There may be more than one way to skin a cat
But tonight didn't feature one of those methods.
Any team can go out and do the expected. It takes a special one to consistently shock the world. The Lakers have done just that, almost exclusively for the good, for most of the '07-'08 season. Running their way to the top of the Western Conference. Swinging a trade for Pau Gasol. Losing on their home court by 13 to the 25 win Charlotte Bobcats. What, you thought all the shocks had to be positive? Nope, Wednesday night in their 108-95 loss to the Bobcats at Staples, the L.A. pulled a fast one on everyone who assumed this would be an easy win (presumably, that includes the Lakers themselves, judging by their faire play), and not only gave away the game, but all important position in the ludicrously crowded Western Conference. AK has the breakdown below, which given that they just lost by 13 to one of the worst teams in the league (I mentioned that, right?) is light on "Good," heavy on everything else.
BK
THE GOOD
DJ Mbenga: It ain't often the guy gets a chance to even play enough to be a candidate for this section, much play well enough to land here. But in limited minutes, Mbenga arguably played the best of any Laker out there. 2-2 from the field. Four boards. One very nice dime to set up a Luke Walton layup. He also poked away a post entry from Jason Richardson, which led to a trip to the stripe for LO (both converted). Throw in the solid post presence in spots and it was a nice showing for the man often referred to as "Tacos."
I've seen about a million different versions of the "Why didn't Phil play Mbenga more?" question posed to me and BK. We didn't get a chance to ask Phil (his postgame was, to say the least, brief), but my guess at his explanation would be, in a nutshell, that the player in question is DJ Mbenga. Yeah, he played well, but with a player of his limited abilities, the returns typically become more diminished the longer he's out there. I realize the irony of pointing this out on a night where he was 100% from the field, but for the most part, he leaves you playing four-on-five offense. And his court stints were always during situations where the Lakers were playing catch up, meaning it's tough to leave him on the floor for too long. Could he have played a few more minutes? I guess, although they didn't really lose any momentum gained from his fourth quarter PT until four minutes after he sat. Bottom line, Mbenga's PT had little or nothing to do with them losing, despite his nice showing.
Lamar Odom: The string of double-doubles dies by just a rebound (18/9), but LO deserves mention here for not only playing a solid (and at 7/10 from the field, proficient) game. A lot of time spent close to the basket and with only one (made) exception, resisting the three ball fever that overcame a lot of his teammates (more on that later). In a game where quick, wild play persisted at a rate that would have made the Warriors blush, LO was often the guy looking most under control and following what I imagine was the game plan.
Um... er... the corned beef sandwiches for the media dinner: Yeah, it's a reach, but that would be required to fill out the good during this night. Plus, we're talking corned beef sliced right off the slab. Sauerkraut. Some quality rye bread or onion rolls. In my particular case, habanero mustard sauce. Good stuff, Maynard
THE BAD
Laker ball movement and shot selection: I felt at times like I was doing research for my upcoming book ":04 Seconds or Less: My Season in the Media Section with the Chucking and Chucking Los Angeles Lakers." I can't even count the number of times the ball went up from 20-feet out or further after one pass, tops. Eight of the Lakers' 20 assists came in the first quarter. From there, many stretches ensued where fluidity and motion became non-existent. BK and I were joking that Sasha Vujacic (3-8) and Jordan Farmar (1-4) appeared to be engaging in a three-point shooting contest during the fourth quarter. PJ apparently found this less amusing than us, since JF got a rather unceremonious yank after a rapid-fire 24-foot miss. But in fairness to the young guards, they were hardly the only guys catching the... wait for it... boo-bomb-ic plague. The Lakers hoisted 27 in all from distance, connecting on only 8. Vlad Rad: 1-5. Kobe: 206. D.Fish 0-3. Maybe it's just me, but I've got a nagging feeling that's a hair too many long balls than what's traditionally considered ideal.
Kobe Bryant: He didn't play particularly well (8-22 shooting, three turnovers, too much iso and some D that he'd likely rather forget), but his composure was even worse. That first technical appeared to come after he was complaining about a no-call from two or three possessions previous, which put him in the refs' bad graces. Meaning kicking the ball to the ref, even lightly, would be enough to nab a quick second T and the early shower. The Mamba's now sitting on fifteen technicals, meaning it's an automatic one-game suspension upon receiving the next. That's just not smart on Kobe's part. Whether or not he was arguing a valid case is irrelevant. Even if Kobe had gotten legitimately screwed, he also racked these T's in a game where the Lakers down 13 with under four minutes to play and a push was looking less than likely. Forget stupid. It's actually wasteful, especially in a situation where you've got so little leeway down the road and the final outcome is basically a given. A player can pick up a technical foul so easily, even in situations where he's not bitching at the refs. Frustrating and embarrassing loss or not, he needed to do a better job keeping his cool.
Defense: All aspects of it. Those 50 points in the paint? As Clark Griswald told his son, "Nothing to be proud of, Russ." But for what it's worth, the Lakers were equally bad defensively the further they moved away from the basket. The Bobcats shot 46% from downtown, with at least a trio apiece from Jason Richardson, Gerald Wallace and Matt "I'm literally in the game to do nothing else, so why not guard me in downtown?" Carroll. As for the stuff that happened in between, the Cats' overall percentage was 50%, so that stuff went down pretty smooth, too.
Energy: From the opening tip on, anything resembling a pulse came in spurts and usually ones that weren't particularly long. The last few minutes of the first quarter. The opening minutes of the fourth quarter. Maybe another few possessions here and there. But for the most part, there was more "pooped" in the Laker step than "pep," and if you're offering the "fifth game in seven days" excuse, don't bother. "This is what the NBA is all about," insisted Odom in the locker room. "Playing a lot of games. So no excuses. They deserved it. They played better than us tonight."
No argument here.
AK
Those of you looking for insight from Phil Jackson on what exactly went wrong tonight will not find it in his postgame press conference. I'd type it out- wouldn't take long- but it's actually more fun to listen to (Download phil_jackson_3.26 post CHA.mp3). Shortest presser of the year.
Regarding the T that got Kobe tossed, I believe the official ruling was that Kobe kicked the ball at/to the ref (depending on who you ask, I guess). I missed the play and will have to see the film. I talked to a couple people, and while most agree that it was probably harmless, a couple security guys who had a good angle seemed to think, at least based on appearances, that Bryant might have goofed up. Still, it wouldn't shock me if Kobe and the Lakers appealed the T, hoping to get it reversed. But given how he's racked them up this year, it also wouldn't surprise me to see said appeal get denied.
One thing we all agreed on? When you're sitting on 14 T's for the season and already have one in the game, it's probably a better idea just to hand the ref the ball.
BK
Damn the free speech.
Go away Sonny.
Posted by: "Pig" Miller | March 27, 2008 at 09:03 AM
Good Morning Mamba24, Good Morning Charles, Good Morining Laker Nation!
Mamba, you couldn't be more on point with "IT'S GOING TO BE HARD TO BE ENTHUSIASTIC TODAY" after that debacle last night. There is no excuse for losing to CHA at home in the midst of a playoff race other than the players collectively just don't get it. I only saw two performers last night...........LO and Mbenga. Everyone else on the floor in Form Blue and Gold were pretenders..........evil clones.............something other than players!
Posted by: toad | March 27, 2008 at 09:03 AM
Whaaaaaat, you guys lost to the bobcats.
What wasn't there last night your defense or offense?
Let me guess, your offense right.
let me guess your machine shot too much (only 3's BTW)
let me guess Phil used the same rotation
Let me guess luke played more than vlad
let me guess fisher drove to the hole, only to miss the layup trying to get a foul call
let me guess lamar wasn't aggressive(check that) he was aggressive, but only when the game was out of reach
Posted by: Fire32 | March 27, 2008 at 09:03 AM
THE DROPPER:" Watching that game was like drinking too much whiskey and knowing that if you could just puke you'd feel much better for it in the morning but you pass out before you make it to the bathroom and then you wake up realizing you did puke but now you're laying in the middle of it and the girl you brought home (whose name you don't even know) has disappeared with your BMW and your wallet. I need another drink!"
WTF? LMAO!
Posted by: MAMBA24 | March 27, 2008 at 09:04 AM
You got to be kidding me,
"Mbenga's PT had little or nothing to do with them losing, despite his nice showing"
Oh, I get it! We're talking pretzel logic code, right?
Had the Lakers prevailed against the might Bobcats you could have said: "Mbenga's PT had everything to do with them winning, despite his poor showing"
I've got to be kidding you,
Sonnybelfast
Posted by: sonnybelfast | March 27, 2008 at 09:08 AM
HMRHED:"Oh and by the way -- I'm calling the Pacific race tonight -- I
f the Lajkers beat the Cats the Lakers will win the Pacific and end the Suns
reign --and not short enough it was ---"
If you're calling it don't forget to put
down THE TIME OF SUNS DEATH. LOL!
Posted by: MAMBA24 | March 27, 2008 at 09:14 AM
Thanks Mamba - I think that's a good idea.
But hello to everyone anyhow....not a fun day in Laker land...........
Posted by: PsychedLakerGirl | March 27, 2008 at 09:15 AM
Let's give the Bobcats some credit. They are a good team, they can beat a tired Laker team with missing Centers. Ronnie and DJ are not enough to beat Okafor. We have no power forward who can guard Jason Richardson and Wallace. Kobe is not completely well with his right hand, he never used it in blocking although he's right-handed. So plus the slump on many players from Fish, Vlad, Lo, Kobe, Luke so all these events contributed to a loss. Without those C's and Trevor, Lakers are only above averaged team.
Pau and Mihm were supposed to return this week. Without their support in the paint, Lakers will always be challenged by any good team. We have not seen much of Ira Newble only on a 10-day contract as a defensive specialist, what if, he was used against Richardson and/or Wallace last night maybe he could slowed them down. However, we don't know the full capability of Ira during their practice, it's PJ's call at game time.
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | March 27, 2008 at 09:23 AM
Waaaaaaa happend to the ROLL Call from Mamba24...?
In any case Lakers are tired, out of gas and are missing some key players.. Need Bynum, Gasol, Terevor and Mimh back...
Laker fans don't despair...
Shout out to all the lovely Laker fan ladies!!
TLM
Posted by: The Ladies Man | March 27, 2008 at 09:25 AM
hobbitmage
Thank you for this reply, I was ready to type one. This guy does not know what he is talking about. Yes it hurts to see Lakers played like this, but when you think about what they said at pregame show, something like in the last 2 years Phil only had like 6 games when he had full blown roster of 12 people to put on floor. 6 games??!!! For God Sake we're doing pretty good. I'm not looking for excuses, but considering all of this, we're doing damn well. Yes we should be winning against team like Bobcats, but also true and opposite, we should be loosing playing without any single center and defense specialist Ariza to teams like Dallas and Utah, and esp. on the road!!!
On the totally different subject, for all of you Kobe haters/Shaq fans take a look and read what Shaq said about Heat/Pat Riley and et.
NEW YORK - Simmering differences between the Heat and Shaquille O'Neal boiled over Wednesday, with the massive center lobbing massive volleys at his former team.
In a column in the Boston Globe, O'Neal trashed former teammates and his former coach while speaking about his move to the title-contending Suns.
"We have professionals who know what to do," O'Neal said of playing for the Suns. "No one is asking me to play with Chris Quinn or Ricky Davis. I'm actually on a team again."
Sounds like whatever Kobe said over last summer just nothing compare to this. What new? Same good ol' Shaq, move to new team, trash previous one...
Posted by: LAL_Fan | March 27, 2008 at 09:32 AM
Without Bynum and Gasol the reality is that most teams like Golden state and even Charlotte are much more atheletic than than the lakers...........it shows. What should be expecting from Radmonovich, or Luke........nothing much at best. Then again, we have a coach that's totally blameless not matter how fixated he is with guys like walton or Radmonovich.......... The reality is that as long as Gasol and Bynum are out.........the Weakness of the team will consistently be on full display.........even the poor coaching.
Posted by: Dion | March 27, 2008 at 09:32 AM
This is a link
http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=3314347
Posted by: LAL_Fan | March 27, 2008 at 09:33 AM
Normally I don't address Trolls, but in this case, Jeff ASHO and Neil can get bent. Who are you - Skip Bayless posting from two different IP addresses? Prior to the season, I was willing to accept the Kobe trade if it meant not having to hear any more of this anti-KB24 crapola from the media. Thankfully, it died down when the Lakers started winning. Since the first of the year, instead of the story being the Lakers consistently winning and leading the WC in spite of numerous injuries, the longest road trip in team history, Luke's inconsistent play, etc, it's instead been 'Kobe vs. Lebron vs Whoever Is Having A Good Week for MVP'. Do you know who won the MVP last year? Dirk 'Fich-ing' Novitsky? I hope that trophy got him a good seat to Round 2 of the playoffs. For God's sake, Kobe's one of the greatest players to ever grace an NBA hardcourt, not Jesus Christ. He's a flawed human being, just like all of us. The guy has three rings, only wants to win, and leaves it all out on the court every game. I whine when my typing fingers get sore; Kobe's playing MVP level ball with a torn ligament on his pinky hand. So he had a stupid game last night? Big deal. I'm sure the Lakers took the game off mentally after those battles earlier in the week, and it's clear KB24 was pissed at himself for blowing an easy game; since he can't self-flaggelate, he took it out on the refs and deservedly got T-d up. I'd rather have a fiery leader on the court who lets his emotions run wild once in a wild than a heartless neanderthal like Dirk any day of the week.
In conclusion, why don't you Trolls get back to watching the NCAA tourney today and scout out your own team's future lottery picks?
Posted by: Tully Moxness | March 27, 2008 at 09:34 AM
Adam,
" Gasol/Bynum will rest on Vlad Rad's point production. Last night he scored 3."
Perhaps, there is something going on between Vlad and PJ. These are pure speculations OK, just reading the body language of players during timeouts and their game. Vlad was already doing OK during road trip against Dallas and Utah and it was reported on the Times that he was reprimanded by PJ in the Dallas game. Last Sunday, he was being scolded as he went out and did not play during the closing minutes. I noticed in the last two games, he's not focused as he was during the road trip. There seems to be something that is bothering him, maybe he feels bad of being reprimanded while other get scot-free on their errors. Culturally, euros are sensitive people compared to americans especially if they feel that they are being treated unfairly. That is not a good sign, those misunderstandings should be resolved soonest, Vlad and Sasha can help tremendously when they are in their best moods.
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | March 27, 2008 at 09:36 AM
WAIT JUST A MINUTE THERE SPARKY....
I forgot about the Bbobcat's Dudley, who is Carmello Anthony's twin sister.....
WHO RESEMBLES THE JET PUFFED MARSHMELLOW MAN / THE MICHELEIN MAN / THE PILLSBURY DOUGH BOY MORE?
Car-Marsh-Mellow Anthony or Dudley Do No Right?
with their " swollen putulent flesh because they overdid it on the first day"---"bleeding Whatney's Red Barrel"....
Also: can't (and won't ) make fun of Boykins because of his stature--he is just way too cool (and good), with the biggest heart in the NBA---wish he was a Laker....
GO LAKERS !!!
Posted by: Floyd | March 27, 2008 at 09:39 AM
Good Morning Guys.
I want to say thanks to PSLakerFan again for the tickets. I purchased the tshirt line with "Bynum, Gasol, Fisher, Odom & Bryant." listed on the front of the T. Awesome shirt.
I purchased the quesadilla and the large hotdog. The microwave Mexican Food is definitely a pass. Stick to the Pastrami or Roast Beef Sandwiches guys.
Have a great day!
Posted by: Charles | March 27, 2008 at 09:44 AM
How-do-you-hold-that-16th-Moonbeam-in-your-hand?
Sonnybelfast
Posted by: sonnybelfast | March 27, 2008 at 08:40 AM
Even as a second rate, trying hard, copy cat to Jesterguru, your song is CRAP. Sorry, but if you think the KBros will give you the "quote of the day", it just backfired. Even for effort, I'll rate it L(ousy). LOL
Posted by: Lakergurl | March 27, 2008 at 09:47 AM
AK/BK,
I don't know if you guys saw this but Shaq is throwing another franchise under the bus. I was thinking yo could use it for today's Extra!
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/sports/basketball/heat/sfl-flspheat27sbmar27,0,3588775.story
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/sports/basketball/heat/sfl-shaqfollow032708,0,7203490.story
Posted by: Xodus | March 27, 2008 at 09:53 AM
Mamba24
Thanks for the props, man, especially from a HOF Blogger like you!
Posted by: toad | March 27, 2008 at 09:55 AM
LADIES MAN:"Waaaaaaa happend to the ROLL Call from Mamba24...?"
LadiesMan how the hell are you. I was just waiting
to read another one of your cheerful post. By the
way as long as The ladies Man is around we will
never despair.
TOAD:"Everyone else on the floor in Form Blue and Gold were pretenders..........evil clones.............something other than players!"
BY GOD THAT'S IT. THOSE DIABOLICAL ZOMBIES
HAVE RETURNED AND TAKEN POSSESSION OF
THE LAKERS.
PSYCHEDLAKERGIRL: "Thanks Mamba - I think that's a good idea. But hello to everyone anyhow....not a fun day in Laker land..........."
NOT A FUN DAY AT ALL! I'M SO BUMMED OUT
I DON'T KNOW WHAT THE HELL I'M DOING.
Posted by: mamba24 | March 27, 2008 at 09:58 AM
LAKERGURL:"Even as a second rate, trying hard, copy cat to Jesterguru, your
song is CRAP. Sorry, but if you think the KBros will give you the "quote of th
e day", it just backfired. Even for effort, I'll rate it L(ousy). LOL"
LMAO! Don't take it personally Sonny. LakerGurl just needs
to get to know the inner you!LOL!
TULLY MOXNESS:"In conclusion, why don't you Trolls get back to watching the NCAA tourney today and scout out your own team's future lottery picks?"
NOW THAT'S WHAT I'M TALKING ABOUT!
Posted by: Mamba24 | March 27, 2008 at 10:03 AM
Morning All
We need our BIGS! PAU. DREW, even MHIM would be okay but we need inside help on the high pick and rolls teams are throwing at us. Ronny & LO can only do so much against bigger teams. I'm surprized neither one of them have fouled out... Oops Ronny did so a few games ago.... Lastnight: Only one game, no big deal!
Faze
Posted by: LakerFaze | March 27, 2008 at 10:05 AM
a quote the infamous movie 'White Men Can't Jump' sums up the events from last nite best,
"...the sun even shines on a dog's ass sometimes."
-Sydeny Dean
lets all take comfort in the fact that with Pau or Drew or even Mihm available for that game the result would have surely been flipped.
chill baby. it'll be aight.
RIDING THE CHAMPIONSHIP WAGON TILL THE WHEELS FALL OFF!!!
-Fowl Out
Posted by: Flagrant Fowl | March 27, 2008 at 10:06 AM
Xodus
As if the SUNS are your problem ahahahaha
I believe your (alleged) championship team is imploding before your very eyes.
laker/celtics final, I think not. Looks more like a first round exit again.
Posted by: Fire32 | March 27, 2008 at 10:07 AM
CHARLES:"I purchased the quesadilla and the large hotdog. "
OH NO! THAT'S WHAT DID IT! LOL!
Posted by: Mamba24 | March 27, 2008 at 10:07 AM
Tully Moxness,
Nice post on Kobe, Tully.
Kobe was really frustrated last night, his shots are not going in. He is being bumped, held hand and refs. are not seeing it while a slight touch on Jason, he gets foul that led to another 4 pts. Include here his frustrations with his teammates like Ronnie who would not want to shoot while he's free, look for Kobe and whistle is blown for some getting 3 secs. He's frustrated those blown shots by teammates after working for the hard assist. Of course, being a team leader, he has to be tight lip, he just give it to himself.
Kobe has been carrying this team all year round, not a perfect individual, nor the need of MVP accolades, just enough to be mentioned as one of the teams vying for the Championship and without Kobe's game, where are the Lakers today?
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | March 27, 2008 at 10:07 AM
Lakers are 0-1 when I sleep through an entire game. So I have a feeling Stu would say something like 'sometimes you need a game like this to get fired up for the next stretch of games'. So the Lakers will be back... they should be fired up to play the next game until Pao comes back.
Posted by: DS | March 27, 2008 at 10:17 AM
Tsphere
Great analogy.
I vote for the Beckett reference for quote of the day. I really feel like we spend a lot of time thinking guys are coming back, only to be disappointed.
Posted by: Mob Wagoneer | March 27, 2008 at 10:17 AM
Fire32,
who has a better record: Lakers or Suns?
OH, I THOUGHT SO....
I dont know when the last time a team won the title from the 6th seed...
Posted by: Korey | March 27, 2008 at 10:21 AM
*____________________________________*
RIDING THE CHAMPIONSHIP WAGON
TILL THE WHEELS FALL OFF! BANDWAGON
*___________________________________*
(01) FLAGRANT FOWL - Driver & Owner
(02) MAMBA24 - Director of Wheel checking
Posted by: Mamba24 | March 27, 2008 at 10:24 AM
Re; Puppy's Remorse
Lakergurl said: "Even for effort, I'll rate it (L)ousy"
I agree. The song and its message is pretty pathetic, but I thought it would be good enough for you. Don't worry though, we frustrated Memphis in overtime last night, so you should be able to handle them tonight and feel better by tomorrow, or not.
My only regret is having awakened this morning with a Thunderbird hang-over, pissing and moaning (see the Weatherman), obsessed and distressed about accolades I may or may not recieve from the LaLaLand Borg. Pinch me honey!
Sonnybelfast
Posted by: sonnybelfast | March 27, 2008 at 10:25 AM
"For example, while O'Neal chose to belittle Davis with his latest comments, O'Neal pushed for the team to deal forward Antoine Walker, with Davis arriving from Minnesota in that exchange.
Amid Walker's conditioning battles with Riley, O'Neal went as far as to refer to Walker as "Ruben Studdard," the stocky American Idol champion.
Such remarks extended to the top of the team's talent ladder, with O'Neal privately referring to Dwyane Wade as "Wonder Boy," rekindling memories of the ugly departures O'Neal had from Penny Hardaway with the Magic and Kobe Bryant with the Lakers.
O'Neal also had spent years belittling former Lakers teammate Eddie Jones, who the Heat allowed to depart this past offseason."
------------------------------------------------
Wow, Shaq, wow! To think that trolls the likes of Steven, KL, Gunner, Neil/Laker Lover, etc. have been all defending your a** all these times to malign the Kobester.
The truth always prevails!
Posted by: Laker/KobeFan | March 27, 2008 at 10:26 AM
Sonny
Thanks for the song!
Posted by: Charles | March 27, 2008 at 10:29 AM
Good morning Mamba24, good morning Charles & the rest of the GREAT LAKER NATION!
Excellent posts by Mamba24, Charles, Toad & Pig above - at least there's a couple of bright spots to this day!
The only bright spot in last night's game was seeing Luke Walton dunk - I didn't know that that particular white boy could jump.......
It's going to be tough to get through until game time tomorrow, but let's look on the bright side - it really can't get any worse, can it? OMG - let's hope not....
We need to think positive. As has been said, the guys are tired, injured and short-handed. Not excuses, just facts. The Lakers will be fine - they'll be in the playoffs & PJ will have them peaking at the right time. As fans, we want that to be yesterday (!) but all's good in Lakerland.
GO LAKERS!
The BEAN for MVP or NO PEACE!
Posted by: justanothermambafan | March 27, 2008 at 10:29 AM
ROLL CALL WILL RESUME TOMORROW AS WILL
THE FREAKIN LA LAKERS WINNING.
Posted by: Mamba24 | March 27, 2008 at 10:29 AM
Fire32,
Who was talking about the Suns? I've never seen a team's fans lose the season series 3-1 to another team and lose nearly every other big game against conference opponents and talk more trash.
Worry about yourself when the Suns are featuring 4 guys on the downside of their career in the starting lineup, Shaq decides it's no longer necessary to keep himself in shape or hustle and they're struggling to make the playoffs in the west. It will happen, ask the Lakers and Heat fans who all despise him now.
Lakers are imploding? We're 49-23, playing w/o two of oue 3 best players and we're imploding because we coasted in a game against the Bobcats? Please.
Posted by: Xodus | March 27, 2008 at 10:34 AM
Lakergurl,
"Even as a second rate, trying hard, copy cat"
Cheesy Line from an old Filipino Swank Film. I wish that quote was not used here. "wowwawee" lakergurl? OMG...
Posted by: Charles | March 27, 2008 at 10:36 AM
Thanks Sonny. I'm not familiar with any of Toby Keith's songs, so I sang it to the tune of Happy Birthday. Wasn't too great....
So I take it you enjoyed this loss? LOL, that's good.
I know you recently sent us news on the Sacramento's prevailing opinion on the MVP and COY. Any news on who you guys are looking at for draft picks? I'm not saying this in jest, I'm really wondering. You're draft position may not be so good being in 11th place....the top of the bottom dwellers isn't such a good place for talent.
Posted by: #4 | March 27, 2008 at 10:39 AM
Mamba24 Toad Floyd
Thanks for the holla!!!
Posted by: Charles | March 27, 2008 at 10:40 AM
yo mamba! its good to have a wingman...
hawler brudda!!
the rest of these fools get their panties ruffled up w/one loss, but not us baby!
anybody else wanna ride?
we gots room a plenty...
Ride or cry?
yer choice, but we're on it till the wheels fall off!
-Fowl Out
Posted by: Flagrant Fowl | March 27, 2008 at 10:49 AM
fire32, thanks for your contribution today. I think the Suns have gotten better. Don't know what that had to do with the Lakers, but still, FWIW, the Suns have gotten better.
At this point, the Lakers relevance to the Suns is absolutely nil. Both teams lost yesterday, so I think you should focus you collective anger on the fact that NO has found a way to stay on top, even with their lack of roster depth and big names other than CP3.
Posted by: #4 | March 27, 2008 at 10:50 AM
-Let's remember that Kobe has carried this team all season long. He is playing (over) extended minutes with a SPRAINED ANKLE, a cut up face, a finger requiring surgery, while missing our next two best starters. He should be allotted a couple bad games here and there. Geeeze.
-Without anyone drawing double teams, it was interesting to see the team's inability to get an open shot after Kobe left the game.
-If the Bobcats had a better coach, they would be in the playoff hunt in the East.
-People who think Chris Paul should be MVP over Kobe based on the team's record ignore the fact that, unlike the Lakers, the Hornets have been healthy all season long. If David West missed as much time as Bynum, the Hornets would be a 9 seed in the West.
Posted by: LAKER TRUTH | March 27, 2008 at 10:53 AM
Kobe took his team out of the system(even Stu mentioned it)by not passing the ball and then the Lakers had cut the lead at the start of the 4th quarter(if they were so tired,how were they able to do that?) and Kobe returned and the game was over....Kobe is NOT an mvp and the longer this season goes on he will prove that himself....
Posted by: neil | March 27, 2008 at 07:50 AM
neil,
I agree with the first sentence of your post. However, experts and those in the know have Kobe as a legitimate MVP candidate no matter what you think. Should the Lakers win the West and finish as the top seed and Kobe is chosen MVP I hope you don't come on here and state reasons why he shouldn't have won it because it would be a waste of time and pointless. I guarantee as I have before that the Lakers will be the top seed and Kobe will be MVP. Nuff said, the Samoan Hulk smash!!!
Posted by: Nemaia Faletogo | March 27, 2008 at 10:53 AM
TOAD:"Thanks for the props, man, !"
I'm only telling it like it is. You do good work bro.
Posted by: Mamba24 | March 27, 2008 at 10:55 AM
Xodus,
It was a polite way of saying.... Oh well, whats new? We're, long time Lakers fans all aware about Shaq's, how to say politely,., "shortcomings"? Where are those trolls now.. comparing "genuine" Shaq with "faulty" Kobe? Haedest working player in NBA vs. laziest a...?
Posted by: LAL_Fan | March 27, 2008 at 11:00 AM
"wowwawee" lakergurl? OMG...
Posted by: Charles | March 27, 2008 at 10:36 AM
Oh, so that's where it came from? My office mate was acting it out a long, long time ago after her vacation. I thought it was cute. If I was saying it in front of Sonny, you would have appreciated it. LOL.
Posted by: Lakergurl | March 27, 2008 at 11:17 AM
Tully Moxness:
Thanks!! What a great post!! People forget that Kobe's only human like the rest of us....although he shows signs of being superhuman on accasion.
Posted by: HoustonLaker(another Laker girl) | March 27, 2008 at 11:26 AM
Lakergurl,
Don't front on me ma... You are corny to the bone with movie quotes... Fess up.
lol
Posted by: Charles | March 27, 2008 at 11:37 AM
Good Morning Charles, Mamba24, PSLakerfan, Lakerman420, and the rest of Laker nation.
Sad loss last night. The lakers got eaten by the bobcats. We should have had an easy win but the Lakers, in my opinion the guys played very selfish ball it was like every player looked around to see if they could make an assist and then decided they couldnt so they tried to make the shot themselves. MOVE THE DAMN BALL!!!!!!!!!
While the Lakers played like crap the ref's screwed them over as well. This is a reality show now not basketball......oh lets see- The suns need to lose to Boston and the Lakers need to lose to charlotte ... lets make those ratings go up!
*shakes her head in dissapointment*
Sonny,
Wow. The song man...... I think I had an aneurysm.
Nice job though- just never thought I would see the Lakers and the Sound of Music put together.
Mamba24,
You wrote:
THE DROPPER:" Watching that game was like drinking too much whiskey and knowing that if you could just puke you'd feel much better for it in the morning but you pass out before you make it to the bathroom and then you wake up realizing you did puke but now you're laying in the middle of it and the girl you brought home (whose name you don't even know) has disappeared with your BMW and your wallet. I need another drink!"
Man is there too much whiskey? I know there was a fifth involved last night and its gone this morning, but I feel great!
Charles ,
Sorry you had to go to a dissapointing game, I guess that means you will be going to the one on Friday, hoping they can redeem themselves.
try and have a good day.
GO LAKERS
Posted by: Simi Laker Girl | March 27, 2008 at 11:44 AM
Tsphere:
Wow, a Waiting for Godot reference! You don't see that on the blog every day. I don't know if I'm more impressed by the reference or the implication that more than two people here would know what you're talking about. I love it. What's next? Reflections on Kant?
The D:
I visited the Hall of Suckitude once. I left immediately when they played the clip of Kevin McHale clotheslining Rambis. I hate that place! It....it....oh, what's the word I'm looking for...?
Posted by: Marty | March 27, 2008 at 12:16 PM