Caught in the Web: Detailing how the Lakers are shaping up in training camp
--The Times' Broderick Turner explains how Lakers forward Lamar Odom is the team's handy man.
--The Orange County Register's Kevin Ding has the details on the Lakers' trip to London and Barcelona.
--ESPN Los Angeles' Andy Kamenetzky sticks up for Andrew Bynum.
--NBA.com's Scott Howard-Cooper argues that Bynum should have undergone surgery earlier.
--Ball Don't Lie's Trey Kerby takes a look at Sasha Vujacic's denim line.
--ESPN Los Angeles' Dave McMenamin explains how Vujacic has looked good in training camp thus far.
--The Orange County Register's Jeff Miller looks at how Derrick Caracter is fitting in with the Lakers.
--The Daily News' Elliott Teaford sizes up how Vujacic will fit in the rotation.
--Lakers.com's Mike Trudell explains why Phil Jackson would like to have longer practices.
--Silver Screen and Roll's Gil Meriken breaks down Theo Ratliff's game.
--Forum Blue and Gold's Darius Soriano argues that the Lakers will be able to absorb Bynum's absence.
--Lakers of Fire's Garrett Wilson explains what Ratliff could provide in Bynum's absence.
Tweet of the Day: "S.Blake and D.Ebanks dived to the floor to wrestle for a loose ball today. Two hungry players looking for 1st ring, helping team get 3rd" -- mcten (ESPN Los Angeles' Dave McMenamin)
Reader Comment of the Day: "You always need a Sasha in your team, when things are not going right, an opposing player is dominating the game, here comes Sasha. He will change the dynamics of the evening with his irritating body contact on your face, it's sort of annoyance and when he is called foul, he will give an innocent face: "what me?.'" -- Edwin Gueco
-- Mark Medina
Twitter.com/latmedina
E-mail the Lakers blog at mgmedin@gmail.com
Photo: Kobe Bryant flips a basketball behind his back as he is videotaped during Lakers media day at the Toyota Sports Center on Saturday. Credit: Robert Gauthier/Los Angeles Times
Why are the bad guys in soap operas always named Stepheno? Does anyone know the history of this name? Is it a New York thing? I've never come across a Stepheno in my life but it has to register with someone and I assume it's the writers for these NY based shows. I think Alec Baldwin had a skit on SNL mentioning that name.
Anyone know?
Wes
Posted by: wes | September 29, 2010 at 11:53 AM
Love, love LOVE that the rooks are hungry and humble. Love how Blake is picking up the offense. Love that LO is feeling good after his summer!
LOVE this team!
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: longtimelakerlover | September 29, 2010 at 12:10 PM
Hey just a suggestion and I realize this is back a few threads. But in the thread yesterday asking for your favorite Ron Artest off-season moments, feel free to provide the answer to another question I put in the post: "How is Matt Barnes tough?" I made note that Ron featured this on Twitter and I thought it'd be a cool contest, to which I could show some of the best ones to Ron and Matt and see what they think about them.
MM
Posted by: Mark Medina | September 29, 2010 at 12:23 PM
@LROB… Lamar is our Handy Man?
How about James Taylor covering Jimmy Jones:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gIyO15ZN7T8
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
TOM
Posted by: LakerTom | September 29, 2010 at 12:32 PM
Repost to answer:
@ART… Sometimes I think that all music is just reruns and variations on the greats from the 60’s and 70’s. I mean who today can even hold a candle to Bob Dylan, Joni Mitchell, the Beatles, the Boss, or Rolling Stones? And who today will be listened to and still worshipped 50 years later? Maybe U2 but not many more IMO.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
TOM
LT - I would like to submit these artists for consideration as memorable bands in the future
Nirvana
Pearl Jam
Radiohead
Beastie Boys
Sublime
Posted by: Cap's Goggles | September 29, 2010 at 12:41 PM
LT,
Good list, and I could easily add 10 more onto it.
They were like the founding fathers, Jefferson, Washington, Adams, etc.
If I were stranded on an island and could pick the music of only one artist to have with me, it would be the Beatles. I could probably sing nearly all of their songs with the lyrics being provided. Now, if I only I could sing well enough so that it didn't scare even my dogs.
Posted by: Art - FL Laker Fan | September 29, 2010 at 01:14 PM
MM:
What happened to freedom of speech? My post was deleted and had no foul remark other than a factual quote. Legally speaking my post was well within legal bounds.
Posted by: Old Hippy | September 29, 2010 at 01:21 PM
Wow. Anyone remember this song? This was on the Starbucks coffee-folk tape back in 1997-98 that both workers and customerrs had access to. I don't know where it came from, but it reminds me of some really good times.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w28ZREQe3_Q
Wes
Posted by: wes | September 29, 2010 at 01:32 PM
Art FL Laker Fan,
Here is your link to the Beatles and practice these songs or put this link under your favorites.
http://www.bing.com/videos/search?q=The+Beatles+music+vid&FORM=MFEVID&PUBL=Google&CREA=userid1743e782b3abeb931b6ba501fc1c14c454bac#
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | September 29, 2010 at 01:36 PM
My list of artists who withstand the test of time:
Nirvana
Beatles
Rolling Stones
Radiohead
Springsteen
Depeche Mode
Posted by: Rick Friedman | September 29, 2010 at 01:36 PM
Art - but think of all the rescue parties your singing would attract.
I think there's truly great music in every period of time, but I find the 60's (mid to later half particularly and into say '73) had a less financial (for the musicians) outlook and more brotherhood response. Great players would jam with great players a lot more for the sheer love of each others' music. Sgt. Pepper comes out and two days later Jimi is playing his version onstage. Guys would show up at each others' gigs and sit in. Lot more of that then.
Pockets occur (Minneapolis, Athens, GA, Northwest, etc.) over the years, but in the later 60's EVERYONE jammed with everyone and always played on each others albums gratis and no egos (other than trying to be good). The complete opposite of the Heat. (Boy, did I turn that back to basketball or what?)
Posted by: 63 Footer | September 29, 2010 at 01:40 PM
What's scary tough about Matt Barnes is he once won a Halloween costume contest.
What's scary tough about that?
He wasn't wearing a costume.
He took off his shirt, flexed his muscles like the 'Incredible Hulk' and growled.
2 out of the 3 judges voted for him as the winner, while the 3rd ran away screaming.
Posted by: Fatty | September 29, 2010 at 01:46 PM
Edwin,
I had a misprint, I meant to say I could sing most of them 'without' needing the written lyrics, but thanks for the cool link.
63,
Rescue parties, heck, if there were any animals on the island and they heard me singing they would eat me. But then, they might anyway, but that would make it happen sooner.
Nice conversion from music to BB.
The Travelin Wilburys were sure a nice reunion of artists.
Wes,
Enjoyed that song, never heard of it or her before.
Posted by: Art - FL Laker Fan | September 29, 2010 at 01:54 PM
Why do you post LA Times links on the 'caught in the web'? How do you think we get to this link? we see all the others and once we are done with what the LA Times has to give us, in terms of Laker news, we click on this link to hopefully be pointed in another direction elsewhere on the web. Get off your @$$ and do a better job!
Posted by: StopBeingLazy | September 29, 2010 at 01:55 PM
What's tough about Matt Barnes?
Kobe wanted him on the Lakers.
Posted by: Art - FL Laker Fan | September 29, 2010 at 01:57 PM
The multiple handle struck again. He wants Laker news instead of music memories....
Lakers practice today on a closed door because it is hot and humid outside. What more do you want to know? There's SigAlert on 57 and 405, don't use those freeways.
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | September 29, 2010 at 02:09 PM
There is physically tough, mentally tough, scary tough, tough as nails tough, but with Ron Artest, there's 'crazy tough'.
What's 'crazy tough' about Ron Artest?
Its not that he talks to his Tattoo's, but he claims they talk back to him.
Watch him during a game always mumbling and talking away. That's not directed to his team mates, nor opposing players most of the time, its his Tattoo's.
He even has names for some of them. "Hannabil" is the one that scares opposing players the most.
"Don't you be talking about his Liver that way, that's not nice!"....."I told you, you should've eaten before the game!"......."Okay, if you shut up, I'll give you some 'Buffalo Fingers' when we get home"
Posted by: Fatty | September 29, 2010 at 02:11 PM
@LakerTom - I still remember the "What's Happening" episode in which Dwayne performed "Handy Man" in front of his class! KAMA-KAMA-KAMA-KAMA-KA-KAMA! YEAH! YEAH! YEAH!
Had me ROTFLMAO when I was a kid and ROTFLMAO thinking about it now!
Posted by: utzworld - THE BANNER HOLDER | September 29, 2010 at 02:12 PM
Okay, on the music front, top this, ha, ha. My wife and I went to see the Stones and The McGuire Sisters within a month or so of each other. I honestly can't tell you which we enjoyed the most! Funny story at The McGuire Sisters. We were kinda the older at the Stones and way younger at McGuires. We were sitting at a table with several older (elderly) ladies. It was in 1989 when Compact Discs were starting to show up. I asked them if the Sisters had any CD's? They said," oh, I'm sure honey, they made a lot of money in the 50's!" It was hilarious!
Posted by: D(erek)J(eter) | September 29, 2010 at 02:16 PM
There is physically tough, mentally tough, scary tough, tough as nails tough, but with Ron Artest, there's 'crazy tough'.
What's 'crazy tough' about Ron Artest?
Its not that he talks to his Tattoo's, but he claims they talk back to him.
Watch him during a game always mumbling and talking away. That's not directed to his team mates, nor opposing players most of the time, its his Tattoo's.
He even has names for some of them. "Hannabil" is the one that scares opposing players the most.
"Don't you be talking about his Liver that way, that's not nice!"....."I told you, you should've eaten before the game!"......."Okay, if you shut up, I'll give you some 'Buffalo Fingers' when we get home"
Posted by: Fatty | September 29, 2010 at 02:17 PM
Matt Barnes is so tough that if by some incredible space-time paradox he could ever fight himself, he would win.
Matt Barnes is so tough that if he ever endorsed a brand of toilet paper, it wouldn't take s**t from anybody.
Matt Barnes is so tough that Superman wears Matt Barnes pajamas!
Posted by: 63 Footer | September 29, 2010 at 02:25 PM
When Matt Barnes looks in the mirror he scares himself.
When he walks through the neighborhood pit bulls and rottweilers run away.
Posted by: Art - FL Laker Fan | September 29, 2010 at 02:34 PM
Chuck Norris' real name was Matt Barnes. Once our Matt Barnes was born, the original name was changed to Chuck Norris to avoid any violent confrontations in the future.
Matt Barnes ate a bowl of Kryptonite for breakfast this morning.
Matt Barnes doesn't use toilet paper. He uses 60 grit sand paper and battery acid.
If Matt Barnes was able to fight himself, they would both win because they would beat up everyone else.
DBDH!
TITLE HEAVEN IN 2011!
Posted by: Don't Blame Del Harris! | September 29, 2010 at 02:40 PM
Dear Laker Fans of Machine,
Nobody on Laker team as tough as Machine!!! Please do not let perfectly groomed eyebrows and velvet hairband of Machine fool you.
Machine also like to say "you are welcome" to all Laker fans of Machine for making most clutch free throws in history of NBA.
Machine also also like to announce new sexy jeans designed by none other than Machine. Machine think jeans are bit baggy for Machine's taste, but either way, Machine look sexy. Machine ask all Laker fans of Machine to please buy jeans of Machine. Picture of jeans of Machine is attached:
http://www.zappos.com/mavi-jeans-sasha-in-used-istanbul-used-istanbul?channel=4&mr:referralID=adabdfc9-cc11-11df-ad8e-001b2166c62d
Sincerely,
SASHA V.
Posted by: SASHA V. | September 29, 2010 at 02:45 PM
Darth Vader once asked Matt Barnes for Force advice.
Matt Barnes wakes the sun up before sunrise.
Matt Barnes was once featured in an episode of "World's Wildest Police Chases"... for the entire episode.
Matt Barnes checked into the Hotel California... and he DID leave.
The Dos Equis guy is Matt Barnes' wingman... on Tuesdays.
Matt Barnes fought Bruce Leroy and Sho'Nuff at the same time. He lost the first time on purpose because he thought the second fight would be more entertaining.
Matt Barnes can cut Wolverine's claws... with his goatee.
Matt Barnes' reputation precedes him because it is too scared to arrive at the same time.
Matt Barnes has no shadow. He refuses to be overshadowed.
DBDH!
Posted by: Don't Blame Del Harris! | September 29, 2010 at 02:49 PM
Matt Barnes is so tough, he:
makes onions cry
can delete the Recycle Bin.
can build a snowman..... out of rain.
can strangle you with a cordless phone.
can drown a fish.
he enters a room, and doesn't turn the
lights on, but turns the dark off.
he doesn't need to dodge bullets - Bullets dodge Matt Barnes
can do a wheelie on a unicycle.
can kill two stones with one bird.
There is no such thing as global warming. Matt was cold, so he turned the sun up.
he can watch "60 Minutes" in 20 Minutes.
Outer space exists because its afraid to be on the same planet with Matt Barnes
has counted to infinity--twice.
doesn't wear a watch, HE decides what time it is.
once ate an entire bottle of sleeping pills - they made him blink.
can slam a revolving door.
can divide by zero.
is the only man to ever defeat a brick wall in a game of tennis.
ordered a Big Mac at Burger King, and got it.
Posted by: any_one_mouse | September 29, 2010 at 02:52 PM
I'm not sure I like this Bynum moratorium. :)
Posted by: KobeMVP888 | September 29, 2010 at 02:58 PM
Matt Barnes defeated Super Mario Bros... while playing Donkey Kong.
DBDH!
Posted by: Don't Blame Del Harris! | September 29, 2010 at 03:03 PM
Laker Tom, with all due respect to the great James Taylor, and for as much as I love his cover version, Del Shannon recorded the definitive version of "Handy Man" - and this goes out to both Lamar Odom and Steve Blake!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jAamFAuEw8c
Posted by: Jefe101 | September 29, 2010 at 03:07 PM
MM is worse than yelp. He takes down any post critical of his lazy posts.
Posted by: MM is a lazy bum | September 29, 2010 at 03:07 PM
Old Hippy -MM is really bias with comments that's are not from the regulars on this blog they get plenty of lead way. The TROLL COP, no matter if you're in compliance with the rules. Mr big BAD moderator....OH, I might get BAND.
GO HEAT
Posted by: JUSTA HATER | September 29, 2010 at 03:25 PM
@CAP’S GOGGLES… Nice additions. Like them all, especially Pearl Jam. Been a long time Eddie Vetter fan. Here was my Valentine song this year for Mrs. LakerTom: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kuq7RYQ8Wa0
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
@DJ… Concerts give life to some of the craziest stories. I remember Mrs. LakerTom and I going to an Elvis Costello concert and he played a couple of songs from the Beatles. There were four young girls sitting in front of us and I swear to God one of the girls turned to the others and said “Who are the Beatles?” That was one of the first moments when I felt my age, sort of like watching you hit below .300. LOL. Go, Yankees.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
DBDH… ROFLMAO… “Chuck Norris real name was Matt Barnes.” Too funny, man. You are on a great role.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
KOBEMVP888…. “I'm not sure I like this Bynum moratorium. :)” LOL. Think of it as a preliminary injunction or temporary restraining order. Mrs. LakerTom asked why I seemed so happy. I told her basketball season was finally here and Kenny just cashed my retainer check so I no longer have to fend off the Bynum Bashers by myself. Of course, the Bynum Bashers have counsel too. Only problem is that is pro bono legal aid.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
JEFE101… My bad. Until I get my Google implant, you guys will just have to bear with me. When I was thinking of the song, what kept going through my mind was Del Shannon’s version. I almost didn’t post the James Taylor version because for some reason it didn’t seem right – too slow. Thanks to you, now I know why. Here it is: http://il.youtube.com/watch?v=jAamFAuEw8c&feature=related
And speaking of Del, who could not love this one: http://il.youtube.com/watch?v=8TLLcvWeiKw
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
TOM
Posted by: LakerTom | September 29, 2010 at 03:28 PM
I'm not sure I like this Bynum moratorium. :)
Posted by: KobeMVP888 | September 29, 2010 at 02:58 PM
==================
Best to enjoy it while you can. When Drew gets back and probably long before that it will start again. By mid season we'll be knee deep in it, anyway, enjoy it while you can.
Posted by: Art - FL Laker Fan | September 29, 2010 at 03:46 PM