More soothing presence for a hoops contest: Lawrence Tanter or Vic the Brick?
Judging by VTB's emcee work during Jordan Farmar's appearance on Sunday Night's Chabad "To Life" Telethon, I think I'm going Tanter. If nothing else, the longtime Lakers PA announcer may pick his spots a little more judiciously. But the Brick acquitted himself nicely at the goal of raising big-time charity bucks, and got a nice assist from the Lakers point guard, who hit 36 buckets (sponsored by Kangol at $1800 a pop) in just 90 seconds to raise $64,000 for various religious and philanthropic charities. Oddly enough, my girlfriend and I were channel surfing after the Steelers game and happened to flip on this program right as Farmar -- who's put this summer to very high-minded use -- let fly. Very random coincidence.
By the way, how great would it have been if one of the dudes in the ref shirts got too big for his britches and T'ed up Farmar?
Thanks to reader "Something to Kill With" for the alert about the article.
AK
Is it just me or does it look like Jordan put on some weight?
Posted by: Elle | September 15, 2008 at 11:36 PM
Farmar only shoots about 67% from the line?
He needs to include some FT shooting in his off season yoga schedule so he can both be raising more bucks for charity and be more valuable to his team.
Posted by: BUTLER | September 15, 2008 at 11:48 PM
Hehe passing the time until training camp. Just a mesely 14 days away but the media day is sooner I believe so that will be much more interesting than basketball camps and even the Olympics (for Laker fans at least, I did like the olympics than just Team USA).
Jordan Stats on those shots (from what I could count, darn camera had to be such a pain). 36-50 (14 Missed) so that adds up to 72% :(. Granted it was a telethon and not a real game but 72% is low for a point guard from the free throw line (hey there is one comparison to Tony Parker, both their free throw percentage are low-Ha!). Jordan's jumper could actually be better and I think it is, heck it is possible to have a good jumper and not so good free throw, Bruce Lee Bowen is a perfect example of this with a 42% from 3 point land but only shooting 65% from the charity stripe.
Still I am looking forward for an improved jumper from Jordan in both spot up shooting (to be compatible as a point guard in the triangle offense when the shooting guard is a penetrator) and his own created jumpers. I would also like to see Jordan's lateral quickness to improve as well in order to increase his defense (Sun had a better agility time than he did when they did workouts in Orlando and the Lakers Pre-draft camp).
Almost to media day at least, then it should be not quite as boring, but only when the pre season followed by the regular season will the fun arrive again.
Better get those last minute workouts, visits to friends/family, basketball clinics, and reviewing tape of last season members of the 2008-2009 Los Angeles Lakers, training camp is almost here and there should be no more snowboarding and as much fun as it, no more making fun of how Jon K's UCLA Bruins got smacked 59-0 to BYU.
The wait is almost over!
-blitz
Posted by: thekobebryantblitz | September 15, 2008 at 11:57 PM
For those who show any interest about Josh Powell this may have been posted earlier on last month but it is a good review of him. Personally I don't trust the reviews too much until I see his actions on the court on my television set or at the Staples Center like I said about Trevor but hey it's a good heads up of what we should expect from Josh Powell. Maybe Jon "No Jon UCLA did get whipped 59-0" K. would be a little interested since Josh was a former Los Angeles Clipper.
http://tinyurl.com/6qgjpl
Carpe Diem!
-blitz
Posted by: thekobebryantblitz | September 16, 2008 at 12:04 AM
Vic doesn't understand TV. He kept standing in front of his guests, blocking them from view of the camera.
Farmar kinda looks like Vince on Entourage.
Also, those rims were pretty loose.
Even so, pretty impressive shooting.
Nice!
Posted by: Amazing_Happens | September 16, 2008 at 01:34 AM
It's you.
I love it when the Lakers step up and do things in the community and for others. It's a great opportunity Jordan is to be commended.
GO LAKERS!!!!!!
Posted by: longtimelakerlover | September 16, 2008 at 05:25 AM
I absolutely hate Vic the Brick. Loathe him.
People who continuously shout in a monotone make me want to set them on fire and roast marshmellows over the conflagation.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | September 16, 2008 at 08:09 AM
Few things make a person think that Monty Python has taken over all reality than waking up to Vic the Brick and groups of dancing rabbis.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | September 16, 2008 at 08:10 AM
Elle,
Yes, it does look like Farmar has put on some weight... and not in a buff way.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | September 16, 2008 at 08:11 AM
thekobebryantblitz,
I've read that bit about Josh Powell.
I will certainly miss Ronny Turiaf and will always wish him well in his career, but I think Josh Powell is going to fill a whole in what the Lakers need probably better than Ronny Turiaf could.
Simply put, Powell has a better shot and is a better rebounder. He may not block shots as well as Turiaf, but, quite frankly, Turiaf wasn't really a shot-blocking machine and we've got Bynum back to block shots now. So, I think we're going to like what we see with Josh Powell. I think it was a very good (and financially wise) pick-up by Mitch Kupchack.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | September 16, 2008 at 08:18 AM
Xodus - Magia32
Your welcome for the AB link.
Everybody! Good Morning!
Posted by: Charles | September 16, 2008 at 08:19 AM
Jordan looks like he did before. TV adds 10lbs. He'll be in game shape when the time comes. Is it basketball season yet?
Posted by: "Pig" Miller | September 16, 2008 at 08:33 AM
BUTLER,
Joe Johnson didn't leave the Suns because of money. He specifically asked the Suns NOT to sign him. Eventually, Johnson and the Suns agreed to a sign-and-trade and that was how you guys got Diaw, etc.
Posted by: Xodus | September 16, 2008 at 09:16 AM
http://tinyurl.com/6xary5
Blast from the past!
Posted by: "Pig" Miller | September 16, 2008 at 09:31 AM
I must say that the stupid quotient has gone down drastically in recent weeks around here. I think subscribing to the policy of simply ignoring the posts of people you don't wish to converse with or don't respect has worked wonders for me. That and grade school being back in session.
Posted by: "Pig" Miller | September 16, 2008 at 09:50 AM
Gentleman. I caught the piece as well and thought it was terrific. Here's an org trying to raise money for a drug rehap and kids programs and they got JF shooting hoops for it. It was 90 sec of entertainment and 60k raised. how do u beat that? no offense to Tom Arnold or Zev Yaroslavsky but id rather see JF shooting hoops against a clock than listen to a speech. Kudos to the Rabbi Telethon!
Chris Verde
Culver City
Posted by: Chris | September 16, 2008 at 09:51 AM
Pig,
Jelani McCoy! Ringbearer Jelani McCoy, veteran of earlier Phil Jackson wars and Laker Greatness? Former UCLA Bruin, Jelani McCoy?
Awesome!
Sign him, Mitch! Let's get this roster finalized for training camp!
Let's go!
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | September 16, 2008 at 11:02 AM
Any truth to the Odom trade mentioned today on Hoopsworld?
Mike Miller and Jason Collins to the Lakers for Lamar Odom??
Posted by: EastCoastJessie | September 16, 2008 at 11:03 AM
UCLA's career leader in blocked shots!
http://tinyurl.com/5qptbh
The man knows how to elevate his game for the playoffs!
http://tinyurl.com/6k4p6k
The time is now! The answer? Jelani McCoy.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | September 16, 2008 at 11:06 AM
EastCoastJessie,
Lamar Odom = Laker for Life
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | September 16, 2008 at 11:07 AM
"BUTLER,
Joe Johnson didn't leave the Suns because of money. He specifically asked the Suns NOT to sign him. Eventually, Johnson and the Suns agreed to a sign-and-trade and that was how you guys got Diaw, etc."
Right, but the SUNS had the right to retain him. If they wanted. They shoulda done so, because as Bill Simmons noted, that was the core right there - Amare, JJ, Marion, Nash.
Posted by: BUTLER | September 16, 2008 at 11:14 AM
RUMORS: SUMMER WINDING DOWN
By Eric Pincus for HoopsWorld.com
http://tinyurl.com/6ztbuj
Here is excerpt re Lakers:
>>>>>
Odom: It may be fun to speculate on the future of Los Angeles Lakers forward Lamar Odom, but the team has every intention of keeping him. Yes, there is the issue of next summer's free agency but that's not today's problem. LA has discussed moving him for years but no deal has truly been imminent.
The closest might have been with the Grizzlies when forward/center Pau Gasol was sent to the Lakers. Odom was almost included in the deal for forward/guard Mike Miller.
It was supposedly Memphis who decided against taking on Odom's salary- which in the end was better for the Lakers since center Andrew Bynum was never able to return from his knee injury (and Miller is no power forward).
The Lakers are very happy with their roster. Odom may flourish as the fourth option while trying to earn his next contract - or he may flounder. Looking ahead, LA is counting on his versatility both at guard/small forward - and as the team's second string power forward.
Mike Miller is definitely a player who interests the Lakers but the Minnesota Timberwolves aren't about to move him. LA would need a high level backup at the four before taking on another perimeter shooter. Center Jason Collins doesn't fit the bill and is coming off elbow surgery.
Odom is a valuable trade asset with his expiring contract along with his ability to play five positions. The last thing the Lakers are going to do is rush to cash that chip in - considering they are among the favorites to get to the NBA Finals.
>>>>>
Tom
Posted by: LakerTom | September 16, 2008 at 11:23 AM
POSITION RANKINGS: CENTERS GET IN LINE BEHIND SUPERMAN
By Tim Povtak for CBSSports
http://www.sportsline.com/nba/story/10977659
Drew ranked #3 center in this ranking.
By the end of the year, Drew will have moved up from #3 to #1. Dwight Howard is overrated and was a bust in the Olympics and won’t be on next team. He will be replaced by Andrew Bynum. And Yao Ming can’t stay healthy
Tom
Posted by: LakerTom | September 16, 2008 at 11:30 AM
Hey blog family!!! It's good to be back!! Spent some time in Northern Ontario Canada visiting family - not a computer in sight....seriously.
Oh well - it's good to be back & now with only a couple of weeks left before training camp I know I can fight off the jitters with the finish line to this long boring summer (with the exception of Team USA B-ball) so close at hand.
It's amazing that we all made it intact & relatively unscathed!
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: justanothermambafan | September 16, 2008 at 12:45 PM
Jon -
I understand your loathing of Vic the Brick, he's truly grating. However, he's managed to become part of the pantheon of L.A. oddities (Cal Worthington, Angelyne, General Hershey Bar, "actor" Dennis Woodruff, etc., etc.) and for his enduring bizareness alone, I'd have to give him the nod over straight man Tanter.
Oh wait, AK's question was "who's more soothing.". Nevermind.
Posted by: dave m | September 16, 2008 at 12:53 PM
>>>Any truth to the Odom trade mentioned today on
>>>Hoopsworld?
>>>
>>>Mike Miller and Jason Collins to the Lakers for Lamar
>>>Odom??
none. If you read further, the source of the trade was a fan
who posted it to an online chat. I'm sure Mike T would love
that trade though, as Jason Collins has about the biggest
calves in the NBA.
Posted by: Long Time Laker Fan | September 16, 2008 at 12:59 PM
AK asked: More soothing presence for a hoops contest: Lawrence Tanter or Vic the Brick?
I answer: Vic the Brick isn't a soothing presence in ANY situation. Lawrence Tanter in a landslide (even if I don't think Tanter is anything more than an average P.A. announcer).
EastCoastJesse - I haven't heard that rumor anywhere else, so I wouldn't give any credence to it.
Posted by: puddle | September 16, 2008 at 01:20 PM
EastCoastJesse -
I found this on hoopsworld...
"It may be fun to speculate on the future of Los Angeles Lakers forward Lamar Odom, but the team has every intention of keeping him. Yes, there is the issue of next summer's free agency but that's not today's problem. LA has discussed moving him for years but no deal has truly been imminent...
The Lakers are very happy with their roster. Odom may flourish as the fourth option while trying to earn his next contract - or he may flounder. Looking ahead, LA is counting on his versatility both at guard/small forward - and as the team's second string power forward.
Mike Miller is definitely a player who interests the Lakers but the Minnesota Timberwolves aren't about to move him. LA would need a high level backup at the four before taking on another perimeter shooter. Center Jason Collins doesn't fit the bill and is coming off elbow surgery."
That should answer your question.
Posted by: puddle | September 16, 2008 at 01:22 PM
For those of you hoping for a Lamar trade, maybe Mitch can
work his magic mojo on Memphis again. If things run as
smoothly as last year, the trade would be something like this:
Lamar Odom and a bag of chips for
Antoine Walker, Rudy Gay, and Javaris Crittenton.
Since we'd be helping them out with two of their problems,
(Toine's supersized contract and too-many-PGs), they'd
help us out by giving us a nice SF in Rudy Gay.
Posted by: Long Time Laker Fan | September 16, 2008 at 01:24 PM
Oh, by the way, that Memphis trade I just proposed works in
the trade machine, so it must be true.
Posted by: Long Time Laker Fan | September 16, 2008 at 01:24 PM
Butler - for whatever reason Johnson totally wanted out - for money..to be the man...whatever but he deserted your team....same as marion.He hadn't been happy for ages but the suns were just smart enough to keep the extent of his happiness under the radar...but instead of a swap that was going to upset people because they were breaking up a contender to take on a lesser player or youngsters they traded for Shaq which gave people just enough hope becasue he was Shaq not to totally freak out at the trade...They wanted to look like they were in control and they hadnt failed...even now people think theres a good chance Shaq can play well enough for them to contend - I say no way.....this was a genius trade from a 'keeping the fans happy while our team admits that this era is over' perspective.
Then they can hope to sign a free agent when his contract expires by the time all the overly optimistic suns fans work it out you'll be looking to that as a future...they had to get rid of Marion.You cant tell me that the suns genuinely decided that Shaq was the way to win over keeping marion
Question - this organisation is supposed to be one of the great ones to play for...Steve Nash is supposed to be the best guy to play with....so why are all these guys moving mountains not to be there?
i'm not being facetious ...just kind of seems like a shame
I'm happy majerle's back with the team as an assistant coach...the organisation needs all the class it can get...maybe all this JJ/marion stuff is karma for trading thunder to Cleveland back in the day - morons! ...and LAKERTRUTH it seems Kornheiser appreciated the fake tan
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pIAHrLHJqq4
Posted by: Kiwi | September 16, 2008 at 01:33 PM
Leggy, leggy, leggy, leggy, leggy,
leggy blond, good-bye.
Flight of the Conchords is da bomb on a murky day.
Posted by: Jamie Sweet | September 16, 2008 at 01:35 PM
I've always liked Jelani McCoy... he came out of college too soon and never lived up to expectations... still he's been a useful journeyman in spots... obviously knows the L.A. system and he's a decent shot blocker. I really don't think he'd get much pt but he'd be a good insurance policy.
Posted by: dave m | September 16, 2008 at 01:39 PM
Jamie Sweet
Which episode is that?
"Murray, Present!"
Posted by: Charles | September 16, 2008 at 01:47 PM
Long Time Laker Fan
Won't we have to many signed contracts for your proposed trade?
I like Javaris too. But hey maybe buried in the bench at his position.
Posted by: Charles | September 16, 2008 at 01:52 PM
The Big Don't-Let-The-Door-Hit-You-On-The-Way-Out
http://tinyurl.com/6hybfv
Posted by: "Pig" Miller | September 16, 2008 at 01:57 PM
Kiwi -
I think guys don't want to play in Phoenix because they know they won't get paid. Phoenix seems to ever be in cost-cutting mode (not wanting to pay JJ, trading away Marion and his moaning for an extension, trading away Kurt Thomas - doh! - trading away pick after pick after pick for cap space).
Posted by: puddle | September 16, 2008 at 02:01 PM
>>>Won't we have to many signed contracts for your
>>>proposed trade?
>>>
>>>I like Javaris too. But hey maybe buried in the bench at
>>>his position.
Other than the fact that it was a ridonculous trade that Memphis
would never agree to, not really.
I think the Lakers might be willing to waive Coby Karl to
make a roster spot for Javaris... Or they could throw him
into the trade.
Posted by: Long Time Laker Fan | September 16, 2008 at 02:15 PM
"if Shaq takes his conditioning seriously ... "
How many years have people benn saying that about this guy -- it ain't happenin'
Posted by: HmrHed | September 16, 2008 at 02:16 PM
VON WAFER SIGHTING!
from AJC.com (via True Hoop)
LIGHTS OUT: The spies around the Hawks’ practice court the past few weeks have proclaimed free agent swingman Von Wafer the most lethal shooter of the summer, with retired former Hawks’ sniper Tony Delk right on his heels.
Wafer reportedly won a game by himself last week - he scored every single point as his team shutout the opposition, which is a frightening shooting display in any venue.
Posted by: Amazing_Happens | September 16, 2008 at 02:21 PM
Puddle I agree but Marion WAS being paid....I cant remember the Johnson situation exactly but I guess he just happened in that position at a time that Atlanta had all that money to give someone...I guess its not up to me to judge but it surprises me that suns fans would still like him.
Jamie Sweet - flight of the conchords rocks!!!!! thats quality New Zealand humour
Posted by: Kiwi | September 16, 2008 at 02:27 PM
Kiwi -
"Question - this organisation is supposed to be one of the great ones to play for...Steve Nash is supposed to be the best guy to play with....so why are all these guys moving mountains not to be there?"
Well, you'd have to ask the same of kobey and the lakers last season, right? All sorts of playas get frustrated and fed up with their organizations...KG...AI...Ben Gordon..etc.
I don't know exactly why JJ wanted to go, nor the Matricks. Shawn was the highest paid playa on the team and yet felt somehow underappreciated. It was a confusing thing to get at from the outside looking in.
But the fact is that the SUNS - nor any other NBA team - was going to give Marion 17.5 mil for four more years, or whatever. His agent wanted to get the max deal, and the SUNS wanted to wait to give him the contract, so Marion would have left this summer and the SUNS would be left hanging. Trading for SHACK made sense, not only to replace Marion but to rejuvenate the locker room, shore up rebounding and add size in the paint.
On the opposite end are the Grant Hills and Barnes who are willing to take a pay cut to be with Nash and the SUNS. And as of this summer, with Kerr in full command, the SUNS have had one of their best offseasons in years. Lopez, Dragic, Singletary, Barnes....all quality additions that help in needed areas.
JJ is making his bucks, and is a star, but the hawks are a poor organization. He's close to home though and he almost beat Boston last season! Good for him...in return, the SUNS have Diaw, not a bad playa at all, and LOPEZ, the pick from the ATL trade. We'll see how things pan out, but the saved money allows the SUNS more flexibilty.
As for Marion, his story is not yet clear. He may stay in Miami or be traded of course, but you won't find anyone willing to pay a max deal as he had hoped. That doesn't mean it won't happen though. Hopefully he'll be happy wherever he ends up - as long as it ain't LA!
Posted by: BUTLER | September 16, 2008 at 02:41 PM
"it surprises me that suns fans would still like him."
Not all PHX fans are vindictive haters like you find elsewhere - such as in LA with regards to SHACK.
JJ was classy and did great, so good for him. It's tough to judge things cuz you never know what happens behind closed doors.
As for SHACK and the aschburner story - that's a very safe article to write..."playa's production goes down in last part of his career"...how intuitive!
The venom directed toward big ole lovable SHACK was more pronounced than usual. Makes me think the writer's wife called out SHACK'S name at an inopportune moment?
Posted by: BUTLER | September 16, 2008 at 02:46 PM
Amazing Happens,
I will always rue the day Mitch Kupchak opted not to lock up Von Wafer with the same 12 year/12 mil deal I would have also given Slava. Such precious and rare hilarity now perhaps in the hands of Atlanta, along with the next 8 teams he'll play for from now until 2012.
Man, I miss that kid.
AK
Posted by: Andrew Kamenetzky | September 16, 2008 at 02:46 PM
Answer to:
Won't we have to many signed contracts for your
proposed trade?
I like Javaris too. But hey maybe buried in the bench at
his position.
"Other than the fact that it was a ridonculous trade that Memphis would never agree to, not really."
LMAO. What an answer.
Posted by: Charles | September 16, 2008 at 02:49 PM
Sorry for the length --
The reality of the NBA is that teams hit peaks and valleys. Different teams are measured differently with regard to their peaks. for the Lakers and Celtics its NBA Finals. For the Clippers it’s getting out of the first round. For a tweener team like the Suns it’s winning the Pacific division.
The Celtics managed 22 years between peaks.
The Lakers climbed up again after three years – which is amazing considering the doom and gloom after Shaq left.
The question is which way will the Suns go after both Nash and Shaq retire. I believe the Suns won’t get to the finals in the next 10 years, the Lakers, Portland and NO are much better equipped long term. But if they win the Pacific after Kobe retires, then maybe they have justified their existence to their fan base. As Laker fans we take Pacific division banners and use them as rags for washing our cars. But to each his own.
Posted by: HmrHed | September 16, 2008 at 03:25 PM
LakerTom,
Those center rankings were interesting. We shall see. I do agree that all signs lean towards Andrew Bynum having his breakout season this year.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | September 16, 2008 at 03:27 PM
BIG UPS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Props to Brian and Andrew
Who put together two of my favorite blogs to scan through
And who keep me up to date on everything Purple Gold and Blue
And it's great too see that this thing is really blowing up
I remember late '05 when everybody started showing up
Look at us now, over a thousand strong
And that's even assuming Mike T. is long gone!! (j/k mike)
We even have fans of other teams regularly visitin'
Cuz we have the blog that the other teams wish they did
LAKERSBLOG FOR LIFE! Thats my motto
Gas prices haven't stopped me from running Trolls over at full throtle
It may be BUTLER today, maybe LGC's tomorrow
The only thing I know is that trophey's comin back to our home
So there it is.
Plain. Simple. Wrote "63 WINS"
Floated a bottle, tracked the storm
It should reach Japan Sunday, hope Jon's back in his dorm
>-<
Posted by: That was amazing...LEY BAD!!!!!!!! | September 16, 2008 at 03:30 PM
"As Laker fans we take Pacific division banners and use them as rags for washing our cars."
And another post that got me rolling.
Posted by: Charles | September 16, 2008 at 03:44 PM
"I remember late '05 when everybody started showing up"
Wasn't that the start of the blog?
Posted by: Charles | September 16, 2008 at 03:50 PM