Like Sunday morning
PROGRAMMING NOTE: Be sure to tune into today's Purple, Gold, and Blue, at 11 am. We'll be talking Gasol, Shaq, and the new W.C. with Kurt Helin of Forum Blue and Gold.)
If anyone out there needs a favor from Kobe Bryant- an autograph, wash and wax your car, a check for a couple million bucks- this might be the time to ask, because 24 is in a really, really good mood right now. Why? 24/12/4. That was the stat line for a healthy, robust, attention saturated Pau Gasol, who made his Lakers debut Tuesday night in L.A.'s 105-90 win over the Nets in New Jersey, good enough for Bryant to brush off a six point night and a dislocated pinkie finger on his shooting hand (x-rays were negative, and 24 says he'll play tonight in Atlanta). When it was over, Bryant, Derek Fisher, Phil Jackson, the peanut vendor, and the fellow who paints the argyle pattern on the outside of the lane at IZOD Center all agreed- Gasol made the game easy. You could practically hear The Commodores coming out of their collective iPods (not this guy's version, either, though it is surprisingly soulful, given the aesthetics of the source). Things didn't start off quickly for the newest Laker, but after getting into foul trouble early and shaking off some jitters, Gasol dominated the second half with 18 points, many coming late as the Lakers pulled away.
If he keeps this up, dude can keep that ugly, slightly scary, really-what-lives-in-there? beard without any questions. Given how excited his teammates seem to be, he could probably grow a third ear without any questions.
Derek Fisher chipped in (it was a big chip) with a Kobe-aided 28, and the box shows a very strong game from Lamar Odom, too, with 14/15/5. Makes TJ Simers wonder if Kobe finally understands he got it wrong.
Clearly the Gasol deal has the potential to radically change the landscape of the Western Conference. But the picture isn't done changing yet. Shaquille O'Neal is a passed physical away from joining the Phoenix Suns, in exchange for Shawn Marion and Marcus Banks. Fair to say this isn't one most people saw coming (or at least not in this form, though the Heat have said move him for the last few days). Probably because most don't seem to think it's a very good idea (though there are exceptions). Shut your eyes tight and hope for the best, and it kinda sorta makes sense on paper... but that's not where games are played.
There are chemistry and positional issues- they don't think Stoudamire at center works in the playoffs- but financial risks as well for a team that has shed payroll like mad over the last couple seasons. Call this a sort of "Plan B." Perhaps they're counting on a sticking-it-to-the-Lakers factor?
This first game, which showed so much potential, the Suns are running scared.
Great. Bring Shaq back West, so Kobe and the Lake Show can kill 2 birds with one stone.
Posted by: wondahbap | February 06, 2008 at 09:02 AM
Good morning Family!
Posted by: Charles | February 06, 2008 at 09:04 AM
This first game, which showed so much potential, the Suns are running scared.
Great. Bring Shaq back West, so Kobe and the Lake Show can kill 2 birds with one stone.
Posted by: wondahbap | February 06, 2008 at 09:04 AM
Why would the Suns be scared of the Lakers, they are leading the West and have beaten the Kobe lead lakers in the playoffs 2 years in a row.
go pow pow pow my new favorite laker
Posted by: Laker Lover | February 06, 2008 at 09:06 AM
Did you see all those baskets that pau scored that Kwame would've had absolutley no chance of converting. I like how Pau keeps his footwork right and his arms up, scoring the basket almost immediately after catching. He and and Bynum will never have to put the ball on the floor and combine for 40 ppg. Wow.
Posted by: wondahbap | February 06, 2008 at 09:07 AM
Enough with the Vanderbilt references!!
Posted by: exhelodrvr | February 06, 2008 at 09:07 AM
I'd like to take a moment to thank Phoenix for bowing out of the title hunt.
Is there enough room for an MRI machine on the bench?
Posted by: J. Walter Weatherman | February 06, 2008 at 09:07 AM
Marion / Shaq:
To paraphrase the Big Quoteable:
One ugly shot deserves another.
Posted by: Vman | February 06, 2008 at 09:09 AM
Did you see all those baskets that pau scored that Kwame would've had absolutley no chance of converting. I like how Pau keeps his footwork right and his arms up, scoring the basket almost immediately after catching. He and and Bynum will never have to put the ball on the floor and combine for 40 ppg. Wow.
Also....I think if healthy, Shaq could help the Suns, but not enough. I still believe in this Laker team ,regardless.
Posted by: wondahbap | February 06, 2008 at 09:14 AM
Hi Gang;
All of you "trade Lamar" folks
are off-base. LO is going to
cherry-pick points and rebounds to his heart's content - how fine.
Posted by: Paulie | February 06, 2008 at 09:14 AM
I can only pray Shaq is traded to the Suns... Talk about panicking...I would love to see that trade. Shaq doesn't want anything to do with Bynum. I would love it!!!
Please, please please let Shaq go to the Suns today!!!
HAHAHAHA---Suns are blowing it up...HAHAHA
BD
Posted by: BD | February 06, 2008 at 09:15 AM
Any reports on how Bynum is doing?
Posted by: | February 06, 2008 at 09:18 AM
Kobe scores 6 points and the Lakers still win by 15 on the road. Pau fits like a glove.
Posted by: fkillah | February 06, 2008 at 09:23 AM
Soon we'll be calling them the AARP Suns
Posted by: Long Time Laker Fan | February 06, 2008 at 09:24 AM
AK/BK,
Are Gunner & KL *REALLY* back?
Posted by: hobbitmage | February 06, 2008 at 09:24 AM
I'd like to see Pau play PF with Ronnie at the Center position. Like the coaching staff mentioned, the 5 is easier to learn. (Though Pau's sound Fundamentals did show and made it an easy transition for him)
In regards to Shaq. I await and see. Though that trade would be another coup for Riley.
I agree that it may make the Suns tougher upfront but will Shaq be able to endure that run and gun offense? Maybe the Sun's philosophy is changing? Steve Kerr is making his presence felt. I just find it antagonistic from their make Cap Room (give away Kurt Thomas) salary concept. Definitely a shake up for the Suns.
I also feel Shaq is not doing well with reality. Maybe his beef with Riley and his former Wife is driving him out for a life change. Either way, I was hoping to Bust up the Suns with their Starting Roster with the 07-08. I guess all is fair since we have made roster changes ourself.
Posted by: Charles | February 06, 2008 at 09:28 AM
I still can't figure out why Phoenix would want Shaq. Especially for Marion. Right now, they have the best record in the Western Conference and could possibly have home court advantage in every series but the finals. It would only help if they totally changed their game and slowed the pace, somewhat - which makes no sense. No more shots taken within 3-5 seconds. Of course, Shaq could just hang out at the defensive end. Assuming he is even able to play.....
Oh well, I guess that's why nobody has approached me about being a general manager.
Roger
Posted by: Roger B | February 06, 2008 at 09:29 AM
I think what people may be missing on the Shaq trade is that Shaq has a history of waking up mid-season and trying to make some noise. I wouldn't judge anything he is capable of based on how much he's played so far. While I don't think there is any reason for concern in Laker-land, I wouldn't underestimate what Shaq is capable of and we should continue to respect the Suns as a strong opponent in the West until proven otherwise.
Pau was great last night. I'm hoping this time on the road helps him accelerate his chemistry with the team so that when they are back in town, they hold fort like nobody's business!
Posted by: WaitingForRings | February 06, 2008 at 09:33 AM
KOBE SUCKS. KOBE SUCKS. KOBE SUCKS. KOBE IS RIDING ON GASOL'S COATTAILS OBVIOUSLY. KOBE WAS 3/13 AND GASOL WAS 10/15 SO THEREFORE KOBE SUCKS. GASOL IS BATMAN AND KOBE IS ROBIN.
KOBE SUCKS. I HAVE NO BRAIN. I AM A MORON. KOBE SUCKS.
KOBE HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH THE SUCCESS OF THE LAKERS THIS SEASON. HE HAS JUST BEEN RIDING DREW'S COATTAILS.
KOBE SUCKS. I HAVE NO BRAIN. I AM A MORON.
DOO BEEEE DOOOO BEEEE DOOOO
Posted by: Stranger in the Night | February 06, 2008 at 09:34 AM
“Seven Seconds or Less”
I guess the sequel will be called “Three Seconds or Less”. Three as in all those three second violations that Shaq is going to accumulate while the Suns try to figure out how to run their running offense in the halfcourt.
http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/news;_ylt=
AjH8O0eIgn24AA5JBVfGIDO8vLYF?slug=
aw-shaqtrade020608&prov=yhoo&type=lgns
I hope Phil is sizing his toes because he’s going to need them after he runs out of fingers for those rings.
Bynum – 20 years old
Gasol – 27
Odom – 28
Kobe bringing up the rear as an old 29’er
Posted by: Dancing Days Are Here Again | February 06, 2008 at 09:36 AM
Last night's game was a joy to watch. Imagine the potential after Pau gets truly familiar with the triangle, after he slides back to the 4 upon Bynum's return. Kobe is giddy, and he's giddy for good reason. This isn't an ego-dominated Shaq-type team. This is movement-based basketball, a developing defensive identity, and it's a hell of a lot of fun to watch.
Gunner, you're crazy. Kobe is a true leader on the floor, leading by example. You think Lebron would've played with a dislocated finger? No way. He'd be out for two weeks. The best part, though? I found myself NOT worrying as much about Kobe being out... this team has a number of weapons, and the Western Conference should be worried.
Go Lakeshow!
Posted by: Sunday Whites | February 06, 2008 at 09:38 AM
Hobbit Image,
Like we've explained a zillion times, Gunner was never asked to leave the blog. He just hadn't been around in a while.
As BK and have also said a zillion times, why does anybody bother debating the guy? Seriously? Until a reasonable explanation is provided as to why people take the bait with Gunner while knowing full well the guy isn't looking to have an intelligent, open-minded conversation, we're not going to even consider banning him. He's not breaking any Times rules and isn't treating people disrespectfully. He's just leaving a lot of non-sensical posts. We're not gonna ban a reader for babbling.
When it comes to the solution, Y'all are missing a boat that's seriously easy to board. Just ignore him. Honestly, why wouldn't you?
AK
Posted by: Andrew Kamenetzky | February 06, 2008 at 09:43 AM
ex-
Never confuse a Commodores reference with a Commodores reference (though I must say, I was disappointed to learn my school mascot wasn't a handsomely afroed Lionel Richie.
hobbitmage-
KL, no. Gunner, yes, I guess. He was never tossed off the site in the first place. I suggest ignoring him.
BK
Posted by: Brian Kamenetzky | February 06, 2008 at 09:44 AM
The Los Angeles Lakers - the straw that stirs the drink!
Posted by: Seraph | February 06, 2008 at 09:46 AM
"Chick is smiling"
While watching the game at one point in the fourth it just came to me... "Chick has gotta be smiling". Great game no need to say anymore! Bring on the Hawks.
Shaq to the Suns? wow, that's something to consider Amare and Shaq in the paint?
Posted by: lakerfaze | February 06, 2008 at 09:46 AM
This Shaq trade could backfire or be a blessing in disguise. I think Kerr is hoping for a more motivated Shaq against the Lakers. Shaq as a 4th option on the floor, at this state of his career, is not a bad option!
Shaq is going to clog the middle a little bit. All he has to do is stand there for that. He can still hurt people coming in the lane.
He doesn't really need to score and he won't have to worry about the intense Riley practices anymore..
You have to remember that Steve Nash is on this team! He will find Shaq open for many dunks because everyone will be paying attention to him and/or Amare.
Think for a moment why Shaq looks so bad in Miami.
1) He's older and slower.
2) He doesn't have the same supporting cast in Miami
3) Shaq is not capable of being the 2nd option anymore.
Now if he's traded to Phoenix, he can be an effective 3rd or 4th option. He can take up space in the lane, and send physical messages.
I still think as a 3rd or 4th option, he is an upgrade to Thomas.
The most important thing with this trade though is The Lakers/Phoenix rivalry just went to the next level! Bring on the playoffs!!!
Posted by: zen | February 06, 2008 at 09:46 AM
Man I can't wait until Bynum comes back. Hopefully he's able to regain his old form quickly.
Now that Shaq is in Phoenix we'll be able to pick and roll them to death with Bynum slipping the screen and running to the basket. Pick and roll D and moving his feet are not Shaq's strengths.
Posted by: Xodus | February 06, 2008 at 09:47 AM
@Stranger - Si, me gusta!
There is a God.
Can't wait to see Bynum dunk on both Amare and Shaq's carcass.
Posted by: Amazing_Happens | February 06, 2008 at 09:49 AM
A starting line-up of Kobe, Andrew, Lamar, Paul, and Derek is arguably the most potent line-up the NBA has seen since the Lakers of the 80s. I do not think MJ's Bulls come close. 2 factors for the Lakers not becoming a dynasty: how well all the parts work together and big-time injuries. But with Fish and Kobe and Andrew and well Paul and Lamar all being good to great passers, Lakers hhave chance to be awesome for a long time.
Posted by: Larry of LA | February 06, 2008 at 09:51 AM
The loss to Spurs last Thursday shook the Org. Suns at full strength couldn't score against a weak Spurs team. Gasol to the Lakers further worried them
PHX has improved their frontline but at what cost?
And with great risk.
The Cost:
1. Marian, Great atheletic defender and scorer.
The Risk:
1. Shaq has been and is having serious health issues. The chance for that limiting his action on the court is very high.
2. If the experiment fails or he goes down for extended periods of time, the Suns have limited severely the opportunity to make adjustments. (see Shaqs 20 mil x 3 years)
Suns had a need to fill. This seems to be an extreme way to solve the problem. Carries great risks, with many possible downsides.
Posted by: AN 1 | February 06, 2008 at 09:59 AM
Sad thing about the trade is we're not playing the suns any more after the game on the 20th. I would have loved to see how Bynum and Gasol matched up against the Phoenix lineup before the playoffs. But seeing the Big Pumpkin in a Funs uni will be pretty damn funny though.
Pour some Gas-ol on the other teams at look at how we burn them!
Posted by: Lou1s | February 06, 2008 at 09:59 AM
Lamar is going to be the biggest beneficiary of the trade.
So much focus is going to be on Kobe, Pau, and whoever is shooting the three, that Lamar is going to be running wild on the court. It will feel like no one is guarding him or boxing him out for rebounds.
This is all so great. Stay healthy.
I think Kobe's going to have pretty subdued games until his finger heals. He's going to have to really read defenses, and he won't be able to rely on his outside shooting or ball handling.
I expect Farmar to have improved performance as well, since a back-to-back will not be kind to Fisher's legs.
Posted by: Amazing_Happens | February 06, 2008 at 10:01 AM
if the suns trade for shaq, it is a panic move....i dont get it, for it would change their style completely.......especially strange since it is mid-season and they have the best record in the west...it would take a while for them to adjust to the new slow style......i think the experiment would fail, but i hope they try
is the game on KCAL tonight? if so, what time?
Posted by: dave m | February 06, 2008 at 10:02 AM
Is it true that Smush is also being packaged along with Shaq??? That would really make me LMAO!
Posted by: Lou1s | February 06, 2008 at 10:04 AM
Daily Dime and Video Daily Dime are all over the Lakers and Gasol.
Watching Broussard's take is interesting.
According to him, the Mavs were in talks with the Heat to grab Shaq. When the Suns caught whiff of it they became interested. They wanted to block the trade to Dallas. When Pau came into play, it was just something they had to do.
Perfect storm. We just have to worry about ourselves and take on all comers.
Walk the walk. And pray that the Jaguar ends up on the side of the road with diesel clogging its engine.
You think anyone in Phoenix is hoping that Shaq fails his physical?
Posted by: mel | February 06, 2008 at 10:05 AM
larry of la
pau not paul
lakers rule. really thought vlad rad had a great game last night. it was kinda lost in pau love fest.
Posted by: kleander | February 06, 2008 at 10:05 AM
With all the prediction we have to see how all of this will work out for SUNS. They are doing pretty good, but don't forget this run and gun style really will not work for playoff and Shaq. In order for Nash to deliver this pass to Shaq, He pretty much needs to move with the same speed as Nash, and I would like to see it with my own eyes to believe it. When everybody able to get back on D, run and gun kind mood point, now we have a half court, and SUNS never been good at half court. Even without Pau Lakers beat them twice this year and only lost once because of Andrew's injury. Another aspect of Shaq's recent problems, trouble to stay on the floor with fouling. And at the end should I mention his FT % which probably not big deal now, but comes playoffs, it'll be another matter...
Posted by: LAL_Fan | February 06, 2008 at 10:05 AM
First Pau Gasol to the lakers now Darrell Scott to my Colorado Buffs. Life justs keeps getting better...
GO LAKERS
Posted by: mrbarneydangles | February 06, 2008 at 10:05 AM
Zen,
Good points about the Shaq trade; while, in my opinion, it was reactinoary and a step backward, it's not like it has no benefits for the Suns. You list some good ones.
However,
It won't be enough to stop the Lakers. I'm still digesting how good Gasol looked last night. We are so loaded with talent now. Kobe couldn't get over it. Did you see how happy he was in that post-game interview? Barring anymore major injuries, the Lakers are going to start steamrolling people. I'm glad Shaq is headed to Phoenix. Whipping their ass in the playoffs will be that much more satisfying.
Posted by: Laker Kev | February 06, 2008 at 10:06 AM
Hypothetically, let's assume that Shaq came back into shape, and his health remains intact for the rest of the season. He alone is not enought to overcome the Suns' problems. He can't make Amare or Steve good defenders, and we as Laker fans know that even during the Championship years with GREAT Shaq, we had problems defending good PF's and PG's, and nash and Stoudamire are worse then what we had defensively, and this is not the same Shaq.
False hope. He can help some, but too little, too late. Mike is worried aout the way they play now. well just wait until they overhaul things, and then they're stuck with a player who'll miss half the season next year, and they'll still have no rings, this year or next, nut instead, a fat contract and a beaten team.
Posted by: wondahbap | February 06, 2008 at 10:06 AM
i think we should give Vlad Radman so props for his game last nite. defense may not have been great and it wasnt one of his long-distance torchers of a nite. but he made smart plays..i think thats an improvement in itself.
with the good spacing last nite..he made some nice passes to PAU (larry of LA) and to fish. he played well, definitely better than the spawn of William Walton.
we tend to give Vlad a hard time a lot, but he played well last nite. hopefully more nites like last nite when he's not ON from 3-range
Posted by: prince | February 06, 2008 at 10:08 AM
AK, I agree with your statement:
"Until a reasonable explanation is provided as to why people take the bait with Gunner while knowing full well the guy isn't looking to have an intelligent, open-minded conversation, we're not going to even consider banning him."
Just like a teenage brat that wants to disrupt a household. For those of you that have teenagers, we know that they don't argue based off of intelligence. They argue to get emotional because they don't know any better. Once we join in and things get heated, they have you right where they are most confortable.
Let's just "send" Gunner to his room and let him know that when he starts to make sense, then we can have a "reasonable" conversation with him. Unil then, "GO TO YOUR ROOM!!"
I still think GUNNER = T.J. Simmers......
janaya
Posted by: janaya | February 06, 2008 at 10:08 AM
I just can't see Odom, Bynum and Gasol playing any extended minutes together. Odom just doesn't shoot the 3 well enough, so teams will just pack it in. My favorite lineup would be Bynum and Gasol with two spot up shooters like any combination of Fisher/Farmar/Radmanovic/Sasha. The second unit pushes the pace more anyway, so Odom would fit in just fine.
What happened to Luke? Last year he could actually finish around the rim and hit the wide open shot.
Posted by: Tom T | February 06, 2008 at 10:12 AM
AK-BK if anything bloggers are treating Gunner respectfully with the personal insults. He posted several examples.
I for one enjoy reading his posts, at least he has the guts to call out the Lakers superstar. Few are ever critical of anything Kobe does. To me thats biased reporting. Fair reporting includes both the good and the bad. For example Kobe had 7 TOs, thats terrible by any standard and shot 3-13 terrible again. By his own standards he had a poor game offensively, but he made some big defensive plays in the 4th quarter (after not playing much d for the first 3 quarters) and made some nice passes to Pow Wow Wow in the 4th. Thats fair and accurate reporting.
Gunner may go over the top, but at least he calls it like he sees it and isnt kissing Kobes butt like Vic and brick.
Posted by: Laker Lover | February 06, 2008 at 10:14 AM
Laker Kev,
Gasol played fairly well..I'm worried he's had a lot of back problems.
It will defintely be fun to watch the Lakers kill the Suns in the playoffs!
Posted by: zen | February 06, 2008 at 10:15 AM
I don't bother reading any articles by T.J Simers. AK/BK, if you see T.J at the next L.A times meeting, let him know that we don't even bother to click on his articles! Why would we want to read anything negative on the Lakers right now?
Posted by: zen | February 06, 2008 at 10:18 AM
Another thing to take a look - maybe Kerr prepare for life after Shaq/Nash gone? You know, just give it try now and next year. If it's not working out, they will be in position to rebuild or lure free agents with 2 big contracts gone. I just checked on Hoopshype, Nash contract will expired the same as Shaq's after 2009-2010 season. In fact it's team option for the last year.
Posted by: LAL_Fan | February 06, 2008 at 10:19 AM
wondahbap,
Let's not forget that Shaq himself is a terrible defender now. So that leaves their starting lineup with 3 bad defenders (Shaq, Amare, Nash) one average defender (Hill) and one above average defender (Bell).
And that's before you mention that Shaq isn't as good a rebounder as Marion, nor can he play as many minutes.
Posted by: Xodus | February 06, 2008 at 10:19 AM
Janaya,
Readers also have the power to "put him in his room," so to speak. Just don't answer him. Save yourself the trouble and the issue goes away.
It's not up to BK and I to screen through comments and only post those that will be "popular." Being "pro-Kobe" is not a requirement. If you want that, go to kb24.com. This is a forum that allows all opinions. We only ask that people be respectful of the Times rules and other bloggers. Gunner is doing that, even in his own annoying way. But again, if you know he's posting nonsense, is it really worth wasting your time to debate him? Why does anybody even bother?
Also, you need to watch your language in posts. I had to delete one because over a swear word you tried to slip in by altering one letter. That won't fly.
Thanks,
AK
Posted by: Andrew Kamenetzky | February 06, 2008 at 10:20 AM
Here is a SCARY thought!!!!!
If Pau and Bynum stays healthy and Bynum remains dominant as he has been before injury, they both could average (combined):
35 - 40 pts / 20 - 26 rebounds / 4 - 6 blocks / 4- 6 assist a game.
It's like having Wilt Chamberlain in the Lakers. That is how great Wilt is.
But imagine if they stay consistent. This is all possible coz both of them demands double to triple team, and as we have witnessed from Baby Bynum, he has pretty good moves in the box.
SCARY, I tell you... Scary.
Posted by: Juno | February 06, 2008 at 10:21 AM