Simmons on Baylor

Either, that was a bad break between the two parties.

To think that Baylor left right when the Clips are ready to assume control of Staples!

I think the Clips will bring some real power and physicality in the frontcourt. Camby and Kaman are stronger and more experienced than the lakers' C and PF. And don't think Baron isn't planning to take apart the lakers' suspect perimeter D. Maybe Lam-Od will guard Baron??

Good Morning Family! All rise!

Now Elgin is the guy I want playing along side Mr. 24. That 38/19/5 (or so) stat line is monsterous. That's what we need, a guy like that beside Kobe fighting crime and saving school kids and what not.

He reminds me of Giant Robot, from Voyage into Space. Anyone remember? Circa 1970 or so? OH my...so sad and terrifying...the power of a sidekick like Elgin Baylor or Giant robot.

See for yourself: (and don't bother holding onto those tears, what's meant to fall shall fall.)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KNmeixYw9m0

Wes

BUTLER,

The threat will be Portland and maybe with Health and Chemistry favors Houston.

BUTLER,

"To think that Baylor left right when the Clips are ready to assume control of Staples!"

You need to drop whatever your day job is (village idiot?) and get into stand-up comedy.

Butler,

I guess not Portland with all the early injuries?

http://tinyurl.com/53eusl

BUTT-ler

Like always, you're utterly delusional.

Keep entertaining us with your B.S. posts.

BTW, can't wait for the game tonight, I'm looking forward to seeing Pau-Bynum combo on the court this time, i certainly hope it would work.

GO LAKERS!!

Butler,

We don't need an update on the Phoenix Suns. If you haven't heard they have never won anything. We don't care about the Grizzlies, T-Wolves or the Suns.

I do know why you are here on the Laker Blog. AZ blog has been turned into a Laker Site. What happend you get run off from all the Laker fans?

Celtics 17 NBA Titles
Lakers 14 NBA Titles
Suns......0 NBA Titles

I do have to admit I did purchase the League Pass so I could watch Shaq at the free throw line this year. I have to say watching POP embarress Shaq and sending him to the line in the playoffs was gratifying and very enjoyable to watch. I don't want to miss the agony and misery on the Suns faces when he goes to the line anylonger. NBA is Fantastic!

BD

I like that Camby and Kaman can co-exist together and Aldridge and Oden can co-exist together, both without issue. And it's a given - they are the best players to put out on the floor and impose their size advantage over most teams. Yet the probable starting front court is LO and Gasol. So, the Lakers would rather have a length disadvantage at PF and a bulk/strength disadvantage at C. Sounds like the Finals all over again.

Here's what's great about having two guys of that size and skill at those positions. You can't collapse on them. With Gasol on the floor, no way Bynum has to constantly play through 2-3 other guys.

What I find interesting is that even though Bynum is such a "story" this pre-season - meaning he's hosting a lot of interviews, having articles written about him, taking media photos with Pau and Kobe - none of the reporters are finding out exactly why they aren't trying to work out that tandem on the court against other teams. In practice, Pau and Bynum were going up against players way smaller and much less skilled then they are. How about throwing them in there tonight against Kaman and Camby and see how that works out.

Here's my prediction - tonight will be an alley-oop fest with Baron on the floor and Camby will have something like 8 blocks since he can sag off LO all day long.

Just making sure you're listening...

Well, looks like Oden is a beast already. Fernandez is really something. As we all know, though, injuries are the equalizer in this league. If Portland stays healthy they could be potent. You have to love it though when GS destroys them and tempers the blazermania a bit.

I'm sure there'll be surprises this season. The 76ers look tough. And the Knicks will win the east easily with D'ANTONI at the helm...ha ha..

The Clips might just be better than everyone's thinking. Their wings are a bit thin but Baron will be making some noise for sure.

Vote for Lamar for Shawn Marion?

Yes!
No?

BD sez:

"I do have to admit I did purchase the League Pass so I could watch Shaq at the free throw line this year. I have to say watching POP embarress Shaq and sending him to the line in the playoffs was gratifying and very enjoyable to watch. I don't want to miss the agony and misery on the Suns faces when he goes to the line anylonger. NBA is Fantastic!"

That was something which Avery Johnson should have done as well, don't you think? Dallas had the recipe for defeating Shack but Pop is the pragmatist amongst coaches I guess.

Speaking of league pass, I can't afford it. But luckily the Finals were on network so rest assured that SUNS fans like myself enjoyed an extremely entertaining Boston victory!

BTW, Boston will be even better this season come the playoffs if they stay healthy. Their bench is awesome.

I was in Vegas last year when Tim Duncan hit that 3pointer against the Suns. It was awesome. I was especially stoked when the Suns got run off of the court in game three by 16 points. David Thorpe had some great things to say about the superior Spurs in that game:

"When a team accomplishes its three main goals and still gets crushed, at home, in a must win game, it becomes obvious that it is severely outclassed by its opponent"

That was especially enjoyable.

Psychologist,

The comment in question was removed. It shouldn't have gone through in the first place. Thanks for bringing our attention to it.

AK

B.K

Is there a reason you guys don't post (new thread), whenever you guys start a new one. That way dorks like me don't keep refreshing on the old thread, just to find out you guys are 30 posts deep into the new one. Not all of us are like butler, you know and the first to post on every new thread of the team that I'm jealous of and absolutely hate, but really love. Is there, is there a reason you don't do that?

The Lakers organization is like a smart, beutiful, classy woman.

A perfect 10 who is worthy of the best life has to offer her.

Lamar Odom is like her d*ckead boyfriend who she swares will change.

We've all seen it. "He's getting better. Really!" But you know he never will.

I hate aholes like that.

Jon K,

>>>>>Where the hell is Laker Tom?

Working his butt off to keep Mrs. LakerTom in the lifestyle she is accustomed to. LOL.

**********

Eric M,

>>>>>He's still pouting because AB didn't start yesterdays game. LOL

LMAO. That was pretty funny, Eric. Needless to say, I thought it was ridiculous for Phil to not start Drew but no matter what he conjures up, he will not be able to keep the A-Train out of the starting lineup. Good to see you keeping your humor considering. LOL.

Tom

WELCOME LAKER NATION TO DAY 2 OF THE BEGINNING OF THE MAMBA/BEAST DYNASTY
Thur October 9, 2008 The Force is in balance GAME 2 will begin shortly

Good morning Charles
Good Morning Taliq here’s your badge and gun Sheriff
Good morning Laker Nation
*****
Thur Oct. 9 THOSE WHO FORGET THE PAST ARE CONDEMNED TO REPEAT IT.
http://tinyurl.com/4slstb
*****
THE DAWNING OF A NEW DYNASTY BEGINS RIGHT NOW !!!!
LOS ANGELES LAKERS, LAKER NATION HEAR MY PLEA!!
HISTORY AWAITS YOU, GOD CONSECRATES YOU.
GO FORTH AND CLAIM WHAT IS ALREADY YOURS.
WHY? BECAUSE WE ARE THE FREAKIN LA LAKERS
AND ..... IT’S ALREADY DONE!!

AND NOW YOUR STARTING WESTERN CONFERENCE CHAMPION LINEUP:
At small forward # 7 Lamar Odom
At strong forward # 16 Pau Gasol
At guard # 2 Derick Fisher
At center # 17 ANDREW THE BEAST BYNUMMMMMMMMMMMMM
AND AT GUARD THE 2008 MVP , KOBE BRYYYYYYYANNNNNNNNT

ROLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL CALLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL: ** NAJA aka BONUS **
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ALL TOGETHER LET THE WORLD KNOW THAT A NEW DYNASTY IS HERE:
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& 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 LAKERS TOMORROW LAKERS FOREVER
Posted by: MAMBA24 | October 07, 2008 at 10:15 AM

I'm hoping Bynum keeps up the good work tonight and that Odom can look somewhat in the game. I know Odom will be fine by the start of the season, I would just like to see him show up sooner than later.

Lamar = Laker for Life

GO LAKERS

Posted by: lakers_sth | October 09, 2008 at 09:50 AM

"What I find interesting is that even though Bynum is such a "story" this pre-season - meaning he's hosting a lot of interviews, having articles written about him, taking media photos with Pau and Kobe - none of the reporters are finding out exactly why they aren't trying to work out that tandem on the court against other teams. In practice, Pau and Bynum were going up against players way smaller and much less skilled then they are. How about throwing them in there tonight against Kaman and Camby and see how that works out."

Come on it was the first pre-season game....calm down a little will ya. Yes they have been practicing together it is tottaly diffrent than playing in game.

Think of it like learning your Multiplication tables...you start of with low numbers to get the hang of it, then move on to bigger higher numbers until the point where you can do it in your head. They don't just throw you a peice of paper in 2nd Grade and say multiply 36 x 48...you buld up to that.
Lets not forget that this is Drew's first game back since his injury so his timing is not all there. Which also contributes to how they both perform on the floor at full speed.

All I'm saying is just wait for it..it will come in due time, and when it does its gonna be friggen' sweet.

"Here's my prediction - tonight will be an alley-oop fest with Baron on the floor and Camby will have something like 8 blocks since he can sag off LO all day long."

Even if it is who cares....the Lakers will probably play their starters for like 20 mintues and bench them. The only exception being Drew who as I stated before needs to get into game shape and get his timing back. The rest of the game is going to be the bench warmers and the guys trying to make the roster.

Don't read so much into one game. This is the time to just gauge the players who are not a known quantiy and establish the final roster. It's the PRE- Season, not the REGULAR Season or more importantly the POST Season.

Not JUST Famous BUT The INfamous
El Guapo.

The Infamous El Guapo aka Bas Rutten?

The Lakers should honor the old #22 as the Laker great he was who brought the franchise out to LosAngeles with a 1 night ceremony this year or next.

The guy is 74 so no time like the near future.

Even in hiring one of the greatest Lakers, the Clippers remained the Clippers. And the Clippers will always be the Clippers. They will make the once-a-decade playoff appearance and then will resume being the Clippers.

I'm happy that a great Laker is no longer associated with the laughing stock of all sports franchises.

And as for Simmons, the only redeeming thing that could come out of that worthless sack of talentless beantown scum is his last breath.

It seems like Phil and the coaches are going hard on Lamar, kinda fooling with the guy a bit.

I don't think Lamar Odom should be the scapegoat for our lack of toughness last June.
Pau was as weak as Lamar or more.

Oh well, maybe they are just evaluating Lamar to decide if he will be traded or not.

I like Lamar in the backcourt or off the bench.
Give him a few more games and minutes.

You don't know until the reg season anyway.

Lamar has to get in shape. He will, he's an iron man with minutes.

Glad I could help.

BTW, that Simmons article on Elgin was a great read.

Come out come out wherever you are - where's The Blitz and his ineffable praise for Lam-Od?

SHACK is playing the best of any center in the league right now.

Mamba24 - outstanding and thank you! Also - we really need the "Stop with the LO Trade rumors already" bandwagon to start rolling ASAP. It's getting downright ugly up in here - AND - as we all (should) know - IT"S ONLY PRE-season!!!!!!!!!!! People are rusty, people are rounding into form, people are tinkering with line-ups - good grief - why are some of you expecting perfection already??? It's October - NOT June - just in case you just woke up or something....

GO LAKERS!

Jon K - for you - go Clippers (but not tonight) - LOL!

Where's Complex Brotha??

butler

I watched the suns real training camp last night on NBA tv. shaq sat down with Eddie Johnson and rick kamla, let me tell you that Eddie. J looked pretty annoyed by shaq and his not funny jokes. Although the joke where shaq said he still has game, now that one was funny.

I feel bad for Elgin and he got shafted. He drafted a lot of good players but the owner never kept them when to keep them was too expensive. Cheaper quality and pay kept the Clippers down.

Preseason is just to see who can surprise make the roster. Towards end of preseason most cuts will have been made and maybe 1 or 2 spots being fought for. Starters will get more time to get ready for season.

BK,

Do you think that there's any possibility that Elgin Baylor could come back to the Lakers as a consultant?

GO LAKERS!

Elgin Baylor is a class-act.

Donald Sterling is class-less.

Elgin was MJ before MJ.

Jon K,

"BK, Do you think that there's any possibility that Elgin Baylor could come back to the Lakers as a consultant?"

I know you asked BK the question, but to offer my two cents, I'm guessing the answer is no. Aside from the notion of honoring an NBA/Laker great, why would the Lakers be interested? Even acknowledging how poorly the Clippers did Baylor in letting him go (stay classy, Donald Sterling), it doesn't change the fact that his G.M. track record left a LOT to be desired. Yeah, Donald Sterling handcuffed him when it came to salary, but the perennially poor draft picks were his own doing. Unless they feel Baylor could excel in an otherwise unexplored front office aspect, I don't see what the motivation would be.

I know you love to gather up ex-Lakers, Clippers and Bruins (haha), but I don't see this one happening.

AK

Elgin Baylor was allowed to leave the Clippers in disgraceful fashion. And Donald Sterling turned basketball operations over to...Mike Dunleavy? What has this guy done in the NBA period? This guy has won 1 playoff series with the Clippers and he did play in one NBA final back in 1981. He went to the Finals as a coach with the Lakers but that was because he was surrounded by three veterans, two of which were Hall Of Famers. And Dunleavy brags about being able to handle player decisions. Yeah, we saw what happened in Milwaukee, if he wants to put that experience in his resume. Dunleavy is a CARPETBAGGER! Plain and simple, if he thinks this team will be improved after losing Elton Brand, then Dunleavy is truly a lunatic. Go Clippers...AND TAKE DUNLEAVY WITH YOU! And know that as long as The Clippers have Mike Dunleavy, things will get worse before they ever get better. The one coach Donald Sterling should've locked in a room and threatened if he left LA was Larry Brown. That was the ONLY time the Clippers ever had respect. Once Sterling gave Dunleavy that 4 year extension, the Clippers were in essence, once again the laughingstock of the NBA. Dunleavy will always be a man who will take the money and run. He urinated Magic's title away against Jordan in 91, then left immediately after Magic announced his retirement. All the clown ever does is cash checks, wear tailored suits, and pose for the camera. Dunleavy has suffering to do before he leaves the Clippers and the league. Mark my words...

Mark Gaston
Oxnard, CA

AK,

I see your point. I guess I was inspired by Wes's suggestion of bringing Elgin back home.

Well, I sure hope the Lakers go out of their way to honor Elgin Baylor soon. I thought that Simmons article was rather inspirational.

GO LAKERS!

Butler ,,,,,,Taking hot air to a new level......Who cares what the Suns are doing....Dont you have friends on the Suns blog or does the rest of the blogging world feel the same way about you.........The hot air champion that you are

Has anyone ever mentioned that Butler is much like the Black Knight in Monty Python's 'The Holy Grail'?

His team was thoroughly humiliated last year. While still in first, they make a move, considered by most experts, "the worst trade in NBA history" by 'call me a moron' Steve Kerr, slide to the 6th seed, easily knocked out of the first round by a wounded Spurs, then only to watch their hated nemesis, the Lakers advance past them to the Finals, a place this Nash lead Suns team, has never been.

So what does he do? A normal person withdraws and tries to hide his humiliation, but not Butler. He comes to the Lakers site and hysterically yells 'nosensical' and silly irrational taunts.

On the 'losing your arm' in the bad trade:
Butler: "tis just a scratch" Were gonna win the title, you'll see.
After humiliatingly losing the other arm in the first round of the playoffs.
Butler:"Its just a flesh wound" The Suns are still the NBA's best team.
Finally, on the Lakers advancing to the Finals, to a Suns Fan, its like losing both legs.
Butler: "OK, we'll call it a draw"
And now the Lakers roaring past the aging and hopeless Suns, as the NBA's new contender from the West.
Butler says wondering why Lakers Fans no longer consider the Suns competition: "Come back and fight, what are you cowards?!"

Fatty - "Every class needs a clown and every blog needs a fool"

(WARNING: THIS IS EXTREMELY FUNNY. Put down your Soda and swallow before watching. Fatty and the LA Times can not be held responsible for damage to your computer from sudden bursts of spray from your mouth)

Is Butler the Black Knight? http://tinyurl.com/56jjjs

Infamous El Guapo: "...calm down a little will ya"

Like Walter Sopchak riding shotgun alongside the dude "I'm perfectly calm"

My statements weren't a reaction to Tuesday night's game - they were about what Bynum and the coaches have been saying recently. PJ said that the team they ended with last year executed at a high level. He said they have a line-up of skilled players (last year's guys+ Ariza) that they really like. PJ said Drew and Pau are clumsy with each other. Tex said he doesn't like what he sees from Drew during practice. Drew said he doesn't know what's going to happen with whether or not he'll get to play with Pau on the court. And, yes, Tuesday night Drew came off the bench.

So, while the Clippers have no problem starting Kaman and Camby and Portland has no problems starting Oden and Aldridge, the Lakers are reluctant to put Pau and Drew out there together. It's a shame. Because I think they'd have an advantage over the majority of the other teams out there and, on top of that, it would completely change how teams defend them. With both bigs in, teams couldn't collapse on them nearly as much as they do now when they're each on the floor alone.

As I said in an earlier post, it might very well be Drew's fault. Maybe he is dogging it in practice. Doesn't make it any less of a shame. My prediction that he'll bolt to another team if he's forced to come off the bench this year is b/c I'm guessing he'll feel slighted and will want to be a starter. If Pau being on the team means he can't start then I bet he and his "team" will take an offer from a team that will start him.

Hey, this all could be a ploy by the organization to not have to sign Drew to an extension before the season starts. Have him come off the bench all pre-season, then insert him into the starting line-up opening night against Portland.

Am I worried? No. Am I pissed? Yes. I actually don't understand why this is even being put into question. On any other team, I don't think it would be. And remember, you're talking to a guy who was there, with 20,000 other fans when Drew went down against Memphis. You could hear a pin drop in that building. The way he was playing before that, I want to start that way now at the beginning of the season and have him get even more dominant as the season progresses. I want to see the tandem of Pau and Drew destroy opposing bigs. That's what I want to see and I don't think I'm alone in that.

Fatty - awesome! I LOVE the Black Knight. I'll bite your leg off!!!

BTW, the SUNS have a Black Knight calling the shots now.

Holy jeeze. I'm gonna have to take back like 5 of the 100 horrible things I've said about Simmons. I'm going to have to stop wishing pain and agony on the man. Oh wait, he managed to sneak in the article how the Celtics beat the Lakers on Selvys missed shot. Screw it, I'm only taking 4 back and ease up on the pain wishing. But not the agony, I'm still going full bore with that.

Thanks for sharing BK. Very good read indeed. I remember Chick talking quite a bit about Elgin. Both Chicken Stew held Elgin in the highest regard. That's good enough for me. I'm too young to have seem him play myself (37). But not too young to appreciate greatness. Goodbye and good luck Elgin.

On a completely different note. I was throughly disgusted to see the first quarter of the posts in this thread devoted to a certain little mildly retarded troll. QUIT TALKING TO BUTTLER. PLEASE!! It just keeps him here for another week. Ignore him and he'll crawl back under his rock in the desert.

Elgin Baylor is the reason that I became a Lakers' fan many years ago. He was truly a breathtaking ballplayer and a class human being...an outstanding role madel before the term "role model"was even coined.

I believe that Simmons is wrong about Elgin's 71 point game coming against Wilt's Warriors. I'm certain that feat was accomplished against the Knicks at the old Madison Square Garden.

I'm not surprised about Mr. Baylor's disdain for Mike Dunleavy. I've shared it for years, ever since Dunleavy bolted from the Lakers following their Finals loss to the Bulls in 1991. Dunleavy left unfinished business with the Lakers and as a fan of the team I didn't appreciate that.

It would be nice for the Lakers to honor Elgin in some sort of way this coming season. He set the foundation for the Laker franchise in LA.