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
pslakerfan
I tried it and yeah its pretty funny.. it went from something like "We will **** you like I did Paris Hilton" to something like We will do something with liqour in paris. anyways.. haha does anyone REALLY know what Sasha said? Dude I truly love that guy. He is my favorite Laker...
GO LAKERS!!! PLEASE WIN IN 6 I can't stand these heart attacking games.
BTW, has anyone ever died while watching an NBA game? I bet you more than you think.
Posted by: David Whang | May 16, 2008 at 07:19 AM
Zen,
Regarding the Horry foul on West, I don't think it was a dirty play. It looked to me that West was backing up to guard against penetration, there was a fake that caused him to jump just as Horry was stepping up to set the pick and Horry going forward a bit and West going backwards in the air made it look worse. Could it have been intentional on Horry? Sure but only Horry knows. Secondly, do you think the Jazz will not set hard picks on Kobe just because his back is sore? Nope, neither do I. It is part of the game, if a guy is hurting you try to exploit that player however benefits the team.
Horry's hit on Nash was a cheap shot - but there have been worse, and I think Nash overacted the flop thinking he could draw the flagrant - however he didn't anticipate the guys coming off the bench and thereby giving a huge advantage to the Spurs.
I understand the thinking that Horry's shot to the back on West was a dirty play. I just don't agree watching the play over in slow motion. I think his momentum backwards carried him into Horry as he was stepping up to set a tough pick.
Eagleboy.
Posted by: Eagleboy | May 16, 2008 at 07:23 AM
just for fun..
http://www.ocregister.com/multimedia/lakers_quiz/
have a great day!
Posted by: isang | May 16, 2008 at 07:29 AM
its time again for Mr. Fatty's Neighborhood.
Good morning Lakers boys and girls!
The word for today is 'Just do it'
Can you say, 'Just do it'? Of course you can. Mr. Fatty knows you bloggers are real smart. But can the Lakers, 'Just do it' tonight?
Can they come out strong, put those bad Jazzites on their heals, and send those low class piggy fans, crying ALL the way home! That would be REALLY special, wouldn't it?
No excuses Lakers. Step on the throats, kick them in the groin, elbows to the head, oh yeah, and score to, show them no mercy. OOOH! Doesn't that make you feel warm and tingly all over Lakers boys and girls, just thinking about it?
Cmon Lakers! "Just do it"! Make Mr. Fatty and all the Lakers boys and girls proud.
Its a beautiful day in the Lakers Neighborhood. Will you be, will you be mine?
Mr. Fatty
Posted by: Fairweather Fatty | May 16, 2008 at 07:37 AM
Good morning Lakers nation!
Are you ready to advance to the Western Conference Finals?
Woa Nellie! Its a good day to be a Lakers Fan.
Posted by: Fairweather Fatty | May 16, 2008 at 07:40 AM
PSALM "24"
Phil Jackson is my Shepard I shall not want.
He maketh me not to lie down on pick and rolls
He leadeth me besides quiet referees
He restoreth my Laker Soul and
Guides me in the path of Greatness
Yea though I walk through the valley
Of the shadow of the jazz
I fear no Defeat
For The Mamba is with me
His 81 points and MVP title comfort me
Phil prepares a game plan in the
Presence of my opponents
He anointeth my head with gatorade
My shot flows and flows and flows
Surely Greatness and NBA titles will follow me
All the days of my career and I
Will dwell in the house of Staples forever
AMEN
Posted by: Mamba24 | May 16, 2008 at 07:41 AM
Utah fans cry foul.
http://www.sltrib.com/sports/ci_9279068
The loser has somebody to blame while the winner has someone to praise. Jazz fans say conspiracies because they belonged to small market. If Lakers lose, Jerry Buss wants one more game for his coffers. That complaint sounds familiar also when Kobe was not winning the MVP, conspiracies by the media Kobe haters. lol! This is the medium of this century where the readers join the give-and-take from the biased columnists, only the presence of whackos cannot be avoided on both sides of the aisle.
From this article, it is expected that the zebras will be favoring the Jazz team tonight, so be ready for the constant pushing and shoving. In basketball, even at the parks or inter-collegiate leagues when the refs. do not go your way, don't complain just find ways to win it using your own hidden crooks or hooks. That's playoff basketball.
Go Lakers, close this series before they become closer too.
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | May 16, 2008 at 07:49 AM
Good morning Mamba24, Charles, Pig, Toad, Fatty & all you early bird fans, and the rest of this GREAT LAKER NATION!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
IT'S GAME DAY BABY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Get excited, get focused, get ready to kick some troll butt and take names!!!!!!!!!!
I can FEEL it - I can SMELL it - I can TASTE it!!!!!!!!!
Lakers are going to WIN TONIGHT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
READY FOR ROLL CALL!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: justanothermambafan | May 16, 2008 at 07:58 AM
Good morning everyone!
Mamba24,
Amen brother! Preach!
-bozz-
Posted by: bozz | May 16, 2008 at 08:00 AM
Mamba24 - Poet Laureate - strikes again!
Man - you are gooooood!
Fatty - you're no slouch either - I'm with you - JUST DO IT!
Posted by: justanothermambafan | May 16, 2008 at 08:01 AM
Morning Mamba!
AMEN!
Posted by: toad | May 16, 2008 at 08:02 AM
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
;;__________________________
LMAO LMAO LMAO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: justanothermambafan | May 16, 2008 at 08:02 AM
JUST DO IT LAKERS!
RESISTANCE IS FUTILE!
9 TO 15 WILL BE 8 to 15 AFTER TONIGHT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: toad | May 16, 2008 at 08:05 AM
Two free throws; no flagrant:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X7r6vXeOfyQ
Posted by: Jaga | May 16, 2008 at 08:13 AM
IT’S A WRAP!
It’s a beautiful day in Fatties neighborhood
Game day for Laker Nation will be all good
They say it’s not over till the Fat Lady Sings.
But Barkley is to busy with casino bets & things
Therefore I’m going to say it & if wrong I’ll take the Blame
If tonight, the Freakin Lakers are a little off their game.
But that’s not going to happen and I’ll tell you why.
This is a team of destiny who never says die
This round is over this series is thru
But yet and still Utah Jazz, we salute you.
You gave us a struggle and helped us to grow
So that we will be ready when to the WCF we go.
Boozer you are truly a star in the making
DWill You’re a superstar, who has CP3’s knees shaking
I’m sorry to say that there can be only one
Utah Jazz you’re a class act but it’s over your’e done
Salute your team Laker Nation, they are warriors all of them
Yes Farmar and even Luke and don’t forget Minhm.
And don’t forget the Beast who helped to get us here
This one’s for you Socks and you’ll get another next year.
Another hurdle the WCF, is the next test for us
Be it Spurs, Be it Hornets they will still bite the dust
Then it’s off to the Finals to face Detroit a 2nd time
F*ing Pistons we plan on going, MediEval on your behind
Time for Revenge, Fatty says to “Just Do It”
The 2004 Pistons were garbage, the 2008 are plain old sh+T
This is it Laker Nation, A new dynasty’s about to begin
A 15TH Title, a 4th Dynasty, it all starts with a Game 6 win.
Posted by: Mamba24 | May 16, 2008 at 08:13 AM
Mamba- I'll take a spot on the It ends tonight bandwagon- I'll be in charge of thinking up insults for Sasha to say to Korver.
Posted by: Jeff | May 16, 2008 at 08:18 AM
ajax,
That was brilliiant.
"It's me the machine!".... LOL.
Love it.
WORD EM UP.... GAME DAY
Posted by: Tim-4-Show | May 16, 2008 at 08:19 AM
Good morning Laker family around the Globe,
I have a feeling we can steal one tonight in SLC. Go Lakers!
Posted by: Rick Friedman | May 16, 2008 at 08:19 AM
Good Game day morning to the Laker family! Looking forward to that 0900 roll call. :-D
Good night to you Utah Jacks trolls, your season ends tonight suckas. I see NO/SA trolls in the distance. Bring it on fools......
Thank goodness we have so many bloggers that speak Slovenian. Freakin' comedy!!!
Mamba, your Vladdy bandwagon worked so well. You thinking about firing up a Oil the Machine, Change the Batteries in the Machine, Repair the Machine, etc. bandwangon? If so, sign me up brudda. If he goes off tonight he'll shut up those nutjobs up in SLC for sure! Then our boys will be able to work on their curtain call in silence...
Posted by: magicman | May 16, 2008 at 08:21 AM
Salt Lake City Review Journal
From the ‘Answer Me This’ column
Dear Answer Me,
I noticed on Sunday’s game that a fan on the court was displaying a life sized inflatable doll, (you know, the one a person buys in porn shops). http://tinyurl.com/5uc8e3
Do the Jazz allow fans to bring in such things? And just curious, If I wanted to buy it, (not that I would) where would I get one?
Signed,
(Just curious) LovetheLakeshow
Dear (Just curious) LovetheLakeshow,
Fans are ‘not permitted’ to bring into the arena such objects. The one you are speaking of was part of a Jazz promotion night. “First 100 perverts get a life size, Jazz Girls Doll.” (Proved by registration and were gone in about 2-3 minutes)
These can be purchased at the Official NBA Utah Jazz Porn Shop found on the premises behind section ‘XXX’
Signed,
Answer Me.
Posted by: Fairweather Fatty | May 16, 2008 at 08:24 AM
Mamba24
How do you come up with these poems?
LA Times Lakers blog -
Where amazing Mamba 24 poems happen!
Posted by: Fairweather Fatty | May 16, 2008 at 08:28 AM
Someone should print out a photo of the fan with his hand over his eye while Fish was at the line. The same A-holes that were chanting cancer when he was at the line...
then put the photo in the Lakers locker or team bus or whatever.
It's time to crush the worst fans in the USA by exacting revenge upon them tonight.
Posted by: Tim-4-Show | May 16, 2008 at 08:35 AM
GOOD MORNING, LAKER NATION!
GAME DAY!
A GOOD DAY!
A RED DAY!
ONWARDS TO VICTORY!
ODOM SPELLS DOOM FOR THE UTAH JAZZ!
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | May 16, 2008 at 08:39 AM
pslakerfan,
"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."
And now we understand why Sasha had problems his first couple of years here.
Posted by: exhelodrvr | May 16, 2008 at 08:39 AM
I read that Rambis is the front-runner for the Suns head coaching position. Not good at all. Jerry Buss should increase his salary and say, "Phil Jackson's going to retire eventually. Don't go to Phoenix. Phoenix sucks."
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | May 16, 2008 at 08:43 AM
Good Morning to Laker Nation...
Some nice rhyme from Mamba....of course.
If Kobe's a little healthier and Luke, Walton, Rad, Farmar, Ronny and Sasha can make some decent contributions, which we know they will, we should close this out tonight. I'm not bubbling with confidence, but I definitely feel as though we have better than a 50% chance of winning. We do not want this game to be + or- "2" points in the last minute, otherwise expect the calls or lack thereof to favor the Jazz heavily.
Let's hope DFish can stay out of foul trouble early. Don't think we'll see Ariza unless Jordan is very ineffective and Phil decides to twists our mind a little more with his unconventional substitutions.
Much Love To All
Kobesbad
....and so is Lamar
Posted by: Kobesbad | May 16, 2008 at 08:43 AM
Good Morning Guys,
Just wanted to send a shout out to everybody. Game day and this team will show some mettle and grind it out to a win!
Have a great one!
One Love!
Posted by: Charles | May 16, 2008 at 08:46 AM
Salt Lake City Review Journal
From the ‘Answer Me This’ column
Dear Answer Me,
The Lakers were giving away some really cool T Shirts at our game, "Our MVP, Our Team, Our Year"
My question to you. Are the Jazz giving away something similar at their games?
Signed,
Lakerdaze
Dear Lakerdaze,
Seeing as the Jazz have no MVP and it doesn't seem to be 'our year', no. But, we are giving away a T Shirt that says,
We are the Utah Jazz
We give 110%
100% on the Floor
And 10% to the Church
Signed,
Answer Me.
Posted by: Fairweather Fatty | May 16, 2008 at 08:47 AM
I vote for the Butcher, too!
ROTFLMAO!
--Fearless
Posted by: Fearless | May 16, 2008 at 08:48 AM
I'm here for my roll call.
Lakers win in Utah tonight. An ugly scene may ensue once the fans in Utah feel as helpless as the Jazz will look with the Lakers ahead and time winding down. I can already see things flying through the air and onto the court.
Stay safe Lakers.
Posted by: "Pig" Miller | May 16, 2008 at 08:48 AM
My Wish List:
Lakers win on the Road tonight to show they are Championship material.
Kobe puts on an MVP performance to end this series and give the Lakers extra days rest while the other teams beat each other up.
Sasha shows up tonight and shoots 50% from the field.
Win this series and get out alive ie no injuries.
One last wish, please please let Fish stay out of early foul trouble.
After all this wishing I still think this goes 7 games.
Go Lakers and enjoy the ride Laker Fans.
BD
Posted by: BD | May 16, 2008 at 08:49 AM
Changed my mind. This is better!
before I go Danicka Patrick on you
Posted by: lakeraholic
;;__________________________
LMAO!
--Fearless
F the Celtics!
Posted by: Fearless | May 16, 2008 at 08:49 AM
LIGHTS OFF! Those lights have been off for 2 years, and you're just now complaining? Personally I LOVE IT and it should stay off. It sets LAKERS games apart from everybody else.
Of course I dont live in CA so Im not attending the games, I'm watching on NBA League Pass and they look a ton better with the lights off then any other game. Not to mention if it's in HD!
Posted by: Jeremy | May 16, 2008 at 08:49 AM
GAME DAY FOLKS!!!! TIME FOR THE EMPIRE TO STRIKE BACK!!!
Mad def energy today for the purple and gold!!! Sorry if I'm repeating Vic the Brick's schtick, but I heard they treated him, our brother-in-arms, pretty bad over there.
One more Brickism for Kobe's back: Be like the bamboo....Bend do not break!!
#4
Posted by: #4 | May 16, 2008 at 08:51 AM
Kamentsky Brothers,
Could you give us an update on Bynum? Any news? I mean, we're approaching five months now, right?
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | May 16, 2008 at 08:52 AM
Cue Family Guy Song!
They use to say..that all you see..is Kobe being a ballhog..not worth MVP..what happen to those 3pt turn around fade-a-ways..on which he use to rely...He wants to be a Laker for life..Lucky theres a man who..positively can do..all the things that make us..OOHH and AHHH..these are Ko..Be's..guys!
(Peter Griffith laugh)
Hehehehehehehehehehhehehehehehehehehehehehehehe
hehehehehehehehehehe!
Posted by: lakeraholic | May 16, 2008 at 08:53 AM
Fatty,
Do you know if the Jazz fans are allowed to have more than one blow-up doll?
The reason I'm asking is because I've heard rumors.
Why would any fan need more than one doll?
Posted by: Tim-4-Show | May 16, 2008 at 08:54 AM
Tim-4-Show,
I'm with you in terms of crushing the spirit of the classless Utah Jazz fans.
Time for a new bandwagon, methinks?
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | May 16, 2008 at 08:57 AM
Wow I actually said something that was funny! We sho-nuf guna win now!
Posted by: lakeraholic | May 16, 2008 at 08:58 AM
Fatty.
Does that column qualify as pithy humor in Utah?
I'll never understand U-tards. Then again, I see no reason to to try to understand them.
Posted by: The D | May 16, 2008 at 08:59 AM
FAIRWEATHERFATTY:"Where amazing Mamba 24 poems happen!"
AWWWWWW! Thank you sir, but without your inspiration there is no poem so.....
Keep it up Fatty. such as this classic:" Fans are ‘not permitted’ to bring into the arena such objects.
The one you are speaking of was part of a Jazz promotion night. “First 100 perverts get a life size, Jazz Girls Doll.”
(Proved by registration and were gone in about 2-3 minutes) These can be purchased
at the Official NBA Utah Jazz Porn Shop found on the premises behind section ‘XXX’
ROFLMAO!!!!!!
Posted by: Mamba24 | May 16, 2008 at 08:59 AM
Is it me or did Lakerville get up on the right side of the bed today?
Good to know lol.
This a closeout game if there ever was. We have broken their spirit...now it's time to close out the deal.
Go Lakers!
Posted by: Faith | May 16, 2008 at 09:00 AM
Morning Laker Fam, Morning Mamba,
It is game day yall. As the Director of win #8 I have faxed all needed info to Phil.
Mamba that poem is great. You r one talented guy and your moniker is deserved. Kobe is the Mamba on the court and you r the Mamba in the blog. Let the good vibes flow from us to our team.
Posted by: lakergirl1980 | May 16, 2008 at 09:12 AM
*__________________________*
Crush the spirit of the classless
Utah Jazz fans BANDWAGON
*---------------------------------------*
(01) Tim-4-Show - Owner
(02) Jon K. - Owner & Driver
(03) Mamba24 - Spirit crushed checker
Posted by: mamba24 | May 16, 2008 at 09:13 AM
Nicely done Mamba24, your poem-rap is great. You are a bridge between the elders (Robert Frost) and the youth (Dr Dre).
Go Lakers, win one for Mamba24 and also missing JWW.
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | May 16, 2008 at 09:20 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
(23) Jeff – In charge of Feeding Sasha insults to say to Kolvar
Posted by: | May 16, 2008 at 09:22 AM
Fatty: JUST DO IT!
Lakers will do just that. Can you feel it? YES WE CAN
Posted by: lakergirl1980 | May 16, 2008 at 09:23 AM
*__________________________*
Crush the spirit of the classless
Utah Jazz fans BANDWAGON
*---------------------------------------*
(01) Tim-4-Show - Owner
(02) Jon K. - Owner & Driver
(03) Mamba24 - Spirit crushed checker
(04) “Pig” Miller – Director of washing out fans mouth with Salt Lake water
Posted by: mamba24 | May 16, 2008 at 09:25 AM
It's a big game day. I can feel it. Lakers close it out tonight amidst showering debris from Jazz fans. Perfect.
Go Lake Show!
Posted by: The Outlaw | May 16, 2008 at 09:28 AM
Justin N: I'm a season ticket holder and I love the "stage" lighting treatment the court gets. So, I won't be signing that petition with you.
Posted by: lakers_sth | May 16, 2008 at 09:30 AM