Monday, November 29, 2004
Shaquille = Classless
Reading this article has spurnedinspired (see comments - I used the wrong word...and I'm not quite sure why) me to write what I think of Shaquille O'Neal.
The man is classless. He may flash his money making smile, and stumble through some clever line to the media but the fact remains that he is classless. When someone repeatedly tells you that what you think happened didn't happen and tries to repair a friendship, you should have at least a little tact in your reply, regardless of whether you want to mend the friendship or not.
It's funny how through all of the various Shaquille statements over the past months, Kobe has continued to remain silent. Not a word....At some point Shaquille, you too need to get over it. All you're doing by running your oversized trap is continuing to fortify your legacy with Kobe while Kobe begins a legacy apart from you.
The man is classless. He may flash his money making smile, and stumble through some clever line to the media but the fact remains that he is classless. When someone repeatedly tells you that what you think happened didn't happen and tries to repair a friendship, you should have at least a little tact in your reply, regardless of whether you want to mend the friendship or not.
It's funny how through all of the various Shaquille statements over the past months, Kobe has continued to remain silent. Not a word....At some point Shaquille, you too need to get over it. All you're doing by running your oversized trap is continuing to fortify your legacy with Kobe while Kobe begins a legacy apart from you.
Monday, November 22, 2004
Week in Review
2 - 1 for the week with wins over the Clippers and the Bulls and a game effort in a loss to the Suns. I must say that although the free throws in the Suns game shows the same number of FTA, the timing of some of the calls against the Lakers were devastating. Also, it seemed like Amare Stoudemire was allowed to go over anyone's back whenever he wanted, but if the Lamar or any other Laker got close to a Sun there was a whistle blown.
I'm known to be pretty critical of the referees. My main reason is because they tend to blow the whistle in anticipation of a foul much more often than when a foul actually occurs. Also, I don't understand why all professional sports (in the States anyway) use older referees who 1)often never played in the NBA, 2) are starting to reach that point where there physical assets, such as sight, are starting to wear down, and 3)have developed reputations for disliking certain players. It's no secret that some refs are quicker to call a technical on a certain player much quicker than he would anyone else. Also, it's high time referees start getting held accountable for horrible calls. Not every horrible call, but if it appears that the outcome of a game has been affected (and not just on a final shot or in the last minute), then the NBA should review the game and have some form of accountability whether it be fines, probation, suspension etc....
I'm known to be pretty critical of the referees. My main reason is because they tend to blow the whistle in anticipation of a foul much more often than when a foul actually occurs. Also, I don't understand why all professional sports (in the States anyway) use older referees who 1)often never played in the NBA, 2) are starting to reach that point where there physical assets, such as sight, are starting to wear down, and 3)have developed reputations for disliking certain players. It's no secret that some refs are quicker to call a technical on a certain player much quicker than he would anyone else. Also, it's high time referees start getting held accountable for horrible calls. Not every horrible call, but if it appears that the outcome of a game has been affected (and not just on a final shot or in the last minute), then the NBA should review the game and have some form of accountability whether it be fines, probation, suspension etc....
Thursday, November 18, 2004
Reclaiming our town
With the Clippers off to a decent start and the Lakers struggling relative to what the fans are used to, there were grumblings that the 'other' team in L.A. could soon be the Lakers.
Squash that!!! Last night's 103 - 89 victory over the Slips...uh Clips proved once again who the third team is in L.A. (gotta hand it to the Sparks of the WNBA).
Pulling away in the fourth quarter, the Lakers looked like they were starting to get a hand for each other....team defense was up, passing was on point, and everybody was hustling like the Clips had the lead. And the team looked like they were just having fun.
Squash that!!! Last night's 103 - 89 victory over the Slips...uh Clips proved once again who the third team is in L.A. (gotta hand it to the Sparks of the WNBA).
Pulling away in the fourth quarter, the Lakers looked like they were starting to get a hand for each other....team defense was up, passing was on point, and everybody was hustling like the Clips had the lead. And the team looked like they were just having fun.
Wednesday, November 17, 2004
Lakers vs Clips
Not enough time to post but by my scientific video game methods here is the final score:
Lakers 114, Clippers 82
And I'm gone.....
Lakers 114, Clippers 82
And I'm gone.....
Monday, November 15, 2004
.500 Road Trip
Road trip didn't go as well as expected with a blowout loss to Memphis and a blown lead against Houston. Wins over Houston and New Orleans do little to make up for our play in the other games. In fact, the narrow escape in New Orleans turned out to be the potential sign of a problem with this year's Lakers. After holding a 33 point lead in New Orleans, the Lakers needed several key buckets down the stretch to get a victory. The following night, they were simply blown out in the second quarter against Memphis and couldn't come back. I don't see this team as the kind of team capable of a comeback for the simple fact that a comeback means Kobe will become one dimensional....he gets the ball, he will shoot in a comeback situation. That's not the way this team is going to be successful. Don't get me wrong, the ball does need to go through Kobe but not only as a scoring option. We have looked our best when we can get multiple folks in double digits and Kobe scores around 26 or 27. This means the Butlers, Odoms, Mihms, and Atkins are getting their touches to which keeps the defense honest.
But back to the potential problem, in Orlando Friday night, the Lakers held a 37 - 21 lead after the first quarter. At halftime, the score was 57 - 55 . . . Orlando!. The Lakers cannot continue to give up big leads. The same happened against Houston as well where a double digit lead suddenly was no more. It's almost as if the team relaxes on defense and stops running as hard. I'll keep an eye out on this trend but I can't promise anything as my once proven sports bar still has not ordered the NBA League pass.....
But back to the potential problem, in Orlando Friday night, the Lakers held a 37 - 21 lead after the first quarter. At halftime, the score was 57 - 55 . . . Orlando!. The Lakers cannot continue to give up big leads. The same happened against Houston as well where a double digit lead suddenly was no more. It's almost as if the team relaxes on defense and stops running as hard. I'll keep an eye out on this trend but I can't promise anything as my once proven sports bar still has not ordered the NBA League pass.....
Thursday, November 11, 2004
New Orleans and Memphis
The New Orleans game was the best of both worlds. The Lakers methodically created a 33 point lead, 31 heading into the fourth quarter. And in one desperate quarter managed to lose most of that lead escaping 106 -98 Tuesday night. Caron Butler looked very good, as if his ankle tweak didn't bother him in the least.
One thing to note is that though Kobe is scoring a lot of points, his actual fg% isn't earning many accolades. Many of his points are coming from the foul line. Nothing states that more than last night's Tennessee bashing as Memphis bent the Lakers over every way possible with a 110 - 87 rout. Bryant shot 4 of 19 in the losing effort scoring 20 points (these stats are based off memory, feel free to correct me). I can't say a whole lot about this game because my oh-so-trustworthy sports bar that allows me to see the west coast games while living on the east coast is having second thoughts about purchasing the NBA League Pass package. The worst part is they didn't realize the free trial ended Tuesday night so they hadn't renewed their subscription meaning I saw only Nationally televised games last night.
One thing to note is that though Kobe is scoring a lot of points, his actual fg% isn't earning many accolades. Many of his points are coming from the foul line. Nothing states that more than last night's Tennessee bashing as Memphis bent the Lakers over every way possible with a 110 - 87 rout. Bryant shot 4 of 19 in the losing effort scoring 20 points (these stats are based off memory, feel free to correct me). I can't say a whole lot about this game because my oh-so-trustworthy sports bar that allows me to see the west coast games while living on the east coast is having second thoughts about purchasing the NBA League Pass package. The worst part is they didn't realize the free trial ended Tuesday night so they hadn't renewed their subscription meaning I saw only Nationally televised games last night.
Tuesday, November 09, 2004
Kobe Digest
Stumbled upon the following Kobe Digest. The author has a pretty impressive collection of current Kobe Bryant articles. Fortunately for you my faithful readers, I refuse to read those articles because I don't want the smear of the media to cloud my independent thinking.....yeeeeaaahhh.....OKAY
Early Schedule
I just noticed that we have not had more than a day off since the season started. What led me to check was because I was reviewing Phoenix's schedule and noticed that they will have only played 6 games by the end of this week compared to 8 for the Lakers. Something's going on ... . . . . .okay maybe I'm just being paranoid....
Division Realignment
I just looked at the division realignments effective this year in depth. I find it hard to believe that there are those out there saying the Lakers have no chance whatsoever to win their division. There's certainly a challenge in winning the division but 'no chance'??? That's absurdity, yes absurdity. Once again this brings me to question the so called 'experts'.
The division consists of The Lake Show, The Clips, The Suns, The Queens, and Golden State (no nickname for them, just can't think of one). You gotta believe the Lake Show should be able to finish above the Clips and Golden State. So that leaves the 0 - 3 Queens and the 3 - 0 Suns. I haven't had a chance to see either of these teams play with the 04-05 models of their respective teams. So everything I say here is blind faith and sometimes that is what makes a sports fan a sports fan....not all the time, just some of the time. The Lake Show owns the Queens, plain and simple...no matter how good they are playing or how bad the Lakers are playing, when the game means something you can count on the Queens choking. Phoenix is the wild card here. The Suns had a nice offseason and are off to a helluva start. The question in my mind is the health and fatigue of Shawn Marion who seems to fade as the year progresses. And keep in mind their 3 games have come against the Hawks, the Nets, and Philly with Philly probably being their best victory to date.
The division consists of The Lake Show, The Clips, The Suns, The Queens, and Golden State (no nickname for them, just can't think of one). You gotta believe the Lake Show should be able to finish above the Clips and Golden State. So that leaves the 0 - 3 Queens and the 3 - 0 Suns. I haven't had a chance to see either of these teams play with the 04-05 models of their respective teams. So everything I say here is blind faith and sometimes that is what makes a sports fan a sports fan....not all the time, just some of the time. The Lake Show owns the Queens, plain and simple...no matter how good they are playing or how bad the Lakers are playing, when the game means something you can count on the Queens choking. Phoenix is the wild card here. The Suns had a nice offseason and are off to a helluva start. The question in my mind is the health and fatigue of Shawn Marion who seems to fade as the year progresses. And keep in mind their 3 games have come against the Hawks, the Nets, and Philly with Philly probably being their best victory to date.
First Extended Roadie of the Year
The first extended road trip of the year begins tonite with a game against the New Orleans Hornets. The road trip ends in Houston facing Yao and T-Mac (sounds like a comic book or something) with stops at Memphis and Orlando. Ideally we come back 4 -0 from this road trip but since the trip consists of an odd two sets of back to backs, that's highly unlikely. My guess is we finish this 3-1 losing in Houston in the tail end of the second set of back to backs. This will make three back to back sets already in the first two weeks of the season. Schedule Gods still punishing us for not beating Detroit the way we should have......
Monday, November 08, 2004
Victory of over road weary Hawks
The Atlanta Hawks new slogan should be: The Atlanta Hawks - Ending Other Teams' Losing Streaks One Game at a Time.
Seriously though, it was nice to see Caron Butler have a big game and I hope his ankle injury late in the game isn't serious. Also, it was nice to see the energy that the Lakers had against the Nuggets reappear as hands seemed to be everywhere. I'm still a little worried about how well we take care of the ball sometimes but all in all last night was a pretty good effort. THis team is starting to look they are going to make a return to the run and gun of the '80's which if nothing else makes for an exciting game!
Seriously though, it was nice to see Caron Butler have a big game and I hope his ankle injury late in the game isn't serious. Also, it was nice to see the energy that the Lakers had against the Nuggets reappear as hands seemed to be everywhere. I'm still a little worried about how well we take care of the ball sometimes but all in all last night was a pretty good effort. THis team is starting to look they are going to make a return to the run and gun of the '80's which if nothing else makes for an exciting game!
Sunday, November 07, 2004
ESPN SImulation
No comments on the Spurs game. Disgusted at the officiating, disgusted at our inability to make a flippin' layup...just frustrated in general.
Simulated tonight's game against the Hawks....Kobe scores 40 in a 101 - 73 Lakers rout....
Simulated tonight's game against the Hawks....Kobe scores 40 in a 101 - 73 Lakers rout....
Thursday, November 04, 2004
Embarrassment
Last night's performance was embarassing. 29% from the field on 7 assists. Both franchise lows. I think the difference tonite started early in the game. Compared to last night, the energy level and the passing were way down. I think Kobe wanted to come out and establish his own game early which didn't bode well for the role players. To Kobe's credit he did keep us in the game during the third quarter and midway through the fourth keeping the game within a reachable 13 -17 points. But there was no defense, no jumping out to guard open jumpers, fouling on layups but not fouling hard enough....and way too many offensive fouls in attempts to establish position on the post. I think that had 4 out of their 6 or so offensive fouls called in the 3rd quarter.
So far, the worst
Right now, the Lakers are shooting horribly. The refs have called three offensive fouls in three posessions, two of them I didn't see.
The fears of a back to back against a team for their season and home opener have come true. No player midway through the third quarter has more than 3 FGs. The energy of last night has completely disappeared. Down 24 and their doesn't appear to be any fire. Frustration is setting in as Chucky Atkins has gotten a technical and the refs are blowing the whistle every 30 seconds.
The fears of a back to back against a team for their season and home opener have come true. No player midway through the third quarter has more than 3 FGs. The energy of last night has completely disappeared. Down 24 and their doesn't appear to be any fire. Frustration is setting in as Chucky Atkins has gotten a technical and the refs are blowing the whistle every 30 seconds.
Wednesday, November 03, 2004
Utah Preview
I am not going to promise a preview and recap of every single Lakers game just because I know me and I can be lazy or distracted pretty easy.
With that said, tonite's game against Utah (ESPN NBA 2K5 simulation has not occurred) should be interesting. After the adrenaline of opening night, I worry about a let down versus Utah in the second night of a back to back. Also, it's the home opener for Utah so I expect a lot of energy from that team.
With that said, tonite's game against Utah (ESPN NBA 2K5 simulation has not occurred) should be interesting. After the adrenaline of opening night, I worry about a let down versus Utah in the second night of a back to back. Also, it's the home opener for Utah so I expect a lot of energy from that team.
Lakers roll past Nuggets in Fairly Easy Win
Last night's game was comforting. Not knowing what to expect and coming out the way we did makes me feel much better about how this team will perform this year.
The first quarter really set the tone and threw Denver for a loop. I think they were expecting Kobe to come out with guns a'blazin' but instead it was Chris Mihm who was lighting it up. Mihm should excellent post up abilities against smaller players and nice finishes throughout the first quarter with a couple of dunks to boot.
Caron Butler came out pretty agressive as well in the first quarter with a lot of driving to the bucket.
Most impressive was the active hands on defense in that first quarter. Everyone was closing in on open defenders. No shots were being conceded, challenge everything! Lamar Odom did an excellent job of rebounding. He also showed the ball skills to rebound and start the break which can be a big advantage if we are to become the running team that I think we are trying to become.
In the 2nd quarter, I noticed that we started pretty slow. Luckily, thanks to Denver's horrific shooting we didn't lose the lead or momentum we had built in the first quarter. In fact, the lead grew thanks in large part to a couple of three's from Chucky Atkins.
We seemed to suffer another lull after halftime as we were trying too hard to feed Chris Mihm. Passes were stolen and there were far too many turnovers. By the time the offense got back on track in the mid 3rd, the defense had begun to lull (lull is the word of the day....yeeeeaaaaaah said in Crank Yankers fashion). The fourth quarter was much of the same, though Denver did make it a little interesting toward the end by getting within seven. All in all, an excellent effort all around. Offensive production was spread out pretty well and to think that the best effort from the 'Summer of Dissolve' came from the 'supposed' weakest acquisition Chris Mihm is somehow gratifying.
The first quarter really set the tone and threw Denver for a loop. I think they were expecting Kobe to come out with guns a'blazin' but instead it was Chris Mihm who was lighting it up. Mihm should excellent post up abilities against smaller players and nice finishes throughout the first quarter with a couple of dunks to boot.
Caron Butler came out pretty agressive as well in the first quarter with a lot of driving to the bucket.
Most impressive was the active hands on defense in that first quarter. Everyone was closing in on open defenders. No shots were being conceded, challenge everything! Lamar Odom did an excellent job of rebounding. He also showed the ball skills to rebound and start the break which can be a big advantage if we are to become the running team that I think we are trying to become.
In the 2nd quarter, I noticed that we started pretty slow. Luckily, thanks to Denver's horrific shooting we didn't lose the lead or momentum we had built in the first quarter. In fact, the lead grew thanks in large part to a couple of three's from Chucky Atkins.
We seemed to suffer another lull after halftime as we were trying too hard to feed Chris Mihm. Passes were stolen and there were far too many turnovers. By the time the offense got back on track in the mid 3rd, the defense had begun to lull (lull is the word of the day....yeeeeaaaaaah said in Crank Yankers fashion). The fourth quarter was much of the same, though Denver did make it a little interesting toward the end by getting within seven. All in all, an excellent effort all around. Offensive production was spread out pretty well and to think that the best effort from the 'Summer of Dissolve' came from the 'supposed' weakest acquisition Chris Mihm is somehow gratifying.
Tuesday, November 02, 2004
CBS.SportsLine.com - NBA Heat won't know if Shaq can play opener until game time
CBS.SportsLine.com - NBA Heat won't know if Shaq can play opener until game time
Normally, this blog will not contain information that doesn't directly affect the Lakers. HOWEVER, after all the talk about Shaquille O'Neal being in shape etc etc and so on, turns out he is STILL questionable at the beginning of the NBA season....surprise there?!?!
Normally, this blog will not contain information that doesn't directly affect the Lakers. HOWEVER, after all the talk about Shaquille O'Neal being in shape etc etc and so on, turns out he is STILL questionable at the beginning of the NBA season....surprise there?!?!
Season Opener - Tonite
Life without the Big Fundamentaless starts tonite. No more slowing down the game so Shaquille O'Neal can clog the middle. No more having the biggest guy on the court not being the leading rebounder. No more defense when he feels like it....
It is a new era. The offense goes through Kobe and I don't mind that. This Lakers team is deeper than last year's team and there is no power struggle. And despite the offense flowing through Kobe, this will be a team oriented Lakers squad.
Basketball is about roles and despite what your traditional pundits like to think, one of those roles is scorer. Kobe is the primary scorer. The fact that along with scoring he brings defense as well as passing is just KY on the virgin! As long as the other players play to their roles and potential, there's no reason this team can't win the Pacific...again.
I know, a lot of folks have us in the lower half of the Playoff seeding and the haters have us missing the playoffs altogether. But let's think about this, Sacramento is the prohibitive favorite to win the division. They are no longer as deep as they once were. Couple that with Peja's desire to be traded and Chris Webber's inability to take it to the next level (and he wouldn't have taken it to the next level regardless of his injury last year, it's just not in him) and Sacramento is not so formidable. Golden State and Portland will definitely be better but there's no way you can say either of those teams are going to beat out both the Lakers and the Kings (at least not until you start playing some games). And the Clips...well let's not taint this blog with the Clips.
Keys to tonite's game. Match Denver's intensity. Denver is a hungry team, playoffs last year after season after season of depressing futility means they want it even more. Kobe does need to get everyone else involved, particularly Odom who has struggled somewhat shooting in the preseason. I also think Caron Butler plays a big part in this game as a tempo changer off the bench.
ESPN NBA 2K5 simulation: Nuggets 98 - Lakers 87. I knew I should have gotten NBA Live 2005.....
It is a new era. The offense goes through Kobe and I don't mind that. This Lakers team is deeper than last year's team and there is no power struggle. And despite the offense flowing through Kobe, this will be a team oriented Lakers squad.
Basketball is about roles and despite what your traditional pundits like to think, one of those roles is scorer. Kobe is the primary scorer. The fact that along with scoring he brings defense as well as passing is just KY on the virgin! As long as the other players play to their roles and potential, there's no reason this team can't win the Pacific...again.
I know, a lot of folks have us in the lower half of the Playoff seeding and the haters have us missing the playoffs altogether. But let's think about this, Sacramento is the prohibitive favorite to win the division. They are no longer as deep as they once were. Couple that with Peja's desire to be traded and Chris Webber's inability to take it to the next level (and he wouldn't have taken it to the next level regardless of his injury last year, it's just not in him) and Sacramento is not so formidable. Golden State and Portland will definitely be better but there's no way you can say either of those teams are going to beat out both the Lakers and the Kings (at least not until you start playing some games). And the Clips...well let's not taint this blog with the Clips.
Keys to tonite's game. Match Denver's intensity. Denver is a hungry team, playoffs last year after season after season of depressing futility means they want it even more. Kobe does need to get everyone else involved, particularly Odom who has struggled somewhat shooting in the preseason. I also think Caron Butler plays a big part in this game as a tempo changer off the bench.
ESPN NBA 2K5 simulation: Nuggets 98 - Lakers 87. I knew I should have gotten NBA Live 2005.....
Butler stays, Rush to test free agency
L.A. Daily News - More Sports Headlines
Kareem Rush will be given the opportunity to test the free agent market and see what life in the NBA is like not backing up Kobe Bryant. I understand his desire to see what he is worth but I feel he may be following the footsteps of Tyrone Lue. Remember that name, he had a couple good games during our championship years a few back and thought he should start. So he left and joined the Wizards....and well that's the last we've heard of him.
Caron Butler will remain through 05-06 and get to build some new chemistry with his new team. I like this kid thoguh I haven't seen a lot of him. He's been a little injury prone which is something I hope can be avoided this year. We'll see how this pans out....
Kareem Rush will be given the opportunity to test the free agent market and see what life in the NBA is like not backing up Kobe Bryant. I understand his desire to see what he is worth but I feel he may be following the footsteps of Tyrone Lue. Remember that name, he had a couple good games during our championship years a few back and thought he should start. So he left and joined the Wizards....and well that's the last we've heard of him.
Caron Butler will remain through 05-06 and get to build some new chemistry with his new team. I like this kid thoguh I haven't seen a lot of him. He's been a little injury prone which is something I hope can be avoided this year. We'll see how this pans out....
