One. More. Game.
PROGRAMMING UPDATE: Join us for Purple, Gold, and Blue at 11 am. Click the widget on the side of the page, or go to www.nowlive.com. Our guest will be Tas Mellas of The Basketball Jones (www.thebasketballjones.net).
With six wins in eight games, the Lakers have already turned in a successful effort in their journey across the NBA landscape (a full 8,713 miles once they come back to LA). They can make it even better with a win tonight against the still bad, but slightly-less-so-these-days Minnesota Timberwolves in Minneapolis (5:00 p.m., KCAL). Hopefully, they'll be well rested for the scrap, having taken Tuesday off to rest (though, really, if you ask the old timey guys, these young whippersnappers with their fancy travel shouldn't complain). But refreshed or not, they (and Kobe in particular) have a lot of reasons to be excited. Kind of like a kid at Christmas, if you will. After all, they're about to finish a brutal stretch of schedule without losing substantive ground in the Western Conference, and have played some pretty killer ball since bringing in Pau Gasol. The sort of thing that makes visions of a very exciting potential NBA Playoffs dance in many a head. Especially of TV execs.
Some nice plaudits for a couple members of the Lakers supporting cast. Plus a nice picture.
Good Morning!
Posted by: Charles | February 13, 2008 at 09:32 AM
The Lakers schedule gets easier and the Suns schedule gets harder. I like what I'm seeing... the Suns have a pretty tough month up ahead.
Posted by: brenarlo | February 13, 2008 at 09:35 AM
Ronny and Fish Non-Quasar in my eyes!!!
Posted by: Charles | February 13, 2008 at 09:36 AM
Fish and Ronny just great for any team.
Posted by: Charles | February 13, 2008 at 09:39 AM
Good morning, Charles
Collins: "LeBron (James) is No. 1 to me because they (the Cavaliers) have shown that they can't win a game without him."
Will somebody please set a criteria for this award. Anything, in English, of what a player should accomplish during the course of an NBA season to qualify.
Last 2 years, Kobe dragged the Lakers to the playoffs on his back in the WEST, leading the league in scoring and entertainment with 81, but his team didn't win ENOUGH. Now LeBron has the same situation in the EAST and Collins wants to crown him.
Posted by: Vman | February 13, 2008 at 09:40 AM
The Lakers do not want to take the Timberwolves lightly as a setback heading into the All-Star break could be heavily dentrimental.
Lakers are 8-1 ATS in their last 9 games overall.
Timberwolves are 17-35 in their last 52 home games.
Favorite is 7-3-1 ATS in the last 11 meetings.
Posted by: JW Stringer | February 13, 2008 at 09:42 AM
Wasn't Kwame and Bynum injured when we played Minny last time and we still won?
Posted by: Charles | February 13, 2008 at 09:46 AM
Morning, Laker Tribe. T-Wolves tonight . We get a win and we get the best 9 game continuous road trip of all time, the most coveted record in all of sports. No one will ever forget this day.
Thanks Ronny and Fish and the rest of the benchers for holding down the fort. Go Lakers.
Happydaze
Posted by: Happydaze | February 13, 2008 at 09:48 AM
After the Lake Show takes out Minn tonight, got floors next to the Wizard's bench against the Clippers.
Who's on the Clippers again?
Posted by: Vman | February 13, 2008 at 09:48 AM
Long Time Laker Fan,
">>>Luke's "The Paid One"
Lately, I think I'd go with "really really cold hand Luke"
as a nickname for Luke"
Maybe it's from marinating and massaging the ribs at his restaurant. Unless if he's dry rubbing.
Thanks for your comment and have a good one!
Posted by: Charles | February 13, 2008 at 09:51 AM
Elle,
You gotta hand out flyers for the Laker get together. Hope to meet some of the bloggers soon....
Posted by: Charles | February 13, 2008 at 09:53 AM
Vman,
Thanks
Posted by: Charles | February 13, 2008 at 09:53 AM
Elton Brand (sp?) I think
Posted by: DS | February 13, 2008 at 09:58 AM
Vman, you have floor tickets for the Clippers?
Posted by: Elle | February 13, 2008 at 09:59 AM
Good Morning Charles,
No doubt the Lakers will win tonight.
Kobe should bow out and nominate the Machine to take his place in the 3 point shoot-out during All-Star.
Ronny and Fish getting some very deserved love...they are both the best deals in the NBA today. Ronny is amazing because he provides the cheerleading AND the talent. Plus the respect for the Coach "I'm sorry coach, I'm sorry coach" when he botched a play.
What's the biggest rivalry in the NBA? Shaq vs. Luke Walton...I'd be mad as hell if somebody talked about ostertagging my dad. Can't wait to see Shaq vs Luke Part 1.
Posted by: Bynumite | February 13, 2008 at 09:59 AM
Good morning all!!
Any word on Mamba???
WHERE ARE YOU???
We need a ROLL CALL!!!
Posted by: keifo | February 13, 2008 at 09:59 AM
Time to roll.
Remember back in the playoffs in 2000, they kept playing that quote from Kobe - "Time to ROLL, baby, time to ROLL!" That's always been my favorite motivating quote. It's succinct, evocative, and just gets you going. I hope Kobe yells that in the tunnel before every game.
Time to roll!
How different is it to be headed into the final table with a huge chip lead, as opposed to limping in with a short stack? Scanning the horizon for possible First-round matchups, the future looks pretty bright:
The Spurs? Arguably the toughest matchup, but also the only other likely Western playoff team with a worse road record than us. They're old, they're injured, and they're ripe for upset. Besides, it's an even year, and everyone knows they're physically incapable of winning the title in an even year.
The Suns? The only thing that would be sweeter than a Lakers-Suns first round would be a Lakers-Celtics finals. Does anyone think Andrew won't dominate Shaq? Now that they got rid of Marion, who guards Lamar? How will Nash keep up with our penetrating (Farmar) and jump-shooting (FIsher) PGs? What the hell are they going to do about Pau? There's no way they beat us - I don't even know if they take a game.
Utah? After seeing the three games thus far, is anyone seriously concerned about these guys? They were barely keeping up with us BEFORE we got Gasol.
Dallas? What's the Lakers record versus these guys all-time again, like 29847732-10? After Dirk's well-documented collapses in 2004 and 2006, does anyone fear this team?
Let's go, Lakers!!
Posted by: SBPimp | February 13, 2008 at 10:00 AM
Charles, I'll have some dates ready by tomorrow and then we will vote. Vman Corey plays for the Clippers ***mmm Corey***
Posted by: Elle | February 13, 2008 at 10:01 AM
SBPimp,
Taking me back....
Posted by: Charles | February 13, 2008 at 10:02 AM
I want to take a minute for us all to send some thoughts out to Laker Larry and Mamba24, who I understand both lost their moms recently.
Keep the faith, guys. The blog is with you. We miss your involvement and wish you the best in this difficult time.
Posted by: SBPimp | February 13, 2008 at 10:03 AM
AK/BK,
One of your links led to another link which I found interesting - an article on Elgin Baylor and his early years in college and even a bit before.
http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/basketball/351092_baylor13.html
Roger
Posted by: Roger B | February 13, 2008 at 10:05 AM
Elle,
Thanks.
***mmm Jessica Alba - Adriana Lima***
Posted by: Charles | February 13, 2008 at 10:08 AM
SBPimp
"I want to take a minute for us all to send some thoughts out to Laker Larry and Mamba24, who I understand both lost their moms recently.
Keep the faith, guys. The blog is with you. We miss your involvement and wish you the best in this difficult time."
Aye!!!! I second that!
Posted by: Charles | February 13, 2008 at 10:09 AM
MJCMAN32,
I want to knock Shaq and the Suns out of the playoffs more than I want to win the championship. Shaq hubris is disgusting and he doesn't just burn bridges, he drops a nuke on them. I don't understand how people in the media continue to overlook this just because he drops great one-liners.
Posted by: Xodus | February 13, 2008 at 10:09 AM
Bynumite Thanks!!!!
Posted by: Charles | February 13, 2008 at 10:09 AM
I wouldn't take Minnesota too lightly. They had the Celtics beat in a recent home game, when they turned the ball over in the last seconds and ended up losing. We need to jump on them early and not let up.
Roger
Posted by: Roger B | February 13, 2008 at 10:10 AM
Champion?
>>Looks like someone's butt hurt because their lack of >>basketball knowledge was exposed. I suppose I >>could have went on a web surfing barrage and >>displayed for you PJ's record in the playoffs as well >>as the many times he calls timeouts in them vs. the >>reg. season. I however don't have the passion or the >>time...so why don't you just read this nice little article. >>It will allow you to devote yourself to the other things >>in life. Lest you enjoy spending countless hours >>behind a computer researching pointless facts that >>try and fit your deboggled logic. Why don't you just >>read what your favorite coach says about the whole >>issue.
http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/columns/story?columnist=adande_ja&page=philjackson
POOR POOR CHAMPION
As I said before, you should make sure your response has some factual basis to it.
Apparently through your web surfing you came up with a JJ ADANDE article congratulating PJ on his introduction into the NBA HOF. HA. This article has no direct quotes from PJ that even remotely backs up your claim about meaningless regular season games or the number of timeouts in the playoffs, which was the crux of your argument. In fact it has no quotes from PJ at all. So it is a little difficult to read what my favorite coach has to say about the whole issue when he says nothing at all.
LOL, oops... did you forget to read the article or did you think just by posting a link to any article would make your case?
Listen Champ, you started this, I just voiced my opinion and you got all bent out of shape. You made it personal, but thats OK because as you said, you neither have the passion or time. It's OK to agree to disagree. You prefer a more sophomoric approach. It's all good though.
Again I will state my main position.....
THE REGULAR SEASON TENDS TO BE A MICROCOSM OF WHAT YOU DID IN THE REGULAR SEASON, ALL FLAWS ARE ACCENTUATED.. INCLUDING COACHING. SO BEFORE YOU START TELLING PEOPLE TO SHUT UP FOR VOICING THEIR OPINION..............
And by the way, I like PJ, but this is no time to rest on one's laurels.
Also, my butt is fine but thanks for inquiring.
DO YOU SEE WHAT I SEE
Posted by: DO YOU SEE WHAT I SEE | February 13, 2008 at 10:11 AM
kobe has to stay in the 3-pnt contest because of the smack talking between him and rip . . . and kobe will rip him a new one
--------
meanwhile, shaq has been practicing against brian skinner . . . and working him . . . and thinking that he is a stud . . . once he starts playing a real game he will assess that he's just a dud now . . .
Posted by: SA | February 13, 2008 at 10:14 AM
SBPimp
Add Dallas to your list of bad road teams. And you're right, if one franchise can own another, I'd say the Lakers pwn the Mavericks.
Phoenix is win or bust. As sweet as it would be to see them go home in the first round, I think it would be more climatic to have them in the WCF.
Spurs keep saying they're pacing themselves. I say they might even miss the Playoffs. You can't mess around when only 5 games separate 1-10 teams.
Utah is dangerous now with Kyle Korver. Warriors will play the Lakers tough. New Orleans no longer has the size to compete with the Lakers.
Phoenix will lose the Pacific Crown to the Lakers that game right after All-Star Break.
All's well in Lakerland.
Posted by: Bynumite | February 13, 2008 at 10:15 AM
10 reasons why the Lakers might lose tonight against the T Wolves.
10. Lakers are looking past the game and looking forward to the in-flight movie on the way home.
9. PJ, wanting to rest Kobe and Farmar for the All Star game, plays Coby Karl and Mbenga in their place.
8. Mitch makes trade just before game time: Kobe straight across for Jason Kidd
7. NBA assigns Dauneghy to ref game.
6. Stu Jackson suspends Kobe for 'unnatural head' hit to D Wades hand in Miami game
5. Lakers forgot they have not played the game and fly home to LA
4. NBA rescinds Pau Gasol trade
3. Harlem Globetrotter's on tour and on the wrong date, show up to play instead of Twolves
2. Lakers confused by all the KCAL tape delays, show up 1.5 hours late for game.
And the number one reason Lakers might lose........
Never forgets and sets his DVR to record the game.
Posted by: AN 1 | February 13, 2008 at 10:17 AM
I want more than one game!!!
Posted by: mel | February 13, 2008 at 10:17 AM
SBpimp,
I think Utah is a team to fear. I think we can beat them in a 7 game series but the Kyle Korver pick up has been huge for them. And their easily the hottest team in the league since picking him up. I believe they're 17-3 since they signed him.
Posted by: Xodus | February 13, 2008 at 10:19 AM
Vman,
Does the MVP have any real relevance anymore? You're right, depending on the year it can be "best feel-good story", "best unathletic white guy on a good team", "best player on the best team". If Lebron wins it this year for the same reason Kobe didn't 2 years ago (freakish stats), it only adds one more chapter to the ongoing farce.
Posted by: McGarnagle | February 13, 2008 at 10:19 AM
lol funny post AN 1
Posted by: Xodus | February 13, 2008 at 10:20 AM
WOW 6-2 ON THE ROAD AND THE ENERGY THAT THE LAKERS HAVE IS HUGE
As much as I have lost repect for Shaq I hope gets well so we can BYNUM & BENGA him in to retirement or another one of those injurys he comes up with.
Vote No on retire jersey
Posted by: pk-in-the-mesa | February 13, 2008 at 10:21 AM
I have another theory on why Miami traded Shaq. Especially if Shaq plays well and shows he is not "Done".
I think Wade is "Done". I think his injuries are more serious then people originally thought and Miami needed to rebuild. Hi s knee is still giving him problems and I have a feeling we will never see the same Wade again.
Posted by: zen | February 13, 2008 at 10:22 AM
LOL I see you guys still can't get SHAQ DADDY"S name off your fingertips, it's very clear that all this SHAQ bashin is your guys way of showing your scared
next week y'all will witness first hand THE SUNS champons in the making
AMARE too much for gasol, THE NEW FLASH NASH vs fisher haha dont make laugh, then SHAQ vs which ever scrub you wanna put infront of him, and BELL shutting kobe down
WOW the more I think about it
the more I understand your worries
Posted by: Fire32 | February 13, 2008 at 10:26 AM
Good morning Charles!
Mamba 24............all of us here anxiously await your return............we need a ROLL CALL, a poem, and even more, your energy and enthusiasm. You are the Ronny of the blog!
Hope all is as well as it can be as you deal with your loss............our thoughts have been with you.
Posted by: toad | February 13, 2008 at 10:29 AM
*In memory of Mamba 24’s mom and Laker Lary’s , our thoughts are with you guys. Mamba I’m posting your roll call because I know you’d be doing it if you could, plus we all miss it.*
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 LAKERFAN
BlackMamba24, 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,
CYRUS(Ventrilquist), Swettual, Andrew Z, LAL Fan, Brandon C., DC, SMOOTH D
Kinglakernidas, HUBBIT, BronxLakerFan, RespectMyAuthorith, Hariyahu, LakerLass
Laker_Sth, KobeFromManilas, Ray Ray, StrangerintheNight, BONEZ, SarcoCop,
Bobby, MIGUELINHO, MAN, HYP117, TUKLAW, CDUB0512, AMAZING HAPPENS
MrBarneyDangles, BENJAMIN, MJCMAN32, PFUNK36, SOCALIFE, DICE8UP
Michael J, Michael H, Michael A., ALEXINH017, VIOLATER, KIKOS_DAD, Marty
LAKERGURL, LEELO, CriticalBeatDown, BLAZE1BX, SIMONE, Paul Lee,
Tajluck, NEMIA_FALETOGO, Caesar, BerkleyLaker,CRAIG, B4Hoops, RYAN,
JR, Dascilla, tellitlikeitis, Nik Kannan, Sean P. HollywoodJack, Rico Tico, NestrossBistro,
LAKERAHOLIC, SocalSpider,AA LOS, LAKOBER, SLO GAL, Linda Pineda, TaosHum,
ChiTownLaker, RealityCheckTime, CORNER J., WiZo, MagicShaq, HugoBoss, RDLEE,
RealityBites, LakerLarry, Jay Jay, LakerLifer, Tripgame3, Houstion Laker, Todd Battles, ,
JoninJAPAN(INCANADA), LT Laker Fan, Mainor, East Nyboer, Long Live Chick,
JEFF, Andy B. SwanWorld, Purple&Gold_4EVA, Benny Blanca, HAL9000
Tim in Sydney, LakerBake, JMan, AnyOneMouse, 10milliondollarZen, SHIVA, Troy,
PHIL JACKSON, , Sun Yue, Ronny Turiaf,
V. RADMANOVIC, Jordan Farmar, LUKE WALTON, ANDREW BYNUM, COBY KARL,
Trevor Ariza, Chris MihmJ, Larry Fulcher, Sasha Vujacic, TEX WINTER
ALL TOGETHER NOW:
WE ARE THE FREAKIN LA LAKERS THE WINNERS OF 14 NBA TITLES
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,
COACHED BY THE 9 TIME TITLE WINNER PHIL (9RINGS) JACKSON
AND NO ONE WILL EVER DIVIDE OR CONQUER US
Posted by: Elle | February 13, 2008 at 10:30 AM
I'm going to record the Lakers on my DVR today..hopefully they won't lose.
Posted by: never | February 13, 2008 at 10:30 AM
zen,
Regarding Wade I think there's a chance you may be right about his injuries, because he has clearly not been the same guy this year. But I think he's still young enough to fully recover and bounce back. And he'll definitely have a long enough break this summer to rest up even if does play for TEAM USA this summer.
I'd like to see him get back to full strength. I know most Laker fans instinctively hate him, but I think he was one of the most exciting guys to watch in the league. I definitely found him more fun to watch than Lebron.
Posted by: Xodus | February 13, 2008 at 10:31 AM
Elle,
Yes, they're right by the visiting coach. I'm lobbying for the next Laker game. Sitting in the huddle is the difference between being at the game and in the game.
I'll hollar at Corey for ya.
GO Lakers
Posted by: Vman | February 13, 2008 at 10:31 AM
I love when trolls make their way to our blog. lol
Posted by: Xodus | February 13, 2008 at 10:32 AM
*In memory of Mamba 24’s mom and Laker Lary’s , our thoughts are with you guys. Mamba I’m posting your roll call because I know you’d be doing it if you could, plus we all miss it.*
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 LAKERFAN
BlackMamba24, 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,
CYRUS(Ventrilquist), Swettual, Andrew Z, LAL Fan, Brandon C., DC, SMOOTH D
Kinglakernidas, HUBBIT, BronxLakerFan, RespectMyAuthorith, Hariyahu, LakerLass
Laker_Sth, KobeFromManilas, Ray Ray, StrangerintheNight, BONEZ, SarcoCop,
Bobby, MIGUELINHO, MAN, HYP117, TUKLAW, CDUB0512, AMAZING HAPPENS
MrBarneyDangles, BENJAMIN, MJCMAN32, PFUNK36, SOCALIFE, DICE8UP
Michael J, Michael H, Michael A., ALEXINH017, VIOLATER, KIKOS_DAD, Marty
LAKERGURL, LEELO, CriticalBeatDown, BLAZE1BX, SIMONE, Paul Lee,
Tajluck, NEMIA_FALETOGO, Caesar, BerkleyLaker,CRAIG, B4Hoops, RYAN,
JR, Dascilla, tellitlikeitis, Nik Kannan, Sean P. HollywoodJack, Rico Tico, NestrossBistro,
LAKERAHOLIC, SocalSpider,AA LOS, LAKOBER, SLO GAL, Linda Pineda, TaosHum,
ChiTownLaker, RealityCheckTime, CORNER J., WiZo, MagicShaq, HugoBoss, RDLEE,
RealityBites, LakerLarry, Jay Jay, LakerLifer, Tripgame3, Houstion Laker, Todd Battles, ,
JoninJAPAN(INCANADA), LT Laker Fan, Mainor, East Nyboer, Long Live Chick,
JEFF, Andy B. SwanWorld, Purple&Gold_4EVA, Benny Blanca, HAL9000
Tim in Sydney, LakerBake, JMan, AnyOneMouse, 10milliondollarZen, SHIVA, Troy,
PHIL JACKSON, , Sun Yue, Ronny Turiaf,
V. RADMANOVIC, Jordan Farmar, LUKE WALTON, ANDREW BYNUM, COBY KARL,
Trevor Ariza, Chris MihmJ, Larry Fulcher, Sasha Vujacic, TEX WINTER
ALL TOGETHER NOW:
WE ARE THE FREAKIN LA LAKERS THE WINNERS OF 14 NBA TITLES
THE TEAM WITH THE BEST WINNING PERCENTAGE IN NBA HISTORY
THE HOME OF WILT, KAREEM, GEORGE MIKAN, SHAQ, MAGIC, KOBE,PAU GASOL, DEREK ".4"FISHER
ELGIN BAYLOR, THE LOGO(JERRY WEST), PAT RILEY, JAMES WORTHY,
COACHED BY THE 9 TIME TITLE WINNER PHIL (9RINGS) JACKSON
AND NO ONE WILL EVER DIVIDE OR CONQUER US
Posted by: Elle | February 13, 2008 at 10:33 AM
MJCMAN32,
I want to knock Shaq and the Suns out of the playoffs more than I want to win the championship. Shaq hubris is disgusting and he doesn't just burn bridges, he drops a nuke on them. I don't understand how people in the media continue to overlook this just because he drops great one-liners.
Posted by: Xodus | February 13, 2008 at
I could not agree anymore! ! I mean..shaq's act was already getting old here in LA..As much as I want to keep liking the guy..man..the older he gets..the more poo poo comes out of this man's mouth! ! !Lakers vs. Celtics..08 finals...Lakers..in Six! ! (due to KG's lingering injury) ..
Posted by: Rone | February 13, 2008 at 10:33 AM
Fire32,
I was the only one in the beginning that was a little worried about the Shaq trade. AK and Xodus thought I was crazy.
When it comes to this, maybe I am!
One thing I do know is I don't think this trade hurts the Suns at all. It helps them with an inside presence.. It gets them to the bonus quicker because the only way to stop a Shaq dunk is to foul him.
The Lakers will need to adjust and find a way..This is a different Suns team and we will need to go through them and/or San Antonio to win it all.
Posted by: zen | February 13, 2008 at 10:36 AM
The arms war continues...
http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=3244102
This is getting to be fun.
Posted by: LakerFan in Seattle | February 13, 2008 at 10:36 AM
zen,
I touched on this the other day. You don't see the same confidence out of Wade. He looks like an old man. But he's definitely not one of the Top 10 players at the moment.
But that may be physical. Still he may be very hurt. Gonna have to change his style if he wants to keep playing at a high level.
Posted by: | February 13, 2008 at 10:36 AM
Bynumite -
You're right, I did forget about Korver in Utah - they have been playing a lot better since they got him. Funny how he's always omitted when people talk about big trades this year and teams who got completely raped at the negotiating table.
I think the Lakers still have the edge versus Utah. I mean, doesn't Okur HAVE to guard Gasol and Boozer HAVE to guard Bynum? I think Gasol is a much better offensive player than Okur is a defensive player, and Bynum has SO much length on Boozer, I think we win both matchups. Deron versus our PGs is a little rougher, but we've still got the Suns strategy of making him play defense. If we assign Kobe to Korver I think we can nullify him pretty well, and I think our bench outplays theirs.
I think our biggest enemy this year will be complacency and overlooking teams - but between Kobe and Fisher we should be able to keep the younger guys in line.
As far as Mbenga nicknames, my favorites so far are:
The Bodyguard (they should play Whitney Houston whenever he scores - "And I-I-I-I-I-I will alllllwaaaaays looooooooooooooooove yooooooooou!!" How freaking intimidating would that be for the other team??)
Congolian Beef (hilarious)
Tacos
My contribution is MBerlitz - cause he knows every language known to man.
Posted by: SBPimp | February 13, 2008 at 10:38 AM
Charles/Elle,
Did I miss it or is there a Laker fan get together coming up? I'm getting tired of being the only one in my house rooting for them -- for some reason all my friends are Suns, Spurs, and Blazers fans lol.
VMan,
Much as I hate to say it, Kobe is not going to get an MVP in his career IMO. Not saying he doesn't deserve it, but you know how it is...if he gets the stats, it's because he's being selfish; if he sits back and lets the game come to him, getting his teammates involved, he doesn't have the stats to compete with guys that get to play in JV land, like James and KG
Remember, it was always a big factor to voters that either Kobe's team was talented enough that they were OK without him (with Shaq), and then when he "dragged them to the playoffs on his back in the WEST" without Shaq and with Smush, their record wasn't good enough for him to even be considered.
The argument against Kobe this year is that he has help; MVPs must be perceived to have done it on their own, like Nash or Duncan, neither of whom has never played with an all-star lol.
Mamba24 and Laker Larry,
Hope you guys are OK. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Have a good one, guys.
Happydaze
Posted by: Happydaze | February 13, 2008 at 10:40 AM