Know thy enemy: Denver Nuggets
Denver Nuggets: 50-32 (2nd in the Northwest Division, 8th in the Western Conference)
Key Additions: Chris Andersen, Renaldo Balkman, Dahntay Jones
Key Losses: Marcus Camby, Eduardo Najera, Yakhouba Diawara
There is an expression used for many good teams across sports, that they are greater than the sum of their parts. It applies both to scrappy squads that achieve beyond what seems possible on paper before enshrinement in Disney films, and to talented groups that elevate to elite levels.
Then there are the Denver Nuggets.
Yes, the team won 50 games last season in a hyper-competitive Western Conference, but overall was a dysfunctional team worse than the sum of its parts. Not all that surprising, given a core built around Carmelo Anthony and Allen Iverson, two outstanding players and competitors with styles that don't complement each other in the slightest, supplemented by J.R. Smith and Kenyon Martin and a coach in George Karl seemingly uninterested in putting things together in a cohesive way. While the overall numbers might say otherwise, the Nuggets weren't a good defensive team when it mattered. They regressed down the stretch on their end of the floor, and, just as disorganized play offensively often made it tough to get a key bucket, lack of discipline defensively meant the Nuggets struggled to get stops in tight spots.
And when the playoffs rolled around, they crumbled like perfectly cooked bacon.
This year, the Nuggets lost two of their better defenders in Camby and Najera, and will need Martin and Nene to stay healthy (good luck with that) and step up big time if Denver is to avoid the lottery. I don't see it happening. They'll be dangerous in an "any given night" sort of way, but aren't close to contenders.
For more on the Denver, I asked for some feedback from Jeremy at the Nuggets blog Pickaxe and Roll, who was nice enough to respond in some detail. I can't say I agree with everything he writes, but as they say, THAT'S WHY THEY PLAY THE GAMES!
1) While John Hollinger might disagree, the Nuggets weren't a good defensive team last season, and then sold off Marcus Camby for... nothing. Nene and K-Mart are back (for now), and will help, but how much improvement do you think they can make on that end? How much better do they need to get?
Jeremy, Pickaxe and Roll: Nuggets fans who are into some of the "advanced" statistics such as defensive efficiency had quite a riddle on their hands last season. On one hand they were a top five team in defensive efficiency for the first half of the season. On the other hand we were witnesses to a defense that practiced horrible principles and gave up a plethora of easy buckets game after game.
As usual, the truth is somewhere in the middle. The Nuggets were neither a top 10 defense, as their defensive efficiency rating suggests, nor are they a bottom five defense as most observers would suggest.
Most NBA fans believe the Nuggets are in for some video-game-like point totals without
Marcus Camby in the lineup this season, but what those fans do not acknowledge is Camby was a big part of the problem when it was time to man up and play good solid defense. He was physically incapable of guarding most centers in the post, he never challenged the ballhandler coming off screens, and he basically refused to play defense on the perimeter. Now, I have a question for you. What Nugget big man excels at those three areas?
The answer is Nene. (at right)
Most people forget how effective of a defender Nene can be. He has guarded every big man in the NBA from Shaq to Dirk Nowitzki and done it pretty well. I honestly believe the Nuggets can be a better defensive team this year than last year, partly due to the fact that Camby is gone.
How much better do they need to get? Lakers fans know the answer to that question better than anyone. The Nuggets provided about as much resistance as Belgium did in World War II in the face of L.A.'s offensive onslaught in the playoffs last season. The Lakers could have told the Nuggets exactly what they were going to do and the Nuggets still could not have stopped them. The good news is the Nuggets have an athletic team full of players capable of playing good team defense. Nene and Kenyon can cover any front-court duo as well as anyone. Carmelo Anthony is capable of playing solid defense. J.R. Smith has the athleticism and size to make things difficult for any shooting guard in the league. If AI is allowed to defend point guards, he can get the job done. The issue for this team is mental. Either they do not put forth the effort to play good defense ('Melo and AI) or they have no clue how to (J.R. Smith).
I believe the Nuggets will be more sound on defense this season, but not to the extent where they could handle teams like the Lakers, Jazz or Hornets. George Karl has tried to shift the focus to defense in training camp this season, and I believe to a certain extent the players are buying into that focus. Also, acquiring long athletic players like Renaldo Balkman, Chris "Birdman" Andersen and Dahntay Jones have given Karl the option to run some full court pressure and trapping schemes.
So yes, the defense should actually be better this season, but I seriously doubt they will ramp it up to the level it needs to be to finally make it out of the first round of the playoffs.
2)
Will the 'Melo-AI tandem finally work in ways that lead to significant wins?
They pile up points, but don't fit very well together, in my humble
estimation.
I think any hope for the 'Melo-AI duo to put up significant wins, and especially significant playoff wins, has left town. Both players claim that they love playing together and the pairing has opened things up so that scoring is as easy as ever, and there is some good evidence of that in their field goal percentages. Last season 'Melo shot a career high 49.2% and AI posted his highest shooting percentage -- 45.8%, to be exact -- since his second year in the league.
That is all well and good and maybe scoring is easier for both of them, but they have not made much of an impact on the NBA. The primary reason for that is a lack of team play on offense. I have tracked the Nuggets' half-court possessions during a couple of games last season, one of which was game one of the playoffs series against the Lakers, and found that on a majority of their half-court possessions they passed the ball two or fewer times. What is worse is the number of Laker fans strolling around town with Lamar Odom tattoos on their tuckus exceeds the number of possessions the Nuggets pass the
ball four times or more in a game.
'Melo is a major matchup nightmare for most teams, but the Nuggets rarely capitalized on the way 'Melo gets double-teamed in the post because he would make one pass and someone would shoot. Defenses had little problem rotating to cover one pass. Instead of passing and moving without the ball to get the defense out of position, AI would simply drive into the teeth of the defense. If a team passes the ball, players do not hesitate to give the ball up because they now they will get it back. That attitude fosters an environment of team play. Well, the opposite was true with the Nuggets. They knew if they passed the ball they might as well start jogging back on defense because it was about to be chucked toward the rim.
'Melo and AI both played in the All-Star Game and they were the highest scoring pair of teammates in the league, but they were never able to garner significant success together. The proof is in the pudding. The Nuggets are 1-8 in the playoffs while they have played together and they have yet to win a home playoff game during the Iverson era. That's right, the playoffs are like pudding.
I know Marcus Camby has claimed that he feels like he has been disrespected and made to be a scapegoat by the team. I think the Camby trade was actually an indictment of the AI trade. The front office has come to the conclusion that it did not work and it was time to begin a retooling process. With Iverson's contract expiring at the end of the year and the Nuggets possessing some nice young talent, the Nuggets are in position to avoid rebuilding and attempt to retool on the fly. And that brings us to .…
3) Along those lines, what are the chances AI finishes the season in another city?
The Nuggets' offseason moves have all pointed toward the future, whether it was trading their 2008 first-round pick to Charlotte in exchange for a future draft pick or sending Camby to the Clippers for a $10-million trade exception. If the Nuggets' front office was dating the team, they have decided that they are going to break up, but for now have just emotionally withdrawn themselves from the team. They know AI is going to be here for at least most of this season, but he will not be back next season.
If the Nuggets trade Iverson it will be part of a deal to save money. I do not think they will trade him just to trade him. Under the rules of the Collective Bargaining Agreement they can actually save a little over $4 million by trading Allen Iverson and bringing back the minimum allowable salary. The question is what team is willing to trade for Allen Iverson and add an additional $4 million in salary as part of the deal?
Because of the difficulty of finding a trading partner who would not only be willing to trade for AI, but also take on additional salary I am starting to believe Iverson will play the remainder of the season in Denver. The Nuggets are still a playoff contender and keeping Iverson around would not be such a horrible thing. The Nuggets were very fortunate that several different circumstances came together that allowed them to dump Camby's contract. I am not sure if the stars will align again for them to pull off a similar trick with Iverson.
4) J.R. Smith was prolific in only 19:11 mpg last season. Does he get more PT this season, and if so, how does that change the way Denver operates on both ends?
J.R. Smith will absolutely get more playing time this season. He took a major step forward last year in several areas. Not only did he play more under control, but he showed he can handle the ball, set up
teammates and actually give a hoot about defense.Smith should play around 28 to 30 minutes a game this season, and if he can crack the 30-
minute-a-game barrier he will put up at least 20 points a game (fantasy sleeper alert!). His development allows the Nuggets to do something important, and that is keep Anthony Carter and Chucky Atkins on the bench. Because both J.R. and AI can handle the ball, they can play in the backcourt together. That makes the Nuggets better on offense and defense. Smith is the best offensive third wheel in the league and he provides Denver with a tremendous shooter and finisher who can give defenses fits. Defensively, he eliminates the problem of playing a pint-sized backcourt. J.R. still has a lot to learn defensively as far as positioning and team principles, but he showed that he was willing to put the effort in to play defense while he is on the court and to tweak something Duke, Lady Jaye and Shipwreck used to tell me: effort is half the battle (well, actually it is more like 78% of the battle).
Look for J.R. to be in contention for both the most improved and sixth-man awards.
5) Where do you see them finishing, record-wise and in the playoff hunt?
I have been one of the few proponents for the Nuggets' chances this season. I foresee Nene remaining healthy, because even though he has missed two-thirds of the Nuggets games over the last three seasons, he is yet to suffer a truly debilitating injury and I like his chances to avoid coming down with cancer two seasons in a row. Also, as I pointed out above, Nene is a far better all around player than Camby. J.R. Smith is going to be better. Linas Kleiza should be an improved player. But the primary reason that I believe the Nuggets will surpass expectations is almost everyone has something to prove.
The whitewashing at the hands of the Lakers was the first time the Nuggets have been bounced from the first round and have not had an excuse. It was obvious to anyone who watched the series that the Lakers were trigonometry and the Nuggets were eighth-grade algebra. In the past they have been able to delude themselves that they were a bounce or two away from winning the series. Last year there was no
way they could fool themselves into believing things just did not go their way.I think you are going to see a more dedicated team this season and a more driven team. 'Melo has something to prove. Nene has something to prove. J.R. Smith has something to prove. Collectively, the team has something to prove. Even George Karl has something to prove. This is still a very talented team and even though they are not going to be contenders, I believe they will surpass expectations.
My prediction for the Nuggets this season is 47 wins and a sixth straight first round postseason exit.
I admire his optimism, but just don't see it. This year, Denver is on the outside looking in.
PROJECTION: Low-to-mid 40s in the win column, outside the top eight. Dangerous to play on individual nights, but over the long haul there's too much talent, not enough team.
Thanks again to Jeremy from www.pickaxeandroll.com for the great in-depth responses.
BK
If an officer ASKS you to step out of your car, you can say no!
Tricky part was that the officer said "Why don't you step out of the car"..technically he was asking.
Had Alston said he had nothing to drink, he could have just been ticketed for driving with no lights on.
(This is solely an opinion)
Posted by: never | October 24, 2008 at 12:20 PM
poor George Karl and his McNuggets.
Posted by: ajax | October 24, 2008 at 12:20 PM
FR.I OCT. 24 - LAKERS vs. OKLAHOMA CITY . MVP vs. MVP Lite!
ALL IS QUIET IN LAKERLAND THE FORCE IS IN BALANCE
Good morning Charles
Welcome Justin N, Lebanese Mike, Laker Phil , Darleen McCutcheon,
Good Morning Laker Nation 5 days till beginning of Kobe/Beast Dynasty
*
log Intro/Recap for the new bloggers & stragglers back from vacation/fishing
*
FAITH is the first name on Roll Call, For without FAITH you have nothing at all
FAITH’S in love with the Machine, The OUTLAW has reformed & gone Clean
FATTY taught Eddie Murphy the bizz, For repartee EXHELODRVR ‘s the best there is
PSYCHED & SIMI LAKER GIRLS mercy me, LAKERGurl was the first, now there’s 3
DICE8UP’s rolling sevens & flashing Bling , LAKER PHIL’s still mistaken for 9Rings
LEBANESE MIKE is our new foreign chief, Welcome him & don’t give him no grief
If ever you are down & felling blue, read CHARLES post he’ll make you good as new
JAMIE SWEET is oh oh so Sweet, LAKER TOM’s the best sports writer without a beat
RICK FRIEDMAN ‘s class all the way, Bruce Lee feared no man in life except JON K .
TOAD keeps the Trolls from Laker Land, PIG MILLER is the TOAD’s right hand man
BUTLER’s a new troll, leave he will not, ELLE is ELLE and that’s a ELLE of a lot ,
BOZZ ‘s post are always a blast, The Kings are foes but we like SONNY BELFAST
HMRHED knows what’s the score, EDWIN GUECO is still eloquent & my mentor
When Kwame left Mike T. shed a tear, TALIQ’s the Sheriff who keeps order up in here
JAY JAY will set you straight that’s no joke, LAKERMAN420 WILL gladly give you a toke
For news go to JUSTIN N., I hope the Lakers STAY_THIRSTY_MY_FRIEND
WOLF won’t bite except in his post, JESSIE is a loyal blogger on the EAST_COAST
RDLEE & ZAKEE are elders in Blogland , HELLRAISER is a (certified Mamba Fan)
DARLEEN McCUTCHEON’s a new poster, for wisdom go see CALIPHILOSOPHER
If all these names are becoming a haze to get set straight go see LAKERFAZE
If the world seems a lil colder, see chaplain utzworld THE BANNER HOLDER
NAJA aka BONUS keeps us free in IRAQ, I thank GOD the brother has our back
JUSTANIOTHERMAMBAFAN ‘s is head MAMBA , The Mamba clan voted for OBAMA
MAMBA24 head cjheerleader that’s me, JESTERGURU gives Info. & cheer for free
I better go now the blog Gods will make me pay, the recap concludes the 28th Opening day
There is only one thing left to do, If your names called holler out, this ROLL CALLS for you:
*
ROLLLLLLLL CALLLLLLLL!!!:
FAITH, Bob, KEIFO, VMan. Jay Jay, CHARLES, Edwin Gueco, Tsiry, FATTY, AngryLaker,
ThaShow, Tim-4Show, The-LakeShow, GenericOne, Pig Miller, Toad, Taliq, DICE8UP, TP
JAIME SWEET, Zakee, Cleon, SBPimp, The_D, Bozz, #4, , ELLE, HMRHed, JUSTIN N.
ComptonsFinest, LakerLEGACY, EXHELODRVR, LAKER TOM, RICK FRIEDMAN, JON K.
GRAIL, ERIC M. Big DAWG, NAJA aka BONUS, KOBE_BLITZ, NEVER, OUTLAW, 1978
RDLEE, TWOODY, HUGO_Boss, CORNER J, BAYWOOD, HUGO SPAIN, LAKER TRUTH
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utzworld THE BANNER HOLDER, DICE8UP, HTP, EAST_COAST_JESSIE, WOW, SAMLL
LAKER PHIL, LEBANESE MIKE, DK, WESsJoeNIXON, JUSTIN N., WOLF
BlackMamba24, BrownMamba24, WhiteMamba24, Mamba24Fan4Life, FanOfMamba,
JustAnotherMAMBAFAN, JustALakerFan, VI LakerFan, MR_BARNEY_DANGLES,JMAN
LAKER_Bake, LAKER_Larry, LAKERS4REALZ, LAKERSNZ, DAVE_M, JESTER_GURU
HELLRAISER(certified Mamba Fan) LAKERMAN_420, MAGIC_MAN, HOBBITMAGE
EVIL CARTMAN, DARLEEN MCCUTCHEON, TINIDORS, LAKERFanFromNY, BOBIE
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MICHIGAN_LAKER, PAUL_LEE, BENJAMIN, LAKER_HOLIC, YOU_EVER_NOTICE
WondahBap,Cyrus(Ventrilquist), MARTY, JANDRO, TRIO, Laker_HOPEFUL, AA_Loos
CriticalBeatDown, RealityBites, RESPECT_My_AUTHORITH, MITCHELL, EAGLE_Boy
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XTRO, GREEK_DUDE, MobWagoneer, PK-in-the-MESA, LAKAFoo, JHLANNERY
LakerFanCanada, ValleyLaker, CHRIS_H, SWETTUAL, Nemia Faletogo
LAKERKev, Reality_Check,PURPLE&GOLD4EVER, GDCHILD, Benny_BLANCA
BronxLakerFan ChitTownLaker, HoustonLaker, TexasLaker, BrazillianLaker,
*
ALL TOGETHER LET THE WORLD KNOW THAT A NEW DYNASTY IS HERE:
*
WE ARE THE FREAKIN LA LAKERS THE WINNERS OF 14 NBA TITLES.
THE TEAM WITH THE BEST WINNING PERCENTAGE IN NBA HISTORY.
THE ONLY TEAM WITH 2 HOF COACHES. THE TEAM WITH THE MOST
PLAYERS ON THE 50 GREATEST PLAYERS OF ALL TIME LIST(6). THE
HOME OF THE REIGNING AND FUTURE MVP – KOBE BRYANT. THE
HOME OF WILT, KAREEM, GEORGE MIKAN, SHAQ, MAGIC, ELGIN BAYLOR,
THE LOGO(JERRY WEST), PAT RILEY, JAMES WORTHY, BOB MCADOO,
"BIG SHOT ROB HORRY" GAIL GOODRICH THE LEGENDARY SPORTSCASTER
CHICK HEARN COACHED BY 9 TIME TITLE WINNER PHIL (9RINGS) JACKSON
& OWNED BY THE BEST D@MN OWNER IN SPORTS DR. JERRY BUSS
AND THE ONLY ONE WHO CAN EVER DEFEAT OR DIVIDE US IS US
LAKERS TODAY RLAKERS TOMORROW LAKERS FOREVER
Posted by: Mamba24 | October 24, 2008 at 12:26 PM
We will kick their arse in the playoffs. Again.
All I need to know lol.
Posted by: Faith | October 24, 2008 at 12:30 PM
lol Mamba24. I love it!
Gotta have faith! And Sasha love.
Posted by: Faith | October 24, 2008 at 12:35 PM
Here's a link to what Jon is referencing...
http://tinyurl.com/6ybl33
BK
Posted by: Brian Kamenetzky | October 24, 2008 at 01:08 PM
As long as JR Smith is on the Nuggets they will suck. JR Smith is like Von Wafer and Smush Parker combined with a little more athleticism. He just jacks up shots and he isn't very smart. I remember a few games that he lost all by himself last year. He sucks just like the Nuggets and their horrible fans...
Lamar = 6th man of the year
GO LAKERS
Posted by: mrbarneydangles | October 24, 2008 at 01:17 PM
Anybody that plays Guitar Hero is a geek in my book. Kobe is a geek. The commercial with Tony Hawk, Phelps, A-rod and Kobe is pretty cool though. Kobe was finally funny for once in his life
As far as Simmons saying Kobe's low post skills is not up to par, he needs to show me anyone on the Celtics that even comes close to have any low post skills. Kobe is the best guard and small forward in the league with low post skills. Even Lebron does not have any lost post skills. The Celtics did a great job staying at home with Lebron, which they also did with Kobe, plain and simple.
Posted by: wow | October 24, 2008 at 01:23 PM
This dude is talking about Melo and JR Smith playing good defense?
Sure they have the ability but what reason do we have to believe that they will?
And AI has only been interested in playing for steals since he was in Philly.
Posted by: Xodus | October 24, 2008 at 01:37 PM
Funny commercial with Kobe, Tony Hawk, A-Rod and Phelps:
http://tinyurl.com/554xn8
Posted by: Xodus | October 24, 2008 at 01:39 PM
Jon K --
Re Arena from last thread :
They have a minor league hockey team -- the Reighn (Kings) and i believe that the Defenders will be playing there --
They also have concerts lined up.
Posted by: HmrHed | October 24, 2008 at 02:01 PM
lol. Why is Kobe the only one with shorts?
Wonder if he put that on his contract.
Posted by: Faith | October 24, 2008 at 02:08 PM
HmrHed,
That's cool. How many does the arena seat?
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | October 24, 2008 at 02:19 PM
Woot! I made the roll call again this year awesome thanks mamba!
Kobe rocks the mic in this commercial! sweetness
http://tinyurl.com/6rucao
Posted by: Chris H. | October 24, 2008 at 02:38 PM
About 9,500 -- The Lakers will be the inaugural event tonight. Hopefully they don't need tape on the baskets.
Posted by: HmrHed | October 24, 2008 at 02:54 PM
Mamba24,
You are, my friend, in prime mid-season form. Thanks for the epic roll call. All is right in the world. Except for what is left.
Go Lake Show!
Posted by: The Outlaw | October 24, 2008 at 03:15 PM
As much as my natural instinct is to hate that Rock Band spot (it's directed by Brett Ratner, who's both a hack and one of Hollywood's biggest ass hat personalities), I gotta admit, that's pretty entertaining.
AK
Posted by: Andrew Kamenetzky | October 24, 2008 at 03:19 PM
Looks like the Lakers, especially Kobe and Drew has one big fan supporting them:
http://tinyurl.com/6xt3cr
-blitz
Posted by: kobeblitz | October 24, 2008 at 03:24 PM
"This dude is talking about Melo and JR Smith playing good defense?
Sure they have the ability but what reason do we have to believe that they will?
And AI has only been interested in playing for steals since he was in Philly."
Good post Xodus,
Melo couldn't play a nickel of defense in the Olympics and Lebron a few times had to play the 4 because of Melo's weaknesses at defense.
AI isn't the near 3 steals a night guy that he used to be under Larry Brown. Besides he would get killed if he had to guard SG all the time. He can't guard SG and the PG that has to guard opposing SG is Aaron Carter who is okay at defense but isn't the defender that Eric Snow was that allowed Iverson to play SG. And Iverson hates playing point guard.
-blitz
Posted by: kobeblitz | October 24, 2008 at 03:38 PM
HAPPY 21ST BIRTHDAY ANDREW BYNUM
From the Orange County Register
http://tinyurl.com/5q8aq2
Excellent article on how Andrew is focusing on basketball first, his birthday second, and his contract third. This kid has his head on straight. You have to just love his attitude. There is no way that the Lakers let him become a free agent in my opinion.
Here are some quotes:
>>>>>
Basketball comes first. He can't wait to get what he expects will be a "strange" season-opening game against Portland (and another rising star center in Greg Oden) out of the way after not having played a real game since his knee gave out in January. Bynum's passion for the game is categorically underrated, and he wants nothing more than to get back to building his basketball legend.
He is pretty keyed up about the birthday party and seeing his friends, too. But the contract? Not so much.
"I don't really care, man," he said Monday. "I just want to come out and play basketball. That's all I really want to do."
Lakers coach Phil Jackson praised Bynum for being able to ignore the possible distraction of his contract, taking a break from his usual public nitpicking of Bynum's every shortcoming. (Even though Bynum rarely reads his press clippings, Jackson is well aware that reporters will tote "Phil said …" remarks over and ask Bynum about them, putting some useful public pressure on the Lakers' prized prospect.)
Even the coaching staff hasn't been able to complain about Bynum in the past week as he has elevated his level of intensity throughout practice. For the record, though, Bynum quietly soldiered on through the scare of some swelling in his surgically repaired left knee a week ago and a lung-clogging bout with the flu before that.
>>>>>
Tom
Posted by: LakerTom | October 24, 2008 at 03:45 PM
AK,
"As much as my natural instinct is to hate that Rock Band spot (it's directed by Brett Ratner, who's both a hack and one of Hollywood's biggest ass hat personalities)"
Stop mincing words and tell us how you really feel. haha
Posted by: Xodus | October 24, 2008 at 03:54 PM
LakerTom,
Thanks for the link. Kevin Ding has been covering the hell out of the Lakers so far. His coverage is killing the LA Times (AK/BK not withstanding, haha).
Posted by: Xodus | October 24, 2008 at 03:58 PM
xodus,
watched that at work so no volume but pretty hilarious still ... gonna crank up the volume when i get home
blitz,
I think we should just start calling Shaq the big erratic ... loves ya today, hates u tommorrow
LakerTom,
"no way the lakers allow him to become a free agent" ... we all agree with that, all we've been telling u is he doesn't get a max deal by the 31st ... he gets less or he finaly plays a full quality season and gets the max next summer ... kapish ... thnx for the link though
Posted by: Taliq | October 24, 2008 at 04:07 PM
blitz
Thanks for the link!
Why now?
I used to like Shaq when he was a great team Camaraderie kind of guy. Jolly and quick tounged, defended his teamates in Physical confrontations (Example: The Whole Sacramento Team vs Fox in the Tunnel in his Ghetto Fab Pajamas etc...) Calling them queens in a wife beater tank with an over sized see through Do-Rag...
But the way he left the Lakers was in mal content.
Ditto about the 3 peat Lakers staying together. Instead of paying Slava, they should've kept Bob Horry despite his bad shooting the playoff year before. (Plus a hand injury) Horry was a great match for Wallace (Effort and Length wise not Sta wise) If our C-PF's had Shaq, Malone-injured, Horace Grant-injured, and Horry we would have gave ourselves a fighting chance.
Anyways, that was Lakers vs. Lakers then and more importantly props to Larry Brown for taking over the team that Rick Carlisle (spelling)developed and LB took over the top.
I'll take it as positive spin and appreciate the kudos for Kobe and Drew. But wasn't it during the summer time that Shaq made a horrible pseudo-freestyle asking Kobe how his a$% taste? Season wise, it is still hot here in LA and summer hasn't left.
Former Shaq Guy, Charles.
Posted by: | October 24, 2008 at 04:08 PM
I'm happy to read that article on Shaq. It really sucks not being able to fully be a Shaq fan because of the "beef" with Kobe and the Lakers. I want Shaq's jersey to get retired and for him to be remembered as a Laker (he will) and for him to come back to all the old timer events and just have a good relationship with the Lakers as a whole.
His whole Kobe rap was ridiculous and so was the whole soap opera with Kobe while they were playing together. Hopefully everyone can just put all that behind and remember Shaq for what he was, a Laker great.
Lamar = 6th man of the year
GO LAKERS
Posted by: mrbarneydangles | October 24, 2008 at 04:21 PM
Fatty!!! You're an IE guy??? Ontario? For real?!?! I'm from Ontario's not so illustrious neighbor Pomona. P-Town's in the heezay baby.
Hmrhed, You from the area too?
You guys going tonight?
I'm there! Way on up in Section 206.
Posted by: magicman | October 24, 2008 at 04:23 PM
Mamba,
Loved the intro section for returning bloggers. One more pre-season game and then we play for real. Good to see you with your game already in regular season form, Larry. Keep it up. Go, Lakers. Let’s end the pre-season with our 6th win in a row. Then bring on the Blazers. I have a hunch we are going to start out hot like Boston did last year at 28-3 or something like that. Bring on the Game 1 Roll Call.
Tom
Posted by: LakerTom | October 24, 2008 at 04:24 PM
magicman,
Moved to the IE a few years back -- not going tonight, but will be watching.
Posted by: HmrHed | October 24, 2008 at 04:41 PM
Terry Porter, the suns new coach, told ESPN that the Daddy "May" need to sit out the second of back-to-back games to "preserve" him for the playoffs.
I put the over/under on games played for shaq at 60.
Posted by: Eric M. | October 24, 2008 at 05:04 PM
Present!
Anyone know if Kobe is playing tonite?
Posted by: Justin N. | October 24, 2008 at 05:10 PM
Hmrhed... Cool deal. I'll drink one of them 5 dollar beers for ya.
I got out of Pomona and managed to made it all the way to Chino... lol
Nice to see this new arena built and open. With band like Metallica coming to town and even (gasp) Niel Diamond, this place should be good for the local economy and the area in general. Now we don't have to drive for an hour or so to go see a show.
p.s. I'm pretty proud to have our Lakers christen this place. It just don't get no better than that.
Posted by: magicman | October 24, 2008 at 05:12 PM
magicman
I was raised in Pomona and then moved to Ontario for High School and to get away from the crime. lol
Moved to Arizona in 1989 and will be moving back to socal in two years.
I wish I was at the game, I know I would see a bunch of old friends.
My brother when he was the Mayor of Ontario, came up with the idea to build an arena to attract the Clips to move out. I told him he was nuts, it would never happen. lol
Posted by: Fatty | October 24, 2008 at 05:40 PM
Wow, Lakers are playing in the stadium located at the heart of Inland Empire- Ontario. it's about time the people of San Berdo' get recognition truly deserved. They have been left behind by their sister counties LA County and Orange and Ventura when if fact, Route 66 passed along San Bernardino County. All we hear about SBC are brush fires and snow resort during winter. This is the biggest county throughout the United States in terms of land area from desert, lakes, mountain ranges along the famous San Andreas fault, golf links, international airport owned by LAX and most all, Laker fans since time immemorial.
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | October 24, 2008 at 06:59 PM
Lakers per KCAL9...
Sasha and Kobe are playing tonight.
"If you've played in the league as long as he has, you know your body. If he wants to try it out, he'll try it out" -- PJ
Posted by: Faith | October 24, 2008 at 07:05 PM
How about this idea? If after the first two weeks of Nov., the Lakers are on sweet sailing, Kobe should take a hospital leave and repair the pinkie, heal that knee and come back by Christmas. I think Lakers of today will alstill be in the hunt. Right now, it is all about Kobe's macho mind over pain which is OK in identifying the man, the heart of an MVP... but not a best move in traveling overseas (that represents the long season) knowingly taking the plane that has defective parts. We didn't get a 100% Kobe in the last Finals, it could become another wild card if they go again beyond the Western Championship. Just an idea.
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | October 24, 2008 at 07:13 PM
I LOVE THOSE ROLL CALLS...
ALRIGHT!!!!!
BRING PROTLAND ON! BRING IT ON! COMMON... BRING IT OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOONNNNNNNNNNN!!!!!!
I'M GETTING CRAZY........ 4 DAYYYYYYYYYYYSSSSSSSS..
4 DAYYYYYYYYYYYSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: dice8up | October 24, 2008 at 07:35 PM
Kobe back to back easy 3s. I think he's ok lol.
Posted by: Faith | October 24, 2008 at 07:40 PM
do u have link for tonites game?
Posted by: joseph_toronto | October 24, 2008 at 07:40 PM
Tonight's game:
http://www.justin.tv/socluis90
Pretty good audio quality.
Posted by: MiloRambaldi | October 24, 2008 at 07:41 PM
Links for the game at
http://www.rojadirecta.org/
enjoy!
Posted by: HugoSpain | October 24, 2008 at 07:41 PM
Lakers kicking butt. Looking so impressive!
Though the score doesn't say it yet.
Posted by: Faith | October 24, 2008 at 07:45 PM
Bynum knows how to score! alley-oop!
Posted by: HugoSpain | October 24, 2008 at 07:45 PM
Edwin,
Kobe wouldn't be coming back by Christmas if he got the surgery in mid-November. He said the recovery would be 12 weeks so he wouldn't be back until February.
Posted by: Xodus | October 24, 2008 at 07:46 PM
Whoa...
Dunk fest for Bynum tonight early on. Everyone looks really good, especially the passing.
Lamar = 6th man of the year
GO LAKERS
Posted by: mrbarneydangles | October 24, 2008 at 07:55 PM
Wow B-Y-N-U-M!!!!! Fisher takes the assist again.
Posted by: HugoSpain | October 24, 2008 at 07:55 PM
first quarter of this game reminds me of the Showtime Lakers. Offense looks so fluid and they really don't care much about defense at this point.
Those alley-oops to Bynum have been impressive.
Posted by: MiloRambaldi | October 24, 2008 at 07:56 PM
Wow. The. Lakers. Are. Going. To. Kick. Serious. Butt. This. Year.
No question.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: justanothermambafan | October 24, 2008 at 07:56 PM
That lefthanded turnaround hook from Drew looked ugly, but I like seeing him try things like that.
BK
Posted by: Brian Kamenetzky | October 24, 2008 at 07:57 PM
After reading about Jordan's attitude problems...not listening to the coaches and all before...I wonder how much Fish has to do with him changing.
Being a better player, a different attitude. I'm guessing a lot.
Fish is a guy you just respect on sight.
Posted by: Faith | October 24, 2008 at 08:00 PM
Shasa is in the court, let´s see if he is a little rusty or game ready.
Posted by: HugoSpain | October 24, 2008 at 08:00 PM
BK - thanks for clarifying that. I was wondering what that move was - LOL!
Posted by: justanothermambafan | October 24, 2008 at 08:05 PM
Hopefully the Nuggets will implode and decide to blow up the team. If they make Melo available, the Lakers should offer LO. My preference would be to keep LO for the year, but if they could get a bona fide All Star like Melo, I think Mitch should jump on it. Melo would be able to take the scoring burden off of Kobe and be the clear #2 option. Of course, the odds of this happening are slim to none, but it's fun to dream.
Posted by: EJK | October 24, 2008 at 08:06 PM
Lamar cannot handle the rock
and now Lamar's Anthem
I COULD BE A BETTER BALLER
IF MY HEAD WAS ONLY SMALLER
IT JUST GETS IN THE WAY
dodo dodo dodo
I WOULD FLY THROUGH THE AIR WITH EASE
AND DUNK IT WITH AUTHORITY
IF I ONLY HAD A BRAIN
I COULD BE A BETTER SHOOTER
BUT I'D RATHER BE AT HOOTERS
DRINKING BEFORE A GAME
dodo dodo dodo
I WOULD MAKE ALL MY 3 POINT SHOTS
BUT HANGOVERS BLUR MY VISION LOTS
IF I ONLY HAD A BRAIN
THEY SAY I COULD BE MAGIC
BUT THAT WOULD BE JUST TRAGIC
TO DRIBBLE MY LIFE AWAY
dodo dodo dodo
SO I'LL TOKE AND TOKE THE CHRONIC
WHO CARES IF IT MAKES ME MORONIC
IT'S ONLY JUST A GAME
Posted by: Troll Man | October 24, 2008 at 08:06 PM
I think that fake Farmar just pulled off was the best one I've ever seen by him. VERY NICE!
Posted by: justanothermambafan | October 24, 2008 at 08:12 PM
Is there a link that does not break up...?
justintv is lagging...
I think stoogetv is better.. but they are not offering it for free these days...
Wow farmar is Rocking...
Posted by: dice8up | October 24, 2008 at 08:14 PM
Jordan Farmar...
WOW! his game has really shot up this year. Let's see how he does in the regular season, but for now, he's taken that step to become a good starter in the league.
Jordan looks like he's going to perhaps win the battle of minutes with Fish (although Fish most likely will start until his contract is up).
Maybe LakerTom WAS right?
Posted by: socalife | October 24, 2008 at 08:14 PM
Shasah doesn't have a game speed yet...
Posted by: dice8up | October 24, 2008 at 08:16 PM
Lakers looked sharp early. They ran a lot of plays for Bynum after Kobe opened things up on the perimeter. Last part of the first quarter got a little rough and sloppy. I hate that the team still can't play with a lead, something that's plagued them the past couple of seasons (and was one of their downfalls last year in the Finals).
Farmar reminds me more and more of Tony Parker every day.
Posted by: lakers_sth | October 24, 2008 at 08:16 PM
Luke Walton hits an open jumper? Good things ahead??
Posted by: SBPimp | October 24, 2008 at 08:22 PM
farmer looks poised for a break out season
Posted by: bonez | October 24, 2008 at 08:23 PM
Farmar is going to be very good this season. There's no question who the best point guard on the team is if he keeps this up for a whole season (I think he will after the experience he gained last year). That doesn't mean he should start this season. His style fits better with the uptempo second-unit, but he's going to be awesome this year.
Posted by: Xodus | October 24, 2008 at 08:24 PM
why can't they hold onto the lead?
Defense. Lack of it. In several plays, you can see Jordan just let his man go on by. I'm very happy with his offense, disgusted with our overall defense.
Posted by: Faith | October 24, 2008 at 08:25 PM
dice8up - I agree - not much speed....a little rusty....looking kind of winded....but at least his hair was in place and he's got a better head band this year too - LOL!!
I guess we should cut him some slack until he's played a few though...
Posted by: justanothermambafan | October 24, 2008 at 08:25 PM
Try here
http://www.rojadirecta.org/
Posted by: HugoSpain | October 24, 2008 at 08:26 PM
Drew needs to get in better position under the offensive glass. He's not getting any rebounds. Dunks - yah.....but no rebounds when the shot goes up & misses....
Posted by: justanothermambafan | October 24, 2008 at 08:28 PM
Sightings of the SKY HOOK????
BEGIN THE YEAR OF THE BEAST!!
Posted by: SBPimp | October 24, 2008 at 08:30 PM
Fish learned a few tricks from Farmar. haha
Posted by: Xodus | October 24, 2008 at 08:32 PM
Interior D around Bynum is STELLAR.
DID YOU SEE THAT D-FISH MOVE?!?!?!? Dude looks like he's the one who's 20 years old.
Posted by: SBPimp | October 24, 2008 at 08:32 PM
Derek Fisher in a laker uniform is a gift. Seriously.
Posted by: Faith | October 24, 2008 at 08:36 PM
ARIZA!!!!
Posted by: bonez | October 24, 2008 at 08:37 PM
Hey Mamba. Don't forget old bandit on the next roll call would apprciate it:) L.A. doing good against OKC!
Posted by: LakerBandit | October 24, 2008 at 08:38 PM
OMG - that dunk by Ariza was swwweeeeeeeetttt!!!
Did you see the look on Rambis' face after that? It was like "I didn't know you could do THAT"!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: justanothermambafan | October 24, 2008 at 08:39 PM
SIck sick sick Arisa Jam.... and Bynum did want to be left bahind...
Posted by: dice8up | October 24, 2008 at 08:40 PM
Trevor Ariza CLEARED FOR TAKEOFF!
THE BEAST stuffs the alley oop from Radman...
DOES IT GET ANY BETTER?????
Thank freaking God the season is starting and we can start racking up the Ws.
Posted by: SBPimp | October 24, 2008 at 08:40 PM
MY bad just saw my name on the list! Rock on showtime version 09!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: LakerBandit | October 24, 2008 at 08:41 PM
Another justintv link that seems to be better:
http://www.justin.tv/terminatorr2
Posted by: MiloRambaldi | October 24, 2008 at 08:41 PM
The defense is not intense though... I would love to see a more hard nose defense... just good old fashion defense....
Posted by: dice8up | October 24, 2008 at 08:41 PM
Jalen Rose points are good.. the man knows how to give a comment.. way to go...
Go Lakers!
Posted by: dice8up | October 24, 2008 at 08:50 PM
Beautiful more by Andrew.. beautiful!
Posted by: dice8up | October 24, 2008 at 09:06 PM
This lineup that is starting the third quarter looks really stale offensively. Bunch of 6'10" and over guys, and Fish. I think they're just ready for the preseason to be over. They look really disinterested out there.
Posted by: lakers_sth | October 24, 2008 at 09:07 PM
Waitaminute. Why isn't Wilcox playing?
Posted by: lakers_sth | October 24, 2008 at 09:12 PM
Trevor Ariza and Bynum can dunk from a distance. They are never out of range! This makes them formidable weapons.
GOOoooOOO LAKERS!!!
Posted by: JohnnyP | October 24, 2008 at 09:19 PM
WOOOOW!!!! BIG line up for the lakers!!!! Put Bryant instead of Derek and you have a very tall line up.
Posted by: TinidorS | October 24, 2008 at 09:20 PM
In the world of the commenting mortals, below the realm of AK/BK. Mamba24 and Tom are the alpha and the omega.
GOoooOOO LAKERS!!
Posted by: JohnnyP | October 24, 2008 at 09:23 PM
Did you see that by Bynum???
Did he just say 23 for Bynum?????
Breakout Bynum that's a respectable ppg AND ITS ONLY THE END OF THE 3RD.
GOOOooOOOOO LAKERS!!!
Posted by: JohnnyP | October 24, 2008 at 09:30 PM
Eating my words has never tasted this good. Luke has had a respectable couple of games.
GOOOoooOOO LAKERS!!
Posted by: JohnnyP | October 24, 2008 at 09:36 PM
Mihm was at fault with the fancy pass from Farmer and the one from Luke. He needs to get those passes.
GOOOooOO LAKERS!!!!
Posted by: JohnnyP | October 24, 2008 at 09:38 PM
Uuooop,
Mihm made a nice catch from Sasha. All is right in Lakers' world.
GOOoooOOO LAKERS!!
Posted by: JohnnyP | October 24, 2008 at 09:39 PM
AK/BK - are you guys out there?
Posted by: justanothermambafan | October 24, 2008 at 09:47 PM
Where are the dudes that were saying Mbenga could have helped us in the Finals?
I don't know what they were seeing. Mbenga is terrible.
Posted by: Xodus | October 24, 2008 at 09:48 PM
Drew had more opportunities since Kobe played for like 6 min and the Lakers went to more post plays.
He had a nice game and even showed a good jump shot.
Farmar may had 7 turnovers but some were passed to Mihm that should have been caught by Mihm
-blitz
Posted by: kobeblitz | October 24, 2008 at 09:57 PM
Never mind - that was weird. The thread hasn't udated for over 2 hours on my machine. Not sure what happened there.....
Posted by: justanothermambafan | October 24, 2008 at 09:58 PM
Eating more words!!!
SUN YUE!!!
GoooOOOooooOOOOOO LAKERS!!!
Posted by: JohnnyP | October 24, 2008 at 10:05 PM
Haha, a little shake n' bake from Sun to wrap up the preseason... you're still gonna have to carry the bags, rook.
Posted by: dave m | October 24, 2008 at 10:07 PM
LakerTom,
"no way the lakers allow him to become a free agent" ... we all agree with that, all we've been telling u is he doesn't get a max deal by the 31st ... he gets less or he finaly plays a full quality season and gets the max next summer ... kapish ... thnx for the link though
Posted by: Taliq | October 24, 2008 at 04:07 PM
======================
LakerTom
Funny how only some Laker bloggers say AB has to prove himself and play injury free. Lakers FO said he's 100% Drew said he's 100% but needs his timing. Of course his agent says he is 100%. So that leqaves the bloggers left as unsure.
Notice in tonights game the announcers said AB gets max contract and any one who represents can get him max contract.
Just another side of the tale.
Posted by: JustaLakerFan | October 24, 2008 at 10:30 PM
glad to see the lakers coming together this way. hope that they can bring this all the way to the finals and get us the championship!
Posted by: grail | October 24, 2008 at 10:35 PM
Where are the dudes that were saying Mbenga could have helped us in the Finals?
I don't know what they were seeing. Mbenga is terrible.
Posted by: Xodus | October 24, 2008 at 09:48 PM
==========================
I'm here. So you pick a game he gets a lot of fouls called on him. Did you notice they were HARD fouls? You don't think a few hard elbows into Garnetts chest would not have made a difference even if Mbenga fouls out? How about a few elbows into crying wheelchair riding PP?
He played well in the other games he played. Even tonight he allowed less penetration than Mihm did.
Lakers thought enough of him to give him guaranteed contract. What say you now?
Posted by: JustaLakerFan | October 24, 2008 at 10:36 PM
i dont know if anyone has posted this yet, but i just saw this right now... and its HILARIOUS
watch it for a SURPRISE! haha you wont regret it.
http://tinyurl.com/6y5hd3
Posted by: k824 | October 24, 2008 at 10:46 PM
thanks K8-
Posted it in a new thread.
BK
Posted by: Brian Kamenetzky | October 24, 2008 at 11:07 PM
I don't know about you guys, but I miss Ronny's dancing on the bench. The bench mob is not the same without him. We clearly need a successor to Ronny and Mark Madsen - this proud line of goofy bench players. I don't see anyone on the current roster who is worthy. Perhaps Sun Yue could stay on the active roster by breaking into a dance on the bench every game.
Posted by: EJK | October 24, 2008 at 11:32 PM