Coby Karl might still be running
The Lakers, fresh from last night's road win in Seattle, took it easy today in El Segundo, getting a later start than normal and keeping the workout relatively light. "We have a lot of guys who have played a lot of games. We need to still keep our rhythm, but not suspend ourselves with too much activity," Phil Jackson said. After all, things are going pretty well. Eight straight victories, with an opportunity to run it to nine tomorrow against a slumping Portland team on Tuesday. Big picture, things look good as well. "Our schedule is favorable, because we've played the majority of our games on the road. So we have a relatively good home schedule," Jackson noted. Still, "we have a lot of work to do." True enough. Now that Lakers fans have regained the taste for winning, expectations have gone up. People ain't screwin' around no more.
Kobe didn't speak to the media, and Jackson played coy on the issue of possible fines connected to last night's ejection and his postgame comments, in which PJ implied ref Brian Forte, son of veteran whistlebearer Joe Forte, might be a) the beneficiary of a little nepotism, and b) something of a red-ass. "Let's say that because the explicitness of your reporting," PJ grinned, "I'll just let it lay where it is right now." I was left with the distinct impression that Jackson doesn't care an iota if he happens to get dinged by the league. It's not the first time, it won't be the last... and besides, he's rich.
Derek Fisher said he was happy to see 24 continue to show that sort of intensity in a blowout, and noted that Kobe was probably aware of the situation. Had the game been closer, Bryant probably would have kept his emotions in check. "I don't think he intended to get tossed, though," Fish said. "I don't think his intention was to prove a point. He was just playing with that same fire and emotion that he always plays with. Different officials have different tipping points. The gentleman last night had I think a quicker tipping point than most."
I asked Fish if he's ever been tossed for mouthing off at a ref. He laughed. No (with a caveat, found in the audio), "but we still have a lot of games left to play, so I don't want to say too much."
NOTES:
- Vlad Rad is going to get more evaluation on his bum right calf,
but said he was feeling better today than he did Sunday. That's good.
- I saw Chris Mihm, who was doing rehab work and said things are
coming along well. He's more comfortable now with the screw removed
from his foot, and is getting some pretty fancy treatment to induce
healing. The sort of thing that isn't likely covered by your HMO.
Incidentally, he said the screw they pulled out was about the length of
his pinky, which is saying something since as a seven footer, the man
has substantial pinkies. We're going to try and get a picture of it
for the site. (The screw, I mean. Not his pinkies.)
- After practice, when everyone was done with extra shooting, Coby
Karl started to do some supplementary fitness work. He was running
baseline to baseline, seemingly forever. I'd stop to talk to one
player, look back, and he'd be running. A few minutes later? Still
running. And running. And running. Such is life when you're not
getting a lot of PT. Players have to stay in shape somehow.
- Moment of the Day: Ronny Turiaf and Luke Walton attempting to
bounce pass a ball into the lower shelf of a ball rack from maybe 20
feet. For those of you who need a visual, there might be about two
inches in each direction to play with. It's a narrow, narrow fit, like
trying to bullseye wamp rats back home/shoot proton torpedoes into the
Death Star. Normally, guys make one attempt, then leave the ball
for a rookie to pick up. Those two kept at it, and kept at it, and kept at
it. Finally, I heard Ronny yell, "Ten dollars!" and he passed by, arms
raised in triumph, on his way to the locker room, apologizing with a
smile for his outburst.
AUDIO:
- Phil Jackson: Download phil_jackson_2.25.mp3
- Lamar Odom: Download lamar_odom_2.25.mp3
- Derek Fisher: Download derek_fisher_2.25.mp3
BK
The ref made a mistake.
Kobe made a mistake.
Phil made a mistake.
Let's get this over with and move on to Portland!
Ninth win tomorrow!
GO LAKERS!!!
Posted by: so now you know | February 25, 2008 at 05:29 PM
"Incidentally, he said the screw they pulled out was about the length of his pinky, which is saying something since as a seven footer, the man has substantial pinkies. We're going to try and get a picture of it for the site."
You're gonna get a pic of the screw?! Is that before or after its sold on eBay?
Posted by: ajax | February 25, 2008 at 05:31 PM
"like trying to bullseye wamp rats back home/shoot proton torpedoes into the Death Star."
I lolled.
Posted by: Grady | February 25, 2008 at 05:31 PM
In case you missed it in the last thread, 82games.com now
has a table of stats showing how all the nba players perform
during "clutch time". They define clutch time as 4th quarter
or overtime, less than 5 minutes left, neither team ahead by
more than 5 points.
So it's no big surprise that the top two clutch scorers in the
NBA are LeBron at 59 points per 48 minutes of clutch time,
and Kobe at 50 points per 48 minutes of clutch time.
You want a surprise.
Guess who the best clutch stealer in the NBA is? I'll
give you a hint, it's a Laker.
Posted by: Long Time Laker Fan | February 25, 2008 at 05:34 PM
you guys probably have the best job ever.
Posted by: Justin N | February 25, 2008 at 05:35 PM
again... PEACE in LAKERLANd..
LOVIN IT NOW
Posted by: jaworski | February 25, 2008 at 05:36 PM
Oops. Forgot the link to the stats:
http://www.82games.com/CSORT17.HTM
Posted by: Long Time Laker Fan | February 25, 2008 at 05:39 PM
Breaking News: Brandon Roy of Blazers will not play tomorrow. Steve Blake will take his place.
http://blog.oregonlive.com/behindblazersbeat/
2008/02/roy_out_for_la_games_webster_o.html
Not Good News for the Lakers: We are getting out of contention of B. Barry Derby, he will decide tomorrow among five team excluding the Lakers. (Hey Barry, we need you if you wish to join a Championship team. In case you change your mind of joining any of those pretenders, you are welcome to the Lakers.)
Players being waived: Jamaal Magloire, Brent Barry, Marcus Vinicius, Justin Williams (kings), Sam Cassell, Tyronn Lue, Flip Murray and Antoine Walker (he's itching to get out of Minny.)
BK, Thanks for the medical bulletin, so Mamba please include those report on the bandwagon. Let's tell the LA doctor HURRY, we need Bynum, Ariza and Vlad back. IF THEY COULD BREATH, THEY SHOULD BE ABLE TO PLAY TOO. LOL!
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | February 25, 2008 at 05:41 PM
Ak & BK,
Do the Lakers have any interest in signing Brent Barry? I believe he was released by the Supersonics after being traded there. He seems like he would be an ideal fit for the Lakers.
Posted by: MOLaker | February 25, 2008 at 05:47 PM
why would the lakers want to sign barry again?
im confused...
are we in the business of getting everyone on board these days?
lol
Posted by: jaworski | February 25, 2008 at 05:53 PM
Wow, the Suns are really really really really hoping they get Barry:
http://www.azcentral.com/sports/suns/
Huge frontpage headline:
"Suns get Barry word Tuesday"
Posted by: J. Walter Weatherman | February 25, 2008 at 05:55 PM
Heck Yah! Kobe is so focus and very determined. He knows that this is their time, and NOT anyone, especially a rookie official will stand on their way. LET's GO LAKERS!!!
Posted by: KobeByPau | February 25, 2008 at 05:55 PM
Hey, Bynum is the most clutch blocker in the NBA. With him and Walton together, no one will be able to beat us in clutch time!
Posted by: Ben Goldberg | February 25, 2008 at 06:01 PM
"clutch blocker"
hehehe never heard that before :)
Posted by: jaworski | February 25, 2008 at 06:08 PM
AK/BK, (Can you please verify this story?)
I heard on 570 this afternoon from Mychal T. that DJ MBenga has a near-to-death experience before becoming an NBA. This happened about 10 years ago when he was nabbed in Congo by tribal wars and he was about TO BE EXECUTED by the Congo government. His cousins and other friends have raise a sum of money to corrupt the officials & stopped the execution. They were successful to that objective and MBenga escaped Congo and went to Belgium. It was in Belgium where he learned to play basketball in 2000.
I think Mbenga is on a mission as well as Cobi Karl. I also hope Cap will devote his training in converting MBenga into a serviceable Center this summer. He may have stumbled in guarding Shaq, he was just like Drew before. I just believe that players on a mission have a higher goal above than just basketball. The Lakers today are lucky with their strides because of the kindness of their heart extended to Cobi Karl and Ronnie Turiaf. They should be the face of the Lakers on our way to Championship.
Lakers extended the life of Ronnie Turiaf...
Lakers gave hope for Cobi Karl to enjoy life
Lakers is the face and heart of Africans thru their NBA representative. DJ MBenga who almost gave his life 10 years ago, now on a mission for Laker CHampionship.
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | February 25, 2008 at 06:08 PM
We don't need Barry. We have the "Machine" already! Let the Phoenix take him then we can call them the Geriatric Suns.
Posted by: KobeByPau | February 25, 2008 at 06:09 PM
This is worth voting.. if u guys havent seen this already
http://sports.espn.go.com/chat/sportsnation/rank?versionId=18&listId=46
Go Lakers...!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: iamlakerdamnit | February 25, 2008 at 06:11 PM
Cassell's about to get bought out (LA Times)-- take him over Barry?
Later Laker Nation ...
Posted by: HmrHed | February 25, 2008 at 06:13 PM
Ben Goldberg,
"With him and Walton together, no one will be able to beat us in clutch time!"
Luke is Ok in mid quarters as the 11th man but don't mention Luke during clutch time, he will beat himself. lol!
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | February 25, 2008 at 06:14 PM
Closing out my thoughts form the last thread.
"So a great leader gets kicked out of a blowout game against an inferior opponent?"
You seem to be missing the point, that's why I made the "no basketball understanding" comment.
That's like someone who watched one baseball game (Dodgers) in the late 80's. During that specific game Tommy Lasorda happened to have one of his famous tantrums. The on-looker would comment "he is a horrible leader for acting that way. Look he even kicked dirt on the umpire's shoes."
That person has no baseball knowledge. His comments are way off. Just like yours are.
A person with an understanding of the game would know this:
Getting a double T does not make a leader. Getting a double T does not make you a bad leader if you already are one. Its a part of the game that happens.
It could be extremely positive and inspire your team in some cases, it could be a horribly timed outburst and really kill your teams momentum and chances of winning in other cases.
Kobe's was right in between. The game was practically over anyways. No inspiration needed, no negative effects either (Kobe was going to sit the 4th anyways). All this not even mentioning the fact that he probably didn't deserve the first T anyways. HaHa.
Its painfully obvious that you wanted to make a point (Kobe = bad leader), and your looking for things to support your beliefs. Unfortunately for you, this "evidence" you selected had little to do with your argument, and it made you look like a n00b.
------
I'm going home, have a good night everyone.
Posted by: frank rizzo | February 25, 2008 at 06:15 PM
Edwin-
I think this article gives some background on what you're talking about:
http://www.hoopsworld.com/Story.asp?story_id=7335
BK
Posted by: Brian Kamenetzky | February 25, 2008 at 06:17 PM
Never, what's the prediction tomorrow? I can't wait for it.. hehe.. Make sure your DVR is ready for recording Tomorrow.. Can you send me one of the Game of Lakers that you recorded? Maybe the Game that kobe scores 81.. Will you?
Posted by: trio | February 25, 2008 at 06:22 PM
Bynum stop clutch-blocking me dude!
I just saw Coby Karl run past my window, FYI.
Posted by: ajax | February 25, 2008 at 06:26 PM
Thank you BK for that great article about our "real life heroes".
So Laker fans, we really have something to cheer about our Lakers, our rallying cry:
REMEMBER OUR REAL LIFE HEROES ON THE BENCH
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | February 25, 2008 at 06:30 PM
I see Ty Lue is on the list of those to be cut. Lakers should pick him up FAST.
Posted by: Rick Friedman | February 25, 2008 at 06:30 PM
AK/BK,
Once Bynum comes back, is it better for him to come from the bench through out the remaining games of the season? I really notice that our current starting lineup with Gasol is much better than the starting lineup with Bynum.. I know i may sound stupid but that what I see as the record shows. I really prefer that Bynum should be in the 2nd lineup(remember the days of BENCH MOB?)
Posted by: trio | February 25, 2008 at 06:30 PM
Edwin Gueco,
>>>Luke is Ok in mid quarters as the 11th man but don't
>>>mention Luke during clutch time, he will beat
>>>himself. lol!
You don't know how wrong you are.
Luke Walton LEADS THE LAKERS in assists, steals, and
rebounds during clutch time. And he's number 1 in the
LEAGUE at getting steals during clutch time. Read `em
and weep:
http://www.82games.com/CSORT17.HTM
http://www.82games.com/CSORT13.HTM
http://www.82games.com/CSORT14.HTM
He also shoots 28% in clutch time. So the next time you
wonder why Phil has Luke on the floor in pressure situations
at the end of games, it's for everything BUT his shooting.
Posted by: Long Time Laker Fan | February 25, 2008 at 06:33 PM
There are a lot of here that will disagree of me by telling that Bynum should not be in starting lineup. Why not having a vote here in the blog,
Is Bynum should be in the starting lineup for the rest of the season once he returns?
Please cast your Vote now...
Posted by: trio | February 25, 2008 at 06:37 PM
Edwin - I think the solution you're looking for is liquid sea minerals - at least that's what Jon K advocates - LOL! Personally I'm with you - if you breathe, you play - BTW that's Kobe's motto....
But really everyone just needs to get healthy. We don't need anyone rushing back right now - the guys are getting the job done in the meantime. I just worry about further injuries. We're a bit thin, but it doesn't seem like we're getting the 15 spot filled anytime soon.
AK/BK - have you heard anything new?
Posted by: justanothermambafan | February 25, 2008 at 06:37 PM
Great reporting! Rich, compelling, and hilarious
Posted by: PhilG | February 25, 2008 at 06:38 PM
this season has been a season of SURPRISES...
other than Pau and bynum... we have sasha finding his groove FINALLY.
Posted by: jaworski | February 25, 2008 at 06:40 PM
Enough with the pinkies!!
Posted by: exhelodrvr | February 25, 2008 at 06:41 PM
BK,
It must be fricken awesome to hang out at with Lakers at practice.
Dude, mention the liquid sea minerals for those with bone, joint, or connective tissues injuries and systemic enzymes for people with scar tissue. I'm dead serious.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | February 25, 2008 at 06:56 PM
Welcome back Mamba24! You were sorely missed.
First things first: Add me to the Kobe MVP and Championship bandwagons. Plus, I'm reposting a proposal for a 34-win bandwagon.
Repost:
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
MAMBA24!
You gotta start up the 34-game Win Streak bandwagon! By my count we are already 4 dudes deep (counting me):
1) Amazing_Happens
2) 805LakerLove
3) LakerTom
4) SBPimp (not yet committed)
5) Yours Truly (FearlessWhackJob)
Plus, we need to upgrade the 55-win Bandwagon. It needs new rims. Captain's chairs for all the original faithful members. Lots of flat-screen TV's. DirecTV and PS3's in every seat. Plus, a set of fuzzy dice on the rear view mirror.
Oh, don't forget the NOS, too. Cause we are racing to the playoffs!
--FearlessWhackJob
Posted by: FearlessWhachJob | February 25, 2008 at 07:02 PM
{I know no one wants to hear this, but forgive me.}
What the frick were the Clippers thinking? Why didn't they trade Sam Cassell and at least get some draft picks for him.
Now, Sam Cassell wants out and the Clippers get nothing but to save some money.
Man, if I was Elgin Baylor, I'd say you're sitting on the bench for the rest of the year and you are going NOWHERE. And then I'd crazy fine every time he was 45 seconds late to anything.
Urgh.
Go Clippers!
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | February 25, 2008 at 07:05 PM
Ben Goldberg,
"With him and Walton together, no one will be able to beat us in clutch time!"
Luke is Ok in mid quarters as the 11th man but don't mention Luke during clutch time, he will beat himself. lol!
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | February 25, 2008 at 06:14 PM
__________________________
Edwin,
I know, but according to the STATS, he'll steal the ball every chance he gets in clutch time. Let's get him on Lebron next time if the game is close, no need to take chances with Kobe guarding him.
I'm just kidding of course, but these clutch stats are fun to look through. Heh, and with Camby's 4th quarter three pointer against the Celtics, he becomes the most clutch three point shooter in the league.
Posted by: Ben Goldberg | February 25, 2008 at 07:07 PM
People really need to lay off Luke Walton. He's had some bad games, but he's hurt (needs sea minerals) and pay attention to his +/- stats. His stats are among the most positive on the team.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | February 25, 2008 at 07:08 PM
Frank Rizzo,
With regards to 2nd techinical on Kobe, he really asked for it in order to send a message that hacking can be dangerous to one's health especially if a player is protecting a torn pinkie. Based on rules on the book, it was a foul but the referee was guilty of omission. It was good that it hit only his shoulders, supposing it occurs again in other games and hit him hard on his weakness, our dream and chances goes with it. Kobe is sending a message to the NBA higher ups to stop allowing those kind of fouls and being allowed by young referees.
The proper way of handling it, is to call a time out and let Phil Jackson do the protestation and to be followed up by the Laker F/O to ask for definition of what is a foul? after the game. They should call the attention of the head of the referees on this matter, the only risks Lakers will receive the brunt of unfair calls as a reaction.
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | February 25, 2008 at 07:14 PM
How dominant has the Lake show been?
Why are we so confident in our team?
In the month of February, the Lakers have been untouchable. One gimme loss to the Hawks is the only blemish. Please remember that the Lakers had/have more roadies, more games played, and more back to backs than any other team in February in the NBA by a good margin on all accounts. And this is the results (so far)
Record 11-1
Minutes led by lakers 520:46
by opponent 55:14
percentage of minutes led: 90.4%
Quarters won: 38-48
4 of the 10 quarters lost were in garbage time. Only 6 quarters were lost under competitive circumstance out of 48!!
Largest deficit: 11 pts (Orlando)
Remove the Orlando game and we led 94.2% of the time with a largest deficit being 6 pts.
All I can say is WOW! I don't know if I've ever seen the Lakers so dominant in any particular month (in terms of percentage of time led) since I've been following them in 30 years of Laker loyalty.
I won't swear on that but I can't remember a stretch.
34 anyone??
Put me on that bandwagon Mamba24...
Posted by: Long Live Chick | February 25, 2008 at 07:17 PM
As for whether or not to start Bynum when he's back, I say
he should start. In fact, I'd move Gasol to the bench mob
before I'd move Bynum to the bench mob. And here's why:
http://www.nba.com/statistics/lenovo/lenovo_sort.jsp?pcomb=5&season=22007&split=9&team=
The most productive two lineups the Lakers have put on the
floor this season both included Bynum. The best Laker
lineup including Gasol was a hair less productive than
the second best lineup including Bynum.
Posted by: Long Time Laker Fan | February 25, 2008 at 07:19 PM
luke is an average to good bench player.
thats all.
dont ask for more or youll get disappointed.
Posted by: jaworski | February 25, 2008 at 07:21 PM
Hornets, Mavs and Nuggets could all loose tonight. Tight games with these three. Hopefully Clippers pull up a W against the Celtics tonight.
http://www.nba.com/
Posted by: Staples 24 | February 25, 2008 at 07:21 PM
Ben Goldberg,
You know why he's being pumped by STATS, firstly those playing time refers to 2nd unit players not really to starters of elite team. Secondly, he passes the ball to Kobe or Drew or Fish or Farmar or Sasha who are making those SHOTS and catching them turned into Luke assist. Those people in the EAST COAST sports media do not know Luke the way we knew him by heart. They knew him as the deciple of Luike Olson, as a son of a Superstar and therefore a great player. Have you heard of any TNT sportscaster or even ESPN talked thrash on Luke? As I said in the previous thread, if the games are against Clippers, Sonics, T'Wolves then those STATS may be true but when the game is close against elite teams, we have been burned before, thank you we have now Ariza and Radmanovic to bail us out who can defend and take the ball to the hoop with authority. I agree that Luke can be used for few minutes in mid game while starters are resting, once he starts making series of T/O's, get him out there....
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | February 25, 2008 at 07:28 PM
"The sort of thing that isn't likely covered by your HMO"
Liquid Sea Minerals?????
Posted by: Tim-4-Show | February 25, 2008 at 07:32 PM
LTLF,
You are the stat man. You live with your stat and they are your facts of life.
In my case, I read the stat of voices in this blog during live games. Review what bloggers say about Luke during live games the + and - . Fuzzy math don't deceive human eyes!
Anyway, LTLF take the advice of Jon K - nobody wins with analysis-paralysis, it's all about our speculations. Let us just cheer for our Lakers as a whole. Don't think of trading Odom, pumping the obvious, you divide loyalties by creating controversial stand. Listen to LakerTom, what we all need now is FOCUS not analysis!
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | February 25, 2008 at 07:37 PM
Kobe doenst talk to the media the day after he gets kicked out of a game...What a BIG baby....Being a Laker fan since 1965 i can only hope we don't see the Kobe that tried to take over the Detroit series a few years ago...Kobe:until he stop crying on every call that doenst go your way,he will never get a call.His constant crying will hurt us come playoff time....DEFENSE and DEFENSE will win us games in May and June not crying and complaining...
Posted by: neil | February 25, 2008 at 07:38 PM
I'd rather have Barry on the Suns than on the Spurs. With SAS picking up Kurt Thomas, we don't need them getting any more clutch performers... they still have big shot out on loan, and I wish that hypocritical Popovich would return him to where he belongs.
Posted by: Tim-4-Show | February 25, 2008 at 07:39 PM
Trio,
I vote to have Bynum start and here's why.
DJ Mbenga!
And besides, Gasol is a natural PF.
Also, this will make the Lakers with the best front court in the NBA.
Posted by: Ron | February 25, 2008 at 07:40 PM
Long Live Chick,
Thanks for the post. But....
86-87 Lakers... you don't think they dominated for at least a month like that?
We're talking about a team that would take the floor, and then at the end of the first quarter would be up like 40 to 5.
I'm pretty sure something along those lines actually happened with that 87 team. They BULLDOZED opponents.
BTW, the 86-87 Lakers went 65-17.
If we win "34" and end up with that same record, I'd have to put this team up there with that one... and I consider that team to be the *greatest* ever.
Posted by: Tim-4-Show | February 25, 2008 at 07:47 PM
Barry is overrated, is hurt, is old etc etc. Who cares who gets him. He is NO WAY a difference maker for any team.
Posted by: Long Live Chick | February 25, 2008 at 07:49 PM