That Kobe Bryant fella: He'll probably stick in the league
Obviously, nothing is certain in this crazy NBA world we're all witnessing, but when a guy has a game like the one Kobe Bryant enjoyed on Sunday, one that powered a 108-104 OT win over the Mavs, the odds of carving out a career appear to increase dramatically. It's not simply a matter of Kobe racking 52 points (although in and of itself, ain't all that shabby). It's when, how, why those points were accrued. For example, if credentials are created by taking over down the stretch, then Kobe's 22 points in the fourth frame and the octet in overtime likely serve as formidable resume filler. Props were also owed for going 15-15 from the line during that time period. Pretty good in any case, but particularly noteworthy under these "Kobe spent the opening three quarters struggling to sink a charity stripe shot" circumstances. But most importantly, the reasons for Kobe's late minute theatrics. His teammates couldn't get it going in steady fashion and needed The Mamba to manufacture a triumph.
Wanna hear something ironic? A large part of why Kobe could take over was Avery Johnson often opting to leave him in single coverage, because, unlike during previous seasons, his teammates can't remain unmanned for long stretches. Kobe would wholeheartedly concur. He likes his new buddy Pau Gasol (whom the Mavs consider a changer for L.A.). He likes his buddy LO (who took on the lion's share of Dirk-guarding duties, no cake walk), his 2008 long distance runner-in-crime. And a lot of people like Kobe's chances at MVP.
The box score serves as another reminder for the Mavs that, to quote U2, they still haven't found what they're looking for on the road with Jason Kidd in the fold (of course, they've also yet to play with Ty Lue, although that should be changing soon). The Lakers can follow that feeling themselves to some degree. They come out on top, yet lose their hold on the choicest of W.C. real estate. Marc Stein is also garnering them #2 status (Marty Burns of SI did him one lower). Maybe they've been listening to the Times' Mark Heisler, who remains a bandwagon holdout.
William Henry Parker and his employers remain on the same payroll, if not- and quite possibly never- the same building. To quote "The Breakfast Club," Smush and Starbury should get together and go bowling.
America may not be perfect, but it still represents hope. Just ask Kareem and DJ Mbenga.
Watching Around The Horn and Adande said that LeBron should be the MVP because he has less(supporting cast)to work with right now than Kobe. He wants to make this argument right now for James when we've been saying the same thing the past two years about Kobe's supporting cast. I just don't get some people...
Posted by: Nemaia Faletogo | March 03, 2008 at 02:15 PM
Mamba 24....you blog to your heart's content, my man!!
I know it's crazy, but when I see my handle on the roll call, well, it just makes me feel good!! Kind of like a baby's smile always makes me feel good. Thanks, Mamba!
Posted by: bronxlakerfan | March 03, 2008 at 02:17 PM
Laker Lover,
Are you crazy, dilusional, playing the devil's advocate, or just plain silly wrong?? Perhaps all of the above. I get heated when this argument comes up for Lebron. He has more holes in his game than a shooting range target. Fact is, weaker conference, weaker record, lends for a no contest for MVP. He is not a better scorer than Kobe, and if numbers do not lie, 81 points speaks fairly loudly. Kobe has turned it down offensivley, just to turn it up defensivley. I can recall at least 10 times this year where Kobe has come out of the sky and denied an opponet from dunking the ball, including a game saver against Utah and Kilenko. Not to mention the pressure of defending the best player on the other team every night. He dominated D-Wade just this last weak. Need i remind you, everyone else is playing with a full set of fingers. Sure a pinky seems like a small deal, but dealing with my own pinkie injury now, i can not even hold/swing a golf club, and have been forced to play ball with my left hand(and I still tear it up, (Kobe is inspirational.)) Fact is, unlike Hollinger would like to believe, numbers do not tell the whole story, and if you don't believe that, ask the man who you think is the MVP. And as Bron Bron puts it so aptly, Kobe Bryant is the best player in the NBA today. Lebron's time will come, but only with #24 or #8, or whatever number that magician of a basketball player wears is in a rockin chair. Good luck justifying the argument to yourself, cause it just doesn't fly with me.
Posted by: Nik Kannan | March 03, 2008 at 02:19 PM
BrandonC - i dont think you will see Gasol get stronger, hes an european player, thats how they play. More of a finesse than power game. He is still a good player, not an all star, but he can score.
I know laker fans are envisioning Bynum making all of these offensive rebounding woes go away but Bynum will be playing the center, Gasol PWs ike Duncan Boozer and Amare in the west. Unless the defense is switched up, there is no reason to think Gasol will defend them any better than he has Erika Dampier, Aldridge , and Hortford. Not one of those guys is even an all star.
Posted by: Laker Lover | March 03, 2008 at 02:19 PM
Meeting Denver in the first round would be the perfect set up but I'm not entirely sure they will hang on to a spot the way they've played as of late. They don't seem to have the push needed to finish games lately and they look tired at times. That being said I truly believe the only team to concern me at all would be the Spurs and their experience. I know that D-Fish can keep up with Tony Parker initially but I don't know if he can do it for 40 some odd minutes per game.. Jordan Farmar seems to have a ton of energy but can he keep up with the lightning quick Parker? If Bynum comes back in early April and can get a few games in to at least get back in game shape to give Timmy D a push then I think he can eventually wear him down towards game 3 or 4 in a series and PAU! can do the same with his athleticism... that leaves KB to torch a slower Bowen who's not the defensive force he's been in the past without hacks and fouls (and KB24 should get those calls).. Things look beautiful in Lakerland!!!!
Posted by: ThaDreamer | March 03, 2008 at 02:23 PM
Angry_Laker,
Solid post. You must have been talking about a post I made somewhere regarding Jon K. Doesn't matter, we are a Laker family here, and every now and then someone comes over to visit (like Sonny Brokeback Fast or Fire that Number 32 Guy). Despite our guests, we all enjoy frequenting these pages pretty much everyday (although many people left when KL & Gunner were running things, but now most of us have returned since AK & BK are back in charge)...
I love your posts!
Arrrrgggggg!
Posted by: Tim-4-Show | March 03, 2008 at 02:23 PM
9 Rings + 9 Fingers = new banner
Posted by: toad | March 03, 2008 at 02:24 PM
I have no problem with LBJ. I feel he is having a great year.
His only MVP drawbacks.
1. 71% free throwing, not a disqualifier, but certainly a minus
2. Playing for a sub-standard team. Not even a good record, and if in the West would be fighting with Portland for the 10th best record.
Even if you have them at a tie. Tie would go to the player who's been there the longest.
Posted by: AN 1 | March 03, 2008 at 02:26 PM
Re: Gasol in the weight room
Since about day two of the Gasol era, I've been thinking that he'll get himself into the gym this off season.
I believe this because I'm (hoping) he's the type of guy that works on his weaknesses. He's now on a team that has bigger fish to fry, and with guys like Andrew (brings his trainer with him on the road and does workouts on the road after practices) and Kobe (the iron man of the NBA for 10 seasons running)...
I just don't see Gasol taking much time off.
I'm sure he'll return to Spain to visit with his family, but I bet he spends a lot of time in L.A. with Kobe and Drew. It would especially be the case if the Lakers don't manage to win it all this season...
I don't think any of us fans would want Gasol to alter his game, just to become more explosive, more athletic, and better at what he ALREADY does. His defensive ability in particular would improve greatly with about 3 months of solid weights.
Posted by: Tim-4-Show | March 03, 2008 at 02:28 PM
lakersrydeordie,
The objective was to run in the pool for a week without any swelling. It appeared it was going well until Bynum said yesterday "there's still swelling"...
He will not advance to the treadmill until he can run in the pool for a week without swelling. Then he has to run for a week on the treadmill with no swelling. Then he can begin running the court & doing other work outs.
I don't see how he's within 4 weeks of returning if he "still" has swelling.
Compound that with Van Gundy's "inside" source that says the Lakers are worried he may not be back before the playoffs...
The good news is, it appears that Lamar's foot has been behaving better as of lately.
Posted by: Tim-4-Show | March 03, 2008 at 02:32 PM
As far as yesterday's game is concerned, it was good to see the Lakers pull out a victory when they are so short handed. Concerns about the team's play have to take that into account. The extra minutes that the starters have to play make some breakdowns inevitable. But the Lakers overcame. Very positive.
Sasha needs to develop his game a lot more. He's shown that he can be a great spot up shooter, but there is a lot of room for growth. He played great, harassing defense on Jason Kidd, however and that was the reason that Kidd missed that big free throw!! The Machine wore him out! HaHa!!
GO LAKERS!!!
Posted by: bronxlakerfan | March 03, 2008 at 02:33 PM
I can't remember Kobe looking like he was having more fun on Sunday in a long time. He was chatting with the Dallas players. Even via television I could hear him telling Dirk "oh you ghetto now", because Dirk was chest pumping and talking trash after hitting a great basket. "I like that,"says Kobe with a big smile on his face. Even standing on the free throw line he was jawing with Devean--"you know how I do it. "
Maybe I am the only person who appreciates this. It makes me smile to think how close we came to losing him and now he is playing with the wild abandonment of a college kid.
Thanks!
Posted by: Ame Williams | March 03, 2008 at 02:33 PM
Angry_Laker (boy or girl),
It sounds very much like you may have been slapped upside the head more than a few times yourself. "Wake up boy, wake up!" I suppose this would offer up at least some explanation as to why you adopted the moniker "Angry". Allow me to assist. Here is a website which you may find helpful.
http://www.amoryn.com
You said: "I, along with some others stood up to them and in part got AK/BK to change the stance on the content of their posts!!!"
Really now.
O.K.
And how specifically, does that apply to me?
Oh, by the way. Anyone with the internet is privy to the contents of this board, including NBA players and their agents.
Sonnybelfast
Posted by: sonnybelfast | March 03, 2008 at 02:34 PM
"he is playing excellent ball when most players would sit out games and get paid"
That includes LeBron.
And BTW, if you legitimately think LeBron should win the MVP... I think Brandon Roy should win it.
Portland is only 2 games behind Cleveland right now. They've faced and continue to face a much more difficult strength of schedule than the Cavs. LeBron had an all-star in Larry Hughes playing along side him, now he has an all-star in Ben Wallace. Brandon Roy is leading the Blazers to a good season without any all-stars, and they have their primary center out for the season. Brandon Roy makes his team mates better (his 20 pt, 12 ast the other night just shows this) and the Blazers can't win a game without Roy in the line-up! You take Roy off the Blazers and they're nothing.
Brandon Roy, MVP ahead of LeBron.
Posted by: Tim-4-Show | March 03, 2008 at 02:36 PM
I love guns and basketball.
Sonnybelfast
Posted by: sonnybelfast | March 03, 2008 at 02:43 PM
TIM-4-SHOW we are cool!!!! No worries!!!!
Peace!!!!
Angry_Laker
Posted by: Angry_Laker | March 03, 2008 at 02:46 PM
"On the side notes, on saturday night, I actually had a dream where I was watching Bynum mad his first dunk after injuries :D...That's freaky (the fact that I actually had a dream about lakers, lol)"
What's TRULY scary is that I dreamed I was being forced to drink LIQUID SEA MINERALS. Seriously. There they were, these generic-looking green 40 oz. bottles that just said LIQUID SEA MINERALS in big bold capital letters.
I was like, "I really don't wanna drink that," but I knew I had no choice....
I know I'm biased but that Dwyer piece is underwhelming on several levels. Nice logic, Kelly. Kobe is a better free-thrower and three-point shooter than LeBron, but then again, so is Wally? Seriously? And if you wanna talk about clutch play AND free-throwing, I have seen LeBron lose several games over the past couple seasons for his team at the line in the fourth quarter.
Bryant, meanwhile? 15-15 in the fourth and OT to seal the win. Game over. 'Nuff said.
Gotta love the strange animal that is the sports columnist/blogger. Hey, I did that job on a small scale for two years and my crowning moment of glory was getting banned from the high school soccer field and having every mini-van driving mom in town out for the Jester's blood. Look, I just don't dig soccer, OK?
Most importantly, I knew it would be a widely-read and -disucssed piece. And there it is. Dwyer, Plaschke, Simers, et.al. are merely out for readership. Sometimes the best way to get it is to spout a dissenting opinion. The good thing is this: I'm pretty sure Dwyer is just like Mrs. K: that is, voteless.
Posted by: Jesterguru | March 03, 2008 at 02:51 PM
Tim for show,
Gasol in a interview in a spanish paper said right after he finishes with the Lakers in June he planned on joining Spain's National Team in prep for the Olympics.
Weight room will have to wait for another time I guess.
But man the guy is seriously thin at the muscles.
Posted by: AN 1 | March 03, 2008 at 02:53 PM
The best basketball team in the world. The best coach in the world. The best player in the world.
Posted by: xtro | March 03, 2008 at 02:57 PM
It was a great game for Kobe but let 's not forget Detroit where he tried to take over and couldnt.San Antonio's defense and also Detroits and Boston's is a lot better than Dallas's.Iam not being a Kobe hater but remember their is a reason Kobe never been an MVP>>>>A great game for Kobe but you can't win a championship like that.
Posted by: neil | March 03, 2008 at 02:59 PM
Nemaia...
Adande just doesn't like Kobe. Whether it stems from the Shaq vs. Kobe feud or from Colorado, Adande at best will only grudgingly give Kobe any kind of praise.
Posted by: bronxlakerfan | March 03, 2008 at 02:59 PM
CHICK would have loved all of this.....
Posted by: justanothermambafan | March 03, 2008 at 03:05 PM
Thought provoking line of the day..
"To match last season's 42-40 record, the Lakers would have to lose all 22 of their remaining games."
- Kevin Ding OC Register
Posted by: AN 1 | March 03, 2008 at 03:06 PM
Tim 4 Show,
You know, I never saw the actual article that was quoted. This was on the Sun's Blog posted by a Suns fan. I just thought it looked like a Shaq like comment:
"I'm pretty good at one aspect of getting the ball, getting it out and helping with the fast break," O'Neal said. "But I think we have to learn how to play with me inside in a slow-it-up game. Because once the playoffs start, they aren't really going to let us run all the time. We have to slow it up. So once they get real comfortable with the slow-it-up and passing it, then we'll be a dangerous team."
I know that he is saying that he needs to fit in to THEIR system. It just doesn't fit is the problem. The biggest complaints from all of the Suns fans is that SHAQ completely "Clogs" up the middle where Nash used to drive and do that "loop move". It was there in the middle of the paint that he was the most dangerous.
Since SHAQ is there in the lane now, Nash is not able to do that. Also, I see a ton a rants about the "high pick & roll" with Shaq. Other teams KNOW SHAQ IS NOT GETTING THE BALL 15 FEET OUT. So they either stay with their man, or even better, they pick those cross court passes to their 3pt shooters.
Nontheless, It looks like Pheonix is falling apart (with FIRE D'Antoni rants and all). Maybe he should have played more than a 7 man rotation. DUUHHHH ANTONI.
janaya
Posted by: janaya | March 03, 2008 at 03:14 PM
Tim 4 Show,
You know, I never saw the actual article that was quoted. This was on the Sun's Blog posted by a Suns fan. I just thought it looked like a Shaq like comment:
"I'm pretty good at one aspect of getting the ball, getting it out and helping with the fast break," O'Neal said. "But I think we have to learn how to play with me inside in a slow-it-up game. Because once the playoffs start, they aren't really going to let us run all the time. We have to slow it up. So once they get real comfortable with the slow-it-up and passing it, then we'll be a dangerous team."
I know that he is saying that he needs to fit in to THEIR system. It just doesn't fit is the problem. The biggest complaints from all of the Suns fans is that SHAQ completely "Clogs" up the middle where Nash used to drive and do that "loop move". It was there in the middle of the paint that he was the most dangerous.
Since SHAQ is there in the lane now, Nash is not able to do that. Also, I see a ton a rants about the "high pick & roll" with Shaq. Other teams KNOW SHAQ IS NOT GETTING THE BALL 15 FEET OUT. So they either stay with their man, or even better, they pick those cross court passes to their 3pt shooters.
Nontheless, It looks like Pheonix is falling apart (with FIRE D'Antoni rants and all). Maybe he should have played more than a 7 man rotation. DUUHHHH ANTONI.
janaya
Posted by: janaya | March 03, 2008 at 03:14 PM
JG - good to see you're still alive, man!
Posted by: justanothermambafan | March 03, 2008 at 03:15 PM
There've been many comments here in recent days about the fading contributions of Derek Fisher, and questions about whether it's more than just a slump.
Somewhere on the blog today, someone suggested that PJ was reducing Derk Fisher's minutes to save him for the playoffs.
Fish may be older than Kobe, but both are in their 11th NBA season. Kobe has logged more than 38,000 NBA minutes; Fish has logged just over 21,000 NBA minutes.
I have this nagging concern that something is going on with Fish that has nothing to do with basketball. If there is, the Lakers should disclose it. They probably can't do it without Fish's permission, laws about personnel matters being confidential and all. But Derek is a public figure, and questions are being asked.
AK and BK -- Has there been any talk amongst the sports writers about this? What is your take on the D-Fish situation? Inquiring minds want to know. Thanks.
Posted by: Rick Friedman | March 03, 2008 at 03:16 PM
AN1 - how could you? But seriously.......no shot that happens. 57/58 W's for this team........and at minimum a 2nd round in playoffs...if not ATW!
GO LAKERS!!
Posted by: psychedlakergirl | March 03, 2008 at 03:19 PM
Ame Williams....
It sure is great to see and HEAR Kobe doing his thing. I've long felt that games would be a lot more interesting if the audio picked up players' voices on the court. Especially after listening to some of the broadcasters on League Pass. Of course, the full audio broadcasts would have to be X-rated...lots of cussin' going on during games! LOL!!
Posted by: bronxlakerfan | March 03, 2008 at 03:22 PM
Back for a quickie --
Thanks Tom, Mamba, Charles:
Here's the best post off the Suns Blog (AZ Republic):
>>>Suns are done. Anyone else who thinks otherwise its called wishful thinking. Shaq is not going to become 20 again. I dont care what the trainers tell him. Saying they can make him feel like 20 again sounds like a hustle. Lets face it with Marion this team had a someone who could guard the other teams best player, now they have nothing. Its apparent now that Nash is truely no MVP. He plays as good a defense as the suns guerilla,which is none. This was always Phoenix's problem, but it didnt matter cause they would outscore you, but now that they cant outscore you its become increasingly obvious. Look I am not here to talk bad about my team but I have to be truthful in saying that we messed up and messed up bad. To the management who made this deal this is all I have to say. You destroyed what was once a proud team with your so call expertise in this field. You took what was a championship contender and turned us into the laughing stock of the league. No longer do teams fear us they use our own style to beat us. What a joke. Maybe you should take in consideration a persons qualification before you hire them and give them power to make such big decisions. Someone is going to have to pay for this<<<
Posted by: HmrHed | March 03, 2008 at 03:22 PM
Know what I wanna know?
Why doesnt LeBron get slack for ackin like a biiiach, and sitting out like 5 games when he injures a finger on his NON-SHOOTING hand early this year.
Kobe is playing with ligaments torn.
Shouldnt that be enough to sqaush all LeBron v. Kobe MVP talk!!!
Posted by: Korey | March 03, 2008 at 03:23 PM
I like how everyone is harrassing "Laker Lover" for an article he posted, but didn't write.
The article is nonsense, of course, cherrypicking statistics most likely to make Lebron look better while ignoring reasonable knocks against his MVP candidacy.
And the defensive comparison between Lebron and Kobe is laughable.
Posted by: Benjamin | March 03, 2008 at 03:25 PM
Great win. Feeling like I was award the third time for the OSCAR award. Unbelievable
Posted by: Jack Nickoson | March 03, 2008 at 03:25 PM
justanothermambafan,
I can only imagine if Chick would've decided to post too. He would play soothsayer on the blog and tell tales of 2-3 eras of the Lakers. I would be the young in around the fire listening attentively.
Posted by: Charles | March 03, 2008 at 03:25 PM
Angy,
Sorry, I missed the earlier apology. All's fine with me. I usually enjoy your posts and realize that sonny has a talent for getting under people's skin. Hopefully, when Kobe wins the first of many MVP awards to come, sonny won't quit and join a monestary like Mike T did when Kwame got traded. Remember, it's tough times for Laker and Kobe haters right now. And they deserve it. lol.
When you post with passion, it's inevitable that you go over the line occasionally, as I myself have done many times. Peace and enjoy the Lakers return to dominance.
Tom
Posted by: LakerTom | March 03, 2008 at 03:26 PM
If my Kobe boy can not be awarded the MVP this year, I will throw my two OSCAR trophies right on Stern's bull head. Seriously.
Posted by: Jack Nickoson | March 03, 2008 at 03:28 PM
AK/BK,
How come my comments did not come out?
Posted by: Jack Nickoson | March 03, 2008 at 03:29 PM
Commenting on Pau hitting the weights.
Just a thought. If he did try to bulk up, it may effect his shot and that sweet touch he has with the hook shot.
I think it may be better for him to stay within his natural body type, and not try to alter it. The finesse play is working pretty well IMO.
Posted by: frank1rizzo | March 03, 2008 at 03:31 PM
So I'm browising the Suns boards today because the sky is falling here in Phoenix, and I came across an interesting comment by one of their users. This is the type of thing that breeds hate for the fans of another team. This person saw Laker fans at the game a couple of weeks ago and had this to say about them:
"How did the caliber of people that I saw with Bryant shirts on at the game afford that? Something's fishy here."
Kinda funny how you can judge a person's "caliber" just by looking at them in their favorite team's jersey at an away game. I hate the Funs.
Pig
Posted by: "Pig" Miller | March 03, 2008 at 03:32 PM
AN 1,
Ah man, you're right. I forgot about the Olympics.
Well, it's A LOT harder to become more athletic, explosive, etc during the season, but I'm sure it can be done... I doubt Jackson has these guys worked down to the bone, but then again.... they're all very well conditioned.
I think we can all agree... Pau's game is SOLID, but he could be even more effective on both ends of the court if he were just a little stronger and more explosive.
Posted by: Tim-4-Show | March 03, 2008 at 03:33 PM
ZIn Master - I am not a cavs or suns fan, I just know when I see a better and more valuable player. I can see Kobe winning it this year too. Its a 3 horse race. Kobe Lebron and KG. Whosever team wins the most games will wind up winning.
But by the numbers and stats, Lebron is having a better year than Kobe as he points out- scoring assists rebounds etc.
That was not my article I was merely posting the article from yahoo.
Posted by: Laker Lover | March 03, 2008 at 03:34 PM
Lakers escaped with a nice win. The game could have gone either way, but in the end, it's encouraging to see the Lakers finished the game strong.
What distressing to see was that, other than Kobe and to certain extent Luke and Pau, other notable Lakers were AWOL (see veterans Lamar and D-Fish). Lamar cannot be discouraged by questionable foul calls in his disfavor. He often has shown a propensity to be psychologically weak in moments of adversity. In crunch time with scores tight, he missed crucial free throws in crunch time, made an errand in-bound pass that was designed to go to Kobe. Those are typical traits of the old Lamar that I had hoped would be corrected or improved upon. But I can see it's still a work in progress, but one that should be fixed before the start of the playoffs in which the margin for errors is very small.
Laker guards are not penetrating or attacking the rim, especially when their outside shots are not falling. In the playoffs you're not going to get open jump shots and so the team should diversify the offense with more attack inside or dish off to the Bigs for layups. Outside shots abandoned the Lakers yesterday, yet the myopic Laker guards contintue to hoist from behind the arch.
Posted by: Rollo | March 03, 2008 at 03:34 PM
Tim-4-Show - thatss a good point about Roy- in just the 2 games against the lakers its easy to see what he means to the jailblzers.
Posted by: Laker Lover | March 03, 2008 at 03:36 PM
Sonny - that link was funny...LOL
Neil - Kobe took over because there was no choice, the rest of the team shot 18//60. They shoot better, which they almost always do, Lakers win easily in regulation. Also, in Detroit, no Drew, Kwame instead of Pau, Lamar brain fart on the rebound, nothing to do with Kobe...nuff said.
bronxlakerfan - Adande said Kobe was MVP last week...now it's different. U R right, consider the source.
Kelly Dwyer - He's gotta say something to get noticed...if he writes that Kobe should win MVP, he's part of the army. This way, he's the COURT JESTER
AN 1 - Gasol is not a bruiser. Never will be. He and Ronny should be playing together, but we have no other center option, so they have to rotate. He's 7 feet tall, but he'll never be a "center," it's just not his game. When he can play his true position, he will punish the opposition. For now, he's just good.
Tim-4-Show - I am afraid you are right about Drew...before the end of the season may be a pipe dream now...
MAMBA24 - (with apologies for my singing voice) - "DON'T STOP - BLOOGGGGING - HOLD ON TO THAT FEELING!!!"
Let the haters hate, but they cannot stop it this year...
KOBE FOR MVP!!!
KOBE FOR MVP!!!
KOBE FOR MVP!!!
Posted by: DrewPauKobe | March 03, 2008 at 03:42 PM
Charles - I'd be right there with you! I miss everything he brought to the game, and it's just not the same without him.
That being said, it's a GREAT time to be a Laker fan! The last few years have been tough....LOL
GO LAKERS!
The BEAN for MVP or NO PEACE!
(But seriously, it's in the bag.)
Posted by: justanothermambafan | March 03, 2008 at 03:43 PM
Rick F. - that was me earlier discussing Fish. He looks fine and if he was injured - I think they would say something. It might be his daughter - but everything we have heard is that her treatments have been sucessful. My thought earlier was because of what PJ said last night and was written in LATimes this a.m. LO and KB24 are logging serious minutes right now and he was worried about that. If he threw in Fish to that mix - I think it would be really dangerous as that's all our vets (ex Gasol).
Farmar is playing really well and needs to get some mnutes against the better team's players so he can learn their moves and get some big game experience. I think PJ is just trying to save strength/health/etc. where he can. And right now, that's the position that he can offer some reprieve.
AK/BK - anything else?
Posted by: psychedlakergirl | March 03, 2008 at 03:43 PM
justanothermambafan, Thanks, it's good to be alive. It was close.
Posted by: Jesterguru | March 03, 2008 at 03:53 PM
42 DOWN, 13 TO GO!
never to late for that
Posted by: CBuck | March 03, 2008 at 03:54 PM
That Kelly Dwyer article is a prime example of what I have been saying for weeks.
Kobe wont win MVP due to bias, the writers say he needs to do one thing, and as soon as he does it they reverse their stance on it.
Anyway its a meaningless award, if it was the coaches or the players who voted on it it would have meaning, but the pencil necked geek writers who vote on it should be discounted, most dont have a clue.
For instance Bill Plasckhe is a sports writer, I rest my case.
So people dont get too caught up in the MVP thing, I think a championship is more important and more meaningful, plus what better way to make people eat their words.
Posted by: BrandonC | March 03, 2008 at 03:54 PM
HmrHed,
Thank you for the post! That was a GREAT read and I think almost all of us would concur with what they said, other than the "proud organization" part... they had no idea that Riley would have given away Shaq if the league would have allowed it, and instead they had to trade an all-star to get him! Unbelievable... I especially like the part about Nash not being a true MVP. He NEVER was. He has two MVPs that should go to Kobe, and if you don't think Kobe, then think Duncan or LeBron at the very least. Nash? Two MVPs = Hall of fame, and Nash is not a hall of fame player. In what other universe do you play for a high scoring team that makes it to the WCF once or twice and the rest of the time you're a 7 assist per game guy... and then wind up in the hall of fame? Crazy.
Rick Friedman ,
I seriously think he's just missing shots. He was never very fast getting those shots off, and now when a defender rushes at him and he barely gets it off, it's off the mark. Maybe something is going on, but Tatum was doing a lot better... Fish's role on our team was more as a leader anyway, and in a recent interview he said he felt he could continue at this pace for the forseeable future. I'm sure he'll turn it around.
Korey,
Exactly. One guy goes and sits when they have a mild sprain on their NON shooting hand, the other guy plays with a torn ligament and a bone that has literally come apart at the joint and it's on his shooting hand...
Here's another thing that I just thought about. Last week I mentioned that Kobe has been at this for a decade, and we presume that LeBron has more longevity than Kobe because of his age. However, LeBron is who he is BECAUSE of his athletic talent and his size.
Kobe is who he is because of his unbelievable skill that he has developed over years of dedicated practice to be the very best.
Skill vs. Athleticism.
You tell me which fades away quicker?
Vince Carter WAS the great one. That didn't last long. T-Mac, his cousin, was also THE great one (he's still great, but inconsistent), and Wade WAS the greatest player in the game just two seasons ago...
What you're seeing is the difference between skill and athleticism.
Now I finally understand that article that talked about a once in a lifetime athlete who happens to play basketball verses a once in a generation basketball player.
If Kobe keeps his motivation high, I see no reason why he can't do what MJ did.... meaning, MJ won an MVP when he was 35 years old. MJ put up 55 points in a game when he was pushing 40 with the Wizards... As long as Kobe has a team around him, he can be like Magic was during the Lake Show... a solid piece. Maybe not "the" piece after he's 35 yrs old, but certainly a force to be reckoned with.
What I'm saying is, maybe in 10 years, all this LeBron talk won't really mean much... but then again, maybe it will.
Exciting to find out!
Posted by: Tim-4-Show | March 03, 2008 at 04:00 PM