The Lakers are deep like Socrates
Remember when Brian Cook used to occasionally start for the Lakers? Well, he went from a guy who got regular PT in L.A. to an unhappy dude glued to the Magic's bench (at least he won't get buried further by a Dice chase) Along those lines, Luke Walton's "rotation player" status has shifted to "sparing contributor/well-rested blogger." Both are reminders of just much better Phil Jackson's options have gotten in creating his rotation. So much better, in fact, that he wants to utilize as many as possible, making it even more important that people understand and accept their role. It's not about "the best five players start," as evidenced by Lamar Odom coming off the bench not as a "demotion," but because strengthens both the first and second unit. LO gets it, thus you'll hear no complaint about losing a Lawrence Tanter pre-game introduction to Vlad Radmanovic, whose skill set isn't generally considered as strong as Lamar's. But again, it's all about sharing (in Vlad Rad's case, on and off the court).
Other Notes
- Hopefully, this season will see Kobe draw fewer T's.
- Coby Karl has opted for D-League action over Europe in hopes of latching on with an NBA team this season.
- On the eve of their respective debuts, look at what AI and Chauncey could bring to their new teams. For Mr. Big Shot, a chance for hometown redemption looms.
- Amare likes him some D???
- Ooopah, Josh Childress!
Kamenetsky Brothers are dropping some a priori knowledge on a Friday morning, yo!
Lakers Today. Lakers Tomorrow. Lakers Forever.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | November 07, 2008 at 08:35 AM
Nice to hear that Coby Karl is still up in the states instead of in Europe.
Like Ronny Turiaf, I wish him well.
Lakers Today. Lakers Tomorrow. Lakers Forever.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | November 07, 2008 at 08:40 AM
It's wonderful what Rad Vlad is doing.
I've known a fair share of people who survived or had family members who survived that whole Croatian-Bosnian-Serbian conflict/disaster/genocide.
That whole misery was caused by people being stuck in the past and being unable to let go of old greviances. The only good thing that came out of it was that a lot of younger people saw the futility of all that violence and rage and they chose to begin living their lives thinking forward instead of thinking backwards like their forefathers did.
That's the only way true change takes place, when people make decisions thinking forward instead of thinking backwards.
Lakers Today. Lakers Tomorrow. Lakers Forever.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | November 07, 2008 at 08:50 AM
Anyone here like Old Crow Medicine Show? If so, did you happen to catch them at the Music Box? If you, too, were there, then perhaps you bore witness to the jaw-dropping encore of The Band's "The Weight" with special guests Gillian Welch and Jacob Dylan. Amazing.
I love it when musicians are actually musicians, by that I mean they have an instrument that they can play and they do so, live. It's like having a basketball team that plays defense and scores alot.
Hey, wait a minute...
WE have a round ball squad that does that! Super!
I'm liking the rotation that Phil is cobbling together here. My only wish is that Luke would get a little more PT, I really think he can bring it when he's healthy. That being said, it does show how many quality pieces Phil can move around and tweak. I think Luke will be used more in tight games as it looks like Ariza plays a little too quickly. He gets ahead of himself, starting a play before he's corraled the ball, cutting too soon, etc. i also think Luke will get the nod when the match up is against a banger of a SF as opposed to the slashers that we have faced so far.
I know some people are going to read, "more PT for Luke..." and say, that dude has finally lost his marbles. I don't want to rock the 82 - 0 boat, but I think that as the season goes along and we see a few different types of games, we haven't had a down-to-the-wire game yet, they've all been out of reach by the 4 minute mark. This will change on Sunday. I think Houston will bring our first big challenge to the table. Artest loves to play against Kobe and Lamar. Yao will be a handful for Pau and 'Drew.
Two days...
Posted by: Jamie Sweet | November 07, 2008 at 08:53 AM
JON K. WESJOENIXON ATTN:
Here's the link to the DVD I guarantee you'll love it: http://tinyurl.com/5ta8vg
ROLL CALL IN 1/2 HOUR anybody wanting on say so now. Only 1 Roll Call a day
Posted by: Mamba24 | November 07, 2008 at 08:54 AM
Hey, on a Clippers side note. Notice that Philadelphia is 2-4 and at the
bottom of the Atlantic division?
Karmic payback for Elton Brand.
He really screwed the Clippers - or at least he allowed his agent to
talk him into screwing the Clippers.
His karmic payback? Philadelphia will finish out of the playoffs
this season while the Clippers beat out Po-henix for the 8 seed in
the west.
And Elton Brand can watch the Clippers team (that would have been
HIS Clippers team if he'd shown a shred of loyalty and at least answered
the phone to allow the Clippers to match his offer) get beat by the
Lakers in the first round.
Seriously though, I used to like Elton Brand, but I think he handled
this off season really poorly. He could blame his agent for manipulating
him, but when it all comes down to it, it's his decision. He didn't HAVE
to ignore calls from the Clippers while his agent was hammering
out a deal with the Sixers. Now I think of EB as just another money
grubber who doesn't have any loyalty.
And now he's one of the Leastern Losers.
Posted by: Long Time Laker Fan | November 07, 2008 at 09:02 AM
*82 Win Regular Season BandWagon *
(01) JON K. - Driver
(02) MAMBA24 - Riding ShotGun
(03) KEIFO - Riding ShotGun
(04) EDWIN GUECO - Judge Jury & Executioner
(05) FAITH - FAITH (WELL)
Posted by: Mamba24 | November 07, 2008 at 09:08 AM
As per yesterday's discussion regarding Shaq vs. Kareem. The only reason anyone would argue that Shaq was better at his peak was because they never saw Kareem play at his peak.
For the record, their peak years:
Kareem: 34.8 ppg, 16.6 rpg, 4.6 apg, .574 fg%, .689 ft% ('71-72)
Shaq: 29.6 ppg, 13.6 rpg, 3.8 apg, .574 fg%, .524 ft% ('99-00)
Posted by: Sean P. | November 07, 2008 at 09:10 AM
Count me in Mamba 24.
Posted by: Jamie Sweet | November 07, 2008 at 09:45 AM
Good morning Mamba24, Jon K & the rest of the fabulous Laker morning CRUE!!!!!!!!!!
Mamba24 - ready & waiting on roll call, sir!
Jamie Sweet - did you watch the Houston/Portland game last night? I'm not convinced it's going to be as much of a challenge for real as it looks like on paper. Testes is a tank, but too emotional and Yao can still be pushed around. I think it will be a good game, but I don't think the Lake Show will truly be tested - AS LONG AS they come out ready to play and not mess around like they did against the Clips....
I'm still riding the "60+ win" bandwagon!
GO LAKERS!
BTW - don't forget - "PANACHE" - use it in a sentence!
Posted by: justanothermambafan | November 07, 2008 at 09:46 AM
Derek Fisher for Pres in 2028!
Posted by: ryantific | November 07, 2008 at 10:01 AM
In case you all haven't had enough of it already... Mark Heisler is trying
to sell some books by rehashing Shaq vs. Kobe...
http://tinyurl.com/5lpg2u
Posted by: Bzar | November 07, 2008 at 10:06 AM
JON K. WES JOE NIXON ATTENTION: YOU CAN GET THE DVD AT
BEST BUY FOR $14.99 & AT CIRCUIT CITY FOR $12.99
Larry(MAMBA24)
Posted by: MAMBA24 | November 07, 2008 at 10:07 AM
Friday November 7, 2008 The 82-0 BandWagon is filling up. Come on Now!
The FORCE is out Skinny Dipping - (What? Even the Force lets it all hang out sometimes)
*
Good Morning: Sir CHARLESs
Good Morning: JustAnotherMambaFan ( Head of the Mamba Clan)
Good Morning: MORNING CRUE (The Heart & Soul of Laker Nation)
Good Morning Laker Blog!, Laker Nation!
Welcome :GENN, HAWAII_D, LAKER_GURU_FROM_INDIA ALLAN_IN_BRAZIL, MUD
*
http://tinyurl.com/5kb57j
http://tinyurl.com/5ta8vg
THERE IS PEACE IN LAKER NATION – OH HAPPY DAYS!!!!
*
As usual the Mamba will not be with you for weekend games (This has to stop) so :
*82 Win Regular Season BandWagon *
(01) JON K. - Driver
(02) MAMBA24 - Riding ShotGun
(03) KEIFO - Riding ShotGun
(04) EDWIN GUECO - Judge Jury & Executioner
(05) FAITH - FAITH (WELL)
Laker Nation – Be Careful Out There! Love Ya All! Especially You Princess
PEACE!!!
*
A ROLL CALL FOR THE ELLE OF IT . ROLL CALL!!
*
FAITH(01) BOB, KEIFO, CHARLES, EDWIN_ GUECO, FATTY, TP, JON K., BD, #4, TALIQ
WESJOENIXON, ANGRYLAKER, XODUS, DAVE_M, EAST_COAST_JESSIE, VMAN, EJK
ThaSHOW, TIM-4SHOW, TheLakeShOW, GENERIC_ONE, PIG_MILLER, JAMIE_SWEET
DICE8UP, ZAKEE, SBPIMP, THE_D, BOZZ, ELLE, HMRHED, LAKERMR. TOAD, MIKE_T.
LAKER_GURU_FROM_INDIA VI_LAKER_FAN, MrBarneyDANGLES, HTJ, THE_OUTLAW
OutsiderGURA, JOHNNYP. David_WHANG, Benjamin, BD, TRIO, HTP, LEONARD_BAST
LakerLEGACY, EXHELODRVR, LAKERTOM, RICK_FRIEDMAN, LAKERMAN_420(PUFF)
CALIPHILOSOPHER, NAJA aka BONUS, KOBEBLITZ, JAY JAY, KOBE_BLITZ, ERIC_M.
RDLEE, CORNER J, BAYWOOD, HUGO_IN_SPAIN, LAKER_TRUTH, MUD, MAGIA32
Tsphere, WeaveMan, SIXONE_Zero, FEARLESS, CBUCK, KIWI, LAKERr_STH, JANAYA
utzworld THE BANNER HOLDER, ALLAN_in_BRAZIL_, HUGO_BOSS, MR_NANO
TWOODY, Laker_HOLIC, THE_OUTLAW, LAKER_BANDIT, NEVER, MAGIC_MAN, ZEN
JUSTIN_N. BMAC, BOBIE, MITCHELL, CHI_TOWN_LAKER, PAUL_LEE , STEVEN_V.
ADRIAN_PALOMAR, JESTER_GURU, 1978, LAKER_North, JMAN, GRAIL, Laker_FAZE
LAKERPhil, LEBANESE_Mike, DK, WOLF, BZAR , IN_THE_ZEN_MASTER_WE_TRUST
JUST_Another_MAMBA_FAN BROWN_MAMBA24, White_MAMBA24, Black_MAMBA24
FAN_Of_MAMBA, MAMBA24_FAN4_LIFE_ JustALakerFan, THIRTY2, TSIRY, HAWAII_D
BYNUM_BELIEVER, , KENE_SLOW, FRANCESCO, BIG_FENCE_DEFENCE, P_ANG
LAKER_Bake, LAKER_Larry, LAKERS_4_REALZ, MARTY,130, THI, Comptons_FINEST
CHI_LAKER_FAN, NEMIA FALETOGO, GREEK_Dude, EHOMP, MUFFIN, CAMERON
HELLRAISER(certified Mamba Fan) HOBBITMAGE, BIG_DAWG., FLOYD, CHUCK23
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, DORKIS, TEEJ, PUDDLE, JAY_EL,
LOI_REYES_LANDICHO, LAKERS_WORLD, MARKY_THE_ARKY, TROY, ISANG
STAY_THIRSTY_MY_FRIENDS, COMPLEX_BROTHA, , HAPPY_GILMORE
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, BLAZE1BX, EAST_NYBOER, LAKER_FAN_24, Tower_of_POWER
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,
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, DYMANDAVE, YOU_ EVER_NOTICE
*
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
Posted by: MAMBA24 | November 07, 2008 at 10:16 AM
Jamie Sweet-
I hope Artest brings it. I remember last year when we played the Kings he was so determined to do well against Kobe that he took all of his teammates out of the game. I hope that happens on Sunday too, although doubtful.
I think the Rockets will put up a fight however, we're just too good and too deep. Pau and Bynum>Yao and Scola. Kobe>McGrady. Lamar = Artest, Dfish = Alston. So nod to the Lakers. It'll be tough but I'm guessing the Lakers will pull away in the 4th like we did against the Clipps. It's going to be really hard for teams to keep with us for a whole 48 mins.
Lamar = 6th man of the year
GO LAKERS
Posted by: mrbarneydangles | November 07, 2008 at 10:17 AM
I think Brandon Roy's game-winning shot last night might be the longest time the ball has been in the air after the buzzer sounded to swish through. It was a hail mary that really was answered. Although not as important as Fisher's .04 shot, the events leading up to it were similar as Yao made a miracle 3 point play with a second left to give them the lead (like Duncan's shot from the top of the key over Shaq).
Posted by: lakers_sth | November 07, 2008 at 10:18 AM
Good morning everybody!
Just one thing today... David Stern needs to be slapped for thinking Laker fans would be ok with 2 games a week. This waiting 'till Sunday is killing me. In the meantime all I see is Celtic green ebing forced down my throat here. This sucks!
Ok, I'm out. See you all on the live blog on Sunday. Much love!
Posted by: EastCoastJessie | November 07, 2008 at 10:22 AM
I heard a rumor that the Lakers won't be playing any more games this year. Can this be verified?
Wes
Posted by: wesjoenixon | November 07, 2008 at 10:27 AM
mamba24.. can u plz include my name in the roll call.. i have been following the blog for over a year now.. thanks..
LAKER GURU
Posted by: laker guru from india | November 07, 2008 at 10:32 AM
Mamba24,
JonK & Wes, don't buy that DVD now, wait for the next few weeks Cicuit City is going out of business. Why buy? Don't you have a DVD writer, borrow from Hollywood Video and you know what to do during the economic crunch time.
Don't forget Jamie Sweet or else she becomes sour.
What ever happened to J. W. Weathermen, any clues?
Lakers are deep but they are not there yet, their hurried assists gets into to T/O's, communication signals sometimes uses a different wavelenght. If Kobe stays on the bench on the last two minutes of the 4th and Luke Walton is the commanding general, now we know that we are there.
Will Yue and Mbenga ever play at the Staples? They could be nice decors for the Lakers Christmas tree.
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | November 07, 2008 at 10:39 AM
lakers_sth
" think Brandon Roy's game-winning shot last night might be the longest time the ball has been in the air after the buzzer sounded to swish through. It was a hail mary that really was answered. Although not as important as Fisher's .04 shot"
I watched that game and it didn't look like a hail mary to me.
It was a set play and for it to not even draw iron meant to me that it was a very well shot ball, very much like Fish'er's .04.
Posted by: keifo | November 07, 2008 at 10:54 AM
Right On Mamba
Last on the roll call but not least, if you can keep me last forever that would be coooool
Bringing up the rear
You Ever Notice
Posted by: You Ever Notice | November 07, 2008 at 10:56 AM
The stop watch had Roy at 1.6 seconds from catch to release, can you say home cooking?
After watching, I thought there was no way for him to catch, make a full pivot, and then shoot in .08
When Fish made his infamous .04 it was catch, turn, and shoot in one motion. Roy had 3 distinctive actions.
Posted by: You Ever Notice | November 07, 2008 at 11:02 AM
My "fix what isn't broken" post of the day.
So after watching the Portland-Houston game last night, I've got a huge
man-crush on Rudy Fernandez. Lakers should pry him loose from
Portland before they realize that he's going to be better than ANY
of their big 3 (Oden, Roy, & Aldridge).
Portland has been Jonesing to get Mike Conley to pair up with Greg Oden,
and has several times tried to work out a trade with Memphis. The
most recent story was that Portland was offering Travis Outlaw, but
Memphis was asking for LaMarcus Aldridge.
And if you look at Memphis' lineup, it's clear why. They're
3 deep at point guard, have potential All-Stars at shooting guard
and small forward, a promising young center, and a question
mark at power forward.
Might they be interested in a starting quality power forward
who's one of the best rebounders in the league, a decent scorer
and very good passer?
Here's the deal:
Lakers send Lamar to Memphis & Josh Powell to Portland
Memphis sends Conley to Portland
Memphis sends either Hakim Warrick or Darrell Arthur to the Lakers
Portland sends Rudy Fernandez & Ike Diogu to the Lakers.
Posted by: Long Time Laker Fan | November 07, 2008 at 11:03 AM
LOL Mamba24. You should have your own fan club with the fun stuff you do.
OK, back to the basketball. With the depth we have, and their capabilities, I want Kobe to have to play less minutes. Currently it's up in the low 30s, with Pau being around 36 I believe. That needs to go down to 28?
These guys logged a lot of minutes on those legs all year long, time to cut it down. Which is why I'm a proponent of blowing people out early. No it's not boring, it's for the fu-ture.
Posted by: Faith | November 07, 2008 at 11:10 AM
I've been paying attention to the Warriors this year and have had my eye on Ronny Turiaf. Ronny is just not the same dude this year. I haven't seen him smile on the court not even once. He's not even getting more playing time like he probably thought he was going to get.
I'm thinking he wishes he were still a Laker.
Go Lakers!
Posted by: Rocky | November 07, 2008 at 11:11 AM
LTLF-
This is no time to be messing with chemistry. If it ain't broke, don't fix it. We are slaughtering teams right now. No need for ANY changes. Just my two cents.
Lamar = 6th man of the year
GO LAKERS
Posted by: mrbarneydangles | November 07, 2008 at 11:12 AM
Right On Mamba Last on the roll call but not least, if you can keep me last forever
that would be coooool Bringing up the rear You Ever Notice Posted by:
You Ever Notice | November 07, 2008 at 10:56 AM
The Last shall be First and The First shall be Last. But our FAITH aint included in that
statement! Glad you got a sense of humor. But Bro. SOMEBODY HAS TO BE LAST!
You my son are The Laker Nations Last Stand against The Hordes.
Posted by: Mamba24 | November 07, 2008 at 11:12 AM
BTW - don't forget - "PANACHE" - use it in a sentence!
I use it daily. It helps build strong bones and teeth. lol!
Posted by: Mamba | November 07, 2008 at 11:15 AM
Do you suppose the silent auction includes a date with Sasha?
hmm
http://tinyurl.com/6pjll7
Posted by: Faith | November 07, 2008 at 11:17 AM
LOL Mamba24. You should have your own fan club with the fun stuff you do.
FAITH stop that! Stop that right now! I don't want EASTCOASTJESSIE to Bslap me. lol!
Posted by: Mamba | November 07, 2008 at 11:18 AM
KEIFO IN THE HOUSE!
Posted by: Mamba24 | November 07, 2008 at 11:20 AM
justanothermambafan
Didn't catch the game, I was tapping my toes to the Old Crow Medicine Show. I think Houston will be a challenge because they have a legit post threat, if T-Mac decides to play, then they have a comparable scorer to match up with Kobe. In Artest...well, you have lightning in a bottle, it just remains to be seen who he'll blow up on.
Two days...
Posted by: Jamie Sweet | November 07, 2008 at 11:21 AM
Do you suppose the silent auction includes a date with Sasha?
Posted by: Faith | November 07, 2008 at 11:17 AM
I DON'T KNOW GIRL BUT IF YOU PLAY YOUR CARDS RIGHT YOU CAN HAVE A
DATE WITH MAMBA24. LOL! OUCH, OUCH, OUCH Stop that EASTCOAST STOP IT NOW!!
Posted by: MAMBA24 | November 07, 2008 at 11:24 AM
Sean,
I did watch Kareem playing at his peak. He was undeniably a great player. But Shaq at his peak had more impact on the games than Kareem did.
Posted by: exhelodrvr | November 07, 2008 at 11:26 AM
It occurs to me that you all might have me confused with the adult fim star, Jamie Sweet, so here's my GI Joe action figure card for y'all:
Jamie Sweet
aka Jaminus Sweetimus (acting name for theatre)
Lives in Long Beach
Founding member of the Garage Theatre.
Totally a dude, got all my bits and pieces.
Sorry ladies, I live with my girl friend who is also a Laker fan, no cracks in the foundation there.
Works at Long Beach City College.
Notable Achievements: Worked for the Amy Biehl Foundation in 2003.
Attended Phish's Final show in Vermont, will be attending the reunion run in Hampton.
I have written a five-part saga about the old timey Pike in Long Beach in the style of a mellodrama. This year is part 4.
Favorite Weapon: Nunchucks
Favorite Food: Burritos...the ULTIMATE food delivery system.
Favorite Team:....wait for it....
LAKERS!!!!!!!!
Posted by: Jamie Sweet | November 07, 2008 at 11:26 AM
K-bros,
i'm surprised you didn't post the article on "Madman's Ball" from Mark Heisler. it's a good article discussing exerpts from the book. you know me, i love kobe versus shaq arguments.
on the topic of lakers being deep, i agree, but with caution. the competition so far for the lakers have been marginal. clips twice, "enver" (i'm removing the "D" from Denver) and portland are not exactly elite teams.
i want to see how the lakers stack up against the elite teams like boston, hornets, suns, cavs, rockets, jazz, etc.
Posted by: KL | November 07, 2008 at 11:27 AM
big ups to Radmanovic.
be the change you want to see in the world.
GO LAKES!
Posted by: sixonezero | November 07, 2008 at 11:29 AM
Some good reading links above - the Rad article was terrific, Luke's props for Fish were also nice.
On the subject of reads... I perused the Heisler book excerpt and wasn't that wowed... it felt kind of dry and by the numbers. Disappointiing - Heisler can be really good or really ordinary, what I've read so far feels more like a column than a book.
MAMBA24! Put me on the 82 bandwagon, I'm livin' the dream!
Posted by: dave m | November 07, 2008 at 11:32 AM
*..............82 Win Regular Season BandWagon ......*
(01) JON K. – Owner
(02) LAKER_TOM – Driver
(03) JAMIE SWEET – The Oracle
(04) MAMBA24 - Riding ShotGun
(05) KEIFO - Riding ShotGun
(06) EDWIN GUECO - Judge Jury & Executioner
(07) FAITH - Sasha's Haircut advisor
Posted by: MAMBA24 | November 07, 2008 at 11:33 AM
thank u mamba24 for including my name in the roll call.. and right behind mike.t too.. i am gonna kick his u know what ,the next time he talks about kwamay's calves!!
LAKER GURU
Posted by: laker guru from india | November 07, 2008 at 11:33 AM
be the change you want to see in the world.Posted by: sixonezero
November 07, 2008 at 11:29 AM
DEEP !
Posted by: MAMBA24 | November 07, 2008 at 11:34 AM
LTFL,
On that trade for Rudy Fernandez, as much as shooting would be nice why would we want to give up two very good rebounders for him? Hakim Warrick or Darrell Arther isn't the rebounder that Lamar is and I wouldn't think as aggressive as Josh Powell is. If Drew has an injury who will be our rebounder? Pau is solid but shouldn't be the one who gives Bynum/Lamar kind of rebounding. Kobe could do it but highest he had 7 rebounds which is very good but still not good enough to fill the void.
Rocky,
He wouldn't have gotten much playing time here even. Powell isn't getting too much playing time either. The way our big men are and the rotations it's really hard to rotate the 3rd stringers.
Faith,
as much as I would love blowouts especially early I doubt we will do that especially on the good teams like Boston and New Orleans. Pau's ability to play the 4 and 5 will be needed especially.
Today the Lakers are back at practice, they should continue to improve their defense plus put some damn balls into the basket.
-blitz
Posted by: kobeblitz | November 07, 2008 at 11:38 AM
KL,
The article hadn't been posted on the Times' site by the time I finished this blog post. Otherwise, I would have included it, although I'd be lying if I claimed to find the Kobe-Shaq debate nearly as interesting now as years ago, when it actually was relevant. Just my opinion.
AK
Posted by: Andrew Kamenetzky | November 07, 2008 at 11:42 AM
Behave Mamba...I'm watchin' you. :-)
I know I said I was leavin' but I can't just go.
Faith, I don't know about the date with Sasha...he's alright looking but his accent's iffy.
Posted by: EastCoastJessie | November 07, 2008 at 11:42 AM
AK
Agreed. Shaq vs Kobe has lost its luster, especially since Shaq has moved on to dissing Miami teammates and staff.
Although, the Shaq ESPN spot where he's playing Scrabble with Stuart Scott and (I think) Dan Patrick is hilarious. That is the Shaq I miss.
I hope that Shaq isn't remembered for all the lame things he has said and done in his career. He is a phenomenal player and changed the way the game was played. He is a Top Five All Time Center and will be in HOF. He owes himself more than he gives himself.
Posted by: Jamie Sweet | November 07, 2008 at 11:49 AM
Behave Mamba...I'm watchin' you. :-) I know I said I was leavin' but I can't just go. Faith, I don't know about the date with Sasha...he's alright looking but his accent's iffy.
Posted by: EastCoastJessie | November 07, 2008 at 11:42 AM
NO MAS! NO MAS! ROFLMFAO!
Posted by: MAMBA24 | November 07, 2008 at 11:53 AM
thank u mamba24 for including my name in the roll call.. and right behind mike.t too.. i am gonna kick his u know what ,the next time he talks about kwamay's calves!!
Posted by: laker guru from india | November 07, 2008 at 11:33 AM
LOL! My pleasure sir.
Posted by: MAMBA24 | November 07, 2008 at 11:55 AM
Keifo - I meant Hail Mary more to describe the high arc of the ball. It seemed to be in the air forever before coming down. Watching the video, it's just amazing how much time passes after the buzzer sounds, to the ball going through the hoop, to the crowd going nuts. No disrespect of course to Fisher's .04 or Horry against Sacramento or Jerry West against the Knicks. I'm not discussing the importance of the shot, just the aesthetics of it.
Lots of games on the docket tonight. 13? Sure is good to be a basketball fan. Although not many "good" teams playing each other.
Posted by: lakers_sth | November 07, 2008 at 11:58 AM
Jamie Sweet
aka Jaminus Sweetimus (acting name for theatre)
Lives in Long Beach
Founding member of the Garage Theatre.
Totally a dude, got all my bits and pieces.
Sorry ladies, I live with my girl friend who is also a Laker fan, no cracks in
the foundation there.
Works at Long Beach City College.
Notable Achievements: Worked for the Amy Biehl Foundation in 2003.
Attended Phish's Final show in Vermont, will be attending the reunion run
in Hampton.
I have written a five-part saga about the old timey Pike in Long Beach in the style of a mellodrama. This year is part 4.
Favorite Weapon: Nunchucks
Favorite Food: Burritos...the ULTIMATE food delivery system.
Favorite Team:....wait for it....
LAKERS!!!!!!!!
WTF!!!!!! JAMIE TAKE YOUR BUSINESS OUTSIDE. Lol!
Posted by: Jamie Sweet | November 07, 2008 at 11:26 AM
Posted by: MAMBA24 | November 07, 2008 at 12:02 PM