This could be the beginning of a beautiful friendship
Not that Kobe Bryant and the Lakers just made recent acquaintances, but considering how rocky the relationship had grown, any developments over the past season would basically qualify as being, at the very least, reintroduced. And Judging by Kobe's statements yesterday, he was impressed by Mitch Kupchak's handshake. Bryant said yesterday what Lakers fans have been dying to actually hear, that he's perfectly content to remain a Laker until he finally hangs up his sneaks for good. He also gave the highest of marks to Mitch Kupchak, the same GM he wanted to swap out for Jerry West. Hell, even Adam West. Kobe broke down in greater detail some of the reasons behind his displeasure, the biggest beef possibly being the blindside trade of close amigo (and helluva player) Caron Butler. That the swap was followed by a couple seasons without a move of matching impact made it sit even worse. But as it turns out, that lack of motion came in large part to front office patience, which Kobe now recognizes. Between correctly identifying the young players worth believing in and finding just the right player to grab in exchange for Kwame Brown's contract, Kupchak has provided Kobe a chance at title contention for several years to come.
Of course, the first of those theoretical titles is being hunted as we speak, in a series against Denver where the Lakers are expecting a flipped lineup for game 2. As for any counter moves on the Lakers part, they won't include the inclusion of Andrew Bynum, in this series or likely beyond during the playoffs. Drew's knee hasn't improved to the point where he could even play some minutes off the bench, the role PJ would assign him if a return were possible. The Lakers do, however, have Lamar Odom playing at the top of his game, an element that could help keep Denver on the ropes.
No word as to whether Isiah is also on double secret probation.
With all this rampant positivity surrounding the team, the WAY the news about Bynum's recovery is being disseminated jumps out as the only big negative. Bresnahan calls it "mystifying". John Black needs to do more than just let reporters know how much time they have left. It reaks of dishonesty when there's no reason to lie. They aren't the Bush administration.
Posted by: lakers_sth | April 22, 2008 at 11:45 AM
Edwin: I ask you this theoretically: if we win this year w/o AB - it wasn't well-planned or executed carefully? I beg to differ. All teams go through adversity to reach the top. It's the will of the champion to succeed.
And AB is insurance for what? He is a young, talented player who has shown potential but he is not playoff tested. He will be one key to a well-planned team... for our future or as a total bonus if he makes an appearance this season.
Posted by: PsychedLakerGirl | April 22, 2008 at 11:52 AM
good morning Mamba24, Charles, K bros, Laker Faithful!
Kobe's jersey deserves to be up there in Staples (both of them?) glad to hear he wants to stay here long-term.
Best news I've heard since.......last week. (its been a good year for us!)
good thing too, cause I plan on retiring as a Laker as well!!
Posted by: Lakers Legacy | April 22, 2008 at 11:53 AM
Edwin Gueco,
I'm with you on your protests. Why is everyone coming back much later than projections? I, personally, don't buy into the "bad genes" theory.
BK,
Even though we're on opposite sides of this argument, where would you (or the general concensus within the NBA) rank the Lakers training staff among NBA training staffs?
And, also, if the Lakers training staff is very highly ranked (as you alluded to), WHY is it so highly ranked?
Please respond.
GO LAKERS
Posted by: Jon K. | April 22, 2008 at 11:53 AM
Mamba 24, I'm on the sweep bandwagon. I would be director of vacuuming, but that big sucking sound job has already been taken by Denver. Sweep, sweep, sweep on our way to a what? That's right!! Say it with me Mr. Gueco!!!! A three-peat!!!
GO LAKERS!!!
PS Big Baby Bynum will be back for the second round or that name will stick!!
Kobe will be MVP of the laws of justice will send instant Karma with cries of furies singing, "NO MVP, NO PEACE!"
Posted by: JohnnyP | April 22, 2008 at 11:54 AM
J Fatty,
Ordinarily I'd be in favor of getting a guy like Kwame on the cheap. He has some servicable skills.
The PROBLEM I have with Kwame coming back is actually two fold:
1. His lackidasical style will not fit a championship culture that the Lakers created (getting rid of Cook, Kwame, Smush allowed the culture to blossom)
2. PJ has a soft spot in his heart for Kwame, and if Kwame is on the team, GUARANTEED the guy gets 20 minutes a game.
NO WAY. As much as he's a good guy, knows the triangle, is friends with everyone, and can be had for the minimum this year, I do not want him back. I'd rather get Fazekas or keep MBenga.
Posted by: Tim-4-Show | April 22, 2008 at 11:58 AM
Edwin,
"People get fired in the real world because of bad projections. Medical science may not be perfect due to individual idiosyncracies in responding to treatment, I think silence is golden. If Bynum is trully finished for the year, we could have gotten taller replacements for Bynum who could really help us in defense. Anyway, our discussions is after the fact so it will not bring any significance to change the outcome of a bad projection. Next time, let the doctors provide the medical bulletin after the diagnosis rather than the PR people act as doctors. "
1) The Lakers did get a replacement for Bynum. His name was Pau Gasol. And they added Mbenga. Just out of curiosity, what more do you think they could/should have done that wouldn't have meant gutting the team?
2) The PR people are making their announcements based off what they're told from the doctors. It's not like John Black or Phil Jackson are giving Bynum a separate physical and making their own evaluations. How up front the Lakers are being about the injuries remains up the air (teams rarely, if ever, practice full disclosure on the record), but if you think fans would have heard anything different if they got a press statement from a doctor, you're completely mistaken. The Doctors would only be saying what the Lakers told them to say.
Again, like BK said, these timetables are typically "best case scenario" projections, not something set in stone. Fans should ALWAYS treat them as the bare minimum for recovery. Setbacks, complications or just plain slow healing can't be predicted 8-10 weeks before the fact. And in the case of Bynum, they're being extremely cautious, as well they should be. Rushing him back would be nothing short of stupid.
AK
Posted by: Andrew Kamenetzky | April 22, 2008 at 11:59 AM
Edwin Guerco/BK,
It seems like excessive injuries and bad projections would be viewed as the equivalent of losses by a coaching staff for the training staff.
I mean, injuries are a part of the game, but they're not entirely random. Players who are stronger and in better shape tend to get injured less.
When injuries occur, the training staff should have the experience and knowledge (and personal familiarity with the athlete) to be able to make a reasonable, fact-based judgement in making a projection towards return to health.
SO...
If a lot of players are getting hurt AND they're taking a longer than expected time to heal, it seems that these essential criteria are not being met.
So, if we can at least partially judge a coaching staff by the number of losses they have (obviously that's not the only criteria upon which to judge a coaching staff), it seems like we should also be able to judge a training staff in a similar way.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | April 22, 2008 at 12:04 PM
Mamba24, can we change the name of the Sweep the Nuggets bandwagon to the Dagger in Denver bandwagon. Please be advised I am NOT trying to infringe on your Bandwagon coordinator job here. I just like the sound of it.
TWoody
Posted by: TWoody | April 22, 2008 at 12:04 PM
on the Kwame topic,
Could Ira been a stop gap since Memphis did not release Kwame? I have not thought about that before.
TWoody
Posted by: TWoody | April 22, 2008 at 12:09 PM
AK,
I don't agree with your assessment.
You may not be a doctor, but these guys ARE. It's not like these things are random and these people should just take their best guess. They have doctorates. They've studied this subject matter for years, if not decades. We should expect a certain scientific degree of professionalism, not like "Oh it could be two months, it could be five months, I don't know!"
How is that helping the team?
If you broke you were injured and your doctor gave you a certain regimen for recovery and it took twice as long as he said, wouldn't you be a little upset?
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | April 22, 2008 at 12:11 PM
I am fine with Kwame coming back....
He was good at defending and his body size makes some of these guards think twice as they come flying into the paint.
With that said, he would need to know his strenghts (ok....weaknesses). No LOBS to Kwame. No bounce passes.......alright....no passes to Kwame.....
just kidding.....
Maybe he would do better if he was not under so much pressure to perform.....you know how it goes.....
If everyone could perform under pressure, we would all be porn stars.....
That is my quote of the day....
peace..
janaya
Posted by: janaya | April 22, 2008 at 12:13 PM
*___________________________________*
*.LAKERS SWEEP DENVER BANDWAGON
*___________________________________*
(01) LAKER TOM - Owner
(02) FAIRWEATHER FATTY – Driver
(03) HAVA98 - Game 1 Win Director
(04) TWOODY – Taught Kobe the Crossover
(05 WHITEMAMBA24 – Game 2 win Director
(06) MAMBA24 –Riding ShotGun
(07) JUSTANOTHERMAMBAFAN - Game 3 Win director
(08) JAIMSYY – Game 4 Win director
(09) THE OUTLAW – Director of Lawlessness
(10) LAKERS LEGACY – Director of Laker Tradition
(11) MICHAEL H.- Sent MBenga Home from practice
(12) DAVID IN SPAIN - Convinced Pau Gasol to join Lakers
(13) TOAD – Director of removing Denver carcass
(14) JANAYA – Made Camello back pedal in fear
(15) KOBESBAD - Made Kobe raise his game
(16) JAMIE SWEET - Will change last name to Sweep
(17) JOHNNY P. – Director of Vacuums
Posted by: Mamba24 | April 22, 2008 at 12:14 PM
By the way, Gary Vitti seems like a decent, intelligent guy who has served the Lakers faithfully, but it may be important to remember that even though Al Pacino was fantastic in "Serpico" and "The Godfather", he was terrible in "Gigli" and "The Recruit."
Gary Vitti seems more like the Al Pacino of "Gigli" than the Al Pacino of "The Godfather."
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | April 22, 2008 at 12:15 PM
You go AK! I am almost ready to call in.
Elle gave me some confidence.
And we have a lot to talk about tomorrow.
Posted by: PsychedLakerGirl | April 22, 2008 at 12:28 PM
Nemaia,
Thanks. Looks like we’re pretty much in agreement regarding Drew. Hell, we all want him back as soon as possible but not if it risks any long term injury to Drew. He is far too valuable to risk his career in anyway. And we all think we still have a chance to win it al, even without Drew, although we will have to find someway to better protect the rim. Allowing 60 points in the paint may work in Denver but isn’t going to fly in Boston or Detroit or San Antonio or Phoenix.
I think we would all like to know when Drew will be back. At this point, however, it’s pretty clear that nobody knows. After all the hoopla, the Lakers have taken the logical step of not counting on Drew to come back. If he does, which I still think will happen, then that is a bonus. While we’re all disappointed, it’s hard to really complain since we may still have enough talent and chemistry to win it a title this year even without Drew. But when he does come back, even if it’s late in the playoffs, you can throw parity right out the window – along with every other team’s chance to win the NBA championship.
Tom
Posted by: LakerTom | April 22, 2008 at 12:38 PM
Jon/Edwin-
It would be nice if that's how the world worked, but it isn't. When someone has an injury, there are a litany of factors that can determine how quickly that athlete heals, from genetics to the amount of damage, and so on. The more severe the injury- in the case of Bynum, a dislocated kneecap and bone bruise certainly qualifies, as does a broken foot for Ariza- the more difficult it is for medical staff to make a projection. It's the same way in "real life." Some people bounce back from heart surgery quickly, for some it takes longer. Certain complications can't be anticipated at the time of injury, and can only be fleshed out as the healing process begins.
You're confusing "bad projections" that hurt the team with "bad projections" that frustrate you as a fan. As long as doctors/training staff communicate the situation to management, plans can be made. When players get hurt, the trainers and med staff go through a whole range of scenarios so that if a response is needed, one can be made. They hoped Drew would be back in 8-12 weeks (which in itself is a pretty wide projection) but knew it could be longer. Thus the projections on Bynum weren't "bad" because the team was armed with enough information to make whatever moves they felt were necessary. Same with Trevor.
As for the notion that players in better shape tend to get hurt less, that's probably true. Except this year, Bynum came into camp in the best shape of his career. So that wasn't an issue. LO has managed to stay pretty healthy this season, and he didn't have an offseason to train. Again, it's not that cut and dried.
BK
Posted by: Brian Kamenetzky | April 22, 2008 at 12:45 PM
Johnny,
“Tom, I believe Kobe would be fighting with his doctors at this point and saying - truthfully or not - "No doc I don't feel a thing," and "How about I play a little and see how it feels? My team needs me." Can you imagine Kobe sitting out a playoff series because he injured his knee months ago? I can't. AB has been spotted at shoot arounds!! Kobe would be out there even if he had to wear two braces on his knee!”
I hear you, Johnny. Hell, Kobe would probably try to play on crutches. But that is why he is Kobe. His desire and ability to play through injuries and mental stress has been proven over and over. There’s a big difference between a 20 year old phenom and a 12-year MVP veteran, though, and between an injured knee and injured pinky.
From what I understood really happened per Eric Pincus is that Andrew was the one pushing to play but the Lakers wanted him to take another couple of weeks because he was still feeling some pain. Drew went to see his doctor in New York hoping to get cleared to play but the doctor agreed with the Lakers that he needed more time.
You are completely right that the patient often has a lot to say about playing with injuries but that is thrown out the door is the team doctors refuse to give the player the clearance to practice with full contact. Believe me, if there were a risk of Kobe injuring his finger permanently such that it would affect his game, the Lakers would shut him down in a minute. Same with Drew. You don’t ever want to risk franchise players health.
The fact that the Lakers did not shut down Drew for the season indicates that he should be able to return at some point during the playoffs, but nobody knows for sure when so in the meantime, we go to with the guys we got, who are pretty damn good without Drew. That just sets the stage for Drew to pull his Willis Reed and save the team in the Finals.
Tom
Posted by: LakerTom | April 22, 2008 at 12:52 PM
BK,
Dude, can't you just admit that I make some valid points? Geez. Sometimes you're like The Fonz trying to say he's sorry. Urgh.
So, will you at least admit that a more qualified doctor can better assist in the healing and speed of healing than a less qualified doctor much of the time?
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | April 22, 2008 at 12:52 PM
Lotta people are saying they're glad Kobe has finally come out.
Just to clarify, Kobe Bryant is still heterosexual.
Posted by: ajax | April 22, 2008 at 12:59 PM
BK,
In addition, it sounds like your argument is that the healing of an injury is based upon so many factors that there is no valid means of establishing criteria upon whch to judge the quality of a training staff that is responsible for the avoidance and rapid repair of injuries.
So, if that's the case, how do you judge the quality of a training staff? The equipment they have? How well they get along with the players?
I don't get it.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | April 22, 2008 at 01:00 PM
Jon-
I'm perfectly happy to say when you're making valid points. In this particular debate, though, I think you're way off, so I can't.
Your contention that a better doctor can deliver better diagnosis and care than a less qualified one is obvious, but what's your point? What evidence do you have that the doctors used by the Lakers aren't highly qualified, or that someone else could have magically put Drew back on the court six weeks ago?
You're upset with the outcome so you're looking to find blame and responsibility for what is an inherently non-linear, difficult to predict process- the healing of the human body from major injury. At no point did Gary Vitti and his staff, nor any of the doctors involved, say Andrew Bynum would be back in eight weeks. They hoped he would, but all projections were done with the idea that it could very well take longer. Disappointing? Sure. Medically unsound? I don't see it.
What's happened to the Lakers this year isn't at all out of line or unusual for injuries in sports.
BK
Posted by: Brian Kamenetzky | April 22, 2008 at 01:05 PM
LakerTom and Johnny: agreed but practicing shots is one thing - he is our low post player. He has to cut, pivot, jump, land with multiple people around/on top of him, avoid bodies on the floor.
If you don't feel comfortable on your knee - how can do all of that? Those are the unknowns because those are game situations.
AK/BK is right - you can't mess with this type of injury because of all the different things he has to do with his body. He might be able to jump and shoot but the rotational movement might be the hindrance. One wrong turn with however many tendons/ligaments there are around the knee could mean another season lost.
None of us want that just to see him for 2-4 weeks in this season's playoff run.
LET's GO LAKERS!!!
Posted by: PsychedLakerGirl | April 22, 2008 at 01:07 PM
PsychedLakerGirl,
“Laker Tom et al: love your insight but I am kind of in the camp of letting AB go for the season. If he comes back it will be a total gimme for us.”
Excellent post, PLG. I couldn’t really disagree with any of the good points you made. Even without Drew, we have as good a chance as any to win the championship this year. We will have to do a better job defensively which I think we will, especially as each series evolves and we make the right adjustments defensively. Kobe, Pau, and Lamar still give us a good shot. Drew would make us the heavy favorites in my opinion.
Remember that the Lakers have not officially shut down Andrew for the year and his doctor specifically stated that the delay in clearance was not a setback. If there were no chance that Andrew could come back without risk of further injury, the Lakers would just shut him down but they have not done that. Phil has just said that they aren’t going to count on Drew returning, period, which is the right thing to do considering the situation.
The Lakers just do not want to count on him because his possible return is still up in the air but there is still a good chance that Drew can return later in the playoffs. That is why he is still practicing with the team. Fortunately, due to the #1 seed we won’t need him for the next four weeks anyway. So hopefully, we’ll see him in conference or NBA finals.
Get well, Drew. Lakers win it all one way or another.
Tom
Posted by: LakerTom | April 22, 2008 at 01:10 PM
Jon K just complained that BK was like the Fonz. :)
Happy Days are here again! ARGH!! I couldn't stop myself.
Mark
Posted by: MarkytheArky | April 22, 2008 at 01:12 PM
Jon-
How fast a player comes back from injury is one of many factors that can be used to evaluate a training staff, but it's one that should be used with caution, because it's a fundamental mistake both of logic and medicine to assume that if a player heals slowly, it's the responsibility of the training staff, or if he heals quickly, it's because of the training staff. There is the quality of care they receive once injured, the quality of preventative work they do, their reputation around the league and with players on the team (pros will grumble if they don't feel they're receiving good care, something that isn't generally an issue in LA), attention to detail, a willingness to keep up with new trends, and more.
As far as I can tell, the Lakers staff does well in these areas. That doesn't mean they can heal Trevor Ariza's foot, keep Andrew Bynum's knee from dislocating, or prevent different players from turning an ankle on another player's foot. That's sports.
BK
Posted by: Brian Kamenetzky | April 22, 2008 at 01:15 PM
BK,
{Shaking my head in frustration.}
And how did you obtain so much medical knowledge, BK? You sound like doctors are just shaman who chant over their patients in hope that a non-linear means of healing will occur. There are relatively linear paths to healing with injury, even if treatment should be multi-factoral.
You still haven't answered my question (as too often happens) and avoided the issue.
What then are the criteria upon which we should judge the effectiveness of our (or any) training staff?
Why do you have so much faith in our training staff despite, as Edwin Guerco poiints out, a long list of bad projections in terms of the return to health of our players?
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | April 22, 2008 at 01:18 PM
By the way, I'm not trying to state that the Lakers training staff isn't highly qualified, just that they're not doing a very good job.
Results are much more important than degrees.
To quote my earlier post: "By the way, Gary Vitti seems like a decent, intelligent guy who has served the Lakers faithfully, but it may be important to remember that even though Al Pacino was fantastic in "Serpico" and "The Godfather", he was terrible in "Gigli" and "The Recruit."
Gary Vitti seems more like the Al Pacino of "Gigli" than the Al Pacino of "The Godfather.""
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | April 22, 2008 at 01:22 PM
Jon-
I did answer your question. But I think you're still hung up on the "bad projections" concept, which I simply don't accept. I don't think that the initial 8-12 weeks on Bynum was a "bad projection." It was one based on what they, meaning the doctors and the training staff, hoped would be the healing time based on what they knew about his injury on that date. And even then, it was with the caveat that it could take longer.
When a player goes down with an injury, I simply don't get very wrapped up in the X-X week forecasts, because like the weather, they're often wrong because circumstances can change. I've spoken to enough trainers and medical people in enough sports to know they make those projections with a great deal of trepidation, and always with the understanding that they are not to be used as the gospel. Generally speaking, those guys hate timetables.
BK
Posted by: Brian Kamenetzky | April 22, 2008 at 01:24 PM
BK,
"There is the quality of care they receive once injured, the quality of preventative work they do, their reputation around the league and with players on the team (pros will grumble if they don't feel they're receiving good care, something that isn't generally an issue in LA), attention to detail, a willingness to keep up with new trends, and more."
Okay, we're in agreement on this.
So, I'm confused though. Are you stating that the Lakers training staff meets this criteria because players are complaining or because you've witnessed this first hand and you some decent background in medical knowledge or because you've spoken to other professional training staffs and they've confirmed that the Lakers training staff exceeds their own quality according to these criteria?
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | April 22, 2008 at 01:28 PM
BK,
By the way, an interview with Gary Vitti would have ended this discussion and 1000 Dit Da Jow posts months ago.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | April 22, 2008 at 01:30 PM
Jon-
As far as I know, the reputation of the Lakers training and medical staff around the league is very good (based upon their success in those areas) and players are pleased with the work they do. That doesn't mean they won't seek outside opinions (as Drew did, going to back to Jersey to see his old orthopedist... who told him the same thing- he couldn't play yet), but overall, I haven't heard anything that makes me think there's a fundamental problem with the training or medical staff. If I hear different, I'll certainly pass it along.
BK
Posted by: Brian Kamenetzky | April 22, 2008 at 01:32 PM
BK,
Yes, you did answer my question. There was a timing error between posts.
I would argue that doctors make these decisions with trepidation because they know that's what the quality of their knowledge and ability is going to be judged upon, as well it should be. They know that, but they're doctors and they don't want the quality of their knowledge and ability to be judged by anybody, especially someone with a medical degree.
Alright. I see your point, but I still think you're wrong and I don't think you should stifle discussion on this matter if we are unable to present specifics as to why Bynum and Ariza's injuries are taking as long as they are to heal.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | April 22, 2008 at 01:35 PM
BK,
Okay. Thanks.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | April 22, 2008 at 01:40 PM
COULD THE FUTURE BE ANY BRIGHTER?
Warning! Not wearing sunglasses when visiting the KBros Lakers Blog may have harmful effects on your eyesight. Please be careful not to look directly into the Lakers future without some form of protective eyewear as the brightness can be blinding.
As one of the many Lakers fans on this blog who refused to consider trading Kobe Bryant even in the gloomiest and darkest days of last summer, the recent comments from KB24 are especially gratifying and satisfying. I could not have imagined my Lakers without Kobe or Kobe wearing any other uniform other than that of the purple and gold.
To finally hear Kobe confirm what all of us have taken for granted as this marvelous season unfolded is music to our ears. It’s God again working in His mysterious ways to ensure that the Lakers remain at the pinnacle of professional basketball franchises. Look this offseason for Kobe to opt out of his contract to sign a more-cap friendly long-term contract that will make him a Laker for life, whether we win it all this year or not.
I think most of the blog regulars would classify me as one of the most GHF and staunchly optimistic posters on the blog but even I could not have foreseen the perfect storm of good fortune that snatched the Lakers franchise from the edge of despair and transformed this season into the greatest Cinderella performance in the storied history of the franchise. This year is proof positive that God is a Lakers fan. LOL.
I would like to know who out there could have predicted that Andrew Bynum, Jordan Farmar, Lamar Odom, Sasha Vujacic, Vladimir Radmanovic, and Ronny Turiaf would all elevate their play and enjoy career seasons. And that we would add Derek Fisher, Trevor Ariza, and Pau Gasol via free agency and trades and get rid of losers like Smush Parker and Kwame Brown. Not even the most GHF of us expected such a turnaround.
With Kobe’s complete recanting of last summer’s dismay and dissatisfaction, Mitch’s elevation to EOY status, Jerry’s willingness to spend to put and keep this team together, and the team poised to compete for the Lakers 15th NBA Championship this year and set to dominate the next decade with the most talented and deepest roster in the league, there is good reason to wear shades when viewing the Lakers ultra-bright, blazing future.
Tom
Posted by: LakerTom | April 22, 2008 at 01:41 PM
Jon K. et al: BK - we will never understand what all of this is unless the medical records are released and that is certainly not happening.
For all we know AB is "healed" but his doctors haven't cleared him for the next step - which is to practice with the team. So, all he can do is practice his shooting on the floor and do cardio wherever else he can without the weight.
Remember too - he is a 20 year old kid who hired his own training team last Summer to help him get stronger and more fit. Who knows what regimen they had him doing? They may have built more muscle but maybe they didn't strengthen the area around his knees. Those are totally different training areas and regimens. Look at KB24 when he was 20 and look at him 5 years later. Totally different body. KB24 changed up his workout to allow him to withstand the rigors of his position.
I have said it before awhile back - I explained to my trainer some of the machines AB was using in the rehab video. My trainer said there was no way you could use those machines a sublaxation AND dislocation was not healed.
I really believe the extension of AB's injury timeline was to strengthen (not heal) the area that might be most prone to injury for AB's body given the physicality of the position he plays. And since we have the luxury of time right now - they have the ability to strengthen it even more. And since he is under LAL trainer care (and not his own /directly) - they can use their expertise and training regimens to get him to be even more fit.
We all want him back but then we will expect domination from the kid because he might be facing Shaq or another big. But I think you also want him to not crumble in a heap.
LET's GO LAKERS!
Posted by: PsychedLakerGirl | April 22, 2008 at 01:47 PM
Twoody & Charles - thanks, I am feeling a lot of daggers today. Don't really know why except like others have said - I need a game day.
Edwin, Jon K. - I still like you. I am just done with all the AB coming back talk. We need our team right now to be playing with confidence. We need Luke and Vlad mentally strong and for both that's playing time and hitting shots. AB and Trevor are bonus points - kind of like Duncan hitting his "3". Oh what a treat!
Posted by: PsychedLakerGirl | April 22, 2008 at 02:08 PM
Jon K
Just to add a little to our meds.
I don't have all the facts, so I'm not able to have a qualified opinion.
But these are some things I have noticed.
1. Karl Malone felt they mis-diagnosed his knee problem, complained about the staff and sought treatment elsewhere.
2. Kwame went for an outside opinion on his ankle. If you remember Phil chided him on it.
3. Andrew, (not feeling confident with Lakers meds) sought a specialists' thoughts in NY
4. The famous $75,000 zero-gravity machine. I went to the makers site and they have a testimonial from the Suns chief trainer and Suns players who have been using it for at least a year and half before the Lakers. They have been getting great results.
My question: Why did the Suns beat us to the punch and why were we so slow to use the latest scientific equipment?
It is not our imagination. The Lakers have been giving out very inaccurate predictions for recovery.
Example: Luke last year sprains ankle. Diagnosed as mild, to miss 3-4 games. Then misses 62 days and hobbles thru the playoffs.
As bloggers on this site, we are the most informed of anybody and yet we are very frustrated because of expectations given us by Lakers management.
Posted by: Fairweather Fatty | April 22, 2008 at 02:23 PM
BK,
Fairweather Farry does make some interesting points.
PsychedLakerGirl,
I still think discussion regarding Ariza's and Bynum's return is valid. Why? Because their healthy to return to the court essentially ensures an NBA Championship.
Why not, though? Because we, as a blog, don't have enough facts on the matter, which is a source of suspicion and frustration for me, personally.
However, I think your point is valid in the sense that focusing on the injuries should only be a sideshow to the main issue: We play with the players we've got. And we win with the players we got. That simple.
GO LAKERS
Posted by: Jon K. | April 22, 2008 at 02:39 PM
Jon K. - But we will never get enough facts on this matter! We have to get over it. It's someone's personal medical history. And I am sure you recognize the right to your own personal privacy.
AB, his agents, doctors, etc. are also very aware of his FMV and certainly don't want to jeopardize his marketability or negotiating power.
I too am frustrated with all the various predictions/projections/premonitions/etc. But we can let it drag us down or we can deal. Obviously, the team is dealing, so should we.
Let's discuss/dissect/argue over matchups for tomorrow's game or something fun like that. How do we think the Thugs are going to change up their offense and defense? Let's talk about something we all know more about because we at least know those pawns in this ever interesting game of chess called the NBA playoffs.
LET's GO LAKERS!!
Posted by: PsychedLakerGirl | April 22, 2008 at 03:01 PM
PsychedLakerGirl,
Okay. I see your point. I'll limit my negative comments.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | April 22, 2008 at 03:32 PM
AK,
I don't agree with your assessment but I will accept what PSG has said. Pau is not a replacement of Drew but an addition to the Laker team in replacement of Kwame and the rest 1st rd draft picks. You are always siding with the management in the Kobe case last summer and it seems you represent the Lakers in this blog, why not let them like PR John Black blog and shed light to Laker fans. As a media man, is afraid to confront Laker fans in the blog or he won't belittle himself and stoop down to our level? Again, you will appear more impartial, if you invite some Laker management to explain themselves in the blog than act as their PR man.
Anyway, the issue here is moot, I said at the beginning of the season "if we can have what we liked then we should like what we have."
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | April 22, 2008 at 03:38 PM
Edwin,
"I don't agree with your assessment but I will accept what PSG has said. Pau is not a replacement of Drew but an addition to the Laker team in replacement of Kwame and the rest 1st rd draft picks. You are always siding with the management in the Kobe case last summer and it seems you represent the Lakers in this blog, why not let them like PR John Black blog and shed light to Laker fans. As a media man, is afraid to confront Laker fans in the blog or he won't belittle himself and stoop down to our level? Again, you will appear more impartial, if you invite some Laker management to explain themselves in the blog than act as their PR man."
1) Who is PSG? I have no idea who you're talking about.
2) Gasol was absolutely a replacement for Bynum. They needed a quality big when Drew went down and got one. That he'll happen to mesh (I think, if nothing else) with Drew when he comes back is beside the point. Gasol's addition was a direct response to Bynum's injury.
3) I don't always "side with management." My response to you wasn't a matter of "taking a side" to begin with. I simply said that the front office are not playing the role of doctors in whatever they're saying. They're getting the doctor's reports, and then deciding how much or how little to reveal. It's pretty simple stuff.
4) I don't represent the Lakers at all on this blog. They don't pay my salary and I don't answer to them in any capacity. I've also never spoken for the PR staff. I give my opinion of what they say or don't say. Here is who I represent: The L.A. Times. Period. End of story. Nobody else.
5) Just out of curiosity, what exactly would you want John Black to explain, were he to make an appearance on the blog? What do you think he'd say to the readers that he doesn't already say to reporters?
AK
Posted by: Andrew Kamenetzky | April 22, 2008 at 04:09 PM
Edwin/AK,
As a person who has a tendency to create (or exacerbate) unnecessary arguments, I believe I have the experience to state, "Come on, guys! Let's mellow out here."
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | April 22, 2008 at 04:43 PM