22-0 runs, they do come in handy: Lakers 108, Clippers 88
Like, seriously handy. Handy enough to overcome a first half with some lackluster play, as evidenced by the Lakers' 106-88 win over the Clippers. You wouldn't guess by just checking out the box score, but the game's first half featured a considerably closer contest. In fact, the Lakers actually drank their halftime Gatorade down four points, the results of some raggedy O and a pressing D often left vulnerable to primo red, white and blue ball movement. But life is often about trending upward and/or downward- the latter describes this supposed "rivalry" of late- and in the second half, both teams saw their current, respective trajectories continue in a path uninterrupted.
Issues putting the ball through the net were offset by strong work on the boards (Andrew Bynum tied a career best 17), strong work from Lamar Odom off the bench (15/9, 3 steals, 2 blocks) and a defense that turned increasingly relentless. Hence, a stretch of six minutes where the Clips were stuck at 81 points. In a game short often short on proficiency, when it mattered the most, the Lakers rediscovered the newly improved defensive identity they're looking to forge this season.
As Phil Jackson put it afterward, "We saved the best for last, so to speak."
OTHER NOTES
- Magic and Kareem talk Obama. So does ex-Laker Caron Butler, who also gives props to Kobe and the AI-Billups trade, a move considered by some to be a salary shed by Detroit for the goal of adding LeBron James in 2010. But is the Motor City actually a big enough market for the King? And in the meantime, Antonio McDyess was part of that trade and may not stay in Denver. Were that the case, would he join up with LBJ's current team?
- Big nights by Tony Parker and Amare Stoudemire are broken by stat guru John Hollinger and compared to other big nights (including 81).
- Six degrees of separation: Drew Gooden and Johnny Depp.
- Upon expressing his unhappiness in the Bay Area, Al Harrington isn't getting his typical PT anymore. But hey, it could be worse. Starbury isn't even dressing these days, an approach Mike D'Antoni doesn't plan on altering anytime soon.
Hello all,
This just shows you that the team has fresh legs going into fourth. The deep bench that we have helps the starters get some much needed rest before going at it on the fourth. One point I am going to make is that our Defense is hecka good. Lakers with Bynum in the middle changes a lot of shot. They can't even get the ball to the post since Bynum is in the middle, along side Pau.
We are just that good.
GO LAKERS!!!
Posted by: Juno | November 06, 2008 at 09:52 AM
"Was it to boring without our resident-clown? WELCOME BACK, BUTLER!!!"
Thanks LALAFan! Now when are the lakers going to play a team not named the clips??
Posted by: BUTLER | November 06, 2008 at 09:56 AM
"Butler,
Watched that game. Shaq couldn't get any elevation in his jump, and it looked like someone greased his hands up before the game from all the fumbles. Also, I heard the PHO announcer say that he was supposed to not play last night given the fact that it was the second of a back to back. Excuse me, but I thought if you were on the team and you were "healthy" then you should play. I remember Jordan playing with the flu. I remember Kobe playing with the flu, with a sprained ankle, with a pinky torn away from the bone - and never, ever claiming fatigue. "
I hear ya Longtime, but here's what happened: Barnes had to leave becuz his wife is delivering twins, and Shack had done an intense workout prior to the game because he was told he wouldn't play.
Then, Shack was told to suit up, already winded from his workout. Coupled with the fact that the team stayed up til the wee hours after beating NJ the night before in order to watch election results, Shack and the rest of the Suns were looking tired. But then Amare played the best game of his career.
Check out Amare's dunk on Foster and watch the Indy bench - one of their guys is holding his head in disbelief!
Posted by: BUTLER | November 06, 2008 at 09:59 AM
Jus copped League Pass so I could enjoy more dominant Laker performances like last nite...
I am really thrilled with how we are using Odom now.
Instead of his emotional state being a negative factor for the team, it's a positive off the bench. He can come in with energy, hustle, and when he starts to tail off and make those "Lamar" boneheaded mistakes we can sit his azz down on the bench.
Also, Bynum is starting to prove his worth. Countless altered shots. Dominant rebounding. This is the kind of stuff that takes its toll on a team.
Sure, your reverse layup works in the 1st quarter, but how does your fadeaway look in the 4th , your fancy shot work when you are tired and have to shoot over contested shots?
The Lakers are starting to "get" how defense works.
Its the mark of a good team. They slowly let their defense POUND away, until the other team gets obliterated.
I love it.
Posted by: Korey | November 06, 2008 at 10:00 AM
Good morning CRUE!
Did someone answer the question of what Farmar said about Luke? or to Luke?
Posted by: justanothermambafan | November 06, 2008 at 10:01 AM
Longtime sez:
"Oh. And by the way, Amare wasn't the leading scorer in the
league last night. That distinction would go to Tony Parker,
who scored 55."
True, but Parker needed 2 OTs to achieve it. If you watch the Suns - Indy game, you'll see it's more than about points scored. It was total domination in every facet of the game. One of the best games Ive seen any playa achieve in my life.
Posted by: BUTLER | November 06, 2008 at 10:02 AM
Edwin sez:
"First of all, Butler, I protest for using the name 'Black Jesus', our Lord God in vain. You may regard this as a joke but not pleasant to hear for other believers. You can make fun of players but don't get into religious mockery, PLEASE!"
Well, I can respect that. But Amare has "Black Jesus" tattooed on his neck, so that's his nickname around here. I think it's from a Tupac song...and don't you remember Earl Monroe? His nickname was also Black Jesus.
Although nowadays, Amare wants to be called
"Sun Tzu" - it's different every season...
Posted by: BUTLER | November 06, 2008 at 10:03 AM
GO Lakers!
Marching to the finals.
Posted by: Laker Fan 24 | November 06, 2008 at 10:04 AM
Went to the game last night and had a great time.
First off they gave us these yellow laker shirts that said "we want tacos" on the back, I thought that was a pretty good idea.
The game was pretty entertaining except for the second quarter, lots of fouls. The crowd seemed pretty bored then. Besides that, fans were normal. Lots of celebs like usual. Will Farrell was there and did this funny thing (hard to explain) when he was on the camera.
Lamar put together a very nice game and Drew was a beast with his 4 blocks and all his rebounds. Kobe was missing all the easy shots but still put together a nice game. No one really had a bad game, Sasha keeps shooting and missing though and Farmar doesn't seem like himself.
What do you guys think is going on with Farmar? He had this great preseason but hasn't really put together anything too solid this year. In his interview he talks about putting the team first which will result in some off night, I kind of agree but not totally. Last night he got the ball picked bringing it up the court, that isn't normal. I just think his shot isn't falling and he's kinda looking for excuses. I don't think this slump will really last though. He just has to keep pushing the ball up, being aggressive, and not relying on the 3.
Lamar = 6th man of the year
GO LAKERS
Posted by: mrbarneydangles | November 06, 2008 at 10:05 AM
LAL FAN sez:
"Maybe Amare needs to put numbers like this every night in order for FUNS have any chance to win. Obviously because some starting center having such good game. Yes, kind of reminding me Lakers circa 2005-2006, when Kobe needs to score 40-50 points each night..."
This was a backtoback game and the Suns looked out of it. Amare's big game was needed on this night. Don't forget, the Pacers narrowly lost to DET and then destroyed Boston last week. They're a good team with Granger looking like a stud.
Right now, the SUNS are avg 55% FG in their first 5 games, and are holding their opponents to 44%, giving them an 11 ppg differential - highest in the NBA, with Boston at 6 ppg in 2nd place. It's early, but this is unexpected even for us Suns fans...
Posted by: BUTLER | November 06, 2008 at 10:07 AM
Not sure what the big deal is about Tony Parker and Amare. It seemed like Kobe routinely scored over 40 points a few years back.
I wish we still had Caron Butler. With an injured Kobe, he was our best player that one season he was here. Caron also seemed to have great chemistry with Kobe on and off the court. Oh well, the Caron-Kwame trade didn't seem that bad at the time.
I'd be shocked if LeBron chose to go to Detroit. Though I've never been there, I don't see Detroit as the glitzy, big-town market that LeBron would seemingly want. LA would be perfect for him. And we'd have the two best players in the league again, just like what we had with Kobe and Shaq many years ago.
Posted by: EJK | November 06, 2008 at 10:09 AM
Detroit is stupid.
LeBron is going to the Nets or the Knicks.
LeBron James isn't about winning. He's about exposure and bling.
Laker Today. Lakers Tomorrow. Lakers Forever.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | November 06, 2008 at 10:13 AM
This is one example why we shouldn't be quick on commenting what ithers say. CHILL OUT AND JSUT ENJOY THE LAKERS NATION!
Posted by: tower_of_power | November 06, 2008 at 09:46 AM
I am chill and I am enjoying the Laker nation and blog and team, we're 4-0. Plus I think F. Rizzo knows I was joking and maybe you shouldn't be so quick to comment back, so you don't messpill words (sorry MISSPELL). I'm CHILL
Posted by: Magia32 | November 06, 2008 at 10:16 AM
mrbarneydangles,
"What do you guys think is going on with Farmar? He had this great preseason but hasn't really put together anything too solid this year."
Farmar is kind of like that. His progression as a player isn't really linear. He's a two steps forward, one step back kind of player.
I think he's so competitive that he pushes himself beyond his capabilities to the point where he screws up and then is forced to pull back a little and solidify his ability to acheive his goals.
It's a little annoying, but its okay. He's a driven player and that's what we want big picture. Farmar will be fine.
Lakers Today. Lakers Tomorrow. Lakers Forever.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | November 06, 2008 at 10:18 AM
EJK sez:
"Not sure what the big deal is about Tony Parker and Amare. It seemed like Kobe routinely scored over 40 points a few years back.
I wish we still had Caron Butler."
If you saw the Suns-Indy game, you'd have your answer. Amare played a near flawless game that had the Indy crowd in awe. If you're a basketball fan, you couldn't help but appreciate the sheer entertainment factor of such a performance. It wasn't about the points.
And in lieu of Caron, at least you have BUTLER the real deal.
Posted by: BUTLER | November 06, 2008 at 10:19 AM
AK/BK,
Have either of you heard any feedback from opposing teams as to how they react playing at Staples against the Lakers with the Lakers' unique brand of darkened seating lighting (or lack therof)?
Does it bother them or affect their road performance in any way?
Lakers Today. Lakers Tomorrow. Lakers Forever.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | November 06, 2008 at 10:24 AM
Jon K,
With LB's "bling" and "exposure", he has most of the NBA fooled. Michael Jordan said from the very beginning that Lebron is an average NBA player. You know what? He is almost right..He is above average athletically and that is about it. From an athletic standpoint, he is a freak of nature but when it comes to everything else, he is average. Average shooter. Average defensive player. Average.
Best player in the league? Please.
Posted by: zen | November 06, 2008 at 10:30 AM
Butler,
It's so obvious you only want a rise from all the Laker fans..
:)
Posted by: zen | November 06, 2008 at 10:33 AM
THUR NOV. 6.
82 WIN BANDWAGON WILL BE BOARDING SOON
The Force is in Balance & the rest of the NBA trembles in fear.
I FEEL A 35 GAME WIN STREAK COMING
*
Good Morning Charles
Good Morning JustAnotherMambaFan & Morning CRUE
Good Morning Laker Blog!, Laker Nation!
Welcome Glenn, HawaiiD, Laker Guru from India.
*
*
A ROLL CALL JUST FIOR THE ELLE OF IT ANYBODY NOT ON BOARD
SHOUT OUT AND I’LL CATCH YOU NEXT GAME DAY!
*
ROLL CALL!!!:
FAITH Bob, KEIFO, VMan. CHARLES, Edwin Gueco, Tsiry, Fatty, TP, JON K., BD, #4
WESJOENIXON JAY JAY, AngryLAKER, MrNano, XODUS, DAVE_M EastCoastJessie
ThaShow, Tim-4Show, TheLakeShow, GenericOne, Pig Miller, Taliq, JamieSweet, Floyd
DICE8UP, Zakee, Cleon, SBPimp, The_D, Bozz, ELLE, HMRHed, Laker_MR., TOAD,
LAKER_GURU_FROM_INDIA VI_LAKER_FAN, MrBARNEYDANGLES, LAKER_FAZE
OUTSIDERGURA, JOHNNYP. DAVID_WHANG, Benjamin, Laker_Holic, BD, TRIO, HTP
ComptonsFinest, LakerLEGACY, EXHELODRVR, LakerTOM, Rick FRIEDMAN, MAGIA32
CALIPHILOSOPHER, NAJA aka BONUS, KOBEBLITZ, NEVER, OUTLAW, Laker_Bandit
RDLEE, TWOODY, HUGO_BOSS, CORNER J, BAYWOOD, HUGOSPAIN, Laker_Truth
Tsphere, WeaveMan, SIX_One_Zero, FEARLESS, CBUCK, KIWI, Laker_STH, JANAYA
utzworld THE BANNER HOLDER, HAWAII_D, IN_THE_ZEN_MASTER_WE_TRUST
JUSTIN_N. EJK, BMAC, BOBIE, MITCHELL, CHITOWN_LAKER, LAKERMAN_420
ADRIAN_PALOMAR, JESTER_GURU, 1978, LAKER_N`orth, JMAN, GRAIL, BigDAWG
LAKERPhil, LEBANESE_Mike, DK, WESJOENIXON, WOLF, ERIC_M, BZAR, P_ANG
BLACK_MAMBA24, BROWN_MAMBA24, WHITE_MAMBA24, MAMBA24_FAN_4LIFE,
FAN_Of_MAMBA, JustAnotherMAMBAFAN, JustALakerFan, CHUCK23
BYNUM_BELIEVER, LEONARD_BAST, KENE_SLOW, FRANCESCO
LAKER_Bake, LAKER_Larry, LAKERS_4_REALZ, MARTY,HTJ, 130, THI, DORKIS
CHI_LAKER_FAN, NEMIA FALETOGO, GREEK_Dude, HTP, EHOMP, MUFFIN,
HELLRAISER(certified Mamba Fan) L MAGIC_MAN, HOBBITMAGE, CAMERON,
EVIL_CARTMAN, DARLEEN MCCUTCHEON, TINIDORS, LAKER_FAN_FROM_NY,
DAVE ROSENZWEIG, CALI_KING, PS_LAKER_FAN, LAKER_KEV, LAKER_IN_BC
DAN_the_MAN, HUBBIT, SEAN714, AJAX, PAUL_LEE, TEEJ, PUDDLE, JAY_EL,
LOI_REYES_LANDICHO, LAKERS_WORLD, MARKY_THE_ARKY, TROY, ISANG
STAY_THIRSTY_MY_FRIENDS, COMPLEX_BROTHA,
King Kwaminus The Pontificator and Exalter of his Majesty's Good Word
PURPLE&GOLD_FOREVER, GD_CHILD, CDUB0512, STAPLES24 , CHRIS H, OSEJ
LAKERGurl, SFLAKERGirl, PSYCHEDLAKERrGirl, SIMILAKERGirl, BOCALAKERGIRL
LAKERGIRL_1980, HOUSTONlakerGIRL, LakersRydeOrDie, LAKER_Lass, She_KOBE
DrewPauKobe, KobesBad, NIK KANNAN, SLO_GAL, DAVID_IN_SPAIN, BennyBlanca
SmoothD, ISSANG,THIRTY2, BLAZE1BX, EAST_NYBOER, LAKER_FAN_24
MASTUDA, MAYOR_of_KOBE_TOWN, NEIL, SEAD94, ROOKIE, ATL_LAKER_FAN
Machiavelly, DOC4daLakeShow, Korey, KARYNANAR, BRAD, BLKTHGHT06,
EPICMESS, StrangerInTheNight, BYNUMITE, USC_LAKER, SWETTUAL, AA_LOOS
T_SENSEI, BerkleyLaker, CHICK_4EVER, LONG_LIVE_CHICK, ALEXHIN017,
HEAD-MBENGA, LAL_FAN, LOOK_LONELY, LOTECH8, VIOLATER, MIKE_T.
SALTLAKER, FKILLAH, HARIYAHU, JCOOL, LAKER_DAWG, EAGLE_BOY,
MICHIGANLAKER, YOU_EVER_NOTICE, JANDRO, XTRO, PK-IN-the-MESSA
WondahBap,Cyrus(Ventrilquist), , JOREMA, VALLEY_LAKER, LAKER_HOPEFUL
CriticalBeatDown, RealityBites, RESPECT_My_AUTHORITH, LINDA_PINEDA
AMAZING HAPPENS, TELLitLIKEitIS , Lakers4Lyfe, Nestros_Bistro, Canibus_hog
McGARNAGLE, AFRO_Joe, DASCILLA JONIN_in_JAPAN(InCanada), HEN1040
FRANK FRIZZO, Stockton_SHOWTIME, LADIES_MAN, KIKOS_DAD, BRETT
GiantSquid, RICO_TICO, LAKALOVER, He_Who_HOOPS, B4_HOOPS
MobWagoneer, LAKAFoo, JHLANNERY, LAKAFOO, LAKER_FAN_CANADA
Reality_Check, BronxLakerFan HoustonLaker, TexasLaker, BrazillianLaker,
BLACK_RAIDERS, RYAN DUNLAP
DYMANDAVEYOU EVER
*
ALL TOGETHER NOW
*
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 LAKERS TOMORROW LAKERS FOREVER
Posted by: MAMBA24 | November 05, 2008 at 09:36 AM
Posted by: MAMBA24 | November 06, 2008 at 10:38 AM
Posted by: MAMBA24 | November 06, 2008 at 10:41 AM
LAL_Fan,
No, I'm not an MD, but I think the video of Phil audibly gasping for air speaks for itself. The dude is not well.
Posted by: Rick Friedman | November 06, 2008 at 10:43 AM
Best player in the league? Please. Posted by: zen | November 06, 2008 at 10
Thank You.
Posted by: SMUSH PARKER | November 06, 2008 at 10:44 AM
Socks needs to play like Ben Wallace circa '04.
PJ mentioned something about Rodman...Grit....Winning 72 and 69 games.....
Defense and Rebounds, Socks. That's the mantra....
DEFENSE AND REBOUNDS!!!!
Posted by: sixonezero | November 06, 2008 at 10:46 AM
I wish we could get Caron Butler back. I'm hoping they would accept Vlad for him.
Posted by: never | November 06, 2008 at 10:49 AM
mamba24:
wow i'm still on the roll call. makes me feel like i'm still home. cheers!
Posted by: sixonezero | November 06, 2008 at 10:49 AM
Finally, BUTLER isn't being an jackhole. Which is my point in being a jackhole to him.
Props to Amare, he's will be the Suns most valuable asset going forward.
I am applaud your effort to respond with facts with no exaggerated propaganda. Hopefully, the Suns news we hear from you can keep being as fresh and noteworthy. Insight is good, propaganda, bad.
The fact is, though the Suns have beat the Spurs, Indy, New Jersey, they were beat by the Hornets without Tyson Chandler. If anything were a test game in the early season, that would be it. The Hornets are most similar to Phoenix, IMO. Great point guards, athletic bigs, somewhat lacking in depth.
What were the circumstances surrounding the loss? Can it be explained as a breakdown on the Suns part, or did the Hornets have a superior team that night?
Thanks,
Chicken Little
Posted by: Chicken LIttle | November 06, 2008 at 10:51 AM
BUTLER You are now a Honarary member of the Lakers Blog "most confused but nice
Trolls " branch. Now go home and see if yout membership papers have arrived yet!
Mamba24
Posted by: MAMBA24 | November 06, 2008 at 10:52 AM
zen,
LeBron is just an "average NBA player" aside from his athleticism? That's like saying Shaq was just an average NBA player aside from his size, strength, and freakish athleticism. I think you're going a bit overboard.
Posted by: EJK | November 06, 2008 at 10:54 AM
Good Morning Charles.....Good Morning Everyone...
I would like to think (and hope) that, especially in light of these long breaks between games, the Lakers actually PRACTICE FREE THROWS...
a team goal of 80% should be a very high priority....
Other than the missed free throws that drove me to exclaim "Holy Brick Batman" the game was a little hard to watch at times, but the fourth quad made up for it indeed...
I think this team will create many ways to win games, which is the mark of a confident, competent winner....
By the way why are assists vernacularly known as "dimes" ? Hope that's not a stupid question....
AS ALWAYS, AS EVER, YET ANOTHER GREAT DAY (AND SEASON) TO BE A LAKER FAN !!!
GO LAKERS !!!
Posted by: Floyd | November 06, 2008 at 10:56 AM
BUTLER -
You're right that Amare had an unreal game last night. He was an absolute monster and the dunk on Foster ... all I can say is that I hope Foster can wake up today and look in the mirror without killing himself.
I'll also give you that the Suns are outperforming most expectations. So far, everything they hoped for - Shaq in shape, Dragic a semi-competent backup, Barnes a firey sniper, no injuries to an aging cast - has held up.
That being said, you kinda used some useless stats...
"Right now, the SUNS are avg 55% FG in their first 5 games, and are holding their opponents to 44%, giving them an 11 ppg differential - highest in the NBA, with Boston at 6 ppg in 2nd place. It's early, but this is unexpected even for us Suns fans."
What you meant I'm sure was an 11% difference in FG% and OFG%. Regardless, that's only one piece of the puzzle. What about turnovers? Rebounding? Pace? The Lakers are 1st point differential (+20.8 - the Suns are at +8.2), 1st in rebounding % (56.7% - Suns are 53.5%), 1st in defensive efficiency (73.3 - Suns are 92.1), and 1st in effeciency differential (+19.2 - Suns are +4.2). This won't hold up as we play tough teams, but this is a more complete picture of a team's efficency.
Suns look good. Can't wait for the 20th.
Posted by: puddle | November 06, 2008 at 10:58 AM
Rick F,
Earlier in the year when PJ had to sit out a game because of swelling my first thougths were...uh oh.
I don't know what he has but I can guess and I'm not guessing favorable things.
Hope his health holds up.
Posted by: Faith | November 06, 2008 at 11:06 AM
mamba24: wow i'm still on the roll call. makes me feel like i'm still home. cheers!
Posted by: sixonezero | November 06, 2008 at 10:49 AM
You know what they say SixOneZero. Home is the place you can always
go back to. Missed you Big Brother!
Posted by: Mamba24 | November 06, 2008 at 11:10 AM
mamba24,
ROLL CALL!!! makes me proud every single damn roll call that i am a freakin laker fan ^__^
Jon K,
amen lebron is all about hype and money kobe is about hardwork determination that's the difference between winners and losers
LET HELL BE RAISE LAKERS!!!
GO LAKERS!!!
GO MAMBA!!!
Posted by: hellraiser(certified mamba fan) | November 06, 2008 at 11:10 AM
Rick - is there a link available to that by any chance?
General - it really struck me reading the roll call, how large this particular blog community has grown. It's really pretty cool, because I can scroll through names on the list and remember various comments, topics and rants that have posted over the years. Kudos to Mamba the chronicler and to the K-bros as well for their good offices. Now, could everybody on roll call send me a dollar? After all, my time IS money.
Posted by: dave m | November 06, 2008 at 11:18 AM
Suns?
They'll be feeling our "Mercy" (listen to Mercy by Duffy for increased effect) when we meet them.
Muhahahahahaha (e-vil laugh).
Posted by: Faith | November 06, 2008 at 11:19 AM
zen/EJK,
LeBron James is a phenomenal athlete who plays basketball.
As opposed to Kobe Bryant who is a phenomenal basketball player who is an amazing athlete.
I wouldn't call LeBron James "average" but I wouldn't call him a "winner" either. He's a spoiled media figure who single-handedly lost two games the the Cavs-Boston Eastern Conference playoffs last year.
He can't make the assassin winning shot at the end of a game. He just can't.
Lakers Today. Lakers Tomorrow. Lakers Forever.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | November 06, 2008 at 11:29 AM
I love it that butler keeps giving us these meaningless suns updates, as if we give a damn. On the other hand, knowing that fans of all these also-rans(any team not named Lakers) still have high hopes is delicious. Just makes that moment when they realize: "Oh crap, the Lakers are unbeatable this year", all the more sweet. Butler, heres to watching the suns fade in the rearview mirror, and quickly on to the ash-heap of history as the Never-won-anything team that they are.
Posted by: Badfinger | November 06, 2008 at 11:30 AM
Jon K,
That's what I mean by average..He is a freak physically who is playing basketball. But what else does he have?
No shot. No defense. He is above average passer - I will give him that. He gets benefit calls from the NBA because of who he is. He is not clutch. To me, having an average shot, average defense, and not being clutch makes him an average NBA basketball player!
His athleticism has given him everything he has.
Posted by: zen | November 06, 2008 at 11:43 AM
umm.. if the Lakers still had Caron Butler then they would not have Pau Gasol and Washington would have to be brain dead (or the Memphis Grizzlies) to trade CB for Radman.
Posted by: dymandave | November 06, 2008 at 11:44 AM
love it that butler keeps giving us these meaningless suns updates, as if we give a
damn. On the other hand, knowing that fans of all these also-rans(any team not
named Lakers) still have high hopes is delicious. Just makes that moment when t
hey realize: "Oh crap, the Lakers are unbeatable this year", all the more sweet. Butler,
heres to watching the suns fade in the rearview mirror, and quickly on to the ash-heap
of history as the Never-won-anything team that they are.
Posted by: Badfinger | November 06, 2008 at 11:30 A
STOP IT BADFINGER! STOP IT! LOL! ROFLMFAO!!
Posted by: Mamba24 | November 06, 2008 at 11:45 AM
QUOTE OF THE DAY
He can't make the assassins winning shot at the end of a game. He just can't.
Posted by: Jon K. | November 06, 2008 at 11:29 AM
Posted by: Mamba24 | November 06, 2008 at 11:46 AM
badfinger,
I resent that. Have you seen the inspired play of the Suns lately? They beat New Jersey two nights ago and Indiana last night.. Shaq looks good and has cut his doughnut intake in half. The Lakers better watch out.
Posted by: zen | November 06, 2008 at 11:47 AM
Jon K.,
What's a "winner"? Was KG a "winner" before last year? I'm not sure what that label means. I do know that LeBron basically singlehandedly took the Cavs to the Finals in 2007. And he did struggle a few games against the Celtics last year, but so did Kobe. I don't even want to mention how bad his supporting cast is...the Cavs are unwatchable without LeBron on the floor.
But what do I know. Going into the 2003 draft, I thought Melo would turn out to be better than LeBron.
Posted by: EJK | November 06, 2008 at 11:51 AM
why are the suns even being discussed here? they're garbage.
Posted by: sixonezero | November 06, 2008 at 12:01 PM
EJK,
Lebron is exciting to watch in the open court..This all ties to his athleticsm and being so fast, tall, and strong...
What about his shot? A post game? An in between game? Defense? The east coast is weak, etc... Someone give me something here besides his physical talent?
Posted by: zen | November 06, 2008 at 12:04 PM
Faith,
You have a dark side. haha
Posted by: Xodus | November 06, 2008 at 12:07 PM
nobody except Bell plays defense in PHX and gone are the days of D'Antoni's fun and gun. the only thing the Big Malcontent can take over these days is a Sizzler Salad Bar. add that all up and you get to go fishing early come playoff time.
Posted by: sixonezero | November 06, 2008 at 12:07 PM
Zen,
I think a distinction must be made between most physically talented player and best player.
I wouldn't say everything Lebron does is average though. He's a good passer with very good court vision.
Posted by: Xodus | November 06, 2008 at 12:09 PM
why are the suns even being discussed here? they're garbage.
Posted by: sixonezero | November 06, 2008 at 12:01 PM
ROFLMFAO...ROFLMFAO...ROFLMFAO
Posted by: Mamba24 | November 06, 2008 at 12:13 PM
Now, could everybody on roll call send me a dollar? After all, my time IS money.
Posted by: dave m | November 06, 2008 at 11:18 AM
Smooth Dave, real smooth. Lol!
Posted by: Mamba24 | November 06, 2008 at 12:21 PM
EJK,
Yes, KG was a winner before last year.
I always knew he was going to win a Championship. Just not with the acursed Celtics.
A "winner" is something you can sense in a player's determination, their body language, their eyes... in the fact that they are DYING to take the winning shot at the end of the game (like a Sam Cassell--whom I also hate).
Everyone thinks LeBron's a winner, but he's not.
They expect him to be a winner, but at the end of the game he defers. Or he forces up a shot that he knows everyone expects him to take... and he misses it.
Or he chokes... like he did in the playoffs against the Celtics last year.
Phenomenal athlete? Yes.
Winner? No.
He's a player with great talent that uses basketball to acheive his ends in life.
He's no Great player. He doesn't love basketball like a Kobe Bryant, a Magic Johnson, a Michael Jordan, a Jerry West.
He doesn't have that drive.
Lakers Today. Lakers Tommorrow. Lakers Forever.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | November 06, 2008 at 12:31 PM