And there was much rejoicing
Considering they were leaving the balmy environs of Los Angeles for a six game roadie starting in the great white north of Minneapolis, with its snow flurries and (as of 8:30 PST) temperature of one degree- cold enough to make Prince shrink down to about 4'10"- the Lakers were awfully happy Thursday afternoon. Good news was bountiful, from Andrew Bynum's non-suspension to Pau Gasol's All Star berth to Kobe getting perhaps the only endorsement that matters.
For Gasol, it's an honor he hopes to enjoy more than his All Star appearance. For the Lakers, it was a chance to smile a little before the start of a tough trip and a second half schedule heavy on purple unis. It begins tonight against the Timberwolves, who have won only 16 games but are one of the NBA's hottest teams, having lost only three times in January. Suddenly what looked like a cakewalk is DVR worthy. The matchup to watch? How about the red hot Bynum vs. Al Jefferson, passed over for the All Star team and likely motivated to make a point. Given Jefferson's averages (22.7/10.5, one of only three 20/10 types in the league) that could be bad news for the Lakers.
More good news for the Lakers? Trevor Ariza, who suffered a concussion Tuesday against Charlotte, made the trip. He may not play tonight, but getting clearance to travel was a positive step.
With Shaq's inclusion for All Star weekend, PJ, Kobe and the Diesel will be reunited for a day, at least. Surely the media won't make much of that.
In other news:
- On the odd chance they haven't already, anyone who watched Orlando dismantle Cleveland last night should think of the Magic as a bonifide contender.
- Darius Miles has earned a job for the rest of the season.
- The FA class of 2010 goes well beyond LeBron, Bosh, and Wade. How do all these guys get paid?
- The Cavs wonder how they only have one All Star... but it's hard to knock Jameer Nelson over Mo Williams.
- Even the Knicks aren't recession proof.
- Steve Nash says he doesn't deserve a spot.
- The league is filled with foreign players. Is a foreign coach soon to follow?
- Best wishes to Jazz owner Larry Miller.
- Finally, if Rashad McCants seems a little distracted tonight...
6-0 BABY 6-0
Posted by: MAMBA24 | January 30, 2009 at 09:47 AM
PUT NASH ON ALL STAR SQUAD BANDWAGON
*.........................
(01) MAMBA24 - Driver- The man desrves to be on it.
Posted by: Mamba24 | January 30, 2009 at 09:51 AM
For the All-Star game, I wanna see Kobe, Pau and Shaq on the floor together.
Posted by: ajax | January 30, 2009 at 10:01 AM
Kobes an All-star Gasol is too
I’m in heaven, how about you?
Shaq’s an all star isn’t that nice
I’m livin in a Roll call Paradise
The Lakers are the tops in the west
The President says Kobe is the Best
Bynum not suspended isn’t it grand
Thank God it’s great bein a Laker Fan
Posted by: Mamba24 | January 30, 2009 at 10:07 AM
Where's Butler this morning? Has anyone seen the little guy? Shoot... He must be hung over from celebrating his beloved team's "moral" victory over the Spurs last night. Hey, even if it doesn't count in the standings, I'm sure the Suns feel really good about losing to the Spurs on their home court. I mean, it was close, right?
Go Lake Show!
Posted by: The Outlaw | January 30, 2009 at 10:08 AM
"For the All-Star game, I wanna see Kobe, Pau and Shaq on the floor together."
Posted by: ajax
I second that man.
Posted by: Charles | January 30, 2009 at 10:14 AM
Yes, Orlando should be viewed as a BONA FIDE contender.
But, I guess the Bobcats should have been also...
Posted by: Nathan | January 30, 2009 at 10:23 AM
Good Morning Mamba24,
Thanks for the roll call earlier.
Go Lakers!
Go Pistions!
Go Clippers!
BD
Posted by: BD | January 30, 2009 at 10:23 AM
Al Jefferson being snubbed for the undeserving David West was total bull. The coaches take this "he plays for a winning team" thing way too far. Is it the player's fault the GM sucks at his job? No.
Big Al will be on a mission tonight, but Bynum has played him well in the past. Let's hope that holds up.
Posted by: puddle | January 30, 2009 at 10:27 AM
Mamba - you know I love your roll calls - but, I'm not keen on the Nash one. I mean - he's a great player, got great skills, but he has one HUGE strike against him. He's a Phoenix Sun. Can't do it. Can't. I live here, and the Kobe crap people talk coupled with the Nash adoration - I just can't do it. Too many pho suns fans in my face.
Sorry man.
Posted by: longtimelakerlover | January 30, 2009 at 10:28 AM
I watched CLE ORL last night and WOW. Both teams are really good. Like ORL's balance a little bit better than CLE's in terms of players, but CLE plays better d. Hard to say who would win in a 7 game stretch. On TNT last night they were asking the guys who was the best EC team, Celtics/ORL/CLE and they chose CLE for the most part, but there was at least one who was holding out for ORL. Not sure who.
We could beat all those teams in 7.
GO LAKERS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: longtimelakerlover | January 30, 2009 at 10:31 AM
Here's to no suspension for Drew and coming on the roadie for Trevor!!!! All kinds of good news!
Kobe looked all closed down when they were questioning him about the Bobcats game. Dude he looked on the pissed side. Good thing some LATimes Blogmaster came up with such a great question to lighten things up!
LET'S GO LAKERS!!!!
KILL MINNY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: longtimelakerlover | January 30, 2009 at 10:33 AM
HAHA, that was COLD Outlaw. But I guess he asked for it. Is it me or does anyone else find it odd that the commentators of every Suns game keep mentioning that they're not used to the offense yet? I mean its only been 40 some odd games!!!!!!! How do you NOT know the offense yet???? Look theres 40 games and probably double the amount of practices that were held so theres no excuse for not knowing your offense, I'm sick of listnening to the so called experts!
Posted by: BynumBlitz | January 30, 2009 at 10:34 AM
Good Morning BD
Thanks for the Thanks & thanks for checking in.
I just can't do it. Too many pho suns fans in my face.
Sorry man.Posted by: longtimelakerlover | January 30, 2009 at 10:28 AM
Of course you can't. Why? because you are a real Laker fan.
No problem. I just like to preasent all sides. Fair & Balanced LOL!
Posted by: MAMBA24 | January 30, 2009 at 10:42 AM
Where's Butler this morning? Has anyone seen the little guy? Shoot... He must be hung
over from celebrating his beloved team's "moral" victory over the Spurs last night.
Posted by: The Outlaw | January 30, 2009 at 10:08 AM
PLEASE OUTLAW DON'T HURT EM! LOL!
Posted by: MAMBA24 | January 30, 2009 at 10:50 AM
Believe it or not The Suns will be dangerous in the Playoffs. Not to The
Lakers of course, But the Suns will
do some damage. The big Aristotle is out to rehabilitate his image.
Posted by: MAMBA24 | January 30, 2009 at 10:52 AM
Sorry Mamba, but I gotta agree with longtimelakerlover. Nash doesn't belong there this year. Without D'Antoni's system, he's gone from being a greyhound to a old basset hound that needs a hip replacement - wise and keen, but tired and a step slow.
Posted by: puddle | January 30, 2009 at 10:56 AM
Mr Jefferson will be a handful for Bynum....Gasol will need to give Love a really good lesson on how its done....I mean not a lesson in Love but a lesson in power forward.After that last game im sure Gasol would love to forget about his last performance...I dont mean forget about Kevin Love just how bad he shot the ball....So in other words i think that match up will be very important....
Posted by: Thirty2 | January 30, 2009 at 10:57 AM
Awesome story from a link provided by "The D" earlier,
" Complex.com: So they say no good deed goes unpunished. What good deed did you do in your career that kicked your [butt]?
Kobe Bryant: [Laughs.] Since we’re talking about perception, I’ve been with the Make-A-Wish Foundation for years, ever since I came in the league. There was one wish in particular, I can’t remember what season it was, but before the game I asked the kid, “Is there anything you want to see?” Because he likes dunks, he was like, “If you get a chance, do a 360 for me!” I was like, “Aight, cool, I’ll try—if I get a chance to, I’ma do it.” We were playing Portland, it was a close game—so I catch the ball, I’m kinda in traffic, but the opportunity was there, so I went and did a 360, and I made it, right? And after the game, it was “Showboat,” “He’s a flashy guy,” “All he cares about is...” Just this, that and the other.
Posted by: Amazing_Happens | January 30, 2009 at 10:59 AM
Phil Jackson is the Messiah compared to TERRY PORTER.
THANK GOD he is not the coach of the Lakers.
His interviews kill me. How can you listen to hiim?
Yes Phil can get on my nerves regarding substitutions, not calling a timeout when other team makes a 20-0 zip run but Praise the Lord you are not Terry Porter.
Maybe we are lucky to have Phil.
BD
Posted by: BD | January 30, 2009 at 11:02 AM
ESPN Trade Machine
Lamar Odom + Cash
for
Tayshaun Prince
and
Walter Hermann (salary and bird rights, but i don't think he'd turn down a chance to play for the greatest team on earth)
Tay would put us in the "THERES-NO-WAY-WE-CAN-FREAKIN-LOSE" category.
Posted by: supahstah | January 30, 2009 at 11:07 AM
Gppd Morning Charles...Good Morning Everyone...
great news indeed last night---Pau making the All Star team (and deservingly so to the tenth power) and no suspension for Bynum---also good to hear that Ariza is making the trip, hope he can play soon...
this road trip should be one of extreme focus for the Lakers, who hopefully (as Pau was quoted as saying the other day) keep in mind what happened on their last road trip---
this trip will really show us a lot about this team I think--or at least I hope it does, and in a positive way of course....
The Timberwolves have been playing well of late---this could be a real trap game--focus, intensity, purpose, and DEFENSE will be much needed indeed
I hate Herman Munster and want him to fail miserably...
and surprise surprise surprise Sgt. Carter, I would really like to see (and indeed it's proven they need it--we would have only 3 or 4 losses if we shot them better etc.) proficient free throwing for the ENTIRE road trip--come on boys CONCENTRATE!
thanks AK / BK for the Python headline for this thread---there can never be enough Python (or Beatle / Moondog) references...
"are you one of them?"
"later Sir Robin's minstrels were eaten, and there was much rejoicing"
AS ALWAYS, AS EVER, YET ANOTHER GREAT DAY (AND SEASON) TO BE A LAKER FAN !!!
GO LAKERS !!!
Posted by: Floyd | January 30, 2009 at 11:07 AM
BD/Bynum Blitz,
We need you to put those links in tiny URL form. Go to tinyurl.com. Very easy to use.
Thanks.
AK
Posted by: kambrothers | January 30, 2009 at 11:17 AM
supahstah
I like the trade. Question is, will Detroit like it?
Posted by: Charles | January 30, 2009 at 11:22 AM
Shaq on the reunion.
He actually says that there was never a feud and that it was all marketing LMAO.
http://tinyurl.com/c6tnux
Posted by: BynumBlitz | January 30, 2009 at 11:25 AM
Let's Go L's<
great post yesterday on Pau's All Star selection,I liked and agreed with your points on what Pau means to the Lakers and what they will become because of him etc.
I can't believe that anyone who watches basketball would think that Pau did not earn and deserve his selection as an NBA All Star--I guess like Bill Murray said, "people like blood saugage too"...
GO LAKERS !!!
Posted by: Floyd | January 30, 2009 at 11:26 AM
In other words Jon K. this is what Laker Tom means with regards to you go to a Clipper game (Don't worry we know you are a Clip fan but not as much as a Laker fan but that is the point).
What do the Lakers play for? NBA Title Rings! And to keep the Clippers as the losers of LA hehe.
Clippers suck today...Clippers will suck tomorrow...Clippers will always suck forever.
-blitz
Posted by: kobeblitz | January 30, 2009 at 11:34 AM
Floyd,
How come no 'Jethro Bodine Double-naught spy' references? You got all the other 60's sitcoms! BTW, no matter what you think about Herman, Marilyn was hot!!
"My name is Zoot. Just Zoot."
Posted by: exhelodrvr | January 30, 2009 at 11:42 AM
"Truth be told, your compass was off in this rant. And if I might suggest why (humbly, I might add), it's your 24/7 quest to be the smartest guy in the room. If you simply talked to someone like you actually are interested in hearing what they have to say, you'd end up making much better points. You're always trying so hard to be profound that you typically run the gamut from A-Z without actually connecting any dots".
AK
I just read your rant from a previous thread and you take things waaaaay too personally buddy. I never accused YOU of creating the Kobe-hate, I just merely suggested that you and your brother have sometimes fallen victim to the hype of some of your colleagues.
For instance......When you suggest that Bynum should have been suspended you are making a judgement.......is that right?
If you are making a judgement that implies you have a basis for your judgement. Thus the real estate analogy. If you get an appraisal on a house for its current value you must present 3 other comparables that have sold to add credence to your appraised value or judgement.........right?
If you think Bynum should have been suspended where are the other similar cases to add credence to your judgement?
Do you have any? Or was it PFA? (pulled from azz)
I think Kobe being suspended in the Manu-gate totally skewed what merits a suspension and Kobe not receiving MVP in 06' influenced and re-defined what the MVP is.
I think Bynum not being suspended returns the game to pre-Kobe-gate which is where it should be. Some of us (AK/BK) are still using the standards that were skewed during the height of the Kobe-hate era.
Posted by: pfunk36 | January 30, 2009 at 11:45 AM
I'm urging everyone read Kevin Ding article, I'm agree with hime 100%, well let say for the past 3 years. Don't you?
http://tinyurl.com/odom-game
Posted by: LAL_Fan | January 30, 2009 at 11:48 AM
BynumBlitz
Thanks for the link. I feel that Shaq is in remorse and wished he was a Laker. I wish we could have had the duo stick together. But, I love our team now and would not change anything.
If for some freak occurrence Shaq comes back, I hope Kobe wins a ring without him first.
Ole!
Per Ajax: Shaq, Pau, Kobe please...
Posted by: Charles aka Cheese Blitz from Porto's Bakery in Glendale | January 30, 2009 at 11:55 AM
Shoutouts to the Morning Crew. Charles, dude, how are ya?
Guru's analyses of the day:
Point 1: Larry, I hate to disagree but this year Billups, Parker and Paul are all more deserving than Nash, as my terrible fantasy squad (only 30 points back of the lakerblog league lead today!) can attest. Thanks, Steve.
On the plus side, at least I acquired him for Redd (BWHAHA LAL2009CHAMPS -- Eat it).
Point 2: I agree with PUDDLE -- shout out -- that Al Jefferson (or Bynum if we are stuck on the "from a winning team" thing) should have gotten West's west spot. Stats don't lie. Dude is dominant and it's not his fault his GM works for another team.
Point 3: Play of the day in the all-star game will be Kobe's lob to Shaq for the dunk (I believe he can still get up for that). Phil will run the daddy off three screens set by Gasol, Duncan and Stat, if necessary, to make this happen.
Point 4: Bet the rookies to win against the sophs. I don't know what the line is but they'll win that game by double digits. Size matters.
Point 5: Bryant and Roy are both going to get a lot fo run in this year's main game. The west team has no natural small forwards and they are the only swingmen on the squad. Wouldn't be surprised if either one takes the MVP but my best bet on that would be LeBron.
Point 6: Speaking of Roy and Bryant, notice that if we insert Roy for A'Mar'E" into the starting lineup of the WCAST as a small forward, the lineup would consist entirely of men with two first names:
Paul, Chris
Bryant, Kobe
Roy, Brandon
Duncan, Tim
Yao Ming
(OK, I'm fudging a little on the last one but half of America remians confused as to his first name anyway.)
Posted by: Jesterguru | January 30, 2009 at 11:57 AM
pfunk-
I won't speak for AK (or comment on your back and forth), but I don't agree with you in part because I don't accept your premise (or the notion that there was such a thing as the "Kobe Hate Era," as if 24 was turned into some sort of icon of evil, though that's a different discussion). I didn't make my evaulation- that if the league deemed Bynum's foul worthy of a game, I would have no argument- on anything about Kobe's "unnatural basketball moves." It never entered my mind. I based it on what I feel is appropriate.
It's tough to rely on "comperables" when breaking this down, because the league has and always will be inconsistent in how they deliver punishment. There will always be another foul that perhaps could have been punished more or less. The Shaq/Stuckey play, for example. Didn't get a suspension, I thought Shaq deserved one.
While there's no question Bynum wasn't trying to hurt Wallace, I thought what he did was reckless and dangerous and could lead to harm (which it clearly did), and I don't have a problem with penalizing harm on a play where carelessness was the cause (as it was here). I believe basketball is a contact sport, but that players need to be respectful of each other as competitors.
As for why Kobe didn't win in '06, it's pretty simple- his team won 45 games. I agree with you that voters will sometimes mold their criteria to fit the guy they want to vote for, but one consistent factor is that the MVP nearly always comes from an upper echelon squad, which the Lakers clearly weren't.
BK
Posted by: kambrothers | January 30, 2009 at 11:59 AM
My take on the concept of players getting snubbed for the all-star game just because they're on losing teams:
It seems that, rather than stats, the coaches look at how much a player contributes to their team's success. If you truly want to be perceived as a great player, then your efforts need to result in Ws. If you want to be perceived as an elite player, your efforts (whatever they may be) need to result in Championships. That's the standard.
Posted by: lakers_sth | January 30, 2009 at 12:01 PM
Exhelodrvr,
there is only one spy and he has a dog name Fang...and his love for the cone of silence is only surpased by my own...
"not the Craw....the Craw !!
GO LAKERS !!!
Posted by: Floyd | January 30, 2009 at 12:07 PM
Mmmmmm, Porto's.
BK
Posted by: kambrothers | January 30, 2009 at 12:12 PM
LAL_Fan
I just read the Ding article...........I think that article is Ding using his platform to focus your attention on Odom....... and apparently it worked.
You can remove Odom's name and replace it with Luke Walton who in my estimation has made as many or more boneheaded end of game decisions that Odom.
I mean Who can forget the time in New York when Kobe gave Luke the ball for a last second shot and Luke not knowing how much time was on the clock passed it back to Kobe as the game clock expired, or the time in Cleveland Luke was inbounding the ball and instead of calling a timeout threw an errant pass to Kobe, .........which by the way was repeated against the Bobcats the other night.......the inbounder this time? You guessed it.......Luke Walton.
So it is not so much Odom as it is Ding just decided to highlight Odom............
and just think Phil calls Vlad space cadet........ .Go figure
Posted by: pfunk36 | January 30, 2009 at 12:16 PM
Long Time Laker Fan and Exhelodrvr,
very good posts about the Lamar trade / stand pat issue...
it is going to be very interesting to see what finally transpires..and I agree that I think the Lakers will stand pat for this season....
if they do stand pat, then we either lose Lamar without a return or he signs for an amount that allows us to keep Ariza and others...maybe he'll do a Rick Fox--though he doesn't need to sign for just a million---guess it will depend on if the Lakers win it all and how much Lamar wants to remain a Laker....
if a trade does transpire, I agree with the thought that we need a premier point guard ideally---that seems to be the glaring need--I think Powell will be able to provide back up minutes as he did when Lamar was injured and I think Powell will play even better than he did during that stretch with more consistent minutes and the knowledge of ample future playing time etc.
of course that leaves the question of who is out there to get, and a great point guard in particular--don't know if it is even pssible, but then again I never visualized the Pau trade either...
stand pat or trade, here is hoping we can put our faith in Mitch and that he can pull something amazing off again this year...
GO LAKERS !!!
Posted by: Floyd | January 30, 2009 at 12:17 PM
MEA CULPA NO NASH IN GAME THE BLOG HAS SPOKEN
Posted by: MAMBA24 | January 30, 2009 at 12:19 PM
OK, all good news with the Lakers yesterday.
1. Bynjum - no suspension but - 2 pts on penalty 2, that would be fine try to restrain further hard fouls. Cap was never known to be a dirty player but a smart player. What is also smarter is to make a phone call to Gerald at Centinela Hospital and make some amends, thats just being a professional and no longer 21 year old juvenile.
2. Kobe - got a nod from President Barack, that's huge, and maybe political too. Why? Barack is from Chicago and why will a Chicagoan praise a Los Angelito? Kobe may be the best player among active players today but he has not surpassed yet MJ's record of 6 Championships. Besides, the best judges for the best player are the basketball historians not the politicians. On the contrary, I love Barack as a politician.
3. Gasol - another great honor bestowed to the Catalan player. He may be a soft defender but no doubt about it, he has transformed the Lakers in one year's time. On Sunday, Feb. 1st, it will be the 1st year anniversary of Gasol with the Lakers. How valuable is he? Where will the Lakers be today if Pau Gasol did not sign a year ago? He saved the franchise, it could have been Kobe's last year if Kwame and Odom are our PFs!
4. Ariza - another wonderful news that his concussion was mild and he could play. He is the soul of the bench mob, he wheels and deals them to great heights with his defense and aggressive thrust to the hoop. He energizes Sasha, Farmar and Odom to action. When Ariza is missing they all become stagnant and inconsistent.
5. Five game road trip that starts with Tiimberwolves. Pau was right on what he said on LAT, take one game at a time. T'wolves are 10-3 eversince the Frankenstein GM took over as the coach. He knew how to use Kevin Love and Al Jefferson, watch out Lakers for being trip in icy cold Minnessotta. There are two back to back games in this trip. The first one will be tomorrow and if they treat Memphis lightly just like some bloggers here, it could bite us back. Remember it is a road game, they are cellar dweller, nothing to lose but much to gain in bragging that they beat LA. Then, the 3rd game will be in NuYok home of Mamba24 & Taliq, as always Knicks plays hard against the Lakers at their home turf. Finally, the last two games, Celtics and Cavaliers - do you think they are fully motivated to beat the Lakers this time? If Lakers win all 5 games that's what Kobe referred to maturity and bonding. It is time for the Waltons, Odoms, Vujacic, Radman (if he will play), Gasol, Bynum, Farmar to wake up and be counted. Just one request - be an asset to the team and avoid being a liability.
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | January 30, 2009 at 12:23 PM
supahstah,
I like your idea about this trade. Tachuan Prince? Detroit in disarray now, after AI trade they going down the
hill (surprise, surprise Denver is doing terrific with Chauncey Billups, who would of thought??? J) They want to get under the cap for big free agents class 2010?
Voila, they get 12M+ of salary cap; Lakers are getting superior defender, who can easily take out Kobe’s assignment on D every given night, in addition GUARDING guys like Diaw, shot 3 (and make them), have wing span of Lamar but actually CAN finish at the rim. And has a demeanor of Ariza of getting his points without any special plays called for him, he was All Star
couple years ago, and I always liked him…
Imagine lineup: Fish, Kobe, Prince, Pau and Drew? This is not only defensive juggernaut, with Ariza our 6 Man, but it’s Dream team for many years to come… Obviously, our weakest position at SF becoming one of the strongest..
Posted by: LAL_Fan | January 30, 2009 at 12:25 PM
I just read the Ding article........ I think that article is Ding using his platform to
focus your attention on Odom.......... and apparently it worked
Posted by: pfunk36 | January 30, 2009 at 12:16 PM
THANKS PFUNK36!
Posted by: MAMBA24 | January 30, 2009 at 12:32 PM
Pfunk36,
Again, in your quest to be "brilliant," you still miss a bigger point. Before launching into a long-winded shpeel about the connection between Kobe "media hate," real estate and what equals a suspension (which, by the way, you still haven't connected in any tangible way), wouldn't it make more sense (not to mention be simpler and more courteous) to FIRST ASK WHY I thought Drew's hit was suspension worthy? Maybe base your thoughts off what I say, as opposed to speculation? Particularly since the examples you cited didn't end up actually apply to me, as I demonstrated. What a crazy idea!!!
Had you actually bothered to ask, this is what I would have said...
The reason I felt Drew's hit was suspension-worthy was because Bynum made no attempt on the ball, led with his elbow into Wallace's ribs, and didn't attempt to break his fall or wrap him up. It was a very dangerous play, and despite the lack of actual malice on Drew's part, shouldn't go without a reprimand, because it's irresponsible. On that level, it's worse than some other flagrant fouls I've seen.
You brought up the comparison between Bynum-Wallace and Shaq-Stuckey, saying Shaq's hit was worse and he didn't get suspended. That may be true. It's also irrelevant, because a) I think Shaq should have been suspended and b) I was gave an opinion about whether Bynum SHOULD be suspended, not a prediction of whether or not he WOULD be. And the reason I didn't make a prediction is the league's continual inconsistency. It's impossible to gauge how they're going to rule, so I didn't bother trying. I simply expressed thoughts on what I personally think merits a suspension, regardless of the league's waffling. My own opinion. If you had paid closer attention, you'd have noticed that.
Next time, it could be worth getting my thoughts first. You could have saved us all some trouble.
And by the way, I'm not taking any of this personally. I'm just shutting down your flimsy argument. And offering a bit of psychology towards you, since you did the same towards me and BK. Although truth be told, I find this all pretty tedious. As I've said many times, I'd prefer we actually engage in real discussions, as opposed to me responding to unprovoked dissertations from you. But if that's not the way you want it, so be it. I can only offer the suggestion, then stand my ground if the suggestion goes ignored.
AK
Posted by: kambrothers | January 30, 2009 at 12:32 PM
Charles (Porto Cheese bread)
That's my favorite, my triglyceride goes up when I buy those dozen bread at Porto Restaurant, pride of Glendale.
Regarding Shaq, he is always remorse when he is no longer the center of attraction, He fought Orlando, Los Angeles and then Miami now his last stop at Phoenix. He realizes that fighting against LA is a no-win situation. Not even the NFL could evicerate this city as the center in sports where two Summer Olympics were held before professional sports landed in the West. Shaq is not only a b'ball player but a showman. He made a huge mistake when he snubbed the city and sold his property burning all his bridges. Shaq is just a peanut Superstar compared to the Laker legends. He is no bigger than the organization itself. He has to give way and give due respects to its fans and to the cosmopolitan city.
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | January 30, 2009 at 12:36 PM
Both teams have 1 game losing streaks coming into tonight. Something's gotta give.
Posted by: lakers_sth | January 30, 2009 at 12:37 PM
congrats to Pau on making the all star team. i'm glad that Nash didn't get on (although i didn't look at the whole line-up yet). i really have no love lost for the Canadian. i still believe at least one of his MVPs should have gone to Kobe.
i read that Ding article, and didn't quite care for it. one can easily look at all the mistakes Odom has made throughout his career, and judge him to be a moron. but that would be discounting all of the huge plays (and he has played huge) he's made, just in the purple and gold uni alone.
eh, forget about it. i'm probably preaching to the choir, on here. even though Kobe might've been livid at Odom's play in that Bobcats game, he knows that LO has gone to war with Kobe for many seasons now, and LO has got his back.
okay, i got that out of my system. let's go Lakers! beat the T-Wolves, and let's sweep this road trip! (i wonder if Chris Mihm is working on his 3 pointers and ball handling... i hope the dude can get off the pine!)
Posted by: leonardbast | January 30, 2009 at 12:50 PM
Floyd,
How come no 'Jethro Bodine Double-naught spy' references? You got all the other 60's sitcoms! BTW, no matter what you think about Herman, Marilyn was hot!!
Exhelodrvr: Which Marilyn? Beverley Owen or Pat Priest?
Posted by: 356man | January 30, 2009 at 01:00 PM
pfunk36,
I don’t get it. You’re probably missing the point that Ding and trying to make. Arrival of Odom was greeted with signs “Another All-Star… in LA” and this never materialized and never will. I’m not disputing, on majority of the nights Luke is a marginal role player, and sometimes with very questionable ideas, like going “a la Kobe” into the teeth of the defense. What this has anything to do with Lamar never becoming someone, everyone (including Phil and Kobe) patiently waits to shows up all those 4.5 years? Yes, sometimes he has brilliant game, however it’s like 1 to 5 ratio. Pau for example, being crucified here, usually has 5 to 1 ration between good and bad games. Not to mention, in crucial minutes of the game he is like a last person next to Luke I would like Lakers to have on the floor? How many boneheaded decision we witness over those years? How many idiotic smiles after missing layup, after layup we have to endure? He is like a nice guy, but guess what, it takes more than nice guy to win in NBA.
Posted by: LAL_Fan | January 30, 2009 at 01:02 PM
leonardbast,
"...he knows that LO has gone to war with Kobe for many seasons now, and LO has got his back"
Problem is, LO never had his back. Or anyone else. You maybe read this article, but looks like did not get it
Posted by: LAL_Fan | January 30, 2009 at 01:05 PM
i'm sure we'll see a Kobe dish to Shaq during the All Star Game. maybe Phil can even sneak Shaw in there somewhere, so we can see a "Shaw-Shaq Redemption" slam!
but knowing the mastermind that Phil Jackson is, he'll use his position shrewdly, and won't play Kobe or Pau much, so they can rest, LOL! either that, or see Kobe get 15 dimes, all to Gasol, so the El Spaniard can get MVP. (but that might be tough, as i'm sure Shaq is gonna demand the ball a lot... might try to get MVP in quite possibly his last All Star game. cuz the day of The BEAST, Andrew Bynum, cometh!!!!)
oh my god, it just occurred to me that we could see a Kobe/Shaq co-MVP... like when stockton and malone got it that one year. wouldn't the media go nuts over that one?
Posted by: leonardbast | January 30, 2009 at 01:07 PM