Nervous Nellies Can Put Down the Xanax
The Lakers' 2008-2009 campaign has been so successful that a two-game losing streak represents the four horseman of the apocalypse joining us on Earth. Or Smush Parker rejoining the purple and gold, whichever scenario fans find more frightening. But thankfully, the opportunity to get back on track waited in the wings with the Grizzlies on hand. Their "we've got spirit, yes we do" quotient may be reasonable, but as USC product O.J. Mayo is learning the not-so-pleasant way, their talent doesn't match. Thus, a 99-89 victory was secured without a whole lotta fuss or muss.
After creating a big first quarter lead and seeing a chunk surrendered, the first unit kicked the engine into fifth gear, blew past their outmatched opponents, and never looked back. Kobe Bryant led all box score entrants with 31 points, paced ahead of Lamar Odom by a whopping 29, but the southpaw still made his presence more than felt with a very unconventional trip-dub flirtation.
No contribution, however, may have been enjoyed more by the in-house Laker Nation loyalists than the one from DJ Mbenga, now in the mix with Chris Mihm a member of the visitors (and unfortunately, enduring another session under the knife). Drilling open J's and swatting a trio of Griz attempts, Tacos was the recipient of some thunderous applause and buzz. Success makes the fight for minutes that much more rewarding, but as the O.C. Register's Jeff Miller notes, that battle doesn't come close to the ones Mbenga has previously waged.
His father worked for the government in the Congo, that side of Mbenga's family well off. He grew up in want of nothing, explaining, "I was born with, how do you say, sugar in my mouth? I was blessed."
When Mbenga was a teenager, a new regime assumed power and immediately began rounding up those who had worked for the previous leaders. Mbenga's father was jailed. Soon, so were Mbenga and his only brother. He says he was 16 or 17 at the time and that he and his brother were imprisoned for only a brief period, until their father negotiated their release. A short time later, Mbenga's dad was dead. Mbenga prefers not to provide more details, in part because the safety of his family still living in the Congo could be compromised.
"I hope you understand," he says.
Like the man himself, DJ's story is powerful.
Miller's O.C. Reg buddy, Kevin Ding, takes a look at the dynamic that is the Laker bench.
OTHER NOTES
- A run of noteworthy free agents have hooked up with different new employers. In terms of guys heavily on the Laker radar, Drew Gooden now presents an obstacle en route to the Finals, while Joe Smith is a member of a squad the Lakers could face if they reach that last round. Hopefully, it won't hurt Mikki Moore's feelings that Boston had Smith penciled as the first choice. In terms of dudes the Lakers didn't seem to be circling, Stromille Swift hooked up with Phoenix and the Heat will hopefully get some outside shooting from Luther Head. His old roster spot on the Rockets will be taken by former Laker SPL player and D-League standout James White.
- Mark Cuban won't tolerate his players acting like shiftless layabouts.
- Dwight Howard won't engage in a war of words with Shaq. He'll just outplay him in a win and leave it at that. Howard's coach, however, isn't holding his tongue, dubbing O'Neal "The Big Flopper."
- Chauncey Billups has found peace with getting traded out of Detroit. The deal has sparked reflection by his old squad as well.
- Martell Webster will miss the rest of the season for Portland. The same fate may await Mike Dunleavy in Hoosier Land. Brian Scalabrine, in the meantime, will miss a month of Celts' games.
- Mike D'Antoni is looking for Nate Robinson to dial it down a touch.
- Baby's Day Out (not to be confused, of course, with Baby's Day Out).
K-Bros,
I think you meant "two-game losing streak"...
otherwise, the Apocalypse would be here already.
Posted by: Bzar | March 04, 2009 at 09:58 AM
Last night was a great block party!
Posted by: Charles | March 04, 2009 at 09:59 AM
hey guys I think you mean 2-game losing streak, love martell webster but we've been just fine without him, can't wait to see this team get even better next year with a one-two punch of martell and travis off the bench
Posted by: hazmatsuits | March 04, 2009 at 10:00 AM
These are some great links Kambrothers. Thank you.
Posted by: MAMBA24 | March 04, 2009 at 10:04 AM
yo guys! i think you meant two game losing streak :)
Posted by: tp | March 04, 2009 at 10:06 AM
Yes, indeed, it was supposed to be "losing" streak. Don't even know how to explain such a brain cramp typo. Guess the coffee hasn't kicked in yet.
AK
Posted by: kambrothers | March 04, 2009 at 10:09 AM
I missed the game last night but wasn't too concerned. I managed to keep up with the score via ESPN and was pleased to see the W.
What do you think Butler? Shaquille got outplayed by Dwight. I'm pretty sure you're feeling that loss today. I was cheering for the Magic, and glad they pulled it out. Much as you don't like Kobe or Drew, neither one pulls the flop crap like your big guy did. Embarrassing.
Bummed we missed out on Gooden and/or Smith. Guess we'll just have to wait and see what happens. SA gets better with Houston. Gotta watch out for those Spurs.
Looking forward to Friday night! I think we can beat the Timberwolves.
Posted by: longtimelakerlover | March 04, 2009 at 10:12 AM
THE SKY IS FALLING!!!!
THE END IS NEAR!!!!
RE-SIGNING KWAME BROWN IS OUR ONLY HOPE!!!
Okay. So it's not.
I just wanted to say something crazy.
What do we play for? RINGS!!!!!
Lakers Today... Lakers Tomorrow... Lakers Forever.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | March 04, 2009 at 10:14 AM
Congrats on beating the mighty Griz!
Sure wish the SUNS had a cake schedule right now too...recovering from the Porter Era will take some good luck.
Posted by: BUTLER | March 04, 2009 at 10:29 AM
THE SKY IS FALLING!!!! THE END IS NEAR!!!! RE-SIGNING KWAME BROWN IS OUR ONLY HOPE!!!
Posted by: Jon K. | March 04, 2009 at 10:14 AM
OH MY GOD! JON K. LISTEN CAREFULLY. I KNOW YOU FOUND THE 12 BOTTLES OF DIT DAR JAR
HIDDEN AWAY FOR EMERGENCIES. But please, Please…Tell me you didn’t use them all at one time.
Please JON K. You didn’t did you? OHHHHHHHHHHHHHH THE HUMANITYYYYYYYYYYY!!!!!!
Posted by: MAMBA24 | March 04, 2009 at 10:38 AM
NO RENT-A-PLAYERS FOR THE LAKERS…
Back in the day, I was one of the few Lakers fans who did not agree with the Lakers signing the Glove and the Mailman to try and win the NBA Championship. I thought both players were overrated and over-the-hill and were not worthy of being Lakers.
Today, I’m probably one of the few bloggers who is glad we didn’t sign Joe Smith or Drew Gooden for the stretch run. Neither of these guys is going to figure big in determining who is the next NBA Champion. In both cases, you’re looking at guys who were cut from bad teams primarily for luxury tax reasons but also because they are just not that good as players any more.
There is something to be said about a home grown team, which is what the Lakers really have. Kobe, Fish, Drew, Sasha, Luke, and Jordie were all Lakers draft picks who have a good chance to finish their careers in purple and gold. Lamar, Pau, and Trevor were obtained by trade but have become players whom most of us would like to see become Lakers for Life. Adam, Josh, D.J., Shannon, and Yue would all probably love a chance to get another contract with the Lakers.
Even though we had a spot open on the roster, I would prefer the Lakers not use that spot on a rent-a-player. Let the Celtics and Cavaliers, with their already fantasy sports lineups and mentality, be the desperate teams that scrape the bottom of the barrel every year looking to add key rent-a-players to the lineup. The Lakers are a home grown team that is built for dynasties rather than single championships. Once Drew returns, the Lakers will sweep the playoffs 16-0, giving the fantasy sports franchises from Boston and Cleveland a lesson.
NO RENT-A-PLAYERS FOR THE LAKERS…
JMNSHBO! Do Not Feed The Trolls!
Tom
Posted by: LakerTom | March 04, 2009 at 10:41 AM
give me adriana lima and 30 millions and i wont care if i missed 2000 shots in a row
Posted by: miky miky | March 04, 2009 at 10:46 AM
Lakers_sth,
Excellent post last night about the trolls. Could not agree more.
>>> Beyond the rest, you look at that and wonder what Drew's window will be
>>> to be re-incorporated during the regular season. My HOPE is that he sees
>>> his first PT against Houston 4/3, the first game after the long road trip.
>>> That would give him 7 games to get back in rhythm before the post-season
>>> begins. I say HOPE b/c I think it's an extremely optimistic expectation.
That is the game that I also have targeted for Drew’s return. Let’s hope we’re right and Drew is ready to go then as opposed to last year’s disappointment. There are a lot of reasons to feel more optimistic this year.
Tom
Posted by: LakerTom | March 04, 2009 at 10:51 AM
So never the free agents fault and always the coach and GM's fault...so I guess that the losers Pat Riley had to coach in Miami like Ricky Davis aren't Ricky's fault is Riley's fault even though Riley is one of the best NBA coaches of all time...go figure!
"Some fans are already dreaming of Walton being bumped aside again for a starting frontcourt of Andrew Bynum, Pau Gasol and Lamar Odom at the most important part of the season to come, but that’s simply not in the cards."
I can think of one fan...Laker Tom! And while I agree on you that Payton was a terrible signing the mailman was much much better than Slava. Even a 40 year old Karl Malone really made an MVP Kevin Garnett work too hard in 2004 WCF and even with one leg made Rasheed Wallace not go off (only when Sheed had Slava did he go off).
This Laker win was complemented by the news that:
MANNYWOOD IS BACK IN LA (DODGERS!)
Finally the drama is over Dodger Fans and the Dodgers will be kicking butts now (as long as the Happy Manny is working)...though pitching is a concern.
-KB Blitz
Posted by: Kobeblitz | March 04, 2009 at 10:54 AM
LakerTom,
I agree in general. The great majority of mid-season free agents are not worth it unless the team is extremely weak in some area. I did think at the time Malone was a good pickup; I didn't think Payton would be a good fit.
Posted by: exhelodrvr | March 04, 2009 at 10:55 AM
miky-
She does take the edge off, no?
LT-
Home grown or not, I think if a player can help, they should go get him. Smith, to me, was the more appealing player. He's a smart, solid vet with a good face up and mid-range game. Doesn't make many mistakes, fits in well with a variety of systems, and so on. Not a world beater, but a solid player and (if I remember correctly) a guy with a great rep in a locker room. Gooden is a good rebounder/defender when his head is on straight, and can score a little. In theory, at least, both would have been helpful to have around until Bynum was back, and then later through the playoffs as an insurance policy.
Not getting them, though, is hardly a disaster.
BK
Posted by: Brian Kamenetzky | March 04, 2009 at 10:59 AM
I couldn't agree more, Tom. We don't need to bring in anyone new to the system. The chemistry is good right now, and Mbenga can get in there and bang and block shots with the best of them. If we're just looking for six more fouls, we've got plenty of bodies on the bench for that. Now, if Horry wants to come back and provide some hip-checking mentality to the team... I wouldn't say no. But he was terrible last year with SA.
Go Lake Show!
Posted by: The Outlaw | March 04, 2009 at 11:08 AM
Laker Tom,
I agree with you on the rent a player issue. Think about it for a minute.... Gooden is injured and likely not able to play much if at all, Smith would take a few weeks to work in even as a backup undersized center. What is the point! Bynum will be back before either player could be utilized so why bother. Besides, when the rotation gets reduced to say 8 or 9 players, which big sits for Smith or Gooden to play? The answer is neither Smith or Gooden would even get a whiff at PT from our bench. Mitch and PJ both know that and so did the potential rent a players.
Posted by: Laker Larry | March 04, 2009 at 11:08 AM
Laker Tom,
"Back in the day, I was one of the few Lakers fans who did not agree with the Lakers signing the Glove and the Mailman to try and win the NBA Championship. I thought both players were overrated and over-the-hill and were not worthy of being Lakers."
Little harsh on Malone, wouldn't you say? He put up 13/9/4 in just 33 mpg, played some good D and was an excellent soldier in the locker room. Had his knee held up, you can make a legit argument the Lakers could have snagged a title. If you deemed him Laker-unworthy because he seemed like a carpet bagger, that's certainly your right and a matter of aesthetics. But in terms of what he brought to the table, I think he held up his end of the bargain.
AK
Posted by: kambrothers | March 04, 2009 at 11:10 AM
Charles, indeed!
DJ really came to play.
Posted by: Faith | March 04, 2009 at 11:11 AM
Don't feed them after midnight...
But if they didn't have feed them, then we wouldn't have two hilarious movies.
I don't think BUTLER as a troll... he's more like a Gremlin, sometimes is here to entertain some of us, or annoy others (Tom), but just like the movies, it's all about taste.
He started as a troll, but he evolved. He is useful too. You can use him as a pressure valve, if you have a bad day you can tell him how the Funs are awful, and his predictions wrong. And if you destroy him with a post, it doesn't matter, because he'll respawn later.
I like BUTLER, and i know that he, in the bottom of his heart, wants to be a Laker, that's why he spend that much time in a Lakers Blog.
Have Fun!!
Feed the Gremlin!!
GO LAKERS!!!
Posted by: MrNano | March 04, 2009 at 11:30 AM
Mailman and Da Glove are not over rated and over the hill players when they joined the Lakers, in fact they carried the Lakers throughout that season with two spoiled Superstars barking at each other. If Mailman and da glove played in '05 Season with Caron and Kobe, Lakers has a chance of beating SA or Cavaliers. Payton provided a great supporting role during the Miami Championship season. These two are future HOF'ers while Drew is just a kid being propped up as one hell of savior of the Lakers. I've got to see the results first as the true test of the pudding, right now I can say he got weak knees. which is the foundation of his body.
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | March 04, 2009 at 11:32 AM
The Mailman more than held up his end of the bargain. He even tried to play
when he knew it was a no go. The Glove on the other hand - no pun intended - was
the glove. He didn't give a frack about any triangle and just played run and shoot. And
YET STILL!!!! Even with all this against them they still could have won the ttile if Phil had just
listened to what Kobe & DFISH were trying to tell him.
OH THE HUMANITY!!
Posted by: MAMBA24 | March 04, 2009 at 11:35 AM
Mailman and Da Glove are not over rated and over the hill players when they joined
the Lakers, in fact they carried the Lakers throughout that season with two spoiled
Superstars barking at each other. If Mailman and da glove played in '05 Season
with Caron and Kobe, Lakers has a chance of beating SA or Cavaliers. Payton
provided a great supporting role during the Miami Championship season.
These two are future HOF'ers while Drew is just a kid being propped up as one hell
of savior of the Lakers. I've got to see the results first as the true test of the pudding,
right now I can say he got weak knees. which is the foundation of his body.
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | March 04, 2009 at 11:32 AM
D@mnit Edwin, I agree with everything uou say except about Drew.
When all is said and done Drew is going to make HISTORY!!!
YOU ARE WITNESSING THE BEGINING OF THE BEAST DYNASTY AND
DON'T EVEN REALIZE IT.
Larry(Mamba24)
Posted by: MAMBA24 | March 04, 2009 at 11:39 AM
Chris Mihm is hurt again, i am very sorry for what he has had to go through, but i think its time he realized that he has bad feet and wont make it in this game, its as simple as that , even in the short time he actually played, he did not wow you he was just steady and now he cant even do that, its tragic but i am glad we got rid of him and now its not our problem. Stroke of genius by Kupcake, he screwed Memphis again!!
Posted by: RIZZO | March 04, 2009 at 11:48 AM
like BUTLER, and i know that he, in the bottom of his heart, wants to be a Laker,
that's why he spend that much time in a Lakers Blog. ave Fun!!
Feed the Gremlin!!Posted by: MrNano | March 04, 2009 at 11:30 AM
I'm with you Mr. Nano. I like Butler to. He's smart funny and knows his sports.
BY GOD I THINK IT'S TIME FOR A BUTLER BANDWAGON!!! YESSSSSS!!
****
MAKE BUTLER AN HONORARY LAKER FASN - BANDWAGON
****
(01) MR. NANO - OWNER - I like BUTLER, and i know that he, in the bottom of his heart,
wants to be a Laker, that's why he spend that much time in a Lakers Blog
(02) MAMBA24 - DRIVER - I like Butler too! In fact...
Posted by: MAMBA24 | March 04, 2009 at 11:49 AM
HERE'S THE MAMBA24 STIMULUS PACKAGE:
ROLLLLLL CALLLLL !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
*
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phred, Korey, Never, Troy, LakerMan420, Zen, TOAD, BOZZ, Ken, OTIS, Leonard_BAST
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(YOU_EVER_NOTICE.…>Holding The Line Against CHAOS) MAMBA24
*
* ALL TOGETHER NOW
WE Are The Freakin LA Lakers The Winners of 14 NBA Titles.
Beginning Our 4th Dynasty - 2 More Than Any Other Team
The Team With The Best Winning Percentage In NBA History.
The Only Team with 2 HOF Coaches, The Team With The Most Players
On The “50 Greatest Players of All Time List(9)” The Home of the reinging
& Future MVP – Kobe Bryant. The Home of Wilt, Kareem, George Mikan
SHAQ, MAGIC, Elgin Baylor, The Logo(Jerry West), Pat Riley James Worthy,
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Sportscaster Chick Hearn -The Legend. Coached by 9 time Title Winner
Phil (9RINGS)Jackson & Owned, By The Winningest & Best Owner In
Sports Dr. Jerry Buss & The Only One who Can Ever Defeat or Divide Us Is Us
WE ARE THE FREAKIN LA LAKERS, WHO THE HELL ARE YOU
Posted by: MAMBA24 | March 04, 2009 at 11:53 AM
Hey Charles, They say that cat DJ is a BADDD MOTHERRR..
Posted by: MAMBA24 | March 04, 2009 at 11:56 AM
Hi all - missed the game last night too but wanted to comment on the previous thread and what's being said here too.
I am glad to see the bench finally coming around. HOWEVER, I am very hesitant to give them too much credit because they can't hold it together on the road. And with the next 10/13 games on the road.....that spells a significant challenge for this group.
I want to see what happens next week on the road. I agree with that blog group completely.
We need the bench to come up big next week especially in HOU, so we can give the starters some rest for the SAS game the next night.
At some point, we have to be able to rely on our bench to hold any leads (or preferably extend) when on the road. Yet, there have been significant meltdowns in our losses. Sasha, Farmar and Mbenga are NOT going to get the refs attention. So, they had better get over it and play into the system and fight like heck to make things work for the good of the TEAM.
LGL!!!
Posted by: PsychedLakerGirl | March 04, 2009 at 12:00 PM
**
GET WELL SOON BYNUM THE BEAST PRAYER BANDWAGON
***.*
(00) utzworld THE BANNER HOLDER –CO/OWNER/CHAPLAIN – LET US
PRAY FOR DIVINE HEALING. Dear Lord you create all greatness so let
your child Andrew heal quickly in order to express that greatnes and thus
give tribute to thou greatenss - AMEN
(01) LAKER-TOM CO/OWNER - Drew will return for April 3rd home game against
Yao and the Rockets as the Lakers return from a 7-game road trip..
(02) MAMBA24 - DRIVER - I shall drive to the ends of the earth to get a healer
(03) WESJOENIXON = This is mickey mouse. If Bynum's people can't be on time,
they needn't be involved
(04) SHE-KOBE - Don't worry, Guys, everything will be fine with Bynum.
(05) BLUESKY - He is youing, he will recover soon
(06) DAVE M. - Has Laker Tom posted since this happened? He's probably holed
up with Nepalese temple ball worry beads... don't worry buddy -
the Beast WILL be back!
(07) GOLAKESHOW - ahhhhhhhhh the anxiety! i cant take it!!! My
heart skips a beat every time I refresh the blog.....
(08) KOREY - To say we need Bynum to win a championship, is an understatement.
(09) NICK ESPI - lets just hope hes going to sore for a bit and he will be fine
(10) LG - The suspense is killing me. Feel better soon Drew!
(11) THE LAKE SHOW - Drew if you read this, keep your head up and prevail!
(12) FLOYD - it felt like our chance for a championship just went out the window
and the wait for next year just began
(13) JON K - I don't like this at all.God, please bless Andrew Bynum,
his knee, and his doctors.
(14) RICKY - I'm glad Bynum chose to forgo the Laker's supposed specialist and
went back to see his own doctor.
(15) MRBARNEYDANGLES - Lets just all pray that he is able to return asap.
(16) SBPIMP - Honestly, we're doing just fine, people. Let the dude rest up as long
as he needs, and we'll get back at it when he can. In the meantime, we've got
games to win. Don't forget that sending positivity out to the universe brings it back
to you. Let's not badmouth Vitti and the staff - they did just get us Farmar back in
half the estimated time.
(17) LEONARD BAST - i'm going to remain optimistic that this won't
be season ending, and will just be sprain.
(18) FAITH - Let's continue to have faith that things will work out. Hopefully.
(19) ROCKY - Dear LakerGod,Please don't allow the MRI results
to be devastating
(20) JUSTANOTHERMAMBA - SOCKS - get well soon buddy!
WE NEED YOU!!
(21) PSYCHED LAKER GIRL - Hi all: I am leaning toward the Laker conspiracy theory
in that the Lakers PR office (and PJ with his psychological mind games) wants the
Cavs, Celtics to think something is wrong and he will be out for a while and to prepare
for him to be out...........BUT that he will miraculously play in BOTH games and
those teams will not be prepared for him........Thoughts????
(22)MIKE AND MIKE - Please Drew come back soon. I saw the look on
Kobe's face, made me feel depressed.
(23) CBUCK – I was with Bynum when nobodoy else was.
(24) LAL_FAN - Your biggest Fan
(25) JOHNNY P. – I want the Beast to come roaring Back
(26) BD - I think we will need 2 Bynums down low. Andrew we need
you...hurry up and get back so the defense doesn't look pathetic and
at the same time you can shut up the Homers who think we might be
better without you or the Lakers play better with LO. No Bynum No Championship!
Get Well Bynum!! No Bynum No Championship
(27) TALIQ - skobe said u make us championship caliber, lakertom says you're mr. franchise,
I say that ring wouldn't be as sweet without u yo"
(28) BD - ANDREW GET WELL--WE NEED YOU! OUR REBOUNDING SUCKS!
*****
UNLEASH THE BEAST – BANDWAGON
*******
(01) LAKER TOM – OWNER - Drew is slowly starting to show that the
Beast may be back sooner than expected. If so, watch out NBA.
(2) DRIVER - Good sign from Bynum - players who are going to be
great will occasionally have monster games in their early years, while they
are still figuring things out. .I really hope people give him a break.
He's going to be worth $15 mil whatever happens.
(02) MAMBA24 – Driver – In the Beast of the West Game “There Can Be
But One”. Move aside Howard. Bynum the real Beast has now arrived.
(03) KEIFO - Riding ShotGun - I told you so Haters!
(04) ISANG – Bynum, Bynum, BYNUM!
(05) Leonard Bast - what is the meaning to the ultimate question,
the meaning of life, the universe, and everything? "42," answers the
Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy. and what exactly is the Ultimate
Question? Simple. what is Andrew Bynum's new career high? )
(06) JAMES KATT – Great job Andrew!
(07) BU8TCHIKEY – GO BYNUM!
(08) CARLOS DEEP - SURPRISE, SURPRISE..There IS a bEAST in the WEST!!!
(09) JUSTANOTHERMAMBAFAN - Socks - aka The Beast - reared his head
last night.
(10) TOM DANIELS - So now we have the answer to the burning question,
what would Bynum look like if he was playing in the D league?
(11) EDWIN GUECO - 42 was great for the Clippers, can the chihuahua-beast
now aim break the Cap's record of consecutive games double digit scores?
That's a tall order but it is the road to greatness.
(12) DAVE M. - that was playing with authority!
(14) LAKER FAN24 – The Beast is BACK!!!!!
(15) TIM-4-SHOW – Socks is a legit weapon
(16) JON K. - The Beast is back! This is just the beginning.
(17) MRBARNEYDANGLES - If Bynum can continue to play at a high
level both offensively and defensively then we are practically unbeatable.
(18) FLOYD - Bynum detractors will be saying it is only one game, call fluke, and
doubt his ability to continue to play consistently like he did last night....Bynum / Beast
advocates will herald the second coming of the unstoppable Beast....oh the humanity...
19) SIXONEZERO - good job, Socks...but it isn't ridiculous to expect 15 boards and 3
blocks from you every game. i'd rather see that than the 42 pts, atleast for
the next year or two.
(20) XODUS - It's fun seeing Drew get back to being the monster he looked like he was
turning into prior to his injury. He seems to have found that gear--whether it be mental or
physical--that he found last year when he really came on. And seeing attack and play the
way he can is a treat. It's easy to forget that he can be one of the most exciting players to
watch in the league when he attacks
(21) JAMIE SWEET - Keep it coming Andrew, keep it coming.
(21) LAKERS_STH - But the bottom line right now is that he's feeling really good about
his game and having an impact on both ends.
(22) JOHNNYBOY - On Bynum- smashin on the clippers and wizards is good but not great
. He's got to do more against good teams but I guess it's a step in the right direction. Hopefully
his confidence will grow from this.
(23) LueyVatonDon - Glad to see Bynum attaining his confidence
(24) JON K. - Bynum continues to "turn the corner" as a player.
(25) LAKER-GURU-FROM-INDIA - it is a crime if anyone is a laker fan and not on
this bandwagon by now!! No more BYNUMB.. it is BYE BYE for the rest of the league!!
(26) KIWI – If he releases his inner Beast I’m with that.
(27) LAKER NORTH – THE BIG BASOON PLAYER - Maybe Kareem should start
giving the perimeter guys a clinic on how to feed the post. If Drew wants the ball now
he has to come out to the free throw line so some one can feed him. You can't feed the
post from the top of the key!!!!
Posted by: mamba24 | March 04, 2009 at 12:03 PM
Oh, by the way, one thought I haven't seen mentioned on last
night's game...
Memphis' star, Rudy Gay was held to 6-17 shooting with 3
turnovers.
And his primary defender was "slow" "unathletic" Luke Walton.
Go Luke
Posted by: LongTimeLakerFan | March 04, 2009 at 12:35 PM
Mamba 24,
OU ARE WITNESSING THE BEGINING OF THE BEAST DYNASTY AND DON'T EVEN REALIZE IT.
Larry(Mamba24)
I know he can be one of the great Lakers Centers (in the future)...I'm just against the hype before the fact and compare him now to the legends. If he wishes to be a legend, he has to earn it in a parade
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | March 04, 2009 at 12:35 PM
>>>Stroke of genius by Kupcake, he screwed Memphis again!!
Yeah, yeah, he screwed them by giving them a 500K profit for
taking Mihm off the Lakers hands.
You do realize that the deal was Lakers send Mihm + enough
money to pay his salary + some more cash for their troubles
for basically nothing.
Posted by: LongTimeLakerFan | March 04, 2009 at 12:41 PM
AK,
"Little harsh on Malone, wouldn't you say? He put up 13/9/4 in just 33 mpg, played some good D and was an excellent soldier in the locker room. Had his knee held up, you can make a legit argument the Lakers could have snagged a title. If you deemed him Laker-unworthy because he seemed like a carpet bagger, that's certainly your right and a matter of aesthetics. But in terms of what he brought to the table, I think he held up his end of the bargain."
I 100% agree with you on this one. Before Malone got hurt, I considered him the best player on the Lakers at the time, even ahead of Kobe and Shaq. He (Malone) was flirting with triple doubles on an almost nightly basis and was playing solid defense. It's a shame, too, because Malone had avoided major injuries his whole career before it happened.
Posted by: Rob | March 04, 2009 at 12:44 PM
Stayed away from the Blog for the past few days. Had much better and pressing matters to attend to than trolls, haters and bandwagon Laker fans with their free agent signing proposals. Mama Banner Holder saw both games and attributed the losses to nothing more than mid-season fatigue. Good enough for me.
Anyhoo, you ever notice how LGC's, Mr. 93-91, Butler, the legion of trolls who visit Laker Blog and the sports commentators across the company are (not so) secretly wishing and hoping that Andrew doesn't come back? Deep down in their hating little hearts they know what we already know: THAT THERE IS NO WAY IN KINGDOM COME THE LAKERS WILL LOSE THE 2008-09 NBA CHAMPIONSHIP WITH ANDREW BYNUM ON THE FLOOR.
Like I said last year, it's ALREADY DONE.
Let Mike T. play with his voodoo dolls. Let Butler celebrate the Suns avoiding a season sweep (dude must have danced in his Superman Underoos all over his basement on Sunday night). Let Red, Mr. 91 and the Bawstun fans believe that Starbury is The Second Coming.
They know. They may act like they don't know, but THEY KNOW.
ALREADY DONE.
See you in March 30th, Andrew!
Posted by: utzworld - THE BANNER HOLDER | March 04, 2009 at 12:51 PM
Folks, on a different topic, it looks like California has produced the best NBA players. While it’s painful irony that so many of these have been Celtics, it’s still cool our state has produce all these great players. North Carolina, New York, and Pennsylvania aren’t bad. But I think CA’s versatility and strong defensive players give it a very slight edge over Kobe’s PA. I base these where someone was raised, ie, spent most of their formative years. What do you guys think?
California
C: Luke’s Dad
F: Bill Russell
F: Tayshaun Prince
G: Paul Pierce
G: Jason Kidd
Bench: Tyson Chandler, Reggie, Payton
Pennsylvania
C: Wilt
F: ‘Sheed
F: Kobe (to make the lineup work)
G: Rip Hamilton
G: Jameer Nelson
Bench: Donyell Marshall, Eddie Jones, Cutino Mobley
North Carolina
C: Brad Daugherty
F: Bob McAdoo
F: Worthy
G: Jordan
G: Chris Paul
Bench: Buck Williams, Stackhouse, Walter Davis
New York
C: Kareem
F: Odom
F: Dr. J
G: Smush Parker!!?!?
G: Kenny Smith
Bench: Artest, Marbury, Bob Cousy
Posted by: Purple&Gold | March 04, 2009 at 01:11 PM
Not to be a bummer, but just to be consistent . . . I tried to tell people who wanted to trade everyone when we lost two games we still had the best record. You judge by the long run.
So is our "deep" bench back? One game does not make a come back.
Also, I hope and prey that BYNUM THE BEAST GETS WELL SOON!!! But, like Rizzo posted above about Mihm . . . Yet to start and stay healthy. Does anyone see a trend?
BTW, RIZZO, If you made millions for not playing, would you call it quits? Its not Mimh that needs to wake up, but team owners. BTW, his injury is just an excuse not to face MBENGA!!!
GOOoooooOOOOO LAKERS!!!!!!
Posted by: JohnnyP | March 04, 2009 at 02:00 PM
PS Mamba24, please put me on the draft Butler and put him in a Lakers uniform bandwagon! Let make him a starter!! He really is a secret Lakers lover at heart.
GOooooooOOOOO LAKERS!!!!
Posted by: JohnnyP | March 04, 2009 at 02:01 PM
hm. love it :)
Posted by: conofoume | April 15, 2009 at 06:02 PM