This season is slopin' to the Lakers. Perfect time for a few days off.

In the midst of recent human tragedies, a bit of reflection feeds the soul.

Peace all. Go Lakers

Howard looked like a kid who had lost his mommy... and then had Artest steal his candy. precious. Posted by: LongTimeLakerFan | March 15, 2011 at 08:43 AM
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Now that is a heck of a description...LMAO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Right now it's looking like a Lakers Bulls final. Posted by: LongTimeLakerFan | March 15, 2011 at 08:53 AM
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And the Circle is complete!

REPOST:

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STILL WANT TO TRADE ANDREW BYNUM ???
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I think tonight’s game by Andrew Bynum clearly showed why the Lakers will not trade him for Dwight Howard or any other center in the league. Tonight was one of those nights where the stats didn’t tell the complete story because the truth was that Andrew Bynum actually dominated Dwight Howard, cleanly blocking two of his shots and intimidating and forcing Dwight to settle for awkward jumpers rather than attacking the rim. The only thing that saved Dwight from an embarrassing night was his uncharacteristically good touch from mid-range, basically shots that every team will gladly give him.
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The thing that bothers me about Dwight Howard is the same thing that bothers me about LeBron James and Rajon Rondo – they cannot shoot the basketball. They are so athletic that they can score but trusting them to hit outside shots or free throws late in a game is not how you consistently win championships in my book. You often see these guys make their jumpers in the first half but when crunch time comes, their lack of form and true shooting touch usually come to the forefront, as we saw tonight with Dwight Howard. You can sometimes make these guys into reliable shooters but you will never make them into great shooters. That’s where posters who think Dwight will eventually become a great offensive player are wrong. If you were a shooter, you know what I’m talking about.
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Game ball tonight once again should go to Andrew Bynum, who pulled down a career high 18 boards while scoring 10 points and blocking 4 shots, including 2 by Dwight Howard. Howard actually got credit for blocking one of Drew’s shots but replay clearly showed that the ball was goal tended. With the Lakers playing Dwight one-on-one with Bynum and usually doubling him with Pau at center, Howard lost his composure and ended turning over the ball 9 times while scoring 22 points with 15 boards and only 1 actual block, since the block on Drew was obviously goal tending. Bottom line, Drew kept Drew completely in check. There never was a moment you thought he would explode.
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The Lakers team defense was outstanding again in the second half. I’m going to have to go back to the game logs to see exactly how many points we are allowing in the second half. I’m convinced that the numbers must be below 40 points. And while the refs did put Drew into foul trouble, they also let him play a little on defense against Dwight, which shows that refs are starting to respect Drew’s defense. I was also pleased to see Phil took my advice (JK) and matched Drew up with Dwight rather than following a preset substitution pattern. It was great to see Phil understand that Drew needed to be in the game when Dwight was in, much like Ron would be in the game when Durant or Pierce was.
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TOM

@Rick Friedman

Always insightful and classy and the RCOTD. The FRIEDMAN award is appropriately the name we should now give for the most insightful and classy comment of the day. I have missed the clever intuitive posts of a LA Times blog Legend, now we will all miss his presence and wisdom in all of Laker Nation.

RIP Rick, and say hello to Chick for me :)

"Losing 4 games in a row in December is looking less important now, isn't it."

Less important?

On the contrary - it makes these remaining games all the more pivotal. The Lakers must finish the season better than Dallas, Celtics, and Bulls.

This wouldn't be quite so important had the team just showed up for half of those 4 games.

Thank you Lakers for granting our request of a W as a fitting tribute to the late Rick Friedman.

Mamba24, Please put me on the Friedman bandwagon. May I ask how he passed?

Rick was the first person on this blog that I had regular conversations with. We formed an alliance to battle all the Kobe haters during the summer of Kobe's trade request. He was an intelligent, loyal and passionate human being who loved jazz, wine and the Lakers. Travel well my friend. You will missed.

Mitchell

OUR FUTURE HAS ARRIVED!!!!!!

UNLEASH THE BEAST!!!!!!!!

Besides the 4 blocked shots, the 4 for 12 shooting over the outstretched arms of Bynum, what about the drives to the basket that never happened?

5-PEAT WITH THE BEAST!!!!

@LAKERTRUTH, Rick succumbed to Cancer the details of which I do not have. Perhaps, PsychedLakerGirl, Justanothermambafan or Benjamin might suppl more details if the Rick’s family deem it appropriate. You are number 52 on the List I had you down I just did not have a comment for you.
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TUE MAR. 15, 2011 - Day Dawns Upon A Lakers Nation Proud but Grieving
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>++ RICK FRIEDMAN DAY BABYYYYY__THIS ROLL CALLS FOR YOU RICK!!_TRULY!!!
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[_|___|__|___|__|__|__|__|__|_\
|RICKS BANDWAGON ____\__\__\
l_________________________--|
\_(O)-(O)____________(O)-(O)__/
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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
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FROM MM: I'm passing this note from Rick's family....
As my father wanted...we are holding a very casual memorial celebration at the Rainbow Bar & Grill on Sunset Blvd. in W. Hollywood this Thursday 3/17 (also St. Patty's Day for those who wish to really party) from 6 pm to 9 pm in the upstairs room. It will be a cash bar, but we will provide light appetizers so I would appreciate it you would RSVP at adam@advancedathletics.com so that I could get a head count. All are invited to share with the group who Rick was to them in their lives beginning at 7 pm. Thank you very much!
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http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sUDVj7qPqRE – Goodbye to Yesterday – G.C. Cameron
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gwKEdFoUB0o – Walk On – U2
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UyEvsH4_ySU – Broke Down Palace _ Gateful Dead
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aVlbbk4SPC4 – Missing You – Diana Ross
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Roll Call: LAKERS NATION & BLOG The Greatest Team, Nation & Blog In Creation!
Roll Call: Dr. JERRY BUSS - HOF & THE GREATEST & BEST OWNER…IN BUSS WE TRUST!!
Roll Call: JEANNIE BUSS & JIM BUSS, OUTSTANDING JOBS BY YOU BOTH!!! KUDOS!!
Roll Call: PHIL(11RINGS) JACKSON – GREATEST COACH OF ALL TIME & HOF COACH!!
Roll Call: KOBE BRYANT, BASKETBALL GOD SUPREME. G.O.A.T PERIOD_ NO DEBATE!!!
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Roll Call: MARK Medina(Blog God) DAN Loumena(Blog God) ZAIRA Amaterasu(Blog Goddess)
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Roll Call: JUSTANOTHERMAMBAFAN(Head Of The Mamba Clan) Use your Powers Wisely
Roll Call: LAKER LASS Whose SMILE dispels the DARKNESS and Brings Forth THE LIGHT
Roll Call: FAITH(BLOG QUEEN & Minisiter of DEFENSE) LAKERGURL( The ONE & ONLY),
Roll Call: EASTCOASTJESSIE(LATINA PRINCESS) CBUCK, BOB, LAKERSRYDEORDIE, J24
Roll Call: LAKERTOM, EDWIN GUECO, JON K., PHRED, WESJOENIXON, LROB, LEWSTRS,
Roll Call: PURPLENGOLDInVegas, MAGICPHIL, JOVBATZ44, WALLACE, MARKG(?), SEAN
Roll Call: TIM-4-SHOW, FEARLESS, THE OUTLAW & BABY OUTLaw, JOHNNYV, JOHNNYP
Roll Call: RICK FRIEDMAN, HOBBITMage, CORNERJ, LAKERJ, P_ANG, PSYCHEDLakerGirl
Roll Call: CYBERCosmiX, LAKERHOLIC, The TRIANGULATOR, SEELY-IGGY, DIANDRA, #4
Roll Call: FAN Of The MAMBA, VMAN, RDLEE, DICE8UP, GDUBINDC, PFUNK36, CHICNSTU
Roll Call: ADRIAN PALOMAR, DON’T BLAME DEL HARRIS, D(EREK) J(ETER), JOE CORAD
Roll Call: NEWMEXICOLL, MUD, TIDALWAVE, TOM DANIELS, FRMKT, HTJ, MR.NANO, MS
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Roll Call: To: THE LAKERSBLOGS SISTERHOOD “THE REAL LAKER GIRLS:
FAITH, BOB, CBUCK, LAKERGurl, LakersRydeOrDie, JustAnotherMambaFan, LAKER LASS J24
ZairaAmaterasu, PsychedLakerGirl, SimiLakerGirl, SFLakerGirl, Hyacinth, LakerSunshine, TSIRY
LakerGirl1980, HoustonLakerGirl, NewMexicoLakerLifer, LongTimeLakerlover, Jacqueline, Cindy
BocaLakerGirl, AnnanotherThing, EastCoastJessie, Seely-Iggy, Sarah Smith, IHeartKB24 Laili K.
LakerLady, Jeantte, SheKobe, Jorema, LindaPineda ,EnjoyTheRide, Mary B.Chandler, Mamba24BG
Amanda Poindexter, SocalGirl24, 24KobeLakersGirl, BayWoodGal, Laura R, Nay99, Diandra,
Wendy Maradiaga, BabyGirl, Tress, Barbara Corry, PurpleNGoldInVegas, LAWoman. Flisad
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Roll Call: RENEGADE CHATTERS: Justanothermambafan, MAGIC PHIL, Wes, Phred, KBBlitz. HTJ
LEWSTRS, LAKERLASS, LRob, NOAH, LakerMike, JohnnyP, JohnnyV, SRAFrank, NOAH, FRMKT
Utzworld THE BANNER HOLDER, 63 Footer, J-Dizzle, Mark G., Wallace, SeelyIggy, LAKERHOLIC
EastCoastJessie, GDUBinDC, PsychedLakerGirl, KobeMVP888, AMIT, Caliphilosopher, IHeartKB24
PurpleNGoldInVegas, SEAN, Diandra, Delores, Flisad, SeagramSeven
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Roll Call: MAMBA CLAN: Fan of The Mamba, HelllRaiser(certified Mamba Fan), DC-Mamba
Mamba24, BlackMamba24, BrownMamba24, WhiteMamba24, Semperfi-Mamba, Mamba24BG
CulverMamba Mamba24FanForLife, CobraWithBlackMamba, KB24Mamba, OCisMambaCountry,
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Roll Call: FATTY, SEGEBOY (Sheriff), OTIS, CAPS-GOOGLES, CALIPHILOSOPHER, BD
Roll Call: IHEARTKB24, NEMAIA FALETOGO, JQ, NEVER, 2PHATT, JEANTTE, CTRAN
Roll Call: utzworld THE BANNER HOLDER, Mini Banner Holder & Holderette, MARKG(?)
Roll Call: NOAH(Gods Favorite) COMPLEX_BROTHA, EJK, NUGGETS-COUNTRY, BOB T.
Roll Call: JEFE101, DAVE M. HYACINTH, PUDDLE, MCLYNE, JDIZZLE, 63 FOOTER
Roll Call: J24(LADY-JEM24), LONGTIMELAKERLOVER, LONGTIMELAKERFAN, ROCKY
Roll Call: ART-FL Lakers Fan, ISLAND PRIEST, LAKERSUNSHINE, HBMATT, RICKY
Roll Call: JEANETTE, TAX ANALYST, HUMANOMALY, DOC4daLAKEShow, ANDY L.
Roll Call: BRONXLAKERFAN, BENJAMIN, KBBLITZ, KOBEMVP888, GILBERT BATTUNG
Roll Call: LAKERPEACE, LAKERTRUTH, ANGRY LAKER, HOGAN, HALOSANT, ALLNET
Roll Call: CHARLES, EXTENSOR, LAKERSDude, JAY_KB24, JUSTALAKERFAN, OMG
Roll Call: JOLLYRANCHER, Mr.NANO, TNTLakerFan, OCisMAMBACOUNTRY, T.SENSEI
Roll Call: JAMIE SWEET, Purple-Reign, 24KOBELAKERSGIRL, ALLNET, BUMMI,OUCHH
Roll Call: ENJOY The RIDE, LongTIMELAKERFan, LOLO, STARGAZIN, FLOYD, THIRTY2
Roll Call: LAKERS-Since73, GUYR, SONNY BELFAST, KOBEFanInCupertino, NAY99
Roll Call: LoneStar-LAKERFan, SAMLL, THE SNAKE, REDBluffPETE, NOSTRADAMUS
Roll Call: Pete MAGUIRE, RAYMOND42N, LAKERMIKE, PASSIONATELAKERSFAN
Roll Call: SIXONEZERO, RAGE777, YELLOFEVER, SRAFRANK,TROYB, TEAMN
Roll Call: ANNANOTHERTHING, JAHANA, MARY B. CHANDLER, TROLLMAN,
Roll Call: LAKERSRULE(AMIT), JQ, MUSIC-IS-MYWEAPON24, STAPLES24, LOLO
Roll Call: WINTON DUPREE, HUGO BOSS, NBA4-EVER, KOBE81PTS, L.O.-FAN,
Roll Call: WILBUR POST, EGGS-ARE-COOLIN, MARCO64, DFISH, DR. LEN, TODD
Roll Call: COFM99, JACQUELINE, Maricar PEREZ, LUDWIG, YOU EVER-NOTICE
Roll Call: Lance From DA’ BRONX, L.A. All DAY, Wendy VT LAKER, JAY JAY,
Roll Call: DANTHE MAN, HEH8MEN1, S. PERKINS, TonyMAN262, BRYLLE,
Roll Call: The INFAMOUS EL GUAPO, LuvThoseLAKERS, CHUCK23, ALEKESAM
Roll Call: NBA4EVER, OREGON WADE, OUTSIDERGUA, LAKESHOWINPHX,
Roll Call: BAY TO LA, ASTARIOTH, APPOLO C. VERMONT, MIKE TIENTE
Roll Call: RUUD Van NISTELRooy, ONE1-MIKE, The MODERATOR, SHEKOBE
Roll Call: ANDTHEJELLOSJIGGLIN, JAMES KATT, AMANDA POINDEXTER
Roll Call: SOCALGIRL24, LAKER-KEV, OCLEZY, POINT FORWARD, TRESS
Roll Call: VIRGINA-LAKERFAN, TAINO, LAKERPHIL, SOCRATES, DAXMD
Roll Call: LONDON LAKER, HOUSTON LAKER, LAKERFAN-IN-COWTOWN
Roll Call: PURPLE&GOLDREIN, PURPLEHEART, I BLEED PURPLE AND GOLD
Roll Call: JMAN449. HAWAIID, VI-LAKERFAN., KOBEAYASHIMarue, Karmaniac
Roll Call: SB PIMP, DDARK, DWNTWNATTY , SOCALBARRISTER, J-DIZZLE
Roll Call: RAMNEET SINGH, Keen OBSERVER, The MODERATOR, BIGCITY-SID
Roll Call: Agent JAY, RaiderLaker1980, , 5LakerFanz, Laker-LIFR, Scottie PIMPIN,
Roll Call: SHANNONFAN12, I Hearned That, BEDO, PMAZ, Dlyte, Ninoy, AUTOPRT
Roll Call: JW Brent, WILSON24, CINDY, HipHopCop, Barbara Cory, GoWHSbooster
Roll Call: DRAKE, PATRICKHENRYPRESS, LAKERFAN24, Another View, Marco
Roll Call: KARLAA824, LAURA REED, RAVENBACK, CHAD721, RC POLICE, QS
Roll Call: NO MO PLATITUDES, WENDY MARADIAGA, SOCALIFE, BLUE_SKY
Roll Call: BOYNAMEDSUE, MADNESSLOVER, Richard Knox, Richard Holmes
Roll Call: DANIEL, LAL-FAN, YOGI, NINJA, HOPALONG, Wade Hutcherson,
Roll Call: GANDALF THE PURPLE & GOLD, ROSSDOGG76, SCOTT, DAVE SMITH
Roll Call: LAKE SHOW, CHADAMU, LAKER_GROUNDHOG, SOSHIBO/TIBOLOL,
Roll Call; Destiny_Dennis, MadnessLover, Stockton_Showtime, Zopi, LJP ,
Roll Call: MR. LAKER, JENNIFER, CARLOS MENDOZA, Inquiring Minds Wanna Know
Roll Call: Anotherview1, Marco, LJP, GoWHSbooster, Practice Season Police, Joboyskie,
Roll Call: JOSH, BENJAMIN, ART, COWBOY, CECIL, TOMAS, JungleCAT, M-PHOTO
Roll Call: Christina, Richard Knox, GWF, G.MONEY, Shazz, DOC PAPPY, Mr. ReinDeer
Rol Call: Michael H. InDaFridge, 40-YearFan, Any_One_Mouse, SmartAssProducts.Com
Roll Call: CrzyFan, IceBerg, Alter-ID, Native Angeleno, Frank1rizzo, Steve G. , Soshibo
Roll Call: LAKERSNUMBA1, LA_WOMAN, FLISAD, SEAGRAM_SEVEN LAKER Chris *_________________________________________________________________________*
*____________________LAKER NATIONS TRIBUTES AND MEMORIES __________*
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(01) MARK MEDINA – BLOG GOD - I had been in touch with Rick's cousin recently and I'm saddened that he passed. I appreciate his presence and his dealings with me and made it a great joy to interact with on a daily basis. I don't want to get too specific out of respect for their privacy, but I am in discussions with his cousin on what he can do to honor what he meant to this community. I'll share more once I know from them
(02) utzworld THE BANNER HOLDER – CHAPLAIN - pour a lil somethin from the Mighty Goblet of Champions for our brother Rick Friedman who ain't here in body but ever present in spirit. I will don the Chaplain robe one last time tomorrow and grant him a proper eulogy when MM creates the official Rick Friedman Memorial Thread. Rest In Peace, Brother Rick.
(03) BENJAMIN – FAMILY - bronx, You didn't miss it. He was still with us on Saturday so he just (mercifully) passed. Rick is my cousin and it's really a further testament to what a hell of a guy he is that he endeared himself so much to the people of this blog just like to the people in his life. I notiched a Rick Friedman appear here a few years ago when I stopped posting as obsessively and after a bit shot an e-mail to him because I thought it was him. It was kind of fun to get a little closer to him via cyberspace and mutual Lakers fandom. I'll have more to say later, but it really is a loss for everyone. He was a neat guy with a lot of positive energy to share.
(04) ANNANOTHERTHING – OWNER - Hi all, It's been a while. I wanted to share an except from an email I sent to Adam Friedman on his dad's (our friend and blog regular Rick Friedman) passing. "I “met” Rick through the LA Times Lakers Blog a few years ago now, which led to Facebook friendship and we eventually met in person in December of 2009 when I was holidaying in LA. Rick and I went to a sports bar in Hollywood to watch the Lakers play the Pistons, he introduced me to sweet potato fries and we talked about all sorts of things, from work to our love lives, the nature of friendship, music and of course the Lakers. The game was a blow out, so we sat and ate and talked and talked and talked. As I’m sure you know, your Rick was a great conversationalist. Over the past few years, Rick has provided me with great advice, was a comfort, and despite being 9000 miles away could always pick me up when I was feeling down. I was looking forward to seeing him again on my visit to LA next month. Instead I will head to the Rainbow Bar & Grill and raise a glass in his honour. " Rest in peace my friend.
(05) JUSTANOTHERMAMBAFAN – CO/OWNER - Anna - I also consider myself a friend to Rick. I'd sent him an email not too long ago wanting an update on how he was doing, since I know he was still going through it. I didn't hear back and was just going to send another one today.... I'm heartbroken. Rick was a sweetie and one hell of a knowledgeable Laker fan of course. I'm so very upset I never got the chance to meet him in person, although I spoke with him on the phone several times. He was always upbeat even though he had been going through a lot for awhile now. When he originally got ill, I sent him snippets every day of the "Get well Rick" bandwagon that the blog had going, and I can tell everyone that he loved it, and was always so appreciative. Anna - please let Adam know that I also will be grieving for his dad, and send my love and deepest sympathy. The last time I spoke with Rick, he had been doing better.... I'm also shocked and saddened. This truly is a dark day for many of us.
(06) FAITH – CO/OWNER - Rick Friedman was a class act, one that I'm proud to have been a blog vet with. We will miss him and all that he brings to the table as laker family. Rest in peace Rick, we will always remember our times together, from the championship parades and game night live blogs. I'm going to try to go to his memorial, and if I can I'll print out all your comments and give them to his family. I don't know how much comfort it will be but I know they'll appreciate that we remembered and cared about Rick.
(07) PSYCHEDLAKERGRL – CO/OWNER - I am so sad and not so psyched. I will share more when MM's post is published.
(08) EDWIN GUECO – DRIVER - So sad to hear of Rick Friedman's passing.....I will pray for the repose of his soul. I wondered why he was no longer posting? I asked Justa several times about Rick, I thought she was just ignoring my posts. It was Anna who delivered the sad news. Please extend our heartfelt gratitude to the Friedman family for having Rick here in this blog. As Faith said, he is a class act and a very independent poster except for his favorite, Jordan Farmar. Nonetheless, when Lakers did not sign JF, Rick was calm and embraced the new the replacements. I missed the opportunity of meeting him in the last two parades, didn't expect that was my last chance. In his memory, I hope MM could compose a summary of Rick's posts. He is the first active blogger whom we know, died in the blog, I'm sure there were others nobody just informed us. Thanks again Annaotherthing. To all Laker players Kobe, Pau, Socks, Derek, Lamar, Steve, Matt, Shannon, Luke and others as well as to the Coaches & F/O: I don't know whether you guys are keeping up with this blog, we just lost a dear blogger by the name of Rick F. I hope you will play tonight with great resolve and high energy to win this game in honor of our fellow blogger. It may be a childish wish from a senior fan to request a personal favor. I don't mind at all. Our endearing passion knows no boundaries express your success 24/7 in this blog till death do us part like Rick Friedman and Chickie-baby. I hope you'd grant a simple request.
(09) JOHN K. – RIDIING SHOTGUN2 Annanotherthing, Thanks for sharing. I must have had my head in the sand, but I was somehow unaware of Rick's passing. Instead I've been wondering "Where's Rick?" Yeah...I'd like to say something poetic right now but it escapes me. I'll miss him. I'm consumed by a sense of emptiness right now. Rick was one of the originals and one of the best. I feel like anything I type will sound trite right now. Laker Nation just lost a good man.
(10) LAKER TOM – RIDING SHOTGUN3 -ANNAANOTHERTHING... Thank for your sharing the news about Rick. I have to say I was worried that his health might be failing him as he rarely posted and wasn’t his usual cheery self when he did post. I will pray for him to be watching us win again from his purple and gold throne in Lakers heaven. I would like to suggest to MM that he formally now name the RCOD as the Rick Friedman award. What better way to remind us all of what a great friend and fan Rick was. The news probably hits the older posters on the blog harder because it speaks so strongly of the mortality that all of us have to face eventually. I wonder what happened to our good friend KobeBlitz and hope that he is doing well. At 65, I’ve outlived many friends and stopped reading the obits long ago for fear of reading bad news. If anything, this should be a stark reminder to all of us that everything must end sometime. So relish the fact that we’ve won 16 NBA championships and are poised to win our 17th and third in a row. Don’t take our good fortune and high standing for granted. Most importantly, don’t take the cherished relationships you’ve developed on this blog for granted. Many of us have gone beyond being just virtual friends to being real friends. Rest in peace, Rick. We loved and shared too much with you to ever forget or regret. Our most sincere condolences to Adam and the rest of Rick’s family. May God always be with you. Let’s put together a farewell and thank you bandwagon for Rick Friedman. I am sure Adam and his family would love to know how many friends Rick made and what they thought of the man as their friend and Lakers fan. I am sure we can get Justa or Anna to forward the list to Rick’s son. I know for one that it’s a sad day for the Lakers Blog when we lose one of our finest.
(11) LAKER LASS – RIP RICK FRIEDMAN
(12) FAN OF THE MAMBA -
(13) MARK G - Rick was cool. I've also been wondering where he's been. I'm sorry to hear about his passing.
(14) BRONXLAKERFAN - R.I.P. Rick Friedman...I'm sorry if I missed the news of his passing. Annaotherthing....thanks for sharing that nice story about Mr. Friedman. My condolences to his family.
(15) MAMBA24 – It was an honor and a privilege to know you my brother. You were one of the Great ones my friend and your passing leaves a void in the Nation that will last as long as Laker nation does and that for Eternity. May God bless your family and bless your Soul.
(16) CAPS-GOOGLES (83-79) - I haven't been posting much because I'm dealing with some problems at the moment, but I am saddened beyond words to hear that Rick Friedman has passed. Rick was one of the first ones to greet me on to the blog and was always a good source of information with his post and blog banter. The blog has lost one of it's brightest posters and it's just not going to be the same without him. Rick you will be missed.
(17) IHEARTKB24 - Annanotherthing - PLEASE give my condolences to Rick's family...
(18) MAGIC PHIL - Rick Friedman, I'll miss you, your excellent comments, your excellence... R.I.P. and thanks for all the good advice you throw my way! The Friedman award will live forever. This one was for you, Rick Friedman...
(19) CHICNSTU - RIP Rick. I was asking Justanothermambafan about Rick during the last Live game chat. I was under the impression that Rick was doing better. What a shock! One of our great bloggers will be missed dearly. Thank you Anna. You are a great friend indeed.
(20) HOBBITMAGE - re: Rick Friedman passing. I'm sorry to hear this. My condolences to his family.
(21) MUD - RIP Rick Friedman...
(22) JEFE101 - I am so sorry to hear about the passing of Rick Friedman, obviously one of the true pioneers of this amazing blog - may he rest in peace.
(23) YELLOFEVER - Re: RickFriedman.. I am shocked and saddened. My sympathies to the Friedman family. He will truly be missed. Long live the friedman award!!
(24) ADRIAN PALOMAR -RIP Rick our deepest sympathy and condolence to your family.You will be surely missed in this blogged but in our hearts we will keep your memories forever.Farewell my dear friend...
(25) LROB - I'm saddened to hear about Rick Friedman passing. It's amazing I've never met anyone in person from the blog, yet I feel a sense of community through our mutual love of the Lakers. Rick certainly left his mark on me as a smart and passionate fan. He will be missed. My sympathy and prayers go out to his family and friends. I agree with Laker Tom that it would be a wonderful way to honor Rick Friedman by formally naming the RCOTD after him. Phred also had a good suggestion of a separate thread for comments that could be passed on to his family.
(26) HARIYAHU - I seldom post here anymore, but just wanted to chime in with my heartfelt condolences to the Friedman family and to the Blog crew.
(27) POINT FORWARD - @Rick, sorry for the loss he's in a good place right now.
(28) TOM DANIELS - I had noticed and lamented the absence of Rick Friedman on the blog, but had no idae that he had passed. I am sorry for his friends and family, for whom I sure this is a terrible loss. I'll miss him here. One of the great posters. Smart, level headed. Hell.
(29) HTJ - Rick was a good dude, it's a sad day Lakers gotta win it all now - for Rick
(30) PURPLENGOLDINVEGAS - Sound like rick was to you what truefan was for us. we lost him to cancer as well : truly sorry to hear yalls lost.
(31) DIANDRA - 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.
(32) BONEZ - R.I.P Rick
(33) PHRED - I just heard. My greatest sympathies and love to Rick Friedman’s family. THE LOVE WILL MISS YOU RICK Thanks Utz. I don’t know, but I think it would have meant a lot to Rick, and I think it will mean a lot to this blog. Well, I guess it is ultimately up to the LA Times and his family, but i don't see how we could not have it called the Rick Friedman Reader Comment of the Day. if that's not too small a tribute. FCM- Do you think maybe it is possible to get up a Rick Friedman memorial thread of some kind to make it easy to get up a collection of comments from bloggers that his family and friends can see? I see that Jon K and Faith at least are going to try to go to his memorial, it would be great if we could have a huge laker blog bandwagon of love with hundreds of comments that they could take with them.
You know, a list of comments that wasn't about the personality traits and cult of Kobe Bryant.
(34) JOE CORAD - I am saddened by the news of Rick Friedmans passing. My prayers and condolences goes out to his family and his friends. Like many fellow bloggers have posted, he was one of the first few who welcomed me to this site where we could all share the love for the Lakers. It is amazing how the love for something; for a team, can connect many strangers and have some care for one another. It is unfortunate that we now come to realize that after the passing of a loyal, loving and classy person. Rest in peace Rick, I have no doubt that you are smiling down from up above.
(35) TIM-4-SHOW - feel pretty bad that I was oh so close to sending Rick an email yesterday. Carpe Diem #24. He wears the number for a reason. The world is a lesser place. But, he's smiling down enjoying the victory.
(36) COMPLEX-BROTHA - OMG I just went thru HELL to be able to log on a leave a quick post to my family here and type a bunch of nonsense .. then I saw Utz's post Re: Rick and my heart literally just broke.. I, like many others, never got the chance to hang out personally with Rick but after years of reading his writings.. I felt like I knew him and he, like many others on this blog.. mean something to ME.. I came to celebrate a good string of games we've put together.. but I'd be a total liar if I tried to pretend im not saddened and hurt by this late news to me...after I log off, I'm gonna give my Bro a toast ( Knob Creek ) but for the record..I'm gonna miss your posts Rick and even tho we never had a Bro hug..I DO consider you my Bro.. R.I.P Rick, Laker4Life !!!!!!!
(37) G. MONEY - Lakerholics, Dude and Dudettes...I'm sadden to hear about the Loss of the Beloved Rick. God Bless the Friedmen Family. RIP my MAN.
(38) FRMKT - Being new to Medina's Blog and sparingly posting comments since last summer, I've always noticed that the RCOTD awards have been affectionately referred to as "The Friedman" or "Friedman Award." It's obvious by the comments posted on the Blog that he was loved and respected. As such, I would like to second "LakerTom's" notion that the RCOTD officially be renamed: The Rick Friedman Award R.I.P. Mr. Friedman
(39) NUGGETS COUNTRY - RIP Rick. ..........btw, how do we know when one of us passes? I'm with LakerTom on the 60 age decade, but I truly have become weary of watching my youthful heros and friends and teammates pass without knowing they were in bad health or danger......... One day at a time folks. One win at a time, also............
(40) MR. LAKER - To Mr. R. Friedman, I am sad for your passing, but I am sure you are cheering for Kobe and the Lakers from the Great Beyond!!! R.I.P.
(41) DICE8UP - RIP Rick. He was one of the original bloggers I met when I got here. If we can request MM to post Rick Friedman's comments as a tribute to him that would be very nice for our Laker Fam blog.
(42) CYBERCOSMIX - How sad to hear that Rick Friedman passed away. In my book there are few 'must-read' posters, he was one of them. If the blog retired names, his banner would be up there with the all-timers. R.I.P. Rick Friedman, I'm sure you're enjoying your birds-eye view, be sure to say hey to Chick for us...
(43) CALIPHILOSOPHER - I just popped on here at the library at LSE, and I am highly saddened to hear that Rick Friedman has passed. I would have loved to attend the memorial, but am unable to since I am so far away right now. Rick was one of the first people to welcome me to the blog (especially since I was unsure at the time how the whole blogging etiquette was supposed to run). I don't know if there is much that I can do to help, or that would be of comfort to the family, but if there is, please do not hesitate to let me know. I'm truly saddened about this. R.I.P. Rick
(44) BRONXLAKERFAN - @Benjamin....Pleas accept my sincere condolences for the loss of your cousin. It's so painful to lose a loved one. My prayers will be with you and your family. It is bloggers like Rick Friedman that made this site what it is. Rick and others set a tone of intelligent, articulate commenting that seperates this site from the vulgar, petty, childish tripe so prevalent on Yahoo and ESPN blogs. He'll truly be missed.
(45) VMAN - Can't believe I was about to ask why R. Friedman hadn't won a Friedman in a while. This community has truly grown into something lasting and rare. I'm always impressed how friendship and the glass half full always wins out around here. The kind of insightful and intelligent writing that Rick cranked out on a regular basis, will be remembered. We were all lucky to have known him. Friedman Award it is!
(46) JOLLY RANCHER - Good bye Rick. May you be in heaven 3 days before the Devil hears of your passing.
(47) 63 FOOTER - My thoughts and wishes go out to Rick's family. I didn't know him long, but he was the real McCoy. He'll be missed.
(47) 63 FOOTER
(48) LEWSTRS –
(49) DON’T BLAME DEL HARRIS - Rick Friedman, I SALUTE YOU, sir. R.I.P. brother. *lump in throat*
(50) TROY B.
(51) CORNER J
(52) LAKERTRUTH - Rick was the first person on this blog that I had regular conversations with. We formed an alliance to battle all the Kobe haters during the summer of Kobe's trade request. He was an intelligent, loyal and passionate human being who loved jazz, wine and the Lakers. Travel well my friend. You will be missed. Mitchell
(53) JOVBATZ24 - First of all, I'm deeply saddened by the news that Ms. Anna brought up today. Rest In Peace, Sir Rick Friedman. Condolences to the Friedman Family. God bless your family. I had the pleasure of reading some of his posts when I first came to the blog on 2009. And As far as I can recall, I think he & Mamba24 were the firsts to welcome me here. This is indeed a sad day in Lakerdom . This song goes to Sir Rick Friedman(RIP), Friedman Family and my Lakers Fam. WALK ON http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gwKEdFoUB0o
(54) DOC4daLakeShow - Condolences to Rick's family on his untimely passing.
(55) KARMANIAC - Desde una isla del Mediterraneo quiero mandar mi más sentido pésame a la familia de Rick Friedman y un abrazo a todos los foreros que con esa pérdida se sientan un poco huérfanos. RIP Rick.
(56) NEWMEXICOLL - My condolences go out to the Rick Friedman family...He was a big part of the Laker Nation and he will be missed.
(57) ;LAKESHOWINPHX - R.I.P., RICK, we'll miss you!
(58) MAGIA32 - RIP Rick F. go lakers :(
(59) LAKERHOLIC - Although I didn't know him and saw only a couple of posts of his, it saddens me to hear of the passing of someone who meant so much to so many people. A random ranting of mine was put up as the RCOTD and someone said congratulations on the Friedman. I asked why it was called a Friedman and was told it was because he had won it so many times. It would be nice to officially call it The Friedman in his memory.
(60) THE TRIAGULATOR - There are a handful of posters on this blog that I often wonder what their take on the Lakers issues of the day will or would be. Rick Friedman is one of those in that handful. YOUR INSIGHT IS DEEPLY MISSED RICK FRIEDMAN! My condolences to your family and friends. As I am sure that your loss is far greater than our loss. And our loss as members of this blog is great. We should all strive to carry his example. Today is for mourning. Tomorrow and beyond is for carrying on his tradition. And so, my suggestion is to start a "RICK FRIEDMAN COMMENT OF THE DAY BANDWAGON" tomorrow containing snippets of his previous posts instead of our commentary...
(61) LANCE FROM DA’ BRONX - R.I.P. Rick, i feel the sadness in the postings. he not be forgotten within laker nation
(62) NOAH - Adios, Rick. What a good natured, clear thinking man. Always on the high road.
Brilliant posts, always worth reading. He would persuade by the thoughtful quality of his argument, and never have to demean anyone in the process. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UyEvsH4_ySU
(63) FEARLESS - How is it that I hadn't noticed that Rick F., the MIGHTY Rick Friedman had passed? The shame...When I first came to this blog several years ago, Rick welcomed me, sparred with me, agreed with me and even consoled me right here publicly when I was going through a rough patch myself. He inspired me to keep writing here and told me that he liked what I said and that I was one of the posters that he thought as a "must read". Can you imagine being so complimented by a Blog Legend? He gave that to me. I don't even know h0w to return that favor, now the opportunity is lost. Man, was he smart and articulate. He was passionate and knowledgeable. But, by far, his best attribute was loyalty. His friends were sacrosanct in his mind. When he befriended you, you felt important and unique. He remembered stuff about people, letting them know he cared. He did this without ever being able to see the person on the other side. Rick is a -- was a truly remarkable human being. Rick was especially loyal to D Fish. I think Fish's recent run of stellar play is an unintentional homage to Rick. Rick deserves it. MM, you need to make Rick Friedman our inaugural Blog HOF member (as Cybercomix suggested) and rename the RCOTD after him (Like Tom suggested). Do these things with alacrity. Rest In Peace Rick Friedman. I appreciate you. I miss you.
(64) NINJA - I didnt know him personally,but sometimes we have to pay homage to the dead,its out of respect for each individual persons and the ottermost respect for life,God Bless and peace to his family.
(65) NBA4EVER - @Rick Friedman, Always insightful and classy and the RCOTD. The FRIEDMAN award is appropriately the name we should now give for the most insightful and classy comment of the day. I have missed the clever intuitive posts of a LA Times blog Legend, now we will all miss his presence and wisdom in all of Laker Nation. RIP Rick, and say hello to Chick for me :)
(66) ISRAEL - My condolences go out to the Rick Friedman family
(67) KURILAKER - RIP Rick Friedman....I also lost my brother in law last week and that ads more pain Be strong
(68) PRCTICE SEASON POLICE - My condolences go out to the Friedman family. A 21 gun salute from the PSP!

*_________________________________________________________________________*
WHO THE HELL ARE WE!! ALL TOGETHER:
We’re the World Champion LA Lakers , we’ve won (16) Rings
(10) of the 50 Greatest players played under our wings
There have been (4) Lakers Dynasties with more on the way
We have more Dynasties than others have Titles in the NBA
Best Winning Percentage in History is part of Laker Lore
You want Hall of Fame Coaches, Check it we’ve had (Four)
Weve appeared in Half of all the Finals there have ever Been
We’re the Freakin LA Lakers and all we do is Win baby WIN!
We got the (2) Time Finals MVP, Black Mamba Kobe Bryant
Who scored more points than an entire team without even trying
He scored 81 points in a game & could have scored More
But Rings not number of points is what Mamba plays for.
With Pau Gasol lending The Mamba a helping hand
The Lakers will continue going to that Finals promised land
We got a man giving up his Championship Ring for Charity
Ron Artest, Great basketball Player & Human Being is He
We got The Logo Jerry West & 1st Great center George Mikan
The Legendary Elgin Baylor & Magic Johnson the Icon.
We’ve had all the great centers like Shaq, Wilt & Kareem
Super Stars Worthy, Goodrich & Silk played on the Laker Team
Karl Malone & Gary Payton, A glove & Mailman we just Leased
(11) time Title Winning HOF Coach, who mastered Zen in the East
Chick Hearn the Broadcasting Legend, Broadcasted Lakers Games
Now he’s Broadcasting from Heaven & is in the Hall of Fame
We got Sports Winningest & Best HOF Owner, Kudos Dr. Jerry Buss
We play for Rings & Rings only , which is why teams FEAR US
That’s just a summary of our Resume, we don’t talk we Do.
We’re The Freakin Champion LA Lakers, Who the Hell are You

@GDUB – Great selection with Baby Huey. He was definitely was definitely a trendsetter.

@ JovBatz & Noah – excellent selections in memory of Rick.

@Island Priest – I don’t know if Kobe is a “people’s person” or not. I do know that he’s a “championship person”.

@Diandra – I haven’t heard peep from the Fish haters today.

@LakerTom – Drew was awesome last night. His rebounding and shot blocking put the Lakers on another level. Drew was chasing down rebounds aka “rebounding out of his area” on defense, and offensively he’s just too strong and long for Dwight to keep off the boards.

@TOM DANIELS... The one factor that led me to proclaim that Drew had outplayed Dwight was the impact that the two first quarter blocks had on Dwight’s game. Drew definitely intimidated Dwight, who basically settle for jump shots the rest of the game against Drew rather than trying to attack the rim. As for the Magic perimeter players, the Lakers were able to shut down their 3-point game because they knew that every drive into the paint was going to end in a pass to the perimeter.
.............................................................
@LROB... “Drew was awesome last night. His rebounding and shot blocking put the Lakers on another level. Drew was chasing down rebounds aka “rebounding out of his area” on defense, and offensively he’s just too strong and long for Dwight to keep off the boards.” Offensively, Drew is just too strong and long for anybody to keep him off the boards. That one play where Drew tipped the ball from behind Dwight and then jumped to the side to get the rebound really showed why the Lakers will not trade Drew even if Dwight demands a trade to the Lakers. If he wants to go to Hollywood, he better start thinking Clippers because Jimmy Buss is not going to trade Drew now.
.............................................................
TOM

Mamba24-Dude thanks for the Friedmen BANDWAGON appreciate it my man.

Posted by: LongTimeLakerFan | March 15, 2011 at 08:53 AM
Dude- Correction I think you wanted to say The Heat and Lakers in the Finals, no need to thank me.

When I'm healthy, I am better than Dwight. That's why the Blazers would never trade me for Dwight, because of my potential. Sure, defenses focus on Dwight, as he sees more double and triple teams than any other big man in the league, but I had a 2 week healthy stretch 2 years ago where I was the best big man in the league. Dwight's ability to stay healthy every year is fool's gold. Potential when healthy is all that matters, and I, along with Bynum, top that list. My friend Bynum has played like a beast before, but he has always gotten injured while he was peaking. Fans should ignore this fact, and simply focus on potential when healthy. That's all that matters.

Sincerely,

Greg Oden

My most sincere condolences to Rick Friedman's family and friends.

Enjoyed last night's game. Bynum vs Dwight was a fun matchup to watch. Can't wait to see more of that!

When I see the outpouring of love and respect on this blog of its members for the dearly departed Rick Friedman, I know that I come to the right place to discuss my Laker basketball.

There is no mistake in naming our RCOTD after Mr. Friedman. 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!

This is for My man Mr Rick Friedman.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-fesv7_fXvs