Lakers March Madness, Round 2
Some define this month's "madness" as the college roundball tourney being played as we speak. As I said during our recent 710 ESPN podkast, Smush Parker fancying himself a credible critic of the "Playing With Kobe Bryant Experience" brings new meaning to the phrase "madness." But here at Lakers Blog, we offer our own, highly purple and gold-centric version of March Madness. Round one's results are in the books and here are your winners:
Kobe Bryant's fadeaway over Lamar Odom's fashion sense
Pau Gasol from the elbow over DJ Mbenga's martial arts
Phil Jackson's zen over Kwame Brown's calves
And after a tie at required overtime action (for our purposes, a coin flip)... Adam Morrison's facial hair over Trevor Ariza's tattoos.
Today, the J.R. Reid region of the bracket. And without further adieu...
#1 Von Wafer's rookie card on eBay vs. #8 Andrew Bynum's physical therapist
The players in question entered the league as 2005-2006 rooks. Wafer became a Lakers Blog icon through a combination of unquenchable gunning impulse, horrible aim and uniquely wild play (more or less reigned in upon becoming a productive bench player for the Rockets). Bynum could enjoy hugely iconic status if he can reemerge healthy in enough time to bolster a playoff. Thus, a nod to the guy running Drew's rehab.
#2 Derek Fisher's gravitas vs. #7 Luke Walton's "Young and the Restless" appearance.
The former is the sports equivalent of sage wisdom and thought provoking introspection. When Fish talks, people listen and it was generally worth the time. The latter is pure babble masquerading as deep insight, however just as riveting in its own right. Like a car crash, you can't help but look as Luke delivers gems like, "It's gotta be a woman." Also fantastic is that bad an actor as Luke may be, he smokes his "professional" counterpart. Dude's SAG card should have been immediately revoked.
#3 Sasha’s headband vs. #6 Dr. Buss’ unnaturally orange hair
Interesting pairing, since I'm not always sure how truly enthusiastic most fans are about either entry. Yes, the
band harnessing Sasha's locks has sparked such delight among some that a "headband watch" on his personal website and a documentary about said "watch" appeared the next logical step. On the flip side, there's a brewing consensus that The Machine spends far too much time futzing with the band and should consider a date with a military barber. Having said that, what the hell is that thing on the good doctor's head?
#4 Shannon Brown's hops vs. #5 "We want tacos!!!"
Here, on the other hand, comes a clash of two undisputed crowd favorites. The new Laker doesn't get much burn, but whenever Shannon Brown does hit the hardcourt, there's a strong chance you'll see an amazing display of pure athleticism. As BK once noted, if 82games.com kept a stat for Youtube worthy moments per minute, Brown likely leads the league. But if you're talking crowd faves, ain't no party like a "we want tacos" party because a "we want tacos" party don't stop. The Staples faithful makes no bones about their desire to nab a voucher for free Mexi grub and a mere sniff of the possibility whirls crowds into a chanting frenzy.
Polls remain open (and below the jump until the conclusion of tonight's game against the Bulls. Have at it!!!
I agreed with all the votes save for one:
"Morrison's Hair over Trevor's tattoos"??
Morrison cut his hair already and will take time to fully regrow. Trevor's tattoo is there 4 life unless he gets it removed.
It sucks having UCLA being blown out by Villanova.
-KB Blitz
Posted by: Kobeblitz | March 21, 2009 at 01:39 PM
JustaLakerFan,
Thanks for your comments.
>>> I think Drew will be back but how effective he will be will depend on PJ
>>> will determine his use and contribution.
While I am a big fan of Phil’s, I know exactly what you mean. It’s like when Phil ridiculed Drew’s comments early in the season that he would like to average 20 points per game. Turns out, once Drew broke out of his shell, that’s what he did average in January.
Phil got my confidence back though in the way that he handled Drew in his 45 point break out game. Rather than pull him out to hold him back, as I feared Phil would do, he left him in the game and let the team give him the ball. Phil realizes now that Drew has his head screwed on straight and can handle being the number two option on the team.
So I don’t really think that Phil will hold Drew back when he returns unless it is because he really is not ready yet. I just hope that Drew remembers Kobe’s reminders to him right after he got injured to come back strong as the Beast he had become. Whether or not Drew’s body will allow that we don’t know yet but I sure am hoping he is the Beast.
>>> I guess that is how the NBA gets away with cheating is by creating a myth
>>> and making everyone buy into the lie. Truth is the Bets let the Celtics be physical
>>> and no calls. Then called touch fouls or non fouls as fouls.
While a full-fledged conspiracy theory seems improbable, there is no doubt that the refs often do determine who wins the game by how much physicality they allow in the game. I don’t know if the calls ever do balance because I think there is a definite bias against Kobe by many of the NBA refs. The refs also usually allow more contact in the playoffs. To me, those games are like bad weather. You can only play so long until you get one.
>>> Actually LO was holding the mob squad together and facilitating or the younger
>>> players. When he was moved to starting the bench took a hit and further hit with
>>> TA going to starters. The worst hit was the departure of Vlade. Bench is weaker
>>> especially with Luke and then they are being overly criticized
You are right. The only saving grace is that the domino effect that losing Drew had on the Bench Mob will occur in reverse when he returns from injury. When you look at the growth of the team this year versus last year, the big plus is that the team’s top four players have all at various times played dominating basketball. For Kobe, Drew, and Pau to all have won Western Conference Player of the Week awards is tremendous and a case could be made that Lamar was more deserving than Pau the week that he won.
The flip side is the diminished play from Jordan Farmar and Sasha Vujacic, who were two very important cogs in the Lakers success last year. Hopefully, we are starting to see signs that they may finally be emerging from their respective funks.
>>> Sorry no agreement here. Once the loss of Vlade's outside shot teams have
>>> packed the middle with little fear of Lakers outside shooting. To pound it inside
>>> you need effective outside shooting so paint can't be packed in and crowded.
>>> Spreading the defense helps pound the ball inside.
You’re right but there were many negative aspects to Vlade’s game also – poor focus, attitude, defense, passing, ball handling, rebounding, And while I still cringe a little when he does it, Ariza is proving that he is not afraid to take the open 3 when teams give it to him and surprisingly is shooting at a better clip than I thought he could. Bottom line, I am not worried about our 3-point shooting, especially if we play inside-out basketball.
What worries me more until Drew gets back is our 3-point shooting defense. When Drew gets back, I would like to see us force the midrange by shutting down the 3-point shot. It is really the only way that other teams are going to be able to beat us with us our size.
JMNSHBO!
DNFTT!
Tom
Posted by: LakerTom | March 21, 2009 at 02:18 PM
blitz,
>>> For those Bynum and Pau supporters (sorry Laker Tom but you are so bashing
>>> Pau on not demanding the ball) who always say inside out game why don't you
>>> point the finger most times at Kobe Bryant? I know he's "untouchable" per say
>>> but as much as Kobe is my favorite player there are times in his career especially
>>> in the playoffs where he took VERY questionable shots.
We really do not disagree here, blitz. One of the biggest challenges that Kobe is going to face with the emergence of Drew is sharing the ball because now the Lakers will have two solid gold low post options that both shoot a higher percentage than Kobe, which means that Kobe is going to have take fewer and better shots and feed the ball inside. That will be Kobe’s next big challenge. I will say this, which you will probably violently disagree but I think it will be easier for Kobe to defer to Drew getting more shots than Pau because of the power and intimidation aspect of Drew’s inside game.
What we are going to see with Drew – hopefully in the playoffs rather than next year – is a low post power player capable of being as efficient and effective as a scorer as Shaq. When you combine Drew’s one-on-one low post offense with Pau’s versatile midrange game and passing ability, it is obvious that the Lakers’ half court offense is going to be more and more an inside-out game with fewer points needed from Kobe, who will continue to focus more and more on defense and playmaking – and closing games.
As for bashing Pau for not demanding the ball, I do think Pau has to be more assertive. When you watch Kobe post up, you can see how hard it is for a teammate not to give the guy the ball. He works his but off and calls for it. Drew was doing the same. Pau will never be a power inside player but he needs to play bigger inside to make himself a better target. Then he will get the touches that he needs. Watch when Drew returns.
The Lakers Big Three will be better than any other team’s Big Three. 7-0 Roadie. Bummer for Bruins.
JMNSHBO!
DNFTT!
Tom
Posted by: LakerTom | March 21, 2009 at 02:38 PM
blitz,
you wrote:
Incredible Hobbit you posted while I was just finishing and you are right about one thing: Shaq ALWAYS kept rolling once the playoffs started (during his time with the Lakers no doubt) while Kobe's couldn't improve his numbers save for last year. And did you like Iggy just hit a game winner over "defensive minded" Trevor Ariza (I didn't since it cost the Lakers the game)? I suggest you see my vid as well to show "Mr. Works on his game" working on his Game!
my response:
re: Shaq with the Lakers. Yes. That's
when he got FAT & LAZY!
re: Ariza. Let's see ... 3 of 4 from 3 pt.
range. 1 of 1 from the ft and 6-10
over all. 2nd highest scorer on the team
when both Kobe and Pau played.
DARN RIGHT HE WORKED ON HIS
GAME!!!
re: his defensive error. Let's see.
1. He copped to it. No excuses made.
2. 1st time in the situation when he
made the mistake.
3. Said it wouldn't happen again.
If we give Fisher a pass for bumping a
3-pt shooter in San Antonio to lose to
the spurs & he's a veteran with 3 rings
... don't we have to give a pass to the
defensive minded SF who kept us in
the game with his shooting?
Seems to me that no matter what I say
about Trevor Ariza and no matter what
the coaches say about Trevor Ariza and
no matter what basketball pundits say
about Trevor Ariza, *YOU* are always
going to GRIPE about him. Sad really.
Let's put this thing in context one more
time:
Hobbit said: Trevor Ariza should/will
be the starting SF.
KBblitz said: Lamar should/will be the
starting SF.
Phil Jackson said: Trevor Ariza *IS*
the starting SF.
You can spin this anyway you want to
and spout books and stats out of your
posterior, but in the final analysis:
Ariza is the starting SF. Get over it!
Root for your team you lame
knucklehead!
Posted by: hobbitmage | March 21, 2009 at 02:45 PM
I too am disappointed with Kobe's seemingly lack of ability to take it up a notch in the playoffs. It is a flaw that has kept him out of the Michael Jordan level conversation. He still has time to get there but time is not on his side.
Too many times this year he has reverted to the "Me First" player that only hurts the development of his teammates, and lowers his field goal percentage, assists, and rebounds. For these reasons is why I see LBJ and Wade as more efficient players. I often times wonder if he will truly ever "get it".
There was a span of games midseason when Kobe was taking less shots and getting a ton of assists, then it disappeared. For a fleeting moment I thought he had finally figured out that he didn't need to shoot 25-30 times a game and that if he truly wanted to win a championship without Shaq, he would have to sacrifice his scoring for the better of the team.
I put a large part of the responsibility on Phil Jackson. Phil lets him get away with it, don't know why either. Sometimes a benching is good for a player. How many times have we seen Popovich bench his players without a second thought when they weren't playing right.
Phil's failed logic of letting the players figure it out on their own has never worked with Kobe and certainly hasn't improved the games of the majority of the Laker players.
I sometimes think what it would be like if Pop was our coach. We would for sure be a better disciplined team and defensive team. But being "stuck" with PJ isn't a bad thing per se, but over the years PJ's aura has taken a lot of well earned hits.
The only way of redeeming both Phil Jackson and Kobe's legacy is to finally win a championship without the help of multiple superstars on a team.
Unfortunately, I don't see either one of them changing their ways. Their character flaws are obvious and no one besides a few honest bloggers call them on it.
Posted by: You Ever Notice | March 21, 2009 at 03:47 PM
Yes Shaq and the Lakers.
Shaq won those 3 rings while Kobe couldn't hit a bull with a banjo! 62% from the field and dominating the "Defensive 3 " Detroit Pistons while Kobe shoots like crap and 38% from the field! Do you deny Kobe shot PATHETIC just for your Anti-Shaqism? No you probably don't son! Another "Statistics lies" well TWICE Phil couldn't understand why Kobe kept on shooting on Tayshaun Prince. Mr. "Works on him game" can't even shoot over 48% in one season while Lebron and Wade are doing it already! "Mr. I'm not as lazy as Shaq" in general did worst in the playoffs than he did in the regular season until last season.
And who keeps on BAILING Kobe out? First it was Shaq now it is Pau Gasol! But wait I though he worked on his game??
re: Defense. In 2007 while Kobe was obliterating the record books Tex Winters was on Kobe's heel for his defense. Gee the winner of so many All-Defensive teams getting hammered by Tex Winter?
"3. Said it wouldn't happen again."
Fouling a three point shooter in the last game against Golden State.
And he meant was "giving up leads" won't happen again. Sure it did not happen last game but they sure found time blowing leads again and it became a 3 point game.
Again I gave Trevor credit for admitting his mistake while the rest of the blog was on his heels about not fouling and defended him real well. I didn't see your cowardly face in here defending him?
Get over Hobbitmage! You are so "develop the young guys" that you overrate their sorry butts! Sasha Chokacic (did have finally got a good game but that is just one good game) is one and Jordan "point guard of the future" couldn't carry Monta Ellis's jockstrap! And Trevor is simply on a hot streak. Lebron shot 6-7 from 3 point land against Miami yet no one in their minds would even choose Lebron James over Kobe Bryant in terms of 3 point shooting. Trevor again shooting 1-3 against Golden State from 3 point land? Want me to bring up 2-7 against New Orleans?
Until you man up and gloating here's a comparison of you and me:
Blitz: Hubie Brown (Does make mistakes but more Basketball minded.)
Hobbitmage: Mark Jackson (Just terrible at talent scouting).
(Hint: Almost every sensible basketball fan who watches the NBA will say Hubie Brown is a much better analyst than Mark Jackson.)
-KB Blitz
Posted by: Kobeblitz | March 21, 2009 at 04:01 PM
"As for bashing Pau for not demanding the ball, I do think Pau has to be more assertive."
It's hard to be assertive when Kobe becomes very ball dominant Laker Tom. Remember Kobe Bryant LOVES stepping up at big moments and crunch time will usually get it. But remember: Shaq was just demanding the ball so much in Game 4 of 2004 Finals and Shaq is way much better than Bynum in 2004 than Bynum is at 2009. But Kobe instead kept firing against the defense of Tayshaun Prince and missed 17 shots that should have been more towards Shaq.
Point is that when he's in his mode Kobe will be less likely to give up the ball and no doubt that is a good thing. But that means less touches for Pau (and Bynum) during crunch time. Only time Kobe really gives it up when it comes to an open 3 point shooter and usually will be Derek. Kobe tried twice to Sasha but both times Sasha *choked* on those times.
You should now Laker Tom that Kobe is the one guy who you say should give up the ball during crunch time. I'm saying that because you love to bash Pau for being not being assertive but even when Bynum is there for crunch time it's Kobe time.
And I ask you this: When Kobe is in his attack mode yet doesn't give up the ball in crunch time to Bynum? Will you bash him next?
-KG Blitz
Posted by: Kobeblitz | March 21, 2009 at 04:10 PM
I may or may not get flamed for saying this but if the Cavs continue this pace and we drop 2 i say we stay on pace with Boston (since we own the tie breaker with them too) and relinquish home court to LBJ. Let the media salavalate over them having the best record while our starters get some needed rest. This roadie may be just the thing to get the MOB in a groove
Posted by: lakeraholic | March 21, 2009 at 04:38 PM
blitz,
>>> And I ask you this: When Kobe is in his attack mode yet doesn't give up the
>>> ball in crunch time to Bynum? Will you bash him next?
You’re getting us mixed up. blitz. You’re the basher, not me. I love Kobe. Like you, he is my favorite player in the NBA today. Like you, I realize he is not perfect. There is really no “Good Kobe” and “Bad Kobe.” There is just Kobe, a mercurial talent who is one of the greatest clutch players of all time as well as one of the most inspirational and polarizing athletes in pro sports today. He may well end up greater than MJ. Yes, he sometimes takes bad shots and often too many, but that is just part of the process that he is going through as his teammates become better. Drew will change that. As for giving the ball up to Drew, I think that is exactly what you will see Kobe do when Drew comes back. He may not have been willing to do that for Pau with his finesse game, but Kobe will have a different attitude towards feeding Drew the ball if he is the Beast.
There is something special and unique in the dynamic between Kobe and Drew that I just do not sense between Kobe and Pau. Talk all you want about how well Kobe and Pau play together, there was something special in the way that Kobe and Drew were playing together in January. I can’t really explain it but the comments that Kobe made after Drew’s injury, when he was telling Drew to come back as the Beast this time, that really reminded me of Kobe’s world-stopping comments last year that the Lakers were a championship caliber team with Drew in the lineup. Part of it is the impact Drew has on defense but another part of it is, at least in my opinion, Kobe’s sensing of a kindred soul in Drew, a player who shared his intense personality and desire to dominate.
While Pau will continue to be a great player for the Lakers, this team is destined to be Kobe and Drew’s team as they are the current and next franchise players for the Lakers. In many ways, Pau is better suited to be the team’s #3 option on offense, although his passing skills could easily make him the #2b option. As I’ve said, I’d take him over every other power forward out there right now, not even considering his value as a center.
Bottom line, as they learned in Memphis, Pau is not a franchise player. He needs to be on a team with other dominant physical players. I don’t consider that a knock on Pau, just a realistic assessment of his abilities and skills. He does not have the natural aggressiveness that Kobe and Drew do but he is the perfect complement to both and a great All-Star quality basketball player. Just not a franchise player.
JMNSHBO!
DNFTT!
Tom
Posted by: LakerTom | March 21, 2009 at 04:55 PM
oops that should mean:
"KB Blitz"
I did not mean KG Blitz!
KG is a good power forward but he's a hated forward for the hated Celtics.
-KB BLITZ!!
Posted by: Kobeblitz | March 21, 2009 at 05:26 PM
Haha - the number of votes far surpassed the written response to the March Madness thread. I wouldn't have suspected that the bloggers were such a push button society... although epic debates between blitz, hobbit and Tom go far in plugging the gaps. I'm not one to talk of course, my paltry contributions coming fewer and father away as time goes by. For the record, I was on the miniority end on 3 out of 4 votes. Contrarian am I. Or just unaware. Still, how could anyone not vote for Buss's hair? That's madness!
Posted by: dave m | March 21, 2009 at 09:22 PM
JustaLakerFan,
Thanks for your comments.
>>> I think Drew will be back but how effective he will be will depend on PJ
>>> will determine his use and contribution.
While I am a big fan of Phil’s, I know exactly what you mean. It’s like when Phil ridiculed Drew’s comments early in the season that he would like to average 20 points per game. Turns out, once Drew broke out of his shell, that’s what he did average in January.
Phil got my confidence back though in the way that he handled Drew in his 45 point break out game. Rather than pull him out to hold him back, as I feared Phil would do, he left him in the game and let the team give him the ball. Phil realizes now that Drew has his head screwed on straight and can handle being the number two option on the team.
So I don’t really think that Phil will hold Drew back when he returns unless it is because he really is not ready yet. I just hope that Drew remembers Kobe’s reminders to him right after he got injured to come back strong as the Beast he had become. Whether or not Drew’s body will allow that we don’t know yet but I sure am hoping he is the Beast.
>>> I guess that is how the NBA gets away with cheating is by creating a myth
>>> and making everyone buy into the lie. Truth is the Bets let the Celtics be physical
>>> and no calls. Then called touch fouls or non fouls as fouls.
While a full-fledged conspiracy theory seems improbable, there is no doubt that the refs often do determine who wins the game by how much physicality they allow in the game. I don’t know if the calls ever do balance because I think there is a definite bias against Kobe by many of the NBA refs. The refs also usually allow more contact in the playoffs. To me, those games are like bad weather. You can only play so long until you get one.
>>> Actually LO was holding the mob squad together and facilitating or the younger
>>> players. When he was moved to starting the bench took a hit and further hit with
>>> TA going to starters. The worst hit was the departure of Vlade. Bench is weaker
>>> especially with Luke and then they are being overly criticized
You are right. The only saving grace is that the domino effect that losing Drew had on the Bench Mob will occur in reverse when he returns from injury. When you look at the growth of the team this year versus last year, the big plus is that the team’s top four players have all at various times played dominating basketball. For Kobe, Drew, and Pau to all have won Western Conference Player of the Week awards is tremendous and a case could be made that Lamar was more deserving than Pau the week that he won.
The flip side is the diminished play from Jordan Farmar and Sasha Vujacic, who were two very important cogs in the Lakers success last year. Hopefully, we are starting to see signs that they may finally be emerging from their respective funks.
>>> Sorry no agreement here. Once the loss of Vlade's outside shot teams have
>>> packed the middle with little fear of Lakers outside shooting. To pound it inside
>>> you need effective outside shooting so paint can't be packed in and crowded.
>>> Spreading the defense helps pound the ball inside.
You’re right but there were many negative aspects to Vlade’s game also – poor focus, attitude, defense, passing, ball handling, rebounding, And while I still cringe a little when he does it, Ariza is proving that he is not afraid to take the open 3 when teams give it to him and surprisingly is shooting at a better clip than I thought he could. Bottom line, I am not worried about our 3-point shooting, especially if we play inside-out basketball.
What worries me more until Drew gets back is our 3-point shooting defense. When Drew gets back, I would like to see us force the midrange by shutting down the 3-point shot. It is really the only way that other teams are going to be able to beat us with us our size.
JMNSHBO!
DNFTT!
Tom
Posted by: LakerTom | March 21, 2009 at 02:18 PM
=============================
LakerTom,
Thanks for your comments and although we don't always agree you are a class act.
With that I know we can go back and forth about the details on the of opinion differences but I will choose to respectfully agree to disagree.
With that I respect your passion on your convictions whether I agree or not. Or if your opinions are humble or not so humble!
blog on as I enjoy your insights.
Posted by: JustaLakerFan | March 22, 2009 at 04:34 PM