Rock the vote
The coolest thing about today's practice in El Segundo? In anticipation of Tuesday's election, everyone dressed in super patriotic, Apollo-Creed-vs.-Ivan-Drago gear. You should see DJ soar through the air in that giant, red, white, and blue top hat. The man looked nine feet tall!
It is, however, hard to handle the ball in boxing gloves.
I kid, of course (or do I?), but at the top of a slow week like the one the Lakers have in front of them, with only one game between Saturday's win at Denver and Sunday's big game at home against the Rockets, politics was certainly a big topic of conversation. I'll get there in a sec. In basketball news, Andrew Bynum left practice early today with a strained right shoulder, sustained while going up to block a shot from Chris Mihm. Don't worry, it's nothing serious. "I don't even think it'll bother him to come back to practice tomorrow," said Phil Jackson. No disagreement from Bynum. "It didn't really scare me. I didn't hear any pop or anything. I just kind of tweaked it. I'll be in practice tomorrow and the game Wednesday."
Whew. Back to the election.
Phil, no question a political animal, kept his electoral thoughts close to the vest, but did indicate that the US ought to consider one big tweak to the voting process: "This is an event that's a national event. The only thing I don't like about it is a lot of countries take the day off so people can go vote. Our country has to start thinking about the importance to give the days off so that people can actually have a holiday and take their time to vote, and not have to squeeze it in between lunch and everything else."
Except, of course, his guys.
"They're off every day. They only work a couple of hours."
Derek Fisher, the man Lamar Odom unequivocally said would make the best president among current Lakers, has played an active role in the election, campaigning on behalf of Barack Obama this offseason in Montana. While it's pretty clear which direction he was leaning, both publicly and in the locker room ("I think we have a high number of people that are rolling with me," he said with a smile), Fish was very gracious in describing the value of the process. "It's been a fun. I'm hopeful that tomorrow's results will be legitimate and actual, and that no matter who's President, everyone in our country can get behind him and push him in the way that we're going to need to be pushed in terms of getting our country back on track."
More players, Fish says, are getting involved in politics, taking an interest. "We have a very young league. It's transitioned a lot in recent years. When Kobe and I came into the league in the late 90s, you had a higher number of veteran players, a lot of guys that had probably voted in two or three elections in the past. Now you have a league with guys who are just turning 21 and this is their first go round, and this is their first go round at having an opportunity to have their voice heard. It's been exciting, and hopefully the election results are not the end of the discussion, though. No matter who's president, there's still a lot to talk about."
Just to drive the point home, when asked about his chance to vote Tuesday, Andrew Bynum, the aforementioned recent 21'er, smiled, his eyes wide. "Yeah," he said, letting us know he'll be hitting his local polling spot with enthusiasm tomorrow... and just hopes the line isn't too long.
In other news...
The Trade: No big comments from the Lakers on the AI/Billups deal. Asked about it, LO pointed to his practice jersey. "this is the only team I'm concerned about. For real." Fish didn't have much to offer, and neither did Kobe. PJ came through with a couple thoughts, though. "It'll change us up over here a little in the west. Chauncey's at a position where he's still got a couple years left on the contract that'll guarantee him being in Denver," he said. "They've got two guys coming back that know the territory and are veterans that could help their younger players. I'm just trying to see how Allen fits in over there in Detroit, if he's going to come off the bench, or what. They like this kid Stuckey that's a point guard for them and has improved a lot for them. He's a real good prospect, and is probably going to have a bigger role."
The Layoff: Most of the guys indicated they'd just as soon be playing rather than practicing this week. PJ said he worked them hard Monday, generating a game-like intensity, just so the guys don't lose the rhythm built up during the first week of the season. Still, it's a time they'll use to continue working on defensive execution and grow increasingly comfortable on the other end.
Check back later for practice video and audio, including a great clip from Fish talking about what he learned on the campaign trail, and the increased interest in politics among players in the Association.
AUDIO:
- Andrew Bynum (turn up your volume- he's in soft talkin' mode): Download andrew_bynum_on_shoulder_voting.mp3
- Derek Fisher: Download derek_fisher_on_election_political_participation.mp3
- Phil Jackson: Download phil_on_trade_layoff.mp3
BK
dymandave, Blitz,
Thank you. I'm glad I'm not the only one who sees we have no use for McDyess.
Posted by: Xodus | November 03, 2008 at 07:49 PM
It still breaks my heart that Ronny Turiaf is a Warrior, especially when he's playing 8 minutes a game.
Sucks.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | November 03, 2008 at 07:58 PM
Jon K.
the US constitution was written to create gridlock so that the guys won't be able to "get things done". "getting things done" is never helpful to regular folks.
let's get back to basketball.
Posted by: ed slauselbucket | November 03, 2008 at 08:03 PM
Why doesn't anyone have the BASKETBALLS to ask who each player is voting for????
Posted by: Dorkis | November 03, 2008 at 08:11 PM
Personallly, I always love to vote. It gives me a good feeling, coming out of the booth. I was sorry to hear about the passing of Obama's grandmother, such an important person in his life.
Re: McDyess - I've always liked him as a player but I wouldn't bring him on board here - there isn't a big enough role for a quality vet like than and to be honest, I'm not sure he'd fit. He certainly wouldn't be a starter and the bench mob is young, fast, fearless. There's a lot of teams out there that could put him to much better use.
Posted by: dave m | November 03, 2008 at 08:17 PM
What!!!!!! Gasol???????????? Mark freaking Gasol????????????? WTHEF?
Posted by: dorkis | November 03, 2008 at 08:19 PM
Xodus & never,
That was a pretty impressive performance by Pau’s little brother. And not bad for a rookie. I still think Rose will win ROY. There is no way some French guy playing in Memphis can compete with the top pick playing in Chicago, but Marc looked pretty good tonight.
There was a lot of talk on the blog back when the trade made that the Lakers should have kept Crittendon over Farmar. I was always of the opinion that it was Gasol we should have kept if possible but he was the key to the trade along with Kwame’s expiring contract.
Chris Wallace, the general manager of the Grizzlies, confirmed that Marc Gasol was a major reason why the Grizzlies liked the Lakers deal. At the time, most basketball scouts had rated Marc as the best center in Europe. The evidence is pretty clear now that the Lakers made the right move in keeping Farmar and trading Crittenden and that Memphis made a very smart move in demanding the rights to Marc Gasol as part of the deal.
The final interesting wrinkle to whole situation was revealed when Mitch was talking about Sun Yue and how the Grizzlies wanted both of the 2nd round picks the Lakers had stocked overseas but the Lakers would only give them one. As much as I still think Sun Yue will turn out to be a player, it would have been cool if the Grizzlies had chosen Sun and left us to keep Marc. Hopefully, a few years from now, Yue will make me eat those words.
Finally, everything I have written is totally just my own personal views and opinions, most of which I do believe are correct and will be proven to so someday – or not. Peace.
Tom
Posted by: LakerTom | November 03, 2008 at 08:33 PM
Lakertom,
I don't think Memphis would have got Sun Yue even if was offered. The guard position for Memphis is alredy cluttered with talent so a big man would better fit the need.
Posted by: never | November 03, 2008 at 09:03 PM
"Although he is a Republican, he is one of the classiest and most intelligent athletes I have ever heard speak." Laker Tom
Is that the political equivalent of "she is pretty smart for a chick" or maybe "he's really clean cut for a black guy"?
Come on Tom I thought you were a little better than that!!!
Posted by: pslakerfan | November 03, 2008 at 09:05 PM
With all this Memphis talk, it sucks that Critt isn't getting any love, zero, no minutes. You think he would get a little burn on a bad team (even though they look good and they are 2-2). Hopefully they will get rid of either Conoly, Critt, or Lowry so Critt can get some PT one way or another.
I still like Mayo for ROY. He has all the right tools, just needs to learn to drive more so he doesn't shoot a bad percentage. He has played pretty solid all year and it wouldn't surprise me if he has more than five 30pt+ games this year.
Lamar = 6th man of the year
GO LAKERS
Posted by: mrbarneydangles | November 03, 2008 at 09:06 PM
KOBE: "WE REALLY HAVEN'T DONE ANYTHING.”
by Travis Heath for HoopsWorld.com
http://tinyurl.com/5vys5t
Excellent article, including exclusive interview with Kobe talking about Lakers new defensive system and comparing it to the Triangle Offense. Interesting stuff.
Here is a key excerpt:
>>>>>
Bryant indicated the Lakers now have a structured defensive approach in much the same way most teams have a system they routinely execute on the offensive end.
"We have a defensive system now as opposed to trying to kind of take it from game-to-game," Bryant said. "We have a system that we apply and play out of, and it really doesn't change too much. Once you have a system, you get better playing in that system. It's been working well for us."
>>>>
Tom
Posted by: LakerTom | November 03, 2008 at 09:06 PM
"Whenever a team doesn't play well, they always say they lacked intensity, etc. It's a sports cliche. What I watched didn't look like a lack of effort, but a lack of execution and crisp play. I don't see them as the same." - BK
I couldn't agree more. My favorite variation of that one is when a player makes or misses the game winning shot and the announcers spend an hour describing how and why the winning team was soooooo much better tonight. Of course if the shot goes the other way so does their analysis. It drives me crazy.
Posted by: pslakerfan | November 03, 2008 at 09:14 PM
D-Fish used to be one of my favorite Lakers. After reading this, he rates somewhere slightly above Kwame. ;)
In all seriousness, Fish offered some good thoughts on the need for unity, but the reality is, our country is divided more than ever. It's kind of a macrocosm of what this blog looked like last summer. Either way, half the country will be depressed tomorrow night.
Posted by: EJK | November 03, 2008 at 09:42 PM
PSLakerFan,
"
"Whenever a team doesn't play well, they always say they lacked intensity, etc. It's a sports cliche. What I watched didn't look like a lack of effort, but a lack of execution and crisp play. I don't see them as the same." - BK
I couldn't agree more. My favorite variation of that one is when a player makes or misses the game winning shot and the announcers spend an hour describing how and why the winning team was soooooo much better tonight. Of course if the shot goes the other way so does their analysis. It drives me crazy."
My personal fave is when one team "wants it more" than the other. Unless you're talking about something like Lakers-Nuggets first round last season, where Denver so very obviously and blatantly packed it in, teams don't lose in the playoffs because their opponent "wants it more." In most cases, both want it pretty effing badly, but one is just better than the other.
AK
Posted by: Andrew Kamenetzky | November 03, 2008 at 09:59 PM
I think McDyess would be a decent pickup for us if he became available. He has a good midrange shot and can play good D. Above all else, he's a savvy veteran with tons of playoff experience. "Sound like anybody you know today in politics?" LOL. The not-so-subtle political references on this blog are quite entertaining.
Besides, he would be a major upgrade over Powell and Mihm as the backup center. I can't think of a better player to fill the last spot on the roster at this point in the season.
Posted by: EJK | November 03, 2008 at 10:03 PM
I don't hink the Lakers need any kind of addition at this time. What they need is play together more and execute their strenghts in swarming defense and easy offense. Mcdyess will just be a distraction on what is already working. How many 7 footers do we have? Do we need another one? The Buss Family would like to throw the problem to the fans, how can we accommodate all our players with expiring contracts and at the same time pay Kobe? Right now, they are thinking of deduction rather than addition. In the short run, that is not the immediate problem of the Lakers. They should be more focus in winning 70 games or more and take the home court advantage all the way. If Obama can raise $600M from all sources, then Buss Family can raise the same amount of money as long as Lakers keep on winning whether at home or on the road.
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | November 03, 2008 at 10:07 PM
-Baby brother just earned a box score sure to fashionably customize fridge doors from here to Madrid.
-#1Headine for the past three days is shouting for you to "GET THE BALL!"
-Rumors are spreading that Antoni McDyess is waiting for a connection to LAX and will be here any minute to challenged him for his starting position.
WHAT DOES IT ALL MEAN?
---------Look for a MONSTER game against the Clips for PAU!-----------
Posted by: canibus hog | November 03, 2008 at 10:18 PM
AK -
"My personal fave is when one team "wants it more" than the other. Unless you're talking about something like Lakers-Nuggets first round last season, where Denver so very obviously and blatantly packed it in, teams don't lose in the playoffs because their opponent "wants it more." In most cases, both want it pretty effing badly, but one is just better than the other. "
I agree with one huge exception - that being Kobe who I think by himself, pretty much "wants it more" than anyone else, entire teams included, lol.
Posted by: dave m | November 03, 2008 at 10:27 PM
laker fans need to remember the simplest of adages in times such as these - doubt the doubt. And believe in Shack and the Suns.
Posted by: BUTLER | November 03, 2008 at 10:40 PM
"Whenever a team doesn't play well, they always say they lacked intensity, etc. It's a sports cliche." - BK
Of course the Lakers cannot win all games on the road or make the 82-0. However, if you are referring to the game w/ Nuggets, the quality of players of the Lakers should not lose against the Nuggets at any time whether on the road or at home. Why? Because they have a higher objective to fulfill at the end of the season, they are not mere ordinary team, they should learn to dominate opponents not ifs and buts, that's the Laker trademark this year.
On the other hand, if they just want to be relaxed, complacent and perform as good as the Nuggets, why do we need to sign Bynum 14 M a year, why do we need Pau Gasol? why do we need Ariza? and lastly why do we need a Kobe? A few players here and there like Farmar, Drew, LO, Vlad and Luke can put them over the hump get them to the playoffs. Buss will just budget it accordingly within salary caps like most teams in the East and reduce the price of tickets too.
Apparently, that is not attitude of Laker fans or any Los Angeles fans for the teams representing 2nd largest city in US or the home of Hollywood. They always aim for the best of both worlds. Well, a 2nd placer or Conference Champions or mere playoff contenders get cold shoulders here, UCLA don't even hanged banners for Final Four. Cockiness, yes indeed, that's the pressure of being in the big city. The objective is: can they beat the team of Magic?
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | November 03, 2008 at 10:41 PM
bynum signs a fat deal and already he's injured again.
But then again, after his performance in that last game, it may improve the lakers if he stays on the bench.
So far, Robin Lopez is healthy and shooting the best FG% of any of the Suns.
Posted by: BUTLER | November 03, 2008 at 10:44 PM
Xodus,
This isn't what you think, yeah, every time a free agent comes available the blog goes wild.
This isn't you're average FA(okay it is lol), butl ike EJK mention before: he would be a huge improvement as a back up a opposed to Powell and Mihm.
It's a small aspect of the game in which some people over look, but even though this team is mad deep, don't dare to dream X!
Now he would have to play for almost no $$$, but who woldn't wanma free ride to the FINALS?
Posted by: muffin | November 03, 2008 at 11:06 PM
Now is a good time to develop that left hand Andrew.
Posted by: onetime | November 03, 2008 at 11:30 PM
pslakerfan,
“Although he is a Republican, he is one of the classiest and most intelligent athletes I have ever heard speak." – Laker Tom
>>>>>Is that the political equivalent of "she is pretty smart for a chick" or
>>>>>maybe "he's really clean cut for a black guy"?
>>>>>Come on Tom I thought you were a little better than that!!!
LOL. I feel like Joe Biden. You’re right that that did not come off very well. Thanks for the post. I am really not prejudiced against Republicans. In fact, some of my best friends are as well as my father. In fact, once upon a time I myself was a Republican. LOL. Perhaps I should have said that one politician whom I admire is Steve Young, who is a moderate Republican.
Seriously though, I think it is important to be able to look beyond the tunnel vision of party for the solutions and leaders to implement them and Steve Young is a guy who impresses me as a smart, sensitive, and practical person. I have always been a strong believer that there are usually more than one way solve our problems and sometimes what is more important is having the kind of leader in charge who knows how to get things done rather than someone who will only look in one direction for a solution.
What we are hopefully will see in the future is the emergence of a more pragmatic, problem-solving, consensus-building approach to politics and governance – where we search for ways to bridge our differences and construct practical solutions that unite rather than divide us as a nation.
Naturally, this is all just my own personal political and social views and opinions. Peace!
Tom
Posted by: LakerTom | November 03, 2008 at 11:45 PM
Muffin,
McDyess could play center if we had a small lineup. But even then Pau and even Lamar would start over McDyess simply because Lamar is much more talented and younger than McDyess is. Plus a better defender since he had a better time against Kendrick Perkins than McDyess did. Lamar got two 20ppg, 20rpg games consecutively something that hasn't been done since Vlade Divac played for the Lakers (last 14 years ago).
And McDyess will want money not to mention playing time. As much as winning the title is great he wants money (probably more than minimum veteran's salary) and he wants playing time which he probably won't get with Lamar backing up at PF.
I dream too. I just don't dream that every free agent (assuming he is a free agent, McDyess hasn't been waived yet) we can pick up at dirt price and expect him to immediately pick up our system (Pau was one of those exceptions).
-blitz
Posted by: kobeblitz | November 03, 2008 at 11:57 PM
We should of kept Marc Gasol and traded Bynum, I dont think Bynum will put up those numbers anymore.
He's like a fat kid that got his chocolate cake.
Imagine the Twin Towers of the Gasol Brothers!
Posted by: WotLK | November 04, 2008 at 12:24 AM
does anyone think that J-critt's development would have been much better served if he would have stayed on the lakers, with the Lakers premier coaching staff and possibly learning behind the best player in the NBA?
Posted by: SA | November 04, 2008 at 04:34 AM
blitz,
While you're basking in your knowledge of basketball,
don't forget to revel in the Lamar as SF/Point-Forward
theory. I'm givin' you your props on that one. *chuckle*
you wrote: But his only field goal came set up by the Laker you hate the most: Lamar Odom
I don't hate Lamar. I strongly feel that Lamar is over-rated. :)
you also wrote: Trevor needs to improve his personal defense to be the role player that will guard GINOBILI!, Pierce, and other perimeter threats when Kobe is resting or when Jordan is with him and we switch to more man to man defense. His defense at the passing lanes? Excellent. His personal defense? Work in progress.
my response: Feel free to keep taking shots at Trevor's
defense. While you're at it, which of our SF's plays better
defense than Trevor? Don't get me wrong. I'm not saying
that Trevor plays the best defense in the world. I am
saying that you've been negative about him since the
summer, due to his lack of "experience", and I'm seeing
him fulfill the expectations of Mitch, who went and got a
defensive minded SF because our experienced players
couldn't cut it.
Go Lakers!
Go Trevor!
& yes, I voted. :)
Posted by: hobbitmage | November 04, 2008 at 05:02 AM
We absolutely need to sign this guy here - Powell is not a good enough third string PF:
http://nbcsports.msnbc.com/id/27527560/
Posted by: exhelodrvr | November 04, 2008 at 05:37 AM
Anyone else sense the desperation in Butler's posts?
Shaq will be injured soon. He will hurt his hip, his knee, his big toe - something will go. He will sit out like, 40 games or so and they pretend like he can still turn it on in the playoffs. We have seen this year after year after year.
Drew will play with a strain.
Keep your Robin Lopez. Given the chance, I'm sure that any team would pick Drew over him any day of the week.
*Yawn* you bore me Butler. Still, I feel compelled to point out the painfully obvious. So I did.
I LOVE LA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
PnG ALL THE WAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: longtimelakerlover | November 04, 2008 at 05:43 AM
ed slauselbucket,
I'm sure you'd appreciate the effeciency of fascism compared to constitutional democracy.
Get a life.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | November 04, 2008 at 06:49 AM
Jon. K,
yeah i wanna see ronny dance celebration every time sasha hits a three, kobe pass to pau/bynum for an alley oop dunk, ariza slams over a big man, farmar crosses and gets away with the lay up and when we blow out a team in the 2nd quarter i miss ronny....
well anyways in my opinion about signing mcdyess is that DON'T SIGN MCDYESS if we would get veterans in this team at least make it someone who are willing to sacrifice PT and stats for the better of the team...
every player in this team have great chemistry so far so why would you ruin it ???
i say NO TO MCDYESS YES TO OBAMA ^^
LET HELL BE RAISE LAKERS!!!
GO LAKERS!!!
GO OBAMA!!!
NO MCDYESS!!!
Posted by: hellraiser(certified mamba fan) | November 04, 2008 at 06:59 AM
ed slauselbucket,
""getting things done" is never helpful to regular folks."
Have you ever had to deal with Latin American bureaucracies where nothing gets done? You're telling me that the ineffeciency of a government is beneficial to the average citizen of a country?
Man, you are a fool!
Get off your soapbox and grow a spine you pretencious twit!
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | November 04, 2008 at 07:05 AM
I don't mean to offend anyone, but here's the bottom line.
If you're an American and you don't vote, you're an idiot!
Every vote counts. Make yourself heard. Play a role. Shape your world.
As a Mexican American, I value my vote to the fullest. In past elections, less than 40% of Mexican Americans and African Americans voted. I find that statistic to be appalling and it's the most important reason why we haven't been able to lift ourselves economically despite being some of the hardest working Americans there are.
We need good schools, good teachers, and classrooms that don't have 30-40+ students that one teacher is trying to teach. We need to keep kids in school without dropping out. Here in Southeast San Diego, approximately 50% of students end up dropping out. It's ridiculous! And it's not about values, it's about parents who are economically subjugated and do not have the resources, time, or education to be good role-models. And this problem is perpetuated through the generations.
If we go out and vote we can control our destiny.
Also, I think I heard Obama say that if he is elected, he's going to do everything in his power to make the Los Angeles Lakers the NBA champions for the next 8 years. There's reason enough right there to go out and vote.
Go Lakers!
Don't discriminate. Say no to hate. Vote no on Prop 8!
p.s.-If you're not registered, get out to the post office, pick up a registration form, fill it out and mail it in so you can vote in the next election.
Posted by: Rocky | November 04, 2008 at 07:06 AM
Butler, Shaq doesn't believe in the Suns.
With Joe Dumars so willing to change their Finals MVP point guard, Stephen Nash has to be shaking in his sneakers.
The knee-jerk front office of the Suns has so moved past the Nash-D'antoni system, that they may be willing to trade Nash to start anew, just like the Pistons. He only has a 2 years on his deal left, and is very tradeable.
You may think I'm trying to razz you, but really. If Goran is as good as you say he is, the equivalent to Tony Parker, then Nash being the 3rd best point guard in the West (not exaggerating am I?) then might as well clear the cap space.
Its clear that Nash and Porter's thinking don't mesh. Not to mention Shaq clog the lane on offense and needs a better defensive point guard on the perimeter. Steve can't defend the perimeter and needs freedom. So he'll probably be freed, very soon.
Panic button time in Phoenix.
Posted by: Chicken Little | November 04, 2008 at 07:28 AM
Is it just me, or did Detroit and Denver just swap Allen Iverson for Allen Iverson?
I mean, didn't they just trade same for same?
Am I not seeing something here?
--Fearless
Posted by: Fearless | November 04, 2008 at 07:37 AM
PSLakerFan,
LakerTom just can't stand not throwing the "Political Organizer" in people's face.
Only in the Bay area do you fantasize that he will somehow bring people together. Half the country will hate him and it has nothing to do with being black.
But at least the half that detests him will not threaten to "Burn down the country if we don't win" like the half that supports him.
Posted by: Eric M. | November 04, 2008 at 07:38 AM
Do you have now the sticker "I Voted"?
November 4th, all bloggers on the Lakers Blog who are US citizens should go to your polling place now.
Go to the polls early b/c at 7 AM, the queue was already 50 deep under a rainy day in the two precints in our area. I have never seen that kind of excitement and exhuberance at opening hour. After voting, we dropped the ballot in the machine and automatically counts it. Great Democracy, that is something new.
Exercise your freedom of suffrage. This is the only time we are equal to Dr. Jerry Buss, Kobe Bryant and David Stearns. Rich, poor or middle, we are entitled to only one vote, please don't waste it.
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | November 04, 2008 at 07:45 AM
Hey all,
Between it being Election Day and the subject matter of this post, BK and I decided to TEMPORARILY go a little looser on the political speak restrictions. But please don't use this as an excuse to "debate" politics here. This is still not the proper forum. If you want to comment on something because you're inspired by Fisher's political involvement, fine. But please don't take the blog on a completely inappropriate tangent. Find another place to literally "debate" McCain vs. Obama.
And above all, be RESPECTFUL towards each other. Don't bait or insult readers with dissimilar views. No "little jabs" or "digs." Please don't make us regret easing up on this.
Thank you
AK
Posted by: Andrew Kamenetzky | November 04, 2008 at 08:11 AM
Edwin,
I got my sticker.
There was a long line. 20-30 times longer than I've ever seen it. And people were waiting in the cold and rain with their babies and everything! That's how important this election is.
Amazing!
Those of you who aren't voting, I hope you guys feel real stupid right about now. Get out to the post office and register!
Posted by: Rocky | November 04, 2008 at 08:23 AM
Get out and vote! Make it matter! Just vote! One love!
Posted by: Charles | November 04, 2008 at 08:31 AM
Chicken Little - When you put down the pipe, come talk with me. And I'll help you.
BULLETIN!
Shack will become one of the NBA'S top-10 alltime scorers this month. He needs less than 100 pts to pass Havlicek for that #10 spot.
Feel good that you had a champion like Shack for a spell, laker fans. And then realize he will be filling your TV screens this month with 325 lbs of Suns power, perhaps too frightening to imagine.
Posted by: BUTLER | November 04, 2008 at 08:35 AM
"While you're basking in your knowledge of basketball,
don't forget to revel in the Lamar as SF/Point-Forward
theory. I'm givin' you your props on that one. *chuckle*"
We both we were wrong. Unlike you though, I don't mind being wrong and don't try to shove it in the face hehe. PJ actually wanted Lamar to be the Point Forward just as he wanted to start Trevor at SF due to strengthen defense (making Drew off the bench). We saw what happened there.
"Feel free to keep taking shots at Trevor's
defense. While you're at it, which of our SF's plays better
defense than Trevor? Don't get me wrong. I'm not saying
that Trevor plays the best defense in the world. I am
saying that you've been negative about him since the
summer, due to his lack of "experience", and I'm seeing
him fulfill the expectations of Mitch, who went and got a
defensive minded SF because our experienced players
couldn't cut it."
Heck don't shoot the messenger it was not just me who said Trevor's defense needed to improve. Try the TNT and the ESPN announcers who felt his personal defense needed to go up (like I said before, we weren't saying his defense is bad). And like I said before, I don't mind fulfilling a role that he was supposed to be off the bench. And Radman has surprised us both with his improved help defense enough that PJ let him stay in the game in Denver when we needed stops when he could have inserted Trevor (Though Trevor will be the better personal defender). And I'm negative when I want to be. Really to be honest I would prefer to be positive about Trevor. It's just the over rated of people who has to make me negative. Heck I'm negative when it comes to Kobe fans who say he is already better than Michael Jordan.
Lamar over rated? When it comes to his production in years past that is really absurd. When it comes to what his talent can be then yeah you got yourself right there.
So why don't we let Trevor play his game. Wanna try to shove it in my face again? I'll just hit back with more negativity which I don't have a problem with.
-blitz
Posted by: kobeblitz | November 04, 2008 at 08:38 AM
Eric M,
>>>>>But at least the half that detests him will not threaten to "Burn
>>>>>down the country if we don't win" like the half that supports him.
The proper way to look at this election for ALL Americans is that either candidate will be a breath of fresh air and improvement over Bush and should be supported 100% by every American. That is the right reaction and we should all act accordingly. That is the contract that we made as U.S. citizens. I don’t think that is too Pollyanna but to each his own.
These views and opinions are of course just my own. Vote, everybody! Peace.
Tom
Posted by: LakerTom | November 04, 2008 at 08:41 AM
This is the only time we are equal to Dr. Jerry Buss, Kobe Bryant and David Stearns.
Rich, poor or middle, we are entitled to only one vote, please don't waste it.
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | November 04, 2008 at 07:45 AM
EQUAL TO JERRY BUSS? EQUAL TO JERRY BUSS?
NOBODY, NOT KAREEM, NOT MAGIC, NOT KOBE, NOT
SILK, NOT CHICK, NOT MIKAN, NOT THE LOGO. NOOOOBOOOODY IS EQUAL TO
DR. JERRY BUSS. THE MAN IS A GOD!!!
Posted by: MAMBA24 | November 04, 2008 at 08:44 AM
But at least the half that detests him will not threaten to "Burn down the country if we don't win" like the half that supports him. Posted by: Eric M. | November 04, 2008 at 07:38 AM
WTF!!!!!!!! BURN DOWN THE COUNTRY LIKE THE OTHER HALF. MAAAAAAANNNNNN ! SORRY KAMBROTHERS
BUT I GOT TO GO FISHING ON SOME SHIZZLE LIKE THAT.
Posted by: MAMBA24 | November 04, 2008 at 08:47 AM
Am I not seeing something here? --Fearless
NO, NO, NO, DEnver got played and Detroit made out.
AI. has that 20 million dollar expiring contract. can you
say LEBRONZZZZE
Posted by: MAMBA24 | November 04, 2008 at 08:50 AM
In any case,
Make sure to vote today folks. Whether it is Obama or McCain, there are not just the presidential election to decide. There are the propositions to vote for and those in my opinion will affect California more in the short term regardless of who is in the Oval Office in January.
So rock the vote and to both sides: hope your candidate wins or hope that the proposition you voted for passes or don't passes hehe.
-blitz
Posted by: kobeblitz | November 04, 2008 at 08:52 AM
Obama went to Occidental College in Eagle Rock.
He has to have a little bit of Laker fan in him.
I voted.
Go Obama!
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | November 04, 2008 at 08:59 AM
If you don't like Obama or McCain, vote for a third party candidate.
In any case, vote.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | November 04, 2008 at 09:00 AM