Lakers blog profile: Wilbur Post grew up idolizing Jerry West
This is the sixth post in a weekly series that helps you get to know members of the L.A. Times Lakers blog community. Feel free to send submissions to mgmedin@gmail.com.
Screen name: Wilbur Post, Mister Ed
Real name: (with mug shot optional) Norm Decker
Occupation: Employment Researcher (OK unemployed, but looking…)
Age: 53
Gender: M
Hometown: Born and raised in L.A. but currently living in San Diego.
Story behind your screen name: It’s a pseudonym I’ve used for years. Comes from the old 1960s TV show Mr. Ed.
How I became a Lakers fan: Grew up in Los Angeles. My father took me to some games as a kid and I was hooked. Off the subject, but as a kid with a transistor radio can it get any better than Chick Hearn and Vin Scully?
Favorite Lakers memory of all time – Jerry West’s half-court shot against the Knicks. Always have wondered how the three-point shot would have altered the results back then. I’ll always remember the remarkable comeback against the Portland Trail Blazers. Coming back from 15 points down in the fourth quarter -- didn’t think it was going to happen. (I also remember Shaq doing better at the free-throw line than Kobe that game!) Sneak one more in – Kobe dropping 82 on Toronto. And of the 2009-2010 season: Not a game moment but it has to be Ron Artest’s post game interview.
Most heartbreaking Lakers experience: Not seeing Elgin Baylor get a ring. My early basketball heartbreak memories included losing 1969’s Game 7 at the Forum and 1970’s Game 7 at the Garden. (Needless to say when the Lakers were down by 13 to the Celtics in Game 7 of this year, I wasn’t too confident.)
Favorite (current) Lakers player: Pau Gasol. I like Pau’s demeanor and how he plays the game.
Greatest all-time Laker: This really should be broken down by generations. Because he played when I was a kid, I’ll say Jerry West.
Last time you went to a game at Staples Center and at the Forum: A playoff game against San Antonio in May of 2004. Wow, just made me realize it has been years since my last game. Ever since my son graduated high school and headed off to college, haven’t felt the need to leave the TV and drive up from San Diego. Forum: It was a game against Sacramento in March of 1999. Don’t recall the exact date.
Opposing team, player you dislike the most: Celtics, hands down. Their dominance over the Lakers will always have the Celtics on top of the most-hated list. As far as the player, that is a tougher question. Guess I would say Paul Pierce. That wheel chair stunt three years ago still irks me.
Most cherished piece of Lakers memorabilia I have: The book “Mr. Clutch: The Jerry West Story" by Bill Libby. Why a book? It was given to me on my 13th birthday before my dad took me to a game at the Forum. It was ‘71 and Jerry West was out with a knee injury. Someone told us to take the book to the business office as sometimes Jerry West stops by and he would sign the book for me. My dad and I head over to the office at halftime and lo and behold Jerry West walks in the door. I still remember shaking his hand and he seemed like a giant to me. (I was barely 5-foot-2 when I was 13.) Never forget the moment. To top it all off, met Chick Hearn and he also signed the book. (As an aside, Chick Hearn was always so approachable. The Lakers were blessed to have him.)
Memorable stories about being a Lakers fan: Spent a lot of time back east during the '80s and found myself in hostile territory come playoff time. Almost came to blows with one Celtic fan but cooler heads prevailed. I guess out of mutual respect, we ended up becoming good friends and have stayed in touch over the years.
--Mark Medina
Follow the L.A. Times Lakers blog on Twitter: twitter.com/latmedina. E-mail the Lakers blog at mgmedin@gmail.com
Photo: Wilbur Post mostly treasures a Jerry West book he received at age 13 because the Lakers star autographed it for him. Credit: Los Angeles Times
"....and I am Mister Ed"
And I always thought you were the 'real' Mr Ed.
Fatty wants to know, If the TV show 'Mr Ed' was on today, would Ed be commenting with us on the Lakers Blog? He would fit in nicely.
He was a big LA sports fan you know. I think he tried out for the Dodgers once, or was that Herman Munster? No, I think it was Ed.
Posted by: Fatty | September 16, 2010 at 04:47 PM
Mr. Ed,
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"Most heartbreaking Lakers experience: Not seeing Elgin Baylor get a ring."
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That is a huge tragedy.
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We don't talk enough about Elgin Baylor. It's a shame.
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What do we play for? RINGS!!!
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Lakers Today... Lakers Tomorrow... Lakers Forever.
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GO LAKERS!!!
Posted by: Jon K. | September 16, 2010 at 04:48 PM
"Ladies and gentleman we have a Faith sighting. Why that must mean it is almost time for Basketball preseason to start.
Posted by: 8ON8 | September 16, 2010 at 03:55 PM"
For sure! Cannot wait to call upon Chickie Baby once again...
Posted by: Faith | September 16, 2010 at 05:06 PM
Very cool profile, Mr. Ed. I'm about 2/3 of the way through Roland Lazenby's "Jerry West - The Life and Legend of a Basketball Icon."
Interestingly, I was a Knicks fan when he hit that shot, but loved Jerry West anyway. The basketball Gods really had it in for him, didn't they? Never mind all the defeats at the hands of the Celtics, but they couldn't even let him win that game!? Yeesh
Posted by: KobeMVP888 | September 16, 2010 at 05:20 PM
Jon K beat me too it, "Most heartbreaking Lakers experience: Not seeing Elgin Baylor get a ring." that is so true. Retiring on the eve of their championship season.
I will always remember, Chick when asked who the best player he ever saw, he'd say Elgin Baylor. This was including Magic, including Wilt, including Kareem, including Michael. He saw them all, and he would say Elgin was the finest.
Chick says it, that means a lot to me.
- - -
hobbitmage: your 4:18 post from the Luke Back blog entry was very well stated. It was probably the best and most reasoned post regarding Bynum's strengths and weaknesses I've seen on the blog.
I do agree that Bynum needs to work on his passing some, he's adequate but needs to improve. Also, he does need to keep a more 'even keel' - which I think he is greatly improving on. He can't let Phil's tweaks get to him as much as they sometimes do, affecting his game.
You kept it real. I don't entirely agree that he shouldn't see more of the offense, well the bigs in general, run through them, because we have seen that the triangle is flexible enough to work with the deep-post at the apex (Shaq-era) equally good as the perimeter (Jordan/Kobe). Gasol and Bynum make a very nice 1-2 punch on the inside, the more they play together the more they will compliment each other, too.
I think though it will be gradually shifting offensive focus to 'Drew, but eventually. At this point, Kobe is on an MVP level (he was far-and-away the MVP last year, pre finger-injury) and don't see why they should tinker with a winning formula. Eventually though, over the course of the length of this core group's contracts (3 more years) we should see Drew emerge as he enters his prime.
Personally, I don't agree that Bynum has an injury problem, because 2 of his 3 major injuries were fluke plays, however I do admit to being worried about it happening again, and understand the concern people have about that and take it into account.
Progress-wise, I think his minutes are still being monitored, but they should gradually increase a bit. I think as he gradually sees more touches, his numbers will increase, and -hopefully- he stays healthy.
Excellent post hobbitmage!
GO LAKERS!!!!!
Posted by: CyberCosmiX | September 16, 2010 at 05:20 PM
"A horse is a horse, of course of course"
Hey Mr. Ed,
I enjoyed your profile. I agree with your point about Elgin. I feel for Elgin, Jerry and all you guys that followed the Lakers in the 60's.
Good point on listening to Chick & Scully on the transitor. With all of the games being on tv now, that is something the new generation will never experience. Sure they'll listen to some games on the radio, but its not the same as listening to all of them (listening while watching tv with the sound down doesn't count). The days fidgeting your radio to pick up Chick Hearn, Johnny Most, Joe Tate or others was great!
Posted by: LRob | September 16, 2010 at 05:33 PM
Repost --
PLG - I enjoy your insight. Keep it coming. I don't skip...but then again I'm not an elder...lol.
bassmouth - welcome to the party.
KobeMVP888 - the hats might be divisive also. Half might like the purple and the half the gold!
JustaLaker - I like that Jorge Santana cut. It was smooth. For some reason I was expecting it to be a little harder. I knew about El Chicano (Viva Tirado) but wasn't up on Thee Midnighters or Cannibal. I checked them out an they're both very good. Cannibal is some good Doo Wop. I'm suprised they're not on one of my Doo Wop Box Sets.
Posted by: LRob | September 16, 2010 at 05:11 PM
Posted by: LRob | September 16, 2010 at 05:35 PM
LAKER TRUTH: If you are concerned about the Lakers future, wouldn't you agree that there is no young center prospect with even close to the potential of Bynum? Again, Bynum has only had one injury that wasn't a fluke (landing on L.O.'s foot or Kobe taking out his knee).
Injuries aside, and unfortunately they are a part of the physical game the NBA is, Bynum is fast becoming the best big-man in the game. Wouldn't you rather have him than not? With the Lakers rich history of centers no less, what would you have the Lakers do since you feel they are over-committed to him?
If you were GM LAKER TRUTH, what would you do?
Posted by: CyberCosmiX | September 16, 2010 at 10:14 AM
====
Lakertruth this is a great question from CyberCosmix.
And this is your answer? That's it?
"I would look for another big man without significant health issues and possibly a speedy PG who can penetrate. $15 million could get you an elite player in return. If I was unable to find a suitable trade, I would wait til next year, when Drew's contract will be expiring. Even if he's completely damaged goods by than, his expiring contract will be a valuable trading asset."
The way I understand your answer is... any big man with no health issues, Camby? speedy point guard, Farmar? for Bynum! You are pretty much wondering and run out of options to replace Bynum (unable to find suitable trade).
The reason you can't find any is because you understand the value of ANDREW BYNUM, and can not be easily replaced.
You understand the truth that BYNUM is important to the Lakers PRESENT and FUTURE. Somehow you have been in numerous Bynum debate against Drew, and maybe you have to force yourself to believe BYNUM is still a project, injured and so on. But the truth is you know how valuable he is to the Lakers and to the NBA.
Posted by: Staples 24 | September 16, 2010 at 05:38 PM
Fatty,
Mr Ed was the world's biggest dodger fan. He did try out and ran the bases so quickly.... lol
Anyway, regarding Luke Walton, I think it's time to groom him for an assistant coaching position. He has a silky voice so perhaps someday he can call the games, but I think given his income, contract, and abilities, he should be helping PJ pretty much full time or at least 3/4 time (with the other quarter being athletic conditioning, etc just in case)
Posted by: Tim-4-Show | September 16, 2010 at 05:46 PM
Cybercomix,
you wrote: Personally, I don't agree that Bynum has an injury problem, because 2 of his 3 major injuries were fluke plays, however I do admit to being worried about it happening again, and understand the concern people have about that and take it into account.
my response: So ... if they were a fluke, how do you explain his pre-NBA
knee injuries?
How do you explain Gary Vitti's comment?
No, I'm not trying to be confrontation. I'm trying to understand how having
a structurally deficient skeleton does not support historical injuries in light
of multiple leg injuries?
To say this a different way: I would expect Bynum landing on Odom's foot
to cause an ankle injury not a knee injury. I wouldn't expect loping down
the court to cause an achilles [sp?] tendon injury. However, there were
those injuries. Why don't you think his skeleton was partially to blame?
Posted by: hobbitmage | September 16, 2010 at 05:58 PM
Mr. Ed - Jerry was The Man. And a pity about Elgin. So close... Very cool profile.
JR: thanks for the Box Set link, etc. I'll try to find more.
Posted by: 63 Footer | September 16, 2010 at 06:02 PM
Staples 24: "The way I understand your answer is... any big man with no health issues, Camby? speedy point guard, Farmar? for Bynum! You are pretty much wondering and run out of options to replace Bynum (unable to find suitable trade). "
IN RESPONSE TO
LAKER TRUTH: "I would look for another big man without significant health issues and possibly a speedy PG who can penetrate. $15 million could get you an elite player in return. If I was unable to find a suitable trade, I would wait til next year, when Drew's contract will be expiring. Even if he's completely damaged goods by than, his expiring contract will be a valuable trading asset."
-
I thought the same thing, but didn't want to dissect LAKER TRUTHS answer. The past month or two have seen skirmishes break out that went nuclear on the blog (well, the mice aren't playing much now that the cat - MM - is back...). This has become THE hotbutton topic, and sometimes I'm reluctant to poke those on the other side of the fence too much.
But you are absolutely right. There are a lot of centers in the league that are uninjured - but none have the potential of 'Drew. Lets face it, the Lakers aren't going to get Dwight Howard for Bynum, and how many other centers would any sane (not inferring anyone is insane) Laker fan want in return?
Frankly, one can complain about his injury-prone nature (which I totally disagree with because 2-out-of-3 of his major injuries came on unlucky fluke plays) but one can't disagree with how dominant the Lakers are when he plays. Just look at how the Celtics were totally overmatched at times when he was in the game - and that was him bravely battling through injury.
There simply isn't another team that can match to a full-strength Bynum/Gasol line, with Odom in the wings. What this means, teams are unable to double off of them, which opens things up for Kobe.
I would agree with you and rate LAKER TRUTH's proposed GM trade as a FAIL, but for the sake of keeping things civil on the blog, will simply say I wholeheartedly disagree of trading him for an uninjured center and speedy PG.
GO LAKERS!!!!!
Posted by: CyberCosmiX | September 16, 2010 at 06:08 PM
hobbitmage: "you wrote: Personally, I don't agree that Bynum has an injury problem, because 2 of his 3 major injuries were fluke plays, however I do admit to being worried about it happening again, and understand the concern people have about that and take it into account.
my response: So ... if they were a fluke, how do you explain his pre-NBA
knee injuries?
How do you explain Gary Vitti's comment?
No, I'm not trying to be confrontation. I'm trying to understand how having
a structurally deficient skeleton does not support historical injuries in light
of multiple leg injuries?
To say this a different way: I would expect Bynum landing on Odom's foot
to cause an ankle injury not a knee injury. I wouldn't expect loping down
the court to cause an achilles [sp?] tendon injury. However, there were
those injuries. Why don't you think his skeleton was partially to blame?"
-
hobbitmage, I blame Bynum's skeletal structure for his injuries as much as I blame the structure of Shaq's wrists for the fact he'd miss so many free throws.
However, I do understand that some players are more injury prone, no doubt about it. We have another injury prone Laker on the team, Luke Walton. There seems to be a link to his gene pool, papa Walton had a chance to challenge the all-time greats at center except his foot wouldn't cooperate. Even look at poor Bill now, contemplating suicide in dealing with back pain.
Some guys are seemingly injured a lot, and if 'Drew's structure lends itself to a higher propensity of getting injured, well I'm not a doctor and have to go with it.
'Drew's injuries in NYC as a high school player, is there video out there of how he got injured? How can we judge if that is another in a line of constantly recurring injuries if we don't know just how it happened. Is it concerning, yes. Does it prove he is always getting injured, not in my eyes.
I believe that two of 'Drews major injuries were fluke's, as I've already said on the blog a couple of times. He landed on L.O's foot going for a rebound, and Kobe basically took him out at the knees. The other one, I'm pretty sure he extended his knee when he landed, not positive about that. I guess it was similar to Blake Griffin's injury.
Drew hasn't had the types of injuries that linger on, such as microfracture's or a Greg Oden busted kneecap, or back problems. His have been muscular, and I understand that each of these cause scar tissue, and ligament damage I believe, they aren't as serious as other types of things.
I just think that because 2 of 3 have been flukish-type injuries, the jury is still out on his being apt to repeatedly be injured. Now, if it does happen again, I would start to get really concerned.
At this point, it all hinges on his injury status vs value. His value is so high, in my eyes, it outweighs the possibility (likelihood?) of injuries. He's just too important a player to trade away. They won't get near equal value for 'Drew (since there are only a couple of centers even on his level, and probably none within 2 more years) so what to do? I guess they will have to play him, and hope he turns out not to be a Faberge egg.
Mitch Kupchak is an expert as any on career-ending injuries, especially knee problems. He's not a doctor, but is equipped to judge that as well as any GM in the league. The fact that they haven't traded 'Drew thus far means that 1) they haven't gotten near equal value in any proposed trade, or 2) they don't feel he is succumbing to Grant Hill or Tracy McGrady repeated breakdowns.
For me though, it's simple. Bynum is becoming a beast, and when he is on his game, he and Gasol are a dynasty-making front-line. Maybe you are right, 'Drew has a propensity to being injured, but that is part of the package. They can't sit him just to keep him from being injured, and if he ever does go down for a long-stretch, then they will need to cross that bridge if it comes. The Lakers are dominant with him, and will need to risk another injury, as they do with Kobe, and play him.
What do you think hobbitmage? Should they trade him? That is the only option, isn't it?
GO LAKERS!!!!!
Posted by: CyberCosmiX | September 16, 2010 at 06:45 PM
Norm!
The first book I remember ready was "Mr. Clutch" by West and Libby.
My first Lakers game was also in 71, at Jerry West Night.
Great memories.
Thanks old timer!
Posted by: Lone star laker fan | September 16, 2010 at 06:55 PM
It would be interesting to hear a doctor discuss Bynum, his structural issues factoring into his injuries and his likelihood of suffering recurring injuries. I don't remember ever seeing such an article (hint, hint, MM =)
Props to all for keeping the -neverending- Bynum debate civil!
Posted by: CyberCosmiX | September 16, 2010 at 06:57 PM
Hey guys we got a new post up
MM
Posted by: Mark Medina | September 16, 2010 at 06:58 PM
CyberCosmiX - It's not a bad idea but here's why it's not going to be feasible. As per team policy with any sports league, trainers and any medical people don't talk to the media. It's not just for competitive purposes. Under HIPA laws, they can only say so much about a player beyond the general stuff they tell the team spokespeople and coaching staff on what to say. Getting an outside doctor per se is dicey because even though they know medical terms and injuries, it's hard to have a definitive take without them being your patient.
MM
Posted by: Mark Medina | September 16, 2010 at 07:05 PM
@FLATHEAD… The reality is that were Luke healthy, the team’s biggest priority in the draft would have been to pick a point guard to succeed Fish or a shooting guard to back up Kobe, not to draft a guy who could only play small forward when they already had 5 guys who could play the position. Mitch obviously selected Ebanks because he could not count on Luke Walton recovering.
~
Of course, the Lakers could have used their second pick in the second round to draft a guard but they could not resist Derrick Caracter, whom I think will end up being the better player of the two rookies. In fact, I think Caracter may really surprise everybody by actually getting some genuine minutes from Phil, maybe even more than Theo. You have to remember this was a kid who was thought to be a better prospect than Oden and Durant coming out of high school. Kid can ball.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
TOM
Posted by: LakerTom | September 16, 2010 at 07:21 PM
@MR ED… “Off the subject, but as a kid with a transistor radio can it get any better than Chick Hearn and Vin Scully? Some great stories, Norm. Like you, I grew up listening to both Chick and Vin religiously. The irony is that I was a Yankee fan and a 76ers fan during those days. That’s how good they were. Summer nights listening to Vin and Fall and Winter nights listening to Chick.
The very best SoCal ever had to offer in my opinion and what I missed most moving to NorCal.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
TOM
Posted by: LakerTom | September 16, 2010 at 07:35 PM
FEARless
Your rebuttal of my take of "take it to the bank" Bynum will get injured again, though structurally excellent your argument is weak as are most other closed eyed backers.
Weak Argument #1.
Should have traded Lamar because he caused 2 injuries to Bynum.
Response: Guess you needed a filler for your 500 word response.
Weak Argument #2.
The evidence suggests that players who have structural problems with their bodies will be injury prone in a career threatening way. The evidence also suggests that every other player will also experience a number of injuries, frustratingly more than they want, and have to spend the entire rest of their careers managing those injuries, unless your name is AC Green or Derick Fisher.
Response: You actually make a positive point in my favor. As Hobbitimage has noted several times his wide hips and knock knees are a recipe for disaster which increases the probability his career will be shortlived. Your second sentence is filler yet again. Of course every other player will have injuries, but how many are physically inclined for injuries.
Weak argument #3.
The evidence also clearly suggests that Bynum is simply too young to make any such assessment just yet because men over 6'10" are notoriously slow to mature physically. It is only about now that we know (at least the medical staff knows) what kind of body Bynum will play with the rest of his career. Truthfully, he has probably *just* stopped growing within the last few months to a year.
Response: Really weak FEARless. Bynum still has those wide hips and knock knees, you don't grow out of those.
Weak argument #4.
Trying to compare Pau and Kobe's injury to Drew's.
Response: I only wish that Drew's injuries were just back or hamstring related as Pau's were. With AB we are talking knees and achilles heel. Mentioning Kobe about injuries was worthless also, how many more years has he played?
So the next time you get on your high-horse and want to ridicule a post of mine, bring something other than a well structured piece of writing with no substance. Perhaps something a little more challenging? Something thought provoking at the very least.
Respectfully,
Posted by: Open your eyes | September 16, 2010 at 09:39 PM
Mister Ed -
Enjoyed your profile...I met Chick and he was a gracious gentleman...he will never be replaced by anyone...He was a legend among the legends...
Vin Scully was one of the best things about the Dodgers...I am a Cardinals fan, but I remember him questioning Lasorda, leaving the pitcher in against Jack Clark...and we all remembered what happened...
Looking forward to reading your posts this coming season...
Lakers!!
Posted by: LEWSTRS | September 16, 2010 at 09:43 PM
Thanks LEWSTRS. I could have done without the Dodgers reminder. Still recall that 85 series against the Cardinals and one Tom Niedenfuer. The HR he gave up to Ozzie hurt too, but Clark's HR was worse because he was still a Giant in my book. That's another reason for being a Laker fan; when the Dodgers lost you always had the Lakers season to look forward to. Also makes me realize how lucky we are to have Dr. Buss as an owner. Just look at that mess in Chavez Ravine today...
Posted by: MisterEd | September 17, 2010 at 08:00 AM
Mr Ed,
Great profile and agree with you and rest on Elgins' lack of getting ring. I too became a avid Laker fan when as aid I saw Jerry West shoot the 63 footer to tie the game. Too bad 3-point shot not in effect as Lakers would have won the game instead of going into overtime and eventually losing.
Oh who can forget Mr Ed saying Willlberr.
Posted by: JustaLakerFan | September 17, 2010 at 10:08 AM
Beautiful profile, I love anybody who brings a little diversity and all you wrote about your Lakers Love should speak volumes to any of us bloggers.
I wish I could have experienced "first hand" some of the players you cherished gaming time "live".
Jerry West is a legend to me because he's the one - in himself - and because he inspires my hero Kobe, so if Kobe finds him untoucheable, so I must I by logic assumption.
I can only get you fully.
And I do.
Great profile, and lot of Laker Love: beauty all around.
Posted by: ZairaAmaterasu | September 23, 2010 at 06:46 AM