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.
Kam Brothers,
I got your next headline, especially while all we can do is talk about practice....yup, guessed it, right there.
"Practice? We talkin' bout practice?" Thank you, AI.
I think you might have used it before, but I'm not sure.
#4
Posted by: #4 | May 01, 2008 at 02:08 PM
Xodus,
Thanks for the Bynum fix. I had forgotten that this was the game after which he slipped in the F-word. Too funny. Man, we miss you, Drew. Come back soon!
Tom
Posted by: LakerTom | May 01, 2008 at 02:12 PM
Ex, Marty
"In the long run, we are all dead" - J.M. Keynes
Sporting lives are short and uncertain - someone.
Point: we are always going to value what is more than what might be. We have to keep this in mind when evaluating trades.
Posted by: The D | May 01, 2008 at 02:13 PM
Marty,
Memphis got the equivalent of 4 mid-late first round draft picks (including Crit and M Gasol in that), plus the expiring contract. The expiring contract should be a pretty good player. The four picks should result in at least two decent players.
Posted by: exhelodrvr | May 01, 2008 at 02:15 PM
Amazing,
That was a GREAT story about the Lakers steak dinner. Man, I love Kobe and this team. What a wonderful time to be a Lakers fan. MVP. MVP. LMAO. Thanks for smile I’ll have on my face all day long.
Tom
Posted by: LakerTom | May 01, 2008 at 02:15 PM
The D,
"When I glance at a headline about the "Pens-Rangers" series, I always think it says something dirty."
You probably giggle everytime someone says "pianist", don't you?
Posted by: exhelodrvr | May 01, 2008 at 02:17 PM
Mamba24,
Don't sign out bro. Please don't. I'm gonna put you in a triangle choke if you do.
Posted by: Charles | May 01, 2008 at 02:17 PM
Poster of the day -- Mamba24
...for his tireless efforts to unify the Lakersblog faithful.
For his fun bandwagons.
For keeping us focused on being the 14 time champion frickin Lakers that play for championships!
That is unless he leaves, then we take back his medal!
Posted by: Benjamin | May 01, 2008 at 02:19 PM
mamba24,
Hypothetically speaking, if you stopped doing the roll call, I would have been the final recipient of blogger of the day, right? Which would make me the permanent blogger of the day, right?
Hey, everyone, let's not be too hasty in telling mmaba24 to keep doing the roll call. If he thinks it's time to stop ...
Posted by: exhelodrvr | May 01, 2008 at 02:21 PM
AZ,
“The ball movement the team had at that time was incredible and it was awesome to have a big with great hands that could finish anywhere, ANYWHERE around the hoop.”
Great to have you back again. Ex has been a little shaky what with all the good vibes circulating so Mamba decided to dedicate the day to him to get him going again. It’s great to see his wingman show up, too. LOL.
I feel exactly as you do about Drew. “ANYWHERE around the hoop!” Seriously, ANYWHERE. Drew has the best and softest pair of hands I have ever seen on a big. There may be parity in the West and at the top of the NBA right now, but soon as Drew comes back and is fully healthy, whatever parity existed will be for the second best team because the Lakers will truly be dominant.
Good enough to win without Drew. A sure thing with Drew. Resistance is futile.
Tom
Posted by: LakerTom | May 01, 2008 at 02:23 PM
Xodus,
I think it would be amazing for Bynum to play on the national team. He sure could use the experience and additional playing time to hone his low post skills against the best.
Could you imagine the "Second-guessers" though if he re-injured his knee?
Posted by: Eric M. | May 01, 2008 at 02:24 PM
The next round is not scheduled to start until Sunday, if Utah can finished the stubborn Rockets on Friday. I'll sorely miss the first game since I'm out of the country until next Tuesday. They only show soccer games, lots of them, every day and night over here.
Posted by: Wallace | May 01, 2008 at 02:24 PM
idunno mamba24,
i think it was just the restlessness that has incurred during this mini off-season that has gotten everybody lighting their mob-torches- the enthusiasm of your posts perhaps not complimenting the odd mix of tension, placation, elation, hesitation, constipation, etc. in the air.
As for me, I don't see what the problem is, I only read your roll calls on days when I wanted to get pumped, and was happy to be a part of that ridiculously long block of text on the other days.
If you really feel a change of policy is necessary, maybe you can just post on game days. Do it for the people, man! The PEOPLE!
-a person
Posted by: eddie brock | May 01, 2008 at 02:26 PM
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
Sorry if I missed your name. Please just CUT/PASTE into your post & add your name to the bottom of the list.
GO LAKERS!
MAMBA24 - COME BACK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: justanothermambafan | May 01, 2008 at 02:29 PM
Personally, I like the Mamba24's roll call. It is uplifting to read of the enthusiam and positive energy that Mamba24 brings to the blog.
Posted by: rdlee | May 01, 2008 at 02:30 PM
Mamba,
Please add me to the “Waiting for Next Game Is Hell Band Wagon” with the tag line of “I want back-to-back-to-back playoff games.” Thanks.
By the way, the only thing “embarrassing to other Laker fans” are posters who don’t know how to let loose and have a little fun while obsessing over their beloved LA Lakers. You’re the man, mamba, and don’t let anybody tell you differently. Resistance is futile.
Tom
Posted by: LakerTom | May 01, 2008 at 02:32 PM
Mamba, don't negotiate with the terrorists.
Posted by: Jesterguru | May 01, 2008 at 02:32 PM
Fairweather Fatty,
It does make me feel better.
Man, I really hope that Kareem went out and bought some Dit Da Jow for Bynum. I begged him to in his blog. He's practiced kung-fu and trained with Bruce Lee. Hopefully he's open to the idea.
Vitti's Blue Goo doesn't work. It's basically just hot and cold therapy with omega fatty-acids thrown in. Omega-fatty acids are all well and good for reducing inflammation, but they should be heavily supplemented in diet, not rubbed on your skin.
Urgh.
Anyhow, I hope Kareem gets Bynum some Dit Da Jow. If anyone can, it'll be Kareem.
It sure would feel great to know that I indirectly assisted in Bynum and Ariza's accelerated recovery.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | May 01, 2008 at 02:33 PM
Giantsquid:
Thanks for the stats response on the previous thread. It's kind of what I suspected, that Kobe's assists this year are comparable to previous years. There's all this talk in the media about Kobe trusting his teammates more this year and getting the ball in their hands, when he's been doing it for years. It's just that this year, the teammates are also making the extra passes and baskets. Off-the-ball movement is also largely better.
Kobe's game hasn't changed all that much. But the surrounding players are better. You know, if it gives the media an excuse to vote for Kobe for MVP, fine. Having a guy from your team win the MVP is always fun. But I can remember a lot of playoff games in the 2000-2004 years when Kobe had the ball in his hands toward the end of the game, and hit an open teammate for the game winner. I think the "selfish" moniker unfairly stuck because of a tendency to overdribble and because he can score like a maniac when he's "on," not because he doesn't pass.
And yeah, I admit there are times he takes a lousy shot or overdribbles. It happens about as often as Odom shoots the 3-pointer. The funny thing is, a lot of times his "lousy" shot goes in. Then the label changes from "lousy" to "acrobatic."
In other words, the Lakers are winning this year. That's the big difference, and winning solves a whole bundle of ills.
Posted by: Marty | May 01, 2008 at 02:35 PM
Oh, and I gotta say: SO happy we DIDN'T win a championship with Malone now.
Posted by: Jesterguru | May 01, 2008 at 02:36 PM
Fatty,
“The Lakers are not just contenders, but will become dominators.”
Excellent post as usual, Fatty. Give yourself another award! Lol. I love this team so much that I have now convinced myself that we can win the championship even without Andrew Bynum this year, although I believe Drew will return for the conference finals.
The rest of the league is in denial about how good the Lakers are right now. That is why all the articles and references to Andrew being out for the year. If the sports media had to actually face the prospect of the Lakers with Kobe, Drew, Pau, Lamar, and Fish starting, there would only be ONE story line: Resistance is futile. LOL.
Tom and Fatty. Prognosticators of Impending Lakers Dominance.
Notice to the NBA:
Resistance is futile…
Resistance is futile…
Resistance is futile…
Resistance is futile…
Resistance is futile…
Resistance is futile…
Resistance is futile…
Resistance is futile…
Resistance is futile…
Tom
Posted by: LakerTom | May 01, 2008 at 02:41 PM
Pig,
A warm congratulations to you and your sister. I hope the child will blossom into a healthy and happy person.
Regarding Utah and Houston, I hope they will tire out. There will be no time to rest or reconvene. I hope they get treated to a Mark Madsen dance-athon of a playoff run before they meet us.
If we meet Utah, it's retribution time for Fisher. Kobe and his venom will take them out Kill Bill Volume 2 style. They think they've won by making it to the second round with a Rocket Red suitcase full of money. Guess what, they are wrong. (look at the 34 second mark) http://tinyurl.com/67hk2s
In a primal and visceral way, I hope it's them. Go Fish!
If we meet Houston, I believe the key will be to stop Alston. (i.e. spelling) Utah won when Alston was either not playing or not playing well. Honestly, I would love to see Dike vs Didier.
Best and Regards to your Sister,
Posted by: Charles | May 01, 2008 at 02:41 PM
Andy,
Mamba24 is who he is. LakerTom is who he is.
Both are highly valued citizens in Laker Nation. Everyone has different strengths.
Mamba24's enthusiasm and humor is unparalleled on this blog.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | May 01, 2008 at 02:43 PM
>>Hypothetically speaking, if you stopped doing the roll call, I would have been the final recipient of blogger of the day, right?
>>Which would make me the permanent blogger of the day, right?
>>Hey, everyone, let's not be too hasty in telling mmaba24 to keep doing the roll call. If he thinks it's time to stop ...
Posted by: | May 01, 2008 at 02:47 PM
"The tough part is when you have 450-plus guys between the ages of 19 and 37, that's a pretty huge demographic to get everyone to walk alike and think alike and dress alike and talk alike and respect the game alike, that will never happen," he said. (Derek Fisher, President of NBA Player's Association)
Wonder what it would be like to see al 450-plus very tall guys in one place at the same time??
AK/BK: Does this ever happen, like at a once a year meeting/confereence???
Posted by: HoustonLakerGirl | May 01, 2008 at 02:52 PM
PIG ~
Congrads on the Niece! I have a 4 mth old son who I can't wait to slip into the new Laker sweat suit a co-worker bought for him. If we make the finals, game one its on. Never to early to start working on the next generation LAKER FANS...
MAMBA 24
your chosen name is not one of someone that will easily back down or retreat. Wear it, feel it, flaunt it. If anyone here is a Laker fan it is you, sir. Keep it coming. Just make it 'bout 100 line shorters (j/k).
Laker Love!
Charles ~
Is FL studio any good? (in need of prod. software) maybe hit my email up on that one.
Posted by: lakerfaze | May 01, 2008 at 02:54 PM
To all the people that have a problem with the "Roll Call", I'll say get over yourself. There's a little key with an arrow facing down, if you don't like something, you scroll pass it this blog is the blog of the free and opportunity, just like our beloved country. If Mamba24 stop posting the Roll Call I'll paste it every day, somrtime 2 to 3 times a day as a sign of protestation, and to prove you how many of us like the Roll Call, let try this:
If you like the Roll Call Just post YES if you don't post NO we'll do that until 12:00 PM (EST) the day of our next game at the end of if you lose promise to let it go and just scroll by our Roll Call.
1- YES (Mamba24Fan4Life)
ROLL CALL:
(1) Faith, Bob, Keifo, Vman. Jay Jay, Charles, Edwin Gueco, Tsiry, FATTY, AngryLaker
Tha Show, Tim-4-Show, TheLakeShow, Generic_One, Pig Miller, Toad, Taliq, LakerTruth
WesJoeNixon, Zakee, Cleon, SBPimp, The_D, Bozz, #4, Nemia Faletogo, Elle, HmrHed
ComptonsFinest, FlagrantFowl LakerLegacy, Exhelodrvr, Laker Tom, Rick Friedman ,
RDLEE, PURPLE HEART, Allan-Brazil, Puddle, Andrew Z. Hugo Boss, CORNER J.
The Outlaw, Tsphere, Jon Kavulic, WeaveMan, SixOneZero, FearlessWhackJob, CBuck
utzworld THE BANNER HOLDER, DICE8UP, Never, JANAYA, EastCoastJessie, Jman
BackMamba24, BrownMamba24, WhiteMamba24, Mamba24Fan4Life, FanOfMamba,
JustAnotherMAMBAFAN, Mamba#5, JustALakerFan, VI LakerFan, LALFan, KOBE24
Greek Dude, Afro Joe, KB8THWonder, Original Ken, Original J J, LakerMan420,
PURPLE&GOLD_REIN, ZEN, Ando, Brylle, MOKO, JOHNNY P., MIKE DILLS, ISSANG
LakerGurl, SFLakerGirl, PsychedLakerGirl, SimiLakerGirl, LakerGirl1980, LakerLass
HoustonLakerGirl, SheKobe, LakersRydeOrDie, SloGal, TWoody, LakerFaze, Wow
DrewPauKobe, GoKobeGo, KobesBad, KobeRocks, Laker/KobeFan, NIK KANNAN
MrBarneryDangles, Todd, JesterGuru, SmoothD, JCool, Jeff, David Whang, WWKBD
KIWI, Machiavelly, DOC4daLakeShow, LakersMR, LakersSTH, HobbitMage, Korey
Allan-BRAZIL, Herb Stempel, DarkAngelSK, TROY, T_Sensei, BerkleyLaker, Dave M.
Stars_R_Aligned, Cscoot, The_Dude_Abides, Johnny Laker, The HEAD-MBENGA
L.A. Watcher, LakerGurl, FUEGO32, EHOMP, KCHW, MICHIGAN_LAKER
Complex Brotha, WondahBap, Derek, Benjamin, The HAMMER, Cyrus(Ventrilquist),
HappyCamper, HappyDaze, HappyGilmore, CriticalBeatDown, RealityBites, BZAR,
Amazing Happens, TELLitLIKEitIS PSLakerLover, Lakers4Lyfe, Lakers4Real, Che,
CooLHAIR, The_COOL BOBIE, SpokanLakerFan, Duma, Shum, ManSlayer, FatSam
AKR68, GiantSquid, BotSoy, LakerFan, LA_Mental, CaliPhilosopher, JLuv, CDub0512
Bruzer, Peanut_Butter_Spread, Laker_Kev, Lakers_Sparks_Fan, Trio, Reality_Check
: DAVE ROSENZWEIG, DANCAT, LakerBandit, TwoForOne7, HAWAIID,Chick4Ever
You Ever Notice? MarkyTheArky, Justin Leonard, FIishEye, Linda Pineda, Kidwell, Mel
BronxLakerFan ChitTownLaker, HoustonLaker, TexasLaker, BrazillianLaker, USCLaker
LakerNorth, LakerinBC, ROMY R, NIK KANNAN, Earth_Wind_&_Fire, FKIllah, TEEJ
AA Los, Wizo, Caeser, Maxximo, Wolf, Chuck23, 10MillionDollarZen, Man, Jeff Grotke
Lakers4Realz, Gino, Gabe, Darick, Floyd, Vincent, ROBYN, Khang, Old Scholol, TP,
Eddie Brock, Jandro, Paul Lee, AJAX, Mitchell, David In Spain, J_Doubter, Guy, Xtro,
Playa, Butler, Franky_J., Daryl, LakerDawg, DK,JC, The Dropper, Afro Joe, Jeff
MobWagoneer, PK-in-the-MESA, GreenPaz, Andy B, TIKI, HUBBIT, Jamie SWEET
SwanWorld, , Benny Blanca, MEL, AdamKiley, JUSTIN, CHRIS H, LADIESMAN
Linda Pineda, CaliKing, Thirty2, Aime Williams, Chucky .L.Ohno, Look Lonely, Kyle
LakerHolic, GDChild, Dion Centralk, Staples24, Robyn, Lakers08, Mel, J.D. Hastings
Laker_Fan, True Laker Fan, Passionate Laker Fan, LT Laker_Fan, Grail, DaxMDD
40YearFan, KillerEight, LOTEC9, LAKER_LARRY, Todd Battles, ASM, MikeAz,
LakaLover, Bynumite, CS, Baywood, LakerHopeful, Bobie, Gilly, MARCO64, Drew
Purple&Gold_4Eva, B4Hoops, HeWhoHoops, Jorema, Xtro, MCGarnagle, LENT
Gugy, Laker4Life, ASM, SAMLL, Pince Akrasian, EagleBoy, JR., BLKTHGHT06,
SighBrandon C. Tully Moxness, LakerBake, Sean74, Sead94, LongLiveChick
Kinglakernidas, RespectMyAuthorith, Hariyahu, Alexinh017, NESTROS BISTRO
LiveLakers, Blaze1Bx, Phred, Swettual, Tajluck, Violater, MARTY, KIKOS DAD
RicoTico, Lauria, Sean P. SocalSpider , Sambosola BigGameJames, Dascilla
JoninJAPAN(INCANADA), FRANCESCO, RHON SALMON, STUCKINNY
*
ALL TOGETHER NOW:
WE ARE THE FREAKIN LA LAKERS THE WINNERS OF 14 NBA TITLES.
THE TEAM WITH THE BEST WINNING PERCENTAGE IN NBA HISTORY.
THE ONLY TEAM WITH 2 HOF COACHES. THE TEAM WITH THE MOST
PLAYERS ON THE 50 GREATEST PLAYERS OF ALL TIME LIST(6). THE
HOME OF WILT KAREEM, GEORGE MIKAN, SHAQ, MAGIC, KOBE,
ELGIN BAYLOR, THE LOGO(JERRY WEST), PAT RILEY, JAMES WORTHY,
BOB MCADOO, "BIG SHOT ROB HORRY" GAIL GOODRICH
THE LEGENDARY SPORTSCASTER CHICK HEARN
COACHED BY 9 TIME TITLE WINNER PHIL (9RINGS) JACKSON
& OWNED BY THE BEST D@MN OWNER IN SPORTS DR. JERRY BUSS
AND THE ONLY ONE WHO CAN EVER DEFEAT OR DIVIDE US IS US
LAKERS TODAY LAKERS TOMORROW LAKERS FOREVER
FOREVER
Posted by: Mamba24 | May 01, 2008 at 09:52 AM
Posted by: Mamba24Fan4Life | May 01, 2008 at 02:55 PM
Justanothermambafan
Please put me on the: Mamba24's Haters can BITE ME list
Mamba24 from the east coast
Posted by: Mamba24Fan4Life | May 01, 2008 at 02:59 PM
Laker Truth,
Just got back and read the preceding posts.
You are a relentless ally during the KL years, now you lodged your criticism on today's honoree, EX and in reflection to Mamba24 because he was the one who chose the person. Come on, these honors are just entertainment part of the blog family fun time. I am not qualified to be in that honor roll but just to go with the jokes of the day, I join the fun as we used to do here. It may resemble to Phils way but these are not Hall of Famers lol, they are the person of the day to poke fun. At a certain point, we also get tired of talking about the Lakers all year round. I guess the only things we have not covered are their vital parts, every part of their persona have been covered by the blog including the rumors which party they were seen. Of course, the saying goes: "when you please the many, you displease the wise." You can't really avoid criticisms whatever we do, because all of us have a varied opinions on one thing, there will always be a majority and the voice of minority.
If you felt some discomforts, I'm willing to relinguish my role in that honor roll in your favor, Laker Truth. I think for all your efforts in defending Mr. MVP all these months, you too need to be recognized. In my case, I'm just a blog zebra or a blog jester.
Again to all others like Andy, Curious George, JW we are all blog family here. It is just a game, if it becomes noisy or boisterous in the morning, have a little patience to scroll down, it will simmer down in the next thread. Then we go back to the ritual of discussing things that may interest you.
For the sake of camaraderie, let's not debate on these things. These are happy times, Lakers are winning and continuing to 2nd rd. whereas in the past it was already the start of a long summer - "trade this guy, get this one, PJ should resign. that's Mike T. LMAO!
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | May 01, 2008 at 02:59 PM
....and by the way..
Mamba24:
Your posts are what makes this blog an intricate part of most of our days....especially game days. Please don't stop.
KEEP ON KEEPIN' ON!!!
Posted by: HoustonLakerGirl | May 01, 2008 at 03:00 PM
ExHelo,
"Hypothetically speaking, if you stopped doing the roll call, I would have been the final recipient of blogger of the day, right? Which would make me the permanent blogger of the day, right?
Hey, everyone, let's not be too hasty in telling mmaba24 to keep doing the roll call. If he thinks it's time to stop ..."
That is very funny! Especially coming from you.....Mr. Serious.
Glad you are in a good mood. And I thought your special day would be tainted by all of the worldwide Marxist celebrations.
Posted by: Eric M. | May 01, 2008 at 03:00 PM
Andy
Who are you?
We love you Mamba & Tom
Kobesbaaaad(and he is)
Posted by: Kobesbad | May 01, 2008 at 03:08 PM
Weave-man and AZ, you two are back.
Remember Weaveman, we were discussing last summer of PG Mo Williams, what is he doing now? Fishing man while the real Fisher is dissing in and out like a barracuda.
AZ, you wanted to trade Odom in 06 to Mr. Nobodies, hey, after so many years, he finally learned that he is talented. I lost faith also in early months but regained confidence after Gasol trade.
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | May 01, 2008 at 03:09 PM
Peanut Butter Spread aka MPB,
I forgot to thank you for the link.
Posted by: Charles | May 01, 2008 at 03:12 PM
Charles
"I hope they get treated to a Mark Madsen dance-athon"
I dunno, that's some pretty scary stuff you're talking about.
WARNING: WHAT YOU ARE ABOUT TO SEE MAY MAKE YOU SICK!!!!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YpbXl5Sp-Wc
Charles, this could be some stuff you would see in one of those Ironic-Hell things.
St Peters pronouncement at the gates of Heaven: "Utah Fans, for your ill treatment of Derek Fisher. You will have to watch Mark Madsen dance forever and ever and ever."
Posted by: Fairweather Fatty | May 01, 2008 at 03:13 PM
How about a story about the generosity of one of our own:
A friend that I have only known a relatively short time works with Lamar in a couple of his business ventures. A while back she mentioned sending a signed ball to my little guy to put in his new room in Dallas, since we haven't been able to catch a game at Staples this whole season. She said probably after the playoffs. Cool.
So I answer the door this afternoon, and the Fed-X guy goes, "Um, you got something here from Lamar Odom. Wow. Strong." (And remember, this is Dallas.) Apparently Lamar made time during this week to sign some stuff for HIS fans. And he provided the ball, and sent it on his personal Fed-X account. Just one more reason to love the Lakers.
And one more thing....Mamba24, please continue to do your thing, man. Just as there are a wide variety of styles and personalities on our team, so it is also on the blog. I proudly add my name to the list of those who enjoy the roll call.
GO MAMBA24!!! GO LAKERS!!!
Posted by: Happy Camper | May 01, 2008 at 03:14 PM
Jon K.
"Mamba24's enthusiasm and humor is unparalleled on this blog."
If you say so.
I wasn't trying to hate on the guy or start a blog riot, just point out that to ME, his posts are like reading the fine print at the bottom of a Mortgage contract.
Posted by: Andy | May 01, 2008 at 03:15 PM
exhelodrvr,
Airwolf or Blue Thunder?
Posted by: Charles | May 01, 2008 at 03:15 PM
Mamba24,
Please do not be dismayed at the comments of a few disgruntled fans or out-of-touch media commentators who think you are a “wack job.” You have become an integral part of what makes this blog special and wonderful. As the Lakers team and fans march into what is going to be the greatest playoff in the history of the NBA and the franchise, we need your leadership and cheerleading more than ever. Now is not the time for the Lakers or the blog to change what they have been doing that has made them successful.
As to the complainers of cut-and-paste, let me remind you that I was the first blogger to start the entire bandwagon parade with Korey 2 years ago with the 55-Win Bandwagon. Let me tell you, keeping track of every post and constantly updating the lists is a lot more work than you think. I can’t tell you how relieved I was that Larry was willing to take over the task, especially considering that the number and variety of bandwagons evolved. Why did I do it and why does Larry do it. Because we love the Lakers and want to share our love and passion for the Lakers with the blog, which has become our second home.
What makes this blog a successful online community is not only its style and structure, association with the LA Times, and intelligent guidance and mentoring by AK and BK, but also its traditions and unique characters and the freedom of expression and tolerance for differences in opinion, language, sex, race, religion, age, and country that encourage and fuel the fun and frivolity, showing and sharing, and learning and yearning that bring us all here to celebrate everything purple and gold.
The Role Call, Honoring of Bloggers, and constantly evolving bandwagons are as much the heart of the blog as the intelligence, humor, prescience, and insights of the individual bloggers. As far as I am concerned, it is part of the infrastructure that has made this blog the greatest Lakers community in the world and Mamba should be literally begged and pleaded with to continue the selfless job that he has done. I am just grateful that some company out there is willing to pay him to do what we all love.
What I love most about this blog is that I can post as often and as long as I want to. I have often been accused of being too optimistic, of posting too often, of spending too much time on the blog. Like Larry, I’m lucky in that my work situation usually allows me to post whenever I want. Some people like my posts while others just scroll on by. No problem. That is what the scroll wheel is all about. Freedom to read what you want.
So stop complaining because some of us are more rabid about the Lakers than you are. Just pick what you like from the smorgasbord that we provide and enjoy without trying to tell other people that they are wasting your time. Larry, buckle up and stop blithering in the face of these out-of-line critics. We fully expect roll call tomorrow as usual!
Tom
Posted by: LakerTom | May 01, 2008 at 03:18 PM
Repost for LakerTom
LakerTom
I think that Elgin, Bird, Duncan and possibly Garnett (I wouldn't include Malone though) all deserve to be on your list (along with MJ and Kobe of course who I don't believe qualify as points guards. Pippen was the facilitator in Chicago and Kobe filled that role 2 or 3 years at best for the Lakers). As it is you only have 2 point guards on your list.
I just scanned the list of 50 greatest NBA players. Of those, I would classify only 7 as definitely being point guard although there were a few that were difficult to classify. I definitely don't think that MJ was a point guard. I'm not sure whether Monroe or Frazier was the Knicks point guard during the 70's and I'd consider both Hal Greer and Dave Bing to be shooting guards, but those are close calls.
There were 7 guards who I would say were definitely point guards and 7 I would consider off (or shooting) guards. There were 5 guards whose position seems somewhat ambiguous to me. That's nineteen guards and seventeen forwards (although Dave Cowens, who played center for the Celtics, actually played forward in college. That leaves 14 centers.
In any case, I was actually referring to basketball as it's played today. The era of the dominant center ended with Hakeem. Howard, Oden, and Bynum may all end up being dominant centers, but only Howard has proven himself to me at this point. The players who dominate today are Garnett, Duncan, LeBron, and Paul. Up and comers include D. Williams, Josh Smith, Howard, Stoudemire, and Bynum. Other players that deserve consideration include consideration are T. Parker, Bosh, Ginobilli, Durant, Horford, Wade, Anthony, West, Nowitzki, Jefferson, B. Roy, Aldridge and Butler. Of these only Howard, Bynum and Oden are true centers and only Paul, Williams and Parker are true point guards.
Posted by: giantsquid | May 01, 2008 at 03:20 PM
just a thought regarding the roll call
hm, some / most of us were here before the roll call thing and it was ok back then too .. . . :/
Posted by: dxtah_dxter_dxter6666 | May 01, 2008 at 03:23 PM
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
Sorry if I missed your name. Please just CUT/PASTE into your post & add your name to the bottom of the list.
GO LAKERS!
Tom
MAMBA24 - COME BACK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: LakerTom | May 01, 2008 at 03:24 PM
Mamba 24....
If you want to continue the roll call, then do it.
If you want to stop, then stop.
I'm not going to front, I love the roll call, but I can see where it must be a lot of work for you. Let it be your decision, because you have far more supporters here than detractors. Much love to you, Mamba 24...your spirit enriches this blog.
Posted by: bronxlakerfan | May 01, 2008 at 03:24 PM
Seems like andrew bynum is doing well enough to go partying in ucla and do a little dancing.
http://cohn.pressdemocrat.com/default.asp?item=2192520&cohn
Posted by: shan | May 01, 2008 at 03:26 PM
Charles,
I hope Fish does get his retribution, and the Laker Nation as a whole gets a little retribution against the Jazz. Stockton, Malone, Hornacek, Shandon Anderson, Bryon Russell, Greg Foster, Osterteg all put us through alot of angst in the late 90s. I'm glad those punks never won anything.
I hope we play them and crush them to be honest.
#4
Posted by: #4 | May 01, 2008 at 03:30 PM
Off topic, but what is really the deal with that "I Am A Celtic" crap NBATV keeps running??
Posted by: lakersrydeordie | May 01, 2008 at 03:31 PM
LakerTom
I should have included Billups, Gasol, and Boozer
Posted by: giantsquid | May 01, 2008 at 03:33 PM
On days when I doubt the strength of the Lakeshow, Mamba24's enthusiastic posts puts back my faith in our beloved team. On days when I would give the Lakers a 4-2 chance of beating a team in the playoffs, the bandwagons encourage me to get in on the SWEEP.
Here's to diversity! Cheers!
Posted by: SamLL | May 01, 2008 at 03:33 PM
Definitely, AIan Iverson has class , just re cap what he said every time after the game loss to the Lakers, no hatred no sour grape no nothing just admiration to Kobe's play or respect to the Lakers team, signed autographs on his shoes to his fans without the presence of the media, this man just has class!
Posted by: shum | May 01, 2008 at 03:34 PM
I dont know what the big deal is with Andrew going out and having some fun..Its getting pretty monotonous now with the constant mentioning of his night out..Big deal! He is 20..Everyone in the org has said he is working hard to get healthy, has been diligent in that regard so if he wants to go out and expand his social circle, nobody shouldnt have ISH to say about it! Its his life! Dayum, is he is supposed to stay couped the phuk up all the time and sit on his couch when he isnt rehabbing and play video games all the time? I think not..Lay off him, he's fine..If Phil doesnt have a problem none of us should.
Posted by: lakersrydeordie | May 01, 2008 at 03:34 PM