Nobody's getting cocky
Luke Walton tossed out the reminder after Wednesday's Game 2 win over the Nuggets: "Remember Phoenix," he asked? Oh yeah. That. Walton, of course, is referring to the 2006 first round matchup against the Suns in which the Lakers built up, then lost, a 3-1 series lead. Those sorts of memories prevent overconfidence, and hone the "killer instinct." Of course, there are some fundamental differences between that series and the one in which the Lakers currently find themselves, the most important being that now, the Lakers are clearly the better team. They've got Kobe Bryant coming off one of his best games of the season (and there are a lot to choose from), a scoring and passing smörgåsbord that simultaneously buried Denver's chances of stealing a win at Staples and showed the variety of ways Bryant can control a game.
Speaking of which, the Lakers are hoping to control the next two games in the Mile High City, and a little more D won't hurt (though it's worth noting the work LA has done on Carmelo Anthony). On the other end of things, a little composure would be a bonus for the Nuggets.
Kareem breaks down all sorts of things, from Kobe's Game 2 to Andrew Bynum's recovery:
"Once Kobe has an idea of how you’re coming at him he has plans on how to attack that. If his teammates are paying attention and doing what they need to be doing, he’ll find them and he’ll give them the ball at the appropriate times and then he’ll take the good shots that he gets. He was really efficient last night, shooting 66-percent from the field (18 of 27) including 5-for-9 on three-pointers. It was just an awesome display..."
"...What I try to emphasize with him is the big picture. This playoff season is the first time he’s had a chance to see his team do very well, but we don’t want him to go out there and get hurt and never be able to contribute again..."
The Lakers haven't skipped a beat without Andrew Bynum (remember, they added that Gasol fellow), but that doesn't mean he's not missed. It's the bone bruise part of the subluxation/bone bruise double whammy that's been the issue. Still, despite his absence, you can make an argument that maybe Drew is still the team's MVP, at least in the sense that his big jump in production laid the groundwork for their successful season, a happy Kobe, and the Pau Gasol deal that should keep them at/near the top of the Western Conference for the next few seasons.
Agent O is playing on Sunday despite bruised knees.
http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=3367835
This could affect his career since he will be a free agent this coming summer. Doesn't care, my team needs me during playoffs attitude gave them rousing approval and victory in DC. Will Andrew make his own decision or listen to Mom or the fainted-heart doctor who is just a chiropractor in NY. Courage comes from the knees and goes to the brain oops, it should be vice versa brain should tell the knees if you can stand, you can play and you can help Lakers. Just give us an assurance that he will play in the 2nd round, we will not bug for his presence. If you continue to be silent, then we will continure to be noisy.
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | April 25, 2008 at 01:04 PM
Oh I forgot putting Trevor on the list of players I would like to see stay on the team for the next few years...
If we can keep all the players I mentioned (as well as our core players of course) and keep Puke and or Rad, that would be great....we certainly don't need much roster tweeking, but hopefully we are always looking to improve...
GO LAKERS !!!
Posted by: Floyd | April 25, 2008 at 01:05 PM
"AK/BK: suggestion: to help tide us over with these long in between game days (and to keep the infighting at a min)....perhaps Mom can offer up some of her insight?
I think we'd all love to get her perspective. She did help contribute and she is one of the originals. I just read some of your early October 2005 blog entries and you credit her almost at the beginning.
Anyhow.....food for thought."
Posted by: PsychedLakerGirl | April 25, 2008 at 12:32 PM
PsychedLakerGirll,
How about let us compare mom's recipe?
Posted by: Robyn | April 25, 2008 at 01:05 PM
Fearless & Charles,
Thanks for letting me know you understood the reference! I thought it was funny, but sometimes you never know if you're going insane & it's only funny to you! LOL! (It's the long wait between games that's doing it to me....)
Anyhoo.....approx. 25 hours to game time (give or take) and if I'm not insane now, I probably will be by then. ARRGGHHH!!! Too much time between games....losing my mind.....help me..... Oh well, it should be fun with the Big Pumpkin on stage tonight in Alamotown....something to keep us amused & occupied at least.
GO LAKERS!
The BEAN for MVP and FINALS MVP or NO PEACE!
NO CHAMPIONSHIP - NO PEACE!!!!
Posted by: justanothermambafan | April 25, 2008 at 01:07 PM
awaken this morning, bynum where he at
remember beast within waiting recovery will soon come required win it all every day counts reclaim vital piece to establish dynastic ways make it now rather then next for today is the day
Posted by: Haha | April 25, 2008 at 01:10 PM
Charles/TWoody: That was not a joke. I was (and I am) dead serious.
Posted by: utzworld THE BANNER HOLDER | April 25, 2008 at 01:14 PM
RayRay, Mamba24 and others
Off topic, but I'm having trouble removing some Orange and Purple stuff stuck to my grill and bumper. Any suggestions, ideas????
_____________________________________________
No worries. I tried some of Gary Vitti's Bloo Goo and it took it right off. Amazing stuff!
Posted by: Fairweather Fatty | April 25, 2008 at 01:26 PM
Dear God, please make me a bird, so i can fly far far away...
10 laker points for whoever can pick up the reference!
Posted by: darock | April 25, 2008 at 11:42 AM
I know it's already been posted, but easy one, Forrest Gump!!!!!
Posted by: pslakerfan | April 25, 2008 at 01:30 PM
Edwin,
We don't know how bad Andrew's knee bruise is compared to Gilbert's. And if it's just as bad as Drew's then he's making a poor decision. A half an Andrew isn't good to anyone, and it's dumb to boot, since we'll need him close to full strength if we're going to win a title.
It's selfish of anyone to ask him to come back if his doctors and trainers are saying he's not ready. It's not just about his contract extension, it's about possibly shortening his career. You don't mess with that.
Posted by: Xodus | April 25, 2008 at 01:33 PM
Utzworld,
I was serious too. Prayer works! I am with you on it. not mocking at all.
TWoody
Posted by: TWoody | April 25, 2008 at 01:35 PM
Maybe Karl should change his coaching style
Just ask Bobby!!!! LOL
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yw7KijRfU-c
(warning strong language)
Peace!!!!
Angry_Laker
Posted by: Angry_Laker | April 25, 2008 at 01:40 PM
Jon K
Didn't know I was hating on Mr. Walton.....
Are you reading my posts?
but I will say it again...I like Puke and root for him to play well and I am glad to see he is of late and hope he continues to do so.....
GO LAKERS !!!
Posted by: Floyd | April 25, 2008 at 02:03 PM
Angry_Laker-
HAHA, classic sound clip, I think Karl likes running in to his fellow coaches instead like in game 1 clip haha. That was so funny that they kept showing that clip of Karl "getting pumped up" with his coaches.
GO LAKERS
Posted by: mrbarneydangles | April 25, 2008 at 02:04 PM
W.C. finals Lakers vs Spurs.
First quarter with 8:24 on the game clock Pop looks to the bench and summons Ginobli.... PJ looks at the Laker bench and calls Luke, as Luke pulls away the sweats B. Shaw stop him in his tracks... PJ looks puzzled for a moment then decides to counter with Ariza. Staples Center goes nuts as Ariza hits the court. Inbound pass to Parker is tipped then stolen by Ariza as he takes it down court for the easy lay-in. Welcome back Trevor!
Hollywood style
We need you !
Posted by: LakerFaze | April 25, 2008 at 02:11 PM
Lakers beat Celtics in finals if Bynum returns.
super star-Kobe
all star-Gasol
all star-Odom
all star-Bynum
over Celtics who have 3 superstars but have weaker bench even with the added additions of PJ Brown and Sam Cassell.
Posted by: WHITE MAMBA24 | April 25, 2008 at 02:11 PM
Bynum should not come back if there's any chance of further damage. Totally not worth it.
We can be competitive in these playoffs, San Antonio, Utar and New Orleans are legitimate concerns this year as Bynum would certainly help against their bigs, even if he was in there for 10 minutes or so but if he's risking further injury, forget it.
Kobe's got 3-5 good years left before noticeable decline, Gasol the same, Bynum is just starting to emerge, Farmar should take over the starting role next year or the year after with Fish providing the vet's steady hand off the bench, why risk losing any part of that core when you've got, really a possible 4-5 year run staring you in the face without even having to reload with a major player? The only uncertainty is SF and whether the Lakers want to carry Odom's contract. Radmanovic has improved his standing in the league and might actually be tradeable this summer.
Ariza could be our Raja Bell, starting at SF, guarding the best offensive player on the other team and taking a load off Kobe on the defensive end. Odom could be traded for a high draft pick which would possibly be a very young player, groomed to blossom in 2-3 year's time giving the next phase of Bynum and ??? in 4-5 years time after this run is over.
Mitch should get some serious props for setting this up, not just the Gasol trade... but for setting up possible runs the next 3-7 years...
Posted by: TaosHum | April 25, 2008 at 02:16 PM
Ariza close, but still not cleared:
http://www.hoopsworld.com/Story.asp?story_id=8426
f*&%^#%!!!
Posted by: bobie | April 25, 2008 at 02:23 PM
Corner J,
That video is hilarious! Do you know what I like most about it? Watch Kobe's body language. I've never seen him this relaxed in all his years as a Laker. After all these years, Kobe is finally happy.
Good times.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | April 25, 2008 at 02:36 PM
Sorry to be the bearer of bad news, but Eric Pincus of Hoopsworld is reporting
that Trevor still has another two weeks to go. Which will probably be alright
in the big picture, since that'll put it somewhere in the middle of round 2.
http://www.hoopsworld.com/Story.asp?story_id=8426
Posted by: Bzar | April 25, 2008 at 02:43 PM
FROM PALM BEACH, FLORIDA
HI GUYS,
DON'T PANIC, LAKERS PEOPLE, JUST LET'S THE LOVE FLOWING IN OUR VEIN THIS WEEKEND CUZ VENUS WILL HELP OUR TEAM TO GET THE WIN#3.
THIS WEEKEND IS LOVE ON THE AIR, WE KNOW HOW MUCH LOVE WE DO HAVE FOR OUR TEAM AND HOW MUCH WE WANT THAT CHAMPIONSHIP, SO GUYS, BE POSITIVE AND CONFIDENT, CUZ WE ARE ON THE RIGHT PATH.
BELIEVE OR NOT, 2008 IS OURS, ONLY US CAN DESTROY US BUT WE STILL HAVE TO MAKE THESE TWO EFFORTS ALL THE WAY:
DEFENSE + FOCUS= CHAMPIONSHIP.
LET'S VENUS REIGN ON OUR TEAM AND US THIS WEEKEND AND NEXT WEEK TO CLOSE THE FIRST ROUND.
DENVER WILL BE KAPUT. SORRY, IVY AND MELO, IT'S LAKERS' TIME.
LOVE TO ALL
SHEKOBE
Posted by: SHEKOBE | April 25, 2008 at 02:46 PM
HACK-A-SHAQ
I for one, am so very glad that Lakers fans don't have to worry about the Hack-a-Shaq anymore.
The hiliarious thing is you can always distinguish a Suns fan, because they blame the rule, instead of Shaq. "It's not basketball" or "they should change the rule". Change the rule? Why, because Shaq can't shoot free throws? Here's a suggestion: work on your free throws, shoot em underhanded, do whatever it takes! That's like me saying, "I can't dribble, but I'm good at a set shot, so they should ban dribbling and leave me open so I can shoot my set shot!".
Shooting and making free throws is one of the skills of basketball. To earn the right to play out there, you must be able to shoot them well. The rules do not accomodate players who are not good at the skills of basketball.
Like I said, I'm glad I don't have to think about this too much anymore, listening to Suns' fans gave me unwelcome flashbacks of Shaq at the free throw line in a Lakers uniform.
Posted by: Amazing_Happens | April 25, 2008 at 02:46 PM
Mamba24, I love your humility to the Lakers Gods. I only hope that those who refer to you as "dude" recognize and appreciate the level of uplift your ingenious, inspiring and enthusiastic contributions make to this here forum.
Lakergurl congrats!!!
This next game is huge. We will win the series, but Denver will not lay down and be humiliated on their own floor. I expect an amazingly energetic performance by them. If we are not careful, we could be facing a humiliating blow-out. We better come with poise and our number one, most balanced and coordinated effort possible.
GO LAKERS!!!
Posted by: JohnnyP | April 25, 2008 at 02:48 PM
you wonder why Bynum flew to NY to get his knee examined instead of using the Laker doctors? Check out this guy's credentials:
Lakers center Andrew Bynum was examined yesterday in New York by knee specialist Dr. David Altchek and has not been cleared to progress to full practices or contact drills,
http://www.hss.edu/physicians_altchek-david.asp
Dr. David Altchek is an Attending Orthopaedic Surgeon in the Sports Medicine and Shoulder Service at the Hospital for Special Surgery. He is the Medical Director for the New York Mets. He serves as the North American Medical Director for the Association of Tennis Professionals, which sponsors the men’s professional tennis tour. He is also the Team Physician for the U.S. Davis Cup tennis team. Dr. Altchek is an Associate Professor of Surgery (Orthopaedics) at the Weill Medical College of Cornell University and the author of over 100 articles and book chapters on problems of the shoulder, elbow and knee.
Posted by: TaosHum | April 25, 2008 at 02:56 PM
Amazing
Don't get me started. I feel that any player not shooting al LEAST 75% from the line should be fined by his team for every shot below that mark, and 75% is lienient in my opinion. 20M per year and he cant shoot 60% is fricken nuts!
But I too am glad not to have to think about it with Shaq or Kwame.
TWoody
Posted by: TWoody | April 25, 2008 at 02:59 PM
and yes I know that puts, LO, AB, Farmar, Luke and Mihm on my list.
TWoody
Posted by: TWoody | April 25, 2008 at 03:08 PM
*__________________________*
SAY A PRAYER FOR TREVORS
FOOT BANDWAGON
*___________________________*
(01) VMAN – Owner & Driver
(02) MAMBA24 – Podiatrist
(03) PsychedLakerGirl - Accupuncturist
*_________________________*
Congratulations AK and BK - 2
Time Blog Winners Bandwagon
*_________________________*
01 Milo Rambaldi ____26 The Head-Mbenga
02 Complex_ Brotha __27 Korey
03 Mamba24 – ______28 Charles
04 Caliphilosopher____29 FairWeatherFatty
05 Cameron________30 EHomp
06 Xodus___________31 Happy Camper
07 Vman_ __________32 JustAnotherMambaFan
08 Mamba24Fan4Life_(33) Laker Tom
09 Edwin Gueco_____(34) DC
10 AJAX – _________(35) ANOMATOUS
11 MarkyTheArky____(36) RICK FRIEDMAN
12 Faith____________(37) SOCALGAL
13 Jon K.___________(38) JESTER GURU
14 Lakerholic________(39) PSYCHEDLAKERGIRL
15 Juanman888______(40) SAMLL
16 NIik Kanan_______(41) Amazing Happens
17 GoKobeGo_______(42)
18 Chuck23_________(43)
19 HanSoulFood_____(44)
20 The_Cool________(45)
21 HARIYAH
22 Herb Stempel
23 OCHOTIMES3
24 PUSTOOL10
25 FRANCESCO
Posted by: Mamba24 | April 25, 2008 at 10:56 AM
Mamba24
Plz put me on this bandwagon. Thx in advance.
Posted by: JustaLakerFan | April 25, 2008 at 04:25 PM
Please add me to the no injuries bandwagon. I will bring the ice from the northwest.
Posted by: lakernorth | April 25, 2008 at 04:27 PM
RayRay, Mamba24 and others
Off topic, but I'm having trouble removing some Orange and Purple stuff stuck to my grill and bumper. Any suggestions, ideas????
In case you missed it. I have actual pictures of D'antoni imploding.
WARNING: PICTURES MAY NOT BE SUITABLE FOR SUNS TROLLS
http://tinyurl.com/6bgppt
Posted by: Fairweather Fatty | April 25, 2008 at 12:13 PM
Now that's what I call FUNNY!
Posted by: JustaLakerFan | April 25, 2008 at 04:37 PM
you wonder why Bynum flew to NY to get his knee examined instead of using the Laker doctors? Check out this guy's credentials:
Lakers center Andrew Bynum was examined yesterday in New York by knee specialist Dr. David Altchek and has not been cleared to progress to full practices or contact drills,
http://www.hss.edu/physicians_altchek-david.asp
Dr. David Altchek is an Attending Orthopaedic Surgeon in the Sports Medicine and Shoulder Service at the Hospital for Special Surgery. He is the Medical Director for the New York Mets. He serves as the North American Medical Director for the Association of Tennis Professionals, which sponsors the men’s professional tennis tour. He is also the Team Physician for the U.S. Davis Cup tennis team. Dr. Altchek is an Associate Professor of Surgery (Orthopaedics) at the Weill Medical College of Cornell University and the author of over 100 articles and book chapters on problems of the shoulder, elbow and knee.
Posted by: TaosHum | April 25, 2008 at 02:56 PM
Sounds a lot better than a chiropractor as someone posted. LOL.
Posted by: JustaLakerFan | April 25, 2008 at 05:02 PM
What do you guys think is the play of the year so far is?
My votes for Ariza's dunk over Nash. Not only was it ridiculously nasty but it signaled the changing of the guard. On Christmas day it showed the world that the Lakers were for real and that we were finally better than the Suns. It also showed just how good Ariza is. Hopefully we have nothing but good news on that front today.
GO LAKERS
Posted by: mrbarneydangles
---------------------------------------------------------
My vote for the "play of the year" would have to be Kenny Smith's attempt to jump over Ernie's car.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ne247IpUMpw&feature=related
(Kudo's to Chris H who first posted this yesterday. I'm still laughing.)
Posted by: MiloRambaldi | April 25, 2008 at 07:43 PM
Justlakerfan,
You know that I'm just kidding, well anyway sometimes I mixed my posts with jokes and sincerity that a new poster may take it seriously. I treat blogging as just a form entertainment so I apologize if I misled you. Of course, the Lakers will not refer Drew to a chiropractor.
Here is what confuses me. If Drew is done for the year why not say it equivocally? That's what the Rockets did for Yao Ming, or is he being used as part of the masterplan or strategy to keep the enemy on their watch. Nobody knew the answer on all those things. The Lakers front office are the master of confusion even during the summer rants, they're tight-lipped on things that may deem controversial but so active when it has something to do with marketing. Fans always have inquisitive posts when there are some questions left unanswered. On the other side too, there are fans who would just believe whatever elders say or the establishment advocate and just stay as fans on the sideline.
To fly to NY to seek an opinion of knee specialist show some distrust on the knowhow of our local specialists in the Southland. This is similar to Kobe going to Colorado to get his foot surgery done. Othe NBA players come to Southland like Fisher to trust our local doctors. Everyone has his own take on a situation and Drew got the spot today because young kids usually heal wounds faster.
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | April 26, 2008 at 10:02 AM
Why is Dick Bavetta still in this league?
Posted by: Ergo Bibamus | April 28, 2008 at 10:03 PM