I haven't heard officially, but there is talk that they will drop Corie Blount and his guaranteed contract, since he hasn't played due to injury, and keep Devin Green.
I'm really excited by this season and IF none of the major players get injured, I predict that they will win 48 games and just might squeak into the playoffs.
Chris
Setzer
11-01-05, 01:11 PM
According to the L.A. Times Blount was released...
LINK (http://www.latimes.com/sports/basketball/nba/lakers/la-sp-lakecliprep1nov01,1,2347058.story?coll=la-headlines-sports-nba-lakers)
I'm looking forward to this season as well. Hopefully we can avoid key injuries and a Coach bailing on us half way through the season. :D Well, I'm pretty sure we won't have to worry about the Coach thing this season. I believe this squad is capable of 45-50 wins and that should be good enough to get them the 7th or 8th seed in the play-offs. Should be fun to watch.
mrpayroll
11-01-05, 01:22 PM
Blount Released; Undrafted Green Makes Team
Mike Bresnahan;Jerry Crowe
The Laker roster became crystallized Monday, with an old-timer on the way out and an undrafted rookie surviving the final cut.
Eleven-year veteran Corie Blount was waived by the Lakers, meaning Devin Green beat tough odds to make the team after going undrafted out of Hampton.
"He's been a big surprise to us," Coach Phil Jackson said.
Green, however, was later placed on the Lakers' inactive list and could be a candidate for the Development League. Guard Von Wafer, the Lakers' second-round pick, was also placed on the inactive list, as was injured forward Luke Walton.
Under the new collective bargaining agreement, teams will have an active 12-man roster and can carry up to three more players on an inactive list. (The injured list ceases to exist.)
Players in their first or second pro seasons are eligible to be sent down to the Development League. The Lakers have four players who qualify under such terms: rookies Wafer, Green and Andrew Bynum, as well as second-year guard Sasha Vujacic.
A team official said all four could spend some time with the Lakers' affiliate, the Fort Worth Flyers. Players can be sent down up to three times per season. Only two players can be sent down at a time.
Blount, for his part, did not play in any of the Lakers' eight exhibition games. Because of a shortage of experienced Laker post players, Jackson had hoped to assess Blount's abilities, but knee and foot injuries prevented Blount from playing.
Regarding the Development League, I think all of the players, except for Andrew Bynum should go there for awhile. Andrew can learn trial by fire in the NBA. He will be playing against the best centers in the league and that is the best way to learn where your strengths and weaknesses are.
Chris
ruk
11-02-05, 08:58 PM
well , lets get off to a good start.
gameover2k2
11-02-05, 09:23 PM
well.. let me be the first one to say.. Lakers suck :) haha
fumanstan
11-02-05, 10:52 PM
Why is Kobe wearing black tights :lol:
mrpayroll
11-02-05, 10:59 PM
Why is Kobe wearing black tights :lol:
Those are his legs! -ohbfrank-
:lol:
Seriously though, they are looking pretty good so far, but we are sure missing Shaq in the middle, cause they're killing us in the paint area.
Chris
fumanstan
11-02-05, 11:29 PM
Nice seeing Bynum get in there, even if it is out of necessity with their bigs in foul trouble.
Kobe is looking fantastic.
mrpayroll
11-02-05, 11:49 PM
50-48 Denver, not too bad for the Lakers. Now the question is, can they relive the magic of the past and become a 4th quarter team again?
And they should put Bynum in there more. I think his defensive skills will advance more quickly than his offensive and that is fine. It looks like he could average 3 or more blocks a game and only playing 20 minutes a game. :eek:
Chris
Setzer
11-03-05, 01:18 AM
Good game but the Lakers still don't know how to play "D".
mrpayroll
11-03-05, 01:18 AM
SMUSH!
Chris
fumanstan
11-03-05, 01:23 AM
Kobe's having a bad 4th quarter :(
OT here we come.
fumanstan
11-03-05, 01:44 AM
1 - 0 :banana:
Daryl
11-03-05, 01:48 AM
Since I'm neither a Laker fan or hater, I usually wouldn't come in to clutter up your thread, but I gotta know: what's with the tights?
They look like knee-high socks like a schoolgirl wears. He should add webbing so he looks like Spider-man. When I used to play pick-up ball in college, this old guy would occassionally show up wearing that same kind of gear.
The Cow
11-03-05, 01:51 AM
Yay for the win ( :up: ), but not very impressed with the way they played. We'll see how this goes.
mrpayroll
11-03-05, 01:52 AM
Since I'm neither a Laker fan or hater, I usually wouldn't come in to clutter up your thread, but I gotta know: what's with the tights?
They look like knee-high socks like a schoolgirl wears. He should add webbing so he looks like Spider-man. When I used to play pick-up ball in college, this old guy would occassionally show up wearing that same kind of gear.
I'm sure it has something to do medically with his legs. Maybe they keep his muscles warm, so that his legs don't cramp up. He's old you know, 27 years old and starting his 10th :eek: season!
Chris
eatntae
11-03-05, 01:53 AM
Kinda sloppy with a bunch of turnovers for both teams, but what a great ending... for Lakers fans at least.
mrpayroll
11-03-05, 01:55 AM
Yay for the win ( :up: ), but not very impressed with the way they played. We'll see how this goes.
I would give them a C+ for the way they played. And considering that there front line didn't do squat offensively and their defense under the basket was terrible, I'll take the win.
Is Phil Jackson a great coach? Well, we won't know until the end of the season, but if any other coach is coaching the Lakers, the Lakers would not have won tonight. He had confidence in Smush Parker and kept him out there during crunch time. Smush is an early candidate for comeback player of the year! ;)
Chris
mrpayroll
11-03-05, 01:56 AM
Kinda sloppy with a bunch of turnovers for both teams, but what a great ending... for Lakers fans at least.
I've been living in this apartment since February of this year and I think with all of the screaming I did at the end of the game, I'm going to get kicked out.
I couldn't even watch last years team during the second half of the season, so my yelling wasn't a problem!
Chris
ruk
11-03-05, 02:17 AM
kwame looked clueless most of the game but a solid win, glad to see kobe at it again. smush, what a nice surprise, hope his play continue's, mihm is horrible.
The Cow
11-03-05, 02:20 AM
kwame looked clueless most of the game but a solid win, glad to see kobe at it again. smush, what a nice surprise, hope his play continue's, mihm is horrible.
"Solid win"? We must have watched a different game. The one I saw the Lakers would have lost if the last shot fell. (I'll still take it, though)
fumanstan
11-03-05, 02:36 AM
Since I'm neither a Laker fan or hater, I usually wouldn't come in to clutter up your thread, but I gotta know: what's with the tights?
They look like knee-high socks like a schoolgirl wears. He should add webbing so he looks like Spider-man. When I used to play pick-up ball in college, this old guy would occassionally show up wearing that same kind of gear.
I've seen track runners wearing garb that covers their legs too. I'm sure there's some good reason for it, even if it does look silly.
I think it was a decent win, despite Odom, Mihm, and Brown doing absolutely nothing. Even though it was the second game of a back to back for Denver, as well as losing Nene, it was their home opener for a team predicted to be a top 4 seed in the West. It's a sloppy start, but for this Laker team i'll take it. Bring on Phoenix!
Aphex Twin
11-03-05, 02:44 AM
The Lakers really stole that game in Denver. Lamar looks like he has no confidence at all on defense and offense. His head was somewhere else. Who knows what he was thinking. The couple of possessions he did go strong, he was able to finish or go to the line, but otherwise, everything else looked forced. Smush played awesome. If he can continue playing close to tonight for the rest of the season, the Lakers should be OK at PG.
I sure am glad Kobe is on the Lakers. He could look terrible for a quarter or a few possessions in a row, then just when you think he'll lose you the game, he'll flat-out win it on his own.
On a Denver note, if they give Carmelo the max, they will be mired in mediocrity for the years to come.
ruk
11-03-05, 02:45 AM
"Solid win"? We must have watched a different game. The one I saw the Lakers would have lost if the last shot fell. (I'll still take it, though)
what i mean is any win is a solid win, atleast to me.
ruk
11-03-05, 02:47 AM
now i really want to smack the suns in the mouth, i am pretty fired up after that win,
movielib
11-03-05, 10:32 AM
I fell asleep early in the second half, woke to see the last minute of overtime replayed on ESPN and see Kobe's winning shot. Good start to the season (well, a win anyway).
After my White Sox won the World Series it's going to take me awhile to get into basketball this year. :)
DENVER — A year ago, it was Rudy Tomjanovich's team, his town to take over, his position near the top of the Laker flow chart hammered home daily as fans stopped the coach during his Manhattan Beach power walks, or at movie theaters, or at restaurants, encouraging him to keep the Lakers in championship contention.
The now-familiar ending — Tomjanovich resigned in February, walking away from a five-year, $30-million contract because of physical and mental fatigue — opened the door for Phil Jackson's return, with Tomjanovich moving to the back of the room.
Tomjanovich now attends NBA games as a Laker scout, analyzing players who could be traded during the season or could become free agents in July. Tomjanovich is under contract for two seasons with the Lakers as part of the $9-million settlement the team gave him.
"I was used to being on the front line but, just like the military, the generals don't stay up there all the time," Tomjanovich said. "I had my service up there. Now I think I can do some positive things by not being up there, by being a step or two back.
"I'm very happy. I feel blessed and really love what I'm doing. The people with the Lakers have been so good to me. I want to go out and help them every way I can. This is the way to do it."
The Lakers were 24-19 under Tomjanovich and 10-29 after he resigned, a difficult schedule and injuries destroying their above-.500 start.
Tomjanovich, 56, said he sometimes gets "that crazy urge" to coach again, but then remembers what happened last season, acknowledging he tried to return to coaching too quickly after being diagnosed with bladder cancer in March 2003.
"What good is it if I get sick?" Tomjanovich said. "I probably came back too soon. I was just so tremendously honored with the Lakers coming my way, and I sort of had a plan that I was at least going to wait another year. But if you wait another year, the Lakers would get somebody else. Physically, it was probably too soon for my body."
Tomjanovich recently had a biopsy that showed no recurrence of cancer.
He still keeps an eye on the Lakers.
"The team is in great hands, with one of the greatest coaches of all time," he said. "I just think it's a great challenge. The signs that I've seen have been very, very positive.
"What I saw, I'd say they have a good chance [of making the playoffs]."
I had wondered what happened to Rudy. I thought he took the money and ran, but at least he is helping the Lakers out in this way.
Kobe's new nickname
An actual excerpt from Ric Bucher's ESPN The Mag cover story about Kobe and Phil (and no, I'm not making this up):
"Granted, there's still a dark side that Bryant embraces. He's known in his inner circle as Mamba, which, he is happy to explain, is a kind of snake that can grow to 13 feet and is one of the world's quickest, and one of the most venomous, serpents. He referred to this summer as the 'blackout,' in which the snake grew a new skin through a seven-days-a-week conditioning program."
Wait, there's more!
Here's Kobe explaining his new nickname: "The mamba can strike with 99 percent accuracy at maximum speed, in rapid succession. That's the kind of basketball precision I want to have. Not being able to train the last two summers, I was in a gunfight with a rusty butter knife. I did my share of killing, but I was just fighting to survive."
All right ...
First of all, I love when any celebrity gives himself a new nickname to change his identity. It's funny when wrestlers change gimmicks and end up with a new nickname, it's funny when Diddy changes nicknames, and it's downright hysterical when an NBA star once accused of sexual assault decides it would be a fantastic idea to embrace the identity of a 13-foot serpent. Second, when they explain the choice of the nickname with a beauty like, "The mamba can strike with 99% accuracy at maximum speed, in rapid succession," and refuse to credit "Kill Bill," it reminds me why I still love writing this column. And third, I don't think this nickname is catching on, since I have been delightedly telling everyone I know about the Mamba story, and nobody has heard of it, so I'm calling Kobe "Mamba" in this space from this point forward. Long live Mamba.
Here's my guess: Because it's a no-lose situation. If they're better than people thought, he gets all the credit. If they stink, everyone will blame Kobe and say that he killed the Lakers. Either way, Jackson's checks are cashing every two weeks. And if you don't think the Busses didn't make a handshake promise with him along the lines of, "If Kobe starts acting up, we'll deal him in February, you have our word," you're nuts. Why do you think they drafted a high school center and rolled the dice with a project like Kwame Brown? These aren't the types of moves you make when you're building around one of the five best players in the league. Something's up here.
He goes on to predict that the Lakers will make the playoffs and have a chance to win it all because they have Kobe. :lol:
mrpayroll
11-03-05, 05:29 PM
He goes on to predict that the Lakers will make the playoffs and have a chance to win it all because they have Kobe. :lol:
He goes on to predict that the Lakers will make the playoffs and have a chance to win it all because they have Kobe. :lol:
I read his last line (aka the "prediction") as a total joke that made fun of Kobe yet again for calling himself Mamba.
Lakers will make the playoffs if only cuz the West sucks. But they're not gettin anywhere near a title -- not with Kobe and 11 random guys not named Kobe.
Aphex Twin
11-03-05, 05:45 PM
I read his last line (aka the "prediction") as a total joke that made fun of Kobe yet again for calling himself Mamba.
Lakers will make the playoffs if only cuz the West sucks. But they're not gettin anywhere near a title -- not with Kobe and 11 random guys not named Kobe.
His playoffs prediction is in his "NBA PREDICTIONS" box on the right side. He has the Lakers 8th. Don't know if you follow the playoffs, but the West might not be as top heavy, save for the Spurs, but is very strong through-out.
(Not sure why I even responded to this post since you think Lamar Odom is a "random guy")
El Scorcho
11-03-05, 05:54 PM
His playoffs prediction is in his "NBA PREDICTIONS" box on the right side. He has the Lakers 8th. Don't know if you follow the playoffs, but the West might not be as top heavy, save for the Spurs, but is very strong through-out.
(Not sure why I even responded to this post since you think Lamar Odom is a "random guy")
"Don't know if you follow the playoffs" - :lol: Where the hell have you been the last 5 years? I'm always involved in NBA discussions.
And I think you're dead wrong about the West being very strong throughout. Spurs aside, which teams really scare you as a Laker fan? Phoenix without Amare? Dallas without any defense? Houston with a soft center? Even Denver is screwed and will lose about 5 more games now that Nene is gone.
15 teams in the west, and leaving out San Antonio, NO/Ok. City, and Portland for obvious reasons, what team can't beat any other of the remaining teams on any given night? They're not strong throughout -- they're equally mediocre throughout.
BTW, Odom is a random guy by NBA standards. He's long been a box score stuffer on bad or mediocre teams. Just like most random NBA players, Odom will often find ways to completely disappear from a game while remaining on the court for long periods of time.
Aphex Twin
11-03-05, 06:00 PM
"Don't know if you follow the playoffs"
Oops..should read "NBA" and not "playoffs"
Aphex Twin
11-03-05, 06:07 PM
And I think you're dead wrong about the West being very strong throughout. Spurs aside, which teams really scare you as a Laker fan?
Utah for one. They opened up great last year, but had a lot of bad luck with the Kirilenko and Boozer injuries. They improved this year, especially with ROY candidate Deron Williams. Just wait until he becomes a starter.
Minnesota had a bad year last year, but never count them out because they have the second-best PF in the game and still has Szczerbiak. They also added a big PG who should improve a lot this year as a starter.
Dallas has a very deep team and could explode offensively at any moment, as evidenced in the Phx game. Sure their defense is not that good, but like Sac a few years ago, they are capable of outscoring you and tiring you out on the defensive end.
Golden State should be a lot better this year too with a full year of UCLA alum Baron Davis. Also, the Clippers got a lot better. Amare is out right now, but will be back and there's nothing needing to be said of the Spurs.
El Scorcho
11-03-05, 06:27 PM
I'll give you Utah if AK and Boozer remain healthy. Still think any team on any night can pick them off though.
And using Szczerbiak (has concrete shoes on defense), Dallas' D (Swiss Cheese), and Baron Davis (likely to be injured watching TV after a game somehow) isn't helping your argument. :)
Anyway, back to the Lakers. They're a mid-level team this year (I say 42-46 wins) and depending on how the kids improve, could win 50 next year.
But as a Blazer fan, I'm already looking forward to the lottery. :lol:
Aphex Twin
11-03-05, 06:31 PM
And using Szczerbiak (has concrete shoes on defense), Dallas' D (Swiss Cheese),
It was kind of awkward, but I meant that with the deep team that Dallas has, they are able to rotate players in and out throughout the game, and have legs fresh enough to really go at you on their offensive end, thereby forcing you to tire out on defense, thereby improving their own defense by having the other team's players tired from defending you. Hmmm..I may have confused myself there too.
El Scorcho
11-03-05, 07:16 PM
It was kind of awkward, but I meant that with the deep team that Dallas has, they are able to rotate players in and out throughout the game, and have legs fresh enough to really go at you on their offensive end, thereby forcing you to tire out on defense, thereby improving their own defense by having the other team's players tired from defending you. Hmmm..I may have confused myself there too.
I understand what you're saying, but that philosophy really only works during the regular season. See previous Dallas teams, recent Kings teams, late 90's Portland teams, etc. Once the playoffs come, your bench suddenly shortens because you need your best squad out there for over 40 minutes a game. Suddenly that "tire 'em out with fresh legs for 48 minutes" advantage goes down the drain.
Which is why the Spurs and Pistons and Lakers teams have done so well.
Setzer
11-03-05, 11:45 PM
And I think you're dead wrong about the West being very strong throughout. Spurs aside, which teams really scare you as a Laker fan?
Blazers? :lol:
Setzer
11-03-05, 11:49 PM
Man, I've liked what I've seen from Smush so far and we're only the second game of the season.
Suns up by 7 in the 2nd qtr, 50-43.
Setzer
11-04-05, 01:02 AM
Just like last season, Lakers still don't know how to play defense. -ohbfrank-
fumanstan
11-04-05, 01:04 AM
Just like last season, Lakers still don't know how to play defense. -ohbfrank-
The amount of ally-oops they've allowed these first two games is ridiculous :(
eatntae
11-04-05, 01:11 AM
I hate when the Lakers play the second game of a double header that's nationally televised. Never get to see the first half of the first quarter.
Doug Collins looks like a frickin idiot with that blonde hair.
Second game of the season and the Lakers have already fallen victim to a bunch of lob passes for dunks. I guess they'll never learn to defend that until they get a legitimate big man in the paint.
Aphex Twin
11-04-05, 02:40 AM
The Lakers lost and the Suns scored at will against them, but some good did come out of the game, like Lamar Odom playing more aggressive and almost getting a triple-double, Smush continuing to do well, and Profit looking pretty good. I think the defense for the Lakers will come in time. Kwame needs to be more comfortable out there and Mihm needs some caffeine, a new hair style or something.
El Scorcho
11-04-05, 12:36 PM
Blazers? :lol:
I already ripped on the Blazers once in this thread, kinda pointless for you to throw a jab in.
Setzer
11-04-05, 12:40 PM
I already ripped on the Blazers once in this thread, kinda pointless for you to throw a jab in.
Who cares?
Lighten up a little, both our teams are gonna suck this season.....well, maybe mine not as bad as yours. :p
El Scorcho
11-04-05, 12:59 PM
Yeah but my team doesn't have the Mamba, so we have an excuse. ;)
Aphex Twin
11-04-05, 08:03 PM
http://liquidrice.com/04/sneakers/kobe_2k5_1.jpg
mrpayroll
11-04-05, 11:43 PM
http://liquidrice.com/04/sneakers/kobe_2k5_1.jpg
He wasn't wearing that to the game was he?
Chris
thenetstud
11-05-05, 02:02 AM
He sure was.
ruk
11-05-05, 02:48 AM
He wasn't wearing that to the game was he?
Chris
man as much as i like kobe, what the hell is he thinking.
brizz
11-05-05, 03:17 AM
why the hell does this shitty team deserve it's own thread? fucking ridiculous.
fumanstan
11-05-05, 12:05 PM
why the hell does this shitty team deserve it's own thread? fucking ridiculous.
Please. :crap:
brizz
11-05-05, 12:18 PM
Okay, i'm sorry...the Lakers r0x0rs.
DarkElf
11-05-05, 01:36 PM
why the hell does this shitty team deserve it's own thread? fucking ridiculous.
You're free to start a thread on your team. If enough people post in it, then your team is deserving of its own thread too. Lakers only threads have been going strong for years. If you have nothing to contribute, don't click on the thread.
ruk
11-05-05, 07:24 PM
You're free to start a thread on your team. If enough people post in it, then your team is deserving of its own thread too. Lakers only threads have been going strong for years. If you have nothing to contribute, don't click on the thread.
thankyou.
fumanstan
11-06-05, 10:08 PM
Mihm doing something :banana:
MovieMaster11
11-07-05, 01:16 AM
Tonight really showed the potential that Chris Mihm has. But the question is can he be consistant? Smush Parker continues to impress me. I know its only the 3rd game of the season but i am starting to think that this team really might surprise some people.
Go LAkers
Setzer
11-07-05, 01:41 AM
First 2 games Mihm sucked and was starting to think they need to give Bynum more playing time and then Mihm goes and has a game like tonight. Mihm needs to be more consistent with his performances. Hopefully this is a start for him.
Smush is awesome! Really love how this kid plays! Oh and there's also this Kobe guy, he's ok too. ;)
PJsig08
11-07-05, 02:23 AM
Was at the game tonight. Lakers looked amazing.
Mihm played very well, Kobe hit some amazing shots, and Smush is defending and playing the point guard extremely well. He is somethin' if he keeps this up.
If we play like we did tonight (with very good defense) we will win a lot of games.
WallyOPD
11-07-05, 02:35 AM
Where is Smush coming from? The Suns brought him in last year when both Nash and Barbosa were hurt and the guy was horrible.
Aphex Twin
11-07-05, 02:43 AM
Where is Smush coming from? The Suns brought him in last year when both Nash and Barbosa were hurt and the guy was horrible.
Guess he needed stability, a well-defined role, experience, and someone to give him a chance.
Aphex Twin
11-07-05, 02:45 AM
Man, Kobe took 31 shots to score his 37 points. The Lakers won by 20...give someone else some looks. Lamar only took 13 shots and had 20 points.
fumanstan
11-07-05, 10:40 AM
I have no problems with Kobe taking that number of shots if he's shooting the ball efficiently. 16/31 is excellent.
ruk
11-07-05, 11:10 AM
I have no problems with Kobe taking that number of shots if he's shooting the ball efficiently. 16/31 is excellent.
agreed.
PJsig08
11-07-05, 11:56 AM
Kobe shot extremely well last night. He was making amazing shots left and right, playing his post up game. If he does that most nights, we will win.
Smush is getting his chance, in a team that is 'rebuilding' in a city that loves players like him. He needs to keep this up though, lots of expectations now....that being said, the man is a legit baller. :)
mrpayroll
11-07-05, 12:42 PM
Where is Smush coming from? The Suns brought him in last year when both Nash and Barbosa were hurt and the guy was horrible.
He really wanted to play for the Lakers, so he purposely sucked and waited for the Lakers to come calling.
Chris
Aphex Twin
11-07-05, 09:31 PM
Kobe was named PotW for the West
nickdawgy
11-08-05, 08:15 PM
Lakers down 29-27 to the Hawks in the 2nd quarter. Stupid tape delay on KCAL, so I have to watch on ESPN.com
EDIT: SI.com says it's 35 all now. At least they're more accurate.
BigDaddy
11-08-05, 09:20 PM
Looks like 10 point lead by the Lakers to start the 4th.
BigDaddy
11-08-05, 09:26 PM
LOS ANGELES (AP) -- Los Angeles Lakers star Kobe Bryant and his wife, Vanessa, are expecting the couple's second child in May, spokesman Rob Pelinka said Tuesday.
The Bryants have a daughter, Natalia, who turns 3 in January.
"In addition to their excitement, Kobe and Vanessa have been sharing a lot of laughs because after hitting game-winning shots for the Lakers, Kobe has been making late-night food runs for his wife's pregnancy cravings, only to get home with the food and find out her craving has changed," Pelinka said.
The story was first reported by Entertainment Tonight.
The 27-year-old Bryant is beginning his 10th season with the Lakers.
nickdawgy
11-08-05, 09:57 PM
Lakers win 103-97 and move to 3-1 on the season.
They almost blew it in the end though, they were up by 15 at one point I believe.
Setzer
11-08-05, 10:19 PM
Lakers looking good so far, even though tonight was against Atlanta. Kobe had another great performance and Smush continues to impress me. As the season progresses and they become more familiar playing with each other then the number of turn overs p/game should come down. Only 4 games in but I definitely see this team making the play-offs.
ruk
11-08-05, 11:24 PM
kwame is lost.
fumanstan
11-09-05, 12:00 AM
Kobe continues to shine :up: I think the NBA shootaround guys mentioned that Kobe has the most points through 4 games since Jordan back in 91-92. And the best part is that Kobe is scoring efficiently, and getting most of his points in the flow of the offense.
Watching Smush play is a lot of fun.
Kwame and Mihm :down:
PJsig08
11-09-05, 12:53 AM
IF we get Kwame with 10 and 10 a game (or somewhere around there) we'll be in great shape for the playoffs. So far Kobe (obviously), Smush and Odom look great on a consistent basis.
fumanstan
11-09-05, 09:36 PM
Now Kwame is playing well but Smush is doing nothing. A little consistancy guys!
nickdawgy
11-09-05, 09:37 PM
God, Mihm sucks so bad. Nobody rebounding for the Lakers tonight.
fumanstan
11-09-05, 09:39 PM
Where is Smush coming from? The Suns brought him in last year when both Nash and Barbosa were hurt and the guy was horrible.
Kobe makes teammates better ;)
nickdawgy
11-09-05, 09:41 PM
I keep thinking Smush played for the Spurs but that's Tony Parker :lol:
nickdawgy
11-09-05, 09:49 PM
Lakers down by 7 after three.
nickdawgy
11-09-05, 10:14 PM
Lakers are done, 3 minutes left, and getting their asses kicked by 14.
Setzer
11-12-05, 02:01 AM
Wow Lakers fall apart for the second straight game in the 4th quarter....and Kobe sucked for the second straight game. Didn't get to watch the whole game, I had to leave home when it was late in the 3rd qtr and they were up by 11. My Sister gave birth to her first child this evening making me an Uncle for the first time. :D When I got home I wasted 5 minutes of my life watching the highlights on sportscenter. Oh well, it's still early. :)
ruk
11-12-05, 09:54 AM
Wow Lakers fall apart for the second straight game in the 4th quarter....and Kobe sucked for the second straight game. Didn't get to watch the whole game, I had to leave home when it was late in the 3rd qtr and they were up by 11. My Sister gave birth to her first child this evening making me an Uncle for the first time. :D When I got home I wasted 5 minutes of my life watching the highlights on sportscenter. Oh well, it's still early. :)
congrats. man on becoming an uncle, as far as the lakeshow inconcerned, what can you say, kobe had a bad game, they defended him pretty well, what pisses me off is phil jackson, he made no adjustments in the third or fourth quarter- none, that is the main reason we lost, maybe let someone set picks for kobe, anything but as before he sucks in that department. He expects his star to find a way. I still remember after game 1 of the detriot and heat series and wade had a bad game. His coach came out and said it was his fault and said that he will make adjustment to free up wade, which he did very well. I blame phil for that losss and the lost nba finals against detroit, that idiot cannot manage a game. I am really frustrated.
fumanstan
11-12-05, 04:19 PM
Iguodala played some good defense, but the fact that he didn't draw a foul the entire game was a bit ridiculous.
ruk
11-14-05, 08:14 PM
tough game tonight.
fumanstan
11-14-05, 09:37 PM
This is getting oogly :(
eatntae
11-14-05, 09:40 PM
Grizzlies are killing the Lakers tonight. I don't remember the last time they played well at Memphis.
Setzer
11-14-05, 09:49 PM
Someone needs to tell the Lakers the season is longer than 4 games.
indy2029
11-14-05, 09:53 PM
Someone needs to tell the Lakers the season is longer than 4 games.
hahahaha Good one.
Kobe just had a frustrated look on his face after the 3rd. Did he really see good times after the stunts he's pulled the past few years?
thenetstud
11-15-05, 01:41 AM
I read on ESPN (I think) Bryant injuried his hand in the ATL game thus the poor performance.
nickdawgy
11-15-05, 02:13 AM
So the slide begins. I really hope we don't start to see an avalanche of "Kobe vs Phil" or "Kobe questions/disses his teammates efforts" articles from an unnamed source.
cleaver
11-15-05, 02:40 PM
Wizards fan here. I knew Kwame was bad, but holy shit! Assist to turnover ratio of 0.24, shooting below 50% from the line, below 40% from the floor, 0.9 PPS. Wow. Just, wow.
mrpayroll
11-15-05, 04:17 PM
Wizards fan here. I knew Kwame was bad, but holy shit! Assist to turnover ratio of 0.24, shooting below 50% from the line, below 40% from the floor, 0.9 PPS. Wow. Just, wow.
Hey, it's only 7 games into the season. If he is playing this bad after the All Star break, then yes, you will be right. Remember he is only 21 years old, very immature, was told he was supposed to be this wunderkid and then reality hit.
If he has the raw talent, then hopefully a half season will help him in meeting everyone's expectations of him. Remember the triangle offense is difficult to learn, especially when you have had no college experience.
But as of right now, you Wizards fans have gotten the steal of the 2005-06 season. But let's wait and see! :)
Chris
uberjoe
11-15-05, 04:21 PM
Hey, it's only 7 games into the season. If he is playing this bad after the All Star break, then yes, you will be right. Remember he is only 21 years old, very immature, was told he was supposed to be this wunderkid and then reality hit.
If he has the raw talent, then hopefully a half season will help him in meeting everyone's expectations of him. Remember the triangle offense is difficult to learn, especially when you have had no college experience.
But as of right now, you Wizards fans have gotten the steal of the 2005-06 season. But let's wait and see! :)
Chris
Kwame is 23, and he'll be 24 by the end of the season. You're right -- he's very immature. Plus he has next to no work ethic and he's shown little growth in 4+ seasons in the NBA. This does not bode well for him or the Lakers.
mrpayroll
11-15-05, 04:26 PM
Kwame is 23, and he'll be 24 by the end of the season. You're right -- he's very immature. Plus he has next to no work ethic and he's shown little growth in 4+ seasons in the NBA. This does not bode well for him or the Lakers.
I stand corrected on his age. I was guessing he was 18 when he started in the NBA and this is his 4th year, correct? So I should have guessed 22 -ohbfrank- :lol:
Chris
uberjoe
11-15-05, 04:27 PM
I stand corrected on his age. I was guessing he was 18 when he started in the NBA and this is his 4th year, correct? So I should have guessed 22 -ohbfrank- :lol:
Chris
This is his 5th year. Long enough to strongly suggest he'll never get much better.
mrpayroll
11-15-05, 04:37 PM
This is his 5th year. Long enough to strongly suggest he'll never get much better.
Well, no offense, but I hope you're wrong! ;)
Chris
Aphex Twin
11-15-05, 04:56 PM
The Lakers can always trade Kwame in the offseason as an expiring contract.
uberjoe
11-15-05, 05:06 PM
Well, no offense, but I hope you're wrong! ;)
Chris
Me, too. I hate the way Jordan treated him that first year. And I've traded for Kwame for the Orlando Magic (my team) in Xbox games because he turns out to be a solid 10 rebound, 2 block guy for me. If only life were a video game.
darkside
11-15-05, 05:12 PM
Kwame is 23, and he'll be 24 by the end of the season. You're right -- he's very immature. Plus he has next to no work ethic and he's shown little growth in 4+ seasons in the NBA. This does not bode well for him or the Lakers.
I'd have hoped the switch to LA would be enough motivation for him to change. That said I will wait till at least mid season before giving up on the guy. Maybe he will find his way this year. If he can't succeed though as a Laker on a Phil Jackson team then Jordan was probably dead right about the guy.
uberjoe
11-15-05, 05:19 PM
I'd have hoped the switch to LA would be enough motivation for him to change. That said I will wait till at least mid season before giving up on the guy. Maybe he will find his way this year. If he can't succeed though as a Laker on a Phil Jackson team then Jordan was probably dead right about the guy.
I don't mind Jordan saying he was soft. I mind Jordan pushing him down and calling him a little crying faggot. (We'll see if the censor gets that one).
I think the key to Kwame being a good player is to focus on defense, then let the offense come in time. That's what the Magic did with Howard last year, and in addition to 10 boards he was getting 12 points a game just from the natural flow, not getting plays called for him. The problem is I don't think Kwame would ever be content with that. With his size and athleticism I think he could pull down 12 rebounds as a good defensive force, but he wants to be everything, even though he might not have the skill (yet).
fumanstan
11-15-05, 07:02 PM
In regards to Kwame, he was playing with splint or tape around his thumb up until this last game... I believe on his right hand. I think it definitely made an impact on his ability to hold on to the ball or take passes inside, as watching the first 7 games he's had difficulty handling the ball and probably increased the amount of turnovers he had. Not that it makes up for the entirety of his poor play to start the year, however i'm sure it had some sort of an effect.
The thing is, Kwame HAS shown improvement early in his career. He regressed last year, but the year before that his numbers were up after getting starter minutes in Washington. Right now, he does look absolutely lost on offense. I really hope he can pick up his play, as i'm awfully dissapointed in both him and Mihm.
Of course, I doubt Caron would be any better for the team in it's current makeup.
indy2029
11-16-05, 12:41 AM
The key to the lakers is having a player that makes your players better. They need an assist guy. I can see great potential because the lakers have great finishers, but no one besides Kobe can really create their own shot. Lamar settles way too much for jumpers he cant make. And unfortunately, Kobe does not make anybody better but himself.
If the Lakers do not make the playoffs, I guarantee the Lakers will dangle Kobe's name in trade talks. The guy is an awesome individual player, but if you want a team, you don't want him.
fumanstan
11-16-05, 01:36 AM
I disagree on just about all accounts, except for the comment that Kobe is the only one who can create their own shot. The Lakers weakness post-Shaq has always been their lack of effectiveness in the post, whether it was Lamar playing out of position last season or Kwame's struggles offensively and defensively this year. Coupled that with Mihm's penchant for foul trouble and the absolute lack of size on the bench, the Lakers are in the same boat as they were last year.
The problem I see right now is the lack of agressiveness and consistancy from any Laker offensively other then Kobe. In the Laker wins this year, Kobe has looked like an MVP when his teammates were able to hit open shots and move without the ball. In the Laker losses, no second option stepped up forcing Kobe to get things started offensively.
Bad games like the Sixers game will happen for a player like Kobe (7/27), but Odom going 6/16 as their 2nd leading scorer or Kwame going 3/14 against the Grizz isn't going to get it done.
It's funny, because if Kwame and Mihm actually played consistantly and could stay on the court longer for 25 minutes a game, people who keep pushing on Kobe's play would have their opinion changed rather quickly. There are so many things that are beyond Kobe Bryant's control that leaping to the "Kobe doesn't make teammates better" conclusion seems awfully silly and premature. But I guess a second year of a PG along side of Kobe having a career year doesn't mean much.
That said, we're 7 games in to the year. Patience.
Hector Duarte Jr. - All Headline News Staff Reporter
Serbia and Montenegro (AHN) - The army of Serbia and Montenegro has filed charges against former NBA star Vlade Divac for allegedly evading the military draft.
Divac, 37, was obligated by law to join the compulsory six-month military service by the age of 35, the state prosecutors' office said Wednesday.
Serbia and Montenegro's foreign ministry was asked "to determine Divac's citizenship and his home address" in order to carry out legal proceedings.
According to the Associated Press, Divac could face a one-year prison sentence in his native country if he does not join the army soon.
Divac ended his 16-year NBA playing career last month, taking a job with the Los Angeles Lakers as a liaison and scout in Europe.
:lol:
Chris
Aphex Twin
11-16-05, 02:49 PM
You can stop the Kobe trade talks. He's not going anywhere. He's one of the few superstars in the NBA and LA needs a superstar. Plus, he has a no-trade clause. He's got a couple of houses in LA/OC and his wife's family is in OC. Unless of course, they trade him for Amare, Duncan, Garnett, or Lebron, and he agrees to the trade.
indy2029
11-16-05, 09:17 PM
You can stop the Kobe trade talks. He's not going anywhere. He's one of the few superstars in the NBA and LA needs a superstar. Plus, he has a no-trade clause. He's got a couple of houses in LA/OC and his wife's family is in OC. Unless of course, they trade him for Amare, Duncan, Garnett, or Lebron, and he agrees to the trade.
Damn... You're right. Altho I would take any one of those 4 for Kobe!
fumanstan
11-16-05, 09:41 PM
i am a very impatient person.
It's ok, most Laker fans are :)
Lakers/Knicks tonight should be fun, if only for the Larry Brown/Phil Jackson "matchup."
ruk
11-17-05, 01:37 AM
Damn... You're right. Altho I would take any one of those 4 for Kobe!
sorry but i would have to disagree with that, i'll stick with kobe.
mrpayroll
11-17-05, 01:45 AM
Damn... You're right. Altho I would take any one of those 4 for Kobe!
I would only take Lebron. 2 of them are past their primes & Amare isn't a Franchise Player.
Chris
devilshalo
11-17-05, 01:08 PM
Can someone just take Odom hunting or something. Hypnotize him. Just something to give him the killer instinct. He needs put his head down and drive the lane with a vengeance like Kobe.
uberjoe
11-17-05, 01:18 PM
I not a fan of Kobe's personality, but I respect the skills. No way I'd trade him straight up for anyone except LeBron. And I'd make that trade in a heartbeat.
fumanstan
11-17-05, 02:03 PM
I think I would take Lebron or Duncan for Kobe. Probably not Garnett or Amare (yet) though.
Nice game against the Knicks, although i'm not a fan of Kobe hoisting 36 shots. Mihm and Odom were playing fairly well, and i'd prefer them to have 3-4 more shots each and bring Kobe's shot total down.
I agree about Odom though, I wish he would be more agressive.
nickdawgy
11-17-05, 02:04 PM
Damn... You're right. Altho I would take any one of those 4 for Kobe!
I'd take Duncan or LeBron, but not KG or Amare straight up. I'd rather have Wade then KG or Amare.
indy2029
11-17-05, 08:31 PM
Duncan and Lebron are untouchables. Kobe, Garnett, T Mac, AI are all tradeable for each other since they're proficient scorers and have yet to prove themselves primary post-season team leading players. Lebron isn't yet but he is better than any of those guys at their same age. He also hasn't reached his prime like the others.
I just can't believe we've fallen this bad. I urge this off season to get rid of Mitch. Of course, that'll NEVER happen.
fumanstan
11-17-05, 09:54 PM
Duncan and Lebron are untouchables. Kobe, Garnett, T Mac, AI are all tradeable for each other since they're proficient scorers and have yet to prove themselves primary post-season team leading players. Lebron isn't yet but he is better than any of those guys at their same age. He also hasn't reached his prime like the others.
I just can't believe we've fallen this bad. I urge this off season to get rid of Mitch. Of course, that'll NEVER happen.
Mitch seems perfectly expendable to me, especially with Buss' son Jimmy taking a more active role in management with the team. Don't see why that would "never" happen.
AI led the Sixers to the Finals. I dislike the guy, but that's not too shabby at all and certainly indicative of proving himself.
Hector Duarte Jr. - All Headline News Staff Reporter
Serbia and Montenegro (AHN) - The army of Serbia and Montenegro has filed charges against former NBA star Vlade Divac for allegedly evading the military draft.
Divac, 37, was obligated by law to join the compulsory six-month military service by the age of 35, the state prosecutors' office said Wednesday.
Serbia and Montenegro's foreign ministry was asked "to determine Divac's citizenship and his home address" in order to carry out legal proceedings.
According to the Associated Press, Divac could face a one-year prison sentence in his native country if he does not join the army soon.
Divac ended his 16-year NBA playing career last month, taking a job with the Los Angeles Lakers as a liaison and scout in Europe.
:lol:
Chris
http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=2228277
Updated: Nov. 18, 2005, 10:01 AM ET
Divac cleared of dodging army service
Associated Press
BELGRADE, Serbia-Montenegro -- Former NBA star Vlade Divac was cleared Friday of draft dodging in his native country.
Prosecutors dropped the charges a day after Serbian Prime Minister Vojislav Kostunica came to the player's defense. Kostunica said Divac had "proven his patriotism innumerable times during his long career" in basketball.
Earlier this week, the Serbia-Montenegro army filed the charges, claiming that the 37-year-old Divac was obliged by law to join the army for the compulsory six-month military service by the age of 35. Draft dodging carries a one-year prison sentence in Serbia.
The case drew much attention in Serbia, where Divac is revered as a national hero for helping the former Yugoslavia to silver medals at the 1988 and 1996 Olympics, and leading the country now known as Serbia-Montenegro to a gold medal at the 2002 world championships.
Divac, who voiced surprise over the charges, said in a statement he had filed all of the necessary documents for postponing army duties on a regular basis with the Serbia-Montenegro embassy in the United States.
After flying to Belgrade to face the charges, Divac said he believed this was a "non-issue."
Milovan Bozovic, a Belgrade district prosecutor, said the charges were unfounded because all holders of dual nationality are not obliged to serve in the military in Serbia-Montenegro.
Divac has had dual Serbian-American citizenship since living in the United States for the past 16 years.
Divac ended his 16-year NBA career last month, taking a job with the Los Angeles Lakers as a liaison and scout in Europe.
He was one of the first Europeans to have a major impact in the NBA, being drafted by the Lakers in 1989 and later playing for the Charlotte Hornets and Sacramento Kings.
Aphex Twin
11-19-05, 06:28 AM
Some things I'd like the Lakers to do:
-Play Bynum more. He played 6 minutes in the Clippers game and got 5 rebounds and no fouls. Even though Mihm and Brown will both probably be out, it's not a given that Phillip is going to play him the minutes he should be getting
-Kobe needs to take less shots. He's taken like 71 in two games.
-Run more plays for Lamar. He needs to be more active.
ruk
11-19-05, 10:37 AM
i am so frustrated, i don't even know where to begin except mitch and phil are completely incompetent, i really hope the 3 year plan works out.
fumanstan
11-19-05, 03:30 PM
Some things I'd like the Lakers to do:
-Play Bynum more. He played 6 minutes in the Clippers game and got 5 rebounds and no fouls. Even though Mihm and Brown will both probably be out, it's not a given that Phillip is going to play him the minutes he should be getting
-Kobe needs to take less shots. He's taken like 71 in two games.
-Run more plays for Lamar. He needs to be more active.
Went to the game last night. It was tough to watch... everytime the Lakers made a little run, the Clippers were able to squash it or the Lakers made some careless mistakes and Kobe would just jack up a shot trying too hard to bring the Lakers back.
I agree with most of those, although i'm a bit iffy on Lamar. I think right around 15 shots is right for him which he had last night. Personally i'd like to see more post plays, whether it be Lamar, Kwame, or Mihm posting up.
Kobe is taking way too many shots :(
I'd like to see Bynum play more, but he looks more lost on offense then Kwame. Kwame was actually playing pretty well defensively last night, and had 8 boards to boot. I'm not sure why he didn't play in the 4th... I heard he might have been injured.
I'm not sure why ruk thinks Phil Jackson is incompetent.
ILikeDVD
11-19-05, 04:09 PM
Being a lakers fan, with Clippers my second fav team, last nights game was frusrating to watch. I enjoy an up tempo paced game. Clippers played exciting b-ball. My dad and I kept yelling for the Lakers to PUSH the ball. Frustrating to see the Lakers waste clock bringing the ball up court to set plays.(triangle o), but not ALL the DAMN time !! Gimme a break. I know. But still. I was very happy with a Clip win.
mrpayroll
11-20-05, 09:32 PM
So, it looks like Kwame Brown is injured for a couple of weeks with a hamstring injury. Those of us that wanted to see more of Andrew Bynum are going to get their wish. I think Laron Profit will do a great job starting, but we'll see.
Chris
devilshalo
11-21-05, 12:42 AM
Well.. another meltdown on defense. And no one stepping up to score. Lamar in foul trouble and his points came too late. It's back to people standing around and watching Kobe again. I thought Sasha did fairly well as did Bynum.
ruk
11-21-05, 08:26 AM
thanks Mr buss for not keeping Mr West.
eatntae
11-25-05, 01:24 AM
When Kobe got in early foul trouble tonight, Lamar really stepped up and played aggressive, which was good to see. Didn't look too good at the end of the first half, but Kobe really caught fire in the 2nd half, although I didn't like how he shot so many 3-pointers. Either way, I'm glad they won.
ruk
11-25-05, 02:57 AM
When Kobe got in early foul trouble tonight, Lamar really stepped up and played aggressive, which was good to see. Didn't look too good at the end of the first half, but Kobe really caught fire in the 2nd half, although I didn't like how he shot so many 3-pointers. Either way, I'm glad they won.
yeah despite odm's solid game, his second half playing with kobe was weak.
ruk
11-27-05, 10:49 PM
great half by the lakers, an amazing 28 points.
fumanstan
11-28-05, 12:22 AM
Terrible start to the game, but a fun finish. Cook sends it to OT after some big 3's by Kobe :up:
fumanstan
11-28-05, 12:35 AM
So much for OT :(
uberjoe
11-28-05, 12:45 AM
I didn't see the game, but the stat summary for the Lakers is horrendous. 46 points on terrible shooting by Kobe? Ouch. Not that anyone else on the team was stepping up to the challenge.
ruk
11-28-05, 01:08 AM
Terrible start to the game, but a fun finish. Cook sends it to OT after some big 3's by Kobe :up:
i guess the expectations are really bad.
Johnny Boy
11-28-05, 01:30 AM
i guess the expectations are really bad.
Of course they are. No offense, but the Lakers are terrible this year. Kwame Brown needs to retire early, and maybe he can get a job becoming a professional retard.
I'm sorry, but the Lakers need another good player to be taken seriously. Right now, not even Phil Jackson can save them. If Jesus Christ himself arose from the grave and offered to coach the team, they'd still be under 500. And Jesus knows basketball, mind you! :)
indy2029
11-28-05, 11:41 AM
Of course they are. No offense, but the Lakers are terrible this year. Kwame Brown needs to retire early, and maybe he can get a job becoming a professional retard.
I'm sorry, but the Lakers need another good player to be taken seriously. Right now, not even Phil Jackson can save them. If Jesus Christ himself arose from the grave and offered to coach the team, they'd still be under 500. And Jesus knows basketball, mind you! :)
Hahahahaha. This post is hilarious! And I agree 100%
Maybe he can get them to play for the Lakers? They'd be more enjoyable to watch, that's for damn sure.
darkside
11-29-05, 10:45 PM
Lakers battled pretty hard tonight to stay close to the Spurs. Granted the Spurs have yet to look anything like a championship team this season, but that is still a good feat. Lakers have potential, but its going to take time. I guess it didn't take long for the Kwame Brown experiment to go south. I think Bynum will be worth giving minutes to even when Kwame comes back from injury.
uberjoe
11-29-05, 11:13 PM
I definitely think it's been long enough to declare the Kwame Brown experiment a failure. And Kobe had a terrible game -- 9/33 in FGs, going 0/6 from 3-point range. As bad as those numbers are -- and they're really bad -- I think the worst stat is that he only had 8 FTA. I didn't watch the game tonight, but I'd guess from the stat line that he mostly shot jumpers and didn't drive to the basket all that much. I never thought the Lakers were going to have a good season, but I didn't expect this from Kobe.
darkside
12-01-05, 03:02 PM
I definitely think it's been long enough to declare the Kwame Brown experiment a failure. And Kobe had a terrible game -- 9/33 in FGs, going 0/6 from 3-point range. As bad as those numbers are -- and they're really bad -- I think the worst stat is that he only had 8 FTA. I didn't watch the game tonight, but I'd guess from the stat line that he mostly shot jumpers and didn't drive to the basket all that much. I never thought the Lakers were going to have a good season, but I didn't expect this from Kobe.
Kobe did have Bruce Bowen all over him that game and that was part of the problem. If Bowen is on him and his jumper is not there its going to be a terrible night for him. Bowen had no fear of the jumper so it was much easier to keep him out of the lane.
Plus the Spurs pretty much let Odom have his way and had Kobe's number every time down court.
uberjoe
12-01-05, 03:29 PM
Kobe did have Bruce Bowen all over him that game and that was part of the problem. If Bowen is on him and his jumper is not there its going to be a terrible night for him. Bowen had no fear of the jumper so it was much easier to keep him out of the lane.
Plus the Spurs pretty much let Odom have his way and had Kobe's number every time down court.
When I posted that I hadn't noticed Bowen was covering him, and that would explain a lot of his difficulties. In general this season has Kobe been driving or settling for jumpers, like Vince Carter for the past few years?
fumanstan
12-01-05, 07:58 PM
When I posted that I hadn't noticed Bowen was covering him, and that would explain a lot of his difficulties. In general this season has Kobe been driving or settling for jumpers, like Vince Carter for the past few years?
Maybe a bit less, but I don't notice a big difference between this year and the rest of his career. The biggest thing I notice in regards to free throw attempts is that Kobe isn't getting calls on that little swing through that he did last year on jumpers, where he would catch the defender reaching in as he goes up for the shot. I don't believe I've seen him use that little move once this year.
ruk
12-02-05, 02:34 AM
glad to see the lakers finally win, another horrible game by kobe, he keeps taking jump shots, when he should go to the basket, jacking up unnecessary 3's, what the hell.
Aphex Twin
12-02-05, 03:39 AM
Man, Kobe nearly snatched defeat from the jaws of victory for the Lakers tonight. They were playing really well and he had to settle for low percentage shot after low percentage shot. He was totally selfish with a lot of his shots and thought that Kirilenko guarding him was some sort of personal challenge. I thought Lamar played a pretty good, balanced game. Smush had a hot start too...I wish he kept it up. Mihm just disappears for long stretches of game.
I sure am glad Luke Walton is back. He's probably the smartest player on the team, but he needs to be recognize when he should shoot or pass. He passes the open 4-6 footer a lot of the times.
Sweet Baby James
12-02-05, 10:51 AM
another horrible game by kobe, he keeps taking jump shots
He might as well keep taking jump shots if the refs are going to keep calling phantom fouls and putting him on the line.:mad: (I admit that I'm a Kobe hater:)).
nickdawgy
12-03-05, 01:18 AM
In case anybody cared, the Lakers were outscored 28-16 down the stretch and lost 113-108 to the Wolves to fall to 6-9.
Kobe almost had a triple double 20-9-8
ruk
12-03-05, 01:35 AM
kobe should have taken more shots in the 4th, where's the defense,,,, ahhhhhhhhhhhhhh i give up, i am so fed up.
fumanstan
12-03-05, 11:30 AM
Agh, tough second half to watch after a spectacular first half.
It stinks watching the Lakers play one of their best team games of the year and blow it. It's funny though, because here you see Kobe be more careful with his shot selection and involve his teammates, and the team still loses. And now people want him to shoot more, after all the criticism of his 30+ shots a game this year?
For all the criticisms of Kwame Brown, I'd sure rather have him guarding Garnett down the stretch then Brian Cook. Fellow can take a charge, but not much else on that end of the court.
ruk
12-03-05, 01:09 PM
Agh, tough second half to watch after a spectacular first half.
It stinks watching the Lakers play one of their best team games of the year and blow it. It's funny though, because here you see Kobe be more careful with his shot selection and involve his teammates, and the team still loses. And now people want him to shoot more, after all the criticism of his 30+ shots a game this year?
For all the criticisms of Kwame Brown, I'd sure rather have him guarding Garnett down the stretch then Brian Cook. Fellow can take a charge, but not much else on that end of the court.
it's not that i wanted him to take 30+ shots per game, he should take 23 to 27 shots per game, it feels like he goes from he almost goes from one extreme to another, well not like that kings game a few years ago.
I know he deserves criticism for his shot selection sometimes but those idiots at shoot around on espn really pissed me off last night, legler called him egocentric, self centered and uncoachable, pipen also said he might be uncoachable and that kobe is trying to score 40 per night , but the difference is shaq is not there. Who the HELL does legler think he is, these guys are all jackasses. Greg was the only reasonable person there, he said he is coachable but needs to take better shots-- which we all agree with.
darkside
12-03-05, 01:18 PM
ESPN shootaround is a horrible show. I agree that Kobe needs to work on his shot selection, but I think calling him egocentric and uncoachable is completely unfair. That is a bad team that is still learning the triangle and they bog down a lot on offense and there are times the only option is for Kobe to just go one on one.
If there is an ego problem on that team its Lamar Odom. He is the guy that seems to have a problem fitting in a system.
fumanstan
12-06-05, 10:35 PM
Yay, we held a lead and won :up:
Nice way to start the road trip against a solid team like the Bucks.
ruk
12-06-05, 10:38 PM
solid game by all, if kobe and LO can play like this every game.
ruk
12-07-05, 10:00 PM
finally a 3 game win streak.
fumanstan
12-07-05, 11:34 PM
And back to .500 :banana:
ruk
12-08-05, 01:28 AM
Kind of funny, got it from lakersground.net
http://www.clublakers.com/shaqman.swf
Aphex Twin
12-08-05, 02:53 AM
The Lakers overall record is only 1/2 a game behind Miami's.
Hopefully they can steal one in Chicago with Hinrich out. Don't know the status of Chandler though. I'm confident the Lakers can finish this road trip with a winning record. That would be huge.
Aphex Twin
12-08-05, 05:47 PM
Luke getting kicked out of the $C-UCLA game. Keep in mind that his dad went to UCLA, he was a traitoir for going to Arizona, AND he's at the $C end of the field.
How fitting the Lakers score 33 in the first quarter against the Bulls. They're retiring Pippen's number tonight, so I thought it was interesting.
Now the optimistic nickdawgy says the Lakers pull this out, but the old school nickdawgy says the Lakers come out flat the rest of the game, fall behind by 10-15, and then make it close in the end only to fall short by a deuce or more.
EDIT: Ok for some reason ESPN shows "end of the 1st quarter" even though the game is over. Wow, don't I feel like an ass :lol:
nickdawgy
12-09-05, 11:14 PM
The Lakers overall record is only 1/2 a game behind Miami's.
Hopefully they can steal one in Chicago with Hinrich out. Don't know the status of Chandler though. I'm confident the Lakers can finish this road trip with a winning record. That would be huge.
Hinrich played, and scored 26.
ruk
12-09-05, 11:14 PM
wow - 4 in a row.. yeah...............................
darkside
12-09-05, 11:30 PM
Was there really that much doubt that Phil could make them at least a winning team? I'm not saying the championship is in reach this season, but the playoffs are there if they keep working together and improving. I like Kobe at the 3 and the Lamar at the 4.
Aphex Twin
12-10-05, 05:57 AM
Phillip has definately gotten a lot out of a lot of the players...such as Smush, Sasha, Luke, Lamar, Cook... moreso than I could expect. He's proven to be a much, much better coach than Rudy T for this team. I'm not sure he could get Kwame Brown to be the player he should be, but he's the best man to get him to that level.
Lakers are due to beat Minny tonight. One out of 4 games played against Minnesota where the Lakers are playing a second of a back-to-back, while Minnesota is rested.
fujishig
12-10-05, 09:38 AM
He's proven to be a much, much better coach than Rudy T for this team.
Wow, that's faint praise indeed... :)
mgbfan
12-10-05, 03:22 PM
Lakers are due to beat Minny tonight. One out of 4 games played against Minnesota where the Lakers are playing a second of a back-to-back, while Minnesota is rested.
So why would that make them due?
Setzer
12-10-05, 03:34 PM
Teams always play better after playing the night before. :p
Aphex Twin
12-10-05, 03:53 PM
So why would that make them due?
Sorry...didn't clarify. They've lost the past two games against Minnesota, so are extra motivated to show that they could beat them. Combine that with the fact that they are hot and are on a row and need to potentially have a even record against the Wolves for tie-breakers, makes them due to beat Minny.
Plus...most of all of the players have not shaved since the streak started. Do you really want them to have to shave?
nickdawgy
12-10-05, 11:05 PM
Looks like they can shave now :lol:
fumanstan
12-12-05, 04:10 PM
For kicks since we're talking about Kobe over in the other NBA thread: Chris Broussard on ESPN Insider:
A league honcho once told me that the best way to know who the real ballers are is to ask the players.
The players know who's soft, who's tough, who's just a numbers guy, who's a real superstar and who's a media creation. Watch who gets the most shots in the all-star games, watch who the players pass to, who they defer to. That's how you know who's got respect around the league, I was told.
Well, admittedly this is a small sample, but I recently asked three young players who the best player in the league was. These were not just any young players. One is a superstar, one is an emerging superstar and the other has star potential.
I gave them my opinion, we debated, I dropped stats, anecdotes, the whole nine. But all of them insisted that Kobe Bean Bryant is the league's best player, hands down. Some of them had guarded him, and found it exasperating.
They say his moves are ridiculous, impossible to stop. They say he's a "killer'', always going for the jugular. They say he'll embarrass you at any moment with a freakish move.
Granted, these youngsters were all opponents. Many of Kobe's teammates ? not just Shaq ? hated playing with him. Still even Shaq told me in the heat of their hatred two years ago that Kobe was the best player ever. When I responded, "What about Michael?'' He said, "What about him?''
thenetstud
12-12-05, 04:40 PM
With the rumors of Ron Artest wanting out of Indiana, would you guys as Laker fans want to see him shipped to L.A.?
mrpayroll
12-12-05, 05:13 PM
With the rumors of Ron Artest wanting out of Indiana, would you guys as Laker fans want to see him shipped to L.A.?
The question is, would he want to play for LA?
According to the news reports, he wants to be a Knick and play in New York where all his 'homies' live. :)
Chris
nickdawgy
12-12-05, 10:54 PM
Lakers were up on the Mavs, and lost the lead, tied it again briefly, and lost it again. They're now down 1, with a minute left.
nickdawgy
12-12-05, 10:55 PM
Wow, Kobe threw up a prayer from about 30 feet with the shot clock down to 1, and got nothing but net. Lakers up two now with about 30 seconds left.
fumanstan
12-12-05, 10:55 PM
Wow, what a three pointer :eek:
nickdawgy
12-12-05, 10:59 PM
Wow, what a three pointer :eek:
Yeah, I'm not sure if that was luck or skill or both :lol:
Kobe shooting two free throws now, Lakers trying for a 3 point lead.
nickdawgy
12-12-05, 11:00 PM
Kobe makes one of two, but Walton grabs the board, and now he's off to the line for two.
He makes both, Lakers up 4 now.
:lol:
Mavs make a quick three, and it's a 1 point game with Smush at the line.
He makes both and it's a 3 point game again with just under 6 seconds left.
nickdawgy
12-12-05, 11:03 PM
Lakers win :up:
What kind of a final shot was that by Terry? A little rushed, but I admit I thought it might go in :lol:
The Cow
12-12-05, 11:03 PM
Solid free throws down the stretch! :up:
PJsig08
12-12-05, 11:11 PM
How bout the move under the basket by Kobe, not to mention the final 3 pointer he made? Videos of that needed.
ruk
12-12-05, 11:15 PM
wow, solid.
mrpayroll
12-12-05, 11:37 PM
And Kwame finally played a game that he can be proud of. Hopefully this is a sign that he can shed his past and become a solid 15/10 player.
Chris
Johnny Boy
12-13-05, 12:12 AM
And Kwame finally played a game that he can be proud of. Hopefully this is a sign that he can shed his past and become a solid 15/10 player.
Chris
WHOOOAA, don't push it! I know Kwame's game well, and I can tell you with solid confidence that he'll never average 15 and 10, ever. Never ever ever. :D
darkside
12-13-05, 12:16 AM
Glad to see the Mavs lose one. Damn the Lakers are really starting to show signs of being a real team again. Its early, but the Lakers and T-Wolves have really bounced back this year.
mrpayroll
12-13-05, 12:44 AM
WHOOOAA, don't push it! I know Kwame's game well, and I can tell you with solid confidence that he'll never average 15 and 10, ever. Never ever ever. :D
Come on! If I was that tall and that young, I could make those averages. AND I'M WHITE! :lol:
Chris
Aphex Twin
12-13-05, 12:57 AM
How bout the move under the basket by Kobe, not to mention the final 3 pointer he made? Videos of that needed.
http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/recap?gameId=251212006
(See: "video highlights" upper right hand corner)
What a nice win for the Lakers....on the road...on the tail-end of a 6-game road trip...against one of the best teams in the West. The only thing that would have made it sweeter is if the scoring for the team was more balanced. I'll take it anyways.
Johnny Boy
12-13-05, 01:05 AM
Come on! If I was that tall and that young, I could make those averages. AND I'M WHITE! :lol:
Chris
You maybe could, but we're talking about Kwame Brown! His basketball I.Q. is 1.8, as I stated months ago, and it's a scientific fact. Forget the NBA, I question whether he could average 15 and 10 in the WNBA! The man is cursed by black magic. He must've pissed some witch off really badly because they made him extremely retarded with some spell. When he comes to practice for the Lakers, he parks in the handicapped parking space, and there's a picture of a basketball player dribbling the ball off his foot on the concrete.
I might add that I'm a bitter Wizards fan who had to watch this disabled piece of junk for four years. I'm passionate about my extensive knowledge of Kwame's retard-O-thon of basketball skills, so don't get me started. :D
ruk
12-14-05, 09:44 PM
lakers up by 20.
fumanstan
12-14-05, 10:07 PM
What a surprising road trip for the Lakers. Looks like they'll close it out tonight to be 5-1, including wins against some very good teams like the Bucks, Mavs, and now Memphis. It looks like we're coming together! *crosses fingers*
Setzer
12-14-05, 10:44 PM
Lakers 5-1 on the road trip. Impressive!
Tonight's win was a good way to end the trip but Memphis was playing short handed. Not to say we wouldn't have won, I just think the outcome may have been alot closer than it was. Hopefully this team is finally starting to come together.
fumanstan
12-14-05, 10:54 PM
Lakers 5-1 on the road trip. Impressive!
Tonight's win was a good way to end the trip but Memphis was playing short handed. Not to say we wouldn't have won, I just think the outcome may have been alot closer than it was. Hopefully this team is finally starting to come together.
Hey now, we were without Slava and Aaron McKie! :p
Aphex Twin
12-15-05, 12:23 AM
Hey now, we were without Slava and Aaron McKie! :p
:lol:
Were you listening the words that were coming out of this guy's mouth? http://www.nba.com/media/lakers/thompson_030612.jpg
Phillip :up:
Kwame coming off the bench at the 5 :up:
fumanstan
12-15-05, 01:02 AM
Yup, was listening to the radio on the way home from work :)
ruk
12-16-05, 08:18 AM
i am sorry but i would not give up odom for artest.
http://www.hoopsworld.com/article_15369.shtml
By Eric Pincus
for HOOPSWORLD.com
Dec 16, 2005, 06:40
First of all, forgive me for neglecting the Los Angeles Clippers in this LA HOOPS column. The team has been struggling as of late losing to Detroit, San Antonio and New Orleans over a four day span. It was an admittedly difficult stretch in the schedule; by the time they faced the Hornets they were just out of gas. Not having Corey Maggette healthy certainly didn't help . . .
The schedule over the next month is lighter for the Clippers; they should remain at or near the top of the Pacific Division for some time.
Since there does not appear to be any Clipper interest in Ron Artest, the focus once again returns to the Los Angeles Lakers.
Thus far it's been made clear that the untouchable list in pursuit of Ron Artest remains Kobe Bryant, Lamar Odom and Andrew Bynum. With little progress made offering Chris Mihm (among others), Kwame Brown may very well be the best offer the Lakers are willing to make. Though it does not seem likely the Pacers will accept, the conversation between Los Angeles and Indiana continues . . . there must be some sort of common ground or the discussions would have already come to a close. There's still enough smoke to indicate talks are not yet dead.
Mark Montieth, covering the Indiana Pacers for many years, writes in the Indy Star that the Lakers "may be willing to part with Lamar Odom as part of a package deal."
That certainly contradicts the word of many Laker sources. Is Montieth getting that directly from the Pacers? Could he be on to something?
It'd be a bold move for the Lakers, considering how well the team has come on recently. Odom has seemingly embraced his role in the triangle. His leadership style does not naturally conflict with Kobe Bryant's. Giving him up for a volatile player like Ron Artest seems fraught with peril. Certainly Mr. Montieth must be mistaken . . .
Then again, there is one undeniable benefit in replacing Odom with Artest. If the Lakers' 2007 plan to attain cap space is indeed the priority, Artest's lower salary would be a greater asset than Odom's.
As detailed recently in a recent Laker Report entitled "The 2007 Plan", the Lakers (with Odom and an estimated 2007 salary cap of $53 million) would likely have enough space to sign a player to a maximum of $12 million. The core of the team could be Bryant, Odom, Bynum, Luke Walton, Sasha Vujacic, Smush Parker and Ronny Turiaf . . . along with a younger max player. The Lakers would also have about $1.36 million in additional money to spend before rounding out the roster with players at the minimum.
Since Artest makes just $7.4 million in 2007 (as opposed to Odom's $13.2 million), the Lakers would be able to keep the same core of players listed above, but now armed with approximately $19.2 million in cap space. Suddenly they have the ability to sign nearly any player to a maximum contract, like Dirk Nowitzki who would be eligible for about $16 million should he opt out of his final year in Dallas.
Or, with the additional flexibility, the Lakers could stick with someone like Chris Bosh at $12 million and still have $7.2 million left over to spend on free agents. Should Kwame Brown develop successful
Buy: