Well rested (and deservedly so)
The Lakers, fresh off their hyperkinetic 130-124 win in Phoenix on Wednesday- serious must see TV that apparently everyone saw- had the day off Thursday. Fair to say they earned the rest. And for the first time in a while, the news is actually pretty thin, too. The trade deadline has come and gone, and while LeBron got some help, Thursday brought no more earth shattering news to the W.C., just a smaller-but-potentially effective deal for the Hornets, who are still sifting through the market. (The Lakers, of course, already did their good work. A couple times, actually.) Kobe's pinky is, for the time being at least, less of a question mark. Andrew Bynum's rehab is progressing (he jogged in a pool on Thursday). That leaves plenty of time for the Lakers, currently 37-17 and tied for the top spot in the Pacific, to think about hitting a statistical milestone that Phil Jackson finds important: Winning 40 games before losing 20. It's what elite teams do (elite in real life, not just Power Rankings). With a slate of upcoming games against non-playoff teams, if they don't get there things will have seriously come off the rails.
D-Fish used his off day to talk to Jim Rome about the Phoenix game and the team generally. Here's the audio. Always worth listening to Fish speak.
With the deadline here and gone, attention will likely swing back to the MVP race. Kobe has at least one enthusiastic supporter for that award (unfortunately for him, the author has no vote...).
Good Morning Laker Fans!
Posted by: Charles | February 22, 2008 at 08:59 AM
AK,
Though I believe the Spurs may not make it to the finals this year (Spurs have never repeated and have been unhealthy this year), their 2nd unit isn't bad. Stoudamire, Udoka, Finley, Bonner/Horry, Thomas.
Might be a slept on 2nd unit also aside from the Hornets.
Posted by: Charles | February 22, 2008 at 09:05 AM
Zakee,
I'm waiting.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | February 22, 2008 at 09:11 AM
The whole trade a player so he can be waived and we'll get him back in 30 days thing really pisses me off.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | February 22, 2008 at 09:16 AM
WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!
I predict the Lakers to end their winning streak tomorrow...
Posted by: never | February 22, 2008 at 09:16 AM
Can we sign Brent Barry?
Posted by: xtro | February 22, 2008 at 09:17 AM
It's going to be the Lakers and the Hornets (or Utah) in the Western Conference Finals.
I hope we don't get so distracted by our hatred for the Suns or our antipathy for the Spurs that we forget that Utah and the Hornets are playing kick-ass basketball.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | February 22, 2008 at 09:18 AM
Poor BronBron. His lil bro is out for 6 weeks. Booby out with a sprained ankle.
Posted by: mel | February 22, 2008 at 09:18 AM
charles,
it doesnt matter who the spurs have on the floor as long as ginobili is running with them.. that guy is such an X factor. he has been unbelievable lately.
Posted by: tp | February 22, 2008 at 09:20 AM
Hollinger gave the Lakers and some other teams an A. He gave Miami an A+, probably because of the coup of getting rid of Shaq.
Here's Ford's trade rankings. Read his negative spin on the Laker trade, it's funny!
http://tinyurl.com/23uza8
Posted by: mel | February 22, 2008 at 09:22 AM
==== MVP DEBATE ====
My friends and I are having heated arguments on MVP and I thought I would share my response to the discussion with the blog.
#1 CP3 is that sauce sauce sauce. But in the end, he wont win MVP
because his team wont end up with the best record. Not even in the top
3 prolly.
#2 LeBron v. Kobe: The Real Debate
=== What does history tell us? ====
The greatest statistical seasons do not always correlate to winning
the MVP. Just cuz you put up crazy stats on a weak team, that will not
win you MVP . It will just give you props.
I'll just reference a few of the most glaring omissions:
In 1961-62, Wilt averaged 50pts and 26 rebounds. Scores 100 pts in a
game. 49 wins. No MVP.
In 1961-62, The Big-O averaged 30, 12, and 11. 43 wins. No MVP.
Who won it that year? Bill Russell, cuz his team went 60-20 and he
averaged 18pt with 23 rebounds. Wilt was obviously superior in stats,
Bill led a superior team to 60 wins.
In 1972-73, Nate Archibald averaged 34pts and 11asts. No MVP. Kings
have and always will suck.
In 1988-89, Jordan averaged 32 pts, 8, and 8. No MVP. His team was
47-35 and Magic led a 57-team to the best record in the West.
I could go on and on, but the greatest statistical seasons do not
always get rewarded with MVP a lot of times BECAUSE their teams just
aren't good or players have led dominant teams to great records.
If MVP was about leading weak players to respectability, Kobe would've
had it. Yall saw the Lakers play in Detroit live. Dont tell me you
didnt see how weak Lamar and Kwame were. How weak every1 was. Kobe led
these weak fools to the playoffs and damn near beat PHX by himself in
the playoffs. But that dont matter for MVP voting.
=== Does supporting cast matter? ===
The above examples shows that supporting casts matter in a odd way. If
your supporting cast is weak, than you have to put up crazy stats but
your team will still suck. Then you wont win MVP.
But if your stats go way down and your team is great, you may not have
a impressive season.
So really, supporting casts need to be good enough to keep you in the
game but suck enough so that the star player still needs to do
everything to win the game and take your team to the top of the league
in terms of record.
Take Kobe off the Lakers with his pinkie injury and the Lakers dont
make the West playoffs.
(Bynum dont come back till April and who else do we have to score on
the perimeter?)
Take Lebron off the Cavs, they dont make the East playoffs.
Both dramatic falls, but the Lakers are obviously a championship team
so it has a higher signficance.
Again, Kobe gets the nod here.
=== Do points even matter? ===
We all know that overall offensive output isnt the whole story in the
game. There is no stat for involving your teammates or playing
lock-down D. Unless you average a ridiculous amount of pts per game
(like close to 40), nobody cares. It's not impressive anymore to just
score points (Kobe proved that), shoulder a heavy scoring load, or
anything like that. Not for MVP voting.
But since Ced wants stats here we go...
=== How do the stats matchup? ====
LeBron has the slight advantge in PTS over Kobe. 30 pts - 28pts.
That's negligible.
LeBron has the slight advantge in REB over Kobe. 8 - 6. That's
negligible considering Kobe plays SG and LeBron plays SF.
LeBron has assist advantage 7.5 - 5.2.
LeBron has a FG % advtange. 48 - 46.
Steals are a push. 2 each.
Blocks go to LeBron. 1 - 0.5. Negligible.
Kobe is the better 3pt shooter than Lebron. 35% to 31%.
Kobe is the better Free Throw shooter than LeBron 85% to 71%. (That's
unacceptable for Lebron, really!)
So yes, LeBron has a minor edge in a lot of stats over Kobe. But other
than assists, everything else is negligible. We all know LeBron is the
better driver/finisher. We all know Kobe is a better marksman.
=== What does this mean for Lebron v. Kobe? =====
Kobe will lead his team to 60 wins and they will win the west.LeBron
will put up gaudy stats that he has to put up for his weak azz team
but they wont win 60. Kobe will be rewarded for leading a championship
team.
Kobe wins in the most overriding stat for MVP which is have a
dramatically better record than the Cavs.
Kobe plays in a conference with far tougher opponents every nite and
the Lakers have the 2nd best record in the West despite playing the
statistically 2nd toughest schedule in the league so far (.519).
They've already played PHX 4 times, SA twice, NO twice, CLE twice, HOU
twice, ORL twice, BOS twice, etc. etc. Their 2nd half-schedule is
cake. They'll get to 60 wins, 55 minimum.
Kobe has the wow factor of playing with a dislocated finger. Where is
LeBron's wow factor? He's not doing anything that people haven't done
before. Kobe, TMac, Jordan, and countless other stars have had
incredible seasons on good not great teams and haven't won MVP.
And this will play out once again for you once again unless LeBron
gets his team winning at a signficantly higher clip.
But he wont, Kobe will win MVP, and I will I say I told you so.
- h dot
Posted by: Korey | February 22, 2008 at 09:22 AM
And I forgot to say through all that that LeBron's team is WEAK IN THE
East!.. unacceptable... so he has to have at least a good as record as
the Lake Show to usurp Kobe for MVP.... not happenin...
Posted by: Korey | February 22, 2008 at 09:22 AM
Fire32,
I respect the fact you admit Suns blogs suck. (Probably because Phoenix Suns fans are lame and have little to comment about the game OR Lakers fans have seen it all basketball-wise and thus have more to say).
However, I'm beginning to suspect that you're a masochist, because we're just going to beat up on you. (Much like our team will your team in the playoffs.)
Fire32, I believe there may be hope for you. I'm going to make it a personal mission to turn you into a Lakers fan. You're going to have to change your moniker into something with dignity like "Kobe Rocks!" or whatever. This "Fire32" thing has to go.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | February 22, 2008 at 09:26 AM
To me, the SPURS may not be the most athletic team on paper as say the Lakers or the Hornets and Denver even. However, they are far more superior in terms of their mental and overall team toughness. They are not gonna just roll over for anyone..Any team is gonna have their work cut out playing against them..They seemingly always have a next team play their type of game, and somehow manage to pull out that just as important "1" "2" point victory..
Besides here lately, Manu is playing outta his skull...How come Raja Bell never clotheslined him?????
Posted by: lakersrydeordie | February 22, 2008 at 09:28 AM
I'd really like to see Fish join the Lakers training staff when he hangs 'em up. He's thoughtful, articulate, candid and of course has a high b-ball IQ.
Posted by: Xodus | February 22, 2008 at 09:29 AM
tp,
thanks for your reply. i don't disagree with you....
Posted by: Charles | February 22, 2008 at 09:30 AM
K Bros – I think you have a great idea with acknowledging solid contributions to the blog. There are many eloquent and insightful blogger on this train reck ... er ... forum. I actually learn something about basketball almost every time I read this blog.
I’m assuming a post suggesting a trade of LO and Walton for Duncan and Ginobli, "since the money works out" – won’t make the grade. No, trade crazies, don’t crunch the number in the Trade Machine – it was just an example.
Just watched the Suns game on dvr yesterday, yes I know this thing’s been analyzed every which way but proctologically (http://www.thefreedictionary.com/proctologically) on this blog, but I’ll bore you with mine anyway.
1. I’ll say it again ... Kobe is a cold blooded killa – every time phx brought the deficit down or took a lead, Kobe broke down whoever was defending him and delivered. Kobe is the best player in the NBA and has been for 4 years. Anyone who disagrees is flat wrong, not opinion wrong, but flat fact wrong. I predicted after the roadie that Kobe will win the MVP this year and he will.
2. Some posts after the game on this blog made the point that the Suns defense is worse with Shaq (sorry I can’t remember who), after watching the game, I agree. But I think what those posters alluded to was the Suns’ transition defense. It was horrendous with Shaq on the floor.
3. I was wrong that Amare’s game would suffer with Shaq clogging the lane. Amare has more range than I gave him credit for. Hopefully that can be neutralized with another large, athletic body on him – we miss you AB.
Posted by: HmrHed | February 22, 2008 at 09:31 AM
LeBron's a great athlete. That's it.
He's also the "Son of the Great Hype". He has the media machine funded by Nike behind him. That's it. He's a fricken pod. I honestly believe the following basketball players are better/more valuable than LeBron James:
1) Kobe Bryant
2) Tim Duncan
3) Steve Nash
4) Kevin Garnett
5) DeWayne Wade
6) Dwight Howard
7) Chris Paul
LeBron James is all hype. If he didn't have the Nike media machine behind him, he wouldn't even be seriously mentioned in the MVP race.
NO MVP? NO PEACE!
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | February 22, 2008 at 09:31 AM
Jon K.
That Caron Butler trade was such pre mature fodder....
I'm glad AK-Bk cleared that up.
Posted by: Charles | February 22, 2008 at 09:35 AM
REPOST INQUIRY::
Off TOPIC: Maybe this has come up b4 in the blog and I overlooked. However, has anyone every noticed the LOGO that is used on the TNT pregame show. It's usually shown as they are coming on and or just before they break for commercial. That very LOGO isn't the LOGO himself, but KOBE, I am SURE of this..It's def his likeness, I think and I am wondering if anyone can confirm this for me..BK/AK care to chime in or anyone with insight by all means, I would love to know!! Thanks!!
Posted by: lakersrydeordie | February 22, 2008 at 09:36 AM
Any chance that the Lakers go after Brent Barry? They could use some veteran depth at the guard position and his 3 point shooting would be a valuable asset off the bench.
Posted by: Steve M. | February 22, 2008 at 09:42 AM
in my opinion kobe will win the mvp if the lakers finish in the top 3 because...
1. he will be leader of a great team
2. he is the best player in the league and because he puts up incredible numbers (even though lebron has better numbers, points 1 and 3 outweigh them)
3. (the biggest reason) kobe will be doing all these things with a bum pinky. something no other player would probaby play for. this will prove to be the kicker in the mvp race
on a side note i really hope the lakers destroy all the weak teams comming up. not just beat them but spank em like the hawks
GO LAKERS
Posted by: mrbarneydangles | February 22, 2008 at 09:43 AM
Mel,
With the acquisition of Marion....
There seems to be a President/Coach's remorse in getting Marion, he was offered yesterday on the last day of trading day & he's still a Heat today. They lost last night to the Rockets and Marion was 4-11 on the FT line. Pat Riley is a very unhappy dude and he's not used to consistent losses. Of course, it doesn't mean that he was not happy in disposing Big Baggage a $40 M in two more years who was inactive for more than a month. Last Wednesday, the Big Buster has no problems with the hip and those arthtic toe. He just want to go on vacation on company time, not when he's a new employee in the Suns. Going back with the unorthodox matrix, Marion I don't see him staying with Miami for a long time with that fat contract. Did you notice all teams now are concerned of saving for a cap space?
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | February 22, 2008 at 09:44 AM
Good morning, Lakers Nation,
We all know that Kobe deserves the MVP. Will he get it? Hell no. And you know what? I don't really care that much anymore. In fact, it might be better if Kobe DOESN'T get the MVP. As many teams know and fear, pissing Kobe off usually means he'll drop a 40+ game on you, play stellar defense, and dunk on your best players. After Kobe gets snubbed again this year by the MVP voters (most of whom favor Lebron... on a weak team in the weak East), everything will even out when Kobe wins his first Finals MVP as the Lakers take out Boston in six games.
Go Lakers!
Posted by: The Outlaw | February 22, 2008 at 09:44 AM
K Brothers,
Instead or (or in addition to) "Best Comment Award", I suggest a "Best Lakers Haiku Award".
I humbly submit my first entry
The team of Greatness
Never truly defeated
Victory is ours
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | February 22, 2008 at 09:44 AM
Jon K. It pains me to admit how good LeBron is. Let's not forget he is still what 22 or something like that..He is a BEAST (lol, literally and figuratively with his UGLY ass self!! LOL) But hey, we not talking bout looks now back to the subject matter. I think Lebron has the skillset and SIZE to be that beast! In fact, he is soooooo good, I sometimes find myself hating on him..BUT he is NO KOBE..Hell, nobody is.And there are def many other players who are equally as talented as him (ahem, MELO would be my choice), again I realize they are different players and their games are diff yet similar. Considering what LeBron is asked to do for his team versus other players. And damn skippy, it def helps that he was crowned the KING of the NBA even b4 he got into the NBA??? Wow! But I understand where you were going with your post..But yeah, I would have to throw MELO out there and take Dwade out, but that's YOUR list nuff respect!
Posted by: lakersrydeordie | February 22, 2008 at 09:45 AM
I humbly submit my second entry,
Kobe, warrior
Fierce, deadly grace in action
His game is supreme
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | February 22, 2008 at 09:46 AM
I humbly submit my third entry:
Kobe! Sea minerals
Will heal your busted finger
Championship? NOW!
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | February 22, 2008 at 09:49 AM
REPOST
fire32, the only thing I will agree with you on is Kevin Johnson. Great guy. I got to meet him when he balling with Ced Ceballos, and Marjerle at the SRC at ASU, fall of 94. I was on the court and he and those guys had next.
I had to guard the KJ. Now, I'm 5'6, 140 lbs soaking wet back then. I had a measured 40" vert back then and was pretty fast, but KJ was KJ. He played enough defense to take the ball from me twice, and went in for dunks on the other end. Otherwise, he treated me like I treat my 5 year old daughter- he let me play, and left it up to Dan to shoot. He was the coolest guy afterward, even gave me pointers as we played.
Marjerle was a stud. He was hitting shots without even jumping, about 3 feet in from half court. Flatfooted shots from half court and they were swishes! Ced Ceballos, was much quicker than I imagined.
Anyways, we got beat 15-3 or 4, and the Sun Devil players had next (Stevin "Hedake" Smith, Ron Riley, etc, but no Mario Bennett). I stayed and watched, and got to talk to KJ afterward. Byron Scott will forever be my favorite player, but as an undersized point guard myself, I always appreciated guys like KJ, Isaiah Thomas, Mark Price, Nash, etc.
FYI, we Laker fans do not hate the Suns. Don't believe yourself when you think that. They're just another franchise that has had some run-ins with us in the past years. Recently, we've given Portland, Sacramento, and now you guys reasons to hate us, so its no big deal. The Suns measure themselves by us, not the other way around. Whether you want to believe in them or not, 14 championship says a hell of alot about an organization. We can't help it if you don't want to believe that.
People hate the Lakers and infer things about us fans well, that just comes with the territory.
Posted by: #4 | February 22, 2008 at 09:50 AM
I apologize for not thanking the bloggers who replied to my ESPN/TNT vs. KCAL/Fox Sports Local game watching. I just thanked J Walter Weatheman.... Thank you for your replys :Zen. Bozz, justanothermambafan, and lakerfaze.
Regards,
Posted by: Charles | February 22, 2008 at 09:51 AM
Zakee,
I want my apology in Haiku format
Five syllables
Seven syllables
Five syllables
Zakee, apologize!
Lamar is staying with us!
Admit you were wrong.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | February 22, 2008 at 09:53 AM
Brent Barry on the Lakers?? I cannot see that..He is LOYAL to the SPURS!!! He will come back after those 30 days or whatever waiting period there is..
I am surprised Houston dropped Bonzi! Now that MFer coulda helped US!
I always liked me some Bonzi!! LOL
Posted by: lakersrydeordie | February 22, 2008 at 09:55 AM
Jon K.,
"The whole trade a player so he can be waived and we'll get him back in 30 days thing really pisses me off"
Another Stackhouse effect...I totally agree with you. NBA and Player CBA should stop this musical chairs. There are so many loopholes on these David Stearn's rules. The teams are abiding with the rules on fair exchange and they find some loopholes to save cap space. NBA rules are like the IRS Code, there is a tax shield for everyone earning more than $200K except for people who are only earning $20K or less.
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | February 22, 2008 at 09:57 AM
lakersrydeordie,
Nike poster-boy
A child in basketball's game
LeBron's no Kobe
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | February 22, 2008 at 09:58 AM
I hope the team doesn't overlook any of these next teams. I also hope Phil doesn't decide that these are "lesson" games, where he teaches at the expense of having comfortable and easy victories.
I'd like to see the Lakers go into that mentality that the Showtime Lakers had: beating teams before they get on the court. Make winning inevitable. I could see hints of it during the Suns game, as we led almost all the way. However, I'd like to see games like that Atlanta game, where the guys are playing so well that there winning is a forgone conclusion.
I mean, competitive games are fun to watch, but I think winning games are even more fun.
Posted by: #4 | February 22, 2008 at 10:03 AM
#4,
40 inch vertical leap? Wow... Props.
Posted by: Charles | February 22, 2008 at 10:04 AM
Jon K.,
I gotchu.
Posted by: lakersrydeordie | February 22, 2008 at 10:04 AM
John K.
If one reads your blogs they would have to say change the bong water my man and our maybe you are related to Mike T. but man get a life nobody has to apologize to anyone and not to someone who demands it. So go take your bru doll and play with the Mikey and Cakeman I think he is still in town.
And get off FIRE 32s's back it is a free country the last time i looked my man.
Posted by: pk-in-the-mesa | February 22, 2008 at 10:06 AM
Jon, a proper haiku has a seasonal reference:
The best ball in June
Is what the Lakers will play
Now we have our team
Posted by: Jesterguru | February 22, 2008 at 10:07 AM
Jon K,
I love your posts, but I have to disagree with you. If you say LBJ is less valuable than:
Wade, Nash, or Howard I have to call BS. Saying he's less valuable than KG... ugh, that's a tough call for me to just dispute it outright, but I do disagree with that one as well.
Kobe, Duncan, and Paul... those are all good arguments to make.
Yes, LeBron is hyped up. But unlike the other hyped up players, LeBron actually does have the ability befitting the glory. The thing is, LeBron has done something special in Cleveland since the day he showed up. When he was in H.S. I thought his passing was stellar and his shooting was just okay, but now his shooting has improved and his game has gone to another level, a level that Wade, Nash, or Howard has never tasted.
At least be fair.
People who get up and say LBJ is better than Kobe must only be looking at this year's stats. Any other argument is purely weak (such as "carrying" the team... Kobe carried Smush, Kwame, Luke, and Cookie into the playoffs in the West, not the Least).... the thing about "which guy would you build your team around" is pretty much centered on the idea of longevity and LBJ theoretically has 5 more years of longevity than Kobe from this day forward... so even that argument is flawed.
The bottom line is that Kobe has earned his status over a decade of play. I have little doubt that LeBron will eventually do that as well, but right now, Kobe has paid his dues, his team is finally winning, and now it's time to give him the recognition he deserves.
Everyone was so quick to give Nash two MVPs when he never actually "paid his dues" (this is different than being deserving)... this one reason I do not think Paul will win the MVP. He has not paid his dues yet....
When looking back in 5 years time, many people will look at the MVP history and note one big exception to the rule.
EVERY single MVP winner in the history of the game has been to the NBA finals.
Except: Garnett & Nash.
Garnett has a very good chance to make it this year or next year. Nash has a very weak chance of making (but does have a shot I'd say)...
If Nash does not get to the promised land, then it will be a black eye on the history of MVPs for a guy to win back to back MVPs and to have no finals experience. To contrast, Shaq has led three different franchises to the finals and has 4 rings... but only half the MVPs of Nash.
Yes, it's a sore subject with me. And they almost gave that guy a third one!
Nash will be the trivial pursuit answer:
Name the only MVP in NBA history to never lead his team to the NBA finals....
As for Popovich...
You know damn well he was bitching to the league about the Stackhouse thing. You also know very well that the Sonics were planning on waiving Barry the very day he was traded. YOU KNOW IT.
This A-Hole, Captain Renob had the nerve to say our trade was unfair, and then he goes and gets a crucial piece to his puzzle, FOR FREE.
Hey, we gave up Critter & Marc Gasol + TWO picks, and our starting center for the last two seasons...
What did Pop give up?
One lousy pick?
Get out of town with that POP. Get the @#$#@ out!
Posted by: Tim-4-Show | February 22, 2008 at 10:08 AM
WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!
I predict the Lakers to end their winning streak tomorrow...
Posted by: never | February 22, 2008 at 09:16 AM
Never,
LOL!!! Always one to provide the blog with great humor, thanks NEVER!!!
Posted by: Nemaia Faletogo | February 22, 2008 at 10:09 AM
"Zakee, apologize!"
I hate to derail your Haiku train, but that is six syllables.
DOOOO BEEE DOOO BEEE DOOOOO
Posted by: Stranger in the Night | February 22, 2008 at 10:10 AM
Ouch for you Wafer-heads:
Dan (Portland): David, will Von Wafer be able to fill in for James Jones and maybe compliment him afterwards? Thanks.
David Thorpe: (12:05 PM ET ) No. And probably no. But he is a great shooter, just not a good player. Maybe they can help like they did Outlaw.
Posted by: mel | February 22, 2008 at 10:13 AM
By all accounts (at least if what I read can be believed) Drew's recovery is proceeding well and if his running in the pool stint yesterday shows no ill effects we can chalk up another piece of good news...But what is the current report on Trevor Ariza? Any confirmed current news? Absent that, I'll even settle for wild speculative rumors.Anyone? Bueller?
Posted by: TucTownLakerFan | February 22, 2008 at 10:14 AM
Jon K.,
There is no value
in Haiku poetry crap
Do you feel me dog?
DOOOO BEEE DOOOO BEEE DOOOO
lol, just kidding
Posted by: Stranger in the Night | February 22, 2008 at 10:16 AM
Re: The Phoenix Suns
Like I said a few days ago, when you look back in ten years, who's the face of the Phoenix Suns?
Kevin Johnson.
That guy was TOUGH.
Now there's a guy you could give an MVP to. There's a guy you can put into the Hall of Fame with a smile.
When KJ, Marleje, Hornecek and company were dominating the league... I don't think any Lakers fans "hated" the Suns.
I jumped up and down when KJ threw that dunk on Hakeem.
Absolutely LOVED it. Those were some good days.
But the minute you put some pretend team up there, with the ARROGANCE of D'Antoni & Amare... and then the fans have the nerve to come in here and heckle (and actually, I'm not talking about Fire32... I'm talking about fans from the past several years)...
And you wonder why we'd rather see Detroit win another or the Spurs win another or even (yuk) Dallas to win another... pretty much anyone else besides the Celtics to win another title before we'd cheer for those Suns.
If anything will breed hatred, it's the fans.
It's the reason I hate the Blazers. It's the reason I hate the Celtics (I was too young to experience all those NBA finals losses to them)...
It's the reason I hate the Phoenix Suns.
But I do like Shaq (I forgave him months ago)
I do like the Matrix (but they traded him)
Hell, I even like Ceballos (Lake Havasu anyone?)...
I don't really have a problem with Nash, he's a class guy, I just despise his two MVPs.
But D'Antoni + the Phoenix fans = my hatred.
Does that answer the question?
Posted by: Tim-4-Show | February 22, 2008 at 10:16 AM
From the GM Rule Book:
Never trade to a team in you're own division.
Aren't Houston/New Orleans in the same division?
Brent Barry?
Suns and Warriors want him bad.
Could we use another deadly back up shooter since we lost the bidding war for Von Wafer?
Teams are really starting to pack it in on us. Barry is a clutch, not afraid to shoot player. Not unlike and very similar to Von Wafer. Blocking PHX would be nice as well.
Lesson number one: How to make AK laugh?
Works every time. Just say Von...and pause. Don't finish the name. The longer you hold the pause, AK will start to smile in anticipation. Next he will giggle, then fall onto the ground holding his gut laughing. "Begging you not to say it." Just imagining all the possibilities, will drive him insane with laughter.
Posted by: AN 1 | February 22, 2008 at 10:18 AM
Jon K - Laker's fan -
Nothing but a Haiku king
We never knew it
Posted by: justanothermambafan | February 22, 2008 at 10:18 AM
Jesterguru,
You're right. Traditionally speaking, Haikus usually encorporate seasonal or naturalistic references, but for the sake of Haiku battle, I find it useful to stretch the parameters of what is traditionally acceptable in terms of imagery.
For those who defend
Fire32, are they fans?
True fans they are not.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | February 22, 2008 at 10:20 AM
Stranger in the Night,
I pronounced "apologize" like Cartman from 'South Park'. APALGIZE!
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | February 22, 2008 at 10:21 AM