Caught in the Web: Lakers preparing for matchup with Toronto Raptors
--The Times' Mike Bresnahan remains impressed with the Lakers' 5-0 start.
--Forbes.com's Kurt Badenhausen reports that Kobe Bryant remains the NBA's highest paid player.
--AOL Fanhouse's Sam Amick walks away impressed with how Bryant looks.
--The Daily News' Vincent Bonsignore details Andrew Bynum's progression involving the rehab on his surgically repaired right knee.
--The Orange County Register's Janis Carr looks at what's different about Ron Artest's shoes.
Carr also highlights the participation of Derrick Caracter and Devin Ebanks in the NBA Rookie Challenge Tip-Off Thursday at Audubon Middle School.--The Orange County Register's Kevin Ding explains how the Lakers are bonding off the court.
--ESPN.com's John Hollinger argues that the Lakers' high-octane offense resembles the Phoenix Suns (insider subscription required).
--NBA.com's Scott Howard-Cooper explains how Bryant has surpassed expectations regarding the rehab of his surgically repaired right knee.
--ESPN Los Angeles' Andy Kamenetzky offers his take on Bynum starting in Lamar Odom's place.
--The National Post's Eric Koreen sizes up the Raptors' point-guard position.
--ESPN Los Angeles' Dave McMenamin wonders how many wins the Lakers can compile this season.
--Lakers.com's Mike Trudell details Thursday's practice.
--Fox Sports' Billy Witz details how the Lakers are keeping Bryant fresh.
--The Toronto Sun's Frank Zicarelli highlights Reggie Evans' leadership. Zicarelli also indicates the Raptors highly respect Lakers forward Pau Gasol.
--Silver Screen and Roll's bluexfalcon shares the experience in attending the Lakers-Kings game at Arco Arena.
--Silver Screen and Roll's Daniel Buerge explains how Matt Barnes' arrival helps the Lakers in shedding their soft label.
--Raptors Republic's A-Dub breaks down Toronto's inconsistency.
Tweet of the Day: "Quick question, I remember this summer when I signed a lot of u laker fans were NOT happy about it. R we cool yet, can I be down??" -- Matt_Barnes22 (Lakers forward Matt Barnes)
Reader Comment of the Day: "Just pointing out that, whoever is in the 2nd unit ... they would be good enough to beat 50% of the other teams' starting units... The combinations are endless... Great problem for PJ to have... Like a set of Legos... there are so many ways they fit... As long as we stay healthy, with everyone available... We would be hard to beat." -- LEWSTRS
--Mark Medina
E-mail the Lakers blog at mgmedin@gmail.com
Photo: Lakers guard Kobe Bryant drives past Raptors forward DeMar DeRozan last season in January. Credit: Warren Toda / EPA
Matty Barnes - WE COOL WITH THAT!
LEW - congrats! I hear Tex and Phil are working on the new Lego Offense.
"Silver Screen and Roll's Daniel Buerge explains how Matt Barnes' arrival helps the Lakers in shedding their soft label."
I swear, the Lakers could literally go on a killing spree in downtown Boston, guns blazing, Celtic fans diving for cover, then have a police stand-off for 24 hours before making a break for it and shooting their way out and back to LA, and some bozo will STILL question their "toughness." We've been plenty tough for a couple years now, eh?
NOTE TO SELF AND THE ABOVE POST: seems it's a little violent, no doubt because of that video game trailer. Gotta watch that.
Posted by: 63 Footer | November 05, 2010 at 12:37 PM
KobeMVP888- I believe Barnes is addressing this to you. R you cool yet with him being a Laker?
I was happy to see the Lakers get him. I know it's only been 5 games, but he has brought what I thought he would bring. When Artest goes to the bench we don't loose much on the court. BTW, I'm not calling you out, but just wondering what your position is now.
Posted by: Laker J | November 05, 2010 at 12:40 PM
63Footer's previous post is rated M, and is intended for mature audiences. Mine on the other hand, are meant for 5 year olds and younger.
Posted by: Laker J | November 05, 2010 at 12:42 PM
63Footer's previous post is rated M, and is intended for mature audiences. Mine on the other hand, are meant for 5 year olds and younger.
Posted by: Laker J | November 05, 2010 at 12:42 PM
Hilarious! lol
Posted by: Caliphilosopher | November 05, 2010 at 12:45 PM
@Matt Barnes. I knew you were pretty good, but I had no idea.
16 points. 14 rebounds. 1 steal. 1 block. In 27 minutes.
Great athleticism and one of the quickest leapers in the game.
Endless hustle, tenacity, and effort.
Excellent movement without the ball, making the right cuts.
Yea bro we're cool. Im more than down wit dat. Keep up the hard work brother. I'll just keep shrugging off all the first hands stories I hear about you from my Sactown buddies.
Posted by: AndTheJellosJigglin | November 05, 2010 at 12:50 PM
Laker J - You a baaaaaaaaaaaaaad man.
Posted by: 63 Footer | November 05, 2010 at 12:51 PM
Then again, I was happy with you coming here in the 1st place. Just next time you try to make someone flinch with a fake pass to the face, make sure they flinch please. I suppose 90% of people would, you just tried that with the wrong Mamba.
Posted by: AndTheJellosJigglin | November 05, 2010 at 12:51 PM
Been gone a while so I'm gonna put this on the current thread. It's been asked and discussed whether Bynum should start or come off the bench when he returns. People seem to be neglecting one simple fact, just because a player starts doesn't mean he plays most of his minutes with the starters! When Bynum returns he should get about 20 or so mins a game till he gets his conditioning and rhythm back. After that it should be a matter of match-ups/who's playing well. The ONLY reason Bynum starting or coming off the bench will matter is how we start the game. Our game will be slower, but should have better defense with Bynum (playing closer to the basket means less long rebounds and more time to get set defensively).
This may be a poor observation as I haven't been able to watch every game, but it seems to me that during the last couple years Pau has played center with the reserves more than Bynum. Particularly in close games. I believe a big reason for this was due to the teams lack of players able to perform a quality post entry pass (Farmar and Brown, anyone). Where Kobe and Fish could get the ball into Bynum in the post with room to operate, the reserves could not. Pau, however, was able to come out to 15-20 feet out to get the ball and work from there. Pau also had more experience and better skills in retrieving those bad passes.
Steve Blake seems to have better pure pg skills than Farmar. That may or may not lead to better post entry passes, but it bodes well. We also don't know yet how good Barnes will be in getting the ball in to Bynum in the post. If those players can get that done, I think we might see Bynum playing more center with the reserves, with Pau and LO playing together more often. It would definitely give Bynum more time on the floor as the focal point in the offense, hopefully further developing his skills. It would also leave Bynum manning the paint when the reserve guards and wings are in, limiting opponents blowing by their man and getting uncontested layups. As good as Pau is, Bynum does a better job in that one area at least.
For me, there are two questions about Bynum this year. One, once he gets his conditioning back, will he trust his body to hold up and play aggressively, or will he play timidly fearing another knee injury? Two, will he and Gasol further develop the chemistry together they were finally starting to show at the end of last year? If Bynum comes back aggressive and gets that chemistry with Pau, we may be a MUCH better team than we are right now. That would be down right scary for the rest of the league.
In regards to LO, I really don't think returning to the bench will have the negative impact on him some fear it will. Just look back at the last six years (since he became a Laker). He was always just as inconsistent as a starter as he was coming off the bench. This year just feels different with him. I think he has matured a lot as a man and as a player. Credit his marriage, his time with team USA, whatever it is he seems more "there".
Posted by: Troy B | November 05, 2010 at 12:58 PM
Troy B - actually, I think Matty Barnes has shown great court awareness and quick passes. He gets it into the post, and will help get it into Bynum very well. I agree that Farmar and the old Bench Mob had real trouble with getting it to the low post (and Shannon, unfortunately, still has passing problems which I hope work themselves out).
Posted by: 63 Footer | November 05, 2010 at 01:01 PM
LEWSTRS: Congrats on the Friedman, totally agree with you. I firmly believe that the Lakers 2nd unit would make the playoffs, and might even break into top-5 in the east.
- - -
Re: Charlie Villanueva should have responded to KG on the court if KG really said that, I think it is apparent that KG did indeed call Charlie V a cancer patient, why else would he have come out and said that he called him a 'cancerous to his team and the league' - come on now! Of course the bully that KG is wouldn't say something like that, I'm sure it was something like 'f....... cancer patient' so I definitely side with Charlie V. Sometimes you hear something that is so far out of bounds, so classless, that you get stumped. I think that is what happened, but Charlie rightly outed KG.
I mean, he could have went Zidane on him and headbutted him or something, but Charlie is classier than that, and rightly came out and said something because bully KG needs to cut that part our of his game. Ironically, if he does cut out the 'hate stares' and such - he'll be exposed for having such a weak game.
- - -
going back to last nights posts, I repeat here what has been said before:
the Activator = Agitator = troll.
All one and the same. No Laker fan, just playing the role of one to antagonize.
GO LAKERS!!!!!
Posted by: CyberCosmiX | November 05, 2010 at 01:03 PM
MM - Thanks for the RCOTD (Friedman Award)
Speaking of Rick, hope he is settled in at home...and he enjoys the game tonight...
JustaLakerFan - hope you get better soon also...
What's up with all the health issues...I myself just went through all my dental work...now I might have the first stages of diabetes...I guess it's true...Father Time is undefeated...talk about 82-0...
Looking forward to tonights game...I think unless we lay an egg...6-0 is on the horizon, and justa's 82-0 bus is still running...lol
Lakers Dynasty - The Next Generation...
#17 Coming Up!!!
Posted by: LEWSTRS | November 05, 2010 at 01:07 PM
@Matt Barnes
We are definately down now!
@63
Still riding the nutless monkeys- LOL!
These are for you:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xGQlFANpW60&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2W_hEdt1Xes
Posted by: mclyne | November 05, 2010 at 01:13 PM
KobeMVP888- I believe Barnes is addressing this to you. R you cool yet with him being a Laker?
I was happy to see the Lakers get him. I know it's only been 5 games, but he has brought what I thought he would bring. When Artest goes to the bench we don't loose much on the court. BTW, I'm not calling you out, but just wondering what your position is now.
Posted by: Laker J | November 05, 2010 at 12:40 PM
=====
I am loving what I hoped I would see and that you expected to see! I admit that I was somewhat skeptical about Barnes because of his journeyman history. It is clear that if he stays focused and dedicated, he's a great fit on this team in every respect. Yes, I was pissed that the domestic violence issue came up before the season started, but I am glad it is behind him. In terms of the Luke issue (which you didn't raise, but which I will address anyway), I never said that I wanted Luke to play ahead of Barnes, just that it wouldn't surprise me if Phil played him ahead of Barnes on the depth chart. I ALSO questioned whether Luke would make it through this season at all and that it wouldn't surprise me if he had to retire because of injuries. Given that Luke started the season injured and Barnes has integrated so easily, I believe that we have pretty much seen the end of Luke as a rotation player. I also hope we have seen the end of the Luke bashing.
This brings me to another issue. The bashing of ANY of our players. Why ANYONE focuses on negative stuff like who comprises our "garbage time" lineup is beyond me. Ha ha ha ha (eyes rolling) Even more sickening is the group of holier-than-thou Bynum bashers. Who CARES what role Bynum plays on the team as long as we win championships? So what if someone is "proved right" that Bynum is not the Lakers franchise player of the future. Whoop-dee-doo. I hope this contingent of "smarter than the Lakers front office fans" bleed from patting themselves on the back if that happens. The Lakers can cut him loose after 2012 if they want anyway. HE'S A ROLE PLAYER RIGHT NOW. Can anyone name me one Phil Jackson coached team that didn't feature two stars and the rest of the players being role players? Yes, Dennis Rodman was a "star," but he was a star with a specific role on those Bulls teams. Glen Rice? Role player. Any others? Right now Lamar is bucking that trend because he's playing like an all-star, but even he is a role player on this team.
Anyway, I digressed .. Thanks for thinking of me, man.
Posted by: KobeMVP888 | November 05, 2010 at 01:21 PM
@63-I agree about Matty Barnes. But I haven't seen him play with a "true" low post, back to the basket player yet (didn't really pay attention in Orlando). From what I've seen though I think he will be just fine, that's why I think we'll see Bynum playing more with the reserves this year.
Posted by: Troy B | November 05, 2010 at 01:26 PM
mclyne - Monkeys with Guns + Arctic Monkeys... you have outdone yourself! But you forgot this one:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cLsvdplgOK4
Posted by: 63 Footer | November 05, 2010 at 01:27 PM
Kobe in the Call of Duty ad was awesome. Loved his role, he is now starting to get some of the wider recognition that is a decade overdue. I sense a Jordanesque air to Kobe, this morning caught a segment where one of the Modern Family cast was talking about how Kobe was so nice and a 'natural' in a cameo he had on the show.
Kobe has a million dollar smile that lights up a room, it's glad that the Lakers have put a team around him that allows him to spread his wings and show his stuff without having to shoulder so much of the offensive load. We're seeing Kobe make some of the best decisions the past few games than ever, without compromising on his killer instinct. He's happy and it shows. They perfectly cast him in the COD ad, as a sniper - just what he is.
BTW It's just a game, claiming there is 20% of the population that would be affected by what they see is nonsense. If we are also going to claim it disses the armed forces, what they go through, well then why does the U.S. Army literally develop a very similar video game, 'America's Army'? I could see arguing that playing these games might make one more prone to join the military, which is what surely the US Army is banking on with their own free game, but saying that the wacko's of the world will see this and make them shoot up their neighborhood I just can't see happening. Just turn on any music video nowadays, listen to the lyrics of most songs nowadays, watch most TV shows or movies nowadays - we literally can't escape crime or violence.
We start moving into censorship to try to limit video games, into freedoms. First this, next we'll have the government restricting happy meals...
We could always play the kid-friendly game 63 Footer described:
"I heard Luke was going to be in the next Mario ad. When Mario gets to Princess Peach, he finds Luke there instead."
LOL
GO LAKERS!!!!!
Posted by: CyberCosmiX | November 05, 2010 at 01:29 PM
Troy B - it's all good. I'm just knocking wood, carrying rabbits feet (still attached to my son's bunnies), throwin' salt over my shoulder (the bunnies didn't like that one much), and hoping against hope about no more injuries. It all comes down to health.
Posted by: 63 Footer | November 05, 2010 at 01:30 PM
OK time to go out in the field and beat the bushes...
See everyone later and on the game chat...
I leave you with this...like the Lakers..."I really liked the old songs, but I really like the new ones..."
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7XZGJiY2a3o
Lakers Dynasty - The Next Generation...
#17 Coming Up!!!
Posted by: LEWSTRS | November 05, 2010 at 01:48 PM
@63
I was going to throw in a "Monkeys" song, but since I despise their music, I chose to go with something that I actually can stand. :)
I was patiently waiting for the toy monkey to explode at the end of your clip, and when he didn't I felt a little sad on the inside.
found this amzing vid:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zm_pBSadM8s&feature=related
Posted by: mclyne | November 05, 2010 at 01:49 PM
Lew - I remember watching that when it was on and being blown away.
mclyne - I declare you the once and future king of the monkeython! You da Monkey Man:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HNY8eYmzdH4
Posted by: 63 Footer | November 05, 2010 at 01:51 PM
The Sam Amick AOL Fanhouse article from above is outstanding, must-read stuff.
I particularly loved this quote about Kobe by The Rifleman, Chuck Person:
"He's taking another step. He is relentless at (the goal of) being the best player, and that's why he is."
Amick also says that Blake is an upgrade over Farmar not only on the floor, but in the locker room too. I don't know about the locker room, but it is definite he is a vast improvement on the floor.
I agree with the theory that Bynum wasn't getting enough quality passes thrown to him in the post with the second-team in the past, but Blake has shown he's an excellent passer (dare I say possibly the best Laker pure passer since a certain Magic Johnson? Just throwing it out there...) and Barnes is good at moving the ball around, he's also nice in his off-ball movement and activity too.
This year I predict we will be seeing a lot more runaway games than we have, a lot more of the starters icing down knees and body parts before the third quarter is over, a lot more of The Renegades on the floor. So much so, I think that there will be a lot of games that some second teamers will be getting more minutes than starters...
One thing is FOR SURE: This will be a FUN year!
GO LAKERS!!!!!
Posted by: CyberCosmiX | November 05, 2010 at 01:54 PM
Who ever said they didn't want Matt Barnes here in L.A is an idiot. Barnes was a baller in all his previous teams. He was a fearless dude a good defender a good rebounder and a consistent 3point shooter. Who ever doesnt want a player like that on there team does not know basketball. And for those who were but hurt about what he did to Kobe, obviously you guys are Kobe fans only and not Laker fans!!
Posted by: "I Bleed Purple and Gold" | November 05, 2010 at 01:56 PM
@TROY B... Outstanding post, Troy. I especially agree with your well-thought out assertion that Lamar will play the same coming off the bench as he has as a starter. In Lamar’s case, I think it’s just maturity that has turned the switch and lit the bulb. While he can’t maintain the unbelievable shooting percentage he currently has, I think this will be a career year from him regardless of whether he starts or comes off the bench. In fact, with his recent publicity, he very well could make the All-Star game and win the 6th Man of the Year award if he continued to play the entire year at near his current level. Great job, Troy.
~~~~~~~~~~~~
TOM
Posted by: LakerTom | November 05, 2010 at 01:57 PM
@63-lol, that was funny. Poor bunnies! Really, as long as we stay relatively healthy, all our other "problems" will work themselves out naturally. Honestly every team has got to wish that their biggest problem would be how to integrate a top center on am unbeaten team!
Posted by: Troy B | November 05, 2010 at 02:00 PM
@63
I will take that title and hold it with honor and respect. But, I demand that I not be included with the "nutness monkey clan."
Posted by: mclyne | November 05, 2010 at 02:08 PM
Kobe Bryant
#1 - "Fresh off the 17th triple-double of his career -- 30 points, 10 rebounds and 12 assists against Sacramento Wednesday -- Bryant is on his way to a perfect season. No, really -- at their current pace, the Lakers will finish 82-0."
Pau Gasol
#8 - "After ranking eighth in efficiency last season, Gasol is up to sixth in 2010-11. He hasn't scored fewer than 21 points in a game so far and has grabbed at least 11 rebounds in four of the Lakers' five games. If he and Bryant both top 20 points again Friday vs. Toronto, they'll be the first Lakers to do so through the season's first six games since Wilt Chamberlain and Jerry West in October 1970."
Lamar Odom
#10 - "We thought Nowitzki was shooting sharply, until we realized that Odom -- 35-of-50 for 70 percent -- is the first NBA player to do that through the season's first five games since Charles Barkley went 43-of-60 to open 1991-92. And Odom's deadeye start includes 8-of-10 from 3-point range."
http://www.nba.com/2010/news/features/11/05/race-to-mvp-kobe-bryant/?ls=iref:nbahpt1
Posted by: ChicNstu | November 05, 2010 at 02:10 PM
*________________________________________________________________*
GET WELL SOON WESJOENIXON - BANDWAGON
*________________________________________________________________*
(01) JUSTANOTHERMAMBAFAN – OWNER
(02) utzworld THE BANNER HOLDER – CHAPLAIN - LET US PRAY. Dear Lord, please deliver our
brother Wes from pneumonia. Remove every symptom. Rest his body and allow it to recover. Purge
his body of every toxin. Restore the strength in his lungs. Restore hm and grant his the strength
needed to be a soldier to his family, friends and the Lakers Blog community. We thank You for
answered prayer...AMEN!
(03) ZAIRA - GODDESSS - I wanna send my sympathy and full support to Wes,
“
“
(14) MCLYNE - Wes I'll be sending you prayers today as well- get better dude!
(15) LAKERTOM - WES... Eat a couple of bagels for energy. I hear they can cure anything. Hope you recover soon. Being sick is no fun, even when there are Lakers games to watch.
*____________________________________________________________*
GET WELL SOON JUSTALAKERFAN – BANDWAGON
*____________________________________________________________*
Hey all, Been away a bit and that looks like that trend will continue. Family crisis
and health issues will make me part timer.Posted by: JustaLakerFan |
November 04, 2010 at 07:22 PM
*_____________________________________________________________*
(01) MAMBA24 – OWNER - Take care of yourself my brother, The Blog needs you.
My prayers for you and your family.
(02) JUSTANOTHERMAMBAFAN – DRIVER - justa.... from 1 to another.... take care
of yourself & your loved ones. We'll hold down the fort
(03) ZAIRA AMATERASU – GODDESS - I wanna send my sympathy and full support to Wes,
JustaLakerFan and of course Rick. We share your task of heaviness guys.
With love and genuine care.
Posted by: MAMBA24 | November 05, 2010 at 02:20 PM
@MVP888 - the Luke bashing stops when he does the right thing by the team and retires. Someone used the analogy with Ratliff being like an old dog struggling to hop up on the bed. At least Theo still can make it up somehow. Luke sleeps on the floor.
But on a happier note, how about that Lamar? Finally playing ball like we'd hoped 5 years ago. 16.6/11.4/3.6/1stl. Sounds like an all-star line to me. And that's a bandwagon you can throw me on. LO - All Star Game or Bust!
Posted by: htj | November 05, 2010 at 02:29 PM
"I Bleed Purple And Gold": "Who ever said they didn't want Matt Barnes here in L.A is an idiot. Barnes was a baller in all his previous teams. He was a fearless dude a good defender a good rebounder and a consistent 3point shooter. Who ever doesnt want a player like that on there team does not know basketball. And for those who were but hurt about what he did to Kobe, obviously you guys are Kobe fans only and not Laker fans!!"
-
This is a team that has won two titles. Gone to three straight Final's appearances. A team that has tremendous chemistry. A team that has grown close together, thanks largely to Mitch not making hasty moves simply to make them. A team that has shown it could win championships as it is.
Bringing in a guy like Barnes could spoil all of that - regardless of the amount game he has. If the Lakers were only after gamers, they might have pursued Delonte West, J.R. Smith, Michael Beasley, A.I. or any number of other guys that have shown some game on the court, but differing problems and issues off of it.
Any Laker fan vocalizing that they had some concerns about bringing in Barnes are showing their concern for throwing off the chemistry, of bringing in a guy who had a checkered past, who sometimes showed a lack of better judgment - and who could throw the winning balance awry with an ill-timed outburst for instance.
I've seen no one say recently that bringing in Matt was a bad move, all I've seen is people saying that he has shown promise and has proved to be a nice addition. I was in the boat of people who had concerns bringing him in, I was leery about throwing off the chemistry. I've been surprised by Barnes - not by his game, because I knew he had a nice game - but by his demeanor and his controlled feistiness, not the uncontrolled temper run amok that could have been problematic for the team.
Dare I say, an idiot is not a Laker fan that has trepidations in bringing in a guy like Barnes, but the fool that boasts that those that did have concerns are idiots...
GO LAKERS!!!!!
Posted by: CyberCosmiX | November 05, 2010 at 02:29 PM
*__________________________________________*
LAMAR ODOM ALL-STAR OR BUST BANDWAGON
*__________________________________________*
(01) HTJ - OWNER - But on a happier note, how about that Lamar? Finally playing ball like we'd hoped 5 years ago. 16.6/11.4/3.6/1stl. Sounds like an all-star line to me. And that's a bandwagon you can throw me on. LO - All Star Game or Bust!
(02) JUSTANOTHERMAMBAFAN - DRIVER
(03) MAMBA24 - RIDING SHOTGUN - Keep on Ballin LO you'll get there!
(04)
Posted by: mamba24 | November 05, 2010 at 02:36 PM
Guys we should have a post up within the next half hour or so
Posted by: Mark Medina | November 05, 2010 at 02:38 PM
LAMAR ODOM ALL-STAR OR BUST BANDWAGON - hey, I've been riding that little red wagon for a long time. But now, with the Worlds, I think more people will take a look at him, and maybe the All-Star coach'll reward his efforts.
Posted by: 63 Footer | November 05, 2010 at 02:38 PM
CyberCosmix- Concerns? concerns? concerns about Barnes? With PJ at coach, Kobe and Fisher as leaders, and how they controlled a way crazier Artest to win a championship. Sorry dude i dont see the concern there. Plus all I kept hearing in this blog was those but hurt about what he did to Kobe. Im not so sure it was about concern here but about what he did to Kobe that you guys did not want him here.
Posted by: "I Bleed Purple and Gold" | November 05, 2010 at 02:41 PM
Wow, a lot of injuries amongst the Laker blog familia.
WesJoeNixon: Pneumonia is a hard one to fully recover from, hang in there though. With the combined spirit of all of us in the Laker blog helping you pull through you'll make it!
JustaLakerFan: Health issues are bad enough, but combined with family crisis that is a tough thing. Hang in there bro!!!
LEWSTRS: You'll definitely have to watch what you eat from now on. My grandmother was diabetic, my mom is borderline and I saw a close friend deteriorate from the disease when he didn't take it seriously. Just make sure you keep things in check and it should be alright (might be hard if you have a sweet tooth, lol. That was the biggest battle for my grandma, and currently for my mom lol...)
Continued recovery for Rick Friedman too!
GO LAKERS!!!!!
Posted by: CyberCosmiX | November 05, 2010 at 02:42 PM
Cosmix - Blake uttered in the same breath as Magic? Too soon, my good man. Much, much too soon.
Posted by: htj | November 05, 2010 at 02:45 PM
63 Footer - before this year, outside of those with purple 'n gold colored viewing glasses, LO wasn't all star caliber.
This year's another story. The World's and Seabiscuit Kardashian keeping him out of the clubs all summer seem to have paid off. ASG or bust for LO.
Posted by: htj | November 05, 2010 at 02:48 PM
*______________________________________________________________*
LAMAR ODOM ALL-STAR OR BUST BANDWAGON
*_______________________________________________________________*
(01) HTJ - OWNER - But on a happier note, how about that Lamar? Finally playing ball like
we'd hoped 5 years ago. 16.6/11.4/3.6/1stl. Sounds like an all-star line to me. And that's a
bandwagon you can throw me on. LO - All Star Game or Bust!
(02) JUSTANOTHERMAMBAFAN – DRIVER
(03) 63 FOOTER – RIDING SHOTGUN - LAMAR ODOM ALL-STAR OR BUST BANDWAGON - hey,
I've been riding that little red wagon for a long time. But now, with the Worlds, I think more people
will take a look at him, and maybe the All-Star coach'll reward his efforts.
(04) MAMBA24 - Keep on Ballin LO you'll get there!
(05)
Posted by: mamba24 | November 05, 2010 at 02:50 PM
"I Bleed Purple and Gold": Maybe when it happened did we all bash on Barnes. That is a natural reaction though, we were protecting our own. I think a few people were against bringing him in, but to say you had absolutely no concerns whatsoever? C'mon now!
I think a lot of us could see that Ron Ron had a heart, had compassion - and still had concerns. Many of us simply couldn't get a read on Barnes. If someone still is bashing the move (which I've seen no one doing that, feel free to illustrate any post criticizing bringing him in from lately) then I could see it, but it's easy to criticize in hindsight.
The thing is, fine if you didn't have the slightest concern, but why call those that did have concerns idiots?
GO LAKERS!!!!!
Posted by: CyberCosmiX | November 05, 2010 at 02:52 PM
Dear friends,
There are no words adequate enough to express my appreciation for your support and well wishes these past few weeks. I've been on a whirlwind impossible to explain or understand. But your encouragement, friendship, whatever one might call it, has been so very inspiring.
I'm now home with Mission #1 to restore my health. Thank you Laker Nation, for everything.
More soon.
Posted by: Rick Friedman | November 05, 2010 at 02:54 PM
htj - long time to me is about two months... which is about as long as my poor vodka enfeebled neurons can hold information. If that long.
Posted by: 63 Footer | November 05, 2010 at 02:54 PM
Rick!!! Good to have you back! Take care and get strong.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZtOAf7MaOZM
Posted by: 63 Footer | November 05, 2010 at 02:58 PM
\o/ @ The Great Rick Friedman. Welcome home, brother!
Posted by: utzworld - THE BANNER HOLDER | November 05, 2010 at 02:58 PM
htj: "Cosmix - Blake uttered in the same breath as Magic? Too soon, my good man. Much, much too soon."
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Of course it is, will it ever be. Magic is GOAT in my eyes, the standard for Kobe to try to beat. I'm not even saying that.
Exactly what I said was "dare I say possibly the best Laker pure passer since a certain Magic Johnson? Just throwing it out there..."
Now, can you name me another pure passer as nice as Blake since Magic? Van Exel? I'm trying to think of one, but can't...
BTW Magic was not only the best pure passer in Laker history - but NBA history as well. Nash & Kidd are great passers, Chris Paul is nice too, I remember Pistol Pete being outstanding - but Magic seemed to have eyes on the sides of his head. I still don't comprehend how he could run down on a fast-break, not even look to his side, and give a perfect lookaway pass to a slashing James Worthy or Byron Scott. Incredible stuff, dare I say, 'Magical'...
GO LAKERS!!!!!
Posted by: CyberCosmiX | November 05, 2010 at 03:02 PM
Rick: It's great that you are back home and doing better! There is no better place to recover from than at home.
Take care of yourself and hope you have a smooth, steady, continued recovery!
GO LAKERS!!!!!
Posted by: CyberCosmiX | November 05, 2010 at 03:06 PM
CyberCosmix- Honestly I did not have any concerns. I knew he will give us a stronger bench and fit in nicely with what we already had. Thus far he has not dissapointed. Those who I called idiots were not those who were concern but those who kept saying "we dont whant him here because of the fight with Kobe." Those are the ones I was reffering to. And if you were concern, I totally respect that, because you want the best for our Lakers just like I do.
Go Lakers!!!
Posted by: "I Bleed Purple and Gold" | November 05, 2010 at 03:08 PM
*_____________________________________________________________________*
WELCOME BACK RICK FRIEDMAN – BANDWAGON
*______________________________________________________________________*
Dear friends, There are no words adequate enough to express my appreciation for your support and well wishes these past few weeks. I've been on a whirlwind impossible to explain or understand. But your encouragement, friendship, whatever one might call it, has been so very inspiring. I'm now home with Mission #1 to restore my health. Thank you Laker Nation, for everything. More soon.
*______________________________________________________________________*
(01) JUSTANOTHERMAMBAFAN – OWNER
(02) PSYCHEDLAKER GIRL – DRIVER
(03) 63 FOOTER – RIDING SHOTGUN - Rick!!! Good to have you back! Take care and get strong.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZtOAf7MaOZM
(04) utzworld THE BANNER HOLDER – CHAPLAIN - \o/ @ The Great Rick Friedman. Welcome
home, brother!
(05) MAMBA24 – Welcome back rick
(06) CYBERCOSMIX - Rick: It's great that you are back home and doing better! There is no better place to recover from than at home. Take care of yourself and hope you have a smooth, steady, continued recovery!
(07) LAKERTOM
(08) LEWSTRS
Posted by: mamba24 | November 05, 2010 at 03:12 PM
Kobe888,
"I believe that we have pretty much seen the end of Luke as a rotation player. I also hope we have seen the end of the Luke bashing"
I hope you are right, but as far as the Luke bashing, I will stop bashing Phil's favorite son as long as Luke does not take minutes over Barnes, as he did Ariza. If Luke retires, I will become a Luke supporter for life.
Posted by: LAKER TRUTH | November 05, 2010 at 03:13 PM
Great to hear from Rick, what a relief!
As far as Odom's All-Star Quest goes, "Get out of my way Saturn!"
Posted by: Jefe101 | November 05, 2010 at 03:15 PM
If Luke retires now, He will become my favorite Laker of all time. haha
Posted by: "I Bleed Purple and Gold" | November 05, 2010 at 03:18 PM
CyberCosmiX - "but Magic seemed to have eyes on the sides of his head."
I actually asked Magic about that once, and he showed me (by having me stand to either side and slowly move backwards): he has this ungodly peripheral vision. It seems like it's 270 degrees or something. Also, he told me that he constantly checks everyone's position on the floor (offense and defense) and keeps a "map" in his head of where everyone is. He says it's like having a hundred eyes.
Posted by: 63 Footer | November 05, 2010 at 03:19 PM
If Luke retires now, He will become my favorite Laker of all time. haha
Posted by: "I Bleed Purple and Gold" | November 05, 2010 at 03:18 PM
*
LMAO!!!!
Posted by: mamba24 | November 05, 2010 at 03:21 PM
Kobe888,
"I believe that we have pretty much seen the end of Luke as a rotation player. I also hope we have seen the end of the Luke bashing"
I hope you are right, but as far as the Luke bashing, I will stop bashing Phil's favorite son as long as Luke does not take minutes over Barnes, as he did Ariza. If Luke retires, I will become a Luke supporter for life.
Posted by: LAKER TRUTH | November 05, 2010 at 03:13 PM
=====
That is pathetic.
Posted by: KobeMVP888 | November 05, 2010 at 03:25 PM
Rick
How wonderful to hear you're on the road to recovery! I'm a big fan of your posts.
Posted by: KobeMVP888 | November 05, 2010 at 03:32 PM
Rick, so glad to hear that! Hope you're back in full health soon
Posted by: Troy B | November 05, 2010 at 03:34 PM
*_____________________________________________________________________*
WELCOME BACK RICK FRIEDMAN – BANDWAGON
*______________________________________________________________________*
Dear friends, There are no words adequate enough to express my appreciation for your support and well wishes these past few weeks. I've been on a whirlwind impossible to explain or understand. But your encouragement, friendship, whatever one might call it, has been so very inspiring. I'm now home with Mission #1 to restore my health. Thank you Laker Nation, for everything. More soon.
*______________________________________________________________________*
(01) JUSTANOTHERMAMBAFAN – OWNER
(02) PSYCHEDLAKER GIRL – DRIVER
(03) ZAIRA - GODDESS
(04) 63 FOOTER – RIDING SHOTGUN - Rick!!! Good to have you back! Take care and get strong.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZtOAf7MaOZM
(05) utzworld THE BANNER HOLDER – CHAPLAIN - \o/ @ The Great Rick Friedman. Welcome
home, brother!
(06) BENJAMIN – FAMILY MEMBER
(07) MAMBA24 – Welcome back Rick
(08) LAKERLASS – Welcome home Rick
(09) FAN OF THE MAMBA
(10) CYBERCOSMIX - Rick: It's great that you are back home and doing better! There is no better place to recover from than at home. Take care of yourself and hope you have a smooth, steady, continued recovery!
(11) LAKERTOM
(12) LEWSTRS
(13) JEFE101 - Great to hear from Rick, what a relief!
(14) CAP’S GOOGLES
(15) LROB
(16) CALIPHILOSOPHER
(17) KOBEMVP888 – Rick How wonderful to hear you're on the road to recovery! I'm a big fan of your posts.
(18) TROY B - Rick, so glad to hear that! Hope you're back in full health soon
Posted by: mamba24 | November 05, 2010 at 03:37 PM
63 Footer: I don't know if I'm more amazed by the fact that Magic has unreal peripheral vision, or that you had the honor to speak to him! =)
Magic's court vision was incredible. There have been a lot of nifty passers over the years, but Magic was a cut above them all. But to place all of his skill and ball-handling ability into a 6'9" frame, throw in smarts, court vision and incredible awareness that you speak of, god broke the mold after he created Magic - the most versatile player ever in my eyes.
It is so nice to see the Lakers have one of those crafty passers in the Nash/Kidd/Stockton mold in Blake. I can't understand how he has floated around the league for years.
Former Blazers GM Kevin Pritchard blew it big time in targeting Andre Miller - an ill-fit next to backcourt mate Brandon Roy - when they had the perfect fit in Steve Blake all along. But the Blazers/Clippers loss is the Lakers gain and I am so happy to see Blakey fitting in so well so quickly. I've been eying Blake for several years as a future Laker, so I'm really loving it!
I still can't get over how lucky you are to have chatted with Magic! lol...
GO LAKERS!!!!!
Posted by: CyberCosmiX | November 05, 2010 at 03:38 PM
LakerTom- that "Nutless Monkey" referance will live a long life. I'm still taking about it, will go down as a BLOG CLASSIC.
Posted by: 2Phatt | November 05, 2010 at 03:38 PM
@Rick Friedman - All the best to you on your recovery.
@Lew – congrats on your RCOTD. While you’re out beating the bushes…remember ABC…Always Be Closing…lol
@Cyber – I agree with your take on the KG/Charlie V situation. KG’s never ceases to amaze me with his antics.
Posted by: LRob | November 05, 2010 at 03:38 PM
RCOTD = LEWSTRS = OUT FREAKIN STANDING SIR!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: mamba24 | November 05, 2010 at 03:41 PM
Mamba24- add me to Rick's bandwagon.
Rick welcome back bro, you were truly missed.
Posted by: 2Phatt | November 05, 2010 at 03:42 PM
I'm not sure if Theo is banged up or he's just old, but he seems to be very slow to react on defense. If Luke retires, the Lakers can use that money to sign a veteran big man to back up Bynum (and be Bynum insurance in case of another injury). Last I heard, Erica Dampier was close to signing with Houston, but if he's still available, the Lakers could sign him for the vet. minimum. He's a big body who can body up guys like Shaq, Perkins, and Dwight, and could be a real asset come playoff time.
Posted by: LAKER TRUTH | November 05, 2010 at 03:43 PM
htj
"@MVP888 - the Luke bashing stops when he does the right thing by the team and retires. "
=======
I think you meant to say that the Luke bashing will stop when he does the right thing by his "unappreciative bashing fans who hate him and retires." As for the team, no fan knows how management or his teammates feel about this issue. Perhaps his knowledge of Phil Jackson's schemes add a certain value to the team's chemistry when Phil does his coaching .. in practice. You'll recall that when Luke was out with his bad back last season, Phil gave him a clipboard during the games. I know than you and others in here have a "what have you done for me lately" attitude toward Luke, but all he's done in his 7 previous seasons here is be a role player on a team that has been to 4 NBA Finals. I appreciate him for that and I can assure you that his presence on the roster this season will not prevent the Lakers from three-peating. This anti-Luke Walton sentiment is not only annoying, it's an embarrassment to those who continue to bash him every time his name is mentioned. THIS Lakers fan is thankful for his contributions. LAKER "TRUTH" doesn't necessarily mean a Lakers fan who is not afraid to point out our players' flaws. There's no "truth" to it without acknowledging and appreciating their contributions, even when their time is up.
Posted by: KobeMVP888 | November 05, 2010 at 03:48 PM
I don't know how many might remember this, but we started the 06/07 season very strong with Kwame, Smush and Luke starting. Something like 24-14? It was good enough to be fighting for first in the west. First Kwame got injured, but we kept rolling. Then LO went down in early Jan I believe. Still we kept winning. Then Luke went down and all hell broke loose, even after LO returned! We were doing so bad that PJ asked Kobe to start ball hogging, at which point Kobe went on a record run of 40 point games and 4 straight 50 point games!
My point was when Luke went out our offense just flat out fell apart. No I'm not saying Luke was that good, just that with that bad of a team he really helped Kobe get the other players moving and the ball moving. Before Luke went out we had the best ball movement in the league that year.
After that injury Luke has never been the same, but he did still really help bring ball and player movement when our reserves were in. This year it finally looks like our reserves are doing that on their own, to which I say kudos Mitch. Brown still looks like he can use a little help from Luke. Hopefully Luke will stay with the team as an assistant or something.
Posted by: Troy B | November 05, 2010 at 03:51 PM
Speaking of KG, he may be one of the worst role models in the entire NBA.
Labron may have a bigger ego, but I'm not sure there is a scale large enough to measure either one of theirs.
KG has been a butt head ever since he entered the league. Someone needs to smack him upside the head few times.
Posted by: Art - FL Laker Fan | November 05, 2010 at 03:54 PM
@RICK... I still remember all the support I got from you during my early battles on the blog. Thrilled to see you are getting better and are back home again. Enjoying this three-peat in a season for the ages would not have been the same without you there providing your usual intelligent and insightful commentary and support. Looking forward to a great season with you smiling in perfect health again.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
TOM
Posted by: LakerTom | November 05, 2010 at 03:55 PM
Lewstrs- Congrat's bro, outstanding.
Posted by: 2Phatt | November 05, 2010 at 03:55 PM
KobeMVP888: "This anti-Luke Walton sentiment is not only annoying, it's an embarrassment to those who continue to bash him every time his name is mentioned."
THAT is the real 'truth' of the matter!
KobeMVP888: "There's no "truth" to it without acknowledging and appreciating their contributions, even when their time is up."
AMEN to that!
GO LAKERS!!!!!
Posted by: CyberCosmiX | November 05, 2010 at 03:55 PM
"R we cool yet, can I be down??" -- Matt_Barnes22
==========
You're off to a good start Matt, but 5 games against some of the weaker teams in the league does not make a season.
Ask again in Feb and then again in June.
Posted by: Art - FL Laker Fan | November 05, 2010 at 03:57 PM
But on a happier note, how about that Lamar? Finally playing ball like we'd hoped 5 years ago. 16.6/11.4/3.6/1stl. Sounds like an all-star line to me. And that's a bandwagon you can throw me on. LO - All Star Game or Bust!
Posted by: htj | November 05, 2010 at 02:29 PM
Ditto that...add me to the LO bandwagon please!
@Matt Barnes...you and Blake looking "real" good, and it's early in the season...2 thumbs up!
Posted by: Kobeayashimarue | November 05, 2010 at 04:08 PM
@ MVP888 - If Luke is such a great asset as a coach, with his enormous BBall IQ, he could just as well retire and grab a spot with that clipboard. That'll allow him to milk even more money out of the organization.
My problem with Luke is his salary. MLE money got us Artest. It could've gotten the team a quality contributor, not oft-injured, unathletic, poor shooting, end-of-the-bench slop with all this BBall IQ. I'm starting to think BBall IQ is just a cop out. It's a backhanded compliment. They're saying he know the game so well it makes up for his lack of ability to play it.
But I'm not just hating on Luke's lack of game. Nah, that's not it. The biggest travesty of Luke's is passing off that slop they sell at Joey's Smokin BBQ as good food.
And as much as PJ loves him, he still started your favorite Laker of All Time, Vlad Radmonovic over him. Someone you have no problems bashing. But Vlad Rad netted us Shanon and Ammos expiring deal. With Luke we get an untradeable deal and a rusty bucket of bones at the end of the bench. Why you continue defend the indefensible is just ponderous to me. Must be the attorney in you and Luke's your pro bono case.
I honestly believe B Shaw could uniform up and get minutes over Luke at this point.
Posted by: htj | November 05, 2010 at 04:09 PM
I agree that the Luke bashing constantly goes too far.
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Luke is over-paid, yes, but the constant freaking out about it is just ridiculous.
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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. | November 05, 2010 at 04:15 PM
Posting from the office now...
First thanks for all the kind words and congratulations from everyone...
@Rick - GREAT to see you, even just for a brief post...We all have our personal battles, be it health, finances, romance...etc...But as long as you have 'faith'...you will persevere...
@LRob - are you a closet REALTOR...lol...ABC Always BE Closing is the first motto I learned in the business...My personal motto is.."I'll Find A Way To Make It Work!!!
I end with this:
Every morning in Africa a gazelle wakes up. It knows it must run faster that the fastest lion or it will be killed and eaten...
Every morning in Africa a lion wakes up. It knows it must outrun the slowest gazelle or it will starve to death..
Moral of the story:
It doesn't matter whether you are a lion or a gazelle...
When the sun comes up...you had better be RUNNING...
WORD to The Association...When you play the Lakers...you better be RUNNING...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=73sKNUa4M-E
Lakers Dynasty - The Next Generation...
#17 Coming Up!!!
Posted by: LEWSTRS | November 05, 2010 at 05:05 PM
@ MVP888 - If Luke is such a great asset as a coach, with his enormous BBall IQ, he could just as well retire and grab a spot with that clipboard. That'll allow him to milk even more money out of the organization.
My problem with Luke is his salary. MLE money got us Artest. It could've gotten the team a quality contributor, not oft-injured, unathletic, poor shooting, end-of-the-bench slop with all this BBall IQ. I'm starting to think BBall IQ is just a cop out. It's a backhanded compliment. They're saying he know the game so well it makes up for his lack of ability to play it.
But I'm not just hating on Luke's lack of game. Nah, that's not it. The biggest travesty of Luke's is passing off that slop they sell at Joey's Smokin BBQ as good food.
And as much as PJ loves him, he still started your favorite Laker of All Time, Vlad Radmonovic over him. Someone you have no problems bashing. But Vlad Rad netted us Shanon and Ammos expiring deal. With Luke we get an untradeable deal and a rusty bucket of bones at the end of the bench. Why you continue defend the indefensible is just ponderous to me. Must be the attorney in you and Luke's your pro bono case.
I honestly believe B Shaw could uniform up and get minutes over Luke at this point.
Posted by: htj | November 05, 2010 at 04:09 PM
This is an OUTSTANDING post, I agree 110%
Posted by: 2Phatt | November 05, 2010 at 06:42 PM