Tex on Kobe
BK and I have both been running around today, which has prevented us from posting a lot of new material today. Rest assured, more is coming before game 2, but as something of an appetizer (or at the very least, the sorbet eaten to cleanse palettes before the meal), here's a SportsHubLA item from Roland Lanzenby, who's written for eons about the NBA, basketball and the Lakers. Lazenby got a take from Tex Winter about Kobe Bryant's "tale of two halves" during yesterday's victory. The triangle guru wasn't critical of Kobe's early lack of assertiveness, instead somewhere between "slightly bemused" and "definitely amazed by what Kobe was capable of once turning it on." But he did seem to consider what Kobe was doing yesterday to be something along the lines of freelancing, not taking the shots he should have put up.
See whatcha think.
AK
Go Lakers!
Posted by: Laker Fan 24 | May 23, 2008 at 09:44 AM
WHITE MAMBA24,
Great post man!
Posted by: Charles | May 23, 2008 at 09:44 AM
Mamba... add me to the -
The Dawn of The 4th Dynasty
Begins BandWagon
GO LAKE SHOW!!
LIGHTS OUT!!!
Posted by: keifo | May 23, 2008 at 09:47 AM
Good game day morning to all!
I'm really digging this every other day format. Game, discuss, game, discuss. It's got a nice flow to it.
Mamba24, your bandwagons are truly mystical. PJ would be so proud brudda. I currently have a dilemma. I can't honestly decide who to nominate for your next ride. Should it be L07, who struggled to finish at the rack? As Stu might say, he was making million dollar moves with a 5 cent finish. Or should we build one for D Fish. He seemed out of kilter for most of the night... Decisions decisions. I humbly submit myself to your wisdom. I do know that we're gonna need both of them to play well to beat our foes tonight.
Oh, and Spuck the Furs!
Posted by: magicman | May 23, 2008 at 09:48 AM
How big is this series? Not just to us, but to the entire country? Check this out from MediaWeek.com:
TNT Draws 6.19 Mil. Viewers for Lakers vs. Spurs Matchup
Kobe Bryant and the Lakers on May 21 rallied from a 20-point deficit to beat the defending champs
May 23, 2008
-By Anthony Crupi
The Los Angeles Lakers’ 89-85 come-from-behind victory over the San Antonio Spurs in Game 1 of the NBA Western Conference finals drew 6.19 million viewers to TNT Wednesday night, improving on the network’s delivery in last year’s comparable playoff matchup by nearly 40 percent.
Kobe Bryant and the Lakers on May 21 rallied from a 20-point deficit to beat the defending champs, in a contest that drew 3.69 million adults 18-49 and 3.36 million 25-54s.
The game, which went head-to-head with Fox’s American Idol finale, beat the other five broadcast nets on the night among viewers 18-34 (1.99 million) and the male demos. TNT’s coverage served up 2.55 million men 18-49, 2.34 million men 25-54 and 1.38 million men 18-34.
According to Nielsen Media Research data, TNT’s delivered 3.91 million viewers with its coverage of the Cavs-Pistons Eastern Conference finals opener a year ago (May 21, 2007).
Posted by: Rick Friedman | May 23, 2008 at 09:52 AM
SAW THIS ON DA SPURS BLOG
A Kindergarten teacher tells her class she’s a BIG Spurs fan.
She’s really excited about it and asks the kids if they’re Spurs fans too.
Everyone wants to impress the teacher and says they’re Spurs fans too,
except ONE kid, ...named Josh.
The teacher looks at Josh and says, “Josh, you’re not a Spurs fan?”
He says, “Nope, I’m a Los Angeles Lakers fan!” She says, “Well why are you a
Los Angeles Lakers fan and not a Spurs fan?”
Josh says, “Well, my mom is a Lakers fan, and my dad is a Lakers fan, so I’m a Lakers fan.”
The teacher’s not real happy. She’s a little hot under the collar. She says, “WELL,
if your MOMS an IDIOT, and your DADS a MORON, THEN WHAT WOULD YOU BE?!”
Josh says, “THEN I’D BE a SPURS FAN!!”
NUFF SAID….
Posted by: Stars_R_Aligned | May 23, 2008 at 09:58 AM
Mamba24 - where are you man? We need a GAME DAY ROLL CALL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: justanothermambafan | May 23, 2008 at 10:00 AM
Good Morning Charles
Good Morning Morning Cue; Bozz, Toad, Pig Miller Hmrhed
Edwin G. EastCoastJessie, PsychedLakerGirl, JustAnotherMambafan
JohnnyP, LakerTom
THE KINGS NOT DEAD
The kings not dead till he’s counted out, Remember this please do
One game won, yes it was fun, But the quest for the ring is not thru
The Spurs are not mortally wounded, It’s just their pride we have hurt
Be careful when near, a wounded bear, or you’ll wind up in the dirt
Just because we have Superman, don’t think there is no reason to fear
Before every fight, check for Kryptonite, or you’ll wind up on your rear
I’m not saying trying to ruin the party, a little celebration is good for you
The Spurs have Horry, so a little worry, would be a prudent thing to do.
It took one game for 9Rings, to show how he earned his HOF seat
From 20 points down, 9Rings found, a way for the spurs to be beat
Game 2 is the key to the series, So Lakers you must play your best
If the Lakers win. Then you can grin, because that’s it, we’ll win the West
For this game Lakers please play like, this game could be your last
Don’t let them think, Before they can blink, knock them dead on their @ss
Although both teams are classy, Being classy don’t pay the bills
Kick em when they’re down, don’t mess around, just go in for the kill
No more of this silly garbage, Of Tim Duncan holding the trophy high
When you do the deed, make sure they bleed, To win the King must die
Faith has an ongoing saying, DEFENSE is what will bring victory
Trust Faith I have found, Knock the Spurs around, makes sense to me
Once you have the title, then your opponents you can praise as they heal
Remember 1 thing, if you want a ring, you need a knockout to cinch the deal
Don’t win this for Laker Nation, or your fans as they heap praise on you
Just do this thing, go win the ring, because that’s what warriors do.
So Hugo Boss enjoy your coffee, What a life a 4 day weekend in the sun
And twice this weekend, The Lakers will win, Now that’s what I call fun.
All right mighty Laker Nation, trust the Force as you watch the TV
Trust in the force, and then of course, trust in Mamba to bring victory
Posted by: Mamba24 | May 23, 2008 at 10:03 AM
GUYS REMEMBER THIS PLAY?
Said TNT's Reggie Miller of Bryant's jaw-dropping up-and-under move to score against Manu Ginobili in the third quarter, "There's only one other man that made moves like that and he's watching in Charlotte right now." . . .
His reference, of course was to Michael Jordan, co-owner and managing member of basketball operations for the Charlotte Bobcats. . . .
Sylvester the Cat
Posted by: Sylvester the Cat | May 23, 2008 at 10:06 AM
Was just watching Sports Center this morning and they did a little thing on Sasha while previewing tonights game. Good to see Sasha get some love. Just hope he doesn't come out TOO trigger happy tonight (unless he's on FIRE). Im definitely looking for the Spurs to pay a lot of attention on Kobe tonight giving Lamar a free pass straight to the basket. He better finish better then game one though.
Lamar = Finals MVP
GO LAKERS
Posted by: mrbarneydangles | May 23, 2008 at 10:08 AM
Mamba,
Bandwagon me up!!! Keep it positive....
Good, good, good, vibrations....
Go Lakers!!
janaya
Posted by: janaya | May 23, 2008 at 10:10 AM
WARNING PARENTS:
TOO MUCH ALCOHOL MAKES PEOPLE GET UP IN FRONT OF STRANGERS AND...
Someone who makes us want to stand up in a room full of strangers, thump our chest, and claim him -- flaws and all -- as one of our own
Posted by: lakeraholic
Posted by: | May 23, 2008 at 10:13 AM
That great basketball mantra that both PJ and Riley keep saying; that the, "playoffs don't begin until you loose a game at home" strikes me as very important.
The Lakers have not been challenged yet in these playoffs. The other three teams have already had to face and overcome adversity to get to the Final 4. This is a young team, they are thus un-battle tested so far.
Game one could have been considered a challenge, but the Lakers closed that 20-point gap in less than 3 minutes. They scored 44 points in 18 minutes. That is 2.4 points per minute.
Their playoff average is 116 points per game. That is also 2.4 points per minute. They didn't have to exert themselves to make that comeback. They just had to play normal Lakers' B-Ball.
I fear that Game one was a great opportunity to gain some seasoning, but I'm not sure it was a hard enough task to actually forge their iron will.
Or, are the Lakers actually so good that they cannot be challenged?
Why do you think Kobe, PJ and Fish are so blaze` about the comeback? Because it wasn't hard enough to really do them any favors. Remember what Kobe said? He said it didn't feel as hard to do as other 20-point deficits the Lakers have overcome in playoffs past.
I didn't feel that way either. It seemed just too easy.
That game one loss doesn't affect the Spurs because they just chalk it up to Kobe being Kobe. Like his 81-point game, or outscoring the whole Mavs squad for three quarters. Or, what he did Wednesday, outscore the League's best overall defensive team for the fourth quarter all by himself.
What do you guys think?
Unchallenged or unchallengeable?
--Fearless
The Spurs will be right at it, doing what the do.
Posted by: Fearless | May 23, 2008 at 10:14 AM
I read some posts on other websites that Suns are
trying to trade Barbosa for Sasha!
Suns love Sasha and don't think Barbosa will be as good
since his coach's gone to NY.
Has anyone else heard/read about this rumor?
I hope that's not true.
We don't need any more slasher/non-defender.
Plus, Barbosa is shorter and more expensive.
BTW, I also heard that the cheerleader denied the report
of her & Kobe's relationship. She told her friends
that the rumor's not true.
I guess, it could be one of those Kobe-hating media's
creations since now there aren't anything else to
attack on him
(no more selfish-player, no more players-don't-want-to-play-with-him, no more no-MVP, etc..)
These gossip pages got sued by Tony Parker before,
for their false information & creating distractions within Spurs.
May be they are doing this to make it up to Tony.
"We'll try to screw & distract one of your biggest foes in the Playoffs with the same method
when it matters most, so please don't sue us, blah, blah, blah.."
Posted by: coolhair | May 23, 2008 at 10:15 AM
trading Bynum for anyone would go down as one of the worst blunders in NBA history...The Lakers will be more aggressive tonight and leave the Spurs in the dust. And for the Spurs fan who says San Antonio has heart, they completely, utterly, and absolutely, melted down and choked in Game 1. I haven't seen so many bricks flying around LA since the Rodney King riots..
Posted by: jeffgrotke | May 23, 2008 at 10:16 AM
Janaya:Lakers = Vampire Killers"
Drive a stake through them.
Posted by: Mamba24 | May 23, 2008 at 10:17 AM
Sorry, I also have senior moments in my previous post, I always missed a word which is " a huge void in the post"
I have some recommendations here for Game 2:
1. I would experiment Mbenga + Turiaf, or Mbenga + Pau in neutralizing Duncan down the post. Turiaf may be able to block Duncan but he gets out of position in follow ups. While Pau is more a finesse pivot center, Duncan could muscle him or get fouls if he tries to wage those pivot moves.
2. I would play Ariza just to guard the perimeter shootings, I think those 3 shots were missing in Game 1 but Spurs could hurt the Lakers with their proven record in that area from Finley, Bowen, Manu, Parker, Horry, Barry.
3. Kobe should mix up his game not only in the second half but throughout the game as Tex has suggested. It would be great to keep Popo on the several watch list with the Lakers.
4. I know Fisher will explode in Game 2, how about Walton, Farmar, and LO. We need the total package in beating the World Champs. A split here in LA creates momentum for the Spurs to finish us in San Antonio. The last stand of the Alamo should stay at the car rental near LAX as Fairweather Fatty suggested. The Alamo fort in San Antonio is their fortress of hopes, traditions and history, it is in their favor. Here in LA it is just a car rental business. lol!
5. The Spurs will be physical in Game 2, all eyes on hurting Kobe and Pau. I thought Bower is a dirty player but I saw this guy Manu shoved Pau and he almost got out of Staples. I think they will use Udoka and Oberto as their new hit men. Let's defend the turf with Turiaf and Mbenga as our swat team. Unleash the beast on Mbenga, the new version of incredible hulk.
6. Again for those who will join the game thread tonight, stay cool and don't be carried away by the scores, there are times out of frustration a blogger says things that are out of context have a little toleration & just let it fly. It's a moment to moment kind of posting, no second thoughts in describing plays spoken out of frustration or euphoria. Don't quarrel among yourselves by trading insults, this is our freakin' year, let's have only one aspiration, one dream. Thank you Lord we're still playing at the end of May.
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | May 23, 2008 at 10:19 AM
Morning Charles, Mamba, and all,
Game day is here again! I am present for the coming roll call.
Today we take a 2-0 lead and, unlike Nawlins, we will not be giving it up. Another happy night for Lakers fans!
Lakerholic, I want to give you props on that post. You tell a good story and speak from the heart, my brother. I, too, felt more than a little ambivalent about the Kobester when the Colorado story broke and I too read the Smoking Gun interview incredulously, and I too was let down.
Still, I think the key word in your piece is "redemption." Look, we all make mistakes, and some can be pretty damaging. We all know in our heart of hearts that Kobe is far from perfect as a human being, but as a human being, he has made tremendous strides in the past couple years, culminating in this season, where he is finally being recognized for it because of his team's success on the court.
But it's off the court where I see a real change. A willing smile in interviews, a peek at a candid man not just saying things because those are the things you say when a microphone is in your grill. Taking the team to dinner, fostering a sense of brotherhood with his co-workers. Acknowledging those teammates first when receiving his MVP award.
I believe he's still ruthless, there is still that "mamba" within, but without that he isn't the best there is. You have to respect the way he has compartmentalized his life, becoming a better human being while maintaining the fiercest will to win in pro sports.
In my eyes, Kobe is redeemed (though we are all works in progress, no?). I invite you to join me in letting go of the ambilvalence toward him for mistakes made years in the past. Feel free to once again love your hero without reserve.
Posted by: Jesterguru | May 23, 2008 at 10:20 AM
BROWN NOSER BANDWAGON:
SuperSa ----- willing to pick Lakeraholic's booger
Charles ------ making sure that SuperSa follows thru
Edwin Gueco -- willing and able
Laker Tom --- All time leader
Fairweather Fatty -- Bring it on y'all
Faith --- holding the towel
Go Lakers!
Posted by: President of Booger Society | May 23, 2008 at 10:22 AM
Crap!
Almost forgot! I coulda hexed the whole thing!
So, here goes...
F the Celtics!
--Fearless
Posted by: Fearless | May 23, 2008 at 10:27 AM
Lakerholic,
OMG! Awesome article. Awesome!
I bow down to you, My Brother!
--Fearless
Posted by: Fearless | May 23, 2008 at 10:36 AM
{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{ lakeraholic }}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}
I don't know IF your post was your own personal testimony OR something you found and pasted here, but it was sheer poetry and a very moving piece.
Eloquent. Beautiful. Evocative.
P&GR
Posted by: Purple & Gold Reign | May 23, 2008 at 10:37 AM
President Booger Society,
Is your special brand of booger better than our In and Out flavor? Do you have a valet parking at your place? Well, you missed Johnny P, Justanothermamba, toad and Mamba24, we don't work without the union.
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | May 23, 2008 at 10:50 AM
Edwin - Amen, brother! We'll strike if we have to!
Posted by: justanothermambafan | May 23, 2008 at 11:03 AM
Random Thoughts:
-Had Fish and Lamar hit their shots in the first half, Kobe would’ve had at least eight assists at the half, the Lakers would’ve led at the half, and nobody would be making a big deal out of Kobe’s three shot attempts.
-Had the Lakers lost game 1, and Kobe missed a few more of his eighteen second half shots, everyone would be making a big deal about how Kobe “shot his team out of the game” and didn’t trust his teammates.
-Kobe’s game is criticized by the media more than any other great player to EVER PLAY THE GAME. Yet, he is universally accepted as the best player on the planet by his peers. Isn’t that odd?
-I’m not sure why we’re discussing trades during the WCF’s , but to those of you who wouldn’t trade Bynum for Lebron, you guys are loco. The Kobe and Lebron duo, along with Lamar and Pau could probably beat an all NBA all-star team, and would have a shot at going undefeated. Kobe & Lebron is Michael & Scottie on steroids.
-The Spurs missed their lone opportunity to steal a road game against a rusty Laker team. With the Spurs devastating choke job, coupled with Ginobli’s ankle injury, this series is over. Lakers easily win tonight by double digits, resulting in long-awaited minutes for Ariza.
Posted by: LAKER TRUTH | May 23, 2008 at 11:05 AM
EDWIN GUECO:"Is your special brand of booger better than our In and Out flavor?
Do you have a valet parking at your place? Well, you missed Johnny P,
Justanothermamba, toad and Mamba24, we don't work without the union."
ROFLMAO!! STOP IT EDWIN! LOL! LOL!
Posted by: MAMBA24 | May 23, 2008 at 11:05 AM
Well, it wasn't the triangle offense, but if the Spurs have no answer for the Kobe-Gasol pick and roll, why not run it to death (as they did in the second half) until they find one?
Amazing,
As much as I like your idea, it will not work on a seven game series. If it is a one and done tourney, sure it will be an advantage, but in this type of matchups, I'm not too sure about it. Coaches usually make good adjustments and those one trick strategy will soon work against you. It's always good to mixed it up. Like when PJ move Kobe at the 4 to speed up the phase and swing the momentum to the Lakers side, that was very effective. Expect to see more of those together with the Kobe-Gasol attacking the basket tonight. Lakers win by 11 tonight! GO LAKERS!!!
Posted by: GameFaceON | May 23, 2008 at 11:11 AM
Round One, Nuggets used the Denver thugs Kenyon Martin and JR Smith to stop Kobe.....Kobe's battery was alive throughout and swept them in Hugo's place.
Round Two, Jazz used the cleaned cut ex cons Matt Harpring, Ronnie Price and Andrei (w/ expired visa therefore illegal) Kirilenko to slow down Kobe....Kobe's battery just kept going and going all the way to 6th game.
WCF, initially it was Bruise Bowen as the NBA well known Kobe stopper, then Udoka, Kobe's batteries were activated with full force and eradicated the 20 pt lead. In some spurts, that Argentinian assasin from Falklands was used but he was a dedo and still groggy due to sleepless night.
Kobe's battery must be a reliable brand with all the bad publicity from the press, the latest sexual pecadillo, the envy of all retired NBA players, MVP comparison with CP3, to Dwayne (tired of fishing in the everglades), to LBJ who else shall we include here Kevin Durant, future superstar of OK Sonics, the up and coming Beastly and Derrick Rose of NC2A favorites of Xodus j/k, (will they ever take off in the NBA or just remain in the tarmac?)
Keep on threading Kobe, the Lakers Blog will always be at your back.
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | May 23, 2008 at 11:15 AM
Yeah, great post lakerholic. Keep it up now I know where the "holic" in your name comes from.
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | May 23, 2008 at 11:19 AM
lakeraholic....
Nice post, man!
Kobe had me from the preaseason during his rookie year. I was dying to see this kid that Jerry West had traded Vlade Divac for. And Kobe didn't disappoint me. He came through the middle during a preaseason game and launched a tomahawk dunk that left me awestruck.
Part of growing up is learning that our heroes in sports and in life come complete with warts and demons. Kobe is far from perfect, as are the rest of us. But he is one highly entertaining ballplayer. He gives it his all. That's what I hang my hat on.
Posted by: bronxlakerfan | May 23, 2008 at 11:38 AM
Well, it wasn't the triangle offense, but if the Spurs have no answer for the Kobe-Gasol pick and roll, why not run it to death (as they did in the second half) until they find one?
Amazing,
As much as I like your idea, it will not work on a seven game series. If it is a one and done tourney, sure it will be an advantage, but in this type of matchups, I'm not too sure about it. Coaches usually make good adjustments and those one trick strategy will soon work against you. It's always good to mixed it up. Like when PJ move Kobe at the 4 to speed up the phase and swing the momentum to the Lakers side, that was very effective. Expect to see more of those together with the Kobe-Gasol attacking the basket tonight. Lakers win by 11 tonight! GO LAKERS!!!
Posted by: GameFaceON | May 23, 2008 at 11:40 AM
Edwin,
Good call on LakerTom's grouchy old guy moment. While I think trading Bynum at this point for some unproven whatever guard is a bad idea, I agree that LakerTom thinks of AB as the messiah, and he hasn't proven it yet.
He casually dismisses the idea of trading AB for D-12, Amare, D-Will, or CP3. While I can certainly understand arguments against such a trade, I don't think you can dismiss such trade possibilities outright. No other team in the league would willingly take AB at the moment for their star listed above.
I too thought, you know LakerTom sounds a lot more like Mike T. did than Andrew Z does. That's kind of scary.
On all other issues, LakerTom is the eloquent, excellently observing voice of reason. If he ever tried to leave the blog, I would track him down myself and force him to return, that's how much I value his contribution.
Posted by: Benjamin | May 23, 2008 at 11:48 AM
Roland Lazenby is a truly iimpressive sports journalist.
It pisses me off to know end that he's running a blog no on reads while T.J. Simers gets page two of the the Los Angeles Times Sports Section.
It really sickens me.
Not just ridiculous. A travesty.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | May 22, 2008 at 08:28 PM
It's just a blog upon which no one posts. I agree that it's a travesty that Simers gets better billing. Lazenby is great.
lakerholic,
Thanks for sharing that story about the Kobe fan. Really good stuff.
Posted by: Benjamin | May 23, 2008 at 11:50 AM
I think Bynum for the #1 pick is definitely a trade worth considering. We could probably walk away with the #1 pick and our choice of any player not named Deng. How about Tyrus Thomas or Noah backing up Gasol and Odom? How about Rose, Kobe, Nocioni, Odom and Gasol running the fast break?
What if the heat offered Dwane Wade straight up for Bynum?
Would you do it?
Wes
Posted by: | May 23, 2008 at 01:55 AM
Keep Bynum! No ands ifs or buts about it. They all belong in Diseyland in the world of fantasy.
Stay rel keep Bynum.
Posted by: JustaLakerFan | May 23, 2008 at 11:58 AM
Jesterguru,
I am with you 100%. These guys are under the microscope big time. WE ALL HAVE OUR SKELETONS IN THE CLOSET. It's just that when theirs come out, the media and others will pick those bones to death.
It has to be difficult to be married and WEALTHY beyond your dreams. It's funny that we say you are innocent until PROVEN guilty, yet it is actually the opposite.
NO ONE will ever know what happened in CO. except the TWO INVOLVED and the GREAT LORD (& Laker fan) HIMSELF.
It sucks to have allegations thrown at you and everyone assumes GUILTY. We will never know the truth.
peace
janaya
oh ya - GO F'ING LAKERS!!!!!!
Posted by: janaya | May 23, 2008 at 12:07 PM
Benjamin:"On all other issues, LakerTom is the eloquent, excellently observing voice of
reason. If he ever tried to leave the blog, I would track him down myself and force him to return,
that's how much I value his contribution."
I SECOND THAT!
Posted by: MAMBA24 | May 23, 2008 at 12:32 PM
-I’m not sure why we’re discussing trades during the WCF’s , but to those of you who wouldn’t trade Bynum for Lebron, you guys are loco. The Kobe and Lebron duo, along with Lamar and Pau could probably beat an all NBA all-star team, and would have a shot at going undefeated. Kobe & Lebron is Michael & Scottie on steroids.
-The Spurs missed their lone opportunity to steal a road game against a rusty Laker team. With the Spurs devastating choke job, coupled with Ginobli’s ankle injury, this series is over. Lakers easily win tonight by double digits, resulting in long-awaited minutes for Ariza.
Posted by: LAKER TRUTH | May 23, 2008 at 11:05 AM
Laker Truth....
Back away from the keyboard...no worries everything will be OK.....no one wants to see you hurt!
Don't be dilussional, we got a special car to take you to a nice white building full of people in nice white coats.
Relax, just relax.....its ok!
Bynum for LeBronze (snicker) I mean ok it will be alright.
Posted by: JustaLakerFan | May 23, 2008 at 01:11 PM
Lakerholic,
Great post man. You must be a professional writer, your thoughts were too well organized and disciplined. It works well to our advantage thus we have the chance to read it. Straight to the heart brother, straight to the heart.
Lakers in 6.
Mamba from the east coast
Posted by: Mamba24Fan4Life | May 23, 2008 at 01:47 PM