Celtics Slay/Release the Hate to song Holiday by Maddona

It we took the time to slay
The boston Celtics on Christmas Day
Just one day wipe out their life
It would be, it would be so nice

Everybody spread the word
We're gonna Punk the Celtic Nation
All across the world
It will be such a great sensation
It's time to kick their behinds
Forget about the refs being blind
One day to come together
To kick their buts like real go getters
We need the Celtics to slay

[chorus]

We can turn this season around
And bring back all of those happy days
Put the Celtics on the ground
It's time to release the hate
Let hate shine
kick the F.ing behinds
It’s time to come together
And make things better
We the Celtics to slay

[chorus]

Celtics Hate
Release the hate

[chorus]

Celtics Hate
On Christmas Day

Celtics Hate
Release the Hate

RIP Mike Kahn, and to his family I extend my deepest sympathy at your loss.

I didn't know the best flopper in NBA history was good enough to get your number retired, but I guess that's good enough in cow town:)

Congrats to Vlade, he was a great foe for the Lakers and better than he was a force for the Lakers (mostly because of bad timing). But we will always be grateful for him for bringing Kobe to town!

Laguna Laker,

We don't mind if people pimp stuff from their own sites now and then, but it needs to be in tiny URL form. Go to tinyurl.com for the instructions.

AK

I'm happy about the Darius Miles situation.

Any chance to stick to Portland, I'm all for it. And let me clarify... I like most of the team, but hate the fans and hate Mike Rice. Those fans have been a thorn in my side for 20 years, and the funny thing is, they have..... no titles to show for it in that span.

Besides, they're a pretty solid group of young players that could be a thorn in the Lakers side if allowed to sign a Chris Paul type.

Andrew and Brian Kamenetzky

Alright alright, then I guess your guys punishment will be, a life time ban of your Man cards available for reinstatement starting tomorrow. Does that sound fair?

Good Morning Peps!

Not very often I get to commune with the daytimers..so ill start off by saying "Just doing my thing"....oh and uhh SA defense and offence looks so suspect and still we are to believe they shudnt be counted out..gezzzz!

Tires aint pretty!

Chicken Nanight!

Roy went off like kobeish last night against Mr. "I can drop 25 and 15 a night if I wana" Oneal.

Haha the way other teams are playing..we may get a playoff birth by mid February.

Magatron Mack...

Im the dude..playing a dude..disquised as another dude!...

More to come later if I feel like reading a week long debate about Farmar..haha

*AT LEAST ONCE THIS SEASON I WANT TO SEE THE OLD 81 POINTS
* KOBE AND NOT THIS TEAM FIRST IMPOSTER BANDWAGON
*
(01) MAMBA24 -OWNER - Let Kobe be the Mamba for at least one night pleasssse
(02) JON K. - Driver - Will personally be his nutritionist the rest of the season
(03) JUSTANOTHERMAMBAFAN - RIDING SHOTGUN - Stop stop Kobe from reverting to this
Pass first imitation for one night

Posted by: mamba24 | December 19, 2008 at 08:38 AM

Laguna Laker, We don't mind if people pimp stuff from their own sites now and then,
but it needs to be in tiny URL form. Go to tinyurl.com for the instructions. AK
Posted by: Andrew and Brian Kamenetzky | December 19, 2008 at 09:29 AM

Oh boy thanks KamBrothers. I shall now pimp my purple & gold Thongs.
Of Course all profits go to the Blog. LOL~

TOP TEN
Thursday, Dec. 18, 2008

Honorable Mention

Hey Tim 4...
Barkley was the leader of that suns team and Dan Marjerle had a great playoffs.All KJ did was do a big crap on the floor throughout nearly all the playoff games which peaked out with some kind of humungus monster grogan during the finals.
This was after missing games in the regular season with a variety of injuries - one of which was a back injury that he obtained from trying to lift Oliver Miller after a last second victory.Hall of famer indeed! I'd take Nash any day!
Posted by: Kiwi | December 18, 2008 at 09:34 AM
LTLF

"Next they'll be trying to trade for Kwame Brown"
Well, based on history, Detroit should be able to get an All-Star for him.
Posted by: exhelodrvr | December 18, 2008 at 09:30 AM

Hobbitmage vs. kobeblitz

DRUM ROLL

#10
Re extending Phil's extension = Panic
Posted by: Magia32 | December 18, 2008 at 10:52 AM

#9
Good Morning Charles....Good Morning Everyone...
must be that dreaded limbo day not after a game and right before a game, what do us bloggers have to ponder?
Coaches with twin brothers of course...
Our own Phil Jackson looked a lot like Col. Sanders' long lost brother before he shaved off his facial folics...
Rick Adleman always reminded me of Adolf Hilter's illegitimate kid, complete with matching 'staches...
Stan Van Gundy looks like that guy in the Godfather who shoots the dude in the revolving door..
Rick however you spell ihis name Car-ly-al was Robert Urich's stunt double on Vegas (both of them could have played Reggie Mantle if Archie Andrews, Jughead, and his pals ever become a movie)...
Mike Donlevy is Robert Duvall's half assed brother...
The guy that coaches Cleveland is Wesly Snipes with glasses...
Maurice Cheeks is trying out for the Sammy (I hate that guys' guts) Davis Jr. story on Fox due out later this year...
Speaking of movie news, George Karl has landed the coveted role of Gerald Ford in an up and coming movie of the week on NBC...
Doc Rivers is so ugly that nobody wants to look like him--but he does remind me of Fanastic Four's The Thing without the orange tint...
and of course Kevin Mchale is Fred Gwynne--not his brother or kid , but really him....
more to come...stay tuned....
AS ALWASY, AS EVER, YET ANOTHER GREAT DAY (AND SEASON) TO BE A LAKER FAN !!!
GO LAKERS !!!
Posted by: Floyd | December 18, 2008 at 10:55 AM

#8
I'm happy that Jordan went into PJ's office.
The guy takes his game and his career seriously. I've had issues with coaches before as probably almost every athlete has, and the key is to communicate and get on the same page as quicly as possible.
If you have a stupid coach that can't communicate or think, then it's really tough.... but assuming the coach has a brain and two ears, 9 times out of 10 the athlete and the coach will come out of it much stronger.
Notice how PJ leaves all of the initiative to the players, and Farmar is strong enough to take that initiative.
Quit hitting the panic button on JF. He'll be just fine.
Posted by: Tim-4-Show | December 18, 2008 at 10:32 AM

#7
Jordan Farmar.........That Brian Cook move he just pulled could be the beginning of the end for him.....I really dont think he is the point guard of the future for this team....(if Phill is the coach)....He might act mature but that and some of his decision making are not...The guys hands are way to sticky for this offense...
Posted by: Thirty2 | December 18, 2008 at 11:18 AM

#6
Starbury: Doing my thing, you know?
AK: Hey, doing your thing.
Starbury: Doing my thing.
AK: Doing your thing.
Starbury: My thing.
AK: Your thing.
Don't let the instant bonding and banter fool you. I actually have no earthly idea what Steph's talking about during this "NBA TV meets Samuel Beckett" moment.

From there, he leans over and we exchange an awkward semi-man hug, followed by a low five. Mind you, this is the first time I've ever spoken to the guy in my life, putting a bizarre cap on an already strange 10 minutes. Media session now concluded, Marbury returned to his seat and that was that. All very cheery (dude couldn't have been nicer). All very... odd.

AK’s Evening with Marbury Thread

#5
I don't know why Farmar so unhappy, he is the one who is playing like a crap, and I'm not talking last game against the Knicks, I’m talking about last 10-12 games, not to mention last year playoffs. He is looking to SHOOT ME FIRST. And please don't even compare him to Fish. Fish seasoned pro who is aware about his limitations and still working on his game, how else you’ll explain that Fish is best 3pt shooter on our team with almost 48% 3PT and our best FT shooter with 93% FT. Yes he is not an elite PT, but he is pretty solid on D, taking a plenty of charges often resulting in offensive fouls and fighting through screens as fast as he can. Farmar besides gambling on steals always getting schooled on Pick and Roll. All he wants to do, is to run on the fast break, problem is it’s not always available, so he is getting lost on half court offense, very often late to pass to open teammate. I’m more and more convinced he is reason Sasha can not get into groove because of not getting enough touches while playing with Jordan on the floor.
Posted by: LAL_Fan | December 18, 2008 at 01:10 PM

#4
…..Speaking of Kobe Bryant, I've noticed a different attitude as of late, and maybe I might be overseeing it, but I remembered not long ago, I'd say maybe three weeks or so ago, Shaquille O'Neal made a comment towards the direction of Phil Jackson blaming him for the beef between himself and Kobe. I'd say, that was about the time, the Lakers began to sink a little bit in their play and the change in Kobe's attitude.
Now this again, may just be a coincidence but is it possible that Kobe and other fellow teammates didn't like too much of what Phil Jackson did back then. Especially for Kobe who knows that keeping Shaq on the team would have won him more championships. Now with players busting down Phil's door on a weekly basis (First being Andrew and now Jordan Farmar), is it possible that this Laker team has lost some respect towards their coach.
All comments are welcome and Merry Christmas to all!
Go Lakers.
Posted by: Razdizzlefoshizzle | December 18, 2008 at 12:50 PM

#3
>>>How come Javaris keeps getting DNP's?
Did it ever occur to you that maybe he doesn't quite live up
to our glorious expectations for him?
The road to NBA stardom is littered with point guards who were
overhyped coming out of college. Shaun Livingston, Mike Conley,
and Sebastian Telfair all come to mind. Not that any or all of those
guys can't be productive rotation players in the NBA, but each
was at some point hyped to be the next big thing.
Right now I give Critter & Sun Yue about equal odds of
succeeding at the NBA level, and I've seen about as much
play out of each of them.
Posted by: Long Time Laker Fan | December 18, 2008 at 01:40 AM

#2
It was bad enough that our 69 win record was broken by the Bulls, if the Frickin's Celtics break the 33 game record pestulence, plague, famine, and whatever else the horsemen bring would be mere child's play, but the Apocalypse would surely be upon us...
GO LAKERS !!!
Posted by: Floyd | December 18, 2008 at 12:

#1
The more I think about the Suns picking up Smush Parker, the more I like it. Shaq and Smush cruising down the streets of Phoenix in the newly catcus-stylee pimped out Smushcalade. Ahhhh.... that has to end up well.
Maybe Smush and Shaq will wander into the desert, find some peyote buttons, eat them, and the rest is a curious murder mystery involving months of testimony including the famous line, "But your honor, I THOUGHT I was strangling Kobe to death! It was an honest mistake. The cactus made me do it!"
No one eats peyote with The Big Homicidal and gets away with it!
Lakers Today... Lakers Tomorrow... Lakers Forever.
Posted by: Jon K. | December 18, 2008 at 09:26 AM

Did anyone catch that PHX-PDX game last night? Roy seems like the real deal. Part of that was some pretty bad team defense on Phoenix's part, but still. However, I don't believe Portland has anywhere near the type of veteran talent it needs to challenge anyone right now. That was alot of one on one play to win that game, and if those shots for Roy and Outlaw don't fall, they aren't going to win.

Phoenix looks better with the addition of Richardson as opposed to Raja and Diaw. I still don't think they are on par with the Western elites (Spurs, Hornets, Lakers). Nash has either lost a step or the slight alterations in the type of personnel around him has made him lose his game a bit. But he and that offense just didn't look right. No cuts, no accurate 3 point shooting out of a penetration, and overall, no joy. Its just not built right, and that's only talking about their offense. Their perimeter defense and is atrocious. To me, it looks like they haven't transitioned to being a defensive team at all, as their bigs are unwilling to help or guard off of PNRs or breakdowns, let alone recover to their man when a pass is made.

Either the engine is misfiring or the car around it isn't suited to the engine. Good for them if it somehow comes together, but I don't sense that it will.

But is Pargo a version of "the grass is always greener?" What you think, Pig? Love Fish despite his slow step. I think he makes up for it in other ways. Jordan, however - not so sure.

I love, Love, LOVE Gameday!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Strong start, lead wire to wire, embarrass all former Suns!!! Looking forward to seeing Livingston and how he's moving these days. Still have never been able to look at the footage of his accident. I can look at blood and guts but not limbs, ligaments, etc.. moving in ways they just shouldn't. *shudder*

Kick their butts, guys!!!
GO LAKERS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Tim-4-Show,

I agree. I don't know what's wrong with Portland/Oregon fans. Beautiful state. I've met nice people up there, but something goes wrong with their heads when they start getting behind a sports team.

Absolutely no class whatsoever.

What do we play for? RINGS!!!!

Lakers Today... Lakers Tomorrow... Lakers Forever.

GO LAKERS!

GOOD MORNING LAKER NATION!!

IT'S LAKERS GAME DAY BABY YA!!

Lakers leave the fun and ho hum of So Cal to go down and throw down in their latest effort to build a streak and beat the heat. It's time to shake loose the fat noose that's been holdin' us down and makin' us frown. Maybe in Miamis' So Cal weather the crew will shoot better and finally find their D, cause a win not a loss, to show 'em who's the boss, is all that's acceptable to me.

Today I pack the virtual bowl for the old folks in Miami that might have a heart attack when we blow out the Heat tonight.

Inhale now as I blow smoke at the screen...

IT'S TIME TO WATCH THE LAKERS AND DRINK SOME BEER,
TOKE A BOWL AND SCREAM AND CHEER!! LAKERS 4 LIFE BABY!!
CLAP CLAP CLAP CLAP CLAP

IT'S TIME TO WATCH THE LAKERS AND DRINK SOME BEER,
TOKE A BOWL AND SCREAM AND CHEER!! LAKERS 4 LIFE BABY!!
CLAP CLAP CLAP CLAP CLAP...

LakerMan420

It just started snowing here in Boston...so, look for KG to take it out on the Bulls tonight when the streak reaches 17.

As for winning 34 straight, KG says, "Anything`s possible!!!!"
What are you gonna say now?

As for Xmas, Doc wants to know if Phil`s gonna have Sasha Vujacic apply his famous "lock-down", man-to-man defense on Ray-Ray again?

sniff sniff sniff
YES MY GOODNESS YESS
IT'S TIME TO WATCH THE LAKERS AND DRINK SOME BEER,
CHOKE A CELTIC AND SCREAM AND CHEER!! LAKERS 4 LIFE BABY!!
CLAP CLAP CLAP CLAP CLAP
TO KG SLAP, SLAP SLAP SLAP SLAP SLAP

IT'S TIME TO WATCH THE LAKERS AND DRINK SOME BEER,
CHOKE A CELTICS AND SCREAM AND CHEER!! LAKERS 4 LIFE BABY!!
CLAP CLAP CLAP CLAP CLAP...
]TO KG SLAP, SLAP SLAP SLAP SLAP SLAP

LakerMan420

mamba24, "I will probably throw a plate through it if the Lakers lose." Virtual plates,
dude, virtual plates!! Posted by: exhelodrvr | December 19, 2008

wHEEEW Thank you, Thank you Thank You EX.
You saved a happy Vampire/Zombie relationship.

Fair enough. Until then, I guess I have to bide my time watching a marathon of Sandra
Bullock movies that aren't named "Speed." haha Posted by: Andrew and Brian Kamenetzky
| December 19, 2008 at 10:07 AM

Hey!!!! I watched Judge Dredd 58 times. The acting by Sly & Sandra was superb

Mamba24,

"Fair enough. Until then, I guess I have to bide my time watching a marathon of Sandra
Bullock movies that aren't named "Speed." haha Posted by: Andrew and Brian Kamenetzky
| December 19, 2008 at 10:07 AM

Hey!!!! I watched Judge Dredd 58 times. The acting by Sly & Sandra was superb."

Actually, you're thinking of "Demolition Man," which teamed up Sly, Sandra and a bleached blonde Wesley Snpes. "Judge Dredd" had Diane Lane and Armand Assante (hair at it's natural color).

Easy movies to confuse, as they're both quite over the top and both quite awful.

AK

COME ON!!! EVERYBODY JOIN IN NOW!!

IT'S TIME TO WATCH THE LAKERS AND DRINK SOME BEER,
CHOKE A CELTIC AND SCREAM AND CHEER!! LAKERS 4 LIFE BABY!!
CLAP CLAP CLAP CLAP CLAP
TO KG SLAP, SLAP SLAP SLAP SLAP SLAP

IT'S TIME TO WATCH THE LAKERS AND DRINK SOME BEER,
CHOKE A CELTIC AND SCREAM AND CHEER!! LAKERS 4 LIFE BABY!!
CLAP CLAP CLAP CLAP CLAP...
]TO KG SLAP, SLAP SLAP SLAP SLAP SLAP

hobbitmage - I put the onus on the coaches to improve the perimeter defense. With the limited practice-prep time they have during the season, the coaches choose to primarily focus on assignments rather than fundamentals. And further, they "go over" those assignments but don't drill them. They could approach things more like a college or high school coach, where they just force the players to learn through repitition but this coaching staff especially, prides itself on building teams who can think for themselves. I remember Devean George talking about how, if he wanted to improve as a player, it was up to him to do it on his own, decide what to work on and how - he wasn't going to get that from these coaches.

So, what happens when you have a fundamental problem like not being able to stay in front of opposing ball-handlers? If it were me, I'd take all the perimeter players and do drills during warm-ups that will steadily improve lateral quickness - make it part of the daily routine. I'd hold separate film sessions with the perimeter players and really dissect how to counteract and frustrate what the opposing guard/sf likes to do. Beyond the first time meeting a team, I'd devote more time to improving those defensive fundamentals both through guidance and physical repitition b/c we'd already be comfortable with what plays they're going to run.

Bottom line - I wouldn't leave it up to the players. I'd make them improve and fix the problems whether they wanted to or not. Because who knows if they'd even know how.

lakers_sth,

thanks for your thoughts on improving perimeter defense.

on a side note: b/n Sandra and Diane. I'm taking Sandra
all the way. Although, if I can get a write-in I'm taking Halle or Beyonce. I prefer them a bit "thicker".

@AK/BK

Spring brake pic, two dudes high fiving (one wearing a cowboy hat)?????
That pic is big time lacking the attributes of the female figure.

lakers_sth,

I'll take Sandra Bullock. She has a not-so-obvious adorableness that I can't ignore.

Lakers Today... Lakers Tomorrow... Lakers Forever.

GO LAKERS!

Mayor of Kobe Town,

"How someone can make a "Spring Break" joke and not use a picture of Kitty from Arrested Development is beyond me."

Outsidergua,

"@AK/BK Spring brake pic, two dudes high fiving (one wearing a cowboy hat)????? That pic is big time lacking the attributes of the female figure."

In either case, it's unfortunately difficult to find a pic that works with a "family friendly" site. haha

AK

#4,

"or the slight alterations in the type of personnel around him has made him lose his game a bit."

I'd say yes. Having a few All-Stars along side plus a coach that wants to score in 7 seconds or less certainly will inflate the PG stats some.

what you see now is much more in line with his career numbers.

With regards to Ted Green's article, I'd be fine with the Lakers being the second best team in the league only b/c I hate the way they play when they're the favorites or build a big lead. However, I think there's an argument that they're not even #2 - that they way they're playing basketball right now has them below Cleveland.

The Loose Cannons had an interesting discussion (I think w/ Heisler) about this road trip, the Christmas Day game and how right now is a critical juncture in the season. If the Lakers have a horrible road trip but win on Christmas then they'll have positive momentum going into the New Year. If they sweep the road trip but lose on Christmas then they'll be faced with serious questions going into the middle part of the season. If they have a disappointing road trip and get hammered on Christmas then... well, I'm just hoping we don't have to see exactly how bad things will get with that scenario.

If they have a disappointing road trip and get hammered on Christmas then
\... well, I'm just hoping we don't have to see exactly how bad things will get with that scenario.
Posted by: lakers_sth | December 19, 2008 at 11:16 AM

I WILL TEAR MY THONG TO SHREDS IF WE LOSE!!!!

EASTCOASTJESSIE Where are you>

hobbitmage - You're welcome, although I don't know if that was the type of answer you were looking for. I'd love for the Lakers to be able to address the problem simply by picking up a taller PG (in the 6'3" range) who could be a Ron Harper-Lindsey Hunter type but I don't know who that would be and how they'd get em.

I keep saying I like Q Ross who used to play for the Clips and now for Memphis but even he might be a bit too big to constantly defend PGs.

Farmar's attitude, that he clearly disapproves of the team's offensive and defensive philosophies but he's a professional and is going to do what's asked of him is BS and has no place in this locker room. He sounds like Nash. PJ nailed it when he said that Farmar has "confidence that hasn't been earned". Play some defense kid - take some responsibility or go someplace else.

Mamba24,

"I WILL TEAR MY THONG TO SHREDS IF WE LOSE!!!!"

We're not going to lose.

You, I, the Lakers, and every member of Laker Nation needs to understand one thing and one thing alone:

We are settling for nothing less than revenge on Christmas Day.

That's it.

Revenge.

I don't care if the Kamenetsky Brothers have to personally rush the court in the third quarter and while Brian punches Kevin Garnett in the throat, Andrew takes out Paul Pierce's legs... we are getting revenge on Christmas Day.

Nothing is off the table and everyone bears responsibility for this duty, especially every ticket holder present at that game.

We are getting revenge on Christmas Day.

Let's just start from there.

What do we play for? RINGS!!!!

Lakers Today... Lakers Tomorrow... Lakers Forever.

GO LAKERS!

Magic Johnson excerpts on espn's daily dime:

On playing on Christmas Day: "I loved it, and it didn't matter if we were on the road or not. Just give me the basketball in my hand, and everybody watching me? Oh, man. We were the featured game. I loved it. It's the best time because there's only a couple of teams playing. It's fantastic."

On whether the Celtics or Lakers are playing better right now: "The Celtics are playing better on both ends of the court. You can just tell that they really want to repeat.

"The Lakers have been struggling, big time, on the defensive end, so they've got a lot of work to do to come up to where the Celtics are."

On the meaning of the Celtics-Lakers game on ABC on Christmas Day: "The excitement is just like the old days, no question about it.

"I think this is about the Lakers. The Lakers have to prove to the Celtics and to themselves that they can handle the physical play of the Celtics. That last beating that they took by 39 points, that should have left a sour taste in the Lakers' mouth.

"To me, that was an embarrassment for the Lakers. Those guys have got to come out and really prove something to themselves and show the league that they are really ready to challenge the Celtics. Right now, the Celtics believe that the Lakers can't beat them."

--------------

There's a Lakers tradition video that plays before every home game that shows clips of great players and moments in Lakers history. One clip in particular gives me goosebumps every time. It's the clip of Magic Johnson coming out of the tunnel and the Forum. It looks up at him so you can see the banners in the backgroud. There was just a look on his face that gave any Lakers fan a sense of calm and confidence that he could lead the team to victory no matter who they faced.

Cheers ....You ever notice

hobbitmage,

I think having Odom start instead of Bynum would help a lot in their defense. Andrew is slow in reacting to opposing guards driving the lane. You could see him a lot of times having his back on the ball or fouling the driving player in attempting to block the shot. He's not as versatile as Odom.

If you remember in last year playoffs, not even Allen Iverson, Deron Williams nor Tony Parker could do what the lesser PGs are doing to them right now--driving at ease. This is because Lamar, and even Pau (except in game 4 of the Finals), is quick to get back to cover the paint.

Even in the Finals, they lost not because of Rondo (except in game 6) but because of the Celtics bigs. This is where Bynum could help.

Please see the full blog at http://tinyurl.com/5yv4k2 and give your thoughts. Thanks AK for showing me the way ;-)

Scouting report from the Lakers website:

"Scouting Report Lakers at Heat Friday, Dec 19

The Miami Heat have lost three games in-a-row, last playing Monday night at home against Milwaukee (83-98). This team has had ample time to heal and practice. This is normally a slow starting team, but we expect them to start the game fast tonight, so we must bring energy from the start. As D. Wade goes so goes the Miami Heat and while he has struggled in the last three games with the gap in their schedule he will be ready to go tonight. He will look to attack our paint through the use of screen and rolls and isolations. At times Miami will play small ball so we need to be ready for this type of attack.

Miami is 6th in the NBA in steals and blocked shots. They play hard defensively but sometimes gamble too much looking for the steal that will lead to the dunk or looking for the spectacular blocked shot. We should be aware that this team likes to play in the passing lanes so the old adage of ‘fake a pass to make a pass’ should apply tonight.

Miami will look to run with opportunity so it is up to us to not give them those opportunities through poor shot selection or turnovers. This will be another game in which we are challenged to be very aware of the personnel tendencies of a young team that we only see twice a year. We need to know that Chalmers, Cook, and Quinn are most effective at catch and shoot with over half of their shots coming from 3 point range. Wade is shooting 10 free throws per game. We need to be able to guard him without fouling. Beasley is really showing a strong left drive tendency at this point of his young career.

Miami is 7-1 this season when scoring 100+ points. We must minimize their easy opportunities and make them work for the points they score. If they have a lot of offensive rebounds, free throws and transition buckets we could start this trip on the wrong foot."

looking forward to see Pau play against Mark in 3 days?! is this the first time they do it in NBA?!

Hope you enjoyed your family from Missouri Hobbit,

In other news:

"my repsonse: Has Kobe left the Lakers? No."

1) Because he was professional about it and did not want to look like a brat about it by being Stephon Marbury
2) He has a no trade clause so any team that wasn't competitive he would probably not accept
3) Only place he wanted to go was Chicago and they already reported they did not want him.

The development of Bynum, Farmar at the time playing like a real point guard, and the aquisition of Pau really much remedied it though he does want to win a championship.

"Do you have anything besides the last
week or so to support that Farmar is growing
malcontent?"

Last 3 weeks rather. When the Pacers rallied back Farmar was pulled early and he did not get as much playing time in the 4th quarter as he did back in November. He was receiving around 22 minutes per game now is 15 minutes per game. Same story with Smush when Jackson limited his playing time because PJ felt "he wasn't playing with great energy" as a result Smush grew malcontent and began to say similar (not the same) things Jordan has been doing. Is it too late for Jordan to do a 180 degree? Of course not. He's on the path though currently.

A. Put Fisher back in as pg.
B. Put Sasha in as PG.
C. Put Kobe in as PG.
D. Trade for another pg.

1) Fisher can't play with BOTH the 1st Unit and 2nd Unit. 2) Sasha already got toasted as a PG back in 05-06 and that's the last option Jackson wants. 3) Kobe did play the point in the 2nd Quarter against the Knicks and while you could argue Jordan had 2 fouls, come one, if Jordan was starting he could have gotten at least 3 since he's a backup. and 4) That's another option that was floated even though Sasha was the one who was reported on the trading block.

"From these observations I conclude that Jordan Farmar
is not the *SOLE* reason that the 2nd unit isn't doing
well. I have seen Odom, Farmar, Ariza & Sasha all
make mistakes. They've all decreased in their offensive
production. You made a point earlier this summer about
Odom running point-forward. That doesn't seem to be
happening either. Maybe Jordan Farmar isn't the sole
reason for the 2nd unit doing poorly?"

First of all, yes everyone on the 2nd Unit has made mistakes, no one is mistaken free. Farmar wants to run a fastbreak offense. Since teams adjusted PJ has asked him to run the triangle offense instead. Now PJ has put Lamar in charge of the 2nd Unit and while it isn't perfect neither it exposes the weakness of Farmar as a shooter, as a defender. Still too many times Jordan tries to dribble and shoot instead of passing it away, he hasn't had much assists lately neither. He went for steals and cost the team (just like Kobe did) and basically gave Nate Robinson 6 free points. Though Trevor has broken out of his slump and Sasha is beginning to do so to (at a slower rate) but Jordan does not seem to be improving nor expressing a desire to become better.

"So for these 14 games what has Kobe been shooting?
Fisher? Odom? Sasha? Bynum? Ariza?"

46% his average though I'm hoping he gets around 47 or 48% this year. Lamar doesn't have the same opportunities as he does as a starting so I'm expecting around 8-10ppg which he is doing. Sasha regressed due to not being a 6th man, Bynum is doing VERY well with creating his own offense though I wish he went deeper on the block (though if it is zone then it's more understandable), and Trevor is going back to what I expected 30% 3 point shooter. And you tried to make it seem he was shooting well! I predict 35%> for Trevor's 3 point shot and at the All Star Break I'll provide his jump shooting % chart too just for you!

"re: me wanting Ariza being a shooter."

It requires spacing *or* good passing as Luke Walton starting. Walton is not a good shooter as Radman is and really I think he's a bit better than Trevor in both IQ and the mid range shot (3 point shot probably equal). Scottie Pippen was not a great shooter yet besides his defense he managed to win the starting SF in Jackson's offense by being a great passer. (Having read Sacred Hoops, Jackson applauds great passers). That's why he put in Luke in and also why he starting Luc Longley. Longley is a terrible center from one point of view yet his passing really flourished in the Triangle Offense. Like I said, Walton is a good passer that allows the offense to run much more efficiently to Pau/Bynum/Kobe. Radman allows more spacing on the floor. Trevor allows more defense. Walton may not be athletic enough to be a defender but he's not a terrible defender neither. Just put it to average defender since his IQ is good but his body is not that good either.

And like I said Trevor's shooting is *Not* his strength. That would be like asking Radman to dunk the ball more. Sure Radman has done it just as much as Trevor has shot a 3 pointer but its' not the strengths of their game.

"I believe I said he's going to be good."

I have always believed he was a faster version of Luke Ridnour and so far he's been proving me right. Solid but not truly good. Just ask Milwaukee as they thought he could be as good as Mo Williams.

"I said he plays defense and that was in regards to the starting SF position because we needed to get better on
defense"

Your words were he plays "intense" defense and when I called it overrated you went told me Sasha would make me eat crow which so far he is the one who is eating crow. And it is overrated because he can be intense/pesky all he wants because most often when a person decides to penetrate he's mostly neutralized.

re: the picks West were was Madsen and George. Mitch picked up Cook and Rush. While Rush will never be forgotten for Game 6 against Minnesota, he was still just a shooter that really didn't get any playing time after Charlotte (hmm only him shooting reminds me of Sasha in a way). Mitch was dumb enough to give Cook a 3 year extension too after having *1* okay season. Cook even got in PJ's doghouse after throwing his warm ups on his lap against Detroit and he too like Jordan complained about his playing time. Mitch deserved true credit for 1 trade: the Cook-Ariza trade which was just a steal. The Gasol trade was more of a remedy of trading for Kwa-may Brown. Any GM who could trade away J-Critt, Kwa-may Brown, the rights to Marc Gasol, for Pau would do it and Mitch did it right. Mitch is in the clear for now but he still has years ahead of him for us to see how truly good he is. And no if West doesn't get a pass from me neither does Mitch. The Shaq trade was necessary, the Gasol trade remedied his earlier mistake though it was out of pure luck that Chris Wallace was just as bad as the Nuggets GM for giving away Pau for free (the Nuggets could have gotten more Picks for Camby!).

"However, maybe I'm wrong about what I wrote."

You wrote that how many points came off of steals? Steals are *not* a great example of good defense just as Phil Jackson has said. In other words you defended the steals. Personally I would not mind not having any steals as long as we got more stops and more rebounding. But then again Jordan (and Kobe) love to gamble a little too often.....

"If the only problem that the Lakers have is at the pg position, specifically with Jordan Farmar, than there are a number of options available to them. They haven't taken any of those options yet. So perhaps you're analysis of the problem is flawed in the same way that your analysis of Odom was flawed?"

Not necessarily as I explained above. Besides unless Jordan Farmar was Stephon Marbury it's not necessary for to treat him like one. Oh no don't even try that I am doing so, I am merely giving his criticism to the way he is playing his game. *If* he changed his game and became better than I would more than willing to forgive him. But so far he is *not* and it is costing the Lakers leads and making Kobe into games that he should be resting for the real important ones (the playoffs).

Besides what other options do they have? PJ does not want Kobe chasing around point guards because it saps his energy on the offensive end even more. That's why PJ wanted Kobe on Hamilton rather than Billups in 2004. Sasha is not quick so he gets toasted usually as a PG defender. Fish needs to be on the 1st Unit (he's Kobe's spot up shooter) and can't play with the 2nd Unit and unless they get Pargo or things with Farmar really turn out worse they are not going to trade away Jordan. It is up to him to improve his game and stop being a ball hog/ and a horrible defender. Until then, he's I am going to give fair criticism when necessary and not you nor even Laker Tom will stop.

Ultimately it is up to Jordan if he truly wants to adjust his game so it is more beneficial to the Lakers rather than himself.

-blitz

ad on your website says Kareem Abdul-Jabbar has a 126 IQ? I would think it's up much higher. 126 is Shrubbery range...

Brian Cook actually played yesterday. Surely... don't call me Shirley, that's the sign of a coming stock market crash... what's next? Brian Cook as GM spokesman? Next thing you know, Brian Cook will be doing commercials for GE... oops...

Sorry didn't see your recent post because I was typing out my response so....

"I fail to see how Farmar has shown himself to be
chronically dissatisfied nor do I see how he's rebelling
against the established system"

You don't either read the article or try to paste words to try to make it seem he isn't malcontent. Let's try putting the other words from the article shall we?

"It was a meeting of the minds Monday between Lakers point guard Jordan Farmar and Coach Phil Jackson. They talked about differences in philosophies and styles of play

By Tuesday night, Farmar seemed disgruntled, the telling sign coming when Jackson yanked him out of the game against New York 4:01 into the fourth quarter and the 6-foot-2 guard stormed off the court and exchanged words with his coach."

On Wednesday after practice, Farmar sounded more disillusioned about his role when he talked about his meeting in Jackson's office at the team's practice facility.

It was as if Farmar popped into the "principal's office," Jackson said. "I felt he was frustrated."

Earlier in the season, Jackson allowed Farmar the freedom to run the fastbreak, to run more pick and rolls on offense and less of the triangle offense.

Now, Farmar said, Jackson wants him to be more precise, to run the triangle offense and throttle down on the fastbreak when it's not there."

Nothing wrong with PJ there. If the fastbreak isn't there then the triangle *should* be run and if Farmar wants to be the leader he should be running it with NO problem.

And let's go by your little definition:

"Dissatisfied with existing conditions.
n.
1. A chronically dissatisfied person."
2. One who rebels against the established system:

Examples:

[By Tuesday night, Farmar seemed *disgruntled*, the telling sign coming when Jackson yanked him out of the game against New York 4:01 into the fourth quarter and the 6-foot-2 guard stormed off the court and *exchanged words with his coach."]

[On Wednesday after practice, Farmar sounded more *disillusioned* about his role when he talked about his meeting in Jackson's office at the team's practice facility.]

[It was as if Farmar popped into the "principal's office," Jackson said. "I felt he was *frustrated*."]

If that doesn't show malcontent then hey consider Kobe's rant in 2007 as not being malcontent!

"I asked them what they wanted me to do so I can go out there and do it and not be confused about my job," Farmar said. "They're not looking for me to do anything personal -- just run our offense. It affects my performance and what I do.

Isn't it about the team and *NOT* himself? Maybe *you* don't consider it bad but having a similar situation about that cornerback who was benched I do consider it a sign of malcontent and expressing a "me" attitude rather than the team.

Yeah and it's true the coaching staff wants him to run the offense and he is saying it is affecting his performance and what he does.

Here's a simple term both LO and Bynum learned:

Adjust.

He wants to run a fastbreak offense which ironically doesn't give the defense *you* want. How could you want a fastbreak offense and at the same time want more defense??

"Jackson is not trying to stifle Farmar's creativity, but he wants the 22-year-old to be a better decision-maker.

"I think there are some things about playing his game kind of thing and conforming to our style," Jackson said."

Kobe adjusted, Pau adjusted, Bynum adjusted, LO adjusted to the bench though not producing numbers as a starter, Trevor adjusted, and heck even Sasha adjusted even though he's not getting the same opportunities as last year.

You went after LO when he complained about getting off the bench yet is trying to protect Jordan Farmar when he goes off. Sad and PATHETIC.

Hobbit don't even try me. I'm going to criticize Jordan Farmar's game until he improves his game.

AND YOU WILL NOT MAKE A DAMN DIFFERENCE

-blitz hehe

Hey, Blogger(s)!!!

"I WILL TEAR MY THONG TO SHREDS IF WE LOSE!!!!"
Posted by: Mamba24
___________________________

NO NO NO, my brotha!!! PLEASE - allow me to talk you down off the ledge....

This game, in the grand scheme of a season of things, is not that important. YES - I want the W. YES - I want the green weeners & gold teeth garnett to sob & cry like the little girls they are. YES YES YES - I want redemption after last year's finals.

All that being said, this is 1 game out of 82 and IF (again I say IF) we lose, it will be ok. The sky will not fall, the season will go on, and the O'Brien will still be on Figueroa in June. We will learn, we will remember, we will improve, and we will BEAT THE EVERLOVIN' CRAP out of them in beantown and/or the Finals.

Don't worry. Hold your head high!! Keep the thong intact! Just make sure to use it and/or wear it proudly when needed!

GO LAKERS!

hobbitmage,

>>>mal·con·tent (mlkn-tnt)
>>>adj.
>>>Dissatisfied with existing conditions.

Actually, that sounds pretty much like kobeblitz. He's dissatisfied
with the existing condition that Jordan Farmar is still playing.