Game 4 thoughts
Here goes... Denver is done.
I could give y'all more, but I opted instead to channel my "inner Nugget" and throw in a quick towel.
All kidding aside, there's honestly no real point in a formal examination of tonight's game at Pepsi. Yeah, I could break down topics like controlling tempo, what remains in the kitchen sink for Denver to throw at L.A., maintaining crisp ball movement, etc. But at the end of the day, such analysis would amount to roughly "blah, blah, blah." What's the point, since I think the Nuggets would actually prefer the series end, along with any theoretical obligation to put up a legitimate fight. Carmelo Anthony admitted Denver quit during Game 3 like Larry Brown on "pick a job, any job." Eduardo Najera and George Karl can disagree all they want. I'm taking Melo's side. Why? Well, aside from the fact that sports fans watching the game in Braille could see the white flag waving, it's exactly how this Nuggets bunch acted during the 2006 playoffs when stuff starting going bad. And while Kenyon Martin has managed to avoid behavior prompting Karl to suspend him, it's safe to say that two additional seasons hasn't increased this group's collective maturity and resolve. Thus, unless Karl's game plan includes trotting out a brand new roster, consider this series done in about 8-9 hours. I'd be stunned to see the Lakers lose.
So is there anything whatsoever I'm concerned about heading into tonight's tipoff? Aside from Vlad Radmanovic hopefully pocketing a rediscovered shooting touch for the next series, my biggest wish list item would be every Laker coming out of this in one piece. The Nuggets did only two things with verve on Saturday. Get incredibly frustrated. And deliver hard fouls. Should the two meet again, especially in a situation where various Nuggets figure they have nothing to lose (I'm not counting the game), that could be a bad combo. I don't expect Denver to go down "swinging" in the "rah-rah" sense. But I'm very concerned they may go down literally swinging. Swinging elbows into a Lakers defender's jaw. Swinging forearms into the head of a Laker attempting a layup. Maybe even swinging fists. I'd advise every Laker to keep his head on a swivel caked with extra oil. Mind you, this is all contingent on the Nuggets mustering up enough heart (if you want to call it that) to play dirty. But as it stands, my instincts say the purple and gold need to be more on the lookout for a Denver cheap shot than an upset win.
AK
Go Lakers!
Posted by: Laker Fan 24 | April 28, 2008 at 02:20 PM
I know I''m not 1st, but wanted to wish the Lakers good luck and give up a little love.
Go Lakers
Kobesbaaaad(and he is)
Posted by: Kobesbad | April 28, 2008 at 02:26 PM
Bloggers, the question then is, if you are a Denver fan and you have tickets for the game, do you come out and cheer your team? If the team has given up, going out and cheering for them seems rather silly. Perhaps you would then go and cheer for the Lakers?
"Cheering" seems to be about increasing motivation. Applause is just appreciation. I can appreciate someone who has no motivation, someone who has just finished a performance. But I cannot motivate someone who has none. So cheering makes no sense. Do you just go and applaud their effort this year? Is it one long standing ovation for something that is essentially done?
Please bloggers, in the name of all those starving fans in Denver, give their fans some ethical guidance.
GO LAKERS!!!
Posted by: JohnnyP | April 28, 2008 at 02:30 PM
AK - totally agreed. Lakers should dress like the paramilitary folks surrounding the Olympic torch and hope for peaceful protests.
I also think the Commish's office is subtly promoting these super hard playoff fouls by not suspending either JKidd or Haywood. Who cares if a Thug gets suspended or thrown out - they have no more games until November.
But if they do anything really lame like that - who wants to join me in some serious taunting when they come to play the Funs at the Indian Wells tennis Garden in October for the pre-season? We can easily get some good jabs when they land at PSP. PSLakerfan - are you in?
Posted by: PsychedLakerGirl | April 28, 2008 at 02:31 PM
This team is so great
I love the LAKERS
lets go team
Posted by: Fuego32 | April 28, 2008 at 02:34 PM
Why ya gotta go and jinx the Lakers like that, AK?
Posted by: Amazing_Happens | April 28, 2008 at 02:39 PM
I think Denver may put up a little fight, they are playing for their pride and infront of their "fans." I see the Nuggets playing hard in the 1st half again but then the Lakers will take control and win. The only Nugget I'm concerned about regarding hard fouls i n Kenyon Martin, talk about emotional and I don't think he is very smart either.
One thing I am worried about is the Lakers energy tonight. They have proven many times that they can lack energy. May tonight be one of those nights? I doubt Kobe will let that happen but you never know. I'm just hoping the Lakers come out strong, play their game and secure the W.
GO LAKERS
Posted by: mrbarneydangles | April 28, 2008 at 02:42 PM
Denvers Tattoo problem? Fatty weighs in.
Call me old fashioned and practical, but I think they serve very little purpose unless they can actually help someone play better basketball.
So I have some suggestions for Tattoo's that might help Denver improve their game. (if that's possible)
Place a 'Right Foot' and a 'Left Foot' tattoo on the appropiate foot. A gentle reminder to put the shoes on the correct feet. These Nuggets, are not the sharpest NBA tools in the shed.
Same for the hands. So when Karl says drive to the right, they can quickly look to the back of hand to avoid confusion and mix ups.
Kleiza needs one on his forehead that says, "Pass me the ball" Just in case Melo ever happens to look his way.
I also think George Karl should wear instructional Tattoo's. Seeing as they NEVER listen to him. Maybe he can reach them with pictures? Like one on his right hand that says, "PLAY SOME D" and on the left, "YOU IDIOT"
Unfortunately for Karl, he probably doesn't have enough body space to impart ALL the proper instructions. Which would lead to George having to use his butt cheeks. That could get mighty ugly. AI to Kmart, “Hey Martin, Coach is mooning ya, must’ve done something REALLY wrong!”
As we know, Denver lacks oxygen, which might explain all the delusional behavior going on. Like JR Smith hallucinating, “Its not fair, we playing against 8. Man its 5 on 8 !"
You need to conserve all your air for the actual playing, not for trash talking. Tattoos can be practical here as well. Instead of saying silly things to rile an opposing player, just picture it.
Put on your face and chest, good antagonizing stuff like, “Can’t beat me!” or “Your Momma is Ugly”
Don’t forget the neck and back, “Can’t catch me! Sucker!!” Or put a picture of the Road Runner going ‘Beep! Beep!’ for those really reading impaired.
Don't get me wrong. I'm not trying to slight the Denver Thug culture. But after AK's warning of potential game thugery, I'm just trying to help Denver turn a negative for them into a positive.
In fact, maybe they could have a Tattoo Night. Give every fan a rub off tattoo of their favorite player.
Fatty, the Illustrated Man
Posted by: Fairweather Fatty | April 28, 2008 at 02:51 PM
I'm rooting for the team-wide Nugget Implosion!
Posted by: J.W. Weatherman | April 28, 2008 at 02:53 PM
AK - that's real talk.
Posted by: Caliphilosopher | April 28, 2008 at 02:55 PM
T4S
Check post's from the previous thread!
Posted by: Charles | April 28, 2008 at 03:05 PM
I agree that this might one of the uglier games of the year, but the key is to resist the temptaion to cheap shot back. We don't need any suspensions for players leaving the bench or delivering an unneccesary blow that warrants extra games outside of an NBA arena. Koby Carl should be the mandatory Laker Enforcer, I can see it now...K-Mart undercuts Kobe going up for an easy two-handed slam, Kobe hits the deck, Kurt Rambis and Brian Shaw manage to hold back every Laker except Coby Karl (because he's so wiry) who slips through the cracks and delivers a Star Fleet two-handed judo chop, dropping K-Mart like a ton of whiny bricks. Melo looks over at George Karl and screams, "Don't just sit there!", as he just stands there. Iverson says,"Marc Jackson says that I'm the best ever, pound for pound" Marc Jackson says, "I'm just trying to sound like a coach, actually...maybe in the Mile High City?" Suddenly Kiki Vandeweigh peeks in and says,"I like the way George Karl sits, plus he likes to get emo during press conferences, and he never said anything dumb about Iverson being the best player pound for pound, sorry Marc." Than Jeff Van Gundy says,"I'm little and pasty and I'll coach anywhere!" and his brother says,"Not in Miami, this state isn't big enough for the both of us (hell, I barely fit here but at least I'm REALLY tan for a Van Gundy)." Pat Riley (from overseas where he's scouting 'talent') says, "I might coach, or maybe not, but I'll probably think about calling you if I don't coach myself...D-Wade, what do you think?" Than D-Wade says, "I gotta put you on hold, coach, Charles is calling me and I don't him to drop me out of his Fave-5...by-the-by anyone got any extra league socks?"
Posted by: Jamie Sweet | April 28, 2008 at 03:07 PM
We just need to go into halftime with a lead. Any lead. Then the inevitable third quarter Nouguts implosion will begin.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | April 28, 2008 at 03:09 PM
thanks AK,
I guess the lakers have it made tonight.
this denver team does have a history of losing it on court. I hope though they just go quietly and decently tonight.
Posted by: che | April 28, 2008 at 03:13 PM
Mamba24,
I thought I was on the Roll Call????
If not, could you please put me in??
I will be representing LA in the Midwest tonight.
Your fellow laker brother,
MichiganLaker
Posted by: michiganlaker | April 28, 2008 at 03:14 PM
If we stay focused like the players appeared during the 4/27 practice interviews, I see making short work of them Thuggets..
GO LakeShow..Beat them early and good so I can be in my bed by 1:30 a.m.!
Posted by: lakersrydeordie | April 28, 2008 at 03:16 PM
AK, Vladimir is not shooting much but he is doing a good job against Melo. This was even noticed by Coach Fratello and Reggie in their discussion on the air on Game 3. This is the best defense a serbian can offer that culminated to Melo's frustrations throughout the game.
For Melo Anthony who is being paid $13 M got into drinking spree and DUI before playoffs and then admitted to ESPN interview that he quit on 3rd Q of their most important pivotal game would reflect a bad record on his b'ball resume. Denver's GM could be in the hot seat with $81M total salaries this year alone plus Kenyon Martin will continue to receive at escalating scale from $14M up to $16M till 2011 and their cancer patient Nene Hilario (I'm sorry for him) who might play for Brazil during the Olympics will also be receiving at escalating scale $11.6M till 2012, these are tough long term investments for Mr. Kroenke. How would u feel if u hear your players admit that they quit playing on 3rdQ? Sad state isn't it? Next to LA, Denver has lots of sold-out seats during the season but with their poor performance and known by many as a no-defense team, these season ticket holders could be thinking twice why they have to watch hooligans play on their court? Nothing wrong with tattoos if they are Maori's of NZ, but it's their attitudes as NBA prima donnas without any beef in their game except the running offense.
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | April 28, 2008 at 03:16 PM
Denver is just too good of a team to be swept. I predict the Lakers to lose tonight.
Posted by: never | April 28, 2008 at 03:27 PM
I'm just hoping that the Lakers don't buy into the hard fouls that Denver is sure to employ and retaliate in a way that would get any of them suspended for any subsequent playoff games. It's really hard to maintain your composure when the other team is teeing off on you with impunity. I've got to commend the poise and professionalism of our Lakers.
It's hard to believe that the league didn't suspend JKidd for that takedown of Jannero Pargo. Ditto with the hard fouls against LeBron James by "Soulja Boy" Stevenson and Brendan Haywood of the Wizards. Playoff basketball should be physical, but not dangerous and dirty. In JKidd's case, he was kicked out of a game which his team was going to lose anyway. The punishment doesn't seem to fit the crime.
LA is going after a bigger prize than winning a first round series. They have to remain mindful of that when the Nuggets begin the macho BS that's sure to come tonight. GO LAKERS!!!!
Posted by: bronxlakerfan | April 28, 2008 at 03:29 PM
The Lakers have been playing great. I hope they take the rest of the games with the Nuggets (hope there is only one more really) to polish up their defense.
They should focus on crisp rotations, pick & roll defense and containing the quick point guards that always give us trouble (like D. Williams, Parker or C. Paul).
I also hope they continue to refine their offense (crisp passes, moving without the ball, etc.) so they'll be ready when they meet a team that actually knows how to play D.
Posted by: olf | April 28, 2008 at 03:30 PM
What did Pierce do, stick his tongue out at him?
NEW YORK, April 28, 2008 – Boston Celtics forward Paul Pierce and Washington Wizards guard DeShawn Stevenson have each been fined $25,000 for making menacing gestures during games played this weekend, it was announced today by Stu Jackson, NBA Executive Vice President Basketball Operations.
Let me get this straight. You can hurt people on purpose and nothing happens to them.(Denver Saturday) But if you make a “menacing face”, its a $25,000 fine?
Will someone PLEASE try and explain that to me!
Posted by: Fairweather Fatty | April 28, 2008 at 03:32 PM
9 rings and the media should get off Vlad Rad. Only took 9 shots, 2-9 isn't that bad considering he is capable of 7-9 bring him to 50%. Vlad Rad doesn't get enough shots, but is playing better D, moves the ball and is definitely a deep threat.
Seems like folks rag on Vlad Rad and Sasha for no reason. Or is the reason because they are not American?
Luke Walton is playing well now, but most would take Vlad Rad over Luke in a heart beat. Glad the Lakers have them both.
Posted by: Todd | April 28, 2008 at 03:36 PM
Mamba24,
Hey, I thought I was on the Roll Call???
If not, may I please be put in it??
I will be representing the Lakers in the Midwest tonight!!
Lots of love to you and my fellow Laker brothers and sisters!!
MichiganLaker
Posted by: michiganlaker | April 28, 2008 at 03:37 PM
Edwin,
I agree that Vlad (and Luke, for that matter) has done a nice job defending Melo throughout the series. In particular, I thought Radmanovic did very well on Saturday. But all in all, he's not a guy that can be depended on for defense. Unless his shot starts falling on a regular basis, the odds favor him bringing very little to the table over the long run.
AK
Posted by: Andrew Kamenetzky | April 28, 2008 at 03:42 PM
I've listened and watched just about every sports network and their coverage on the NBA playoffs and I'm just sick and tired of what they're saying about the Lakers/Nuggets series. All the analysts on NBATV, TNT and ESPN seem to be focusing waaaaaaaaay too much on the implosion of the Nuggets. Even Charles Barkley today on Jim Rome and PTI spoke only on how the Nuggets quit and how disappointed he is that they're not playing better with the two stars they have in Melo and AI.
It seems that Barkley and many analysts are giving the enough credit to the Lakers for utterly frustrating and beating down the Nuggets. Sure the Nuggets don't play defense and are an undisciplined bunch of thugs, but I think that the Lakers have had much to do with Nuggets quitting. When the playoff matchups were set, most if not all analysts and experts gave Atlanta no chance to even win a game against the Celtics while more than a few said the Nuggets had a "puncher's chance" or would take the Lakers to six or seven games. Now most of the analysts and even some writers for the LA Times(Simers, Plaschke)make it seem as if the Nuggets weren't that good to begin because they don't play defense thereby minimizing what the Lakers have done. They say that the Lakers are having it too easy and must guard against a letdown in the next round.
Our Lakers deserve all the credit for dominating the Nuggets in this series. I praise our Lakers for the great job that they're doing right now. Go Lakers!!!
Posted by: Nemaia Faletogo | April 28, 2008 at 03:43 PM
My Team's got the Swagger, Kobe is our Dagger!
We talk no Jive in Five, We keep the Sweep!
Turkey!
It ain't easy Bleeding Purple and Gold...
Lol! That's real kiddo. Charles, love it!
Posted by: NottheOriginalKen | April 28, 2008 at 03:52 PM
Nemaia,
Good post. I completely agree with you. Once this team dominates the Jazz, the media will be singing a different tune.
Posted by: LAKER TRUTH | April 28, 2008 at 03:54 PM
Fairweather Fatty,
So you can commit a flagrant foul and not get suspended like Kidd did and not get suspended, but you get fined for being ugly like LeBron?
I'm flabberghasted that no one's been suspended for any of the many hard fouls during the first round. That only encourages boldness on the part of players and will be dangerous if they let it continue.
Once upon a time Kobe got suspended for backing someone off his grill. Stu Jackson needs a reality check.
Posted by: mel | April 28, 2008 at 03:55 PM
The Lakers have been playing great. I hope they take the rest of the games with the Nuggets (hope there is only one more really) to polish up their defense.
They should focus on crisp rotations, pick & roll defense and containing the quick point guards that always give us trouble (like D. Williams, Parker or C. Paul).
I also hope they continue to refine their offense (crisp passes, moving without the ball, etc.) so they'll be ready when they meet a team that actually knows how to play D.
Posted by: olf | April 28, 2008 at 03:30 PM
olf,
Great post mate. In my opinion I think our pick and roll defense is better than most people give it credit for. We're 3-1 against Deron Williams and the Jazz, 2-2 against Parker and the Spurs and 2-2 against CP3 and the Hornets, so it's hard for me to believe that we struggle against these guys as much as people say we do. I agree that we can improve our pick and roll defense and defense overall, but I think we've held our own against some of the best point guards in the West. I really like our chances against any of those point guards and their teams in these playoffs. Go Lakers!!!!
Posted by: Nemaia Faletogo | April 28, 2008 at 03:55 PM
Do you all agree that our best way to avoid violence tonight is to be super gentlemanly? If we taunt and humiliate them with jabbering, their frustration may boil over. I hope that someone out there still remembers sportsmanship.
FAIRWEATHER FATTY, that was the funniest ever.
I'm going to have to go with Lakers philosophy here. You go one game at a time. This is better than thinking a sweep is inevitable. Have we forgotten that the Lakers have a history of playing down to their opponent's level?
I think we'll win, I hope we'll win, but I'm not sure.
GO LAKERS!!!
Posted by: JohnnyP | April 28, 2008 at 04:04 PM
Fatty -
That was very funny!
RMA
Posted by: RespectMyAuthoritah | April 28, 2008 at 04:05 PM
If Alonzo Morning comes back next year do you think we could get a Chris Mihm for Alonzo Morning trade from Miami?
Can you imagine if we had Zoe on on team even for a couple of years!!!
Posted by: mikekaz | April 28, 2008 at 04:05 PM
Nemaia - I for 2 (!) am also sick and tired of the writers & so-called analysts minimizing the play of the Lakers in this round. If they're not saying we're winning because of Enver's implosion (as you said), then they're saying it's because the Lakers are the #1 seed playing the #8 seed so of course we should win because an 8 seed just isn't that tough......HELLOOOO????!!!! Enver is a 50+ win team - in the WEST!!!!! They completely contradict themselves every time. They try to have it both ways, and depending on how the Lakers fare, they change their story. It's DANNNGGGG frustrating, but you know what? We're winning - we'll continue to win - and who cares what these morons say anyways?!!! It's not like our future depends on them anyways. I was thinking that I hope history shows them up to be the idiots they are, but then I came to realize that they'll probably just jump on the Lakers bandwagon then & congratulate themselves for being right all along.....arrrgggghhhh!!!
Way to go Lakers!!! Keep it up!!!! SSWWWEEEEEEPPPP!!!
1, fo', fo', fo'!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: justanothermambafan | April 28, 2008 at 04:05 PM
Well guys, the knuckleheads on PTI predicted that the Nuggets would win tonight's game. Let's go out there and prove them wrong.
After everything our team has endured this year, we shouldn't accept any doubters. Let's come out in full force tonight and show them what we're capable of.
A big win tonight and Kobe is announced the MVP by Wednesday morning. Shoot, I wouldn't be surprised if they did it tomorrow.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: EastCoastJessie | April 28, 2008 at 04:06 PM
RespectMyAuthoritah
Talk about blast from the past. Nice to see you post.
Posted by: Charles | April 28, 2008 at 04:07 PM
Ooops - sorry Fatty - forgot to congratulate you on an outstanding post! Too funny!!!!
Posted by: justanothermambafan | April 28, 2008 at 04:07 PM
AK, I disagree with you that Vlad isn't good for anything else. He's been playing effective defense, not great, not bad, but effective defense this year. He wasnt known as a defender but I certainly feel he has played well enough this year to get the "no defense" sign off his back. He's a 6'10" forward who has quick feet and often gives small forwards something to think about because of his size. Most of the small forwards who are shorter than him are going to try to shoot outside if he stays off of them, bringing down there percentages. Also he can switch with Odom and Kobe and sometimes Pau when they are rotating so the lineup is more stable in the team environment. Obviously on offense he stretches the floor, even if he's not making it, teams respect him as a threat so Kobe, Pau and Odom can go to the whole. I don't think you are seeing his true value.
Posted by: Ken | April 28, 2008 at 04:07 PM
Edwin
Those Denver salaries are sobering. Every franchise is a wrong choice and a tweaked knee away from insolvency. And speaking of tweaked knees...
Posted by: Vman | April 28, 2008 at 04:10 PM
Byron Scott wins COY!!!!
Lakers Forever!!
Posted by: BD | April 28, 2008 at 04:11 PM
AK,
If you put Vlad and Sasha on the trading block, you will get lots of inquiries. Vlad is 6'10" and has improved a lot compared to last year, he helped in winning lots games in the 2nd half of the season and his production of 8 pts in the playoffs, good R and sporadic D are good enough for a salary of $ 6M and good behavior. How many players in the league who has that combination? Well, Sasha's favor is much much better, his agent will be more aggressive this off-season. You ain't seen nothing yet from Vladimir and Sasha, their motor is revving up PJ kept on harnessing their skills during practice because he knows these are the secret weapons of the Lakers. referred by AI as poison pills. Which do you prefer? the venom of Mamba, the tapas of the Sparniard, slashing vodka from NYorker, the .04 bite of the Fish or the Serbian rainbow delight. When the latter gets heated up, it yields digital points and bumping hips because game is over!
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | April 28, 2008 at 04:11 PM
Sorry Edwin, Do Not Worry,etc. but this post does not belong to me:
"hey EDWIN, wow noticed your english has mucho dinero improved, si si si.. from your most recent post and NO misspelling.hehehehehehehehehe!
hombre,
pslakerfan
Posted by: pslakerfan | April 28, 2008 at 11:33 AM"
I may be a lot of things, but immature and illiterate aren't among them.
As for this comment below, I think "son of an immigrant" is supposed to be a put down in which case "DO NOT WORRY" needs to apologize to a lot of people.
Edwin don't pay any attention to PSLAKERFAN's comment about your english, he himself is a son of an immigrant.
Posted by: DO NOT WORRY | April 28, 2008 at 01:38 PM
As for my comment on your english skills from yesterday I already apologized as I should not be critical of people for whom English is not a first language.
I am not sure why someone would pretend to be me, but the K-Bros may know who it is. (e-mail address or IP address)
Posted by: pslakerfan | April 28, 2008 at 04:13 PM
Ken,
Then we're just going to have to agree to disagree. If you're asking me if I think Vlad's had his defensive moments during the season, my answer would be yes. But over the course of the season for the majority of games, he's been a defensive liability. He's also not a particularly good rebounder for his height or position (in part because he spends so much time around the arc) and has had more than his share of space out moments. So all in all, I stand by the idea that if he's not hitting shots, you can't RELY on much else from him.
Just my opinion.
AK
Posted by: Andrew Kamenetzky | April 28, 2008 at 04:14 PM
K-bros,
Is there a way to track posters who pretend to be others, or is it irrelevant as there is no rule against using the same name as someone else. (I take exception when it is used to portray me as a racist).
Hoping for an answer, thanks....
Posted by: pslakerfan | April 28, 2008 at 04:15 PM
RMA
Good to hear from you.
Posted by: Fairweather Fatty | April 28, 2008 at 04:15 PM
The Nuggets sound like the beginning of a bad joke... "So, 4 selfish and heavily tattooed guys, a Mexican, a Lithuanian, a Brazilian testicular cancer patient, and balding fat man who hates them all walk into a bar..." I mean, is there a bigger group of misfits in the NBA? The GM would have been more successful fitting pieces together if he had tried to do a 4000 piece puzzle of clear blue sky while blindfolded.
Seriously, does anyone get the feeling that George Karl thoroughly despises every single player on his own team? Did you see his press conference? It was really sad. I've never seen a coach stick up for his players less than Karl did. I agree with AK... I get the feeling everyone just wants this series to be over. Let's hope the Lakers put them out of their misery quickly and efficiently tonight.
Posted by: puddle | April 28, 2008 at 04:16 PM
Vlad settles for threes way too much on offense. Gasp, a substantive comment from JohnnyP!! I hope it isn't so far off as most of Vlad's shots!!!
GO LAKERS!!! DRIVE VLAD DRIVE!!!!!
Posted by: JohnnyP | April 28, 2008 at 04:17 PM
But if they do anything really lame like that - who wants to join me in some serious taunting when they come to play the Funs at the Indian Wells tennis Garden in October for the pre-season? We can easily get some good jabs when they land at PSP. PSLakerfan - are you in?
Posted by: PsychedLakerGirl | April 28, 2008 at 02:31 PM
Believe it or not I already have my tickets. $100 for pre-season, ridiculous, but I had to see it.
Posted by: pslakerfan | April 28, 2008 at 04:19 PM
"the tapas of the Sparniard"
Edwin, have you tried "Malo" in the Silver Lake area? Hipster tapas joint... Lot's of Black rimmed smarties, nice bodied indy chicks, and laptop TV writers.
Take Care. Remember Lapu Lapu.
Posted by: Charles | April 28, 2008 at 04:20 PM
Edwin,
Until Vlad becomes much more consistent or he's down to two season or fewer on his contract, the Laker phone won't ring off the hook with offers for him. I agree that he's easier moved now than after his first season here (although it would be virtually impossible to be less) and has definitely had a better '08 than '07, but I really doubt the Lakers would be flooded with offers if he were formally put on the block. He's still owed about 21 mil over the next 3 years and wouldn't start for a lot of teams. Unless he's packaged or traded straight up for another so so to bad contract, he's not going anywhere.
Sasha is impossible to predict until you know what kind of contract he'll get during the offseason. But there are limits to how much attention a guy who's only had one good season as a backup will draw.
AK
Posted by: Andrew Kamenetzky | April 28, 2008 at 04:25 PM
WE DON'T WANT ANYONE FROM MID WEST ESPECIALLY FROM MICHIGAN TO BE ON THE BANDWAGON:
Please quit begging as you are bringin us bad luck, dang now I need to get the witch doctors and shamans to bless this blog as it has been infused by mid westerners!!
hehehehe!
Posted by: Must Live in LA | April 28, 2008 at 04:26 PM