Let the "What does it all mean?" talk begin!!!
Up 3-1 in the NBA Finals and seeking out just one more victory with three chances at their disposal (the latest coming tonight in Orlando), the natural instinct for various Lakers could be to get ahead of themselves and envision their individual lives and legacies as champions. Thankfully, pie-in-the-sky day dreams aside, that doesn't appear to be a condition plaguing the purple and gold roster. Yes, folks cop to butterflies, along with an awareness of just how close the endgame sits. But as for crowning themselves prematurely... Thank you, no. We'll wait until the fourth win is officially in the books, particularly with the Magic determined to retain their say in the matter. And that exact same restraint has been displayed by the media.
Okay, that last part is pretty much a lie.
Happy to presume this puppy in the bag, the scribes have taken to forward looking, analyzing post-title lives for various folks on the Lakers. In particular, Phil Jackson and Kobe Bryant.
For the "right here, right now" coach, a tenth title would not only place him Big Kahuna among the all-time ringed (quite possibly an unbreakable record in the making), but perhaps once and for all convince the skeptics that he hasn't found the success purely through smoke, mirrors and elite players. As BK and I discussed with ESPN's Eric Neel during our latest 710 ESPN podkast, perhaps we as a collective have been too willingly pegged a guy based on simplistic definitions of what a coach "does." How much longer PJ will be around to shift perceptions isn't set in stone.
Bryant, meanwhile, can lay the groundwork for his second shot at a dynasty. Unable to picture himself in another uni (although really, does this strike anybody as "news?") and hoping for another season or so in cahoots with Jackson, Kobe is on the cusp of finally putting to bed the "Hasn't won without Shaq" talk. Ask one of his peers, however, and that yap was nothing but bunk from the start. (Dude interviewed by ESPN's Marc Stein goes by the name of Jerry. Apparently decent at the roundball himself).
Kobe? As one of my mentors, Mark Heisler, so aptly put it earlier this week in the Los Angeles Times, Bryant generates as much scorn as love because his highs and lows are so outrageous, compared to the virtual lifelong consistency of His Airness.
"Jordan was a straight line across the top of the graph," Heisler wrote, while "Bryant is a wavy line."
Wavy is actually putting it kindly after a wild decade on the Kobe Coaster. Yet there is no shame, here on Earth, in needing help from the likes of Gasol and Fisher to win it all. Julius Erving couldn't win a ring in the NBA until he hooked up with Moses Malone, just like Oscar Robertson went ring-less until he was teamed with Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. Shaq, for the record, has zero titles without a Kobe or Dwyane Wade to share the burden. That's usually how it works in this universe.
"If people think that's what he needs to validate his career, so be it, but I don't think that's the case at all," West said of Bryant lacking a ring without O'Neal as a sidekick. "This is a unique player. Any time you start talking about who the best is, you're always going to have controversy. But Kobe is upper, upper echelon. I'm not talking about the top 10 [of all time]. This franchise has had a lot of good players. Absolutely the greatest leader I've ever seen would be Magic Johnson, and he was also the greatest teammate, but as far as skill Kobe is No. 1 on the list."
"When you're that great, sometimes people don't want to give you the credit. But when Kobe walks away from this game, he's going to leave huge footprints, just as Michael Jordan did.
"This is a once-every-25-years player. Appreciate him while he's here."
AK
Sun.. June 14, 2009...Lakers 3. Magic 1…The Force & Laker Nation are ready for a Parade
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
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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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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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THOSE WHO DON'T REMEMBER THE PAST ARE DOOMED TO REPEAT IT: http://tinyurl.com/nphc9s
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AND SO IT COMES DOWN TO THIS...
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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 Some of their play was not always pretty, but they gave to a man all they had to help us get to where we are today. AND WHERE ARE WE TODAY?...
4 quarters away from the start of DYNASTY 4. Four quarters away from KOBES 4TH TITLE, 4 quarters way from PHILS 10TH rING. SO WHATS STOPPING US?
NOT A DAMN THING! We Got THE BEST COACH ON THE PLANET, THE BEST PLAYER ON THE PLANET and in 4 more quarters THE BEST TEAM ON THE PLANET!!! We don't need no Purple & gold thongs, We don't need no Lucky Barstools, we don't even need THE FORCE. All we need is one thing...TO PLAY AS A TEAM AND THIS CHAMPIONSHIP STARTS. I am not anxious I have no fear. I place my trust in my team and I know they will not let me down. That's about all I got to say. We are the LA LAKERS and WE RISE. Hence forth there
can be no debate, about Phil, about Kobe or about this team. One day we will look back and realize just what greatness we were witness to. But now Laker Nation this ride is almost over. I hope you enjoyed it I did. I said this ride is almost over but there is one ride left. The CHAMPIONSHIP CELEBRATION RIDE!!!!! It's been a joy & an honor to help conduct our ride to today thru the Roll Call. The Roll call is not me, it is each and every one of you that helped to make this Laker Nation Great. We have millionaires and homeless PHD's and no D's and you no what?
In laker Nation we are all equal. When everyone else said the Lakers were soft and could not do it We stood tall and said YES WE CAN!!! YES WE CAN & YES WE WILL TONIGHT. That's it I leave it up to God & The Laker Team to determine our fate. Can you see it Laker Nation? Can you feel it Laker Nation? The 4th Dynasty is here just waiting for the Final horn to be blown to begin.
We are the Laker Nation and WE RISE!!!
We are the Laker Nation and WE GOT THIS!!
We are the Laker Nation & What do we play for THE RINGS!!!!
AND WOE UNTO ANYONE WHO TRIES TO STAND IN THE WAY AND BLOCK US FROM OUR DESTINY
THIS OUR TEAM!! THIS IS OUR HOUSE!!! THIS IS OUR TIME!! WE WILL NOT BE DENIED!!! WE ARE THE FREAKING LA LAKERS AND WE COME TO CLAIM WHAT IS OURS.
GOD BLESS THE LAKER BLOG, GOD BLESS THE LAKER NATION AND....
GOD BLESS THE GREATEST TEAM ON EARTH...THE FREAKING LA LAKERS
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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, X, 1 ------> Hit it LAKER TOM ---Parade Time!!
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ROLLLLLLLLLLLLL CALLLLLLLLLLLL:
FAITH, LakerTOM, Keifo, Charles, Edwin Gueco, FATTY, TP, JON-K. #4, TALIQ, Pig Miller
WesJoeNixon, Xodus, SBPimp_&Twins, EastCoastJESSIE, Dice8UP, RDLee, VMan,BD,
JJ, utzworld_THEBANNERHOLDER, AmazingHappens, SixOneZERO,THE_D. FEARLess,
EJK, The-OUTLAW, Baby-OUTLAW, EXHELODRVR, JustAnotherMambaFan, OTIS, WIZO
BronxLakerFan, ISANG, OUCHHH, DavidWHANG, David-in-Spain, LAKER_Larry, JUSTIN
phred, Korey, Never, Troy, LakerMan420, ZEN, TOAD, BOZZ, Ken, ELLE, Leonard_BAST
ThaSHOW, Tim-4-SHOW, The-LAKE-SHOW, LakerBANDIT, KobeBLITZ, JESTER-GURU
FKILLAH, RickFRIEDMAN, KIWI, HrmHed, GENERIC-One, FLOYD., ERIC-M, LAKERGurl
BOB, STARGAZIN, LOLO, LAKER_STH, PS-LAKER-Fan, You-EVER-Notice, TSPHERE,
JamieSweet, ZAKEE, MIKE.T JOHNNYP, P-ANG, MagicMan, TCB247, HUGO-BOSS, BD
Comptons_FINEST CaliPHILOSOPHER, CHRIS_H, CBUCK, WEAVEMan, Yellow-FEVER
AngryLAKER, LakerJUSTICE, LakerTRUTH, PFUNK36, LakersRydeOrDie, MEL, DAVE-M
SFLAKERGirl, PsychedLAKERrGirl, SimiLAKERGirl, BocaLakerGirl, Christopher - BLAKE
LAKERGirl1980, Houston_LAKERGirl, LAKERLass, VA-Laker_Girl, MrBarney-DANGLES
Purple&GOLDRein, Purple&GOLDForever, Laker-In-BC, SAMLL, BENJAMIN, FREDDYP
Baywood MAGIA32, Adrian-Palomar, Puddle, COMPLEX-Brotha, CARLOSDeep, LAILA
HELLRAISER(certifiedmambafan), She_KOBE, RIZZO, LakeShowSAM, Let’s-Go-L’s
LONGTime-LAKERFan, Mayor-Of-Kobe-Town,,JANAYA, HARIYAHU, WOLF, ISANG
RICO-OF_ NY LovesLALakers, BlueSky, DXTER, New_Sc2, BRUZER, JMAN, TSIRY
Sleepless-In-Vegas, HOBBITMAGE, ANNA-in-BONDI,.WILL in Seattle, MIKE&MIKE, PL
Hugo-SPAIN, Allan-BRAZIL,DARK-AngelSK, CAMERON, JANDRO, NAJA-aka-BONUS
Brown_Mamba24, White_Mamba24, Black_Mamba24, FanOfMamba, JELLO-Jigglin
MAMBA24_FAN_4LIFE, JUSTALAKERFan, T-MELT, MrNANO, Bobie, MIKE, OMEGA
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CUTUREIST, NEMIA_FALETOGO, LakerGURU_From_INDIA, MUD, HBMatt, TWoody
HYACINTH, CONER_J, MCGARNAGLE, SHARPER, RESPECT-MY-AUTHORITH, LG
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WOLF-DOGG, ROLLO, DION, WARREN with(those) Butter Knives, 15th-Comming
LakerLEGACY, CHUCK23, TEEJ, Adrian PALOMAR, LakerHOLIC, TIKI, RAFANICO
DUB0512, Rhon SALMON, Tru_Laker_FAN, VIOLATER,, BONEZ, TINIDOR$, VOR
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LAKERFAN 24/7 CACTUS_BERRY, SEAN_P, LONE_Star_Laker_Fan, CINZ, ZEE
SLO_GAL , High-CHEESE, ERIC YIP, MIGUEL, TITEJT, FOURTYTWO, RUDY,
46TH-ST-BALLER, COACH-D, BIJOU, SNAKE, S_TAN, ,GERCAT,TOMK, TOMY
MICHIGAN_Laker, T, HAROLD, DION, Bad-Finger, STEVENV., OUTsider_GUA
STAPLES24, DAN_the _MAN, The 5% Nation(canibus hog) , HappyGilmore , HTP
JONINin_JAPAN(InCanada), BEN, THIRTY2, CHUAHUGO, HAWAIID, ChinaLake
JAX_Onus, MACE08, KEEN_Observer, , ZLAKEShow, Steel_Mohawk, BRANDON
DESILKY, TODD, GUARDIOLA, MARTY, MITCHELL, Stay_Thirsty_My_FRIENDS,
CHI_TOWN_LAKER, Big_LAKER_FAN3408, XTRO, ALEXHIN017, ECAT124, OLF
Vi_Laker_Fan, 1978, LAKER_North, , LAKER_FAN24, Jason-GRAVES, DEBBIE_M.
LEBANESE_Mike, DK, IN_THE_ZEN_Master_WE_TRUST, LAKER_PHIL,BROID
BYNUM_Believer, , Francesco, BIG_Fence_Defense, Bronx_Laker_Fan, TMELT
Lakers_4_Realz, 130, EHOMP, GreekDude, ZOPPI, Trojan, Boink, Luke, SoopaFly
CHI_LAKER_FAN, LAKER_FAN_IN_NY, EVIL_CARTman, TULLY MOXNESS,
Darleen MCCUTCHEON, THI, BIGDAWG, S01285, CANNIBUS-HOG, SHEKobe
DAVE ROSENZWEIG, CALI_KING, ,MACHIAVELLY, QS, GIANT-SQUID, JCC79
Dan_the_Man, HUBBIT, DORKIS, KENE_SLOW, LAKAFOO, BILLY IN SLO, Chad
ONPAROLE, ROB, KOBE Fan in Cupertino, ANA Gil, BoBo, SaltLaker, WALLACE
Dan in ChiTown, MinBS, Bopper, JC GARCIA, SCION KAI, 70’s LAKER_FAN, KT
Loi_Reyes_LANDICHO, LAKERS_World, Marky_The_ARKY, LAKERS#1,
DrewPauKobe, KobesBad, JCOOL, LAKALOVER, AFRO_JOE, LAKERS-WORLD
BLAZE1BX, EAST_NYBOER, ChickN Stu, CHICK_4EVER, LONG_LIVE-CHICK
MASTUDA, ATL_LAKER_FAN, FRANK FRIZZO, PEDRO-BRAZILLIAN-LAKER
DOC4daLakeShow, SEAD94, KARYNANAR, BRAD, BLKTHGHT06, SEAN714
StrangerInTheNight, BYNUMITE, USC_LAKER, GO_LAKE_SHOW, Purple_Heart
T_SENSEI, BerkleyLaker, LAKERS WORLD, S01285, SMOOTH_D, Ninoy
HEAD-MBENGA, LAL_FAN, LookLONELY, LOTECH8, KIKOS_DAD, SKELETOR
SALTLAKER, LAKER_DAWG, EAGLE_BOY, PK-IN-the-MESSA, DYMANDAVE
RYAN_DUNLAP, VALLEY_LAKER, JOREMA, JHLANNERY, MR_in_Cupertino
WondahBap,Cyrus(Ventrilquist), LINDA_PINEDA, NESTROS_BISTROS, SIMON
CriticalBeatDown, RealityBites, AALOOS, RICO_TICO, MIKE-FLOSS, MOBSTA
TELLitLIKEitIS , Lakers4Lyfe, He_Who_HOOPS, B4_HOOPS, DawnWickWare,
The Don Miguel, Pipoy, Vegas Troy, Dallas Raines’ Hair, Andrew AndreKopoulos
Stockton_SHOWTIME, Reality_CHECK, Mob_Wagoneer, A-TRAIN, BOPPER
Houston_Laker_Fan, BrazillianLaker, Texas-LAKER, LakerFANCANADA,
Trojan, Boink, DT, LG, TIWAN-LAKER-FAN, SUGAR_HILL, MONEY-DEZ, Razor
The Don Miguel, Brian Aufderheide, Saul, Laron The Prophet of Doom, Hen+1040
OOKBOY24,Craig88USC, lurker, Raymond Long, Winston Wallace, Jac, Casey
W, RC, rick bred, Showtime818lal, Rus Poole, Sheri, I_luv_LA, chann, latopia,
Ron, J.diddy. Cincy kid, lJQ, kt, Kelley811, David Cadia, KMAC, Jeremy,
Sheed, James in SB, Mase, Don Ricardo, lazNirv, shin, miroslava, TMNT mask,
liamoi, AZK, Don Hammack, mHS, LakersFan Big Boss, barry, dimo, Zingaro,
Veejay Orange County, AH, M Alam, laker fan India, Brian,Archie , MJR
Miller, MrClutch4ever, rawr, DwntwnAtty, Nobody But me, Ivan, DRBob512,
Joon, Monaco, EEVEE, Tiger, Argos, Scott, SpiffJohnson LakeShowSam,
RoseBowlKid, Alistair, Brittney, Razdizzle, PL, RVang, OtownFace, Aisen,
Eli, LARuckus, AKCAY, LadyB, Ram, LakersDudeSince82, David Dorras,
- Serbia, Janeen, Robert Kirchner, blh, Steve, Jerry Ferro, Michael Dills
CInz, TITEJT, Hamlet, Rob D., Tolindoy, ASH, EnjoyTheRide, BMAC
Scott, TS, Lefty, ChrisMihmFAN, ELIEZER, Nobleman76, SAVE-IT
Eli, FVBruin, Eddie Lopez, LCC, TUMANUT, JEFF, LOGAN, LTV
Sky-Time-JONES, Buddy-MONK, PHIL-IS-THE-LORD-OF- THE RINGS
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
Posted by: MAMBA24 | June 14, 2009 at 11:31 AM
SUNDAY BREAKFAST WITH THE BLOG…
Why spend $5 bucks for a hard copy of the Times when you get a thousand times as much news on the Internet? Sitting down with a Whole Foods breakfast deal and the LA Times Lakers Blog on what is going to be the best Game Day of the year. How sweet!
For me, it used to the NY Times on Sundays, still the best written and most intelligent newspaper in the world, or the LA Times to feed my fierce but starving Lakers addiction. But why wade through meaningless tripe like TJ Simers and Bill Plaschke, when you can instead feast on the real Lakers lowdown from the KamBros and their legion of bloggers.
So instead of a series of bland inane and often anti-Laker news articles that say nothing, I opened my browser and starting where I stopped reading and commenting last night on the terrific Kobe Bryant interview thread posted yesterday by the KamBros. And here is a brief play-by-play, or post-by-post if you will, recap of what I read and learned:
>>>
I first read a great post from “dave m” noting how differently Kobe Bryant acts and looks today than when he won his first three championships. This was followed by an incisive analysis by “Kiwi” why our 3-1 lead in the Finals differs from our 3-1 lead over the Suns. Next came a great link courtesy of “ChicNstu” to a surprising Mark Jackson article that finally gives the Lakers their due respect, followed by a shout out from “Lincoln Laker” and a couple of great posts from “Long Time Laker Fan,” the dean of debaters on the blog, defending all of our players and calling for the Lakers to keep this team together.
Next came an excellent personal response from ‘leonardbast” to a controversial post I made yesterday about Kobe playing point guard for the Lakers. Then another post by LTLF defending our point guard play and discussing options for next year. Then three posts from noted curmudgeon and comedian “Otis” asking who played point guard for MJ’s or Bird’s championship teams to make the point that “we don’t really need a point,” a quick comment from Ron for balanced scoring, followed by a post from the blog’s basketball encyclopedia “KB Blitz” agreeing with “Otis” that we don’t need a point guard.
>>>
And that was just for the first 10 minutes. I could have gone on-and-on for paragraphs. The point being that we all owe a huge thanks to AK and BK for what they have created. I have said many times that I love this Lakers team more than any other I have rooted for during the 40 years that I have been a die-hard Lakers fan. And one big reason why this is so is undoubtedly the satisfaction and enjoyment of sharing it all with all of you who follow and post on this blog. Thank you all for making this championship the best.
And don’t worry, Edwin, like Chick always told us and Faith always reminds us:
“The door is closed, the lights are out, the eggs are cooling, the butter's getting hard, and the jello's jiggling.” Lakers close series out tonight. Dwight unpacks his bags.
Tom
Posted by: LakerTom | June 14, 2009 at 11:48 AM
The whole "Kobes never won without Shaq" thing is so stupid. It goes against the team aspect of basketball. You need more than one star to win a championship. You could just as easily say "Shaq's never won without a star shooting guard." But its just a dumb thing to say. "Jordan never won without Pippen." It's the team that wins it. Not one star. not two stars. The team.
Posted by: ajax | June 14, 2009 at 11:58 AM
APPRECIATE HIM WHILE HE IS HERE ... NUFF SAID
3-1 baby ... 1 more victory ... I really really hope we get it 2nite ... We've waited so long and I just dont wanna wait another game ... Besides I dont wanna give that monster on the other side called howard any 2nd chances ...
LAKERS in 5 Y'all ... good luck to the fellas
24 + 16 + [1]7 = The Purple Tinted Golden Age
Posted by: Taliq | June 14, 2009 at 12:00 PM
Good Afternoon everyone!
I hope everybody is excited and ready for the game today, cause I know I am.
Thanks for the shout out MAMBA24 - I love the smell of roll call before the game.
Posted by: Caliphilosopher | June 14, 2009 at 12:08 PM
Told you guys.... I never make a roll call, it's cool, I go solo....
Joke of the day....
Michael Pietrus in LA Times didn't think his foul on Pau was flagrant. "I think I was going for the ball. I don't think I was trying to make a dirty play, I'm smart enough with 3 second to go and they're up by 10 (actually 5), why ami I going to get a hard foul. No, I was trying to make sure he was going to the free throw line."
As far as I recall Pau did not try the Hunchback of Notre Dame dunk on that one, where you hide the ball in your jersey before dunking it. Two hands hard in his back was flagrant. He was not playing the ball, he was trying to push him off the court, and into whatever was there, I don't recall if there were cameramen. Come on, fess up, it was flagrant and Stern once more doesn't see that the proper action is taken by his subserviants. That would have been a one game suspension. I've long realized that the weakest link is the league office. Stern wants ratings. It's okay with me though, because Pietrus is a non-entity, a non-factor...we don't want Phil's 10th and KB24's 4th to have an asterisk next to it.
Posted by: humanomaly | June 14, 2009 at 12:08 PM
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
Im glad you feel better Big Al. I agree, "close" only counts in horse-shoes and hand grenades. Even if this was a horse shoe tournament, the Lakers were makin DEAD RINGERS and the magic was getting OH SO CLOSE.
DEAD RINGERS= 3 PTS.
OH SO CLOSE= MISSED FREE THROWS BY HOWARD
LOCK N LOAD!
Posted by: ChicNstu | June 14, 2009 at 12:15 PM
"He's shooting 0% for the finals, and hasn't exactly locked
down either of Orlando's guards either."
Jordan hasn't locked down either Orlando's guards either and Fish while doing a solid job defensively isn't a lock down defender either.
And hmmm let see who else has shot 0%:
Sasha Vujacic.
So it is not like Shannon has done a terrible job. Just not experienced enough yet. Remember this guy came in the middle of the season and had to absorb so much while Jordan had a 2 1/2 year edge in the offense and defense scheme of things not to mention a Finals where he was part of the choke job in Game 4 along with Sasha.
Derek may be the starter next year but Shannon is my bet to eat up most of his minutes (assuming Shannon is re-signed).
Posted by: KB Blitz | June 14, 2009 at 12:20 PM
TODAY IS THE DAY!
LAKERS 2009 WORLD CHAMPIONS!
KOBE BRYANT-FINALS MVP
So many stories today from LO and his life to DFish to
Kobe winning without Shaq to Phillips 10th Championship
to making it back to the finals which is almost impossible.
All I got to say is LAKER FANS ARE SPOILED. I knew I was spoiled during the Showtime years I mean 8 times to the finals and win 5 are you kidding me but now this...3 peat to Kobe and the Smurfs. 4 this decade would be very special Laker Fans. I hope you know how spoiled you are we have another GREAT TEAM.
Enjoy the game tonight Laker Blog Crew.
BD
Posted by: BD | June 14, 2009 at 12:20 PM
yeah MAMBA24! you're getting this blog thread started right!
thanks LakerTom for the shout-out. for you and all the Bynum supporters, I hope AB has a monster of a game. or at least 15 & 10. right now, i'll def take 15 & 10, with a couple of blocks, and maybe a couple of assists.
if any of you haven't read that Lazenby article (i think that's his name) on Derek Fisher, and you got some time before the game starts, please check it out. it was really moving.
D-Howard, keep your bags packed.... although you're not going where you thought you were. you're not headed to LA, but rather to a nice lake where you can do some fishing in the off-season. you can join Kenny Smith and Sir Charles on a little row boat. how does that sound? you can even invite LeBron, too, as he's not doing anything. D-Wade and Paul Pierce are probably bored, too. invite them, too! just don't let Barkley drive. (imagine Barkley getting DWI while boating?)
Posted by: leonardbast | June 14, 2009 at 12:20 PM
hey everyone
Lakers won a championship on this day 22 years ago.
just a random fact;)
Posted by: jacqueline | June 14, 2009 at 12:22 PM
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 12:23 PM
LakerTom,
Edwin, like Chick always told us and Faith always reminds us:
“The door is closed, the lights are out, the eggs are cooling, the butter's getting hard, and the jello's jiggling.”
~~ Faith said D-E-F-E-N-C-E while Chick closes the Ref towards the end of the game not before the game. The legend is alway at the edge of his seat before the game worrying about possible injuries, calling ambulance and lastly his grandmother and Marge.
Go Lakers, let us pray with Utz....
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | June 14, 2009 at 12:24 PM
"Add Humanomaly to the Roll Call Bandwaggon"
Driver: Wes J. Nixon
Wes
Posted by: wesjoenixon | June 14, 2009 at 12:30 PM
Now just remember you band wag....I mean you roll call people...keep contributing 365 days a year, with all of your great insight...........you can forego blogging " Wheeh! Wheeh!, We won!!!!!...." because we will all celebrate, and it doesn't give you a reason to shirk your work, because many people already work that tough 24.5/4.5 cuz you gotta go make your happy hour on Fridays at Fridays. Tell me, if the team starts to stink, what insights wil you offer up besides dump Phil, trade Kobe, never shoulda made LO that offer, even if he deserved what he is making now. I guess that's why they made reversible jackets.
Posted by: humanomaly | June 14, 2009 at 12:32 PM
Big_AL,
Nice to see you pop your head in here and scourge some haters. Haters suck.
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 12:41 PM
This is very funny, one thinks:
http://tinyurl.com/pnwl9z
Wes
Posted by: wesjoenixon | June 14, 2009 at 12:43 PM
Or Fisher taking down Scola:
http://tinyurl.com/n9pk23
Wes
Posted by: wesjoenixon | June 14, 2009 at 12:45 PM
I want a great Fathers Day present.
Lakers win championship!!!!
Happy Fathers Day!
Posted by: JustaLakerFan | June 14, 2009 at 12:46 PM
Mamba24,
That may just be the most awesome roll call. I'm not just excited, hopeful, (and just a little anxious). I'm inspired. Go Lakers!
Posted by: Rick Friedman | June 14, 2009 at 12:52 PM
Jon K,
Good news! Thanks. Once more you must unleash the power of the lucky bar stool. Laker Nation counts on you. Celebrate tonight. When you return to LA, the first round's on me.
Posted by: Rick Friedman | June 14, 2009 at 12:54 PM
Game day, and I couldn't be more excited.
My climbing partner and I tackled a route called Magic Dragon on Friday, the day after D. Fish helped the Lakers seal a 3-1 series lead. The Dragon had thrown us from its back seven years ago, when we were forced to rappel before reaching the top.
Not this time. Drawing on inspiration from the Lake Show, we conquered the Magic Dragon, even as a nasty storm blew in around us.
I think the Lakers will do the same today. It'll be hard. It'll be nasty at times. But when the final buzzer sounds, the Lakers will be the champions.
Go Lake Show!
Posted by: The Outlaw | June 14, 2009 at 12:59 PM
PHIL LIKES THREEPEATS…
My hunch is that Phil Jackson is going to finish out his current contract to coach next year and then sign on for one more. There is a perfect symmetry to a coaching career with four threepeats – two from Michael Jordan and two from Kobe Bryant.
It would also take care of the possible championship that Red allowed Bill Russell to win as player-coach per Phil’s own admission. Phil could then still leave while at the top of his profession – unless he wanted to win his first FourPeat. LOL.
Tom
Posted by: LakerTom | June 14, 2009 at 01:02 PM
MAMBA 24 IN THE HOUSE!!!
Scintillating roll call.....scintillating!!!!
HOW CAN WE LOSE WITH THE STUFF YOU USE!!!
OH, WHAT A WINNING HAND!!!
Posted by: bronxlakerfan | June 14, 2009 at 01:03 PM
Good Morning, Laker Nation!
It's time for...
Jon K.'s Early Thoughts That He Has Not Put Too Much Thought Into Yet:
1. Game day! A warrior's day! Let's get it on.
2. I'm so happy I get to watch the game today from the lucky barstool. A wonderful place to watch a Championship game a little piece of history.
3. Wow. BK's interview yesterday with Kobe was really great. I've had my issues with BK over the years (particularly my suspicion that he harbored some hater issues), but he's really come along as a journalist. This guy's going to have a bright future as a significant sports journalist.
4. The thing I loved most about the interview with Kobe? The fact that Kobe laid it out: He does not see him playing for any team than the Lakers. That is a player who is committed to being a part of an enduring winning franchise that annually competes for Championships. LeBron? He's going to keep his thoughts silent and fan the flames of media speculation to the point of creating a circus. All that distraction cannot be good for the Cavs. In short, Kobe care more about winning; LeBron cares more about his personal acclaim.
5. I'm a little concerned about a leftdown today. The media dialog has been that this series is over (it is), but we still have to win four games first. The Magic won't quit. Championships aren't won. They're taken. We have to take ours tonight.
6. The Lakers will be an even better team next year. Think about that for a while.
7. I am NOT looking forward to the offseason where Laker Nation devolves into a frantic dialog of absoultely CRAZY trade scenarios, 65% of which will include pleas to trade for damaged and/or troubled players whom the Lakers will somehow "reform." Urgh. I hate reading those posts.
8. I'm in a good mood today.
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 01:08 PM
Someone blogged yesterday that they hoped the Lakers could acquire Ron Artest. It was unclear if they meant getting Ron-Ron at the expense of Lamar Odom.
Here's my take on that...I wouldn't take TWO Artests for one Lamar. In an era where stats and money drive players more than team motivated goals, Lamar is a rare exception. Sure, he wants to get paid, but the man has sacrificed for the benefit of his team in his contract year. LO is "The Goods". Yeah, he's inconsistent but he's there when the team needs him most.
Out of all the Lakers, I'll be watching Lamar celebrate (when and if) with a special affinity. It'll be interesting to see how being an NBA champion (when and if) affects the rest of his career. I believe that Lamar has had enough sadness in his life. Time for some pure, unadulterated joy!!!
Posted by: bronxlakerfan | June 14, 2009 at 01:17 PM
Big_AL -
You should post more often, I enjoyed reading what you wrote today
Also. I know this is FAR from over (although hopefully hopefully hopefully far is on the order of hours, not days). But I'm already starting to fret the offseason. I'm glad the media asked Kobe about whether he's going to opt out this summer, ha ha ha, but the bigger question will be whether he'd restructure ... also I never realized how large Adam Morrison's contract was.
Posted by: kt | June 14, 2009 at 01:19 PM
yeah roll call! Woo hoo!
It's on tonight guys! Let's get this dynasty started!
Posted by: Faith | June 14, 2009 at 01:29 PM
Here's my take on that...I wouldn't take TWO Artests for one Lamar.Posted by: bronxlakerfan | June 14, 2009 at 01:17 PM
We Wouldn't have choice but to take two Artests for Lamar if the trade was to happen.
Remember the Bi-polar Bill Bill/ Ron Ron!
Posted by: ChicNstu | June 14, 2009 at 01:35 PM
Mamba24,
Outstanding! Top notch! Top notch!
You know it as well as I that we've all been through a lot together in this crazed cyber-community (blogmunity) that the Kamenetsky Brothers have created and the OBs (original bloggers) have embraced.
Thousands of days of haters, trolls, naysayers, chicken littles, fairweather fans, complainers, and fools.
And thousands of days of true fans, true believers, the faithful, the positive, the hopeful, the dedicated, and the wise.
A literal ongoing psychic cyber-war has raged through our beloved blogmunity and at long last, soon the good will finally triumph.
I know like flies first scattered and killed by troll repellent (Troll-B-Gone), eventually they will return to spew their hatred, smug self-righteousness, cynicism, and laughable idiocy--that is part of the eternal struggle--but for a little while Laker Nation will be able to sit back and enjoy the sweet, centered peace of undeniable victory that only Championship can reveal.
Let's get it on.
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 01:51 PM
HELLO GUYS,
TODAY IS DONE DEAL IF OUR TEAM WANTS TO CLOSE IT OUT. ANYWAY I FEEL WE HAVE 95% TO MAKE IT REAL.
FOCUS, PASSION, DEFENSE = TROPHY #15
GAME OVER TODAY= NEW DYNASTY
LOVE TO OUR TEAM AND TO ALL
SHEKOBE FOREVER
Posted by: SHEKOBE | June 14, 2009 at 01:57 PM
we have waited too long for lamar to reach some sort of potential and he hasn't. lamar & sasha out, carlos Boozer in. enough said....
Posted by: 70slakersfan | June 14, 2009 at 01:58 PM
CHAMPIONSHIP DAY!
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Laker Fan 24 | June 14, 2009 at 02:07 PM
Mamba 24,
With emotion tears in my eyes, i salute you.
TODAY IS OUR DAY, TODAY WE WILL FULFILL OUR DESTINY!!!
GO LAKERS!!!
Posted by: MrNano | June 14, 2009 at 02:11 PM
I have a feeling the Lakers are going to strike like they did in
game 7 vs the Rockets and game 6 vs the Nuggets tonight,
and blow the Magic out.
I'm not saying I'm sure it's gonna happen, as I don't know Orlando
well enough to know if they have the heart to play after going down
3-1. Most teams (or at least most first time finals teams) kindal
lay down when it gets to that point.
Posted by: Long Time Laker Fan | June 14, 2009 at 02:26 PM
Thanks Mamba24, that was a magnificent roll call!
We need our gameday prayer now. Utz???????
Posted by: ChicNstu | June 14, 2009 at 02:28 PM
Game Day at last!! Agonizing wait for me for the last two days!
I hope our guys play seriously and with intensity and try to wrap it up there, and not think about having two games at home!!
Lets all hope and pray this is the last Roll Call for this season :)
Posted by: Kobefan in Cupertino | June 14, 2009 at 02:29 PM
GAME ON!
ALL THE SWEAT
ALL THE PAIN
ALL THE GLORY
DOWN TO THIS!
Somewhere in a basement in Arizona, a little munchkin wearing a Steve Nash T-Shirt is clutching rosary beads and holding back tears. Tears of regret. Tears of shame. Tears of jealousy and envy. And, ultimately, tears of acceptance. Kobe Bryant is going to win another NBA Championship today. And there's nothing he can do about it.
To the bretheren of Lakers Blog, it has been an honor to serve you and pray with & for you. I love you all.
LET US PRAY:
Dear Lord, we love You and we thank You for blessing us and keeping us over this season. You have held our heads high in victory. You have kept our hope despite defeats. You have challenged our faith and MADE US BELIEVE! Because of You, our Lakers have arrived at this moment - on the verge of the mountaintop, ready to obtain the glory, entering into the 4th Dynasty. THE FIFTEENTH BANNER AWAITS! And we give all the glory to You!
Lord, we repent on behalf of our Roll Call Maestro and spiritual leader of Lakers Blog Mamba 24. In his excitement and his passion, he took Your name in vain. Have mercy on him - you know it was his passion and desire to see our Lakers win that caused him to utter that phrase. Forgive him, Lord.
Now Lord, as we've prayed before every game, grant us, for one final moment this season, 48 COMPLETE SPIRITED, DISCIPLINED, FOCUSED, DILIGENT, DETERMINED AND VICTORIOUS MINUTES OF CHAMPIONSHIP LA LAKERS BASKETBALL! Let every rebound be chased with authority. May every shot fall gracefully. May every offensive/defensive scheme from Orlando be discerned skillfully. May you guide PJ and staff as they coach. May you lead Kobe, Pau, LO, Drew, Trevor, Luke, D Fish, Jordan, Sasha, Mbenga, Shannon, and Josh in the spirit of TEAMWORK. May the Bench Mob rise tonight! May Kobe prove to the world that he DESERVES that MVP! May LO/Pau/Drew crash those boards and attack like their lives depended on it! May we receive nothing less than VICTORY - COMPLETE AND TOTAL VICTORY tonight as we accept THE FIFTEENTH BANNER!
We salute the Orlando Magic for their heart, their passion and their sportsmanship. We forgive Pietrus for that momentary lapse in common sense. Show him, Dwight Howard, and the entire organization mercy. As we've said all year, DESTINY CALLS US! WE PROUDLY ANSWER THE BELL!
Once again, Lord, we Praise You for our Los Angeles Lakers! We thank You for answered prayer both tonight and throughout the season. It is You who have led our guys. It is You who have proven to the trolls, naysayers, haters, BSPiN analysts, sports reporters and the whole world that it is, indeed, without a doubt...
OUR TIME!
OUR MOMENT!
OUR TEAM!
OUR DESTINY!!!
Now send us Lord to the top of the mountain - once and for all!
AMEN!
Posted by: utzworld - THE BANNER HOLDER | June 14, 2009 at 02:31 PM
One more Lakers win today
Will leave the Van Gundy's with nothing more to say!!
GO LAKERS!!
Posted by: LTV | June 14, 2009 at 02:34 PM
utzworld,
Amen. Beautiful prayer.
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 02:45 PM
Present (in LA, no less).
Two and a half days later, my voice is still gone from yelling at the TV when Fish hit that second three.
What a beautiful win that was, against the odds in every conceivable way. Even Simmons had to admit it was an uphill battle against the Zebras on Thursday.
Yet here is this "imperfect" team, on the cusp of greatness. Bring it home, boys!
Posted by: Jesterguru | June 14, 2009 at 02:51 PM
The Banner Holder hath arrived at Yard House! Less of a wait than at ESPN Zone - BETTER FOOD!
Posted by: utzworld - THE BANNER HOLDER | June 14, 2009 at 03:08 PM
Mamba and Utz,
Your contracts are extended until the end of the Fourth Dynasty. Enjoy the summer and be ready to go next October. Thanks for being there for us. We appreciate the extra effort you always put out. You're why Lakers fans are different and special.
Tom
Posted by: LakerTom | June 14, 2009 at 03:10 PM
Hey, Len, you really are dense....the whole idea of "goin' fishin'" doesn't apply to the Finals......This is it, win or lose....both teams "go fishin"
________
"D-Howard, keep your bags packed.... although you're not going where you thought you were. you're not headed to LA, but rather to a nice lake where you can do some fishing in the off-season. you can join Kenny Smith and Sir Charles on a little row boat. how does that sound? you can even invite LeBron, too, as he's not doing anything. D-Wade and Paul Pierce are probably bored, too. invite them, too! just don't let Barkley drive. (imagine Barkley getting DWI while boating?)
Posted by: leonardbast | June 14, 2009 at 12:20 PM "
Posted by: erniejohnson | June 14, 2009 at 03:11 PM
I'm psyched, hyped and excited about today game!! Magic or no Magic, let's wrap it up tonight so we can start prepare for the LakersNation's Party!!! AK/BK: Can you ask the Times for ahe fund to pay for the Blogger's T-Shirt!!!
Mamba24: Thanks for keeping us together
Utz: Thanks for the wonderful prayer
Let's go Lakers!
Heart of the Champions!
Kobe - 2009 MVP!
Posted by: Wallace | June 14, 2009 at 03:21 PM
utzworld,
I broke out into hysterical laughter in your reference to Butler within the prayer.
Poor Butler. God loves him too. Maybe he has hope for redemption still. We'll see by how honorably his apology is communicated.
I don't know how I'm going to feel when we win this Championship. What I mean by that is I might scream with joy or I might actually break down into tears of gratitude.
Being stuck in Cleveland, the last few years have not been without their challenges for me. Like the Lakers, I too have struggled at times. With this Championship, I will be given hope through the vindication that SOMETIMES the true believers and the good guys win.
By the way, I appreciate your recognition of the Magic. With the exception of Pietrus' action, I find the Magic to be the first team to play us honorably in the last four years of playoffs.
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 03:31 PM
ernie, yeah, i guess i am pretty dense. thank-you for reminding me. and who in the heck are you? go back to hangin' out with Charles Barkley and Kenny Smith.
and for the record, after the Lakers win, they won't be fishing at all. they have a parade to attend! booya!!!! how do you like them apples?
Posted by: leonardbast | June 14, 2009 at 03:31 PM
Wallace,
"Mamba24: Thanks for keeping us together
Utz: Thanks for the wonderful prayer"
Yep. These two are special.
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 03:32 PM
Hey Len-
I think you've been hit in the head by one too many apple....
If you are going to try to make a joke...at leat know what you are talking about and bring some funny.....
Go Lakers
Posted by: erniejohnson | June 14, 2009 at 03:56 PM
ernie, i'm not gonna let you ruin my day. i'm just not. i only care about one thing today: NBA Finals Game 5. so, please stop hatin' on me.
Posted by: leonardbast | June 14, 2009 at 04:03 PM
AMEN!
NOW LET THE GAMES BEGIN!
LOCK N LOAD!
Posted by: ChicNstu | June 14, 2009 at 04:12 PM