"BACK" to action
PROGRAMMING NOTE: Join us for Purple, Gold, and Blue today at 11 am, when our guests will be Bethlehem Shoals of Free Darko, and Ken Levine, host of Dodger Talk on 790 AM. Click the show widget on the side of the page, or go straight to our show at NowLive.com by clicking here.
Took a team of writers to come up with that gem, folks.
But all terrible puns aside, tonight does indeed mark commencement of a pivotal game 5 between the Jazz and the Lakers (7:30 pm PST, TNT). One that will feature Kobe Bryant playing through the mother of all back pain, an injury sustained early into Sunday's loss in Utah. Kobe hasn't practiced since touching down in L.A., but as everyone would fully expect, there ain't even a snowball's chance in hell that he'll sit out this contest. Thankfully, The Mamba is reporting a positive change in his condition and remains hopeful he'll grow even more pain-free come the tipoff. His effectiveness on the court, however, remains unknown for now, as well as his approach while on it. Game 4's loss saw Kobe in heavy facilitator mode during the fourth, followed by a heavy shooting performance in OT, followed by Phil Jackson's comments that the supporting cast let down their star. Some felt the finale was Kobe attempting too much while others felt that notion was ridiculous on any level. For what it's worth, Kenny Smith of Yahoo! and TNT, PJ's thoughts were actually directed at both parties in question. Whatever the case may be, the development has people wondering the style and effectiveness Kobe will be armed with this evening.
At long last, Trevor Ariza was cleared to practice without any limitations. His potential PT is a tricky matter, since rust is obviously a factor. But given how poorly Vlad Radmanovic has played during the series, the notion of an additional option can't help but intrigue PJ.
If somebody's gonna break one of Cap's records, it might as well be another Laker icon.
My mama can beat up your mama.
Go LAKERS!
Posted by: Laker Fan 24 | May 14, 2008 at 09:59 AM
Can't help but love Horry but he really pissed me off with his Pop is better than Phil thing. It's funny how defensive I get about Phil.
But, BACK to the Kobe thing, and him being well ARMED, I just hope he gets a HANDle on the limitations of his abilities. Of course, maybe he'll have good karma from FOOTing the bill for his teammates at that MVP dinner.
Of course, if you're looking for another ankle on the whole thing, he won't be feeling calf as bad as he did last game. You kneed more reason for optimism? I don't mean to be oblique, but I'll stick my neck out and say we HEAD back to Utah up a game thanks to the team's heart.
OK, I'm done. Sorry, but you guys are the ones who mentioned puns.
Posted by: Jesterguru | May 14, 2008 at 10:02 AM
Yes!!!! All together now! Game Day!!!
Posted by: Charles | May 14, 2008 at 10:05 AM
Sup everyone, checkin' in on game day.
Everyone going to game, pump that building up, pump those guys up!!! Its our home, its our advantage!!!
LET'S GO LAKERS!!!
Posted by: #4 | May 14, 2008 at 10:08 AM
Game day everybody...three days has been like an eternity but they were good for the Mamba's back.
SOOOOO happy to hear Ariza's been cleared. We can definitely use any additional defensive presence we can find. I'm sure it's a long shot that he plays tonight but if Vlade keeps stinkin' it up, PJ may have no choice.
Posted by: EastCoastJessie | May 14, 2008 at 10:09 AM
My personal opinion is that Big Shot belongs in the Hall.
I know he'd be an unorthodox choice, but the guy has done more in the playoffs and more in pursuit of NBA titles than half the guys in the Hall.
Posted by: Tim-4-Show | May 14, 2008 at 10:12 AM
Its Back to the Future - Part 4
Can the Lakers revert to the form that beat down on the Jazz in Games 1-2.
Tonights prediction: Its all about the 'ifs'
If Kobe can play well with his back pain, Lakers win easily.
If Kobe can not, the Lakers will struggle and Utah might steal the game.
Utah usually lacks confidence on the road. A wounded Kobe may give them the confidence to compete for a win.
Posted by: Fairweather Fatty | May 14, 2008 at 10:12 AM
I hope they can get off to quick start like they did through the first six games. That's what I'll be looking for.
Posted by: Mac | May 14, 2008 at 10:13 AM
GAME DAY!!!!!!!!
It's game day and I'm going to the game tonight!!!!!
Lakers just have to come out with energy and fire and we will be just fine. I expect the Jazz to come out with huge energy so if we don't match it from the start we could be playing behind for most of the game.
Hopefully LO can duplicate his big game 4. He and Fish really stepped up and made OT possible. With Kobe not a 100% Kobe someone else is going to have to play big. Hopefully Gasol will step up to a bigger stage and play strong and good.
There are way too many questions going in to game 5 and I could see either team winning. I hope the Lakers stick to the script, man up and play some d, and come away with a W, I also wouldn't mind stopping at Jack in the Box on the way home for some tacos on the Lakers.
GO LAKERS
Posted by: mrbarneydangles | May 14, 2008 at 10:13 AM
Good morning, everyone!!
Dallas checking in on game day, representing the Southern contingent of Laker Nation!
Rick F ~
That is EXACTLY what I'm talking about!! Great post, (on the last thread), definitely sums up my feelings about it all. We have come so far this season, there is every reason to believe we will take these next two, and move on.
Last summer seems like a bad dream, and the future is so bright, it alone may be the cause of global warming!!!
One love, people. GO LAKERS!!!
Posted by: Happy Camper | May 14, 2008 at 09:49 AM
Sorry for the re-post. I seem to be a thread behind today!
Posted by: Happy Camper | May 14, 2008 at 10:17 AM
Can anyone tell me why Newble hasn't got any playing time? Especially, with Vlad struggling and Kobe hurting. I'm glad to see Ariza cleared to play; we will need his defense and athleticism if this goes to seven games. I think Kobe should be more of a decoy tonight, letting the rest of the team find their rhythm. It should pay dividends for the rest of the series, and hopefully in the next round. Go Lakers!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: Sean714 | May 14, 2008 at 10:18 AM
OK folks, I have a serious question.
First off, I love Pau, and I think he is a major upgrade for the team. He does so many thing on offense it is hard to question his game.
BUT.
In the 4th quarters of both games 3 and 4 he made some truly horrendous defensive decisions. It is the same play and it goes like this:
Pau's man goes out to set a screen for D. Will at the top of the key, Pau steps out to prevent D. Will from penetrating, Boozer rolls right down the middle of the paint, and THEN instead of hustling back to cover Boozer and crash the glass Pau randomly decides to fade out to the wing three point line hoping to leak out on a Lakers rebound to get an easy basket. The problem is that it allows Boozer to get offensive rebounds and easy baskets at during critical possessions. Also, it makes Pau look like an total puss.
So what gives Laker fans? Why does Phil allow our starting 5 man to fade to the three and shy away from banging in the middle for defense and rebounds in crunch time.
Honestly, I saw him do this twice in each game and all four times lead to a Jazz score. It was probably the worst defense I have ever seen for a particular play, and it happened 4 times.
I know Pau makes a lot of other contributions, but to not even try to get back in the middle in inexusable.
Any thoughts Laker nation?
DOOOO BEEEEE DOOOOOO BEEEEEE DOOOOOOO
Posted by: Stranger in the Night | May 14, 2008 at 10:20 AM
Folks, I wouldn't expect any PT for TA in this series. Much as we'd like to throw him out there for the "D" he ultimately will bring us, he just isn't going to be ready for this series. VladRad needs to step up tonight, as does everyone in forum blue and gold.
10 TO 15!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: toad | May 14, 2008 at 10:24 AM
Game Day Baby!! We need to have an 'advantage call' in basketball sort of like they do in futbol. It gets very annoying when we make a breakaway layup only to be called back for a foul. Lets go Lakers!!!
Posted by: kene_slow | May 14, 2008 at 10:25 AM
Quote from the LA Times..
"At 6 feet 7 and 220 pounds, Newble adds insurance at small forward in case Trevor Ariza's broken foot is not healed in time for the playoffs.
"After Kobe [Bryant], Sasha [Vujacic] is our next guard defender and Kobe's taken on most of the tough guys in the course of a game," Lakers Coach Phil Jackson said. "We needed a two, small-three type of defender to go out there and play."..."
seems like a perfect time to play him...but Phil had 9 rings and I have 0...so just this once, I'll give him the benefit of the doubt. Just this one time though.(insert sarcasm) ....Go Lakers!!!!!
Posted by: Sean714 | May 14, 2008 at 10:26 AM
*__________________________*
Vlad I believe in you Bandwagon
*__________________________*
(01) Mamba24 - Driver
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
#4 says it’s our house step in if you dare
You better believe the Jazz have not a prayer
This time as Fatty said the word is really Revenge
And tonight Jazz, more than your @ss will get singed
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 do I have to say it ? you are the Freakin La Lakers.
So tonight for the jazz will be the beginning of the end you see
Lights out Lake Show! This game is for EastCoastJessie
Posted by: Mamba24 | May 14, 2008 at 10:26 AM
*________________________*
Kobe & his back will Demolish
the Jazz tonight Bandwagon
*_______________________*
(01) Simi LakerGirl - Owner Driver
(02) Mamba24 - Riding Shotgun
Posted by: | May 14, 2008 at 10:28 AM
Tim-4-Show
I'm really glad the old timers are coming out. I agree with you, Bob may have his opinion about Pop and PJ; but man he does belong maybe to the Intangible-Unorthodox hall of Fame.
If you still care to receive mp3 singles from new artist, you can get my email from the kbros.
Best,
Posted by: Charles | May 14, 2008 at 10:28 AM
Oh, yeah!
Good morning Charles, Mamba24, and the rest of you awesome blog people. I really needed the roll call this morning. Just found it on the last thread. The Azz are goin' dowwwwwwwwwn....
Posted by: Jesterguru | May 14, 2008 at 10:33 AM
I'll be at the game tonight. SCREAMING MY M-F-ing LUNGS OUT.
The Lakers will win...
we will get taco's...
that is all there is to it.
Posted by: frank1rizzo | May 14, 2008 at 10:34 AM
Sean,
If Newble was good, he wouldn't have been cut. He was signed in case of significant injury problems, not with the plan of giving him a lot of PT. He would be an upgrade defensively, but not by a huge amount, and is a significant downgrade offensively. Overall a net downgrade.
Posted by: exhelodrvr | May 14, 2008 at 10:34 AM
GAME ON! LET US (in spite of imposters who's computers lack the presence of scroll bars and spell-checking software) PRAY:
DEAR LORD, As we continue to walk in this time of hope, anticipation adversity, fear, and restoration, I pray first and foremost for us the Lakers Blog family. Let us walk with a spirit of UNITY. Allow that UNITY to reach beyond this Blog and into the hearts, minds and spirits of our Los Angeles Lakers as they take the floor tonight. Allow us to cease from pointing fingers and blaming one another and belittling others opinions today and forevermore. We are united by our love of the Purple and Gold. Knit us together in Your peace that we would be an example to the NBA world that Laker Nation - even in the face of adversity - stands united in hope and faith in our team.
Bless our players tonight. Give them the wisdom and insight to play 48 dedicated minutes of Los Angeles Lakers Basketball. It is this legacy - and Your hand of blessing - that brought us 14 championships. Let the spirit of our legacy be a beacon of light that is so strong that it renders the Utah Jazz powerless to stop us.
Bless Kobe and his back. Continue to send forth your healing. With all his ability to take over a game, I pray for a spirit of trust and humility for him. Use this game as a way for him to lean on the shoulders of his brothers Pau, LO, D-Fish, Vlad Rad, Luke and the Bench Mob. You have blessed them, Lord, to rise above the naysayers and playa-haters with their ability to play this game with exellence. Use tonight's game to remind the league of the POWER and DOMINANCE of THE BENCH MOB - the TRUE 6th man of our Lakers Squad. As they play with championship level excellence, allow Kobe to get the rest - physically and mentally - that he needs so he can prepare for Friday's game 6 in Utah.
Continue to heal Trevor's foot. Let You will be done. If he does somehow play tonight, give him Your strength and humility. Don't let him play with an "agenda" to prove something to anyone. Let him play the game that he has played all season that has led to our great success.
Continue to heal Andrew Bynum. Heal him and bring him back to us in Your time.
Bless our coaches with the wisdom and insight that they need to lead us.
Bless the Jazz to play this game with true sportsmanship, honor and dignity.
Ultimately, Lord, bless us to come out of this game with a Win. Our squad has come this far - do not leave them now. Let them collectively come together to do the job that must be done...and then let them do the same on Friday's CLOSEOUT game!
We thank You in advance for answered prayer...AMEN!
Posted by: utzworld THE BANNER HOLDER | May 14, 2008 at 10:35 AM
Mamba,
Put me on the Vlad I believe bandy please
Kobesbad
Posted by: Kobesbad | May 14, 2008 at 10:36 AM
Jesterguru, thanks for the smile. And a couple of thoughts about puns:
Puns are the lowest form of humor.
Puns are humor that you inflict on people.
More punishment for the masses!
Mark
Posted by: MarkytheArky | May 14, 2008 at 10:40 AM
Can you feel the tension, the shortness of breath, the edgy possibility of exhilarating victory in your body?
ITS GAME DAY!!!!
And this nervousness will crescendo into victory. The refs will be on notice and so taking the series on Utah's home floor will happen. When we win the next two it will be Lakers heaven!!! Welcome to it!!!!!
MrBarneyDangles and anyone else going to the game, make some frickin noise. This not only helps the team, but it brings out the benefits of a life based on Lakersdom. It gets no better!!!
Mamba24 I hope VLAD has an exceptional game. But I'm rooting for all of us to step up and show a little team love, faith and spirit. When the tide rises even VLAD will walk on water.
Hmrhd, how is the newest Lakers' fan? Know we are rooting for him or her.
On the count of 3, One, Two, THREE
GOOOOoooooOOOOOOOOOOO LAKERS!!!!
Posted by: JohnnyP | May 14, 2008 at 10:40 AM
*__________________________*
Vlad I believe in you Bandwagon
*__________________________*
(01) Mamba24 - Driver
(02) Kobesbad - oWNER
Posted by: | May 14, 2008 at 10:42 AM
Ohhhh YEasss,
If Trevor comes back expect an A game from him. His offensive presence will rip the seams open of the Jazz D. Like LO, he will get to the basket at will. He will also catch everything and finish strong. This will inspire us to no end, it will free up LO, allow Pau to move a bit away from the basket and allow Kobe to do a lot from 20 ft. He will add more inside to the outside Fish has been bringing.
PJ, please play our under heralded superstar, Trevor Ariza.
GOOoooOOOO LAKERS!!!
Posted by: JohnnyP | May 14, 2008 at 10:46 AM
Congrats to Big Shot Rob. One of my all time faves. If somebody is going to pass up one of the Captains many many records, let it be a guy that wore a Laker uni.
Mamba, please get me on that Vlad bandwagon. Phil has called him out and our man is gonna respond! No doubt in my mind.
Win #7 of this years playoffs coming up tonight!
Woooooo hoooooo
Posted by: magicman | May 14, 2008 at 10:47 AM
utzworld THE BANNER JHOLDER:"We thank You in advance for answered prayer...AMEN!"
AMEN!!
FRANKFRIZZO:"The Lakers will win... we will get taco's...
that is all there is to it"
THE MAN SAID IT ALL!
Posted by: MAMBA24 | May 14, 2008 at 10:48 AM
*__________________________*
Vlad I believe in you Bandwagon
*__________________________*
(01) Mamba24 - Driver
(02) Kobesbad - Owner
(03) MagicMan - Riding ShotGun
Posted by: Mamba24 | May 14, 2008 at 10:52 AM
Vlad is going to respond with a HUGE game tonight. I think he'll go 5 of 7 from 3-point land, 8 boards, 3 assists, and a strong defensive presence.
Go Lake Show! DESTINY!
Posted by: The Outlaw | May 14, 2008 at 10:53 AM
Hey y'all. Show's about to start. Bethlehem Shoals from Free Darko is the hoops guest, plus Ken Levine from Dodger Talk to cover the Blue.
BK
Posted by: | May 14, 2008 at 10:58 AM
AWW! HECK! NAW!!!
Y'all ARE NOT playing the Showtime era "Just Say No" rap song! LOLOLOLOLOLOLOL!!!!
K Bros, y'all kill me!
Posted by: utzworld THE BANNER HOLDER | May 14, 2008 at 10:58 AM
*__________________________*
Vlad I believe in you Bandwagon
*__________________________*
(01) Mamba24 - Driver
(02) Kobesbad - Owner
(03) MagicMan - Riding ShotGun
(04) The OutLaw - Vlads Shooting coach
Posted by: Mamba24 | May 14, 2008 at 11:05 AM
Mamba24 - thanks for ROLL CALL - MAN that is sorely missed when there's no game day going on....! You really need to be here every day during these playoffs. The blogmunity needs you! Don't fade like Vlad.....lol!
ALSO - please put me on the Vlad bandwagon, the Kobe's back bandwagon & anything else you think is going to help the boys tonight - LOL! I'll even take ownership of an "LO is going to arrive pimped out & ready to pummel Butah tonight " bandwagon!!!!
I can't wait for game time - I'm antsy though. I believe Lakers will win, but I'm still nervous - yikes!!! We really need Jordy to get his head out of his butt & play like we know he can. I hope Fish was in his ear these last couple of days to boost his confidence, cuz that's really the only problem he's got as far as I can tell. Same with Vlad - the call out by PJ was something that worked before, so hopefully with the home crowd behind him tonight we'll see him be the player he was with the Clips.
Kobe's back - the real issue here. He won't ever say he can't go (unless maybe he was in a full body cast) but I really hope he's not exaggerating about being ready to go. I really hope he is and that he'll truly be able to contribute. That being said, I would take an 80% Kobe over any other player any game, any day and twice on Sunday! He can still make the others better even if he is hobbled.
GAME DAY BABY!!!
LET'S GO LAKERS, LET'S GO - CLAP CLAP CLAP!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: justanothermambafan | May 14, 2008 at 11:06 AM
Good morning Laker fans!
Here's to Kobe being the warrior that he is and everyone else stepping up big tonight.
Hopefully Ariza doesn't take long to get his wind back, I would love to put him on D-Will for a bit.
I hope we see Sasha backing up D-Fish instead of Farmar (for this series)
Lets go Lakers, Lets go!!
Posted by: Lakers Legacy | May 14, 2008 at 11:09 AM
Lakers Legacy
Fist Pound!!!
Posted by: Charles | May 14, 2008 at 11:21 AM
LET'S GO LAKERS, LET'S GO - CLAP CLAP CLAP!!!!!!!!!
LET'S GO LAKERS, LET'S GO - CLAP CLAP CLAP!!!!!!!!!
LET'S GO LAKERS, LET'S GO - CLAP CLAP CLAP!!!!!!!!!
LET'S GO LAKERS, LET'S GO - CLAP CLAP CLAP!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: | May 14, 2008 at 11:28 AM
1 ticket for the Resistance is Futile bandwagon please, Mr. Mamba24.
Posted by: htj | May 14, 2008 at 11:28 AM
The trend around the playoffs this season seems to be, road team loses and home team wins. I hope a new trend doesn't start tonight.
Posted by: Fire32 | May 14, 2008 at 11:33 AM
Great posts all over the blog today. Kudos to you, utzworld, for your awesome prayer. Mamba24, Charles, PsychedLakerGirl, HappyCamper, Frankfrizzo, mrbarneydangles, and everyone else who's on board for all the positive karma about where we've been and where we're going. I have a feeling this is going to be the vibe at Staples Center tonight. The energy is in the air and it will fuel our Lakers. This is our team. This is our year. Go Lakers!
Posted by: Rick Friedman | May 14, 2008 at 11:38 AM
Htj:"1 ticket for the Resistance is Futile bandwagon please, Mr. Mamba24."
*___________________________*
NBA Resistance is FUTILE
against the Lakers BANDWAGON
*___________________________*
(01) BK - Driver
(02) AK - Owner
(03) LAKERTOM – Turned the Borg into Laker Fans
(04) MAMBA24 – Not completely assimilated
(05) KOBESBAD – Turned the Borg Bad
(06) , JoninJAPAN(INCANADA) – Made Lebron vote Kobe MVP
(07) Jamie Sweet – Made David Stern Cry Uncle
(08) Edwin Gueco – Character of Picard based upon him
(09) Janaya – Beat Worf in arm wrestling.
(10) Pig Miller – Turned the Borg into trolls
(11) Fearless – Even the Borg fear him
(12) Nemaia Faletogo – Real Inventor of the Warp drive
(13) Milo Rambaldi – Team Prophet and starship captain
(14) TWoody – Defeated Borg in Hand-to-Hand combat
(15) JustAnotherMambaFan – Gave Worf a home with the Mamba family
(16) Jon K. -- In Charge of the Tractor Beam
(17) MagicMan – that is what Dr. Crusher calls him.
(18) Htj - Created the Warp Drive
Posted by: Mamba24 | May 14, 2008 at 11:38 AM
Yooooo! Good day to Laker Nation, Mamba24, Charles, Jon K., even Fire32!
Whoo, gameday's here and it couldn't be a finer day here in Lakersville. Prediction: Lakers 114 Jazz 104.
Phil, quit messing with my nerves and take Vlad out. I love the man but he's just not getting the job done. Play Sasha more, he's the Euro nailing the threes.
-bozz-
Posted by: bozz | May 14, 2008 at 11:39 AM
"The trend around the playoffs this season seems to be, road team loses and home team wins. I hope a new trend doesn't start tonight."
You bite your tongue you Suns fan turned Laker lover. We don't need you to jinx us. The Lakers will own the Jazz tonight.
Posted by: frank1rizzo | May 14, 2008 at 11:40 AM
EVERYONE IS TALKING AS IF WE ARE GONNA WIN THE NEXT TWO GAMES. I FEEL WE ARE IN DEEP SH*T
Posted by: Disgruntled, Frustrated Laker Fan | May 14, 2008 at 11:41 AM
*__________________________*
Vlad I believe in you Bandwagon
*__________________________*
(01) Mamba24 - Driver
(02) Kobesbad - Owner
(03) MagicMan - Riding ShotGun
(04) The OutLaw - Vlads Shooting coach
(05) Jon K. - Vlad's Personal Bio-Chrono Advisor
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | May 14, 2008 at 11:42 AM
Great Job, Mamba24 & Great Post from Rick Friedman (my favorite optimist w/ calculated realism)
We are in the playoffs Round 2 Game 5 at 2-2 series against Utah Jazz and they're playing at Staples. Who would think that this would happen way back in '06 or in '07 or even the first month of '08. The coming of Pau was the gift from Grizzlies of Memphis and indirectly, the sacrificial lamb named Kwame. Yes, we lost J-Critt, Marc Gasol and future 1st rd picks but Fisher and Farmar contributed a lot during the season, that alone is something we should be thankful for. If Farmar makes good in the playoffs in the coming games, that's pure gravy. When Luke was hurting, Vlad made some valuable contributions and his presence won us some games. In the playoffs, Vlad is passive but Luke is aggressive. There is a counterbalance effect, it is just a matter of time when all will be in the same page. Kobe's back, Sasha's toe, Ariza's foot, Bynum's knees if you think they are problems, nope they are mere challenges. Those new orphans in China because of that Big Tremor and a dam is about to collapse, those are problems! Therefore, laker fans when in doubt or having unwarranted fears just read and re-read the optimism elucidated by Rick F. with the background song: "Don't Worry, Be Happy."
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | May 14, 2008 at 11:46 AM
Mamba24,
Keep up the poetry!
Poet Laureate of Laker Nation!
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | May 14, 2008 at 11:47 AM
LETS "START KICK IN THE JAZZ BUTT" Bandwagon
Posted by: Disgruntled, Frustrated Laker Fan | May 14, 2008 at 11:48 AM
Ex,
I was wondering why Newble didn't make the All-NBA team. I just assumed that he got screwed by the voters.
Posted by: Xodus | May 14, 2008 at 11:49 AM