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
"On Being Kobe Bryant"
http://www.danielkeysmoran.blogspot.com/2008/04/on-being-kobe-bryant.html
Something for my fellow Lakers fans. Enjoy. My take on Kobe's whole career, pretty much, through the focus of this year's MVP race.
Posted by: FatSam | April 04, 2008 at 01:24 AM
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
Thank you! How many of these stupid columns will the Times print? This is like the third time he has made this "point" about how the Lakers need to do it in the Playoffs and how we won't be able to tell how they play until they have their players. Gee, thanks for the information.
Posted by: Jman449 | April 04, 2008 at 03:25 AM
lakers rule! we will be 2008 nba champions!!!
Posted by: | April 04, 2008 at 04:58 AM
*_____________________________________*
WELCOME BACK PAU GASOL BANDWAGON
*_____________________________________*
(01) DREWPAUKOBE - Driver & Owner
(02) MAMBA24 - Riding Shotgun
(03) THE_D Director of setting the banquet
(04) TOAD – Getting experience to drive the welcome back Bynum bandwagon
(05) ROBYN - Dirfector of finding newn trainers
(06) AMAZING HAPPENS – Director of all things Amazing
(07) KOREY - Will personally replace all trainers
(08) CHARLES – Director of Analysis
(09) FAITH She will be new Laker trainer -
(10) DAVE - director of Keeping Eyes on Prize
(11) DS - Director of Welcomiing
(12) JUSTANOTHERMAMBAFAN - Local Dit Da Jaw distributor
*_________________________________________*
FAITH TO BE NEW LAKER TRAINER BANDWAGON
*__________________________________________*
(01) FAITH – Driver & Owner & Traine r& Nurse
(02) JUSTANOTHERMAMBAFAN – Local Dit Da Jaw distributor
(03) MAMBA24 – Trainers Assistant’s t
Posted by: Mamba24 | April 04, 2008 at 05:38 AM
Hello LA friends!
It's game day! Big game - playoff implications. Loving the drama and who do we get tonight Bill (I'm not Luke's dad) Walton or Jon Barry?
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: PsychedLakerGirl | April 04, 2008 at 06:34 AM
GAME DAY!!!!!!!: BOZZ, TOAD JUSTANOTHERMAMBAFAN, FATTY
PIG MILLER, EASTCOASTJESSIE, PSYCHEDLAKERGIRL!
And so a call went out among the land ……….. 15 DAYS TO THE START
OF ANIHALTION & CORONATION. The Truth as foretold is about to be
revealed again: And the Gods said: “LET NEVER THERE BE A DECADE
WITHOUT AT LEAST ONE LAKER CHAMPIONSHIP” and the Gods
agreed in unisom. ANOTHER LAKER CHAMPIONSHIP IS NEEDED TO BRING
LIGHT & JOY BACK INTO THE DISMAL WORLD. And so they intoned
GIVE A MAN A FISH and HE’LL EAT A DAY, BUT GIVE A TEAM A FISHER
& THEY’LL WIN A CHAMPIONSHIP. And so Derek Fisher was added to the
roster. Then the Gods declared IT IS TIME FOR LESS TRIANGLE & MORE
TIGER IN THE TANK, and so Pau Gasol Was added. And the gods said a
team cannot Win with a Socks in the middle and so Socks became
THE BEAST. Finally the Gods said: “A GREAT LAKER TEAM NEEDS TO
HAVE THE GREATEST PLAYER ON THE PLANET” and just as they were
about to create said player in walked KOBE – BLACK MAMBA – BRYANT
and the Gods in unisom said “NEVER MIND” And the Gods looked upon this
team and said ‘IT IS GOOD – WE CAN WORK WITH THIS” And so now even
as we speak The Crown for King Kobe Is being crafted. 9RINGS stationary is all
being changed to Read 10Rings. The mambas are busy sorting out their
pecking order for Lineup in the Parade. But anything is better when shared
and so a call went out: Let all the Lost tribes of Laker Nation now begin their
trek back To Staples Mecca for the annual NBA pilgrimage. And the pilgrimage
Began. The Missing Laker Nation Tribal Elders, FATTY & JJ emerged from
Hiding and led the way. Then the poet and Author Generic_one emerged.
Special emissaries were sent to find elders, Jorema, Rdlee, The Lamar Show,
Smooth D, JCOOL, GDCHILD. Edwin Gueco a dedicated tribal elder is in
Charge of bringing the strayed elders back into the fold. It is believed he was
very instrumental in the return of our beloved elder Fatty. Oh Laker Nation
Hear The Call: COME HOME JOIN US AS LAKER NATION ONCE AGAIN
ASSUMES THE THRONE THAT IS RIGHTFULLY OURS : THE LAMAR SHOW,
ROLAND LAZENBY, GDCHILD, JOREMA, SMOOTH_D, JCOOL, RDLEE
the elders of our nation follow the lead Of your fellow elders FATTY & JJ and return.
*_____________________________________*
WELCOME BACK PAU GASOL BANDWAGON
*_____________________________________*
(01) DREWPAUKOBE - Driver & Owner
(02) MAMBA24 - Riding Shotgun
(03) THE_D Director of setting the banquet
(04) TOAD – Getting experience to drive the welcome back Bynum bandwagon
(05) ROBYN - Dirfector of finding newn trainers
(06) AMAZING HAPPENS – Director of all things Amazing
(07) KOREY - Will personally replace all trainers
(08) CHARLES – Director of Analysis
(09) FAITH She will be new Laker trainer -
(10) DAVE - director of Keeping Eyes on Prize
(11) DS - Director of Welcomiing
(12) JUSTANOTHERMAMBAFAN - Local Dit Da Jaw distributor
*_________________________________________*
FAITH TO BE NEW LAKER TRAINER BANDWAGON
*__________________________________________*
(01) FAITH – Driver & Owner & Traine r& Nurse
(02) JUSTANOTHERMAMBAFAN – Local Dit Da Jaw distributor
(03) MAMBA24 – Trainers Assistant’s
Posted by: Mamba24 | April 04, 2008 at 06:43 AM
HERE'S THE LINK TO KAREEMS BLOG
http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/kareem/
Posted by: MAMBA24 | April 04, 2008 at 07:04 AM
Hey all:
Throwing this out there as an early morning salvo...and just to get us hyped up for tonight's game.
Do we think Bynum's going on this trip and not playing mantra is an act?
Read below.......it seems to be practice:
From Dallas Morning News:
Posted: Thursday April 03, 2008 07:30AM ET
The post-shootaround pessimism was all an act, Mavericks coach Avery Johnson revealed after the win over the Warriors. The Mavs knew this morning that Dirk Nowitzki would play tonight. They just didn't want the Warriors to know. "Nellie taught me that," Avery said with a big smile. That's not to say Dirk was blowing smoke when he told the media that his ankle still hurt like heck. After all, the German tough guy cut the low-end recovery time from a high ankle sprain in half.
Posted by: PsychedLakerGirl | April 04, 2008 at 07:20 AM
Jon K:
Yao? Dit da Jow!
http://tinyurl.com/45ctnn
Note: any resemble of the above to Calos Mencia's catch-phrase is purely (OK, not purely) accidental.
Posted by: The D | April 04, 2008 at 07:31 AM
JMAN449 AND RICK FRIEDMAN SAID:"The Times has wasted its money
once again on another useless column by Mark Heisler: Thank you! How many of these stupid columns
will the Times print?"
STOP THIS! STOP THIS NOW! THIS IS AMERICA AND STUPID PEOPLE
ARE ENTITLED TO HAVE A STUPID COLUMNIST OF THEIR OWN!
Posted by: mAMBA24 | April 04, 2008 at 07:52 AM
FAT SAM SAID:"Something for my fellow Lakers fans. Enjoy.
My take on Kobe's whole career, pretty much, through the focus of this year's MVP race.'
NOW THAT'S WHAT I'M TALKING ABOUT.!!!
KUDOS FAT SAM, YOU DA MAN!
Posted by: MAMBA24 | April 04, 2008 at 08:00 AM
Mamba24: Yeah, the roll call!! I thought you were holding out until playoffs started? Well I love it and I think many others do too.
Thanks for the shout out!
Posted by: PsychedLakerGirl | April 04, 2008 at 08:04 AM
*_________________________________________*
FAITH TO BE NEW LAKER TRAINER BANDWAGON
*_________________________________________*
(01) FAITH – Driver & Owner & Trainer & Nurse
(02) JUSTANOTHERMAMBAFAN – Local Dit Da Jaw distributor
(03) MAMBA24 – Trainers Assistant’s
(04) EDWIN GUECO – Director of Security in the Trainer transition
in other words Faiths' bodyguard
Posted by: MAMBA24 | April 04, 2008 at 08:06 AM
Mark Heisler:and T.J. Simers are two writers that continue to "phone it in" and have done so for years. It's really sad. The L.A. Times used to have the best sports section.
The K Brothers are the best thing the L.A. Times sports section has going for it, and they're not even given a column. So stupid.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | April 04, 2008 at 08:08 AM
Good morning Mamba24,
Please include me in the new Gasol and Faith bandwagons.
Thanks.
Posted by: Rick Friedman | April 04, 2008 at 08:09 AM
Mamba,
"and the Gods agreed in unisom."
I bet they were sleepy afterwards.
Posted by: "Pig" Miller | April 04, 2008 at 08:09 AM
Good Morning Everybody!
Nothing like game day. Unfortunately I will be working from 8-5, 7-11 and won't be able to catch the game. I just hope we have another good one. Go Lakers!
Posted by: Charles | April 04, 2008 at 08:20 AM
PsychedLakerGirl
That's two great morning tidbits in a row girl!
Thanks
Posted by: Charles | April 04, 2008 at 08:43 AM
Good Morning Mamba24, Good Morning Charles, Good Morning Laker Nation!!!!!!!!
Great way to bring up the sun, Mamba! Makes it a great day in Laker Nation!
As Laker Tom said, LETS GO LAKERS! TIME TO WIN OUT!!!!!!!
Posted by: toad | April 04, 2008 at 08:46 AM
AK/BK,
I don't know who the NBA hired to do the ads for them this year, but I approve.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j3vmpM2FGzU&feature=email
Posted by: Amazing_Happens | April 04, 2008 at 08:50 AM
Psyched:
I think Drew is there with the team so he and LO and Pau can work on their spacing and rotations so that when he does get some PT, he'll blend in a good bit more seamlessly. We need to remember that the big three on the front line have never played together, and have really never played with similar size and skill type players as they now have the opportunity to do. Integrating the big three will be the biggest task for PJ as we come up on the playoffs, but we all are just salivating at the prospect of having twin towers with so much talent and LO on the wing. We're gonna have another three-peat (at least)!!!!!
Posted by: toad | April 04, 2008 at 08:55 AM
Looks like Yao's going to be rubbing some Dit Da Jow on his hurt foot!
Posted by: Xodus | April 04, 2008 at 08:55 AM
As PJ says, playoffs are all about matchups so I'm scoreboard watching. Since Utah gets in to top 4 regardless of record, and counting on San Antonio to ovetake Hornets, that means we could get (1) Houston in first round, (2) Hornets in second (or one of the teams in the 7-8-9 mashup), and (3) winner of Spurs/Suns slugfest. This is GREAT positioning, and it's a 50/50 shot right now, especially since we have tiebreaker with Suns. Anyone know if Spurs have tiebreaker with Hornets if their series splits 2/2. We deserve a break.
Posted by: sfgreybeard | April 04, 2008 at 09:00 AM
dirk::faster healing time::HGH
wonder if the NBA tests for that stuff?
it is a well known & documented fact that particular hormone combinations rapidly speed up recovery time & minimize pain/inflamation.
i saw his fall. it looked just as gnarly as Bynum's except i don't think his kneecap dislocated. its just unrealistic that he only missed 9 days! wouldn't be surprised if Cuban made some midnight phone calls if you know what i mean...
i'm just sayin'
Posted by: i'm just sayin' | April 04, 2008 at 09:08 AM
When is Ariza's next X-Ray?
Posted by: JC | April 04, 2008 at 09:10 AM
GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOD MOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOORRRRRRRRRRRRR
NIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIING LAKER NATION!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
It's Laker time Baby!!!!!!! Wow it feels good to post again! Sorry all, I been sick. (like everyone waits for my posts...anyway) I still hear people cryin out there in Laker Land. FRET NOT!!! For we who are the Nation of the Lakers Shall Overcome!!!!! The Magical golden sphere shall be ours once again! Their will be a glorious parade with song and dance, wine and woman, mutton and men! King Phil will lead the nights of the Hardwood through the very heart of The Laker Nation with Sir Kobe Bryant at his side. Holding the sphere high in the air while screaming a triumphant roar!!! The sky will be filled pieces of gold and purple once again, oh yes, it will be...and all will be good in The Laker Nation!!!
Now inhale slowly as I blow smoke smoke at the screen.
IT'S TIME TO WATCH THE LAKERS AND DRINK SOME BEER, TOKE A BOWL AND SCREAM AND CHEER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
LAKERS 4 LIFE BABY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
LakerMan 420
Posted by: LakerMan 420 | April 04, 2008 at 09:22 AM
Oh and I almost forgot...
Amazing_Happens...Wow a Gary Gnu reference...never thought I would see that...just wow...
LakerMan 420
Posted by: LakerMan 420 | April 04, 2008 at 09:25 AM
RICHARD:"bynum gasol odom bryant fisher --------2008 champs"
LEBRON, SHAQ, DWADE, NASH, 2008 has been's
Posted by: MAMBA24 | April 04, 2008 at 09:25 AM
*_________________________________________*
FAITH TO BE NEW LAKER TRAINER BANDWAGON
*_________________________________________*
(01) FAITH – Driver & Owner & Trainer & Nurse
(02) JUSTANOTHERMAMBAFAN – Local Dit Da Jaw distributor
(03) MAMBA24 – Trainers Assistant’s
(04) EDWIN GUECO – Director of Security in the Trainer transition, in other words Faiths' bodyguard
(05) Jon K--Mixer of the Dit Da Jow
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | April 04, 2008 at 09:44 AM
Charles - I am usually slow to the draw especially in keeping up with this group, so thanks.
Ladies Man - you are officially off my nice guy list. I have a better job than you and I do a lot more for humanity than you ever will.
Posted by: PsychedLakerGirl | April 04, 2008 at 09:49 AM
PSYCHEDLAKERGIRL:"Ladies Man - you are officially off my nice guy list.
I have a better job than you and I do a lot more for humanity than you ever will."
AWWWW. Don't let the Ladies Man get you down. We
appreciate you PsychedlakerGirl. Ladies Man really is
a good guy he just sometimes don't realize that words hurt.
But as long as a heart beats within this chest of man
You PsychedLakerGirl will stand tall and proud in Laker
Nation. And just by your existence you do more for
Humanity than The Ladies Man could do in a million
lifetimes. But he does have a mean DunK!
Posted by: MAMBA24 | April 04, 2008 at 10:13 AM
LakerMan 420 if you keep this nonsense up I will
have no choice but to declare you my favorite Blogger.
NOW STOP IT! NO ONE DESERVES TO HAVE SO MUCH
TALENT. LOL! Seriously you're good Bro.
Posted by: MAMBA24 | April 04, 2008 at 10:17 AM
Charles,
"That's two great morning tidbits in a row girl!"
That's a little personal, isn't it?
Posted by: exhelodrvr | April 04, 2008 at 11:09 AM
Wow. thanks MAMBA24!! I like to write from time to time, but I think it's from the pot...well, no...ya it's the pot. On the upside, it is prescription. The real inspiration is the Lakers, my team since the 80's. The first sporting event I remember seeing was a Lakers game on a black&white set that got 9 channels. I had to hold the rabbit ears when I was a kid to get the just enough of the picture to watch Kareem hit the skyhook for the scoring record. I had a B&W in my room too. I didn't care it was all to watch the Lakers...but it made me smoke weed to!!! Damn step dad was downstairs with a 34" color TV with cable and stereo speakers!!! What a jackwad...anyway now I smoke weed and watch the Lakers in my house on the 144" and oh yes..there may be a playoff party.
IT'S TIME TO WATCH THE LAKERS AND DRINK SOME BEER, TOKE A BOWL AND SCREAM AND CHEER!!!!!!!!
LAKERS 4 LIFE BABY!!!!!!
LakerMan 420
Posted by: LakerMan 420 | April 04, 2008 at 11:13 AM
"On Being Kobe Bryant"
http://www.danielkeysmoran.blogspot.com/2008/04/
on-being-kobe-bryant.html
Something for my fellow Lakers fans. Enjoy. My take on Kobe's whole career, pretty much, through the focus of this year's MVP race.
Posted by: FatSam | April 04, 2008 at 01:24 AM
Great post. Recommend reading!
Posted by: JustaLakerFan | April 04, 2008 at 11:37 AM
JustaLakerFan..........linky no worky.
Posted by: LakerMan 420 | April 04, 2008 at 11:57 AM
LADIES AND GENTLEMEN THE NEW LAKER ANTHEM:
IT'S TIME TO WATCH THE LAKERS AND DRINK SOME BEER,
TOKE A BOWL AND SCREAM AND CHEER!!!!!!!! LAKERS 4 LIFE BABY!!!!!!
CLAP CLAP CLAP CLAP CLAP
IIT'S TIME TO WATCH THE LAKERS AND DRINK SOME BEER,
TOKE A BOWL AND SCREAM AND CHEER!!!!!!!! LAKERS 4 LIFE BABY!!!!!!
CLAP CLAP CLAP CLAP CLAP
Posted by: MAMBA24 | April 04, 2008 at 12:01 PM
EXHELODRVR:"
Charles, "That's two great morning tidbits in a row girl!"
That's a little personal, isn't it?
HEY LEAVE THE KID ALONE AND LET HIM ENJOY
HIS TIDBITS IN PRIVACY.
By the way Charles, can you save a bit of Tid for me.
Posted by: MAMBA24 | April 04, 2008 at 12:03 PM
I LIKE IT! SAY IT LOUD!!! SAY IT PROUD!!!!
IT'S TIME TO WATCH THE LAKERS AND DRINK SOME BEER,
TOKE A BOWL AND SCREAM AND CHEER!!!!!!!! LAKERS 4 LIFE BABY!!!!!!
CLAP CLAP CLAP CLAP CLAP
IT'S TIME TO WATCH THE LAKERS AND DRINK SOME BEER,
TOKE A BOWL AND SCREAM AND CHEER!!!!!!!! LAKERS 4 LIFE BABY!!!!!!
CLAP CLAP CLAP CLAP CLAP
Posted by: LakerMan 420 | April 04, 2008 at 12:24 PM
LAKERMAN420:"I LIKE IT! SAY IT LOUD!!! SAY IT PROUD!!!!
IT'S TIME TO WATCH THE LAKERS AND DRINK SOME BEER,
TOKE A BOWL AND SCREAM AND CHEER!!!!!!!! LAKERS 4 LIFE BABY!!!!!!
CLAP CLAP CLAP CLAP CLAP
Now that is the sign of a real Laker Fan. I shall endeavor in
the comming playoffs to match your enthusiasm Lakerman420.
IT'S TIME TO WATCH THE LAKERS AND DRINK SOME BEER,
TOKE A BOWL AND SCREAM AND CHEER!!!!!!!! LAKERS 4 LIFE BABY!!!!!!
CLAP CLAP CLAP CLAP CLAP
Posted by: mamba24 | April 04, 2008 at 12:37 PM
Yeah, Farmar needs to work on getting looks for OTHERS, because he certainly doesn't have a problem getting his own shot. You can see when he gets that look in his eyes, he thinks he is playing one on one and doesn't notice any of his teammates.
Posted by: akamroti | April 04, 2008 at 01:48 PM
JustaLakerFan..........linky no worky.
Posted by: LakerMan 420 | April 04, 2008 at 11:57 AM
"On Being Kobe Bryant"
http://www.danielkeysmoran.blogspot.com/2008/04/on-being-kobe-bryant.html
Something for my fellow Lakers fans. Enjoy. My take on Kobe's whole career, pretty much, through the focus of this year's MVP race.
Posted by: FatSam | April 04, 2008 at 01:24 AM
Try this one from FatSam
Posted by: JustaLakerFan | April 04, 2008 at 03:26 PM