Thursday, December 30, 2004
Much Needed Break
The Lakers pulled out a victory Tuesday night though the final score is quite deceiving. The Lakers finished on a 32 - 8 run on Toronto to win 117 - 99 as Kobe Bryant recorded a season high 48 points. This also marks the first 40+ point performance by Kobe in a winning effort.
The Lakers are now on a four day break where hopefully Coach Rudy T will confront the love of the 3 point shot by these Lakers. I believe they hoisted up a franchise high 36 three's against Miami. I hate to think how many games we lost because of quick 3's when we could have tried to penetrate and get the foul. I also would like to see more of Luke Walton in the game....I think he needs to play on a regular basis to be the contributor he can be. Devean George is showing signs of being able to make it back. Vlade Divac should be traded as soon as possible though I can't think of anyone who would take him off of our hands. I do like Brian Grant's energy the past couple of games....he's not the most athletic anymore but he will battle anybody. I'm torn between Caron Butler starting (too erratic) and Jumaine Jones (streaky shooter) starting. I lean toward Jones because he plays decent defense and doesn't make a whole lot of mistakes. Butler seems to make mistakes and then get down on himself a little bit to me.....
The Lakers are currently on a sub 50 win season at 46-36. We need to go on a run at some point. We had an opportunity given our current 6 game homestand but we're only 2 - 3 since December 17. Also, this is the Lakers first non winning (it's not quite a losing record either. . . except by Lakers standards) month since some time in 2003 at 6 - 6.
The Lakers are now on a four day break where hopefully Coach Rudy T will confront the love of the 3 point shot by these Lakers. I believe they hoisted up a franchise high 36 three's against Miami. I hate to think how many games we lost because of quick 3's when we could have tried to penetrate and get the foul. I also would like to see more of Luke Walton in the game....I think he needs to play on a regular basis to be the contributor he can be. Devean George is showing signs of being able to make it back. Vlade Divac should be traded as soon as possible though I can't think of anyone who would take him off of our hands. I do like Brian Grant's energy the past couple of games....he's not the most athletic anymore but he will battle anybody. I'm torn between Caron Butler starting (too erratic) and Jumaine Jones (streaky shooter) starting. I lean toward Jones because he plays decent defense and doesn't make a whole lot of mistakes. Butler seems to make mistakes and then get down on himself a little bit to me.....
The Lakers are currently on a sub 50 win season at 46-36. We need to go on a run at some point. We had an opportunity given our current 6 game homestand but we're only 2 - 3 since December 17. Also, this is the Lakers first non winning (it's not quite a losing record either. . . except by Lakers standards) month since some time in 2003 at 6 - 6.
Thursday, December 23, 2004
Christmas Day
I'm reading all these herds of sheep . . .oops sportswriters. . . reporting on the showdown between the Lakers and the Heat Saturday and quite honestly I'm disgusted.
I'm disgusted at the media's portrayal of this regular season game in december.
I'm disgusted that ESPN finds it necessary to continue to hash, and rehash, and rehash in their 5 part series the relationship between Kobe Bryant and the Big Mouthy.
I'm disgusted that the Big Mouthy can be blatantly hypocritical and the media strokes him like some foolish puppy. How does one say they aren't going to feed into the hype and then agree to an interview during half time of Monday night football?
I'm disgusted that implications of rough play go completely unnoticed when said by the big Mouthy but I guarantee you the refereeing at the Pacers - Pistons game will be tighter than a stripper's legs when talking to a non tipping patron.
I'm disgusted that Jason Whitlock is even allowed to write for ESPN Page 2. His latest piece of work remarks that Kobe's big mistake was telling his wife the truth. This he says after declaring that he is some big wig in the Big Brothers Big Sisters program of Kansas City. Is this the kind of advice a big brother should be giving???? In fact, that story may need it's own post entirely!
I'm disgusted that the media acts like Miami's success and L.A.'s troubles are some big surprise. When the trade occurred, anyone watching the NBA knew that the Lakers weren't getting fair market value. They knew we weren't going to be giving it to folks. They also knew Miami got the better side of that trade (at least until they give the Big Greedy some money, and his toes start hurting or some other body part that the average athlete plays through goes bad). Will Miami win a championship? No. They may be in the championship but they couldn't hang with the top 3 teams in the west for seven games if they wanted to.
I love the Lakers. I love the NBA. But I'm amazed at how quickly love for a player can turn to resentment, disgust, and teeter on the edge of hate. I am seriously considering burning or at least getting rid of my o'neal (the level of respect that I have for the Big Mouthy has reduced it self to lower case letters for his name) jerseys. Being a fan since '84, I have never willingly gotten rid of a jersey. His may be the first. I'm disgusted even looking at them!
I'm disgusted at the media's portrayal of this regular season game in december.
I'm disgusted that ESPN finds it necessary to continue to hash, and rehash, and rehash in their 5 part series the relationship between Kobe Bryant and the Big Mouthy.
I'm disgusted that the Big Mouthy can be blatantly hypocritical and the media strokes him like some foolish puppy. How does one say they aren't going to feed into the hype and then agree to an interview during half time of Monday night football?
I'm disgusted that implications of rough play go completely unnoticed when said by the big Mouthy but I guarantee you the refereeing at the Pacers - Pistons game will be tighter than a stripper's legs when talking to a non tipping patron.
I'm disgusted that Jason Whitlock is even allowed to write for ESPN Page 2. His latest piece of work remarks that Kobe's big mistake was telling his wife the truth. This he says after declaring that he is some big wig in the Big Brothers Big Sisters program of Kansas City. Is this the kind of advice a big brother should be giving???? In fact, that story may need it's own post entirely!
I'm disgusted that the media acts like Miami's success and L.A.'s troubles are some big surprise. When the trade occurred, anyone watching the NBA knew that the Lakers weren't getting fair market value. They knew we weren't going to be giving it to folks. They also knew Miami got the better side of that trade (at least until they give the Big Greedy some money, and his toes start hurting or some other body part that the average athlete plays through goes bad). Will Miami win a championship? No. They may be in the championship but they couldn't hang with the top 3 teams in the west for seven games if they wanted to.
I love the Lakers. I love the NBA. But I'm amazed at how quickly love for a player can turn to resentment, disgust, and teeter on the edge of hate. I am seriously considering burning or at least getting rid of my o'neal (the level of respect that I have for the Big Mouthy has reduced it self to lower case letters for his name) jerseys. Being a fan since '84, I have never willingly gotten rid of a jersey. His may be the first. I'm disgusted even looking at them!
Tuesday, December 21, 2004
Two game losing streak
Offensive rebounds and horrid shot selection were the story in last night's 82 - 72 loss to the Memphis Grizzlies, their first win in 19 tries in Los Angeles.
Loose balls were devoured by the Grizzlies as the Lakers went through a horrible 2 - 16 shooting stretch that lasted 17 minutes or so during the third and fourth quarters. Quite frankly, it was disturbing to watch.
But alas, I do take some of the blame (enter psychotic fan here). My attention was divided during the game as I spent all my fan mojo wishing bad things on the New England Patriots. Often, when I wish bad things against a team that is not playing one of my favorite teams, it seems to me that my team also loses...bad mojo I 'spose.....
Loose balls were devoured by the Grizzlies as the Lakers went through a horrible 2 - 16 shooting stretch that lasted 17 minutes or so during the third and fourth quarters. Quite frankly, it was disturbing to watch.
But alas, I do take some of the blame (enter psychotic fan here). My attention was divided during the game as I spent all my fan mojo wishing bad things on the New England Patriots. Often, when I wish bad things against a team that is not playing one of my favorite teams, it seems to me that my team also loses...bad mojo I 'spose.....
Monday, December 20, 2004
Quick thoughts
Very pleased with the win over Sacramento last week. Disappointed with the loss to the wizards but pleased with Kobe's triple double.
Wednesday, December 15, 2004
The Kobe Attack
It seems as if everyday now, Kobe is in the news for something or other. The Ray Allen garbage, the Karl Malone garbage, and yes the Sexual Assault garbage. And not to mention the upcoming game against the Big Greedy. I admit that Kobe has said some inopportune things at some inopportune times, but this is getting ridiculous. Not only has the sports world completely turned on Kobe regardless of the circumstances in each of the above mentioned stories, they have started what equates to a freaking witch hunt.
Karl Malone - As I understand it, Kobe said some things to the effect of Karl's 'injury' being a distraction. In the same interview, he also mentioned wanting to have the 'big guy' back. Karl Malone took offense to being deemed a distraction (though I'm not quite sure Kobe even used the word distraction). Upon hearing of Malone's displeasure, Kobe restated what he meant also adding that he meant nothing negative by the statement. Then, the story leaks out that Kobe is accusing Karl Malone of hitting on Vanessa Bryant. Instantly, the media is deeming Kobe a scumbag for putting that in the airwaves. Two problems with this: 1)The media is the one reporting it. If they are so flipping offended by Kobe 'putting' personal shit out there then don't report it. Alas, they thrive on the personal shit. 2) Karl still has not denied hitting on Vanessa. In fact, he's apologized for any inappropriate comments. I ask you, if you were accused of doing something you did not do, wouldn't you deny before you apologize??? Funny how that doesn't get mentioned in the various media outlets......
Ray Allen - I'm personally a little upset that Kobe has even entertained a feud with this guy. But this article has a nice theory of why the normally quiet Allen has suddenly so much to say. What I find odd in this, is that Kobe is still presented as the bad guy in this. Never mind it was Ray's mouth that started all of this.
The Big Greedy - As far as Shaquille O'Neal is concerned, there is an excellent book called Madmen's Ball
that details the soap opera between Kobe and Shaquille O' Neal. Not only does it shed quite a bit of light on the fued, but it does so in a non-judgmental 'It's all Kobe's fault' manner. The book is written by Mark Heisler and actually serves as a history of the various tumultous relationships endured by the Lakers franchise.
Now having said all of that, Kobe please stop talking to the media about anything other than the last game you played. Let everything die down a little bit before you start working on your image again. Right now is an anti-superstar athlete era and there is nothing you can say to change that. Just let it go....
Karl Malone - As I understand it, Kobe said some things to the effect of Karl's 'injury' being a distraction. In the same interview, he also mentioned wanting to have the 'big guy' back. Karl Malone took offense to being deemed a distraction (though I'm not quite sure Kobe even used the word distraction). Upon hearing of Malone's displeasure, Kobe restated what he meant also adding that he meant nothing negative by the statement. Then, the story leaks out that Kobe is accusing Karl Malone of hitting on Vanessa Bryant. Instantly, the media is deeming Kobe a scumbag for putting that in the airwaves. Two problems with this: 1)The media is the one reporting it. If they are so flipping offended by Kobe 'putting' personal shit out there then don't report it. Alas, they thrive on the personal shit. 2) Karl still has not denied hitting on Vanessa. In fact, he's apologized for any inappropriate comments. I ask you, if you were accused of doing something you did not do, wouldn't you deny before you apologize??? Funny how that doesn't get mentioned in the various media outlets......
Ray Allen - I'm personally a little upset that Kobe has even entertained a feud with this guy. But this article has a nice theory of why the normally quiet Allen has suddenly so much to say. What I find odd in this, is that Kobe is still presented as the bad guy in this. Never mind it was Ray's mouth that started all of this.
The Big Greedy - As far as Shaquille O'Neal is concerned, there is an excellent book called Madmen's Ball
Now having said all of that, Kobe please stop talking to the media about anything other than the last game you played. Let everything die down a little bit before you start working on your image again. Right now is an anti-superstar athlete era and there is nothing you can say to change that. Just let it go....
Thursday, December 02, 2004
Lamar Odom
Is it me or has he shot more unsuccessful threes than anyone else on the team? He needs to work on his interior moves and get away from the three point line. Let Atkins, Butler, Cook, Walton, Bryant, and Rush handle the three point duties.....
Wednesday, December 01, 2004
Tonite: ChiTown
This is easily our best chance at sweeping a back to back as we're going to get. Win tonite and we have our longest win streak of the season at 3 and we are 4 games over .500 mark.
Bryan Cook is playing phenomenal ball and not just because of his 25 point effort last night. His 3pt range has been an unexpected pick me up this season along with a more reliable mid-range. And with his quick release, he has become a force off the bench.
Chucky Atkins has also been a gem from the three point line which is good since the Lakers are notorious for shooting them this season (it seems, haven't reviewed the stats). If we could get fewer turnovers and some more consistency from Kobe's FG%, and Lamar and Caron's points, we could definitely surprise some of the better teams in the league. It's as if we play to the level of our competition. We need to play to our highest level at all times.....
Bryan Cook is playing phenomenal ball and not just because of his 25 point effort last night. His 3pt range has been an unexpected pick me up this season along with a more reliable mid-range. And with his quick release, he has become a force off the bench.
Chucky Atkins has also been a gem from the three point line which is good since the Lakers are notorious for shooting them this season (it seems, haven't reviewed the stats). If we could get fewer turnovers and some more consistency from Kobe's FG%, and Lamar and Caron's points, we could definitely surprise some of the better teams in the league. It's as if we play to the level of our competition. We need to play to our highest level at all times.....
Phil Jackson
In this article , the below is mentioned
Question: If you make a statement, back it up with something. You don't see them being able to up-tempo because. . . . ? Because it's not your coaching philosophy so it can't possibly work, is that it?
Question2: Is there a reason his comments are being reported...he hasn't watched a quarter of a Lakers game yet we print his statements regarding the Lakers.
Question3: Does anyone find it odd that this man only manages to get in coaching situations where there is a title contender? If he wanted some 'earned' respect, go coach Memphis!
In a tangent, I purchased the hypocrite's book recently as well as a book called Madmen's Ball, a history of the tumultous teams in Lakers history. Give me some time to read it and I'll let you know whether it's worth your hard earned cash....
Zen watching: Former coach Phil Jackson told the Chicago Tribune that he hasn't watched a quarter of the Lakers' season. That didn't stop Jackson from offering an opinion about his former team.
"They want to run and gun and up-tempo their game, but I don't see it happening," Jackson said. "They're going to end up being pretty much a half-court team. But with Kobe there, they have a chance to be in games."
Question: If you make a statement, back it up with something. You don't see them being able to up-tempo because. . . . ? Because it's not your coaching philosophy so it can't possibly work, is that it?
Question2: Is there a reason his comments are being reported...he hasn't watched a quarter of a Lakers game yet we print his statements regarding the Lakers.
Question3: Does anyone find it odd that this man only manages to get in coaching situations where there is a title contender? If he wanted some 'earned' respect, go coach Memphis!
In a tangent, I purchased the hypocrite's book recently as well as a book called Madmen's Ball, a history of the tumultous teams in Lakers history. Give me some time to read it and I'll let you know whether it's worth your hard earned cash....
