Kobe apparently knows something about the 405 Freeway that the rest of us don't
Screw the buzz over Kobe Bryant's statement yesterday that he never wants to exchange his Lakers jersey. For that matter, screw the adjustments Denver will be making to allow power forward Kenyon Martin to continue guarding #24 (and Lawrence Tanter to continually say "Kleiza"). For my money, neither comes close to matching what I consider the most intriguing development to emerge during these playoffs pertaining to The Mamba.
Dude actually considers the Four-Hundred Five Freeway to be a pleasant commute.
Excuse me while my head does a Navin Johnson.
Sorry, but that's nothing short of insane to me. Kobe reiterated his opinion, but added a caveat. "Except when it's bumper to bumper." So in other words, he's doing a lot of weekend joyriding between the hours of 2:30-5:15 am? Wrong. Smiled Kobe, "On a Sunday. '63 Impala, baby. Top down. Shades up. I'm cruising." Cruising the SD during daylight hours? Seriously? I asked Kobe if there are details missing. Perhaps his wife or a daughter in the passenger seat? A buddy riding shottie. Hell, even a mannequin next to him. Whatever it takes to get carpool lane access? "No, man. It's just me in the slow lane, man. Nice and smooth."
Damn. If Kobe's really managed to figure out a way of making that freeway anything less than a headache inducing nightmare, that oughta be enough to land him the MVP trophy in and of itself. Only a very special player can do that.
Moving on to roundball-centric matters, Sunday's game evolved into a rather chippy affair, particularly on Denver's end, where they were assessed a flagrant foul and four T's (including a pair for Allen Iverson, which led to an early adios). Are the Lakers expecting more physicality and flared tempers during tomorrow's followup? "It's the playoffs," shrugged Lamar Odom. "Emotions are riding high. Both teams and the staffs are revved up. I expect it to be a hard fought battle." In other words, yes, but as Derek Fisher pointed out, perhaps not to the point where the Nuggets repeat their unraveling act. "That was something that can't happen," explained Fisher. "In playoff games, the emotions are so high to begin with. Sometimes, once the game gets a little bit out of hand, a player or a coach just gets to the point where he's done dealing with it for that day. But often times, it doesn't really carry over into the next game. That player or coach is able to come back, stay within himself and try to help his team get a victory. That's what we expect tomorrow."
Personally, I'm expecting another Denver meltdown. Maybe not specifically on Wednesday at Staples (although I'd never rule it out), but at some point during the series. And probably more than once. As I like to say, the Nuggets feature a lot of "strong personalities," which is basically a P.C. way of labeling them "ridiculously combustible." A former player at Sunday's game shared an interesting take that strikes me as pretty spot on. The roster seems comprised of a bunch of guys who aren't really leaders, but also don't like to be led, either. That's often a rough combo.
Aside from Kleiza entering the starting lineup (which Phil Jackson said they'd look to counter by adding more full court pressure and trying to capitalize on AI being the only real ball handler), another adjustment the Lakers expect is more zone from Denver. What will be the results of that new look? Obviously, a worst case scenario does exist. "It kind of forces us at times to take more perimeter shots," admitted Fisher. "Which then kind of helps to jump start their fast break if we don't make them. Long rebounds and they get out on the open floor, and that's when they're at their best." But for his part, Kobe feels the alternate scheme shouldn't necessarily force the Lakers to play outside themselves. "The triangle was actually built to counter a zone, initially. We feel very comfortable in our system just playing it as is." Especially considering how this particular system is tailor-made for the skill sets sported by the Laker roster. "We have a center in there who can pass the ball," praised Kobe of Pau Gasol. "He can catch. He can make plays and reads. Not only him, but every player across the board on this team can make plays with the basketball. We're all great passers. We're all very unselfish. It makes the triangle looks good."
Fish also expected to see fewer long jumpers and more dribble penetration from Denver, the latter an area where Jackson wasn't entirely satisfied, if not harshly critical, of his team's successful defense. "I think there were some real good efforts by our players. I tried to compliment them today on some of the good things they did rather than focus on the negatives." Kleiza joining the starting lineup for Denver becomes a topical matter, since he was the opponent Jackson thought did the best job of working his way into L.A.'s paint. Jackson also felt his squad needed to do a better job of drawing interior charges, offensive fouls and generally "covering the seams as well as we could."
A couple of health updates. DJ Mbenga, who injured his ribs yesterday's practice, was held to "limited moments" for today's workouts. Ronny Turiaf has been battling a sore throat and was also closely monitored by Jackson, who took his player off the floor once "he got a bit of a sweat." Martinique's Favorite Son didn't have his typical energy, but Phil also thought he was getting better. Phil didn't specifically say whether either would be available, but I'm gathering both will be.
Finally, I couldn't help but notice Sasha Vujacic doing at least three solo radio or TV interviews after practice. If anyone needed further proof of the improvement this season by Slovenia's Favorite Son, there you have it.
- Pau Gasol: Download pau_gasol_042208_practice.mp3
- Phil Jackson (who it appears isn't a ringtone guy): Download phil_jackson_042208_practice.mp3
- Kobe Bryant (with a funny take on why Gasol would want out of Memphis): Download kobe_bryant_042208_practice.mp3
AK
New Thread. Woo Hoo!
Posted by: Charles | April 22, 2008 at 07:08 PM
Even with a 63 impala, it would be hard to imagine myself enjoying the 405. Speaking of which i had no idea kobe was into lowriders, I wonder if he really has it fixed up or just has the impala for the sake of having an impala.
Either way, 24 hours till game time....
Go Lakers
Posted by: TrueLakerFan | April 22, 2008 at 07:21 PM
SORRY TO SAY THIS:
I never thought Kobe was the sharpest knife in the drawer, I say trade him for king James or anywhere he wants tp go..so what if he is the best player, who ever thinks 405 is fun is missing some brain cells..
pslakerfan- you are going to tell me how to spell Kapish then Luca Brazzi and Tony invites you to dinner followed by a nite cap..the last drink before you go to sleep..By the drink is on us...
Kapish!
The Mob Boss
Posted by: The Mob Boss | April 22, 2008 at 07:37 PM
EXCELLENT OBSERVATION BY CHARLES: lol
New Thread. Woo Hoo!
Posted by: Charles
Kapish!
The Mob Boss
Posted by: The Mob Boss | April 22, 2008 at 07:38 PM
Man, the 405. That's one thing I haven't missed since moving to Utah. Here, they consider the freeway jammed when you have to slow down to 45 mph. A year ago I was in CA again, inching up the 405 for a 2-hour commute from Long Beach to the Valley. Ugh.
Posted by: Marty | April 22, 2008 at 07:41 PM
Maybe Kobe had the 405 confused with the PCH...I dunno...
Anyway, who cares! If Kobe and the Lakers can bring us another championship this year, he can enjoy whatever freeway he wants to enjoy.
Posted by: Ronald | April 22, 2008 at 07:44 PM
Growing up in the Pomona/Ontario are and cruising on the old 10 freeway, we always viewed the 405 as one classy Socal freeways.
Near the beach, nicer cars, better sites to see, great hang outs, and a much wider highway. Yeah, I can see why Kobe would like it.
Also have a fond memory of driving down the 405 in my Brother-in-Laws New Topless Vette.
Man, I'm think I'm starting to cry.
Posted by: Fairweather Fatty | April 22, 2008 at 07:48 PM
Has anyone else read the Jonathen Abrams article that praises Anti-G treadmell for it's state of the art NASA design. It goes on to explain how Chris Mihm, Trevor Ariza and Andrew Bynum were beneficieries of this great machine. "Oh please!!!: That anti-G machine ain't working. What the hell has NASA done but make an injury that should take 8 weeks last more than 14 so far. I'm referring specifically to Bynum. How about Trevor Ariza he was suppose to back at the end of the regular season. Who do we blame, Gary Vitti for not knowing how to diagnose injuries or do we blame NASA for making a crappy million dollar machine that's less effective than a swimming pool. Personally I think we blame Andrew Bynum for having no heart!
Posted by: Chris Edwards | April 22, 2008 at 07:51 PM
I used to like driving the 405.
... like 10 years ago.
Kobe is nuts.
His Impala should be going to Vegas or something with friends. Now that could be fun cruising. Especially once you're there and you can enjoy Vegas like it should be enjoyed, with a big bankroll and star treatment.
Posted by: Benjamin | April 22, 2008 at 07:52 PM
What a surprise that the psycho known as Jon K. is again being scolded for being a fool.
Blowing up the levees is reeeeeeeeeeeeeeal funny. Hope your mother had some children that lived.
Posted by: | April 22, 2008 at 07:53 PM
Like Marty, I am an escapee of the 405 (and the 5, 57, 91 and 22) to the land of Utah. I'm still loyal to the Lake Show, but boy it's a lot easier to catch NBA action here. My son is hoping for a Jazz-Laker matchup.
I'm hoping for a PHX-LA clash, myself.
As for Kobe, I will never totally be in to him, but I'd love to see LA win it all for Mitch. He kept his head and pulled off some great moves to bump the team to the next level.
Posted by: Sled Dog | April 22, 2008 at 07:56 PM
What the heck is all this bickering nonsense? People calling other people stupid and all sorts of other tomfoolery. It's playoff time! Infighting is for the lower seeded squads. Unity people.
We are all Lakers!
Buck up!
Posted by: "Pig" Miller | April 22, 2008 at 08:00 PM
OZ:
I am the great and wonderful OZ and I will grant you whatever you wish!
AB:
I would like for my leg to be 100% so I can play basketball again and help my team win a championship!
OZ:
Your leg already is 100% what you need is a heart!
AB:
GULP!!
Posted by: Chris Edwards | April 22, 2008 at 08:01 PM
Effing Red Sox. Can Boston fans of any type get more annoying? I really want the Halos to win it all again this year. I digress. The worst thing that could happen would be a Celtics title. Why can't more eastern fans be like the Tigers or something. At least they aren't obnoxious.
Posted by: "Pig" Miller | April 22, 2008 at 08:06 PM
pslakerfan
Stay out of my business moron...Kabish
Posted by: the mob | April 22, 2008 at 08:09 PM
the 405 is not that bad coming from orange county, i don't know what the big deal is.
driving in between hours is not bad at all, actually is pretty empty.
i've reached 90mph in the 405 with no stopping traffic.
Posted by: lakofan | April 22, 2008 at 08:10 PM
I'm so excited for the game tomorrow!
Go Lakers!
Posted by: Faith | April 22, 2008 at 08:18 PM
F. FAtty,
Yeah, 405 known as San Diego Freeway but it has nothing to do with San Diego, starts at the valley and ends in Capistrano. Supposedly, a good route to avoid downtown LA but it is a hellish parking lot from end to end. It is cheaper to go with SW airline from Burbank to SD than navigate through 405. It should be called OJ freeway, it superceded the NBA Finals by the runaway juice.
What's good about Kobe, he's always on time for the practice from Newport Beach to El Segundo, what more from NB to Staples, any sane individual could become a dull boy just by driving this route for a month. lol
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | April 22, 2008 at 08:18 PM
9-0 run by SA to take the lead. Speaking of heads exploding, I nominate D'Antoni.
Posted by: HmrHed | April 22, 2008 at 08:19 PM
I don't think I'm gonna get my PHX-LA clash...
Posted by: Sled Dog | April 22, 2008 at 08:26 PM
2:50 left in the third and Phx has 2 points --- 2 points! ---No I didn't make that up.
Posted by: HmrHed | April 22, 2008 at 08:27 PM
Well, I kinda see what Kobe means. The 405 is garish if driving from Orange County to LA, but if driving from Newport Beach (where Kobe lives) to say Costa Mesa's South Coast Plaza on weekends, it's actually not that bad.
Posted by: PeanutButterSpread | April 22, 2008 at 08:28 PM
I AGREE WITH PIG MILLER WE ARE ALL LAKERS FAN AND WE SHOULD STICK TOGETHER. CALLING EACH OTHER NAMES IS FOR CHILDREN NOT MEN. COME ON BROTHERS LET DO THIS. (LAKERS IN FIVE)
Posted by: ANTHONY JOHNSON | April 22, 2008 at 08:29 PM
Ginobli giving Raja Bell a good elbow to head! Go Lakers!
Posted by: chuck23 | April 22, 2008 at 08:39 PM
Nothing like a 27-11 quarter to make Phx fan wish for Cardinals football.
Posted by: HmrHed | April 22, 2008 at 08:39 PM
pslakerfan
Stay out of my business moron...Kabish
Posted by: the mob | April 22, 2008 at 08:09 PM
To which of my posts regarding your intellegence or lack thereof are you so eloquently referring???
Kabish? nice to see you revising your spelling, but why don't you try the correct one for once....
Stay out of your business? .... Did I interrupt recess???
Posted by: pslakerfan | April 22, 2008 at 08:39 PM
What the heck was Shaq saying in that huddle?
Posted by: chuck23 | April 22, 2008 at 08:43 PM
San Antonia
Putting on a pick and roll clinic! Shaq is a clown!
Posted by: chuck23 | April 22, 2008 at 08:50 PM
2 games in a row the Suns lose big leads. I guess we'll find out how mentally tough they are. Hard to believe that it's only game 2 so far, I guess waiting for the Lakers to play seems like forever, LOL.
Posted by: Nemaia Faletogo | April 22, 2008 at 08:57 PM
It's a good thing the D'Backs are amazing this year, because Funs fans are gonna need something to cheer about.
PS I hate Manu Ginobli so much, that if I saw him on the street, I would spit on his face.
I'm serious.
PSS I hate Fabricio Oberto almost as much as Manu. I would only spit on his chest.
Posted by: "Pig" Miller | April 22, 2008 at 08:58 PM
Hey all - just trying to catch up - the blog's been prolific tonight!
Too much in-fighting & not enough gloating over the misfortune of the rest of the West IMO....Guys - Dallas got creamed! The Funs are on their way to an 0-2 hole! This is gggggrreeaaaaatttt!!!!! (Tony the Tiger impersonation there......just in case y'all were too busy calling each other names......)
Can't wait for the game tomorrow - at least we'll all have something better to talk about.
GO LAKERS!
The BEAN for MVP and FINALS MVP or NO PEACE!
Posted by: justanothermambafan | April 22, 2008 at 09:07 PM
Pig - "spit on his chest" - LOL!!!!! I know what you mean about Manu, though...I can't stand that guy....uuuggghhh..
But - if he was a Laker........I would love that guy! (I'm just sayin.....)
Posted by: justanothermambafan | April 22, 2008 at 09:10 PM
When the Lakers dont play, its nothing better than a Suns loss...
How does it feel Suns fan? You've worked so long and still no chip!
No way you beat SA 4 out of 6 games.
This series is wrapped up like burgers in a to-go bag...
Posted by: Korey | April 22, 2008 at 09:11 PM
Guys - we may be on route to another OT game for the Spurs/Funs......very exciting things are playing out here. I hope they beat the crap out of each other in 7.....
Posted by: justanothermambafan | April 22, 2008 at 09:13 PM
Holy ****....my chipped crystal ball was sure wrong in the Spurs-[that other team] series.
Not that I'm complaining at all..........
Yo Mr. Miller
.......this 'eastern' fan not only is a Laker fanatic, but also
HATES the Red Sox
CAN'T STAND the Patriots
ABSULUTELY DESPISES the Celtics
Sounds like a perfect trifecta to me. heh heh heh.
(.......and I live in New England.)
Posted by: MiloRambaldi | April 22, 2008 at 09:21 PM
Nope - false alarm - the Suns are going home sad.....very sad.....tooooooo baaaaddddd.......!!!!!!
Posted by: justanothermambafan | April 22, 2008 at 09:26 PM
Suns just lost. And the funny part? They were probably hoping to match up with them. Thinking the Spurs were old and could be had. They are old and can be had, but the Suns are behind the 8-ball now. See if they can hold serve in the desert.
Posted by: mel | April 22, 2008 at 09:26 PM
Guess I was wrong about the Suns making it to the WC Finals. Proving once again the value of predictions. I guess I'll just stick to rooting for my team. Go Lakers!
Posted by: Rick Friedman | April 22, 2008 at 09:28 PM
A comic note at the end of Tony Parker's interview after the Spurs' victory. When asked about a hard foul Shaq put on him in the first half, he said his wife would take care of him and added in French,
"Tu me manques, mon amour. Tu me manques". (I miss you, my love, I miss you.").
The commentators said, "I don't know what that means, but it sounded good".
I guess Eva is in LA working. Maybe this means TP will do what he can to get Mitch to do a Gasol type deal. Let's say Coby Karl for TP. How about that?
Posted by: Tsphere | April 22, 2008 at 09:30 PM
As long as you predict that the Lakers will be the Lakers...that's good enough lol.
Go Lakers!
Posted by: Faith | April 22, 2008 at 09:34 PM
The 405 is okay on weekends before 11am, when the rest of us are sleeping, and on weekdays between 11am and 1pm, when the rest of us are at work.
I'm just glad Kobe didn't mention anything about riding a motorcycle. I was shocked to see him come into Staples on a crotch rocket a few years ago, especially with the whole Jason Williams (Chicago Bulls) mess.
Posted by: Amazing_Happens | April 22, 2008 at 09:42 PM
The Lakers will be the Lakers.....the Lakers will be the Lakers.....the Lakers will be the Lakers.......(tapping my heels together 3 times).......You're not in Memphis anymore!!!! LOL!!
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: justanothermambafan | April 22, 2008 at 09:46 PM
anthony johnson,
"CALLING EACH OTHER NAMES IS FOR CHILDREN NOT MEN."
and calling men children is not? pot, kettle, black.
Posted by: reality bites | April 22, 2008 at 09:49 PM
Ok now,
If anyone who complains about the 405 South Bay Curve or the Orange Crush whom have not lived in the Southland for over 50 years should not talk about the L.A. Freeway System .Especially if you are a transpod from another State. Whom are pluging up the 405,91,110,710,5,22,134+ that are not locals anyway.:)
"There's no life east of the 405 Fwy"
The Souh Bay Rules
Lakers and Showtime Era, Gruesome Foursome too...
wonderfulkat
Redondo Beach,Ca.
Since 1952.
Posted by: wonderfulkat | April 22, 2008 at 10:00 PM
the mob boss,
Il capo, capisco. la fa capisce?
Posted by: reality bites | April 22, 2008 at 10:03 PM
Chris Edwards,
"blame Gary Viti for not knowing how to diognose injuries..."
I am not really responding just to you, you are just the last one to say it. But I am so tired of hearing how our guys slow recoveries are somehow Gary Vittis fault. He is the trainer. If you believe our players are not coming around, blame the medical staff, not him. Gary Vitti may be the Lakers MVP. Without his innovative tape job on Kobes fingers, Kobe may not have been able to play, period. Thats what Vitti does. If you need a tape job he does it. Get cracked in the head, he will stitch you up. Bloddy nose, he stops the bleeding, scratch on the arm, ditto. He may supervise a rehab routine but he is not responsible for it. The doctors are.
I am not sure whats going on with Andrews knee but there isnt a rehab progam on earth that can speed the healing of a broken foot, like Ariza has. When the bones healed, he will play. Sorry for the out burst but this has been really driving me nuts.
MH
Posted by: michael h | April 22, 2008 at 10:06 PM
The SUN is setting on the entire Phoenix team!
Posted by: Amazing_Happens | April 22, 2008 at 10:10 PM
The Lakers are seriously going to dismantle the Spurs if San Antonio even makes it to the Western Conference Finals.
Duncan will be single teamed, Odom can leave Oberto to help Fish on Parker, and Kobe will bring out the defense that he hasn't been playing for most of the year and just put the clamps down on Manu, or at least seriously slow that dude down. If Vlad can just stick around and contest Mike Finley's jump shoots, it should be all good.
I like the Lakers' chances.
Posted by: Amazing_Happens | April 22, 2008 at 10:17 PM
Hack Hack Hack
Chop Chop Chop
Suns go down.
Pig Miller - did we expect any less?
Why the Suns have not advanced? Steve Nash, a great one dimensional player who is an extreme liability on D. and he was the MVP. What a joke.
Suns will win the next two. Series is going the distance, but are the Suns and fans discouraged! Ah, too bad!
Fire 32 - New coach on the horizon?
Posted by: Fairweather Fatty | April 22, 2008 at 10:19 PM
I remember Chick Hearns once calling the 405 "The World's Biggest Parking Lot." Cracked me right on up! One of those throw away lines that, along with his beautiful soul and stellar character, made Chick the greatest we'll ever see.
GO LAKERS!! ENJOY THE RIDE!!!
Posted by: JohnnyP | April 22, 2008 at 10:21 PM