Caught in the Web: Lakers prepare for Memphis Grizzlies
--The Times' Mike Bresnahan examines the relationship between Pau Gasol and Phil Jackson. Bresnahan also reports that Luke Walton might play tonight against Memphis after missing the season thus far with an injured right hamstring.
--NBA.com's Steve Aschburner ranks Kobe Bryant No. 3 on the league MVP race.
--The Orange County Register's Janis Carr highlights Luke Walton's reflections on the late Maurice Lucas.
--ESPN Los Angeles' Andy Kamenetzky previews the upcoming week for the Lakers.
--Sports Illustrated's Zach Lowe remains baffled with Memphis paying Mike Conley a five-year, $45-million deal.
--ESPN Los Angeles' Ramona Shelburne reviews "Laker Girl."
--Sports Illustrated sizes up Memphis' Marc Gasol and Zach Randolph as to how they'll fare in free agency next season.
--The Daily Breeze's Elliott Teaford details more about Walton's friendship with Lucas.
--The Memphis Commercial Appeal's Ronald Tillery documents the progression of Memphis guard O.J. Mayo.
--Lakers.com's Mike Trudell details Monday's practice.
--Forum Blue and Gold's Darius Soriano details the value Lakers forward Matt Barnes brings to the team.
--Silver Screen and Roll's Brian Tung explains how to use statistics to compare players from other eras.
--Laker Nation's Nadya Avakian dissects the "Renegades."
--3 Shades of Blue's Chip Crain provides a position-by-position breakdown of the Lakers-Grizzlies matchup.
Tweet of the Day:"If you care about your future, #VoteToday. http://ofa.bo/Nov2
Reader Comment of the Day: "I must say, Lamar Odom is finally (consistently) displaying the incredible skills I used to drool over when he was at Rhode Island and during his first couple of years with the Clippers. Best of all, the game is coming to him. He's making it look easy. I'm proud of him, and I think he can see what real effort coupled with real talent can do. The last time he looked this good was when he went on that knockout run in the playoffs with Miami a few years ago when Wade was still a youngin' and Butler was still wet behind the ears. The Heat's offense went through Odom, and he ran that thang! Title Heaven in 2011" -- Don't Blame Del Harris
-- Mark Medina
E-mail the Lakers blog at mgmedin@gmail.com
Photo: Lakers center Pau Gasol, right, drives to basket past Golden State center Andris Biedrins during the Lakers' 107-83 victory Sunday at Staples Center. Credit: Jayne Oncea / U.S. Presswire
FIRST!
Sorry Justa.
Posted by: utzworld - THE BANNER HOLDER | November 02, 2010 at 10:41 AM
AAARRRRRRRRGGGGGGGGHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!
I'm very disappointed in my man LO. VERY.
I have not seen a Harlem Shake. NOT ONE.
Posted by: justanothermambafan | November 02, 2010 at 10:45 AM
Can we construct a Pope-mobile like device for Andrew to sit in during the game, lest some ball hungry Memphis player chases an out of bounds rebound and dives feet first into Drew's other knee?
Posted by: utzworld - THE BANNER HOLDER | November 02, 2010 at 10:49 AM
mamba24, Peter Brown links are AWESOME!!!!
thx, sir
Posted by: Magic Phil | November 02, 2010 at 10:50 AM
I gotta blame Del Harris for the RCOTD - congrats and well-said. If Lamar keeps this up, it's going to be a particularly special year.
utz - I heard that they are putting Drew into Carbonite for the game.
Posted by: 63 Footer | November 02, 2010 at 11:00 AM
re-POST
Snarky - Check
Rebel with a cause - Check
Independent Thinker - Check
At least one good post per day - Check
At least one post to the contrary - Check
Posted by: Fan of the Mamba | November 02, 2010 at 10:20 AM
thanks. i will make sure i follow the list on a daily base. CHECK
i'm always in a great mood when we play Memphis: it's of Gasolinian magnitute. and,
reminds me of the Choker's speech after his catastrophic road trip that ended by being humiliated by his brother:
we need more TOUCHES.
and let's not forget that in the same game "our favorite son Luke" was inserted in the last few seconds to deliver the entry pass to Kobe for the buzzer-beater. and he made the pass BEHIND Kobe. indeed, we need a high IQ guy to do that. but the Zen wanted his son to redeem himself.
and the question is: why did we need a buzzer beater?
because Gassy was 2 times alone with the ream, indeed with his back, did not see his PATH because he was too busy to PASS to a Farmy for a 3 point shot. now, that's efficient. and especially CLUTCH.
that was the same game when Kobe became the lakers all time scorer. and Jon K declared that he is not interested in "individual statistcs", "material things" and so on …
but he loves RINGS. so is it RINGS or is it the JOURNEYYYYYYYYY
i will be forever confused by the Zen Master and Jon "the monk" K who do not care about the "ordinary material THINGS" just about "spiritual ones". but hey, if there r RINGS and Champagne, let's be the first in line. go figure…
and now, that i finished with the ordinary task of the days, BLOGGING, till the start of the game tonight, i'm ready to LEVITATE…
anyone has a background sound for that????????????
Posted by: ouchhhhhhhh | November 02, 2010 at 11:02 AM
RCOTD = DON'T BLAME DEL HARRIS(I don't) = OUT FREAKIN STANDING SIR!!!!! KUDOS!!!
Posted by: mamba24 | November 02, 2010 at 11:06 AM
Remember Lebron's talking elbow?
I wanna hear Kobe's knee "coaching up" Andrew's knee...
Posted by: Noah | November 02, 2010 at 11:06 AM
Remember Lebron's talking elbow? I wanna hear Kobe's knee "coaching up" Andrew's knee... Posted by: Noah | November 02, 2010 at 11:06 AM
*
Now that's some funny ISH!! LOL!
Posted by: mamba24 | November 02, 2010 at 11:10 AM
DBDH: That was a GREAT comment! Kudos on a very well deserved Friedman!
- - -
Had the Lakers had Maurice Lucas earlier in the Showtime era they'd have won 2-3 more rings. He was that good back then and would have fit in perfectly.
- - -
ouchhhhhhhh: One questions, do we need to be on drugs to understand your post above?
GO LAKERS!!!!!
Cyber-in-law watch: 5 hours and counting!!!!!
Posted by: CyberCosmiX | November 02, 2010 at 11:24 AM
CyberCosmiX - "One questions, do we need to be on drugs to understand your post above?"
You make it sound like there's a time NOT to be on drugs. Makes no sense to me.
Posted by: 63 Footer | November 02, 2010 at 11:25 AM
63 Footer: "One questions, do we need to be on drugs to understand your post above?"
-
Ahhh your right 63 Footer. That's true. Most things ARE clearer when on drugs. I'd like to recall my question because it is inherently true... =P
GO LAKERS!!!!!
Posted by: CyberCosmiX | November 02, 2010 at 11:28 AM
Hey bosssirman . u didnt do too good this weekend. i saw your results. try using this http://sportscomplainer.com/nba ive been using it all year. it helps. cuz everything is one spot so ull get ur info faster. ull c.. or fix it somehow cuz ur gonna ruin the team. alright. bye.
Posted by: kobesronron | November 02, 2010 at 11:30 AM
63,
You probably saw this.. but check out Elvis shredding from a seated position..
And Neee ko (spoken like Homer saying "doughnuts")
Posted by: Noah | November 02, 2010 at 11:32 AM
DBDH -
Congratulations on the RCOTD...I'm with you on Lamar 'Gummy Bear' Odom...
justa - for you...
Lamar Harlem Shake
You do it so well baybee
Tonight we will see
63 Footer and LRob - the 5th Lakers/Beatles entry:
One of the best individual Laker performances in NBA history...
Lakers: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FeXZY4eVLlo
Beatles: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WWs1-NEV9O0
Laker Dynasty - The Next Generation...
#17 Coming Up!!!
Posted by: LEWSTRS | November 02, 2010 at 11:32 AM
oops, here it is:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y5FHslmkBFA
Posted by: Noah | November 02, 2010 at 11:33 AM
Hey bosssirman . u didnt do too good this weekend. i saw your results. try using this http://sportscomplainer.com/nba ive been using it all year. it helps. cuz everything is one spot so ull get ur info faster. ull c.. or fix it somehow cuz ur gonna ruin the team. alright. bye. Posted by: kobesronron | November 02, 2010 at 11:30 AM
*
WHAT IS THIS ISH? WHO LET THIS LUNATIC IN HERE? SECURITY!!!! SWEET JESUS!!!
Posted by: mamba24 | November 02, 2010 at 11:35 AM
LEWSTRS - not just one of the greatest individual Lakers performances, but one of the greatest individual performances evah. Great choice.
I think LRob also used that tune for Kobe in Game 7 of last year; I'm not sure Kobe needed ANY help from his friends! :)
Maybe this one, for his shot selection?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8THouU576WY
Posted by: 63 Footer | November 02, 2010 at 11:36 AM
Noah - oh, yeah - I remember when that was on. Totally rocked. Great call. Elvis is a deceptively good guitar player when he wants to be.
Posted by: 63 Footer | November 02, 2010 at 11:40 AM
CyberCosmiX
i will give you the benefit of the doubt of the back pain and mother in law. makes the brain foggy.
Posted by: ouchhhhhhhh | November 02, 2010 at 11:41 AM
63 Footer - I think you trumped me on the Beatles song...great choice
Your selection supplements the historic moments...maybe both songs would be needed...for it was such an accomplishment...it deserves 2 Beatles songs...
Posted by: LEWSTRS | November 02, 2010 at 11:44 AM
LEWSTRS - I'm with you: two songs! You picked such a stellar game. People claim "so-and-so" could have done it if they wanted to... but that just ain't true. It's a little bit mind-boggling when I look at it again. Kobe can score so quickly and efficiently; you blink, he's laid down nine, ten points. It's rather uncanny. I've seen splashier scorers, but none so assassin-esque. Truly. It's why he's in my debate of who the #2 greatest scorer of all time is. Can't top Wilt, but there's a really good argument that Kobe's #2.
Posted by: 63 Footer | November 02, 2010 at 11:49 AM
HAHAHAHA LMFAO...
cofm99 who is driving from MA back to So CA...
He text me last night...
"I'm driving through Cleveland, and it STINKS lol...
Lakers Dynasty - The Next Generation
#17 Coming Up!!!
Posted by: LEWSTRS | November 02, 2010 at 11:49 AM
ouchhhhhhhhhh: I concede a foggy brain as well as confess to being on meds. I Just hope that the fogginess clears up by tipoff tonight... lol
GO LAKERS!!!!!
Posted by: CyberCosmiX | November 02, 2010 at 12:04 PM
Cyber - Not nice not sharing the meds...
I'm telling justa on you...lol
Lakers Dynasty - The Next Generation
#17 Coming Up!!!
Posted by: LEWSTRS | November 02, 2010 at 12:07 PM
I can hear it. Can You?
It's getting louder, and louder.
http://tinyurl.com/37cth6r
Hey, these guys don't know they're supposed to lose.
http://tinyurl.com/347nys3
And last spring, who would'a thunk the San Francisco Giants would go on to win the World Series in November?
But not to get carried away. This season, I'll be pleased if the Kings finish at 500, but not surprised if they do much better. We're solid one through 12. Definitely moving up the ranks.
Team play, and everyone contributes.
Sorry your team is so old and tired.
Go Kings!
Go Niners! (Who are not out of it by any stretch, not yet)
Go Manny, go!
Go Oregon Ducks!
Go Boise State! (BCS is screwing you again)
Sonnybelfast
Posted by: Sonny Belfast | November 02, 2010 at 12:11 PM
@Sonny Belfast – Watched Q4 last night. Good win. Of course, I continue to be impressed with Cousins. And Casspi dropped a couple of deep 3’s. If you don’t like that then you don’t like NBA Basketball.
Posted by: LRob | November 02, 2010 at 12:28 PM
LEWSTRS: I don't think there are strong enough meds known to man to be able to drown out the incessant yapping about meaningless things and nothing at all of the in-law!
The meds I'm taking are boring stuff (muscle relaxants and whatnot) but if want a real high I give you this:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wHwwdUOQL8Q
LOL at the highest rated comments on that page.
We can always leave it to the results of the fantasy league to determine who buys drinks! =D
GO LAKERS!!!!!
Posted by: CyberCosmiX | November 02, 2010 at 12:28 PM
Wow...leave for a couple of hours and comeback to a musical smorgasborg...
@ouch/Jamie – Nice Animals/Grateful Dead shout out to SF.
@63 Footer – Cream, Isleys, Rufus & Chaka, A little Night Music...splendidly done!
@Justa – Super Tramp always good!
@Mamba – Oh yeah Peter Brown & 1st choice – still sound good.
@Fan of Mamba – Ladies Night...Yes I can Feel it!
@frmkt – Jamming as usual with JB & Harold Melvin.
@Zaira (the concert queen) Sting, Police...Good stuff.
@Lew – CCR - still bringing the classics!
@Noah – Elvis is the man/thanks for the Neko intro.
@Jefe – Coen brothers – classic...can't wait for their new one coming soon.
@Yellofever – thanks for the Kevin Love update
Posted by: LRob | November 02, 2010 at 12:37 PM
MagicPhil/63 Footer - since y'all got on the Chaka/Rufus roll...and this is the Lakers site...I'll bring them both together...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5ImyP_nsyNY
Posted by: LRob | November 02, 2010 at 12:38 PM
Sonny Belfast
one of the greatest memories of 2010: first day of the year. Kobe buzzer beater.
but O. Casspi's face @ 0:24 DEFLATED or DEFEATED (pick your poison) after THAT shot: PRICELESS
we are not in Kansas (sorry, Tel Aviv) anymore. it's Los Angeles.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j6nBQQ5LC88
ohhhhhhhhhh, and the assistant coach's theatrics pointing to the sideline and Kobe's foot. but Kobe tiptoed like a "black swan"
and Westphal: the quiet loser with his hands crossed.
now go walk your little dog to make sure he does not ish on your Sacramento 0.500+ prognosis.
Posted by: ouchhhhhhhh | November 02, 2010 at 12:39 PM
@Cyber - Yes, you'll have your freedom shortly. (see below)
@Justa - oh yeah...you know I loved your freedom selection...but hey I'm still waiting on acknowledgement from that long fantasy league tutorial I posted...ahem!
A great day of Freedowm...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cfri5tMXfc4
Posted by: LRob | November 02, 2010 at 12:42 PM
@ouch - loved your Kobe fadeaway post....awesome!
But I can’t let you just dog Pau. Kobe abused everyone in the league. From Shaq to KG to SA Twin Towers...not just Pau.
So here’s a little something something from Pau BEFORE his Laker days. Showing what he could do against SA Towers & Dwight...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0r7a_NE-JgU
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n3tDygbfF98
Posted by: LRob | November 02, 2010 at 12:45 PM
Would you trade Lamar, Artest, Blake and Barnes or Brown for Horford and Conley? I wouldn't. Or let's go the other way. Would you trade Gasol and Blake for Horford and Conley? How about Bynum ad Artest for those two? Those are the approximate salaries we're talking about.
In the NBA, bigs are overpaid and now point guards are getting overpaid. While Lakers fans moan and groan about the "mistakes" that we made with Luke and Sasha, they should be happy that less than 10% of the payroll (7.7 mil) is allocated to the lead guard position and understand that Bynum's salary is in line with other NBA bigs.
Posted by: KobeMVP888 | November 02, 2010 at 07:30 AM
MVP – I’m assuming that is a rhetorical question, cause you know the answer…Of course not!
When it comes to the Lakers I don’t concern myself with salaries - - only ships. I know we share that philosophy and you’re just illustrating this for comparative analysis.
Posted by: LRob | November 02, 2010 at 12:46 PM
LRob - do you agree Cam Newton has the Heisman locked up...
Posted by: LEWSTRS | November 02, 2010 at 12:55 PM
@63 Footer - out of all your brilliant musical selections today that Bootsy really hit the spot. How creative was the lyrics...he created his own little "Bootsy" doll.
Don't let her cry
Don't let that little girl cry
Bootzilla's here!
The world's only rhinestone rock star doll baba!
I wanna be your toy.
I wanna play for you . . .
Created by Funk-A-Tech Incorporated,
Makers of funky things to play with.
Wind me up, I'll sing, I'll dance, I'll play for you.
Funk away!
Posted by: LRob | November 02, 2010 at 12:55 PM
Thanks, y'all! I am humbled by my first solo "Friedman (get well, brother!) Award". I once was included in a group thing by MM when I first came on board, but this is so much better! My passion for Lamar's personal success is what led to my heartfelt notice of his improved, and more focused, game as of late. Expressing something as honest as pride in a team or player makes writing/blogging that much easier! As my health returns, so does my eye for beautiful basketball. In closing, I will enjoy watching the Geico Cavemen mix it up in the paint tonight. Basketball... so easy a caveman could do it!
DBDH!
Posted by: Don't Blame Del Harris! | November 02, 2010 at 12:57 PM
@DBDH - You earned the kudos. Soak it in. It's well deserved
Just a heads up. A post is being edited right now. Should be up within the next hour
Posted by: Mark Medina | November 02, 2010 at 12:59 PM
Are we still on funk?
Do we WANT the funk?
Do we NEED the funk?
Yeah - that's what I thought!!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vLtoyXkpHCM
And of course, one for all the TruFunk Soldiers out there.
GOOD GOD Y'ALL!
http://vimeo.com/7661144
(This isn't the link I wanted for that song, but it's good)
Posted by: justanothermambafan | November 02, 2010 at 12:59 PM
LRob - the great Uniter. Good call on that.
ouchhhhhhhh - putting the dagger in on Sonny.
Posted by: 63 Footer | November 02, 2010 at 01:02 PM
LRob - I was called in to write an episode on a series just for Bootsy (somehow someone thought I liked music or something). I threw in all sorts of James Brown and P-Funk references. Unfortunately, when it came time to record the episode... I couldn't be there. I was majorly bummed. Everyone said Bootsy (who came in in full regalia) was a really nice guy.
justanothermambafan - P-Funk rules!
Posted by: 63 Footer | November 02, 2010 at 01:05 PM
LRob - so sorry.. I thought I did. Oh well - it was a very heartfelt thank you in my head then LOL!
Posted by: justanothermambafan | November 02, 2010 at 01:07 PM
Lakers are looking impressive thus far in the season. I'm loving the bench play. There's no doubt that after watching three games, the biggest off season acquisition goes by the name of Steve Blake. He's a perfect fit within the triple post offense (such an upgrade over Jordan Farmar within this system that it's not even worth talking about).
There won't be much of a challenge tonight with Memphis: the Pau v. Marc battle will be fun to watch because of the competitive nature of brother v. brother. Phil Jackson's nit-picking aside, there's no doubt who the better Gasol is. Pau's offensive skill-set around the basket is far superior to anyone in the NBA, let alone his family tree. Marc is a more physical player in his general nature (his thicker build also contributes to playing a more physical brand of basketball) but let's not forget about Pau's 19 rebounds in game 7 last spring ( 9 OREB & 9 DREB) which is plenty physical enough for me.
I can see OJ Mayo presenting problems tonight. He's an athletic, natural scorer. Kobe, regardless of comments, isn't 100% on the defensive end and I think Mayo is the type of guard that can take advantage of that. I see LA winning this game by a 10-12 margin with Mayo keeping it interesting. If Mayo is on your fantasy team, start him lol
Let me know your thoughts!
Follow me on twitter: twitter.com/MrDiGenova
Posted by: Dan_NBAExpert | November 02, 2010 at 01:12 PM
justa - you no likey me poemy to you...
:(
Posted by: LEWSTRS | November 02, 2010 at 01:12 PM
MVP – I’m assuming that is a rhetorical question, cause you know the answer…Of course not!
When it comes to the Lakers I don’t concern myself with salaries - - only ships. I know we share that philosophy and you’re just illustrating this for comparative analysis.
Posted by: LRob | November 02, 2010 at 12:46 PM
=====
And boredom.
Posted by: KobeMVP888 | November 02, 2010 at 01:14 PM
MagicPhil/63 Footer - since y'all got on the Chaka/Rufus roll...and this is the Lakers site...I'll bring them both together...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5ImyP_nsyNY
Posted by: LRob | November 02, 2010 at 12:38 PM
NICE!!!!!!!!!!
Smooth as silk...
Posted by: Magic Phil | November 02, 2010 at 01:20 PM
LRob: I LOVE that song! Pink Floyd is top-3 all-time for me, up there with Zep & Sabbath.
Yes indeed, freedom is about 3-4 hours away! =D
GO LAKERS!!!!!
Posted by: CyberCosmiX | November 02, 2010 at 01:25 PM
Dan - my favorite NBA expert - good to see you back. Hopefully we'll catch you on the live chat tonight!
Lew - HUH??? I must have missed it.... repost?
Posted by: justanothermambafan | November 02, 2010 at 01:25 PM
And - better late than never - CONGRATS on your Friedman Award DBDH!!!
Keep drooling over Lamar. I know I am. LOL!!!!!
Posted by: justanothermambafan | November 02, 2010 at 01:26 PM
LRob & MVP888- Just because perennial losers give ridiculous contracts to mediocre to slightly above average players doesn't make it right.
I believe the three of us can agree that the Lakers fanbase holds the front office to a higher level of accountability than those of Memphis or Atlanta.
I guess I was just spoiled by us having Jerry West, arguably the greatest GM in the history of the NBA all those years. Expecting Mitch to pick up where the Logo left off was a bit unrealistic, but future waltonian mistakes aren't highly likely.
Posted by: htj | November 02, 2010 at 01:26 PM
htj... still keeping the Luke mystique (or your perceived lack there-of) alive I see. You'll come around. Justa wait til he's healthy and we'll talk.
Catch you tonight on the game chat!
Posted by: justanothermambafan | November 02, 2010 at 01:28 PM
DBDH -
Congratulations on the RCOTD...I'm with you on Lamar 'Gummy Bear' Odom...
justa - for you...
Lamar Harlem Shake
You do it so well baybee
Tonight we will see
63 Footer and LRob - the 5th Lakers/Beatles entry:
One of the best individual Laker performances in NBA history...
Lakers: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FeXZY4eVLlo
Beatles: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WWs1-NEV9O0
Laker Dynasty - The Next Generation...
#17 Coming Up!!!
Posted by: LEWSTRS | November 02, 2010 at 11:32 AM
Posted by: LEWSTRS | November 02, 2010 at 01:30 PM
Lew - LOL - thanks a lot! That's pretty good!
Posted by: justanothermambafan | November 02, 2010 at 02:58 PM