Thankfully, there's no chance of playing Portland in the postseason
(Don't forget, there's a PG&B podcast this morning at 11 am PST. AK will be on a flight from Portland, but Hoopsworlds' Eric Pincus will be dropping by. If you're an especially big fan of BK, this is your dream show. Molly Knight of ESPN the Mag will be by to talk Blue, as well. Click on the widget to the right to listen!) or go to www.nowlive.com.
At least not until 2009, at any rate, which would allow the Lakers to formulate a winning blueprint when it comes to taking one in Oregon. But for now, as last night's 112-103 loss to the Blazers demonstrates, the Lakers ain't nowhere close to packing up the ol' drawing board. But in breaking down this loss, one would figure some defense will be included as part of the triumphant outline, since a lack thereof allowed the Blazers to have their way, especially during the opening quarter. Too much Brandon Roy, too much LaMarcus Aldridge and even too much Channing Frye, who racked a season-high 22/11 in place of the injured Joel Przybilla. Bits and pieces aside, including a brief skirmish ensuing after a flagrant foul administered against Brandon Roy by Lamar Odom (which ultimately seemed to fire up the hosts more than offending squad), the Lakers were running almost entirely at half speed. The lack of urgency was somewhere between surprising and unforgivable, considering New Orleans' loss to the Jazz provided a huge opportunity to move up the W.C standings and seize a first place finish. Instead, they remain stuck in third place with a box score to remind them as to why.
At least there was a little sunshine to go along with the rain (literal and metaphorical) in Portland. Asked about a possible return to action for Andrew Bynum this weekend, Phil Jackson didn't squash the idea outright. Granted, he also didn't come close to making it sound like a given, even using the phrase "long shot" at one point. Thus, it would seem appropriate that Laker fans take this news with a reaction similar to "measured enthusiasm." Similar to how Clips fans should absorb Elton Brand's semi-committal take on his looming opt out.
The Times' Mark Heisler put in a few calls and found that Kobe and CP3 may require a photo finish for the MVP race. For many a voter, the call changes by the minute. If Kobe did land in the runner up spot, chalk it up as yet another "to-do" list item left unchecked over the last few season.
A look at NBA legends, including Kareem, now making their bones as assistant coaches.
*___________________________________________*
WED. April 9, 2008 The Force is busy taking Dit da Jow
The Laker Nation is united in one word D@MN!.
*___________________________________________*
Good Morning Charles,
Good Morning East Coast Jessie My Latina Queen
Good Morning Angry Laker You are very Eloquent Thank you.
Good Morning Future 15 Time World Champion LA Laker Nation
OK All Together : D@MMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMNNN!
*_______________________________________________________*
ROLL CALL : JUSTANOTHERMAMBAFAN
(1) Faith, Bob, Keifo, Vman. Jay Jay, Charles, Edwin Gueco, Tsiry, FATTY, ANGRYLAKER
Tha Show, Tim-4-Show, TheLakeShow, Generic_One, Pig Miller, Toad, Taliq, LakerTRUTH
WesJoeNixon, Zakee, Cleon, SBPimp, The_D, Bozz, #4, Nemia Faletogo, Elle, HmrHed
ComptonsFinest, FlagrantFowl LakerLegacy, Exhelodrvr, Laker Tom, Rick Friedman , JMan
The Outlaw, Tsphere, Jon Kavulic, WeaveMan, SixOneZero, FearlessWhackJob, PigMiller
utzworld THE BANNER HOLDER, DICE8UP, Never, JANAYA, EAST_COAST_JESSIE,
LakerGurl, SFLakerGirl, PsychedLakerGirl, SimiLakerGirl, LakerLass, HoustonLakerGirl,
SheKOBE, LakersRydeOrDie, CBuck, SloGal, DarkAngelSK, TROY, TWoody, LAKERFAZE
DrewPauKobe, GoKobeGo, KobesBad, KobeRocks, Kobes T, Laker/KobeFan, LakerMan420
MrBarneryDangles, Todd, JesterGuru, SmoothD, JCool, Jeff, David WHANG, Andrew Z
KIWI, Machiavelly, DOC4daLakeShow, LakersMR, LakersSTH, HobbitMage, HugoBoss,
Complex Brotha, WondahBap, Derek, Benjamin, KOREY, CYRUS(Ventrilquist), PUDDLE
BackMamba24, BrownMamba24, WhiteMamba24, Mamba24Fan4Life, FanOfMamba, Ando
JUSTANOTHERMAMBAFAN, Mamba#5, JustALakerFan, VI LakerFan, LALFan, MOKO
Happy Camper, Happy Daze, Happy Gilmore, Critical BeatDown, RealityBites, RealityCheck
Amazing Happens, TELLitLIKEitIS PSLakerLover, Lakers4Lyfe, Lakers4Real, WOW, BZAR
AKR68, GiantSquid, BotSoy, LAKERFAN, LA_MENTAL, CDUB0512, CaliPhilosopher
You Ever Notice? MARKYtheARKY, Justin LEONARD, FISHEYE, GEE, Linda Pineda
BronxLakerFan ChitTownLaker, HoustonLaker, TexasLaker, BrazillianLaker, USCLaker
LakerNorth, LakerinBC, ROMY R, NIK KANNAN, Earth_Wind_&_Fire, FKIllah, TRIO, TEJ
AA Los, WIZO, CAESER, MAXXIMO, WOLF, Chuck23, 10MillionDollarZen,
MAN, JeffGrotke,Lakers4Realz, Gino, Gabe, Darick, Floyd, Vincent, Robyn Khang, Glenn,
Old Scholol, Eddie Brock, Jandro, Paul Lee, Ajax, Mitchell, David In Spain, J_Doubter, Guy,
Xtro, Kyle, Playa, Butler, Franky_J., Daryl, LakerDawg, DK,JC, The Dropper, Afro Joe, ZEN,
MOB_WAGONEER, DOC, PK-IN-THE-MESA , JANDRO, GREENPAZ, KELLY TEEJ, JEFF
Andy B. SwanWorld, , Benny Blanca, MEL, DC, AdamKiley, THE_CAT, JUSTIN, CHRIS H,
LENT, TIKI, TP, LADIESMAN, Linda Pineda, CaliKing, THIIRTY2, AIME WILLIAMS, CHE
CHUCKY.L.OHNIO,, Look Lonely, Brylle, LakerHolic, GDChild, Dion Centralk, ,GreekDude,
Staples24, Laker_Fan, True Laker Fan, Passionate Laker Fan, LT Laker_Fan, 70sLaker_Fan
40YearFan, KILLER_EIGHT, JOHNNYP,, DAXMDD, LOTEC9, LakerLarry, LURIA, J_LUV
LakaLover, Bynumite, TROY, CS, BAYWOOD, CAMERON, NEVITT, LAKERHOPEFUL,
ASM, GILLY, MARCO64, DREW, Han_Soul_Food, PURPLE&GOLD_4EVA, LAKERS08
B4Hoops, HeWhoHOOPS, JOREMA, XTRO, MCGarnagle, Gugy, Laker4Life, KEN,
SAMLL, Pince Akrasian, EagleBoy, JR., BLKTHGHT06, SighBrandon C. Anthony Johnson
Richard, Tully Moxness, LakerBake, CoolHair, t_Sensei, Sean74, Sead94, Long Live Chick
Marty, Trip Game3, Kinglakernidas, Hubbit, RespectMyAuthorith, Hariyahu, Michael J,
Michael H, Michael A., Alexinh017, Violater Mainor, Kikos Dad, Leelo, LIVELAKERS,
Blaze1Bx, Simone, Bobie, Phred, Swettual, Tajluck, , BerkleyLaker,Craig, Ryan, Rico Tico
Nestros Bistro, JR, Dascilla, Sean P. HollywoodJack, , Jamie Sweet, tECAT124, SocalSpider,
Lakober, ASM, Lauria, Sambosola AllanSY8, Corner J., BigGameJames, AimlessDriver, LakerLifer,
Todd Battles, East Nyboer, JoninJAPAN(INCANADA), Grail, Robyn,
*
Now The Lineup for the 14 Time WORLD CHAMPION LA LAKERS:
At Coach 9 time title winner PHIL 9RINGS JACKSONNNN
At center number 17 ANDREW BYNUMMMMMMMMMMM
At forward number 16 PAU GASOLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL
At forward number 7 LAMAR ODOMMMMMMMMMMMMM
At guard number 2 DEREK FISHERRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR
At guard number 24 & the MVP KOBEE BRYANTTTTTTT
*
ALL TOGETHER NOW:
WE ARE THE FREAKIN LA LAKERS THE WINNERS OF 14 NBA
TITLES. THE TEAM WITH THE BEST WINNING PERCENTAGE
IN NBA HISTORY. THE ONLY TEAM WITH 2 HOF COACHES.
THE TEAM WITH THE MOST PLAYERS ON THE 50 GREATEST
PLAYERS OF ALL TIME LIST(6). THE HOME OF WILT KAREEM,
GEORGE MIKAN, SHAQ, MAGIC, KOBE, ELGIN BAYLOR,
THE LOGO(JERRY WEST), PAT RILEY, JAMES WORTHY,
BOB MCADOO, "BIG SHOT ROB HORRY" GAIL GOODRICH
THE LEGENDARY SPORTSCASTER CHICK HEARN
COACHED BY 9 TIME TITLE WINNER PHIL (9RINGS) JACKSON
& OWNED BY THE BEST D@MN OWNER IN SPORTS DR. JERRY BUSS
AND THE ONLY ONE WHO CAN EVER DEFEAT OR DIVIDE US IS US
Posted by: Mamba24 | April 09, 2008 at 10:16 AM
We lost the superbowl....
again.
Posted by: Tim-4-Show | April 09, 2008 at 10:19 AM
Tiger Woods frequently stops press debates with, "winning takes care of everything." He's not the first to say it but he damn sure knows what it means.
Issues: Injuries, refs, MVP votes, analysis, defensive lapses, intensity levels, personality disorders, et al, etc, etc, go away when you win.
Time is up. Now it's about establishing a swagger that only comes from winning... dominating.
Now or next year.
Posted by: Vman | April 09, 2008 at 10:27 AM
My enthusiasm is going to be measured by how well THE BEAST plays in the playoffs.
Posted by: "Pig" Miller | April 09, 2008 at 10:34 AM
Great post Vman...
Posted by: Charles | April 09, 2008 at 10:37 AM
Look guys, we've made it thru some really dark times and now we've finally begun to see some sun, Drew will be back soon, we have Pau and we have a man that's won 9 rings, how much more can you ask for? We will win another championship, it's only a matter of time. Sit back and enjoy the show, if we managed to make it thru the Shawme era, we can make it thru anything.
Posted by: Elle | April 09, 2008 at 10:52 AM
Faze,
I just sent you 3 tracks!!! Let me know what you think!
Posted by: Charles | April 09, 2008 at 10:52 AM
I wish Ariza were back. Kobe playing the duel role of best perimeter defender and best offensive player wore on him yesterday.
Ariza and Bynum were our defensive core. Everyone currently playing are offensive minded to a fault.
Bravo to the Blazers. See you next year.
Posted by: #4 | April 09, 2008 at 10:54 AM
Bynum will make an appearance in the game against New Orleans.
At least, I hope he will, because I'm going to that game!
Posted by: Amazing_Happens | April 09, 2008 at 10:55 AM
*______________________________________*
9RINGS ON SUNDAY UNLEASH THE BEAST
& WELCOME BACK BYNUM BANDWAGON
*______________________________________*
(00) LAKER TOM – CEO
(01) PIG MILLER – Owner
(02) JON K. Driver
(03) DELILAH – Riding shotgun
(04) MAMBA – Johnny come Lately
(05) JUSTANOTHERMAMBAFAN – Playmaker
(06) SAMLL – Director of Enforcement
(07) TOAD – Director of Security
(08) THA SHOW - Just keeping us real
(09) TSPHERE – SuperDelegate - Got My vote!
(10) MARKYTHEARKY – Director of Mirrors and reflections of teams behind
(11) MILO RAMBALDI- --Team Prophet. – Predicts Bynum greatness
(12) HMRHED – Director of determining when to unleash
(13) FATTY – Director of P.R.
(14) MRBARNEYDANGLES – Taught the Skyhook to the Beast
(15) LAKERFAZE – Original Owner but Wagon was hijacked
Posted by: Mamba24 | April 09, 2008 at 10:59 AM
Phil seems to agree that the officials were WAY out of line last night.
"There's no reason for my technical foul at all," Jackson said. "I just said, 'Are you calling the first foul or the second foul?' and he gave me a T for that."
---
"I thought that was a critical play of the game," Jackson said. "Roy got up in the air. There wasn't anything flagrant about that foul at all."
Posted by: J.W. Weatherman | April 09, 2008 at 11:04 AM
sound like a broken record - defense, defense, defense.
please those of you going to the remaining four games, shout defense every trip down.
and someday we can learn how to beat non-playoff teams.
Posted by: DS | April 09, 2008 at 11:05 AM
Don't worry, Lakers Nation.
It was an ugly loss last night. I was pissed off. I drank too many beverages in an attempt to squash the image of a lackluster performance by the Lakers.
But they will be okay. These Lakers rise to the occasion. It doesn't matter who we meet in the first round. Bring on any team in the west.
Bynum is coming back... Keep the faith.
Go Lake Show!
Posted by: The Outlaw | April 09, 2008 at 11:05 AM
I still think we will see Bynum on Friday vs NO
I have stated all year that Bynum is the Golden Key to winning it all. We are to soft in the middle without Bynum.
With a healthy Bynum I think the Lakers are the only team that has a chance to defeat the Celtics in a best of 7.
IF they don't win it all there is 1 area that needs to be addressed day 1 after the season. That is the poor defense our PGs play. After watching what Kidd did to Nash the other day and how D.Will made Chris Paul look like a midget we need a guard who can stay in front of there man. What Nash and Paul do to our defense is almost comical they way they break us down almost on every possession. This has to be addressed next year!!!!
I'm sorry but Fish and Farmar can't play D..to small!!!!!
All is good in Lakerland. Bynum is almost back and it's sunny in LALA land again.
Go Bynum!!!!
Go Lakers!!
BD
Posted by: BD | April 09, 2008 at 11:21 AM
What's up Mamba? Thank you for the "Latina Queen" label...I'm lovin' it.
I was crushed last night... our Lakers were totally off. I could've gone through the tv last night. Not only did we not play defense...our reboundin was horrendous. No one was looking for rebounds except for the Blazers. I was heated.
The comeback showed just how good we really are but it was too little too late. Had we started to play more aggresively about a minute sooner, we could've gotten the win.
Now let's handle the Clippers tomorrow and in my book... a win on Friday and Sunday is mandatory. I pray to God the rumors of Bynum coming back this weekend are true. We need someone to protect the paint so that our perimeter players can focus of their own players.
Posted by: EastCoastJessie | April 09, 2008 at 11:21 AM
TIM-4-SHOW SAID: "We lost the superbowl....again."
D@MNIT Thats it! No more of this scheming for playoff position crap. No more of this who's on 1st garbage.
JUST GO OUT THERE AND DESTROY THESE NEXT 4
TEAMS WE PLAY!! WHY? COME ON YOU KNOW...
WER'RE THE FREAKIN LA LAKERS WINNERS OF
14 NBA TITLES..........
NOW UNLEASH THE BEAST NOW!!!
Posted by: Mamba24 | April 09, 2008 at 11:22 AM
MAMBA 24 ~ Sorry It's the "G" in me. ReJack from original post of October 4, 07:
BYNUM BREAKOUT BANDWAGON
----------------------------------------------------------------------
(1) LakerFaze (2) Mamba24 (3) DEREK
(4) RDLEE (5) LAKER TOM (6) BENNY BLANCA
(7) Violater
CHARLES : I'll check out the tracks and hit your email. Good lookin out!
Posted by: lakerfaze | April 09, 2008 at 11:32 AM
BD SAID:"All is good in Lakerland. Bynum is almost back and it's sunny in LALA land again."
YOU PROMISE?
The Outlaw Said:Bynum is coming back... Keep the faith.
OH PLEASE GOD LET IT BE TRUE!
AMAZING HAPPENS SAID:"Bynum will make an appearance in the game against New Orleans."
OH MIGHTY BEAST PLEASE COME AND SAVE US!!
UNLEASH THE BEAST!! UNLEASH THE BEAST!!!
UNLEASH THE BEAST!! UNLEASH THE BEAST!!!
UNLEASH THE BEAST!! UNLEASH THE BEAST!!!
UNLEASH THE BEAST!! UNLEASH THE BEAST!!!
Posted by: Mamba24 | April 09, 2008 at 11:35 AM
I agree BD... we need to close the gap in the paint and what better plug then a 275lb 7 footer in AB. Once we do that, everyone else can focus defending the perimeter where we've been burned badly.
I can't wait to see the twin towers in a game together... actually, I think I might cry even.
Let's get him out there on Friday. Suck it u p big boy. Our seeding and the MVP award for Kobe may depend on how we do on Friday and Sunday. Better yet, I say put him in tomorrow night against the Clippers for limited minutes...see how his knee feels on Friday and throw him in vs. New Orleans. NO & SA are must wins....statement games man.
Posted by: EastCoastJessie | April 09, 2008 at 11:37 AM
Ok, Ok it was a tough thing to watch.
Lets look at the bright side of things.
Farmar was pretty good and brought some energy to the team.
Vlad has found his range and will be the sharpshooter we need in the playoffs.
Sasha is good enough often enough that opponents are learning not to leave their man to double down on KB.
Kobe will not win the MVP now and that should serve the Lakers well, cause he is going to take it out on everyone.
Bynum is coming back. When Phil says that he is a long shot for Sunday,...I take that as Bynum will be back for the Clips or the Hornets.
We are still on track to get a 3 seed at least and will hopefully get a chance for a little retribution against the Suns. Mr D'Antoni and his " we thump them in the playoffs every year" mantra should provide some scintillating fodder leading up to that demoralizing thrashing the Suns will take.
And Lastly, we are the Lakers and the world is still purple and gold.
Kobesbaaaaaad (and he is)
Good Morning Mamba, please put me on the new unleash the beast bandwagon.
Posted by: Kobesbad | April 09, 2008 at 11:37 AM
Good day, Laker Nation!
In summary...
UNLEASH THE BEAST!!!
NO MVP? NO PEACE!!!!
ONE MORE BANNER! ONE MORE PARADE IN 2008!
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | April 09, 2008 at 11:45 AM
Dudes, lets remember, the staples center didn't burn down. Keep cool my brothas, keep cool.
Jon K.,
This was kinda why I didn't answer you immediately yesterday. I thought about where we would end up and there are just too many competing factors. Obviously after last night, I lean more towards a less than #1 seeding, but we play both teams ahead of us in the last 4 games. So I don't know.
What irks me about our beloved young Lakers is that we have trouble with young, upstart teams, but we rise to occasion with the traditional powers. The suns, spurs, and Utah, we have beat, but we have shown lapses against those young upstarts like GSW, the blazers, Kings, even the Hornets etc. I have reason to believe Phil is watching these games to see mental makeup of certain players and then plays the right guys against the big dogs, but I still hate to lose to the Blazers, Kings, etc.
If I were to venture a guess, we'll be in 2nd. I'm optimistic we can beat the Spurs, since they aren't as athletic or upstart, and they are a known commodity. Bynum coming back would obviously affect anything I say, but 2nd is my most optimistic guess.
Posted by: #4 | April 09, 2008 at 11:48 AM
*______________________________________*
9RINGS ON SUNDAY UNLEASH THE BEAST
& WELCOME BACK BYNUM BANDWAGON
*______________________________________*
(00) LAKER TOM – CEO
(01) PIG MILLER – Owner
(02) JON K. Driver
(03) DELILAH – Riding shotgun
(04) MAMBA – Johnny come Lately
(05) JUSTANOTHERMAMBAFAN – Playmaker
(06) SAMLL – Director of Enforcement
(07) TOAD – Director of Security
(08) THA SHOW - Just keeping us real
(09) TSPHERE – SuperDelegate - Got My vote!
(10) MARKYTHEARKY – Director of Mirrors and reflections of teams behind
(11) MILO RAMBALDI- --Team Prophet. – Predicts Bynum greatness
(12) HMRHED – Director of determining when to unleash
(13) FATTY – Director of P.R.
(14) MRBARNEYDANGLES – Taught the Skyhook to the Beast
(15) LAKERFAZE – Original Owner but Wagon was hijacked
(16) KOBESBAD – Taught Kobe to be bad, now teaching the Beast
Posted by: Mamba24 | April 09, 2008 at 11:48 AM
No shot BD plays Bynum Friday. He might dress him but no shot. PJ won't play his hand to Byron before the playoffs - they might be our WC finals opponent....it's all about the mind games.
If we have #2 or #3 locked after tmrw - no way.
He might play him off the bench against SA but it won't be major minutes and it could be as the #3 center option (after Mihm). Again PJ is not going to play his hand.
Dr. Buss is a poker player folks - never show your hand.
Posted by: PsychedLakerGirl | April 09, 2008 at 11:53 AM
CHARLES - all 3 are cool, favorite after a first listen....
Ceu.... smooth that's 101 north all the way!
Posted by: lakerfaze | April 09, 2008 at 12:04 PM
yeah, Charles, it's winnin' time.
Go Lakers!
Posted by: Vman | April 09, 2008 at 12:05 PM
PHIL JACKSON IS A CYLON AND HE HAS A PLAN
Posted by: Who are You | April 09, 2008 at 12:05 PM
Mamba... ADD ME -
9RINGS ON SUNDAY UNLEASH THE BEAST
& WELCOME BACK BYNUM BANDWAGON
Posted by: keifo | April 09, 2008 at 12:06 PM
Mamba24,
A big THANKS to you for your contribution to the blog.
At #14 on the 55 band-wagon I promise it's all good.
Question-I noticed on the Sun blog that there were quite a few post from a Mamba24, is that you???
EastCoastJessie,
I agree lets get him out there..if he is ready on Sunday why not on Friday, you mean they are 2 days late in getting him ready to meet up with NO?? I don't buy it.
And Jessie I feel the same way... I just can't wait to see
Pau and Bynum in the front-court. To me it just seems like the perfect fit. His first game back I sure hope my DVR can handle all the replays. What a great day that will be.
Tk care!
BD
Posted by: BD | April 09, 2008 at 12:07 PM
Oh I'm sure Phil has a plan...it's been his style even back during the Bulls days but if we truly want to make sure we're seeded at least 1-3, we've gotta step up our defense and pull out at least a 3-1 record these final 4 games.
If we can't manage to do that, we could fall as low as 6 or 7 seed and then we can shelf Bynum 'till next season.
Don't mean to be a pessimist but come on... I think Shaun Livingston is coming back before Bynum...what's up with that?
Posted by: EastCoastJessie | April 09, 2008 at 12:15 PM
WHO ARE YOU SAID:"PHIL JACKSON IS A CYLON
AND HE HAS A PLAN"
Balthar? You devious genius is that you. That must mean
that....Yes, Yes now I see it. The reason that Kobe will not
and has not won the MVP is because all the voters think he is a CYLON!
After all no mere human could possibly be that good!
Posted by: Mamba24 | April 09, 2008 at 12:16 PM
ex,
“And this year's team HAS NOT PLAYED A SINGLE GAME TOGETHER YET, not even in the regular season, let alone in the playoffs. We have no way of knowing how they will play in the playoffs.”
I respectfully disagree. I think you can reasonably project how the Lakers are going to play in the playoffs based on how the individual players played during the season. Granted, it is more difficult to do because Drew is coming off a 3-month injury and Pau is still not completely recovered from his 3-week long injury. Nevertheless, it is not hard to imagine the team coming together very quickly, especially once Drew has gotten a chance to play and get back into game shape.
What is encouraging for me is that the major adjustment that will need to be made will be by Pau, since he is switching from center to power forward. Pau has already shown a great ability to blend in his play well with that of the other Lakers players due to his skill set and basketball intelligence. I also think Lamar has shown that he can play effectively at either power forward or small forward. Which leaves Drew with the task of just coming in and playing center like he did before his injury, which he should be able to do fine.
It is probably unreasonable to expect Drew to be fully back until he gets a few games under his belt, which means it behooves the Lakers to draw the easiest possible matchup for the first round of the playoffs so that Drew has some time to come off the bench and get his game legs back before returning as the starter. That means we do not want to face the Suns or Mavs in the first round in my opinion. Better to get either the Warriors, Nuggets, or Rockets until Drew is ready to play full bore.
It is also defense and rebounding that we are primarily missing in Drew’s absence, which means that it is not as critical that we able to integrate Drew perfectly in our offense at the start. But just having Drew in the low post will dramatically help our overall team defense and rebounding. That is what we need from Drew beginning on Sunday and through the first round of the playoffs. By the time the 2nd round comes, Drew should be ready to dominate on both defense and offense.
The bottom line is that getting a healthy and capable Andrew Bynum back is the key to the Lakers winning the NBA championship, not whether we win the #1 seed or have home court advantage and not which team we have to play in any round of the playoffs. Like Kobe said, we’re playing for the championship, not just to get out of the first round or make the conference finals. To win the championship, we need to get Andrew back.
Time to unleash the Beast. Time to stop the bleeding and start dominating. Go, AB17. We need you to save the day.
Tom
Posted by: LakerTom | April 09, 2008 at 12:18 PM
#4,
Yeah, it's been an odd thing for the Lakers going all the way back to Showtime that we play down to our competition. It was same during the Shaq-Kobe era. We'd get beat by some team eight games out of the playoffs and then beat the second seed by ten points after being down by 18 in the fourth quarter.
It's just odd and fairly annoying.
I know it's not the end of the world, but recent games have exposed deficits in our defense that concern me. That's one reason why I scream for Gary Vitti's head so often. If Bynum and Ariza were back, it sure would make everyone's job a heck of a lot easier.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | April 09, 2008 at 12:24 PM
Brandon Roy tied a career high with 12 assists, LaMarcus Aldridge took a season-high 16 rebounds, and Channing Frye had season highs with 22 points and 11 rebounds for the Trail Blazers (39-39), who were playing for nothing more than pride.
From the Los Angeles Times (4/9/08)
The above sums up why I feel the Lakers must trade every player on the team that does not have the ability to play defense against athletic teams.
Trade:
Luke/Lamar/Vladimir/Sasha/Jordan.
Yes, Lamar has played well of late.
However, he will never show up in big games.
Keep:
Kobe/Andrew/Trevor/Derek.
Everyone else (including the soft Pau) can go.
Posted by: passionate Lakers fan | April 09, 2008 at 12:31 PM
lakerfaze,
Mos Def I have to give you credit for the Bynum Break Out...
You also made me research/post those videos for AB early Feb. (Turns out that video "Making of the Beast" was made in late January of this year.)
Full credit to you sir...
Posted by: Charles | April 09, 2008 at 12:32 PM
LTLF,
I don't know how many times I need to say I wasn't basing those comments on that ONE 2-on-1 fast break. That was just the most egregious instance, followed by a botched 3-on-2 fast break in the 4th where he looked to drive when he had Pau filling a lane where he would've scored or gotten fouled or both, and instead had to pull the ball back out, passed it to Kobe, Kobe passed itback to Farmar and he took a 3 from 2 feet behind the line. It's a trend we've been seeing more and more recently. And getting six assists doesn't mean he was making great decisions throughout the game. Like I said, Marbury has averaged over 7 assists a game multiple times in his career, is he looking for his guys.
But more importantly, I'm stressing that Jordan DIDN'T cost us the game. I just don't like the way he played last night and the past several weeks. He's taking too many shots where you'll live with them if they go in and too often he'll avoid passing so he can take a togh shot or pass too late, after one of our guys was wide-open.
As for the "slurping" thing that's more of a playful jab. I say it all the time to my friends and Wilbon and Kornheiser say it all the time to each other on PTI. If you've read my posts, you'll know that I don't make personal attacks and especially not to further my points.
Posted by: Xodus | April 09, 2008 at 12:37 PM
HEY KEIFO i was just getting ready to check out for
today. How's everything?
*______________________________________*
9RINGS ON SUNDAY UNLEASH THE BEAST
& WELCOME BACK BYNUM BANDWAGON
*______________________________________*
(00) LAKER TOM – CEO
(01) PIG MILLER – Owner
(02) JON K. Driver
(03) DELILAH – Riding shotgun
(04) MAMBA – Johnny come Lately
(05) JUSTANOTHERMAMBAFAN – Playmaker
(06) SAMLL – Director of Enforcement
(07) TOAD – Director of Security
(08) THA SHOW - Just keeping us real
(09) TSPHERE – SuperDelegate - Got My vote!
(10) MARKYTHEARKY – Director of Mirrors and reflections of teams behind
(11) MILO RAMBALDI- --Team Prophet. – Predicts Bynum greatness
(12) HMRHED – Director of determining when to unleash
(13) FATTY – Director of P.R.
(14) MRBARNEYDANGLES – Taught the Skyhook to the Beast
(15) LAKERFAZE – Original Owner but Wagon was hijacked
(16) KOBESBAD – Taught Kobe to be bad, now teaching the
(17) KEIFO - Told Mitch to draft the Beast.
Posted by: | April 09, 2008 at 12:40 PM
I also think Lamar has shown that he can play effectively at either power forward or small forward.
LakerTom
Just what makes you think that lamar all of a sudden is going to become a good 3point shooter? How will that help you guys out, if odom cant spread the floor?
You guys have more adjustments other than just bynum coming back. You also have odom, who's known for his rebounding but with bynum and gasol in there, there wont be much room.
You will have vlad coming off the bench which will hurt his game. Vlad has played better as a starter, he's your best 3point shooter.
Posted by: Fire32 | April 09, 2008 at 12:42 PM
Listen, with all due respect for the L.A. training staff but I think players with heart play with pain at times when their teams need them. I'm not comparing their injuries but look at Kobe and Fish and I hate saying it but even Dork Nowitski.
I know we're technically still in a good position and as long as we clinch the Pacific we'kll be guaranteed a 1-4 but come one.
3 months is enough time to recover from gunshot wounds, child birth, stabbings, burns, and even cancer so why can't we get Bynum's knee back into shape and why did it take so damn long to get Pau back when Nowitski was back much quicker after a much more severe sprain.
Posted by: EastCoastJessie | April 09, 2008 at 12:42 PM
LTLF...
Just FYI, I have no beef with you and never will on a personal level.
I actually enjoy a sparring partner to talk about sports with and since we always disagree on things, that's fine with me.
Hey, we both want the Lakers to win really bad, so that makes you OK in my book.
If I didnt think you made some good points I wouldnt go back and forth with you, I would just ignore your comments.
So anway, enough with the lubby dubbyness, and back to Laker basketball talk!!!
Posted by: Korey | April 09, 2008 at 12:42 PM
Here are quotes from the live game blog last night:
"Officials are KiILLING us"
"Somebody needs to shock these refs with a cattle prod"
"Worst.Officiated.Game.Ever."
"Show those refs what a travesty they've made of this game. Get it on sportscenter, get it in the press. This game is an absolute JOKE!!! This entire game needs to go under review."
"we are on the wrong end of some very orrible officiating"
"I blame the refs....it's so obvious what the NBA is doing. If New Orleans doesn't get the number one spot, Chris Paul won't get the MVP. ..if I could somehow survive without the NBA league pass I wouldn't buy it and support the DISGUSTINGNESS that is the NBA and their ridiculous officiating."
As has become usual here, a bunch of pathetic, juvenile, whiners. Try facts..
Fouls called against Portland - 25
Fouls called against LA - 24
FTA by LA - 29
FTA by Portalnd - 24
Posted by: Jim E | April 09, 2008 at 12:46 PM
Good afternoon Laker family!
Tough loss last night, but its not the end of the world. Must be some kind of voodoo curse up there in Portland, I mean Channing Frye having a career day??? Some bad calls last night (not the reason we lost) but were momentum killers.
Hopefully we can get all the guys back soon.
C'mon Lakers we need to come up big this weekend and seal the deal for Kobe's MVP.
I think Bynum will be back on Tax Day 4/15 against Sac.
The Big Refund!!!
peace!!
Posted by: Lakers Legacy | April 09, 2008 at 12:53 PM
So Phil is the 5th Cylon!! I guess they did find Earth.
....wait a minute, am I a Cylon?
Posted by: #4 | April 09, 2008 at 12:53 PM
what's a cylon?
Posted by: machiavelly | April 09, 2008 at 12:54 PM
Jim E is that all you live for dude...get a life.
All passionate fans complain during losses and rejoice when we win. Get used to it...don't like it, stay off the blog.
The fact that the total number of calls ended up being pretty equal doesn't mean we weren't on the receiving end of some ridiculously questionable calls, especially in the first half.
Posted by: EastCoastJessie | April 09, 2008 at 12:59 PM
I think Bynum will be back on Tax Day 4/15 against Sac.
The Big Refund!!!
Posted by: Lakers Legacy
LOL Legacy, good one!
Posted by: EastCoastJessie | April 09, 2008 at 01:04 PM
#4 is a cylon. Isn't that clear?
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | April 09, 2008 at 01:08 PM
Good morning...ummm....afternoon Mamba24, Charles & the rest of the great Laker Nation! I wasn't able to post earlier today & now am trying to get caught up! (Thanks for getting me on the bandwagons too! I think we should start a "WIN OUT FROM HERE ON OUT" bandwagon!)
I think the consensus is, in the words of our very own LO, we got our butts whipped last night. (Oops - I threw up a little in my mouth when I typed that.....)
Great posts guys - I agree we need to UNLEASH THE BEAST! I can't wait for our next game for a little payback. Staples will be a rockin' and the trolls will come a knockin' and someone's going to get burned!!!
Let's forget about the ugliness & focus on the beauty that will be banner # 16 up in the rafters!
GO LAKERS!
The BEAN for FINALS MVP or NO PEACE!!!!!
Posted by: justanothermambafan | April 09, 2008 at 01:09 PM
K Brothers,
Tried to call in again today, but failed miserably again. Man, I hate being a techno-moron.
So, here's my question...
Let's say that Bynum evolves into a max player. Are the Lakers going to be able to afford Kobe, Bynum, Lamar, and Gasol.... along with increased contracts for Sasha and Turiaf?
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | April 09, 2008 at 01:10 PM
LakerTom,
Had Bynum come back at the eight week point, I think the Lakers would be the favorites to win the title this year.
At this point I do not believe that there is enough time for him to get his game back and to integrate him effectively enough with this roster to win the title this season.
Posted by: exhelodrvr | April 09, 2008 at 01:13 PM
FIre 32
Just to balance the scales a bit with which team needs to adjust, think how difficult it will be for your Phuns to adjust to not having the big Shaqtus..........and trust me on this one, Shaqtus WILL dissappear on your team, and, if last night is the indication I think it is, sooner than later. We've been down this road a few years back with the Big Prima Donna.
The front line of LO, Pau and Drew will do just fine together...........you'll see.
Posted by: toad | April 09, 2008 at 01:14 PM
Gotta go my Laker bloggers...we gotta root for Phoenix tonight (cringe). Gotta keep the Spurs tied up with us.
See you all on game day tomorrow!
Posted by: EastCoastJessie | April 09, 2008 at 01:14 PM
machiavelly,
"what's a cylon?"
If you have to be told, you wouldn't understand.
Posted by: exhelodrvr | April 09, 2008 at 01:22 PM
Off topic
WILL IBUPROFEN (Advil) BE BANNED?
ScienceDaily (Apr. 7, 2008) — Taking daily recommended dosages of ibuprofen and acetaminophen caused a substantially greater increase over placebo in the amount of quadriceps muscle mass and muscle strength gained during three months of regular weight lifting, in a study by physiologists at the Human Performance Laboratory, Ball State University.
Posted by: giantsquid | April 09, 2008 at 01:37 PM
I often read in this blog suggestions that because we have never seen Pau & AB playing together, THEREFORE,we have no idea how this team will work as a unit.
This is far from the truth. I am sure PJ and the coaching staff have been secretly working some plays with them in El Segundo in the last few weeks. In fact, judging by the way PJ is releasing conflicting info to the press, I am sure he is very confident of our chances in the post season.
Thoughout PJ's coaching history, he always keep somethings up his sleeve until the situation calls for them. He approaches every game like a card game. At times he would like you to think you got him cornered. For him, whoever has the last laugh wins!! And I plan to be sharing the last laugh with him in the last game with the Celtics!!
Posted by: Robyn | April 09, 2008 at 01:45 PM
I just got back from the yard.
Who forgot to feed the hope? There it was tied to a tree, no food or water in its dishes. No wonder it was acting erratically, causing a ruckus, keeping us up all night.
Keep hope alive.
We can actually still win the West. If we win the rest of our games (Clips, Hornets, Spurs and Kings) and the Mavs beat the Hornets at home the last game of the season, the West is won.
Go Lakers.
Wes
Posted by: wesjoenixon | April 09, 2008 at 01:48 PM
That was just a terrific defensive effort by Lamar Odom on Brando Roy. My boy Odom was going for the ball the whole time (I focused on his left arm the entire replay). Roy was hit at the base of his pelvis which caused a sort of rotationary reaction of his lower half. Had he elevated a bit higher his pelvis would have gotten a direct instead of a deflection which is what happened and thus his momentum wouldn't have cause his lower body to swing in that fashion and it wouldn't have looked as bad at normal speed. Roy's pelvis was just hit in the perfect part to cause a pendulum effect like we saw. The entire Blazer's organization should offer an apology to Odom for their reations.
Posted by: johnny | April 09, 2008 at 01:50 PM
I'd like to suggest a side moniker for Andrew Bynum.
The Kraken!
RELEASE THE KRAKEN!
(For all of you fellow dorks that remember "Clash of the Titans")
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | April 09, 2008 at 02:02 PM
Fire32,
How come Stodemire's rebounding has gone up after the Shaq trade? Having Shaq in there grabbing some of the rebounds that Amire used too, shouldn't his numbers have gone down?
Having Bynum, Gasol, and Odom... that's a rebounding front line. Our rebounds are going to greatly increase, the offensive boards are going to go up, and the number of put-backs for Odom are going to go up. Odom will benefit from the return of Bynum. Its going to be tough for opposing teams front line.
Posted by: frank rizzo | April 09, 2008 at 02:12 PM
giantsquid,
Until it is, let's get our boys on ibuprofen! (And me as well for that matter.)
I wouldn't suggest acetaminophen because excess use can cause liver damage, particularly if combined with alcohol.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | April 09, 2008 at 02:14 PM
Ex,
I'm not convinced of our title chances this season either. We've got a lot of things that need to be figured out on the fly. And I think that may be tough to overcome when you have a group of guys who have never experienced much playoff success as a group.
Next year we'll definitely be a force to be reckoned with. If we stay healthy I could definitely see this group winning something like 65 games. I'm getting ahead of myself with that one though. Let's worry about the 08 playoffs!
Posted by: Xodus | April 09, 2008 at 02:21 PM
Lol... the Kraken. The dude is a monster on the boards.
EastCoastJessie,
I don't think you understand the injury to Bynum very well. This happened because the muscles in the leg were developed fast. They became stronger and bigger, and the liniments around the patella were not strong enough yet, and did not catch up. He might have a shallow femoral groove which is why it dislocated relatively easily.
What all that means.
They could have popped it back in, and waited for the swelling to go down and the pain from the bone bruise to go away and started him back at practice, about 4 weeks later. But the risk of it happening again would have been very high. If it did pop back out, they would probably need to do surgery to tighten the ligaments = out for the season.
They are trying to strengthen the ligaments through rest, low impact repetitive motion. I.E. 1 week on that machine, 2 weeks on the fancy treadmill, running in the pool, ect. And when he starts using it, start him back VERY SLOWLY. This is why he has not practiced yet.
They are doing this the right way. They are giving him the best chance of success without having another dislocation (which is VERY common).
Have patience.
Posted by: frank rizzo | April 09, 2008 at 02:26 PM
Xodus,
"Next year we'll definitely be a force to be reckoned with. If we stay healthy I could definitely see this group winning something like 65 games."
Assuming the same roster next season, if Kobe is willing to completely sacrifice personal stats for overall team performance, I could see them winning in the low 70's next season.
Posted by: exhelodrvr | April 09, 2008 at 02:30 PM
Charles~ thx much love.
There's a lot of good stuff in the archives. I couldn't believe some of the post I was reading and then comparing those to what has unfolded during this season. We are one crazy group!
Posted by: lakerfaze | April 09, 2008 at 02:30 PM
I think Drew's return is going to have a huge impact on the energy and morale of the Lakers. While we have won 4 of 5 it seems as though we have been struggling and not playing to our potential. I am looking for Drew to give the Lakers a huge boost like Pau did when he joined the Lakers. Ofcourse Drew will help us tremendously at the defensive end (where we have been struggling lately) but I think his bigger impact will be the shot of energy he gives this team when he returns.
I also agree with the bloggers that say keep Drew on the bench until Sunday. I don't want New Orleans or the Spurs to have any idea what to expect. It could end up being a huge advantage to us. Im looking for Drew to find his groove in the 1st round and be fine.
GO LAKERS
Posted by: mrbarneydangles | April 09, 2008 at 02:31 PM
Most Radical, Bodaciously Awesome Headline of the Day:
"If CP3 is MVP then Deron Williams is G.O.A.T."
link: http://theassociation.blogs.com/the_association/2008/04/if-cp3-is-mvp-t.html
Posted by: Amazing_Happens | April 09, 2008 at 02:37 PM
Ah the Ladies Man,
Still sore after being refuted for your call for insightful posts?
Just make sure before you play the "Mack of Obvious" and call basketball a TEAM sport; why harp on two individuals and yearn for an individual at the same time? I guess that's your method of team ball?
Also, you're ripping on Kobe for being a Non Team player and quote him saying "Bynum is the tpe of player that he prayed for and dreamed of playing along side." That truly suggests a praise and betterment for the TEAM. Oxymoron “In Full Effect” so they say in your era of Funk and Soul.
If you are supposedly for a team to succeed, why wouldn't you post an alternative while we have Gasol. Or is that too much "Baby Batter" on your Brain?
In regards to your list of people to be mute; I find it funny that you are requesting for people to "Shut Up" in a blog. If you can think and understand, maybe it will hit upside your Corpus Colussum-less head. Go ahead, you can do it. Think about it, "Shut up" at a blog. Bell ringing yet?
And what blocks have you walked around? The lego set due to your childish blog entries? The intelligent ones have posted Vegas Length crosswalks that undermine your ability...
Oh, and before you call people beneath your blogging ability; amatuers is spelled amateurs, scoe is spelled score, neverthless is spelled nevertheless, and tpe is spelled type.
Ya Dig?
http://tinyurl.com/2voyry
The Lakers Man aka Charles
Posted by: Charles | April 09, 2008 at 02:46 PM
LAKERS ARE #1!!!!!!! ALWAYZZZZZZZZZZZ!!!!!!
Posted by: Surge | April 09, 2008 at 02:50 PM
Man I love this blog.
I watch the game and I get depressed. I go to bed and think about the game and I get depressed. I get up and I am still depressed. I get on the blog, read a few posts from Mamba, Charles, Elle, etc..... and I feel like we are the greatest team ever assembled. GO LAKERS....
Thanks,
pslakerfan
Posted by: pslakerfan | April 09, 2008 at 02:50 PM
Mamba I will still be on the Pau Gasol bandwagon.. I welcome back AB but we really need him for 'D'. For those times when small quick point guards go off the dribble and high screen to penetrate.
Posted by: DS | April 09, 2008 at 02:55 PM
Jon K, you've found me out. I guess its only obvious with a name like #4....I'm either Borg or Cylon!
Posted by: #4 | April 09, 2008 at 02:55 PM
Ex,
I could also see that happening but the planets have to align perfectly for a team to pull off 70 wins. We've got to stay injury free, clean up the mental errors we're still prone to making, take absolutely no games off and bring consistent effort defensively. Even then we'll probably need a little luck.
Posted by: Xodus | April 09, 2008 at 02:56 PM
justanothermambafromanothamotha!
Good Afternoon Sir!
Posted by: Charles | April 09, 2008 at 02:58 PM
In the meantime amatuers like mamab24, Jon. K, amazing happens, Charles should for once shut up and observe and learn from old timers like us, who have been around the block to say the least few times..hahahaha..
One last note I do enjoy the Laker's blog and you guys as amatuers you are neverthless a lot of fun..You guys are a riot..!!
The one and only, yours truly The Ladies Man
ps: Bynum will play against NO and San Antone from my resources!!
Posted by: The Ladies Man
The Ladies man is Dr. Buss checking the fans's pulse.
Posted by: | April 09, 2008 at 03:01 PM
machiavelly,
Got Battlestar Galactica?
Posted by: Charles | April 09, 2008 at 03:01 PM
If the reports are true isn't FRIDAY THE DAY we find out if Ariza's is ready to go. White line is bad and no line is good...right??
I fully expect to hear on Friday that Ariza can start practicing...Ariza please heal up we need you!! It looks like we aren't going to get much out of Fish for the playoffs. I say put Ariza on the PGs in the playoffs. I don't think I will ever see any D at the point as long as Farmar and Fish are there. This is the 1 major weakspot for the Lakers and if they fail to win it all, my guess we will all talk about the poor D and how penetration killed us this year.
BD
Posted by: BD | April 09, 2008 at 03:04 PM
Korey,
thanks for answering to LTLF on my part also. i'm a slow typist and also i need to edit my english to be as clear as possible in the dialogue.
Posted by: | April 09, 2008 at 03:05 PM
pslakerfan
Chest pound baby!!!
Posted by: Charles | April 09, 2008 at 03:09 PM
I posted this in the game blog last night. No responses that I recall. So, I'm posting it again to see what anyone thinks. This is not a knock on Gasol. I appreciate everything he's done for the Lakers, especially during that marathon roadie. But here are my thoughts...
Next year, with Bynum and Ariza healthy, Gasol will be expendable. He doesn't give the Lakers a lick of D. He's really soft under the boards. Offensively, Bynum averaging almost 14 this year, maybe 15 or 16 next year or more, could make up most of what Gasol gives on offense and really account for so much more defensively along with Ariza.
So, who could Mitch get in a trade for Gasol? You can even add Rony and Fish into the deal. Possibly, we could trade Gasol for a high draft choice. What do you think? Draft choice or established Pro?
And if we don't re-sign Sasha and Radman that will free up some cap space. A lot of decent free agents.will be looking for new homes in the off season. Possibly, Elton Brand, Corey Maggette, Shawn Marion, to name a few.
The only guys I wouldn't trade or re-sign are #24, LO, Drew, Ariza and Farmar. Imagine adding Elton Brand and/or Corey Maggette to the mix.
Posted by: lotecq | April 09, 2008 at 03:20 PM
Its such a privilege to be able to blog on the same site as the Ladies Man. His blogging resume is beyond impressive.
Ladies Man... I was wondering if you could sign this portrait for me?
Make it out to:
"Rizzo, my biggest fan"
Thanks!
http://images.buycostumes.com/mgen/merchandiser/21985.jpg
Posted by: frank rizzo | April 09, 2008 at 03:23 PM
You got to be kidding me...I have to root for the Suns tonight? Geez...talk about a roller coaster season..From Kobe wanting out to wanting the Suns to win. I don't think I can take much more..
BD
Posted by: BD | April 09, 2008 at 03:25 PM
Injury Update: Jackson said that Andrew Bynum is scheduled to fly to New York today to undergo a check-up that will go a long way for determining whether or not Andrew is able to practice this Saturday in preparation for a possible Sunday return.
Posted by: BD | April 09, 2008 at 03:30 PM
How come Stodemire's rebounding has gone up after the Shaq trade? Having Shaq in there grabbing some of the rebounds that Amire used too, shouldn't his numbers have gone down?
Posted by: frank rizzo
i'll take a stab at this;
yea shaq grabs some rebounds, but what he also does is draw the attention of the opposing center who must put a body on him, leaving stoudamire freer to operate. this works defensively as well as offensively where stoudemire can roam around the rim cleaning up misses.
Posted by: machiavelly | April 09, 2008 at 03:30 PM
LTLF
i can count that your screen name as 4 initials, as many as AK/BK. my question was addressed to them. r u their representative or you just try to suck up.
i never expect their answer, especially when when the problems i address touches their defensive mode and their own biases.
i was wondering if you r really watching the games or just the boxscore?! as korey mentioned, this is a game and if you really want to have a conversation, better read up the notion of ludic like "Homo Ludens" and get away from your anal retentiveness. numbers and mathematics r "playful" notions beyond their analytical masks. statistics are not. scream for obtuseness.
as much as i appreciate your accuracy, research and time you r putting in to give all of us information, the game and the intangibles are on the articulation or the thresholds represented by the transparent lines dividing the statistical columns.
what i, Korey and other members of the blog are complaining about is the following:
in the game against cleveland @ staples, after Bynum was injured, Jeff van Gundy was commenting about Lamar, that he has to understand his ROLE on the team, and that maybe he is not an all star.
well, Luke kinda gets it. the problem with Farmar and other players is that they DONT. and all of them are intoxicated with the KOBE SYNDROM, thinking that after a good game when maybe they score 15-22 points, they are the SECOND coming.
there is one superstar on this team:Kobe
there r may 2 all stars: Gasol and Bynum.
the REST are ROLE players, starting with Lamar and Fish. there is no 4th, 5th and 6th option. no team designs plays for those OPTIONS.
and to conclude: if KOBE does not get the MVP is not because of him, making the team better, it is because the TEAM let him down.and Edwin Gueco, who i consider the un-official historian on the blog can explain all of us, what means when a GENERAL goes into the battle and the SOLDIERS are not gathering around to fight with pride for the honor of the cause (he will be more eloquent than me to explain this)
and as passionate lakers fan preaches, we have just a bunch of liabilities, not even ROLE players
Posted by: | April 09, 2008 at 03:32 PM
ex;
you misunderestimate me my friend
charles;
no
Posted by: machiavelly | April 09, 2008 at 03:34 PM
my fellow bloggers, AK/BK, especially Faith
was this team as bad on defense in the past 2 years, or maybe we just have different expectations from them and now, because our offense is much improved, it's easier to spot all these problems?! or in the past 2 years we did not care?!
yes, i have higher expectations. past 2 years we were trying to make the playoffs. now we r flirting with WC final and NBA final.
shouldn't they have a different expectation from themselves?! or did not sink in yet?!
thanks all. especially in moments like last night it is great to know that there are many fans around that share opinions, even if contradictory. yes, i want all of them to play the best they can for the success of the team, organization. it is our reward also, the fans.
go lakers!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: | April 09, 2008 at 03:43 PM
frank:
LOL! Just what I expected the goober to look like!
Posted by: toad | April 09, 2008 at 03:48 PM
Jim E,
It's not about the number of calls that were made, it's about how many fouls were actually there. I can think of at least 4 times off the top of my head where Kobe got hit and they didn't call it and then Brandon Roy ran down the court barely got touched, not even enough to alter his shot, and the whistles were blowing. Not to mention the back to back offensive fouls on Pau that weren't there, the "flagrant" on Lamar, the technical on Phil Jackson, the play towards the end where Outlaw clearly stepped out of bounds and they gave the ball to Portland, etc. etc. etc.
It's these things that turn the game around. The Lakers may have gotten more calls, but there were countless fouls on Portland that the refs missed and non-existent fouls on the Lakers that they called.
On another note, I was looking through New Orlean's schedule and I noticed that almost every time they've lost a game this season, they've followed it with another loss or a 3 game losing streak. This has happened on 5 separate occasions this year. Although it should be noted that they haven't had back to back losses since the end of February, so I'm not really sure that it's still a factor with them but hopefully it will be this week. All we need is for them to lose one game. The rest is in our hands. Hopefully, for once this season, the basketball gods will help us out a little.
GO LAKERS!!!!
Posted by: gokobego | April 09, 2008 at 03:48 PM
That GOD that lotecq is not our GM.
Kobe would probably slap you if he read that Blog comment.
Posted by: frank rizzo | April 09, 2008 at 03:50 PM
the posts @ 3:01, 3:05, 3:32 and 3:43 are mine. i had to reset the preferences of my browser and i did not catch that blanked everything out. sorry
Posted by: Zin Master | April 09, 2008 at 03:52 PM
machiavelly,
Exactly, that's why Bynum will help Odom's game, not hurt it. I don't think fire32 took that into account very well when he made his comments about Odom's game.
Posted by: frank rizzo | April 09, 2008 at 03:52 PM
Warning! Warning!
Do not root for the Suns. They must lose to the Spurs.
Two reasons:
1. Lakers need to win Pacific Division.
2. If we win Thur. and Fri., then Sunday with the Spurs will have the Lakers tie the Spurs. We then own the tie breaker with Spurs.
So please feel free to root for the blogs most hated team, the Suns to lose.
Posted by: Fairweather Fatty | April 09, 2008 at 03:56 PM
Gotta love the new sources of support for 24. Nice piece by W. He realizes you win MVPs the old fashioned way: You EAAAAAARN them.
Posted by: Jesterguru | April 09, 2008 at 03:59 PM
Charles: I think your in full effect. Don't mess!
Posted by: | April 09, 2008 at 04:03 PM
"*______________________________________*
MAMBA24, STOP RELEASING THESE REDICULOUS
POST AND CHANGE YOUR NAME TO BALLHOG24
*______________________________________*
(00) - GUNNER (TEAM LEADER KOBE STILL TRYING TO BECOME)
WASTE OF TIME. PLEASE STOP THESE POSTS. LOL!!!!
Go Lakers!
Posted by: Gunner | April 09, 2008 at 04:03 PM
Thanks Fatty!
I was beginning to get really conflicted as I just cannot bring myself to begin to think of rooting for the Phuns!
Posted by: toad | April 09, 2008 at 04:04 PM
Holy cow, now I KNOW the world is upside-down.
Adrian Wojnarowski at Yahoo! Sprots is supporting KB24 for MVP, with or without the number one seed in the West.
http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/news;_ylt=AkXz0jt.srU38sm0p0WNvT28vLYF?slug=aw-bryantformvp040908&prov=yhoo&type=lgns
This guy has written some of the most haterade-soaked columns on Kobe in the past.
I can't believe it. This is Unbelievable, with a majuscular "u".
KB24 4 MVP!
Posted by: Amazing_Happens | April 09, 2008 at 04:05 PM
Fairweather Fatboy,
"Warning! Warning! Do not root for the Suns. They must lose to the Spurs."
I WANT THE SUNS TO WIN. THE MORE THEY WIN, THE BETTER THEY MOVE UP TO THE 5TH SPOT AND THE ROCKETS DOWN TO THE 6TH SPOT.
LAKERS STAY IN THE #3 SPOT AND HAVE AN EASIER FIRST ROUND AGAINST THE ROCKETS.
NO SUNS AND NO MAVS.
DON'T WANT TO SEE A MOTIVATED SHAQ AND AMARE GET BYNUM AND PAU INTO FOUL TROUBLE.
PLEASE STOP WITH THE "HYPOTHESIS TOM" EXCUSES FOR WHY WE NEED TO MOVE UP TO #1 OR #2 SPOT.
WE LOSS LAST NIGHT AND THAT DREAM IS OVER!
Posted by: Gunner | April 09, 2008 at 04:07 PM
lotecq:
Nobody answered you because your premise is absolutely unthinkable.
Next year we will have the best front line the NBA has seen with LO, Pau and Drew. Add Kobe to the mix, and we're looking at pushing on 70 wins as Xodus and Exhelodriver have been discussing this afternoon.
With that front line and Kobe, we're looking at a four-peat at least!
Posted by: toad | April 09, 2008 at 04:08 PM
is PJ betting in Vegas?! against the lakers?!
fatty,
i expect more surprises
Gunner, personally i think the houston is the best match up. it is hard to work positioning with so many variables. last night NO and Lakers last against the odds. today?! who knows.
Posted by: | April 09, 2008 at 04:09 PM