A whole new ball game?
The popular saying is that a series doesn't truly begin until a team loses one on its home court, a saying that the Utah Jazz is taking to heart this evening as it preps for game 3 (6:00 pm PST, ESPN). But even if the notion that L.A. merely held serve is indeed the case, that doesn't mean a shift of venues works as a Robitussin-style cure all. Only thirteen teams in NBA history have pulled out a series after falling behind, 2-0. Of course, there's a difference between long odds and impossible ones, a fact this Utah squad knows via firsthand experience. They also come armed with a coach who knows a thing or two about teaching an effective pick and roll. Plus, they consider themselves in possession of an ace in the hole, an arena with everything from deafening volume to a motorcycling bear that's capable of creating a boxed in effect on the home team. That boisterous crowd isn't afraid to get in a player's ear, even ex-Jazzman Derek Fisher, whose 365-day-old story is considered inspirational by everyone but the SLC residents (and speaking of anniversaries, nearly 11 years ago to the day, Kobe Bryant used a high-profile failure in Utah to gain wisdom for a brilliant career).
So how will the Lakers look to counter this admittedly tough obstacle? For starters, they can take a page from Coach Dale Norman's Hickory High play book, which involves a tape measure and some calm perspective. Matching or even besting Utah's numbers on the boards would also be a plus, although the Lakers have already started moving in the right direction. It also wouldn't hurt to note the lack of believable swagger in the voice of their opponents. The one approach they shouldn't apply, however, is a game plan involving the services of Trevor Ariza. The latest CAT scan shows damage still lingering, which will force him to miss at least two more weeks before getting medical clearance.
The average Kobe fan's allegiance can border on zealotry, in the eyes of those on the outside looking in. Of course, the first time The Logo looked in Bryant's direction, he was pretty much hooked, too. After all the ups and downs, the roller-coaster rides and titles, Bryant has become family for many a Laker enthusiast.
Marge Hearn says Chick would be enjoying this run. The Lakers' first lady would know.
The NBA playoffs may be where amazing happens, but is the NHL postseason even more amazing-er?
If Mike D'Antoni really wants to prove he and his system wasn't the problem in Phoenix, he'll make it work with the Knicks, who put their offer on the table (depending on how much much stock you put in an ESPN report, that is). Or he could just take the easy (or as some would call it, "sane") route and take a gig in Chicago.
Mamba,
Great job on roll call. Rip their hearts out tonight and finish them off on Sunday. Go, Lakers.
Tom
Posted by: LakerTom | May 09, 2008 at 12:18 PM
Magic Man"Me, is your first name Bite? Cause that's what you can do"
CLASSIC! LOL!
Posted by: MAMBA24 | May 09, 2008 at 12:19 PM
Charles,
What is the inside influence of Eric Pincus of Hoopsworld has, that AK/BK do not have? Perhaps, a little payola for the messengers, secretaries and nurses, we can obtain the first hand news.
This is the game where we need Trevor badly that is an away game and in Utah who are stingy in giving out W to any team, Lakers got to dig for it. If the 4th Q performance of Deron is aligned with the first half production of Milsap, then this will be a close game. Lakers should take game 3. This is like a race in climbing Mt. Everest, don't give them any edge to revved up their fighting spirit that they can pass the Lakers, no matter how stiff the climb, Lakers got to be ahead at all times. The harder the struggle, the greater will be the triumph.
Last night on TNT, the broadcasters were anticipating the first loss of the Lakers tonight. Unfortunately, they were well informed and not reading the posts of the Great Mind, (the equivalent of Chad Ford/Mark Heisler combined into one) in the Lakers Blog. Prediction on the Playoffs - The future has been determined 16 - 0 Sweep, Laker has to go with the process of playing games for the media to record. Read this blog, it's all over folks, relax and sit comfortably because God is a Laker fan. Let's just discuss salary contracts, disputes for next season. Lmao!
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | May 09, 2008 at 12:20 PM
Jesterguru - Happy Birthday!
Frank -- I'm guessing you're from Philly. That's where I grew up.
Now, on to the GAME! I'm surprised so little has been written about the need for great Defense tonight. Spending most of 48 minutes trading baskets on Utah's home court won't get the job done IMHO. I'm still concerned about Gasol and the way he was getting "owned" for much of Game 2. I also hope D-Fish has been spending a lot of time giving Farmar pointers on D, as well. The Lakers have already acknowledged the need to get off to a good start, and that's a good thing. At the end of the day, the Lakers are the better team. Demonstrating it convincingly tonight will put the dagger in Utah's heart, and they'll be left bleeding alongside the NBA highway next to all the other pretenders. Go Lakers!
Posted by: Rick Friedman | May 09, 2008 at 12:21 PM
HEY LEAVE LEBRON ALONE, HE'S GOT FAMILY TO FEED.!!!
LMAO.
Mel:"Thorpe says Jazz will win, Accuscore has us at 39% chance to win. I like our odds."
NOW THAT'S WHAT I'M TALKING ABOUT
A.O."Can someone line up a blue hornet in tights, so we can extinguish that thing too?"
LOL!
HEY TSIRY! I'M WITH YOU!
Posted by: Mamba24 | May 09, 2008 at 12:26 PM
Jester,
Another year older. Another year of rain. Wait, there it is. Lakers sunshine for your birthday. You are going to enjoy all the Bynum-Oden matchups.
Tom
Posted by: LakerTom | May 09, 2008 at 12:27 PM
Chick was the MJ, Kobe, Bird, Magic - take your pick of announcers - now we are stuck with Joel Myers - the Smush Parker of broadcasters! Life just isn't fair sometimes!!!!!
We miss you Chick!
Eagleboy
Posted by: Eagleboy | May 09, 2008 at 12:28 PM
Hey Mamba24, we are not choosy on those T Shirts....
They sell at Los Angeles Streets 5 for 10 blank colored shirts, blog can buy that in bulk and put it on a silk screen & print the pictures of AK/BK. It hits 3 birds with one stone, we got the shirt, blog promotion and the message that we all belonged only to one mold, the original whack jobs were really AK/BK. lol!
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | May 09, 2008 at 12:35 PM
First of all, stop wasting possible positive space on this blog stressing over not having Bynum or Ariza. The Lakers have enough talent, and more importantly team chemistry, to win this thing with the personnel they have active right now.
The trade for Ariza was a good one whether he plays in the playoffs this year or not. Getting rid of a 6'10" guy who does not defend or rebound really needed to be done. If he missed his first shot, there was absolutely nothing he could possibly contribute to a game. If for no other reason getting rid of Brian What's His Name, who couldn't make Orlando's active roster,made the trade a good one. While Mo Evans was a good athlete, he was stopping the MACHINE from getting playing time, and that's worked out pretty well for the Lakes, also. The trade was a good one becase of what it subtracted from the team, even if Ariza's potential is never realized.
Last, it really does not matter who starts the game (Sasha, Rad-Man, Luke, etc.). Phil has a knack of determining who should finish the game, based on what happened throughout. As long as you have the right players on the floor to finish the game, the rest is just setting the table.
Posted by: bruzer | May 09, 2008 at 12:39 PM
Mamba24,
That's such a good poem on the roll call, amazing!!
Are you a rapper by any chance? Someone with music ability needs to make it into a song..
Posted by: moko | May 09, 2008 at 12:42 PM
THE FASTEST 100 POST ON RECORD!!! EVERYBODY GIVE THE
KAMBROTHERS A HAND!!! CLAP CLAP CLAP CLAP CLAP
Posted by: mamba24 | May 09, 2008 at 12:43 PM
Hahaha, Bourgeois Bitch-Slap. That's awesome.
Posted by: Emma | May 09, 2008 at 12:44 PM
Thanks Moko! Not a Rapper, just playing around.
Edwin:"Hey Mamba24, we are not choosy on those T Shirts...."
I VOTE AYE! LOL!
EAGLEBOY:"Joel Myers - the Smush Parker of broadcasters!"
ROFLMAO!!!!
*________________________________*
Happy Birthday JesterGuru BandWagon
*________________________________*
(01) Mamba24 - Owner
(02) Toad – Driver
(03) Charles – Party Director
(04) Edwin Gueco – A Party Animal
(05) Jamie Sweet – Director of confections
(06) Janaya – Designated Driver
(07) JustAnotherMambaFan – Director of BandWagon Safety
(08) Fatty - Will Hitch a ride after finishing domestic duties.
(09) Pig Miller - Bringing Fresh Roasted troll for the Buffet
(10) Jon K. -- Dit Da Jow for Everyone!
(11) LakerLegacy - WingMan
(12) LakerTom - Commanded the Sun to shine for Jesters Birthday.
Posted by: Mamba24 | May 09, 2008 at 12:49 PM
People like you have ruined America the once great bastion of liberty,being shredded by the anarchy of liberalism.Give a break,good luck sir.
Posted by: Josh T.
hey man, if you don't like america why don't you just leave. love it or leave it.
Posted by: machiavelly | May 09, 2008 at 12:51 PM
psychedlakergirl-
As soon as the they tip-off, "I'm going to Lakerland! Bye!'
Thanks, it's the best way to quickly explain to someone that I can't be bothered, and I apologize if I cannot hear what you are saying, because I am not here, I am at the game, even if you physically see my body here, I am not here.
Posted by: Amazing_Happens | May 09, 2008 at 12:58 PM
Personally, I'm uncomfortable handing the keys to the kingdom to an unproven, young center.
Something interesting from today's chat:
Danny Tulare, CA: If the Lakers were to win or even make the NBA finals without Andrew Bynum. Would it make sense to trade him for say a Shawn Marion. I feel Lamar is better suited to play the four spot and with Andrew back; Lamar would creat spacing issues because he is not an outside shooter. Andrew is still a few years from realizing his full potential and getting Marion in his prime would make a scary line up for opponets: PG Fisher SG-Bryant SF-Marion PF-Odom C- Gasol
J.A. Adande: (3:55 PM ET ) That would be a good move because Marion would help the defense and he showed in Phoenix he could be effective surviving on the scraps leftover from the other players and not having his number called. And in the triangle offense he'd get more touches.
========================
If his knee issues disappear completely, I'm all for waiting for Bynum to ascend to elite status.
Posted by: mel | May 09, 2008 at 12:59 PM
Meh. Thorpe is silly. Lakers win.
Posted by: "Pig" Miller | May 09, 2008 at 01:03 PM
From the "Nothing You Can Do About It Now" Department: It's no use crying over spilled milk, but before everyone heaps all this praise on Mitch K. for his brilliant schemes, maybe he should look a little closer before he leaps. He should have had T.A.'s medical history and his physical condition checked out thoroughly before pulling the trigger on the Mo Evans trade. But then I guess if he used the same Docs that said T.A. and Drew would make it back in 8 wks., they would have ok'ed the trade anyway.
Nevertheless, Mo was quite happy here being a Laker and has since showed his worth in Orlando. 9.3 PPG during the season and 8.0 during the playoffs and 3 RPG. Not too shabby. And Cookie? 5 PPG and 2.2 RPG in 45 games with the Magic. So, that's 14.3 PPG and 5.2 RPG that Mitch traded away for T.A. who hasn't been able to give the Lakers anything since early January.
Don't get me wrong. I like T.A. He's a heck of a defender, but he's injury-prone and a slow healer. I know it's not his fault. It's genetic
But I like Mo, too. He was a hard worker and looking forward to being a Laker this year.
So, Mitch, do your homework next time. Unless, of course, it was PJ who wanted you to make the trade, then all is forgiven. BTW, Thanks for Gasol.
Posted by: lotecq | May 09, 2008 at 01:05 PM
I understand that Mitch and/or PJ got TA because of his defensive skills at the 3 position, and I also understand that Vlad is a bust there defensively. And I really like TA's gamer. All that is a given. But it doesn't change the fact that the Mitch and the team docs should have checked him out thoroughly just like Phoenix did with Shaq before finalizing the deal. Especially since TA had a medical history. Now, do you have a problem with that?
Posted by: lotecq | May 09, 2008 at 01:14 PM
Thorpe's very thorough in his analysis, but it's basically a crap shoot. Any of these teams could beat anybody.
I'm just hoping Gasol comes out strong.
I think the Jazz will revert to their bruising style of play from Game 1. They tried to back off in Game 2 and we still lived at the line.
The Lakers need to be aggressive from the outset and get these guys into foul trouble and keep the crowd from getting into it.
I want to see defeat in their eyes like we saw in Denver's.
Posted by: mel | May 09, 2008 at 01:23 PM
Mel,
Those sports columnists are tempting the Lakers to lose the distinct advantage by trading the B52 wide span of wings with the Smart car, Marion is a smart player but he's a salary cap disaster, if Jerry Buss gets Marion, with Kob, LO and Pau, then JB will be seen begging for more money along Figueroa. Potentially, those 4 guys can reach to 70M, that's almost luxury tax threshold.
Tonight, I heard David Archuleta will sing the National Anthem, the kid is from Utah. Brooks and Mercado of American Idol are also watching if they can overthrow the favorite. If he sides with Jazz, he's no longer the favorite because Paula is an avid Laker fan.
Will the Utah fans boo D'Fish? Were they booing him last time because he left the Jazz or because he just settled with only one wife? Why boo Fisher, he's not Kwame?
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | May 09, 2008 at 01:24 PM
Iis it 6 P.M. yet? What an exciting Friday!
Streak will continue tonight folks.
Posted by: Laker Bandit | May 09, 2008 at 01:30 PM
Game day in Lakerville!!!!
Mamba24.....
Thanks for the real, authentic ROLL CALL!! Nobody does it better!!
Jesterguru...Many happy returns! The Show will celebrate your b'day with a victory tonight!
Posted by: bronxlakerfan | May 09, 2008 at 01:38 PM
Eagleboy,
You are absolutely right. We are enjoying the fruits of the playoffs but it is really incomplete, we missed the voice of the Lakers. I reckoned the days when we turned off the TV audio and go with play-by-play radio feed of Chick, sometimes Chick was way ahead of the video and we knew Shaq made the free throw while they showed on TV wiping his forehead. Joel Myers and Stu are no longer broadcasting in the second round, I thought they were gone even during the season. Their broadcasts make us all sleep and for the first time I put them in mute whenever they interview a celebrity when the game is on play. That's a no-no for Chickie baby, Laker games are always the priorities, not even a short commercial could over rule Chick. The one on the radio, Dedes, his voice appears like he's always crying. whoaa! Well, I think Jeanie Buss would look into this in the off-season. I'm sure there are plenty of Los Angelinos who could put up a better broadcast, someone who is young, energetic and an avid Laker fan who is a walking Lakerpedia or even former Lakers. Joel and Stu should just apply for their social security checks. lol!
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | May 09, 2008 at 01:41 PM
Edwin,
I've watched a little this year (the last 10 minutes of each show) and I was dismayed to find out that the girl I liked (the one with the blond hair and could play the piano) went home.
David Archulleta and the Castro boy are weak singers. I'm so glad Castro went home. It was like looking at Scarlett Johansen with a wig.
None of the final 3 have star power. I guess the guy with the spiky hair is the best left.
Posted by: | May 09, 2008 at 01:43 PM
Im still pissed I have a meeting til 730 tonight! ARRRGGGGGGHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
TWoody
Posted by: TWoody | May 09, 2008 at 01:43 PM
Happy Birthday JesterMan!
I can do his bandwagon Mamba24!
TWoody
Posted by: TWoody | May 09, 2008 at 01:45 PM
What's up Lakerville!
Time to get win #7 and put the Jazz in a hole so far down they won't see the sun shine.
Rose,
"I would pretend they were cheering for me.... " LOL!
frank1rizzo,
OFFENSE... CLAP CLAP
OFFENSE... CLAP CLAP!
Actually, that's what I cheer when we're on the road and the home crowd is cheering deeefense. Not lame at all! LOL
Go Lakers!
Posted by: SamLL | May 09, 2008 at 01:46 PM
you can put me down on the Birthday band wagon as - dined with Kobe yesterday at Maestros on Newport Coast to give him some pointers offensivly!
Posted by: TWoody | May 09, 2008 at 01:47 PM
it's cute to see all the bandwagoners in love with Fish. I remember right before he left the lakers how these same boards were filled with hatred towards him over his crappy shooting, etc. And now look.. not only is he loved again but loved with a self righteousness (e.g., how dare you boo fish!) befitting the world class hypocrites that you are.
Posted by: lakenbake | May 09, 2008 at 01:48 PM
Tom,
"Another year older. Another year of rain. Wait, there it is. Lakers sunshine for your birthday. You are going to enjoy all the Bynum-Oden matchups."
Thanks, brother. And the funny thing is, for the first time all week in PDX, the sun IS shining. Blog-God-Sync-Think?
And man, I am just about salivating thinking of playoff matchups with the Blazers the next few years. One of these days real soon I am going to walk out of that arena loving a Lakers series win -- and that'll make up for all the regular season losses. Oh yeah.
Posted by: Jesterguru | May 09, 2008 at 01:48 PM
Twoody,
"Im still pissed I have a meeting til 730 tonight!"
In Vegas?
Best,
Posted by: Charles | May 09, 2008 at 01:50 PM
Edwin Gueco
I couldn't agree with you more.......why on earth anyone would listen to J.A. Adande is a mystery to me.
Mel
Just because someone has a platform from which to write doesn't validate that person's opinion.
I challenge you to do a little research on J.A. Adande or most of these sportswriters.......and what you will find is an 8th grader who was cut from the badminton team and who lost their fantasy girlfriend to the Varsity quarterback
Trade Bynum for Marion........Absurd!!
Posted by: pfunk36 | May 09, 2008 at 01:50 PM
Im hoping for the win today. Utah is tough at home..but who isn't (Atlanta anyone?) Its all about execution..and running the triangle consistantly. ATTACK! ATTACK! ATTACK! Don't settle for to many jumpers! LO has been good about not shooting but going to the rim. If for some reason we can't pull it out tonight..please..please..please..don't start up the typical trade machine b.s. of (We should trade x player for y player) after a loss. I don't mind a loss..as long as we come back harder and stronger.
Posted by: lakeraholic | May 09, 2008 at 01:51 PM
BTW, I loved Bill Dwyer's column today. I thought it was quite poetic -- and subtly snarky in places, sure -- but I even wrote him and give him props. I told him it's nice to see a writer at the Times who still understands and appreciates all the buzz about Kobe and the Lakers. Without drama and idolization it wouldn't be Hollywood.
Posted by: Jesterguru | May 09, 2008 at 01:52 PM
with all due respect to the blog veteranos,
whats up with all the polygamist jokes? Some of you need to be educated. As far as I know most of SLC is not even Mormon. The outer cities of Utah are the cities that have the higher Mormon population. Another thing is that I doubt that the FUNDAMENTALIST Mormons which do practice polygamy wouldnt even go to a Jazz game. why don't you keep this blog basketball related only.
btw: again i say this with all due respect. i've been reading for about 2 years now.
Posted by: darock | May 09, 2008 at 01:53 PM
Eagle Edwin
Imagine the excitement from Chick with the Development of the bench?
What his commentary would've been with the beginning of the season leading up to now?
*sigh* Miss you Chick!
Posted by: Charles | May 09, 2008 at 01:54 PM
TWoody,
Feign sickness at around 4:45pm. It also helps if you have some family member to call in and say there is a family emergency!!
Hope this helps!
Posted by: Robyn | May 09, 2008 at 02:02 PM
I havn't been able to keep with the blog much of late, so forgive me if this post is similar to someone else's or redundant in its content.
I believe in serendipity and fate. The unfortunate circumstance of Tatum Fisher's eye disease had the beneficial consequence of allowing her father to return to his professional basketball roots in Los Angeles. The news of her continuing recovery make this a feel good story of epic proportions to me.
As I watched these 2 Western Conference heavyweights square off in the first two games of theis series, the thought of how fortunate the Lakers are to have Derek Fisher on their side has occured to me many times.
Imagine if you will, this series if DFish was still a member of the Jazz. Instead of the Lakers benefitting because of his intimate knowledge of the Utah offense, The Jazz would reap the rewards of his experience with the Laker's triangle offense. His toughness and defensive tenacity would be being used against Kobe, Sasha and JFarm instead of what we see now: him slowing down Deron Williams.
Fish's professionalism, maturity and big game cojones are a major swing factor in this series. He has allowed Kobe to blossom into an even better player. The on court synergy and basketball brotherhood that Kobe and Fish share is a joy to watch. I'm glad that the Lakers have Derek Fisher on their side once again. He never should have been allowed to leave.
Posted by: bronxlakerfan | May 09, 2008 at 02:04 PM
Punks must pay.
GO Lakers!
Posted by: Faith | May 09, 2008 at 02:07 PM
Edwin,
I didnt realize that the K Bros were also on American Idol blog duty as well. They never cease to amaze me with their talents!!!
: )
TWoody
Posted by: TWoody | May 09, 2008 at 02:10 PM
Jesterguru,
Thanks! I'm glad you're enjoyed it.
And Happy Birthday buddy!
Posted by: Benjamin | May 09, 2008 at 02:14 PM
Bynum for Marion is shockingly stupid. First, Marion is a known locker room cancer when he doesn't get to be "the man." Does anyone really think that we'll run the offense through him above Kobe and Gasol? Does anyone remember how well he creates his own offense?
If he kept his mouth shut and played like he did last season, he'd be great...but, were that the case...It's still ludicrous. Are we forgetting how huge and long and...well, GOOD Bynum is? Hello? We want to trade him because he'll cause spacing issue for Lamar? Um, no. Trade Lamar and keep the franchise center (That said, I genuinely hope that Lamar retires a Laker with multiple rings, all-star appearances, etc.).
Bynum with Gasol is a crushingly dominant frontcourt. Let Phil and Tex deal with spacing issues and maximizing talent.
Anyway,
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Cameron | May 09, 2008 at 02:18 PM
How did Josh T. manage to find a working computer, much less string together an understandable sentence, whilst living among the backwood sticks of our glorious libertarian country?
Exercise your liberty my man. But, by god do you sound like an idiot. Please stay out of L.A. We embrace diversity here.
Posted by: S.Tan | May 09, 2008 at 02:18 PM
" I'm glad that the Lakers have Derek Fisher on their side once again. He never should have been allowed to leave."
(Posted by: bronxlakerfan | May 09, 2008 at 02:04 PM )
broxlakerfan,
As you can see, God is a Laker Fan. It was Devine Providence that steered D-Fish to the Jazz, and then to bring him back to the Lakers for this series!
Hallelujah!!!
Posted by: Robyn | May 09, 2008 at 02:21 PM
I know I must be obsessed, because I just watched the last 3 minutes of regulation and all of overtime of the 2006 Playoffs Game 4 Lakers vs Suns, when Kobe made the game winning jumper.
I got chills watching that, thinking of how much Odom, Walton, Sasha, and Kobe have all gone through. It's weird to see Sasha with short hair. It's a different experience, kind of like watching the first Star Wars again, knowing what lays in store for characters in the future.
In retrospect, Kobe seems less himself back then, still trying to prove everyone wrong, still putting up that "front". He seems stronger today, more poised, and more sure of his ultimate capabilities. I have more appreciation for Odom's contributions, he was key even back then. And I had forgotten that Devean and Smush made huge, huge threes in regulation to keep the Lakers in the game. Kwame was Kwame, though.
These guys really have been through some battles together. It would seem that this series can help them even today, to remind them that they can be up 3-1 and still lose it all.
But that moment when Kobe hits that last shot over Diaw and Bell is pure ecstasy. I love watching the reactions of different fans, how you see some of them start to stand in anticipation of the shot, and their pure joy when it goes in. Phil's reaction is priceless. He leans forward in his high chair as the shot is released, and when it goes in, he stays seated, but leans wayyy back, head tilted upward, and folds his arms. I can't tell for sure, but it looks like he was heaving a gargantuan sigh of relief.
16...15...14...13...12...11...
Posted by: Amazing_Happens | May 09, 2008 at 02:21 PM
LakenBake
I don't believe there was ever a single fan who despised Fish for leaving the Lakers. Matter of fact it was the Lakers who dropped him.
By the way, this board did not exist at that time. We always loved Fish. Go away and spin stories on the Miami board. Try to make them remember, falsely, that they earned their championship.
Posted by: S.Tan | May 09, 2008 at 02:21 PM
Open letter to Benjamin
like how the article about Sloan talks about what a reliable tough taskmaster he was, but neglects to mention what a raging homophobe he was. It seems fairly likely he would have had a better team had he given Jon Amechi some playing time.
The old-fashioned guys sometimes harken back to the good old days, the good old days of bigotry.
Posted by: Benjamin | May 09, 2008 at 09:54 AM
Why don't you leave your politics and political correctness's for another blog.Most folks would not agree with your statement (proud Americans in the Red States).People like you have ruined America the once great bastion of liberty,being shredded by the anarchy of liberalism.Give a break,good luck sir.
Posted by: Josh T. | May 09, 2008 at 11:30 AM
I find it ironic that I wasn't being entirely political, that you told me not to be political, then you go on some purely political GOP rant.
I doubt that my opining that a basketball player should be judged based on his play and not his sexual orientation is ruining America.
Some people are bigots and I accept that. Really I do. The problem I had with the article is how one-sided it was. The problem I had with Sloan is that he allowed his bigotry to most likely hurt his team. I don't like that he's a bigot, but it's not like I feel I have any say in the matter.
As for agreeing with my statement, the very paper that hosts this blog published an article in the last few years that showed a marked increase in acceptance of homosexuality in the last 20 years. All indications are that the anti-gay bigots are in the minority.
Was my post a little tangential? Sure. But, it gives some of us non-bigots another reason to pump up our rivalry against Utah and a more complete picture of our enemy's off-court leader.
Posted by: Benjamin | May 09, 2008 at 02:28 PM
Charles,
I am still at home today. Vegas will be on Sunday. I will be watching there for sure. Find a sports book and park it for a few hours.
Anyone else going to be out there? Someone has to be in Vegas representing. I guess its just me.
Robyn
Not a work meeting but if we dont go tonight, we dont have a sitter the next few weeks. I wish I could though.
Be thinking of me though.
TWoody
Posted by: | May 09, 2008 at 02:32 PM
Simi Laker Girl,
"Yes, they have the best home record in the NBA...... BUT....We have the best team in the NBA and the best Player in the NBA.
Thats alot more than the mormons have going for them. "
Mormon does not equal Jazz fan. In fact, I wouldn't be surprised in the least bit if there are more Mormon Laker fans than Mormon Jazz fans. Much of SoCal was settled by Mormons and is a pretty dominant religion in that area.
Just a thought.
Posted by: Long Live Chick | May 09, 2008 at 02:33 PM