Lakers 113, Jazz 100: Kobe and Pau make their "award" cases
An evening spent watching the Lakers beat the Utah Jazz to the tune of 113-100 (Kamenetzky-ian post-game thoughts can be seen and read here) also served to let Kobe Bryant and Pau Gasol either confirm recent honors or reassert themselves into the mix, depending on the player in question.
Having just learned just a couple of hours before the tip that he'd been named the Western Conference Player of the Month, Bryant went out and played precisely like the type of fella who collects such trophies on a regular basis. 40 points on 13-23 shooting from the field, including a three off a busted play with Andrei Kirilenko flying by his grill. This would be approximately the bazillionth time Kobe's hit 40+ on a career, which helps explain why he's leading all W.C. players in All-Star voting (not exactly new territory for The Mamba, either).
For El Spaniard, however, some campaigning of sorts may still remain. Last night's 21 points helped him hit the 10,000 mark on a career, making him just the fourth player (along with Vlade Divac, Dirk Nowitzki and Peja Stojakovic) to reach such heights straight out of Europe. Throw in the eleven boards and six dimes and you're looking at the type of all-around night that typically spells "All-Star." Unfortunately for Pau, he's currently sitting sixth among voters in the always competitive Western Conference forward race, despite a few clicks from his own computer. Making the squad would mean a lot to Gasol, and thankfully, the likely- if none too enthusiastic- coach for the West is plenty familiar and appreciative of #16's skill set. Should The Mamba get the chance to offer a pair of pennies, that would only work in Gasol's favor.
Pau will get voted in by the coaches, either at the center or power forward slot. Coaches can select up to 7 reserves. With the way the Lakers have been playing he deserves an All Star slot.
-blitz
Posted by: kobeblitz | January 03, 2009 at 01:29 PM
Gasol for All-Star! I think he'll need another year or so of proving his worth before he becomes a significant candidate for All-Star, however.
And Phil! Before you know it he'll start coming up with crappy strategies, so Lakers will lose more and he won't have to coach All-Star. (Or he can just run away to the Bahamas, and enjoy life as a fugitive. Whatever).
Posted by: Cacus Berry | January 03, 2009 at 02:01 PM
Pau definitely deserves to be an All Star.
Way to go El Spaniard! Congrats on reaching the milestone! Let's hope we see you in the All Star game!
Posted by: longtimelakerlover | January 03, 2009 at 02:03 PM
Is anyone going to the Lakers 101 event on Jan. 20?
http://tinyurl.com/8yjlbk
All Star Game for other Lakers?
I would like to see Gasol rest. So if he doesn't make it, it won't be too bad.
Besides, if PJ has any pull for a player, I'm positive he would select Luke.
Posted by: Fatty | January 03, 2009 at 02:27 PM
pau's drive last night made it the assist of the night
http://tinyurl.com/97msmo
Posted by: ouchhhhhhhhh | January 03, 2009 at 02:33 PM
Kobeblitz,
yeah I agree on Bynum's seemingly lack of effort as of late--and I think you are right about how he needs to learn to be and become the third option---that is really key for him...
It seems to me that his effort on defense and rebounding is fed on how well he does offensively---like you said I think he will eventually come around and it will be rewarding to watch I suspect.
If Pau isn't in the All Star game we all need to boycott any and all products advertising such...either that or mentally treat the game in the manner in which it deserves, (see Phil Jackson's assesment of the importance of All Star games)
GO LAKERS !!!
Posted by: Floyd | January 03, 2009 at 02:33 PM
AK / BK
Doesn't the All star coach have at least one pick for the reserves--how does the picking of the reserves work exactly?
GO LAKERS !!!
Posted by: Floyd | January 03, 2009 at 02:36 PM
Pau better be an all-star. Its sad that the all star game has turned in to a popularity contest. Vince Carter and Iverson (kinda) suck and Yao is no good however they continually start and play in the game. I know its all about entertaining the fans but it would be a disgrace if Pau wasn't in the game.
And on a side note, I like how we can pick the last guy in the dunk contest but Rudy Fernandez and the Alexander guy from West Virginia don't strike me as "high flyers". Westbrook better be in it.
GO CHARGERS
GO LAKERS
Posted by: mrbarneydangles | January 03, 2009 at 02:43 PM
I hope Chandler isn't suspended only for one game. It will be ridiculous to think that Kobe's suspension for flailing his arm into the air trying to draw a foul equals the same amount of games as Chandler throwing a forearm with MALICE into someone's chest and squaring up after the hit.
Posted by: never | January 03, 2009 at 02:45 PM
Pau is an all-star and that assist last night was sick!
Posted by: Laker Kev | January 03, 2009 at 03:11 PM
What the hell! Chandler is suspended for only one game after that hit?? Kobe gets the same for flailing his arms trying to draw a foul????
Posted by: never | January 03, 2009 at 03:11 PM
Hey guys what ever happened to Mike. T's Journal thing?
I really enjoyed reading it after every Laker game, not.
Posted by: Magia32 | January 03, 2009 at 03:16 PM
NFL PLAYOFFS!!! One of the best times of the year!! (Lakers winning the title is the best of course)
Floyd,
Bynum should be getting active on the defense/rebounding end and that will feed him on the offensive end. Since he is not the 2nd option of last year (Pau's a way much better 2nd option) if he uses his offense to feed his defense it only makes his defense worst when his offense isn't there. By getting more active on the defensive end and rebounding end as well his offense will improve and the team as a whole will also.
-blitz
Posted by: kobeblitz | January 03, 2009 at 03:17 PM
Floyd
I had the same question and found this at Wikipedia.
The participants are currently chosen in two ways. The first is via fan ballot, with the leading vote recipients at each position starting the game; secondly the reserves are chosen by a vote among the head coaches of each squad's particular conference.[1] Coaches are not allowed to vote for their own players. If a player is injured and cannot participate, the commissioner will select a replacement.
Posted by: Fatty | January 03, 2009 at 03:24 PM
Skillz son dude has skillz.
I want Pau to be an all-star because he deserves it. But on the other hand...I think he needs the rest lol. Oh well.
Go Lakers!
Posted by: Faith | January 03, 2009 at 03:43 PM
I think kobeblitz has it right with Pau being an All Star.
Looks like Duncan will get the start at PF.
Back ups: Amare, Dirk
But Gasol can also play Center and after Yao, the best Centers would be Shaq and Pau.
Gasol's versatility puts him at #1 reserve at the Center position.
Yeah the old Fat One may get picked for sentimental reasons, as he said. But that still leaves a place for Pau.
As just a PF, maybe not, but as 'the blitz' said, as a C/PF: Si on Pau.
Posted by: Fatty | January 03, 2009 at 04:05 PM
KICKING OFF THE NEW CHAMPIONSHIP YEAR…
* Was I the only one who sensed a different level of energy and confidence in the Lakers as they launch their 2009 NBA championship campaign against the Jazz?
* There is a new karma in the air that clearly favors the Lakers as the young team on the rise and the Celtics as the old suddenly sinking and hoping to hang on.
* Kobe! A truly marvelous performance, obscene offensive efficiency with a killer-instinct attack-the-rim mentality on offense and Doberman aggressiveness on defense.
* The Mamba and the Cobra! Snakes alive when Kobe and Trevor play aggressive lockdown defense on the perimeter. CP3, Rondo, and now DWill basically shut down.
* First, he was the ghost, then the Stealth, but I think the Cobra is the absolutely perfect nickname for Trevor Ariza, who really reminds of a bigger Michael Cooper.
* POW! Pau Gasol is a lock to make the All-Star game this year as he continues to prove, as Kobe proclaimed, that he is 1 of the 2 best power forwards in the entire NBA.
* Hey, get off the old guys! Derek Fisher may be the Lakers senior citizen but his defense tonight was great and an example of the effort that Jordan Farmar needs to make.
* I know he only grabbed only 2 boards, but those 2 blocked shots by Drew on DWill were critical plays in the Lakers to the Lakers controlling the Jazz and winning the game.
* Leave it to Phil to have a starting lineup that includes Luke Walton and a closing lineup that includes two guys off the bench – Lamar Odom and Trevor Ariza.
* Finally, hats off to Lamar Odom for a great all-around game, including 14 points, 7 boards, 2 assists, and 1 great block, although I swear he blocked another shot.
* With their win streak at 5, the 26-5 Lakers play 9 of their remaining January 15 games in at home. If they extend their streak to 20 games, they would end January at 41-5.
AS ALWAYS, JMNOHBO!
Tom
Posted by: LakerTom | January 03, 2009 at 04:25 PM
Ariza! I am a huge fan of this kid. Amidst all the all-star talk about Kobe and Pau I am hoping Ariza gets consideration for 6th man of the year...he continues to impress off the bench with hussle, steals, and lock down defense (most of the time). He is quickly becoming my favorite player on the Lakers and I think he will be key to this team winning a championship.
How many times this year have we heard "And there's Ariza again with the ball!" or "Ariza with the steal" or "Ariza slams it home"?
As for Pau making it to the all-star game, I'd rather see him rest. I think he deserves consideration but I could care less about an all-star appearance I want the Lakers to party on Figeuroa this June.
If there is already an Ariza for 6th man bandwagon, sign me up. If not, I'd like to start that bandwagon!
Peace,
Thedropper
Posted by: thedropper | January 03, 2009 at 04:27 PM
Odom was the second option last year while Bynum was not playing. Bynum has never been the second option; in response to someone (FLoyd?) he would not be the first option on any other teams at this point. He does not have an offensive game yet. He has a bunch of pieces but has not figured out how to put them together yet.
Posted by: exhelodrvr | January 03, 2009 at 04:48 PM
Kobieblitz,
Yeah i agree with you that as well as Pau now being our definate number two option (and a better option etc). that it would be better if BYnum let his defense feed his offense--but I see him doing the opposite for some reason---hopefully he will start concentrating on defense and rebounds and not worry about his offense---but of course not to the point of losing aggressiveness (on either end for that matter) which was of course your point in your first post--ie he needs to become /stay
more aggresive..
Thanks Fatty for the answer---it still seems like every year the coach of the all star team picks at least one of his own players and was even critized for doing that in past years --- maybe that has now changed--I remember Adleman picking three Blazers one year, two of which didn't deserve it--and last year it seemed I heard the comment about Byron Scott's pick of David West (even though he may have desreved it)---it sure would make sense that the coach couldn't pick his own players, but then again maybe that would be a perk of having to coach the all star game etc....
GO LAKERS !!!
Posted by: Floyd | January 03, 2009 at 05:23 PM
Ex,
Odom was the 2nd option when Bynum was on the bench then when Kwa-may Brown went down Bynum went into the starting lineup and took over the 2nd option until his injury. Lamar then took over until Pau's arrival.
I do agree with you though he doesn't have much of a true offensive game.
-blitz
Posted by: kobeblitz | January 03, 2009 at 05:32 PM
With the way he's playing this season on the best team in the West, I don't see how Pau is kept off the All-Star team. We finally have an All-Star to complement Kobe. It's been a long time coming.
As for Drew, let's just hope he gets his act together at some point this season. He can't be the next Michael Olowokandi, right? Right?
Posted by: EJK | January 03, 2009 at 05:57 PM
PAU has more than earned an ***** ALL STAR ***** spot!!!!!!! It was THANKS to PAU that LAKERS became the Western Conference Champions AND made it to the FINALS in 2008. Pau HAS ALWAYS BEEN GOOD... BUT NOW, HE IS MUCH BETTER!!!!! HE'S A LAKER!!!!!!!!!!!!!
He epitomizes the intelligent and chivalrous warrior with a heart of a Champion!!!! He proves it every time he steps on the court.
This season we are headed in the same general direction (with a minor change in itinerary... WIN the FINALS!!!!)..... 26-5 so far, and improving!!!
So, LAKERNATION... Kobe is a sure shot. PAU NEEDS OUR VOTE... LET'S DO IT!!!!!!!!!!
GOOOOOOLAKERS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: Carlos DeeP | January 03, 2009 at 06:02 PM
Pau needs to put together a commercial Chris Bosh-stylee in Spanish and in Chinese and he'll get voted in.
What do we play for? RINGS!!!!
Lakers Today... Lakers Tomorrow... Lakers Forever.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | January 03, 2009 at 06:31 PM
OFFICIATING
Huge props to the officials on Friday's game... I usually review the games on my DVR. Slow motion lets you see some questionable calls at a speed that officials can't. So looking at all the questionable calls from both teams these 3 officials pardon I don't know their names, they did a very good job even. These officials should officiate the Finals this year!!!
Posted by: boink | January 03, 2009 at 06:38 PM
Magia32,
I was wondering the same thing...do you think he's pissed off?
Posted by: BocaLakerGurl | January 03, 2009 at 06:45 PM
I love the bench mob's new mantra 'change the game.'
Thats awesome. That's both a short term and a long term goal, and that's just what a lot of great Lakers have done. Lakers from Wilt and West to Kareem and Magic to Dr. Buss and Chick--all changed the game.
Wes
Posted by: wesjoenixon | January 03, 2009 at 07:03 PM
EJK
Don't EVEN suggest that. I shudder to even having that thought. lol
For making me sin (in thought)
Get down and give me twenty, then say 10 'Hail Kobes' and 10 'Our Phils' for forgiveness
Olowokandi, please no! My worst nightmare! haha
Posted by: Fatty | January 03, 2009 at 07:06 PM
I wouldn't worry too much about the rest issue for Pau - the All-Star game's a fun thing, usually pretty loose... and I'm sure Pau would much prefer being there to sitting home on the couch, resting and watching.
The guy certainly deserves getting in and hopefully he will as a reserve. The thing that seems to hold him back in fan popularity is a lack of self-promotion stateside. Maybe we should put together a marketing campaign for him?
Posted by: dave m | January 03, 2009 at 08:28 PM
kobeblitz,
No - Lamar was the second option until Gasol arrived.
Posted by: exhelodrvr | January 03, 2009 at 08:44 PM
Fatty,
Can I say 'All Hail the Kandi Man" 10 times instead?
Seriously, maybe we were too tough on Kwame after all. At least he's still in the league. What ever happened to the Kandi Man?
Posted by: EJK | January 03, 2009 at 09:38 PM
Fatty, you kill me...
But I'm also afraid you might be right...Luke in the All-Star game...I'm pretty sure from my studies in hebrew and Greek that it would be one of the signs of the apocalypse...
Pau for All-Star without question...
Trevor should be a strong candidate for 6th man...
http://tinyurl.com/5br7qj
Posted by: christopher blake | January 03, 2009 at 09:42 PM
AB is still learning the game. Right now, he is still over thinking that's why he is not as fluid as last year.
Last year, there were low expectations, this year much higher expectations for his contribution.
He's trying to learn the new defense.
He's trying to learn new offensive moves. (Although, unfortunately, some of these new moves include him settling for jumpshots away from the basket.)
He's learning how to play with another 7 foot post player Pau.
He's learning how not to get into foul trouble especially with the emphasis on him being the final line of defense at the rim.
He sometimes seems lethargic because he does not want to get into foul trouble if he becomes a bundle of energy.
Now, opposing teams have game plans on defending Drew since last year his coming out was unexpected. So he's still learning how to play against better defenses.
Remember that he grew again physically so he's learning how to play with his bigger body.
Drew still has not really learned how to use his body, footwork and balance to gain post position especially against shorter players. He totally relies on his length.
He just does not seem to be in top physical shape perhaps he needs to learn a new diet.
And he's learned fear of getting injured which he did not have last year before the injury.
Posted by: lakerinBC | January 03, 2009 at 10:29 PM
I dont think pau is getting any chinese votes bcoz of the little stunt he and his spanish team mates pulled off before the olympics , so i have asked all my friends to vote for pau.. hey if the country with the largst population doesnt vote for you, you gotta make the country with the second largest population vote for you right?? lol..
LAKER GURU FROM INDIA
Posted by: laker guru from india | January 03, 2009 at 10:40 PM
LTLF,
"any_one_mouse,
>>>...
>>>LA:
>>>Give: Odom, Farmar, Vlad, Walton, Mihm, 1st round pick
>>>Get: O’Neal, Miller, Foye, Cook
>>>For: Salary cap flexibility, better bench.
You left something off of the Give list. If LA is giving up MORE
THAN HALF THE PLAYERS THAT GOT THEM TO THE FINALS
LAST YEAR, then they're also giving up any chance of winning
a championship in the near future.
Sorry for shouting, but it's an important point.
Four of the five players you're blithely giving away were core
players who got this team to the NBA finals last season. Just
because Kobe & Pau are the stars doesn't mean you can just
randomly plug in any 5 or 6 players around them and have it work.
This team works together. I know some of you want to obsess on
the last game of the finals, but it wasn't like that. This team that
you so badly want to get rid of was 12 points away from WINNING
the Championship in 5 games. 12 points. Probably less if
you consider that they fouled the Celtics at the ends of
games to try to catch up. But 6 more points each in games
2 and 4, and the Lakers are the current champions.
You've got to get it into your head that the Lakers did NOT get
blown out in the finals. They got blown out in ONE GAME. One
game is not a series.
And now the Lakers added Bynum and Ariza and the Celts
subtracted Posey and Brown. I'd say that's at least 6 points
a game right there. With their current rosters, the Lakers would
have beat the Celtics in 5. Stop trying to dismantle a championship
contender."
First of all, sorry about the late response - just got back from vacation
More importantly, I'm confused by your response - I get your initial comments/reservations on changing half the team...but, dude, I'm not sure about the rest of the post. I never stated that anything about the finals blowout - are you sure you haven't got me confused for someone else?
Now, back to your problems with the trade. Yes, I'm proposing we change the team up quite a bit, but it DOESN'T impact the first team at all!! I'm basing this on the fact that Ariza plays the majority of the minutes at SF today.
Of the five people we DO lose, Mihm doesn't play, Vlad doesn't play much and Walton shouldn't play much :) (Sorry, I don't despise Luke as much as some of the folks here, but I do despise his contract).
That leaves Odom and Farmar. Farmar is injured, and Odom is a question mark for next year. Why shouldn't we use those two to get a bench that's better for the next couple of years? And get rid of a couple of our horrible contracts as well?
Mike Miller combines Luke's passing with Vlad's shooting. JO will be the perfect PF/C we can use with Bynum and Gasol. Foye and Cook are young and may take time to get used to the triangle, but hey, even if they don't play a minute, we have Sasha to play that third guard!!
I'd have been less surprised if you'd asked me why the heck the Warriors would trade Maggette for Vlad Rad and Bargnani :)
Posted by: any_one_mouse | January 04, 2009 at 01:31 AM
Response to LakersinBC concerning Andrew Bynum:
Not a knock on Bynum this is. Having said that:
"AB is still learning the game. Right now, he is still over thinking that's why he is not as fluid as last year."
Bynum has had tons of time to learn the game. He does know the game. He's not as fluid simply because of a lack of effort. He has it, just doesn't come with effort. In Golden State and Boston game he had it, but it's mired in inconsistency.
"Last year, there were low expectations, this year much higher expectations for his contribution."
And is that an excuse for it (nothing wrong)? The real best step up with the expectations. Kobe stepped up, Pau stepped up, heck even Trevor Ariza stepped up. Bynum having huge expectations means he should step up which he has at times but doesn't the other times.
"He's trying to learn the new defense."
If that's the case wow where has he been? Almost everyone knows the defense even Jordan Farmar in spite of his poor defensive skills. Either he is simply not interested in knowing it or doesn't give much effort in learning it which seems to be the case.
"He's trying to learn new offensive moves."
He should not be trying to learn jumpers and instead be an effective post player like he was in his breakout year. Why should we want him to shoot jumpers instead of getting him near the post? Another Sheed comparison coming.
"He's learning how to play with another 7 foot post player Pau."
Yeah and it's 31 games and he doesn't know how? How many games does he need to take?
"He's learning how not to get into foul trouble especially with the emphasis on him being the final line of defense at the rim."
Much of his foul trouble came as a result of being out of position and biting for fakes. It's not like it's always perimeter players drawing fouls on him, Dwight Howard kept on getting in foul trouble. Real players step up.
"He sometimes seems lethargic because he does not want to get into foul trouble if he becomes a bundle of energy."
That is plain passiveness. I think last year in the two Boston games he played the same way. Have to bring effort in EVERY game regardless of importance.
"Now, opposing teams have game plans on defending Drew since last year his coming out was unexpected. So he's still learning how to play against better defenses."
Most opponent game plans focus on Kobe Bryant and Pau Gasol. They know he is no threat beyond through the offense. His effort is only making himself play into their hands.
"Remember that he grew again physically so he's learning how to play with his bigger body."
Wow become bigger physically should have meant he improved instantaneous instead of waiting 31+ games to play right.
"Drew still has not really learned how to use his body, footwork and balance to gain post position especially against shorter players. He totally relies on his length."
No he does know, simply he is not executing it right because of inconsistent effort and energy. Otherwise he would be doing it had he brought up his energy all the time.
"He just does not seem to be in top physical shape perhaps he needs to learn a new diet."
He is in top physical shape. He does not need to learn a new diet. He needs to bring more effort and energy.
"And he's learned fear of getting injured which he did not have last year before the injury."
1) That has been refutted. 2) He has played many games. 3) He should get over it. MJ broke his foot in his 2nd season yet torched the Larry Bird Celtics with 63 points in the playoffs. MJ came out of baseball and dropped a double nickel game on the Ewing Knicks. MJ came back to the league at 39 and 40 and still had 40 and 50 point games.
The "beast" that was championed in the summer? Try Kobe Bryant: Fanatic worker. Always gives 100% regardless of practice or game. Does more than simply work out with weights, actually goes and break down game film while others watch DVD's on the plane. Doesn't let a bad game get into his head. Shows emotion, intensity, and passion and makes teammates better. Has a killer instinct that makes him want to attack regardless of who is trying to guard him and in so far the season taking more smarter shots as in not settling for 5 3 pointers a game and taking it more mid range. Doesn't let any injury scare him he'll play through it. Uses skill correctly to succeed despite athleticism not being superior. Want to thrive on the occasion instead of doing it in certain games. Being a playmaker. And lead by example.
The real beast: Kobe Bryant. Something that Bynum doesn't even compare with. Guys like Trevor Ariza, Pau Gasol, those guys worked on skill and conditioning and find out what went wrong and how to fix it.
Bynum worked hard with weights over the summer. His body is strong. His effort and energy is not. He can be very good if he does that. 2 Rebounds speaks for itself.
-blitz
Posted by: kobeblitz | January 04, 2009 at 01:46 AM
Cacus Berry,
Pau has already proven his All-Star worth throughout his career. He's been an All-Star. Why should he "need another year or so... before he becomes a significant candidate for All-Star"?
Posted by: M | January 04, 2009 at 02:09 AM
Dave M and Jon K
Pau will get to the All star game on merit alone but it wouldn't hurt to have a slick marketing campaign.
We could call it " Si Gasol ! "
Forget the You Tube Video's and Emails - (NBA coaches don't look at that stuff)
Get Dr. Buss to send a publicity packet out to all Western Conference coaches who vote Which at least includes a ticket to the NBA Finals in his Luxury Suite filled to the brim with Playboy bunnies. Works for me. Si, Si.
laker guru from india
There is no way Senor Gasol will overtake Yao Ming with the emerging world NBA power China backing him. Also the fact that China has .75 Trillion in US Security Bonds guarantees they own any vote in the USA.
Fatty - Who as he is typing is practicing his Chinese.
Posted by: Fatty | January 04, 2009 at 06:42 AM
longtimelakerlover
Enjoyed your pictures.
Especially #35 -
The one that has the DIRECTV logo prominently pictured behind some obscure Lakers player that looks like Kobe.
Go Lakers! Go DIRECTV!
Posted by: Fatty | January 04, 2009 at 07:00 AM
Ironic is it that there is all this MVP chatter for Dwyane Wade when he is doing eerily the same things for Miami that Kobe did for the Lakers prior to them acquiring Pau, yet, Kobe of course was labeled SELFISH and a BALLHOG and unworthy of the MVP award, didn't make his teammates better and all that noise-- now pundits and media outlets are all rah rah over Wade (again, with their flaky asses) and what he's doing in Miami. I don't discount he is playing great ball in the Least East and they did beat the Lakers and some other quality teams of late but the fact remains Kobe did those same things and more for a far less talented Lakers team and got nada..I do believe if these media perks weren't hell bent on giving the MVP to BronBron this year, they would be trying to hand it over to their over media darling, D-Wade..Just had to go there, but its whatever.
On a diff note. Jarret Jack has been balling lately...Always thought he was a tough player coming out of college, imagined him in a Laker Uni, then in Portland, never got a lot of opportunity, he is really shining now with the Pacers..
Posted by: lakersrydeordie | January 04, 2009 at 07:41 AM
So the Boston Globe is reporting several NBA players COULD be released before teams are obligated to pay the entire years salaries.
Suggesting one of these could sign on with the Celtics?
One player they listed to catch my eye? Josh Powell of the Lakers. Gulp!
Wow, could Powell get released, signed by the Celtics as a key mid-season acquisition for a Championship run?
There was talk here about signing a player(although we don't need him; see Marbury) to keep him from helping the enemy.
I say this is especially a player we keep from another team. Maybe even going so far as to using him on a regular basis, perhaps to help us go far in the playoffs???!!
Posted by: Fatty | January 04, 2009 at 08:41 AM
Fatty,
If the Lakers release The Kraken and he gets picked up by Boston, I will lose my ever-loving mind.
Urgh.
Lakers Today... Lakers Tomorrow... Lakers Forever.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | January 04, 2009 at 10:00 AM
Jon K.'s Morning Thoughts That He Has Not Put Too Much Thought Into Yet:
1. Beat the Trailblazers!
2. Please don't release Josh Powell. He's the player we need on this team. He plays with energy, power, and grit. I hope this is just an evil piece of Boston propaganda. I wouldn't expect less of them.
3. Pau Gasol should be an All-Star this year.
4. The Clippers are playing the hated Pistons today at 12:30PM without Baron Davis, Zach Randolph, and Chris Kaman. Things could get ugly.
5. I want to know why the L.A. Times haven't given any word about who could be the next UCLA football defensive coordinator.
6. Andrew Bynum according to Bio-Chrono is playing poorly for one of two reasons: Physical or mental. Physically, Bynum is motivated by feeling confident. When confident, he wants to punish opponents and push his limits. When he's not confident, he's tenative and hesitant in his physical decision-making. Mentally, Bynum is motivated by understanding, particularly being understood by others and understanding the motivations and decisions of others. Bynum's physical and mental worlds are highly interconnected, so if he doesn't understand something, it will also affect his degree of confidence. I think the root is a mental issue. I've come to this conclusion because weeks ago Bynum was complaining that he's not put into games at the very end of the game. For Bynum, this will be interpretted as a lack of confidence in him and because (at the time) he confidence in himself, so he didn't understand this decision making process and felt that others did not understand his capabilities. In short, his feelings got hurt. As things did not change (and probably Phil's decision was not properly communicated to him in a way that was salient to him), his lack of understanding became more personal to him, causing him mental stress which eventually resulted in a diminishment of confidence... and that's why he's been playing tenatively. So, the problem isn't really Andrew Bynum, it's that the coaching staff is not effectively communicating with Andrew so he can play at his potential. That's got to change. Phil, Kurt, and Kareem really need to have a sit-down with Andrew, express a lot of confidence in him and explain their decision-making with a lot of details. People who are understanding-based need details to "get" what another person is talking about. Kareem should also express a real understanding of Andrew as a person. This will help a lot.
6. I hope Chris Mihm and Josh Powell get some minutes against Portland.
7. Christopher Blake never explained to me why Oregon fans are such horrible people. It makes no sense to me. While in Oregon, people seemed very pleasant to me.
8. I really like Fatty's "Si Gasol!" campaign.
Lakers Today... Lakers Tomorrow... Lakers Forever.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | January 04, 2009 at 10:20 AM
Powell isn't going to be released.
BK
Posted by: kambrothers | January 04, 2009 at 10:25 AM
BK,
Thanks. Good.
What do we play for? RINGS!!!!
Lakers Today... Lakers Tomorrow... Lakers Forever.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | January 04, 2009 at 10:42 AM
"Powell isn't going to be released."
- BK
BK,
You say that with such certainty. Do you have a source better than the Boston Globe? lol
Posted by: Fatty | January 04, 2009 at 10:47 AM
Jon K,
"If the Lakers release The Kraken and he gets picked up by Boston, I will lose my ever-loving mind."
Will anybody be able to tell the difference? haha
AK
Posted by: kambrothers | January 04, 2009 at 11:03 AM
In all seriousness, the Boston Globe brought up a good thread idea.
Which Lakers could be released contractually, and what would be their grade up to this point and the possibility of them going?
Posted by: Fatty | January 04, 2009 at 11:07 AM
Fatty,
Remember, that article listed big men eligible for release simply because of their non-guaranteed contract structure. It doesn't say anything about them being likely candidates. Like BK, the odds of Powell being released strike me as extremely low.
AK
Posted by: kambrothers | January 04, 2009 at 11:07 AM
Ну точно, как все говорят, интересное рядом! :)
Posted by: Verexorse | January 04, 2009 at 11:08 AM