High times of late for the Lakers
What with their perch atop the Western Conference standings, their widely acknowledged improvement, and their consistent ability to turn an out of town arena into a home away from home this season. But it'll be no bed of roses, no pleasure cruise maintaining this level of play, which is why backs are off-limits for patting. There's a mission at hand, one that lasts another 26 games and begins anew with tonight's game against the Blazers, who'll be missing the services of its Roy/ROY. Planting a purple and gold flag in the ground requires continued production from a newly freed Lamar Odom, a seriously fired up Jordan Farmar (now looking like their lead guard of the future) and even Coby Karl, who may not play a lot, but the fans (and writers) are inspired whenever he succeeds.
In other words, if you wanna see a Lakers-Celtics finals beyond simple projections or simply results as rosy as the future John Ireland sees, the pedal must remain affixed to steel. Thankfully, the requisite focus won't be diluted should Phil Jackson get hit with a fine for his criticism of ref Brian Forte (captured here with new-fangled video technology). Whether sincere or sarcastic about his odds of getting billed, writing a check to the league is pretty old hand for The Zen Master.
Sam I am about to leave the Clippers any minute now. He'll have to get in line when it comes to "name-ish" players looking to hook up with contenders.
Most of y'all seem to hate D-Wade, but would you smack talk a baby named after D-Wade? He's also 1/3 Quentin Richardson, if that makes him somehow easier to stomach.
Along these lines, C-Webb ain't the most popular guy around these part, but even his detractors will admit, this is a pretty cool project.
Good Morning My Fam! Today is game day! Yesterday the blog was a hotbed of exchanges and I loved it. The activity was non-stop. It was in anticipation of the game while the fans in the stands were stomping their feet, waiting for the players…
Thank you Captain for calling Lamar Odom a “Swiss Army knife on both ends of the court.”
http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/kareem/2008/02/star-wars-nba-1.html
http://tinyurl.com/394986
Hope you all have a good one at work.
Glad to be alive and well….
Lakers Baby!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: Charles | February 26, 2008 at 09:30 AM
"He's a great scorer, but he's just now learning to become to playmaker."
Amare's comment is totally asinine. I expect this type of talk from jouranlists who don't know a skyhook from a sweeping hook. I don't expect it from an all-star player. I'm not sold on Stat's longevity in this league if his mind is that unaware.
While the Blazers always get up for games against the Lakers, this should not even be a game tonight. This should be a 30 point blowout and anything less than that would be our team slacking off. Without Brandon Roy, these Blazers are as toothless as any lottery team out there. Friday's game, on the other hand, should be a much better match up since Roy might be able to get back and they have the home crowd that hates the Lakers even more than PHX or BOS does (you've never heard MVP chants in Portland, have you?)
All this talk about who will come off the bench or who will start or who will get traded in the offseason is just out of place right now. We all have our opinion, we've stated it, now it's time to just let the team play. We have plenty to talk about, how we can improve our defense, how the other teams in the West are looking, and what free agents we should or should not pick up. Let's stick to territory that actually has some merit, seeing as our primary roster for the rest of the year is pretty much set.
When Charley Rosen says that Shaq makes Phoenix worse, I take that opinion to the bank. I still say they make the playoffs though... Denver cannot beat a dead horse, let alone a viable opponent even with the pressure on them. Phoenix would have to go on a monster losing streak, and I just don't see how that happens.
LakerTom,
Do you think that Mavs game we have coming up is an easy win? I know New Orleans took it to them, but the Mavs seem to be playing well with their new Hall of Fame #1 player. I think we can take them, but can take and will take aren't necessarily the same things. Still, I agree, it's likely a win. We need a win against the Mavs because they've owned us the last several games and it's time for us to put the foot down.
Posted by: Tim-4-Show | February 26, 2008 at 09:33 AM
Good morning Charles!
GAME DAY BABY!
Every Laker fan is loving life right now, especially (as has been said) everyone else is hating on us!!!
GO LAKERS!
KOBE FOR MVP!
Looking forward to reaching a "magic number" tonight - winning 40 before losing 20!!!
Now THAT'S what I'm talkin' 'bout!!
Posted by: justanothermambafan | February 26, 2008 at 09:44 AM
You guys are doing a good job of discussion. While I have questions, doubts, etc, I think we should all take a moment to live, ahem, in the moment. The Lakers are atop the Western Conference standings, a spot they vacated after Bynum got injured. Its beautiful.
The game has become beautiful again. With most of us being point guards, I know I'm not the only one who sees where a pass should go next or even 2 or 3 passes ahead. On the other side of that, seeing people be in the right spot or make the right cut is beautiful too. Well, I'm happy to say that I'm finally seeing that again. Maybe not on the level of Showtime, but much better than anyone else in the league right now.
See it in mind and see it happen on the court. BEAUTIFUL.
Got some work to do today, so my last contribution for the daytime will be...
LET'S GO LAKERS clap clap clap CLAP CLAP!!
...Have a good day and a good time at whatever you are doing today.
#4
Posted by: #4 | February 26, 2008 at 09:51 AM
LA will pound the Blazers to submission tonight!!!!
Posted by: laker24 | February 26, 2008 at 09:55 AM
Wowww you guys are going to enjoy this...
Amare is talking about Kobe "LEARNING" how to be a playmaker...
http://www.azcentral.com/sports/suns/articles/0225suns0226.html
Posted by: Maxximo | February 26, 2008 at 09:55 AM
Right now we've got home court throughout the playoffs.
Now that we've got it, we can't afford to let it go.
That has to be our motivation right now--win every game and keep the home court advantage.
We can do this!
Wes
Posted by: wesjoenixon | February 26, 2008 at 09:56 AM
Watching the game tonight with my cousin, a die-hard Blazer fan...I actually told him I don't want him coming over to watch, as his anti-Laker diatribes can get pretty vehement...and listening to Joel and Stu only pours gas on the hate fire. He laughed me off, but I'm serious... when the Lakers blow his boys out tonight it's going to ruin his week...
Man, is it me, or is this "new" playmaker Kobe that NBA guys talk about seem not so new at all? I seem to remember Kobe passing to guys a lot in the past...they just never have kept stats for passes-that-should-have-been-assists-but-someone-missed-a-wide-open-shot/layup. Not to mention the number of passes he makes that lead to the assist pass.
Anyways, looking forward to tonight. Have a good one guys.
Go Lakers! Put out the blaze!
Happydaze
Posted by: Happydaze | February 26, 2008 at 09:58 AM
The Pistons are a serious team. It'll take every bit of Bynum and Gasol's best effort if we're going to take them down.
Flea is thinking what I am.
That this is a very special team with an unprecedented mix of youth, talent, experience with an amazing team spirit.
These guys like each other and it shows.
Wes
Posted by: wesjoenixon | February 26, 2008 at 09:58 AM
I didn't read that article about Amare's comment, cuz I had a "feeling" he said some ISH I wouldn't care for. Why are soooo many players quick to coment about Kobe's game ??? Do they go to sleep with Kobe on their subconscious, I mean, hell, make me understand????
I can recall clips from the FIBA games and they would show clips of Kobe in practice giving Amare's ass instruction! Now, as soon as he gets one on one interview time with the press he wants to pop ISH!? How come mofos that never WON nothing always got big chat?
Kobe has always been a playmaker! Amare should be focus on Suns basketball and acclimating Cactus Fats to their team..
Posted by: lakersrydeordie | February 26, 2008 at 09:59 AM
This is just such a textbook hater column by Mark Kriegel at foxsports, it almost reads like a parody ...
http://msn.foxsports.com/nba/story/7839988/On-the-Mark:-Kobe-has-a-chance-to-shine-
Posted by: Amazing_Happens | February 26, 2008 at 10:02 AM
Today is the day Peps! Aint no need in saying what's been said already..but all I know is..were #1 right now..The Hornets lost yesterday (haha) The suns fan oner on there message board wishes Nash and Company to exact punishment on the Griz for sending Pau to the Lakers...oh I hope they (Suns) win..cuz if they dont..there will be a lot of finger pointing haha.
Posted by: lakeraholic | February 26, 2008 at 10:02 AM
One bad thing about the Lakers current string of GREAT games. The freaking line is out of control now for Lakers games. I haven't been able to put any money on our boys. I am up big-time this year, but I think I will be hard pressed to find another game I can put some cash down.
Tonight has the Lakers favored by 86% and are taking 16 points from them. ARRRRG.
A slight drawback I didn't think about when I wished for a killer team. HaHa.
Posted by: frank rizzo | February 26, 2008 at 10:03 AM
justanothermambafan,
Finger point and chest pound at cha'.
Posted by: Charles | February 26, 2008 at 10:03 AM
It truly is a delight to read Cap's blog and his insight on Laker's team, Spot On!! Just can't wait to see the team in full strength (Bynum/Ariza) as noted by Cap and hopefully have Chris back in the mix. Simply WOW!!!! Deja Vu (Cap/Magic/Worthy/Silk/B Scott/Coopaloop/Mthompson/macadoo) and let me throw in Swen Nater in too LOL. I remember back in Magic/Cap era I almost got into a fight with a Boston fan at an airport bar while on transit during playoffs ..hehehe.
Both Cap's and Magic's contribution (post showtime era) to Laker organization are very invaluable, can't buy Cap's wisdom and Magic's passion but glad we have them on our side to share with. Bynum should be very thankful that he has two great teachers PJ and Cap and big brother in Magic :).
Lakers Rock!!
Posted by: TheRealZenMaster | February 26, 2008 at 10:04 AM
Tim -
Couldn't agree more. It's silly to have the "Bynum vs. LO" or "Bynum vs. Pau" argument. This is something that Phil will work out once it becomes an issue, and he will do what's BEST FOR THE TEAM. Period. End of story. As far as what happens over the offseason, let Mitch take care of that - hasn't he proven that he knows what he's doing? Maybe the hugest result of the Gasol trade that no one is talking about it that it will give Lakers faithful enough confidence in their GM to shut up and let him do his job.
I would never consider the Mavs an "easy" win, but I definitely feel better about playing them than any other top team right now. The Lakers have always owned the Mavs, and always will. When you're a mentally weak team like the Mavs, things like that get inside your head. We came back from down 24 in the fourth quarter, remember that? Kobe dropped 62 in three quarters, remember that? I assure you, THEY remember all that, and it will affect them.
Having said that, I wouldn't take them for granted, and I don't think Kobe, Fish, or Phil will allow the team to let up. I'm looking forward to another statement game in a season of statement games.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: SBPimp | February 26, 2008 at 10:04 AM
Xodus/AK
Kenny Smith thinks were good, but not good enough to beat Shaq and the Suns in the WCF.. Can you believe it?
Posted by: zen | February 26, 2008 at 10:07 AM
At least Cuban's beef is with Kriegl, not Phil. Dude need's to get a life and stop living vicariously through your players. Even Dirk had to tell Cuban to back off last year.
http://msn.foxsports.com/nba/story/7836120/You-want-ridiculous,-Mark?-Try-that-Kidd-trade
Posted by: mel | February 26, 2008 at 10:12 AM
And another thing, if another NBA player not named LeBron does say something halfway decent regarding" Kobe, most of the time its proceeded with a "BUT"..(ex, He's a great scorer, BUT, He's a great player BUT, He is the Best BUT .WTF is that all about?? Usually when a person says that, they DONT really mean what they are saying in the first place!
Most of us already know the Suns have Dantoni's personality and possess his arrogance. They think and act like him but they need to remember the only they have to show for it is a couple division titles..Sorry, but that is not the doesn't come close...
Posted by: lakersrydeordie | February 26, 2008 at 10:13 AM
Zen,
How are you? Do you have a link on the K Smith comment? Or was it on TV?
Posted by: Charles | February 26, 2008 at 10:15 AM
Fish says they still have some things to prove to themselves.
Most of the team is just learning how to swagger.
The best part is, Kobe, Fish and Phil are experienced in such matters.
Posted by: Vman | February 26, 2008 at 10:15 AM
Good morning, Lakers Nation,
Damn, I excited for game day! I've never been this busy in my life before, but I still plan my calendar around the Lakeshow. It'll be great to see the boys back at home tonight. Love to hear that home crowd! I've been giddy since I woke up this morning...
Go Lakers!
Posted by: The Outlaw | February 26, 2008 at 10:15 AM
The Lakers are on a roll and need to maintain this momementum. Kobe needs to keep his cool regardless of the bad calls against him. I predict the Lakers to lose today. Hopefully everybody skipped that sentence.
Posted by: never | February 26, 2008 at 10:16 AM
So Magloire to Dallas
Sam to Boston
Barry to the Suns?
That's alot of dog years. haha.
Posted by: | February 26, 2008 at 10:19 AM
POLL:
Has anyone here posted a question on Kareem's blog and gotten a response from him?
Posted by: Vman | February 26, 2008 at 10:20 AM
frank rizzo,
They'll probably cover that spread, but at 16pts, now you're gambling. An advantage player never really gambles. Give us a 5pt spread and that becomes an easy bet that we win 9 times out of 10. Plus, 86% favs? Does that mean you're putting up more cash to win less? Crap. If they're going to adjust the line that much, give me 2-1 to make it fair.
Posted by: Tim-4-Show | February 26, 2008 at 10:20 AM
BK, I really appreciate your answer. Wow a 7 footer with that much of weight walking with a surgical screw is amazing. It just gives an idea of what these athletes go through with various kind of injuries. I hope that didn't Put any Steel inside Bynum's Knee.
" Sorry. I thought you were joking. The screw was placed in as part of a previous surgery. It's common, and it's also common for things like that to have to come out, sometimes, even after they've been inserted for medical reasons. But it's not like he stepped on a screw, or a surgeon simply left it in there and sewed up around him, or anything like that. He's having complications from some of the earlier work done on him. Again, it's an indication of how bad his injury was to begin with. The entire joint basically blew up.
BK"
Posted by: Disgruntled, Frustrated Laker Fan | February 26, 2008 at 10:23 AM
BREAKING NEWS
ESPN JUST REPORTED YAO MING OUT FOR THE REST OF THE SEASON DUE TO A STRESS FRACTURE
Posted by: YOU EVER NOTICE | February 26, 2008 at 10:25 AM
Looks like Yao is out for the season... T-Mac forever cursed?
Posted by: Mr. Me Too | February 26, 2008 at 10:26 AM
Beautiful Queen reference. As Freddie Mercury (R.I.P.) put it, "Don't stop me now/ I'm having such a good time, I'm having a ball."
#40 tonight! Keep it going Lakers!
Posted by: bozz | February 26, 2008 at 10:26 AM
Lakers vs. Celtics in the Finals is good for the team than Lakers vs. Pistons.
Posted by: Botsoy | February 26, 2008 at 10:30 AM
I'm thinking Lakers-Detroit in the Finals. Detroit worries me. I hate the Pistons.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | February 26, 2008 at 10:31 AM
Wow... Yao is done...
Go ahead and shut T-Mac down with a phantom injury. Try to salvage the rest of his career...
Posted by: Korey | February 26, 2008 at 10:31 AM
WOW! Yao is out for the season I didn't even know he was hurt. I feel bad for him he's had a rough time with injuries since being drafted.
This may have just decided who the odd team out in the West playoff race is going to be.
Posted by: Xodus | February 26, 2008 at 10:33 AM
Charles,
It's on Yahoo Sports..Just go to the NBA section on Yahoo to see Smith's article.
Posted by: zen | February 26, 2008 at 10:33 AM
Bad news for Yao & the Rockets. He's had foot problems before, no?
Wonder if Burns will adjust his rankings. (still bitter...)
Posted by: | February 26, 2008 at 10:34 AM
Zen,
When did Kenny say that? I thought he was smarter than that. There's no way the Suns beat us in the WCF. And the biggest reason is, I don't see them even getting there. I think they'll be in a dogfight in the first round.
Posted by: Xodus | February 26, 2008 at 10:36 AM
I've got Detroit going to the Finals this year too. This is their deepest team since the 2004 title team. I wouldn't mind exacting a little revenge upon them.
Posted by: Xodus | February 26, 2008 at 10:38 AM
Zen
Thank you sir...
Posted by: Charles | February 26, 2008 at 10:38 AM
Mornin' Bloggers
That sux about Yao, I think your right about T-Mac being cursed.
I know we are done playing them, but I would have liked to have seen our streaking team against their streaking team.
Posted by: Lakers Legacy | February 26, 2008 at 10:39 AM
Shaq's project: To make Amare more stupid.
The funny thing about Amare's comment is that he basically showed how Shaq's influence has slowly been creeping in. Kobe has been a playmaker ever since the start of his career.
Amare's comment, just like comments from other wannabes (i.e. LeBron James) only gain merit by attaching themselves to Kobe Bryant. Shaq knew this a long time ago. One way to get the media's attention is to mention Kobe with whatever you want to say. Amare learning to be a playmaker like Kobe, LeBron saying Kobe's the best player in the NBA. Those get the lights focused a little more on them.
Notice how Amare has become more vocal about himself, his importance, marketability and the like. See how the Suns have slowly turned into a "selfish" ballclub. That's a direct result of Shaq's whispers to his ear and his influence on the team. This guy would eventually take on the selfish, "slacker" mentality of Shaq. And we know how that turned out for the Lakers. So good luck to the Suns. They may or may not (I'm leaning towards the latter) rise and beat the Lakers this year. But let's see who the better ballclub, the team people talk about 5, 10 years down the road.
Posted by: knowing is half the battle | February 26, 2008 at 10:40 AM
Wow,
That's eally bad news. I really like Yao.
Nothing is certain in the NBA. Injuries could take any team down. Always an asterisk, if we stay healthy, we can contend for the title.
Posted by: AN 1 | February 26, 2008 at 10:40 AM
no comment
Posted by: J. Walter Weatherman | February 26, 2008 at 10:42 AM
So our Lakers went from the team with the most question marks and downside at the beginning of the season, to the new favorites when Bynum took us to the no. 1 spot in the west; oops my kneecap took us back to well, "better luck next season"; and with good ol' Mitch, back to the favorites- as all Power Ranking polls tell us as of Monday (with our new Spaniard friend). Whohoooo! Two things I think Laker fans need to start doing as we approach the final stretch of a roller coaster ride season are: 1)shout from the top of a mountain who is (and has been for quite some time) the MVP this season, KOBE MO BETTER BRYANT and 2)examine the pros and CONS of this years Los Angeles Lakers (we have been doing the former lately, but not the latter).
PROS- If Bynum comes back a 100% percent by the playoffs then its a wrap. We are No. 1 (without Bynum) in the West and the consensus is that the EAST is the LEAST which means we are currently on top of the world. Our bench is the deepest in the league. We have the best player/MVP of the league in Kobe, and Lamar is playing the best he's ever looked in a Laker uniform. We also have the best coach in league, especially at managing egos and winning championships. Nuff said.
CONS- Odds are, and I hate to say it, Bynum is probably not coming back. He said friday that he would probably be back in 6-8 weeks. That doesn't sound like returning in March to me, that sounds like Maybe April. He's running in the pool now and we expect him to play full court NBA playoff basketball against Duncan, Yao, Shaq- well Shaq doesn't count, but you know what I mean. We might get the Warriors first round, ask Dallas about how a 5 game series works. Kobe's finger could become an issue if playoff instensity takes it to Charles Barkeley level. And most importantly, folks we are up half a game on the defending champs! Parker is back, Ginobli is on fire and Duncan is, well TIm Duncan (2 time MVP). How far back are all the other teams in the west, like 2 or 3 games.
MAN, THE BANDWAGONNING HAS TO STOP! I love the lakers! My favorite player ever is Magic. I believe Kobe will overtake Jordan when its all said and done, but I do not think we are the favorites to win the title. We have to get homecourt advantage in the west and maybe even over the East the way Boston has looked against us. I do think we are on the rise and that things have never looked so good (especially coming from where we were at the beginning of the season), but hold on to your rational thinking cap. Don't believe the hype, at least not just yet...
Posted by: RandallJohn | February 26, 2008 at 10:42 AM
Good morning Charles and my fellow Lakerfreaks.
"Friday's game, on the other hand, should be a much better match up since Roy might be able to get back and they have the home crowd that hates the Lakers even more than PHX or BOS does (you've never heard MVP chants in Portland, have you?)"
I WILL get the MVP chant going in the Rose Garden. Even if it's just me.
Larry, I need to be on that bandwagon. Hell, put me on that all-inclusive-of-everything bandwagon someone made up last night.
Two notes on all the debate about lineups and rotations when Drew gets back: We don't need to run many plays for Drew. He'll get his on putbacks, lobs and dunks created from penetration by 24 and 7 and p&r between 24 and 16.
I look forward to our defensive improvement with his return but there is no reason to stop running the offense through Kobe and Pau. And NO REASON not to start Odom.
That said, I'll leave the strategy to Phillip and his crew and continue to enjoy the ride.
Glad to see that, little by little, everyone is realizing we should be celebrating! (Not nitpicking. Though it's a free country, so go ahead an be less than stoked if you want....)
Posted by: Jesterguru | February 26, 2008 at 10:43 AM
Xodus,
Yea. I've respected Kenny Smith in the past, so I don't know! It sucks!
Here is the article:
http://tinyurl.com/2q2dza
Posted by: zen | February 26, 2008 at 10:43 AM
I know it's early but after seeing a list of free agents for this offseason i must say, i have always been intrigued about gerald green. Wouldn't mind us taking a swing at him...he has the tools and with Kobe helping him....who knows!
Posted by: bonez | February 26, 2008 at 10:43 AM
That's sad news about Yao. I couldn't even hate the Rockets when we played them in the first round in 2004. We just owned them. And Yao's a great player, a good guy in the NBA. T-Mac must be freaking out. Go ahead and scratch them out of the WC race.
Speaking of... who would you like to meet in the first round? I'd love to see Denver in Round 1. The Lakers would take them in four games. A clean sweep.
Posted by: The Outlaw | February 26, 2008 at 10:43 AM
The west just got a little easier!
Posted by: zen | February 26, 2008 at 10:44 AM
Good morning Lakers Fans!
Enjoy the hate coming from all corners...writers, analysts, players, coaches, fans....they all see the writing on the wall, and it stretches for years to come. We are YOUTH & EXPERIENCE, we are THE PRESENT & THE FUTURE, we are THE LOS ANGELES LAKERS!!!
KOBE FOR MVP!!!
KOBE FOR MVP!!!
KOBE FOR MVP!!!
Posted by: DrewPauKobe | February 26, 2008 at 10:45 AM