James Worthy prefers Andrew Bynum over Carmelo Anthony
One by one, prominent former Lakers voiced their displeasure about the state of the team, causing rumblings among the players and their fan base.
First came Jerry West's criticism of the team's defense, skepticism on how long its veteran-heavy roster would last and whether the Lakers would be able to beat the Boston Celtics in the 2011 NBA Finals. Second came Mitch Kupchak's acknowledgement that he'd consider making a trade because of the team's inconsistency. Third came Magic Johnson's echoing of Kupchak's thinking, arguing that the Lakers' double-digit losses to Miami and Boston revealed the organization needed to reshape the roster.
James Worthy, who won three NBA titles with the Lakers during the Showtime Era, earned an NBA Finals MVP award in 1988 and appeared in seven All-Star games, didn't continue that lineage. Serving as an in-game analyst for KCAL-9, Worthy has seen enough of the Lakers (36-16) to believe the Lakers are better off keeping Andrew Bynum than trading him for Denver forward Carmelo Anthony, the subject of much debate in the past few days.
"I like Carmelo, there's no question," Worthy said Wednesday night at a T-Mobile store in Studio City, where he met with fans in an event promoting NBA All-Star weekend. "He's a young player and very talented. If you look at what Miami has done, everybody is trying to put the dynamic duo together. But I love Andrew Bynum. It's hard to come by a young player that's a seven-footer. I know a lot of people think he's injury prone, but I think that might be behind him. He's shown progress and his knee is something he's going to have to deal with, but I think right now the chemistry is good. They have a good corps."
The discussion surrounding a possible Anthony-Bynum deal originated from an ESPN.com report that said the Lakers and Denver Nuggets had entered preliminary discussions for a deal that would send Bynum to Denver for Anthony -- a report the Lakers refuted to The Times' Mike Bresnahan and Broderick Turner -- and an item in which the New York Daily News' Frank Isola reported via Twitter that "sources say that [team executive] Jim Buss recently rejected a Bynum for Carmelo deal, much to the dismay of Kobe [Bryant] and Phil [Jackson].
Bryant and Jackson made no indication of that thinking after practice to reporters in Boston. Bresnahan quoted Bryant as saying Bynum is "extremely important" to the Lakers and Jackson as joking he'd only accept a deal involving Anthony if it meant the Lakers shipping off rookie backup center Derrick Caracter.
"I think we're okay with what we have right now," Worthy said. "So I don't know if I'd do it. But you never know in this business what's going to happen."
The Lakers have more issues than just answering to trade reports. They enter Thursday's game at Boston wondering if they're improved enough to match the team they beat in the 2010 NBA Finals, something they failed to do in a double-digit loss 10 days ago. It was an outcome that featured little offensive balance, an overmanned frontline and an overwhelmed Ron Artest. The Lakers entered their seven-game trip with a two-game winning streak, but they remain in third-place in the Western Conference, trailing the first-place San Antonio Spurs (44-8) by eight games and the Dallas Mavericks (36-15) by half a game. The Lakers have a 1-6 record against teams that have better records. But Worthy believes the Lakers will consistently pick up their play after the All-Star break.
"I like this year's team," Worthy said. "They haven't really lived up to the expectations, but it's a long season. I know what it is like to come back from being back-to-back champions. It's kind of hard to conjure that up every night. But they have a couple weeks to correct it. If they haven't turned it around, I think it will be an issue."
James was referring to the 1986-87 and 1987-88 seasons, when he was part of the Lakers' back-to-back championships seasons. The Lakers became the first NBA team to repeat since the 1969 Boston Celtics, an achievement that followed Pat Riley's guarantee at the 1987 championship parade that the Lakers would repeat. The next season, the Lakers went through a month-long stretch where they lost eight consecutive road games and ended the season with an NBA Finals sweep to the Detroit Pistons, partly because Magic Johnson and Byron Scott missed three games because of injury. Worthy still maintains the Lakers can avoid the same fate so long as they stay healthy.
"I like where they are," he said. "I've been where they are. It's a struggle every night and there's inconsistent play. They have good leadership with Kobe and Derek [Fisher], and as soon as they get Matt Barnes back [from a right knee injury] to complete that bench, I think they'll be OK. It's a lot of miles on those bodies from playing so many games and I think they'll be good once they get their second wind. I don't think they're lacking anything except consistency. They know what it takes to win. Once they get to that formula, they should be OK. If not, then it could be tough."
--Mark Medina
E-mail the Lakers blog at mgmedin@gmail.com
Photo: Former Laker James Worthy argues the Lakers are still in good enough shape. Credit: Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times
They paved paradise
And put up a parking lot
Miss The Machine
Posted by: Troll Man | February 09, 2011 at 09:15 PM
Big Game James! Very diplomatic, sir! But the Laker fans want Carmelo to rock a new yellow headband! Its time for Mitchy Slick to earn that paycheck. Isolation players work well in the triangle, make it happen cap'n (not Kareem)!
Posted by: TNTLakerFan | February 09, 2011 at 09:23 PM
Big Game James. A true voice of reason on every level. Good enough for me!
Posted by: KobeMVP888 | February 09, 2011 at 09:27 PM
OffTopic:
I'm happy for THE MACHINE vs the Hornets today, he got:
25 points
9 of 14 shooting
5 of 7 from deep
4 rebs
4 asts
1 to
35mins
THE MACHINE!!!!!!!!!!!!
LAKERS ALL DAY!!!
Posted by: JovBatz44 | February 09, 2011 at 09:30 PM
Mark it this is your job and I know it is not the major topic, however, get the years straight. First, James Worthy is the 1988 Finals MVP. Second Byron Scott and Magic Johnson (who fell to injury in Game 2), were injured in their three peat campaign in the 1989 NBA Finals. Please make the corrections.
Posted by: Chris | February 09, 2011 at 09:51 PM
Big James is a voice of reason
Posted by: Nonzki | February 09, 2011 at 09:54 PM
Hello,
Police here. Mr Medina, the PSP salute you for milking this story to the very last drop, kudos. Who knows if BGJ is speaking his mind truly or just showing his allegiance to the P&G?
Anyway the PSP think this has been great for the blog; more posts and more opinions from our esteemed bloggers. Unfortunately it looks like we wont be getting our Practice Season888 vs BynumTom mega fight; i had booked front row seats too, oy vey :-( .
Thanks
PSP Solutions Architect [ is 'bloggers' not a word? ]
Posted by: Practice Season Police | February 09, 2011 at 10:13 PM
Big Game is no dummy.
Posted by: jq | February 09, 2011 at 10:19 PM
Finally a voice of Laker LEGEND, LORE, and REASON. A TRUE 7' CENTER is way more valuable than a wing scorer who plays very little DEFENSE. Trade the SOFTY. Pau for Melo and NENE.
Pau and Artest/Fisher for:
Adridge and Mathews
Melo and Nene
Deng and NOAH
Lopez and Harris... maybe Favors also
*HORFORD and JOSH SMITH*
Posted by: Cecil | February 09, 2011 at 10:27 PM
Chris - Hey thanks for the catch. I knew the years, just had some typos. My fault. I made the fixes
Posted by: Mark Medina | February 09, 2011 at 10:40 PM
Just like there are two factions: The Sunni and The Shiite, likewise we have the Bynum and the Gasol factions.
Posted by: FACTIONS | February 09, 2011 at 10:10 PM
Exactly...and frankly, all these Trade-o-fascists are full of Shiite. We need BOTH Bynum and Pau for our playoff run.
Laker Amigos...LET'S RIDE!!!
Posted by: CornerJ | February 09, 2011 at 11:05 PM
Big game James over Magic? I'll take Magic every day of the week and twice on Sunday.
Respect that..Or I may meet you in a dark alley somewhere with a chrono reading!
Silence. What did Magic say?
Posted by: Stop with the fluff about Bynum | February 09, 2011 at 11:05 PM
"Exactly...and frankly, all these Trade-o-fascists are full of Shiite. We need BOTH Bynum and Pau for our playoff run. "
Usually RCOTD are reserved for fluff that Medina can spin to keep his bloggers happy. But that was DAMN FUNNY!
Posted by: Stop with the fluff about Bynum | February 09, 2011 at 11:08 PM
Looks like Lakers management want to wait another 3 years for Bynum to develop into an NBA player. For the 6 years that he has been with the lakers, he has been a waste. Now managements states that his presence in the middle is big or needed. Well, that is grreat because that is all he does is stand in the middle. He has problems dribbling the ball, problems running the court, problems shooting especially right under the basket, problems making free throws, problems passing the ball and problems stay9ing out of the key for 3 seconds. Other than that he is the great savior for the lakers. Check out the Celtics/lakers game and see how he performs and also Orlando game.
Posted by: BEDO | February 09, 2011 at 11:13 PM
Peace lol
Perkins must be analogous to Derrick Fisher
Not alot of stats but it's the intangibles not listed in a box score that makes him so unstoppable, it's his unstoppableness that is, wait that's Kobe, nevermind.
anyway, Boston sure seems to think that him missing game 7 was the reason they lost the championship last year.
Posted by: Troll Man | February 09, 2011 at 11:29 PM
Did I just see a Trade Pau Gasol post amidst this chatter?
We have an ungodly winning percentage, three straight NBA Finals appearances, and two Championships ever SINCE we got Pau.
Cecil, you should officially be banned from this blog, ney, all of Laker Nation.
And my thoughts on the Bynum/Melo nonsense? Bynum all day. I'm trying to win a championship this year, not sell jerseys. Anything you hear otherwise is foolish
Posted by: VoiceofReason | February 09, 2011 at 11:36 PM
"I like this year's team," Worthy said. "They haven't really lived up to the expectations, but it's a long season. I know what it is like to come back from being back-to-back champions. It's kind of hard to conjure that up every night. But they have a couple weeks to correct it. If they haven't turned it around, I think it will be an issue."
-----------------------
Excellent statement by Big Game James. He remembers how his 89 Lakers struggled losing 8 straight road games the year they were going for a 3peat. (It seems like Magic has forgot about those struggles).
Yet that 89 team focused when the playoffs started….was 11-0 in the western conference in the playoffs (I don’t think that’s been duplicated since) and had a legit shot to 3peat if Magic and Byron didn’t get injured.
Posted by: LRob | February 09, 2011 at 11:57 PM
@Gdub – smooth cut by Ollano. Thanks for bringing it. It sounds like she sampled the intro of George Benson’s breezin or used for inspiration.
@LT – Yes I think all of Laker Nation would agree on DHoward.
@Corner J - I'm riding with you!
Posted by: LRob | February 10, 2011 at 12:01 AM
Who is this Theo Ratliff you speak of? Isn't he like 40 years old and out of the league because he can't jump, rebound, block shots, or score anymore?
someone please refresh my memory, we are talking about Theo Ratliff?
Posted by: Troll Man | February 09, 2011 at 09:02 PM
----------------------------------
Good one!
Posted by: LRob | February 10, 2011 at 12:01 AM
still...we need more offense !!!! and that will be MELO for the LAKERS ...GO for HIM L.A !!!!
Posted by: RoN | February 10, 2011 at 12:08 AM
Abnormal ocuhhhhhhhhhy has been transformed into the stupid Cecilia. Gilipollas goes change of sex! There is an advantage now already you can work in the brothel with your mother for the same clients!
Posted by: Escarpia | February 10, 2011 at 12:54 AM
GDub,
Also loved that Marvin you posted yesterday. Here's another one of his that was so smooth and sometimes overlooked...."Unchanging Love". It fits with our feelings about the Lakers...lol.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b9cs2IZ72mc&feature=related
Posted by: LRob | February 10, 2011 at 12:54 AM
Reading Jim Buss' comments just let me know that the Lakers are in deep
trouble when Dr. Buss moves out.
Has everyone forgotten that Jim Buss was part of the problem when Kobe
asked to be traded?
Nah. Y'all forgot about that.
re: the comments of James Worthy. Does he have any coaching experience?
How about GM experience?
So if you had to believe James Worthy or West & Magic, who would you
go for?
Do I think a trade will happen, no?
Do I think a trade should happen? *I* would trade Bynum for Melo.
re: the inevitable ... Glad you're not the Lakers GM response. Some of the
same people who are crazy about Bynum were also crazy about Smush
& Kwame. Can we agree that past success is not a guarantee of future
success? Can we also agree that past failure is not a guarantee of future
failure.
Can we win with Bynum? Of course. Can we lose with Bynum? Of course.
Am I glad that we have 2 7-fters? Of course, I am.
On a side note: does anyone know where I can get a multi-millionaire to
back me up against the rest of the world?
Posted by: hobbitmage | February 10, 2011 at 03:29 AM
LRob,
"Yet that 89 team focused when the playoffs started….was 11-0 in the western conference in the playoffs (I don’t think that’s been duplicated since) and had a legit shot to 3peat if Magic and Byron didn’t get injured."
I've thought a lot about that 89 team and their similarities to this 2010-11 team (Age, regular season motivation issues, 3-peat attempt, etc.)
It's hard for me to form a clear opinion on the Bynum/Melo debate since I can't see how we'll respond to Barnes' return.
Posted by: Laker Kev | February 10, 2011 at 04:14 AM
Mature & longtime Laker fans agree w/ Worthy. We know Laker history and know that an All-Star 7 footer is the way to go (Mikan, Wilt, Kareem, Shaq, Gasol/A.B.) . Gasol is the best power forward the Lakers have ever had, he plays center, but he is a 4.
Younger, newer Laker fans (probably should say Kobe fans), spoiled by recent success and the desire for instant gratification don't understand the finer points of building and keeping a championship team running.
Posted by: Big City Sid | February 10, 2011 at 04:14 AM
@Hobbit...as usual good points....
Excellent statement by Big Game James. He remembers how his 89 Lakers struggled losing 8 straight road games the year they were going for a 3peat. (It seems like Magic has forgot about those struggles).
Yet that 89 team focused when the playoffs started….was 11-0 in the western conference in the playoffs (I don’t think that’s been duplicated since) and had a legit shot to 3peat if Magic and Byron didn’t get injured.
Posted by: LRob | February 09, 2011 at 11:57 PM
@ LRob come on man your better than that the 2001 Lkaers swept through the west lost once to philly and won the whole thing, that's the all time record....
Btw the 89 team lost didn't they.That's kinda like fisher's .4 it was great in the moment and an all time great play,nut ultimately it didn't lead to a championship.........
Posted by: VI Lakerfan | February 10, 2011 at 04:23 AM
Back in the 80's I use to love and practically idolize James Worthy ... but these recent comments from him had zero meaning. "If we stay healthy, we'll be ok." Gee thanks James.
"... Once they get to that formula, they should be OK. If not, then it could be tough." Once again, thanks James.
"...they have a couple weeks to correct it. If they haven't turned it around, I think it will be an issue." Really?
He is simply talking in circles and not stating a single thing. But thanks anyhow Jim.
Posted by: PurpleHeart | February 10, 2011 at 04:23 AM
@LROB.. didn't quite finish.I hoped you knocked on wood, or your next statement will read the 2011 Lakers struggled for the season,but swept the west. Ultimately they fell when Bynum got injured again,they shoulda made that trade...........
Posted by: VI Lakerfan | February 10, 2011 at 04:29 AM
Zip the Trade Talk.
IT'S GAME DAY!!!
Larry, I'm checking in for the Gameday Roll Call!
I'm soooooooooooo ready for these Celtics. I know I'm ready, I know Kobe's ready, I know Phil's ready, hoping others will be ready too!
Thank God for this opportunity for the Lakeshow to redeem their selves at the Garden tonight.
I'm chalking this up in the "MUST WIN" column. This is not a Practice Game anymore.
LET'S DO THIS LAKERS!!!
LAKERS ALL DAY!!!
Posted by: JovBatz44 | February 10, 2011 at 04:40 AM
PSP Sir,
I SAID:
I'm chalking this up in the "MUST WIN" column. This is not a Practice Game anymore.
Question is, what do you think PSP Sir?
BTW, how's your Interns? Hope they are doing well. No trades with them Interns?
LAKERS ALL DAY!!!
Posted by: JovBatz44 | February 10, 2011 at 04:46 AM
BTW, where is "THE MODERATOR"?
LAKERS ALL DAY!!!
Posted by: JovBatz44 | February 10, 2011 at 04:51 AM
GAME DAY!!
Today I venture into the belly of the beast to the Garden to see the Lakers wrest their dignity back and quiet the small talk. If you are watching TNT and see a skinny guy in a Mamba shirt giving Pierce the finger, yup that would be me. Did you think that class counts for anything in that festering den of fools.
To paraphase David Byrne,
This ain't no Houston
This aint no Memphis
This aint no fooling around...
Give it to them Lakers, beat the "starting five" down once again.
VtLaker
Posted by: VtLaker | February 10, 2011 at 05:20 AM
The problem is Bynum never plays. If Denver wanted Bynum...I would make the deal in a second...and not look back. Bynum has been an injury risk since coming to LA.
Posted by: Eddie Wilson | February 10, 2011 at 05:20 AM
BTW, where is "THE MODERATOR"?
=======
I heard he was traded to another blog for a couple of draft picks and a blogger to be named later.
Posted by: Art | February 10, 2011 at 05:29 AM
BTW, where is "THE MODERATOR"?
=======
I heard he was traded to another blog for a couple of draft picks and a blogger to be named later.
Posted by: Art
____________________________
DAMN! We shouldn't have traded him!!! He was one of the best bloggers we have! He was injury prone though. LOL!
Seriously, I miss his posts.
LAKERS ALL DAY!!!
Posted by: JovBatz44 | February 10, 2011 at 05:54 AM
Good Morning JovBatz44, VTLaker, HobbitMage & VI LakerFan, thanks for checking in my brothers. I’m fighting the Flu so you’ll have to do most of the heavy lifting this morning. Looks like you’re off to a great starts! Preach On my Brothers and….LETS’ RIDE AMIGOS!!!!
*
*_________________________________________________________________________*
ARISE MIGHTY LAKERS NATION!___ WE STILL GOT THIS! !! TRULY!!!
*_________________________________________________________________________*
GAME DAY BABYYYYYYYYYYYYYY - LAKERS @ CELTICS LET’S RIDE AMIGOS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
*________________________________________________________________________*
LAKERS (35-16) @. CELTICS (38-12)_ 5:00 PM_ TV = TNT__RADIO = 710/1330 ESPN
*________________________________________________________________________*
In my mind's eye, the Lakers and Celtics are rushing towards each other in the fashion that they have
in years past. Matching each other, blow-for-blow, against all-comers until the time to meet arrives.
They are looking squarely in the others direction while they simultaneously brush aside any with the
misguided notion that they are contenders. It is the same as how Bruce Lee will casually vanquish all
OF the Big Boss' henchmen on his way to the real dance. It is about Boston. It has always been about
Boston. Boston is the only franchise that has earned our RESPECT...and our DERISION. @ FEARLESS
*_________________________________________________________________________*
http://tinyurl.com/ylp3qqc _ I Love LA http://tinyurl.com/2c9afer - Here comes Lakers
*______________________________________________________________________*
Good Morning Justanothermambafan(Head of Mamba Clan) & Fabulous Morning Crue!!!
DJ LROB, LakerLASS, LEWSTRS, NewMexicoLL, Fan Of The Mamba, PsychedLakerGirl,Jon K
Faith, Wes, Rick Friedman, KB Blitz, EastCoastJessie, DBDH, Caliphilosopher, HobbitMage, HTJ
KobeMVP888, 63 Footer, 2Phatt, MagicPhil, JohnnyP, JohnnyV, Noah, Complex_Brotha, Phred,
Jolly Rancher, Nemaia Faletogo, Jamie Sweet, ChicNStu, Wallace, ZairaAmaterasu(Goddess), P_ang
PFUNK36, STAPLES24, LakerFanInCowTown, OCIsMambaCounty, Joe Corrad, TroyB, Troy, MUD
Edwin Gueco, LakerTom, GinDC, I hearned that, Wilson24, Todd, FRMKT, J24(LadyJ24), Fearless
Art-Fl-Laker-Fan, McLyne, CornerJ, Laker-J Jefe101, CyberCosmix, Vman, Seely-Iggy, McLyne,
Tom Daniels, LakerTom, Edwin Gueco, The OutLaw & Baby OutLaw, BronxLakerFan, Mark G.
RamneetKB24, Adrian Palomar, Diandra, Ricky, D(erek) J(eter), London Laker, JustaLakerFan,
Nostradamus, Segeboy/Sheriif, Jay_KB24, Yellow Fever, Gilbert Batung, ALLNet, J-Dizzle,
PatrickHenryPress, OCLEZY, LakerFan24, NBA4Ever, Raymond42N, Bay To LA, LakerPeace, Yogi
RaiderLaker1980, Chad712, Alekesam, TrollMan, Sonny Belfast, G-Money, Sean,TNTLakerFan, PSS
LakeShow,Dave M., Autoport, CornerJ, Chadamu, Ninja, Gandalf The Purple & Gold RossDogg76, LAL_Fan, HopAlong, Tony, JovBatz44, Mr. Laker, Alekesam , Zopi, Scottie Pimpin, Jennifer, Bill, Frank, inquiring minds wanna know, NuggetsCountry, LakerTruth, LakerHolic, IHeartKB24, BoyNamedSue *________________________________________________________________________________*
http://tinyurl.com/262gvke - Kobe Bryant - The Worlds Greatest
http://tinyurl.com/ybowh6l _ Kobe Bryant - Greatness Personified
http://tinyurl.com/2dh8ekd__ Kobe Bryant - SIMPLY THE BEST
*________________________________________________________________________________*
Posted by: mamba24 | February 10, 2011 at 05:58 AM
Not a big fan of LL... but I gotta do this, DJ LRob style, to fire up the troops!
IT'S TIME FOR WAR!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ENwpDa7hluU
LAKERS ALL DAY!!!
Posted by: JovBatz44 | February 10, 2011 at 06:03 AM
I gotta do this, DJ LRob style, to fire up the troops! IT'S TIME FOR WAR!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ENwpDa7hluU LAKERS ALL DAY!!!
Posted by: JovBatz44 | February 10, 2011 at 06:03 AM
*
HELL YEAH!!! I'M FIRED UP, flu and all!!! Thank you my brother!!!
Posted by: mamba24 | February 10, 2011 at 06:10 AM
Larry,
Great Morning! I'm glad you liked my theme song for todays game! Let's get this!!! IT'S TIME FOR WAR!!!!
Get plenty of fluids. That'll help a lot. Take your rest brother.
After the Lakers win tonight, YOU WILL BE GOOD.
LAKERS ALL DAY!!!
Posted by: JovBatz44 | February 10, 2011 at 06:29 AM
James Worthy is an expert on championship teams anchored by a big man.
Big Game James, I salute you.
Worthy was also a HOF inductee in 2003. I had him add that to his autograph when I met in a couple of years ago in Monrovia at Circuit City. Dude was real cool, you know? I respect his opinions, and you should, too.
I bet he was upset with the Tar Heels last night, huh?
DBDH!
Posted by: Don't Blame Del Harris! | February 10, 2011 at 06:31 AM
After the Lakers win tonight, YOU WILL BE GOOD. Posted by: JovBatz44 | February 10, 2011 at 06:29 AM
*
NOW THAT'S WHAT I'M TALKING ABOUT!!! Sho you're right!!! Thank you my brother!!!
Posted by: mamba24 | February 10, 2011 at 06:32 AM
This game tonight is a MUST win for Lakers! For confidence, at least!
Posted by: Bummi | February 10, 2011 at 06:35 AM
Posted by: Don't Blame Del Harris!
____________
When I was 8 y.o.(1988), I had posters of Big Game James & Magic. Back then, being in a country where NBA games are only shown on Saturdays (now it's daily- thank God for cable. LOL), I only know Magic. Don't know how Mr. Worthy's poster got there. LOL. Didn't realize how good he was until YOUTUBE.
LAKERS ALL DAY!!!
Posted by: JovBatz44 | February 10, 2011 at 06:43 AM
Worthy was also a HOF inductee in 2003.
Big Game James, I salute you.
Posted by: Don't Blame Del Harris!
_________________________
When I was 8 y.o.(1988), I had posters of Big Game James & Magic. Back then, being in a country where NBA games are only shown on Saturdays (now it's daily- thank God for cable. LOL), I only know Magic. Don't know how Mr. Worthy's poster got there. LOL. Didn't realize how good he was until YOUTUBE.
LAKERS ALL DAY!!!
Posted by: JovBatz44 | February 10, 2011 at 06:45 AM
So if you had to believe James Worthy or West & Magic, who would you
go for?
Posted by: hobbitmage | February 10, 2011 at 03:29 AM
-------------------------
hobbit - Jerry West said his statement was taken out of context and said the Lakers are still the favorites.
Posted by: LRob | February 10, 2011 at 06:47 AM
PSP Sir,
I SAID:
I'm chalking this up in the "MUST WIN" column. This is not a Practice Game anymore.
Question is, what do you think PSP Sir?
BTW, how's your Interns? Hope they are doing well. No trades with them Interns?
LAKERS ALL DAY!!!
Posted by: JovBatz44 | February 10, 2011 at 04:46 AM
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
JovBatz44,
The PSP intern was sleeping on duty hence the late reply to your post; The bosses must not find out please. The PSP will erase one of your citations from the system if you have any.
The PSP already made it clear that the practice season theory is akin to (most of) the food you get from McDonalds :-(.
As for trades, the PSP position is this: The P&G do NOT need to make a trade, our team is built to win the way it is right now. However if a member of the Yakuza were to put a sword to the throat of PSP and say 'Bynum (xor) Gasol' then the PSP would scream "Ship his a$$ out!!!!" The PSP still do not understand why people put Drew on the same stratosphere as Pau; right now, its not even close.
Thanks
PSP Intern (Slept off during the night shift, oy!!)
Posted by: Practice Season Police | February 10, 2011 at 06:51 AM
If you remove all of MM's commentary from the article and just read what JW said, well, here's a synopsis.
=====
I like Melo.
I love Drew.
Injury prone stuff is behind him (Drew).
His knee is something he's going to have to deal with.
The Lakers should be fine as they are.
They might not be.
But they have a couple of weeks to correct it.
If not, then it could be tough.
=====
Perhaps JW should get into politics.
Posted by: Art | February 10, 2011 at 06:55 AM
"The PSP will erase one of your citations from the system if you have any."
GOOD ENOUGH FOR ME. LOL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: JovBatz44 | February 10, 2011 at 06:59 AM
@VI LakerFan – I think you missed the point. The 89 team was going for a 3peat and was an older team just like the current squad. That is a much better analogy than the 2001 team. I certainly hope injuries don’t derail this team, but that’s one thing no one can control.
@JovBatz44 - LL in the house. Yes, its that time!
@Art – sounds like similar thing said by Mitch, JW and everyone else. They can do it, but must start building toward it by playing better…NOW.
Posted by: LRob | February 10, 2011 at 07:02 AM
Since the Lakers are playing in Boston or maybe just a good reason to play a song I love. I'm not ready to fire up the troops yet...we'll save that for the next selection.
Please Come to Boston - Dave Loggins (Kenny's cousin)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UDRLZFgEoGw
Posted by: LRob | February 10, 2011 at 07:07 AM
@JovBatz44 - LL in the house. Yes, its that time!
Posted by: LRob
______________________
Yes DJ LRob, it's time!!!
Hope we CRUSH these Celtics tonite!
Couple more....
THIS IS WHERE WE FIGHT!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KXYS88LX9SA&feature=related
TONITE WE DINE IN HELL! (as posted by Larry)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F4a6hdxdIbk
LAKERS ALL DAY!!!
Posted by: JovBatz44 | February 10, 2011 at 07:18 AM
Art,
That was great! The PSP laughed and spilled some of the early morning hot coffee all over the oak wood office desk. The PSP does NOT get coffee from McDonald's.
Thanks
PSP Vice President
Posted by: Practice Season Police | February 10, 2011 at 07:23 AM
Please Come to Boston - Dave Loggins (Kenny's cousin)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UDRLZFgEoGw
Posted by: LRob
________________
Guess I'm too fired up! Maybe because I WANT THIS 'W' SOOOO BAD...LOL!
LAKERS ALL DAY!!!
Posted by: JovBatz44 | February 10, 2011 at 07:23 AM
Good Morning to the Crew!
Larry showing up even though he's sick, Thank you! Great to see Edwin pop in again. FWIW, I am predicting a win tonight. I'm just feelin it.
Lakers roadie goes 7-0 or 6-1. I'll take either one as long as the 1 isn't in Boston. Let's get this!
Posted by: JohnnyV | February 10, 2011 at 07:25 AM
The Lakers couls save some money by firing Kupchak and let Jim Buss handle the GM duties since he is already doing it. Buss is not a basketball man yet he got to make such serious decision as in Bynum-Anthony trade just does not make any sense. Granted he is Jerry Buss' son but this is a trade that changes the team's fortune for the next few years, long after Kobe's retirement. Now that he is not traded away, I hope the possibility of being traded fires up Bynum's behind and hopefully he will perform with a little more sense of urgency and give a greater effort.
Posted by: CTran | February 10, 2011 at 07:25 AM
I love game day. Thanks for the roll call, Larry. The Outlaw is present and accounted for. The Baby Outlaw is rocking his Lakers shirt at day care today. All day long he says, "Go Lakers!" I am a proud father.
No smiles on the court tonight. All business.
Go Lake Show!
Posted by: The Outlaw | February 10, 2011 at 07:26 AM
Excellent insight Art - was wondering if I was the only one who noticed he was talking out of both sides of his mouth.
Posted by: PurpleHeart | February 10, 2011 at 07:27 AM
Thanks
PSP Vice President
Posted by: Practice Season Police
________________
O..ohhhh..VP is here. Hope the sleeping Intern wasn't caught. LOL! Thanks PSP, for making this blog a better place.
LAKERS ALL DAY!!!
Posted by: JovBatz44 | February 10, 2011 at 07:30 AM
Which do we see tonight?
Aggressive screams after a made lay up Gasol or posting up at the free throw line harry WNBA Gasol?
And Fisher, go over, not under the picks tonight.
Posted by: Magia32 | February 10, 2011 at 07:32 AM
Larry,
I got your back. As you can see, I'm doing 'some' of the heavy lifting today. Rest up, brother.
LAKERS ALL DAY!!!
Posted by: JovBatz44 | February 10, 2011 at 07:33 AM
No smiles on the court tonight. All business.
Posted by: The Outlaw
___________________
Yes Sir, THIS IS A MUST WIN NOW!
Let's go for seven & o!
LAKERS ALL DAY!!!
Posted by: JovBatz44 | February 10, 2011 at 07:35 AM
The Baby Outlaw is rocking his Lakers shirt at day care today. All day long he says, "Go Lakers!" I am a proud father. No smiles on the court tonight. All business. Posted by: The Outlaw | February 10, 2011 at 07:26 AM
*
Yes, Yes, Yes! I have to say it...OUT FREAKIN STANDING SIR!!!
You ought to be a proud father and Laker Nation is a proud nation to have such a Dynamic, Dedicated Father & Son Duo!!! Kudos...Carry On!
Posted by: mamba24 | February 10, 2011 at 07:35 AM
No smiles on the court tonight. All business.
Posted by: The Outlaw
___________________
Yes Sir, THIS IS A MUST WIN NOW!
Let's go for seven & o!
LAKERS ALL DAY!!!
Posted by: JovBatz44 | February 10, 2011 at 07:35 AM
Okay JovBatz44 who am I kidding...I'm fired up too! It's time for all factions of Lakers Nation to unite.
Funkadelic - One Nation Under A Groove
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GYpbG1ThpH4
Posted by: LRob | February 10, 2011 at 07:36 AM
Good morning JohnnyV, LRob and the Crue' THIS IS BOSTON vs. THE LAKERS...Sickness is not an excuse...Carry On!!!
Posted by: mamba24 | February 10, 2011 at 07:37 AM
Seriously, I sense a BLOWOUT tonight. I could be wrong though. LOL!
LAKERS ALL DAY!!!
Posted by: JovBatz44 | February 10, 2011 at 07:38 AM
BLOG CRUE
Game day. Let's show heart.
Colorado loves our World Champion Lakers!
Posted by: Hugo Boss | February 10, 2011 at 07:39 AM
Funkadelic - One Nation Under A Groove http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GYpbG1ThpH4 Posted by: LRob | February 10, 2011 at 07:36 AM
*
AW SWEET JESUS!!! LAKER NATION UNDER A GROOVE...YES!!!!!!!
DJ LRob comes out BLASTING!!!!!!!
Posted by: mamba24 | February 10, 2011 at 07:39 AM
Funkadelic - One Nation Under A Groove
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GYpbG1ThpH4
Posted by: LRob
________
Yes Sir!!! We got this!
LAKERS ALL DAY!!!
Posted by: JovBatz44 | February 10, 2011 at 07:42 AM
Seriously, I sense a BLOWOUT tonight. I could be wrong though. LOL!Posted by: JovBatz44 | February 10, 2011 at 07:38 AM
*
THE SWAGGER!!! THE SWAGGER!!! Get down JovBatz44 with your bad self!!!!
GOD##@@#%$!!!!@ LAKER NATION I think we are ready for tonight!!
As CornerJ would say...LAKER NATION, LET'S RIDE AMIGOS!!!!!!!!
Posted by: mamba24 | February 10, 2011 at 07:42 AM
@Mamba - Good Morning. Hopefully you'll the Lakers will provide the perfect medicine!
Posted by: LRob | February 10, 2011 at 07:43 AM
Let's show heart.
Posted by: Hugo Boss
___________________
And let's tear these Celtics' heart apart!!!!
LAKERS ALL DAY!!!
Posted by: JovBatz44 | February 10, 2011 at 07:44 AM
I'd prefer a 1 to 3 point hard fought win for the Lakers, over a blowout. This Lakers team has a habit of getting to comfortable with themselves.
Posted by: Magia32 | February 10, 2011 at 07:46 AM
Seriously, I sense a BLOWOUT tonight. I could be wrong though. LOL!Posted by: JovBatz44 | February 10, 2011 at 07:38 AM
*
THE SWAGGER!!! THE SWAGGER!!! Get down JovBatz44 with your bad self!!!!
GOD##@@#%$!!!!@ LAKER NATION I think we are ready for tonight!!
As CornerJ would say...LAKER NATION, LET'S RIDE AMIGOS!!!!!!!!
Posted by: mamba24
______________________
Yes Larry, nothing less than 10 points!!!!!!!!!!
Seriously, nothing less than 10 points.
LAKERS ALL DAY!!!!!
Posted by: JovBatz44 | February 10, 2011 at 07:46 AM
Lrob,
Great selection sir. Thank you.
With all the trade talk going on, the ISH is getting deep.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bN1xFZ2vfwY
Posted by: ChicNstu | February 10, 2011 at 07:47 AM
And Fisher, go over, not under the picks tonight.
Posted by: Magia32
***
This goes for Shannon as well. I'm afraid that Jesus Shuttlesworth will try to light them both up tonight.
Also, I'd like to see 3 dunks for every finger roll or lay in from our big men, Lamar included.
Kobe, please do not play free safety on defense. Your constant roaming is not worth the 2 steals and four points when you actually give up 8-10 while freelancing on D.
I'd prefer that Sedale Threatt take all of his shots going to the left, as he is deadly in that regard.
Ron Artest can act as a sacrificial lamb and FishScola someone... preferably PP, since he has a wheelchair waiting in the tunnel anyway.
No smiles, no handshakes, no man-hugs, no high fives. All business, baby. Act like you've been there before.
DBDH!
Posted by: Don't Blame Del Harris! | February 10, 2011 at 07:47 AM
TONIGHT LAKER NATION WE TAKE NO PRISONERS:
http://tinyurl.com/2wksrv7 - IT’S TIME FOR WAR!
http://tinyurl.com/26p8aet Lets’ Get Dirty
http://tinyurl.com/2cxu4ou - KOBE 2011 http://tinyurl.com/24gl97s - HATE ME!!!!!!
Posted by: mamba24 | February 10, 2011 at 07:48 AM
Let's show heart.
Posted by: Hugo Boss
___________________
And let's tear these Celtics' heart apart!!!!Posted by: JovBatz44 | February 10, 2011 at 07:44 AM
*
SWEET JESUS!!! IT'S ON!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: mamba24 | February 10, 2011 at 07:50 AM
I'd prefer a 1 to 3 point hard fought win for the Lakers, over a blowout. This Lakers team has a habit of getting to comfortable with themselves.
Posted by: Magia32
_______________
I feel you Sir.
But these are the Celtics, I prefer we beat them brutally, as often as we can. Then again, that's just me.
LAKERS ALL DAY!!!
Posted by: JovBatz44 | February 10, 2011 at 07:51 AM
@LRob, I believe I am feeling a touch better already thanks to you JovBatz44 and the rest of the Crue...WE GOT THIS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: mamba24 | February 10, 2011 at 07:53 AM
But these are the Celtics, I prefer we beat them brutally, as often as we can. Then again, that's just me. Posted by: JovBatz44 | February 10, 2011 at 07:51 AM
*
ROTFLMAO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: mamba24 | February 10, 2011 at 07:56 AM
No smiles, no handshakes, no man-hugs, no high fives. All business, baby. Act like you've been there before. Posted by: Don't Blame Del Harris! | February 10, 2011 at 07:47 AM
*
THAT'S IT, THAT'S IT!!! Give it to him, Give it to him right now!!! DBDH = RCOTD = OUT FREAKIN STANDING SIR!!!!! YES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: mamba24 | February 10, 2011 at 07:58 AM
@LRob, I believe I am feeling a touch better already thanks to you JovBatz44 and the rest of the Crue...WE GOT THIS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Posted by: mamba24
________________________
It's our pleasure Larry...we have to back up one another. After all, we all cheer/ love the same team, THE WORLD CHAMPION LAKERS!!!
Call me a cheerleader nonsense or what, I do this because I BLEED PURPLE & GOLD. Even when the chips are down, I'm still UP with our LAKERS.
LAKERS ALL DAY!!!
Posted by: JovBatz44 | February 10, 2011 at 08:00 AM
Bynum stays.
GO LAKERS ! ! ! ! ! !
Posted by: Stockton Showtime | February 10, 2011 at 08:03 AM
Call me a cheerleader nonsense or what, I do this because I BLEED PURPLE & GOLD. Even when the chips are down, I'm still UP with our LAKERS.Posted by: JovBatz44 | February 10, 2011 at 08:00 AM
*
GOD##%^*!!!! PREACH JOVBATZ44, PREACH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: mamba24 | February 10, 2011 at 08:07 AM
Just like in poker...you bluff and get a read out of your opponents...
This whole trade talk is a huge bluff in many dimensions...
1. To get the Knicks to raise their offer to Melo.
2. To get our Lakers to get some motivation and sense of urgency.
3. To make the rest of the league think this team is in trouble.
4. To get the media their advertising dollars.
It's like when you raise, the other players ponder, and some will even peek at their cards again...Any reaction is a 'read'...
At least we know we have the league's attention...What will the Lakers do...will we have to counter move...what will it take to beat the Lakers in the playoffs...
That's the real question....
Posted by: LEWSTRS | February 10, 2011 at 08:17 AM
I have to go with keeping Drew. Doing the trade would probably be better long-term, but I'm not willing to give up beating the Celtics in the finals for Melo. Without a big man in the center, we would have to lose to the Celtics in the finals. We have been there and done that... and it wasn't much fun... ;-) The trade won't happen. They won't do that to Phil in his last year.
I read about Sasha having a career high off the bench this morning and hitting 5 of 7 threes in an overtime win,,, (heavy sigh)... (see my earlier post about the Laker's three point shooting - Fish is #33 in the league and our best shooter, of guys that shoot them there are only ten other guys in the league that shoot a lower percentage than Kobe)
Let's Do This Thing! They came to our house and made a big mess on the rug. It is PAYBACK TIME!!! Lamar! You are the X factor. A big game from you gives us the W. Pau, it is your turn - Black Swan KG's ass!!! Kobe, facilitate and make others great and when the time is right... the Mamba Strikes! Fish - bring the D, take the charge, dive on the floor, and wrestle this one out of Rondo's hands! Ron, I hate that coward, traitor, Paul Pierce. Make him pay! Drew... Shaq is out It's just you and a bunch of puny weaklings. Success is the best revenge. Silence the naysayers! Melo who?
Go Lakers!
I am a Lakerholic.
Posted by: Lakerholic | February 10, 2011 at 08:34 AM
Worthy states he likes Bynum over Carmelo because Bynum is a tall player. That's great if he could play NBA basketball. If Bynum cannot score or run or pass or play defense what good is he ?? Melo can score and play great NBA ball. Laker's are passing on a once in a lifetime chance to build the lakers team to championship caliber.
Posted by: BEDO | February 10, 2011 at 08:38 AM
Let's Do This Thing! They came to our house and made a big mess on the rug. It is PAYBACK TIME!!! Lamar! You are the X factor. A big game from you gives us the W. Pau, it is your turn - Black Swan KG's ass!!! Kobe, facilitate and make others great and when the time is right... the Mamba Strikes! Fish - bring the D, take the charge, dive on the floor, and wrestle this one out of Rondo's hands! Ron, I hate that coward, traitor, Paul Pierce. Make him pay! Drew... Shaq is out It's just you and a bunch of puny weaklings. Success is the best revenge. Silence the naysayers! Melo who?I am a Lakerholic.
Posted by: Lakerholic | February 10, 2011 at 08:34 AM
*
DAMN!!!!! You aint kidding, you truly are a .... LAKERHOLIC!!!!!
OUT FREAKIN STANDING SIR!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: mamba24 | February 10, 2011 at 08:38 AM
>>>We know Laker history and know that an All-Star 7 footer is the way to go
Big City Sid!!
YES YES!!!
So who's this All-Star 7 Footer who's available?
Posted by: LongTimeLakerFan | February 10, 2011 at 08:52 AM
James Worthy and I think alike.
Getting rid of Bynum would be stupid.
Carmelo doesn't play defense and wouldn't work within our offense.
What do we play for? RINGS!!!
Lakers Today... Lakers Tomorrow... Lakers Forever.
GO LAKERS!!!
Posted by: Jon K. | February 10, 2011 at 08:54 AM
>>>was 11-0 in the western conference in the playoffs (I don’t think that’s been
>>>duplicated since
How short your memory is...
The 2001 Champion Lakers swept through the Western Conference as well, and had only 1 loss in the finals.
Posted by: LongTimeLakerFan | February 10, 2011 at 08:54 AM
Put it this way (and this should stop all of this crazy Melo for Bynum talk for good). ASk yourself this:
Do you want Pau Gasol to be the primary/sole anchor of the interior defense?
Now that you've recovered from the bad dream you just had...
It should never be a question of whether Bynum can play or not because he clearly can. When he's out teams have no fear whatsoever and attack us without mercy. Bynum makes the opponents offense at least think about it and will challenge when challenged. Gasol on defense is borderline almost in Steve Nash territory but I wouldn't want to trade him either.
Honestly, I think the coaches need to push Gasol and Bynum to do both (offense and defense). It would help our team out a ton. You can tell that's what's happening from watching the gaes and listening to the interviews. They expect Bynum to just focus on D and worry about offense second (a bad idea...to be more of a threat, he should be doing both at a high level). With Gasol, they want him to be more aggressive but the emphasis is on offense. This is bad because I think it creates a mentality of "As long as Drew is in, I don't have to playheavy D because that's what he's suppossed to be doing, anchoring the D." Which really hurts Gasol because he becomes reliant on Bynum so much so that when Bynum is out we get creamed on D.
Thoughts?
Posted by: alekesam | February 10, 2011 at 03:46 PM
Put it this way (and this should stop all of this crazy Melo for Bynum talk for good). ASk yourself this:
Do you want Pau Gasol to be the primary/sole anchor of the interior defense?
Now that you've recovered from the bad dream you just had...
It should never be a question of whether Bynum can play or not because he clearly can. When he's out teams have no fear whatsoever and attack us without mercy. Bynum makes the opponents offense at least think about it and will challenge when challenged. Gasol on defense is borderline almost in Steve Nash territory but I wouldn't want to trade him either.
Honestly, I think the coaches need to push Gasol and Bynum to do both (offense and defense). It would help our team out a ton. You can tell that's what's happening from watching the gaes and listening to the interviews. They expect Bynum to just focus on D and worry about offense second (a bad idea...to be more of a threat, he should be doing both at a high level). With Gasol, they want him to be more aggressive but the emphasis is on offense. This is bad because I think it creates a mentality of "As long as Drew is in, I don't have to playheavy D because that's what he's suppossed to be doing, anchoring the D." Which really hurts Gasol because he becomes reliant on Bynum so much so that when Bynum is out we get creamed on D.
Thoughts?
Posted by: alekesam | February 10, 2011 at 03:46 PM
the lakers dont have a problem except that you have to start question the lakers coaching staff that where you have a problem other than fish who cant play defense or shoot.any
smart coach would bench fish.let lay the blame where it belongs and that is pj,he is a lousy coach.sure he has won,
any coach would win with the players he have had in the past.
with the talents pj have and he cant get them to play better
you have to question his coaching talent,pj is not motivated
he i laid back so why would anyone expect his team to play
motivated.
Posted by: Bob T | February 10, 2011 at 09:13 PM
Carmelo is a mid-range volume shooter, just like Kobe. We need a dead eye three-point shooting young point guard who and stay in front of the blinding fast PGs in the league, not a guy who shoots 31 percent from the arc and just jacks away.
Carmelo never passes the ball. Kobe does, at least way more than Melo. 50 points and not one assist? Two guys who need the rock a lot is bad news for the triangle.
Carmelo doesn't play defense, and the Lakers can only beat the Spurs, Boston and Heat if we play defense. Defense wins rings.
Carmelo will take time to master the triangle, and I question if he would ever master it, and that would mean we'd have both him and Artest causing the offensive sets to break down. We can survive this when Artest does it, but not both of them.
Melo, or a similar volume scorer, might be a good idea starting next year, and might help the Lakers in the long run as Kobe begins the transition. But to get the 3-Peat, the Lakers need Bynum. He showed the trickle down effect he has on the defense even hobbling on one leg in the playoffs.
Carmelo screws up the triangle, would abort the inside/outside game and is a sieve on defense.
Bynum's reward outweighs his risks this year. The name of the game is 3-peat
Posted by: Altered Carbon | February 11, 2011 at 12:08 AM
"They have a good corps" or a good core?
Posted by: SYJeep | February 11, 2011 at 10:17 AM