Ball Don't Lie's "Save the Machine" campaign
July 25, 2008 | 12:18
pm
Always good stuff from Kelly Dwyer over at the Yahoo! NBA blog. One complaint, though. I can't believe Dwyer could pen this fun post that somehow works in a dislike for Jimmy Buffet and the Eagles (I can't stand either), the compulsive need Americans feel to sweeten the hell out of iced tea (I highly recommend Tejava for those like me who like to actually taste the leaves) and some Greek (which may not even be real) mocking Ricky Davis... but managed to forget the most obvious touch.
How do you present the importance of keeping Sasha stateside without including at least one "Machine" clip?
Again, enjoyed Dwyer's piece. But it just feels like a regrettable oversight.
AK
Benjamin,
I've heard of Venice. In fact I actually saw them play once.
They aren't too bad. I don't know of an Eagles cover by them,
but it's not like I own all their records or anything.
For all you Eagles haters, I thought I'd quote the first verse
of Mojo Nixon's classic tribute...
"He's a tortured artist
Used to be in the Eagles
Now he whines
Like a wounded beagle
Poet of despair!
Pumped up with hot air!
He's serious, pretentious
And I just don't care
Don Henley must die!
Don't let him get back together
With Glenn Frey!
Don Henley must die!"
Posted by: Long Time Laker Fan | July 25, 2008 at 02:50 PM
Benjamin,
>>>You can do better than stealing mrbarneydangles's line.
>>>You wouldn't trade Odom for Scola and Battier at a
>>>savings of over 8M in luxury tax?
I would.
It'll only work if Houston gets Artest or Prince, but if they do,
then sign me up for that trade.
Heck, I'd be happy with Odom for Battier, Francis, and Hayes.
Posted by: Long Time Laker Fan | July 25, 2008 at 02:53 PM
AK,
just to let you know, the greek in kelly dwyer's column is real
Posted by: greek dude | July 25, 2008 at 02:53 PM
Hobbitimage,
"Jon K,
You wrote: dynasties are built on intangibles.
I disagree. Dynasties are built on defense. "
I think your saying the same thing... defense is built on intangibles. Closing out on shooters, proper position for boxing out, good defensive rotation, 110% effort. These are all things that you can't measure = intagibles.
There's A LOT more to defense than the three categories they measure and keep track of (steals, blocks and def. rebs).
Posted by: Benny Blanca | July 25, 2008 at 02:58 PM
just to ruffle feathers...
the last time the Eagles were any good was when they were backing Linda Ronstadt.
They should have quit while they were ahead.
"When will i be loved..."
Posted by: Benny Blanca | July 25, 2008 at 03:02 PM
Benjamin,
>>>Shane Battier & Luis Scola to Lakers
>>>
>>>T-mac to Detroit
>>>
>>>Billups, Prince, and Odom to Houston
Heck, the more I think about it, the more I like that trade.
But the problem is that Houston is already in the luxury
tax and it increases their payroll by almost 6 million. Thus
it would cost them 12 million more next season to do that
deal. I think they'd prefer a deal where they dumped off
a bit more salary.
I'd be happy if the deal included Battier and any combination
of these guys to fill salary - Scola, Steve Francis, Jackie Butler,
Luther Head, Chuck Hayes, Justin Reed, Carl Landry (signed
& traded), Mike Harris. Those guys are all either expiring
contracts or guys on rookie contracts with some promise.
Basically, Houston has a bunch of promising young players, and
this would be a trade where they would give up one perennially
injured and underachieving (in the playoffs) super star plus
one very very good role player and some filler for 3 quality starters
to play with Yao Ming.
I think Detroit would be down.
I think the Lakers would be down.
The hard part is convincing Houston that
Yao-Odom-Prince-Barry-Billups
is better than
Yao-Scola-Battier-McGrady-Alston
But how do you persuade the team that won 22 consecutive
games last season that they need to make dramatic trades to
improve?
Posted by: Long Time Laker Fan | July 25, 2008 at 03:10 PM
Don't understand it
What is this now, haiku day?
I guess I will join
Posted by: puddle | July 25, 2008 at 03:10 PM
I am confident that Sasha will be re-signed. His bluff to go to Italy is just a Desperado move:
“Desperado, why don’t you come to your senses?
You’ve been making threes in bunches, for only a year now.
Oh, you’re an annoying one, but I know that you’ve got your reasons.
Your flops that are pleasin’ you can hurt you somehow.
Don’t you drive the train to Italy, boy.
They’ll beat you if their able.
You know the Purple and Gold is always your best bet.
Now it seems to me a fine offer
has been laid upon your table.
But you only want the ones that you can't get.
Desperado, oh you ain’t getting no younger.
Your championship hunger, will drive you back home.
And Machine, oh Machine, well that’s just Joel and Stu talkin’
Your prison is walkin’ through Staples all alone.”
Posted by: LAKER TRUTH | July 25, 2008 at 03:11 PM
Faith,
What Kobe isn't enough for you? lol
Posted by: Xodus | July 25, 2008 at 03:14 PM
Chick Penberthy,
"also, pretty sure "In the City" was Joe Walsh solo. Sweet on the soundtrack of "The Warriors"."
Turns out, it's both, according to wikipedia.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/
In_the_City_%28Eagles_song%29
I only knew it as an Eagles song, but there you have it.
Greek Dude,
Thanks for the heads up.
AK
Posted by: Andrew Kamenetzky | July 25, 2008 at 03:14 PM
Wow, no comments, no bets on Mitch's comment that the Sasha situation will be resolved "this afternoon"?
I'm going to bet he stays, he's already played in Europe, it would probably be difficult to come back if he leaves but... who knows what kind of advice he is getting?
Posted by: Kwaminus I can teach you, but I have to charge Brownicus | July 25, 2008 at 03:15 PM
Okay, so most bloggers hate the Eagles. Fine. Except for the fact that "Life in the fast lane" may be the most obnoxious song ever recored, I have no opinion of them. Just haven't listened to much Eagles myself. I always thought that Jimmy Buffet was just some weird persona Dr. Demento made up.
So what do bloggers like?
Personally, I enjoy the Beatles, Massive Attack, the Who, Lucinda Williams, Hendrix, the Clash, Elvis Costello, Dylan, Beethoven, Mozart, Digable Planets, the Pretenders, Leonard Cohen, the Jam, Kenny G, Husker Du and A Tribe Called Quest.
Hate
Posted by: giantsquid | July 25, 2008 at 03:16 PM
change of season
Euros offer bigger deals
machine is thinking
Posted by: Long Time Laker Fan | July 25, 2008 at 03:16 PM
Okay, I bricked my haiku.
It was supposed to start "a change of season"
Posted by: Long Time Laker Fan | July 25, 2008 at 03:18 PM
Maurice Evans signed with the Hawks.
He's started teasing his hair. He should have it into a fro
by the start of the season.
Posted by: Long Time Laker Fan | July 25, 2008 at 03:20 PM
Xodus,
Mamba is married
The Machine is single
Faith don't poach
LOL!
Posted by: Faith | July 25, 2008 at 03:20 PM
Yeah!!! Haiku Day.
Get it done Kupchak
This Lakers team needs more depth
the front court is thin.
Posted by: Benny Blanca | July 25, 2008 at 03:22 PM
Long Time Laker Fan,
I own that Mojo Nixon album.
It's great.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | July 25, 2008 at 03:26 PM
The Lakers need Fire.
Sasha might be gone.
I wish I had some of Rick Fox's groupies.
Posted by: Charles | July 25, 2008 at 03:26 PM
Oh and one more thing, the reason so many players are going to europe this year is cause the euro is so high. 1 euro is 1.5 dollars.
So if sasha gets an offer for 5 mill euros a year in europe, thats 7.5 million dollars.
Posted by: greek dude | July 25, 2008 at 03:29 PM
"BYNUM LOOKS GREAT"
Those are Mitch Kupchak's words in the following story. So can we please stop talking about how Mitch is scared that Bynum is still hurt and we need to sign Kwame Brown as insurance?
http://www.dailynews.com/sports/ci_9990975
Posted by: Xodus | July 25, 2008 at 03:30 PM
Sasha wants between 5-6 million for 5 years?
LOL!
No way! 5-6 for 3 years! No way!
Sasha asked for 5-6 million for 5 years? Based on what? An offer from another club? Is there a European club offering that much to Sasha? If so, he should take it.
mike t.
Posted by: Michael C. Teniente | July 25, 2008 at 03:30 PM
long time..
Sounded a little more like Yoda
Posted by: Fatty | July 25, 2008 at 03:34 PM
I just don't understand Sasha. He asked for 5-6 million for 5 years without getting another offer from an NBA club?
Where does he get that number from? Just because the Lakers made a mistake with Walton doesn't mean they're going to make another mistake.
Defense wins championships! Not getting burned by Ray Allen from the top of the key to the basket. A 33 year old outside shooting player dribble drives past a 24 year old outside shooter.
Yeah, he's worth 5-6 million because he can shoot from the outside but he can't hold down a 33 year old outside shooter from driving to the lane in the biggest moment of his teams season. Pay the man!
mike t.
Posted by: Michael C. Teniente | July 25, 2008 at 03:44 PM
The Knicks spend money
Lakers are profitable
Retain our talent
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | July 25, 2008 at 03:44 PM
giantsquid,
ummmm....I would probably refrain from mentioning Kenny G if I were you. Just sayin.
Posted by: LAKER TRUTH | July 25, 2008 at 03:47 PM
Bynum insurance
Lakers need it real bad
Kwam's available
Posted by: Rocky | July 25, 2008 at 03:49 PM
AK...thanks for the info...guess i was too lazy to look it up myself.
thats what makes this blog this best...keep up the good work.
Posted by: Chick Penberthy | July 25, 2008 at 03:54 PM
giantsquid,
Kenny G? The sax player? Really? Wow, most jazz musicians I talk to, and my own preference as a jazz sax player, loathe Kenny G. They say he perverts the genre. I have to agree. Tribe is awesome though, so good job with that.
Jon K.,
You reviewed music? Sweet, I used to have a gig for a couple of papers and magazines where I'd review music, movies, etc. Cool to know that there are others here too.
As far as the Eagles, I don't hate them, but they're not one of my faves. Just a little too redundant. The best way i can describe my emotions toward them is that I tolerate them, just middle-of-the-road.
Sasha: just give him a year's supply of of hair gel, a hairnet and dual citizenship and he'll be all ours. Make it work Mitch.
-bozz-
Posted by: bozz | July 25, 2008 at 03:56 PM
LAKER TRUTH
Kenny G: that's a joke. To my knowledge, I've never actually heard Kenny G. Maybe in an elevator
Posted by: giantsquid | July 25, 2008 at 03:58 PM
http://www.pe.com/sports/basketball/
lakers/stories/
PE_Sports_Local_S_web_sasha_signs.2ecdf99.html
Posted by: PE | July 25, 2008 at 04:03 PM
Hip Hop head here
Eagles are well respected
Music is good thing
Posted by: Rocky | July 25, 2008 at 04:03 PM
Macheeeeene need cash now.
Offer no good for Macheeene.
Luke cash for Macheeene.
Posted by: LAKER TRUTH | July 25, 2008 at 04:04 PM
Sasha stays!!!!! Woohoo!
http://tinyurl.com/64dvvl
Posted by: SamLL | July 25, 2008 at 04:11 PM
I don't really think you know what the HIPAA privacy rule means to situations like Bynum's.
It means that Mitch has to say good things because if he says bad things...it's like he's preventing Bynum from seeking employment from other NBA teams.
The HIPAA privacy rule means that without Bynum's consent Mitch or the Lakers' doctors aren't allowed to say any negative even if it exists.
What makes me suspicious is the way the article is written:
"Bynum `looks great'
(Look at this section)
There was one bit of good news from Lakers camp this week. Young center Andrew Bynum was in town on Monday to meet with Kupchak and Lakers team doctor, Steven Lombardo.
(Hasn't it been at least 2 weeks since we heard that Bynum was ready to go and was in Atlanta? Now all of a sudden...It was just something that happened on Monday.)
(Look at this section)
Kupchak said that Bynum -who was cleared by his personal doctor, David Altcheck in New York, last week - looked great.
(Bynum looked great? Bynum was cleared by his own doctor. It's not what is being said, it's what's not being said. What do the Lakers' doctors have to say besides "looked great". What does that mean? Does it mean that he worked out for the Lakers? And if not...why not?)
(Look at this section)
"Everything we've heard the last few weeks has been very, very encouraging," Kupchak said. "It's all been good."
(It's all been good? What has been good? Everything the Lakers have been hearing for the last few weeks. So, from what I understand the Lakers haven't seen Bynum do anything except for show up for a meeting with Mitch and the Lakers' doctor.)
(Look at this section)
After the meeting in Los Angeles, Bynum flew to Atlanta to workout with his personal trainer. He has been cleared for basketball activities and conditioning, Kupchak added.
(Why did Bynum work out for the Lakers? If this happened on Monday, why do the Lakers have an open invitation to go to Atlanta to get a look at Bynum's progress? Why not test the knee right there and then?)
Earlier in the day, Bynum's agent David Lee affirmed the positive status report.
(Look at this section)
"He's absolutely fine, he's going to come in as a beast," Lee said. "He's got no atrophy anywhere. The kid's in great shape. Maybe it comes with being 20 years of age."
(Absolutely fine? Going to come in as a beast? He has not atrophy anywhere? Maybe it comes with being 20 years old? What does that mean? That because he's 20 years old we're seeing a mircle? Or if he wasn't 20 years old he probably wouldn't be ready. Kind of like "This mircle healing from that type of injury...well, maybe it comes with being 20 years old.
My point is that it's strange that Bynum's agent is trying so hard to convince everyone that Bynum is more than fine. If he is he is and it'll show in September. My question is this: Why not now? Why do the Lakers have to wait until September to determine if they're going to offer him a big contract? If he "looks great" and if the Lakers really believed that why not start work out a deal now? It sounds like the Lakers description of Bynum `looks great' is right in line with applying the HIPAA privacy rule to deal with this matter.)
The only real thing Mitch said was this: "He has been cleared for basketball activities and conditioning, Kupchak added."
The rest is based on what Mitch heard over the last few weeks. He looked great could mean walking around from place to place and what his knee looks like to the naked eye.
This Bynum injury, as reported from the time it occured, has a high level of occurring again and again. So really the only time the Lakers are going to know for sure is when Bynum actually plays the game against other bigs who will be using there bodies to put pressure on Bynum's knee. The rest is pure speculation. And the only thing the Lakers can do is apply the HIPAA privacy rule unless Bynum gives his consent to do otherwise, which we know he won't.
mike t.
Posted by: Michael C. Teniente | July 25, 2008 at 04:20 PM
Trade in Houston?
On talk radio this afternoon someone called in with a tip that there was a huge trade closing this weekend involving the rockets. They said the employees of Rockets Ticket Sales were ordered to be ready to work this weekend because of it.
Probably nothing, but we'll see. There's been talk of McGrady going to Detroit.
John
Posted by: john_in_houston | July 25, 2008 at 04:24 PM
Sasha signs with the Lakers for 5 million for 3 years?
mike t.
Posted by: Michael C. Teniente | July 25, 2008 at 04:25 PM
I've had the unfortunate experience of being around/with women with undeveloped tastes in music (yet a delusional sense that music communicated their soul in a purer language than any words ever could... who knows maybe they were right.)
Anyhow, I've several occasions in my life where I've had women play absolute drivel for me and look at me with wide eyes and say, "What do you think this song means?"
And after I express a certain lack of enthusiasm for the song, they snap, "That song is my heart! If you don't understand it! You don't understand me!"
No, I understand the song, I'm just not enthusiastic about it because it's drivel.
In any case, if you're not enthusiastic about the Eagles, I understand. They're not geniuses or anything. Just gifted musicians and songwriters who put together some awesome songs.
Also, I have a sentimental connection with them because they remind of Southern California in the 70's when I was a little kid. And, in many ways, the 70's was a very special time for California, when it was still free and overpopulation hadn't complicated everything.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | July 25, 2008 at 02:16 PM
Jon K., yeah women (and people generally, but women tend to be more sentimental) sometimes latch on to externalalities when it comes to defining themselves.
Putting someone in a position to be forced to know the inside of your head is kind of tough. To understand something as you, yourself, understand it is maybe asking too much.
Further complicating this issue is the fact that women tend to have a worse understanding of themselves than men do of themselves. And men are better at understanding themselves than other people generally so it just gets all messy.
The nice thing here is that extremely unreasonable people eventually demonstrate that trait. Then you know with what you're dealing.
I don't hate the Eagles, but I definitely have liked them less since that ex of mine got all weird about it.
They have some good song-writing and compositions. Nothing spectular, just some good imagery and mood.
It's cool to hear how the Eagles felt to you back in the '70s. Seems like it must have been a pretty cool time.
Posted by: Benjamin | July 25, 2008 at 04:37 PM
Mike T
"Where does he get that number from? Just because the Lakers made a mistake with Walton doesn't mean they're going to make another mistake"
MIke T
A mistake is an unintentional departure from what you know is correct; an error is an INTENTIONAL departure from what you know is correct. What the Lakers did with Walton was not a mistake...........it was an error.
Whether they repeat the error is not relevant......what is relevant is the events set in motion by the egregious act of signing Walton.
1 It provides players and agents a criteria from which to negotiate. If the process is fair the Lakers can't negotiate honestly because the Luke Walton contract is there.........looming like a dark cloud.
2 Subtly it upsets team chemistry...........Is there a standard operating procedure for negotiating contracts and a players worth? If so what is it? It undermines the integrity of any future dealings with other players
3 The Lakers are now tied to a player they can't put in a trade.......because no other team values this guy (Walton)
4 The Lakers now feel a NEED to play Walton instead of admitting they made (as you put it) a "mistake".........This is why Phil went to that weird lineup in game 5 against Boston. Walton, Mihm? Farmar were in the game.......at the same time..........AGAINST BOSTON!!
Based on the Walton criteria the Lakers provided last year.......Sasha is well within his range when he ask for 5 mil a year and 5 years.
Remember Luke Walton got 6 years and 30 million...........and nobody else wanted him........Go Figure.
Posted by: pfunk36 | July 25, 2008 at 04:41 PM
pfunk36,
"nobody else wanted him"
Now why would you say that, when you have no idea whether it's true or not? Oh, yeah, I forgot. Walton is white.
Posted by: exhelodrvr | July 25, 2008 at 06:15 PM
AK
what is wrong with you? Eagles man. Hotel California and Beyond. Lets hear about your favorite singer/band. peace.
Posted by: SBY | July 25, 2008 at 07:00 PM
giantsquid,
>>>>>Personally, I enjoy the Beatles, Massive Attack, the Who, Lucinda Williams,
>>>>>Hendrix, the Clash, Elvis Costello, Dylan, Beethoven, Mozart, Digable Planets,
>>>>>the Pretenders, Leonard Cohen, the Jam, Kenny G, Husker Du and
>>>>>A Tribe Called Quest.
Like every one on your list but Kenny G. As a child of the Sixties, it’s rock, blues, and jazz for me. You have to love Dylan and the Beatles as well as Hendrix but you forgot my favorite songstress – the inimitable Janis Joplin. I also loved Elvis Costello and Leonard Cohen (loved McCabe and Mrs. Miller). Other favorites include Joe Cocker, John Coltrane, Lou Reed, the Rolling Stones, Bruce Springsteen, Jonny Lang, Paul Simon, Sting, Diana Krall, Joni Mitchell (her jazzy stuff), Eric Clapton, and Tom Waits. Still living in the past, I guess. LOL
Tom
Posted by: LakerTom | July 25, 2008 at 07:43 PM
SBY,
"AK, what is wrong with you? Eagles man. Hotel California and Beyond. Lets hear about your favorite singer/band. peace."
Off the top of my head
Favorite musicians: Hendrix or Prince (too hard to decide)
Favorite band: The Police or The Beatles (ditto)
Favorite singer: Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder, Prince, or Thom Yorke (Radiohead) (ditto again)
Favorite album: "Astral Weeks," by Van Morrison (that one I know for sure)
AK
Posted by: Andrew Kamenetzky | July 25, 2008 at 07:52 PM
who woulda thunk it??
scrolling haiku, summer night
must stop now, need sleep.
Posted by: dave m | July 25, 2008 at 10:47 PM
I don't really think you know what the HIPAA privacy rule means to situations like Bynum's.
It means that Mitch has to say good things because if he says bad things...it's like he's preventing Bynum from seeking employment from other NBA teams.
The HIPAA privacy rule means that without Bynum's consent Mitch or the Lakers' doctors aren't allowed to say any negative even if it exists.
What makes me suspicious is the way the article is written:
"Bynum `looks great'
(Look at this section)
There was one bit of good news from Lakers camp this week. Young center Andrew Bynum was in town on Monday to meet with Kupchak and Lakers team doctor, Steven Lombardo.
(Hasn't it been at least 2 weeks since we heard that Bynum was ready to go and was in Atlanta? Now all of a sudden...It was just something that happened on Monday.)
(Look at this section)
Kupchak said that Bynum -who was cleared by his personal doctor, David Altcheck in New York, last week - looked great.
(Bynum looked great? Bynum was cleared by his own doctor. It's not what is being said, it's what's not being said. What do the Lakers' doctors have to say besides "looked great". What does that mean? Does it mean that he worked out for the Lakers? And if not...why not?)
(Look at this section)
"Everything we've heard the last few weeks has been very, very encouraging," Kupchak said. "It's all been good."
(It's all been good? What has been good? Everything the Lakers have been hearing for the last few weeks. So, from what I understand the Lakers haven't seen Bynum do anything except for show up for a meeting with Mitch and the Lakers' doctor.)
(Look at this section)
After the meeting in Los Angeles, Bynum flew to Atlanta to workout with his personal trainer. He has been cleared for basketball activities and conditioning, Kupchak added.
(Why did Bynum work out for the Lakers? If this happened on Monday, why do the Lakers have an open invitation to go to Atlanta to get a look at Bynum's progress? Why not test the knee right there and then?)
Earlier in the day, Bynum's agent David Lee affirmed the positive status report.
(Look at this section)
"He's absolutely fine, he's going to come in as a beast," Lee said. "He's got no atrophy anywhere. The kid's in great shape. Maybe it comes with being 20 years of age."
(Absolutely fine? Going to come in as a beast? He has not atrophy anywhere? Maybe it comes with being 20 years old? What does that mean? That because he's 20 years old we're seeing a mircle? Or if he wasn't 20 years old he probably wouldn't be ready. Kind of like "This mircle healing from that type of injury...well, maybe it comes with being 20 years old.
My point is that it's strange that Bynum's agent is trying so hard to convince everyone that Bynum is more than fine. If he is he is and it'll show in September. My question is this: Why not now? Why do the Lakers have to wait until September to determine if they're going to offer him a big contract? If he "looks great" and if the Lakers really believed that why not start work out a deal now? It sounds like the Lakers description of Bynum `looks great' is right in line with applying the HIPAA privacy rule to deal with this matter.)
The only real thing Mitch said was this: "He has been cleared for basketball activities and conditioning, Kupchak added."
The rest is based on what Mitch heard over the last few weeks. He looked great could mean walking around from place to place and what his knee looks like to the naked eye.
This Bynum injury, as reported from the time it occured, has a high level of occurring again and again. So really the only time the Lakers are going to know for sure is when Bynum actually plays the game against other bigs who will be using there bodies to put pressure on Bynum's knee. The rest is pure speculation. And the only thing the Lakers can do is apply the HIPAA privacy rule unless Bynum gives his consent to do otherwise, which we know he won't.
mike t.
Posted by: Michael C. Teniente | July 25, 2008 at 04:20 PM
----------------------------------
MT
I scrolled by abouit 20 of your posts because it just seemed wrong to comment on your views.
But one point I want to make is HIPPA laws prevent releasing medical information to anyone unless appoved by person in question. It is not limited to just negative information and exclude positive medical information. HIPPA prevents disclosure of ALL medical information.
With that said general statements are not medical information."He looks good" etc. But if statement was he looks good since the surgery correct this that and the other giving specific medical treatments, diagnosis, or prognosis is illegal.
AB's agent said he was cleared to practice (with AB's consent ) was fine as it did not give medical details without consent.
Lakers said he looked fine and Steve Lombardo said he was ok to resume training but gave no specifics because he does not have permission to talk details is what I suspect. That is IMHO and I stick by it.
Posted by: JustaLakerFan | July 27, 2008 at 03:08 PM