For those seeking a Bynum update...
Here's one, straight from the proverbial horse's mouth. Or, to be more specific, the proverbial horse's blog. Andrew Bynum posted an update on his health today at his personal website, and assuming the kid isn't lying to us (and there's no reason to believe he is, given the solid reports that have been issued all summer on his health) the news is good:
...For the past six weeks I’ve been here in Atlanta preparing for the upcoming season. The first couple of weeks were really to get my wind back and strengthen my leg. Wow was I out of shape, but fortunately it came back pretty fast. I have my mile run back down in the low sixes, I’m playing way above the rim, dunking the ball like crazy, and my leg is 100% pain free with no swelling. My trainer, Dr. Sean Zarzana, has me doing all types of workouts from track, strength, balance, basketball, stretching and yoga. All of the routines are extremely challenging, but I can feel my body returning to the form. We will be returning to LA in the next few days to continue these workouts, and I am really looking forward to practicing with the coaching staff and all of my teammates as well. This week Mitch Kupchak and Jim Buss stopped in for a visit. They watched me go through an upper body/track workout. After we had lunch at a local restaurant....
For those of you who value his opinion on popular culture, Bynum also reveals how much he enjoyed "The Dark Knight" and "Pineapple Express." Thanks to Lakers sth for the tip.
I don't think it's any secret how much the Lakers need a healthy Bynum this year if they want to return to the NBA Finals... and perhaps leave with a better result. While there are reasons to wonder how well and how fast the massive front court of Andrew Bynum, Pau Gasol and Lamar Odom will come together -- personally, I'm optimistic and excited at the prospect of watching the process -- there's no doubting the impact Bynum can have in the middle. Given how much the team changed with Gasol, a sound Andrew is essentially the team's big off-season acquisition.
BK
Celtics... 17 World Championships
Lakers... 14 World Championships
Clippers....0 World Championships
Suns.........0 World Championships
Butler being a die hard fan of the Suns why do you think they have never won anything? Just curious.
I think the Clippers have a better shot a Championship than your Suns. Do you agree? The reason I say this is the Clippers don't have Shaq. His Free Throw Shooting will always keep his team from winning it. I am still laughing how POP embarrassed Shaq at the line. That was brutal and embarrassing for Shaq and the Suns team. If he makes a couple you might have made it out of the first round. Do you agree?
BD
Posted by: BD | September 05, 2008 at 10:51 AM
Radio Shaq doesn't have much left. If he exerts himself in one game, it takes the next two games for him to recover.
However, it is interesting that he gets a few days rest before playing the Lakers at home (Phoenix) on Nov. 20 AND that game will be on TNT. If Bynum dominates him in that game... Shaq may have a complete meltdown...
Nov 17 at Utah 9:00 pm
Nov 20 vs LA Lakers 10:30 pm on TNT
Posted by: Stay Thirsty My Friends | September 05, 2008 at 10:57 AM
Dave M.,
Reminiscing 2004 debacle, you are exactly correct about Phil. Remember before the Finals, the Lakers were favored to win until they collapsed at the Larry Brown match-ups and defense. LB is not new to the Lakers, we owned him in the Sixers' series. If you looked at the line up of the Laker roster at that time, they have all the strenght compared to the Pistons, however the latter have guts and determination so they just kept coming back. I heard many attributed the defeat to the Malone's injury. Last year, we came in favored by all scribes to finish the Celtics in six and w/ LakerTom as usual in four, gosh it was the reverse. Here we are again, using Bynum, Ariza including Walton injuries as the causes of our rigor mortis.
That's my point in saying that nothing is guaranteed until they gel in preseason, "can do" or apply it during the season and finish it in the Finals. As a long timed watcher, we have seen so many games in the sixties, seventies and in the 80's when Lakers should have won the Championship but ended 2nd place. Like the Bruins there is no such thing as silver medal in Los Angeles and happy with it. Therefore, don't leave anything to chance, I don't care if we have Kobe, Drew or Gasol, got to win it baby, by defense, by offense, by benching the scrubs or the weak links, by playing the rookies, by playing blue collar defensive players....the mission is WIN the O'Brien trophy, no more excuses. Bragging is not a substitute for Winning. Win should come first before brag.
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | September 05, 2008 at 11:00 AM
Drew at this point does possess a fierceness in the paint that does remind me of Moses, the only player I thought was actually a better rebounder than Dennis Rodman. But Malone was really more of a banger who would freeze defenders with hip checks battling for the ball.
LakerTom,
That's why I brought up Moses in comparison to ABs development. Moses did everything in the paint that he was allowed to do. (With all the flopping nowadays, you can't play like that anymore.) If there was any player that rivaled Kareem in every aspect, espcially style of play, it was Moses. He was the "Anti-Kareem" if you will.
AB looks like he's developing a Admiral-like frame, but he doesn't appear to be as agile as Robinson. He's being coached by the Captain, but doesn't appear to have the gracefulness and finess that Kareem had on the offensive end either. He's a bully in the paint, maybe not a "bruiser: like Moses was, but no doubt just as fearless. He also doesn't have the outside game like Cap and Adm. yet. I can't wait to see how this kid develops!!
I know we all said this last season, but I'm going to say it again. In 2007, I was willing to sell the farm to keep Kobe in LA, and that means trading everyone, especially AB. I can also admit when I'm wrong and know that not beinding to Kobe's pleas in 2007 might very well be the greatest decision the FO, has made this decade.
Posted by: JSNV | September 05, 2008 at 11:05 AM
Butler,
Your Shack is now shucks (a big embarassment). Yes, he made me proud of him when he led the team to three championship yelling at Figueroa/11th Street - Can you dig it? Those were the happy days memoirs of Mr. O'Neal with the Lakers. I guess, he knows that he's approaching the twilight of his career. After this season, it could be the last year of Shaq in NBA unless he follows Kwame by reducing his pay. He has more liabilities than assets with his game, even with Suns he will not be able to cope the rigors of the game and dexterity of young players. I believe it is best for Shaq to just shut up and pass the torch to other worthy players of the Sun
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | September 05, 2008 at 11:12 AM
KL,
The point you're missing is that the Lakers COULDN'T sign any big name guys. Throwing Baron Davis' name out there is as bad as Magloire because it shows a lack in understanding how the NBA works. Baron Davis left G-State because they wouldn't pay him big bucks, the Clippers could.
Using your logic, Baron Davis and the highly sought after Magloire essentially said F-U to Tim Duncan, Steve Nash, KG, Lebron and every other star, when actually he wanted to be paid.
The only superstars I can remember taking less money to play for a team are Malone and Payton, both of whom were on the downside of their careers. None before and none after, because stars aren't going to turn down big bucks when their skills are at their most valuable.
And on KG, I remember seeing an article saying they had talked to each other and KG was turned off by how screwed up Lakers mgmt seemed to be. It certainly wasn't because he didn't want to play with Kobe, they've been friends and workout partners for years.
Posted by: Xodus | September 05, 2008 at 11:13 AM
JSNV AS THE BLOGGER OF THE DAY! WHAT SAY YOU!!
Posted by: MAMBA24 | September 05, 2008 at 11:13 AM
Bragging is not a substitute for Winning. Win should come first before brag.
Very wise and very true Edwin. The Force is strong in this one...
Posted by: JSNV | September 05, 2008 at 11:24 AM
NEWS FLASH
Shaquille O'Neal seen in a Sizzler in downtown Phoenix. He ordered the place cleared out, easily accomplished due to his law enforcement connections. He devoured the entire all you can eat buffet, and moved on to a Hometown Buffet, old folks beware!
Sorry, it's just so easy. Just so y'all know, I do think Shaq is one of the greatest Lakers ever and, as I've posted before, I hope that he emerges from the twilight of his career with some dignity befitting the champion that he is. Hopefully #34 will be hanging from Staples in a few years.
Posted by: Jamie Sweet | September 05, 2008 at 11:35 AM
JSNV,
You are absolutely correct about Moses Malone, I guess you are also one of the elders here who witnessed the yesteryears. Kareem was a finesse player, he never apply any kind of force but he knows how to finish whether it is in the low post, in his hook shots or in free throws. As a 7'2", he was pushed and abused by Moses, could not handle the Dream, Olajuwon, yet he always prevailed because his scores of double digit per game was guaranteed like the jiggling jello of late Chick. Drew as a young and astute player should learn from the masters, review tapes of the Big E Elvin Hayes, Bill Russell, Moses Malone that's how to improve your game every season. It is not enough that you can dunk or block but learn the smart way of being a devastating force in the paint without any fouls. Don't you think other players will try again to replay how Bynum got injured by putting their foot where he usually land? With Moses and Olajuwon, no such thing exist, they don't anticipate harm b/c players avoid them so as not to get hurt.
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | September 05, 2008 at 11:35 AM
If Bynum dominates him in that game... Shaq may have a complete meltdown...Nov 17
at Utah 9:00 pm Nov 20 vs LA Lakers 10:30 pm on TNT
Posted by: Stay Thirsty My Friends | September 05, 2008 at 10:57 AM
A complete meltdown? I'm not mopping up the Fat from the floor.
Posted by: | September 05, 2008 at 11:49 AM
Charles - I totally agree. I'vev reread the book a number of times, and those are some of my favorite parts as well. I think it's one of the cooler stories in sports, that Phil and Kobe were able to reach a detente and even buy into each other, after such a scathing piece of writing.
Edwin - I agree with you as well - it's so much about the spirit of the team and as we all know, it's often been our achilles heel. This also goes back to what Charles was saying about Fox and what so many of us feel - to paraphrase Phil, Fox was the conscience of the team... able to throw the precise entry pass, able to make the defensive stops when needed. Plus, the fact that he chased down Christie in the hallway was just way too classic.
Posted by: dave m | September 05, 2008 at 11:53 AM
Mamba24 - second you on JSNV. Edwin's also rockin' it today. You as well - lifting the collective spirits me thinks.
Posted by: dave m | September 05, 2008 at 11:59 AM
With Moses and Olajuwon, no such thing exist, they don't anticipate harm b/c players
avoid them so as not to get hurt. Posted by: Edwin Gueco | September 05, 2008 at 11:35 AM
Excellent point and post Edwin
Posted by: Mamba24 | September 05, 2008 at 12:04 PM
Hey Guys. Long time no post here. I see this dude Butler post on the AZ site and he still doesn't change. I am like a Suns fan but keep it real and I know the Lakers have been back. I honestly feel Porter will be good but there is more of a sense of rebuilding for the sensible Suns Fans. The Nash and Shaq combo will be ok but both are too old.
As an admirer of this blog, I feel there has been nothing new as far as a response to Butler. I see another dude Let's go C's and this mo-fo is just as bad.
I have seen Charles-Pig troll trashing and extinguishing followed up by Jonk Toad and Justanothermambafan.
As well advised by the Laker Tom guy and Jon K, just don't reply to the dude. And everybody giving credit to today's posters that are replying to Butler are nothing new to the old troll killa's. Same exchanges, new people.
I get what BD and JSNV are saying but man, too much time spent on an old trick dog. Sick of that dude on the Suns blog.
Posted by: blingbling | September 05, 2008 at 12:05 PM
Hey Guys. Long time no post here. I see this dude Butler post on the AZ site and he still doesn't change. I am like a Suns fan but keep it real and I know the Lakers have been back. I honestly feel Porter will be good but there is more of a sense of rebuilding for the sensible Suns Fans. The Nash and Shaq combo will be ok but both are too old.
As an admirer of this blog, I feel there has been nothing new as far as a response to Butler. I see another dude Let's go C's and this mo-fo is just as bad.
I have seen Charles-Pig troll trashing and extinguishing followed up by Jonk Toad and Justanothermambafan.
As well advised by the Laker Tom guy and Jon K, just don't reply to the dude. And everybody giving credit to today's posters that are replying to Butler are nothing new to the old troll killa's. Same exchanges, new people.
I get what BD and JSNV are saying but man, too much time spent on an old trick dog. Sick of that dude on the Suns blog.
Posted by: blingbling | September 05, 2008 at 12:05 PM
The day is only half done Mamba24, but thanks for the compliment!! Speaking of which, I think I should divert my attention to papers cluttering my office!!! 4 more weeks you say??
Posted by: JSNV | September 05, 2008 at 12:07 PM
Hopefully #34 will be hanging from Staples in a few years.
Posted by: Jamie Sweet | September 05, 2008 at 11:35 AM
I'd like to hang his@ss from the Staples! Just kidding Jamie. Good Post.
The Force is strong in this one...Posted by: JSNV | September 05, 2008 at 11:24 AM
THIS ONE EDWIN, IS A MASTER! He is, he is. He helped turn Mamba24
from the darkside.
Posted by: Mamba34 | September 05, 2008 at 12:09 PM
"If he makes a couple you might have made it out of the first round. Do you agree?"
Sure! I would love to see SHACK learn the granny shot!
Pop was smart to attack SHACK'S weakness at the line. It shows why the spurs are the team of the decade.
Yet despite the desperate hopes of laker fans, SHACK is far from done and still commands the paint. Look at how he overwhelmed Perkins and KG when the SUNS beat Boston...KG's quote after the game was, "SHACK'S still a force that has to be taken into account." or something along those lines.
You didn't hear KG saying that about either byenumb or gasal (both of whom proved ineffective against the physical Boston frontcourt).
SHACK is not a perfect big man, but he is healthier than byenumb, who already has serious injury issues to deal with.
With SHACK, the SUNS are equipped to dominate the physical battle against anyone. And by the way, we PHX fans laughed long and hard when SHACK'S hip hop truth about kobee was aired. Despite what you think, SHACK was right - kobee ain't won a ring since SHACK left!
SHACK > byenumb
AMARE > gasal
Posted by: BUTLER | September 05, 2008 at 12:14 PM
Here's what TERRY PORTER has in store this season:
"I don't foresee scoring to be a problem going forward," Porter said. "Are we going to be scoring 115 a night? Probably not. I'd like to be a team that defends a lot better. That's going to be a focus of ours. And a team that scores in the 100s."
You're going to see a different SUNS team this season, my frightened laker friends, a team that learned from witnessing the brilliance of Tom Thibodeaux and Doc Rivers' example in the Finals: Defense!
Posted by: BUTLER | September 05, 2008 at 12:17 PM
re: Shaq
When it's all said and done, his jersey will be retired in one arena for sure - Staples. That's because it's where he made his greatest mark during his NBA career. The arrangements have already been made. For a big man, you couldn't be beside greater company than Mikan, Wilt and Kareem. It's hallowed ground.
If Miami and Orlando did the same, I wouldn't be surprised. He delivered both teams their greatest success to date. But I seriously doubt his jersey is going up in PHX. People won't even remember he played their when it's all said and done.
In the meantime, let's all hope that Bynum is up to the task of being the next great Lakers center.
Posted by: lakers_sth | September 05, 2008 at 12:19 PM
"Actually no. I think you're a Lamar lover."
If I could trade Lamar for Tayshaun Prince and Antonio McDyess, would that qualify me as a Lamar Lover? I'm supportive of all the Lakers and I defend each one perfectly, maybe it's because Lamar gets so much criticism and me defending him that makes me seem like I am a Lamar Lover. Hear me out, if there was people who was doing the same thing about Kobe, Pau or any other Laker, I would do the same thing and defend them (I did the same with Pau and the so called criticisms of his defense, when he actually held Duncan and KG to less than 42.6% shooting and 44.4% shooting in the WCF and Finals).
"I indicated that Lamar, off the bench, would
be a candidate for 6th man of the year. Please explain
how that makes Lamar a garbage player?"
Nope you've never said he would be 6th man of the year lol. You always called him Mr. Inconsistent and maybe we do have different meanings of "inconsistent". I don't consider 14 points per game 10 rebounds on more than 50% shooting to be "inconsistent". Is Lamar not playing up to his potential? Nope he isn't and that's easy enough already. But I don't consider what he does to be "inconsistent". My example of inconsistent would be no doubt Kwa-may Brown. If you call Lamar Mr. Inconsistent, then thats like saying he's the same level as Kwa-may Brown who is universally (except for Mike T.) acknowledged as a garbage player. I think you can get the connection. Did you forget the 3rd thing you said?
"3rd. If we play the C's again and Lamar is the starting
SF/SG I'm probably going to put money on the C's. Lamar
does *NOT* have a championship mentality."
Hehe. Putting your money on the C's.....good for you.
"my response: Since you spoke about Lamar working
on his lateral quickness, why isn't quickness/athletic
relevant? If one of the articles you posted indicated
that lamar would have a problem with quicker SF's,
why isn't it relevant? Can you think of *ANY* all nba
defense player who is *NOT* quick? I would have
thought this was obvious, but I'll spell it out. Quickness
is "a" key attribute of defense. There are others."
Not one article that I posted said Lamar would have problems with quick SG/SF. Please post the link that says that, it's like trying to argue what I did without evidence what I did. Quick? That's very ambigious sir. Tim Duncan is an NBA All Defense team (1st team too) yet I don't count him quicker than Chris Paul or Kobe Bryant. Lamar you said is quick for his size so I don't get your association with that "quick" thing you said and concerning about the All-Defensive team. Atheltic? I didn't say it was relevant, I simply said that "can guard both forward positions" is *more* irrelevant to the point that Lamar is a solid defender regardless of either forward position (better at Small Forward than Power Forward at defending though) than athletic would. Here's what I mean.
Athletic-has an association
"Can defend both Forward positions"-much more stronger association.
my response: Actually, I didn't use one (statistic website).
Hehe, thanks for the honesty.
"From a
team success, he's hands down better as a PF. "
Lamar played Power Forward in 2006-2007 yet the team only got a 42-40 record, good success lol (Plus his stats that were year better than last year as Power Forward lol). Before you can say "2007-2008" season, let me say this: Andrew's development and the aquisition of Pau Gasol. When Lamar played PF in January and played with Kwa-may Brown, not only his stats were worst than any month last season but the team record was less than 3-5 when he was paired up with Kwa-may Brown as a Power Forward.
Does he score a bit more at PF? Yup, would he get rebounds a bit better? Yup but only 1 or 1.5 more rebounds at most. Can he defend at PF, to a degree yes but he's much better defensively at SF than he is at PF because of his athleticism. (Power Forwards are more power and his athletic body is a disadvantage against them and is much suited at defending the Small Forwards). We don't even need him to be the 3rd option anymore since he'll probably move more to 4th or even 5th option behind Derek. He can spend more time defending and help run the offense rather than scoring and scoring when given the opportunity.
"btw, I don't mind hearing
back, but Edwin is filling up with rage at our eternal
conversation. :) ]"
lol poor Edwin just a few more weeks till training camp when this talk will surely go down.
"my response: I find this strange. Maybe you can clear
this up for me. Would we be having this conversation if
someone in the Lakers organization hadn't talked about
moving Lamar to the SG/SF position? Why is it ok to
discuss what one member of the organization says,
John Black I believe, and not ok to discuss what another
says(MK)? Please explain to me why the GM of the Lakers
is not a relevant source of information & indication of
what the team/organization thinks about it's players
capabilities. Sure he makes mistakes. I would suggest
that he's more qualified than either of us to talk about
Lamar's strengths & weakness and the needs of the
team. He's a former professional basketball player, who
trained under Jerry West, and *WE* are merely fans
rooting for our team."
I guess not but it was known last season when we got Pau that had Bynum recovered from his injury last season that Lamar would move to Small Forward. He even said in an interview that he would move to Small Forward because of the trade. And it's not "why can we talk about John Black's article but not Mitch's", it's more that it is *one* article for Trevor as the lock down defender. I haven't seen any other url that supports it and is more up to date. And why is he not a reliable source? To a degree he is but I'm not believing every word what Mitch says or any other GM for that matter. I trust Mitch very much too. Joe Dumars will probably regret signing Kwa-may. I believe Mitch's words when it translates into the court. He said that nobody expects the Lakers to be good when in fact they are and guess what the Lakers proved him to be correct. Once Trevor becomes a lock down defender (Don't misunderstand I said he has a long ways to go) then I'll say Mitch was 100% right about Trevor. Only the actions of the players he signs on the court, will make me believe that Mitch is right about this and that and that includes Andrew too. And I said provide *more* articles than Mitch's because that's one source, I posted 3 compared to 1 from you :).
And to end on a positive note.
"Isn't this similar to our conversation about Lamar
starting at SF/PF in 06/07? Thanks for the clarification."
No problem. Any time.
-blitz
Posted by: thekobebryantblitz | September 05, 2008 at 12:43 PM
Jamie Sweet,
" I do think Shaq is one of the greatest Lakers ever and, as I've posted before, I hope that he emerges from the twilight of his career with some dignity befitting the champion that he is. Hopefully #34 will be hanging from Staples in a few years"
I agree, but Shaq has also arguably caused more problems for the Lakers than any other Laker Great as well. I, personally, do not hope that he "emerges from the twilight of his career with some dignity." Why? Because he's a Sun now. The best thing Shaq can do for the Lakers right now is continue his immature mid-life crisis psychological freakout. If Shaq is a real Laker Great, he'll continue to destroy the Suns from within. That would be a blessing to Laker Nation.
And I will clap when we do retire jersey.
BD,
"I think the Clippers have a better shot a Championship than your Suns."
I agree, but there is no way in hell the Clippers are winning a Championship this year. As a Clippers fan I will be ecstatic if we reach the seventh seed for the playoffs and then somehow make it to the second round.
More realistic is an eight seeding and a quick four game exit from the playoffs at the hands of the Lakers.
The Outlaw,
Sure, I'll do a Bio-Chrono reading for you. Just make sure you give me some feedback afterwards.
You can get my email address from the Kamenetsky Brothers and we'll discuss this via email.
Go Clippers!
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | September 05, 2008 at 12:43 PM
For those who think Shaquille/Shaq/SHACK/Radio Shaq (that was a good one), will "defend" for the Suns, here's some bigs who had all defensive team votes more than the BIG Mistake.
Rasheed "MUST BLEED!" Wallace, Detroit PISTONS Basketball: 13 votes (3 first team votes)
Tyson Chandler, New Orleans Hornets: 8 votes (1 First team vote)
Samuel Dalembert, Philadelphia 76ers: 3 votes (1 first all team)
Chris Bosh, Toronto Raptors: 1 vote
Dikembe Mutombo, Houston Rockets: 1 vote.
Shaquille/Shaq/SHACK/Radio Shack haha didn't even receive one vote! In fact a 40 year old even got a vote ahead of the Big Mistake! And before people can say "oh that's opinions" no, those were the votes for the All-Defensive team and those are coaches votes who cannot not vote for their own players.
LOL, the Shaq attack era is in its twilight.
Posted by: thekobebryantblitz | September 05, 2008 at 12:57 PM
Going off subject for a bit I think its time, if it already hasn’t been done, to give Mitch Kupchak his props. Last year at this time every Laker fan wanted this dudes head on a platter and wanted to bring back Jerry West. I wanted him gone too as I thought he took to long to make moves, poor free agent signings, and lets face it we got spoiled by Jerry West the greatest GM ever and had high expectations. After the Kobe debacle calling out management and the awful showing against the Suns Laker fans were frustrated. But 1 year later and this guy looks like he was right with a lot of his moves. He didn’t panic and trade Kobe for pennies on the dollar. He didn’t trade Odom and Bynum for over the hill trash like J.Kidd or J.O’Neal. His draft picks over the years which are all late first rounders or second rounders except Bynum have been solid. Farmer, Vujacic, Turiaf, Luke Walton(I know he’s not the Lakers fans most popular player) but considering were we got him late first round it is a pretty solid pick, same with Brian Cook, and Kareem Rush. All have proved to be NBA players and Marc Gasol and Sun Yue look to have promising NBA futures. This is the one characteristic that he shares with Jerry West and probably learned from Jerry West. He has an eye for talent. Jerry West picked Vlade Divac, Nick Van Exel, Derek Fisher, AC Green with late first and second round picks. He also had the vision to trade for Kobe Bryant when he came out of high school, much like Jim Buss and Kupchak had when they drafted Bynum. His free agent signings have been shaky Vlad Rad, JR Rider, an over the hill Mitch Richmond. His trades pretty good obviously the steal of Gasol, but also solid pickups like Ariza and the Shaq trade wasn’t him so I won’t put that on him. The point is he’s not Jerry West(but who is) but outside of maybe 3 or 4 GMS like Dumars, Kevin Pritchard, RC Buford, or Danny Ainge I can’t think of anyone better. Giving props were props are due even it is late!
Posted by: lakers85 | September 05, 2008 at 12:57 PM
Charles, I read ya brotha, sadly I have been just lurking than posting, I've been caught too many times with Lakers' webpages up at work. Trying to look like a good employee, at least until the season starts.
Besides, JSNV is on a roll, you can write ditto for me on any one of his posts today.
Posted by: Lakers Legacy | September 05, 2008 at 01:01 PM
blingbling sez:
"I get what BD and JSNV are saying but man, too much time spent on an old trick dog. Sick of that dude on the Suns blog."
That's a great compliment, thank you. And worth posting twice, which you did.
SHACK will be filling up your flat screens soon my friends, you can just see him now in purple and orange, daring laker fans not to be horrified!
Give him his due, he made life easy for laker fans until the organization decided they didn't want more rings and told him to go get one in Miami.
SHACK and NASH old? I believe it was some other grandpas who took the title this year...and not the youngsters. Age brings wisdom and power my friends, you will soon learn this is true.
Posted by: BUTLER | September 05, 2008 at 01:02 PM
Stay Thirsty
Why would Shaq be featured in a Utah vs LA game?
Posted by: Jamie Sweet | September 05, 2008 at 01:02 PM
Personally, I don't think AB's game is like Moses Malone's very much at all. Moses was a dominating rebounder with very little touch on the offensive end. He was a barrel chested, skinny-legged, bull in a china shop kind of player. I always thought he got away with a lot of pushing inside to get boards. Bynum on the other hand is a very athletic, sleek and long dunking machine. His body style is much more like Joe Barry Carroll's (but with more intensity and fire). I actually can't think of another dominant center that Bynum is like. Maybe a young Wilt.
Posted by: rdlee | September 05, 2008 at 01:05 PM
Jon K
I should clarify, I did mean that Shaq will emerge from the twilight of his career by:
A-Retiring.
B-Getting a job on TNT
C-Saying that he regrets some of the over-the-top statements he made during said twilight.
Unfortunately, I don't think that will ever happen. I honestly believe that Shaq is battling a type of dementia, one where he sees himself being the one picked on and attacked. Where he still belives that defense means standing still and watching AB 17 blow by him for a dunk. He has tossed aside his greatness like stripper flyers in Vegas and embraced a buffoonish persona.
I do hope that Shaq, post basketball, figures out where he belongs but I honestly don't think it's anyhwere near a pro-basketball court.
Posted by: Jamie Sweet | September 05, 2008 at 01:12 PM
Kobe the best since MJ
Bynum the best since Wilt
LO the best all-around player
Gasol the best European
Fisher the best influence since John Wooden
Phil the best coach since Auerbach
The Lakers best since sliced bread
Laker fanatics......PRICELESS
It's gonna be a fun season. Now the truth.........
Kobe the best choker since Phil Mickelson
LO the best toker since Snoop
Bynum the best pretender since Chrissie Hynde
Gasol strong as a piece of bread
Fisher still living off .04
Philip still teaching the Triangle while refusing to coach anything else about BB
Lakers chances of winning it all............
need the stars aligned perfectly like last year in the playoffs through the Finals but as the Celtics showed it's defense that wins championships and the Great NINE RINGS and his staff have proven that they haven't a clue when it comes to defense or game time adjustments.
So let it be Written
So let it be True
PHIL AND HIS STAFF WON'T LET IT COME TO PASS
The Troll Man is All-Knowing
The Troll Man is All-Seeing
His job is to enlightened Laker Fans beyond their homerism and bring truth to the Laker faithful who have closed their minds to reality.
Posted by: Troll Man | September 05, 2008 at 01:12 PM
Jaimie, you didn't read my post. Shaq gets a few days rest before playing the Lakers on Nov. 20. Phx plays UtaR on the 17th at home and then they have the Lakers on the 20th. So Shaq can phone it in on the 17th, fill his stomach with steak and gravy that night, rest on the 18th and the 19th and then he plays a late game at home on the 20th against the Lakers. If Shaq can't get it going after 2 full days rest early in the season, playing at home no less then that's... it! It's over, Jonny! We all know Shaq will be hyped for that game, national tv, the Lakers, Bynum, the new challenger to the Center throne coming into Shaq's house...
--------------------
However, it is interesting that he gets a few days rest before playing the Lakers at home (Phoenix) on Nov. 20 AND that game will be on TNT. If Bynum dominates him in that game... Shaq may have a complete meltdown...
Phoenix:
Nov 17 at Utah 9:00 pm
Nov 20 vs LA Lakers 10:30 pm on TNT
Posted by: Stay Thirsty My Friends | September 05, 2008 at 01:46 PM
I second blingbling. (I remember you posting when the Gasol Trade went down.)
Is it this slow at the blog this summer? Nominating newbie's to blogger of the day for posting against Butler? No diss mamba24, but man there way too many other great bloggers here that have taken out Butler, and opted to Starve the troll.
No diss to jsnv, bd. Edwin Gueco, Mamba24, Charles, Dave m Jon K, and others. Hope you guys understand.
Posted by: The Blog Guy | September 05, 2008 at 01:58 PM
Thank you, time to go to work. I just try make everybody happy and hungry for the season, always at your back at your command.
No worries KB Blitz your eternal fantasy debate is good for the K-Bros, LA Times is experiencing hard times blitz and hobbit debates are similar to Lincoln-Douglas exchanges 150 years ago, it will continue bringing new business to the blog as long as others don't intervene. Frankly, I drowsed after finishing the last sentence of your post. lol! just j/k again.
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | September 05, 2008 at 02:02 PM
To everyone who posted to me: Thank you.
I apologize for not being able to respond, but great insights.
I'll spare with you all some other time.
I actually have a job to do.
Peace in the middle East LA.
Posted by: KL | September 05, 2008 at 02:05 PM
Lakers 85,
Aside from good solid 3 point shooting from the bench, I would consider Brian Cook a bust and not a solid pick ahead of Josh Howard and Leandro Barbossa. I never liked his game after college where he was a solid inside threat along as outside. Cook couldn't defend, had a low IQ, was horrible with passing the ball, couldn't block shots, was lazy trying to defend people, got confused quite a bit, was super slow (as slow as Kwa-may Brown), doesn't have any post moves, can't rebound for crap, did i mention horrible defender? and when he is ice cold from shooting he is a liability on both offense and defense. Cook is a very bad player and a bad pick though I do give him more credit at trying to be an NBA player than Kwa-may Brown.
Posted by: thekobebryantblitz | September 05, 2008 at 02:06 PM
Lakers85
Are you saying that the Shaq trade isn't on Mitch because Shaq demanded to be traded, or because Mitch wasn't GM yet (which he was)?
Posted by: Jamie Sweet | September 05, 2008 at 02:14 PM
Laker Legacy,
"sadly I have been just lurking than posting, I've been caught too many times with Lakers' webpages up at work. Trying to look like a good employee, at least until the season starts."
If my boy JSNV can get nominated for Blogger of the day, my boy Laker Legacy can be nominated for Comedic Lakerholic Anonymous post of the day.
What you do is keep refreshing your computer screen right underneath the ad:
(1 rule of a flat stomach:
Cut down 9 lbs of stomach fat every 11 days by obeying this 1 rule.
FatLoss4Idiots.com
Kobe Bryant Yes or No
10 Second Poll. Are You A Fan Of Kobe Bryant?
NeoPolls.com/Kobe-Bryant)
And then use multi tabs and have it on the ready switch fingers. Ever since they let go of our office assistant, I have been hardly posting. So I know what's up. Plus the movie industry has slowed down since the looming SAG strike and we had to let the great body ok faced chick go. Sad tears...
Posted by: Charles | September 05, 2008 at 02:21 PM
Xodus/AK,
Regarding signing salary cap issues as it relates to signing free agents. I concede, I don’t have an in dept understanding of the issues nor do I care to obsess about it. My point is that if a Lebron James was available and LA really wanted Lebron James to play in LA (likewise James wanted to play in LA), Lebron James will be in LA irrespective of salary cap issues.
Case in point. I’m sure Boston had “salary cap” issues prior to KG and Allen joining. They (upper management) work out the “issues” to make it happen. If Davis wanted to be in LA, and LA wanted Davis, it’ll happen. There might have to be some tweeking of the roster via trades or waivers, but it’ll happen.
My point is that nobody has publically put themselves out there to say “I demand to play in LA with Kobe”. I hear vagues referenced like “I’d love to play with Kobe”, but those are just players being polite and not pissing anybody off in the league. Calling someone out is never a good thing.
The reason I’m a kobe hater? Kobe called out Jordan by comparing himself to “The Great One” BEFORE (underscore) Kobe was “the greatest ever” (*sarcasm*). Kobe called out Shaq in Kobe desire to be the “man” while Shaq was in his prime ultimatly driving Shaq away to Miami where Shaq helped Miami to a title. I concede Shaq is a biatch sometimes (for some all the time). That's fair.
My point is there is a very fine line between confidence and arrogance. Kobe fits in the later category. Jordan was in the former.
My point with is that Kobe, with age, will understand this and work to make others look good before himself. If kobe does that, there’ll be 4 all-stars (Gasol, Bynum, TBD, and Kobe) in 2008 and the Lakers win the title so long as Kobe doesn’t play “kobe ball” in the playoffs.
Peace in the Middle East LA.
I'll respond to others later.
Posted by: KL | September 05, 2008 at 03:31 PM
S Tan,
I think once PJ lost control of the team everything was up in the air. I'm pretty sure Kobe felt like you said he did...and really it seemed like he was the only one trying on both sides. We would give up the momentum so many times, and we were discombobulated so many times, I think he felt the need to carry the world on his shoulders. That said, that wasn't the case, at least not completely.
I don't think it was a secret that Shaq was very unhappy, and in fact on his way out at that point. At the end I mean. It was a very contemptuous year for us in terms of Shaq-Kobe. If I recall correctly that was when all the barbs truly elevated. That unhappiness can be seen by him not hustling, not defending the pick and roll. In terms of the offense? I definitely felt like he should have gotten the ball more. But this is really like a catch 22 kind of thing. Remember Wallace on him, and Ben Wallace was a beast.
In the end I think the game was lost on the F spots. Had we had a healthy Malone, it probably would have been a different story. But I still see this loop in my head of Rasheed shooting open 3s over and over.
Posted by: Faith | September 05, 2008 at 03:56 PM
No diss taken Blog Guy - it's all good. The post I actually dug the most by jsnv was the one he addressed to KL about the Garnett trade which I thought was spot on. I have to say in all honesty however, that there were a lot of good posts today and maybe a bit less griping and snipping.
Posted by: dave m | September 05, 2008 at 05:27 PM
Message for LAKERGURL, JAMIE SWEET, JSNV, THE OUTLAW, CHARLES
LAKERGURL (lakerPHATgurl <-- intended as a compliment)
“I'm wondering if AK allowed KL back just to have someone to slap around. Lol”
With all of the bull shizzle I dished out, a little kbiatch slapping is deserved (poking fun at myself)
No hard feeling? Btw, you’re jormea aren’t you? Come on admit it.
JAMIE SWEET
“"I got hurt on company time, so I'll heal on company time".”
Agreed, it was a stupid statement. Be careful, kobe’s on the cusp of doing the same.
I’d add that there was mitigating circumstances. What are they? Kobe being an azz to shaq. But nevertheless, it’s unacceptable.
“What he did after leaving the Lakers is basically a joke. He got motivated enough for one season to help Miami win a banner and then...got hurt on company time again, gained serious weight, and has never seemed serious about basketball again, save for the check he holds while laughing his way to the bank.”
I disagree. Helping a team win a title is NEVER a “joke”. You have to give credit where it’s deserved. Remember, shaq helped 3 different teams reach the nba finals. No small task and it shouldn’t be discounted. So may shaq-haters on this blog.
JSNV
“KG was NEVER a Free Agent. And to say that he didn't WANT to come to LA because Kobe can't exist with another star is not even hear-say!!”
I never said KG’s a free agent. What I said that KG could have joined LA had kobe not acted like a spoiled child last summer. You might have a point about McHale colluding with Ainge, but in either case, KG has veto power (whether direct or indirect) of where he wanted to go. KG basically said that there was too much drama in LA. Drama caused by kobe acting like a kbiatch calling every out including bynum, buss and kupchack. Btw, kobe never apologized for being a jerk.
“Understand that Shaq is always aprreciated by the Lakers fans when speaking about Dynasties, but clearly his antics in the last few months has brought any NBA fan with all biases against KB24 "a taste" of the nonsense Lakers and Kobe fans have had to endure.”
I disagree. This blog is very disrespectful of what shaq did for the lakers. I’ve been around for a long time battling everyone and one constant is AK/BK and the constant belittling of shaq’s career in LA.
Likewise, there is way too much positive bias towards kobe who’s done very little for LA since shaq was forced out. Last year was the first time that kobe’s done well for LA and the credit shouldn’t be on him. Kobe did everything he could to disrupt the organization. The success of the team was the “other guys” who excelled INSPITE of kobe’s early season antics.
Kudos for the “supporting cast” and kudos for kobe for not blowing it once the guys showed that they have laker pride.
Does kobe have laker pride? I’m still not convinced. Sorry.
THE OUTLAW
“It's true that no "All-Star" has voluntarily joined the Lakers since 2004. But Fish really wanted to come back, and he's as solid as they come.”
Fish’s first choice was new york.
“And, really, if you ask Pau (an All-Star) about coming to the Lakers, I don't think he'd tell you that he was hesitant”
Pau was a gift from Uncle West of Memphis. Pau is an awesome teammate btw.
CHARLES
“Chico! Welcome back.”
Hermano! Thank you.
Posted by: KL | September 05, 2008 at 05:30 PM
Hi guys,
Just a reminder to Kobe don't do a Shaq and destroy your career by being stupid get the surgery as soon as you can coz if you don't, you will prove that everyone who ever called you "SELFISH & Self-Centered " are right.
Any news if the lakers will resign DJ Mbenga or if they are looking at anyone to replace him.
Go Bynum, Go Lakers!!!
Posted by: Frankie | September 03, 2008 at 09:41 PM
===========================
Don't agree with the Kobe part. Maybe it would be best to get a bit of rest out of the surgery. He played MVP ball all season and played for gold in Olympics. A little rest might be best for start of season for a healthier full rest of the season.
Don't know about Mbenga but I hope he is resigned. know the Lakers have offer out.
Posted by: JustaLakerFan | September 07, 2008 at 12:21 PM