It's all relative, folks
Injury news out of El Segundo after Thursday's practice wasn't overwhelmingly good. Chris Mihm looks surprisingly spry after having a big honkin' surgical screw removed from his foot and could return starting in April. After that, though, the news gets less encouraging. Andrew Bynum is still in the pool and on the elliptical machine. No real estimate on when he'll be back, but he's better off than Trevor Ariza, who still can't get out of the walking boot he's been wearing to protect a broken foot. He could miss the rest of the regular season. At least Kobe has figured out how to play through his pinkie pain, and (knock on wood) shouldn't have to miss time because of it.
But as they prepare to host the Clippers tonight at Staples (7:30 pm, FSN)- here's where the relative part comes in- the Lakers realize things could be a lot worse. After an all-too-brief run to respectability, injuries have laid waste to the LAC this year, dropping them back to a familiar place at the bottom of the Pacific (Division, not Ocean). Now the franchise is in some serious limbo, facing an offseason that could be good, could be Armageddon, or just about anything in between. As center Chris Kaman rather graphically points out here, the Clips haven't beaten anyone good this year, and Phil Jackson is focused on making sure the Lakers don't allow them to buck that trend.
Mike Dunleavy might not lay big odds on the upset. He still believes the Lakers are the best in the league. In that notebook, too are health notes on Kaman (sat out practice Thursday) and Tim Thomas (questionable for tonight).
More MVP talk, this from former Daily News writer Ross Siler's blog with the Salt Lake Tribune:
"There's been an increasing amount of chatter about the LeBron James/Kobe Bryant showdown for MVP this week in the Jazz locker room.
Deron Williams marveled at James' line of 50 points, 10 assists and eight rebounds Wednesday against New York, but the consensus seems to be that Bryant deserves to be MVP by virtue of being older and having led the Lakers to the West's best record.
As someone who voted for Bryant last season, I'm inclined to think the same way. The one thing that gives me pause would be voting for somebody who made as vocal a trade demand as Bryant did last summer, one that threatened to destroy his team.
There's no disputing what Bryant has done this season, but as recently as training camp there were questions about whether he cleaned out his locker in protest. I'm leaning toward James right now, especially given the two games he had against the Jazz."
Siler is as solid and thoughtful a beat writer as there is working in the NBA, so this gives you an idea of the different things voters struggle with and how they arrive at a decision. Kudos to him for making his though process public and letting people hold him accountable.
John Hollinger calls LeBron the league's best.
Dirk? Not thrilled about the suspension that kept him on the sidelines in Dallas' loss to Houston Thursday night.
An interesting exchange between a writer and an agent.
TROLLL CALLLLLLL
a little bit of B. BLING in your life
a little bit of MIKE. T by your side
a little bit of GUNNER is all you need
a little bit of FIRE (32) in the SUNS
a little bit of K. L all night long
a little bit of SONNY here I am
a little bit of PHOENIXFAN makes us yo maaannn
rrRRAHHHHHHHH
TRUMPET
Posted by: MAMBA #5 | March 07, 2008 at 11:11 AM
Who's going to enforce for the Lakers when teams get physical with Pau?
Posted by: Amazing_happens | March 07, 2008 at 11:12 AM
I wish people would actually believe Kobe when he says that the trade talk was really about demonstrating that time is of the essense. If anyone remembers, he basically said that something needs to be done NOW, right after the PHX series loss.
After it looked like the FO was gonna take the "Let's wait and see" approach again, he took them to task. I understand that he was pretty ticked that his good years were gonna be wasted.
I'll be the first to admit that I wanted him to get his wish and be traded. A player that stars for the Lakers should want to be there. I was offended and pretty hurt by it, but I could see why now. It wasn't over money. It was a reaction to what he was sensing out of the front office. Even Kobe understood he's not going to be as good as he is forever.
I don't back the method he went about this, but sometimes, is there any other way? Garnett waited patiently, but in the end, he walked away without having even gotten to the finals. Shaq went so far as verbally abusing the most successful single owner in all of pro basketball, about money, and was still considered an MVP candidate that year without the stigma. Why this factors into Kobe's, I just don't get it.
Lastly, if we consider the regular season the measure of a players MVP worthiness, why are comments and actions from pre-season training camp having a bearing on the discussion?
I honestly don't mind Lebron wins, but the standard to which Kobe is held is far higher than Lebron at this point.
Posted by: #4 | March 07, 2008 at 11:17 AM
Mamba #5
What's your other alias on the blog?
Posted by: Charles | March 07, 2008 at 11:22 AM
The MVP vote should be given to the coaches or a combination of the coaches and the GMs. Normally, I'd prefer that the players choose the MVP, but I think that Kobe's attitude on the court might affect the way opposing players vote and I don't think that emotional reactions should affect a person's vote.
Posted by: giantsquid | March 07, 2008 at 11:23 AM
Hollinger should of put the brakes on that article.
James just followed up that 50 point. 10 assist. 8 reb game against the knicks with a 39 point. 1 assist. 3 reb loss to the bulls.
Posted by: KOBYKARL.COM | March 07, 2008 at 11:24 AM
Mamba24,
"SORRY ABOUT THE LINE OVERRUN
IT WON'T HAPPEN AGAIN"
See that it doesn't!!
Posted by: exhelodrvr | March 07, 2008 at 11:26 AM
I heard that T.J. SImers called Hillary a monster!
Posted by: exhelodrvr | March 07, 2008 at 11:27 AM
Mamba24
Have I offended you in some way? I used to be on the roll call, but no more. Not sure why.
Also, are the bandwagons no more?
If there's a 60 win bandwagon, I'd like to be on it.
Posted by: giantsquid | March 07, 2008 at 11:28 AM
amazing - its all about D-fish. He will be the enforcer on the court. Or Lamar - our football player.
Posted by: PsychedLakerGirl | March 07, 2008 at 11:29 AM
Pfunk36,
I'm right there with you and I emailed J.A. Adande many of your points but especially, the best player on the best team statement. What the hell did the best stats have to do with Nash or Nowitzski winning. They statistically were not the best in the NBA but they won most valuable player so based on the reasoning over the last 3 years, Lebron's stats shouldn't mean jack unless he's the best player on the best team.
I'm totally done with the media voters in the NBA cause they are demonstrating beyond a reasonable doubt, anybody but Kobe. I would respect them more if they simply said I don't like him so I ain't voting for him. As opposed to Lebron's team can't win without him, Kobe's couldn't either didn't get him an MVP. He is statistically better than everybody else in the league, so was Kobe still didn't get him an MVP, Lebron is carrying a bunch of nobodies, so did Kobe didn't get him MVP, wow Lebron scored 50 in the Garden there's no way he's not MVP, Kobe had four 50+ games in a row and it still didn't get him MVP. Why go on, you guys already know this has nothing at all to do with whether Kobe should be MVP, cause he should have been at least 3 times already, it has more to do with his likability than his over the top skills. Remember the same reasons they're using for giving Lebron the MVP are the same reasons many didn't give it to Kobe which says they're full of crap and it's an anybody but Kobe award.
Most us know and agree that he's MVP and has been for awhile and sometimes that's all you get - the knowing within yourself that a thing is true regardless of what everybody says to the contrary.
KOBE - MVP! MVP! MVP!
Go Lakers!
Posted by: Fan of the Mamba | March 07, 2008 at 11:30 AM
speaking of Kobe for President.
I would just like to say that I tried to nominate him for president at last years lakers vs knicks home game in February. I had a sign cutout to look like one of those speaking bubbles in comic books that read: Kobe for President!
i spent the whole night trying to get on the Jumbotron and finally succeeded near the end of the game.
that was my first laker game and i will never forget it. unfortunately his candidancy was severely cut short due to a loss to the Knicks because of an unclutch Lamar Odom shot at the end.
by the way i always wanted to know if anybody saw that sign on tv during that game?
Posted by: darock | March 07, 2008 at 11:31 AM
EXHELODRVR:" Mamba24, "SORRY ABOUT THE LINE OVERRUN IT
WON'T HAPPEN AGAIN" See that it doesn't!!"
LOL LMAOF Thanks EX. LOL!
Posted by: Mamba24 | March 07, 2008 at 11:31 AM
Charles
What's your other alias on the blog?
Fire32
Posted by: Fire32 | March 07, 2008 at 11:33 AM
i ain't no troll mamba 5!
Posted by: blingbling | March 07, 2008 at 11:33 AM
Happy Friday Laker Fans!
I predict we see a Coby Karl sighting tonight! DACOSSS!!
Mamba24 please add me to the Fire TJ Simers bandwagon!
Posted by: Lakers Legacy | March 07, 2008 at 11:33 AM
(1) EXHELODRVR: "Mamba24, "SORRY ABOUT THE LINE
OVERRUN IT WON'T HAPPEN AGAIN" See that it doesn't!!
(2) EXHELODRVR:"I heard that T.J. SImers called Hillary a monster!"
OH MY GOD NO NO! NO! PLEASE STOP THIS EXHELODRVR STOP
THIS SH#T RIGHT NOW! ARE YOU TRYING TO GET ME FIRED.!
LMAOF!!!!!! LOL! HAHAHA THAT WAY LIES MADNESS
Posted by: Mamba24 | March 07, 2008 at 11:35 AM
#4, I am in agreement with your posting...I guess they do that cuz they can and thats simply the way it is, again, I say until BronBron bites the forbidden fruit of a blonde!! lol
Posted by: lakersrydeordie | March 07, 2008 at 11:36 AM
Mamba24,
I definitely belong on the fire TJ Simers bandwagon. And the 58 win bandwagon. haha
-----------------
I always feel bad when we play the Clippers, especially their home games, because theres more Laker fans than Clipper fans and there always will be. In fact, I was happy when they played so well two years ago and really wanted to see a Lakers-Clippers series. I think Elgin's hands have always been tied, and I feel bad for Dunleavey (even after I used to hate him).
But I have a great idea to rebuild the Clippers. The Clippers forget that they also play in L.A. They forget that by having a franchise in Los Angeles, they can become extremely marketable. They can be the LA Weekly to the LA Times. They can be Fox News 11 to KTLA. They can be slam poetry to speakeasy.
Trust me, if the Clippers were a good show, I'd pay to watch. I'd root for them sort of like a sidekick or something. Going to a Clipper game would be trendy.
So here's my idea. You get players that have roots in L.A, or a college players who have hype potential.
Easily there's two solutions to that this offseason: Gilbert Arenas and OJ Mayo.
Agent 0, or whatever, is from L.A. He has lots of roots here. He has a big ego. He could become a star here in LA. OJ Mayo also has the hype machine following him. How about putting two guys who have a big posse in the backcourt together? So how this works?
First, they let Elton Brand and Corey Maggette go. Brand can go to Miami, and Maggette would probably find himself on the Magic or something. Fine. So with 23.4 mil they can sign Arenas for about 18mil, just a bit higher than the Wiz can offer. Then with the rest of the money, sign Nenad Kristic away from NJ, since they are overloaded at the F position.
Then O.J. Mayo will be sitting somewhere between the 4-7 slot where the Clippers will draft.
PG Mayo
SG Arenas
SF Thorton
PF Kristic
C Kaman
Then with Shaun Livingston, Cuttino Mobley, Tim Thomas off the bench, you have some depth.
So you have legitmate star power in Arenas, the new up and comer star power in Mayo in the same backcourt. I'd definitely come to watch that. You also have Chris Kaman as the focus downlow, and he becomes the Clipper fans' favorite. You have the hip hop and the whiteness all together.
Then you have Al Thorton who will average a solid 13 points a night at his natural 4 slot. Kristic who will produce for you at PF.
Basketball sense, they might suck a bit on defense, but they will run up and down the court. It would be good to watch, the celebs will come watch Mayo and Arenas. I would rock an OJ Mayo or Glibert Arenas Clipper jersey if they altered the uni a bit different.
Make it happen. Its almost a too easy solution to the Clippers problem. LA would become the hoops center of the univese. Gilbert v Kobe would be a local rivarly since Gilbert is such a loud mouth and Kobe is not. Remember the hibachi game?? backcout duels between Farmar and Mayo?
Posted by: The Lake Show | March 07, 2008 at 11:39 AM
CHARLES:" Mamba #5 What's your other alias on the blog?"
Charles, STOP IT! STOP IT NOW! IF MIKE T. NOW
WANTS TO BE A MAMBA I CAN UNDERSTAND
LOL!
Posted by: Mamba24 | March 07, 2008 at 11:39 AM
Thanks for the reply Fire32-Mamba #5
Posted by: Charles | March 07, 2008 at 11:40 AM
Damn, Fire32, didn't see that coming.
Posted by: bozz | March 07, 2008 at 11:41 AM
Chaarles:
I smell troll too!
Be interesting to see if it fesses up!
Posted by: toad | March 07, 2008 at 11:42 AM
Yessssss Coby Karl in the house tonight and making an appearance. I hear the chants now. Go Coby, go Coby!
Posted by: PsychedLakerGirl | March 07, 2008 at 11:43 AM
Fan of the Mamba & Others?
Why are you guys writing JA Adande or any other sports guy for that matter? You're not going to change the opinion of them, so why bother with a wasted effort?
It's soooo obvious what they are doing!! If you write something about the Lakers, you get a lot of readers. If you write something negative about the Lakers, you get an explosion of readers and hits.
It's all about marketing yourself and getting more money. Everyone with a serious basketball mind knows that Kobe is the best player in the NBA. Most won't admit it because they either hate him for Colorado or they have selfish reasons..JA Adande is just trying to get publicity. more hits, and a bigger jolt to his career.
That's all it is..
Posted by: zen | March 07, 2008 at 11:44 AM
The Lakers may be doing well right now, but the Suns will beat them in the playoffs.
Posted by: Mike | March 07, 2008 at 11:46 AM
Mamba24, I, Too, wish to be added to the FIRE Old Timer Simers Bandwagon!
As Donald Trump would say on the Apprentice, "YOU'RE FIRED!
You're Outta here Simers!
Posted by: lakersrydeordie | March 07, 2008 at 11:53 AM
GIANTSQUID: "Have I offended you in some way? I used to be on
the roll call, but no more. Not sure why. Also, are the bandwagons no
more? If there's a 60 win bandwagon, I'd like to be on it.
*___________________*
* 60 WIN BANDWAGON
*__________________*
(1) LAKERAHOLIC – OWNER AND DRIVER
(2) BOB - Riding Shotgun
(3) MAMBA24 - Backup
(4) WHITE MAMBA24 - Director of Secuiity
(5) JOE - Route Director
(6) LAL_FAN - Sniper1
(7) GIANTSQUID - Sniper2
{ROLLLL CALLLLLLLL : (1) FAITH, BOB, KEIFO, THA_SHOW, MIKE T. JJ., SIGH
TALIQ, EDWIN GUECO, VMAN, CHARLES, CLEON, SBPimp, TAOSHUM, TRIO
LAKERLEGACY, WOLF, EXHELODRVR, KIWI, ELLE, NEMIA FALETOGO, ZAKEE
Comptons_FINEST, TIM-4-SHOW, LakerTOM, RICK FRIEDMAN, David WHANG
JON KAVULIC, WEAVE MAN, SixONEZero, FearlessWhackJOB, DICE8UP,TSIRY
GREEN_PAZ, PETE MAGUIRE, ANDREW Z, MAMBA#5, TEEJ, FIRE32, BOZZ
JESTERGURU, DOC4daLakeShow, Angry LAKER, DREWPAUKOBE, #4, TOAD,
GIANT SQUID PAPARAZZI, JMAN, LAKERGURL, EARTH_WIND_& FIRE, D.K.
JCOOL, WOW, THE_D. FKILLAH, Generic_ONE, Complex BROTHA, HobbitMAGE
utzworld THE BANNER HOLDER, Happy GILMORE, JANAYA, LakerTRUTH, ....
[*__________________________*]
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 office
Posted by: Mamba24 | March 07, 2008 at 11:54 AM
I can't see how kobe's vocal trade demand weighs when considering Kobe for the MVP title? If it does weigh, it worked, didn't it?
Posted by: jamesol | March 07, 2008 at 11:55 AM
FIRE32:"Charles What's your other alias on the blog?"
STOP IT! STOP IT NOW! LOL!
Posted by: MAMBA24 | March 07, 2008 at 11:56 AM
Lebron James is a great athlete who still has much basketball potential to fulfill.
Kobe Bryant is an incredible basketball player who is, right b4 our very eyes, fulfilling the full spectrum of his potential.
in short...
Kobe Bryant Drinks Lebron James' Milk Shake!!
-Fowl Out
Posted by: Flagrant Fowl | March 07, 2008 at 11:57 AM
List of Jon's Simple Direct Thoughts for the Day:
1) LeBron plays in the East. His team sucks. I've heard second hand from people who have met him that he's a jerk. It pisses me off that people REALLY think that he's the MVP.
2) If Kobe is not elected MVP, Los Angelenans should storm David Stern's home, like Frankenstein's castle, and set it ablaze.
3) Why did the Clippers sign Tim Thomas? Urgh.
4) Why didn't the Clippers trade Sam Cassell for something? Anything? Urgh.
5) Chris Mihm is taking liquid sea minerals and vitamin D.
6) Andrew Bynum is certainly not reqularly taking liquid sea minerals and vitamin D. (He probably can't handle the horrible taste, kid that he is.)
7) Trevor Ariza is DEFINITELY not taking liquid sea minerals and vitamin D and probably supplementing his diet with Captain Crunch and whey protein drinks.
8) Obama for President! Hillary Clinton is an alien in a human suit.
9) UCLA wins the Pac-10! Fantastic! Howland is going to be Wooden Junior! Good times in Bruin Nation. GO BRUINS!
10) T.J. Simers? NO! Kareem? YES!
11) Derek Fisher should start giving his daugher homeopathic dosages of blue scorpion venom to treat her cancer. Do a search on the web. You'll see it's not as crazy as it sounds. No side effects and it works.
12) I sure hope that the K Brothers delete less of my posts in the future.
13) Cleveland sucks.
14) I can't wait to move back to Los Angeles.
15) This is a great Lakers team. I honestly believe that we're going to see four championships in the next seven years.
16) Sweet justice with the Phoenix Suns and The Big Mistake. It's just plain funny.
17) I like Al Thorton as a player. It was a crime that he wasn't selected to the NBA Rookie Challenge.
18) All things considered, Michael Teniente was good for the blog, even if I disagreed with him 85% of the time.
19) The K Brothers are gifted writers and they bring an energy and insight to this blog, not seen in the stale columns of most (sadly disappointing) L.A. Times sports writers.
20) I'm pretty darned sure the K Brothers delete so many of my entries over the last three years because AK's a Trojans. You can never trust a Trojan. Good film school though.
21) Are the Lakers going to be able to afford Gasol, Bynum, Sasha, Farmar, Turiaf, and Odom when resigning happens?
22) I'm glad that the Lakers are owned by the Buss Family. I find it very difficult to root for a team owned by a corporation.
23) I hope Kareem spends some time coaching Pau Gasol.
24) Why haven't the K Brothers done a Gary Vitti interview?
25) This season feels special.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | March 07, 2008 at 11:58 AM
Mamba... add me to the FIRE T.J. SIMERS BANDWAGON!!
I'll bring the .45
Posted by: keifo | March 07, 2008 at 12:08 PM
no problem Charles
I thought Bling was a troll?
Posted by: Fire32 | March 07, 2008 at 12:10 PM
FIRE TJ SIMERS.
HE IS STILL EATING LEFTOVER BONE PIECES OF SHAQ'S MEAL.
KOBE SHOULD MAKE A STATEMENT IN THE MEDIA THAT HE WILL BE OUT OF MVP RACE FOREVER AND WILL NOT ACCEPT IT EVEN IF IT WAS AWARDED TO HIM. ALL IT MATTERS IS CHAMPIONSHIP RING. THATS HIS DREAM NOT A FREAKING MVP AWARD CONTROLLED BY A TJ SIMERS OR A JOSH HOLLINGER OR ANY OTHER KOBE HATER.
PLEASE STOP THIS FOR GODS SAKE. THIS DEBATE IS TAKING OVER NATIONAL ELECTIONS.
Posted by: Disgruntled, Frustrated Laker Fan | March 07, 2008 at 12:11 PM
Mamba,
I nominate myself Marketing Director of the FIRE SIMERS bandwagon. My recent posts on the subject should have put me straight onto the executive committee.
Posted by: Tsphere | March 07, 2008 at 12:12 PM
Greetings Laker Nation,and everyone who post on this blog It's (HappyFriday) again I don't get a chance to post like I use to,because of working I do when I can our lakers need to be focus the clippers is always up when they play the lakers no matter how many games they have lost before they play them, Kobe should be MVP this season period. why? do they call Lebron James King he is young right now,and have alot of basketball to play.
Posted by: LakerFan | March 07, 2008 at 12:13 PM
Nice to see you Jon K.!
I agree with one point in particular.
AK/BK,
How about a Gary Vitti interview as Jon K. suggests? I'd love to hear about him, his job, what he thinks of the assertion that the Suns have the best training staff in the league. I'm sure there are lots of questions the blog would like to ask, though I doubt you could get away with most of them!! LOL
Posted by: DrewPauKobe | March 07, 2008 at 12:13 PM
MIKE:The Lakers may be doing well right now, but the Suns will beat them in the playoffs."
MIKE I ORDER YOU TO PUT THAT ALCOHOL DOWN
RIGHT NOW AND GO SLEEP IT OFF!
[*__________________________*]
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 – Riding ShotGun
(10) ) LAKERSRYDORDIE – Will Hold Door for TJ to leave
[*_____________________________*]
55 WIN BANDWAGON MEMBERS:
[*_____________________________*]
(01) LAKERTOM______________(21) TALIQ________(41) PURPLE & GOLD
(02) MAMBA24_______________(22) SLO GAL______(42) THIRTY2
(03) LONG_TIME_LAKER_FAN__(23) DEREK_______(43) BLACKMAMBA24
(04) JUNO___________________(24) NIK KANAN____(44) JUSTIN
(05) GENERIC_ONE___________(25) BOB__________(45) OutsiderGua
(06) HOBBITMAGE____________(26) FAITH_________(46) Violater
(07) MARTY__________________(27) LAKERLOVER__(47) SHAQFAN
(08) DAVID WHANG____________(28) COMPLEX_BROTHA_(48) Houston Laker
(09) ROKY___________________(29) ISSANG___________(49) JEFF
(10) KEIFO___________________(30) WHITE MAMBA24___(50) JOE DUBB
(11) VIOLATER________________(31) LAKALOVA_________(51) utzworld -
(12) DICE8UP_________________(32) EASTCOASTJESSIE_____THE BANNER HOLDER
(13) HUBBIT__________________(33) Q WUOR___________(52) THE CAT
(14) BD______________________(34) LAKERAHOLIC______(53) CHUCKY.L.OHNIO
(15) JONNIN IN JAPAN__________(35) TSIRY____________(54) HUEY
(16) ALEXINHO17______________(36) DREW____________(55) CBUCK
(17) TWOODY_________________(37) Nestro’s Bistro______(56) RICK FRIEDMAN
(18) KIWI_____________________(38) BLAZE1BX_________(57) PSYCHEDLAKERGIRL
(19) FEARLESS WHACK JOB_____(39) BZAR_____________(58) COMPLEXBROTHER
(20) DAN DAN THE LAKER FAN___(40) CHRIS H___________(59) ISSANG
(60) LAKERSRYDORDIE – Saved the Best for Last__________(61) LAKE_SHOW
________________________________________________
Members at heart
(62) BOB…………… (63) FAITH…………. (64) LAKER LOVER
Posted by: MAMBA24 | March 07, 2008 at 12:14 PM
Lets get this clear, Lebron is a fantastic player and is having a great season, that being said, you have to take his stats within the context of his team and his position. Hollinger is a stat guy, but stats dont answer in the Kobe vs. LBJ debate for MVP is that Lebron plays the SF position which allows his to be closer to get more rebounds rebounds, plus he is also 2-3 inches taller than Kobe and probably 20-30 lbs heavier. That being said, they are both lead the lead in rebounding and assist when compared to other SF & SG. As for Assist, LBJ role in their offense is to domminate the ball and makes plays, Kobe plays in the Triangle offense that relies more on player movement to get better looks, it is only when the offense stalls that you see Kobe take over to make a play. If you look at their shooting Pct%, kobe is lower because again he takes more outside shots bc he is a SG and not a SF who shoots closer shots. The only real stat to makes a difference to me is when you look at what their value is to their team is reflected in their standings, true the lakers may have a better team, but they also have played the toughtest schedule in the NBA this season, and have the best conference record in the West 25-9, better than SA, NO, Phx, considering how tough the west is this is quite an accomplishment. As for LBJ "carrying" the east, well they have a woeful 19-15 conf record vs the weak eastern conf. and are only 35-27 as a 4th seed, with that record they would be out of the playoffs in the West while playing against inferior opponents night after night. The media was all over LBJ for going off against the horrid Knicks and laying 50 pts at MSG, well that is really not that impressive considering it was against a team that is 18-43. What does King James do the following night? He puts up 39 pts against a non-playoff team the Bulls and get blow-out in the process, if you ask me, that is not an MVP player who cant lead his team against inferior opponent. Try doing it against a Dallas team that is much better with a bad pinkie. And we all know that Kobe is the more complete player because he is the better defender period night-after-night.
Posted by: Hai | March 07, 2008 at 12:14 PM
Greetings Laker Nation,and everyone who post on this blog It's (HappyFriday) again I don't get a chance to post like I use to,because of working I do when I can our lakers need to be focus the clippers is always up when they play the lakers no matter how many games they have lost before they play them, Kobe should be MVP this season period. why? do they call Lebron James King he is young right now,and have alot of basketball to play.
Posted by: LakerFan | March 07, 2008 at 12:14 PM
"ROLL CALL"
Present --- Game Day Baby!
Mamba - please put me on the bandwagon with the longass name.
As of two years ago, I would never bang on the Titanics and their fans, because they are at the bottom of the pacific ocean -- I'm correcting you K-Bros. They were always like that gnat that you tolerated. However, all that changed two years ago. Given the amount of shear unmitigated gall and idiocy I heard around town a couple of years back from the Titanics and their sinking ship fans, when they managed for one year, out of their despondent and miserable exsitance, to get a better record than the Lakers, I will. Hey Clipper Nation, how does it feel to be suck? – does it feel like yopu’re home again? They always say you can’t go back home, but you are living proof that you can.
OK – Content warning here – K -Bros, please advise. This is from the Mavs blog after the meltdown down yesterday (word for word):
>>>>>>>>>>>I've always felt that the Mavericks would be a lottery team without Dirk Nowitzki. Now that I've seen them play without Dirk I'm convinced of it. People in this town have no idea how great Dirk truly is. The Mavericks have the worst coach in the NBA....the dumbest owner in the NBA. Don't bore me with the "he's a billionaire" nonsense. He's a lucky idiot who happened to be good friends with the true genius Todd Wagner. The same Todd Wagner who invented broadcast.com...who hoodwinked yahoo into the $3 billion dollar ripoff...who basically invented the HD concept now seen on your satellite dish...etc. Cuban is an egomaniacal retard who will go down in history as making some of the stupidest basketball decisions in league history. This idiot is paying Michael Finley $18 million per year to play for the Spurs! This idiot wouldn't pay 30 something Steve Nash $12 million per year but is now paying 30 something Jason Kidd $21 million per year. Cuban gave the same money to Dampier that he wouldn't give to Nash. Cuban just gave away two lottery picks to the Nets. Not to mention Devin Harris...who's 10 years younger than Kidd. Folks you couldn't make this stuff up and have people believe it. Cuban is an absolute foaming at the mouth retard. He ran off Don Nelson over money that Cuban will end up paying Nellie anyway. The same Nellie who last year made the Cajun Leprechaun look like the pathetic coach he truly is. You would think dipsh-t Cuban would have realized what a lousy coach Avery was after Pat Riley pulled his pants down and outcoached him worse than any coach has ever been outcoached in an NBA Finals. Yes...Avery is a retard...Cuban is a retard...and the entire Mavericks team with the exception of the great Dirk Nowitzki...is a colleciton of retards. I really feel sorry for Dirk. He doesn't deserve this. Dirk is a beautiful flower blooming in a pile of cow sh-t !!<<<<<<<<<<
Posted by: HmrHed | March 07, 2008 at 12:14 PM
Mamba24,
Many thanks for adding me to the roll call and the bandwagons.
Game day, Laker Nation!
We better get used to the Kobe versus LeBron write ups. It will never stop until one of them retires. Quite frankly, I'd rather see Kobe and the Lakers string some championships than have meaningless discussions about who is better. Championships are one of the many gauges of "who is better". And right now, Kobe has three, and working on his fourth.
Let the individual glory shine on some other immature player. Kobe has outgrown his immaturities and learned from other greats, so look at him to drive the Laker team to championship heights. Maybe then these so-called writers can finally acknowledge his value.
Looking forward to a win tonight!
GO LAKERS!!!
Posted by: Happy Gilmore | March 07, 2008 at 12:14 PM
MAMBA24,
I feel special now. Thanks!!
DPK
KOBE FOR MVP!!!
KOBE FOR MVP!!!
KOBE FOR MVP!!!
Posted by: DrewPauKobe | March 07, 2008 at 12:14 PM
bozz,
He did confess. Admirable...
Posted by: Charles | March 07, 2008 at 12:14 PM
Mamba 24,
Please add me to roll call.
Thank You Laker Fan
Posted by: LakerFan | March 07, 2008 at 12:19 PM
THAT MEDIA AWARDED MVP Voters List contains "Reggie Miller" Who was Stopped Again in last night game Kissing Cheryll Miller on the Lips for more that 5 secs.
My personal advice to Cheyll Miller. "Dont let ur Baby brother Kiss you like that. Let DJ Mbenga Kiss you on the Lips. At least you would know How the MAN's Kiss is. I promise you would NEVER Kiss Reggie Again"
Posted by: Disgruntled, Frustrated Laker Fan | March 07, 2008 at 12:19 PM
Jon K,
"Most Funniest/Serious & Intellectual Dude' on the blog hands down..
Posted by: lakersrydeordie | March 07, 2008 at 12:19 PM
AK/BK,
I actually thought that the overall injury news was encouraging, especially with respect to Chris Mihm. It would be another perfect storm happenstance if Chris were suddenly able to contribute. Most of the long time posters here remember and appreciate just how well Chris was playing before his injury. This news bodes well not only for the Chris’ playing career but also for the Lakers playoff chances this year as well as their prospects for next year, when Chris could be a great backup center for the Lakers.
As you probably remember, I was always very high on Chris Mihm and thought he was having a breakout year before his injury. If Mihm really comes back, he could be the Lakers substitute for not having a #1 draft pick next year. While he could never start for this version of the Lakers, Mihm could still be a very valuable player for the Lakers if he can return to his old form. Other players have made it back after two years of injury, most notable Carlos Boozer. While Chris is not Boozer, he is a skilled and hard working 7-footer with a great attitude and a polished low post and mid-range offensive game.
It would be another fairy tale come true for the Lakers if they could get the old Chris Mihm back. As we all know, you can never have enough talented 7-footers in the NBA. Jon K. needs to add Chris to his liquid sea minerals emergency delivery list. LOL.
Get well and come back, Chris. We need you.
Tom
Posted by: LakerTom | March 07, 2008 at 12:20 PM
Mike:
I had no idea from your earlier post that you were Trollish. My condolences, man!
The Phuns have only begun to sink in the west. Phunset is on it's way!
Posted by: toad | March 07, 2008 at 12:26 PM