What's German for "unpaid vacation?"
March 5, 2008 | 3:25
pm
Actually, I should know, having taken German in high school and in college. Of course, that was a while ago and I wasn't very good at it, which explains why I'm letting y'all know in English that Dirk Nowitzki was tagged a game by the NBA for his flagrant on AK-47.
Should Pau Gasol ever get suspended, my girlfriend is fluent in Spanish, so I'll make sure the update comes in two languages. Something to look forward to, I'm sure.
AK
TRUST ME.... WAY WORTH READING IT
KOBE VS... EVERYBODY...
http://jonesonthenba.blogspot.com/2008/03/kobe-everywhere.html
Posted by: classic | March 05, 2008 at 03:32 PM
Well done Classic,
Just confirmed what I always thought.
Kobe has been the most consistent player out there after jordan. Many came and went.
The Spurs were beaten by Kobe Bryant and he was the player who the Spurs feared not Shaq and as the article says... you can go and ask every Spurs player and they will tell you exactly what I am saying.
Yes Shaq has four championships but he was carried by Kobe in his first three and by Wade in the last one.
2000=2001... Remember Kobe carrying the Lakers while he had a sprained ankle and Shaq having trouble with Rick Smith?
2001-2002...Remember kobe almost single handling the Spurs with both Duncan and Robinson wondering why kobe was doing what he was doing?
2002-2003... You know what happened that year
Last time they were in the finals... If wasn't for Mr. Kobe Bryant, the Lakers would be swept and still Shaq was being so arrogant because he thought the Lakers had to do his way which did not work in the first game that they lost against detroit.
Now Mr. Lebron.. I agree that he's good as hell... but Kobe would not allow the Lakers to be swept last year in the finals even if he was playing with Kwame, Cook, Walton and Smush as starting five.
Thank you no more to say... go read the article that Classic brought up.
Posted by: Maxximo | March 05, 2008 at 03:47 PM
for those kobe apologists who say he is the best closer in the game, maybe not
Sortable NBA Player "Clutch" Stats
For these stats "Clutch" is defined as:
4th quarter or overtime, less than 5 minutes left, neither team ahead by more than 5 points
http://www.82games.com/CSORT11.HTM
Posted by: Laker Lover | March 05, 2008 at 03:52 PM
Maxximo - youre right Kobe only allowed the Lakers to go out in 5 games instead of 4 last playoffs in the FIRST round. Whats the difference its still a loss?
Posted by: Laker Lover | March 05, 2008 at 04:03 PM
Should be interesting to see how Phoenix does tonight in Denver after playing in Portland last night. Shaq may need a walker or a stretcher by the 4th quarter...
Posted by: SG | March 05, 2008 at 04:04 PM
Laker Lover,
read the David Neiman article.
http://tinyurl.com/2yxahp
Posted by: ajax | March 05, 2008 at 04:06 PM
Quote from Laker Lover - "If Kobe taking over the game scoring was a good idea, why did the Laker coaching staff tell the team during cruch time they need contributions from everyone to win the game? That doesnt sound like they said its time for Kobe to take all the shots does it?"
Dude - you need to change your name. There is no way you are a true laker lover. This has to be one of the more ridiculous comments you've made yet. I'm sorry, but come on, man! What's the coaching staff supposed to do? Tell the kids they suck? Put more pressure on them than they already have? How about slapping them in the face ala MJ? NO! You encourage them, tell them what they're doing wrong & what they need to do - all the while knowing that your own personal team assassin has the will to win and will do whatever it takes. If you saw the game, you saw 3 1/2 quarters of Kobe dishing the ball and setting guys up to succeed. If they don't connect on a bucket - or better put - CAN'T connect - what's he supposed to do? He goes out in the 4th and works it out to pull out the W.
SERIOUSLY - stop with the "Laker Lover" name - it's bad press for the rest of us.
Posted by: justanothermambafan | March 05, 2008 at 04:14 PM
Laker Lover,
Why do you have to bring down Kobe Bryant all the time. If you bring down our top player then you bring down the team. You should ditch the Laker Lover moniker since you're undermining the team you say you love.
Haven't you ever heard, if you can't say something nice then don't say anything? You're becoming as redundant as KL Beast and GUNNER, and now another blogger that I shall skip.
KB may not be a saint, but he's playing his butt off right now.
Posted by: Mob Wagoneer | March 05, 2008 at 04:16 PM
Ajax I did
here are two points that arent valid and he has no evidence to back them up
James has arguably only one other person on his team that can score consistently; Kobe had several even before the arrival of Pau Gasol, yet he still nearly outscores LeBron.
Who before Gasol were these "several consistent scorers"? Odom, Luke Fisher no only Bynum and not the entire season.
LeBron handles the ball more, which could easily account for the differential in assists. (I wonder, on a side note, how Kobe compares to other shooting guards when it comes to dishing the rock.)
Not true- Kobe handles the ball all the time in the offense, watch the games, Kobe handles the ball just as much as Lebron, especially in crunch time.
I stopped reading after that. The guy isnt following the lakers if he believes those things.
Posted by: Laker Lover | March 05, 2008 at 04:21 PM
Laker Lover,
You know what my point was? I'll tell you...
Switch players... place Kobe on the Cavaliers and LeBron on the Lakers last year...
I believe Cavaliers vs Spurs would be a series in which the spurs would probably win but I doubt if it was going to be less than 6 games.
Now Lebron on the L:akers with that past roster against the Phoenix... well I am not going to discredit LeBron because he's really good... but I believe he wouldn't make a diference.
Some people are talking about Lebron being the MVP this year because when the two played against each other, Lebron kill the Lakers. If this is the case, I would be the first to jump and give the MVP award to Lebron.
Last time I checked the Cavaliers swept the spurs in the regular reason and you know what happened in the finals.
Don't get me wrong... I like Lebron and I think he'll be way better than Kobe and MJ but as of right now... it should not even be a discussion.
Posted by: Maxximo | March 05, 2008 at 04:36 PM
I love the Lakers in all their splendor, that of course includes my main man, Kobe Bean Bryant!
We Rock, and a Championship in 08 knocks!
This is indeed an exciting season laker fans need to simply enjoy. To quote Rodney King, can't we all just get along???
Posted by: lakersrydeordie | March 05, 2008 at 04:38 PM
LakerLover,
"Not true- Kobe handles the ball all the time in the offense, watch the games, Kobe handles the ball just as much as Lebron, especially in crunch time."
You're obviously the one who is not watching games. HaHa.
Laker's run the triangle, which is mostly "move the ball around from the high post". The Cav's give Lebron a screen, let him break down the defense, and see what happens (jumper, layup/dunk, pass to a teammate).
You and Kwame should be talking basketball together. Your b-ball IQ's would match up better than trying to talk ball with the bloggers on this forum.
Posted by: frank1rizzo | March 05, 2008 at 04:39 PM
Laker Lover-
Lebron handles the ball more in general. And since you didn't read the entire article, I can't continue to debate with you.
You should also read this article, very interesting stuff on Lebron & Kobe:
http://tinyurl.com/2ox5uq
Posted by: ajax | March 05, 2008 at 04:40 PM
"Don't get me wrong... I like Lebron and I think he'll be way better than Kobe and MJ but as of right now... it should not even be a discussion."
No, when LJ get's older, Drew will be better than him. :)
Posted by: frank1rizzo | March 05, 2008 at 04:41 PM
Laker Lover,
You’ve really got me riled up with your comments denigrating and demeaning the value of Kobe’s ability to take over games, so let me add a few more emotional comments:
First, when you are lucky enough to have a superstar weapon on your team with Kobe’s offensive firepower, you want to take advantage of that weapon in order to win games. Strategically, you want to make sure to design your offense to put your superstar in the situations and positions where he can cause the most damage to your opponents. Winning in the NBA is about unstoppable superstar players taking over and dominating games, whether it be Shaq or Dwayne or Magic or Bird or MJ or Kobe.
At the same time, of course, you also want to manage how your superstar interacts with his teammates and offense because we all know you team basketball is how you win. With a player like Kobe, who is the best player in the world, has an unmatched work ethic, plays hard on both ends of the floor, and is willing to share the ball, that is easy. When his teammates are having an off-night and the shots aren’t falling, though, you want to be able to turn to your superstar to save you, which is just what Kobe has done.
Whether Kobe’s critics were right or wrong and Kobe’s teammates good enough or not in previous seasons, most unbiased basketball analysts and observers would agree with me that Kobe has done an excellent job of measuring what the team needs and supplying it, whether it be defense, rebounding, playmaking, or scoring. Ask his coach. Ask his teammates. Ask the reporters covering him. Almost to a man, everyone agrees that Kobe is making the right decisions about when to take over a game. Everyone but you.
Partly because he has become a better leader and partly because he has better teammates to lead, Kobe has not had to take over many games this year because he hasn’t had to. It’s one thing to be critical of Kobe when he has a bad game or takes too many shots or gambles too much on defense but the way you relish trying to minimize and diminish how great Kobe played the last two games, you should change your blog name to something else because you ain’t no Laker Lover in my book.
Tom
Posted by: LakerTom | March 05, 2008 at 04:42 PM
Maxximo - unfortunately we willl never know but its fun to have the discussion. Many of those same players from last years team- farmar bynum and sasha for example, have played better this year and some of that improvment has to do with Kobe believing in them, though they get credit for improving too.
I have never questioned Kobes basketballl skills just his ability to lead, which he is doing well this year and has alot to do with the success of the team. Thats how I see it, it doesnt mean he is not above criticism since he is the captain of the team. Leaders get the praise and the criticism thats the way it is in sports for better or worse.
Posted by: Laker Lover | March 05, 2008 at 04:46 PM
"Thats how I see it, it doesnt mean he is not above criticism since he is the captain of the team. Leaders get the praise and the criticism thats the way it is in sports for better or worse."
I agree whole-heartedly. And if you have some constructive criticism to throw his way, we are all for it.
I have yet to see it though. :(
I see a lot of miss information, and harping on actions from 2+ years ago.
Posted by: frank1rizzo | March 05, 2008 at 04:56 PM
ATTENTION everyone -
The blogger know as LakerLover is just a troll in purple&gold clothing. We really shouldn't pay him any mind.
GO LAKERS!
The BEAN for MVP or NO PEACE!
Posted by: justanothermambafan | March 05, 2008 at 04:57 PM
Maxximo,
I think you're right on. Put Kobe on last year's Cavs, and they're more dangerous against the Spurs. They'd win AT LEAST one game, and probably two.
Conversely, go ahead and put LBJ with Luke, Smush, Kwame, Cook (even if you say Lamar without injury)... let's see that team make the playoffs in the West and stay somewhat competitive against the top team (they barely lost to the Spurs) in Phoenix...
I'd like to see it.
Laker Hater, please, we get the point. Kobe invented nuclear waste, he's a scum of a person, he's "not that great"... whatever you say. All I know is that he's pretty darn good at his role (find someone better that could REALISTICALLY replace him)... he is who we have.
And further, to your dismay, he's not going anywhere.
Posted by: Tim-4-Show | March 05, 2008 at 05:03 PM
"I have never questioned Kobes basketballl skills just his ability to lead, which he is doing well this year and has alot to do with the success of the team. Thats how I see it, it doesnt mean he is not above criticism since he is the captain of the team. Leaders get the praise and the criticism thats the way it is in sports for better or worse."
Sure, no one is above criticism. But from what I've read of your posts you seem to nitpick and search for things to criticize. Sure Kobe must be held to a higher level, but everyone makes mistakes and no athlete's game will ever be 100% perfect. They say they're building robots that can play sports...how boring will that be?
Posted by: Justin N | March 05, 2008 at 05:13 PM
I don't know why we continue with this uninformed debate ... simple solution for those of you who believe that LaBron is a better closer and is MVP this year.
You are right !
Now, go watch the Cavs in the playoffs, post on the Cleveland Plains Dealer blog, and leave us alone.
Posted by: HmrHed | March 05, 2008 at 05:14 PM
DR. JACK RAMSEY PICKS LAKERS TO WIN IT ALL
http://media.www.dailypennsylvanian.com/media/storage/paper882/
news/2008/03/05/Sports/Talking.Points.Dr.Jack.Gives.His.Diagnosis.
On.All.Things.Basketball-3252279.shtml
" I'm going to pick the Lakers. Since they acquired Pau Gasol, I broadcast their [108-104 overtime] game last Sunday against Dallas, they're very good. Kobe's been even better. Maybe he's there; he's at the Michael Jordan level. They just have a good team. They're well coached by Phil Jackson. I think they have the deepest team in the league, and they're still missing Andrew Bynum, who has emerged this year as a very good NBA center. He may not get back until the playoffs, and there's a chance he might not be back at all without them. Even without him they could win it all this year."
Posted by: LakerTom | March 05, 2008 at 05:18 PM
The definitive argument for the Kobe/Lebron supremacy question was provided by Zin Master in one of the threads yesterday. Check it out:
http://fannation.com/blogs/post/153977
Don't take my opinion. Take a look at what 242 NBA players voted!
Posted by: CornerJ | March 05, 2008 at 05:24 PM
I looked at 82games.
They do a nice job of keeping the stats real.
But, the crunch time stats are a small sample size. Look at the total minutes, not a lot.
Posted by: Benjamin | March 05, 2008 at 05:29 PM
Our team right now though winning has a lot of things to work on this month. And we have to continue to win and work on improving as a team at the same time. 1.Defense if we become committed as a team and learn to reduce other teams PG from getting to basket at will we can win it all. If not if you think that no name guard for Sacramento was killinging us last not wait till Tony Parker sees our Defense!
Posted by: chuck23 | March 05, 2008 at 05:34 PM
Glad to see Kobe isn't the only superstar getting suspended in the NBA. Finally someone else gets it.
Pig
Posted by: "Pig" Miller | March 05, 2008 at 05:35 PM
This is good, finally some justice!
Posted by: J. Walter Weatherman | March 05, 2008 at 05:38 PM
Nice. So far, nobody has talked about the Dirk suspension in the Dirk-got-suspended-thread.
I don't know what happened before this play, but it just looks like a 7-footer falling and taking someone down with him. Unless there was some bad-blood before the play...
Posted by: Wasabi | March 05, 2008 at 05:38 PM
Haha, 24>23.
Debate closed. Ask your three year-old niece!
Posted by: Benjamin | March 05, 2008 at 05:43 PM
Good point Wasabi.
It's nice to see the NBA suspend someone not named Kobe Bryant or Ron Artest after reviewing film. If the NBA hadn't suspended Dirk, it would have looked fishy, like when Wade and Bron Bron didn't get suspended for the hard above the shoulder foul the same season Kobe did even though his was getting space after having a shot altered and not defending.
It's also nice to see the NBA trying to protect it's players.
Posted by: Benjamin | March 05, 2008 at 05:50 PM
LAKER & SUNS SCHEDULES
Lakers have big edge in schedule to finish with top seed in West. Here are cut and paste schedules:
LAKERS SCHEDULE:
21 Games remaining
13 Home – 8 Away
10 Playoff – 11 Lottery
---------
03/07 (H) Clippers
03/09 (H) Kings
03/11 (H) Raptors
03/14 (A) Hornets
03/16 (A) Rockets
03/18 (A) Mavs
03/20 (A) Jazz
03/21 (H) Sonics
03/23 (H) Warriors
03/24 (A) Warriors
03/26 (H) Bobcats
03/28 (H) Grizzlies
03/30 (H) Wizards
04/02 (H) Trailblazers
04/04 (H) Mavs
04/06 (A) Kings
04/08 (A) Trailblazers
04/10 (A) Clippers
04/11 (H) Hornets
04/13 (H) Spurs
04/15 (H) Kings
SPURS SCHEDULE:
23 Games remaining
11 Home – 12 Away
13 Playoff – 10 Lottery
---------
03/06 (H) Pacers
03/07 (A) Nuggets
03/09 (A) Suns
03/10 (H) Nuggets
03/12 (A) Hornets
03/14 (A) Pistons
03/15 (A) 76ers
03/17 (H) Celtics
03/20 (A) Bulls
03/21 (H) Kings
03/23 (A) Mavs
03/25 (A) Magic
03/26 (H) Clippers
03/28 (H) Timberwolves
03/30 (H) Rockets
04/01 (H) Warriors
04/04 (A) Jazz
04/06 (A) Trailblazers
04/09 (H) Suns
04/11 (H) Sonics
04/13 (A) Lakers
04/14 (A) Kings
04/16 (H) Jazz
Tom
Posted by: LakerTom | March 05, 2008 at 05:50 PM
"24>23"
haha!
Posted by: ajax | March 05, 2008 at 06:01 PM
LAKER LOVER IS A TROLL -
He disappears during games when the Lakers do well, hangs around and harps about it when they don't. He's only here to say things that get people riled up.
IGNORE THE TROLL AND HE'LL GO HOME TO SLEEP UNDER SHAQ'S BED. (he's always talking about how good the Bums are, we know his true allegiances)
BYE TROLL - FAKER LOVER, FLAKER LOVER, FAKER LOSER
Posted by: DrewPauKobe | March 05, 2008 at 06:04 PM
Hey why are u even replying to lakerlover's posts, he doesnt know basketball, some people do not like kobe as a person but he's not your gf i you dont need to like him . I Love Kobe and I love his game. If you don't love his game you don't love basketball period. Go kobe and Go lakers !
Posted by: Kobethe best | March 05, 2008 at 06:23 PM
Troll patrol.... hello... Laker Lover.. are you TJ Simers coming on to this blog and roiling up hate and venom if so you will be unmasked and your covers pulled,warning headed?
Posted by: Troll Patrol | March 05, 2008 at 06:27 PM
What always gets lost in the MJ vs. Kobe debates is that Kobe has only played 60% of his career . . . I could definitly see Kobe playing till he is what 37? 38? The man knows his body, his skill, and his will to win will NEVER diminish . . . as long as the lakers are relevant, Kobe will be enjoying life as the best basketball player alive. . . .
Also . . . from what I remember, LBJ for all of his playing glory, still plays most of his game utilizing his freakish athletic ability. We have yet to see how he does after his first major injury? Every player gets one, why should he be any different with his physical game, its just a matter of time. . . . will he bounce back? will he be determined to improve his footwork, jump shot, his post skill, actually try to make his teammates better?
until then . . . Kobe is the best, most feared by his peers baller in the NBA . . . and Kobe fans should be looking up the the mythical heights ppl have placed jordan instead of down to the raw skill of LeBron.
Posted by: SA | March 05, 2008 at 06:32 PM
While I assume many of you guys also check out Kurt Helin's Forum Blue and Gold- you should if you don't,- he has some interesting stuff up on his site about last night's game.
http://tinyurl.com/2waxbx
BK
Posted by: Brian Kamenetzky | March 05, 2008 at 06:40 PM
Where's Jon K.? I haven't seen him on here in a while.
Posted by: Xodus | March 05, 2008 at 06:45 PM
One of the big mysteries of the NBA -- What is Denver doing in number 9 with two potential HOF on the team and good big men? I don't get it. Can it all be blamed on their defense?
Come on Denver do a solid for us Laker fans.
Posted by: HmrHed | March 05, 2008 at 06:53 PM
Laker Lover
Who do you think takes a higher percentage of his team's shots LeBron or Kobe?
Who has the higher points per shot average?
Posted by: giantsquid | March 05, 2008 at 06:57 PM
LeBron scored 50 points tonight against the Knicks. He's an awesome player that had another great game. Can't wait for the next Laker game against the Clips on Friday. Right now I'm watching the Nuggets and Suns on ESPN. NBA is so exciting to watch right now. Go Lakers!!!
Posted by: Nemaia Faletogo | March 05, 2008 at 07:05 PM
I suspect Avery J. is on Dirk's case of being soft on D after losing to Lakers and SA. Because of that, he was trying to prove that he was tough on AK. He deserves the punishment and from now on his new name is Dirt N.
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | March 05, 2008 at 07:10 PM
I suspect Avery J. is on Dirk's case of being soft on D after losing to Lakers and SA. Because of that, he was trying to prove that he was tough on AK. He deserves the punishment and from now on his new name is Dirt N.
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | March 05, 2008 at 07:10 PM
Edwin,
LOL, Dirt N is right. Has anyone else noticed how Dirt Nowitzki seems to act tougher and more animated since Jason Kidd came to Dallas? I always watch or peek in on how other top WC teams are doing with their new acquisition(s).
Rockets appear to be on their way to their 16th win tonight against the Pacers. More than anything, the Rockets are doing it on the defensive end. Houston will be a scary team to face should they make the playoffs.
Every game will be playoff intensity which is why the Lakers need to continue to win, stay focused and hungry. I love this game!!! Go Lakers!!!
Posted by: Nemaia Faletogo | March 05, 2008 at 07:30 PM
Is anybody else listening to these Funs announcers? At the end of the 2nd quarter: "maybe in the second half we'll get a call or two, but I'm not making any promises"
That is something I'd expect to see on a blog or from a fan, but from paid announcers? Wow!
Shazam!!!
OOOOOhhhh Brother!!
Lamest announcers in the NBA. How idiotic.
Posted by: Earth Wind & Fire | March 05, 2008 at 07:39 PM
by the way, the answer to the question at the top is "unbezahlt Urlaub".
Posted by: GD | March 05, 2008 at 08:03 PM
The Suns are getting run off the floor once again. They've already given up 114 points with 7 minutes left in the 4th. If someone can still make an argument that Shaq was a good idea for the Suns then I'd like to hire you as my defense lawyer.
3-5 and counting.
Posted by: Xodus | March 05, 2008 at 08:22 PM
Nuggets are just scoring at will on the Suns. No defense at all from both teams. Shaq is playing well tonight, but really doesn't seem to help out the Suns defense overall. I haven't seen the Suns get outrun and outgun the way they have been lately. This is where the Lakers have been a different animal in that they can play uptempo or grind it out. The Lakers have a combined record of 6-1 against the Nuggets and Suns. A lot to like about the Lakers nowadays.
Posted by: Nemaia Faletogo | March 05, 2008 at 08:47 PM
I don't understand how a team has a bad team defense w/ Martin and Camby. That should be enough to make up for a great deal.
But yeah, their defense is a joke. On paper they look so amazing, but in real life, they're just okay.
Posted by: Benjamin | March 05, 2008 at 09:26 PM
Good news for Lakers: Now they are a Team, as the last match shows : it was mainly won by the team. If you defend Kobe you have Gasol. He can keep Lakers on top: 31/10. And did it for 3 quarters, as Kobe said. Pau's best talent: once being good adding points, he makes the rest better, he's a team player. And if you defend better inside then you have the best player nowadays (#24) scoring hungrily. Lakers are favourite for 2008 Championship: great players, Kobe on top, and also a balanced group.
Posted by: Johnjohn | March 06, 2008 at 01:06 AM
GD - actually, it's "unbezahlter Urlaub"
Posted by: Fubuchabo | March 06, 2008 at 07:27 AM