Charles,

No apology needed. None of us would be regular posters here if we didn't have thick skins and open minds. I was paying you the ultimate compliment or respect and ddn't mean any disrespect via my ranting commentary. Like my dad always chastised me when I was a boy, you keep talking so much you are bound to say something stupid. LOL.

Misunderstandings are inevitable because we all bring our passion and love for the team and the game every post. But it's all good Lakers brothers and sisters against brothers and sisters. Well, except for the occasional troll. LOL.

Tom

The secret’s out. Hornets, Mavericks, Suns, Spurs, and Jazz take note.

If you want to beat the Lakers and better your chances of securing the home-court advantage in the first round of the playoffs, then simply play them at the Rose Garden in Portland.

For the extra revenue they will get, I’m sure you can work a deal out with the Blazers. Whatever it takes, just do it.

Forget about the revenue you will be losing by scheduling your home game with the NBA’s biggest draw in Portland. You will make up for it in the playoffs.

It doesn’t matter if you have to schedule your game at 9 a.m. or midnight.

Maybe you can work out a Nostalgia Night with the Blazers, where they schedule an NBA double-header like they used to do in the old days before the NBA became so popular.

Am I certain you will notch a victory?

Does it rain in Portland?

Portland’s Rose Garden has been no bed of roses for the Lakers.

Last night’s 119-111 Blazer victory snapped the Lakers’ 10-game winning streak and extended their 5-game losing streak at the Rose Garden.

Over the last 10 games they have played there, the Lakers are a measly 2-8. When asked the reason for such a dismal performance, Lakers coach Phil Jackson joked, "The rain."

But the Blazers’ first-half offense was no laughing matter for the Lakers, who trailed 64–59 at halftime.

The main reason the Lakers allowed such prolific scoring was sitting at home in Los Angeles watching the game on TV. Andrew Bynum, their young center, who is rehabbing from a severe knee bruise and partially dislocated kneecap, is much more adept at playing physical than newly-acquired center Pau Gasol.

Gasol was repeatedly out-muscled in the post and, after two fouls early, had to sit out nearly half of the first quarter. When he came back in the second quarter, he didn’t fare any better and went to the locker room with a shooting a paltry 1 for 6. The Blazers, on the other hand, continually attacked the paint time after time, scoring at will.

If the other contenders in the West can't secure a deal to play the Lakers in Portland, then they should get physical with the purple and gold instead.

Until Bynum returns back, the Lakers are weak and very short-handed in the defensive post. Don't be fooled by their 10-game winning streak. Seven of those games were against cream puffs.

Kobe Bryan suffered from the Rose Garden spell as well. Bryant scored 20 points in the first half, but only 13 in the second half and a mere six points in the final quarter, when he usually pours it on.

Last night, he poured it out instead. After the Lakers had pulled even at 107 on a Vujacic three-pointer, the Blazers went on a 12-4 streak to close out the game. Bryant’s errant pass into the backcourt on one possession and a fumbled drive on the next possession no doubt resulted from the Curse of the Rose Garden.

AK BK

My apologies Sirs, I was unaware of the true circumstances. Thanks for shedding light on your situation and the attempts made to change things.

so the Real Big Brother is the LA Times and my reference to Orwell's 1984 is now correctly leveled at Mass Media machine.

all-in-all this is a fun blog to either observe or participate in, and you two deserve credit for a job well done.
Forgive me for my rant.

Mike P.

LakerinBC,

Lue didn't make a name guarding AI, he made a name following AI around. Some GM was fooled into giving him a contract....and he has done exactly what since then? He held AI in check like Raja Bell keeps Kobe in check. They play hard to watch alot of points get scored on them. All of you people are funny, jumping thr gun after one loss. Yeah, that's what we need, another 6 foot PG. ???

We need to work on OUR D
DEFENSE
DEFENSE
DEFENSE
Get over it, or did you expect to win them all the rest of the way. You guys need this, the loss exposes what the lakers need to work on.
Last night was SHAMEFUL and I mean this blog not your team. Things don't go your way and some of you are quick with SHI# talking about your own team (weak).

Anyway, who thinks the portland commentators had their blinders on last night. I mean Kobe whines about everything, but what player doesn't.

I think Laker Nation should do something about the Sonics.

Having lived in Seattle, I can especially feel the pain of those fans. They are honorable fans (unlike Portland), they are classy, and frankly, their games are a lot of fun to attend. They also have the best mascot in the league (not that it matters much).

The reason I say the Laker Nation should do something is that we've BEEN there. We've lost our team(s) before. Not only that, we ARE the fan base for one of the presiding board members. Jerry Buss will have a vote on whether or not the Sonics will be allowed to move out of Seattle.

If we don't stand up now, who's to say that something awful couldn't happen to us someday?? Obviously, it would be suicide from an ownership standpoint, but that's EXACTLY what's happening with the Bennett group in Seattle... they're going from a big market to a small market.

If you don't think this could happen to us, think again... it already did happen. Twice.

Management was BOMBARDED during the Kobe tirade, and that's completely understandable. What if only a fraction of us sent in emails regarding the Sonics? Jerry Buss would not want to vote against his fan base, would he?

It really is a problem, the city of Seattle has been hijacked and David Stern is good friends with the guy doing the robbing. That's like Bud Selig hanging out with Marge Schott and sipping cocktails while they laugh at all the minorities. (obviously no such event occured)... it's like having Osama Bin Laden over for dinner at the white house.... it really is an outrage. If David Stern allows this to continue, it's the pinnacle of his mistakes.

Jerry Buss has a vote. I just hope he doesn't toe the NBA line and just let Bennett rip the hearts out of Seattle. They don't deserve it.

Earth Wind & Fire,

I wouldn't call him a "loser"... he handled himself admirably, but you can see the obvious underlying current in the mind of Blazer fans "when Oden comes back next year, we're going to win the next 8 titles"

That really is what they think. They've been sizing up the rings ever since landing the #1 draft pick last year... and, they think they're going to get Chris Paul away from Charlotte or WIlliams away from Utah.

That part is DELUSIONAL and complete fantasy. I suppose it's possible if the Blazers show themselves to be a top team (and I have no reason to doubt that), but if history shows us anything, it's that the Blazers cannot be "on top" more than about 3 years before it all falls apart.

Happened in the early 90s; happened in the early 2000s; might happen again, I don't know.

The league tends to favor longer stints in bigger markets and shorter stints in smaller markets. The only exception is the current Spurs. But, they have one thing that Portland does not.... nice weather.

But the guy isn't a loser, he's just a Blazers fan. I would suggest treating him with a little more dignity than that.

Dear Hearth, Blowhard, and Gas

FYI - When Paul Allen attempted to buy a championship in the early 2000's, Portland had the highest salary in the NBA, and was in 2nd behind NY for many years afterwards. He has proven again and again that if an opportunity arises to bring a championship to Portland he will spend the money. Its that simple. Your argument that the Blazer franchise is a business is completely laughable and untrue. Yeah, how many people go into business knowing you'll continue to lose money? This is a hobby and a passion for Paul Allen. Its also a money pit.

While I can concede most teams and fans especially enjoy beating the Lakers, and that its due to the fact that they have a storied franchise; however, its also because their fans, coach, and sometimes players come across way too cocky. Did you know that Phil Jackson publicly said that he sees the Lakers winning 18 in a row because he said there was not competition in the next 8 games on LA's schedule? Do you think that was locker material for Nate McMillan?

Phil Jackson has been a pompous arse by ripping on other team's cities and such for years. Kobe, who you all wanted dead this last summer, or at the least in a Chicago uniform, isnt exactly a likeable individual either.

Back to basketball. Enjoy the Laker success while you can, because it is your window that is closing while ours is opening up. People who think the Lakers have 5 years are crazy. Kobe is slowing down. I have never seen that guy get his shot blocked as much as lately, and I havent seen him have as much difficulty guarding one on one as I have this year. I am 37 myself. I know how things work. He is human. He will slow down. He is awesome, and a HOF player to be sure, maybe one of the best ever, but, 5 years from now the guy will simply be a jump shooter.

5 years from now, the blazers average age will be 26. Our best playere are young, while the Lakers best player is a year past his prime. Do the math.

Of course this is all hypothetical, and no one can predict the future, but to say the Lakers will own the Blazers over the next 5 years is Homerism not even my beloved Blazer announcers can match.

.

Fire32,

Most of us have been here since the blog's inception. Needless to say, we've had our fair share of lousy play during that time, but we're all still here and we still cheer our hearts out every single game.

Our team hasn't been known for defense since the Shaq MVP year. Before that, you'd have to look back to the Riley era...

Faith is the one who ALWAYS preaches defense. I don't think there hasn't been a fan on here that does not agree with her. This is why she's always mentioned in the "roll call" first (and with the number 1 written by her name)...

Defense first.

I think all of us would agree on that.

We nitpick our team because we love our team. But it's not blind love... we don't just cheer endlessly and mindlessly, we cheer for our team to play good basketball. We've had plenty of wins that were ugly. Our definition of ugly isn't an 81 to 80 victory... a game like we had against Phoenix or Portland would be considered "ugly".

Our mantra is "we want tacos"

Under the old school, tacos could not be obtained unless we held our opponent to under 90 points.

Well, we still want tacos.

Defense first.

No blind worshipping of our team. We see the flaws and demand that they improve them. That's what seperates the Laker fans from the fairweather phoenix guys.

Most of us are GHF, and actually we're all GOF... but even with this, we remain true to our desire to see our favorite team achieve excellence in all that it does.

AK/BK,

I don't know if you guy's noticed but Timur K's post is in very poor taste. Not sure if that should be allowed.

TIm 4 Show,

I feel for your brother and I'm glad I didn't have that experience. I actually had a friendly conversation with a couple Blazer fans. They actually acknowledged the level of play rises when the Lakers come to town. They also were complimentary of Kobe Bryant saying that they love seeig Kobe play. The taunts that I experienced were more of friendly jabs exchanged between fans. No bad blood there. I was literally surrounded by Laker fans so I felt secure. Nonetheless, I think the great majority of Blazer fans are nice people. It's just the small minority of fans like with any other team who spoil the lot.

EIther way, we play the Blazers two more times...looking forward to it..

Boy, this blog is becoming very sensitive...I relished the days when that reckless mike T. was here who was born to create chaos and we all survived. Today, you can't utter any comment that others may disagree, they'll chew you up in pieces and remain UNKNOWN without any identity in the other thread. Perhaps, it is safe to just address the message to traditional names that I'm aware of, like LakerTom, Faith, Xodus, paul Lee, Korey, Ex, AZ, Vman, Rick F., Jon K, if they do not agree with me and made some threats, i will just laugh to my heart's content for I pissed them before & It is no fun if I don't make them upset.

Seriously, conversations in the Lakers Blog is plain talk among Laker fans, their likes and dislikes, their spins and imagination about the game, unfortunately, no two people are alike so there will always be a clash of opinions. Don't take it seriously, it is just part of entertainment.

For newcomers, don't be silly to be moved by threats, negativity and anger on the blog. That is just part of the passion of being a Laker fan. The anger on Smush (when he was still a Laker) smashed all records in the blog especially that game when Lakers were ahead by 3-1 and lost three consecutive games. I just imagined what I have read that someone here got so drunk in despair and he smashed his monitor! lol!

I only have 3 things to say tonight:

1. Go 76ers!
2. Go Bucks!
3. Go Grizzlies!

hoping,

In order of importance it should probably be,

1. Go Bucks
2. Go 76ers
3. Go Grizzlies

Tim-4-Show,

I guess Jerry Buss has one vote. The problem here, Tim can you really stop the owner, Mr. Bennett from moving his enterprise in Oklahoma, if the market is situated in his area? Any investor wants a fair return of his investment. The people of Seattle would not want to build an arena that will construct new club boxes and state-of-the-art building. Of course, if I were the tax payer, I won't be willing to shelter also those billionaires and millionaires at my tax-expense and I could hardly raise my gas money. Eventually, it has to be the people of Seattle to find new owners, new team and let Mr. Bennett take his team where he wants to move them. Besides, Sonics is not longer apt to its name, team is developing, no championship title, perhaps a new name for Seattle team that describe the area: "MSN Rains".

Edwin G,

"Don't take it seriously"

That from you? You're as sensitive as they come. Good at telling off people, bad at taking your own advice.

But hey- Don't take it too seriously. LOL!

About the bets.

the way to find whois lieing is to follow the money.

http://www.nydailynews.com/news/ny_crime/2008/03/01
/2008-03-01_buddies_of_referee_tim_donaghy_pleaded_
n.html

Bet the bets are guilty. And Stearn too.
If the legue does not nip this tere should be a class action suit that the product is based on fraud and mainipulation to get the Leagues interests first intead of the play of the team members playing by rules determine outcome.

lance,

Thanks for your posts. I respect the Blazers and the fact that you're a Blazer fan and so I'll speak with great tact. I look forward to great battles between our respective teams for years to come because I do believe that we have more than a 5 year window. Hear me out. I'm not in any way being arrogant or pompous with my next statement. The Lakers organization seems to always find a way to keep the team competitive and in championship contention. In the past 25 years, we have missed the playoffs only twice, once after Magic announcing he had HIV and then the year after Shaq was traded. That's consistency in winning on a very high level. Even the Celtics have gone over 20 years without winning a title!!! My point is, the Lakers will always draw great players because of their great winning tradition. Every year brings some changes and no one can predict what will happen.

The Blazers are a very good young team and have a bright future. I like the players they have, especially Brandon Roy and Webster who are from my hometown of Seattle, WA. Olden, Aldridge and Outlaw are great talents as well. However, no one can really say how things will turn out because anything can happen during the course of a season(injuries, trades). You also mentioned that Olden will outclass Bynum, but again that's pure speculation on your part. All I'll say is that I look forward to the battles between Olden and Bynum for years to come.

Finally, the Lakers have always survived when other teams were supposedly going to supplant them. Here's the list of those teams: Portland, Dallas, Seattle, Sacramento, Utah, Houston and San Antonio. Of those teams, only Houston and SA have won titles along with the Lakers. In other words, the Lakers have almost always been in the title hunt or in the mix. I don't ever see this changing because the Lakers whether people like them or not is a marquee organization. Every year people say that someone is going to knock off the Lakers and that the Lakers are going down, but they seem to always get back into contention faster than other teams. I wish your Blazers the best of luck because the Lakers will always be around. The Lakers don't have a window because they seem to always find the door. Thanks for the good discussion. Have a great day.

To make everybody feel better I found this;

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YlkeKbStexE&NR=1

Its called "Phil owns D'atnoni" if the link doesnt work.

The Lakers better win tomorrow

Under 2 mins and it looks like the Bucks might beat the spurs

Go Bucks

How about does 76ers taking it to the suns. I hope the lakers don't have the play them. That is one good team right there.

Milwaukee couldn't get it done. Hopefully Philly can hold on.

Nemaia,

I cannot argue your point, because I agree, and its true. Success and locale has breeded more success for most all so Cal sports teams, both collegiate and pro. Except for the NFL, that has to be a sore spot. eeheh.

There is no doubt LA is one of, if not the most, desirous place to play a pro or collegiate sport. Heck, I would have gone to UCLA or USC over Oregon if I had a choice, just as a beautiful change of scenery.

The fact is, I have to hope and pray that my team jells, and succeeds quickly, knowing that is our best hope in keep star players here in Portland. And, that may not even be enough. Heck, even Oden said he loves LA. I dont blame him either. But, he also grew up in a small town, and someone recently asked him if he thought he'd leave sometime for LA, and he quickly denounced the idea due to falling in love with the small city status Portland enjoys. But, who knows? The only other thing, besideds winning, that Portland has going for it, when compared to large markets like LA, is that our owner is like Cuban when it comes to pampering players and over paying them.

So, yes, I completely agree with your point, and any forward thinking comments I made may have left out the caveat of new inbound talent. Although I thought I did say, barring a trade for Lebron. :)

I guess this may also be why people have it in for LA teams and fans, its probably, to an extent, the green eyed monster. LA fans have been spoiled. LA has a better chance to improve and stay good. While I have to hope for a number of things to work out just right so our team stays together.

The good news is, almost all of these young stud Blazers are very high character guys who genuninely enjoy playing together. And, Roy is from Seattle; Martell is from Seattle; Outlaw is from a REALLY small town in Mississippi; Oden is from a small town; and I think Aldridge will stay if the above guys do too. Of course winning cures all ailments, so that would be a big help!

Thank you, too, for the constructive discourse.

I am watching teh SUNS game and i think the 76ers are getting robbed!!

I want to echo Never's point that most of the Blazers fans were as good as fans can be. They were extremely loud and boisterous in support of their club. We should be careful of blanket generalizations. I had great conversation with a delightful couple sitting next to me, fun banter with some others nearby and several exchanges filled with both mutual respect and anticipation for what this rivalry is about to become again.

You just gotta turn a deaf ear on idiots who take it over the line of being fun. If you're real good, you can do so comedically and get the rest of the surrounding populace on your side.

Regarding the relative talent of the two teams, the Blazers should be a force to be reckoned with for years to come. Pritchard has done a great job as GM.

I have the same concern about both squads. Eventually - right around the moment it's time to renegotiate the rookie contracts of Aldridge and Roy in Portland and when Ronny, Sasha and Jordan need their payday in LA - the respective owners are going to have to start making tough decisions.

That's where I think Portland has the advantage. Once they say goodbye to the albatross contracts of LaFrentz and then Miles, they'll have room to move. Meanwhile, we dumped our big expiring for Pau Gasol, who is reminding me increasingly of a hairy ballerina.