Lakers 104, Hornets 88: Big Easy win
Normally, we don't focus on what the opposition says unless it relates to the purple and gold, but here it's hard to resist. Chris Paul on what the Hornets are missing:
"We're missing our defense and our ability to score."
Yeah, that about covers it.
The Breakdown is below.
The Bench:
-After five game's worth of scatter shot second unit production, Laker Nation optimists were quick to treat a strong showing on Friday night against the Memphis Grizzlies as a sign of life. The realists in the crowd, however, noted that the bench mobbed a shallow Memphis pine whose theoretical "leader" just took a leave of absence at time at that happens to coincide with the third straight bitch session about a sixth man role in as many games serving as one. Thus, more success was required before throwing one's hands in the air and waving them in a manner that suggests not caring. Well, tonight may have prompted mitts carrying on in care-free motion.
-Shannon Brown scored thirteen third quarter points- including a trio of three's- after checking in unusually early upon Derek Fisher's fourth foul. Luke Walton was also a force behind the arc with a trio of his own. Jordan Farmar offset a 1-5 clip from the field (including one very ill-advised three point WAY early in the clock) with a quintet of dimes. Even Adam Morrison made the most of some rare run, scoring five points in seven minutes. Throw in some strong second unit representation during the aforementioned 12% from the field/16 point third quarter and it's a group accomplishment worthy of a smile.
Obviously, success once again was achieved against a N'Awlins crew anything but impressive, so it's fair to ask the bench to beat up on a quality group. But practice does make perfect, so hopefully these two games were the warm up for rounding into form and nixing what's been a decided early season Achilles Heel.
-Similar to how the bench collectively worked to build on a positive Friday night, ditto DJ Mbenga's individual effort in the absence of Andrew Bynum and Pau Gasol. Thrust into a rare starting gig, DJ not only held his own against a fellow physical specimen in Emeka Okafor, but ended up enjoying a career night. During the live blog, I noticed that Mbenga was sitting at 8 points and nine boards, while simultaneously sitting on the bench. I expressed hope that he'd reenter the game at some point and get a crack at his first career double-double. Thankfully, he did check back in, and ended up finishing with ten points and a dozen boards and a place in the stat books.
I realize 10/12 isn't exactly the rarest of air, but for players like DJ, whose careers have been carved out of scarce and often erratic opportunity, these milestones matter. When I asked DJ about the achievement, his initial reaction was to downplay his night, simply saying it's "his job." But pressed further, he noted that. "As a basketball player, if you want to remember everything, you can't. But I take this (game) like one of the best. And I keep working."
To say the least, a dude very easy to be happy for.
Ball movement-Hard not to enjoy 38 baskets courtesy of 27 assists (against a reasonable twelve turnovers). In particular, I was struck by how patient the Lakers were with the clock running down, rarely settling for bad shots as the seconds grew more scant. Instead, the fella with the rock kept looking for his mates while they remained in motion. Baskets often resulted just before the horn sounded.
Kobe in in the post
-Mamba's been on an absolute paint rampage within close proximity, and tonight was no exception. Bryant racked 26 first half points on 10-16 shooting, his attack typically focused at the elbow, in the paint or along the baseline. Turnaround J's a-plenty against guards easily over-matched and over-powered, often silky enough to appeared launched in his sleep. They may well have been. "It's really easy," responded Kobe when I noted how he's been making his living these days. Kobe's offseason workouts were light by his standards, but the work he did was heavily paint-centric. "More than usual," as he put it. I asked Kobe if anything in particular prompted that summer focus. "It's easier for them to double me on the perimeter. In the post, it's almost impossible with all the shooters we have."
-Time spent in the middle has dramatically reduced the amount of three balls Kobe's taken this season. So far, just a baker's dozen, which divvies into barely over two per game. Kobe happened to take that standard pair this evening, one of which was an anything-but-standard air ball. Afterward, BK asked Kobe if the whiff was the result of a post player trying to huck from beyond his range. "Be careful," smiled Kobe. "You're talking to one of the best streak three-point shooters. (Larry) Bird don't have that three point streak."
-They won by sixteen and the game wasn't even remotely that close. If you want an essay devoted to the negative, find a different writer.
AK
DJ Mbenga, on his first career double-double
Lamar Odom:
He talks about the team's depth, repeating things he's said over the course of the season about it being the strength of the team. I asked him about Kobe in the post, and what that opens up for the Lakers in the offense. "He's incredible with his back to the basket, even at the off guard position. There was another player that Phil coached who played like that as well, who played the two guard. He played with his back to the basket. When (Kobe) plays with his back to the basket, the game just opens up. Allows us to do anything."
Phil Jackson:
As he often does after easy wins, PJ noted that which he didn't like. I asked him if he considered this LA's first "complete game" of the year, and he pointed to the last five-plus minutes as the reason it wasn't. He had an interesting answer as well to my question about Kobe playing in the post, and what other teams might be equipped to defend him.
More from PJ:
Asked if DJ has improved since joining the Lakers, Jackson couldn't resist tweaking the big fella, noting that his offensive game isn't what they think it can be (while taking the time to note strong rebounding and shot blocking). "We actually think his game has deteriorated some. He actually plays better in practice than he does in the game. So we're not thrilled at what he's doing out there. We know what his capabilities are, he's not hitting his shot, but his defense and his rebounding and shot blocking ability are part of what we see in the daily workout regimen."
Clearly DJ is doing something right if Phil is bothering to skewer him in the media, "encouraging" him, as it were, to continue pushing himself. But the biggest shot was fired towards Luke Walton. Asked if he was pleased with his 11 point effort, Jackson smiled. "It's not fair for me to talk in accolades about Luke, because as I've said before, Bill may be his father, but I'm his daddy."
QUOTES:
Walton, on what it means to have Kobe in the post playing so effectively, and if there are teams out there that can defend it: "There are teams, but there's not a lot of them. Us getting Ron is taking away one of the teams that could. When he's scoring like he has been and doing it that easily, ten or fifteen feet from the basket, you either double and give up open shots to other guys or let Kobe score forty on you. Either way, it normally works out pretty well for us... Once we get into recognizing (options off mismatches) even better, we'll be able to take advantage of it even more... Once we're hitting on all cylinders, you see something like that and naturally take advantage of it right away."
nice win, well earned.
Posted by: mud | November 09, 2009 at 12:05 AM
Finally, you heard it on this blog first!!!
As many bloggers have long suspected - PJ is Luke's daddy!
What a confession.
Wow, wait for the Oliver Stone movie.
Posted by: LakerinBC | November 09, 2009 at 12:06 AM
Wow. Again, just complete and utter dominance by Kobe. It's not that he is pounding it into the paint. It's all about finesse. Finpounesse?
Like clockwork. Like listening to the most graceful and precise clock in history with a raging hangover. Just this intense, repetitive pounding going on in your head accompanied by tingling chimes.
And when they finally double hard, like they will all have to try, he starts picking them apart using some of the best court vision and passing of any player in the league.
Kobe v2.0.
~Thomas
Posted by: Thomas | November 09, 2009 at 12:11 AM
AK,
You've got a bit of panache in the video with that shirt. BK? Not so much.
What do we play for? RINGS!!!
Lakers Today... Lakers Tomorrow... Lakers Forever.
GO LAKERS!!!!
Posted by: Jon K. | November 09, 2009 at 12:38 AM
What the heck has happened to the Hornets? They were contenders in the not too distant past and tonight the were dreadful- they look like they've quit, and it's awfully early in the season for that look. This can't bode well for Byron.
Posted by: ktandk | November 09, 2009 at 12:40 AM
I wish I could watch more of the games.
This team is awesome.
What do we play for? RINGS!!!!
Lakers Today... Lakers Tomorrow... Lakers Forever.
GO LAKERS!!!!
Posted by: Jon K. | November 09, 2009 at 12:52 AM
Good Night Everyone...
46 from the bench....mmmmmmkay....
Byron Scott.....Gone before the break....
Kobe...Like a tiger....
Mbenga....Bargain basement banger...
Shannon Brown....Nice..
Farmar...Just a little brain cramp..But better...
Sasha...Dude is in gaga land.....I would quit my job and pick up tennis balls and her bags all day long....And rub the sore spots after each tennis match...
Ball Movement ....Just straight out sexy...Really nice to watch...
3 days off...Is that a good thing?...
Posted by: Thirty2 | November 09, 2009 at 02:47 AM
David West,Kenyon Martin & others knows now how to respect Mabenga's defense.The big guy is now an additional threat to other team.I like the guy,he is a beast .Give him a chance & I think he could deliver more firepower to the team.
Posted by: Reynaldo Sarmiento | November 09, 2009 at 04:35 AM
Hahahah! Let's start a pool on how many times Luke will be greeted with, "Hey, Luke! Who's your Daddy?" PJ's quote will live (as they say) in infamy.
What a great line to wake up to on a Monday. Waking up to a 6-1 Lakers record, so far, isn't too shabby either. I've said it before and I'll say it again here: Every bench minute right now will pay dividends later. If you wanna say, "Here come the Suns," I say, bring 'em on. It'll be a tough game on Thursday, but that's just what the Lakers need right now after playing so many bottom feeders. Let's hope AB17 is ready to rejoin the fray. We'll need him, even if the bench is playing with confidence. The starters (whoever they are) will surely log more minutes on Thursday. We know they'll be rested. They just have to be ready.
Have a great day, everybody. Go Lakers!
Posted by: Rick Friedman | November 09, 2009 at 05:25 AM
A surprisingly easy win. Yes, Kobe was ridiculously amazing with his post-ups and turnaround jumpers. Yes, the bench (Mbenga, Shannon, and Luuuuke) were great. But the thing that was most impressive was our team defense.
Our defense totally stifled CP. No driving layups. No pick and roll. CP finishes with only 15 points and a handful of assists after averaging 30 pts a game the last few games. Our defensive posture and energy has really ratcheted up significantly. Artest's presence and non-stop intensity seem to have rubbed off on everyone, and especially Kobe and Lamar. Keep this up and there could be a very interesting surprise coming for the Celtics, who normally are the ones doing the intimidation on defense.
Posted by: CornerJ | November 09, 2009 at 06:10 AM
Farmar is a huge talent. So is Shannon Brown. Phil is smiling. He knows that Farmar, Brown, Kobe, Artest, Odom is a load for any team. Throw Sasha in that mix too. Sasha seems like a better version of the machine.
Not sure why so many Laker bloggers want to make trades.
Very happy with current Lakers roster to defend NBA championship.
Would not trade Laker bench for any bench in the NBA.
Yes to Walton, Sasha, and Farmar on the Lakers.
So bring on the comments ...
Posted by: Todd | November 09, 2009 at 06:12 AM
Has anyone noticed that the LeBron MVP campaign has been really quiet?
This time last year, all we heard was LeBron was going to be MVP. Now,
we hear crickets. Crickets, Trolls & other fey of that ilk.
Go Kobe!
Go Lakers!!
Posted by: hobbitmage | November 09, 2009 at 06:24 AM
Yeah Byron looked completely down last night, i feel for him but the Lakers have to do what they have to do. Some of the TV commentators who have Boston as the best team in the NBA are not taking note that the lakers have won Twice without their big men and that so far with the acquisition of Ron Artest are nowing playing Defense as well as Offense. If this continues the Lakers are almost a sure bet to win it again and judging from their recent efforts i think they can.
Posted by: parker | November 09, 2009 at 06:50 AM
Just a reminder on the greatness of Kobe and Jackson - this is a comment from "Joel" on FB&G, in re to the Kwame-Smush Lakers:
"Looking back at that team makes my head hurt. Think about the other starters on that roster:
- Kwame is now backing up 100-year-old Ben Wallace in Detroit.
- Odom is the 6th man when everyone is healthy (although he’s obviously good enough to start).
- Walton plays about 10-15 minutes a night.
- Smush is out of the league.
With all that said, It’s hard to believe anyone could still question Kobe’s ability to elevate his teammates’ play or Phil’s ability to coach a limited team. That group had no business making the Western conference playoffs 2 years in a row."
Posted by: exhelodrvr | November 09, 2009 at 07:08 AM
Mbenga and Powell will probably not get a lot of time assuming Pau and Bynum are healthy, but they certainly appear to be a nice "insurance policy" in case of injury/foul trouble.
Posted by: exhelodrvr | November 09, 2009 at 07:10 AM
Kobe's post game has really improved. This Adande article sums it up.
http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/dailydime?page=dime-091108
P.S. Nemaia, thank you for the post.
Posted by: KL | November 09, 2009 at 07:36 AM
Did anyone else see OKC put it to the Magic?
Posted by: hobbitmage | November 09, 2009 at 07:46 AM
Ok last night I watched the game and I couldn't enjoy it. Initially I thought it was because kobe was continually shooting fadeaways and after a while it got really boring despite the effectiveness. I mean wtf happened to the pull up stick a dagger I'm so freaking hot right now I don't care if there's 2 hands in my face I'm going to drill this 3 pointer and enjoy the dejected look on the face of the opposition.
But then I'm like I watched MJ shoot that fadeaway all the time, like he was getting paid a 100k for each one of those shots and it never got boring. So I'm like maybe it's just cuz the hornets suck, I mean they really do suck. Someone needs to put B Scott out of his misery and just fire him, he can come comment on laker games or something of that sort cuz at this point coaching this team is just destroying his rep. Lakernation advice to him would be quit and let some other schmuck make it clear that cp3 by himself won't suffice. Still though I've never been one to be turned off by blowouts, I mean without them how else will we get a look at lakers like ammo, sasha etc.
So what's the freaking problem? Why can't I enjoy my lakers? Cuz subconciously my brain is freaking out that the lil hamstring that was supposed to cost just a pre-season game is stretching. Like I don't want to contemplate a future without #16. Like I wouldn't be panicky if they'd just come out and said hey he'll be out for a month. But when the dude is listed as day to day and that stretches into weeks, then I start getting worried. I mean don't get me wrong it's cool that we're 6-1 but I'd rather be 2-4 with a healthy Gasol around the corner than being worried to death that he's been diagnosed wrongly and there's some 3 month recovery time injury that's causing him to miss game.
If he's not playing by friday, I think the lakers need to send him for a new round of MRIs and any other type of leg tests out there. I want to know when the dude is coming back. And oh it'd be good to have Drew back too, I ain't as worried cuz he hasn't been out as long but if he's not playing by Friday either I'll be looking to have Vitti executed. A little too harsh? Maybe, but lucky for him he's not working in a country with me as the dictator.
I hate not being able to enjoy our success out of worry. Fix this AK/BK. Just fix it.
Posted by: segeboy fka taliq | November 09, 2009 at 07:48 AM
Great game, when Luke, Shannon and DJ are at their best, this team is unbeatable. Jordan, Sasha and Josh also made some contributions that sent Kobe, Fisher, LO to the bench. The latter are now the new 2nd unit. lol! Do we still need the beast and the Catalan? Let them rest for good and take a leave like AI and that is the quickest therapy of sudden healing. It has to be linked with their livelihood just like any of us here in the blog.
After giving them the props, I believe we also achieve something in our criticisms and praises, someone listened to the cries of fans and started to understand the importance of being a team than just mere bystander. This time, we clamor for c-o-n-s-i-s-t-e-n-c-y and make it a habit to finish all teams in the West and no need of bragging just do it.
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | November 09, 2009 at 07:52 AM
Jon K,
[I wish I could watch more of the games.]
Dude just pony up for nba league pass, you won't regret it.
Posted by: segeboy fka taliq | November 09, 2009 at 07:59 AM
I don't think Luke looks like Phil Jackson in any kind of dna, shape or form. I believe Gaffney could be mistaken as the long lost son of PJ with his broad shoulders and moves like PJ during his Knicks stint. The 3 for 3 by Luke last night with swish trademark is a impersonator, he's really an alien who got the face of Luke now playing with the Laker with added confidence on those long threes and great feed to UPS for immediate delivery. Keep this alien on the roster, the prayers of Utz were answered. LMAO!
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | November 09, 2009 at 08:08 AM
KL brother welcome back! I didn't know where you had dissappered to. Believe it or not you were missed. Thanks for the article link I would have missed it otherwise.
Mamba24
Posted by: Mamba24 | November 09, 2009 at 08:20 AM
With all that said, It’s hard to believe anyone could still question Kobe’s ability to elevate his teammates’ play or Phil’s ability to coach a limited team. That group had no business making the Western conference playoffs 2 years in a row." Posted by: exhelodrvr | November 09, 2009 at 07:08 A
Yes I have to say it Ex...OUT FREAKIN STANDING!!!
*
*
YES TO WALTON, SASHA AND FARMAR ON THE LAKERS - BANDWAGON
*
(01) TODD-OWNER - Very happy with current Lakers roster to defend NBA championship.
Would not trade Laker bench for any bench in the NBA.
(02) MAMBA24 - DRIVER - DITTO
*
Posted by: Mamba24 | November 09, 2009 at 08:27 AM
The last 4 games tells us that change occurred in the Western Conference. Rockets and Thunder are much better than Hornets and Grizzlies. Hornets team became old and Grizz were disorganized with the infusion of AI and Coach Hollins. If this goes on, Byron Scott could be fired before the end of the season or else they will lost CP3 by 2010. They should trade West or Peja for Stephen Jackson. These guys are earning a lot of bread in their contract but have no meat in their games.
The next two games will spell where we are heading in the future. It is the best reading for the Lakers in their objective for a repeat, no more pretensions on those injuries, no more gamesmanship by PJ, let us roll in one team. It is like a carpenter who is now focused to finish his job with all tools stacked on his leather apron tied around his waist. Pau and Drew injured or slightly injured should try to play and show what they've got.
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | November 09, 2009 at 08:28 AM
Jon K, [I wish I could watch more of the games.] Dude just pony up for nba league pass, you won't regret it. Posted by: segeboy fka taliq | November 09, 2009 at 07:59 AM
HEY!! Come on Sheriff Jon K. just spent who know's how much comming to L.A. and interviewing for jobs and here you are asking him to come up with more cash for a pass. Cold Sheriff!! Cold!!
Posted by: Mamba24 | November 09, 2009 at 08:31 AM
Congratulations on a very impressive win. Still say the two best teams in the league are the lakers and (promised Edwin I wouldn't say it!!!)
On a side note- Iverson and Marbury make me long for the days when point guards were point guards. I miss Magic Johnson (my favorite laker), Mo Cheeks, John Stockton and even Doc Rivers (the player). Those guys led their teams and didn't make it all about them. I hope they are not gone forever!!
Posted by: Giant Green Bald-Headed Lunatic | November 09, 2009 at 08:38 AM
I miss Magic Johnson (my favorite laker), Mo Cheeks, John Stockton and even Doc Rivers (the player). Those guys led their teams and didn't make it all about them. I hope they are not gone forever!!Posted by: Giant Green Bald-Headed Lunatic | November 09, 2009 at 08:38 AM
I hope the leaving out of Isiah Thomas was just a mistake and yes if you won't say it I will THE TWO BEST TEAMS IN THE NBA ARE THE LOS ANGELES LAKERS AND THE BOSTON CELTICS.
By the way, good post!
Mamba24
Posted by: Mamba24 | November 09, 2009 at 08:54 AM
Actually, it's about one thing and one thing only: The World Champions are winners and everyone loves a winner. The fact that the keltics finally won a banner in something like a quarter of a century means nothing outside of boston. Dream on, keltic fan. Dream on. Awaken from your slumber, look around, notice you have to live in Somerville, and realize that the keltics are a thing of the past; a team that won the vast majority of its banners back when there were ONLY SEVEN other teams to compete against.
For those that have asked: This was taken from yesterday's BOSTON CELTICS forum. This is a lakers troll on a Celtics website. His name is Martinilover171. When he started, he was just martinilover. He has been BANNED over 100 times, yet changes his username, and comes back. Now, before you think this is funny, humor ME for a second. How funny would this be if this was ME writing it, and it said "FAKERS" instead of "keltics"??
This is just an example of what we have to deal with daily on our own website. Sorry, but I think I'm MILD compared to this guy. So, why do we troll???? To see if all lakers fans are like this looney. I'm happy to report MOST of you are not - but its' the attitude that bothers me. Don't get why you don't respect any other team. I am quite sure Kobe Bryant does not share your views- he respects ALL opponents - that's why he constantly strives to get better. While there may be only a few good teams out there, there are plenty of great players, all pros and all good. You may win again this year, but it will not be handed to you. It is not your DESTINY!! Please - it belongs to the guys that actually PLAY!!!
Thank you!!
Posted by: Giant Green Bald-Headed Lunatic | November 09, 2009 at 09:04 AM
Thanks GGBHL, for your cooperation. Welcome to Lakers Blog family.
PS. I'm still having some difficulty remembering your 5 initials. lol!
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | November 09, 2009 at 09:33 AM
Dream shake Kobe is in full effect. We are seeing Kobe's firmware updated into this post giant.
Bynum should be back possibly next thursday and Pau is still up in the air.
Also, Powell adding 3 point shooting. Mbenga adding blocking threat.
Everyone is improving around the mamba.
“The Chocolate-Thunder-Flying, Robinzine-Crying, Teeth-Shaking, Glass-Breaking, Rump Roasting, Bun-Toasting, Wham-Bam-Glass-Breaker-I-Am-Jam.”
--Darryl Dawkins, on his dunk that shattered the fiberglass backboard at the Municipal Auditorium in Kansas City on November 13, 1979
Posted by: Charles | November 09, 2009 at 09:36 AM
It is not your DESTINY!! Please - it belongs to the guys that actually PLAY!!!Thank you!!Posted by: Giant Green Bald-Headed Lunatic | November 09, 2009 at 09:04 AM
Now, Now, now didn't you leave a litle something off there? It belongs to the guys that actually play the best. Who are those guys Kobe Bryant and The Lakers, ergo it is our Destiny. The Lakers are not just a team, the Laers are a state of being. Much like if a tree falls in the forest and no one is around to hear it does it make a sound? If the Lakers don't have the support of the rabid fans of Laker Nation do they make a sound in the playoffs? I think not!
Synergy GGBHLUNATIC, SYNERGY!.
Posted by: Mamba24 | November 09, 2009 at 09:48 AM
Good morning Mamba24 & the Lakers fabulous morning CRUE!!
GREAT winning weekend for the boys in Purple & Gold! The bench is finally looking like the Mob again. Yes it's against not-so-great opponents, but still - I'm happy to see them focus and come out to make the most of their opportunities.
And WOW - Mbenga!! Congo Cash!! You gotta love the energy he brings to his game. He was hustling - challenging everything - Socks could take a lesson lol! (That was for you LakerTom :)
The back to back at the end of this week will tell us more, though. I hope we have our 7 footers back... I miss The Conquistador and The Beast.
Kobe FREAKING Bryant!!!!!!!! OMG is the rest of the league in trouble or what??? He just proves over and over again why he is the best player on the planet. And why he will go down in history as the greatest ever to lace 'em up. As he says - his motor is ALWAYS running. He doesn't need anything to motivate him - he is just plain motivated within himself. As I said - the rest of the NBA is up the proverbial creek, without a paddle in sight. With the Bean on our team, we are a juggernaut.
GO LAKERS!!!!!
Nothing but another title will suffice.
Posted by: justanothermambafan | November 09, 2009 at 09:49 AM
Sherrif - take it easy man. Enjoy the ride! We may be short handed right now, but it won't be forever. You KNOW this. Maybe you should take a little nip of whatever Otis is drinking these days. It will help calm your nerves.
Posted by: justanothermambafan | November 09, 2009 at 09:52 AM
Ok - here it is (cuz I can't resist):
LUUUUUUKE!!!! Who's your daddy?????
Posted by: justanothermambafan | November 09, 2009 at 09:52 AM
Good Morning Charles....Good Morning Everybody...
well that was easy on the eyes, as it were, just like Julie Newmar (me--yow!)...
Mbenga starting the last two games, playing with the starters (that follows step one, or so), and producing desired results, shows that bench players thrown in the mix of starters are quite capable of making a significant contribution seemingly....same goes for Powell
and collectively the bench is looking a little better (but obviously still has a ways to go and hopefully will continue to show improvement etc. etc. etc. blah blah blah) when they do all play together...
I would still like to see them sprinkled in and not put in en masse unless of course it's garbage time...
it was indeed very encouraging to see them play well, Farmar and Sasha had the least amount of success but it seems all of them are going in a positve direction, after all, none of them want to get traded I would guess (i.e. who wants to play in Wisconsin?)...
here is a press release I just found on a highly censored web site:
"The number of NBA teams pettioning the League to disallow Kobe Bryant from playing in the post increased to a full 29 today. GM's from teams around the league now stand in complete solidarity over what they perceive is a vastly and unsurmountable unfair advantage held by the Los Angeles Lakers. "David Stern just can't let this continue", whined an unnamed GM, widely known for his whining, with the initials D.A. , sporting a fugly green jacket, "if Kobe is allowed to play in the post we have no chance to even compete anymore. The league will be reduced to 29 teams of Washington Generals and the Lakers. It's just not fair !"
When asked about the situation Kobe responded "I have held back long enough for the sake of the League and parity and all that. I just got real tired of sandbagging. And hey, they have 5 guys out there to guard me with, it's just one more than the quadruble teaming like I normally get, so then I will just have to adjust."
Commisioner David Stern made this unofficial comment to an unnamed source, " Hey I hate the Lakers and Kobe just as much as anyone, and believe me we are looking into the possiblity of some rule changes to compensate for this unfair domination in the post by Kobe."
Laker coach Phil Jackson's summed up his reaction to the situation with a brief statement, "Screw 'em". "
when the hell do we play again?
"Looking through the bent back tulips, to see how the other half lives"
"well why didn't it say that he's a gorilla? Well applicants are not required to fill in their species"
AS ALWAYS, AS EVER, YET ANOTHER GREAT DAY (AND CAHMPIONSHIP SEASON) TO BE A LAKER FAN !!!
GO LAKERS !!!
Posted by: Floyd | November 09, 2009 at 09:52 AM
JonK - what's the news out of LA? Any offers? Any takers?
Posted by: justanothermambafan | November 09, 2009 at 09:53 AM
hobbit - I absolutely LOVE the sound of crickets. Don't you? LOL!!!
Posted by: justanothermambafan | November 09, 2009 at 09:53 AM
Pedro Martinez will be happy to know that he'll be sharing the "Who's Your Daddy" chant with Luke Walton..Ha ha. PJ has a great sense of humor.
Congo Cash is MONEY! What great anticipation on the defensive end. Now we can rest Pau more!!!!!
Posted by: ChicNstu | November 09, 2009 at 10:20 AM
Commisioner David Stern made this unofficial comment to an unnamed source, " Hey I hate the Lakers and Kobe just as much as anyone, and believe me we are looking into the possiblity of some rule changes to compensate for this unfair domination in the post by Kobe."Laker coach Phil Jackson's summed up his reaction to the situation with a brief statement, "Screw 'em". "Posted by: Floyd | November 09, 2009 at 09:52 AM
Floyd do I have to say it as always forever...OUT FREAKIN STANDING!!
“The Chocolate-Thunder-Flying, Robinzine-Crying, Teeth-Shaking, Glass-Breaking, Rump Roasting, Bun-Toasting, Wham-Bam-Glass-Breaker-I-Am-Jam.” -Darryl Dawkins, on his dunk that shattered the fiberglass backboard at the Municipal Auditorium in Kansas City on November 13, 1979 Posted by: Charles | November 09, 2009 at 09:36 AM
NOW THAT'S WHAT I'M TALKING ABOUT!!! OOOOOOO WEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!
SIR CHARLES IS BACK & RELOADED. DOES ANYONE DOUBT IT IS OUR DESTINY TO MAKE HISTORY THIS YEAR??????
Posted by: Mamba24 | November 09, 2009 at 10:22 AM
Folks, really happy to see Mbenga playing so well. But his ability to bang, block, and board just makes me think back to the ’08 Finals. Given Boston’s physicality, shouldn’t Phil have used either DJ or Ronnie at the 5, Pau at the 4, and LO at either the 3 or the 4? This would have given us more front court depth, prevented Pau and LO from getting pushed around, and kept Luke or Vlad off the floor for as much as possible.
Ok, so our team won last year, but it’s our job as Laker fans to not get over ones we could have won, right? Especially against the Celtics.
Posted by: Purple&Gold | November 09, 2009 at 10:34 AM
KOBE is one STUPID DUDE
He hasn't signed an extension which would secure his future for an additional 3 years.
YOU DON'T GAMBLE with the kind of money being offered to him.
Posted by: Troll Man | November 09, 2009 at 10:35 AM
Great article in the OC Register again today by none other than the Dinger. Here's an exerpt:
Great post players accept and actually initiate contact. They like getting down and dirty.
And there's a reason Bryant chose to share one particular metaphor when we spoke before the season in explanation of his commitment, his craft and his future.
Bryant compared himself to a plumber with a track record of fixing the toilet – a laborer who will get the job done again and again, one way or another, even if no one outside the business can truly grasp all that goes into him doing it.
"If my toilet is jammed up and this guy has a track record of fixing the toilet, I'm not going to come in and say, 'He can't do it,' because I don't know how he's going to do it," Bryant said. "I just know he does it. The (stuff) is gonna get done."
Posted by: justanothermambafan | November 09, 2009 at 10:35 AM
I guess KB's beautiful (can't think of a better adjective) post-up game has dashed Lakertom's dream of a Tiple Tower lineup.
Posted by: The Snake | November 09, 2009 at 10:46 AM
Very nice game, we played better in all categories and brought the W.
You know it is going to be Lakers' day when Farmar and LO make all their FTs and Luke hits THREE 3-ptrs. The offense flow was very smooth, there were no dirty hoists or awkward passes (save for one possession in which Farmar hoisted one in 4 sec)
The way the bench played in the 1st five games, I had commented that our team is just starters + garbage players. But yesterday I had to eat my words. Bench played real good, and even built the lead when starters were out. At the end we played real lousy, with TOs - but by then the game was sealed. Only 12 TOs for the entire game, and Kobe doing almost half of those(5)
LO's poor shooting continues for the past two games, but he compensated that by NOT air-balling his FTs :-) Kobe's mid-range Js and fadeaways are falling as if the rim is 6 ft wide!!
Mbenga did a great schooling for AB on the defensive end. Good rebounding, and no silly fouls, and FOUR blocks. I hope AB did learn something looking at him from the bench. Our 3rd string/fill-in center gets TWENTY FIVE Rebs in just two games he starts, which is very impressive. (Our anointed "next great Lakers' center" made ONE Reb in an ENTIRE game!!)
Suns are burning their opponents, let us take them school and get a big W on Thursday.
Posted by: Kobefan in Cupertino | November 09, 2009 at 10:55 AM
justanothermambafan,
"JonK - what's the news out of LA? Any offers? Any takers?"
I'll know more this week. I'm keeping my prayers going.
What do we play for? RINGS!!!!
Lakers Today... Lakers Tomorrow... Lakers Forever.
GO LAKERS!!!
Posted by: Jon K. | November 09, 2009 at 11:34 AM
As a big Chris Paul fan I hate to see a competitor of his caliber languishing on a mid-level team. I felt the saem way about Kobe during the aborted Rudy T experiment.
I wonder how motivated to stay he'll be. He's extremely loyal to the New Orleans community and to the team, but as a top level NBA talent I'm sure the money isn't the issue. It's the winning, or lack thereof.
Someone stands to sign an exceptional talent in 2012 when Paul is free from his contract. I wouldn't be surprsied to see him move on at that time, barring something miraculous. I'm pretty sure that New Orleans isn't going anywhere near the 2010 action because they could use Chris Bosh to team with David West and have Okafor solidify their bench. They could also be in the running to sign Farmar in the off season because they already run a system suited to a smaller, quicker guard.
It's amazing how quickly a teams fortunes can change in the NBA, it makes me stop and acknowledge, yet again, the masterful job Mitch and the Front Office have done in resurrecting the Lakers in such a short window.
As far as the game went, it was nice to see Sasha, AMMO, and Luke play some solid minutes. Like Ron with the Mob and when LO becomes a staple there, we can expect AMMO to play scant minutes as well as see a reduction in time for Luke.
Shannon Brown is making believers out of everyone, what a dash of confidence did for that young fellah! Dang.
Posted by: Jamie Sweet | November 09, 2009 at 11:57 AM
Actually, Mamba24, I think Bryant would be good in front of "rabid lakers fans" or in an empty gym. As long as he is playing hoops, and competing, it doesn't matter. The spoils go to the players. It's nice that fans can go and watch, or watch on TV, but........I just don't buy that. I don't think Bryant NEEDS you guys to be great. Whether you need him, or not, is a totally different story, and one your therapist can help you with....:)
Ok - Isaiah - NO, I don't miss Mr. Thomas. He was a great player, yes, but 2 things turned me off:
1. That STUPID kiss he had to give Magic before tipoff
2. He never took ownership for blowing that game in Boston. We all saw, it was totally his fault, and he did not acknowledge it at all. Just like last year, when jackson threw Ariza under the bus after that loss. "Trevor didn't know how many timeouts we had!" Ah, hello, Phil, Trevor is not the coach, that is YOUR job - to make sure he knows. Lost what little respect I had for Phil on that play, which is why he will always be - Phoney Phil to me.
btw- I believe that was part of the reason Trevor left!!
Posted by: Giant Green Bald-Headed Lunatic | November 09, 2009 at 12:31 PM