On the way back
PROGRAMMING NOTE: Purple, Gold, and Blue is BACK! after an off week. We'll have Adrian Garcia of Fox Sports in Espanol and ESPN 710, and talk some Lakers and Blue. Click on the show widget at the side of the page, or go to www.nowlive.com. 11 am!
Despite enjoying what has been by all accounts a whiz bang season, there have been a few valleys between the many peaks, and a lot of them have come over the last couple weeks. Injuries, tough losses, a dip in the standings (not hard to do in the Western Conference). But things are definitely looking up, there is light at the end of the tunnel. It starts- hopefully- tonight against the Blazers at Staples (7:30, FSN), when Pau Gasol will, barring any negative reaction from Tuesday's practice, suit up for the first time since badly turning his ankle in New Orleans. How long Gasol will play is an open question, but just getting on the floor is a major step. Andrew Bynum was off his space age treadmill and running on the court Tuesday, and will make next week's trip to Sacramento and Portland, a sign that he is, as they say, "getting there." Phil Jackson acknowledged the difficulties that can come with integrating players back into the lineup in a short period of time- there's Gasol, Bynum, Mihm, and hopefully down the road, Trevor Ariza- but also believes returning players can provide energy to a group that could use a boost.
With or without the big Spaniard, the Blazers always give the Lakers problems. Tonight, though, the Lakers will at least have the benefit of not having to face Brandon Roy, who is still out with a groin injury.
Perhaps you already noticed... but guarding Kobe Bryant is really freakin' hard. Cool excerpt: "One Western Conference advance scout compared Bryant favorably to a mathematician. At its core, basketball is a game of geometry and if opponents take bad paths to guard Bryant, they've already failed, because he quickly reads defenses and angles, capable of making split-second decisions that usually work in his favor."
If Grizzlies coach Mark Iavaroni loses his job, it won't be because of Gasol.
Maybe Ron Artest has a future in Sacramento?
Are the Jazz being unfairly ignored in the W.C.?
Donnie Walsh is coming to New York. Can he rescue the Knicks? The beat guys out there are happy to have him. Isiah Thomas? Maybe not, since he's not expected to keep his job in the long run.
It feels like the season is just beginning!
Two players back! Two to go!
Game day!
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | April 02, 2008 at 10:00 AM
Laker Nation ...
No damn excuses today .. Only Suns fans cry about officiating and bad breaks. A no show tonight is unacceptable. We have to parlay the Suns loss into momentum. Period.
Posted by: HmrHed | April 02, 2008 at 10:05 AM
Good morning Laker fans!!! Lakers all day, everyday!!! Hey Jon K, you're right, it seems like the season is beginning all over again. It will be a new beginning when all our players return. Exciting times up ahead!!! Go Lakers!!!
Posted by: Nemaia Faletogo | April 02, 2008 at 10:11 AM
My life feels a bit empty without the roll call... Mamba24: are you out there? We could sure use your motivation in the Laker Nation!
Go Lake Show!
Posted by: The Outlaw | April 02, 2008 at 10:17 AM
Home stretch
What now? lemme tell you what now... PAU!
Posted by: Vman | April 02, 2008 at 10:18 AM
Hello Lakerville! I hope this is an appropriate return to the game for Gasol. I am calmly excited.
Posted by: Charles | April 02, 2008 at 10:23 AM
Since there is no "PHIL JACKSON IS OVERRATED" bandwagon, sign me up. If we get on a roll, it will be because we have overwhelming talent, not because of a coach who still has not taught his team how to attack a zone defense or defend the 3-point line. But, he doesn't take T’s; he's a great sportsman! Too bad he lets Kobe take the T's he should get. Oh well, if Kobe gets suspended for, say, the New Orleans or San Antonio games, we can still count on the Triangle offense to get us through anyway. Right? Uh, right?
Jman449
***********************
You are right Jman449, the bandwagon name will reflect this more accurate description
Also, after watching that stupid dog show about the little white rat, I really have to question his manhood (can you say whipped) I was surprised a “Milwaukee’s Best” beer can didn’t fall on his head. It would also be nice if reporters would stop relaying any information Phil has to say about injured players returning to the court. His responses are so contrived. Nine Rings mocks us all with his duplicity.
Posted by: Troll Man | April 02, 2008 at 10:24 AM
PHIL JACKSON Is OVERRATED BANDWAGON
01 Fire32 (unbiased driver)
02 Troll Man (riding shotgun???, where's my shotgun!!!)
03 Evil Cartman (I love you guys, except PJ)
04 Sister Mary Elephant (disappointed teacher)
05 Mr. Opposite (not this time)
06 Notes on a Scorecard (Acct. Mgr.)
07 Jman449 (new bandwagon name author)
Posted by: Troll Man | April 02, 2008 at 10:25 AM
Repost from previous thread....
Good morning Mamba24, good morning Charles, good morning Pig & Toad & all the other Mamba's (welcome to the jungle) and good morning to the rest of this GREAT LAKER NATION!!!!
Mamba24 - I am present and accounted for sir, and waiting on roll call!!! WE NEED IT!!!
It's GAME DAY BABY! I thought the last few days would never end......lol!
Time to BBQ up some Trailgrazers, get our tacos on and dish up a side of troll - LET"S GO!
GO LAKERS!
The BEAN for MVP or NO PEACE!
Posted by: justanothermambafan | April 02, 2008 at 10:31 AM
Pure morning!
...A friend in need, is a friend indeed...
Man, I just went on a mini vacation and the Lakers took an unneeded rollercoaster ride. Nice to return to some good news. This team will be fine. For all those who worry, sit back, relax and enjoy the ride.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Happy Gilmore | April 02, 2008 at 10:33 AM
Guys I don't think there is a more important game than tonight. The Lakers need to come out and take it to the trail blazers. After a phoenix loss and Pau coming back this should give us the Mo to get the job done. I will be very disapointed if they don't take care of business tonight. They should be 3 up on Phoenix right now, but gave them two back with those shity losses. Time to focus. Play-offs are in a couple of weeks.
CrzyFan
Posted by: CrzyFan | April 02, 2008 at 10:39 AM
Good Morning Mamba24, Good Morning Charles, Good Morning Laker Nation!
GAME DAY!!!!!!!!
Mamba24, with your permission:
WE ARE THE FREAKIN LA LAKERS, THE WINNERS OF 14, SOON TO BE 15 NBA TITLES! THE TEAM WITH THE BEST WINNING PERCENTAGE IN NBA HISTORY!
Sportsbook.com's odds for the NBA title:
Lakers 2:1
Celtics 2:1
Spurs 4:1
Suns 11:2
Pistons 8:1
Troll Man (really, you're Droll Man)..........you promised you would not post here any more..........read the odds above and simply go away! You stink the place up. Pig is hungry and I don't wnat to see you eaten up.........but I do have the mesquite coals in the Weber ready just in case.
BURN THE BLAZERS!!!!!!!!!!!
GO LAKERS!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: toad | April 02, 2008 at 10:39 AM
I saw the "PHIL JACKSON Is OVERRATED BANDWAGON" driving down the street today.
It was a short yellow bus.
Posted by: frank rizzo | April 02, 2008 at 10:41 AM
Guys how is Dirk Notwitzki day to day after that horrific Ankle and knee injury. I can't beleive he practiced for 45 minutes yesterday and will proably play tonight against Golden State. How is this possible. In contrast our guys go down for extended periods of time. I thought after see that injury that he was done for the year. any thoughts?
CrzyFan
Posted by: CrzyFan | April 02, 2008 at 10:43 AM
No damn excuses today .. Only Suns fans cry about officiating and bad breaks.
Posted by: HmrHed
Uh, you have been here on this blog after a laker loss right?
Posted by: Fire32 | April 02, 2008 at 10:44 AM
PAU GASOL, the Catalan is going to play today. He possesses the Catalan character that will 'go forward' the Lakers struggles back to glory. All doubters, you gotta to believe...
Here's the Catalan passion from Catalunya-Nord.com: The Catalan character seems to allow comparison with the virtues of the donkey: tenacity, determination, eagerness for the task and loyalty. These traits don’t limit themselves to the simple penchant for stubbornness that feeds the clichés. More literally, the Catalan population defines itself by the double value: ‘El senya i rauxa.’ The seny is comparable with wisdom, measured judgment and common sense – and the rauxa is defined as wit, the determination to suddenly see the capricious thought. The alliance between these two facets in one individual is the source of Catalan behaviour. The character conveys itself, it shares itself and it perceives itself popularly – its’ identity’s worth is certain. Used for a long time in North Catalonia and now channeled into the economy and in the spirit of rugby carried by the slogan ‘sempre endavant’ (always going forward) this character is what drives the success in South Catalonia (Barcelona).
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | April 02, 2008 at 10:45 AM
Lakers better win tonight. Hurt or not hurt.
Posted by: STEVEN | April 02, 2008 at 10:51 AM
frank
"it was a short yellow bus"
LMAO!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: toad | April 02, 2008 at 10:52 AM
Good morning Laker Nation,
No matter how many minutes Gasol plays tonight, it is time for every Laker to show up tonight with a DOMINATING performance. No matter how much wear and tear, the attitude must be MIND OVER MATTER.
The Lakers have been playing soft for weeks. For all practical purposes every player who steps onto the floor must play like the PLAYOFFS START NOW.
Not a single opponent lately has faced the Lakers with fear in their eyes. The weak teams come in as spoilers. The elite teams come in with a grudge. The Zen Master needs to sage the locker room and the court and change the karma.
It's all on the line, starting now. I'm tired of anesthetizing myself with vodka when I'd rather be celebrating with champagne. Go Lakers!
Posted by: Rick Friedman | April 02, 2008 at 10:54 AM
blazers usually give us fits but not tonight. for starters were at staples, huge advantage for us. second, blazers not having brandon roy will surely hurt them. lastly, blazers really have nothing to play.
lakers will come out with energy tonight with gasols return. i think the lakers will be much more focused with some rest. a quick start will be very important in tonight game.
getting super excited, we have been waiting for bynums return for so long and the time is finally getting close. these playoffs are going to be nuts with the lakers winning the title.
GO LAKERS
Posted by: mrbarneydangles | April 02, 2008 at 10:55 AM
For those interested, PG and B is about to start. CALL IN!
BK
Posted by: Brian Kamenetzky | April 02, 2008 at 10:59 AM
Fire32,
Hence the commandment.
Posted by: HmrHed | April 02, 2008 at 11:03 AM
Rick Friedman,
Try www.myspace.com/augie5581
=)
Posted by: pslakerfan | April 02, 2008 at 11:05 AM
Lamar Odom interviewed on Jim Rome today. I don't have the link, but it's on youtube.
Posted by: Amazing_Happens | April 02, 2008 at 11:05 AM
No damn excuses today .
Posted by: HmrHed
BTW HmrHed, nice to hear you step up and say NO EXCUSES.
Posted by: Fire32 | April 02, 2008 at 11:12 AM
After the Memphis loss: Naw man, I'm pretty f&^%in' far from OK.
Tonight's game (paraphrase): What now? Lemme tell you what now... I'mo call in a couple of heavy board hittin' ballers to go to work on the Blazers with a double double and a blow torch.
Posted by: Vman | April 02, 2008 at 09:48 AM
Love the references man..... You can find something for every situation in that movie..... a classic.........
Posted by: pslakerfan | April 02, 2008 at 11:14 AM
Toad,
I no longer feed off you pathetic bloggers,
I feed off the brain farting, fundamental-less, can't beat the least, no defense, uncoached Lakers.
Such a feast
Posted by: Troll Man | April 02, 2008 at 11:17 AM
Tonight starts the Lakers second 16-2 run with Pau Gasol
in the lineup. Do the math.
Posted by: Long Time Laker Fan | April 02, 2008 at 11:19 AM
-The DYNASTY officially begins next week! The BIG FOUR will be healthy for the first time this season. I'm getting tingly just thinking about it. There is only one obstacle standing in our way. This obstacle is more dangerous than any of the Laker Killers from the past (i.e. Malik Rose, Tim Thomas, Mike Bibby, etal). The new Laker Killer comes from within. His name is Gary Vitti.
-I cannot believe the LA TImes wrote an unbiased, truthful and complimentary article about Kobe. Is there a new editor for the sports section? Were the three angry clowns (Heisler, Plashke and Simers) out sick today?
Posted by: LAKER TRUTH | April 02, 2008 at 11:21 AM
frank rizzo,
>>>I saw the "PHIL JACKSON Is OVERRATED
>>>BANDWAGON" driving down the street today.
>>>
>>>It was a short yellow bus.
Well stated.
Posted by: Long Time Laker Fan | April 02, 2008 at 11:22 AM
No damn excuses today .
Posted by: HmrHed
BTW HmrHed, nice to hear you step up and say NO EXCUSES TODAY.
Posted by: Fire32 | April 02, 2008 at 11:27 AM
Also, after watching that stupid dog show about the little white rat, I really have to question his manhood (can you say whipped) I was surprised a “Milwaukee’s Best” beer can didn’t fall on his head.
Troll Man
_________________________
Troll Man, I have to admit that's hilarious
Put me on the Phil Jackson is overrated bandwagon
i love the Lakers but PJ is way past his prime
Posted by: YOU EVER NOTICE | April 02, 2008 at 11:28 AM
frank
"it was a short yellow bus"
LMAO!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: toad
C'mon man it was alright, but it wasn't that funny.
Maybe a LOL, but a LMAO!!!!!!
Posted by: Fire32 | April 02, 2008 at 11:30 AM
AK/BK,
I've noticed that we are missing a key member of this blog...Mamba24. We haven't heard from him in a few days and it's very unlike him not to be manning the blog especially on game day.
I also noticed that his previous posts have been removed. I just happened to be looking for his roll call to post in his absence and they're nowhere to be found.
Did you guys ban him and if so, why? What up?
Posted by: EastCoastJessie | April 02, 2008 at 11:32 AM
I saw the "PHIL JACKSON Is OVERRATED BANDWAGON" driving down the street today. It was a short yellow bus.
frank rizzo
************
Getting longer as we speak, there are a lot of Laker fans who feel the same way, get use to it.
Posted by: Troll Man | April 02, 2008 at 11:33 AM
listening to gold, purple and blue right now and just got done watching the lamar interview on jim rome. lamar has been playing great but wasn't very impressed with the interview. he didn't really offer any insight or give good answers. his response to should kobe win the mvp was awful. oh well, hopefully he will keep up the good play on the court tonight.
GO LAKERS
Posted by: mrbarneydangles | April 02, 2008 at 11:37 AM
"Getting longer as we speak, there are a lot of Laker fans who feel the same way, get use to it."
Whiz, as the joke goes flying over Troll Man's head.
Posted by: frank rizzo | April 02, 2008 at 11:42 AM
Mamba will return on April 19th. Much like THE BEAST, Mamba is getting healthy for the long playoff run.
I've noticed the troll infestation is getting ripe. I need not comment on their petty remarks. They make themselves look silly enough on their own.
Wound the Troll
Starve the Troll
Sea Minerals and Dit Da Jow for everyone.
The Lakers are my favorite basketball team.
Posted by: "Pig" Miller | April 02, 2008 at 11:43 AM
From Phil Jackson
1. not coaching any fundamentals of defense
2. refusing to call time-outs
3. inability to adjust during games
4. refusal to use his bench when shorthanded
5. indiffernce to putting shooters in at the end of games
6. using the same out-of-bounds play over and over
7. lying about the status of injured players
8. THAT DOG SHOW
Troll Man,
put me on the Phil Jackson is Overated bandwagon
Posted by: DO YOU SEE WHAT I SEE | April 02, 2008 at 11:43 AM
Wassup Lakerville!
Game day today... can't wait to welcome Pau... The Beast soon to follow. Time for the stretch run!
Go Lakers!
Posted by: SamII | April 02, 2008 at 11:51 AM
Greetings Laker Nation the purple,and gold is going to take care of business tonight.
Posted by: LakerFan | April 02, 2008 at 11:54 AM
From Phil Jackson
1. not coaching any fundamentals of defense
2. refusing to call time-outs
3. inability to adjust during games
4. refusal to use his bench when shorthanded
5. indiffernce to putting shooters in at the end of games
6. using the same out-of-bounds play over and over
7. lying about the status of injured players
8. THAT DOG SHOW
Troll Man,
put me on the Phil Jackson is Overated bandwagon
Posted by: DO YOU SEE WHAT I SEE
You forgot
#9. Blocking the view of some poor sap sitting right behind him at games.
Posted by: Fire32 | April 02, 2008 at 11:54 AM
frank.........proof positive he truly belongs on that short yellow bus! {:>)
Good morning Pig.....it is getting pretty ripe in here.....I've got the mesquite coals going on the Weber.......ready for roasting some orange troll meat!
Wound the troll (great job frank!)
Starve the troll
Posted by: toad | April 02, 2008 at 11:56 AM
Andrew and Brian I love your blog, as most of us do. And I think speak for everybody when I say we forgive you for missing last week's live laker's discussion. I do want to remind you of something however. For bloggers, we tune into this site because we can't wait for the laker game to give us updates. We can't wait for the paper to come out the next day, with (the horribly) written articles on the Lakers and whats going on in Laker Land.
Simply put, we need you. Remember, when the Lakers lost to Detroit in the Finals and Kobe was crying and Jack Nicholson put it all in perspective when he so eloquently spoke, reminding us that we were lucky to witness such a great Campionship run.
You represent the Jack Nicholson to the die hard Laker Fans. We need your voice when we are winning and when we are losing. Please never miss another webcast like that again we need u! Your voice represents hope, whether you have a guest or not. Don't bail on us, we need you more than you know.
Posted by: joncaliblk | April 02, 2008 at 12:00 PM
Rick,
I saw you post that Phil is losing games for us and pointed to his use/misuse of Mbenga.
I would beg to differ.
More than likely, Mbenga has probably been playing better in practice, has a better feel for what we do, and is comfortable now.
Mbenga's first two games were horrible. His rotations were terribly off and Mbenga has been dunked on pretty bad at least 3 times this year. Add to the fact that he was showing no offensive threat and you can see why his minutes were minimal.
He is playing better now, but if you really want to see Mbenga log 20 mins a game then you are in for a rude awakening in my opinion.
Easy to look good in 5 mins. Maybe 10 min. But when 20 hits, you get exxxppppooosssed!
Posted by: Korey | April 02, 2008 at 12:12 PM
John Hollinger is starting to make me mad.
"
Scott (Sac): With the Lakers losing games to Memphis, Golden State and Charlotte without Gasol and Bynum, does Kobe still have a chance at the MVP?
John Hollinger: Honestly, I thought people got way ahead of themselves with the Kobe for MVP thing -- it was like they felt they owed it to him after the propesterous vote in '06. But he doesn't have the best numbers, and he doesn't have the best record, and he hasn't been the best teammate ... so why are we annointing him again?"
OK, so let's take the two best big men off the Hornets and let's see what happens. Hornets minus Chandler and David West. I beeeeettt they would be winning.
Ok, let's just take David West or Chandler away and see how they would do.
We are 5-4 with Gasol/Bynum. That's not great but we are holding down the fort.
Are we supposed to go 8-1 without our two best big men? We are 3rd in the West and GAsol has been out a month. Can't be too mad about that.
Posted by: Korey | April 02, 2008 at 12:13 PM
frank rizzo,
"Whiz, as the joke goes flying over Troll Man's head. "
Whiz on Troll Man's head?
Sign me up for that bandwagon!!
Posted by: exhelodrvr | April 02, 2008 at 12:15 PM
Lamar better watch who he smiles at in tonights game, b/c players are getting T'd up for it these days.
Posted by: Fire32 | April 02, 2008 at 12:15 PM
Korey
Excellent Post!
Posted by: Charles | April 02, 2008 at 12:20 PM
continued from previous thread
BK and FearlessWhackJob
I think you misunderstood me. The comments you are responding to are not mine, but were cut and pasted from chuck23.
Just for the record (if there is such a thing) I have no problem with Phil's substitution pattern or Ira's current lack of playing time and I thought Phil was pretty clear about that.
Posted by: machiavelly | April 02, 2008 at 12:21 PM