On the road again, and again, and again
Before Tuesday night's game against the Bobcats, Andy and I did a quick hit for 710's new Lakers Insider show and I was asked if I thought the Lakers could gain the #1 seed through the postseason. "Yes," I said, and threw out "fifty-fifty" for odds, not a bad figure considering it's a four horse race. I could still be right, but I don't know if Vegas would lay the same numbers I did. Honestly, I don't think I adequately considered LA's schedule to this point and going forward, especially relative to the E.C. Big Three (ECBT, as it was called on the blog, and I love a quality acronym). Take a look at LA's remaining schedule. It's burly. 14 home games, 24 on the road. One six, than another seven game trip. (Mercifully, they fly in style.)
In contrast to LA's 27 home games (not including two more quasi-homers vs. the LAC), consider the following:
- Boston: 25 home games played
- Orlando: 22
- Cleveland: 21
Before the team left for Minneapolis, Kobe repeated his mantra that the Lakers will be fine, that they're a good road team, that they can beat anyone, anywhere. He's right. Last season, LA was a .658 squad on the road, and this year they're even better at .706. If they can win 70% of their games as a visiting squad, that would be pretty damn impressive. It also might not be enough to secure the NBA's top seed, not with four strong squads currently separated by one game in the loss column.
The margin we're talking about is likely a game or two. At the most.
For the Lakers, that means they not only have to keep up or even crank up their already quality road work, but they have to clean up their act at home. No screwing around with any of the final 14 on the friendly floor. That's what makes Tuesday's loss so damaging- the Lakers now have to "win back" that game somewhere else on the schedule against a tougher opponent. It's part of the paradoxical life of an NBA season. Losses to inferior teams are inevitable and in that sense can be understood, yet at the same time there's no real excuse.
Bottom line? As good as the Lakers have been over their first 44, if Games 6 and 7 of the Finals are to be held off Chick Hearn and Fig, they're going to have to be even better over the next 38. I'm of the mind that the Lakers can win it all without home court advantage... but wouldn't it be best not to have to find out?
BK
"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)."
BK
I understand why you CAN'T except that premise......so we will just have to agree to disagree.
As far as Kobe not winning the MVP because they only won 45 games.........That sounds like more of an excuse than a reason.
Remember Moses Malone won MVP in 78-79 on a Houston team that won 47 games.........and oh yeah Kareem won MVP in 75-76 on a team with a losing 40-42 record.
Again you are the victim of an arbitrarily created criteria by the media to rationalize not giving Kobe what he justly earned. No wonder you can't see the premise
If ever there was a reason for an "exception to the rule" that was it. 81 points in one game, 62 points in three quarters, 35 point ave......highest in nearly 20 years.....taking a team that started Kwame Brown, Luke Walton, Smush Parker to the playoffs and a rebound away from the 2nd round.
When history looks back on this period and see Steve Nash a multiple MVP winner the only one never to win a championship and now can't even make the all-star team...........future generations will wonder........How did that happen??
Posted by: pfunk36 | January 30, 2009 at 12:52 PM
Lakers go 6-0 this road trip, with a blow-out victory in Boston.
Go Lake Show!
Posted by: The Outlaw | January 30, 2009 at 12:54 PM
for those soccer fans that might enjoy this http://tinyurl.com/apfdqb
kobe's on the cover of the new ESPN the magazine(i know we are all shocked by it) wearing the barcelona uniform, the video is pretty cool.
Posted by: lakofan | January 30, 2009 at 12:56 PM
Hell of an opportnity IMHO. Winning on the road really builds, toughness, character, and team unity. Last year the Lakers seemd to come together during that long, tough, roadie. Approach them one at a time, and good things will happen. The better AB rebounds and the less Kobe shoots, the better team the Lakers will become.
Posted by: bruzer | January 30, 2009 at 12:59 PM
I love that we are on the road. I live in Tx so that means I dont have to wait till 9:30 to watch a Laker game . SWEET. Todays game is at 7ish. Thats awesome.
Posted by: BynumBlitz | January 30, 2009 at 01:09 PM
BEAST ON BOARD…
I believe that the Lakers can now put up that BEAST ON BOARD sign to warn other NBA teams of what to expect as the Lakers embark upon a statement 6-0 road trip that will mark the beginning of a their domination for the rest of the 2009 NBA season. By the time the playoffs come, the Lakers will be odds on favorites to win it all.
I believe that Kobe Bryant was correct when he confidently replied that the Lakers already know what they have and that they’re an excellent road team when asked whether this road trip is the ultimate test of the team as suggested by owner Jerry Buss. After all, Kobe knows that he now has one of the top power forwards in the league in co-All-Star Pau Gasol plus a brand new BEAST ON BOARD sign to warn other teams of what to expect.
I believe we will see Phil Jackson finally make some changes in his rotations and game plans to take advantage of Andrew Bynum’s return as the Beast. In fact, I think you will see every Laker player focus more on getting the ball inside to Drew and I believe you will see Drew rather than Lamar Odom in the game at the end if it is close. And I believe you will see Andrew Bynum dominate another young stud in the Wolves Al Jefferson.
I believe we will see All-Star power forward bounce back in a big way tonight as his matchup against rookie Kevin Love may be the best place for the Lakers to attack the Wolves. Pau is basically too tall and long and talented for the rookie from UCLA to handle, although I am a big Kevin Love fan. No way Kevin can guard Pau when he faces up on the high post. Look for Pau to put the ball on the floor and take it to the rim.
I believe that Luke Walton will continue to start because Phil likes the consistent team oriented play that results at both ends with Luke in the game. And I think that Luke and Lamar will also have strong bounce back games, although I doubt either one will be on the floor at the end of the game if it is close. I also think we may get a surprise and see Ariza play tonight, even if not for his normal minutes.
Finally, I believe the Lakers at last have all of their arrows in the quiver, including MVP Kobe, All-Star Pau, and the BEAST ON BOARD. Now is the time for this team to put it all together and start to dominate EVERY game. The 6-0 road trip will just be the start of the Lakers longest winning streak this year. We will return home with season sweeps of our two toughest opponents and a wide-open path to home court advantage in the Finals.
Lakers by 20 tonight. As always, JMNSHBO! Punish the Wolves and McHale.
Tom
Posted by: LakerTom | January 30, 2009 at 01:09 PM
FROM PALM BEACH, FLORIDA
BONJOUR GUYS,
For this coming trip, I wish our team concentrates 100% on each game if not we will have 1 or 2 loss.
We are playing for the ring nothing less therefore all the players should play every game with heart and soul like their captain, Kobe.
CONSISTENCY, DEFENSE, PASSION=CHAMPIONSHIP
Our team has his destiny on hand, so they have to do everything to keep it.
I will move to LA next month.
LOVE TO ALL
SHEKOBE
Posted by: SHEKOBE | January 30, 2009 at 08:23 AM
Posted by: SHEKOBE | January 30, 2009 at 01:12 PM
FROM PALM BEACH, FL
YES! MAMBA 24= LAKERS TO DEATH
SHEKOBE
Posted by: SHEKOBE | January 30, 2009 at 01:14 PM
Depends on Bynum.
If he can fairly consistently play at the level he has the past few games, I think they will end up with the best record. The level of play of the team as a whole will improve, as they adjust to working with his new performance level.
If he takes a step back, then they probably won't end up with the best record overall, although they would likely still be best in the west.
Posted by: exhelodrvr | January 30, 2009 at 01:25 PM
I wasn't part of the discussion, nor do I want to be, but I have to say great points Pfunk. It's generally known as the "Kobe" black ball years in my opinion.
Posted by: Faith | January 30, 2009 at 01:26 PM
That link with Kobe playin soccer is hilarious. That little kid hits Kobe in his cahones!! hahha. That little kid must have seen Kobe do his "I have big balls dance" in SA.
Posted by: BynumBlitz | January 30, 2009 at 01:27 PM
"I believe that Luke Walton will continue to start because Phil likes the consistent team oriented play that results at both ends with Luke in the game."
LakerTom
Ahh........sigh. The Mental gymnastics we resort to to explain Walton. It has to be exhausting.
If Ariza doesn't play tonight and Phil continues this Luke Walton madness look for a dogfight tonight. If Kobe doesn't come up big we are in big trouble
Posted by: | January 30, 2009 at 01:35 PM
Pfunk,
>>>>>Again you are the victim of an arbitrarily created criteria by the media to rationalize
>>>>>not giving Kobe what he justly earned. No wonder you can't see the premise
>>>>>If ever there was a reason for an "exception to the rule" that was it. 81 points
>>>>>in one game, 62 points in three quarters, 35 point ave......highest in nearly 20
>>>>>years.....taking a team that started Kwame Brown, Luke Walton, Smush Parker
>>>>>to the playoffs and a rebound away from the 2nd round.
Excellent points, pfunk. I agree with your premise that this was all re-calibrating by the anti-Kobe media to justify not giving the award to Kobe. You just have to accept that the Kbros and certain bloggers’ alarm systems are just blind to the Kobe bias. Thanks.
Tom
Posted by: LakerTom | January 30, 2009 at 01:44 PM
Time to "channel" Chick Hearn...who even I will admit was the greatest sports announcer ever!!!
Chick, don`t worry, you haven`t missed a single championship parade since you left in `02. Something tells me you never will.
Oh yeah, one last thing...the "Men In Green" once again rule the basketball world!
Posted by: RED`S LOVE CHILD | January 30, 2009 at 01:50 PM
RLC,
Boston sucks.
Posted by: BynumBlitz | January 30, 2009 at 01:54 PM
re: the Kobe Hate - Yes, it did exist. If you think the media treated him unfairly then I'd offer up that the kid didn't do himself any favors during that era. You can also attribute the "positivity" with which he's perceived now to his own concerted efforts to turn his image around in reaction to the Kobe Hate.
re: LO. I know this won't be a popular opinion with all the "legalize it" types out there but look at the negatives about his on-the-court personality and compare them with the trademark effects chronic pot-smoking has on how people act.
Just a reminder, that after the Christmas Day game, I predicted the storyline for the following chunk of the season (that we just went through) would be "The emergence of Andrew Bynum".
Posted by: lakers_sth | January 30, 2009 at 02:02 PM
On the 2005-2006 MVP thing:
Kobe did not win 50 games as the "Magic 50 win" mark is for serious consideration for MVP's. No player since Moses Malone won the MVP and didn't win more than 50 games.
Michael Jordan averaged 30ppg 8rpg 8apg which are very impressive numbers but did not win the MVP because his team was 47-35. Magic won it that year.
Kobe's MVP season he stepped up his game and the Lakers won 57-25 with a team that was almost similar (well except for Pau Gasol and the early emergence of Bynum) to the 2006-2007 team that won only 42 games.
Kobe should have won it back in 2002-2003 season. 30ppg 7rpg 6apg and the Lakers won 50 games. Tim was a nice choice but Kobe should have won it that year. I think that was his best year so far in being a dominant player until last year.
-blitz
Posted by: kobeblitz | January 30, 2009 at 02:04 PM
Other than not knowing the difference between accept and except, I have to agree with pfunk on this one. Sorry Brian.
He makes great points across the board and sometimes you have to respect a 'once in 20 years' kind of season. Kobe deserved it that season and the fact that he played with Kwame, Smush, Cook, etc. shouldn't count against him. You could use Jerry West's Finals MVP on a losing squad as a good analogy as well.
pslakerfan
Posted by: pslakerfan | January 30, 2009 at 02:10 PM
To Red's bastard junior,
The BEAST is coming your way and once again that cute little streak you have going will snap, crackle and pop! Awww, poor thing. Did I make you poopoo on your adorable green panties?
Posted by: lurker | January 30, 2009 at 02:25 PM
LakerTom,
Nice post.
The only comment I want to address is the AB vs LO in the final minutes. There is nothing more frustrating to me than when Phillip takes out AB and goes with LO/PAU to finish the game. I hope to never see that again. We both know the KID needs the minutes during what MAGIC called WINNING TIME. or 4th quarter LOL!
THE KID NEEDS THE MINUTES!! BECAUSE EVERYONE KNOWS HE IS THE KEY TO WINNING IT ALL! not little odom. You know how Phil use to drive us crazy always playing Kwame and Smush and knowing full well does players were never Lakers, were never good players, while Farmar and Pargo sit on the bench rotting while they could have had minutes to get game time experience.
It looks like Andrew is back to his 3 game stage b/4 injury.
I see the beast gaining confidence and when you are as bright as AB this could be very scary for the NBA.
Like what Alonzo Mourning had to say about Bynum:
"Andrew is going to expand and explode to another level"
BD
Posted by: BD | January 30, 2009 at 02:29 PM
pfunk-
"As far as Kobe not winning the MVP because they only won 45 games.........That sounds like more of an excuse than a reason.
Remember Moses Malone won MVP in 78-79 on a Houston team that won 47 games.........and oh yeah Kareem won MVP in 75-76 on a team with a losing 40-42 record.
Again you are the victim of an arbitrarily created criteria by the media to rationalize not giving Kobe what he justly earned. No wonder you can't see the premise
If ever there was a reason for an "exception to the rule" that was it. 81 points in one game, 62 points in three quarters, 35 point ave......highest in nearly 20 years.....taking a team that started Kwame Brown, Luke Walton, Smush Parker to the playoffs and a rebound away from the 2nd round."
I thought you said that the media changed the rules so that Kobe couldn't win. Isn't that what you were arguing before, with the whole "makes his teammates better" line (which, by the way, I agree is an extremely arbitrary line too often used in ridiculous ways)? If there is, though, one pretty firm rule about the MVP, the exceptions, old as they may be, proving it more than debunking it- it's that the MVP is an elite player from an elite team. What you're really asking for was an "exception to the rule." I.E., you wanted the media to change the standard, amorphous as it may be, to give it to Kobe.
You can argue that they should have, but it's hard to do that while criticizing voters for changing the rules to keep Kobe from getting it in the first place.
LakerTom-
I've pointed out plenty of times where I feel "the media" has been unfair to Kobe, but to be honest the concept that Kobe was universally vilified (or had no responsibility for anything they wrote/said) just isn't true. Too many people assign the opinions of some to "the media" at large, and look for anti-Kobe bias in every possible place. It's a particularly widespread affliction (understandable) among Kobe/Laker fans.
But over the last few seasons, the coverage has been far more positive than negative, increasingly so as the team has improved. Rather than say I'm "blind" to the issue, I'd respectfully put forth the idea that many are far too sensitive to "Kobe hate."
BK
Posted by: kambrothers | January 30, 2009 at 02:38 PM
Should the Lakers trade Odom now instead of just ketting his contract expires and get nothing in return?
Lakers can win a championship without Odom in June. Powell, Vlad and Mihm can produce the same way.
What is a good trade for Odom?
Posted by: Staples 24 | January 30, 2009 at 02:46 PM
QUESTION: THE LAKERS #2 AND #3 SCORERS THE LAST 11 GAMES?
ANSWER: #2 - ANDREW BYNUM AT 20.3 PPG
ANSWER: #3 - PAU GASOL AT 17.1 PPG
*****************
Just ran some stats for Drew over the last 11 games that are interesting and show that Drew already is the Lakers #2 scoring option. For the record, Drew and Pau both took almost the identical number of shots during the 11 games, although Pau only shot 51% from the field while Drew shot 61%. Case closed, blitz. Drew is the #2 option already.
Here are Drew’s averages good and bad for the last 11 games:
* 20.3 points per game
* 60.7% from the field (88-145)
* 71.9% from the line (46-64)
* 08.0 rebounds per game
* 02.1 blocks per game
* 01.1 assists per game
* 31.9 minutes per game
* 01.7 turnovers per game
* 0.18 steals per game
* 02.8 fouls per game
LA LAKERS ON THE ROAD….BEAST ON BOARD!
Tom
Posted by: LakerTom | January 30, 2009 at 02:51 PM
Same here, I have to agree with Pfunk that there was a Kobe hate era among the so called NBA experts and sportswriters. Let us not go too far but just stay in LAT from Simers, Plaschke, Adande and partly Heisler. On radio, this greek loud guy, Hartman (tho' for hooplah only), MacDonald, Ireland and Hacksaw.
They loved and stir intrigue on Kobe after the rape case in Colorado, treated him like a murderer as another OJ Simpson. It was only the Laker fans who stood by Kobe and old Jerry Buss but he too was ready to jettison if the fan support started to diminish. The advertising world abandon Kobe, all venues hated Kobe rain with boos, the same with AK/BK.
When Kobe turned around into a new persona as a Laker crusader for Championship on those Kobe summer rants, another round of hate and vitriolic posts to the point that we conducted a survey on those who want to stick with Kobe or trade Kobe, the latter won by 3:2 margin.
Last year Kobe was chosen as the MVP, Olympic savior and popular in Asia, a durable Kobe in 2009 still playing with broken fingers and aching knees. Will the real "fair weather writers" be honest and admit that they are now singing the right tune of "We Love Kobe." Nothing wrong about that, that is the nature of business.
"He who laughs last, laughs the best." Hahaha from Kobe!
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | January 30, 2009 at 03:01 PM
pleas don't feed the trolls.
Posted by: Faith | January 30, 2009 at 03:01 PM
BK,
>>>>>But over the last few seasons, the coverage has been far more positive than
>>>>>negative, increasingly so as the team has improved. Rather than say I'm "blind"
>>>>>to the issue, I'd respectfully put forth the idea that many are far too sensitive to
>>>>>"Kobe hate."
That is a fair statement, Brian. I was referred to 2006 MVP competition, which was what pfunk was talking about, and I definitely saw the media changing the goal line to support candidates other than Kobe. Things are much less anti-Kobe now but the hatred still hovers in the background and is part of the motivation for the constant search for his counterweight – first Wade, now James.
I would also point out that the same thing is sort of happening this year with LeBron as ESPN and its ilk (not you and AK) push the Crabalier. They choose their candidate and then change the rules in order to favor and justify their selection. And that is not to say that LeBron is not a great player who may deserve to be the MVP this season. For sure, he will deserve the award some day. And for sure, he will be awarded at least 1 MVP well before he really deserves it. LOL.
I would say, however, it is interesting that even though you are both pro-Lakers but fair and balanced, it is still easy to tell who the Laker fan is between the two brothers. That in itself, says something about the situation to me. Anyway, JMNSHBO! You guys rock and the times that I do not agree with you are really few and far between. Keep up the good work. The LA Times Lakers Blog rules as do BK and AK.
Tom
Posted by: LakerTom | January 30, 2009 at 03:06 PM
A few numbers to throw out there:
--Celtics and Lakers both have 11 road games left against winning teams; Orlando has 7 and the Cavs have 8
--Celts play 19 teams with winning records, 16 with losing records (that includes Philly, which is at .500); Magic play 15 winning teams, 22 losing teams; Celts play 19 winning teams, 19 losing teams; Lakers play 18 winning teams, 20 losing teams
In some ways the numbers are kind of simplistic, but it seems like Orlando has the easiest schedule from here on out, while Boston has the toughest, even though they play fewer games (they have 35 games left, Lakers have 38 -- big whoop).
Posted by: ZLakeShow | January 30, 2009 at 03:07 PM
On that survey, it should read the former won. My bad.
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | January 30, 2009 at 03:13 PM
Of course the Beast is the #2 option. That was the reason why he was pissed at the beginning of the season Phillip didn't know it.
BD
Posted by: BD | January 30, 2009 at 03:14 PM
Lakers_sth,
>>>>>LO. I know this won't be a popular opinion with all the "legalize it" types out there
>>>>>but look at the negatives about his on-the-court personality and compare them
>>>>>with the trademark effects chronic pot-smoking has on how people act.
You know I am a big fan of yours but I have to stridently disagree with you about LO and marijuana. Lamar gets tested like every other NBA athlete and so far has been clean since his Clipper days long ago. To taint him as a possible drug user rather than just a player who is not clutch is unfair and a surprise coming from such a respected blogger.
Like all abusive substances, including alcohol, the burning question is always whether the drug is the cause or the symptom when the user has an abuse problem. I am a long-time smoker who has never had a problem separating my recreational drug usage with a very successful career and family. I am surely not advocating for anyone to turn to any drug to escape the stresses and problems that confront us today but more often excessive pot use is a symptom of other emotional and psychological problems – just as with alcohol.
As a drug, weed is far less destructive and anti-social than alcohol, which continues to “legally” destroy lives, careers, and families worldwide. And unlike alcohol, marijuana has been proven to have great medical benefits in treating chronic pain and improving appetites and attitudes of cancer patients to whom it is now “legally” available in CA. Anyway, I did not think your post was fair to Lamar or the millions of Americans who do occasionally light up. And yes, I guess you could politically label me a “legalize it” type.
By the way, I do not doubt that there are plenty of NBA players who probably do fit your speculation about Lamar. And probably ten times that number who have the same problem with alcohol. Anyway, I was surprised to see your moniker at the end of the post.
JMNSHBO!
Tom
Posted by: LakerTom | January 30, 2009 at 03:28 PM
BD,
>>>>>”Andrew is going to expand and explode to another level" –Alonzo Mourning
What a great quote from Zo. Thanks, BD. Let’s keep our fingers crossed that the Lakers learned that “worthwhile lesson” from the Bobcats game.
On the road…with Beast on Board.
Tom
Posted by: LakerTom | January 30, 2009 at 03:29 PM
LakerTom-
Thanks for the nice words. As for the '06 race, I'm sure there were people who constructed their argument to avoid Kobe, but I don't think they were in the majority (and of course neither one of us has a way of really knowing for sure). That was the one where I got killed for "voting" for Wade, right?
But I'd say the entire way you frame your argument- "searching for his counterweight," talking of major outlets "choosing" their guy, etc.- show how we see this differently. To me, LeBron is ABSOLUTELY WORTH all the hype he's getting this year. By most any standard, he's having a historically good season, and if he keeps it up and wins an MVP, especially if the Cavs stay at/very near the top of the NBA, his winning has little to do with hype and everything to do with performance. What rules are "changed" to justify a vote for LBJ this season (full disclosure- at this point I'd vote for him too, though Kobe has closed the gap, because James has been better over the course of the whole season).
I don't see "greatness" as a zero sum game. There's room for more than one guy to be considered an elite player. Hype for LeBron, to me, is not putting down Kobe. Putting down Kobe is putting down Kobe. But it's not like Kobe is ignored. He's constantly a top story on major websites, he's on TV all the time, etc.
And you're right. I don't look at this through the eyes of a die hard fan, and that changes my perspective. I certainly root for the team to lose or players to fail, but I don't "bleed" Lakers the way some do here. And that's fine for everyone, I think.
BK
Posted by: kambrothers | January 30, 2009 at 03:44 PM
Laker Tom
Patrolling the Blog like Bynum patrols the paint. Looking to swat unsuspecting shots and stuff uninformed opinions. Your point on the smoke vs the hops is one that (as a Californian born and bred) I have heard volleyed back and forth more times than I care to count. If we had put a smear campaign together for abusive relationships or making sure you use your turn indicator when turning or changing lanes, I think the world would be a MUCH happier (and bleary-eyed) place.
I too am a recreational user and would like to point out that I have had faaaaaaaaaaaar more friends accumulate multiple DUIs than do any of the crazy things that people attribute to the weed. I've not once heard of someone driving into a family or a bus while drunk. There is a vast amount of evidence that the Exxon Valdeez spill was directly attributable to the imbibing of spirits.
Lamar was a phenomenal player on the Clippers, before and after his positive test. He did his time and should be rewrded for it with an un-biased opinion of his life-style. His play on the court is one thing, but I think that fi any of us claim to 'know' what these guys are all about, they better be neighbors or frequent the same video arcade.
Just because the Clippers are an organization run by a team of monkeys in business suits doesn't mean Lamar hits the bong.
Speaking of which...
Posted by: Jamie Sweet | January 30, 2009 at 03:47 PM
Edwin-
"They loved and stir intrigue on Kobe after the rape case in Colorado, treated him like a murderer as another OJ Simpson. It was only the Laker fans who stood by Kobe and old Jerry Buss but he too was ready to jettison if the fan support started to diminish. The advertising world abandon Kobe, all venues hated Kobe rain with boos, the same with AK/BK."
I appreciate you throwing us in with those guys... but the blog didn't actually exist for a couple more seasons. And on our site at least, talk of Colorado has been virtually non-existent.
BK
Posted by: kambrothers | January 30, 2009 at 03:47 PM
BK
I agree with your assesment of LBJ. He is having a season for the ages. I think that, after they gave it to Kobe last year, the way has been paved for the group of guys that have become up-and-comers (LBJ, Carmelo, Wade, Bosh, CP 3, Yao, etc) to be seriously considered for the MVP. Last year, you had a sort of paradox where there was a guy who everyone, I mean everyone, called him "The Best Player In The Game Today"...but he's not the MVP because he had Shaq, or Phil, or the Lakers didn't make the playoffs, or any number of reasons sports pundits gave.
But then came last years surge in the standings, fueled in part by the acquisition of Gasol, and suddenly the team nobody picked to finish in the top four in the playoff rankings took the top spot in the West and the 2nd best record in the league. It was extremely diffcult not to rewrd that. Some folk saw it as a reward for the body of work as opposed to the work done last season, but I thought last year Kobe took a monumental leap from incredible player to incredible leader.
Celtic fans will argue til they are blue in the face that KG helped turn around an entire franchise just by becoming a Celtic. But he's not as invaluable to his team as Kobe is to the Lakers. He doesn't break down the defence, he doesn't create shots, except on post kick outs and even Erik Dampier can do that (remeber when he said he was the best center in the league, outside of Shaq...hilarious) and he's not the player that an opposing coach will devise a defensive strategy around.
GO LAKERS!!!!
Posted by: Jamie Sweet | January 30, 2009 at 04:03 PM
BK,
>>>>>I certainly root for the team to lose or players to fail, but I don't "bleed"
>>>>>Lakers the way some do here.
I hope that was just a misprint. We don’t mind you not bleeding purple and gold but you should at least root for the Lakers and their players. Right?
Tom
Posted by: LakerTom | January 30, 2009 at 04:08 PM
LT-
Sure, I want them to win (and not just because the blog gets scary when they don't- haha), but I think it's less because I have a passion for the jersey itself, and more because I know the people on the team and in the organization and want to see them do well. If that makes sense.
Generally speaking, I always root for people/athletes/etc. to do well. I don't like actively hoping people fail. I've never seen the point.
BK
Posted by: kambrothers | January 30, 2009 at 04:14 PM
Jamie,
>>>>>Just because the Clippers are an organization run by a team of monkeys
>>>>>in business suits doesn't mean Lamar hits the bong.
>>>>>Speaking of which...
LOL, Jamie. Thanks for your comments. And pass that virtual blunt. While my boss has gone home, I am just warming up for tonight’s game. As you said so aptly, patrolling the lane. Wow, I feel like ex or blitz. LOL.
I feel for Lamar because he was just playing outstanding before the Bobcats game. Every player on the team does not have to be clutch. In fact, most players on most teams are not “clutch.” By definition, clutch refers to the small percentage of players who are able to perform at or above their level during the pressure moments at the end of close games or to perform at or above their level during the big games and playoffs.
Lamar’s situation (like Luke) is that they are NOT the guys to be in the game at the end of the fourth quarter. That does not mean that they cannot be valuable and key contributors on a championship team. Whether or not the Lakers re-sign Lamar is going to depend on the financial numbers and whether we win the championship more than on the team’s disappointment at his play in any single game. I for one do not see any viable players out there that would be worth trading Lamar for. How quickly the blog forgets how badly we missed Lamar when he was out. Lamar still has a chance to become a Laker for Life and I will be rooting for him to come through. He is a big part of the Lakers chemistry and I would bet you that Kobe Bryant would completely disagree with Kevin Ding’s opening comments about “how could Kobe stand to play with an idiot like Lamar.” JMNSHBO!
Tom
Posted by: LakerTom | January 30, 2009 at 04:23 PM