Some days, no news is just fine
It was something of a tumbleweeds and crickets afternoon Thursday down in El Segundo. Not a whole lot going on. In this case, though, that's good, because the biggest story of the day could have been news that Pau Gasol's ankle reacted negatively to his 32 minutes of burn in last night's win over the Blazers. Instead, we learned that Gasol woke up encouraged by the relative lack of pain and soreness, and was back on the court today. Luke and Fish were held out for precautionary measures, but are expected to play tomorrow against the Mavericks. Other news:
- Andrew Bynum did more court work today. Running, slide drills, full on medieval style jousting, replete with armor. Actually, only two of those things were actually part of the workout, and I'll let you choose... though seriously, don't discount the jousting out of hand. They've already strapped the guy into a treadmill so highly evolved it makes Johnny Five look like a can opener. Who knows what else they might do?
- Trevor Ariza is still a long way off, it seems. He's taking set shots and that sort of thing, but he won't be re-evaluated until his next x-ray.
- Jordan Farmar mentioned that he's definitely conscious of how many threes he's been hoisting over the last few games, and doesn't want to make it a habit. "When I'm at my best, I'm attacking the basket and making plays for myself and others. Just being aggressive. (Three pointers) will come to me and I'll get them and knock them down when I have to, but I don't want to get into the habit of just standing out there and settling for long range shots."
- Fun stuff from Pau, who after talking about his ankle talked about the sporting rivalry between Madrid and Barcelona, as well as the throng of Spanish fans- turns out they were sailors docked locally- who were out in force for him last week.
- LO said he was pretty much over the upper respiratory problem that weighed him down recently. It's a question now of getting back to full strength.
Regarding Friday's game, the Lakers will do their best to make the recently returned Dirk Nowitzki work on both ends of the floor, but no doubt having him around makes Dallas a bigger threat. Lamar Odom, who always draws the assignment of checking Dirk, smiled when I asked if he'd rather have seen Nowitzki miss a couple more games. Absolutely not. "I'm looking forward to that matchup. Dirk is ultra competitive, and I like to compete. He tests my defense, and I'm glad he's back out there."
As for going at him on the other end, Odom said it's tough because the Mavs do a good job playing team D, meaning they can protect him. Given that he's not a great defender anyway, that the Mavs might have to overcome a slightly more limited Nowitzki probably isn't a huge obstacle.
AUDIO:
- Phil Jackson: Download phil_jackson_4.3.mp3
- Pau Gasol: Download pau_gasol_4.3.mp3
- Lamar Odom: Download lamar_odom_4.3.mp3
- Jordan Farmar: Download jordan_farmar_4.3.mp3
BK
Nice to hear Jordan rethinking the 3's he's taking.
Posted by: Charles | April 03, 2008 at 03:41 PM
AK BK,
Nice Short Circuit reference there!
Posted by: Charles | April 03, 2008 at 03:42 PM
Johnny Five I feel alive! He does look like a can opener now! And how offensive is Fisher Stevens' Indian accent today?
I glad BK was like Gary Gnu today: No gnus is good gnus.
Posted by: Amazing_Happens | April 03, 2008 at 03:45 PM
"Pau Gasol's ankle reacted negatively to his 32 minutes of burn in last night's win over the Blazers. "
That jumped out at me and scared me.
Posted by: Grady | April 03, 2008 at 03:58 PM
Grady,
"Pau Gasol's ankle reacted negatively to his 32 minutes of burn in last night's win over the Blazers. "
It made me do a double take too!!!
Posted by: Charles | April 03, 2008 at 04:09 PM
It's always important to read carefully. Unless you're looking at typos, in which case we encourage you to quickly gloss over them.
BK
Posted by: Brian Kamenetzky | April 03, 2008 at 04:10 PM
"WAITING FOR BYNUM'S RETURN..TIK..TOK..TIK..TOK..."
I share your waiting for AB...
Posted by: Charles | April 03, 2008 at 04:14 PM
Has anyone else noticed what a monster on the defensive end that Lamar has become? It's like he became Teen-Wolf on the defensive end, blocking shots, grabbing steals, hauling in boards, the dude has got some serious dirty work focus. I know everyone wishes he were the second coming of Scottie Pippin, but like Kobe being compared to MJ, let the man play his game his way and the rest of us potential non-roster invitees cheering and coaching from the couch. GO LAKERS!!!!
Posted by: Jamie Sweet | April 03, 2008 at 04:22 PM
Bynum on trip?
I find this really odd that Andrew Bynum will travel with the Lakers and not play.
PJ said he wants Bynum to practice with the team and get into the flow of things. But the Lakers really only have time on the trip for one practice.
Andrew should be staying at home and rehabbing the knee with .......gulp.....Gary Vitti.
Wait a second. AB on the road..... away from Lakers Trainer Vitti?
Is this part of a PJ secret plan to get Bynum healthy again? Does Phil now believe like many bloggers here, that Gary Vitti is purposely inducing pain and swelling with joint altering drugs?
Is Phil keeping Andrew away form Vitti so he can give him the all important Sea Crystals without Gary preventing him from doing so?
Is Gary Vitti secretly on the Suns payroll?
Just wondering........
There is a conspiracy behind every corner Fatty.
Posted by: Fairweather Fatty | April 03, 2008 at 04:22 PM
Johnny 5!!
LO is a funny guy. On the Life with Luke segment, it cracked me up when he said he "got Coby Karl" with his virus and pumped his fist as if he accomplished his mission of infecting him.
Posted by: #4 | April 03, 2008 at 04:49 PM
Hey Guys,
The Phil Jackson link isn't working.
Posted by: J.W. Weatherman | April 03, 2008 at 04:54 PM
"Pau Gasol's ankle reacted negatively to his 32 minutes of burn in last night's win over the Blazers. "
That jumped out at me and scared me.
Posted by: Grady
It made me do a double take too!!!
Posted by: Charles
HMMM...Looks like we have some readers that are skimming through articles and not reading them throughly!
Posted by: | April 03, 2008 at 04:58 PM
how is it that Dirk is already back?
Doesn't he have a dislocated knee (same as Bynum)?
Posted by: Faith | April 03, 2008 at 05:03 PM
Lakers are tired. That is why they lost to Memphis & Charlotte. They will play better after getting rest and adding Gasol. Turiaf really needs a rest. He gave what he had.
Lakers will have to match Dallas' motivation friday or they will lose.
Bynum will make a huge impact when he returns.
Posted by: Todd | April 03, 2008 at 05:13 PM
Just a heads up that the link for Phil Jackson's audio points to the article, not the MP3 file.
Posted by: Chris | April 03, 2008 at 05:20 PM
Dit Da Jow!
By the way, Mitch talked about signing a veteran to play 15 minutes... that guy should be Quinton Ross.
Quinton Ross is one of the most under-rated players in the NBA and he plays fantastic defense.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | April 03, 2008 at 05:29 PM
I'm sure deep down inside LO is probably like "Damn" Dirk is playing after that horrible fall" Oh well..they won't be running the court like they did GS..LA has weapons to stop and or counter the run n gun. Plus I think Stack isn't playing which means more burn for Deaven..which in turn means more defensive rebounds for LO.
Posted by: lakeraholic | April 03, 2008 at 05:41 PM
Hey all,
Does anyone know what happened to the baddest little bass playin', Laker lovin', funk bringin' minstrel named Flea? He doesn't blog on NBA.com anymore. I wonder if he's still mad at Kobe for the trade talk....just wondering.
Posted by: J_Luv | April 03, 2008 at 05:48 PM
Hello all - just 24 (or so) hours away from game time. I don't know if I'll make it.....Is there anything worse than having to wait for our game days?!
Meanwhile, Chicago & Cleveland are up. Could there be a more boring game? Could there be worse announcers? Yikes - 24 hours to game time - here's hoping I make it...
Good news that Pau's ok today. That little tid-bit about him not being ok scared me too - LOL!
WE WANT THE BEAST BACK! WE NEED THE BEAST BACK! Let's go Drew - get back soon. We seriously need someone to tamper with Vitti's Blue Goo & add some liquid sea minerals & dit da jow to it - any takers?!
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: justanothermambafan | April 03, 2008 at 05:58 PM
I'm watching a animal special on snakes and guess which type there facing?? The Black Mamba! Geezzz the guy who trying to catch it is so terrified in trying to do so you can hear it in his voice. Wow that snake is fast..dangerous..and stood up just about the guy body length. The funny thing about it is..the snake was adapting to how the guy was trying to catch it..changing its stance with every attempt..aggressive..but yet smooth and smart. Kobe Indeed!!
Posted by: lakeraholic | April 03, 2008 at 06:03 PM
That's funny,
The phrase "sailors docked locally" popped out at me and made me do a double-take...
Posted by: Romy R. | April 03, 2008 at 06:03 PM
>>>Nice to hear Jordan rethinking the 3's he's taking.
True. Now if someone could just convince Lamar to NEVER
TAKE A THREE POINT SHOT EVER AGAIN.
Posted by: Long Time Laker Fan | April 03, 2008 at 06:20 PM
Mamba24 - I'm hoping you see this post! I need to be on the "Welcome Back Pau Gasol" and "Faith as the new Laker Trainer" bandwagons.
Both are very fine ideas! I'm sure Faith will bring all the right homeopathic & Chinese herbal remedies she can carry! Say bye bye to Vitti - something's wrong with that dude if Dirk's coming back before Drew....and Ariza.....and even Pau....
Meanwhile, the "55 win" and "Championship" bandwagons are rolling along quite nicely. I especially like the part where the wheels run over a troll. It makes a nice squishy sound that makes me laugh. Not to mention you get a nice piece of roadkill for the barby....LOL!
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: justanothermambafan | April 03, 2008 at 06:22 PM
Charles,
sorry for the late response,
so what your saying is you think it was bling?
Posted by: Fire32 | April 03, 2008 at 06:35 PM
Xodus,
Sorry Im getting back to you late on your comments about the Lakers defense.
Im well aware the bulls at the time were #1 defensively. One good point I would like to make is the Bulls had 3 of the top 10 greatast defensive players of all-time and more importantly they were good before Phil even got there.
It still boils down to the fact that Phil doesn't make defense his #1 priority. He believes a big % of the defense is really how well you run your offense, and you can't argue with his success.
I just find it interesting that the same problems we have on defense are exactly what everyone complained about in the 3 peat. Can't stop the pick and roll. Can't stop the quick guards and dribble penetration... These are all things we had in the championship years!
Posted by: zen | April 03, 2008 at 07:05 PM
kareem blogged about the lakers today. check it out
Posted by: eddie brock | April 03, 2008 at 07:15 PM
I know it's off subject, but Scotty Pippen's wife, Larsa, has got to be the most beautiful trophy wife ever. And I thought Kobe had it good.
http://sports.rightpundits.com/?p=231
Posted by: troy | April 03, 2008 at 07:38 PM
You're an idiot, Sunny
Posted by: Earth Wind & Fire | April 03, 2008 at 07:50 PM
Troy,
Scotty Pippen is creepy.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | April 03, 2008 at 08:02 PM
Faith,
Dirk had a high ankle sprain and a knee sprain. It's still ridiculous that he's back already, though. He's made several quick comebacks from ankle sprains (he played a large portion of the 06 playoffs with one) but there was no way I thought he'd be back in a week and a half.
Posted by: Xodus | April 03, 2008 at 08:13 PM
From Kareem's Blog, regarding Andrew Bynum:
"He could make this playoff season one to remember."
When an all-time great like Kareem has that to say about a 20 year old player it says a lot about the kid's future in this league.
We think he's gonna make it a season to remember too Cap.
I can't wait.
Posted by: "Pig" Miller | April 03, 2008 at 08:23 PM
Troy,
Scottie's wife is alright. Shes way too skinny for me. She needs some meat on her. Like Toccara, thats my boo.
Posted by: wow | April 03, 2008 at 08:31 PM
"Pau Gasol's ankle reacted negatively to his 32 minutes of burn in last night's win over the Blazers. "
That jumped out at me and scared me.
Posted by: Grady
It made me do a double take too!!!
Posted by: Charles
HMMM...Looks like we have some readers that are skimming through articles and not reading them throughly!
Posted by: | April 03, 2008 at 04:58 PM
Hey I caught my mistake!
Posted by: Grady | April 03, 2008 at 08:36 PM
Fairweather Fatty,
The secret on GAry Vitti must be on the hair. When he has this curly hair in the nineties under Dell Harris, nobody get's injured. Of course our players at that time were Eddie Jones, Nick the quick, Chise Ceballos, they have the time of their life to go on vacation while season is being played. They moved like coyotes. Today, everybody is sick or injury prone, we need back the hair on top of Gary's dome to destroy the chains of bad luck. Can we ask our Faith, the blog's nightingale to replace Gary Vitti?
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | April 03, 2008 at 08:41 PM
damn, larry hughes tonight. 25 points, 9 assists, and 8 rebounds. i guess i didn't make him better. he seems to be playing better without me. there goes my mvp.
Posted by: LebronLover | April 03, 2008 at 08:59 PM
Faith,
I believe Dirk was diagnosed with a high ankle sprain,
supposedly he's a fast healer (came back from previous ankle injuries really quickly)
Posted by: Lakers Legacy | April 03, 2008 at 09:08 PM
The Times has wasted its money once again on another useless column by Mark Heisler:
"The question is: When will they put it together, this spring or next fall?"
Mark -- And your point is? Most of us are dealing game by game. You add nothing to my insight as a fan.
Why does this guy continue to get paid?
Posted by: Rick Friedman | April 03, 2008 at 09:18 PM
Listen Guys do any of you think the Lakers can get back to the top of Western Conference? They have to contend with top western contenders like Dallas, San Antonio and New Orleans for the remainder of the season.
Posted by: justin leonard ang | April 03, 2008 at 09:25 PM
Nameless Blogger,
"HMMM...Looks like we have some readers that are skimming through articles and not reading them throughly!"
You have problems understanding. The fact that I mentioned that I did a "double take" implies that I did read it throughly. Double meaning Twice.
HMMM...Looks like we have some readers that are skimming throughs post's and not comprehending!
Posted by: Charles | April 03, 2008 at 09:32 PM
Edwin
"They moved like coyotes" haha
"we need back the hair on top of Gary's dome to destroy the chains of bad luck"
Like Samson of the Bible? Interesting. You may be on to something.
Have you emailed this thought to Mitch? lol
Faith = Samson or Vitti's Delilah
Edwin = Bible Prophet and carrier of good news
Fatty = Carrier of Samson's loin cloth?
Posted by: Fairweather Fatty | April 03, 2008 at 09:47 PM
From Kareem's Blog, regarding Andrew Bynum:
"He could make this playoff season one to remember."
When an all-time great like Kareem has that to say about a 20 year old player it says a lot about the kid's future in this league.
We think he's gonna make it a season to remember too Cap.
I can't wait.
Posted by: "Pig" Miller | April 03, 2008 at 08:23 PM
Hey Pig,
Where can I go to read the Cap's blog? That is quite a statement coming from Kareem regarding Andrew. No doubt Kareem knows what Andrew is capable of doing better than anyone else. Is that all Kareem said about Andrew or is there more? Thanks Pig for the information and have a great night. Go Lakers!!!
Posted by: | April 03, 2008 at 09:49 PM
Listen Guys do any of you think the Lakers can get back to the top of Western Conference? They have to contend with top western contenders like Dallas, San Antonio and New Orleans for the remainder of the season.
Posted by: justin leonard ang | April 03, 2008 at 09:25 PM
Why not us? Why not now? Lakers have just as much a chance as the Spurs and Hornets to finish on top of the WC. This will be a photo finish at the finish line. Go Lakers!!!
Posted by: | April 03, 2008 at 09:52 PM
Wow! The Portland game was as different as night and day. I was glad to see that Jack in the Box had to give away free tacos, anytime the Lakers can hold the other team to lees than 100 I have little doubt to the outcome. Game by game this team has drawn me in and I don't think I am the oly one. I am starting to notice more people in Lakers gear. I even saw "We want Tacos" t shirts on EBay!
gee
Posted by: Gee | April 03, 2008 at 10:04 PM
Nameless Blogger Looking for Cap's Blog,
If you go through the web page carefully, you will see a link on the right side. It is under "All LA Times Blog." Between Archives and Recent Posts. I'm sure you can find it. C'mon, you got it. Atta boy!
HMMM...Looks like we have some readers that are skimming through webpages and not reading links throughly!
Posted by: Charles | April 03, 2008 at 10:19 PM
Hey Pig,
Where can I go to read the Cap's blog? That is quite a statement coming from Kareem regarding Andrew. No doubt Kareem knows what Andrew is capable of doing better than anyone else. Is that all Kareem said about Andrew or is there more? Thanks Pig for the information and have a great night. Go Lakers!!!
Posted by: | April 03, 2008 at 09:49 PM
Go to google and search for "jabbar blog"
Posted by: BynumBeliever | April 03, 2008 at 10:30 PM
I HAVE OFTEN THOUGHT OF STARTING MY OWN BLOG............................................. BUT.............MOST YOU GUYS ARE TO SLOW TO KEEP UP.................................
Posted by: KARL MALONE | April 03, 2008 at 11:16 PM
Fairweather Fatty,
"Faith = Samson or Vitti's Delilah"
FF You're creative in relating it to Samson and Faith is his Delilah. haha! I can't imagine Gary wouldbe holding the pillars of Staples and would pull down those jerseys on the rafters if they don't recognize the Great Laker Trainer while Faith is cheering on the side : "defense, Sammy, defense!"
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | April 03, 2008 at 11:20 PM
Dam the blazers, oh well we can take houston in the first round.
those of you confused on dirk, remeber he grew up across the pond with football - insane ankle injuries, they cry and roll around then magically get up and back to the pitch. also no 7ft european kid growing up in the 90's didn't learn from the greatest FLOPPER OF ALL TIME -big Vlade D.
dirk was not hurt as bad as we all hoped.
i agree vitti is a loon, then what is the name of the assistant trainer who put the magic tape on KB24's finger?
Posted by: Lakerlifer | April 03, 2008 at 11:28 PM
TOWN HALL MEETING: MITCH KUPCHAK TALKS LAKERS
by Eric Pincus for HoopsWorld
http://www.hoopsworld.com/Story.asp?story_id=8119
Another great article by Eric Pincus (thanks, Eric) with some great quotes from Mitch to the Lakers season ticket holders about the various moves and non-moves the team made, the luxury tax and keeping the team together (including Sasha and Ronny and Lamar) and how he assess the Lakers chances this playoffs. Like Jerry West, Mitch thought the Lakers could handle anybody even before the Gasol trade.
"I'll take my chances. I don't think we're outmatched by any team in the West."
Mitch also said that the Lakers love how Lamar Odom is playing and consider him one of the four stars on the team, for which Jerry Buss is willing to pay the luxury tax. Whether or not Lamar gets an extension will depend solely up on how the team and he perform in the playoffs this year. Mitch also said that the Lakers want to keep both Ronny and Sasha, who are restricted free agents. Considering that they kept Luke and even Chris, you would think that the Lakers would match any offer.
What I thought was most interesting was Mitch discussing how he had become very impressed with the plan that Andrew had presented him to improve his conditioning and ability over the summer. You could see that Andrew’s plan and the physical condition of his body and increased confidence he displayed when Mitch first saw him after the summer were the start of Andrew being declared untouchable by the Lakers.
It must have been a most gratifying Town Hall Meeting for Mitch with the season ticket holders, especially considering his reception last year. Congrats, Mitch, you deserve to be Executive of the Year. Great job setting up the team for the next decade.
Let’s go, Lakers. Time to win out.
Tom
Posted by: LakerTom | April 03, 2008 at 11:31 PM
bynum gasol odom bryant fisher --------2008 champs
Posted by: richard | April 03, 2008 at 11:37 PM