You tell me: Good omen or bad omen for the Lakers?
As I walked towards my Salt Lake City hotel to check in, I saw Jerry Sloan sitting in the driver's seat of a black Escalade parked out right in front. I'm not sure how long he'd been there, but he took off after a few minutes. It may not really mean anything in the way of true "omens," considering the arena is literally across the street from my hotel. (And I mean, literally. The building is visible through my window. I'm staring at Deron Williams and Carlos Boozer as we speak. In wall-size banner form, of course. They don't just loiter outside EnergySolutions like shiftless layabouts.) But still, kinda random.
So as you debate amongst yourselves whether crossing paths with Sloan is "black cat" bad, "four leaf clover" good, or "Switzerland" neutral-coincidence as it pertains to the Purple and Gold, I'll share a few other thoughts/observations that have come to me since leaving (free at last!!!) Dallas.
1) In perusing last night's box score, I noticed an interesting little nugget. It goes without saying that the seventeen rebounds collected by Lamar Odom represents a huge night on the boards. But six of them grabs were of the offensive variety, only two shy of the Mavs' entire total. More importantly, four either helped set up an ensuing Laker bucket or led to a Laker at the stripe. One of those trips was for LO himself, where he knocked down those huge freebies with just under thirty ticks left. Given how close this game turned out, those second chance points (which simultaneously represented denying Dallas an actual chance to score) may arguably be the most crucial stat of the night.
2) Save an opportunity to hit the reportedly killer slopes, I've never felt a pressing desire to visit Utah. Nothing personal against the state. There's just nothing about, say, Provo that makes me think, "I just gotta hit that spot before turning 40!" But now that I'm here, gotta admit, Salt Lake City ain't bad. Kinda quaint, with some fantastic landscapes. Snow covered mountains surrounding a city on all sides make for a very appealing skyline. Granted, a little bit of my admiration could very well be rooted in a desperate desire to leave Big D. The last 24 hours had me ready to hop a plane to Scranton. But all kidding aside, while I need to see more before awarding SLC an official thumbs up or down, I found my excursion to the hotel rather scenic.
3) The big reason I wanted to go inside the Mavs locker room last night, outside of the plainly obvious fact that I have every right to be there? I was hoping to get Josh Howard's thoughts on the job Shane Battier did guarding Kobe during Sunday's loss against Houston, since he'd likely spend some time on Bryant. More specifically, the very unusual technique of looking purely to keep a hand in Kobe's grill, as opposed to contesting the shot itself. Unfortunately, as I already knew but learned first hand, the Mavs locker room is a "No-Blog Zone" (which makes him come off as ridiculous as Bill O'Reilly, but I digress). Thankfully, my lovely Times colleague Helene Elliott was kind enough to venture inside Mark Cuban's Shangri-La and ask Howard for me. She only had a few minutes with him, but managed to yield copy that can only be described as fairly sensitive and potentially inflammatory (which is to be expected, considering the inappropriate nature of the questions, typical of what gets asked by your garden-variety unsupervised blogger). I can totally see why Cuban would be dead set on preventing me from mining the following info.
Josh Howard, On what he learned (if anything) about guarding Bryant
"Try to keep a hand in his face, I guess. Coach stressed that today. I didn't really watch the game. That's something Battier's been doing his whole career and it's been effective against Kobe. I'll try to do it and if not, we have great team defense as an option."
On what makes Kobe such a difficult assignment
"He's always shooting the ball. It's hard to guard somebody that's shooting the ball all the time. It's gonna take great team defense. We'll need great team defense."
Like I said, explosive material stemming from inquiries that pushed the envelope of taste and responsibility. Kudos to Cuban for being the one man tough enough to battle this madness.
4) In the wake of Phil Jackson announcing that Andrew Bynum's timetable is now the first round of the playoffs, a thought occurred to me. Unless the Lakers make it to at least the Western Conference finals or beyond (fingers crossed), I'm thinking Bynum will definitely play the rest of these season's game from the pine (which Jackson had earlier acknowledged was already possible). Beyond just the notion of Bynum needing to work himself into game shape, PJ's task of working him into a lineup with fellow tall dudes Pau Gasol and Lamar Odom is likely too complicated to make seamless after a few playoff games, maybe even a series or two. You've got Drew and Pau learning to play with each other. LO switching positions yet again. Unless things are going poorly enough with the current starting lineup that a change feels necessary (like when Jordan Farmar took over for Smush right before the playoffs), I see the current Fisher-Kobe-Vlad-Odom-Gasol unit taking the court for every opening tip.
Is this a bad thing? Not necessarily. It may not be as exciting and it certainly could be more anti-climactic, but again, not the same thing as "bad." While the notion of the Purple and Gold unleashing their twin towers thrilled Laker fans and unnerved the rest of the league, there is something to be said for Bynum bolstering the bench while regaining strength. Even at 60-70%, I imagine Bynum's better than most backup centers he'll face in the postseason. Remember how big an asset he was earlier this season as a member of "The Mob?" You could do worse than reliving those days, especially considering how the pine crew's come down to Earth a bit after consistently beating the snot out of every opponent's second unit. Farmar and Bynum had a nice two-man game going. Plus, Bynum at the five allows Ronny Turiaf to finally get significant minutes at the four, which plays considerably better to his strengths. I'm pretty sure Martinique's Favorite Son is pretty geeked at the chance to get more run at his natural position. The coaching staff wouldn't exactly mind, either.
Plus, there's the intrigue this development allows Laker fans. While I'm sure the postseason will inevitably offer scattered minutes of a Bynum-Gasol duo, we won't likely get a true idea of what these two are capable of until '08-'09. Which will make the summer kinda like 3-4 months of being a six-year old waiting by the Christmas tree for Santa to drop off the goodies. Assuming you don't also have the patience of an actual six-year old, it could be fun having something this potentially awesome to visualize. If nothing else, it'll help kill an offseason.
5) I was obviously aware of it at the time, but even a day later, Jason Kidd only taking three shots on the night still seems strange. Seriously? Three? Dude launched the same amount as Erick Dampier (with fewer makes). I realize Kidd may have been concentrating on setting folks up, but there's a difference between being a "facilitator" and appearing to have taken over the departed DeSagana Diop's offensive duties. The next time LO bends fans out of shape by only taking 8 shots, they can look back on this night and find a little solace.
6) All kidding aside, I am SO happy to be out of Dallas. My mojo ran bone dry within roughly 30 minutes of arriving. Things can only be looking up here, right?
Right?
AK
I for one am a Bruin fan but when one of our LA schools represents nationaly I support the LA team. Since USC has the last few years played championship calibur levels and Bruins out of National scene then yes I support USC. Same for basketball, Bruins playing championship level basketball plus wanting Bruins on top, you skippy right I support the Bruins.
No problem at all.
Posted by: JustaLakerFan | March 19, 2008 at 10:00 PM
============================================
YOU ARE #1.... ANYONE ELSE WHO APPRECIATE CELTICS BASKETBALL HERE? THE TROLL MAN WANTS TO KNOW...
Posted by: dice8up | March 19, 2008 at 10:11 PM
A TRUE LAKER FAN HATES THE CELTICS, THEY WILL NEVER GIVE THE CELTICS ANY RESPECT OR CREDIT
A TRUE BRUIN FAN HATES USC AND VICE VERSA
YES THE TROLL MAN WANTS TO HEAR ANY A TRUE FAN SAY OTHERWISE
No wimp outs like "I hate the Celtics but I admire them" crap
dice8up you must be very young
I will refrain from feeding until i hear what the masses have to say
Posted by: Troll Man | March 19, 2008 at 10:26 PM
It's all starting to make sense now, Sloan's furtive behavior in front of the hotel, the fact that I saw him on the Trans Europe Express last summer, the mysterious cabal headed by D.Stern, the inexplicable convergence of standings in the west. Better buckle up everyone, it's going to be a bumpy ride. Oh, and somebody grab the garlic and silver bullets.
Posted by: dave m | March 19, 2008 at 10:27 PM
Bynum now expected back in 2 weeks, WTF is Phil doing to us lately? I hope it is true.
Posted by: pslakerlover | March 19, 2008 at 10:39 PM
JustaLakerFan
dice8up
Anyone else
This is why true Celtic fans are not like LA "Fair Weather" fans.
True Celtic fans despise the Lakers and their soft crybaby play.
True Celtic fans will never appreciate the Lakers, there is nothing to appreciate.
Hatred runs deep.
This is why the Celtics will win the Championship, with their team play and overwhelming defense that they bring for 48 minutes.
LA fans have short memories, You got blown out twice by Boston because you couldn't handle the pressure.
Heck, you can't even admit that LBJ is better than Kobe
Did you really think Kevin Mchale would give you Kevin Garnett?
Larry Bird make you an offer you couldn't refuse for JO
Danny Ainge?
I am sure they thought real hard about it especially after appreciating the Lakers as fans do.
BTW JustaLakerFan, don't say you support USC in football and UCLA in Basketball to any USC or UCLA student or alum, You'll find out why!
Posted by: Troll Man | March 19, 2008 at 10:49 PM
On the horizon can be seen the forms of three 7 footers soon to return to action and the heat of battle. The West has much to fear and tremble when the giants return. Go Lakers!!!
Posted by: Nemaia Faletogo | March 19, 2008 at 10:51 PM
AK/BK,
ITS BAD OMEN FOR UTAH. BLACK MAMBA WILL DISS THEM.
Posted by: Disgruntled,Frustrated Laker Fan | March 19, 2008 at 10:59 PM
AB and Pau close to getting back?
Merry Christmas, Happy Birthday and thank god it's friday.
Gotta love this kind of photo finish.
Posted by: Vman | March 19, 2008 at 11:14 PM
Bynum's Amazing recovery time...
http://www.latimes.com/sports/la-sp-lakerep20mar20,1,
4381653.story?page=2
Posted by: lakers452 | March 19, 2008 at 11:24 PM
Yahoo says that Okur is out with the stomach flu. Can anyone confirm he's out tomorrow against the Lakers?
Posted by: sepho | March 19, 2008 at 11:42 PM
What's up Lakerville?
Just logged in to check on the latest buzz and what do I see? Bynum to play in 2 weeks after Sunday? Whoopee!!! I hope he's fully healed by then.
http://tinyurl.com/2v3xgr
Is PJ pulling our leg? The other day he said Bynum won't be back until the playoffs. Now he says Bynum might be back with 6 games left to play in the regular season. Wow! Is this some sort of devilish scheme to throw off the opponents???! Or just an honest to goodness assessment of the current state of health of the knee? Either way, we'll surely welcome The Beast back with open arms! Can't wait!
Go Lakers! Shut up the Jazz fans!!!
Posted by: SamII | March 19, 2008 at 11:47 PM
Bynum back in 2 weeks now per PJ. Now we can all celebrate. 6 games before the playoffs should give the Zen disciple some time to work our 2nd tower into the lineup, yes?
Posted by: Luke | March 20, 2008 at 12:11 AM
Apparently Bynum may be coming back early. April 6 is mentioned as the earliest:
http://www.latimes.com/sports/basketball/nba/lakers/la-sp-lakerep20mar20,1,4941960.story
Posted by: Johnson | March 20, 2008 at 12:14 AM
AK,
You and BK have been on a roll recently. Keep it up! I know I've been a critic in the past, but you two are finally finding your voice. It's been good stuff. And as an extreme journalistic critic, you two are getting the job done (unlike practically everyone else on the L.A. Times sports section staff).
Criticism is due when it is due. Credit is due when it is due.
Regarding the omen... no comment.
Derek Fisher is my favorite Laker, so I hope he is vindicated. He should be.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | March 20, 2008 at 12:17 AM
Bynum to the bench would actually be sick.
Theres no doubt that when Bynum was coming off the bench with Farmar and Sasha, the Lakers bench was killing people. You figure now that Farmar has opened up his game, Sasha is a threat from beyond the arc, Bynum will get some open looks down low. You figure the starting line up is solid with two go-to-guys Kobe and Pau, plus a shooter in Vlad, a distributor in Fisher, and a do it all in Odom. Then you bring Bynum, Turiaf, Farmar, Sasha off the bench?? Geez. Thats something the Lakers can only dream of. Goodnight rest of Western Conference.
Posted by: The Lake Show | March 20, 2008 at 01:14 AM
Andrew now potentially due back Apr 6th against the BallSACs, giving him six games to tune up before the playoffs.
http://www.latimes.com/sports/basketball/nba/lakers/la-sp-lakerep20mar20,1,4941960.story
Posted by: The Dude Abides | March 20, 2008 at 05:15 AM
If Luke wants to become a great player for the Lakers, he needs to emulate Rick Fox...Concentrate on playing borderline chippy-bowen type defense and take the offense as it comes. Farmar needs to work on attacking the paint to maximize his perimeter game. I still think a big key is Ariza being able to guard Pierce, Anthony and other SF's with quickness. Otherwise Kobe may have to play SF and have Farmar or Sasha as SG.
Posted by: DOC4daLakeShow | March 20, 2008 at 05:36 AM
bron bron's interview with espn . . . . i thought it is interesting with his respect for Kobe. . . it seems as if all the players stay in awe of him, while the media and fans are always trying to bash him . . .
James met Tiger Woods for the first time during Monday's game at Orlando. He was asked why he admires Tiger and what's he may have learned from watching him.
"Just because of his dominance and his competitive nature. He expects to win every time he goes out there. Every time he goes onto the course, he prepares himself to be victorious and to be the No. 1 golfer in the world. As a competitor and leader myself, I look up to guys like that."
What about athletes in other sports?
"I look at Roger Federer, Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant -- guys that continue to want to be the No. 1 player. No matter what happens, they want to be the best player on the court. The respect the game and that's why the game respects them back."
Posted by: SA | March 20, 2008 at 06:15 AM
http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=3302955
Excellent news!
Posted by: mel | March 20, 2008 at 06:33 AM
To a troll, hatred should equal respect. Indifference is what you don't want. Last year we were indifferent about the Celtics. They were irrelevant. This year the Celtics have the best record in basketball, play shut down defense and will be the hardest out in the playoffs. Having said that, I hate the way they play, I hate the color of their uniforms, I hate the arrogant homerism of their announcers (they are the most provincial in the NBA) and I hate the fact that their trolls can pollute the beauty of this Laker blog. Go Lakers!
Posted by: markythearky | March 20, 2008 at 06:40 AM
TROLLS,
UGH,
GOOD GOD Y'ALL,
WHAT ARE THEY GOOD FOR
ABSOLUTELY NOTHIN,
SAY IT AGAIN
Posted by: markythearky | March 20, 2008 at 06:42 AM
Cool news that BYNUM will actually be back b4 the playoffs! That Phil Jackson, he is such a card!! LOL
Anyway, GO Lakers, Beat Utah!
Posted by: lakersrydeordie | March 20, 2008 at 06:43 AM
Wake up my fellow bloggers?? Am I like the only East coast Laker blogger awake??I guess it does have it advantages being on the East Coast especially when it comes to GREAT NEWS about ANDREW BYNUM! Cmon, wake up so we can go blog crazy with this terrific news. Besides, it's gameday! ENOUGH said..
Posted by: lakersrydeordie | March 20, 2008 at 06:45 AM
"Bynum could now return two weeks from Sunday, Jackson said, which would give him up to six games with the Lakers before playoffs." LA Times
YEEEESSSSSSSSS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: HmrHed | March 20, 2008 at 06:46 AM
Bynum!!!
Posted by: Laker Fan | March 20, 2008 at 07:40 AM
Bynum!!!
Posted by: Laker Fan | March 20, 2008 at 07:40 AM
Bynum!!!
Posted by: Laker Fan | March 20, 2008 at 07:40 AM
Heh. Considering how many times the Bynum news has been flashed and repeated here, it looks like everyone from here to the moon is awake now.
Posted by: Johnson | March 20, 2008 at 07:43 AM
"Good morning. You are one day closer to the end of the world. You have been warned."
Omens? or Oh, men!
AK, were you talking about this good omen (http://www.imdb.com/media/rm3033767680/tt0075005) or this bad one (http://www.imdb.com/media/rm618174720/tt0466909)
I think the Lakers could do like this kid (http://www.imdb.com/media/rm651729152/tt0466909) and unleash the dogs on Utah.
Or better yet, the Kobe haters might enjoy this clip about his childhood.
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0075005/trailers-screenplay-E14423-310
And for those wishing Kobe the MVP trophy...
"His Day Will Come"
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Happy Gilmore | March 20, 2008 at 08:01 AM
I'm not geting over excited, I'm not getting over excited, I'm not getting over excited.....
But Damnit, Bynum's coming back. I'm a happy Laker fan today.
Posted by: Jeff | March 20, 2008 at 08:02 AM
Johnson, YES!!! Bynum may be coming back early : )
That is good news. I think they have erred on the side of caution. They don't want to have this injury reocurr now or plague his whole career. And, with that in mind, a few games together could give the team time to gel. MOST IMPORTANTLY, it could give them some wins and confidence going into the playoffs. Overconfidence is dangerous, but I'd love for the Lakers to have the taste of victory in their mouth as they enter the playoffs.
This is great news. The sooner I get to see Bynum and Gasol play together, the happier I am.
GO LAKERS!!!!
Posted by: JohnnyP | March 20, 2008 at 08:13 AM
THE BEAST returns to destroy the Queens.
Accept the hatred. The rivalry is alive again. The Leprechaun's resurrection will be much more short lived than the New Showtime.
Hate is respect.
I hate the Celtics. I hate every team that doesn't wear purple and gold.
I am not ashamed.
Pig
Posted by: "Pig" Miller | March 20, 2008 at 08:15 AM
Sloan has never won a crown player or coach, he was the biggest hack when a player and a conplainer to boot.
There is no jinks he just has no where to go.
Posted by: pk-in-the-mesa | March 20, 2008 at 08:19 AM
Laker Nation:
Take Jon K's wise advice to heart:
"Identify the troll, wound the troll, starve the troll"
If we don't feed them, they will go away.
Posted by: toad | March 20, 2008 at 08:25 AM
Good morning! To follow up on lakersrydeordie or hmrhed news,
here is the link.
http://tinyurl.com/2v3xgr
Posted by: Charles | March 20, 2008 at 08:28 AM
the good thing with bynum is that phil jackson will not rush the kid back if he isn't ready.
if bynum comes back and is still struggling with that knee, phil jackson will not hesitate to put him on the shelf.
there is no point whatsover in rushing this kid back for one playoff run, since bynum figures to be a key factor in the next 5+ playoff campaigns...
lakers, if the kid is good to go - by all means - play him. if he's 80%, park him in the garage, fine tune him over the summer and let's roll him out for next season.
peace.
Posted by: tha show | March 20, 2008 at 08:31 AM
Must be a GOOD OMEN!
Also more news with the owner blogger tool tyrant!
http://tinyurl.com/32wcxu
Posted by: Charles | March 20, 2008 at 08:33 AM
Am I alone in thinking that Sloan driving an Escalade is funny?
Don't you expect to see that guy driving a Ford pickup? Maybe a spendy Harley or King Ranch edition if he's feeling flush, but an Escalade? Doesn't that clash with his John Deere hat?
Maybe Sloan has to pay and "un-endorsement" fee to Cadillac, just to preserve any street cred that model might still have.
Posted by: The D | March 20, 2008 at 08:37 AM
Here are the exciting news for the game tonight:
"That twisting and moving could be a bit of a problem tonight against the Los Angeles Lakers at EnergySolutions Arena at 8:30 for Boozer, who took himself out of Monday's home win over Toronto with 6:13 to go after mildly straining a muscle in his lower left back. He took treatment Tuesday and Wednesday but did not participate in contact in Wednesday's practice. He is expected for today's shootaround and said he will play tonight." Deseret Morning News
~~ With a bad back, Ronnie Turiaf and DJ MBenga could pound him in the post.
News: Okur (stomach virus) did not practice Wednesday but is expected to participate in Thursday's shootaround, the Deseret Morning News reports. (RotoWire - Wed. Mar 19, 2008)
~~ With stomach flu, it means that Okur is still weak, even Sasha could stop him. lol!
Lastly, the news that Drew will be back in two weeks, after few days ago when PJ said that the swelling hasn't subside and would be available by the start of playoffs. Which is which? We need medical information from the MD and/or John Black, the Lakers media man.
~~ Difficult to rely on the words of the Zen, he could sell anyone for 30 pieces of silver and say later, "I'm sorry".
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | March 20, 2008 at 08:42 AM
More on the Bynum update.
http://tinyurl.com/3aoujp
Posted by: Charles | March 20, 2008 at 08:43 AM
RE: The Dude Abides
I just want to let you know that not all Jazz fans are classless. I completely respect Fish's reason for leaving the Jazz, even though I hated to see him leave. He is truly a class act; a quality individual. I read the article you are reffering to, and I think it just brings to light how poorly the situation was handled by some of the media. It seems like some of them had run out of stories to write, so they resorted to writing opinions instead of fact. Larry Miller did the right thing, the classy thing, in letting Fish out of his contract. I mean when it comes down to it, what is more important than family?
Posted by: Josh from Utah | March 20, 2008 at 08:44 AM
Laker Tom, thanks for giving Kobe the appreciation for his work ethic.
PJ should play with options and see what works. But personally, I would try Bynum at Center and Gasol at power forward first. With Odom and Kobe in, we would be able to dominate for long stretches. If, Lakers God forbid, Gasol and Bynum don't work well together, then we can try switching them back and forth at center.
But Bynum blocks the center better defensively. Gasol is not a natural center. His mid range game is too good to not open up the floor with.
And, I like the idea of Luke playing like Rick Fox. I just don't see it happening. And when a moment of offensive opportunity opened up for Fox, he made the shot. Overall, his just playing defense and not touching the ball would help. He could also employ the GENIUS selective use of fouls like Travis Knight did.
Posted by: JohnnyP | March 20, 2008 at 08:44 AM
Troll
You have the ravings a bitter, insane old man, but the expertise of a whelping puppy. Keep working on your wounded insular pride, continue to abuse your liver, grow an annoying moustache, become even less grounded in factual accuracy, and you'll certainly fit in with the rest of the Celtics hardcore.
Above all, you must avoid sunlight, withdraw from the adult world, ignore all facts that don't comport with your stunted worldview, and develop serious belligerent social deficits. Only then will you gain season tickets to the Garden.
Posted by: The D | March 20, 2008 at 08:47 AM
Good morning everyone!
OMG - IT'S GREAT TO BE A LAKER FAN!!!!!.
GAME DAY BABY!!!
WOW - what great news! The BEAST back before the playoffs! Just in time to get into a groove - unbelievable! The Laker Nation is ecstatic as we should be! Who cares if he starts or comes off the bench??? Just being back will give our guys confidence, will scare the other teams & will help us on our way to the parade in June. You gotta love PJ messing around like that - nothing like mind-games to keep people wondering & a little off-balance.
Regarding Utah tonight, I seriously hope Fish has giving a little pay-back in mind. Those classless trolls in Utah deserve a little slapdown for booing him last time. Ugh - trolls - can't love 'em, can we shoot 'em? LOL!
GO LAKERS!
The BEAN for MVP or NO PEACE!!
Posted by: justanothermambafan | March 20, 2008 at 08:51 AM
troll,
It is possible that the Celtics win the title this year, they are very good and much deeper now with Sam I Am and Big Baby on the bench. But The Lakers have a group of young players to build around with them being a great team now, and spectacular in 1 to 2 years. And remember Troll, the Cs have not done anything in the playoffs for going on 16 years. Not since Bird retired. Lakers have won 3 titles since. Been to the Finals 4 times. So go back live under a bridge some place.
Posted by: richard | March 20, 2008 at 08:59 AM
The D
That would be the "GAHDIN"
Posted by: toad | March 20, 2008 at 09:02 AM
The D,
" Keep working on your wounded insular pride, continue to abuse your liver, grow an annoying moustache, become even less grounded in factual accuracy, and you'll certainly fit in with the rest of the Celtics hardcore."
That was fricken awesome!
POST MORE, BROTHER!
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | March 20, 2008 at 09:09 AM
[No wimp outs like "I hate the Celtics but I admire them" crap
dice8up you must be very young
I will refrain from feeding until i hear what the masses have to say
Posted by: Troll Man | March 19, 2008 at 10:26 PM]
I think you read, write and speak english as that is the language you are typing.
First there is a difference between appreciate and admire. Yes I appreciate what the Celtics have done and deserve their props for their place in history. And because they did well they made the Lakers stronger in working harder to surpass them. This is what happened and that I appreciate. Admire, Hell No, I hate the Celtics. But because of their adversery to us we became better and got our place in history but I hate them. Want me to type that in Spanish in case you don't understand English?
JLF
BTW JustaLakerFan, don't say you support USC in football and UCLA in Basketball to any USC or UCLA student or alum, You'll find out why!
Posted by: Troll Man | March 19, 2008 at 10:49 PM
Must be that reading thing again. Reread my post. I said I am a Briun fan so that means in football too. But as the Trojans have played #1 status Nationally and the Bruins were not competing then YES I support the Local LA Team.
Same in basketball but because the Bruins have played to competing for National top spot and USC is out then it is very easy to support UCLA as that would be my favorite team anyway.
Nowhere did I mention supporting USC or Bruins at their opposite venue but I would to any of respective fans if asked and will explain as I have here. Again I say I support Bruins but when one or the other is eliminated the choice then falls to supporting the local team Nationally.
Also what a load of crap to wait for masses to respond. Can't you take a stand on your own beliefs or position but need validation from masses. Looks like you go with the flow of the voices instead of having your own.
Go Lakers!
JLF
Posted by: JustaLakerFan | March 20, 2008 at 09:09 AM
TROLL MAN IS OUR COURT JESTER.
HIS FUNNY EATING ACT IS SNICKERINGLY AMUSING.
MAKE US LAUGH, CLOWN.
MAKE US LAUGH, CLOWN.
MAKE US LAUGH, CLOWN.
NOW! POST PLEASE AND FOR THE AMUSEMENT OF THE COURT OF LAKERSBLOG.
MORE, MORE!
Posted by: | March 20, 2008 at 09:22 AM
RE: LUKE WALTON
I believe that Luke Walton's poor showing lately has a lot to do with his attitude. He needs to undertsand that he is a roll player in the Lakers squad, which means that we need him to come off the bench and do the little things that roll players do. He does not need to do things beyond his skill level!!
Case in point: He puts himself in his "Fave Five" a few weeks together with the likes of Larry Bird. Shame, shame, shame! Even Bill Walton was embarassed by his arrogance!
Posted by: Robyn | March 20, 2008 at 09:22 AM