81 is done, people!
It's basically impossible for Kobe Bryant to suit up against the NBA's lone Canadian club without mention of a certain historic performance at their expense. Two years and change later, it's still on the tip of everyone's tongues, despite the stark differences in the 2006 and 2008 squads headed by Bryant. The former team required Kobe's heavy lifting to pull them out of a hole against a so-so Eastern conference. The latter, as evidenced by last night's 112-99 win, can rack a win with Bryant reading a book on the bench during the fourth quarter. Not that Kobe didn't contribute his fair share during the victory. Between turning Vlad Radmanovic into a high-flying act and pouring in 21 points on eight of 11 shooting in the first half, Mr. Bean's presence was more than felt.
What went down, however, was hardly a one-man show, an act that added little immediate lore to the Mamba's legend (not that he cares) but provided evidence that with all guns blazing -- metaphorical, not literal -- Kobe's supporting cast could help add a fourth ring to his collection. With some playground-esque fun, the box score's 34 dimes, a 54-36 rebounding advantage and a hefty dose of grit from Andrew Bynum D'ing up Chris Bosh, these Lakers demonstrated once again their ability to scorch the competition in any fashion imaginable. Just don't waste too much time trying to envision another "81" crafted win. Not because Kobe isn't capable, but because such an emergency situation won't likely present itself, even if the media can be duped into thinking he might try, anyway.
OTHER NOTES
- Everything on your bucket list checked off except "Hear Kareem speak in Bakersfield?" Well, here's your chance.
- At least the Starbury situation hasn't grown ugly. Perhaps some union support will help straighten matters out.
- In another equally shocking development, J.R. Smith and George Karl aren't getting along.
- The Day-Twah starting five aren't performing up to Michael Curry's liking.
- Tony Battie looks back on being there when Paul Pierce was stabbed.
I'll take a ring please.
Posted by: Charles | December 01, 2008 at 10:04 AM
81 IS NEVER DONE! IT WILL ALWAYS BURN A MAGNESIUM WHITE FURY IN OUR HEARTS!
Lakers Today... Lakers Tomorrow... Lakers Forever.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | December 01, 2008 at 10:16 AM
As much as the 81 points is impressive, I still think the 62 point performance against a Finals worthy Dallas team still impresses me more. He outscored a good team through 3 quarters. Wow.
Bynum is looking more and more like his pre-injury self. His touch is coming back, his footwork is getting better, and better yet, his teammates are giving him the right sort of passes now. His arms look like they go on forever sometimes!
Posted by: #4 | December 01, 2008 at 10:18 AM
Anyone complaining about this team's ability this year should take a look at the squad when Kobe scored 81.
Parker, George, Cook, Brown, Mihm
Wow... It was no wonder Kobe got pissed. Now, he looks satisfied. Still hungry, but satisfied. This team can get it done. They must sort out the kinks before Christmas, though. That would be a nice gift indeed.
GO LAKERS!!!
Posted by: Happy Gilmore | December 01, 2008 at 10:26 AM
Bynum and Ariza's steady emergence is transforming the team from great to greater.
Having paid all karmic debts to the injury bug last year, the sweet and complete decimation of all who jump it up is inevitable.
Got swagger?
Posted by: VMan | December 01, 2008 at 10:28 AM
As much as the 81 points is impressive, I still think the 62 point performance against a
Finals worthy Dallas team still impresses me more. He outscored a good team through
3 quarters. Wow. Posted by: #4 | December 01, 2008 at 10:18 AM
I agree I'll never forget Phil writting KOBE 62 DALLAS 61!
Arguably this was the greatest performance of all time
Posted by: Mamba24 | December 01, 2008 at 10:33 AM
Magia32
I've asked that PG defensive stopper question each year. Like last night in Phoenix, it takes a team to stop (or not) great NBA PGs.
A Lakers point guard doesn't get to go back at the other team's star guard like Parker or Paul get to do. If Farm had a green light, he could let out a little more game and stay out of the "bad" category. With no hand check, staying in front of your man is guess work.
Posted by: VMan | December 01, 2008 at 10:36 AM
The Lakers needed about 72 of Kobe's 81 that night. The league needed the rest in the PR wake Jordan left.
That stretch of games was other worldly but it spoke volumes about how weak the team was.
Glad Kobe had the chance to let his game all the way out, and really glad he doesn't need to do that now.
Posted by: VMan | December 01, 2008 at 10:44 AM
Here's 81 for you
http://tinyurl.com/5d6ttl
Posted by: Mamba24 | December 01, 2008 at 10:44 AM
Floyd,
"After living in Moscow, Idaho (born there). I have now lived in Pocatello Idaho for the last 14 years"
That's awesome. I really love Moscow. retired and moved the family here about 5 years ago after spending the first 45 years in the Lakewood/Long Beach/Orange County area. I have a little spread about 20 miles outside Moscow. Talk about God's country.
Got the Univ. of Idaho in town, and Washington State 5 miles farther in Pullman. Get to see a little PAC 10 hoops and football when UCLA or USC is in town.
I understand your Utah Jazz issue as Southern Idaho is very pro-Utah, but I'm sure you represent Laker Nation well.
Regards,
Posted by: Eric M. | December 01, 2008 at 10:57 AM
I'm not sure Kobe will break 50 this season the way the rest of the team is playing.
Posted by: EJK | December 01, 2008 at 11:01 AM
One of my pet peeves is how the NBA is the only league that talks about milestones in terms of age vs how many games it took a player to reach it. It smacks of spin-doctoring and catering to the current young mega-stars of the league, taking away from the legacy of the great players that paved the way.
Posted by: lakers_sth | December 01, 2008 at 11:02 AM
I'm glad Bynum has gone away from trying to force things with his left-hand so much. His right handed hook in the middle of the paint from about 6-8 feet is looking very good. He just naturally gets more extension going that way. If he were able to pull that out from either baseline, it would be very Captain-like.
btw - Kobe looks sleepy in that pic on this blog post. But Drew has to get the award for the worst gameplay face pics.
Posted by: lakers_sth | December 01, 2008 at 11:08 AM
I can't believe you called Kobe "Mr. Bean". hahaha
Posted by: ajax | December 01, 2008 at 11:10 AM
LakerTom,
"He’s not yet back to last year’s form but he is getting better every game"
Have faith brother, I told you to give him 20-40 games. ;)
"I always visit what may be the last standing Bob’s Big Boy in SoCal in Glendale."
Are you saying that the BBB on Lakewood Blvd. in Lakewood is gone! Can't be! That's where we went EVERY Friday night after football games, to check out the ladies. lol Never really did like the thousand island dressing on my hamburger though.
Posted by: Eric M. | December 01, 2008 at 11:10 AM
I heard a fan in Phoenix state the most exciting time during the Suns games are at halftime when they have a drawing for a sofa. LOL!
That hiest of Gasol not only made the Lakers elite but is destroyed 2 teams overnight. The Mavs and Suns are now the Clippers. They traded there future for old and washed up players. No wonder POP was happy to see Devon Harris leave there division. And you have to give Riley credit for finding a sucker to take Shaq. We all knew it was only a matter of time before he destroyed that team. If you watched the Miami game the other night I think Wade had something to say to Shaq.
Bynum has risen from the ashes. The last few games we have seen a major uptick in activity from Andrew. I am with Nixon who states give Andrew 60 games under his belt and he will be the best center in the league. All I know is my DVR hits rewind a lot when Andrew is flying through sky. If Andrew can just stay on the court and somehow avoid an injury this kid has the biggest upside than any other Laker and maybe any other player in the NBA. ( the only other player who might have a bigger upside is Oden-Center position that is. )
I kinda miss Butt-ler. We know he would have consider last nights loss actually being a Win for the Suns but I would like to hear the reasoning behind the Win.
I miss MikeT now that I think about it...his Kwame is really our Savior and we are to stupid to not know it and that his Golden Calves were magical were at least comical.
The BEAST is BACK!
Go Lakers!
BD
Posted by: BD | December 01, 2008 at 11:23 AM
A Lakers point guard doesn't get to go back at the other team's star guard like Parker or Paul get to do. If Farm had a green light, he could let out a little more game and stay out of the "bad" category. With no hand check, staying in front of your man is guess work.
Posted by: VMan | December 01, 2008 at 10:36 AM
I agree, I strongly believe this is one of the reasons Fisher can't finish around the rim. Playing with Kobe n Shaq at the start of his career had to affect that part of his game.
Posted by: Magia32 | December 01, 2008 at 11:23 AM
I'm not sure Kobe will break 50 this season the way the rest of the
team is playing. Posted by: EJK | December 01, 2008 at 11:01 AM
It will come my brother and soon.
Posted by: Mamba24 | December 01, 2008 at 11:24 AM
Let's hope the Magic can put the hurt on the C's tonight.
Just a reminder- the Game is on NBA Channel Tonight.
My 2 favorite teams are the Lakers and whoever is playing the Celtics. I forgot I love the Suns too..I love to watch them implode and watch them grind there teeth when Shaq is on the line.
BD
Posted by: BD | December 01, 2008 at 11:30 AM
Why does The L.A. Times have "The Fabulous Forum" as a blog when the Kamenetsky Brothers are already managing Laker Nation and Dodger Nation? It makes no sense.
Lakers Today... Lakers Tomorrow... Lakers Forever.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | December 01, 2008 at 11:34 AM
Happy Gilmore....
Yeah, but that team also had All World Von Wafer and Slava Medvedenko. Talk about bringing "butter knives to a gunfight"! LOL!!!
Mamba 24....
Thanks for the link to 81 and for everything else you do. Every one of Kobe's made shots that night was clean....no bouncing around the rim and falling through. He actually made it look easy. Amazing!!
Posted by: bronxlakerfan | December 01, 2008 at 11:34 AM
Eric M./Floyd,
I am a former Idahoan!
I lived in Eagle, Idaho (which at the time was farmland, not like today) for a couple years as a child. Probably the best years of my childhood.
Idaho and California are definitely my favorite places on the planet.
Go Boise State Broncos!
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | December 01, 2008 at 11:36 AM
BD,
"I miss MikeT now that I think about it...his Kwame is really our Savior and we are to stupid to not know it and that his Golden Calves were magical were at least comical."
You can't just make that kind of stuff up. It is too brilliantly passionately bizarre to be fiction. Just amazingly wonderful, terrifying, and ridiculous at the same moment.
Just great.
Lakers Today... Lakers Tomorrow... Lakers Forever.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | December 01, 2008 at 11:39 AM
BD,
"I kinda miss Butt-ler. We know he would have consider last nights loss actually being a Win for the Suns but I would like to hear the reasoning behind the Win."
I don't. Butler was a full-on Troll.
Lakers Today... Lakers Tomorrow... Lakers Forever.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | December 01, 2008 at 11:43 AM
Magia 32....
Much as I love DFish, I'd have to say the reason he has so much trouble finishing at the rim is that he just doesn't jump very high. Plus he's never developed a consistent runner to avoid his shot being blocked. Fish is vertically challenged but that doesn't make him a bad guy!
Posted by: bronxlakerfan | December 01, 2008 at 11:43 AM
I'm not a huge fan of Lord of the Rings, but if you were able to look into Kobe's soul right now, you would see something like this :
http://tinyurl.com/kobesoul
Because he seems completely obsessed with his "precious" this season. And that is gooood.
Posted by: Amazing_Happens | December 01, 2008 at 11:47 AM
DRUMROLL PLEASE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
And the #1 reason the Lakers are the top team in the NBA is:
They have finally learned how to take care of those weaker teams.
Thus, giving them the confidence they lacked against the tougher teams!
Posted by: onetime | December 01, 2008 at 11:53 AM
Magia32,
"I strongly believe this is one of the reasons Fisher can't finish around the rim"
FIsher is short, isn't very quick, isn't a great ball handler, isn't a great leaper, and can't create magical shots like some players. (Relative to other NBA guards.) That is why he doesn't finish well around the rim, not because of playing with Kobe and Shaq.
Posted by: exhelodrvr | December 01, 2008 at 11:53 AM
There will come a time, when the Mamba is needed.
He will answer the call.
Posted by: "Pig" Miller | December 01, 2008 at 11:58 AM
AAAAAAAAAALLLLLLLRRRRIIIIGHT!
Giggady, Giggady, Giggady.
Lakerman420
Posted by: Lakerman420 | December 01, 2008 at 12:05 PM
Jon,
"Go Boise State Broncos!"
My daughter goes to UI and Boise State is their big in-state rival so whenever the game is in Moscow it is a "Must Go' event. Problem is UI sucks and Boise is usually ranked. So during those drubbings, I know what it is like to be....Dare I say....A clipper fan. lol
Just kidding with ya.
Posted by: Eric M. | December 01, 2008 at 12:10 PM
Butler can kiss my axe. Buck Futler. I'm sure we'll see him again, but he's not classy or interested in a civil basketball discussion. I had a lot of respect for Sonnybelfast before he and the Kings disappeared.
Phoenix was much like Utah of the late 90s to us. They beat us for a couple of years, but could never make anything out of it. We have now risen to our normal place of dominance, and the Suns have shot themselves in the foot with age, complacency, arrogance, and overconfidence. They deserve themselves and where they are.
*****end of rant****
Posted by: #4 | December 01, 2008 at 12:15 PM
lakers_sth
For this season, most of the 1-4 set of the of the Triangle Offense has been the play for our Bynum-Gasol Screen Rolls. This was used during the header scratcher games of December and January (when AB was still playing) and with Gasol mostly during the West Coast Playoffs.
If we revert back to this right at the "Moment of Truth," we should be fine. I personally believe we have abandoned the entry more than havent been good at executing it.
http://tinyurl.com/5won7c
Posted by: Charles | December 01, 2008 at 12:18 PM
Amazing_Happens,
Sorry, brother. You've got it all wrong.
Here's what's Kobe's real soul looks like this year...
http://tinyurl.com/kobesrealsoul
What do we play for? RINGS!!! LORD OF THE RINGS!!!!
Lakers Today... Lakers Tomorrow... Lakers Forever.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | December 01, 2008 at 12:18 PM
POST OF THE DAY:
There will come a time, when the Mamba is needed.
He will answer the call.Posted by: "Pig" Miller | December 01, 2008 at 11:58
THAT'S WHAT I'M TALKING ABOUT!!!
Posted by: MAMBA | December 01, 2008 at 12:19 PM
Eric M.,
I've heard that Unversity of Idaho is located in a very nice area. Unfortunately, between getting pounded by Washington State or by Boise State there's not much room for hope in football, except perhaps the prospect of eventually playing Idaho State.
Do UI fans take their namesake to heart? I mean, do they run around vandalizing things because their name is The Vandals?
Go Boise State!
Go Clippers!
GO BRUINS!
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | December 01, 2008 at 12:22 PM
Magia32 -
Fisher can't finish because he can't jump, he's got beefy little arms, and is slow and uncreative with his shot selection around the rim. I personally don't care that Fisher can't finish around the rim; he's a good enough shooter that it doesn't matter. However, I do wish he would stop trying it so darn much!
On a side note, how Fisher did http://tinyurl.com/fisheroops AND http://tinyurl.com/fisherWHAT I'll never know.
It amazes me to this day to watch opposing teams guard him on the fast break. I know, you know, and everyone and their mother knows he's going to pull up for a jumper and yet they play him for the drive.
Got nothing but love for Fish though. :)
Posted by: puddle | December 01, 2008 at 12:34 PM
Lakers-sth,
Yeah I agree that part of our problem is the way we execute the pick and roll and your analysis is spot on...
Maybe the way they run them as part of the triangle is also to blame being that the pick and roll is a by product or another option for the players to read etc....
I would like to see the pick and roll used more as a concious play, ala from the classic position of the elbow or elbow extended....when we execute it from there in a definate two man game we are highly effective and I just always wonder why we don't do it more etc....
I would also like to see more give and go's (and again I realize that they are an on going option in the triangle)...
I hope as this team gets better and better at running the triangle (as I think we are), those basic classic sublime plays will be utilized even more than they are now...
"It's getting better all the time..."
"i'll have your spam...I love it...I was going to have spam spam spam spam spam spam, baked bean and spam"
GO LAKERS !!!
Posted by: Floyd | December 01, 2008 at 12:34 PM
It appears that the race for homecourt advantage throughout the playoffs will go down to the wire. Boston is off to an impressive start once again. For all the talk of the East being much improved this year, the West is still the more competitive conference from top to bottom. The Lakers will have a much tougher road to the best record in the league.
It may take close to 70 wins to have the best record in the league this year. I think 67-15 is a reasonable goal for this season. 70-12 is difficult but feasible. 73-9 would require the perfect storm.
Posted by: EJK | December 01, 2008 at 12:37 PM
We have now risen to our normal place of dominance, and the Suns have shot t
hemselves in the foot with age, complacency, arrogance, and overconfidence.
They deserve themselves and where they are. #4 | December 01, 2008 at 12:15
NOW THAT'S WHAT I'M TALKING ABOUT!!
Posted by: Mamba24 | December 01, 2008 at 12:40 PM
FIsher is short, isn't very quick, isn't a great ball handler, isn't a great leaper, and can't create magical shots like some players. (Relative to other NBA guards.) That is why he doesn't finish well around the rim, not because of playing with Kobe and Shaq.
Posted by: exhelodrvr | December 01, 2008 at 11:53 AM
Fisher is average size for a PG (Earl Boynkins is short), when Fish played with Kobe n shaq he was young and NOT SLOW, now he has lost a step but still quick. He's got handles or he wouldn't be a starting PG in the NBA. and do you member (you member) that MAGICAL shot against San Antonio? MAGICAL BABY
Posted by: Magia32 | December 01, 2008 at 12:41 PM
Eric,
>>>>>Have faith brother, I told you to give him 20-40 games. ;)
Come on, Eric. You know that having patience is NOT my strong suit. LOL.
>>>>> Are you saying that the BBB on Lakewood Blvd. in Lakewood is gone!
>>>>>Can't be! That's where we went EVERY Friday night after football games,
>>>>>to check out the ladies. lol Never really did like the thousand island dressing
>>>>>on my hamburger though.
So is the original Bob’s Big Boy in Pasadena with the carhops et al where we used to go every Friday night after high school football games. The key to the Big Boy was the combination of sweet pickle relish and thousand island.
And speaking of Idaho, I spent a considerable time in Boise area, including some great fishing with Rob Comstock, an old friend of mine from the garment business who designed leather garments and whose family was prominent in Idaho (Comstock Lode). Some of the most beautiful country around.
Tom
Posted by: LakerTom | December 01, 2008 at 12:43 PM
Eric M,
My two oldest kids go to U of I right now (one is senior and one is sophomre)...maybe we should get together when I go up in May for my daughter's graduation...
I know the Lakewood / long beach area well---Los Alamitos is in close prox--and my wife is from Artesia...
"everybody's got something to hide except for me and my monkey...."
"it is the rabbit !"
GO LAKERS !!!
Posted by: Floyd | December 01, 2008 at 12:43 PM
Jon K.,
very cool---I gotta add Hawaii to that list as well...
The U of I Vandals mascot is Joe Vandal who is essentially a Vikiing---too bad their teams don't raid and plunder...well that's not counting the panty raids....
"and curse Sir Walter Raleigh, he was such a stupid get !"
" and these dear, are The Gets"
GO LAKERS !!!
Posted by: Floyd | December 01, 2008 at 12:55 PM
Got nothing but love for Fish though. :)
Posted by: puddle | December 01, 2008 at 12:34 PM
Just as long he don't start clappin his hands like kwame would after every miss.
Posted by: Magia32 | December 01, 2008 at 12:56 PM
I should have known Laker Tom has an Idaho connection..
This spud's for you...
GO LAKERS !!!
Posted by: Floyd | December 01, 2008 at 12:59 PM
Magia32,
No, FIsher is small for a PG. Just because there are some who are smaller doesn't change that. He has NEVER been "quick", relatively speaking, and for a point guard he is not a great ball handler. Smaller players need to be able to separate themselves somehow to be able to get a shot off - jumping ability, quickness, ball handling, or creativity with shots - Fisher doesn't have any of those (again, relatively speaking.)
The shot against San Antonio was from outside. Your discussion was about finishing at the rim.
What Fisher does have is "basketball IQ", good defensive instincts, a good outside shot, strength and toughness, a great work ethic, the personality to be a good teammate and a good leader (not that many players have both of those qualties) and willingness to fill a certain role (although that has been questionable in some games this year.)
All admirable qualities, making him a good player to have on the roster, but none of which contribute to being a good finisher.
Posted by: exhelodrvr | December 01, 2008 at 01:03 PM
Floyd,
"I should have known Laker Tom has an Idaho connection.."
Yeah, but he needs to constantly be reminded that he is supposed to stuff the potato down the front of his pants, not the rear, before he goes out at night.
Posted by: exhelodrvr | December 01, 2008 at 01:04 PM
73-9 will take focus and luck, luck primarily being in the injury area. The depth of this team gives a little more leeway as far as being able to deal with minor injuries should they occur. Also, the decreased minutes for the key players that that depth brings will decrease the likelihood of injuries somewhat.
The experience in the Finals will hopefully be enough to keep the focus sharp. It will also help if Boston continues to do well, as that will mean that a lot of wins will be required for home court.
Posted by: exhelodrvr | December 01, 2008 at 01:12 PM
ex,
>>>>>Yeah, but he needs to constantly be reminded that he is supposed to stuff
>>>>>the potato down the front of his pants, not the rear, before he goes out at night.
Wow, I thought potatoes were only for eating or stuffing up an auto’s exhaust pipes. You Navy guys really have some fascinating uses for potatoes. Guess that’s what happens when you are out to sea too long. LOL.
Tom
Posted by: LakerTom | December 01, 2008 at 02:47 PM