Phil Jackson: Killjoy
Your Los Angeles Lakers:
- 4-2 on their nine game roadie,
- flush with confidence after a big win in Orlando on Friday,
- feelin' good with the addition of Pau Gasol (learn more about your new C/PF here, or at your local library),
- lookin' good to the point that some, like respected hoops writer Roland Lazenby, think they'll be the west's #1 come April,
- set up good (apologies to English teachers) to finish the trip strong, with three very winnable games against the east's leasts, starting this afternoon in Miami (12:30 pm, ABC) against the rebuilt Heat.
Leave it to PJ to throw a wet blanket on the whole thing. Jackson is reminding his team that danger awaits over the next set of games, even if the opponents may not look so good in the standings. Looking ahead, he noted that this team doesn't quite have the postseason resume that championship teams often have before they break through. The message is clear: They ain't won anything yet, and nothing can be assumed in a Western Conference that is stacked to the hilt.
How everything plays out for L.A. still depends on how well Andrew Bynum's knee heals up. And how fast.
No real shock to learn that Memphis coach Mark Iavaroni took exception to Spurs coach Gregg Popovich's evealuation of the Gasol deal. (If you missed what Pop said, click here.) But despite the defense- really, what else is a head coach supposed to say?- the assumption that the Grizz could have done better remains.
There are still lots of whispers out there about potential deals that could continue to shape the playoff race, including an Andre Kirilenko for Ben Wallace swap that, quite frankly, would be a bad deal for the red hot Jazz and can't be high on the likely-to-happen meter.
Good to see the Knicks are still the Knicks.
Go, Lakers.... Pow wow wow!
Posted by: MoreGoldLessPurple | February 10, 2008 at 09:07 AM
Go Lakers.... Pow wow wow!
Posted by: MoreGoldLessPurple | February 10, 2008 at 09:08 AM
Let's get some W's and take 1st spot in the Pacific. If Shaq proves experts right and slows down the suns we should be able to reach the top of the Pacific again, before the all star break, or at least before Bynum's return. After Bynum's back, sky's the limit.
Posted by: MoreGoldLessPurple | February 10, 2008 at 09:10 AM
yaaaaaaaaay
Posted by: Grady | February 10, 2008 at 09:15 AM
Phill has to keep them grounded, I understand...we lost to Atlanta?!?!?!
I think we'll go 3-0 the rest of the way
KOBE-BYNUM-FISH-GASOL-ODOM+the bench mob=
DYNASTY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: Josh K- LA | February 10, 2008 at 09:18 AM
Good Morning
first??
Pho
Posted by: Pho | February 10, 2008 at 09:21 AM
Phil has to keep them grounded...we just lost to Atlanta?!?!?!?
We'll go 3-0 the rest of the way
KOBE-BYNUM-FISH=ODOM-GASOL-BENCH MOB=
DYNASTY!!!!!!!
Posted by: Josh K | February 10, 2008 at 09:22 AM
I read the Streeter article last night and it was a little disheartened by it. If you look past Drew's maturity, intellectualizing and adoption of Jackson's basketball vocabulary all you see is "It's just....well, it's just puffy" and that's not good. I think it'll be April unfortunately. Am I being pessimistic? It's Feb 10th already.
Posted by: lakers_sth | February 10, 2008 at 09:26 AM
while i hate the patriots more than any other sports team in the world . . .
you think the lakers could foster an environment like the patriots . . . where players understand that they are only as good as the team they play on, and that they take less than market value to resign with the lakers so that they go for the ultimate glory (championships) rather than just line their pockets with superfluous millions (i know . . . long shot at best . . . but i mean a 10% pay reduction isnt THAT big of a deal when ur making over 5 mil?)
Posted by: SA | February 10, 2008 at 09:31 AM
It's 9:48 Pacific time and the NBA on ABC just crowned the Lakers champs.
What a difference a week makes. Great day to be a Laker fan. Can you dig it?
GO Lakers
Posted by: Vman | February 10, 2008 at 09:50 AM
AK/BK
any word on if we are keeping DJ Mbenga for the rest of the season or is this Miami game his last as a laker as today is the last day of his second 10 day contract.
Posted by: Zach Z. | February 10, 2008 at 09:57 AM
http://tinyurl.com/ywt8w5
Bill Walton's take. No win for Shaq. Even if they win, it shows that Shaq was tanking it in Miami. lol.
Posted by: mel | February 10, 2008 at 09:59 AM
It's important to keep in mind that although we're playing some pretty poor teams, we're playing 3 games in 4 days, on the tail end of playing 6 games in 11 days.
That's tough no matter your opposition.
Posted by: Jason F. | February 10, 2008 at 09:59 AM
After reading that article, I like Bynum. He's a smart kid. What a contrast to Shaq, who says absolute crap to hear himself talk.
Posted by: #4 | February 10, 2008 at 10:04 AM
I think that Jordan would be wise to sell himself out on defense. By that I mean that his defensive intensity has to increase and he has to limit the other point's penetration at all costs. He also has to resist the urge to chase the ball and remain at home when his man spots up behind the three point arc. I feel that the Lakers are very vulnerable defensively at the point. DFish doesn't have the quickness to keep up with the real speed merchants of the West. Jordan's biggest contribution to team success will be playing good defense. He needs to accept this and stop arguing with the coach. This isn't personal, it's all about getting better and winning the C'ship.
Posted by: bronxlakerfan | February 10, 2008 at 10:06 AM
http://games.espn.go.com/nba/features/traderesult?
players=3251~1016~2027~2429~2377~3032&teams=
4~4~4~13~13~13&te=&cash=
Posted by: richard | February 10, 2008 at 10:07 AM
Spurs vs. Celtics......is it possible for both teams to lose?
Posted by: bronxlakerfan | February 10, 2008 at 10:12 AM
Zach Z-
My understanding is that they're not planning on extending Mbenga through the rest of the season. Obviously things can change, but that's what I hear.
BK
Posted by: Brian Kamenetzky | February 10, 2008 at 10:15 AM
Good job Phil..dont let the squad get to high. Don't let the papers and media swell that noggin like Lee Haney!
The NBA..were big wins meets humble pis happens
Posted by: lakeraholic | February 10, 2008 at 10:17 AM
As for Pop's reaction: I seem to remember a team tanking games a few years back just so they will have a better chance at landing the first pick in the NBA draft( in this case - Tim Duncan). I hope someone (Phil) wil say something to shut this guy up..
Posted by: neal | February 10, 2008 at 10:29 AM
We haven't won anything yet...so Phil is right.
Keep them from over thinking, overpuffing their chests.
One game at a time.
Go Lakers!
Posted by: Faith | February 10, 2008 at 10:33 AM
http://games.espn.go.com/nba/features/
traderesult?players=3251~1016~2421~
3199~1026&teams=30~30~30~13~13&te=&cash=
Posted by: richard | February 10, 2008 at 10:41 AM
Vman...
While it's nice that ABC thinks the Lakers can win it all, you have to consider the source. Wilbon is no Bball expert and Walton changes his point of view more often than a politician running for office. I wouldn't believe either of them if they told me that water was wet. The Lakers have to take it one game at a time. They have a great shot, especially when and if Baby returns. but there are no guarantees.
Posted by: bronxlakerfan | February 10, 2008 at 10:43 AM
Lakers achilles heel is outside shooting. LO can't shoot and they need a shooter to open things up when the defense packs in ... oh yea they have Vlad Rad, DFish, Farmar and the MACHINE Sasha!
Posted by: Todd | February 10, 2008 at 10:48 AM
KBROS:
You forgot about the most important endorsement the Lakers received as championship caliber: The Logo. Non-other than Jerry West stated that the Lakers were the best team in the west BEFORE they traded for Bynum.
Have you noticed the dramatically improved and significantly more positive Lakers coverage in the L.A. Times recently:
Helene Elliott: Honest, West says, it wasn't his deal
http://www.latimes.com/sports/basketball/nba/lakers/la-sp-elliott9feb09,1,1203014.column
Kurt Streeter: Bynum’s Knee Holds the Key
http://www.latimes.com/sports/basketball/nba/lakers/la-sp-streeter10feb10,1,6214754.column
Steve Springer: Orlando has no answer for Bryant-Gasol Tandem
http://www.latimes.com/sports/basketball/nba/lakers/la-spw-lakers10feb10,1,5457046.story
Steve Springer: Bynum’s recovery is on track.
http://www.latimes.com/sports/basketball/nba/lakers/la-sp-lakerep9feb09,1,3243807.story
Mike Bresnahan: Lakers right in step, with a 1 and a 2
http://www.latimes.com/sports/basketball/nba/lakers/la-sp-lakers9feb09,1,3389819.story
Mike Bresnahan: Lakers' Jackson is not taking the next three opponents lightly
http://www.latimes.com/sports/basketball/nba/lakers/la-sp-lakerep10feb10,1,7961196.story
And notice none of the normal haters are on the list. No Simers. Looks like the emergence of Bynum and trade for Pau has led the Times to join the bandwagon.
Tom
Posted by: LakerTom | February 10, 2008 at 11:03 AM
KBROS:
You forgot about the most important endorsement the Lakers received as championship caliber: The Logo. Non-other than Jerry West stated that the Lakers were the best team in the west BEFORE they traded for Bynum.
Have you noticed the dramatically improved and significantly more positive Lakers coverage in the L.A. Times recently:
Helene Elliott: Honest, West says, it wasn't his deal
http://www.latimes.com/sports/basketball/nba/lakers/la-sp-elliott9feb09,1,1203014.column
Kurt Streeter: Bynum’s Knee Holds the Key
http://www.latimes.com/sports/basketball/nba/lakers/la-sp-streeter10feb10,1,6214754.column
Steve Springer: Orlando has no answer for Bryant-Gasol Tandem
http://www.latimes.com/sports/basketball/nba/lakers/la-spw-lakers10feb10,1,5457046.story
Steve Springer: Bynum’s recovery is on track.
http://www.latimes.com/sports/basketball/nba/lakers/la-sp-lakerep9feb09,1,3243807.story
Mike Bresnahan: Lakers right in step, with a 1 and a 2
http://www.latimes.com/sports/basketball/nba/lakers/la-sp-lakers9feb09,1,3389819.story
Mike Bresnahan: Lakers' Jackson is not taking the next three opponents lightly
http://www.latimes.com/sports/basketball/nba/lakers/la-sp-lakerep10feb10,1,7961196.story
And notice none of the normal haters are on the list. No Simers. Looks like the emergence of Bynum and trade for Pau has led the Times to join the bandwagon.
Tom
Posted by: LakerTom | February 10, 2008 at 11:20 AM
KBROS:
You forgot about the most important endorsement the Lakers received as championship caliber: The Logo. Non-other than Jerry West stated that the Lakers were the best team in the west BEFORE they traded for Bynum.
Have you noticed the dramatically improved and significantly more positive Lakers coverage in the L.A. Times recently:
Helene Elliott: Honest, West says, it wasn't his deal
http://www.latimes.com/sports/basketball/nba/lakers/la-sp-elliott9feb09,1,1203014.column
Kurt Streeter: Bynum’s Knee Holds the Key
http://www.latimes.com/sports/basketball/nba/lakers/la-sp-streeter10feb10,1,6214754.column
Steve Springer: Orlando has no answer for Bryant-Gasol Tandem
http://www.latimes.com/sports/basketball/nba/lakers/la-spw-lakers10feb10,1,5457046.story
Steve Springer: Bynum’s recovery is on track.
http://www.latimes.com/sports/basketball/nba/lakers/la-sp-lakerep9feb09,1,3243807.story
Mike Bresnahan: Lakers right in step, with a 1 and a 2
http://www.latimes.com/sports/basketball/nba/lakers/la-sp-lakers9feb09,1,3389819.story
Mike Bresnahan: Lakers' Jackson is not taking the next three opponents lightly
http://www.latimes.com/sports/basketball/nba/lakers/la-sp-lakerep10feb10,1,7961196.story
And notice none of the normal haters are on the list. No Simers. Looks like the emergence of Bynum and trade for Pau has led the Times to join the bandwagon.
Tom
Posted by: LakerTom | February 10, 2008 at 11:21 AM
KBROS:
You forgot about the most important endorsement the Lakers received as championship caliber: The Logo. Non-other than Jerry West stated that the Lakers were the best team in the west BEFORE they traded for Bynum.
Have you noticed the dramatically improved and significantly more positive Lakers coverage in the L.A. Times recently:
Helene Elliott: Honest, West says, it wasn't his deal
http://www.latimes.com/sports/basketball/nba/lakers/la-sp-elliott9feb09,1,1203014.column
Kurt Streeter: Bynum’s Knee Holds the Key
http://www.latimes.com/sports/basketball/nba/lakers/la-sp-streeter10feb10,1,6214754.column
Steve Springer: Orlando has no answer for Bryant-Gasol Tandem
http://www.latimes.com/sports/basketball/nba/lakers/la-spw-lakers10feb10,1,5457046.story
Steve Springer: Bynum’s recovery is on track.
http://www.latimes.com/sports/basketball/nba/lakers/la-sp-lakerep9feb09,1,3243807.story
Mike Bresnahan: Lakers right in step, with a 1 and a 2
http://www.latimes.com/sports/basketball/nba/lakers/la-sp-lakers9feb09,1,3389819.story
Mike Bresnahan: Lakers' Jackson is not taking the next three opponents lightly
http://www.latimes.com/sports/basketball/nba/lakers/la-sp-lakerep10feb10,1,7961196.story
And notice none of the normal haters are on the list. No Simers. Looks like the emergence of Bynum and trade for Pau has led the Times to join the bandwagon.
Tom
Posted by: LakerTom | February 10, 2008 at 11:22 AM
Everyone just wants to be wanted. "...It's all organic"
On Ron Ron:
http://www.sacbee.com/100/story/701572.html
Sonnybelfast
Posted by: sonnybelfast | February 10, 2008 at 11:26 AM
KBROS:
You forgot about the most important endorsement the Lakers received as championship caliber: The Logo. Non-other than Jerry West stated that the Lakers were the best team in the west BEFORE they traded for Bynum.
Have you noticed the dramatically improved and significantly more positive Lakers coverage in the L.A. Times recently:
Helene Elliott: Honest, West says, it wasn't his deal
http://www.latimes.com/sports/basketball/nba/lakers/la-sp-elliott9feb09,1,1203014.column
Kurt Streeter: Bynum’s Knee Holds the Key
http://www.latimes.com/sports/basketball/nba/lakers/la-sp-streeter10feb10,1,6214754.column
Steve Springer: Orlando has no answer for Bryant-Gasol Tandem
http://www.latimes.com/sports/basketball/nba/lakers/la-spw-lakers10feb10,1,5457046.story
Steve Springer: Bynum’s recovery is on track.
http://www.latimes.com/sports/basketball/nba/lakers/la-sp-lakerep9feb09,1,3243807.story
Mike Bresnahan: Lakers right in step, with a 1 and a 2
http://www.latimes.com/sports/basketball/nba/lakers/la-sp-lakers9feb09,1,3389819.story
Mike Bresnahan: Lakers' Jackson is not taking the next three opponents lightly
http://www.latimes.com/sports/basketball/nba/lakers/la-sp-lakerep10feb10,1,7961196.story
And notice none of the normal haters are on the list. No Simers. Looks like the emergence of Bynum and trade for Pau has led the Times to join the bandwagon.
Tom
Posted by: LakerTom | February 10, 2008 at 11:27 AM
KBROS:
You forgot about the most important endorsement the Lakers received as championship caliber: The Logo. Non-other than Jerry West stated that the Lakers were the best team in the west BEFORE they traded for Bynum.
Have you noticed the dramatically improved and significantly more positive Lakers coverage in the L.A. Times recently:
Helene Elliott: Honest, West says, it wasn't his deal
http://www.latimes.com/sports/basketball/nba/lakers/la-sp-elliott9feb09,1,1203014.column
Kurt Streeter: Bynum’s Knee Holds the Key
http://www.latimes.com/sports/basketball/nba/lakers/la-sp-streeter10feb10,1,6214754.column
Steve Springer: Orlando has no answer for Bryant-Gasol Tandem
http://www.latimes.com/sports/basketball/nba/lakers/la-spw-lakers10feb10,1,5457046.story
Steve Springer: Bynum’s recovery is on track.
http://www.latimes.com/sports/basketball/nba/lakers/la-sp-lakerep9feb09,1,3243807.story
Mike Bresnahan: Lakers right in step, with a 1 and a 2
http://www.latimes.com/sports/basketball/nba/lakers/la-sp-lakers9feb09,1,3389819.story
Mike Bresnahan: Lakers' Jackson is not taking the next three opponents lightly
http://www.latimes.com/sports/basketball/nba/lakers/la-sp-lakerep10feb10,1,7961196.story
And notice none of the normal haters are on the list. No Simers. Looks like the emergence of Bynum and trade for Pau has led the Times to join the bandwagon.
Tom
Posted by: LakerTom | February 10, 2008 at 11:27 AM
KBROS:
You forgot about the most important endorsement the Lakers received as championship caliber: The Logo. Non-other than Jerry West stated that the Lakers were the best team in the west BEFORE they traded for Bynum.
Have you noticed the dramatically improved and significantly more positive Lakers coverage in the L.A. Times recently:
--Helene Elliott: Honest, West says, it wasn't his deal
--Kurt Streeter: Bynum’s Knee Holds the Key
--Steve Springer: Orlando has no answer for Bryant-Gasol Tandem
--Steve Springer: Bynum’s recovery is on track.
--Mike Bresnahan: Lakers right in step, with a 1 and a 2
--Mike Bresnahan: Lakers' Jackson is not taking the next three opponents lightly
And notice none of the normal haters are on the list. No Simers. Looks like the emergence of Bynum and trade for Pau has led the Times to join the bandwagon.
Tom
Posted by: LakerTom | February 10, 2008 at 11:29 AM
On the Spurs and Celtics
Dang that Ray allen got quick release 3pt shot. I hope they beat the Spurs. Is it just me or is Manu a dirty a** player?
the NBA...were..uhhh..i can't think of anything witty happens
Posted by: lakeraholic | February 10, 2008 at 11:34 AM
lakers_sth,
since i had the same injury, it stays "puffy" for at least 3-4 weeks. As soon as hes in the clear, though, he just works out. Once it heals, it heals. I think hes fine. I saw him walking around he looks okay walking, so now its just about healing. His leg is about the same mass (sometimes you lose muscle since hes not doing any work with it) so Im not too worried.
Posted by: The Lake Show | February 10, 2008 at 11:35 AM
Does anyone have a link to the game, my only hope to watch the game is from internet and I dont have any link that shows the game
if you guys can post a link that would be great for me
GO LAKERS...
Posted by: Ari | February 10, 2008 at 11:38 AM
Does anyone have a link to the game, my only hope to watch the game is from internet and I dont have any link that shows the game
if you guys can post a link that would be great for me
GO LAKERS...
Posted by: Ari | February 10, 2008 at 11:38 AM
Its all about DEFENCE!!!!
Posted by: neil | February 10, 2008 at 11:45 AM
LAKERS NOW FAVORITE IN THE WEST
http://www.latimes.com/sports/basketball/nba/lakers/la-sp-lines10feb10,1,1371935.story
"Most sports boards believe the Lakers have improved their chances of winning this season's NBA championship with the addition of Gasol."
"In the latest odds listed at Sportsbetting.com, the Lakers are at 4-1 behind only Boston, which holds down the favorite role at 5-2. "
"Phoenix and San Antonio are listed at 9-2."
Tom
Posted by: LakerTom | February 10, 2008 at 11:45 AM
Spell check not working....Its all about DEFENSE!!!!!
Posted by: neil | February 10, 2008 at 11:46 AM
AK/BK- did you get any comments from Farmar on Phils comments about his defense? I remember a similar situation last year and Phil never talked to the player. So did Phil actually talk to Farmar about what he wants him to do on defense?
Posted by: Laker Lover | February 10, 2008 at 11:47 AM
Two thoughts:
1. We shouldn't be looking at Bynum as the savior - we are good enough to win without him.
2. Miami is one trade away from getting to the top 3 in the East: trade Haslem+Williams+Davis+the option ot swap picks this year for JO+Tinsley.
JO+Wade+Marion is as good on defense/offense as KG+Pierce+Allen. With that trade, Miami's other guys - Blount, Tinsley, Banks, Cook, Wright - is as good if not better than the Celts Rondo, Perkins, House etc. They'll still have a high draft pick. And I'd take Riley over Rivers as a coach anyday.
I'm not a Heat fan, but that team has the potential to give the Celts and Pistons a run for their money.
Back to today's game - Marion+Wade will keep Kobe honest. It'll be up to Pau and Odom to get us the W.
Posted by: hariyahu | February 10, 2008 at 11:47 AM
I predict:
Lakers vs Heat
108 91
Posted by: Laker critic | February 10, 2008 at 11:49 AM
I hope the Lakers put their foot on Miami's neck and take care of business today. No fooling around. The game should be out of reach by the beginning of the 4th quarter so the starters can get some rest because tomorrow we're on a back-to-back w/the Bobcats who can be dangerous.
Hopefully 30 minutes for all the starters so the bench can also get PT, especially Gordy and Ronny who need it. We haven't seen a Coby sighting in a long time. It w/d be nice to see Mbenga play 10 minutes in his last game in a Laker uni.
.
Posted by: LakerinBC | February 10, 2008 at 11:49 AM
luke walton
We just gave luke walton a 6 year deal...............
to a guy who (CANT SHOOT-RUN-JUMP-PLAY D )......
We gave this guy a 36 mill dollar contract........because he makes an extra pass.........that's funny to me.
RONNY T
Is under-valued on this team........
by pj..........
But when ever he's on the court he brings so much life on both side of the ball...........
But lately I notice his play has change he's not having fun any-more........WHY???????
Because he may be the odd man out...........
IF WE DONT SIGN RONNY T............
Im really going to be upset........REALLY..........
because we wasted so much money on luke.........an mihms.
Posted by: COMPTON FINEST | February 10, 2008 at 11:54 AM
richard,
Regarding your trade machine trade. Why are you thinking
so small? Why don't you just propose this instead:
http://tinyurl.com/2twj8h
It's about as realistic.
Just because something works in the trade machine doesn't
make it realistic.
Posted by: Long Time Laker Fan | February 10, 2008 at 12:04 PM
bronxelakerfan
"there are no guarantees"
Sure. We all know what can go wrong. Phil rightly questions the playoff savvy of his two young 7 footers, overall health and the way the ball bounces.
You're right about the ABC crew. I was just pointing out that the Lakers have been missing from championship conversation for 4 years and we're back. That doesn't mean guaranteed rings, it's just a nice way to wake up on a Sunday.
Posted by: Vman | February 10, 2008 at 12:07 PM
COMPTON FINEST - the funny thing is Ronny is the player youd think booster boy would appreciate since he was that type of player.
of course Rinny isnt have as much fun- players want to play not sit on the bench and wave towels.
Posted by: Laker Lover | February 10, 2008 at 12:10 PM
We need to not only resign Ronny, PJ needs to give him regular minutes. Ronny would start on several other teams which might tempt him to look for other opportunities. If Ronny feels like he's contributing, he is more likely to stay around for the new purple and gold dynasty. There's plenty of minutes for everybody so long as we're focused on winning rather than the stat sheet.
Posted by: craig993 | February 10, 2008 at 12:17 PM
Another prediction:
Spurs vs Celtics
92 88
:)
Posted by: Laker critic | February 10, 2008 at 12:18 PM
The Lake Show,
Is there an increased chance of knee injuries following an injury like Bynum's?
Posted by: Xodus | February 10, 2008 at 12:23 PM