Everyone on the bus!!!
In the NBA world, a roadie is often considered a fresh and new chance to see, as the saying goes, "what a team is made of." In particular, treks that require Mapquesting entirely within the Eastern Conference can garner such a label. Some, however, might see the Lakers' three-game swing away from Staples- which begins tonight against the Pacers (4:00 pm PT)- as more vakay than stepping stone, what with the combined 15-32 record for the hosting trio. But even against three teams the Lakers would be favored to conquer, specific challenges do in fact exist. For example, the Lakers are looking to bury an opponent from the opening tip more often, creating a deficit for the second unit to help maintain. Such goals are typically considered lofty in enemy territory, where most benches tend to struggle. It would help mightily if Trevor Ariza can maintain what's been a steady upward trajectory since joining the Lakers.
OTHER NOTES
- A look at NBA trends ranging from the Pistons' defensive struggles to the Lakers' lockdown improvement. In the case of the former, a Chauncey-free existence doesn't appear to be favorable.
- We hear this move worked out pretty well for Kareem.
- Joe Crawford would rather play for the Lakers, but is thriving with the D-Fenders.
- J.J. Redick simultaneously gets and loses his shot in Orlando's rotation.
- Even PETA wouldn't protest Jason Terry's latest donation.
- The Knicks-Starbury buyout talks end after 15 frustrated minutes. But at least Steph will have plenty of free time to contemplate his next move.
- After helping put the WNBA on the map ("map adjacent, if nothing else), the Houston Comets are folding.
- The Bull's donut quandary.
justanothermambafan-
Me, Jerry West, and Dr. Buss will be there to help you bury em.
Posted by: #4 | December 02, 2008 at 01:54 PM
Lakers today! Lakers tomorrow! Lakers forever! Yeah!
Actually what I want for christmas is a laker championship...I'm willing to wait for it past x-mas.
Posted by: Faith | December 02, 2008 at 01:57 PM
zen/justanothermambafan/The Big Fence Defense,
Michael Teniente is a very passionate and prideful man.
(I'm revealing my age.) Anyone remember "Happy Days" growing up? Remember The Fonz? Remember how difficult it was for The Fonz to say, "I'm sorry?" ("I'm s... I'm s... I'm s...s...s...")
That's how Michael Teniente is. The Kamenetsky Brothers have a little bit of that too, (notice how in debate they are absolutely reticent to concede when another makes a valid contrary point) but nowhere nearly as bad as Michael Teniente.
And we've only made matters worse by constantly attacking him when he desperately (and passionately) clings to the possibility that he COULD be right if all future events line up properly.
Ultimately, Michael T. has no one to blame but himself, but after years of reading his posts, I think I kind of understand the guy. He's passionate. He's prideful. And these two components often overwhelm his intelligence when he's wrong and, thus, he clings to untenable positions to the point of delusion and self-destruction.
All that much said, we know that Michael Teniente has been wrong. Michael Teniente knows he's been wrong. He's lost all credibility on this blog, but I think we're beyond the point of needing to rub his face in that fact and should instead be open to allow him to re-establish credibility on this blog.
Time to move forward instead of constantly looking backwards.
What do we play for? RINGS!!!!!
Lakers Today... Lakers Tomorrow... Lakers Forever.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | December 02, 2008 at 01:58 PM
Keep On Dreaming Faker Fans
2008 NBA Finals L.A. Lakers 2 - 4 Boston Celtics Series Won:
Lakers: 2
Celtics: 9
1987 NBA Finals L.A. Lakers 4 - 2 Boston Celtics
1985 NBA Finals L.A. Lakers 4 - 2 Boston Celtics
1984 NBA Finals L.A. Lakers 3 - 4 Boston Celtics
1969 NBA Finals L.A. Lakers 3 - 4 Boston Celtics
1968 NBA Finals L.A. Lakers 2 - 4 Boston Celtics
1966 NBA Finals L.A. Lakers 3 - 4 Boston Celtics
1965 NBA Finals L.A. Lakers 1 - 4 Boston Celtics
1963 NBA Finals L.A. Lakers 2 - 4 Boston Celtics
1962 NBA Finals L.A. Lakers 3 - 4 Boston Celtics
1959 NBA Finals Minneapolis Lakers 0 - 4 Boston Celtics
Posted by: Boston Owns the Fakers | December 02, 2008 at 01:59 PM
"The game is called basketball, not shoot," he said. "You can play a complete basketball game without shooting a lot of shots. There aren't too many guys that can do it, I just happen to be one of them."
Odom finished with three points, 10 rebounds, six assists and three steals in Sunday's game.
What an amazing, unselfish, completely refreshing attitude from Lamar Odom. Lately, you can see him making a conscious effort to set Trevor up to help build the younger player's confidence on offense and defense. I can't say enough about the respect that I have for LO as a member of the Lakers and as a great teammate.
Posted by: bronxlakerfan | December 02, 2008 at 02:03 PM
Didn't Kobe pretty much stop Rondo in the Finals?
If I remember, Kobe played off him and dared him to shoot. If Rajon learns how to hit an outside jumper, we are indeed in trouble.
Another problem with Kobe guarding RR was that Ray Allen killed us.
Posted by: You Ever Notice | December 02, 2008 at 02:06 PM
Well Detroit and Boston are the last two teams to beat them. Until the Lakers prove otherwise, that seems to be the case!
Posted by: zen | December 02, 2008 at 02:09 PM
HA HA
"The game is called basketball, not shoot," he said. "You can play a complete basketball game without shooting a lot of shots. There aren't too many guys that can do it, I just happen to be one of them."
Of course someone who can't shoot is going to say that. Can't wait for Lamar Odumbdumb to disappear against us us again.
Posted by: Boston Owns the Fakers | December 02, 2008 at 02:12 PM
AK/EJK,
No doubt. Silly drafting by the hawks up high has kept them from being elite right now. They have done well low (Josh Smith) and with player acquisition (JJ). But the Sheldon Williams-type picks, the three bigs in a row when they always needed a lead guard, these things set them back years.
If that draft is held today I think it looks something like this:
1. Bucks: Chris Paul
2. Hawks: Deron Williams
3. Blazers: Andrew Bynum
4. Hornets: Danny Granger
5. Bobcats: Monta Ellis (He went 40th! Van Exelish....)
6. Jazz: David Lee (A white guy, perfect for them)
7. Raptors: Bogut (A foreign player, perfect for them)
8. Knicks: Ray Felton (SG masquerading as PG, perfect for them)
9. Warriors: Nate Robinson (see above)
10. Lakers: Someone on the order of Ike Diogu/Ronny Turiaf/Channing Frye/Webster or Villanueava
Because remember, an added curiosity from that draft is that the Blazers traded out of the third spot and a chance at Paul or DWill and drafted Martell Webster 5th. And I believe they are STILL looking for a decent PG (Blake's Laker-killing not withstanding). OOPS! Talk about a team that could be contending today (though they probably never would have got a shot at Oden in the lottery if they already had Paul).
Posted by: Jesterguru | December 02, 2008 at 02:19 PM
I'm just as big of a Laker fan as there is.
But you must face the fact that until we beat Boston, they are the better team.
We all know Bynum is here now and he does make a difference..One thing to note is that
Bynum disappeared in both games against Boston last year. Probably because Perkins is one
strong dude. There is some truth to this argument by Mike T.
If Bynum cannot push the person down low, he is not as effective. You cannot really count the Shaq game
although it showed a little there. Shaq is abnormal so he doesn't count! Bynum got in foul trouble and
I don't think he would get in foul trouble with Perkins.
But if Perkins can keep him out of the lane, he is not as effective.
In the end, if everyone stays healthy, I think we have a chance to beat Boston. But until we do, Boston is
the better team.
Detroit has the Laker's number and Kwame can push Bynum out. Not to mention, he knows all about Bynum's
tendencies. The future of Kwame is this: He is going to get past around the league as a so-called Bynum
stopper! He will have everyone fooled.
Posted by: zen | December 02, 2008 at 02:24 PM
All I want for Christmas is peace on earth, good will toward men and the complete destruction and humiliation of the Celtics... as any highly evolved human would wish for.
Posted by: VMan | December 02, 2008 at 02:28 PM
Oh I take it back. With the tenth pick in the 2005 NBA draft, the Los Angeles Lakers select...Jose Calderon! (I forgot to look at the notable undrafteds list on wiki, haha.)
Posted by: Jesterguru | December 02, 2008 at 02:34 PM
You Ever Notice,
"Didn't Kobe pretty much stop Rondo in the Finals?
If I remember, Kobe played off him and dared him to shoot. If Rajon learns how to hit an outside jumper, we are indeed in trouble.
Another problem with Kobe guarding RR was that Ray Allen killed us."
One advantage we have now though is 2 7-footers at all times to help stop penetration.
Posted by: zen | December 02, 2008 at 02:35 PM
Jon K.
"I think we're beyond the point of needing to rub his face in that fact and should instead be open to allow him to re-establish credibility on this blog"
That was a nice post...It really was. And I too am not perfect and hope to be forgiven. BUT
That being said, I will never forget the hateful, gleeful, gloating posts he made after Andrew went down with the knee last year.
He hoped for it, wished for it, and it finally came true. While we all cried, he was in nirvana. This from a supposed Laker fan.
EVERY TIME Drew gets to the all-star game, makes the best defensive team, wins a title....HERE'S TO YOU MT as I ROTFLMFAO! Good riddance.
PS...Yes I grew up on the Fonz too. :)
Posted by: Eric M. | December 02, 2008 at 02:38 PM
Oops, I forgot about CP3 and Deron Williams in the '05 draft. No doubt they would be the top two in that draft. Perhaps only LakerTom would put Drew on top of that draft board :)
Posted by: EJK | December 02, 2008 at 02:39 PM
Zen - I wouldn't go so far as to say that until the Lakers beat Boston, Boston is the better team.
But I do feel that until the Lakers win the Finals, the Celtics are the champs, and should be respected as such. To the victor go the spoils, and the Celtics should be accorded the honor of being the team to beat.
There's a difference between being the better team and being the champs. And the Lakers want to be both this season.
Posted by: Amazing_Happens | December 02, 2008 at 02:40 PM
Good mornign Lakernation!
Happy game day!!
The list of things I want for Christmas is pretty long but a Boston defeat at the hands of the Lakers is pretty high on the list!!!
In honour of the road trip, I'm creating a special road trip playlist- any requests??
Anna
Posted by: Anna in Bondi | December 02, 2008 at 02:41 PM
"Keep On Dreaming Faker Fans..."
Nice recap of past history. Let's talk about the present...most notably how y'all lost by 9 points to a team we beat by 14?
And after we beat Indiana tonight, which will mean that we've avenged both of your losses for you, does that officially make us the best team in the league?
See you in June, greenie weenie!
Posted by: utzworld - THE BANNER HOLDER | December 02, 2008 at 02:52 PM
AAAAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!
1969 NBA Finals L.A. Lakers 3 - 4 Boston Celtics
1968 NBA Finals L.A. Lakers 2 - 4 Boston Celtics
1966 NBA Finals L.A. Lakers 3 - 4 Boston Celtics
1965 NBA Finals L.A. Lakers 1 - 4 Boston Celtics
1963 NBA Finals L.A. Lakers 2 - 4 Boston Celtics
1962 NBA Finals L.A. Lakers 3 - 4 Boston Celtics
1959 NBA Finals Minneapolis Lakers 0 - 4 Boston Celtics
UMMMM....no 3 point line, no salary cap, "set shots" were standard, no ABA, that stupid whistle basketball tune was the basketball ANTHEM. 8 teams in the league in 1959, 14 by 1969.....they beat mostly expansion teams!!! Anyone who knew basketball back then will tell you that the college game was more competitive.
Bob Cousy would be dunked on by Jordan Farmar, he was nothing. Use your left hand Cous!!
its like saying the Native Americans still own America, or Rome still rules Europe, hahaha!! Stop making us laugh!!
Go ahead, keep claiming this era: no voting for minorities, computers, no cell phones, no push button phones, no color TV, no European players, no man on the moon....HA, this weenie still want to claim that. Hey, Magic OWNED Bird, 3-1 head to head, 5-3 in the 80s. I'll take that golden era of basketball anyday over those Celtic championships.
LIKE BASEBALL, BOSTON WILL GO DECADES BEFORE WINNING AGAIN....read it. YOU GET ONE LUCKY SHOT EVERY COUPLE OF DECADES!!!
List those bogus championships again!!! HAHA!!
Posted by: Lakers have owned the NBA for decades, welcome back Green Weenies | December 02, 2008 at 02:54 PM
Anna,
How about Down under by Men at work?
Posted by: Eric M. | December 02, 2008 at 02:57 PM
Gabby and Eric M.,
Vlad is doing a fine job a a starter. The teams record with him as a starter 14-1.
14-1!!!!!
It's obviously not broke, so why fix it?
And "spark plug" Ariza is making our bench the best in the NBA! Why mess with that?
Posted by: rl | December 02, 2008 at 02:58 PM
Amazing_Happens,
The Lakers were not the better team last year. I don't think you are saying they were?
They might be the better team this year, but they need to prove it in the finals..Even if the Lakers win on Dec 25, I won't be totally convinced. They need to beat them in a 7 game series.
If they win on Christmas, it's definitely a step up! But they need to beat them in the finals. The Lakers cannot get total redemption until they beat them in the finals.
Posted by: zen | December 02, 2008 at 03:01 PM
Mamba24,PSLakerFan has been VERY GENEROUS with his offerings for his season tickets.
I want to give a chest pound for his kind cool kat ways...Posted by: Charles
**Mad chest pound for pslakerfan from me as I was one of those fortunate enough to receive tickets to a game last year. I still can't believe someone can be that generous, I guess that's what Laker nation is all about!**
"All that much said, we know that Michael Teniente has been wrong. Michael Teniente knows he's been wrong. He's lost all credibility on this blog, but I think we're beyond the point of needing to rub his face in that fact and should instead be open to allow him to re-establish credibility on this blog."
Posted by: Jon K. | December 02, 2008 at 01:58 PM
AMEN BROTHA!
"If you guys go to that game, could you guys start a "YOU'RE NOT KOBE clap clap CLAP CLAP CLAP" chant everytime Paul Pierce touches the ball? EVERYTIME, please.
Just like the "You're not Michael" chant they derisively shot out at Kobe."
Posted by: #4 | December 02, 2008 at 11:10 AM
LMFAO! Niiiiiice one #4, can't believe I didn't think of that one myself. That chant NEEDS to be heard EVERY TIME Pierce touches the ball, EVERY TIME.
Posted by: Rob | December 02, 2008 at 03:06 PM
Eric;
"Also I'm not sure I like playing "A slow team" and a "fast team". Why not more balance? JMO"
Because having two styles throws other teams off. Phil can always tinker with hybrid lineups if plans A and B are falling through.
And why are people always bashing Vladdy?
-That three is still money.
-He's finally playing a little defense.
-He's shooting off the dribble.
-He even takes it to the hole more often!
And the Lakers are winning!
Posted by: XandOPro | December 02, 2008 at 03:06 PM
I hate the the kush trolls, they steals all me kush!! Here is an extra puff for you Sean714.
Inhale now as I blow smoke at the screen...
Lakerman420
Posted by: Lakerman420 | December 02, 2008 at 03:27 PM
Tsphere...
In answer to your question the other day about why I believe that the celtics are more likely to win without home court than the lakers despite having struggled through the playoffs last year...
basically I think that team came of age last year...they struggled to put it all together for a while and get used to the increased expectations but played their home court tough in the finals and won in LA.Even though its an improved lakers team from the last time the celtics now have that confidence from having won it all before wheras the lakers have some baggage.Its not particularly easy to beat a team that has won it before in the finals without home court and its easier if you have won it before to win without it.Who knows what will happen but this should probably factor in if you were trying to predict a result between two excellent teams but you could equally well argue that Phil and Kobe's experience could negate any celtics advantage.
Posted by: Kiwi | December 02, 2008 at 03:29 PM
Ugghhhh - a 4pm PT start and I'm at work....
Praise the lord & pass the Tivo remote - lol!
Going to miss y'all on the live chat....have fun!
AK/BK - still waiting on my email from you......
Posted by: justanothermambafan | December 02, 2008 at 03:32 PM
Anna - Running Down a Dream - Tom Petty....?
Posted by: justanothermambafan | December 02, 2008 at 03:33 PM
Eric M.,
"That being said, I will never forget the hateful, gleeful, gloating posts he made after Andrew went down with the knee last year."
Yes, that was clearly Michael T.'s low-point where his pride completely eclipsed his Laker fandom. Not a good moment.
Like I said, Michael T. has to EARN credibility once again on this blog because right now he has none; however, we should be open to letting him earn that credibility once more.
Lakers Today... Lakers Tomorrow... Lakers Forever.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | December 02, 2008 at 03:35 PM
Zen- No, I think the Lakers are the better team this year, not last year.
But the Celtics are still the Champs, so I'm pretty much in concordance with you.
Separate thought - Now that we have had a glimpse of his potential, Bynum should make it a career goal of his to be the Defensive Player of the Year for at least one season. I was looking at Kobe's record in the DPOY voting (highest 5th last year and 5th in 1999-2000), and it chagrins me to say that it may be too late for ole 8/24 to garner that recognition. I have to surmise that being DPOY was one of his goals upon entering the league. The next best thing Kobe can do is live vicariously through Bynum and help him achieve that status.
Posted by: Amazing_Happens | December 02, 2008 at 03:36 PM
Posted by: #4 | December 02, 2008 at 11:10 AM
LMFAO! Niiiiiice one #4, can't believe I didn't think of that one myself. That chant NEEDS to be heard EVERY TIME Pierce touches the ball, EVERY TIME.
Posted by: Rob | December 02, 2008 at 03:06 PM
Thanks Rob. I seriously want them to hear it in Beantown, it would be a great rebuttal.
Anyone going to that game? Please get it started. Spread it around to whatever other Laker forums you visit. IT NEEDS TO BE SAID.
Posted by: #4 | December 02, 2008 at 03:40 PM
"I'm just as big of a Laker fan as there is. But you must face the fact that until we beat Boston, they are the better team."
Zen, Ditto for me. IF we stay focused and injury-free, it is just a matter of time before we beat them, however.
We are way better than last year, but we have got to guard against complacency. I watched Boston play last night and despite the loss of Posey, I think they have lost little, if any, ground. Their young bench guys are all improved, as is Rondo and, believe it or not, Ray Allen. Remember, he was coming off major surgery last year, and he is playing better now.
Posted by: Laker Kev | December 02, 2008 at 03:42 PM
Re: 11:20 AM anonymous post
REDRUM REDRUM REDRUM
http://tinyurl.com/goldencalves
Posted by: Amazing_Happens | December 02, 2008 at 03:46 PM
Laker Kev,
Yea Boston looks good right now..and I think the Lakers need to keep up this winning pace to have that "mental" edge.
Posted by: zen | December 02, 2008 at 03:49 PM
The current Laker - Celtic rivalry reminds me a lot of the old Bulls - Pistons rivalry just before Chicago's dynasty. Today's Celtics are, of course, similar to the old dirty bad boys team. (KG IS a dirty player.) And our MJ and Pippen takes the form of KB and TA. If they aren't quite to Mike and Scottie's level, our complimentary players are still better those Bulls' teams. Look out NBA, we think we'll just make ourselves at home and stay a while!
Posted by: Laker Kev | December 02, 2008 at 03:55 PM
rl and XandOPro,
I'm not bashing Vlady Dady, I think he has improved and playing pretty well. And as you say, we're 14-1.
Gabby was talking about slow starts which neither of you mentioned. We are starting off even or behind nearly every game. I just think that might start to catch up with us. Do we really want to spot the Celts 10 or 15 points before the bench needs to come in and saves us, or we have to depend on a fourth qtr. comeback?
Look at it this way:
We have fast JF and slow Fish; Fish starts.
Fast TA and slower Vlady; Vlady starts.
We have 3 bigs that play most of the minutes; The 2 slow ones start. Is it POSSIBLE this is why we are getting off to slow starts?
I don't know, just asking the question to see what others think.
Posted by: Eric M. | December 02, 2008 at 04:01 PM
Amazing_Happens,
Those calves are special.
Lakers Today... Lakers Tomorrow... Lakers Forever.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | December 02, 2008 at 04:06 PM
One thing is certain: we gotta play that Christmas Day game like it's JUNE!
Posted by: utzworld - THE BANNER HOLDER | December 02, 2008 at 04:06 PM
Same ole tired Laker's D! Will not get them a title this year again unless they tighten up and fast!!
Posted by: mike | December 02, 2008 at 07:00 PM