Meet the newbie, Ira Newble
Got a chance to talk a bit with one Ira Newble, he of the 10-day contract that he's expecting to become a "rest of the season" thing. Upon being released from Seattle, the small forward debated mostly between the Lakers and the Cleveland squad that traded him to the Northwest's worst, but thought he'd have a better shot at more PT here in L.A. Newble sees his role very similarly to the way the blogosphere has hoped. Bring some defense and toughness to this Laker squad. As the guy who typically gets assigned an opponent's toughest scorer, he knows a thing or two about that gig. In particular he's guarded Kobe quite a bit in the past. I asked if he pictured playing with Kobe more fun than trying to lock him down, he laughed and confirmed that suspicion. Having spent a couple years as LeBron James' teammate, he was hit with the inevitable, "KB24 or LBJ: Who's better?" question. Newble praised the hell out of King James, but cast his vote with Kobe, noting that LeBron would mark his ballot the same way. He also talked a bit about his efforts to raise awareness in Darfur (which attracted the involvement of Kobe). We'll link that audio into a separate post over the weekend.
Ironic note? He doesn't particularly care much for the west coast, generally speaking. But like he pointed out with a chuckle, here he is.
Also, upon popular request, I asked Phil Jackson about Luke Walton's minutes down the stretch of last night's game against Utah, one that featured a second half where the small forward often struggled. As I mentioned in my postgame wrap up, I was guessing it had to do with being a better option than Vlad Radmanovic to guard Carlos Boozer at times down low with Ronny in foul trouble or even fouled out. As it turns out, my premise was correct in principle, but the player in question was actually Matt Harpring, not Boozer. "Harpring's like a linebacker. He's 6'8", 235 and plays an extremely rough game. Luke's capable of handling that. I don't have the same confidence that Vladdy (Radmanovic) can go in there and pound away in a situation like that." I seem to recall him on Boozer during some possessions, but maybe that was just the result of switches. Or I was hallucinating. In any event, whether you like/buy/agree/accept it or not, there it is.
Finally, for those worried that Gonzaga's loss this afternoon against Davidson will throw Ronny Turiaf into a lethargic funk, fear not. He's in good spirits, having latched onto San Diego, they of the upset over UConn. His reason. San Diego's coach used to coach Gonzaga. once a Zag, always a Zag.
AK
Download phil_jackson_pregame_seattle_3.21.mp3 (Phil Jackson)
Download ira_newble_pregame_seattle_3.21.mp3 (Ira Newble)
Download kobe_bryant_postgame_3.20.mp3 (Kobe from yesterday. For whatever reason, it wasn't downloading last night, but I thought y'all would want to hear him talk about Fish)
Hey does anybody have a VISUAL link for the game?
freakin channelsurfing.net
only AUDIO
fock.
go lakers!
Posted by: Lakers4Realz | March 21, 2008 at 07:35 PM
In case you need link.
Channelsurf is audio only and
http://www.raptorsnation.net/
works go to link
Posted by: JustaLakerFan | March 21, 2008 at 07:43 PM
raptorsnation.tk
Posted by: LakerinBC | March 21, 2008 at 07:45 PM
Vlad playing well. Please play him more minutes Phil.
Posted by: LakerinBC | March 21, 2008 at 07:46 PM
Vlad playing well. Please play him more minutes Phil.
Posted by: LakerinBC | March 21, 2008 at 07:50 PM
Lakers win at Dallas (should have been a blow out) and a tough win on Utah's floor were impressive and shows the determination and confidence of this Laker squad. So many key injuries to the front court players that in years past would have the Lakers reeling. This squad is very confident starting with Sasha, Farmar, Turiaf and Vlad. Last year who could depend on them for anything but some turnovers and some missed opportunities. With the addiiton of Fisher at the start of the year added the veteran leadership and intelligence needed to run this team. He is a caliming influence for the entire team. Kobe is just the best player on the planet...period....and now he is showing some leadership skills and supports his teammates unconditionally regardless of who it is. The Gasol trade put this team over the top and now Odom has discovered his role on this multi-talented team. Bynum and Ariza will give the Lakers so many different looks that will give their opponents fits. Who are they going to try and contain. Good luck! Bynum is a defensive minded player and will not have any problems playing with Gasol. I think Gasol could take on the same type of role similar to Dirk. He can shoot from the outside and penetrate with his short range shots in the paint. Andrew will clean up the boards and reassume his position as a shot blocker prior to his injury. I am excited and pray that they all come back healthy and bring on a Boston vs LA series just like the old days with the Magic man and company. Getting Gasol reminds me of the time when the Lakers picked up Mycal Thompson and Bob Mc Adoo. They won championships in my opinion in those years because of these guys. They were key in the success of the Lakers winning a championship. GO Lakers.........I can't wait for the playoffs !!
Posted by: JamesB | March 21, 2008 at 11:28 PM
Lakers win at Dallas (should have been a blow out) and a tough win on Utah's floor were impressive and shows the determination and confidence of this Laker squad. So many key injuries to the front court players that in years past would have the Lakers reeling. This squad is very confident starting with Sasha, Farmar, Turiaf and Vlad. Last year who could depend on them for anything but some turnovers and some missed opportunities. With the addiiton of Fisher at the start of the year added the veteran leadership and intelligence needed to run this team. He is a caliming influence for the entire team. Kobe is just the best player on the planet...period....and now he is showing some leadership skills and supports his teammates unconditionally regardless of who it is. The Gasol trade put this team over the top and now Odom has discovered his role on this multi-talented team. Bynum and Ariza will give the Lakers so many different looks that will give their opponents fits. Who are they going to try and contain. Good luck! Bynum is a defensive minded player and will not have any problems playing with Gasol. I think Gasol could take on the same type of role similar to Dirk. He can shoot from the outside and penetrate with his short range shots in the paint. Andrew will clean up the boards and reassume his position as a shot blocker prior to his injury. I am excited and pray that they all come back healthy and bring on a Boston vs LA series just like the old days with the Magic man and company. Getting Gasol reminds me of the time when the Lakers picked up Mycal Thompson and Bob Mc Adoo. They won championships in my opinion in those years because of these guys. They were key in the success of the Lakers winning a championship. GO Lakers.........I can't wait for the playoffs !!
Posted by: JamesB | March 21, 2008 at 11:28 PM