Report Card - Ira Newble
As mentioned earlier, the grade criteria comes in large part by impact on the season. A search using two different engines produced the photo below (and a small handful more, tops) of Ira Newble on the court in a Laker uni. 
That basically summarizes his affect on 2008's outcome. As for why he couldn't get on the court, I can't say for certain. On one hand, Newble was simply an acknowledged insurance policy if Trevor Ariza was out for the season. Yes, Ariza didn't return until late into the playoffs, but the team was also winning, so an "if it ain't broke, don't fix it" outlook is pretty easily justified. Especially with a player who isn't much on the offensive end and a team whose defensive prowess is often heavily influenced by its offensive execution. Of course, Phil Jackson was also reluctant to play 2006 late addition Jim Jackson, so detractors might cite a pattern. But unlike JJ's scenario, which involved a weaker team and a more pressing need, I don't find Newble's lack of PT particularly odd. Could Jackson have given him a bigger go, especially with SF the team's weakest position? I guess, but I doubt it would have mattered, and I'm not going to make a stink out of not making a move I feel would have bore no consequences.
It should be said, however, that Newble's a terrific person, great to shoot the breeze with and blessed with an outstanding social awareness. With that in mind, I'll balance his low grade by providing this Darfur PSA involving him and several other Lakers. Newble was possibly the first NBA athlete to turn his attention to this overseas atrocity and being on the high profile Lakers only increased awareness of that involvement. His season in L.A. may not have amounted to much, but I have a lot of respect for the guy.
Final Grade: F/Inc.
AK
I agree. Unfortunately attendance don't count.
Go Lakers!
Posted by: Faith | June 23, 2008 at 04:14 PM
Lakersdeordie,
I agree with your remarks. Shaq is a fool looking to create hype around himself. Maybe he is trying to create a marqee matchup for next season. After all, no feud = no hype.
Shaq only gets along with jelly donuts.
janaya
Posted by: janaya | June 23, 2008 at 04:19 PM
Great, Shaq throws some gas on what was hoped by many of us to be a dead fire.
Nails Kareem also. Shaq and Kareem will possibly have something in common in both be responsible for rule changes. Kareem triggers no dunk rule in NCAA - due to his dominance. Shaq possibly instigates some kind of no intentional foul off the ball rule - due to the continually expanding exploitation of his incompentence at the line. Another legacy.
Posted by: Doublehaul | June 23, 2008 at 04:24 PM
kene_slow,
"What a waste of 300 pounds"
When did the Fatquille O Neill lose 60lbs????
janaya
Posted by: janaya | June 23, 2008 at 04:25 PM
What an unfortunate turn of events for Shaq. The general public will surely pick up on it and many people, like the joke that is the Funs fans, will love it simply because of the Kobe factor.
Man . . . I'm just lost for words about it. How can a grown man be so childish?
Posted by: "Pig" Miller | June 23, 2008 at 04:29 PM
Aloha, Michael,
My position on Artest is that I trust the Lakers front office to make the right decision but I definitely believe they are looking at defense at the 3 as the top priority, which must include Artest, Battier, Posey, and anybody else known as a top defender. They will probably not make a move unless Odom cannot make the move to the 3 or they do not want to pay him to be 6th man, in which case they would make a trade around the same time as last year, when Lamar’s expiring contract will be very valuable.
If you pushed me, I would stand pat unless we can get help with our MLE such as Posey, and see how things changed with Drew. Everybody forgets that Drew is a very scary center physically. He is going to dominate so many other players next year with his physical play in the paint and above the rim on both defense and offense, that toughness may disappear as a concern. Still, there is something about going into a game with a stopper against the team’s other weapons. You always felt better about facing Bird when you had Cooper. etc. You also see guys like KG and Allen sacrificing stardom for a chance to win and wonder when Ron Artest will get that same message.
Tom
Posted by: LakerTom | June 23, 2008 at 04:31 PM
Uh oh - Looks the the Lakers are raising their ticket prices once again. I just got my invoice and, if my math is correct, I'm being charged $28/seat instead of $27/seat.
Posted by: lakers_sth | June 23, 2008 at 04:33 PM
oh great...I guess that means we'll get the LA-PHX christmas game on abc now
will this petty, little rivalry ever die? i guess not, especially considering that shaq hasn't hit puberty yet and the nba loves made-for-TV drama
take heed, steve kerr and phoenix suns... the inevitable breakup of you and shaq will end just like everything ends in shaq's life: ugly.
Posted by: CBuck | June 23, 2008 at 04:35 PM
janaya,
"It's all safe if your SELF EMPLOYED!! Yaaaaaaaaaaaa!!!"
Ooops. LMAO. Hope none of our bloggers set off the wrong bells. LOL.
Tom
Posted by: LakerTom | June 23, 2008 at 04:39 PM
We add Artest to the might of Kobe, Pau, and Bynum and we will not be stopped!
I wouldn't want that trash Posey, though.
In my estimation, the Lakers are 2008 champs. The Keltics only "won" due to Stern wanting to revive a moribund franchise.
Posted by: Lakers_Unstoppable | June 23, 2008 at 04:51 PM
AK,
Fair enough.
For the record, agreed on Vlad's 'F' from the previous year. To switch to a school metaphor, he's on, like, permanent recess.
RF,
Thanks for the Shaq vid link. Classic.
I gotta say, that smoking gun report post-Colorado, when Kobe ratted out Shaq, I wasn't a fan of that move. You can't justify your own bad decisions by pointing at someone else and saying, "But he did it too!" Still...
SHAQ,
Hey buddy, take responsibility for your own decisions. If it took Kobe's words to some coppers to make Shaunie wake up, you still cheated on her.
Good musical hook, though. In fact, I'm ready to say that freestyle represents your peak as a musical artist.
Posted by: Jesterguru | June 23, 2008 at 04:55 PM
SHACK has got rap skillz, and he don't lack for fodder whenever kobee is the subject!
SHACK'S message is understandable - he got the boot becuz kobee wanted to be the "man." I'd be a little agnry too. Just read Phil Jacqueson's book if you need further proof that kobee is an enfant terrible.
SHACK'S piece also underscores the sentiment that many, many in the NBA public share: kobee did not deserve to win a title becuz he is so arrogant and treats his teammates with such disrespect. Nearly everyone wanted Boston to win!
Just think of how bad SHACK will whup on kobee in the first reg season game vs. the mighty SUNS next season! Let the games begin!
Posted by: BUTLER | June 23, 2008 at 04:58 PM
lakers_sth,
I'm getting the same thing on my invoice.
I hope we're paying for Artest.
Posted by: GO Rakers | June 23, 2008 at 05:01 PM
blah blah blah blah, all that old crap about Kobe did this and that back whenever , this is NOT the Land of the free thats for damn sure!
I guess its ALL Kobe's fault the Fat Boys are no more too right even though Human Beat Box basically ate himself to death?
Posted by: lakersrydeordie | June 23, 2008 at 05:09 PM
BK AK
?
Posted by: Do You See What I See | June 23, 2008 at 05:14 PM
We all have to hand it to basketbawful, for the critique of kobee and PJ:
Kobe Bryant: Kobe started out on fire in the first quarter -- 11 points, 4-for-5 shooting, a trio of triples -- just like in Game 5. And just like in Game 5, he cooled off in a big way. Actually, it was worse than a cooling off. It was a freaking Ice Age. Kobe scored 11 points and shot 3-for-15 over the final three quarters. He finished with 3 boards, 1 assist and 4 turnovers. And frankly, his performance didn't even feel that good. I haven't seen Mamba go down that meekly since that infamous Game 7 against the Suns in 2006.
Phil Jackson: The Lakers are young and, once Andrew Bynum gets back, they should be strong enough to contend for a title for the next three or four years (barring injury). So I guess he'll have another few cracks at surpassing Red Auerbach for most titles won by an NBA coach. But it didn't happen this year. Phil was outcoached by the combination of Doc Rivers (who knew exactly how to reach his players) and Tom Thibodeaux (whose defensive schemes, I'm convinced, could hold off an alien invasion). I love that this happened during the same season in which he was inducted into the Hall of Fame.
Posted by: BUTLER | June 23, 2008 at 05:15 PM
ALWAYS REMEMBER
KOBE GETS THE LAST LAUGH ON SHAQ
SHAQ'S EX GETS 50% OF HIS ESTATE
THOUGH I HIGHLY DOUBT IT WAS KOBE, WHO'S STATEMENT TO THE POLICE THAT WAS SPOKEN PRIVATELY, HAD ANY BEARING ON MRS. ONEAL'S DECISION
Posted by: Do You See What I See | June 23, 2008 at 05:20 PM
What's up Laker fans,
Shaq! Shaq! Shaq! How I wished you should have done that rap clip during the Finals to light a extra fire in Kobe's eyes You just had to do it when he and his YOUNG team were down and out (btw, how are the champion Suns doing this summer.? It was an early one wasn't it!). Supposedly, you are better than that. Now the world knows about your true sincerity and maturity. C'mon Shaq, at least he made the Finals without another all-star. Remember, you NEEDED Kobe and Dwayne (both all-stars) to get your four rings as they covered up for your MANY missed free throws and foul trouble.
If you think this rap clip is funny and harmless, why don't you explain this nonsense to your kids who look up to you and Kobe's (After all, you DID win 3 championships with him as his kids in the future will look back at their dad's championship years with you. DO YOU EVEN REALIZE THAT! Apparently, you don't care about his kids feelings who absoulutely had NOTHING to do with whatever! That's right! Why should you! Sad.). You are a FATHER for petes sake in his mid 30's. I'm shocked PERIOD!
About the part of your divorce, you have no one to blame but YOURSELF for that. NO ONE IS EVER RESPONSIBLE FOR SOMEONE"S MARRIAGE SUCCESS OR FAILURE! It takes two to tango sir! You learn those things in pre-marital classes and/or counseling. Maybe Kobe was right about you. Otherwise, why did you even mention it NOW! The TASTE is terrible all around. Not good for you, families involved and the association. This is not the time to destroy families including your own.
Besides, what in tarnation are you doing in a night club in NYC rapping at your age and skill level? I'm not saying that you don't have a right to express yourself and have fun poking at someone. Just be careful of your words and actions in the company of people, especially freestyle. Leave that to a pro like Snoop Dogg who at least has proven taste in his rap ability. BTW, shouldn't you be with your family instead to continue to mend your realtionship with? I'm sure your father (Sarge) and mother did not appreciate your antics in NYC. You know that's true sir!
Finally, I REALLY thought you got over a lot of things that happened in L.A. and forgave all. Heck, you even complemented Kobe on his MVP year and made a truce the year before with your handshake pre-game. Bringing up Kareem, Ewing in your clip and white players? Unreal! Talk about opening up a can of worms. If you want attention, do it on the COURT! (Oh, that's right! Your team has been done for a quite a while). The Suns organization should take a closer look at you because of this fiasco. Next thing you know, you will be dissin Amare and Steve (the WHITE guy) for not bringing you to the promised land.
Remember once again Shaq, you have young ones at home and around looking up at and to you! You are not getting any younger sir! You can't afford to "freestyle" in that regard. To think that I as a Laker fan for many years actually felt good about your big part in our 3-peat run. What a crying shame. You just prolonged you H of F candidacy. I'm just SO disappointed right now as a fan. We must learn to forgive and MOVE ON! Laker pride!
P.S.- I feel sorry for the Suns next year! Do you realize that Kareem (hall of famer) is Bynum's mentor! What goes around, comes around! BTW, KG and company WILL take 2 from you guys this coming season in blowouts. That is a fact!
Posted by: flexor | June 23, 2008 at 05:42 PM
SHACK has got rap skillz, and he don't lack for fodder whenever kobee is the subject!
SHACK'S message is understandable - he got the boot becuz kobee wanted to be the "man." I'd be a little agnry too. Just read Phil Jacqueson's book if you need further proof that kobee is an enfant terrible.
SHACK'S piece also underscores the sentiment that many, many in the NBA public share: kobee did not deserve to win a title becuz he is so arrogant and treats his teammates with such disrespect. Nearly everyone wanted Boston to win!
Just think of how bad SHACK will whup on kobee in the first reg season game vs. the mighty SUNS next season! Let the games begin!
Posted by: BUTLER | June 23, 2008 at 04:58 PM
I am looking forward to that matchup and for our series against the funs.
You definitely have an identity crisis Butler or should I call you Lets go C's as you posted under that name?
Posted by: JustaLakerFan | June 23, 2008 at 07:24 PM
Aloha Michael H and LakerTom
Regarding Ron Artest, check this out:
http://tinyurl.com/6agcfh
If Ron Headcase opts out, the Sacto Kings would not get anything. Of course, he will wait till July 5th and exhaust all possibilities of retaining his current salary range plus long term contract. If Lakers accepts his MLE, then they would sacrifice the cost of Sasha who would surely get that range in other teams. Sasha has bird rights with Lakers but that's additional costs. We know that Luke is expendable...so why not convince Sacto to get Luke's contract plus another filler, maybe Ira Newble for Ron Artest, better getting something than nothing. Meanwhile, Lakers maintain their salary targets, get Artest, retain Sasha and dispose their weakest link while SActo gets something who will guide their new players and made some mileage from the departure of headcase.
Only problem, will Maloof Bros. trade with their hated franchise that cheated them in 2002 playoffs?
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | June 23, 2008 at 07:39 PM
Edwin,
I guarantee the Kings can do better in a trade scenario with Artest than Walton as the main piece. And if the Kings somehow find themselves with literally just the option of trading for Luke or losing Ron for nothing, they'll choose the latter. Luke's contract runs too long and he's not going to help nearly enough by himself to make the deal worth it. If the Lakers really want to trade for Artest, they're either going to need to offer more or take on a bad contract.
AK
Posted by: Andrew Kamenetzky | June 23, 2008 at 08:03 PM
I've got to go with jestaguru on the Newble grade - if for no other reason than the "doorman at the bank" line... priceless.
Posted by: dave m | June 23, 2008 at 11:23 PM
AK, LakerTom and Michael H,
Currently, the floating rumors are odom to the heat ot artest opts out for the Lakers. Lets compare their stats:
In this order, Artest/Marion/Odom
PPG 20.5/14.3/14.2
R 5.8/11.2/10.6
A 3.5/2.5/3.5
FG% 42.3/45.9/52.5
Salary 7.4/17/14.1
Based on aforementioned stats., Ron Artest is the best player for every dollar spent. Of course, not mentioned here is character which is atrocious with Ron Headcase. Since Ron wanted to win and get a ring as well he can be another Rodman, JR Rider or Charles Oakley which PJ managed to deal with. Now if the choice is between Odom and Marion, I would stick with Odom tho' the outside shots of Marion are explosive, Marion is getting old, too unorthodox and much slower as the Heat player compared when he was with Nash, as exhibited with the Heat stint. If Pat Riley was not impressed with his style I don't think he would convince PJ that he would be useful in triangle offense. Eventually, the Lakers will get something of value on Odom if not the last day of trading maybe wait till mid season as L/T said that a team similar to Grizz' might find his expiring contract in exchange of their best player or players. By '08-'09 season, if LO wants to be a Laker badly, he has to lower his real value to 7-8M for extention of 3 years and I don't see Odom taking that route, he might venture of going back to Miami instead and play with D'Wave and Marion.
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | June 24, 2008 at 07:20 AM
Yes, bring back Kwame... Once Sasha Vujacic is signed, we can think about Kwame. Dude may be rough, but he can and is willing to bang.
But. What about J.R. Smith? He's restricted also. Will the Nuggets (who are killing the cap like Michael Vick) (or Paul Pierce and Rondo on our perimeter defense) pay him a full mid-level? He's actually better than Sasha, one of my favorite players too. Right before the big Š (the Machine).
Posted by: dbjungle | June 24, 2008 at 09:56 AM