Caught in the Web: Lakers monitor injuries
--The Times' Mike Bresnahan explains how Andrew Bynum avoided injury thanks to his knee brace.
--The Orange County Register's Janis Carr details how Bynum survived the knee scare.
--ESPN Chicago's Melissa Isaacson details Tex Winter's exemplary coaching career.
--ESPN Los Angeles' Brian Kamenetzky argues the minor injuries to Bynum and Gasol illustrated the fragility of title runs
--The Riverside Press Enterprise's David Lassen and The Daily News' Elliott Teaford provides a medical update on Pau Gasol.
--Basketball Prospectus' Kevin Pelton argues Bynum is putting up MVP-type numbers.
--Lakers.com's Mike Trudell details Monday's practice.
--Fox Sports' Billy Witz argues Winter's induction into the Naismith Hall of Fame is long overdue.
Kobe Bryant appears in a weird Sprite commercial featuring Chinese pop singer Jay Chou. (Tip to Pro Basketball Talk's Kurt Helin)
--Silver Screen and Roll's Actuarially Sound breaks down the Lakers' play since the All-Star break.
--True Hoop's Matt Scribbins breaks down in Forum Blue and Gold how the Lakers need to match up defensively with certain opponents in the playoffs.
Tweet of the Day: "Dear NBA: please start scheduling games the first Monday in April so we have the option of watching real basketball." -- jaadande (ESPN.com's J.A. Adande)
Rick Friedman Reader Comment of the Day: "I don't fear the Spurs, the Mavs or the Nuggs... I don't fear the Chowds, the Cheats, the Magic or the Bulls... I do fear the X Factor... I don't look at the schedule and wish for 6-0, 5-1. or 4-2... I could care less about that... What I care the box score to look like... Injuries to Laker Players in the last 6 games: ZERO " -- LEWSTRS
--Mark Medina
E-mail the Lakers blog at mgmedin@gmail.com
Photo: Lakers center Andrew Bynum tries to block a shot by Nuggets center Nene during their game Sunday afternoon at Staples Center. Credit: Mark J. Terrill / Associated Press / April 3, 2011.
Wow, WTG Lewsters! First the awesome game day roll-call, followed by this morning's Friedman! I fear the "X-Factor" too. Here's to a healthy close to the exhibition, er...regular, season and playoff run.
Hello Good Morning! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DkoeNLuMbcI
Posted by: jefe101 | April 05, 2011 at 09:21 AM
@MM ... Great article recapping Van Gundy’s and Breen’s comments about the Lakers. I hate hearing the rumors about the Lakers having interest in JVG. I can’t stand the guy. He would be the absolutely poorest choice to coach the Lakers in my opinion.
...
I do think you or Justa need to clear the air on this entire stalker thing. At this point, people don’t know what to think. We’ve joked before about certain posters “stalking” other posters but the thing with Justa is pretty scary and I think it has made a lot of people hesitant to post on the blog.
...................................................
@LEWSTERS ... Thanks for taking over the bandwagon. I don’t know what is going on with our Mamba24 but it’s great of you to pick up the ball. You start to really appreciate just how fragile a championship run is with scary moments for Kobe, Drew, and Pau in the last week or so. It’s really miraculous that Kobe could not miss a game with that horrible ankle turn and thank God Drew was wearing that brace when Lamar pulled a Kobe on his knee. And Pau’s knee did not look good.
...................................................
TOM
Posted by: LakerTom | April 05, 2011 at 09:31 AM
I salute you Lew for a job well done.
Are u afraid of Simon Cowell on that X Factor? lol! You are absolutely right, we don't want injuries in the remaining games.
Were you able to get the tickets? No reply huh!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ILdBDOPoEDQ&feature=related
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | April 05, 2011 at 09:36 AM
@LEWSTERS... Another Friedman? Well done, my friend. Can’t wait to meet you when you and your wife come up to NorCal in May.
...................................................
TOM
Posted by: LakerTom | April 05, 2011 at 09:36 AM
@Laker Tom and everyone else - I have no insight on the stalker issue. If you're concerned about it, speak to JAMF directly. But don't use this as a forum to keep the rumor mill churning on everything. I don't think that does anyone any good.
Posted by: Mark Medina | April 05, 2011 at 09:42 AM
Lakers refocus tonight and dump the Jazz.
OKC-Denver match up tonight in a playoff preview, might be a good one.
Phoenix has nothing to play for, no pressure, maybe they can pull of an upset tonight.
Lets go Suns and Hawks!
Posted by: Art | April 05, 2011 at 09:44 AM
Mark Medina
Bad choice of words/answer son. If a stalker is INDEED running loose on your blog, you better have some insight on the issue or start getting some insight on it. The PSP believe blog safety is a concern for lots of people posting here; its not just about keeping the gossip mill churning.
Anyway on a brighter note, game day! Lets go Lakers
Thanks
PSP Intern
Posted by: Practice Season Police | April 05, 2011 at 09:46 AM
@Lew - Congrats on the Friedman!!! I totally agree with you...
@soshibo - Kamusta? taga saan ka? I won't be able to watch the 1st half, so kawawa face din ako =(
Let's GO LAKERS!!!
Posted by: iheartkb24 | April 05, 2011 at 09:47 AM
LakerTom,
"I do think you or Justa need to clear the air on this entire stalker thing."
Indeed, that is a good idea to discuss these things openly with the cooperation of MM in one thread. It is like the gospel format during Palm Sunday. First, MM should discuss free and unequivocally of how these things came up. Then, he will present the views of both parties. If there is a need for their personal inputs that will be great but if not, MM should give his own assessment through consultation of legal department of LAT whether stalking really took place. IMO, that is best format to spare us all from this sword of Damocles hanging over our heads.
Frankly, LakerTom although we all treat each other as a family, we should not drag the blog to our personal ventures and fraternal association. What happens outside of this blog will be at their own risk? I wish there is always marriage that could occur between bloggers, supposing it is the other unimaginable events occur, do we blame the blog for such occurrence?
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | April 05, 2011 at 09:57 AM
PSP: I appreciate your humor and your posts... but I gotta tell you, calling someone "son" is pretty condescending, especially given the context.
Go Lake Show!
Posted by: The Outlaw | April 05, 2011 at 10:04 AM
Lew: Congrats on your well-earned Friedman. Wholeheartedly agree, more important than HCA, more important than any team we may face, more important than anything is injuries. Lakers at 100% can beat ANYONE, ANYWHERE, ANYTIME!
Nice job holding down the fort with the roll call, too!
- - -
LRob: You're not confusing activity with skill regarding the NCAA's are you? My sons high school soccer team plays with a lot of passion, exuberance. My daughters AYSO team runs a lot, always giving 100%. I'm sure LakerTom's youth team gave their all winning the title. They're probably good compared to their peers, their opposition, their competition.
I enjoy watching my kids play sports, but my son playing for the high school championship wasn't quite like watching the MLS Cup, which itself is clearly not the UEFA Champions League level. Remove family connections, I'd rather watch Manchester United play Real Madrid on TV than venture to the Big-10 network and catch the average college soccer game.
We are spoiled, we get to regularly watch the highest level league and best players in basketball. What we saw at the championship game was a glorified high school game and not a very well played one.
My soccer palette isn't as refined as hoops though, I can root the Galaxy on since I didn't grow up on a steady diet of European leagues. After watching Everton games, watching the odd Euro league game my son loves to watch, it is a letdown watching the MLS (although the disparity isn't what it was years back). That's the thing with the NCAA game, it was a letdown.
Yes, there are dog games in the NBA, the Cavs performance vs the Lakers earlier this season for instance. But for the most part the NBA is a good product. One would have thought that the NCAA Championship would be better than it was.
AS ALWAYS - AND FOREVER - GO LAKERS!!!!!!
Posted by: CyberCosmiX | April 05, 2011 at 10:05 AM
Fine....you want clear air? Let's have clear air.
A person on a game chat made comments to me that freaked me out because they mentioned both myself and my husband. It was scary for me because of the timing - right before I was to meet up with some blog peeps for the Portland game - but it hasn't happened since so hopefully it's done with.
Mamba24 has made many inappropriate comments to me and also tried to reach me in person - which I also consider inappropriate. He said he's sorry so whatever, but I don't want to interact with him anymore. It sounds like everyone wants him back here, and that's cool, but my commenting on here will be limited going forward. I'll be on the RC and the forum for the most part.
Can all y'all now just give it a rest and get back to talking Lakers? That's why you're here - right?
Posted by: justanothermambafan | April 05, 2011 at 10:08 AM
The Outlaw
Not really; it's part of my grammar. For example, if I call one of my buddies on the phone they probably answer with a "whats up son?" Or we may be talking about something and I disagree with a "nah son". It's a lingo/slang thing and the PSP does not mean to belittle when the PSP uses it.
Thanks
PSP Officer
Posted by: Practice Season Police | April 05, 2011 at 10:09 AM
amen, justa.....let's put it to bed! go Lakers, start a new streak!
Posted by: Lakeshowinphx | April 05, 2011 at 10:13 AM
Cyber CosmiX,
I just want to delve further on what u said that the game u saw yesterday was not well played. Was it because the Butler players could not buy a basket in the 2nd half? Or the low scoring game from both teams? If you watch basketball and love offense, then it is not a game for your own liking. However, for those who are watching at the defensive gems in the post, the leech-liked defense applied by the Huskies guard, this is a re-run of how basketball games were played in the past. Championship games are about defense because both teams are good in other facets. Both teams who are underdogs in their brackets are good or else they will not be in the Finals. They eliminated all the No. 1 seeded in the tournament. Other than Kemba Walker, we didn't see the spectacular players on the Butler side but it was the defense of the Huskies that prevented that star player to shine.
There are lots of teachable lessons here that Lakers could pick up. Drew, Pau and Odom should control the post if we wish to go for three-peat because that is our distinct advantage that separates us from other good teams.
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | April 05, 2011 at 10:20 AM
LEWSTRS with the Friedman! Ho hum.
Posted by: KobeMVP888 | April 05, 2011 at 10:21 AM
I'm waaay busy, but couldn't help but see Lew with the Friedman!
Glad the air is clear, no smog... or anything resembling smog. And you know what smog spelled backwards is....
Posted by: 63Footer | April 05, 2011 at 10:33 AM
Dude...this is some DEEP, can we all just get along?
Posted by: G.Money | April 05, 2011 at 10:38 AM
Justa, thanks for setting that straight - glad to hear you're OK...I've missed you!
As for mamba24, I see absolutely no reason why - given what happened - he should feel unable or unwelcome to actively participate on this blog. You guys have established your boundaries so all is cool.
Larry, please come back - we miss you. Lewsters, I must say, you've been doing an excellent job in the interim!
Posted by: jefe101 | April 05, 2011 at 10:43 AM
Lew- Dude..your now the GLUE MAN. Carry On.
Posted by: G.Money | April 05, 2011 at 10:47 AM
I knew giving personal profiles info on a blog site is not GOOD business.
Posted by: Tell the Truth | April 05, 2011 at 10:52 AM
MM - Thanks for my first actual "Friedman Award" I am very honored...
Blog Family - Thanks for all the kind words...I'm celebrating my 1 year Anniversary on this great Lakers Blog...I have met so many passionate Laker fans, and thanks for accepting me into this Laker Family...
It pains me to see us in limbo during the most crucial time of the year...Everyone and anyone is shooting for our Lakers, while our current Dynasty is going for the 3Peat and 4th Consecutive Finals...How fortunate are we that we have such a successful team, giving us tons of memories, championships and a tradition of winning...I am PROUD to be a Laker Fan, and proud to be a member of the Blog...
Do we take this for granted...Absolutely...look at all the teams and their fans out there, that would give their first born, to have half the success of our beloved Lakers...Ask Bulls, Heat, Denver, Spurs, Orlando fans if they are jealous...Of course they are...
Let's all try to get the right perspective...justanothermambafan and Mamba24 are cherished members of this blog...If they have some issues, please that is their business...It is not Mark Medina's or the rest of the blog members responsibility to fix that...It is between them, and we should respect their privacy and let them be...
Please let us not get sidetracked...Our boys need all the cosmic positive energy we can send to them...Let's stay focused at the task at hand...To finish this season with our team 100% present and healthy...Let's witness greatness together...
This Blog is like the Lakers...The whole is greater than the individual...Like the Lakers, it's not about Kobe, PJ, Fish, Pau, Andrew etc...It is about what is in front of their jerseys...LAKERS!!!
This is the LA Times Laker Blog...Not Days of our Lives or General Hospital...
Lakers Dynasty - The Next Generation...
#17 Coming Up!!!
Posted by: LEWSTRS | April 05, 2011 at 10:55 AM
So, LakerTom. Is the air clear enough for you? lol
Go Lakers!
Posted by: Rocky | April 05, 2011 at 10:59 AM
Hey, Fish made the Top 10.
Actually, he made the Top 5, coming in at #4.
======
Some players flop enough, in fact, that they've gained reputations as the league's top floppers. So, not surprisingly, when Sports Illustrated ran an informal player poll asking for the NBA's biggest floppers, the results rounded up the usual suspects. From SI.com (via PBT), the top 10 (of 15), in order:
1. Anderson Varejao
2. Manu Ginobili
3. Luis Scola
4. Derek Fisher
5. Kevin Martin
6. Shane Battier
7. Jarron Collins
8. Raja Bell
9. Jose Barea
10. Andres Nocioni
http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/blog/ball_dont_lie/post/Player-poll-rates-notorious-floppers-as-NBA-821;_ylt=As_nknGLYKkE1aTHGAg3Idm8vLYF?urn=nba-wp868
Posted by: Art | April 05, 2011 at 11:02 AM
Rocking and Rolling with the LEWSTRS, Congrats! Check out Avenged Sevenfold's NIGHTMARE song when you can. I must listen to that song about five times a day. Excuse the foul language but worth the listen.
MYBRF.
Posted by: Hugo Boss | April 05, 2011 at 11:02 AM
re: b-ball and soccer. b-ball was created to give soccer players something to do during the winter months in order to stay in shape. it uses the triangulation strategies used in football ( i hate saying soccer, football is what it is ,but we already have one of them so,)growing up with both, i was always amazed where two seemingly different sports have similar dynamics.by the way, CyberCosmiX, right now the best soccer curently being played on the planet right now is in the the spanish league, with Barcelona the best team in the world and Lionel Messi, clearly the best player. this week they play Real Madrid for EL CLASSICO
Posted by: lance from da' bronx | April 05, 2011 at 11:07 AM
I knew giving personal profiles info on a blog site is not GOOD business.
Posted by: Tell the Truth | April 05, 2011 at 10:52 AM
---------
The personal profiles has nothing to do with it. It is a good way to get to know our fellow bloggers who wish to participate.
One should never give out personal contact information on a public forum. That is a un-welcomed invitation for undesired interaction.
Posted by: ChicNstu | April 05, 2011 at 11:09 AM
@JUSTANOTHERMAMBAFAN ... Thanks for the clarification, Marina. I think that will clear things up in everybody’s mind. I’m just glad you’re OK and hope this will not turn you off on posting on the blog or getting together with bloggers. Looking forward to sharing this 3-peat with you and all of the regulars. Now back to basketball and our beloved Lakers.
...................................................
TOM
Posted by: LakerTom | April 05, 2011 at 11:09 AM
63 footer,
I agree with you GOMS model are too deep for all of us.
http://www.learning-theories.com/goms-model-card-moran-and-newell.html
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | April 05, 2011 at 11:24 AM
@Lew - congrats on The Friedman and yes, health is paramount to a successful run, period. A healthy & focused Lakers team is unbeatable in a series.
@Justa - glad you're safe. You were the first to welcome me on the Lakers Chat and I have enjoyed our "chat sessions" in the past. You're a fun and enthusiastic Lakers Fan.
@Mamba24 - don't lose your passion to post comments on the blog. The energy is missed.
As mentioned before, we had a few scary moments with injuries to key players on the team. Twice with Kobe, then Pau and Andrew in the same game. I still think the team can safely finish up with the 2nd best record in the league securing HCA for The Finals and anything better than that - record wise -will be a welcome feather in the cap. Above all else, it's all about getting into these playoffs 100% healthy in order to fend off the youngsters in the earlier rounds and then save the best for the older, savvy rosters in the NBA.
"We're worried about our execution. That's all we did then and that's all we'll do now." #24 K. Bryant
"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. Bus
"...they're shaking like virgins on prom night."
viewer comment by faithdalakerfan @ 10:03 pm
Go Lakers & In Buss We Trust!!
Posted by: frmkt | April 05, 2011 at 11:35 AM
Fine....you want clear air? Let's have clear air.
A person on a game chat made comments to me that freaked me out because they mentioned both myself and my husband. It was scary for me because of the timing - right before I was to meet up with some blog peeps for the Portland game - but it hasn't happened since so hopefully it's done with.
Mamba24 has made many inappropriate comments to me and also tried to reach me in person - which I also consider inappropriate. He said he's sorry so whatever, but I don't want to interact with him anymore. It sounds like everyone wants him back here, and that's cool, but my commenting on here will be limited going forward. I'll be on the RC and the forum for the most part.
Can all y'all now just give it a rest and get back to talking Lakers? That's why you're here - right?
Posted by: justanothermambafan | April 05, 2011 at 10:08 AM
Alright, angry mob with a hangin' rope dispersimg...lol
GO LAKERS and watch those knees. Lets scrape out a win againt Utah!
Posted by: Kobeayashimarue | April 05, 2011 at 03:28 PM