Gear up for the home stretch
Break time's over.
The Lakers will kick off the post-All Star portion of their schedule tonight at home (seriously!) against Atlanta, in Mike Bibby's first game as a Hawk. But while the former King's presence will add some intrigue to the matchup, the Lakers are juggling their own concerns. First and foremost, a 35-17 record and the injection of Pau Gasol into the lineup has turned what was a frightening summer into a potentially promising spring. After all, as successful as the team has been, you can argue that the Lakers are still improving and have room to grow. A home heavy schedule (17 home, 13 road, including two against the Clippers) is an advantage for L.A.. Call it a reward for capping off a nine game road odyssey with a 7-2 mark. The big question for the Lakers revolves around the littlest finger on Kobe's right hand. How healthy will that pinkie be for Bryant, who has decided against surgery to repair torn ligaments in the digit? If it's any comfort, Kobe isn't particularly worried. That could help the Lakers repeat lofty first half grades and high rent locations in various power rankings, for sure.
PJ said Monday he thinks it'll take 20-25 wins to finish atop the crowded Western Conference. Given how every team seems obsessed with self-improvement, who knows, 25 might not be enough. It looks like the Jason Kidd-to-Dallas deal is finally a go (congrats to Keith Van Horn for out McKie-ing Aaron McKie!). Meanwhile, in Denver the Ron Artest rumors are in full swing, apparently hinging on whether Denver is willing to give up Linus Kleiza. Another option for the Nuggets could be Delonte West.
Good morning Charles.
Good morning Mamba24.
Good morning blog.
Tonight we get to witness our team wearing gold for the first time all month. I'm excited. I'm wondering how Bibby will help the Hawks and if we'll keep them from running on turnovers and loose balls.
The Trevor Ariza status might be what's prompting the rumors. Losing him is having a bigger impact that people realize. We need that second perimeter defender. He's probably our best SF other than Kobe.
Posted by: Tim-4-Show | February 19, 2008 at 09:28 AM
TONIGHT THE BANNER WILL WAVE AT STAPLES CENTER!
Yep. I'm going to the game tonight. I will offer my $0.02 tomorrow morning after the game.
Posted by: utzworld - THE BANNER HOLDER | February 19, 2008 at 09:30 AM
Grateful that JKidd is going to Dallas and not the Lakers. JKidd can't shoot or defend top western conference point guards. I wouldn't trade Jordan Farmar for JKidd straight up.
BTW, watch out for Farmar if Kobe has surgery. Jordan will step up big time.
Posted by: Todd | February 19, 2008 at 09:32 AM
Probably most people saw this little article on Kobe doing some habitat for humanity over the weekend. It meshes with other reports about how Kobe has taken time of his own to show love to New Orleans after the hurricane.
http://tinyurl.com/2fdps8
I find it interesting that PJ is thinking of the same record over the next 30 that LakerTom posted last week.
It all hinges on the pinkie.
I'm not sure what tomorrow brings (literally), but tonight is a "must".
Posted by: Tim-4-Show | February 19, 2008 at 09:33 AM
First!
The Lakers are going to be the top seed in the West!!
Good morning, Vietnam!!!
Posted by: so now you know | February 19, 2008 at 09:38 AM
Who the hell is Linus Kleiza?
Bill Simmons did an article on how the NBA is on a high right now because all the good young "quality" guys there are. Not one mention of young Mr. Bean. But that's ok. To be expected.
My contention is that the NBA is on a high because LA is relevant again. They're contenders. Showtime is back. Some will say that it's the Lakers/Boston rivalry that's bringing back the excitement. I don't think Boston's all that relevant, even though they have a great team.
The West is where it's at. Can the Lakers climb the three hillls of old father time? Can they knock off the aging Spurs, Mavs, and Suns? And then knock off another old father time team in the Pistons or possibly the Celtics?
Hmmm....
Posted by: mel | February 19, 2008 at 09:39 AM
Good morning fam. Busy at work but wanted to say hello. Will be going to the game. Probably not first this time.
Posted by: Charles | February 19, 2008 at 09:40 AM
Just heard on Colin Cowherd show... Odom being traded for Caron Butler? or the Lakers not done tinkering with their lineup. Not sure how that deal could work.
Posted by: on the radio | February 19, 2008 at 09:40 AM
Just heard on Colin Cowherd show... Odom being traded for Caron Butler? or the Lakers not done tinkering with their lineup. Not sure how that deal could work.
Posted by: on the radio | February 19, 2008 at 09:40 AM
{Repost}
If ANYONE has an inside with Ariza or Bynum get them (particularly Ariza) on a liquid sea mineral supplementation routine and Ariza on an additional Vitamin D supplementation routine.
Minerals are THE essential nutritional component in aiding bone, joint, tendon, and ligament repair.
Sea minerals are the most bioabsorbable and most easily utilized on a cellular level form of minerals. And sea minerals also have the most optimal ratio of minerals.
And Vitamin D is essential for activating the cells that deposit these minerals on bones.
So somebody get Bynum and Ariza taking sea minerals three times a day with each meal. It will honestly accelerate their healing time by at least 30 to 40%.
www.seamineral.com is a good source.
www.ziquin.com is another decent source.
I'm dead serious. If anyone (ummm... K Brothers?) has an inside on the Lakers staff, please get this to look at getting Ariza, Bynum, and Chris Mihm (I suppose) on this stuff.
I'm dead serious. K Brothers, please get the trainers to look at this.
The whole reason Bill Walton had such brittle bones and was injured so much in his professional career was because he followed a vegetarian diet that was low in boron. And boron is essential in stengthening bones. It's not just a matter of having enough calcium. Strong bones and ligaments are composed of a wide spectrum of minerals.
If Bill Walton would have properly supplemented his diet and nutritional program, his professional career would have been very different.
You got to supplement. Got to!
Somebody PLEASE get Bynum, Ariza, and Mihm on a sea mineral supplementation regimen! We need our boys back on the floor in Purple and Gold!
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | February 19, 2008 at 09:41 AM
Good Morning all. Heres is hoping for that start for 20-25
wins for the West and then 16 more wins.
Posted by: JustaLakerFan | February 19, 2008 at 09:45 AM
God, I can't WAIT for Shaq to begin playing for the Suns. Man, they are going to sink like a stone.
Let's get this season moving!
It's Gotime!
GO LAKERS!!
Posted by: Jon K. | February 19, 2008 at 09:46 AM
Good morning every one.
Posted by: Elle | February 19, 2008 at 09:46 AM
Laker looking to get Caron Butlet back for Lamar Odom
This is our year!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: Zakee | February 19, 2008 at 09:48 AM
Tim-4-Show,
Beat me to it but thanks for the Good Morning! Going to the game with lakers legacy.... Really hype right now....
Peace
Posted by: Charles | February 19, 2008 at 09:48 AM
Laker looking to get Caron Butler back for Lamar Odom
This is our year!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: Zakee | February 19, 2008 at 09:48 AM
Caron Butler for LO is in the works!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: Zakee | February 19, 2008 at 09:49 AM
I want to dwell more on tonight's game, but wanted to quickly say (this actually goes without saying)
The big motivator is useful for at least one thing. What we can certainly conclude about Shaq is that he could have a horrible year, have played lousy for 40 straight games (not necessarily saying that he has), but then when a premier in-season game against the Lakers arrives, he gets the WHOLE team up for it.
What we head into tomorrow will be nothing short of a full blown, WCF-like atmosphere. While I doubt the two teams will match up at all in the playoffs (not likely), tomorrow's game will have that level of intensity.
If we can even show up tomorrow, that's a success. If we win, that's a declaration.
Posted by: Tim-4-Show | February 19, 2008 at 09:53 AM
Home Game?
huh? what's that?
Posted by: J. Walter Weatherman | February 19, 2008 at 09:55 AM
The Lakers were championship contenders before Pau showed up (and Bynum went down, of course). I read the Lakers blogs and feel like I'm the only one who remembers that. What has Pau brought? I'm not sure yet. Yea he's had good offense numbers, but was that really a problem before? Not really. Their team D has suffered, but I'll wait until some games in LA before really making a conclusion on that (opposing teams play better at home).
The Lakers, though beating the dregs of the East, have yet to really coalesce with Pau in the lineup. The best two games on the road trip were undeniably those first two after the trade before Pau showed up, in Toronto and Washington, where they were CLICKING. Those were a joy to watch.
Posted by: smallwonderrobot | February 19, 2008 at 09:56 AM
Welcome back Mamba24, thank you for the acknowledgment.
Turner at the PE and Bresnehan at the LA Times have widely different views on when Ariza would be back. I am grateful that Bynum’s seems to be on track according to both.
30 games left. The hype for the Suns game tomorrow will be epic – haven’t heard if Shaq was ready – but look for PJ to throw a couple of wrinkles at him if he is. Even if healthy, he is far from basketball shape.
Posted by: HmrHed | February 19, 2008 at 10:04 AM
I hope PJ sticks Sasha on Bibby tonight. I love it when he annoys people enough to get them to react. Kinda like our version of Danny Ainge. Even though he's in the Eastern Conference now, its always fun to play mind games with people.
Posted by: #4 | February 19, 2008 at 10:05 AM
So Butler is rumored to be traded to the Lake show? Geeezzzz..lol
The NBA..were players flip flop from team to team and move more furniture than the ghost from Poltergeist happens
Posted by: lakeraholic | February 19, 2008 at 10:08 AM
Finally some Lakers basketball! Pau is going to get a great reception. I'll be watching FSN...
Good Luck to all of you bloggers, i.e. WE WIN!
I also like LO and there is no need to trade for CB.
Lamar is playing very well, huge boards, and he is a Laker.
60+ and In
Baywood
Posted by: Baywood | February 19, 2008 at 10:11 AM
Jon K.
The Suns killed any hope of getting to the finals when they got Shaq. How many games did he miss in Miami before the trade because he was "hurt"? And now he gets traded and suddenly he's not just 100% better but a 1000% better?
My gut feeling is that Shaq just got tired of the Heat and gave management some BS about being "hurt" either that or the Suns have miracle workers on their training staff.
Posted by: Elle | February 19, 2008 at 10:13 AM
Jon K,
I'm sure the Lakers trainers are aware of any and all dietary supplements that may or may not aid in healing. There's more to injuries than just bones though, there's swelling,flexibility and loss of muscle mass to deal with as well.
Posted by: J. Walter Weatherman | February 19, 2008 at 10:14 AM
Zakee,
I'm pretty sure it's not in the works.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | February 19, 2008 at 10:15 AM
Butler for Odom? Get real people.
Mitch Kupchek does everything under the radar - don't you remember how big a surprise it was when the Lakers got Gasol?
The fact that Butler for Odom is now the "hot rumor" everywhere means that there is no truth to it.
Posted by: Laker Seth | February 19, 2008 at 10:17 AM
Buenas Dias Senor Gasol,
Tonite will wil be Pau Gasol's night.
As the lyrics of the song says, "the rain in Spain stays mainly on the plain" but the thunder will start tonite at the Staples, Pau is not just a plain but on a plane that will take off above the rim and play in the air with Kobe, LO and Pau. They will soar to undetermined heights that we have never imagined. On the wings will be Vlad and Fish waiting for the ball, the rain of threes are coming not only the plain but on the floor of Staples.
When the shots of Sasha are falling, Farmar keep up his head high as the new star of the sophomores and go for his usual 15 pts, Turiaf jumping and dancing, Luke is finding openings between legs w/o any T/O's while Batman (Mbenga) and Robin (Karl) are preparing to play, then Lakers fans will be yelling.....
ADIOS JOE JOHNSON
ADIOS MIKE BIBBY
ADIOS ATLANTA HAWKS
VIVA PAU!!! BRAVO LAKERS....
Our japanese fans at Gardena, Japan will also shout, BANZAI!
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | February 19, 2008 at 10:20 AM
J. Walter Weatherman,
True, but they may not know about how bioavailable sea minerals are compared to minerals in tablet form.
With Ariza and Mihm's injuries, sea minerals are going to be the fastest and best form of supplementation for healing.
With Bynum, yeah, there are other issues, nutritionally speaking, but sea minerals will help tremendously.
With Kobe, sea minerals aren't going to untear a torn ligament. It doesn't work that way. However, they will help strengthen the joint.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | February 19, 2008 at 10:23 AM
Elle,
I think desperation makes sane, mature people do the darnest things.
In any case, it's going to be REAL interesting watching Suns once Shaq is on the floor in a ridiculous orange uniform.
He's going to look like a giant pumpkin lumbering down the court. I can't wait.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | February 19, 2008 at 10:25 AM
Jon K.
Tomm. I want an apology.
If you are right by Thursday I will give you one.
Is that a deal??
Posted by: Zakee | February 19, 2008 at 10:27 AM
smallwonderrobot,
>>>Their team D has suffered,
Are you nuts? Kwame's d was pitiful. He was one of the MAIN
reasons they lost those 4 games after Bynum went down. Gasol
isn't a great defender, and he won't be as good as Bynum,
but
he has already played better defense than Kwame. The Lakers'
defense actually IMPROVED by removing Kwame and adding
Pau. It'll improve more when Drew gets healthy.
Posted by: Long Time Laker Fan | February 19, 2008 at 10:30 AM
Laker Seth
The Wizards have to do some and the Lakers have a player that would fit into their rotation. It is more of a money thing I would think
Wizards
Gilbert
Daniels/Stevenson
Jamison
LO
Haywood
They would then have a big lineup and a player that would allow Gilbert to shoot his shoots.
Lakers
Fisher
Kobe
Butler
Gasol
Bynum
A traditional 3
It just makes sense and if there are talking about it I don't see why both teams would not make the deal.
Posted by: Zakee | February 19, 2008 at 10:31 AM
DOES ANY ONE KNOW WHY C.MIHM IS GETTING SURGERY AGAIN ON THE HEEL? IT WAS SAID IN NEWS THAT THEY WILL REMOVE A "SCREW" FROM THE HEEL.
WHAT SCREW? WHY IT GOT INSIDE HIS HEEL? SOMETHING REALLY FISHY GOING ON IN LAKE SHOW
Posted by: Disgruntled,Frustrated Laker Fan | February 19, 2008 at 10:33 AM
Jon K
Plus with Ariza hurt unitl April, the Lakers now know how important it is for a real 3 man. LO will crowd the lane win Bynum comes back. The dude can't shoot.
The only game he shoots good in is 2K8 and Live and we all know that they are video games.
I like LO as a person, but the team is no longer bulit for his game. We don't need a passer. We need a finisher.
5 FINISHERS Are better the 4
Posted by: Zakee | February 19, 2008 at 10:35 AM
Zakee,
We've got a deal.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | February 19, 2008 at 10:39 AM
Lamar for Butler won't happen.. At least not this year.
Posted by: zen | February 19, 2008 at 10:49 AM
Deal! Bring on Butler!
Even though I still got love for LO.
Plus if we don't it this year, we will definatley make a move in the off season. It is not LO fault. We need a James Worthy, not a noncofident Majog Johnson. LO could hit a game winning shoot if his life depended on it. I am sorry, but that is how I feel. Like the guy, but I understand that in this game you must have big nuts and LO has very very very very tiny ones!!! Good player though, just not a finisher. If anybody sees him ask him about the shoot he missed in highschool to win the state championship. That shoot must be a haunting the guy. Has not made one since.
Thank goodness for Kobe!!!!!!
Posted by: Zakee | February 19, 2008 at 10:55 AM
Let's not trade Caron for Odom,...unless Kobe's going to have surgery. Lamar is holding down the glass right now and dishing like the old Lamar. His scoring will always be hit and miss, but he is an incredible complimentary player, maybe the best 3 in basketball and defintely the best 4, Now if Kobe is too hampered by the teeny digit, I say we make the trade. Caron would definitely boost our defensive prowess, but remember, this guy has never run the triangle. The triangle is most difficult for the guard to learn and it's subtle nuances may be too much for anyone to pick up in the last 30 games of the season.
Why would Washington do this deal? I can't imagine them wanting to take on additional salary, or have to figure out which combination of players equal Lamar's salary,but hmmn.
You know, this whole Lamar thing reminds me of a different time. I believe it was 1982, but give me a year's leeway, and we traded Norm Nixon, subsequently picking up B Scott. At the time, I was very upset. I had watched stormin Norman since his days at Duquesne and his pull up J is still one of the nicest the league has ever seen. He had had career averages of 16+ and 8+ assists. He and Kareem had helped (along with Magic obviously{my hero}) bridge the gap between the early 70's glory and the 80s Dynasty, helping us to bring championship glory back to the Lakers and then he was gone. He was my favorite player from 77-79 and second favorite til he left.
Obviously bringing in B was a great move and solidified a core that would span nearly ten years. It was a good move, but it made my stomach hurt...
It made my stomach hurt alot like trading Lamar does.
Now Lamar has not helped bridge that gap and has brought no championships and is not my favorite or 2nd favorite player, but there is something there. This guy is loyal He is active on the boards and wants to be a laker. I think we need to hold on to him and see if we cant re-sign him in the 7-8 mil range to an extension, and he is worth about that.
Posted by: Kobesbad | February 19, 2008 at 10:57 AM
But if the Lakers could just move Luke and or somebody else for Caron, but then that would likely relegate Lamar to the bench, since Caron is the proven All-Star, don't think he'd go for that and with his salary, not likely to happen..
Like somebody else said on the blog, Mitch does his ISH on the low...This trade is probably just propaganda...
Posted by: lakersrydeordie | February 19, 2008 at 11:07 AM
I just want to know what sports fiend gets the gall to get the ball and run with this type of stuff?? Anything for a story I guess. I would be dumbfounded stupified then at the end Happy if we traded but if not, I would not be disappointed..Just the same, Lamar DOES seem to be coming around Lately, and I am hoping he continues to do just that..No TIME like the PRESENT..Everyone with a heart on this team need to raise the EFF up! Period.
Posted by: lakersrydeordie | February 19, 2008 at 11:11 AM
Well, I tend to agree with Jon K... about Butler & sea minerals.
However, the last time the blog disagreed with Zakee, we were the ones eating crow in the end.
Posted by: Tim-4-Show | February 19, 2008 at 11:17 AM
lakersrydeordie -
I agree why is Sam Smith covering Laker rumors or creating them. Your whole team is dispensable and available. Sheesh.
As for how Mitch does things, yeah, I would be surprised if Mitch dod this, cause he works on the DL (not disabled list ----DOWN LOW) usually.
I really believe Lamar has found his comfort zone. It may not be exactly how we want him to be, but it is working and I don't see any pressing reason to change it right now.
Sorry for all my gab. I usually just read, but I felt compelled.
Mamba 24, I am very sorry to hear about your loss and my prayers are with you and your family.
Posted by: Kobesbad | February 19, 2008 at 11:20 AM
Looks like the Kidd deal has been finalized and approved.
Two more days of the notorious 2008 "arms race"
What will happen next?
Posted by: Tim-4-Show | February 19, 2008 at 11:21 AM
Nick Fazekas is now available.
I know we talked about it yesterday, but anyone else have some thoughts on it?
Posted by: Tim-4-Show | February 19, 2008 at 11:24 AM
Zakee,
The thing is, yes, Lamar is overpaid.
We've got game winning shooters in Kobe and Derek Fisher. Farmar could be that guy, too.
Lamar needs to see a sports psychologist.
However, he plays hard. He's a good passer and great rebounder (so good he injures his fellow players getting to the ball).
But Lamar has been playing great since Kung-Pau entered the mix. If he keeps up this level of play, I don't see a reason to trade him.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | February 19, 2008 at 11:38 AM
Jon K.-
Interesting that you mention vitamin D and bone mineralization. I am a vitamin D scientist focusing on bone and mineral disorders in chronic kidney disease. I have often wondered if NBA players are dangerously deficient in vitamin D. Particularly since they rarely get prolonged sun exposure and many are African American and therefore require even greater sun exposure to make the same amount of vitamin D. FYI- The amount that comes in a multivitamin would likely be woefully inadequate to replenish a deficient individual. I second your recommendation!
Vitamin D = better D hahaha (that is, if it means the Lakers get Bynum and Ariza back sooner...)
Posted by: C.S. | February 19, 2008 at 11:51 AM
The Butler for LO is supposedly on the authority (weak) of the Chicago Tribune. But I would really miss LO. His rebounding is a big plus for us. We have shooters. His 12 pts per are adequate.
Also, I sort of wish Kobe had had the surgery. We'll make the playoffs. Now I have to be nervous every minute of every game until the end. It might have even been good for Gasol and Bynum to have really situated their game without him for a bit. But he risks his finger, we bite our nails!
GO LAKERS!!!
Posted by: JohnnyP | February 19, 2008 at 12:00 PM
C.S.,
Thanks for your insight. See K Brothers! C.S. the Scientist knows!
Hey, C.S., I've been told that Vitamin D may be the best vitamin in the prevention of cancer, perhaps even more important than Vitamin C. What are your thoughts on that?
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | February 19, 2008 at 12:07 PM