Just when you thought it was safe to go into the water
And by "water," I mean "the All-Star break without any worries," along comes Kobe's durn pinkie. A extra look-see from the medical staff has revealed a right pinkie ligament tear. The doc recommended surgery. Kobe has decided to hold off on the O.R., opting for pain over a six week absence that could leave the Lakers high and dry in seriously competitive and ever changing Western Conference. And considering the Lakers have their sights on coming out of said division, it stands to reason that Kobe on the court would be a part of any blueprint. He also remains, for the time being, a part of the All-Star blueprint this weekend, although Dirk will be subbing for him in the shootout from distance. The Lakers (and yours truly) are hoping the league will allow Kobe to skip the whole kit and kaboodle (or at least limit his work to a cameo smaller than William Hurt in "A History of Violence"). But even then, the decision likely remains up to Kobe, who appears dead set on lacing 'em up.
If you see Pau Gasol on the street, compliment his ability to be an apt pupil. Then let him know he can crash on your couch, if need be.
AK
Is Denver the next Western conference player to make a bold move? Shockingly, Z.Bo is open to the idea of leaving the Knicks.
Jerry Stackhouse's big yap could make him even less popular than Devean George in Dallas. But should Stack's flapping gums not sink the ship, Keith Van Horn could become a local folk hero without doing a damn thing.
For those who like to do their homework before betting on the rookie-sophomore game, have at it.
It's easy for Blazer Darius Miles to love the NBA lifestyle, since it doesn't involve that whole "playing" thing.
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Good Morning!!! In Honor of Larry “Mamba24”
ROLL CALL:
(1) FAITH, (2) BOB, MIKE T. TALIQ, EDWIN GUECO, KEIFO, WOLF, CLEON,COMPTONS_FINEST, VMAN, TIM-4-SHOW, LAKERTOM, RICK FRIEDMAN,JON KAVULIC, WEAVE MAN, SIXONEZERO, FEARLESSWHACKJOB, DICE8UP tha_SHOW, JCOOL, WOW, THE_D., FKILLAH, CHARLES, GENERIC_ONE
utzworld THE BANNER HOLDER, EXHELODRVR, ) JANAYA, EASTCOASTJESSIE,Mamba24Fan4Life, FanofMamba, WhiteMamba24 HMRHED, VI LAKERFANBlackMamba24, AfroJoe, LakerTRUTH, Kiwi, Peace, DAVID WHANG, ELLE, J.J.HOBBITMAGE, idiot, LAKERDAWG, GINO . YOU EVER NOTICE?,AdamKiley, LakersryDeordie, ANGRYLAKER, The CAT, TSIRY, Darkhangelsk TheLakeShow, WESsJoeNixon, BAYWOOD, SBPIMP, CaliKing, Thirty2, DaxMDD CBUCK, GDChild, ZEN, DION, Centralk, FATTY, Greek Dude, Staples24, Guy TWOODY, Ajax, MITCHELL, BZAR, PJ_DOUBTER, Occupant-Cell-186, hmmmm NEVER, LakaLover, Bynumite, LakerDogerDieHardInUpStateNY, Chucky.L.Ohnio, Sead94, LeftField, JOREMA, Korey, Xtro, MCGarnagle, Gugy, Laker4Life, LAKERFAZE BLKTHGHT06, WONDAHBAB, WhatsthesoundofKwameClapping? JANDRO, GABE PhxLkrFAN, Pince Akrasian, TexasLaker, EagleBoy, JR., KOBES T., KobeRocks Purple & Gold, TSPHERE, t_Sensei, Tully Moxness, Zakee, David Peterson,
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ALL TOGETHER NOW:
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THE TEAM WITH THE BEST WINNING PERCENTAGE IN NBA HISTORY!
THE HOME OF WILT, KAREEM, GEORGE MIKAN, SHAQ, MAGIC, KOBE, ELGIN BAYLOR, THE LOGO(JERRY WEST), PAT RILEY, JAMES WORTHY, MICHAEL COOPER.
COACHED BY THE 9 TIME TITLE WINNER PHIL (9RINGS) JACKSON!
AND NO ONE WILL EVER DIVIDE OR CONQUER US!
Posted by: Charles | February 15, 2008 at 09:09 AM
Frankly, as fans, we know Kobe well enough to just trust his judgment on this.
The D
Ya trust him to take 40 shots in the allstargame to prove he's the MVP, with total disregard for his teamates back at home and you guys for that matter. Only thinking about himself.
SELFISH, SELFISH, SELFISH
you guys have a better chance of trying to stop him from playing this weekend, than your (best coach in the league) does, he couldn't even get em to come out of that warriors game when pulled his groin
Posted by: Fire32 | February 15, 2008 at 09:11 AM
I trust Kobe's judgement. I trust Mitch's judgement.
You should too.
If there's a way to get through this, they WILL find the way.
Freakin four point play with a ligament torn from the bone... wow. And we actually debate the value of this guy?
Posted by: Tim-4-Show | February 15, 2008 at 09:12 AM
I've been wondering about Gasol this whole time... I just assumed he had a personal assistant to get his stuff packed from Memphis and to move it, and find a suitable place to stay in LA before he purchases a home or whatever.
At the very least I thought someone in the Lakers front office would have volunteered to take this up while the players were on the road, but I guess not.
Geez people... the guy is trying to do what he can to help us win... the least management could do is get some paper pushing lacky to get him an apartment or something near the el segundo head quarters.
Well, either way, the guy has enough cash to hotel it... but come on, let's get a moving company to help get his most needed possessions to LA.
Posted by: Tim-4-Show | February 15, 2008 at 09:17 AM
As it relates to Kobe's pinky, "God doesn't give US anything we cannot handle."
Go Lakers, no time like the present!
Posted by: lakersrydeordie | February 15, 2008 at 09:18 AM
What happened to Mamba24?
I noticed that he has not been around the blog for a while.....
janaya
Posted by: janaya | February 15, 2008 at 09:23 AM
AK
"But even then, the decision likely remains up to Kobe, who appears dead set on lacing 'em up."
Which article indicates that thought or is that your opinion?
Posted by: AN 1 | February 15, 2008 at 09:23 AM
I need some clarification from the gurus out here. I heard that Deavon George was in the last year of a 2 year contract. It seems losing your bird rights is for anyone in the last year of a contract who gets traded...Is this not true?
Posted by: zen | February 15, 2008 at 09:29 AM
Darius Miles makes the achievements of Kwame Brown, Brian Cook, and Smush Parker look like those of Kobe.
Darius had more potential and promise than any of the guys mentioned above, and yet he's happy with his accomplishments?
He makes me thankful we have a guy like Lamar who at least keeps himself in shape in the offseason and does what he can to at least keep the skills that have brought himself this far.
Wow.
Darius Miles.
And there were actually bloggers who thought this guy was our answer?
Thank you Mitch for avoiding this sinkhole! It would have been worse than Kwame... at least at the end of the day we traded our beat up Kwame for a nice polished Gasol.
Posted by: Tim-4-Show | February 15, 2008 at 09:29 AM
Lebron gets a pinky injury that doesn't need surgery and misses three (?) games.
Kobe tears a ligament in his pinky that needs surgery and misses ZERO games. Lebron James is an amazing talent, but that right there tells you a significant difference between him and Mozart/Da Vinci.
Seems to me Lebron is content with being one of the best in the NBA, but doesn't have the desire to be "the best ever." He seems to be missing that intagible desire/killer instinct for greatness, which is what separates Tiger, MJ, Kobe, Roger, Bird, etc. from the crowd.
Also, when Andrew Bynum catches a pick and roll dunk on top of Shaq's head in the playoffs I am going to be ROTFLMFAO.
DOOOO BEEEE DOOOO BEEEE DOOOOOO
Posted by: Stranger in the Night | February 15, 2008 at 09:29 AM
What criteria could the league possibly sight that would prohibit Kobe from guarding against further injury to a doctor diagnosed, surgery required condition?
When this was first brought up after the Minnesota game, it sounded as if Kobe just wanted a rest. That obviously is not the case. The man has been playing big minutes since the summer. The rest would be more than nice, it's doctor prescribed.
If the league wants an appearance, Kobe should appear with KG and Caron.
Posted by: Vman | February 15, 2008 at 09:30 AM
Stackhouse's mouth and Devean George! have destroyed the Kidd deal. This is it, Cleveland HAS to come in now and grab Kidd. If they want Lebron to stay they have to show him they will make the big moves. Even if it doesn't work out they can probably get Kidd off the books by the time Lebron becomes a free agent and promise him to be a player in free agency to get him to stay.
Posted by: TaosHum | February 15, 2008 at 09:33 AM
Darius Miles! Way to keep your composure!
I never liked Stackhouse. Now, I know why.
Boy, it sure is nice to see other Western Teams setting their masts afire and not us.
A shame about Kobe's pinkie, but, warrior that he is, he trudges forward. I think he made the right decision.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | February 15, 2008 at 09:34 AM
Good morning fellow Laker fans. Nice little opening tribute Charles. Go Lakers!!!
Posted by: Nemaia Faletogo | February 15, 2008 at 09:35 AM
Why the hell isn't Al Thorton on the rookie All-Star team? IT MAKES NO SENSE!
Go Clippers!
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | February 15, 2008 at 09:36 AM
AK,
I don't suppose you're a Marillion fan?
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | February 15, 2008 at 09:39 AM
its hard to believe the nba is making or asking Kobe to play in the All Star game. The tickets are already sold, TV ads paid for etc. The game is an exhibition and Kobe should stay loyal to his team, the lakers not the league. The All Star game is meaningless and its not worth the risk, no matter how small or injuring the finger in a meaningless game.
If he goes, it will show me he is more interested in himself and individual accomplishments than his team.
Posted by: Laker Lover | February 15, 2008 at 09:39 AM
Newbies, chill y'all ... I don't think any of you can claim to have more love for kobe than me ... I'm constantly going to war with all of brooklyn just cuz of my appreciation of his skill level, best ever in my humble opinion.
So apologies for calling kobe a punk, andrew weak and ariza a goat ... but it was either that or blame the good lord and I dont want to get struck by lightning.
On a more serious note though, enough with this him being able to handle pain crap ... do y'all think he's not going to get smacked by bowen on that hand? ... or that raja wont go for it either? ... and then he'll worsen the injury the last week and have to sitout the playoffs ... If the playoffs were tomorrow I'd understand his decision but we still have over 8weeks left ...
wtf plays with a dislocated pinkie/torn ligament ... like I can't believe you his fans are rooting for him to kill himself on the basketball court ...
So I still say the responsible thing for Kobe to do is have the surgery. So what if we end up being a 7th seed, lets just get healthy.
If I see an article which says a doctor thinks that while he might be in some pain that there is little chance of him making the condition much worse, then I'll grudginly backdown ... but until then I think the laker organization as a whole is being highly irresponsible by letting him continue to play ... and this blog is silly for rooting for him to have his finger amputated ... like can he even get a protective cast or something ...
And oh wtf, the nba is going to make him play in the allstar games? what they dont trust kobes doctor? or is the message just if you're willing to kill yourself for meaningful laker games you should be willing to kill yourself for the allstar games? shouldnt the commissioner be a voice of reason as well and go hey we understand why you cant play and we'd also like you to seriouisly consider sitting out the laker games for the sake of your own health
Where is the love people? ... and umm I take back the kobe apology but stick by the bynum/ariza apology ... i.e. i still think kobe's a punk if he plays
Posted by: Taliq | February 15, 2008 at 09:41 AM
Good Morning Charles.
Now it's time to catch up on what happened since last night. We go into the All-Star break third in the west.
Colorado loves the Lakers!
Posted by: Hugo Boss | February 15, 2008 at 09:42 AM
Stranger in the Night - One could argue that Lebron is not trying to play hero and would prefer to be at 100 percent when it matters the playoffs.
Any team including the Lakers should be able to stay afloat without their star for awhile. Look at what San Antonio is doing with Parker and Duncan. I am sure they could play or have played but they know whats important is the playoffs not the regular season.
Posted by: Laker Lover | February 15, 2008 at 09:48 AM
Stranger in the Night,
Maybe lebron is just smart enough to realise that 3 games wont kill the cavs.
Laker Lover,
The word is the nba is insisting kobe shows up, how is that his fault?
Again I repeat, unless I see a doctors opinion saying under certain circumstances its ok to play with a disclocated finger/torn ligament ... I say the entire laker organization is retarded if they let this dude play another game in any jersey until he gets the surgery ... then again maybe i'm just over-reacting, didn't lamar play with like a torn shoulder most of last season? ... idk ... just all seems very irresponsible to me, irrespective of kobes tolerance for pain (i.e. just cuz you can endure pain doesn't mean you should stab yourself every friday night)
Posted by: Taliq | February 15, 2008 at 09:50 AM
Where is Mamba24?
Posted by: drew | February 15, 2008 at 09:50 AM
Tim-4-Show,
I admit. I was one of the afflicted when it comes to Darius Miles.
He played fantastically for the Clippers! And then it was all downhill from there.
I thought, "Hey, maybe he comes back to L.A. where he's happy and Phil Jackson whips him into shape! It'll be great!"
Yes, now I recognize I was being throttled by delusion. My apologies, Laker Nation.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | February 15, 2008 at 09:52 AM
Janaya,
Our beloved soul of the blog, Mamba24's mom passed away. We will wait for his return when he is ready. In the mean time, one of our other senior bloggers Edwin Gueco suggested/asked if I may post the roll call. I obliged.....
Regards,
Posted by: Charles | February 15, 2008 at 09:53 AM
Personally, I think Kobe should go ahead and have the surgery. Maybe there is a decent guard available out there that the Lakers could sign in the interim. I know that the chances of the Lakers making the playoffs would be slim, but this way we might have everybody healthy for a final push in the last part of the season. I just feel that Kobe's game suffers when he plays injured and how long can he be a decoy when he isn't producing? Both his shooting and ball handling have been dismal since the injury and he won't get any sympathy from opposing players who will take every opportunity th whack him on that hand.
Roger
Posted by: Roger B | February 15, 2008 at 09:53 AM
I trust Kobe's judgement. I trust Mitch's judgement.
blah blah blah Nearly everyone on this blog save a few didnt trust Mitchs judgement last year, were calling for his head as well as Dr Buss.
Problem is Kobe doesnt trust Phils judgement or the best interests of the team. Phil has said Kobe should not play in the all star game.
Prediction- Kobe plays in the game because it matters more to him what fans and the media thinks than his own teammates and coaches.
Posted by: Laker Lover | February 15, 2008 at 09:53 AM
janaya,
I think Michael T. hunted him down. You could be next.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | February 15, 2008 at 09:54 AM
Taliq - the NBA has never, in my memory, required an injured player to play in the all star game. Why would they start now?
Posted by: Laker Lover | February 15, 2008 at 09:55 AM
Thanks Hugo Boss. Colorado in the House.
Posted by: Charles | February 15, 2008 at 09:56 AM
TaosHum,
May I please have you post a link to the Stackhouse ramblings?
Regards,
Posted by: Charles | February 15, 2008 at 09:56 AM
Nemaia Faletogo,
Thank you!
Posted by: Charles | February 15, 2008 at 09:58 AM
The league has some lame precedent that doesn't allow for injuries right at the All-Star game. It's probably in place to prevent players that are (just not into it) from not appearing.
Obviously, it's a stupid policy that doesn't account for real world complications. It also doesn't account for Kobe Bryant with a serious injury that's he's going to play through, but wants a few days rest to keep the wheels from falling off and is pursuing a good playoff berth.
Posted by: Benjamin | February 15, 2008 at 10:01 AM
Thanks for that Charles!
Guys, in the interest of some calm...remember '04:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=koq7crvYabQ
And this isn't even remotely close to that. It's a finger.
Posted by: Faith | February 15, 2008 at 10:04 AM
I would love for Kobe to not have to undergo surgery and us not lose games because of his absence, HOWEVER, eventhough this won't happen, I actually wish that he would have the surgery like today. See, we don't play another game for 4 -5 days. Thats like getting 1 of the 6 weeks of recovery time without losing any games for it. If he waits a couple weeks and then winds up needing the surgery, we will have all 6 recovery weeks worth of games without him.
Remember when Bynum went down and we approached the huge road trip, we werent sure what to expect. Well, a huge unexpected trade rejuvenated this team. I know it isnt wise to constantly shake up the team but maybe having Kobe go down may open the door for another UNEXPECTED move that may allowus to ride the course without Kobe, Bynum and Ariza.. but when they do all come back, allow us to have an unbelievable team.
dpk
Posted by: dpk | February 15, 2008 at 10:08 AM
AN1,
"AK, But even then, the decision likely remains up to Kobe, who appears dead set on lacing 'em up." Which article indicates that thought or is that your opinion?"
It's my opinion based on Kobe not really expressing any desire to miss the game. Any wishes for him to miss it seem to be coming from Phil and the organization. Throw in the fact that Kobe's competitiveness and tendency to view most things as a challenge that must be conquered keeps him from sitting "blank" out.
If it turns out I'm misrepresenting Kobe's intentions, I'll certainly own up and apologize. But that's how I'm reading things at the moment. At the very least, he doesn't seem to want to make it publically known that he'd prefer to miss it.
AK
Posted by: Andrew Kamenetzky | February 15, 2008 at 10:08 AM
Guess your 3rd option is gonna have to move back to 2nd option again , you know the guy you love when your team plays well, but HATE when you dont, You guys know who I'm talkin about whats his name? He dissapears when the pressurs on hm, oh ya I remember lamar odumb
Yes, He will be hated AGAIN
Looks like your cake schedule for the rest of the way, just got tougher
Posted by: Fire32 | February 15, 2008 at 10:10 AM
Faith,
Your welcome.
Posted by: Charles | February 15, 2008 at 10:11 AM
Laker Lover,
I certainly appreciate your posts on the blog, but I have doubts that you're a lover of anything Laker related.
Let me spell this out for you:
Kobe played up through Wed.
He's scheduled to play Tuesday.
Does that sound like a KG or Butler type of injury?
No.
Therefore, the NBA says, "you will play. You're not missing games, you WILL play, that's the policy that's the way it is. And by the way Kobe, if we want you to miss games, we'll supspend you and take your money. That's how this league works boy. Now get back in your place."
When Kobe shows up (which he will be required to do so unless the Lakers announce he won't play Tuesday) he will likely make a cameo appearance. But, who knows... maybe he'll put it to the ultimate test to see if he can go from now until June without surgery.
Laker Hater... why don't you just change your name to what you really want it to say. Can you at least look at things from a balanced perspective?
Posted by: Tim-4-Show | February 15, 2008 at 10:13 AM
Another thing going for us is that this 2nd half is nowhere near as tough as the first half (which we did brilliantly on I might add).
Have faith. Things will be a-ok.
Posted by: Faith | February 15, 2008 at 10:13 AM
TaosHum
Nevermind. Sorry to bother you. Found it......
Posted by: Charles | February 15, 2008 at 10:14 AM
Can somebody check Vlad's luggage and make sure there's no snowboard, skateboard, or any other board in it. It's All star weekend and we don't want any 'slippage'. Thanks.
Posted by: Lent | February 15, 2008 at 10:23 AM
The tough thiing about that injusry is that it coould be just like bynums in that you think it will only take 6 wks to recover but he could actually be out for a longer amount of time. I personally woul like to see him get the surgery ASAP like during the all star weekend so he, bynum and ariza can come back around the same time if there recoveries don't run into any problems. There is some concern that the lakers could fall out of the playoff race but I think gasol, odom with fishers leadership can hold it down just long enough. Besides I would mind seeing the dynamic of odom and gasol leading the team for a few games just to see how they handle playing together without kobe. That will really help to know what adjustemnts the lakers will need to make during the offseason if any.
I would just hate for the lakers to miss the playoffs and give memphis a lottery pick this year
Posted by: richtown | February 15, 2008 at 10:28 AM
If I remember correctly, Mamba24's(Larry's) mom died or was dying to see has been attending to the needs of his family.
Hopefully everything is ok.
Posted by: Lawrence Tanter's understudy | February 15, 2008 at 10:29 AM
Tim-4-Show not trying to pick a fight but how would the NBA know the severity of a players injury?
Like I said name me another injured player who the NBA made play in any all star game. Im sure the NBA knows Kobe is not downplaying the injury to take a few days off since he has showed consistently he plays hurt.
Seems to me this is being setup for Kobe to play as the league forced him to, when in reality its Kobes decision.
Posted by: Laker Lover | February 15, 2008 at 10:30 AM
Here's what I would do with Kobe, give him at least two weeks to rest. You basically get a week for free during the all-star break, then another week just to get the pinkie a little stronger. Even though he's going to need surgery, his pinkie will start to heal on its own with some rest. He was playing just fine with the new bandage Vitti gave him, but the finer does need some time to rest. If there are any doctors out there, what I would like to know is if this injury will heal on its own without the surgery, allowing it to get stronger if he avoids further injury as the season moves on. I realize he'll have to have surgery down the line to avoid future complications, but is it possible in the short term this will heal just fine in six weeks, allowing him to feel close to full strength come playoff time?
Posted by: fredj | February 15, 2008 at 10:32 AM
I think Kobe should play exactly as many minutes as Kevin
Garnett in the All-Star game.
Posted by: Long Time Laker Fan | February 15, 2008 at 10:33 AM
richtown,
The only way Kobe is getting surgery today is if he figures out a way to get the surgery AND to play as it heals.
We're talking braces, pad, tape, maybe even some type of hand contraption that may not even be legal in the NBA (if he hits someone with it, it could cause the other person harm)...
Can you imagine Kobe taking the court with a hand cast?
Phoenix without Nash. Cavs without LeBron... the same as the Lakers without Kobe = lottery team.
Posted by: Tim-4-Show | February 15, 2008 at 10:33 AM
can someone with insider access please post the John Hollinger article reguarding Kobe and surguery . . . .
thanks
Posted by: SA | February 15, 2008 at 10:34 AM
Lent,
Nice one.... Lol! Did you notice PJ is using him as an intereview whipping boy? Favorite Martian, Passes the ball well to the other team, and now No Snow Boarding during the allstar break....
His name was also thrown in for Chicago and Memphis deals....
Posted by: Charles | February 15, 2008 at 10:34 AM
>>>I would just hate for the lakers to miss the playoffs and
>>> give memphis a lottery pick this year
Actually, I'm pretty sure the pick they traded to Memphis is
lottery protected. I don't know if it's protected for the whole
lottery or just the top 10 or something.
Posted by: Long Time Laker Fan | February 15, 2008 at 10:36 AM