Live From the Game - Lakers at Kings
Okay, I lied. I'm not really at Arco. I'm at a bar doing shots with the Governator!
Psyche!
AK
First Quarter
My night has not come without some immediate difficulty. The section I'm seated in is short one chair. Thus, I'm doing this while standing up. I'm gonna try to track down an extra chair, but I hope this proves what I'm willing to "play through" for the blogosphere.
8:21 - Luke hits a 13-footer, prompting chants of "L-u-u--u-k-e" throughout the building. Now, I realize Kobe getting MVP chants in another team's house is nothing new, but with all due respect to Bill's kid, he's not nearly as popular a singular player as #24. Thus, it's easy to conclude how many Laker fans are on hand tonight.
5:15 - John Salmons strips LO under the Kings basket, then drives coast to coast for the reverse lay up. Turnover #4 for the Lakers and we're barely halfway through the opening frame. That, as they say, ain't gonna get 'er done.
3:01 - Walton gets away with literally being inside Salmons' jersy, but the handsy D doesn't do much to stop the Kings' 6th man from canning a 17-footer. Given that the Lakers are currently allowing Sacto to shoot almost 53%, you could probably say that about "blank" King and "blank" Laker defending him.
2:10 - Sasha picks up his first foul. Normally, I'd be more upset, except my chair just arrived!!! Thanks to the nice Arco ushers and P.R. staff for helping out.
Okay, now we're in bidness.
The quarter winds down with Kobe getting stripped going iso for the final Laker possession, K-Mart missing a three ball and the Lakers down 33-27. My situation with the chair kept me from typing much, but were I able to write a lot of words, they'd have been about crappy D. Certainly needs fixing if they wanna take what's theoretically a "gimme" game.
By the way, funny jumbotron sketch during the timeout. As Meatloaf's "I'll do anything for love (But I won't do that) plays, Samson, the Kings mascot, somehow finds himself in a room with a cute young lassie who appears more than interested in some romance. But then she takes off a hoodie to reveal a Laker jersey. The romance ends abruptly and she kicks him out.
Second Quarter
9:17 - Thought for a second that Kobe picked up his second foul as Salmons drove to the bucket for the make. Ended up charged to Luke. Salmons piucks up the freebie, then wastes no time racking another layup on the following possession.
By the way, I'm getting kinda tired of writing "Salmons," but the Lakers aren't giving me a ton of choice in the matter.
6:55 - LO's block and controlling of the loose ball go to waste as Jordan Farmar bobbles the ball on the fast break (slowing down the action entirely) and then turns the bal over with a wild pass.
5:03 - On one hand, it's kind of a waste to see Ron Ron end up with Sasha on him and not use the mismatch to back him down. On the other, if the 18-foot fadeway attempt falls, guess there ain't much to complain about beyond the aesthetics. Apparently feeling his "impressive" oats, Artest proceeds to swipe the ball from a posting Turiaf (Ronny had his back to Ron Ron) and throws down the uncontested dunk.
4:27 - Farmar sails an attempt behind the arc in front of the rim, netting him nothing in the neighborhood of actual net. But LO comes down with the loose ball and draws the foul from Mikki Moore (whose dreads and gangly build once prompted Mom to describe him as looking like "half a spider). Lamar sinks both tries, putting the Lakers back within 9. A running layup by Fish off his own steal makes it 7 before I can finish typing.
1:58 - Fantastic sequence. Sasha snags Sacto's miss, then streaks downcourt before shuttling the rock to LO just inside the arc. Touch pass from Odom to a streaking Gasol. Dunk.
51.8 - Sasha loses track of a cutting K-Mart, who runs unimpeded to the rack for an easy score. Fish quiets down the crowd a touch by canning a three ball. The King lead is now back down to 5, but the key is to sustain any momentum gained for more than a few possessions. As of yet, the Lakers haven't been able to make that happen.
Walton attempts to heave a last second prayer to beat the buzzer, but Ron Ron literally slaps it down with a sideways hand. Not something you see very often. But it's a fitting way for the half to end, since the Kings have been pretty successful deflating any upward motion the Lakers attempt to mount. Each time the Lakers stage a mini-rally for a possession or two, they end up letting the Kings have their way. Whether it's the non-ability to guard in transition, hang onto the ball (10 TO's and counting) or keep the offense flowing (to say the least, the Purple and Gold look out of sorts), they're not doing themselves much in the way of favors. Throw in the shooting percentage dropping from 48% to 46, and it's safe to say, "adjustments" are in need of discovering. We shall see. Be back for the third.
Third Quarter
Phil must have said something in the lockerrom along the lines of "put the freakin ball in the hole and actually guard somebody," because the nine-footer from Gasol and LO's layup come without trading baskets. Suddenly, the Lake Show is back with a point of making this interesting. But...
And I emphasize "but"...
The Tuesday old habit old failing to sustain any results of the good work quickly resurfaces. The Kings not only pick up where their march to the basket left off, but the Lakers are again bone dry from the field. The 11:11 mark sees the last Laker basket for nearly five minutes, until LO sinks a hook shot from seven out.
6:51 - Air ball by Walton. That doesn't exactly help the issues I'm referring to above. Between Luke and Kobe alone, there are 26 shots. Between Luke and Kobe, there are only 8 success stories. That's not about to pay the proverbial rent.
5:30 - Brad Miller starts working on Luke at the top of the arc, puts the ball on the floor a few times, spins, spins again, takes the contact, then throws up a circus hook shot for the and one make. I'd say it's been "that kind of night for the Kings," but the way the Lakers have played, Sacto doesn't need a lot of help.
4:11 - Coming out of the dead ball, Kobe's got one of those "I'm done screwing around" looks on his mug. Upon receiving the inbound, he dribbles himself over to the top of the arc, sizes up the surroundings, then drives through a few bodies for the emphastic throwdown. Nivce, but it's nothing without some stops.
3:09 - Fish parks himself behind the arc and recieves the dish from Pau. Money. Lakers are back within 8, but as has often been the case this evening, I can't even finish typing a sentence before the spread has changed in the Kings' favor. This time, it's a Ron Ron 8-foot fadeaway, but to some degree, the devil ain't in the details. The broad strokes are always the same. Sacto scoring too many times.
2:06 - I just learned Beno Udrih is a lefty. How? Because he, like the rest of his teammates, is able to can another uncontested jumper, this time after losing Farmar off the dribble.
Vlad Rad sighting!!! Either Phil is really looking for a spark (and thus going with a guy who's still kinda gimpy and has yet to enter the game) or wants to guarantee Laker fans a little happiness (by showing that Vlad must be at least a little healthy).
A little bit of Laker mojo emerges in the form of a layup and three pointer from LO, plus a pair of freebies from Farmar. 87-81 Kings, but as usual, the Lakers aren't out of this. But as usual, the Lakers also need to put together a run that not only includes some scoring, but prevention of the same. One frame to make it right.
FOURTH QUARTER
10:02 - Tough D on Kobe from Ron Ron. He's one of the few who can make Kobe earn every single ounce of his scoring. That time, he forces a very tough 16-foot miss while attached to the Mamba's hip.
9:15 - Big three ball from Sasha, and on the next possession, he snags K-Mart's miss and sprints it into Laker territory to theoretically assist the Lakers at getting it to within a score. Unfortunately, the ball gets intercepted by Salmons en route from Gasol to Vlad Rad. Salmons goes coast to coast. And we're right back at square one.
4:30 - Sorry. Som techincal difficulties were keeping my from doing by play-by-play thang. But maybe that's a good thing. Ever since I wasn't able to descrobe the action, the Lakers have managed to get back into this. A pair of freebies and a hook shot from Gasol puts the Lakers within one and a drive from Kobe draws the foul on the ensuing possession. Two opportunities from the stripe given. Two from the stripe taken. Against all odds, the Lakers are actually up 101-100. It's their first lead of the game, for those keeping score. But again, and I know y'all have heard this broken-record style by now, but can they keep Sacto from putting in a few more easy ones?
2:48 - Some big time Laker D forces a 24-second violation from Sacto. When I mentioned the notion of sustaining good fortune accrued, that would be along the lines of what I'm talking about. It's the kind of stuff that can amp an entire squad. Sure managed to gear up that Kobe Bryant chap, who takes a rock stolen by D.Fish and proceeds to put down the 360. Lakers up by 7, 107-100.
1:14 - A 19-footer by Kobe puts the Lakers a little further in the driver's seat, but he fails to truly stick a dagger in by missing one of two freebies awarded a possession later. Luke Walton follows suit after drawing the loose ball foul on Brad Miller under the Kings basket. Those two points allow it to remain a two possession Contest. Thanfully, Udrih seems willing to cooperate int he Laker quest by missing one from distance. The rock lands in Fish's mitts and he draws the blocking foul on Udrih while taking it to the rack. Two freebies down. It's now 8 points up with less than a minute to go.
Well, it weren't pretty, but it were a win. 117-105, but the dozen point spread could end up making this appear considerably more impressive than really was. I'll be blunt. This was hardly a showing of quality round ball. A strong fourth by uber-closer Kobe and something along the lines of defense down the stretch made up for approximately 40 or so minutes of motion sickness in the form of sport. But in the end, it counts the same as would a masterpiece, so that's a plus. But I wouldn't wanna be a participant in tomorrow's practice, that's for sure.
Thanks for keeping me company on my roadie. More to come later.
AK
damn, the queens outscored kobe by 1 in the 4th, 18-17. That's not gonna cut it, kobe, pull your head out of your arse...
Posted by: golakeshow | March 04, 2008 at 09:59 PM
LAKERS for LIFE! I live in Sac and I've NEVER heard opposing fans in Arco Arena chant MVP for someone in the opposing team before. That was truly special. Kobe = MVP!!!
Posted by: CJ | March 04, 2008 at 09:59 PM
you guys need to stop worrying about luke.. we don't really have any other options..
ariza aint comin back til lord knows when, lamar will be occupying some time at the 3 once drew gets back, and vlad rad just came back.. luke plays ok if he doesnt try to do too much (like post up marion/artest), and he really just needs to nail those (wide) open jumpers.
Posted by: tp | March 04, 2008 at 10:01 PM
BK I find your observations of Luke to be interesting but wrong!
Posted by: chuck23 | March 04, 2008 at 10:01 PM
Well Laker Bloggers, TJ Simmers is at it again (anti-Kobe rhetoric). I just emailed him my response to his article, basically I cussed his azz out.
Anybody want to start a Blog movement to get TJ fired? Seriously, it's all about money. Maybe arrange some type of boycott of the LA Times? Maybe a Blog petition basically letting the LA Times brass know that we're tired of TJ's constant trashing of Kobe.
The LA Times is purchased primarily by residents of Los Angeles, and the Lakers is a team that represents Los Angeles. Our best player is Kobe Bryant. So why should a major newspaper that is supported by the citizens of Los Angeles featured a "writer" that constantly insults and demeans the best player on the Los Angeles Lakers?
MAMBA24...any ideas on a blog petition? Only you can lead such a thing.
Posted by: troy | March 04, 2008 at 10:02 PM
Why do I feel like the Lakers bought a lemon when they signed Trevor Ariza. He missed almost 30 games last season with an injury, and his feet are subject. We could have used him tonight. But, I'm thinking this guys' going to be constantly injured...
Posted by: troy | March 04, 2008 at 10:05 PM
cbuck-
I'm okay with that.
BK
Posted by: Brian Kamenetzky | March 04, 2008 at 10:05 PM
I have to admit.. . of the arrogance that is all too often ridiculously over-the-top and not too deserved in this game (and the coin that goes along with it), Kobe just provided the proverbial Money-Shot.
Kobe, barking into the stands, toward fans of a team that is far removed from the playoffs, in a game that is not necessarily a make-or-break game for the Lakes, after all of the pumping up of the Lakes from the b-ball media pundits... Seeing Kobe THIS ANIMATED showed why he is a different cat altogether. (ahem, MVP)
This was another big win because it was exactly the type of game the Lakes would have lost seasons before.
Posted by: marco | March 04, 2008 at 10:07 PM
That's what you call taking over a game in the clutch!!! Kobe did it with one of the best defenders in the game in Artest. Lakers should've started off playing defense the way they did in the fourth quarter. Pau played an excellent game but could've done a better job protecting the rim against Beno and Salmons. Lakers bench was a little weak tonight and I didn't understand PJ inserting Rad in the second half(that move had me scratching my head for a while). Kobe plays much better when he's not bickering with the refs all the time, but again he was clutch from the field and the line in the fourth. Throughout the game Kobe really tried to keep people involved but the shooters weren't on for long stretches.
Fisher and Luke played well, but put us in the hole in the third with bad shooting after we cut the lead down to two. Like I said, Luke played well, but he misses so many easy baskets or has his layups blocked, but he did have some nice dimes though. Beno seemed to just go anywhere on Fish through the first 3 quarters, but Fish stayed with him in the 4th. Kobe just got fed up with the Kings and their fans trash talking and just put it down their collective throats. Artest becomes way too animated whenever he makes a play which was why it was good to see Kobe get pumped up.
The Kings commentators are some of best I've heard so far this season as they were very complimentary about the Lakers and weren't one-sided in calling the game. Go Lakers!!!
Posted by: Nemaia Faletogo | March 04, 2008 at 10:07 PM
Ex,
Whether or not we choose to call Bynum's D "brilliant" or "excellent," it makes no difference. The point is he's light years ahead of Gasol as a rebounder and defender. Gasol plays poor D against other big men because they're generally stronger than him and he doesn't rebound as well because he's not strong enough to fight for boards and doesn't do a very good job boxing guys out as a result.
These are facts. We're better offensively and we're the "sexy" pick to win the title because of that, but D and rebounding are much more important than Gasol's ability to average a few more points per game than Bynum (who averaged 17 and 12 from Dec. 1st to when he got injured).
Using this one game as an example of everyone playing bad D doesn't change that. We've been a noticeably worse defensive team since Bynum went out. We've been able to make up for that with great offensive play for the most part.
Posted by: Xodus | March 04, 2008 at 10:08 PM
tp speaks the truth on luke. lets enjoy the wins and live with the fact that right now, luke is gonna get extended minutes for us. i agree that he does good things when he stays within himself. hes an above average passer, can take smaller guys in the post, and hasnt been horrible on D this year. but man, the boy's gotta hit those open Jumpers at a higher clip. seems to me like he's thinkin about them too much, unlike sasha, who just lets em fly this year. 50 wins is only 7 games away, can you believe it?
Posted by: | March 04, 2008 at 10:09 PM
(Hello from Queens country),
Thank you Lakers!
I am going out tomorrow. Mowing the Lawn. Washing the car. Cleaning the window screens. Pull some weeds. Wave to Binocular Bob through the curtains. Crank up the Death Metal on the outdoor speakers for snooty Jane. Hear Cul de Sac Stan cry how we stole Gasol. Listen to the FedEx dude cry about the 2001 Queens.
The neighbors are ashamed. They are defrocked. Emasculated. Tar and Feathered.
Things are looking up in Cow Town!. Thank You Lakers!
Posted by: Lakers 24 365.25 | March 04, 2008 at 10:11 PM
Justin,
Don't take all the credit. I also left my fustrations when down by 11 in the 4th. Too much yelling and screaming going on. Took a walk around the block to cool off. Came back, glanced at the game Lakers 101 Queens 100. I immediately went back outside. Came back with a few ticks left and up by 10.
Who else contributed to this win? Anybody? Or does Justin and I take all the credit.
GO LAKERS!!
Posted by: Earth Wind & Fire | March 04, 2008 at 10:12 PM
What a pathetic column by TJ Simmons. Playing the "Nobody Likes Kobe" card. If more people knew who TJ Simmons is, he would be much more unpopular than Kobe. Or cancer, for that matter.
Posted by: Jman449 | March 04, 2008 at 10:12 PM
Look Lonely - I like your style. Them haters are so predictable. FTH.
Cockaroaches, stay out of the Lakers Kitchen! But we know we'll hear from you the next time the Lakers lose. Hopefully, it won't be any time soon.
That said - the Lakers gotta play the first 5 minutes of the game like they do the last 5 minutes, it will make life so much easier. PJ should lay into them for their lackadaisical attitude in the early going ... that includes you Kobe, I saw you stand there while Kevin Martin took him time shooting that three! But good defense in the fourth. Just remember, you're shooting for something higher than just beating the Kings. You are aiming for the title, baby! Set the example early on!
KOBE FOR MVP!
Posted by: Amazing_Happens | March 04, 2008 at 10:13 PM
P Funk you appear to have a good feel on PJs and Lukes relationship. Is it basketball related?
Posted by: chuck23 | March 04, 2008 at 10:13 PM
People know that simmers literally makes a living on getting people riled up right? Don't make his job easier. Laugh it off. Who cares?
Posted by: Elyse | March 04, 2008 at 10:13 PM
tp
If Luke can't post up the better small forwards or for that matter any small forwards and he can't hit the open jumper......not to mention he can't check anybody
What else is there?
Bloggers: is it me? it's him, right?
Posted by: pfunk36 | March 04, 2008 at 10:13 PM
Ex,
"Gasol has three blocks. How many games did Bynum have this season that were better overall than this game by Gasol?"
Blocked shots isn't a very good stat in telling you how well a big man is playing. It's the same thing as steals with guards, they don't tell you the whole story. Blocked shots don't tell you how many times guys have scored because Gasol didn't move quickly enough.
I think you like Gasol's game too much to be unbiased about this. There's nothing wrong with admitting that Gasol isn't very good defensively and as a rebounder. He's still a very good player. He's also currently playing out of position, it's understandable that he's not playing the way we'd like our center to play, especially after watching Bynum play brilliant defense for 3 or so months.
Posted by: Xodus | March 04, 2008 at 09:33 PM
Xodus,
Man, I agree with your response to Ex. No one here is belittling what Pau brings and how he's performing, but there's no question that he's no stalwart on defense. The Kings were conducting a layup drill in the first three quarters with Gasol as the last line of defense(no one can deny this unless they have blinders on while watching the game). I won't waste time comparing Pau and Drew because both are very good players that will help the Lakers to their ultimate goal. I think it's ridiculous to debate about Pau and Andrew like Mike T use to debate Kwame and Andrew. We should just be ecstatic that we have both Pau and Andrew. We should just wait and see until we're at full strength before making a rash judgment. Go Lakers!!!!
Posted by: Nemaia Faletogo | March 04, 2008 at 10:20 PM
tp
If Luke can't post up the better small forwards or for that matter any small forwards and he can't hit the open jumper......not to mention he can't check anybody
What else is there?
Bloggers: is it me? it's him, right?
Posted by: pfunk36 | March 04, 2008 at 10:13 PM
pfunk36,
It's him. Although I think Luke does some good things during the course of a game, he still misses way to many easy layups, has layups blocked and has a fade away jumper that misses more often than goes in. If a stat were kept for most missed and 1 opportunities, Luke would probably lead the league. Also, he seems to always miss one out of two free throws whenever he goes to the line. Before anyone on here goes off on me for getting on Luke, these are just facts that I'm stating not a peronal attack. Go Lakers!!!
Posted by: Nemaia Faletogo | March 04, 2008 at 10:31 PM
Gasol had three blocks. Smush Parker was one of the league leaders in steals and we all know what kind of defensive player he was.
Posted by: Tom | March 04, 2008 at 10:31 PM
Nice win in double digits. I thought we would give it away.
Again, I don't like the number of minutes Kobe is playing and without him, Lakers got no advantage. Where is the deep bench out there?
Our team is like a good boxer with a soft belly (in the middle) and if we are preparing for the big dance, we should strengthen that area. Defense from Vlad and Turiaf are necessary but they are resting for the playoffs while Kobe/Gasol/LO are overworked too much time exerted to pass a sub .500 opponent.
Luke played good defense in the end but still a so-so player if you compare him to this Salmonella or Udrith. He made a good pass to Pau on the move then made a crazy assist in a crowded lane, that's where fans get confused in assessing Walton.
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | March 04, 2008 at 10:32 PM
Nice win in double digits. I thought we would give it away.
Again, I don't like the number of minutes Kobe is playing and without him, Lakers got no advantage. Where is the deep bench out there?
Our team is like a good boxer with a soft belly (in the middle) and if we are preparing for the big dance, we should strengthen that area. Defense from Vlad and Turiaf are necessary but they are resting for the playoffs while Kobe/Gasol/LO are overworked too much time exerted to pass a sub .500 opponent.
Luke played good defense in the end but still a so-so player if you compare him to this Salmonella or Udrith. He made a good pass to Pau on the move then made a crazy assist in a crowded lane, that's where fans get confused in assessing Walton.
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | March 04, 2008 at 10:33 PM
How nice if Artest becomes a Laker this off season? He is a stabilizer more important than Shaq in the middle and Kidd on the outside because Artest is both offense and defense. We need a player as tough as Artest. Can Ronnie Turiaf become Ron Artest?
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | March 04, 2008 at 10:39 PM
David Dupree writes about Kobe as MVP
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2008/writers/david_
dupree/03/04/kobe.lebron/index.html?eref=T1
Posted by: Raymond42n | March 04, 2008 at 10:40 PM
BTW, i forgot to thank "never"...
thanks for the prediction... hope the trend continues =)
GO Lakers
Happy days on lakerland... as bad as we played we still came up with the W... but i think we played better D in the second half... Queens FG% went down from above 50% to 44%... i guess the team made good adjustment... i just hope that we maintain our defensive intensity for the whole game... im about to get a heart attack LOL
Posted by: look lonely | March 04, 2008 at 10:47 PM
BTW, i forgot to thank "never"...
thanks for the prediction... hope the trend continues =)
GO Lakers
Happy days on lakerland... as bad as we played we still came up with the W... but i think we played better D in the second half... Queens FG% went down from above 50% to 44%... i guess the team made good adjustment... i just hope that we maintain our defensive intensity for the whole game... im about to get a heart attack LOL
Posted by: look lonely | March 04, 2008 at 10:47 PM
everyone needs to get off of luke walton. why does this blog always have to have someone to blame for some sort of bad play? it used to be odom now its walton. vlad didnt do well tonight. i know he just came back from injury so walton got a lot of run. he really does do a lot of "little things". sure he shot an awful % but lets just be happy with the win.
also, does anyone know what lukes new tattoo is? i saw it had 619 on it, san diego(where im from)
GO LAKERS
Posted by: mrbarneydangles | March 04, 2008 at 10:48 PM
Xodus,
Not at all; I'm just realistic about him and Bynum. I would bet a lot of money that Bynum will end up being noticeably better than Gasol, but he's not there yet.
Bynum was not playing "brilliant" defense (now that's bias!!) for three months, he was playing good to excellent defense (with the excellent coming the last month or so before the injury).
Gasol is a decent defender and rebounder, not a poor defender and rebounder. The perimeter defense was horrible most of the game; Bynum would likely have fouled out trying to stop that level of penetration.
Throw in the fact that Ariza was hitting his stride during Bynum's best stretch; those two occurring at the same time was not a coincidence. Gasol has yet to play with two perimeter defenders like Bryant and Ariza.
Posted by: exhelodrvr | March 04, 2008 at 09:48 PM
Ex,
Do you know how many games Bynum fouled out of after becoming the starter this season? Once, against the Celtics in LA. You see, Kareem corrected Andrew's way of protecting the rim by moving his feet, backing away from contact and blocking shots. Go ahead and check the games that he played prior to getting injured and you'll discover that he was never in foul trouble outside of the game against the Celtics. Another aspect of Andrew's game that you seem to overlook is his knack for altering shots which is almost as good as a blocked shot. Even Kobe has raved about this very point over and over again. Maybe I've missed it, but Kobe hasn't said the same thing about Pau in regards to his defense. Pau doesn't alter many shots during the game(although he had a nice block on a Stackhouse three on Sunday and altered Dirk's three in OT)as Andrew does. Now on offense, Pau is definitely more polished and versatile than Andrew and has more experience. Thank God we have both, go Lakers!!!
Posted by: Nemaia Faletogo | March 04, 2008 at 10:49 PM
I can't believe I'm defending Luke Walton, but here I am. The guy has stepped it up in recent weeks. He'll never be an All-Star. He doesn't have the ability. He was one of the few guys trying tonight. He delivered more than the 7 points, 4 assists and 4 rebounds shown in the box score for his 30 minutes. Neither Ronny nor Vlad were able to do anything.
Phil's coaching tonight left a lot to be desired. He brought Vlad in too late. He's got Jordan and Sasha on such a short leash, they've lost their confidence and killer instinct. They're trying to not make mistakes, and as a result, making too many.
As horrible as the game was, Fish got his shot back. Fish plays well at ARCO, and he helped Kobe close out the game for the win.
After the game, Kobe said the guys were confused by how the Kings were playing them. I'm not sure I totally buy that. But Kobe was CLUTCH down the stretch when the team needed him to be.
In my book, they should stop the MVP voting right now. He's absolutely deserving. When they chant "MVP" for Kobe at ARCO, all questions have been answered.
Posted by: Rick Friedman | March 04, 2008 at 10:55 PM
J-Critt made 17 pts in 30 mins. in lost cause. This kid can play tho Gasol is much better.
What's the progress on bynum and ariza? Was there an improvement or another swelling?
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | March 04, 2008 at 10:56 PM
Chuck23
I'm glad you asked that question.........First, Phil Jackson is a sick man and to understand how sick you have to go back to his playing days......hell you may even have to go back to his childhood but I will stay with his playing days.
Phil wrote a book called "Maverick" back in his weed smoking, hippie days.(ironically about the age Luke is now)
Actually a writer from one of the local papers just wrote about it but he neglected to get deep into it.........but I will try.
Phil is a classic case study of low self-esteem brought about by his lack of talent in his playing days. To make himself relevant (in his mind) he created his own little world with excessive dope smoking and using drugs as an anesthesia........convincing himself that he was just as worthy as the talented stars in the league by just being a "selfless" team player.
Whenever he encounters a player who reminds him of himself that person instantly becomes a nurtured project.........i.e. Smush Parker, Kwame Brown and now especially Mr. Luke Walton.
The man is sick Chuck.......and he needs a doctor quick.
He needs Luke Walton to be successful because it is a victory for himself since he lives vicariously through Luke.
He needs it to satisfy the lack of affection he received as a child.............so to answer your question.......it has very little to do with basketball.
Posted by: pfunk36 | March 04, 2008 at 10:56 PM
43 DOWN, 12 TO GOOOOOOO!
great win simply b/c it was necessary. both SA and Phx won tonight and here we were stinking it up against a bad, bad team (make no mistake, these kings have a 124-pound kid as its cornerstone...not so much a title contender)
glad we came back. inspired D at the end and kobe, kobe, kobe. man, that guy is so good
and btw, this is my first time posting all day...so is somebody impersonating the ol' CBuck?
"cbuck-
I'm okay with that.
BK"
posted earlier.
i have no clue what's going on.
Posted by: CBuck | March 04, 2008 at 10:57 PM
Just want everyone to note the TIME and content of "Laker Lover"'s last post tonight.
meanwhile Suns are up by 19 at half
Posted by: Laker Lover | March 04, 2008 at 08:18 PM
hahahah. Cockaroach, stay in da shadows!
Posted by: Amazing_Happens | March 04, 2008 at 11:02 PM
Amen to that Nemaia... Glad to have em both... i just wish that Drew comes back soon =)
Go Lakers
Posted by: look lonely | March 04, 2008 at 11:03 PM
Nemaia - you have good points regarding Pau and Bynum.
In fact, it's actually better that one is better at offense, and one at defense (and both are still competent in the other's area of expertise)- this makes it harder for both to use up energy by having to play both ends of the floor, and harder for teams to gain an advantage by getting one player in foul trouble. You have to foul twice as much since the skills are in two different players!
Take for example, the Spurs. Both the offense and defensive firepower is in Duncan. The Lakers will have Bysol! Bysol will clean the boards, and Bysol will dominate the upper and lower paint!
Posted by: Amazing_Happens | March 04, 2008 at 11:07 PM
LakerTom, do you answer the phone at 3 AM?
Where is the perfect storm? You are poor weatherman. LOL!
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | March 04, 2008 at 11:08 PM
LakerTom, do you answer the phone at 3 AM?
Where is the perfect storm? You are poor weatherman. LOL!
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | March 04, 2008 at 11:09 PM
Cbuck I think BKA spelled my name wrong! I'm sure it was a mistake. Right BKA?
Posted by: chuck23 | March 04, 2008 at 11:12 PM
MVP is a relative term, and Kobe meets all the relative criteria.
-Ant
Posted by: EpicMess | March 04, 2008 at 11:16 PM
pfunk36,
You left out the part about Phil being abducted by aliens, then taken to area57 and brainwashed by the feds. And don't forget that Phil was part of the 9//11 conspiracy and he choked out Elvis on the crapper a few years before shooting John Lennon.
Also how he got his predecessors fired at the Bulls and Lakers at the perfect time to win championships even though the rosters were essentially the same and the previous coaches couldn't get the team over the hill.
Oh yeah, and he and Luke are "Brokeback Mountain" buddies too, right??
haters, haters, haters...nothing is ever good enough.
Posted by: DrewPauKobe | March 04, 2008 at 11:19 PM
AK/BK,
Why do I have always a duplicated posts? While Jon K has a O post. that's bias. haha!
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | March 04, 2008 at 11:20 PM
Amazing Happens,
Yes, "Laker Lover" is a troll and should be regarded as such...
He/She/It is probably Nash's maid.
Posted by: DrewPauKobe | March 04, 2008 at 11:22 PM
Chucky23
Phunk36
I believe the both of you to be the same blogger,your continued infantile and irrational terrorizing and belittiling of Luke Walton who gives 100 per-cent night in and night out is and insult,until you can give me some type of proof i will call you out and will castigate you as a fraud and a two bit hustler and a troll `s day who is numbered
Posted by: Troll Patrol | March 04, 2008 at 11:22 PM
If the media reverts to their...."anything but Kobe" rhetoric...I say we go mutiny on their asses.
Revolution!
Posted by: Faith | March 04, 2008 at 11:22 PM
In appreciation of things we don't miss when we have them : Isn't it nice to have a center that makes free throws (this includes both Gasol and Bynum)? Such a relief.
Posted by: Amazing_Happens | March 04, 2008 at 11:22 PM
Kobe will not be MVP because he has gasol in the team while lebron is doing everything for the cavs with no supporting cast and he brought the cavs to 4th place in the east..... so lebron is the mvp... and kobe will not win anything without shaq because shaq makes kobe better... kobe will not win a title again...
Laker Lover
hey laker lover where are u? u always disappear whenever the lakers win.. especially when kobe carried the team on his back... please post again... i'm having a hard time thinking what to post for you... LOL... loser!
look lonely
(feeling happy now)
Posted by: look lonely | March 04, 2008 at 11:25 PM
Nemaia - you have good points regarding Pau and Bynum.
In fact, it's actually better that one is better at offense, and one at defense (and both are still competent in the other's area of expertise)- this makes it harder for both to use up energy by having to play both ends of the floor, and harder for teams to gain an advantage by getting one player in foul trouble. You have to foul twice as much since the skills are in two different players!
Take for example, the Spurs. Both the offense and defensive firepower is in Duncan. The Lakers will have Bysol! Bysol will clean the boards, and Bysol will dominate the upper and lower paint!
Posted by: Amazing_Happens | March 04, 2008 at 11:07 PM
Amazing_Happens,
LOL, Bysol!!! Now that's an Amazing combination!!! Major props to you for coming up with that one, that's classic!!! Lakers blog where Amazing_Happens!!! Go Lakers!!!
Posted by: Nemaia Faletogo | March 04, 2008 at 11:25 PM
pfunk36,
On a serious note, Phil won a championship as a coach in the CBA before he even got an assistant job in the NBA, so he worked his way up and proved he could win, in case 9 NBA championships was not enough to convince you.
Posted by: DrewPauKobe | March 04, 2008 at 11:26 PM
Troll Patrol. You have attempted to call me out on several occassions. And quite honestly I have no desire to be any one else but me! So get over yourself! By the way when did you and Luke and AK start hanging together? Number That You Clown Patrol!!!!
Posted by: chuck23 | March 04, 2008 at 11:41 PM