"Chillax"
That would be Lamar Odom's description of his weekend's activity, the Lakers having sewn up their semifinals and offered little to do besides wait for the Hornets or Spurs to wrap up bidness. "I just took my feet off the ground and got some rest." Oddly enough, the Yankees junkie didn't catch any Subway Series action, but "thanked" us for reminding him that the Mets took both games (Friday was a postponed rainout). Such downtime can worry a coach, in that the pursuit of rest sometimes leads to 48 hours of hardcore vegging, which results in a half-assed tone when practice resumes. But from Phil Jackson's perspective, today's session signaled his boys handling their recuperation with some focus, generally speaking. "Some players do better with it than others," admitted Jackson. "Some players probably lay around and watch TV, maybe become couch potatoes and then when activity starts, they're a little bit loggy. But other guys seemed very lively today and aggressive, competitive."
On a side note, if you're thinking that May 19, 2008, marks the first time "chillax" and "loggy" were used within 10 minutes of each other, I'm inclined to concur with that hunch. 'Twas a groundbreaking day for vocabulary, indeed.
Kobe Bryant agreed with the Zen Master's take on practice, labeling it a "fun practice" with "a lot of energy." Rumors about tonight's NO-SA Game 7 team dinner, however, are where he starting disagreeing with word on the street. Particularly chatter that has him automatically picking up the tab again (like most recently when the entire roster watched the Utah-Houston Game 7 together). "That's just assumptions," smirked The Mamba. Assumptions which, by the way, LO ain't above assuming. "He's the MVP," joked Odom. "I know he probably got a little bonus from that, so why not? He said it was "our award," you know?" So what happens if the rumor mill reveals itself as fact? "We'll go to a fast food restaurant," laughed Bryant. "Tell everyone to bring their little phones. We can watch the game on (them)." I guess we'll find out tomorrow both who paid and if the Lakers dined at an establishment that utilizes the phrase "Supersize."
Not sure if Trevor Ariza was trying to drop a hint his coach's way or simply having some fun on a freshly healed foot, but he ended today's scrimmage with a running reverse dunk. The sweet move got a thumbs' up from his teammates and the lookie-loo media, but was it sign enough that we'll finally see the small forward in uni? Phil Jackson didn't commit one way or the other, but definitely sees his player making a case. "He looked good today. I wanted him to have another practice tomorrow in which he has an opportunity to play and to get comfortable with what we're doing. There's still some recognition skills (missing). He's still reorienting himself to what we're doing." That being said, Jackson likes what Ariza brings to the mix on both sides of the ball, whether you're talking the ability to cut and run the lanes or his ability to anticipate a steal opportunity. "His speed and athleticism is always a factor."
My guess? Save any setbacks, he'll get activated at some point during this series, probably in place of Ira Newble. Keeping both active is redundant (especially with Kobe spending so much time at small forward) and Newble was basically "Ariza insurance" to begin with. Plus, Chris Mihm (the next most likely candidate) offers size in a pinch, even if he's not likely to see a ton of action.
Whether Jordan Farmar snaps out of his rough postseason stretch remains to be seen, but failure to breakthrough won't be due to lack of effort. Long after his teammates either exited for a film session or addressed the media, Farmar was launching jumpers from just inside and outside the top of downtown's line. I asked PJ if he thought a fresh series, and perhaps by extension, a fresh start, could help Farmar bust his slump. This didn't strike the coach as a far-fetched notion. "He was on his heels a little bit having to guard Allen Iverson in the Denver series and (Deron) Williams is a handful for a 175-pound guard. To be giving up 35, 40 pounds to a guy like that. But I thought his defense was much more aggressive during the last two games. I enjoyed his effort out there, even though he was a little tentative at the offensive end, I thought he was starting to make a rebound."
AUDIO
Kobe Bryant: Download kobe_bryant_051908_practice.mp3
Pau Gasol: Download pau_gasol_051908.mp3
Phil Jackson: Download phil_jackson_051908_practice.mp3
Lamar Odom: Download lamar_odom_051908_practice.mp3
AK
Bring on the spurs!
Go Lakers!!
Posted by: Laker Fan 24 | May 19, 2008 at 08:14 PM
LAkers in 6...
that is my prection also!
having left the ugly state of TX...i am saying
Pound them into the ground...i dont want to hear anymore of that stupid
GO SPURS GO chant..they need to be pounded..
lets remind them of the little beating we handed them in 01-02......
i say lamar will be the X factor...
no worries here..
Lakers in 6..
bring the crybabies on......
Posted by: Lakers4Realz | May 19, 2008 at 08:17 PM
Guys I need to Vent !!!! How in the Hell did the Spurs make the Hornets look like deer in the headlights. This hornets team was killing them in the beggining of the series. hat happend? THey looked awful in game 7.
Side note. I hate the Spurs with a passion. Thery are the most boring methodical team in the NBA. There old with no personality except for the coach. With that said this is their last shot to win a title for a while. I'm scared for the Lakers because they are a savy veteran team with alot of good role players. They have faced an elimination game and now in the WCF. I Hate them I Hate them I Hate them. It's time for some new teams to challenge for the tilte. I'm so sick and tired of these guys. I hope the Lakers get through this.
Any thoughts?
CrzyFan
Posted by: CrzyFan | May 19, 2008 at 08:20 PM
BRING ON THE SPURS!!!!!!!
I'm actually kind of relieved we don't have to play the Hornets, but I feel bad for Chris Paul. I'm happy we don't have to face him. The thing is, I actually like the players on the Hornets, so every Laker win against them would've been gratifying but not as gratifying as one against the Spurs. I really hate Duncan, Parker, Ginobili, and especially Bowen. I think Kobe will want to destroy Bowen and his so-called defense. When the Spurs see a backcourt of Kobe and Fisher, it's gonna remind them of some bad times for them, and now they'll have to deal with the two-headed monster of Gasol and Odom, plus of course THE MACHINE. My point is, it's gonna be a fun series, especially if the Lakers win (actually only if the Lakers win, because I don't myself have much fun over the Lakers losing).
I say Lakers in 6, maybe 5.
Posted by: laker hopeful | May 19, 2008 at 08:21 PM
Laker Tom,
We haven't forgetten about Andrew Bynum. We're just confused as to how long it has taken him to get back.
Dude, we don't want to wish too hard.
Bynum
Gasol
Odom
Bryant
Fisher
With a bench of
Mihm/The Banger
Turiaf/Rad Vlad/Walton
Ariza
Sasha/Karl
Farmar
And the addition of a couple of savvy free agents who want to win...
That's an unbelievable team.
If they play at their potential. That's the issue.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | May 19, 2008 at 08:23 PM
Regarding the resigning of Lamar and Drew:
We must do both end of discussion. Lamar has proven that he is EXTREMELY important to the success of this team and has been playing at such a high level recently. Drew is a no brainer. If anyone of the "big 4" is expendable its gotta be Pau (even though I think he's signed for a few more years, anyone know exactly?). He is good but not great and semi repetitive at the center position. Now don't get me wrong, I like Pau and want him on the Lakers for a long time but if I had to chose 3 out of the 4 players Pau would be the odd man out.
Lamar = Finals MVP
GO LAKERS
Posted by: mrbarneydangles | May 19, 2008 at 08:24 PM
Spurs rule!
Lakers drool
Spurs will make spumoni out of the Lakers
Kobe is a ball hog and can't win without Shaq
- Stupid Spurs Troll
This has been a test of the emergency Troll broadcast system. The purpose of these insults is to warn the blog and keep them on their toes in the event of an actual real troll.
___________________________________________
"So it has begun"
- King Theodin, defending Helms Deep against the evil forces of Sauron
Posted by: Fairweather Fatty | May 19, 2008 at 08:32 PM
Lakers in 5
Mainly because SAS could barely handle the decrepit Phoenix Suns.
Sweeeeet.
Posted by: Amazing_Happens | May 19, 2008 at 08:32 PM
I hate that tiny CP3. He is looser.
Posted by: Sunny | May 19, 2008 at 08:08 PM
Don't think we have forgotten what an ass you were earlier today. And loser is still spelled with one "o".
Posted by: pslakerfan | May 19, 2008 at 08:33 PM
Both SA and NO seem to have big problems scoring. The difference is that SA brings real live defense to the party and they always give us trouble with that.
We've beaten the Spurs 3 out of 4 times we've met them in the playoffs because we are the only team in the playoffs with more poise than they have.
Is it not true that all the times they haven't faced us in the playoffs they won the championship? I think I'm right on that one, and it just goes to prove my point.
Problem is, SA just grew up a bit against the Big Easy. They just put aways a very good team on the road in a game 7.
That means they are better now then they were a couple of days ago. We have to be mindful of that and pounce on every one of their scoring lulls.
SA seems to have one or two of those every game.
Lakers in 6 is my prediction.
--Fearless
Posted by: Fearless | May 19, 2008 at 08:36 PM
Lamar..plays with passion...I have never said trade him..those words never came out of my mouth...
He is TOO valuable..he is finally HEALTHY..that is the key for him...
he is a stat filler..
GO LO7...and lakers!
fock the spurs...plain and simple
Posted by: Lakers4Realz | May 19, 2008 at 08:36 PM
Fatty,
ROTFLMAO!
Another funny post. And great call to test the Emergency Troll Broadcasting Systems. Keeps us on our toes!
--Fearless
Posted by: Fearless | May 19, 2008 at 08:38 PM
Lakers have to hit Robert Horry and Bruce Bowen first, and hit hard ...
16...15...14...13...12...11...10...9...
Posted by: Amazing_Happens | May 19, 2008 at 08:40 PM
Wow....Pargo became the franchise guard instead of Chris Paul....and he got 86 votes for the MVP? LOL
Oh well, on the bright side...at least Chris Paul don't have ungrateful fans (like some of us Laker fans), Charles Barkley, TJ Simers and the media to accuse him of being "selfish."
Posted by: Rhon Salmon | May 19, 2008 at 08:41 PM
Finally we can be rid of the feel good stories about how great and what magnificent seasons LeBron and CP3 had but they will be home on the couch watching the real championship contenders play and now finally I hope we can move on and only talk about the 4 teams that are left. The keys for the lakers are to play smart and don't get caught up with the tactics the Spurs will try such as the flopping by Ginobli and the pushing and holding by Kurt Thomas and Oberto. Pau must come to play strong and put pressure on Duncan. Lamar will have the glaring mismatch so I hope he is finally ready to step up and earn his money by using his quickness and looking to score, if he doesn't, he will stick out like a sore thumb. Sasha must play under control and not pick up silly fouls trying to guard Ginobli 60 feet from the basket, just stay in front of him. Kobe will be ready for Bowen's tactics. I hope Bowen plays a somewhat clean game and not revert back to stepping under the shooter like he has done in the past and risk Kobe turning an ankle. This will be for a chance to go to the finals show so San Antonio will do what they have to to win and the Lakers must match wills and do the same...
Posted by: 70'slakerfan | May 19, 2008 at 08:51 PM
FF-
"This has been a test of the emergency Troll broadcast system. The purpose of these insults is to warn the blog and keep them on their toes in the event of an actual real troll."
----------------------------------------------
I wasn't sure Trolls had toes, so a quick check ...
... yep ... at least 2 on each foot/appendage:
http://www.lluisllobera.net/DOWNLOADS/TROLL/IMAGES/troll_007.JPG
Or maybe it was a typo and you actually meant this:
http://www.mickeysrides.com/games/troll-toss.jpg
This could be as much fun as a BBQ...
Posted by: MiloRambaldi | May 19, 2008 at 09:03 PM
mrbarneydangles
I'll be in your old stomping grounds next Monday doing the Boulder Bolder.
Lakers4realz
Don't leave me in the dust.
BLOG CRUE
Time to get busy. Game time on Wed will be great.
Colorado loves the Lakers!
Posted by: Hugo Boss | May 19, 2008 at 09:05 PM
we all know kobe will light them up..but i think LAMAR will prove his undeniable worth in this series...
watch.
Posted by: Lakers4Realz | May 19, 2008 at 09:10 PM
Well, bring on the Spurs....the Lakers have to go through the defending champs in order to get where they want to go.
Watching the game tonight, I tried to figure out how the Lakers would do against either team. Since the Spurs won, let's deal with them.
The Spurs won that game because of their defense and their 3 point shooting. They actually shot better from 3 point range than from 2. I think it is vital that the Lakers play an honest man to man and resist the temptation to double down on Duncan. Horry, Udoka, Bowen, Barry and Finley can't create their own offense on a regular basis but are dangerous from behind the arc. Manu also has the knack of spotting up and draining threes. The Lakers must stay at home on each Spur.
I also believe that the Laker offense can overcome the Spur defense. The Lakers must be patient and move the ball. Kobe can get his, but he has to move the ball and not get bogged down in a mudslinging match with Bowen. If the Lakers trust their offense and execute it well, they are going to the Finals!
Lakers in 6!!!!
GO LAKERS!!!!
Posted by: bronxlakerfan | May 19, 2008 at 09:11 PM
LakerTom
Are you sure you're not a beat writer of the St. Louis Post Dispatch of Las Vegas Review Journal?
Great posts man!
Posted by: MambaMVP08 | May 19, 2008 at 11:10 PM
Lamar was my MVP of the Utah series, and he will be a monster against the Spuds.
Posted by: MambaMVP08 | May 19, 2008 at 11:15 PM
I'm glad we have a chance to got thru the champs to get to the Finals...It will not be easy...The Spurs will bring it every game......We have to get mean and nasty and heartless...We have to be ready and willing to stick the dagger in their heart when the time comes......We can't have 19 pt melt downs w/ these guys or we will be going home quick....We have to play defense for 48 minutes and then some.....
LO will be the X-Factor
Posted by: Laker4Life | May 20, 2008 at 05:04 AM
I agree, Lamar is gonna be huge..The SPURS have nobody to guard him and contend with his quickness, Robert Horry? Ime Udoka? Finley? Kurt Thomas? Yeah right..With Lamar, cutting/slashing to the basket (HOPEFULLY DUNKING or ATTEMPTING to dunk the ball), Lamar should be more than a handful in the series.
Last I checked, Pau kept Duncan in check. Tim is gonna get his 12/13 rebs and 3 blocked shots but otherwise, Pau and him, play EVEN..
I think if we minimize our turnovers and maximize our opportunities on offense and defense, we will win this series in 6 and face Detroit again!!! lol
Posted by: lakersrydeordie | May 20, 2008 at 06:15 AM
Good Morning Laker Family one day to go before victory # 9 of 16
Kobesbad
Posted by: Kobesbad | May 20, 2008 at 09:34 AM