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.
Hello everyone,
I was one of the harshest Luke's critics here, but I would like to admit, last 2 games he was great, and I would like to be wrong as many times about him as many wins our team able to get. I'm just going to say like it is, 2 last games he was great, regulars season games, mostly bad than mediocre. Maybe it took awhile to adjust coming from the bench, or being hurt or something else. He is playing great now and I wish him to keep doing it.
What's up with Jordan? He suppose to be one of the fastest on our team, meaning should stay in front of opposing guards, namely AI. I know he can not guard AI by himself, but I got an impression Fish was doing much better job then Jordan.
Posted by: LAL_Fan | April 24, 2008 at 12:25 PM
FATTY:"Leading the chants of MVP from press row.- Bill Plashke"
LMAO!!!! Fatty you diabolical genius you!
Posted by: Mamba24 | April 24, 2008 at 12:27 PM
*___________________________________*
DAVID STERN IF KOBE BRYANT DOES NOT
WIN THE MVP THEN SOMEONE ‘S GOING
TO JAIL BANDWAGON NO MVP NO PEACE
*___________________________________*
(1) NIK KANNAN –Owner & Driver__(23) EASTCOASTJESSIE
(2) CBUCK____________________(24) BROWNMAMBA24
(3) VIOLATER_________________(25) WHITEMAMBA24
(4) OUTSIDERGUA_____________(26) BLACKMAMBA24
(5) LAKERTRUTH ______________(27) TIM-4-SHOW
(6) ALEXINH017________________(28) CHUCK.L.OHNIO
(7) DREREK___________________(29) TSIRY
(8) SHAQFAN__________________(30) JUSTANOTHERMAMBAFAN
(9) JANAYA____________________(31) PSYCHEDLAKERGIRL
(10) JON K_____________________(32) SBPIMP
(11) IVI8KRS____________________(33) JEFF
(12) JOE DUBB__________________(34) JESTER GURU
(13) FEARLESS WHACK JOB______(35) DOC4daLakeShow
(14) TSPHERE__________________(36) HMRHED
(15) ANDO_____________________(37) RICK FRIEDMAN
(16) HAPPY GILMORE____________(38) KEIFO
(17) CHRIS H.___________________(39) MILO RAMBALDI- --Team Prophet.(47)
(18) DREW PAU KOBE____________(40) SIMI_LAKER_GIRL
(19) LAKERLARRY_______________(41) TSPHERE
(20) MAMBA24 __________________(42) JOHNNY P.
(21) MARKY THE ARKY___________(43) LakerGurl The one and only
(22) KOBESBAD_________________(44) JUNO – Mr. Bandwagon Man
(23) BILL PLASHKE – he voted for him twice
Posted by: Mamba24 | April 24, 2008 at 12:29 PM
Question for anyone that went to the game - What that rap song that gets played at the beginning of the lay-up drill right after the Lakers come out onto the court?
Posted by: lakers_sth | April 24, 2008 at 12:30 PM
Vman,
>>>Count me in for 5th DYnasty.. or Dynasty V!!!
The questionable dynasty wouldn't be the Mikan Lakers, but
the West/Baylor/Chamerlain Lakers. They only won one
championship, so it might be a stretch to call them a dynasty.
It'd almost be like calling the Phoenix Suns a dynasty for the
last few. You've gotta get the rings (more than one of them)
to be a dynasty.
So I'll stick with the IVth dynasty.
Or if you prefer, the KLAP Dynasty
Kobe-Lamar-Andrew-Pau works well, both because it's
pronounceable and because it reflects the order in which
they joined the team.
mamba, I'd like to start the KLAP Dynasty.
Maybe after Kobe retires they'll rebuild around Sasha,
and then the V dynasty could have a double meaning. :-)
Posted by: Long Time Laker Fan | April 24, 2008 at 12:34 PM
Floyd,
>>>Positives For Puke: his contributions are becoming very
>>> consistent again, had some timely shots, hit a couple
>>>threes, shot well from the free throw line--only had a
>>>few miscues that were a non factor etc.--only 5 years left
>>> on his contract...
Pretty lame calling Luke names when he's just helped the team
win two straight playoff games.
I predict Floyd will eventually drop all the b.s. and will one
day post something like "only 4 more years on Luke's bargain
contract"
:-)
Posted by: Long Time Laker Fan | April 24, 2008 at 12:40 PM
Long Time Laker Fan,
Yeah, but how many Western Conference Championships did they win? I mean, come on!
FIFTH DYNASTY!
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | April 24, 2008 at 12:46 PM
*_____________________________________*
THE 5TH 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
(05) BENJAMIN – Willed the Lakers to Dynasty 4.
(06) SamLL – Director of Dynasty # 5
(07) LONGTIMELAKERFAN – Dynasty Historian
Posted by: | April 24, 2008 at 12:49 PM
Mamba24 don't let the wagon roll without me and Chick.
Jello's jiggling on the Nuggets people. Bring on Sloan and the Jazz!
Posted by: CHICK4EVER | April 24, 2008 at 12:54 PM
Mamba24 go ahead and add me and Chick to the No MVP No Peace wagon while you're at it!
Mamba24 what would we do without you?
Posted by: CHICK | April 24, 2008 at 12:56 PM
The CLAP/KLAP is an STD Is it not??
I dont think that name works...
Posted by: lakersrydeordie | April 24, 2008 at 12:56 PM
Charles(pound, pound), Benjamin (thx ,for the nod)
Hey were actually on a 6 game winning streak leading back to the last 4 games of the season and the two in the post season. Not bad, seems like the team is peaking at the right time. Last night was nothing more than Mr. 81 points showing and proving that he can take control when needed. K-mart, please keep on jaw-jacking... The Mamba enjoys fuel for the fire, as much as PIG enjoy trolls!
LAKERFAZE ! Bleeding Purple & Gold with a splash of Dodger Blue
Posted by: LakerFaze | April 24, 2008 at 01:13 PM
Charles ~ Hip Hop minister of info.?
Question for anyone that went to the game - What that rap song that gets played at the beginning of the lay-up drill right after the Lakers come out onto the court?
Posted by: lakers_sth | April 24, 2008 at 12:30 PM
Posted by: LakerFaze | April 24, 2008 at 01:17 PM
Anyone ?
How did Lebron and co. fair against the Celtics this season? Any hope of him/them knocking off the Green Guys and the second best possible finals ticket coming to form. LAKERS vs. CAVS., although if its not Boston, I'd like to get some finals revenge against the PISTONS.
Posted by: LakerFaze | April 24, 2008 at 01:24 PM
lakersrydeordie,
Yeah, "The Clap/Klap" is an STD. LOL. It's either an STD generally or the most common STD, chlamydia.
I would like to take this opportunity to give myself a pat on the back regarding Luke Walton. I said he'd been playing poorly, BUT we can't accurately judge him until we see him playing with full health.
Full health and he looks a hell of a lot better, huh?
Posted by: Benjamin | April 24, 2008 at 01:42 PM
Just now on Jim Rome is Burning Eric Neel of ESPN.com picked LeBron as the MVP because of LeBron's numbers this year. Neel ran off LeBron's numbers and said that's why he's the MVP. Jim Rome chose Kobe and Dan Shaunessy of the Boston Globe chose KG. Funny how some writers are talking about numbers now when Kobe's numbers has been off the charts the last two seasons and he wasn't even close to winning the MVP. Some of these guys are seriously ridiculous!!! I can't stand Skip Useless or Skip Clueless because he's just a Laker and Kobe hater. Go Lakers!!!
Posted by: Nemaia Faletogo | April 24, 2008 at 01:58 PM
-BRAVO KOBE! ...and he is just getting started folks. He will prove in these playoffs that a Kobe with REAL options around him is the most lethal force the league has ever seen. The GMs, players and coaches have known this for years. Slowly but surely the media and their Kobe-hating clones will have to face and accept it. It's time we stop nit-picking on Kobe's game and just appreciate and savor the abilities of this amazingly special player.
-Where are the Kobe-hating sheep today? I guess since Kobe's performance was nearly perfect, the haters are hiding in the shadows, stalking his every move, just waiting to pounce on him the second his shot is off, or if he makes a mistake, or IF the Lakers lose. It's time stop the hate and and realize what is happening right in front of our eyes - the redemption of Kobe Bryant as he leads us into the next Laker Dynasty. Let's just sit back and enjoy ride folks.
-I will not apologize for dissing Luke the past few years, because aside from the two months at the start of last season, Luke has been consistently awful for the past 5 years. BUT, if Luke can continue to play at this level (or even close to this level) throughout the playoffs, he will have earned his salary, and I will never say LUKE SUCKS again, I promise. Keep it up Luke!
-Did anyone else notice that George Karl was holding back tears when his son entered the game? It was a very touching moment. If George wants to see Coby play more often, he should continue to have Najara defend Kobe on the perimeter.
Posted by: LAKER TRUTH | April 24, 2008 at 02:22 PM
Posted by: Long Time Laker Fan
The questionable dynasty wouldn't be the Mikan Lakers, butthe West/Baylor/Chamerlain Lakers. They only won onechampionship, so it might be a stretch to call them a dynasty.It'd almost be like calling the Phoenix Suns a dynasty for thelast few. You've gotta get the rings (more than one of them)
to be a dynasty.
************************
NOT EVEN CLOSE TO A DYNASTY
There is no way that 1 championship equals a dynasty.
thats just homer talk and really pathetic.
Give props to the 33 game winning streak, but I remember at the end of that season we lost quite a few games and how disappointed I was personally that we didn't win at least 70 games. We blew what could have been considered the greatest season ever.
69-70 Lost to Knicks in Finals
70-71 Lost in Conference Finals
71-72 won Championship
72-73 Lost to Knicks in Finals
Stop the Homer talk, it makes us look foolish.
Posted by: Mr. Opposite | April 24, 2008 at 02:24 PM
Mamba-Please add me to the 5th dynasty..don't see my name yet
Kobesabadasssssss(and he is)
Posted by: Kobesbad | April 24, 2008 at 03:10 PM
Mamba.
Add another Laker fan from the 33 game win streak season to the 4th Dynasty Bandwagon.
Tom
Posted by: LakerTom | April 24, 2008 at 03:26 PM
Welcome back, RG Gaznabi,
I agree with you Jon K. I would also consider the time of Baylor, West and Chamberlain as dynasty, not necessarily for NBA but for the birth of the Lakers in Los Angeles. The only player that has been preventing them from Championships was Bill Russel and that good luck bouncing rim shot of Don Nelson, otherwise they could have romped few more championship. NBA per se, it's only one Championship, but these are the players that put Los Angeles in the NBA map. [Dynasty is also defined as the period which a certain family reins.] The names Baylor-West-Chamberlain will be forever remembered as a unique Laker family in its history. Up to this time, we continue to honor one of those players in the NBA logo.
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | April 24, 2008 at 04:27 PM
What Kobe did to the Noogetts last night was sick and actually illegal in 9 states if you're under 21 yeas of age.
I LOVED IT ! ! ! ! ! !!! !!! ! !!!
What a joy to see our team playing this way. Come on Saturday.....
Posted by: Stockton_Showtime | April 24, 2008 at 04:30 PM
Mamba,
Please add me to the: 5TH DYNASTY BEGINS BANDWAGON. Our Lakers plays are just A_M_A_Z_I_N_G!!!
Mamba from the east coast
Posted by: Mamba24Fan4Life | April 24, 2008 at 04:45 PM
It's so great that the Playoffs are here because I just watch all the games and chill. Can't wait for Saturday when our Lakers play again. We withstand their initial burst and energy at home, we'll wear them down and take their hearts. Go Lakers!!!
Posted by: Nemaia Faletogo | April 24, 2008 at 05:08 PM
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
Nope. i was right imo about Luke. He did suck due to mental block (Luke admitted) and playing hurt by PJ.
When he started to play well was AFTER getting a couple of days off to heal. He then started to produce better.
Now in a playoff setting he has a few days between games to heal and get rested so he can continue to play better.
He did suck when he was called out for it but a lot had to do with PJ over using him(as well as other players) and his mental block.
so what counts now is that he is better healed physically allowing him to play how he can really play.
Posted by: JustaLakerFan | April 24, 2008 at 11:20 PM
Mamba,
Oh, I'm all over the 4th Dynasty. The ByPau-Mamba Dynasty!
I am with that!
--Fearless
Posted by: Fearless | April 25, 2008 at 10:09 AM
Make that ByLOPau-Mamba Dynasty.
--Fearless
Posted by: Fearless | April 25, 2008 at 10:09 AM
I don't know about all this Pau needs to create his own shot business. His passing is more than enough when the double comes because he's got shooters and finishers to pass to.
His Alley-oop pass to Kobe out of the double was so perfect, so on the mark that the ball just hung like a grapefruit on a tree for Kobe to go up, grab it, pause for dramatic effect (like he was making sure everyone was paying attention), then trow it down with authority -- one-handed.
If he can pass so sweetly, what's the problem? We're averaging 125 points in the stinkin' playoffs. I don't see how we can complain about offense. That's nonsensical.
I've looked at that play and it reminds me of watching the replays on NBA Live how it pauses at the catch to emphasize the move -- except better because Kobe and Pau did it live.
Pau is the perfect complement to Kobe and the Triangle. Can't wait 'till Saturday.
--Fearless
Posted by: Fearless | April 25, 2008 at 10:15 AM
Ajax,
I was one of the bloggers who noticed that Luke was playing hurt and it looked like his mechanics were altered, which is just not the way to play.
I don't know if he was overused per se, because most games he did bring something else to the table even if his shot wasn't falling. Most teams don't really do a good job of scouting or adjusting, so most times he wasn't exposed.
It was only against the well coached teams did that come back to bite PJ. Plus, you really can't call it a bite anyway. We still won those games. So, maybe PJ got stung by playing Luke sometimes.
But, keeping him in the flow, and on the court and involved during this arduous process sure does seem to be paying off right now, doesn't it? It's as if Luke never left.
Like I (and many others) have said in this blog; PJ is a Cylon and he has a plan.
--Fearless
Posted by: Fearless | April 25, 2008 at 10:23 AM
More on Luke,
It also seems like we are being rewarded for Kobe continually passing Luke the rock all season even if he has been casting up bricks. Fish has been consistently hitting him, too. Even Pau, LO, and Farmar have been settin' him up as if they all bought into what PJ was selling. Just like a real team, huh?
--Fearless
Posted by: Fearless | April 25, 2008 at 10:25 AM
R u flakers ready for some REAL B_ball. you are already playing in the loosers bracket. Hack-a shaq- works, Watch out one man team DUMB-^%$ KB, you are next
GO_SPURS_GO
Posted by: Spurs_Rock | April 26, 2008 at 07:50 PM