Report Card- Derek Fisher
When the Lakers brought Derek Fisher back to LA, it was with the expectation that he would not only improve them at the point guard position from a talent standpoint- not exactly the tallest of orders, given he was replacing Smush Parker- but help add to and balance the leadership of (a then unhappy) Kobe Bryant in the locker room and on the floor. Fisher wasn't a player still needing to earn Kobe's respect and trust. He already had it.
Mitch Kupchak and Phil Jackson knew they weren't getting the Fisher who could run 30 or 35 minutes a night, as he often did during the Threepeat era, but hoped he could give them good minutes, and that between Jordan Farmar and Javaris Crittenton, the Lakers would be covered.
It's fair to say they got what they were looking for.
During training camp, Fisher told me that he saw his job, in part, as one of teaching the Lakers how to play with Kobe. It can be tough, he said, to run with a star of his drive and high expectations. "Kobe's a dominant basketball player, he's a dominant personality. You have to understand those things and still feel good about who you are as a player, and feel comfortable about going out there and doing the things you need to do," he said. "You still have your space. And that's what he expects from you as a teammate. He doesn't expect you to bend to his pressure. He needs you." Easier said than done, but Fish could lead by example.
Certainly having him around during the three ring media circus that was training camp and the early weeks of the season, with the constant trade talk and endless rumors, was invaluable. As the season went on, Fisher continued to provide leadership on and off the floor, a role that continued into the playoffs.
That Fisher could deliver the intangibles was a given. A larger question heading into the year was how much his play- his actual on-court production- would benefit the team. Remember, Fisher wasn't a top shelf starting point guard during his first stint in LA. Solid, but no superstar. Now three years later and into his 30s, some wondered how much impact have, and whether it would be enough. Again, Fish delivered. While he was no Chris Paul, Fish did what was expected of him, and (depending on your POV) perhaps more, registering career or near career highs in field goal percentage (43.6%), three point shooting (40.6%), free throws (88.3%), and scoring (11.7 ppg).
Defensively, while Fish would sometimes have trouble sticking quicker guards, he certainly constituted an improvement over Parker.
Like many supporting players, night to night Fisher's production would vary. He'd occasionally go cold from the floor (not surprising, since he's never been known as a true knock-down gunner), and suffered through a miserable February shooting slump. But breaking down his splits, it's clear that he was able to provide solid and steady production over all 82 games of the regular season. In the playoffs, Fish shot 45% from the floor, including 44% from downtown, while averaging just over 10 points a game. He struggled against Tony Parker and the Spurs, and like everyone else on the Lakers, wasn't able to exert his will against the Celtics, but overall played reasonably well in the postseason, especially when considering he was playing through a painful injury to his foot.
In the end, what Derek Fisher gave the Lakers this season isn't easily calculated simply by examining the stat sheet. But had his contributions stopped merely with leadership, it's easy to question if the Lakers would have made the run that they did. Relative to the rest of his career, especially, Fisher played well. Whether he's able to sustain it over the rest of his deal remains to be seen, but the Lakers certainly got their money's worth this year.
Grade: B+
BK
Jon, BD, LakerinBC, Fatty, Edwin, & Caliphilosopher,
Thanks for you comments. Let’s hope for an injury free year and for our young players to continue to get better. That is something everybody seems to forget. What if Jordan Farmar makes the same kind of leap between his second and third years that Deron Williams or Andrew Bynum did? What if Vlade ups his 3-point percentage to 43%? What if Drew makes another leap (which I think he will do) like last year? What if Lamar plays the entire year like the last month of the season? What if Pau becomes even better as our power forward? What if Kobe plays like defensive player of the year?
Add in a couple of new faces in Garbo and Sun and the Lakers could be in store for another perfect storm of a season – this one ending up with an NBA championship.
Tom
Posted by: LakerTom | July 17, 2008 at 07:51 PM
Read your July 17 post: 2:05. What are you babbling about you clown?
Posted by: chuck23 | July 17, 2008 at 07:59 PM
Caliphilosopher,
>>>>> I do like the plan that you have for the team.
>>>>>I just wonder if L.O. will go for it.
In a way, I think Lamar might really like it. Thanks to Manu, 6th men have been given almost starter respect in the NBA. I think Lamar is the ultimate team player and would jump at any role that gave him a chance to become a Laker for Life. He loves this team and this could be the chance for him to finally get some love in return. I also have no doubt that he would be willing to re-sign for a reduced salary – not as low as Long Time would recommend, but maybe $36M for 3 years or something like that.
>>>>>if Trevor is ready.
Only one way to find out. Based on the brief time he had a chance to start last year, I think he will be able to do it. I am hoping that all of his extra shooting while injured will turn him into a 40% 3-point shooter like it did Derrick.
>>>>>if moving Luke to that role will completely obliterate his confidence.
Hey, with Lamar moving to power forward, Luke actually moves up in depth chart by a spot. He wasn’t going to be 1st or 2nd string anyway. He will get time when there are foul or injury problems or a matchup that favors him. Otherwise, he will ride the pine.
>>>>>if garbajosa's broken leg has completely healed.
According to the reports that Fatty posted, it appears that he will be all the way back before the Olympics. If the reports are to be believed, he already has 3 offers, including one from the Lakers. There is always the risk of injury, especially with an older guy like Garbo.
>>>>>and if we can keep everyone healthy.
That, of course, is the $100M question.
Tom
Posted by: LakerTom | July 17, 2008 at 08:02 PM
Chuck 23,
You can use "bitching" as a verb. I've never claimed otherwise. BK and I have both said that if it's something you can get away with saying either on radio or network TV, you're fine. To the best of my knowledge, this would qualify. What you can't do is say the obvious "off limits" words, nor can you try to "push the envelope" and write them with one or two letters subbed out. There are plenty of ways to work within the rules and while letting people know exactly what you mean. 99% of the readers figure it out. If you're half as clever as you think you are, you'll figure it, too.
Look, dude, I get it. You don't like me. You don't like BK. Whatever. You don't have to like us. It's not a requirement and I couldn't care less. I don't want an adversarial relationship, but if that's how you prefer things, I got bigger issues to worry about.
But here's the thing. If you want to talk about basketball and why you think I don't know jack about the sport, fine. Stomp my opinions into the ground for all I care. But stop picking false fights like an attention starved six-year old, trying to "get out goat" or something. Either bring something worth talking about to the table or find a blog you like better, if this one is so "hypocritical." But this petty stuff you're pulling on a daily basis is weak. Do better next time.
AK
Posted by: Andrew Kamenetzky | July 17, 2008 at 08:11 PM
A Spanish headline. Even in Spain they follow the Clippers. lol
Camby tras su traspaso a los Clippers: "Me siento insultado"
No need to translate. What a stupid thing to say publicly.
The deal is done. Don't pull a Ron Artest.
I bet he won't be complaining when its his payday.
Camby is an off the ball help defender. But if you go right at him he is vulnerable as PJ said, and, in a PJ sort of a way, was mocking the award.
I think he got the award because nobody else stood out that year. Just my opinion, but I've never been that impressed with him, except as a back up.
Posted by: Fatty | July 17, 2008 at 08:13 PM
AK
Chuck23 clearly thinks that "bitching" is a banned word. On the other hand, he's also clearly lost touch with reality whether or not "bitching" is a banned word.
Posted by: giantsquid | July 17, 2008 at 08:16 PM
I'm pretty sure Meredith Brook's "I'm a Bitch" song pretty much put that word on the map lol.
Go Lakers!
Posted by: Faith | July 17, 2008 at 08:24 PM
I apologize if my observation of your language content has brought out your emotional side! We certainly don't want that.
By the way! What time will Luke go under the knife to remove bone spurs from ankle and could this be season ending?
Posted by: chuck23 | July 17, 2008 at 08:27 PM
C-Bynum/Brown/Mbenga
PF-Gasol/Odom/Garbajosa
SF-Odom/Ariza/Miles
SG-Bryant/Sasha/Karl
PG-Farmar/Fish/SunYue
Posted by: Staples 24 | July 17, 2008 at 08:27 PM
LakerTom
Where do you see racism in Long Time's "negotiation" scenario? it's both condescending and fawning, treating Andrew both as a child and as a god, but it's hardly racist. If Andrew clearly demonstrates that he has completely recovered from his injury, he will probably be maxed out. If he doesn't, he won't.
Posted by: giantsquid | July 17, 2008 at 08:28 PM
Chuck 23,
"I apologize if my observation of your language content has brought out your emotional side! We certainly don't want that."
You didn't bring out an emotional side at all. I'm not angry. I'm just saying, stop trying to "get under my skin" for the sake of doing so. It's lame and transparent.
To answer you other question, I doubt Luke's surgery will be season ending.
AK
Posted by: Andrew Kamenetzky | July 17, 2008 at 08:31 PM
LakerTom,
>>>but there is a long established negotiating process
>>>where incentives are discussed after the contract
>>>guaranteed amount has been agreed upon.
So you've sat in on NBA players negotiating their contracts
frequently, huh? That must be interesting.
Unique situation. Unique player. Unique contract offer.
Posted by: Long Time Laker Fan | July 17, 2008 at 08:48 PM
AK,
If the lakers let ronny walk do you think they may try to sign matt barnes? He might work out well with the other bruins like farmar, and ariza
Posted by: richtown | July 17, 2008 at 08:51 PM
Regarding AB's negotiation:
Actually to me, it came across like that Twilight Zone episode. You know, where this kid has Almighty powers and EVERYONE is afraid to offend him, afraid he will turn them into some 'Jack In the Box' thing or whatever. jk LTLF
Because he his young, (20-21) qualifies him as young in my book. You have to be careful not too bring out any of his emotions. Emotions can cloud rational thinking abilities. Bring on reactions that even AB might regret later.
The old days of bringing out the cost of basketballs and such don't work anymore because of one word, Agents. And its why you want them there for you. Hire a good agent and stay by his cell phone is all AB needs to do.
Posted by: Fatty | July 17, 2008 at 09:01 PM
Puddles - yeah, I like your list. Not so sure about Ratliff, what kind of shape is he in now? I figure Mutombo for one last year in Houston. The rest though, definitely... Skinner, Gomes, Thomas, and of course, Birdman.
Posted by: dave m | July 17, 2008 at 09:04 PM
LakerTom
"they should be required to start their post by stating that they have watched the Making of a Beast or The Incredible Bynum."
Each time or will once suffice.
I have watched it.
My two favorite dunks (by Lakers) last year were Trevor Ariza's and Coby Karl's. Those two dunks sent shivers... No, no they didn't. I save me shivers for truly special occasions: Tyree's Super Bowl catch or Kobe's 81 for instance
.
Posted by: giantsquid | July 17, 2008 at 09:04 PM
BLOG CRUE
Crazy how so far a quiet summer has several cruesters here biting at each others throat. If you want to be angry for some reason, let it be because gasoline is ridicuously expensive and the future doesn't seem to be brighter.
Colorado loves the Lakers!
Posted by: Hugo Boss | July 17, 2008 at 09:13 PM
Search that free agent market... genius, we can have Turiaf right now without using our MLE, but what do we do? Yep, just give him to a western conference rival. Wow, and a day after Posey goes to a western conference rival.
I guess we're back to our old tricks. Maybe the luck ran out... luck as in Derek Fisher... luck as in Pau Gasol... you know, plain old fashioned LUCK.
We're back to "Let's give Luke 5 million a year when no one else is knocking on the door, but no way should we give Turiaf (who actually has some potential) 4 million when it's clearly market price.
Wow.
How long until Kobe starts ranting again?
Posted by: Tim-4-Show | July 17, 2008 at 09:14 PM
Staples 24
Brown - Miles - Garbo interesting. But how did we lose Vlad and Luke on the way?
Posted by: Fatty | July 17, 2008 at 09:23 PM
I think the lack of any "real" news from the Lakers like a player signing or a mega trade has made the posters to his forum a little snippy or stir crazy. Like what happened to the crew on the freighter on Lost last season. I can't remember how many times someone has blasted one of my posts or called one of my suggestions "one of the stupidest ideas ever" but it's all good. Let's all just relax a little.
Posted by: sclakerfan | July 17, 2008 at 09:38 PM
Richtown,
"AK, If the lakers let ronny walk do you think they may try to sign matt barnes? He might work out well with the other bruins like farmar, and ariza."
I'm guessing no. Barnes is a SF and there's a pretty big glut there (especially considering Kobe often plays there, too). Save for a high end 3 like Artest, I think the Lakers have more than they need at that position.
AK
Posted by: Andrew Kamenetzky | July 17, 2008 at 09:43 PM
Michael Teniente,
Although I usually disagree with you and you've stood by some positions that are utterly undefensible, I'm glad you exist.
The world needs more people of passion.
Let's win a championship next year.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | July 17, 2008 at 09:44 PM
Tim-4-Show,
I sympathize with the sentiment. I can't imagine bringing children (someday) to a world where Luke Walton earns the big bucks and stays a laker while Braveheart does not lol.
Go Lakers!
Posted by: Faith | July 17, 2008 at 10:01 PM
LakerTom,
>>>Come on. That’s the oldest sales trick in the business.
>>>“If you’re not ready for the Corvette, I can show you a
>>>>Chevette.”
You have this all mixed up. BYNUM is the Corvette. It's had some
engine trouble. And Bynum's agent is the slick snake-oil salesman
who is asking Maserati prices for the vette, when the customer
(the Lakers) don't know if it'll ever run again.
All I'm saying is the Lakers should offer to make Maserati payments,
as long as the product is performing like a Maserati, and if it doesn't
perform that well, they'll at least make Corvette payments.
Posted by: Long Time Laker Fan | July 17, 2008 at 10:09 PM
LakerTom,
>>>Sales trickery is no substitution for honesty and trying
>>>to craft a win-win extension for the Lakers and Drew.
It's not sales trickery at all. Bynum specifically said that he would
be willing to sign for less than a maximum contract. His agent said he wants a maximum contract.
The maximum that Bynum could earn with your proposed contract
is LESS than the amount he could earn with my proposed
contract.
You didn't offer the max.
I offered the max... conditionally.
Do you not believe that Bynum could play a whole season
and average 12 and 8? Do you not believe that the Lakers
could make it past the first round with Bynum? Do you not
believe that Bynum could make the All-Star team at least
ONCE duing the 5 year contract? If he can't do that, he's
not worth 50 million, let alone the 86 million that I proposed.
Posted by: Long Time Laker Fan | July 17, 2008 at 10:20 PM
LakerTom,
>>>Before any bloggers post about Drew not being worth
>>>the max or letting him test out free agency, they should
>>>be required to start their post by stating that they have
>>>watched the Making of a Beast or The Incredible Bynum.
>>> Anything less is gross negligence.
I've watched both videos. So what. I could put together a
highlight reel of Luke Walton that would make Luke look like
the second coming of Magic.
Highlight reels focus on the good. If that reel was supposed
to represent Bynum's season last year, then more than half
of the time in the video should have shown Bynum limping
around on crutches and sitting behind the bench in a suit.
Based on his existing body of work, and his health record, Bynum is
not worth the max. Not in any way, shape or form.
Offering a max contract to a "potentially great" player who has not
yet exhibited full greatness and who was too out of shape to play
more than a few minutes a game one season and who was
injured for more than half of another season: THAT is gross negligence.
Posted by: Long Time Laker Fan | July 17, 2008 at 10:32 PM
Puddle,
Thanks for letting me know - appreciate it.
LTLF,
In a world where Marcus Camby can be traded for a second round pick and cap space, anything is possible.
Especially if there are no takers for Kirk's reasonably large contract. I know it'll be damn near impossible for us to trade Luke to anyone, but the Bulls do need a back-up PG, especially during Rose's first year. Farmar fits that description very well. But if you plug Vlad into that deal, the amount of money they save is nearly hald of what they owe their PG today. The reason they'd trade Kirk is exactly because of the extensions that are due to Gordon and Deng.
Would they prefer Odom? Absolutely. Should we trade Odom away for Hinrich? Absolutely not.
Posted by: hariyahu | July 17, 2008 at 10:51 PM
A for fish
Posted by: peter tang | July 18, 2008 at 12:21 AM
LTLF.
No offense but you are over simplifying negotiations ane would make lousey negotiator. LOL
--------------------------------------------------
LakerTom,
Regarding offering Bynum a contract with lots of performance incentives, you wrote:
>>>And you would lose Andrew Bynum to free agency for
>>>sure! You do not risk making a crazy incentive-laden
>>>contract proposal
It's all in the presentation.
Mitch somehow convinced Memphis to take Kwame and Critter and a couple of low draft picks to swap the
Gasol boys. He must be one smooth talkin' mofo. I'm sure he could spin it right to not insult Bynum & his
agent.
The pitch must focus on the max earnable, not the least amount that could be made.
Have Dr. Buss and Magic present at the meeting in addition to Mitch. Having Kobe there might be a bit too
over the top, but they could do a little good news guy bad news guy scenario with Dr. Buss and Magic as the
good guys and Mitch as the bad news guy.
Then the pitch goes something like this...
"Andrew, David, come in sit down. Would you like some coffee?
Dr. Buss:
We've thought about your request for a max contract. As a business man, I can understand your desire to
negotiate for as much as your services are worth. And the thing is... for the most part we think you're right.
We think you have the potential to become the best center in the league. And so we think it's very reasonable
to offer you a contract that gives you a chance to earn 86 million dollars over 5 years - that would make it a
bigger contract than Dwight Howard's.
Magic:
What do you think about that? Do you think you'll be able to perform as one of the top centers in the league?
We think you have the potential to play at the level of the other top centers in the league like Dwight and Amare,
do you agree?
(enthusiastic response from Bynum here - his agent is mentally decorating his new 8 bedroom house and
upgrading from the 6 person hot-tub to the 10-person hot tub)
[David herein referred to as agent- Drew already is one of the best centers and on par with Dwight and better than Amare so why not pay him now? And yes Drew can play at this level.]
Mitch:
So we are going to offer you a contract that gives you a chance to be the highest paid young center in the league.
We think you're a unique talent.
(reinforce the idea that this gives him the opportunity to be paid more than Dwight Howard and the other centers)
Dr. Buss:
We want you to understand that this contract is a first for the league, as no team has ever offered this large a
contract to a player who hasn't made the All-Star team yet. But we believe with your special talents that you will
get to that level shortly, probably this season.
(reinforce that he's special and unique player and he's being offered the chance to earn what All-Stars earn,
even though he hasn't quite made it there yet)
[agent-Yes we also believe Drew is a special and unique talent and we agree Drew will get to all star level this year so what’s the hold up?]
Mitch:
That's right. But this contract is unique in another way. Since you're businessmen, you understand that we have
to be fiscally responsible as a team. With our cap situation the way it is, paying you this much money will make us
unable to explore any other options for many years to come. For the good of the team, we have to account for the
possibility that your knee could hamper you and prevent you from achieving your full potential.
(slight frown from Bynum)
[ Watch Drew in training camp and up until October 31st if you hold reservations then we can seriously negotiate.]
If you look at several of our recent contracts, you'll see guys like Kwame and Chris Mihm and Brian Grant. They're all
quality players who could have really helped our team achieve more if they'd have stayed healthy and played to their
potential. Instead, they were frequently injured, and their large contracts left us unable to go attain quality players to
take their place.
(Bynum thinks about Kwame and Mihm and nods in understanding)
We feel that you can be much much better than any of those players, so what we're offering you will of course be much
higher than what we paid any of them. But with you having missed half of last season with this knee injury we have to
be concerned that your contract would hamper us even more than their contracts hampered the team.
So that led us to a dilemma. We want to give all the best to you and to make you happy, but at the same team, we
have to always consider what's best for the team as well. So we think we've come up with a solution.
We'll pay you a base salary that's similar to what other centers your age who are performing at your level are paid, but
we'll put in incentive bonuses that bring you up to the level of pay that you're asking for. We'll make the incentives very
reasonable; if you can play at the level you were playing at right before your injury you should make all of them easily
and maximize your earnings. And even if for some reason you're unable to make those incentives, you'll still be paid
at least 10 million every year and be one of the top 10 paid centers in the league.
(slight look of concern on agent's face... he mentally downgrades back to the 8 person hot tub.)
[Then agent replies Mihm and Kwame are not the same talent level as Drew and their injuries are of no relevance to Drew’s injury status. I like to think of Drew as that unique player you described to be more like Kobe anmd play through various injuries. A fluke injury does not make Drew injury prone unless of course all Lakers are injury prone with LO’s feet]
[Mitch now describes the incentive levels, and Bynum confirms that he's sure he can make each of them...
his agent is wishing Bynum wouldn't seem so eager]
So that's it. Since you feel you could make all of those goals, and since you've done most of them before,
you should be pretty confident that you will maximize how much you make on this contract.
{ agent of course we are confident in making these incentives as Drew as you say has already met many of them. I feel that is an insult to Drew’s ability and are really saying he is not worth getting properly compensated for his talents.]
Dr. Buss:
Of course, if you don't feel comfortable with a contract that only gives you a CHANCE to be the highest paid
young center in the league, you can play out this season to give us confidence that your knee is back to full
health. And then next summer you can come back to the table and we can offer you a contract with no
incentives, just the maximum payday that you're worth. We could have asked you to play out the season
before we offered you the extension, but we wanted you to know that we want you to stay a Laker for your
whole career and that we want to pay you maximum money.
Magic:
So what do you say Drew? Are you part of the team?
[ agent- Of course Drew wants to be a Laker for life but wants to be fairly compensated for his loyalty to remain with team. If you don’t feel that commitment to Drew then we will accept the one year offer and then we will respectfully explore his value in the free agent market. We then will talk on who really wants to make an honest commitment to Drew. Oh isn’t Kobe a FA that year too? Hope you can come up with enough money to pay both! Balls in your court and remember Gilbert Arenas took 111 million dollar contract and signed for less than the 127 million dollar contract offered. Looks like 75-80 millon is good deal to lock up Drew now than pay that type on contract to keep him. Think about it, sleep on it and we wil talk again mid October so as not to wait until last minute.]
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Okay, so I'm not a great negotiator, but you get the idea: emphasize the max money he could make,
make sure he's comfortable that all the incentives are attainable, and point out that the team has to be
fiscally responsible (a very Mitch-like thing to say).
I can't see how Andrew or his agent could be insulted by an offer like that. I suppose there is a
chance that they would turn it down, but even in that case, I think they'd be back at the table next
summer. They wouldn't run off in a huff swearing to only take the 1-year tender as some have proposed.
And I think it's more likely that if Bynum truly believes that his knee is all better, he would take
an offer that keeps him with the team and very likely will pay him the max money he's asking for.
Posted by: Long Time Laker Fan | July 17, 2008 at 02:21 PM
[I am not too sure your assessment is correct as I think mine would be closer to what really happens.]
Posted by: JustaLakerFan | July 18, 2008 at 01:46 AM
A new Bynum video has surfaced.
This is for Lakers Tom only. No one else is allowed to look at it.
http://tinyurl.com/5gyjx9
I can not. I repeat, I can not be held responsible for your monitor breaking from Andrew repeatedly dunking on the screen. If you plan on ignoring my advice, then I recommend you viewing on an old computer you don't care about.
Posted by: Fatty | July 17, 2008 at 03:06 PM
Loved it! Thanks for the link!
Posted by: JustaLakerFan | July 18, 2008 at 01:46 AM
JustaLakerFan and Dr. John Smith
Response to a post I missed.
Actually Peginterferon, which as its name indicates is a modified form of interferon, is only more effective than interferon for the treatment of 2 of the 5 Hep C genotypes (HVC 1 and 4). Otherwise, its efficacy is basically the same as interferon's. Ribavirin is a nucleotide analog that is very effective in combination with peginterferon and interferon (for types 2, 3, and 5). But nucleotide analogs tend to make people feel very ill. It has no significant impact on its own. I'm betting, but don't know, that peginterferon is much more expensive than interferon, so a patient might want to check with their doctor to find out which genotype of the virus they have.
Posted by: giantsquid | July 17, 2008 at 03:59 PM
Giantsquid
Yes pegulated is a modified version of Alpha interferon A and with the pegulated interferon more effective because it attaches to the virus longer and better destroys it and breaks up virus duplication reproduction.
Yes Riboviran in conjuction with copegasis is very dehabilitating as it is a form of chemo therapy.
Cost depends on insurance coverage or not. Copegasis will cost the same with insurance as Alha interferon alone. There is another expense of prescription for Ribavirin , and depending on side effects will either need either or both of prescriptions for Neupogen to help white cell counts destroyed by ribavirin , and epogen to boost red cells also destroyed by ribivirin. Of course you can also pretty much factor in an anti depressant like Lexapro as ribavirin plays with your head. Fun stuff. All this is available on internet if want to look it up. Also you are right about gentypes as type 1 is the hardest to cure or show no viral load in blood test.
Now to Lakers Mamba put me down for NO to Artest.
Posted by: JustaLakerFan | July 18, 2008 at 01:47 AM
Chuck 23,
You can use "bitching" as a verb. I've never claimed otherwise. BK and I have both said that if it's something you can get away with saying either on radio or network TV, you're fine. To the best of my knowledge, this would qualify. What you can't do is say the obvious "off limits" words, nor can you try to "push the envelope" and write them with one or two letters subbed out. There are plenty of ways to work within the rules and while letting people know exactly what you mean. 99% of the readers figure it out. If you're half as clever as you think you are, you'll figure it, too.
Look, dude, I get it. You don't like me. You don't like BK. Whatever. You don't have to like us. It's not a requirement and I couldn't care less. I don't want an adversarial relationship, but if that's how you prefer things, I got bigger issues to worry about.
But here's the thing. If you want to talk about basketball and why you think I don't know jack about the sport, fine. Stomp my opinions into the ground for all I care. But stop picking false fights like an attention starved six-year old, trying to "get out goat" or something. Either bring something worth talking about to the table or find a blog you like better, if this one is so "hypocritical." But this petty stuff you're pulling on a daily basis is weak. Do better next time.
AK
Posted by: Andrew Kamenetzky | July 17, 2008 at 08:11 PM
AK
Come on now don’t hold back. Say what you really feel. LOL
Posted by: JustaLakerFan | July 18, 2008 at 01:48 AM
LakerTom,
>>>Before any bloggers post about Drew not being worth
>>>the max or letting him test out free agency, they should
>>>be required to start their post by stating that they have
>>>watched the Making of a Beast or The Incredible Bynum.
>>> Anything less is gross negligence.
I've watched both videos. So what. I could put together a
highlight reel of Luke Walton that would make Luke look like
the second coming of Magic.
Highlight reels focus on the good. If that reel was supposed
to represent Bynum's season last year, then more than half
of the time in the video should have shown Bynum limping
around on crutches and sitting behind the bench in a suit.
Based on his existing body of work, and his health record, Bynum is
not worth the max. Not in any way, shape or form.
Offering a max contract to a "potentially great" player who has not
yet exhibited full greatness and who was too out of shape to play
more than a few minutes a game one season and who was
injured for more than half of another season: THAT is gross negligence.
Posted by: Long Time Laker Fan | July 17, 2008 at 10:32 PM
That’s just wrong to compare AB to LW. Yes highlight reels show the best but show me the best of Luke and it won’t be close to AB.
So LO’s big foot is reason you don’t want AB to sign fair contract? Sure you remember the cruches and limping but was that his fault or make him injury prone. I think not
Posted by: JustaLakerFan | July 18, 2008 at 01:49 AM
This from Hoopsworld:
The most likely Turiaf replacement might be former Laker Kwame Brown although the team has reportedly spoken to representatives for Kurt Thomas, Jorge Garbajosa and Francisco Elson.
Oh man am I bummed.
That's the best we can do? We get exposed in the finals and then do nothing to bridge the gap between ourselves and the champs?
Bummer.
Bummer Momper.
Did you know that you can derive your porn name by combining your first pet's name with your mother's maiden name? It's true. A friend at work, "Kitty Martinez" told me this.
I would have been Bummer Momper. Not quite as catchy as Kitty Martinez, but still a quality porn name.
No way do we get Zo. Some players just don't want to come to L.A. for some reason and I think Zo is one of them. We could have had P.J. Brown 5 or six times over the past decade but he didn't want to come over.
Hmmm.
What's your porn name, BTW?
Wes
Posted by: Wes J. Nixon | July 18, 2008 at 02:25 AM
I love Derek Fisher. I think he tough and brings to the Lakers some of it. yet he is MAN he knows who he is and he good with that.. too me he is team player. its not his stats that make him who he is, its about being a team player... more players can learn from him.......
Posted by: Randy A. Stockwell | July 18, 2008 at 03:12 AM
Lets Go C's.....why are you still here? Do you like this blog? Are you in love with the Lakers? Clearly you have an obsession with this blog. The Finals are over..Celtics won...move on towards next year and quit reflecting on the past. Good Day.
Posted by: drew | July 18, 2008 at 07:14 AM
Coby Karl on the Olympic team?
He might be chosen for the select squad, a possible precursor to someday playing for the USA. Either way, he is well thought of in NBA circles. Good for us, no??
_____________________________________________________
To get the NBA veterans ready to face the world’s best, 10 young NBA players were named to the USA Select team, among them former USC standout O.J. Mayo, now a member of the Memphis Grizzlies.
The other Select team players are LaMarcus Aldridge, Kevin Durant, Jeff Green, Luther Head, Al Horford, Andre Iguodala, Kevin Martin, Derrick Rose and Rodney Stuckey. They will practice against the Senior team next week in Vegas.
Additionally, Jerry Colangelo, director of the Senior team, said that two players from the Summer League will be selected to join the Select team. One of those players could be Lakers rookie Coby Karl, who has been impressive in four Summer League games.
Karl is averaging 15.5 points and 2.8 rebounds.
Posted by: Fatty | July 18, 2008 at 07:16 AM
JustaLaker,
"make him injury prone. "
Combine that with the significantly extended recovery time, the fact that he missed most of his senior year high school basketball season, and the fact that he has a wider-than normal pelvis for someone his size and is slightly bow-legged (from one of the medical reports) which makes these type injuried more likely, and the answer to your question, at this point, is yes. Which is why Bynum needs to prove himself physically before getting a max contract.
Posted by: exhelodrvr | July 18, 2008 at 07:45 AM
Justa,
"par with Dwight "
Not at this point he's not.
Posted by: exhelodrvr | July 18, 2008 at 07:47 AM
Good morning CRUE!!
Only 82 (?) days left to training camp - stir crazy, going.
Is there ANY news out there?? Turiaf? Bynum? Sasha? I get my fix HERE - c'mon K-Bros!!! Update, update, update!
LMAO about Wes with the 2am posting pondering porn names. Dude - you need to get some sleep or something! Or maybe you need to say no to the drugs - jk lol!
Mamba24 - you out there?? Add me to the "HELL NO WE DON'T WANT BILLRON" bandwagon please!
Lovin' the blog.....
Posted by: justanothermambafan | July 18, 2008 at 08:03 AM
Lakers Pass For Sasha?
http://tinyurl.com/5jmw22
Posted by: Charles | July 18, 2008 at 08:25 AM
Wes,
I was always told you get your porn name by conbining your pets name with you street name. Mine name would be
JoJo Bristol...pretty cool
But a buddy of mine would have one of the best ever
Lucky O'Tool....LOL
Posted by: richtown | July 18, 2008 at 08:38 AM
Other Speculation from SI
http://tinyurl.com/6x3los
Posted by: Charles | July 18, 2008 at 08:39 AM
Thanks for the link Charles. Finally some news about Sasha.
"Lakers still have Sasha Vujacic to retain. Word is talks with the Lakers and Sasha are not going anywhere fast and his camp is growing concerned that the Lakers may not be ready to pony up – Sasha has fired his agent Bill Duffy and is in the process of returning to Rob Pelinka in hopes of jump starting real discussions."
Posted by: Fatty | July 18, 2008 at 08:40 AM
Turiaf is on his way to a payday. I'm proud of him. He'll always be a Son of the Lakers. I'm sure he'll step it up and play well for GS.
But, on the Lakers side of things... our frontcourt will be comprised of Gasol, Bynum, Mihm (if healthy) and LO (when he's not playing the 3). Sorry guys, but that is TOO thin for me. Where do we go from here?
Kurt Thomas?, Jorge Garbajosa?, Fransisco Elson?, OUCH!
aren't there any better options available? come on team...
BLOG BRAINSTORM!!!
Posted by: Benny Blanca | July 18, 2008 at 08:45 AM
Hi All:
I have to respectfully disagree with some tossing out adds to this Laker team with histories of injuries (Garbo, Miles, etc).
Here's my reasoning:
1. remember all the posts we collectively made about firing the Lakers medical and training staff...Vitti.
2. I think we have enough "serious injury/rehabbing" players: Mihm, Luke, Ariza, Bynum (4/15 = 27%). Throw in LO with previous and lingering shoulder/knee issues, that's 33% of team.
I am not dissing these players abilities - I'm just saying I think we need to invest in guys that haven't had major injuries.
I love Bynum and his potential but go back in time. The Lakers drafted him when he as 17 and he already had a long-standing relationship with the (supposedly) best knee surgeon in the US? Doesn't anyone else here think that's a little disconcerting? The kid is barely 20 and he has had a prominent knee surgeon monitoring his health/progress for at least 5 years!!!
Luke has a family and college history with ankle injuries. There were whispers before and after the trade about Ariza having more systemic problems with his ankles/bones. And we all feel strongly that there was something amiss with Mihm's continued and problematic surgeries/rehab.
Not to be the downer today - I am rooted in realism. But I just think we all need to consider the team's current health history when discussing adding new "iffy" medically impaired guys to this team. As many have said here - the agents will spin anything to make their clients get a contract with as much $$$ as possible. Injuries fall into this category.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: PsychedLakerGirl | July 18, 2008 at 08:46 AM
Oh man, that was not fun reading, Charles, I don't want tot think of who would score for us off the bench if the Machine departs for waters unknown. I wonder if the Laker sa re trying to make the contract incentive laden as he really has had only one above average year.
Well Blog, what is our prognosis, if Vujacic is not inked to a Laker deal, let's say that San Antonio signs him (which was my fear from the moment we bounced them because they need scoring and he fits Pop's profile for a Spur. How do the Lakers fill this hole? I know it's only 8 ppg, but his defence and his ability to stretch the floor will be hard to replace. He is (was) our best defender off the bench, provided energy, and became a fourth quarter player towards the end of the year. I also think he's still tracking up.
I wonder if a starting position is a sticking point. AK/BK, is there any light you can shed into this dark hole?
Posted by: Jamie Sweet | July 18, 2008 at 08:50 AM
Need a new topic ! With Ronny almost gone and Sasha's contract up in the air there is something to debate ! I'm glad we are raising ticket prices but letting continuity go !
Makes alot of sense !
Posted by: LALAKERLOVER | July 18, 2008 at 08:59 AM
Hugo Boss,
We're a bunch of addicts in withdrawl. That's the issue.
81 days and counting...
God, I hope we resign Ronny today.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | July 18, 2008 at 09:02 AM
Kwaminus On His Way?
From
http://www.hoopsworld.com/Story.asp?story_id=9514
"The most likely Turiaf replacement might be former Laker Kwame Brown although the team has reportedly spoken to representatives for Kurt Thomas, Jorge Garbajosa and Francisco Elson."
He is a tough defender isn't he? I wouldn't object to the mighty Brown coming back for some defensive toughness.
John
Posted by: john_in_houston | July 18, 2008 at 09:13 AM