Maybe Ronny can run the point up north

San Francisco - beautiful, fun exciting, sexy, and ultra-groovy SF is the #1 US destination for world travelers. What gives with the Warriors? World Champs in 1975 with SilkWilkes and they are just BUMS for the last 30+ years.
Seems like they are one real coach away from getting
bangers to move to SF but it never happens. Thoughts?

It's 5PM somewhere - whersh the bar?

Ahahahaha! Ohohohohoo! Hehehehehehee! Oh! Oh! Oh! LOOOOOOOVE IT!

Signs a big contract... POOF! Down he goes... "injured himself working out"... 10, 9, 8... and when does the TRUTH, excuse me DA TOOTH come out on that one? What night club was that again? Ahahahahaa!

Even Radmanovic snickered when he saw this. Did he get injured BEFORE he signed the contract? OF COURSE NOT! Amazing how that works...

When is Shaq going on the DL? Will it be after the first 10 games or after the first 30? Place your bets!

What's the over/under on Luke Walton this year? Over or under 50 games played? Place your bets!

For a higher degree of difficulty. Who plays more games this year for the Lakers, 1. Coby Karl, 2. DJ Mbenga, 3. a truck driver in Pennsylvania, 4. Joe Crawford, excuse me, #4, Dan Issel, #5, Joe Crawford? Place your bets!

Good Morning all....Or Good afternoon to the rest of the bloggers who are not here to act like 5 year olds who support a team who have been of the map for the last 20 or years..or a team that has never won a title but has fans that are 1 can short of a 6 pack..

It sounds like Mbenga wants more money and is seeking it from Miami...The Lakers are still going to need a back up stiff to come off the bench....Not much dead wood floating around the NBA sea at the moment...I think at some point part of the MLE will need to be used during the season if Mbenga goes to Miami..I say Mitch waits till after camp then decides if no one will take the vet minimum a little of the MLE may get used..Or if they make unscathed to the deadline then grab a player for insurance

magia32

Que chevere! Ya tiene razon! Estas jugando en el blog hoy?

Que tengan un buen dia chico!

Su compadre...

Vman,

I want action now
But this is the off season
November come now

Dela Hoya Vs. Pacquiao just re affirmed by blogger JSNV. Wow too heavy for Manny, and too old for Oscar.

Maybe Manny wants to copy what Roy Jones did by fighting someone way over his weight. Is Manny going to gain weight? Or Oscar to lose weight?

Is Oscar back training with Mayweather Sr? Or is Emanuel Stewart retired? I'm sure Oscar has disdain for Freddy Roach due to his last fighting approach against Mini-Mayweather.

Either way, I would collect if I were Oscar by using Golden Boy Promotions. Prize pursing a three way between the Cable Network, Pacman and the 401k fighter Oscar.

Peace

Fighting at 147.

Pacquiao natural at 136-140 pounds.
De La Hoya natural at 157.

To be continued
http://tinyurl.com/6pxyxe

Wow is all I can say.....not even training camp. But I guess as they say the only two sure things in this world are death and taxes.. Late November isn't to bad 1 month in to the regular season. I just think they got lucky that it was only a high ankle sprain.

TO CHARLES:
They are going to fight at 147 with 8oz. gloves.

Things sure are dead this time of year if all we can talk about is the GS Warriors and Oscar De La Hoya.
When's Kobe getting his surgery? It needs to be soon.
This years Lakers are the real REDEEM team.

I really don't care. I hate the Warriors. Not like I hate the Blazers or the Kings, but I have little to no desire for them to succeed.

Sorry Ronny.

GO LAKERS!

So is this it? This is an Olympic year, but can more senior bloggers let me know???

At some point we must hit the lowest news / content moment for the Lakers blog. In October lots of rumors and news will start. Is the low of the blog in early September???

If so, rumor has it that it is 5 O'clock somewhere and the bars are open!!

GOOOOoooOOOO LAKERS!! Or is it

COME BACK LAAAAAaaaaAAAKKKKERS!!!!

Well Golden State is done. They will finish maybe 10th in the West. Whats do you think for top ten power rankings in the west? Mine are:

1. Lakers
2. Jazz
3. Hornets
4. Rockets
5. Spurs
6. Blazers
7. Suns
8. Nuggets

What do you guys think? I think Derron Williams is going to be CP3 special this year and take the Jazz to a new level, I like Boozer better than Chandler and West. I also think the Blazers are the real team to watch. Rudy Fernandez was good in the Olympics and that addition along with Oden to a more mature Aldridge and Roy will be scary. I also see the Suns sucking. Everyone is a year older and they don't have any new young talent. Sucks to be a Suns fan.

Lamar = Laker for Life

GO LAKERS

Joe Crawford signs! We're saved! Move aside, truck driver, Crawford is pushing past you to GRAB SOME BENCH!!!

Jon K,

"AK has totally not been fun recently. His comments are generally brusque and annoyed-sounding. I know AK's statement was an ATTEMPT at a joke. I get that point, but he keeps making statements about people wasting his and other people's time. That's the language of a person who either thinks he is overly self-important, is stressed or burned out. I don't think that AK thinks of himself as overly self-important. I just think he's burned out, but I don't particularly enjoy the snarkiness. He just needs a two week vacation somewhere within the next 42 days to be fresh for next year."

Respectfully, Jon, your attempt to "analyze" my mood is not only way off base, but completely ignores the explanations I've provided you and their contexts.

Yes, I've made comments about you "wasting my time." And in both instances, you were wasting my time. Once, you admitted to peppering BK and I in the past about "censorship" issues in part to annoy us. That's a purposeful waste of my time, as I repeatedly addressed your concerns earnestly and you were essentially getting your jollies. Like I explained, it's the equivalent of me walking to your desk (again, this is my job) and giving you useless busy work just to get a chuckle. I doubt you'd find it amusing (particularly since it doesn't take much to work you up). Neither did I.

The other time was in an email exchange, where I explained my position on a matter simple and self-explanatory. When you kept arguing, I said that if you didn't understand my position on this fairly obvious issue, I wasn't going to waste my time debating and left it at that. Not to sound dismissive, but I really do have more important and productive things to do, whether with this blog (which I still love running), my other work outlets, or my personal life.

In both cases, I explained myself truthfully and simply. In both cases, you ignored the explanations and keep running with the "AK needs a vacation" babble- particularly ironic, since I literally went on vacations during the first two August weekends- which kinda proves my point that these discussions are a waste of time. It would be much simpler if you'd take said answer for an answer and stop trying to create my psych profile because you don't like the answer.

AK

TO CHARLES:
They are going to fight at 147 with 8oz. gloves.

Posted by: The Infamous El Guapo | August 27, 2008 at 02:14 PM

Thanks man. I have posted the fighting weight above your reply. Are the 8 oz gloves "Cleto Reyes?"

I normally spar at 16 oz. Thats a not a lot of protection. Almost MMA style.

Thanks again!

HEY.....ANyone know what ever happened to the big Lamar Odom trade that was supposed to happen yesterday?????

Just as I thought BS.

Good- I prefer to see him stay a laker anyways

Otis,

The warriors are located in Oakland now. They haven't been in Frisco for over 35 yrs

mrbarneydangles,

You forgot to include the Clippers in the eighth playoff slot.

Lamar Odom = Laker for Life.

Go Clippers!

GO LAKERS!

the AK dilemma... is Joe Crawford signing worth a new topic? Nah... well, yeah... well, no... well, ESPN actually put it on their front page... but... it's Joe Crawford... this might be the 2nd to last time I hear his name this year, wait, I take it back the 3rd to last, I'll hear it in training camp and then I'll hear it again when he gets sent down to the DLeague...

>>>When is Shaq going on the DL? Will it be after the first
>>>10 games or after the first 30? Place your bets!

I think it's going to be after 04 games. Because if you
type in 04 on an old-school calculator and turn it upside
down, then it says ho. Shaq needs more time to stock
his ho ex-girlfriend, so he'll have to "get injured" after
04 games.

>>>What's the over/under on Luke Walton this year?
>>>Over or under 50 games played? Place your bets!

Over 50 and you'll be happy about it. This season for
Luke will be like last season was for Sasha. By June of
next year, most people here will grudgingly admit that
Luke actually earned his salary for the 2008-2009 season.
(after which they'll start bugging out about some other
Laker who they think is overpaid)

>>>For a higher degree of difficulty. Who plays more
>>>games this year for the Lakers, 1. Coby Karl, 2. DJ
>>>Mbenga, 3. a truck driver in Pennsylvania, 4. Joe
>>>Crawford, excuse me, #4, Dan Issel, #5, Joe
>>>Crawford? Place your bets!

If Congolian Beef were already under contract, I'd have
to say him, because I'm skeptical that Mihm will ever be
back to his old pre-injury self.

But until he signs, I'm going to have to go with Coby Karl
(who still needs to get his number changed to #8).

Charles,

How's your shoulder doing, brother?

GO LAKERS!

Jon K,

You really think the Clipps will make the playoffs? I thought they would with Brand and Baron but not with Baron. I think Brand+Maggette is better that Baron+Camby. We will see but as long as Donald Sterling is the owner, I don't see too many playoff trips for the Clipps.

Lamar = Laker for Life

GO LAKERS

AK,

Okay. If you're so rested and happy, why do you keep being impatient and snarky?

Riddle me that, AK!

GO LAKERS!

Sweet Jamie,

You are but a few bloggers here who's not a complete whiner.

I look forward to the challenge. I believe your Fakers were the one who cought every by surprise with Mr. Starlet "being a good teammate this year".

I ask again, where was Starlet the past 12 years? Can you please explain the dude's selfishness issues?

Ya know, outside of Hollywierd, Kobe is not beloved as this blog of extremist might suggest. As a matter of fact, most people I come accross hate Kobe and the ones who love Kobe, they REALLY LOVE HIM.

Yikes, "love'? What is this world coming to?

In any case, next season will be great to watch.

LGC's predition: Celtics repeat. KG wins Finals MVP honors. Celtics play the Hornets in the finals.

ahahaahahahah

Posted by: Let's go C's! | August 27, 2008 at 02:33 PM

Sherrif, to be honest, I don't read Butler's writeups.

I "C" what you're trying to do and I'm not a big stats buff. The only stat I care about is championships. All the rest is just "noise" to block out what lies underneth.

But to humor you, Pierce went to Kansas, picked 10th overall in the 1998 draft, 6-time all star and led the Celtics through 2 transitionary periods leading the team to 2 appearances in East Finals and one NBA Final winning "Finals MVP" honors.

As a product of Inglehood high school, Pierce grew up watching the Fakers.

Posted by: Let's go C's! | August 27, 2008 at 02:43 PM

Jon K,

"Okay. If you're so rested and happy, why do you keep being impatient and snarky? Riddle me that, AK!"

That question, on top of the explanation I just provided, actually answers itself.

AK

AK,

It's okay. I take your snarkiness in stide with a smile. I forgive you.

I understand. You need some rest. It's okay.

GO LAKERS!

MrBarneyDangles -

In a post a few weeks ago or so, I predicted nearly the exact same order (I might have had the Mavs in that 8 spot). The order may be different, but I think the top 7 teams are pretty set. That 8 seed though is going to be up for grabs. Dallas, Denver, Golden State and the Clippers all have a shot. I do think I was maybe underestimating the Blazers and overestimating the Rockets (who are bound to have an injury/suspension among the big trio). So this is my updated prediction. But man, the Western Conference may be more stacked than ever. Nobody wants to play anyone in that top 7.

1. Lakers
2. Jazz
3. Hornets
4. Spurs
5. Blazers
6. Rockets
7. Suns
8. Mavs

The East I think will look like this...

1. Celtics
2. Cavs
3. 76ers
4. Pistons
5. Raptors
6. Magic
7. Wizards
8. Heat

The Bulls, Pacers, Bucks and Hawks all narrowly miss out. Knicks, Bobcats, and Nets will suck something awful.

unless Sasha becomes a starter, I really don't see a spot for Coby Karl on this team but... I'll admit, we do need someone to carry the bags of the pro's... so if that's how Coby makes the team, so be it... maybe he should take the #15 to remind him he's one step away...

As for Shaq, I would think these days his favorite time is 11:34, turn that upside down and that's where Shaq is living these days. Can't get divorced or it would wipe him out, LEAVES A RECORD of a threat to some bimbo, clearly declining physically... these aren't good days for Shaq Daddy...

and WOW! someone who's positive about Walton for the coming season! I dig that because if it pans out, we can trade Radmanovic for maybe a low first rounder or a project type Center or package him with Odom for what I have no idea...

Jon K,

Whatever. Enjoy your day.

AK

green weenie from beanie...

yah kobe is better than pierce....its such an easy observation....

i love it that you are too dumb to figure that out...you just love being the weenie....with no brains....

thats ok--we wouldnt expect anyone from the beanie to know any better...
have a good weenie...

"my response: I **EMPHATICALLY** disagree with you!
I am a former sprinter as well as a practicing martial
artist. I have **NEVER** met someone who was quick
who didn't have good foot speed. NEVER! Every sprinter
I've ever known, male or female, at the high school or
college level was **QUICK**. The difference b/n quick
and fast has to do with stride and smoothness of gate.
Fast applies to a race. Quick refers to the initial movement.
Quickness is based upon reaction time and fast twitch
muscle fibers. Reaction time is perception of stimuli &
initiation of movement. Initiation of movement comes
back to fast twitch muscle fibers."

What a coincidence, I was a former sprinter too until college and I am a practicing boxer (not a professional, I can get my butt kicked and have, it happens to us all). I'm not talking about speed or quickness when we burst off initially like I said. Nor am I talking about *running*. In terms of running , I give it to Trevor hands down. In terms of lateral quickness I give that to Lamar though he can only improve that to a degree. Is he better than Ariza though laterally? From the times I've seen Trevor move *laterally* and comparing it to Lamar *laterally* it is my conclusion that Lamar has the edge even if barely. And like you said, he has *Good* footwork. Footwork comparable to Kobe? Hands down no. Can he hang around Lebron and Josh Smith? It is my conclusion for this that he is better than Ariza at the time being. Ariza in the future maybe but not at the present when we need defense on them.

"my response: I don't disagree that short arms are a
disadvantage. I disagree with your view on Sasha's
lateral quickness just as I disagree on your view of
Lamar's lateral quickness. It seems that getting beat on
pick and rolls is not about quickness, but about
technique. Correct me if I'm wrong, but Stockton and
Malone used the pick and roll to death. While Malone is
one of the greatest player ever ... there were people who
were quicker. They weren't as skilled or as dedicated.
How many championships did they win? 0. "

Having good defense against Pick and Rolls requires technique along with lateral quickness. With a bad lateral quickness even if you get over the pick the guard/forward for whom the pick was for will have created much space by the time you get over the pick and making the forward/center who was guarding the other man help out on the penetrating guard and that will leave the one who set the pick wide open for the guard to pass through. Nash was able to do this successfully on Smush and Jordan who neither have good lateral quickness (Smush had even poorer technique than Jordan). When he went against Fisher, Nash had a harder time to pick and roll us to death since Derek even at age 33 still had his lateral quickness. And for Stockton and Malone? Two people: Scottie Pippen and Dennis Rodman. Rodman was a very great defender and he guarded Malone well in the 2 Finals against the Bulls. Pippen helped Ron Harper against Stockton a bunch of times and as a result by the time Stockton had recovered from Pippen's and Harper's trap there was less than 10-12 seconds on the shot clock and not nearly enough time for him to set a rhythm. It really had nothing to do with quickness of speed or lateral quickness.

"I haven't disagreed with this statement either. I do
disagree with your interpretation of what this statement
means. I would suggest that he got rid of Mo Evans
because he had Sasha. I don't recall Ariza playing SG.
I do recall Sasha playing SG."

Mo Evans was a swingman aka Small Forward/Shooting Guard. In the beginning of the season, he was Kobe's primary backup and a few times Phil experimented on who was the better backup for Kobe and for the time being he felt it was Mo Evans. The reason we got rid of Evans was purely out of financial reason. To get Ariza, we traded Brian Cook but because he signed his with us as a Bird Free Agent, his contract he had a Base Year Compensation clause. To make things short, Cook's salary with us was 3.5 million and on paper Ariza-Cook trade was good financially. But because of the BYC, Cook's trade value was half of that at $1,750,000 compared to 3.1 million for Trevor. To remedy this, Mitch had to either trade Evans or Sasha since both had the same salary as each other (1.7 million). Even though Evans had gotten more playing time from Phil, Sasha's contract was much better since at the very least Sasha was going to be a Restricted Free Agent and Mitch could at least match any offer for him while had he kept Evans, Mo would have been an Unrestricted Free Agent and Mitch couldn't match. And it was also good for the Lakers since while Sasha's new contract still counted against the Salary Cap, the Lakers at the very least didn't have to use their mid-level exception (and will probably won't this year) plus signing Sasha since he was our free agent allowed us to go over the cap. That's why we got rid of Evans and not Sasha. Sasha's playing time increased since he could properly back up Kobe instead of Evans doing so. However he still only *backed up* and only averaged 15 min a game, with 3 small forwards at the time, there was no need for Kobe to play the 3 so Phil kept Kobe at Shooting Guard while Sasha backed Kobe up. And what does Ariza have to do with it? Simple. When Ariza went down we only had Radman and Walton to play the 3 and PJ knew that Walton was inconsistent and Radman while having a 3 point shot (only reason why he was in the starting lineup), was even worst than Walton defensively. Lamar couldn't be shifted to Small Forward because that would leave a hole at Power Forward and neither Radman nor Walton could handle *starting* power forward plus Ronny had to be backup Center due to Drew's injury. To remedy this, Phil put Kobe at the 3 during critical minutes, especially near the end of games. This allowed Sasha playing time and as a result Sasha averaged 22 minutes a game compared to 15 minutes before and like I said before, Sasha took advantage of this and averaged 10.7ppg compared to 7.7 when he played only for 15 minutes. That is how Sasha become really consistent for us.

"81 pts. is a historical fact. i.e. it happened."

So are the other statistics and no matter how you want to put it, 81 points is still a statistic. Can it be misleading? If one puts it one way yes it can be and you did a good job explaining why. That doesn't qualify Statistics being meshed in with "lies".

"Ariza forces D-wade to pass because D-Wade can't beat him on the first step."

Why would Ariza been put on Wade at all during the closing moments? Like you said Ariza plays *Small Forward* can he guard guards? Mostly he can in my opinion. Can he do it to D-Wade? About the same probability if not less than if he had do it against Kobe. And even if Ariza really improves his defense this offseason, he would still have a worst chance at stopping Dwyane Wade than Lamar would against Lebron James. Besides that will mostly not happen except maybe in the future. Kobe will always guard the best perimeter guards especially in the closing moments and if Trevor is switched up with Wade, Flash will burn Trevor worst than Lamar being overpowered by Lebron.

“I wouldn’t say that Lamar [Odom] is the type of guy that can be that lockdown defender at that [small forward] position. "

"I also felt that we had duplication in the backcourt. Although Maurice was a backup player, I thought he might not get the minutes he felt he needed."
-Said by Mitch

Of course, I have never said Lamar would be a lock down defender. I simply said he was a solid defender and much better than Trevor at the time being even if Trevor improves his defense at Small Forward. Lamar is solid enough to hang around above water on defending against the elite SF until Kobe at the end can guard them.

Yes when Mo Evans played for us in 06-07 he was the 6th man and averaged 22 minutes a game for us. During the 7 games he played for us in 07-08, he only averaged 13 minutes. One of the reasons he requested to leave Detroit was to increase his playing time since he averaged the same amount over there as his 07-08 Laker minutes. And like I said, his contract was better for the Lakers financially in the future than if they had given up Sasha. If Sasha had Evan's contract instead and Evans had the rookie contract, I believe Sasha would have been the one who would have been traded, not Evans.

"Ariza not starting for Orlando. They signed Rashard
Lewis for SF."

*WRONG*. Rashard Lewis played Power Forward for 07-08 in Orlando. Hedo Turkoglu played Small Forward for Orlando and he won Most Improved Player of the year.

"re: Ariza as a lock down defender. The opening
paragraph on the tinurl is:

The Lakers got younger, shed some salary and hoped they added a future lockdown defender by acquiring rangy forward Trevor Ariza from the Orlando Magic on Tuesday for Brian Cook and Maurice Evans.

Did you see that phrase: "future lockdown defender" ?

Did you see the word "Hope"? While the Laker did get a solid defensive role player in Trevor, trimmed some salary at the same time and an upgrade over Cook overall and Evans defensively at the Small Forward position, they "HOPE" that he will be a lock down defender in the future, it's not guaranteed and Trevor is still unproven. Didn't the Lakers *HOPE* that Kwa-may Brown would finally turn into the inside presence they needed before Bynum and Pau came along? Didn't they also *HOPE* Chris Mihm would also be like that before and *HOPE* to resign Ronny? Not to mention *HOPE* Cook and Walton have excellent careers? I *HOPE* to see the Lakers win and Trevor see his potential but until I see *RESULTS*, sorry if I sound rude but I don't get convinced about things simply by the word *HOPE*.

What can Trevor do to change my mind? All-Defensive Team and since he's still young I'll lower it to All-Defensive 2nd Team. I *HOPE* to see him there but only *HOPE*. If he does get there either now or the future, then I'll admit that its not *HOPE* but rather he *DID*.

"I don't believe that I have said the Ariza's
defense is better than Lamar's."

Physically faster? Maybe. It takes more than being *FAST* or *QUICK* to be a great defender and Ariza is still *RAW* and even by training in the off season, Ariza still has a LONG way to go.

*IF AND ONLY IF* he works out
over the summer....

duh all players do that except for lazy ones like Kwa-may. And even though he will improve (He will I have no doubt) it's not like his defense will be on par's with Kobe's or even Tayshaun Prince's. And let me say it again: Even though *HE WILL IMPROVE* it takes more than *ONE SUMMER* to really get the potential going.

"It went off on a tangent about
shooting and you brought up Pippens shooting. "

Because you argued that Lamar can't play Small Forward because partly he can't shoot 3 pointers. For all of Scottie's great skills he never had a consistent 3 point shot, what makes Lamar needing a reliable 3 point shot if one of the top Small Forwards in NBA history didn't have a reliable 3 point shooting? Then you go about going how Pippen is better than Odom in this and that which I know and didn't need to hear all that since I knew how great Pippen was and Lamar being nowhere near Pippen. The point *WAS* that Small Forwards *DON"T* need to be great at 3 point shooting. And like I said, very poor response to compare Pippen and Odom.

*HOPE*fully that is my rebuttel. lol *HOPE*!

mrbarneydangles,

I think the Clippers have done an excellent job from recovering from the Elton Brand betrayal.

Go Clippers!

GO LAKERS!

As an ex Bay Area resident (and for that matter ex Southland) I still follow the Warriors but am not touching this one.

Karma, particularly injury karma, bites both ways.

Dice8up,

Can you put the link you're posting in tiny URL form? We've been trying to make that the standard. Tinyurl.com, if you have any questions.

Thanks

AK

Mr. B-

I was reading your post and was thinking to myself, 'I really think the Blazers are going to make some noise this year. Then I read your statement:

"I also think the Blazers are the real team to watch. "

Totally agree. And not just for next year, they seem to be positioned to be a contender for the long haul if the play their cards right. Also note that they seem to have the Lakers #. Should be a fun season!

What a bummer about Monta. He is one of my favorite players, he really picked it up last year (for a second year in a row!). It will be interesting to see if he gets picked up at all in fantasy leagues. He kicked butt for me last year...

Pre Season Rankings and other ramblings............

1. Lakers
2. Houston
3. San Antonio
4. New Orleans
5. Utah
6. Portland
7. Dallas
8. Phoenix
9. Denver
10. Golden State
Everyone seems to be underestimating the Ron Artest aquisition. Laker fans are funny, since we didn't get him, he's now sour grapes!!
Ron Ron with Yao and McGrady, that's a big 3 combo comparable to the Lakers big three. Add Scola, Battier, Jon Barry, Luther Head, Rafar Alston, plus a good bench means all the pieces of the puzzle are in place to make a serious run at the Title. They won 22 in a row last year without Yao and Artest including a wipeout of the Lakers.
Make no mistake, Houston will be an elite team capable of winning it all and certainly a favorite for the top seed in the Western conference along with the Lakers, SA, and NO.
The Darkhorse is Portland. If Oden becomes a major presence inside, they can join the list of contenders. If Oden plays like Olden Polynice, they should still make the playoffs considering Dallas, Phoenix, and Denver are either rebuilding, too old, and/or lacking defense.
Utah will always be tough but its hard to imagine them beating the elite teams though I hate discounting them like I am.
Golden State also has the possibility of reaching the playoffs depending if two of the 3 teams mentioned above implode. Denver is the most likely candidate, followed by Phoenix, then Dallas. The reasons for self-implosion are rather obvious and I'm sure if the cracks in the wall begin to show, this blog will have a field day dissecting the villians involved.
I kinda want Phoenix to implode just for my main man Butler, what would become of him if Gnash, the Big Weight, Amare, and Porter don't deliver as promised? A previous blogger said "The Great Rapper" has already gained 20 pounds. If this is true, I'll put them ahead of Denver as the most likely team to implode. Perhaps Big Mac Shaq should cut about 10 pounds off his rear, ship it to Kobe, so Kobe can really tell him how his ass tastes.

AK,

[In both cases, I explained myself truthfully and simply. In both cases, you ignored the explanations and keep running with the "AK needs a vacation" babble- particularly ironic, since I literally went on vacations during the first two August weekends- which kinda proves my point that these discussions are a waste of time. ]

Boo hoo, he keeps wasting my time, yet you keep responding and falling for the same tricks. Ain't ya da one always screaming ignore the haters.

Perharps this is just a sinister plot by Jon K. to show you why we can't ignore the haters. Sometimes when someone gets under ya skin, ya can't help but scartch dat itch.

Taliq,

"Boo hoo, he keeps wasting my time, yet you keep responding and falling for the same tricks. Ain't ya da one always screaming ignore the haters. Perharps this is just a sinister plot by Jon K. to show you why we can't ignore the haters. Sometimes when someone gets under ya skin, ya can't help but scartch dat itch."

No, your example doesn't work. The discussions Jon and I were having had to do with blog administration stuff (as in, "my job duties"), as opposed to a difference of basketball/Lakers opinions or me being annoyed by the content of his posts. They weren't issues that I could just ignore right off the bat, as I've said people should do with the trolls.

AK

What up Blog?

Will the Trailblazers make some noise this year? I kind of doubt it and here's why...too much new, young blood on that team. Where is the guy who knows how to win it in the last two minutes? I don't think Brandon Roy is there yet. He's going to be great, but can he A: Stay healthy (hasn't happened yet), B: Grow into 'the man' for his team.

Right now I think he's 'the man' by default. I think their bench will be a strength and if they do make the Playoffs, they will be Atlanta-esque in their post season play: strong at home, weak on the road.

The other big question is similar to the one hanging over Lakerdom: Can La Marcus Aldridge and Greg Oden play effectively together. In the case of the Lakers you have a small body of work to compare between Gasol and Bynum, but with Portland's two starting bigs, they haven't played together even in practice. This will be Greg Oden's rookie season after he has sat out for over a year so I think some BIG question marks are surrounding that young man.

Will they give teams a run for their money? Sure, but I don't think they will be a dominate force for another season or two, look for them to beat the Suns out for the 8 spot and i think the WC will look like this at the end of the season:
1 - Lakers
2 - New Orleans
3 - Houston
4 - Utah
5 - San Antonio
6 - Dallas
7 - Denver
8 - Big battle between Phoenix, Portland and the Clippers...I know, it's crazy, but at least Jon K can get some hope that the Clippers will look almost completely different and I think Dunleavey can motivate a team of veterans better than he could last year because, let's face it, that team dogged it up all the way to the dog house. Woof. Don't underestimate Denver, Carmello just helped the US win Gold and AI is still amazing and George karl is a good coach, they'll be right there, barring injuries. It's going to be tough to knock off the WC champs this year because Kobe's going to play for the opt out and re-negotiate that he can enact after the season, if he averages, oh, let's say 30 ppg, 5 rpg, 5 apg and a few steals and blocks he will repeat as MVP and the Lakers will be in the top spot in the West. I know he's SAID that he doesn't need to score 30 ppg, but he still can do it and with a working finger he might have done it last year.

Totally unrelated: Which conference will the Sonics play in next year, is there going to be some kind of restructuring to make this work geographically

GO LKAERS!!!!!

Taliq,

I'm not trying to trick AK.

AK,

It seems like you and BK have taken on this self-imposed mantle of being the "mature ones" on this blog. Forgive me if I'm not expressing the situation perfectly. It just seems like you two have become increasinly curt in your responses, increasingly reticent to concede ANYONE else's point, and decreasingly friendly in your responses. It seems like you guys have taken on a sole role of policing the blog, with the exception of establishment of new threads. So... I don't know. We feel kind of like a group here and I just wish you were a bit more relaxed and familiar in your posts, but, you know, whatever. We all have different personalities to our posts. It just seems like your's used to be more friendly and positive.

GO LAKERS!

Jamie Sweet,

Clippers. Eight seed.

And then swept by the Lakers in the playoffs.

Go Clippers!

GO LAKERS!