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Second verse, darn near same as the first

For the second time in two days, the Los Angeles Lakers play the Golden State Warriors and the results of this 123-119 victory sharing many a similarity with the previous day's loss at Staples.  For starters, the first half featured the Lakers having apparently learned no lessons from Sunday, since the opening 24 minutes of both contests featured the Lakers seduced by the Warriors' break neck style and jacking up long ball after long ball.   Like Sunday, wiser heads prevailed after halftime and the ball began moving around and inside again.  Like Sunday, Lamar Odom was Godzilla on the boards, becoming the first Laker in 13 years to snag 20+ in consecutive games.   Like Sunday, a few folks played through some pain (most notably Kobe Bryant, who left the Bay Area with gash below the the eye that most boxers would find nasty).  But there were a couple unique wrinkles to the follow up go around against these Warriors.  For starters, the OT period, one where the Lakers ground their way to the top (and admittedly benefited from a controversial call against Monta Ellis down the stretch).  The other notable difference?  A winning box score. That's probably worth noting, dontcha think?

Lakersblog readers either haven't noticed or are just shy about pointing it out in the comments, but Luke Walton's season hasn't always been up to snuff.  In particular, his outside shot has vanished, an issue Phil Jackson cited as the root of all most issues.  For a full description of his assessment, here's the pregame audio from yesterday's win.  Of course, just because you've become proficient while bombing doesn't mean you're automatically in the cat bird seat.  Sasha Vujacic, for example, has finally found that consistent stroke Laker fans have dreamed about since his rookie season.  And if he put that shot on display any more often during Sunday's game, he might have ended up in a morgue. 

The case for Kobe-MVP is growing by the game.

In the category of "things that don't earn you much respect in a cell block," we offer "throwing a beer on the Energy Solutions Arena court during the final seconds of a Laker game."

If Freddie Mercury was a Laker fan (and still alive, obviously), this is the ditty he'd have written.

Home court: Important and meaningless, all at once.

Donnie Walsh will soon take over as head of Basketball Operations for the Knicks.  Guess that franchise is unfamiliar with the old expression, "If it ain't broke, don't fix it."

Elton Brand is getting closer to a possible return to the court.  For Nene, however, the quest remains slow goings.

With Dirk Nowitzki sidelined indefinitely, it's not inconceivable to envision the Mavs' season ending in mid-April.

No word yet as to whether the Oklahoma City "Still-to-be-named" will formally acknowledge the existence of Slick Watts.   

Comments

Morning Fam!

*____________________*
Tuseday 25 2008 The Force is oh so in balance
The Lakers are in 1st Place & alls well with Laker Nation
*______________________________________
Good Morning CHARLES, KEIFO, VMAN, LAKERTOM, NEVER, FAITH
Good Morning LAKERTRUTH , ANGRYLAKER, RICK FRIEDMAN
GOOD MORNING FUTURE 15 TIME WORLD CHAMPION
LA LAKERS & LAKER NATION
*_______________________________
GAME GRADES: LAMAR A- KOBE B+, DFISH B-,
RONNY B, FARMAR C, VLAD/RAD B, LUKE B-
*
And Now Introducing THE BENCHMOB :
(03) Trevor Ariza (05) Jordan Farmar (01) Coby Karl
(10) Vladamir Radmanovic , (28) Didier Ilunga-Mbenga
(21) Ronny Turiaf (08) SashaVujacic (4) Luke Walton
*
Now The Lineup for the 14 Time WORLD CHAMPION LA LAKERS:
At center number 17 ANDREW BYNUMMMMMMMMM
At forward number 16 PAU GASOLLLLLLLLL
At forward number 7 LAMAR ODOMMMMMMMMMM
At guard number 2 DEREK FISHERRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR
At guard number 24 and the MVP - KOBEE BRYYYANTTTT
*
ROLLLLL CALLLLLLLL :
(1) FAITH, KEIFO, VMAN. JJ., CHARLES, BOB, EDWIN GUECO, TSIRY, TOAD
THA_SHOW, TIM-4-SHOW, THE LAKE_SHOW, DOC4daLakeShow, PIG MILLER
TALIQ, WESJOENIXON, MIKE T, ZAKEE, CLEON, SBPIMP, THE_D, TAOSHUM,
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TSPHERE, JANAYA, RDLEE, ELLE utzworld THE BANNER HOLDER DICE8UP
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TODD, ANDO, JCOOL, NIK KANNAN, LAKERFAZE, HOBBITMAGE, ARNIE, KOREY
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BLACKMAMBA24, BROWNMAMBA24, WHITEMAMBA24, MAMBA24FAN4LIFE
FANOFMAMBA JUSTANOTHERMAMBAFAN, MAMBA#5, JUSTALAKERFAN
VI LAKERFAN, LALFAN, ,DEREK, BENJAMIN, PSALAKERLOVER, AKR68, WOW
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Pince Akrasian, TexasLaker, EagleBoy, JR., BLKTHGHT06, SIGH, LAKERinBC
ANTHONY JOHNSON, MOKO, RICHARD, TULLY_MOXNESS, LAKERBAKE
t_Sensei, Brandon C. LAKERHOLIC, SEAN74, SEAD94, LONGLIVECHICK
Kinglakernidas, HUBBIT, RespectMyAuthorith, Hariyahu, MARTY, TRIPGAME3
Michael J, Michael H, Michael A., ALEXINH017, VIOLATER, Mainor, KIKOS_DAD,
LEELO, CriticalBeatDown, BLAZE1BX, SIMONE, BOBIE, , PHRED, SWETTUAL
Tajluck, , BerkleyLaker,CRAIG, RYAN, Rico Tico, NESTROSBISTRO, SLO_GAL
JR, Dascilla, Sean P. HollywoodJack, B4Hoops, HeWhoHOOPS, LAKER_LARRY
JAMIE SWEET, HAWAIID, ECAT124, SocalSpider, LAKOBER, JAY JAY, ASM
SAMLL, ALLANSY8, ChiTownLaker, RealityCheckTime, CORNER J. RealityBites,
LakerLifer, Todd Battles, East Nyboer, JoninJAPAN(INCANADA, PHIL JACKSON
*
ALL TOGETHER NOW:
WE ARE THE FREAKIN LA LAKERS THE WINNERS OF 14
SOON TO BE 15 NBA TITLES. THE TEAM WITH THE BEST
WINNING PERCENTAGE IN NBA HISTORY. THE HOME OF WILT
KAREEM, GEORGE MIKAN, SHAQ, MAGIC, KOBE, ELGIN BAYLOR,
THE LOGO(JERRY WEST), PAT RILEY, JAMES WORTHY,
BOB MCADOO, "BIG SHOT ROB HORRY" GAIL GOODRICH
THE LEGENDARY SPORTSCASTER CHICK HEARNS .
COACHED BY THE 9 TIME TITLE WINNER PHIL (9RINGS) JACKSON
& OWNED BY THE BEST D@MN OWNER IN SPORTS DR. JERRY BUSS
AND THE ONLY ONE WHO CAN EVER DEFEAT OR DIVIDE US IS US

OK – Trust me this is freakin’ awsome —

My favorite line set to Bohemian Rhapsody:

"So great , now Pau has come
send shivers down my spine ... Pop’s complaining all the time
goodbye everybody we’ve got Gasooool
gonna leave you all behind an take the jewels..."

It’s worth your time ... believe me.

http://tinyurl.com/26z6a5

Agreed on Luke. He hasn't been the same since his injury...Then again, other than the fast start last season, he hasn't been much of a consistent offensive threat. When Luke and Radman are on the court, it puts me on edge.

VLAD RAD is the key to the season.

Im telling you guys, if Phil would swallow his pride and invest in raising this Vlade's confidence instead of constantly destroying it, this team would be a championship caliber team with our without Bynum or Gasol (but not both).

Dont get me wrong, I love rest of the role players outside of Kobe/Gasol/Bynum- like Odom, D-Fish, Odom, Sasha, Jordan, Ronny, Luke,Ariza, - but Vlad will be the key to the championship. Mark my words Laker nation: if Vlade averages less than 10 points for the remainder of the season and the playoffs, kiss our championship dreams goodbye.

The Foul! The Foul! The Foul!

SF Bay area papers are going nutso over the Fisher "flop".

Convenient of them not to mention:

- Kobe's "Lane Violation" ridiculous call
- Bad call on Lamar's "3 second defensive violation'
- Bad call on Kobe's "charge"
- Bad call on Lamar's "over the back"
- Several non-calls on several blatent GS push-offs and reaches (see pic of Luke Walton/Stephen Jackson in LA Times for reference)

AND

The fact that the Warriors got the game on Sunday handed to them when the refs swallowed their whistle on another offensive foul by Monte Ellis.

But yeah, it was all Fisher "Flopping" despite being bowled over and being rubbed on a moving screen. Uh huh. Go with that GS, I'm sure it'll work wonders for you.

If Vlade is in the game he has to be aggressive and do like Lamar did if necessary, demand the ball....No way Vlad should play 20 something odd mins and not get at least 10 shots up...


GO LAKERS

Repost:

That was a nail biter. I thought we should have won that game in regulation, but at least we won.

Is it me, but do you feel like a child waiting to open your xmas presents when we get our three 7footers in rotation? (With the hope of Ariza coming back. I honestly feel he is done for the season.)

Anyways, here is an article by a writer from Hoops World and I have seen him "supposedly" post here before. (Preetom Bhattacharya)

http://tinyurl.com/2wp5ey

I know the topic has been argued to death. But have a great one you guys!

How does Jon Amechi being gay have anything to do with someone throwing a beer on the court in Utah?

Toad, Floyd, Rick Friedman, justanothermambafan! Chest Pound to my people!

Jay Jay, glad to have you back!

Love that Mamba24 guy!

J.W. Weatherman, that for the article update!

Have a great day!

*_________________________________*
IT’S PLAYOFF TIME & IF THEY WEAR
PURPLE & GOLD, GOOD OR BAD
I’M FOR THEM BANDWAGON
*_________________________________*
(01) RICK FRIEDMAN - Driver and Owner
(02) TIM-4-SHOW riding Shotgun
(03) MAMBA24 –
(04) BOZZ – Director of security
(05) PIG MILLER – Director of Overtime
(06) XODUS – Director of Publicity
*___________________________________*
I HATE THE CELTICS BANDWAGON
*___________________________________*
(01) EAST COAST JESSIE – Owner
(02) FEARLESSWHACKJOB - Drver
(02) MILO RAMBALDI- --Team Prophet.
(03) MAMBA24 – East Coast Jessie’s BodyGuard
(04) LAKERFAZE – Taught KG how to Dunk

I love the fact that we are still able to beat playoff teams without Gasol and Bynum.

Lamar is playing the best I've ever seen him play. I'm glad he wasn't traded. We need to get our big men back so Lamar doesn't wear down banging down low with the opposing centers.

Turiaf has turned out to be a very good player. I hope we can resign him, I know other teams are going to throw some money at him.

We get our bigs back and I like our chances.

WOW - a pre-playoff ROLL CALL by Mamba24!!!!

I LOVE IT - smells good mamba24, smells good...LOL!

Don't forget to add me to the "Lakers win out" bandwagon and, of course, the "I hate the Celtics" bandwagon, cuz I really do hate the Celtics!! OMG - I LOVE THIS GAME!!!!

Can't wait for tomorrow - we should beat the tar out of them in the first half and then rest the starters in the 4th. I would absolutely LOVE to see some Coby Karl and BengDiddy time.

GO LAKERS!

The BEAN for MVP or NO PEACE!

*________________________________________*
LAKERS WIN OUT - STARTING
MAR.24 BANDWAGON
*__________________________________________*
(01) FEARLESS WHACK JOB - Driver & Secret Owner
(02) MAMBA24 - Riding Shotgun
(03) GLENN - Reports directly to 9Rings
(04) FANOFTHEMAMBA – Director of Security

Shoulds

LO should have made 2.

Luke should secure the rebound.

It should have been a no call with Fish... as he said.

The refs should ref better.

Ronny should avoid unforced errors in crunch time.

The Lakers should win with a 9 point lead with 3 minutes, 7 under 2.

We should all be happy to say goodbye to Golden State until we're at full strength.


Great game,

It is a shame it had to end on that offensive foul call. I felt that the Lakers were going to stop 1-800-gswhoops, but I do agree it was a controversial call, maybe a no call, or it could have gone the other way with two freethrows (yikes!). When your on top, you get those calls (i.e. San Antonio) btw where is the Lakers defense late in the games? Luke let Ellis have an easy layup at the end of regulation, cmon Lakers lets have some hard fouls

Good win for the lakers, I was happy to see Odom hit the game winner. Kobe was Kobe despite another poor shooting game overall but the difference makers were Odom and Sasha.

I dont understand why Phil and Kobe keep talking about being shorthanded after games. You cant worry about who isnt playing, you go with the guys who are playing.

lakers and GS would make for a great 1st round matchup

Good morning LAL friends - AK/BK, Charles, Mamba24 et al!

Good win for LAL and I won my neighborly ongoing side bet. Even my neighbor who is the GSW fan (we were watching together) said he felt Fish was already on his way down when he reached out for Monta.

That Laker Rhapsody is AWESOME! Love the Pau Gasol part.

GO LAKERS!

Good Morning Mamba24, Good Morning Charles, Good Morning Laker Nation!

UGLY win. Simply UGLY! Couldn't even post yesterday after the 72 point half, and 63 last night was no fun either.

Three words:

Focus. Intensity. Defense.

We need all three for 48 minutes, not just the second half. Make the other team play our style, not let them play theirs. How can we get to see Coby if we can't put teams away in the first three quarters?

And, what ever happened to Tacos? Gotts put Jack out of business.

Can't wait for the 7 footers to come back.........AK/BK........what's the latest on Pau and Chris?

LETS GET IT GOING LAKERS!

Mamba24..........I'm jumping on that I HATE THE CELTICS bandwagon!

AK/BK/anyone - does anyone know where I can get the points in the paint splits by half for yesterdays game?

Ifs unfortunate that Vlad and Luke are getting the opposite treatment, but I think its more psychological strategizing by Phil.

Build up someone who is down, whittle down someone who is confidence borders on overconfidence. I think Phil is working that in the background somewhere. Kinda like what he did with Sasha and Kwame (although it never worked with Kwame).

Wasabi,

The same way when Madsen and Samaki Walker was on the court? I can't say Samaki and Jelani McCoy, Because when Jelani was on the court, it meant we had a huge lead a la Coby Karl.

Adam

I don't think he's the key but I posted a similar thought on the last thread.

It would be nice to see PJ show some confidence in Vlad, let him work through that haze he gets into. Defense can be worked on. When he's not lookin' over his shoulder at Phil, he seems to get his share of stops though he did look a bit lost last night.

He draws defenders away from Kobe which Luke can't seem to accomplish. Other players have mentioned it. When they feel as if Phil is waiting for your least mistake, it affects their play.

People, it was a flop. Even Fish admitted that he was surprised that the ref blew the whislte. He thought it was a no-call. I agree, there should have been no call on the play.

Please, let's call it what it is -- a gift. It happens. We'll take it. Thanks god they didn't get off a three. It would have probably gone in. So let's be good sports and concede that fortune was on our side in the last 3 seconds and we got a break.

Whew! What a 2-game set that was. Best of the season for sure.

GOOOOOOOOOOODDD MOOOOOOORRRRRRRNIIIIIIIIIIIIIIING LAKER NATION!

Hey! Hey! Hey! Wudda you say about last night? What a fight! It was a slug fest. In the end, of course, the Lakers gave 'em the knockout blow in OT!!! What a team we have! Did you see the box score? We had 7 DNP's.....7!!!!! And we still looked like a playoff ready team. Kobe Bryant...what can you say about him that hasn't already been said? UUUuuuHHHhhUUUHH....MVP! MVP! MVP!!!!!! Lamar was a hero last night as well as Sasha. I know his FG % wasn't great but he was a +16. Thats gotta say something. All around contributions from everyone was the key last night. I think I saw some yelling between players though and I was a little worried about that. We are on the way to a great finish and it's gonna be a good one!!!!

IT'S TIME TO WATCH THE LAKERS AND DRINK A BEER, TOKE A BOWL AND SCREAM AND CHEER!!!!!!

LAKERS 4 LIFE BABY!!!!!!!

LakerMan 420

Weatherman,

Actually, it's not nothing to do with Amaechi. I was reading that article off hoopshype and must have accidentally linked it. The correct article is now in there.

Thanks,

AK


Vlad Rad? Are you kidding me?

The Lakers hurt themselves when they don't penetrate and kick it to him because that is all he's good for right now.

He reminds me of Baron Davis on defense!! Have you ever watched Vlad Rad and Baron Davis on Defense? They both look tired, lazy, and sooo disinterested on defense..But on offense they all of a sudden wake up!

repost---

Good Morning Charles---Good Morning Everyone....

Great game and a much needed victory, I don't even care if that last call was a little suspect--it probably should have been a double foul or a no call maybe--but throughout the game there is enough questionable calls that usually tend to even things out---in this case maybe not---plays down the stretch (missed free throws, turnovers, bad calls etc.) are always magnified, even though a missed free throw or turnover or bad call at the first of the game is just as game altering....

I do know that I am sick to death of the lame ass stack play we run at the end of games-(both teams ran it last night)---it has got to be the most unimaginative play in basketball--no screens, no sharp cuts, no rubber bands, nothing---most of all Phil.....wait for it.....IT DOESNT WORK!!

I can't believe a Pro team with assests up the wazoo, (ie film, coaching staff, unlimited practice time, years of experience, talented big fast atheletes etc) can't come up and run a better unbound play than a 4th grade city league team (you should see some of those plays!!!)

As great as Lamar is playing of late (thanks buddy--keep it up!), every once in a while he has to remind of why his mom named him Lame-ar....somebody hide his bong....don't they have someone on the coaching staff assigned to that task?

Positives for Puke: well he made a nice looking jumper, a lay up and both his free throws.....only 22 years left on his contract...

I do disagree strongly that we play better with Puke in the game--he is too much of a liability (a known one at that) where we get to see the merits of playing 4 on 5.

Intangibles? That word gets linked with Puke because it is intangible why he gets so much playing time---and also we don't really have a stat for lameness and ineptness....

someone had to say "high basketball I.Q." and Puke again and so I disemboweled myself--I am going to look funny at work today with my intestines hanging out---they are supposed to be inside your skin I think.....

I really loved those "high basketball I.Q. "passes last night---I should have included them in Puke's Positives apparently...

WHO HAS THE SHARPER HAIR? Beidris or Kerilinko? and who can spell their names correctly--not me obviously...

WHO HAS THE BETTER PATTERN OF RUTS IN THEIR SKULL? Harrington or Boozer?--may have spelled those guys names correctly....maybe...

I really thought the Warrior anouncers were very good and pretty equitable--right up until that last play---then they just went off--I was expecting a little bit of doubt--maybe that play was as bad a call as they said---oh well we won and JIMMY CRACK CORN....

Last night's game, unlike Sundays', we got to 100 first and that Clipper dude was proven correct once again---maybe that should be a real goal in every game....

Farmar is playing well, is a very good player, and will only get better--yes he does make rookie type mistakes--but he is for real I think--there is no way he merits any bashing---let's save that for a truely deserving player who's contract may end up costing us several players (and free agents) we really need...let's see...who can that be.....

Monta Ellis would be a pretty good addition---I wouldn't mind that at all---it seems like the tide has turned and that the Lakers will once again be attracting free agents....everyone wants to play for a dynasty.....

YET ANOTHER GREAT DAY TO BE A LAKER FAN !!!

GO LAKERS !!!

mamba 24-

I was born to hate the Celtics, I was RAISED to hate them. add me to the I hate Celtics bandwagon.

Hey Mamba24 would you ad me to the IT’S PLAYOFF TIME & IF THEY WEAR
PURPLE & GOLD, GOOD OR BAD
I’M FOR THEM BANDWAGON and the I HATE THE CELTICS BANDWAGON please? We cocked, locked and ready to rock! Wait 'till the league get a look at THE BEAST OF THE WEST!!!!!

IT'S TIME TO WATCH THE LAKERS AND DRINK SOME BEER, TOKE A BOWL AND SCREAM AND CHEER!!!!

LAKERS 4 LIFE BABY!!!!

LakerMan 420

I just want to thank KCAL for making Laker fans look like idiots by doing their obligatory text-message "poll".

PsychedLakerGirl,

Tip of the hat to ya!

*___________________________________*
I HATE THE CELTICS BANDWAGON
*___________________________________*
(01) EAST COAST JESSIE – Owner
(02) FEARLESSWHACKJOB - Drver
(02) MILO RAMBALDI- --Team Prophet.
(03) MAMBA24 – East Coast Jessie’s BodyGuard
(04) LAKERFAZE – Taught KG how to Dunk
(05) TOAD – Once beat Larry Bird in a game of horse

PLS. READ!!!
Have you ever read or watch today's Yahoo Sports Ball Don't Lie? Its about Kobe in Youtube titled "Lakers Rhapsody song". PLS. WATCH IT

BOTSOY

OK - THIS IS JAY JAY AND I'M BACK!

Last time the Lake Show came up here (I live in NorCal) I went to the game and tried to post a four paragraph game dissection but the friggin site kept asking me to copy letters and even when I did it wouldn't let me through. So I got discouraged.

Well I guess the K bros got that one fixed AND I went to the game last night, so its the perfect time to make my return.

NOTES ON THE GAME -

LAMAR - what more can be said? He was a Beast on the Boards totally outplaying Beidrens and Wright and blocking and altering shots almost at will. Without Pau and Drew the glass is our big weakness, and he soldiered up and was masterful. Some of his blocks and boards were awesome and without him we wouldn't even have been close - really!

D-FISH - man it seemed like he shot 90% from 3 range not 40%. It seemed like every time the Warriors were about to pull away he'd drop in a trey. Toward the end, every time he got the ball all the Warriors fans would go "uh-oh." The guy has the heart of a champion and I think he's the big reason we've accelerated to this level. And that's not even mentioning his clever veteran play on Ellis at the end to draw the foul that clinched it.

KOBE - actually had a weak game for him - he seemed tired. But you can always count on him at game's end. He brought us back in the third quarter. And even when he's not perfect, he draws enough double teams to free guys up.

SACHA - I assume Faith is still on the blog so I have to apologize to her, but I HATE this guy. He thinks he's freakin Kobe every time he gets the ball and shoots at will no matter how ill advised. If Lamar hadn't fought off two Warriors for that board of Sacha's last awful attempt we'd have lost the game. And the OT play where Ellis stripped him of the ball nearly lost it for us as well. (I saw it coming but he couldn't hear me warn him from the 16th row).

At the pregame shootout I watched Coby Karl hit 8 threes in a row and I honestly think it'd be fine to let Sacha go next year and develop CK Instead. He's got smarts from his daddy and sort of reminds me of Luke, but with an outside shot.

Well that's it for now. Good to "see" y'all again. And as Arnold says "I'll be back...."

JAY JAY

Botsoy -- I agree it's great, I provided the link above (approx three down)

Mamba24 in the house -- pls add me to the Celtic Loathing Bandwagon and the 55 win bandwagon -- I know I'm a late commer to that one, but come on!! Make room will you?

*__________________________________*
WELCOME BACK JAY JAY BANDWAGON
*__________________________________*
(01) CHARLES - Owner
(02) LAKERFAZE - Driver
(03) MAMBA24 - SECURITY

AK,

Sloppy linking, it won't be tolerated. Sharpen up, or we'll have to replace you with a bench blogger! I came up with a new motto for you, treat it like a mantra:

"Think before you Link!"

PJ appears to be aware of Luke shortcomings and yet put's him in unsuccessful situations that expose him even more. I think that PJ needs to really change his rotation of players based on their strengths and skill need for each game, that way Luke would be less exposed when on the floor for purple and gold!

BTW Ira Newble needs to be used during this strech to see how his defense can help and his ability to rebound and shoot the ball PJ has sat this guy and he chose LA over Clevland to sit on bench like Jimmy Jackson!

What up y'all!

Booyah! Another W on the schedule for the mighty Lakers. I swear, I amost sprained my ankle jumping at the screen last night when the refs made some of those calls. Lane violation?! Let 'em play it out refs, let 'em play it out. But still, some positives including Sasha's shooting and LO's rebounding, and negatives being Sasha's dribbling and lackluster defense in the first half. So sweet to get revenge against the mini-Funs on their own court, I can't even imagine what it would be like if we got them in the first round...

IT’S PLAYOFF TIME & IF THEY WEAR
PURPLE & GOLD, GOOD OR BAD
I’M FOR THEM BANDWAGON
*_________________________________*
(01) RICK FRIEDMAN - Driver and Owner
(02) TIM-4-SHOW riding Shotgun
(03) MAMBA24 –
(04) BOZZ – Director of security
(05) PIG MILLER – Director of Overtime
(06) XODUS – Director of Publicity
(07) LAKERMAN420 – Director of Unity
*___________________________________*
I HATE THE CELTICS BANDWAGON
*___________________________________*
(01) EAST COAST JESSIE – Owner
(02) FEARLESSWHACKJOB - Drver
(02) MILO RAMBALDI- --Team Prophet.
(03) MAMBA24 – East Coast Jessie’s BodyGuard
(04) LAKERFAZE – Taught KG how to Dunk
(05) TOAD – Once beat Larry Bird in a game of horse
(06) LAKERMAN420 – Told Red Auerbach where to put his cigar

Jay Jay,
thank you for bringing the truth on Sasha.

This guys shoots with no conscious like no other.

He is the J.R. Smith of our team. Shoot shoot shoot, nothing else.

But when he does do something else (like Pass to Lamar) something good can happen.

I am just so mad that every time Sasha brings it up court something bad is imminet. Hey Sasha, just give the rock up and shot when you are open!

This guy can be a 50% 3pt shooter if he would just calm down...

When did Ronny Turiaf channel in his inner Boris Diaw?!

The frenchman must be talking because Ronny is way too passive in the lane lately...

Ronny you got skillz, go to the rack strong!

Everyone is crying about the call last night including Skip Bayless on ESPN this morning. We Lakers fans have been screaming at the refs at lot this season for missed or bad calls so it's nice to see us get one to go our way for a change. It just shows how many Laker haters are out there and cry whenever the Lakers win. The Warriors get away with so much reaching and slapping it's ridiculous. The Warriors do so much reaching from behind and don't get called for it but when Kobe does it, he ususally gets called for a foul. All that matters is that we won the game.

I think PJ picks on Rad to much. Personally, I think Rad is a better player than Luke Walton and yet I don't see PJ ripping into Luke when he screws up on defense or turns the ball over. At least Rad can hit a few open shots and his defense is definitely no worse than Luke. It goes to show how PJ may be partial towards some players.

In regards to Jordan Farmar, I've posted several times on here that he's become more obsessed personal numbers and duel with Sasha Vujacic. Earlier in the season Farmar was playing more team oriented ball, making good decisions and hustling on defense. For some reason whenever he and Sasha are in the game together, they wage a three point shooting contest betweeen themselves and won't pass to each other unless absolutely necessary. Sasha is a gunner and Farmar has followed suit which has hurt his game big time. That's why after several misses from beyond the arc, PJ pulled Farmar out. Although I don't like that Sasha just chucks up threes, that's his game and he has a gunner's mentality, but that is not Farmar's game and he needs to realize it. Farmar is in there to control the tempo(quicker pace)of the game, run the offense, involve his mates, attack the basket and pick his spots(shoot the wide open three when it's there). PJ mentioned that Sasha's mates were irritated with his penchant for just jacking up quick shots which probably helps explain Farmar falling into the same trap himself even though he's not that type of player and that's not his type of game. A great Theologian once wrote that "we have much more to fear from within than from without." In other words, internal turmoil, jealousy, selfishness may be the Lakers undoing more than any of the other contenders we'll face in the playoffs. Farmar, Sasha and the rest of the bench need to understand and know their roles, fulfill it and get back to playing loose and having fun. Go Lakers!!!

Mamba;

"Toad - once beat larry bird ina a game of horse"

LOL!

And, it sure was a biatch throwing that horse over the building, across the freeway, off the bleachers,..............

HEY MAMBA24!

Put me on the I HATE THE CELTICS bandwagon please!!

Celtic Hater here, born, raised, and passing it on to my kids. I'm on that bandwagon in a heartbeat.

I think my tombstone is going to say "Smoke this, Red". Haven't passed that one by the wife yet though.

#4

Good Morning Charles, BLOG CRUE

It's a beautiful day in Colorado Springs.

Colorado loves the Lakers!

what is lil jon doing in Utah???

Repost from bottom of long previous thread

Ed

JustaLakerfan,

"Give Luke a rest and let him heal."

That's a great idea and let's petition that to the Coaching Staff, there is Ira or Coby on the bench to replace Vlad or Sasha. To replace Ronnie, go back to DJ, somehow this 7 footer can block shots and rebound. That's what Kobe, lamar and Fish need, somebody act like Ronnie Turiaf in the post when he's in the bench. For Luke, put him in the injury list and let him recover from bad plays. That is the best PJ mind games can do to help him.

Posted by: Edwin Gueco | March 23, 2008 at 10:02 PM
========================
Thanks for the response and I will take this time to give my take on Luke.

I have read both the Luke Sucks comments and he has high basketball IQ and has talent. I think the truth lies in between.

I have watched both and come to the conclusion Luke does suck. But wait I want to qualify that. Yes he sucks this year and has brutally been called out for it this year.

But the key is this year. I have watched Luke improve every year he has been in the League up to his contact year and he did deserve what he worked for. He has consistently tried to improve. I do believe Luke has talent and can play very good BB.

Now if he dess suck this year then the question is why?

It comes to 2 things or both which are a mental block or physical block.

Mental block because he can't improve on his drives to the basket in traffic which usually results in a turn over and has lost faith in his shot.

Or he still has lingering injuries which is not letting him do what he does best and play to his skillset and is trying to do too much and failing to do so. Maybe he is trying to emulate Kobe and trying to play through pain and injury.

Well Kobe is an incredible human being with an unbelieveable constitution to heal and play through injury and block out pain.

As Kobe has shown he has consistently played great through pain and injury/illness. He came back a couple of days after a shoulder injury when the estimate was 4-6 weeks. Most players could play through does conditions and still excel including Luke. So now with the help until Ariza went down but now with Ira let Luke rest and heal. I would rather have a rested and healed Luke for the playoffs than a lingering injured player doing what he has no control over.

Let Luke rest and heal.

Posted by: JustaLakerFan | March 24, 2008 at 06:02 PM

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Andrew and Brian Kamenetzky
Andrew and Brian Kamenetzky are contributing writers to ESPN The Magazine and ESPN.com, and co-authored Fishing on the Edge, the autobiography of 2003 Bassmaster Classic champion Mike Iaconelli, bass fishing's bad boy. While both grew up in St. Louis without NBA basketball, Andrew became a die hard Lakers fanatic after moving to L.A. to attend USC. That he managed to find a job requiring him to obsess over his favorite team, the same activity that prompted him to waste time while working other jobs, is pretty incredible. As for Brian, his baptism into pro hoops fandom has been provided by the "All Lakers, All The Time" citizens of Los Angeles. Beats the hell out of covering the Bucks.
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