Belly up to the bar
But don't take that as an invite to drinking (although we at Lakers Blog certainly won't stop anyone from partaking, should the interest be there). Instead, the bar in question is the one Suns coach Terry Porter claimed the Lakers represent in a "measuring stick" metaphorical sense. And with that in mind, a 105-92 Lakers win- a victory not even as close as that sizable margin would indicate- equals Porter's squad going belly up. For that matter, so did the "story lines" heading into the contest.
Before the tip, the focus seemed to swirl around matters of star power. Shaq's complaints that Phil Jackson kept his threepeat era stars at each other's throats, a statement the Big Man insists was taken out of context. PJ is buying it, particularly upon insisting that ducats, not daggers, led to Shaq's trade outta L.A. The threepeat stars in question, obviously, were Shaq and Kobe Bryant, a volatile playing relationship that everyone always suspects could boil over again. No dice. Just kind words- at least until Shaq changes his mind again- about Kobe being quite the team player. Those hoping Shaq and Andrew Bynum would pick up where a brief 2006 encounter left off were ultimately disappointed. Shaq didn't put a huge stamp on things despite quite a few touches and Bynum followed suit, struggling all night with foul trouble. Throw in shooting struggles for Kobe (8-23), Pau Gasol (2-8, offsetting 9 dimes and boards), Amare Stoudemire (9-21), and Steve Nash (3-9) and the box score wasn't really "about" the biggest names in question.
Instead, what ended up putting the Lakers over the top was their celebrated depth and supporting cast. Vlad Radmanovic, whose recent shooting slump left PJ cryptic about a lineup shift, steadied himself and made Phoenix pay dearly for leaving him open behind the arc. Lamar Odom came off the bench and put forth a strong 13/9 effort, setting a tone for Trevor Ariza, Jordan Farmar and Sasha Vujacic to follow suit. Perhaps not a triumph of sexy storylines, but the Lakers' 9-1 record certainly looks rather dishy in its own right.
OTHER NOTES
- If you ask Michael Curry, the "physical" Detroit team that beat the Lakers last Friday isn't necessarily all that physical.
- The Clips and Sixers play tonight, and Mike Dunleavy and Elton Brand haven't spoken since the former LAC icon bolted. For that matter, neither have- nor apparently "will"- EB and B.Diddy (despite Davis' July insistence that they'd remain friends).
- Agent Zero is looking at the bright side of a terrible Wizards start.
- Al Harrington and Jamal Crawford are switching squads.
- Eddy Curry's desire is being questioned? Shocking!!!
- PETA is taking a break from pelting Lindsay Lohan to take issue with the Nuggets.
- The Pistons' bench misses Dice.
- George Karl discusses a father and son's win over cancer.

man this is a late post.. gotta do this earlier for the morning crew!
Posted by: tp | November 21, 2008 at 09:57 AM
New. Oohhhh.
Wes
Posted by: wesjoenixon | November 21, 2008 at 09:59 AM
The Lakers have a lot of ways to improve.
That's the good and bad news.
They held PHX to 20 or less in a quarter only 1 out of 4 times. Maybe I'm turning into a Faith-like type, but the whole game, I was watching the clock and how our defense was working. I was watching to see how often we could keep them from scoring less than a bucket in a minute.
The thing that frustrates me about Socks, is that here he is in his 4th season, and he's never thrown the shot. Maybe it's something he's unable to do, but I doubt it. He's grasped footwork nicely, passing, rebounding, and he's worked his athleticism to a degree that he ought to be able to throw the shot quite successfully.
And here we are wondering why he's not dominating the post more often. Against guys like Yao, Oden, Howard, or Shaq, it would be nice to have it in his arsenal.
The Nuggets aren't the same team we faced a month ago. They're on a 4 game win streak and are playing some of the best basketball in the L since Billups showed up. After seeing how they went into Boston, they're a truer test of where we're at than the FUNS.
Posted by: Tim-4-Show | November 21, 2008 at 10:00 AM
Fri. Nov. 21 2008 – Lakers vs. Denver
The NBA, Where Laker making Carmelo Backpedal happens
*
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, DION, CHUAHUGO, TOMY,OLF
BIG BOSS
Welcome Back: RDLee (Rumored to be a secret Jedhi Master)
All Praises to :The 2 Time Blog Trophy Winning & Famous FATTY Award – KamBrothers
We’re in trouble now, Cobe Karls father will get us for cutting his son.
I did’nt even know John Denver played basketball. Does he still sing.
*
“TWILIGHT” THIS “TWILIGHT” THAT WHAT THE FRAK IS A FREAKIN “TWILIGHT”
“BLADE” WOULD SNAP “TWILIGHTS “SKINNY CROOKED FREAKINHEAD IN 2 SECONDS!
ROARRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR
NEXT UP BLADE VS. ANGEL
No Speeches, No Rah, Rah, Just this: GO OUT &KICK THEIR FREAKIN A**,
SMASH, DESTROY! NO FLASH, NO DASH, JUST UTTER DOMINATION!
*
ROLL CALL
*
Faith, Bob, Keifo, Charles, Edwin_ Gueco, Fatty, TP, Jon K., BD, #4, Taliq, Vman, RDLEE
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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,
GAIL GOODRICH ,SPORTSCASTER CHICK HEARN THE LEGEND,
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 21, 2008 at 10:01 AM
I seems pretty obvious to me that AB is not 100% either mentally, physically or both.
Mentally...Anyone that has had a knee injury can tell you that it takes A LONG TIME to trust that knee again.
Physically...The limping and ice packs speak for themselves.
If it is just mental, he'll be coming into stride about the time we need him towards the middle/end of the season.
If it is physical, who knows. Let's just pray it's only mental.
Posted by: Eric M. | November 21, 2008 at 10:03 AM
Lakers have another tough game tonight. They better come back with fervor. If Rad can keep doing what he did last night, then he earns his lunch money.
p.s. I predict the Lakers to lose!
Posted by: never | November 21, 2008 at 10:08 AM
Tonight's recipe: heat Vlad for 2 quarters, add a patient Kobe taking "good" shots... and making them, please, sprinkle in LO's new flav, a dash of Trevor, a pinch of Pau, a bunch of AB17 blocks, boil, let simmer and bet the Farm.
Posted by: VMan | November 21, 2008 at 10:11 AM
Rick,
>>>>>Laker Tom's BEAST is still a work in progress. AB17 still looks surprisingly
>>>>>tentative at both ends of the floor, despite his Defensive stats. Perhaps this
>>>>>observation is unfair or just plain wrong, but he appeared to be playing better
>>>>>before he signed that lucrative long term contract.
I don’t think it has anything to do with the contract but Drew definitely needs to get back to being the Beast he was before he got injured last year. I think he is doing fine on defense but his offense is way behind last year. I think it is an issue with his confidence, which has to have been affected by the injury. Maybe he can jump an inch higher in the gym but we have not seen that in the games. At any rate, we need the Beast if we are going to beat Boston in my opinion. And he ain’t there yet.
Tom
Posted by: LakerTom | November 21, 2008 at 10:22 AM
Did anyone saw Kung Pow?
in one scene a character, after being punched several times, says "i'm using my face to fist technique"...
when i heard that, the name BUTLER suddenly appeared in my mind...
Posted by: MrNano | November 21, 2008 at 10:26 AM
Tonight's recipe: heat Vlad for 2 quarters, add a patient Kobe taking "good" shots
... and making them, please, sprinkle in LO's new flav, a dash of Trevor, a pinch of
Pau, a bunch of AB17 blocks, boil, let simmer and bet the Farm. Posted by: VMan |
November 21, 2008 at 10:11 AM
D@mn that's some tasty stew you are brewing VMAN.
I bet it comes up a winner
Posted by: MAMBA24 | November 21, 2008 at 10:26 AM
Good Morning Charles...Good Morning Everyone....
This win showed off some of our depth and versitility---and featured some players picking up the slack and showing up when they were needed....
If Vlad can get consistent (that's an old song around here) we would be virtually unbeatable--it was good to see him stroking the three's....
Kobe wanted this one that's for sure....
I 'd like to see some better crisper passes, sometimes our casualness drives me to scream at the TV a little bit---no excuse for lazy crappy passes at this level boys...
Tonight's game will be interesting to see if we show up with the concerted effort...FOCUS....DEFENSE...FREE THROW PROFICIENCY... and how 'bout a little more....wait for it....PICK AND FRICKIN' ROLL (the two times or so that they used it last night were extremely effective indeed)....
AS ALWAYS, AS EVER, YET ANOTHER GREAT DAY (AND SEASON) TO BE A LAKER FAN !!!
GO LAKERS !!!
Posted by: Floyd | November 21, 2008 at 10:27 AM
Mamba24,
"The world economy is collasping and no amout of Government help can stop it."
You are a smart guy! I fear there's a good chance you may be right. I'm not 100% positive yet, but I think it is more likely than not. I think we will know one way or another by next summer.
Only Mike T. could of thought this endless debt, both government and private, could go on forever.
BTW...Next June 21 is exactly 3 1/2 years till 12/21/12. I'm sure some of you will know what I mean.
Posted by: Eric M. | November 21, 2008 at 10:27 AM
Before I turn the page on the Suns:
It seems to me that their half-court offense should basically consist of two plays - feeding Shaq in the post and running the pick-n-roll with Amare and Nash. Porter could probably borrow pages from Byron Scott's playbook to show how Nash can be more effective at a slower pace the way CP3 just probes and probes before delivering the ball. That being said, Shaq's teammates (including Nash) need to figure out how to move off the ball better when the ball goes into the low post.
Diaw played way too little last night. His low post moves and passing was very difficult to counteract b/c his court-vision is so good. Porter needs to figure out a way to have that second-unit run consistently through Boris instead of Dragic or Singletary.
Posted by: lakers_sth | November 21, 2008 at 10:29 AM
Hey Mamba,
Can I fly in my own private plane and ask for $25 Billion? The Cars I roll and Slang are Gas Monsters even though the Economy is doing bad.
Posted by: Charles | November 21, 2008 at 10:32 AM
Butler,
"I count this game as a Suns victory."
As long as nobody from the league office with control over the actual standings shares your sentiments, by all means, enjoy.
AK
Posted by: Andrew Kamenetzky | November 21, 2008 at 10:32 AM
wassup peeps? mamba, thanks again for the roll call!
i've been away from the blog for a while, but am back. i lost my internet access for a couple of days, but that is now back.
looking forward to tonight's game. should be a good one. i've noticed Denver has been playing well since the Iverson/Billups trade. i hope the Lakers don't come out complacent, and lay the smack down on them early!
hey, let's not get on AB's case just yet. he had a great game against the Bulls, didn't he? and last night, he was in foul trouble. not to mention he had Shaq on him. i've seen Shaq play this season, and the man is still a BEAST!
oh yeah, and i was surprised to read about the Crawford/Harrington trade. i hope it works out for the Knicks, and hope that Marbury can now get off the bench.
peace out.
Posted by: leonardbast | November 21, 2008 at 10:34 AM
"After Lakers center Andrew Bynum posted up Amaré Stoudemire, Shaquille O'Neal got off the bench, walked by Porter and said, "I'm going in." "
Uh huh..
How long before we hear Shaq say Amare sucks?
You know, I didnt take nearly as much joy from this win as I thought I would. I EXPECT the Lakers to beat inferior teams, even on the road. Anything less than dominance at this point is a let down.
Oh, and so much for Tragic, did he even get off the bench? What about B-Lo? Wasn't he supposed to be the next Duncan? Don't reckon we'll get any more fun s updates from butler any time soon. What a tragedy. :)
Posted by: Badfinger | November 21, 2008 at 10:35 AM
Hey Shaq,
Tell me how that score tastes!
Hey Shaq,
Tell me how that score tastes!
Sing it with me!!!
Hey Shaq,
Tell me how that score tastes!!
GOOoooOO LAKERS!!
Posted by: JohnnyP | November 21, 2008 at 10:36 AM
With that Crawford for Harrington deal, all you Cleveland fans can
break out your crying towels. With that trade, it gives the Knicks over
20 million in cap space for summer of 2010.
If they can manage to make the playoffs this year, and somehow
hornswoggle some team into trading for Eddy Curry, then they're
in the drivers seat as far as Bronnie is concerned.
Posted by: Long Time Laker Fan | November 21, 2008 at 10:37 AM
No Game Day prayer today...busy at work and a major crisis on the homefront. All will be well tonight - no worries.
Posted by: utzworld - THE BANNER HOLDER | November 21, 2008 at 10:42 AM
Mel,
Please put the link in Tiny URL form.
Thanks.
AK
Posted by: Andrew Kamenetzky | November 21, 2008 at 10:42 AM
POST OF THE WEEK
Can I fly in my own private plane and ask for $25 Billion? The Cars I roll and
Slang are Gas Monsters even though the Economy is doing bad. Posted
by: Charles | November 21, 2008 at 10:32 AM
ROFLMFAO
Posted by: MAMBA24 | November 21, 2008 at 10:44 AM
The world economy is collasping and no amout of Government help can stop it.
"You are a smart guy! I fear there's a good chance you may be right. I'm not
100% positive yet, but I think it is more likely than not. I think we will know one
way or another by next summer. Only Mike T. could of thought this endless debt,
both government and private, could go on forever. BTW...Next June 21 is exactly
3 1/2 years till 12/21/12. I'm sure some of you will know what I mean.
Posted by: Eric M. | November 21, 2008 at 10:27 AM
ERIC STOP IT! YOU'RE SCARING ME. LOL!
Posted by: MAMBA24 | November 21, 2008 at 10:49 AM
Mamba24,
"The world economy is collasping and no amout of Government help can stop it."
I predict by the third quarter of 2009 the stock market will go on a 10 year bull run cresting to 22,ooo.Before this the bottom will hit 5,000. Crude oil will dip to 15 dollars a barrell.Gold at 1000.Then the pendulum will swing up.
Posted by: WHITE MAMBA24 | November 21, 2008 at 10:51 AM
{Clippers sidenote.}
I still can't believe what The Traitor did to the Clippers and, more importantly, Baron Davis.
I can UNDERSTAND what The Branded Traitor did to the Clippers--Donald Sterling isn't known for being the most respectful owner in the Universe--but I cannot understand how The Branded Traitor could do that to Baron Davis.
I mean, convincing him to sign with the Clippers upon the promise of playing together and then bolting to a non-contending Eastern Conference team? What the hell?
If I was Baron Davis, I would feel ultimately betrayed. That's just plain low.
Thank goodness that Baron Davis is (outwardly) remaining positive about things. The Clippers do have a positive future with Al Thorton, Eric Gordon and whoever we'll get for Marcus Camby's salary next year.
Still... if I was Baron Davis I'd be pissed at The Traitor.
I just don't get it. Elton Brand seemed like a real nice guy. I enjoyed rooting for him.
Go Clippers!
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | November 21, 2008 at 10:55 AM
I POSTED THIS ON A PISTONS BLOG.
A Lakers fan here. I wrote this piece after the Lakers killed the Suns and the Celtics killed the Pistons in last night’s games.
Right now, as I see it, the Suns can't beat the Lakers.
You see, the Lakers are too high powered and the Suns aren't that good defensively, although, Shaq isn't the problem. Shaq can still ball.
But the Suns, in theory, have the same philosophy as the Pistons and Celtics. They have a huge center and a scoring PF and are supposed to be emphasizing defense as their priority.
Now, if you notice the Lakers losses to the Piston and Celtics you should see one thing very clearly. Both teams dismantled the Lakers.
The Suns, even if they had won the game tonight...I don't think they could be the Lakers in a 7 games series. Why? It’s because the Suns weren't able to “dismantle” the Lakers. They, at best, were trading baskets.
I'll say it again. The Pistons and the Celtics "dismantle" the Lakers and that's why they beat them. They don't trade baskets with the Lakers. They demoralize the Lakers.
Now, the reason why the Pistons can't beat the Celtics is because they play the same style of ball. With the starting line-ups as they are, the game is supposed to be a grind. And that’s what it was until Curry took out Kwame Brown.
When the Pistons coach takes out Kwame and puts in Maxiell and the rest of the short line-up the Pistons get killed in the lane. When Kwame went out of the game, tonight, the Pistons were up by 3 points 19-16 with a two and a half minutes left in the quarter. That’s grinding, smashmouth basketball and the only way the Pistons beat the Celtics this year.
When Kwame was out of the game the Celtics went up by 12 points 39-27. That's a 15 point difference. That’s the Pistons going away from the grinding, smashmouth basketball and they get killed by the Celtics with the small line-up.
When Kwame came back into the game with about 5 minutes left in the half the Pistons shaved 3 points off that lead. The score was 49-40. In other words the Pistons outscored the Celtics 13-10 in the 5 mintues Kwame played to end the half. That's 3 points up in his first rotation. And 3 points up in his second rotation.
Now when the 2nd half started the Celtics outscored the Pistons by 4 points by the time Kwame was pulled from the game halfway through the 3rd quarter. Kwame finished with a plus 2 differential.
The Pistons got out scored by another 6 points to end the quarter and trailed by 20 to end the half.
Game over!
It’s plain, to me, to see that Kwame clogs the middle pretty good for the Pistons. When he's in there teams don't attack the rim at will. Does that mean the Pistons should beat everyone with Kwame in the game most of the time? No! It means the games should be close when he's in there against good teams. But when the Pistons try to go small with Maxiell or go thin with Amir Johnson...they get killed in the lane by good teams. Maxiell is too short and Johnson is too thin.
Both Maxiell and Johnson play with energy and it looks like they're good and exciting ball players. But when they are in the game against good teams, the rim is exposed. Not against Cleveland because their center is too slow-footed. They can exploit the Cavs. But they can't do that to the Celtics because the Celtics are a better defensive team than the Pistons.
The only chance the Pistons have against the Celtics is to keep Brown in the game for as long as possible. The game has to be a grind for the Pistons to win. It’s like a chess match. It’s a match of Brown and Perkins fighting for position in the low post. Brown is able to screen out Perkins and that allows the rest of the Pistons to come in and grab rebounds. Once the Pistons, against the Celtics, go away from the big line-up...they get killed by the Celtics.
Now what does that mean for the Lakers?
It means there are two teams that can beat them. The Pistons and the Celtics play the pefect ball to beat the Lakers. They have the right personal to do it.
Wallace of Detroit could never play center for the team with McDyess at the 4 spot and beat this Lakers team. Bynum's arms are too long for Wallace to deal with. Plus Wallace, as good as he is, is too thin in the butt to clog the lane. McDyess is too short to deal with Gasol. They only beat the Lakers if Brown holds Bynum and Wallace gets Gasol.
And when either Bynum or Gasol is out of the game and one is still in, then Kwame can still hold the other and the middle is still clogged.
Well, once the Pistons set the tone at the start of the game with Kwame, then Maxiell and McDyess can come in and do damage. But Kwame has to be part of the regular rotation for the Pistons to create an identity.
The Celtics have the right personal to deal with the Lakers, too.
But what's more is that the Lakers are a mixed team. They say they're a defensive team. But they're truly not...not against a real defensive team like the Pistons and the Celtics. Against these two teams the Lakers get exposed. The Lakers have two weak legged post players in Bynum and Gasol. Neither can get position in the post against Kwame of Detroit and Perkins of Boston.
Amare, for the Suns, is a defensive liability. And Steve Nash seems to be like a fish out of water when he's not playing small ball. The Suns are flawed. But they beat the Pistons and lost to the Lakers. Why? Kwame Brown! Once Kwame picked up his 2nd foul against the Suns…the Suns killed the Pistons in the lane.
It looks like the Pistons might get better with McDyess and they might have a chance to beat the Celtics. But if for some reason the Celtics stumble...the Pistons can still beat the Lakers.
Again, the Lakers philosophy of ball plays perfectly into the Celtics and Pistons defensive philosophy and personal. The Lakers aren't true defenders. Kwame is a true defender. Perkins is a true defender. They both weigh like 270-275. Bynum and Gasol aren't true defenders. They're scorers. They can get away with their version of defense against the rest of the league and have their scoring abilities push them over the top in beating teams, but not against the Celtics and Pistons. Why?
Kwame pushes Bynum out of defensive position and Bynum is ineffective defensively against the Pistons.
Same goes with Perkins and the Celtics.
Kwame pushes Bynum out of offensive position and Bynum is ineffective offensively against the Pistons.
Same goes with Perkins and the Celtics.
I think the Lakers beat the Cavs.
Here's how to tell. Just like the Suns, if the Cavs don't dismantle the Lakers, the Lakers win with too much fire power. The only way the Lakers lose is when they face a team that has the ability to dismantle them. And that's something the Pistons and Celtics can do right now.
The Pistons and Celtics don't have to dismantle any other teams in the league. But the Lakers are perfectly suited to be dismantled by both the Celtics and Pistons.
Part of the challenge this year for the Pistons is Coach Michael Curry. If the Pistons are going to win a championship this year it has to be because of one defensive philosophy and letting it ride out. Every time he pulls Kwame he is doing two things.
1. Exposing the lane and the rim with short or skinny players like Maxiell or Johnson.
2. He doesn’t allow the Pistons to establish a rhythm/identity for “Pistons” defensive basketball that is going to carry them throughout the season and through the physical playoffs. If the Pistons get to the finals, they beat the Lakers.
I watched Kwame very closely when he was here in Los Angeles with the Lakers. Phil Jackson messed with Kwame’s mind even though, when Kwame was healthy and the starting center for the Lakers, the Lakers were anywhere from 15-20 games above 500.
The Lakers didn’t appreciate what Kwame did for them by clogging the lane. Instead they said: Look at what Luke Walton is doing for the team and gave Walton a 6 year 30 million dollar contract. My goodness how blind could people be I said to myself. Well, I said more than that. LOL!
I’m following the Pistons this season because I’m a Kwame Brown fan. He’s a good kid and has a big body that can help any team the plays with a defensive philosophy. Right now I’m seeing what Kwame is doing for the Pistons as the starting center. I’m watching to see if the Pistons make the same mistake with Kwame as the Lakers did. So far, Coach Curry is making the same mistake with Kwame as the Lakers did.
Without Kwame…the Pistons have no chance of beating the Celtics, Lakers or the Cavs. Kwame’s big body will clog the lane and allow the Pistons to stay in the games against the elite teams. Give Kwame 30 minutes a game and he’ll average a double-double. Go small with Maxiell and Johnson and the Pistons get killed by the elite.
That's my opinion.
mike t.
p.s. What part of this post insults any blogger?
Posted by: Michael C. Teniente | November 21, 2008 at 10:55 AM
The world economy is collasping and no amout of Government help can stop it."You are a smart guy!
I fear there's a good chance you may be right. I'm not 100% positive yet, but I think it is more likely than
not. I think we will know one way or another by next summer. Only Mike T. could of thought this endless
debt, both government and private, could go on forever. BTW...Next June 21 is exactly 3 1/2 years till
12/21/12. I'm sure some of you will know what I mean.
Posted by: Eric M. | November 21, 2008 at 10:27 AM
So the Conspiracy theorist were right all the time. Next Up One unified currency so that the world economy
never gets in this shape again. Then your digital ID that can imoplanted into your hand so you no longer
need credit cards or social secutity numbers and don't have to worry about Identity theft. OH yeah Folks
we're headin into the roundup now.
Posted by: MAMBA24 | November 21, 2008 at 10:56 AM
I find it interesting that a lot of people are trying to play nice with Shaq and how his childish narcissism lead to four years of misery for the Lakers (I'm including the 2003-2004 season) and Laker Nation.
We all know how childish and jealous he was. WE WERE THERE, SHAQ! WE REMEMBER! YOU'RE NOT FOOLING ANYONE!
Shaq, if you really want my (our) respect, just apologize and you'll be forgiven. Until then we'll just keep our eyes focused on how far you've fallen from how good you used to be.
Lakers Today... Lakers Tomorrow... Lakers Forever.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | November 21, 2008 at 11:00 AM
Well done Lakers!
Continue the streak tonight!
Defense...Defense
Posted by: Laker Fan 24 | November 21, 2008 at 11:00 AM
I'm officially starting a campaign which I will not let up upon until I (and my cause) are vindicated!
Mamba24, Please put me on a "MORE MINUTES FOR MIHM AND POWELL" BANDWAGON.
I don't get it. Powell is better than Turiaf (not as beloved, but better) and plays with a toughess that we can absolutely use. Mihm is playing at the level he was when he was our STARTING center.
Neither player is getting enough minutes and Bynum's knee may be bothering him from playing too many minutes.
Taliq was talking earlier about the need for players to pace themselves. I agree WHEN THEY ARE PLAYING TOO MANY MINUTES! If we can get Powell and Mihm each playing about 7-9 minutes a game, that allows for Bynum and Gasol to have more rest and play closer to 100% when they're on the court.
Obviously Bynum is not playing at 100%, in part because he may be pacing himself and his knee.
PUT IN POWELL AND/OR MIHM! What the hell?
I've seen Phil Jackson go to these smaller line-ups when taking Bynum, Gasol and/or Bynum and Gasol out. Guess what? They don't work all that well.
Put in Mihm and Powell and keep Ariza, Odom, or Radmonovich at strong forward!
I'm not a professional coach and I see the obvious value of this. Why isn't Phil Jackson seeing it? I just don't get it.
MORE MINUTES FOR POWELL AND MIHM!
What do we play for? RINGS!!!!
Lakers Today... Lakers Tomorrow... Lakers Forever.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | November 21, 2008 at 11:07 AM
Can anyone tell me exactly why Stat and Shaq didn't go off last night? Sure we're tall, but I hear a lot about how we're not very physical.
Those double teams on the bigs were a thing of beauty.
Posted by: mel | November 21, 2008 at 11:08 AM
Michael C. Teniente,
What was your response on the Pistons blog?
Lakers Today... Lakers Tomorrow... Lakers Forever.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | November 21, 2008 at 11:13 AM
Good Morning Mamba 24 e all lakers fans.
Actually, I could say good afternoon since it's 17:10 here in Brazil.
I'd like to interact with everybody in the live chat during the games but it is already hard enough to be awake till 3:30 am and still work in the next morning.
So I figure it is better to save all the energy I can to enjoy the day after another Laker Showtime Exibition.
9-1 baby, and counting.
Hopefully we can take care of the Nuggets tonight.
Posted by: Allan - Brazil | November 21, 2008 at 11:14 AM
"No Game Day prayer today...busy at work and a major crisis on the homefront. All will be well tonight - no worries."
Maybe we should be sending our prayers up for you on the homefront. The Lord bless you with strength and wisdom today to deal with all that's going on. May He comfort and protect you and your family and hide you under the shelter of His wings. Amen
And may the Lakers win tonight!!!!!!!
Posted by: longtimelakerlover | November 21, 2008 at 11:15 AM
Mamba24,
Thanks for the props.
Jon K,
I thought Powell should have been inserted in the Pistons game. He is our kitchen sink rebounder.
Posted by: Charles | November 21, 2008 at 11:16 AM
never,
why are you always predict loss?
Posted by: LAL_Fan | November 21, 2008 at 11:18 AM
lakers_sth
"Porter could probably borrow pages from Byron Scott's playbook to show how Nash can be more effective at a slower pace the way CP3 just probes and probes before delivering the ball."
I know a lot of folks will disagree with me on this but Nash ain't that good and he's never been. Cali rapper "The Game" has a lyric that goes something like "I'm like Chris Paul, never out of bounds" ... the lyric is a testament to just how good Paul's handles are ... you stick Nash in the half court and it's like putting butter in fire ... he melts under the pressure ... don't get me wrong I aint saying Nash is garbage, I'm just saying he's never been an mvp caliber type player ... he's a good offensive player whose game really meshed well with D'Antoni's offensive schemes and for that was given 2 mvps ... CP3 on the other hand is a bonafide stud in the lebron, kobe, wade stratosphere ...
Posted by: Taliq | November 21, 2008 at 11:19 AM
Good Game last night....That was on about 4 cylinders ....And since we run a 351 windsor,4 cylinders are still yet to fire.....The thing with AB and his knee is trust..Once he regains that trust we should be around the 5 to 6 cylinder mark...Vlad,Lamar,Zohan played better...So once all cylinders are pumping .........DESTROYATION.........It would have been nice to see Powell getting some time last night..At the moment Ronnie and Powell are on about the same average for points....Not a good fit for Ronnie.....The grass is not greener in the bay....
Posted by: Thirty2 | November 21, 2008 at 11:19 AM
Is it me or does it sound like Mike T is a sick man? Just asking
Posted by: chuck23 | November 21, 2008 at 11:20 AM
p.s. What part of this post insults any blogger?
Posted by: Michael C. Teniente |
The way you started your post
A Lakers fan here.
Posted by: Magia32 | November 21, 2008 at 11:21 AM
JON K . YOU ARE MAKING ME DIZZY
I thought I locked up all the Dit jar dar
Posted by: mamba21 | November 21, 2008 at 11:22 AM
It's like we really do care about Pistons or Kwame Brown here. Mike, just FYI - this a LAKERS Blog, in case you have not noticed.
Posted by: LAL_Fan | November 21, 2008 at 11:22 AM
Hey guys, remember this post?
104-84!
AND WHO SAID PHOENIX DON'T PLAY DEFENSE!
WHY COULDN'T WE BEAT THE PISTIONS?
TOO SOFT!!!
Posted by: Gunner | November 16, 2008 at 07:28 PM
Ahahahaha!
I guess know we should be asking:
WHY COULDN'T THEYBEAT THE LAKERS?
Posted by: Allan - Brazil | November 21, 2008 at 11:22 AM
Be VERY careful Jon K.
"I'm not a professional coach and I see the obvious value of this. Why isn't Phil Jackson seeing it? I just don't get it."
1) You must not be aware that PJ is supreme, and all-powerful; Not to mention the best coach ever!!
2) You are also discussing "Game Management". I have it on good authority that this is "By Far", the most overrated part of a coaches job.
3) Without PJ, we would be no better than the Clippers. Ooops sorry.
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Posted by: Fatty | November 21, 2008 at 11:26 AM
Jon K,
I just did a little while ago. I haven't checked. I just wrote it and let it fly.
mike t.
Posted by: Michael C. Teniente | November 21, 2008 at 11:27 AM
Some thoughts on all the news ...
I really hope nyc gets Lebron, dudes definately one of the best and lord knows nyc deserves someone that's worthy of the hype ... i.e. this is the same city that fell in love with marbury and a-rod ... imagine what they'll do with the king, I just think it'd be special for basketball ... on par with the resurgence in Boston and LA
Crawford is like one of my favorite players in the league ... back in the day I used to dream of him being paired up with Kobe in the back court ... just always had this hunch it'd be one of those explosive combinations ... anywho here's to him getting schooled by the mamba 4 times a year instead of 2ce
Eddy Curry making 10 mil a year ... Isiah isiah isiah ... if only you were still around to make that luke for david lee deal ...
Posted by: Taliq | November 21, 2008 at 11:29 AM
"The world economy is collasping and no amout of Government help can stop it."
I predict by the third quarter of 2009 the stock market will go on a 10 year bull run
cresting to 22,ooo.Before this the bottom will hit 5,000. Crude oil will dip to 15
dollars a barrell.Gold at 1000.Then the pendulum will swing up.
Posted by: WHITE MAMBA24 | November 21, 2008 at 10:51 AM
Man you are as Mad as a Hatter. But if that is your prediction may
God bless it and see it into Fruition. BUt SERIOUSLY EVERYBODY.
JANUARY IS GOING TO BE A B*&&***(.
Posted by: MAMBA24 | November 21, 2008 at 11:30 AM
Mike T.
I don't agree with your whole thoughts, but I do feel we have to improve our inside game - Defense and Offense, if we are to win against Boston or Detroit.
I think we have the players, and desire. Our upside is very high (much more than Boston's) but with the Lakers, it will require some toughening up from Bynum, LO, Powell, etc...
Fortunately, we have 70 + games and the Western Conference playoffs to do it. This team as it sits, will breeze through the West.
I think we might disagree on, do the Lakers have the players and the system on board to do it. I think we do, it will just take some time to develop and perfect it.
Good thoughts, keep em' coming.
Fatty
Posted by: Fatty | November 21, 2008 at 11:34 AM
Sing it with me!!! Hey Shaq, Tell me how that score tastes!!
Posted by: JohnnyP | November 21, 2008 at 10:36 AM
Hey Shaq, Tell me how that score tastes!
Hey Shaq, Tell me how that score tastes!
Hey Shaq, Tell me how that score tastes!
Hey Shaq, Tell me how that score tastes!
Hey Shaq, Tell me how that score tastes!
Hey Shaq, Tell me how that score tastes!
Hey Shaq, Tell me how that score tastes!
Do be Do be do
Hey Shaq, Tell me how that score tastes
Posted by: MAMBA24 | November 21, 2008 at 11:36 AM