Knockout punch a-comin'?
The Lakers have a quartet of chances remaining to put the Nuggets out of their literal misery, the first of which presents itself this evening (7:30 pm PST TNT). The opportunity to put this baby to bed on their first try is a notion appealing to the visiting squad, although it's debatable whether the Nuggets themselves wouldn't prefer that even more. Anyway you slice it, the Pepsi Center representatives have lost their collective composure and regrouping feels like a long shot. Inspirational weight room decorations haven't done bupkis to drop temperatures back to "simmer." Nuggets star Carmelo Anthony has been held in serious check by a Vlad Radmanovic/Luke Walton-led group effort, although the forward's own emotions may be doing more to negate his scoring than any hand in the kisser.
When not watching his shots clang the rim, he's accusing teammates -- who deny it -- and coaches of quitting, a statement the Lakers have to treat with a grain of salt (even when plainly obvious as fact). Nugget Land frustrations have grown so palpable that Coby Karl has thought better of dishing the usual good natured teasing with his pops. Even a rook can understand the notion of "time and place." Safe to say, the elder Karl would kill for a squad oozing with the selflessness on display right now by the Lakers. At least he can take pride in knowing that a fellow Chapel Hill alum is now reaping the rewards of patience during this crew's construction.
Are The Big Bridge Burner and Ason on the verge of a vacation because they play for the inferior team or karma biting them in the buttocks? Whatever the reason for either squad's struggles, the latter could be part of Mark Cuban's blow up mission in Big D.
"HmrHed
Well thought out and well written.
Thank you for taking the time to put up such a good post.
Your comment is just another reason its such a joy to come to this blog
Fatty"
Posted by: Fairweather Fatty | April 28, 2008 at 10:16 AM
I agree. However, Fatty you're another blogger that's a joy to read come post time!
Posted by: Charles | April 28, 2008 at 10:45 AM
Tim-4-Show,
I was also in the upperdeck on Sat making a scene and will be in the nosbleeds again tonight haha. A good sign I was thinking about was Kobe=MVP, Melo=DUI, but something tells me that wont go over too well with the Nugget fans. They don't take too well to us, my section and the section over wanted me dead on Sat. A think a simple broom would actually be pretty funny tonight. Anyways, enjoy your good seats.
GO LAKERS
Posted by: mrbarneydangles | April 28, 2008 at 10:45 AM
Thanks Jon K, Fatty, Outlaw -- always a pleasure to sound off on the blog.
Posted by: HmrHed | April 28, 2008 at 10:46 AM
Inquiring minds want to know:
1) Does anyone else want the Utah/Houston series to be extended, to give Ariza and Bynum more time to heal?
2) If Utah does win the series in 5, will the next round start right away, or only after the others series are complete?
Look for Iverson to hoist many shots, and miss more than half. Lakers by 20+.
Scott
Posted by: StuckinNY | April 28, 2008 at 10:51 AM
To all of you going to tonight's game....PLEASE...make sure to keep a steady MVP chant for Kobe. I mean during every free throw for Kobe or any time he touches that ball. Let's put a dagger in Melo tonight.
Posted by: EastCoastJessie | April 28, 2008 at 10:52 AM
Can someone help a fan? What's this 'FO, 'FO, 'FO?
Posted by: mel | April 28, 2008 at 10:53 AM
Another expert proved wrong, but read how he tries to explain it.
"Although I predicted Denver would win Game 2, I actually felt the Nuggets had one chance in four to pull it off."
- David Thorpe ESPN
ESPN - Where amazing explanations and excuses happen.
Posted by: Fairweather Fatty | April 28, 2008 at 10:53 AM
Eddie,
The ookiest part about that picture is that Devean is smiling about the... er, contact
Posted by: Mob Wagoneer | April 28, 2008 at 10:54 AM
Tim4-show: suggestion for whatever sign(s) you create - take a pic so AK/BK will allow it to be posted here tomorrow. Maybe even add their names as that might ensure some "airplay".
Instead of signs that say something creative for TNT or ESPN - you will pioneer the LATLB movement. I can see it now........in every Laker playoff game city (not to get ahead of myself), signs will be created to catch AK/BK's attention. Maybe AK/BK will pose for a picture and we can add it to the "Your Scene/Lakers" pictures that are shown on this website.
Posted by: PsychedLakerGirl | April 28, 2008 at 10:55 AM
Tim-4-Show
Great seat?
Possible sign?
TJ Simmer?
How I envy you. Great moments like this only come up, once in ten lifetimes.
Posted by: Fairweather Fatty | April 28, 2008 at 10:59 AM
eddie brock,
jthis is jonah jameson here, i think peter parker took that picture. jk
it is pretty funny though. i saw that pic last night and started cracking up. Brandon Bass is in the background saying: Damn, i want some of that too!
Posted by: darock | April 28, 2008 at 11:01 AM
We also have to worry about the Nuggets injuring one of our players this evening. They've tried to hurt Sasha and it did't work. But Gasol, in particular has proven delicate.
I do not believe the Nugget would purposely try to injure a fellow player. They just get frustrated and lose their temper. Here is where psychology comes in.
We should model sportsmanship tonight. If we come out and wag our fingers at them and jabber, jabber, jabber, if we rub their humilation in their face what do we expect? We should be classy and not trash talk them in heart or action.
GO CLASSILY FORTH AND WHUP A$$ MY LAKERS!!!
Posted by: JohnnyP | April 28, 2008 at 11:01 AM
jon - i know you posed it to ltlf but my own take is that it's more of a closeness factor - sasha not only crowds players but he also flails his arms around a lot - he's very hyper defensely, kind of like an annoying mosquito.
Posted by: dave m | April 28, 2008 at 11:03 AM
Mel
"FO, FO, FO" is the famous quote by Moses Malone when asked how the playoffs would go. Literally, four, four, four or sweep, sweep, sweep.
Posted by: HmrHed | April 28, 2008 at 11:04 AM
Psyched LakerGirl:"Tim4-show: suggestion for whatever sign(s) you create - take a pic so A
K/BK will allow it to be posted here tomorrow. Maybe even add their names as that might ensure some "airplay"."
Now that's a great idea I second it.
Posted by: Mamba24 | April 28, 2008 at 11:07 AM
EastCoastJessie"To all of you going to tonight's game....PLEASE...make sure to keep
a steady MVP chant for Kobe. I mean during every free throw for Kobe or any time he
touches that ball. Let's put a dagger in Melo tonight."
NOW THAT'S WHAT I'M TALKING ABOUT!!
Posted by: mamba24 | April 28, 2008 at 11:10 AM
Since Fatty has given his award, how about an Award for Fatty?
Posted by: Charles | April 28, 2008 at 11:13 AM
Prediction: The winner of the MVP will be leaked
when Dallas is out of the playoffs either Tuesday or Thursday. As Dirk was the last MVP and the writers
wanted Chris Paul to be the MVP. I't's a lock for KOBE
bet the house and the rent.
Posted by: Mamba24 | April 28, 2008 at 11:15 AM
The saddest B-Ball think I read today?? Someone wrote that they hoped we did not have to see Kobe in a sad state of decline, like we do Shaq. Shaq contributes. But I know what they mean about going out gracefully. The decline is especially hard to do gracefully when you've been such a big mouth braggart your whole career (inluding two months ago). But still, as an ex-Laker, I feel a tiny bit sad for Shaq's not-so-dominant play. At least his team has carried him to one victory.
But, GO LAKERS!!!!!
Posted by: JohnnyP | April 28, 2008 at 11:17 AM
Rick F.
NBA playoffs are being watched closely throughout the world. Just this weekend, I got a lot of emails from basketball relatives in the Philippines, mostly Laker fans & they're talking of a prolonged lunch break on Tuesday morning (Monday night in Denver) just to watch Lakers online. Some people here in the states are copying the feed and sending it to Manila. I don't know how. Basketball is the national sport of that country. We could ask David or Alexinho17 how they view the NBA playoffs in soccer country like Spain and Portugal. If they are longing for Matador Pau to finish the raging bulls in Martin-Hilario-Najera, this is the game. This end is near but we cannot be overconfident.
If we are excited in the blog, what more of Kobe? This is his redemption. All the frustrations of post Big Diesel era, the frustrations with teammates who lacked fundamentals, the anticipation of getting honored for the first time as MVP, final burial of those files in Colorado case, the snob of obtaining commercials from McDonald etc, only Nike stood by him because they already inked the contract, the boos and disrespect he received in every opposing arenas, the rants of last Summer cursing Mitch, insider, JB, AB, his teammates, dreaming as Bulls ......this is it Kobe pour all your frustrations here.....there should be no more tomorrows for Denver. We cannot be overconfident, we have to play the game with gusto, methodically and time management.
Sorry Coach Karl, you are good man but you deserve to lose to your son's team today.
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | April 28, 2008 at 11:20 AM
HmrHed,
Thanks. Fo' sure.
Posted by: mel | April 28, 2008 at 11:21 AM
SHEKOBE, Your list conveys my wishes EXACTLY!! Lets hope it all comes true!!
GO LAKERS!!!!
Posted by: JohnnyP | April 28, 2008 at 11:21 AM
StuckinNY
Not official schedgule, but an idea of how it may go.
http://www.beloblog.com/Pe_Blogs/prosports/nba/lakers/#a263675
Posted by: Fairweather Fatty | April 28, 2008 at 11:21 AM
So glad Fisher is aboard. “another growth opportunity”
`I think the concept is that the elimination game is the toughest game to win in a playoff situation,” Derek Fisher said. “Nobody is really just going to quit. It’s hard to put a team out for a season and eliminate them. It’s a tougher proposition as opposed to kind of just winning one game at a time up until that point. So, it’ll be another growth opportunity for us.”
Posted by: Fairweather Fatty | April 28, 2008 at 11:22 AM
TONIGHT the Lakeshow will smother the Nougats with Black Mamba Chocolate, & then BRAKE them in two!!!
http://tinyurl.com/3ja6vb
Posted by: ajax | April 28, 2008 at 11:23 AM
StuckinNY YOU WROTE:
Inquiring minds want to know:
1) Does anyone else want the Utah/Houston series to be extended, to give Ariza and Bynum more time to heal?
HOW IS WANTING GOING TO HELP HERE?
2) If Utah does win the series in 5, will the next round start right away, or only after the others series are complete?
STAY TUNED!
Look for Iverson to hoist many shots, and miss more than half. Lakers by 20+.
HMMMMM!
Scott
Posted by: StuckinNY
Posted by: Think Before you POST | April 28, 2008 at 11:24 AM
dave m,
Remember Mark Madsen's defense? It's was like a squaking chicken. Drove people like Kevin Garnett crazy.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | April 28, 2008 at 11:26 AM
Thank God for Italy!
Mike Penberthy, we hardly knew ye!
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mike_Penberthy
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | April 28, 2008 at 11:28 AM
JohnnyP,
Kobe Bryant's last year is going to be like Michael Jordan or Reggie Miller's last year, but better and as a part of winning another championship for the Lakers.
I expect to see another seven to eight years from Kobe.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | April 28, 2008 at 11:30 AM
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
Charles,
Your very kind. But I want to put the blog on notice. I not finished with the 'Fatty's"
I'm just on a long commercial break and plan to pass out 'Fatty's' throughout the playoffs.
And in case anyone missed it, a repost of the Biggiest Fatty of them all.
____________________________________________
Its nice to be recognized for achievements.
But....we already know what makes a blog great.
Its not 'if you build it, they will come'. Look at the Clippers blog, one or two entries a week?
Its a combination of many things harmoniously working together, just like an orchestra.
A great orchestra needs content or musical score of the highest quality. Our content is the best. The Lakers.
Where else is can you find turmoil and legend all wrapped up together?
Second, you need accomplished musicians, skilled at their craft. Some of the best and intuitive comments are found right here. From analysis, to debate, to humor, to inspiration, to clever wit. Its all here, some of the best in the business.
A great orchestra needs a great hall or institution to perform. Is there any better than the LA Times to showcase the talents of the Blog?
Yet, if you combine all these efforts, its all for naught if you don't have the most important thing, the conductor.
The conductor sets the pace, the tone, provides cohesion, and keeps everything moving forward smoothly.
Our conductors, or moderators, do just that.
We are smart here. We know good when we see it. And we understand quality. We are the most informed, educated, inspired, and happiest NBA blog on the planet.
We also love to have a good time.
Congratulations Kambros, you are this years winner of the most prestigious award in the blogging world.
You have won the Fatty for supreme excellence in blogging. Insightful guidance, top notch research, combined with great interviews, and always sprinkled with humor.
These qualities have made you 'the best of the best'.
Take your victory lap, its well deserved.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pi3-vkyLS0o
Posted by: Fairweather Fatty | April 24, 2008 at 06:25 PM
Posted by: Fairweather Fatty | April 28, 2008 at 11:35 AM
ahhh game day! sucks being in NYC where i have to stay up super late just to watch the entire game (and believe me, i'll stay up however late i have to).
i'm glad my prediction of a sweep is going to happen tonight. :)
Posted by: d | April 28, 2008 at 11:35 AM
BLOGGING BROWN NOSER AWARD OF THE MONTH GOES TO JohnnyP:
SHEKOBE, Your list conveys my wishes EXACTLY!! Lets hope it all comes true!!
GO LAKERS!!!!
Posted by: JohnnyP
signed,
Brown Noser
Posted by: Brown Noser | April 28, 2008 at 11:35 AM
Johnny P - why would you feel sad for Shaq? He ruined the Lakers organization bc he couldn't play well with others. He took off and got his championship in Miami, too. He's worn out his welcome with every team he's played with, doesn't that say something? And he's burned his bridges at every stop.
Don't cry for Shaq, Los Angeles. He had a great career, and he's gotten back what he put into the game.
Posted by: Amazing_Happens | April 28, 2008 at 11:38 AM
There are pictures on the Internet of Bynum Sky Diving this last week.
Posted by: DZY | April 28, 2008 at 11:39 AM
CORRECTION - Shaq has gotten back way more than what he put into the game.
So again, Don't Cry for Shaq, Los Angeles.
Posted by: Amazing_Happens | April 28, 2008 at 11:39 AM
Watch out for cheap shots. I wouldn't put it past K-Mart to do a Raja Tinkerbell impression and clothesline Kobe on the way to the basket. The Thuggets ain't got nothin to lose...
Posted by: utzworld - THE BANNER HOLDER | April 28, 2008 at 11:40 AM
Gman
FYI
At the time of this classic Photo (May 1965) Cassius Clay was already known as Muhammad Ali.
He actually anounced his conversion to Islam after the first Liston fight in Febuary of 64' and was later named Muhammad Ali by Elijah Muhammad on March 6, 1964 as he toured the United Nations earlier in the day with Malcolm X.............a little over a year before this photo was taken.
Posted by: pfunk36 | April 28, 2008 at 11:43 AM
I feel that the Nuggets are going to trade Carmelo for Tracy McGrady next year. It is logical for the Rockets as they get a young star and the Nuggets get someone who doesn't get a technical foul every game.
I just feel this one coming.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: David Whang | April 28, 2008 at 11:49 AM
Good Morning All
Just wanted to give a quick shout out. Today will close this thing out and will allow the first half of the Fo Fo Fo Triumvirate to come to fruition. For those of us on the sweep bandwagon, life is good. Keep it up Luke. You have been a solid # 3 throughout the playoffs thus far,...and no more venomous Puke comments from the haters. Whew.
MAMBA 24- Please add me to the resistance is futile bandy...thanks
Let's finish this thing up and get some rest.
It's funny how all of a sudden the national press and many others think we got a bye against Denver. It just looks like a bye, because we are so dominant. Believe me, Denver is not one of the worst teams in the playoffs. Not even one of the 2 worst. Well, it will be over tonight and we can look forward to the next undeserving "Bye-Team" that we get to annihilate. LOL
Kobesbaaaad (and he is)
Posted by: Kobesbad | April 28, 2008 at 11:52 AM
Good morning all!
Lets get out the brooms today?
Over/under on techs today?
Posted by: Lakers Legacy | April 28, 2008 at 11:57 AM
This isn't true is it???
Anyway, Jackson was at it again after Radmanovic shot 2-for-9 and had five points in 24 impact-free minutes Saturday.
"I told him after the game that as a coach you hate to see talented players not play up to their ability, and it's my job to try and get you to play up to your ability. And Vlade, in his normal way, said, 'We'll talk about it in our exit meetings at the end of the season.'
"Which just tells me where his head is a lot of the time. But he does know he can play better and has an opportunity to play better. Right now Luke [Walton]'s playing so well that it hasn't hurt us."
Posted by: DZY | April 28, 2008 at 11:57 AM
Gameday, I am excited and nervous at the same time..
I will be fine as long as I get my drinky drink b4 the game starts.
How come NOW the sports writers are suggesting that our 3 and Oh playoff start is not all that impressive bcuz of the competition -- yet Boston loses to Atl and Detroit was down 2-1 b4 tieing up things last night 2-2 to Philly..
We will not get any LOVE til we WIN out this MOPHUKKA!
Go Lakers -- Make SHORT work of them!
Posted by: lakersrydeordie | April 28, 2008 at 12:02 PM
From the Sentinel article:
"Similarly, O'Neal bailed on the Heat at the first sign of slippage. Instead of standing tall and trying to pick up the load for ailing teammate Dwyane Wade, O'Neal decided he simply couldn't cope with the humidity."
I think it was more a case of his not being able to cope with the humility.
Posted by: SoCalGal | April 28, 2008 at 12:13 PM
Amazing_Happen,
"Don't cry for Shaq, Los Angeles. He had a great career, and he's gotten back what he put into the game."
Perfectly stated.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | April 28, 2008 at 12:14 PM
GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOD MOOOOOOOOOOOOOOORNIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIING LAKER NATION!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Apologies for not posting lately. My sister broke her leg and I was taking care of her.
And now...on to the stupidity...
Ok, I know, we are up 3-0 on Denver. I don't believe That is a reason to be happy. We have them cornered and when that happens, teams tend to come out fighting like some transformed...mutation of their former self. Take Carmelo Anthony, we all know he is a good player but tonight he might come out as the whining crybaby that he is!! Get the man a pacifier and some depends cause he gonna crap himself tonight!! Callin out his whole team and staff sayin they quit..."Not sayin I quit..." BIATCH What about Kenyon Martin? Well...another good player, nothing really bad to say about him...except that he makes some of the funniest faces!!!
http://origin.nba.com/media/nets/martin_254_020515.jpg
http://news.bbc.co.uk/media/images/39072000/jpg/_39072658_kenyon_martin_300.jpg
In the second one I think he looks like the guy that played the mummy, Arnold Vosloo.
http://www.imdb.com/media/rm3332937984/ch0002688
AI, what can you say about him? Tiny little b*stard!! Sometimes I wish Kobe would just clothesline him as he runs by! Can't you see it?!?! His head would hit the ground so hard his cornrows would come out!!!
http://www.sfondideldesktop.com/Images-Music/Allen-Iverson/Allen-Iverson-0003/Allen-Iverson-0003.jpg
Does anybody else think it was a bad idea for denver to leave the WE BELIEVE signs up while the Lakers worked out? 4-0 BABY!!!
Inhale now as I blow smoke at the screen...
IT'S TIME TO WATCH THE LAKERS AND DRINK SOME BEER,
TOKE A BOWL AND SCREAM AND CHEER!!!!!!!! LAKERS 4 LIFE BABY!!!!!!
CLAP CLAP CLAP CLAP CLAP
IT'S TIME TO WATCH THE LAKERS AND DRINK SOME BEER,
TOKE A BOWL AND SCREAM AND CHEER!!!!!!!! LAKERS 4 LIFE BABY!!!!!!
CLAP CLAP CLAP CLAP CLAP
LakerMan 420
Posted by: LakerMan 420 | April 28, 2008 at 12:17 PM
So, I just posted to Kareem's blog literally begging him to buy some Dit Da Jow for Andrew Bynum. I think it's becoming nigh-impossible for me to push this point home any further.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | April 28, 2008 at 12:17 PM
@lakersrydeordie
too many Laker haters out there. everyone's in love with the Celts this year because they would prefer anyone (and everyone) else to win besides the Lakes. they're probably the same writers who picked SA over LA back in '01, where we then went in and SWEPT everyone until philly got lucky with a game 1 win (in OT, no less).
i personally tend to ignore most (if not all) sportswriters and would rather just watch the games. and come up with my own conclusions.
Posted by: d | April 28, 2008 at 12:24 PM
Nice Post 420....
IT'S TIME TO WATCH THE LAKERS AND DRINK SOME BEER,
TOKE A BOWL AND SCREAM AND CHEER!!!!!!!! LAKERS 4 LIFE BABY!!!!!!
CLAP CLAP CLAP CLAP CLAP
IT'S TIME TO WATCH THE LAKERS AND DRINK SOME BEER,
TOKE A BOWL AND SCREAM AND CHEER!!!!!!!! LAKERS 4 LIFE BABY!!!!!!
CLAP CLAP CLAP CLAP CLAP (LakerMan420)
I'm trying to take care of everything as you suggest, master.
LOL
Kobesbaaaad(and he is)
Posted by: Kobesbad | April 28, 2008 at 12:29 PM
Jon K. - do you own stock in that stuff?
You are funny.
Posted by: PsychedLakerGirl | April 28, 2008 at 12:32 PM