Fortunately, the sun rose this morning
The Lakers hit the court this afternoon in El Segundo without any black armbands, dark suits, or other funereal accoutrement, unhappy with both their performance in and the result of last night's 114-113 loss to the Kings at Staples but keeping things in perspective. Kobe disputed the notion that the loss brought the Lakers back to Earth. "We haven't done anything," he said. "Our feet haven't left the ground." Certainly while every team has its good and bad days, I don't think this bunch, while confident, assumes victory the same way that the Threepeat teams did, nor do I think they take games off. There's a difference between not playing well and not really working all that hard to win. The goal is to take every game, but realistically everyone knows that's not going to happen. Phil Jackson categorized the frustration as "mild."
"We've had a real good run, and the fact that things slip a little is not unusual. So it's time to tighten it up a little bit," he said. "I thought we left the lane open a lot last night."
Said tightening would start with defense, specifically pick and roll situations where guys don't seem to be on the same page (the uncontested dunk late that Mikki Moore threw down late in the fourth when neither Kobe nor LO rolled with the lanky King post slip screen would be a prime example). Asked if time was spent on that end of the floor today, Pau Gasol laughed. "Oh yeah." Most of it, he said, focused on eliminating easy points for opponents. Cut back on the freebies, and good stuff happens. Gasol said that the Lakers need to make sure they're coming out sharp from minute one, something they did very well on the road trip when they consistently built early leads. "Offensively and defensively, we want to set the tone from the first second of the game, just to make sure that the other team knows where we stand and how the game is going to be for them."
The Lakers will have plenty of chances to work on screen and roll D, since Toronto, like everyone it seems, will run the hell out of that play. Stay tuned.
In other news...
Physical play was again a topic of conversation, and Jackson believes that the team needs to buck up a little. "Everybody's becoming extremely physical. Every shot's a foul and the only fouls you really get are the ones that are really obvious, and are on a parallel where the referees have to call them. So I think it's a challenge in effect to this team, as to how physical you can play this game and be effective. And I think that's where we have to take note. As things are amped up, guys have been less effective, and guys have to measure themselves to that."
Said Gasol, "We've got to be physical, too. At the same level, or even more."
True enough. For a team like the Lakers, who have thrived when cutting and moving hard and fast, that whole "physical thing" is something they do need to work through. It also emphasizes the need to keep hitting shots from the perimeter, which will help space the floor and give L.A.'s skill guys more room to operate.
I asked both Kobe and Phil about last night's final shot, and again Kobe reiterated that the Lakers might have to find more creative ways to get him some space, something 24 said he'd discussed with PJ this morning. "We'll do something different. We'll figure out how to position people on the floor, or execute something a little different, or throw a little wrinkle in there, so they're not just sitting on the same thing." Bryant said. "It's like football. Teams play a certain way, then you make an adjustment, then you make them change, and you go on from there.
PJ said the play (or at least the variety of it), essentially an iso for Kobe off the inbound, isn't one they've done, but that the plan was scuttled when Sacramento put an extra defender in his zone. "He just didn't have the space to work. Those situations, you can't rely on winning a game on last second shots. You worry about your defense and stopping people on last possessions."
Watching it happen, I thought Kobe was going to pull up closer to the three point line when he had Salmons on the move, and that he was a little surprised when Moore closed as fast as he did, forcing an awkward shot. Given that everyone on the planet expects Kobe to get the ball in final shot situations (and most Laker fans would like him to at least have the ball in his hands to either shoot or draw the defense), freeing him for an uncontested look isn't a snap. Opposing coaches will generally (if they're smart) throw a couple guys at him to either deny him the ball or pressure him once he has it. And obviously time on the clock impacts the situation, too. Eight seconds is a lot different than four.
There's a little bit of a trade in there. With Kobe, who will almost always attract more attention, the odds of a tougher, better defended shot go up when he gets the ball. On the flip side, is there someone else you'd rather see with the rock? Either way, the Lakers, who have struggled at times get any sort of decent shot in last second situations, need to expand the arsenal.
But as PJ mentioned, the ideal choice is to not leave yourself in a situation where you need a bucket with four seconds to go.
Interesting rehab news: The Lakers have leased something called a Alter G Trainer to help guys like Andrew Bynum, Trevor Ariza, and Chris Mihm rehab with greater efficiency. Essentially, the machine is a big (literally, since this particular model is build for hoopsters) treadmill in which the lower half of an athlete is encapsulated, for lack of a better term, inside a bubble. Once strapped in, guys look like they're sticking halfway out of a submarine.
The super fancy treadmill- this isn't something that folds neatly under the bed at night- allows trainers to very specifically control the amount of weight joints and bones, be they hip, knee, ankle, foot, etc., bear as the athlete runs, via manipulating the air pressure inside the bubble. A guy like Bynum, who is about ready to graduate from the pool but isn't ready to run on a conventional treadmill, can get into this thing, run, build up his cardiovascular reserves and hopefully stimulate healing, but without actually subjecting his knee to punishment.
Apparently Baron Davis used one during his recovery from ankle problems. Pretty cool.
AUDIO:
- Kobe Bryant: Download kobe_bryant_3.10.mp3
- Phil Jackson: Download phil_jackson_3.10.mp3
- Pau Gasol: Download pau_gasol_3.10.mp3
BK
The Leastern Conference will rise again!
(Er...hopefully, for the good of basketball.)
http://ivegotabasketballblog.wordpress.com/
Pig
Posted by: "Pig" Miller | March 10, 2008 at 09:33 PM
That's one thing good of having LakerTom in the blog, the Sun never sets at all for it revolves around his team. While we find the round holes that do not fit on the square pegs, LakerTom sees the beauty of such misfits and imagine it like a painting of a Picasso. No argument on that every team needs a fan like him.
I share the sentiments of Rick F., harsh it may sound to a dedicated fan but we called it based on our perspective for we believe that Lakers could win against Sacramento Kings any day, any place if they wanted to. We want to reserve the real losses on teams above .500 and on the road, where it is tough to win. The most important trait of a MVP is exerting leadership when teammates are down and when the game has no bearing to the award. MVP is just a title, what matters most is a leader who goes for winners take all. No need of 4th quarter heroics, manana habit of postponing later because the dream of King's player or the coach is just to beat the Lakers. As contractual employees, they wanted to preserve their jobs at the end of the season by constantly beating the No. 1. Sactos are losers, no chance of getting to the playoffs but their sole objective is to be spoilers and save the faces of the Maloof Bros. enjoy some bragging rights. Lakers let down their guards through this lackadaisical guarding and Sacto prevailed. Losing to bad teams are signs of weaknesses because you are giving hints to the real opponents your "achilles heel". Portland gave us a glimpse of it and the Kings copied it. And when you hear players like Udrih, Martin, Hawes, Moore having feasts and siesta in the post, my dear Laker fans postpone your daydreaming of the sunny days, solve that problem first.
Rick F has enumerated the defects of each player. In totality, I find them immature for not executing any kind of defense or help-a-teammate. They were so over confident that they could turn on the switch anytime with the combo Kobe-Pau while these two stars were also depending on the role players to connect those long range shooting. A mature professional never ignores the dirty work of boxing out, putting the body on line if need be, stopping a run-a-way Kings, getting those rebounds, focused on those close range shots and lastly, taking care of the ball as if you're carrying your baby, don't just throw it away for the heck of it as though you 're doing magic in a circus. A mature professional goes on a dedicated practice especially those free throws and study & study the movements of his own guard.
We are going to play again with Sacramento and Portland before heading to the playoffs. Don't take these games for granted. Solve those inherent weaknesses, win those small battles decisively and the big battles will just come in handy. Demoralize every team at the onset and that's the mark of a Champion.
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | March 10, 2008 at 09:41 PM
FIRE32 YOU GAVE YOURSELF AWAY!!!!!!
JUST A SPEEDBUMP ON THE WAY TO A CHAMPIONSHIP…
The Lakers loss last night to the Kings was almost to be expected. Like every team in the NBA, the Kings have some talented players and always rise to the occasion and play their best against the Lakers. The Lakers are still 26-4 against teams with a losing record so it would be foolish to think that a 1-point loss to Kings bodes ill for the future.
Yes, the Lakers were guilty of coming out flat and playing zero defense in the first half. Yes, they became complacent and thought that could just turn in on to win like they did last week against the Kings. And yes, they should have won the game. But bottom line, it was just one disappointing game in an already sweet season of hope and redemption and only the most GHE among us are really worried. This is the Lakers perfect storm season.
I for one was actually glad to hear Kobe complain about the team’s last second shot strategy after another poorly executed game ending play. I am sure I was not the only fan begging Phil to put in a play to get us a quality shot at the end of the game. But no, instead we get the same old tired stack and 1-on-1 isolation for Kobe at the top of the key with everybody else standing and watching. Kobe may be the best closer in the game but it would behoove the Lakers to put him in a better position to succeed.
Since his return as the Lakers head coach, I cannot remember the team successfully executing a game ending play, which is incredible considering we have the best closer in the game. The last two good game ending plays I remember were Fish’s 0.4 second shot and a 3-pointer that Kobe sank that same season after coming off a double screen starting at the baseline and ending up just above the arc straight away. Since then, it’s as if Phil has forgotten that screens are the best way to free players up for open shots.
To start with, lining everybody up in a static row like Phil does is a very ineffective way to initiate a game ending play with just a few seconds remaining. Grouping the players in a row makes it more difficult to inbound the ball to Kobe and easier to double team him. A better strategy would be to spread the floor and get players moving without the ball setting picks. This would give Kobe the room to get open and attack the basket while giving other players the opportunity to be in position for an open shot if Kobe passes.
Finally, I agree with all of the other bloggers that Kobe and all of the Lakers just need to cool it with the refs. Yes, our opponents have all decided to be Hillary to our Barack, but the answer is just to shut up and fight back rather than wasting time and losing focus by arguing and complaining. It is going to get continually more physical as we approach and enter the playoffs. Time to get control of our tempers and just play through the calls. After all, we are the Los Angeles Lakers and we know that God is a Lakers fan.
Tom
Posted by: LakerTom | March 10, 2008 at 06:59 PM
NOTICE POSTED BY LAKERTOM
-------------------
No you don't but you use back handed compliments.
Like the Lakers are good but the Suns are better. Like saying to your Lady "You look pretty today" and follow up with why don't you look like that all the time?
Ruined compliment with insult.
Posted by: JustaLakerFan
I didn't insult you guys, never said you guys got pimp slapped by the kings. I said --the reason this bump on the road FEELS like a bitc# slap is---
bump on the road doesn't mean, your team is done, their finished , no it means bump on the road wake up.
It only FELT (felt ) like a slap b/c your team was too high on themselves.
How is that an insult?
but thats cool at least you along with some others hear what I have to say, and you spit right back.
I'm hear in piece remember I put our rivalry on hold till the playoffs.
but theres those who just call me out to bash and insult me, those like rizzo and pig miller but I don't mind them, I just don't respond to them.
Charles
tell me is that the way I was acting when I first came to this blog b/c if it was, I understand why you came at me the way you did.
Posted by: Fire32 | March 10, 2008 at 07:52 PM
NOTICE POSTED BY FIRE32 ( I SAID JUST A BUMP IN THE ROAD)
NOW let’s take another look at your first blog……
Do you guys still think your is the team to beat?
you better hope the lakers got the mssage the kings gavem last night, That the lakers still got work to do.
INSULT CALLING US OUT! LIKE WE ARE NOW HANGING OUR HEADS IN SHAME.
You learn more off the mistakes/ losses, rather than off your sugar coated blow out wins.
The reason this bump on the road feels like such a big BITC# SLAP is b/c everyone from the coaching staff to players to this blog were acting all high and mighty as if you had it locked down already, acting like champs(acting)
ANOTHER LIE AND INSULT. NO PLAYER OR COACH HAS SAID OR ACTED LIKE WE WON ANYTHING> THE WORDS IS ALWAYS TAKE ONE GAME AT A TIME AND MOVE ON. KOBE SAID WE HAVE NOT ACCOMPLISHED ANYTHING YET! AND SUGAR COATED WINS? INSULT!
You guys should be disappointed, last night showed more or less where the lakers are at. If the lakers played D last night and still lost the game, atleast then you would be able to say the kings play well and the lakers didn't. but instead you guys showed that you cant defend so you try to outscore them. tsk tsk tsk
WHAT??? WE SAY IT IS ABOUT DEFENSE. DEFENSE WINS GAMES. WE KNOW THIS AND DON”T NEED BACKHANDED REMARKS TO LET US KNOW WHAT WE KNOW. TSK TSK TSK
Truth is right now no team is the team to beat not even S.A.
spurs have to prove they can win without the help from the refs (duncan) and that they're not old.
NO SPURS ARE THE TEAM TO BEAT. AS IN BOXING THE CHAMPION DOES NOT GIVE HIS TITLE. IT IS TAKEN AWAY. YES THEY ARE OLD.
lakers have to prove they actually play some D, they can score with the best of them, bt will they learn to D up.
THIS HAS BEEN ANSWERED OVER AND OVER. WE PLAYED VERY GOOD D WITH AB AND TA. HIGH IN LEAGUE STATS. WE WILL GET BACK TO THIS. A LOSS TO SAC DOES NOT RUIN OUR SEASON. ONE GAME AT A TIME AND MOVE ON AND IMPROVE. HOW HAVE THE SUNS FAIRED?
jazz have to prove they can win on the road. YES but what’s that have to do with Lakers?
SUNS have to prove the SHAQ trade is built for the playoffs. YES YES but what’s that have to do with Lakers?
n.o don't know much about them actually GOOD BUT ARE THEY READY FOR PRIME TIME but what’s that have to do with Lakers?
rockets have to prove they're for real and that they can win without yao. YES but what’s that have to do with Lakers?
warriors have to prove they can win without going 100 mph b/c in the playoffs things slow down. YES but what’s that have to do with Lakers?
No true unbeatable team out there. NO UNBEATABLE BUT HIGHLY FAVORED AND SUNS IS NOT ONE OF THEM. And what does that have to do with LAKERS.
Posted by: Fire32 | March 10, 2008 at 11:25 AM
SO ME THINKS YOU AND LAKERTOM ARE ONE AND THE SAME. GIVE UP THE SHAM.
Posted by: JustaLakerFan | March 10, 2008 at 09:52 PM
Edwin,
>>> Demoralize every team at the onset and that's the mark of a Champion.
Amen. Thanks for your support.
Posted by: Rick Friedman | March 10, 2008 at 09:55 PM
AK/BK
I haven't seen this addressed before, so apologies if it's been dealt with previously.
Would it be possible to have linked pages open in a new window?
I prefer being able to just toggle over to your blog window and close other linked items rather than having to click the back arrow. I don't know what the consensus is on this though or if it's even possible with the blog software.
I love the blog, it just keeps getting better and better, not unlike the Lakers this season.
Thanks!
Posted by: lakersmr | March 10, 2008 at 09:59 PM
An alarming trend of late has been lackluster display of focus and energy that resulted in sloppy execution and bad passing. This team is reverting to its old traits whenever they experience some degree of success. This is nothing new for this untested team, despite having a high-priced coach renowned for motivation and mental games on the sideline. Last night's futility exposed the coach's lack of adjustment and questionable play calls. Being HOF coach doesn't mean he's beyond reproach. The lack of preparedness is ultimately reflected upon the coach.
Posted by: Rollo | March 10, 2008 at 10:15 PM
Faith,
I watch every minute of "almost" every game, and just don't remember Sasha ever running off the floor as the hero.
Can you refresh my memory?
Posted by: Eric M | March 10, 2008 at 10:24 PM
Laker Tom and phred,
Thanks for your compliments. They are appreciated.
DPK
Posted by: DrewPauKobe | March 10, 2008 at 10:44 PM
For those of you interested in Sun Yue, here is a pretty detailed analysis.
http://hoopsaddict.com/2007/04/23/sun-yue-prospect-or-suspect/
Posted by: Eric M | March 10, 2008 at 10:45 PM
exhelodrvr,
>>>Yes - I would rather have Sasha, Pau, or Derek take an
>>>open jump shot, or have Lamar (or later Bynum) take a
>>>close-in shot than have Kobe take a fall away against a
>>>double team.
See, therein lies the problem. Watch that last play. Watch
it good and close.
The other three defenders stayed close with the other
three players on the floor. Mikki Moore sagged off of
Lamar enough to get in Kobe's way. But Lamar didn't
try moving to the other side of the floor or diving to the
rim or something that would have forced Mikki Moore to
move. He just parked at the three point line.
Sasha was NOT open. He was closely guarded by Kevin Martin
Pau was not open. He was closely guarded by Brad Miller
Fish was not open. He was closely guarded by Beno Udrih.
None of Sasha, Pau, or Fish HAD an open jump shot. In
fact, if Kobe had tried to pass to one of them, he may
well have turned it over.
So what do you prefer, Lamar shooting a 3-pointer or
Kobe shooting over two guys. Percentages say your
odds are better betting on Kobe in that situation.
Really, Kobe is right. It's a play that has worked a lot in
the past, but teams now have it sussed - they know
what's most likely to happen, so they focus on that. If
the Lakers had a couple of other plays for spots like that
(down screens, back screens, give and go's, whatever)
then teams wouldn't know exactly what's coming, so
whoever got the last shot would be more likely to get an
open shot.
Posted by: Long Time Laker Fan | March 10, 2008 at 10:52 PM
lakersmr-
It might be a setting that can be changed relatively easily. Any other requests out there to make the switch? Anyone like things the way they are?
BK
Posted by: Brian Kamenetzky | March 10, 2008 at 10:56 PM
re: report AK/BK
looks like all the issues were mentioned. they just have to be implemented and depends on the players, who most of them are new to a situation when all the games have to go in the win column.
it's good that this game is before toronto and the long trip with 4 important games, that will make or brake the season. i really believe they will be 4-0 on the trip, because it looks like they concentrate better when the game is against very good teams.
notes:
every elite team has match up problems with loosing teams. ex: Suns vs. minny.
maybe for the lakers is the Blazers and Sacto.
also at this time of the year, teams that won't make the playoff are encouraged to play well, because there is nothing to loose and they have to pride themself especially when winning against the best team in the conference.
last night they made all the shots especially in the first half. also it was a little neurotic, because of artest playing, and the energy was weird.
reggie t. challenged his young players to win the game. he kept artest on the bench.
Posted by: ZIn Master | March 10, 2008 at 11:00 PM
Not quite 3 seconds...but game winner nonetheless.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9LLtL9FOg1I
Posted by: Faith | March 10, 2008 at 11:49 PM
I thinkz Kobe is droppin 40 on Toronto tomorrow....
Why does Toronto always get angry Kobe!!!!
""I'll start looking to be a little more aggressive here offensively and making teams really have to adjust a little bit more and commit a little bit more," he said. "Right now, they're trying to play half and half -- half on me and half on their man so they can close out the shooters. I'll make them pay a little bit and make them recommit and this way our shooters can get more open looks.""
Posted by: Korey | March 11, 2008 at 12:16 AM
Why does Toronto always get angry Kobe!!!!
korey,
scapegoat?! maybe he does not like Raptors.
anyway, don't worry, you will not see an nba.com headline something like:
Another Big Game for Kobe. it is reserved just for kings.
Posted by: ZIn Master | March 11, 2008 at 12:49 AM
PJ should have mention the 50-20 games a few days earlier. this team is a little slow?! remember when luke came out of the time out and there were only 8 seconds and he forgot that he has to put up the shot?!
i guess in southern california, "Life with Luke" is one pace too slow, all the team is laid back, and yes, the sun will rise this morning
a new week and i wish the team and bloggers a great 6-0 run, including the seattle game back in the staples. that will be a streak they can really build on, especially at 50-19.
Posted by: ZIn Master | March 11, 2008 at 01:03 AM
It never ceases to amaze me that on the day after a Laker loss, this blog turns into such a negative place. The trolls come out of the woodwork, cackling with glee and childish delight, thrilled to death that the Lakers have shown a chink in their armor.
Thank goodness for the comments of people like DrewPauKobe and Laker Tom who recognize that no team is immune from the occasional letown.
If anyone had told me at the beginning of the season that on March 11th the Lakers would be tied with the defending champion Spurs for the best record in the Western conference and ahead of the Funs in the Pacific by 3 games, all the while without one of their best players for the past 8 weeks, well, I would have signed up immediately.
Don't forget that the team's best player is playing despite a injury to his shooting hand that requires surgery. His excellence has spoiled us into thinking that he can overcome any odds and deliver on evey occasion. Unfortunately, because he's still just a human being, he sometimes falls short.
Yes, this is a team with some holes to fill and some growing to do. I've posted here on several occasions that I think the team needs a little more beef up front and that none of the current players is an enforcer type. In addition, the point guard rotation of Fish and Farmar often shows an inability to stop penetration. In fairness, with the current rules favoring perimeter players, stopping players like Chris Paul, Deron Williams and Baron Davis is nigh unto impossible. The overall mentality of the team has not been tested in the crucible of late round playoff basketball. Questions abound about their "toughness".
However, this is a team with a bright future and one with a highly entertaining present. Many of us here on this site are quick to post links that support our feeling that this is a championship level team. Yet any article that says otherwise or supports a different player other than Kobe for MVP is met with emphatic condemnation. What we need to realize is that championships are not won on paper and nothing is certain in March.This is one of the most exciting NBA seasons in years, in large part because of the Laker resurgence. Huge, uplifting wins like the one against the Funs to welcome Shaq back to the West are part of that. Disappointing losses are part of it as well.
MY TEAM.....WIN OR LOSE!!!!
GO LAKERS!!!!
Posted by: bronxlakerfan | March 11, 2008 at 03:25 AM
March 11th, Mamba Day
in memory of 81.
only LOVE, no haters
http://my.nba.com/thread.jspa?threadID=5700000434
Have a Mamba Day!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: ZIn Master | March 11, 2008 at 03:59 AM
I think we can all agree with PJ that the team needs to stay off the referees' case and stop protesting EVERY call. Maybe a team fine in addition to the mandated league fine would help the message get through. Kobe needs to lead by example here and take out his frustration with the referees on the opposing team.
That being said, Phil needs to let the players know that he's got their back,too. Granted, I'm not sitting near Phil during games to hear the interaction between him and the refs, but his laid back demeanor is well known. I'm not suggesting that PJ go D'Antoni on us, but sometimes the refs need someone to put their feet to the fire and hold them accountable to do their jobs properly.
Posted by: bronxlakerfan | March 11, 2008 at 04:26 AM
The Kobe Bryant blog:
Some really serious fan is doing this funky Kobe blog thing.
http://my.nba.com/thread.jspa?threadID=5700000434
Posted by: Benjamin | March 11, 2008 at 04:28 AM
LTLF,
"But Lamar didn't
try moving to the other side of the floor or diving to the
rim or something that would have forced Mikki Moore to
move. He just parked at the three point line"
ANd that was part of the problem. No, I don't want Lamar shooting a three, but his positioning made it easier than it had to be for the defense.
Posted by: exhelodrvr | March 11, 2008 at 05:29 AM
"71"
Good morning LAL friends!
It's GAME DAY!
Before we start - I'd like to boast a little. Turiaf was in San Diego last night. And his Zags lost to the Toreros in an upset for the automatic NCAA berth. I think I called upset yesterday here on the blog. And today - I am one HAPPY GIRL! My toreros are going dancing.
I know don't go crazy - our seeding will be poor and it could be one and out. However, give me my glory for the morning....back to the Lakers.
I hope Ronny got a good night sleep and comes to the game today ready to fight and take out the Zags loss on some poor raptor.
GO LAKERS!!
Posted by: PsychedLakerGirl | March 11, 2008 at 07:26 AM
GOOD MORNING LAKER BLOG GOOD MORNING CHARLES
All right Soldiers, WAKE UP! OUT THOSE SACKS NOW
GAME DAY!!!___________
Posted by: Mamab24 | March 11, 2008 at 07:54 AM
Rick Friedman,
You wrote: I'm actually kind of disappointed by what was said in the sound bites: "a little slippage is normal, "we just didn't win the game." I'd like to see beat reporters get tougher with the questions. Phil and Kobe are like politicians: they are very schooled in what they say. They need to be pressed.
My response:
Given what happened this summer and a couple of
summers ago with Phil's book, I'm content to have
them be politicians. Especially, at the tail end of a
season when they have trounced all but the highest
expectations [ i.e. *OURS* ]
Besides: it was only 1 game. I'll be *VERY* curious
to see how the Lakers play tonight and also
next week. We have some tough teams coming up
and wins are critical.
Posted by: hobbitmage | March 11, 2008 at 08:03 AM
_____________________________________
COBY KARL HAS THE BEST DUNK OF
THE LAKERS 2007-8 Season" BANDWAGON
_____________________________________
(01) CALIPHILOSOPHER
____________________________
FIRE T.J. SIMERS BANDWAGON
____________________________
(01) TROY – Driver – Owner
(02) C.S. – Defense Minister
(03) TIM-4-SHOW - Director for Security & Riding ShotGun
(04) MAMBA24 – Impartial Witness
(05) EDWIN GUECO – Judge Jury & ENFORCER
(06) THE D - In charge of Muscle.
(07) JANAYA – Has a 2nd Battalion standing by
(08) LAKERS LEGACY – Director of Escorting T.J. Out the Door
(09) LAKESHOW – Parade Muscle
(10) LAKERSRYDORDIE – Will Hold Door for TJ to leave
(11) KEIFO - Riding ShotGun Incognito
(12) DISGRUNTLED, FRUSTRATED LAKER FAN
(13) TSPHERE – Marketing Director
(14) TAJLUCK – Will throw the confetti
(15) TELL IT LIKE IT IS – Director of Telling it Like it is
__________________________________________
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 – keeper of the Flame
17 STAPLES24 -
18 JUSTANOTHERMAMBAFAN - Just a Super mamba faN
19 LAKERS LEGACY - Keeper of the Flame
20 THA SHOW - Just keeping us real
21 ANDO – Superstar in the making
22 JESTERGURU – Waiting for Driving Assignment
23 NIK KANNAN – Blog Team Trainer
24 BZAR – Publicity Officer
25 DOC4daLakeShow – Blog Doctor
26 HAPPY GILMORE - Team Motivation Officer
27 TRIO – 3 Laker Fans in 1
28 FIRE32 Burning with Laker Pride
29 LAKER NORTH – In charge Of all things North
30 JUSTALAKERFAN - Director of Fan Protocol
31 JUSTANOTHERMAMBAFAN – Director of all Blog Mambas
32 BROWNMAMBA – Asst. Director of all Blog Mambas
[*__________________________________________*]
KOBE BRYANT NO MVP NO PEACE BANDWAGON
[*__________________________________________*]
(1) NIK KANNAN –Owner & Driver_(18) DREW PAU KOBE
(2) MAMBA24_________________(19) LARRY
(3) VIOLATER_________________(20) CBUCK
(4) OUTSIDERGUA_____________(21) EAST COAST JESSIE
(5) LAKERTRUTH ______________(22) WHITEMAMBA24
(6) ALEXINH017________________(23) BLACKMAMBA24
(7) DREREK___________________(24) TIM-4-SHOW
(8) SHAQFAN__________________(25) TSIRY
(9) JANAYA____________________(26) CHUCK.L.OHNIO
(10) JON K_____________________(27) JUST-ANOTHER-MAMBAFAN
(11) IVI8KRS___________________(28) SBPIMP
(12) JOE DUBB_________________(29) PSYCHED LAKER GIRL
(13) FEARLESS WHACK JOB______(30) JEFF
(14) TSPHERE__________________(31) JESTER GURU
(15) ANDO____________________(32) BZAR
(16) HAPPY GILMORE___________(33) DOC4daLakeShow
(17) CHRIS H.__________________(34) HMRHED
[*_____________________________*]
55 WIN BANDWAGON MEMBERS:
[*_____________________________*]
(01) LAKERTOM______________(31) ISSANG
(02) MAMBA24_______________(32) WHITE_MAMBA24 _
(03) LONG_TIME_LAKER_FAN__(33) PURPLE&GOLDDEREK
(04) JUNO___________________(34) THIRTY
(05) GENERIC_ONE___________(35) BLACK_MAMBA24
(06) HOBBITMAGE____________(36) JUSTIN
(07) MARTY__________________37) VIOLATER
(08) DAVID WHANG___________(38) SHAQ_FAN
(09) ROKY___________________(39) ISSANG
(10) KEIFO___________________(40) WHITE MAMBA24
(11) VIOLATER________________(41) LAKALOV
(12) DICE8UP_________________(42) EASTCOASTJESSIE
(13) HUBBIT__________________(43) Q WUOR
(14) BD______________________(44) LAKERAHOLI
(15) JONNIN IN JAPAN__________(45) TSIRY
(16) ALEXINHO17______________(46) DREW
(17) TWOODY_________________(47) Nestro’s Bistro
(18) KIWI_____________________(48) BLAZE1B
(19) FEARLESS WHACK JOB_____(49) BZAR
(20) DAN DAN THE LAKER FAN___(50) CHRIS
(21) LAKERSRYDORDIE________(51) OUTSIDERGUA
(22) GIANT SQUID_____________(52) HOUSTON_LAKER
(23) TALIQ___________________(53) JEFF
(24) SLO GAL_________________(54) JOE_DUB
(25) DEREK__________________(55) CBUCK
(26) NIK KANNAN_____________(56) utzworld THE BANNER HOLDER
(27) BOB____________________(57) THE_CAT
(28) FAITH___________________58) CHUCKY.L.OHNIO
(29) LAKER_LOVER___________(59) RIPSYCHEDLAKER
(30) COMPLEX_BROTHA_______(60) RICK FRIEDMAN
(61) LAKERSRYDORDIE _________(62) GIANT SQUID
(63) JUSTANOTHERMAMBAFAN___(64)
*_____________________________*
* 60 WIN BANDWAGON
*_____________________________
(1) LAKERAHOLIC – OWNER AND DRIVER
(2) BOB
(3) MAMBA24
(4) WHITE MAMBA24
(5) JOE
(6) LAL_Fan
(07) GIANT SQUID
(08) JUSTANOTHERMAMBAFAN
Posted by: Mamab24 | March 11, 2008 at 08:05 AM
Mornin' Mamba
Up and at 'em...
Phil's callin' out the the referees and we've all had an hour less sleep. It must be comin' up on playoff time.
GO Lakers
Posted by: Vman | March 11, 2008 at 08:07 AM
Mark Cuban is a tool.
And he has weird serial killer-esque beady eyes.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | March 11, 2008 at 08:18 AM
[_____________________________________]
COBY KARL HAS THE BEST DUNK OF
THE LAKERS 2007-8 Season" BANDWAGON
[_____________________________________]
(01) CALIPHILOSOPHER - Driver & Owner
[____________________________]
FIRE T.J. SIMERS BANDWAGON
[____________________________]
(01) TROY – Driver – Owner
(02) C.S. – Defense Minister
(03) TIM-4-SHOW - Director for Security & Riding ShotGun
(04) MAMBA24 – Impartial Witness
(05) EDWIN GUECO – Judge Jury & ENFORCER
(06) THE D - In charge of Muscle.
(07) JANAYA – Has a 2nd Battalion standing by
(08) LAKERS LEGACY – Director of Escorting T.J. Out the Door
(09) LAKESHOW – Parade Muscle
(10) LAKERSRYDORDIE – Will Hold Door for TJ to leave
(11) KEIFO - Riding ShotGun Incognito
(12) DISGRUNTLED, FRUSTRATED LAKER FAN
(13) TSPHERE – Marketing Director
(14) TAJLUCK – Will throw the confetti
(15) TELL IT LIKE IT IS – Director of Telling it Like it is
[__________________________________________]
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 – keeper of the Flame
17 STAPLES24 -
18 JUSTANOTHERMAMBAFAN - Just a Super mamba faN
19 LAKERS LEGACY - Keeper of the Flame
20 THA SHOW - Just keeping us real
21 ANDO – Superstar in the making
22 JESTERGURU – Waiting for Driving Assignment
23 NIK KANNAN – Blog Team Trainer
24 BZAR – Publicity Officer
25 DOC4daLakeShow – Blog Doctor
26 HAPPY GILMORE - Team Motivation Officer
27 TRIO – 3 Laker Fans in 1
28 FIRE32 Burning with Laker Pride
29 LAKER NORTH – In charge Of all things North
30 JUSTALAKERFAN - Director of Fan Protocol
31 JUSTANOTHERMAMBAFAN – Director of all Blog Mambas
32 BROWNMAMBA – Asst. Director of all Blog Mambas
[*__________________________________________*]
KOBE BRYANT NO MVP NO PEACE BANDWAGON
[*__________________________________________*]
(1) NIK KANNAN –Owner & Driver_(18) DREW PAU KOBE
(2) MAMBA24_________________(19) LARRY
(3) VIOLATER_________________(20) CBUCK
(4) OUTSIDERGUA_____________(21) EAST COAST JESSIE
(5) LAKERTRUTH ______________(22) WHITEMAMBA24
(6) ALEXINH017________________(23) BLACKMAMBA24
(7) DREREK___________________(24) TIM-4-SHOW
(8) SHAQFAN__________________(25) TSIRY
(9) JANAYA____________________(26) CHUCK.L.OHNIO
(10) JON K_____________________(27) JUST-ANOTHER-MAMBAFAN
(11) IVI8KRS___________________(28) SBPIMP
(12) JOE DUBB_________________(29) PSYCHED LAKER GIRL
(13) FEARLESS WHACK JOB______(30) JEFF
(14) TSPHERE__________________(31) JESTER GURU
(15) ANDO____________________(32) BZAR
(16) HAPPY GILMORE___________(33) DOC4daLakeShow
(17) CHRIS H.__________________(34) HMRHED
[*_____________________________*]
55 WIN BANDWAGON MEMBERS:
[*_____________________________*]
(01) LAKERTOM______________(31) ISSANG
(02) MAMBA24_______________(32) WHITE_MAMBA24 _
(03) LONG_TIME_LAKER_FAN__(33) PURPLE&GOLDDEREK
(04) JUNO___________________(34) THIRTY
(05) GENERIC_ONE___________(35) BLACK_MAMBA24
(06) HOBBITMAGE____________(36) JUSTIN
(07) MARTY__________________37) VIOLATER
(08) DAVID WHANG___________(38) SHAQ_FAN
(09) ROKY___________________(39) ISSANG
(10) KEIFO___________________(40) WHITE MAMBA24
(11) VIOLATER________________(41) LAKALOV
(12) DICE8UP_________________(42) EASTCOASTJESSIE
(13) HUBBIT__________________(43) Q WUOR
(14) BD______________________(44) LAKERAHOLI
(15) JONNIN IN JAPAN__________(45) TSIRY
(16) ALEXINHO17______________(46) DREW
(17) TWOODY_________________(47) Nestro’s Bistro
(18) KIWI_____________________(48) BLAZE1B
(19) FEARLESS WHACK JOB_____(49) BZAR
(20) DAN DAN THE LAKER FAN___(50) CHRIS
(21) LAKERSRYDORDIE________(51) OUTSIDERGUA
(22) GIANT SQUID_____________(52) HOUSTON_LAKER
(23) TALIQ___________________(53) JEFF
(24) SLO GAL_________________(54) JOE_DUB
(25) DEREK__________________(55) CBUCK
(26) NIK KANNAN_____________(56) utzworld THE BANNER HOLDER
(27) BOB____________________(57) THE_CAT
(28) FAITH___________________58) CHUCKY.L.OHNIO
(29) LAKER_LOVER___________(59) RIPSYCHEDLAKER
(30) COMPLEX_BROTHA_______(60) RICK FRIEDMAN
(61) LAKERSRYDORDIE _________(62) GIANT SQUID
(63) JUSTANOTHERMAMBAFAN___(64)
*_____________________________*
* 60 WIN BANDWAGON
*_____________________________
(1) LAKERAHOLIC – OWNER AND DRIVER
(2) BOB
(3) MAMBA24
(4) WHITE MAMBA24
(5) JOE
(6) LAL_Fan
(07) GIANT SQUID
(08) JUSTANOTHERMAMBAFAN
Posted by: mamba24 | March 11, 2008 at 08:19 AM
Great to hear about the Alter G Trainer. Wow, with all the injuries and the new equipment, I bet an interview with Gary Vitti would be VERY intreresting right now.
Hmmm...
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | March 11, 2008 at 08:21 AM
Hello Mamba24 - ROLL CALLLLLLLL........
Posted by: PsychedLakerGirl | March 11, 2008 at 08:26 AM
Good Morning all! Enjoy the latest take, and please feed me back any criticisms or disagreements. I love a lively discussion. That's why I come here.
Pig
http://ivegotabasketballblog.wordpress.com/
Posted by: "Pig" Miller | March 11, 2008 at 08:31 AM
Good Morning Everybody and the Mamba of course!
BronxLakerFan - Great Post!!!
Posted by: Charles | March 11, 2008 at 08:34 AM
Okay, guys... so I was thinking about how else we could help our wounded warriors get back onto the court.
And then it came to me... DIT DA JOW!
Dit da jow is a Chinese herbal liniment used primarily by martial artists to heal from injuries. When one does bone hardening exercises, the idea is to literally create microfractures in your hands and shins and whatnot by punching walls and other hard objects.
Afterwards, you put Dit Da Jow over the area and it facilitates the rapid healing and strengthening of the bone and ligaments. It works.
A master of mine broke a bone in his foot and he put Dit Da Jow on it multiple times a day. It was healed in a little over a week. It's crazy.
Here's some links I found on the Internet for it: http://reviews.ebay.com/Dit-Da-Jow-Herbal-Liniment-for-
Pain-and-Trauma_W0QQugidZ10000000001007749?ss
PageName=BUYGD:CAT:-1:LISTINGS:3
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dit_Da_Jow
http://www.imperialliniments.com.au/
But you can get it easily in Chinatown on any the herb shops on Spring Street or Broadway.
SO! In addition to the liquid sea minerals and vitamin D, somebody needs to get a couple cheap bottles of Dit Da Jow (there are varying grades of quality, if someone knows an old-school master, he can probably hook up the very top grade stuff) to Gary Vitti, so we can get our wounded warriors back on the court immediately.
The stuff works.
Seriously, it will make a huge difference with Trevor Ariza and Andrew Bynum, even Kobe.
Okay, you guys, got it? Dit Da Jow for our warriors!
BREAK!
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | March 11, 2008 at 08:48 AM
Jon-
Vitti, like a lot of medical staff across sports, doesn't really do a lot of formal interviewing. He'll answer a question here or there, or explain medical information to the media, but isn't a guy you go to for a sit down, as we did Cleamons. If there's something you'd like to know about how they train/player injuries (that isn't sea mineral related) pass it on and we'll try to find out the answer.
BK
Posted by: Brian Kamenetzky | March 11, 2008 at 09:01 AM
BK,
Thanks. Yeah, I'd like to know what they're doing differently (especially in terms of diet and supplementation) now that they've been injured.
Also, make sure you slip them a bottle of Dit Da Jow, okay?
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | March 11, 2008 at 09:05 AM
Jon K.
How about Dit Da Wan. The wine version...
Posted by: Charles | March 11, 2008 at 09:13 AM
Good Morning Mamba! Good Mrning Charles! Good Morninng Laker Naiton!
Game Day! Big step tonight on the road to 50 B4 20! Tacos tonight as we clamp down the "D".
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: toad | March 11, 2008 at 09:15 AM
GOOD MORNING CHARLES I PREDICT YOU WILL
BE FIRST ON THE NEXT THREAD. LOL!
Good morning PsychedLakerGirl, Vman.
JON K. You are one hell of an Alternatve Medicine
pitchman.
Pig Miller - Always good to read your posts.
ALLRIGHT KEIFOOOO, EDWIN GUECO, THA_SHOW
Where are you Soldiers? ROLL CALL IN 10 MINUTES.
Posted by: mamba24 | March 11, 2008 at 09:23 AM
Toad,
Big ups baby!
Posted by: Charles | March 11, 2008 at 09:24 AM
Toad:
Why, what'd I do?
Posted by: The D | March 11, 2008 at 09:32 AM
Good Morning Lakerville!!!'
Charles......Thanks for the kind words!
Mamba 24......up and at 'em. baby!!! We've got some Raptor butt to kick tonight!!
GO LAKERS!!!
Posted by: bronxlakerfan | March 11, 2008 at 09:35 AM
Good morning Mamba24 - good morning Charles - good to see you posting JonK - hello everyone!!
IT'S GAME DAY!!!!
Thanks for putting me back on the bandwagons, Mamba24. I was worried - thought maybe I upset someone...lol!
MAN - there's nothing better than being a laker fan on game day! Let's go - break out the liquid sea minerals and dit da jow and get these guys pumped up and ready to play!
GO LAKERS!
The BEAN for MVP or NO PEACE!
Posted by: justanothermambafan | March 11, 2008 at 09:36 AM
Charles,
I personally like higher alcohol content liniments and tinctures because a lot of the most active chemicals in herbs are not water soluable, but they are fat soluable. And fat soluable chemicals are best dissolved in alcohol. So, if you're using a higher alcohol base, you're going to get a greater density of active chemicals in your liniment or extract.
That's why I generally use either 100 proof vodka or brandy as my base when making extracts. Brandy because that's what a lot of the old timer herbalists and masters have recommended to me, and it does have a "warmer" ch'i as a result.
I've never made Dit Da Jow, but I have made quite a few herbal tonics (primarily ginseng, licorice, and astragalus based) in my time.
By the way, that master of mine whose broken foot healed in about 9 days, he was in his sixties. He did make his own Dit Da Jow, so he was using very high quality Jow, but, you know, the guy was in his sixties.
I'm assuming an athlete in his twenties would heal at least equally as fast.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | March 11, 2008 at 09:41 AM
Okay Mamba... prediction for tonight...
LAKERS by 12!!!!!
Count on it!!
GO LAKE SHOW!!
LIGHTS OUT!!!
Posted by: keifo | March 11, 2008 at 10:00 AM
Sorry if I scared you Fire, wasn't my intention.
Posted by: ajax | March 11, 2008 at 11:11 AM
lakersmr-
It might be a setting that can be changed relatively easily. Any other requests out there to make the switch? Anyone like things the way they are?
BK
Posted by: Brian Kamenetzky | March 10, 2008 at 10:56 PM
No preference either way. I will go along with what most everyone else wants.
Posted by: JustaLakerFan | March 11, 2008 at 02:29 PM
I think we can all agree with PJ that the team needs to stay off the referees' case and stop protesting EVERY call. Maybe a team fine in addition to the mandated league fine would help the message get through. Kobe needs to lead by example here and take out his frustration with the referees on the opposing team.
That being said, Phil needs to let the players know that he's got their back,too. Granted, I'm not sitting near Phil during games to hear the interaction between him and the refs, but his laid back demeanor is well known. I'm not suggesting that PJ go D'Antoni on us, but sometimes the refs need someone to put their feet to the fire and hold them accountable to do their jobs properly.
Posted by: bronxlakerfan | March 11, 2008 at 04:26 AM
I kinda disagree on this. I think Kobe and every other player should complain more not less. In fact I think every player on any team complain if bets don't call game correctly. Every team should send video on purely obvioos blown calls.
The problem is not the complaining but the inferior bets who can't call a game as the rules state. Call the games based on rules and not on own bets criteria. They need to be brought to task and call fouls as fouls and remove criteria such as tenure (rookie calls). Or flopping or Moving screens swinging elbows etc. A foul is a foul no matter who commits it.
If the league does not like flopping or any other criteria then change the rule.
The bets need to be the police and enforce rules and not be judge, jury and executioner. Take the game outcome out of their hands and whistles and let the players decide the outcome. If they foul call it and the player will have decided the outcome not the bet.
Officiating is what needs to be corrected not complaining.
Just my opinion and I stick by it.
Posted by: JustaLakerFan | March 11, 2008 at 05:44 PM
Justalakerfan,
"SO ME THINKS YOU AND LAKERTOM ARE ONE AND THE SAME. GIVE UP THE SHAM."
????????????????
Tom
Posted by: LakerTom | March 11, 2008 at 05:58 PM
BK,
I agree that changing the links to open in a new window would be better alternative. I often have to reopen the blog page because it freezes when I try to go back. Having the blog be a static reference page makes it much easier to browse.
Tom
Posted by: LakerTom | March 11, 2008 at 06:11 PM
Justalakerfan,
"SO ME THINKS YOU AND LAKERTOM ARE ONE AND THE SAME. GIVE UP THE SHAM."
????????????????
Tom
Posted by: LakerTom | March 11, 2008 at 05:58 PM
LakerTom
I am saying if you read the posts the wording is almost identical to Fire32. That is why that comment of Give up the Sham. Either you write almost entirely the same or you are the Fire32.
If not my humblest apologies, if so give it up.
Posted by: JustaLakerFan | March 11, 2008 at 11:23 PM