Toothless Bears: Lakers 99, Grizzlies 89
If the NBA is a big, friendly neighborhood, the Memphis Grizzlies are the local pharmacy, always ready to provide a cure for what ails. Losers of seven straight and 24 of 27 outside the confines of FedExForum, tonight's visitors to Staples Center served as honorary sacrificial lambs for a Lakers squad fighting fatigue and eager to right the ship after two straight losses. Final score, 99-89 LAL in a game that really wasn't that close and was positive on plenty of levels. Led by 31 from Kobe and an impressive-if-odd night for LO (13 boards, eight dimes, six blocks... two points), the Lakers were able to get some much needed rest for the headliners- no Laker cracked the 30 minute mark- and give the reserves an equally important chance to find some rhythm. Sasha Vujacic was particularly active, hitting five of nine from the floor for 11 points, and adding four assists and three steals for window dressing. (Needless to say, it was a welcome change. DJ Mbenga also impressed, notching three big blocks in a season high 18:44 of PT.
Despite a 50% mark in the final quarter after the game was out of reach, Memphis was still held to 41% from the floor, and LA forced 19 turnovers while committing only 10 of their own. Only once did Memphis score more than 22 points in a quarter.
The Lakers get a well earned day off Wednesday ("They can do what they want. Read books to their children, or whatever they do," Phil Jackson said) then return to practice Thursday before what ought to be another tune up game Friday night against an Al Jefferson-less Timberwolves squad.
Breakdown below.
BK
The Good:
- Passing: On most nights, the Lakers are arguably tops in
the NBA when it comes to scooting around the rock. But I thought they
were excellent tonight by even the standard already established. 40
field goals manufactured via 28 assists, with constant ball
movement rarely translating into carelessness. (Just ten turnovers,
four of which came during a largely garbage time fourth quarter.) Save
Jordan Farmar and DJ Mbenga, every Laker racked at least one dime, and
the variety on display was quite fun to witness. Lamar Odom rising up
for a mid-range J, then rifling the ball to Kobe under the hoop for a
reverse layup. LO hitting Kobe halfway downcourt, then The Mamba
moving the rock one extra time to hit Pau Gasol in stride for a dunk.
Luke Walton and Derek Fisher bouncing tricky passes converted into
simple layups or jams. Sasha Vujacic (set up on a separate occasion
while moving sans ball) connecting with Josh Powell for an alley oop.
The only notable miscue came when LO attempted to go backboard setting up Trevor Ariza for a fast break dunk, misjudged the distance between TA and the bucket, and put way too much oomph on the hurl. The result was a sailed ball. "That's a play for the crowd," smiled Odom. "To get them in it. I didn't get taken out or cursed (after), so that was a play that Phil thought was there, too. Maybe, I'll keep it off the glass next time and just give him an alley oop." So, I noted, there will be a "next time." Lamar didn't hesitate. "100% there will be a next time, with me and Trevor on the break. Guarantee it."
Remember, you heard it here first. - Blocks: After dropping a rare two in a row, the Lakers were looking to give their fans something to celebrate. And what better way to spark a hootenany than throwing a good ol' fashioned block party? A baker's dozen in all, six alone belonging to LO. DJ Mbenga capped a very solid nineteen minutes of run with a trio, the highlight of which came after streaking downcourt to nullify a Rudy Gay layup, a Memphis possession created after Mbenga got a taste of his own meds at the hands (literally) of Marc Gasol. That kind of effort from Tacos was eaten up with huge enthusiasm by the Staples Center faithful. Similar to how they likely ate free tacos awarded for the Grizz's sub-century mark tally.
- Lamar Odom: Before singling out one player, it should be mentioned that most
everyone played reasonably well. In particular, the starting
unit operated in fine fashion, whether you're citing stats (Kobe's 31
points, 11 for Derek Fisher on 4-5 shooting, or a solid 10/4/4 effort
from Luke Walton) or simply their ability to build big leads in the
first and third quarters. But I thought the line from Lamar Odom was
especially noteworthy, as he was so unusually productive. And I mean
"unusually" in the most literal sense. LO scored only two points on a
rotten 1-8 clip from the field, but still came within flirting distance
of a trip-dub thanks to the aforementioned six swats, plus thirteen
boards and eight assists (and just one turnover). Mind you, he also
put this together despite not getting a smidge of burn during the final frame. It's also a great example of
both Odom's versatility and how much he can help this team without
necessarily uniting cord and rock. I'm not saying one basket per night
will always suffice. But it does bear mention that LO's
+17 tied Walton's as the Laker tops. Clearly, he made a difference,
one that wasn't lost on The New Jack Bauer.
"That's what we need from him," complimented Kobe. "That's what he does well for us. He has a lot of intangibles and some fo the stuff he does doesn't even show up on the box scores. He played extremely well."
The Bad: Easy win, everyone played well-enough-or-better, nobody got hurt. What's to complain about?
The Edge (at least for one night):
- Marc Gasol, in the mano y' mano against big bro Pau: I wouldn't go so far as to say the local "El Spaniard" played straight up "bad," as a 13/8/4/2 swipe/2 block night is reasonably productive in less than 30 minutes. But it was far from a "Dear Diary" effort (particularly with his field goal attempts matching those points), and hardly the way Pau wanted to kick off his reign as Western Conference Player of the Month. Even worse, he was absolutely outplayed by his visiting sib, who notched seventeen points on 5-7 shooting to go with fourteen rebounds, four assists and three blocks. Obviously, all things being equal, the Lakers' Gasol will come in more handy on a regular basis. But as far as the bragging rights I'm sure these two have passed back and forth over the years, the "W" went to Pau, but the "W" within the "W" belonged to the guy in a hotel waiting to play the Clips manana.
AK
(NOTE: Technical difficulties mean no video tonight, but we'll have some audio.)
mikefloss,
Give the Lakers who is a consistent knock down shooter and has a high IQ (not Vlad Rad) and can play some defense then yeah the Lakers be great. Because with a player like that you aren't so reliant on low IQ shooters who make dumb passes.
Ironically though Adam Morrison sure fits the bill for that. He just hasn't consistently knocked down the 3 ball like he did back in Gonzaga. If he can find that shot again well who knows?
-KB Blitz
Posted by: Kobeblitz | March 04, 2009 at 12:37 AM
We don't seem to be too attractive a destination for many NBA free agents. This situation is a strange two headed coin to me.
I do think it's about Kobe. He’s a strange mix of someone with an unprecedented and massive cult of personality while being somewhat simultaneously lacking in the same area.
He's a company guy, but he's not a company Christmas party guy, if that makes any sense.
He's not a Shaq. He's not a LeBron or Wade or even a Magic. He's more like Kareem, I guess, in his social predilections. I think the team still needs a Shaq/Magic ambassador if we want to attract these final fringe NBA vets that spring loose from time to time.
I see Kobe as the Einstein of the NBA. He'll never be the band leader of the Buena Vista Social club, but put him in his element--put him in a room with a pencil and a view of the cosmos--and you'll have magic.
But you're not going to have a great party. You gotta get Einstein's cousin Larry involved if you want to trip the light fantastic.
Now that’s a party.
Wes
Posted by: wesjoenixon | March 04, 2009 at 12:42 AM
wesjoe-
I think some of the personality things you bring up with Kobe could be true- does he own one of those Sorcerer's Apprentice hats?- but i don't think they have much to do with the deals for Gooden and Smith. In the end, it's more an issue of mechanics and fit, not necessarily Kobe. Right now there are backup minutes for power forwards on this team, but what's available now (relatively limited) basically disappears once Bynum returns. Especially in the case of Gooden, you're talking about a guy playing for what hopefully will be a longer term contract. He'll have a much better chance to play bigger minutes with the Spurs.
Sucks for the Lakers. We were told the team "made inquiries" but in the end, you can't make a guy come in if the fit isn't right. In terms of other FAs, they really haven't had the cap space to be courting folks. But the guys they have want to stay (LO, Ariza). If Sasha was ever shipped out, he'd keel over and die. Gasol likes it, Fish came back, and so on.
The important thing with Kobe is to have other guys around to balance his personality, because it can be so dominant. Protecting your space is how Fish described it to me last year. Dude's intense, no doubt, but I really think things are past the point where guys wouldn't sign here specifically b/c of 24. It's a tough theory to test, though, since they really can't sign anyone anyway.
And I think if you spiked the egg nog just right? Kobe at the Christmas Party could be good times. I'm talking massive YouTube hits.
BK
Posted by: kambrothers | March 04, 2009 at 01:08 AM
I believe someone mentioned it already. They can have Gooden and Joe Smith, because the Lakers don't need another power forward. Morrison is a space filler, nothing more; he'll be gone by next year. Shannon Brown has some promise to stick around, though.
I hope Sun Yue develops into a role-playing combo guard. He just needs confidence.
Posted by: Raymond42n | March 04, 2009 at 01:27 AM
triangle system not kobe nor the lakers is the reason for not acquiring waived players like gooden and smith. it is very to inject any person or a player in this system...
Posted by: edodgreat | March 04, 2009 at 01:44 AM
gooden's goatee compliments timmie's "radish head".
Posted by: ouchhhhhhhhh | March 04, 2009 at 02:17 AM
there is something that does not ADD up. all the numbers look "stellar" (?) and we scored 99 points against the grizz?!
that's not really skinned. more like scratched.
the team was sub-par in every category except assists and i'm sure in blocks.
lakers are @ 109 pts./g. first in the NBA. in the past 3 games, their total is 289 pts, = 96.3 that puts them on the 25th of 30 teams as scoring average.
if Lakers had a great assist night with 28, 5 more than the average, and they scored only 99 pts., something is wrong or BAD
LO, 1-8 is catastrophic
PG, 5-13 is very bad
TA, 0-6 with 0-4 from 3, i will let you fill in the blank
i mentioned this because we always mention INTANGIBLES, especially for LO. the problem of low scoring average is exactly LO who had also a 4 pt. game and i won't bother to look up the denver game. and please do not make the excuse that he was in foul trouble in the other 2 games.
as somebody mentioned today on the blog, old, veteran players, make less fouls because they r smarter and they know how to adjust (yes, and ex had a good comeback line, saying that they r too old to catch the other players, so they don't foul. lol)
as much as 13 reb for LO is no big deal, because we expect 10, even if he has a bad game. in the past 3 games he reverted to the old LO, playing out of control (it's funny, because after having that 11-12 sooting night, he tried to be smart and told a reporter that he was always a very good player). tonight it was a "special" LO circus, chaotic sequence were he penetrated, shot, was blocked, got the ball, almost lost it, got it back .....and so on. finally in the last sec of the clock he passes to kobe who had to bomb a 3 pt shot.
in my opinion, LO has to have at least 10 points, if not 15. in the 2 lost games, he could have post up, especially against phoenix, because he had always a mismatch. he does not know what play to make when he has the ball. the myth about his versatility is reduced to a penetration on the left side because he is faster than other defender of his size. and his layups r suspicious. obviously Ariza, took him as a role model.
as much as many intangibles, he played BAD. gasol played BAD, especially for the player of the month. actually his brother mark skinned him. but that is a family afairre and they will solve it.
i know that many are mesmerized by Trevor "pickpocket" Ariza's game. in a set offense, giving him a pass is like driving in a cul-de-sac with 60 miles/h and having a wall in front of you. when the triangle is "played" the ball in his hands STOPS, or he will take 3 point shot, lately the shots are horrible. i will say that the ones he makes, r pure luck. but 4 steals that he had tonight (maybe did not end in points or fast breaks), can't cover a 0-6 shooting night with 0-4 from 3. and please stop penetrating.
so all these "intangibles" for 99 points. obviously in your recap, you took the same approach as the lakers have when they play bad or mediocre teams. you r maybe too close to the court, and rubs the wrong way. (jk)
i'm not trying to be critical or argumentative, but 99 points at home, low under avg. 109, on 44.4 shooting, under 47.6 avg. and 25% from 3 pt. under 36.4 and also 71% FT, under 77% it is not good enough. something has to be bad, especially with 28 assists, well over the 23.67 avg.
BAD:LO and PG and i will add farmar who in 21:19 minutes had no assists?!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! (and shot 2-5, but no 3 point shot) but that subject was ruminated enough in the past 2 days.
very BAD: ariza. (he looks really uncomfortable in a set offense. obviously he is a bruin, and with his pal jordy they can't stand put and they always have to run and be on the move- and no, i'm not an USC fan or actually fan of any "other" college teams)
i'm happy that sasha got his groove back, somewhat, and especially i enjoyed his passing game and how he controlled the ball. DJ was the real star of this game, and he was able to entertain the fans and his teammates with his limited minutes played. kobe is kobe and we don't expect anything less. 31 pts. in 3 qt-no big deal.
as a i said on the jabber box, the dialogue of the posters was more fun than the game on the court. at least we really bounced back.
let's don't get excited about victories over memphis and minny. the real test will be next week in portland (no win in rose garden for some time), houston, and b2b with san antonio. that will be the real test for this team and especially for the bench.
the 6 game road trip with bynum's accident, that ended with the most important victories over the celts and cavs, was psychologically on a very different/special level. i'm not sure if the team is tired or is running on empty after having such a HIGH from that trip. and it takes some time to build up again. the 3 games mini-road-trip will give them new challenges. 2 games only this week will give them time to recharge both physically and mentally.
and on the MOST positive note:
lakers are the first team to reach 50 victories this season
in the scoring total, kobe passed baylor and dantley on the road, so the fans did not cheer for him. friday, in the first quarter he will pass Robert Parish with his 928 game, vs. parish who needed 1,611 in the front of the home crowd. and especially passing a celtic player. personally i'm amazed. that is a monumental achievement, regardless of the number of games. and also he just passed 6000 free throws made with 6009. it's a lot.
LGL (let's go lakers-abrv. from the lakers Jabber Box)
Posted by: ouchhhhhhhhh | March 04, 2009 at 02:18 AM
fish has the assist of the night on NBa.com to LUKEEEEEEE
Posted by: ouchhhhhhhhh | March 04, 2009 at 02:23 AM
The correct expression is "mano a mano", not "mano y mano".
It can be translated as "one on one".
Posted by: Urederra | March 04, 2009 at 03:04 AM
"If Sasha was ever shipped out, he'd keel over and die."
LOL.
I love Sasha.
Posted by: Faith | March 04, 2009 at 03:32 AM
The next 3 games at the road will be the last true hard part of the regular season. Sure there will probably be tough games in the 7 game roadie with opponents as Atlanta (they are tough at home), Charlotte (they always play the Lakers tough), and Detroit (this could be the year we win in Motor City but still the Palace is a tough place) but Portland (toughest place for the Lakers), Houston (Kobe will have his hands full facing both Ron Artest and Battier), and San Antonio tops them both.
Afterwards save for the game at Portland and a game against Houston back in the Staples Center the sch is relatively easy.
-KB Blitz
Posted by: Kobeblitz | March 04, 2009 at 06:19 AM
Robert Horry for the stretch run? I wouldn't like to see him put up a 3 pointer, but I still like him defensively.
Posted by: #4 | March 04, 2009 at 06:29 AM
I like Lamar more and more everyday.
LAMAR...LAKER FOR LIFE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
hog
Posted by: the canibus hog | March 04, 2009 at 06:55 AM
But you're not going to have a great party. You gotta get Einstein's cousin Larry
involved if you want to trip the light fantastic.
Posted by: wesjoenixon | March 04, 2009 at 12:42 AM
WES!!!! Did you see what happened the last time they got cousin Larry involved?
Ever heard of the ATOMIC BOMB!
Posted by: mamba24 | March 04, 2009 at 06:58 AM
Wesjoe,
Attractive to free agents?
Is Stromile Swift or Drew Gooden better Five than DJ Mbenga? No.
Is Chris Mihm better than DJ Mbenga? No
Lakers are seeking to win a championship with their current roster. Its not a good indication when a championship aspirant feels the need to add a waived free agent to their playoff roster.
Cavs adding Joe Smith due to Ben Wallace injury is understandable. Drew Gooden to Spurs is irrelevant. Gooden the "coveted veteran" is not the answer. He can't guard Gasol, Bynum, Odom, Kode and has trouble with TA.
Trades are the way to get it done if roster changes are needed. Spurs will not win the championship this year.
Todd
Posted by: Todd | March 04, 2009 at 06:58 AM
Does anyone think that it just might be Phil Jackson and his sophisticated(?) Triangle Offense that make players apprehensive about coming to the Lakers.
3 wasted years to learn the damn offense would certainly make players look at other teams where they could come in and learn a system a lot more quickly.
Why look lost in the Bermuda Triangle when you can look good playing in an offense that most teams use and most players are accustomed to.
Hell, we have players who have been here for years and still look lost on offense.
Posted by: Prozac Phil | March 04, 2009 at 07:12 AM
Hey Laker fans
I can't wait until the playoffs.......They are talking smack up there in BLazer land on the OREGONIAN website about our lakers.......
Posted by: LakerFAN503 | March 04, 2009 at 07:24 AM
And I think if you spiked the egg nog just right? Kobe at the Christmas Party could be good times. I'm talking massive YouTube hits.
BK
"Shaq, tell me how my a$$ tastes!" good times? Do ya' think?
No? Just wishful thinking.
BTW, BK, you are absolutely right about Drew getting more burn in SA. Plus, in SA he will probably get the chance to be the big hero if the stars align themselves and a) our 'Drew comes back healthy and productive, b) we both meet in the WCF, and c) he nullifies his opposing 'Drew and helps SA advance to the finals.
If he is then so fortunate to help SA win the championship against whoever comes out of the East, he's looking at a huge payday.
He can't get that with the Lakers. He might not even get much PT over here. He would definitely change the landscape if he goes to SA.
A little scary...
--Fearless
Posted by: Fearless | March 04, 2009 at 07:25 AM
Dont tell me Mbenga is this weeks savior ... now that LO is back to being LOL.
Posted by: 131-92 | March 04, 2009 at 07:43 AM
I like Lamar more and more everyday. LAMAR...LAKER FOR LIFE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: the canibus hog | March 04, 2009 at 06:55 AM
******
LAMAR ODOM LAKER FOR LIFE BANDWAGON
***
****
(01) KIWI – OWNER - I hearby pledge not to criticise Odom until the end of the
season.
(2) MR_BARNEY_DANGLES - DRIVER -LAMAR IS A BEAST AHHHHHHH.
I'm really glad he is getting "numbers" s
(03) BOCA Laker Gurl- Laker girl for Life.
(04) LEONARD BAST - all we need out of Lamar is about 15 and 15 a night,
then we'll be fine!
(05) SBPIMP - I'm totally on the Lamar Laker for Life bandwagon
(06) TIM-4-SHOW - If Lamar can play like that a majority of the time, then I'm
all for him being a Laker for the rest of his career.
(07) MIKEANDMIKE - I believe in odom.
(08) LAL_FAN - I’ll be more than happy to admit being wrong about him
every game, if he keeps doing it with any kind of consistency
(09) LAKERTOM - Throw away the “Odumb” jokes and give the man
his due. He deserves to be a Laker
(10) TALIQ - His team will makeup for the occasional bone head play,
it's the least they can do for a guy that's all about team chemistry" ...
(11) PSYCHEDLAKERGIRL - have always been on the I LOVE
(12) KOREY - And on the Laker for life talk, it'd be foolish for Kupchak NOT to
sign Lamar given Bynum's injury history. You resign Lamar you guarantee a
championship contender for the next 4 years with or without Bynum's health.
DOnt resign him and we are at risk.
(13) JON K. - Lamar Odom reigns supreme.
(14) #4 - The one thing about LO and Gasol starting together is that
there is absolutely no sense of ego or self involved.
(15) CHARLES - Give credit to Lamar for cutting and props to
Gasol for finding him
(16) LAKER_FAN24 - Lamar Laker for Life
(17) KOBEBLITZ - I'll give credit to Lamar and hopefully until Bynum is back
at least he'll average double digits in points and rebounds and improve that
(18) MIKER – LO ALL THE WAY
(19) PK-IN-THE-MESA – HE BECAME A LAKER THE OLD FASHIONED WAY…
HE EARNED IT!!!!!!!
(20) JUSTANOTHERMAMBAFAN - DEMAND (yes you heard me!!) to be on
the LO = Laker for Life Bandwagon.LO is becoming more & more the
player we all know he can be.
((22) CHINA LAKE - Add me to the Lamar Odom Laker
for Life Bandwagon! This is my first bandwagon
. I've never quite been able to grasp the controversy over LO.
Granted, he's inconsistent, but it seems that is the
overwhelming truth about most people in life.
(23) EDWIN GUECO - LO is the 3rd option when the
spoiled beast is languishing in pain but he has to trim
(24) SAMLL - Another re-setting of his season-high – 19
rebounds! 19 points is great, too! Mamba, you gotta
put me on the Lamar for Life bandwagon
(25) SEAN714 – Knew he had it in him
(26) LAKE_TOM – Do we have a similar bandwagon for Lamar
Odom? We should.
(26) CANIBUS HOG - I like Lamar more and more everyday he is
LAKER FOR LIFE
Posted by: | March 04, 2009 at 07:47 AM
ouchhhh,
And that is why Ariza is not starting yet.
Posted by: exhelodrvr | March 04, 2009 at 07:50 AM
I'm gonna second BK's take and guess that Smith/Gooden playing elsewhere has nothing to do with "not wanting to play with Kobe." Beyond that storyline feeling long past out of sync with the present, BK and I initially figured the odds didn't favor the Lakers because of PT. Particularly once Bynum is good to go. Look at it this way: With all three healthy, you saw how much run Powell got. Smith/Gooden would be facing a similar situation- Neither is as good as LO, Pau or AB- which makes coming here less appealing. Plus, in the case of Smith, there's no adjustment period, since he recently played with Cleveland. Although technically speaking, there may be a few new plays in Mike Brown's book, since the addition of Mo Williams means they can run more than "Give the ball to LBJ at the top of the circle," "Give the ball to LBJ on the left side," "Give the ball to LBJ on the right side." But you know what I mean.
And for the sake of argument, let's pretend for a second either guy did have reservations about playing with Kobe. We're not talking about signing a six year commitment. It's from now until mid-June at the ABSOLUTE latest (and that's including a potential parade). Do you honestly think guys are gonna pass up a chance to join a championship front runner because of three and a half months with Kobe? Really? That feels like a stretch, another reason I'm not buying that explanation.
AK
Posted by: kambrothers | March 04, 2009 at 07:53 AM
Good Morning Charles...Good Morning Everyone...
well that was more like it...
second unit definitly played better and more like they did earlier in the year...though Ariza looks totally out of sync to me, hope he snaps out of it and soon...
Sasha may be turning the corner, we can all only hope...
the hero last night?.....wait for it... Mbenga---wow he was virtually amazing...if he could play a little more under control on the defensive end and limit his fouls he could really be a much needed contributer..his jump shots looked really good..
and as someone said last year: MMMMbenga?...MMMMMblocka...I always thought that was rather sublime, especially when Mbenga /Mblocka lives up to his moniker, as it were, seemingly..
Josh Powell played really well and Farmar played somewhat better...
we still had some lame brain antics out there (and I am not singing Tull's Solitaire), though nothing like Sunday...
I didn't even want to post after that game, we were so stupid and made so many dumb mistakes it actually made me vomit(either that or I was just too busy to post)....
our collective "basketball I.Q." (aka walking around brains) needs to go up considerably and totally eliminate unforced mistakes and lapses in conciousness etc.
everyone needs to put Lamar's bong down until the summer...
really wish Lamar would play like he does before the trade deadline...the same old consistency monster is raising it's head again, and I don't dig it man...
make your damn free throws everyone....really...I am not kidding around anymore...
"But listen to the colors of your dreams"
"Yes, well, of course, that's just the sort of blinkered philistine pig ignorance I've come to expect from you non-creative garbage. You sit there on your loathsome, spotty behinds squeezing blackheads, not caring a tinker's cuss about the struggling artist. You excrement! You lousy hypocritical whining toadies with your lousy color T.V. sets and your Tony Jacklin golf clubs and your bleeding masonic handshakes! You wouldn't let me join, would you, you blackballing bastards! Well, I wouldn't become a freemason now if you went down on your lousy, stinking, purulent knees and begged me."
AS ALWAYS, AS EVER, YET ANOTHER GREAT DAY (AND SEASON) TO BE A LAKER FAN !!!
GO LAKERS !!!
Posted by: Floyd | March 04, 2009 at 07:58 AM
Well, I wouldn't become a freemason now if you went down on your lousy,
stinking, purulent knees and begged me."Posted by: Floyd | March 04, 2009 at 07:58 AM
FLOYD, FLOYD, FLOYD! Please I beg of you I'm down on my lousy stinking knees,
please become a Freemason.ROFLMFAO!!!! D@MM,MMM I never want to make you
mad my brother.
Larry(Mamba24)
Posted by: Mamba24 | March 04, 2009 at 08:11 AM
Do you honestly think guys are gonna pass up a chance to join a championship front runner
because of three and a half months with Kobe? Really? Posted by: kambrothers | March 04, 2009 at 07:53
I WOULD!
Posted by: THOSE MAGNIFICENT CALVES | March 04, 2009 at 08:18 AM
"The important thing with Kobe is to have other guys around to balance his personality, because it can be so dominant. Protecting your space is how Fish described it to me last year. Dude's intense, no doubt, but I really think things are past the point where guys wouldn't sign here specifically b/c of 24. It's a tough theory to test, though, since they really can't sign anyone anyway."
BK/wesjoe
This is more revealing in what BK feels personally about Kobe (which is totally baseless) than any logical basketball related answer.
Have either of you considered that Phil Jackson may be the reason? Look at the recent veteran signings that Phil has made and look how they have been utilized.
IRA NEWBLE
Ira signed here last year with the reputation of being an excellent defensive player of the 2 and 3 postiions. Ira was a physical defensive veteran with skills honed under Popovich in San Antonio and a worthy adversary according to Kobe in practice. Ira never played although we were being pushed around by Boston and we didn't have with the exception of Kobe one player who could contain Boston. Phil said after the series that we needed to be more defensive minded and physical.......... but why didn't Newble have a chance to play defense against Pierce? He didn't know the triangle.......... Go figure
Aaron Mckie
A veteran defensive player with Finals experience, also known to be able to knock down open jumpers. During the 06' campaign Aaron was hurt during the season but became healthy and available during the last part of that season and on into the playoffs. Smush Parker was being ripped a new one by Steve Nash with just atrocious defense and in game 6 during the third quarter in that playoff series........Smush froze like a popcicle.
Did Phil try McKie? No..............why? Only God knows
JIMMY JACKSON
Another veteran swingman with worlds of experience who even played under the trangle system for a stint under the miserble coaching stint of Jimmy Cleamons in Dallas.
Instead of trying Jimmy Jackson with Kobe to some degree Phil stuck with the hapless Smush Parker in an attempt to develop Smush for the future..........Ironically this is the same strategy used to develop Slava Medvedenko and Chris Mihm........... all are out of the league
Why didn't Jimmy Jackson get a chance to play? Only God knows
What we do know is free agents and veteran signings talk to each other......with this history.......would you sign with the Lakers under Phil Jackson?
All of these players had tremendous respect for Kobe and Ira even went on to say that Kobe was a great guy.....these sentiments were echoed by McKie as he said he knew Kobe since highschool while he was with the Sixers.
These are the facts every other contention is bullshhhhhhh!
Posted by: pfunk36 | March 04, 2009 at 08:24 AM
Seriously guys, I'm still available!
http://tinyurl.com/bmfeem
Posted by: KWAME BROWN | March 04, 2009 at 08:27 AM
Wasn't there a survey out there awhile back asking the players which coach they would like to play for if they had their choice? Didn't PJ get the number 1 spot in that list? So why when theres a free agent out there, the Lakers are never their first choice? They always have 2 or 3 teams they would play for before choosing the Lake show. Maybe the players Know/see something about Phil that we as Laker fans don't.
Posted by: Magia32 | March 03, 2009 at 09:45 AM
pfunk36,
Thats what I was saying yesterday, I agree with you 100%
Posted by: Magia32 | March 04, 2009 at 08:38 AM
Mamba 24,
Why not start a count down bus to the championship?
Correct me if I'm wrong, but I think any combination of wins by the Lakers and\or losses by the Suns totaling 7 insures the Lakers of at least a 4 seed in the west. That can be bus stop #1. Additional stops to be added as they become clear, but we know the final destination.
Posted by: Laker Larry | March 04, 2009 at 08:39 AM
These are the facts every other contention is bullshhhhhhh!
Posted by: pfunk36 | March 04, 2009 at 08:24 AM
MOOOOOOOOOOO!!
Posted by: ELSIE THE COW | March 04, 2009 at 08:40 AM
Josh Smith & Dwight Gooden not playing with the LAKERS...
Well, for all we know it not because of Kobe, perhaps they're afraid of messing up or learning in a triangle. Another reason could be that their future contracts with Lakers are bleak b/c the team is approaching 100M mark next season so it could be a short time job only. Mitch may have been late in delivering the pitch, the players have made commitments to these teams. Lastly, probably they looked at their peers like VladRad and Adam Morrison as their model, iIf these players could not buy a playing time under PJ order of battle what more if you are another newcomer, an odd player who just moved in. Not long ago, there were good players in the past that were taken in the late season, they played token minutes and released at year end. If you are Gooden and Smith, you have to weigh the risks and rewards in joining a Championship team.
Is Dwight Gooden and Josh Smith better than VladRad. Maybe, according to our noted statisticians here. However, Vladrad knew the system, he is accepted by the players and the children of Los Angeles. He could be explosive if he wanted to, so he fits the role of that secret weapon. We released him now we're looking for another Vladrad who can shoot, play defense and less money.
Morrison is here, Shannon can leap and navigate the Cosmos but they rut on the bench. See what happened to another bench occupier, Mbenga, he can play if he is used. If you play him only for 2 minutes and judged his physicality within that time frame, well our turtle player wouldl never impress anyone. It takes time to move those straddled legs but game rhythm and motivation could move Mbenga's legs. Let's keep on looking for more players who will opt out in the future. Gooden and Smith are not predestined to be a Laker, their loss not ours.
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | March 04, 2009 at 08:40 AM
AK/BK,
I don't know why are you guys praising our bench? Yes, they played better then last 2 games, I would say they did not bother to showed up for last 2 games. Just stop for a second and think, Kobe went on the bench we were up by 11. During his absence our bench push deficit to 21 and as easily surrendered back to 10 by the time he came back. Do you consider this a spectacular or even solid play? I would consider it a sign of immaturity, as Pau point out in his interview, and total disinterest to play any kind of solid team D, substituting with pick pocketing gambles, which works sometimes against doormats like Grizzlies, but will definitely fail against elite teams. The good illustration of this was a possession when Sasha gamble for steal, failed leaving either Gay or Mayo knocking down open 3. Do you realy think this a way our bench suppose to play?
Posted by: LAL_Fan | March 04, 2009 at 08:50 AM
Good morning Mamba24 and Laker morning CRUE!!
Nice win last night! A little sloppy at times but all in all a really good effort from the Bench Mob. I'd still like to see Brown & Amo get some burn - maybe Friday. I was mostly impressed by Powell and DJ - ripping down boards, blocking shots, making some baskets - oh now if only we get consistency from them both!
A Laker win makes every morning-after beeeuuutiful!!
Posted by: justanothermambafan | March 04, 2009 at 08:56 AM
Is Dwight Gooden and Josh Smith better than VladRad Posted by:
Edwin Gueco | March 04, 2009 at 08:40 AM
I don't know but Gooden use to be one H***L of a pitcher
Posted by: ELSIE THE COW | March 04, 2009 at 08:57 AM
Correct me if I'm wrong, but I think any combination of wins by the Lakers and\or losses
by the Suns totaling 7 insures the Lakers of at least a 4 seed in the west.
That can be bus stop #1. Additional stops to be added as they become clear,
but we know the final destination.
Posted by: Laker Larry | March 04, 2009 at 08:39 AM
OUTFREAKIN STANDING!!! Will do on the next Roll Call!
And Larry, You have a great first name. LOL!
Larry(Mamba24)
Posted by: ELSIE THE COW | March 04, 2009 at 09:00 AM
pfunk,
If those players you mentioned were so worthy of playing, tell me how they did the season after they were with the Lakers. They should have still been worthy of playing, right? Who is Ira Newble with this year? How much PT did Jackson get the year after the Lakers signed him?
Posted by: exhelodrvr | March 04, 2009 at 09:06 AM
Floyd,
" MMMMbenga?...MMMMMblocka...I always thought that was rather sublime, especially when Mbenga /Mblocka lives up to his moniker"
Some of us here never knew the real story of Mbenga, story should again be refreshed:
http://tinyurl.com/dn6dte
This Mbenga's 2nd journey with life. He earns only $ 0.8M a year while most of his countrymen in Congo earn $ 8 a month. He helps poor kids in Congo, want to build a school like Dikembe Motumbo so that these poor kids could realize a little prosperity from continuous life of poverty, hunger and war. They worked their butts in the NBA, not as prosperous as Kobe and Pau or lucky as Walton and Bynum who earns more and play more. Nobody believes in DJ, he is treated more of a clown by experts and statisticians in this blog, yet he is the player who wants to contribute, gives more and earn less.
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | March 04, 2009 at 09:07 AM
A sfar as Phil getting the most out of players, take a look at how Kwame and Smush did with the Lakers, and what they have done since.
The Lakers play a very structured style, which is designed to get the most out of the players involved. Some players don't do well in that environment (Gary Payton, for example), and some players aren't going to want to play in that style.
But that style and Jackson's coaching have proven to be very effective; last season was a prefect example. All the pre-season conflict/turmoil, the mid-season injury to Bynum and the adjustment to the mid-season acquisition of Gasol, trace of Kwame Brown, mid-season acquisition and subsequent loss of Ariza, injuries to Walton and Fisher, the youth of the roster, and the team made it to within a few points of winning the title.
Posted by: exhelodrvr | March 04, 2009 at 09:19 AM
Nobody believes in DJ, he is treated more of a clown by experts and statisticians in this blog,
yet he is the player who wants to contribute, gives more and earn less.
I BELIEVE IN DJ!!! OUT FREAKIN STANDING EDWIN!!!
***
I BELIEVE IN DJ MBENGA - BANDWAGON
**
(01) EDWIN GUECO - OWNER - he is the player who wants to contribute,
gives more and earn less.
(02) MAMBA24 - DRIVER - This man is a role model. God bless you DJ>
Posted by: mamba24 | March 04, 2009 at 09:21 AM
The Dodgers are lucky Manny just signed with them. They're lucky his past caught up with him and no other team seemed interested in his services because the Dodgers just kept the best hitter in baseball bar none.
He's a bad, bad man, he loves LA and the Dodger fans, he feels at home here and actually flourishes where other supposed superstars have wilted and faded by the thousands.
He's the anti dodger signing. The opposite of every other big free agent acquisition we've had since Gibson. I can't even remember all the big name busts we've had since 88 and if I could I wouldn't be happy about it, but I am happy about this.
And the McCourts and LA fans are lucky too. These short term deals will keep Manny on his best behavior and his hitting just made our line up good enough to get us into the playoffs.
Still need pitching, still need more hitting to beat the Phillies.
Go Lakers.
Wes
Posted by: wesjoenixon | March 04, 2009 at 09:21 AM
Good Morning, Laker Nation!
It's time for...
Jon K.'s Early Thoughts That He Has Not Put Too Much Thought Into Yet:
1. It bothers me that almost everytime tacos are in doubt (Lakers win, score more than 100 points and keep an opponent below 100 points), but victory is not, the second team screws up getting tacos. I mean, the score was something akin to 95-82 with four minutes left and we couldn't take it over 100 points. I've seen this happen a hell of a lot of times. When the second team hears, "WE WANT TACOS!" they freeze up. That is, with the exception of Sasha Vujacic, who goes into OVERDRIVE and also makes a lot more mistakes. It's odd and disappointing to watch.
2. Nice to see the Lakers win last night.
3. I'm glad that the Lakers have a couple days off. They need them.
4. It's sad about Chris Mihm. Denied a ring this year, sent to Memphis, ankle all screwed up. Too bad.
5. I needs to sees mes some more Shannon Brown on the court! I like that kid.
6. Why isn't Sun Yue in D-League right now? I mean, we want the kid to get better, right? There's no way he's playing with Morrison and Brown added to the roster.
7. I feel bad for Zach Randolph. He has played hard for the Lakers this year and now his father is dying. Just too bad.
8. Baron Davis is ARGUABLY the Clippers fifth best player (after Eric Gordon, Zach Randolph, Marcus Camby and Chris Kaman), although he in reality is probably their fourth best player (drop Chris Kaman). What happened to Baron Davis? People were talking about him being an All-Star? Fred Jones and Mike Taylor play better than him OVER half the time. Ridiculous.
9. I hope the Clippers win tonight. They could use it, especially with all the injuries.
10. Is Andrew Bynum back yet? Sooner is better. Pau Gasol is playing a hell of a lot of minutes.
11. I don't like the idea of the Celtics or Cavs picking up Joe Smith or Drew Gooden. Don't like it at all.
12. Lamar Odom played a phenomenal game last night for a guy who didn't score. Rebounds, assists, and blocks too boot! Nice.
What do we play for? RINGS!!!!
Lakers Today... Lakers Tomorrow... Lakers Forever.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | March 04, 2009 at 09:29 AM
Raymond,
" I hope Sun Yue develops into a role-playing combo guard. He just needs confidence."
He needs playing time and ability and he has little of each.
With the addition of Shannon Brown, Sun Yue will not be playing. You're just going to have to get used to that.
I know people want Sun Yue to do well--he is a Laker, after all--but, tell me, what have you seen out of this guy except a nice mid-range jump shot?
I have not seen ANYTHING out of Sun Yue to indicate to me that this player has the capabilities of being a reliable NBA second team or role player. Not a thing.
I actually believe that he may not be being sent down to D-League because Joey Crawford would embarass him and it would even further hurt his confidence.
What do we play for? RINGS!!!!
Lakers Today... Lakers Tomorrow... Lakers Forever.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | March 04, 2009 at 09:34 AM
A sfar as Phil getting the most out of players, take a look at how Kwame and
Smush did with the Lakers, and what they have done since.
Posted by: exhelodrvr | March 04, 2009 at 09:19 AM
Your case was made with the first sentence Ex. Great Post!!
Posted by: mAMBA24 | March 04, 2009 at 09:35 AM
12. Lamar Odom played a phenomenal game last night for a guy who didn't score.
Rebounds, assists, and blocks too boot! Nice.What do we play for? RINGS!!!!
Posted by: Jon K. | March 04, 2009 at 09:29 AM
******
LAMAR ODOM LAKER FOR LIFE BANDWAGON
***
****
(01) KIWI – OWNER - I hearby pledge not to criticise Odom until the end of the
season.
(2) MR_BARNEY_DANGLES - DRIVER -LAMAR IS A BEAST AHHHHHHH.
I'm really glad he is getting "numbers" s
(03) BOCA Laker Gurl- Laker girl for Life.
(04) LEONARD BAST - all we need out of Lamar is about 15 and 15 a night,
then we'll be fine!
(05) SBPIMP - I'm totally on the Lamar Laker for Life bandwagon
(06) TIM-4-SHOW - If Lamar can play like that a majority of the time, then I'm
all for him being a Laker for the rest of his career.
(07) MIKEANDMIKE - I believe in odom.
(08) LAL_FAN - I’ll be more than happy to admit being wrong about him
every game, if he keeps doing it with any kind of consistency
(09) LAKERTOM - Throw away the “Odumb” jokes and give the man
his due. He deserves to be a Laker
(10) TALIQ - His team will makeup for the occasional bone head play,
it's the least they can do for a guy that's all about team chemistry" ...
(11) PSYCHEDLAKERGIRL - have always been on the I LOVE
(12) KOREY - And on the Laker for life talk, it'd be foolish for Kupchak NOT to
sign Lamar given Bynum's injury history. You resign Lamar you guarantee a
championship contender for the next 4 years with or without Bynum's health.
DOnt resign him and we are at risk.
(13) JON K. - Lamar Odom reigns supreme.
(14) #4 - The one thing about LO and Gasol starting together is that
there is absolutely no sense of ego or self involved.
(15) CHARLES - Give credit to Lamar for cutting and props to
Gasol for finding him
(16) LAKER_FAN24 - Lamar Laker for Life
(17) KOBEBLITZ - I'll give credit to Lamar and hopefully until Bynum is back
at least he'll average double digits in points and rebounds and improve that
(18) MIKER – LO ALL THE WAY
(19) PK-IN-THE-MESA – HE BECAME A LAKER THE OLD FASHIONED WAY…
HE EARNED IT!!!!!!!
(20) JUSTANOTHERMAMBAFAN - DEMAND (yes you heard me!!) to be on
the LO = Laker for Life Bandwagon.LO is becoming more & more the
player we all know he can be.
((22) CHINA LAKE - Add me to the Lamar Odom Laker
for Life Bandwagon! This is my first bandwagon
. I've never quite been able to grasp the controversy over LO.
Granted, he's inconsistent, but it seems that is the
overwhelming truth about most people in life.
(23) EDWIN GUECO - LO is the 3rd option when the
spoiled beast is languishing in pain but he has to trim
(24) SAMLL - Another re-setting of his season-high – 19
rebounds! 19 points is great, too! Mamba, you gotta
put me on the Lamar for Life bandwagon
(25) SEAN714 – Knew he had it in him
(26) LAKE_TOM – Do we have a similar bandwagon for Lamar
Odom? We should.
Posted by: mAMBA24 | March 04, 2009 at 09:37 AM
"If those players you mentioned were so worthy of playing, tell me how they did the season after they were with the Lakers. They should have still been worthy of playing, right? Who is Ira Newble with this year? How much PT did Jackson get the year after the Lakers signed him?"
exhelodrvr
All I am offering to you is the facts or truth.......you can choose to accept it or leave it alone....
Let's turn this around if these players were worthless why were they signed in the first place? Would that not be a waste of money and resourses?
The bottom line is some players serve a specific need for a particular team..... this is the reason given for Luke Walton starting with the Lakers ironically....
Tim Thomas was signed by Phoenix a couple of seasons ago and was well utilized by Dantoni in that system to the chagrin of all Laker fans...... Remember?
Tim Thomas has bounced around ever since...... Do you care to explain that buddy?
PJ Brown was a huge factor for Boston last year in their race to the crown with great work off the bench........Doc Rivers very brilliantly used his skills to help Boston........this year? PJ Brown is not in the league......... Try answering that smart guy.
My point is the study of free agents should be done BEFORE you sign a guy to see how he may help YOUR team , how he performs elsewhere should not even be part of the equation.
If this free agent doesn't pan out for your team it is not the players fault......the GM and or coach should be held accountable for signing him.......Don't you think?
Posted by: pfunk36 | March 04, 2009 at 09:42 AM
Umm... before seeing that link to Kwame Brown's production company, I was going to make some insane suggestion of DJ Mbenga, Sun Yue, and Memphis' conditional draft pick for Kwame Brown.
But... http://tinyurl.com/bmfeem
Wow.
By the way, all the names of the "co-hosts" of Kwame's booty parties (clearly gigs just for Kwame and other Lakers--Luke Walton, Jordan Farmar, Brian Cook--were just ways to pick up a chickenhead or two.)
Kwame Brown was throwing these parties DURING TRAINING CAMP!!!! AT IMPORTANT PARTS OF THE SEASON!!!!
Ridiculous. What a waste.
It bothers me that Luke Walton and Jordan Farmar were co-hosting these parties.
Can't they fricken wait until the off-season?
Just stupid.
What do we play for? RINGS!!!!!
Lakers Today... Lakers Tomorrow... Lakers Forever.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | March 04, 2009 at 09:44 AM
MANNY, YOU WAS ROBBED!!!
Posted by: MAMBA24 | March 04, 2009 at 09:46 AM
Glad to hear the Lakers are getting the day off today. If they're smart they'll make the most of it. Here's why:
Between now and the end of the regular season, there are only three more times the Lakers have 2 days in between games and all of those incorporate having to travel (after the Minny game this week, the Texas 2step and the Chicago game during the long road trip). The rest of the time they have to play every other night or on a back2back (4 times).
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.
Posted by: lakers_sth | March 04, 2009 at 09:53 AM
WesJoe,
I totally agree and because of Manny Ramirez, the Dodgers raised their bar in popularity just beneath the Lakers. I see Manny as the resurrection of the Fernandomania as soon as those homeruns propping up. Besides, who else in the baseball league who is not taking any enhancement drugs? Southland is lucky to have Manny Ramirez and Angel Guerrero. In the midst of economic crisis, we have something to look for with our past time, playing in June in NBA and playing the World Series in October. Sooner than we think, there will be a NFL team in the Southland, just in our backyard at City of Industry. Los Angeles is the final destination of sports events or teams when they experience financial crisis. The city hosted the Olympics twice when no country could afford it during crisis. NFL wasted 15 years of income opportunity with those petty issues of stadium boxes and taxes. California may be at the brink of bankruptcy but there is always a sports fan in the Southland willing to pay the price to see a good team play.
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | March 04, 2009 at 09:58 AM
NEW THREAD ALERT!!!
Posted by: Bzar | March 04, 2009 at 09:58 AM