You won't be able to watch the Lakers play tonight
But if you've got a willingness to drive all over L.A., a Zagat, and a life that's likely described with the word "no," you could possibly watch them grub. The entire team (players only) will be getting together for a little dinner, Rockets-Jazz, and some good ol' fashioned hanging out. I can't say which restaurant they'll be painting purple and gold -- I'm not keeping secrets. I honestly have no idea -- but wherever the team lays their hats, everyone seems pretty confident they'll find some "fun" listed on the menu. For a lot of franchises, a complete roster breaking bread isn't a common occurrence, but for this Laker squad, it's not that unusual or tough to organize. "It's second nature for us," noted Kobe Bryant. "We're a close group. We all get along extremely well." Added Lamar Odom, "This an important time for us to get together and become one." Besides, if you're one of them superstitious types, you'll consider the sweep against Denver as good a reason as any to make a reservation under "Lakers, party of 15."
"Before the last playoff series, we got together and everything worked out fine," noted Odom.
Aside from just watching Game 6 (both for the purposes of being entertained and studying their eventual opponent), the dinner will serve to provide the resident Lakers comedians (of which there are many) a forum to channel his inner Richard Pryor. "We got some guys with some character," said Odom of his teammates' joke tossing skills. "We got some personalities on this team." So who's especially good for a chuckle? LO gave Luke Walton some props, but wasn't afraid to throw a name that rhymes with "Shamar Bodom" into the ring. "Some guys might tell you myself." And would those LO7-centric judges be correct in their assessment of the proverbial last comic standing? "I would say so," shrugged Lamar. "Like, I rule in the sarcasm department."
"That's what he thinks," quipped Jordan Farmar when told of Lamar's high regard for his own yuk yuks. While conceding that Odom is indeed "hilarious," the Bruin went with overseas with his vote. "Vlade (Radmanovic) is probably the funniest one on the team."
(My two cents: Farmar is right that Vlad Rad's got a good sense of humor. Truth be told, LO's outstanding grades for himself and Walton are also accurate. If I made a "Top 5 Funniest Lakers list," I'd probably name those three, plus Ronny Turiaf and Kobe, but the team's pretty funny in general. And were Kwame Brown still on the team, he might actually top the list. Very quick, self-deprecating wit. I suppose there's a price to be paid with every trade.)
And since riffs are expected to be flowing, it would stand to reason that somebody is likely to end up the butt of said one-liners. Are the Lakers prone to picking on a particular teammate? I wouldn't call it pick," clarified Odom. And who's the target in question? "I couldn't say. We gotta keep that for ourselves." I guess Farmar wasn't around when everyone else took their oath of secrecy. The point guard immediately responded "Sasha" when asked the same question. And why Slovenia's Favorite Son? "Why not," shrugged Farmar. Besides, as Farmar acknowledged, nobody takes anything personally, since everyone from Coby Karl to Kobe Bryant is fair and frequent game. Although guys may go a little easier on The Mamba until the bill is settled. Reminded of the story he recently told of a preseason team dinner that Kobe paid for, prompting an "MVP" chant, we all wondered who'd be paying for tonight's smorgasbord. "Hopefully, the MVP," smiled Odom. Lamar will get no argument from any teammates. "It's his turn again," deadpanned Farmar. "It's always his turn. Kobe will take care of us tonight."
At that moment, Kobe happened to walk past us.
"Right, Kob?"
"Huh?"
"You got dinner tonight?"
(A high pitched, mock incredulous) "What?"
"We're good," grinned Farmar. "You guys all heard it."
I guess "MVP" stands for "Monster Visa purchase."
AK
- Phil Jackson: Download phil_jackson_050208.mp3
- Derek Fisher: Download derek_fisher_050208.mp3
- Jordan Farmar: Download jordan_farmar_050208_practice.mp3
- Lamar Odom (who compares the closeness of this teams to his other close ones): Download lamar_odom_050208_practice.mp3
- Kobe Bryant (with some insight into Kobe's favorite Disneyland rides): Download kobe_bryant_050208_practice.mp3
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Man, that is so cool!! This team is really something special.
Posted by: dan the man | May 02, 2008 at 05:40 PM
Lets go Utah
Posted by: Fire32 | May 02, 2008 at 05:51 PM
Thanks for your good work, AK. This post was worth more than all of this year's game breakdowns combined.
Posted by: Big D | May 02, 2008 at 05:56 PM
Can you even imagine how much food it must take to feed 15 guys who are not only 6'-7' tall and 200-300lbs, but they also work out like 10 times a day? They must consume calories like oxygen! Wherever they're eating tonight, I feel a little bad for the kitchen staff.
Posted by: J.W. Weatherman | May 02, 2008 at 05:59 PM
Today's honoree is Mamba24. Mamba24 you are a baaaad a$$ m-shutYOmouth. Your enthusiasm sparked up the vast majority of us. I remember the first time I made your role. I felt like I had a home and other people on your list surely felt the same way. After that your daily dedication and flowing writing style showing your enthusiasm and love made me feel like this was A FUN AND WELCOMING place to celebrate the Lakers. Thank you. We mourn for your personal losses. I hope you know that the community from which you are taking a break LOVES YOU and whenever you pop in there will be a big celebration!! And as we watch the VICTORIES UNFOLD in the playoffs, we'll take extra joy and solace knowing that you are enjoying the game. They'll be winning one for the Mamba24 who will always have a special place in the firmament of the LakersBlog community. Take good care of yourself, let us know if we can ever help!! Your friends forever, Lakers Blog
ROLL CALL: MAN
(1) Faith, Bob, Keifo, Vman. Jay Jay, Charles, Edwin Gueco, Tsiry, FATTY, AngryLakerTha Show, Tim-4-Show, TheLakeShow, Generic_One, Pig Miller, Toad, Taliq, LakerTruthWesJoeNixon, Zakee, Cleon, SBPimp, The_D, Bozz, #4, Nemia Faletogo, Elle, HmrHed
ComptonsFinest, FlagrantFowl LakerLegacy, Exhelodrvr, Laker Tom, Rick Friedman ,RDLEE, PURPLE HEART, Allan-Brazil, Puddle, Andrew Z. Hugo Boss, CORNER J.
The Outlaw, Tsphere, Jon Kavulic,
WeaveMan,SixOneZero, FearlessWhackJob, CBuck
utzworld THE BANNER HOLDER, DICE8UP, Never, JANAYA, EastCoastJessie, Jman,BackMamba24, BrownMamba24, WhiteMamba24, Mamba24Fan4Life, FanOfMamba, JustAnotherMAMBAFAN, Mamba#5, JustALakerFan, VI LakerFan, LALFan, KOBE24
Greek Dude, Afro Joe, KB8THWonder, Original Ken, Original J J, LakerMan420, PURPLE&GOLD_REIN, ZEN, Ando, Brylle, MOKO, JOHNNY P., MIKE DILLS, ISSANG
LakerGurl, SFLakerGirl, PsychedLakerGirl, SimiLakerGirl, LakerGirl1980, LakerLassHoustonLakerGirl, SheKobe, LakersRydeOrDie, SloGal, TWoody, LakerFaze, Wow
DrewPauKobe, GoKobeGo, KobesBad, KobeRocks, Laker/KobeFan, NIK KANNANMrBarneryDangles, Todd, JesterGuru, SmoothD, JCool, Jeff, David Whang, WWKBD
KIWI, Machiavelly, DOC4daLakeShow, LakersMR, LakersSTH, HobbitMage, KoreyAllan-BRAZIL, Herb Stempel, DarkAngelSK, TROY, T_Sensei, BerkleyLaker, Dave M.Stars_R_Aligned, Cscoot, The_Dude_Abides, Johnny Laker, The HEAD-MBENGA.L.A. Watcher, LakerGurl, FUEGO32, EHOMP, KCHW, MICHIGAN_LAKER
Complex Brotha, WondahBap, Derek, Benjamin, The HAMMER, Cyrus(Ventrilquist), HappyCamper, HappyDaze, HappyGilmore, CriticalBeatDown, RealityBites, BZAR,Amazing Happens, TELLitLIKEitIS PSLakerLover, Lakers4Lyfe, Lakers4Real, Che,
CooLHAIR, The_COOL BOBIE, SpokanLakerFan, Duma, Shum, ManSlayer, FatSam ,AKR68, GiantSquid, BotSoy, LakerFan, LA_Mental, CaliPhilosopher, JLuv, CDub0512
Bruzer, Peanut_Butter_Spread, Laker_Kev, Lakers_Sparks_Fan, Trio, Reality_Check
: DAVE ROSENZWEIG, DANCAT, LakerBandit, TwoForOne7, HAWAIID,Chick4EverYou Ever Notice? MarkyTheArky, Justin Leonard, FIishEye, Linda Pineda, Kidwell, MelBronxLakerFan ChitTownLaker, HoustonLaker, TexasLaker, BrazillianLaker, USCLaker
LakerNorth, LakerinBC, ROMY R, NIK KANNAN, Earth_Wind_&_Fire, FKIllah, TEEJAA Los, Wizo, Caeser, Maxximo, Wolf, Chuck23, 10MillionDollarZen, Man, Jeff GrotkeLakers4Realz, Gino, Gabe, Darick, Floyd, Vincent, ROBYN, Khang, Old Scholol, TP,Eddie Brock, Jandro, Paul Lee, AJAX, Mitchell, David In Spain, J_Doubter, Guy, Xtro,
Playa, Butler, Franky_J., Daryl, LakerDawg, DK,JC, The Dropper, Afro Joe, JeffMobWagoneer, PK-in-the-MESA, GreenPaz, Andy B, TIKI, HUBBIT, Jamie SWEET
SwanWorld, , Benny Blanca, MEL, AdamKiley, JUSTIN, CHRIS H, LADIESMANLinda Pineda, CaliKing, Thirty2, Aime Williams, Chucky .L.Ohno, Look Lonely, Kyle
LakerHolic, GDChild, Dion Centralk, Staples24, Robyn, Lakers08, Mel, J.D. HastingsLaker_Fan, True Laker Fan, Passionate Laker Fan, LT Laker_Fan, Grail, DaxMDD
40YearFan, KillerEight, LOTEC9, LAKER_LARRY, Todd Battles, ASM, MikeAz, LakaLover, Bynumite, CS, Baywood, LakerHopeful, Bobie, Gilly, MARCO64, Drew
Purple&Gold_4Eva, B4Hoops, HeWhoHoops, Jorema, Xtro, MCGarnagle, LENT Gugy, Laker4Life, ASM, SAMLL, Pince Akrasian, EagleBoy, JR., BLKTHGHT06,
SighBrandon C. Tully Moxness, LakerBake, Sean74, Sead94, LongLiveChick Kinglakernidas, RespectMyAuthorith, Hariyahu, Alexinh017, NESTROS BISTROLiveLakers, Blaze1Bx, Phred, Swettual, Tajluck, Violater, MARTY, KIKOS DADRicoTico, Lauria, Sean P. SocalSpider , Sambosola BigGameJames, Dascilla
JoninJAPAN(INCANADA), FRANCESCO, RHON SALMON, STUCKINNY
*
ALL TOGETHER NOW:
WE ARE THE FREAKIN LA LAKERS THE WINNERS OF 14 NBA TITLES.
THE TEAM WITH THE BEST WINNING PERCENTAGE IN NBA HISTORY.
THE ONLY TEAM WITH 2 HOF COACHES. THE TEAM WITH THE MOST
PLAYERS ON THE 50 GREATEST PLAYERS OF ALL TIME LIST(6). THE
HOME OF WILT KAREEM, GEORGE MIKAN, SHAQ, MAGIC, KOBE,
ELGIN BAYLOR, THE LOGO(JERRY WEST), PAT RILEY, JAMES WORTHY,
BOB MCADOO, "BIG SHOT ROB HORRY" GAIL GOODRICH
THE LEGENDARY SPORTSCASTER CHICK HEARN
COACHED BY 9 TIME TITLE WINNER PHIL (9RINGS) JACKSON
& OWNED BY THE BEST D@MN OWNER IN SPORTS DR. JERRY BUSS
AND THE ONLY ONE WHO CAN EVER DEFEAT OR DIVIDE US IS US
LAKERS TODAY LAKERS TOMORROW LAKERS FOREVER
Posted by: JohnnyP | May 02, 2008 at 06:09 PM
JohnnyP - That was great - let's keep it up!
Posted by: justanothermambafan | May 02, 2008 at 06:25 PM
justanothermambafan:
So what was great about JohnnyP's 'Roll" call post? I would like to know and understand? Is there a hidden message that I am missing about the Lakers?
JohnnyP - That was great - let's keep it up!
Posted by: justanothermambafan
Posted by: CONFUSED | May 02, 2008 at 06:44 PM
LMMFAO @ exhelodrvr
I'm pretty sure she's dead Ex or she no doubt would've made the list CTFU
Posted by: complex brotha | May 02, 2008 at 06:45 PM
Hey! I'm a lurker but all these troll wars are bringing me out! Give the Lakers a few days off, and this blog goes into mayhem mode! Lol. Leave Mamba, Charles, and everyone else alone and allow this blog to continue to radiate with the positivity and passion that I visit it for! Do not criticize anyone's contribution, no matter how small or big.
Posted by: Lakafo0 | May 02, 2008 at 06:46 PM
Good Stuff AK.
Was Drew hanging with them? I dont remember hearing anything about him during the team get togethers and for some reason, I'm a lil curious if he hangs with the fellas?
Posted by: complex brotha | May 02, 2008 at 06:55 PM
Confused
Go to therevious threat Hold hold hold and you will get your answer. See my post near the bottom.
Posted by: JustaLakerFan | May 02, 2008 at 06:59 PM
We got our MVP. Now let's win our championship.
Posted by: htj | May 02, 2008 at 07:00 PM
Dear Confused - it's a whole big thing from the previous thread with some not wanting the roll call & honoree of the day posts because of their length & so-called lack of originality. Anyhoo - as a result, Mamba24 recognized the love from most of the blog posting various comments of support, but due to personal circumstances will not post roll call until the playoffs. I'm not sure if he'll be lurking in the meantime and/or posting other comments before then. In the meantime, JohnnyP and others will be picking up the "slack" and post roll call for all of us who look forward to the rousing battle cry in the morning. We're hoping to inspire Mamba24 to keep doing what he does when he's ready to come back, and that those who don't like it will simply scroll past it and carry on with comments of their own.
You can always go back & read the previous thread to pick up on all the details, but that's the gist of it.
Here's hoping we can all just get along.
Posted by: justanothermambafan | May 02, 2008 at 07:01 PM
complex,
She is still going strong.
Posted by: exhelodrvr | May 02, 2008 at 07:01 PM
tandem blog:
ahhh. yes, johnny p, just the shape of that post made me nostalgic.
what's going on today. Fire32 is back, and a nameless blogger accuses Sir Charles of frivolity. If these two are not one and the same, then we are being attacked by an unholy alliance of blasphemers. Fire32, quit changing stripes, unless you really want to be disappointed multiple times in this playoff season. Anonymous, if your criticisms of the way this blog operates are sincere, then perhaps you should find a less personable blog. one in which two people's conversation never veers towards the other. I doubt, however, that your post is heart-felt, considering Charles' posts were often in response to or related to basketbal posts, in which case, Troll On! (or don't)
--------------------
AK, thanks for the family portrait of our heroes. The Lakers are not just a basketball team, they're the greatest sitcom never made.
Posted by: eddie brock | May 02, 2008 at 07:08 PM
Wonder why they cant charge Team dinners to the LAL? lmaoooooooooooo wouldnt that be hilarious if the team was able to charge the tab to PJ or Mitch... there HAS to be an expense acct right? I mean 1100 -1300 including drinks and tips seems about right for a high end steakhouse serving a party of 15 but it would probably be a lot funner if they went and got In n Out then kicked it at someones estate lol just seems so much safer to me in this day n age of stick up kids and bad cops
Posted by: complex brotha | May 02, 2008 at 07:08 PM
Kobe Mvp !! yeah!!
Posted by: Fairweather Fatty | May 02, 2008 at 07:12 PM
I think I heard Vlade on Loose Cannons once. He was hilarious.
Posted by: Emma | May 02, 2008 at 07:12 PM
Complex Brotha,
Drew was at practice today, so I'd assume he'll be at the dinner. I see no reason why he wouldn't be.
AK
Posted by: Andrew Kamenetzky | May 02, 2008 at 07:13 PM
nice kobe got MVP
latimes reports kobe got it... finally
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: David Whang | May 02, 2008 at 07:15 PM
Wish I knew where dinner was being served.....love to be fly on the wall there!
Posted by: justanothermambafan | May 02, 2008 at 07:16 PM
WOW!!!! Is anyone watching the Celtics/Hawks game? Hawks are up by a couple with about 9 min left in the 4th,
GO HAWKS!
Posted by: justanothermambafan | May 02, 2008 at 07:18 PM
M V P !!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: DC | May 02, 2008 at 07:20 PM
eddie brock,
I'm rollin with you guys. If Utah wins tonight, Lakers play sunday.
I want to watch a Laker game, thats all.
I AM A LAKER
Posted by: Fire32 | May 02, 2008 at 07:24 PM
It's his! It's his!
I wont believe it till i see it though
Posted by: bobie | May 02, 2008 at 07:24 PM
That was a great post, AK. I was reading it with a huge grin on my face.
Is this true that Ariza will be ready to play in the 2nd round. I was surprised when I heard it on PMS today.
Posted by: tim | May 02, 2008 at 07:27 PM
I can't believe I'm asking this on a Lakers blog, but does anyone have a link to the Hawks/Celtics game? Looks like a good one.. couldn't find a link on Google.
Posted by: Emma | May 02, 2008 at 07:28 PM
AK
The reason I asked that is, I've seen Trevor on the bench during home games in street clothes but I never see Drew on the bench??? I was curious about him always being low profile, out of sight since his injury ( sans the party at UCLA with Jordan ) and just wondering if he isnt a natural homebody but I'll take your word on tonight.
Posted by: complex brotha | May 02, 2008 at 07:28 PM
I AM A LAKER
Posted by: Fire32 | May 02, 2008 at 07:24 PM
________________________________
OMG - am I in a parallel universe or something??? This isn't the REAL Fire32 is it??? You know - the Big Pumpkin fan? The troll that the blog has given (mutual) respect to? Now claiming to be a LAKER????
Welcome Fire32 (if that's you) and welcome to the light side (as opposed to the dark gloom of AZ now that the Suns have set most likely forever).
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: justanothermambafan | May 02, 2008 at 07:32 PM
Wow Ex... I honestly had no idea.. I just assumed because she was old as dirt when I was a kid and that was over 20 yrs ago!!!!!! Geesh.. thats scary but good one Ex, I'll replace Joan with Phyllis but theres no way I wanna see a recent pic of her lol
Posted by: complex brotha | May 02, 2008 at 07:35 PM
Hawks up by 6 on a 9-0 run! Paul Pierce just fouled out & there's only 4:45 min left. Now a tech on Pierce...!!!
GO HAWKS!!!!
Posted by: justanothermambafan | May 02, 2008 at 07:37 PM
We got our MVP. Now let's win our championship.
Posted by: htj | May 02, 2008 at 07:38 PM
justanothermambafan,
Yes, it is me. THE SHERADE IS OVER!!!!
Posted by: Fire32 | May 02, 2008 at 07:43 PM
Nevermind, then. Stupid lag.
PS - It's "charade."
Posted by: Emma | May 02, 2008 at 07:47 PM
Well, Fire32. It's been a crazy ride - welcome brother!
Posted by: justanothermambafan | May 02, 2008 at 07:48 PM
PS - It's "charade."
Posted by: Emma
My apologies Emma, but was it really necessary for the word STUPID?
Anyways, it's all love from me. I'll try to get it right next time.
We'll be playing on Sunday.
Posted by: Fire32 | May 02, 2008 at 08:03 PM
Well, Fire32. It's been a crazy ride - welcome brother!
Posted by: justanothermambafan
Thanx bro.
Posted by: Fire32 | May 02, 2008 at 08:04 PM
Fire, I wasn't talking about you when I said "stupid." I'm a little confused about your identity nonetheless... people seem to think you're a Suns fan.
Posted by: Emma | May 02, 2008 at 08:06 PM
It's beginning to look a lot like Utah....
(sing it to the tune, and it's even fun!)
BK
Posted by: Brian Kamenetzky | May 02, 2008 at 08:43 PM
a well deserved MVP for KOBE...
Why is JohnyP doing the ROLL CALL and not MAMBA24?
Posted by: dice8up | May 02, 2008 at 08:45 PM
I'm thoroughly disgusted by Boston. Not to take away anything from what Atlanta has done, but Boston simply stumbles and bumbles in the closing moments when they're behind.
Posted by: Xodus | May 02, 2008 at 08:53 PM
Is this the smartest team in the NBA? Don't we have like 5 guys that speak more than 3 languages and a few that speak more than 4? They're all pretty funny too. I wonder.
Posted by: hectorartm | May 02, 2008 at 09:02 PM
KOBE WINS THE MVP!!
WOO HOO!
Posted by: Xodus | May 02, 2008 at 09:13 PM
Yup YUP YUP.
Next up, UTAH.
Also, KG is FUGAZY, and the Celtics are OVERRATED.
Posted by: Amazing_Happens | May 02, 2008 at 09:45 PM
Johnny P,
Good work baby! You'll do nicely.
Posted by: Benjamin | May 02, 2008 at 10:20 PM
thanks for the cool piece man.. I was wonderin' who the team clowns were!
never woulda picked Vlade but it's nice to know!
although I probably would have picked Sasha for the butt. I like the guy, but I can definitely see that.
Actually I would have picked Vlade for the butt, given Phil's 'space cadet' thing... which is why it's nice to have the scoop on this. thanks again man
Posted by: shawndo | May 02, 2008 at 10:56 PM
Just got back from dinner in hancock park. I have eaten next to several celebrities, but I NEVER give a sh$t. Tonight, at 9:30pm, the entire laker team was at Osteria Mozza, and I got to stand next to 8 laker team members. I didnt see Kobe, but I saw the rest of the crew. I was in awe. So much excitement in the air right now over the lakers. If I see Tom Cuise, ZZZZZZZZZ. But seeing the lakers was a very exciting moment.
Go Lakers.
Posted by: Jeremy R | May 03, 2008 at 12:41 AM
Wait a minute...did you just use journalism skills, and a close relationship with the players to give us some real insight as to how this team interacts behind the scenes.....ON A BLOG??? Someone get Buzz on the phone!
Posted by: The Fav | May 03, 2008 at 08:07 AM
Weatherman, that was poetry.
Posted by: Robert G. | May 03, 2008 at 05:44 PM