rage 777 - You're right. I'm going to update the poll. Those two topics are definitely frequently discussed

Good evening from half of me (the other half is already sleeping over a couch failing to follow Family Guy on tv - yes, on e of the very FEW things I watch from time to time on tv...).

I read with EXTREME pleasure the articles of today, and gotta follow Caliphilosopher and tell Mark that .... wow man, that special writing about Lakers ads page was simply an utter brilliance (I enjoyed all the rest too, but that was really really REALLY awesome. Even my already sleeping brain cells cheered there. You woke up half of a dead body...;))

Beside advice every single one out there that to party till 3 am when the day after you gotta work IS WRONG (blame it on the age... I wish I could blame it on alcohol but I'm teetotal so it's kinda impossible...), and pointing out that to me the issue that will be the most controversial will be Lakers urgency to play in the regular season, vs a more relaxed pacing there (I believe so because the rest of debates usually strike in especially after a not well perceived performance in regular season, and so for me that vision is the egg that comes before the chicken that comes before the egg dilemma...), let me collect these poor forces today and welcome a new member.

"

I became a Laker fan the first time I saw Kobe play.

I was a 76ers fan back in the early 80's because I loved watching Dr. J play. I watched that under the backboard shot against Kareem and went nuts.

I hated the Celtics and liked Magic and Kareem but I loved Julius.

Then I stopped watching basketball for 17 years. Until one night I turned on the TV and there was a game on. Game 1 of the Finals once again with the Lakers playing the 76ers. And Kobe had the ball and did something incredible with it and I became a Lakers fan on the spot on that very first play I saw.

Because of Kobe.

I am a Laker fan for life now as I have been glued to the games ever since.

Because of Kobe.

This is my first post.

Hello.

Posted by: bassmouth | September 15, 2010 at 07:54 PM"

You can easily understand that I TOTALLY melted when I read this.

Very few could understand better than me the blasting emotion of witnessing Kobe's magic and get hooked like a magic glue from it.

I properly rejoiced reading that.

And suddenly (it helped also the beautiful pic of him smiling backing PJ) I just realized how much I long to see him play again.

When LakerTruth spells that sentence (true, and logic, but believe me it pains me like nothing else) namely "the last years of Kobe" I feel like I will feel this thrill for any incoming upseason for... not always.
I know, Lakers will remain always and that comforts my fan heart.

But you can have only a limited number of heroes.

I already had to say bye to Roberto Baggio and Paolo Maldini in football.

The day I'll say bye bye to Kobe... I will already count 3 sport heroes less in my life.

It's hard.

And that's why I want this Threepeat so badly.

I'm sure in all this PJ will lead us again the best that is possible to lead.

I totally agree with MM on him: he knows. He does what is really difficult to achieve: he teaches magic like it's chemistry.

And being a chemist... trust me: what Phil does seems maybe easy, but it's of a thin span from constantly exploding out, not in face of others, but in face of us.
And if it doesn't happen... it's also, and really much, ONLY thanxto him.

Great Powers are hard to balance out correctly.

Ask Miami Meat around May, and you will get how important is to have PJ as coach ;)

Have all a great day ahead, and catch you tomorrow... :)

Lotta Laker love, Z. :)

Andrew. Definitely Andrew. Laker Tom has taken on all comers - both Laker Nation members and trolls - since Drew's first injury and has withstood every naysayer and playa hater that has come to speak ill of Socks.

MM,

Thanks for the RCOTD.

Another handle jacker comment at 12:08pm. Please delete.

What about: Does Sasha Vujacic deserve Maria Sharapova, who may have the most beautiful legs in pro sports? I say no. And if you disagree with me you are a ___________ (fill in epithet of choice).

The one issue that also causes many debates amongst Laker fans is Shaq's jersey being retired as a Laker. Many acknowledge his contributions, but is hard to ignore his detrimental behavior as well.

@PLG… Excellent post. Thanks for the draft day links. I especially loved Drew asking Kobe about working out with him during the summer. As my latest post postulates, I think the injuries that Drew battled through have made him a more mature and focused player. It’s humbling to come into the league thinking you’re going to be an All-Star in two years and then having to struggle with injuries instead. I think in the long run it has made him a better player mentally and shown him how important it is to focus on what the team needs.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
TOM

Looks like Bynum now does have a stronger chance for the All-Star Team:

http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=5580307

If the voters from China don't make too much of an impact (well they do and voters in the US as well) and Bynum remains productive he could be the starter of the All-Star team.

That being said it's all or nothing. If Bynum does not become the starter unless Gasol becomes the starting center he will not be on the All-Star Game. If Gasol is the starting center Bynum then does have a chance for making the All-Star.

Again that's assuming if Yao doesn't get voted. If he becomes the starter than Gasol pending injuries will become the back up center for the All-Star Team.

I would say the Lakers tendency to turn it on during the post season. This is the one thing that has frustrated me the past 2 seasons, and I've been proven wrong on, so I need to shut up about it. Kobe over shooting isn't debated. But I would add Sasha V.'s lack of playing time to this list.

A better topic would be what is the MOST FRUSTRATING thing (or player) for Lakers fans (eg - Kobe overshooting, Lamar disappearing, Andrew's injuries, Phil not taking time outs, Laker cheerleaders on this blog, and so forth...)

Ooooh, very clever MM. Turning diversity into opportunity, and in the process, create even more heated debates among the bloggers. Crafty, and I love it. To me, its definitely Bynum..... epic battles have been fought between LakerTom, Hobbitimage, Laker Truth.... bloggers have taken sides, families split apart, children given away (ok, I exaggerate). Personnaly, I so want to believe in Bynum but with each year he's not at full-capacity, my hopes begin to dim....

@COFM99… “888 Thanks. Just pointing out the obvious points that every one is missing. People are so focussed on production right now but with Drew being injured and toughing it out last year, he grew far more than he would have had he been healthy. Drew's game will always be growing but it is his mental toughness and thought process that needed the most work. Playing injured last year turned young Drew in to a man in my eyes and it also helped him knowing where to be and not to be in the paint to avoid accidents due to having to watch out for his already injured knee. I say stop worrying about the now and look to the future. This team is loaded with or with out a healthy Drew so let him heal up and progress more and more for the future of this organization.”
~
LOL. Not “every one.” I haven’t noticed your posts before so if you are a new poster, welcome to the fray. If not, I will definitely be looking for your comments in the future. Great post. I agree 100% with your point about Drew’s being injured contributing to his maturity and selflessness as a player. I’ve made several posts in the last two days on a similar note postulating that injuries may actually have been a blessing in disguise as they have contributed to Drew developing a championship work ethic, team orientation, and character.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
TOM

Mark Medina,

Was my post regarding SASHA V. deleted? If so why?

I mean how come no one wants to discuss who is hotter...

Jeannie Buss or Sarah Palin...
Vanessa Bryant or Eva Longoria...
Louis Amundson or Jon K...

Let's get back to the important questions...;-)

Posted by: LEWSTRS | September 16, 2010 at 01:00 PM

Definitely Jeanie Buss and her basketball busts...
Vanessa has put on a little weight lately, but a few years ago, she was definitely hotter than Eva.
I've never seen Jon K, but anyone is hotter looking than Amundson.

Posted by: CyberCosmiX | September 16, 2010 at 09:04 AM

Again like you said: Hype vs Reality in a previous post.

Do I want Bynum to succeed? Of course! That being said what Hobbitmage stated was not negative it was a previous post on the OC Register stating how the way Bynum was created was not negative then people complained that a non positive article was labelled as "bad" and toxic?

Seriously does everything have to be positve about Bynum and no negatives? Is it right for me to say that I think Bynum is better than Wilt because Bynum already has two rings and faced off against Howard/Celtics while Wilt had to battle a midge in 6'9 Russell and/or Reed-less Knicks?

That positive enough? You know posting that article wasn't negative. Neither my post which stated that so many of us were putting Bynum as the "one that scares defense" yet he hasn't gotten any All-Defensive votes even.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
KobeMVP888,

1) Gasol in my opinion not a Hall of Famer. Does he have a chance yes but Pippen was a shoe in for the HOF while Gasol hasn't done enough of what Pip did in his NBA career (since HOF doesn't count international accolades)

Retire his jersey? Maybe but I'd rather see Michael Cooper's and/or Byron Scott's jersey retired first.

2) Well those snoozer is one of the reasons why Kobe is right behind MJ in total defensive team awards AWARDED by coaches not the Media (that's the DPOY). As much as I respect your opinion you are also the one telling me to listen to the coaches more and those coaches have not even gave a vote for Andrew Bynum says something yet gives votes to Fisher and even Odom.

Say what you want but I'll leave it up for the voters to decide who really is the best in rated defense. Reason why Kobe has 8 First Teams right behind Jordan and Payton.

3) Why am I comparing Gasol vs Bynum? Simple since people always brings up Bynum-Gasol-Odom they always have to belittle Gasol and/or Odom to bring up Bynum. So it's only fair.

4) I said thank you Lord for Bryant and Gasol because even when they were pathetic in shooting they found a way to win even if Bryant again shot 40% in a Finals.

5) Yao/Lopez/Howard (Bogut is even more injury prone than Bynum though when healthy is actually better than him indefense, even Rosen ranks Bogut highly but rather goes on Bynum because of youth).

Then of course you can't go wrong with James/Wade/Melo/CP/Deron Williams or other established stars. Bynum's value as a role player (he's not a franchise player nor do I believe he will ever be at most a sidekick) makes him more valuable to keep unless there is a legit franchise player to trade him for (Gasol has manned him enough to handle the post).

Hey Tex Winter called Shaq "overrated" and called him out on his defense/footwork/not coachable etc. If a legendary coach like Tex can be Shaq negative there's nothing wrong to be pessimistic to the views of the ultra-optimists of Bynum is there? (All though I try to be more realistic than really negative about Drew).

From my brief time in this forum, it's obviously Bynum, but that is mainly because of the pulling and tugging and unpleasantries exchanged among a certain few bloggers. In reality, everyone wants Bynum to do well and stay healthy. The recent Bynum discussions have been quite enjoyable and far from divisive (thanks in particular to Laker Truth) until a certain blogger chimed in with his "Bynum mania" comment earlier.

In other forums I have been in, Derek Fisher was far and away the most divisive topic. Many younger, loyal Lakers fans have called him old, slow, over the hill, the worst starting point guard in the NBA, a poor defender (or doesn't play any defense), can't shoot, etc, etc, etc. The older fans tend to tolerate and understand Fish's shortcomings and understand that it isn't a matter of simply pure talent, but leadership qualities on and off the court and understanding the Lakers' schemes. Most important, they understand that Phil Jackson trusts him. We ALL know which side prevailed in that one in the playoffs this year!

Yes, Luke is also divisive because of his injuries, lack of athleticism and the salary issues, of course. Same with Sasha. But it is tougher to run to their defense than it is to Fisher's defense. I don't know what it is with younger fans, but they seem to be enamored more with raw talent and statistics without regard to things like team chemistry or the reality that there's a salary cap or the reality that almost every team makes mistakes overpaying players. Just like they are enamored with raw talent and stats, they have a tendency to come up with wild trade scenarios without having a clue about the CBA rules. This lack of understanding of the basics of trade restrictions, salary caps or the luxury tax threshold is also divisive.

Oh, and the one that cracks me up the most, is the crap heaped on Phil Jackson for his refusal to call timeouts and his rotations. I know we are all individuals with opinions, but I think it's about time that every Lakers fan simply defer to Phil Jackson on these issues. Yes, we know the Lakers, but nobody knows his team and what he wants out of them better than Philip Douglas Jackson.

Heck while I'm on a Bay area Latin rock I will date myself and bring up Azteca too.

Posted by: JustaLakerFan | September 15, 2010 at 11:57 PM
----------------------------
I wasn't up on Azteca, but I definitely like them. After checking them out I realize I know a lot of their band members...Pete & Coke Escovedo and Lenny White. I still have one of my brothers Coke Escovedo albums to this day. And I have lots of Lenny White stuff.

I'll leave you with one more Latin soul group...Tierra. This was a good remake of the Intruders song. Actually it was a bigger hit for them than the original.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gB-OWd5RIns&feature=related

Posted by: LRob | September 16, 2010 at 12:52 AM

======================
LRob, Thanks for the link but yes I was aware of Tierra. I didn't mention them because they were LA products vs Bay area groups. Then I know you must be aware of other LA Latino groups such as El Chicano, Lil Willie G and the Midnighters, Cannibal and the Headhunters among others off the top of my head. I think Sapo was LA band but I could be wrong.
Thanks for the stroll down memory lane.

Posted by: JustaLakerFan | September 16, 2010 at 12:24 PM

I also mentioned Malo a band created by Carlos Santana's younger brother Jorge Santana on lead guitar.
----
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DkDX_SZorg8
Suavecito/Malo
Posted by: JustaLakerFan | September 15, 2010 at 11:11 PM
------------------
JustaLakerFan,

I love that song. Smooth latin fused soul. I have it on one of my compilation cds'. I think it was "Didn't I Blow Your Mind - Soul Hits of the 70's. I never knew it was Santana's brother. Thanks for the education. Were you a fan of War also?

Posted by: LRob | September 16, 2010 at 12:26 AM

===========================
Yes most definetly fan of War, the musicians of course. LOL

Posted by: JustaLakerFan | September 16, 2010 at 12:35 PM

====================
Also congrats on RCOTD.

@HOBBITMAGE… Yes, I would agree that a degree in sports medicine would qualify. I presume you are talking about Gary Vitti. I did a little research myself on the web about the injury potential caused by wider hips and knock knees and you are correct that such characteristics surely can be a factor in some knee injuries, especially subluxation or dislocation of the knee cap, which was Drew’s first major injury as a Laker.
~
Several articles I browsed also stated that the problems caused by wider hips and knock knees usually involves injuries to young men who are still growing and the problem often lessens as player matures. Hopefully, that will be the case with Drew. Obviously, the Lakers were aware of this situation when they gave Drew the extension to his rookie contract. Presumably, that is why they ended up not giving him a max contract and why Drew’s agent agreed to less than the maximum. Let’s all hope the Lakers made the right decision.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
TOM

Hey guys. Just a heads up. Another post is being edited right now and should be up in a bit.

Laker Truth - Your Sasha post was deleted. It was inappropriate I thought.

MM

A couple of quick comments;
1) Bynum is the most divisive topic on this forum but, ironically, it shouldn't be - because, as someone else already alluded to, and all things considered, there isn't another center in this league I would rather have on this team than him.
2) The second most divisive topic, as Laker J pointed out, is this business of whether or not Shaq deserves to eventually have his jersey retired - to which I say, absolutely NOT.
3) I just want to echo bassman and Zaira's feelings about Kobe - there is no other player in the league today that I would rather see take to the court. As Laker fans we are so blessed - I count my lucky stars each and every season we are treated to his offerings. Durant may get there one day, for for now - and for my money - Kobe is the one guy that I most anticipate when tuning into a basketball game...nobody else captures my imagination as much.

It's not that you are saying false remarks about Bynum...I saw your criticism is backed up with statistics...

It's that you will scour the world, for anything negative about Bynum...I never said your comments were not substantiated...But why...Why do you get off on Bynum bashing...Did he steal your girl...did he key your car...why the hate...why no faith...why give up on the kid...why so desperate to trade him...

That's my point...why point out the negative...if you are only pointing out negative...then my conclusion is...you have a negative stand on the whole topic...substantiated or not...

A lot here will point out the positive...some will just leave it in the hands of the Laker Gods...me I will lean on his positive traits, his flashes of brilliance, his potential...

This is an open forum...you are free to post what ever you feel, and your opinions...I just choose to dwell on the positive...and will always keep the faith...even if looks bleak or dark...

We have members here who have happily jumped on the Blake and Barnes bandwagons...these guys haven't played one minute of Laker ball...yet they get the benefit of the doubt...but AB doesn't even get this...it's about his injuries, big hips, knock knees, no All Star votes, no Defensive team votes...etc...

I don't do 'Doom and Gloom' very good...I like Win and Grin...I've had a huge one on my face since 2008...(yes even we lost the Finals that year)

Derrick Fisher is a good back up player and a good leadership for the locker room. I strongly feel that this summer signing Steve Blake really help to make the Lakers better. Steve can share the minutes with Derrick, and Phil should reduce Derrick minutes and save him for the final quarter. Does anybody remember few years back when Lakers again Phili Iverson , the Lakers used Tyron Lue instead of Derrick to match the speed. Fisher is good again player like Steve Nash and other veteran, but again guys have a lot speed tense to put a lot of burden on the last line of defense. I know Kobe is best in the business to defense any body, but it takes away his offence aggressiveness, and the Lakers need him to set the table.
GO>>>>>>>>>>>Lakers

I would have to say that the Bynum debate has supplanted the Walton debate as the most discussed and debated topic on the boards among Laker fans. Luke Walton always kicked up the debate based on his ability, shooting, and defense, whereas Bynum's discussions revolve around his health, potential, and the prospect of a trade using him as an asset.

@KOBEMVP… Cool hats but what caught my eye was the Lakers shot glass. Gonna need one of those during the season to hold the Grey Goose washing down those Percocets. LOL.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
TOM

Several articles I browsed also stated that the problems caused by wider hips and knock knees usually involves injuries to young men who are still growing and the problem often lessens as player matures. Hopefully, that will be the case with Drew. Obviously, the Lakers were aware of this situation when they gave Drew the extension to his rookie contract. Presumably, that is why they ended up not giving him a max contract and why Drew’s agent agreed to less than the maximum. Let’s all hope the Lakers made the right decision.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
TOM

Posted by: LakerTom | September 16, 2010 at 01:30 PM

-----------------
LakerTom,
Gotta disagree on this one. AB's agent wanted max money for his client but AB stepped forward and said forget that, I'm hppy to take Lakers offer to get deal done. He wanted to join Lakers without hazzle and fight over money. Loved his attitude.

Seely_Iggy,
-
"I've never seen Jon K, but anyone is hotter looking than Amundson."
-
They posted my profile last Friday. Think a guy who looks like Fabio who absolutely abhors being compared to Fabio.
-
What do we play for? RINGS!!!
-
Lakers Today... Lakers Tomorrow... Lakers Forever.
-
GO LAKERS!!!

Jon K,

You remind me more of Kevin Greene linebacker extreme of he Rams.

Not so much in looks but of attitude and living life to the fullest. I think Kevin Greene while with Rams lived in Newport Beach. Must be the water. LOL

They posted my profile last Friday. Think a guy who looks like Fabio who absolutely abhors being compared to Fabio.

Posted by: Jon K. | September 16, 2010 at 04:09 PM

Whoa..... so NOT what I was expecting. First and foremost, you're way younger than what I envision. And DEFINITELY much hotter looking than Amundson!!! Fabio indeed *lol*

Hey Mark,
I didn't have time to read all of the comments. But I agree with one that I saw about Shaqs number being retired in L.A. I honestly don't want it or think it deserves to be up there with Magic & Kareem & Worthy & (soon)Kobe. I DO NOT want to see it there. He is a Celtic and that's it. That wasn't the deciding factor though for me, I already felt this way but that just sealed the deal bro.
He was great when he was here but that's it. It goes no further ...