Moving right along
Good teams beat bad ones. That's how they get good. Sometimes they beat them by a lot, sometimes they don't, but they win and in the end, that's what matters. So while Sunday's 104-94 victory over the Heat in Miami may not have been the prettiest thing you'll ever see, it certainly met the basic measurement of a successful game (i.e. the Lakers scored more points than the other team). There is, after all, no category in the standings for style points. The win pushed the Lakers to 5-2 on their epic road trip, guaranteeing a winning record no matter what happens tonight in Charlotte (4:00 p.m., 5:30 KCAL delayed feed) or Wednesday in Minnesota. But obviously L.A. wants both of those games, and stand a good chance to get them if they get the same efficient effort from Kobe (33 points on 10-15 from the floor) and all around contribution from Lamar Odom (15/18/6) that they got on Sunday. With Pau Gasol on board, L.O. may have finally found a role with L.A. in which he can thrive.
The game could have been put on cruise control late, had the Lakers been able to maintain the 17 point Q4 lead they'd built, but unfortunately they let it get away. The Heat crawled back to within four, but then the Lakers shut the door, getting a critical hoop from Gasol and forcing a late D-Wade TO. With the happy ending intact, time could be spent talking about the very Magic-like left handed hook shot Kobe hit in the fourth, with Magic himself in the crowd to watch. Good stuff.
The box score shows nary a point, rebound, or block for him, because he didn't actually play. But the big winner yesterday was probably still DJ Mbenga, who may get to stick around for the rest of the season after all, since the Lakers are still a little wary about Chris Mihm's health. Tacos!
Gregg Popovich's comments about the lopsided nature of the Gasol deal are still making waves around the league, but the Lakers aren't getting wrapped up in the controversy. Why should they? They got their man. It was a deal that looked good to Magic, who stays plenty involved behind the scenes.
It's not a totally fair comparison, since our guy plays better D, but referring to Sasha Vujacic as the "Slovenian Eddie House" is still pretty funny. All in a good review of the Gasol deal and Sunday's game. When you're done with that, here's one on Kobe's pregame routine.
Kenny Smith at Yahoo! Sports calls the Lakers the favorites to emerge from the Western Conference, which helps explain the lofty status L.A. has in this week's ESPN.com Power Rankings.
Rumors of a deal that would send Ron Artest to the Nuggets and make the W.C. playoff picture that much more competitive are "overstated."
Good Morning Fam!
Posted by: Charles | February 11, 2008 at 09:18 AM
Lately i have to urge to do nothing but follow the Lakers :S...its frustrating..i'm at work or at home doing nothing but browsing for endless Lakers articles...its driving me crazy. Am I the only one feeling like this?
Posted by: Gilly | February 11, 2008 at 09:26 AM
Anyone see the Celtics game against the Spurs?
That game was a perfect example of the Spurs not trying their hardest to make the opponent think they can beat them. I guarantee you, there will be a different result in S.A.
Bowen needed to defend pierce and he just let him do whatever he wanted and gave him plenty of space. That's exactly what Bowen does to Dirk during the regular season. They when the playoffs start, he doesn't let him breathe.
Boston is not better than the Spurs..It was a meaningless Regular reason game.
Posted by: zen | February 11, 2008 at 09:27 AM
The left handed hook in the lane is worth an MVP vote on sheer entertainment value alone.
LO's and Kobe's TOs at the end need to be cleaned up. The vets have to win the end game. But, no worries, it's all good now in Lakerville.
BTW: I'd say, Kobe Bryant carried a team that wasn't too much more than the Heat into the playoffs in the West for a couple of years. The ESPN crew on the late game were talkin' LeBron over Garnette and Paul for MVP because of how he's carrying the lowly Cavs.
They keep moving the finish line to adjust for their prejudice.
Posted by: Vman | February 11, 2008 at 09:27 AM
Laker Nation rejoice – at winning trip is assured.
2. The picture of Shaq in the LA Times article today is unbelievable – he looks like the frikin Michelin Man. I hope he is in similar shape for the Suns. Does that make hin the Big Eclipse?
3. You need to shut your trap Popovich and accept losing to the Lakers for the next 10 years.
4. Interesting that D-Wade is not crying over Shaq leaving – dude really burns out every guard he’s played with – whose got next? Nash.
5. Glad to hear the Lakers are thinking about keeping DJ "The Executioner" Mbenga on the team. Not a bad payday of $400K+.
And -- oh yeah -- good morning Charles.
Posted by: HmrHed | February 11, 2008 at 09:28 AM
Okay. The left-handed HOOK was DEF off the HOOK!! LOL Kobe is just plain BEYOND SPECIALLY gifted..
Have to share excerpts from on Article in the Riverside Press from Kobe and the hook shot...
Later during a timeout, Bryant made the motion of a left-handed hook toward teammate Pau Gasol, who had made a left-handed hook earlier in the game. Gasol smiled and made the same motion.
"When I was 6, 7, 8 years old, my father always had me playing against 18-, 19-, 20-year-olds," Bryant said, "so that was the only shot I could get off, was the sky hook. So I used to work on that baby. It's still there."
Posted by: lakersrydeordie | February 11, 2008 at 09:28 AM
Save MBenga!!!! I like the Bobcats *hiss* so I'm going to have a hard time with tonights game, maybe I should just skip it. AK/BK is there anyway you two could find out what Sasha puts in his hair to get it so nice and full of volume? This has been a discussion in my house for weeks.
Posted by: Elle | February 11, 2008 at 09:29 AM
Mbenga wasn't the only one for whom the box score
>>> shows nary a point, rebound, or block
Offensive rebounds, blocks and steals were in short supply, period, on Sunday. Though I was among the first to vociferously explain the lack of Defense away, somehow the Lakers need to reach down deep tonight and Wednesday to shore up the leaks. This long road trip has been brutal and no doubt taking a toll. But we don't want our friend Faith to again risk a coronary embolism while watching the games.
Posted by: Rick Friedman | February 11, 2008 at 09:30 AM
14, 11, & 5 on .623 fg% over the last 6. Time for y'all haters to show Lamar a little love.
Posted by: Sean P. | February 11, 2008 at 09:31 AM
man getting tired of these delayed feeds, makes it idifficult not to "peek" by turning on the radio ;p
Posted by: DS | February 11, 2008 at 09:34 AM
Glad DJ is gonna remain..He came right in, and blended very well as a teammate and player it seems..GOOD FIT.. As for Mihm? He has been useless the last couple years..I think we finally may have to sever ties with him at the end of the season if his health doesnt improve...
Posted by: lakersrydeordie | February 11, 2008 at 09:36 AM
Another thing, EVERY great PLAYER is said to have added arsenal to their game every year, its about becoming a better player each year. Kobe does that consistently..........WOW!
Posted by: lakersrydeordie | February 11, 2008 at 09:41 AM
Gilly, you are not alone in that one...I am here, at work, googling and tryna think of sites that would provide ANY-THING on my LAKERS so no, you are not the only one..When things are going well, I think there is more of a tendency to do this..However, I find that when we LOSE, I don't even want to log onto the LATIMES site, much less, the blog and DEF no ESPN Sportscenter!! LOL
Posted by: lakersrydeordie | February 11, 2008 at 09:44 AM
Good morning Charles.
Does anyone know what's wrong with Mihm, he's been injured for so long now that I really don't remember what the injury was.
Posted by: Elle | February 11, 2008 at 09:47 AM
Random thoughts for the day:
-Why isn't Popovich crying about the Kyle Korver trade? That was robbery too.
-Jerry West saying the Lakers had the best talent even before the Gasol trade made Mitch look good and put the pressure on PJ.
-PJ saying the Lakers haven't had the playoff experience needed, trying to take the pressure off himself.
-I think match-ups will determine the playoffs in the west.
I think we match up best against GS, Denver, Dallas, Houston and we have a tougher time against SA, Utah. I'm not sure about Phoenix with Shaq. I think we'd be OK against New Orleans.
Posted by: rdlee | February 11, 2008 at 09:49 AM
This has to be the most exciting season in years. Mostly because the Lakers are contenders, but also because the traditional powerhouses are starting to crumble a bit. Random thoughts:
*Stein has Lakers @ Number 3 in his rankings. The highest ranked team in the West!
*LeBron's acting like a spoiled kid. I want a new toy. Now! His team is decimated by injuries and he's losing his patience.
*Jermaine O'neal: "Next year, wherever I'm at, whether it's Indy or wherever else, I'm not going to miss the All-Star [Game] and my team is not going to be struggling."
*Israel Gutierrez of The Miami Herald: "In 42 minutes of the Lakers' 104-94 defeat of the Heat on Sunday, Kobe Bryant guided in a handful of those demoralizing fade-away jumpers that reminded you of Michael Jordan. He played relentless, suffocating defense reminiscent of Scottie Pippen, practically handcuffing Wade at times. He even threw in a graceful running hook shot from 15 feet that made you swear that was Magic Johnson in a Lakers uniform again (Magic was actually in the stands watching the display for himself.) The well-timed message? If the Miami Heat is going to experience the same kind of recovery that the Lakers currently are, then Wade is going to have to rise to Bryant's level. He will have to be the efficient scorer who can fill it up in a variety of ways, rather than relying on a handful of pet moves that defenses come to expect."
*Anyone look at the Hornets schedule so far? They've got a great record, but our schedule makes theirs look like a stroll through the park.
*The Shaq trade may have been seismic, but did you ever see so much action and reaction after a trade like the Pau one? You've got players saying good things about the Lakers ("You might as well mail them the WC trophy"). You've got people in denial (Rasheed and D'antoni before he was informed that they were actually going to make a move). You've got coaches sucking on lemons and saying they're not going to make any moves (Pop). You've got teams making historic trades (Suns). Teams that were wary of the Lakers before the 1st are downright scared now.
*The Celtics are undefeated against West teams, while the Suns are 15-13 against the West.
*Marion was a GREAT pickup for Miami. He still gives us fits.
*Kobe's got class. Wade nearly rips off his arm on a dangerous foul, and he pats Wade on the head like it's nothing. If Kobe commits that foul, easily one game suspension.
*At least tonight's a back to back for both teams.
* Go Lakers!
Posted by: mel | February 11, 2008 at 09:52 AM
E. Gueco, Vman, et. al,
While I do find it remarkable that Kobe carried a team bereft of talent to the playoffs 2 out of 3 years.
I think saying that Wade absolutely can't do the same thing when given the same circumstances is a little much.
Wade's team has absolutely nothing. NOTHING! He was playing with Ricky Davis, Jason Williams, Mark Blount, and Dorrell Wright. Wow! Chris Quinn was getting major tick!
At least the Lakers had Lamar Odom who while is super inconsistent is 5x better than anyone on that current Heat roster. At least we had big men who could rebound and do a modicum of work.
But, other than Lamar Odom I guess they are equal in terms of teams with no talent. However, with that current MIami team I really dont think anyone could do anything with that talent.
Kobe is amazing amazing amazing. I dont think Dwade is on his level. But let's not overdo it. That Miami team had no one that was even a borderline all-star player.
Posted by: Korey | February 11, 2008 at 09:55 AM
Elle, I know you are asking Charles this, however, Mihm's Reconstructured ankle has been problematic for him as far as pain and severe bursitis, it keeps flaring up on him and so he sits, sits and sits..Actually saw him standing at the end of the Magic game he was there..So correction, sometimes, he stands however, doesn't play...
Posted by: lakersrydeordie | February 11, 2008 at 09:58 AM
Is it for Mbenga a done deal? They have to do it. It's pennies for them. It'd be a smart blocking move, too. I guarantee that he'd be picked up in 10 seconds because everyone wants to counter the Laker bigs.
Charlie Rosen said that Pau, Lamar, and even Bynum are finesse players. I feel we need Mbenga as an enforcer. Especially with the Big Shaqtus or the Big Eclipse (good one, HmrHed!)
Posted by: mel | February 11, 2008 at 09:59 AM
Gilly,
I thought I was the only one!
It has actually been like that most of the season but right after THE TRADE, It has just gotten worse.
I might need rehab... But anyways!
Keep it up Lakers!
Posted by: Lou1s | February 11, 2008 at 10:00 AM
So it turns out Shaq orchestrated his trade from the Heat.
Hmm...sounds familiar...
Doesn't this mean Dwane Wade forced him out?
Wes
Posted by: wesjoenixon | February 11, 2008 at 10:01 AM
Gilly,
If finding articles about the Lakers, when they win, was a payed endeavor, I'd be independently wealthy.
Zen
In the hyper competitive west teams can't take games off -- if the Spurs have that strategy they are sunk. I don't believe it.
Anyone have the annoying experience of watching the Laker game on HD yesterday and not having the action and the sound in sync? I could hear a missed free throw before I saw it.
Posted by: HmrHed | February 11, 2008 at 10:02 AM
First of all, I'd love to have Chris Mihm on the court but he's been a no-show for so long, I've forgotten he's part of the team. He's more polished than Mbenga, that's for sure but he's been polishing the pine more than his game it seems.
Mbenga is serviceable at the Center position and I know he's hungry to get another contract.
Posted by: Bynumite | February 11, 2008 at 10:02 AM
Korey-
You beat me to it (haha).
BK
Posted by: Brian Kamenetzky | February 11, 2008 at 10:03 AM
That's true, lakers made some surged and gave it away in the 4th Q. Miami may have the worst record but after the trade, there seemed to be an emotional uplift from the remaining players. Wade was criss-crossing while Blount suddenly found himself in the post. There is this Miami Showtime specially prepared for the Lakers. I hope you consider the improvement of the Heat rather than concetrate on Lakers meltdown.
Walton is still Walton, he was given a free look and he failed to connect. Farmar relies on those threes and a little bit lazy to penetrate as he used to do in the early months when J-Crit was still here. Overall, there are still a lot of things to be done with the Lakers but we should all rejoice that Pau is learning the triangle by playing through it. If you are a good player there is no need to find your way on any kind of offense, where to stand, when to move - the objectives of the game is to put the ball in the hoop that's as simple as it is. When on the defense, stop the opponent at all cause. Some players feared the triangle may change their game, well if you have no confidence with your shots, kinda' bookish and parochial in the knowledge of the game then that's the natural reaction. In the case of Pau, he just blend with Kobe, make those necessary screening and moved without the ball and once he gets it, try to outfox his man bingo! PJ is happy and so with Winter and call the triangle is working. Same with Fisher, he focus on his shots once he gets the ball, everything comes out easy. Compare this w/ our old scrub, Walton, he knows the the system very well but gets bogged down with intricacies and forgets how to shoot, makes those glaring T/O's with deep and complicated passes then he becomes the weakest link out there.. Basketball goes with basic and all those systems introduced are designed to create ease than complicate its structure.
Playing on the road is not easy, fans of other teams are mocking at you and if you are good as Kobe, the cheers changes in the course of time. They now recognize his talents and go for MVP, MVP, MVP. Therefore, playing on the road requires double efforts especially to young athletes like Farmar, Turiaf, Vlad, they have to block the audience noise and focus on your man. Tonite is another example, we can say that Bobcats are no biggie, easy prey... well you are playing on the road and with the traditional Lakers. Other teams as well as players get excited when playing against the Lakers best, they also give their best to grab the bragging rights against Kobe and this new kid on the block.
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | February 11, 2008 at 10:04 AM
Well if you take into category that they're in the East.
A conference in which yes scrubs can get it done (get to the playoffs that is).
Posted by: Faith | February 11, 2008 at 10:06 AM
Bynumite, I agree about Mihm being more serviceable but yeah, if he's not playing then he cannot and has not been serviceable so the Lakers are compelled to C.T.A (Cover That ASZ!! lol So DJ is staying, nobody else out there better equipped I don't think otherwise, Mitch would've gotten them...
Posted by: lakersrydeordie | February 11, 2008 at 10:06 AM
Okay, I'll show a little love.
Lamar has gotten good stats over the last six games, certainly helped by a recent .800 point shooting game outlier.
Six games out of 3 1/2 seasons is like 2.5 percent.
I've wavered on the dude in the past, but I've made up my mind about him now.
You take the whole picture into consideration when you have a whole picture with which to work.
Lamar over the last 3 1/2 years has shown he's mostly:
1. An inconsistent scorer
2. Doesn't always have his head in the game
3. Easily loses focus
4. A bad help defender if you can even call him a help defender
5. A very inconsistent jump shooter
6. Ridiculously dominant with his left hand and uninterested in working on his right hand (in an interview he said it's never been a problem so why change)
7. Easily injured
8. Has a questionable work ethic
9. Well scouted so people draw offensive fouls on him routinely
10. He makes sweet moves to get more missed lay-ups than any player in the league.
At the very least those of you that have been paying attention need to concede he's way overpaid. Like double.
I couldn't care less about Lamar's good games. I care about his average performance and his performance under pressure. He's lost my trust in those important situations. And I care about his average importance and its impact on the game not the numbers as much.
If it takes have Kobe, Gasol and everyone else playing well, what the hell is Odom worth?
But hey, he's had a few good games in a row now, so let's just forgive it all and assume his track record of inconsistency and fundamental basketball errors just magically disappeared.
He has a strong potential to break all of your hearts again.
Posted by: Benjamin | February 11, 2008 at 10:08 AM
As for Wade not speaking up in apologetic way that Shaq was dealt, just mentions Shaq's lucky to be going to a WEST top contender...Nothing more, deep down he knows Shaq's contract and lack of playing time on the court had Miami in SHACKLES and he is happier now...
Posted by: lakersrydeordie | February 11, 2008 at 10:09 AM
mel:
I agree.We have needed a thug for a long time to protect our stars. Kobe gets killed out there because we don't have a Maurice Lucas type to keep order.
Posted by: rdlee | February 11, 2008 at 10:09 AM
Elle,
Thanks for your reply. I believe Mihm was playing with his injuries not fully healed like Kwame and Luke of past. I do believe when you have both ankles worked on it takes several years to heal. Unfortunately for Mihm he plays in contact sports and the jumping and cutting doesn't allow for him to gain full mobility and recovery. I don't see Mihm turning down an extension considering his career status (and it is a player option). I like the guy, but at this point he is a waste of money and dead weight for the team.
Gilly,
I share your feelings. Now with the Strike ending, I will be very busy since I set up film and tv sets with communication devices. Therefore rendering my blogging to a very limited amount.
Have a great day bloggers!
Posted by: Charles | February 11, 2008 at 10:14 AM
Korey,
The Heat are definitely a paradox. But they're in the East. Currently, there are 10 teams in the West with winning records. 5 in the East. This is the year that your grandmother would be able to take your team to the playoffs in the East.
The Heat must've had an injection of energy, because they played well in the first half. Wright, Blount both had good games. It's like a heavy burden had been lifted off their shoulders (ahem-Shaq). And of course Marion will be huge for them.
I don't want to get involved in your debate, but whoever can take their team to the playoffs doesn't determine who the better player is. Kobe's clearly light years ahead of Wade. Unless Wade's injuries are that much of a factor. Wade also looks like an old man. He's going to break down sooner than later. Everyone said that his style would shorten his career, and it's looking to be the case.
Whether it's injuries, lack of team support, wear and tear, or not having the zebras helping him out as much, the truth of the matter is that it's tough to make a case that Wade's one of the Top 10 players right now. Certainly not Top 5.
Just for fun, everyone should put up their Top 10 Players.
Posted by: mel | February 11, 2008 at 10:15 AM
I don't think Chris Mihm will play more than 10 more games this year. In fact, I think his career is over. I like the guy, but, I just don't see him being in the NBA very much longer.
It's almost 3 years since he's been healthy or played regularly.
Wes
Posted by: wesjoenixon | February 11, 2008 at 10:17 AM
We are have a bad case of Lakeritis, maybe the Times should pay for our rehab just for having this blog up.
Posted by: Elle | February 11, 2008 at 10:18 AM
I like Mihm, but he's not really going to play much no matter how you slice it.
And besides, if Mihm did come back, he's not really better than Mbenga... it's very close between those two. Mihm has a better offensive game when he's in shape, and Mbenga has a better defensive game right now and even when Mihm is at his top form.
Given the dynamics of the team, I'd rather go with Mbenga and give this guy a chance to improve this season/off season to see if he can make the cut for a LT contract.
Posted by: Tim-4-Show | February 11, 2008 at 10:19 AM
Here's some insight to how the Miami press felt about the O'Neal trade. It's an interesting read:
http://www.miamiherald.com/594/story/411183.html
Haters, take note: This pretty much flies in the face of "It's Kobe who's the bad guy."
Posted by: cscoot | February 11, 2008 at 10:20 AM
Korey,
I totally agree. Any notion that Wade (especially pre-Marion trade) had as much to work with this season as Kobe did in '06 and '07 is absurd. Take away Udonis Haslem (who's been hurt for two weeks), and who do you got? Dorrell Wright? A rookie Daequan Cook? Ricky Davis, who's so "valuable" that every team he's with looks to ship him out within a season? An often hurt Jason Williams? Mark Blount as a starting center? Whoever the hell Chris Quinn is?
Sorry, but I'll take Kwame, LO, Walton and even Smush over that crew in a heartbeat. And so would any GM on the planet.
AK
Posted by: Andrew Kamenetzky | February 11, 2008 at 10:22 AM
i think the suns are pretty much done. did anyone else watch them last night against the wizards? barely beat them without arenas and caron. that cant be a good sign. granted barbosa was out early but still...
i just dont see shaq having a big impact for them. i see him helping the suns win a few playoff games where he turns it "on" however not against the lakers because drew will be much fresher, quicker, and stronger then grandpa shaq. i just wish drew was playing against the suns in a couple of weeks.
GO LAKERS
Posted by: mrbarneydangles | February 11, 2008 at 10:23 AM
My top 3:
1. kobe
2. james
3. duncan
after that it gets a bit fuzzy for me, I think you have to include Paul, KG, Nowitzki, Allen, Howard, VC, etc.
Posted by: DS | February 11, 2008 at 10:29 AM
Is the 55-win bandwagon FINALLY going to arrive? I always felt they could make it if they stayed healthy..
I want them to win the pacific so bad.
Posted by: zen | February 11, 2008 at 10:30 AM
mel,
Good comments.
Lots of interesting points that are outside of what we hear from the talking heads.
Interestingly Kobe elbowed Wade in the neck a few minutes before Wade's rough dunk attempt block. I do think there's a double standard with Wade though. Most players need to be nice on the landing of moves like Wade made in order to not get a flagrant. Like when Wade and Lebron had their Kobe-esque moment last season, one hit the other above the shoulders and no one get suspended. Kobe's relationship with Ginobli is obviously not nearly as friendly as Wade-Lebron, but the league wasn't honest about that aspect of the situation.
Others, I don't know about Mihm either (maybe Mike T was right about him being too injury prone), but if it's a question of letting him go or keeping him next year, we'll end up keeping him unless we need his roster spot. He's got a player option next year that he almost certainly can't use and if he turns out somewhat useful, we'll still want him. Doesn't make much sense to buy him out.
Mbenga? Yeah, keep him for when Raja clotheslines Kobe again.
Posted by: Benjamin | February 11, 2008 at 10:33 AM
AK,
"Sorry, but I'll take Kwame, LO, Walton and even Smush over that crew in a heartbeat. And so would any GM on the planet."
Not Isiah Thomas.
Posted by: exhelodrvr | February 11, 2008 at 10:33 AM
Ex,
Let me rephrase. So would every competent GM in the planet. haha
AK
Posted by: Andrew Kamenetzky | February 11, 2008 at 10:35 AM
Mel, JUST for FUN..Here are my TOP 10 players (Active presumably)
#1. KOBE Bean Bryant
#2. TMac (despite injuries)
#3. Jason Kidd
#4. BronBron
#5. Melo
#6. DHoward
#7. Michael Redd
#8. K.G.
#9. Tim Duncan
#10. Gerald Wallace
FYI, I struggled mightily compiling this list cuz I love my Lakers so much, I didn't want to choose anyone from an another team however, I appreciate all those guys games listed after Kobe..
Posted by: lakersrydeordie | February 11, 2008 at 10:40 AM
I'd love to hear that Kareem is teaching Pau, Drew, Ronny and Mbenga. Imagine the two on two battles amongst those guys. (Shuffle the teams around)
Posted by: Charles | February 11, 2008 at 10:40 AM
sasha has been playing great. hes hitting open shots and not making too many errors(minus the 2 instead of the 3 in the atl game). if we make a run in the playoffs sasha will be key. with all the focus on kobe, bynum, and gasol players like fish, farmar and sasha are going to get WIDE open 3s. if those 3 can hit shots teams will think twice about doubling kobe and our twin towers making life easier for them. remember when sasha used to be known as the best practice shooter? well hes now becoming one of our best consistent game shooters. i just wanted to give some props to the machine.
GO LAKERS
Posted by: mrbarneydangles | February 11, 2008 at 10:44 AM
Is Odom worth 13M a year as perhaps the best role player in the NBA?
Not if you are most of the teams in the NBA. But you are the Lakers. Financially, the most valuable team in the NBA. With one of the biggest regional markets, Southern California, and now one with international appeal w/all the European players. Lakers are also very popular in Asia and when they get a Chinese player they should have global appeal.
So ordinarily, the answer is 13M is too much for a role player, but not if you're the Lakers.
Odom' goal and the coaching staff s/d encourage him in this, is to win the NBA 6th man of the year award. Odom might have the kind of personality that will allow him to come off the bench and still be in the closing five and play 30+ minutes a game (like Ginobili for the Spurs), when Bynum and Ariza come back from injuries.
Interestingly, Sasha is the opposite personality of Odom. He probably has the second most aggressive personaility in the Lakers after Kobe. He's not afraid to get into an opponent's face in defense. On offense, he's not afraid to shoot even if he's playing with bigger stars around him. Sasha is a jerk!
But he's our jerk.
Posted by: LakerinBC | February 11, 2008 at 10:44 AM
Benjamin,
LOL. I forgot about the elbow to the jugular. In my eyes, it's a "basketball move" for Kobe. No harm, no foul. Perfectly legal.
If people are willing to take that foul, then they take the risk of getting hurt.
Speaking of, I'm glad the hockey player's made it through the surgery after having his carotid severed.
Posted by: mel | February 11, 2008 at 10:44 AM
DJ Mbenga is the enforcer that the Lakers need.
He's a former political prisoner from the war ravaged Congo that became a refugee and is now in the NBA.
He's not going to be intimidated by any overpaid twenty something millionaire coming at him.
Posted by: LakerinBC | February 11, 2008 at 10:47 AM
Lately i have to urge to do nothing but follow the Lakers :S...its frustrating..i'm at work or at home doing nothing but browsing for endless Lakers articles...its driving me crazy. Am I the only one feeling like this?
Posted by: Gilly | February 11, 2008 at 09:26 AM
---------------------------------------------------------------------
You are not alone. What does it say when you've already seen most of AK/BK's links BEFORE he posts? HAHA... as PJ would say, I think I need find a balance.
Posted by: 805LakerLove | February 11, 2008 at 10:49 AM