Missing pieces, and an injured dude: Media Day audio and quote pulls
The Lakers, as you may have heard, played the Finals at less than full strength. Trevor Ariza was limited coming back from foot problems, and Andrew Bynum was in a suit on the sidelines. Both are back, both are healthy and confident in the state of their once-injured body parts, and the expectation is the two of them will make a significant difference in the Lakers' fortunes. I happen to agree. Bynum provides a big body inside and a shot blocking presence on the defensive end along with a handy option on the other end, while Ariza is one of the team's better wing defenders (and, he notes, spent the summer working on his shot). Click below for some audio from both Ariza and Bynum.
One guy who isn't all the way back is Luke Walton, still recovering from offseason surgery on his right ankle. He's working out, but thinks it could be a couple weeks before he's participating fully in practice. It's time away Walton knows won't benefit him as the Lakers sort out the rotation on a very deep roster, but there's not much that can be done. Last season he was never healthy, and we all saw the results. Walton has much to prove this year.
Click below for the audio and quotes.
Audio:
- Trevor Ariza (no question, he's excited about being at full health and having a chance to play big minutes on a high quality team, something he's wanted since his career began): Download trevor_ariza_media_day.mp3
- Andrew Bynum (interesting words about the lessons of watching, and the defensive disorganization against the Celtics that cost them- a lack of discipline that they plan to correct this season): Download andrew_bynum_media_day.mp3
Quotes:
Luke Walton:
- "It's about two weeks before I'll be able to do full practices."
- On missing camp: "It sucks to miss it, because there's so much you get done in training camp, as far as getting back into NBA shape, playing with the guys, building that bond again. That's what I'm going to miss the most. As far as the offense, I've been here for enough years that I know that pretty well, so I don't think I'm going to miss out on that part. But just being out there, going through the rotations, (missing) all that stuff is going to be tough."
- On the emphasis on defense: "That's the goal of training camp. We're going to be doing new things, working on different type of rotations. And the best way to learn is just repetition. I'll be on the sidelines watching, but until you get out there and start doing the drills every day, I'll be a little bit behind. It sucks (more me, in terms of competing for PT). We've got a deep team. We've got guys who can play multiple positions, we've got a lot of guys who have performed in the NBA before. It's going to be a lot of competition for playing time, so to be out early is a little disadvantage. But hopefully they know what I can do, and once I get in shape and my ankle gets strong enough I'll be able to contribute and help this team."
- On defensive emphasis: "The advantage this year is we have pretty much the same team. With the triangle offense, whenever you have new guys you have to spend so much of training camp going through it, because if one guy on the court doesn't know what he's doing, it messes up the entire offense. With everyone pretty much coming back, we can focus on other stuff such as defense. The sooner we put it in and start working on it, you start using those philosophies in preseason games, and you get that practice at it. That's when you really develop those skills."
- On time spent on D: "Last year, we spent the most time on defense since I've been here. This year, I'm assuming from what the coaches are saying that we're even going to spend more time on that. I'm excited. I love playing for a good defensive team. At Arizona, we used to start every practice with a good half an hour of it. It was boring, but when the game comes, you know where your guys are going to be. It makes a difference, and I'm excited about it."
- On Boston's D: "We feel that's why they beat us. They played better defense, they were more consistent on the defensive end. We were a good defensive team. We had enough talent and size and mobility to do a lot of things on defense, but we weren't consistent enough. From one game to the next, we weren't stopping people. We met Boston in the Finals, and they made it hard for us to get every bucket, and we weren't able to do the same against them."
BK
What BUTLUR has brought to our attention:
-The Suns find more value in not making the Finals, so they don't lose the finals. Hence their perennial absence.
-They plan on relying on RAHBEEN LOPEHZ and GOHRAHN TRAGIC, 2 rookies, because they do not believe in Snaq or GNASH.
-They believe Snaq when he estimates his weight.
-Snaq is still worried about the Lakers and Phil enough to mention them. Sort of how Jennifer Aniston realizes she'll never do better than Brad Pitt, but keeps saying John Mayer is better because he can sing. The Big Sloppy Seconds feels scorned.
You're welcome,
Another BUHTLER "Fact" Checker
(AAAAHHHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!! YUP, uhhhh "Facts")
Posted by: 8. Clippers, 9. FEENICKS FUNS | September 30, 2008 at 12:02 PM
gasol is lowering bynums value by adding the presence of another 7 foot offensive force on the floor that can also make slick passes.
so other teams aren't going to be saying 'Bynum is killing us inside.' they'll say 'Bynum and Gasol are killing us inside.' a 50% reduction in value.
Posted by: db | September 30, 2008 at 12:08 PM
What BUTLUR has brought to our attention:
-The Suns find more value in not making the Finals, so they don't lose the finals. Hence their perennial absence.
-They plan on relying on RAHBEEN LOPEHZ and GOHRAHN TRAGIC, 2 rookies, because they do not believe in Snaq or GNASH.
-They believe Snaq when he estimates his weight. Of course they do. They believed that small ball would get them a title too, why not believe someone with a fat body type has that longevity in em.
-Snaq is still worried about the Lakers and Phil enough to mention them. Sort of how Jennifer Aniston realizes she'll never do better than Brad Pitt, but keeps saying John Mayer is better because he can sing. The Big Sloppy Seconds feels scorned.
You're welcome,
Another BUHTLER "Fact" Checker
(AAAAHHHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!! YUP, uhhhh "Facts")
Posted by: 8. Clippers, 9. FEENICKS FUNS | September 30, 2008 at 12:12 PM
What's up Lakerville!
It's a brand new season and we're all excited. Man, Bynum looks like the Beast that he is. Where's the 60+ bandwagon? Mamba24? This training camp has sure started on the right footing. I love that LO doesn't want the 6th man role. That's fine as long as he does the work and performs, that shouldn't be a problem. The motto for this year should be NO COMPLACENCY.
Go Lakers!
Posted by: SamLL | September 30, 2008 at 12:23 PM
BK.........Bloggers
Did anyone listen to what Bynum said..........and I would bet no reporter followed up with.
Bynum described the Lakers defense last year as chaotic! He said nobody knew who they were doubling and where the double would take place. Nobody knew where to rotate or where they were trying to take there man.
All of these things are defensive schemes that should be DRILLED in practice.
Combine young Bynums statement with this one by the hapless Luke Walton
" With everyone pretty much coming back, we can focus on other stuff such as defense".
ON OTHER STUFF??
These statements are just indicators of the horrible job of coaching Phil Jackson does on defense..........and he was exposed in the finals..........not according to what I say but according to his own players..............they just will not admit it.
If the team looks chaotic on defense.........is that not the coach's responsibilty?
The Lakers have all the pieces........maybe
The real question is...........Do we have the right coach to put the pieces together.........successfully?
The way Phil opened his press conference with his silly comments about Kobe's playing time and calling Kobe old (Kobe's only 18 months older than Luke Walton)
plus his comments about Odom............I don't know about Phil jackson
Posted by: pfunk36 | September 30, 2008 at 12:26 PM
Butler snarks:
"That is the reaction many laker fans will be having this season - you have reason to be afraid, very afraid."
LongtimeLakerLover says:
"HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA
HHAHAHAHA"
And then shudders in repulsion at the thought of sharing any space at all with a Suns fan.
Posted by: longtimelakerlover | September 30, 2008 at 12:32 PM
And the most exciting news to come out of media day, an updated Jeannie's Journal. Enjoy:
"Monday, Sep 29
Media Day! Yippee – it is officially the start of Lakers training camp and it feels like the first day of a new school year. Everyone is back tan and healthy and gosh darn it if I didn’t miss them (the players, the media, the training and coaching staff).
The most common question to me is what I did during the off season. So here is a run down of my summer:
June
I woke up on the 18th hoping Game 6 was just a bad nightmare. No such luck. I unpacked my back as we were scheduled to leave that morning on a special charter for players’ wives and families to join the Lakers in Boston for Game 7. I stared out the window a lot and while I felt compassion for Tiger Woods’ injury the fact that he made the announcement he was going to miss the rest of the year took up the top story on the 24 hours sports news channel sparing me watching an endless loop of the Celtics celebration.
No doubt Boston deserved to win the NBA Championship. The Lakers lost the series in Game 4 when they let them back in after a 24 point lead. However, I was proud of the Lakers for coming back in Game 5 with a win and giving the fans at STAPLES Center a victory in the last home game of the season.
July
Phil left for Montana. Once again he made the trip via car because the 1,000 or so miles allows him time to reflect on the season he leaves behind and begin to rejuvenate for the upcoming season. It is difficult to be separated from him but I need the time in the office to work on many projects including the schedule for next season.
STAPLES Center is a very successful arena but one of the drawbacks for being so busy is that sometimes the team suffers from the lack of available home dates which leads to an unbalanced schedule. I needed to express my concerns to their staff and we were able to add some additional dates but the Lakers still have a more home games in the first half of the season than the second half. However, given the 7 – 2 record from the 9 game HELL road trip in February of last season maybe this type of schedule will lead to greater team chemistry; an “us against the world” feeling.
Heartbreakingly, Ronny Turiaf chooses to leave the Lakers as a free agent and sign with Golden State. Too often decisions are driven by economics rather than heart and that is how the business of sports functions. It doesn’t make it any easier. I will miss him so much.
On the flip side, Sasha Vujacic opts to forgo the fortunes of the Euroleague and stay with the Lakers. This is good news to Phil because he finds Sasha’s toughness on defense along with his ability to hit key shots an important part of the Lakers success formula.
I attended the ESPY’s Awards at the Nokia Theatre. The show was fantastic and Justin Timberlake was terrific as the host. Funniest moment was Will Farrell pretending to be Tiger Woods and accepting the award for best male athlete. It was hilarious. Then I got the gut check when the Celtics won for best team. Ray Allen spoke on behalf of the group and I’ll never forget his quote, “One more win for us in Los Angeles.” That hurt me and I guess the crowd too because they booed him. I let Phil know about it. It got him a little fired up; he will put that angst into good use!
August
I finally get to do one of my favorite things, a chance to visit and have lunch with Marge Hearn. She is just beautiful and full of wonderful stories and I can never get enough. More on Marge when I write about Chick Hearn Night scheduled for November.
Along with millions, I tuned in for the Olympics from Beijing. It was with pride that I watched the USA Basketball team reclaim their rightful spot as the number one team in the world. I also enjoyed watching the USA team members attending other events and support the athletes from other sports – that was classy and displayed the Olympic spirit.
I made the trip to Montana to visit Phil and was amazed at his progress. NO MORE CANE. I was so proud of him. We then traveled to Phil’s alma mater the University of North Dakota in Grand Forks for the Academic Convocation where Phil would receive an honorary doctorate.
Yes, he became Dr. Phil. His speech (which you may view online at www.und.edu/jackson) was inspiring. There has been debate over the years about the UND nickname – the Fighting Sioux. Phil took the opportunity to address the sensitive subject and challenged those at the university to really think about what you would lose if the name were changed as has been requested by many of the Sioux nation. The answer quite simply is there would be nothing to lose. The memories, the history, the passion of the students and alumni are not about the name but of the institution and the relationships built there. That is me paraphrasing but it was riveting listening to Phil ask those to open their minds in a way that was thought provoking but not offensive.
We made the drive back to Los Angeles (not my favorite thing to do but love is a powerful thing) realizing that the off season is coming to an end.
September
There were some birthday celebrations, a trip to the Hollywood Bowl and a party celebrating the 100th episode of the Dog Whisperer that were the highlights of this month.
It all leads to today, Media Day and the day I finally update my journal. I look forward to more entries and to discussing some of the issues that will face the team, the league and the world of sports."
Posted by: lakers_sth | September 30, 2008 at 12:34 PM
justanothermambafromanothamotha,
Do you reside in California?
Posted by: Charles | September 30, 2008 at 08:41 AM
_____________
Yup - SoCal - Rancho Santa Margarita - where it's Africa hot right now....
Posted by: justanothermambafan | September 30, 2008 at 12:36 PM
BUTT-ler - class is in session man. The teacher has called attendance & (surprise) you're not there. You need to go back to Grade 3 and brush up on your math....and spelling....and history.....Do they teach logic in Grade 3? Maybe you should take an after-school class in that as well. I think you post here because you get responses from people about your idiotic rantings. You must love the attention - even if it's negative. I think you should also do some after-school counselling with the class psychologist. Maybe she can explain to you why you're a moron, and why and how you can stop. You're embarrasing yourself to the point where we understand why you don't post on your own Funs blogs - they don't like you either, but you feel better about yourself here.
Posted by: justanothermambafan | September 30, 2008 at 12:48 PM
"You're good to act as my fact checker, thank you."
I would consider that as Butler is wrong about things (tons but not all things). So no problem.
"Now let's discuss how gasal has lowered byenumb's value."
Incorrect again. Gasol is in his prime at 28 years old. Kobe is still in his prime at 30. Can't double Kobe or else that would leave Pau or Bynum open or Derek or Lamar open. Can't double Pau in the post or that leaves someone one open(Kobe for the perimeter shot or the drive into the lane, Derek with the perimeter shot, Lamar cutting into the lane for a dunk, or Bynum waiting to dunk). Can't double Andrew either since he can easily kick it out like Shaq used to do in his prime or pass it to the high post for Pau.
Fantasy basketball wise you are correct though, all 3 (Lamar, Pau, Andrew) will be fighting for rebounds, not to mention Kobe is a very good rebounder. But as much as I love playing fantasy sports, I would rather have the win in real life than the win in Fantasy (though both would be very nice).
-blitz
Posted by: thekobebryantblitz | September 30, 2008 at 12:59 PM
Butler, shouldn't you be over at the Suns Blog tracking their Media Day instead of ours? Must a slow news day for y'all - no pics of Robin Lopez's 12 pack abs or stories from Steve Gnash's summer vacation which he spent watching THE NBA MVP win a Gold Medal in Bejing?
Dang...did Canada even have a team?
Posted by: utzworld - THE BANNER HOLDER | September 30, 2008 at 01:13 PM
utzworld - THE BANNER HOLDER,
We're cool.
We can't be fighting throughout a Championship season.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | September 30, 2008 at 01:19 PM
Jon K
"Wow. We can finally begin talking about what is happening instead of what could happen. Thank God."
My summer hibernation is over. I can't wait! Thank God is right regarding scenarios...
Charles: I can taste it!!! Soon - Mamba "ROLE CALLS"!!!
Lets get this party started already!!
janaya
Posted by: janaya | September 30, 2008 at 01:24 PM
>>>5. To quote Kobe "Don't give me that 'Two Towers'
>>>nonsense! That's a Texas thing and I hate Texas!" Me
>>>too, brother. How about "The Tall Trees" or "The Gold
>>>Forest"?
How about The Sequoias?
Posted by: Long Time Laker Fan | September 30, 2008 at 01:25 PM
Wouldn't it be crazy if we ALL went and "BUTT LERED"
the PHO-NIX FUNS BORED???
(All mispells on purpose as a tribute to Butler.)
janaya
Posted by: janaya | September 30, 2008 at 01:29 PM
BUTLER,
>>>Let's put it this way - SHACK has played more than
>>>byenumb on avg the past couple seasons.
You maybe need to re-check your figures.
Bynum has averaged 8 more games per season the last
two seasons than Shaq has. In fact in the 2006-07 season,
Bynum played in all 82 games. Snaquille O'Meal has never
done that. Not once. Shaq will miss at least 10 games by
December 25. Merry Christmas.
>>>Both laker bigs have a history of frequently missing
>>>games...perhaps Magic can return to play center?
I bet he could play more games than Snaq.
Posted by: Long Time Laker Fan | September 30, 2008 at 01:33 PM
thekobebryantblitz,
>>>Long Time, they won't even win against Cleveland.
I stand corrected. It will be 82-76 losses to Cleveland.
Posted by: Long Time Laker Fan | September 30, 2008 at 01:37 PM
wow, very little followup on Odom saying he's not into coming off the bench. This is a potentially big story as Odom can play a different way for about 3 games before he relapses into the same player he has always and will forever be. This could be the trigger for an Odom trade about 2-3 months into the season, by that time we'll know if Bynum is healthy and if Trevor Ariza has stepped up and there haven't been any major injuries it would make it more feasible to move Odom instead of getting nothing for him.
Trevor Ariza is... the most interesting man in the world...
Posted by: Stay Thirsty My Friends | September 30, 2008 at 01:55 PM
I don't know why, but this http://tinyurl.com/3r5pq3 picture cracks me up. Kobe looks like a little kid next to Bynum! Seriously, Andrew looks HUGE and Kobe's head miniscule next to Drew's.
At first glance, doesn't Bynum look like a young Shaq in this picture? Just look at directly at Kobe with Bynum in the corner of your eye. It's freaky.
I've got a great feeling about Drew this year. The boy is now a man and is hungry for a title.
Posted by: puddle | September 30, 2008 at 02:01 PM
Pfunk36,
"The way Phil opened his press conference with his silly comments about Kobe's playing time and calling Kobe old (Kobe's only 18 months older than Luke Walton)"
Kobe also acknowledge he was a "senior citizen" and is the 2nd oldest member of the team. 36 or 37 minutes is NOT a big difference in number compared to 38 minutes....DAMN, another torpedo has successfully hit!
"plus his comments about Odom"
About being a 6th man? Tons of people including many people like Hobbitmage, Stay Thirsty my friends all say he should be a 6th man. In fact it is a possibility that he could be a 6th man should the large lineup not work. He was simply saying the possibilities, not necessarily anything bad about it (even if you think Lamar should be starting, it's still a possibility that he could be a 6th man). Damn another torpedo hit on the boat of Pfunk36.
"These statements are just indicators of the horrible job of coaching Phil Jackson does on defense..........and he was exposed in the finals..........not according to what I say but according to his own players..............they just will not admit it."
If 44.6% shooting by other teams when they faced the Lakers is bad defense that would mean the Spurs have bad defense too (44.4% shooting). Now that is just as funny if not funnier than Butler's saying that Robin Lopez is the next Tim Duncan. SWISH! Torpedo again hits!
Damn that's three times today I've sunk the boat of poor arguments and hypocrisy. Maybe I should change my name to Blitz the Submariner.
I'll end in a positive note.
"The real question is...........Do we have the right coach to put the pieces together.........successfully?"
That is a definite: YES.
-blitz
Posted by: thekobebryantblitz | September 30, 2008 at 02:07 PM
Najja aka Bonus The Blogs Man in IRAQ
GOD BLESS YOU BANDWAGON
*_______________________________*
(01) Mamba24 - Driver
Mamba24, add me as well please.
Najja take care of yourself over there! We here at the LA time Laker blog salute you!
Long Time,
corrected again. It will be a 82-76 Suns lost to Cleveland at US Airways center and a 98-82 lost to Cleveland at the Quicken Loans Arena.
-blitz
Posted by: thekobebryantblitz | September 30, 2008 at 02:11 PM
Even if byenumb comes back ok - what in the world can the lakers do to oppose the tandem of Aldridge-Oden?
The Blazers are going to be lacker-killers this season. McMillan has a team that seems perfectly suited to taking away any of the lakers' strengths.
Posted by: BUTLER | September 30, 2008 at 02:18 PM
Brotha utzworld - THE BANNER HOLDER,
"Butler, shouldn't you be over at the Suns Blog tracking their Media Day instead of ours?"
Due to his frequency on the blog acting as a Laker jester; he is part of the Laker fam. As much as it pains him to see that.
Reminiscent of that neighbor you share a feint hello, that cousin who might be a product of inter-genetic love, or a small Napoleonic complexed dog...
Either way, Butler will be here for his-her idea if fun. Pity the troll???
Posted by: Charles | September 30, 2008 at 02:21 PM
Puddle,
"At first glance, doesn't Bynum look like a young Shaq in this picture?"
But Bynum isn't cross eyed...
Posted by: Charles | September 30, 2008 at 02:22 PM
janaya
That's what I'm talking about!
Posted by: Charles | September 30, 2008 at 02:23 PM
Oh boy, here we go - I'm going to have to look at Kobe's face for the next nine months? And I was waiting for BBall season to begin? KBBlitz, Mamba24, Xodus, Edwin, et al - no offense meant - I'd give anything to turn on an NBA game this year and see Oscar Robertson playing. It's been a really long time since I've felt a connection.
Where is the Bar? I'm going to be very thirsty this year.
Posted by: Otis Campbell | September 30, 2008 at 02:23 PM
justanothermambafan
If youre down to make it out to a viewing party let me know. I have : Elle, Mr. Dangles, Jamie Sweet and PS Laker Fans emails. Also Laker Legacy and JSNV are old friends of mine.
Hit me up with the email.
Posted by: Charles | September 30, 2008 at 02:26 PM
My friends in lacker land,
Let's at least agree that we're relieved to be past the doldrums and now we can start talking smack BASED ON REAL GAMES!!!
Love, BUTLER
Posted by: BUTLER | September 30, 2008 at 02:40 PM
Puddle,
Good call on the picture. If you focus directly on Kobe, you see what appears to be a young, in-shape, Shaq standing next to him.
Without the GOD complex of course.
By the way BUTLER, most of us stopped mis-spelling peoples names on purpose when we were about 10. (Odumb, Bynumb, Kobey, etc) Grow up or just go away.
Posted by: pslakerfan | September 30, 2008 at 02:47 PM
You mean before he missed half the season, or after?
Posted by: BUTLER
No, I mean unlike Shaq who has been saying he's going to come into camp in shape only to struggle to play 60 games. And that's with minor aches and pains, not a real injury like a dislocated knee cap and bone bruise, which had nothing to do with Bynum's conditioning.
Here's a link from last season as some reminders:
http://tinyurl.com/4zz6oj
http://tinyurl.com/4nt63o
Have fun with the Big Injury.
Posted by: Xodus | September 30, 2008 at 02:49 PM
AK/BK - may I ask, please, why you didn't post my reply to Butler? I thought it was great...
Posted by: justanothermambafan | September 30, 2008 at 02:55 PM
Wow Otis if you really haven't felt a connection since the days of Big O then you must really think Barkley, Malone, Shaq, Jordan, Magic, Kareem, Hakeem, Bird, Duncan, Robinson, Ewing, Wilt, and even Jerry West all must have no connection with being a good basketball player. Good (sarcasm) logic.
Butler, indeed finally some real games coming on and for you to see instead of being in that small planet where the Suns actually won a title in the past. Welcome back to Earth.
-blitz
Posted by: thekobebryantblitz | September 30, 2008 at 03:06 PM
Here is a link to the Laker Media Day picture site http://tinyurl.com/bynumguns.
You will have to scroll through the pictures to the one with only Bynum in front of a green screen, but damn his guns look huge this year.
Charles,
How are you man? I am ready for that viewing party. Also I want to get together for pre-season viewing (with tickets) in your area if you are still game.
Posted by: pslakerfan | September 30, 2008 at 03:09 PM
I'm encouraged about the desire to be better defensively.
God knows we have enough weapons to click offensively.
But still, can't wait to see lol.
Go Lakers!
Posted by: Faith | September 30, 2008 at 03:23 PM
Justanother-
It got caught in a page break. It's up.
BK
Posted by: Brian Kamenetzky | September 30, 2008 at 03:24 PM
Butler....Repost.....You have as much credability as Kid Rock has as a musician........NONE
Posted by: Thirty2 | September 30, 2008 at 03:31 PM
Pity The Troll. I like that!
When you've done all you can to Identify, Wound and Starve; but the poor troll won't go away due to his obsessive compulsive secret desire for all things Purple & Gold, all that is left is Pity.
Makes sense!
Posted by: utzworld - THE BANNER HOLDER | September 30, 2008 at 03:31 PM
Bynumite,
Thanks for the photos. From fat boy to stud! The shots look like a before and after ad for a gym, lol. The A-Train or the Beast? Actually, Bynumite might be the best nickname for Drew in the end.
Tom
Posted by: LakerTom | September 30, 2008 at 03:48 PM
Lamar looks kind of slender this year. Not as beefy as he has the past couple of seasons.
I'm guessing he's gonna have a nice year, being a contract year and all. It would be a pity if he isn't around for the long haul with this team. I'm guessing he'll take less to stay with the Lakers, unless Trevor is the SF of the future, then kiss LO goodbye at the trading deadline.
Posted by: "Pig" Miller | September 30, 2008 at 03:50 PM
Hey gang...oh joy!
It's finally here, Media Day!
Bynum looking ripped...check!
Luke still recovering from injury...check!
Sasha's hair flowing...check!
Fire under Odom's a$$...check!
Looks like we are ready for take off. Mamba 24, Mamba 24, clear all run ways and please set you your seats and trays in the upright position. This is the 70 Win bandwagon taking off and flying into the wild blue yonder.
I'm glad to hear about the defensive intensity, that should be obvious. Also, sounds like Powell isn't looking to ride in on a white horse, just get prepped to help out with his chunk of time. All in all I am super mega stoked.
GO LAKERS!!!!!
Posted by: Jamie Sweet | September 30, 2008 at 03:59 PM
Hey All,
Some interesting stuff from practice today:
Kobe Bryant and Pau Gasol spent the final minutes of practice playing one-on-one with each other on a side basket while their Lakers teammates shot free throws and ran wind sprints.
The results were pretty lopsided in Bryant’s favor. “Not much of a contest,” said Kobe. “I’m a beast on that block.”
Posted by: HmrHed | September 30, 2008 at 04:08 PM
Jackson also offered this little dig when asked about the possible bench role motivating Odom to work harder: “I don’t know. I’ve never seen Lamar motivated before.”
Phil you better be all over Lamar this year because if you can't win it this year you will be gone just like Lamar.
BD
Posted by: BD | September 30, 2008 at 04:08 PM
On Odom's comments:
He is just playing around with Phil. I think Odom is just giving Phil a little of his own medicine. That quote sounds like something out of Phils mouth. Odom wants to start but will gladly move to the 6th man if him starting isn't working out. I like the idea of Odom of the bench but no one knows how well Bynum, Gasol, and Odom will play together. I think everyone needs to see a month or so of games before we start talking about Odom off of the bench.
Plus, the biggest factor in all of this is how well Ariza will play. There are only two ways for Ariza to be a starter, either Ariza will have to play really well or Odom will have to stink (thats not going to happen).
I don't care where or when Odom plays as long as he stays on the Lakers....
Lamar = Laker for Life
GO LAKERS
Posted by: mrbarneydangles | September 30, 2008 at 04:10 PM
On Odom's comments:
He is just playing around with Phil. I think Odom is just giving Phil a little of his own medicine. That quote sounds like something out of Phils mouth. Odom wants to start but will gladly move to the 6th man if him starting isn't working out. I like the idea of Odom of the bench but no one knows how well Bynum, Gasol, and Odom will play together. I think everyone needs to see a month or so of games before we start talking about Odom off of the bench.
Plus, the biggest factor in all of this is how well Ariza will play. There are only two ways for Ariza to be a starter, either Ariza will have to play really well or Odom will have to stink (thats not going to happen).
I don't care where or when Odom plays as long as he stays on the Lakers....
Lamar = Laker for Life
GO LAKERS
Posted by: mrbarneydangles | September 30, 2008 at 04:11 PM
Charles sez:
"Due to his frequency on the blog acting as a Laker jester; he is part of the Laker fam. As much as it pains him to see that.
Reminiscent of that neighbor you share a feint hello, that cousin who might be a product of inter-genetic love, or a small Napoleonic complexed dog...
Either way, Butler will be here for his-her idea if fun. Pity the troll???"
HAHA! Thanks for the laughs, I have been identified. Touche!
Posted by: BUTLER | September 30, 2008 at 04:12 PM
Let me say it's a relief to know that SHACK has reported to camp weighing the same he did in 2002, about 330 lbs.
From what I've heard over and over here, I was almost expecting a SNACK instead of SHACK.
Bynum looks healthy - but only from the waist up. It's his legs that need scrutiny. He can bench a ton, but if his knee can't hold up against Oden, Duncan, SHACK, Camby, Yao and Perkins, he'll only be a jersey model.
Posted by: BUTLER | September 30, 2008 at 04:17 PM
Thirty2 sez:
"Butler....Repost.....You have as much credability as Kid Rock has as a musician........NONE"
Invest in a dictionary - spelling "credibility" correctly will go a long ways toward establishing your, ahem, credibility.
Posted by: BUTLER | September 30, 2008 at 04:23 PM
The Blitz sez:
"Butler, indeed finally some real games coming on and for you to see instead of being in that small planet where the Suns actually won a title in the past. Welcome back to Earth."
The SUNS did win a title, in 2007.
Seriously, Donaghy will talk one day about what games he jacked. I can already hear the boos from lacker fans, but then the lakers might have to forfeit the WC title they won vs. Sacramento if Donaghy is proved right.
Love, BUTLER
Posted by: BUTLER | September 30, 2008 at 04:27 PM
BUTLER
It's all fun man!
Posted by: Charles | September 30, 2008 at 04:56 PM
If LO hits his jump shot it's not an issue. This will be the best starting 5 in the league.
I'm glad he's a little peaved. He needs to bring the attitude.
Phil is thinking strategically and not performance wise. We all know LO is a far better player than Ariza. Let's remember that small forward is his natural position coming in, despite being 6-10.
Hit your jumper and find the bigs in the middle and you'll get a nice fat contract LO (with the lakers or not).
Big year and years to come. I'm excited.
Posted by: jq | September 30, 2008 at 05:01 PM