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
If Ariza turn out to be injury laden with his foot, would you guys like to pick up Eduardo Najara? (If he is cool with 2-3 million)
Posted by: Charles | February 20, 2008 at 02:35 PM
Espn has a surprisingly large number of contributors whose opinions I just dont care about. I know Stein, Sherridan and Bucher have put their time in covering the sport, but it still feels like they just make stuff up on the same level as any of us replying to these boards. I respect Abbott's opinion and Adande, and I respect that Hollinger at least tries to have a methodology, but a lot of the other guys just seem to happen to have a venue to voice their opinions. Stein in particular just seems to be arguing what he'd like to see happen in that article. He always tries to find a way for Nash, Bowen or Dallas to get the upper hand because he likes those things. At least Bill Simmons wears his groundlessness on his sleeve and is explicit in his biases. The bros. K, too. They're aight in my book.
Posted by: james hastings | February 20, 2008 at 02:36 PM
I wonder if one of their (Memphis) PG's is being packaged with Mark Miller? Maybe Javaris isn't playing because the other 2 are being showcased? I dunno... the whole thing is odd because... they traded Gasol for draft picks, a salary dump in Kwame and a young, promising player in Crittenton who... they aren't going to play? LOL!
If I was a Memphis fan, I'd have some serious questions after the trade deadline passes. If they aren't even going to try to rebuild, just keep salaries down, why should fans pay one dime to go see them?
Posted by: TaosHum | February 20, 2008 at 02:38 PM
Jesse,
>>>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?
2004 - Memphis won 50 games & made the 7 seed
2005 - Memphis won 45 games & made the 8 seed
(Lakers missed the playoffs that season)
2006 - Memphis won 49 games & made the 5 seed
(Lakers were the 7 seed that season)
Pau had no problems getting TO the playoffs with Memphis.
Where they had problems was winning once they got there.
Kobe and friends will help Pau get over that stigma.
Posted by: Long Time Laker Fan | February 20, 2008 at 02:43 PM
Taos,
I think the Grizz are benching Critt to showcase Kyle Lowry, who has been rumored to be on the trading block (along with Mike Miller). From what I've read, the Grizz are envisioning their backcourt of the future to include Mike Conley and Critt.
Posted by: LAKER TRUTH | February 20, 2008 at 02:44 PM
The Suns are at home, so they won't be in their orange uniforms, right? Thank goodness. Shaq would've looked like a giant pumpkin.
I have to work tonight, so I'll be watching the replay at midnight. Go Lakers!
Posted by: Marty | February 20, 2008 at 02:45 PM
Glad the guys got a blow-out win last night and our starters didn't log too many minutes.
This team is starting to have that old bulls swagger about them. Note that I don't say the Lakers of the Shaq years type swagger. Something a little meaner and hungrier.
Posted by: Laker Kev | February 20, 2008 at 02:50 PM
Pick and Roll
Pick and Pop
Pick and Pau
=victory tonight
Posted by: LAKER TRUTH | February 20, 2008 at 02:50 PM
I hope Artest goes to the Nuggets rather than the Spurs, I think there is more of a chance of an team implosion in Denver. The Spurs might actually get him in line.
Posted by: Lakers Legacy | February 20, 2008 at 02:51 PM
Dude,
Could someone please make Gunner go away again?
Gunner, you need to come here to be a FAN of the LAKERS wether that be Kobe to Coby. From the top of the list to the bottom.
Stop coming in here just to stir things up. You are like my teenager.....He does things just to get reactions.
I noticed that everyone just ignores you. Does'nt that bother you? Do you think it's time to grow up son??
Best wishes to you if you decide to live your life like that....
janaya
Posted by: janaya | February 20, 2008 at 03:02 PM
I see this game more as "experimentation" and testing the limits of Shaq. I agree with posters that say we should run pick n' roll over and over. Last night they ran it beautifully with Gasol hitting shooters and Lamar on the weak side when defenders rotated.
Another key to watch is how Shaq defends Gasol in the high triangle post. I remember Shaq having a lot of problems guarding VIN BAKER, who was too fast for him. So I certainly can't imagine him guarding Pau without help. Unless, of course, the Suns think it'd be a good idea to have Amare on Pau, and Shaq on Odom. In any case, it's mismatches galore.
We got whupped by them last game largely because 1. Kwame's, 2. Marion going nuts, 3. Diaw having the shooting game of his LIFE. 1 and 2 no longer a problem. 3? I doubt that'll happen again.
I do see them zoning us, however. It's one way to cover their now individual defense (except for Raja)
Posted by: Vonislav Waferdenko | February 20, 2008 at 03:02 PM
LakerTom,
You know the difference tonight, I think our bench mob. Suns do not have any bench except Grant Hill, Skinner who may be substituting with puffing and huffing Shaq. I think when Farmar, Sasha, Ronnie and hopefully, Walton get into the Sun's groove and sustain the lead just like last night, game is over. After trading Marion, the two Thomases, House, the Suns became thin. Nash cannot play long minutes due to bad back.
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | February 20, 2008 at 03:03 PM
The 2002 Finals with the Nets were on ESPN Classic!
Kobe got interviewed after the game with 36 points!
Posted by: Staples 24 | February 20, 2008 at 03:06 PM
Tim4Show: There were actually some Hawks fans sitting in our row. They left at halftime (HEE-HEE!) For someone with bum pinky, KB sure didn't look like it. All that behind-the-back passing, crossovers, monster dunks and whatnot!
I'm still pissed that they ran out of Taco Coupons!
Did I mention that our seats were on the VIP level right next to where the Luxury Suites are? SWEEEET! My wife's got a decent, well connected J-O-B that helped us get those seats. I felt like King for a Night!
Posted by: utzworld - THE BANNER HOLDER | February 20, 2008 at 03:08 PM
Andrew Z,
“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.”
Andrew…I agree 100%. Couldn’t get a better impersonation of me! Wow, are you the OtherLakerTom? LOL.
As I said before, GHF and GHE have now merged into GOF (Glass Over Flowing). Now our only differences of opinion are about when the Lakers win their next championship, not if. And I have to actually finish the post before I know that is was ex or Andrew posting.
Lakers wire to wire tonight.
Think PICK AND ROLL with Kobe and Shaq.
PICK AND ROLL,
PICK AND ROLL,
PICK AND ROLL,
PICK AND ROLL,
PICK AND ROLL,
PICK AND ROLL,
PICK AND ROLL.
over and over!
Tom
Posted by: LakerTom | February 20, 2008 at 03:09 PM
Gunner -
So you know more than Jerry West about Basketball? What are you doing on this blog? You should be rich, drinking a mai tai out on some exotic beach somewhere. Please! Anyone that criticizes the logo about Basketball is an Idiot!
Xodus,
Those same reasons you gave to motivate Shaq actually doesn't motivate him. What motivates him is 1) A chance to win. 2) Criticism.
His star player was not the same and then when Zo went down that pretty much sealed the deal..He's 35 years old..When he was 25 that would have motivated him to do better. But he's 35..He would rather be on a winning team with a chance to win. He would rather be the savior. That's what motivates Shaq.
Posted by: zen | February 20, 2008 at 03:10 PM
Utzworld -
"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."
You said it perfect - Kobe is playing the best ball of his career and yet Gunner is STILL COMPLAINING!!!
GUNNER - IF ALL YOU WANT TO DO IS COMPLAIN, I WOULD LIKE TO SUGGEST THE CLIPPERS BLOG.
PLEASE GO TO THE CLIPPERS BLOG!! THEY FIT YOU PERFECTLY...
GO LAKERS!! LET"S SMASH THE SUNS!
Posted by: | February 20, 2008 at 03:10 PM
Utzworld -
"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."
You said it perfect - Kobe is playing the best ball of his career and yet Gunner is STILL COMPLAINING!!!
GUNNER - IF ALL YOU WANT TO DO IS COMPLAIN, I WOULD LIKE TO SUGGEST THE CLIPPERS BLOG.
PLEASE GO TO THE CLIPPERS BLOG!! THEY FIT YOU PERFECTLY...
GO LAKERS!! LET"S SMASH THE SUNS!
Posted by: janaya | February 20, 2008 at 03:11 PM
LakerTom,
Great strategy and battle plan.
If implemented, what you'd see is a defensive switch up... Shaq would be removed from the game and Amare would cover Pau (otherwise they have slide Amare over to double Pau which would leave LO open)...
Once this happens, we will pwn Amare once again. He would have a fit and might even get into foul trouble himself trying to guard Pau at the 5.
Once that happens, it would be like an open court, except they do not have their best defender anymore.
It could get interesting tonight... but I still give the Suns the slight nod, they are the favorites tonight. If we pull it off, it shows just how powerful we are.
I expect to see some Turiaf tonight againts the all-star forward.
Posted by: Tim-4-Show | February 20, 2008 at 03:11 PM
TIM4Show,
Aside from Phil Jackson dumping Jeanie and running away with me....
What we want for Christams is a win over the Suns tonight and a parade in June?
Posted by: Elle | February 20, 2008 at 03:13 PM
“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."
LakerTom, what have you done to the Andrew Z we all knew and loved! haha
Posted by: Xodus | February 20, 2008 at 03:14 PM
>>>... 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?
Nope. If you trade away a player, you can't trade to get them
back during the same season. The only way you can get them
back during the same season is if they are waived and you
wait 30 days.
Posted by: Long Time Laker Fan | February 20, 2008 at 03:15 PM
I was amazed that Shaq actually gave love to Kobe calling him the best passer he ever played with until Nash..I think he probably only said that to give Nash to praise.
Posted by: zen | February 20, 2008 at 03:15 PM
"If I was a Memphis fan, I'd have some serious questions after the trade deadline passes. If they aren't even going to try to rebuild, just keep salaries down, why should fans pay one dime to go see them? "
Gay, Conley and Crittenton are going to be all-stars in this league. If they can get Beasley in the draft 08, they already have a nice core! Hakim Warrick and Marc Gasol are also a young talent to have. They have an expiring contract in Kwame and McKie.
They already got rid of Stromile Swift, Damon Stoudemire and Pau Gasol all in one month's time. If you don't call that rebuilding, what is?
Posted by: Staples 24 | February 20, 2008 at 03:15 PM
Here guys:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5S8vC3_tFVw
enjoy. LOL.
GO LAKERS!!!
suck the funs.
Posted by: Chris H. | February 20, 2008 at 03:17 PM
Edwin:
I agree. Our bench mob will kill the Suns. I also expect to see the Lakers pressure the Suns like they did the Hawks, leading to lots of fast breaks and great open court play. If the break is not there, we just pull back and run shaq to death off Kobe and Pau pick and rolls.
Lakers wire to wire in a rout.
Tom
Posted by: LakerTom | February 20, 2008 at 03:18 PM
If I could put money on this (there must be a way), I'd say there's no way PHX will cover the spread.
I'd be willing to put a few hondos on that.
Our loss to Detroit (with the inbounds pass going to.... Kwame Brown) was only 1 pt.
Our other was a 4 point loss with Kobe taped up to the maximum.
I'd say good odds we at least keep them from covering the spread.
Posted by: Tim-4-Show | February 20, 2008 at 03:18 PM
LAKER TRUTH, yeah, I went to Yahoo and they had a rumor about Lowrey and "Mike" I don't know where I got Mark from, but Mike Miller being a possible package deal.
Well, that makes me feel better... LOL! I like the Critter, though he's got a long way to go, somebody needs to stick him in there and let him play well, play terrible, etc. He needs to play, watch the film, make changes, repeat, rinse, recycle, etc. and he also needs to do an offseason training program. I don't know if he can become a "star" but he's got enough talent to be very good if somebody will just have some patience with him. He seems like a good guy so I'm just rooting for him. Maybe we should all say a prayer for Javaris Crittenton... he's on Memphis... a re-building Memphis... hoofa... that's about as close to the minor leagues as it gets...
Posted by: TaosHum | February 20, 2008 at 03:20 PM
Grasshoppers,
There is an old saying that "Empty vessel makes more noise". Unfortunately, Shaq is at a point in his career where he truly is more capable of bragging than actually delivering. So all he wants to do is feed off of Laker limelight or just follow Kobe so that he can be a prick on his side :). Of course prick means a thorn, hehehehe.
I like this quote from PJ: The Lakers’ Phil Jackson, O’Neal’s former coach, said Shaq’s role would be “taking the ball out of bounds and waiting for the other team to get back.” gasp..gasp..I need air!! LOL By the we should be all scared as Shaq is now really mad.
This rivalry between the Lakers and the eclipsing Suns is merely a fleeting one as the eventual and true one between Lakers and Celtics is around the corner.
Enjoy the game tonight!!
TheRealZenMaster
Posted by: TheRealZenMaster | February 20, 2008 at 03:21 PM
Shaq limited minutes tonight I just dont see how the suns could win. Go Lakes!
Posted by: DS | February 20, 2008 at 03:28 PM
it would be big if we beat phoenix.
we can really hold on to the top spot in the rankings.
celts doesnt seem to be that invincible anymore. They have slowed down from the hot start, but still the team to beat in the east.
lakers have to start strong. take out the wind out of the suns' sails.
wonder who will be guarding shaq... not sure if pau can handle him single coverage. we need a big body on him.
prediction: lakers by 10
Posted by: jaworski | February 20, 2008 at 03:30 PM
ex,
“Andrew Z,
Assuming that Bynum comes back healthy, I think that is a reasonable prediction.”
As I said before, GHF and GHE have now merged into GOF (Glass Over Flowing). Now our only differences of opinion are about when the Lakers win their next championship, not if.
And I have to actually finish the post before I know that is was ex or Andrew posting. lol.
Lakers wire to wire tonight.
Think PICK AND ROLL with Kobe and Shaq.
PICK AND ROLL,
PICK AND ROLL,
PICK AND ROLL,
PICK AND ROLL,
PICK AND ROLL,
PICK AND ROLL,
PICK AND ROLL.
over and over!
Tom
Posted by: LakerTom | February 20, 2008 at 03:30 PM
Dear Grasshopper Gunner!!
Chill and enjoy..otherwise I will turn you into an ugly toad, now I am sure you would not want that, do you grasshopper?
Please use initial caps LOL.. when posting and continue with your wax on and wax off.
cheers,
TherealZenMaster
Posted by: TheRealZenMaster | February 20, 2008 at 03:36 PM
If the Suns beat the Lakers tonight I don't think it will prove anything considering the Lakers played last night and are still without Bynum.At full strength I think the Lakers are better than Phoenix.The teams to beat are the defending champion Spurs and Boston who killed the Lakers both times they played.
Posted by: jf | February 20, 2008 at 03:36 PM
Shaquille O’Neal and Hillary Clinton, the King and Queen of Sour Grapes…
I cannot wait to hear more excuses about why the Suns could not beat the Lakers or Hillary could not beat Barack. I fully expect Raja Bell to try and pull a “Clinton” and hit Kobe with a low blow. When he does, I hope Kobe’s teammates respond appropriately, if you know what I mean. Play fair, Suns. Play fair, Hillary.
Pick and roll Shaq off the floor.
Tom
Posted by: LakerTom | February 20, 2008 at 03:41 PM
WHO THE HELL LET GUNNER OUT OF HIS CAGE....CURSES TO YOU
DOOO BEEEE DOO BEEE DOOO
Posted by: Stranger in the Night | February 20, 2008 at 03:41 PM
Gunner is a dumba$$. Don't even respond to his stupidity. He calls himself a Laker fan, yet hates the franchise player. I hate when other blogs send spies to sabatoge the beauty of our home.
Posted by: Chris H. | February 20, 2008 at 03:42 PM
its funny I remeber when the lakers first traded for ariza and the orlando papers and websites said that ariza had major and unfixable feet problems, I thought he would have foot issues but nit this badly. Hope he gets well soon. the laker will really need his defense come playoffs. Heal fast pleeeease......
its good to see everyone is back to being a odom fan again. Amazing....he's basically putting up the same #'s he's always put up but now everyones back to hanging on his short and curlies becuase the lakers are winning ( I could have sworn I called this a few wks back).
None the less the lakers really need this win. If the lakers can win without bynum even though the suns have shaq will be a unrecovering blow to that suns just like dallas losing to the warriors because this is a playoff game tonight. Don't fool yourself into thinking its not.
Also keep an eye out for whoever guards kobe. They WILL target his pinky. Phx plays like old utah of the 80's and 90's.....dirty.
Posted by: richtown | February 20, 2008 at 03:43 PM
Another team tries to counter the Gasol trade:
"The Spurs are trading Brent Barry and Francisco Elson to Seattle for center Kurt Thomas, sources said."
From sports.yahoo.com
Posted by: Long Time Laker Fan | February 20, 2008 at 03:47 PM
espn just report that kurt thomas might get traded to spurs. Hope that don't happen
Posted by: ShazLakers | February 20, 2008 at 03:48 PM
Lakers will win by at least 8 tonight.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | February 20, 2008 at 03:49 PM
This is funny the tit-for-tat between PJ and Shaq. Coach D'Antoni is not used to his new star being ridiculed, I'm sure he's mad at the Zen.
http://msn.foxsports.com/nba/story/7817810/O'Neal-ready-to-take-on-Lakers,-critics-in-Suns'-debut
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | February 20, 2008 at 03:49 PM
LakerTom,
>>>PICK AND ROLL,
>>>PICK AND ROLL,
>>>PICK AND ROLL,
Or, if you're Gunner, ...
NITPICK AND TROLL
NITPICK AND TROLL
NITPICK AND TROLL
NITPICK AND TROLL
NITPICK AND TROLL
NITPICK AND TROLL
NITPICK AND TROLL
NITPICK AND TROLL
NITPICK AND TROLL
(lather. rinse. repeat)
Posted by: Long Time Laker Fan | February 20, 2008 at 03:49 PM
LakerTom,
Hey, I always said the Lakers were one major piece away from being a contender. It just so happened Andrew Bynum developed into that piece and then to put the icing on the cake, Mitch went out and got Pau. Hell, add in Farmar, Sasha, and Ronny's improvement and how much I underestimated D-Fish's ON COURT impact and when healthy we're the best team in the league.
I think we have a chance to win it all this year, health permitting, but next year should be the odds on favorite to win it all.
That feels good to say :)
And I can't agree more with your "Pick and Roll" idea. It could actually get humorous watching Nash and Shaq try and defend that.
Posted by: Andrew Z | February 20, 2008 at 03:53 PM
Gunner,
Tim_4_Sure and Zen are certified bloggers.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | February 20, 2008 at 03:57 PM
No updates for an hour?
You guys stuck on the 405 to the 10 east again? You should know not to take that route, man... that's like the worst interchange in the US.
Posted by: Tim-4-Show | February 20, 2008 at 04:05 PM
Do not worry, suns run on solar power, not Disel. The Lakers run on water power and will quench the sun.
Posted by: Nik kannan | February 20, 2008 at 04:05 PM
janayo,
Do you not notice the irony of what you're saying?
"Gunner, you need to come here to be a FAN of the LAKERS wether that be Kobe to Coby. From the top of the list to the bottom.
Stop coming in here just to stir things up. You are like my teenager.....He does things just to get reactions.
I noticed that everyone just ignores you. Does'nt that bother you? Do you think it's time to grow up son??
Best wishes to you if you decide to live your life like that...."
You tell him people ignore him and then you respond to him. Geez.
DO NOT RESPOND AT ALL TO ANYTHING! EVER! That's how you get rid of trolls. They will get bored if you're disciplined. People aren't and like you act all like they know what they're doing, then they feed them.
Don't feed the trolls.
A public service announcement from Benjamin
Posted by: Benjamin | February 20, 2008 at 04:07 PM
LTLF-
"Pau had no problems getting TO the playoffs with Memphis.
Where they had problems was winning once they got there.
Kobe and friends will help Pau get over that stigma."
I did recall that Pau had got to the playoffs with Memphis. What I was trying to convey (my apologies for not being clear- should never try to post quickly at work), was that the intensity/rivalry with the Suns as well as how it is still Feb., plus the whole Shaq business, will make for a very intense atmosphere. I was just thinking that will make it a bit unlike anything he has probably experienced (in the NBA, at least). He seems to be really enjoying the challenge and definitely willing to take it on.
Should be a fun game to watch!
Posted by: Jesse | February 20, 2008 at 04:11 PM
Gunner Posts "IT'S ALL ABOUT GASOL TONIGHT."
No Sir!
It's really about Lamar Odom tonight. Lamar's big game tonight will give the Lakers a victory over the Suns. But don't get me wrong, Gasol needs to have his regular night and MUST stay out of foul trouble, which I don't believe Gasol has a tendency of doing anyway.
Kobe's pinky will be fine, his addrenalin rush will supercede that.
BK or AK,
What is the status of Andrew Bynum? Would you care to share that with us if possible.
Also, I am tired of listening to people (not particulary in this blog) talk about how no one will be able to rebound the ball with Shaq and Amare in the line up. These people speak as if Amare is a aggressive player and Shaq is still in his 20's. Now if I'm wrong, please let me know.
Go Lakers
Posted by: Ron | February 20, 2008 at 04:16 PM