Wow, after the Lakers win the championship, and kobe and Co. go on to win Olympic gold, the Chinese will have to officially add the "Year of the Mamba" to their calendars!
Regarding the groundswell for a blog watching party.......
Are the Lakers planning to open Staples for watching parties when the Lakers are on the road? And, if so, would it be possible for us to get a dedicated "Blog Section"?
utz is right........we probably should look to getting some face to face for those of us in SoCal, and a game at Staples might be the way to go.
I used basically the same joke years ago when I was involved in NASCAR while trying to keep the driver pulling the racecar awake on our drive from Bakersfield to Yucaipa at 2AM afterafter a 24 hour day at the track.
Field goals: Jazz scored 6 more than the Lakers
3 Point Field Goals: Jazz 7 Lakers 7
Points in the Paint: Jazz 58 Lakers 40
Rebounds Jazz 41 Lakers 37
Turnovers: Jazz 10 Lakers 15
Assists: Jazz 27 Lakers 23
Bench Points: Jazz 33 Lakers 23
Fast Break Points: Jazz 13 Lakers 9
Free Throws Attempted: Lakers 43 Jazz 16
Free Throws Made: Lakers 35 Jazz 13
The Lake Show 6-0 start symbolizes why I used to clown certain players on our team (Luke, cough, Lamar, cough, Vladimir, cough).
My rants where as a result of knowing how these cats could play if they became focus.
And now I'm so proud of them.
Luke: I apologize for being so hard on you (I did not know you were playing on a bad ankle and with a bad wrist and with a bad hamstring).
Lamar: I apologize to you (I did not realize you needed a player like Pau to allow you to flourish as the 3rd option to become the "All-Star" that you are).
Vladimir: I apologize to you (I did not know that-unlike Pau, Luke, Kobe and Lamar-your basketball IQ seems to be a littler lower, yet you are giving it your best).
Kobe: I'm so happy for you (in spite of Colorado, The Shaq Conspiracy, bad trades, no trades, 3 years of frustration, "Lakers Insider", lack of trust, Kobe hate'n media, Kobe haters in general, etc... you stand tall).
LETS GO LAKE SHOW!
weird that Chris Paul wasnt a unanimous selection...seemed pretty obvious.Wouldnt have thought anyone would have any beef with the guy.I guess we can safely say any media bias against Kobe is over.
Do you know what would really make me proud? If Team USA lead by Kobe Bryant won the Gold medal, and at the awards ceremony EVERY PLAYER (yes, even that jerk LeBron James) of Team USA wore a t-shirt reading "CHINA! Stop the genocide in Darfur now!"
He looks like the first assassin to be sent after James Bond by some super-villian named Master Sinister (or something like that--who looks suspiciously like Jerry Sloan.)
[And of course James Bond (played by Kobe Bryant) foils his assassination attempt by shocking him with 50,000 volts and then throwing him off a 3,000 foot cliff.]
It would make me proud as an American if any of the guys in the Olympics did something like that. I'm proud of Kobe for at least taking a stand and speaking out against it.
Interesting that Ira Newble is on this team and he's pretty involved in the Darfur issue and was the catalyst for Lebron getting some guff about his reluctance to get involved.
I'm always impressed when an athlete puts their endorsements aside and speaks as an individual. Strange it doesn't happen more often.
Even Greg Oden came out and publicly endorsed Barak Obama. Whether you support Obama or not, it was nice to see a young athlete come out and get involved. Anything to get more young people involved in what goes on in this world is good by me.
" Free Throws Attempted: Lakers 43 Jazz 16
Free Throws Made: Lakers 35 Jazz 13 Enough Said"
Posted by: lakersnrefsforever
This topic is interesting to me only because, how is it that Jazz fans and Simers feels when the team leading the league in FOULS, actually FOULS ( ummm yes, holding onto jersey's and pushing off underneath the basket are still considered fouls in basketball, no ? ) should they not get called for it? I mean, I agree, there's is HUGE FT disparity and it gets on my nerves every time we're starting a break and a Jazz player ( Boozer ) grabs a handful of jersey !!!!!! All I'm saying is stop trying to act like there ISNT a reason why you guys LEAD the NBA in Fouls and then the fake OMG surrpise when its called!!! I seen quite a few that WERENT called and?
TaosHum,
Yea, some friends and I were hanging in a man cave watchin it live and at first I thought Barkley was just being paranoid but it was priceless when he pulled out the" bug" and the camera went dark with all the laughter in the background.. EJ also got him, during a read for some promo, to call himself a DumbA again.. priceless stuff in terms of its comedic value. All of us were CTFU but to be fair.. last night was a very good night so EVERONE was in a good mood lol
AK/BK,
Whats the deal with Mihm? I'm curious to know why hasnt PJ tried to utilize him in some capacity if he isnt hurt? I mean, he does know the offense and sets not to mention, the personel so I'm confused why we dont send him out to bang for awhile ? I know Ronny brings energy off the bench in relief of Pau.. but I still wonder why hasnt Mihm been involved?
*________________________*
Come Back JWW bandwagon
*________________________*
(01) JesterGuru - Owner
(02) Mamba24 - Driver
(03) JesterGuru - Director of Cut and Paste
(04) Janaya - Director of length of post
(05) Toad – JW’s personal scroller
(06) JustAnotherMamba – Counts each line of post
(07) EdwinGueco - Will Carry the Cross for JW?
(08) Benjamin - Tried to prevent JWW's departure before it happened
Don't know if you caught it but on TNT the CHuckster, of all people, took credit for predicting the Laker's rule of the league for the next 5 years. The pundits are just catching up to our view of this roster.
Phil must be salivating over the possibilities this group offers.
Umm Charles, all this love is not free, we're actually sending you a bill, please note we take most major credit cards and money orders but no personal checks.
============================
Jazz Owner Larry Miller to Skip Sunday Playoff Game
SALT LAKE CITY (AP) -Utah Jazz owner Larry Miller says he won't attend Game 4 of the Western Conference semifinals because it's being played on a Sunday.
Miller, a member of the Mormon church, says he won't attend because of religious reasons. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints encourages members to avoid non-religious activities on Sundays.
Miller told The Salt Lake Tribune he probably won't watch the game on TV or listen on radio, but his wife might watch the game and give him updates while he takes a long drive.
The Lakers-Jazz game will be Utah's first Sunday home game since the 2001 playoffs.
"Oh, and Bryant has been the best player in the NBA for most of the last seven seasons. There, I said it: He was the best player in the NBA from the middle of the Lakers’ three championships (2000, 2001, 2002) to now, with a blip here or there when he had knee and emotional problems.
You doubt that? Just ask any player or executive. ANY of them. I’ve talked to many and the one guy they fear, discuss and wonder about the most is Kobe Bean Bryant. They’ve talked like that for 6 or 7 years now.
Best player? Kobe Bryant. Most respected? Probably Tim Duncan or Steve Nash. Most talented? Maybe Amare Stoudemire or LeBron James.
I really see Utah winning one of these games in big blow out fashion. (And if its game 3, all the talking heads will then say we're overrated and pick Utah to upset us, blah blah.) I also think that's the only game they'll win this series, so if its game 3 it will be largely irrelevant and if its game 4, totally so.
I understand why Jazz fans are upset by the free throw disparity. As a fan, I really do. But at its heart it's illogical and unfounded and blogging about is akin to trolling. Shut up, stop hacking us and win some games.
On another note, I think it's bizarre how some media prognosticators are saying "if" Bynum comes back now. I know knee injuries are scary, but seriously. Shaun Livingston is coming back. Here are the choices:
1. The rehab works this time.
2. Arthroscopic knee surgery. Everyone has this. Both my parents. They're fine. They're old and don't take care of themselves and they recovered in a couple of months. Duh.
3. Magically, there is some horrible cartilage problem that doesn't show up on MRI's that is uncovered during the 'scoping and he needs microfracture surgery. OK...Bynum's out most, if not all of next season and is not really the same until '09-'10. Amare had this twice and we know how good he is now.
4. Super-magically there is some completely unprecedented knee problem that does not show up on MRI's that is caused by supanated knee caps that is worse than what happened to Livingston. Bynum is done. We all cry.
Really, number 3 is realistic enough to be seen for what it is - an entirely unfounded fabrication, and, if we're really honest, number 4 is what we're scared of and it DOESN'T EXIST.
OK, I recognize that knees are complex and everybody is different and I'm in no way qualified medically to comment on any of this. But the talking heads need to calm down with the "if he comes back" and "he may never be the same stuff." Jeez.
I'm really curious to see how the Jazz play at home. I was always hesitant to by into the whole Denver broke psychologically thing inasmuch as it took the credit for the win away from us. Shouldn't we say that we broke them? (Even acknowledging they're weak in that area.)
After seeing the lack of passion from Utah, it seems clear that we got to them in the same way. They're double tough and they'll never "quit." But there was no fire outside of Williams at the very end (and a couple of bench guys played with consistent passion). I know the Jazz will be must better at home, but if we can execute offensively, and they simply can't get stops, I wonder how well they'll hold up...
Not a bad gig being Sasha’s agent? Were I so lucky. LOL.
I hope you are right about Sasha but I suspect a 24 year old shooting guard with his stroke is worth more, especially if he just came off a championship team, which always adds a premium.
I do agree with your estimate for Ronny. I still think LO will still get close to $15M and is worth it as far as I am concerned, especially considering how he has upped his game. I think Kobe will sign a 5-year extension for $100M to become a Laker for life or maybe even 7 years for $140M with him opting out after next year. As for Drew, I think they will still sign him this summer for close to what Howard signed for in Orlando - $75M for 5 years – although they will wait to make sure he seems to be healing OK.
The Lakers are like John Coltrane. They both deconstruct Jazz!
As you might have forgotten, your Jazz team leads the NBA in fouls committed. That's what happens when you play defense with your hands instead of your feet. The Lakers go to the hoop, and the Jazz go home early.
It's funny, you go and read threads on other team's blogs like the Suns or Mavs and it's all about big trades and blowing the team up and who/what to add in free agency in the offseason and with the Lakers you might look at the roster and think we need the following:
-An athletic wing defender.
Um, we have Trevor Ariza...check.
-Athletic big man in the middle who could add rebounding and shot blocking.
Um, we're going to add a franchise type center in Andrew Bynum...check.
Anything else is gravy.
I'd say we might need another PG in there somewhere, but Jordan Farmar seemed to step up to the challenge of improving his game this past season. He seems like the kind of guy who would do the work to get to the starting NBA PG level.
But seriously, we could come back with the exact same team next year, 100% healthy and be the odds on favorite to win it all.
Jon K
Glad to know that I am not the only one who feels that Charles Barkley (clown of rebound) is a life long Laker hater. Even though he pretends to be objective but deep down he hates the Lakers, no ifs ands and butts. I believe this all in due part of his lack of success against the likes of Magic and the Lakers in his playing days. Even last night he immediately concluded that Lakers would lose because his team lost the night he was awarded the MVP trophy.
I know this is off the thread but I was catching up on some past posts, particularly the Bynum updates, and I just wanted to say how appreciative I am for a blog that has so many diverse and informed opinions. Seriously. From the various explanations of MRI technology to people who have had similar injuries... and all the stuff in between. Just part and parcel of a very cool forum. Okay, I'll shut up now, haha.
Best player? Kobe Bryant. Most respected? Probably Tim Duncan or Steve Nash. Most talented? Maybe Amare Stoudemire or LeBron James.
Best: Kobe. Period."
Posted by: Amazing_Happens | May 08, 2008 at 03:34 PM
Don't fully agree with that. Kobe is definitely the most talented player in the NBA bar none. Lebron/Amare are the most athletic, physically gifted players.
We find out about Trevor Ariza tomorrow. Hopefully he has a morning appointment, and the Lakers have a plane warmed up at Van Nuys Airport ready to go for him.
I suggest a prayer of thanks and hope tonight in assistance of Trevor Ariza.
Don Rickles,
Always remember, it's Laker Nation against the world. Truth be told, if you are a dedicated basketball fan, most likely you are either a member of Laker Nation or you hate Laker Nation.
There aren't a lot of NBA fans who are warm on the Lakers (except local fairweather fans). Most NBA fans are hot or cold on us.
Why?
One word: ENVY.
Best franchise in NBA history AND it's in L.A. AND every game is filled with celebrities AND we have a habit of attracting the Best NBA players. Could it get any worse for an Atlanta Hawks fan or a Milwaukee Bucks fan?
It could. If you were a talented NBA athlete with a strong sense of competition who played for teams like the Philadelphia 76ers, Phoenix Suns, and Houston Rockets and experienced a career of being beaten by the Los Angeles Lakers, watching the Lakers win championships, and retiring without a Championship Ring (which is required for entry to the Penthouse of the Basketball Hall of Greatness).
In short, that envy could be worse if your name is Charles Pumpkinhead Barkley.
There is perhaps no worse emotion than regret. Regret for what could have been. And nothing embitters regret further than envy.
Everytime Charles Barkley looks across the table at a smiling Magic Johnson, his competitive soul burns with envy and regret. Watch him.
And it manifests itself in an undying hatred for the Los Angeles Lakers and Laker Nation.
Sucks to be him.
And it's only going to get worse for ole' Pumpkinhead.
Because we're winning the damn championship this year.
And probably for the next four years.
Laker Nation! Us against the World! Take no prisoners!
"FUGURED YOU COULDN'T SPELL EVEN IF IT WAS SOON FED TO YOU SON....GROW UP"
HaHa.. Gawd I hope this post is a joke.
Since my post obviously went way over your head... I'll "SOON FED" you the meaning.
Out of all the starting five, Kobe is the only dude who got the unanimous vote. I was giving Kobe his props. That's pretty freaking special if you ask me. If you have a more creative way to express love for the Kobester... feel free. That what this blog is about.
But if you decide to try (Lame a$$ attempts till count) to make fun of a fellow blogger. You might want to spell words like Spoon (SOON), Feed (FED), and figured (FUGURED) correctly.
Keep talking. We at the blog thrive on the positive energy! Whenever you feel you can contribute with a me-too, or an I love that, or some information, or an opinion, or just a hello, I hope we hear from you.
We're not that particular about staying on topic either. It's almost like the topic is always basketball and the Lakers and the topic is just to get us started for the day.
It's not my blog though so it's probably best to hear straight from the K bros their concept of the blog and not mine.
I love Tim Kawakami and read him all the time at the San Jose Mercury News. He has always been a strong Kobe Bryant and Phil Jackson supporter and has taken a lot of flack for his criticisms of Don Nelson and the Warriors and his prediction that the Lakers would have easily swept the Warriors had they made the playoffs. The guy knows his stuff and is not afraid to take a stand. Outstanding journalist.
How DJ Mbenga, are his knees enough ok to block shots of Deron Williams or shove the a** of Milsap? Boozer has sharp elbows, Mbenga is a martial arts specialist who once got injured on the knee in 06-07, but can replicate a 75%Bynum in blocking, rebound and dunking. When Pau and Vlad are resting on the bench, play Mbenga and Ronny, with Kobe, Odom and Farmar that's a good 2nd stringers to neutralize any Utah's surge.
Haven't got to blog in a minute because I started a new lil gig in Oregon but its all good.
The Lakers are the team of my dreams. Seriously.
Kobe playing great and Pau/Odom doing the dirty work.
I've also realized that they reason we were so harsh as a community was that we didnt realize margin of error.
The past few years, we were such a mediocre team that every mistake was big. Luke bricking, Sasha gunning, Kobe passing, Odom not shooting...EVERYTHING was a win/loss play potentially.
Now, I see we still do dumb stuff but we have a greater margin of error. I saw Kobe make a ridiculous lacksadaiscal pass last nite with about 1:30 to play. No biggie. I saw Kobe take a off-balance fadeaway J that hit the side of the glas last nite. No biggie. I saw Pau miss layups, Lamar miss layups, Walton brick. No biggie.
The team does so much good that the mistakes just arent as a big of deal.
That may not mean much to you if you havent been to the blog the last 2/3 years but to me that is just crazy!!!
Tim Kawakami is pretty cool. I'm a new fan of his now too.
The folks leaving comments on his site aren't so great though. I had to post 4 times to correct a number of misconceptions. Well, I didn't have to, but I did anyway.
Do you really think Bynum, hurt as he is, is worth more than D-12? I'm not talking about long term potential. I'm talking about what we can predict now comparing the two.
I dig Bynum, I really do, and maybe I can even see your reasoning in not being willing to trade him for anyone, but paying more for him than D-12?
Brother, I have to draw the line somewhere. That's crazy!
GET BACK TO ME............................................. WHEN HE HAS BEEN VOTED TO THE TEAM 11 TIMES................................................. AND WHEN HE HAS A BRONZE STATUE OF HIMSELF...................................FOR ALL TO REVEL UPON ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! !
Patsy's is on the corner of Golden Lantern/Moulton Parkway and Crown Valley Prkwy. Behind Wendy's, 7-11 and Blockbuster Video. I and my family are pretty much regulars there. Look for a bald guy with a chin strap beard and 2 hot women (1 is 6years old) with me.
Arrrggghhhh - turned on the TV when I came home & got another eyefull of the Greenie Weenies playing against the Cavs, then the Greenie Weenies commercials, then the announcers showing replays featuring the Greenie Weenies.......seriously - ENOUGH ALREADY!!!! We know they're the media darlings, but COME ON!!! They SUCK!!!!!!!!!! They're fighting against LeBronz, they had a knock-down, drag-out series against the HAWKS of all teams for crying out loud! The Lake Show is the ONLY show still undefeated in these playoffs but do we hear anything about that???? Of course not...........I'll say it again - AARRRGGGHHHH!!!!!
AK/BK - in reply to YOUR reply from last night about how you can't update the posts while driving -
C'mon guys - that's what they have drivers for! Now that you're an AWARD-WINNING site, can't you get Jeeves or James or whoever to drive you around so you can keep us all hooked up? When we have to wait longer than a few minutes for an update, we all get to buggin..... (or is it just me???) LOL!
I think what's encouraging about AB is that the doctor told him to wait on surgery, because he did see improvement in the knee. That tells me something is working -- maybe not as fast as we would like, but it's working.
complex brotha and others who know nothing about stats who only can defend the free throw disparity by saying the jazz lead the league in the regular season in fouls. WHY DO YOU FAIL TO MENTION THAT THE JAZZ WERE ALSO SECOND IN FREE THROWS ATTEMPTED??
oh wait, I know, cause then your argument makes no sense.
46 to 13 free throws in game 2... about the only stat the lakers won. pathetic.
“I dig Bynum, I really do, and maybe I can even see your reasoning in not being willing to trade him for anyone, but paying more for him than D-12?”
I start from the premise that the knee injury to Andrew is NOT going to affect the negotiations to sign him to an extension because the true extent of the injury should be clear by the middle of summer when the extension will be signed. Obviously, if some new and unexpected issue arose with Andrew’s long team health, that changes the situation completely. But assuming the injury heals and Drew gets medical clearance, he will be signed to a contract very similar to Dwight Howard. Other than Howard, there is no other center prospect out there, including totally unproven Greg Oden, who is as good as Andrew is right now or has the long-term potential to become great as Andrew.
It has been so long since we saw Andrew play that we forget just how dominant a player he had become before his injury. The string of other top flight big men that Drew had taken to school in the first half of the season was enough for Jerry West and Kobe Bryant to declare that the Lakers had the best team in the league BEFORE trading for Pau Gasol. Stop a minute and think about that. You have a 20-year old phenom who has turned into an unstoppable force on offense and the boards and a potentially league-best shot blocker and defensive force. Drew already has the best hands and footwork of any big man in the game and a work ethic and basketball IQ modeled after Kobe Bryant.
Charles Barkley made the key point last night after the Utah game that Andrew Bynum already has established what his offensive and defensive games are, unlike most other young players who return from injury. Assuming he is fully healthy, there is no reason not to expect this young man to become the Lakers next great center and franchise player. While Pau Gasol gives the Lakers enough talent at center to compete for a championship, the Lakers still need the height, size, length, and athleticism of Andrew to truly build another Lakers dynasty. The Lakers know this and Andrew Bynum’s people know this. There is only one move for the Lakers to make and that is to sign Drew now before he becomes even more expensive. The fact that Drew missed half of the year will help the Lakers keep the offer reasonable but no way do they not recognize that Drew is a true max player in the same way that Kobe and LeBron are. He has the potential to be a far greater center for a far longer time than Shaq. He will be another Kareem IMHO.
benjamin - thanks. i do chime in from time to time, but usually only on odd-numbered days in single-syllable months. or, if the topic has to do with slava or penberthy. or, when debating mike t but i think he left the blog during a four-syllable month, due to the tragic trade of the kwamster.
I agree with you complete that's the 25% he's missing from Bynum's ability. Well, as soon as he gets the ball the guards should get back the ball from him, his presence will be for D only. There will be a dog fight in Utah, we can't afford to give them GAme 3 but let's donate Game 4 so that Jerry Buss could earn his dough.
As I always I appreciate your extremely well-articulated thoughts. Bynum looked great for a bit there, I agree. But to me, it seemed like maybe 2/3 of his season that didn't even last half of the season. To assume that with the many injuries he's had with the Lakers so far, particularly this last big one, he will even play for the Lake show more than 50 games a year seems highly presumptuous. Even with Bynum's flashes, I'm still more impressed with D-12, the youngest rebounding leader in NBA history. I see a significantly greater amount of risk with Bynum than I do with D-12 and I believe even at Bynum's peak, D-12 has still consistently outperformed him while still gradually improving his game (under the tutelage of the great Patrick Ewing).
I appreciate your GHF perspective on the kid and I can't knock it because anyone that predicted this season for the Lakers was a pretty hardcore GHFer.
I'm going to agree to disagree with you on this one.
I hope you're right and not me and that all the risk I see is just me playing the conservative old fogie (I'm not that old, but I can think that way, see?)--that same guy that didn't draft Amare very high in my fantasy league because of his pre-season knee surgery which was like the 4th in 3 years.
Andrew and Brian Kamenetzky are contributing writers to ESPN The
Magazine and ESPN.com, and co-authored Fishing on the Edge, the autobiography of 2003 Bassmaster Classic champion Mike Iaconelli, bass fishing's bad boy. While both grew up in St. Louis without NBA
basketball, Andrew became a die hard Lakers fanatic after moving to L.A. to attend USC. That he managed to find a job requiring him to obsess over his favorite team, the same activity that prompted him to waste time while working other jobs, is pretty incredible. As for Brian, his baptism into pro hoops fandom has been provided by the "All Lakers, All The Time" citizens of Los Angeles. Beats the hell out of covering the Bucks.
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WoW. Check ot Hollinger...
http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/playoffs2008/news/story?
page=Roundtable-West-080508
Posted by: mel | May 08, 2008 at 01:44 PM
Back from lunch. Toad hope you read the joke.
Posted by: Charles | May 08, 2008 at 01:44 PM
WoW...it's unanimous.
http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=3387097
Posted by: mel | May 08, 2008 at 01:49 PM
Thanks, guys. I didn;t get to see that last night.
Good column: http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/news;_ylt=AuiwLt_PSVRX5XWr8r13l0s5nYcB?slug=jy-fisherjazz050808&prov=yhoo&type=lgns
I have always thought Fish was truly THE GLUE on the 3-peat championship teams and I hope they retire #2 when he's done.
Posted by: Jesterguru | May 08, 2008 at 01:58 PM
has anybody posted what they did to Charles Barkley? Pretty funny:
http://tinyurl.com/4868om
Posted by: TaosHum | May 08, 2008 at 02:01 PM
Wow, after the Lakers win the championship, and kobe and Co. go on to win Olympic gold, the Chinese will have to officially add the "Year of the Mamba" to their calendars!
Very proud, Kobe. Very proud!
Posted by: Happy Camper | May 08, 2008 at 02:04 PM
Charles,
Loved the joke!
Posted by: Elle | May 08, 2008 at 02:06 PM
Regarding the groundswell for a blog watching party.......
Are the Lakers planning to open Staples for watching parties when the Lakers are on the road? And, if so, would it be possible for us to get a dedicated "Blog Section"?
utz is right........we probably should look to getting some face to face for those of us in SoCal, and a game at Staples might be the way to go.
Posted by: toad | May 08, 2008 at 02:07 PM
Something's wrong with the Roundtable link. If it takes you to the golf page, just copy & past into the thingamajiggy.
http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/playoffs2008/news/story?page=Roundtable-West-080508
Posted by: mel | May 08, 2008 at 02:08 PM
Charles
LOL!!!!!!!!
I used basically the same joke years ago when I was involved in NASCAR while trying to keep the driver pulling the racecar awake on our drive from Bakersfield to Yucaipa at 2AM afterafter a 24 hour day at the track.
Posted by: toad | May 08, 2008 at 02:12 PM
Am I crazy, or does Carlos Boozer have the look of a Bond villain's henchman?
Posted by: The D | May 08, 2008 at 02:16 PM
You know what would be nice to hear?
I would like to hear what Kobe's dad, Joe "Jellybean" Bryant's thoughts and feelings on his son receiving the MVP award.
Can you imagine? Your son getting one of the highest honors in your chosen profession? What does that feel like?
Posted by: Amazing_Happens | May 08, 2008 at 02:19 PM
thank you Mr. Stern......
Lakers vs. Jazz
Game 2 Stats
The following are facts:
Field goals: Jazz scored 6 more than the Lakers
3 Point Field Goals: Jazz 7 Lakers 7
Points in the Paint: Jazz 58 Lakers 40
Rebounds Jazz 41 Lakers 37
Turnovers: Jazz 10 Lakers 15
Assists: Jazz 27 Lakers 23
Bench Points: Jazz 33 Lakers 23
Fast Break Points: Jazz 13 Lakers 9
Free Throws Attempted: Lakers 43 Jazz 16
Free Throws Made: Lakers 35 Jazz 13
Enough Said
Posted by: lakersnrefsforever | May 08, 2008 at 02:19 PM
The Lake Show 6-0 start symbolizes why I used to clown certain players on our team (Luke, cough, Lamar, cough, Vladimir, cough).
My rants where as a result of knowing how these cats could play if they became focus.
And now I'm so proud of them.
Luke: I apologize for being so hard on you (I did not know you were playing on a bad ankle and with a bad wrist and with a bad hamstring).
Lamar: I apologize to you (I did not realize you needed a player like Pau to allow you to flourish as the 3rd option to become the "All-Star" that you are).
Vladimir: I apologize to you (I did not know that-unlike Pau, Luke, Kobe and Lamar-your basketball IQ seems to be a littler lower, yet you are giving it your best).
Kobe: I'm so happy for you (in spite of Colorado, The Shaq Conspiracy, bad trades, no trades, 3 years of frustration, "Lakers Insider", lack of trust, Kobe hate'n media, Kobe haters in general, etc... you stand tall).
LETS GO LAKE SHOW!
Posted by: passionate Lakers fan | May 08, 2008 at 02:25 PM
How you spell owned???
I'll tell you... UNANIMOUS.
Posted by: frank1rizzo | May 08, 2008 at 02:25 PM
Thanks for the love guys...
Posted by: Charles | May 08, 2008 at 02:26 PM
Charles Barkley commenting on Kobe highlights after the game:
"Only God can stop that"...LOL
Posted by: pslakerfan | May 08, 2008 at 02:30 PM
lakersnrefsforever
Is there a particular type of cheese you fancy with that whine of yours?
You lead the league in fouls..............DUUUUHHHHH!
Quit crying and get ready for the brooms on Sunday!
Posted by: toad | May 08, 2008 at 02:31 PM
weird that Chris Paul wasnt a unanimous selection...seemed pretty obvious.Wouldnt have thought anyone would have any beef with the guy.I guess we can safely say any media bias against Kobe is over.
Posted by: kiwi | May 08, 2008 at 02:38 PM
Happy Camper,
Do you know what would really make me proud? If Team USA lead by Kobe Bryant won the Gold medal, and at the awards ceremony EVERY PLAYER (yes, even that jerk LeBron James) of Team USA wore a t-shirt reading "CHINA! Stop the genocide in Darfur now!"
That would really make me proud.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | May 08, 2008 at 02:38 PM
The D,
No, you're not crazy.
He looks like the first assassin to be sent after James Bond by some super-villian named Master Sinister (or something like that--who looks suspiciously like Jerry Sloan.)
[And of course James Bond (played by Kobe Bryant) foils his assassination attempt by shocking him with 50,000 volts and then throwing him off a 3,000 foot cliff.]
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | May 08, 2008 at 02:43 PM
Lyrically, this track would seem appropriate for Kobe and what he has endured. He just needs that Gold Ball with this group of guys and PJ.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CbjCcg07n_g
http://tinyurl.com/6zmjx7
Posted by: Charles | May 08, 2008 at 02:45 PM
lakersnrefsforever,
So if the Jazz made 3 more FT and we missed 8 more FT, the Jazz could've won? Wow. Didn't realize it was that close.
Posted by: mel | May 08, 2008 at 02:47 PM
In typical, who gives a damn about defense fashion, the NBA saves the All-NBA Defensive awards for last.
Posted by: Benjamin | May 08, 2008 at 02:49 PM
TaosHum, saw that last night, hilarious!!
He really is getting paid to be the butt of their jokes, not for his analysis. :P
Posted by: Lakers Legacy | May 08, 2008 at 02:49 PM
Happy Camper
'Year of the Mamba' on the Chinese calendar
Pretty clever
Posted by: Fairweather Fatty | May 08, 2008 at 02:54 PM
TaosHum,
Loved the link. Anytime Pumpkinhead Laker-Hater Barkley gets made fun of is alright by me.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | May 08, 2008 at 02:55 PM
Posted by: lakersnrefsforever | May 08, 2008 at 02:19 PM
I could be wrong but I think you missed shooting percentage in your FACTS....
Posted by: pslakerfan | May 08, 2008 at 02:55 PM
Enough Said
Posted by: lakersnrefsforever
You forgot the only stat that really counts
Lakers 120 Jazz 110
Lakers lead Jazz 2-0
Please enjoy your up and coming vacation
Hi, I'm Pig Miller, and I approve this troll roasting.
Posted by: Fairweather Fatty | May 08, 2008 at 02:58 PM
I think Hollinger is completely right when he says we could be looking at one of the best teams ever next year with these Lakers.
Add Trevor Ariza and Andrew Bynum to this team and it gets scary.
Not to mention any free agents coming to LA on the cheap looking for a ring.
Scary good Laker fans. Giddy up.
Posted by: Andrew Z | May 08, 2008 at 03:00 PM
Jon K,
It would make me proud as an American if any of the guys in the Olympics did something like that. I'm proud of Kobe for at least taking a stand and speaking out against it.
Interesting that Ira Newble is on this team and he's pretty involved in the Darfur issue and was the catalyst for Lebron getting some guff about his reluctance to get involved.
I'm always impressed when an athlete puts their endorsements aside and speaks as an individual. Strange it doesn't happen more often.
Even Greg Oden came out and publicly endorsed Barak Obama. Whether you support Obama or not, it was nice to see a young athlete come out and get involved. Anything to get more young people involved in what goes on in this world is good by me.
Posted by: Andrew Z | May 08, 2008 at 03:04 PM
Speaking of Trevor, any word on his return? I didn't hear anything past he could return to contact this week.
TWoody
Posted by: TWoody | May 08, 2008 at 03:08 PM
Good Afternoon Charles, Hi Fam
" Free Throws Attempted: Lakers 43 Jazz 16
Free Throws Made: Lakers 35 Jazz 13 Enough Said"
Posted by: lakersnrefsforever
This topic is interesting to me only because, how is it that Jazz fans and Simers feels when the team leading the league in FOULS, actually FOULS ( ummm yes, holding onto jersey's and pushing off underneath the basket are still considered fouls in basketball, no ? ) should they not get called for it? I mean, I agree, there's is HUGE FT disparity and it gets on my nerves every time we're starting a break and a Jazz player ( Boozer ) grabs a handful of jersey !!!!!! All I'm saying is stop trying to act like there ISNT a reason why you guys LEAD the NBA in Fouls and then the fake OMG surrpise when its called!!! I seen quite a few that WERENT called and?
TaosHum,
Yea, some friends and I were hanging in a man cave watchin it live and at first I thought Barkley was just being paranoid but it was priceless when he pulled out the" bug" and the camera went dark with all the laughter in the background.. EJ also got him, during a read for some promo, to call himself a DumbA again.. priceless stuff in terms of its comedic value. All of us were CTFU but to be fair.. last night was a very good night so EVERONE was in a good mood lol
AK/BK,
Whats the deal with Mihm? I'm curious to know why hasnt PJ tried to utilize him in some capacity if he isnt hurt? I mean, he does know the offense and sets not to mention, the personel so I'm confused why we dont send him out to bang for awhile ? I know Ronny brings energy off the bench in relief of Pau.. but I still wonder why hasnt Mihm been involved?
Posted by: complex brotha | May 08, 2008 at 03:10 PM
Pig you have a 3rd alias on the blog? Didn't know that...
Posted by: Charles | May 08, 2008 at 03:10 PM
*________________________*
Come Back JWW bandwagon
*________________________*
(01) JesterGuru - Owner
(02) Mamba24 - Driver
(03) JesterGuru - Director of Cut and Paste
(04) Janaya - Director of length of post
(05) Toad – JW’s personal scroller
(06) JustAnotherMamba – Counts each line of post
(07) EdwinGueco - Will Carry the Cross for JW?
(08) Benjamin - Tried to prevent JWW's departure before it happened
Just doing my job. Carry on.
Posted by: Jesterguru impersonating Mamba24 | May 08, 2008 at 03:11 PM
Andrew Z,
"Add Trevor Ariza and Andrew Bynum to this team and it gets scary."
Chuck and Kenny were talking about that last night too. Nice one.
Posted by: Charles | May 08, 2008 at 03:16 PM
Great win for us!! What wud make my day is watch Lebron go El Polo Loco on the Celtics tonight.
Posted by: lakeraholic | May 08, 2008 at 03:22 PM
Andrew Z,
Don't know if you caught it but on TNT the CHuckster, of all people, took credit for predicting the Laker's rule of the league for the next 5 years. The pundits are just catching up to our view of this roster.
Phil must be salivating over the possibilities this group offers.
Posted by: Vman | May 08, 2008 at 03:25 PM
Thanks for the love guys...
Posted by: Charles | May 08, 2008 at 02:26 PM
Umm Charles, all this love is not free, we're actually sending you a bill, please note we take most major credit cards and money orders but no personal checks.
Posted by: Elle | May 08, 2008 at 03:28 PM
We're gonna win on Sunday! here's why:
============================
Jazz Owner Larry Miller to Skip Sunday Playoff Game
SALT LAKE CITY (AP) -Utah Jazz owner Larry Miller says he won't attend Game 4 of the Western Conference semifinals because it's being played on a Sunday.
Miller, a member of the Mormon church, says he won't attend because of religious reasons. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints encourages members to avoid non-religious activities on Sundays.
Miller told The Salt Lake Tribune he probably won't watch the game on TV or listen on radio, but his wife might watch the game and give him updates while he takes a long drive.
The Lakers-Jazz game will be Utah's first Sunday home game since the 2001 playoffs.
http://sports.excite.com/news/05082008/v0705.html
Posted by: Lakers Legacy | May 08, 2008 at 03:34 PM
Great, great article from Tim Kawakami of the San Jose Mercury News .
Tim used to cover the Lakers for the L.A. Times way back when.
http://blogs.mercurynews.com/kawakami/2008/05/08/the-good-news-about-kobe-bryants-mvp/
Here's an excerpt:
"Oh, and Bryant has been the best player in the NBA for most of the last seven seasons. There, I said it: He was the best player in the NBA from the middle of the Lakers’ three championships (2000, 2001, 2002) to now, with a blip here or there when he had knee and emotional problems.
You doubt that? Just ask any player or executive. ANY of them. I’ve talked to many and the one guy they fear, discuss and wonder about the most is Kobe Bean Bryant. They’ve talked like that for 6 or 7 years now.
Best player? Kobe Bryant. Most respected? Probably Tim Duncan or Steve Nash. Most talented? Maybe Amare Stoudemire or LeBron James.
Best: Kobe. Period."
Posted by: Amazing_Happens | May 08, 2008 at 03:34 PM
Jon K.
Yeah, that would work for me, as well.
Posted by: Happy Camper | May 08, 2008 at 03:41 PM
Wow...so much to talk about. Go Lakers!
I really see Utah winning one of these games in big blow out fashion. (And if its game 3, all the talking heads will then say we're overrated and pick Utah to upset us, blah blah.) I also think that's the only game they'll win this series, so if its game 3 it will be largely irrelevant and if its game 4, totally so.
I understand why Jazz fans are upset by the free throw disparity. As a fan, I really do. But at its heart it's illogical and unfounded and blogging about is akin to trolling. Shut up, stop hacking us and win some games.
On another note, I think it's bizarre how some media prognosticators are saying "if" Bynum comes back now. I know knee injuries are scary, but seriously. Shaun Livingston is coming back. Here are the choices:
1. The rehab works this time.
2. Arthroscopic knee surgery. Everyone has this. Both my parents. They're fine. They're old and don't take care of themselves and they recovered in a couple of months. Duh.
3. Magically, there is some horrible cartilage problem that doesn't show up on MRI's that is uncovered during the 'scoping and he needs microfracture surgery. OK...Bynum's out most, if not all of next season and is not really the same until '09-'10. Amare had this twice and we know how good he is now.
4. Super-magically there is some completely unprecedented knee problem that does not show up on MRI's that is caused by supanated knee caps that is worse than what happened to Livingston. Bynum is done. We all cry.
Really, number 3 is realistic enough to be seen for what it is - an entirely unfounded fabrication, and, if we're really honest, number 4 is what we're scared of and it DOESN'T EXIST.
OK, I recognize that knees are complex and everybody is different and I'm in no way qualified medically to comment on any of this. But the talking heads need to calm down with the "if he comes back" and "he may never be the same stuff." Jeez.
I'm really curious to see how the Jazz play at home. I was always hesitant to by into the whole Denver broke psychologically thing inasmuch as it took the credit for the win away from us. Shouldn't we say that we broke them? (Even acknowledging they're weak in that area.)
After seeing the lack of passion from Utah, it seems clear that we got to them in the same way. They're double tough and they'll never "quit." But there was no fire outside of Williams at the very end (and a couple of bench guys played with consistent passion). I know the Jazz will be must better at home, but if we can execute offensively, and they simply can't get stops, I wonder how well they'll hold up...
Anywho,
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Cameron | May 08, 2008 at 03:50 PM
That MVP shirt Jack was wearing was dope!
http://tinyurl.com/46hnwm
Posted by: Lakers Legacy | May 08, 2008 at 03:51 PM
Twoody...where is the bar you are talking about in Laguna Niguel?
Kobesbad (and he is)
Posted by: Kobesbad | May 08, 2008 at 03:53 PM
YOU MADE MOB BOSS LAUGH AND ONE DAY I WILL RETURN THE FAVOR.......
has anybody posted what they did to Charles Barkley? Pretty funny:
http://tinyurl.com/4868om
Posted by: TaosHum
Posted by: The Mob Boss | May 08, 2008 at 03:56 PM
AZ,
Not a bad gig being Sasha’s agent? Were I so lucky. LOL.
I hope you are right about Sasha but I suspect a 24 year old shooting guard with his stroke is worth more, especially if he just came off a championship team, which always adds a premium.
I do agree with your estimate for Ronny. I still think LO will still get close to $15M and is worth it as far as I am concerned, especially considering how he has upped his game. I think Kobe will sign a 5-year extension for $100M to become a Laker for life or maybe even 7 years for $140M with him opting out after next year. As for Drew, I think they will still sign him this summer for close to what Howard signed for in Orlando - $75M for 5 years – although they will wait to make sure he seems to be healing OK.
Tom
Posted by: LakerTom | May 08, 2008 at 03:56 PM
rizzo frank1:
FUGURED YOU COULDN'T SPELL EVEN IF IT WAS SOON FED TO YOU SON....GROW UP..AND paaleeeeeze be more creative nexttime..
How you spell owned???
I'll tell you... UNANIMOUS.
Posted by: rizzo frank1
Posted by: GROW UP | May 08, 2008 at 03:58 PM
lakersnrefsforever,
As my good friend, Alex, said to me this morning:
The Lakers are like John Coltrane. They both deconstruct Jazz!
As you might have forgotten, your Jazz team leads the NBA in fouls committed. That's what happens when you play defense with your hands instead of your feet. The Lakers go to the hoop, and the Jazz go home early.
The Outlaw says hello.
Go Lake Show!
Posted by: coltranerules | May 08, 2008 at 03:59 PM
Charles,
It's funny, you go and read threads on other team's blogs like the Suns or Mavs and it's all about big trades and blowing the team up and who/what to add in free agency in the offseason and with the Lakers you might look at the roster and think we need the following:
-An athletic wing defender.
Um, we have Trevor Ariza...check.
-Athletic big man in the middle who could add rebounding and shot blocking.
Um, we're going to add a franchise type center in Andrew Bynum...check.
Anything else is gravy.
I'd say we might need another PG in there somewhere, but Jordan Farmar seemed to step up to the challenge of improving his game this past season. He seems like the kind of guy who would do the work to get to the starting NBA PG level.
But seriously, we could come back with the exact same team next year, 100% healthy and be the odds on favorite to win it all.
Posted by: Andrew Z | May 08, 2008 at 04:03 PM
CHARLES you wrote:
begin:
"Add Trevor Ariza and Andrew Bynum to this team and it gets scary."
Chuck and Kenny were talking about that last night too. Nice one.
end:
Can you be more original and not regurgitate what already has been spoken. Consider changing your name to Mr. Regurgitate
Don Rickles
Posted by: Don Rickles | May 08, 2008 at 04:06 PM
ASTUTE OBERVATION:
Jon K
Glad to know that I am not the only one who feels that Charles Barkley (clown of rebound) is a life long Laker hater. Even though he pretends to be objective but deep down he hates the Lakers, no ifs ands and butts. I believe this all in due part of his lack of success against the likes of Magic and the Lakers in his playing days. Even last night he immediately concluded that Lakers would lose because his team lost the night he was awarded the MVP trophy.
Don Rickles
Posted by: Don Rickles | May 08, 2008 at 04:13 PM
I know this is off the thread but I was catching up on some past posts, particularly the Bynum updates, and I just wanted to say how appreciative I am for a blog that has so many diverse and informed opinions. Seriously. From the various explanations of MRI technology to people who have had similar injuries... and all the stuff in between. Just part and parcel of a very cool forum. Okay, I'll shut up now, haha.
Posted by: dave m | May 08, 2008 at 04:32 PM
Don Rickles
I thought we were friends already?
Love,
Mr. Regurgitate
Posted by: Charles | May 08, 2008 at 04:40 PM
You know, with a hurt Chauncey Billups and a (possibly) exposed Celtics, maybe the 3 or 4 seed comes out of the East. Could Cleveland do it again???
Posted by: Benjamin | May 08, 2008 at 04:40 PM
"Can you be more original and not regurgitate what already has been spoken. Consider changing your name to Mr. Regurgitate"
Don Rickles
Posted by: Don Rickles
And you are regurgitating as the same multi-posting hater?
Maybe you are a pink colored Pot? Love ya!
The Kettle.
Posted by: Charles | May 08, 2008 at 04:44 PM
Best player? Kobe Bryant. Most respected? Probably Tim Duncan or Steve Nash. Most talented? Maybe Amare Stoudemire or LeBron James.
Best: Kobe. Period."
Posted by: Amazing_Happens | May 08, 2008 at 03:34 PM
Don't fully agree with that. Kobe is definitely the most talented player in the NBA bar none. Lebron/Amare are the most athletic, physically gifted players.
Posted by: two0one7 | May 08, 2008 at 04:45 PM
Andrew Z
Thanks for your reply!
Posted by: Charles | May 08, 2008 at 04:53 PM
TWoody,
We find out about Trevor Ariza tomorrow. Hopefully he has a morning appointment, and the Lakers have a plane warmed up at Van Nuys Airport ready to go for him.
I suggest a prayer of thanks and hope tonight in assistance of Trevor Ariza.
Don Rickles,
Always remember, it's Laker Nation against the world. Truth be told, if you are a dedicated basketball fan, most likely you are either a member of Laker Nation or you hate Laker Nation.
There aren't a lot of NBA fans who are warm on the Lakers (except local fairweather fans). Most NBA fans are hot or cold on us.
Why?
One word: ENVY.
Best franchise in NBA history AND it's in L.A. AND every game is filled with celebrities AND we have a habit of attracting the Best NBA players. Could it get any worse for an Atlanta Hawks fan or a Milwaukee Bucks fan?
It could. If you were a talented NBA athlete with a strong sense of competition who played for teams like the Philadelphia 76ers, Phoenix Suns, and Houston Rockets and experienced a career of being beaten by the Los Angeles Lakers, watching the Lakers win championships, and retiring without a Championship Ring (which is required for entry to the Penthouse of the Basketball Hall of Greatness).
In short, that envy could be worse if your name is Charles Pumpkinhead Barkley.
There is perhaps no worse emotion than regret. Regret for what could have been. And nothing embitters regret further than envy.
Everytime Charles Barkley looks across the table at a smiling Magic Johnson, his competitive soul burns with envy and regret. Watch him.
And it manifests itself in an undying hatred for the Los Angeles Lakers and Laker Nation.
Sucks to be him.
And it's only going to get worse for ole' Pumpkinhead.
Because we're winning the damn championship this year.
And probably for the next four years.
Laker Nation! Us against the World! Take no prisoners!
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | May 08, 2008 at 04:56 PM
"FUGURED YOU COULDN'T SPELL EVEN IF IT WAS SOON FED TO YOU SON....GROW UP"
HaHa.. Gawd I hope this post is a joke.
Since my post obviously went way over your head... I'll "SOON FED" you the meaning.
Out of all the starting five, Kobe is the only dude who got the unanimous vote. I was giving Kobe his props. That's pretty freaking special if you ask me. If you have a more creative way to express love for the Kobester... feel free. That what this blog is about.
But if you decide to try (Lame a$$ attempts till count) to make fun of a fellow blogger. You might want to spell words like Spoon (SOON), Feed (FED), and figured (FUGURED) correctly.
Here is a miss-spelling for you... Nucking Foob.
Posted by: frank1rizzo | May 08, 2008 at 05:00 PM
dave m,
I agree 100%
Its a great place (Practically the only place for me) to get our Laker news.
Here's to the:
Bloggers who keep blogging...
and the Lakers who keep winning.
Posted by: frank1rizzo | May 08, 2008 at 05:03 PM
Don Rickles,
The reason Chuck hates Kobe is because Kobe is a threat to Michael Jordan's legacy.
peace
Posted by: LAKER TRUTH | May 08, 2008 at 05:08 PM
dave m,
Keep talking. We at the blog thrive on the positive energy! Whenever you feel you can contribute with a me-too, or an I love that, or some information, or an opinion, or just a hello, I hope we hear from you.
We're not that particular about staying on topic either. It's almost like the topic is always basketball and the Lakers and the topic is just to get us started for the day.
It's not my blog though so it's probably best to hear straight from the K bros their concept of the blog and not mine.
Posted by: Benjamin | May 08, 2008 at 05:11 PM
Amazing,
Thanks for the link.
I love Tim Kawakami and read him all the time at the San Jose Mercury News. He has always been a strong Kobe Bryant and Phil Jackson supporter and has taken a lot of flack for his criticisms of Don Nelson and the Warriors and his prediction that the Lakers would have easily swept the Warriors had they made the playoffs. The guy knows his stuff and is not afraid to take a stand. Outstanding journalist.
Tom
Posted by: LakerTom | May 08, 2008 at 05:18 PM
How DJ Mbenga, are his knees enough ok to block shots of Deron Williams or shove the a** of Milsap? Boozer has sharp elbows, Mbenga is a martial arts specialist who once got injured on the knee in 06-07, but can replicate a 75%Bynum in blocking, rebound and dunking. When Pau and Vlad are resting on the bench, play Mbenga and Ronny, with Kobe, Odom and Farmar that's a good 2nd stringers to neutralize any Utah's surge.
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | May 08, 2008 at 05:19 PM
Nice to see the Lakers play improving as the playoffs go on. It doesn't appear that they have peaked yet.
Posted by: exhelodrvr | May 08, 2008 at 05:23 PM
Sorry my post has a lot of chop suez sentence contruction, it is siesta time for F. Fatty and me. haha!
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | May 08, 2008 at 05:25 PM
Edwin,
Everyone loves a good MBenga sighting.
He need to improve his passing a bit though.
I think that why he doesn't get more PT.
Posted by: frank1rizzo | May 08, 2008 at 05:28 PM
Haven't got to blog in a minute because I started a new lil gig in Oregon but its all good.
The Lakers are the team of my dreams. Seriously.
Kobe playing great and Pau/Odom doing the dirty work.
I've also realized that they reason we were so harsh as a community was that we didnt realize margin of error.
The past few years, we were such a mediocre team that every mistake was big. Luke bricking, Sasha gunning, Kobe passing, Odom not shooting...EVERYTHING was a win/loss play potentially.
Now, I see we still do dumb stuff but we have a greater margin of error. I saw Kobe make a ridiculous lacksadaiscal pass last nite with about 1:30 to play. No biggie. I saw Kobe take a off-balance fadeaway J that hit the side of the glas last nite. No biggie. I saw Pau miss layups, Lamar miss layups, Walton brick. No biggie.
The team does so much good that the mistakes just arent as a big of deal.
That may not mean much to you if you havent been to the blog the last 2/3 years but to me that is just crazy!!!
Posted by: Korey | May 08, 2008 at 05:32 PM
Tim Kawakami is pretty cool. I'm a new fan of his now too.
The folks leaving comments on his site aren't so great though. I had to post 4 times to correct a number of misconceptions. Well, I didn't have to, but I did anyway.
Posted by: Benjamin | May 08, 2008 at 05:32 PM
LakerTom,
Do you really think Bynum, hurt as he is, is worth more than D-12? I'm not talking about long term potential. I'm talking about what we can predict now comparing the two.
I dig Bynum, I really do, and maybe I can even see your reasoning in not being willing to trade him for anyone, but paying more for him than D-12?
Brother, I have to draw the line somewhere. That's crazy!
Posted by: Benjamin | May 08, 2008 at 05:37 PM
GET BACK TO ME............................................. WHEN HE HAS BEEN VOTED TO THE TEAM 11 TIMES................................................. AND WHEN HE HAS A BRONZE STATUE OF HIMSELF...................................FOR ALL TO REVEL UPON ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! !
Posted by: KARL MALONE | May 08, 2008 at 05:44 PM
Kobesbad,
Patsy's is on the corner of Golden Lantern/Moulton Parkway and Crown Valley Prkwy. Behind Wendy's, 7-11 and Blockbuster Video. I and my family are pretty much regulars there. Look for a bald guy with a chin strap beard and 2 hot women (1 is 6years old) with me.
TWoody
Posted by: TWoody | May 08, 2008 at 05:50 PM
Arrrggghhhh - turned on the TV when I came home & got another eyefull of the Greenie Weenies playing against the Cavs, then the Greenie Weenies commercials, then the announcers showing replays featuring the Greenie Weenies.......seriously - ENOUGH ALREADY!!!! We know they're the media darlings, but COME ON!!! They SUCK!!!!!!!!!! They're fighting against LeBronz, they had a knock-down, drag-out series against the HAWKS of all teams for crying out loud! The Lake Show is the ONLY show still undefeated in these playoffs but do we hear anything about that???? Of course not...........I'll say it again - AARRRGGGHHHH!!!!!
GO LAKERS!
THE BEAN FOR FINALS MVP OR NO PEACE!
NO CHAMPIONSHIP - NO PEACE!
Posted by: justanothermambafan | May 08, 2008 at 05:52 PM
AK/BK - in reply to YOUR reply from last night about how you can't update the posts while driving -
C'mon guys - that's what they have drivers for! Now that you're an AWARD-WINNING site, can't you get Jeeves or James or whoever to drive you around so you can keep us all hooked up? When we have to wait longer than a few minutes for an update, we all get to buggin..... (or is it just me???) LOL!
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: justanothermambafan | May 08, 2008 at 05:55 PM
I think what's encouraging about AB is that the doctor told him to wait on surgery, because he did see improvement in the knee. That tells me something is working -- maybe not as fast as we would like, but it's working.
Posted by: HmrHed | May 08, 2008 at 05:59 PM
HmrHed,
I agree. I'll take whatever progress I can get with AB's knee.
Posted by: Benjamin | May 08, 2008 at 06:22 PM
complex brotha and others who know nothing about stats who only can defend the free throw disparity by saying the jazz lead the league in the regular season in fouls. WHY DO YOU FAIL TO MENTION THAT THE JAZZ WERE ALSO SECOND IN FREE THROWS ATTEMPTED??
oh wait, I know, cause then your argument makes no sense.
46 to 13 free throws in game 2... about the only stat the lakers won. pathetic.
Posted by: lakersnrefsforever | May 08, 2008 at 06:23 PM
Benjamin,
“I dig Bynum, I really do, and maybe I can even see your reasoning in not being willing to trade him for anyone, but paying more for him than D-12?”
I start from the premise that the knee injury to Andrew is NOT going to affect the negotiations to sign him to an extension because the true extent of the injury should be clear by the middle of summer when the extension will be signed. Obviously, if some new and unexpected issue arose with Andrew’s long team health, that changes the situation completely. But assuming the injury heals and Drew gets medical clearance, he will be signed to a contract very similar to Dwight Howard. Other than Howard, there is no other center prospect out there, including totally unproven Greg Oden, who is as good as Andrew is right now or has the long-term potential to become great as Andrew.
It has been so long since we saw Andrew play that we forget just how dominant a player he had become before his injury. The string of other top flight big men that Drew had taken to school in the first half of the season was enough for Jerry West and Kobe Bryant to declare that the Lakers had the best team in the league BEFORE trading for Pau Gasol. Stop a minute and think about that. You have a 20-year old phenom who has turned into an unstoppable force on offense and the boards and a potentially league-best shot blocker and defensive force. Drew already has the best hands and footwork of any big man in the game and a work ethic and basketball IQ modeled after Kobe Bryant.
Charles Barkley made the key point last night after the Utah game that Andrew Bynum already has established what his offensive and defensive games are, unlike most other young players who return from injury. Assuming he is fully healthy, there is no reason not to expect this young man to become the Lakers next great center and franchise player. While Pau Gasol gives the Lakers enough talent at center to compete for a championship, the Lakers still need the height, size, length, and athleticism of Andrew to truly build another Lakers dynasty. The Lakers know this and Andrew Bynum’s people know this. There is only one move for the Lakers to make and that is to sign Drew now before he becomes even more expensive. The fact that Drew missed half of the year will help the Lakers keep the offer reasonable but no way do they not recognize that Drew is a true max player in the same way that Kobe and LeBron are. He has the potential to be a far greater center for a far longer time than Shaq. He will be another Kareem IMHO.
Tom
Posted by: LakerTom | May 08, 2008 at 06:38 PM
lakersnrefsforever~
Um, no. I'm pretty sure we also won a couple of other stat categories as well.
Such as FG%, and oh yeah, total points scored.
Posted by: Happy Camper | May 08, 2008 at 06:53 PM
benjamin - thanks. i do chime in from time to time, but usually only on odd-numbered days in single-syllable months. or, if the topic has to do with slava or penberthy. or, when debating mike t but i think he left the blog during a four-syllable month, due to the tragic trade of the kwamster.
Posted by: dave m | May 08, 2008 at 07:13 PM
Frank Rizzo,
I agree with you complete that's the 25% he's missing from Bynum's ability. Well, as soon as he gets the ball the guards should get back the ball from him, his presence will be for D only. There will be a dog fight in Utah, we can't afford to give them GAme 3 but let's donate Game 4 so that Jerry Buss could earn his dough.
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | May 08, 2008 at 07:52 PM
Posted by: lakersnrefsforever | May 08, 2008 at 06:23 PM
Once again for the morons in the group. How about field goal percentage?????
Posted by: pslakerfan | May 08, 2008 at 08:12 PM
LakerTom,
Kenny Smith made that point. Not Barkley.
Posted by: Korey | May 08, 2008 at 09:26 PM
has anybody posted what they did to Charles Barkley? Pretty funny:
http://tinyurl.com/4868om
Posted by: TaosHum | May 08, 2008 at 02:01 PM
Yes and also funny was the bug in the coffee mug.
Posted by: JustaLakerFan | May 08, 2008 at 10:18 PM
LakerTom,
As I always I appreciate your extremely well-articulated thoughts. Bynum looked great for a bit there, I agree. But to me, it seemed like maybe 2/3 of his season that didn't even last half of the season. To assume that with the many injuries he's had with the Lakers so far, particularly this last big one, he will even play for the Lake show more than 50 games a year seems highly presumptuous. Even with Bynum's flashes, I'm still more impressed with D-12, the youngest rebounding leader in NBA history. I see a significantly greater amount of risk with Bynum than I do with D-12 and I believe even at Bynum's peak, D-12 has still consistently outperformed him while still gradually improving his game (under the tutelage of the great Patrick Ewing).
I appreciate your GHF perspective on the kid and I can't knock it because anyone that predicted this season for the Lakers was a pretty hardcore GHFer.
I'm going to agree to disagree with you on this one.
I hope you're right and not me and that all the risk I see is just me playing the conservative old fogie (I'm not that old, but I can think that way, see?)--that same guy that didn't draft Amare very high in my fantasy league because of his pre-season knee surgery which was like the 4th in 3 years.
Posted by: Benjamin | May 08, 2008 at 10:25 PM
Jack Nickolson,
I'll stop my bias against China as soon as they stop doing everything they can to block United Nations action against Darfur/Sudan and Burma.
The Chinese regime is indirectly responsible for genocide in Burma and Darfur and is directly responsible for genocide in Tibet and Xiyang.
And, by the way, China is now the number one polluter in the world and the greatest force for accelerating climate change.
AND THEY'RE COMMUNISTS! When did you become a Commie loving, pinko, Jack Nickolson?
You can keep your head in the sand, but I won't.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | May 09, 2008 at 07:44 AM