Stop us if you've heard this before, but...
A few topics of recurrence are back on the board heading into the Lakers-Magic Game 4, a series the Lakers feel remains in their grasp...
"Been There, Done That" Topic #1: Pau Gasol's touches
- As in, "not enough of them, and what say we step that tally up?" After taking just eleven shots in Game 3's loss, and making nine of them, El Spaniard once again finds himself as the... wait for it... center of discussion. And as always, this isn't simply a matter of bumping his point tally, but rather forging a better, cleaner offense. Kelly Dwyer over at Ball Don't Lie offers a solid perspective along these lines.
(Kobe) Bryant needed to find Gasol more often. Gasol scored an almost uncontested dunk on the first play of Tuesday's Game 3 and was just as unstoppable in the fourth quarter, and the space between, so it wasn't as if the Lakers had hot and cold streaks in order to pick and choose as to when they'd find Gasol. He was ready to rock all game long.
But there's a lot more to this offense that obvious scores off of assists (like Gasol hitting a cutter), isolation moves and scores (Gasol takes two dribbles and knocks in the lefty hook, he's awesome), or hockey assists (Fisher got that wide-open corner three because Gasol found Ariza, the Magic collapsed, and the next pass found Fisher; it all starts with Pau, he's awesome.
More on Gasol from True Hoop's Kevin Arnowitz, breaking down spacing with the touches Gasol did have.
The most interesting item in Gasol's remarks, though, was the
delineation he drew between possessions during which he worked in
isolation, and the possessions where there was "some action going on"
in close proximity. The latter kind of set, "doesn't really allow me to
attack the way I would like to," Gasol said.
Here's more specifically what Gasol was talking about:
- [1st Quarter, 3:39] Gasol started the game with an easy dunk off a post set in isolation against Rashard Lewis, and he's been hungry for more ever since. Here, Trevor Ariza feeds Gasol just off the left block. Gasol's back is to Lewis, as Ariza swings around Gasol's right hip for a possible handoff. Gasol keeps the ball, and immediately from the weak side, Kobe Bryant makes a sharp basket cut down the heart of the lane. Gasol swings a pinpoint perfect pass across his body to Bryant, who catches it in motion. Bryant's wild two-handed heave at the basket is no good (He was looking for contact).
Gasol never really got a chance to operate against Lewis on that set, which is probably frustrating to him since he has an advantage against the shorter, slighter Lewis down on the block. At times, the Lakers have appeared as if they'd finally showcase that matchup, but they've yet to make it a linchpin of their offensive attack.
"Been There, Done That" Topic #2: Does Phil Jackson even coach?
- According to the recently honored Alonzo Mourning, that would be a "no." Kobe's actually pulling double duty while on the hardwood. Whether fans buy what Zo's selling isn't really all that important, but if the Laker supporting cast does, problems potentially arise. CBSSports.com's Ken Berger elicited some very insightful observations from Kobe's former teammates/current coach Brian Shaw about a pecking order that can't be honored on every possession.
"We tell our guys to start the offense away from him," Shaw said. "Use this side of the court, see your options over here; if nothing's there, reverse it to him and now the shot clock's down and let him do his thing. But when he's out there on the floor and he's doing his little signals asking for the ball, there's kind of a pecking order that happens out there on the court. They don't want to piss him off, and they want to please the coaching staff as well. But he's the closest one to them on the floor. So a lot of times they'll force the ball into him with three people around him instead of making the right play."
I've written thousands of words about Bryant since I first started
covering him in the rookie game at All-Star weekend in Cleveland in
1997. Shaw's words are by far the best I've ever typed into one of
those stories.
As longtime roundball scribe Roland Lazenby further elaborates, a lack of restraint in deferring to Bryant's wishes doesn't just bring out the potential worst in roster members 2-12. Kobe sometimes ends up a victim as well.
However, he may have worn himself down, which helps explain his struggles and the key late turnover that cost the Lakers in the fourth quarter. Bryant also showed signs of extreme fatigue in the Lakers conference finals battle with Denver. Jerry West saw this scenario developing months ago, after Bryant played for Team USA in the Olympic Games last summer, after having carried the Lakers through the long march to the 2008 Finals. As a former Laker vice president and the man who acquired Bryant as a 17-year-old rookie, then mentored him to stardom, West began expressing concern to associates about the heavy burden the team’s star was carrying. Speaking privately to a member of Phil Jackson’s staff, West fussed about the wear and tear on Bryant and the need for the team to be vigilant about leaning so heavily on him. West has observed that the time that Bryant gets on the bench each game to rejuvenate is critical at this stage of his career.
The coaching staff has been vigilant about the issue this season, Shaw said, but added that it’s difficult because of Bryant’s great competitive nature. In Game 3, Lakers coach Phil Jackson left Bryant on the bench for a stretch of the fourth quarter in hopes he could recuperate. “He always wants to stay in the game,” Shaw said. “As a coach, you have to give him rests. You have to protect him from himself. There are times when he’s really pleading on the sideline, ‘Leave me in. Leave me in.’ We do that, but for the most part you have to fight that and give him rests.” Managing Bryant’s minutes and trying to pace his tremendous competitiveness will be a key to the remainder of the championship series, which resumes Thursday night with Game 4 in Orlando.
"Been There, Done That" Topic #3: Should Jameer Nelson have been activated by Stan Van Gundy?
- It's certainly debatable, given how out of sorts the All-Star has looked.
And finally, a pair of items that haven't been beaten to death.
- Rashard Lewis earning his massive keep on the Orlando payroll.
- A terrific look at the sky hook's evolution and effect.
AK
Thur. June 11, 2009...Lakers 2. Magic 1…The Force & Laker Nation are a little unsteady
Good Morning: Sir Charles(The Soul of Laker Nation)
Good Morning: Mom Kamenetzky(Blog Mom)
Good Morning: Morning Crew( The Heart & Soul of Laker Nation)
Good Morning SBPimp & the SBPimp Twins.,The Outlaw & Baby Outlaw,
Good Morning: utzworld THE BANNER HOLDER, Mini Banner Holder & Holderette
Good Morning: Laker Nation (Rulers of the NBA! The 4th Dynasty has Started!!!!!)
WELCOME TO: Sasha, Laker-4-Life, AngleLove4Life, Donald_Hagen,
The_Bubba_Man, Mireya_Pizarro, Liamoi, Salvador, sAnTiAgO, Nick,
Bonny_Lee, CTRAN, Tony_Gunz, HopaLong, Talibah, SAZMD, DEZ
Dave-IN-HillsBoro, PareKoy
Lefty, ChrisMihmFan, Jeanette, Mandingo, Big Al, Eliezer, Nobleman76
KUDOS TO :The Double Trophy Award Winning KamBrothers(Blog gods)
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THE 4TH DYNASTY BEGINS NOW!!! @ THE FORCE
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IIN G.O.B. WE TRUST (Gasol - Odom - Bryant ) @ ChrisMihmFan
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MAKE THEM PAY @ Mike T.
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WIN OR LOSE THIS IS MY TEAM @ Laker Tom
*WE GOT YOUR BACK KOBE @ TALIQ(The Sheriff)
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WE GOT THIS!!! ! @ JustAnotherMambaFan
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WHAT DO WE PLAY FOR, RINGS!!! @ Jon K.*
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WE RISE!!! @ utzworld THE BANNER HOLDER
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ENJOY THE RIDE
Enjoy the ride, that’s what I say, things won’t always go your way
But just like Refs. Give make-up calls, it evens out so don’t worry “yall”
Don’t stress out on the game tonight, your team is the Lakers so it’ll be allright
And if some call the Ref may miss, Just Repeat after me “WE GOT THIS”
We’ve already had Joey Crawford and we won’t see that creep again
And with any other Ref. you know Game 3 would be a win
So Look at the Game 3 loss as an extra game bonus
And since Game 5 is Sunday, then God will be with us
God, The Force, & Kobe are on our side, If I was the magic I’d run & hide
Magic Johnson should hide too, Picking The Magic to win, shame on you
Magic you’re an icon to all of us, But now your judgement we can’t trust
But there’s one man you can trust, he’s for the Lakers all the way
And that’s why Jersey # 21, should be retired today
Psyched Laker girl I want you to stay calm and don’t you fret
JAFMAMBA says this one’s over & that the table is now set
LakerTom says relax & be cool & don’t worry about Dwight the smiling Fool
Howards not superman, he’s a has been hack from Bizarro Land
After the magic here’s what you do, tell Mickey Mouse we want his azz too.
And yeah “We going to Disney World “ when the title we win
To slap off the face of Goofy that freakin silly grin
So get your popcorn and get your smoke, this ones a war & that’s no joke
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And Now Your Los Angeles Lakers Starting Lineup
At Forward, Number (3) – TREVOR ARRIZA
At Guard Number (2) - DEREK FISHER
At Forward Number (16) - PAUL GASOL
At Center…..ANDREWWW “The Beast” BYNUMMMMMM!!!!!!
And At Guard The Reinging MVP.. KOBEE (The Black Mamba) BRYANTTTT!!!!!
The Laker Coach 9 Time Title Winner PHIL(10Rings) JACKSONNNNNN!!!!
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Tossing the ceremonial jump ball.. NUMBER 21…..MICHAEL COOOOOPERr!!
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X, X, X, X, X, X, X, X, X, X, X, X, X, X, 2, 1 ------> Parade Time!! ---Hit it LAKER TOM
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MICHAEL COOPER => RETIRE HIS JERSEY NOW !!!!!!! PLEASE
(YOU_EVER_NOTICE.…>Holding The Line Against CHAOS)
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ALL TOGETHER NOW
We’re the Freaking LA Lakers , we’ve won 14 Rings
10 of the 50 Greatest players played under our wings
We’ve had 3 Laker Dynasties, but who’s keeping score
That’s 2 better than any team & we’re working on #4
The best Winning Percentage in History, yeah that’s true
You want Hall of Fame Coaches, Check it, we’ve got two.
We got the current and future MVP in Kobe Bryant
The list of Laker greats starts with the great George Mikan
We Claim Shaq, Magic, Wilt, Elgin & Kareem
Worthty, Goodrich & Big shot Horry, we take only the cream
We Claim a Glove, A Mailman, A Logo, and a Beast
We’re coached by a 9 time Title Winner who learned Zen in the East
Chick Hearn the Legend, Broadcasted our Lakers Games
Now he’s Broadcasting from Heaven & is in the Hall of Fame
We got Sports Winningest and Best Owner in Dr. Jerry Buss
And The only one that can beat the Freakin La Lakers is us
That’s just a summary of our Resume, we don’t talk we Do.
WE’RE THE FREAKING LA LAKERS WHO THE HELL ARE YOU!!
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LAKERS TODAY LAKERS TOMORROW LAKERS FOREVER
LAKERS TODAY LAKERS TOMORROW LAKERS FOREVER
Posted by: Mamba24 | June 11, 2009 at 09:31 AM
Game 4 is a transition game, it is either Lakers speed ahead or give back life to Orlando with a tie.
I would like to borrow phrases from Gen. Douglas McArthur, Commanding General of the Pacific during the inception of allied offensive in taking back the South Pacific islands in WW II as detailed in his book, Reminiscences.
"During the entire Papuan campaign, the enormous flexibility of modern air power was constantly exploited. Ground, air, and sea operations were thoroughly coordinated. It was a new type of campaign - three-dimensional warfare - triphibious concept (triangle offense). It was the practical application of this system of warfare - to avoid the frontal attack with its terrible loss of life;(lots of fouls) to bypass Japanese strongpoints (Dwight’s presence in the post) and neutralize them by cutting their lines of supply; (throttling the pick and roll of Alston and Howard) to thus isolate their armies and starve them in the battlefield (isolate lewis, turkuglo,pietrus like scattered islets). This system will be referred as 'leap-frogging or island hopping' (advancing in every ball possession) from Papua all the way to Manila with shoestring equipments."
While the rest of the team are busy doing the dirty work in defending and taking those high percentage shots, here is a line that may refer to Kobe, Gasol, LO, Fisher and Ariza. At the staff meeting, one of them (in our case, assistant Laker coaches) said: "General I know your peculiar genius in slaughtering large masses of the enemy at a little cost in the lives of your own men but I don't see how we can take these strong points with our limited forces." The five-star General (PJ) replied: " I thoroughly agree with you but I do not intend to take them -- I intend to envelop them, incapacitate them, apply the: 'hit 'em where they ain't - let 'em die on the vine' philosophy." (No mercy for other Mickeys in Orlando)
Undoubtedly, whatever happens in this Finals, let's all rally to our worthy players representing the purple and gold, Our Lakers. Here are finest lines of the General in describing his men during his proudest moments at a farewell speech in West Point after the war:
"I could see those staggering columns bending under soggy packs, on many weary march from dripping dusk to drizzling dawn, slogging ankle deep, through the mire of shell-shocked roads, to form grimly for the attack, blue-lipped, covered with sludge and mud, chilled by the wind and rain, driving home to their objective, and, for many, to the judgment seat of God. I do not know the dignity of their birth, but I do know the glory of their death. They died unquestioning, uncomplaining, with faith in their hearts, and on their lips, the hope that we would go to victory. Always for them - DUTY-HONOR-COUNTRY (Lakers); always their blood and sweat and tears as we sought the way, the light and the truth."
Go Lakers, win one for the Lakers Blog.
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | June 11, 2009 at 09:37 AM
SO FINE ME $25,000…
There were many reasons why we lost the game last night, not the least of which in my mind was the officiating. AK and his clones can make fun of the talk about an anti-Kobe conspiracy but only a blind idiot could claim that Kobe gets the superstar calls that Dwight Howard or LeBron James or Duane Wade or even Hedo Turkoglu receive. While the refs allow defenders to pound on Kobe regardless of whether he is posting up or just dribbling on the perimeter, the slightest touch on Dwight Howard or Hedo Turkoglu brings a whistle. And you wonder why Kobe was so freaking tired and exasperated by the game’s end. Even up the contact that is allowed and the Lakers win last night going away. And screw ABC and Jeff “the Laker and Kobe hater” Van Gundy and his constant verbal diarrhea.
And Dwight “the Smiling Fool” Howard is allowed to illegally crash his elbow into Pau Gasol every time he fights for position, blatantly goal tend anything near the rim, and be bailed out by the refs with free throws every time his lack of a low post game fails him. Forgive me for being pissed off but the butthole broadcasters and analysts who think that this guy is going to develop an offensive game, get some basketball smarts, or display a killer instinct are just sycophants. Howard has no great instinctive grasp of the game. He is all fluff and physical talent. He will never be a truly “great” player. He will be Dominique to Andrew Bynum’s Michael Jordan when it is all said and done. He won’t be Kwame Brown but he will never be a player of the caliber of David Robinson or Tim Duncan. So bring it on, you Bynum haters. When Drew is healthy, he will eat up Dwight and show you up as fools for your lack of faith and appreciation for the Next Great Lakers Center.
It’s funny but one of the articles I read called Dwight’s physique a bartenders body, great from the waist up since that is all he normally displays. That is why Kendrick Perkins and Andrew Bynum are able to keep him from rooting in down low like Shaq. And he is not really a driven or smart player, which is why a warrior like Pau, even though a finesse guy, can outplay him in the Finals at both ends of the court. The only area where Dwight has shone has been rebounding, where he does not have to share the ball with two other guys like Andrew, Pau, and Lamar do. Superman? Only in his and Orlando fans. Oh, yeah. And the NBA and their control-the-game refs and sports media whore ESPN. Compared to Pau Gasol, this guy has proven to be a soft, unmotivated, easy to discourage flop.
Superman? Not since the Lakers stuck that Kryptonite rod up his rear. It’s not even about the Magic. It’s all about shoving it up the asses of the ESPN east-coast-dominated anti-Kobe Bryant anti-Laker media whores who keep disrespecting the Lakers and their fans. Lakers in 5. JMO.
Tom
Posted by: LakerTom | June 11, 2009 at 09:44 AM
That special on the Skyhook was awesome.
Note to Andrew Bynum:
Learn the Skyhook. Embrace its beauty, simplicity and unstoppableness. You will be the greatest ever if you can duplicate its success. Learn from the greatest scoring machine NBA history and make the shot your own.
Lakers win tonight and close the champ on Sunday.
Posted by: Pig | June 11, 2009 at 09:50 AM
According to L.A. Times:
In an e-mail to the downtown community Tuesday, LAPD Capt. Blake Chow said that a Lakers victory parade could happen as soon as Monday, should the team sweep the Orlando Magic in four games. A parade would begin at Staples Center about 11 a.m., travel south on Figueroa and end at the Coliseum about 1 p.m.
Should it take a bit longer to clinch the title, [which it obviously will] the parade could be held Wednesday, June 17th (if they win in five games); Friday the 19th (in six games) or Monday the 22nd (if it takes the full seven games).
I hope it will come into reality soon.
Posted by: RUDY | June 11, 2009 at 09:52 AM
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I AGREE WITH LAKER TOM – BANDWAGON
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There were many reasons why we lost the game last night, not the least of which in my mind was the officiating. AK and his clones can make fun of the talk about an anti-Kobe conspiracy but only a blind idiot could claim that Kobe gets the superstar calls that Dwight Howard or LeBron James or Duane Wade or even Hedo Turkoglu receive. While the refs allow defenders to pound on Kobe regardless of whether he is posting up or just dribbling on the perimeter, the slightest touch on Dwight Howard or Hedo Turkoglu brings a whistle. And you wonder why Kobe was so freaking tired and exasperated by the game’s end. Even up the contact that is allowed and the Lakers win last night going away. And screw ABC and Jeff “the Laker and Kobe hater” Van Gundy and his constant verbal diarrhea.And Dwight “the Smiling Fool” Howard is allowed to illegally crash his elbow into Pau Gasol every time he fights for position, blatantly goal tend anything near the rim, and be bailed out by the refs with free throws every time his lack of a low post game fails him. Forgive me for being pissed off but the butthole broadcasters and analysts who think that this guy is going to develop an offensive game, get some basketball smarts, or display a killer instinct are just sycophants. Howard has no great instinctive grasp of the game. He is all fluff and physical talent. He will never be a truly “great” player. He will be Dominique to Andrew Bynum’s Michael Jordan when it is all said and done. He won’t be Kwame Brown but he will never be a player of the caliber of David Robinson or Tim Duncan. So bring it on, you Bynum haters. When Drew is healthy, he will eat up Dwight and show you up as fools for your lack of faith and appreciation for the Next Great Lakers Center.
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(01) JON K – OWNER - Upon reading your post, I look over at you, give you a knowing
nod and a slim bitter smile
(02) JACQUELINE – DRIVER – I agree with LakerTom
(03) MAMBA24 – RIDING SHOTGUN – I’ll follow this man to the ends of the earth and around
The Moons of Perdition.
(04) LAKERS4LIFE – SEARGENT AT ARMS - You hit the mark right on the nose in your post
(05) FAN OF THE MAMBA – A LAKER TOM GROUPIE - Laker Tom! Yes, yes, yes!
(06) DAVE M. THE MOST INTERESTING MAN IN THE WORLD - Tom - that's one helluva fired up post. I loved it. Good stuff.
Posted by: Mamba24 | June 11, 2009 at 09:54 AM
Edwin,
Great job. LOL. Leave it the blog statesman to draw a comparison between the Lakers battle for the NBA Championship and McArthur’s campaign to win back the South Pacific islands from Japan in WWII. Well done, Edwin.
Tom
Posted by: LakerTom | June 11, 2009 at 09:58 AM
My mood just went to amazement to outrage.
I watched that video on the skyhook. Just fantastic... until the end where players are saying they don't want to learn the skyhook because "it's Kareem's shot" and it's "old-fashioned" and they don't "want to look like Kareem."
{Stunned, slack-jawed shock and befuddlement}
ARE YOU FRICKEN KIDDING ME?
THEY DON'T WANT TO LOOK LIKE KAREEM?
FIVE TIME CHAMPION AND ALL TIME LEADING SCORER, KAREEM ABDUL-JABAAR?
{Shock. Utter shock.}
This is like Shaq not wanting to take his freethrows granny-style (though he could make them) because he didn't want to not look cool.
Just sickeningly pathetic.
The skyhook is the Greatest shot in the history of basketball and the proto-skyhook was developed by Lakers Great George Mikan.
It makes me so angry that people out there would rather "look cool" than win.
THERE IS NO SHOT COOLER THAN A RUNNING SKYHOOK!!!! NO SHOT!!!!
It's the most beautiful shot in basketball.
This is insane.
Unbelievable.
UNLEASH THE UNSTOPPABLE UNSTOPPABLENESS OF THE SKYHOOK!!!
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 11, 2009 at 10:06 AM
[Szczerbiak said the Magic looked more like the team that eliminated his Cleveland Cavaliers from the Eastern Conference finals when they beat the Lakers 108-104 Tuesday night.
“Shooting 63 percent from the field and playing well especially on the offensive end of the floor—making 3-pointers and scoring down low,” he said. “We were trying to devise every scheme known to man and we just couldn’t stop them.”
]
That's why we've got the mamba ... say what you may but he's the difference maker out there ... our hopes rise and fall with him
For all the talk about getting Gasol the ball ... everytime we try and make him the man ... it ends up in a lot of turnovers ... hence his comment about activity around him ... I ain't a coach but hey if so called "isolating" him more against lewis does the trick then the onus is on PJ and the coaching staff to instruct the guys on the floor to make that happen, but they can't have their cake and eat it too ... they can't call it an equal opportunity offense and get mad Ariza has more shots than Gasol ... install a pecking order, kobe first, gasol second, odom third ... or put gasol first i really dont care
What I do know is that when all else fails ... and I'm pulling my hair out ... I look to only one place on my tv set ... I look to #24
So back the F off kobe's back ... and lets dump all this negative energy on ugly stan and his band of misfits ...
60+% shooting by the magic on offense and we're talking about touches, are you kidding me?
24 + 16 + [1]7 = The Purple Tinted Golden Age
Posted by: Taliq | June 11, 2009 at 10:11 AM
LakerTom, we know all of this.
The only thing left to do, in the immortal words of Tom Berenger in "Major League", is to win THE WHOLE FREAKIN THING!
Damn the haters
Damn the analysts
Damn the refs
Damn the BSPiN doctors.
WIN THE WHOLE. FREAKIN. THING.
Posted by: utzworld - THE BANNER HOLDER | June 11, 2009 at 10:13 AM
I am so so so fedup with the triangle offense ... if it is that great why don't more teams in the league run it
It also might be why tex winter hasn't made it to the hall of fame ... because the rest of the basketball world has refused to adopt his offense
I love PJ as a coach ... but he's great at what he does becuase of his personality and all that zen crap ... not because of the offense he runs ...
He succeeds inspite of his playbook not because of it
24 + 16 + [1]7 = The Purple Tinted Golden Age
Posted by: Taliq | June 11, 2009 at 10:16 AM
Hey, thanks Mamba24, for the welcome.
Now let's win game four.
Posted by: dave in hillsboro | June 11, 2009 at 10:16 AM
Thanks for the love Mamba24!
I am calm today @ peace with things. I would like a W if only for my Dad who was just put in hospice and doesn't have much time. I am the son he never had and I share his love of sports.
LGL!!
Posted by: PsychedLakerGirl | June 11, 2009 at 10:21 AM
YEAH buddy.... Mamba Two Four in the house with the top spot.
Laker Tom bringin' the fire and brimstone.
Tonight: We TAKE what is OURS
Tonight we ROAR!
AAHHHHHHHHHHHHH GOOO Lakers!
Posted by: VMan | June 11, 2009 at 10:23 AM
And urgh!! ... one last thing yo ...
If we dont win it all this year ... PJ and his entire coaching staff must be fired
If we win it all this year ... I'd be ecstatic if PJ and his entire coaching staff resigned
If only for the sake of trying something new ... I'd love to see what our team would look like without the triangle
As for who the next coach should be? ... I've always said Jeff Van Gundy ... But his brotherly love broadcasting is ticking me off @ the moment ... Byron Scott is next but he runs everything through cp3 and I don't want us to turn into Kobe 24/7 ... Perharps Coach K. but he turned us down once ... Rudy T, he quit on us already ...
Avery Johnson ... Hmm he's coached a white boi with skills b4 now he can coach Gasol ... yup, I can live with that ... My president is black and now's so's my coach ... lol
F what you heard yo ... don't come at me for dreaming up coaches ... I love this team, from PJ to Sun Yue ... we're good enough to do better ... but if in adversity they're trying to dump on Kobe ... then imma speak da truth they refuse to tell themselves in the mirror ...
Alonzo ain't lie ... I was mad @ kobe too after game 3 ... but if you can stay mad @ kobe ... then you haven't been watching the lakers the past decade ... that man has given all of himself to purple and gold, right down to icing his ankles 24/7 during off days just so he could be on the court ... show some respect y'all or suffer the wrath of my badge
24 + 16 + [1]7 = The Purple Tinted Golden Age
Posted by: Taliq | June 11, 2009 at 10:25 AM
It’s not even about the Magic. It’s all about shoving it up the asses of the ESPN east-coast-dominated anti-Kobe Bryant anti-Laker media whores who keep disrespecting the Lakers and their fans. Lakers in 5. JMO. Posted by: LakerTom | June 10, 2009 at 09:00 PM
Dude every prediction you've called I've raised my eyebrows to, you're always eager to call sweep ... overly optimistic you have shown yourself to be oh bynum lover ...
But I've never been so pissed before ... 60+ percent shooting by the magic and the articles are dominated who got touches? ... how about where our defense failed or that perharps the magic just couldn't miss ... I'd even be more understanding if you're crucifying kobe for the turnover and missed free throws ...
But to play this selfish card yet again ... gimme a break ... Lakers in 5 ... we're done playing
24 + 16 + [1]7 = The Purple Tinted Golden Age
Posted by: Taliq | June 11, 2009 at 10:38 AM
Good Morning Mamba24!
Thank you for the roll call.
In my book we only need 1 in Orlando and I pray tonight is the night. If all goes to plan we should be celebrating a HUGE Road Victory this evening which will allow me to enjoy the ride even more. I hate stress!
BD
Posted by: BD | June 11, 2009 at 10:40 AM
PsychedLakerGirl,
Hope everything turns out well with you and your dad. Nothing any of us can make the situation right, but you do have my best wishes.
Posted by: Taliq | June 11, 2009 at 10:41 AM
Typo Correction...
PsychedLakerGirl,
Hope everything turns out well with you and your dad. Nothing any of us SAY can make the situation right, but you do have my best wishes.
Posted by: Taliq | June 11, 2009 at 10:42 AM
Psyched Laker Girl,
So sorry to read about your dad. Mine dad was in hospice last year and they took such good care of him. All my thoughts and prayers go out to you in this difficult time. God be with you.
LTLL
Posted by: longtimelakerlover | June 11, 2009 at 10:48 AM
Jon K. - I hear you. Only quibble: Kareem is a SIX time champion, once with the Bucks, and five with the Lakers. Six time MVP. Leading scorer all-time. And with the single most unstoppable shot in history.
I'd love to see someone bring back the skyhook. Bynum does have the hands and the touch (he shows it sometimes, anyway). Pau certainly could do it. Let's see that shot back again in purple and gold. Imagine having two guys on the court who are 7 feet and can hit the skyhook? Ridiculous.
Posted by: em-k | June 11, 2009 at 10:57 AM
Best of luck PLGirl.
Thet get this win tonight.
Wes
Posted by: wesjoenixon | June 11, 2009 at 10:59 AM
I am calm today @ peace with things. I would like a W if only for my Dad who was just put in hospice and doesn't have much time. I am the son he never had and I share his love of sports. Posted by: PsychedLakerGirl | June 11, 2009 at 10:21 AM
As you know PsychedLakerGirl I went through the same thing with my Mom last year and nothing anyone can say can prepare you for this. But I will say that although my Mom was the "Rock" of my life thanks to the love & support of the other Rock in my life, The Laker Nation & the Laker Blog the pain was a lilttle less. Know that you have the prayers of all of us and God be with you and your family. I Love you Sister, take care.
P.S. I personally just talked to THE FORCE & he said he will send an extra jolt of power for the Lakers to Win tonight and send an extra shower of Love to you & your family. God Be With You
Larry(Mamba24)
Posted by: Mamba24 | June 11, 2009 at 11:03 AM
UNLEASH THE UNSTOPPABLE UNSTOPPABLENESS OF THE SKYHOOK!!!
WE ARE THE LOS ANGELES LAKERS AND WE RISE!!!!
AND HAVING RISEN SLAY ALL WHO STAND IN THE
WAY OF THE START OF DYNASTY 4
What do we play for? RINGS!!!!
Lakers Today... Lakers Tomorrow... Lakers Forever.
A
Posted by: Mamba24 | June 11, 2009 at 11:05 AM
Psyched,
My heart goes out to you and I send good wishes to your Dad. Please remember that thanks to this blog, you are never alone.
Posted by: Rick Friedman | June 11, 2009 at 11:06 AM
Mamba24,
You KNOW I belong on the Laker Tom band wagon. Go Lakers!
Posted by: Rick Friedman | June 11, 2009 at 11:06 AM
Gonzo should know about not coaching. Ha!
After all, that Heat Team was Marinated and Cooked by Chef Van Gundy and presented by Riles.
It takes coaching to take you over the top.
(That's why Larry Brown took over for Detroit. Same coaching take over.)
Shaquille O'Neal
Udonis Haslem
Jason Kapono
Dwyane Wade
Jason Williams
Alonzo Mourning
Antoine Walker
James Posey
Shannon Anderson
Gary Payton
Derek Anderson
Michael Doleac
Posted by: Charles | June 11, 2009 at 11:08 AM
Hey, thanks Mamba24, for the welcome. Now let's win game four. Posted by: dave in hillsboro | June 11, 2009 at 10:16 AM
Always glad to add a new member to Laker Blog & Laker Nation Dave. Join us to night on Laker Chat thread for the Game. Again welcome to Laker Nation.
Larry(Mamba24)
Posted by: Mamba24 | June 11, 2009 at 11:08 AM
Game Day Prayer delayed due to a MOUNTAIN OF WORK sitting on my desk today. Will try to post around lunchtime. STAY TUNED!
Posted by: utzworld - THE BANNER HOLDER | June 11, 2009 at 11:14 AM
GAME DAY!
To quote the Black Eyed Peas: I gotta feeling that tonight's gonna be a good night!
Let's go Lakers!
Posted by: LakerCladdie | June 11, 2009 at 11:18 AM
IF SOMEONE HAD TAUGHT ME THE SKY HOOK I COULD HAVE BEEN EVEN MORE DOMINATING THAN I WAS. I WAS JUST LUCKY I HAD NATURAL TALENT AND OF COURSE...(WAIT FOR IT) A SET OF MAGNIFICENT CALVES.
Posted by: KWAME BROWN | June 11, 2009 at 11:30 AM
Tonight's game...
Kobe and the whole team come out a tad sluggish. They fight and claw and end up the half down by 8. The second half starts and it continues. At some point, the Lakers get down by 14-16 points. During a timeout, the Lakers have the most important timeout huddle of the season. They find IT. They find that THING that all champions discover at some point during their run. They will find their championship hearts. They will go on an inspired run and win the game going away.
Go Lakers!!!
Posted by: lakalova | June 11, 2009 at 11:32 AM
Rick - just to respond from a previous post -
Nitro patch - check
Defibrillator - check
Oxygen tank - check
Paramedics - check
All within easy reach if necessary.
I'm good to go!!!!!!!!!!
GO LAKERS!! WE GOT THIS!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: justanothermambafan | June 11, 2009 at 11:33 AM
*
I AGREE WITH LAKER TOM – BANDWAGON
*
There were many reasons why we lost the game last night, not the least of which in my mind was the officiating. AK and his clones can make fun of the talk about an anti-Kobe conspiracy but only a blind idiot could claim that Kobe gets the superstar calls that Dwight Howard or LeBron James or Duane Wade or even Hedo Turkoglu receive. And screw ABC and Jeff “the Laker and Kobe hater” Van Gundy and his constant verbal diarrhea.And Dwight “the Smiling Fool” Howard is allowed to illegally crash his elbow into Pau Gasol every time he fights for position, blatantly goal tend anything near the rim, and be bailed out by the refs with free throws every time his lack of a low post game fails him.. Howard has no great instinctive grasp of the game. He is all fluff and physical talent Superman? Not since the Lakers stuck that Kryptonite rod up his rear. It’s not even about the Magic. It’s all about shoving it up the asses of the ESPN east-coast-dominated anti-Kobe Bryant anti-Laker media whores who keep disrespecting the Lakers and their fans. Lakers in 5. JMO.
*
(01) JON K – OWNER - Upon reading your post, I look over at you, give you a knowing
nod and a slim bitter smile
(02) JACQUELINE – DRIVER – I agree with LakerTom
(03) MAMBA24 – RIDING SHOTGUN – I’ll follow this man to the ends of the earth and around
The Moons of Perdition.
(04) LAKERS4LIFE – SEARGENT AT ARMS - You hit the mark right on the nose in your post
(05) FAN OF THE MAMBA – A LAKER TOM GROUPIE - Laker Tom! Yes, yes, yes!
(06) DAVE M. - “The Most Interesting Man In The World” - Tom - that's one helluva ired up post. I loved it. Good stuff.
(07) RICK FRIEDMAN - You KNOW I belong on the Laker Tom band wagon. G
Posted by: MAMBA24 | June 11, 2009 at 11:36 AM
PLGirl,
My thoughts are with you. I hope that the Lakers victory tonight brings a smile to your face, especially in this trying time.
Looking for the best two-game winning streak of the season. Let's see it, Lakers.
Go Lake Show!
Posted by: The Outlaw | June 11, 2009 at 11:41 AM
You know I would never really disagree with my Laker brothers....but all this talk about Van Gundy being biased is actually not true. He has actually been pretty light on the lakers compared to Mark Jackson....I think the latimes had a story on it......I actually think he is doing a pretty decent job and his xs and os of basketball are spot on, to tell you the truth if PJ retired, Id take Van Gundy in a heartbeat.
Not sure Kobe would play for him but I would.
Here's to a game 4 victory!
Posted by: Lakers4Life | June 11, 2009 at 11:42 AM
Thanks Taliq, Mamba24, Rick et all for the thoughts....truly appreciated. You are a good fam!
LGL for my Dad!
Posted by: PsychedLakerGirl | June 11, 2009 at 11:43 AM
Mamba24 - do I even have to say it???
Out - FREAKING - standing!!!!!!
That said - regarding the LAKER TOM BANDWAGON - I am visualizing myself on it. I can see myself bringing up the rear - showering the haters and idiots with liquefied troll juices left over from the BBQ. How much fun can 1 person have????!!!!!!!
PsychedLakerGirl - I am SO sorry. I, too, have had to deal with a situation like this with my dad. It's never easy, but it does get easier. We are all here for you.
Posted by: justanothermambafan | June 11, 2009 at 11:51 AM
Looking for the best two-game winning streak of the season. Let's see it, Lakers. Posted by: The Outlaw | June 11, 2009 at 11:41 AM
NOW THAT'S WHAT I'M TALKING ABOUT!!!!!
Posted by: MAMBA24 | June 11, 2009 at 12:00 PM
Mamba24 - do I even have to say it???Out - FREAKING - standing!!!!!! Posted by: justanothermambafan | June 11, 2009 at 11:51 AM
Hey! You say it better than I do! Lol!
Posted by: Mamba24 | June 11, 2009 at 12:02 PM
I strongly petition every member of Laker Nation to go to Pau Gasol's L.A. Times blog and beg/admonish him to learn and master the skyhook.
Pau is the ultimate skills player.
Can you imagine the unstoppable unstoppableness of Pau Gasol with a skyhook?
And if Kareem's teaching it to Pau, Andrew's got to get on board with the idea!!!
I mean, seriously.
What does Pau Gasol and Andrew Bynum mastering the skyhook mean? A serious fricken dynasty is what that means.
WE (aka "US", "YOU", "ME", "THAT GUY OVER THERE", "THAT OTHER GUY") need to get that point across.
Pau reads the comments on his blog. We know that. I've already left him a message. I ask you, nay, I BEG YOU, Laker Nation, to also plead with him to learn and master the skyhook.
As maddening as it sounds to me, it seems a lot of professional basketball players don't think the skyhook is "cool." Well, we have to let Pau Gasol know that, for Laker Nation, there is NO cooler shot than the skyhook and NOTHING endears a player more to our collective hearts than watching a seven footer swish a skyhook to win a ballgame and/or a Championship.
Come on, Laker Nation! Let Pau know the truth!
UNLEASH THE UNSTOPPABLE UNSTOPPABLENESS OF THE SKYHOOK!!!
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 11, 2009 at 12:03 PM
PsychedLakerGirl
My best to you and your dad...
Posted by: Charles | June 11, 2009 at 12:04 PM
PsychedLakerGirl,
Our prayers are with you and your father.
Posted by: Razdizzle | June 11, 2009 at 12:05 PM
PsychedLakerGirl, i'm also sorry to hear about your dad. I wish him luck.
Mamba24, i'd like to join the LakerTom bandwagon, too. that was the most passionate post i've ever read by LT. i'm def down wit' Lakers in 5 (which was what i also predicted).
as for the media. F'em. i'm not gonna cry over people disrespecting my team or not giving enough props. that's their problem. they can keep on analyzing what the Magic need to do to win, and keep on doing that even after the Lakers eliminate them, and claim the NBA Championship.
i agree with Taliq's point about Gasol's touches or Kobe not passing it or Kobe demanding the ball... Lakers need to play better defense. even Shaw said it to the LA Times. if LA can get back to the shooters, and not let guys like Lewis, Pietrus, Turkoglu, and SkiptomyLou score 20 points each, we win this. Lewis i can understand, cuz his shooting has been unreal, and almost Kobesque, but the rest of those role players need to be shut down.
as for Bynum's minutes, there's no shock that he only played 23 (or whatever) minutes, since Phil stated that's all he had planned on playing him. seems like he just has more trust in a Gasol/Odom frontline.
let's go Lakers! win game 4! it's yours for the taking!!!! Magic will go down 3-1... and that will = a long and dark hole. (which brings me visions of the movie, "The Ring," and the title is quite appropriate, might i add!)
Posted by: leonardbast | June 11, 2009 at 12:07 PM
em-k,
Thanks for correcting me about SIX TIME CHAMPION, Kareem Abdul-Jabaar innovator of Laker Great George Mikan's hook shot and transforming it into the ultimate unstoppable shot.
UNLEASH THE UNSTOPPABLE UNSTOPPABLENESS OF THE SKYHOOK!!!!
LAKER NATION, LET PAU KNOW!!!!
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 11, 2009 at 12:09 PM
PsychedLakersGirl,
I'm sorry for your father and I'll pray for the best. I know these times are hard. I hope you get through them with the greatest of strengths.
WE ARE THE LOS ANGELES LAKERS AND WE RISE!!!!
Posted by: Jon K. | June 11, 2009 at 12:11 PM
WHEN you send a post to Pau Gasol, please include that ESPN link about the skyhook.
He needs to see to believe.
UNLEASH THE UNSTOPPABLE UNSTOPPABLENESS OF THE SKYHOOK!!!!
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 11, 2009 at 12:13 PM
as for the media. F'em. i'm not gonna cry over people disrespecting my team or not giving enough props. that's their problem. they can keep on analyzing what the Magic need to do to win, and keep on doing that even after the Lakers eliminate them, and claim the NBA Championship.Posted by: leonardbast | June 11, 2009 at 12:07 PM
With an army like us LakerTom can rule the world
*
I AGREE WITH LAKER TOM – BANDWAGON
*
a blind idiot could claim that Kobe gets the superstar calls that Dwight Howard or LeBron James or Duane Wade or even Hedo Turkoglu receive. And screw ABC and Jeff “the Laker and Kobe hater” Van Gundy and his constant verbal diarrhea.And Dwight “the Smiling Fool” Howard Howard has no great instinctive grasp of the game. He is all fluff and physical talent Superman? Not since the Lakers stuck that Kryptonite rod up his rear. It’s not even about the Magic. It’s all about shoving it up the asses of the ESPN east-coast-dominated anti-Kobe Bryant anti-Laker media whores who keep disrespecting the Lakers and their fans. Lakers in 5. JMO.
*
(01) JON K – OWNER - Upon reading your post, I look over at you, give you a knowing
nod and a slim bitter smile
(02) JACQUELINE – DRIVER – I agree with LakerTom
(03) MAMBA24 – RIDING SHOTGUN – I’ll follow this man to the ends of the earth and around The Moons of Perdition.
(04) LAKERS4LIFE – SEARGENT AT ARMS - You hit the mark right on the nose in your post
(05) FAN OF THE MAMBA – A LAKER TOM GROUPIE - Laker Tom! Yes, yes, yes!
(06) DAVE M. - “The Most Interesting Man In The World” - Tom - that's one helluva ired up post. I loved it. Good stuff.
(07) RICK FRIEDMAN - You KNOW I belong on the Laker Tom band wagon. G
(08) JUSTANOTHERMAMBAFAN - regarding the LAKER TOM BANDWAGON - I am visualizing myself on it. I can see myself bringing up the rear - showering the haters and idiots with liquefied troll juices left over from the BBQ. How much fun can 1 person have????!!!!!!!
(09) LEONARD BAST - that was the most passionate post i've ever read by LT. i'm def down wit' Lakers in 5 (which was what i also predicted).
Posted by: Mamba24 | June 11, 2009 at 12:15 PM
GAME ON!
FACILATOR MODE IN 1st & 3rd Quarter
+
MAMBA MODE IN 2nd & 4th Quarter
=
GAME 4 VICTORY!
LET US PRAY
Dear Lord, we thank You for Your blessings in our lives and for our favorite basketball team, the Los Angeles Lakers.
First and foremost, we ask You to place Your Arms of comfort around Psyched Laker Girl, her dad, and her entire family. May You surround them all with Your love and Your peace. Be the God of all Comfort during this difficult time. (Re)Assure them all that You are in control and that despite all, You are still worthy to be praised. Thank You for Your comfort and Your peace. May You save a small piece of tonight's win and our future championship to PGL and her daddy.
Now Lord, we ask You for another 48 MINUTES OF DISCIPLINED, DETERMINED, FOCUSED, INTENSE AND SPIRITED BASKETBALL from our Lakers. Use Kobe's play to silence the haters. Use Pau/LO & the supporting cast to mock the naysayers. Let tonight's win be convincing enough to show the Chicken Littles amongst us that it truly is OUR TIME - OUR MOMENT - OUR DESTINY!
Let our play be so magnificent that it doesn't come down to refs or goaltends or end game free throws to secure us a win tonight. May each Laker adopt the mindset of their team captains - D Fish AND Kobe - and boldly step into the greatness that is set before them. May each of them see the O'Brien Trophy clear in their sights. Let them fight past every defensive scheme and trap set by Van Gundy and the Orlando Magic to press towards that mountain!
Have mercy, once again, on Orlando. Continue to remind them - and their fans - that Our Destiny Continues To Call and We Had To Answer The Bell!.
May Laker Nation maintain a positive spirit and energy at all times on the Live Chat. May they root their team on and not give into the spirit of negativity and frustration but, instead, always HOPE & BELIEVE in their team - OUR TEAM! FOR WE ARE THE BEST TEAM!
We thank You for answered prayers. We thank You for great success for our team. We thank You for THE FIFTEENTH BANNER which we BELIEVE will be in our possession as soon as this coming Sunday! You have guided our Lakers to this moment in time. May they boldly possess the prize with strength, courage, vigor, and most of all, YOUR HAND TO LEAD & GUIDE THEM!
AMEN
Posted by: utzworld - THE BANNER HOLDER | June 11, 2009 at 12:22 PM
utzworld,
Amen.
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 11, 2009 at 12:27 PM