We were concerned for a sec that nobody would hype tonight's Lakers-Suns/Kobe-Shaq game
February 20, 2008 | 12:33
pm
Thankfully, ESPN stepped up to the... wait for it... roundtable. Take a look at what an assortment of Four Letter Network affiliated writers (that aren't me or BK) have to say about the impending brouhaha.
AK
-Artest-
http://www.sacbee.com/100/story/724944.html
Sonnybelfast
Posted by: sonnybelfast | February 20, 2008 at 12:38 PM
For the most part this was very pro-Lakers but I think more ratings hype for the game tonight. Pre-game will be very fun.
Posted by: PsychedLakerGirl | February 20, 2008 at 12:46 PM
"Thankfully, ESPN stepped up to the... wait for it... roundtable."
Hahaha! Ahh... what a horrible horrible pun...
Posted by: James Pak | February 20, 2008 at 12:50 PM
I want to see Kobe dunking on Shaq as hard as he can! then one more on Nash face! That will make my night!
-with the injured finger and all! PANG!!!! BANG!!!
Posted by: Staples 24 | February 20, 2008 at 12:51 PM
I predict the Lakers to get blown away tonight...
Suns by 9
Posted by: never | February 20, 2008 at 12:59 PM
REPOST
zen,
1. No one knew Miami was as bad as it was until about late December or January when it was clear that Miami was terrible. They even upset Phoenix in December and everyone was expecting Miami to turn it around.
2. He's always hurt. He missed 42 games last season and 20 games the year before.
3. Wade being hurt should be MORE motivation for Shaq, not less.
4.Once again, that's another reason for Shaq to be motivated. And Zo didn't get hurt until Dec. 19, when it was already becoming clear that Miami was terrible.
Posted by: Xodus | February 20, 2008 at 01:02 PM
Expect the refs to give Shaq/Suns a big lift tonight...
Now, I am not a believer in "conspiracy theories," but I do believe in the humanity of refs, and they will be under huge pressure tonight to keep Shaq out of foul trouble in his debut.
I fully expect 2 fouls on Pau and (then) 2 fouls on Ronny in the first quarter. DJ could see 15 minutes tonight, just to bang bodies and rebound.
The Suns will be very excited, will come out gunning. Even Shaq can have energy for the first half. The Lake Show needs to be patient, keep running the offense and play consistent position and secondary defense. It will be within 5 at the half, a small Laker lead after 3, and a pull away in the final minutes to win by 9.
Posted by: DrewPauKobe | February 20, 2008 at 01:04 PM
A more important question to ask: Are the laker girls better looking than the Phoenix Suns dancers? Take a look for yourself on Chris Ello's page. http://www.xtrasports1360.com/pages/sportspage.html
Posted by: Kyle Englehart | February 20, 2008 at 01:09 PM
Nice stuff on the roundtable. Lakers will play a great game tonight and win big. Go Lakers!!!
Posted by: Nemaia Faletogo | February 20, 2008 at 01:25 PM
The Suns (2000), The Funs (2004), The Dones (2008)
Posted by: stevevilakers | February 20, 2008 at 01:27 PM
REPOST
HERE'S MY PREDICTION.
1)If Kobiatch comes out and tried to hog the ball, our lakers will lose.
2) Kobe shot attempts need to be no more than 20
3) If Kobe man, Raja Bell scores more than 15points, we will lose.
4) If Kobe has more turnovers and assists, we will lose.
5) If Shaq puts Pau in foul trouble, we will lose.
6) If Kobe scores more than 30 points, then we will lose. Because that means no one else is seeing the ball.
Posted by: Gunner | February 20, 2008 at 01:34 PM
Go Lakers, I am looking forward to victory..As for being a road game, hell if a 9 game road trip isn't battle tested, I don't know what is..I think we will do what we have to and come out victorious..
RydeOrDie!
Posted by: lakersrydeordie | February 20, 2008 at 01:35 PM
Sonny,
Good to hear from you. As a Kings fan, do you want to keep Artest or trade him? I've heard the stuff about how he's taking minutes away from Cisco and Salmons, but I don't think either is on his level purely from a b-ball perspective.
Posted by: hariyahu | February 20, 2008 at 01:35 PM
Having never seen either this years Lakers girls or the Suns dancers in person, my guess would be on the Suns dancers.
If you ever make your way through Phoenix, the typical 10 in most cities in the U.S. would only be about a 7.5 there. I know the same can be said in LA, but the actual percentage of hot women in PHX is a lot higher. They have a much better concentration of them in Phoenix.
Since our teams probably WON'T match up the playoffs this season... how about this one for memories:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FAwD4wACzmg
Posted by: Tim-4-Show | February 20, 2008 at 01:37 PM
IT'S ALL ABOUT GASOL TONIGHT.
A NEW UPDATE TO THE KOBE JOURNALS. NOW YOU CAN CALL HIM THE BIG "PINKY"
Kobe Bryant is the:
Big Whiner
Big Pluto
Big Charlatan
Big Loser
Big Malcontent
Big Narcist
Big Rat
Big Snake
Big Mambo, Mambo#8, Mambo#24
Big Tito Jackson
Big LaToya Jackson
Big Faker
Big Blamer
Big Finger Pointer
Big Du-mass
Big Backstabber
Big Pippen Wannabe
Big Dominic Wannabe
Big Drama Queen
Big Irrelevant
Big Crybaby
Big Envy
Big Green with Envy
Big “Be Like Mike”
Big $3Million Dollar “to Make You Holler” Ring
Big “Trade Me, Don’t Trade Me, Trade Me Again”
Big Waffle
Big “Right Now”
Big Jerkoff
Big A$$hole
*Big Britney Spears, Lindsey Lohan, Paris Hilton
*Big Diva
*Big KBiatch
*Big Primadonna
*Big Liar
*Big Tantrum
*Big Poision
*Big Selfish
*Big Loner
*Big Anti-LBJ and Anti-Wade
*Big Unnatural Elbow
*Big Dirty Player
*Big Love Me, Hate Me Stupid Nike Ad
*Big Cheater
*Big Adulterer
*NEW UPDATE: BIG PINKY
Posted by: Gunner | February 20, 2008 at 01:41 PM
AK,
#3 on the list of worst dunks had to be the best, er worst...CLANG!!!!!
MUAHAHAHAHA....
AC
Posted by: Acjunglist702 | February 20, 2008 at 01:44 PM
Wow, so many trolls these days.
I can't blame them for coming here,
since all the Suns blogs suck.
this picture is dedicated to them
http://img90.imageshack.us/my.php?image=lakerssunschartrn7.jpg
Posted by: Lakers Legacy | February 20, 2008 at 01:45 PM
Lakers need not to worry about any one player and play as a team which they have been for the last ten games GO LAKERS NOT FAKERS AND SHAQ IS WHAQ
Posted by: pk-in-the-mesa | February 20, 2008 at 01:45 PM
Why is it always the most ridiculous posters that have the most time on their hands?
Posted by: Xodus | February 20, 2008 at 01:47 PM
I dont believe if Kobe scores more than 30 we lose..Hell, we are averaging like 107 a game, he can STILL get his and the other starters get double figures and the bench do what they do..So in games past, maybe Kobe scoring 30 would suggest he is not sharing with said BALL but nah that SCHIT don't fly no more!!!!
Posted by: lakersrydeordie | February 20, 2008 at 01:50 PM
Silly fool... how soon you forget, Kobe invented the gun a few centuries ago. He also invented the atomic bomb. I don't even need to mention that he's responsible for all violent acts of mankind, because he invented that too.
Here's your killer.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y_KOPjhYQS8
Posted by: Tim-4-Show | February 20, 2008 at 01:50 PM
What happened to you, Gunner? You used to be so beautiful!
Posted by: utzworld - THE BANNER HOLDER | February 20, 2008 at 01:53 PM
I think Lamar has the game of his life tonite, I see nobody being able to match up with him..GO LAMAR, unleash the All-Star potential that everybody keeps saying you've always possessed!!
Posted by: lakersrydeordie | February 20, 2008 at 01:54 PM
I'm kinda worried about tonight's game. I think Raja may want to intentionally swipe at Kobe's finger. Especially if we are embarrassing them like we did the Hawks. If kobe gets that finger broken he will be out 6 weeks. Hopefully not. This team is playing with tremendous chemistry right at the moment. Man I can't wait until tip off tonight.
Posted by: adam | February 20, 2008 at 01:54 PM
lakersrydeordie - Let me take you on a walk down memory lane.
IF WE ARE GOING TO WIN THE CHAMPIONSHIP, GASOL IS THE KEY. I AM NOT PUTTING MY TRUST INTO THE "BIG PINKY, OPT-OUT OF SURGERY" LOSER LIKE KOBIATCH..
i don't want him try to sabotage the Lakers by chasing after Final MVP like he did 4 years ago against the Pistons with these stats.
"They almost never doubled Shaq and actually doubled Kobe much more. Kobe started out that series passing a lot and guys like GP and Fish were SO off, they were literally barely getting rim. I'm talking serious serious bricks here."
Game 1: Kobe 10-27 (37%) Rest of Lakers 19-46 (41%)
Game 2: Kobe 14-27 (52%) Rest of Lakers 24-53 (45%)
Game 3: Kobe 4-13 (31%) Rest of Lakers 23-61 (38%)
Game 4: Kobe 8-25 (32%) Rest of Lakers 25-53 (47%)
Game 5: Kobe 7-21 (33%) Rest of Lakers 24-54 (44%)
There are the facts. In every game but one, the rest of the Lakers shot far better than Kobe did. Yet he kept taking far more shots than everyone else (at least 25 shots three times!) and only averaged 4.4 assists (and 3.6 turnovers) per game. If they were doubling him far more, then why didn't he pass far more and shoot far less? This series shows how his selfishness had taken over well before he had a lower-quality team, and demonstrates why the Lakers fell apart the way they did.
CASE CLOSED.
Posted by: Gunner | February 20, 2008 at 01:57 PM
Suns - funs - dones - too funny! Yet so true. The LAKE SHOW is rising and the sun is setting, and trolls always get more active at night. It will be a quiet day tomorrow - don't worry!
GO LAKERS!!!!!!
Posted by: justanothermambafan | February 20, 2008 at 01:57 PM
" I dont believe if Kobe scores more than 30 we lose.."
Didn't Kobe have 36 about a week and a half ago and we WON THE GAME (Gasol scored 30)?
Poor Gunner...poor poor Gunner. A shadow of your former self. Give peace a chance brother. Otherwise you're gonna be in a strait-jacket during the Parade in June! We'll be cheering and you'll be mumbling to yourself, "Kobe's a ***king ball hog!" while sipping on a juice box on 3rd & Figueroa.
Posted by: utzworld - THE BANNER HOLDER | February 20, 2008 at 01:58 PM
Nice photo Lakers Legacy...
Posted by: Charles | February 20, 2008 at 01:59 PM
repost
StatisticsTom
"So, even if the Lakers lose tonight, they still have a better shot at winning the division tiebreaker than the Suns."
SOUNDS LIKE YOU ALREADY HAVE PUT OUR TEAM UNDER THE BUS. SHALL YOU REVEAL WHAT SCORE WE WILL LOSE BY TONIGHT?
Utzworld,
"What happened to you, Gunner? You used to be so beautiful!"
I am still the same Gunner. I don't like this time of the year because this is the time when kobiatch tries to SABOTAGE aka KBiatch on the team. HE ACTS LIKE THE TEAM CAN WIN WITHOUT HIM. and I got a feeling he trying the same thing again this year. I hope I'm wrong!!
Posted by: Gunner | February 20, 2008 at 02:00 PM
Sorry to those who missed the Dunks link. Upon further review, there was a little too much coarse language for our site. But if you want to see it, it's linked at TrueHoop today.
BK
Posted by: Brian Kamenetzky | February 20, 2008 at 02:01 PM
How could I post Lakers/Suns videos without putting up some of Chris' best stuff?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=krjrQe5KEHw
Like I said, it's like Christmas everyday around these parts. And what do we want for Christmas??
Posted by: Tim-4-Show | February 20, 2008 at 02:02 PM
Sorry to distract you all from the Gunner baiting, but did
anyone else notice this:
http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/hollinger/powerranking
Like they say, the cream always rises to the top.
Posted by: Long Time Laker Fan | February 20, 2008 at 02:09 PM
"I don't like this time of the year because this is the time when kobiatch tries to SABOTAGE aka KBiatch on the team. HE ACTS LIKE THE TEAM CAN WIN WITHOUT HIM. and I got a feeling he trying the same thing again this year. I hope I'm wrong!!"
Huh? WHAT THE HELL IS YOU TALKIN BOUT? Did you even WATCH any of the games on the road trip? Heck, did you watch last night's game in which The Big Pinky scored a whopping 23 POINTS (and assisted on a Pau's almost legendary reverse lay-up that BROUGHT THE HOUSE DOWN)?
Dude, this isht is OLD OLD OLD! You biiched and moaned for him to play team ball all summer long. He's doing it. What more do you want from the man? A bouquet of roses and a friggin apology.
It's a new day. Put down the Haterade and join the Caravan Of Love!
Posted by: utzworld - THE BANNER HOLDER | February 20, 2008 at 02:12 PM
LTLF,
Thanks, saw it first thing in the mornin... with the Celts losing and with the Lakes padding their differential by a half point in a single game, you knew we'd hit the Hollinger jackpot.
Posted by: Tim-4-Show | February 20, 2008 at 02:14 PM
How much fun do you think Gasol is having- important playoff type game and atmosphere and its not even March yet! How many times did that happen in Memphis?
Liked reading his interview- seems he's really looking forward to this challenge.
Looking for Lamar to have a great game as well.
If Gasol and Lamar come up big, it is a win for sure!
Posted by: Jesse | February 20, 2008 at 02:16 PM
I can understand Kwame not getting any playing time for Memphis but Javaris riding the pine??? that doesn't make any sense at all unless they are planning on trading him? if they can? before the deadline and don't want to risk injury by playing him.
Odd, to say the least... it's not like they are fighting to make the playoffs.
Posted by: TaosHum | February 20, 2008 at 02:17 PM
My prediction : Lakers win by at least 9 pts.
Posted by: ogur | February 20, 2008 at 02:18 PM
Utz,
Please my brother, it's not worth it. Some people are hypocrital by nature... they attack the person and not the actions of the person. You're talking to someone who would demonize God himself just to have an argument with you. Everyone on this blog knows what's up.... do not waste your time.
Hey, glad you had a good time at the game last night. That must have been one hell of a party!
Posted by: Tim-4-Show | February 20, 2008 at 02:19 PM
Tonight's game is going to be decided by one thing, level of energy. The Suns and their fans are going to be geeked out of their minds for the debut of Shaq and it will be the Lakers responsibility to not only match it, but exceed it.
Even though Atlanta was a far inferior team, I was very, very impressed with the way the Lakers put their foot on the gas and never let up until they were up by 40.
It's going to be important on the offensive end for them to continue to move without the ball, utilize Pau Gasol's ability to move away from the basket to exploit Shaq and LO will need to continue to be aggressive on the boards.
I would also like to see D-Fish and Farmar come out with an aggressive mindset on offense. The two biggest weaknesses the Suns have are Nash and Shaq on defense. Attack those and will get the win.
I'll go ahead and make the (way out there) prediction that if the Lakers win tonight, they will win the NBA Championship this year. Period.
That's about as good of a LakerTom impersonation as I can muster.
Posted by: Andrew Z | February 20, 2008 at 02:19 PM
TaosHum,
You ask a very solid question. I'm perplexed as I think we all are... and several bloggers were wondering on the last thread if Critter wasn't on the block.
If so, can we swing a deal to bring back Hollywood?
How about Coby & ?? for the Critt? I'll give up the draft rights for Sun Yue... ha ha ha.
But seriously, I know they love Conley over there, but I'd love to see Critter steal his thunder. I know he can if he plays under control and shows what he's made of.
Posted by: Tim-4-Show | February 20, 2008 at 02:22 PM
Andrew Z,
Assuming that Bynum comes back healthy, I think that is a reasonable prediction.
Posted by: exhelodrvr | February 20, 2008 at 02:28 PM
Anybody know who Artest is traded for via Spurs?
Sonnybelfast?
Posted by: Charles | February 20, 2008 at 02:29 PM
There's a Laker game today???
Posted by: Amazing_Happens | February 20, 2008 at 02:31 PM
Xodus,
"Why is it always the most ridiculous posters that have the most time on their hands?"
Ooh, ooh!! I know!!!
Because this isn't the only part of their lives where they exhibit impressive amounts of ridiculousness; thus they are usually stuck with not much else to do all day.
Posted by: exhelodrvr | February 20, 2008 at 02:31 PM
God, I had forgotten about Kobe's pinky... that dude is amazing... Well? if Kobe can play like he did last night, I guess the pinky is something that can be "handled" afterall. What I had read was that the pinky was one bad hit away from knocking him into surgery but I don't even remember seeing him wince last night so maybe... it's going to be ok...
Kobe is the MAN. LOL! I can't wait to see this crew with Bynum at the C spot. Who do you double? Kobe? Bynum down low or Gasol at the top of the key? and try to get an offensive rebound, you just have to get around Bynum, Gasol and Odom, yeah, good luck...
Posted by: TaosHum | February 20, 2008 at 02:31 PM
WHEN ONE CAN'T ARGUE THE TRUTH, THEN THE PERSONAL ATTACKS START.
BRANDON LITTLE C
"DOnt even waste your time trying to reason with Gunner, hes an idiot, he cant see rationale because of his hatred."
PERSONAL ATTACK #1 - ALWAYS USE THE WORD "IDIOT" BECAUSE NOTHING ELSE THEY CAN BLAME FOR KOBE SELFISHNESS. KOBE IS THEIR TOILET SO, IT MAKES THEM FEEL SPECIAL TO USE THE WORD "IDIOT". TYPICAL KOBIATCH APPROACH.
PERSONAL ATTACK #2 -
ZEN,
Kobe is a superstar in this league. Jerry West said there are only 5 players that are superstars:
TIM-4-SURE
"You're talking to someone who would demonize God himself just to have an argument with you"
TRIES TO QUOTE INFORMATION FROM OTHER SOURCES WHO HAVE NOTHING TO DO WITH TODAY'S GAME.
PERSONAL ATTACK #3 -
TIM-4-SURE
Everyone on this blog knows what's up.... do not waste your time.
SPEAKS LIKE HE KNOWS WHAT THE CONSENSUS OF THE BLOG KNOWS. TYPICAL KOBE STATEMENT. THINKS THE TEAM WILL NOT PERFORM WELL WITHOUT HIM IF HE HAS SURGERY. IF YOU SPEAK TO THE TEAM, THEY WILL MOST LIKELY SAY, "HE SHOULD HAVE THE SURGERY"
Posted by: Gunner | February 20, 2008 at 02:32 PM
Gunner is just a Hater!!!! When we play well he just hates, when we lose, he rejoices he is not a fan of this team just a Hater. Maybe trying to compensate for his dull boring life. Its really sad, you need some therapy. I dont Know anyone in basketball that does not love Kobes game. The people that dont like him are not basketball fans , just Haters!!!! You must be related to that chick from colorado, then i cant blame u!
Posted by: RIZZO | February 20, 2008 at 02:33 PM
Gunner seems to be shooting blanks.
Posted by: exhelodrvr | February 20, 2008 at 02:33 PM
GUNNER = Troll.
Nuff said.
Posted by: frank rizzo | February 20, 2008 at 02:33 PM
THE KEY STRATEGY FOR TONIGHT IS “PICK AND ROLL…OVER AND OVER…lol
It will be very interesting to see what strategies the Lakers have in mind for the Suns tonight. As many of us have already noted, a loss tonight would be devastating for the Suns and their fans not to mention their hopes and aspirations.
Everything is in the Suns favor: it’s a home game and Shaq’s debut while the Lakers are missing Bynum and playing the second game of a back-to-back. The odds makers have made the Suns a 4-point favorite.
On the other hand, the Lakers have been playing spectacularly since acquiring Pau and have gone 8-1 against the spread in their last 9 games, which is a sign of a team peaking very quickly, more quickly than even their betting public expected.
Tonight the Lakers need to give the Suns a heavy dose of Bryant and Gasol pick and rolls. It will totally expose Shaq’s lack of mobility and quickness and poor defense. I would run the same play over and over until the Suns are just forced to take Shaq out of the game due embarrassment or exhaustion. Trust me, it won’t take too many Gasol dunks or easy layups for the Suns to understand that they have a major problem with Shaq trying to defend pick and rolls.
This is clearly the strategy card that the Lakers need to play early and often. It will end up neutralizing Shaq and leaving the Suns disjointed and discouraged.
Tom
Posted by: LakerTom | February 20, 2008 at 02:34 PM