B.Shaw don't take no mess!
But after Tuesday night's defense-free loss to Portland, the Threepeat member-turned-assistant coach did take time out to let the Laker players know how poor a job they did locking down. In particular, Shaw singled out all four guards' lack of lockdown (and himself for allowing bad habits to manifest). The Shakespearean-style lecture was met with silence from the backcourt players in question, but one figures they understood the message, in particular how the loss failed to capitalize on a simultaneous Hornets defeat. With the Lakers still trailing in New Orleans' rear view, any chance to gain ground can't be wasted. Besides, if the Lakers would like to see Kobe Bryant win a certain trophy (and judging by the organization's formal campaign, they do), any gap that's shrinkable needs to be closed, since the race is widely seen as featuring two front runners. For some, the tie-breaker could be either team's final record, thus piling some importance on tonight's game against the Clippers. But for others, the decision's already been made. A writer that's been tough on Kobe in the past still finds him the worthy call, and in addition to sharing a little about himself, Ira Newble seconds Pau Gasol's vote for The Mamba.
The Suns are getting chesty after last night's win at the Alamo, in part because they're starting to better cement Shaq's role. For his part, Amare just kinda wants to kick Bruce Bowen's buttocks.
Zeke, you've got some 'splaining to do.
Having milked his now-defunct blog ban for all its worth, Mark Cuban has shifted focus to another pie in the sky policy that'll never happen.
As it turns out, the Sonics owners were never that intent on remaining near the Space Needle.
O.J. Mayo is gone, but if you ask Ben Howland, the same isn't necessarily so for Kevin Love and Darren Collison. At least not right this second.
Re: Sasha. Better to keep Sasha and unload Radmanovic, who is even more one-dimensional. Sasha is that rare 6-7 guard and is improving a lot; Vlad is what he is: a 6-10 perimeter shooter. Anyway, Lakers have too many forwards and too few guards.
Posted by: JustTheFacts | April 10, 2008 at 12:41 PM
Happy Birthday Faith!!!!
Hey I did forget we were playing old Smush tonight...think he's gonna come out and try to make us regret trading him? NOT!!!
Does Staples have valet parking for players? Better tell 'em all to be nice to Smush.
Posted by: EastCoastJessie | April 10, 2008 at 12:43 PM
Happy B - Day
E
Faith
E
N
S
E!!!
Posted by: "Pig" Miller | April 10, 2008 at 12:44 PM
HAPPY BIRTHDAY FAITH CLAP CLAP CLAP CLAP CLAP
HAPPY BIRTHDAY FAITH CLAP CLAP CLAP CLAP CLAP
HAPPY BIRTHDAY FAITH CLAP CLAP CLAP CLAP CLAP
HAPPY BIRTHDAY FAITH CLAP CLAP CLAP CLAP CLAP
HAPPY BIRTHDAY FAITH CLAP CLAP CLAP CLAP CLAP
HAPPY BIRTHDAY FAITH CLAP CLAP CLAP CLAP CLAP
*_________________________________*
HAPPY BIRTHDAY FAITH BANDWAGON
*_________________________________*
(01) OWNER - The entire Blog
(02) CHARLES - Driver
(03) MAMBA24 - Riding ShotGun
(04) EDWIN GUECO - Director of Cake Cutting
(05) BOZZ - Director of Ribbon Cutting
(06) LAKERFAZE – Made Lakers promise to win it for Faith
(07) MARKYTHEARKY – Director of Mirrors and reflections
(08) MILO RAMBALDI- --Team Prophet says Faith will have wonderful day.
(09) BOB – Faiths personal Security Guard
(10) TSPHERE – SuperDelegate – Faith has his vote
(11) A.K. – Promises to get Sasha’s autograph for Faith
(12) TOAD – Will supply food for the Party. BarbeQ Troll anyone?
(13) FAITH – Coming in Disguise to her party
(14) TWOODY - Wants to give his day of honor to Faith
(15) NEMAIA FALETOGO – Will sing Happy Birthday to tune of Lets Go Lakers
(16) KOBEROCKS – He thinks Faith Rocks to. We all do
Posted by: mamba24 | April 10, 2008 at 12:45 PM
On a side note, please do not cheer for the Clippers today! Any other day but today! Any other team they play against except the Lakers! We need the focus of EVERY SINGLE LAKER NATION MEMBER to be on the boys tonight to WIN WIN WIN!!!!
Again, if the question is can we cheer for the Clippers tonight, the answer is, again quoting BB's ex-wife, a resounding "Hell to the NO!!!"
Posted by: justanothermambafan | April 10, 2008 at 12:45 PM
Adam,
"buss will be willing to pay the luxury tax threshold. "
We're not talking about going slightly into the luxury tax; the Lakers are currently 17 M into the cap. This off-season Ariza, Turiaf, and Vujacic are free agents. Next off-season, Farmar, Bynum, and Odom are free agents. Bynum will get something at least in the 15M range, probably more like 20 M. No way that the Lakers will go 30 M into luxury tax.
Posted by: exhelodrvr | April 10, 2008 at 12:50 PM
*_________________________________*
HAPPY BIRTHDAY FAITH BANDWAGON
*_________________________________*
(01) OWNER - The entire Blog
(02) CHARLES - Driver
(03) MAMBA24 - Riding ShotGun
(04) EDWIN GUECO - Director of Cake Cutting
(05) BOZZ - Director of Ribbon Cutting
(06) LAKERFAZE – Made Lakers promise to win it for Faith
(07) MARKYTHEARKY – Director of Mirrors and reflections
(08) MILO RAMBALDI- --Team Prophet says Faith will have wonderful day.
(09) BOB – Faiths personal Security Guard
(10) TSPHERE – SuperDelegate – Faith has his vote
(11) A.K. – Promises to get Sasha’s autograph for Faith
(12) TOAD – Will supply food for the Party. BarbeQ Troll anyone?
(13) JON K.--Provider of Sophisticated Adult Beverages
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | April 10, 2008 at 12:51 PM
*_________________________*
WIN OUT FROM HERE OR DIE
TRYING BANDWAGON
*_________________________*
(01) JUSTANOTHERMAMBAFAN - Driver & oWNER
(02) MAMBA24 - Riding Shotgun
HAPPY BIRTHDAY FAITH CLAP CLAP CLAP CLAP CLAP
HAPPY BIRTHDAY FAITH CLAP CLAP CLAP CLAP CLAP
HAPPY BIRTHDAY FAITH CLAP CLAP CLAP CLAP CLAP
HAPPY BIRTHDAY FAITH CLAP CLAP CLAP CLAP CLAP
HAPPY BIRTHDAY FAITH CLAP CLAP CLAP CLAP CLAP
HAPPY BIRTHDAY FAITH CLAP CLAP CLAP CLAP CLAP
*_________________________________*
HAPPY BIRTHDAY FAITH BANDWAGON
*_________________________________*
(01) OWNER - The entire Blog
(02) CHARLES - Driver
(03) MAMBA24 - Riding ShotGun
(04) EDWIN GUECO - Director of Cake Cutting
(05) BOZZ - Director of Ribbon Cutting
(06) LAKERFAZE – Made Lakers promise to win it for Faith
(07) MARKYTHEARKY – Director of Mirrors and reflections
(08) MILO RAMBALDI- --Team Prophet says Faith will have wonderful day.
(09) BOB – Faiths personal Security Guard
(10) TSPHERE – SuperDelegate – Faith has his vote
(11) A.K. – Promises to get Sasha’s autograph for Faith
(12) TOAD – Will supply food for the Party. BarbeQ Troll anyone?
(13) FAITH – Coming in Disguise to her party
(14) TWOODY - Wants to give his day of honor to Faith
(15) NEMAIA FALETOGO – Will sing Happy Birthday to tune of Lets Go Lakers
(16) KOBEROCKS – He thinks Faith Rocks to. We all do
(17) EASTCOASTJESSIE - Will deliver the Celtics hide to Faith
(18) JUSTANOTHERMAMBAFAN - JUST ANOTHER FAITH FAN
Posted by: mamba24 | April 10, 2008 at 12:51 PM
I think Faith should expect tacos for her birthday.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | April 10, 2008 at 12:52 PM
BD, thanks for your comments. You're one of the few that get it.
In his own subtle way, B. Shaw was calling out Whiskers and sending out job feelers. He said about all he could say without starting a controversy in the media. That's why he put the plame on himself. But if you read between the lines, there's no doubt who he is pointing the finger at - and it's not the four guards - and deservedly so.
I do think that the other NBA owners and GMs that will be looking for new coaches next year certainly get it. They will certainly put Shaw on their list. His message, as subtle as it was, was loud and clear: If you're looking for a guy that knows how to coach and build a winning team on Defense, I'm your man. Good luck, Brian.
Posted by: | April 10, 2008 at 12:53 PM
justanothermambafan
No offense, but why would you ever cheer for the Clippers?
Posted by: EastCoastJessie | April 10, 2008 at 12:53 PM
"Hey Faith,
Happy birthday! I'd get you a present, but unfortunately, Sasha isn't big on being shoved in a box with a ribbon tied around it. haha
AK"
Actually, I've heard otherwise.
And JJ, I also am with Mamba 24 on the subject of Sasha. Look at the way the guy has improved this year from last. Most nights he's an asset. Some nights he can still be a detriment, but he always plays hard and I don't ever notice him slacking on D. He just needs to improve on his footwork and learn to stay in front of the guard he's defending without fouling. Come to think of it, I would say he fouls too much, but it's always as he's pestering the man he's on.
Posted by: | April 10, 2008 at 12:57 PM
The BBQ sauce is ready, the troll is marinading, and the mesquite coals are ready on the Weber.............just a minute while Lakerman 420 and I ruin our lungs..........aaahhhhhhh!
Tonight we smoosh smush!
Faith, in your honor on your birthday.............today's rally cry..................
DEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEFENSE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: toad | April 10, 2008 at 01:00 PM
THIS IS HOW THE SONG GOES:
Title: Crippled Inside without Bynum!!
You can shine your shoes and wear a suit;
You can comb your hair and look quite cute;
You can hide your face behind a smile;
One thing you can't hide when your weak in defense inside;
On Chorus Amateur fans: the la la la le lo lum..
You can wear a mask and paint your face;
Yuo can call yourself the human race;
Yuo can wear a collar and a tie;
One thing you can't hide when your weak in defense inside;
On Chorus Amateur fans:fi fi fi fe fo fum
Well now you know that your cat has nine lives babe;
Nine lives to itself
But you only got one and dog's life ain't fun
momma take a look outside
On Chorus Amateur fans:la la la le lo lum..
You can go to church and sing a hym;
Judge me by the color of my skin;
You can llive a lie until you die;
One thing you can't hide when your weak in defense inside;
On Chorus Amateur fans:fi fi fi fe fo fum.
Have a wonderful Day!!
The Ladies Man
Posted by: The Ladies Man | April 10, 2008 at 01:04 PM
Hey Faith,
Happy birthday! I'd get you a present, but unfortunately, Sasha isn't big on being shoved in a box with a ribbon tied around it. haha
AK"
You know, one could read something rather blue into that!
Posted by: toad | April 10, 2008 at 01:08 PM
The Ladies Man,
Busting out the old John Lennon. Nicely done, sir.
AK
Posted by: Andrew Kamenetzky | April 10, 2008 at 01:08 PM
Breaking NEWS (or Rumor)
RUMOR HAS IT…
Today's section is geared exclusively towards the latest rumor floating around the NBA …
Six Weeks? In what could be a significant factor in the Los Angeles Lakers postseason run, a source close to the situation says Andrew Bynum may miss an additional six weeks.
While details are very sketchy, Bynum recently flew to New York to visit knee specialist David Altchek. The hope was Bynum would be cleared to practice with the team and finally return after temporarily dislocating his kneecap.
It's not clear why Bynum would need to fly all the way across country to be cleared; the source indicates that the exam revealed that Bynum simply isn't ready yet.
This mirrors recent words by Kurt Rambis who told local radio that Bynum was hesitant on the knee when practicing one-on-one with the Lakers' assistant coach. Rambis expressed doubt that Bynum would be back this week.
The Lakers have proven to be a potent team despite Bynum's absence especially with the acquisition of Pau Gasol. How capable they'll be in the postseason without Bynum remains to be seen.
There is no official word on Bynum's progress. Certainly information is misconstrued from time to time but at this point the buzz in Los Angeles is that Bynum will miss at least one or even two rounds of the playoffs.
From
http://www.hoopsworld.com/Story.asp?story_id=8211
Posted by: moko | April 10, 2008 at 01:14 PM
Mamba24: I am late to today's party - but THANKS for the "next honoree" status! I have arrived......however, I would much prefer to be honored seeing another LAL championship banner hanging from the rafters! For now though, I will take what I can get! THANKS again!
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: PsychedLakerGirl | April 10, 2008 at 01:14 PM
AK,
Have you heard anything about AB missing another 6 weeks?..
I guess we'll have to wait another year, if that's true..I honestly quite pessimistic without Bynum in our line up.
Posted by: moko | April 10, 2008 at 01:15 PM
BD,
Your prayers have been answered. AB is coming back for the 1st round, so bring on the Suns!!!
--------------------------------------------------------
Jay Jay,
Priority for next season should be at the point. D-Fish will probably retire after this season, and Farmar's potential to become a very solid point guard is overstated. I really would rather see Farmar traded for a solid point guard first while he is marketable. My opinion has always been that we should have kept Critt and dispose off Farmar as part of that deal.
As far as the Machine is concerned, I really would like him to stay another season to see his true potential. At the very least, I like his tenacity and the fact that he knows how to get into an opponent's skin--which is useful during the playoff.
------------------------------------------------------------
POSTING ARTICLES
May I suggest that when posting outside sources, please post the "link" instead of "copying and pasting" the whole article... just a suggestion.
Posted by: Robyn | April 10, 2008 at 01:19 PM
justanothermambafan,
Is it acceptable to simply not want to see the Clippers totally humilated, which is a distinct possibility?
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | April 10, 2008 at 01:22 PM
Faith is not a cylon, or is she? Happy B-Day
PHIL JACKSON IS A CYLON AND HE HAS A PLAN
Starbuck claims to have found the plans to the NBA title, but can she be trusted?
Is Faith.... Starbuck?
Stay Tuned
Posted by: Who are You | April 10, 2008 at 01:22 PM
Not that you want to know but there's a new post by the K brothers.
EL SEGUNDO-
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, it was announced today.
“This should not be seen as a setback in any way,” said Altchek. “Andrew will continue with his therapy program and workouts with the Lakers’ training staff and will continue to be monitored until he can return to playing status.”
There is no target date for Bynum’s return.
Posted by: EastCoastJessie | April 10, 2008 at 01:25 PM
*_________________________*
GO GET A CHEERLEADING SKURT
AND SOME POMS POMS
*_________________________*
(01) MAMBA24 - Riding Shotgun
These birthday shout outs are nonsense. How about celebrating my team trip to the NBA Finals. Lakers, we're coming for you! Don't lose to the Spurs!
Posted by: The Big Cactus | April 10, 2008 at 01:28 PM
Happy B-day Faith!
I think the girls could get Sasha in a box with ribbon for you! But I think a win and some awesome team DEFENSE would be a much better present.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: PsychedLakerGirl | April 10, 2008 at 01:32 PM
Adam wrote:
"the problem with trading lamar is you will not find anyone who will be able to replace what he does, with the exception of maybe gerald wallace, and we're not getting him."
That's why I suggested trading Gasol in my blog last night. With a healthy Bynum and Ariza joining LO, look at possible players you can bring in for Gasol, who will also give you a strong D. There are people on expiring contracts or opting out of their final year or just on a straight up trade: Brand, Maggette, Marion, Caron Butler (Geez, wouldn't it be great to have him back?), Vince Carter, Artest, Gordon or guards like Rafer Alston, Devin Harris( the Mavs should have never traded him.). Anyone else you can think of?
I'm not talking about giving Gasol away. I'm talking about trading for a quality player who can give the Lakers the qualities they need like tenacious D or trading for a lottery pick. Excellent NBA draft this year. I just don't think we need twin towers as long as Bynum and LO are in there, and Ariza coming off the bench or starting at the SF depending on the matchups with any particular team.
The Twin Towers along with LO makes the Lakers slow and susceptible to quick drives and short fades by penetrating guards and forwards. Bynum by himself has great range. LO has proven what he can do this year. You've got to keep him.
Posted by: lotecq | April 10, 2008 at 01:36 PM
lotecq,
LO has not "proven what he can do" consistently, yet, and he has NOT shown that he can do it with Andrew Bynum.
Posted by: exhelodrvr | April 10, 2008 at 01:46 PM
Faith,
Happy B-day!
AK,
"Happy birthday! I'd get you a present, but unfortunately, Sasha isn't big on being shoved in a box with a ribbon tied around it. haha"
Just tell him there's a three-point shot in there, and it'll look like the Roadrunner on the cartoon show.
Posted by: exhelodrvr | April 10, 2008 at 01:51 PM
FAMOUS PEOPLE BORN ON APRIL 10TH
Haley Joel Osment - "I see people on this Lakers Blog"
Mandy Moore - pop singer, A Walk To Remember
Ryan Merrimar actor
Lil McClarron, member of Atomic Kitten
Steven Seagal - a look alike of Mamba24
John Madden - Monday Night Football
Omar Shariff - Dr. Zhivago
Max Von Sydow - a resemblance of Jon K. w/ dit dat jow
Chuck Connors - a rifleman like Gunner
Harry Morgan - M A S H
Joseph Pulitzer - the ancestors of AK/BK
Commodore Matthew Perry - 250 years ago we are all small dots including our birthday girl
And last but not the least. (drum please) boom boom boom boom boom.......... our first lady on the blog,
FAITH SINCLAIR
HAPPY NATAL DAY
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | April 10, 2008 at 01:52 PM
Happy Birthday Faith!
Posted by: Fan of the Mamba | April 10, 2008 at 02:40 PM
Thanks all!
LOL AK.
Wow a bandwagon?! Coolz
Posted by: Faith | April 10, 2008 at 04:04 PM
Brian Shaw should have given this speech like 60 games ago.
Better late than never I guess. We're still doing okay in our conference and all is not yet lost.
Posted by: Benjamin | April 10, 2008 at 05:30 PM
I can't stand Elie Seckbach--his voice bothers me--but that's a nice video about Ira Newble. Ronny is the nicest guy on the team? Sure didn't see that one coming!!
E
Posted by: Emma | April 10, 2008 at 08:10 PM