In lieu of Laker links... Laker Laughs!
I would totally play this game.
(Creative credit goes to A Stern Warning. Thanks to BDL for the heads up.)
All joking aside, ain't much in the way of fresh Lakers news, considering they last played on Tuesday and little has since changed (although going on the road for tonight's contest against Golden State does constitute a wrinkle of sorts, considering the early schedule's home-centric nature). The Warriors certainly aren't in the Lakers' class, but they've been better of late, winning two of their last three, with both victories coming against quality opponents. The Dub's mini-roll of sorts could be assisted by the return of former Laker Ronny Turiaf and Stephen Curry's switch remaining in "flipped" mode. The purple and gold remain the decidedly better squad, but may have to work a little harder than expected to prevent a "trap game" disappointment.
A note to those following the action via radio: 790 ABC will get the fill-in honors, with 710 ESPN carrying USC-UCLA.
(Creative credit goes to A Stern Warning. Thanks to BDL for the heads up.)
All joking aside, ain't much in the way of fresh Lakers news, considering they last played on Tuesday and little has since changed (although going on the road for tonight's contest against Golden State does constitute a wrinkle of sorts, considering the early schedule's home-centric nature). The Warriors certainly aren't in the Lakers' class, but they've been better of late, winning two of their last three, with both victories coming against quality opponents. The Dub's mini-roll of sorts could be assisted by the return of former Laker Ronny Turiaf and Stephen Curry's switch remaining in "flipped" mode. The purple and gold remain the decidedly better squad, but may have to work a little harder than expected to prevent a "trap game" disappointment.
A note to those following the action via radio: 790 ABC will get the fill-in honors, with 710 ESPN carrying USC-UCLA.
NBA NEWS
-Word 'round the campfire has Allen Iverson going "full circle" in Philly.
-Disenchanted by the NBA life, Darko Milicic may return to Europe after his current deal expires.
-If LeBron doesn't participate in the dunk contest, Nate Robinson isn't all that interested in defending his crown. In other Cavs-related news, Mike Brown feels no obligation to play the newly available Delonte West. Cleveland residents probably wish Coach would utilize the same approach with Shaq.
-The Raps may not be focused before tip-off, but don't blame it on Chris Bosh's membership in the "2010" club.
AK
Morning....
I watched the Warriors game against the Mavs.At the start of the 4th the wife says to me.."Babe, can you go down to the shops to grab some milk(for my daughter and a tub of ice cream for the wife)....I reply.."Babe its the last quarter "
Wife..."it will take 5 minutes"..I end up seeing a guy from school days and missed the complete last quarter...The Warriors had 8 players,used 6 and still beat the Mavs...Marrow shoots the 3 like he's being watched by a sniper and needs to get a shot off before the trigger..He's good....Vlad Rad has found the perfect system for himself to thrive...He had 14 and 11 plus 4 steals..and about 10 really bad shots but the coach dont get mad...Heaven for him...
Shannon Brown will need to play Ellis ..The guy plays over 40 minutes most nights and Kobe cant keep that pace...He can post him up but he cant run around like a 22 year old all night...Curry is getting better...Danger game me thinks...These guys play like 6 year olds that have had to much sugar..
Posted by: Thirty2 | November 28, 2009 at 12:42 PM
{Lakers Secret Agent Jon K. hacking and coughing with the Cleveland flu while hunkered down in his bunker as sallowed skin, empty eyed LeBroniacs claw languidly at his windows muttering "Shaq will save us... Shaq will save us..."}
Northeast Ohio Report: Something Wicked This Way Comes
Doom awaits Cleveland... as has been the seasonal state of existence for the last 61 years.
It snowed last night and Clevelanders know this means six months of perpetual twilight as we struggle through conditions that can only be described with emotional accuracy through the metaphorical work of Cormac McCarthy's "The Road." The original title of the work, as we all know, was "Northeast Ohio: A Survival Story" but the publishers pushed for a title change and the elegant "The Road" was agreed upon.
Anyhow, there has been a sea change in the mood of Cavs fans from the aggressive, brutal, irrational enthusiasm of last year. This year it is about putting one's head down and hoping for the best. Yes, the general fatalistic attitude of Clevelanders has returned: That feeling that despite their strongest (as opposed to "best") efforts that things will end up in failure eventually anyways.
I am, of course, talking about LeBron James' potential exit. While I have it on good authority from a former high school teammate of LeBron James that LeBron James wants to leave Cleveland, but that family issues are complicating his decision, I haven't heard any further word on this matter. What I HAVE heard is that Cavs fans are (finally) openly admitting that they cannot beat the Magic or the Celtics without a power based center. So, even though they see that the Cavs are a worse team with Shaq as opposed to without Shaq, they are taking a Pascal's wager on things.
They fear that without a Championship they cannot hold onto LeBron and they have accepted that with their former lineup they cannot win a Championship. So the hope is that SOMEHOW Shaq will save them in the playoffs, particularly by containing Dwight Howard, who has become a near-mythical Grendle-like creature in the collective consciousness of Cavs fans/Northeast Ohioans. Unless Grendle can be stopped, their is no hope for the hapless (victims)/citizens of Northeast Ohio.
The problem is that people can deny what they see, but their hearts/(and common sense) minds are still affected; thus, the tempered enthusiasm this year compared to last year. The language is similar, but the body language and tone of voice is entirely different.
And underneath it all is the fear that this gamble is going to go terribly, terribly wrong. Shaq is old and will be defeated by Orlando's Grendle; LeBron will leave, and the Cavs will return to being the Browns of the NBA.
And along the cold, gray, lifeless Road of endurance Ohioans will continue to tread, kept alive by an ember of hope that burns so lightly, as HOPE ultimately hurts by transforming into disappointment and thereby powers the vehicle of cynicism that plagues all aspects of their life.
My hatred for Cavs fans has transformed (mildly) to one of minimimal pity. They want to win so badly, but they just don't know how and they are so arrogant that they are unable to change. It's an interesting lesson on life, as I'm sure many communities around the world are subject to the same cultural disease.
One source of (safe) irrational enthusiasm is the player J.J. Hickson whom some are referring to as "The Next LeBron". He's nowhere near that good, but the guy does show promise. He was a good draft pick, something Cleveland franchises have been historically awful at for the last couple decades.
Regarding Cavs fans relationship with Laker Nation, the virulent hatred has turned to a nervous, envious respect with our claiming the Championship last season. The Lakers are now a franchise the Cavs wish they could be, but never will be. Kobe is still looked upon with frustration and bitterness, but beneath it is a acceptance that he is one of the best. So, that's a positive.
Now, regarding scenes from inner city life from Akron, Ohio... I just witness bizarre behavior on a daily basis. I mean, maybe these patterns of behavior also exist in areas of extreme scarcity in California, too, but I don't know. Things happen that I fear the Kamenetzky Brothers would not allow to be printed in this blog, despite the use of careful language.
The unemployment rate in Akron probably approaches 25%; however, every person I've met on welfare is making money in some additional way, the vast majority of which are selling drugs. The top three drugs being sold being cocaine, marijuana, and heroin. Fencing stolen goods is also a popular income source.
Anyhow, I can't confirm these statistics but I've been told that out of a city of 210,000 people there are 30,000 outstanding arrest warrants. That means that 1/7th of all citizens are criminals (as well that there are probably another 1/7th who haven't been caught... yet). As a result, there is a tacit acceptance of violence and confrontation as a natural way of life. Many of the younger people I meet have the aggressive presentation of "I don't give a FRICK!" and in interviewing them, the majority expect to die young and live their lives accordingly.
I don't know what a Championship would do to this community, but it reaffirms how important sport franchises are to a community, as so much of their identiy are connected to these teams. I wonder if the real difference between Pittsburgh and Cleveland (two sister communities, despite residents' claim to the opposite) is that Pittsburgh has had multiple successful sports franchises over the decades and Cleveland has not. As a result, Pittsburgh residents have developed a greater psychological openness to winning strategies in life; while Clevelanders have not, resulting in Pittsburgh being a more vibrant, economically revived community and Cleveland being mired in resistance to change, failure, and cyncism.
In fact, you can see that struggle for change in many young Clevelanders/Akronians, as they have turned to rooting for Pittsburgh teams, perhaps out of the hidden internal desire to "be more like Pittsburgh" despite decades of virulent animosity between these communities.
I have mixed feelings about Cleveland sports franchises. On one level I feel this community doesn't deserve a Championship, as rooted in cynicism, racial antipathy, bitterness and arrogance as it is; on the other hand, perhaps a Championship could be a window for change... who knows?
I guess that's why I'll keep rooting for the Cleveland Indians (my uncle used to play for them, after all), but I can't find myself rooting for the Cavs. There's just too much bad blood there.
Los Angelenans really should be thankful for the Lakers, Bruins, Trojans, Galaxy, Dodgers, Sparks, and (to a lesser extent) Angels (because they really aren't an L.A. team), because they have a deeper impact upon the collective psychology of the community than most realize. They transform Los Angeles into a community of "winners" and winners expect to win and, thereby, maintain a spirit of optimism that allows for them to approach problems with an open-minded creativity that is essential for any community to maintain a long-term vitality.
Take away that "winner's optimism" and a community with inherently degrade into stagnation and cynicism.
They should make a giant statue of Dr. Jerry Buss in downtown Los Angeles, because that man has played a far more significant role in keeping Los Angeles (and with it Southern California) vital than political leaders like Tom Bradley. In a community of immigrants and transients, the glue that keeps L.A. together has been its successful sports franchises. Without them, L.A. would become another Cleveland... just with more sunshine and better looking women.
{Lakers secret agent, Jon K. Signing out.}
What do we play for? RINGS!!!!
Lakers Today... Lakers Tomorrow... Lakers Forever.
GO LAKERS!!!!
Posted by: Jon K. | November 28, 2009 at 02:26 PM
The only team for whom I am as (or more enthusiastic) is the UCLA Bruins' football team.
As a Bruin and former high school football star who turned down multiple scholarships so I could pursue a career as a professional rock musician, I still have dreams of playing football. I loved the game so... and the Bruins are my team.
Tonight we play our greatest enemy, the embodiment of selfishness, arrogance, and evil: The USC Trojans.
After years of suffering at the hands of the Darth Vader of college sports teams, tonight there is cause for hope. We are becoming a good team and the Empire has lost focus. They have cause for fear.
As Bruins, I hope we play our hearts out. It's time for a change. It's time for the resurgence of Blue and Gold.
GO BRUINS!!!!!
Posted by: Jon K. | November 28, 2009 at 02:30 PM
They may be fast. But we got skill. So what are you scared of?
Posted by: erik | November 28, 2009 at 02:34 PM
Game plan for tonight should be REAL simple. FEED THE POST and make it a half court game. But then again, when do the Lakers make anything simple??? LOL.
Go Lakers!!!
Posted by: Nemaia Faletogo | November 28, 2009 at 02:51 PM
AK/BK,
Could the Lakers have traded any of their guards(Farmar/Sashsa and Ammo) to the Sixers? I know that they're going to probably sign Iverson, but do you think that Philly would've made a deal with us for a PG since Lou Williams went down for about two months? Just curious.
Posted by: Nemaia Faletogo | November 28, 2009 at 02:58 PM
AK/BK,
How about trading Sasha/Ammo to the Warriors for Raja Bell or Bell and Watson? I actually think that Sasha would flourish much better in a wide open system and would possibly get more playing time. Bell would give us more perimeter defense and 3 pt shooting. I know the big stumbling block is Sasha's contract, but I'm sure that Sasha would benefit from a change of scenery.
Posted by: Nemaia Faletogo | November 28, 2009 at 03:06 PM
Jon K,
The blog sends you Holiday Cheer as you sniffle away in your Cleveland bunker. Thanks for your insightful and grim report from behind enemy lines.
Posted by: Rick Friedman | November 28, 2009 at 03:22 PM
{Follow up Lakers Secret Agent Report}
A lot of people out there don't really get sports. They think of it as a shallow form of entertainment, but the truth of the matter is that following sports provides competitive people with a certain emotional experience: The experience of winning. "Winning" (or victory) is a unique experience of emotional exhiliration that is one of the essential positive emotions necessary for optimism in life (others include security, compassion, love, and enthusiasm).
For example, Ohioans are OVERWHELMINGLY in support of Ohio State football, even though the level college education is relatively low among Ohioans and far fewer attended Ohio State (unless you're in Columbus, of course). Why? It provides people with the experience of winning. Ohio State has consistently provided Ohioans with the experience of winning and as a result Ohioans have rewarded Ohio State with their rabid support.
The emotion of "winning" provides a context of life that enables an individual to make decisions with confidence. In life, success if often rooted in as much in the decisions we make as the commitment to the decisions we make. That commitment is rooted in the confidence we possess based upon the familiarity we have with the emotional experience of "winning."
There are so many communities around the world that don't have a Lakers or an Ohio State. I'm talking about places like Sierra Leone and Afghanistan. Without this feeling of "winning" communities turn to violence, as there must be some outlet for their inherent competitive urges, but those urges become rooted in nihlism and fanaticism, instead of hope, optimism and confidence.
So, when people disregard the importance of sports, it would be wise to remind them that competitive sports not only provide us with the opportunity for inspiration to be our best, but also help keep societies sane. Without sports, many societies would degrade into barbarism.
In a perfect world, there would be no war, but there sure would be the Olympics, World Cup, and NBA Finals, because as humans, we need not only to compete, but we also need to win.
What do we play for? RINGS!!!!
Lakers Today... Lakers Tomorrow... Lakers Forever.
GO LAKERS!!!!
Posted by: Jon K. | November 28, 2009 at 03:23 PM
Jon - your "something wicked" post was brilliant. Writing in the throes of Cleveland flu suits you, haha. Seriously good stuff.
Posted by: dave m | November 28, 2009 at 03:24 PM
Nemaia,
To answer both Q's...
Could they have traded any of the guards to Philly? Depends on who the Sixers would give up. Nobody valuable, I'm guessing, since none of the Lakers in question (Farmar, Ammo, Sasha) have proven themselves capable of filling in for Louis Williams. Thus, there's a pretty low ceiling involved, which makes you wonder why either side would make the deal.
As for Sasha for Bell, that's not a great deal for the Lakers if they actually want Bell on the court, because he may be out for months with wrist surgery. And if he may play, I imagine the Warriors would prefer to keep him, because he can play in Nellie's system. Plus, he's under contract for one fewer season than Sasha. Even if Bell can't play, I'm guessing the W's won't care, because they traded for him knowing he would likely have this surgery. I imagine they'd rather roll the dice with what they have than pay Sasha for an extra season.
In any event, I can't think of any reason GS would include Watson in the deal.
AK
Posted by: Andrew and Brian Kamenetzky | November 28, 2009 at 03:31 PM
{Addendum to Lakers Secret Agent Report}
In further support of my theory that the vitality of a community is directly related to their collective emotional experience of "winning"...
What is the only community in Ohio right now that is economically vibrant?
Columbus.
What is the only community in Ohio that has a sports franchise of national significance which has a winning tradition of excellence?
Ohio State football... located in Columbus, Ohio.
I rest my case.
What do we play for? RINGS!!!
Lakers Today... Lakers Tomorrow... Lakers Forever.
GO LAKERS!!!!
Posted by: Jon K. | November 28, 2009 at 03:45 PM
Rick Friedman/dave m,
Thanks, guys.
Hopefully I'll be back in California soon. While Ohio has provided me with valuable insights into the human condition, all things considered, I'd rather be meditating on God while feeling the sunshine on my face and my feet in the cool waters of the Pacific.
What do we play for? RINGS!!!!
Lakers Today... Lakers Tomorrow... Lakers Forever.
GO LAKERS!!!!
Posted by: Jon K. | November 28, 2009 at 03:48 PM
Kobe Bryant and Allen Iverson , the two best guards of this decade should start together for the Lakers.
This is a golden oppurtunity, AI is so hollywood, he belongs to the Lakers.
Iverson
Kobe
Artest
Gasol
Bynum
Posted by: Staples 24 | November 28, 2009 at 04:03 PM
{Final Fevered Lakers Secret Agent Report Of The Day}
If the United States wants to win the war in Afghanistan, they should put together a national soccer league, as well as a national team to compete for the World Cup. Each province should have it's own soccer team to compete nationally. As a result, for the individual teams to have relevance, the national league has to have relevance, thus cementing the notion of a national consciousness in the minds of ethnically and regionally diverse Afghanistan while providing an outlet for regional pride and competitivenss.
Why do you think that the Romans built so many arenas when they established their empire? So the people wouldn't revolt. And it worked for a long time.
So, yeah. The U.S. government needs to push for soccer leagues in Iraq and Afghanistan. That'll be more effective that military means, believe me.
{Signing out.}
What do we play for? RINGS!!!
Lakers Today... Lakers Tomorrow... Lakers Forever.
GO LAKERS!!!!
Posted by: Jon K. | November 28, 2009 at 04:04 PM
Jon K.,
As usual, your reporting from behind enemy lines is riveting. Thanks again for your insights and heart-felt look into a little of what makes us humans who we are, good and bad.
Posted by: Fan of the Mamba | November 28, 2009 at 04:15 PM
Jon K,
Go Bruins!
Thanks for the insight for how Cleveland and the rest of the people of Ohio feel about their Cleveland Cavaliers. I remember over the summer they were so arrogant about having Shaq and thinking he was the Shaq of the LA Lakers but what a lost to Charlotte can do LOL!
I think that those folks from Cleveland were so crushed by Michael Jordan that now they have Lebron is one of the reasons for their arrogance. I mean even though sometimes we LA folks can be a bit spoiled having West/Baylor/Wilt/Magic/Kareem/Shaq and currently Kobe we aren't as arrogant as those folks from Ohio (save for you Jon K) since we KNOW how to act when it comes treating our superstars. Cleveland on the other hand hasn't had a guy like Lebron in well like forever so its at least good that they give Kobe some props finally instead of blasting him all the time. I mean their only superstar besides Lebron is Drew Carey and he stopped singing "Cleveland Rocks" and is now on The Price is Right.
Stay safe for the winter there Jon K. and keep up those secret reports until you come back to California. It would be nice to have another fellow Bruin come down to help Crush the Trojans.
Posted by: KB Blitz | November 28, 2009 at 05:01 PM
Hate to be contrary but LA's game plan is to just show up WANTING to play. Fast/ slow, small/tall, inside/outside, dumb/smart - GS doesn't have game to hang with LA.
Posted by: p ang | November 28, 2009 at 05:10 PM
Hate to be contrary but LA's game plan is to just show up WANTING to play. Fast/ slow, small/tall, inside/outside, dumb/smart - GS doesn't have game to hang with LA.
Posted by: p ang | November 28, 2009 at 05:10 PM
p ang,
Ever the contrarian, LOL. But you know what? I have to agree with you on this one. Go Lakers!!!
Posted by: Nemaia Faletogo | November 28, 2009 at 05:46 PM
Nemaia,
Goodness, do you think this is the start of world peace?
Posted by: p ang | November 28, 2009 at 06:23 PM
P. Ang, you have a bust in the Lakers Mt. CashNoMore for maintaining peace with Nemaia. lol! You still have to solve the Fisher as asst. coach and Farmar starting PG.
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | November 28, 2009 at 06:55 PM
Edwin G,
"You still have to solve the Fisher as asst. coach and Farmar starting PG."
Since I have never taken a stance on those issues and have no idea what Nemaia's position is I have no idea what you're talking about. Maybe you mistook me for LakerTom? But not I hope for Mike T.
Posted by: p ang | November 28, 2009 at 07:13 PM
p ang,
World peace indeed!!! LOL. I hope you had a great Thanksgiving! Maybe it's the holiday season that has softened me, LOL.
Go Lakers!!!
Posted by: Nemaia Faletogo | November 28, 2009 at 07:49 PM
Jon K,
As always, great discussion on all things Cleveland and the importance of sports in societies around the world.
But I'm sorry to hear that you had to attend UCLA and continuously support a losing football team. I guess being a UCLA football fan is comparable to being a Clipper fan. Meanwhile, SC is in rebuilding mode, similar to the Lakers' Smush/Kwame years. Make no mistake, the Bruins will always be second fiddle to SC in this town, just as the Clippers will always be second fiddle to the Lakers.
Posted by: EJK | November 28, 2009 at 11:51 PM