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!
Lakers Legacy......cheers......
Posted by: Thirty2 | March 04, 2008 at 02:16 PM
Floyd,
Not sure he holds a candle to Sammy C...
http://www.mavswiki.com/index.php?title=Pat_Cummings
Posted by: DrewPauKobe | March 04, 2008 at 02:28 PM
DrewPuaKobe,
Yeah that pic doesn't do him justice if that's the guy I am thinking of--maybe he's not the one---but there is a reference of him scaring people just sitting on the bench on one of the searches I did on him--
Anyway a fun, albeit strange, blog topic...
and while I admit Sam is pretty odd looking--at least I can stand to look at him--I can't even look at Christy or Delonte West without wanting to get barf my guts out or at least throw my remote at the TV to make them stop showing me their "faces"....oh the humanity.....
If they ever want to torture me.....
No offense disclaimer---it's just a joke folks--you should see what I look like--ouch
GO LAKERS!!!
Posted by: Floyd | March 04, 2008 at 02:51 PM
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
So let me summarize.
1. Dirk's play was a hard foul, not flagrant.
2. Sasha (a laker) is the worst flopper in the league.
3. The Lakers (Kobe) are the biggest complainers in the league. (Big babies you said).
4. You don't like Kobe. (This is from other posts not this one).
So my question for you LakerLover, What about the Lakers do you love exactly????
Posted by: pslakerlover | March 04, 2008 at 03:07 PM
Mamba 24,
Thank you very much for the comment regarding my mom. She is doing much better now in her recovery and is almost back to full strength. My wife and I are truly blessed to have her with us in our home. She actually watches the Lakers games with us, LOL!!! May your mom rest in peace. Have a great day Mamba, you're a class act. Go Lakers!!!
Posted by: Nemaia Faletogo | March 04, 2008 at 03:24 PM
Good afternoon Laker Nation! Good Afternoon Charles! Good afternoon Mamba24!
I just wanted to drop a note from out here in good ol' Lubbock, Texas. I'm really hoping that the game tonight will bring lots of excitement and a Lake Show victory! BTW - are there any games happening the week of March 17th? I'll be back in L.A., and I wanted to know if anyone was having a viewing party (or meeting up at a bar to watch a game). I'd love to join if anything is going down!
Posted by: Caliphilosopher | March 04, 2008 at 04:29 PM
yeah troll call. you guys love us the blog is nothing without us admit it thers 3 phoenix fans here we deserve it. plus were good
Posted by: blingbling | March 04, 2008 at 04:57 PM