Kobe Bryant's Practice Interview
On the way to dinner in Orlando, BK called me with a heads up that the transcription of Kobe Bryant's post-practice chatter for the assembled media was worth a cut and paste. I took his advice. Some interesting stuff about his future in purple and gold (the only uni he can imagine), Phil Jackson (the only coach he can imagine) and Derek Fisher (the only teammates he can- fingers crossed- imagine being part of his four titles)
AK
KOBE BRYANT
Q. The Magic did a great job in protecting the lane and keeping you from penetrating. But you made eight assists in every game of the Finals, and Derek Fisher now just said you see yourself more as a scorer than a passer. How did you do that?
KOBE BRYANT: Well, just reading the defense. Reading the defense, making plays, taking the challenge if they want to stop me and throw a couple guys at me, to be able to find other guys. I just take a lot of pride in it.
Q. By the way, the number 8 is a lucky number in China; everybody loves it.
KOBE BRYANT: Thank you (smiling).
Q. How would you describe your relationship with Phil, and how do you think it's evolved most during your time together?
KOBE BRYANT: I think the second time around it became more of a personal relationship, us having been around each other, then having this new group of guys, guys that we both had to lead. I think the relationship has carried over to off the court, whereas in the past it's always just been more of an X's and O's kind of relationship.
Q. People talk about he's been surrounded by great talent and people say maybe they just roll the ball out and he wins titles. How do you feel that he's on the cusp of No. 10?
KOBE BRYANT: That's phenomenal. That's phenomenal. I can't name one coach that won a championship with a bunch of scrubs, so that argument makes no sense.
Q. Talking about Pietrus' foul on Gasol. Rashard Lewis suggested that it was because of disrespecting the team that Gasol shouldn't have dunked the ball, should have held it because the game was he thought out of reach at that time. Any comment on that?
KOBE BRYANT: Well, you know, Pau is just not that type of player. He had a basket right there, and at that point you just take the basket. He's right underneath the basket, so I don't think it was something that was meant to be disrespectful in any kind of way. That's something that we've always talked about throughout the postseason, last year during the playoffs, always have respect for the opposition and not to try to do anything to embarrass them or anything like that.
Q. What was your take on the foul? Gasol said it was clearly meant to hurt him, and Pietrus said, "No, no, I was just going for the ball."
KOBE BRYANT: I couldn't care less. It doesn't matter. You can't be sensitive. Hurt Pau's feelings because he fouled him? It is what it is, no big deal.
Q. You're a great student of the game, and Phil hasn't passed Auerbach yet, and in your opinion is he already, based on his whole body of work, the greatest NBA coach ever or the luckiest, or both?
KOBE BRYANT: They kind of go hand in hand, I think, although Coach Auerbach also had a lot of lucky, very fortunate situations. But you have to have that. They've got to go hand in hand. But in my opinion he's the best.
Q. You were quoted recently as saying you can't imagine anyone else but Phil sitting down the bench from you. What does the future look like? There's a lot of us who think, he wins the tenth, it would be a nice poetic gesture to ride off into the sunset. Can you imagine the Lakers without him or playing for a different coach?
KOBE BRYANT: No, I've been spoiled my whole career playing with Phil. It's hard to imagine playing for anybody else, obviously. I grew up with him.
Q. Do you think he's thinking that way? I know he takes his time after the season to decide that. And if he were to decide in that direction, how much would you be lobbying for him to come back?
KOBE BRYANT: I don't think ‑‑ I think he's just more amused by everybody thinking that he's thinking that, if that makes any sense. He's really just in the moment.
Q. Each championship has its own significance. If you look back, the first one was because you won the first and the second helps validate, can you get a sense of how a fourth would be different from those first three, and what do you remember about the individual satisfaction of each of those?
KOBE BRYANT: I think this one is special because you rarely have the opportunity to get back up to the mountain twice in a career. In other words, you have your first run and then you hit rock bottom, and then you've got to build back up and get back to the top again. In careers, Derek and I both feel very fortunate to be part of something like that.
And then on an individual level you feel very good about it because the contributions you make as an individual for the betterment of the group helps you win that championship. That's what we remember feeling like, and hopefully we have that feeling again.
Q. Is there any importance to you as you know the list of guys that have the collection of the most rings at the top to be in that group?
KOBE BRYANT: It feels good, being in great company, obviously. The most important thing to me is winning. We put ourselves in a really good position right now, and hopefully we can finish it off.
Q. Lamar talked a little bit about the situation in Phoenix when you guys held the 3‑1 lead and you weren't able to close it out. Have you as a team talked to your guys about that and making sure you don't give the Magic any hope? And my second question is, is it any more difficult because you're on the cusp of a fourth championship?
KOBE BRYANT: It's not difficult at all. We just focus on what we've fought to do. We've done a good job of that all season, being focused, being in the moment, coming out and playing. I don't think it'll be that much of an issue. Phoenix series, they were a better team than us. We weren't ready. We were young, inexperienced, didn't know how to execute too well. This situation is a little different. We've got guys who are focused, hungry, know what we want to do, know what our identity is, and we're ready to go.
Q. You've led the team in assists each game in a series. How important is that role of facilitator been to the team's success in this series?
KOBE BRYANT: Well, it's been important to us in the playoffs because of the defense that we see and how teams try to play me personally, and then it's up to us to make adjustments in the playoffs. We've done a good job of that, keeping teams off balance and not sure how they want to play us defensively which in turns gives us a good rhythm.
Q. The pass to Pau at the end of regulation, how did you see that play develop? Did you know that he was here? It looked like he had nowhere to go in the last second.
KOBE BRYANT: Well, I knew he was going to keep running and I saw Dwight standing there, and one of the things I wanted to try to do was cut Dwight off because I felt like if I shoveled it to Pau then Dwight could stand there and change the shot or alter it. So I wanted to decoy him, cut him off and get it to Pau.
Q. Bill Russell's 11 may be out of reach for you, but do you look at Michael's six championships and say, that's a number I'd like to chase?
KOBE BRYANT: I'm trying to get this damn fourth one (laughter). I'm just really happy to be in this moment right now and just trying to get this fourth one. We're fortunate enough to be back in that situation, a fifth one, but I'm so happy right now to be in this situation, so we can just start with four.
Q. Even you judge other athletes in sports. Off the top of your head you may not know how many MVPs a guy has won or what he averaged in his career, but do you say, I know how many championships a guy has won?
KOBE BRYANT: That's the most important is the championships. It's a tough thing to do in team sports to have multiple championships. I mean, it's hard. So I think that's always the first thing that we remember because it's so difficult to do.
Q. You mentioned Phil being amused by people thinking that he's thinking about his future. How does it strike you that after the turmoil that you were involved in a couple of summers ago, now only a few weeks away from you having a decision about your future, that it's really not being discussed or talked about?
KOBE BRYANT: I have a decision about my future?
Q. You can terminate your contract after the season.
KOBE BRYANT: I have no idea what you're talking about (laughter).
Q. How does it strike you that when that moment comes that it'll be, again, a topic, whereas it's not now?
KOBE BRYANT: It won't be a topic. Won't be an issue.
Q. Could you elaborate on what you mean by that?
KOBE BRYANT: No, that's exactly why it won't be an issue (laughter).
Q. I guess because you just brought it up, can you imagine playing for anybody else besides ‑‑
KOBE BRYANT: I didn't bring it up (laughter). I deflected.
Q. Could you imagine playing for anyone else besides the Lakers next year?
KOBE BRYANT: No.
Q. Looking back to The Finals of last year, what is the biggest thing, just the trust in your teammates?
KOBE BRYANT: I think we're just better at playing together. But you also can't underestimate the value of Trevor Ariza, Andrew Bynum being healthy. That makes us a different team than last year. It makes us a deeper team, more athletic team, more versatile team. So I think having those two guys in the lineup, as well as us playing better together gives us the difference that we have right now.
Q. And how important is it for you to have a guy that you are tight with like Derek Fisher?
KOBE BRYANT: It's extremely important.
Q. Just for chemistry?
KOBE BRYANT: Extremely important because we know each other like the back of our hand. I know where he's going to be before he even gets there. I can throw a pass blindfolded to him and I know exactly where he's going to be just because we've been playing together for so long.
Q. I'd like your insight on Dwight Howard. You got to play with him on the U.S. team, almost three summers ago and now this year as an NBA player. Can you think back to that first practice as USA Basketball and now today?
KOBE BRYANT: The first time I tried to box him out in a scrimmage and he literally just swatted me out of the lane with one hand. I realized how strong he was because during the regular season I've never had that kind of confrontation with him. I thought, man, this guy is a strongest player I've ever felt. It's like Shaquille O'Neal. Then I saw his work ethic every day, worked on his shot, worked on his free‑throw shooting, worked on his foot work, and you kind of get the sense that everybody thinks he's a goofy kid, and he is, but he has a work ethic underneath that. He likes having a good team, but he works extremely hard, too.
Q. How much has being a Laker affected your career, having Magic Johnson being part owner, Kareem a coach and James Worthy roaming the hallways? How much have you become a better player from legends like that?
KOBE BRYANT: The person I talk to the most is Jerry West. That's the person I've spoken to in terms of getting advice from. Magic, I've never really talked to Magic about advice or things like that. James Worthy, I've seen him around the locker room a lot, he and I have conversed, I've stolen a spin move from him and things like that. So it definitely helped. But the NBA is such a fraternity. I remember coming in the league and speaking with Oscar Robertson. These are things that are just as a kid growing up, you're just like a kid in candystore, some of the players you get to talk to.
Q. What do you think of the Lakers that if you guys won, you'd have 15 rings, second most in the league. Any reason why it's perhaps the best franchise in league history?
KOBE BRYANT: There's no question. When you go inside Staples and you look up and you look at all the numbers that are retired, these aren't just great Laker players, you're talking about Top 50 of all time. I mean, that's pretty incredible when you think about the numbers that are retired. They're not just Laker players, they're just all‑time greats. That's just such a rich tradition.
I'm glad somebody asked Kobe about the 3-1 lead over PHX. I'm also glad there are a number of guys on the team other than him that remember it. While I clearly agree and understand that the reason it happened is Phoenix was just the better team, period, it definitely was horrible at the time.
I would really like them to close this game out tomorrow so I don't start having flashbacks.
Anyways, my real point is just a Lakers memory burned into my brain, and I was wondering if any of the rest of you remember this --
On Inside the NBA after our third win in the Phoenix series, Charles Barkley said "It would take an earthquake for the Lakers to lose this series." (I believe that's a direct quote).
Those words are forever seared into my brain - often for a laugh, as I'd take a guess that Barkley had big money on the series in favor of the Lakers at that point - but also because every time he actually does start talking about whether the Lakers will win the series they're now in (Jazz, Houston, Denver, whatever) I'm practically on my knees before the TV begging him not to say those words ... he never has, and maybe he remembers and it's the source of some of his occasional Laker-hating ...
No real point here, just wondering if anyone else remembers that night and laughs about it now.
(Other than BUTLER).
Posted by: kt | June 13, 2009 at 08:03 PM
Jman449,
Thanks for your comments. It will be interesting to see what happens with the Lakers backcourt as Fish and Kobe both get older. Most likely, we will continue to see more of a point guard by committee and match up, with Fish starting but Farmar playing against smaller and quicker guys and Shannon taking the bigger more physical guys.
And while I like Shannon Brown a lot, especially his hops and defensive abilities, I don’t see him as having the ball handling and playmaking skills to be a starting point guard, even in the Triangle Offense. Valuable contributor and part of the rotation, yes, but not a starter. Jordan has a far better chance because of his natural point guard skills but will need to work hard over the summer and take his game to the next level to do so.
To me, the current point guard situation reminds me of our previous situation at small forward before Trevor took over as starter, where we essentially had a mix of players whose collective skills included whatever the team needed in any particular game but where no single individual was strong enough overall to take control. There is a valuable lesson to be learned, which is the stability and consistency you get from a solid starter.
As for point guard, it’s too bad we can’t combine Jordan’s ball handling and playmaking skills, Sasha’s “machine-like” shooting stroke, Shannon’s hops and defensive skills, and Sun Yue’s height, length, and cheap contract into a single star player. He would be a hell of point guard. Unfortunately, nobody’s going to take Luke for Chris Paul. Nor are we going to trade any of our core-5 (Kobe, Pau, Drew, Lamar, and Trevor) to get help at the point. The solution will have to come from within or a Mitch miracle trade.
Aside from Kobe’s near triple-double oriented stats in the Finals, what got me starting to think of Kobe playing point guard was my desire to see Trevor play at guard where we have a bigger problem with stopping penetration rather than at small forward. While Trevor is not a good enough ball-handler or playmaker to play the point, I think his long range shooting and athletic ability to attack the rim would be even better matched up at shooting guard, where he would be playing against smaller, less physical players.
So my main motivation behind this entire discussion is to somehow justify a Kobe and Trevor backcourt, which I think would be devastating, which could work for the Lakers because of the Triangle, Kobe’s point guard skills, and Trevor’s improving offense, which is going to just keep on getting better. I am totally sold on his 3-point shooting prowess. The Mamba and the Cobra could develop into an all-snake All-Star backcourt. LOL.
Man, bring on the game, please…
Tom
Posted by: LakerTom | June 13, 2009 at 08:17 PM
Nice interview.
Btw, last night (I think) there was some NBA finals piece on tv and it was your typical stuff but the thing that really struck me, was just seeing footage of Kobe from the first three championships and how he's changed, physically, his demeanor, everything. He was such a kid back then, goofy, laughing, posing. Time passes so quickly.
Posted by: dave m | June 13, 2009 at 08:30 PM
I like that Kobe just had said that it was a vastly improved team and didn't mention the fact that the lakers have home court advantage.The lakers had one crack to win it at home in that phoenix series and two on the road...against a better team it's totally conceivable that a 3-1 lead can be blown in that situation.
The percentages clearly very heavily favour the team up 3 -1 but thats because its usually the better team that has the lead.I'd be interested to see the statistics of lower seeded teams that hold 3- 1 advantages and end up losing the series.To me - in hindsight the incredible thing is not that the lakers wound up losing that series but that they were up 3 games to 1 in the first place.
This situation is entirely different - having 2 games at home, a lakers team that knows how to close teams out, and being a team that (at the very very least) isn't the underdog in the series combine to make it an entirely different situation.
Posted by: Kiwi | June 13, 2009 at 08:52 PM
Has Mark Jackson come to his senses.
http://tinyurl.com/kmx44w
Posted by: ChicNstu | June 13, 2009 at 08:56 PM
Watching this made me the happiest man for the moment. His facial expressions was like "are you serous,I'm a laker and I won't go anywhere"
Posted by: freddyP | June 13, 2009 at 09:27 PM
Laker Nation
We still have work to do. All of the crap from the haters, the dark days of two summers ago when Kobe asked to be traded, the ugliness of Kwame Brown's hands of stone and cake escapades, the wierd Rudy Tomjonavich season, losing the 3-1 lead to the Suns, the bad Brian Grant contract, the 23 point lead gone awry and the game 6 blow-out against the Celtics - all of it, can be washed away with one more magnificent game. I'm waiting, I can feel it. LET"S GET IT DONE!
Long Live the Lakers
Posted by: Lincoln Laker | June 13, 2009 at 09:28 PM
Okay, in my last post I defended Kobe against people who were
starting to doubt him. Now it's time to stand up for everyone else.
You know what I think the Lakers should do in the offseason (if
Buss is willing to spend the money)? Keep the team intact.
Every player.
I'll lay out my reasoning in several posts, to keep any one post from getting too long (WHAT!?!??! LTLF MAKING A LONG
POST?!??! NOOOOOOO)
Reason #1: Familiarity breeds comfort.
Kobe has come to trust every player on this team and they
trust him and usually don't mind deferring to him for chunks
of games. You don't believe me? Kobe is still passing to
Sahsa, despite how he's shot in these playoffs. If you bring in an Artest or someone like that, you're asking for trouble. Even someone who doesn't have a reputation as a
nut case or a bad teammate can upset the balance.
Yes there have been occasional spats between Jordan and
Sasha or Pau, but nobody has ever punched anyone in the
face (ala Michael Jordan) or refused to go into a game (Scottie
Pippen), or anything like that. This group of players gets along
VERY well and that helps to make them better as a team.
Posted by: Long Time Laker Fan | June 13, 2009 at 09:41 PM
Reason #2: Good (enough) production at all 5 positions.
Bynum (when healthy) & Gasol at center, with Benga as a big
fill-in body in desperation is pretty darn good. Not many better
1-2 punches at center. In fact there are several teams that don't
have a center as good as Bynum OR Gasol.
PF - Gasol & Odom are a good tag team here. Josh Powell
played some good fill in minutes in the regular season, but
hasn't played well in the playoffs. But that doesn't matter.
In the playoffs, you shorten your rotation anyway to maximize
minutes for your top players.
And the good news about both MBenga & Powell as the deep
part of the rotation is, they're both cheap.
Assuming he re-signs, I think Ariza has cemented his role as
the starting SF. His game is filling a role similar to Rick Fox of
the previous dynasty. Play solid D, hit some 3's. And Luke
is a good backup SF. He's a glue guy. He makes the game
easy for the other guys on the floor. And his D, though not
flashy, is solid.
SG - Kobe. nuff said.
As for backup SG, I think Sasha will bounce back after this
awful year, much as Luke bounced back this season. And
just in case that doesn't happen, I'd be teaching Shannon Brown
(if he re-signs) the Shooting guard role in the triangle.
to be continued...
Posted by: Long Time Laker Fan | June 13, 2009 at 09:49 PM
" THE MAILMAN ALWAYS DELIVERS ON SUNDAY '"
Posted by: KARL MALONE | June 13, 2009 at 09:51 PM
LakerTom, i dig your comments on the previous thread about moving kobe over to point, but i disagree. i like the idea of a kobe & trevor backcourt, too, but i think trevor would be a better fit at PG in the triangle. of course, trevor would need to work on his defense on PGs and bringing the ball up court in pressure.
one main reason i say this is because no PG for Phil Jackson was ever used as a post-up option. yet, this is one of the areas where kobe is so dangerous and dominant. and with kobe's vast array of post-up moves, i don't see him diminishing any time soon. plus trevor might be a better spot-up shooter than kobe (only because kobe rarely gets wide-open spot-up 3s).
also, then kobe doesn't have to guard guys like CP3, D-Will, and D-Rose. wear and tear on your body chasing those guys around!
basically PJ should and will use Kobe as he used Jordan, in his later years. Jordan never guarded PGs. heck the best 1, 2, or 3 was always defended by Pippen. basically, i see Trevor as a combination Pippen & kerr/paxson/armstrong.
Posted by: leonardbast | June 13, 2009 at 10:04 PM
Point guard.
This is the point of largest contention with the current Lakers.
I would certainly say that it's their weakest position. Fisher is
clutch as all get out, but is getting kinda old. Farmar has had
some really good stretches of play, and has had a few wild
and wooly turnovers as well. Shannon Brown was hot for
a few weeks, but has cooled off a bit lately (34% vs Denver,
0% vs Orlando in limited minutes).
But here's the thing. All three PGs offer different things.
Farmar is the best of the 3 at defending small fast PG's. If you
don't believe me, ask Aaron Brooks about game 3 vs Houston.
He's also the best passer of the 3 - his assists per minute on
the floor are higher than Fish and almost double that of Brown.
There are some who are worried about Fish's shooting numbers,
but consider these stats. In Derek Fisher's first championship
season with the Lakers he was the first backup PG. He played
about 23 minutes per game, shot 31% on 3-pointers and
35% overall for 6.3 points per game.
Compared to that, Farmar's 34% 3-point shooting and 39%
overall shooting don't look quite so terrible, do they?
The Lakers were able to win 3 championships with Fisher
as a key contributer, and they will be able to do the same
with Farmar starting, if he does indeed get the job.
After Kobe is gone, the Lakers will need a stronger point guard
to lead the team. But with as strong a force as Kobe in the
back court, they need a PG who plays hard and hits some
3-pointers. And Farmar can do that. If he gets more minutes,
his shooting will steadily improve, as Fisher's did.
Shannon Brown offers better defense against taller stronger
PGs like Deron Williams and Chauncey Billups. Unfortunately,
he gets beat as consistently as Fisher by small fast PG's.
And Shannon is not a great passer. Being a good passer
is very important to the triangle (when they're actually playing
it).
And that's the beauty of the situation. You have one guy
for strength and 1 guy for speed. And one guy for Monkey
King powers.
And Fisher for ice cold blood running through his veins.
But he definitely is getting older and a little slower.
If I were Phil, next year I'd talk to Fish at the start of camp,
and ask him to take a diminished role during the regular season
to keep him in as good a shape as possible for the playoffs.
I'd start off training camp letting Farmar and Brown (and maybe
even Sun Yue) know that they were competing for the starting
PG job. And I would let Sasha know that Brown was also
competing for his minutes.
I would start Farmar or Brown at PG, and have Fisher play
20-25 minutes a game and close most games. That gives you
a chance to see if Farmar (or Brown) could handle the starting
job or not.
But either way, bear in mind that the Lakers PG position
did enough to contribute to the team winning a championship
(I'm making the great leap of faith that they'll win at least 1 of
the next 3 games).
Posted by: Long Time Laker Fan | June 13, 2009 at 10:19 PM
Who was at the point on MJ's Chicago teams?
Posted by: Otis | June 13, 2009 at 10:21 PM
Who played point on Bird's Celtic teams?
Posted by: Otis | June 13, 2009 at 10:22 PM
Don't really need a point, and that's my point.
Posted by: Otis | June 13, 2009 at 10:24 PM
I love KOBE, but I think tomorrow in order to close the deal he needs to have a game that he take 20-25 shots the most.
we need a complete game like game 6 in Denver like 5-6 guys in double figure.
Posted by: Ron | June 13, 2009 at 10:33 PM
Otis, you've been drinking again, haven't you? But, yeah, I get your... point.
Hey, I'm kinda deep in the cups right now, too.
All the triangle needs is someone to start the offense. You don't have to have a "true" point. I think that's Otis' point.
Go Lake Show!
Posted by: The Outlaw | June 13, 2009 at 10:37 PM
"Who was at the point on MJ's Chicago teams?"
John Paxson, BJ Armstrong, and Ron Harper.......not exactly guys who creates fear in the league
"Who played point on Bird's Celtic teams?"
Dennis Johnson but DJ was the most underrated member of those Celtics as he was their best perimeter defender and could score and be a great playmaker. Bird no doubt led the team but DJ really contributed almost as much as either of the real Big 3.
"
Don't really need a point, and that's my point."
Exactly. Wade is the 2nd best SG and only has Mario Chalmers. Granted there are better PG's than Chalmers but he isn't a Smush Parker. As long as your SG is really dominant the PG doesn't need to be great as long as he can hit outside shots and not be a Smush Parker.
Derek by no means demands double teams and isn't scary with assists but he can hit outside shots and can run the plays well. That's why I think Shannon has the better edge of starting than Jordan because he fits Fish's profile (a bit better because he is more athletic and taller) just without the experience in starting and in running the team and of course clutch factors.
You put Derek Fisher even the one in his prime in any most other teams besides the Lakers and at most he will be a back up guard as evident when Speedy Claxton then Baron Davis replaced him in Golden State. Same holds true for Shannon but playing alongside Kobe and having fit the profile for Derek almost exactly, he is better off starting for the Lakers over Jordan.
Posted by: KB Blitz | June 13, 2009 at 10:47 PM
Otis,
BJ Armstrong, Ron Harper, Steve Kerr, John Paxson.
That's two allstars and two great 3-point shooters
And for Bird, how about Nate Archibald (HOF), and Dennis
Johnson (5 time all-star).
You can't have a total stiff at point, but Jordan and Bird both
had some pretty good PGs on their teams.
Posted by: Long Time Laker Fan | June 13, 2009 at 10:49 PM
good point, LTLF. that's assuming Brown gets resigned, which is no certainty, given the other guys Mitch will try to get back. but that's a discussion for another day.
Fish has got one more year on his contract, and i can see him getting resigned to another year, with a year after that (optional). that's if Fish wants to still play. and i agree, his role and minutes will diminish, as did Harper's and Shaw's when they were aging. hopefully Farmar, Sasha, and/or Brown can pick-up the slack. but i believe Farmar has 2 years left on his contract. if he sucks, he'll be gone! (yeah, i'm looking very long term now)
i still think Kobe should be player/coach after PJ retires. (which i hope won't be for a few years)
Posted by: leonardbast | June 13, 2009 at 10:52 PM
"BJ Armstrong, Ron Harper, Steve Kerr, John Paxson.
That's two allstars and two great 3-point shooters"
BJ was an All-Star when Michael was playing baseball. Harper was an All-star before his knee injury and him going to Chicago and was a Shooting Guard and was the starting SG before Michael came back from baseball. Kerr and Paxson were great 3 point shooter but were hardly the assists types.
"And for Bird, how about Nate Archibald (HOF), and Dennis Johnson (5 time all-star)."
Agree there.
You just have to have the right types of guards on your teams. Not everyone can be a freaking all-star. Is Derek Fisher an All-Star? Anyone who says yes should have their heads checked.
SB is almost an exact clone of Derek without except more athletic and taller and possibly better defensively (though dunno about shooting wise and certainly not yet (could be) as clutch). Shannon is the perfect dude to replace Derek once Derek really hangs it up.
I won't be surprised to see Derek starting next year actually. I think though that Shannon will eat up tons of minutes because of the similarities between him and Fisher.
And LTLF, Derek Fisher isn't the passer that Jordan is (when he is not playing selfish basketball) but he is starting so that arguments is moot about Jordan being better than Shannon as a starting guard.
"i still think Kobe should be player/coach after PJ retires. (which i hope won't be for a few years)"
Not possible. CBA rules prevent this so a player cannot be exempted from teams salary cap by being a coach of the team because coaches' salaries are not included in a teams salary cap.
Posted by: KB Blitz | June 14, 2009 at 12:00 AM
CHAMPIONSHIP NIGHT EVE
Doesn't tonight remind you of the feeling you got as a kid on Christmas Eve? The anticipation and excitement over the gifts on the way? That's the feeling I'm getting as we wait for the Lakers to deliver a long-awaited championship to the city of LA, where the O'Brien Trophy rightfully belongs.
And really, was there ever any serious doubt that the Lakers wouldn't win a championship this year? The championship is our destiny. It wasn't a mere coincidence that Courtney Lee missed a potentially game-winning layup at the buzzer. It wasn't luck that Fish made the game-tying 3 the other night.
Since there will be plenty of time to talk about how to improve this Lakers team in the offseason, I'd rather spend this time cherishing this championship season. One thing to keep in mind though is that the guys on our roster will all get better from having championship experience. I'm confident that we can easily repeat with the same roster next year.
But for now, get the bubbly ready...
Posted by: EJK | June 14, 2009 at 12:00 AM
CHAMPIONSHIP DAY PRAYER will be submitted while I'm on the Metro Blue Line headed for LA Live & Yard House tomorrow. STAY TUNED!
Posted by: utzworld - THE BANNER HOLDER | June 14, 2009 at 12:20 AM
Is there anything special going on in the LA Live plaza for the game tomorrow????
Posted by: Whashappin' | June 14, 2009 at 12:21 AM
Last paragraph by leonardbast on how PJ will use older KB is spot on. MJ was not the lane crasher for the last 3peat as he was for the 1st. He evolved into more of a outside J shooter and post up game, and his FG% reflected the transition. KB is probably recognized as a better J shooter than MJ. KB might be a slightly better ball handler too. KB currently plays a similar style as the elder MJ.
MJ rarely defended the opps best guard during the 2nd 3peat. Didn't have too. With a starting line-up of MJ, Pippen, Rodman and Harper, Bulls were monster defenders for the ages even without a dominating 5. This is where the Lakers can't hold a candle to the old Bulls: team D. KB, as good as a defender that he can be, is not great as MJ or Scotty IMO. But KB might be the best defender on the Lakers. He will need to do heavy D work at time for the foreseeable future.
Otis: FWIW
Tiny Archibald is a HOF'er who was Celtics' PG in the early 80's; DJ is a HOF'er who played the 1 after that. The Celtics PG played an integral role on the 81, 84 and 86 champions. Tiny had quicks. He was a terror on the break, a good jump shooter, and a monster at penetrate-dish game; he complement Parish and McHale nicely. DJ was a big guard, and by Magic's own admission, DJ was one of the best defenders against him. DJ had a knack for knocking down big game shots amongst all of Bird's winners. Remember DG's jumper to set up the game 4 win in 1985? He only cost the Lakers a parade, and a chance for the Lakers to tie the Celtics in total championships this year. It can be reasonably argued that the C's don't win squat in the 1980's without their superior PG play. In fact, every winning C's team seem to have very good or great point play. (Cousy, KC Jones, Hondo, JoJo, Tiny, DJ, now Rondo)
Your point may have some merit for the Bulls. Armstrong was an above-average PG for Bulls. Ron Harper was a 1/2 tweener in the late 90's; no true PG on Bulls then. But Bulls had that savvy Jordan guy who had a knack for doing whatever needed to be done. His presence could overcome a lot of team shortcomings.
Posted by: Arizona Laker Fan | June 14, 2009 at 12:35 AM
Is this BK's interview? Who did this?
It's amazing.
As a fan and a (former) journalist, this is really good stuff.
WE ARE THE LOS ANGELES LAKERS AND WE RISE!!!!
What do we play for? RINGS!!!!
Lakers Today... Lakers Tomorrow... Lakers Forever.
GO LAKERS!!!!
Posted by: Jon K. | June 14, 2009 at 12:49 AM
I just had a completely irrational and unfair desire after reading that fantastic interview.
Imagine Kobe Bryant resigning for the league minimum.
What a statement to the importance of it's not about the money.
It's about the passion.
Of course, his contract would include something about the importance of signing other players to the point of being around or above the luxury tax.
We've got a phenomenal team here. It's not really about bringing a "rainmaker" player in to make a difference. We really don't need that, but the thought is beautiful.
Alll we really need to do is grow as a team for Dynasty to be a reality...
That much said...
Money is the root of many evils, but love is the root of all things of goodness.
WE ARE THE LOS ANGELES LAKERS AND WE RISE!!!!
What do we play for? RINGS!!!!
Lakers Today... Lakers Tomorrow... Lakers Forever.
GO LAKERS!!!!
Posted by: Jon K. | June 14, 2009 at 12:54 AM
Two things:
1. "Talking about Pietrus' foul on Gasol. Rashard Lewis suggested that it was because of disrespecting the team that Gasol shouldn't have dunked the ball"
Even Rashad felt it was a malicious foul. Not to stop the shot but to retaliate for the "disrespect".
2."Lamar talked a little bit about the situation in Phoenix when you guys held the 3‑1 lead and you weren't able to close it out."
In a 7 game series the better team always won. Sad to say but Phoenix was the better team then. Orlando, however, is not the better team now.
2009, the Dy-Nas-Ty begins.
Posted by: p ang | June 14, 2009 at 12:55 AM
I love this team.
WE ARE THE LOS ANGELES LAKERS AND WE RISE!!!!
What do we play for? RINGS!!!!
Lakers Today... Lakers Tomorrow... Lakers Forever.
GO LAKERS!!!
Posted by: Jon K. | June 14, 2009 at 12:55 AM
AK & BK,
After the Lakers win tomorrow and Kobe get his 4th ring, can you ask Kobe if by opting out of his contract and resigning for a lower amount (say 4 yrs at 15-18 Million per) would allow the Lakers enough financial flexibility to continue to build around him for another 2-3 championships would he do it? Or perhaps if he took less money and gets some kind of equity in the organization would he consider it?
Posted by: fvbruin | June 14, 2009 at 12:55 AM
This might be interesting for Game day:
http://tinyurl.com/nk4ch6
Slam Magazine Top 50 Greatest players of all time 2009:
1) Michael Jordan
2) Wilt Chamberlain
3) Bill Russell
4) Shaquille O'Neal
5) Oscar Robertson
6) Magic Johnson
7) Kareem Abdul Jabbar
8) Tim Duncan
9) Larry Bird
10) Jerry West
11) Elgin Baylor
12) Kobe Bryant
13) Hakeem Olajuwon
14) Bob Pettit
15) Julius Erving
16) Moses Malone
17) John Havlicek
18) Karl Malone
19) Isiah Thomas
20) Charles Barkley
21) Rick Barry
22) John Stockton
23) Elvin Hayes
24) Bob Cousy
25) David Robinson
26) Kevin McHale
27) Scottie Pippen
28) Jason Kidd
29) George Mikan
30) Kevin Garnett
31) Willis Reed
32) Wes Unseld
33) Nate Thurmond
34) Dolph Schayes
35) Walt Frazier
36) Patrick Ewing
37) Jerry Lucas
38) Gary Payton
39) Allen Iverson
40) Billy Cunningham
41) Clyde Drexler
42) LeBron James
43) Dominique Wilkins
44) Dave Cowens
45) George Gervin
46) Bob McAdoo
47) Earl Monroe
48) Dennis Rodman
49) Walt Bellamy
50) Steve Nash
Good save for a few things:
Shaq too high should be 8th
Larry Legend too low should be 4th/5th with Magic
West too high Kobe Bryant if he wins Finals MVP greater than the Logo
Hakeem too low should be 7th was the best center in the 90's.
Robinson way too low is better than Charles Barkley
Gervin way way too low, was better than either Iverson or Drexler
Damn Iverson's stock really fell.
Feel free to discuss.
Posted by: KB Blitz | June 14, 2009 at 01:22 AM
A last factoid on Tiny Archibald for those too young to have seen him play
Archibald averaged 34.0 pts + 11.4 dimes in 72-73. He lead the league in both categories. The 34.0+11.4 is incomprehensible. He directly accounted for 56.7 of his team's total pts a game. Only MJ, to my knowledge, has a better season with 35.0+5.9 for 56.8 in 87-88, and MJ benefited from the 3-ball. Tiny beat Wilt's 50.4+2.4 for 55.2 in 61-62, and Oscar's 31.3+11.1 for 53.5 in 65-66.
MJ. Wilt. Oscar. That is rarefied club membership. Archibald is an all-time great who, inexplicably, is often overlooked.
Posted by: Arizona Laker Fan | June 14, 2009 at 01:39 AM
I hope Fisher will play 1-2 more years. He could end up playing a role like Ron Harper. They will need his experience and leadership for as long as possible.
As a Bruin alum, I used to love Farmar, but the truth is, he is the worst perimeter defender of the three point guards we currently have.
If you watch replays, you will find that Fisher fights through screens and hustles to follow the play. If he gets beat on penetration, he collapses toward the baseline and tries to either intercept the pass or strip the ball from the big who receives the ball. And, he will take a charge.
Shannon Brown has already proven to be more effective against bigger guards like Deron Williams. But he doesn't have the experience and skills yet to prove if he can defend smaller, faster point guards.
Farmar has the speed, but not the desire to play positional defense, and that is the key. To be a good defender at point guard, you have to deny penetration and fight through screens. It is unglamourous and hard work.
Farmar is really good when he can get a steal or cut off the passing lane. But with Kobe and Ariza already taking chances at their positions, it's up to the point guard to keep pressure on the opposing team's point guard so they don't have clear passing lanes.
When the opposing team has a good point guard, it's tough to steal off the dribble, and they aren't going to be in the position of receiving passes, since they've already got the ball.
If you watch Farmar play the pick and roll, he isn't good at fighting through screens. If he gets beat on the screen, he gets disappointed and doesn't hustle to follow the play. If he gets beat on penetration, he hangs his head and doesn't hustle to cut off the baseline. When someone drives by him, he sticks out a hand, intead of trying to take a charge.
With regard to his one good game against Brooks, remember that he played against Brooks in college, so he knows the guy's game pretty well. In addition, Houston still had Yao, so they were trying to get the ball into the post all the time, which stifled Brooks' ability to penetrate. In games 4 and 6, Farmar was a complete non factor. Remember how he got embarrassed by Brooks on that alley oop to end the 3rd quarter?
The biggest problem I have with Farmar is that he is too selfish as a player. When he hits a couple of shots, he has plenty of energy. But when he makes a mistake, he shakes his head and stops hustling.
Fisher never gives up, no matter how badly he gets beaten on a play. And he was too slow even during the Three-peat years.
I like Shannon Brown's attitude and hustle. If he can learn some of the point guard skills, he might be the right guy for the future.
Otherwise, it's time to think about trading for and/or drafting more point guards to see who might develop.
Posted by: DaTruthSetsUFree | June 14, 2009 at 02:50 AM
How many more hours til game time? Lakers - close this out tomorrow!!!!!!
I hope we have out hottest shooting night ever right from the get go - with great defense - don't let the refs decide this game. Go and win it and bring the ring to LA!!!!!
Posted by: DaveW | June 14, 2009 at 02:51 AM
I woke up extra early today. This is the day we've been waiting for. It's a celebration tonight. So the question is: Where are you watching the game at? I'm ready to get drenched by cheap champagne as a matter of fact I think my girl will be the happiest for obvious reasons. Today might be the last game of the season,let's cherish it!
Posted by: freddyP | June 14, 2009 at 07:20 AM
Good morning,
Game Day! I'm excited, filled with anticipation and hope. At the same time, I join Floyd and others, warning of Premature Blogulation. It is still too soon to be hoisting the "Mission Accomplished" banner over Staples Center. It is still too soon for any of us to jump in our flight suit and stand triumphantly by the statue of Magic Johnson.
No doubt the Orlando Magic are inspired by the Pittsburgh Penguins, who on Monday will enjoy the victory parade throughout their city that no one expected.
On Thursday night, our Lakers gutted out an overtime win that only a team of championship caliber could achieve. Today, the Magic will attempt an effort to prove that they, too, are made of the right stuff. I'm not sure what message PJ intended when he told the players that Saturday might be their last practice. The Lakers as a group have shown us that their effort can be uneven. Kobe and Fish need to hammer home the message that all 12 guys in uniform need precision execution on both ends of the floor. Letting this series go to Game 6 or Game 7 would be a huge mistake, IMHO.
Let's all spend the day being hopeful. I will. But I will also be anxious. I hope Kobe and Fish ate "nails" for breakfast. I hope Gary Vitti administers a high octane dose of candy before the game to Lamar. I hope Pau will be demanding. And for the younger guys, this will be a game where boys can become men. Just as important, I hope Jon K can make it to the lucky bar stool. Go Lakers!
Posted by: Rick Friedman | June 14, 2009 at 07:21 AM
I want this CHAMPIONSHIP for Kobe sooooooooooo much.....
I am gonna st8 ball WHEN/IF we get that Larry O'Brien...
Redemption..It's a beautiful thing..
Go Lakers!
Posted by: lakersrydeordie | June 14, 2009 at 07:27 AM
Bill Plaschke said the only truth worth saying:
The Lakers Unite our City and Suburbs. They are our Common language.
Also, just think about how much $$$$$$s (literally more than a Billion) have been invested around Staples. The Lakers/Buss were at the center of this renovation.
No other City can claim this. No other team has had this much impact on so many lives.
If Life is Real, then the Lakers are part of our Reality.
Thanks to our Lucky Stars...
Baywood
Posted by: Baywood | June 14, 2009 at 07:58 AM
City should pay for the parade. 1 million? That seems like a great price to pay for a half-million people to come to a show and buy stuff. Every business downtown wants this. City should pay - Buss paid his share already.
Posted by: Otis | June 14, 2009 at 08:30 AM
Yeah - Nate was incredible. Q: What was the Celtics record in '72 - '73?
Posted by: Otis | June 14, 2009 at 08:32 AM
To find out more about our guards, give Shannon some minutes today. His speed should open up some shots for Kobe. Charge and dish back out.
Also cover their rear guard on tip offs. all the tips go to the Magic back court. Steal one and dunk it at each half.....4 zip Lakers.
Posted by: hopalong | June 14, 2009 at 08:34 AM
Good interview enjoyed that. Steins article on ESPN may be worth a read especially the Jerry West comments on Kobe, also the comparison that is made about the Jordan kidk-out pass to Kerr in the finals and comparison to Kobe to Fisher and how they are perceived (by some), while they are really the same.
Really wanting the close out today for the Lakers, hopefully they come out on the attack on both ends and break the will of the Magic.
Posted by: Doublehaul | June 14, 2009 at 08:42 AM
One thing nice about this post season is that the doubts about Kobe's leadership abilities should be forever banished.
I mean gone, gone, gone. If it comes with the dust then it's gone with the wind. (Dylan paraphrased, 1st album, "song to woody." In fact: http://tinyurl.com/lmeh7y ).
I mean Kobe has really be a dynamic, focused, vocal leader as we've never seen him, even to the point to where he's accused of coaching more than Jackson.
I love it.
Is it game time?
Is this the last game of the year? Maybe. Lets enjoy it.
Wes
Posted by: wesjoenixon | June 14, 2009 at 08:55 AM
And here's one for all the pain we've mercilessly inflicted on Houstonians, Utonians, Denveronians and now Orlandoinians.
They are now men of constant sorrow:
http://tinyurl.com/lsnruh
Go Lakers!
Wes
Posted by: wesjoenixon | June 14, 2009 at 09:01 AM
Is there anything special going on in the LA Live plaza for the game tomorrow????
Posted by: Whashappin' | June 14, 2009 at 12:21 AM
I think some bloggers are meeting there. I'm in South Bend, so I don't know.
EKJ--
I'm with you. Christmas morning, 1974, watching movies till dawn....
Wes
Posted by: wesjoenixon | June 14, 2009 at 09:04 AM
One last Sunday morning Championship song.
Because this wind is about to blow us a Championship.
http://tinyurl.com/nuak2t
Wes
Posted by: wesjoenixon | June 14, 2009 at 09:06 AM
I'm so tired of Hearing this 3-1 crap. The lakers were underdogs then and played way above there ability. Kobe was shooting evrything then. The bottom Line. Phx had 2 home game in that 3-1 Senario. The Laker Have 2 home games in this one. Completley Different.
What is the Stuff i'm hearing about Shaq going to cleveland. I thought he would finsh his career witht eh Lakers as Bynums Back up? Tany thoughts?
CrzyFan
Posted by: CRZYFAN | June 14, 2009 at 09:08 AM
Feel free to discuss.
Posted by: KB Blitz | June 14, 2009 at 01:22 AM
Where's Quinton Daily?
Wes
Posted by: wesjoenixon | June 14, 2009 at 09:12 AM
Baywood,
I agree. The Lakers and Buss have really been good for Los Angeles. Having not been to that area in 5 years I was shocked to see how it's changing.
What I would love to see is a large scale renovation of the movie houses on Broadway st. Those things are architectural, historical, and cultural wonders that are really being abused just sitting there with nickel and dime stores in their lobbies. I guess if you need a monudo tape of a six pack of tube socks they're pretty cool, but otherwise a waste of a great facility.
Thinking out loud.
Is that pre game warm-ups I hear?
Wes
Posted by: wesjoenixon | June 14, 2009 at 09:18 AM
lakers just need to focus for one more game. one more game. i seriously don't think kobe and fish will let the team lose focus.
i want to see the pau that played in the olympics against team usa. i want to see the pau that dominated bosh and howard in the olympics. i want to see the pau that almost won the gold for spain if it wasn't for one problem, a 6-6 shooting guard by the name of kobe bryant. i want to see both the kobe and pau of the olympics. they won't be denied. i want to see lamar have an amazing game. he is due for one the last game the refs didn't want to see him on the court so they gave him fouls. i want to see trevor show buss that he is worth a lot to this team. i want solid defense. i expect bynum to play a good game, be the enforcer.
i hope the refs don't try to hand the game to the magic again. all the media were talking about the free throw disparity hopefully stern will wise up and realize he can't have two straight games of giving it the magic.
i know the lakers have the capability now all they need is the focus. when lakers have the third guy that steps up (we know kobe and pau will) they can't be beat.
is anyone else tired of how magic keep saying well we could be the ones 3-1. i know the games were close but you guys at the end didn't make the plays. likewise, phil could say well we would have swept the magic (game 3 would have been won if free throws were made too).
also, rafer seems to be down. i watched hedo's and rafer's interviews. i don't care if dwight already packed, rafer said something along the lines of i always trust my coach even if he doesn't trust me.
Posted by: laila | June 14, 2009 at 09:20 AM
If we don't get an update soon, I'll have to have a repost party, and no one wants to see that.
Wes
Posted by: wesjoenixon | June 14, 2009 at 09:32 AM
Phil is keeping Shannon on the bench so he doesn't showcase his talent in the Finals and have GMs coming after him. I think Phil's made up his mind and is going to keep Shannon. Like KBBlitz said, he is taller and much more physical than Jordan. I'm not hating on Jordy just stating the truth. I would keep all three PGs that we currently have on the roster. After all, they did get us to our "Destination".
Posted by: ChicNstu | June 14, 2009 at 09:40 AM
My prediction is if the Lakers get a substantial lead by the end of the first quarter, Magic will fold. They know (despite what they say) they can't win this series, and know that Howard will only get better in the future so they are under no pressure to win it all this year.
Lakers just need to come out with a strong push at the start and it'll be over.
Also should the Lakers start to dominate, PJ should watch the lead in the 4th, dial back the players as needed and not run up the score. Afterwards, PJ should say that the Lakers wanted to secure the win but still respect the Magic (leaving a certain other team unmentioned). That would be classy and awesome.
Posted by: Scott | June 14, 2009 at 09:42 AM
THOSE WHO DON'T REMEMBER THE PAST ARE DOOMED TO REPEAT IT
*
AND SO IT COMES DOWN TO THIS...
*
9 Months of Blood, Sweat & Tears. 9 Months of Hate by the Haters. 9 Months of Mfing Trolls invading our blog and talking Trash. 9 Months of being hit over the head by June 17 2008. Nine months of having a d@mn Troll use The Blog Name 131-92. WELL...GOD@MNIT
TONIGHT ALL THAT SHIZZLE ENDS!! TONIGHT THE FREAKING LA LAKERS WILL PUT ON A DISPLAY SO DOMINATING THAT EVEN THE DEAD ARISE TO APPLAUD. I've waited for this day for 9 months as I'm sure all of you have. WELL... The waiting is over. I have faith in every one of the La Lakers Trevor Ariza Shannon Brown Kobe Bryant, Andrew Bynum , Jordan Farmar, Derek Fisher, Pau Gasol Didier Ilunga-Mbenga Adam Morrison Lamar Odom Josh Powell Sasha Vujacic Luke Walton
*
THIS OUR TEAM!! THIS IS OUR HOUSE!!! THIS IS OUR TIME!!
To be continued in ROLL CALL!!!
Posted by: MAMBA24 | June 14, 2009 at 09:46 AM
I saw this interview with Kobe as part of the NBA's media availability on Saturday. It was on NBA-TV.Great stuff!
I loved what Luke said at the end of one of his interviews. Regarding Gm. 5, Luke said, simply, "We'll be ready". I feel it!!! Tonight's the night we've all been waiting for.
Posted by: bronxlakerfan | June 14, 2009 at 09:49 AM
Come on guys. Gameday blog, last game of the season, Championship Sunday, and no updates in 2 hours?
Hit the big, red flashing update button. I know you have one.
Wes
Posted by: wesjoenixon | June 14, 2009 at 09:52 AM
On the final game of the season, the blog is under stress and undermanned. My post this morning at 6:45 AM was inadvertently omitted again while my post last night was posted after midnight. You are forgiven with magnificent job of KBros and Benicio.
I would re post again in the other thread in lieu of the discussions last night of future trades, future positions of Kobe etc. We feel insulted when Easterners regard the Lakers and its fans as arrogant and yet we give full credence such description too. It is too premature to discuss future tasks when the Game 5 is still on line. Here is what I posted:
Chris Tomasson of Fox Sports was putting out there an intriguing scenario that Lakers could choke up a 3-1 lead similar to Suns 1st round playoffs in 2006. Up to the last gasp, these East Coast sportswriters are still riding on the West Coast coattails achievement to garner ratings. They refuse to give up the good times when their words are gospel to the hoops hooplah. Indeed, that could happen if Lakers will procrastinate on what they can do tonite and toy the game with more games. It defeats the purpose of triumph if we unnecessary prolong the struggle. Our victory in Game 4 was not given, at 11.1 seconds, Dwight missed those F/T's as prescription to victory plus the alignment of miscalculation of the SVG and Jameer in letting Fisher do the impossible. Lakers cannot be cocky to deny realities. By being complacent and lackadaisical b/c there could be accidents or injuries along the way that could derail success. In the same token, we can't talk of trades, talk of who to keep, who will coach, how much is the budget of the parade without getting first the O'Brien trophy. Lakers should have the mindset that this will be their last game. In honor of the decadence in 2004 & 2008, the reign of false Lakers like Tierre Brown, Smush Parker and Kwame Brown, please dedicate this game that never, never again should the Lakers allow negativity to reign. This is it - the opportunity of winning it all will be tonight. Let us not defer it in some other days or in some other venue. Sunday is the best opportunity for anything could happen on a Tuesday; on a Thursday; or never.
As the Scottish proverb say:
"What may be done at any time will be done at no time."
Fans could hold a parade without the need of political band wagoners on our public servants: the LA Council, Mayor and Governor. As crooked as they can be, they have spent the largess on real estate taxes, incremental sales fees in times of prosperity. Today, the treasury coffers is dried up as a result of their mismanagement, couldn't even afford a city wide celebration, unbelievable but it is true which is free advertising to LA tourism.
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | June 14, 2009 at 10:01 AM
Thanks guys.
I'm a little crazy today, my apologies.
Wes
Posted by: wesjoenixon | June 14, 2009 at 10:01 AM
PJ gets fined for telling the truth.
I have said many times the fix is in and refs are the bets and owned by Stearns.
NBA fixed? Naw can't happen in professional sports.
Baseball never had games fixed and the only player not cheating (Joe Jackson banned) with rest of team. But not a fix.
Boxing? God forbid that any boxer be accused of taking a dive. That can't happen in professional sport like boxing.
Football oh never you say. Coach stealing plays, players being dragged down by opponets and bets not making plays. Yougblood tackled by offensive lineman from Cowboys etc. No not professional sports.
Baseball again with manager betting against his team, that is a Rose of an example. Professional sports cheating in question ....never.
So with this illustrious past examples, and many more, of professional sports, I dare anyone to question the integrity of professioanal basketball. That would be blashemy!
Posted by: JustaLakerFan | June 14, 2009 at 10:05 AM
LTLF,
I think Fisher is still good for 2-3 more years as our starter. Fish doesn't rely on athletic ability when he plays the game. With Fish, it's about leadership, strength, and shooting; all of those things don't go away with age. I'm not worried about Fisher. He's solid. And Farmar is more than capable as a back up.
My concern for this team going into next year is the Lamar Odom situation. How do we get this guy signed up as a Laker? I don't know. All I can do is hope. Because we are not going to let Ariza go, and he'll command a pretty good contract. It would hurt real bad to see Lamar in another uniform.
Let's do this tonight Lakers! Shove it up Orlando's azz and win it on their home floor.
Go Lakers!
Posted by: Rocky | June 14, 2009 at 10:20 AM
This is the day of Deliverance. Hopefully the Lakers can deliver today. However, sometimes deliveries are delayed.
Having stating that, I won't be upset if it is not closed out today. I have full confidence in the team that they will be declared the NBA Champions of 2009.
Regarding Howard packing his bags for LA. He can do that. There's nothing wrong with him wanting to come to LA for his vacation. And even if he comes for a game, he's more than welcome to remain behind after the series for some beach time. He's even welcome to come to the parade. Since he's already packed, I'm sure he has the proper attire...the superman cape will go over well.
LOS ANGELES LAKERS 2009 NBA CHAMPS
Posted by: coachD | June 14, 2009 at 10:25 AM
"TEEFUS & GUMS" Howard can chat it up all he wants to about tryna sound assured his team will win, but that cockiness and in-game celebratory exaggerance got them in this hissy that they are in now...Don't talk about it, be about it..THE LAKERS will WIN tonite..
I am sooo happy I can pee in my pants!! LOL
Posted by: lakersrydeordie | June 14, 2009 at 10:31 AM
leonardbast,
>>> if Fish wants to still play. and i agree, his role and
>>>minutes will diminish, as did Harper's and Shaw's when
>>>they were aging.
A Harper/Shaw role is exactly what I see for Fish in the next
1 to 3 years.
Posted by: Long Time Laker Fan | June 14, 2009 at 10:50 AM
Gameday!
Lets tug on Supermans cape, lets turn his smile into a frown, lets give him a dose of Purple and Gold Kryptonite.
"FINISH HIM" Rip his heart out, but do it tactfully.
The Orlando magic is a good team. Regardless of what they think, it's experience that they lacked in the Finals. What a difference a year makes. Look for them to make a strong run again next season, as they have many of the pieces in place.
Lets not give them any air to breath. Choke them out! Put the foot on the throat and STOMP!
FOCUS BOYS! 48 MINUTES OF FOCUS AND HARD PLAY!
LARRY O' is home sick! Bring him back home.
LOCK AND LOAD!!
GO LAKERS!!
Posted by: ChicNstu | June 14, 2009 at 10:52 AM
>>>Imagine Kobe Bryant resigning for the league minimum.
>>>What a statement to the importance of it's not about the money.
He obviously won't do it. But if he did, it would cement his reputation
as the NBA player who had the MOST desire to win championships.
Shaq wouldn't give up much money to try to win titles.
Jordan wouldn't. No freaking way LeBron would.
Guys like Gary Payton and Karl Malone did it (or tried to do it)
at the end of their careers by riding on other players' coat tails.
To be the star of your team and one of the best players in the
league and to give up huge piles of money to make your team
better would be unprecedented.
But like I said, it will never happen.
Posted by: Long Time Laker Fan | June 14, 2009 at 10:56 AM
Is it just me, or does the 'I never got advice from Magic thing' sound a little weird. I mean isn't Magic the most approachable basketball player of all time. Obviously its an ego thing. Magic is and always we be the best Laker of all time. And here is Kobe Bean Bryant, knocking on the door. Ready to take both Magic and Michael down if this Bynum/Gasol thing turns into another dynasty.
Somebody, Lakertom, mamba24, ... am I the only one that thought this was a weird statement. I mean lie, say me and Magic go way back and leave it at that. Never came to him for advice? Are you kidding me? The guy who got triple doubles in his sleep and your not interested in some of his secrets. The baby sky hook, the no look pass, none of that is worth a convo?
And lets not forget, we have seen the interviews on ESPN where the two mix it up about what boston or the trophy means to each other. We've seen the smiles, the laughing, and really I think every laker fan in the world gets goose bumps during these interviews. I guess I was expecting Kobe to say something like, "I pick Magics brain as often as I can because he's my hero." Or something like, "I watch tons of film of Magic because he was the greatest team player of all time, hands down."
I guess I shouldn't read so much into it, they don't hate each other so maybe I should just let it go. Just remember this Kobe. 4 rings is not 5 and it certainly isn't 6. So before you start believing the hype. You got to catch Magic and Kareem in rings to be considered the best Laker of all time....let alone the best NBA player of all time.
Posted by: johnnyboy | June 14, 2009 at 11:08 AM
>>>To find out more about our guards, give Shannon some
>>>minutes today. His speed should open up some shots for
>>>Kobe. Charge and dish back out.
You seem to be forgetting that Shannon is the only one with
no finals experience prior to this, and when he has played, it
shows. He's shooting 0% for the finals, and hasn't exactly locked
down either of Orlando's guards either.
Shannon's time will come, but for this series the only way I
see him getting big minutes is if the Lakers get a double digit
lead.
Posted by: Long Time Laker Fan | June 14, 2009 at 11:09 AM
Johnnyboy, let Kobe Bryant win it first before talking of legacy of Magic J or MJ or anybody. I don't know why we kept of hammering individual achievements when we have not accomplished the team success. Let us leave legacies to the historian as the judge, not LakerTom or Mamba24 who are pro Kobe. looking at another angle, there are still so many things that could happen in the career of Kobe, he is still playing in the present not in the past.
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | June 14, 2009 at 11:38 AM
I don't post often, but I read this blog all the time.
As with most of you, I'm sure the last 48 hrs of anticipation have felt like an eternity.
To pass the time, I've been reading everything Lakers. I have noticed a couple of themes emerge from Laker-Hater camp. I would like to address some of those "claims" now.
1) The Magic are the better team, even though they're down 3-1:
The better team ALWAYS wins 7-game series, with no exceptions. So if Magic fan/Laker-Hater still thinks the Magic were the better team after they lose this series, then here's something you can do this summer...lobby the league to institute 11-game series. Maybe then you'll have a shot.
2) The Magic should be up 3-1 in the series:
This is based on the flawed reasoning that the Magic were one layup away from winning game 2, and one free-throw away from winning game 4. The problem with boneheads that apply this reasoning is that they only apply it to the games or plays that don't go their way. Allow me to demonstrate their logic from a Lakers fan point of view:
Game1: Even the biggest haters can't dispute this one. Lakers win.
Game 2: The Howard goal tend is called, Courtney Lee makes the lay-up. The game goes to overtime, where the Lakers clearly win the extra period. Lakers Win.
Game 3: The Lakers make 51% instead of 50% of their free-throws. Lakers Win.
Game 4: The Lakers shoot more than ZERO free throws in the 4th. Howard makes both free throws to tie the game. We go to overtime, where once again, the lakers clearly win the extra period.
The final tally...Lakers sweep the Finals.
3) Kobe's focused and passionate demeanor is fake and makes him look silly:
Two words...Kevin Garnett.
4) "The Lakers suck":
This "sucky" team is on the verge of their 15th title, they have been to the finals 30 times, they have the most playoff appearances, etc, etc, etc...
In other words...SHUT THE @#$% UP!
There...I feel a lot better now.
Thank you for your time.
GO LAKERS!!!!
Posted by: Big_AL | June 14, 2009 at 11:55 AM
Rick Friedman,
I WILL be utilizing the powers of the lucky barstool today.
WOOHOOO!!!!!!
I can hardly wait for the game to start.
WE ARE THE LOS ANGELES LAKERS AND WE RISE!!!!
What do we play for? RINGS!!!!
Lakers Today... Lakers Tomorrow... Lakers Forever.
GO LAKERS!!!
Posted by: Jon K. | June 14, 2009 at 12:35 PM
You seem to be forgetting that Shannon is the only one with
no finals experience prior to this, and when he has played, it
shows. He's shooting 0% for the finals, and hasn't exactly locked
down either of Orlando's guards either.
Shannon's time will come, but for this series the only way I
see him getting big minutes is if the Lakers get a double digit
lead.
Posted by: Long Time Laker Fan | June 14, 2009 at 11:09 AM
==========
Hard to accomplish that when coach does not let you play. Don't rag on Shannon rag on PJ.
Posted by: JustaLakerFan | June 14, 2009 at 12:37 PM
sasha, odom out..Carlos Boozer in keep the championships coming...Blood is in the water..Close it out tonight...
Posted by: 70slakersfan | June 14, 2009 at 01:50 PM
Bryant, fans of God. Zijin on the 24th, this season, mature, notched, low-fat is no longer a red crown, the high-spirited 8. This summer did not calm, because the rough Lakers, the Lakers because of a roller coaster, because referees take bad call . Until today, all is full of hope. Kobe will always be that of God admit defeat. Recalling the journey to the western series.
Lakers VS Jazz Chapter
Since the matter of the heart, and the grass still Health; fleeing the World does not escape, and may keep the smell of mutton is still set SIMULIIDAE
Last season there is no more than a four-beat jazz, jazz that is still strong. Drilon, however, the new leader of the digital control of growth and maturity, although less of the long-range artillery shells Okur, Jazz is still played ball admirable wind, Salt Lake City were never made to give up. The key moment of Delong lore, remained fresh in his memory. Jazz is great, but it is sad. Always look up at the foot of the giant remote O'Brien trophy. The previous 23, current 24, have repeatedly blocked their footsteps. Salt Lake City, the cold and pressure, could not drag the heart of Bryant for the victory and could not dampen the pride that Dominating position. Collective Lakers basketball superstar Kobe Bryant of the effect. Sir Harry did not catch their breath. Once again, four to one. Los Angeles Lakers fans feel let's hope.
Lakers triangle offense is technical Basketball League representatives coordinate Gasol, Lamar Odom of the roll, and finally become a mass within the inner and outer space shot. Tactical implementation of a strong and thinking outside the stability of the attack, and is a magic weapon for the Lakers. The Lakers are the biggest advantages is the insider. Bynum's return is enough fans hanging appetite. But it was one of disappointment, not a small shark domineering and self-confidence. Is inside difficult, but also deeply troubled foul. Lakers Lakers bench has been resistant to support the secret weapon. None of this season into a coolie, France Kumar in a crisis of confidence. But Vujacic Foul King into a pitcher. Wharton's passing ability and speed the pace of contrast. Brown has a power factor of instability there. Lakers in the first round of the regular season but the shortcomings of Bryant has been on their own era. Gorgeous still continue to attack. There is no regular season mvp, Kobe is more commendable, because his role is greater than the value of a mvp. There is no single amazing 81 points, there is no market for 9 of the gorgeous 40 + data, in return for a clear-cut victory. This is not to be a secular king about it. Let all Chinese fans can look forward to is the Rockets against the Lakers.
Second Lakers VS Rockets
disaster, many people in negligent; filled with the power, often lose out to do fine
Rocket into the semi-finals at last, into the second round, Yao Ming, a giant from the East together, China's business cards have finally been able to feel proud of. Who has the NBA into a champion's heart, and in the struggling season around after six, and finally see a ray of hope, but the Lakers face the powerful, rocket low-key, but also ailing breath as the outside line that they can only win a maximum, NBA, after all is a man's battle, a wild site full because one finally has a stubborn heart, this miracle has taken place at any time, but this series has been without regard to technology, without regard to wins negative discussion. But indelible in the hearts of Chinese fans of a lens. Lens 1: an old face looking at the sky, eyes closed, body fell to the ground, face pain, hammer in his hands. Mutombo's injury, Goldfinger, sad career of the scenes with this call. Union finally collapsed Heat defense. Rocket deep crisis. Lens 2: Two dark-skinned, his mouth never stopped talk about again and again, by the way, Kobe and Artest is the infighting. For the fans in Lens in China, caused a great uproar. Rockets and the Lakers led once again opposing fans, it was the beginning of the old Bryant opened. Some people began to take stock of the League of dirty, it was the start of the Lakers of today. Lens III: the face of a face with blood, there is no bluster, no quarrel. Shane Battier's grace, so that people admire, but also stirred up again the contradiction between the Lakers and Rockets. And so on.
For the NBA this materialistic place, move forward only way to survive. Permission in principle, all sorts of means. So, do not harsh to blame the people who work hard. All the money game, as a spectator, only disappointed the expectations of the true basketball skill performances, remember I was moved to the right lens.
Third Lakers VS Nuggets
Chang Chun birds were secret, why waves of Health resurrection; old trees with new flowers with the business, do not jump ugly woman Hu Yan
96 golden generation, only lonely Bryant, in the face of the challenges of 03 gold generation. Lakers did not dare effect, Nuggets to be labor-yi, the Lakers hit the first one by surprise. Antonio's full-blown, so the Lakers can hardly breath. Loading dragging footsteps, stumbled into the western final. Bryant led the Lakers, but it is difficult to attack his gorgeous, it is difficult to play a triangle offense. Nuggets young is lost at a crucial moment in the young. Ariza achievements of the age-old one off. But the vitality of the Nuggets have made the Lakers. For the second paving the way for the Lakers defeat. The second turned to become the Lakers still have the Lakers. In addition to Bryant still shining superstar effect, the Lakers almost disappeared in other players. The suppression of pent-up emotion so that the overall suffering from suspected Lakers players. The third, Bryant lost patience. Royal finally decided to have the League of scoring at critical moments of the team to come out to stir up the burden offensively and defensively. Attack on the decisive and quick end so that there is no way the Nuggets, defensive end Chauncey Billups and the anti-and anti-Anthony, but also put JR. Bryant is no longer to play as a result, after the exhaustion game. Fourth of the exhibition is the Nuggets, but also their last performance, the birds were great shine. In the air bombing, JR fired long-range, Billups stabbed with a knife inside the Lakers. Lakers in the bombardment to allow people to her disappointment, it was the 24th suspect in the face of the young generation fell 03. But never suspected of having a champion's heart. Disappointed not to, because you know he will always give you hope. Lakers battle to take over the race fifth overall attack shows once again. Successfully winning the fifth war, but also the arrival of the next before the First World War to give people confidence. Lakers finally ended today, perfect, with a championship team's strength, to conquer the Pepsi Arena. New era for the old people, Bryant is still shining. Union is still the first man.
Far-sighted: Magic Lakers Finals, although there was no 24 of 23 pairs of gimmicks, no alliance of the first person to battle. NBA technology but it is representative of fighting hunger. Bryant on this summer will not let the opportunity slip away from him is when the name.O'neal not, he still lines. King will never succumb to. King will always have a proud heart, the eyes of a pair of tenacious. Bryant refueling tanker Lakers.
Posted by: qiu | June 16, 2009 at 08:22 PM