Albricias!
AK already relayed all the important information I relayed to him after practice via our Lakers Blog Hotline (also known as our cell phones), but to recap:
- Pau Gasol practiced fully today (or in his words, "Fully, fully, fully. Very fully.") and if all goes well, should be able to give it a run Wednesday night against the Blazers.
- Andrew Bynum was running today on the court, as opposed to his treadmill-from-the-future, which obviously means he was supporting 100% of his body weight... unless of course they had him suspended with elaborate rigging from the ceiling, Cirque du Soleil style, or simply pushed the treadmill up and down the court while he ran on it. Both seem unlikely, though Bynum left the building before speaking to the media. I'm hoping tomorrow they have him running with Sasha on his back, just so the team can say Bynum worked out at 160% of his total mass.
- By the way, when you listen to Phil, don't be confused. PJ is a notorious fountain of medical misinformation (Friday afternoon, there were reports of him selling this stuff out of a steamer trunk on the corner Lincoln and Santa Monica), and when he speaks of Bynum running on the treadmill at 90%, experiencing soreness, then dialing it back to 80%, Jackson is actually delivering yesterday's news.
"He still has a way to go to catch up with some of the guys, but I think he'll able to play tomorrow. We'll see how it reacts tomorrow morning," Jackson said of Gasol. And if he plays, he'll start. "It's one of those cases where you have to activate him before he goes out and plays, basically. I may not even bring him back after he plays one rotation." That Gasol could be back tomorrow doesn't mean the injury has healed completely. "He'll probably have swelling for the next six weeks. Anybody who's ever had a severely sprained ankle knows it just goes on and on. Eventually it subsides, but it's still going to be an issue for a while."
Bynum will go on the next roadie to Sacto and Portland. This will let him go through practices and shootarounds, helping him continue progressing in his recovery, keep up with new wrinkles on both ends of the floor, and "so he can get with his teammates and hang out a little with his teammates, so he can remember their names." Jackson made it pretty clear that given the length of his absence, Drew will have to practice fully before he'll be cleared to get back on the court. I would be surprised if he played Monday or Wednesday- very surprised, actually- but that he's running and ready to travel with the team is a very good sign.
I asked Phil how much work Ira Newble- signed for the rest of the season, if you missed the news this morning- would need in practice before he's ready to step in with meaningful minutes in a game. "Today he went out there and gave us a great practice. He was on Kobe and played him really tough in practice, and yet offensively there's still a space he has to be able to be able to fill and find his way there quickly, and that recognition is still a little bit out. We don't mind that. He'll still be able to function in a game if he has to go in, but it's not a natural thing for him yet."
So a few more practices, then? "Could be."
AUDIO:
- Phil Jackson, talking about all the stuff above, getting guys healthy before the playoffs, and the need for a day off, which they had yesterday: Download phil_jackson_4.1.mp3
- Pau Gasol, who addresses the injury, for the most part... though if you listen closely, you can hear me make a joke that falls totally flat, quite deservedly, I might add: Download pau_gasol_4.1.mp3
BK
How come dirk can come back from couple games but our starz......... ?
DALLAS (AP) - The Dallas Mavericks upgraded the injury status of Dirk Nowitzki to day-to-day on Tuesday, the eve of a pivotal Western Conference game against Golden State.
The reigning MVP, who has been out since spraining his left ankle and knee March 23, would be re-evaluated Wednesday to see if he can play against the Warriors.
The Mavs (46-28) began Tuesday a half-game ahead of Golden State for the No. 7 seed in the Western Conference. The Warriors play at San Antonio on Tuesday night.
Nowitzki landed awkwardly on his left leg after running to block a shot in a loss to San Antonio. He was diagnosed with a moderate high ankle sprain and a mildly sprained knee. The Mavs are 2-2 since he was sidelined.
Posted by: VLeYumC | April 01, 2008 at 04:51 PM
repost from earlier thread
Justa,
"He was signed to play D for 10 days so why did he sit all of 3-4 minutes"
No, he was signed as an insurance policy in case there was an emergency need. That is why people are signed to 10 day contracts. NOT to become significant contributors. Newble is not a better choice at this point than any of the shooting guards/small forwards on the roster (possibly other than Karl), and given the limited amount of practice time left in the season, he will very likely not get to that point this season. It's not realistic, and the practice time that is available needs to be spent primarily working with the players already on the roster, because the payoff THIS SEASON will be much higher doing that than spending it trying to teach Newble the triangle, familiarizing himself with these teammates and vice versa.
BTW, Kwame was NEVER average, either defensively or offensively.
Posted by: exhelodrvr | April 01, 2008 at 09:10 AM
Ex
I don't buy that. You sign players out of need for temporay help or when needed. Yes definitely an insurance policy. But like other insurance policies you don't only cover one diaster. You cover all you bases. We have a shortage of players and our core is playing way too minutes extending them to point of exhaustion. So why wait for playoffs when you have an insurance policy on your bench? you use that insurance policy to help your team now and in the playoffs. Even if he plays in spurts there is no better way to learn than on the court.
He also was signed for playoffs as you stated so if TA is not ready(but I hope he will be, and might be ready) then Ira needs to get the PT now instead of experience in the playoffs. If TA comes back and is able to contribute our bench is stronger if Ira can contribute too.
I have already read that Ira has been signed for rest of year so he better get PT to help out now and when needed.
Yes Kwame was average but the block in between his ears did not allow him to realize he could be so much better. Again like Stu said "if you show me once show me all the time".
============================================
JustaLakerFan
Sorry, man, but you missed the point. TA comes back healthy in another two or three weeks. Great. When do we find the time.......while trying to win playoff games.........to get him some minutes and get him into game shape? Do we put him out there in a position where he can't succeed due to having been off for as long as he has? Can't afford to give away a minute of a playoff game, let alone a quater or a game. That's exactly why Ira was signed.......as insurance in case TA could not come back before the playoffs start. His being signed to a full contract yesterday is evidence of exactly that. Remember, in the playoffs, your roster is set before each series begins, unlike the regular season where you pick your 12 active players on game day. Ira will get some PT in the next few weeks, and will probably be there in the playoffs as a stuational shut down defender.
I like TA alot.........but he's not going to be able to give us any help this year.
Posted by: toad | April 01, 2008 at 09:47 AM
toad
I remain optomistic that TA will come back and be ready, but as you say he needs playing time now and I question he will get it. Read what I wrote to Ex and see that insurance policies cover more than one diaster. That is why he should have played. I did not miss the point but you did not look at all the factors. Outside of Coby the problem is you can't invest in your core too much now as they need to rest and are burning out.
Prepare for the playoffs and work in your role players now to help our core and let the others get experience. Worked wonders when BJ was given a few minutes to contribute.
Posted by: JustaLakerFan | April 01, 2008 at 03:41 PM
Posted by: JustaLakerFan | April 01, 2008 at 05:00 PM
let's just hope nobody else is further injured. The Lakers should not take Portland lightly. Every team is gunning to ruin the Lakers parade.
Posted by: never | April 01, 2008 at 05:06 PM
Great news on the injury front. Those New Orleans and San Antonio games at the end of the season (Apr 11 and Apr 13) are going to be a real treat to watch!
Too bad the Lakers are on the back end of a back-to-back when they face New Orleans (or is that a good thing, as us optimistic Lakers fans will have an excuse if the Lakers lose?)
If Chris Paul is so good, why can't he handle Deron Williams?
Against Utah this year:
5-12 FG, 4 TO, 6 AST, 6 REB, 15 PTS, LOSS
3-11 FG, 5 TO, 6 AST, 4 REB, 6 PTS, LOSS
5-15 FG, 1 TO, 16 AST, 4 REB, 24 PTS, WIN
Naturally, you might ask, well how did Kobe do against Detroit, which gives him so much trouble?
Kobe against Detroit this year:
6-18 FG, 2 TO, 7 AST, 4 REB, 19 PTS, WIN
12-25 FG, 11 TO, 5 AST, 10 REB, 39 PTS, LOSS
It's also worth mentioning that New Orleans had all starters healthy against the Jazz. Bynum was missing in the Lakers' loss. Also, New Orleans lost by an average of 25 points in their two losses to Utah. Lakers lost by 1 point in their loss to Detroit.
It sucks, but anti-campaigning for MVP is necessary, because too many people are ignorant of the facts. I should not care so much about the MVP, but I read about way too many people leaning toward giving Paul their vote.
Posted by: Amazing_Happens | April 01, 2008 at 05:10 PM
VLeYumC,
Because our training staff is "okay" not great.
(Also Dirk has probably been using Dit Da Jow.)
Seriously, it's been taking WAY too long for players to come back from injury this year.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | April 01, 2008 at 05:19 PM
It's about time to release the beast!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9efsJwJxYEk
Posted by: Ron | April 01, 2008 at 05:27 PM
IT IS THE LAST COUPLE WEEKS......................NOW EVERYONE AND THEIR MOMMA IS CALLING FOR SOMEBODY TO BEAT SOMEBODY TO HELP THE LAKER NATION CAUSE...................IS THAT BECAUSE THESE BOY'S CAN'T GET IT DONE THEMSELVES...............................AS I HAVE
Posted by: KARL MALONE | April 01, 2008 at 05:56 PM
LTLF
I honestly don't care if the Lakers are a 1, 2, or 3 seed, but
I would prefer them to be ranked higher than Utah.
Utah's home court advantage could proved deadly to some
team.
Posted by: Long Time Laker Fan | April 01, 2008 at 01:04 PM
if utah finishes on 4th with 55-27
and the lakers (or any other team) on 5th with 56-26
the lakers will have home court advantage because of the overall record.
looks like the jazz will play from behind with no home court advantage. they r well positioned by the rule, but they don't have the record.
Posted by: ZIn Master | April 01, 2008 at 06:09 PM
i would just like to blurt out loud my sentiments on the survey "unsung hero"...i behemently disagree with the results tagging kupcake as the "unsung hero". i dnt think he deserves to be that one because that is basically his job...to make a formidable line up, a championship caliber team...had he done his job years before, the lakers could have gotten at least 2 championships...had kobe not made the wake up call on the management, kupcake would still be sleeping on his job....
Posted by: jonjay | April 01, 2008 at 06:20 PM
Is it too much to ask for the Nugs to hold the F'n lead this time.
Posted by: HmrHed | April 01, 2008 at 06:32 PM
Hollinger looks at the international flavor of the Lakers and finds it magnifique.
http://insider.espn.go.com/nba/insider/columns/story?
columnist=hollinger_john&page=All-World-0708&action=
upsell&appRedirect=http%3a%2f%2finsider.espn.go.com
%2fnba%2finsider%2fcolumns%2fstory%3fcolumnist%3
dhollinger_john%26page%3dAll-World-0708
Posted by: richard | April 01, 2008 at 06:55 PM
The Hornets won again tonight in Orlando. I give the Hornets credit and B. Scott has them focused, still along with being good you also need a little luck. Orlando had the lead late and just choked the game away. In order for the Lakers to win the West, it may come down to their game at Staples against the Hornets next weekend. Go Lakers!!!
Posted by: Nemaia Faletogo | April 01, 2008 at 06:56 PM
OK -- jonjay, I rarely correct other bloggers and I make mistakes myself -- but I have to draw the line at "behemently". Although, since the "b" is next to the "v", I'll give you the benefit of the doubt. hahahah
Posted by: HmrHed | April 01, 2008 at 07:03 PM
BK,
Based from what you have gathered from AK Call Center, you said: "he (Bynum) was supporting 100% of his body weight..."
You mean to say that he can now stand on his two feet, can run to and fro, can jump vertical and horizontal and can stretch his wide wing span....that's Vittli Miracle.
Western Conference Teams beware, the eagle has landed. Ready for airborne in the next few days. Coming soon, subscribe now to NBA League Pass, Direct TV, don't miss the action!!!
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | April 01, 2008 at 07:04 PM
BK,
"Today he (Ira N.) went out there and gave us a great practice. He was on Kobe and played him really tough in practice, and yet offensively there's still a space he has to be able to be able to fill and find his way there quickly, and that recognition is still a little bit out. We don't mind that. He'll still be able to function in a game if he has to go in, but it's not a natural thing for him yet."
In short, he has to sit down more before he can stand up.
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | April 01, 2008 at 07:09 PM
Listening to PJ today at practice left me with the impression that he has no idea what to do with Ira Newble. Mentioned that Ira had good pratice guarding Kobe as well as some positive run on offense.
But all PJ can say about Ira is that we have to wait and see!
Can you believe this guy? I feel like PJ has cost us at least 8 games this season because of his don't have a clue what's going on substitution pattern.
He is so vague and inconclusive that it's a wonder that no one in the media has strongly called him on it.
Posted by: chuck23 | April 01, 2008 at 07:10 PM
BK,
"He'll (Gasol) probably have swelling for the next six weeks. Anybody who's ever had a severely sprained ankle knows it just goes on and on. Eventually it subsides, but it's still going to be an issue for a while."
Dear Lord, not again please, Dr. Jackson just said another swelling for six more packing weeks, why don't you just consult on Dr. Jon Jut Jaw?
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | April 01, 2008 at 07:14 PM
i hope you all agree with this:
looking at the tight race and continuous shifting and considering all the injuries, especially the 7 footers, i am very proud of this team and i give them all the props they can handle.
i almost feel like taking a few days break and recharge while fantasizing at the SURGE of the cavalry, artillery, aviation, special teams and agents.
with all the ups and down, it was more exciting and fulfilling then all the past 3-4 seasons together.
thanks lakersland
Posted by: ZIn Master | April 01, 2008 at 08:12 PM
geez Denver might actually pull this one out...........Bout friggin' time.
Posted by: pslakerfan | April 01, 2008 at 08:33 PM
Denver could have beaten this team twice. I thank them for winning tonight, now we have to beat the blazers to take a full game lead. The refs made some
bad calls against the Nuggets but they still won.
Posted by: wow | April 01, 2008 at 08:41 PM
Denver Beats Phoenix which is good.
Orlando couldnt hold off the Hornets boo.
Posted by: Jon | April 01, 2008 at 08:41 PM
HmrHed,
Don't you mean the "venefit of the douvt"?
Posted by: exhelodrvr | April 01, 2008 at 09:04 PM
Denver beats Phoenix is proof that...
Colorado loves the Lakers!
Posted by: Hugo Boss | April 01, 2008 at 09:07 PM
Only way we get that #1 seed is a 10-game winning streak, including a NO loss to GS or UTAH.
See, we play NO once and SA once in the next 9 games so if we can go on a run right now, all is right in the world:
#1 LAKERS GET #1 SEED
#2 KOBE GETS MVP
#3 WE PLAY WARRIORS/NUGGETS/DALLAS 1ST ROUND
Posted by: Korey | April 01, 2008 at 09:12 PM
Ex,
Yes, I believe I did. Thanks for correcting me. lol
Laker Nation ... we can't waste the Suns loss with a bad showing tomorrow. It's go time.
Good article on defending, or not so much defending, Kobe in the LA Times.
Posted by: HmrHed | April 01, 2008 at 09:21 PM
korey
kobe lost the mvp last week. actually the team mates lost it for him. a 53 points performance, the highest of the nba season, went unnoticed because they lost to the grizz. CP3 is in front. KG sec.
Posted by: ZIn Master | April 01, 2008 at 10:08 PM
Korey,
>>> #3 WE PLAY WARRIORS/NUGGETS/DALLAS 1ST ROUND.
I'm obviously good with #1 and #2, but I'd rather not play the Warriors. That's been a really tough match-up.
Posted by: Rick Friedman | April 01, 2008 at 10:11 PM
Chuck 23
>>> I feel like PJ has cost us at least 8 games this season.
I totally agree. No disrespect to the coach's nine rings, but sometimes I simply don't understand what he is thinking.
Phil really doesn't use the bench to his best advantage. Witness how little he's used Mbenga until the last few games.
Posted by: Rick Friedman | April 01, 2008 at 10:14 PM
i really dont fully believe in surveys....its just a very easy, manipulative way of getting an assessment...it does not actually
manifest the real sentiments of the people, its more of just who have the access, who's been ask...all are purely calculated...
so, to those who have the capability----don't abuse, especially those in the print media...
GOT IT HRRMED...
Posted by: jonjay | April 01, 2008 at 10:17 PM
THe Lakers haven't had injuries last like these. Gary V's been around for awhile
but guys weren't out for half a season with sprains.
Is it some combination of Alex McK and Vitti?
Is one pushing while the other is pullin'? And why not some alternative exploration?
You'd think Phil would be all for anything along those lines but it sounds as if he's out of that loop.
A part of you would like to think it's a plot. Phil's holdin' em back to unleash them on an unsuspecting
NBA in the playoffs.
I'd like that but that sh#^ ain't the truth. The truth is, they're the weak and Vitti's the tyranny of evil men, but Phil's tryin' real hard to be the shepherd.
Posted by: Vman | April 01, 2008 at 10:18 PM
Gasol should expect a little bit of swelling for the next 3 weeks- this is normal. Gary Vitti might want to try a little bit of acupuncture on him rather than the "blue goo"!!
Posted by: Robyn | April 01, 2008 at 10:19 PM
AK and BK,
Two themes have been permeating the blogosphere lately, that would be great to bring up at the next media opportunity, hopefully before the game against Portland.
1) The questioning of whether the Laker training staff is doing everything it can to get injured players healthy as fast as possible. I know we're all just fans and not doctors, but Dirk Nowitski's quick return in Dallas does raise credence to the questions so many bloggers have been raising.
2) With all the concerns about Fish's foot injury, Farmar's minutes have actually been reduced. It's been observed here my many (though sometimes challenged by me) that Jordan seems to have regressed in both his offense and defense. What is the Laker's coaching staff doing to help Jordan break out of his sophomore slump, and why is it not taking hold in the way most of us would like to see.
The beauty of what the two of you do is that you don't necessarily have to ask the same questions that the traditional media always ask. Here's a chance to break some new ground and perhaps make news, as well.
P.S. Can you also fix whatever link has stretched out the blog tonight? Thanks.
Posted by: Rick Friedman | April 01, 2008 at 10:28 PM
Rick,
you think the Warriors would want to see us with Gasol or Bynum back?
Think about how Odom kills them now?
As long as we lay off the 3s we would kill the Ws with inside baskets
over and over and over...
Too easy!
Posted by: Korey | April 01, 2008 at 10:29 PM
Rick F.
WE PLAY WARRIORS/NUGGETS/DALLAS
Lakers will be comfortable with the aformentioned teams. However, don't let them face Blazers, Bobcats or Grizzlies on the 1st Rd. they can't handle those teams.
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | April 01, 2008 at 10:39 PM
In addition to Denver, Lakers got a bit of help from Sacramento tonight.
Those two teams put a tiny bit more distance between the Lakers and Phoenix and Houston.
It's like I said, I'd be happy with any seed from 1 to 3. I'd prefer a 1 or 2 for the extra games
in Staples, but the Lakers are pretty good on the road as well.
But if the Lakers can manage to win all the games from now until they get to San Antonio
and New Orleans in consecutive games, they'll have a chance to scrap their own way to
the top. If Lakers win both of those games, it would still take New Orleans losing one other
game for the Lakers to get the 1 seed back, but if the Lakers win out, they're guaranteed
at least the 2 seed.
Posted by: | April 01, 2008 at 10:44 PM
There is a news that Dirk Nowitzki is coming back soon.
http://msn.foxsports.com/nba/story/7949350/Mavs-upgrade-Nowitzki-to-day-to-day
Who will play first? Pau, Dirk or Drew The orthopedics in Texas are more geared to speedy healing because there is German aid. In the case of Lakers, it's a laid-back life influenced by Zen strategy, he encourage them to just have fun at the beach, manana on the good weather. just let Kobe & the boys handle the hardword during the season ending at Staples.
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | April 01, 2008 at 10:51 PM
BYNUM/Mbenga/Mihm
GASOL/Turiaf
ODOM/Vlad/Walton/Ariza/Newble
BRYANT/Sasha
FISHER/Farmar
Just give them the rings now.
Posted by: Staples 24 | April 01, 2008 at 11:21 PM
Rick-
I would question the premise of using Dirk's injury as a way of measuring whether or not the Lakers training staff is doing a good job getting guys back on the floor. No two injuries are alike, no two players are alike. It is far more likely that Dirk's injury wasn't as significant and healed faster than it is the Mavs training staff has some sort of magic formula they're using, or that the Lakers staff is half assed in their efforts to get guys back and playing.
Are they the best training staff in the world? I have absolutely no idea, and it's very hard to measure that. My guess is that they're pretty damn good. But that doesn't mean they can make a guy's ankle or knee or whatever heal much faster than nature might allow. Like I said, it's a mistake to compare one guy's problem to another. Every player responds differently to injury, some heal faster than others. People forget as well that when an injury projection comes out, it's just that. They hear eight weeks, for example, with Drew, and ignore the "minimum" that comes with it. Or maybe something is supposed to be a five week injury at first glance, but then it doesn't turn out to be so bad.
Gasol's ankle after he hurt it was huge. There was a lot of damage there. It takes a while to heal. That's just how the world works.
The stuff with Jordan we can ask PJ over the next few games, I would think. And perhaps there's a story there with the Lakers training staff, but I doubt it. Look around the league. Does the Clippers training staff suck because their guys get hurt? Or the Wizards b/c Arenas isn't back yet? There are injuries all over the league. It's just how it is.
BK
Posted by: Brian Kamenetzky | April 01, 2008 at 11:32 PM
Speedy recovery by Dirk? Hmm, is this bionic parts related? Or HGH related (it's rumored to cause faster healing). Or is it stem cell?
The possibilities are endless!
Posted by: Faith | April 01, 2008 at 11:34 PM
I'd like that but that sh#^ ain't the truth. The truth is, they're the weak and Vitti's the tyranny of evil men, but Phil's tryin' real hard to be the shepherd.
Posted by: Vman | April 01, 2008 at 10:18 PM
Well said Jules, well said....
Posted by: pslakerfan | April 01, 2008 at 11:35 PM
BK & Rick,
you jus gotta get creative.
BK,
it would be interesting to hear what Phil's/Vitti's take is on preventing ankle injuries.
Maybe Gasol shoes arent laced as tight around the ankles? Maybe he needs to wear an ankle brace?
Do certain players because of their hieght/size/?? whatever have some kind of higher likelihood for different types of injuries?
It is really coincidence that a long lanky player like Odom always tears up his shoulder? Havent Kobe/McGrady/Wade all had shoulder problems before because of the way they play?
Step your journalism game up BK!!!! ... lol ...j/k... yall do a good job
Posted by: Korey | April 01, 2008 at 11:42 PM
Thank you BK for that post. I have been debating saying basically the same thing. Occam's Razor question: What is more likely: That the Lakers are getting unlucky with injuries lately? or That the Lakers (famous for great players, coaches, owners, etc...) have seemed to not notice the quality of their training staff (Gary Vitti) for the last 15 to 20 years?
Seriously people, get real. Like BK said, they may or may not be below average training staff, but there is no way for the average blogger to comprehend the nature of two seemingly similar injuries.
P.S. Also I think AK or BK would look pretty stupid asking that question. Not to mention heaven forbid they ever slip and fall in the locker room or at practice. Who would step in and administer first aid????
Posted by: pslakerfan | April 01, 2008 at 11:46 PM
Even if we beat NO, Hornets have to lose to somebody else for us to get #1 seed. Looking at their schedule, there's a good chance they might not and we'll end up #2 or #3. We'll get #2 if we beat the Spurs. This assumes that Lakers and Spurs win all remaining games w/other teams w/c seems doable.
Btw, the Spurs are once again showing the rest of the L, the right way togo into the playoffs with forward momentum as they've been on an 8 game winning streak.
I think the Dallas announcement may be more of a smokescreen than anything. I'll believe it when I see it. I still think we'll be playing Dallas without Dirk on Friday.
And if Dirk comes back on Friday in an even better condition than Pau, I'll be ready to hang Vitti.
The problem with getting #2 or #3 seed is we'll probably end up facing Phoenix Suns in the 1st round, San Antonio Spurs in the second round, then New Orleans in the third round. That will be tough!
Especially considering all the adjustments we'll have to do on the fly to incorporate Gasol, Bynum, Newbie, Ariza, etc.
Even if we get through that gauntlet, that means we'll be dead tired facing the Celtics in the league finals. Hate to admit it, but the Celtics may well be the best team this year. It sure looks like it.
We'll get them next year for sure. And the next six years. Remember Bynum is only 20 years old!
And MJ got his last ring at 36, and Kobe is 29.
Posted by: LakerinBC | April 02, 2008 at 12:10 AM
Hi Laker Nation!!!!!!!!
I am just online real quick, I have had to move out of the place I was staying and I dont have the internet access I did before. Hopefully Ill be back online shortly, but in the mean time if anyone wants to chat it would probably be better to catch me on myspace augie5581 is my screen name.
I also dont get the Laker games where I live either......
So hope to talk to you all soon..
GO LAKERS!!!!!!!!!
GO LAKERS!!!!!!!!
PAU!!!!!!
KOBE!!!!!!!!
BYNUM!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: Simi Laker Girl | April 02, 2008 at 12:16 AM
-Advice to the Broze-
"The beauty of what the two of you do is that you don't necessarily have to ask the same questions that the traditional media always ask..."
Get it?
"Here's a chance to break some new ground and perhaps" (here it comes) "Make news, as well"
Thanks Rick.
Sonnybelfast
Posted by: sonnybelfast | April 02, 2008 at 12:59 AM
AK/BK,
Yo pals, do you know the tie breaker for 1st place in the WC? People need to know.
By the way, when I took the Greyhound thru St Louis I was warned not to attempt walking up the street to the local liquor store to get some snacks. Yeah it was 1 am and I had some luggage, but what about safty in the big Louie? Do you guys know that area, near the greyhound station?
Wes
Posted by: wesjoenixon | April 02, 2008 at 01:18 AM
John Hollinger is starting to make me mad.
"
Scott (Sac): With the Lakers losing games to Memphis, Golden State and Charlotte without Gasol and Bynum, does Kobe still have a chance at the MVP?
John Hollinger: Honestly, I thought people got way ahead of themselves with the Kobe for MVP thing -- it was like they felt they owed it to him after the propesterous vote in '06. But he doesn't have the best numbers, and he doesn't have the best record, and he hasn't been the best teammate ... so why are we annointing him again?"
OK, so let's take the two best big men off the Hornets and let's see what happens. Hornets minus Chandler and David West. I beeeeettt they would be winning.
We are 5-4 with Gasol/Bynum. That's not great but we are holding down the fort.
Are we supposed to go 8-1 without our two best big men? We are 3rd in the West and GAsol has been out a month. Can't be too mad about that.
Posted by: Korey | April 02, 2008 at 01:32 AM
I think you guys are missing the point when PJ says Pau will have swelling for another six weeks. He is pretty much saying that he expects the Lakers to advance far in the playoff's which of course is a good thing.
Posted by: c dubbs | April 02, 2008 at 01:34 AM
I could see this senario during the last two or three regular season games if a playoff seeding is assured, just to see how it would work:
Provided Bynum and Gasol are back and able to contribute quality minutes, keep Fish activated for emergencies, but give him some much needed rest and experiment with Lamar as a psudo point guard. He definately has the ball handling skills, Shuttle Farmar, Lamar, Sasha and even move Kobe and Luke to that spot for short bursts. It would certainly create havoc with future opponents having to prepare for all those combinations.
Would Phil take this approach??? Unfortunately, I highly doubt it.
OK regulars, flame away. Feel free to shoot holes in my "experiment".
(The crystal ball says 57 wins for the year.)
Posted by: MiloRambaldi | April 02, 2008 at 02:26 AM
WHAT ABOUT ARIZA?????
Anybody know about his status?
Posted by: Adam | April 02, 2008 at 06:18 AM