Farmer Farmar
Cultivating career games, Jordan Farmar is, while the Lakers harvest win after win.
Farmar, fresh off a 21 point game in Tuesday's win against Portland came back Thursday night with a career high 24, as the Lakers rolled over the Heat 106-88 at Staples. The second year PG's efforts were just part of yet another true group effort for the L.A., who led wire to wire for their tenth straight win. Kobe scored a little, at least by his standards (21 points), and distributed a lot (seven dimes), and his block of a Shawn Marion dunk attempt to end the third was one of the better highlights the Lakers have had this season, which is saying something since times are pretty rosy. But, as the box shows, the Lakers had contributions up and down the lineup. A quiet 13/11 for Pau Gasol. 13/11/6 for L.O. 9/11/4 for Luke Walton, and 12 points off the bench for Sasha. No wonder the Lakers are quickly becoming an aspirational model for the league's downtrodden.
The Lakers have, and continue to, refuse to put a date on Andrew Bynum's return, but that doesn't mean folks can't look ahead to what Gasol's adjustment to taking over the four might look like. While the Lakers aren't doing a lot of formal work to prepare him for the position change, some of their routines will help Gasol make the switch.
The Lakers will look to make it 11 straight tonight in Portland, where things are never easy. L.A. has lost four straight at the Rose Garden, but on the other hand, it's been a while since they brought a team this good into the building. Portland All Star Brandon Roy is likely to miss Friday's game (as he did Tuesday's) with an ankle sprain, thought the Blazers could have sharpshooter James Jones back in the lineup. Here are some handy little numbers to tuck in your pocket regarding the scrap.
Avery Johnson's decision to keep J. Kidd on the bench for the final seconds of Dallas' loss to S.A. last night raised some eyebrows.
Gordon Giricek could soon be a Sun. That likely depends on what Brent Barry decides to do. Phoenix could be fun, but the Spurs are still a strong player.
An interesting story about the power of blogs these days. We give it a month before it's a Law and Order storyline.
Laker Nation ...
I saw my first Laker car flag today (granted I live outside LA proper, so I may be behind the times) – it was on a navy blue Honda Prelude.
I will reiterate my concerns about the Spurs ... they are playing impressive ball. They shut down Dallas when they needed to. I don’t believe they are beatable without Bynum causing match-up problems for them.
Tonight is a trapezoid game, to say the least. Dallas on Sunday. I won’t be watching live tonight, which may be a problem because the streak started when I stopped using my DVR. That one’s for you - never.
Posted by: HmrHed | February 29, 2008 at 11:06 AM
I'm probably late with this one:
Have you guys heard this : "phil is your father"
http://www.ryanparkersongs.com/2008/02/phil-is-your-father.html
Funny stuff
Posted by: richtown | February 29, 2008 at 11:08 AM
From the previous thread, ow posted:
I loved that point that Reggie Miller made during the game:
If you switched Kobe and Wade, the Heat would make the playoffs,
He said that NO WAY the Heat would lose 11 straight games.
KB would not allow it, it just would not happen.
Players know players and Wade is not the same league as KB.
Posted by: ow | February 29, 2008 at 09:45 AM
Right after that, you would hear the two talking heads ( I think one of them was Marv Albert http://www.mugshots.org/sports/marv-albert.html ) question Reggie's enthusiasm. Just goes to show how some people try to shoot down a little bit of praise for Kobe.
Oh and another thing, did anyone notice how Doug Collins kept on saying Wade was not a hundred percent. Even if Kobe was not a 100%, on a less than stellar Miami Heat team, his drive alone would have most likely propelled them to more wins. Case in point, the last two years of the Lakers.
Posted by: knowing is half the battle | February 29, 2008 at 11:08 AM
Lakers have definitely become road warriors and seem to be more focused on the road. Lakers will come out better prepared for the Blazers tonight and will be ready for the new look Mavs on Sunday.
I was scratching my head as well when Avery Johnson held Kidd out during the final possessions of last night's game against the Spurs. Oh well, it's not our problem and I doubt Avery does it again(I could be wrong). Here's more encouraging news for Laker fans. Parker stated how glad he was that Devin Harris and Desagna Diop were traded because of the problems they caused for the Spurs(Harris was quick enough to stay with Parker and went at Parker on the offensive end of the floor and Diop was a presence down low with shot blocking and length against Parker and Duncan). Farmar is not as quick as Harris, but if he moves his feet on defense and go at Parker on the offensive end of the floor he'll cause problems for Parker. When Bynum returns, he'll provide the same defensive presence in the middle as Diop and has a better offensive game than Diop. Also, with Bynum, Gasol and LO clogging up the lane, Parker will find it more difficult to drive the lane against three trees in the paint and Duncan will not get any easy looks. Fisher/Farmar and Bynum/Gasol should be able to do what Harris and Diop did against the Spurs if not better. I don't want to get ahead of ourselves because the road to the title still goes through SA. I think if the Lakers meet them in the playoffs, we have the players to get past them. Thanks Parker for the tip!!! Go Lakers!!!
Posted by: Nemaia Faletogo | February 29, 2008 at 11:16 AM
AK/BK,
can you explain to me the redundancy of stories by sportswriters?
I go to all the Laker sites and they all have VERY similar stories and news + notes articles!
Where is the originality, the new spin?
arrrgggh, journalism at it's finest (not!)
Posted by: Korey | February 29, 2008 at 11:17 AM
To people who hate the "Suns trolls" on this blog,
I have to say I rather enjoy having them here. Aside from the few obnoxious comments that are only meant to anger people, it's refreshing to hear the perspective of people who aren't Lakers fans. In general, I really like the contributions of commenters on this blog and appreciate people's insights. In no way do I ever want to see comments on the blog degenerate into only meaningless and thoughtless praises for the Lakers.
Posted by: DK | February 29, 2008 at 11:18 AM
Vman,
>>>The Farm team is the straw that stirs the drink.
The Farm team DRINKS... YOUR... MILKSHAKE!!!!!
Posted by: Long Time Laker Fan | February 29, 2008 at 11:18 AM
Bynum is like a 7' secret weapon just waiting in the wings... the Lakers are playing superb ball without him, and when he comes back, it's going to be an alley-oop party for Kobe, Fish, and Jordan. Seriously. You can't front Bynum OR Pau effectively; they're just too good at catching passes over the top. No reason to rush Bynum back, either. This is a crushing Lakers team built for the LONG run.
Go Lakers!
Posted by: The Outlaw | February 29, 2008 at 11:18 AM
24 more.
Posted by: ajax | February 29, 2008 at 11:19 AM
AK/BK,
Please Post Luke Waltons interview with Jim Rome on 02/28.
Thanks
Posted by: Disgruntled, Frustrated Laker Fan | February 29, 2008 at 11:19 AM
Does anybody have a link so I could see the Kobe block of Marion?!?! Had to work late and missed the game!!
Please help!!!
Posted by: Mitch | February 29, 2008 at 11:20 AM
>>>Don't go tripping over each other, but you can
>>>have him back.
>>>
>>>http://www.sacbee.com/100/story/750129.html
Actually, Ty Lue wouldn't be a bad guy to add to this roster.
He's good at defending small fast guards, he has NBA finals
experience with the Lakers, he knows the triangle, and he shoots
43% on his 3-pointers. Sign him up.
Posted by: Long Time Laker Fan | February 29, 2008 at 11:22 AM
blingbling,
The only thing Shaq is going to destroy is that big sandwich thats waiting for him in the home fridge.
Posted by: ajax | February 29, 2008 at 11:22 AM
JustaLakerFan,
Thanks for the response.
You really think the socks are for support? They don't look like 'leggings' or 'sleeves' that would offer support, just socks. I think it's just a fashion thing, as someone else said, maybe a way to draw attention to the new sneakers.
Posted by: J. Walter Weatherman | February 29, 2008 at 11:23 AM
Thanks Charles!
My last post here was like 2 years ago. Just wanted to check if I was the first to post.
Damn! missed by 4 spots
Posted by: Capuxx | February 29, 2008 at 11:25 AM
Laker Legacy,
If you go back even further (as the Times pointed out), there is only
one leap year since 1964 that the Lakers or PJ have not participated
in the Finals....
The year... 1976... the bicentennial.
Posted by: Bzar | February 29, 2008 at 11:25 AM
Edwin Gueco,
WRONG WRONG WRONG.
Bynum needs to take his time. The biggest concern with this type of injury is the leg muscles are not strong enough, and it just happens again.
We need him to strengthen his legs with the protective exercises they have him doing, and come back 100%. We don't want him going back down again in the playoffs.
Posted by: frank rizzo | February 29, 2008 at 10:42 AM
rizzo,
Good post mate. What people forget is that the left leg(Bynum's left knee was injured)is the lift off leg or power leg if you will when going up and since much of Andrew's game is above the rim, he's going to need that knee at full strength not to mention overcoming mental obstacle of trusting his knee when he returns. Also, he need his leg to be strong enough to handle other bigs leaning on him(like Shaq)and pushing and holding in the paint. I believe Andrew could come back sooner, but it's best have him at full strength for the tail end of the regular season and the playoffs. Go Lakers!!!
Posted by: Nemaia Faletogo | February 29, 2008 at 11:25 AM
Think we can pick up Ty Lue once the Kings buy him out? Good 3rd string PG that can play defense against Parker & Nash, plus has triangle experience... I'd do it for the minimum if he's willing to sit on the bench a lot.
Posted by: J. Walter Weatherman | February 29, 2008 at 11:27 AM
Thanks for welcoming me Jon K!
I was welcomed here also 2 years back so its like a second welcome. I dont really post I just read your comments here for like 3 years already.
Been a lakers fan since 88 Showtime. Went through the ups and downs. LAL Forever.
Posted by: Capuxx | February 29, 2008 at 11:29 AM
Re: "Bynum off the Bench"
Do you all remember the start of the season when Bynum
was part of the bench mob and they were absolutely killing
other teams. Luke and Bynum had a great connection for
the lob-and-dunk. Now Farmar and Sasha have stepped up
their games even more. Imagine instead of replacing Gasol
with MBenga, you replace him with Bynum.
Obviously next season, Bynum should be back to starting,
and that will give them the summer to work the PF role with
Gasol. But for the rest of this season and the playoffs,
I have no problem with bringing Drew off the bench.
Posted by: Long Time Laker Fan | February 29, 2008 at 11:31 AM
Korey,
To a large degree, I think the redundancy comes from most writers working off the same sources for copy (Phil, players) all at once, plus having to turn in stories under a quick deadline. Chuck Klostermann (one of my favorite writers) did a great piece about sports journalism where he talked about how stories are often heavily shaped by whoever the first athlete or coach to call back and provide quotes. I'd be lying if I claimed there's no truth to that. It's not that writers are content to be lazy. But when you're working under a time crunch, reality and practicality sets in.
But to be prefectly honest, another issue is that only so many "stories" truly exist. Unless you're willing to delve into spitballing and "what if" conceits (which also often annoy readers), there's only so much to discuss and it's usually been covered multiple times as it is. Especially with a team that's rolling like the Lakers at the moment. It ain't all that complicatedto explain, but you still have to write something every day, know what I mean?
Even with the sizable latitude BK and I have to be offbeat and goofy with this blog (compared to more conventional beat writers), we still fall prey to recycling ourselves. As much I personally try to be creative with what I write about and to avoid hitting the same old, same old, I've also accepted that I'll never be close to 100% successful. It's pretty freakin' tough.
AK
Posted by: Andrew Kamenetzky | February 29, 2008 at 11:31 AM
AK/BK,
Below is an update to your excellent (as always) entry. Did anyone think Barry would choose otherwise? Everyone knew from the start that this was a second Stackhouse arrangement except with a smarter player.
Report: Barry opts to return to Spurs, eschews Suns
--------------------------------------------------------------------
ESPN.com news services
Guard Brent Barry, who was a key contributor on last season's championship team for the Spurs, is returning to San Antonio.
The Spurs, who traded Barry to the Seattle SuperSonics last Thursday as part of their package for forward Kurt Thomas, are set to reacquire him after he was released by the Sonics and cleared waivers Tuesday, according to a newspaper report.
The Arizona Republic reported that Phoenix Suns general manager Steve Kerr said he was told by Barry on Thursday that the 13-year veteran has opted to return to San Antonio and not accept Phoenix's offer.
"I spoke with Brent and he informed me he was going to stay in San Antonio," Kerr said. "He said that it was a tough decision but he's going to stay."
Among the reported suitors for Barry were the Mavericks, Celtics and Suns, who were looking for a shooting guard to give them more options on the bench.
The paper reported that Barry will play for the veteran's minimum salary for the remainder of this season and next season with the Spurs, although league rules mandate that the Spurs must wait until March 21 to officially sign him.
Barry was included along with center Francisco Elson and a 2009 first-round draft pick in the multiplayer trade that brought the 6-foot-9 Thomas to the Spurs. Thomas was brought in to give the defending NBA champions much-needed size to complement Tim Duncan.
Barry, who originally signed as a free agent with San Antonio in July 2004, had averaged 7.3 points in 29 games for San Antonio this season. The 36-year-old guard has been sidelined the last several weeks by a calf injury.
Posted by: DK | February 29, 2008 at 11:32 AM
Guys I know we are doing great and #1 in the West, but can someone tell me how the Mavs and th spurs are able to trade players and get back the players they traded. This is such Bulshit !!!!! Stack house was suppose to go to NJ but he screwed up. I wonder in whose favor did he screw up for? And the Fr---ken Spurs, they get Brent barry back and now have Kurt Thomas. What the Hell is going on? I am so Tired of the Spurs. It's time for a change. I hope they loose their ass in the Play-offs.
Also Are the Warriors ever going to play a Road Game. Who make s these schedules anyway? I think the Lakers really got the Shaft this year.
I'm Out,
CrzyFan
Posted by: CrzyFan | February 29, 2008 at 11:32 AM
leggings...like support hose?
Kobe's been wearing support hose? What?
Posted by: Faith | February 29, 2008 at 10:59 AM
"The NBA where support hose happens"
Well if it uh, helps his game I'm all for the support hose (two words I never thought I'd say on this blog)
Posted by: Elle | February 29, 2008 at 11:33 AM
LTLF,
If Lue comes back, he needs to take back his bad words he said about Kobe.
I believe he said he would neva play with Kobe again...
Posted by: Korey | February 29, 2008 at 11:34 AM
Here's a funny thought about the blogozone (don't know why it would be a sphere):
I could be your next-door neighbor.
Gunner could be your kid's grade school teacher.
K-Beast could be that guy spinning the arrow saying "APTS FOR LEASE" on the corner of Victory and Balboa.
I don't have any point beyond that, just thought it's funny how we're faceless here - except for AK and BK.
Posted by: Amazing_Happens | February 29, 2008 at 11:35 AM
A thought on my guy Bynum,
The injury to Bynum was pretty devastating at the time and everyone hoped we would somehow get through the "8 weeks" still intact. Now we have Pau, and a 10 game winning streak while being on the way to at least 60 wins. I think we are in a great position either way. I think Bynum will be back in late March, but even if he isn't, we are in this until June guys! The blessing is that he will be back and he can take his time and not rush into it at all. Whether he starts or not doesn't matter because we all know that he is the guy. Maybe he works into it but eventually he will get starter's minutes and by June the Lakers will be a powerhouse.
Posted by: The original Ken | February 29, 2008 at 11:36 AM
The pass from kobe to luke and to lamar is the greatest ever basketball setup i have ever seen
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UJjUpbTgf2w
Lakers 2008 champs
Posted by: ShazLakers | February 29, 2008 at 11:39 AM
Long Time Laker Fan,
I also like Ty Lue. He did a great job of defending Allen Iverson in the NBA Finals.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | February 29, 2008 at 11:40 AM
Weatherman
"Also, he as great as that block on Marion was, Kobe illegally popped the ball out from inside of the net after the block, that's why it didn't go down."
Intrigued at this thought. We reviewed the play in question.
Examining on a high resolution monitor in very slow motion, we came up with this observation.
Marions ball hitting the back of the rim was half way in. It came forward to the front of the rim, still half way in. Now going backwards, the ball is now rising out to about 20% and hits high on the back, leaving the rim.
Kobe's hand, although close, on the 3rd movement of the ball, didn't make contact. The ball was rising and leaving already.
Our conclusion: Kobe not touching the ball, except for the initial block, did not effect in any way Marion missing the attempted dunk.
But, if I was the ref, which I used to do at high school level, would've called for goal tending. Kobe brushed back the net, which could have easily effected the ball going through, even though in this case it didn't.
But this is the NBA where amazing happens. It was a great block.
Posted by: AN 1 | February 29, 2008 at 11:41 AM
BK,
"Bynum can jog in a swimming pool right now. I don't think he's quite ready for NBA action yet. "
What if they let the home team pick the surface, like in Davis Cup tennis?
Like the story of a height-disadvantaged Congressman who, after a heated debate, challenged Congressman Abe Lincoln to a duel. Lincoln didn't want to fight, so (as the challengee) when he picked the weapons, selected sledge hammers in 6 feet of water. The two ended up becoming good friends.
Posted by: exhelodrvr | February 29, 2008 at 11:44 AM
LTLF and Sonny,
Agreed. Tyron Lue did an admirable job of guarding AI in the finals against Philly (although the only play people seem to remember was when AI busted the three and walked over Lue). After watching Farmar and Fish's defense on AI this year, Lue's defense on quick guards like AI will come in handy. He will add to the versatility of this team.
XXSmall Lineup:
PG-Tyron Lue
SG-Farmar
SF-Kobe
PF-Ariza
C-Lamar
XXLarge Lineup:
PG-Kobe
SG-Ariza/Sasha
SF-Lamar
PF-Gasol
C-Bynum
Posted by: LAKER TRUTH | February 29, 2008 at 11:44 AM
Hey Long Time,
Go for it!
Sonnybelfast
Posted by: sonnybelfast | February 29, 2008 at 11:48 AM
Korey,
Lue also said, "I can't understand how the best player in the league does not have a single MVP award" or something to that effect.
Posted by: LAKER TRUTH | February 29, 2008 at 11:49 AM
ShazLakers,
Thanks for the link....
Posted by: Charles | February 29, 2008 at 11:50 AM
VIRTUAL REALITY!!
Lakers are awesome!! Go Lakers!! You are simply the best Lakers no matter what Charles OR jON k. say!!
la la la le lum, fi fi fe fo fum..yaba daba doo Go Lakers!!
Eat yuor heart out Phoenix Suns!! Lakers rule..la la le lo lum!!
Posted by: phoenixFAN | February 29, 2008 at 11:50 AM
Is it just me or has this been the most bizarre year on record regarding trades, buy-outs, and waivers? Just bizarre.
It's been good for the Lakers. (Great for the Lakers.) But for the most part I'm not sure how good it's been for the league.
If this keeps up, we should probably cut 12 teams from the league (Or illegalize the Eastern Conference). There's just too great an imbalace of talent.
Thank goodness the next two years draft looks to be rather rich (and we have a first round pick still in 2009. Good.)
And as of next year, we'll have the "talented veteran who just want win for once, for God's sake!" boost that comes with a Dynasty.
Despite all that we've given up in terms of freedom towards "rebuilding" with the trade for Gasol, Mitch Kupcheck still has some options in terms of improving the team.
I hope Dr. Buss is ready to be paying Knicks-like luxury tax once we resign Bynum, Farmar, Sasha, and Braveheart. That won't be cheap.
I wonder what kind of paycut Odom will accept. Unfortunately, if we win a championship with his improved play. It might not be a lot.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | February 29, 2008 at 11:53 AM
okay, okay. So I just copied this blog off the Spurs blog, poundingtherock.com.
"The only way this trade ends up good for us is if Thomas plays our of his mind OR if Barry comes back after 30 days. OR if both happen. I'm so sad though after watching the Lakers last night handle the Suns, especially since that was the Suns best shot. Shaq was playing REALLY inspired which he won't sustain, and Bynum was out. Are the Lakers that good?"
we made him sad.... Sweeet.
Posted by: Eddie Brock | February 29, 2008 at 11:55 AM
knowing is half the battle,
I agree that the Heat would be better if they had Kobe instead of Wade. But denying that Wade is clearly injured and not the same guy he was as recently as last year serves no purpose.
Kobe was already better than Wade before Wade went through his surgeries and that gap is bigger now that he's lost his explosiveness (he even looked sluggish in the Skills Competition).
People like Reggie forget that basketball is a team game one guy isn't going to turn a team around on his own. The Lakers with Kobe lost 19 of 21 to end the year in the 2004-05 season and lost eight in a row last year. And the Miami Heat are far worse right now than either of those teams were.
Posted by: Xodus | February 29, 2008 at 12:01 PM
Eddie Brock,
thanks for that post...
Posted by: Charles | February 29, 2008 at 12:01 PM
Tim-4-Show - I am not saying I disagree on the hard word and determination but there are guys in the NBA who arent hard workers off the court who have been pretty good players. The one that comes to mind is Allen Iverson, who once said something to the effect it was only practice. But no one questions his heart and determination during games.
I have no doubt that Farmar worked on his game but anytime I see imrpovement in players I believe its more due to opportunity ( more minutes) and confidence that hard work.
All players in the NBA have talent, thats why they are in the NBA. But no amount of hard work will make turn Dan Dickau into Steve Nash.
Posted by: Laker Lover | February 29, 2008 at 12:02 PM
Korey-
Remember, too, that each writer is writing under the assumption that their audience isn't reading the other papers. So they can't skip the "big news" so to speak to try and get a really unique spin. Plus, beat guys aren't necessarily concerned with a new spin, but information delivery. Day to day, sometimes the most important stories are pretty obvious. And like AK mentioned, writers often construct their notes from the same sources- the same interviews from practice that everyone else has, etc. When they do features, that's when you can see the time they've had exclusively with players and coaches.
BK
Posted by: Brian Kamenetzky | February 29, 2008 at 12:06 PM
PhoenixFan,
Feel that weird quesy feeling in your gut? That feeling that something is horribly, terribly wrong? That feeling that there's a monster in the closet, but which closet? And that idea's crazy, right? There are no monsters, right?
Still... something just can't be right. It can't be. Just try to ignore it. That's all you can do.
THAT! is the feeling Laker Nation felt four years ago when Shaq, Derek Fisher, Gary Payton, Phil Jackson all went away, Karl Malone did not resign, and Brian Grant proved to be permenantly injured.
The curse has left Laker Nation and found a new home in Phoenix, the plague being brought in by the typhoid Mary of basketball players "THE BIG MISTAKE!"
He brought joy to Lakersville and then tragedy.
He brought a shorter joy to Miami and then a longer tragedy.
He brought A MUCH shorter joy to Phoenix (a few weeks before he actually played) followed by a much longer period of tragedy.
The nightmare has begun.
Every day he becomes less effective. And your team gets older.
But he doesn't cost your team any less.
And you'll finish in the top 6 in the league this year. So your draft pick won't help much next year.
And then the real crash takes place.
An eight seed next year.
A lottery pick the next.
The Big Mistake has brought his plague to the Valley of the Sun, as the Sun turns a blood red, before a long, neverending darkness decends.
Laker Nation! Celebrate! The curse has passed! And foolishly been embraced by our wretched enemies!
Celebrate!
PhoenixFan, that sinking feeling you're trying ignore?
Get used to it.
It's going to be a long, bumpy ride.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | February 29, 2008 at 12:07 PM
Blingbling,
The irony when you call m "an ignorant." Perhaps you should check what you typed and re-read it. Take a long hard look.
Posted by: Charles | February 29, 2008 at 12:08 PM
AK/BK,
interesting perspectives:
- you assume a readers will just read your site so you have to hit all the cookie-cutter stories to be complete
- short deadline after a game to make a story
- exclusives usually give the new spins...
i can see that those are major factors...
I also find it interesting that with all that said the reporters kind of control the story. For instance, if you are set on figuring out why Luke Walton is playin a certain way, you ask Phil and other players about Luke. Then, you'll have a nice lil snippet about Luke to write about augmented with quotes.
HOWEVER, I guess if all reporters are there recording the same thing then you never really get a "scoop" till it's time for an exclusive...
arrrrggh, I think the problem is that I'm a Laker addict and I read too much material!!!
Posted by: Korey | February 29, 2008 at 12:14 PM
Elle, regarding Kobe's eye..Not that big of a diff..Nothing significant.. Hell, to me, his eyes are what make him a cutie, he has the sexiest eyebrows!! (ok calm down, I am FEMALE so I can get away with saying that)..Coincidentally, I've heard that one side of everyone's body is slightly bigger than the other" I don't know if that is fact, but I heard that when I was younger...
Posted by: lakersrydeordie | February 29, 2008 at 12:14 PM
Lakers4Realz,
Thanks for the laughs on the link to D'Antoni mic'd up.
Posted by: BD | February 29, 2008 at 12:21 PM
when bynum comes back and comes off the bench, Farmar and Sasha are going to have an even bigger field day from the outside. I'm sure PJ would shorten his rotation to about 8 in the playoffs but it would be sweet if he actually subbed out all 5 starters for our second team. opposing teams would be pulling their hair out. (Suns)
Posted by: sixonezero | February 29, 2008 at 12:21 PM
Korey-
Yeah, that's a lot of it. It's also important not to confuse exclusive news and news generally. Just because it pops up in a few places doesn't mean it's not news, or not important. Also, part of the reason there seems like so much redundancy out here is that four papers cover the team. In cities where it's one, maybe two, it might not seem so extreme.
There are differences, though. Different beat writers have different tones, focus on different things, and point out different things in the game. And sometimes the notebooks will have different stuff in them. But certain stories will always be the top line in them. Injuries, trades, big changes in the lineup, etc.
Hope it helps.
BK
Posted by: Brian Kamenetzky | February 29, 2008 at 12:22 PM
DK
We don't mind the trolls if they are respectful and something to contribute, even if, as you say, they are propping up their team. It's when words like "idiot" and "ignorant" are constantly peppered through their drivel filled rants that folks here react negatively. Sonny has been here a long time and is well respected, as he brings his take and lets us know how Sactown sees us. Sonny is welconme and respected for being himself. But the phx trolls with their infantile name calling are to be simply ignored until they realize no one pays them any attention and they just go away.
Posted by: toad | February 29, 2008 at 12:25 PM