Mini-scrimmage highlights
The Teams
Blue squad: Trevor Ariza, Jordan Farmar, DJ Mbenga, Ira Newble, Vlad Radmanovic
White squad: Coby Karl, Chris Mihm, Ronny Turiaf, Luke Walton, Sasha Vujacic
(The starting unit, save Vlad Rad on a limited basis, got the day off)
Best Play Runner Up
Walton's over the shoulder alley oop to Mihm, who throws down a one-handed dunk
Best Play
Walton's layup gets swatted by Mbenga, but the ball lands in Turiaf's hands. Ronny throws what's just short of a touch pass cross court to Karl, who hits a catch and shoot from behind the arc.
Final result? Turiaf converted two at the stripe, securing victory for the white team. Newble called shenanigans, claiming you can't end on free throws. "You can today," retorted Phil Jackson with a smile.
If I managed to make an intersquad scrimmage between bench players sound considerably more exciting than it actually was, my work here is done.
As previously mentioned, Lamar Odom was given the day off due to his starting status. But he did engage in some Q&A with the writerly types on hand. As they surrounded him, Turiaf squeezed past the throng, then congratulated LO. "Good practice today," laughed Martinique's Favorite Son, who then ordered Lamar to drop and give him five. Always a team player, Odom hit the deck and pressed the floor for a quintet of pushups. "We got a little inside joke going," explained LO. "I owe him 20 pushups or whatever. Another camaraderie thing, I guess. Silly boy stuff." But don't mistake the post-practice frivolity for a cavalier attitude towards tomorrow's action in Utah. As mentioned yesterday, LO referred to Game 5 as "the most important game of my life," a description that would fit every NBA contest he participates in until he's either popping champagne or making his vacation plans. I asked Odom if he's ever felt that way before towards another game or if this situation was unique enough to create a brand new feeling.
"Maybe a couple of years ago, when we had some playoff experience. But I don't know, it's something that I guess the city of L.A. feels. When I walk out for the layup line, to see the stands completely full before the ball even goes up was incredible. As a team, we just have that special feeling that we can win any basketball game that we play in." If that description sounds somewhat fate-centric, it's only because it came from a guy not afraid to wish upon a star. "When I was about six or seven years old, I always thought it was my destiny to win a championship or at least play for one," mused Odom. "It's something that I always dream about and continue to dream about."
Speaking of dudes dreaming, Trevor Ariza has nursed some serious visions since January of dressing out for a professional roundball affair. At long last, he's clear to practice without restrictions, but that's not necessarily a stone cold guarantee for PT. Phil Jackson said Ariza looked "good" today in practice, much more comfortable than during Tuesday's workout, but there's still a large issue of conditioning. "By his own admission, he thought it would take him a week (to get into game shape)," said Jackson, who added that the newly healthy small forward probably wouldn't play tomorrow. Unfortunately, there's also something of a catch-22 involved, at least from the player's perspective.
"I have no idea until I get in there," noted Ariza when asked how close he was to "game shape." "It's totally different from practice than in the game." Ariza added that he hasn't been specifically told by PJ to be ready tomorrow. But, as I joked, Phil also didn't mention anything about specifically not being ready. "He didn't say that, either," chuckled Ariza. The smart money is for Ariza to remain on his toes, as Phil's often been known to suprise players in these situation. For what it's worth, Ariza "feels" like he could play right now, if nothing else without experiencing some serious pain. And bottom line, just knowing that some run is now even a possibility means all the difference in the world. "I can't even describe how happy I am or explain it. This is big for me."
AUDIO
- Phil Jackson: Download phil_jackson_practice_051508.mp3
- Lamar Odom: Download lamar_odom_practice_051508.mp3
- Trevor Ariza: Download trevor_ariza_practice_051508.mp3
AK
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So, AK, remind us: why exactly is Mihm not playing, ilke, at all? Even Mbenga gets more PT than Mihm. Now I love the Mbenga as much as anybody, but isn't Mihm a better player, more experienced, more Triangle-worthy, etc.? Is he still hurting? He used to be the starting center ...
Posted by: emc | May 15, 2008 at 05:46 PM
emc,
If I may answer your question for AK, Phil Jackson likes smaller rotations in the playoffs and has as long as he's been a Lakers coach. Personally, I've never agreed with that, but, then again, he's the guy with the nine rings.
I, too, would like to see more of Mihm on the court, particularly because his offense is so superior to The Banger's. However, it seems The Banger's is brought in primarily for his defense, and Jackson may be concerned that Mihm has still got some rust on him for being out for nearly two years.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | May 15, 2008 at 06:14 PM
Is anyone else going to write Staples center petitioning they TURN THE DAMN LIGHTS BACK ON FOR NEXT SEASON?!?!
I know I am! I HATE IT
Posted by: Justin N | May 15, 2008 at 06:19 PM
What was Sasha saying to Korver that got him in so much trouble?
This is what he was saying in Slovenian. Got this off my Tivo.
vi življati a debeli konec orodja grd zagabi se mi pogledati vi je to s vaš yo momma
Its too vile for me to translate on this site.
Cut and paste, then link to this translation site.
Choose Slovenian to English
http://www.tranexp.com:2000/Translate/result.shtml
Its a good thing Delaney doesn’t speak Slovenian or Sasha would have been thrown out of the game.
Posted by: Fairweather Fatty | May 15, 2008 at 06:19 PM
Fatty - what amazes me is that you could pick up the audio on this - either that, or read his lips. In Slovenian.
Personally, I thought he told Korver, "You've been punk'd!"
Posted by: Amazing_Happens | May 15, 2008 at 06:28 PM
Fatty,
It doesn't make much sense. Something about he has an ugly butt, and then something about his mother. I can tell it's an insult, but that's about it.
--Fearless
Posted by: Fearless | May 15, 2008 at 06:46 PM
Actually my friend speaks Slovenian and he is gonna type below what Sasha said.
"Vaš ste a bolan kozel to želje je bil a kralj , šele je pošteno a toileta lizač."
Posted by: ajax | May 15, 2008 at 06:57 PM
That MVP chant has gotten old. The NBA has finally acknowledge Kobe. Now its -
Dy-Nas-Ty!
Dy-Nas-Ty!
Dy-Nas-Ty!
Posted by: p ang | May 15, 2008 at 06:58 PM
Nah Sasha was saying my girlfriend Faith is hotter than you.
Korver aka Michael Kelso took offense.
Posted by: Faith | May 15, 2008 at 07:08 PM
Play Trevor Phil. Play the man!
So he might be winded, you just have to pick your spots!
Posted by: Faith | May 15, 2008 at 07:10 PM
Let me help yall out a bit. what Sasha said was "Take your Ashton Kutcher look-a-like..big freakish lips..corndog smelling..self somewere and sit down before I go Danicka Patrick on you
Posted by: lakeraholic | May 15, 2008 at 07:12 PM
Man those Sasha translations are cracking me up...
especially - "....thoroughly however toilet licker"
Loved that one, lol.
Posted by: pslakerfan | May 15, 2008 at 07:22 PM
Fearless
Slovenian is sort of like translating Yoda.
Their are three parts to the insult.
1.you have however butt villainously- You are butt ugly
2. it makes me sick view you there - I want to puke when I ever I look at you
3. is this with yours yo momma - I can see where you get your looks, its from your mother, right?
Of course, in Slovenia, this is the ultimate insult to say someone looks like their mother. If you have seen Slovenian women, you would know what I'm talking about. Entire provinces have gone to war over such statements.
For the Lakers to win on Friday, Sasha needs to control his anger better.
Posted by: Fairweather Fatty | May 15, 2008 at 07:24 PM
Fatty
Nice link..uhmm..but when I inputted the language in.. it did translate..but to say it was to vile to say in this blog is alil dramatic don't you think! Im not sure what you read..but what I read was basically "I hate your ugly villanous butt..then something about your momma.
Posted by: lakeraholic | May 15, 2008 at 07:26 PM
Trouble maker is still hanging around = pslakerfan
Posted by: I smell trouble | May 15, 2008 at 07:28 PM
Did anyone catch that interview between Bill Russel..and KG? Bill Russel basically told KG he was the best thing since sliced bread..slobbering all over his game..told him he's proud of KG as if he was his child...then the ultimate comment I thought I would ever hear from one of NBA's past greats "ILL GIVE YOU ONE OF MY 11 RINGS IF U PLAY THE GAME ITS SUPPOSE TO BE PLAYED BUT DON'T MANAGE TO WIN A RING".
KG..dude I love your game also but cmon man..you..Ray..and Peirce are a bunch of losers! What happened to yall season dominance? Does anyone knows what happens when you put three 7+ year loser players together on one team?
1. You get stretched out 7games by a team that had no buisness even being in the playoffs. (what was ATL..like 5 games under .500) then get stretched out again by a team with 1 superstar.
Posted by: lakeraholic | May 15, 2008 at 07:49 PM
FEAR THE WRATH OF ARIZA!
Posted by: the_cool | May 15, 2008 at 07:50 PM
SHEKOBE this is directed to you,
I hope you take this the way it is intended, because my intention is to educate not to offend.
A previous poster (other thread) commented on your posting in ALL CAPS.
Here is the problem with posting in all caps.
1. Most people think of you as a serious blogger and not an idiot like GUNNER or KARL MALONE. However a trait of idiot bloggers seems to be ALL CAPS.
2. It is widely considered to be rude, not just on this blog, but in e-mail, etc....
3. When I see your posts sometimes I scroll past thinking it is GUNNER or KARL MALONE.
4. It deprives you of the ability to make a strong POINT in the middle of your post.
Like I said, I hope you take this in the right way as I like to read your opinions and I think you would do better to avoid the ALL CAPS......
Posted by: pslakerfan | May 15, 2008 at 07:55 PM
Is anyone else going to write Staples center petitioning they TURN THE DAMN LIGHTS BACK ON FOR NEXT SEASON?!?!
I know I am! I HATE IT
Posted by: Justin N | May 15, 2008 at 06:19 PM
As a season ticket holder I have mixed emotions on this one. First I think you get a better view of the court during the game and also of the scoreboard, etc.... However I hate trying to get from my seats to the aisle because I can't see a damn thing. (drinks, feet, purses, etc....)
Just my two dollars (adjusted for inflation)
Posted by: pslakerfan | May 15, 2008 at 07:58 PM
Trouble maker is still hanging around = pslakerfan
Posted by: I smell trouble | May 15, 2008 at 07:28 PM
Just curious, who is the jackass who can't even use his real screen name when posting about me.....
Trying not to channel my inner Jon K. and challenge you to a fight...........however the anonymous signature seems to signal to me just how one sided that fight might be......
I smell............chicken.
Posted by: pslakerfan | May 15, 2008 at 08:01 PM
Looks like AK47 isn't too worried about being obligated in June. Haha.
"Agent Marc Fleisher said Kirilenko had to finalize a travel visa for a family trip to France this summer and Thursday was the only day he could do it without having to wait another month." - ESPN
Weird timing to be missing practice for your summer plans.
Posted by: BIG GAME JAMES | May 15, 2008 at 08:13 PM
fatty - thanks for supplying the line and the excellent link.... except i think his last three words were "yo momma klingon". i might be mistaken.
Posted by: dave m | May 15, 2008 at 08:56 PM
Things which are bothering me, or; I spent way too much time in class today.
-I'm worried, hopefully without grounds, that this blog will descend into people jabbering about religious matters. I am appreciative that the K Bros don't censor comments on these grounds, and I am perfectly happy to scroll past prayers to various deities, but I hope people can tell the difference between expressing themselves and prosthelitizing. If the issue is dead and I'm beating it like the proverbial second place finisher in the Kentucky Derby, my apologies.
-I am upset that all these supposed language translation programs can't translate worth trbnilgtz, and/or that I can't even tell if people are serious about reporting what the hell Sasha said.
-lastly, I am upset that although I went out of my way to ask to be included in a bandwagon, even though I've never done that before, I still haven't been listed on the Jeff's a Ho/ Gunner balls kicking bandwagon. Somebody needs to get to work.
And remember, everybody, despite the possible negative conotations of my comments,
IT REALLY IS ALL ABOUT THE LOVE.
Posted by: phred | May 15, 2008 at 09:00 PM
Can any team win on the road in the West? Not yet, anyway. Hornets crushed in San Antonio tonight.
So, does PJ have a "secret sauce" to serve over the Jazz in Salt Lake City Friday night? If he does, what might it be? Maybe, Trevor Ariza, if Walton or Vlad are struggling. Bringing him for some short minutes if the Lakers' defense isn't getting the job done might be able to disrupt the Jazz' flow on the court.
But I think the key to the game will be Gasol. If he crumbles, we go back to Staples Center for Game 7. Ronny, too, will be important. Lamar, Gasol, and Ronny have all had their weakest performances in SLC. The Lakers' success will revolve around the bigs.
Fisher mujst stay out of foul trouble. Even though Farmar had a partial comeback on Wednesday night, he simply doesn't match up well against the Jazz guards.
PJ was wise to give the starters off from practice on Thursday. They've all played long minutes in this series due to limited bench production, especially on the road.
Being rested and ready to play with energy gives the Lakers an opportunity to establish their game early in hostile enemy territory. I'd play the new Offspring song, "Hammerhead" in the locker room before the game. It will be war on Friday night. The song is an awesome battle cry. Let's see the Lakers come out with all guns blazing. A killer mentality is required.
Posted by: Rick Friedman | May 15, 2008 at 09:05 PM
I am so disappointed with Horry tonight.. He purposely hit west's lower back to get him out of the game..He knew he was having a back problem and it was a dirty thing to do..It looks like that's all Horry is good for nowadays..Creating cheap fouls to gain an advantage.
Posted by: zen | May 15, 2008 at 09:20 PM
"Man those Sasha translations are cracking me up...
especially - "....thoroughly however toilet licker"
Loved that one, lol."
Posted by: pslakerfa
Haha, thanks!
Posted by: ajax | May 15, 2008 at 09:25 PM
NO ONE DOUBTS MY M A N L I H O O D..........I GOTS NO XSCUES................................ THE MAILMAN ALWAYS DELIVERS ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! !
Posted by: KARL MALONE | May 15, 2008 at 09:30 PM
pslakerfan,
"Just curious, who is the jackass who can't even use his real screen name when posting about me"
Have a heart! After his 20 minutes of fame, Gunner doesn't feel much like typing!
Posted by: exhelodrvr | May 15, 2008 at 09:32 PM
i want some chicken nuggets.
Posted by: eeeeeek | May 15, 2008 at 09:54 PM
Dy-Nas-Ty!
Dy-Nas-Ty!
Dy-Nas-Ty!
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | May 15, 2008 at 10:07 PM
I just met an old Slovenian butcher/goat herder who says this is what Sasha said to Korver:
"Jaz sem stroj! imam velik modo! Vi življati tesen modo!"
http://www.tranexp.com:2000/Translate/result.shtml
Posted by: ajax | May 15, 2008 at 10:09 PM
Wow! I can't believe all these Slovenians I'm meeting! I just met a cat-bather/filmmaker who says, without a doubt, this is what Sasha said to Korver:
"Nadaljujte ter udarec mi niz! Jaz hoteti odrezati vaš modo!"
http://www.tranexp.com:2000/Translate/result.shtml
Posted by: | May 15, 2008 at 10:18 PM
okay, how many people on this blog know slovenian? Cause this is getting ridiculous.
Posted by: phred | May 15, 2008 at 10:19 PM
I'm sorry, but I was about to go home when a young Slovenian boy, about seven years old but in a diaper, asked me if wanted to really know what Sasha said to Korver. So I bent down and he whispered in my ear,
"Jaz sem stroj! bom se obril vi! Jaz sem približno ubiti vsi mormonski! Jaz sem slovenski predsednik!"
http://www.tranexp.com:2000/Translate/result.shtml
Posted by: ajax | May 15, 2008 at 10:29 PM
Along those lines phred,
Have you tried to translate something from English into Slovenian and then translate same thing back into English? You get a totally different phrase.....ridiculous.
Posted by: pslakerfan | May 15, 2008 at 10:34 PM
kakšen šampon delati si rabil? vi won't povej mi! lep torej it's stroj čas! I'm tekoč v zagrabiti vi dober!
CUT AND PASTE ABOVE COMMENT MADE BY SASHA TO THIS SITE:
http://www.tranexp.com:2000/Translate/result.shtml
Posted by: Johnny | May 15, 2008 at 10:39 PM
pslaklerfan-
not until today. and frankly, it's very overrated. I have a feeling that several world wars could have been averted if we had a better translation program.
Posted by: phred | May 15, 2008 at 10:43 PM
Walton is going to play maximum minutes over Vlademir Radmanovic tomorrow. Luke will be key tomorrow. I just had a little vision. Hehehe.
Posted by: ronny | May 15, 2008 at 11:06 PM
Ajax, that was some very funny stuff. Props.
Posted by: Jesterguru | May 15, 2008 at 11:34 PM
FROM PALM BEACH, FLORIDA
PSLAKERFAN,
THANKS FOR YOUR ADVICE.
I HAVE BEEN IN THE BLOG SINCE 2003-2004 SEASON AND ALWAYS USE MY BEST JUDGMENTS ABOUT THE TEAM AND THE PLAYERS.
USING THE CAPS= RUDE FOR SOME OF YOU=THE WAY, I DECIDE TO WRITE= NO OFFENSE.
I AM NOT THE ONLY ONE YOU USE THEM HERE, BUT THE ONLY WHO USE THEM IN A POSITIVE AND LOVELY WAY=MY BRANDMARK.
MY ENERGY IS HIGHLY POSITIVE FOR THE TEAM AND ALSO FOR THE BLOG.
THERE ARE SOME BLOGGERS HERE WHO ARE USING MY = TO EXPLAIN SOME THOUGHTS= LOVE IT
WE NEED A LOT ENERGY FOR TONIGHT= WIN#4
HAVE A GREAT DAY! GUYS,
SEE U TONIGHT
BLESSINGS AND LOVE
SHEKOBE
Posted by: SHEKOBE | May 16, 2008 at 12:22 AM
****The Breakdown of the Sasha Translations****
These are all four (so far) translations of what Sasha apparently said to Korver:
From Fairweather Fatty’s Tivo Skills:
“You have however butt villainously it makes me sick view you there is this with yours yo momma.”
From my Slovenian buddy:
"Yours are, however, unhealthly tup this hungry he was however throne , till then there is thoroughly however toilet licker."
From the old Slovenian butcher/goat-herder:
"It's me, Machine! I have vastly testicle! You have tight testicle!"
From the Slovenian cat-bather/filmmaker:
“Go ahead and whip we web! Yours truly yammer to trim off yours testicle!”
From the Slovenian 7-year old in diapers:
“It's me, Machine! I will shave you! It's me thereby to smite under the fifth rib young and old Mormon! It's me Slovenian warden!"
All I can say is that I hope the elderly butcher/goat-herder is right. 'Cause thats funny.
Posted by: ajax | May 16, 2008 at 12:44 AM
Game 6 is going to be a WAR!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Let's GO Lakers!
Let's go to WAR!... and bring down the forth in Utah.... right in the middle of their enclave!
Posted by: dice8up | May 16, 2008 at 02:45 AM
I still have confidence that the lakers can close-out this game tomorrow.
Posted by: shaggy | May 16, 2008 at 03:02 AM
So can anybody answer why mihm isnt playing? The lakers need all the offense they can get. Dj just dont have it. Why please tell?
Posted by: justin LA | May 16, 2008 at 05:07 AM
Good Morning Charles.
Good morning Bozz, HmrHed, JustAnotherMambafan
Good morning Toad, MagicMan, Pig Miller, Edwin G, Exhelodrvr
Good morning: LakerGirl, SemiLakerGirl, PsychedLakerGirl, lakerGirl1980
IT'S GAMMMMMMMMMME TIMMMMMMMMME!
Roll Call at 0900.
Posted by: Mamba24 | May 16, 2008 at 05:13 AM
*_______________________________*
Lakers End IT Tonight BANDWAGON
*_______________________________*
(01) TOAD - Owner
(02) LakerTom - Driver
(03) MAMBA24 - Faithful sideKick
(03) DREW - Will use same broom used in last round
(04) # 4 - Director of Round 2 win 4
(05) Chick4Ever - His voice alone can defeat the Jazz.
(06) SemiLakerGirl - Director Round 2 Win number 3
(07) FEARLESS- Toad's personal assistant in charge of all things Homer.
(08) lakersrydeordie – Stopped the Mailman from delivering period!
(09) JustAnotherMambaFan – Director of team dinners – makes sure Kobe
Picks up the check
(10) Janaya – Director of Positive Vibes
(11) WhiteMamba24 – Made Stockton retire.
(12) FairWeatherFatty - Grease monkey that keeps these wheels a turning!'
(13) Tully Moxness – Director of Class
(14) PIG”MILLER – Director of making the finals Trophy shine like the Sun.
(15) Laker Bandit - BandWagon Advance Man
(16) KobesBad - Kobe's personal Security
(17) JesterGuru - Director of Sweep Enforcement
(18)Laker Legacy – Will wear throwback Jersey to victory parade
(19) TWoody – Loaned Kobe the money to buy dinner for the team
(20) Jamie Sweet – Director of No Look Passes
(21) , JoninJAPAN(INCANADA) – Director of TACOS
(22) Hugo Spain – Beat Paul Gasol in Horse
Posted by: Mamba24 | May 16, 2008 at 05:42 AM
Sasha (on the court) is the second coming of Danny Ainge. I hope, for his sake, that the Jazz humbly accept their beating and leave the court without anyone pulling a "Mario Elie" on poor Sasha.
Posted by: karyanr | May 16, 2008 at 06:34 AM
Up and at 'em Morning Maniacs..............It's GAAAAME DAAAAAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: toad | May 16, 2008 at 07:00 AM
Good morning LAL friends:
Slov thing is old guys.
It's GAME DAY - on to bigger and better things like closing out the Jazz and strong D in the SLC.
LET's GO LAKERS
Posted by: PsychedLakerGirl | May 16, 2008 at 07:02 AM
pslakerfan,
If by ridiculous, you mean awesome and hilarious, I am with you.
Try song lyrics.... good times.
Posted by: The D | May 16, 2008 at 07:16 AM