Pau-ch!
A trip to the Big Easy was anything but, and not simply because the Lakers fell 108-98 to the Hornets. A scant 153 seconds had elapsed when Pau Gasol twisted his ankle after coming down on Vlad Radmanovic's foot. The Spaniard went to the locker room, didn't return, and from there, the Lakers appeared out of sorts. It's not that they were entirely unable to make a game of it. When the time rolled around for halftime orange slices and white board chat, the Lakers actually had bagged a three-point advantage. But they were never truly able to catch fire and Gasol's absence finally caught up with the purple and gold during the second half. The Hornets (and more specifically, Tyson Chandler) crushed the Lakers on the boards and Chris Paul shredded then every which way but loose, finding himself able to serve as both scorer (27 points) and dish man (17 dimes) in the box score. After the game, Kobe was keeping tabs on his fallen comrade and displaying visible sympathy. But you couldn't blame the guy if he was also wondering how this curve ball will affect the squad, now tied with Houston (who just happens to be Sunday's opponent) for a first place tie in the West.
The loss now behind them, it's all about remaining afloat during the two weeks Gasol could end up shelved. The strategy? Let's just call it "The Steve Martin Approach." With Gasol now joining Andrew Bynum and Chris Mihm among the walking wounded, the Lakers will be forced to play some roundball on the small side. It's not exactly his positional preference, but Ronny Turiaf is geared up for a stint as starting center. More will also be asked of Lamar Odom, which may be an issue. LO has flourished under the freedom provided upon Pau entering the fold, but generally speaking, has been inconsistent as a formal "second option" dude. If there's any positive that comes from Gasol getting hurt, it's that fans can now focus on him returning. As opposed to possibly fretting what happens when Bynum returns. In any event, these are the times when Derek Fisher's "glue" qualities will come in handy.
If the topic of the history of race in basketball interests you, make sure to check out ESPN's new documentary "Black Magic."
Enjoy the top of the WEST TODAY. Lakers could be 7th seed bu the end of the week WITHOUT Gasol. Odom and Bryant should be back to their usual thing. Kobe scoring and Odom hiding.
Chris Paul's 27 pts and 17 dimes is MVP'ish. As much as I want Kobe to be the MVP, hey! He should have shown it in last night's game, instead it was Chris Paul. If Kobe looses the top spot in the West in his watch, without Gasol and Bynum he is not the most valuable.
Posted by: Staples 24 | March 15, 2008 at 11:36 AM
(Re-Post for those who slept in :)
Good morning everyone,
If Adversity truly makes you stronger, the Lakers are Jack Armstrong. For the next two weeks, this will be a test of character more than talent. If this group of Laker individuals has truly come together as a team (as all the sportswriters have been telling us it has), the Lakers will rebound from two weeks of poor play and come together.
It can be done. Just as soldiers push forward in battle to honor their fallen comrades, the Lakers can push forward towards the Championship to honor their fallen team mates. Gasol, Bynum, Ariza and Mihm didn't choose to fall away from the fight; fate chose them for a reason.
This will be a test of PJ's flexibility, Kobe's leadership, and the resolve of the Bench Mob to play with maturity and intelligence. The mission can still be accomplished.
As the TV commercial we've all seen says, Life comes at you fast. The players and my fellow bloggers would be wise to stop complaining about the officiating (it will always suck), and to refrain from "Why us? Woe is me." Lakers! Let's get down to business.
The prize is still in sight. Go Lakers!
Posted by: Rick Friedman | March 15, 2008 at 11:36 AM
A story told to me about how LeBron James is not the hero people make him to be...
So, my best friend here in Cleveland is a bad-ass martial artist. Not a big guy. 6' 2". 175-180 pounds.
Well, he used to manage a restaurant called Sushi Rock here in Cleveland.
LeBron James booked the entire restaurant for his birthday. So, my friend told me that LeBron showed up with his "posee" which my friend described as a "bunch of hood rats" (you know, loud, classless, rude individuals).
LeBron (of course) got the main booth at the place and brought four strippers with him. They started blasting music and the strippers got up and began dancing in the booth.
However, they had stillettos on and were puncturing holes in seat of the booth, which was described to me as an expensive piece of furniture.
So, friend tells them that they have to stop dancing because they're ruining this expensive booth. And LeBron gets all pissed off at him. The two exchange words and my friend reiterates his demand that these strippers stop ruining his both.
LeBron then steps forward and puts his hand on my friend's chest, as to push him, and says, "So, what are you going to do about it?"
At that moment, my friend instantly puts LeBron James in a joint lock, pulls his arm behind his back, and escorts a struggling LeBron out of the restaurant as his possee sat there slacked jawed.
And that's how Mighty King James was kicked out of his own birthday party for being an idiot.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | March 15, 2008 at 11:38 AM
We'll rise from the ashes and win the West at the 4th or 5th seed
Posted by: Justin N | March 15, 2008 at 11:40 AM
Good Afternoon Hugo, Charles, Jon K., Mamba24 and the rest of the family!
K Bros - Please let me know what you think of the defensive schemes (as well as offensive) if you actually get to witness practice first-hand. Are they adding new traps or zone looks to counter the fall of our 3 big players? Are they working the ball to the high-side mid-post and getting lots of flex screens from the weak side to create room for movement to the basket?
Any response from M-Cube regarding your open letter? It's getting close to that Dallas trip!
Posted by: Caliphilosopher | March 15, 2008 at 11:41 AM
Wow! We just can't catch a break.
Hopefully, both Bynum and Gasol will be ready for the playoffs. We can still win this. We can forget about a number 1 seed though.
Home court in the first round is imperative.
Go Lakers!
Posted by: Rocky | March 15, 2008 at 11:45 AM
Hey y'all.
Gasol's currently getting an MRI in Houston. When we know something, we'll pass it along. Not sure results will be in by the time practice starts (three, local time) but hopefully we'll know something.
BK
Posted by: Brian Kamenetzky | March 15, 2008 at 11:45 AM
The Triangle offense is just a natural form of continuity, every team in the NBA with a low post player, runs the triangle offense. If you don't run a version of the Triangle, you probably run a lot of isolation and pick and roll. I saw the Gasol injury over and over, it can not be that bad. I think he could have come back in the game yesterday, but the Lakers are being way to cautious with injuries. Like Kobe said earlier in the season (with the pinkie injury), what would the old timers say if he sat out with a hurt pinkie. Gasol get your behind out their, and if nothing else be Willis Reed. It seems to me that with the surplus of dollars, also came about more of a front butt mentality. You play basketball for a living, injuries are part of that, now get out on the floor and do what you do. it isn't like Gasol is a high riser either, he doesn't really even jump ever, nor does he play defense. Quite frankly he doesn't even need any ankles, tape up the left foot, hobble around, catch some passes, make some passes, and shoot that beautiful Spanish 12 footer. I am not concerned, except that our team maybe soft, which is exactly what Jackson hinted a couple of weeks back.
Posted by: nik kannan | March 15, 2008 at 11:59 AM
Lamar has to step up.
Lamar plays well when Andrew and Pau are on the court.
Lamar must play well when Andrew and Pau are out.
It is that simple.
If he does not play well: use his contract as trait bait.
Luke (30 mil) and Vladimir (30 mil) must step up.
Jordan Farmar must step up.
Sasha must step up.
Ronny must step up.
See what happens when you lose games during the season you should have won?
Instead of beginning this 4 game road trip 54-9 (thus having a 5 game lead in the West and breathing room to lose a few until the troops return) we began this trip 44-9 (and a potential 4 game losing streak means the 9th seed if everyone below us wins their games).
For the 3rd year in a row, The Lake Show does not play hard during each and every game.
For the 3rd year in a row, The Lake Show is dealing with injuries.
For the 3rd year in a row, The Lake Show is at a crossroads in which they must man up.
Believe me when I tell you: careers are on the line.
Because of Kobe's summertime rage, management now understand we must win now.
Moving Kwame proved that.
Lamar/Luke/Vladimir/Farmar/Sasha/Ronny: learn from the inability of Kwame to handle the pressure or else you guys will no longer live in a city with beautiful women, cars, houses, women, etc...
If you guys do not want to lose the above perks, you better man up (play defense/no turnovers/make free throws/rebound the ball).
The pressure is on.
And I can't wait to see how you guys respond.
Tracy and his scrubs have responded well (9 straight wins after Yao went down).
How will you guys respond?
Posted by: passionate Lakers fan | March 15, 2008 at 12:00 PM
Nemaia F
"Farmar is becoming a ballhog and doesn't like to pass it to Sasha!!! Although I like Farmar's game, he's shooting way too many jumpers and doesn't get many assists for a guard. I think he has a personal thing against Sasha which is detrimental to the team. Anyone watching can see that there's something going on between those two."
I have notice it as well. This could be a problem down the road. Farmar and Sasha have both done well this year. But I still think, it was best to keep Criitenton than these two. With Fisher, and Pau and Bynum healthy, Lakers can win championships while we developed Crittenton. I thought we lose out starting Point guard of the future.
Posted by: Staples 24 | March 15, 2008 at 12:01 PM
BK,
Thanks for the MRI update.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | March 15, 2008 at 12:06 PM
I digress. Some teams also run motion offenses, IE the flex-motion in Utah, and Houston runs a version of Pete Carril Princeton Offense. All and all, the fact the Suns have a set that is similar to the Triangle is not really a surprise, just a natural part of having a low post presence.
Posted by: Nik Kannan | March 15, 2008 at 12:10 PM
Noooooo!!!!!
Someone needs to call a witch doctor or Miss Cleo to route out the bad juju.
Some Sacramento Valley stoner has built a lineup of voodoo dolls for the Lakers and keeps tugging the ankles with vice-grips. Either that or Karma is a beeaattchhh!!!
At a measly 5' 11", (and a slow one at that) I wish I could help the Lake Show out. I feel bad for Kobe. He must be stressing on whether his team is going to be strong enough to make a strong push in the playoffs.
Go Lakes!!!
Posted by: HeWhoHoops | March 15, 2008 at 12:17 PM
You have to be more specific with your Steve Martin reference.
Posted by: exhelodrvr | March 15, 2008 at 12:19 PM
Although Steve Nash still leads all NBA guards in assists, and the SUNS will likely end with a better record than the Hornets, if it comes down to Chris Paul or Cobee, there's no contest:
Chris Paul is the M V P.
With Gasol out, chances are slim for winning the Pacific Div. The SUNS are growing stronger by the game with SHACK. There is also a chance the lakers could miss the playoffs entirely with the west being so strong.
Gasol's injury could have been predicted easily enough. The dude is susceptible to foot problems going back to his broken foot last season. Kupchak was taking a gamble by bringing Gasol on board, given his history.
The contest is all even tomorrow with Houston - no Yao, no Pau. McGrady will not be kind to Cobee.
Posted by: BUTLER | March 15, 2008 at 12:22 PM
Ex,
"You have to be more specific with your Steve Martin reference."
It's now a bigger photo. From there, if people don't get it, the problem is them, not me. haha
AK
Posted by: Andrew Kamenetzky | March 15, 2008 at 12:31 PM
same ole she-ite i see..
haha
LK8rs are done...
Posted by: LK | March 15, 2008 at 12:32 PM
Could Houston get any Luckier?
Sure Yao went down, which was a pretty bad thing but ever since then Houston has had the best luck! All the games they have against top teams are set up for them to win! Dirk didn't play because of his one game suspension when they played the Mavs and now Pau is likely out when they face the Lakers...is this karma?
Posted by: Justin N | March 15, 2008 at 12:34 PM
I have another question for the Lakes:
Why is there so much concern over Bynum returning to the lineup with Gasol in the picture?
I think that unless Bynum pouts because his minutes get trimmed, the Lakes will be better off from the day he's back in uniform. Furthermore, I doubt he'll pout because the kid seems so chill with what the coaches kick down for him.
As a coach, I think that starting Bynum and Gasol might not be so effective because opposing teams could counter with a small lineup to be pesky on D and then run the giraffes out of the building. I think that Phil Jackson has eluded to this in some interviews, but I'm not going to put words in his mouth.
Go Lakers!!!
Posted by: HeWhoHoops | March 15, 2008 at 12:36 PM
AK,
Thanks!!
BTW, "Comedy is not Pretty" and 'Let's get Small" are superb comedy!
Posted by: exhelodrvr | March 15, 2008 at 12:38 PM
Here's my approach to this whole thing...
Ever since the Portland game in LA, this team has not been focused. They haven't played defense, the shots haven't been falling, they've lost a couple of games that they had no business losing. Hands down, they haven't been playing like a championship calibur team. And a couple of the games that they did win, quite honestly, they didn't deserve to win. We've been very lucky to keep the # 1 spot. Thank god San Antonio's been losing quite a bit lately. We could easily be sitting in the 5th or 6th right now.
Now this happens, and maybe it's a good thing. Maybe it will finally cause this team to wake up, and realize what's on the line here. We can't be losing to Portland, and Sacramento at this point. We just can't!!!! If we had won those games, we wouldn't be in this position right now, and we'd have some room to breathe in the standings. There is no excuse for playing the way we've been playing lately. I don't care how many guys go down. We still need to go out there and give it our best shot on any given night, no matter who we are playing. No matter who is playing or not playing, we still need to play defense, hit the open shots, take care of the ball, make good decisions, etc.
No doubt, this will be a tough stretch coming up, but it can be done. The offense will need to be slightly altered, since we don't reallly have anyone down low, and we will need to exploit any matchups that we can and like I said before, we need to come out ready to play every single night. I trust that our coaching staff will be able to make these adjustments.
I think the most important thing during this Pau-less, Andrew-less stretch is to make sure that even if we end up losing the number one seed, we stay on top of the Pacific division and keep home court advantage for the playoffs.
And compared to our competition, we don't have that many tough games left.
Lakers: @ HOU, @ DAL, @ UTA, GSW, @ GSW, DAL, NOH, SAS
Houston: LAL, BOS, @ NOH, @ GSW, @ PHX, @ SAS, PHX, @ DEN, @ UTA
New Orleans: @ DET, HOU, BOS, @ CLE, @ BOS, GSW, @ UTA, @ LAL, @ DAL
Utah: LAL, SAS, @ NOH, @ DAL, DEN, HOU, @ SAS
San Antonio: BOS, @ DAL, HOU, GSW, @ UTA, PHX, @ LAL, UTA
Phoenix: HOU, @ DET, @BOS, DEN, @DEN, @ DAL, @SAS, @ HOU, GSW
Dallas: LAL, BOS, SAS, @ DEN, @GSW, GSW, @LAL, @ PHOX, UTA, NOH
Golden State: HOU, @LAL, LAL, @ DEN, DAL, @ SAS, @ DAL, @ NOH, DEN, @ PHX
My point is, first place in the west, still isn't out of the question. And first place in the Pacific is very much within reach. We're still 2 games ahead of Phoenix, and really, it's 2.5 because we own the tie breaker, besides they have so many tough games left. So does everyone else. First place is up for grabs. Let's just hope that they will figure out how to play without a center for a couple of weeks. If we play our cards right it could end up working out for us.
GO LAKERS!!!!
Posted by: gokobego | March 15, 2008 at 12:39 PM
Say, any advice on how to play Sacramento? They have been playing better lately.
Posted by: BUTLER | March 15, 2008 at 12:49 PM
gokobego,
All of the Laker's games are hard now. They're a one man band...
Remember what happened last season when the Lakers went on a seven game skid??
That's what you'll see soon, except it won't take 7 games for it to happen, it would be like 2.
Kobe will average 40 in the next three, and the Lakers will pick up at least one of the wins.
Posted by: Tim-4-Show | March 15, 2008 at 12:53 PM
Ironically, once again we are without a competent center, and meanwhile, at the same time, one Shaq O'Neill is playing his best ball in years for our rival.
Hmmm...
Posted by: troy | March 15, 2008 at 12:59 PM
What's lame is that with Gasol and Bynum down, people will claim that Kobe's teammates are comparable to T-Mac's teammates and Lebron's teammates. And it's not true. Those guys in Houston and Cleveland are so much better skills-wise. Just because the casual fan doesn't know who Luis Scola is (FIBA MVP) they assume he's a scrub. Shane Battier is very good. And on and on. Already I'm reading stuff about if Kobe was so good, he would have won the game last night. Sorry, no one man could make this current cast into contenders. Not even the precious MJ (gasp!).
When you have lemons you make lemonade yes. But, "When you mix raisins with turds, you've still got turds."- Charlie Munger.
Oh well, let's start with the unfair comparisons now, haters.
I just hope the Lakers have some sort of miracle brewing, because on paper, it doesn't look good.
KOBE FOR MVP.
Posted by: Amazing_Happens | March 15, 2008 at 01:05 PM
who ever thought that a little body part called the ankle would be our biggest opponent
tomorrow is the biggest game of the year.
Posted by: CBuck | March 15, 2008 at 01:10 PM
Shaquille's conditioning has been coming along nicely. He's been averaging more playing time than he has in the past three years, and showing no signs of slowing.
The SUNS have become an outstanding rebounding team with O'Neal. It's going to be interesting when the playoffs begin.
Posted by: BUTLER | March 15, 2008 at 01:13 PM
Much have been said about the Lakers needing to raise their level performance in light of another unfortunate injury to the team's key player, Pau Gasol. But not much have been mentioned about the head coach stepping his coaching as well. Jackson's ability to motivate and keep players focused have not translated into competitive games of late, particularly against Portland, Toronto and Sacramento. If he cannot excel in his department -- the head game being the main strength in his resume -- then the team may be in trouble, because of his deficiency in game-time adjustments and strategizing. Nine rings and HOF credential were the result of having talented players, and less to do with X's and O's. Memo to Phil: Time to earn your hefty salary.
Posted by: Rollo | March 15, 2008 at 01:17 PM
(Repost)
Laker "Truth,"
"Also, my argument has never been that Kobe "didn't" involve his teammates. It's HOW he involved them and, more importantly, the vibe he gave off while doing it. His leash and patience for guys not coming through every single time was considerably shorter in the past then now. Do they have to hold up their end of the bargain? Of course and they sometimes didn't. But it's also very hard to perform well when you constantly feel like they're auditioning. Kobe's given some and he's in turn received. Guys improved through their own hard work, but they also improved because Kobe helped them improve. It works both ways. "
That was an inspirational attempt to backtrack on your previous claims that Kobe's involvement of his teammates and improvements as a leader THIS YEAR were major factors in their improved performance. BRAVO. You almost had me at hello."
No, LT, I didn't backtrack on anything. It's actually what I've always been saying. Go back and read a sampling of stuff I wrote going all the way back to 2006.
http://lakersblog.latimes.com/lakersblog/2006/02/for_some_reason.html#more
http://lakersblog.latimes.com/lakersblog/2006/04/kind_of_a_conti.html#more
http://lakersblog.latimes.com/lakersblog/2006/05/you_have_no_ide.html#more
http://lakersblog.latimes.com/lakersblog/2008/02/and-a-little-ma.html#more
Like I said, very consistent. Kind of like you constantly misrepresent what I say. You're extremely consistent when it comes to that.
AK
Posted by: Andrew Kamenetzky | March 15, 2008 at 01:21 PM
Tim-4-Show,
I don't think it will be quite as bad as last year. Last year, we had Smush, Kwame, an injured Lamar, and not much else.
This year, Lamar's been playing better and is healthy, Sasha and Jordan have gotten much better, and we've added Fish. I'd like to think that Kobe has a little more trust in his teammates, and won't take that "one-man-show" approach like he did last season.
GO LAKERS!!!
Posted by: gokobego | March 15, 2008 at 01:21 PM
Practice time, no news???
Posted by: Nik Kannan | March 15, 2008 at 01:30 PM
I wasn't sure if I should visit the blog today after last nights loss to NO, and the injury to Pau. I knew that the Lake community would probably be on suicide watch.
But I just couldn't chance missing Jon K.'s 103, 104, and 105 infomercial for Dit Da Jow. LOL
Here is how I see the rest of the season. While getting the #1 seed would make it easier, I think that IF WE CAN GET TO FULL STRENGTH by the time the playoffs start, I don't fear any of the teams in the west. I think they are all good, but the Lakers at full strength are the best of them all.
My only worry is that if we are a month without Pau, Bynum, Ariza, and even Mihm, we might not make the playoffs. It is possible we could lose 10-12 more games, and that might be enough to fall to 9th.
Here's to some GOOD luck. We deserve it.
Posted by: Eric M | March 15, 2008 at 01:33 PM
Caliphilosopher
Good to be back my friend. Our Lakers lives will get interesting now, won't it? I stepped out of reality and took my daughter to go watch the movie Horton Hears a Who? I'm back for good. Lakers basketball is better :)
Colorado loves the Lakers!
Posted by: Hugo Boss | March 15, 2008 at 02:05 PM
Afternoon to you all!
Any info on the amount that we can spend on a free agent?
Are you fam members in opinion of signing someone new?
If so who would you suggest? and Why?
Or Keep the lineup same?
Regards Guys and One Love!
Posted by: Charles | March 15, 2008 at 02:13 PM
Calli P,
Wattup man!
Posted by: Charles | March 15, 2008 at 02:13 PM
Jon's Simple Direct Thoughts of the Day:
1. I wish I could have watched the game last night. Channelsurfing.net kept causing my computer to crash.
2. I knew there was a good reason why the Hornets game was making me nervous.
3. Delilah's doing better today.
4. Chris Paul is one hell of a player. Just phenomenal.
5. The Hornets should get the heck out of "the disaster formerly known as New Orleans." That city is never coming back.
6. Everyone close your eyes and imagine Chris Paul wearing the Purple and Gold. There. The process has begun.
7. Chris Paul playing with Kobe Bryant and an older, better Andrew Bynum. Wow. It's nice to think about.
8. If ever there was a sign from the Universe that the Lakers staff needs to begin distributing Dit Da Jow, it was Pau Gasol's injury last night. Let's get it together guys!
9. So... we're down to fourth and fifth string centers? Urgh.
10. Well, it will be good for Ronny to get more minutes, but still.
11. With Pau Gasol down now, watch for Kobe Bryant to really pick up his scoring, which I'm not sure how good a thing that is for our team play.
12. The Real LeBron James is nothing like the Nike image that has been portrayed.
13. NO MVP? NO PEACE!!
14. I watch disturbed and disappointed that as things went down hill on the game last night, a lot of bloggers turned on the team at the drop of a hat. We're better than that.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | March 15, 2008 at 03:09 PM
Charles, re your question there does not appear to be much in the coffer for big-time signing. Unless the organization swung a trade, I'm afraid the team is hamstrung. If through a trade I'd like to have a steady point guard in Andre Miller or a defender and good offensive swingman in Ron Artest or Harrington of Golden State. Lakers need a floor general despite the utilization of a pseudo Triangle. They also need a small forward with game on both defense and offense. Miller and Artest bring high basketball I.Q. and veteran leadership. Lakers must continue jettison scrubs and stockpile ballers.
Posted by: Rollo | March 15, 2008 at 03:13 PM
Staples 24 -
Exactly HOW is Paul's performance indicative that he's superior to Kobe? How many starters was his team missing? So Kobe has to win without his starters in order to match Paul winning WITH his starters? What kind of skewed view are you operating from??
We get it. You don't like Kobe. You're starting to sound as repetitive as Gunner.
Posted by: SBPimp | March 15, 2008 at 03:39 PM
Lamar Odom in the 4th quarter was 2 pts and 2 rebs last night watching Kobe Bryant do everything. Atleast Jordan Farmar played his game without deferring to Kobe much. You can sense Lamar's game completely change, he is back at being uncomfortable being the player the team has to depend on.
John Ireland reported in the beginning of the second half they will go to Odom. Obviously that triggered Odom's play back to being uncomfortable on the floor. Phil Jackson yelled at Lamar after calling the timeout, Lamar grabbed the rebound and throw the ball to Kobe with 3 white shirts and Kobe heading back.
Make no Mistake! The best time to look to trade Lamar Odom is when he is playing great basketball.
Watch Caron Butler when Arenas or Jamison goes down with injury, he excels. That's the type of player we need, one who responds to challenges and pressures of the game. Odom simply wants to be comfortable with no pressure and responsibility before his mind and body can excel and do the things he does..
I believe Odom can play much better without Kobe Bryant. A Bynum, Gasol and Kobe should be enough to win Championships. After these three we need excellnt role players. Lakers might want to address the PG and SF in the off season.
I still think Jordan Farmar, though has performed well can still be upgraded with the chips (talent value) in hand of the Lakers. A bigger stronger Point Guard would be nice.
If Trevor Ariza can come back healthy next season, he fills the need of a long, athletic, defensive, slasher at SF.
What can we get for a trade for Lamar over the summer and or during draft day?
Fisher should start coming off the bench next year. That brings even more importance of getting a Point Guard that likes to distribute and play dfense.
Don't get me wrong, I am fine with Farmar starting next season, I just think it can be upgraded and why not if the Lakers could.
Posted by: Staples 24 | March 15, 2008 at 05:01 PM
Maybe the lakers can sign another injury-prone big for peanuts?
The SUNS have a chance to take back the pacific div title, for what it's worth. More important, who is going to beat the Hornits in the playoffs? They have looked unbeatable with that MVP CP playing.
Posted by: BUTLER | March 15, 2008 at 05:04 PM
Question: Are the lakers better w/o kwame in the current situation? Turiaf is a good "energy" scrub, but brown at least was a big body.
Posted by: BUTLER | March 15, 2008 at 05:12 PM
Jon K.,
Regarding your thought #5
I guess you didn't watch the Sugar Bowl, BCS Championship game or the NBA All-Star weekend, did you?
Maybe before you say NO isn't coming back, you need to come see for yourself firsthand. I live here, I work here, my business had 4 ft of water in it, but you know what? I'm back, and so is the rest of the city, because New Orleanians have the perserverence and stamina that you wimpy La-La Landers don't. If you haven't been here, don't talk about my city!
And as for thought #14, no, Jon, your fair weather blogger friends are not better than that, you saw the real Laker supporters there.
But, I do think Laker fans are needlessly worrying about making the playoffs. Come on, guys, its not like you lost Kobe or something.
Posted by: HornetsFan | March 15, 2008 at 08:18 PM
Hornetsfan,
With rising sea levels and the higher incidence of hurricanes, along with Southern corruption... New Orleans is not coming back.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | March 15, 2008 at 09:50 PM