I knew I could do it !
Yesss !

Next: a 3-pointer !

check Shaq's twitter. Big man was out having fun late in LA. Didn't sleep all night.

I'm sure that didn't help Phoenix. And it won't help tomorrow when they travel cross-country and play Toronto.

Phoenix is 9th seed, but only 3 games apart from the 5th seed.

Sasha really so far has disappointed especially with signing a contract around the mid level exception.

37.2% from the field is one word: PATHETIC.

Forget the 35.3% from 3 point land he's missing more shots overall and averaging less than 5.8 ppg which isn't too bad for a reserve but requiring more shots to achieve that is not so good.

And yes he did shoot 60% from 3 point land in the 06 playoffs but remember that was less than 7 games. In the 08 playoffs where there was more games he averaged 39.9% from 3 point land (not bad actually) and the same amount from the field (okay that is really terrible shooting %).

I don't know about Sasha. He is very frustrated. But he has to snap out of that shooting slump. His overrated defense is one thing but being bad at the job your supposed to do? Now that is just terrible for him.

Now this will be considered sacrilege by Laker Tom but George Karl said something interesting about Bynum's absence:

"Don't you have to make the statement that maybe they're better without Bynum?"

While I vehemently disagree with the Nuggets coach I also do find a point he has there.

January was Bynum's break out month and LO's was February. Now consider their production:

Bynum (January 09):
17.3ppg (58.9%) 7.8rpg, 1.1 apg, 1.6 to, 1.9 blks.

LO (February 09):
16.9ppg (55.0%) 12.9rpg, 2.5apg, 2.3to, 1.5blks

Both put up good scoring average (Bynum more efficient since near the basket, LO a better jumper), both have similar apg/to ratio (Odom's is better ), similar blocks (Bynum alters more shots). Odom though is much better at rebounding consistently and the only real thing besides post defense, big man defending, altering shots near the basket that Bynum is better is free throw shooting.

Some myths about the absence of Bynum:

1) We'll lose to Cleveland and Boston now without Bynum.

Cleveland and Boston games were won. Come now it wasn't as easy as the previous ones since it was played in Cleveland/Boston rather in the confines of the Staples Center!

2) No championships...without Bynum!

Really?? How could you know?? The Lakers were withing 2 victories of winning 2008 Finals without Bynum! Save for a monumental collapse (Lakers offense just sputtered) and a Game 6 blowout the Lakers did fairly well against the Celtics in 08 without Bynum.

3) Gasol is good but at center he is too weak! He won't be as good as Bynum at center position.

Half right. Bynum was more intimidating in the post. That's for sure. But Gasol not being good at center??

Gasol at Center (Feb stats):

21.1ppg (59.5%), 11.0rpg, 5.0apg, 1.3to, 1.2blks.

*Much* better than Bynum actually than Bynum's breakout month against weaker competition. (No the Timberwolves don't count as good as the Celtics even with Al Jefferson!). In fact, Gasol's FG% is better than Tim Duncan's. No don't give me that "but Duncan plays in the mid range game more". Duncan is the primary post threat in the Spurs offense.

In fact...the screen and roll defense with the Lakers starting lineup has actually improved. It's not totally Bynum's fault but Gasol at the PF may be taken advantage of quicker PF defensively (and Gasol's quick). LO is quicker than Gasol for sure as a big man and unlike Bynum, both go out to hedge screen and rolls. VERY few times I've seen Bynum come out to hedge the screen and roll preferring to let the ball handler come to him which is understandable since big men like him are afraid of being out quick by guards and prefer to alter shots near the basket. However, it does cause problems when the big man can shoot and Bynum faced the dilemma of whether waiting to try to stop the penetrator or stay out to contest the shooter.

Laker Tom will probably say "HOW DARE YOU BLITZ FOR SAYING THAT!!" Yeah Laker Tom opinions are opinions but the truth is while I've seen less altered shots at the basket I've seen more pick and rolls get busted (not every one is successfully defended) and the more pick and rolls busted means less time for the opposite team to find a way to score since they will use up seconds in trying a screen and roll.

Are the Lakers a better team with Bynum? Of course. They are much better. But I do think the loss of Bynum is as overrated compared to KB had that finger injury been dislocated worst and forced Kobe to miss time. So far the Lakers record is 12-1 since Bynum went down and *hopefully* the Lakers can keep winning to get that Home Court Advantage and at the end of the season be able to rest up Kobe and Co. (even if it means a loss or two depending on how many games are between the Lakers and the other highest winning record team though Bynum will need as much time available to get back into game shape.)

And Amazing Happens,

Stop trying to tell me how "Kobe Bryant is in MJ's airspace save for consistent defense" until Kobe averages 40ppg on 50.0%+ FG% shooting in the playoffs in just one playoff series. I don't like to always bring up MJ and prefer more Laker talk but if the KB is comparable to MJ (Both share the competitive spirit and skills and killer instinct and both are clutch at times) talk really continues to persist I'll instead show how Kobe struggled against a Celtic defense that was nowhere as good as good as the 80's Pistons or 90's Knicks. I find it hard to believe that you said "stats don't tell the whole story" when Kobe missed 17 shots in Game 1, 13 shots in Game 2, 9 shots in Game 3, 17 shots in Game 4, and 14 shots in Game 5 in the 2004 Finals! No disrespect to Prince but guys like Dennis Johnson and Joe Dumars are WAY better defenders than Prince or Posey! And Kobe still shot like crap when he had Ray Allen and Paul Pierce guarding him back in February 5, 2009 game!

-KB Blitz

LakerTom wrote (and c/p Faith):

Faith,

>>> Bynum's emergence...I'll give you that. I do remember Kobe saying that Bynum's
>>> work ethic---I think the quote said something about, no one used to work out with
>>> him in the off season, lifting weights, and then he saw Bynum---that encouraged
>>> him. That said, with Bynum's injury, and the overall punch in the gut we felt with
>>> that...I'm not sure things have changed enough for him to not opt out in 2010.

With all respect, Faith, it was the emergence of Drew – not the trade for Pau – that solidified Kobe’s desire to remain a Laker. I also think it is obvious to Kobe and the Lakers that there is no better place for him to win a championship than right where he is. He will probably opt out but will surely re-sign with the Lakers.

>>> Because without Pau, we're 1 playoff round and out.

I am surprised and disappointed to hear you say something so fundamentally incorrect, especially for the Ministress of Defense. Or have you forgotten the easy layups and dunks drill that opponents have been running on the Lakers since Drew was injured?

While Pau Gasol is a fabulous player and in my opinion the best power forward in the game today considering his ability to play center, the reality is that he is not and will not be as valuable a player to the future success of the Lakers than Andrew Bynum.

Before he was injured, Andrew had solidified himself as the Lakers #2 leading scorer for the month of January. While the Lakers have posted a great record since Drew went down, they need him to anchor the defense more than they need Pau on offense.

Of course, as always, this is JMNSHBO! :)

Tom

-Man, I´ve had a very good opinion of your comments, but after that I´ve been forced to change my mind. Shame on you pal. Pau is the the fundamental change in this team. no matter if bynum is with or without the team, numbers are the same as long as Pau remains a Laker, and they speak louder and clearer than anything I can say, other things are just smoke.

-Faith, you´ve got to keep the faith, as the shining star you are.

#4

You`re willing to "lower" your standards?
That`s impossible!

The mere fact that you are pretending that the Los Angeles Lakers have won 14 titles is hilarious!

Minneapolis won 5 of those 14.

The Minneapolis Lakers have about as much in common with the LA Lakers.....as the below freezing Minneapolis winters have with 75 degree Malibu winters!

Best line of all the interviews was from Odom. Asked have you ever had a game before where you've gone 11 for 12, ever? "You know, I was a pretty good basketball player growing up." Classic!

Good morning,

Great to see such wide distribution of minutes Thursday night. Phil needs to do more of this to keep the core guys fresh for the stretch.

The Kam Bros try to keep the posts here inside the sports bubble (which I agree with) but occasionally the bubble springs a leak. To wit:

The National Basketball Association will borrow 175 million dollars to serve as aid to teams that might struggle in the weak global economy, Sports Business Journal reported Thursday.

http://tinyurl.com/ahdrts

Even sports as our escape from reality can't escape from reality.

I expect a serious challenge tonight at _enver. Should be a great game to watch.

Sasha does not know how to play with farmer. Sasha needs someone to set him up for his shot and Farmer does not do that. Sasha also tends to hurry his shot instead of taking his time.

Phil is complaining about his young second unit being selfish. That all starts with Farmer. He has to learn how to set up his teammates, especially using the athleticism of Ariza, and the shooting touch of Sasha. Farmer wants to be in the same catagory as Deron and Chris paul. For him to do that he has to be a playmaker for his teammates. This alone separates Farmer from the company he wants to belong in.

Phew!!! I actually had a dream that I woke up, checked the internet, and the Lakers had lost Good to see a blow out. Sorry I missed the bench play.

KB BLITZ -

I agree with you. As you I think Andy B adds something to our team. He makes folks alter shots and can score under the basket.

But, you're right, LO goes way down in production when Andy B is around. Remember when Andy B got hurt last year and Pau came in? That was when LO started to light up the court every night.

I am also concerned that there are two ABs. There is "after months of warm up and getting my confidence back" AB. And then there is "I stand at the free throw line looking lost cause I'm not fully back" AB.

If AB comes back and is "the beast." We cannot be beat. But if he comes back, knocks LO out of his game, and then shows he has months before a post move will emerge and screws up the flow of our game, he could hurt us.

If and when he gets better. I want Phil Jackson to let him in very slowly. Don't bench LO and give Andy B starter minutes right away. Use AB selectively, off the bench, when you need him.

Also, some motivation is needed. Something like "no production, no play time" with big positive reinforcement for every good post-up play.

One last thought. Please do not compare ANdy B and Pau Gasol. Gasol is "The human Swiss Army Knife." He has so many post up moves and a deep shot and passing ability that the defense is often paralyzed. Andy B, without months of warm up, has a clean up dunk shot. and the alley oop. He does not make his own shots.

Maybe in 8 years the comparison can be made, but not now.

GOOOooOOOO LAKERS!!!!!

Great win.

More Sunday, please.

DEN tonight. Good D's gonna win this game!

GO LAKERS!!!!!!!!!!

Man, I'm usually not enamored with sheer athleticism. Its typically fool's gold for the long run. See Amar'e Stoudamire, Kenyon Martin, Trent Dumas, Shawn Kemp, etc, etc. However, Shannon Brown is a freak of nature. He needs to learn the system, play good defense, share the ball, and play off of his teammates. I'd like to see the lob play for used for Farmar and Kobe used for him some time.

I like what I'm seeing from Morrison so far on offense. Not necessarily for anything this year, but as an indicator of the contributer he can be next year. He has to get some good offseason training in and build his confidence up again.

Did anyone hear what Barkley said after the game...?

something to the fact that someone should have knocked one of the Lakers on their asses for showboating... namely Kobe for the dribble between his legs.

I HATE BARKLEY... HE'S A COMPLETE ASS!!!

Bring on the Thuggets from _Enver!!!!!!!

GO LAKERS!!!!!!!!

BTW - are they still the most tatted NBA team? Is there a prize for that or something I'm not aware of?

Oh and BK..... I had the same Cindy white boots. It was all the rage.

Nice Brady Bunch clip.

GO LAKERS!

Why are y'all celebrating? You know Butler's gonna declare this a Suns victory on the mere simple fact that they denied us our Tacos.

hobbitmage,

Thanks for the link to Kevin Ding’s latest column. Here is what Kevin had to say before the paragraph you quoted. This is for the Lakers fans who blindly think the Lakers are a better team with Pau at center rather than Drew.

http://tinyurl.com/cmgzss

>>>>>>

“Don’t you have to make the statement that maybe they’re better without (Andrew) Bynum?” Karl asked. “Why do we always say Bynum? How many games has he played for this team? I like Bynum. I think he’s a great player. But sometimes you can have too much talent out there and it can kind of be confusing.”

This is a basketball lifer and the Denver Nuggets’ coach who is supposed to know the Lakers. He coached against them in the playoffs last season, when his son, Coby, was on the Lakers’ team.

What Karl is trying to say – when you use something he said back shortly after Bynum hurt his knee for reference – is that the Lakers are a downright scary offensive team without Bynum … and thus more overwhelming.

He’s right in that the Lakers are generally more potent with Lamar Odom’s ball-handling, passing and speed.

Bynum is still a young player who is far from mastering the triangle offense’s subtleties. Karl believes the Lakers were playing Bynum so much this season largely to groom him for the future, not necessarily to win now.

Given how the Lakers are winning now, Karl felt moved to make his bold statement Thursday. And it’s understandable that Karl, whose team was swept in the first round last postseason by a Bynum-less Lakers team, might be awed by the video footage he has been scouting in preparation for Friday night.

With a victory in Denver, the Lakers will go 12-1 for February – matching their best record for any month this season. (They were 12-1 in November also.) Bynum got hurt on the last day of January, but that didn’t stop the Lakers from moving on to consecutive victories in Boston and Cleveland.

Considering that the four-point road loss in Utah just before the All-Star break was a lot more acceptable than that 11-point home loss to Detroit in November, this has indeed been the best of the Lakers this season.

Yet it’s preposterous to suggest the Lakers are better without Bynum.

For one thing, Bynum had become a beast in late January. The points-rebounds-blocks numbers in the five games right before he went down are staggering: 42-15-3, 23-14-1, 15-11-4, 24-14-6, 27-15-2.

And considering Karl has finally gotten his Nuggets to commit to defense this season (Denver’s field-goal defense is actually better than the Lakers’), he should realize how much the Lakers are better with Bynum’s last line of defense in the lane.

Even in the Lakers’ rout of Phoenix on Wednesday night, Pau Gasol got tentative about protecting the rim, as happens sometimes with him. In this case Gasol was reluctant to leave Shaquille O’Neal and trust the defensive rotations early on, so the Suns breezed up the baseline for layups.

Gasol, Odom and Josh Powell aren’t natural shot blockers the way Bynum is anyway.
Powell has had his moments, but the reality is that the Lakers’ bench crew has been disappointing since Bynum was hurt.

The Lakers have been crushing people because Bryant, Gasol and Odom have been doing more than before – as has fellow starter Luke Walton.

The Lakers have not gotten as much out of their bench because even though Odom wasn’t necessarily a good fit as a reserve, he did help the second unit. Lakers coach Phil Jackson has been frequently playing Gasol an uncommonly long stretch – the whole first quarter and then into the second – or bringing Odom back after a very short rest in hopes of getting Jordan Farmar’s unit back to “feeding the system.”

“We really have to get that group stabilized,” Jackson said, noting that playing the team-oriented Walton more with that unit was a possibility.

Some might take that and make the leap to believe that Odom could be the starting small forward in Walton’s place late this season upon Bynum’s return. That won’t happen given that Odom has strictly been a power forward this season and is not in the Lakers’ minds as a good defensive small forward.

>>>>>>

Tom

Hugo,

>>> -Man, I´ve had a very good opinion of your comments, but after that I´ve
>>> been forced to change my mind. Shame on you pal. Pau is the the
>>> fundamental change in this team. no matter if bynum is with or without
>>> the team, numbers are the same as long as Pau remains a Laker, and they
>>> speak louder and clearer than anything I can say, other things are just smoke.

Don’t misunderstand me, Hugo. I think Pau is the best power forward in the league right now and he may be among the top 5 centers but he cannot anchor a defense or play a power offensive game the way Andrew Bynum can. Or have you not noticed the easy layup and dunks drill that everybody is dropping on us with Andrew not protecting the paint and rim.

I have no problem with Pau starting at center until Drew gets back to the full beast but once that happens, Pau has to slide over to power forward. I would still like to see Lamar start rather than Luke because I think he needs to start in order to be the player we are now seeing. Fortunately, the Lakers are so deep and talented that they can probably win the championship without Drew. With him, they will sweep through all 16 games and post the best post-season record ever.

JMNSHBO!

Tom

GOOD MORNING LAKER NATION!

It's time for...

Jon K.'s Early Thoughts That He Has Not Put Too Much Thought Into Yet:

1. Admit it! It feels GOOD to beat the Suns! Don't it? Nash or no Nash, it don't matter! It's going to feel especially good to beat the Suns when they are a lottery team over the next six years! I hate the Suns.

2. Thank you, The Big Mistake for destroying the Suns from the inside! When we do retire your jersey, just keep in mind that some of my applause will be for you destroying the Suns.

3. We made the right decision when we traded Chris Mihm and kept DJ Mbenga.

4. Shannon Brown is the man! I'm beginning to love this Rad Vlad trade. Shannon Brown is quickly becoming one of my favorite Lakers! The kid LOVES being a Laker! That's awesome!

5. Adam Morrison played GOOD last night! {Jon K. smiles broadly.}

6. I think Laker Tom predeicted some insane final record like 69-13 for the Lakers. Ummm... he might not be entirely crazy. Really.

7. Andrew "The Beast" Bynum is getting healthy! Oh what a wonderful time to be a Lakers fan. Thank you, God!

8. I'm liking BK in the glasses. PANACHE! He looks like a cross between Telli Savalis and White Urkel. Awesome.

9. The Cavs got beat down last night. {Jon K.'s maniacal laughter.}

10. The future's so bright, I've got to wear shades.

What do we play for? RINGS!!!!!

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

GO LAKERS!

GREAT GAME!

I have some time at work today, so I'll elaborate.

This was one of the best, most complete efforts of the year. I know people are fretting over the Machine, but he's playing well. SHooting horribly, yes, but he's not letting it affect his total game. Although, he tried a REALLy hot bounce pass, in traffic, to Powell where a scoop pass would've been more catchable. He also seemed to want to get in Mbenga's face when he didn't cut to the hole on one play, but Lamar (Lamar???) showed osme great leadership and got everyone re-focused.

Lamar is playing the way he did when Pau first got here, in fact he might even be playing better. His jumper looks good, he's finishing with authority (sometimes) and his lay ups aren't rolling off the rim like they have a habit of doing. His defence is solid, as well as his trademark rebounding. He is, however, getting tired of the "Where did this kind of effort come from" line of questioning. He seemed a wee miffed at Craig "I dress myself" Sager's line of questioning.

Farmar is playing OK, but he and Ariza seem to be excluding Sasha in the half-court set. They try to work the ball inside to that offensive dynamo Mbenga and Powell. Although I understand the value of working inside out, the drop off from Pau and Odom is palpable. Better to work the ball into the corner or drive and kick to Sasha with those two in a postion to rebound a miss. Not that they don't pass it to them, I just think they look to work inside a little too much when Pau and Odom are on the bench.

Pau should be up for MVP consideration because he's been so solid all year. If he averaged a few more boards I think he'd be a lock.

Nice to see Morrison and Brown get some floor time, I think both could be helpful in some playoff situations and need to get acclimated to the system and the LA feel. Morrison runs like a duck.

Another big game tonight, I'm curious to see how we fare against potential playoff opponents the Nugs. Chauncey B-B-B-Billups is one hell of a match-up for our little guards, so I wouldn't be surprised to see either Sasha or Ariza on him late if it's a tight game in the 4th. We need another big bench night (although I'd be happy if they scored in the high 30's...58 freakin' points, whew!). Work it inside to our talented post players, keep feeding the Machine the only way to shoot yourself out of a slump is to keep shooting.

GO LAKERS!!!!!

How in the world are the Lakers better without Drew?

I have been a hard advocate about not naming him the "Beast" due to Dwight Howard-Shaq reasons (different topic post), and the fact that he's had 3 knee surgeries in 4-5 years. Basing that alone on how many times it's been worked on is an issue. I'm not even leading to a conclusion that he is injury prone because accidents are accidents.

But for the Lakers to be better with out Drew is insane. I'll Kobe's opinion that "Drew takes us to another level" quote when he was asked during the game after the Memphis win. Even if Drew get's benched Mob, he would kill the back up center's progress in trying to make a difference.

I respect George Karl, but for now I'm siding Kobe who plays with the guy and respects him for his hard work.

>>>...hat all starts with Farmer. He has to learn how to set
>>>up his teammates, especially using the athleticism of
>>>Ariza, and the shooting touch of Sasha. Farmer wants to
>>>be in the same catagory as Deron and Chris paul.

You've gotta be kidding me.

First of all, Farmar will never be as good as Deron Williams or
Chris Paul. Any more than Nate Robinson will ever be as good
as Kobe Bryant. Much as Jordan and Nate may want to be at
that level, they never will be. That doesn't mean they're bad
players, it just means they'll never be superstar max contract
worthy players.

But the more important point is that Jordan is VERY good at
setting up his teammates. The only thing that keeps him from
having lots of assists is his minutes. Let's explain it this way...

Of the top 50 players in assists this season, only 6 play less
than 30 minutes a game. The top 10 assist guys in the leauge
average 35.9 minutes. Jordan averages about 19 minutes a
game.

And what's more, most of those guys are playing most of their
30 minutes with the starters on their team. Jordan has played
most of his minutes passing to guys like Chris Mihm (37%)
and Josh Powell (48%) and Sasha Vujacic (37%). If he was
playing starter minutes like the league leaders, he'd be passing
the ball to Pau Gasol (56%) and Andrew Bynum (56%)
and Kobe Bryant (47%).

What's more, Jordan has improved his numbers since he's
come back from his injury. If you look at the month of February,
he's averaging 3.2 assists per game in 18.3 minutes. While
that may not sound like a lot, if you normalize that up to the
35.9 minutes that the league leaders are playing, then Jordan
would be getting 6.3 assists per game, which would put him
just ahead of Chauncey Billups in assists per game, and tied
with Derrick Rose.

Did you get that? If Jordan was starting and playing the sort
of minutes that guys like Chris Paul and Deron Williams play,
he'd be getting as many assists as Derrick Rose. Not bad, huh?

Okay everybody, let's start a new bandwagon! Everyone must call their Figueroa parade date and time the parade reaches the platform at Staples.

My call is June 12th, 12:55 pm.

Hummmmm..... I wonder how Adam Morrison dances?

Xodus,

First off, the 2008 Celtics were a great defensive team. Probably one of the best in this era in comparable to the Poppovich Spurs and the Larry Brown Pistons. That being said they still are no way comparable to the 80's Pistons and the 90's Knicks.

I don't like comparing eras but the 80's Pistons were the best in the last 20 years (I'd say the Russell led Celtics were the best). Just in personnel itself were superior. Would you take Dennis Rodman or Tayshaun Prince defensively at SF? Richard Hamilton or Joe Dumars defensively? You probably know who is better.

The 80's Pistons and the 90's Knicks for that matter were more physical, more able to defend their man better, and were simply just a killer to go through defensively. Tex Winters called them "Murder" to go against. No disrespect also to the 08 Celtics (besides the usual fan to fan smack talk from time to time) but like Joe Dumars said:

"It is impossible to guard Michael Jordan with the rules today".

The 08 Celtics are amongst the best teams today to deny penetration to a perimeter player seeking to penetrate. Their ability to stop it completely though aren't as good as what the Bad Boy Pistons were able to do.

Korey,

When KB wins at least 3 Finals MVP's (I know he has a chance but *UNTIL* then) then he really isn't comparable to Jordan. I can say they both have the same killer instinct attitude and Kobe has the better outside shot and more overall skills but that's something else. I don't mean to always bring up Jordan but come on. Do you want people to think that Kevin Durant is better than Kobe? Kobe is the 2nd best SG of all time but Kobe's accomplishment still hasn't dented Jordan's. Likewise for Bynum is a really good player but already talk that he's going to be comparable to Shaq? That's just plain stupid.

The fact stop making comparisons because Kobe is Kobe Bryant.

LT,

Like I said, I don't agree with George Karl's statement about Bynum and altering shots near the basket is always a great thing. But other things like screen and roll defense has improved and with today's less handchecking it is more important to bust up screen and roll instead of just altering shots. I understand Bynum's staying near the basket, I really do. But it is almost as bad as Shaq's defense on the screen and roll since he too most times won't go out to step out unless in close games.

Bynum while being quick is not as quick as Pau or LO we both can agree on that I think, one of the factors I think he's reluctant to come out to hedge the screen. Like I said though, less altered shots so far but better screen and roll defense.

"Farmer wants to be in the same catagory as Deron and Chris paul."

(This is not for you Laker Tom but the person who said it):

Who wouldn't be? They are amongst the best in PG. Farmar simply doesn't have the athleticism though. BJ Armstrong wanted so much to be like Isaiah Thomas but he wasn't as athletic or as fast as Isaiah and he found out the hard way in Golden State.

But Farmar is still not yet the spot up shooter or defender Derek Fisher is.

-KB Blitz

Co-sign w/The D's comment.

And in case there is any confustion, LGC's, Red and the rest of you Lepercons, allow me to translate what he just said...

"1) We will beat your a$$ with Bynum "
- Christmas Day

"2) We will then beat your a$$ w/o Bynum ."
- 2/5/09

"3) We will then ask you which flavor of a$$-beating you preferred."
- JUNE 2009...provided you get that far. With Big Ben's injury a non season-ender, y'all are skating on thin ice.

And for you LeBron worshippers out there, same theory applies to the Crabs as well.

Bynum will come off the bench when he comes back...They won't rush him..This is actually perfect for the lakers as the bench will be really good..

Kobe's top 10 plays of the season thus far..
http://tinyurl.com/afgmr2
enjoy!!

LAKER GURU FROM INDIA

LongTimeLakerLover,

I hear you, and I agree with you.

I really don`t care to discuss the past...and that includes LAST season!

As for this season :

--Unless their plane goes down, the Lakers will be in the Finals. Period. Furthermore, they won`t be breaking much of a sweat in getting there.

--LA`s victories earlier this month in Boston and Cleveland were the two most impressive accomplishments any NBA team has pulled off this entire season.

--As of today {2-27-09}...and as much as I hate writing these words...the Celtics would not be able to win a seven game series against the Lakers.

--That being said, much can happen between now and the conclusion of this season. Late May and June is an eternity from now!

Lakers are better with Bynum. Lakers couldn't score with 4 min left in 4th quarter after Garnett fouled out in Boston. Some Lakers fan have short memory.

The D - the new Laker Scientist!!
ROTFLMAO!!!!
That was a good one!

Jamie: I thought exactly the same thing with LO/Sager interview. I have listened to a lot of his questions and he just tries to rehash all of the bad stuff with everyone. If you noticed at halftime - Kobe just passed Sager by and kind of waved a hand at him - I would have loved to hear what MVP said to him - maybe "talk to LO, I'm not dealing with your Shaq/Kobe stupidness anymore??"

LakerTom: hope you are doing well. I like your analysis as always but I don't think you, me or anyone esp AB17 want to be remembered for having the greatest January. If AB17 has a consistent FULL season much like Pau's consistency - I am with you brother. But we are two year's into his starting and we haven't gotten a full season yet. Yes, the signs are there for greatness - but he's had the luck of Oden in my book.

Next subject - Pau (an LO to a certain extent) playing tentative with Shaq - I would too this late in the season against a marginal at best playoff team. If either Pau or LO goes down because of a "hit" from Shaq - I don't think I can type what I am thinking right now. I think you (and everyone here) will agree - PJ told them to back off and not risk injury. The Suns and Shaq have nothing to lose in that respect except literally killing our season and Shaq would revel in it (in his own sick way).

GO LAKERS!

Thank you LongTimeLakerFan! Seems like fair number get their favorite player and then no matter what, that player can do no wrong. I admit, as a UCLAholic, Jordan's my favorite player and Trevor is my second. It's fun watching the Boys in Blue move on to become the Men in Purple.

I thought Jordan stunk it up for portions of the year and played too Vonwafery, But I have been pleased with his game for the last month and thank LTLF for pointing out the truth that Jordan's picked it up a notch.

As for just the numbers last night, notice JF shot 50%, 100% on three pointers. That certainly makes him selfish. And notice that the Machine and TA had much lower percentages. You can blast JF all you want for "selfishness", but it seems to me that you can't blame him for shot selection. And both guys took more shots than JF.

I also liked the fact, not initially, that Jordan wasn't afraid to pass to Mbenga. Obviously, he had enough confidence in him to give him some opportunities.

As for the chemistry problems, which are obvious, with the "Bench Mob", it seems that Sasha does his fair share to create a lot of it. He makes no bones about talking about his ability to be a "point guard". I don't see anyone else talking about wanting to be any other spot on the floor than they usually are. The truth is, everybody in the triangle has the opportunity to play point and it amazes me how many good distributors we have: Kobe, Fish, Luke, Lamar, Pau, and yes, Sasha!

I love the interchangability of all these Laker parts. I am sick of people ragging on first Lamar, then Luke, then Jordan. Not all of our players are Hall of Fame, but all of them together add up to one impressive whole.

It's this motley crew who gave us the best record in the NBA.....

Way to man up and admit the truth, Red. You've earned some respect around here today.

There are trolls (Butler, LGC's) and there are enemies who stand face to face with us defending their teams while also giving credit where credit is due (Sonny Belfast). With that classy statement, you're well on your towards the latter category.

As for all the discussion regarding AB17 coming back with the 2nd unit - I can definitely see that but it all comes down to matchups in the first round. If that's his first action it will depend completely on who we play:

Dallas - I think he could play with bench and we still win
Phoenix - nothing to be said except watching the Sun set.
Utah - might have to start AB17 since they are pretty big and will have full squad
NOH - Pau could probably handle Tyson so AB coming off bench could work
Portland - AB with the 2nd unit - no problem

I think Utah will be our toughest matchup in the first round if AB17 doesn't get any burn at end of season. He will be thrown into the fire immediately.

If anyone else - I think PJ will work him in to make sure he's ready for the 2nd round.

GO LAKERS!!