Heads we win, tails you lose: Lakers 104, Denver 90
The chatter amongst media kingmakers before Friday night's game centered around the improved play of the Denver Nuggets since their acquisition of Chauncey Billups from the Deeeeetroit Pistons. After all, the revamped Nuggs had gone 7-1 since swapping Allen Iverson for Big Shot, displaying greater cohesion on offense (i.e. any cohesion) and more determination in guarding their goal (i.e. any determination). Well, it doesn't make a damn lick of difference. Billups wasn't enough to swing the fortunes of the Nuggets, because Friday night at Staples the Lakers again dominated Denver, just as they did earlier this year and in last year's playoffs, running out to a 17 point lead in the first quarter en route to a 104-90 win that wasn't as close as the score might indicate.
Make a list of things a team can do well, and there's a good chance that LA did them tonight, at least during the parts of the game that mattered. They moved the ball. They penetrated. They created easy looks near the rim. They bottled up Denver's star player, forced turnovers, blocked shots, and sent the crowd home with tacos.
Really, what wasn't there to like? The breakdown is below.
Good stuff:
- Taco Night in the Media Room: Shredded chicken, a very tasty beef, all the fixin's a guy can need. I particularly liked the green salsa made available. Fresh flavor, nice tang. The pinto beans also merit a mention. Made with jalapenos to give a little kick, but nothing overwhelming. Good on the tacos, or as a stand alone side. A tasty tortilla soup rounded things out, and the tres leches cake provided a fine cap to what was a muy bien pregame meal.
- The First Quarter: Remember the first time you heard U2's All That You Can't Leave Behind? You tuck the CD into the car stereo, turn up the volume, on comes Beautiful Day, and it totally kicks your ass? You knew instantly it was money well spent. So it was with the opening 12 minutes Friday night. The Lakers were out in front from their first shot of the game- a running hook from Pau Gasol- built a 17 point lead, and finished the quarter up by 15. How'd they do it? Try 67% shooting from the floor, 14 field goals (eight of which produced an assist), 12 points in the paint against two for Denver, and only one TO. Kobe was hot, going 4-7 en route to 11 points, Fish was 3-4, and LO was very strong, playing aggressively from the start to earn six points of his own.
- Another Awful Day for Carmelo Anthony: Between the first round of last year's playoffs and the first game they played against the Nuggs this season, it's becoming pretty clear that the Lakers have 'Melo's number. Tonight, he was 5-19 from the floor, and though he did add 10 boards and five dimes, the 14 misses meant a lot of empty possessions for Denver. Even better, Anthony, who came into the game averaging over seven trips to the line per game, didn't visit the stripe at all tonight. In his last six games vs. LA dating back to the first round of the '08 playoffs, Anthony is 42-122 (34.4%) against the Lakers.
- The Hoff: Covering games at Staples over the years, I've seen many a celebrity. During halftime
of Tuesday's win over Chicago, I was in the hallway talking to my wife and Jack Nicholson walked by. Twice. We exchanged nods. ("Hey Jack." "Hey person staring at me.") I've seen Leo, Denzel, Will Farrell, Colin Farrell, Mike Farrell (okay, not him), Spike Lee, Beto Duran, Andy Garcia, Kate Hudson, that hot psycho chick from The Real World, Beyonce, Britney, Christina, Tobey Maguire, Justin Timberlake, Jack Black, and more. But tonight, I reached a new height in courtside celebrity viewing, when on my way back to the media room at the break I saw the great David Hasselhoff in all his Botoxed glory. It's as if he's been sleeping in a tank of formaldehyde since 1986, when they put K.I.T.T. up on blocks. The effect was delightfully creepy, unless it's relatively natural, in which case it's still creepy. A solid Hoff sighting had me jazzed on the same level as AK the time he dropped his suitcases and literally ran down Fred Berry (you know, Rerun from "What's Happening") for an autograph in the old TWA terminal at Lambert St. Louis Airport.
Interesting Stuff:
- The Nuggets are clearly an improved team with Chauncey Billups running the show, but ironically might actually be set up worse against the Lakers than they were with Iverson, since AI gave them a penetrating guard to get inside LA's D. This is all relative, of course, since the Lakers have had the Nuggets' number with just about anyone on the court. Perhaps a little more run for Cheikh Samb would have made the difference?
- We'll talk more about it in the postgame vid, but the Lakers continued their run of success on the second half of back-to-backs. They're now 3-0, in part because they've been able to conserve energy by playing well on the front end. Thursday's good showing in Phoenix set the Lakers up well to come out strong tonight.
- More short minutes: Only one player- Trevor Ariza- cracked the 30 minute barrier. After the game, PJ said that games like this will help mitigate any wear-down factor for Kobe following a Finals run and a short Olympic summer. Tonight, he played only 29:42. If the Lakers can keep this up, they'll literally save him games worth of PT down the road. Jackson also got Josh Powell involved early, and while he didn't post an overwhelming stat line (three blocks were nice), it adds another player to the mix, allowing the other members of LA's cast to go harder in shorter stints. In short, there is no drawback to depth.
Bad Stuff:
- Machine Goofy: Sasha Vujacic's shot wasn't on target- 2-11 (you can't accuse him of giving up without a fight!) including 1-7 from downtown (the Lakers were a collective 6-22, so he had some company). He's looked a little better with his shot over the past few games, but tonight things were clearly off, and Vujacic seemed determined to shoot his way out of it come hell or high water. On a positive note, Sasha had five boards, four assists, and three steals in 17+ minutes, so he managed to contribute in other ways.
- The Top of the Third Quarter: Sloppy play helped the Nuggets cut a 20 point halftime lead to 11, but by the time most Lakers fans noticed, a 10-0 run between the 6:53 and 3:25 marks once again gave the Lakers a lead as cushy as any of those Custom Comfort Mattress Luke Walton likes to hawk.
Notes:
- Vlad Radmanovic was poked in the eye during the third quarter, and was feeling the effects after the game. There was redness, but no blurred vision. Even if there was, "I don't shoot with that eye," Vladdy joked. PJ expressed more concern: "We're looking at that. That's a very vulnerable point, in that occipital cheek bone area on the eye socket. It's real vulnerable to elbows and breaking." It doesn't seem like anything that bad actually happened- no need to shop for Rip Hamilton masks just yet- but should more news flow like VTB, we'll pass it along.
Audio and video to come.
BK
QUOTES
Kobe Bryant, on the Nuggets with Allen Iverson vs. Chauncey Billups
"They're extremely different. They're just two completely different
players, Chauncey and AI. The team is going to change drastically
and you'll notice it probably by around the end of the season. It's
two different players.
Is it a different challenge? Harder?
It's just different. Chauncey is going to set them down. Set everybody up. Set the table. Run the show. Control the tempo. It's just a different challenge."
Andrew Bynum, on the bench's success and enjoyment factor
"Normally, I'm a part of the second unit. I really enjoy playing with
them, just because we're all young guys. We all hang out off the
court. It's a different style. It's basically just kind of free for
all out there. You don't really see too much triangle. It's a lot
more drag and roll to the basket. it's a lot more fun out there.
Josh Powell (whose ten minutes of run featured three blocks and a lot of activity)
AK:
Tonight you were able to make an impact tonight blocking shots and
through general activity. As the season has gone on, are you feeling
more comfortable with what the team is doing?
JP: I'm very
comfortable, but it's still a learning process. Being in there with a
different group of guys, you've got to kind of adjust to what's going
on, different situation. As each day goes, as each practice goes, my
confidence is there, but it's just being comfortable knowing where
you're supposed to be and what you're supposed to do.
AK: is it more of an adjustment playing in a new system or with new teammates?
JP:
It's a little bit of both, but everybody has been welcoming.
Everyone's talking and helping. They've helped me on the offensive and
defensive end. it's been a great learning experience and I just look
forward to just continuing."
AK: Has the coaching staff talked with you specifically about what it'll take to increase your minutes?
JP:
Not really. They just say stay with it. Keep working hard like I've
been doing. Just keep going hard. That's all I can do. Just control
that and give effort and be positive. When game times come, whether I
play or don't play, bring energy out whenever I can.
AK: Speaking of energy, could you feel that buzz throughout the crowd during a couple of those blocks?
JP: Yeah. (smiles). It feels good. Right place, right time.
AUDIO
- Kobe Bryant: Download kobe_bryant_11.21.08.mp3
- Josh Powell (at the start, he's talking about Sun Yue's eventual D-League stint): Download josh_powell_11.21.08.mp3
- Lamar Odom: Download lamar_odom_11.21.08.mp3
- Derek Fisher: Download derek_fisher_11.21.08.mp3
- Andrew Bynum: Download andrew_bynum_11.21.08.mp3
AK
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Aha! You'll never catch me slipping! NEVER!!!!!! Wooooooooooooooooooooo!
What a day for trades. I don't know if Knicks fans can wait for the 2010 free agency. Hopefully everything goes by in a New York Minute.
Posted by: never | November 21, 2008 at 11:59 PM
BK,
It's not Rip Hamilton's masks Radman would need to get it's the goggles that Amare Stoudemire used to wear early on this season if Radman had to wear some sort of protection.
-blitz
Posted by: kobeblitz | November 22, 2008 at 12:00 AM
Another dominating performance by the Lakers. Yawn. The expectations for this team are now about as high as expectations for SC football year in and year out. It's not just about winning anymore...it's how you win. LA is now home to the best defenses in college football and the NBA.
The offense runs beautifully when it runs through Pau in either the low or high post. From the high post, he can hit the midrange shot with ease and also pass like Vlade Divac. When Pau, Drew, and LO are dominating in the inside, there's no team in the league that can stop us.
The problem with Denver is that they have no post game outside of Melo. Their bigs are ineffective in the post. Their offense almost entirely depends on penetration and kicking out to shooters. That's not a winning formula.
Posted by: EJK | November 22, 2008 at 12:10 AM
does anyone else think that PATRICK O'NEAL is awful!?!? he talks WAY too much before he puts the mic to the player. and he doesn't even ask questions. he just says a bunch of obvious things and have the player comment on that. ship him over to the opponents locker room and put MICHAEL EAVES or that GETER? guy or even better, LINDSAY SOTO is the best out of the awful FSN crew. PATRICK O'NEAL has to stop saying "good job, tonight." what position does he have to tell an NBA player that he did a "good job" or that he had a "good game?" he's a nobody.
also, NORM NIXON looks like he's about to fall asleep whenever he is not talking. he has good analysis and does not seem very outgoing or fun at all, so BILLY MAC should stop trying to make NORM fun because it does the opposite. BILLY MAC can be funny on his own and just have NORM sit there for analysis or bring somebody else, but not RICK FOX. RICK is WAY too opinionated and not factual enough. maybe JAMES WORTHY can do double duty? or NORM and JAMES should switch, since JIM HILL is not fun either.
JIM HILL needs to learn how to read.
STU LANTZ needs to stop saying "again" before every statement. even before the game starts he says "again." the first quarter hasn't even started yet and he's said "again" like three times.
please, listen to us fans and make some changes Laker organization. and these are just minor changes.. and not firing anbody.. just switching people. or correcting people themselves.
Posted by: pinkalink | November 22, 2008 at 12:23 AM
Well, it looks like the Knicks are fully primed for a run at LBJ and Bosh/Amare in 2010. You've gotta hand it to Donnie Walsh. I thought Zach Randolph, with his huge contract, was untradeable coming into this season. I couldn't expect that a GM would see Zach as a franchise big man. Great job, Dunleavy. The Clips will now probably be good enough to escape the bottom of the lottery teams, but not good enough to make the playoffs. Not a good place to be in.
The chances of NY getting LBJ have gone up significantly now. I think it'll be a 3 team race to sign him: Cleveland, NY, and LA as a darkhorse. If LBJ were wise, he'd choose to play with Kobe over Bosh.
Posted by: EJK | November 22, 2008 at 12:26 AM
one more thing
why is SASHA so annoying all the time? during interviews and press conferences he is quite charismatic, but during the game, he is just annoying. everything about him is annoying, even to me, a laker fan.
he complains to the refs too much.
he thinks he's the best player on the floor.
he just looks for his own shot and does not make plays.
he cannot run a fast break.
he cannot pass.
he cannot dunk, yet still tries.
he needs to use the hairband from last year because this year, he looks sticky and foreign.
he thinks he's kobe bryant.
he is rude to opponents.
he's a big baby, very immature on the basketball court.
off the court, just fine.
on the court....not laker basketball.
Posted by: pinkalink | November 22, 2008 at 12:28 AM
Lovely game.
Checking in from East ... not Coast, but Eastern Europe. Morning here, and good to see Lakers working their way.
Posted by: Tim | November 22, 2008 at 12:41 AM
70+ wins...
does anyone else get the feeling that, when watching this year's team, that they not only have all the pieces, but that they finally "get it"? Maybe I'm wrong, but it seems like the guys now understand that it is the otherwise forgettable (and soon forgotten) regular season game against an inferior foe makes the difference between hosting a Finals close-out game or being on the road...
IMHO, Kobe wants to break the reg. season W/L record, currently 72-10; he may not win as many Scoring titles as Jordan, or win as many League or Finals M.V.P.'s - but he could hoist the L.O.B. next June, capping the best season in League history, and see THIS Lakers team go into the history books as the greatest of all time...
Posted by: karyanr | November 22, 2008 at 12:43 AM
Pinkalink, you seriously need to chill. It was a great game, the Lakers won and that's all that matters.
Posted by: SoCalGal | November 22, 2008 at 01:25 AM
First off, thanks Mamba for including me on the roll call again. New season, new outlook. DEFENSE.
When the players put their minds on defense, the points come and everything falls into place. When they worry about their shots and looking good, they lose their focus and play like stinkers, just like the Detroit game.
They're beginning to click and find their groove. Granted, the start of the third was laughable. The starters were like toying with the Nuggets to catch up. But I hope they change that attitude or else they might get bit by a hungrier team down the road.
Once they find that killer instinct, the one where they go for the jugular... look out. They'll grow up, they'll find it. At least I hope they do before Christmas.
That's all I want for Christmas, the Lakers finding their killer instinct.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Hapy Gilmore | November 22, 2008 at 01:32 AM
pinkalink-
wow..imagine if Sasha played for the other team. hehehehe
Posted by: sixonezero | November 22, 2008 at 01:44 AM
can the Lakers please win a title this year so i can come back to LA. watching games on the internet at 11:30 in the morning just doesn't do it for me. Plus not having my customary halftime meal of Combo #4 from Carl's Jr is just not cool.
Posted by: sixonezero | November 22, 2008 at 01:49 AM
@ pinkalink -
Sasha had five boards, four assists, and three steals so I guess he isn't as bad as you think.
Posted by: Pustoolio | November 22, 2008 at 02:50 AM
I love the smell of a W in the morning...
That first quarter was an awful lot of fun to watch! I loved how they were just killin' it!!! That's what you want to see in a win - the continued energy and effort to not only win but beat down your opponent. I loved it. *tear*
I have to agree about Sasha though. He's really un-machinelike when he's on the court these days. Like when Data put the emotion chip in and couldn't control himself. He seriously should just chill out a bit. His credibility is going down each time he over reacts, IMHO.
Let's keep it going, guys. Kings on Sunday! Kill them!
I LOVE LA!
WE LOVE IT!
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: longtimelakerlover | November 22, 2008 at 06:09 AM
Can't say I'm surprised. Without a dominant center like Shack to shut down gasal and byenumb, the Nugs are undersized.
Suns were able to take the paint away from the lakers, thus joining the Celts and Pistons as bad matchups for the LA.
Posted by: BUTLER | November 22, 2008 at 06:22 AM
Can't say I'm surprised. Without a dominant center like Shack to shut down gasal and byenumb, the Nugs are undersized.
Suns were able to take the paint away from the lakers, thus joining the Celts and Pistons as bad matchups for the LA.
Posted by: BUTLER | November 22, 2008 at 06:29 AM
Jordan Farmar played more minutes than DFISH because it was garbage time. HELLO PHIL! Start Farmar and use DFISH as backup. Its time to let FARMAR compete for all star selection.
Who is better Famar or Rajon Rondo?
Farmar is the best. He will demonstrate it when given the opportunity.
Posted by: Todd | November 22, 2008 at 06:33 AM
Good morning. Fun chatter on the blog Friday night. The Nuggets crumbled and fell as if they had been drained by a vampire. In the short term, the biggest challenge the Lakers should be facing is simply to sustain interest against the upcoming slate of sub .500 teams.
Long term, there's still the challenge of how to dominate and devour the physical teams like the Celtics and Pistons. One of these teams will likely be the Lakers opponent in the NBA Finals. AB17 will need to mature into the Beast envisioned by Laker Tom between now and June. Andrew's confidence seemed to return a bit on Friday night -- an encouraging sign, to be sure.
Lastly, we all enjoyed engaging in the sport of Luke bashing on the game thread. But did you notice him limping his way out of the locker room in the post-game show on FSN? This guy is still not healthy, and may never be again. One has to ask if it is more merciful to give him garbage time minutes, or simply euthanize Luke and give him his outright release.
Let's all engage in a post-graduate crash course in pop culture (if necessary), so we can keep the game thread alive on Sunday when the Kings come to Staples. They're always pesky, but so injury plagued they may not have much fight in them. Go Lakers!
Posted by: Rick Friedman | November 22, 2008 at 07:13 AM
"In short, there is no drawback to depth."
^What about the rhythm of your primary players?
Posted by: j0v | November 22, 2008 at 07:30 AM
Ahhh...two great references. I grew up watching Baywatch every Saturday and What's Happening reruns when I was home sick from school.
Good times.
Posted by: Xodus | November 22, 2008 at 07:59 AM
Say it again, only drama left is:
Beat Boston! Loathe Boston! Hate Boston! Kill Boston!
GO Lakers
Posted by: VMan | November 22, 2008 at 08:08 AM
The next 17 are all Ws
27 - 1 then
Kill Boston... but 1 game at a time and all that...
Merry Christmas
Posted by: VMan | November 22, 2008 at 08:11 AM
urgh ... was on a plane when the game kicked off ... missedmy 1st game of d season but glad we got the W
The opposition the next couple of games are .500 teams or worse .... and that worries me ... cuz these dudes could get bored easily ... hope they all know dat "just imagine they're wearing celtic jerseys" jeddi mind trick
sixonzero,
"can the Lakers please win a title this year so i can come back to LA." ... doubt the lakers will be buying u a ticket, so curious as to how our championship hopes affects ya moving plans
Posted by: taliq | November 22, 2008 at 08:12 AM
ESPN: The Oklahoma City Thunder, off to a league-worst 1-12 start in their new home town, have fired coach P.J. Carlesimo.
http://tinyurl.com/6ecteg
Maybe they should fire the guy who named the team the Thunder, while they're at it.
Posted by: Rick Friedman | November 22, 2008 at 08:21 AM
Good Morning CRüE
The saying COLORADO LOVES THE LAKERS is not just a saying, it's TRüE. We've beaten _enver 9 times in a row (including playoffs). It's a great thing. Let the journey continue.
Colorado loves the Lakers!
Posted by: Hugo Boss | November 22, 2008 at 08:39 AM
Continuing with the Knicks-bashing here last night, has anyone noticed that the NYTimes now has a blog on HORSE RACING yet STILL doesn't have a blog on basketball?
It's a bit irritating that everyone assumes LBJ is going to NY just because it's NY but hey, at least he's not going to the Celtics!
And I'd rather see the Lakers go after D-Wade anyways.
Posted by: Scott | November 22, 2008 at 08:42 AM
I'm glad that Phil is spreading around the minutes. Despite the calls of the Haters, Powell, Mihm, and Walton can all play and they should consistently have minutes, if only so our starters can get some rest during the game and thus commit 100% of their energy when on the court.
We're deep enough that we can develop a playing strategy of 100% commitment on the court. No "conserving" energy for the long haul. 100% energy 100% of the time. If a player can't make that commitment, well, they need to sit down on the bench and give someone else their minutes until they have the rest to be able to make that commitment.
Lakers Today... Lakers Tomorrow... Lakers Forever.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | November 22, 2008 at 08:51 AM
Who is this team? When will they start losing? Why is their mindset so focused?
What I need is for the Lakers to lose to some of the upcoming cupcakes so I can regain my strength.
I'm so weak I can barely type. Where are my Lakers of last year? The team that would throw in a stinker every now and then?
I'm so alone, please Lakers lose some games, I don't think I can last till Christmas day. I'm sure the Celtics will win. Until then, I'm signing off, unless of course the Lakers start losing to cupcakes.
So here's to Phil to start screwing with the lineup, and pissing players off.
To Kobe, to look at the NBA stat leaders (not seeing his name) and start jacking up shot after shot.
To LO, well, I can always count on him and his brain-farts.
To the rest, a little in-fighting is always good to bring down a team's mojo.
DO IT, GO OUT AND LOSE ONE FOR THE TROLL MAN
Posted by: Troll Man | November 22, 2008 at 08:56 AM
AK/BK,
I know this is not really the place, but if you guys could make some comments about "the Lakers little brothers": The Los Angeles Clippers Zach Randolph trade, I'd appreciate it.
As much as I celebrate how well the Lakers are doing, in the background is the pain of how horribly the Clippers are doing.
I cannot believe The Traitor made the winning shot against the Clippers, losing 89-88 after leading by 6 in the fourth quarter. Oh the humanity!
Horrible.
I really like a lot of players on the Clippers. Al Thorton is the real deal. Eric Gordon is going to be very good. It's hard not to love Baron Davis, ex-Bruin and hometown boy. Kaveman Kaman is just weird enough and puts up enough stats for anyone to like. There's talent there.
Still, 2-10. Urgh.
I hope things get better. Maybe Zach Randolph will help.
Go Clippers!
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | November 22, 2008 at 08:59 AM
taliq
because i'm in the philippines and coming home for game 7 at staples against the celtics and then the parade would just be sweet as hell.
Posted by: sixonezero | November 22, 2008 at 09:03 AM
AK/BK
"I know this is not really the place, but if you guys could make some comments about "the Lakers little brothers"
Jon K. is right; This is NOT the place for CLIPPER's anything. They always suck; They always will.
Sorry Jon, I feel your pain, but there must be a clipper blog somewhere. lol
Posted by: Eric M. | November 22, 2008 at 09:28 AM
Hot Diggity damn, last night was great.
Lakers are now 1-0 when Jeff goes on a date on the night of a game. Can't ask for much more then that.
Posted by: Jeff | November 22, 2008 at 09:36 AM
Good Morning Charles....Good Morning Everyone....
I like it !!
Very cool game that I enjoyed quite a bit indeed....
This team has so many different ways to win games it seems....the Defense talk is being backed up as it were, seemingly...
REALLY DUG SEEING POWELL AND MIHM PLAY--hopefully that keeps going...
Still not enamored with the sloppy lazy passes and crapy free throw shooting ( 80% plus PLEASE)....
The Nuggetts did lose some ground in the most tattoo per square inch of skin department by losing Iverson (as well as losing some of their butt ugly quotion as well)...
But really...what is that lip tattoo on Martin about really? I guess I am just not with it these days---I guess if I had one of those lip tattoos I would have it on a different part of my anatomy....
I still can't believe the league is still not inforcing the paper bag rule on Martin---really dude give us all a break please...just go ahead and get it over with and tatto your entire face---it couldn't get much worse...
Sunday is a long day off (to us fans)---let's keep our focus Lakers!
AS ALWAYS, AS EVER, YET ANOTHER GREAT DAY (AND SEASON) TO BE A LAKER FAN !!!
GO LAKERS !!!
Posted by: Floyd | November 22, 2008 at 09:44 AM
That was too easy.
Posted by: Fatty | November 22, 2008 at 10:10 AM
Misc things I forgot to mention in my report after going to the game:
D-Fish - He got really beat up last night. There were a couple plays where he looked like a pinball out there. The lady next to me was asking why he was jacking up so many shots this game and last. When it comes to Fish, my guess would be that's a directive coming from the coaching staff. Perhaps its to keep the defense honest so the floor opens up or maybe its simply to make the opposing pg (nash/billups) play defense and maybe try to get them in foul trouble.
Since you brought up celebs - So they usually do the celeb-cam thing to the tune of Hollywood Nights by Bob Seger. Last night they started with George Lopez who did his usual bugg-eyed clench-jawed "I'm gonna kick your...." face. Then they go to Spike Lee and everyone starts booing. Then they go to Warren Beatty and its crickets like no one knew who he was. Then they go to Zac Efron and its a mixture of screaming little girls (I thought they'd all be at a twilight screening) and boos.
Defining a champion - Those of you who've seen the starting line-up video on Courtside View got a little taste but seeing it in person gave me chills. The music is great too. The Lakers do lay-ups to
Jockin Jay-Z - http://tinyurl.com/6rhcqu
or Roc-Boys - http://tinyurl.com/56ozlh
I wonder if LO chooses the music.
Posted by: lakers_sth | November 22, 2008 at 10:37 AM
I don't want anybody to think I'm gloating but I am in Lakers Fandom heaven. What could be better than courtside seats at Staples and at every game the Lakers play?
Thanks to the wizardry of modern telecommunications technology, I've been able to see every single game the Lakers have played so far this season. Not only can I watch the games, But I can also follow it online, as well as follow what's on the gazillion blogs available, all without leaving home where I live in Central America.
You guys don't have imagine, you know what's its like ... your team's looking like a champ, just a beast, and I can soak it all up from thousands of miles away ... ok, ok, I'm gloating.
Posted by: Glenn | November 22, 2008 at 10:50 AM
Not sure why the Thunder would fire PJ Carlesimo. If you look at their roster, it would be a miracle for even our own PJ to squeeze a win out of them. Kevin Durant, who's a skinnier version of Melo, is basically their only above average player.
I read a while back that the Thunder franchise is going through severe financial difficulties. Assuming that Congress doesn't bail them out and that they go under, what would happen to their players? I'd imagine the bottom-feeders of the league would have priority in picking them up.
Posted by: EJK | November 22, 2008 at 10:59 AM
Sasha did not get a full pre-season, so I'd give him some time to get his rhythm. Besides that he is a great defender, always expending lots of energy trying to get in the other teams face. At least we have someone who will do that and make them think twice before they try to score on us. Also, I notice even when Sasha misses a shot and the ball bounces off the rim, chances are that one of our players will get his miss and put it back in. Now that's team work! And I tend to like his new look, hair is good, nice smile, cute guy ~ who cares if he misses his shots sometimes!!
Posted by: jaopob | November 22, 2008 at 11:13 AM
Let's take it one game at a time.
Posted by: Faith | November 22, 2008 at 11:23 AM
EJK,
I for one would LOVE nothing more than to see the Thunder go under.
Well... actually I'd rather see a string of 6 straight NBA titles put up by the Lakers, but other than the Lakers, I most want to see the Thunder go broke.
Wow, that would be sweet.
Posted by: Tim-4-Show | November 22, 2008 at 11:41 AM
lakers_sth
The way the Lakers have been DOMINATING the NBA, maybe THIS song would be more appropriate as the new Lakers warm up tune.
http://tinyurl.com/6lgugr
Are these the Original Lakers Girls? huba huba, me likey!
Posted by: Fatty | November 22, 2008 at 11:43 AM
What is Spike Lee doing at a Lakers game? He's a Knicks fan.
I hate the Knicks.
Lakers Today... Lakers Tomorrow... Lakers Forever.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | November 22, 2008 at 11:45 AM
Rick F.
What I noticed with Luke that everytime he receives the ball, he lifts one of his foot as if using it as a shield from his guard. I think he is becoming pathetic out there without any confidence to shoot not that we are bashing him, the more he sits on the bench, the farther he becomes in helping this team. At least, Vlad improved in D this year and there are some games that he explodes, whereas Luke is still the same in '06, worst in '07 and useless in '08 while Lakers are overexposed on this illiquid asset. huh! Unfortunately, he is protected by a rich contract till 2013. Lakers can only escape from that contract if they file bankruptcy. Are we sure Mitch K. did not get 10% as an insider agent from that deal? LOL!
Having said that, I suggest that PJ slowly but surely include Mihm and Powell in the rotation just like what he did last night. Drew is foul prone and Pau is more of an offensive weapon, Lakers need a tall defensive stopper on Christmas day primarily on two players PP & KG. They have to spread the fouls and sacrifice Mihm. Mihm may be slow but he has three weeks' to increase his pace and help in rebound and defense. I think Powell and Mihm can do the job if given a defined objective.
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | November 22, 2008 at 11:49 AM
On ESPNs weekend dime, they have a little feature with LO where he says the Lakers are the team that worries him the most in the west and:
"Bonus short-answer quote from the 29-year-old, when it was suggested that the Lakers, given how they've started the season, should be considered title favorites now: "Nope. Boston."
That's old school. You give proper respect to the reigning champ until they're dethroned. I remember other teams giving that respect to LA during the 3-peat. Can't wait until Christmas Day to see how the teams match up.
Posted by: lakers_sth | November 22, 2008 at 11:54 AM
Rick Friedman
Trade Luke? Mitch is working the phones?
Have you seen the American Airlines commercial where they're flying around the world trying to sell a player to various teams?
Mitch's job might be a tad more difficult.
"MJ, this is Mitch, did you hear? We are now willing to part with Luke."
"Riles! The glue guy, Mr IQ would love to play for Miami!"
"Isaiah, I got just the guy for you, that curly red headed Luke is just the player you need. Oh, sorry, I didn't know you've been replaced."
"Steve, I was just kidding when I agreed that you were a moron for bringing in Shaq........."
"Dunleavy, Mitch here. Great trade, awesome. How about some icing to put on that cake you're making with the Clips?"
"Bill Laimbeer. Congratulations on being extended for coaching the Detroit Shock!"
Posted by: Fatty | November 22, 2008 at 12:12 PM
Eric M.,
I've snooped upon a couple of Clippers blogs, but Laker Nation has me spoiled. I find it difficult to post anywhere. I have yet to find anything remotely similar to this blogmunity's unique combination of humor, intelligence and passion.
Most other blogs just plain suck.
Lakers Today... Lakers Tomorrow... Lakers Forever.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | November 22, 2008 at 12:16 PM
Jon K,
Here are some few developments on your Clips. Hoopshype's reports that they are shopping for Kaman and two teams are interested to covet an active Center, Bulls and Bobcats. With Bulls, I see Nacioni or Gordon as possible swap and with Bobcats, it is possible for Gerald Wallace or Jason Richardson who is a close friend of Baron Davis. If that materializes, I'm you will love the mix of Baron, Marcus, Zach, Thornton and Richardson. Will the chemistry work? that will be the problem of Dunleavy.
Thunder turned into a mere fart! Well, that's what happens from corporate raid, Bennet in stealing the Sonics of Seattle and changing it to Thunder and moved to Oklahoma. GM Presti is the architect of the Spurs achievement, is getting his karma on this Thunder. Seattle Sonics fans have been saying that for years. They can change the name of the team, the city where they play or coaches but it is still the same team that sucks for many years now. Good for you Bennet, what goes around comes around.
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | November 22, 2008 at 12:23 PM
Who is better Famar or Rajon Rondo?
Posted by: Todd | November 22, 2008 at 06:33 AM
Rondo, but quite the margin.
Wes
Posted by: wesjoenixon | November 22, 2008 at 12:28 PM
Edwin Guerco,
Thanks for the update.
I'm a big fan of The Kaveman.
I'd hate to see him on another team, but it seems like Dunleavy is obsessed with commiting Clipper Apocalypse and then rebuilding Clipper Nation in his own image.
I can't help but think back to the Dunleavy Era of the Jailblazers. That didn't work out so well
Go Clippers!
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | November 22, 2008 at 12:46 PM
LAKERS FANS AWAKEN!
We MUST 'take the good with the bad and make the most of what we've got'. Our team is showing it 's got what it takes to win a Championship... once again... and we have full support from the entire organization. We should ENJOY the W's (even the 'ugly ones') and find solutions to the avoid the L's. Our starters and bench are phenomenal!!! They have all improved their game and are now locked in - and sold on - DEFENSE!!! Finally! However, for us to become a little more prolific and versatile, we must not forget about the "second bench".
PJ has recognized this situation and is taking the necessary steps to improve their game by giving them more minutes. Perhaps another option would be to send these players whose skills are getting "dusty-rusty" to practice @ the D-League on their "DAYS OFF". Heck, it did wonders for 'Farman' (i.e.Farmar is the man).
As Edwin pointed out: "Vlad improved in D this year and there are some games that he explodes, whereas Luke is still the same in '06, worst in '07 and useless in '08" - this might work for Luke if he really wants to earn his paycheck.
Another option would be to register these two future stars - Powell and Mihm - in the same classroom w/AB17 and under the Captain's eye so that they too can evolve and develop!!! LET'S DO IT LAKERNATION!!
We have the drive and the talent... all the pieces are in place...BOSTON bring it on!!
LAKERS FOR LIFE
Posted by: Carlos DeeP | November 22, 2008 at 01:54 PM