaq off the hook? It makes me sick too. There's alot of "unnoticed" things that make any fan sick. Like the assumtion that Nash's career is being "wasted." He's had no less than 2 All-Stars at a time playing with him, and somehow he's being wasted. More like he's not good enough, and his 2nd MVP was a joke.
Posted by: wondahbap | February 19, 2008 at 02:52 PM
Charles
Nice one. I read your replies to the Suns dude. Funny stuff. I hope he get's it. If not, I'd love to read you rip him to shreds. Hubie Brown and Czar commentary was pretty fun to read.
Long time reader. Not really into blogging but I love this blog.
Shane
Posted by: Shane Says | February 19, 2008 at 02:55 PM
LTLF and Tim-4-Show,
I would have to vehemently disagree that Odom isnt the 3rd option.
Odom has flourished as the 3rd option for our team twice now. Once when Bynum was the 2nd option and now with Gasol as the 2nd option.
So yea, when the shot-clock is running down WE KNOW that the Lakers are great when we look for Kobe, Bynum/Gasol, THEN Lamar.
He's not a 4th option simply because he has never played as one! We dont know how this will work but we do know that when he is the 3rd option we are damn near the best team in the league. You both know that.
So I have to push on both of you a lil' bit for that. Before you talk about trading Odom, acknowledge that our greatest success has been with Odom as a 3rd option and he has provided very good production and "glue" to a team that plays as the best team in the league when he is that 3rd option.
So if he is the 4th option, will he still be good? I dont know.
So what do you do when Bynum comes back?
(1) You could trade him if he just can't fit
OR
(2) you can just rely on PJ to be a great coach and make the appropriate rotation adjustments. Let's say Odom CAN'T fit as a 4th option. That's great, then bring Odom off the bench as the best 6th man in the league as soon as Gasol or Bynum get two fouls in the game. How bout having the luxury and flexibility of resting your big men throughout the regular season because you have 3 to rotate and cover the rim?
This is a RARE advantage that few teams have and such can't be given up even if he doesnt fit as that 4th option.
If he doesnt then fine, PJ will make it work and Odom can be the key cog that makes the team work when Gasol/Bynum get hurt or foul trouble AND when those guys need rest.
Keeping Odom in effect keeps Gasol & Bynum healthier over a season. GAsol has back problems and Bynum has knee issues.
Odom is toooooo good of a fit for this team and tooooo proven of a great 3rd option to just let him go for willy-wally-wishy-washy pieces.
I cant see the Lakers even thinking that right now.
Posted by: Korey | February 19, 2008 at 02:55 PM
New rankings out from Stein. LA dropped 2 spots because of a pinky. The pinky that's going to have a new neighbor. A championship ring! lol.
Posted by: mel | February 19, 2008 at 03:06 PM
I'm glad we have LO. I wouldn't trade him for pieces, but there are a few guys out there that I'd think about.
Other than that, 3rd option, 5th option, it's all semantics.
My point was, you cannot give Lamar the ball and tell him to create a shot for himself and others in a half court set. He CAN do it, and does do it maybe 3 or 4 times in a game, but the other 40 half court possessions go a different route.
You can give the ball to a Bynum, Gasol, or Fish and tell them to go create a shot for themselves or someone else.
That was my only point.
I love Lamar. I'm glad we have him!
Posted by: Tim-4-Show | February 19, 2008 at 03:08 PM
Korey,
Great, great post....
Posted by: Charles | February 19, 2008 at 03:09 PM
Thanks Shane. Welcome to the blog!
Posted by: Charles | February 19, 2008 at 03:13 PM
Lamar seems to only want to get rebounds and assists. That's his problem. He doesn't want to be a scorer. He feels if he gets enough rebounds, it would justify his outrageous contract.
He needs to calm down on the rebounding once Bynum comes back...And then his he will pretty much be a 10 point. 8 assist guy.
Odom did 2 things to contribute to us getting Gasol: He landed on Kwame's knee to pretty much ruin his only asset of athletic ability and then put his foot under poor Andrew.
With the middle clogged even more with Gasol in there, Odom needs to step away and let Bynum and Gasol get the rebounds.
Posted by: zen | February 19, 2008 at 03:15 PM
I can't believe the Laker rankings went down after they posted the greatast road trip in NBA history..Unreal!
http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/powerranking?season=2008&week=16
Posted by: zen | February 19, 2008 at 03:18 PM
I bet that Bryant, Gasol, and Bynum are just as good as the Celtic's big three. When Bynum recovers, the Lakers will be the best team in the NBA, and no one will be able to stop them from winning a championship. Their only competition is the New Orleans Hornets and the Phoenix Suns.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: gaga ma | February 19, 2008 at 03:18 PM
Wes,
I'd like our chances if we could put a healthy ariza in there as well
Posted by: Taliq | February 19, 2008 at 03:21 PM
FOUR YOUNG STARS TO WATCH DOWN THE STRETCH
by Steve Greenburg for Sporting News
http://www.sportingnews.com/yourturn/viewtopic.php?t=354647
“Andrew Bynum, C, Lakers
Move over, Pau Gasol. No, really. After Bynum returns from his knee injury sometime in March, Gasol -- who is starting at center for the Lakers in Bynum's absence -- will have to slide over to power forward. And that should suit everybody on this team who wants to contend for a championship just fine. Besides, judging by all he accomplished before he got hurt last month, Bynum's ascendance to the level of elite NBA big man is merely a formality.
Meanwhile, will the Lakers, at full strength, be an elite team in the second half? It seems so -- because a factor just as significant as Shaquille O'Neal or Jason Kidd (or, yes, Gasol) is Bynum, the league's highest-percentage shooter and a 20-year-old who is so improved over last season it's hard not to see him in superstar dreams. Think big, Lakers fans. You, too, Pau.”
The other three were Brandon Roy, Dwight Howard, and Chris Paul. And Andrew may be the best of all four.
Tom
Posted by: LakerTom | February 19, 2008 at 03:22 PM
KB's injury will not determine whether we go deep into the playoffs because we don't need KB to score 30 points to win anymore. We do need KB on the floor, shutting down the other team's best perimeter player and setting the tone for the rest of the team. Assuming AB comes back in time to play at the level he was playing before his injury, the key for a deep playoff run is the ability of our bench to eat up minutes. When at full strength, we are the deepest team in the NBA. If the second unit steps up in the next 30 games and in the playoffs, like they have shown they're capable of, I see going 7 games against the Spurs in the Western Confernce finals. At that point, anything is possible.
Posted by: craig993 | February 19, 2008 at 03:24 PM
It's tough but i will predict the order of finish
1-Suns
2-Mavs
3-Lakers
4-Jazz(being the Division winner)
5-Spurs
6-Hornets( inexperince will drop them)
7-Nuggets
8-Rockets/Warriors
Posted by: Botsoy | February 19, 2008 at 03:25 PM
News Alert:
Lakers will announce in 2 weeks that Bynum will be out until the playoffs.
Posted by: zen | February 19, 2008 at 03:28 PM
craig993.
"KB's injury will not determine whether we go deep into the playoffs because we don't need KB to score 30 points to win anymore. We do need KB on the floor, shutting down the other team's best perimeter player and setting the tone for the rest of the team"
You don't think a dislocated finger and torn ligaments will affect kobe's play defensively ... you're asking for defensive excellence ... if he can do that he can drop 50 easily ...
of course his injury determines how deep we'll go ... if he hurts it again and can't play, we wont get past the likes of tim duncan though we might make it interesting for them ...
I think i get what you mean though, like the rest of the laker hopefuls ... you're simply hoping we can get everyone healthy enough to make a run in the playoffs ... maybe not a 100% (we are a dynasty in the making when that happens) but healthy enough to try and win our first ship before our time similar to how a certain laker team came down from 15 in a game seven western conference final
Posted by: Taliq | February 19, 2008 at 03:34 PM
Zen,
"Lakers will announce in 2 weeks that Bynum will be out until the playoffs." Where'd you get this info? Why wait 2 weeks?
Also, I don't disagree with the rankings. Too many uncertainties from our player injuries. I'm not calling it a season yet, but that ranking is fine. Perhaps the comment on waiting next season is premature.
Hope all is well man....
Posted by: Charles | February 19, 2008 at 03:36 PM
SUNS LOOKING TO CRUSH LAKERS ON WED…
The Suns are all excited and jazzed up because of Shaquille O’Neal, who will make his Suns’ debut tomorrow night against the Lakers, who will be the road team playing the second game of a back-to-back with an injured Kobe Bryant and without Andrew Bynum, Trevor Ariza, or Chris Mihm. Having been crushed by the Lakers the first two times the teams met this year, the Suns fully expect to dominate the Lakers and even the series.
But what happens if the Suns don’t win? What happens if Shaq can’t keep up and Pau lights him up. What happens if Lamar goes crazy with Diaw or Hill? What happens if Kobe shows no ill effects from his pinkie? How do the Suns then think they will match up with the Lakers when Drew returns? The Suns better win or their confidence will be what gets crushed Wednesday.
I predict Lakers win wire to wire and Suns go down in flames with the hometown fans booing the entire team. This is the year to be GHF. LOL.
Tom
Posted by: LakerTom | February 19, 2008 at 03:39 PM
"Hi...I'm Kobe Bryant....and I want to win a championship."
Those were the words that Kobe used to introduce himself to his teammates at the beginning of training camp. In doing so, he defined what the season and the rest of his career is all about. He threw down the gauntlet to his teammates and told them, "Join me." We have seen the results in the improved play of the team and the elevated level of commitment from the Laker braintrust. Now each member of the Laker organization and their millions of fans are on the same page. Winning time is at hand. GO LAKERS!!!!!!
Posted by: bronxlakerfan | February 19, 2008 at 03:41 PM
This really fell under the radar but... think of the possibilities!
"Andrew Bynum signed a marketing contract with the William Morris Agency, joining Yao Ming, Kevin Garnett and Dwyane Wade as the agency's other NBA clients.
"We look forward to exploring opportunities that capitalize upon his appeal across all areas of entertainment," WMA Chairman Jim Wiatt said in a statement"
###
God! there's so many things you could do with Bynum! Put a pair of sunglasses on him and make him the kickboxing son of Kareem from the movie "Game of Death"! How about a commercial with Kobe angrily demanding that a package be "shipped out" and Bynum shows up as the UPS guy? How about a commercial with Bynum sitting in a yoga class worrying about something that the product will take care of for him and then at the end of class you see the teacher is Phil Jackson? Bynum as a bad guy in a Bond movie would be awesome! How about Barkley dropping D Wade from his 5 because Bynum is the new NBA champion? LOL!
Posted by: TaosHum | February 19, 2008 at 03:42 PM
All those who wish ill upon the lakers are merely jealous of greatness.
Go Lakers!
Posted by: "Pig" Miller | February 19, 2008 at 03:44 PM
I have a question for all you Kobe questionaires. Had Kobe immediately elected to have the surgery when the doc said he needed surgery, what do you think the response around the league would have been? What would Barkley, Walton, or any of the outspoken old school players have said? What would people who Kobe haters say? What would Laker fans say when we tank the rest of the season and go from 3rd best in the west, to being 3rd worst in the west. My brother and I are longtime Laker fans and yes, we both think that he should have the surgery too. But, and this BUT is bigger than anything on Flavor of Love 3, WHERE WOULD THE LAKERS BE THIS SEASON WITHOUT KOBE. I'll tell you, in the toilet! And you can talk all you want about Caron Butler trades or permanent injury to the finger not worth the risk, but the facts are this. Kobe is already the NO. 1 hated superstar in the league. Yea I said it! Artest aint no superstar. Kobe is, and the only way to change that is to when a title, ASAP! Next year is a long way off folks. I'm not being selfish, and neither is Kobe. Anybody, (knock on wood) can end their career at any given moment. Strike now while the iron is hot. We'll pray for you Kobe! Be careful, and good luck.
Posted by: Randalljo | February 19, 2008 at 03:48 PM
Tim-4-Show,
No, seriously. K Brothers should do an interview with Gary Vitti.
He hasn't been interviewed yet. It could be an interesting interview, especially considering the injury situation with the team.
And in the middle of the interview, AK could slyly slide in the question, "So, Gary, what do you think about the remarkable healing powers of liquid sea minerals when used in combination with Vitamin D to heal joint and bone injuries?"
To which BK could follow up, "So, how many times a day are Bynum, Mihm, and Ariza supplementing with liquid sea minerals and Vitamin D? I hear three times a day is best in these situations! Right?"
IT JUST COULD WORK!
K BROTHERS! YOU ARE THE KEY!
INTERVIEW GARY VITTI!
SEA MINERALS FOR EVERYONE!
IT'S GOTIME!
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | February 19, 2008 at 03:55 PM
LakerTom,
I CAN HARDLY WAIT UNTIL WEDNESDAY!
CAN HARDLY WAIT!
The Big Old Creaky Hip says he's gonna run!
This is going to be great!
Thursday when I go the sports section of the L.A. Times, I fully expect to see a picture of a panicky wild-eyed Shaquille O'Neal lathered in sweat, gasping for air and looking like a giant were-pumpkin on crack in stupid Suns uniform.
Oh, it's going to be good.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | February 19, 2008 at 03:59 PM
Another article on the trades. Lakers get a lot of ink. Quotes from Phil.
Posted by: mel | February 19, 2008 at 04:00 PM
Okay, just to squash the trade Lamar talk (including my own)
a bit, here's this from Chad Ford:
"Recent speculation that the Lakers might be shopping
Lamar Odom appear to be bogus. Multiple sources said that
the plan -- for right now -- is to keep Odom until this summer."
Posted by: Long Time Laker Fan | February 19, 2008 at 04:01 PM
ALL HAIL LUKE
LUKE CAN DO EVERYTHING THAT KOBE CAN.
HE CAN DRIBBLE
PASS
REBOUND
CREATE HIS OWN SHOT
INTIMIDATE
PHIL IS JUST BESIDE HIMSELF
SCARED, SELFISH KOBE.
40 DAYS AND 40 NIGHTS WITHOUT KOBE
LUKE WILL LEAD US TO THE PROMISED LAND
IT'S LUKE TIME
ALL HAIL LUKE
LUKE LUKE LUKE LUKE
POW
this message paid for by private individuals at Joey’s Smokin’ BBQ
DO YOU SEE WHAT I SEE
Posted by: DO YOU SEE WHAT I SEE | February 19, 2008 at 04:03 PM
Most Improved
Most Valuable
3rd Option or 4th or optionless if he does not score
3rd in Ranking, A+ on Rosen's
Torn Pinkie but still playing
Senor Matador is a Laker
LO is better than Caron
60 Wins
Whatever the accolades are, if there is no cigar and parade in June, all what we are discussing today are worthless. Just play as team and die as a team. The whole is the sum of its parts. Today, the Lakers have the materials, there are no more excuses of scrubs, because of smush & Kwame this and kwame that ....forget all the talk, let's run and just win. That's what Chiqui-baby is saying in heaven!
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | February 19, 2008 at 04:03 PM
Preview for tomorrow's grudge match.
Read Shaq's quotes. Endearing and funny, but you know he's stewing inside.
http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=3253804
Posted by: mel | February 19, 2008 at 04:05 PM
oops my tinyurl didn't show up. Anyway it's at si.com
Posted by: mel | February 19, 2008 at 04:07 PM
Randalljo,
Still upset he's playing hurt but if there's anyone that proven he can defy the odds it's kobe and for that reason alone i'm hopeful for an awesome ending to our season ... dynasties hardly ever have easy births ... this is our season, this is our time, this is the time in which kobe bryant will carve out his legacy ...
Get well bynum, ya know we love ya and need ya ...
Posted by: Taliq | February 19, 2008 at 04:08 PM
Let's try that again. This is the one with lots of Phil quotes:
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2008/writers/steve_aschburner/02/19/west.trades/index.html
Posted by: | February 19, 2008 at 04:09 PM
I hope phil will capitalize on bynum, gasol in the paint on the defensive end.
we always get burned by outside shooters because we tend to double. Now we can really opt to go man to man. We can size up to any lineup we are given. We dont have to worry about the penetrate and kick out because we have 2 seven footers inside.
Its a matter of PJ looking for the strengths and using them. He sometime tend to be stubborn.
pinkies crossed!
Posted by: jaworski | February 19, 2008 at 04:11 PM
Taoshum,
"From what I've read, it's a ticking time bomb and what if he injures it so badly he HAS to have the surgery one week before the playoffs start? I think this team is good enough to "survive" and stay in the playoff hunt until Kobe comes back. It would just seem the logical move..."
WHEN YOU'RE SELFISH, THESE ARE THE DUMB DECISIONS YOU MAKE. LIKE HOLDING UP A ROSTER SPOT ON THE ALLSTAR TEAM WHEN SOMEONE ELSE COULD HAVE TAKEN THAT SPOT.
Management should step in and force old man Kobiatch to get the surgery. It hurts our chances down the stretch. But Kobiatch will have no one to blame once again but himself.
Posted by: Gunner | February 19, 2008 at 04:11 PM
PROJECTED WESTERN CONFERENCE FINISH…
(1) 60-22 Lakers
(2) 56-26 Suns
(3) 55-27 Jazz
(4) 55-27 Hornets
(5) 53-29 Spurs
(6) 52-30 Mavs
(7) 51-31 Rockets
(8) 50-32 Nuggets
Lakers beat Nuggets 4-0
Suns beat Rockets 4-2
Jazz beat Mavs 4-2
Spurs beat Hornets 4-3
Lakers beat Jazz 4-1
Suns beat Spurs 4-3
Lakers beat Suns 4-1
Lakers beat Celtics 4-2
Tom
Posted by: LakerTom | February 19, 2008 at 04:12 PM
Charles,
I probably should be a little more optimistic with Laker Management when it comes to injuries, but I'm not. The Lakers have a history of it..They ALWAYS estimate early when a player is coming back. Especially if it's a key player. I would be shocked if Bynum came back in 3 weeks. Really shocked!
The reason the Lakers don't announce it now? The same reason why they under estimate injuries and return dates. Money. Money. and More Money. They don't want to announce it until everyone buys their playoff tickets.
Why would they add Gasol and then immediately announce Bynum is out for the season? They will ride this money train until the last minute.
The only thing Bynum has going for him is his age..Maybe he will be back in time. I'm hoping for it. It's strange that a lot of people except the Laker organization thinks he will be out longer. Maybe they are just really optimistic!
Posted by: zen | February 19, 2008 at 04:17 PM
Gunner,
Get your fact straight..did u live in a cave?? Have you been reading how Kobe and Lakers tried to pull out from All Star??
Geez....when you know how to call name, you better get your fact straight..
It's that dumb rule that requires a player to miss a game after or before the ASG in order to not play in that game,...
Posted by: moko | February 19, 2008 at 04:26 PM
LAKERS MOVE UP TO #2 IN HOLLINGER’R RANKINGS…
http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/hollinger/powerranking
Lakers have played toughest schedule among top ten teams and the best winning margin of any team in the West.
Tom
Posted by: LakerTom | February 19, 2008 at 04:27 PM
LakerTom,
With all due respect to my idol in the blog, you said:
"PROJECTED WESTERN CONFERENCE FINISH"
replace that PROJECTED with word GUARANTEED!
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | February 19, 2008 at 04:28 PM
How the trade was won!
No. 1 Lakers got Gasol excellent skills for the triangle!
No. 2 Hawks got the PG in Bibby for only Shelden Williams!
No. 3 Nets Got Devin Harris, draft picks for a disgruntled Jason Kidd.
No. 4 Heat got Marion and unloaded Shaq's laziness and enormous contract!
No. 5 Phoenix got a big low post presence they've always been looking for, only too late, but maybe good for one year!
No. 6 Mavs got a big time floor leader they've been lacking only too late, but maybe good for two more years.
No. 7 Memphis gets Javaris and Gasol, and two 1st rd picks.
No. 8 Kings gets draft picks.
Posted by: Staples 24 | February 19, 2008 at 04:29 PM
Charles,
thanx man. Good lookin' out on the props!
Posted by: Korey | February 19, 2008 at 04:32 PM
Don't worry about Gunner... his argument is with the PERSON not the actions.
If Kobe had opted for surgery, then he would have been "selfish" and a "wussy" for getting it done mid season. Then when we miss the playoffs, he'd be saying how unreliable Kobe was.
But since it's going this direction, he argues the other way.
In other words, it doesn't matter what his *actions* are, he hates the person.
A true... HATER.
Posted by: Tim-4-Show | February 19, 2008 at 04:33 PM
Gunner,
"Management should step in and force old man Kobiatch to get the surgery. It hurts our chances down the stretch. But Kobiatch will have no one to blame once again but himself."
Why waste a surgery? No down the stretch, he should be benched because he's Kobiatch, his time is better use in chatting or playing chess with Coby Karl w/ one hand. Haha, just k...ing!
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | February 19, 2008 at 04:35 PM
Amen Gunner-
WHEN YOU'RE SELFISH, THESE ARE THE DUMB DECISIONS YOU MAKE. LIKE HOLDING UP A ROSTER SPOT ON THE ALLSTAR TEAM WHEN SOMEONE ELSE COULD HAVE TAKEN THAT SPOT.
The only reasons Kobe is not having the surgery are self serving.
1) he thinks he is so valuable to the team they cant play .500 and make the post-season without him. Message to his teammates- You guys cant win without me.
2) he thinks he can play with the injury and still be effective, despite the ultimate risk of aggravating the injury later and missing the post-season.
Tony Parker is just as important the the Spurs as Kobe is to the Lakers but he and the teams knows its all about being healthy for the playoffs not regular season AND the Spurs find ways to win without him.
Either way this is setup just like the past 3 seasons, Kobe is the victim or hero and the rest of team is just his sidekick.
Since he is not having surgery, I am starting my own bangwagon today:
Laker fans will not use Kobes injury as as an excuse for poor shooting or the Lakers losing the rest of the season or in the playoffs.
Posted by: Laker Lover | February 19, 2008 at 04:35 PM
The Suns are really going to try and win this game. They are playing loose in every game lately because the Lakers are gaining ground..The Suns will do anything possible to finish ahead of the Lakers for home court. They need it!
Posted by: zen | February 19, 2008 at 04:36 PM
LTLF
You can't honestly tell me that you think D'antoni is going to run whatever is left of SHAQ'S abilities, Up and down the court fot the rest of the season.
Now i would be a fool if I thought their going to be like the show time lakers of the 80'ies. They brought SHAQ in to win this year, knowing that the SUNS window of winning a championship is closing fast, So I don't think they'll even be playing SHAQ big minutes the remainder of the season. What they will be doing is, Saving him for the playoffs.
FOOL'S are the ppl who think that the SUNS are a worst team, now that SHAQ is here.
Don't you guys remember ballin against your older brother when you were young, sure you ran circles around him but you never really were able to beat him.
Think of SHAQ as your older brother.
Posted by: Fire32 | February 19, 2008 at 04:37 PM
Zen,
Thanks for your reply!
Posted by: Charles | February 19, 2008 at 04:39 PM
Jaworski
are you related to Jawo(7) Ginebra
Posted by: Botsoy | February 19, 2008 at 04:46 PM