Good news on Ariza
May 13, 2008 | 12:59
pm
AK will have more from practice later, but he just texted me with the news that Trevor Ariza has indeed been cleared to practice without restriction. He'd been deemed ready by two independent doctors, who felt that his fractured foot had sufficiently healed. More details later, I'm sure, but however it gets sliced and diced, the information is good for the Lakers.
BK
utzworld - THE BANNER HOLDER
Is it Lake-religon? One word?
Posted by: Charles | May 13, 2008 at 03:13 PM
PJ mind games, thats all.
Ariza will get some time on Wed. when we blow out the Jazz. lol
Posted by: Fairweather Fatty | May 13, 2008 at 03:15 PM
Horry: Spurs Pop better coach than Lakers Phil Jax
Since no player in NBA history has more playoff experience than Robert Horry, his opinion counts for plenty. In Horry's opinion, Popovich ranks at the very top among the coaches who worked during the 16 years Horry has played in the NBA. Though three of Horry's seven championship rings were earned under Lakers coach Phil Jackson, who has won nine titles as head coach of the Michael Jordan-era Bulls and the Shaquille O'Neal-era Lakers, he gives Popovich the nod over Jackson. "Phil wouldn't yell at the top dogs," Horry said. "Pop will yell at the top dogs, just like he yells at the bottom dogs. That's the biggest key. And Pop preaches defense a little more than Phil. "If you'd have given Pop all the talent Phil had, I think he'd have more rings than Phil." -- San Antonio Express-News
Posted by: Disgruntled, Frustrated Laker Fan | May 13, 2008 at 03:20 PM
So is it Bynum, Carl and Mihm now to the Injured List? Who would you guys put inactive as the 3rd wheel?
The 2nd unit just got deeper. (Especially once Ariza is in game shape.)
Posted by: Charles | May 13, 2008 at 03:23 PM
Jesterguru,
Whats wrong with the chemistry lineup of Curry, Z-bo, Q-Rich, Starbury and Little Nate?
Posted by: Charles | May 13, 2008 at 03:34 PM
http://tinyurl.com/5a7vg3
I can't work now....
Posted by: Charles | May 13, 2008 at 03:36 PM
So how exactly is Ariza better than Ira right now?
I just don't see the advantage we get by getting Ariza back, who is nowhere near game shape, over Ira who is.
Posted by: Fire32 | May 13, 2008 at 03:38 PM
Did you guys read AK47's remarks about how the Jazz guarded Kobe at the end of the game? AK47 basically admitted to what I had said about Kobe's missed shots three threads ago. I said that Sloan gambled that Kobe wouldn't be able to keep up his hot shooting (he was above 60% or something after the third quarter) with his back tiring him out. I said that they instead packed the paint and the passing lanes, hoping he couldn't drive either. Meaning, the only thing that the, "defense is giving him" would be his jumper, which by then had already evaporated.
My issue is that we have celebrated that mentality all season because it speaks against the forced shot.
Kobe wasn't selfish. He was doing what he is supposed to do, shoot open shots.
Besides, if he made a couple of those, the Jazz, and especially AK47, would have panicked and closed on him, reopening the passing lanes. The Lakers would have won.
Otherwise, if Kobe had insisted on passing INTO COVERAGE, it would have been a bloodbath of steals and turnovers at that point. Trust me on that. Since when does AK47 block two of Kobe's shots?
--Fearless
Posted by: Fearless | May 13, 2008 at 03:41 PM
Popovich is an excellent coach; a good argument could be made for him being better than Jackson. However, I don't buy the idea that his personnel wasn't as good. Robinson and Duncan? Duncan and Parker and Ginobili? I think that their personnel match up pretty well with the players that Jackson had to work with.
Posted by: exhelodrvr | May 13, 2008 at 03:42 PM
ARIZA good to go: HEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEH..MAKES MOB BOSS VERY HAPPY!!
Mamma Mia..got to celebrate tonight and no mo breaking anybody's chops tonight... GOOD NEWS overall and lets hope we get past Utah.
Posted by: The MOB Boss | May 13, 2008 at 03:45 PM
Newble is not as good defensively as Ariza when Ariza is healthy; he is better defensively than Walton, Vujacic, and Rad, but not by a huge margin. And he is much worse offensively than them. So the overall effect of playing Newble, compared to playing one of the other three, would be negative.
He was not signed with the intention of playing the same role that Ariza been playing, and with the intention of getting him a lot of playing time. He's not that good. He was signed as an insurance policy against additional injuries to the SG/SFs.
Posted by: exhelodrvr | May 13, 2008 at 03:46 PM
Glad to hear Trevor is available for action, now the question turns to... Will PJ give him some burn or will he sit on the edge of the bench watching and waiting? The saga continues. Laker love we gotta win game 5 at Staples!
Posted by: LakerFaze | May 13, 2008 at 03:48 PM
Hi all --
That's great news on Ariza-- we can use him in a couple of weeks in the WC Finals -- that's right Utah, I'm overlooking you, because you’re done.
Twilight Zone moment -- A post from Fire32 referring to the Lakers as "we". Did I miss something??
Anyway boys and girls, my wife and I are expecting our first and I will probably not be posting for a few days. By the time I get back on, this series should be over.
Talk to you all later ....
Posted by: HmrHed | May 13, 2008 at 03:50 PM
Charles,
When Ariza's activated, I'm guessing Coby Karl will go to the inactive list. Mihm's got size and experience, and while he hasn't played much at all, the odds of him either being needed or simply just stepping on the court under most circumstances would be higher than Karl's. Just my guess, but I'd be pretty surprised if it went in the other direction.
AK
Posted by: Andrew Kamenetzky | May 13, 2008 at 03:52 PM
THE BANNER HOLDER:
Please stop begging for personal favors. I am real busy helping other matters and basketball is not something I enjoy. I find your prayers are very SELFISH and DISPICABLE. PLEASE STOP making these false prayers and TRULY understand the meaning of LIFE, be thankful and be in gratitude.
Annoyed,
Jesus
Posted by: Jesus | May 13, 2008 at 03:54 PM
Charles,
"Whats wrong with the chemistry lineup of Curry, Z-bo, Q-Rich, Starbury and Little Nate?"
Hahahaaaa. AHhhahahahahahaaaaaaa. Haha. Ha. Nice.
Posted by: Jesterguru | May 13, 2008 at 03:55 PM
Charles: HUH??? Lake-religion? To what are you referring to, my brother?
Posted by: utzworld THE BANNER HOLDER | May 13, 2008 at 03:55 PM
Faze - Chopper Hero,
Howdy. Glad to see you guys post.
Posted by: Charles | May 13, 2008 at 03:57 PM
Jesterguru, you are judging NY by it's current roster. Starbury has an enormous expiring contract, I've seen reports of it being up near $22m! LOL! Look what we got for Kwame's expiring contract and some draft picks. Jerome James has 2 years left on his contract so he could possibly be moved at the trade deadline or next year. Malik Rose could be moved for a salary dump by somebody.
You can't just look at this as a one year timeframe. NY with credibility in the GM and now the coaching position is back. They're back! Players love D'Antoni's system and the East is weak.
I don't believe Phoenix will give up anyone for Starbury but... other teams looking for a monster salary dump might and if D'Antoni gets Derek Rose... oh my... Lebron might actually jump ship to NY if enough things are in place at that time, consider if D'Antoni gets 2 or 3 high draft picks this year (one possibly from moving Starbury's contract), burns them in for 2 years, scares somebody in the playoffs 2 years from now and then Lebron is a free agent... wow... the entire landscape of the East just shifted...
Posted by: TaosHum | May 13, 2008 at 03:57 PM
disgruntled,
Unfortunately, Horry can say all he wants but if all he can come up with is he "cant yell at the big dogs", then Phil Jackson is still the better coach.
The point is that pop coaches in a non-pressure media market with very talented, low key, players.
Put Pop in L.A or Chicago with Shaq, Kobe, and Michael Jordan and lets see how much yelling he does!
You see, it's all about managing egos, and their star player Timmy, doesn't have an ego. None of the spurs do.
Pop yells because he knows he can get away with it with the personnel he has.
Also, Phil HAS yelled at Kobe, but not really at Shaq. Do you really think with Shaq's ego he would yell at him? I dont think so!
There is a reason Phil doesn't stress defense as much...As soon as Pop has 10 rings, he can say his method is better.
Posted by: zen | May 13, 2008 at 03:59 PM
People are getting excited too early.
He's been cleared by a couple of independent doctors, but has NOT been cleared to play by the Lakers. Until that happens, he won't even practice.
Posted by: WWJWWD | May 13, 2008 at 03:59 PM
Andrew Kamenetzky,
Knuckle tap... Thanks for the reply!
Posted by: Charles | May 13, 2008 at 04:00 PM
Sweet.
-bozz-
Posted by: bozz | May 13, 2008 at 04:02 PM
AK,
Is Mihm not playing because he's hurt again? Mihm's career is over yet the Lakers seemed to have declared him "back" to get people to think he's ok and take the pressure off him a bit. If Mihm was OK, he would have seen action in these playoffs don't you think?
Posted by: zen | May 13, 2008 at 04:02 PM
Jesus: While you were sitting at the right hand of God, we had a debate here at Lakers Blog extolling the wondrous benefits of THE SCROLL BAR. Please go back and review the convo and apply it to my prayers. Thanks, Big Guy!
:o)
Posted by: utzworld THE BANNER HOLDER | May 13, 2008 at 04:04 PM
"Please stop begging for personal favors. I am real busy helping other matters and basketball is not something I enjoy. I find your prayers are very SELFISH and DISPICABLE. PLEASE STOP making these false prayers and TRULY understand the meaning of LIFE, be thankful and be in gratitude.
Annoyed,
(Posted by: Jesus | May 13, 2008 at 03:54 PM )
Annoyed "Jesus",
Blasphemy!!!
Posted by: Robyn | May 13, 2008 at 04:06 PM
utzworld THE BANNER HOLDER
The higher power/ faith you pray to sir...
Posted by: Charles | May 13, 2008 at 04:09 PM
WWJWWD
J Walter sighting?
Posted by: Charles | May 13, 2008 at 04:12 PM
HmrHed,
You unlock this post with the key of imagination, beyond it is another dimension. A dimension of sound, a dimension of sight, a dimension of mind. Your moving into a land of both shadow and substance of things and ideas, you just crossed over to the.....THE TWILIGHT ZONE
thats right
GO LAKERS!!!
Posted by: Fire32 | May 13, 2008 at 04:13 PM
THE DIT DA JOW WORKED!
AWESOME!
Wow. That was a long, painful wait! Whew.
Good. Good. Good. Good.
Can't wait to see Trevor Ariza back on the court. Good news indeed.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | May 13, 2008 at 04:14 PM
Robyn:
Sure I get pissed when I look at the fools, stupid people with expectations that has nothing to with this beautiful gift called "life". You fall into one of the above category unless you ask me for forgiveness..or I will turn you into an ugly Betty..
Please don't bug me as I am busy with more urgent maters.. take a number!!
Still annoyed!
Jesus
Posted by: Jesus | May 13, 2008 at 04:18 PM
Charles:
When I pray, I pray to THE MAN HIMSELF. I don't believe in counterfeits, false gods, and dudes masquerading as THE MAN who are annoyed with my prayers. I go straight to The Rock.
Posted by: utzworld THE BANNER HOLDER | May 13, 2008 at 04:24 PM
HmrHed
Advance Congratulations!!!
Posted by: Charles | May 13, 2008 at 04:30 PM
Taos,
I admit it's possible that they'll turn it around. We in LA certainly know the value of an expiring contract. heheh.
Also, Donnie Walsh is a great front office guy.
Honestly, I just prefer to revel in the moment and not look too far ahead. Even if it's just a single year of total pain, I'll be happy Mike is having to live through it.
Sorry, I just refuse to get over his lack of respect for Phil. The stones on that guy.
Posted by: Jesterguru | May 13, 2008 at 04:37 PM
Fire32,
Trevor Ariza is a much better player than Ira Newble. It's that simple. For God's sake, we traded Brian Cook and Mighty Mo Evans for him, while Ira Newble got cut.
By the way, your team (the Suns) is on a collision course with doom.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | May 13, 2008 at 04:39 PM
Jesterguru:
You asked whats wrong? These guys are losers, slow and underachievers. Did that anwer your question son?
Jesus
Charles,
"Whats wrong with the chemistry lineup of Curry, Z-bo, Q-Rich, Starbury and Little Nate?"
Hahahaaaa. AHhhahahahahahaaaaaaa. Haha. Ha. Nice.
Posted by: Jesterguru
Posted by: JESUS | May 13, 2008 at 04:39 PM
Whoever's impersonating Jesus, they should stop that.
Everyone knows that Jesus is a sports fan.
To quote the Bible, "Better to be hot or cold than lukewarm."
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | May 13, 2008 at 04:40 PM
utzworld THE BANNER HOLDER,
Dude, you are awesome!
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | May 13, 2008 at 04:41 PM
ESPN is predicting Spurs tonigh in NO -- I don't know about that.
Hey wasn't Andrew going to get a thrid opinion yesterday? Any word?
Posted by: HmrHed | May 13, 2008 at 04:47 PM
I am not a fan of these posts by Jese and WWJWWD. Thanks, however, to Robyn for pointing out their blasphemous nature.
Mohammed
Posted by: Mohammed | May 13, 2008 at 04:48 PM
stop with the religion already.
Mike T left a long time ago
Posted by: jandro | May 13, 2008 at 04:49 PM
I used to pray to the rock too.
Richard
Posted by: Richard Pryor | May 13, 2008 at 04:49 PM
utzworld THE BANNER HOLDER
Thanks for the reply! Fist pound sir!
Posted by: Charles | May 13, 2008 at 04:51 PM
WWJWWD wrote:
"People are getting excited too early."
"He's been cleared by a couple of independent doctors, but has NOT been cleared to play by the Lakers. Until that happens, he won't even practice."
No that's not correct. Ariza has been cleared to practice. And he did today in fact. To the degree I'm not sure though. However, Phil Jackson said he would be about a week or two away from being able to play in a game, since he is obviously out of shape after all this time.
From the LA Times;
http://www.latimes.com/sports/la-sp-lakers14-2008may14,0,6892616.story
..."Lakers forward Trevor Ariza was medically cleared to practice and did so for the first time since sustaining a broken bone in his right foot on Jan. 20."
"Lakers Coach Phil Jackson said it would probably be a week or two before Ariza was ready to play in a game."
Posted by: LoveTheLakeShow | May 13, 2008 at 04:54 PM
The Rock? Do you mean the wrestler? I thought he was focusing on his acting career. How does he find time to answer prayers. Makes me rethink my time organization abilties.
Posted by: frontrunner | May 13, 2008 at 04:58 PM
Why not pray to me? I'm down for helping the Lakers (when I'm not being the vp)
Posted by: Satan | May 13, 2008 at 05:07 PM
Thanks Charles -- scary thought. hahaha
Posted by: HmrHed | May 13, 2008 at 05:08 PM
Charles,
I noticed that pseudonym a few days ago and had the same thought of J Walter. I'm pretty sure it's him.
If so, nice having you here WWJWWD!
Posted by: Tim-4-Show | May 13, 2008 at 05:18 PM
"How are you Simi? How's is 420 doing? I hope to see you guys soon when you host a Lakers viewing party. I actually met "PSLakerFan" during one of the Denver playoff games. Great time, cool Kat. Let me know when you guys plan one.
Holla.
Posted by: | May 13, 2008 at 02:36 PM"
Awww. I am blushing.
Posted by: pslakerfan | May 13, 2008 at 05:26 PM
Hey psychedlakergirl,
When are you down here in the desert. I am still expecting my Laker viewing party at the Beer Hunter.....
pslakerfan
Posted by: pslakerfan | May 13, 2008 at 05:29 PM