Kobedelic
Similar to the wild colors enjoyed by those acid dropping hippies in 1967, last night's 122-107 win over the Nuggets featured Kobe Bryant visuals that felt like they couldn't possibly be real. The second game in this series kicked off with 24 in immediate attack mode, the aggressiveness coming in part to offset his teammates' collective inability to knock down shots. Bryant was also looking to offset the continual trash talking on the part of his opponents, who seem incapable of learning they'd be better off shutting their yaps. Kobe notched 20 first quarter points on 8-10 shooting, the foundation of a half that would wrap up at 25 and come within a eyelash of hitting a franchise record.
From there, Kobe did more than just light up the scoreboard, taking on the role of facilitator in brilliant fashion. His second half included eight assists, with common beneficiaries being Pau Gasol and a very effective Luke Walton. Taking a cue from their leader, the Lakers moved the ball at a dizzying pace, accumulating enough assists (33) that they could have loaned a few to Denver (who certainly could have used them). From there, it was a fourth quarter feeding frenzy. 19 points off double crossover drives and three pointers that appeared to measure about 40 feet. Kobe then put away his six shooters, ironically marking a time when Denver was the team appearing short on bullets for the box score. The MVP voting is already over and done, but last night's game did serve to defend those marking their "X" beside Kobe' moniker. Whether you're talking domination, versatility or putting a stamp on his own team, it was an evening clearly owned by The Mamba.
The Rocky Mountain heights serving as a Game 3 venue often lead to troubles catching ones breath, which could require some adjustments by the Lakers (which seems to be their forte as it is). Of course, unless there's an accompanying mental adjustment by Denver, the Lakers could play while clinically diagnosed with Hypoxia and it really wouldn't make a difference. In any event, the change in climate hopefully won't worsen Ronny Turiaf's bad throat.
One L.A. scribe thinks the Lakers' good fortunes are equally fruitful for the Dodgers.
Anthony Carter's been bumped from Denver's starting lineup, but if his background is any indicator, he'll continue to persevere.
Repost
Good Morning Y'all!
Shout out to everybody! But I wanted send thanks to PSLakerFan. I have been blessed to be apart of the blog and also have gone to 3 games due to PsLakerFan. I appreciate the ticket's (Bobcats, Wizards and Last nights Playoff game) and gesture is well appreciated. There are a lot of great people on this blog, and I just wanted to show recognition to everyone and PsLakerFan for his generosity.
PsLakerFan, I guess you are the President of the +20 club!
Posted by: Charles | April 24, 2008 at 08:21 AM
Posted by: Charles | April 24, 2008 at 09:34 AM
Wow.
D Wade really scored by landing Star Jones. I wonder when the wedding is..
Wes
Posted by: | April 24, 2008 at 09:34 AM
FIRST.....
Great game and effort by all. The six shooter move by Kobe had me on the couch falling over laughing.
I'm feeling a SWEEP...............
Posted by: LakerfanDALLAS | April 24, 2008 at 09:36 AM
14 for 15!
Whitemamba - very funny and right on the mark
PSlakerfan - I am in desert over Mem Day weekend. Beer Hunter meeting for LAL game? I am feeling good that we will still be playing then.
W/R/T LO7: watch for his big breakout night in Enver, game #3. He was po'd about the fouls and will take KB24's energy to the altitude and go nuts on the Thugs with his breathe right strip aiding him.
Lastly - didn't someone say that Walton in starting lineup was our best efficiency combo - stats were on 82games? If so and he has finally found his game again - maybe PJ should think about starting him and Vlad off the bench? Thoughts?
Posted by: PsychedLakerGirl | April 24, 2008 at 09:37 AM
FIRST.....
Great game and effort by all. The six shooter move by Kobe had me on the couch falling over laughing.
I'm feeling a SWEEP...............
Posted by: LakerfanDALLAS | April 24, 2008 at 09:39 AM
I know it's only the first round but I have a strong feeling that we can actually get to the finals this year. We are playing at such a high level right now and clicking so well that I don't see how anyone can stop us. I'm surprised we are playing this well too because towards the end of the season we seemed to lose some of our focus with some loses and some close games. Not anymore, Phil is giving the team a game plan and we are sticking to it. I've noticed we get a little lax for a few minutes but nothing too bad. Maybe we wont be able to do that against the Spurs but it sure aint hurting us right now.
Earlier in the year I was questioning the Lakers energy. Not anymore. I think the best part of the game last night was when Kobe was screaming and flicking the Lakers on his jersey. Everyones playing with high energy and going for loose balls. Kobe has been saying all along that this team has the confidence that they know they can win the title, I believe him. Anyways, I;m expecting this team to get to the finals and anything short of that will be disappointing.
GO LAKERS
Posted by: mrbarneydangles | April 24, 2008 at 09:39 AM
Good morning Laker Nation --
24 is the chosen one to take the Lakers to their 4th Dynasty. The golden age of 24 is upon us -- whether it starts this year or next year with a healthy AB -- this can be a 4 out of the next 5 run for the ages.
MAMBA24 – I propose a "4TH DYNASTY" bandwagon – assuming consideration and approval by the blog elders.
Posted by: HmrHed | April 24, 2008 at 09:40 AM
AK/BK AND LAKER FANS,
Thats spectacular game by Kobe. Jordan Type.
DIDN'T I SAY IN PREVIOUS THREADS THAT PAU GASOL CANNOT CREATE HIS OWN SHOTS WHEN HE IS PUSHED OUT OF THE POST. HE LOOKED VERY INDECISIVE AND PASSED THE BALL TO GET RID OF IT.
WHAT IF KOBE WAS NOT THAT HOT YESTERDAY.
IF WE EANT TO WIN 2ND ROUND. PAU HAS TO CREATE SHOTS FROM 10-15 FOOT FACING THE BASKET OTHERWISE WE HAVE NO CHANCE?
WHAT DO YOU SAY?
Posted by: Disgruntled, Frustrated Laker Fan | April 24, 2008 at 09:42 AM
Oh baby! Another fantastic game by my main man, Luke Walton. He was everywhere with that kooky intensity that only he can channel. Dropping the 3 Ball. Cleaning the glass better than the two guys in that LAME Clippers commercial. Dropping dimes like he was hanging out with Snoop Dogg. Hustlin' and Flowin' like water and chaos blended into an elemental force of hippy power! He saved Lamar from probably one of his worst Playoff games ever. He complimented the best player ever...Kobe.
Kobe was off the hook. I haven't seen a a playoff performance as even keeled and dominant in terms of every facet of the game since MJ dropped 50. Even when he torched Phoenix for 50, he didn't control the game, he willed the team to win. This was so much smoother, refined and tasty. Like a fine scotch. That was as satisfying as watching him score 81, but better 'cause it's the Playoffs.
George Karl looks as deflated as a baloon left in the back of a car on a hot summer day. It almost looked like he wanted to cry during his post game. This is how teams looked and acted on our march to 3 consecutive at the beginning of the new millenium...searching, confused, depressed and losing.
The one knock against the team as a whole wasn't Lamar's foul trouble/inefectiveness...Jordan Farmar. He has been in a late season swoon for some time now, only the occaisional buzzer beater has kept him from being pretty much useless on the court for about a month. He isn't staying in front of guards that are slower than him, he jacks up unneccesary 3 pointers in the face of a zone. He's quick enough, savy enough and has guys that know how to play off the ball so that he can create shots for them. Maybe he's pressing a little bit, maybe it's the sophmore jinx catching up at the worst possible time, or maybe he's wilting in the Playoff spot light. I hope it's not the latter and he finds his way through this because we'll need him against all of the amazing PGs and their back-ups in the ultra bad-ass Western Conference. He's going to possibly need to stop Sam-I-am-Cassell. Or the ageless Lindsey Hunter. I think he's smart enough and good enough to get through this moment, but I hope it comes soon.
Other than that, nothing bad to report from the LBC, had lots of fun and can't wait to see the game on Saturday from by buddies from Sacramento where I will be kicking it this weekend in celebration of his 30th B-Day. Too bad he's a bonafide Kings fan/Laker hater because I will have to rub it IN!
GO LAKERS!!!
Posted by: Jamie Sweet | April 24, 2008 at 09:46 AM
13 Wins to go!
2, FO' FO' FO'!
Mornin', blog dawgs.
Is it a Trevor goes to the doc day?
Posted by: Vman | April 24, 2008 at 09:48 AM
PsychedLakerGirl-
I think Luke works better with the second unit and Vlad with the first. Luke's been hitting some shots lately but I still think his greatest asset is his passing. The second unit already has two 3 point shooters in Sasha and Farmar. Luke is good with the second unit because he helps get those players the ball. I think adding Vlad to the second unit will put too many 3 point shooters out on the floor at once, not enough penetrating too much settling with for the 3. However, who am I? I wouldn't be too surprised to eventually see Luke break the starting lineup if he continues to play at a high level.
GO LAKERS
Posted by: mrbarneydangles | April 24, 2008 at 09:52 AM
I am just wondering what VECSEY's sole purpose was for sharing that he initially placed his MVP vote for Kobe then called the league to change it? What was that all about..
AK/BK or anyone with knowledge, Secondly, if there is a deadline to get MVP voting in by a certain time how come there is no rule for changing the VOTE once its been submitted??
Posted by: lakersrydeordie | April 24, 2008 at 09:54 AM
*_____________________________________*
THE 4TH DYNASTY BEGINS BANDWAGON
*_____________________________________*
(01) HMRHED – Driver & Owner
(02) MAMBA24 – Was there For Dynasties 2 & 3
*___________________________________*
*.LAKERS SWEEP DENVER / DAGGER
IN THE NUGGETS BANDWAGON
*___________________________________*
(01) LAKER TOM - Owner
(02) FAIRWEATHER FATTY – Driver
(03) HAVA98 - Game 1 Win Director
(04) TWOODY – Taught Kobe the Crossover
(05 WHITEMAMBA24 – Game 2 win Director
(06) MAMBA24 –Riding ShotGun
(07) JUSTANOTHERMAMBAFAN - Game 3 Win director
(08) JAIMSYY – Game 4 Win director
(09) THE OUTLAW – wrote the “TALKING BOUT PRACTICE” speech for AI.
(10) LAKERS LEGACY – Has his own banner in the rafters next to Magics
(11) MICHAEL H.- Gave Jamaal Wilkes his nick-name.
(12) DAVID IN SPAIN - Convinced Pau Gasol to join Lakers
(13) TOAD – Member of Kobe’s inner circle
(14) JANAYA – Made Camello back pedal in fear
(15) KOBESBAD - Made Kobe raise his game & took Carmelos Booze.
(16) JAMIE SWEET – Defender of Truth, Justice & the Waltonian Way.
(17) JOHNNY P. – Director of Vacuums
(18) EDWIN GUECO – Bus maintenance for Denver Sweep
(19) FEARLESS – Taught Kobe to jump over Bandwagons fearlessly
(20) LAL_FAN - Fined by NBA for allowing Kobe to jump over car
(21) HUGO SPAIN – Beat Paul Gasol in Horse
(22) JUANMAN888 – Gave L.O. a good talking to about his bad game
(23) Laker Dodger Die Hard Fan In Upstate NY | - ISIAH applied to him for job.
(24) EASTCOASTJESSIE - The Latina who slaps the sh#t out of Melo, J.R.Smith , and K-Mart after the sweep.
(25) JUNO – Mr. Bandwagon Man
(26) LAKERFANDALLAS – Brought 6 Brooms
Posted by: Mamba24 | April 24, 2008 at 09:59 AM
PsychedLakerGirl
I on the impression of playing time and timing in regards to any lineup. The way Luke is playing against Enver, I feel we should keep the rotation the way it is. Next opponent or until Enver makes adjustments endangering our win(s), that is another post.
Regards,
Posted by: Charles | April 24, 2008 at 10:01 AM
You can change your vote before the playoffs start.
Posted by: Karl | April 24, 2008 at 10:03 AM
*_____________________________________*
THE LAKERS 2008 CHAMPIONSHIP AND
13 WINS TO CHAMPIONSHIP BANDWAGON
AKA “2”, “FO”, “FO”, ‘FO” BANDWAGON
*_____________________________________*
01 LakerTom – CEO_______________(36)JesterGuru – Assignment Director
02 Andrew Z - Owner______________(37)Nik Kannan – Blog Team Trainer
03 RICK FRIEDMAN – Driver________(38) BZAR – Director of Win Countdown
04 VMAN – Co Driver______________(39)Doc4DaLakeShow – Blog Dr.
05 JAY JAY Director of Bandwagons __(40) Happy Gilmore – Golf Director
06 Jeff – Security Chief_____________(41) TRIO – 3 Laker Fans in 1
07 Xodus – Enforcer_______________(42) Laker North– Director of North Cal.
08 utzworld – The Banner Holder_____(43) JUNNO – Director Win # 5
09 The Outlaw – Director of Fines_____(44) JustAnotherMambaFan– Director of Mambas
10 KobesBad – And that’s good.______(45) BrownMamba– Asst. Director of Mambas
11 WhiteMamba24 - Ride Director_____(46) DK - Reports directly to Jerry Buss
12 TSIRY – Director________________(47) LakersRydeOrDie – Enforcer
13 AB – Crowd control director________(48) MarkyTheArky – Director of Mirrors
14 LakerTruth – Judge & Jury_________(49) Milo Rambaldi Team Prophet & Alias star
15 HappyDaze - Morale Director_______(50) SimiLakerGirl – Rpts. directly to Jeannie Buss
16 LAL-Fan - Freakin La Laker Fan_____(51) PsychedLakerGirl - Director of Motivation
17 TSPHERE – SuperDelegate________(52) HMRHED – Director of Good Times
18 Staples24 - Helped Kwame pack____(53) LakerFan - Backup
19 JustALakerFan – Enforcer__________(54) KOBESBAD – Director of win 7
20 LakersLegacy - Keeper of Flame_____(55) LAKERGIRL1980 – Director of win 8
21 Tha SHOW – Keeping it Real________(56) ALLAN – BRAZIL Director win 6
22 ANDO – Director of Superstars_______(57) TIM-4-SHOW Director of win 2
23 RDLEE - Directorof Win1____________(58) NEMAIA FALETOGO director of win 10
24 SAMLL Director of win3 ____________(59) ROKY Director of win 11
25CBUCK Director of win 13___________(60) HUBBIT Director of win 4
(26) JON K. Director of win 9___________(61) GREEK DUDE Director of win 14
(27) Mr.BarneyDangles Director of wins___(62) LAKER TOM – Producer, Director & Enforcer
(28) CHUCK23 – Director of win 12_______(63) TOAD – Director of the Win Directors
(29) EastCoastJessie__CFO____________(64) THE LAKE SHOW – Supreme Escort.
(30) The Original J.J. – Ring Master_______(65) DC – Director of Strategic Wins
(31) DICE8UP – Consigliore of 9Rings_____(66) KEIFO – Heir in waiting
(32) LAKERBANDIT – Countdown Director__(67) PK-IN-THE-MESA – Tennis Director
(33) TWOODY – Taught Kobe the Crossover_(68) FearlessWhackJob – Kobe’s Advisor
(34) David Whang – Taught Sasha art of the J.(69) PurpleHeart - Director of Courage
(35) FearlessWhackJob - Kobe's Advisor ____(70 ) Lakergurl – There can be but one
(71) Laker Dodger Die Hard Fan In Upstate NY_(72) JUNO – Mr. Bandwagon Man
Posted by: Mamba24 | April 24, 2008 at 10:04 AM
psychedlakergirl, mr.barneydangles-
I think they'll leave things the way they are. Luke does help make the second unit run, and they probably need him more (though Luke undoubtedly likes laying with the starters, and gets better results with them). But even with Walton shooting the ball better now than before, Vlad still stretches defenses in ways he can't, and his shooting can be critical to the spacing the first unit thrives on. The good news for LA is that with Walton playing better, they have more options. If both are giving reasonably consistent performances, it's one more way for the Lakers to match up effectively against a variety of lineups.
BK
Posted by: Brian Kamenetzky | April 24, 2008 at 10:06 AM
Disgruntled, Drustrated Laker Fan
You wrote, "WHAT IF KOBE WAS NOT THAT HOT YESTERDAY.
IF WE EANT TO WIN 2ND ROUND. PAU HAS TO CREATE SHOTS FROM 10-15 FOOT FACING THE BASKET OTHERWISE WE HAVE NO CHANCE?"
First off, the guy was double-teamed in the post pretty much every chance the Nuggets got, secondly, Marcus Camby abandoned his help mentality and bodied up Gasol more often. Thirdly, it's not very often that I see anyone criticize a center on any team for not creating his own shots. generally a center is there to clean up jump shot misses, get the ball a few feet from the hole. Finally, Kobe Bryant was ON FIRE. Let the best player in the NBA make it happen when he can, it's the recipe fro success that this team has been built around. Sure it's taken a few years for Phil's message to get through to him, but it has, and it's working. I would rather Pau make an extra pass than try to take a defender like Marcus Camby off the dribble. I wrote a few days ago that Camby is a better help defender than man-to-man stopper. I might have mis-typed myself as he was pretty good at shutting down Gasol. In the first half, the guy finished with 18 points...that's his season average. he shot over 50%...that's his season avergae. He had 10 boards, 3 on the offensive end...that's over his season avergae. Our team isn't built around the individual success of one guy (like Denver or Philly), but on the strength of a team that patiently destroys you with ball movemnet and offensive and defensive execution. I agree that Pau isn't going to bang bodies in the post and I was glad that when George Karl brought in Nene (presumably to wear Gasol down physically), Phil countered with the equally wide DJ Mbenga, who responded by outplaying his bench adversary. I think that Pau out smarts more physically dominant players and that fits our system better than a low post bruiser.
GO LAKERS!!!
Posted by: Jamie Sweet | April 24, 2008 at 10:08 AM
"Good Morning! Lakers Nation!!"
Its good to be a Lakers Fan in a Satchmo kind of way
Enjoy!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D-rlJEbO63o
Posted by: Fairweather Fatty | April 24, 2008 at 10:14 AM
Mamba:
I juust have to climb on that 4TH DYNASTY BEGINS bandwagon.............first saw the Lakers play in person in '71 and was priveledged to see Wilt, Jim McMillan, Happy Hairston, Gale Goodrich and the LOGO Lakers in the 33 straight stretch...........I guess that means I've been around for all three of them so far and have got to be on board now!
Posted by: toad | April 24, 2008 at 10:14 AM
REPOST (since Mamba forgot to take care of some business for me..)
Dang...
Double up on Kobe, open up the floor for Gasol & LO to take over.
Clamp down on Gasol & LO, Kobe scores 49. Woulda probably been 39 had J.R. Smith & K-Mart not pissed him off. Dude's like Bill Bixby in "The Incredible Hulk" TV show: "Don't make me angry. You won't like me when I'm angry."
Poor Denver. Dammed if they do, dammed if they don't.. The Banner waves and the broomstick is out of the pantry. Put me on the SWEEP bandwagon PRONTO!
Posted by: utzworld THE BANNER HOLDER | April 24, 2008 at 10:18 AM
I just read that Bynum was huddled with Magic during the game. We really should use Magic the way we do with Kareem.
Think about it for a minute... If Magic is going to watch the games live anyways, why not have him grab the young guys that are hurt and teach them what he knows or how he would have handled the situation differently while watching the game.
Imagine how fast our collective Basketball IQ would increase!
Let's push for it, Come on Magic, become the legendary executive like you know you can!!!
Posted by: Kaz | April 24, 2008 at 10:18 AM
I agree with you BK, Luke needs to stay in the 2nd unit. In addition to the points you brought up, particulary Vlad Rad's ability to create spacing with the mere threat of his 3 point shooting, but Vladdy off the bench is more of a space cadet than when he starts. Luke is a smarter player, better understands our system. He's the consumate team-player, he listed every player on the team with playoff experience in your audio BK, but he didn't list himself...he's been to the freakin' FINALS! That's another reason for him coming off the bench, he brings stability to a young group that needs some stability. Can't wait for Saturday.
GO LAERS!!!
Posted by: Jamie Sweet | April 24, 2008 at 10:18 AM
Can someone tell me what calls got Denver's panties all bunched up? They're complaining about it, but they never mention what call (or calls) it was that they think were unfair.
Posted by: J.W. Weatherman | April 24, 2008 at 10:19 AM
I just read that Bynum was huddled with Magic during the game. We really should use Magic the way we do with Kareem.
Think about it for a minute... If Magic is going to watch the games live anyways, why not have him grab the young guys that are hurt and teach them what he knows or how he would have handled the situation differently while watching the game.
Imagine how fast our collective Basketball IQ would increase!
Let's push for it, Come on Magic, become the legendary executive like you know you can!!!
Posted by: kaz | April 24, 2008 at 10:19 AM
I just read that Bynum was huddled with Magic during the game. We really should use Magic the way we do with Kareem.
Think about it for a minute... If Magic is going to watch the games live anyways, why not have him grab the young guys that are hurt and teach them what he knows or how he would have handled the situation differently while watching the game.
Imagine how fast our collective Basketball IQ would increase!
Let's push for it, Come on Magic, become the legendary executive like you know you can!!!
Posted by: kaz | April 24, 2008 at 10:20 AM
Morning Fam. Charles, you lucky dog! (tix,tix,tix)
Kobe is such a show off. I mean why did he have to embarrass Lenver (no typo) like that? No showing of any type of sportsmanship from the guy at all. You'd think he had a point to prove or a chip on his shoulder. Did he have to score 49? And Luke. What's his problem... showing up for game after being trashed and tossed under the bus by many of us here during the later portion of the season.
Shame on the Lakers for acting like a team that wants to win it all.
GREAT DAY IN LAKER LAND - LAKER FANS
Posted by: LakerFaze | April 24, 2008 at 10:22 AM
mamba 24, put me on the THE LAKERS 2008 CHAMPIONSHIP AND
13 WINS TO CHAMPIONSHIP BANDWAGON
AKA “2”, “FO”, “FO”, ‘FO” BANDWAGON
and I thank you for anointing me Defender of All Things Waltonian, he's turnin' it on like a Lovelight in a Grateful Dead song.
Posted by: Jamie Sweet | April 24, 2008 at 10:23 AM
*_____________________________________*
THE 4TH DYNASTY BEGINS BANDWAGON
*_____________________________________*
(01) HMRHED – Driver & Owner
(02) MAMBA24 – Was there For Dynasties 2 & 3
(03) TOAD – Director of Dynasty Banner Hanging
Posted by: Mamba24 | April 24, 2008 at 10:24 AM
I'm not sure if anyone else has noticed this...
But, it appears to me that Enver is getting a bit used to the Lakers. I'd rather sweep, but I think Enver is going to be able to steal a game. They're actually a pretty good team. They just seem incapable of summoning the necessary execution and fortitude to get a win.
Even though it blew wide open at the end, I thought Enver played us a lot tougher in game 2. I thought they defended better as a team and anticipated passes better as well.
Lakers still win and in the absolute worst nightmare of a scenario it takes 6 games. I'm guessing 4 or 5.
Enver plays a lot better at home so we need to be ready for an even greater effort and execution on their part.
Posted by: Benjamin | April 24, 2008 at 10:26 AM
The Farm doesn't look like he's been lookin' to pass lately.
There's been quite a few sequences with Sasha and Kobe open on the wings with their hands out for a pass that doesn't come. At least it looks that way on the DVR, maybe it's wrong.
Maybe it's pressing for minutes, but with nothing much to nit pick, time to fine tune.
Posted by: Vman | April 24, 2008 at 10:37 AM
Nice post!
Posted by: Charles | April 24, 2008 at 10:37 AM
where is bynum?
Posted by: HAHA | April 24, 2008 at 10:39 AM
*___________________________________*
*.LAKERS SWEEP DENVER / DAGGER
IN THE NUGGETS BANDWAGON
*___________________________________*
(01) LAKER TOM - Owner
(02) FAIRWEATHER FATTY – Driver
(03) HAVA98 - Game 1 Win Director
(04) TWOODY – Taught Kobe the Crossover
(05 WHITEMAMBA24 – Game 2 win Director
(06) MAMBA24 –Riding ShotGun
(07) JUSTANOTHERMAMBAFAN - Game 3 Win director
(08) JAIMSYY – Game 4 Win director
(09) THE OUTLAW – wrote the “TALKING BOUT PRACTICE” speech for AI.
(10) LAKERS LEGACY – Has his own banner in the rafters next to Magics
(11) MICHAEL H.- Gave Jamaal Wilkes his nick-name.
(12) DAVID IN SPAIN - Convinced Pau Gasol to join Lakers
(13) TOAD – Member of Kobe’s inner circle
(14) JANAYA – Made Camello back pedal in fear
(15) KOBESBAD - Made Kobe raise his game & took Carmelos Booze.
(16) JAMIE SWEET – Defender of Truth, Justice & the Waltonian Way.
(17) JOHNNY P. – Director of Vacuums
(18) EDWIN GUECO – Bus maintenance for Denver Sweep
(19) FEARLESS – Taught Kobe to jump over Bandwagons fearlessly
(20) LAL_FAN - Fined by NBA for allowing Kobe to jump over car
(21) HUGO SPAIN – Beat Paul Gasol in Horse
(22) JUANMAN888 – Gave L.O. a good talking to about his bad game
(23) Laker Dodger Die Hard Fan In Upstate NY | - ISIAH applied to him for job.
(24) EASTCOASTJESSIE - The Latina who slaps the sh#t out of Melo, J.R.Smith , and K-Mart after the sweep.
(25) JUNO – Mr. Bandwagon Man
(26) LAKERFANDALLAS – Brought 6 Brooms
(27) utzworld – THE BANNER HOLDER – Created the Banner for the $th Dynasty
Posted by: | April 24, 2008 at 10:41 AM
Laker Faze
Nice Post!
Posted by: Charles | April 24, 2008 at 10:42 AM
You know the phrase "victim of circumstance"? The thing about Luke Walton is that he really seems to be a "beneficiary of circumstance".
Defenses seem to largely ignore him, which is why his numbers look so good. Just as Lamar is better as a third option, Luke is a stud as the fifth option. But move them up any higher, and their performance will suffer. I do think he gets the ball moving and such, and I like the guy. He is definitely better on the offensive end than on the defensive end, but that's because he is so slow on defense. Anytime he is isolated on defense, as he was with Carmelo Anthony, someone else has to leave their man to help him, or else it's an easy bucket (Same goes for Radmanovic, but that's another story).
I found myself wondering, how many guys of Walton's size and skill (or better) are playing in Europe? Gotta be at lot, right? Aren't there a lot of guys who could do what Walton does? Do they get paid like he does? Am I wrong in thinking this?
And just so I'm clear, Luke Walton is a much better basketball player than I or anyone I know could ever hope to be.
Posted by: Amazing_Happens | April 24, 2008 at 10:42 AM
What a game!!!
LLLLUUUUUUUUUKKKKKKKKKKEEEEEEEEEEE!!
Yo Mamba... put me on the...
THE 4TH DYNASTY BEGINS BANDWAGON
GO LAKE SHOW!!
Posted by: keifo | April 24, 2008 at 10:43 AM
Mamba 24
If Goodrich, West and Elgin were a dynasty (not a lot of rings but 33 counts for something), what about Mikan's Lakers? Mikan, West, Magic, Kobe / Shaq ...Technically, this would be the start of #5.
Count me in for 5th DYnasty.. or Dynasty V!!!
Has a nice ring to it.
V
Posted by: Vman | April 24, 2008 at 10:44 AM
VMAN:"Maybe it's pressing for minutes, but with nothing much to nit pick, time to fine tune."
You're not nit picking I noticed the same thing. I don't
know I got a feeling that somethings bothering him and
it aint Sasha or playing time.
Posted by: Mamba24 | April 24, 2008 at 10:46 AM
Re-post
Good morning Laker family around the Globe,
To me, the headline from Wednesday night's game isn't (A) Kobe's ability to explode for 49 points, (B) the "W", or (C) Luke Walton's ability to be an important contributor.
The headline is how much the Lakers miss Lamar Odom's contributions when he is confined to the bench because of foul trouble. Much of the raggedy play on Wednesday night was because the team missed LO's rebounding, size on Defense, and ability to create Offense inside the arc.
The Nuggets were able to score almost at will because the Lakers were missing a factor that the team now takes almost for granted.
There's a lot of cleanup to be done before Saturday's game. Part of it is for Jordan Farmar to understand that if he is to retain his status as "point guard of the future," he is required to put more concentration to controlling (as best as anyone can) Allan Iverson. By the third game in this series, Farmar must be able to anticipate what AI is going to do, and force him to do something else. Not that Fish is much better. He's not. This is essential not just for the series with the Nuggets, but for all the series beyond.
I also thought that Phil put the "W" in jeopardy by not being more actively engaged. Momentum is too much of a friend to give it up easily to your opponent. I kept screaming for a time out at the start of the second half that never came.
The terms of engagement will be different when the series moves to Denver on Saturday. I'm counting on the Lakers to be ready.
Posted by: Rick Friedman | April 24, 2008 at 10:46 AM
Can those calling for Luke's head please come out and admit he's been the most consistently effective player over the first two games? Without him in both these games, we might not win. I'm just happy for him because I know he was bummin that he was playing poorly up until now. The best sign... he's knocking down open 3s again! I love that!
By the way, those that think his defense is atrocious, I think you need to go to 82games.com and look at the defensive +/-. The Lakers give up 2.5 points per 100 possessions fewer with Luke out there than when he is not. He took 2 huge charges yesterday and has really stepped up his D.
Finally, can anyone explain why the Thuggets continue to act like they're totally victimized by the refs? Did they or did they not take 8 more free throws than us in the last game? They complain on every call and it's so annoying. Maybe I'm missing something here, but I just don't see it.
Anyway, good, solid win. I'd like to see a bit more lockdown D like we saw towards the end of the season. Pau Gasol needs to be shown on game tape how he's about 2 seconds late with his rotations. But hey, a win is a win.
Come on Lakers! Don't let up! Sweep these Thuggets!
Posted by: puddle | April 24, 2008 at 10:47 AM
Mamba24,
Please add me to the 4th Dynasty begins bandwagon.
Vman,
From what I saw it appeared Farmar was more willing to pass than he has been in the past. He actually gave the ball back to Kobe a few times after Kobe gave him the ball in their half-court set. Like more than once even! I've definitely shared the concerns that others have had with Farmer's ball-hogging tendencies, but I didn't notice it at all in game 2.
Shame on the Lakers for acting like a team that wants to win it all.
GREAT DAY IN LAKER LAND - LAKER FANS
Posted by: LakerFaze | April 24, 2008 at 10:22 AM
haha, yeah, shame on them.
A Magic mentoring program? I think that's a great idea. I t know others have noticed injured bench players usually get direct game commentary from Brian Shaw. It happened with Gasol and it's been happening with Ariza. It's good to see since we do have a complicated offensive system and I think it's much better use of game time than just allowing a new player to languish depressed on the bench.
Posted by: Benjamin | April 24, 2008 at 10:47 AM
Denver just doesn't get it.
There are four things you don't do.
You don't tug on Superman's cape.
You don't spit into the wind.
You don't pull, the mask, off the old Lone Ranger
And you don't mess around with Kobe
Jim 'Fatty' Croce
Posted by: Fairweather Fatty | April 24, 2008 at 10:51 AM
KEIFOOOO! How you been? This is starting to look
Like the season they almost ran the Table in the playoffs
15 &1! THIS IS DESTINY!
*_____________________________________*
THE 4TH DYNASTY BEGINS BANDWAGON
*_____________________________________*
(01) HMRHED – Driver & Owner
(02) MAMBA24 – Was there For Dynasties 2 & 3
(03) TOAD – Director of Dynasty Banner Hanging
(04) KEIFO – Willed the Lakers to Dynasty 3
Posted by: Mamba24 | April 24, 2008 at 10:52 AM
Jamie Sweet:
A dead reference? AIKO AIKO my friend!
Posted by: toad | April 24, 2008 at 10:54 AM
Benjamin: I would have agreed with you on Tuesday but I think KB24, Gasol, LO and Fish will not let that happen. I think they want to be done and out of the 1st rd as quickly as possible. I don't think they are quite in that killer mode (no shut down "D" being displayed) - but they are finding a way to win with margin and put dobbt in Thugs heads. That adds up to playoff series wins.
BK & Charles - thanks for coming back - good pts.
While it seems to like Luke is getting some good attn today - what's up with his dad? He has been out with this back problem for months? Is it more serious than people are saying? Has he even attended any of these first 2 LA games?
Posted by: PsychedLakerGirl | April 24, 2008 at 10:54 AM
Shouldn't a lot of people on here be saying, "I was wrong about Luke Walton"???
Posted by: ajax | April 24, 2008 at 10:54 AM
AK, BK D@@@MMMMNNNN You got this Blog
going at lightning speed. KUDOS TO THE BLOG GODS!
Posted by: Mamba24 | April 24, 2008 at 10:54 AM
Good morning Charles, Mamba24, K-Bros and the Laker Faithful!!
Great win and great performance by Kobe, so much for my prediction that LO was gonna go off, 5 fouls??? Well I hope he comes out with a vengeance on Sat. and Kobe still is in the zone that day. Luke played big again, Sasha hit some big shots, and Mbenga gave us some quality minutes.
Its too bad George Karl will take the fall for that team in the offseason. Those guys are just uncoachable. I don't know of any team that talks as much ish as the Nuggets.
It looks like game 3 can be a real testy and physical game the way things are going.
Posted by: Lakers Legacy | April 24, 2008 at 10:56 AM
FATTY:"Denver just doesn't get it.
There are four things you don't do.
You don't tug on Superman's cape.
You don't spit into the wind.
You don't pull, the mask, off the old Lone Ranger
And you don't mess around with Kobe
Jim 'Fatty' Croce
FATTY STOP IT! STOP IT RIGHT NOW! YOU'RE JUST TO
DAMN GOOD! GIVE THE MAN THE PRIZE LADIES
AND GENTLEMAN
Posted by: Mamba24 | April 24, 2008 at 10:56 AM