Cowbell. Lots and lots of cowbell.
Here we are, enjoying a beautiful morning on March 4, and this evening's scrap with the Kings in Sacto (7 pm, KCAL) will be the first time these two teams have squared off all year. It won't be the last, though. The purple and gold will see the purple and black three more times, meaning the Kings will play a big role in determining which rung the Lakers will occupy on the playoff ladder. Sacramento has no real shot at a playoff berth and the rivalry isn't quite what it once was, but that doesn't mean the games won't have that little somethin' somethin'. After all, with everyone healthy the Kings aren't pushovers.
The Kings won't be intimidated, not with questions circulating about the team's toughness... or at the very least, Phil Jackson floating the notion in an effort to steel up his squad. Derek Fisher knows how PJ works, and doesn't question the track record. Maybe it would help for the Lakers to get out and turn themselves into some sort of street fighting gang. Just not this kind. And even stylized violence is probably not a safe means of expression for Ron Artest, who is slightly lighter in the wallet today after some provocative words to the press.
Though if Kobe does by chance find himself in harm's way, perhaps he should avoid these 13 players.
The Register's Kevin Ding has done some extra reading, and it provides a window into PJ's evolution.
Former Hornet Chris Anderson is expected to be reinstated by the NBA after a two year ban for drug issues, and will likely resign with New Orleans. Meanwhile, it's no surprise to see Sam Cassell officially in green, nor Gordan Giricek in whatever colors Phoenix happen to wear on any given day. (By the way, Steve Nash wants a little more jell time for the new-look Suns. They still need to adjust... unlike the Lakers, who added someone who fits in their system.)
Andrei Kirilenko is day to day after a hip injury.
Injury notes: Vlad Rad worked out on Monday, and might dress tonight.
Finally (not like we won't be mentioning this, like, a billion times), big news to announce: The Lakers Blog is heading on the road for the rest of the season! We've been approved for travel, so when the Lakers leave town, a K Brother will follow, starting tonight with AK in Sacramento. Live blog, postgame, all that stuff.
Woo hoo!
Translation for the "Suns Impaired"
Nash: Wah Wah Wah Wah
Shaq: Play my way or I'm taking my ball and going home
Amare: But I'm the best ever, why won't anyone listen
Grant Hill: Man, I knew I should have gone with the Pistons
Diaw: I'm gonna eat more croissants
Barbosa: I miss Shawn
Bell: Whatever, I still get to cheap shot Kobe, I'm happy
D'Antoni: Wah Wah Wah Wah Wah
Ladies and Gentlemen your 2008 PHOENIX BUMS!!!!
Posted by: DrewPauKobe | March 04, 2008 at 10:33 AM
Laker Lover: "Interesting quote from 9 rings. Funny thing is many bloggers on here give
ALL the credit for any laker success the last 2 season to Kobe, but undervalue the efforts
of his teammates"
This is true and we promise to work on that Laker Lover good point!
Meanwhile............ DROP 100 ON THE KINGS TONIGHT KOBE!!!
Posted by: Mamba24 | March 04, 2008 at 10:33 AM
"It's nice when you get Pau Gasol dropped in your lap," Nash said. "They could sit Pau down, and they're the same team.
My response: listen up Stevie Nick Nash, don't hate cuz we got Pau, you still have to play your game fool, the Suns still need to play the game. Stop worrying about who the Lakers got. We are not the ONLY team who made roster changes. Hello, YOU HAVE SHAQUISHA! Remember?, Stop wallowing in self-pity and play ball clown!
Posted by: lakersrydeordie | March 04, 2008 at 10:35 AM
I just saw the video of Dirk Clotheslining Kirilenko.
That sucks. What a thug move. Hope AK47 doesn't miss
any games due to the injury.
They should change the flagrant foul rules - if you flagrant
foul someone and they get injured, then you're suspended
until THEY return. If you break their leg and they miss
the season, then YOU miss the season. That would stop
thug moves like that in a hurry.
Posted by: Long Time Laker Fan | March 04, 2008 at 10:35 AM
MOOOOrning Laker friends!! Bells are ringing!!
Thanks Mamba24. Hello Charles, Laker Tom, Rick F and all the others!
And AK.BK: LOVE the West Side Story link - its one of my top 5 movies! Congrats too on getting a travel budget!
Now maybe one of you can ask D-fish WHAT's UP??
GO LAKERS! Purple and GOLD baby!
Posted by: PsychedLakerGirl | March 04, 2008 at 10:41 AM
Laker Hater,
What makes you say that? I think we all know that without Fish, Farmar, Bynum, the Gasol trade... etc that the Lakers would have no chance.
You are right about something, most everyone here undervalued the contributions of Smushy, Cookie, Kwame, and Luke. That literally was his starting line-up, and I can't believe we overlooked their contributions.
Shame on us! Thank you Laker Hater for pointing that out. I feel like a much better man now.
Posted by: Tim-4-Show | March 04, 2008 at 10:42 AM
ANDO THIS ONES FOR YOU:
ROLLLLLLLLL CALLLLLLLLLLLLL :
(1) ANDO (1A) FAITH (2) BOB, MIKE T. TALIQ, EDWIN GUECO, ……….
*_______________________________________*
THE LAKERS 2008 CHAMPIONSHIP BANDWAGON
* ALL ABOARD! *
*_______________________________________*
01 ANDREW Z - Owner
02 RICK FRIEDMAN – Driver
03 MAMBA24 – Basking in the glow
04 KEIFO – Chief of Staff
05 JEFF – Security Chief
06 XODUS - Head Reporter and part time enforcer
07 utzworld - THE BANNER HOLDER - Bearer of the Laker Flag
08 THE OUTLAW - He's reformed
09 KOBESBAD – And that’s good.
10 WHITEMAMBA24 - Route Director
11 TSIRY – Passing out the championship hats
12 AB – Crowd control director
13 LAKERTRUTH - Judge, Jury and Executioner
14 HAPPYDAZE - Director of Morale
15 LAL-FAN - Freakin La Laker Fan
16 TSPHERE - Sniper
17 STAPLES24 - Troll
18 JUSTANOTHERMAMBAFAN - Just a Super mamba faN
19 LAKERS LEGACY - Keeper of the Flame
20 THA SHOW - Just keeping us real
21 ANDO - Extra Muscle
*____________________________________________
DAVID STERN IF KOBE BRYANT DOES NOT WIN THE
MVP THIS YEAR SOMEBODY IS GOING TO JAIL BANDWAGON
*______________________________________________
(1) NIK KANNAN - OWNER AND DRIVER__(14) TSPHERE
(2) MAMBA24_______________________(15) LARRY
(3) VIOLATER_______________________(16) CBUCK
(4) OUTSIDERGUA___________________(17) EAST COAST JESSIE
(5) LAKERTRUTH ___________________(18) WHITEMAMBA24
(6) ALEXINH017_____________________(19) BLACKMAMBA24
(7) DREREK________________________(20) TSIRY
(8) SHAQFAN______________________(21) CHUCK.L.OHNIO
(9) JANAYA_______________________(22) JUST ANOTHER MAMBA FAN
(10) JON K________________________(23) DREW PAUL KOBE
(11) IVI8KRS_______________________(24) SBPIMP
(12) JOE DUBB______________________(25) PSYCHED LAKER GIRL
(13) FEARLESS WHACK JOB __________.(26) ANDO
Posted by: Mamba24 | March 04, 2008 at 10:43 AM
Every once in a while the world gets shifted out of balance for a little bit before reverting back to normalcy. The Ice Age, World Wars I and II, Phoenix beating the Lakers...
but normalcy prevails and now all is right with the world -- (not all but one of the most important things in my life is...)
The Lakers are championship contenders again and the Suns are in disarray. I hated the Suns since Cedric ran off back there and over the years, I grew to hate them. This year, I am just in joyful glee as I see the Suns setting and a new Lakers dynasty rising.
GO LAKERS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: David Whang | March 04, 2008 at 10:45 AM
Well, Sam I-am signed with Celtics, suddenly his injured wrist has healed. The same is true with Shaq, his bruised hip is now serviceable but not with the cellar dweller, Heat. How can you trust these millionaires with their self-serving injuries?
So folks, don't be lured by fantasies, it's still money talks and b/s walks.
http://msn.foxsports.com/nba/story/7868618/
Cassell-set-to-sign-with-Celtics
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | March 04, 2008 at 10:47 AM
lakersrydeordie,
Yeah... what's with the OBSESSION with a first round opponent? He's basically saying Pau is a better pick up than Shaq because Pau can just fit right in.
Huh? These guys are clowns. As Mike T would say, Fools Gold.
Long Time Laker Fan,
If that were Kobe making the defensive play, he would have been ejected & suspended, probably for TWO games.
I'm not holding my breath on Dirk getting suspended...
Posted by: Tim-4-Show | March 04, 2008 at 10:48 AM
#4,
Yes the Kings were fun to watch also in the early 2k's. Especially when Vlade had a strong Flop and Webber had healthy knees.
Great time huh?
Posted by: Charles | March 04, 2008 at 10:50 AM
Lebron doesn't deserve to me MVP. Why not? Because Kobe deserves it. Not that Lebron isn't having a great year, he'd be second on my MVP ballot, but he's having a similar season to Kobe's last two. If Kobe didn't deserve it the last two years, then I don't think Lebron deserves it this year.
Posted by: davyjonze | March 04, 2008 at 10:50 AM
PsychedLakerGirl,
I gotta pop my collar for you and Elle and Faith....
Peace...
Posted by: Charles | March 04, 2008 at 10:53 AM
In regards to teams that re-sign players after trading them away
Just make them ineligible for the playoffs or restrict re-signing (or playing) till the following year.
This way there would be no "wink wink" agreements and the integrity of trades would not come into question
Pretty simple
Posted by: YOU EVER NOTICE | March 04, 2008 at 10:54 AM
LTLF: I feel you on that. Dirk didn't get suspended for the p@nk move of his on Andrei??
Where is the consistency Stu Jackson?
Posted by: lakersrydeordie | March 04, 2008 at 10:55 AM
PsychedLakerGirl " Thanks Mamba24"
FOR YOU, ANYTHING LITTLE SISTER
DrewPauKobe: "Ladies and Gentlemen your 2008 PHOENIX BUMS!!!!"
SLOGAN 2 OF THE DAY
#4:"Sort of off topic, but does anyone miss when the Kings ran that Princeton offense?
man, that team of the early 2000s was one of the best passing TEAMS I've seen. "
YEAH IT WAS JUST ASK SONNY! BUT... IT CAN'T BEAT SHOWTIME WITH KAREEM, MAGIC AND SILK!!
TAOSHUM:"It's a conspiracy I tell you!!!"
THAT IT IS, THAT IT IS!
*__________________________
JEFF VANGUNDY BANDWAGON
*_________________________
(01) YOU EVER NOTICE - Owner and Driver
(02) MAMBA24 - On board to stop VanGundy
from leg grabbing
KOBE FOR MVP!!! KOBE FOR MVP!!! KOBE FOR MVP!!!
Posted by: Mamba24 | March 04, 2008 at 10:57 AM
DrewPauKobe, LMFAO, that was hilarious!!
Posted by: lakersrydeordie | March 04, 2008 at 10:57 AM
Lakers versus the Kings,
time to let my heart sing,
recall joyful memories
of some great ass whippings
The crowd putting away the bells,
Maloofs contemplating the team sale,
crowd wondering why they fail,
until they see Number 24 smile,
they look closely begin to see,
Number 24's face stirs memories,
a recent past of their queens,
getting smacked by the REAL kings,
sorry Belfast i know its painful,
to bring past thoughts of your reignfall,
but we winning again tonight i know its awful,
this dedicated to everyone on Mamba's Role CALL!!!!!!
hehe sorry Sonny but this is the Lakers blog and I just love givin it to Kings fans.. even though I like the Kings players now and think they have a bright future...
GO LAKERS!!!
Posted by: David Whang | March 04, 2008 at 10:59 AM
DrewPauKob- its all in the past but I can look up the woe is Kobe quotes-
"Kobe single handledly led the lakers to the playoffs the last two years"
"Kobe is playing with a bunch of scrubs"
etc etc
People are bashing Kwame and Smush but forget their contributions to the team and focus on what they are doing now. Phil liked both players and while I question ihs coaching, he started both when he had other options and he is in the hall of fame. Both players played well at times for the lakers, but the lakers needed an upgrade at both positions.
Posted by: Laker Lover | March 04, 2008 at 11:00 AM
lakersrydeordie,
Thats coz Stu Loves this track.... Oh the Irony if he did and ignored that foul/
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cejq10jZ0kQ
http://tinyurl.com/nzkbe
Posted by: Charles | March 04, 2008 at 11:03 AM
.
HOT DOG! DAVID WHANG JUST CHECKED IN!
This Laker Train is now running express to
championship city. FULL STEAM AHEAD DAVID!
whoooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo!
Posted by: Mamba24 | March 04, 2008 at 11:06 AM
#4
"Have a thick skin, we do value your perspective."
The Sacramento blog Hemingway, "fought wars on 3 continents" or something to that effect. Sonny B. is bullet proof.
LTLF
"if you flagrant foul someone and they get injured, then you're suspended until THEY return."
I love it, unless of course Kobe got flagged for an inadvertent trip. Don't know what's gotten into Dirk lately besides losing but the league best check his drinking water.
Posted by: Vman | March 04, 2008 at 11:07 AM
Charles.........Good morning.........Great song...Even greater band.....The kings have some good outside threats..Martin,Garcia,Artest,Salmons and Udrih...Perimeter defense will need to be switched on ....The way to beat them will be down low ...Im 5 foot 8 and have more muscle on me than the Human spider ...Mikki More....Pau on Miller will be good to watch.........And i forgot....that guy Kobe he can play as well........nice to have VLAD back...lets hope
Posted by: Thirty2 | March 04, 2008 at 11:07 AM
Mamba24 -
I am honored. Also, please add me to the JVG bandwagon, that dude is allllllllright.
lakersrydeordie - thanks!
YELL IT FROM THE MOUNTAINTOP!!!
KOBE FOR MVP!!!
KOBE FOR MVP!!!
KOBE FOR MVP!!!
Posted by: DrewPauKobe | March 04, 2008 at 11:08 AM
haha wassup Mamb -- actually i gotta go sleep now cuz its 4AM here but ill be back up in 8 hours for the game before I have to go to work.. GO LAKERS!!!!!!!!!!
KEEP THE LAKER TRAIN ROLLIN!!!
Posted by: David Whang | March 04, 2008 at 11:10 AM
I remember Smush's contribution to the team very well. I also remember Kwame's.
Praise MJ that they're gone.
The Kings have a lot of talent on their squad and a good coach in Theus. We need to proceed humbly here.
We still get to win though. :)
Posted by: Benjamin | March 04, 2008 at 11:12 AM
Lakers all day, everyday!!! Top of the morning to all Laker fans everywhere!!! Go Lakers!!!
Posted by: Nemaia Faletogo | March 04, 2008 at 11:12 AM
What a great day in LakerNation. Lakers are contenders
and Kwame and Smush are gone. Even if we don't win the title this year, its all good in LakerLand with those 2 jokers gone.
GameDay
Lakers 114
Cowtown 101
Go Lakers!
BD
Posted by: BD | March 04, 2008 at 11:12 AM
David Whang in the house!!!
Posted by: Charles | March 04, 2008 at 11:12 AM
BK, BK, BK MY GOD, MY LORD WHAT DID
YOU HAVE FOR BREAKFAST. THIS BLOG SPEED IS
SUPERCHARGED. Please My Lord, I fear for thy health
if such speeds are continued. Even gods have speed
limits. LOL!
*________________________________
KUDOS TO BK & AK FOR SPEED OF THE
BLOG BANDWAGON
*_________________________________
(01) MAMBA24 - Driver and Loyal Servant
Posted by: Mamba24 | March 04, 2008 at 11:12 AM
And BTW..........Its a very sad day for me.........
..........................Thankyou.......Brett Favre...........Im a Packers fan and thankyou for all the career records and highlights and for your role in Something About Mary......great acting
Posted by: Thirty2 | March 04, 2008 at 11:14 AM
Mamba24:
I agree, NO ONE can beat Showtime. That team was the best ever, bar none.
Charles:
Floppy Divac and C. Webb had something good goin for awhile. Its too bad that C.Webb and Peja's egos clashed when Webb came back from knee surgery. He was never the same, even though he thought he was.
Posted by: #4 | March 04, 2008 at 11:14 AM
Tim-4-Show - I was never a big fan of cookie but his laker stats are similar to sashas this year and people on this blog are acting like sashas an all star.
The point I was making was even though the lakers needed an upgrade, Kobe did not single handedly get the lakers anywhere. Basketball is a team game.
If you believe Kobe single handedly got the lakers to the playoffs why couldnt he single handedly win a series in the playoffs? That would mean he failed right?
Posted by: Laker Lover | March 04, 2008 at 11:14 AM
Hey Laker Nation....
Good day to all. Where are we at? Save me the trouble of catching up and reading all these posts. what's the main topic. Who's the moron of the day? ....etc.....?
Posted by: wondahbap | March 04, 2008 at 11:15 AM
Laker Lover -
It's true they contributed, there's no doubt. And in fact, PJ and Kobe made sure they contributed more than they seem to be able to give anywhere else they play. Did they give more contribution than an average NBA player would in the same situation?? I don't think so, but that's up for debate i guess.
But the key word was "SELFLESSLY" - They could not sublimate their egos to the team concept, and so, they had to go. Kwame and Sumsh are not bad people, but that does not make them championship material. Certainly not as starters. Honestly Kwame for 3 million a year as a 10-15 minute back up center would be a great teammate, but he would emotionally self-destruct if asked to play that role. It's sad, but no longer our problem.
And as for Kobe "singlehandedly leading" - the truth is, he was the only LEADER (other than PJ, and coaches can only lead so much).
That brings up another point, "Great Coaches" cannot be without "Great Players" to hold the rest of the team accountable. Kwame and Smush did not want to be accountable, so they had to go.
Posted by: DrewPauKobe | March 04, 2008 at 11:17 AM
Good morning every one!
Posted by: Elle | March 04, 2008 at 11:23 AM
Long Time Laker Fan - I didnt see the Dirk fouk on AK but the game has changed, That used to be a hard foul. I dont believe in trying to hurt someone but there is a way to take a hard foul.
I have a bigger problem with the floppers in the league, and the Lakers have one of the worst, Sasha. The NBA needs to clean that up, thats not basketball.
And my 2nd biggest pet peeve is the constant whining and complaing on every call-non call. An analyst on one of the laker games said officials review games and players who complain on actual fouls get more credence than players than complain when they are not fouled. Either way the players need to stop complaing on every play it makes them look like big babbies.
Posted by: Laker Lover | March 04, 2008 at 11:23 AM
Thirty2,
Finger point at you homie!
#4,
Thanks for your reply!!!
Posted by: Charles | March 04, 2008 at 11:26 AM
Nemaia Faletogo: "Lakers all day, everyday!!! Top of the morning to all Laker fans everywhere!!! Go Lakers!!!
Top of the morning to you Mr. Faletogo. And God bless
your Mom. GO LAKERS!!
Posted by: Mamba24 | March 04, 2008 at 11:28 AM
Charles, U shoulda warned me, Not David Hasselhoff???? lol
Posted by: lakersrydeordie | March 04, 2008 at 11:29 AM
Mamba-24
Put me on the "David Stern if Kobe doesn't win the MVP someon is goign to jail bandwagon." That's the bestest name EVER.
Posted by: Jeff | March 04, 2008 at 11:30 AM
DAVID WHANG IN THE HOUSE!
ELLE IN THE HOUSE!
VMAN IN THE HOUSE!
I think this is going to be one hell of a game tonight.
Why? Come on. cause...
WE ARE THE FREAKIN LA LAKERS WINNERS OF
14 NBA TITLES!!! YESSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS!
Posted by: Mamba24 | March 04, 2008 at 11:31 AM
wondahbap,
1.Lots of hype coz it's game day at Sacto.
2. Laker Lover is in exchange with a few of the other posters about not recognizing the contributions of other players in the past two years. Great riposte from all parties.
3. No morons. Just lot's of Laker passion.
Posted by: Charles | March 04, 2008 at 11:32 AM
*__________________________
JEFF VANGUNDY BANDWAGON
*_________________________
(01) YOU EVER NOTICE - Owner and Driver
(02) MAMBA24 - On board to stop VanGundy
from leg grabbing
(03) DREWPAUKOBE - Security
Posted by: Mamba24 | March 04, 2008 at 11:34 AM
DrewPauKobe - we agree the lakers need upgrades at those positions if they wanted to be championship caliber.
But that tells me the greatest coach and greatest player cant win without great talent, which to me makes them not great.
Great is taking average teams and players and winning divisions or playoff series or turning average players into All Stars. In a word- over achieving.
Posted by: Laker Lover | March 04, 2008 at 11:35 AM
I find it odd that I've seen several articles recently that say
something about the Lakers having "little playoff
experience outside of Bryant and Fisher?"
They have plenty of other playoff experience -
Luke Walton - 5 first round, 4 2nd round, 3 3rd round,
and significant minutes in 4 NBA finals games
Lamar Odom - 19 first round games, 6 2nd round games
Vlad Radmanovic - 16 first round games, 7 2nd round games
and to a lesser extent...
Pau Gasol - 12 first round games (+ 1 world championship)
Sasha Vujacic - 11 first round games
Ronny Turiaf - 7 first round games
DJ MBenga - 7 first round games
Andrew Bynum - 6 first round games
Jordan Farmar - 5 first round games, + NCAA title game
Trevor Ariza - 4 first round games
Chris Mihm - 4 first round games
Every player on the TEAM except Coby Karl has at least
some playoff experience. And Pau's experience with the
Spanish national team is of a caliber of NBA playoff
experience beyond the first round.
Add in the MASSIVE amount of playoff experience
Kobe and Fish have all the way to the finals, and it's
actually a more playoff experienced team than most
teams in the league.
Posted by: Long Time Laker Fan | March 04, 2008 at 11:36 AM
wondahbab,"Good day to all. Where are we at? Save me the trouble of catching up and reading all these posts. what's the main topic. Who's the moron of the day? ....etc.....?"
Where we at? WE ABOUT TO WIN A CHAMPIONSHIP BRO!
THIS POSTIING STUFF IS BETTER THAN BEER
AND IT'S FREE!!!! THANKS BK. THANKS AK
Posted by: Mamba24 | March 04, 2008 at 11:39 AM
Mamba24,
Why not? Put me down for the KUDOS TO BK & AK FOR SPEED OF THE BLOG BANDWAGON. We're cookin today baby! Blog family: go 'head and brush ya shoulders off, we're gonna be partying tonight!
Posted by: bozz | March 04, 2008 at 11:39 AM
lakersrydeordie,
I will make sure to flash the sirens man! Lol.
Have a good one sir....
Posted by: Charles | March 04, 2008 at 11:40 AM
Kwame and Smush did not want to be accountable, so they had to go.
If kwame did not want to be held accountable how was he one of the most liked guys on the team? Teammates dont respect players who dont carry their weight so thats not possible.
Posted by: Laker Lover | March 04, 2008 at 11:41 AM