Other nuggets regarding the Nuggets
April 18, 2008 | 5:49
pm
BK already tossed out a few thoughts on the Lakers' upcoming foe, but I wanted to add an additional two pennies' worth. Just for funsies.
- I wouldn't be surprised if Denver gets physical with the Lakers early and often. The Lakers have sported a team-wide tendency this season to get frustrated when played in bump-heavy fashion. Especially if it goes uncalled, which tends to create a focus more about bitching to the refs than keeping their heads in the game. But ever since Kobe was forced to keep quiet and avoid getting suspended with a 16th "T," his teammates have also yapped considerably less of late. Coincidence? Absolutely not. The team has often taken The Mamba's lead along these lines. Thus, it's important that he set an example (especially for his less playoff experienced mates) by playing through some unwhistled contact.
Should the physicality I'm predicting present itself, I'm expecting Pau Gasol to be the most frequent recipient. We've seen guys like Joel Przybilla and Erick Dampier frustrate the hell out of Gasol working him in such fashion. Between Kenyon Martin, Marcus Camby, Nene and Eduardo Najera, the Nuggets offer plenty of frontcourt dudes willing to aggressively body him. Save Camby, however, they'll all be giving up tons of length to the Spaniard, so if he can remain calm and roll with it, Gasol should be able to get the best of the matchups.
- A continual temptation will exist for the Lakers to match Denver's style and tempo, which often makes Golden State appear methodical by comparison. To paraphrase "The Karate Kid's" eveil Sensay, the Nuggets' mantra is "shoot first, shoot hard, no conscious, George!" They'll be running and hucking with seconds barely expired on the clock and if the Lakers look to go track meet for track meet, stretches could grow very ugly for them. Denver's already been pegged as the series' undisciplined team. Let's keep it that way.
- Carmelo and AI will inevitably rack points. The key will be how much work was required to get them. For example, in December's 111-107 win at Denver, Iverson put up 51, but Melo's 26 points required 23 attempts (13 of which were missed). During the January blowout at Staples, AI's 24 points look nice at first glance, but a closer look reveals they came on 8-23 shooting. Those two aren't about to tone it down during a struggle, so during nights like these, whatever points they net are offset by a large degree by how off track the O gets during the flurry of misses (especially since Denver isn't known for making up for it with stops). When evaluating their games, pay more attention to the percentage and number attempts than the final number in the box.
- I'm pegging J.R. Smith as the Nuggets' X-Factor guy. The kid's been big since the All-Star break, with his March and April performances crucial factors in Denver's playoff push. When he catches fire, he's absolutely capable of eating up a huge deficit by shooting his team back into the ix. He's also the guy I'm pegging most likely to shoot his team straight into a deficit. In any event, a hand needs to be in his face.
- I was in Denver's locker room during all three games they were in L.A during their losing '06 series against the Clips, and the vibe after each loss was that they literally wanted to kill each other. I was actually nervous at times being in there. Seriously tense atmosphere. From what I've read and discussed with people, the squad's grown less dysfunctional, but remains a fairly volatile bunch. Between Melo, AI, K-Mart, Smith, Camby and Chucky Atkins, there are a fair amount of "strong personalities" on display. Why do I bring this up? Because assuming these guys get behind in the series (as I'm guessing they will), I don't see them rallying around each other to win one for the Gipper.
- I really wish Von Wafer was still on this team. I picture some garbage time during at least a couple of games. Ain't nobody more fun to watch play trash man than the Lakersblog icon.
- Apropos to nothing above but still kinda quirky: 82games.com doesn't keep this particular stat, so I can't officially verify this statement, but I'm pretty sure the Nuggets boast the most heavily tattooed starting five in the league (much less the playoffs). I doubt this "tops" status will be much of an asset during the series, but perhaps being #1 in something can provide solace to Denver fans when their squad gets bounced in the first round.
Prediction: Lakers in 5.
AK
kobe's old friend Ric Bucher may finnaly have gotten nailed for the nonsense he's spewed and reported on:
http://politicalcivility.com/blog8/2008/04/17/espn-now-employing-nutjobs/
he may have to re-apply for the position of Kobe Bryant's publicist soon.
Posted by: 10milliondollarzen | April 18, 2008 at 06:07 PM
After reading AK's analysis, I've changed my prediction to Lakers winning in two games.
That's all it will take to convince the Nuggets they can't beat the Lakers in a series and they in turn, will give up and play lousy in Denver.
Lakers: Two games
Posted by: Fairweather Fatty | April 18, 2008 at 06:10 PM
Nuggest = bunch of thugs... This is why I hate that team....
It's unfortunate, NBA is losing rating's due to teams like the Nuggets ( the ghetto thugs)... There needs to be a restriction on the amount of tatoos an athlete can have.... KB24 lost just a little of my respect when he went ahead and got all tattoed up a couple of years back... But Kobe is like an Angel compared to what they have in Denver
Posted by: Gino | April 18, 2008 at 06:20 PM
"KB24 lost just a little of my respect when he went ahead and got all tattoed up a couple of years back... But Kobe is like an Angel compared to what they have in Denver"
Keep judging people based on how they look, it's what makes America America.
Posted by: Justin N | April 18, 2008 at 06:36 PM
Attn Bloggers:
Watching this video gave me goosebumps and it is required viewing for all Lakers fans entering this playoff season.
http://youtube.com/watch?v=h0Q-LMKBsvA&feature=related
Posted by: Xodus | April 18, 2008 at 06:39 PM
The following are the entrants in the First Annual “Win Nothing, but Respect from Laker Nation” Predictathon.
2 points for the correct team. 5 points for the correct number of games – subtracted by one point for each game you are off (assuming you picked the right team).
j.d. Hastings:
LAL over DEN (6)
DAL over NOH (7)
PHX over SAS (7)
UTAH over HOU (5)
***
Pimp:
Lakers over Nuggets 4-1
Mavericks over Hornets 4-3
Suns over Spurs 4-3
Jazz over Rockets 4-2
***
Xodus:
Lakers over Nuggets in 5
Jazz over Rockets in 5
Mavericks over Hornets in 6
Suns over Spurs in 6
***
Mamba24:
Lakers over Nuggets in 4
Rockets over Jazz in 7
Mavericks over Hornets in 6
Spurs over Suns in 6
***
d:
Lakers in 4
Mavs in 7
Spurs in 7
Jazz in 6
***
HmrHed:
LA over Denv in 6
Rockets over Jazz in 7
Spurs over Phx in 7
NO over Dallas in 7
***
Jon K:
Lakers over Nuggets in 5
Jazz over Rockets in 6
Mavericks over Hornets in 7
Suns over Spurs in 7
***
Juno:
LAKERS VS. DENVER
LAKERS in 5
HORNETS VS. MAVS
MAVS IN 6
UTAH VS ROCKETS
UTAH IN 5
SPURS VS SUNS
SUNS IN 7
***
bozz:
LA in 5
NO in 6
Utah in 5
Suns (ugh) in 7
***
Greek Dude:
LAKERS VS. DENVER
LAKERS in 5
HORNETS VS. MAVS
MAVS IN 7
UTAH VS ROCKETS
UTAH IN 6
SPURS VS SUNS
SUNS IN 7
***
Markythearky:
Lakers sweep Denver anyway. 4-0
Suns over Spurs in 7
Utah over Houston in 7
NO over Dallas in 6
***
LakerTom:
LAKERS VS. DENVER
LAKERS in 4
HORNETS VS. MAVS
MAVS IN 6
UTAH VS ROCKETS
UTAH IN 7
SPURS VS SUNS
SUNS IN 7
***
FatSam:
Lakers over Nuggets in six.
Mavs over Hornets in six.
Suns over Spurs in six.
Utah over Houston in 7.
***
justanothermambafan:
Lakers vs Denver
Lakers in 5
Hornets vs Mavs
Hornets in 7
Utah vs Rockets
Rockets in 6
Spurs vs Suns
Spurs in 6
***
complex brotha:
LAKERS VS. DENVER -LAKERS in 5
HORNETS VS. MAVS- MAVS IN 6
UTAH VS ROCKETS- JAZZ IN 6
SPURS VS SUNS- SUNS IN 7
***
jf:
Lakers in 7
Dallas in 6
Phoenix in 6
Utah in 5
***
The Outlaw:
Lakers over Nuggets (4-1)
Jazz over Houston (4-2)
Spurs over Suns (4-3)
Dallas over NO (4-3)
***
gugy:
Lakers in 5
Spurs in 6
Dallas in 5
Utah in 6
***
Happy Gilmore:
LAL v DEN, LAL in 5
HOU v UTA, UTA in 6
NOH v DAL, NOH in 7
SAS v PHX, PHX in 6
***
Posted by: HmrHed | April 18, 2008 at 06:40 PM
Gino,
I don't want to turn this into a racial and social forum, but if the Nuggets and their tats are the reason more people don't watch the NBA that says more about our failures as a society than anything with the Denver Nuggets. God forbid young black men express themselves in ways that differ from mainstream society's views of what is acceptable.
Posted by: Xodus | April 18, 2008 at 06:43 PM
At 3:21 into this video about Laker player's tattoos: Smush Parker, "I have the Grim Reaper on my arm because every time I step on the court, all I do is kill." haha
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EvM2RYy2goI
Posted by: ajax | April 18, 2008 at 06:45 PM
Question for the blog:
I was wondering if anyone felt the same way about this team as I do. Though we have yet to win a single championship with this group of players I definitely feel a stronger connection with this group of players than I did the three-peat Lakers. While I loved watching those guys play the chemistry, the beauty of the way we run the triangle and watching this team grow from a rag-tag crew from 05-06 to the best team in the West has been exhilarating.
Posted by: Xodus | April 18, 2008 at 06:48 PM
Here's another absolutely great Youtube clip.
http://youtube.com/watch?v=CZbhF9LcGLE&feature=related
Posted by: Xodus | April 18, 2008 at 06:51 PM
I listened on AM 710 this afternoon, they said that Kobe talked about championship DNA important more than getting along with each other,..., the question is , who on this Lakers has championship DNA ? who can take big shot when the game is on the line?... We are sure Kobe, Fisher have that DNA, who else ? It is interesting because we're about to find out. About Bynum, when he is on the floor, he doesn't shoot the ball all the time, but he will leap high to block shots or rebound, so his knee will easily get injured again, so i understand why Bynum did not play yet, Lakers fan calm down, the future is still so bright !
Posted by: bluesky | April 18, 2008 at 07:03 PM
These Youtube vids put Kobe to shame...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=728WayF6CaM&feature=related
http://youtube.com/watch?v=AUf5Ijs5Pnk
Posted by: Hyper Dunk Ka Dunks | April 18, 2008 at 07:06 PM
X -- I agree. That 00-04 team burned me out with the drama at the end.
Posted by: HmrHed | April 18, 2008 at 07:14 PM
hey guys, i've been looking around but can't find the answer at all anywhere. when will the regular season awards be? i'm just as excited to know who's taking that damned MVP award as the first round matchup with the Nuggets!
good luck to the LAKERS and good luck to us all!
LET'S GO LAKERS =D
Posted by: bijou | April 18, 2008 at 07:26 PM
Reasons why Denver will win the series with Lakers
1. Lakers frontcourt are too soft. Camby and Martin and even Najera will rip them and pound them inside.
2. They still have no answer for AI.
3. Even Melo will be unstoppable in shooting the lights out of Staple Centre
4. Lakers are too overconfident.
5. JR Smith will be the surprise package that Lakers can not contain.
6. Denver are not playing with pressure and hence nothing to lose. Lakers are all too nervous in proving their no. 1 seed.
I see Denver stealing 1 game in LA.
We'll see what happens after game 6 in Denver.
Posted by: DenverHereWeCome | April 18, 2008 at 07:27 PM
pfunk36
I agree with you, who cares what Luke thinks? He always talked like Lakers's leader, but play like D-league player, i am so happy, the experiment of Kupchack and Phil with the big three Kobe- Lamar- Luke is over. I guess, Kupchack and Phil couldn't play like Bill Walton when they were young.
Posted by: bluesky | April 18, 2008 at 07:28 PM
It IS about not being stupid and coming back too soon when there is a reasonable chance of making the injury worse. ESPECIALLY when you are the future of the franchise.
Posted by: exhelodrvr | April 18, 2008 at 06:22 PM
Thank you EX. I have been waiting for someone to say that. For one thing this is a knee injury, not a broken finger or dislocated shoulder, etc. If the knee is not completely healed it could be re-injured easily. The knee is used every second of every game. It cannot be completely protected like taping an injured finger to the other one etc.....
I am just as interested in seeing AB back on the floor as the rest of us but not if there is any chance of re-injury......
Posted by: pslakerfan | April 18, 2008 at 07:31 PM
Xodus,
“I was wondering if anyone felt the same way about this team as I do. Though we have yet to win a single championship with this group of players I definitely feel a stronger connection with this group of players than I did the three-peat Lakers. While I loved watching those guys play the chemistry, the beauty of the way we run the triangle and watching this team grow from a rag-tag crew from 05-06 to the best team in the West has been exhilarating.”
Karl, I totally understand what you are saying about this team. I have seen every Laker championship team since Jerry, Wilt, and Gail and this is my favorite of them all, even over the great Showtime teams. The reasons? (1) Nobody expected this team to do what they have done whereas all of the other Laker championship teams were favorites and (2) This team is about the satisfaction of redemption by the franchise as well as the players.
I was struck deeply by the statement Phil Jackson made when he returned to the Lakers as coach after the disastrous year the team suffered while he was gone. Phil said that one of the key reasons he wanted to return to coach the Lakers was to help restore the luster of the storied franchise and redeem its superstar, who had been unfairly blamed for the trade of Shaquille O’Neal and the team’s subsequent decline and inability to make the playoffs.
That is what I really love about this team, that they have fought back from oblivion and are now on the verge of redeeming not only themselves but also the entire Lakers franchise. That is why this year and team are so very satisfying. It is redemption for Kobe that he cannot lead a team to the championship. It is redemption for Phil who cannot win with a young team. It is redemption for Drew who won Kobe Bryant’s trust and admiration.
It is also redemption for Pau who has never won a playoff game, for Lamar who is finally starting to realize his potential, for Sasha who become a prime-time shooter, for Jordan who sparks the Bench Mob, for Ronny who wants to be recognized for more than cheerleading, and for Luke who just wants to get his game and mojo back. Backed into a corner, the Lakers have bonded and responded in a great team effort to claim the ultimate redemption, the 2008 NBA Championship.
Tom
Posted by: LakerTom | April 18, 2008 at 07:31 PM
Xodus,
"While I loved watching those guys play the chemistry, the beauty of the way we run the triangle and watching this team grow from a rag-tag crew from 05-06 to the best team in the West has been exhilarating."
WIth the three-peat, I anticipated them winning some titles, although definitely not as soon as they did - you didn't get as much of a sense of growth.
Starting with Malone's knee injury, there was an increasing amount of frustration/disappointment with the results, probably peaking at the beginning of this season, with the thought that Kobe was likely to be gone soon, which would mean, at a minimum, a long rebuilding process. Seeing the younger players (Turiaf, Sasha, Walton, Farmar, Bynum) develop, watching Kobe mature, and seeing the team find that chemistry, has been very enjoyable.
Posted by: exhelodrvr | April 18, 2008 at 07:43 PM
Keep judging people based on how they look, it's what makes America America.
Posted by: Justin N | April 18, 2008 at 06:36 PM
I am not a fan of using the word "Thugs" as people automatically call you a racist. (even when the person you are speaking of is a thug)
Having said that Dave Chapelle has a great joke about women who dress slutty and then get offended when you think they are whores. Basically he says if you don't want to be thought of as a whore then don't walk around in a whore uniform.
If you dress like a fireman I will think you are a fireman.
Point is if you tat up like a thug and dress like a thug and talk like a thug people will think you are a thug, period....
PS, thugs come in all colors......
Posted by: pslakerfan | April 18, 2008 at 07:51 PM
BLOG CRUE
I got my tickets for games 3 & SIXX. Hopefully it won't last SIXX. My prediction, Lakers in SIXX.
Like lakers4realz says, "Colorado, 2nd home of the Lakers!"
COLORADO LOVES THE LAKERS!
Posted by: HUgo Boss | April 18, 2008 at 07:52 PM
Gino,
I don't want to turn this into a racial and social forum, but if the Nuggets and their tats are the reason more people don't watch the NBA that says more about our failures as a society than anything with the Denver Nuggets. God forbid young black men express themselves in ways that differ from mainstream society's views of what is acceptable.
Posted by: Xodus | April 18, 2008 at 06:43 PM
Main stream society does not find the swastika acceptable. Should Luke get one on his forehead???
If I can substitute one race for another and one type of tattoo for another and your argument suddenly seems ludicrous then your argument is not a very good one....
By the way if the tatted up members of the Nuggets happened to be great humans away from the basketball court then no one would call them thugs. I think we know the problems that some of them have had with Johnny Law.
There are plenty of tatted up guys in the league (of all colors) that people do not think of as "thugs".
For the record David Stern is the reason that more people don't watch the NBA.....period. (white thug by the way, don't know about the tats though)
Oh yeah and I don't want this to turn into a racial or social forum either........
Posted by: pslakerfan | April 18, 2008 at 08:02 PM
IT IS REALLY IMPORTANT FOR LAKER TEAM TO UNDERSTAND THAT THEY NEED TO TAKE NUGGETS SERIOUSLY EVENTHOUGH LAKERS ARE NO.1 FAV's to WIN. THERE SHOULD BE NO CHANCE OF OVERCONFIDENCE.
Posted by: Disgruntled,Frustrated Laker Fan | April 18, 2008 at 08:13 PM
Not just AK/BK and us bloggers that got it wrong.
Oct. 30, 2007
Suns to win the Pacific Division
1. Phoenix Suns (17 votes)
Henry Abbott, ESPN.com’s TrueHoop: Amare Stoudemire is one of the most efficient scorers in the league. Shawn Marion is a candidate for defensive player of the year and MVP of your fantasy league. Then there’s that Steve Nash guy.
J.A. Adande, ESPN.com: Maybe their way won’t win out, but bless them for trying.
Jon Barry, ESPN: Love the Grant Hill addition. I could see him being the backup PG, or point forward. Leandro Barbosa’s better off the ball; he doesn’t handle the point as well. Nash’s back woes raise concerns of closing windows.
Chris Broussard, ESPN Mag: Last season’s Game 4 victory at San Antonio got Suns over a major mental hurdle (despite the subsequent suspensions), and they’ll finally clear the hump entirely this year.
Ric Bucher, ESPN Mag: They’ve got issues but they’ve also got Steve Nash.
Chad Ford, ESPN.com: They are still the most fun team to watch in basketball. Everyone hopes a team that plays like them can win a title. But their lack of depth in the paint is going to be a problem.
Jemele Hill, ESPN.com: Still the class of this division, but expect a slight slide in the West’s pecking order.
John Hollinger, ESPN.com: The Suns’ depth worries me, but they’re an easy call in what might be the league’s worst division.
Mark Jackson, ESPN: They are a team that got better with Grant Hill. Amare’s healthier, too.
Scoop Jackson, ESPN.com: Their only competition is themselves. The question is, in this battle, who wins?
Chris Palmer, ESPN Mag: Grant Hill deserves to be on a winner. Will be hard not to root for them.
Jack Ramsay, ESPN Radio: Their unique game style is too hard to defend. And of course, they have Steve Nash. ‘Nuff said.
Jalen Rose, ESPN: Don’t be surprised if the Suns hover around 70 wins. The distance between 1 and 2 in the Pacific Division is going to be the biggest gap in the NBA.
Chris Sheridan, ESPN.com: Are they seven deep or eight deep? Marcus Banks, your opinion? Doesn’t matter much, really, in terms of picking them atop the league’s weakest division.
Marc Stein, ESPN.com: The easiest call on the divisional board. Phoenix might have the Pacific clinched by the All-Star break.
David Thorpe, Scouts Inc.: Not much of a race here, and Phoenix is still smarting from its playoff loss to the Spurs. They will be focused and hungry all season, and should compete for the best record and home-court advantage throughout the playoffs.
Kiki Vandeweghe, ESPN: Clearly the best in the division. Maybe a 60-win team. Nash has to stay healthy.
Posted by: Fairweather Fatty | April 18, 2008 at 08:16 PM
Lakers over Denver in 6 games (with the 6th game going into overtime).
Lets no get too excited. The Lakers do better against teams they're not expected to really beat. A team like Denver has nothing to lose, in that they are not expected to beat the Lakers. The Lakers are not a good team when they're too confident.
I predict a Laker loss in game one.
Posted by: troy | April 18, 2008 at 08:25 PM
There is wrong and there is dead wrong.
ESPN's regular season predictions for the Lakers.
Don't miss the individual rants against Kobe and Lakers.
It puts it all in perspective just what type of an amazing season the Lakers have had.
http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/dailydime?page=dime-LALPreview0708
Fatty - The Ghost of ESPN's Christmas Past
Posted by: Fairweather Fatty | April 18, 2008 at 08:39 PM
Xodus
"if the Nuggets and their tats are the reason more people don't watch the NBA that says more about our failures as a society than anything with the Denver Nuggets."
You're right of course but I'm surprised that a sportswriter wouldn't consider the "show" aspect of the biz. It's not public school. It's an expensive production. People watch or the NBA isn't. The league took steps to address the very subject 2 all star games ago when they thought their product had gone 2 gangsta.
If Nash brings in a white Canadian demographic, that's good for the game. Why matters, but not really. If you don't like tats or guys that wear number 3, Stern is happy to have you and will defend your right to your own taste, no matter how maladjusted. Society rights itself by watching or not.
I'll watch tats or no tats. I don't understand tats, unless of course they're in the right place on a lady and in that case, my attention is riveted.
Posted by: | April 18, 2008 at 08:57 PM
There is only one reason Andrew Bynum is not playing yet, when every NBA player at this time will choose to play even with injury... 80 MIL contratct extension!!! Can not be put into jeopardy.
Andrew Bynum has to be healthy when the time comes. If it is up to the Lakers, Bynum would be playing already at less than 100% to help in the playoffs.
It is what it is.
Posted by: Staples 24 | April 18, 2008 at 09:07 PM
Xodus
BTW: good question about the bond with the team.
Would you consider that this group is the first covered by the blog? The community created, bonds us and the organization on a daily basis. I was a STH for years and that was great but this is special because of us and, as you mentioned, these players are just a whole lot more like-able. I got tired of Shaq's incessant postering. I loved Horry, Fish, BShaw and Harp.
We were probably more confident with the former roster. It was their championship to lose each year and they managed a few times. There are so many feel good stories on the current team, it a PR delight. Turiaf and Karl medical struggles, Sasha and Vlad from war torn backgrounds, LO and Fish's personal pain, and of course, the soap opera that is the Bean.
Posted by: | April 18, 2008 at 09:08 PM
Xodus,
I agree with your observation. I believe it is the humanity and the camaraderie of these players that make this Lakers team extra special.
The awe-inspiring life stories of how some of these players overcame tragedies also make this Laker team one of a kind!!
As been said here before, God has to be a Laker Fan!
Posted by: Robyn | April 18, 2008 at 09:13 PM
LAKERS 4-0 all the way.....!
PURPLE & GOLD BABY!!!
Posted by: juanman888 | April 18, 2008 at 09:13 PM
AK,
As you have correctly pointed out, I am sure throughout the playoffs, others teams will try to be very physical with the Lakers.
More than any other great Laker teams in the past, the present roster needs an enforcer type player that is not afraid to throw his body around once in awhile, particularly when trying to protect the painted area. Too much finesse is not a good thing when setting tones of how the game will be played.
Posted by: Robyn | April 18, 2008 at 09:29 PM
Justin N,
Ubitiquitous tattoos are lame.
It's not a matter of what they look like, but the psychology they represent.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | April 18, 2008 at 09:29 PM
HmrHed,
Nice.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | April 18, 2008 at 09:32 PM
HmrHed:
Milo's "predictions" using the chipped crystal ball......
Lakers over Nuggets in 6.
Hornets over Mavs in 6.
Jazz over Rockets in 7.
Suns over Spurs in (gulp).....4.
Posted by: MiloRambaldi | April 18, 2008 at 09:43 PM
I love what Andrew Bynum said about having a tatoo...
" It may look good when your 22, but when you grow up and have greater responsiblity ( family) than it just don't look good".... ANother reason why AB is a keeper...He is young though
Posted by: Gino | April 18, 2008 at 09:44 PM
pslakerfan,
You're reaching a bit with that one. The swastika has obvious historical significance and represents hatred, oppression and one of the darkest times in world history. You can't compare that to J.R. Smith going a little too far with his tattoos. I agree that some of David Stern's decisions are the cause of some of the NBA's image problems, but the fact remains that for whatever reason, the NBA gets a thug image.
There is no denying that the NFL has more behavior problems than the NBA but the NFL isn't viewed as an "urban" league so it's able to avoid the label.
Posted by: Xodus | April 18, 2008 at 09:46 PM
AB to play or not to play?
I thought Exhelodrvr summed it all up nicely on why AB is not playing, but a few still don't see it that way.
All of us have opinions, and that I respect.
The Lakers have made it clear AB is not playing until cleared by the Doctors.
1. It is not Andrews choice. He was planning on playing this week and the Lakers Doctors refused to give him clearance. AB was clearly distraught with their decision. He said, "its the worst" He had plans to be part of the team and the drive in the playoffs, but THEY would not let him play.
Its not a matter of his desire or lack of desire to play. Its the experts, who have all the facts, ruling its too dangerous for him to play right now.
Mitch was relieved that AB's injury was not career hampering or ending like his was. Proper rehab can make him whole again.
A twenty year old, with a brace, hobbling his whole career for coming back prematurely would not be wise.
Questioning his motives, he's saving himself for a big contract, is your opinion. But think, would you want somebody questioning you that way?
Posted by: Fairweather Fatty | April 18, 2008 at 10:09 PM
EX, Xodus
Ex are you sure "enjoyable" is the word that you were looking for? LOL! The way you GHE guys carried on I thought you prefered winning the championship taking a more "Shaq-like" route :) J/K thats exactly what what it is. We now have a nucleus of young guys that have developed before our eyes. I think doing it this way is way better than just bringing in some guy in a trade. The Gasol trade was an exception becuase we didn't give up anything like when Shaq was brought in.
Posted by: The Original Ken | April 18, 2008 at 10:12 PM
It is also redemption for Pau who has never won a playoff game, for Lamar who is finally starting to realize his potential, for Sasha who become a prime-time shooter, for Jordan who sparks the Bench Mob, for Ronny who wants to be recognized for more than cheerleading, and for Luke who just wants to get his game and mojo back. Backed into a corner, the Lakers have bonded and responded in a great team effort to claim the ultimate redemption, the 2008 NBA Championship.
Tom
Posted by: LakerTom | April 18, 2008 at 07:31 PM
Laker Tom,
Very well said. I couldn't agree more. While I am only 21 I have studied my Laker past. I was thinking today about how much more talented the Laker 3 peat team seemed than our current team. However, I can't help but be drawn to the fun this team is having while playing and winning. Farmar and Turiaf are partying every game, Kobe is business with a smile. Odom always seems like hes just straight up enjoying himself. Everyone else is just enjoying life. Sasha thinks hes a celebrity. haha. I just hope they can lace up their shoes and go hard every game. I don't doubt that they will. Cant wait for this Sunday and all the Laker games that follow.
GO LAKERS
Posted by: mrbarneydangles | April 18, 2008 at 10:14 PM
I can't help but laugh when I read all the predictions made about the Lakers before the season started. The Lakers definitely made the playoffs and the Suns didn't win the Pacific which wasn't the worst division in the league.
Posted by: DavyJonze | April 18, 2008 at 10:17 PM
About the tattos, you cannot call someone a thug because he has them , Beckham is not a thug, he has more tattoes than kobe.
What matters is a persons character, lumping everyone in the nuggets as having a bad character is very very wrong.
I am a laker fan btw
Posted by: in the house | April 18, 2008 at 10:20 PM
Main reason the Lakers win in 5 is the front line. Pau can take Camby away from basket with his mid range game. Since no one else on the team has a clue, how to rotate and help, it should be a lay up line for Kobe and Lamar. K-mat no longer has the wheels to stick with Lamar and Denver has no one who can stay in front of Kobe. And if Camby tries to help, Pau will make him pay with his deadly mid range J. On the other end Camby might be the easiest Defensive assignment Pau gets in the playoffs. And Lamar will shut K Mart down like he did the 1st 3 games. A.I Might have to score 60 a game just to keep it close. Also watch us go to Sasha early so kobe can play the 3 and guard Melo for extended minutes
MH
Posted by: michael h | April 18, 2008 at 10:26 PM
Great new splash for Game 1 to get everyone pumped up!!
http://www.nba.com/lakers/08a1splash.html
Posted by: Robyn | April 18, 2008 at 10:31 PM
Staples 24
Have to agree. I posted about that yesterday.
If Andrew doesn't play he becomes an 80 millionaire. If he plays, say just OK, or maybe has to sit 'cause it's not feelin' right, then negotiations might stall, terms may be altered.
It's a one time payday that the BYnum family has hoped was coming.
The question is, if the ink was already dry on that contract, would he get back earlier?
Posted by: Vman | April 18, 2008 at 10:38 PM
Ventre writes the most hateful article on Kobe I have ever seen.
But he goes far beyond that. Those who support Kobe in any way are morons of the worst kind, and morally bankrupt for supporting him.
One of his quotes is, "if Kobe was burning down an orphanage, we all would loan Kobe more matches."
This is a sad individual who's jealousy and hatred of Kobe doesn't allow him to live with the thought that Kobe is about to win the MVP.
And lead his team to a possible title.
His attack on all of us is repugnant for sure. But I think this guy needs to get a life and get away from writing.
Its just a game, that's all.
http://nbcsports.msnbc.com/id/24189959/
Posted by: Fairweather Fatty | April 18, 2008 at 10:39 PM
Was watching the 9 PM KCAL 9 news and they showed Drew and Trevor in court with the rest of the team. They could be feeling good enough to work out. Hope they heal soon. Go Lakers! Beat them Noggets!
Posted by: Laker Phil | April 18, 2008 at 10:48 PM
There is no denying that the NFL has more behavior problems than the NBA but the NFL isn't viewed as an "urban" league so it's able to avoid the label.
Posted by: Xodus | April 18, 2008 at 09:46 PM
I agree that the NFL has more problem people, but:
I think one reason the NFL has more problems is that there are 5 to 6 times more NFL players than NBA players.
Also I think the NBA is more personal than the NFL. (no helmets, fans close to the floor, etc...) Meaning people see the tattoos, facial expressions, etc. and form an impression more often than they would with an NFL player.
Just my opinion.
Regarding the swastika comment; I am not comparing the swastika to whatever is on the Nuggets players. I am merely saying that to claim it as going against what is socially acceptable is a little ridiculous. Socially acceptable is called that for a reason. I don't think being "non-white" is a free pass to do whatever you want and expect it to be accepted.
I don't think the Nuggets are "thugs" because they have tatoos. As a matter of fact I don't know if any of them are "thugs". I am just saying if you wear the "thug" uniform then that is what you will be labeled and you have to live with that. If 90% of people who are labeled as "thugs" look like Carmelo Anthony, walk like him, dress like him, speak like him, etc. then people will assume he is a "thug".
If you want people to think of you as not being a thug, then get rid of the tattoos, act like a grown up, dress like a millionaire, and get your sorry a$$ home to your fiancee before you get your drink on. That is why people call Carmelo, AI, Camby etc. "thugs". It is not just the tattoos, it is the whole package.....
Posted by: pslakerfan | April 18, 2008 at 11:10 PM
I don't have to worry about overconfidence, since I'm not playing, so....
I say Lakers sweep it in 4.
And I predict that Pau will have the performance of his career in... mmmmm, let's see... game 2.
Saludos desde España,
David
Posted by: David in Spain | April 18, 2008 at 11:22 PM
I cant buy Andrew is not playing because of a pending contract. Nothing weakens a players barganing position more then an injury. You do not want questions about your health coming up at contract time. It is more valuable being able to play and prove that you are healing then sitting and have the questions linger during the summer. Elton Brand can opt out this summer. Why else would he come back for the last few meaningless games of the season, if it wasnt to prove that he had recovered. Remember, the medical staff has NOT cleared him to play, because the knee is still swelling up after works out. And it is pretty hard to fake swelling.
MH
Posted by: michael h | April 18, 2008 at 11:26 PM