Lakers' Shannon Brown humbled to be in NBA dunk contest
Amid the weekend speculation that Lakers guard Shannon Brown would be part of the NBA dunk contest, he had already brainstormed ideas.
He insists he didn't practice any of them, however. Nor did he allow himself to get too carried away. After all, there are regular-season games to be played.
"From the first time people started speculating and started saying I should be in the dunk contest, my brain got to working a little bit in what I think I should do," Brown said. "I’ve been thinking about it a little bit but I’ve been trying to focus on the team also."
He showcased that delicate balancing act on Monday before the Lakers' eventual 98-92 victory over the Orlando Magic. Earlier in the day, the league officially named him one of the dunk candidates, and he had no problem chatting a full 10 minutes before the game about topics ranging from the dunk contest, his undisclosed ideas, his own development on the court and the team's upcoming eight consecutive road games. Brown followed that up with a career-high 22 points against the Magic.
"Those are some of the things that happen and responsibilities to a man who’s very diligent about his work," Lakers Coach Phil Jackson said. "He puts in the effort and it’s paying off for him."
And to think, Brown, 24, had just joined his fourth NBA team in four years when the Lakers acquired him last season, along with Adam Morrison, for Vladimir Radmanovic. Since then, Brown has become a fan favorite for his acrobatic dunks, with the website LetShannonDunk.com documenting them, and impressing the Lakers enough to sign him to a two-year, $4.2-million contract before the season began.
There was the dunk over Denver's Chris "Birdman" Andersen in last year's Western Conference finals. There was the "posterizing" against former Golden State center Mikki Moore. And there will probably be another YouTube hit Feb. 13 at Dallas' American Airlines Center, where Brown will compete in the dunk contest All-Star weekend against New York Knicks guard Nate Robinson, Charlotte Bobcats forward Gerald Wallace and the winner of a "dunk-in" between Clippers guard Eric Gordon and Toronto Raptors forward DeMar DeRozan, a former USC standout. He already has experience to draw from, competing in the McDonald's All-American high school dunk contest in 2003 against the likes of LeBron James, Von Wafer and J.R. Giddens.
"I’m on to the drawing board now," Brown said. "I got a couple ideas in my head and I don’t want to give them away."
Brown agreed with a reporter's assessment that he is almost like a "historian" on the slam-dunk contest. He shot down the suggestion to dunk over Orlando Magic center Dwight Howard because Robinson already performed that feat last year. He ticked off memorable dunk performances, such as the classic 1988 showdown between Michael Jordan and Dominique Wilkins, the 1997 contest featuring Kobe Bryant's between-the-legs slam and the 2000 competition featuring Vince Carter's 360-degree windmill dunk. And he said he's going to rewatch all the past dunk contests, scouring for ideas and analyzing technique.
That student-like approach to the game is why Jackson said he's willing to watch this year's contest when normally he doesn't. Jackson frequently mentioned the words "opportunity" and "maturity" when describing Brown's development.
Playing on a bench unit that's often been criticized for its inconsistency, Brown has remained the reliable option. He also led the Lakers with 19 points in last week's win against the Milwaukee Bucks, just two games after replacing a struggling Derek Fisher against the Clippers and posting 15 points. The day after Ron Artest suffered a Christmas night concussion, Brown locked in on Sacramento guard Tyreke Evans and scored 15 points in 28 minutes off the bench.
"I’m happy for him because he works extremely hard at his game," Bryant said. "We know what to expect from him. He puts in the work and it’s great to see guys get rewarded when they put the work in."
Brown hopes his career-high Monday night and his dunk contest nomination are just the beginning.
"I’m trying to get better every day. As a person. As a basketball player. As a man. As everything. I think I have a great foundation around me that’s helping me do that."
-- Mark Medina
Follow the L.A. Times Lakers blog on Twitter. E-mail the Lakers blog at mgmedin@gmail.com
Photo: Lakers guard Shannon Brown was named to the NBA dunk contest. Credit: Luis Sinco / Los Angeles Times.
It would be nice to have Shannon play 35 minutes and give him a real chance! He seems to have proven himself time and again to deserve it.
Posted by: DJ | January 19, 2010 at 06:22 PM
If Phil's there, everyone should be
Posted by: Pblaze | January 19, 2010 at 06:27 PM
Posted by: Caliphilosopher
How many times have we heard Nine Rings saying he wants Bynumb to concentrate on defense.
Posted by: Troll Man | January 19, 2010 at 03:55 PM
Actually, that would be 10 rings, which is 10 more than you have. Get your facts straight before you start troll-ing here.
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My Bad Caliphilosopher, I had a flashback from last year, but If you want to get technical, Phil actually has 12 rings... 2 as a player and 10 as a coach.
Your time might be better spent arguing the pros and cons of trading Bynumb.
I could argue that you have no reply to refute my stance against Bynumb so you have to try to discredit me for a minor error.
Shame Shame Caliphilosopher, Bring something better to the table, some facts perhaps that pertain to Why Bynumb should stay.
Noah Noah Noah.. Save us from the 3 year Bynumb flood.
Posted by: Troll Man | January 19, 2010 at 06:55 PM
Shannon Brown is the future.
He's a good Laker.
What do we play for? RINGS!!!!
Lakers Today... Lakers Tomorrow... Lakers Forever.
GO LAKERS!!!
Posted by: Jon K. | January 19, 2010 at 06:57 PM
Congrat Shannon
I'm hearing what sounds like a lot of excuses for Bynumb
1. There's not enough rebounds to go around
2. He hasn't fully recovered from his knee injury
3. If he got the ball more, he would score more
4. If he got the ball more, he would play better defense
5. If he got the ball more, he would hustle more
6. If he got the ball more, he'd be an All-Star
7. He has an upper respiratory problem
8. He has the flu
9. He's only 22 years old
10. PJ is stifling his progess
11. Kobe is stifling his progess
12. Pau is stifling his progress
13. The refs keep calling fouls on him that aren't really fouls
14. When Jordan and Shannon come in they ignore him
Noah Noah Noah... Save us from the 3 year Bynumb flood
Posted by: Troll Man | January 19, 2010 at 06:59 PM
Jon K
Totally agree. Shannon's a great Laker. A long term keeper. Nothin' but upside as he gets more experience / confidence.
His runnin' mate is also playin' his way into a contract.
Posted by: VMan | January 19, 2010 at 07:14 PM
Though I go by Troll Man, I am actually not a troll. Been blogging here for 3 years now and ultimately decided to use Troll Man (after many other names)because of some of the assumptions of you so-called Laker fans that "true fans never second guess the coach, players, or management."
I will call out Nine Ten Twelve Rings, Kobe, Lamar, Fish et al when I feel compelled to do so.
Others who feel the need to never criticize have a right to their opinion. But if the Lamar Anthem needs to be republished during the course of the season, or if Kobe decides to jack up another 37 shots in a game, or if Fish gets burned again and again and shoots 1-10. I will point it out.
If Fish has one good game in 10 and all of a sudden some of you are singing his praises... I will be the one to point out how ridiculous your extolments are.
So keep up with your weak arguments, who wants an "everything is coming up roses" blog anyway?
Noah Noah Noah... Save us from the 3 year Bynumb flood
Posted by: Troll Man | January 19, 2010 at 07:22 PM
@John Jay
no way that Kobe sits down. It does not seem to be part of his DNA, how he is wired. He is ultra oober competitive, and will step on the court regardless of pain if he thinks he can contribute. It is sort of the good with the bad - the same qualities that result in his being the best ever is that same quality that obviates any chance he doesnt lace them up, if he can.
Only way Kobe ever sits is if PJ doesn't play him, or convinces him not to play - don't see that happening.
Doug
Posted by: Doug | January 19, 2010 at 07:38 PM
MARK MEDINA,
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I have a simple idea that can add purple and gold color and feel to the site without any major change. There was an experiment a few months ago where each comment was assigned a small icon with an abstract design. I propose you reinstate the icons but instead of an abstract design, get a set of icons that are images of current and former Lakers players. The icons were assigned to email addresses, which means it would be easy to allow bloggers to request any specific icon, e.g. Kobe, Pau, Shaq, Wilt, Magic, etc. The technology is already in place. All you need is to put together a portfolio of Laker icons and a procedure whereby posters can request a specific icon for their email address.
Do this and you will win the adoration of everyone on the blog and accomplish something the Kam
Bros could never get done. Go for it. It’s a sure fire winner.
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BENJAMIN,
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Excellent post. I too thought that Drew played fine. I loved how he put the ball on the floor and drove right on Dwight the very first play. And the block by Howard was clearly on the way down. The foul call on the slight bump on Barnes drive for his second foul was the kind of call that makes you cringe. Drew also had a couple of blocks, including a great stuff of Barnes. All in 22 minutes.
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I didn’t know Drew was sick the second half. I just thought Phil changed his spots for once and was staying with a hot hand. Pau really does a great job bothering Dwight with his quickness, a point that Staples made in his superb post defending Drew. How ironic for Staples, whom I respect greatly, to be classified as an LT follower. There are no leaders and followers here – just die hard Lakers fans.
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Great to see Shannon get into the dunk contest and to celebrate with a superb performance. Game ball in my mind, however, has to go to Jordan Farmar, whose 9-0 run broke the game wide open. That defense was accelerant that rocketed Jordan made it even better. The speed combo of Brown and Farmar is becoming a valuable weapon. Now if they would just pass the ball to Drew and Paul. Kevin Ding’s latest article pointed out how much more important Jordan Farmar’s progress will be because Derek Fisher is going to fade and need to be replaced much sooner than Kobe Bryant. As I have long held, Ding understands clearly that Shannon Brown is not in the point guard competition.
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STAPLES,
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As I commented above, I loved your post about Drew and thought your defense was right on. I find it unbelievable that every Lakers fan is not totally thrilled to have Andrew Bynum in purple and gold. Reality is, however, that there definitely is a contingent, however small and inconsequential, that foolishly covers their eyes whenever Drew dominates, plug their ears when Kobe, Phil, or analysts praise Drew. I only wish they would wash their mouths from the vitriol and blatant hatred. Save that for the Celtics and Cavs.
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LAKERMIKE,
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Think your take on the Magic is right on. They lost a lot more than they thought with Hedo and, despite a good game last night, Dwight Howard is not looking like a franchise player, at least not in my opinion. Let’s see who is the better center in 3 to 5 years. Another thing about freakish physical talent in a big man is that it can disappear in a flash. Remember when Ben Wallace was a two-time
Defensive Player of the Year? Then all of a sudden he loses those hops and quickness and becomes an offensive liability. Not saying that that will happen to Dwight but for the long haul give me Drew’s height, length, footwork, soft hands, and great shooting touch. Baring injury, Drew should have the longer career and, in my opinion, the more successful.
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BRONXLAKERFAN,
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Drew did hold his own last night – just like Matsui and Damon and the Yankees. Isn’t it sweet being a double world champion. I’ve always pined to pull a triple but the Niners never seem to cooperate.
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Tom
Posted by: LakerTom | January 19, 2010 at 07:39 PM
Congrats Shannon!!!!!
No one can keep a good man down. It is very refreshing to see a guy so talented be so down to earth.
You have earned it... now GO GET IT!!
GOOOOOOOOLAKERS!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: Carlos DeeP | January 19, 2010 at 07:43 PM
For those who are still wondering why PJ is sticking with a 35-year old as his starting point guard need only look at the roster of his 10 championships. 9 out of 10 of his championship point guards were over 30!!!
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91 Bulls – Paxson – 31 years old
92 Bulls – Paxson -32
93 Bulls – Armstrong – 26
96 Bulls – Harper – 32
97 Bulls – Harper – 33
98 Bulls – Harper – 34
00 Lakers – Harper – 36
01 Lakers – Harper – 37
02 Lakers – Hunter – 31
09 Lakers – Fisher – 34
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The only 'anomaly' in this trend are the 93 Bulls, although Paxson’s replacement, 26 year old BJ Armstrong, by then already had 2 championship rings. When the 37-year old Harper was injured in 01, his replacement was a 33-year old Brian Shaw. And when Harper finally retired in 02, DFish did not get the starting PG position. After all, DFIsh was probably then considered too young at age 27.
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The only time that PJ entrusted the keys to the Rolls-Royce to a young PG was to a 24-year old Smush Parker in the 05-06 and 06-07 season. And we all know what happened in the Smush era. So, given his past success with older starting PG’s (and the lack thereof with younger ones) could you really fault PJ for sticking with 35-year old DFish?
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Poor JF. When DFish eventually retires, PJ will probably bring in another 30-something PG.
Posted by: The Snake | January 19, 2010 at 07:52 PM
Andrew Bynum reminds me alot of Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, jogging back on defense and barely getting off the floor.
Of course that's when he was 40+ years old.
Why is it so difficult for a person to hustle? I think if he would hustle, most of the Bynum Bashers would go away.
Most fans can forgive the learning process of a young potential All-Star Center, but no one should forgive Laziness, especially when you're making 41.5 million over the next 3 years.
Posted by: You Ever Notice ll | January 19, 2010 at 07:52 PM
First dunk over LO, advance, dunk over Pau, advance, then dunk over Bynum.
Only 11 rings actually. NY just gave him 1 for the '70 not for the '72.
Posted by: p ang | January 19, 2010 at 07:54 PM
Andrew Bynum reminds me alot of Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, jogging back on defense and barely getting off the floor.
...
Why is it so difficult for a person to hustle? I think if he would hustle, most of the Bynum Bashers would go away.
...
Posted by: You Ever Notice ll | January 19, 2010 at 07:52 PM
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Uh, because he plays as if he is carrying a Playboy bunny on his shoulder?
Posted by: The Snake | January 19, 2010 at 08:02 PM
Troll Man,
I'm a Laker fan and I'm a Clipper fan. I understand both mentalities. Ultimately there is a quest for excellence.
The Lakers are the best team in the NBA, by far.
The Clippers struggle for respect.
If this were a Clippers blog and you would post what you post (or what Yellofever or that cretin DFish posts), I would be okay with it. Why? Because it is acceptable for fans to expect their team to be excellent or at least be GOOD!!!
But, no. This is a Lakers blog. The most fricken dominant team in sports. You do not acknowledge that in the slightest. All you expect is simplicity. Something easy. Which makes you unworthy of the team you root for.
Struggle is what acheives Greatness. Nothing less. Nothing more. Overcoming struggle is built upon faith. Hope. Fortitude.
You understand nothing of these qualities.
You want simplicity.
You want a 82-0 season, each game won by a Kobe three-point shot at the buzzer to win the game.
That's not reality, nor is it a reality I ever want to be a part of.
To be a fan, it requires loyalty. It requires perseverence. It requires faith. It requires believing in something. Something visceral.
You've never been an athlete. You've never experienced the ecstatic thrill of victory. You've never cried when your heart has been broken when a victory has been stolen from you by the cold hand of fate.
Know that I see you and I look upon you with disdain.
What do we play for? RINGS!!!
Lakers Today... Lakers Tomorrow... Lakers Forever.
GO LAKERS!!!!
Posted by: Jon K. | January 19, 2010 at 08:08 PM
Wow, 5 threads in one day almost the same topic on Shannon. This is like being inundated by Ads until u memorize it.
In this racket, it's ticks, people keep coming back to read a new story from an old story that was quoted from the game yesterday. lol!
In media, it's rating like listening to Wolf Flitzer the situation room.
Well, we have also people here not tired of posting - trade Bynum , response don't trade Bynum. We do it over and over again in one day because we are all blind followers. What a waste in man hours!
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | January 19, 2010 at 08:12 PM
Hey Snake,
Fisher is 10 years past his prime. Paxson and Harper could still play !!!
Posted by: DFish | January 19, 2010 at 08:30 PM
Only 11 rings actually. NY just gave him 1 for the '70 not for the '72.
Posted by: p ang | January 19, 2010 at 07:54 PM
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11 is correct but PJ actually missed the '70 championship season due to spinal surgery and got a ring the '73 championship.
Posted by: The Snake | January 19, 2010 at 08:31 PM
Well, here's another opinion on the team. Brownie needs 35 minutes a game, if nothing else, to see if he's for REAL. Fish gives all he can, some nights, however, he needs to stop driving to the basket for lay-ups (kick it back out) because he gets stuffed 90% of the time. How about being a point guard? J-Kidd had 17 assists in Mavs last game. That's what we need. Bynum is a very good, skilled player, but may not ever be a true All-Star caliber player. He is really way too mild-mannered. And while I'm on the topic, why don't Pau and Andrew post up lower, like Howard does? Howard is successful partly because he sets up so low. Kobe, I hope he gets his finger healed as best possible and for all the Kobe critics, try wrapping your index finger (even without the pain) and trying shooting the rock. I just know that if I am going on the court needing to win one game, I want him on my side!
Posted by: DJ | January 19, 2010 at 08:45 PM
It really would have been nice to see Ariza and Brown together in purple and gold.
Posted by: Staples 24 | January 19, 2010 at 09:07 PM
IF ONLY Drew had Shannon Brown's attitude and perspective........coulda woulda shoulda:
"Those are some of the things that happen and responsibilities to a man who’s very diligent about his work," Lakers Coach Phil Jackson said. "He puts in the effort and it’s paying off for him."
With humility comes real success said famous amos!!
And I am a patient man..tik..tok..tik..tok
Posted by: lakerfan | January 19, 2010 at 09:10 PM
Jon K
How conceited and arrogant a person you are to think you can profile someone after reading a few blogs from.
But instead of setting you straight, I prefer to let you wallow in your ignorance as I get a good chuckle at your expense.
And you want to be taken seriously?
Seriously, is this how you respond? personal made-up attacks? (as I laugh even more heartily)
So paint any picture you may of me if it means you can feel disdain for me but most importantly if it means you can feel that much better about yourself
Posted by: Troll Man | January 19, 2010 at 09:11 PM
The Snake,
You the man!
Or is it "you the reptile"?
Posted by: p ang | January 19, 2010 at 09:13 PM
Troll-man - why do you keep saying "noah, noah, noah, save us from the Bynumb flood"? What does that mean? There's no evidence whatsoever that there's any Noah trade in the works and how does he "save us" from a true low post anchor? And why do we need to be saved, anyway? I kinda think we're doing a little better than the Bulls right now... they're 18 and 21 and we're leading the league? At any rate, Noah's a good energy player but I'd rather have him at the 4 and we already got Pau and Odom there.
Posted by: dave m | January 19, 2010 at 09:31 PM
What the @#$%$# is going on here? People are talking back to ghosts (posts) that aren't here.
Did I miss something?
Posted by: Marc Twane | January 19, 2010 at 10:08 PM
Hey Snake,
Fisher is 10 years past his prime. Paxson and Harper could still play !!!
Posted by: DFish | January 19, 2010 at 08:30 PM
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I totally agree, Fisher is past his prime, no argument. All I am saying is that PJ's history of success with veteran PG's does not favor Jordan getting the starting PG role this season.
Posted by: The Snake | January 19, 2010 at 10:14 PM
doesn't Phil also have a ring for coaching a CBA championship?
GO LAKERS !!!
Posted by: Floyd | January 19, 2010 at 10:23 PM
I hate to say it but I'm starting to miss the Celt trolls.
It's looks more and more like it's the Cavs will see in the finals. I can't even get up a good hate for the Cavs. Where's the fun in that? The Lakers will have to bring it on Thursday if they want to win. Cavs are still looking for respect and will be eager to prove that Christmas Day was no fluke. Lakes will have to play better than they did on MLK Day to win in Cleveland.
Posted by: Mark G (fka Mark) | January 19, 2010 at 11:08 PM
doesn't Phil also have a ring for coaching a CBA championship?
GO LAKERS !!!
Posted by: Floyd | January 19, 2010 at 10:23 PM
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1984 CBA Championship with the Albany Patroons.
Posted by: The Snake | January 19, 2010 at 11:19 PM
jonk aka sports fan god...
wow.. add that to another one of your patronizing over the top posts? i think you are definitely taking this laker player criticism business a bit too seriously my friend.
how are you any more of a fan than anybody else around here?? is that really what constitutes being a true sports fan to you?? and how does having more faith in a particular player or coach here make you a bigger fan than anybody else here?
we are ALL laker fans... and all fans are not created equal.. some are casual some diehard and most differ in degree of passion or liking.. some like player A some prefer player B or some even dislike player C... but ultimately we all have the same goal which is winning a ring and along the way we do not all have to share the same opinions.
so let me remind you again every fan is entitled to an opinion.. and btw being overly critical of a certain player does not equate to lacking loyalty as like to keep putting.
btw i'm not offended.. kinda beyond that point i think. haha
go lakers!
Posted by: yellofever | January 20, 2010 at 12:50 AM
picking on fisher being past his prime....ir's a team game, unless the "I" guy is on your team....as in "...there is no 'I' in team"....aka MJ....I'd focus on other weaknesses such as Sasha's erratic play, which seems to be leading to attitude change as his minutes drop, the continued uselessness of having the salary dump known as Morrison on the team, don't know about you, but, for all the guys making less than him, I'd be shaking my head....I know the salary guidelines...I think he has nothing to offer....would have been better to continiue last years start of project, Sun, at least he can dribble, pass, shoot...hey, I think that's called playing basketball, ....yeah, yeah, yeah, Morrison was a proven college player....that does us a lot now.....when he's on the floor, the team would probably be beaten by Gonzaga....shoulda stuck with Sun....
Posted by: humanomaly | January 20, 2010 at 02:16 AM
Finally coming up after intensive post reading.
Luckely I read thrice as faster as the average Joe.
Okay,
*alert for those who just don't care: LONG POST. Use scrolling at your disposal*
First thought is a HUGE shout out at Mamba24. Man I miss you and your Roll Call. It's just never the same without your glittering personality around here. Lotta love dear. :)
So, yesterday evening at 8 pm our Pay tv showed again the game. I had the pleasure to follow it again, and I call that pleasure cos the team commenting it was Federico BUffa + Flavio Tranquillo. Not only these two are enciclopedic about NBA, and every single player ever deserving a mention there, but they are two fellas who would do AMAZINGLY in this blog due to their overall culture, wit-factor, smartness, humour and at the right due time...*cruelty*.
Another factor: they worship Kobe as much as I do. And they have a slight soft spot for the Lakers. No, they're not us cos they don't trash PrincessJimmy, actually they praise him. But rarely overboard from right valuation to open admire. As I said, they are intelligent.
All this long opening was die cos it was interesting to see what they had to say about the Lakers again.
They said the Lakers "playing" are dominant. TRUE.
They said they think they are the only team who will approach the 65 or plus win this year.
They said Orlando minus Turkoglu is just a mess and still they have chances to be competitive during the playoffs.
They said the only team Lakers would truly mind as competitor in the Finals STILL the GreenEnemies. Cos by the time the series will be there, Lakers will past over Cavs unless Kobe truly isn't injuried for real. This even if we might end to lose again against Cavs tomorrow (remember.. we lost also twice against Orlando last year. No big deal. Truly.)
One last thing they said, that I loved, was that they (especially Buffa) love the way Kobe is playing as playmaker, due to his forced swiping out from the post for the well known injuries that blast him currently.
I start from this latest point (of course I agreed with them on every single point. I am amazed how much we think in synch. Which is why I taped the game in full to DVD even though as I expected the Kiss Cam didn't work it ALL that I wanted to see again.. argh ;)), cos it's valuable.
Given as an assured fact that Kobe won't EVER sit for entire games (he likes to be there and loves his streak of presences a lot. So like against San Antonio he will play maybe a few minutes only - he was DEAD that day, and still productive at a certain point - but he will surely play. Let's face it. He won't ever take time off for a surgery.
It's Kobe.
His lovers - and haters even - know he doesn't work like a champion merely. He works like an alien. Until he won't risk LIFE... seriously, he will never give up. I know some would love him to be less monolithic there but just realize all of his performances are coming from that kind of overhuman attitude. ALL that he is, all, comes out from the simple rule of the SuperZenHero: your mind owns your body. So you can do EVERYTHING your mind is focused at.
This hurts when we should just prefer him to switch off that attitude and rest. BUt it's not possible. And I prefer to have seen this attitude make us win for ages, and have to suffer anytime this same attitude risks to break him, rather than have a champion merely, and not a SuperHero to cheer and adore on court.
Life is never perfect.
So Kobe isn't.
But admit it... if you're a Laker fan, this "imperfect" version of him is absolutely fascinating and admirable... wonderous even. It's like reading a book you can't predict in its ending, even given all of the clues about. It's living poetry. EPIC poetry.
Well Kobe is a greta playmaker. Those who watch cold stats tend to never look at the game deeply. I had to yesterday and I saw many sceneries that I LOVED. Kobe was directing like Riccardo Muti his orchestrals and everyone was timing at him. Just look our players looking at him on court. It's so remarkable the way they rely on him even when he doesn't score. And that s what makes us awesome.
This is why a Kobe in a hospital just would result in a miss for us.
At a certain point, in the second quarter, Pau missed a defensive movement.
Kobe went to him and schooled him (I noticed it even in chat). That was not a yelling schooling. It was a peer to peer talk, but look at the way Pau was listening. Pau, an hell of a classy, amazing player, was listening to Kobe with gratefullness in his eye. The gratefullness of realizing THE GOD Kobe treats him like a peer.
Subsequent action: a Pau defensive gem.
Later Kobe himself did a wrong defensive move, and he looked exactly at Pau. He didn't need to get schooled (nobody could anyway dare...) cos Kobe Bryant knows before anyone else when he miss. When he fails. And he's his own worst basher for it. Result: a spin and a kniving penetration that saw him dribble and twist two Magics in row, with a grace and a power that seemed almost unreal (Buffa and Tranquillo ravished at that, even if his final passage was messed up by his teammate).
Final scene in this: a smirk by Pau to him and a hand shake.
To question Kobe in this team, even when he's far from being 100% is simply an excercise of futile nothingness. Cos all thathe provides on court to his teammates is beyond any of our reasoning and numbers. It's aprsence, a charisma, a spell that we can'tunderstand. Cos we never had the bless to play along him. That has to be... the ultimate team experience. He's like the mirror every player would like to face in front of them. Co9s he makes his teammate BETTER.
@Jess : I read you rate Pau above Kobe. Trust me.. nobody can love Pau more than me around here. But no way. No one is above Kobe. Exactly for all the reasons I tried to explain above. He's like... the philosophical stone of basketball, turning coil into gold around him, and gold into platinum.
@lakerfan... dunno what you've read to make you think so but I ma by NO means a Bynum worshipper, nor admirer. I am a truster in his skill, but I have always bashed down the guy when needed. I love him cos he's a Laker and I love all Lakers (even Garbage Vujacic, you know. Until kids wear our glorious sweater, even when I kick their asses, I LOVE them. End of it).
You are right though about the fact I deeply enjoy LakerTom's post, competence and fine writing. This doesn't make me a follower. But definitely I call myself an admirer of his.
Looks like on this blog many of you have the syndrome of College Hype Groups. Like... you know, you like to tip people and put them in boxes and put their boxes in a bigger box depending whom they like to talk with. Erm... grow up? I read everyone here and enjoy all of that. Then I have my preferences that come out from the way a concept that I might agree with comes off written. But I love also a good writing di per se, even when I might not agree with the concept at its basis. This won't ever make me a follower of anybody. I love to write and I love to read those who write well. I love when Caliphilosopher explains rules of Logic and I adore everyone quoting something that stays higher than a RealityShow material. I like this blog cos I can have lots of it here. But... following? Are we playing roles here? Don't think so. There are so many levels of interactions here that just don't cope with this kind of College Box System...
Anyway, Kobe as playmaker will be awesome until he won't feel himself fit again to attack the post and go for boards.
Yesterday you could see when he fell on court (and his liutenants Lamar and Pau quickly went in to lift him up gently avoiding to touch his plaster...) that everybody witnessing blanked out.
I actually expect the Crabs be dirty on him again tomorrow.
But I am not worried.
These 8 games will just make us grow.
Grow like we need it.
If Kobe can play half of each playoff game, and the people around him keep increasing their chemistry and experience THIS season, I don't fear anything.
GreenEnemies are in fact the only team that could rais in a final enough balls and talent to be a trouble for us. Never worried about Crabs. I won't not even if we go 4-4 on this road trip losing again to them. Their play won't be consistent in the Eastern Finals. They were way better lasyt year anyway f you ask me. Not seen much developing there honestly. So no worries.
To tell it all as it is, there is only one team I am worried majorly. The Thuggets. I always fear them. Always. And they're coming back. I predicted this at the start of the season. And stick with that. Thuggets know how to sting us poisoningly. But again, if we're as health as we need... no beef for cats. Sorry.
@hobbit... before I forget, I enjoyed enormously your posts about "worrying mode" spreading around and all that you've said about trades and bashing. I couldn't agree more.
Now let me congratulate again Shannon.
There's one couple of instant stills on him that I have from yesterday's game.
Talkin about Kobe's commanding way on court, that way that makes his teammates grow (and glow), at the last minutes of the game, after Shannon had so much proven and after he had a couple of amazing conclusions on great slides and passages, he went again on the FT line.
Kobe was right behind him. He whispered something in his ears and you could see Shannon's face struck. Satrstruck. He couldn't even watch Kobe directly, while on his face there was clear sign of gratefullness AND pride. Pride cos he clearly made the Mamba proud. That's an hell of an achievement. Then teh camera stayed a while more showing Kobe backing him and SMILING.
Kobe was smiling at Shannon.
There I saw (and in this I agree with those writing it prior to me) the same push that made Ariza become so valuable for us last year. Kobe used to smile at him too.
It's like.. graduation or something.
It's where I put my money on this year.
Go Shannon.
Posterize anyone on the dunk contest and please, please ... please: don't injury nor stretch yourself kiddy boy. We love you and we need you so MUCH.
Final note (wow... Dante will be happy with me... I wrote almost as extensively as him ;)): I know they are coloured so for a beautiful purpose but NO WAY.. the grey shoes gotta go. They're awful with our jerseys. AWFUL.
My refined visual taste had to reset itself anytime they were showing them off on court. Ewwww. No. No. NO.
Later fam ;)
Posted by: ZairaAmaterasu | January 20, 2010 at 02:34 AM
Link? Link? Maybe not. I'm the last one to shill for David Stern, but a lot of out-of-towners can get a 2nd half of the season subscription to League Pass for $99. Here's the scoop:
http://bit.ly/4WZX1Y
Just thought some of you might want to know.
Posted by: Rick Friedman | January 20, 2010 at 05:50 AM
Floyd,
"doesn't Phil also have a ring for coaching a CBA championship?"
He does... and I think he also game of horseshoes once too.
What do we play for? RINGS!!!!
Lakers Today... Lakers Tomorrow... Lakers Forever.
GO LAKERS!!!!
Posted by: Jon K. | January 20, 2010 at 05:57 AM
TROLL MAN,
Interesting stuff. I like it.
Posted by: troy | January 20, 2010 at 06:33 AM
I am uneasy about this road trip. Kobe is the heart and soul of this team. He is, as Reggie Jackson once said, the "straw that stirs the drink." And he is even more important on the road, against the best teams and on back to backs.
When the young players struggle on the road, when the less confident (everyone else in the world) falter, Kobe is there to pick the Lakers up.
But is Kobe up to it right now? How is the back? Can he shoot with the finger? This trip could be a very rough one if Kobe is too banged up to step up. I know he will try - he has the hugest heart in NBA history. The question is can he do it right now?
Tom Daniels
Posted by: Tom Daniels | January 20, 2010 at 06:47 AM
All I got to say about Bynum is that it's fine to want the ball but you need to realize that you're the 3rd option on offense at times on the floor. That is a great luxury for him. If he were the first option and they relied on him for the majority of their scoring what would happen to the young center on the off nights he has? He is good but he isn't good enough to take looks away from Kobe and Pau. I say make like Farmar & Shannon for now; get your looks off of scrap plays (ie: offense rebounds and fast breaks).
Posted by: John Morris | January 20, 2010 at 06:49 AM
If I have to read one more post screaming that the "sky is falling! We need to do ANYTHING we can to save us from the assured self-destruction at the hands of Bynum/Fisher!" I'm going to tear my hair out, mail myself in a box to Los Angeles and begin randomly hunting fairweather fans armed only with a plastic spork.
I mean, come on.
We've got the most successful franchise in sports with an owner willing to spend more than any other owner in the NBA with a coach who has 10 CHAMPIONSHIPS, a general manager that somehow managed to trade Kwame Brown for Pau Gasol, and lead by easily a top five player of ALL-TIME.
AND we've got the best record in the NBA.
But NOOOOOOO!!!!!
That's not good enough!
We've got to complain that the team is on the verge of self-destruction at the hands of a top 10 center in Andrew Bynum and/or four-time Champion, co-captain and character leader Derek Fisher.
It's just super-insanity-plus.
How would these people survive being a Memphis Grizzly fan or a Sacramento King fan? Would they just go completely postal at a game? I just don't get it.
Can you imagine going out with someone like this? I imagine it would be like spontaneously buying the person two dozen red roses and they'd respond, "Oh, that's nice, but I REALLY like pink roses best" as they put the flowers aside and walk away.
Urgh!!!
Anyhow, I can't wait to beat the Cavs tomorrow.
I will brave the slings and arrows of LeBroniacs as I access the magical powers of the lucky barstool! None can defeat!
What do we play for? RINGS!!!
Lakers Today... Lakers Tomorrow... Lakers Forever.
GO LAKERS!!!!
Posted by: Jon K. | January 20, 2010 at 06:52 AM
Fool's gold?
http://tinyurl.com/yl2xf6h
The journalistic exploits of Michael C. Teniente continue to echo throughout the well of eternity.
What do we play for? RINGS!!!
Lakers Today... Lakers Tomorrow... Lakers Forever.
GO LAKERS!!!
Posted by: Jon K. | January 20, 2010 at 07:03 AM
Mark G,
"I hate to say it but I'm starting to miss the Celt trolls."
Dude, why?
You'd really like to have a bunch of Celptics hanging out here? Really?
What do we play for? RINGS!!!
Lakers Today... Lakers Tomorrow... Lakers Forever.
GO LAKERS!!!
Posted by: Jon K. | January 20, 2010 at 07:05 AM
Shannon is quickly becoming one of my favorite athletes & Lakers. I love the way he quietly & effectively goes about his business, puts down his head and balls. He's got a great attitude about him, as much talent as he's been blessed with he realize that he must work hard at his game in order to succeed and for the Lakers to succeed. He is humble in interviews, he always downplays what he does. He's just got a nice way he goes about things.
I knew he was a great pickup when in his first interview after getting signed the smile wouldn't leave his face, he was so happy to be joining the Lakers. I for one would love to see him become a Laker for life, it will be thrilling to watch him blossom into a future star with the purple & gold. He is also allowing for a more seamless transition at PG from D-Fish, I'm sure that Shannon's play (& Jordan's too) has eased the minds of many Laker fans regarding the position.
GOOD LUCK IN THE SLAM DUNK CONTEST SHANNON, LET THE BEST DUNKER WIN ( & WE KNOW THAT IS YOU) !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: CyberCosmiX (aka the ORIGINAL LakerMike) | January 20, 2010 at 08:34 AM
ZairaAmaterasu - interesting post in how you picked up on Kobe's interaction with Shannon, his smiling at him and whispering in his ear. It seems hard to win Kobe's affection, it takes a dedication and work ethic, an unselfishness for the team cause and competitive fire. I see the way Kobe interacts with Pau, it is as an equal. Artest & Lamar too. He definitely has respect for D-Fish. It seems though the way he is interacting with Shannon, it's in a similar vein. I think that Kobe picks up in Shannon a commitment to the game, he seems to respect those that give 1000% and I think he sees that in Shannon. Great observation.
Posted by: CyberCosmiX (aka the ORIGINAL LakerMike) | January 20, 2010 at 08:42 AM
My Bad Caliphilosopher, I had a flashback from last year, but If you want to get technical, Phil actually has 12 rings... 2 as a player and 10 as a coach.
Your time might be better spent arguing the pros and cons of trading Bynumb.
I could argue that you have no reply to refute my stance against Bynumb so you have to try to discredit me for a minor error.
Shame Shame Caliphilosopher, Bring something better to the table, some facts perhaps that pertain to Why Bynumb should stay.
Noah Noah Noah.. Save us from the 3 year Bynumb flood.
Posted by: Troll Man | January 19, 2010 at 06:55 PM
A minor error? That's still an error, correct? If you want to try to troll, make sure that you bring it. So it wasn't made explicit that I was talking about th erings that PJ has as a coach. It seemed like you understood that, but for the sake of argument, we'll agree that PJ has 12 rings - which is even more than you have. Most importantly, he didn't get the 10 rings he has as a coach without knowing something about coaching.
Why should I try to debate a moot point (trading Bynum)? It doesn't matter what I think, nor does it really matter what you think either - the people running the lakers have much more experience with professional players than you do, and so discussing whether or not a player on the lakers should be traded is nothing more than a quasi-intellectual exercise.
As a fan, I prefer to support whoever happens to be on my team (as far as their basketball exploits go).
There is no shame in my game, much like their isn't in yours. The only difference is that (to use an analogy, just to be explicit for you) I'm playing chess while you're playing checkers.
Posted by: Caliphilosopher | January 20, 2010 at 09:40 AM
Jon - I read the Silver Screen and Roll post the other day and the fool's gold also struck me... but is that writer (Clark) actually Teniente or were you just riffing off the similarity? I thought the Rambis Dossier bit a few threads back might have been the work of Mike, has his stylistic fingerprints all over it and the writer hasn't yet denied it to my knowledge (both Edwin and I queried. At any rate, hope your barstool's fully powered up for the game against the Cavs, I think it's going to be a war.
Posted by: dave m | January 20, 2010 at 01:49 PM
TrollMan,
>>>Though I go by Troll Man, I am actually not a troll. Been blogging here for 3
>>>years now and ultimately decided to use Troll Man (after many other names)
Like KL Beast maybe?
Butler?
Mike T (which would explain why you hate Bynum so much)?
Red's Bastard Child?
Posted by: LongTimeLakerFan | January 21, 2010 at 09:00 AM
Snake,
>>>Poor JF. When DFish eventually retires, PJ will probably bring in another
>>>30-something PG.
So all Jordan has to do is hang around for another 7 years and then he can start. :-)
Posted by: LongTimeLakerFan | January 21, 2010 at 09:03 AM
P Ang,
>>>First dunk over LO, advance, dunk over Pau, advance, then dunk over Bynum.
No, no, no. Don't be so pedestrian...
Line up Lamar, Pau, and Bynum...
AND DUNK OVER ALL THREE OF THEM!!!!!!!
Posted by: LongTimeLakerFan | January 21, 2010 at 09:05 AM
Humanonly,
>>>.yeah, yeah, yeah, Morrison was a proven college player....that does us a lot
>>>now.....when he's on the floor, the team would probably be beaten by
>>>Gonzaga....shoulda stuck with Sun....
The one thing Morrison offers the Lakers that Sun didn't is insurance.
Or to be more accurate, Morrison's Expiring Contract. MEC is 5 million dollars of summer cap space in a year when that's extra extra golden. If one of the Lakers' big 5 (Kobe, Pau, Andrew, Lamar, Ron) goes down to injury that's going to take them out for awhile (or potentially the rest of the season), then 5+ million in expiring contract gives them an opportunity to plug the hole with someone better than Sasha or Powell or MBenga.
Sun's less than 1 million salary wouldn't have gotten them much. AmMo's 5 (possibly combined with other smaller contracts) could get them a solid backup at almost any position.
Posted by: LongTimeLakerFan | January 21, 2010 at 09:53 AM
ZairaAmaterasu ,
Wow! Someone who posts longer than I do!!!!!
:-)
Posted by: LongTimeLakerFan | January 21, 2010 at 09:56 AM