This week's 710 ESPN Lakers Podkast
We review a monumentally successful first half of the '08-'09 season, and welcome back F.O.T.S. (Friend of the Show) Eric Neel of ESPN.com. The All Star Game, the Shaq-Kobe-PJ reunion, next week's trade deadline- we kick around all that and more. Really, it's a feast of basketball sound. A smorgasbord. Your ears will have to join a gym when you're done listening, so packed with high calorie audio goodness is this week's installment.
Enjoy!
BK
According to Kcal 9 Pau Gasol will be participating on the Slam Dunk Contest.
Posted by: Charles | February 12, 2009 at 11:00 PM
ASU owns ucla, I mean, just OWNS them! THAT there was a game to attend, I tell ya.
Whew, the Utahns sure get ornery sometimes, don't they? Just uppity and proud-like! Sounds like the lakers went into a salt lake atmosphere not fully convinced of their own faith in themselves.
I'm actually here to ask your help. You see, my team has been hijacked by a wanton owner and his esteemed but ineffectual coach. Can you please come to PHX this weekend and join me in a planned protest outside US Airways Arena during the all-star game, suggesting loudly that Terry Porter and Kerr be removed so that the Suns can rebound from the mishandling, and continue to eliminate the lakers in the playoffs as in years past?
I'll buy the hot dogs and orange soda if you can make it!!
Posted by: BUTLER | February 12, 2009 at 11:12 PM
Charles lol. I was taken aback there.
http://tinyurl.com/burb7m
Says he'll just be helping Rudy.
Posted by: Faith | February 12, 2009 at 11:34 PM
Hey Butler,
Arizona Owns LA when it comes to dry plants.
Whew, I mean Steve Kerr really has it right. Move to a place that will turn him Lobster Red in the Sun and blow up a team that was always in contention for making noise in the playoffs. At at least I have a Cactus plant.
I'm actually here to ask for help. Can you join me at the Laker's blog anonymous and help me with my jackal type post's. I live in the past and also keep thinking my team has won 10 championships, but really working on 1. I mean I'm using an ASU game to feel good and ridicule myself by frequenting the blog that I am synonymous to a clowns name? Thank goodness I don't blog on the Steelers site.
I'll buy the dreams of winning if you can live it!
Posted by: Charles | February 12, 2009 at 11:39 PM
Damn Faith you got me!
Posted by: Charles | February 12, 2009 at 11:41 PM
Well BUTLER you come here "asking for help" when you bragged about how great Steve Kerr and how great Terry Porter was and how great of a defensive team you were going to be or how Goran Dragic was going to lock down Tony Parker when he broke Leandro's ankles.
Looks like Boston and Cleveland spanked you the right way that you are all crying about your former great ones and how they are now screwing with your team. You keep bragging about how the Suns own the title yet not only have the Lakers beaten The King's team and also the hated Green, both of them has EMBARRASSED your team!
No I don't think any one of us bloggers would like to join you because we all like seeing your Suns go down the toilet. I sincerely hope that your Amare-me Stoudemire goes to Chicago so Phoenix will keep on sucking just as much as the Clippers.
I just love it how your words are coming back at you now Butler, your team simply SUCKS. Karma coming back at you.
Posted by: Kobeblitz | February 13, 2009 at 12:18 AM
LakerTom ---
Thank you in return for your kind reply.
The thought occured to me that I forgot to offer my support for your idea of the Triple-Tower Starters. After all, since we missed Bynum during last year's entire play-off run, weren't we all teased with the idea of rolling out the longest starting front line in the league this season? Phil Jackson made no promises to anyone, but he certainly didn't do anything to quash that possibility...right?
Frankly, I don't remember if PJ even gave any serious court time to the 'dream' Triple-Towers front line during the preseason. Did he? Did he not? Even if he dabbled with that combination, I would strongly suggest that THIS Lamar Odom is far superior to the one we saw back then. Furthermore, the Andrew Bynum who was honored as the WC Player of the Week (right before he went down), was just beginning to play the best ball of his life. Add the sweet-shooting and passing Pau Gasol to that mix, and I wish Coach Jackson would at least give those 3 a fair shot at playing together.
Who among us would *honestly* complain IF Odom replaced Walton as a starter? Sure, he is a decent 'glue guy' out on the court, but in what area is Luke better than the 'new and improved' Lamar Odom? Seriously now...
It seems as if some kind of 'switch' has been flipped within LO, and it would be too simplistic to suggest that his improved performance is merely about him playing for a new contract. No. I believe that what we are seeing out of Lamar is the fruit of him reaching a certain level of maturity in his life...as well as on the court. It looks like he is finally 'getting it' and I'm hoping that there will be no turning back now. Sometimes it takes a while for things to *finally* make sense. It takes time for things to come into sharper focus...for anybody...much less a professional athlete whose every action comes under intense scrutiny. I'm happy for Lamar Odom, the human being, and I'm hoping that Phil Jackson will give him a fair chance to showcase his unique talents starting off games shoulder to shoulder with Andrew Bynum and Pau Gasol.
PLEASE...TRY OUT BYNUM, GASOL, AND ODOM TOGETHER IN THE STARTING LINE-UP...COACH JACKSON !!!
P & G R
Posted by: Purple & Gold Reign | February 13, 2009 at 12:44 AM
Charles and kobeblitz -
Are you referring to Amare, your Western Conference All Star Starter?
I was at the ASU-ucla game tonight, one of the better wins for ASU in some time. ucla is good mostly because of its coach, Ben Howland, who I used to be impressed with when I went to NAU in Flagstaff.
Now admit it, you're going to start weeping and feeling a deep longing when you see Shack and kobey connect for a bucket.
Posted by: BUTLER | February 13, 2009 at 01:52 AM
On putting Ariza on point guards:
That would have worked: 14 YEARS AGO!!
Both Harper and Pippen on point guards were allowed to be more tough and physical on their man due to hand checking and they were heavily knocked out of their game then. Now it's HARDER to guard against point guards. Sure Ariza against Tony Parker worked and so against CP3 the first time Ariza was on him. One thing though:
Tony Parker is NOT as skilled as CP3 is.
Tony Parker is super fast. And he has good skill too. Skill set though is not as complete as CP3 is and Trevor did have an easier time on Parker than CP3.
CP3 TORCHED every defender that was thrown on him in the 3rd New Orleans game. Fish, Sasha, and Trevor could simply not keep up with him. CP3 may or may not be as fast as TP but his skill set is definitely more than Tony Parker's is.
D-Will may not be as fast as either TP or CP3 but his skill set offense wise may be equal or even greater than CP3's (Defense wise CP3 holds the edge over D-Will).
Putting Trevor Ariza may or may not slow him down. The point is that it won't be the same as Ron Harper or Scottie Pippen was on point guards because of the lack of handchecking and not as much physical defense can be played can them as Lebron was. Both CP3 and D-Will are point guards and primary ball handlers so trying to deny them the ball is useless unless you force the ball out of their hands. And 2 you can't put a hand on their body or even an elbow unless their backs are turned and they are not Chauncey Billups or Gary Payton who are point guards who do post up.
Best way to stop them is with team defense.
-KB Blitz
Posted by: Kobeblitz | February 13, 2009 at 05:29 AM
What are we REALLY going to talk about for a week? I'm not sure.
It pained me watching UCLA lose in the last two minutes last night. Arizona fans are classless.
GO BRUINS!
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | February 13, 2009 at 07:49 AM
What are we REALLY going to talk about for a week? I'm not sure.
Posted by: Jon K. | February 13, 2009 at 07:49 AM
I have an idea let's go be WITNESSES on the Cleveland
Blog & talk trash about Labronze.... Nah!
Posted by: Mamab24 | February 13, 2009 at 08:13 AM
Hey Jon K,
GO DEVILS!
Posted by: "Pig" Miller | February 13, 2009 at 08:18 AM
BUTLER,
It's so funny to see you here asking for our, Lakers diehards, help? I can only imagine how desperate you are. Charles, right on money, we all looking for complete destruction of hated FUNS and vanishing in sunset, place where they definitely belong, like a bad dream. Unfortunately for you and other FUNS loyalists, our Lakers on the rise to the new dynasty, that will be ruling West and NBA for many years to come. You can enjoy Amare – Nobody-Wants-Him-Stoudemire as you only consolation this season. You are guys looking at hard reality, long painful rebuilding. With big Shactus under contract for next season, it’ll be close to impossible. Good luck!!
Posted by: LAL_Fan | February 13, 2009 at 08:28 AM
Butler, what happened to you? You used to be so beautiful! Coming on to a Lakers Blog to clown UCLA? This has to be a whole new level of disgrace for you.
Lord, have mercy on the child...PLEASE!
Posted by: utzworld - THE BANNER HOLDER | February 13, 2009 at 08:35 AM
Kobeblitz,
I'm starting to doubt that you are watching the basketball games and instead focused on fighting blog battles...
Did you NOT see Ariza harass Tony Parker against the Spurs both games? Ariza's length bothers Parker's ability to try to blow by and get a quick layup.
CP3 is freaking CP3. Of course you aren't going to shut him out. But again, Ariza does probably the best job for us on PGs because he can recover off the P/R quicker and challenge CP3's shot when he tries to go to the rack with his quick jumping ability and length.
I have NO IDEA what you are talking about with Ariza vs. opposing PGs when he has already proven that he can be an effective nuisance to these lightning quick PGs around the league...
So first off, we gotta ask: did you actually watch the LA v. Spurs games or are you just theorizing things? How can you not see that Ariza is an effective player against opposing PGs?
Blitz no make sense.
Posted by: Korey | February 13, 2009 at 08:40 AM
Butler
"Are you referring to Amare, your Western Conference All Star Starter?"
Yes, the cancer that's involved in all the trade rumors and the Allstar that Self Proclaims like Shaq.
"Now admit it, you're going to start weeping and feeling a deep longing when you see Shack and kobey connect for a bucket."
No. That's what Shaq's been doing since he got to your team. According to him, Kobe is a 10.
Posted by: Charles | February 13, 2009 at 08:43 AM
It has been more than a year since the blockbuster Gasol deal and the ripple effect on the Western conference teams is still being felt, none more so than PHX. In a panic knee-jerk reaction, Kerr trades the Matris for Shaq (although according to rumor, it was actually D'Antoni who was pushing to get Shaq) and the rest is history. D'Antoni is gone and so are Bell and Diaw, culminating with Amare now on the trading block.
Posted by: The Snake | February 13, 2009 at 08:45 AM
Good morning Mamba24, Charles, Jon K & the morning CRUE!
Hey Butt-ler boy - the best you can come up with is college ball and wah wah wah over how your Funs are so screwed up??? HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA! Enjoy the 2nd half of the season, listening to the great big sucking noise that will be the Funs going down the toilet until the next decade (or so....)!!!!
The only thing Butt-ler boy got right is the tingly feeling I'll probably feel if Kobe lobs one to Shaq. Of course the Shaqtus will have to be able to elevate his huge frame off the ground to get it & throw it down... Actually - THAT may give me the tinglies!!
AK/BK - just curious - did you guys say if you're going to have the live chat during the All-Star Game?
GO WEST!!! GO LAKERS!!!
Posted by: justanothermambafan | February 13, 2009 at 08:45 AM
Butler, what happened to you? You used to be so beautiful! Coming on to a Lakers
Blog to clown UCLA? This has to be a whole new level of disgrace for you.
Lord, have mercy on the child...PLEASE! Posted by:
utzworld - THE BANNER HOLDER | February 13, 2009 at 08:35 AM
MY GOD, 7 DAYS OFF AND THE WHOLE BLOG HAS GONE MAD, NOW YOU HAVE ENTICED
OUR CHAPLAIN INTO THIS. TAAUNTING THAT POOR BUTLER CREATURE. WHAT MANNER OF
MEN ARE YOU. IF YOU ARE HUNGRY CALL PIG AND WE'LL BABEQUE BUTLER
AND HAVE A PICNIC. OTHERWISE LET THE POOR MISERABLE CREATURE FIND A
LITTLE HAPPPINESS IN WHAT IS LEFT OF HIS FUNS WORLD. OHHHHHH THE HUMANITLY
ROFLMFAO!!!!!!!!!!!! HAHAHHAHAHHAHAHHAHHAAHAHHAHAHHAHAHAHAH!!!!!
STOP IT!! STOP IT NOW!!! HAHHAHAHAAH BUTLER GET YOUR BEHIND BACK TO
YOUR 3RD GRADE CLASS RIGHT NOW. OHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH THE HUMANITY!
Posted by: | February 13, 2009 at 09:03 AM
IF Shaq and Kobe can get back together does that mean there's a chance that I can come back to!!
Posted by: THOSE MAGNIFICENT CALVES | February 13, 2009 at 09:05 AM
TRIPLE TOWERS
=======
I dont think it's happening this year.
The biggest reason is that it's better to play consistent basketball the WHOLE game, then to play great basketball with your starters on OK basketball with your bench.
So many games, our bench has blown teams out because we have starter level players on the court when the other teams bench guys are on.
If you bring Bynum or LO off the bench, then you always keep a borderline all-star player on the floor and that is much more important than trying to have some "uber" starting lineup for fantasy -sake.
Posted by: Korey | February 13, 2009 at 09:08 AM
Whatever you guys say on Ariza, I still favor Trevor. He is a positive addition to the Lakers. You can't make comparison between positives and try to justify who is better? No such thing as positive (a). Without Ariza, Lakers will not be accummulating all those wins, the same way with Odom lately, there is consistency and awareness in his aggressiveness to the hoop, a semblance of D but more is expected. This change occurred ever since the Mailman made a reference that he should step up on his contract year. Lakers should find a way to maintain all the ingredients in the team, it is not a matter of choices of just Kob, Drew, Pau, LO, at some point everyone has to give way to accommodate the others. I would say work as a team in pay and in point production. Why not focus savings by eliminating the negatives? You cannot just be relegated to a passing genius and couldn't buy a basket on important games. No justification for such malarkey. I'm referring to Luke's production of 2 pts. similar to the last game of the Lakers against Phoenix on his contract year in '07 2 pts. While all the starters were scoring double digits, the weakest link is scoring 2 pts therefore, we cannot put the onus of blame on Ariza or Odom or Fisher. There is no more VladRad to kick around, got to call a spade, a spade.
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | February 13, 2009 at 09:09 AM
Hey Don't forget me!
Posted by: SMUSH PARKER | February 13, 2009 at 09:09 AM
AK/BK, its almost time for the "Who would you want to play in the 1st round" thread!
My early take: Let's stay away from Utah and PHX if possible and beat up on Dallas or Houston.
Posted by: Korey | February 13, 2009 at 09:10 AM
***REPOST***
Nemaia,
>>> What has caused the light bulb to go on in LO's head?
Who really knows? But there is no doubt that the light has gone on. Like everything, it is probably a combination of different things. I would bet first and foremost that starting is a big part of it. While Lamar backed off his initial negative reaction in favor of whatever the team needs him to do, the simple fact is that this was probably the first time in his life that was not a starter. If you have ever played the game, let me tell you, everybody wants to start and not everybody is capable of coming off the bench.
Another factor was stepping up again when Andrew went down. Lamar is a very loyal and dedicated teammate and I think this year, like last year, he felt an obligation to become more aggressive and take on a bigger load with Drew injured. You know that Kobe and Pau felt the same. Just like last year, tragedy proved to be a source of inspiration for the Lakers as the team pulled together and proved they could win despite losing Drew. That says a lot about the character and confidence that this team has built.
A third and important factor is as a starter Lamar gets to play with other starters and thus does not have the pressure of leadership that he has coming off the bench. It is the same reason why he never was a great #2 for Kobe. He is better in an environment where he is the 3rd or 4th option, which he is when he starts, versus being the veteran leader when he comes off the bench. If we want the best from Lamar Odom, I think it as to be as a starter.
It is time for the Lakers to drop Luke from the starting lineup when Bynum is ready to start again and leave Lamar as the starting small forward. Not only has he earned it, but why take the risk of losing the magic Lamar has captured by sending him back to the bench. With all the talk about spreading the floor with 3-point shooters, don’t forget what a benefit and devastating weapon Lamar Odom slashing to the rim without the ball can be.
Time for the Triple Towers. JMNSHBO!
Tom
Posted by: LakerTom | February 13, 2009 at 09:15 AM
Butler if you find Lets Go C's and bring him back along with some Barbeque
sauce you can both stay for dinner.
Posted by: Mamb24 | February 13, 2009 at 09:16 AM
Laker Tom,
I wouldn't mind seeing the 3 t's in spurts. I actually thought when we had Bynum, Powell, Odom, Ariza and Bryant on the floor for a few minutes during the San Antonio away game was pretty damn sick to watch...
Hope all is well my man.
Posted by: Charles | February 13, 2009 at 09:21 AM
During the all star break I'd like to review a few things:
First, three embarrassing things in the NBA:
1. The Phx Suns. Shaq, Nash and Amare all don't want to be there anymore and Porter will be fired any day. "It’s Over Johnny."
2. Elgin Baylor suing the league for age and race discrimination? Wow -- as if his legacy wasn't damaged enough working for the Titanics all those years.
3. The Bulls looking to Doug Collins AGAIN. Yeah, he sounds like a great basketball theory guy when broadcasting, but isn't it obvious by now that he can't coach. MJ only won 6 titles after he was fired.
Speaking of Theorems -- My ode to the slam dunk contest is to figure out how far Dr. J flew when he dunked from the free throw line.
The Pythagorean Theorem tells us that A2 + B2 = C2 (those are squares) so given that the foul line is 15 feet away from the basket and the basket is 10 feet high and at a 90 degree angle to the floor, the answer is an astounding 18 feet, which is no short order with that fro.
Posted by: HmrHed | February 13, 2009 at 09:21 AM
Butler went to NAU? We Sun Devils laugh at that school. Go back to D2 where you belong, you aren't a Sun Devil so don't even claim that victory as yours. Even if you do, its hollow.
And finally, next time you go bragging that you have a Western Conference All-Star, make sure you don't have him on the trading block ready to be traded for Kwame Brown, Travis Knight, and a bag of Doritos. At least Kwame is known as a defender.
Hope you choke on a Whataburger tonight.
Fork you,
#4, proud Sun Devil (not associated with any school in Flagstaff).
Posted by: #4 | February 13, 2009 at 09:32 AM
"Pig" Miller, great game last night eh?
Posted by: #4 | February 13, 2009 at 09:32 AM
HmrHed,
Or how about d. howard winning a dunk contest without dunking his last atempt last year.
Posted by: Magia32 | February 13, 2009 at 09:33 AM
HmrHed
Why didn't you calculate the wind factor from the fro?
Posted by: Charles | February 13, 2009 at 09:33 AM
BUTLER,
>>>Now admit it, you're going to start weeping and feeling a
>>>deep longing when you see Shack and kobey connect
>>>for a bucket.
So you think Kobe will make the pass?
pass the bucket of chicken down to Snaquille O'Meal to scarf?
Posted by: LongTimeLakerFan | February 13, 2009 at 09:41 AM
LakerTom,
The idea of LO in the bench mob is to empower the second team. To me, the starter and second team are just about the same at the course of the game. What you accumulate at the starting salvo may be lost in Part 2 if your players are anemic in the second group. With Bynum, Gasol, Kobe and Fisher of course the passing maestro, let it remain as is, they are very competitive in so many games. Our best is the entrance of the bench mob or 2nd team, that's when Lakers get the leads back, Why? Because our second team is equivalent to the first team of many teams, their second team mixture of rookies are not as effective as our 2nd team, the tempo in Farmar, Sasha, Trevor, LO, Gasol or Bynum is like the overdrive in a car, there is more speed and more firepower than the head start. I think that is what PJ has developed. Now if we follow your advice of sliding Walton to 2nd team, suddenly the 2nd team becomes weaker and more T/O's because of too many gambling in passes, too many alley hoops that does not materialize, too much scramble that they lose their focus on their guards. I wish Morrison is a good alternative and make Walton the 3rd option in SF. He only comes in when the 1st and 2nd are faltering. You cannot rely on him as bread and butter SF, basically Forwards are all good shooters and gunners and the best passers are PG's. When the triangle goes slow, why not make Luke play as a PG, I think that is the effective way of using his forte' which is passing. Just my point of view.
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | February 13, 2009 at 09:44 AM
>>> What has caused the light bulb to go on in LO's head?
It isn't obvious?
If Lamar had kept making boneheaded turnovers and not guarding
the 3 point line to give games away and stuff like that, then
who do you think would be the number 1 trade rumor in the
country right now? Sure, Amare would be the biggest name,
but Lamar would be considered "most likely to be wearing a
different colored jersey by the end of the year.".
This whole push by Lamar is a big "PLEASE PLEASE DON'T
TRADE ME" effort on his part.
Seriously, if Lakers had lost in both Boston and Cleveland,
do you think the Lakers wouldn't at least be thinking about
offering a package including Lamar for Stoudewhiner or Bosh?
And can you imagine if Mitch had pulled his magic trading
mojo like he did last year and got Bosh for Lamar and almost
nothing else of consequence?
Kobe - Gasol - Bosh (& Baby B with the injured knee) would
be pretty darned formidable.
Posted by: LongTimeLakerFan | February 13, 2009 at 09:49 AM
kobeblitz is a Luke groupie not a game watcher!
Posted by: chuck23 | February 13, 2009 at 09:53 AM
LTLF, Getting Bosh is a dream come true. If we can't afford paying Ariza & LO at 11M, how can we afford Bosh at 14M? JB might go on welfare just to pay all these millionaires..
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | February 13, 2009 at 10:07 AM
Magia32: Still it looked pretty good until you got it on slo mo. But he did throw it down.
Charles: Measuring wind resistance for THAT fro is well beyond my mathematical knowledge base. hahahaha
Posted by: HmrHed | February 13, 2009 at 10:09 AM
>>>kobeblitz is a Luke groupie not a game watcher!
chuck23 is actually Elizabeth Beshear, and she can't stand it
that the Lakers are playing well with Luke as a starter.
Posted by: LongTimeLakerFan | February 13, 2009 at 10:10 AM
>>> What has caused the light bulb to go on in LO's head?
Whatever trash talk that came out of Garnett's big mouth after Lamar gave him that butt slap...
Posted by: The Snake | February 13, 2009 at 10:11 AM
HmrHed
Isn't it Fro x's Footsize divided by speed?
Posted by: Charles | February 13, 2009 at 10:15 AM
Charles,
All is well with me and with my Lakers. Hope the same is true with you. Just a long way to go until the games count – the playoffs. LOL.
Tom
Posted by: LakerTom | February 13, 2009 at 10:15 AM
MAMBA24,
I'll rip on LeBron all day long. It never gets boring.
Let me bear witness...
74% of NBA players would choose Kobe Bryant to take the game winning shot.
No other player got more than 3%.
LeBron probably got 1.5%.
LeBron for MVP? What a ridiculous joke!
What do we play for? RINGS!!!!
Lakers Today... Lakers Tomorrow... Lakers Forever.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | February 13, 2009 at 10:16 AM
P & G R,
>>> PLEASE...TRY OUT BYNUM, GASOL, AND ODOM TOGETHER IN THE
>>> STARTING LINE-UP...COACH JACKSON !!!
Yeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeessssssssssssssssss!
Mamba,
Let’s start a “Triple Towers Please, Phil” Bandwagon. I’ll drive and P & G R will ride shotgun. Thank you, Larry.
Tom
Posted by: LakerTom | February 13, 2009 at 10:18 AM
"Or how about d. howard winning a dunk contest without dunking his last atempt last year."
Posted by: Magia32
Thank you! If he pulled that crap with two gold bracelets, and a Burger King Crown he'd be called Wonder Woman.
Too many people believed the hype. Just like Josh Smith wearing Nique's jersey...
Posted by: Charles | February 13, 2009 at 10:18 AM
Jon,
>>> 74% of NBA players would choose Kobe Bryant to take the game winning shot.
>>> No other player got more than 3%.
>>> LeBron probably got 1.5%.
>>> LeBron for MVP? What a ridiculous joke!
You tell ‘em, Jon. Right On!
Tom
Posted by: LakerTom | February 13, 2009 at 10:19 AM
LTLF,
It is not only you who is dreaming, Peter Vecsey also include the Lakers in Amare garage sale. Kobe is just smiling, "this is All Star West in the Lakers."
From NY Post by Peter Vecsey
"Last I looked, Stoudemire hasn't exactly proved capable of carrying an affluent team to ultimate glory.
Judging by what the Cavs have to offer - as mentioned, expiring contracts and talented youngbloods - and Kerr's connection and affection for Danny Ferry - I'm guessing it'll be Kevin McHale-Danny Ainge revisited . . . unless L.A. makes Lamar Odom available."
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | February 13, 2009 at 10:20 AM
Charles:
>>Isn't it Fro x's Footsize divided by speed?<<
I thought that was short length.
Posted by: Isn't it Fro x's Footsize divided by speed? | February 13, 2009 at 10:24 AM
Triple Towers is a BAD idea.
If you're enjoying Lamar's renewed play, then you'll want LO and Pau connecting in the 2nd & 4th quarters.
If you enjoy watching Lamar do his thing, then you'll also realize that he has NEVER played like this from the perimeter (when he plays the 3 spot).
PJ has tried LO at the 3 so many times before that it's a foregone conclusion that he just isn't that good at the 3 spot. LO's skill is more on the inside.
Plain and simple.
Remember the commercial where there was 5 Shaq's on the floor?
That team would get crushed. They'd have a nice low post presence but would be horrific on the perimeter, and that's why we cannot have the so-called mythical triple tower approach.
Posted by: Tim-4-Show | February 13, 2009 at 10:25 AM
Charles:
>>Isn't it Fro x's Footsize divided by speed?<<
I thought that was short length.
Posted by: HmrHed | February 13, 2009 at 10:25 AM
Peter Vecsey's credibility is worth less than a Lehman Bros stock share.
Anyone that takes Amare runs a huge risk of team implosion. He's a great talent and could help a team like the Cavs.... maybe, or maybe we'd all be laughing as the Cavs crumble and Ferry has to start the fire sale the same way Kerr has had to do.
Posted by: Tim-4-Show | February 13, 2009 at 10:28 AM
Long tall lineup:
The argument that's made the rounds of the knowledgeable talking heads, Norm Nixon and others, is that LO starting with the twin sevens creates a defensive speed liability more than an offensive spacing issue, which, because of LOs mid range challenged game, is still an issue.
We've never seen them on the court together, the coaching staff has.
Posted by: VMan | February 13, 2009 at 10:32 AM
Mamba with the big LOL for the a.m. Very funny.
LakerTom: I agree to a certain extent. I would like to see it in spurts. And while we might give up speed - I think against certain teams it would work.
And please note, my caveat - the following assume a lot of various things and doesn't cover the whole x and o spectrum - I certainly am not the basketball mind that a lot of you guys are - so this is MHO.......
My fear is on the offensive end - I think the TripT would greatly cut down on KB24's post play and that's where a lot of the gimmes for Pau, AB17 and LO come from. I don't believe KB would play his natural game with all those bigs in his way.
Everyone keeps saying ball movement is key to the triangle and I think having the TripT would take away a lot of that and make MVP a pure jump shooter and/or 3 pt'er. Net/net is that better for the Lakers? I am not sure. Maybe against offense-challenged teams?
Let's take the Spurs who are at 97.78 PPG - would we really want to take our chances at the end of a close game with that lineup? I wouldn't gamble the game hoping we can guard the 3. I believe our perimeter D is what lost the last SAS game. Perimeter D is a Laker weakness.
But we have also seen KB challenged by the defense in the C's game and specifically in Utah where he couldn't get the ball to the post - much to all of our frustration. That's what I would see with triple towers at end of close game situations. No ball movement = "L's"
As for LO being the 3/4 option - totally agree - but he won't be making the $$ next year with the Lakers to be that kind of guy. Like Fish - he is going to have to join the big pay cut team.
I definitely agree with LTLF's assessment. It's LO saying don't trade me. I think the other big light that went on is he really and truly does have life/basketball perspective and balance (as he said).
I think he is at peace with all the death and bad things that have happened to his family. That peace has allowed him to see what his place in the game can become with a RING. His competitve spirit and peace has translated to......it's all about the RINGS. Right Jon K?
GO LAKERS!!!
Posted by: PsychedLakerGirl | February 13, 2009 at 10:33 AM
Please be patient with this post.
Elgin Baylor is the least appreciated Great and Laker Great of All-Time. If you listen to his story, what he went through, and the accomplishments he made, it can be argued that Elgin was a Greater player than Wilt Chamberlain.
Chick Hearn himself said that Elgin Baylor was the Greatest player he ever saw play.
He was a phenomenal player and his lack of a ring has ruined his legacy. And it's a damned shame.
All that said, Elgin, I'm sorry, brother, but... I'm going to have to side with the hated "The" Don Sterling on this one.
Your case doesn't make sense and its only going to besmirch your unappreciated legacy.
1. You stay with the Clippers for 22 years despite a suposed environment of racism.
2. The Clippers kept you on for 22 years despite a history of making ATROCIOUS lottery pick decisions. I don't know what damned the Clippers more, your awful decisions or Sterling's miserliness. I think both went hand-in-hand, yet The Don kept you on. Has any other GM been kept on a losing team for 22 years without being fired? Ever? Especially after such a consistent history of horribly lottery picks? Probably only Donald Sterling would be that stupid! I know you didn't get paid a lot, but, man, maybe you'd get a raise if you could make and keep a quality draft pick.
3. Yes, you were let go in a HIGHLY disrespectful fashion, as is customary with a classless narcissist like Donald Sterling, but what did you expect? The guy's an egotistical jerk.
4. It must not have been a picnic working for the Clippers, but you have to accept some of that responsibility. You were number two in charge, after all. If thing were that bad or you were that powerless, you had a personal responsibility to quit as a statement of dignity, honor, and as a competitor. You didn't.
5. Elgin, dude, you're 74! Did you think the Clippers were going to keep you on until you were 88? Jeez. Enjoy a little downtime in your retirement!
6. This smacks of the tired race card being used as a tool of revenge. I know you went through awful times as a youth in a society of disgusting intolerance, but I hope we've moved through that and we don't have to have this racial antagonism anymore. If you are throwing the race card down for leverage, your not doing yourself or society or basketball any favors.
7. Everyone knows that Don Sterling is a shallow, miserly, materialistic, often delusional jerk. In short, to quote the great comic figure Super-Chicken, "You knew the job was dangerous when you took it." You shouldn't complain when it ended poorly. I'm sorry.
Lakers Today... Lakers Tomorrow... Lakers Forever.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | February 13, 2009 at 10:35 AM
Butler,
Are the Suns still in the NBA? Wow, I hope so.
Posted by: Laker Larry | February 13, 2009 at 10:38 AM
Hello crazy Amare' trade fans - no shot Lakers would get him unless we sent major assets to PHX. They are hoping for an 8 seed right now. So, the only way they would do that is if it put them in the position to pull off a major upset against us in the first round. And we know that's just not going to happen.
Maybe Minnesota, Memphis or the Clips - I just don't see Kerr agreeding to keep Amare in the WC especially the Lakers, Spurs, Dallas or Houston.
Posted by: PsychedLakerGirl | February 13, 2009 at 10:42 AM
Edwin Gueco,
>>>. unless L.A. makes Lamar Odom available."
Hey, I wouldn't be opposed to a straight up Lamar for Amare
trade, as long as I'm not paying the megasalaries.
John Hollinger also mentioned that in his ESPN chat earlier
in the week - his exact proposal was Amare for Odom, Ariza,
and Farmar. My response to that was, OH HELL NO!!!!!!!
That trade would effectively kill the Lakers championship
hopes for at least until summer when they could re-tool and
add a piece or two to fill the gaps.
Posted by: LongTimeLakerFan | February 13, 2009 at 10:53 AM
With regards to 2010 F/A players, here is what Mitch K. said on NewsOK, an Oklahoma newspaper:
The heightened concern stems from the country’s economic woes, a growing fear that the salary cap could be on the decline for only the second time since its introduction in 1984-85 and the highly anticipated summer of 2010, when LeBron James and other big names could be on the free agent market.
"Every situation’s different,” said Los Angeles Lakers general manager Mitch Kupchak. "All owners and general managers in this league want to win. Financial considerations are always something that’s taken into account. But basically, a GM and an owner are not going to do a deal unless it makes sense for the franchise and it puts them in a better position to win going forward."
~~ I don't think Kobe will not be paired with perrenial MVP contenders like LBJ or DW, lakers can only afford one. We can't go back to the time of Magic, Kareem and Worthy three HOF'ers in one team. The price of a HOFer is inflated in today's market.
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | February 13, 2009 at 10:56 AM
“Speaking of Theorems -- My ode to the slam dunk contest is to figure out how far Dr. J flew when he dunked from the free throw line.
The Pythagorean Theorem tells us that A2 + B2 = C2 (those are squares) so given that the foul line is 15 feet away from the basket and the basket is 10 feet high and at a 90 degree angle to the floor, the answer is an astounding 18 feet, which is no short order with that fro.”
Sorry but this will have to be categorized as the HmrHed Fallacy since it assumes that Dr. J’s foot travelled in a straight line from the foul line to the top of the basket, which is a physical impossibility.
The real trajectory looks more like an inverted Nike swoosh with Dr.J attaining his vertical peak about 3/4 of the way and is on a downward trajectory by the time he gets to the basket. There is a considerable discussion on the physics of the Dr. J dunk on the internet so I will not elaborate any further. What is truly amazing is that when Dr. J made that dunk in the 1985 Slam Dunk contest, HE WAS ALREADY 35 YEARS OLD!!!!
Posted by: The Snake | February 13, 2009 at 11:00 AM
Charles,
your welcome lol.
What up mang.
Posted by: Magia32 | February 13, 2009 at 11:01 AM
15 years ago I wondered to myself why Elgin still had a job as GM. Wow, he was terrible.
And they kept him around for 22 seasons?!!?
This pretty much demonstrates how law suits typically happen.... by offending.
There might be some substance to Elgin's complaint, but I'm with Jon here, the bulk of it is a huge stretch in the best case. It really doesn't do him any favors and really makes his time with the Clips look even more trashy.
Elgin, you're better than that.
And yes, he was the greatest in the game... but as a player. He got an extra 20 years doing work that he sucked at and everyone knew it....
Where else would lousy performance get rewarded like that? If anything, it would seem like respect for one of the great players to ever play... but that's just me looking in.
Posted by: Tim-4-Show | February 13, 2009 at 11:03 AM
. Everyone knows that Don Sterling is a shallow, miserly, materialistic, often delusional jerk.
In short, to quote the great comic figure Super-Chicken, "You knew the job was dangerous
when you took it." You shouldn't complain when it ended poorly.
JON K. You said what I wanted to say better than I could. THANKS!
Larry(Mamba24))
Posted by: Mamba24 | February 13, 2009 at 11:07 AM
Butler,Are the Suns still in the NBA? Wow, I hope so.
Posted by: Laker Larry | February 13, 2009 at 10:38 AM
STOP IT LAKER LARRY, STOP IT NOW! LOL!
Posted by: MAMBA24 | February 13, 2009 at 11:09 AM
AMARE WOULD FIT IN VERY NICELY. HE HAS ALL THE QUALTIES THE LAKERS LOOK FOR ... SOFT ... LOTS OF OFFENSE ... NO DEFENSE AND NO REBOUNDING.
LAST GAME VS THE WORLD CHAMPIONS:
"Amare Stoudemire, the Suns' leading scorer this season, had just three points on 0-for-7 shooting."
HE DID HAVE 1 REBOUND IN 30 MINUTES!
Posted by: 131-92 | February 13, 2009 at 11:10 AM
Snake:
Hmmmm. "The HmrHed Fallacy" -- I like it. You are correct the way you have framed it, of course. Damn it -- what are you a physicist?
LO for Amare? hmmmm it's close for me. LO and Ariza for Amare -- NO.
Have a good one folks -- got to run.
Posted by: HmrHed | February 13, 2009 at 11:23 AM
Edwin Gueco,
>>>We can't go back to the time of Magic, Kareem and
>>>Worthy three HOF'ers in one team. The price of a HOFer
>>> is inflated in today's market.
Well, let's just say it's exceedingly difficult to bring in 3 players
that are already at that level.
OTOH, if the Lakers win something like 3 championships with
the core of Kobe, Gasol, and Bynum, I don't think it's out of
the question that all three of those players could become HOFers.
Posted by: LongTimeLakerFan | February 13, 2009 at 11:25 AM
AMARE IS A PERFECT FIT FOR THE LAKERS. HE POSES ALL THE QUALITIES THAT THE LAKERS LOOK FOR ... SOFT ... LOTS OF OFFENSE ... NO DEFENSE ... NO REBOUNDING!
IN HIS LAST GAME VS. THE WORLD CHAMPIONS:
Amare Stoudemire, the Suns' leading scorer this season, had just three points on 0-for-7 shooting.
HE DID HAVE 1 REBOUND IN 30 MINUTES!
Posted by: 131-92 | February 13, 2009 at 11:25 AM
AMARE IS A PERFECT FIT FOR THE LAKERS. HE POSES ALL THE QUALITIES THAT THE
LAKERS LOOK FOR ... SOFT ... LOTS OF OFFENSE ... NO DEFENSE ... NO REBOUNDING!
IN HIS LAST GAME VS. THE WORLD CHAMPIONS: Amare Stoudemire, the
Suns' leading scorer this season, had just three points on 0-for-7 shooting.
HE DID HAVE 1 REBOUND IN 30 MINUTES!
STOP IT! STOP IT NOW! AHAHHAHAHAHHAAAAHA ROFLMFAO!!!!!!!!
Posted by: MambA24 | February 13, 2009 at 11:34 AM
Jon K ~
Mad props for the Super-Chicken reference! LOL
Posted by: Debbie M. | February 13, 2009 at 11:38 AM
Well, well, well, look who's back. Butler in all his forms.
ahahahahaha
Posted by: Chicken Little | February 13, 2009 at 11:46 AM
"Snake:
Hmmmm. "The HmrHed Fallacy" -- I like it. You are correct the way you have framed it, of course. Damn it -- what are you a physicist? "
No, but I did stay at the Holiday Inn last night... 8-)
Posted by: The Snake | February 13, 2009 at 12:05 PM
Psyched,
Thanks for your comments. There are always advantages and disadvantages with every lineup. The key is to find the right time and place to play the Triple Towers. And trying it in practice is not the same as in the game.
I am happy with Luke starting and Lamar coming off the bench because I think Lamar is best playing the 4. My big worry is that I think the main reason Lamar is playing so well right now is that he is starting, where he is the #3 option, whereas when he comes off the bench, he has the pressure of being the #1 or #2 option. Some guys are just better as starters or playing with the starters, which I think is the case with Lamar.
Tom
Posted by: LakerTom | February 13, 2009 at 12:25 PM
Vman,
>>> The argument that's made the rounds of the knowledgeable talking heads,
>>> Norm Nixon and others, is that LO starting with the twin sevens creates a
>>> defensive speed liability more than an offensive spacing issue, which,
>>> because of LOs mid range challenged game, is still an issue.
Yeah, I heard that. They said the same thing about Drew and Pau on the floor together. At any rate, Luke is not faster getting back on the break than Lamar is in general. If Lamar is playing the 3 with Drew and Pau instead of the 4, then he will have different responsibilities and at times, because his strength is inside and not outside, he could be slow getting back. The bigger adjustment would be no room for Kobe to post up his man but with three bigs, it would be the guards’ job to make sure to get back on defense.
Again, I prefer Lamar as a 4 but I think he is also much better as a starter and better than Luke as a passer, defender, scorer, and rebounder. Like everything, it’s a trade off but I think we want to keep Lamar as productive as possible. His dives into the paint and interior passing skills would force other teams to match up against us rather than vice versa. JMNSHBO!
TOM
Posted by: LakerTom | February 13, 2009 at 12:26 PM
#4
You bet it was!
Posted by: "Pig" Miller | February 13, 2009 at 01:19 PM