61 at MSG: Step away from those tea leaves!
The existence of Nancy Grace aside, perhaps the most disturbing trend in modern
media is the compulsion
to ascribe Deep and Significant Meaning! to a day's events, whether deserved or not. This morning's example? SI.com's Paul Forrester went off the deep end after Kobe's 61 point performance at Madison Square Garden Monday night, sending up flares, waving the warning flags, rigging his OnStar to let HQ know an accident had taken place, and so on. Kobe's night wasn't a fun piece of Laker history, he writes, but a cloud-laden, locust-ridden sign of impending doom:
"...he may have won over a New York crowd that repeatedly erupted into chants of M-V-P, but he also re-opened a dangerous chapter of Lakers history. With news of Andrew Bynum's 2-3 month absence (due to a torn knee ligament in his right knee) still ringing in the Lakers' ears, Bryant hatched a new gameplan that is all-too-familiar, calling his own number to the exclusion of his 11 teammates..."
After one game, he's hatched "a new gameplan?" The "Screw it, I'm scoring 60 points a night!" plan?
C'mon. Look, I'm not afraid to criticize Kobe if I think he doesn't play well, or if he's taking bad shots, or freezing out his 'mates, or whatever. (Note: Big picture, it doesn't happen that much anymore.) But before deciding Kobe has once again decided to turn to the dark side, maybe a little perspective is in order? Start with last year's stats, (roughly) with and without Bynum. In the first half of the season, with AB on the floor, Kobe averaged 20.6 field goals a night. After the break? 20.7. Before the break, 5.3 APG. After, 5.5. After one game, that's all meaningless?
Forrester continues:
"...The plan worked Monday, courtesy of a Knicks team lacking any strong individual defenders, and Bryant's hot hand, which connected on 19 of his 31 attempts. But we all know how this movie ends, don't we? Didn't the Celtics, whom the Lakers face this Thursday in Boston, demonstrate in last June's Finals that with a healthy dose of defense Bryant can be rendered virtually invisible? And didn't LeBron James neutralize Bryant in L.A. two weeks ago, a game saved by the depth and size with which the Lakers have surrounded Bryant?
Until Monday, Bryant seemed to understand all of this. His 10-plus assists in four straight games not only generated a trust from his teammates -- evident in the "Kobe Nash" moniker they handed him -- but expanded the options the Lakers could use to attack..."
Well, he's right about the Knicks not having any strong individual defenders, but the rest could use a little nuance. Yes, the Celtics defended Kobe well in the Finals, and I happen to agree that Kobe didn't have an MVP type series. Not close, really. He had company, though. Who on the Lakers really shined for six games? But sure- if Kobe tries to play one-on-one in June with the Celtics, the Lakers will lose.
61 against the Knicks forecasts that?
And the Cleveland game? Kobe was 9-22 from the floor, but he was
also playing with a flipper for a right hand, had a better game than
LeBron... and had 12 assists. So clearly Kobe's capable of finding the
open man, and willing to do so in big games. The Lakers were
"saved" by their bulk up front and better depth, but Kobe's game
certainly had a little to do with it, don't you think?
Forrester later notes that Kobe didn't grab a board on Monday, nor did he have a steal. And only three dimes! Last March 28, Kobe had 53 points and one assist against the Grizzlies. The next game, he dropped 13 helps on the Wizards. He just finished a stretch with double digit assists in five of seven games. And while Bryant is among the best rebounding twos in the business, is it really an emergency if he doesn't grab a board, as opposed to say... two or three? On a night where the Lakers outrebounded New York by 11? The point? It's not a great idea to draw big picture conclusions from small picture events.
He concludes:
That won't work against the type of teams by which the Lakers are measured. And though the loss of Bynum dilutes the personnel advantage over the likes of the Spurs and Hornets, it doesn't leave the Lakers' cupboard bare. Gasol. Lamar Odom. Trevor Ariza. Sasha Vujacic. Superstars they aren't, but all are capable of providing Bryant the victories he thirsts for, provided he trusts them the way he did before Bynum's injury. There's a lesson to be found in the fact Bryant has scored almost seven points fewer in Lakers wins than in losses this season. After 12-plus seasons, we wonder if Bryant will learn it.
There aren't may writers around who beat the balance drum more than I. Read the live blogs, and I'm always looking for the Lakers to push the ball inside. To move the ball. To share. He's not perfect, but after more than two seasons of Kobe evolving into a more complete team leader, one who uses his teammates, distributes, feels out games, and works to put himself and his crew in the best position to win, can we finally drop the narrative of whether or not Kobe will "learn" the lesson Forrester speaks of? Please? Maybe look to last season, when he did all of those things while playing with the same group he has until Bynum returns?
Kobe isn't and ought not be immune to criticism. He should get it when he deserves it. I needle Kobe's Army (as I affectionately refer to them) for finding anti-24 bias under every rock and behind every corner. But in this case, they have a point.
Sometimes a game is just a game.
BK
Haters. Jealous MOFOs..amazing, but then again, not really!
Play on Kobe..That was just what the doctor ordered at that time, you came through, lifted that dark cloud from over our heads if only for 2 hours and 30 mins...I aint madd...
I expect him to go into full throttle and rack up a few triple doubles and for every one on the team to dig deep and play madd hard!
Posted by: lakersrydeordie | February 03, 2009 at 02:30 PM
The SI article is just plain dumb and a non point. Talk about the definition of a player hater. Wow......
Posted by: Nik Kannan | February 03, 2009 at 02:34 PM
BK
Exactly right. Forrester's reaction to Kobe's game seemed to be... "how can I piggyback on this event to make ME, baby ME the story...I know, I'll make a broad sweeping statement and force right-thinking people to assemble evidence to the contrary. And then I'll call it journalism."
That sort of thing works once. After that, there is no longer any good reason to read his columns.
Posted by: The D | February 03, 2009 at 02:35 PM
Didn't Gasol have 31 last night? Ariza 13 off the bench?
How come nobody else in the NBA gets criticized for scoring 61 and leading his team to a win?
Posted by: Jman449 | February 03, 2009 at 02:38 PM
You'd be hard pressed to find anyone in the game (past or present) with a higher b'ball IQ than Kobe Bryant.
Combined with his unparalleled drive to win this tells me that Kobe is going to read the game and DO WHAT IT TAKES.
On some nights this means he is going draw the double and triple teams and feed his team mates and on others he is going to let loose the mamba, as he showed at MSG on Monday.
I think it was Chris Sheridan who pointed out that, unlike in previous years when this sort of scoring rampage drew the ire of his team mates, they now do what has to be done to get him the ball and "get out of the way" as per Trevor Ariza.
Its not just that Kobe trusts his team mates- THEY trust HIM to do what is best for the team. I think this often gets overlooked when some members of the media go on a rant about "Kobe the Selfish Superstar".
OK, rant over!
Anna
Posted by: Anna in Bondi | February 03, 2009 at 02:48 PM
In the immortal words of...I actually don't know:
Ef them all if they can't take a joke.
It applies here as well. If they can't appreciate it, don't even bother watching it. Deprive yourself of greatness it's ok. Coz you'll be watching basketball for years to come and wish you were able to see a show this good. This talented, this dedicated.
Oh yeah. FYI Lebronze didn't neutralize jack. Nuff said.
Posted by: Faith | February 03, 2009 at 02:50 PM
Why do sports media outlets allow writers to write about games of historical significance when they didn't even watch the game? Who gives them such a pedastol to write about what the game means when they don't even know the context of what's been going on for 2 years straight now with a team and its player? Paul Fraudester just wrote a ridiculous article that lost that sites credibility even more so than has already been lost. Such a game and such a player deserve someone else on SI to write about it--someone with more tenure and obviously more knowledge that can put it all in context instead of just put it down. His take was nothing more than that of an uninformed blogger. This type of stuff has become way too common with how big the internet has gotten and looks like a bunch of teens and 20-somethings are running the show. Sad.
Posted by: Mase | February 03, 2009 at 02:50 PM
Yes, BK, weren't you aware of Kobe's Master Plan? He's just been waiting for the appropriate moment to unfurl it, and now that time has arrived.
Honestly, how do wads like Forrester get these jobs.
Posted by: Marty | February 03, 2009 at 02:51 PM
If Kobe scores another 80 and 25 for the rest of the team as long as Lakers win, there should be no complain among Laker fans. Now for those competing fans, you have the right to be jealous, envious, angry because you don't have Kobe. LOL!
What matters the Laker fans is getting more wins against any Western team and very soon dump the leprechauns, the Cavaliers then lose to Oklahoma City. LOL!
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | February 03, 2009 at 03:06 PM
Our formal President might say, "Paul Forrester is bad for the U.S.A. (and for journalism)."
The D, your insight regarding Forrester are ironic when I assume you're a leftist. Those types of beliefs will be on both ends, buddy.
Posted by: LakersWorld | February 03, 2009 at 03:08 PM
I am pretty sure D'Antoni said they weren't going to Double kobe so he wouldn't burn them with his assists in all the press conferences. So shouldn't Kobe just take what the D give him, and if that is a personal mismatch, and his stroke is hot, shouldn't he score 61? There were like 3 times in the game where he could/should have passed the ball to someone else. Whatever, he will not turn into the player that everyone else wants him to be. He might try to take games over more, but he will only do so when needed. Odom was having an off night, offensively, Gasol was on fire, and Kobe shot 20 FTs. IF a team gives you 20 points, I guess you should brick some of those FTs so you look like a team player on paper.
Posted by: SteelMohawk | February 03, 2009 at 03:08 PM
Hey, Eric,
Good to hear from you. I have to say I was totally bummed out and after picking up my car from the repair shop started out to go to the sports bar to meet some friends to watch the Knicks game and then got depressed and turned around and started driving home. Then, all of a sudden, I said no way am I going to allow Drew’s injury to unplug my fandom and I turned around again – to a couple of honks from guys who obviously did not know the stress I was under – and went to the game. Thank God for Kobe. That urge I got I am sure was a message from Kobe to Lakers fans not to dismay. I spent the entire game telling everybody in the bar that Kobe has 20, then 30, then 40, then 50, then 61. Kudos go to Phil for not pulling him out and ruining the karma. Kobe, Pau, and Drew! I will take that Big 3 over anybody else in the league.
On a neutral political note, I think there are some good ideas being thrown out by the conservatives (and some bad ones) which I am hopeful that Barack will include in the stimulus package, especially the $15,000 credit for homebuyers. Here’s hoping that all of senators and representatives will join in to make this a bi-partisan solution. Hope you are also feeling positive about the prospects of capital hill cooperation. Together, we can!
Tom
Posted by: LakerTom | February 03, 2009 at 03:14 PM
You can't suppress Kobe's greatness like that. Sit back and enjoy the ride. Respect the game he is giving us.
Posted by: Charles | February 03, 2009 at 03:17 PM
BK,
"Sometimes a game is just a game."
Sometimes a hater is just a hater.
Posted by: Faith | February 03, 2009 at 03:18 PM
BK,
Well done. It should go a long way towards redeeming your reputation with the blog with respect to Kobe. JK. The article was a joke and an insult to Kobe and his teammates. Keep up the great work. My only question is how the hell can you NOT be a Lakers fan? It must be brotherly competition that you cannot root for the same team as older bro. LOL.
Tom
Posted by: LakerTom | February 03, 2009 at 03:18 PM
Damn... Lebron is the man. He can neutralize someone while guarding them about 30% of their time on the floor.
Posted by: frank1rizzo | February 03, 2009 at 03:22 PM
I'm no rocket scientist, but I know what I like. And I've liked Kobe Bryant as a ballplayer since the first time I saw him play in a pre-season game during his rookie season. Dude grabbed the ball, came through the middle and dunked with ferocity and authority. Yep, Kobe had me from Day 1.
The fact that he has mastered the game and become one of the greatest of all time while playing for my favorite sports team makes it all the sweeter to me. I have been a fan of professional basketball for many years. There are only 2 players that I have seen that could do everything that has ever been done on a basketball court. MJ and Kobe. Their spectacular exploits are both built on a foundation of solid, fundamental basketball. I don't know or care which one is better. It's irrelevant to me. They're both icons of the game.
Some people, like Mr. Forrester from SI, will never like or appreciate Kobe's game. For those that don't like Kobe, no explanation is possible. For those of us who do like him, no explanation is necessary.
JOMO
Just One Man's Opinion
Posted by: bronxlakerfan | February 03, 2009 at 03:23 PM
These clowns don't know the HALF ! Don' t know how HARD it is to put the ball in the hole at this level and to the degree that Kobe has been able to over the years and currently....This guy is truly an amazingly talented and gifted athlete, def one of the best to ever grace the hardwood..May sound redundant and whack but its still true, don't hate mophukka, appreciate!
Posted by: lakersrydeordie | February 03, 2009 at 03:23 PM
HATE UNLEASHED!! I'ts effing sad that he (the writer)allowed hate and disdain to cloud such a show of true basketball greatness...
Posted by: HoustonLaker | February 03, 2009 at 03:24 PM
BTW, crusty lips KG is missing another game due to a headache! Tough guy my ass!
Posted by: lakersrydeordie | February 03, 2009 at 03:24 PM
Disgusting to think about how many hate filled people are out there. ESPN did a poll on what was more significant, Kobe's 61 MSG points or Michael Jordan's 55 MSG points. ESPN voters actually thought Michael's was more important.
Taking nothing away from the great MJ, but how is 55 points better than 61?
Yes, hating on Kobe seems to be good media copy. As a Lakers fan, I prefer to look on it as jealousy. After all, we Lakers fans are lucky enough to call Kobe our own.
So, keep on hating, people. Eat your hearts out. You know you want to be us. Haha!
Posted by: Rick Friedman | February 03, 2009 at 03:27 PM
Pathetic
Posted by: utzworld - THE BANNER HOLDER | February 03, 2009 at 03:28 PM
lets not forget Bean did ALL that with 8 good fingaz!
Posted by: lakersrydeordie | February 03, 2009 at 03:32 PM
Great post BK. I had the exact same thoughts while reading this 'article'. Kobe just can't win. I would say he doesn't care, all he cares about is winning now, but that's not true. He has recently admitted he cares what people think about him, he cares about his legacy. This kind of story no doubt bothers him. It's too bad, but we'll have the last laugh.
Posted by: Gabe | February 03, 2009 at 03:34 PM
Faith-
Remember, Tiny URL if you don't mind. Thanks.
Rick-
While I think Forrester's column was way off the mark (obviously), I don't think people voting for MJ constitutes "hating." It's a poll. Would they be "hating" on Jordan if they chose Kobe? There's a big difference to me, and part of the reason I hate the term "hating."
BK
Posted by: kambrothers | February 03, 2009 at 03:35 PM
I hope we squash the BIG CRUSTY and his green winey ass weenie teammates!
Posted by: lakersrydeordie | February 03, 2009 at 03:38 PM
Amazing performance last night at MSG....14 rebounds by "Lazy Lamar"!
Wednesday night, chances are the Lakers will once again be staying at the Boston Harbor Hotel, at 70 Rowes Wharf.
C`mon, fellow Celtic fans, time for us to deliver a kilo of weed, c/o Lazy Lamar, before the game!!!
Posted by: RED`S LOVE CHILD | February 03, 2009 at 03:39 PM
BK
Are you agreeing or disagreeing with the guy Forrester?
After reading your comments I'm confused. "Kobe isn't perfect"....... Is there anybody that's perfect? Why even make that pronouncement? That's like saying....."okay, water is wet"........ what's the point? Just say what you have to say......... You sound like a defense lawyer that has O.J. Simpson for a client........ on the one hand defending your client........but on the other hand speaking to an audience to make sure you have a job at the end of the trial.
I have said this before and I will say it again.......at the root of nearly every criticism of Kobe in the media........ is a quote from Phil Jackson.
Part of the reason some journalist feel they have a license to question Kobe's greatness is Phil Jackson.
Let me ask you a question BK...........If you had a player that was as hot as a $2 ho, a player that had 34 points at the half and was shooting 60% from the field.......... and Oh yeah........ had nobody in the 212 that could check him........... Would you A) Tell him to keep shooting.....until someone stopped you?.......... or B) Let's get your teammates involved?
During the post-game Press conference Phil Jackson revealed that he asked Kobe to choose B) Let's get your teammates involved. It is statements like that which are seized on by out of shape, cigar smoking, YMCA weekend basketball playing, no knowledge of the game journalist like this Forrester..........
Anybody who has ever played the game knows that you ALWAYS ride the hot hand until either it cools or your opponents adjust their defense with double and triple teaming.
Phil Jackson should know by now that it is the opposing DEFENSE AND IT'S ADJUSTMENTS OR LACK OF ADJUSTMENTS that dictate whether or not Kobe should get others involved. It is as simple as that. YOU READ WHAT THE DEFENSE GIVES YOU........SIMPLE!
Kobe should ALWAYS be aggressive because if he is hot like last night in most cases it will cause the defense to shift and THEN Kobe can get others involved. When the knicks on occasion would double Kobe, he gave the ball up......... If they continued playing one-on-one Kobe attacked.
The only reason any coach would have a problem with that is ego........ the only reason some journalist grab a hold of that "philosophy" is ignorance......
Posted by: Pfunk36 | February 03, 2009 at 03:43 PM
After last night, are we now going to hear the latest display of nonsense about how Kobe is somehow MJ`s equal?
Kobe never has, and never will, be Michael`s equal.
The very best one can say about Kobe is this...on any given night, Kobe is capable of being a "reasonable facsimile" of MJ.
But, that`s as far as the comparison goes.
Posted by: RED`S LOVE CHILD | February 03, 2009 at 03:45 PM
bronxlakerfan -
Well put.
Posted by: puddle | February 03, 2009 at 03:51 PM
Oh yeah..... I forgot to mention that Kobe tried to take Phil's silly instructions at the half and use it. What happened at the beginning of the 3rd quarter? The 11 point lead quickly disappeared into a 2 point lead....... Kobe said to hell with this BS...... We have to win this game and picked back up his assault on the Knicks.
Why Phil, Why?
Posted by: Pfunk36 | February 03, 2009 at 03:52 PM
I refused to read the article you all are talking about. But I did just go over to ESPN and read Adande's column and the whole tone and theme of it is all about how Kobe is desperate to make some sort of mark before he gets older.
"Kobe Bryant knows the one opponent he can't conquer is time. His 61-point outburst Monday night at Madison Square Garden was as much about maintaining a grasp on the present and fighting off a suddenly cloudy future as it was about recording his name in the arena's history books for posterity."
What?
"We've seen Bryant score more points in a game and go on sustained scoring binges. In the end, those were simply adornments to his career. They didn't add substance. They came in championship-less seasons, so ultimately they were parts of wasted seasons. That's why this game felt a little different. It wasn't one for the ages as much as one before age takes over."
This is so stupid I can't believe it. I officially hate that guy now. How does he figure he knows what Kobe is doing, and what he's playing for. It's so pathetic.
Red - None of the players on your team are even a "reasonable facsimile" of MJ, much less Kobe. So bite me.
Posted by: longtimelakerlover | February 03, 2009 at 03:59 PM
Rick Friedman & others,
I figured it out a long time ago. It's not about "jealousy" or "hating" on Kobe Bryant..Although a lot of people do hate him because of his past.
It's about money. They make more money creating a negative article about the Lakers and/or Kobe..We get pist in L.A and click on the article and generate all these advertising dollars on their website because L.A is such a big market.. They would really go to town if he was in New York.
It's all about money. The best thing you can do is not fall into the trap and read the article.. That's all it is..A trap to get you read it.
Posted by: zen | February 03, 2009 at 04:01 PM
Typical invectives from another subjective members of the media. Delusional writers like Forrestor, Lebatard and Vecsey have their own agenda and take great delight in deprecating such an epic achievement as last night's 61-point performance. I remember Miami-based Dan Lebatard, a frequent guest of ESPN, lambasted Kobe for being selfish after the historical 81-point night. The best way to silence these critics is for Kobe to succeed at such a high level as the NBA championship.
Posted by: Rollo | February 03, 2009 at 04:02 PM
Pfunk36,
Maybe you didn't see it, but I've asked you before not to use so many periods when connecting sentences and to remember to put a space between the last period and the following word. Failing to do either stretches out the blog's physical appearance. I've edited a couple of them, but that's not practical on my end. And I don't want to block your posts. So if you could just make that adjustment, it would be appreciated.
Thanks
AK
Posted by: kambrothers | February 03, 2009 at 04:03 PM
puddle...
Thanks.
Red's Cigar Ash...
Mighty funny I've never heard Paul Pierce mentioned in the same breath as Michael Jordan. For the self proclaimed "greatest player in the world" that oversight seems a little odd.
Posted by: bronxlakerfan | February 03, 2009 at 04:06 PM
I like Sasha's aggressive game as much as the next guy, but I think it's a bit over-the-top to put him in the same camp with Gasol, Odom and Ariza. Sasha scores 6 points a game, dishes out 1.5 assists and doesn't shoot a very good percentage for a three-point specialist (36%). This Forrester guy is a godsend for anyone who knows even a little bit about basketball and is looking for someone to feel superior to.
Posted by: ZLakeShow | February 03, 2009 at 04:07 PM
Bronxlakerfan,
That was a wonderfully articulated post. You just summed up my feelings exactly. While the comparisons between MJ and KB will never cease, I'm content to watch Kobe in the present and revel in his amazing, unmatched talent.
On a totally different note: I've never visited a Celtics blog. Or a Suns blog. I have no idea what they look like. And I never will. Because those blogs are totally irrelevant to me, and they always will be. Seems to me that trolling other teams' sites is... well, kinda pointless. And it demonstrates a level of fear that I just don't have. I believe in these Lakers.
Go Lake Show!
Posted by: The Outlaw | February 03, 2009 at 04:08 PM
Red -
Saying that Kobe is not MJ's equal is pointless. It could be true, or it could not be. It's an exercise in futility to belabor the point. Kobe is Kobe. Jordan was Jordan. Baylor, West, Wilkins, Bird, Magic, Isiah - they were all greats. Every one of these guys can be appreciated for their own individual greatness, but for some reason, people can't do that with Kobe. There's always a comparison. There's always a caveat.
Perhaps it's simply the misfortune of coming after Jordan, who, great as he was, had the blessing of the league's full marketing support. The perfect image that we have of him now is a work of fiction. Gambling debts? Ballhogging? Severe and harsh treatment of his teammates (including punching Steve Kerr)? Infidelity? Arrogance and trash talk? Divorce? Somehow nobody cares. But Kobe? Forget it. If the man laughs the wrong way people criticize him. It's just the way it is, and, I've come to accept, the way it will always be. Even if he wins a championship this year, I can already hear the naysayers... "Kobe couldn't do it without Phil Jackson" "The West was weak" or "He had Gasol, Bynum and Odom as his supporting cast" - as if that somehow diminishes his obvious greatness.
How people use the fact that Kobe is not CLEARLY the best player ever against him is just something I don't understand. What these people don't realize that by mentioning his name in the same breath as Magic, Jordan, Bird, West and Baylor, they're paying him more compliment than they ever intended. It's just a shame they can't realize that while he's still lacing them up.
Posted by: puddle | February 03, 2009 at 04:10 PM
Well said puddle.
Kobe GOAT in my book.
Posted by: longtimelakerlover | February 03, 2009 at 04:27 PM
Here is a good couple of articles on tendon injury healing, Laker's docs and trainers take note!
http://tinyurl.com/tendonhealing
http://tinyurl.com/tendonhealing2
Posted by: Shotimluv | February 03, 2009 at 04:37 PM
I don't understand why Kobe can't score a many points when he plays three quarters (like during a blowout win) than in four quarters (like during a loss). You might think a scoring average per game could possibly be related to the amount of playing time per game, but it isn't. The NBA commissioner, regardless of playing time, allots each player a certain amount of points will make. It amazes me that Kobe is so selfish that he plays the entire game even when he looses. Its like he wants to try and win every game. What a looser. Kobe, when your team is 5-6 back in the fourth, stop trying to score so much. Just role over and die. That's what real team players do.
Kobe if you are so great why can't you score from the bench? That Sasha guy scores more than you when you're on the bench in the fourth (and we all know he's "soft"). There's some real evidence that Kobe is an overblown overrated ball hog. During Laker wins by 20 or more, Sasha has more points in the fourth than Kobe. Shows Sasha really should be playing instead of #24 and the Lakers would blow more teams away. It’s a fact look it up. Statistics don’t lie.
Posted by: Laker Justice | February 03, 2009 at 04:37 PM
HERE'S A TRADE THAT WILL HELP!
Hear me out on this one before you jump to "Omigod, no!"
We get Shaq back from the Suns for Odom and Vlad Rad. They get the big change they need, a complementary player for Nash and JR, and a good 3-ball shooter who can set up while Nash dribble penetrates. We get a replacement for Drew as well as a Mentor who can teach him how to be tough when he comes back! Plus 20 mil coming off the cap in two years. AND we get rid of a player who we'd have trouble re-signing next year plus a player who doesn't fit in well and has an albatross of a long contract.
This means we have the whole mid-level next year for Trevor (who we REALLY need). And when Drew is back, Shaq extends his career by becoming The big Baq-Up who can rest plenty and devastate in the minutes he gets, plus insurance against another Bynum injury. And Pau gets to play all his minutes at the 4 - where he thrives - while Josh Powell gets some deserving minutes as his back-up.
If we had LO under contract for the next several years or weren't stuck with Vlad for the next several, I'd have a different take. But as it is, this trade solves our present problems well as next year's, and works for the Suns too who are in desperate need of a change.
Posted by: Jay Jay | February 03, 2009 at 04:38 PM
Pfunk,
>>>>>Anybody who has ever played the game knows that you ALWAYS ride the
>>>>>hot hand until either it cools or your opponents adjust their defense with
>>>>>double and triple teaming.
Got to agree with you 100% on this point Pfrunk. While I think Phil is great at building a team and deserves the praise that he receives, his unwillingness to stick with a hot hand frustrates me to no end. He constantly pulls the hot shooter and puts him on the bench to cool off. Additionally, he never seems to focus on isolating the opponent’s weakest matchup and going to it until the opponent is forced to make a substitution. Thank God Kobe has the balls to ignore him and continue to attack. One last point is that it is up to the other Lakers players to move and cut rather than standing around. If you backdoor your man and are open, Kobe will find you. If you beat your man into the lane, Kobe will find you. I saw him turn obvious jump shots into passes whenever somebody was open with a better shot.
Tom
Posted by: LakerTom | February 03, 2009 at 04:50 PM
very nice BK, if kobe does this for a long period of time, i would undertand some concern. but it's just one game.
i guess deep down maybe it hurts him and others that he broke a record that michael had. and michael cannot get again.
Posted by: lakofan | February 03, 2009 at 04:51 PM
longtimelakerlover...
http://tinyurl.com/d2nvs3
Here's a link to that Adande piece. I'm beginning to think that JA stands for JackAzz.
The Outlaw...
Great minds think alike! LOL! I must admit I have read other team's blogs although I've never posted on them. I'm a one blog man! If I only read but but don't post on another blog, that's not cheating, is it? LOL!
Posted by: bronxlakerfan | February 03, 2009 at 04:52 PM
Jay Jay,
NO WAY, JOSE. BEEN THERE, DONE THAT. JUST SAY NO TO SHAQ.
Tom
Posted by: LakerTom | February 03, 2009 at 04:55 PM
Uhm, the fans at MSG was entertained. I was entertained. In fact I was ecstatic about Kobe's performance. It's a sight to see! Downright amazing! Kobe jumpstarting the teams morale after a bad news is just Kobe being a leader. He's letting his team mates and the fans know that "Hey, you still have the Ace in a hole in me!" I mean, just for a game, in a historic place like the MSG-- I mean everything is just right for Kobe to put on a show. For some ppl to infuse a negative view in such performance is beyond me. A simple "thank you, Kobe!" would have been sufficient.
Posted by: GameFaceON | February 03, 2009 at 05:06 PM
For those who bash Phil that quote of getting his teammate involved: HE"S EXACTLY RIGHT!!
Sure Phil isn't 100% right but that is what the offense requires. Kobe had the hot 100% hand and he kept him in there quite a bit. Pau Gasol had 31 points. Rest of the team? Not so much though understandable considering Kobe's hot hand.
KOBE CANNOT ALWAYS BE HOT HANDED IN ALL GAMES.
Case in point: Game 1 2007 series versus Phoenix Suns.
Kobe had the super hot hand for 3 Quarters. Then in the 4th he began to tire and missed shot. True he did not have as much help as he does today. He has Lamar as his 2nd option (a banged up Lamar with a knee injury and a shoulder one as well), a bust called Kwa-may Brown, a rookie Farmar who had hit the rookie wall months back, and limited Luke Walton. But nevertheless just goes to show some ride Kobe's greatness too much that you get blinded and blame Phil when in the triangle offense true your "stats" may not always be good but it benefits the TEAM so it doesn't turn into a one man show who has to run the offense and score. Phil's systems allows multiple ball handlers and you want Kobe to average 30-8-8?? I'd rather have Kobe be 28-6-5 than have him average those numbers=Much more chance to WIN GAMES.
OMG LUKE AT THAT TIME PJ IS A MORON FOR PUTTING LUKE IN!!
Really? Who else could play the 3?? Evans=Knee swelling by a previous injury. Radmanovich: In the doghouse for the snowboard incident and shoulder was not fully recovered. Kobe??: Sasha was his usually pre-2007-2008 self and not shooting well so that's idea is moot.
Really stop being homers for your favorite player (Kobe or Bynum) and appreciate the coach for what he brought to the Lakers. Sure he's not right 100% and it may frustrates some players but it's not like Kobe is 100% right or Bynum is 100% right EITHER!
-Kobeblitz
Posted by: Kobeblitz | February 03, 2009 at 05:17 PM
In the 60s (so I'm told) Jack Nicklaus was hated because he was better then Arnold, the people's champion.
Kobe's not Mike and he's not the savior of the NBA that the industry want's LeBron to be.
Nothing about being a fan is rational.
Kobe didn't posture, chest pound, or gloat, he just showed his heart. It was a man at the pinnacle, master of his art, getting the ball to do his bidding, his will. Making it sing. String music, naturally.
Posted by: VMan | February 03, 2009 at 05:17 PM
i mentioned this last night:
the latest SI issue has le bron on the cover coming out 2.2.09. obviously kobe spoiled their party.
Posted by: ouchhhhhhhh | February 03, 2009 at 05:21 PM
RED"S LOVE CHILD,
BOTTOM LINE: I'll take a "Determined to Play through REAL Injuries" MVP24 Kobe Bean Bryant ANYDAY over a "Determined to Ride in a Wheelchair" addict in Paul ALWAYS FAKE THE INJURY Pierce...Hmmm...Got REAL injury dude?
Have a delightful and enjoyable Lakers day!
Laker pride through ALL and ANY ADVERSITY!
Posted by: Let's go L's! | February 03, 2009 at 05:28 PM
RE-POST: for those of you (like Jay Jay) still entertaining the *crazy* notion of bringing Baq Shaq.
____________________________________________________
Listen People:
While I totally recognize everyone's right to voice their opinion...come on now let's be serious. Those of you still ball-washing that Big Has-Been (TAFKA - the athlete formerly known as) Shaq need an immediate reality check.
The Good Book says as "a dog returns to its vomit" is the foolish person who keeps committing the same stupid mistake repeatedly. Like that definition of insanity: Doing the same thing over and over again...and expecting different results. Shaq has left the building (Staples). He ain't never coming back...except as a spectator to watch his old team hoist another banner, or maybe (debatable) IF his number gets retired. Besides...I DON'T WANT HIM anywhere near this great group of guys on our current Lakers team! Period.
How can you guys have such short memories? He's trashed Orlando, L.A., Miami, and soon-to-be Phoenix on his way outta town. And how many former 'teammates' has he thrown under the bus? What about him yelling at Dr. Buss to "pay me" during a pre-season game? Then, there's the restraining order that Alexis Miller (aka: Atlanta rapper MaryJane) had to take out on Shaq after a series of threatening phone calls and emails by The Big Homicidal? Does he get a free pass for that one as well? Ooops...
Sure, he can still bring IT every once in a while, but those games are fewer and farther between. He certainly is NOT worth the 20 million he's gettin paid this year. And, no way in hell should the Lakers trade away their young talent in exchange for Shaq-Fool's rapidly declining skill set. Fuhgettaboutit...!!!
P & G R
Posted by: Purple & Gold Reign | February 03, 2009 at 05:35 PM
Let's keep Gerald Wallace in our thoughts and wish him a speedy recovery.
http://tinyurl.com/bbjtzc
And let's thank our lucky stars that Josh Powell wasn't seriously hurt last night when he fell backwards and landed on his back and neck. I was amazed he got up.
Posted by: bronxlakerfan | February 03, 2009 at 05:35 PM
Kobeblitz,
It is very vivid in my memory on that last game with Phoenix on 2006-07, Luke 2 pts. LMAO, how can the Lakers win with Kobe alone and inconsistent Lamar plus a bunch of scrubs. Weeks later, Kobe went nuts that he got no help. I hope you don't justify the past, it cannot be remedied.
Radmanovich, he was a Clipper player. It was PJ, Kobe and including Magic who chased him all the way to Yugoslavia. OK, he erred on a winter holiday and paid dearly for 500,000 fine plus insult of space cadet, snowboarding euro. His specialty is shooting, some defense but if PJ doesn't play him or give him some screens then Lakers don't benefit from those rainbow shots. He is utterly useless to be playing for 6 mins and blamed him when Lakers are not winning. He is a streaky shooter, once he gets out of rhythm, it's hard to get those strings of threes. Right now, he is used as a passer in the triangle creating screens.
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | February 03, 2009 at 05:39 PM
I finally get it, Kobe injured Bynum so he can make a run at the MVP. Think about it, he scores 61 the next game and if the Lakers somehow jump on his back and finish with the best record, how could you not give the MVP to Bryant instead of Lebron.....you know I'm kidding, but he wins the MVP if this happens.
Posted by: FredJ | February 03, 2009 at 05:47 PM
Who knows this Forrester's email? Have to let him know he wrote a stupid piece!
Posted by: elle | February 03, 2009 at 05:52 PM
pfunk-
If you can't tell if I'm agreeing or disagreeing with the article, you're just not paying attention or are deliberately looking for a reason to prod. It's pretty clear what I think of what he wrote, and you're a smart guy, so I'll go with the latter.
As for the hot hand thing, I think it won't surprise you that on most occasions I vote for keeping teammates involved, moving the ball, distributing, etc. It is, in my mind, the best recipe for consistent winning. Obviously Kobe is going to play a larger offensive role, as he should. Kobe should get a larger share of the pie, so to speak. But I also think the "hot hand" thing tends to be cliche, and something people use as a blanket criticism that doesn't always have as much behind it.
What constitutes a hot hand? Two of three? Three of four? When is a hot hand over? If a guy rattles two straight out? Three? When should a coach suspend a normal rotation because someone has "the hot hand?" There's a reason guys have rotations- one is that players like predictability. If you start messing with that every time someone makes a few shots, there are lots of potential problems.
Generally speaking if a coach or a team has a winning formula, they ought to stick to it, with enough flexibility to respond to individual game situations.
I speak in generalities above. Regarding Kobe's game, I'm not surprised PJ talked about moving the ball and distributing. He always does. On the other hand, it's not like he sat Kobe down, or tried to force him off the ball. He kept Kobe in long enough to get the record, and gave him a high five on the way to the bench. I didn't have a problem with anything that went on. Remember, PJ, like many coaches, says things to us in order to reinforce certain messages. Kobe seems fine with what's being asked of him. Why are you so upset?
Overall, I think the Lakers have shown themselves to be a better team when Kobe isn't simply focused on scoring, when the ball moves, when more people get touches. And to his credit, Kobe has embraced the philosophy. But these are big picture issues, and not really related to last night's game.
BK
Posted by: kambrothers | February 03, 2009 at 05:57 PM
"Sometimes a game is just a game." Yes, but not last night. Last night was one of the greatest performances in NBA history. Not only did Kobe have the greatest scoring night in the history of the league's most most storied venue (among current venues), but he nearly set a league record for consecutive free throws in an NBA game ('Nique holds the record with 23, Kobe had 20).
So on what turns out to be one of the greatest nights in NBA history, we're supposed to conclude something negative? And we give this Forrester guy a minute of our time for what reason?
Posted by: Andrew Bernard | February 03, 2009 at 06:02 PM
MVP AWARDS {NBA FINALS}
-----------------------
JORDAN : 6
SHAQ : 3
PIERCE : 1
KOBE : 0
Posted by: RED`S LOVE CHILD | February 03, 2009 at 06:05 PM
Kobe was feeling it against inadequate defenders...he was making a statement...reminding people he is still here.The team may not have Andrew Bynum but its still got Kobe Bryant and he wanted to give us all a treat and something else to talk about so we dont dwell in negativity.Nowwe can argue about Kobe's game and place in history instead of feeling depressed about Bynum's knee.
Plus a guy plays the right way all year,been a tough week and needed to let off a little steam ...I mean how fun is it to dominate a basketball game against guys that cant hold a candle to you?...he passes up hose impulses 75 times a year these days its his one night this season on the big stage and he knew he could kill those guys - shoulda woulda coulda but the bottom line it was way too tempting to pass up and he's probably got all sorts of killer bonus's from the companies he endorses for hitting 50 in the garden.
Kobe passes up those impulses in 75 games a year these days.It was pure self indulgence except he happened to make pretty much everyone else happy too.
No way he keeps playing that way - he gets too tired if nothing else.This was just a treat for all of us after a rough week.
Posted by: Kiwi | February 03, 2009 at 06:11 PM
I just realized that Odom's clothing logo is "LoL". haha
Posted by: ajax | February 03, 2009 at 06:16 PM
People dislike Kobe because of the mistakes he made when he was young. Although he came in from High School, he was already a great player. He had to learn while against the ropes, and hes come a long way. He doesnt make many mistakes anymore and goes beyond his CALL OF DUTY. What would the NBA be like if we had more players like Kobe Bryant. WE CAN ONLY WONDER.
GO LAKERS
Posted by: ChicNstu_Please | February 03, 2009 at 06:25 PM
Regardless of the negative things that are being said of Kobes game of 61 points at MSG, Its got to be a INSTANT CLASSIC.
GO LAKERS
Posted by: ChicNstu_Please | February 03, 2009 at 06:55 PM
Jay Jay,
"Omigod, no!"
Posted by: rl | February 03, 2009 at 07:05 PM
Edwin,
The point was in my post was don't always be like "It's PJ's fault for Kobe or Bynum or Farmar is playing bad" or whoever is doing bad. Sure Jackson isn't a perfect coach he has his mistakes and some are really bad ones as well. But to expect Kobe to be hot all the time is like telling him to shoot 60% for a season while scoring 30+ppg.
Sure in that 2007 series Kobe received LITTLE help. Lamar had at best 2 games where he was productive and no one else could really contribute. And Jackson had little choice but to let Kobe shoot. But now that he has help that simply isn't the case anymore.
That Knicks game Kobe had the hot hand and Jackson always (read it in 2 of his books) allows the hot shooting player to stay on the floor. Then guys say "He's bringing them out at the WRONG TIME!!". Absurd statements. Kobe unless it's a BIG game like Boston or Cleveland he'll stay on the floor as much as he needs to. But against the Knicks? He needs rest. I'm a Kobe fan but I don't expect him to average 48 minutes per game that no one else in NBA history has averaged since Witl's historic 50ppg. Kobe gets more rest and as long as he doesn't get his knees iced down equals more energy to shoot and be a playmaker and defend better.
Phil isn't a perfect coach and will make mistakes. And he knows when Kobe has to shoot or should be shooting because he's shooting red hot. But it appalling that he gets baseless accusations from us who accuse him of "stunting Farmar's growth from becoming Tony Parker" or "not playing Bynum correctly and becoming better than Shaq" or "preventing Kobe from averaging 30-8-8".
Fact is Phil has the experience and credentials to make the better decision. Now he does make dumb mistakes and isn't always going to make the right call. But the fact is that the homers who accuse him of preventing their favorite player from playing the correct way is just blame absurd.
Sacrifice their game for the betterment of the team=WINS MORE.
-Kobeblitz
Posted by: Kobeblitz | February 03, 2009 at 07:05 PM
I tend to be a guy who likes to understand where people are coming from, even if I disagree with them. So, take this for what its worth.
I don't like it when Kobe plays with an agenda. The most glaring example is when he was accused of not shooting on purpose in Sacramento back in the Shaq days. Another example that people cite alot was game 7 against PHX in 2006. I don't think he does it a lot. I certainly don't think he does it as much as the media thinks he does. It was that long ago that analysts would wonder aloud, which Kobe is going to show up tonight - the scorer or the team player? I didn't think that was fair.
The people who reacted strongly, saying that MJs 55pt performance was better, did so (I believe) because (to them) Kobe looked like all he wanted to do that game was outdo something that had become legendary.
Whatever the reasoning was behind him taking over last night's game, whether it was to outdo MJ or send some kind of message of reassurance in the wake of Bynum's injury, he was obviously playing with an agenda. These are the Knicks. The Lakers could've played their normal game and won handily. But Kobe took over from the beginning in sort of an unnecessary way. It wasn't negative. There was no harm in it. But I kind of didn't get it.
I know that'll spawn some hate. I'm not passing judgement. Just wondering why.
Posted by: lakers_sth | February 03, 2009 at 07:13 PM
Oh ****! C's won again at the last second, and without KG too. God**** it.
-bozz-
Posted by: bozz | February 03, 2009 at 07:24 PM
Lakersth - I think it was a combination of things - madison square,knowing he was hot with guys that couldnt defend him,and a good opportunity to perk everyone up and make them talk about something else.
Posted by: Kiwi | February 03, 2009 at 07:26 PM
Vman, Chicnstu and co
I agree What kind of a sick world do we live in when an artist can serve up a masterpiece and all people can do is bash it.
This is like Picasso going through his blue period,getting on with inventing cubism then having a really good idea for a blue coloured painting so he churns it out spectacularly and a bunch of A -& holes turn up and say he thinks he's better than Da Vinci who occasionally liked to paint in blue and they are worried he might paint in blue all the time now.
How about some perspective? I tell you what fellas,I'm no life coach but I' m sure gonna look into it cos theres one helluva big market out there!
Posted by: Kiwi | February 03, 2009 at 07:34 PM
I commented on Forester in a different thread andwon't bother reposting... 'cause the article itself was a waste of ink to begin with. Troll journalism, scroll past.
Jay-Jay... the trade machine thing was interesting but do you really think Kerr would do that? I don't see it myself, for a whole lot of reasons.
Posted by: dave m | February 03, 2009 at 07:53 PM
lakers_sth,
Kobe did NOT play with an agenda in that Sacramento Game. Phil himself reviewed the film and NOTHING he saw made him suspect of Kobe having an agenda:
Excerpt from: The Last Season: A team in search of it's soul
"I don't buy into that theory, I watched the tape and witnessed nothing unusual that would make me suspicious of Kobe's intentions. Early in the game, he tried to be a playmaker, the role we want him to assume, and then in the second half he became more active, taking twelve shots. If he were less energized than usual, a more logical explanation was that he might have been distracted by his off the court situation."
Kobe was incensed when he heard about that theory of him having an agenda.
In game 7 of 2006, Kobe himself said on TNT that he and Jackson decided to stay within the offense to possibly get the team back into rhythm. Kobe scored 25 points in the 1st half yet the team was down 60-45. Him shooting was not the answer in that game. IF they had came back using that tactic would people accuse him of giving up??
Oh and since I used Jackson's book and there are Anti-Jacksons here let me show what Jackson had to say with the "Locker Room only" theory.
"Several people close to the game have harped on me about how I violated some unwritten code by exposing conversations and events that took place behind closed doors. Nonsense. There was no such thing as closed doors for the Lakers. Reporters used to tell me all the time they couldn't wait for the locker room to open because PLAYERS (not Jackson) would routinely reveal what had just transpired in team meetings or in supposedly private conversations".
When Bynum went down last year, Kobe fired 44 shots against the Supersonics/Thunder. He had no agenda then either.
-Kobeblitz
Posted by: Kobeblitz | February 03, 2009 at 07:58 PM
BK,
I thought you made some very cogent points in your argument that Phil’s comments were probably just to reinforce the idea that you win most of the time by passing the ball around. As you pointed out, Phil left Kobe in the game, most likely because he did not want appear to be critical of him considering how obviously bad and guilty Kobe felt about Drew’s injury. And in general, I agree with most of what you said but, of course, not all of it.
What you were completely ignoring in your analysis was the impact and fear that Kobe’s unbelievable scoring feats puts in the minds and hearts of the other NBA teams. Yeah, moving the ball around is the proper and right formula to play winning offense, but so is the unstoppable player. In any single game or playoff series, I think it’s a huge psychological edge for the other team to fear in the back of their mind that Kobe can truly have games where it is literally impossible for the other team to win. And they usually come in bunches.
While I understood Phil making his point, he is also a proven curmudgeon and party killer. What makes Mamba so great is that edge that he cannot be stopped. You always want that killer instinct to be there. You want to make sure to give Kobe enough rope so that he can keep that edge for when you need it. We all know that the Kobe is just as likely to come out in his Kobe Nash mode against the Raptors tomorrow night. Phil knows Kobe understands this but he couldn’t keep himself from raining – really pissing – on the parade.
As for playing the hot hand, there is an unspoken peer rating on every team that all of the players are aware of. Some guys will have the green light when open – ala Sasha, who is capable of throwing out 0-8 games with no conscience. Same with the red light. Luke knows that if he misses a couple of shots he better not take anything but bunnies. Kobe? Far as I am concerned, he always has the green light and never gets the red. He is the team leader and understands how to manage honing his edge and involving the team.
Last night was Kobe going for the jugular and not caring about anything but dominating the Knicks and torching whoever was unlucky enough to happen to be guarding him. He was sending a message to the naysayers who proclaimed the Lakers championship hopes to be dead with Drew’s injury. He was telling his teammates “don’t believe any of this crap.” He was telling Drew and Laker fans not to worry because the Lakers had a lot of weapons and were better than the team that came within 2 games of the championship last year.
Tom
Posted by: LakerTom | February 03, 2009 at 08:07 PM
BRYANT, BYNUM REMAIN POSITIVE
by Kevin Ding for the OC Register
http://tinyurl.com/bosmye
For the best take on what went down in the garden from the perspective of Kobe Bryant and Andrew Bynum, you MUST read Kevin Ding’s latest column that was linked earlier:
Here is how it begins:
*********
Monday shaped up to be the most manic of the Lakers’ season, one that yearned to dictate Kobe Bryant’s championship hopes and chart Andrew Bynum’s entire career. Bryant and Bynum proceeded to seize the day of reckoning.
Emanating distinctly different but equally powerful positive energy, Bryant and Bynum tapped in the best of their individual characters: Bryant locking in with the diamond-cutting focus that is his signature, Bynum exuding a bright light to make optimists of all who came near the crutch he felt too buoyant to need.
Bryant arrived at Madison Square Garden so determined to do good that he hardly had a word for anyone on the team bus. He had found out hours before that Bynum’s knee injury was serious and would cost him most or all of the remaining regular season.
************
Click on the link and give Kevin Ding some love. I emailed him telling him how much I enjoyed the article and he replied that it was one his favorite columns ever. If you are a Kobe Bryant and Andrew Bynum fan, trust me, you will not be disappointed. Kevin will reward you uniquely perceptive insights into the character and persona of the Lakers current and next franchise players, including great quotes that I had not read anywhere.
As always, JMNSHBO!
Tom
Posted by: LakerTom | February 03, 2009 at 08:10 PM
Kiwi,
Picasso was a Cubs fan?
Posted by: exhelodrvr | February 03, 2009 at 08:11 PM
I can't wait for Thursday.
It's going to be a war.
Posted by: "Pig" Miller | February 03, 2009 at 08:19 PM
Just watched ESPN and they did the Kobe Michael thing, comparing their 2 big games in MSG. Jordan shot like 37 shots and his FG % was not close to Kobe's. Why the hatin on Kobe so much, I can't believe it. Laker fans you know what happens when Kobe doesn't shoot the ball sometimes. The other team gets their confidence up and if Sasha, Vlade, LO, and cast start missing shots- THEY LOSE THE GAME. Yes Kobe can turn it on at any time. Problem is, he can't turn the other teams confidence off at any time.
I hate SI now. Im taking that link out of my favorites. Good Kobe bad kobe, give me a break. Im a basketball coach and I'll tell you this now. Yes I want my best player to make everyone better. And yes if I got a player who can get 81 or 61, guess what - go get it- AS LONG AS WE WIN. That's the bottom line. Lamar passes the ball back everytime Kobe gives him the ball. Is that Kobe's fault? These writers are jealous. Spike Lee said he has never heard Knicks fans chant MVP or give a standing ovation for ANY opposing player. Not Magic, not Bird, nor Jordan. And let me get this straight SI writers, you repay that performance with that crazy SI article? Idiots.
On the Shaq rejoining the Lakers thing, ima say this. This is a stupid topic. Shaq is an idiot for even talking bout the lakers. He's in Phoenix giving love to their rival Lakers team? What is that about? Dude, we wouldn't take you for FREE. Shaq your horrible. For 20 million a year you need to play every game period. He has lost his mind. Since when have you seen a Shaq highlight? I heard Phoenix is doing whatever they can to trade him. They hate him on the down low. Pre-Shaq they were 1-2 seed in the west. Currently they're like 7-8 seed and the second half of season gets harder. Point being, Lakers want no part of shaqmonivtich.
Finally I'll say this. Lakers gotta play some Defense. Kobe and Ariza play defense and everybody else is horrible. I understand LO isn't a 4 and Gasol isn't a 5, making them horrible defenders at their positions. I understand that D-fish is old and can't keep up with CP3, Parker, Nelson, or Rondo. Ok having said that, so now what? I mean if you know the problem, the deficiencies, and you know the result of those problems- a butt whooping by boston. My question is now what? What are we going to do now that Bynums out? Cuz we can't make a trade.
Let me say that again Mitch, we can't make a trade unless its another Gasol steal. And thats not going to happen so NOW WHAT. I mean are we going to do something different in practice? Are we going to hire a defense specialist or switch things up in the line-up what? Cuz they gotta do something. Im saying this before we play Boston, before we play Lebron, before the second half of the season. What are we going to do that's different from last year? I know we have a healthy, improved Ariza but ... well, we had Bynum and Ariza and we didn't have one of the top 5 defenses in the NBA so far. SO NOW WHAT? Mitch, Phil, Kobe, figure it out now. Right now I feel we're are a great team, but there is certainly room for improvement.
Posted by: johnnyboy | February 03, 2009 at 08:23 PM
Red -
So what? Does that mean it'll never happen? Meanwhile, there are several things Kobe has done that those listed haven't, so your point isn't really a valid point. It just means that so far in his career, Kobe hasn't gotten a finals MVP. And so far in his career, P Pierce hasn't scored 81 in a game. Not to mention any of the other players on that list. Paul Pierce is a good player, but he isn't great. Kobe is great.
I think you're actually very afraid of Kobe Bryant and what our team did to your team on Christmas day.
And the bottom line is, any team in the NBA can win on any given day (see the Celtic's recent slide to subpar teams). It will really be decided in June. I don't think you can get away with believing that just because the cloverleafs are the current champions that they'll stay there. There is good reason to believe they could get back there, but you'll have to go through two extremely talented teams before you get there, and then through an even more talented team, which is the Lakers. Upon reaching the finals and playing us, you'll have to agree that we'll remember what happened last year and not only make adjustments but actually have an improved roster with healthy players, God willing. Drew included. Drew causes a ton of match up problems for Perkins because of height and wingspan. Perkins didn't know what hit him in the Christmas game. It was tall, big, bad Drew.
Come back in June when it means something and quit buzzing around, or we might just have to swat you.
And you can still bite me.
Posted by: longtimelakerlover | February 03, 2009 at 08:34 PM
Say, please tell you've noticed Kobe's explosion at MSG summed up real nicely by a talented young artist from LA? His "Kobe Scored 61" song is almost as incredible as the feat itself. That might be a bit of an exaggeration but see/hear for yourself. Here's the download link-----> http://www.zshare.net/audio/55080956bfd17d8e/]
(Back to the blog...) actually, a little green tea on thursday to go with a warm winter wednesday win against the Raps tomorrow won't be so bad. Jokes aside, awesome blog. Good read!!!
Posted by: iLuvLakersMusic | February 03, 2009 at 08:35 PM
WHAT DID ANDREW BYNUM SAY ABOUT KOBE’S 61?
“Puttin’ on a show at the Garden!” he said.
More great quotes from Kevin Ding. You MUST read this article if you are a Kobe or Drew fan. Superb writing and great insights into how the two players are handling the situation. Kevin Ding is the best sports writing in SoCal. Check out this great column:
http://tinyurl.com/bosmye
Tom
Posted by: LakerTom | February 03, 2009 at 08:54 PM
Remember that the Laker depth this year has meant that there was an unusual amount of untapped ability. That will allow the Lakers to make up for the majority of what Bynum provided. The Lakers starters w/o Andrew will be quicker, so their transition defense should be better. Probably no dropoff in rebounding; and they can probably make up what Andrew provided on offense by a combination of Odom and a little more from Kobe and Gasol. They will be worse in half-court defense. Powell and Mihm should be able to come close to what Lamar provided off the bench.
So overall, I think that there will only be a slight dropoff, after a few games to work out the new rotations and get some of the rust off.
Posted by: exhelodrvr | February 03, 2009 at 09:10 PM
First i was surprised to see Kobe scored a lot of points,he seems on the mission, but after Spike Lee answer to ch 9 that they will have a film of Kobe in Madison Square Garden, i wan't surprised anymore, one game i think it's ok. The lesson we learned from the NBA Finals last season is who is the number 3 guy behind Kobe and Gasol. I don't trust Lamar, opponenst will play physical agaisnt Gasol and Odom, who can hit big shots from outside ? We have one year to prepare, this time there is no excuse.
Posted by: bluesky | February 03, 2009 at 09:12 PM
LakerTom-
Thanks for the reply.
"As you pointed out, Phil left Kobe in the game, most likely because he did not want appear to be critical of him considering how obviously bad and guilty Kobe felt about Drew’s injury"
Maybe, or he left him in because he knew what was going on and wanted him to complete the special night. He certainly could have pulled him at the six or seven minute mark of the fourth without looking critical. But to your larger point...
"...What you were completely ignoring in your analysis was the impact and fear that Kobe’s unbelievable scoring feats puts in the minds and hearts of the other NBA teams. Yeah, moving the ball around is the proper and right formula to play winning offense, but so is the unstoppable player. In any single game or playoff series, I think it’s a huge psychological edge for the other team to fear in the back of their mind that Kobe can truly have games where it is literally impossible for the other team to win..."
Here I disagree strongly. Almost to a man, while all deeply respect Kobe's ability (one scout I've spoken to called him "unquestionably" the best player in the league), those I've spoken to among players, coaches, and scouts all say that the Lakers are far less dangerous when they become truly KobeCentric (I'm not talking about last night, I'm talking about big picture). That's particularly true of better teams. They'd rather make the Lakers one-dimensional, even if that one dimension is pretty effin good.
That Kobe can go off and pile up points, make amazing shots, etc. is not exactly a state secret. Everyone knows that already. What does scare the opposition is the four dimensional Kobe- points, dimes, defense, boards. When the Lakers have everyone rolling AND the opposition knows Kobe still can be Kobe? That's what can make the Lakers special.
Again, none of this has anything to do with last night, really, but big picture, I don't agree with your assessment. It's a fun debate, though.
BK
Posted by: kambrothers | February 03, 2009 at 09:14 PM
Laker Tom -
"No way Jose"? That's the best you can do?? I would think someone as articulate as you would have a more specific rebuttal of the points I made. That is if you can think of one.....
Posted by: Jay Jay | February 03, 2009 at 09:17 PM
Tom - thanks for the Ding link... not only a cool article but an appropriate compare and contrast in this thread, given the media slant. Guys like Forrester are print personalties - the articles are as much about them as the subject matter. Kevin Ding on the other hand is a writer's writer.
Posted by: dave m | February 03, 2009 at 09:45 PM
I only saw 2/3 of the game, but the parts I saw, Kobe was pretty good at identifying the double team and if he had someone open for an easy basket, he'd pass. He did force some shots down low, but he was 4-5 feet from the basket, and didn't really have anyone to pass to. So I think for the defense that was set up against him, he played it perfectly.
It's not that different than what most teams, especially Cleveland, employ. Have one player get double teamed and find the open man. If no double team comes, then score.
I think that Kobe did what he needed to do to help the team win, and they won. The problem with this is that if he has a tough 1-1 match-up, or has a bad night, then he can't really use that strategy. For instance, in their loss to the Pistons in 2004 and the Celtics last year, he had Prince and Posey covering him. It's a lot harder for him to go off like he did against these guys. So unless Kobe has a particularly good night, the Lakers are going to lose if he shoots 31 times. When was the last time Kobe went off for 50 points against Bruce Bowen or Raja Bell?
But if he is guarded by most other players, unless he is double or triple teamed every time, he can score at will.
Posted by: DT | February 03, 2009 at 10:16 PM
can anyone explain this opening sentence to an LA Times article by Shari Roan And Broderick Turner
"The latest injury to Andrew Bynum probably has more to do with bad karma than inherently bad knees, medical experts said Tuesday."
So the writers are claiming that "medical experts" are attributing drew's injury to karma?
Posted by: LakerLass | February 03, 2009 at 10:17 PM
oh... and kiwi, exhelo, tom... i left something on ben's cherry thread for you guys.
Posted by: dave m | February 03, 2009 at 10:21 PM
I think RLC is really the AK&BK's intern putting up comments to spark other comments by bloggers.
I do look at other blogs just to see if there is any rumors of teams wanting to trade a particular player. I think if a player reads a teams blog and his fans say bad things about the player, that player might want to get traded. Just like how Orlando fans voted saying that Shaq isn't worth what he is getting paid or something like that. Thanks Orlando fans! We really enjoyed the 3 championships!
Laker Tom, you make some good points about the Lakers, but man, I disagree with what you said about a part of the stimulus package.
"On a neutral political note, I think there are some good ideas being thrown out by the conservatives (and some bad ones) which I am hopeful that Barack will include in the stimulus package, especially the $15,000 credit for homebuyers."
We should let house prices fall to what they should be worth, instead of creating policies that keep house prices inflated. Houses in some areas of California are still almost double of what they were before the bubble. I'd rather pay $300K for a house and not get $15K, than pay $600K for the same house and get a measly $15K.
Posted by: DT | February 03, 2009 at 10:32 PM
first, the Ding article was great! what a throwback! imagine, the newspaper promoting local entertainment instead of trying to tear it down. it's nice to see that the team really does have a vibe and a love for their teammates. a team like that can overcome almost any obsticle or stumbling block.
second, what the H-E-double hockey sticks is an "expert" when referred to by news sources on any story?
Posted by: mud | February 03, 2009 at 10:37 PM
Pig Miller,
Hi friend. Just wanted to let you know that finally, a lakers writer sees things like BUTLER. The lead paragraph for the "bad luck" bynumb story goes:
"The latest injury to Andrew Bynum probably has more to do with bad karma than inherently bad knees, medical experts said Tuesday."
C'mon Pig, let me know you're here!
Posted by: BUTLER | February 03, 2009 at 11:02 PM
Not sure if this has been posted but with the 61 points at MSG, KB HAS SURPASSED MJ in the number of 60+ point games (6 vs 5) and is now second behind Wilt C. in most number of 60+ pt games. Of course, Wilt's record of 32 60+ games is untouchable...
Posted by: The Snake | February 03, 2009 at 11:22 PM
DT,
Sorry about the politics. All I really meant to say was that we need to work together and both parties have valuable contributions to make if we can get past the partisanship. Just thought that was an innocuous example but I have not really thought specifically about it.
Jay Jay,
No disrespect, man, but the topic is too crazy to even imagine. Shaq is not the kind of player who I want on this team. Whatever help he could bring, which I believe is little, is not worth his huge salary or the negative effect he would have on team chemistry. And he is the last person who I would want influencing Drew and contradicting what Kareem is trying to teach him about being a franchise center for the Lakers. That is not to say that Shaq was once a great Laker player and winner, just that his time has come and gone. This is Kobe’s team now and will be Drew’s team once Kobe retires. Bringing Shaq on would be responding to Drew’s injury by making a panic move like the Suns and Mavs. What you need to remember is that it is the other teams that need to do something to match up with the Lakers. All we have to do is stand pat.
dave,
You have to love the way that Kevin Ding writes. He writes sports almost like literature but still easy to understand and get whereas most writers dumb down their stuff to lowest possible denominator. I especially love how he seems to put together stuff that other guys never find out about. He was the only reporter I know who asked the right question of Drew, which was what was the severity of the injury per his doctor. That was where we finally learned that it was in between a medium and severe tear. The guy just gets it.
Tom
Posted by: LakerTom | February 03, 2009 at 11:31 PM
DT:
"When was the last time Kobe went off for 50 points against Bruce Bowen or Raja Bell?"
April 7, 2006 @ PHX:
Kobe puts 51 points on a nice 57.6% FG% against Raja Bell yet the Lakers lose 107-96.
He did put up 42 points against Bowen on May 11, 2004 (the game before 0.4) which is still impressive against Bowen (who then was younger).
-Kobeblitz
Posted by: Kobeblitz | February 03, 2009 at 11:33 PM
In a way I am glad that Boston won tonight because now we will have the utmost pleasure of breaking their streak on Thursday!!!
Posted by: The Snake | February 03, 2009 at 11:36 PM
Wanted to comment on David Lee and others' observation that Kobe "knew what he wanted to do from the start of the game".
I think that's bunk, if they mean that they could tell Kobe meant to score 60 plus points tonight.
We Lakers fans have all seen Kobe start some games more aggressively on the offensive end, and that doesn't always lead to a huge night for him. It's just in hindsight that the observers say "I knew he was going to try to score a lot".
I'll repeat for emphasis: Kobe sometimes starts games shooting more, and you can tell, but that doesn't always mean he will continue. He did indeed read the game. Okay, maybe at the end of the fourth he started gunning for points, but by that time he already had 50 plus points in taking what the defense was giving him.
Posted by: Amazing_Happens | February 03, 2009 at 11:48 PM
Just wondering if Lebron was the one scoring 61. What critics of Bryant would say of the feat. One thing for certain, they will say he is MVP and best player in the league
Life is s trange
Posted by: Tarek | February 04, 2009 at 12:53 AM
RED'S LOVE CHILD,
longtimelakerlover couldn't be more RIGHT in regards to CAREER ACHIEVEMENTS. Let's go BEYOND your Finals MVP category....
TOTAL NBA CHAMPIONSHIPS WON not including a regular season MVP Award or two and an Olympic Gold Medal or two already placed in their respective trophy cases:
Jordan 6
Shaq 4
Kobe 3 (no Finals MVP Award YET! )
Pierce (FINALLY after 10+ yrs in the NBA at the age of 30+ and doing NADA before then)
ONE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
This, of course, includes a Finals MVP Award with NO regular season MVP Award as well as NO Olympic Gold Medal...Seems like someone's cupboard needs a bit more LOVE and TRUTH...Agree?
BOTTOM LINE: IT'S ALL ABOUT ONE'S OVERALL CAREER ACHIEVEMENTS THAT ULTIMATELY DETERMINE THEIR GREATNESS...
RED, in the future, please don't try to insult yourself any further by providing only bits of OBVIOUS info...Do research MORE topics of interest when making comparisons...You are much BETTER than that!
BTW, MSG and NY loves KB24! I can think of 61 HISTORICAL reasons why...Can you?
Have a nice Lakers day!
Laker pride through ADVERSITY!
Posted by: Let's go L's! | February 04, 2009 at 01:19 AM
RED'S LOVE CHILD,
longtimelakerlover couldn't be more RIGHT in regards to CAREER ACHIEVEMENTS. Let's go BEYOND your Finals MVP category....
TOTAL NBA CHAMPIONSHIPS WON not including a regular season MVP Award or two and an Olympic Gold Medal or two already placed in their respective trophy cases:
Jordan 6
Shaq 4
Kobe 3 (no Finals MVP Award YET! )
Pierce (FINALLY after 10+ yrs in the NBA at the age of 30+ and doing NADA before then)
ONE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
This, of course, includes a Finals MVP Award with NO regular season MVP Award as well as NO Olympic Gold Medal...Seems like someone's cupboard needs a bit more LOVE and TRUTH...Agree?
BOTTOM LINE: IT'S ALL ABOUT ONE'S OVERALL CAREER ACHIEVEMENTS THAT ULTIMATELY DETERMINE THEIR GREATNESS...
RED, in the future, please don't try to insult yourself any further by providing only bits of OBVIOUS info...Do research MORE topics of interest when making comparisons...You are much BETTER than that!
BTW, MSG and NY loves KB24! I can think of 61 HISTORICAL reasons why...Can you?
Have a nice Lakers day!
Laker pride through ADVERSITY!
Posted by: Let's go L's! | February 04, 2009 at 01:30 AM
Phil has got 9 rings for a reason... but I wonder what it would be like if he were more supportive of Kobe. Judging from his comments and his past handling of Kobe (ie the Shaq era), I kind of feel like Phil holds Kobe back too much. I don't think Mike Brown has anything critical to say about Lebron when he posts insanely high scoring numbers. Nor Pat Riley or Erik Spoelstra for D-Wade. Nor Popovich for Ginobili or Parker (who as a PG should be pass-first). But in the 81- and 61-point games, there's always the comment.
So I sometimes wonder if Kobe were handled by guys like Byron Scott, Popovich, Nelson, or D'Antoni. Only one of these guys are championship coaches, sure, but I wonder how much greater Kobe would be if he had a coach who pushed him to maximize his skills rather than put him down. While he's not perfect, I'm sure Kobe's smart enough to know that sharing the ball is the recipe for long-term success; it's just that the coaches should let him have the green light to destroy the opposition once in a while.
Posted by: the don | February 04, 2009 at 02:25 AM