Fish on Kobe
With their second-round opponent still yet to be determined, it was again a relatively low-key day in El Segundo on Thursday afternoon. Not much playoff action to discuss, but with hardware soon to be awarded, Kobe's MVP candidacy was on the mind of many writers. I had an interesting exchange with Derek Fisher, who is always candid and open with his opinion. He had been talking about how Kobe has met that nebulous criteria this season of "making his teammates better," and that you could see it not only in the performance of his teammates, but the record of the team as well. Yes, they've improved individually, but Kobe's play has been a part of that, especially as it bears on team success. Call it a symbiotic relationship. Like the shark and remora.
BK: It's always a chicken and egg sort of question. Is a guy trusting his teammates because they're playing better, or are they playing better because he's trusting them more? How does that work, especially with Kobe? Guys have stepped up this year, but it seems like he's changed what he's done.
Fisher: I think it is kind of a question mark in terms of which one comes first. I love to use football analogies. If I were Tom Brady or Tony Romo, and I threw the ball to a guy and he consistently dropped the ball, I would be a little hesitant to throw it to him in certain situations. So I think that happens. But if I'm throwing him the ball and he's consistently catching it when we need to catch it, then I'm going to be more confident in third-down situations or whatever, to throw him the ball. They feed off of each other. As many of our young guys that came back improved, and better than they were the year before - significantly - his trust grew immediately, right away, early in the season. Then it just continued to grow as the season moved on as different guys at different times showed an ability to really help our team.
BK: Could you see that happen? You've got a good perspective, having played with him before and now again.
Fisher: I think he's always gone through times when he's done it too much (trying to distribute), and not being the aggressive Kobe that he needs to be in order for everybody else to know where to fit in. He's been criticized for that at times, where he didn't do enough. And there's been times where he felt like, okay, he's not sensing that everyone else is at a level where they need to be, so then he'll try to do too much. But this year, it just seems, other than maybe two or three games where he felt like he had to score 45 or 50 or whatever, outside of those two or three games it seems like he's just been in a nice consistent pace, where he's picked and chosen a particular quarter to assert himself, to score 15 or 18 points in a quarter, but over the balance of the game he hasn't put himself in a position where it has to be him.
He's trusted me making big shots, he's trusted Gasol making plays down the stretch, he's trusted Lamar Odom, Farmar, Sasha, Ronny. Everybody that's been in the game. Luke hit a big shot off a penetration and kick in Denver (at the end of Game 4). I think he's done a great job of keeping that balance.
BK: And teams know it's there (the ability to do either).
Fisher: I think teams have known it was there, I think, for a long time. At times, even with our teams in the past, that was really Shaq's so-called complaint. Was that we have arguably the most talent in the league, so let's do this thing together. Now, I think with the team that's constructed now, people are seeing the talent that we have, and it's kind of scary because of how young the talent is. To think that if we're able to manage our way through this particular postseason and come up with what we need to become champions right now, then to think about how good our future could be if we just continue to trust in each other and believe in each other and get better every year? That's exciting as well.
Right now, we're just waiting on who we'll see to take that next step.
In other news, I managed to get a quick word in with Brian Shaw, who like fellow Laker assistants Jim Cleamons and Kurt Rambis, has found his name bandied about in the coaching rumors. Recent news has put guys like Avery Johnson and Mike D'Antoni in the spotlight, but among the ranks of assistant coaches, guys like Shaw are held in high regard. What they aren't, though, is presently available to interview. A nice change from the past three seasons when Laker coaches had more vacation time, but still a potential crimp in the quest to move up the food chain.
Shaw said it's something he can't worry about.
"For me personally, I block all that stuff out. It all works itself out the way it's supposed to work itself out. If something's going to be available to maybe move up, I just believe it will be there. Teams that are really serious about doing stuff know that teams that go deep into the playoffs may have people on the staff that they may need to take a look at. So you have to let that process happen. It's all going to end before the draft anyway. Most teams want a coach in place before the draft, and if you go all the way to the Finals and go seven games, it'll still end a week before the draft. You can't get caught up in thinking about it."
"It's nice to hear your name pop up, but you can't caught up in that. If you get a call and it happens, then great. If not, then you just keep working and keep concentrating."
Not much from PJ today, though he did have some complimentary words for the toughness shown by Vladdy in Game 4, and the small forward position in general. I asked him how improved play there, be it from Radmanovic, Walton, or both, helps the team, and the answer comes in flexibility. To cover shortcomings at small forward during the regular season, PJ often had to use Kobe there. When there's production from that spot, Jackson can still slide Kobe down, but he doesn't have to. As is the case with so many things about the Lakers, it plays into their ability to put a wide variety of lineups on the floor to suit any given situation.
Other topics- staying sharp despite the layoff, familiarity with both opponents and scouting how to stop them, and bench play.
AUDIO:
- Jackson: Download phil_jackson_5.2.mp3
We'll stick this in tomorrow's news post as well, but the LAT's Jonathan Abrams filed an interesting piece about the triangle offense, how it works, how the Lakers have run it, and how Pau's presence has impacted it.
Working on getting the video from today up as well.
BK
exhelodrv - sorry man! Didn't mean to get in the way of giantsquid's and pfunk's Kobe love-fest! LOL! I just think the back & forth on this topic is kind of funny. And - you're right - Kobe always tries his hardest, but - respectfully - I (sort of) disagree with what you said here:
"He has not always subordinated his individual game to the team game as well as he could have."
Maybe he has - and that was as good as he could - it just wasn't as good as we might have hoped....
Anyhoo - he's an awesome player - the best in the game - and we're BLESSED to have him on OUR side!
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: justanothermambafan | May 02, 2008 at 10:31 AM
AB is not needed to win it all this year. He'll be like signing a free agent, as Tom has said before. Having Trevor back will be paramount though, because the Lakers biggest weakness is containing penetrating guards, and we'll see plenty more of those in the next two series.
Posted by: "Pig" Miller | May 02, 2008 at 10:32 AM
Andy - I think you misunderstood what I meant when I called them "haters". It wasn't that they hate Mamba24 - not at all! It was the combination of a few things - they hate to scroll past his posts because they hate the length of them, they hate the honoree of the day post because they said it was too touch-feely (or some other such sentiment) and they hate that roll call, etc doesn't really talk basketball. SO - I said "hater". Everyone who signed up on the BITE ME list felt the same way. Is that a lemming??? So be it - LEMMINGS UNITE FOR MAMBA24!!!!!!!!!!! LOL!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: justanothermambafan | May 02, 2008 at 10:34 AM
Andy, you posted:
"Is pointing out that his post are long and usually devoid of original content hateful?"
There are two major issues I take with your statement......fisrt, is the Roll Call itself not "original content"? I know of no other place where such a thing exists. Mamba's Roll Call and Laker mantra at the end has always been his work, his ORIGINAL work. His opening to the daily Roll Call was always new and fresh each day. Please give credit where credit is due. Nowhere else would you find someone so dedicated to the Laker Nation's family aspect and nowhere would someone else work so hard to bring unity to the blog. Second, the great majority of Mamba's posts are exteremely funny retorts to other posts, and those are usually very short and to the point..........a few lines at most. So for anyone to state that his posts are "long and usually deviod of original content" is quite off base. When someoone has put the amount of effort and passion into their contribution here as Mamba has only to be assailed on a slow day while the blog idles between games.......if that is not hateful, it certainly borders on it. Hateful is a strong word, I agree, but Mamba has been such an integral part of this place that he has earned the respect and admiration of most all of us here, and we react as brothers and sisters do when they defend their family. It is a shame to have folks unduly attack a gem of an asset to the blog in such a manner. Thanks to the ill timed and off base comments of a very few, we will all miss Mamba's funny, upbeat, uplifting and enthusiastic posts.
Mamba24's Haters can BITE ME list:
1. Justanothermambafan
2. SBPimp
3. Benjamim
4. Toad
5. coolhair
6. Pig Miller
7. utzworld - THE BANNER HOLDER
8. HmrHed
9. ajax
10. giantsquid
11. Glen
12. LakerTom
13. Mamba24Fan4Life
14. Edwin Gueco
15. HoustonLakerGirl
16. Kobesbad
17. Charles
18. Happy Camper
19. SamLL
20. Vman
21. #4
22. Nemaia Faletogo
23. MarkytheArky
24. JohnnyP
25. complexbrotha
26. Caliphilosopher
27. Bzar
.
.
.
47. MiloRambaldi--for those who read backwards....EMETIB
48. Faith
49. Michigan Laker
Posted by: toad | May 02, 2008 at 10:36 AM
lakeraholic - TOO FUNNY!!! I guess we were all just trying to show our genuine support of a friend. Now that Mamba24's seen it, I guess I'll forgo the continuous cut/paste of it that has some people all uptight with their panties in a bunch....
Posted by: justanothermambafan | May 02, 2008 at 10:37 AM
ANDY SAID:" who said anything even remotely hateful towords Mamba24?
I didn't see one single hateful post. I always found his cheerleading funny and even
enjoyed it on gameday. Is pointing out that his post are long and usually devoid of original
content hateful? I don't see how. Did ANYONE say that mamba24 should stop posting? NOPE!
One of you even pulled out the "NAZI" card. What is up with that? Now that is getting towards hate.
I must admit I found the hysteria kinda funny. One person says someone posted hate,
and 20 people say, stop it! Stop what??? They must not have bothered to read the thread for
themselves to find out that actually nothing hateful was said. The word lemmings comes to mind.
Mamba24: I wish you comfort during your time of pain and trouble. I know we'll see you again.
Regards to all. "
ME THINKS THE MAN SPEAKS THE TRUTH. Andy thanks for the kind words.
NOW... People, People, People! Thank you all for the kind words but this is
a Lakers Blog. Enough with the Mamba24 sh+T. LOL! Please get back to your regularly
scheduled bloggings so that that poor sucker Mamba24 can sign off the system and
get started on his vacation. I'm cool with Andy, Andy's cool with me. Now please,
please, PLEASE! No more of this Mamba24 stuff, I feel like I'm at my Wake LOL!
SO WHAT HAVE WE LEARNED. (1) Mamba's cool with Andy, Laker Truth etc.
No man is bigger than the Blog. I'LL BE BACK FOR ROLL CALL WHEN THE
LAKERS GET INTO THE FINALS. THAT''S IT. THANKS.
P.S. Exhelodrvr I meant every word that i put in the roll call honoring you.
Maybe this can end the OH MAMBA24 stuff.
PEOPLE, PEOPLE PEOPLE!! I have just one last thing to say
***** WARNNG WARNING A DR. PHIIL MOMENT IS ABOUT TO FOLLOW
FOR THOSE SQUIMISH SEEK SHELTER IMMEDIATELY***********
One last thing I LOVE YOU LAKER BLOGGERS FROM THE BOTOM
OF MY HEART, YOU ARE MY SECOND FAMILY!
Now back to REAL BLOGGING PLEEEEEEEEEAAASSSSE!
REPEAT AFTER ME: "NO MORE MAMBA24 SH+t ."
THAAAAAANNNNKS!!!
KEIFO, Love you brother. EDWIN – You are the best!
JUSTANOTHERMAMBAFAN – Take care of the other Mamba’s. You and
Keifo are like brothers to me.
FAITH I recently saw your picture and you are one fine
Filipina sister. OH NO! NOW I CAN NEVER COME BACK
LAKERS TODAY LAKERS TOMORROW LAKERS FOREVER
Posted by: MAMBA24 | May 02, 2008 at 10:39 AM
Oh and excuse the spelling...sometimes its difficult to text and operate a gantry at the same time haha
Posted by: lakeraholic | May 02, 2008 at 10:40 AM
TOAD - you have MOVED me!!! I guess I will update the list after all:
Mamba24's Haters can BITE ME list:
1. Justanothermambafan
2. SBPimp
3. Benjamim
4. Toad
5. coolhair
6. Pig Miller
7. utzworld - THE BANNER HOLDER
8. HmrHed
9. ajax
10. giantsquid
11. Glen
12. LakerTom
13. Mamba24Fan4Life
14. Edwin Gueco
15. HoustonLakerGirl
16. Kobesbad
17. Charles
18. Happy Camper
19. SamLL
20. Vman
21. #4
22. Nemaia Faletogo
23. MarkytheArky
24. JohnnyP
25. complexbrotha
26. Caliphilosopher
27. Bzar
28. PSLakerFan
29.
30.
31.
32. Zin Master
33.
34.
35.
36.
37.
38.
39.
40.
41.
42.
43.
44.
45.
46.
47. MiloRambaldi
48. Faith
49. man
50. C.S.
51. bozz
52. Juno
53. MichiganLaker
GO LAKERS!
COME BACK MAMBA24!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
LEMMINGS UNITE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: justanothermambafan | May 02, 2008 at 10:44 AM
"Didn't mean to get in the way of giantsquid's and pfunk's Kobe love-fest! LOL! "
Wow! that really hurts! Well, if I was 5 it would have.
Posted by: giantsquid | May 02, 2008 at 10:44 AM
TOAD---BRAVO..succinctly put.
Kobesbaaaad(and he is)
Posted by: Kobesbad | May 02, 2008 at 10:44 AM
Mamba24 - WHEW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Ok - see you soon!!!!
And - chest bump & finger point at ya!!!!!!!!!!!
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: justanothermambafan | May 02, 2008 at 10:46 AM
Mamba:
We will all look forward to your return for the Finals!
Posted by: toad | May 02, 2008 at 10:48 AM
"Good Morning Lakers Nation!"
Mamba is on a retreat and it is still a good day to be a Lakers Fan.
What's this? Mamba be back around Title time?
Not Acceptable!
At least do a drop in when Mamba Kobe wins the MVP.
We all got to celebrate on that one. Its the law.
No Peace, unless we all here! lol
See you on the blog.
Fatty - enforcer of "All must celebrate Kobe's MVP by making an appearance on the blog"
Posted by: Fairweather Fatty | May 02, 2008 at 10:55 AM
Don't post here too often nowadays, but have to in this case:
Mamba24's Haters can BITE ME list:
1. Justanothermambafan
2. SBPimp
3. Benjamim
4. Toad
5. coolhair
6. Pig Miller
7. utzworld - THE BANNER HOLDER
8. HmrHed
9. ajax
10. giantsquid
11. Glen
12. LakerTom
13. Mamba24Fan4Life
14. Edwin Gueco
15. HoustonLakerGirl
16. Kobesbad
17. Charles
18. Happy Camper
19. SamLL
20. Vman
21. #4
22. Nemaia Faletogo
23. MarkytheArky
24. JohnnyP
25. complexbrotha
26. Caliphilosopher
27. Bzar
.
.
.
47. MiloRambaldi--for those who read backwards....EMETIB
48. Faith
49. Michigan Laker
50. hariyahu...I don't usually do bandwagons, but when I do, I prefer to support Mamba24. (thing of the XX beer commercial)
Posted by: hariyahu | May 02, 2008 at 11:02 AM
Xodus,
I won't give any credence to what Eric Pincus is saying in the quoted article. What he wrote there is not anything new, it is simply hearsay or rumor.
Until we see Ariza or Bynum actually practicing @ El Segundo with the Lakers, it is safe to say that their return will not be anytime soon. And the way I define "anytime soon" is anywhere from 2 weeks to 2 months. So the way I see it right now, don't even count on Ariza helping us in the second round.
Justanothermambafan,
Any chance we could refrain from using the term "Mamba24 Haters'? While I support & love my dear brother, Mamba24, I do not wish to label those who disagreed with our position as "Haters" in the hope for a reconciliation. Shall we leave the backdoor half-open for the possible reconciliation?
Posted by: Robyn | May 02, 2008 at 11:05 AM
Mamba24's Haters can BITE ME list:
1. Justanothermambafan
2. SBPimp
3. Benjamim
4. Toad
5. coolhair
6. Pig Miller
7. utzworld - THE BANNER HOLDER
8. HmrHed
9. ajax
10. giantsquid
11. Glen
12. LakerTom
13. Mamba24Fan4Life
14. Edwin Gueco
15. HoustonLakerGirl
16. Kobesbad
17. Charles
18. Happy Camper
19. SamLL
20. Vman
21. #4
22. Nemaia Faletogo
23. MarkytheArky
24. JohnnyP
25. complexbrotha
26. Caliphilosopher
27. Bzar
28. PSLakerFan
29.
30.
31.
32. Zin Master
33.
34.
35.
36.
37.
38.
39.
40.
41.
42.
43.
44.
45.
46.
47. MiloRambaldi
48. Faith
49. man
50. C.S.
51. bozz
52. Juno
53. MichiganLaker
54. hariyahu...I don't usually do bandwagons, but when I do, I prefer to support Mamba24. (think of the XX beer commercial)
GO LAKERS!
COME BACK MAMBA24!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
LEMMINGS UNITE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: hariyahu | May 02, 2008 at 11:32 AM
Since, you guys started complaining about long posts...
You should probably know by now how to use that li'l button in the middle of your mouse.
Enjoy your vacation, mamba24!
I was moved too, so I'll just pick another number.
Complainers can BITE ME list:
1. Justanothermambafan
2. SBPimp
3. Benjamim
4. Toad
5. coolhair
6. Pig Miller
7. utzworld - THE BANNER HOLDER
8. HmrHed
9. ajax
10. giantsquid
11. Glen
12. LakerTom
13. Mamba24Fan4Life
14. Edwin Gueco
15. HoustonLakerGirl
16. Kobesbad
17. Charles
18. Happy Camper
19. SamLL
20. Vman
21. #4
22. Nemaia Faletogo
23. MarkytheArky
24. JohnnyP
25. complexbrotha
26. Caliphilosopher
27. Bzar
28. PSLakerFan
29.
30.
31.
32. Zin Master
33.
34.
35.
36.
37.
38.
39.
40.
41.
42.
43.
44.
45.
46.
47. MiloRambaldi
48. Faith
49. man
50. C.S.
51. bozz
52. Juno
53. MichiganLaker
54.
55.
56.
57.
58.
59.
60.
61.
62.
63.
64.
65.
66.
67.
68.
69. Happy Gilmore
70.
2008 NBA Finals, herewe come!!!
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Happy Gilmore | May 02, 2008 at 11:41 AM
From one Mamba to another: Get some rest and do some meditation (Jordan Farmar can help you with Yoga), we'll see you when our Mamba king win the MVP trophee. Peace brother
Mamba from the east coast
Posted by: Mamba24Fan4Life | May 02, 2008 at 11:50 AM
Alright!!! It seems that the Blogger coddling has slowed to a minimum..and I wud like to add something that I read that's Laker related. I'm not sure if someone posted it already but from what I read last week during the Laker/Denver series the whole team went out for steak dinners (This story is from Lamar Odom) anyhow..when it was time to shell out for the meal..Kobe put his hand on the bill as if to say "i got it" and the whole Laker team started chanting "MVP..MVP..MVP" in the restaurant!! Hahahahahaha!
Posted by: lakeraholic | May 02, 2008 at 12:05 PM
Andy,
Your notion that mamba24 or anyone he perceived someone's comment as hateful is not accurate. The list was all people that don't want mamba24 to go. Let me explain something to you since you're so obtuse when it comes to modern language usage. A hater is someone that doesn't appreciate what someone is doing. They criticize it or talk badly about it. You described mamba24's posts as annoying and are thus a hater. JW Weatherman told mamba24 to seriously, "Please Stop." He is a hater, not some hate-speech guy. It's pretty annoying that a charlatan like yourself could act so uppity about it when you don't even know what hater means.
Please, refer yourself over to urbandictionary.
mamba24 explains earlier in this thread exactly what was going on, in very personal terms, sharing openly recent extremely difficult events in his life. I don't know if you know this Andy, but anniversary's of the death of loved ones frequently causes great stress. People don't even need to consciously know it's an anniversary of a death.
Many of us sought to convey to him that the majority appreciate his enthusiasm and that we know how to scroll past his long roll call post if we don't, well except for you and JW Weatherman. Someone, appropriating mamba24's style, made a list of people that still want mamba24 here also expressing that those that don't like his posts can bite us--look that up in urbandictionary if you are thinking of saying you haven't bitten anyone since kindergarten.
The roll call is a battle cry, it's a celebration of being a Laker fan, it's, it's a listing of roll call members who share a love of a team. It's a sacred institution.
Sometimes selfish pricks were easily annoyed by it. Selfish pricks too lazy or stupid to scroll past a post. I give you permission to think outside the box.
There are people out there completely new to a place that think they have the right to impose their will on a situation--these people are self-absorbed know-it-alls that think there's only one right way to do something. These are not people that go with the flow or wait to see what things are like. They just spout their self-important opinions.
The only people that really have any say about the blog are the K brothers, and I guess the LA Times.
That's what happened.
I'm not a fricking lemming. I think for myself. And I know what I like. It doesn't change much.
And if you knew anything, you'd know that lemmings don't actually commit blind-following mass suicide. That was a huge misconception perpetrated by a poorly edited nature film. Feel free to look it up on snopes. The lemmings were fleeing a flood (or some cataclysmic environmental disaster) to save their own lives, not offing themselves.
Maybe mamba4 was too emotional. Well, I'll tell you something. It's like a lot of NBA players that are great players that are emotional. Sometimes emotions drives a person to both good and bad. In this case mamba24 was sensitive, but only to the desires of other bloggers, even despite wanting to give us the roll call and give us his enthusiasm. He bowed to what he thought was our will cuz a few easily irked jerks and new arrival know-it-alls. I'll take mamba24's enthusiasm and friendly spirit over just about anyone else on the blog any day. On a day when mamba24 is experiencing career burnout and reexperiencing the loss of a loved one, I think he's entitled to be sensitive.
Laker Truth felt funny about the daily awards and expressed his sentiment carefully and quickly told mamba24 that he liked his posts after expressing his discomfort.
The use of the term Nazi could easily be replaced with the term fascist (and more accurately so). When someone feels they have the right to speak for the many, arbitrarily, particularly in silencing free speech, they are acting fascistically. JW Weatherman's post telling mamba24 to "please stop" could with a little miscontruing easily be considered fascistic.
Compared to mamba24, everyone else on this blog sucks.
Maybe you don't appreciate mamba24. Maybe you can't relate to his childlike enthusiasm (which is a good thing!) and friendly charm. Maybe you hate children and small animals too, I don't know.
"Seems pretty odd that one blogger thinks they are so iimportant [sic] or smart that they make awards in the name of the blog."
That's only what the award would be like if you gave it. If you got out of your own head and realized others have more pure, benevolent motivations, you might realize mamba24 isn't trying to be self-important or smart. He just loves the Lakers and the shared experience of enjoying the Lakers via the blog.
Nobody misconstrued anything.
You're a self-important jerk that wants to justify acting that way by representing your understanding of events as the truth.
I'm not asking you to leave or anything so dramatic. We are all, after all, Lakers fans and can share in the experience. I hope that you think a little bit about what a jerk you were to a sensitive fellow human being. I hope you're a little less comfortable here than you were before your last few posts.
I do realize mamba24 wants peace and will bend over backwards to Andy's cruel will to facilitate it. I'm not so forgiving. You don't kick a guy when he's down. And if you do (even if you find out later that you did), you should apologize.
Posted by: Benjamin | May 02, 2008 at 01:06 PM
Gotta fill in the blanks. Come back soon Mamba!
Complainers can BITE ME list:
1. Justanothermambafan
2. SBPimp
3. Benjamim
4. Toad
5. coolhair
6. Pig Miller
7. utzworld - THE BANNER HOLDER
8. HmrHed
9. ajax
10. giantsquid
11. Glen
12. LakerTom
13. Mamba24Fan4Life
14. Edwin Gueco
15. HoustonLakerGirl
16. Kobesbad
17. Charles
18. Happy Camper
19. SamLL
20. Vman
21. #4
22. Nemaia Faletogo
23. MarkytheArky
24. JohnnyP
25. complexbrotha
26. Caliphilosopher
27. Bzar
28. PSLakerFan
29.
30.
31.
32. Zin Master
33.
34.
35.
36.
37.
38.
39.
40.
41.
42.
43.
44.
45.
46.
47. MiloRambaldi
48. Faith
49. man
50. C.S.
51. bozz
52. Juno
53. MichiganLaker
54.Laker Bandit
55.
56.
57.
58.
59.
60.
61.
62.
63.
64.
65.
66.
67.
68.
69. Happy Gilmore
70.
2008 NBA Finals, herewe come!!!
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Laker Bandit | May 02, 2008 at 01:21 PM
Mamba,
Thanks for the explanation. I’ve been right where you are and truly understand how the harsh pressures of family and career can sometimes blunt our enjoyment of the Lakers. Those are the times when an unintentionally critical comment or word can be the straw to break your back. Sort of like the “insider” comment in the Times set off Kobe.
In the heart of the KL furor, I posted a goodbye message that AK and BK thankfully held up and convinced me not to post. This has been a tough year for me too with my wife fighting cancer and I know more than anybody else how much work you’ve been doing. So take whatever break you need, post whenever you feel like it, but know that you are in all our prayers and we expect you back soon in whatever role you want.
The point is that it is “you” we want back, not roll call or daily honors or bandwagons. Those were just the spiffs we got as a result of your participation on the blog. You have created a lot of love and friends on the blog and we will keep you here in our hearts until you get by this rough spot. In the meanwhile, let the Lakers make your glass overflow.
Tom
Posted by: LakerTom | May 02, 2008 at 01:37 PM
Mamba24,
Take it easy, man. I can relate to you being sick and tired of computers as I've been working on them for almost 20 years now. Come back when you're good and ready to cheer our Lakers. We're one big blog family.
Posted by: SamLL | May 02, 2008 at 01:40 PM
Mamba24,
Take it easy, man. I can relate to you being sick and tired of computers as I've been working on them for almost 20 years now. Come back when you're good and ready to cheer our Lakers. We're one big blog family. Later!
Posted by: SamLL | May 02, 2008 at 01:40 PM
rdlee, Robyn, et al
Deciding on the rules to use in making a Best of List is more difficult than making the actual list. The rules for my Franchise Player List are simple. Only list players whom, when in their prime, you would not trade for any other player who is not on the list.
Bill Walton is the only player on my list who really did not have a long productive career due to injuries but I thought at his best he belonged on my list but I can see why someone would feel justified to leave him off. But at his best, he might have been the best.
Part of the problem is trying to limit my list to 10 players, which means you have to eliminate such great players as Larry Bird, Jerry West, Elgin Baylor, Julius Irving, Shaquille O’Neal, etc. But that is also why lists are often so challenging.
At any rate, taking everybody’s comments and reassessing my original quick list, here is my latest revised Fab10:
LAKERTOM’S FAB 10
---------------------
THE ULTIMATE TOP 10
FRANCHISE PLAYER LIST
-----------------------
Guys you wouldn’t trade
for anybody not on the list
-----------------------
Magic Johnson
Jerry West
Wilt Chamberlain
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar
Kobe Bryant
Hakeem Olajuwon
Bill Russell
Bill Walton
Larry Bird
Michael Jordan
Tom
Posted by: LakerTom | May 02, 2008 at 02:06 PM
I suppose since Walton isn't sucking in epic proportions, there isn't anything to complain about right now. Has anyone eaten at his BBQ place. I live in the South and think that (good BBQ) is something that is missing in SoCal...
Posted by: C.S. | May 02, 2008 at 02:22 PM
Oh, and to J.W. Weatheman:
"C'mon!!!"
Posted by: C.S. | May 02, 2008 at 02:23 PM
The Whole concept of "Making Others Better players" is a Bonogne created by media.
How can you make a foolish players better players? like kwame, smush, cook etc..
every one is a mature adult in professional teams. Kobe was surrouded with foolish adults who dont have commen sense in the first place. How can people expect him to make them better? foolish thought...
this is how kobe made this team better. He forced/blackmailed to get better players or he would leave. We got Ariza,Pau and thats sufficient to change the team dynamics. Now kobe made others better all of a sudden?
Posted by: Disgruntled,Frustrated Laker Fan | May 01, 2008 at 08:53 PM
I think the media is wrong in regards to Kobe making players better. They just don't recognize it.
Kobe made Kwame better as he got him to playoffs and in Memphis he is not even playing. He contributed.
See Brian Cook and Smush Parker. They too got carried on Kobes back and did contribute what they could to make playoffs but now look at them. Cook hardly gets PT and is injurd and Smush drummed out of league. Not even Shaq or Wade could make him better.
So they were wrong about Kobe making players better but did not recognize this. so again Kobe was robbed of MVP for bogus criteria. He did make players better.
He made made mediocure players servicable.
Posted by: JustaLakerFan | May 02, 2008 at 03:17 PM
pslakerfan - today was a sad day for the blog. There were certain posters (I can't bring myself to name them in print - you'll have to check back on the previous thread) who have taken it upon themselves to advise Mamba24 that his roll call, honoree of the day and other such posts were too long and they were having a very difficult time disregarding them by scrolling past them. Apparently it was just not something they wanted to have to do, and so advised Mamba24 to cut it out. Mamba24 decided that if that was the feeling of the blog, then he would. We think he took it a little too personally and have been trying to convince him that the VAST majority of the blog not only looks forward to his posts with anticipation, but that they actually make our day & keep us excited about the games ahead. So - in response to these HATERS, we decided to create the following pseudo-bandwagon (I can't bring myself to actually name it a bandwagon - we just call it a list):
Mamba24's Haters can BITE ME list:
1. Justanothermambafan
2. SBPimp
3. Benjamim
4. Toad
5. coolhair
6. Pig Miller
7. utzworld - THE BANNER HOLDER
8. HmrHed
9. ajax
10. giantsquid
11. Glen
12. LakerTom
13. Mamba24Fan4Life
14. Edwin Gueco
15. HoustonLakerGirl
16. Kobesbad
17. Charles
18. Happy Camper
19. SamLL
20. Vman
21. #4
22. Nemaia Faletogo
23. MarkytheArky
24. JohnnyP
25. complexbrotha
26. Caliphilosopher
27. Bzar
28. JustaLakerFan
If you agree with the sentiment, just CUT/PASTE & add your name to the bottom of the list.
Hopefully, the length of MY post will now be a thorn in the side of all the haters for one thing, and also that Mamba24 will see the loyalty and appreciation the blog has for his outstanding contribution to the life and feel of this award-winning Laker Nation blog.
GO LAKERS!
COME BACK MAMBA24!!!!!!!
Posted by: justanothermambafan | May 01, 2008 at 09:11 PM
I added my name before but did not make it. I'll try again.
Posted by: JustaLakerFan | May 02, 2008 at 03:21 PM
TOAD - you have MOVED me!!! I guess I will update the list after all:
Mamba24's Haters can BITE ME list:
1. Justanothermambafan
2. SBPimp
3. Benjamim
4. Toad
5. coolhair
6. Pig Miller
7. utzworld - THE BANNER HOLDER
8. HmrHed
9. ajax
10. giantsquid
11. Glen
12. LakerTom
13. Mamba24Fan4Life
14. Edwin Gueco
15. HoustonLakerGirl
16. Kobesbad
17. Charles
18. Happy Camper
19. SamLL
20. Vman
21. #4
22. Nemaia Faletogo
23. MarkytheArky
24. JohnnyP
25. complexbrotha
26. Caliphilosopher
27. Bzar
28. PSLakerFan
29.
30.
31.
32. Zin Master
33. JustaLakerFan
34.
35.
36.
37.
38.
39.
40.
41.
42.
43.
44.
45.
46.
47. MiloRambaldi
48. Faith
49. man
50. C.S.
51. bozz
52. Juno
53. MichiganLaker
GO LAKERS!
COME BACK MAMBA24!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
LEMMINGS UNITE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: justanothermambafan | May 02, 2008 at 10:44 AM
Hope 3times acharm. 3rd time trying
Posted by: JustaLakerFan | May 02, 2008 at 03:49 PM
Gotta fill in the blanks. Come back soon Mamba!
Complainers can BITE ME list:
1. Justanothermambafan
2. SBPimp
3. Benjamim
4. Toad
5. coolhair
6. Pig Miller
7. utzworld - THE BANNER HOLDER
8. HmrHed
9. ajax
10. giantsquid
11. Glen
12. LakerTom
13. Mamba24Fan4Life
14. Edwin Gueco
15. HoustonLakerGirl
16. Kobesbad
17. Charles
18. Happy Camper
19. SamLL
20. Vman
21. #4
22. Nemaia Faletogo
23. MarkytheArky
24. JohnnyP
25. complexbrotha
26. Caliphilosopher
27. Bzar
28. PSLakerFan
29.
30.
31.
32. Zin Master
33. JustaLakerFan
34.
35.
36.
37.
38.
39.
40.
41.
42.
43.
44.
45.
46.
47. MiloRambaldi
48. Faith
49. man
50. C.S.
51. bozz
52. Juno
53. MichiganLaker
54.Laker Bandit
55.
56.
57.
58.
59.
60.
61.
62.
63.
64.
65.
66.
67.
68.
69. Happy Gilmore
70.
2008 NBA Finals, herewe come!!!
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Laker Bandit | May 02, 2008 at 01:21 PM
Posted by: JustaLakerFan | May 02, 2008 at 03:55 PM
C.S.
"Oh, and to J.W. Weatheman:
"C'mon!!!"
------
That was brilliant.
Posted by: J.W. Weatherman | May 02, 2008 at 04:38 PM