Kobe Bryant has flu symptons: "Questionable" for OKC Game
November 3, 2009 | 11:53
am
"He usually does," as PJ correctly notes of the infamous gamer.
By the way, is it just me, or does Kobe catch the flu, like, every other week? Dude's aware medical science now features preventative shots, right? I just got my shoulder stuck two weeks ago over at the CVS, and using my wife's insurance plan, the injection didn't cost us a nickel. And I'll go out on a limb and predict the Lakers' health plan is better than ours. Hell, I imagine shots would be on the house in exchange for an autographed 8X10 glossy. Unless leaving himself vulnerable is part of some master plan to eventually top MJ's infamous "flu game," somebody needs to get himself in front of a doctor more often. Particularly when you're a parent of two small kids. Preschools, kindergartens and the like are nothing but germ factories. C'mon, Mamba. We're all depending on you.
And speaking of shots, Manu's Ginobli's awesome turn as Batman didn't come without consequences. Unlike a flu shot, this treatment ain't quick nor easy.
AK
He'll play. You'd need to cut off his legs and even then I wouldn't be surprised.
Posted by: Jamie Sweet | November 03, 2009 at 12:19 PM
What's the big deal don't we have Sasha to replace him?
Posted by: BD | November 03, 2009 at 12:26 PM
AK,
"I imagine shots would be on the house in exchange for an autographed 8X10 glossy"
That's what one would think. But I went to the local bar, with a bunch of pictures of myself posting, tried to trade them for some Jagermeister, and they wouldn't even give me the time of day for them!!
Posted by: exhelodrvr | November 03, 2009 at 12:36 PM
Ex,
I laughed. Very hard.
AK
Posted by: Andrew and Brian Kamenetzky | November 03, 2009 at 12:44 PM
AK- I always thought that 'flu symptoms' meant 'he is puking his liver into the toilet right now' as opposed to actually having a viral infection. That might explain why it happens so often, the man just has a weak stomach. Of such frailties are kings and jesters both made servants to the higher porcelin dieity.
Posted by: phred | November 03, 2009 at 12:48 PM
Ex,
Already in prime form. I've got a good feeling about tonight.
Well played.
Go Lake Show!
Posted by: The Outlaw | November 03, 2009 at 12:49 PM
or he's aware of the risks flu shots have.
Posted by: tommythecomicguy | November 03, 2009 at 12:50 PM
how bout a thread on THE biggest and most baffling question of the laker season so far?
WHY IS DFISH AVERAGING 30 MIN A GAME? So far our beloved and gritty dfish has once again been mired in another mini shooting slump and built an entire house full of bricks with his poor and inconsistent shooting (29% FG THIS SEASON). He is literally getting slower and slower by the day and lakers are unable to build any momentum at beginning of games because he is such a liability defensively. Adding insult to injury being the bulldog that he is, he is still showing us that even at age 35 with his 2 inch verticals he will always possess that relentless knack of recklessly driving into lane and barreling himself into defenders in his desperate and always so futile attempt to draw a charge.
Meanwhile farmar is mentally still on vacation in china, bouncing balls of his feet, making poor court decisions and showing us once again he will never ever be more than an average backup pt guard at best.
So I ask you dear phillip, EXACTLY WHAT MORE DOES SHANNON HAVE TO DO TO GET MORE MINUTES AROUND HERE? CAN U HEAR ME PHILLIP ??!! By ur standard probably leap over tall buildings and run faster than a speeding bullet?? Well maybe not tall building but how bout tall 7 footers? He is also outrunning outhustling lockin down on D, and though a small sample still outshooting all his counterparts by making 75% of his FG shooting and 3-4 from 3 pt range. ALL THIS AND SHANNON IS AVERAGING A MEASLY 12 MIN A GAME.. WOWOWOW!!! WHAT GIVES OUR GREAT LORD OF THE RINGS PHILLIP?? HUH ?? HUH
(There... felt good to vent. Feel much better now)
Posted by: yellofever | November 03, 2009 at 12:52 PM
This kinda worries me. Phil is an older gentleman and i dont want him getting any flu or swine flu... Kobe wear a mask on the bus and cover your mouth when you sneeze, please.
Posted by: Randy Hoover | November 03, 2009 at 12:52 PM
phred -
As to your earlier questions about Donaghy, perjury and the like, I don't know the answer to those questions. I'm assuming since the trial is over and he's served his time (he gets out tomorrow), everything is fair game but I honestly don't know.
justa -
Yeah, over time I've become a very harsh David Stern critic. Even as I've understood WHY he's made some of the decisions he's made over the years, I've wholly disagreed with many of them. Still, I always gave him the benefit of the doubt, reminding myself just how difficult his job is.
But any slack I gave him disappeared wit the whole Clay Bennett/Sonics/OKC thing. Everything about that whole situation was calculated and evil, and Mr. Stern was smack dab in the middle of it all. And noBud Selig gets all kind of crap for letting the steroids era happen right under his nose, and rightfully so. But David Stern should get just as much flak for this refereeing scandal that he not only allowed to go on, but, it would seem, actually encouraged. If Ronald Regan was the Teflon President, this guy is the Teflon Commissioner. No crap really seems to stick to him.
The quality of any organization starts at the top, and unfortunately, at the top of the NBA sits a power-hungry buffoon. On the other hand, I continue to watch his product, so who's the buffoon? I just wish I didn't love basketball so damn much!
Posted by: puddle | November 03, 2009 at 01:10 PM
"Flu like symptoms" don't necessarily mean you have the flu, it could be like, say about 2,000 other types of pathogens.
Athletes very often stress their immune system by working out to exhaustion often, not to mention the guy has kids in school which is a never ending supply of illness. I wouldn't say Kobe has gotten any more sick than any other normal healthy person, and if you judge by his attendance, which is something like 100%, I don't get the claim. I can also pretty much guarantee he is playing unless he happens to be violently ill tonight, even then, he'll suit up.
Posted by: Laker Justice | November 03, 2009 at 01:10 PM
AK,
I don't get flu shots, my sister is a doctor and she's never quite answered convincingly that it was worth the hassle. Her answer was always more like well it wouldn't hurt to get the shot. The part my brain's always had difficulty figuring out is when exactly to get the shot, i.e. once u've got the flu the vaccine doesn't really help. Or take kobe's case now, once he recovers from this flu is there any benefit of getting the shot? can he still get the flu later this year? idk.
Link below also gives some other reasons as to why flu shots can be ineffective.
http://tinyurl.com/3bokgf
Bottom line I don't think the shot is a sure thing against getting the flu. So for all we know black mamba has been loading up on his shots.
Posted by: segeboy fka taliq | November 03, 2009 at 01:10 PM
I was just watching NBAtv and they said last night was the first night Rambis had ever been in the staples center visitors locker room. Do the lakers and clippers always have different locker rooms? When they play each other wouldn't the lakers be in the visitors locker room twice a year?
Posted by: Keane | November 03, 2009 at 01:11 PM
Ugh. Sorry for the typos in my last post. Posting at work is a tricky business. :)
Posted by: puddle | November 03, 2009 at 01:12 PM
Taliq,
I was being a little tongue in cheek with the flu shot remarks, and I'm aware they're not a fool proof preventative. But at the same time, Kobe does deal with "flu like symptons" all the time and does have two little kids, which makes him susceptible. All joking aside, if he's not getting the shot, it wouldn't "hurt," right? More than likely?
AK
Posted by: Andrew and Brian Kamenetzky | November 03, 2009 at 01:15 PM
re: LBJ in LA.
I've got $5 that says it doesn't happen. That being said ...
MAN! That would be OUTSTANDING!!!!
As much as I love the our bench(scrubs depending on the day/game) for
that caliber of player ... SHIP THEIR COLLECTIVE GLUTES!!!
Posted by: hobbitmage | November 03, 2009 at 01:15 PM
Keane,
The Lakers and Clips never change locker rooms, regardless of who's "at home" or "on the road."
AK
Posted by: Andrew and Brian Kamenetzky | November 03, 2009 at 01:16 PM
yellofever,
"EXACTLY WHAT MORE DOES SHANNON HAVE TO DO TO GET MORE MINUTES AROUND HERE? CAN U HEAR ME PHILLIP ??!!"
I'm guessing PJ would say ... since when did I field my strongest lineup at the start of the season? This ain't no sprint yellofever, this is a marathon ... Shannon is doing just fine, so's the team and if you've got a problem with my coaching style then holla back at me next june so you can thank me for bringing another championship to LA.
yello,
btw don't get me wrong, I'd like to see more of Shannon too. But on the real, the days of calling out PJ should be dead on this blog since we're the reigning champs. Wait till somebody beats his team in the playoffs before you start screaming at the man. For now, just respect his conglomerate.
Posted by: segeboy fka taliq | November 03, 2009 at 01:22 PM
AK/BK
This is off the subject, but can you find out who is responsible for the new bench routine when the Lakers make their first score of the game? Who worked out the details?
Posted by: HoustonLaker | November 03, 2009 at 01:27 PM
I don't believe in flu shots. It can never cover all strains of flu virus. Couple of years ago I got a flu shot and still got sick. Last year, I skipped it and never got sick. Airborne is my good friend.
Posted by: ballgirl | November 03, 2009 at 01:30 PM
Luke Walton was the master mind behind the Major League homage.
Posted by: Common Sense | November 03, 2009 at 01:37 PM
KEANE
Staples originally had Visitors locker room and Lakers locker room. Late in construction, the Clippers decided to make Staples their home as well. So modifications were made to add a THIRD locker room for the Clips. (Which is why their locker room is smaller than the Laker's.)
Therefore, Lakers are ALWAYS in their locker room and Clips ALWAYS in their locker room. Visitor locker room only used by teams other than Lakers and Clips... Rambis indeed never set foot in visiting locker room.
Mike
Posted by: LakerMike | November 03, 2009 at 01:50 PM
It would be preferable, even with running the triangle offense, to have a "true" point guard. Farmar is a "true" PG; neither Sasha or Shannon are. Sasha and Shannon also have other weaknesses - it's not like either of them would be a lock to start elsewhere. Until they improve their weak areas, or Farmar completely loses it, he is going to keep getting opportunities. But none of them have shown enough yet to become the starter and/or significantly eat into Fisher's minutes.
Posted by: exhelodrvr | November 03, 2009 at 01:56 PM
HoustonLaker,
[AK/BK
This is off the subject, but can you find out who is responsible for the new bench routine when the Lakers make their first score of the game? Who worked out the details?]
that routine makes our bench look like cheerleaders ... whatever happened to the mean bench mob
Posted by: segeboy fka taliq | November 03, 2009 at 01:58 PM
AK,
"All joking aside, if he's not getting the shot, it wouldn't "hurt," right? More than likely?"
unless of course mj never took flu shots and by not doing so he discovered a secret that allows him to elevate his game to another a level, a secret that kobe is still searching for and once he discovers it the lakers will be undefeatable. I mean we'd need to ensure Kobe always has a flu but thats a small price to pay.
Jokes aside though, what's going on with Gasol's MRI results. You said it'd be ready today and we're halfway through the day already so come on yo, call your source and get us the inside scoop. Do it ... Do it now ... Do it quickly
Posted by: segeboy fka taliq | November 03, 2009 at 02:03 PM
Sure, getting a flu shot doesn't guarantee you won't get the flu. Neither does washing your hands, staying away from people with the flu or wearing appropriate clothing in cold weather. But you do it anyway, because it HELPS prevent against the flu.
If you don't get the flu shot and you can afford to get it, you're doing yourself a great disservice. The flu shot is the GREATEST preventive measure you can take against getting the flu. While the ability of a flu vaccine to protect a person depends on the age and health status of the person getting the vaccine, as well as the "match" between the viruses or virus in the vaccine and those in circulation, it's the best defense you can give yourself each year. The seasonal flu shot is designed to protect you against what researchers have predicted will be the most commons strains that year.
Basically, saying "I don't get a flu shot because they're not 100% effective" is like saying "I don't use a condom because it's not 100% effective" or "I don't wear a seatbelt because it's not 100% effective". Silly, right?
Also, I've heard people say they won't get one because of the mercury levels in the thimerosal contained in the flu shot. Over the course of your lifetime, even if you got a flu shot EVERY YEAR, it would still be less than eating one can of tuna. You would eat one can of tuna right? Unless you're under 6 months old, you have nothing to worry about.
I'm a healthcare worker and I had to get on my soapbox for a few minutes. If you can, go and get your flu shot and save us healthcare workers some unnecessary stress!!
Posted by: puddle | November 03, 2009 at 02:08 PM
If he doesn't play, which I doubt, and you don't mind an outside view, I think this is a chance for Shannon Brown to get some time at the SG. See if he can handle it!!
Posted by: Giant Green Bald-Headed Lunatic | November 03, 2009 at 02:20 PM
On another note here's another BAFFLING question of our young laker season:
WHEN WILL MORRISON GET MORE MINUTES? Even phillip admitted he was our best shooter in camp and the proof was in the pudding when he backed it up during preseason games. Meanwhile luke was nowhere to be found missing almost all of preseason by nursing his tender little ankle and then he even has the audacity to show up with a nice golden tan... but lo and behold as soon as the season starts adam is back in the doghouse rotting on our bench
Surprised?? Don't be. His name is Luke WOWton (though not exactly the same kind of WOW as in shanWOW but the kinda of WOW that will make throw ur remote at the tv screaming in agony and disgust) and he is phillips favorite son and hero.
Luke WOWton will never cease to amaze us.. Whether you like it or not he will continue to haunt you in your dreams. He's like a bad nightmare except its like groundhog day for every laker game for the next 4 YEARS AT 5MIL a year and increasing 10%annually
Posted by: yellofever | November 03, 2009 at 02:22 PM
***This from Eric Pincus on LBJ to LA
To get more specific, the Lakers - like EVERY team in the league - would love to have LeBron James. They won't have cap room so it would take a very, very strong push directly from James. If he tells the Cavaliers that they have the choice of either a sign and trade to LA - or Bron will walk to a team with cap room like the Nets, Knicks or HEAT (etc), then I suppose there's a chance.
I would say it's a small chance - but it would really be on LeBron to force such a move - and even then Cleveland might call his bluff.
If Laker fans want to fantasize about it until July - go ahead. Just don't be disappointed if it doesn't actually go through.
You can't say it won't happen - but I certainly think it's an extreme long shot.
Posted by: BD | November 03, 2009 at 02:45 PM
I'll only advocate this once: get your flu shots folks. Not for you, but for the loved ones around you. If you don't get the flu, then the people around you won't get the flu from you. Lessen the vectors.
The more people that we have innoculated against the flu, the more difficult it'll be for the flu to penetrate the population. It'll have less and less chance to spread. Its something called 'herd immunity', where if the majority of population is immune, the one's that aren't immune will be protected because they are less prone to contact with infected people.
You aren't just doing it for yourself, you're doing it for everyone around you.
[end rant]
Posted by: #4 | November 03, 2009 at 02:52 PM
Kevin Ding and Eric Pincus call it like it is...
This from Pincus today:
I view the Lakers as 7 1/2 deep - the starters (with one not especially strong in Derek Fisher) - plus Odom and Brown. Walton is the half. I'm not convinced that Farmar, Powell, Mbenga, Vujacic, Morrison, etc - can be considered a deep bench.
Posted by: BD | November 03, 2009 at 02:58 PM
Gasol`s out...Kobe`s out...Celts about to go 5-0 tonight
"When Irish Eyes Are Smiling..."
Posted by: RED`S LOVE CHILD | November 03, 2009 at 03:01 PM
flu shots sureley CAN(not will, but CAN) hurt.
the shots are NEVER for the actual strain as it takes TWO YEARS to develope a vaccine for a specific strain. by the time the vaccine is developed, the strain is dead. even when the vaccine is used for the proper strain, there is conflicting data as to it's actual effectiveness. on top of that, ALL of the vaccines are contaminated with numerous virii, squaline, cancer cells and other substances according to government studies. the vaccines have always been grown on dubious mediums like green monkey kidneys, but lately, cancer cell cultures have been used because the cultures are "immortal".
it's pretty stupid to inject substances into one's body that one is not absolutely sure of.
anyone who is in contact with as many people as Kobe and spends as much time travelling as he does will be susceptable to colds and flu...
Posted by: mud | November 03, 2009 at 03:02 PM
Hamstring, Flu... Has someone cast a spell on our team?? :-(
Posted by: Kobefan in Cupertino | November 03, 2009 at 03:07 PM
Suppose...
If LBJ, indeed wanted to come down to LA, what would be a fair trade? What would/should we be willing to give up for the new 23?
Bynum/Odom/Artest for LBJ/Shaq(in a sign-and-trade, as we'll need a post player and someone to match salaries) ?
Would that be something you'd approve? or do you think it's giving up too much? Keep in mind we are talking about the opportunity to pair two all-universe stars, and would have a core of Pau/Kobe/LBJ. I'm not sure if Cleveland could get a better deal than that.
Not saying it will (or should) happen, but if it did, would giving up Bynum, Odom *and* Artest be worth it?
And yes, before anyone brings it up, I know the odds are very very low that something like this would happen, but I can't help speculate :)
Posted by: hariyahu | November 03, 2009 at 03:10 PM
yellofever:
Ammo is ONLY a shooter, nothing else. He can't play D. His passing skills and ball IQ are very questionable.
On the other hand: Luke - not a shooter or scorer. But he has moderate game IQ and passing skills. Also, Luke knows the triangle as well as other veterans in the team now.
If you ask does Luke deserve the minutes - then I'd say no. But if you ask if Luke deserves the minutes more than Ammo - then the answer is Yes.
Posted by: Kobefan in Cupertino | November 03, 2009 at 03:11 PM
Well, we shall see how deep we really are, no Pau, and now no Kobe.
can Bynum, Odom, Artest, Brown, and Fisher beat the Thunder? With Walton, Sasha, Farmar and Powell/Mbenga off the bench
I think so
If you took Ray Allen and KG off the Celtic's would they win, I think NOT !!!
Posted by: tomK | November 03, 2009 at 03:23 PM
"But on the real, the days of calling out PJ should be dead on this blog since we're the reigning champs."
Sorry Sheriff but there will always be PJ/Walton calling out haters in the blog (though other coaches do get called out by fans when they lose *cough* Byron Scott and Mike Brown). You can categorize though yellofever and pfraud36 is smart as Kareem on Jeopardy who couldn't get even answer his own line.
Posted by: KB Blitz | November 03, 2009 at 03:26 PM
Kevin Ding and Eric Pincus call it like it is...
This from Pincus today:
I view the Lakers as 7 1/2 deep - the starters (with one not especially strong in Derek Fisher) - plus Odom and Brown. Walton is the half. I'm not convinced that Farmar, Powell, Mbenga, Vujacic, Morrison, etc - can be considered a deep bench.
Posted by: BD | November 03, 2009 at 02:58 PM
If having to rely on them solely means we don't have a deep bench, then we don't. Direct replacments for Fish/Kobe/Ron/Gasol/Bynum aren't anything to write home about. It really only comes down to Lamar and Shannon as replacements.
However, when you consider that we have a myriad of combinations to play because we have players that can play multiple positions, I'd say that were the deepest team in the league, bar none. We can cover just about any area of weakness.
Mind you, this isn't giving anyone excessive minutes either. They did this last year without burning the guys out.
Posted by: #4 | November 03, 2009 at 03:40 PM
Walton bashers are out!!!
Now I'll admit that I have no lost love for Walton's game but I thought he played rather well last game, he made the few shots he took, stole the ball once from Joe Johnson, had no turn overs, ran the triangle well, had a few assists, and played defense about as good as he's able to. He even JUMPED over two feet off the floor to save an errant pass late in the game, that deserves a reprieve for at least a game or two from calling for his head on a stick.
Posted by: tomK | November 03, 2009 at 03:43 PM
VERY ENTICING AND POSSIBLE AS WELL...BUT WAIT ....
To seal the deal LAKER blog community will even throw in LakerTom..hahaha
LBJ for Bynum/Odom/Artest and LAKERTOM in the trade ?
lakerfan
Posted by: lakerfan | November 03, 2009 at 03:46 PM
Mudd,
"it's pretty stupid to inject substances into one's body that one is not absolutely sure of"
Well said. Before anyone gets a flu shot, please do some research. You will be surprised at what you find.
Posted by: LAKER TRUTH | November 03, 2009 at 03:59 PM
kobe, like any human on this earth is allowd at least one, if not two flu like symtoms a year.
Posted by: apujac | November 03, 2009 at 03:59 PM
OMG!!!!
IT'S TOO LATE!!!!
I ALREADY GOT A FLU SHOT!!!!
If I keel over during the live chat tonight, can someone please call the paramedics for me?
Thanks... much appreciated.... I love you guys....
Posted by: justanothermambafan | November 03, 2009 at 04:11 PM
Yellofever,
I understand you're frustration regarding the lack of minutes for Shannon. Phil did the same thing to Ariza last season, when he was inexplicably starting Luke over Ariza. Perhaps Phil does not want to throw all the pressure and responsibility all at once on someone who has never played significant NBA minutes. He might want Shannon to fight for increased minutes throughout the long season, or perhaps he is giving minutes to Farmar to showcase him for a trade. I have no idea what Phil is thinking, but he always seems to have a long term plan. Regardless, I have no doubt that Shannon will be getting significant minutes (even with the starting unit), by the end of the season.
Posted by: LAKER TRUTH | November 03, 2009 at 04:20 PM
Kobe is a warrior, that's what I love about his game, not someone from Akron who, in a slight pinky pain, refuses to go into the arena to battle.
Go Kobe!
Go Lakers!
Posted by: dice8up | November 03, 2009 at 04:28 PM
TomK,
Yes, Luke played well, but just remember that Luke usually plays well when the team is up by 20 or more points. He is one of the better garbage players in the league. Guys like Kobe and Pau will elevate their game when the game is close. Luke is the opposite. He usually only elevates his game during blowouts.
Posted by: LAKER TRUTH | November 03, 2009 at 04:28 PM
justanother,
Just in case, can I have your spot in the roll call?
Posted by: exhelodrvr | November 03, 2009 at 04:48 PM
When I went for my flu shot at CVS, I saw Kareem in the store. I would say that is a plus for getting a flu shot. By the way, Airborne does squat against the flu.
Posted by: fly0nwall | November 03, 2009 at 05:21 PM
tomK - that depends who you play. I'm quite sure that without KG and Ray Allen the Celtics could still handle the Knicks - jut not the lakers :)
Posted by: Giant Green Bald-Headed Lunatic | November 04, 2009 at 10:03 AM