Caught in the Web: Reactions to Lakers' 97-84 victory over Orlando Magic
Note: There will be a live chat today at 3 p.m. PDT Bring your questions!
Game stories
--The Times' Mike Bresnahan details how the Lakers maintained their dominance in a 97-84 victory Monday over the Orlando Magic.
--The Orange County Register's Kevin Ding notes the Lakers' intensity in their victory over Orlando.
--The Riverside Press-Enterprise's David Lassen credits Andrew Bynum and the Lakers' bench in securing a win over Orlando.
--The Orlando Sentinel's Brian Schmitz focuses on the Magic's second-half collapse.
--The Daily News' Elliott Teaford highlights the efforts Kobe Bryant and Bynum provided against the Magic.
Sidebars
--The Times' Broderick Turner credits Bryant for playing with a sprained left ankle.
Notebooks
--The Riverside Press-Enterprise's Lassen details which teams the Lakers are monitoring in the standings.
Lakers forward Ron Artest recently appeared in a music video for his single, "Peanut Butter."
Columns
--The Times' Mark Heisler wonders if the Lakers will pick Magic center Dwight Howard over Bynum in 2012.
--NBA.com's Steve Aschburner says that Bryant's post-game shooting session after last week's loss to Miami was simply therapeutic.
--The Riverside Press-Enterprise's Gregg Patton highlights Derek Fisher's contributions against Orlando.
--The Orlando Sentinel's Schmitz and Zach McCann detail the inconsistent play from Jameer Nelson and Hedo Turkoglu.
--The Orange County Register's Mark Whicker details how Bynum continues to provide inspired play.
--Fox Sports' Billy Witz credits Bynum for holding his own against Howard.
Blogs
--ESPN Los Angeles' Arash Markazi breaks down the Lakers' victory over Orlando.
--ESPN Los Angeles' Andy Kamenetzky features postgame videos.
--ESPN Los Angeles' Dave McMenamin highlights 10 things to take away from the Lakers' win over the Magic.
--Lakers.com's Mike Trudell dissects the game in a running diary.
--Silver Screen and Roll's C.A. Clark, Forum Blue and Gold's Darius Soriano and Lakers Nation's Nadya Avakian break down Bynum's play.
Fisher and Shannon Brown will appear on NBC's "Minute to Win It" on Wednesday from 8-10 p.m. ET). The show will feature them playing various games, including building a three-level pyramid of 15 paper reams on a table, to win money for their respective charities -- the University of Arkansas Foundation Inc., and the Shannon Brown Foundation.
Radio Interview: I spoke with 1430 ESPN Radio (Fresno, Calif.) today about the Lakers' current play
Mark Medina on ESPN Radio March 15, 2011
Tweet of the Day: "I fully expect @ronartest to have his own brand of peanut butter this summer." -- ArashMarkazi (ESPN Los Angeles' Arash Markazi)
Rick Friedman Reader Comment of the Day Award: Longtime Lakers blog member Rick Friedman recently passed away, a tragic loss both for his family and the Lakers blog community as he tried to fight through cancer. On a personal note, words wouldn't do justice in describing my appreciation for the support and constructive feedback Rick provided me when I took over the blog last year. His enthusiasm epitomized what's made it so great to interact with the regulars here on a daily basis. I plan in the next few days to feature a post that highlights the best comments he's made over the years and possibly a Lakers blog profile.
I've also decided to rename the reader comment of the day award in his honor. It had been a running joke within the Lakers blog that this award was always his to keep, but that spoke more to his passion and amazing insights on the Lakers. So for now, it'd only be fitting to feature a comment Rick made that shows his appreciation for what the Lakers blog community meant to him:
"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." -- Rick Friedman, Nov. 5, 2010.
-- Mark Medina
Twitter.com/latmedina
E-mail the Lakers blog at mgmedin@gmail.com
A beautiful gesture MM. Truly, we can now aspire to win a Friedman award.
AS ALWAYS - AND FOREVER - GO LAKERS!!!!!!
Posted by: CyberCosmiX | March 15, 2011 at 10:35 AM
Thanks for doing that, MM. I know that Rick would be honored (and probably a bit embarrassed) to have the RCOTD bear his deserving name. This gesture will keep his memory and spirit alive on the blog.
Go Lake Show!
Posted by: The Outlaw | March 15, 2011 at 10:40 AM
Great one, MM. Class Act!
You're a Lakerholic.
Posted by: Magic Phil | March 15, 2011 at 10:46 AM
WOW!! Now that is just plain BeautifuL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
You're Batting over a Thousand Now Blog God!! KUDOS!!!!!
Posted by: mamba24 | March 15, 2011 at 10:48 AM
Hello Laker Nation and LAT Lakers Blog family:
I am so glad the Lakers won in true TEAM form last night. Everyone is stepping up and moving toward their playoff roles exceptionally well. It would have made Rick F. so very happy to see things coming together like they are right now.
But I know Rick F. has already taken his courtside seat next to Chick and will be cheering in the purple and gold section above. We started the Lakerholics phrase one night watching a game on the live chat. I never laughed more with my cyberspace blog friends especially Rick F.
So, in true Lakerholic form, I'll be lifting my glass to Rick (with his favorite vodka even though I like tequila) at the tip for each and every playoff game. And I will save a big bottle of bubbly for #17. Rick's body may have failed him, but his Laker spirit lives on in each of us. I only wish I had the words that he could always find to exemplify this very moment. In my thoughts about the Lakers, Rick was always "spot on".
And so I am changing my signature....
Cheers to you Rick F. - PLG
Posted by: PsychedLakerGirl | March 15, 2011 at 10:50 AM
The Nation has spoken and the great MM has recognized greatness with a classy gesture.
Posted by: NBA4ever | March 15, 2011 at 10:51 AM
*________________________________________________________________________*
A GIANT HAS PASSED – THE LAKER NATION WEEPS ON THE PASSING OF ONE OF THE GREAT LAKERHOLICS OF ALL TIIME - RICK FRIEDMAN – LAKER NATION GRIEVES AND SALUTES YOU RICK , YOU WERE OUR BIGHT AND SHINING STAR. OUR LOSS IS HEAVENS GAIN. RICK FRIEDMAN...RIP SIR - BANDWAGON
*________________________________________________________________________*
“
“
(04) ANNANOTHERTHING – OWNER ….
“
(07) PSYCHEDLAKERGRL – CO/OWNER - I am so sad and not so psyched. I am so glad the Lakers won in true TEAM form last night. Everyone is stepping up and moving toward their playoff roles exceptionally well. It would have made Rick F. so very happy to see things coming together like they are right now. But I know Rick F. has already taken his courtside seat next to Chick and will be cheering in the purple and gold section above. We started the Lakerholics phrase one night watching a game on the live chat. I never laughed more with my cyberspace blog friends especially Rick F. So, in true Lakerholic form, I'll be lifting my glass to Rick (with his favorite vodka even though I like tequila) at the tip for each and every playoff game. And I will save a big bottle of bubbly for #17. Rick's body may have failed him, but his Laker spirit lives on in each of us. I only wish I had the words that he could always find to exemplify this very moment. In my thoughts about the Lakers, Rick was always "spot on". And so I am changing my signature....
“
(69) THE OUTLAW - Wow. I'm shocked and saddened to hear about Rick. My most sincere condolences to his family and friends. He was a sharp, intelligent, and sincere presence here and, although I never knew him "personally," I always appreciated his insight. The blog will forever have a missing piece without him here.
(70) KOBEMVP888 - I pop in every so often to see what's going on. I am extremely saddened to learn about the loss of a great Lakers fan and LA Times Lakers Blog legend, Rick Friedman. My most sincere sympathies to his family.
(71) TNTLAKERFAN – I would like to express my condolences to the Friedman family. He had a great passion for the Lakers, and I enjoyed his perspectives. Very sad indeed.
(72) J24 - My most sincere condolences to Rick Friedman's family and friends.
Posted by: mamba24 | March 15, 2011 at 11:02 AM
Laker blog community....
As we come together to discuss the fortunes of our favorite team, we form attachments to each other in a way that is somewhat unusual. Here we grow to respect and appreciate people that we have never met merely because of the way they express their thoughts and feelings.
To me, a part of Rick's legacy is that we should all be able to find some compassion and empathy for the folks we interact with in our daily lives.
Thanks to MM for his thoughtful handling of a difficult situation.
Posted by: bronxlakerfan | March 15, 2011 at 11:11 AM
A EULOGY IN TRIBUTE TO OUR FALLEN SOLDIER RICK FRIEDMAN
When the Lakers defeated Orlando in 2009 for our 15th championship, I desperately wanted to celebrate with as many Lakers Blog Familia as I could. Faith put out the word that a few of us were gathering at the Coliseum for the grand celebration. After parking (for $20 bucks!!!) and lots of phone tag & semi-circle laps around the back side of the Sports Arena, I finally met with Faith who was accompanied by the great Rick Friedman.
We met up with CBuck and some other folks whose names I can't recall. The Coliseum was jumping and we were hoopin and hollerin. But Rick, the steadfast soldier he had always been, just stood there, cigarette in hand, taking in the sights and reeling in the sweet taste of victory. It was an unforgettable moment.
Rick was steadfast on that day. He remained steadfast throughout his time on this Blog. Others have stated...I can confirm...through all the ups and downs, losing streaks, Mike T. rants, TRADE BYNUM demands and taunts from our adversaries in Boston, Rick stated steadfast. Committed to the cause. Never wavering. Never doubting that we would pull off another championship. Never giving in to the trolls and chicken littles. With Rick, THE SKY NEVER FELL. Not for his Lakers. Not for Laker Nation. And certainly not for the Lakers Blog Familia.
For all the multiple times Mamba 24 left after heated troll wars, Rick steadfastly spoke into his spirit and Larry came right on back.
For all the verbal assaults leveied at (and viciously defended by) Jon K, Rick was a steadfast river of calm and peace.
For all the insults and cries of BLASPHEMY because of my Game Day Prayers, Rick always helped to bring me back to a place of peace, steadfastly reminding me that I was part of this family and that I was needed. He told me constantly to ignore the haters and not to take the bait from my persecutors and to stay on course.
He held us together. He united us. His faith in our team as well as us as individual pieces of this Laker Blog family carried us through the valley of the Smush/Kwame/Cook era, the abyss of Trade Me/Don't Trade Me summer, the fear of Bynum's knee injury, the heartbreak of 131-92 (the game) in Summer 2008 right on up to the RESTORATION of 2009 and the RECKONING of 83-79 last June.
As I said last night, Rick is absent from us in body. But his spirit lives on in us. 5 years from now when some 21 year old kid gives his heart to Laker Nation and asks what the heck is The Friedman RCOTD Award, we will tell the story of Rick Friedman. A story of commitment. A story of love and faith. A story of steadfast hope.
LET US PRAY,
Dear Lord, we of LA Times Lakers Blog give You glory and praise for allowing us to share in the life of Rick Friedman. We thank You for his love. We thank You for his friendship. We thank you for the joy, commitment and steadfast hope that he gave to us as a true Laker fan.
We ask you to comfort his family as they grieve his loss. Grant them the freedom to fully grieve. Let them shed every tear that is in their hearts. Let them cry out in pain. You said that You do not despise broken spirits and contrite hearts. They have lost a loved one - their spirits are broken. Comfort them like only You can. Catch every tear with Your strong and mighty Hand. Comfort them and assure them with the truth that You are faithful and with them always.
And, Lord, after the tears are shed, after the pain has been relieved, replace those tears and pain with great memories of the love and joy that they all had to share with Rick. Let them remember the great times they had together. Let them remember his smile. Let them remember the joy that he infused upon his family - both his natural family AND his Lakers Blog family. Grant us all peace. May the light that was in his spirit carry on through to all of us. We love You and we thank You for allowing Rick Friedman to share his life with us. We will cherish him always.
And we pray that our Lakers would carry onward and upward to Championship #17 in honor of our brother, our father, our friend Rick Friedman.
AMEN!
Posted by: utzworld - THE BANNER HOLDER | March 15, 2011 at 11:15 AM
@ MM,
That, sir, was handled very well. Thank you.
You get the first official RF Award, at least by my vote.
DBDH!
Posted by: Don't Blame Del Harris! | March 15, 2011 at 11:25 AM
AMEN!!
Thank you Chaplain/utz. I think that was just what we needed sir!! Simply Beautiful!!!
Posted by: mamba24 | March 15, 2011 at 11:28 AM
@utzworld....
Thank you for taking the time to express those beautiful sentiments.
Posted by: bronxlakerfan | March 15, 2011 at 11:31 AM
My heart sank when I heard about Rick, the world's a sadder place today. God Bless the Friedman Family!
Posted by: D(erek)J(eter) | March 15, 2011 at 11:37 AM
UTZ - spot on my friend. Thank YOU. You are greatly missed and I appreciate you heeding my call to share some spiritual words in honor of Rick.
In my book, Rick F is definitely the inaugural inductee to the LAT Lakers blog hall of fame.
PLG
Posted by: PsychedLakerGirl | March 15, 2011 at 11:39 AM
I predict that Rick has already made his way to heaven...Godspeed Rick. You will be missed.
Posted by: never | March 15, 2011 at 11:40 AM
Mr. Medina: You sir are a class act and have taken your blog to another level. Much respect for all that you continue to do.
R.I.P. Mr. Friedman
"Everything about the Lakers is geared toward winning playoff games. It's what they do." J.A. Adande
"Even when we didn’t make the playoffs, I thought we'd win the championship." Dr. Buss
Go Lakers & In Buss We Trust!!
Posted by: frmkt | March 15, 2011 at 11:47 AM
I'm really saddened by Rick Friedman's death.
I didn't know him personally, but his posts revealed him as a gentleman, a well-balanced mind and a keen man: and God knows how much of these gifts we all need.
Riposa in pace, Rick.
Marco64
Posted by: Marco64 | March 15, 2011 at 11:48 AM
@BAY TO LA... We’ll have to agree to disagree because there is no way you can convince me that Dwight Howard is a good shooter from more than a few feet. You can tell from his free throw woes that he isn’t a real shooter. No question he is a world class athlete but just like LeBron and Rondo, teams will gladly give him those little jumpers because they know he is not a real threat from there and won’t make those shots in the fourth quarter due to his poor mechanics and shooting touch.
.....
Last night was an anomaly and Dwight was lucky that his mid-range bloopers and free throws were going in. You likely think Noah is also a good shooter. LOL. The truth is Andrew Bynum actually intimidated Dwight Howard last night to the extent that Dwight was afraid to drive into the paint because of Drew’s defense. THAT’S why he ended up taking all those little jump or dump shots.
...................................
TOM
Posted by: LakerTom | March 15, 2011 at 11:55 AM
Condolences to the Friedman family...God bless and be with you.
Much love to all my Laker family, it has been a long, long time...my time has been filled up with a variety of things, but I continue to cheer our Lakers on! Purple and Gold forever!
Posted by: Nemaia Faletogo | March 15, 2011 at 11:59 AM
@MM.... Great move to name the RCOD as the Friedman. Thank you.
..........................
@UTZ.... A truly memorable eulogy. I’m sure Rick is smiling in appreciation somewhere.
.........................
TOM
Posted by: LakerTom | March 15, 2011 at 12:03 PM
MM - thank you so much. You have me barely able to hold back my tears....
The win last night was great, but my mind and heart can't truly enjoy them right now. Just knowing that Rick will not post here anymore, or call me to say hey, or drop me an email telling me his thoughts about the last game...well it's just not computing right now. It's wrong. I'm so deeply saddened it's hard to even type this. I'm only here to pay my respects to my dear BFF. I'll miss you.
Posted by: justanothermambafan | March 15, 2011 at 12:07 PM
MM glad to have you back, and a great gesture in officially calling it the Friedman...
To Rick's family, I express my sympathy and condolence...Rick rest in peace, I know you have a seat reserved in the Chick Hearn rooting section for the Lakers...
I wish I got to know Rick Friedman better in my time here...Everything I read from Rick gave me the impression that he was a class act, a passionate fan, and I respected him and his opinions from the very start...
Rick you will be missed, and the blog suffers from losing one of it's best, and you will never be forgotten...
Posted by: LEWSTRS | March 15, 2011 at 12:08 PM
Hello All,
This one goes out to Rick.
Pearl Jam - Man of the Hour
http://tinyurl.com/2by7fvp
Posted by: Cap's Goggles (83-79) | March 15, 2011 at 12:10 PM
Utz -
Amen my brother...that was beautiful...
Posted by: LEWSTRS | March 15, 2011 at 12:11 PM
In memory of Rick Friedman...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VastXQ_hPb0
Posted by: LEWSTRS | March 15, 2011 at 12:12 PM
Thanks for all the sentiments. It's the least I could do in honoring and expressing appreciation for what he's provided for this blog. I will have a post later this evening that shows all your tributes to him.
Posted by: Mark Medina | March 15, 2011 at 12:14 PM
Getting the ROCD is a honor on this blog because of you.
RIP Rick Friedman.
Posted by: OCisMambaCounty | March 15, 2011 at 12:16 PM
@ Cap,
My choice exactly, friend. PJ has been my fave since 1991, and the LAT Blog Family has been my new fave since last year. RF will be missed greatly. We must carry on!
Best wishes to you, and good luck.
It is nice to see you back again, albeit in short supply.
DBDH!
Posted by: Don't Blame Del Harris! | March 15, 2011 at 12:18 PM
Blog Family,
I can not believe Rick is no longer with us.Everyone here who knew of him in any way big or small was eagerly waiting for him to come back to the blog.I haven't been around long enough to know him as well as I would have wanted to, but I know he was one of a kind.My heart goes out to Rick's family and I want to join everyone in their prayers for the safety and well being of his loved ones.Rest in peace brother.
MM - I have no words to express my gratitude for this gesture of yours.
Amit
Posted by: LakersRule(Amit) | March 15, 2011 at 12:22 PM
Great move, FCM. Well done.
Posted by: phred | March 15, 2011 at 12:35 PM
FCM - thanks to you too. All class.
Cheers to you Rick F - PLG
Posted by: PsychedLakerGirl | March 15, 2011 at 12:46 PM
This is for My man Mr Rick Friedman.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-fesv7_fXvs
Posted by: ChicNstu | March 15, 2011 at 12:49 P
Posted by: ChicNstu | March 15, 2011 at 01:00 PM
First of all, I didn't have the pleasure of ever getting to know Rick but I want to share my condolences with his family and those who knew him.
Secondly, FISHER HATERS WHERE YOU AT? I've been a long time Fisher supporter and tonights game was just great. He made some great 3s, some amazing lay ups to the basket. He stepped up tremendoulsy because he knew Kobe wasn't 100%. This just goes to show you that he still has it. How many offensive fouls did he draw tonight? Fisher, I can't wait to see you once again shut these haters up come play off times.
Third, if AB plays like this for the rest of his career, no one in his right mind would trade him for Howard. What an outstanding and tremendous game by Bynum. He has a bit of weight to shed still and a bit more muscle mass to gain but after that, no one will be able to contend with him.
What a great game tonight, nights like these I feel truly blessed to be a Lakers fan and glad that we have such a strong organization behind it all.
I am glad for the three day break, it couldn't come at a better timing as I imagine all our guys will need the rest.
Posted by: Diandra
Diandra,
Having a good game every couple months doesn't mean you still have it. Fish had a good game last night. But was 0 for 6 the game before that. He is a LOSER !!!!
Posted by: S Perkins | March 15, 2011 at 01:01 PM
LRob (or one of the other DJ's): Can you please fire up "I WISH" by R. Kelly in tribute to Rick? I'm playing it on my iPod as I type this.
Posted by: utzworld - THE BANNER HOLDER | March 15, 2011 at 01:23 PM
utzworld,
Beautiful.
Amen.
What do we play for? RINGS!!!
Lakers Today... Lakers Tomorrow... Lakers Forever.
GO LAKERS!!!
Posted by: Jon K. | March 15, 2011 at 01:25 PM
I think if we are truly to honor Rick's memory we should all strive to live up to the example Rick set for us.
A True Lakeraholic.
A good man.
What do we play for? RINGS!!!
Lakers Today... Lakers Tomorrow... Lakers Forever.
GO LAKERS!!!
Posted by: Jon K. | March 15, 2011 at 01:28 PM
@MM – Thank you for honoring Rick in such a fashion. Very classly.
@Cap’s Goggles – I hope things get better for you. Keep the faith.
@Utz – That was a touching prayer. Amen! Here’s the song you asked for in Rick’s memory.
R. Kelly – I Wish
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P8CXUzepL6k
Posted by: LRob | March 15, 2011 at 01:32 PM
More selections to help us grieve Rick:
MEMORIES - The Temptations
THEY REMINISCE OVER YOU (T.R.O.Y) - Pete Rock & C.L. Smooth
I WISH YOU WERE HERE - Al Green
Posted by: utzworld - THE BANNER HOLDER | March 15, 2011 at 01:42 PM
Utz, Amen brother. That was beautiful, very heartfelt. Thank you
Posted by: ChicNstu | March 15, 2011 at 01:45 PM
"@BAY TO LA... We’ll have to agree to disagree because there is no way you can convince me that Dwight Howard is a good shooter from more than a few feet. You can tell from his free throw woes that he isn’t a real shooter. No question he is a world class athlete but just like LeBron and Rondo, teams will gladly give him those little jumpers because they know he is not a real threat from there and won’t make those shots in the fourth quarter due to his poor mechanics and shooting touch.
.....
Last night was an anomaly and Dwight was lucky that his mid-range bloopers and free throws were going in. You likely think Noah is also a good shooter. LOL. The truth is Andrew Bynum actually intimidated Dwight Howard last night to the extent that Dwight was afraid to drive into the paint because of Drew’s defense. THAT’S why he ended up taking all those little jump or dump shots.
...................................
TOM
Posted by: LakerTom | March 15, 2011 at 11:55 AM "
I have agreed to disagree. I know we won't convince each other otherwise but it's an interesting debate nonetheless.
One of your main knocks on Dwight is that he can't be trusted to make shots or free throws in the 4th quarter but my question is which center is? I know Bynum isn't.
You might not have many opportunities unless you have league pass but watch Dwight play next time he is on national TV. When you give him those shots, he makes them. Free throws can give you an idea of what a guy will shoot when he's wide open. He shoots about 60% on free throws, which is pathetic by NBA standards, but that also tells me that he can make a shot more often than not when he is wide open. Bynum was able to push Dwight under the basket when he drove and he was getting a lot of help defense as well so that's why Dwight started taking those little shots when Andrew gave him space. From watching him this year, I wasn't surprised they were going in.
Ironically enough, I do think Joakim has a good shot for his position. His form might be the ugliest in the league but he can put it in when he's open. He gets a lot of criticism about his shot because of how awful it looks but for his career, he's a better free throw shooter than Bynum.
Posted by: Bay to LA | March 15, 2011 at 02:01 PM
Mr. Rick Friedman,
Your warm heart is greatly missed. You and your family are in my prayer's. You are already missed brother. It was my pleasure chatting with you.
Laker Nation loves you Mr. Rick!
Posted by: Hugo Boss | March 15, 2011 at 02:05 PM
There was no mistake in whimsically naming our RCOTD after Mr. Friedman. Now it's official! Great decision MM!
God bless the Freedman family and here's to hoping I can meet the man himself in another place:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uDkBzkA9L4s
As for that game last night, and for the 10-1 record since the break, I am choking up a few crow feathers.
I will admit I was in favor of the rumoured Drew for Melo trade, but IF Drew can keep this DOMINANCE at the defensive end up for the rest of the season AND throughout the playoffs, then I might just have to eat the whole clan of blackbirds that reside in the trees behind my property!
Posted by: mclyne | March 15, 2011 at 02:15 PM
All hail Andrew The beast Bynum. The next coach if he is smart will let Bynum be the marque player. If he allows Kobe to fire these bad shots at will he is doomed to be fired within a year. Because if kobe is shooting 6 for 20 and 7 for 19 this season by next year he would be worse.
Posted by: island priest24 | March 15, 2011 at 02:19 PM
I read kobe post game interview. It read in part that ron ron role is defense, bynum is rebounding and his is scoring. I wonder if kobe is mentally stable. If you are shooting 6 for 20 and 7 for 19 shouldn't the guy who can hit 60 to 75% of his field goals get more shots. Kobe knows that Bynum time has come and he is envious. Yeah bynum should rebound but he should get 18 shots per game. Kobe is only worried about padding his all time scoring. This is why kobe doesn't pass bynum the ball.
Posted by: island priest24 | March 15, 2011 at 02:24 PM
Posted by: island priest24 | March 15, 2011 at 02:19 PM
6 of 20? hmmm, I think because of his ankle or must be his pinky finger flared up.
Posted by: Norcal | March 15, 2011 at 02:27 PM
Posted by: island priest24 | March 15, 2011 at 02:24 PM
You may have a point there, but then again jealousy or legacy, you think so?
Posted by: Norcal | March 15, 2011 at 02:36 PM
MM, what a class act gesture you made in honor of Rick. I've been wonder for quite awhile now about Rick's absence from the blog especially during the live chat. This news makes me sad. Please send my deepest condolence to his family. Like most of you here on this blog, I didn't know Rick personally but Rick always had a knack to say a hello to you when you signed on during the live chat or post my comments on this blog. We had our difference but at the end, our passion is always united for the love of our beloved Lakers. He will be truly miss!!!
Posted by: Wallace | March 15, 2011 at 02:59 PM
I really like your idea here MM. I think Rick's memory will illuminate that award for a lot of us.
I just hope I was nice to him in the last days. I can't remember.
Wes
Posted by: wesjoenixon | March 15, 2011 at 07:42 PM
Rest in Peace Rick Friedman! This man had some of the best opinions in the Laker fanbase and he will be missed, his family is very proud of him. Rick would be proud of his team flipping the switch and playing to their potential.
Give credit to Andrew for wanting to play well defensively, sure it took a lot but as Artest reminded us he is 23 and a lot to learn. I was one of the few who entertained the Bynum for Melo trade, but at the time he was just tanking it in -and I had a hard time figuring out as to what impact he had in those losses at the time, it looked very very dim, in fact the team is nothing like the pre-All-Star break. I'm sure Kobe lit a fire on him and his team-mates after telling us that he was inspired by his younger contemporaries, a-la CP3, Kevin Durant, Blake Griffin, as well as the break itself, Phil's "chit chat" before that and looking up at Dwight Howard as a role-model. Oh, and health. But this is all good, the jury is still out on, can he continue to be durable come playoffs and will he help us repeat again as champs. But for the time being DH is on pace for having a hall-of-fame career, which makes it hard not to look at him in the future.
Posted by: PointForward | March 15, 2011 at 07:49 PM
Good morning Laker Nation! With the way the L has been playing since the break it's got me singing Nina Simone...I'm feeeeeeeelin' goooooood.
I'm looking at the winter dreariness shaken off and Spring is in full play. Look at our guys. Don't they look spry? Who can beat us in seven? NOBODY! Stay healthy Big Bynum, we all love your killer instinct these days. Keep on keepin' on.
As far as Kobe goes, he is nursing a bad ankle and will deal with the finger until the day he retires. I do agree that depending on the situation, Bynum should get more touches. I also think that it's wrong to delegate him purely to defense (despite how great he is at it) as it makes Gasol more lazy than he already is on D. Sometimes I think Gasol is too reliant on Bynum to be the stopper when they both should be doing it. Gasol shouldn't be purely offense and Bynum purely defense because that's just bad basketball. But that's what happens. Whenever Bynum is out, the opposing team attacks the rim knowing that Gasol isn't going to try really hard to stop you. You play on both ends of the court, period.
Posted by: alekesam | March 16, 2011 at 06:41 AM
i am truly saddened and a little bit surprised with the passing of Mr. Rick Friedman, i have been popping' in this blog and was posting some 3 years ago but never had the chance to post again cos' of the hooplas happening with my life right now. But for one of my favorite bloggers here it would be such an honor to post for once, eventhough i never get the chance to meet him or even talk to him i had always admire his LAKER SPIRIT and for that i think he had earned a spot in laker heaven where he can sit courtside and watch the 2011 LAKERS hold the championship up close.
this one's for you Mr. Friedman!
Go Lakers!
Go Mamba!
Posted by: Hellraiser (certified mamba fan) | March 16, 2011 at 10:19 AM