Here's a list you don't want any part of
And thankfully, the Lakers avoided it. From Henry Abbott over at ESPN's excellent True Hoop blog, the same sampling of dudes recently asked to predict 2009's NBA crown bearer (a list the Lakers not only made, but owned) also weighed in on which team they considered the most likely to implode. In a result I find not the least bit surprising, the Denver Nuggets topped the list at five votes. As someone who's witnessed their tense locker room during their 2006 first-round beatdown by the Clippers, their recent opening-round sweep defeat to the Lakers and just your garden-variety, regular-season Nuggets game, I've felt for the last few seasons that we're dealing with one collection of, to put it rather generously, "strong personalities." At the Clippers' news conference to introduce Marcus Camby, the ex-Nugget confirmed the vibe I've gotten. Considering he was one of the dudes who often helped keep moods at a (relatively speaking) even keel, visions of Armageddon busting loose doesn't feel like a stretch to imagine. Frankly, I consider scenarios involving a head-shaved, 400-pound Kenyon Martin talking about "the horror" more likely than these guys getting through the season without a serious dust-up.
Second place went to the Clippers (four votes), a squad that strikes me as the equivalent of a betting line Vegas takes off the board. A sensible spread is simply too hard to figure. I can picture this totally reloaded team buying into Mike Dunleavy's system in an effort to prove themselves. I can also see them turning into "Lord of the Flies." Or, I can picture them too indifferent by Game 20 to muster the energy needed for either of those outcomes. It's really just a crap shoot. From there, you've got the Knicks and Suns with three votes, the Rockets, Nets and Mavericks with a pair apiece and the Pistons and Grizzlies each snagging a nod.
Irony alert! As Abbott noted, one year ago, the Lakers might have been this poll's leading vote-getter and are now considered among the more stable franchises. What a difference a string of W's make.
AK
ELLE, that basement comment was too funny... \m/..... btw i am suprised LAKERtom thot it was for AK...
Posted by: Touchmetallic | September 13, 2008 at 08:05 PM
Jon K.: "Off to watch the Bruins march to victory!"
Yikes. I hope you weren't talking football. Oh well, now you know how we felt when you clobbered us 68-14 back in the '90s. And Gaston Green scorched us for 200+ yards in the Holiday Bowl a decade before that, too. So the pendulum is just swinging back.
--Your friend from the Cougars
Posted by: Marty | September 13, 2008 at 09:07 PM
Hey, I know this is really geeky, but the Lakers web site has something really cool, if you haven't found it yet. You can download the entire Lakers schedule and import it into your Outlook calendar. Maybe I'm a retard, but I actually ended up doing it manually last season, which took way too much time.
This was really easy, and took barely more than a minute. Since it seems we're all grasping at straws for something Lakers, I encourage you to do it now.
Posted by: Rick Friedman | September 13, 2008 at 09:38 PM
Just checking in
Mr. Gueco
you coming unglued over my parody of the selfless/selfish decision of Kobe not having surgery is funny as hell (lol). You taking AK to task over it is even funnier (lmao).
Those who don't get it need to look up the word "metaphor".
I figured those who think it was a selfless act would disagree and those that thought otherwise would find some truth in metaphorical setting of the golf course along with the hang-nail/band-aid, golf coach, and player reaction references.
Dude you need to mellow out, this is all in fun and for those who can't read between the lines of the many posts I have written should know my pen name is actually satirically motivated, as I am a huge Laker fan, only not of the ilk that says I have to think everyone in the Laker organization is "The Best of The Best of The Best".
My 40+ years of being a fan gives me an advantage over most of you, I welcome the Butlers, LGC's, Gunners, Pfunks and the true Trolls that frequent this blog. They are funny, disrespectful, and not afraid to speak their minds.
Some of you are in a hypnotic state of "my way is the only way" mind-set that limits your contribution to this blog epitomized by the monotonous, mundane, and boring rhetoric that has now become the norm rather the exception.
Loosen up a little.
Respectfully.
The Troll Man
NOW
GET IN MY BELLY
Posted by: Troll Man | September 13, 2008 at 10:06 PM
The best of times!!
Our Lakers are preseason #1
Our Trojans just destroyed another pretender
Debates are rockin' all over the place
God Bless America!
Respectfully,
HIGH CHEESE
Posted by: karyanr | September 13, 2008 at 10:34 PM
Staples 24 sez:
"Farmar - Bayless
And third, Lakers Coach is the best in the league with Pops and others but are they past their prime, while the Blazers has up and coming most talented Coach in the league in Nate McMillan. "
Bayless could possibly tear it up in the NBA...he can score like a crazy man - sort of like Eddie House but with speed and moves and more weapons. I expect him and Roy together would be a terrifying duo to play, if not Roy and Fernandez.
Nate McMillan and D'ANTONI of course have the extra powers of coaching kobey and other franchise playas, and getting to know their games in detailed first person scenarios. Don't think Nate ain't already thinking of how Fernandez, Roy and Bayless could wreak havoc in the NBA. That's versatility, youth, scoring, brilliance and athleticism. If Oden is going to imitate AMARE in terms of his rehab, then look the (expletive) out.
And if Oden starts destroying the opposition, then we'll all just have to conclude that the SUNS' Alando Tucker will be a good bet for rook of tha year. For he earned Big 10 Playa of The Year honors ahead of Oden.
Is travis outlaw still a blazer? He seems to pretend he's Shack playing D Robinson whenever Outlaw meets kobey.
Posted by: BUTLER | September 13, 2008 at 11:04 PM
"...they said the same thing about the Celts last season..."
Umm, who said that? I dont recall anyone saying the Celts were too old last year, I remeber them being the favorites early, in fact. Look, if you're hangin your hope of improved D on Shack, you're kidding youself. I watched him (not) defend in a Laker uni for years, I know whereof I speak.
Posted by: Badfinger | September 13, 2008 at 11:59 PM
AK and BK have only stopped a hundred or so posts going through in the blogs history? I didnt realise...Ive had at least 7 or 8 disallowed...I didnt realise I was one of the blogs bada$$es
sorry fellas's I'll do better
off to continue my bad boy rock star lifestyle of substance abuse,fighting with paparazzi,hanging out with Dennis Rodman in vegas... with of course the occasional naughty blog post....Hey Russell Crowe was born in in New Zealand - its in the genes .I guess I drive all the lakers blog ladies craaaazzzzy its what we bad boys do...
Posted by: Kiwi | September 14, 2008 at 03:07 AM
Hey AK I jammed lakers blog into the facebook search and didnt get a group but found the K bro's...also your personal one ( nice photo your girls a looker by the way is she Vanessa Bryant sister?)
anyway how about a lakers blog group put Kobe's name in the title somehow could be some good marketing...and people that want to have angry abusive discussions can be referred here...perfect! lol!
This could get interesting!
Posted by: Kiwi | September 14, 2008 at 04:51 AM
Hey Guys,
I had the WORST dream last night! It was crazy. I dreamt that the UCLA Bruins got their asses handed to them by BYU 59-0. What a horrific nightmare. Thank God it was only a dream.
Is it October yet?
GO BRUINS!
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | September 14, 2008 at 09:28 AM
1 month Jeff, the preseason starts in October, the regular season starts in late October.
Posted by: thekobebryantblitz | September 14, 2008 at 10:13 AM
"I had the WORST dream last night! It was crazy. I dreamt that the UCLA Bruins got their asses handed to them by BYU 59-0. What a horrific nightmare. Thank God it was only a dream."
No dream, just reality.
Posted by: thekobebryantblitz | September 14, 2008 at 10:53 AM
Jon K
Maybe you should rethink your fantasy league moratorium and pick up Sean Livingston for your fantasy team since none of your real world teams are bidding for him.
Ya gotta be happy for him but if the Blazers close the deal that team is going to be even "beastlier".
Posted by: Vman | September 14, 2008 at 10:57 AM
Dave M,
Yeah that Satan gets around.
LTLF, I sent you yet another e-mail and nothing, I'm starting to think i'm not wanted, I even put on the subject line "I'm not Spam".
Posted by: Elle | September 14, 2008 at 11:01 AM
Rick Friedman,
My sister last year printed a copy of it and kept it on our fridge, when the Lakers won she would put a happy face on that date and a sad face if they lost, now that's nerdy.
Posted by: Elle | September 14, 2008 at 11:06 AM
Badfinger sez:
"Umm, who said that? I dont recall anyone saying the Celts were too old last year, I remeber them being the favorites early, in fact. Look, if you're hangin your hope of improved D on Shack, you're kidding youself. I watched him (not) defend in a Laker uni for years, I know whereof I speak."
I think we all heard how the Celts were long in the tooth last season, how it was "now or never" and there was serious doubts about injuries (Ray A in particular), longevity over the season, etc.
My point is, age doesn't have much bearing in this league - it's about team play, coaching and intelligence. One younger superstar (kobey) didn't overcome the "age" of the Celts' big 3 because the Celts play smart, cohesive defense.
And say, isn't kobey a 30-something now? He's too old!!
Posted by: BUTLER | September 14, 2008 at 11:22 AM
Goooooooooood Morning Laker Blog!
Just getting my rear in gear to go strip some glue off of flats at my theatre. Party!
Boy howdy, it seems like our collective long johns are in the proverbial bunch on this thread. People getting posts deleted, politics rearing it's ugly poiliticky head, and the Lakers treading water according to some bloggers.
How could you say such things about Mitch? The guy has brought in the exact talent that we need, the talent that got us to the NBA Finals. With Bynum back, the entire dynamic of the game changes. Especially with Gasol on the floor.
I don't think we need to worry about how they are going to mesh, I think we need to be worried about Kobe's R n R and the young guys getting a notch on their experience belt and making that translate into better defense of the opposing teams perimeter players. Our biggest problem for the last few seasons hasn't been scoring, it's been guards blowing to the basket (se CP 3 and Rajon Rondo) by our no-feet-moving defenders. This allows them to either shoot the ball at extremely close range for an easy lay-up/scoop shot/tear drop and a possible and one, or they kick it out to a guy camped out in the corner. This is my biggest gripe about the Lakers as of this moment.
What say you, fellow bloggers...will the Laker defense be as porous on the perimeter last year. Because I'll tell you who didn't beat us in the Finals...KG and KP. Sure they got some boards, but overall, I didn't think our big men got pummeled the way everybody here seems to be ranting and raving about. It was our guards, especially Farmar.
No big can be expected to stop a penetrating liitle guy and simultaneously stop his man from cutting to the hoop for an easy dunk. It'll be nice to see if Ariza can make a difference in disrupting the other teams offense. But I think having Lamar, Gasol and Bynum as front court teammate will give us one of the top 5 rebounding teams in the league.
GO TRAINING CAMP!!!!!
Posted by: Jamie Sweet | September 14, 2008 at 11:45 AM
Staples,
You really brought up a great point about the Triangle post-Phil that AK and BK should save for a slow time – like right now, LOL. To the point, we have invested huge player hours learning the Triangle Offense. Should we hire a coach who would keep it or start over from scratch? Very interesting question. I want to think about this a little and respond later. Thanks.
***************
Jeff,
Excellent post praising the KBros. I second your sentiments. AK and BK went into the offseason thinking it was going to be a Kwame-walk rather than playoff series intensity. LOL. There is NO offseason for the LA Times Lakers Blog. 24/7/365!
***************
Elle,
Actually, it was astonishment that you would be telling AK to get out of the basement that must have blinded me temporarily. Or senility? As the Toys say, Time to smoke two joints.
***************
Jamie,
I liked your thinking about LeBron. What with his Yankees and Cowboys hats leading the way, no way that he is staying in Cleveland. Man needs a bigger pond – at least in his own mind.
***************
ex,
You are right that I played that card before and AK owes you one. AK or BK, please send ex my email address so we can keep the politics of the blog but still scratch our itches. Thanks.
***************
Faith,
Those bandwagoners from the media did screw things up, didn’t they? All the press seemed to take the steam out of the Lakers and the chip off their shoulder. Plus, they knew they would be coming back next year and for many more to come with Drew in the lineup.
***************
humanomaly,
Howard, a Chinese friend from LA told me that Lakers fans in LA were the ones who dubbed Sun Yue as the Monkey King. He was just approving the nickname – NOT giving himself one.
***************
Tom
Posted by: LakerTom | September 14, 2008 at 11:50 AM
CJ Giles blew it BIGTIME!
Posted by: ABCESS TOO THe maxx | September 14, 2008 at 11:51 AM
Elle,
>>>>>My sister last year printed a copy of it and kept it on our fridge, when the Lakers
>>>>>won she would put a happy face on that date and a sad face if they lost, now that's nerdy.
I prefer green and pink highlighters, LOL. Used with a straight edge, of course.
Tom
Posted by: LakerTom | September 14, 2008 at 11:54 AM
Hell Raiser,
Can you do us a favor and put the link you're posting in Tiny URL form? It's the standard we're trying to create. Go to tinyurl.com.
Thanks,
AK
Posted by: Andrew Kamenetzky | September 14, 2008 at 12:09 PM
Laker Tom
Pink highlighter, eh? I would think you would use purple and gold.
Posted by: Elle | September 14, 2008 at 12:10 PM
Kiwi.
Thanks for the nice words about my lady. And we're actually planning to set up a LakersBlog Facebook page. It shouldn't be too long and we'll let everyone know, obviously.
AK
Posted by: Andrew Kamenetzky | September 14, 2008 at 12:13 PM
CJ Giles had it all. He was a gifted athlete and was starting to flourish as a basketball player. He was really phisical and really crafty.
But also really dumb!
You see, CJ was blessed with something that, while most people it for granted, is vital in success when talking about NBA Basketball. Yes my friends: the extra tooth!
Why did he pull this thing? Where were his people when this all went down? How could a thing like this happen? Doesn't he know about the power of that tooth? The fact that when his face freakishly bloats up, he will be THEE intimidating factor. We almost had our very own Elephant Man! And not to mention that the weed Vlad sells is way better than A.I."s? You're gonna need any extra teeh you can muster to scarf down those munchies!
Obviously
This kid is on his own. Somebody school this fool!
Posted by: ABCESS TOO THe maxx | September 14, 2008 at 12:31 PM
Elle,
>>>>>Pink highlighter, eh? I would think you would use purple and gold.
Funny, I never thought about that. OK, this year it will be pink for the few losses and purple for regular wins and gold for impressive wins. Now what about my election map? LOL. Thanks.
Tom
Posted by: LakerTom | September 14, 2008 at 12:34 PM
Vman - Livingston's also getting interest from Miami and T-Wolves. I hope he lands somewhere and is able to contribute... it would be one of sports more amazing comebacks. Kudos to Jon for keeping the Livingston flag flying high over recent months (when not embroiled in a Hatfield and McCoy w/AK, haha).
Posted by: dave m | September 14, 2008 at 12:36 PM
Rick - They do that every season. Sucks that you had to manually input them. I'm adding it to my outlook now.
Posted by: lakers_sth | September 14, 2008 at 01:04 PM
Long Time Laker Fan/VMan,
I just agree with LakerTom. I'm not interested in fantasy sports and I think it is undermining coherency within fandom.
That much said, if you are really into your fantasy league, I'm not going to shame you for it. I understand that a lot of people get a lot of enjoyment out of that kind thing. I'm just not one of those people.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | September 14, 2008 at 01:42 PM
cool AK look forward to it!
Posted by: Kiwi | September 14, 2008 at 03:43 PM
Funny, I never thought about that. OK, this year it will be pink for the few losses and purple for regular wins and gold for impressive wins. Now what about my election map? LOL. Thanks.
Tom
Posted by: LakerTom | September 14, 2008 at 12:34 PM
That is awesome, I'd love to see a copy of that at the end of the season
Posted by: Elle | September 14, 2008 at 06:12 PM
this is a response to humanomoly on a previous post (don't mind me Jon K please).
Humanomoly,
He probably lost weight, remember that workout was taken back in 2007 and he played for the ABA during the year not to mention the Olympics so it makes sense he lost a little weight. Less weight helps in increasing speed. I don't think he should get too muscular and weigh around the same as Kobe unless he really wants to play an all around game (PG,SG,SF), it could lower his quickness which is really good (better than Jordan Farmar's). He could increase his speed to better handle point guards. Deron Williams is 208 lbs. so I wouldn't suggest that he needs to gain weight just enough muscle. I would suggest 210 lbs with muscles to get adjusted to the NBA.
-blitz
Posted by: thekobebryantblitz | September 14, 2008 at 08:33 PM
LakerTom, Charles,
Here's another link to Bynum's last game.
http://tinyurl.com/42lxmg
Posted by: Xodus | September 13, 2008 at 06:51 AM
==========================
Ah I remembered wrong. It was the Bynum dunks on Amare on you tube I was thinking of. But this was excellant vid also of which I have also seen.
Posted by: JustaLakerFan | September 14, 2008 at 10:56 PM
Xodus,
Thanks for the link. Karl, how can you expect me not to get overly exciting about Andrew after watching him? How can any Lakers fan not be smiling from ear to ear about Drew?
Here is a pretty funny video of Drew blocking Paul Pierce. I had not seen this before. Lakers fans will love this:
http://tinyurl.com/5v5pq5
Make way for the Era of the Beast. Contract extension to be announced next week.
Tom
Posted by: LakerTom | September 13, 2008 at 10:03 AM
==============================
Ouch.
LakerTom
I posted that video some time ago. Sorry you missed it. LOL
Posted by: JustaLakerFan | September 14, 2008 at 11:06 PM
Kiwi touched on an idea in the last thread...
What will Los Angeles Lakers fans do with a season without internal struggles, conflicting personalities, and off-court drama?
No Magic-Kareem tension...
No Magic-coaching staff drama...
No Van Exel...
No Shaq-Kobe drama...
No Smush Parker...
No Kwame Brown...
Just a group of players who listen to their coaching staff, get along, behave themselves, and win...
I personally believe that some fans will utterly freak out.
A lot of Lakers fans CRAVE drama. They crave the infighting. They crave that tension so they can complain about things and blame players for "ruining" things.
I don't think I'm THAT GUY. For me, if we have a good-vibe, drama free, everyone healthy season that ends in a Championship. THAT would be my ultimate season. I love the winning, but hate the drama.
I like a team where everyone gets along, everyone supports one another, and everyone enjoys--and shares in--the individual success of their teammates.
I think it could happen this year. I really do.
If there's any truth to Kobe's statement that he won't have the surgery because he doesn't want to miss the bonding process of training camp, then it really could happen this year.
If Andrew Bynum is embraced for his gifts, instead of looked upon with suspicion, it really could happen.
If Lamar Odom maintains his passive leadership roll and Derek Fisher his active, wise-man, leadership roll, it really could happen.
This could be the best season ever since we first beat the Celtics back in 1985.
It could truly be Great.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | September 13, 2008 at 10:09 AM
======================================
Jon K
I believe the Laker fans will be fine with that. My fear is I don't think PJ will as he thrives on creating tension with his players. I hope he stops that this year and then I truly will believe the path to championship will be a whole lot easier.
If not the players will find a way to win despite him if he continues his negative rants about the players in the media.
Posted by: JustaLakerFan | September 14, 2008 at 11:13 PM
Long Time Laker Fan,
Actually I heard that while Paul Pierce was on a crack-fueled bender in Las Vegas, he ran over a Girl Scout in his car, wrapped the body in an American flag, and then burned it in the desert where it started a major wildfire at East Mojave National Monument.
Then he went home and killed a puppy for fun.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | September 13, 2008 at 10:34 AM
===============================
Jon K
You forgot the grandma he ran over on his way home to kill the puppy.
Posted by: JustaLakerFan | September 14, 2008 at 11:19 PM
Fantasy sports...sorry, never saw the alure.
I always felt it was similar to going to a strip club.
Why pay for blue balls?
Also, I tend to pick a group comprised solely of my favorite team. Like when I was in a Fantasy Baseball League and I picked all Angels because I am a life long Angle fan. Didn't work out so hot, except for Vlad.
Why hope that players that are not on your team execel? Fantasy sports are annoying to me. I'd rather play D and D. Kill some fantasy orcs and then have a scotch before bed. I never want Barry Bonds to hit a home run, and would not want to put myself in aposition where I thought that would be a good thing for Cp'n Juice-Alot.
Bedtime for Bonzo.
Posted by: Jamie Sweet | September 14, 2008 at 11:23 PM
"How could he not improve having Kareem Abdul... FRIGGIN Jabbar teach him how to play?"
So far only Andrew Bynum has truly benefited from Kareem's mentoring. Jerome James and especially Michael Olowokandi both had Kareem's tutalge and the former ended up being a mediocre player and the latter becoming the 3rd biggest bust in NBA History (only Kwa-may Brown and Chris Washburn are/were worst than the Kandi Man). Mbenga and CJ Miles are not expected to be even rotation players just role playing backups at best. Neither should be really considered "projects".
-blitz
Posted by: thekobebryantblitz | September 13, 2008 at 11:40 AM
======================
Gotta disagree here. Yes Mbenga did learn from KAJ as did Bynum. Kwame and Candi man refused to accept KAJ's help. Big difference.
Posted by: JustaLakerFan | September 14, 2008 at 11:32 PM
AK,
I think this link expresses the present level of our conflict.
http://tinyurl.com/6mddfs
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | September 13, 2008 at 04:24 PM
====================
Now that was funny!
Posted by: JustaLakerFan | September 14, 2008 at 11:57 PM
AK/BK,
pls do us a favor and don't let Buttler posts anymore!!! he is just too annoying and getting ridiculous by the minute...his posts are just outrageous and we don't need that here....pls let Laker fans enjoy this blog!!
Posted by: hyacinth | September 13, 2008 at 05:30 PM
===========================
I disagree. The best thing to do is scroll by and ignore it if it irritates you.
If you feel the need to respond, do not respond directly to the troll. Talk to Laker Nation when responding to an especially irritating post.
Otherwise where will the banning end? Ban the troll. Then ban Laker troll who anyone disagrees with other Laker fans.
Like me and anti PJ, or others anti Lamar etc. Only keep the posters who love anything Lakers and don't have a negative thought. Would really get boring here quick.
Posted by: JustaLakerFan | September 15, 2008 at 12:04 AM
Sometimes I slip in something political, too.
Funny list on who will implode. I would've thrown Cleveland on that list, too. I think after the Olympics LeBron is not going to settle for his team's lacadasical defense for too long. Big Z is winding down, his best years fading behind him. Delonte West? Please. Gibson? Same thing, these guys are all streaky shooters, which in and of itself isn't bad. But compound that with a lack of defensive intensity and you have a recipe for disaster in the beefed up East. They have no legit power forward, just a strange mish-mash of role players that need to be complemented by other guys on the court in order to maximize their effeciveness. They could definitely use a Lamr Odom type of player. A guy who creates his own niche by doing best what other do not. Same with Sasha and Luke and Ariza. They might not always have the stroke going, but they will stay in front of their men and rebound and in Luke's case he is similar in style of play to Lamar. He does his best to fill gaps.
Cleveland is geared to have the ball in one man's hands and to rebound. They are slow or risky defenders to a man and don't shoot well enough as a group to free LeBron up to the degree that Kobe is able to.
Because of the triangle.
Who's you're HOF coach now, PJ haters?
Peace.
Posted by: Jamie Sweet | September 13, 2008 at 06:28 PM
============================
Don't need HOF coach but I will take possible future HOF coach Byron Scott. His early coaching career has shown a lot and I think I would project him down the path to HOF one day if he continues to win. I see no reason now that he can't.
I would take coack K over PJ too.
Posted by: JustaLakerFan | September 15, 2008 at 12:08 AM
"Gotta disagree here. Yes Mbenga did learn from KAJ as did Bynum. Kwame and Candi man refused to accept KAJ's help. Big difference."
I didn't say Kwa-may accepted Kareem's help, it was Jerome James.
Kandi Man did get Kareem's help he just didn't develop properly, neither did Jerome James.
Andrew Bynum had Kareem's help in 05-06 and 06-07 especially what happens? At the end of the season he becomes subject of trade talk.
Only when Bynum busted his butt in Atlanta did he emerge the center that he could be.
Mbenga is by no means an even role player, just a mere garbage time player, Memphis Grizzlies he fouled in in 3 quarters LOL! Some type of defensive potential Mbenga has, 6 fouls in 3 quarters against one of the worst teams in the NBA!
Mbenga sucks beyond being a guy who has a very interesting history and a fan favorite. 2 other coaches besides Phil Jackson waived his butt (Avery Johnson and Don Nelson) not because they are so negative but because they knew that he had limited skill and wasn't even a player to be considered seriously.
PJ will rank over Byron Scott and Coach K. At least Coach Jackson has won a title sooner than Coach K. who couldn't even win a title in the tournament since 2000-2001 season LOL!
Coach K. will NEVER come in the NBA, he just wants to stay at Duke and continue to not even make it to the Final Four despite having very good 5 star players.
LOL!.
-blitz
Posted by: thekobebryantblitz | September 15, 2008 at 02:06 AM
Eric M,
It's gone. Thanks.
AK
Posted by: Andrew Kamenetzky | September 15, 2008 at 08:02 AM
JustaLakerFan,
Thanks for the question. I attacked LakerTom because he has been told at least 5 times to KEEP POLITICS OFF THE LAKER BLOG, and either because he can't remember, or he likes to start trouble, he just goes on and on and on.
I stated months ago, before LakerTom I might add, that Bynum coming back is like winning the draft lottery. He will be the best "New Player" in the league. Better than Rose, better than Oden, better than Beasley. He gives our team what it needs to go all the way this season.
Regards,
Posted by: Eric M. | September 15, 2008 at 08:12 AM
Two weeks to training camp -- can I get an amen?
Posted by: HmrHed | September 15, 2008 at 08:14 AM
Thanks AK!
Posted by: Eric M. | September 15, 2008 at 08:18 AM
JustaLakerFan
Other than his one NBA Finals appearance, I think that Baby B (Byron Scott) hasn't shown that he deserves to be in the HOF. I think he's a good coach, but not on the same level as Phil. Phil changes the way a player approaches the game. It is diificult to understand for some people I think because he looks so hands off and aloof during games.
I liken his style of coaching tot hat of a director of a play. You have a group of actors who are looking for guidance, they know what their job is (memorize their lines, get comfortable with their blocking) but they often need motivation and guidance to create a full and nuanced performance.
As a director, you can only give them so much. You will not be onstage, after all, they will. So they have to learn to walk on their own. Phil does the same thing in games. He's not playing crappy defense, he's not throwing that length of the court pass out of bounds, he can make substitutions and draw a play or two on his mini white board. Even then, those plays are often modified by the personell on court due to circumstances beyond the coaches control.
Phil is also a more cerebral coach than say, Don Nelson, who is still a great basketball mind, but tries to put his foot print on the game too much. He messes with players heads with strange line ups and rotations in an effort to out fox the other coach. So it was no big surprise to me when Baron Davis fled what was a potential playoff team for a riskier situation (although having the opportunity to play with EB was a factor I'm, sure).
All in all, Phil is the perfect coach for the Lakers, he knows how to keep a team trying to improve. He's gotten better at being a nurturing disciplinarian as opposed to a tyrannical disciplinarian. I think he's been instrumental in giving Sasha the confidence and opportunity to become the player we see today, and hopefully get even better. I think he will have the same affect on Farmar.
After Phil, I'd like to see Kurt Rambis get another shot. I thought he did a great job in the lock-out season after we canned Del Harris.
What do you all think?
Posted by: Jamie Sweet | September 15, 2008 at 09:24 AM
AMEN!
Posted by: Jamie Sweet | September 15, 2008 at 09:42 AM
LAKER FANS,
Phoenix still is 2 great players behind you guys, I KNOW.
We won't even make playoffs this year =/
maybe if you guys are THAT much better than us... and you make playoffs and we don't..
I'LL HAVE TO BE A LAKER FAN FOR A MONTH
Until then... phoenix > you
Posted by: BUTLER | September 15, 2008 at 09:49 AM
Two weeks to training camp -- can I get an amen?
Posted by: HmrHed | September 15, 2008 at 08:14 AM
AMEN!
Posted by: MAMBA24 | September 15, 2008 at 09:58 AM
Jaime - agree with much of what you say about PJ. As for future candidates, I've always liked Rambis but apart from his future with the Lakers, I'm wondering how much of a shot he has around the league. He's interviewed for a few head coaching gigs and hasn't gotten them. B-Shaw seemed to have some heat on him after a couple years assisting but he hasn't gotten past the interview stage either. I think there might be a bit of a bias around the league against Jackson's assistants - not sure why, unless it's a feeling that they're too entrenched in the triangle. To my knowlege, the only guys to have made the move up were Cleamons (his brief stint with the Mavs) and of course, Hamblis' temporary stewardship after Rudy flamed out.
Any thoughts anyone?
Posted by: dave m | September 15, 2008 at 10:00 AM