Questions a-wondered
A variety of inquiries rest uncomfortably on every Laker fan's mind as a showdown against the "solid in the east, not all that mind blowing by western standards" Washington Wizards approaches. Can the Lakers break their recent two-game slump against teams most pundits would classify as "beneath them" and regain sole ownership of the Pacific? Assuming the answer is "yes" (which would be great, because many a Laker Nation resident is noticing how much lower the sky looks these days), the mysteries then shift to personnel. What up with the walking wounded? Well, Andrew Bynum is considered close to a return and will board the plane with the team for next Sunday's upcoming two-game roadie (although not necessarily play in it). Save an unexpected setback, Pau Gasol should certainly be back in the swing of things by then. Tonight's status, however, remains up in the air, as he's still unable to get the lead out in pain-free fashion. Oh, and for those wondering how often Kobe Bryant naps, the answer is "not particularly often and always with the help of his daughters."
If T-Mac wants to avoid another offseason of soul searching, it would behoove him to win his first round match this year.
David Stern is concerned about teams tanking for ping pong ball purposes.
C.Webb had a great career, but one that will always make people either yearn for more, wish there was a real life reset button, or simply admit they don't quite know what to think of it.
NBA FANTASY LEAGUE TEAM OF YOUR DREAMS?
(Updated and revised for new thread)
Good morning everyone,
Frankly, I face tonight's game with some trepidation. After all, if you were GM of an NBA Fantasy Team, who would you start and who would you sit? If the Lakers had to follow NFL rules, their pregame injury report to the league would be something like this:
PROBABLE
Bryant (ankle, hand)
Fisher (foot)
Mihm (foot)
Odom (flu)
Vujacik (elbow)
Walton (ankle)
DOUBTFUL
Gasol (ankle)
INACTIVE
Ariza (foot)
Bynum (knee)
Who does that leave in the "healthy" category: Farmar, Karl, Mbenga, Newble, Radmonovic, Tujriaf. Three of whom have little or no playing time in a Laker uniform. That's three healthy players in the regular rotation. Two of them will end up starting. One will come off the bench. Hardly the NBA Fantasy Team of anyone's dreams.
Sorry to deliver such a reality check on a Sunday morning. Perhaps it is time for Jon K to join Gary Vitti's staff and administer those magical mineral salts.
Posted by: Rick Friedman | March 30, 2008 at 10:25 AM
SOUNDS LIKE KOBE LIKES HIS ROLE RIDING THE COATTAILS OF ANOTHER PLAYER ONCE AGAIN. (ALA SHAQ FOR 3 TITLES. OH I FORGOT SHAQ STOLE THE FINALS MVP TITLES FROM KOBE)
"The Lakers were 15-3 since Gasol entered the lineup on Feb. 5, but including the loss to the Hornets - during which he played just two minutes - Los Angeles is 4-5 without him."
Gasol Get Back Soon! KOBE NEEDS A LEADER!
Posted by: Gunner | March 30, 2008 at 10:26 AM
Good morning, Laker Nation.
Expect a win tonight and a valiant, bloody battle against Trolls during the game time thread.
Bring it on, Trolls!
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | March 30, 2008 at 10:34 AM
Behoove.....nice
Posted by: Gerbear | March 30, 2008 at 10:34 AM
My questions is this, are these annoucers (Stu and the other guy) calling games for LAker fans or Wall Street Laker haters?
Am I the only one in the world that has to listen to the traitor Stu Lance who always stick up for the other team and never the Lakers when there are obvious bad calls.
I am sick of him. He always calls the Laker games like hes the other teams announcer. He covers up every bad call. We always here about what the Lakers dont do even when a good play is made. We always hear about the other teams life and players. Not like Chic Hearn who live, rode talked and ate with Lakers of the past. You know he genuinely loved the team and while he was announcing we never heard Stu's mouth.
Am I the only person who is tired of listening to games with the sound off. I am an old athlete and let me tell you its sickening, Chic Hearn must be truning over in his grave.
Chic Hearn is having a fit in heaven and whats worse the LAKers are No. 1, but listening to Stu Lance and that other guy sounds as if I am attending a knitting party with the last place team. My God how much more can the LAkers and Kobe Bryant with all the injuries to be riding at the top of the league.
Why doesnt someone in thge LAkers Organization have the BALLS to stand up and say so. Stand up against the negative press. Jusat like this morning Van Gundy says since the LAkers lost 2 games this weekend Chris Paul should be MVP.
Last question, is Lakers management the same as STU and cast secretly KOBE HATERS TOO?
Athletes have BALLS please stand up for my team. What about James Worthey and Mike Cooper as LAkers announcers.
Finally, I have been a fan for more thean 30 years. Why Van Gundy making the kind of remarks and arguing on national TV against the bets player in the league except for hate and the lack of forgiveness.
Whats worse we get no repsect from the referees but to hear our announcers legitimize the other team calls. Is low as it gets
Posted by: Sir Clark | March 30, 2008 at 11:04 AM
I hope the Lakers watched the Bruins in the UCLA-Xavier game to get some idea of how to play defense.
Posted by: Amazing_Happens | March 30, 2008 at 11:17 AM
Amazing_Happens,
I agree. The Bruins play ugly ball, but it's beautiful when they win.
GO BRUINS!
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | March 30, 2008 at 11:34 AM
Sir Clark,
I have no problem with your post, but you lose a lot of credibility as a 30 Laker fan when you spell Chick without the K. CHICK HEARN. Other than that fine post............
Posted by: pslakerfan | March 30, 2008 at 11:34 AM
Game day people...................
Bynum is close.........Pau is closer..............
Soon we unleash the new look Lakers upon the league...................=).
I CANT WAIT !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: pslakerfan | March 30, 2008 at 11:41 AM
Good morning Laker Nation,
I still hold firm to my assessment that PJ is trying to ease the Lakers into the playoffs. Even after dropping the last three home games, the Lakers are still in a position to regain the lead in the West. I remember the three-peat seasons as being ones where somehow PJ and the Lakers would manage to loose on those days where it hurt the least and capitalize on those days where a win benefited the most.
These last ten games do qualify. Let us not forget about the BIG assist that Boston is giving the Lakers by single-handily (almost) preventing all the Western Conference teams from getting to 60 wins. Boston has not lost to a division leader this season! It's like Boston is looking as forward to a Finals matchup as we are and are giving us a big helping hand.
I STILL say; F the Celtics!
I look for us to get back to the top, or at least number 2 this week sometime.
--FearlessWhackJob
Posted by: FearlessWhackJob | March 30, 2008 at 12:10 PM
In the last week something happened in Lakerville to destroy the chemistry. We don't know what it was but something happened. If you listened closely to some of the quotes on the videos the last few games it spells
CHEMISTRY ISSUES. I find it curious that its popping up right at year end and they all seem to have quit just like last year.
I can only hope that with Bynum and Gasol coming back in days this will resolve whatever the issue is.
Get well Bynum and Gasol because if not this team will unravel. It is clear the other teams are taking advantage of the middle without having a Big in there and then our offense sucks because we aren't playing inside out, all we got is 27 footers all game. PATHETIC!
Lakers Forever! ..Bynum and Gasol get Back Soon!!
BD
Posted by: BD | March 30, 2008 at 12:11 PM
Sir Clark,
I totally agree with you. Do you also notice that when the other guy makes an observation, Stu contradicts him? Stu does the color commentating so the other guy has no room to make an observation. I turn off Stu Mr Negativity all the time.
Posted by: Revvy | March 30, 2008 at 12:18 PM
Jeff Aho
Jeff is that really you the same troll that calls the loose cannons and Money on the 570 am post game with your constant visceral and hate against Kobe.....And you call yourself a Laker fan.... F-U Jeff
Posted by: WHITE MAMBA24 | March 30, 2008 at 10:47 AM
570
Posted by: WHITE MAMBA24 | March 30, 2008 at 12:34 PM
Good morning Laker Nation!!!!!
Jon K, I hope you're feeling better
GAME DAY!!!!!
I know we're short bodies, but there can.be no excuse for not coming out with intensity, playing team D and running the offense, something we haven't done lately.we can't wait for anyone to come back before we start doing what it takes to win.
Count me among the folks who truly miss good announcers....I miss Chick in the worst way
LET'S GO LAKERS!!!!!WE NEED THIS WIN!!!!!#50 TODAY!!!!!
Posted by: toad | March 30, 2008 at 12:57 PM
Hello LAL friends!
Rick - hello to you and don't go changing your Laker fantasy team quite yet - we are coming back - I am feeling really good.
pslakerfan - ditto - shameful spelling error from sir clark.
I was chatting with my trainer about Bynum's rehab video. He said "sounds to me like he is ready to go" given some of the exercises I was explaining. He also added that the squats with the weights on his shoulders was not something they would be doing for someone with a knee sublation unless they were healed.....
So, my mind wandering aimlessly about this Laker walking wounded situation leads me to the following question. Didn't PJ at one point (maybe in Dec.) question Bynum's strength? I think I remember that somewhere.
Putting this all together leads me to believe that the Laker trainers are using this "free time" (not like we are losing to lame, crummy teams) to make AB bigger and stronger since he wouldn't have been able to have an effective strengthening program during the season. And maybe, just maybe with his return, he will be able to really dominate in center. Old Shaq being in the West now might have made them use the extra 4 weeks to make him become muscle man.
I hope someone can get/post a picture and show us the before and after. I will be curious as to Bynum's new muscle mass.
Okay - so Wizards tonight. Maybe the LA wizards can blend up a magical solution to defending our home court?
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: psychedlakergirl | March 30, 2008 at 01:20 PM
"Oh, and for those wondering how often Kobe Bryant naps, the answer is 'not particularly often and always with the help of his daughters.' "
Quote Matt Harpring in the article:
"I don't see many people in the real world taking naps during the day,''
Zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz - what?
Posted by: Johnson | March 30, 2008 at 01:26 PM
Toad,
Thanks, brother. I'm like Bynum. Still not back yet, but getting closer by the day.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | March 30, 2008 at 01:55 PM
I love Stu and if you listen to other announcers (especially the Celtics) there such homers. I'd rather have our guys tell it like it is !
Posted by: LALAKERLOVER | March 30, 2008 at 02:02 PM
I here a lot of people saying that injuries is no excuse for playing bad defense! Ok..ill buy that..but only to a point. All the coacing in the world won't make Luke..Fish..Farmar..and Rad play defense the way we think they should play. Our triangle is suppose to be ran with atleast 1 legitimate center (which we don't have healthy) and opposing teams will exploit that. Players that normally don't slash are slashing..and player that we have that normally don't expend mass amounts of energy on the defensive end are gettin worn out and yall are saying injuries shouldn't matter. Just Gasols presence on the court opens up the triangle alil more..and yall are asking Rad/Farmar/Luke to pick it up on the offensive end. Please..This is not the team that got us were we are today..only part of it. So yes..injuries does play a part other than now we have to extend minutes to players who nomally receive a limited amount. Wake up people..its not an excuse..when you watched Bynum go down that was real! When Pau twisted his ankle that was real! When Ariza broke his foot that was real to..but according to some of yall..we shouldn't be slumpin at all. I swear some of yall are the biggest weirdos I have ever seen. Were guna lose games..were guna lose games we should have won. Stop acting like Biatches and take the good (7-2 roadie)..with the bad (2 straight loses to bottom feeders)
Posted by: lakeraholic | March 30, 2008 at 02:27 PM
Jeff Aho
Jeff is that really you the same troll that calls the loose cannons and Money on the 570 am post game with your constant visceral and hate against Kobe.....And you call yourself a Laker fan.... F-U Jeff
Posted by: WHITE MAMBA24 | March 30, 2008 at 10:47 AM
Posted by: WHITE MAMBA24 | March 30, 2008 at 02:33 PM
psychedlakergirl,
Thanks for the positive vibes. Right back atcha. It will take all the positive vibes we fans can muster up to restore order in the Universe. Go Lakers!
Posted by: Rick Friedman | March 30, 2008 at 02:35 PM
Kobe only naps sometimes on defense.
Nyuk, nyuk, nyuk.
Posted by: Benjamin | March 30, 2008 at 02:48 PM
Okay, I'm getting desperate.
Let's put Jon K. in charge of Laker rehab.
Scary, scary, scary.
Posted by: Benjamin | March 30, 2008 at 02:51 PM
Game day people...................
Bynum is close.........Pau is closer..............
Soon we unleash the new look Lakers upon the league...................=).
I CANT WAIT !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: pslakerfan | March 30, 2008 at 11:41 AM
How about Ariza! Any word on him yet
Posted by: Ron | March 30, 2008 at 03:05 PM
It's funny, or maybe not so funny but I remember an article a few months back where all 15 Lakers were suited up and playing. The jist was it was the first time all Lakers were healthy and playing together.
So much for that. I do wonder if other teams have it as bad as the Lakers. Ok so Houston's been having big issues but teams like Phoenix, Spurs, New Orleans...almost all their guys are there.
It sure would be nice to see Bynum, Ariza, Pau, Kobe, Fish, Lamar, Machine, Mihm, Vlad, Ronny, Farmar etc all available to play at the same time.
Posted by: Bynumite | March 30, 2008 at 03:10 PM
I have my own theory about the Lakers of the last few days. I believe there is a directive to take it easy. It's not necesarily tanking games, but not over exerting themselves. IWhy? I site many reasons this may make sense:
1. With the injury in Dallas, it seems the final 8 has been decided, with Lakers being in. Seeding might be important, but I think the belief is having everyone healthy is more important than seeding, specially with a Laker team that has a good road record. Also, the schedule nearly guarantees a top spot for LA until the bigs get back, even with losses. Look at Utah today, they lost to Minnesota
2. The bigs guys are almost here, so, no need to injur yourself in these last few games (Fish proved that point.) before they get here. Save the energy for those later games, with them back.
3. Before these last few games, everyone looked tired, so what's the point in overexterning themselves. If they could win, excelent, if not, then, they're still a top team. (this is similar to my first point). But, I just want to emphesize that LA was spending to much Energy.
4. The attitude of some of the Lakers points to that. On the Memphis game, Kobe was upset with Luke's last play, right after it happened, but did you see the interview after the game? He was joking around.
5. The no need to overexert yourself also coincides with the No-Attack, shoot 3 pointers all day long play. PJ critices it, but, it's not like the Lakers have stopped doing it. Why hasn't he stopped that style of play? Well, because driving to the lane causes more tear.
6. The defense is even worse these last few days, it looks like they don't want to hurt themselves trying to block.
I honestly believe this is the reason for the way the Lakers have been playing. I believe they are taking it easy, just buying time for the calvalry to get here, without getting more injuries. I mean, look at the games with GSW, Turiaf nearly got injured, and Odom and Kobe played major minutes.
I do hope I am right, and that as soon as everyone is back, they'll turn it back on, and you'll see them attacking the basket again.
Posted by: DAN_T_MAN | March 30, 2008 at 03:17 PM
Championship Rings:
Phil Jackson: 9
Steve Nash: 0
Phoenix Suns: 0
Posted by: J.W. Weatherman | March 29, 2008 at 02:25 PM
This post that I came across today is far less relevant than:
Mike D'Antoni 2, Phil Jackson 0-
in head to head playoff competition
or,
Championship rings
Shaquille O'Neal: 4
Pau Gasol: 0
Andrew Bynum 0
Can we all agree the whole "ring" thing is completely irrelevant. Thank you.
Posted by: Samie | March 30, 2008 at 03:19 PM
I still hold firm to my assessment that PJ is trying to ease the Lakers into the playoffs.
-------FearlessWhackJob
Ease as in playing Kobe and Lamar to exhaustion?
Posted by: DO YOU SEE WHAT I SEE | March 30, 2008 at 03:47 PM
The respiratory virus that's been runnin' round LA is nasty. It's taken a few friends I know weeks to get back to full strength.
So, I don't expect Lamar to carry a full load tonight but hopefully his mates will compensate with a hi energy statement game from hell.
Posted by: Vman | March 30, 2008 at 03:47 PM
HOW COME PHOENIX IS 3rd and LAKERS 6th in STANDINGS.
WE TIED FOR THE PACIFIC AND WE OWN THE PHOENIX SERIES.. CAN SOME ONE EXPLAIN THIS?
Posted by: Disgruntled, Frustrated Laker Fan | March 30, 2008 at 04:01 PM
Stephen Curry plays like Kobe
Posted by: DO YOU SEE WHAT I SEE | March 30, 2008 at 04:17 PM
Where are the true Lakers fant at? We really need stop talking about Kobe being the MVP. Do you really think Kobe deserves it? Without Pau & Bynum, the lakers are .500 team maybe worse. Sometimes Kobe's poor too much shooting creates bad chemistry. That's why he can't be MVP. Let's stop talking a/bout a riduculous trophy. Let's hope the Lakers win a ring instead..The NBA Championship ring....What can you do with a trophy withhout a ring? Right...Stevey Nash? Let's stop praising Kobe as a an MVP..instead lets pull for the Lakers as a team to winn at ALL......Kungpau chicken anybody? ....nah...Kung PAU Kobe beef....lets go Lakers.....Spurs are getting hot at the right time.....lets get it together and win the rest of the games.....GO LAKERS!!!!
Posted by: willsterrr | March 30, 2008 at 04:36 PM
PJ and Mitch will be discussing whether to renew Newbie's 10 day after tonight's game.
I bet the discussion will include releasing Newbie if the Lakers can find a PG to sign for the rest of the season. If I believe correctly, that PG could then play in the playoffs.
The injury to DFish really creates a problem for the Lakers. The team is regularly being killed by penetration from quick PGs. Farmar has shown that he is not yet ready this season to be the starting PG. His offense may be there in some games but his defense is not there yet.
Newbie was signed to take the place of Ariza if Trevor couldn''t make it back this year. But now, with the injury to Fish, it really looks like the bigger need is for an experienced backup PG that can at least play on-ball defense.
Too bad, we couldn't sign up Ty Lue bec. he would have been perfect for this role. Knows the Lakers triangle and PJ and Kobe. Can at least move his feet quick enough to stay in front of other PGs. Too bad he chose to sign with Dallas instead. He must be regretting it now though since Dallas is probably not even going to be in the playoffs. He could have signed up with the Lakers and been in the right place, at the righ time to pick up his second ring.
AK, BK, do you know any PGs that are still available at this point?
Posted by: LakerinBC | March 30, 2008 at 05:07 PM
Btw, if LO is still not 100% back from the flu, I see the Lakers losing to the Wizards. It sounds like Gasol won't be playing tonight.
I really hope the Lakers are able to do the gut-check and play sane ball tonight and win.
The Lakers won't be able to beat any team if the second and third best players of the game are Mbenga and Luke like 2 nights ago.
We need big games from Rony especially, Vlad, Farmar and Sasha. I hope PJ risks giving some minutes to George's son and Newboy too. We need to do something different.
Posted by: LakerinBC | March 30, 2008 at 05:13 PM
Just watched the cavs game in the 4th quater Lebron tackled igudala 6 times and no call on the other end lebron drives it's a call evrytime it's just crazy they don't let Kobe play the physical defense while lebron is allowed to do evrything
Posted by: shneurson | March 30, 2008 at 05:26 PM
It's time to get the show rolling. Game preview over at LA Ball Talk... hopefully it will provide some ideas of interest...
Posted by: LA Ball Talk | March 30, 2008 at 05:30 PM
Gunner I guess Kobe was not a leader by not having the op!!
You are just as bad as the following people in history
1. Hitler
2. Stalin
3. Any KKK member
I assume you have not killed anyone but your pursuit of blind twisting of the facts to suit theories about a person or certain people is exactly the same!!!
I do not say Kobe is perfect but you assessment of leadership and ball hogginess is purely based on your personal hatred of him.
I am just tired of these continual attacks.
Why do hide behind the cloak of the blog!!
Why don't tell him to his face or write one of your articles and post it to him with your name own. You would not do that because you afraid of being sued and you are coward anyway. I bet you write your hate mail anomalously anyway
Please continue with your rants because at the end day when Kobe retires even if does win another title you will have to work the rest of your life while does not have to and I afraid in the grand scheme things he does give I second of thought about haters like you.
Peace!!!
Angry_Laker
Posted by: Angry_Laker | March 30, 2008 at 05:31 PM
- Injuries and fatigue are costing us the games. I can only imagine Kobe's frustration right now.
- Glad to see Mihm back. Even more glad that his contract is not long term.
- Luke is overpaid and so is Radman. Inconsistent is being generous when describing them. One of them has to go in the offseason. This season inconsistency will cost us in the playoffs. There is no room for mistakes.
- Stu calls the game well, our announcers are one of the most unbiased ones I hear in the league (I subscribe to League Pass) Their polar opposites are the duo sitting behind the mic in Boston - it's as if someone gave a drunk senile fan and his obedient sidekick the privilege of calling games for a storied franchise and they are overdoing it.
- Good news: when fully healthy, this Lakers team can destroy anyone. Even when not fully healthy, if we can get enough healthy bodies on the floor to provide actual support to our real starters we can play with the best of them in any style.
Posted by: Igor Avidon | March 30, 2008 at 05:54 PM
Does anyone have the link for tonight's Lakers game?
Appreciate it if you would post it here please.
Thanks!
Posted by: Robyn | March 30, 2008 at 06:05 PM
This why I find Laker fans and the Blog soooooooooo HILARIOUS because of the comments posted by both Gunner on Kobe's lack of leadership and Angry_laker's response to Gunner..
hahahahahaha.... and still cracking up here..
I look forward to seeing both Bynum and Gasol in line up, without one of them lakers revert back to same ol' boring team...yawn!!
Have no fear The Ladies man is here!!!
Posted by: The Ladies Man | March 30, 2008 at 06:10 PM
Dan_T_Man,
Good points, my friend.
I also see your theory as a possibility. Look at the game with Utah and Dallas, they came out with a purpose since they needed to make a statement with those 2 playoff bound teams. With the non-playoff contenders, they either were taking it easy or PJ was looking at the seedings.
So really, there is no need to panic!
Posted by: Robyn | March 30, 2008 at 06:19 PM
Igor, nice post....
Posted by: pslakerfan | March 30, 2008 at 06:27 PM