If you build (the postseason) they will come
It's amazing what a number one seed in the playoffs will do for a team's popularity, at least as measured by the amount of media at practice. The rush has started, as the assemblage of cameras, TV personalities, and scribes has probably tripled, and will only continue to grow as the Lakers work their way through the playoffs (yes, feel free to knock on wood). It certainly makes things a little less intimate. But despite all the attention, it was more or less business as usual in El Segundo this afternoon. Dudes getting their work in, trying to shore up any holes exposed. The reserves playing a little half court ball to stay sharp. Andrew Bynum launching half court shots just for fun after everyone was off the floor. That sort of thing.
A couple housekeeping notes:
- Ronny Turiaf was sent home today, still battling whatever bug (or, as PJ called it, "disease") was bugging (ha!) him yesterday.
- DJ Mbenga took a knee in the ribs in the aforementioned half court game, and was down on the floor for a while. He eventually got off the floor, and was taken to the hospital for x-rays. When we know something, we'll pass it along. Obviously it always sucks for someone to get hurt, but if you're looking for a silver lining, should Mbenga have to miss some time, given their current foe things will have to go very wrong during games for the Lakers to need him. If the Nuggets had more bodies up front, it could be at least a slightly different story.
- For what it's worth, Kobe categorized the "DUI" chants towards Melo as "uncalled for."
- PJ, in reference to integrating Andrew Bynum, seemed to indicate that it was a longshot that the scenario would even be a consideration (i.e., he won't be back in the playoffs). He wasn't specific as to whether he meant this round, or next, or the one after, but overall, I'll say what I've said all along- don't expect him back anytime soon, and until he's on the floor and running, assume he won't be playing at all. No point in getting your hopes up.
Around this time of year, players and coaches don't generally give away bits of truly exciting copy. It's just not how they roll, unless they happen to be Gilbert Arenas. That doesn't mean some cold analysis of yesterday's game wasn't available. The Lakers were happy to win Game 1, but know Denver will be back with new wrinkles on Wednesday, without giving up the good stuff. "You have to anticipate that they're going to do what's successful in the game they played against us. At that level, they were successful drawing fouls, driving the ball to the basket. We'll try to limit that," Phil Jackson said. "Their zone was effective at some points in the game. There was times when their man to man defense was effective in the style that they play it. We had to make some offensive adjustments there, too."
The big questions right now for LA are on the defensive end. The assumptions- both fair- are that Kobe won't go 9-26 very often, and that the Lakers can score on anyone. It's getting the stops that are a concern. PJ thought that the combination of Vlad and Luke Walton did a decent job on Carmelo Anthony, making him work for his points, though he'd like to see the Lakers do a better job of keeping Melo off the glass. Generally speaking, Jackson said he judges the D on a few factors: fast break points, second chance points, points of transition, and points in the paint.
"At one point in the first quarter, we had 18 points in the paint to their two, and by the end of the half, I think it was like 20, 24 (for them)? Their second unit came in and really shredded us, and they got a couple runouts at the end of the first quarter. So those are the kinds of things we talked to the team about at halftime that bear some semblance of what's going on out there on the floor. We tried to shore that up, and did a good job in the third quarter."
I'll be interested to see if the Nuggets leave K-Mart on Kobe, given how exposed it left their paint on Sunday. Whether George Karl goes back to Anthony Carter, who had generally guarded 24 in previous meetings, is an open question. But one thing is for sure- unlike in years past, as the more talented team, it'll likely be the opposition in this series that adjusts to LA. That's a nice change. "The sign of a good team is that they can cover their weaknesses and accentuate their strengths. As a team, we have to be able to be stronger and better as we go through the playoffs. Our team, with Kobe Bryant immediately sets a team the challenge of how to stop him, and so teams have to make that adjustment. Are we going to help? Are we going to double team? Are we going to sink our defense to corral him and contain him? This year, we supplied some real good shooters, consistent shooters around Kobe, which makes that difficult, so I'd say yes, we have that advantage this time."
"Pau has got great ability to pass the basketball, so that helps us out a lot when Kobe isn't going well or teams are overplaying him, then Pau can step into the vacuum and get other guys involved and get easy baskets for them. That gives us a big advantage as a team."
In short, these guys are a lot better than the last two teams the Lakers have sent to the playoffs.
As for my idea donated free of charge to Karl's staff, work to shut down everyone else and take your chances with Kobe, PJ said it's a possibility, but tough to execute. "Play them individually and hope for the best is probably what you have to do, but we feel in those situations that our system, our offense, helps us out. We have a plan and a way to get through it."
BK
Good Luck Didier!
Posted by: Charles | April 21, 2008 at 04:50 PM
I wouldn't be surprised if Karl starts Kleiza or even Najera. That way he can keep Martin on Kobe without giving our 3s easy offensive options.
Posted by: J.D. Hastings | April 21, 2008 at 04:56 PM
After watchin he game again They would be crazy to put Anthony Carter on Kobe. See..the way there team is built trying to shut down Kobe leaves so many holes and there defensively disciplined to play help defense for Lamar and Pau. All they can do now is jack up shot a Lakeraholic at bar...and I kinda feel sorry for George Carl (i think he's a cool and humble coach being made to make chicken soup out of chicken sh*t) cuz he really has to pick his poison and the last time he let Kobe have his way..Kobe literally put on a passing/assist clinic the likes I've never seen from him. Oh well..hopefully we can create and expose other match up problem so that we keep Carl constantly changing his game plan game to game till finally when he has it figured out we will be waiting on Hou/Utah
Posted by: lakeraholic | April 21, 2008 at 05:05 PM
You can't stop Kleiza, you can only hope to contain him.
Posted by: HmrHed | April 21, 2008 at 05:16 PM
Just a note. I saw a lot of Lakers shirts (sweatshirts and jackets mostly) up in San Francisco this weekend. People eveywhere were talking about how well the Lakers are and are continuing ti be. Nice to see that up in Warriors-land.
I know Mike Kahn is calling for Lakers in 5 but I would like to go for the sweep and get some healing time for our crew, let the rest of the west battle for 7.
I caught most of the game on the radio and the 3rd and part of the 4th in a pizza joint in Monterey last night before driving south. Was it as good as it sounded (even thought it was on a lame northern Cali ESPN broadcast)?
TWoody
Posted by: TWoody | April 21, 2008 at 05:22 PM
WHY THE LAKERS NEED ANDREW BYNUM…
I was as thrilled as anybody when the Lakers traded for Pau Gasol and he has been even better than I thought he would be playing in the Lakers Triangle Offense. His inaugural playoff performance as a Laker yesterday against the Nuggets was simply sensational. Talk about a complete turnaround from Kwame Brown who could not catch and finish, Pau is the perfect fit for the Lakers – but the position is power forward, not center.
I read an article this morning where the journalist was comparing the Kobe and Shaq Lakers teams to the Kobe and Pau Lakers team that crushed the Nuggets on Sunday. While Pau is no slouch at center, there is no way that you can compare him to Shaq in his prime, as much as I currently dislike Shaquille O’Neal as a player and a person. There would be no way that Shaq in his prime would allow the Nuggets to score 60 points in the paint in a playoff game. Maybe the Shaq of today, but not the three-peat Shaq.
That’s right: 60 points in the paint scored on the Lakers defense by the Nuggets. The exact same amount of points that the Lakers vaunted Triangle Offense produced at the other end in a seemingly endless procession of easy layups and dunks. That is why Phil made his pointed comments about how he liked the win but not the way we played. By allowing easy penetration, layups, and offensive boards, the Lakers basically gave away their advantage in the paint. That is why the game was just a 14-point win and not 30.
While I do expect Phil to plug some of the holes and for the team to play much better defense against penetration in the game on Wednesday, I also do not see the problem being solved until Andrew Bynum returns to the lineup, which hopefully will be during the second round sometime so that he could be ready to start in the conference finals. Without Drew, the Lakers are still formidable because Pau and Lamar have done a great job filling in and should be able to continue to do through the second round.
The problem is that Pau and Lamar may not be enough for the Lakers to beat the Suns or Spurs in the conference finals or the Celtics or Pistons in the Finals. The parity between these five top teams is such that any one of them could very easily win the championship. Drew is the factor that destroys the parity and makes the Lakers clearly the most talented and biggest team in the NBA. That is why we need Drew to win it all this year.
Tom
Posted by: LakerTom | April 21, 2008 at 05:31 PM
I just love our bracket --
The fact that Dallas/NO/Phx/SA get the privilege of bashing each other over the next 4 weeks is awesome. Can the match-ups be any better? WOW.
Posted by: HmrHed | April 21, 2008 at 05:31 PM
Lakerville,
I have seen now a lot of car flags flying around, I'm no longer the lone nut. Perhaps, it's a good idea to all laker bloggers here to report on laker happenings in your area like what TWoody reported in SF. Then, Mamba 24 will reserve a special column in his morning call outs for our blog reporters on laker sightings whether it's T'shirts, caps, flags, posters, or the pictures of the Great Hombre, Mr. MVP etc. We will be interested from report from Spain, anyone there to tell us what the periodicos about hombre Pau'. Any report from Serbia-Montenegro on what they are saying about Readman or in Slovenia on their favorite son, Sasha. That would be a great contribution to the blog.
Now I know why Ronnie T. didn't have any energy out there. Why are there too many injuries with the Lakers. They need to break that chain by assigning Vitti to the D'League. lol!
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | April 21, 2008 at 05:50 PM
AK/BK,
Kobe speaks on his offseason situation:
http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/playoffs2008/news/story?id=3357845
This is worthy of a post!
I'll let you guys read it instead of me posting quotes...
Posted by: Korey | April 21, 2008 at 05:55 PM
LakerTom,
Finally, I like what you're posting Shaq's absence in the Laker defense. Yes, we have Pau the offense but we're missing the Shaq defense, that can be supplied by the one and only Socks. LO and Vlad are tall but they're too finesse, now we lose Turiaf & Mbenga, I hope not all the way to Wednesday or the next 8 weeks.
The first game was feelers for both teams usually it goes to the home team. Now the 2nd game will be more physical, they need to steal the home court advantage by taking the 2nd game, so Lakers watch out those Nuggets tattoos will be flying around.
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | April 21, 2008 at 05:59 PM
LakerTom - great post (as usual). I always look forward to your insights..
Charles - hope you're feeling better man....
AK/BK - I'm assuming you'll keep us posted as to how BengDiddy is doing? I'm hoping he just got the wind knocked out of him & that it's not more serious than that.
I cannot wait until Wednesday - how are we gong to survive until then?? I think I erased the TiVo recording of the game so I can't even watch it again....bummer...Oh well - there's always BronBron playing tonight, or the Jazz game......yawn.....The only game I actually want to see is Spurs/Funs (other than ours of course). It brings me a perverse sense of pleasure to watch these tired old people beat the crap out of each other - hope the series goes to 7 so we all have the joy of watching them implode. I'd especially like to see D'Antoni's head explode! At least then we wouldn't have to see his porn 'stache anymore....
GO LAKERS!
The BEAN for MVP and FINALS MVP or NO PEACE!
Posted by: justanothermambafan | April 21, 2008 at 06:02 PM
we need adrew alright but we cant rush him in comeback, that would cost us our future...
as it is our guys are finding ways to win so let andrew heal...
lets see whats pau is made of when we advance in the WC finals agianst the so called elite centers...
but has any 1 of you thought that we might not see the FUNS or the SPURPS in the WC??? am wishing that the dallas FABS came out of their bracket...
Posted by: juanman888 | April 21, 2008 at 06:03 PM
KOBE BRYANT SAYS HE HAS NO DESIRE TO LEAVE LAKERS
by The Canadian Press
http://canadianpress.google.com/article/ALeqM5jjF30cRSxHW0SGdALH427a1Vzdtw
Excellent article about Kobe’s current state of mind. Here are some quotes from the article along with my comments:
“Kobe Bryant made clear Monday what's been, at the very least, a bit ambiguous for nearly a year: He wants to stay with the Los Angeles Lakers and is open to finishing his career with them.” – The Canadian Press.
I predict that Kobe will opt out of his contract with the Lakers in order to re-sign a long-term contract to make him a Laker for Life with an adjusted salary to provide the team with more money to keep the rest of the team intact.
“We want to win the championship. We'll be disappointed if we don't. But if it does happen, we'll regroup and go at it again. We've got some great pieces here. Now it's time to put it all together. We get that big fellow (Andrew Bynum) back down there and we'll really be rolling." – Kobe Bryant
It’s good to see that Kobe has good perspective about the long range potential of the team as well as the chances to win it all this year. And he has not forgotten what really makes this Lakers team “championship caliber” – the next great Lakers center Andrew Bynum.
“Bryant said in his book, general manager Mitch Kupchak has gone from an "F" to an "A-plus." – The Canadian Press
Kobe clearly admits that Mitch was right and deserves all the credit for his picks and patience.
Tom
Posted by: LakerTom | April 21, 2008 at 06:19 PM
Kobe on Laker progress and wanting to remain a Laker.
http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/playoffs2008/news/story?id=3357845&campaign=rss&source=ESPNHeadlines
Posted by: giantsquid | April 21, 2008 at 06:46 PM
I believe in you Kwame Brown.
Posted by: never | April 21, 2008 at 06:51 PM
On a serious note, I do agree with Tom. However, I don't think Andrew would still be able to contribute to that extent. He probably would not have that same explosiveness and timing before the injury. Nontheless, an extra 7 foot 280 pounds body is always helpful.
Posted by: never | April 21, 2008 at 06:52 PM
I'm curious why KB24 didn't drive more on K-Mart Sunday??
Seems like he settled for far to many jump shots instead of making Martin move his feet. In my insignificant opinion, had he done more slashing to the hoop he would have scored 40 and K-Mart would have fouled out too!!
Also, the transition defense must improve, which I think it will as the series progresses, but overall the play of the Purple & Gold was excellent; 33 dimes on 46 hoops was golden!!
I missed the the Purple & Gold show last week, but I'll be on board Wednesday!! Look for a live call-in from "Steve in Binghamton NY" so I can talk some B-Ball with you guyz!!
I LOVE that show...GREAT STUFF "B" brothers!!
GO LAKERS!!!
Posted by: Laker Dodger Die Hard Fan In Upstate NY | April 21, 2008 at 06:55 PM
As those of you who were paying attention know, I watched the fourth quarter of the prior game in a bar here in NYC. Only one other guy was in there rooting for the Lakers. When I asked him where he was from, he replied, "New Orleans." He explained,
Growing up poor in New Orleans no one had cable. So no one could watch the NO Hornets. Because they have always had the biggest and best aura about them, the Los Angeles Lakers were often on major networks. He said, "All poor people in NO love the Lakers and nobody cares if the NO Hornets win or lose."
TRUTH!!!!!
PS If Luke continues to play at anywhere NEAR the level he did in game one, the whole regular season is forgiven and I apologize for and eat all of my words with doo doo.
GO LUKE!!! GO LAKERS!!!!
Posted by: JohnnyP | April 21, 2008 at 06:59 PM
Laker Tom,
I agree with your views on our needing Andrew "Bynumite", but the reality is he might not make it back before next season.
I think without him our chances of winning it all this year are excellent but for whatever reason should our beloved Purple & Gold fall short this season... Look out NBA we'll be stronger and more experienced next year!
Either way, its a great time to be a Lakers fan!!
I enjoy your insightful posts Laker Tom, keep'em coming!!
GO PURPLE & GOLD!!
Posted by: Laker Dodger Die Hard Fan In Upstate NY | April 21, 2008 at 07:02 PM
Twoody,
When I was a young punk rock, I thought I'd have fun with a rivalry. When my band "the Patriots" played our first gig in SF, I wore a dodgers shirt. I got jumped by about five feroscious female punkettes. I knew that if I hit one of them I was dust. It was starting to hurt when our bouncer, who sought fights and made them constantly (leading to his being fired) intercepted and turned all into a brawl.
I'm happy to hear a little LA pride is now allowed up North.
GO LAKERS!!!!
Posted by: JohnnyP | April 21, 2008 at 07:02 PM
If you build it they will come?
Guess that doesn't mean AB
When asked after practice if there was a risk of messing up team chemistry by playing 7-footers Bynum and Pau Gasol at the same time, Jackson replied: "I think without a doubt that Andrew would come off the bench and we would play him a little bit off the bench if there was any chance that he could come back and play again, but it's such a remote thing. We're not seriously thinking about it."
Posted by: Fairweather Fatty | April 21, 2008 at 07:23 PM
The blog reporters are now faster than the mainstream media, sometimes even faster than K-Bros especially on breaking news about Kobe's off season plans. That Fairweather Fatty in Northern Arizona is also a fantastic reporter, he knows what's going on in El Segundo about Bynum ahead of AK/BK who were there watching the practices. lol!
That's why I love this blog.
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | April 21, 2008 at 07:42 PM
justanothermambafan,
Thanks for the props. I agree that this stretched out schedule sucks. I’m for the old back-to-back and then only-1-day-for-travel playoff schedule. Although like you, I will enjoy seeing the Suns and Spurs brutalize each other tomorrow night. I tried to root for the Suns but just couldn’t do it, even though I want them to win so that we can kill them in the conference finals. I do want to see a 7-game series, though, so the rest of you guys are going to have to root the Suns to win because I just can’t. LOL.
Tom
Posted by: LakerTom | April 21, 2008 at 07:53 PM
Edwin,
I think you’re right; the Nuggets are really going to get physical next game. Apparently, they are going to start Kleiza to give them more size up front while still allowing Martin to guard Kobe. I predict that Kobe is going to rebound with an MVP game and attack the basket relentlessly rather than settling for jumpers. We will also tighten up our offense and cut down on penetration and reduce Denver’s offensive rebounds. Lakers by 20.
Tom
Posted by: LakerTom | April 21, 2008 at 07:59 PM
never,
First, off. Thanks for your predictions, which are “never” right. JK. Nobody expects Drew to come back in mid-season form. That probably won’t happen until next year. But his size and length on offense, defense, and the boards will be a big life to the team and his mere presence on the floor will be a “Willis Reed” quality moment in the Lakers’ psyche as they progress through the playoffs. There is a parity and balance to the top half dozen teams in the league – the Lakers, Spurs, Suns, Celtics, Pistons, and Hornets – that a healthy Andrew Bynum just point blank destroys. Even an 80% Andrew will be fine.
From everything I can read and see, the chances are good Drew will be back and that the Lakers will still be in the thick of things when that happens, probably late in the second round or in the conference finals. But even in the finals, Drew would be a big boost. The press almost seems to be rooting for Drew to NOT come back. I guess they know how freaking unfair it is will be if he does. lol. And if he doesn’t come back for some reason, no sweat. We know we are set for years to come and this team could still surprise and win it without Drew. After all, Kobe Bryant has not gotten this close to a championship since Shaq left. He may just lead this Cinderella team to the greatest surprise of all.
Tom
Posted by: LakerTom | April 21, 2008 at 08:11 PM
Fairweather Fatty said: "When asked after practice if there was a risk of messing up team chemistry by playing 7-footers Bynum and Pau Gasol at the same time, Jackson replied: "I think without a doubt that Andrew would come off the bench and we would play him a little bit off the bench if there was any chance that he could come back and play again, but it's such a remote thing. We're not seriously thinking about it.""
Edwin Gueco said: "That Fairweather Fatty in Northern Arizona is also a fantastic reporter, he knows what's going on in El Segundo about Bynum ahead of AK/BK who were there watching the practices. lol!
That's why I love this blog."
LOL!
Fairweather Fatty,
Thanks for that quote (even though its terrible news). Out of curiosity, where's it from?
Posted by: BynumBeliever | April 21, 2008 at 08:26 PM
Laker Dodger Die Hard Fan In Upstate NY,
Thanks for the props. Even if Drew doesn’t get back, we still have a chance to win it all. And as I have said before, it’s hard to be disappointed at anything when your franchise is the envy of the NBA.
I also think the latest comments by Phil about the chances of Drew returning being “remote” are just his attempt to put the issue out of the way so the team and fans don’t get ahead of themselves or count on Drew returning later. It’s just better psychologically to set Drew’s uncertain return as a potential windfall than have anybody, teammates and fans included, expecting it for sure.
Phil is also saying let’s focus on this series with the Nuggets right now and don’t get distracted. One game and one series at a time. It’s all just coaching strategy and I don’t think it has anything at all to do with Drew’s actual progress. He will be back for the conference finals.
Lakers and Dodgers? A New York traitor. LOL. I grew up listening to Chick and Vin on the radio in SoCal and loved them. Best basketball and baseball announcers ever. At the time, however, I was a Warriors and Yankees fan stuck in SoCal. Became a Lakers fan in 1970 when they traded for Wilt and have bled purple and gold ever since. You guys are lucky to get Joe Torre. Pure class. He will make the Dodgers winners again.
Tom
Posted by: LakerTom | April 21, 2008 at 08:27 PM
Fatty,
I saw where Phil said the chances of Andrew returning were “remote” but his comment struck me as more of an attempt to put aside for the moment any questions about when Drew would return or how the Lakers would handle his return rather than as an “update” on Drew’s health or status. I think Phil made the comments partly so he would not have to keep answering the questions over and over because it doesn’t matter right now and partly so the media, fans, and players would focus on the current team and series.
I don’t think anything has changed with respect to Drew’s return. I think the Lakers hope and think he will be back for the conference finals but nobody can say for sure. It just depends on whether Drew’s knee stabilizes enough for him to get medical clearance for physical contact in practice. Then he is on his way to coming back. You can’t blame the Lakers for wanting also to take the pressure off of Drew, who is hurting greatly by not being able to get out there and play and help his teammates win.
Anyway, that’s my take on the latest Drew-ain’t-coming-back bruha. I think he will be back late in the second round and start in the conference finals. Pretty GHF but that is what all of this feels like to me.
Tom
Posted by: LakerTom | April 21, 2008 at 08:48 PM
KARL ADDING SIZE TO LINEUP
by Aaron J. Lopez and Chris Tomasson for Rocky Mountain News
http://www.rockymountainnews.com/news/2008/apr/21/karl-adding-size-to-lineup/
“Bryant can opt out of his contract after next season, when he makes $21.3 million. There are indications he could opt out but then sign a longer Lakers deal.”
My prediction is that Kobe will sign for less so the Lakers can keep the current team intact.
Tom
Posted by: LakerTom | April 21, 2008 at 10:00 PM
I beg for an answer, please..
Yao was with his team even when not playing; Ariza was there last Sunday. So where is AB?
Posted by: Robyn | April 21, 2008 at 10:41 PM
i dont think under the rules that Kobe would have to sign for less. the way i understand it he is signing with his own team, so the cap wont apply..
my prediction is that the Nuggets and the Jazz will start to brutalize Gasol, he will go down again, probably with another ankle, or they may throw his back out for him, and then Bynum will come back and finish what he started.
Posted by: jeffgrotke | April 21, 2008 at 11:05 PM
I agree tom.
I think Kobe will sign for cheap.
Posted by: Grady | April 21, 2008 at 11:37 PM
LakerTom you keep dreaming man. Andrew is not coming back this year and their is not a chance in hell. At the end of this year Bynum is going to sign a huge contract extension. I'll bet you his agent is begging him not to play this year. Did you see his body language on his LZ Granderson interview. He's a coward, no heart!
http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/page2/story?page=granderson/080417&sportCat=nba
He is not coming back this year guarantee. I'd give you 10 to 1 odds on that if somehow we could make a bet. Get it out of your head it's a wet dream and it aint gonna happen. Why do you think he went to his own doctor to get a second opinon. Because he didn't want to be cleared. You know the funny thing is that he was suppose to be healed in 8 weeks before they got the antigravity treadmill. It's been 14 weeks and 4-5 weeks from now when Bynum still hasn't played a game if the Lakers just so happen to win it all. I hope they don't give Bynum a ring. I also hope Gary Vitti doesn't get one either.
Posted by: | April 21, 2008 at 11:55 PM
Andrew Bynum sucks!!!! He's going to be the next Elden Campbell a lot of talent and no heart!
Posted by: | April 21, 2008 at 11:57 PM
beg for an answer, please..
Yao was with his team even when not playing; Ariza was there last Sunday. So where is AB?
Posted by: Robyn | April 21, 2008 at 10:41 PM
Andrew was sitting directly behind either Ronny or Jordan.
He was wearing a black suit.
Posted by: KEN | April 22, 2008 at 01:07 AM
He is not coming back this year guarantee. I'd give you 10 to 1 odds on that if somehow we could make a bet. Get it out of your head it's a wet dream and it aint gonna happen. Why do you think he went to his own doctor to get a second opinon. Because he didn't want to be cleared. You know the funny thing is that he was suppose to be healed in 8 weeks before they got the antigravity treadmill. It's been 14 weeks and 4-5 weeks from now when Bynum still hasn't played a game if the Lakers just so happen to win it all. I hope they don't give Bynum a ring. I also hope Gary Vitti doesn't get one either.
Posted by: | April 21, 2008 at 11:55 PM
Andrew Bynum sucks!!!! He's going to be the next Elden Campbell a lot of talent and no heart!
Posted by: | April 21, 2008 at 11:57 PM
I completely disagree with what both of you said.
Try to understand that he is injured or else he would be playing. If it were you would you jeopordize your career and 80 million dollar contract thet would set you and your family up for life? Esprcially if you came back too soon and lost the ability to earn the money or play with the passion to be one of the best ever players. You don't risk that for some blogger who thinks he is soft or lazy. No you take care of yourself because of the old adage. You can't help anyone unless you take care of yourself first.
He has to be strong to help. Think what if the first game back and he is not ready and he blows his knee out and is lost for the rest of this years playoffs and maybe the rest of his career. You think that risk is worth rushing him back?
Posted by: JustaLakerFan | April 22, 2008 at 02:34 AM
Edwin Gueco,
Newspapers and tv sport shows here in Spain are talking about the superb play of Pau Gasol in his debut in playoffs as a Laker. Of course they focus on Gasol game, it´s our fellow you know :) They are all very happy Gasol isn´t facing another playoffs series along with a bunch of halfskilled players. They Know where is Gasol know, and all things you have been discussing around they´ve posted on news (all medias, spoken and written) from the very first second after we know about the trade. This is the way Gasol will give Kobe more space and how is gasol capable of enhancement his teammates. They talked too about triangle offense and that it should be aesy for Gasol to adjust beacuse here in Spain they know how a high skilled and intellingent player Gasol is. Maybe in U.S. you think about FIBA championship as a secon level world cup, but you are the only ones, so you can be sure the other countries we beat (including U.S. team. Without stars but still your team) were playing hard... and in the end we won. They talked about preassure, but only to say Gasol can face every level of competition with a smile in his face, the harder the happier.
About the rest of the team they (the medias) are in a cloud, they speak blessings of L.O. (So do I). They understand what Kobe (what to say?? same as you, MVP!) is doing, and they know what happened in the first game: that Kobe had a bad FG% but that, in the end, Kobe´s play last Sunday was a masterpiece play just without the ball, cause you have to watch a player in both ends, with the ball and without it. And he gave a masterclass about playing skillfully without even touching the sphere.
if anyone of you have more questions just ask, and I´ll try to find out.
Greetings from Spain.
GO LAKERS!!!
KOBE=MVP
GASOL=MVPau
ODOM=SILENT HUNTER
GO LAKERS!!!
Posted by: HugoSpain | April 22, 2008 at 05:21 AM
Edwin Gueco,
Newspapers and tv sport shows here in Spain are talking about the superb play of Pau Gasol in his debut in playoffs as a Laker. Of course they focus on Gasol game, it´s our fellow you know :) They are all very happy Gasol isn´t facing another playoffs series along with a bunch of halfskilled players. They Know where is Gasol know, and all things you have been discussing around they´ve posted on news (all medias, spoken and written) from the very first second after we know about the trade. This is the way Gasol will give Kobe more space and how is gasol capable of enhancement his teammates. They talked too about triangle offense and that it should be aesy for Gasol to adjust beacuse here in Spain they know how a high skilled and intellingent player Gasol is. Maybe in U.S. you think about FIBA championship as a secon level world cup, but you are the only ones, so you can be sure the other countries we beat (including U.S. team. Without stars but still your team) were playing hard... and in the end we won. They talked about preassure, but only to say Gasol can face every level of competition with a smile in his face, the harder the happier.
About the rest of the team they (the medias) are in a cloud, they speak blessings of L.O. (So do I). They understand what Kobe (what to say?? same as you, MVP!) is doing, and they know what happened in the first game: that Kobe had a bad FG% but that, in the end, Kobe´s play last Sunday was a masterpiece play just without the ball, cause you have to watch a player in both ends, with the ball and without it. And he gave a masterclass about playing skillfully without even touching the sphere.
if anyone of you have more questions just ask, and I´ll try to find out.
Greetings from Spain.
GO LAKERS!!!
KOBE=MVP
GASOL=MVPau
ODOM=SILENT HUNTER
GO LAKERS!!!
Posted by: HugoSpain | April 22, 2008 at 06:08 AM
LAKERS FANS-
I am from Denver, but HATE the Nuggets and am a HUGE Laker Fan.
The Nuggets are planning on starting Linas Kleiza in game 2 over Anthony Carter.
Kleiza just got busted for giving some chick in Denver Herpes, so lets get the STD STD STD chant going at Staples for game 2 when that gaylord is in the game...
Posted by: NUGGETbasher | April 22, 2008 at 07:39 AM
Laker Dodger Die Hard Fan In Upstate NY
HA! I was in your position for three years in Ithaca. Nothing more fun than hosting Laker game parties and then rocking the Dre/Tupac to annoy the crabby Knicks/Celtics fans that congregate in that area.
Posted by: The D | April 22, 2008 at 07:47 AM
Laker Tom et al: love your insight but I am kind of in the camp of letting AB go for the season. If he comes back it will be a total gimme for us.
I truly believe PJ is working the mind games with the media but also the zen thing where chemistry, movement, flow is extremely important for this group.
There is no need for PJ to start saying "AB is coming back whenever". That will mess with the heads of our players. Luke, Ronny and Vlad are vulnerable right now and need the confidence of a first round win to help them. I think that's what PJ is trying to do - instill the confidence in THIS group right now.
All this group is hearing (media) is that in order to win the championship AB is needed. What does that do to the mind of Luke, Ronny and Vlade who will be the most affected?
This is a young team, they haven't experienced a playoff run (together) yet and they are exceeding everyone's expectations, so we are winning already. Getting out of the first round will be a huge mental step that will make us stronger and hungrier. Each step is another notch and gives these guys awesome experience.
Do I want them to win the championship this year - of course! I am competitive by nature and love championships.
As we go another further along, the more I feel we can win with this nucleus. Listen to Pau's interviews - he is believing and getting that fire in his eyes. He might feel express it different than KB24 but he believes it. Lamar believes it too but I think he is the guy that just brings it to the court and lets his game talk. We know D-Swish. Go back to the interviews after the Clipper win - there is a big change in the demeanor of this nucleaus
I like it.
LET's GO LAKERS!
Posted by: PsychedLakerGirl | April 22, 2008 at 07:56 AM