All square heading home
When the Lakers kicked off this four-game roadie against a quartet of Western Conference playoff contenders, I said a 2-2 split would have been all good with me. A 106-95 win over the jazz created said split, so as one would suspect, I am indeed happy. More specifically, I was happy with how the events of this particular win played out. The Lakers jumped all over Utah early on, going up by 20 to conclude the first and taking a 15-point lead into the locker room at the half. But as good teams often do, the Jazz found a way to get it rolling (a method that often involved putting the Lakers in the penalty), actually outscoring the Lakers 50-46 for the second half. They also whittled the lead down to eight in the fourth with just under four minutes to play. Plenty of time to make things uncomfortably interesting. But instead of getting themselves neck deep in trouble and squeaking out a win (like Tuesday in Dallas), the Lakers bent a little, but never came close to breaking. Every punch was met with a counter punch, and often one bigger than the hit they took. Happy box score prevails. The Lakers hold their own during their last truly tough stretch of games (road or otherwise). Good vibes prevail heading back to L.A.
Would have been the perfect night if USC also did their jobs against K-State, but I guess fairy tales endings only happen in movies starring green ogres, Andre the Giant or hookers with a heart of gold.
The breakdown is below.
The Good
Kobe Bryant: It's actually fitting that Kobe would wrap up the night with 27/8/7, because like the stats he accrued, the Mamba put a little bit of everything on display. He, along with Lamar Odom and Ronny Turiaf, moved the ball around beautifully in the first period, a big reason the team racked ten assists in those twelve minutes alone. The third quarter featured seven KB24 points. And in the fourth, when his team needed some insurance cushion, he scored three baskets over the final five minutes and fed Lamar Odom and Luke Walton for another pair. The Laker Nation members representing made sure he heard his fair share of "MVP" chants.
Kobe also gets props for standing up for his longtime mate D.Fish, who continues to hear it some from Utah fans, and making sure his teammates followed suit. "He took it personal. I know I sure as hell did. Derek's the type of guy that's not going to say anything, but I'll say it for him. He took it personally and we wanted to send messages."
Lamar Odom: 21/12/6, with a particularly aggressive first quarter setting his aggressive tone (10/5/4). As mentioned earlier, great ball movement on LO's part and some very good D in spots as well.
Ronny Turiaf: He fouled out, but he also did one heck of a job making Carlos Boozer work for his points. Whenever a player of that caliber needs 19 attempts to finish with 23, somebody did a prop-worthy job. Turiaf's efforts really stood out in the first and third quarter, where Boozer went a combined 5-13. Lot of contested attempts. And like I mentioned earlier, Ronny was one of the fellas doing a good job whipping the ball around. Six assists from your center ain't exactly cat food.
Three point shooting: I don't know if Phil Jackson particularly likes his club launching 22 from downtown, but when 10 stroke net, they become easier to live with. Sasha Vujacic and Vlad Rad each hit a trio, Fish was good for a pair and Jordan Farmar and and LO chipped in one apiece. What I liked was how few of those attempts, make or miss, felt horribly rushed or cringe-worthy. Typically, they were the result of extra passes or moving the ball initially inside.
Turnovers: The Lakers are oft prone to carelessness with the rock, but for the second consecutive game, they kept the gaffe tally in single figures. Utah made several pushes throughout the contest, but none ever really put the Lakers in serious jeopardy. A mere six turnovers helped prevent such an occurrence quite a bit.
The Lakers maintaining a lead in the fourth with Kobe starting out on the bench: Those four minutes did Kobe's energy and the bench's confidence some good.
A dude in a bear suit riding a motorcycle onto the court before the first and third quarter: As Lakersblog readers would probably guess, I live for that kinda stuff. Pretty cool bike, too. And as if a bear on a chopper wasn't enough, the same hirsute fella got on stilts during a timeout while Def Leppard's "Pour some sugar on me" cranked. That's huge. At least in my world.
The Bad
Free throw shooting: 60% on 12-20 attempts. Yikes. Even Kobe caught the bug, the normally rock solid stripe shooter hitting only five of his nine attempts. It's a good thing the Lakers managed to keep their opponent at bay, because on any other night, they might be looking back on that result and kicking themselves.
Utah's offensive boards: A very unlucky 13 for the Lakers, which likely contributed in some way to the Jazz outscoring the Lakers 42-40 in the paint and doubling their seven second chance points. Like the free throw shooting, in a tighter contest, this might have been a difference maker.
Luke Walton: 1-5 shooting, with the attempts equaling his personals, along with his combined rebounds and assists. Some of you were asking why Phil had him on the court late in the game, given that this clearly wasn't his night. I didn't get to ask PJ, but my guess is that during the some periods when Turiaf was either in foul trouble or actually fouled out, he wanted Luke to body Boozer. He's a better choice (in my opinion) for that assignment than Vlad and Phil may have wanted to avoid LO possibly racking fouls down the stretch (or just keep him on somebody else). Again, this is just a guess and if I'm wrong, my answer would be, "I really couldn't tell you." But in any case, it wasn't a terribly productive night for Walton.
Whichever jackass jazz fan threw a beer bottle on the court with 20 seconds to go: Stay classy, Salt Lake City. Stay classy.
AK
Download derek_fisher_jazz_postgame_3.20.mp3 (Derek Fisher)
Download lamar_odom_jazz_postgame_3.20.mp3 (Lamar Odom)
Check out my play by play on LA Ball Talk. The game was great though and I'm happy to see this "intensity win" from the young Lakers team.
Posted by: Daniel Sagal | March 21, 2008 at 12:06 AM
Hey AK, the recap says that it was a beer. Even classier.
Thanks for braving the wastelands of Salt Lake City for us.
Posted by: Luke | March 21, 2008 at 12:13 AM
GREAT TEAM WIN!
That's how you're suppose to play the whole time! Excellent effort rom start to finish. Everyone on the team deserves some cheer.
Let's keep this going!
GO LAKERS!
By the way, AK, one bad moment (Dallas) deserves a great moment in return (Utah). That's life's yin and yang. Keep up the great work, K bros!
Posted by: Happy Gilmore | March 21, 2008 at 12:15 AM
¡Buenos días, Lakers Friends!
Great win for the purple and gold!!!
I had hoped to watch the game online somewhere, but fell asleep... Hey, we're 9 hours ahead of LA, what do you expect? :) At least I get to read through the blog and get an idea of what happened... thanks K-bros.!
Saludos desde España,
- David
Posted by: David in Spain | March 21, 2008 at 12:16 AM
the lakers are truly showing what they are made of. how many of the teams fighting for that tough spot atop the w.c. have two of their starters injured? none. the houston has no yao. but other than that, the lakers are the only team having to play through injuries. and they are winning. that's why they are great! go lakers! nice bk!
Posted by: fairplay | March 21, 2008 at 12:18 AM
"Salt Lake City, named in 1888 by missionaries, means 'Whale's __________' in Spanish."
No? Let's just agree to disagree.
...
I feel it's my duty that Space Cadet's contributions on the past two games should not get lost in all the hubbub.
Not sure how he did defensively, as I'm usually watching Kobe and Lamar on that end, but Vlad's scoring was a nice little wrinkle in this win. This is the type of performance the Lakers were hoping for when they signed him. He's given the team a boost on offense unexpectedly, which keeps defenses honest. Remember the guy is 6'10 and can shoot the three. It's just one more thing for the opponent to worry about.
Posted by: Amazing_Happens | March 21, 2008 at 12:24 AM
I'm happy for Derek. Utah had no right to boo him, totally classless. I also liked the fire Kobe displayed at the end. He was like the Lakers Blog favorite son, the Gunner - FU Utah!!
Posted by: fkillah | March 21, 2008 at 12:26 AM
WHAT DID I SAY ABOUT LAKERS BASKETBALL?
How were the Lakers, without Andrew Bynum and Pau Gasol, going to beat the Jazz and stay in first place in the West? The answer was play Lakers basketball: run the Triangle efficiently, play tough team defense, control both boards, and attack the rim. This time the result was a 106-95 road win over the Jazz that keeps the Lakers as best in the West.
For the second straight game, the Lakers defeated an elite West competitor on the road even though short-handed. Unlike the Mavs game 2 days ago, however, the Lakers did a much better job this time holding on the 20 point lead they forged during an impeccably played first quarter of pure Lakers basketball, maybe their best quarter of the year.
That the Jazz were 23-3 at home this year makes the win only sweeter. At the start of the game, I told my friends that Kobe was going to punish the Jazz for booing Fisher last time the Lakers played in Utah. It was sweet to hear him put those exact same thoughts into words. The ultimate leader and competitor always looks for that little edge.
The pattern that we have seen as the Lakers have adjusted well both to Bynum’s and Gasol’s injuries speaks world for the team’s growth and maturity. That the team can perform at this level without both Bynum and Gasol is a tribute to how Kobe Bryant’s competitive will, desire to win, and confident leadership have transformed this team.
What I call Lakers basketball is clearly becoming the identity of this team. Tonight, the Lakers ran the Triangle offense to perfection, passed the ball beautifully, shot lights out, attacked the rim, held their own on the boards, and played tough team defense. Make no mistake; the Lakers also sent a very clear message to the rest of the West tonight.
Lakers basketball is a formula that Western Conference foes can expect to see dominate in the playoffs. Can you imagine what Dallas and Utah are thinking right now. They can’t even beat the Lakers without Bynum and Gasol. What do they think is going to happen when the Lakers get their 2 star 7-foot centers back?
What is also great about Lakers basketball is that we don’t really have to change how we play when we get Drew and Pau back. We basically just keep playing Lakers basketball. Unfortunately for the rest of the West, getting Drew and Pau back is going to enable the Lakers to take Lakers basketball to an even higher level.
Kuddos tonight for Kobe’s 27/8/7, Lamar’s 21/12/6, and Ronny’s 9/6/6. And excellent offensive shooting by Vlade (13 pts), Fish (11 pts), Sasha (11 pts), and Farmar (11 pts). Outstanding team defense by everybody, with special credit to Ronny Turiaf for doing a great job on Carlos Boozer. Turiaf has been doing a great job impersonating Andrew and Pau at center. Lamar was also everywhere on defense and dominating on the boards. It is almost as if he is trying to tell us that he CAN TO be a go-to guy on the Lakers. Without Drew and Pau, Lamar has been a lifesaver with his all-around game and solid defense.
Finally, I know that Phil is trying to get Luke to get his confidence back but he was starting to take on a Kwame-like role in the game as I found myself yelling for him to pass the ball every time he touched it. I still think Luke can be a valuable player but I doubt it is going to happen this year. He has no lift, no confidence, and no game.
Now that the 4-game roadie is over and the Lakers standing all alone atop the West, all is well in Lakersville. We have nothing but winnable games on the horizon, should get Pau and Mihm back next week, and Andrew Bynum in two weeks. Meanwhile, all we have to do is to continue to play smart Lakers basketball: run the offense efficiently, play tough defense, control the boards, and attack the rim. And win!
Tom
Posted by: LakerTom | March 21, 2008 at 12:31 AM
Awesome win by the Lakes!
Ouch! A spat between Wizards' Stevenson & LeBron:
Remember, after DeShawn Stevenson called LeBron James "overrated" folllowing a game between the teams last Thursday, James responded by saying he is above such mess because that would be like his hero, Jay-Z, lowering himself to respond to the rapper, Soulja Boy. So, in one neat quote, James dissed Stevenson and Soulja Boy. Well, Stevenson is embracing the Soulja Boy role. "I hope we play Cleveland," Stevenson said. "I'm going to get Soulja Boy courtside seats and have him wear a DeShawn Stevenson jersey. Maybe (James) can have Jay-Z there since LeBron's all on his (shorts) anyway." Stevenson wasn't done. "And tell LeBron to cut that beard off and stop copying me." -- Washington Post
Posted by: mel | March 21, 2008 at 12:36 AM
Surprised Luke is not in the bad category tonight. It's a good thing his layup dropped after a nice pass from Kobe or this blog would explode!!! Since we won the game and I did my share of blasting Luke during the game thread, I'll let it rest for now. Thanks for the breakdown K brothers, much appreciated.
Please let us know how Andrew progresses with his knee and how he does when he returns to the practice. Good night Laker fans!!! Go Lakers!!!
Posted by: Nemaia Faletogo | March 21, 2008 at 12:40 AM
guys who throw things into arenas should be banned. I mean, water bottle today, something much harder tomorrow, and an actual hit the day after.
Posted by: harold | March 21, 2008 at 12:42 AM
Great victory. Excellent road trip given the circumstances of losing Gas.
Lakers better stay focused because there's a back2back versus Sonics at Staples when the natural human tendency might be to relax coming home after a tough trip.
Then after only 1 day rest, another back2back home and away versus Golden State.
Lakers will have to slow the pace of the game vs. GS bec. GS is the best small baller left and Lakers are still short handed w/only an 8 man rotation. Maybe we'll see Coby Karl and Mbenga Man for a few minutes.
Wonder if Mihm can at least suit up for the GS back2back and play 5 minutes if necessary just to put in some height against the height challenged Warriors.
GS is good enough to beat the undermanned Lakers twice on the home and away. LO, Vlad, Ronny will have to continue their improved play, and Luke will have to get back to at least not doing any damage to his own team.
Posted by: LakerinBC | March 21, 2008 at 12:43 AM
http://msn.foxsports.com/rumors/nba#5
Cuban and Johnson fighting?
AK made the rumor mill, too. Keep going...all the way at the bottom.
Posted by: mel | March 21, 2008 at 12:45 AM
Nemaia,
Luke is in the "bad." I had accidentally pushed it through live without being done.
Fkillah,
Again, this was just me taking a stab at a guess regarding Walton down the stretch. I'm honestly not sure one way or the other.
Luke (not Walton. haha)
Okay, thanks for the clarification. It looked like a water bottle from where I was, but I'll take the AP's word for it. It's been corrected.
AK
Posted by: Andrew Kamenetzky | March 21, 2008 at 12:46 AM
2 and 2 is a great ending to this tough trip when taking into account the loss Gasol!
With the last really tough stretch behind us, we can now concentrating in protecting the position & not slip (mentally) against the weaker teams.
Checking the remaining schedule, we could even aim for 60 wins, which I think would lock down both the best record (w.c) & the much-deserved-and-long-overdue MVP for Kobe.
I'm impressed with the way all the players stepped up to contribute, even through a situation where they could have put their heads down & sulked at the injury-plagued situation. Hats-off to the coaching staff & floor leaders, and of course, to Mr Bryant, for his unrelenting intensity through any and all adversity. More & more I'm appreciating the fact that as a Laker fan, I get to witness & appreciate these historic players. Can't wait for the next game.
Posted by: Esteban Rodriguez | March 21, 2008 at 12:53 AM
mel,
Even though I hate Soulja Boy, Im rooting for Stevenson.
Posted by: fkillah | March 21, 2008 at 01:03 AM
I love how Lamar Odom has actually found a way to play in the triangle. I love how he has become much more aggressive. He is attacking the rim, going to the hoop, cutting to the hoop. Wow! Lamar, since Pau came to the Lakers and cemented Lamar as the 4th option in the offense, has become a real force since the burden of leading was lifted off of him. Go Lamar! He is the most crucial difference maker for the Lakers when it comes to winning.
Posted by: James Katt | March 21, 2008 at 01:12 AM
Great win by the Lake show. Lakers played very strong defense and I wasn't worried about losing the entire game (which was easy watching from 27-14 onward as they were never behind by less than eight points).
I'm disappointed in the SLC fans. Booing Fisher and throwing a drink on the court at the end of the game. Grow up, even for sports fans who I give a major pass to on these sorts of things, you are a bunch of immature crybabies.
Great ball movement too. It was really nice to see the Lakers execute so well all game long. There was one weird play in the 4th which Kobe was totally open and Farmar wouldn't give him the rock, but otherwise it all made sense.
Posted by: Benjamin | March 21, 2008 at 01:43 AM
What's missing? Kwame, Smush, Cook.... that's what's missing!
Same team as last year and a World of difference.
This team can beat anybody. Just imagine Pau and Bynum on the court at the same time. Happy days ahead.
Baywood
Posted by: Baywood | March 21, 2008 at 02:55 AM
this road trip, 2-2, that looked so grim 3 minutes after it started, (gasol's injury), sounds even better than 9-2.
all the WC teams r crushed at the perspective that the LAKERS are #1 with no Gasol and no Bynum. but gets even worst for them that both Gasol and Bynum will be "all of the sudden" back in the line-up.
we have only 2 back2back, tonight and with golden state, that is more balanced because the teams play each other.
i was wondering which charter plain will take off first, the lakers or the warriors. i hope the airport staff is on the side of the lakers. also a trip to the hotel is always shorter than going home and meeting the family and being down after a loss.
maybe the games with the warriors will be a preview of the first round.
after that, looks like smooth sailing with the easiest schedule, while the rest of the teams play east or each other for a while. in two weeks, the lakers can have a 4-5 game advantage over the second seed.
Posted by: ZIn Master | March 21, 2008 at 03:11 AM
Wow, talk about stepping up! Makes all my worries look pretty silly:)
Go Lakers!
Posted by: Cameron | March 21, 2008 at 03:21 AM
A great game tonight. Kobe proved that he is the most worthy candidate for MVP, however, knowing the NBA-bias against Kobe ever since the Colorado nonsense, the MVP will probably end up to CP. Hope not, but people are haters. It was interesting to note how Kobe was yelling at refs on several occasions when he felt his teammates were fouled with no call (I remember one time clearly when Odom made the basket but was fouled hard with no call and u can hear Kobe yelling towards the refs, "AND 1"). The 2-2 road trip was expected and was a great way to sustain confidence amongst the team without Gasol. Vladi was really showing what he was capable of. I am really impressed with him the last 2 games. As for Walton, I hope he's gone after this year. I don't care who his dad was, the kid just can't ball. He plays with soft emotions, like how he put his head in his jersey after he missed an easy lay-up. It's like come on guy, don't act like we're going to feel sorry for you, PLAY BALL! L.O had another outstanding game, proving again, that Mitch was a genius for not letting Odom go. I was sort of glad that the Utah fan threw the beer bottle, it just goes to show how mad and pissed off they were that the Lakers ate them up and how they were infuriated with D. Fish enjoying his new team and success. HAHA they lost their Mormon-presidential hopeful (Romney) and their home streak..GO LAKERS! I can't wait till the Golden State games, it will be good to see the Lakers play against their likely playoff match-up.
"NO TEAM CAN HOLD US NO TEAM IS WORTHY...LAKERS GREATNESS WITH THE GOLD AND PURPLE JERSEY"--L.A. MENTAL
www.myspace.com/lamental
Posted by: L.A. MENTAL | March 21, 2008 at 04:35 AM
David in Spain,
I totally understand you: I was watching the Mavs-Celtics game and got asleep before the Lakers game started. I try to watch every Lakers game but living in the UK and Italy, sometimes I struggle to stay awake when the Lakers play at 7:30 Pacific time, expecially if I have to work the following day...
In any case, great game for the Lakers considering how many players we are missing. I am glad Lamar is being more assertive offensively, he has tons of talent but sometimes lacks in aggressiveness.
Also, thanks Boston for beating Spurs, Rocks and Mavs and help the Lakers to stay on top of the Western Conference,
Can't wait for the playoffs and for Pau and Drew to be on the floor at the same time.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Francesco | March 21, 2008 at 05:04 AM
Luke is doing his job ala Rick Fox. Hack the SF, a shot here and there....floor game and intangibles. With the imergence of Turiaf and Vlad, Walton just needs to help with ball handling and concentrate on defense..
Posted by: DOC4daLakeShow | March 21, 2008 at 05:17 AM
Great great WIN by the LAKERS!
KOBE FOR MVP!!!
KOBE FOR MVP!!!
KOBE FOR MVP!!!
BrownMamba24
Posted by: BrownMamba24 | March 21, 2008 at 06:47 AM
You know, based on the opponents win percentage, this is the toughest road trip the Lakers have had since '73 I think. That is a LONG 35 years. And, they came back with a split.
Kobe is your MVP, people.
LBJ needs to win more games if he wants to be considered. Paul is getting robbed in the MVP discussion. So is T-Mac. Unlike LeBronze, both Paul and T-Mac have actually spent time this season above Kobe in the standings. T-Mac while pulling a team with an All-Star injury like Kobe.
LBJ's stats are what Mychal Thompson calls "empty numbers". Dude needs to lead his team to victory to be considered an MVP.
BTW, where are those 0-4 trolls, now?
--FearlessWhackJob
PS: F the Celtics! But, KG must be considered an MVP above LBJ, too (though I hate to admit it).
Posted by: FearlessWhackJob | March 21, 2008 at 07:14 AM
hi AK & BK...as always, great writing!!!...I always read LAtimes after every laker game...or should i say, every after laker win...good observations, nice choice of words.Thumbs up!!
As to the lakers win...WOW!!!...it was amazing, i almost didnt watch the game coz i fear they might lost. But, after that explosive 1st qtr, i couldnt help but watch it...Way to go Lakers...can't wait to see Pau and Andrew back!! and Trevor too.
Posted by: theresa | March 21, 2008 at 07:23 AM
Great Win. This team made the statement this week that it's not going away and it wont settle. If we can be fully manned throughout the playoffs we can play for all the marbles. Who'd a thunk it in October. Amazing.
Posted by: Lifetime Laker | March 21, 2008 at 07:28 AM
AK/BK if you guys are allowed in the locker room, would you please tell someone that the Miller Beer intro to the Lakers site is extremely lame and distasteful.
Thanks!
PS I like that Lakers Tom was willing to write about Luke even though he is appreciated as a person who always tries to keep us on the positive.
Last night was awesome!!
Posted by: JohnnyP | March 21, 2008 at 07:33 AM
Good Morning!!
Did you see Luke Walton's missed easy layup before the end of the first half???? Is he overpaid? Is the movie "WHITE MEN CAN'T JUMP", HAS SOMETHING TO DO WITH LUKE WALTON?
Posted by: Botsoy | March 21, 2008 at 07:33 AM
LOL. luke has defence.
He made at least 3 stupid fouls to let Jazz get 6 free points on the line, and two of them were on the laker's backcourt.
You call it defence???
Posted by: xk | March 21, 2008 at 07:41 AM
Check out this article from the OC Register:
http://tinyurl.com/2kb9ar
It shows how Kobe has really taken to heart his role as team leader. AND, how his team mates are following his lead. Maybe even the coaches.
Plus, I really dig his comments about Fish. Also, I really hadn't noticed before, but Phil is right; Kobe has been jawing with the refs about his team mates almost as much as he does about himself. He really seems to have their backs, taking Tech's that they would normally get themselves. But, he has toned it down just enough lately to get his point across without actually getting a T.
Very mature. Very leader-like. Very MVP-like.
People, Kobe is your MVP. Hands down.
--FearlessWhackJob
Posted by: FearlessWhackJob | March 21, 2008 at 07:42 AM
Luke was alright in my book, but when he tries to drive and dribble, it looks so unsteady and slow, I cringe.
And what happened to his shot? Does it need to be a contract year to have a shot? When a shot is more a relief as opposed to confirmation that the player is good, we have a problem.
On a side note, I had from his restaurant yesterday, Joey's Barbeque. Decent for a fast food joint, but parts of it we're just mediocre for me. Just like his game!
Posted by: #4 | March 21, 2008 at 07:50 AM
the lakers signed ira newble...
ira to lebronze, FU...
Posted by: juanman888 | March 21, 2008 at 07:58 AM
As he's proven in back to back games, LO is the bomb and the X factor to winning the title.
Posted by: BigGameJames | March 21, 2008 at 07:59 AM
Good Morning Mamba24, Good Morning Charles, Good Morning Laker Nation!
The sun shines brightly on Laker Nation this morning. #1 in the west, a quality win last night to another poretender's streak!
Gasol, Mihm and Drew coming back, a friendly schedule for the reaminder of the regular season, let's win out and get ready for the "real" season! Larry O'Brien better reserve a room now!
A NEW BANNER IS ON THE WAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: toad | March 21, 2008 at 08:02 AM
CHECK THIS OUT!!
Before the game last night, I posted this:
"Anyways - I think it's time for some BBQ'd troll meat & a glass of "kiante" - what do you think Pig? Toad? I'm going to assume you guys are with me on that, because you sure know how to skewer a troll! Sounds like a great pre-game snack - LOL!!"
Then Troll Man posted this:
"Man you really got me on those, how can I respond to such clever, intelligent, and witty put-downs? ? ? ?
Wow, never has there been in the history of blogging been a more inept rallying of the troops as you guys.
Here's you and your Laker's chance to get rid of me
IF THE LAKERS DON'T LOSE BY 10 OR MORE I WILL LEAVE THIS BLOG FOR GOOD.
FILET MIGNON ANYONE?"
Well, well, well.....I wonder if Troll Man will stay away from our "love-fest" of a blog, or if he'll be back.
Troll Man???? Watcha gotta say for yourself??? Hmmm?
I think I'll post this a couple of times on several threads today to see what happens - lol!
GO LAKERS!!!
Posted by: justanothermambafan | March 21, 2008 at 08:03 AM
More Help Coming!!!!!!!! Pls Read
Swingman Ira Newble has decided to sign a contract with the Los Angeles Lakers, choosing them over the Cavs.
A source said the Cavs offered Newble a spot on the team Wednesday, but the two sides could not agree on certain terms of his return. Akron Beacon Journal
AK
Is this true???
Posted by: Botsoy | March 21, 2008 at 08:05 AM
BTW Troll Man.........I hope you choked on that Kiante! Tasted a lot like vinegar, I bet! But we won't hear from you today, I'm sure.
Posted by: toad | March 21, 2008 at 08:05 AM
i don't know if someone mentioned this already, but cleveland papers report that Ira Newble will sign with lakers.
Great win last night by the way, hopefully these past two games will be the start of our momentum approaching playoff.
i thought Vlad played much better defense than Luke lately, and he can drive to the basket without getting BLOCK all the time.
Posted by: moko | March 21, 2008 at 08:14 AM
great team game, and great effort from LO.
I especially liked the return of Kobe's flailing behind the back, over the chin pass that caught Odom in the open court. And how about that steal from Derek Fisher in the opening few minutes. You could see the Jazz deflate.
turiaf creating his own jumpers? Fuhgettaboutit. Lakers all the way.
Posted by: eddie brock | March 21, 2008 at 08:18 AM
Good Morning Charles---Good Morning everybody...
Great great victory in Utah, home of the worst (and completely classless) fans in the NBA...it was indeed a sweet offering.....even the drink thrown on the court tasted sweet....
As usual LakerTom's insights are insightful and spot on....thanks Tom......
Another great game for Lamar (keep it up buddy) and Rad, as well as Ronny, and Fammar and Shasha both contributed as well as Fisher...need not mention Kobe of course---everybody played really well except....
Positives for Puke: he did make 1 lay up and 1 free throw.....and only 23 years left on his contract.......
My wife says I can no longer watch Laker games if I am going to scream at PJ to take Puke out the entire time he is in---but I just can't take it any more---especially when Rad is playing so well---I do think Rad is a player (like most--except Puke) that plays better and better with more playing time--last night he sat out a lot of the 2nd half in favor of Puke who brings absolutely nothing, nada, zilsch, to the table--I am so sick of seeing him take playing time from better players--Kobe Carl should play in front of Puke---in fact the waterboy should too......
I really don't get what PJ's facination with this High School player is--it's seems to be some kind of sadistic experiment to try to prove how good we are playing four against five.....
Either that or the Lakers are desperately trying to shop him for a trade this summer (oh please let that happen)---I only hope we can get a trade done on draft day---Puke for a 2nd round pick in 2032 and a box of stale crackerjacks.......
The real danger of Puke is his contract which may prevent us from resigning / signing the players we really need.....he is, at best, the 15th player on this team that should be getting the league minimum......I am rooting for him to get better just so maybe some really stupid GM will take him and his bloated contract off our hands.....
The only other negative from last night is again our free throwing---championship teams make their free throws--simple as that---both the Lakers and Celtics of the 80's shot over 50% from the floor and 80% of their free throws as a team---PRACTICE FREE THROWS!!! they are called "free" throws for a reason--if we can start consistenly making our free throws we are vitually unbeatable---PRACTICE PRACTICE PRACTICE !!!!!!!!
Despite Puke, YET ANOTHER GREAT DAY TO BE A LAKER FAN !!!
GO LAKERS !!!
Posted by: Floyd | March 21, 2008 at 08:19 AM
Good morning Laker Friends and hello AK/BK, Charles, LakerTom, Rick and Mamba24
On a little bit of a Spring break - sorry I have not contributed the last few days. But another great win last night and Portland tonight. We are sure getting our fill of purple and gold the last few days.
Would love to see much of the same tonight as we did last night....ball movement and sticking to the triangle. It will be good to see that and not play ragged.
GO LAKERS! And I must add GO USD Toreros!! I know if Ronny is reading the blog - I will give props to his Zags too. But today is about USD, tonight is about the LAKERS!
Posted by: PsychedLakerGirl | March 21, 2008 at 08:24 AM
"None of them were easy," Celtics guard Sam Cassell said. "We had to play our [butts] off to get where we are. But it ain't over yet. We know New Orleans is going to be ready for us."
Yeesh.... what a coattail-riding douchebag.
Posted by: McGarnagle | March 21, 2008 at 08:25 AM
Brought over from the other thread: Newble signing with the Lakers. Scroll down after clicking on the link.
http://www.ohio.com/sports/cavs/16887816.html?page=all&c=y
Posted by: The Dude Abides | March 21, 2008 at 08:31 AM
" this game is personal, they booed Fish for no reason......" said Kobe to TNT's Miller , what a slap on the faces of the Utah's classless scu---
Posted by: Shum | March 21, 2008 at 08:33 AM
Good Morning Everybody! Floyd Long Time. Ira Newble, Welcome!
Posted by: Charles | March 21, 2008 at 08:41 AM
I am very happy today. Thank you, Lakers.
Posted by: Rick Friedman | March 21, 2008 at 08:44 AM
sorry more Puke rantings....
Puke's shots are essentially turnovers that ignite fast breaks--Puke should just save himself (and us) the trouble and instead of shooting just pass the ball to the other team so they can run their break and we get the ball back faster...
Is there a Pukes Annonymous?...I think I need to join.....
"hello I am Floyd....and I hate Puke" "Hi Floyd...."
GO LAKERS !!!
Posted by: Floyd | March 21, 2008 at 08:48 AM
Good morning Mamba24, good morning Charles & the rest of the best - the LAKER NATION!!
What a game! And we don't have too much time to savor the win - 'cause it's GAME DAY baby!! I really hope the boys keep their focus tonight. They need to maintain from now to the end of the season. We really don't want any drop-off's, nor can we afford them. However, I ultimately don't think it will be a problem - Kobe's glare has got them all as fired up as he is!
I think we're going to have to share Bynum's "BEAST" nickname with LO!!! OMG - boy played out of his skull last night! THAT's the LO I love to see - want him to be - KNOW he can be!! Is there anything he CAN'T do when he's fired up??!! Whatever he's eating, order him a truck-load of it RIGHT NOW - lol!
Zen - are you ready to jump on the "50 win" bandwagon yet? Come on in,man - the water's fine! (It's liquid sea minerals so you KNOW it's good for you - lol!)
GO LAKERS!
The BEAN for MVP or NO PEACE!
(Troll Man - where are you??? Hmmm???)
Posted by: justanothermambafan | March 21, 2008 at 08:53 AM