Befitting of Kings?
PROGRAMMING NOTE: Don't forget to tune into Purple, Gold, and Blue at 11. AK will have the news from Sacramento.
They say one measure of a great team is the ability to win games it shouldn't. If that's indeed true, the 117-105 win L.A. picked up Tuesday night in Sacramento makes them, because anyone who watched the first 40+ minutes would agree the Lakers looked pretty ugly. The defense in particular was awful, giving the Kings so many free and easy trips to the basket it seemed like they had a police escort. But while the Lakers still had some issues from the perimeter and the bench wasn't providing much, L.A. still managed to stick around and stay within striking distance about halfway through the fourth. Good thing, too, since that's when the fun started. Kobe related fun, really. 17 of his 34 came in the final quarter- the final 6:42 of the final quarter- as the purple and gold quickly erased an eight point Sacramento's lead. On the other end, the Lakers tightened up the D, getting key stops over a four minute stretch and allowing the comeback to gain some traction.
The performance was enough to get L.A. the W, and for Kobe to hear "MVP" chants from a heretofore hostile Sacramento crowd (or, if you prefer, a Sacramento crowd that used to sell tix so fast, Lakers fans couldn't get in the building- either way, it was certainly unexpected). Of course, a quick check of the box shows Kobe wasn't alone. 31/10/4 for Pau Gasol, 19/12/3 from L.O., and 17 points from D. Fish- including a very welcome 4-7 from downtown- also made a difference.
While the reception was different, Kobe's performance looked familiar to Sacto fans,
who have watched
the Lakers rebound while their franchise sits in that
NBA purgatory that comes from not being good enough for the playoffs,
but not sucking enough to get a truly great pick in the draft. But whatever. That's not anything the Lakers need to worry about while pushing for a championship (there are folks who like their chances, for sure). They have important things to consider.
You know, like the MVP.
This will hardly shock, but Kobe's coaches and teammates are all squarely behind 24's candidacy. And certainly voters won't be put off by the Lakers' gaudy record this season- something that's held Bryant back over the last few seasons. (These days, at least according to TJ Simers, it's overall likability that's keeping him down- we're going to assume that the irony of the headline is intentional.)
Along those lines- Dwyer, point. Neiman, counterpoint. Dupree, likes 'em both, gives Kobe the edge.
In other news...
Chris Anderson is set to rejoin the Hornets, and knows he has little wiggle room this time around. And, as expected, the Suns officially inked Gordan Giricek while Dallas did the same with Ty Lue.
DraftExpress.com takes a look at UCLA's Russell Westbrook. Kevin Love says there's no guarantee he's a one-and-done.
Former Suns PG Kevin Johnson is running for mayor of Sacramento. Why not? Meanwhile, Chris Kaman wants to play for the German National Team in Beijing. A little odd... but why not?
Charles.....Dr Nick.............Rivera.....simpsons
Posted by: Thirty2 | March 05, 2008 at 12:03 PM
Thirty2,
Thanks!!!!!!
Laker Legacy,
Delayed L - O - L!
Posted by: Charles | March 05, 2008 at 12:09 PM
It "pains" me to see Luke shoot and I don't want to get the Luke Lovers all riled up..But truly. He is not finishing around the basket and his shot is pathetic. He has a few good moments here and there, a few nice passes but if he is called upon to hit an open shot, and or capitalize off a Kobe pass, he most always EFFs them up !!
What to do, what to do?? I mean Luke is a Laker so I want him to succeed and dayum he has to start making those Shaq termed, "chippies," and stop getting blocked so dayum much.
Posted by: lakersrydeordie | March 05, 2008 at 12:15 PM
Tsiry,
Where are you blogging from?
Thanks
Posted by: Charles | March 05, 2008 at 12:17 PM
It occurred to me last night: when a player is booed in almost every opposing team's building, that means they have truly reached greatness. We all know Kobe is there. But then I started hearing those MVP chants... at ARCO arena. I was floored beyond words. And I realized this: when a player receives MVP chants in the buildings of his team's biggest rivals, he has achieved a greatness beyond greatness.
No one is chanting "MVP" for Lebron in Detroit. Or anywhere else, for that matter.
Come on. We all know who the real MVP is, and he doesn't reside in the Eastern Conference.
Posted by: White Rhino | March 05, 2008 at 12:20 PM
Guys As I was watching the Game last night all that I could think about was what if Ron Artest was a Laker. WOW we would have a 4 headed horse. Bynum, Artest, Gosol and Kobe. Talk about Defense and ROnRON can score. Does anyone think we could put together a package of Odom and Someone for Artest? No one would want to play us. We would shut down most threats in the NBA and be a matchup nightmare for any team. What do you think ??????
CrazyFan
Posted by: CrazyFan | March 05, 2008 at 12:21 PM
johnny - good points, Kobes one man show will not work in the playoffs as teams will double him especially in crunch time if they are smart.
During a timeout in the 4th John Ireland said the coaching staff said the same thing- the lakers needed contribtions from everyone to win the game.
One of the dliemmas of a one man show is none of the other guys get much experience or confidence in making or taking shots in the clutch.
Think back to the Bulls championship runs, they had guys like Paxson and Kerr hitting game winning shots in the playoffs off feeds from Jordan.
When was the last, or maybe first time, a laker not named Kobe hit a game winning shot?
Posted by: Laker Lover | March 05, 2008 at 12:23 PM
lakersrydeordie - one word for the luke woes- Vlad, when the lakers were blowing teams out Vlad was playing and shooting well. Luke is a role player nothing more nothing less.
Posted by: Laker Lover | March 05, 2008 at 12:25 PM
great post about the mvp race today on the kbros other web thing:
http://www.sportshubla.com/2008/03/05/the-phantom-
menace-the-nba-mvp-award-lebron-james-kobe-bryant-
and-kelly-dwyer-part-ii/
Posted by: BigGameJames | March 05, 2008 at 12:28 PM
the 4th quarter was OFF THE HOOK!!!
and just because the LAKE SHOW has dominated and not needed KB24 doesn't mean he's not the best closer in the game.
http://www.respectkobe.com/?p=21
KOBE is still the best clutch player alive..just ask dallas and sacramento!!
that's why we're gonna win the championship this year... we've got the deepest team, we usually dominate, we can play fast or slow, transition or half court......... and we have the best closer in the game!
MVP!
MVP!
MVP!
MVP!
Posted by: WWKBD? | March 05, 2008 at 12:28 PM
CrazyFan,
We're probably not going to need a package to get Ron Artest... unless Ron holds out for A LOT of money and makes it clear that he wants to leave Sacramento.
In other words, unless he has a sign and trade coming after his opt out, he's going free agency.
I'm not sure what it will take to get Artest, but personally, I'm with you there... he's the solution at the 3. You would now have the best 2, 3, 4, and 5 in the league!!!! (or very close to the best at each of those positions)...
Holy Smokes.
We will need to petition the Doctor to find a WAY. Artest would have to sign for the MLE (and the doctor would owe twice this because of the luxury tax)...
That's a team that could win 5 titles in a row.
Greatness over money Jerry.... it's your legacy, and you can't put a price tag on that.
Posted by: Tim-4-Show | March 05, 2008 at 12:34 PM
why is everyone mad at luke? cant laker nation just be happy with all of our recent wins? cant we accept our team for what it is and cheer them on instead of pointing the finger at which ever laker is currently slumping?
I actually think luke has played pretty well lately. he even played great in the first quarter of the dallas game. you cant expect luke to shoot lights out every game but he will give you some solid passes and play some pretty good defense and occassionally hit a 3. sure, ariza and vlad may be a little better but its not like luke has lost us any games lately.
what im saying is...lay off of luke, he hasnt done anything great but he hasnt done anything horrible. lets just cheer on our lakers. lets just be happy we dont have kwame or smush (they really did suck).
also, luke just signed a big contract (by his standards). he is not the first player in NBA history to struggle after signing a contract. just give luke some slack, i guarantee luke will be valuable come playoff time.
GO LAKERS
Posted by: mrbarneydangles | March 05, 2008 at 12:35 PM
Tim,
I would like nothing better than to spend our MLE on Ron but I think that is very unlikely to happen. Ron will be looking for more money than the MLE and for more playing time than he would likely get with the Lakers, who would be even more overstocked at the small forward position. I hope I am wrong but I doubt it’ll happen and I bet you do, too. I also just have a strange hunch that Artest will end up in Miami playing for Riley, who will have the ability to pay Ron-Ron more than the MLE.
Hey, for once we disagree. Who knew pigs could fly? Blog-Think-No-Sync! LOL. First, I think it was no contest that Lamar outplayed Ron-Ron last night. The big factors were Lamar’s superior shot selection, high shooting percentage, and great defense on Ron in the 4th quarter. Ron needed to take 13 more shots than Lamar to score 5 more points. Ron was held to 11% shooting and a total non-factor in the critical 4th quarter. Lamar out-rebounded Ron 12 to 5. How can anybody seriously say that Ron outplayed Lamar?
While I love Artest’s defense and toughness, his penchant for 1-on-1 play and sometimes questionable shot selection is not what the Lakers need on offense. The Lakers already have three better offensive players to turn to if they want to isolate somebody 1-on-1 in Kobe, Pau, and Drew. What we need on offense to go with our big three are glue guys like Lamar and Luke who are primarily facilitators who don’t need to shoot or have a play called for them. The last thing we need is another guy who needs his touches.
Additionally, our roster is already overloaded at the small forward position with guys who have multi-year contracts. Where we will need our MLE is to sign another banger who can play post defense to replace the one skill we lost when we traded Kwame. Can Ron shoot 3’s better than Vlade? Can he make plays better than Luke? Is he that much better defender than Ariza? Can he rebound as well as Lamar. Is he a guy who will pull the team together like Fish? Is he going to start instead of Lamar? I don’t think so.
Finally, with Luke starting to play better and Lamar playing terrifically (at least IMHO), I think we need be very careful about making more changes. The chemistry on this team is very strong right now. I think the thing to do is keep this team intact less a few minor tweaks and let the chemistry grow and the teamwork mature. We are on the verge of dynasties and right now the Lakers really hold all the cards they need to dominate for years. I want to see Mihm get healthy so we can let Mbenga go and Sun Yue sign a contract to give us defense and size at the point. As for dreaming, I would prefer Kevin Love or Russell Westbrook over Ron Artest. To me, the odds are all about the same.
Tom
Posted by: LakerTom | March 05, 2008 at 12:35 PM
Speaking of defense, 9 rings on Kobes defense
Jackson pointed out how Bryant's defense "has improved a lot." Jackson, who has said in past seasons that NBA coaches shouldn't be voting Bryant to the All-Defense first team, kidded now: "So he could be Defensive Player of the Year this year simply on the improvement between last year and this year."
Posted by: Laker Lover | March 05, 2008 at 12:36 PM
CrazyFan, I think RonRon is a misunderstood dude..He's a good dude deep down I think and I think he could flourish under Phil's system. I have grown fond of Lamar but i do believe the Lakers will be gauging his TRUE value to the team in the long term during our playoff run. He has to continue to come up big and make plays for us and be aggressive. But I will say this, I would much rather us have RonRon than any other WCF team.. Who wouldnt?
Posted by: lakersrydeordie | March 05, 2008 at 12:36 PM
Lebron wants the first billionaire player stat?
First, that's obnoxious. Second, If he means "active" then Tiger Woods is waaay ahead in that race at over 300 mil. Tiger has endorsements Lebron couldn't get with a gun and if you check the corp list he's involved with it reads like a who's who of world wide conglomerates.
If not active, Magic is almost there at 900 mil.
LBJ's earning power won't get him there in 14 more years, so he'd need all the investment luck there is. Dude better be careful, it's easier to lose big than gain. His pal, Warren (wonder what they talk about) Buffet, did it over a lifetime a patient, non fad chasing, plodding.
Latest Lebron count: 0 for 2
no 08 MVP and no 1st billionaire.
Posted by: Vman | March 05, 2008 at 12:37 PM
Laker Lover,
"DK - the lakers are playing great in the regular season no doubt but I dont know what you mean by Spurs, Pistons and Jazz and Mavs. Are you saying the Lakers beat those teams? The Lakers have not beaten the Spurs, Celtics or Pistons when those teams were at full strength , the teams I consider the favs to win the title. They match up well with every other team except those 3 imo. The Rockets could give them some problems too in a playoff series."
Those are the teams that lost to the Kings -- the Spurs, the Pistons (twice), the Jazz (twice) and the Mavs. I was responding to your comment that a great team would blow the Kings out of the water.
At the end of the day, all Lakers playoff scenarios are rendered moot if Bynum either doesn't return in time or returns so late that he never finds his rhythm. This is a genuine concern for me especially after seeing the brief interview with Bynum during the Mavs game. As many people here know, the 8 week timetable was grossly optimistic (and misleading).
I agree the Rockets could be formidable, but a Yao-less Rockets has even less of a chance of winning than a Bynum-less Lakers.
Posted by: DK | March 05, 2008 at 12:39 PM
I believe that sacranmento came with all they had. They did there best but in the end the lakers were the better team.The lakers started off at a bad start but they came threw and found themselves another win for the 10th time in a row.this goes to show that if you work at it you can really come threw and show the world that you have what it takes to win at anything.
Posted by: Charles | March 05, 2008 at 12:39 PM
Kobe has to be one of the fastest players in the league at the wing..he is a like a jack rabbit, with those long, swift, strides to the basket and the way he crossovers and changes direction like it's nothing..Man, how skilled. I am continually in AWE at how truly gifted he is, hell, all NBA players...
Posted by: lakersrydeordie | March 05, 2008 at 12:39 PM
CrazyFan,
Midlevel and veteran's minimum plus playoff incentives....
lakersrydeordie,
"What to do, what to do?? I mean Luke is a Laker so I want him to succeed and dayum he has to start making those Shaq termed, "chippies," and stop getting blocked so dayum much."
Excellent positive spin on your hope for Luke. I admire that post. I for one have always been critical of his personal modus operandi. Luke putting himself on his Fav 5 players and him claiming that the greatest day-achievement was when he signed his 6 year contract was a lack of taste and class. His HOF father even made a statement by saying "how about some humility Luke." (About the Favorite 5 players comment)
Regards Guys,
Posted by: Charles | March 05, 2008 at 12:41 PM
Laker Lover,
To compliment your post, another word: Ariza.... Can't wait to see this team with Bynum and Ariza back....
Posted by: Charles | March 05, 2008 at 12:43 PM
CrazyFan,
What do I think? I think your blog name is perfect.
Tom
Posted by: | March 05, 2008 at 12:45 PM
We often dissed our player, Luke but he is important to the team. As long as he is a Laker, let us wish him well, maybe we can state some facts of the game but be fair also in pointing out his assets on the floor. To me, it's all about his decisions while playing, I would understand if he's a rookie like Coby but he's a five year veteran & by this time he should have been stable as a player and a sharp shooter too being a shooting forward. However, without Luke, who'd take the place of Vlad when he got injured. Luke also took the place of Fisher when he was in a terrible slump. Luke is not perfect player for defense but until we trade him for a better player, let's wish him well.
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | March 05, 2008 at 12:46 PM
After Hollinger saying that Lebron is dramatically better than Kobe, here's another vote for Lebron, this from Bill Simmons....
cut from today's "chat":
Q: Why is everyone handing Kobe the MVP and counting me out? I'm carrying a lousy team and averaging nearly a triple-double every night. I play hard every game. I've become a really good rebounder and weak-side shotblocker at crunch time. I lift my offensive game at the end of every game and score with 2-3 guys guarding me. When I drive to the basket, I can go left or right and guys bounce off me like superballs. I always make the right pass. I always make the right play. Every time I'm on national TV, I put on a show. Basically, I became who you wanted me to be ... and if that's not enough, I'm only 23. Do you realize I'm the same age as MJ during the 63-point game at the Garden? That's right, I'M THE EXACT SAME AGE AS MJ DURING THE 63-POINT GAME!!!!!!! And you're all taking me for granted already??? Yeeeesh. No wonder MJ played baseball for two years.
--LeBron J., Cleveland
SG: Let's get one thing straight: MJ played baseball for two years because David Stern secretly suspended him for 18 months for gambling and told him to come back for the '95 playoffs. Get your facts straight. As for your other points, you're right -- you and Chris Paul are the leaders for MVP at the three-fourths mark because you're both having superlative seasons, as is Kobe, with the difference being that neither of you has Phil Jackson or a great bench, and in your case, you don't have even a borderline All-Star on your team. It's you and 11 role players. Switch you and Kobe and you'd be doing just as well, but he'd be gritting his way through every Cavs game on cruise control and leaking fake trade rumors through his agent. I also can't forgive Kobe for what happened during the first 15 games, when he moped around and pushed for a trade. Does someone do that during an MVP season? I say no.
Posted by: 10milliondollarzen | March 05, 2008 at 12:50 PM
What would solidify the Lakers chances of a championship is the addition of a unique player with a deadly combination of lock-down defense and offensive skills. The who embodies those qualities is none other than Ron Artest. I'm not familiar with the contract status, but it seems that he'll be an unrestricted free agent next season, and if Mitch can get creative once again, then it may means the beginning of another dynasty for the Lakers.
Posted by: Rollo Tomassi | March 05, 2008 at 12:51 PM
Hey there. Don't have time at the moment, but will respond to some of your posts later for sure. Last nights game was a good one and congratulations, Kobe pulled it out for you; another incredible performance.
The Bee link below is written by Sam Amick; our BK of sorts in that he covers the beat but isn't a real Kings fan. The last paragraph pretty much sums up the outcome. More interesting to me are the responses (comments) to the article below. (Note: "Comments" responding to Kings articles are often times the closest thing we have to a timely interactive blog. My incessant suggestions to Bee editors that they emulate AK/BK's Times format for the Kings may explain why AK got seat-short-changed and had to stand duriing the game). Understandably in a sigh of relief, vitriol from the Laker Nation showed up in force.
http://www.sacbee.com/351/story/761394.html
More on the Kings later (I'm very pleased. We're on track, will be back soon, and there's no head hanging here). The Lakers are well on their way and could compete for a championship this year. No new news there. For now, I will offer one criticism which I believe is crucial. Most of the game you looked like wusses. You must toughen up a lot if you want to beat the San Antonio's, Utahs, or Detroits of the league in a seven game series.
Sonnybelfast
Posted by: sonnybelfast | March 05, 2008 at 12:51 PM
Good afternoon Laker fans everywhere!!! Lakers all day, everyday!!! These few days of rest before playing the Clips comes at a perfect time for our team. This rest will be refreshing and will re-energize the guys.
We need to continue to support and cheer on our team regardless of who is out there playing. It's troubling to me to read posts on here debating whether Pau or Andrew is better when we should be celebrating that we have one the elite PF in the league and one of the best up and coming Centers playing for our Lakers. People need to also differentiate between bloggers that give an honest opinion or state the facts in regards to a certain player(Luke Walton seems to be the main target now that Kwame is no longer here and LO is always a bad performance away from getting slammed by bloggers)and the team from those considered trolls that just spew forth hatred and unreasonable rants.
When we're completely healthy, we could really be witnessing something very special for years to come which is why I'm very excited. This team has the potential to be better than the Shaq/Kobe teams if our young players continue to develop at the pace they are. There's a lot of room for improvement and growth, yet these players seem to have embraced the challenge of getting better. Let us enjoy our Laker team as they continue to play fantastic basketball. Go Lakers!!!
Posted by: Nemaia Faletogo | March 05, 2008 at 12:56 PM
Hollinger is mad because his numbers cranking system is starting to fall apart. He has Carl Landry, Thaddeus Young and Sean Williams miles ahead of Kevin Durant, Al Horford and Al Thorton in terms of his PER, yet I dont see him calling those guys the best Rookies. However he will use that for LeBron, Chris Paul or whoever else except Kobe to justify that those guys are playing better.
I doubt that Hollinger even watches games because he solely bases all of this analysis on his stupid numbers.
I repeat, he continues to try to confuse the reader by mixing PER and PER 40 minutes. But the thing is that his PER is based on PER 40 minutes anyways.
Now tell me how many players average 40 minutes a game? Iverson, Crawford, LeBron, Joe Johnson, Caron Butler...thats it.
So whats the point in using that tool?
Posted by: The Lake Show | March 05, 2008 at 12:58 PM
For those who are arguing in favor of LBJ as MVP, well the Cleveland will be 10th place if they were playing in the West. The fact that he has Verajao, Ilgaukas and plus the new players that came lately, Cleveland should be competing for the top.
This off season, there are so many talented free agents that are coming out. I guess that would be the best opportunity to compare players values as well as talents that would fit within the budget.
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | March 05, 2008 at 01:01 PM
Charles - Sadly I dont think Ariza is coming back this season based on what Ive read, but he and Vlad are an improvement over Luke for sure.
Posted by: Laker Lover | March 05, 2008 at 01:02 PM
I believe that sacranmento came with all they had. They did there best but in the end the lakers were the better team.The lakers started off at a bad start but they came threw and found themselves another win for the 10th time in a row.this goes to show that if you work at it you can really come threw and show the world that you have what it takes to win at anything.
Posted by: Charles | March 05, 2008 at 12:39 PM
Charles,
Great post mate. I agree with you that the Kings gave all they had, but the Lakers are just the better team. I think the Lakers have the Kings figured out now and I wouldn't be surprised if they win the remaining three games against the Kings for a series sweep. Only two teams have a winning record against the Lakers so far this year, the Spurs(we have one more against them in LA)and the Celtics(won season series 2-0). Lakers have done an excellent job this year of beating teams below .500, road record and beating top teams in the conference. This was not the case the past two years. Go Lakers!!!
By the way, my nephew won his first match with a KO in the first round on Friday night!!! He's planning on fighting again in about three weeks. We live here in Seattle, WA, but I'll be sure to let you know when he travels to LA for a bout. Have a great day Charles.
Posted by: Nemaia Faletogo | March 05, 2008 at 01:07 PM
Johnny (aka Laker Lover’s straight man) on Kobe’s 4th quarter heroics:
“TRUST ME THEY WON'T GO FAR IN THE PLAYOFFS LIKE THAT.”
Sorry, Johnny. With all due respect, I wouldn’t trust you at all based on that comment. What I do trust is that the Lakers will NOT win the NBA championship this year UNLESS Kobe Bryant has at least a couple of great 4th quarter games like he did against the Mavs and Kings in every playoff series. Kobe won that game by playing the way he will need to play once we get into the playoffs, measuring what his team needed, and delivering.
Teams need their superstar to go off in the playoffs even more than the regular season. The playoffs are when the real superstars always crank it up, increasing their scoring, their rebounding, their playmaking, their minutes, their impact on the game. And that doesn’t mean just jacking up shots or not trusting your teammates or not playing team ball. It just means when the pressure increases, there will be critical moments in the game when Kobe Bryant and LeBron James and Manu Ginobli and the league’s true superstars have to take over in order for their teams to get the win.
Championships are won by teams that are able to adapt and change their game according to whom they are playing. They are won by teams that play great team ball but also have a go-to player who can carry them in the clutch. It’s naive to think that a team can win an NBA championship without its superstar taking over the game at key interludes. The Lakers have the greatest closer in the game right now and – trust me on this, Johnny – we won’t win the title unless we take advantage of what Kobe Bryant can do.
Tom
Posted by: LakerTom | March 05, 2008 at 01:10 PM
Let's give Luke and his LL a break! Until Friday at least!
Posted by: chuck23 | March 05, 2008 at 01:10 PM
Regarding Ron Artest,
Guys, Ron Artest is a ticking time bomb. That will not change and would only get worse here in LA. He is a nice enough guy most of the time, talented as a player no doubt, and might help us in ways, but he will explode, and when he does it won't be pretty. Dodgers fans: Milton Bradley anyone?
You guys forget he got arrested and is on probation for beating up his wife? Missed games at the beginning of the season for it. I have heard comparisons to Rodman, that is a joke. Rodman is a kitten compared to Artest.
That's not the energy we need on our team.
Pass.
Posted by: DrewPauKobe | March 05, 2008 at 01:13 PM
Nemaia Faletogo,
well said!!
Posted by: Lakers Legacy | March 05, 2008 at 01:15 PM
We need to keep Lamar, but if the Lakers go in a different direction I'd like to see them go after Josh Smith who is a free agent this summer.
Posted by: 90sLakerFan | March 05, 2008 at 01:16 PM
Leave the Lakers alone... Haha! Funny video...
http://youtube.com/watch?v=bVHSgXrak2c
Posted by: CypressFan | March 05, 2008 at 01:19 PM
Sonnybelfast:
Well said that we need to toughen up to get to the promise land. No doubt the young ones are push over and that is how teams will try to get to your skin.
Fortunately Kobe and Fish are vets and tough enough. They and the coaching staff need to preach being tough without loosing their cool and composure. (See Pau last night with Miller)
The 2000 Lakers are tough. We need to be tougher. Horry will not back down nor Fox will. Harp and Shaw are just as tough and of course the Big A Shaq was a banger. Even in the showtime era, Magic, Worthy, Coop, Byron et al were all tough. Tough enough to pop Isiah on the head.
Anyway, I hope our team get mean and physical yet controlled sooner than later. Go Lakers!
Posted by: Laker Phil | March 05, 2008 at 01:21 PM
Vman, Lebron is focused on OWNING Manhattan..No wonder he and Jay Z are all bunned up!! LOL HOVA has taken BronBron under his wing so he can come to NY and take over Manhattan, like nothing seen since King Kong (ala King BronBron)..I can see the billboards now with his posters top of the Empire state & Herald square and Times Square..Yeah, he is def gonna Opt out. Lebron loves HOVA. Wonder when Lebron is gonna break out with a HipHop album under Def Jam label.
Posted by: lakersrydeordie | March 05, 2008 at 01:24 PM
The Lakers really need Kobe to have those scoring outbursts.
It helps the whole team. How? It keeps other teams on their toes. If Kobe was always passive, the teams can just single coverage him and really sink in on other guys . Having games like this keeps other teams guessing. Which Kobe will show up? Can we double him? Will he just pass it, or split the double? Should we triple team him?
It makes defending us a nightmare for other teams, and really opens up the floor for his teammates.
Go Kobe!
Go Lakers!
Posted by: frank1rizzo | March 05, 2008 at 01:24 PM
How is it that we have a rec league player starting for the Lakers? Geez, is there any way we can trade Luke (Puke) Walton for draft picks, an expiring contract, and a gift certificate to Hooters? How can this guy be on the team? I just don't get it.
First off, he doesn't seem to want to get better. He gets every shot near the rim sent back to him. He can't make a jump shot if someone held a gun to his head. High basketball IQ, eh? Well, its just too bad his high basketball IQ doesnt do squat for his game. His unathletic abilites seriously hurt our team. I noticed that when Vlad Rad came in, we started playing a lot better. Vlad Rad isn't even that good either, but he's so much better than Puke.
Also, people want to defend him saying he's injured? Thats bogus, Kobe's playing with a DISLOCATED finger for crying out loud.
I think the only reason Puke played so well a couple of years ago was to get the fat contract. Once he got it, he didn't see the point in getting better. Practice makes perfect, but apparently he doesn't even know how to do that. I'm sick of watching him play, making turnover after turnover. Funs fans don't like Diaw, but man, he would be quite an improvement over Puke.
Maybe theres some kind of hidden pact between the team, the NBA, and Bill Walton. I don't know, but man, I just don't understand how someone that can't even succeed in the D-League can be starting for our beloved Lakers.
Posted by: Chris H. | March 05, 2008 at 01:27 PM
RonRon is fine as long as he is taking his MEDs (LOL)..
Josh Smith would be Great, considering is becoming a arch nemesis each time we play ATL...
Posted by: lakersrydeordie | March 05, 2008 at 01:28 PM
They are building the toughness in this part of the season. I've seen it show in the last couple of games, and I'm sure is going to bring it when he returns. He doesn't have the strength to push people around yet, but will be plenty good at commanding the interior and redirecting shots and dribble pentration when returns. People forget that he was shutting down opposing centers earlier in the season.
PS I'm so glad Mike T. and his Kwame nonsense are gone. I know a lot of you had some repoire with him, but I got into with him over the summer and just lost all repect for the guy.
Pig
Posted by: "Pig" Miller | March 05, 2008 at 01:30 PM
Anyone else tired of all this MVP talk? Who cares? All I want is a championship!
Posted by: zen | March 05, 2008 at 01:31 PM
The Lake Show,
I think there's some validity to PER... but it's not the end all, be all. It's just a stat metric.
Posted by: Tim-4-Show | March 05, 2008 at 01:31 PM
I crack up everytime I here many of the bloggers here refer to Luke as "PUKE"..That is just str8t insane!! LOL
Back to RonRon, What up with his short shorts?? Me, don't like!! And he keeps pulling them up.Something's the matter with that!!
Anyway, I'm outty, gotta go to class now!!
later people
Posted by: lakersrydeordie | March 05, 2008 at 01:31 PM
One observation, the lakers blog is international. If we can find human in space, someone out there might blog for the universe. As we say 'good afternoon' here in West Coast, they're saying 'good evening' in europe and 'good morning' in Asia & Australia. We're 24-hour cycle. Therefore to be safe, just Good Day, mite...
I hope Vlade Divac could give us some names of players who may be coming out of their contracts. We may get them in the draft. If any of you here knew this forwards from Tau Ceramica, perhaps u could share us some outlook. I was looking at Mirza Teletovic F from Bonia-Herzegovina 11.5 Ppg and 5.6 rpg. and from team Panathinaikos - Vasilis Spanoulis G from Greece 10.8 ppg 2.6 rpg and lastly our draft pick, Sun Yue. These would add more firepower to the Lakers to keep us going to thenext level.
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | March 05, 2008 at 01:34 PM
People... Walton is good at what he's good at. He's an excellent passer, especially in the open court, he gets offensive rebounds and he sets up his finishes near the basket well (he just can't complete the finish well)...
If he can improve his vert (for finishes around the hoop) and work on his jumper, he can stay and be a productive guy off the bench.
His defense has actually improved too... he's here and he's saving our butts because Vlad & Ariza are hurt, and LO can't play the 3 while Pau has to play the 5. Everything will work out okay!
Posted by: Tim-4-Show | March 05, 2008 at 01:37 PM
Attention ALL Bloggers,
Nemaia Faletogo,
Thank you for the compliment, but that was not my post....
There is an IMPOSTOR on this blog.... Or maybe just another Charles. Whoever posted that should use another name or add something aside from "Charles." Please address this issue with diplomacy....
Nacho Libre Tone
(little hug, little keesss, Big Hug, Big Keesss) xo XO
Posted by: Charles | March 05, 2008 at 01:40 PM
it's writers like dwyer and simmers that will prevent kobe from ever winning the mvp.... i'm not sure if they get to vote, but i'm sure that many voting writers feel the same.... AK replied to my post regarding this a few weeks back, but i must reinstate that these writers will always have an excuse not to give the mvp award to kobe.... AK, like i said before, "I hope I'm wrong about this", but highly unlikely....
somehow i don't hear mvp chants in opposing arenas for the writers' picks (bron, cpaul)... hmmm interesting....
go ahead and give the award to bron... and watch kobe go off in the playoffs on the road to another ring.... like stu says "an angry player is an ineffective player, unless it's kobe bryant"....
Posted by: xyz | March 05, 2008 at 01:42 PM