How is Phil Jackson celebrating his 65th birthday?
Talk about perfect timing. With eight days left before training camp begins for the Lakers, today marks Phil Jackson's 65th birthday, meaning it's more likely he'll celebrate it. It also serves as a tangible reminder of how fortunate Jackson has managed to overcome his health issues. Beyond the constant stress and fatigue that's worn on Jackson during the long and treacherous NBA season, he has had to monitor two hip replacements, withstand a chronically sore knee and periodically feeling bothered with kidney stones. As much as it's been a blessing for him to stay healthy, Jackson's competitive spirits surely is making him excited for the 2009-10 season. After all, that's what triggered him to reconsider his initial thought about retirement and come back for another season.
Below are a few ideas on what he might be doing
1. Jeanie Buss, the Lakers executive vice president and Jackson's girlfriend, tweeted him a Happy Birthday, and it's conceivable that the two are spending it together over a dinner and a movie. I can imagine after Buss buys Jackson dinner, he remarks, "I'm glad you're treating me to dinner. With the paycut your father made me take, I don't know if I could afford it."
2. Buss tweeted something else that the two might be enjoying on a relaxing day: "NBA TV having a Phil Jackson marathon. Check out 2002 Lakers vs. Nets final. Shaq free throws still kill me." This will prompt some mixed feelings. Jackson will wax nostalgia about the Lakers' three-peat and perhaps help him see applicable examples next season's team could follow to ensure another three-peat. But he'll also feel regret for how everything ended in the 2004 season, with both Shaq and Jackson leaving the team.
3. Birthdays are supposed to be a relaxing day, and there's no better coach that preaches that concept than Jackson. He goes through numerous sessions, involving meditation, massages, yoga and Pilates. It'll serve two purposes. It will relieve any worries from the external world, and it'll get him mentally prepared for the upcoming season.
4. Jackson customarily goes to Montana for the summer off-season. With eight days still away from training camp, there's no reason Jackson needs to ditch the quiet and picturesque confines of Montana for traffic congested and land deprived Los Angeles. It's going to be another day of hiking, swimming and fishing.
5. Jackson's already back to work. As much as he maintains an even keel and light-hearted attitude during the season, the Zen Master is insanely competitive.
--Mark Medina
E-mail the Lakers blog at mgmedin@gmail.com
Photo: Lakers Coach Phil Jackson Credit: Gabriel Bouys /AFP/Getty Images
KobeMVP888 - Elg was run & gun in his play, and as I said earlier, he could lock guys down, but his style was more to rebound and go. Slowdown, grind it out defense was not a Lakers specialty in those years (and many of the Laker head coaches wouldn't know a defense scheme if it bit them in the pine). Maybe "poor" was the wrong choice, and "unused" would have been better. He could block some shots too... it just wasn't what he "did."
Yup, Jerry had a painful playoffs & finals that year shooting-wise, and I still remember shots spinning around the rim not once, but twice, then popping out... but every other facet of his game (defense, assists, rebounds, leadership) was still stellar. It was ironic, but satisfying, as no one deserved a ring more.
Posted by: 63 Footer | September 18, 2010 at 07:36 AM
"KB Blitz: I think Shaq's awful performance, when SINGLE TEAMED, NO LESS, was the reason the Lakers lost in '04. "
Can you explain to me Shaq's awful performance?
O'Neal: 26ppg 63 FG% (17 FGA) vs Ben Wallace
Bryant: 22ppg 38 FG% (22 FGA) vs Tayshaun Prince
If you are talking about double teamed 1) Bryant was single covered by Prince most of the series and 2) Even if Bryant was doubled if a dude 63% was destroying a Ben Wallace you GIVE it to him. I bet if that was Bynum doing those numbers you would be questioning Bryant just as much!
Sorry for having a bit of tone but I thought it was common knowledge that you don't give a person who shoots 38% a break when someone is destroying a player for 63%. You argue so much about Bynum leading the league with a 63% so be consistent at least.
re: Then was the second option but a very damn good one. He was arguably the second and third. That being said if you are shooting like crap while the other is dominating............you get the picture.
re: Comparing me to LAKER TRUTH. Why? In fact he would disagree so much about it. We even disagree even about Bynum. Are you getting upset? Over that I think there are 2 better offensive options than Kobe as a perimeter player? Of course! Elgin averaged 37ppg and he had West with him who wasn't a shabby scorer as well.
re: Shooting 50%. Where was it in 05-06? Or in 02-03 or any other season?? You know a 1/4 of a season is equivalent to a 1/4 playoff run. It doesn't equal the whole banana! Where was it in 08-09 or even the playoffs? Why take one MONTH to judge a FG%? That is just as bad as using that only month to point out how good Bynum good instead of an entire playoff or season run. Explain why MAGIC had a better FG% despite being an perimeter player no less.
Jeez man calm down. You know why I don't like the excuse making especially about Bynum? It's because of arguments like that.
Posted by: KB Blitz | September 18, 2010 at 07:39 AM
KB Blitz
Here's another game where the frightening and dominating Dampier ate up Andrew Bynum. PLUS Dampier now has even MORE age and experience on him! You know the old adage, "Old age and treachery beats youth and skill every time!"
http://espn.go.com/nba/boxscore?gameId=281128013
Posted by: KobeMVP888 | September 18, 2010 at 07:34 AM
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Did I ever say that Dampier "owned" Bynum? I stated that a game the one earlier no less Dampier had a great rebounding game where he grabbed 12 offensive rebounds against Bynum no less. Of course Bynum would have a better game than Erick Dampier.
Of course I'm actually laughing that you compared Dampier to Bynum. I guess another pathetic attempt to defend Bynum when it was pointing out that Dampier has had good rebounding games against the Lakers.
Phil has noted that Rasheed Wallace has had good rebounding games against Shaq when Sheed was with the Jail blazers. Are you going to slander him and misconstrue it that he thinks Sheed owns Shaq?
Yea you get the thing whe the point was that Dampier would be a bigger factor that Malgoire since he would really just provide a bigger body to bang with Bynum/Gasol and still be a decent rebounder.
Posted by: KB Blitz | September 18, 2010 at 07:51 AM
Good morning people.
Just a quick hello before I go to work.
Hello.
Wes
Posted by: wes | September 18, 2010 at 07:52 AM
Oh since you mentioned it KobeMVP888 you are right "You know the old adage, "Old age and treachery beats youth and skill every time!".
That's why Kobe Bryant beat out Lebron James and Dwyane Wade despite being older and less of his prime the last two years!
I could mention Shaq vs Bynum but I won't go there since you would probably get upset and I don't mean Shaq vs Bynum career wise I mean last year.
Posted by: KB Blitz | September 18, 2010 at 08:00 AM
Mamba24, Didn't want to "out" you when you replied so kept quiet. Glad you're back, bro. Posted by: p ang | September 18, 2010 at 07:31 AM
**
Bless you my brother! Lol! I was just putting my foot in testing the waters so to speak. But...Yes, yes the waters fine so what the heck. Thanks bro. good to be back!
Mamba24/larrY
*
@KBBlitz; re the Other Chat site, If you are saying that you have conversations on the chat that were there but then disappeared. I plead guilty. I keep blowing it when i try to delete one line and instead delete an entire group and then in trying to make the conversatio look halfway sensible screw it up even more. My deepest apologies for any problems this may have caused. I told Magic Phil to take the delete attribute from my screen name. Again I'm so sorry my brother.
Posted by: mamba24 | September 18, 2010 at 08:27 AM
Good Morning NewMexico Laker , Yesssssss! It's good to be back. I came back because of LakerTom and...to assure you the Vikings will destroy Miami Sunday! After which the march to the SuperBowl will begin. You & your Husband don't lose faith. You ARE going to the Superbowl! After that it's up to Brett! Have a wonderful Lakers Week-end.
Posted by: mamba24 | September 18, 2010 at 08:31 AM
And a very good morning to 63 Footer and KobeMVP888. How are you gentleman doing on this wonderful Lakers weekend? Next weekend history begins to be made anew! And we sirs are priviledged to be part of this history making time. Oh Lord, it is so good being an unrecovered LakerHolic!!!
Posted by: mamba24 | September 18, 2010 at 08:35 AM
Weekend? What's a weekend? It's all work 24/7 (with brief Laker moments scattered through the day) for me.
Cannot wait for this season to start. With health (knock on wood), this could be one of the most enjoyable seasons evah. I see the possibilities for one of the finest team efforts on both sides of the ball (and am really looking forward to a defensive monster, hopefully). A lockdown on one side, and a nice flow on the other: that's all I ask. (And no injuries, knock on wood, of course.)
Posted by: 63 Footer | September 18, 2010 at 08:51 AM
Good Morning Laker Fans,
Look like you guys had some lively chatter going last night. Blitz, Cyber, 63 footer...good stuff on MJ, Kobe and Elgin.
The one thing I'll add about Kobe's "low" fg% and scoring capabilities vs MJ is its a combination of shot selection, Kobe challenging himself with degree of difficulty and getting to the free throw line.
1) Shot Selection - The 2004 finals was prime example. Kobe kept forcing difficult shots over 1-2 defenders while Shaq was eating the Pistons up on the inside. (Pistons strategy was to single Shaq and send help vs Kobe) When Kobe did beat his man both Wallaces were waiting on him at the hoop.
2) Degree of difficulty - Kobe takes way more challenged shots with 1 sec on the shot clock than MJ did (sorry can't prove it...but that's my theory). Kobe also shoots way more with left hand than MJ did. I'm not talking layups, but 8-10 footers. I think Kobe likes taking these difficulty shots just to challenge himself (kinda like the theory PJ alluded to about Kobe in HS).
3) Getting to the free throw line - (Warning this is a homer alert) Kobe receives nowhere near the respect MJ received from the refs. I remember a lot of games where the refs flat out refused to call anything. I would say MJ received the superstar treatment 90% of the time, whereas Kobe received it 65% of the time. However, it would be remiss of me not to acknowledge that MJ was stronger and took it to the rack more.
Posted by: LRob | September 18, 2010 at 08:52 AM
Mamba,
Notice this thread is over 100+ post. While you were away we rarely hit the 100+ post mark. First day back and BAM scoring is up!
Posted by: LRob | September 18, 2010 at 08:56 AM
LRob - I do agree with the lack of "respect" accorded Kobe (as opposed to MJ) - Kobe gets hacked. Totally, and unless he's really going for it, they don't get called... until the 4th quarter. He does get them in the 4th quarter. But the first three quarters of the game he's gotta get his head torn off to get a call half the time.
I think it's great how spoiled we all are. We're debating between Lamborghini's and Ferrari's (I had a few Ferrari's in my younger days, so, yeah, I'm a Ferrari homer). I mean EVERY player in the NBA is amazing; they have to be. It's not high school, nor college. These guys are the best of the best, and even the least of them would be pretty amazing if we saw them "out of context."
I've had the good fortune over the years to play with or against quite a few NBA players (I'm nowhere in their league by the way... won't even begin to say I am), and even those guys not "known" for something (a 3-pt shot, quick hand, etc.) all had those things when you played with them on the "playground." It's just, how you going to out-shoot Reggie Miller or Larry Bird? How you going to be more Clutch than Jerry? It's relative, and I'm here to say that my hat's off to every one of the players in the NBA for having amazing skills (except Luke... I kid! I kid!).
Posted by: 63 Footer | September 18, 2010 at 09:12 AM
KOBE IS BETTER THAN MICHAEL AND STATS WILL PROVE IT!
Many people on this blog have used stats as a way to prove Michael Jordan is better than Kobe Bryant. The biggest mistake in comparing them that way is that you are comparing a man who came in the league at 21 to a kid who came in the league at 18. It is not fair to Kobe at all. Do not count Kobe's career stats when he was 18 and 19 years old and playing limited minutes coming off the bench and his stat are almost identical to Michael's stats.( Michael stats are boosted since he always played starter minutes). I went and did the math.
Kobe career stats(excluding 1996-1998 when he was 18,19)
fg% 46%
ft% 84%
3p% 34%
rebounds per game 5.8
assists per game 5.2
steals per game 1.7
blocks per game 0.6
points per game 27.6
Jordan career stats
fg% 50%
ft% 84%
3p% 33%
rebounds per game 6.2
assists per game 5.3
steals per game 2.4
blocks per game 0.8
points per game 30.1
The only significant difference is field goal percentage. Then you consider that Kobe takes more 3 point shoots than Michael did and that in itself lowers Kobe's field goal percentage some. What few people take into consideration is the stat of points per field goal attempt. Jordan averaged 1.316 points per field goal attempt in his career. Kobe averaged 1.312 points per field goal attempt(1996-2009). On average Jordan scored 26.3 points per 20 shot attempts. Kobe scores 26.2 points per 20 shot attempts. That is basically even. Kobe scores almost identical points per shot attempt even though his field goal percentage is lower.
BUT WHAT MAKES KOBE BETTER THAN MICHAEL
Comments have been made that Kobe takes more difficult shots than Jordan(ie. more jump shots).True! But that is what makes Kobe more dangerous. Kobe can drain a shot from any where on the court. Kobe has more of a variety of shots and is harder to cover than Jordan.A defender has to be in Kobe's face at all times. Other players like Michael Jordan and Lebron James who are primarily deep post players, a defender only has to play them tough in the post area. Because Kobe is a better all around shooter and is harder to cover, Kobe makes his teammates better than Jordan ever could. Notice that Odom's and Gasol's field goal percentages went up when playing with Kobe.
Lamar Odom
2003-2004 Miami fg% .430
2004-2005 Lakers fg% .473
Pau Gasol
2007-2008 Memphis fg% .501
2007-2008 Lakers fg% .589
Jordan did not play in 1993-1994 but both Pippen's and Grant's field goal percentages did not go down when Jordan left but actually went up.
Scottie Pippen
1992-1993 Bulls(with Jordan) fg% .473
1993-1994 Bulls (without Jordan) fg% .491
Horace Grant
1992-1993 Bulls(with Jordan) fg% .508
1993-1994 Bulls(without Jordan) fg% .524
Not one Jordan fan has ever given me a good reason for why his teammates where better without him. This not a fluke. As a whole, 9 players over the course of 82 games shot better without Jordan. This is enough games to determine a trend. If you go do the research you will find that every all-time great (Wilt, Magic, Bird, etc.) when they left their teams everybody's field goal percentage went down the next year.
KOBE IS BETTER THAN JORDAN!
Posted by: Guy R. | September 18, 2010 at 09:37 AM
Mamba, Notice this thread is over 100+ post. While you were away we rarely hit the 100+ post mark. First day back and BAM scoring is up! Posted by: LRob | September 18, 2010 at 08:56 AM
*
Now see, that's what I'm talking about. The man is smooooth! You got the gift! Naw, I think it's strictly the two great post topics. Still...any lil thing I can do to help the Nation I'm all in! Lol! Incidently Magic Phil will be sitting in on a session with some off the guys from P-Funk! I told him I'd tell you.
Posted by: Mamba24 | September 18, 2010 at 09:40 AM
Guy R - I'm never going to get into the middle of a Kobe versus MJ battle (though, since I am a Lakers fan, and Kobe is a Laker... 'nuff said about who I'm rooting for, and who I always rooted for: Lakers!), but I must congratulate you on going through the heavy lifting on all those stats. Regardless of what conclusions anyone comes to: good job!
Posted by: 63 Footer | September 18, 2010 at 09:46 AM
KB Blitz
"Of course I'm actually laughing that you compared Dampier to Bynum. I guess another pathetic attempt to defend Bynum when it was pointing out that Dampier has had good rebounding games against the Lakers."
=====
1) Actually, you compared Dampier to Bynum.
2) I'm laughing that you actually took me seriously.
Posted by: KobeMVP888 | September 18, 2010 at 09:48 AM
KOBE IS BETTER THAN JORDAN! Posted by: Guy R. | September 18, 2010 at 09:37 AM
*
Yes sir, yes she is! For that and the stats, yes, yes, yes, I have to say it...OUT FREAKIN STANDING SIR!!!!
mamba24/larrY
Posted by: Mamba24 | September 18, 2010 at 09:49 AM
Obviously that should be"yes sir yes he is" SorrrrrrrrY
Posted by: Mamba24 | September 18, 2010 at 09:50 AM
I miss Eddie Hazel! The man could play.
Posted by: 63 Footer | September 18, 2010 at 09:50 AM
obeMVP888 - Elg was run & gun in his play, and as I said earlier, he could lock guys down, but his style was more to rebound and go. Slowdown, grind it out defense was not a Lakers specialty in those years (and many of the Laker head coaches wouldn't know a defense scheme if it bit them in the pine). Maybe "poor" was the wrong choice, and "unused" would have been better. He could block some shots too... it just wasn't what he "did."
Yup, Jerry had a painful playoffs & finals that year shooting-wise, and I still remember shots spinning around the rim not once, but twice, then popping out... but every other facet of his game (defense, assists, rebounds, leadership) was still stellar. It was ironic, but satisfying, as no one deserved a ring more.
Posted by: 63 Footer | September 18, 2010 at 07:36 AM
=====
I defer. The few times I saw Elgin Baylor play, his derriere was the size of a beach ball because it was near the end of his career. I was just reporting what I read in Lazenby's book. I LOVE reading stuff from the old time Lakers fans. Thanks for the insight, brotha!
Posted by: KobeMVP888 | September 18, 2010 at 09:52 AM
I miss Eddie Hazel! The man could play. Posted by: 63 Footer | September 18, 2010 at 09:50 AM
*
Yes he could 63 Footer! Did you see my Post to LRob that Magic Phil will be sitting in with some of the P-Funk members on a session today?
Posted by: Mamba24 | September 18, 2010 at 09:54 AM
This is an absolutely FUN video. And for those of you (like KB Blitz) who take everything I post seriously, I am NOT using this to compare the 2 players. Here's Kobe's double-nickel in his last game against MJ with some enjoyable basketball from Michael Jordan, too:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GSaKPHSEtRM
Posted by: KobeMVP888 | September 18, 2010 at 09:56 AM
KobeMVP888 - no need to defer - I'm just another bozo on the bus. Elgin was always a "wide-body"/incredibly strong guy but near the end of his career, he had no knees so looked "slow"; in his younger days he was eye-poppingly gymnastic and athletic: Dr. J meets Charles Barkley.
Haven't read Lazenby's book, but I blame Laker lapses during the 60's squarely on the craptastic string of coaches (and I use that term loosely) who hadn't a clue about pretty much anything. In truth, with a halfway decent coach I think the 60's might have been more like the 80's between the Lakers and the Celtics; but, alas, one cannot go back and rewrite history (or, at least not until I can perfect my time machine). I make no excuses, but don't like to lay blame on the wrong people.
Posted by: 63 Footer | September 18, 2010 at 09:59 AM
Mamba24 - that's what I was responding to. Good for Magic Phil (where, when and what instrument does Phil play?).
Music is such a wonderful past-time, either playing or listening. And if you can make a few bucks on it, rock on! On the other hand, the year and a half I produced a couple of CD's in the music world, it was so sleazy (in a fun way for me) that I was HAPPY to get back to the clean-cut "honest" world of Hollywood.
Posted by: 63 Footer | September 18, 2010 at 10:03 AM
@BLITZ… Outstanding post about the 3-point shot, which along with the dunk have become basketball’s version of a home run or touchdown. Having grown up without the 3-point shot, I still get a thrill when I bury one from beyond the arc, although range is one of prices that age extracts.
~
My problem with relying on 3-point shooting to win games is the inevitable inconsistency you get. If you’re on, 3-point shooting can spread the floor and open up the paint and lanes to attack the rim but if you’re off, you can be killed by long rebounds that ignite fast breaks for the other team.
~
For the Lakers, the key is to only take 3-point shots within the Triangle Offense in order to maintain good floor balance and transition defense. With weapons like Kobe Bryant and our front court, the last thing we want is to become one of those teams that lives and dies with the 3-point shot.
~
I’ve always believed in attacking the rim as the main offensive strategy. The closer you are to the basket, the better chance you have to make the shot, draw a foul, or generate an offensive rebound. With our offensive repertoire, the only 3’s we take should be the result of inside-out basketball.
~
NBA-TV replayed Game 7 of the 2010 Finals last night and you had to admire how the Lakers came from behind to win that game. The defense shutting down the Celtics was only part of the key to our winning the game. The other was Kobe relentlessly attacking the rim and getting to the line.
~
I’ve won a lot of basketball games in my life and many of them because I learned early that you always attack the rim when the games on the line. You don’t settle for a jump shot or put your hopes on hitting that long 3. No, you grit your teeth like Kobe did and attack the damn basket.
~
In it’s own way, the 3-point shot revolutionized basketball. We old timers can remember when the ABA with its red, white, and blue ball put the 3-point shot into the game. All it took was a couple of unbelievable comebacks fueled by great 3-point shooting to know the game was going to change.
~
With their Triangle Offense and dominating front court, the Lakers are like an old school big team playing power basketball in a league populated by small ball teams. It’s why nobody in the West can compete with them and why they will still defeat Miami, Boston, or Orlando in the Finals.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
TOM
Posted by: LakerTom | September 18, 2010 at 10:06 AM
Music is such a wonderful past-time, either playing or listening. And if you can make a few bucks on it, rock on! On the other hand, the year and a half I produced a couple of CD's in the music world, it was so sleazy (in a fun way for me) that I was HAPPY to get back to the clean-cut "honest" world of Hollywood. Posted by: 63 Footer | September 18, 2010 at 10:03 AM
*
LOL You'll have to ask Magic Phil the incidentals, I was remiss! But I'm glad you got out of that sleazy Music world and now are back to the honest Hollywood world! LMAO!!
Posted by: MAMBA24 | September 18, 2010 at 10:15 AM
With their Triangle Offense and dominating front court, the Lakers are like an old school big team playing power basketball in a league populated by small ball teams. It’s why nobody in the West can compete with them and why they will still defeat Miami, Boston, or Orlando in the Finals.Posted by: LakerTom | September 18, 2010 at 10:06 AM
*
Damnnnn! That man know how to turn a phrase! Good morning LakerTom. How are you and the 3 generations of Laker fans today sir? Oh one more thing...OUT FREAKIN STANDING SIR!!!
Posted by: MAMBA24 | September 18, 2010 at 10:18 AM
Mamba24 - hey, I charted a song, did payola, got my life threatened by a drugged-out head of a music company and (totally unfortunately and sadly) lost a really spectacular guitarist to rock-n-roll related circumstances right before a tour. I've had my fill and am just happy to live a very boring life now.
Posted by: 63 Footer | September 18, 2010 at 10:19 AM
63 Footer
"Haven't read Lazenby's book, but I blame Laker lapses during the 60's squarely on the craptastic string of coaches (and I use that term loosely) who hadn't a clue about pretty much anything."
=====
That is EXACTLY what I have glommed from the book. Although nobody attributes the failures specifically to that, it is clear that Red Auerbach knew how to blend talents while Fred Schaus over relied on Baylor and West. Along came Sharman, he moves West to the lead guard position and Goodrich to the off guard position, moves Baylor to the bench and, therefore, retirement, has Wilt rebounding and defending (i.e., playing like Russell), employs the up tempo style, and the rest is history. Because Schaus was West's coach at West Virginia, too, you get more of an insight into what a mediocre coach he really was.
Never mind that, but 2 bounces of the ball and putting Wilt back into Game 7 in 1969 and after he came out with an injury but shortly thereafter proclaimed himself ready only to be shot down by Butch van Breda Koff who kept Mel Counts in the game down the stretch instead (Mel "freaking" Counts!!!) and 3 of those series could have very easily gone the other way. Man on man.
Posted by: KobeMVP888 | September 18, 2010 at 10:28 AM
Mamba24 - hey, I charted a song, did payola, got my life threatened by a drugged-out head of a music company and (totally unfortunately and sadly) lost a really spectacular guitarist to rock-n-roll related circumstances right before a tour. I've had my fill and am just happy to live a very boring life now.
Posted by: 63 Footer | September 18, 2010 at 10:19 AM
*
Sweet Jesus! Yes boring is good! Lmao! Glad you made it out intact my brother!
Posted by: Mamba24 | September 18, 2010 at 10:30 AM
Mel Counts - the man who came to the Gail Goodrich/Elgin Baylor basketball camp I was at in junior high to demonstrate the dunk... and proceeded to MISS THE FRICKIN' DUNK! "The horror... the horror...."
Posted by: 63 Footer | September 18, 2010 at 10:31 AM
Mel Counts - the man who came to the Gail Goodrich/Elgin Baylor basketball camp I was at in junior high to demonstrate the dunk... and proceeded to MISS THE FRICKIN' DUNK! "The horror... the horror...."Posted by: 63 Footer | September 18, 2010 at 10:31 AM
*
ROTFLMAO!!! Stop that!!! OH THE HUMANITY!!!
Posted by: Mamba24 | September 18, 2010 at 10:40 AM
Hey Wes, "Not named Sterling" How quickly we forget, Georgia took away my beloved Rams! Nothing in sports has ever made me that bitter. Also a sad day when the O'Malleys left us. I was as big a fan of the O'Malley family as I was the Brooklyn and Los Angeles Dodgers.
Posted by: veejay | September 18, 2010 at 10:40 AM
@KOBEMVP888 & 63 FOOTER, You guys are great!!!! Thanks for an insightful, enjoyable morning!
Posted by: Mamba24 | September 18, 2010 at 10:44 AM
LAKERS BLOG GETS “A” FOR OFF-SEASON MOVES !!!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I was thinking about the great moves that Mitch made during the offseason when I realized that the blog itself has made some very positive strides in the offseason. Here’s why we deserve an A grade:
~
(1) MUCH IMPROVE ROSTER: Just like the Lakers replaced Jordan Farmar, Josh Powell, Adam Morrison, and DJ Mbenga with Steve Blake, Matt Barnes, Theo Ratliff, Devin Ebanks, and “Derrick Caracter. the Lakers Blog has replaced unproductive bloggers like DFish, Eric Wright, and the returning Mike T with exciting new voices like LRob, KobeMVP888, LEWSTERS, and 63 Footer.
~
(2) MARK MEDINA RETURNS: Just like Jerry and Mitch (and Jeanie) were able to bring Phil back for another run at an NBA championship, the LA Times has brought back the great Mark Medina, who took over for the KamBros in the middle of last season and has already proven that one man can do the work of two and completely win the hearts of one of the toughest audiences in sports.
~
(3) INSTANT POSTING RULES: While trolls can rudely and crudely intrude, there is no question that introducing instant posting was a genius coaching move by Mark Medina that turbocharged the dialog and conversations and exponentially improved blog hits and comments to all time highs. Instant posting transformed the blog from a static lethargic constant to a dynamic live venue.
~
(4) RCOD & BLOG PROFILES: One of the things that distinguishes the LA Times Lakers Blog from all of the other Lakers sites is the large number of articulate and intelligent Lakers fans who have become bloggers within the blog. Much like the Lakers make an effort to market their stars to the fans, Mark has made a similar effort to praise, reward, and involve the regular contributors.
~
Just like the Lakers, the LA Times Lakers Blog gets a grade of A for its great offseason moves.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
TOM
Posted by: LakerTom | September 18, 2010 at 11:02 AM
Hey guys Just a heads up. We will have a Lakers blog profile post coming up fairly shortly.
MM
Posted by: Mark Medina | September 18, 2010 at 11:02 AM
LakerTom - does that make me Theo Ratliff? My legs feel like it. And the back. Oh, and the minerals. And I never get enough playing time anymore.
Posted by: 63 Footer | September 18, 2010 at 11:08 AM
Laker Tom -
EXCELLENT POST...
Great tandem...the LA Lakers and the LAT Lakers Blog...
Let's get this party started...
Let's Go Lakers...#17 Coming Up...
Posted by: LEWSTRS | September 18, 2010 at 11:24 AM
@63 FOOTER… “LakerTom - does that make me Theo Ratliff? My legs feel like it. And the back. Oh, and the minerals. And I never get enough playing time anymore.”
~
LOL! Since you were the first to note the “possible” connection, I guess you get first dibs on your Lakers counterpart. I think all of the long-timers on the blog would agree with me that you and the other “newbies” have definitely shown you deserve as much “playing time” as you can handle. The blog free agent acquisitions actually remind me more of the Miami Heat haul than the Lakers. :-)
~
As for the bad back, it’s the one thing I have to be careful of even when I’m just shooting around. I tried to show off by dunking on one of those 8-foot rims a few years ago and almost killed myself when the ball get blocked by the rim and I landed flat on my back. It’s a bummer to be grounded.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
TOM
Posted by: LakerTom | September 18, 2010 at 11:31 AM
LT - actually, my back (fortunately) never bothers me while playing bball, but don't make me go down for a grounder in baseball... ain't gonna happen, no way, no how. It's terribly embarrassing as up until that point I look soooo good out there.
It is a great group here, and it's nice to hear some insightful basketball chatted about (and also the fun ridiculous stuff as well). I'm looking forward to the start of the season with much anticipation.
Posted by: 63 Footer | September 18, 2010 at 11:36 AM
Blitz -
Nice write up on the 3 point shot...
This is I think is the one weakness our current team has...Blake should help out, if his shot is on, and if he is willing to pull the trigger...my worry is Steve might overpass, trying to fit in...like Artest being timid last year in the beginning of the season...
Now of course if Sasha can get his touch back, this will help of keeping the defense from packing the paint...But we will still need our perimeter shooting to be at a higher percentage...simply the more we can spread out the floor...the more we can capitalize on our length...and we have the biggest advantage with our bigs...no doubt we have the best talent there...
Posted by: LEWSTRS | September 18, 2010 at 11:38 AM
Mamba24.. So happy to have you back, I really missed ya. Everything is back to normal and ready for the journey to the 17th championship. Would love to beat the Celtic's to tie them with Shaq on the team..SWEEET!!! Hope you're right with the Vikes!!! Also, the Twins are on a roll too. Have a great weekend.
Posted by: NewMexicoLakerLifer | September 18, 2010 at 11:51 AM
My brother Mamba24...
Feels like home again, now you have returned...
You are like MacArthur...or the Terminator...
Did you submit a profile...It is the one I'm most anxious to see...
Posted by: LEWSTRS | September 18, 2010 at 11:55 AM
Think Kobe in Game 6 vs Phoenix 2010..
Simply amazing off balance, tightly covered, looong jumpers that were also daggers.
Posted by: wildone | September 18, 2010 at 03:45 PM
i thought Jeanie Buss was Jerry Buss's wife
Posted by: whatchup | September 18, 2010 at 03:50 PM
Out of nowhere...me, not Lou Reed, one truly amazing fact about him is that he is alive (heroin did not get him, as he got plenty of heroin) and in the last decade-plus has looked extremely healthy and happy. ARE YOU LISTENING PHIL JACKSON??? Main reason, probably his relationship which led to marriage with New York SoHo based performance artist Laurie Anderson. A favorite of mine for the last 20 years. She usually comes once a year to play at Royce Hall as part of their series of diverse artists, she's on the schedule, I have yet to get my tickets as of yet, (wear black and act as if you're at an art gallery). If you want to experience one who thinks outside of the box, it would have to be Laurie Anderson. Ask LakerTom. We've mentioned her in our sidebars. A quote of hers: "Writing about music is like dancing about architecture."....you can find her (and her and Lou Red) on YouTube.
Posted by: Humanomaly | September 18, 2010 at 05:32 PM
63-footer,
Just have to comment on Hunter/Wagner - those guys scorched! (White Light, White Heat, etc.).
And to anyone else commenting earlier on early makeup, I'd just toss in a couple other names if they haven't already been mentioned - Todd Rundgren with his butterfly eyes, Zolar X (going back to around '73), Peter Gabriel for sure with his flower head and other props, Iggy was putting on makeup during Raw Power days, Marc Bolan from T-Rex but let's REALLY go back to the roots - Little Richard, 1955, as much eyeliner as anyone in glam rock!
Posted by: dave m | September 18, 2010 at 06:23 PM