If you're looking for insight into Kobe's back, call Ronny
According to Derek Fisher, the Lakers as a whole are pretty savvy when it comes to assessing via body language Kobe's ability to play through injury. Most of them have played with Kobe for at least a few seasons and have become familiar with certain physical tendencies. Thus, through careful observance, it becomes more evident how much agony is involved and how limited he will or won't be. Sometimes, that ability to read Bryant can even come off the court as well, and Fish labels Turiaf as the "most perceptive guy that can kind of figure things out." The most recent example of Ronny's intuition came during Kobe's MVP press conference. "(Kobe) was tapping the side of the podium. Ronny and I turned to each other and he was the first to say, "Kobe is really nervous." He never gets nervous, but just by that tapping of the fingers, Ronny could pick up on the fact that he was nervous. Thirty seconds later, Kobe said he was nervous."
From there, Ronny correctly deduced that Kobe would actually keep his trophy in lieu of putting it on EBay, but I don't necessarily think it was the boldest of calls.
But despite the purple and gold group mind at work, Fish acknowledges that full disclosure with Kobe's back could be tough to come by. Whether because he doesn't want the enemy knowing too much or his teammates trying too hard to compensate, Kobe's up there with Sean Connery (or George Lazenby, if "On her Majesty's Secret Service" is your favorite Bond flick) when it comes to keeping sensitive info under wraps. "Even he will be secretive if there are some limitations to his game. That's not even something that he'll necessarily tell us. He's the best at kind of being a chameleon in terms of taking what his limitations are and his weaknesses, so to speak, and then still figuring out a way to play a strong game and make a positive contribution." But however forthright Kobe is regarding the discomfort, there is one truism Fisher is counting on come Wednesday night.
"We know when he suits up, that he's going to help us."
I'll say this much. Whatever info remains unknown about Kobe's back, it's not for a lack of being asked. After describing his back as "a lot better than it was yesterday," but still in "quite a bit" of pain and that he would definitely play tomorrow, Kobe was continually peppered for more details, many of which could be answered with yes or no.
Did you shoot at all today? "No."
Could you have played tonight if need be? "Yes."
Are there any circumstances that would keep him from playing? "No."
Kobe really enjoyed the brevity afforded to him. "I like this," smiled Bryant. "This is awesome." So in other words, this style of inquiry is putting you in a good mood? "Yes," laughed Kobe. The most creative yes/no question: Could he have lifted the MVP trophy over his head if it were presented today? No dice. Chuckled Kobe, "I'd just leave it on the table and look at it."
As I texted BK earlier, Trevor Ariza has been cleared for practices without restrictions of any kind. The bone in his foot hasn't completely healed, but it's also may very well be as healed up as it'll ever be, and the chances of re-fracturing it are considered remote. From here, Ariza getting on the court was described as both a conditioning issue and a coach's decision. I didn't see Ariza after practice, so I didn't get a chance to ask him how close to "game shape" he considers himself. But as far as actual PT goes, while Phil Jackson acknowledged today's workout was essentially Ariza looking to "shake off three months of rust," he didn't have a concrete idea when I asked if he pictured Ariza limited to spot duty or actually reentering the rotation.
"I don't know. Vladdy (Radmanovic) has not played well in the last two games and we need somebody to step into that position and that's a position (Ariza) plays. I'm not holding it out as an opportunity for him to step right into it, but we like Luke (Walton) in the role he's at, coming off the bench and giving us some input. Finishing games for us. We'll see what comes, if Vladdy can't right his game here."
Over the years, PJ has often been accused of "sending messages to the players through the media." I'm gonna go out on a limb and say this would be one of those instances.
Finally, the long silence you hear at the end of Jackson's audio is him shaking his head (and looking a bit annoyed) when I asked if the team had heard anything official whether Turiaf would be suspended over Game 4's flagrant foul/ejection. Personally, I'd be stunned if that happened and I'd actually read a brief item in an SLC rag that no punishment was coming, but I was curious if the team had gotten any formal word.
AUDIO
- Kobe Bryant: Download kobe_bryant_051308_practice.mp3
- Ronny Turiaf: Download ronny_turiaf_051308_practice.mp3
- Phil Jackson: Download phil_jackson_051308_practice.mp3
- Sasha Vujacic: Download sasha_vujacic_051308_practice.mp3
- Derek Fisher: Download derek_fisher_051308_practice.mp3
AK
Nice write up, AK.
So, it looks like Phil is a little annoyed with Rad Vlad. Understandable. According to Bio-Chrono, Rad Vlad processes almost everything in his life from a primarily mental perspective. He's been called a "Space Cadet" because it's easy for him to get caught up in his head.
Strength: When focused he is a formidable opponent and able to accomplish feats others of similar athletic ability would not be able to accomplish.
Weakness: When unfocused he becomes easily plagued by self-doubts, hesitancy, and tends to engage in self-sabatoging behavior.
In short, he would really benefit from a sports psychologist or a hypnotherapist.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | May 13, 2008 at 05:51 PM
In short, he would really benefit from a sports psychologist or a hypnotherapist.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | May 13, 2008 at 05:51 PM
Sounds like a job for PJ, doesn't it?
--Fearless
Posted by: Fearless | May 13, 2008 at 06:06 PM
Sounds like a job for PJ, doesn't it?
--Fearless
No this sounds like job for a doctor. Doctor Buss.
Posted by: Blue shield | May 13, 2008 at 06:20 PM
Great update, Andrew. Thanks.
It's really encouraging to hear that Trevor has been cleared. I'm glad he's feeling better.
I can't wait to see him back on the court; I hope he can get back into the flow as soon as possible.
And I agree with Jon K.; I feel like Vlad's problems are all mental. When he's hot, focused, he's GREAT. I really want to see him at the top of his game. He needs to realize these are the playoffs and it's just NOT the right time to bring out his insecurities and hesitance.
One thing I really can't stand (along with many other Lakers fans, I'm sure) is inconsistency, and that's been our main issue this season. Ugh!
I hope we can work past that soon.
Go Lakers!
Posted by: Alena | May 13, 2008 at 06:25 PM
Whatever happened with Bynum?
Didn't he go see a doctor last week?
What's his story now?
Posted by: YOU CAN'T HANDLE THE TRUTH | May 13, 2008 at 06:41 PM
You can blame Vlade's problems on PJ.
You just don't go from being the solid player with a dead-eye shot, as he was with Seattle and the Clippers to a complete air-head who looks like he has never played the game.
PJ is the greatest con-man the basketball world has ever seen.
Posted by: YOU CAN'T HANDLE THE TRUTH | May 13, 2008 at 06:48 PM
I can handle the truth. You're just not writing any.
Go back to your Jazz blog, and take the rest of the trolls with you. Fire32 can stay, though. He, at least, has intelligent things to say (and I think he might be converting to a full-blown Lakers fan).
Go Lake Show!
Posted by: The Outlaw | May 13, 2008 at 07:17 PM
Well now the Magic are gone ..JUST LIKE THAT......
Prince just proved once again how good he can play D...
The guy loves those blocks.Its becoming his trademark ....
GO LAKERS...
Posted by: Thirty2 | May 13, 2008 at 07:20 PM
After a 2-2 series, suddenly, Ariza can play. I don't have to add to it so as to avoid of being misinterpreted.
With regards to Vlad, there is no point on getting mad at the player just because his shots are on vacation. He helps in rebounds and assists but his defense is what it was, when he was a Sonics or a Clipper. Perhaps, there is truth to what Jon K said that there could be self sabotaging to this demotivated player. Too bad, he's tall at 6'10'' and a good shooter, he has shown during the late of the season that he could play D until PJ plays Zen psychology with him. Have you noticed when Sasha, Farmar and Vlad make those 10 pts each contribution, the team always win the game. Unfortunately, Vlad is not an American, he's an east european family oriented people, callous with tragedies in life of endless racial strife under Tito then disintegration of the Balkan countries. They are very sensitive and emotional people but you won't see it from his face but more from his game. I think Kobe, LO, Fish and Pau could remedy the situation, they could invite Vlad to come back to their fold and make him feel important again, but to call him a space cadet, an "on and off" player, a snowboard player, a tradeable commodity in summer - I don't think you need that kind of motivation to your child to work for good grades or shall we say the desired behavior. A good coach is like the weather, he can be cold or hot, wet or dry, windy or warm, and its effects to humans, it could be constructive or destructive...it comes in different moods, style depending on the call of the moment. Good players adjust to this changing patterns because they are aware it is just part of nature. Once you planted an Ego that you are above the fray, then you are inviting unfavorable reactions, chemistry is severely hampered and unknowingly, strained relationship exist. Just my take as a person who was not born in this country, I value social intrapersonal relationships or so called S.I.R. patterns of a person, I don't know whether that is a fairly accurate observation.
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | May 13, 2008 at 07:33 PM
watching the Orlando-Detroit game, and Howard is dropping passes and losing the ball like crazy!!
I'm watching and going "theres no way Bynum would drop that"
never knew it, but aparently Dwight has small hands
Posted by: joninjapan(incanada) | May 13, 2008 at 07:49 PM
Sasha is doing well for PJ. Toni Kukoc, a Croatian, did well for PJ. Vlad apparently does not understand the triangle. Whether it is from a lack of effort or a lack of "basketball IQ", or maybe that he just needs a little more time, the fact is that so far he seems to get lost. That is a separate issue from his shooting woes. The problem is Vlad, not PJ.
Posted by: exhelodrvr | May 13, 2008 at 07:49 PM
EX,
What evidence can you show that he does not understand the triangle. He could go on a running dunk better than Walton and yet the latter gets all the privileges and motivation even when he was a poor performer. Well, you can hate Vlad for being a poor producer in the playoffs, but he is needed to win games. The american way, punish him and the european way, talk to him and invite in the fold - which one do you think is effective for Vlad?
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | May 13, 2008 at 08:06 PM
Look, Vlad is a 6'-10" guy who is somewhat athletic. He has shooting spurts that help the team and droughts that kill us. I'm hoping he'll come around next year and be more consistent with his shooting, kind of like Sasha did this year.
Posted by: Laker Larry | May 13, 2008 at 08:20 PM
Tomorrow is going to be a great day for the Lakes. They 're back at home and home basically guaranties a win in these playoffs. I think Tomorrow Kobe will look to get his team involved early and take less shots. Gasol will have a better game and i Look for Lamar to set the tone early and come out aggressive.
I know they're gonna win cuz I really think this is a must win game. It would be way to difficult to come back from 3 2 against the Jazz.
Posted by: kobe4president | May 13, 2008 at 08:21 PM
I think the lineup that has been finishing the last two games should be the new starting lineup indefinitely:
Kobe - SF
LO - PF
Gasol - C
Fisher - PG
Vujacic - SG
Vlad can sit for a while until he finds his game, and when Walton comes off the bench, Kobe can move over to SG.
Posted by: hava98 | May 13, 2008 at 08:29 PM
When you asked about Ron Turiaf, you got PJ annoyed. haha. Wrong question to a coach mulling over the best of 3 series, Turiaf incident was just a big catalyst that may have affected Kobe's back. He remembers you as the blogger expelled by Cuban in his domain, now has the nerve to ask for suspension. just kidding lol!
When talking to PJ just like the way he treats the wired feedbacks of ABC, ask only happy questions that can be answered with a smile. He used to be a humble and a patient guy when he was a Knicks role player. progress brought changes.
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | May 13, 2008 at 08:31 PM
the Lakers need to trade Vlad for another SG or SF who can decently shoot the 3 ball and defend the perimeter. This mystery player should also make about 1.5 to 2 mill less than Vlad to help with the cap so that the Lakers can resign Lamar down the road. Would Orlando trade back Maurice Evans for Vlad. How about Devean George for Vlad. They both know the triangle. The both fit this mold. Devean actually fairly horrible shooter but he would work I suppose.
Posted by: richard | May 13, 2008 at 08:40 PM
edwin gueco,
wherever do you get this bs?
Posted by: reality bites | May 13, 2008 at 08:51 PM
Hey Laker Nation!!!!!!!!!
I just wanted to give my respects, Jon K. and Edwin, you guys always have such great posts. I know I am not blogging often, but I alsways read them.
Mamba24: Where are you? I think I need to be added to the " Kobe and his back with demolish the Jizz tomorrow bandwagon"
Did I say Jizz? well they certainly are not jazzy!!!!
Who would be interested in coming to a veiwing party in Simi Valley or Thousand Oaks on Friday?
I am considering getting people together but need to know how many?
PSLakerFan and your margarittas....first do you have an extra one? send it my way with extra Tequilla, and while you are at it check your myspace, I sent you a message. I know you dont go on it much so I thought I would let you know.
GO LAKERS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
GO PURPLE AND GOLD!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: Simi Laker Girl | May 13, 2008 at 08:52 PM
You guys should use your own brain to analyze basketball, don't listen to Phil. Vlad Rad was a backup on other teams, this is first times he is a starter, and his main job is to defend not a scorer, Robert Horry was not good defender when he first came to Lakers, Horry had 2 rings with Houston, this offense is not design for Vlad, ok. Turiaf is good role player, but opponents are not affraid of skinny guy 6-10, no matter Turiaf play hard. Fisher made stupid mistake when he fouled Boozer in the 4th, Kobe made mistakes too, Pat Riley is the best coach, because he coached on the floor, not like Phil waiting for the game end, and analyze it. I hope this blog has more true Lakers fan who knows how to watch basketball.
Posted by: bluesky | May 13, 2008 at 08:58 PM
If there is concern over Ariza's foot, why not use a very simple metatarsal guard laced to the top of his shoe? The weight is nothing as they are only a couple ounces, but the guard would help protect his foot if it was stepped on again.
Posted by: Laker Larry | May 13, 2008 at 09:16 PM
Now that PJ has called out Vlad through the media, I bet Radman is going to break out w/a big game tomorrow. If Vlad plays well, Utah won't be able to use AK47 on Kobe. Kirilenko due to his length gives Kobe more problems than Brewer. Having to spend energy chasing Vlad around will also minimize Kirilenko's offense which was one of the reasons Jazz won game 4.
Posted by: LakerinBC | May 13, 2008 at 09:21 PM
http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/blog/ball_dont_lie/post/
Photo-fun-Next-year-s-best-selling-Mother-s-Day;_ylt=
AiV3LLLpyJGhItSY.mLYP4.8vLYF?urn=nba,82190
HAHA
Posted by: laker hopeful | May 13, 2008 at 09:30 PM
I don't care who wins the SA vs NO series...in fact, I'd like it to go seven to help our team...that being said, Joey Crawford should NOT be allowed to ref a SA game, especially in the playoffs...his bias and disdain for SA was on full display tonight...normally, even the appearance of impropriety is enogh for a league to say no...instead, the NBA puts him out there...I have watched every game of the playoffs so far, and I must say that the quality of officiating, compared to the seventies and eighties, is deplorable league wide...
Posted by: Christopher Blake | May 13, 2008 at 09:38 PM
Pistons win two games without their best player and starting point guard to finish their series 4-1. They are the only team to win a road game in round 2 of the playoffs.
Anyone else think they are going to the Finals this year?
Posted by: Benjamin | May 13, 2008 at 09:49 PM
"After a 2-2 series, suddenly, Ariza can play. I don't have to add to it so as to avoid of being misinterpreted."
(Posted by: Edwin Gueco | May 13, 2008 at 07:33 PM)
Edwin,
I agree with your assessment regarding Vlad-- you are absolutely correct about his sensitivities. I know PJ is a Zen master, but I am no less qualified when it comes to this since Psychology happens to be my major in university.
With regards to your statement above, I wonder if by some fluke we lost the game tomorrow we may hear an announcement that Bynum is cleared and ready to go!!
(Okay, maybe it's just my wishful thinking. Besides, we are not losing tomorrow. Ah, maybe they make that announcement when the championship series start in June?)
Posted by: Robyn | May 13, 2008 at 09:55 PM
If home-court advantage is going to be this important, the Los Angeles Lakers are mortal NBA online betting locks to win the Western Conference.
The top sports betting seeds from the West are priced at –200 to advance to the NBA Finals. Dropping a pair of games in Utah hasn’t changed L.A.’s most-favored status; the Jazz are +900 underdogs to win the West despite knotting their second-round series with Los Angeles at two games apiece.
After Sunday’s action, home teams were 14-1 straight up and 13-2 against the sports betting spread in the conference semifinals. The only road team to pick up a win was Detroit, beating Orlando in Game 4 of their Eastern semifinal. Everyone has “held serve” in the West up to this point. Will anything change this week?
Perhaps not in Los Angeles. The Jazz go into Wednesday’s Game 5 as 9-point road dogs with a total of 213.5. They’re the worst road team left in the title hunt at 17-24 SU and ATS during the regular season; Los Angeles was 30-11 (20-20 ATS) and hasn’t lost at home in these playoffs.
Even with the Spurs getting shorter odds than New Orleans to win the West, the Hornets are slim favorites to take this series at –125. The champs are –105; if they can get out of the Big Easy with a victory, the NBA odds suggest the Spurs are in better shape to beat L.A. than the Hornets. But the Lakers will still be driving a Hummer full of chalk if and when they eliminate Utah.
Posted by: drew | May 13, 2008 at 10:07 PM
joninjapan(incanada).
stop bashing Phils tactics. VladRad is not a Kid. He is making freaking 5 million a year and he is an adult and a professional and this is not college basketball to show them light in their lifes this is freaking NBA for Godsake. If you cant make it you dont deserve it.
sounds like you did not get enough love as a kid.
Posted by: Disgruntled,Frustrated Laker Fan | May 13, 2008 at 10:09 PM
Sorry I was addressing Edwin Gueco not joininjapan
Posted by: Disgruntled,Frustrated Laker Fan | May 13, 2008 at 10:11 PM
bluesky, did you know that Vlad Rad was traded from the Clippers because he wants to be a starter? he's a professional basketball player, he should adapt to what the team is doing. besides, i think the triangle is not as complex as calculus, it should never be an excuse.
oh by the way, carlos boozer tumbled in that sequence and he ended up with fisher who is not in a position to get an offensive foul because he's guarding someone else.
did you actually watch the game or not?
Posted by: erick_truelakerfan | May 13, 2008 at 10:16 PM
bluesky,
Get your "true" Lakers fans and move to Jazz forum... Over there is the place for trols... Pat Riley? You got be insane... What he was done lately? Dump aside Jeff Van Gundy in order to ride Wades back to 4th title. This is you call good coaching?
Posted by: LAL_Fan | May 13, 2008 at 10:34 PM
Sleep Tight In Laker Land, with visions of victory and dancing Barry dancing in your heads.
Kobesbad
Posted by: Kobesbad | May 13, 2008 at 11:38 PM
Kobe tweaked his back
His teammates will elevate
There's no place like home
16...15...14...13...12...11...
Posted by: Amazing_Happens | May 14, 2008 at 12:00 AM
Kobe has a high basketball IQ, so I wouldn't be surprised to see him making good decisions and contributing to a Game 6 win tonight, injuries notwithstanding. "Nowithstanding" is a really long, really weird word.
16...15...14...13...12...11...
Posted by: Amazing_Happens | May 14, 2008 at 12:17 AM
Oops, looks like I got a little bit ahead of myself there. I meant Game 5.
But the same goes for Game 6.
Posted by: Amazing_Happens | May 14, 2008 at 12:18 AM
For the love of God, can somebody finally fix this website to either allow embedded links or format correctly without embeds. C'mon LA Times, it's bleeping 2008 already. The lame webmastering here is embarrassing...
Posted by: SG | May 14, 2008 at 01:03 AM
Re: Newest Troll Invader Bluesky:
I hope this blog has more true Lakers fan who knows how to watch basketball."
LMAO at so MANY things in this" dead on accurate" basketball analys's post here.
" don't listen to Phil"
Yes yes we should all agree to this. Let's NOT listen to a man who's been in the NBA as a player coach over 30years and has won a Championship as a Player and coached teams to 10 Championship appearances winning nine. Blue's right, PJ doesn't know what he's talking about when it comes to his basketball teams, lol.
Vlad was brought in to play defense? Yes we all remember those Clipper and Sonic years where Vlad was reknowned and respected for making the NBA-All Defense Team so many consecutive years, lol.
No I think it's just remotely possible that Vlad was brought in to be a player who comes off the bench as a shooter who could help make double teaming any of our post-up offensive scorers (Kobe, Bynum, Lamar, for example) coslty because he can sometimes get hot shooting long distances... but hey you would know better I'm sure, not us UNTRUE "fans who KNOWS how to watch basketbal"l
Posted by: jhnlannery | May 14, 2008 at 02:13 AM
reality bites, that is the same question I was going to ask edwin. Vlad get paid well to do his job and should be doing it. Don't blame PJ
Posted by: ANTHONY JOHNSON | May 14, 2008 at 04:18 AM
Sounds like a job for PJ, doesn't it?
--Fearless
No this sounds like job for a doctor. Doctor Buss.
Posted by: Blue shield | May 13, 2008 at 06:20 PM
Touche'!
--Fearless
Posted by: Fearless | May 14, 2008 at 04:48 AM
Good Morning Charles
Good Morning JohnnyP, Bozz, toad, PigMiller, HmrHed
Good Morning JustAnothermambaFan, Edwin Gueco,
Gammmmmmmmmme DAYYYYYYYYYYYY!!!!!!!
Posted by: mamba24 | May 14, 2008 at 05:29 AM
Edwin,
"What evidence can you show that he does not understand the triangle"
The evidence is out there when you watch the games, Vlad is "lost" more frequently than anyone else who gets significant time.
Posted by: exhelodrvr | May 14, 2008 at 06:22 AM
Good morning LAL friends!
It's finally GAME DAY!!! All's well today. MVP will have a massive game, Trevor is suiting up, Staples will be rocking instead of jazzing.
Awesome summary above AK.
GO LAKERS!!
Posted by: PsychedLakerGirl | May 14, 2008 at 07:04 AM
D-Fish: taking charge: http://www.82games.com/FSORT10.HTM
LOVE IT!
GO LAKERS
Posted by: PsychedLakerGirl | May 14, 2008 at 07:07 AM
One more time the countdown starts
This time Lakers you must play your part
You’re back home therefore you must
Turn any Jazz victory hope to dust.
You must completely destroy any hope they feel
That on the Lakers court a victory they can steal
Don’t look for Arizza or Bynum to come back
Just get out on the court and ATTACK, ATTACK
You played all year for the number one seed
You got it, you’re home, now make the Jazz bleed
When the buzzer sounds and the game is through
What will Laker greats of the past think of you.
If you gave it your all but did not win
You will be saluted and urged to try again
But if you did not leave all you had out on the floor
Then in unison they’ll yell, Ship their @ss out the door.
But that’s not gone happen and I’ll tell you why sir
Because you are the Freakin La lakers.
So tonight for the jazz will be the beginning of the end
Lights out Lake Show! let the games begin.
Posted by: mamba24 | May 14, 2008 at 07:19 AM
AK/BK and everyone: so my inquiry of the day is this.... I know PJ likes Walton coming off the bench to add some spark and keep the bench in the system. But if Vlad is really playing so poorly, why not make Walton a starter (when he is in lineup they are +7 - if I am reading 82games.com correctly)? Then maybe the mental pressure will be off Vlad so the game can come to him off the bench. What's frustrating me with Vlad right now is his D isn't even helping him get going offensively. It's almost brutal watching him on the floor looking really out of sorts.
Walton can play D and keep AK47 close and honest. Jazz know Vlad is playing poorly so they aren't giving him any respect, so they can move AK47 over to MVP. Walton as a starter would at least give the Jazz something to think about.
In a must win home game - I'd rather get out to a great start and keep the home crowd into it in case things start slipping with the bench.
Anyhow.....just thinking (maybe too much)
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: PsychedLakerGirl | May 14, 2008 at 07:20 AM
And it was everything I could do not to mention Trevor coming into the game because I just don't think it will happen unless there is a G7.
Just seeing him suit up and part of the huddle will be a great thing tonight.....
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: PsychedLakerGirl | May 14, 2008 at 07:22 AM
Good morning Laker family around the Globe,
What would our Lakers be without anxiety and drama? Kobe's back. Not-so-cryptic messages from PJ to VladRad and Farmar. Still, the Lakers have every chance of winning two more games in this series.
My message to all the pseudo-fans and trolls: Chill out. Except for Orlando-Detroit, every series in Round 2 is a real contest. That's the way it's supposed to be. If you're only watching the Lakers-Jazz series, you're out of touch with Playoff basketball. It's a different animal than the regular season. Don't believe me? Just ask the Boston Celtics.
I've been talking for days with my close friends about the false sense of entitlement some Laker fans have. As much as we'd all like them to, the Lakers won't make every basket and block every opponent's shot. Basketball is a game. It's supposed to be competitive. I want the Championship parade to end at Staples Center just like you do. I think we can get there. No one should think it's an "automatic."
Tonight, let's cheer our team on from wherever we're watching the game. I plan to be the rowdiest fan in the Valley. Hating on guys who are struggling doesn't help things. Kobe will do what he can. VladRad and Jordan will do their best to get their confidence back. No matter what happens from here on in, this team has made us proud and excited since the dark days of August and September. Let's enjoy it. Let's appreciate it. I know, I do. Go Lakers!
Posted by: Rick Friedman | May 14, 2008 at 07:30 AM
Simi Laker Girl,
Thanks. I like your posts too.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | May 14, 2008 at 07:37 AM
PSLakerfan - Mem Day weekend. Beer Hunter LQ. Whatever night the Lakers are playing........I have confidence in this crew.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: PsychedLakerGirl | May 14, 2008 at 07:41 AM
Good Morning Laker Nation!
Jon K. Bio-Chrono Reading Of Game Day!
Lot's of mental energy today. That means our mentally orientated players (Kobe, Lamar Odom, Rad Vlad, Dereck Fisher) are going to key in this game.
Bio-Chrono Keys to Victory:
Physically: Playing with confidence.
Emotionally: Appreciating your teammates.
Mentally: Self-respect. Valuing your contribution to the game and the importance of your role in the team.
Creatively: A worksmanship-like approach to the game. Viewing each possession as one focused step and not looking past the moment. Playing with passion.
Later today... Bio-Chrono readings for Pau Gasol and Dereck Fisher.
Ready? BREAK!
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | May 14, 2008 at 07:47 AM