Kickin' it
The purple and gold were back to work on Wednesday but still lack an opponent. That's fine with Phil Jackson and his squad, as they're more than happy to let the Jazz and Rockets beat each other up to the point that both teams would arrive in Round 2 as walking wounded:
"I'm hoping that the Utah-Houston series goes seven games and maybe like three overtimes," forward Lamar Odom said. "Our job is done as far as the first round and we want to see these teams battle each other, beat each other up. And then we'll be ready for them."
Take that to mean they'll take rest over rust any day. Kobe Bryant, Pau Gasol, and Derek Fisher got just that, sitting out what what was a feisty five-on-five scrimmage in El Segundo. At least they know the schedule. If the Jazz wins on Friday to close out the Rockets, Utah will be in LA on Sunday for Game 1. Should the series go seven, Round 2 will begin Tuesday. Fisher would just as soon see the Jazz.
Again, the question is raised: What exactly did LA's sweep of Denver prove?
Fisher, president of the NBA Player's Assn., said Wednesday that he doesn't have a problem with the "menacing gesture" fines received by Boston's Paul Pierce and Washington's DeShawn Stevenson.
Not surprisingly, with the Lakers on hiatus, Avery Johnson gone, and Mike D'Antoni rumored to be on his way out, most of the news centers on what's going on around the conference. First, don't look for D'Antoni to land in Dallas should he find his way out of Phoenix. Too many potential issues there, from D'Antoni looking more to Chicago, to Dallas needing a coach with more of a defensive bend. The Mavericks will also need someone who can make Jason Kidd comfortable, which never happened with Johnson.
Like every other coach on the planet, Avery's name lands on the list of potential coaches in New York. And Chicago.
Meanwhile in Phoenix, they're going to talk things over.
Scroll down to read one reason why we like AI.
It hasn't been all that long since Dennis Rodman was last arrested, but that time period is appparently too long for Rodman's liking.
WHO'S THERE?
Posted by: MAMBA24 | May 01, 2008 at 12:00 PM
So Derek Fisher is the head of the Player's Association?
I think menacing gestures is a bit too vague a rule to enforce. How do we measure, Mr. Fisher, a menacing gesture? Do facial expressions count as menacing getsures? Will all players be required to smile at all times?
What do you guys think?
Posted by: JohnnyP | May 01, 2008 at 12:05 PM
Wow, I had questions about Karl Malone.
Now, there are no questions. I'm firmly on the he's not a very decent guy side of things.
Props to his son for basically saying "I'm better of without you."
Posted by: Benjamin | May 01, 2008 at 12:06 PM
Orange
Posted by: Charles | May 01, 2008 at 12:08 PM
Curious George,
I'm pretty sure he considers all of the first post of the threads obnoxious.
Others have complained about them too, been beaten down by the blog faithful, and then (usually) they are never heard from again.
Mr. Weatherman is a pretty steady blogger, so I suspect we will never hear these comments from him again, but that we will hear from him/her.
You don't like a post, scroll past it.
You don't have to read every post! You have a choice! This isn't pre WWII China.
Posted by: Benjamin | May 01, 2008 at 12:08 PM
Got to put in a word of support for my man Mamba 24. The Roll Call is a sacred institution on this blog. Those of you who don't appreciate the posts have a really easy way out of the situation: SCROLL PAST THEM. Why should Mamba have to suspend a tradition appreciated by many on this blog just because some fools are too lazy to flip the scroll button on their mouse??
Keep up the good fight, Brother.
Posted by: SBPimp | May 01, 2008 at 12:08 PM
What does the Denver sweep prove?
To me it proves that the Lakers were focused. Unlike the leading team out of the East, Boston. Which lead all the NBA teams in win slot. Yet, they are still trying to find their way out of the first round against THE HAWKS?
Last I checked the Nuggets were a better team than the Hawks, so proof is right there to see.
Who would have thought the Hawks could compete with the new love of the league Celtics. Yet, us sweeping a much better team in Denver goes un-noticed or watered down? humm
Posted by: lakerfaze | May 01, 2008 at 12:11 PM
Has anyone read this article/story about the Laker's Team Dinner before the playoffs? It's pretty good:
After the Lakers watched some film of the Denver Nuggets Thursday, they all gathered for a team dinner at Fleming's Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar in El Segundo, not far from the team's training facility.
This has become a sort of rite of passage for the team, all of them coming together as a group to have a team dinner before the playoffs start.
They laughed and joked and shared stories about the season.
``Dinner was good,'' Lamar Odom said. ``My man Kobe picked up the tab. We all started chanting `MVP...MVP...MVP.' ''
Odom laughed at recanting the story.
He said all Kobe Bryant could do was laugh as well.
That, Odom said, goes to show how close the team is.
``That's crazy, right?'' Odom said, laughing again. ``MVP...MVP...MVP...Man, it was wild.''
http://www.beloblog.com/Pe_Blogs/prosports/2008/04/lakers-have-good-time-chant-fo.html
Posted by: Peanut Butter Spread | May 01, 2008 at 12:12 PM
Curious George,
It's not so much that Mamba24 is obnoxious, perhaps annoying would be a better word. The ENDLESS cut and paste content with very little insight or original opinion. I have to go with LAKER TRUTH on this one regarding the DAILY LOVEFEST. Seems pretty odd that one blogger thinks they are so iimportant or smart that they make awards in the name of the blog.
Posted by: Andy | May 01, 2008 at 12:14 PM
So does anyone when our next game is? Hopefully it's Utah, better challenge and will help keep the Laker players focused for the WCF.
Posted by: Fire32
________________________
Fire32 - is that YOU?????? Talking about when OUR next game is??????? Man - I KNEW you were a closet laker fan in orange clothing!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: justanothermambafan | May 01, 2008 at 12:14 PM
Charles - orange who?
Posted by: justanothermambafan | May 01, 2008 at 12:15 PM
Mamba24 - BLOG ON - BLOG ON - BLOG ON!!!!!
The longer the better!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
All the haters can bite me....and SBPimp.....and Benjamin....and everyone else that loves your posts. I'd list them all here, but someone might get upset at the length of my post & have a hissy fit.
Posted by: justanothermambafan | May 01, 2008 at 12:17 PM
Thanks, Vman and Charles.
Laker Lover,
"honoree is a closet Kobe hater in denial. "
Crap!! I'll have to do a better job of hiding it!! I know; when Kobe makes mistakes or has a bad game, I'll just ignore them!!
Posted by: exhelodrvr | May 01, 2008 at 12:18 PM
Hey President,
You're smart enough, your're good enough, and dog-gone-it, people like you.
Posted by: LAKER TRUTH | May 01, 2008 at 12:18 PM
ORANGE WHO
Posted by: MAMBA24 | May 01, 2008 at 12:18 PM
Thanks, Bozz and Johnny P.
Jon K,
There was a recent interview on TV with Fisher, and he said that his daughter was doing very well.
Posted by: exhelodrvr | May 01, 2008 at 12:20 PM
ESPN has a poll running on w/c NBA teams have the most potential for the next 3 to 5 years. Not surprisingly, Lakers are currently ranked No. 1.
My own rankings 1-10.
1.Lakers
2.Hornets
3.Magic
4.Trail Blazers
5.Jazz
6.Hawks
7.Bulls
8.Raptors
9.Clippers
10.Knicks
I rank Knicks No. 10, only because I'm willing to bet that Lebron will opt out of Cleveland and find a way (w/the help of David Stern) to end up in Nu Yark.
Posted by: LakerinBC | May 01, 2008 at 12:29 PM
Orange-ya gonna miss Fire32 talk about the Suns?
Posted by: Charles | May 01, 2008 at 12:30 PM
LAKER TRUTH:"After all, isn't this a Laker blog? This Laker blog is slowly
turning into a Dr. Phil blog. Past honorees have included notorious Laker
haters, such as KL, and today's honoree is a closet Kobe hater in denial.
Anyways, I apologize for crashing this lovefest, but just felt like something
had to be said."
J. Walter Weatherman:” Mamba24, The guy from ESPN who was AK/BK's
guest on PG&B yesterday specifically mentioned how obnoxious your posts are.
Just wanted to mention that. If it wasn't clear, I completely agree with him. Please stop
ANDY: It's not so much that Mamba24 is obnoxious, perhaps annoying would be a
better word. The ENDLESS cut and paste content with very little insight or original opinion.
I have to go with LAKER TRUTH on this one regarding the DAILY LOVEFEST. Seems pretty odd
that one blogger thinks they are so iimportant or smart that they make awards in the name of the blog.
MOTHER OF GOD IT’S A LANDSLIDE! CAN THIS BE THE END OF MAMBA24!
ET TU LAKER TRUTH! LOL! I respect you my brother and there is more than a grain of
truth in what you and others say. I shall as of now discontinue the honor roll only because
I respect your opinion. Actually this whole Roll call thing is kind of leaking over into my work.
So as of now I'll end that to. So my critics I now return your precious Blog to you. I doubt if
this will make you happy but as for me, I have a Life. And as I chatted with
my critics today I made $320. LMAO!! How appropriate - my leaving on my Dad's birthday.
I Love you my Latina Queen EastCoastJessie. KEIFO my closest friend on the blog. Thanks
I made a mint on your hunches some how I'll figure out a way to repay you I love you my brother.
EDWIN GUECO here are the keys to the kingdom thank you my mentor. My tour of duty is over
and I'm Out ! LAKERS TODAY, LAKERS TOMORROW, LAKERS FOREVER
Posted by: MAMBA24 | May 01, 2008 at 12:32 PM
i knew it was hard to cheer for the mailman while he was a hired gun for us in 2003-2004
his comments about magic back in the day showed u how unlearned and uncouth he really is
add on the fact that he did not acknowledge his grown daughter and son until SHE became an WNBA standout...now this!
what a low person... it's hard to even call him a man now
Posted by: CBuck | May 01, 2008 at 12:33 PM
Exhelodrvr:"Crap!! I'll have to do a better job of hiding it!! I know; when Kobe makes mistakes or has a bad game, I'll just ignore them!!"
LOL! Give them hell Ex. I'll miss you man
Posted by: Mamba24 | May 01, 2008 at 12:34 PM
Charles:"Orange-ya gonna miss Fire32 talk about the Suns?"
OH my God, Charles, charles!. Thats what I love about this
Blog, the unique mix that some are trying to stamp out.
Charles I'll really miss you my brother, you have brightened
up many a sad day for me. Thanks
Posted by: mamba24 | May 01, 2008 at 12:37 PM
Question For the Blog:
With Amare saying he may sit out Team USA this summer, what do you guys think about Bynum working out with the team this summer?
I think it'd be a good atmosphere for him, working with the best players in the world, and he could bring his trainer. He probably wouldn't get much PT, since he'd be coming off an injury and he'd be behind Dwight and Tyson Chandler.
Posted by: Xodus | May 01, 2008 at 12:39 PM
LAKER TRUTH:" Hey President, You're smart enough, your're good enough, and dog-gone-it, people like you."
I'm smart enough, I'm good enough and dog-gone it,
people hate me. waaaaaa!! LMAO!! Give em hell
Laker Truth. OK thats it folks I'm gone. Yeahhhhhh!
Don't start EX. LOL!
Posted by: Mamba24 | May 01, 2008 at 12:40 PM
Okay, if the critics feel the Lakers sweep of Denver was somewhat easy, what do they have to say about the Hornets 4-1 win over Dallas? All right, I'll give you the fact that Denver didn't show a great deal of passion in game 3 and were up and down in games 1 and 2. But I feel that even a passionless Denver team is a as competitive if not more so than an inspired Mavs team.
Where are the great defenders on the Mavs? Kidd? Never was, never will be. Nowitzki? Offensive-minded European-style round ball. Terry? Offensive-minded American playground-style round ball. Howard? When the spirit moves him, which wasn't very often in this series. Dampier? Well, there's one, but where are the other four or three or two? Do I hear one? Harris? Yeah, there's one. Oh, right. They traded him for Kidd. Too bad. I would have liked to see how he would have done against Paul
Posted by: lotecq | May 01, 2008 at 12:46 PM
justanothermambafan,
It's not the LENGTH, It's the lack of original thought.
LakerTom writes ENDLESSLY, but he has many ideas and opinions he is expressing. It's not just CUT/PASTE, CUT/PASTE.
Posted by: Andy | May 01, 2008 at 12:47 PM
Peanut Butter Spread,
Thanks for the link. That story made me smile. Wow. It's so good to be over the Shaq-Kobe drama.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | May 01, 2008 at 12:47 PM
exhelodrvr,
Good. Thank you for the update.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | May 01, 2008 at 12:48 PM
Is it Sunday yet?
Urgh. I totally going through adrenaline withdrawl right now.
I need at least a story saying Bynum or Ariza is coming back earlier than expected.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | May 01, 2008 at 12:50 PM
Mamba24 - BLOG ON - BLOG ON - BLOG ON!!!!!
The longer the better!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
All the haters can bite me....and SBPimp.....and Benjamin....and everyone else that loves your posts. I'd list them all here, but someone might get upset at the length of my post & have a hissy fit.
Posted by: justanothermambafan | May 01, 2008 at 12:17 PM
justa:
AMEN! Add me emphatically to the "BITE ME" list!
To all of you who do not appreciate the Roll Call and Mamba's awards and posts, scroll on past the post. Or even quicker, there's the slide bar on the right side of the page to do it even more quickly. Really simple. However, you cannot think that you have the censorship ability to control what anyone posts, the length of the post, the content of the post or anything else. So just shut up about the Mamba. Enjoy him or ignore him, your choice. But do not think for one minute you have the right to control what is blogged or what I choose to read and enjoy. And I couldn't give a rat's a$$ for what some idiot from ESPN said on the radio yesterday about anything.
Posted by: toad | May 01, 2008 at 12:51 PM
Well these off days are sure boring.
Does anyone have any idea when that Day in the Life of Kobe movie will release by Spike Lee? Cant wait to see that.
GO LAKERS
Posted by: mrbarneydangles | May 01, 2008 at 12:56 PM
One reason I don't follow hockey:
When I glance at a headline about the "Pens-Rangers" series, I always think it says something dirty.
Posted by: The D | May 01, 2008 at 12:57 PM
Good morning everyone.....Even supporters of teams that got knocked for six in the first round.....knocked for six is a cricket term...sorry........
Im not sure at what game it happened at but it was reported that at half time and before the game while the Lakers as a team were going over game tape the Nuggets were watching the NFL draft....I think it may have been game 2 or 3....
That tells me 2 things ..
1..The coach and coaching staff have no control over the team.
2..The team does not have a leader on the court or off it.
Iverson and Kenyon Martin have both been to the finals before and know what is required ...Going back to my post a couple of weeks ago...The Nuggets have the combined IQ of a large bucket of KFC......Fisher is the glue in our locker room and Kobe leads the way on the court....
Go Lakers..
Posted by: Thirty2 | May 01, 2008 at 01:03 PM
3 days, no games, and we've been reduced to knit-picking of peoples comments.
Will anybody be left standing after 5 days?
We all come here for different reasons and can all take out of the blog what we want to.
LATimes Lakers blog is very diverse.
Enjoy the diversity, we are all a "Lakers Band of Brothers"
Let's debate, let's share some knowledge, and let's have some fun as we watch the Lakers keep kicking some NBA butt around.
Posted by: Fairweather Fatty | May 01, 2008 at 01:05 PM
I've always liked Mamba24's rollcall.
It kinds of creates that bondage between laker fans here.
All Mamba24's trying to do is welcoming bloggers &
creating that family-like atmosphere around here.
And just like what others say, if you don't like it,
just scroll down the wheel.
Plus, what is wrong with copy & paste roll call (which itself is the creation of Mamba24)?
I find it much better than constant non-sense,
insisting & typing same idea over and over,
personal attacks of some other bloggers of past.
LakerinBC
What about Sonics? I think they might be good as well.
Posted by: coolhair | May 01, 2008 at 01:07 PM
Ex: "I think that in a couple of years, it will be debatable who got the best of the Gasol deal, in terms of "total amount of talent exchanged"."
I think the only way that will be true is if Marc Gasol ends up being a monster. I really hope for Memphis's sake he does, and that Crit turns into a great player. I would love to be able to look back on it and say, "Wow, all the people who laughed at Memphis were wrong." Because heaven knows, it was sure good for us in the short term (and by short term, I mean for the next six years).
Posted by: Marty | May 01, 2008 at 01:14 PM
Larry,
I gotta say that I can never muster the time to read very far into your posts. I think your enthusiasm is awesome, and asking anyone other than the usual Troll to stop posting isn't in the interest of free speech.
Maybe the posts can be more abbreviated on off days? maybe only on game days? Maybe some list editing is in order? In all honesty, keep up the enthusiasm of the posts, but maybe pare them down a little so the Prez doesn't get insulted.
Hey Charles, Jon K. Justanother, HmrHed, exhelo, mel, faze, and anyone else I didn't mention.
I hope the Jazz and Rockets go to quadruple overtime on Friday night and the Jazz win, then the Jazz come to Staples for the beatdown they deserve.
My Sister had a baby last night!! I'm an uncle. That's great! My niece will probably be a Carolina fan, but I'm gonna make sure she's a Laker fan first.
Oink Oink
Posted by: "Pig" Miller | May 01, 2008 at 01:17 PM
Mamba24,
LOL, stop messing around dude. There's no need for such drastic measures. I am a big fan of your posts. I was just saying that the lovefest made me a bit uncomfortable, that's all. Keep up the good work.
peace
Posted by: LAKER TRUTH | May 01, 2008 at 01:17 PM
LakerTruth,
I bet you're feeling real guilty right about now. LOL!
Mamba's alright though, because he made $320 while cutting and pasting his post. So there!
Face baby! Face!
Go Lakers! Rest up!
Posted by: Rocky | May 01, 2008 at 01:21 PM
Mamba:
I, as many others of us here on the blog, will sorely miss you if you do indeed leave. You were so sorely missed when you left on your sabbadical a whoile back. The Roll Call, especially on game day, is a must to have. Part of the game day ritual. Please do not let the whiniing of a few while we sit around waiting for the next round of games to begin make you take your unbridled enthusiasm from us here in the Laker Nation.
As Fatty said, "we all come here for different reasons and can all take out of the blog what we want to". Part of why I am here is your inspiration.
Posted by: toad | May 01, 2008 at 01:22 PM
the way to think about Bynum right now is that he represents the equivalent of a big free agent aquisition over the summer.
If the Lakers can figure out a way to keep Odom, that lineup will be unbelievable for say, the next 3 years before contracts, etc. start to cause serious problems:
PG: Fish with Farmar eventually becoming starter
SG: Kobe/Sasha with Ariza playing here and SF
SF: Odom/Walton - with Radmanovic being traded
PF: Gasol/Turiaf - assuming we can afford to keep Turiaf
C: Bynum/Kwame re-signed? don't laugh, he would be a good backup or Mbenga and Mihm for one more year
Look at that! Kobe, Odom, Gasol and Bynum, 1 clear allstar and 3 very close to being allstars. Ariza gives us the Raja Bell factor, and assuming we don't lose Sasha, the 2nd team is killer!
Phil's rejuvenated and might even stick around after next year, the rest of the league should be shaking in their boots. Who can challenge this team?
San Antonio is getting older.
Phoenix is toast.
Dallas is a mess.
Denver needs to make a major change.
Golden State will always be weak on D.
Portland, Oden hasn't even played his first season and hit the rookie wall yet and Brandon Roy is injury prone.
So that leaves Houston, New Orleans and Utar, maybe one of them lands a big free agent that changes things but we're looking damn good...
Posted by: TaosHum | May 01, 2008 at 01:25 PM
Mamba24:
Do you hear that sound?
SNAP! SNAP!
Sounds like a belt!
And it's got your name on it!
SIT YOUR @$$ BACK DOWN!
Seriously, to all those who hate on the Roll Call: KISS OFF! The Roll Call is a distinct, definitive and key ingredient to our identity at LA Times Lakers Blog. It IS what sets us apart as a united NBA family. The haters dismiss the Roll Call and call it obnoxious because they want this blog to mirror their own personalities: devoid of life, vigor and vitality.
Now I will excuse J. Walt from that classification as he is a Lakers Blog soldier through and through, but, at the same time, brother, if the Roll Call bothers you that much, there's a little invention that they put on a computer mouse called a wheel. This wheel performs the task of a scroll bar in which you can magically SCROLL PAST ANY POST YOU DON'T WISH TO READ and move on to the next one. Geee-nius!
Yeah, maybe it's best to only do a Roll Call on game days and special announcement days (like when KB24 is officially named League MVP). But to permanently do away with the Roll Call is to suck the very life out of both The Blog and to Mamba 24 as well. My brother puts his heart and soul into every word of that Roll Call. In our darkest hour (LAST SUMMER), Larry's Roll Call provided us hope and inspiriation when there was none to be found. Let the haters hate. Let our Blog brothers & sisters agree to disagree. But I, for one, am THANKFUL for the Roll Call. May it continue to inspire and give hope to Laker Nation!
Posted by: utzworld - THE BANNER HOLDER | May 01, 2008 at 01:25 PM
Jon K
If this makes you feel any better?
Lakers practice report:
After receiving several doses of some ancient Chinese remedy that an unknown fan sent them. Trevor Ariza and Andrew Bynum say they are completely cured and are ready for full game contact.
Hey, its day three with no game. What do you say?
Posted by: Fairweather Fatty | May 01, 2008 at 01:26 PM
Hey Pig --
Mamba 24 -- You can't live without us -- hahaha. Thumbs up on the posts.
Question guys -- I've seen the highlights of Kobe's 49 point game a few times now. After that loooong range 3 --- did Kobe flash a gang sign? -- hahaha. He held a couple of fingers down and held the index and thumb together. Just wondering if anyone else caught that?
Posted by: HmrHed | May 01, 2008 at 01:26 PM
What up Laker Blog?
Jamie here, and I just wanted to say, the other shoe drops faster than Superman the Ride at Magic Mountain. Avery Johnson had to go, Mike D'Antoni is next, and Flip'll be gone unless Detroit wins it all. But who really cares who coaches our opponents? Does it matter? Only when the coach reaches the players in the way that Byron Scott, Jerry Sloan, and our main man Phil Jackson. I can't think of any other coach (currently coaching) that reaches players despite the way they are playing. Is it just the winning or is it something deeper?
Man I want the Utah/Houston series to end.
GO LAERS!!!!!
Posted by: Jamie Sweet | May 01, 2008 at 01:32 PM
I can't believe people are annoyed by Mamba's posts! What the hell!? Its just good 'ol comradeship among us fans!
I SUPPORT MAMBA!
Posted by: ajax | May 01, 2008 at 01:36 PM
Didn't realize Farmar had his own website
http://www.farmarlive.com/farmar/index
Posted by: Lakers Legacy | May 01, 2008 at 01:50 PM
Why attack Mamba24? He's beloved by the majority of bloggers and his "long" posts are innocuous at worst. And I suppose that those who are annoyed by the posts are able to scroll past them. His bandwagons do offer some insight into the how regular bloggers feel about various issues (non-scientific polls of a sort).
Why not let him be? Attacking him on a regular basis is a sure sign of Arrested Development.
Posted by: giantsquid | May 01, 2008 at 01:55 PM
Happy Labour Day to all the people around the world who celebrate this day as a day to honour we who toil for a living ... and that's just about everyone else in the world except US citizens.
To say that Mamba24's efforts are not original or creative is like saying Kobe is just another player ... the guy's enthusiastic posts, humour and the very original and creative roll calls, and daily honouring of bloggers is interesting, and fun.
Can we all get a grip here? Of course not everyone will like his offerings but I know I do. I've never been included in any of them, and have never asked to but I think they're the greatest of fun, and I look forward to, and enjoy reading them eah and every time out.
Please persist, Mamba24, please resist, please insist.
Posted by: Glenn | May 01, 2008 at 02:00 PM
If Mamba24 leaves, I leave. We got your back buddy, don't listen to the nay-sayers.
Mamba24 for President!
Posted by: bozz | May 01, 2008 at 02:08 PM