Yao-ch!
February 26, 2008 | 10:34
am
The Western Conference race may have lost one contender today, as the Rockets are expected to announce Tuesday that Yao Ming will undergo season ending foot surgery to repair a stress fracture. Needless to say, this is a major blow to Houston, who have won 12 games in a row and made themselves players in the W.C. playoff race.
More on this to come, I'm sure.
BK
Bynum will return
Ariza's shall soon be healed
Winds of victory.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | February 26, 2008 at 12:10 PM
HmrHed,
I think we're going for 45 wins before 20 losses now. That'd be sweet.
Posted by: Xodus
Seriously, we would be closer to 50 wins before we post our 20th loss. If we win tonight, we would have to go just 10-3 to get to the 50 mark.
Piece of cake for this team.*
*If we stay healthy.
Posted by: AN 1 | February 26, 2008 at 12:14 PM
X, I agree.
The toughest shedule left is March 14 -20 (NO, Houston, Dallas , Utah) on the road. NO and Houston don't look so daunting anymore.
Posted by: HmrHed | February 26, 2008 at 12:15 PM
you know what this blog is in need of?
a take from COMPTON"S FINEST...i wonder what he thinks about the new, elite lakers.
Posted by: tha show | February 26, 2008 at 12:16 PM
lakersrydeordie-
I haven't heard anything along those lines (foot size) but it's pretty common for players, especially bigs, to develop foot issues. There's just so much stress on the joints and bones put on by being that big and running/jumping as much as they do. It's disappointing for Houston and Yao fans (I like watching him play), but in terms of being surprising, in injury terms? Not that much.
BK
Posted by: Brian Kamenetzky | February 26, 2008 at 12:20 PM
I feel bad for Yao, he is one of the players on the other team that I would actually root for. This just shows you that the window of opportunity to win a championship closes quickly. It is why Kobe is not having surgery now because he knows that he needs to go for it when he has the chance now.
Posted by: CJ | February 26, 2008 at 12:25 PM
I feel very bad for Yao, I've met him numerous times and he's a really great guy, funny as hell - what a shame to see him go down.
lakersrydeordie -
I think people are OK feeling bad that Yao went down for two reasons:
1. He is a good guy, doesn't talk smack about other players and obviously plays very hard and is passionate about b-ball
2. Maybe more importantly, no one here had much FEAR of the Rockets before this injury...so there's less (guilty) relief.
Now if Garnett or Duncan or Sheed went down for the year, there might be a little more evil grinning around this blog, not that I would condone it.
(on that note, who is the Pistons trainer? Does he feed those guys liquid sea minerals constantly? They are NEVER injured!!)
Posted by: DrewPauKobe | February 26, 2008 at 12:25 PM
TO ALL THOSE THAT STRESS OUT OVER THE KOBE HATERS JUST REMEMBER DA VINCI IS ON A MISSION FOR SEVEN (7) RINGS.
KOBE WANTS TO GO OUT WITH MORE RINGS THAN MJ, AND IF HE DOES THAT IS ALL THAT WILL MATTER.
DOESN'T MATTER IF THE MEDIA HATES HIM. DOESN'T MATTER IF HE RAN SHAQ OFF OR VICE VERSA. THE FEUD WITH MGMT DOESN'T MATTER.
ALL THAT MATTERS IS HOW MUCH JEWELRY THERE IS ON KOBE'S HANDS WHEN THIS IS ALL SAID AND DONE.
IF HE GETS TO SEVEN, THEN HE WILL BE REGARDED AS ON OF THE ALL TIME GREAT PLAYERS AND IT WON'T MATTER WHAT GUNNER AND THE OTHER BOTTOM FEEDERS THINK.
doo bee dooo beee doooo
Posted by: Stranger in the Night | February 26, 2008 at 12:26 PM
Too bad about Yao!!
Hey guys, I wouldn't count ANYONE out yet!
Don't jinx this thing!!!
Posted by: keifo | February 26, 2008 at 12:27 PM
"You got it right. Michael Jordan is the "Most Marketed Player EVER!" I don't think he's even close to in the same league as Wilt Chamberlein.
It's the same thing with LeBron James. I don't think that LeBron James is even in the top five players in the league RIGHT NOW, but he is the Most Marketed Player Right Now, and whether or not people want to admit that, it does effect people's perceptions.
They asked Chick Hearn who was the greatest player he ever saw, and Chick had seen them all. He said, "Elgin Baylor." How much do we hear about Elgin Baylor? He's practically an afterthought among the Greats. Why? Amoung the Greats he was one of the Least Marketed Players Ever."
It is interesting that you put Wilt over Jordan based on his bigger numbers (it’s certainly can’t be rings) and then choose to slight LeBron James who is currently having the best season numerically of anyone in the NBA (30.1 ppg, 8.2 rpg, 7.5 apg, 2.06 spg, 1.06 bpg, .486 fg%).
You’re also entirely wrong. Jordan was by far a better basketball player than Wilt.
Wilt was the Shaq of his day, that is to say someone with an incredible physical advantage over everyone else playing combined with an unusual level of skill for someone of his size. However, like Shaq, he lacked focus (joining the Globetrotters, acting, his sexual escapades) and didn’t make the most out of his talent to ensure team success for most of the seasons of his career. Also, like Shaq, Wilt’s playing level faded quickly and badly in his early 30s as he lost his physical edge. That’s why, despite the ridiculous numbers that Wilt put up early in his career, he ended up scoring the same career ppg as Jordan and ended up with less overall points scored.
Sure, Jordan was also incredibly talented physically. But, the bottom line is that the guy was only 6’6” playing in an era of great 7 footers, while Wilt was a 7 footer who played in an era with 6’9” centers. What set Jordan apart from Wilt (and virtually everyone else who has ever played) was his mental prowess with which he mastered himself, the flow of the game, and eventually the psyches of his teammates and even his opponents (this is the level that Kobe has not quite reached yet, although I think that he is getting there). It was this difference in mental ability as a basketball player that allowed Jordan to win 6 championships with far less talent (and zero post presence) than with Wilt was able to win only 2 championships.
The bottom line is that Jordan only played with 2 HOFers in his career (George Gervin, if you’re willing to count the 18 games they played together the year Jordan broke his foot which was also Gervin’s last in the L, and Scottie Pippen, who isn’t in yet in the HOF but will be). Chamberlain, on the other hand played with 8 HOFers (Paul Arizin, Tom Gola, Nate Thurmond, Hal Greer, Billy Cunningham, Elgin Baylor, Jerry West, & Gail Goodrich). That’s not even counting two players with whom he played who were multiple All-Stars in Guy Rodgers (4 times) and Chet Walker (7 times).
As far as Baylor is concerned, I agree that he isn’t nearly as appreciated as he should be. Kareem also says that he was the best that he ever saw. You do have to keep in mind though that guys like Chick and Kareem were/are a bit prejudiced because Baylor was the first great creative 1 on 1 wing scorer who played above the rim and changed what people thought was possible on the basketball court. How could they be as impressed with the guys like Dr. J, Jordan, Kobe, and now LeBron who are merely continuing the path that Baylor blazed out of nothing? So, no doubt the guy was a great player and an absolute original, but he also won a big fat 0 championships (he was an unimaginably painful 0-9 in finals appearances between college and the pros).
Posted by: Sean P. | February 26, 2008 at 12:27 PM
We don't want anybody hurt that is a cornerstone for their team. It's very bad for basketball and sad for their team!
With a cool guy like Yao it hurts even more. We want to win the Championship against the Best and Complete Teams.
Sorry Yao; Get Well
Baywood
Posted by: Baywood | February 26, 2008 at 12:32 PM
PJ is on Loose Cannons right now
Posted by: Lakers Legacy | February 26, 2008 at 12:36 PM
Amazing_Happens,
Thanks for that link. Interesting, and especially in looking at the different SOS of the East verses the West.
I also liked how they put the Standard Deviation on there. If you gamble or know statistics, it's as though we've been "unlucky" on the left side of SD by .6... now we're about to swing to a huge "lucky" streak of 1.13 SD to the right. Any gambler, knowing this, would put more money on the felt... it's like you know the cards will run a lot hotter than normal. Great stuff. Love it.
Get better soon Yao.
Posted by: Tim-4-Show | February 26, 2008 at 12:37 PM
DrewPauKobe: I feel you..
As for the Pistons, actually Rip's been injuried a "couple" times and so has Chauncey...Nothing that extreemed. But yeah, overall they have managed NOT to be STRICKENED with injuries like other teams. They are lucky I guess. (knock on wood).
Posted by: lakersrydeordie | February 26, 2008 at 12:40 PM
Nemaia,
“I believe the Rockets would've given any of the top 4 seeds a tougher time than either the Nuggets or the Warriors would(just my opinion). “
I’m right there with you on that one. The Rockets would still give us trouble with Motumbo. Tall veteran shot blockers like that give both Drew and Pau more trouble than most centers. And the Rockets had been playing so damn well. Tough break.
My dad was Chinese so I have always loved Yao Ming, another Bruce Lee for Chinese fans. Yao, Chris Mihm, Bill Walton, Drew, even Pau – it’s sometimes very tough physically on the legs and wheels when you’re so damn big. I hope Yao comes back 100% and hope nobody else who is critical to their team goes down, unless they are a Celtic player, of course. Injuries just add fire to the fight. Let’s pray that God keep the Lakers healthy.
Tom
Posted by: LakerTom | February 26, 2008 at 12:42 PM
Okay fellow bloggetteers, point TAKEN regarding your feelings for Yao..And again, bad break for dude.Yet in still, I am not gonna lose no sleep over his injury. I lose enough sleep as it is staying up watching LAKER games from the East Coast..But its all good.
Posted by: lakersrydeordie | February 26, 2008 at 12:43 PM
Sean P.
Almost anyone who's been around long enough will tell you that Elgin was the best, or at least deserves to be in the conversation with "MJ". I don't doubt it for a second. Elgin was the pioneer of scoring perimeter players. MJ, in my opinion, was probably an upgrade, and Kobe, IMO was probably an upgrade from that. These guys learn from each other and have tried to add... Kobe has a shooting range that I highly doubt Elgin had. He probably could have had that range if there was a reason to shoot the ball 25 feet out all the time, but back then, there was no such reason and guys weren't as strong as they are now (which also affects shooting range).
What the hell is Elgin doing over there with the Clippers? He WAS the franchise player here... get him over here with us where he belongs.
I have a bit of personal trivia that means absolutely nothing... what distinction does TIm-4-Show share with Elgin Baylor? Here's a hint... we both won a particular award for our athletic feats. Although I don't consider mine anywhere in the vicinity of Elgin's... but it's one little thing that I at least I can say... sort of how penberthy can say he was an NBA champion. LOL.... any guesses?
Posted by: Tim-4-Show | February 26, 2008 at 12:44 PM
I have had madd typos today..Guess that happens when you POST to the blog while you're at work..However, please EXCUSE...
Posted by: lakersrydeordie | February 26, 2008 at 12:45 PM
Lakers Legacy,
"PJ is on Loose Cannons right now"
Is that a repeat from yesterday?
Posted by: Charles | February 26, 2008 at 12:46 PM
Sean P.
Jordan, being the greatest based on?
-- the fact that he had only 2 hall of famers? Yet, we all know that teams are based off of who their players are. Ask the pistons, of which, im sure there arent any HOFers on their team, but they at one time were set up for a dynasty run. And you can go back and back and find more instances. Jordan, had legit pieces to build his team around. And perhaps the 2nd best player in the league during the whole 6 title stretch. Not to mention 2 HOFer coaches. And by my estimation i really believe Rodman belongs in the HOF. Remember, the team Jordan LEFT still came within a couple of lucky bounces of making it back to the NBA finals without Jordan.
--As it comes to competition, its VERY well documented that the NBA expanded 6 teams in 8 years from 88-95. So that the talent was spread out and diffuse especially after the great dynasties of the 80s had succumbed to age. Jordan could only play against who he did, and so did Wilt.
-- Wilt nor Shaq should be faulted for being as big as they were. They were born with great athletic ability. AS WAS JORDAN. They did what they could with it. If you wanna talk about overcoming odds then talk to me about the sub- 6 ft players who made it. 6-6 is a decent height for the position that he had to play. You could say that Magic was hindered by being 6'9'' and a point guard. You play the game in front of you and dominate with the skills at your disposal.
--- and last point "You do have to keep in mind though that guys like Chick and Kareem were/are a bit prejudiced because Baylor was the first great creative 1 on 1 wing scorer who played above the rim and changed what people thought was possible on the basketball court" ------- thats what you said, and it is exactly my point. Have you sat back and watched elgin, Dr. J, etc. Your first experience with the MJ brand of basketball was MJ and thats why you hold a special attachment to his skills.
---- i do NOT say that he isnt ONE of the greatest. I think that most people need to take a step back and evaluate with perspective as to who Jordan REALLY was and his overall impact on the game
Posted by: SA | February 26, 2008 at 12:49 PM
Charles,
I hope all is going well for you as far as healing from your injuries. My nephew has his first match this weekend at the Emerald Casino here in Tacoma, Wa. He's 6'2 with good size(220 lbs.)and a mean streak. Our whole family will be there to support him. Have a good one Charles. Go Lakers!!!
Posted by: Nemaia Faletogo | February 26, 2008 at 12:51 PM
Tim-4-Show,
You just brought frightful memories of my stat class. Please don't elaborate on Sample size, Standard Bell Curves or Standardized Testing Assessments.
I want to cry now....
Posted by: Charles | February 26, 2008 at 12:51 PM
Has anyone seen MAMBA24???
MAMBA24 - WHERE ARE YOU????
We missed roll-call & the force is just not the same without you, man.....
Posted by: justanothermambafan | February 26, 2008 at 12:54 PM
Wow, this is big! It's tough to lose any starter, but when it's the franchise player...that hurts. It's too bad, because the Western Conference is strong and competitive compared to recent years. 6 teams -including the Rockets- are (or were) legitimate contenders win the conference title and the NBA title for that matter.
Posted by: jc | February 26, 2008 at 12:54 PM
AGAIN!
Like I said before... this injury, will only benefit either Phoenix or Denver... not to say the two of 'em.
Either Phoenix or Denver would not make the playoffs IF Houston were to be there. I know its early to say... but I don't see McGrady carrying that team in this tough-tough conference.
I hope they beat those -500 teams out there if they want to at least be in the playoffs occupying those 7-8 spots.
Maxx
Posted by: Maxximo | February 26, 2008 at 12:56 PM
Charles,
not that I am aware of.
Posted by: Lakers Legacy | February 26, 2008 at 01:01 PM
THe Pistons should be worried about the Lakers.
The matchups aren't in their favor anymore.
With the new roster, Prince has to play Lamar and that changes everything. Their bench couldn't hang with the Farm team.
We got Motown this time around. Boston is a tougher challenge but they make not make it to the dance.
Posted by: Vman | February 26, 2008 at 01:03 PM
* Kobe drowned three Black Lab puppies in the fountain at the Fashion Island Mall - I've seen the clip on YouTube
Tully, that may be the funniest thing I've read all year, Good Stuff!
Posted by: Gerbear | February 26, 2008 at 01:04 PM
SA,
I'm pretty sure when it's said and done Chauncy Billups and maybe even Rip Hamilton will be in the Hall of Fame. They deserve to be there more than some of the guys who will make it (Dirk, Nash).
Charles,
Ha ha ha... just think of it this way, the cards are about to run "hot"... we're going to be looking down at our hole cards and say "that's what I'm talking about!" much more often....
Posted by: Tim-4-Show | February 26, 2008 at 01:06 PM
That's too bad for Yao. After watching a year-in-the-life special on Yao, he is as normal and even keeled a 7'6" person can be. It goes unsaid, but I believe he did alot for Asian basketball players everywhere. We can play too.
Speedy recovery to him.
Posted by: #4 | February 26, 2008 at 01:07 PM
Maxximo,
I personally think this just saved George Karl's job. If that Denver team can't make the playoffs, he'd lose his job... at least that's my guess.
Posted by: Tim-4-Show | February 26, 2008 at 01:10 PM
lakersrydeordie -
was curious to check out the pistons history...
Since the beginning of the 03-04 season (when they beat LA for the title) - that's almost 5 seasons:
Chauncey Billups - missed 20 games
Rip Hamilton - 20 games
McDyess (joined in 04/05) - 7
Sheed - 13 (at least a couple of suspensions for too many techs)
Prince - 0 GAMES MISSED!
60 total games over almost 5 seasons - 12 games missed on average per season for your starting 5. How is that even possible?
There is no way any other team in the NBA can claim anywhere near that few games missed by starters. Most teams would surpass that total in ONE SEASON!!! (oh the poor poor clippers)
There is something special going on there...maybe it has to do with their "BORING DEFENSIVE STYLE" - I'm not sure...thoughts?
Posted by: DrewPauKobe | February 26, 2008 at 01:10 PM
Tim-4-Show,
Crack up man....
Posted by: Charles | February 26, 2008 at 01:12 PM
DrewPauKobe,
Last I heard, the Pistons were on a steady regimen of...
liquid sea minerals.
Posted by: Tim-4-Show | February 26, 2008 at 01:14 PM
Just wondering if everyone would be this to SHAQ, if he we down with injury?
I on the other hand do wish Bynum a full 100% recovery and thats from the heart.
There might not be another chance to really get to see a SHAQ v BYNUM battle.
Posted by: Fire32 | February 26, 2008 at 01:16 PM
that is horrible for Houston. wow.
Posted by: ajax | February 26, 2008 at 01:16 PM
DrewPauKobe - it's got to be the liquid sea minerals in their Gatorade - LOL!
Posted by: justanothermambafan | February 26, 2008 at 01:17 PM
Nemaia,
I'd prefer Cassell over Barry -- he makes teams better wherever he goes (Houston, Bucks, T-Wolves)-- he even made the Clipper's relevant for one season-- that's a tall task.
News on Bynum -- just heard on 570 that he's likely out until first week of April.
Posted by: HmrHed | February 26, 2008 at 01:18 PM
I meant to say
would everyone be tis mice to SHAQ?
Posted by: Fire32 | February 26, 2008 at 01:20 PM
Tim-4-Show & justanothermambafan
That's it...
I'm officially registering:
WWW.LIQUIDSEAMINERALS.COM
Jon K. - you wanna wrestle me for it?
Posted by: | February 26, 2008 at 01:23 PM
Fire32,
I think we might actually be upset if Shaq got hurt for two reasons
1. We still have an affinity for the big fella
2. Shaq being out makes the Suns potentially MORE dangerous
Posted by: Tim-4-Show | February 26, 2008 at 01:33 PM
laker fans are quite compassionate ... i'd challenge anybody to search other team blogs and find sympathy for bynum, mihm, ariza and radmonavic
just goes to show that, just like the NBA, Laker Fans Care.
Posted by: CBuck | February 26, 2008 at 01:34 PM
Did anyone post this? Great interview with the equipment manager, whose name rhymes with the arena.
Check out the "Big Oops" at the bottom. lol.
http://sports.espn.go.com/espnmag/story?id=3265115&lpos=spotlight&lid=tab3pos1
Posted by: | February 26, 2008 at 01:37 PM
Guys,
Let's not be thankful for Yao's injury because we are only one pinky finger away from suffering a similar fate
Posted by: never | February 26, 2008 at 01:37 PM
I think what's lost in the debate as to whether we should feel good/bad regarding an opponent's injury status is that we were decimated by injuries last year and have hung tough with them this year -- so IMHO we shoud just be welcoming them to the club...
Posted by: stevevilakers | February 26, 2008 at 01:41 PM
SA,
"I think that most people need to take a step back and evaluate with perspective as to who Jordan REALLY was and his overall impact on the game."
What are you saying here? Are you saying that Michael Jordan isn't definitely one of the top 5 players of all-time and has a VERY strong argument for being the best of all time? And that the NBA is a global game largely because of him?
Even if you don't think Jordan is the best ever (and I think he is), at the least you have to admit that no one was as dominant in their particular era other than Bill Russell. Many people like to say that Jordan played against weaker teams in the 90's, but ignore the fact that his own team wasn't as stacked as the 80's Lakers, Celts, etcetera.
In my mind, the top 6 of all-time goes like this: Jordan, Kareem, Russell, Magic, Wilt, Larry.
Posted by: Xodus | February 26, 2008 at 01:41 PM
I doubt that anyone from Houston cried when Bynum went down so, no tears for the Rockets. As a fan of the game you hate to see any guy go down especially for the season. It hurts the team, the standings, and could change the way the Wild West plays out. T-Mac good luck. Somehow even after wining 10/11? straight your team still flew under the radar. Like LO said yesterday, the Lakers have always had a target on their backs, with Pau the target got even bigger, we have our own destiny to control. One game, one win!
SI had Houston on top of the power rankings.... Lakers were at 3 behind I believe Utah. Maybe the Yao news will shake things up.
LAKERS '08
Posted by: LakerFaze | February 26, 2008 at 01:43 PM
Lakertom
"Right on! That supposed insider is a fraud, I think. Rondo over Fisher/Farmar really showed that this guy knows nothing about the Lakers and Celtics, whoever he is. Kobe over Ray, sure thing. KG over Pau and Pierce over Odom, maybe but Pau and Lamar might surprise. Andrew over Perkins, however, will be the big difference."
It showed in the rookie/sophomore all-star event, Farmar was far better than Rondo, Farmar finished the game and filled up the stat sheet while Rondo was seating in the bench..
Posted by: Staples 24 | February 26, 2008 at 01:43 PM
From the last thread...
------------------------------------------------------
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.
-------------------------------------------------
You get even money, but the Lakers have to win by MORE than 16 points. If they win by 16 exactly, its a push. If they win by 15 or less, you loose.
Over this year the Lake Show has been covering the normal 4-7 point spreads. I have been making a killing. But now that they are blowing teams out, the line makers have been bumping the spread. You can't consistently pick a side when the numbers are that high. Its silly.
I think they will cover, but no one in their right mind can put down a decent bet with them giving away that many points. BUMMER!!! I'm going to really cut back and just put a 10 on the Lakers for the remainder of the season, unless there is a game where the odds makers decide to get realistic.
Posted by: frank rizzo | February 26, 2008 at 01:44 PM
If you are a Sacramento Kings fan and a national political junkie, this year is a feast. Life is good.
Artest vs. Salmons: NoCal perspective.
http://www.sacbee.com/100/story/739203.html
http://www.sacbee.com/100/story/739348.html
Sonnybelfast
Posted by: sonnybelfast | February 26, 2008 at 01:45 PM