No dance partner yet
PROGRAMMING NOTE: Join us for Purple, Gold, and Blue today at 11 am. Our guest is Eric Neel of ESPN.com. Click the widget on the side of the page, or go straight to our show page at Now Live.com.
It was a landscape altering night around the Western Conference, but none of it had much to do with the "one-seeded" Lakers (visual aid at left). After polishing off the Nuggets in Denver on Monday, the Lakers took Tuesday off to reflect on a job well done in Round 1. They wanted a sweep, they got a sweep, thanks to contributions from the big guns such as Pau Gasol and Kobe Bryant to supporting players such as Luke Walton, and even a little defense from Vlad Radmanovic.
All told, it puts Bryant past the first round of the playoffs for the first time since Shaquille O'Neal was sent to Miami, part of a long, often grueling path to rebuilding that seems to stretch a lot deeper into history than it actually does. When the Lakers will kick off Round 2 is an open question after Houston spanked Utah Wednesday night to send the series back to Salt Lake for Game 6 on Friday, with the Jazz up 3-2.
The other Western Conference semifinal is set, now that San Antonio polished off Phoenix and New Orleans sent Dallas packing, both series ending in a surprisingly tidy five games and setting the stage for a summer of intrigue. Start with the coaching situation in the desert, where Sports Illustrated's Jack McCallum is reporting that Mike D'Antoni won't be back next year. Call it irreconcilable differences between a coach and GM who don't see the game through the same prism, and aren't afraid to debate their points. Or maybe the Suns just have the wrong model.
Ironically, one place D'Antoni could land is Dallas, where the speculation is rampant that Avery Johnson will be allowed to/encouraged to/made to walk. Perhaps he's hoping Mark Cuban will pull the trigger, since things have grown uncomfortable for Johnson in Dallas (by the way, for USC fans, the link contains a great quote referencing former Trojans star Harold Miner). Not that Josh Howard's partying (as well as his "pot interviews") have helped, nor a grinding style and some of Dallas' more famous failures for which Johnson bears some responsibility.
And let's not forget, too, that New Orleans is a really good team.
How all this shakes out could have a lot to do with the coaching situation in Toronto, where Sam Mitchell's job security is in question. He has some security based on a fairly hefty contract extension, but even Mitchell concedes a chain reaction is possible.
Speaking of coaches, Larry Brown says he wasn't a very good one in New York. No argument here.
At SportsHubLA, David Neiman asks a question on the mind of many basketball fans:
Are the Lakers really that good, or was Denver really a No. 8 seed, despite having 50 wins? It’s difficult to say. On the one hand, LA looked fantastic — the Lakers moved the ball well, the scoring was well distributed (Kobe, Pau, LO, bench), Luke Walton had what could be a vitally important resurgence, and they plain dominated the Nuggets. On the other hand, Denver completely collapsed on the floor and off it. Well before Game 4, things were in fact over in this series.
Nik Kannan,
I too happily eat all of my words and cheer Luke's success.
But, I don't think the injuries were what was holding him back. He played like K R A P right up until the playoffs. He didn't miraculously get healed in the few days between the end of the season and the playoffs. No, his improvement must be due to one of two factors:
One, he might just increase his focus for the playoffs. Some players go up a notch and some melt under playoff conditions. Does anyone have any insight about Luke and past playoffs? I remember him making one great pass and that's about it.
Two, the difference might just be the match-ups we have with Denver. How did he do against them in the earlier meetings? Since it was the regular season, I'm guessing 2 for 9 and 4 turnovers.
If one is the case, we are in luck and all will be smooth sailing. If two is the case, I guess we should just be happy he helped us in the first while Ariza was out.
We'll find out which it is in the first game of the next round.
GO LAKERS!!!!!
Posted by: JohnnyP | April 30, 2008 at 11:04 AM
Weatherman - good list but by no means exhaustive
two names I'll throw in are Marbury and sam Cassell.I read an interview with him recently and he came across as arrogantly as any professional athlete Ive ever heard.Just assumed credit for everything.Im not sure he went as far as saying he should have got the finals MVP over Hakeem in'94 but oh yes the implication was there
Posted by: Kiwi | April 30, 2008 at 11:09 AM
"It was kind of a bittersweet moment right after the loss -- there's your son and you get to hug him. His team's going on and your team's going home, but there he is in the NBA, George Karl said, before pausing for several seconds" - LA Times
Coach Karl was just added as another Laker assistant consultant through his son, Coby. That will be a great help too. Who will not be proud of a son who had two major surgeries and playing great with the Lakers? Even used sparingly, he showed his flash of brilliance both in offense and defense, he could help us in the point next year. Mbenga who almost was executed in Congo ten years ago is rockin', blockin' and fighting back against the Nuggets and last but not the least, Ronnie Turiaf, the Laker french connection doing the dancing queen steps on the bench, he too got a lease on life after signing with the Lakers, that shows character in this team.
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | April 30, 2008 at 11:13 AM
I NOMINATE MAMBA24 TO THE BROWN NOSER +BORING + LONGATED POSTING AWARD.
Posted by: BROWN NOSER | April 30, 2008 at 11:14 AM
*________________________*
The Dawn of The 4th Dynasty
Begins BandWagon
*________________________*
01 HmrHed – Driver & Owner
02 Mamba24 – 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
08 Jon K. - Troll Exterminator
09 VMAN - The Isaac Newton of Dynasty Calculators
10 SHEKOBE – As good as the He Kobe
11 DC – Stands for Dynasty Captain
12 TWOODY – Was at all 14 Laker victory celebrations
13 Mamba24Fan4Life – Made Kobe change # from 8 to 24.
14 JustAnotherMambaFan – Discovered Kobe Bryant
15 Jamie Sweet – Fond Forum Memories Historian
16 KobesBad – Put the swerve in Kobes game
17 Dave M. – Helped Lakers steal Kareem from the Bucks
18 Xodus – Traveled 2000 miles to see a game.
19 LakerTom – Willed the 72 Lakers to 33 wins in a row.
20. FLOYD - Rode shotgun with Jerry West, James Worthy,
21 JesterGuru – Devised the strategy for the Sweep of Denver
Posted by: Mamba24 | April 30, 2008 at 11:18 AM
AVERY JOHNSON - HE GONE!
Posted by: MAMBA24 | April 30, 2008 at 11:24 AM
JohnnyP,
You are right; one series does not make a playoff player. Players are made in the playoffs, and I for one, was kind of miffed at Luke’s play in his contract year and complete no show after he got his money this season. I can however, say this much, we aren’t in the regular season, we are in the playoffs. And a former Laker Robert Horry will tell you, the 82 game seasons isn’t what a player’s legacy is based on, it is made in April, May and June. Kobe had a bad game one, but it is obvious he is meant for this time of year by his unbelievable rebound game in game two. Carmelo, while he was the 4th leading scorer in the league during reg. season, absolutely stunk up place, and his career will mirror that of T-mac. Both will go down as great players, not clutch ones. I am not saying Luke is that caliber of star player, but like D-Fish, when the pressure is on, he can stay mentally strong. Hence the spear to the nuggets head, eg – three pointer from corner in the last two minutes of game four to accompany Kobe stepping on their necks. It is what we need, and regardless of opponent, if you can hit open shots late in playoff games, he is well worth the contract he was given. But like you said, time will tell and we must patiently wait to see what other Lakers critters to help the Mamba kill. I think we all can agree that the fish is one of them.
Posted by: Nik Kannan | April 30, 2008 at 11:24 AM
For those of you who are proposing a word limit on posts and in a back handed way are smacking on Mamba24 for the Roll Call, Let it be done! All of you in agreement that there should be a word limit on this blog, pick your number, and that is exactly how many words maximum YOU can post.
For the rest of us who enjoy Mamba's work, and also the work of Laker Tom, Edwin Gueco and others who tend to take some time and space to express themselves, there will never be a "word limit" on this blog.
So, to the "word limit" proponents, as was mentioned above by justanothermambafan, use that funny little wheel in the middle of your mouse and move on! Roll Call, Mamba24 and all other thoughful posters here are too much a part of this blog and the Laker Naiton to be limited or muzzled in any way. To put it simply, edit for yourself with the wheel on the mouse.........don't try to control what others post or what I choose to read and benefit from.
Posted by: toad | April 30, 2008 at 11:27 AM
BROWN NOSER:"I NOMINATE MAMBA24 TO THE BROWN NOSER +BORING + LONGATED POSTING AWARD."
AMEN BROTHER! Now tell me how you really feel. LOL!
Posted by: MAMBA24 | April 30, 2008 at 11:30 AM
LakerTom, an obvious choice for MVB, though Mamba's right the blog team has multiple MVBs. But of course LakerTom is the unique GHFMVB.
Posted by: Tsphere | April 30, 2008 at 11:30 AM
Fairweather Fatty - great article on Karl Malone.
Kind of lends credence to the story of Karl making inappropriate advances towards Kobe's wife.
Posted by: Amazing_Happens | April 30, 2008 at 11:31 AM
D'ANTONI HE GONE! AVERY JOHNSON HE GONE!
Posted by: MAMBA24 | April 30, 2008 at 11:31 AM
Roooooooooooooooooooo
ooooooooooooooooooooo
ooooooooooooooooooooo
ooooooooooooooooooooo
ooooooooooooooooooooo
ooooooooooooooooooooo
ooooooooooooooooooooo
ooooooooooooooooooooo
ooooooooooooooooooooo
ooooooooooooooooooooo
ooooooooooooooooooooo
ooooooooooooooooooooo
oooooooooooooooooooooo
oooooooooooooooooooooo
ooooooooooooooooooooooooll call!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
GO LAKERS!!!!
Posted by: David Stearn | April 30, 2008 at 11:33 AM
Charles, nice links. We always think of Ariza as bringing D. But he is a good cutter and a great finisher!!! He ads an offensive threat for sure.
Speaking of offensive threats. Brownnoser, you're a bad trip.
Mamba 24 brings joy and personality to this blog. You just bring negativity.
GO LAKERS!!!!!
Posted by: JohnnyP | April 30, 2008 at 11:37 AM
NO I WAS KIDDING YOU ARE A BLESSING TO THIS BLOG MR.MAMBA24,DONT TAKE ME TO HEART.
Posted by: BROWN(KL)NOSER | April 30, 2008 at 11:37 AM
PS Any thoughts on my Luke post?
He didn't just heal when the day the playoffs started. Injury is not why he sucked before.
Is he better because
a) He feeds off of playoff intensity or
b) because Denver presented good a good match up for him?
I hope it is a!
GO LAKERS!!!!
Posted by: JohnnyP | April 30, 2008 at 11:39 AM
ouch!
Avery Johnson was dismissed as coach of the Dallas Mavericks the day after a disappointing season ended with a first-round playoff exit in New Orleans. Incredible highs and heartbreaking lows marked the tenure of Johnson, who leaves as the most successful coach in franchise history by many measures.
Posted by: keifo | April 30, 2008 at 11:39 AM
No, no attacks on Mamba24 please. He is the gatekeepper providing attention to everyone. It is a tackless job, have a little patience to drag down your mouse if you want to skip his morning greetings.
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | April 30, 2008 at 11:41 AM
And now for something completely unexpected - Mike Porn'stache D'Antoni & Avery Little General Johnson are gone.
Wait a second........that WAS expected!
Posted by: justanothermambafan | April 30, 2008 at 11:42 AM
Mamba24,
You humble me with your honor. I love this blog from AK’s and BK’s great mentorship, your wonderful roll calls and leadership, and the millions of great Lakers fans that share their undying love, passion, knowledge, insights, hopes, & fears for their beloved Lakers.
I have been blessed to have seen all 9 Lakers championship since they moved to the City of Los Angeles. I fully expect to enjoy the 10th and subsequent championships even more thanks to the Lakers Blog and all my great Lakers fans and friends who meet there.
Thanks again, Larry. Not only for the honor but all of the hard work you put in to help make this the best sports blog in the world. It is greatly appreciated and enjoyed.
Tom
Posted by: LakerTom | April 30, 2008 at 11:42 AM
Nik Kannan,
So you think Luke just transforms and does well under playoff lights? Carmello melts? I certainly hope you're right. Carmello is so good that I don't think it was the matchups and I think we have proof that it wasn't injuries.
HEY JERKS WHO DON"T APPRECIATE!!!
If you don't like Mamba24's entertaining and energizing posts, just scroll on down past 'em. WTF is your problem? You obviously have time and your wrist works, right?? Geez!!
GO LAKERS!!! GO MAMBA24!!!
Posted by: JohnnyP | April 30, 2008 at 11:45 AM
woah! I didnt know that about Malone.Im stunned...13 years old? I cant believe it...
Posted by: Kiwi | April 30, 2008 at 11:45 AM
Charles, in a similar idea to that,
NBA top 5 Gangsta players (or wanksta)
Not talking about looking like a thug, but actually affiliated with them.
PG - Jarret Jack (seen him thrown signs at the camera)
SG - Allen Iverson (Dynasty Raiders?)
SF - Paul Pierce (throwing the B)
PF - Stephen Jackson (hangs red bandana in his locker)
C - ?
Posted by: Lakers Legacy | April 30, 2008 at 11:47 AM
Wait! I am of Filipino and Chinese Ethnic Lineage!
Does that make me a Yellow to Brown Gradient Noser?
Posted by: Charles | April 30, 2008 at 11:53 AM
LAKER TOM:"Thanks again, Larry. Not only for the honor but all of the hard work you put in to
help make this the best sports blog in the world. It is greatly appreciated and enjoyed."
Honoring the greats is a pleasure on my part. Sometimes
I feel like I should pay admission for the knowledge I
have gained on this blog from greats such as yourself.
If any one is deserving of the Honor it is you sir!
Thank you Laker Tom and know that your efforts are greatly
appreciated by all.
Posted by: Mamba24 | April 30, 2008 at 11:55 AM
Does Avery Johnson really deserve to be fired? maybe it was time but personally I feel he's the scapegoat for whoever made the dumb Jason Kidd trade...
Same in phoenix - Steve Kerr makes a dumb trade and the coaches get the blame.
I get it if there are really better people to coach the teams as they are now made up or if the teams are tuning them out.But to blame them for the failure of teams that werent that good in the first place or wihtout a full season after a major trade..its just GM's passing the buck
Posted by: Kiwi | April 30, 2008 at 11:55 AM
LakerTom,
Definitely not the "Chink" on the Armour. One of the guardian vets...
Posted by: Charles | April 30, 2008 at 11:55 AM
JohnnyP,
Thanks for the reply!
Posted by: Charles | April 30, 2008 at 11:56 AM
JustAnotherMambafan:"And now for something completely unexpected -
Mike Porn'stache D'Antoni & Avery Little General Johnson are gone."
OH NO, OH NO, NOT THE LIL GENERAL. Word is he
will be the next Bulls coach. Actually I kinda like the
lil General and wish him the best. As for D'Antoni....
Posted by: Mamba24 | April 30, 2008 at 11:58 AM
Brownnoser,
Sorry that I misunderstood you. I thought you really were going after Mamba24. Now I only hope the others were joking too!
JohnnyP
Posted by: JohnnyP | April 30, 2008 at 11:59 AM
D'Antoni has not resigned yet but rumors are swirling in once his team lost in the playoffs. It is a ritual after exit of exchanging players and coaches and to the winners all praises and promises. Fans always love the winner and feel sorry for the losers. What the Nuggets need is a Phil Jackson type of coaching, a slow triangle offense for Shaq while giving a platform for Diaw, Barbosa, Nash and Bell for their perimeter shooting. With the D'Antoni's gung ho offense while Shaq & Skinner could not connect on the foul line, slow in transition defense while Nash and Amare are like the chinese flying martial arts in the air, his coaching would be deemed as a failure. There is no balance between two types of players.
The little general, Avery Johnson is still around. He just made a big gamble on Jason Kidd and traded a lot of promising Mavs. Cuban does not like losing because he has been a winner as an astute businessman. The best prescription for Dallas is for the Owner to lay-off himself from micromanaging the team. Let the professional basketeers run the show and he should evaluate them at yearend. Problem is, he always stay at the back of Avery in every game staring at the scoreboard or cheering loud depending on the outcome. He is a pain on the butt to any coaches whether Don Nelson or Avery Johnson. During this summer, he should adjust salaries, stick with Avery, tweak the line up and let it run for one more year.
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | April 30, 2008 at 12:01 PM
Edwin my friend and everyone else, Thanks for
your having my back. But me thinks that J.W. does
have some good points and I'm going to have to
tighten up things a little bit. So JW thanks for
the constructive criticism which is always welcome.
Difference of opinion is what makes this Blog great.
LAKERS TODAY LAKERS TOMORROW LAKERS FOREVER
Posted by: Mamba24 | April 30, 2008 at 12:01 PM
First and foremost... How Bout Them Lakers huh??
Don't know if this has been posted yet... But our very own Lamar Odom is in the video of busta Rhymes and Linkin Park...
check it out...
Posted by: cdub0512 | April 30, 2008 at 12:03 PM
Charles,
You just have a color brown flat nose like aetas. lol But you have sexy lips and tantalizing eyes, the adore of every lady laker fans. You are a pin up on this blog. haha!
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | April 30, 2008 at 12:07 PM
Mamba,
Put Tsphere SuperDelegate on the The Dawn of The 4th Dynasty Bandwagon. I couldn't go with the Hate the Celtics bandwagon cause I don't hate them, but I definitely would HATE to see them win. I guess hating groups of people just ain't my thing.
As for bandwagons, I avoid the risky stuff. But I see no risk in this one: the 4th dynasty is already underway and when Drew gets back next year it'll be the four horsemen of the Apocalypse for the rest of the NBA (Kobe stallion, Lamar steed, Pau caballo and Andrew the Mount (or Mount Andrew).
Posted by: Tsphere | April 30, 2008 at 12:07 PM
Always remember, the difference between a$$-kissing and brown nosing is depth perception.
Posted by: exhelodrvr | April 30, 2008 at 12:09 PM
Brown(KL)Noser:"NO I WAS KIDDING YOU ARE A BLESSING TO THIS BLOG
MR.MAMBA24,DONT TAKE ME TO HEART."
It's all good sir. I enjoy a good laugh as well as everyone
else but... there is some truth to what you say and I
shall take that to heart. Thanks. Peace
Posted by: Mamba24 | April 30, 2008 at 12:11 PM
Kiwi
"its just GM's passing the buck"
Agree, except in the case of Dallas, its the owner passing the buck when he made the trade.
Posted by: Fairweather Fatty | April 30, 2008 at 12:11 PM
*________________________*
The Dawn of The 4th Dynasty
Begins BandWagon
*________________________*
01 HmrHed – Driver & Owner
02 Mamba24 – 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
08 Jon K. - Troll Exterminator
09 VMAN - The Isaac Newton of Dynasty Calculators
10 SHEKOBE – As good as the He Kobe
11 DC – Stands for Dynasty Captain
12 TWOODY – Was at all 14 Laker victory celebrations
13 Mamba24Fan4Life – Made Kobe change # from 8 to 24.
14 JustAnotherMambaFan – Discovered Kobe Bryant
15 Jamie Sweet – Fond Forum Memories Historian
16 KobesBad – Put the swerve in Kobes game
17 Dave M. – Helped Lakers steal Kareem from the Bucks
18 Xodus – Traveled 2000 miles to see a game.
19 LakerTom – Willed the 72 Lakers to 33 wins in a row.
20. FLOYD - Rode shotgun with Jerry West, James Worthy,
21 JesterGuru – Devised the strategy for the Sweep of Denver
22 Tsphere – Super Delegate Voted for Kobe for MVP 100 times
Posted by: Mamba24 | April 30, 2008 at 12:14 PM
Mamba24,
If you are open to constructive criticism, then your posts are too short!! Really, LET IT ON OUT. Be yourself. I love your posts. I read the whole darn thing. And if I'm not in the mood I just scroll on by none the worse for the wear. Occasional scrolling is a minuscule price for the 90% of the time when I benefit from your enthusiasm. No worries.
Please write everything you are inspired to write.
GO LAKERS!!!
Posted by: JohnnyP | April 30, 2008 at 12:16 PM
Mamba24,
Is that the official award for Laker Tom, or was that just leaked out?
Posted by: exhelodrvr | April 30, 2008 at 12:18 PM
Thank you Toad for mentioning my name after LakerTom but I am not in his caliber, I just do the side shows like short commercials and banters, he is the main feature.
Mamba25, continue what you are doing, don't include me as worthy honoree, there are still better bloggers here like Jon K, Wes, Fearless, Johnny P and many more.
Wow, tired of waiting for the next Laker game huh! AK and BK should interview the players and give us their insights on going for the 2nd round. Ask them if they are reading the blog and get affected with it first and foremost, Luke Walton and Vlad Radmanovich, that would be a great thread.
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | April 30, 2008 at 12:21 PM
Mamba24
Whatever you want to do is fine by me. You have my support.
Unless you want to honor KL again?
Then its Gary Coleman time, "What you talking about?!" lol
Fatty
Posted by: Fairweather Fatty | April 30, 2008 at 12:22 PM
Question of the day..........Inquiring minds need tp know!
Can the beady eyed Cuban fire himself and save his franchise?
The implosions of the Mavs and Phuns is goig to be soooo much fun to watch!
Posted by: toad | April 30, 2008 at 12:22 PM
Hey Mamba25, I am full blooded bandwagoner during the playoffs, it playoffs time baby, include my name in every bandwagon that you can think of. My assignment is to look for cheap gas for their cars, busses and jet fuel. I will tap or steal from the US reserve if need be. We need oil for this team as part of the logistics.
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | April 30, 2008 at 12:27 PM
JohnnyP
I have been quite mistaken for being salacious on this blog, and I have been misinterpreted people here too.
I appreciate your post's.
Posted by: Charles | April 30, 2008 at 12:35 PM
Mamba, toad, Jesterguru, justanothermambafan, Charles, rdlee, Floyd, Edwin, JohnnyP, Tsphere, et al,
Thanks for the kind words and all the great posts you have shared with me on the blog. The best Lakers fans in the world.
Tom
Posted by: LakerTom | April 30, 2008 at 12:36 PM
LO on Loos Cannons right now
Posted by: lakergirl1980 | April 30, 2008 at 12:37 PM
Manong Edwin Gueco,
I am dancing the tinikling. Care to join?
Posted by: Charles | April 30, 2008 at 12:38 PM
Wow my grammer and spealing...
"I have been misinterpreted people here too."
I have misinterpreted people here too.
Off to lunch.
Knock knock!
Posted by: Charles | April 30, 2008 at 12:40 PM