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
I've been reading about these liquid sea minerals here for a while, but I don't understand............is there any other kind of sea BUT liquid?
Posted by: toad | February 26, 2008 at 01:46 PM
REPOST
Sean P,
Phil Jackson said yesterday in an interview that Jordan was the greatast interior offensive player in the history of the NBA. He said no one could score inside with the variety of ways he could. In was in large part with his freakishly big hands. He said in the post, Oscar came close, but Michael was still the best.
Wilt Chamberlain had freakishly long arms! And he was tall and athletic. I don't think anyone in the NBA now has arms like that! I can see why he dominated that era. Unfortunately, if he was truely special, he would have found a way to get his team to be successful against the Celtics. Just my opinion. He should've tried to become an even bigger defensive force like Russel was.
Wilt chamberlain came close to blocking Kareems hook once at it's peak...He was a physical freak!
Posted by: zen | February 26, 2008 at 01:48 PM
to quote the vocal styling of Skip Bayless . . .
"it is the hall of fame, not just the hall of very good"
while billups and hamilton are VERY good. their legacy upon the league prevents them from FAME . . .
Posted by: SA | February 26, 2008 at 01:48 PM
Doesn't understand what the heck fire is trying to say???
...... |
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..... V
Posted by: frank rizzo | February 26, 2008 at 01:50 PM
DrewPauKobe: That DETROIT medical leave stat is quite impressive, btw, GOOD JOB researching that info!! LOL
I would venture to guess they are just plain LUCKY and perhaps it helps that they play in the LEAST COAST Division where competition pales in comparison to the rigors of playing in the Western Division..Just guessing..
Maybe they are hooked on those MINERALS I believe Jon K has been promoting!! LOL
Posted by: lakersrydeordie | February 26, 2008 at 01:50 PM
Less than 6 hours to game time - I'm antsy!!!!! It's a great day to be a LAKER FAN!!!!
Notice how the "troll talk" has been waaayyyyy down since the Funs got smacked, spanked and otherwise humiliated?
Posted by: justanothermambafan | February 26, 2008 at 01:51 PM
They are holding Bynum out for longer because getting him back is a luxury at this point. Why rush him back? Give him extra time to heal while it's prudent and then a couple of weeks to integrate back into the lineup. Oh well. Get back soon Drew.
Posted by: Lloyd "Sweet Pea" Daniels | February 26, 2008 at 01:51 PM
Bigger than the Houston playoffs.
It will be a big issue in Beijing if Yao can't play for his national team when his country China host the World Olympics. How does China compete without their Superstar, I guess they will have to depend on Lakers SunYue!
Posted by: Staples 24 | February 26, 2008 at 01:53 PM
Wes
"The Pistons are a serious team. It'll take every bit of Bynum and Gasol's best effort if we're going to take them down."
I hope to meet the Pistons in the FInals before the Celtics next year. I want for the Lakers to take back what they took from us four seasons ago! The Pistons dismantle the mini-lived Lakers dynasty, Kobe would sure love to meet them one last time and crashed them to the ground with his able helper Bynum and Gasol waiting to prove their worth!
Let's deal with the Pistons first, I would love to crash them in my hands!
On the way to the Motor City!
Sweep the SUNS! what we should have done two yeas ago! 4-0.
Tell the HORNETS, they are not ready yet as currently constructed 4-0.
Show the Spurs how mighty the Lakers are and their back at being second best in the West. 4-2.
Squeezed and crashed the Pistons for what they did to Kobe, Shaq, Malone and Payton it's payback time! On ABC HD national televison, Rasheed Wallace admitting the Lakers are now the World's Best and Kobe Bryant has elevated his game to another level never seen before. 4- 2.
In summer: Odom and Walton are traded!
Lakers build another Dynasty!
Posted by: Staples 24 | February 26, 2008 at 01:59 PM
In to-day's Mike Bresnahan's Laker's report, I saw a picture with a girl holding a sign which reads " HONG KONG for Kobe MVP 2008, we love u " I am from Hong Kong too, anyones from Hong Kong too?
fyi : Hong Kong used to be a British colony and it's now a Special Administrative Region of China in Southern China. Kobe has been there before , he's got fans all over the world.
Yao , get well soon, we need you in the Olympics !
Posted by: Shum | February 26, 2008 at 01:59 PM
Check out this great, in-depth analysis of statistics in context:
http://www.respectkobe.com/?p=18
The author at RespectKobe.com shows why you can't just compare two players statistics straight up. So, when evaluating field goal %, rebounds, assists, etc., he shows that Kobe is a MORE EFFICIENT shooter, a better rebounder, and at least as good a passer as LeBron.
KOBE 4 MVP
Posted by: Tucker | February 26, 2008 at 02:04 PM
Shum,
I been to HK several times. Honey Milk Tea and Seafood Salad Egg roll for dim sum please... Oh, pork Cha Shu Bao...
Posted by: Charles | February 26, 2008 at 02:07 PM
#4,
“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.”
Damn straight, #4. My dad was Chinese and my mom was white but the high school I went to was 1/3 African-American and 1/3 Mexican-American with maybe a 10 Asian-Americans. And this was well before the Black Power movement and minority pride. As a 5-9 half-Chinese point guard, I had to prove myself every time I walked onto a court. As you know, there is nothing quite as satisfying as destroying somebody’s prejudice and preconceptions. Fortunately, I never suffered from the Hop Sing syndrome.
There was an interesting article recently talking about Sun Yue’s play for Beijing Aoshen Olympian, a Chinese team in the semi-pro ABA in Maywood, CA. The Chinese team was playing there to try and teach the Chinese players how to be aggressive like American players. It’s a very interesting article that hightlights the cultural differences that make many Asian players too passive to compete at the highest levels of the NBA. Per the article, Sun was one of the Chinese players who really understood the difference.
Tom
Posted by: LakerTom | February 26, 2008 at 02:09 PM
SOMEONE MENTIONED:
On that Amare trash talk...
I really believe that Shaq is trying to bring the best out of Amare and I think he is doing it because he (Shaq) wants to win more titles since he realized he can't do it anymore, he has to bring the best out of someone.
NOW... look what he did to D.wade... I believe Shaq wouldn't win with the Lakers if he did not have Kobe as well as he would not win if he did not have Wade.
He gets the credits because he is always on the team that wins right!? Now think the other way around... Put Kobe with Duncan or Garnett or even D. Wade with Duncan or Garnett... don't you think they could win as well??
Although I think Wade has a weird and annoying game because he is always looking forward to shoot lately, I think he could win with those two guys on the Heat team.
Talking about Shaq' mouth... I don't care what everyone say here... but he definitely runs his mouth to much... why doesn't he just keep quiet and make happen in stead of saying bla bla bla! ... Is he realizing that he's just an experiment in Phoenix??
If he is the championship formula why is everyone getting rid of him??
Lakers and now Miami... $20 MIL for a guys who is averaging less than 10-10-4??? and people are complaining about Odom with his $14 while averaging... more than 10-10-4
BTW: In a couple of weeks we'll get to see KWAME BROWN back in Staples... what about that uh!?
Posted by: Snoop | February 26, 2008 at 02:12 PM
Never saw Elgin Baylor play. What I know of him is a simple Jerry West quote on his defense "Its what he does in between offense". Never could get over that.
Posted by: p ang | February 26, 2008 at 02:12 PM
AK/BK or anyone else,
Do you think Kareem reads the comments on his blog?
Just curious.
thanks
Posted by: Lakers Legacy | February 26, 2008 at 02:15 PM
Staples,
Good point about Farmar in the All-Star sub-game. He played great. No way that he and Fisher don't outdo Rondo.
Tom
Posted by: LakerTom | February 26, 2008 at 02:15 PM
Charles , I miss the milk tea and dim sum very much , no way I could taste those here in LA. Go Lakers ! Go Yao's Chinese team!
Posted by: Shum | February 26, 2008 at 02:20 PM
The 2 teams i feared the most in the WC were the Spurs and Rockets because both teams have a dominant low post prescence and both teams play great defense. This makes thinhs much easier for the Lakers now.
Posted by: kelly | February 26, 2008 at 02:22 PM
Shum,
Spent 15 years travelling to Hong Kong, Mainland, Taipei, and Korea on business. Loved Hong Kong best of all. Of course, I was staying at the Penninsula and shopping City Centre back then so life was especially sweet.
My dad is Chinese from village near Guangzhou. Have many HK friends, all of whom are Laker fans and had to rely on the Herald Tribune and VHS tapes in the days before NBA League Pass and the Internet.
Go, Lakers and look right when you step off the curb. lol.
Tom
Posted by: LakerTom | February 26, 2008 at 02:25 PM
Hey y'all. Early tease for tomorrow's Purple, Gold, and Blue (11 am-12 pm, click the show widget on the side of the page to tune in). We'll have John Ireland of KCAL/CBS fame on for the first half hour or so, then Molly Knight of ESPN The Magazine (and a native Angelino) for the last part of the show.
Should be a good one.
BK
Posted by: Brian Kamenetzky | February 26, 2008 at 02:27 PM
Shum, Welcome to the blog and L.A.!
Although the food might not be as great as Hong Kong, the San Gabriel Valley should answer your dim sum and milk tea cravings.
Posted by: Lakers Legacy | February 26, 2008 at 02:36 PM
Yao Ming, I'm sorry, you will NOT be a member of Girlicious, please hang up your boa...
We should absolutley 100% NOT sign Sam Cassell, you might as well walk up to Jordan Farmar and slap him in the face. If we sign Cassell, Farmar leaves as soon as he is able to.
Seems to reason Farmar and Fisher will eventually switch roles with Fish coming off the bench. That should lock up our PG position for the next 3-4 years until Fisher retires - hopefully with another set of rings in hand...
Posted by: TaosHum | February 26, 2008 at 02:37 PM
BK,
I tried to call last week, but it took me to some general prompt where I was to input #1 for puple gold and blue... and no matter how many times I hit the number 1 on my phone, it never picked up on this.. so I just gave up and let Charles get through like he always does. ha ha ha.
John Ireland, cool stuff... I'm getting ready... I've programmed my speed dial....
Posted by: Tim-4-Show | February 26, 2008 at 02:42 PM
Shum,
Alhambra has good chinese food.
Posted by: Charles | February 26, 2008 at 02:44 PM
"BTW: In a couple of weeks we'll get to see KWAME BROWN back in Staples... what about that uh!?"
I will welcome Kwame with open hands as long as he is not Lakers uniform. Go Kwame! That said, I would do the same thing for Lamar when he is gone.
Posted by: Staples 24 | February 26, 2008 at 02:44 PM
"Shum, Welcome to the blog and L.A.!
Although the food might not be as great as Hong Kong, the San Gabriel Valley should answer your dim sum and milk tea cravings."
Now I am getting hungry with all these talk. Panda express!
Posted by: Staples 24 | February 26, 2008 at 02:46 PM
TaosHum,
Fisher said he didn't think he was doing anything exceptional this year. He pretty much sees this as a normal year that he can sustain for a while.
I too expect to see Fish coming off the bench.
Sammy is good, he's not the defender he used to be, but he's a Nash killer... which is why I think Boston will try to get him.
Here's a scary thought... if we have a solid Lakers team for the next 10 years, Kobe would be younger than Sam I am is right now. In 10 years time, Kobe could do some serious damage to the record books. I think he has 6 seasons AFTER this one to be dominant-MVP-like but he could pull an MJ and still be potent for another 10 seasons if he takes good care of himself and he doesn't have to carry the load night in and night out.
Posted by: Tim-4-Show | February 26, 2008 at 02:46 PM
SA,
"They did what they could with it."
Shaq absolutely did NOT "do what he could with it." Not even close. Didn't stay in shape, didn't significantly develop his game at all.
Posted by: exhelodrvr | February 26, 2008 at 02:46 PM
BK and Tim-4-Show
"I tried to call last week, but it took me to some general prompt where I was to input #1 for puple gold and blue... and no matter how many times I hit the number 1 on my phone, it never picked up on this.. so I just gave up and let "
I encounter this all the time. Otherwise I would've never missed a show....
Regards Guys
Posted by: Charles | February 26, 2008 at 02:47 PM
What's up with still hating on LO? He is a LAKER people! He's got game - didn't you read Kareem's blog - he's a SWISS ARMY KNIFE on both ends of the floor. I have always loved LO's game - he's just now been put in a position on this team where he can really show it off. He is deserving of our love.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: justanothermambafan | February 26, 2008 at 02:50 PM
T4S-
That sucks. I'll let them know you were having trouble, and maybe it's something they can fix on their end. Thanks for trying, though.
BTW, if anyone has anything specific they want to know from JI, send them along in the comments, and we'll try to ask him. Obviously, people can call in or hit the chat board, too.
BK
Posted by: Brian Kamenetzky | February 26, 2008 at 02:51 PM
blank & justanothermambafan,
Dude, register it! As long as you sell something that's quality that's going to help people, I'm all for it.
The key is making sure that the sea water used is extremely clean, as a lot of oceans have become polluted, particularly with unhealthy levels of mercury.
And the minerals cannot be concentrated and the excess sodium removed through chemical means.
www.seamineral.com is the best source I've found so far.
An old boss of mine in a different company was working on extracting sea water on special currents like 3,000 feet below the surface because he felt the quality of the water and the ratio of the minerals would be superior. I don't know whatever happened to that goal of his. Anyhow, that company's website is www.ziquin.com, but I think their product is too expensive.
Another thing people don't realize about bioavailable minerals, is that the body requires approximately 350,000 DIFFERENT types of enzymes to function properly (of those about 300,000 are made by the liver, thus the importance of supporting liver function); however EACH AND EVERY ONE OF THOSE ENZYMES is activiated biochemically by a particular, specific type of mineral. So, mineral deficiency not only undermines structural support (bones, joints, cartiledge, connective tissue), it undermines effecient metabolic response to pretty much everything.
AND because most farmers only supplement about four minerals in their fertilizer for each crop they produce (though body requires 50-something different minerals, often in trace quantities, to function effeciently), with each crop the mineral conten of approximately 50 different minerals declines. It is for this reason that people are broadly mineral deficient in this society (particular in essential trace minerals).
So, since sea minerals are THE MOST bioavailable form or minerals for supplementation (vegetables and fruits also have immediately bioavailable forms of minerals, most supplements are a non-organic form which require correct levels of internal bacterial to convert them into a bioavailable form for proper absorption and utiliazation) so... it's a good idea to take them.
They should be cheaper. I mean, it's just fricken concentrated sea water with excess sodium removed, but supplements are way too expensive for the most part anyways. When it comes to health, everyone wants to overcharge it seems. Still www.seamineral.com, isn't TOO bad, although I think their herbal mixtures are way too expensive.
Anyhow, that's my two cents on the matter. Hopefully I won't write on this again.
GET OUR WOUNDED WARRIORS ON LIQUID SEA MINERALS!
WE NEED THEM BACK!
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | February 26, 2008 at 02:56 PM
justanothermambafan,
Some people are just haters, man. I mean, for God's sake, we're atop the fricken West!
Haven't these people been paying attention for the last three years?
We're atop the fricken West right now? What's there to complain about?
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | February 26, 2008 at 02:57 PM
LakerTom,
"As you know, there is nothing quite as satisfying as destroying somebody’s prejudice and preconceptions." Absolutely- couldn't have said that better myself.
BTW, I read the same thing about Sun Yue. Its interesting, if you go and look for his YouTube videos, he is a fairly aggressive player. He's no smack talker or anything, but he does push back. He seems to understand that its part of the culture here.
I love Jordan Farmar, but I'd really like to see Sun Yue join us here next year. He did just about as good as anyone in the Las Vegas Summer Leagues, so I hope he gets started with us as soon as he can.
#4
Posted by: #4 | February 26, 2008 at 03:04 PM
This is to be an entertainment not good when marquee players are injured like Yao Ming or Drew Bynum even the good role players like Brandon Roy or Vlad Radman, it not complete show. I don't mind if Lakers will take it a difficult route if they are there, at least the team tested. This could be the 3rd time now Yao Ming got injured in his career.
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | February 26, 2008 at 03:04 PM
Wow. I feel terrible for the Rockets. If this were another team, I'd be ecstatic. But I'm not because it's the Rockets. They are constantly plagued by injuries. I've always been a fan of Yao. I don't particularly dislike anyone on the Rockets. Tough blow for a team that seemed to be hitting their stride.
Posted by: DavyJonze | February 26, 2008 at 03:05 PM
It's near impossible to compare players of different eras and positions---but it is an engaging topic for most of us...
Does anyone remember those computer generated fights between Ali and Rocky Marciano made in the early / mid 70's? Maybe they could do that with all these players we are trying to compare--that would be pretty wild.
Does anyone remember the 1 on 1 contests they would show at half time in the early 70's---that would be cool to bring back possibly--or at least at All Star weekend....I remember rooting for Gail Goodrich and I was pissed when he lost--can't remember who he lost to but I think it was someone a lot bigger than him....
I was thinking about which team would be better to meet in the early rounds in the play-offs---but it doesn't really matter---I really don't think we have a match up problem with any body --if we can continue to play with the same level of intensity and purpose, we will keep improving no doubt---I think we can really win it all this year--let alone next year and the 7 after that...
GO LAKERS!!!
Posted by: Floyd | February 26, 2008 at 03:08 PM
Houston are not done yet Scola and Landry can start and that could prove to be a two man energy guy. If McGrady is healthy this team can still be a playoff team. The issue is Rick Adelman has built this team's offense around Yao, how soon and great he can adjust is what can spell the difference between making the playoffs. But their defense is second to SA in the West, that's the reason for thieir 12th straight win.
Battier, Alston, Head and Brooks are all fine player. They can still step it up without Yao. What they loose is contending in the playoffs. Denver and Golden State does not play dfense, it makes Houston better than them. They can add Nick Fazekas to bolster their frontline.
Posted by: Staples 24 | February 26, 2008 at 03:08 PM
BK --
Please ask him if he is no longer on 710 because of his affiliation with the Lakers (travel time etc) or was it a contract issue. Thanks.
Posted by: HmrHed | February 26, 2008 at 03:09 PM
Shum, Rowland Heights/Colima Road by Fullerton Rd off the 60 has some good chinese food. This isn't coming from me, but my HK friends.
I believe Alhambra or anywhere in that part of the SG Valley will be pretty good.
Staples 24, I'm not chinese, but even I know Panda Express isn't "chinese food". That's like calling Taco Bell authentic mexican food.
Posted by: #4 | February 26, 2008 at 03:09 PM
To throw into underappreciated category...
Oscar Robertson?? The guy put up numbers comparable to LeBron James...except his numbers were actually bigger than "the king" The Big O won championships (yes with Kareem)...but that was taking down other talented players and teams. The Big 0 who averaged a triple double should get some love too. And from video tapes I see that he was probably the most athletic player in the time too.
I mean Jordan is considered the best ever because all of his moments have been part of time capsule memory. The shot against Cleveland, at UNC, dunks on Ewing, game winners against Utah, battles with Reggie...but all of those moments were impressed into our minds by the new media.
Some think Christan Laetner was unstoppable because of that jump shot to beat Kentucky...but I'd say Bobby Hurley was the best player on that team.
LeBron is just being marketed...we are being trained to "witness" him like Nike wants...but whats so memorable about LeBron??? Last year's playoff game against Detriot? When nobody on the team guarded him? If Kobe is popping points like that, I gaurentee you that Bruce Bowen, Raja Bell (or in the old days, Scotte Pippen (Blazers), Bonzi Wells (Blazers) or Doug Christie (Kings) is taking a cheap shot to force him to give it up.
People get caught up in the LeBron hype. Is he good? yeah hes good and of course its amazing considering his age. I wont take that away. But is he Kobe? No.
Posted by: The Lake Show | February 26, 2008 at 03:11 PM
The loss of Yao is a big deal for the Lakers in the playoffs. Houston is tough on the Lakers offense. The Lakers are 1-1 against them this year so far and shoot a worse % against their defense than any other team in the West: .432 The only teams whose defense has been tougher on LA is Detroit and Boston.
The Lakers do not need to fear ANY team out there, but the teams that play tough half court defense cause more offensive problems. And if you look at the Lakers stats since Gasol has arrived, the offensive ones are most impressive.
Mark
Posted by: markythearky | February 26, 2008 at 03:15 PM
It is a CONSPIRACY against the Lakers:
Majority of the league’s execs hate Lakers and would do anything to be a thorn on Laker’s side. The reason for jealousy stems from the championship banners that Lakers have accumulated over the past several decade and DO NOT forget the can of whup ass the show time used to put on the other teams and their execs, simply pathetic. These execs have elephant memory and want to get back at the Lakers. Now in the recent times starting with Kevin McHale (The Munster) never ever in first place considered trading KG (The Gieco) to the Lakers, folks it was all a façade from the get go. I am sure Red would break out of his grave and kill Kevin McHale for such an act of treason, almost a sacrilege act. Even Larry Bird (The hick) would never consider trading Jermaine O’Neal to the Lakers and I am sure behind the closed doors both Larry and Red were laughing at the naivety of Laker management. I can picture Kevin, Larry ad Danny (Three stooges) in a conference laughing their hiney’s off. Glad both the deals were a mere façade.
Even Riley who wanted to come back to Lakers before Shaq was shipped out, phew, Shaq was truly disruptive in the locker room and not too kind to Kobe. So in his last ditch effort Riley trades Shaq to Suns hoping that Shaq will hurt the Lakers, thankfully, this time not so much with his game but with his mouth (LOL). Shaq is alike an old punch drunk boxer, does not know when to quit. The coach of San Antonio was livid or rather jealous with Gasol coming to LA and then acquires Tim Thomas from his ex assistant coach (PJ Carlismo) for a free bee. Even agent zero tried to stir the pot by suggesting that Shaq and Kobe hated each other.
Enjoy!
Posted by: TheRealZenMaster | February 26, 2008 at 03:18 PM
It is a CONSPIRACY against the Lakers:
Majority of the league’s execs hate Lakers and would do anything to be a thorn on Laker’s side. The reason for jealousy stems from the championship banners that Lakers have accumulated over the past several decade and DO NOT forget the can of whup ass the show time used to put on the other teams and their execs, simply pathetic. These execs have elephant memory and want to get back at the Lakers. Now in the recent times starting with Kevin McHale (The Munster) never ever in first place considered trading KG (The Gieco) to the Lakers, folks it was all a façade from the get go. I am sure Red would break out of his grave and kill Kevin McHale for such an act of treason, almost a sacrilege act. Even Larry Bird (The hick) would never consider trading Jermaine O’Neal to the Lakers and I am sure behind the closed doors both Larry and Red were laughing at the naivety of Laker management. I can picture Kevin, Larry ad Danny (Three stooges) in a conference laughing their hiney’s off. Glad both the deals were a mere façade.
Even Riley who wanted to come back to Lakers before Shaq was shipped out, phew, Shaq was truly disruptive in the locker room and not too kind to Kobe. So in his last ditch effort Riley trades Shaq to Suns hoping that Shaq will hurt the Lakers, thankfully, this time not so much with his game but with his mouth (LOL). Shaq is alike an old punch drunk boxer, does not know when to quit. The coach of San Antonio was livid or rather jealous with Gasol coming to LA and then acquires Tim Thomas from his ex assistant coach (PJ Carlismo) for a free bee. Even agent zero tried to stir the pot by suggesting that Shaq and Kobe hated each other.
Enjoy!
Posted by: TheRealZenMaster | February 26, 2008 at 03:18 PM
Tim, absolutely. Looking at the possible/projected Laker starting 5 for say, the next 5 years:
PG: Farmar
SG: Kobe
SF: Odom? or Ariza with "an injury every 10 games Walton" backing him up
PF: Gasol
C: Bynum
Bynum gets a big, possibly max contract, Farmar definitely gets re-signed, Kobe will get max whether (and I believe he will) he opts out or not, Gasol will get paid, the only one I'm not sure about is Odom. If we win the title this year, that certainly muddles the Odom situation even more. Will the Lakers be willing to carry that big Odom contract or will they cash him in like they did with Kwame?
If Odom keeps playing this well, we might even be able to cash him in for a possible top 5 draft pick in a future draft which would certainly be useful if say, we were to pick a young stud in the say... 2010 or 2011 draft and let him grow slowly for 2-3 years while we are competing for championships, then, projecting even further ahead, you would have Bynum as your base to build around and the new young stud to complement him... but... all this is Mitch's job. LOL!
In theory, the Lakers should have a realistic shot at the finals for the next 4-5 years, barring inury, etc. Kobe could very well have a shot at Jordan's 6 titles, at least where we are sitting right now...
Posted by: TaosHum | February 26, 2008 at 03:20 PM
I feel bad for Yao. Thats gotta suck as well as they have been playing. Yao has improved a whole lot over the past few years. But we have Bynum!
In lighter news. Friday night Luke Walton was in Huntington Beach at the Grand Opening of a sports mem. store. It was fun a lot of people came out to support #4. He was gracious with his time and his smile seemed very genuine. I got a picture with him and my daughter. She loved it and he seemed enjoy meeting the fans. I didnt get to spend any quality time with him but my family likes him even more than we did before. All my wife kept saying was I wanted to see his tattoo!
T-Woody
Posted by: TWoody | February 26, 2008 at 03:21 PM
Wow how bad for Houston, but forgetting the stupid "Hollinger playoff odds" I dont think they make the playoffs.
The Warriors are going to get into the news because they have a really easy March schedule were they face a lot of home games. I actually see them now sneaking in to the 7th seed.
As of last night I ranked the West with this projected finish
1. Lakers
2. Jazz
3. Spurs
4. Phoenix
5. Houston
6. New Orleans
7. Dallas
8. Denver
That would put the Lakers against the Suns in the second round (because I still dont think the Rockets could beat Phoenix in a 5 game set on the road), and then play the winner of Spurs/Jazz in the WC finals..I say the Jazz because of home court.
But now you have to think of it changed:
1. Lakers
2. Spurs
3. Jazz
4. Phoenix
5. Dallas
6. New Orleans
7. Warriors
8. Nuggets
The Spurs and Mavs get the benefit of playing a team without a real low post scorer. Scola and Landry play well of Yao, but they are undersized so now they wont have somebody to hide that issue. Scola is 6'8" and so is Landry.
Since the Warriors will have a chance, they are a team that can turn it on at the right time and make a move. I also say that Denver still ends up last since they are just prone to that sort of thing.
That puts the Lakers against Denver in the first...but then plays the winner of an interesting PHO/Dal series that everyone would love to watch.
Also I think that means that the Lakers end up against the Spurs in the WC finals, due to their homecourt advantage.
Posted by: The Lake Show | February 26, 2008 at 03:22 PM
Tully Moxness,
For real. There's a factory where they churn out those stories. I especially love the "Kobe hasn't even bothered to apologize to fans" line. Let's see, demanding that the organization improve, and pouring himself into the the game.... Kobe owes me an apology!!!
Posted by: McGarnagle | February 26, 2008 at 03:25 PM
The Lake Show,
"comparable to LeBron James"
That's like saying Steve Nash compares to Magic Johnson. Nash is a 7.8 ASG guy even after inflated D'Antoni stats, Magic was a 11+ ASG guy even after coming back and playing point power forward with the Lake Show.
Ha ha ha. I think you meant you to say "LeBron is putting up similar numbers this season as Robertson's career averages"
I like LeBron, but let's be fair to the Big O.
Posted by: Tim-4-Show | February 26, 2008 at 03:33 PM