It'll soon become official
"It" being Kobe's ownership of the MVP trophy, which will be formally pronounced his at a hotel press conference this afternoon. To put this in reality TV speak, Kobe's "journey" to this point has been quite the ride, even within the context of just 2007-2008. But here we are, with Kobe being recognized for being essentially impossible to guard, as his teammates can knowledgeably attest. Those same teammates are also bearing the fruit of Kobe's play this season, specifically the confidence he's created in them by allowing them a little more leeway. But all heralding aside (and warranted), don't expect Kobe to get caught up in hoopla and lose his playoff focus. He, along with the entire roster, remain aware of the tasks still at hand, like getting their hands on more loose balls. The lion's share of step up will have to come from Lamar Odom and Pau Gasol, but a group effort will be needed for the Lakers to iron out a rebounding margin leaving them shortchanged. Rebounding is often a matter of tussle willingness, but whether or not a lack thereof is causing the glass eating woes, matching Utah's physicality is also being labeled a must for game two. The Lakers spent much of the game pushed around in victorious fashion, if that makes sense. The Jazz to-do list is topped by a mission to keep the Mamba from kicking it so often at the line, which will require a team-wide improvement on the defensive end. That would include the man called D-Will.
The Hornets are not only making the Spurs look like a team in trouble, but an old team in trouble.
Chicago, Chicago. That toddlin' (and D'Antoni-in'?) town.
Not sure exactly who's overlooking Tony Parker when it comes to listing top- flight point guards, but apparently, we should stop.
Charles,
The Banger Mbenga has a black-belt in Judo.
Expect to see him hip throw Ohkur sometime in the playoffs.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | May 06, 2008 at 10:39 AM
Stranger in the Night,
"PAU IS FOOLS GOLD. KWAME IS THE REAL DEAL. "
Thank you and have you ever seen him in sandals? Oh My!
Posted by: KWAME'S CALVES | May 06, 2008 at 10:40 AM
Its some STUPID MOFOs on here writing BS comments they could save for a NEXT day -- U dont think Kobe deserves MVP that's one thing but to come on here with your cowardly comments is another -- Should step the PHUK off
GWAY, BLOODCLOT!
Posted by: lakersrydeordie | May 06, 2008 at 10:40 AM
HEAD ROACH
Change that to HEAD LICE.
Small, pesky, annoying infestation. Will go away with mild treatment.
Kobe Rocks.
Posted by: "Pig" Miller | May 06, 2008 at 10:42 AM
Phwew! Stiiiiinks in here today.
Wound the trolls, Starve the trolls.
Posted by: toad | May 06, 2008 at 10:42 AM
Guys like Mbenga and Truiaf is the difference this year, in addition, to Kobe's maturity.
Posted by: Mbenga Fan | May 06, 2008 at 10:45 AM
There's a sewer dweller in our midst. Where did you some from little guy? Your mom must've blocked all of the grown up sites so you have to come here and play? How's the sewer smell these days? Punk.
Posted by: "Pig" Miller | May 06, 2008 at 10:46 AM
Jon K.
Thanks for the reply brother! Judo huh? That's a great art! How are you?
In basketball, Tai-Otoshi during a box out!
http://tinyurl.com/5sf63n
Posted by: Charles | May 06, 2008 at 10:50 AM
Pig Miller, "How's the sewer smell these days? Punk."
mmmmmmm Smells delicious, I just got finish having roasted pig. yum yum.
Posted by: PUNK | May 06, 2008 at 10:53 AM
Mbenga Fan,
I just find it ridiculous that Nash, who arguably was the THIRD best player on his teams, won back to back MVPs. When Marion left the Suns, Nash got exposed. He is a huge liability on defense. How can somebody who is a huge liability for 50% of each game, 50% of each season, be worthy of back to back MVPs? He has forever tainted the prestigious MVP Award. The writers who vote love Nash as much as they hate Kobe. Don't be fooled by their hype.
Posted by: LAKER TRUTH | May 06, 2008 at 10:55 AM
PAU IS FOOLS GOLD. KWAME IS THE REAL DEAL. YOU WILL SEE. SURE THE LAKERS MAY WIN 3 TITLES WITH PAU INSTEAD OF KWAME BUT THOSE ARE
FOOOOOOOOOOOOOOLS GOLD TITLES.
SO SHUT UP!!!!!!!
DOOO BEEEEEE DOOOOO BEEEEEEE DOOOOOOOO
Posted by: Stranger in the Night | May 06, 2008 at 10:22 AM
--------------------
Meh...
Stranger... put the mug down and step slowly away from the coffee maker... there you go... you'll be OK... *pat, pat*
Posted by: David in Spain | May 06, 2008 at 11:01 AM
No MVP, no peace!!
Oh, um...never mind..
Posted by: hariyahu | May 06, 2008 at 11:05 AM
Charles,
MBenga is a judoka. 12 years worth.
Posted by: hobbitmage | May 06, 2008 at 11:08 AM
MVP! X 3
I'm with ya, Charles.
#4
Posted by: #4 | May 06, 2008 at 11:14 AM
"Good Morning Lakers Nation"
Just woke up this AM after a heck of a Cinco de Mayo party to find out its official, Kobe will be announced as the MVP at some Denny's near LAX.
It is good day to be a Lakers Fan.
Amazing,
I was one of those who said Kobe would never win as well. But because of the politics, not the effort. Forgive me.
Posted by: Fairweather Fatty | May 06, 2008 at 11:16 AM
LAKER TRUTH, He has forever tainted the prestigious MVP Award. "
We will see how tainted KOBE BEEN CRYANT feels it is when the poor baby cries his eyes out tonight. hehehe
Posted by: STEVE NASH 2 TIME MVP | May 06, 2008 at 11:20 AM
hobbitmage, #4 -
Thanks for the reply.
Regards Guys,
Charles
Posted by: Charles | May 06, 2008 at 11:22 AM
KOBE MVP NO PEACE
Posted by: | May 06, 2008 at 11:31 AM
"Fool's Gold TItles"? that's pretty funny.
------------
Speaking of the 5 position, I wanted to write about the most unsung of heroes on the Lakers team this year, Ronny effin' Turiaf. Ronny's passion and aggressiveness kept the Lakers alive during very scary lapses without a center. Ronny's miraculous shot blocking ability, offensive productivity and total fearlessness were the battery that guided us through that 9-game road trip.
I wish Phil Jackson used him more, if only to say, "Thank you".
Posted by: eddie brock | May 06, 2008 at 11:37 AM
With ya Charles............
MVP! MVP! MVP!
Posted by: toad | May 06, 2008 at 11:37 AM
Stranger in the Night:
HAVE BEEN STUDYING BASKETBALL FOR 30 YEARS.
yeah yeah yeah maybe it would really help if you spent more time on studying on how to write with Initial Caps..and leave the teaching to coacj Phil Jackson and his assistants! In the meantime focus on writing with the caps..comprende!!
Posted by: Initial Caps | May 06, 2008 at 11:40 AM
Congrats Kobe. Finally the hate has stopped.
But as for Bynum: Can you say "microfracture? Back in November 2009?"
Posted by: | May 06, 2008 at 11:44 AM
kwame! dont throw me. PLEASE
grk dude
Posted by: Cake | May 06, 2008 at 11:45 AM
Well stanger again you posted no real information other than Pau looks bad in sandals.
I welcome your research and will listen to resonable efforts at the truth. But dont pop up and tell us how bad a 26-5 team is (with 5 straight in the playoffs). It smells to me that your a Jazz-erciser with an axe to grind. If you have numerous in depth studies, give some bullet points and get on with it.
Even the Great One feels Kwame is a bust. He couldn't even get PT on the Griz. Don't get me wrong, I liked Kwame as a person. He seemed like a great guy, good fun, especially at barmizthas. I wish the best for him and I would even welcome him back at 2-3M a year for a big body off the bench. He has one of the best bodies in the NBA, 6'11" 280 and strong as an ox. He plays awesome against the likes of KG, TD, even Shaq. But the Lakers have much improved since the trade and we have dumped a large amount of salary that was never on the edge of paying for itself.
Again, I like Kwame for what he CAN do, but not at 9M a year.
TWoody
Posted by: TWoody | May 06, 2008 at 11:50 AM
Pig / Toad - I thought you guys were in charge of the cans of troll-b-gone....what's up with that?? It's downright overrun up in here.... LOL!
About 30 hours or so to Game 2 - I'm getting ansy!!! Considering only Kobe really had a great game for Game 1 we can all be quite confident that Game 2 will be even better. The guys should now be expecting Utah to do their dirty push & grab so shouldn't be too surprised by it, plus with KB's new trophy all shiny & bright like a beacon to guide us on to bigger & better things, the guys will be excited to play & win again!!! I know I might be just a rabid fan, but I'm seriously thinking Lakers in 4 - although I know 5 may be more realistic! But hey - after the drought for the last few years, I like being idealistic on the positive side!
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: justanothermambafan | May 06, 2008 at 11:54 AM
INITIAL CAPS,Leave the teaching to coacj Phil Jackson In the meantime focus on writing with the caps..comprende!!"
SURE, AS SOON AS YOU FOCUS ON SPELLING COACJ. hehehe
Posted by: STRANGER IN THE NIGHT | May 06, 2008 at 11:58 AM
GET BACK TO ME..........................WHEN HE HAS WON AS MANY MVP'S AS ME.......................... AND WHEN HE HAS A BRONZE STATUE OF HIMSELF.......FOR EVERYONE TO SEE
Posted by: KARL MALONE | May 06, 2008 at 12:00 PM
toad-
Thanks for holla!!!
Posted by: Charles | May 06, 2008 at 12:00 PM
I have a feeling that Kobe will have a very close relationship with the Maurice Podoloff trophy for a long, long time.
Congrats to Kobe Bean Bryant for this well-deserved MVP!! Now go get another championship or four and cement your place among the game's all-time greats!!!
MVP! MVP! MVP! MVP!
Posted by: hava98 | May 06, 2008 at 12:02 PM
Stranger in the Night
I stopped by a public library to catch up on some Lakers data and saw that you posted. I literally LOL'd when I saw your post. Make sure you stay this time.
Believe it or not, I bought a swingman Kwame Brown jersey and I'd like for you to sign it instead of KB54. Will you do me the honors?
Colorado loves the Lakers!
Posted by: Hugo Boss | May 06, 2008 at 12:34 PM
It's great to see the return of Stranger in the Night.
And to those who think he's serious look up the word sarcasm.
Posted by: Xodus | May 06, 2008 at 12:36 PM
People, go easy on strangers of the night, he is basically a character that appeared because of Mike T's love for Kwame Brown, LOL...
Good sarcasm stranger, and it kinda makes me miss Mike T, a little bit, not so much for him wishing injuries on Andrew Bynum though, that was really uncalled for.
Anyway, congrats KB24!!!
Posted by: moko | May 06, 2008 at 12:39 PM
Stranger in the Night is perhaps the greatest poster in the last year.
His stuff was that good.
Thank you for bringing back the laughs!
Dooo Beeee Doooo Beee Doooo
Posted by: Tim-4-Show | May 06, 2008 at 12:46 PM
FOLKS:
Stranger in the Night, SHEKOBE and KARL Malone are the same peeople. Can't you tell? Think all of the post belonging to these three are in ALL CAPS duh!
Posted by: Duh! | May 06, 2008 at 12:49 PM
back to where it all started?
Posted by: KL0044 | May 06, 2008 at 12:51 PM
justa
Pig's doing his usual great job of wounding them, I've got the Troll-B-Gone ready, and have the mesquite coals going on the Weber.
STARVE THE TROLLS!!!!!
Posted by: toad | May 06, 2008 at 12:51 PM
It's going to be really fun watching Kobe get that MVP trophy he has been deserving for a while now. But the real fun my friends will come on Wed night when the Lakers take a 2-0 lead against the JAZZ
GO LAKERS
Posted by: mrbarneydangles | May 06, 2008 at 12:52 PM
I guess he got me. With all the jazz-ersciers here it was confusing.
TWoody
Posted by: TWoody | May 06, 2008 at 12:57 PM
It's a good day and a good time to be a Laker fan. F all the haters and dirty rotten debaters. The sun is shining once again. Bask in it and do not give in to the trivial ramblings of nonbelievers.
I'm just sayin'.........
Posted by: magicman | May 06, 2008 at 01:00 PM
All I can say is, the LA Times' headline tomorrow morning should simply read:
IT'S ABOUT TIME!
Posted by: philhu | May 06, 2008 at 01:04 PM
I love that there are actually stories about the referees in the Salt Lake Tribune. Is that why they lost? Can't think of a better story? What is it with teams in places like Salt Lake and Phoenix and the propensity to lay the blame on everything but the players on the court? Maybe you got outplayed. Actually, you did.
http://www.sltrib.com/jazz/ci_9167250
http://www.sltrib.com/jazz/ci_9161360
http://www.sltrib.com/jazz/ci_9156135
Cry about it why don't ya. I thought the Jazz were the tough guys? You'd think they wouldn't need to try and sell the refs on their fouling ways, but I guess they have to be politicians about it too. I'll be glad when these guys are out of the way. They play just as dirty as the old Jazz.
Posted by: "Pig" Miller | May 06, 2008 at 01:18 PM
I'm so happy finally Kobe had this award which is long overdue. He deserves it because he truly has a sense of sportmanship and most importantly is his "dedication " to his profession. Kobe, we love you ! A KOBE fan forever!
Posted by: carmen | May 06, 2008 at 01:21 PM
Tommy Beer from hoopsworld wrote...Since it has been reported that Kobe Bryant will receive his first MVP award at a ceremony toady he should turn up with a mask and gloves on because he robbed the MVP award from Chris Paul..........................SOUR GRAPES TOMMY............
What Tommy forgot to mention was that Deron Williams schooled Chris Paul and made him look like Smush Parker...
That article really got my blood boiling.......
Congrats to Kobe and his Laker team mates ...Well done ..
Posted by: Thirty2 | May 06, 2008 at 01:23 PM
FatSam,
Kind of puts things in perspective.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | May 06, 2008 at 01:26 PM
What's up Lakerville!
We will officially celebrate Kobe's MVP today.
Wooooohoooooo!!!!!!!!
Congrats to Kobe! Congrats to the Lakers!
Now let's go out and get that title.
Go Lakers!
Posted by: SamLL | May 06, 2008 at 01:29 PM
Thanks for the laugh Stranger!!
Twoody, Stranger is a spoof of Mike T. Good stuff.
Posted by: Earth Wind & Fire | May 06, 2008 at 01:30 PM
Hey, Stranger in the Night, you sound just like our long lost brutha from anutha mutha, Mike T.!!! Dude, welcome home. All is forgiven...except for your hoping that Bynum would get injured so that your beloved Kwame would get to show the world how great he and his calves are.
Don't be afraid. Use your real name, Mike T.
Posted by: CornerJ | May 06, 2008 at 01:32 PM
The Trolls are literally whipping themselves in the dark right now.
How many rambling, hatred-seething posts have we had to deal with which screamed, "KOBE SUCKS!" over the last three years? Thousands?
Well, as FatSam's list shows, Kobe not only clearly does not suck, but is one of the Top Ten (if not Top Three) NBA players of all-time.
Congratulations, Kobe. You deserved it.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | May 06, 2008 at 01:33 PM
Today we witness the beginning of TJ Simer's worst nightmare.
Kobe = MVP.
Never bet against Black Mamba Simers. NEVER.
Posted by: Tim-4-Show | May 06, 2008 at 01:34 PM
FatSam,
Thanks for the compiled lists. Lots of Lakers on those lists. Makes a purple and gold bleeder quite proud!
11 to 15!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: Earth Wind & Fire | May 06, 2008 at 01:36 PM