KOBE SHOWS HE IS MOST VALUABLE PLAYER…

If this terrific MVP-caliber team-oriented performance doesn’t shut up Kobe’s critics, then nothing ever will. In a game where he did not even attempt a shot in the 4th quarter, Kobe Bryant dominated and orchestrated this Lakers win as much as any game he has ever played. He started by burying his first 2 shots and getting the Lakers off to a quick 5-0 lead that they would never relinquish. With Pau chasing Okur behind the 3-point line, Kobe hit the defensive boards and pulled down several key rebounds. He penetrated and dished out 7 assists and attacked the rim earning 13 of the 17 free throws he earned. He was like a conductor, decoy, mentor, ringer, cheerleader, and coach all rolled into one. Whatever the Lakers needed. That’s why he is the league’s Most Valuable Player.

THE MOST IMPORTANT GAME OF HIS LIFE…

That’s just what Lamar Odom called Game 5 of the Lakers–Jazz playoff series before he donned purple and gold and helped the Lakers score a 111-104 win at Staples last night. You hear so many athletes try to reduce the pressure on themselves by downplaying the importance of a big game with their lame and inane protests that “it’s just another game.” It’s refreshing to witness one of your favorite players stand up and proclaim that this is the biggest game of his life – not of the playoffs, not of the season, but of his entire life. And then to see him go out and play with fierceness, fearlessness, and focus to prove it. Lamar Odom is finally proving that he is the complete package and before these playoffs are over he will have earned himself an extension to become a Laker for Life.

THE REASON NO FOUL WAS CALLED ON PAU…

The simple truth about the critical offensive rebound and dunk that Pau Gasol made over Mehmet Okur after Sasha Vujacic’s missed 3-pointer is that NBA refs do not call fouls for going over the back of a defensive rebounder when that rebounder is directly under the basket, which is where Okur ended up after fighting with Pau for rebounding position. The really great play by Pau was getting good enough position on Okur to body and push him under the rim, which almost always guarantees that a player will be out of the play. Okur realized he was in a bad position and tried to flop to draw a foul on Pau but the refs were not buying it because Okur had not had position. He was under the basket. Pau once again showed the ability to make the big, clutch plays when his team needed it most.

DEREK FISHER IS THE ULTIMATE ANTI-SMUSH PARKER…

I still have to stop and thank God that we have Derek Fisher running the point for this team instead of Smush Parker. I seriously doubt that there is a single Laker fan who does not know recognize that switching out Smush for Derek was one of the single biggest reasons that the Lakers evolved into a winning team. Whether it’s hitting a 3-pointer, easy midrange jumper, or clutch free throw, taking a charge, blocking a shot, or playing tough defense, or hitting Pau or Lamar with a perfect bounce pass or lob off the pick and roll, Derek Fisher has given the Lakers everything they could have wanted as a player, not counting his invaluable contribution as a team leader and mentor and Kobe confidant. As somebody said, Fish could win Governor or Mayor someday down the road.

FARMAR’S LAYUP PLUS ONE WAS BIG PLAY…

I have to disagree with AK’s position that Farmar did not have a big impact on the game. I thought the 3-point play that he made taking Derek Williams to the hoop was a critical play at a key turning point in the game, giving the Lakers a 4-point lead and inspiring the team just as Kobe reentered the game with 8 minutes to go in the 4th quarter. It was the bookend 3 to Vlade’s bomb that opened the 4th quarter and showed that the Lakers bench could outplay the Jazz bench at the key juncture of the game. I also thought that Jordan’s early 3-point shot was important in letting Kobe and his teammates know that they could count on a positive contribution from him tonight, when the team really needed it. Jordan may still have a ways to go but we already know he is no “Smush Parker.”

THE MACHINE NEEDS TO BE RECALIBRATED…

Or defibrillated or reactivated or rebooted or whatever after his unconscious 1 of 8 from beyond the arc and his terrible 1 of 12 overall shooting. Throw in a brain-dead taunting technical at a key point in the game and it’s easy to see that the Machine had problems. The one thing you have to say about Sasha, though, is that he was still firing away even though he was cold. And Kobe and the other Lakers were still passing him the ball. What does that tell you Sasha-doubters? That Kobe and his teammates trust Sasha’s shot. Look for a rebuilt Machine on Friday in Utah. Mark my word, Sasha is going to torch the Jazz for more than 20 points as the Lakers close out the Jazz in Utah on Friday night.

Tom

So with Kobe having his back better than he thought it was then I say.

When blame when things go wrong and props for when things go right.

With that said, Great job Gary Vitti for getting Kobe in game shape enough to play through the pain.

Keep it up and have him ready for Friday!

LakerTom, an insightful post as ever. I like the thought on the Okur flop/Pau "foul". Fact is, no ref in their right mind would call it. I doubt the Lakers would have gotten that call if it were the other way around.

#4

Gasol, Fisher, Odom, and Bryant all took the day off from practice today.

Jackson also indicated Kobe's back seems fine today although Kobe again did not speak to reporters.

Also Jackson did not rule out Ariza playing Friday!

Quote:
"He seems to be OK," Jackson said about Bryant at the Lakers' El Segundo practice facility. "He's all right today."

...

Jackson said that forward Trevor Ariza, who has not played since Jan. 20, looked active in practice today.

This was Ariza's second day of practice since he was cleared by doctors after suffering a broken bone in his right foot.

"He looked like he's much more comfortable than he did Tuesday," Jackson said of Ariza. "We're just going a day at a time with this."

Jackson would not specify if Ariza would play Friday.

Source: Kobe Bryant sits out Laker

Coolsville!!!

KARL MALONE = SHE KOBE

Both use all caps

Posted by: Fraud | May 15, 2008 at 03:26 PM

FRAUD, YOUR NAME SAME IS ALL=FRAUD=NONSENSE

WHAT THE HECK, YOU SAID: KARL MARLONE=SHEKOBE,

I WILL ALWAYS USE THE CAPS, LIKE IT OR NOT. IF YOU HAVE A GREAT SENSE OF JUDGMENT, EVEN I USE THE CAPS, YOU CAN RECGONIZE MY STYLE AND MAKE THE DIFFERENCE WITH OTHER POST.

LOVE TO ALL

SHEKOBE

Charles

Im not a gambling man (though I've been known to go to Biloxi, MS to partake) but im willing to bet Ariza will see some playing time friday..and if not friday..game 7 definitely.

My question about that is..if he does play..how's his conditioning? Are we assuming he will be in the same form he was in Months ago? I always felt his shot was suspect..but it did get better over time. If we can get an 70% effective Ariza..he cud give D-Will fits with his length and speed!..again..assuming his conditioning is there

AK..BK

Were do I go to see the vid? I see no icon..or anything.