Hanging around, hanging around...
PROGRAMMING NOTE: Join us for Purple, Gold, and Blue at 11 am. We'll preview Thursday's game in Phoenix with Bright Side of the Sun, and speak to Will Carroll about the hot stove. Click here to go to the show page, or watch in the window on the side of the blog.
"Kid's got alligator blood. Can't get rid of him."
For those not familiar with the film "Rounders," that's a line from Teddy KGB (John Malkovich), who's put Mike McDermott (Matt Damon) on the ropes but can't bust him in a heads up game of Texas Hold 'em that truly defines "high stakes poker." During last night's 116-109 win over Chicago, if the young Bulls appeared at times to be running on reptilian hemoglobin, that was mostly because it was being generously transfused by their hosts. Make no mistake, from the minute this contest kicked off with Pau Gasol racking 18 first quarter points, the Lakers were clearly the better team with a victorious future undoubted. The Bulls interior features little to fear on either side of the ball, which meant that Andrew Bynum could PATIENTLY score 18 points on top of the 34 his Spanish buddy racked, further demonstrating why the purple and gold could have made this a runaway beatdown.
But with more willingness to "run" than "beat," the Lakers often, for lack of a better explanation, screwed around while on the court, alternating fits of clampdown D with some loose execution and sloppy focus. Sometimes that meant Trevor Ariza and Sasha Vujacic losing their composure, an incident neither wanted to dwell on afterward. Sometimes it led to sloppy alley oop attempts (although a muffed exchange between Ariza and Kobe Bryant still evened out to a Mamba trey in the wash). Other times it meant the Lakers getting caught up in impressive rookie Derrick Rose's up tempo action.
Any way you slice it, the margin of box score victory could have been a lot larger. Doesn't change the fact that the Lakers were never in danger of holding the stick's short end, but they could have put the game completely out of Chicago's reach and secured a little more run for Luke Walton, who doesn't take such opportunities for granted. To paraphrase "The Breakfast Club," maybe he and Thabo Sefolosha should get together and go bowling.
Then again, if Vlad Radmanovic doesn't start playing well enough to firmly protect his starting spot, you never know...
OTHER NOTES
- Because seriously, what would life be without YET ANOTHER article about LBJ's 2010 free agency? For the time being, he's a Cav, which could mean an outside chance of playing with Antonio McDyess.
- As the Starbury turns, a soap opera with a plot line unappreciated by Sam I am.
- The Knicks can't beat the Celts on the court, but they can match the reigning champs trash for trash.
- Despite being accused of making a recent and illegal killing, Mark Cuban isn't willing to part with buyout cash for Jerry Stackhouse.
Suddenly I want a glass of milk and some oreo cookies
Posted by: Magia32 | November 19, 2008 at 09:43 AM
Andrew, did you post this?
Ha ha...
"hang-ging arround.... he keeps hang-ging arround"
You brought back memories of Vegas, Johnny Chan in the elevator, and going all-in against a fool pushing on a gutter draw against my 3 kings.... and sucks out. I lost $1k on that hand, darn it.
Oh well....
As Faith would say...
DEFENSE!
Posted by: Tim-4-Show | November 19, 2008 at 09:47 AM
****GET WELL SOON FATTY BANDWAGON ***
(01) JON K. – OWNER - Would you please start a "GET BETTER SOON,
FATTY! LAKER NATION NEEDS YOU!" BANDWAGON?
(02) JUSTANOTHERMAMBAFAN – DRIVER - Fatty - get better soon.
Don't die for no good reason - lol!
(03) PIG MILLER - Go Fatty! Best of luck under the knife.
(04) MAMBA24 - FATTY We love you My Brother Get Well soon.
(05) RICK FRIEDMAN - Fatty, Fatty, Best to you, my friend.
Posted by: MAMBA24 | November 19, 2008 at 09:48 AM
Did I miss something? What's going on with Fatty?
Posted by: Tim-4-Show | November 19, 2008 at 09:59 AM
Great game by us last night, even though we sputtered at times. I was wondering if any one else notices, but 9 games into the season, and Andrew Bynum doesn't look like he has the "mad hops" he had last year before the injury. All his dunks are kind of short even thought he does get hacked, but last year those would have been sure fire three point plays ensued by a monster dunk. I don't know if he is still recovering, or if he will ever get back to that "beast" mentatlity, but I sure do miss it. Possibly its because teams out there are more aware of who he is now, or maybe I'm just over-analyzing the situation. Oh well, I hope we destroy the Funs on Thursday. GO LAKERS!!!
Posted by: Chris H. | November 19, 2008 at 10:04 AM
Did I miss something? What's going on with Fatty?
Posted by: Tim-4-Show | November 19, 2008 at 09:59 AM
Thanks for your concern. Its just a minor procedure, out patient deal. I will be
back to blogging full strength on Friday.Posted by: Fatty | November 19, 2008 at 09:26 AM
Larry(Mamba24)
Posted by: Mamba24 | November 19, 2008 at 10:08 AM
Mamba24, please send my best wishes to Fatty via a bandwagon. Fatty we're rooting for you (too).
Did something happen between Trevor and Sasha?
GOoooOO LAKERS!!
Posted by: JohnnyP | November 19, 2008 at 10:17 AM
WED NOV. 20, 2008 – DAY TO REFELECT -THE FORCE IS AT PEACE
Tomorrow Real MVP KOBE VS. Fake MVP GNASH will you be there
The NBA, Where Laker s extinguish Suns forever Happens
Los Angeles Lakers is our name, A Legacy of Dynastiies is our game. 81-1 is our Aim
If it’s not a NBA Title…Throw it back! The Force don’t stand for NO BULLSH**
*
Good Morning: Sir Charles (Without whom the blog is not complete)
Good Morning: JustAnotherMambaFan ( Head of the Mamba Clan)
Good Morning: Morning Crue (Heart & Soul of Laker Nation)
Good Morning Fatty (Greatest comic since Redd Foxx & Richard Pryor)
Good Morning Laker Blog!, Laker Nation (Rulers of the NBA!)
Welcome: DESILKY, TODD, GUILLERMO, GUARDIOLA
Welcome: RDLEE (Rumored to be a secret Jedhi Master)
RHOM SALMON – COME HOME
All Praises to :The 2 Time Blog Trophy Winning & Winner of the World
Famous FATTY Award – KAMBROTHERS, Andrew & Brian Kamenetzky.
*
FREE WESLEY SNIPES – NO JAIL CELL CAN HOLD BLADE, YOU HEAR ME!
RUMOUR – JESSICA ALBA TO REVISE DARK ANGEL ROLE ON BIG SCREEN
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ROLL CALL
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YOU_EVER_NOTICE-------------------------HOLDING The Line Against CHAOS
*
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 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,
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COACHED BY 9 TIME TITLE WINNER PHIL(9RINGS)JACKSON & OWNED
BY THE WINNINGEST & BEST OWNER IN SPORTS DR. JERRY BUSS
& THE ONLY ONE WHO CAN EVER DEFEAT OR DIVIDE US IS US
LAKERS TODAY LAKERS TOMORROW LAKERS FOREVER
PRAYER PLEASE – CHAPLAIN utzworld THE BANNER HOLDER
Posted by: MAMBA24 | November 18, 2008 at 08:54 AM
Posted by: | November 19, 2008 at 08:27 AM
Posted by: Mamba24 | November 19, 2008 at 10:25 AM
Good Morning Charles....Good Morning Everyone....
Cool game last night, complete with some ups and downs..the good thing?...wait for it.... more ups than downs...
I am still waiting for this team to accept my challange and push their free throw percentage to at least 80%---wouldn't that be nice...PRACTICE BOYS !!!
I guess our dunking practice drills also need a little work---really how many gimme's did we blow---we would / should have score about 140...
Anybody who thinks Pau is soft or isn't a great player knows absolutely nothing (and I do mean nothing) about basketball--there is no other 7 footer on any other team I would rather have (of course we already have Bynum and Kareem)...
Pau continues to be solid and consistent and is getting better and more comfortable with his new team...
I was really glad to see Powell and hope he plays more...great to have the challange of finding playing time for all the talent this team has at their disposal...
I hope we see this team play up to their ability and talent on Thursday, if they do a victory is certain.
AS ALWAYS, AS EVER, YET ANOTHER GREAT DAY (AND SEASON) TO BE A LAKER FAN !!!
GO LAKERS !!!
Posted by: Floyd | November 19, 2008 at 10:29 AM
I was very impressed with Lamar in the first half. He shot the ball well, played excellent defense, had a few blocks and a few steals and really brought a 100%.
However, I was extremely turned off by his foul fest in the second half. Luckily for us this game really didn't matter and we won easily. However, this problem will NEED to be fixed by the second half of the season. We need a productive Lamar from start to finish.
But it doesn't get any better then the coast to coast from Lamar last night.
Lamar = 6th man of the year
GO LAKERS
Posted by: mrbarneydangles | November 19, 2008 at 10:33 AM
Something tells me the laker bigs won't have quite the green light in the paint tomorrow night.
Come to us lakers, for Shack awaits...
Posted by: BUTLER | November 19, 2008 at 10:35 AM
Chris H -
I've had the exact same thoughts watching Bynum. He definitely does not have that explosive spring and he's missing dunks and putbacks that last year would have had grown men running for cover. I'm guessing it's a combination of the fact that he's still tentative about the knee, he's not totally in shape, he's overly anxious, his timing is still off and he's carrying around a lot more weight.
It's hard to be patient because the last we remembered of Bynum he was becoming a dominant force, but I think patient is exactly what we need to be.
Posted by: puddle | November 19, 2008 at 10:37 AM
One point of complaint...
Phil Jackson is giving too many minutes to Bynum and Gasol.
Of course Bynum and Gasol are playing well, but its a long season and we don't want to wear "The Gruesome Twosome" out or make them succeptible to injury.
Giving Josh Powell and Chris Mihm consistent minutes every game (even if it is consistently under seven minutes each) not only improves Mihm and Powell's play, but keeps Gasol and Bynum fresh and protects them from injury over a long season.
Think about it.
In any case, it was good to see Powell on the court for about 7 minutes yesterday. He played well.
Lakers Today... Lakers Tomorrow... Laker Forever.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | November 19, 2008 at 10:39 AM
amare and shaq will want to come out and bully Socks and Pau. that's gonna be a good test.
oh and please, people.... Steve Nash is a HOF PG. let's not beat up Farmar and Fish when he goes off. Just like Iverson... Nobody really stops Nash.
GO LAKES!!!!
Posted by: sixonezero | November 19, 2008 at 10:43 AM
Puddle sez:
"It's hard to be patient because the last we remembered of Bynum he was becoming a dominant force, but I think patient is exactly what we need to be."
Knee injuries are tough. Even if he is physically back, his mental wiring is on constant alert for danger and that will take time to get over.
Amare is an exception, but it also took a full year off to get back to form.
Shack might be the biggest surprise of the season so far. He's not the same playa he was last season. I think he actually worked on his game and FTs over the summer.
Tomorrow night will be a great battle for the paint!
Posted by: BUTLER | November 19, 2008 at 10:47 AM
So, can we open up discussion about Sasha's non-dunk last night?
Did that big contract get into his head?
Posted by: BUTLER | November 19, 2008 at 10:49 AM
Tim-4-Show,
"Andrew, did you post this? Ha ha... "hang-ging arround.... he keeps hang-ging arround" You brought back memories of Vegas, Johnny Chan in the elevator, and going all-in against a fool pushing on a gutter draw against my 3 kings.... and sucks out. I lost $1k on that hand, darn it. Oh well."
Haha. Yeah, it was me. And I remember you telling me that great story. But look at it this way, if you're gonna get sucked out, it might as well be against a guy who would have eventually taken your chips. No offense.
Nice emphasis of the "g" in "hanging," by the way. Malkovich uses one of the all-time great over the top accents in that movie.
AK
Posted by: Andrew Kamenetzky | November 19, 2008 at 10:49 AM
Butler whatcha gonna do if the Lakers beat the Suns? How will you justify it? You're probably going to ask me the same question. Justification: We're just plain better than you.
Shaquille might be geared up to play against his old team, but the rest of the Suns aren't up for it because they're SMALL and OLD.
I can't wait to see how it turns out. Wearing my Laker gear here in AZ, and I LOVE IT!!!!
cue the music:
I LOVE LA!!!!!!!!
WE LOVE IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
GO LAKERS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
BEAT THOSE OLD, SMALL SUNS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Andrew, make Shaq work. Show him how old he is. Pau, keep doing what you're doing. 2nd Unit, come out and KILL. LO stay out of foul trouble and play smart. Trevor - you have my permission to dunk over them - again!!!! Jordan, steal from Nash, because you are a smart, fast guard. Fish, bring your experience and poise to the game, along with your shot! Vlade - well - it'd be nice if you could hit your shot. But I'm not holding my breath..... And Kobe - be your dominating, dagger throwing self please. Love it when the daggers fly....
Until tomorrow, then...
Posted by: longtimelakerlover | November 19, 2008 at 10:49 AM
I wish I was:
Rollin' down the Imperial Highway
With a big nasty redhead at my side
Santa Ana winds blowin' hot from the north
And we as born to ride
Roll down the window put down the top
Crank up the Beach Boys baby
Don't let the music stop
We're gonna ride it till we just can't ride it no more
>From the South Bay to the Valley
>From the West Side to the East Side
Everybody's very happy
'Cause the sun is shining all the time
Looks like another perfect day
I love L.A. (We love it)
I love L.A. (We love it)
Look at that mountain
Look at those trees
Look at that bum over there, man
He's down on his knees
Look at these women
There ain't nothin' like 'em nowhere
Century Boulevard (We love it)
Victory Boulevard (We love it)
Santa Monica Boulevard (We love it)
Sixth Street (We love it, we love it)
I love L.A.
I love L.A.
(We love it)
Posted by: longtimelakerlover | November 19, 2008 at 10:50 AM
utzworld,
I request a special prayer for tomorrow's game.
Scourge the Troll.
Lakers Today... Lakers TOMORROW... Lakers Forever.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | November 19, 2008 at 10:51 AM
sixonezero,
If it weren't for the league's conspiracy to get Nash not only one bogus MVP, but two.... there's no way he'd EVER make the Hall of Fame.
As it is, he's the only MVP in the history of the game to *never* reach the NBA finals.
Posted by: Tim-4-Show | November 19, 2008 at 10:52 AM
Morning/afternoon all - I know I'm going to get some blogger bullets and arrows here but I'm kinda hoping Luke can get a few extra mpg... not saying to shove him back into the starting lineup and I know he has his limitations, but he's a good traffic controller on the floor and has a place in the line-up. Okayyyy... ducking now.
Posted by: dave m | November 19, 2008 at 10:52 AM
Jon K,
I think the reason for the Gasol minutes is that the staff and Gasol are still getting a feel for his play at PF. And I think Bynum needs the max amount of time to get his timing/game shape back. Hopefully in a month or so they can start cutting those minutes back a little.
I think Powell is better than Turiaf, and Mihm is very solid, so while there is some dropoff with them, it isn't a a huge amount.
Posted by: exhelodrvr | November 19, 2008 at 10:53 AM
Tim-4-Show
I was sending an encrypted message to Pig I wouldn't be at the game on Thursday because of a minor procedure and it got intercepted by everyone. lol
And now, you know, the rest of the story.
Good day!
Posted by: Fatty | November 19, 2008 at 10:54 AM
===== GET WELL SOON FATTY LAKER =======
===== NATION NEEDS YOU BANDWAGON =====
(01) JON K. – OWNER - Would you please start a "GET BETTER SOON,
FATTY! LAKER NATION NEEDS YOU!" BANDWAGON?
(02) JUSTANOTHERMAMBAFAN – DRIVER - Fatty - get better soon.
Don't die for no good reason - lol!
(03) PIG MILLER - Go Fatty! Best of luck under the knife.
(04) MAMBA24 - FATTY We love you My Brother Get Well soon.
(05) RICK FRIEDMAN - Fatty, Fatty, Best to you, my friend.
(06) JOHNNY P Please send my best wishes to Fatty via a bandwagon.
Fatty we're rooting for you (too).
(07) DAVE M. - Mamba - put me on the Fatty bandwagon
with the comment "aren't you sorry you brought it up?"
(08) MAGICMAN - Fatty, have no fear my man. Kobe is gonna be able to ask
Shaq how is Bynum tastes tomorrow. Also, don't give up the ghost yet Fatty.
No matter what happens, WE still need you here with us on the blog!
Posted by: MAMBA24 | November 19, 2008 at 10:56 AM
The major difference in Andrew's game this year is Pau. That's a major adjustment compared to running the floor with LO at the 4. He's not #1 option on the block.
9 games in, the pair of 7s remain a work in progress.
Posted by: Vman | November 19, 2008 at 10:58 AM
"Butler whatcha gonna do if the Lakers beat the Suns? How will you justify it? You're probably going to ask me the same question. Justification: We're just plain better than you."
It's a reg season game, so either way it'll be forgotten before long. Both teams are still finding their way and it's early. I'm looking forward to it as it'll give the Suns a very tough defensive test, and a good chance to improve offensively against a talented team.
Posted by: BUTLER | November 19, 2008 at 11:03 AM
Fatty,
Come back soon. For good luck, Mamba24 is not going to take the thong off until you do, and I don't think we can take very much of that.
Posted by: exhelodrvr | November 19, 2008 at 11:05 AM
Vman,
"He's not #1 option on the block"
Yes, and at this point in his development he shouldn't be. Which is why PJ (very appropriately) made the point this summer that Bynum's main priorities are rebounding and defense.
Posted by: exhelodrvr | November 19, 2008 at 11:06 AM
exhelodrvr,
I see your point. Hopefully your analysis is spot on.
Lakers Today... Lakers TOMORROW... Lakers Forever.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | November 19, 2008 at 11:09 AM
Tim-4-show,
Oh yeah. All that hoopla...for WC banners lol.
Posted by: Faith | November 19, 2008 at 11:11 AM
Jonny p.......Trevor and Sasha had a spat about the missed dunk/layup.....Im not sure about the full story but it had something to do with that...
Posted by: Thirty2 | November 19, 2008 at 11:16 AM
And now, you know, the rest of the story.Good day!
Posted by: Fatty | November 19, 2008 at 10:54 A
Fatty will you stop channeling Walter Winchel and rest
up so that you're ready for Friday. LoL
Posted by: Mamba | November 19, 2008 at 11:16 AM
Hey Jon K
I answered your question on the early AM thread.
Posted by: Fatty | November 19, 2008 at 11:17 AM
===== GET WELL SOON FATTY LAKER =======
===== NATION NEEDS YOU BANDWAGON =====
(01) JON K. – OWNER - Would you please start a "GET BETTER SOON,
FATTY! LAKER NATION NEEDS YOU!" BANDWAGON?
(02) JUSTANOTHERMAMBAFAN – DRIVER - Fatty - get better soon.
Don't die for no good reason - lol!
(03) PIG MILLER - Go Fatty! Best of luck under the knife.
(04) MAMBA24 - FATTY We love you My Brother Get Well soon.
(05) RICK FRIEDMAN - Fatty, Fatty, Best to you, my friend.
(06) JOHNNY P Please send my best wishes to Fatty via a bandwagon.
Fatty we're rooting for you (too).
(07) DAVE M. - Mamba - put me on the Fatty bandwagon
with the comment "aren't you sorry you brought it up?"
(08) MAGICMAN - Fatty, have no fear my man. Kobe is gonna be able to ask
Shaq how is Bynum tastes tomorrow. Also, don't give up the ghost yet Fatty.
No matter what happens, WE still need you here with us on the blog!
(09) EXHELODRVR - Fatty, Come back soon. For good luck, Mamba24 is not going to
take the thong off until you do, and I don't think we can take very much of that.
Posted by: | November 19, 2008 at 11:21 AM
Posted by: MAMBA24 | November 19, 2008 at 11:23 AM
Is this the first meeting with Shaq since he asked Kobe to sample his derriere?
DaveM are you saying you want Luke to have more playing minutes for us or another team? Keep ducking!
Seriously, I would like to see more Mimh to relieve Pau and get him used to playing. Mimh can be a decent backup.
Luke has been around and not improved for years. I know his ankle has been sore, but I think its time to discontinue the Luke experiment. He deserves playing time less than Nash deserved the MVP.
GOOooOOO LAKERS!!!
Posted by: JohnnyP | November 19, 2008 at 11:23 AM
I expect to see Mihm and his 6 fouls in full force tonight. Too bad that at his rate that means about 3 minutes of playing time.
Posted by: puddle | November 19, 2008 at 11:28 AM
He deserves playing time less than Nash deserved the MVP.
Posted by: JohnnyP | November 19, 2008 at 11:23 AM
Good one Johmmy P I salute you sir.
Posted by: Mamba24 | November 19, 2008 at 11:44 AM
Oops. Obviously I meant tomorrow night.
Posted by: puddle | November 19, 2008 at 11:45 AM
Ex-helodrver,
I was well on my way to mercifully forgetting about the thong and that horrible, horrible image.
What is a helo? Where did you drive it?
Thanks!!!
Thirty2, thanks for the Sasha Trevor spat update. I hope it never gets to the point where ex-helodrvr is having to talk about thongs interfering with Trevor's asking Sasha how his butt tastes. Hopefully not even the media will be able to make it significant.
GOOooOO LAKERS!
Posted by: JohnnyP | November 19, 2008 at 11:51 AM
JohnnyP - I'm writing from behind a barricade, haha. I actually do think Luke has a place here though... The year before last he started every game he was in, was a good facilitator, had improved his defense and his outside shot and of course was rewarded with a new contract. I fully admit that his season went south last year, both with his play and the injury and of course, he's barely a blip now. Still, this team always needs its role players and I think Jackson still feels Luke can play... he's just being squeezed by a really deep roster.
Posted by: dave m | November 19, 2008 at 11:53 AM
{Repost - A Response To Fatty's Secret War Strategy}
Fatty,
"Indirect: Fatty spews propaganda on the Sun's blog in a effort to discourage Suns fans, with the purpose to have them give up supporting their team. Like, "We are doomed! I wish we had Marion back!""
Better than awesome. Really super awesome plus another and then some more.
Perfect.
Regarding Steve Kerr, he may be a plant of Phil "The Lord Cylon" Jackson. Phil Jackson probably implanted a computer chip in his nervous system when he was a Chicago Bull under his tuteledge.
Now, year's later Steve "Manchurian Candidate" Kerr has remotely had his chip activated by Phil "Cylon" Jackson on the day of the Pau Gasol trade.
He started hearing soft voice whispering in his head twenty-four hours a day, "You've got to trade for Shaq... You've got to trade for Shaq... It will work... It MUST work."
Simultaneously Phil "The Dark Master" Jackson activated Shaq's chip who began hearing in his sleep, "A trade is coming... You will become THE BIG CACTUS!"
And so it unfolded.
All according to plan.
Tomorrow the next stage is revealed. Let it begin.
PHIL JACKSON IS A CYLON AND HE HAS A PLAN!
Lakers Today... Lakers TOMORROW... Lakers Forever.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | November 19, 2008 at 11:57 AM
Since PHX has gone to more of an inside-out offense, I really expect that front court foul trouble will be a big factor tomorrow night. Will Drew be able to defend Shaq in the post, and when the double team comes, will the Lakers rotations be able to counteract how good of a passer Shaq has been in the post so far this early season? Will Pau be able to bait Amare and Shaq into cheap fouls?
Even though PHX has changed philosophies a bit, staying home on players is still the recipe for success. If LA "gives" PHX a bunch of wide open looks on the perimeter in the first quarter like they did these past two games then I'm pretty sure PHX is going to knock those down.
The thing I'll be intrigued with is how they'll defend Diaw once he enters the game. I think of him as a Powe type that the Lakers are gonna have to learn how to nullify. I think both guys have problems when guarded by players with the length to bother them but don't face that too often. What they often see are SFs or undersized PFs that they just overpower or outmaneuver.
Posted by: lakers_sth | November 19, 2008 at 11:58 AM
I suggest that we engage in a viral infection of the major Suns blog screaming under names such as "Suns Number 1" or "BestSunsFan" such dialogue as "How can we win? We're doomed!" or "We'll never win!"
The Curse of The Big Mistakes Continues.
Lakers Today... Lakers TOMORROW... Lakers Forever.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | November 19, 2008 at 11:59 AM
PHIL JACKSON IS A CYLON AND HE HAS A PLAN! Lakers Today... Lakers TOMORROW.
.. Lakers Forever.Posted by: Jon K. | November 19, 2008 at 11:57 AM
JON K. Listen to me very carefully.. PUT THE DITDAR JAR DOWN NOW & STEP AWAY.
Posted by: Mamba24 | November 19, 2008 at 12:05 PM
I thought this was an interesting bit from the OC Register...
"On the Lakers’ bench at the start of that second half, reluctant reserve but exceptional people-person Odom showed what a unique connector he can be for this team. Odom has had conflicts in the past with Vujacic – including one just a week ago in the visiting locker room in New Orleans after Vujacic didn’t bring back a borrowed bottle of Radmanovic’s body wash out of the shower, leaving an exasperated Odom to go fetch it. But in this case Odom plopped down next to Vujacic and chatted amiably with him. After the first timeout of the second half, Odom moved to a seat near the end of the bench, right next to Ariza, and immediately got Ariza smiling with a few dance moves to “Simply Irresistible” over the Staples Center speaker system."
Odom's jovial and laid back attitude can be annoying at times, but it's good to see him putting it to good use here.
Posted by: puddle | November 19, 2008 at 12:05 PM
FATTY YOU HAVE INFECTED THE THREAD. YOU
ARE NOT FATTY YOU'RE BALTHEZAR.! You must
Pay for your crimes to the colonies Fatty.
Posted by: MAKE | November 19, 2008 at 12:07 PM
[Northeast Ohio Regional Lakers Spy Reporting For Duty]
I hate to admit it (really, I do), but the Cleveland Cavilliars look pretty damned good. Their offense is not all that great, but their defense is pretty damned good and that LeBron jerk is really becoming comfortable with his athletic potential.
They may be the real threat of the East.
Beating them will rely upon Bynum and Gasol beating down Z and Wallace. That's their relative weak point.
Lakers Today... Lakers TOMORROW... Lakers Forever.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | November 19, 2008 at 12:08 PM
Johnnyp,
I was a helicopter pilot in the Navy. If I hadn't done that, I would have been the starting SG for the ShowTime Lakers.
Posted by: exhelodrvr | November 19, 2008 at 12:13 PM
fatty... Get well soon. We'll pray for you
Mamba... Add me to the list!!!
Posted by: keifo | November 19, 2008 at 12:14 PM
Mamba24,
Right now my teeth are stained a deep, mahogany brown from drinking Dit Da Jow. Maybe that has something to do with it.
But...
PHIL JACKSON IS A CYLON AND HE HAS A PLAN!
Lakers Today... Lakers TOMORROW... Lakers Forever.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | November 19, 2008 at 12:18 PM
check out the 6th man of the year conversation.
http://tinyurl.com/5coyo9
Posted by: hobbitmage | November 19, 2008 at 12:30 PM
Phx has been working rather nicely a high screen and roll with Amare and Nash.
Amare rolls toward the basket, and with the switch, if he's open, Nash feeds him. If Shaqs man helps out, Shaq gets the ball and dunks.
Simple, but effective. I'm curious as to how the Lakers will play it?
Shaq has been playing his 'bully ball' stuff. Can't wait to see him light the fire in AB.
Jon K -
And all this time we have been fighting Zombies and the real enemy has been the Zylons. .......Yes Zylons,.......of course.......we must fight them.....
Posted by: Fatty | November 19, 2008 at 12:32 PM
===== GET WELL SOON FATTY LAKER =======
===== NATION NEEDS YOU BANDWAGON =====
(01) JON K. – OWNER - Would you please start a "GET BETTER SOON,
FATTY! LAKER NATION NEEDS YOU!" BANDWAGON?
(02) JUSTANOTHERMAMBAFAN – DRIVER - Fatty - get better soon.
Don't die for no good reason - lol!
(03) PIG MILLER - Go Fatty! Best of luck under the knife.
(04) MAMBA24 - FATTY We love you My Brother Get Well soon.
(05) RICK FRIEDMAN - Fatty, Fatty, Best to you, my friend.
(06) JOHNNY P Please send my best wishes to Fatty via a bandwagon.
Fatty we're rooting for you (too).
(07) DAVE M. - Mamba - put me on the Fatty bandwagon
with the comment "aren't you sorry you brought it up?"
(08) MAGICMAN - Fatty, have no fear my man. Kobe is gonna be able to ask
Shaq how is Bynum tastes tomorrow. Also, don't give up the ghost yet Fatty.
No matter what happens, WE still need you here with us on the blog!
(09) EXHELODRVR - Fatty, Come back soon. For good luck, Mamba24 is not going to
take the thong off until you do, and I don't think we can take very much of that.
(10) KEIFO -
fatty... Get well soon. We'll pray for you
Posted by: MAMBA24 | November 19, 2008 at 12:35 PM
JON K. NO NO NO AWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWW
Hello Dave. Would you Like a cup of coffee..zzz...zzz.ztztzt
Posted by: MAMBA24 | November 19, 2008 at 12:38 PM
Although Leandro Barbosa has spent the last week in Brazil burying his mother, it's possible he will be back to play against the lakers.
Can't wait to see Shack play bynum. Last season's game pitted gasal against Shack which worked in the lakers' favor with gasal's superior speed. I think the current matchup favors Shack, and possibly Amare, although I think Amare and gasal will be closer to a draw.
Posted by: BUTLER | November 19, 2008 at 12:53 PM
{By the way never (and I mean NEVER) drink Dit Da Jow. Ask Charles. Don't do it.}
Lakers Today... Lakers TOMORROW... Lakers Forever.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | November 19, 2008 at 01:02 PM
Hobbitmage,
I'm surprised and I'm not surprised that Trevor Ariza is in the dialogue for 6th Man of the Year.
Lakers Today... Lakers Tomorrow... Lakers Forever.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | November 19, 2008 at 01:05 PM
Mamba - coffee sounds good, zzz zztzzt?? that sounds like like your spikin' it with lsd or poison.... i'm afraid, very afraid! okay, no more luke talk!
Posted by: dave m | November 19, 2008 at 01:17 PM
Dear Lord, heal Fatty, speedy recovery, no pain or major aftereffects...AMEN!
Tomorrow at 10:00 AM - a Wake for Butler followed by Prayer Time.
Posted by: utzworld - THE BANNER HOLDER | November 19, 2008 at 01:39 PM
I think Ariza as 6th man of the Year is a bit premature. He has never shown himself to be a consistent player, which is why I suspect he had fallen out of the rotation in Orlando who also had no shortage of 3s at the time.
I like Ariza's game and his passion, he's definitely a different look for us at the 3 compared to most of our guys, but he's pretty predictable as far as what he's going to do in a game situation. I still feel he's a bit of a liability on offense as he does not shoot free throws very well (hovers around 50% for his career), still has yet to prove that he's an outside threat of any kind (his first two games he hit some threes and mid range jumper but's it been all arounf the hoop since). His hustle generally makes up for that, but sometimes he plays too fast, especially for a team like ours that relies on controlling the tempo.
I saw an Ariza playing too fast, out of control, for most of last nights game. I'll wager he was more frustrated with himself after the game than he was at Sasha. I also don't like him blowing up on the court. He's not the coach, he's not even a captain or a veteran. He needs to realize his role on the team and not try to play up to all the hype he finds himself surrounded by. He's a solid contributor off the bench who is at his best when noone is expecting him to make a play. Stealth indeed.
Or did we agree with Ghost?
Anyhoo, Gasol was AWESOME! Granted he should always beat a Lilliputian when he's guarded by one, but to do well when expected is a mark of greatness.
I love Bynum's attitude. nothing shakes him, he gave mad props to Gasol who he could view as a rival for points, boards, PT, what-have-you, but he goes out of his way to brush off his best game of the year and put a teammate in the spotlight. Just great.
I'll bet we see Luke in the starting line up soon.
Sweet! He should help the starting unit stay a bit more in sync. They have looked pretty slow out of the gate (last night excluded) and I think it's because there are only two guys moving without the ball, Kobe or Fish and Gasol. Vlad goes to the corner and hangs out like Jimmy Dean at the 5 and Dime. Too cool. He started so well but has slowly lifted off and is now in synchronous orbit around earth.
before you castrate me for pushing for Luke as a starter first remember these three fun facts:
1: Luke is better as a starter, he starts off in the game which gets him focused and involved. I think he's a better defender than Vlad, better at staying in the offence and is at least as good a rebounder. the last is absurd because Vlad is far more physically gifted and he's taller. But he doesn't box out. Weak.
2: Vlad is a more tradeable commodity than Luke. Lots of teams would love to see him shooting 3s for their team, I'll bet Atlanta, NJ or NY would love to have him. His salary isn't through the roof and he looks better on paper than Luke does, especially after last year. If we're going to free up some space I think one of them has to go and in my opinion Luke is more consistent than Vlad. You don't get as much sporadically, but you get more over the long haul.
3: Luke is living every drive-way basketball players dream! He's the hero of the talentless! Like Kurt Rambis before him he does so many little things that they add up to a tasty cocktail of excellence. Alright, maybe I'm going a wee bit over board, but seriuosly, Luke, when he gets steady minutes, is much more consistent than Vlad.
Peace!
Posted by: Jamie Sweet | November 19, 2008 at 02:50 PM
Jamie,
>>>>>I love Bynum's attitude. nothing shakes him, he gave mad props to Gasol who
>>>>>he could view as a rival for points, boards, PT, what-have-you, but he goes out of
>>>>>his way to brush off his best game of the year and put a teammate in the spotlight.
>>>>>Just great.
I’m going to avoid your “Start Luke” comments as I am sure you are going to attract a lot of attention with that one. LOL. Good thing you put that “Peace” in there at the end. I would say that I still think there will be a time when Luke helps us out this year. Frankly, I still think he would be in any other team’s rotation. Unfortunately for him, we are incredibly deep right now. But if Luke could get back the game he had at the start of last year before getting injured, he could be a solid contributor.
I didn’t get to watch last night’s game. Went to a sports bar with some friends but there was some technical snafu and they couldn’t get the game to show so we ended up watching the Warriors. How did Drew play. From the box, it looked as if he was pretty aggressive since he shot so many free throws – and hit them. 18 points, 9 board, 2 dimes, and 3 blocks is a pretty damn good line. I also loved his respect for Pau, who was just phenomenal.
Tomorrow night’s matchup against Shaq and the Suns should be very interesting. Drew on Shaq and Pau on Amare should be a good “toughness” test for the Lakers big men. We need the kind of productivity from Drew and Pau we got last night. I also think your point about Drew’s attitude was right on. So far, this kid has shown to have his head on straight. I am hoping that he soon regains his hops and starts to play way above the rim like last year. It’s frustrating since Drew says his vertical leap improved by an inch over the summer. We just need to see that in a game…soon.
Just my opinions, of course!
Tom
Posted by: LakerTom | November 19, 2008 at 03:23 PM
K-Bros
Unfortunately for the Bulls and Suns on Thursday they give their plays away when they eat Oreos on the bench -- I respect the hell out of Rounders, but no one was ever able to figure out KGB with that Oreo fetish -- Memo to shaq, you may want to go with the twinkies.
Posted by: HmrHed | November 19, 2008 at 03:51 PM
Jamie Sweet,
It's nice to see someone defending Luke.
I'm not down with the Luke Hatred. Not down with it at all.
Lakers Today... Lakers Tomorrow... Lakers Forever.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | November 19, 2008 at 04:42 PM
For this game we need to activate Mbenga to lean on Shaq and help tire him out. This will help our bigs to run more after Shaq tires out and preserve their fouls.
Posted by: JustaLakerFan | November 19, 2008 at 05:26 PM