Monday, February 27, 2006
Playoffs dimming
It's still pretty early to tell, but if the Lakers continue giving up games like last night's Celtics fiasco and last week's Hawks debacle, the playoff lighthouse that has been guiding the hopes of Lakers fans everywhere will slowly extinguish.
Think about it, if we beat these two teams that we are supposed to beat, as of today we would be in a tie for the 7th seed (at 30 - 26) in the west instead of struggling to grasp the eigth seed (at 28-28).
I don't know what Phil has been telling these guys at halftime but it hasn't worked for two straight games. Both of the losses in our current streak are directly related to scoring explosions midway through the third quarter. The sad part about last night was they were running the same play over and over like a cheesy Madden player who just throws deep every play knowing odds are the computer will give him a catch eventually. Celtics plan for success last night...penetrate and dish to the perimeter player, one in each corner. The perimeter guy who didn't get the ball comes from the weak side to clean up the boards so that even if we did get a stop, we didn't get a rebound....
Think about it, if we beat these two teams that we are supposed to beat, as of today we would be in a tie for the 7th seed (at 30 - 26) in the west instead of struggling to grasp the eigth seed (at 28-28).
I don't know what Phil has been telling these guys at halftime but it hasn't worked for two straight games. Both of the losses in our current streak are directly related to scoring explosions midway through the third quarter. The sad part about last night was they were running the same play over and over like a cheesy Madden player who just throws deep every play knowing odds are the computer will give him a catch eventually. Celtics plan for success last night...penetrate and dish to the perimeter player, one in each corner. The perimeter guy who didn't get the ball comes from the weak side to clean up the boards so that even if we did get a stop, we didn't get a rebound....
Thursday, February 23, 2006
Surprise, Looks like no moves
Perhaps this is a bit pre-mature...if you call 11 minutes premature, but it looks like the Lakers are standing pat. Despite the plethora of rumors floating around, it appears our last 30 games are going to be played by the squad we currently have.
I'm only slightly disappointed in that I just knew there was some way we could move Lamar Odom. I know he had a great game against the Blazers but unless he starts to do that on a consistent basis, I think he's hurting the team.
I'm only slightly disappointed in that I just knew there was some way we could move Lamar Odom. I know he had a great game against the Blazers but unless he starts to do that on a consistent basis, I think he's hurting the team.
Wednesday, February 22, 2006
Youthful Exuberance
It's gotten to the point where I don't care if Ronny Turiaf even gets another NBA minute. If we can keep him on the bench showing excitement for every play of the game as he has done, that can only benefit the Lakers who sometimes seem to lack energy. This man cheers every bucket, and not the normal 'I'm on the bench hand clap'. No, he's standing up, leaning this way and that as if his movements affect the very outcome of every shot. He's our biggest fan, first on the court during a timeout, first out of his seat at any opportunity. It's nice to see an NBA'er enjoying their career, not griping about playing time, or money, or any of the other gripes common to the game.
Odom Oddity
Isn't funny how well a player can play when his name becomes part of trade rumors? Lamar Odom showed up last night against the woeful Trailblazers giving us the kind of scoring effort we thought we were getting over a year ago. Granted he's had nights like last night before the Lakers, but last night saw a lot less of the turnover flaw that plagues his good games and highlights his bad.
Kobe had a fairly quiet 27 last night on efficient 11 of 19 shooting. The tone of the game was set at the end of the first/beginning of the second quarter when the Lakers went on an 11-2 run to go up 29 - 21. They would not relinquish that lead though they didn't finally pull away until mid fourth quarter or so.
It's nice to get a win going away considering some of the leads we have given up, including last Thursday's debacle to the Hawks.
Kobe had a fairly quiet 27 last night on efficient 11 of 19 shooting. The tone of the game was set at the end of the first/beginning of the second quarter when the Lakers went on an 11-2 run to go up 29 - 21. They would not relinquish that lead though they didn't finally pull away until mid fourth quarter or so.
It's nice to get a win going away considering some of the leads we have given up, including last Thursday's debacle to the Hawks.
Monday, February 20, 2006
Don't like it, not one bit
Orlando Magic, National Basketball Association - CBS SportsLine.com
Seriously, Steve's game isn't conducive to the triangle nor is it conducive to Kobe's game. I think we need a legitimate big man, a Kevin Garnett type player in the middle.
The Lakers are "aggressively" pursuing a trade that would send forward Lamar Odom to the Magic for Francis in a multiplayer deal, NBA sources told the Orlando Sentinel on Friday.
Seriously, Steve's game isn't conducive to the triangle nor is it conducive to Kobe's game. I think we need a legitimate big man, a Kevin Garnett type player in the middle.
Friday, February 17, 2006
81 things to know about Kobe | Chron.com - Houston Chronicle
81 things to know about Kobe | Chron.com - Houston Chronicle: 81 things to know about Kobe
In honor of his scoring outburst last month and the Lakers' visit to Toyota Center tonight, we present:
COMPILED BY STEVE SCHAEFFER
FORMATIVE YEARS
1. Birthday: Aug. 23, 1978
2. Birthplace: Philadelphia
3. Named after a steak his parents saw on a menu
4. Middle name: Bean
5. Parents: Joe, who played eight NBA seasons, and Pam
6. Two older sisters: Sharia and Shaya
7. Spent eight years in Italy, where father finished playing career
8. Played soccer in addition to basketball
HIGH SCHOOL HERO
9. Attended Lower Merion High in Ardmore, Pa.
10. Wore No. 33
11. Top scorer in Southeastern Pennsylvania prep history with 2,883 points
12. Single-game best: 50 points
13. Got early taste of NBA by working out with 76ers
14. McDonald's All-American
15. Parade's National Player of the Year as a senior
16. Took R&B singer Brandy to his senior prom
17. Became 27th player to jump from high school to NBA
ENTER THE YOUNG GUN
18. Drafted 13th by Hornets in 1996
19. Traded by Charlotte to Lakers for Vlade Divac on July 11, 1996
20. Chose No. 8 in NBA because number at adidas ABCD camp was 143 (1+4+3)
21. Youngest player to start an NBA game at 18 years, 5 months, 5 days
22. Second-team All-Rookie selection in 1996-97
23. Won 1997 Slam Dunk title during All-Star Weekend
24. At 19, was youngest All-Star in NBA history in 1998
SIGNS OF GREATNESS
25. MVP of 2002 All-Star Game in Philadelphia (31 points, five rebounds, five assists)
26. In 2003, became third player to post nine straight 40-point games
27. Set NBA mark with 12 3-pointers vs. Sonics on Jan. 7, 2003
28. Tied NBA record with eight 3s in half vs. Wizards on March 28, 2003
29. Has 21 game-winning shots in career
30. Has 14 career triple doubles
31. Three-time pick on All-NBA first team
32. Three-time pick on NBA's All-Defensive first team
ROUGH ON THE ROCKETS
33. Averaging 24 points in 29 games vs. Houston
34. Scored 27, all in 12:47 span during third and fourth quarters, on Dec. 12, 1997
35. Scored 52 in career-high 54 minutes on Feb. 18, 2003
SCORING MACHINE
36. Scored career playoff-high 48 at Sacramento on May 13, 2001
37. Averaged 33.3 points in four-game sweep of Spurs in 2001 Western Conference finals
38. Scored 56 vs. Grizzlies on Jan. 14, 2002, his career high before this season
39. Averaged career-best 30.0 points in 2002-03
40. Scored 42 (of 55) in one half on March 28, 2003, vs. Wizards
41. Among NBA's top six in scoring average in each of previous five seasons
42. Is 17th all-time with 23.3 points per NBA game
43. Has scored 22.6 points per game in playoffs
44. Is 23rd all-time with 2,694 playoff points
45. Fourth all-time with average of 20.1 points in All-Star Games
MORE TO HIM THAN POINTS
46. Career high in assists: 15
47. Career high in rebounds: 15
48. Career high in steals: six
49. Career high in blocks: five
LAKERS LANDMARKS
50. Part of three straight NBA title teams from 2000-02
51. Made team-record 43 straight free throws in March 2005
52. Sank team-record 23 free throws on Jan. 30, 2001, at Cleveland
53. Led team in scoring in each of last three seasons
54. Led team in assists in five of last six seasons
55. Led team in steals in five of last six seasons
56. Second in club history with 709 3-pointers
57. Sixth in club history with 15,641 points
58. Sixth in club history with 977 steals
59. Seventh in club history with 2,981 assists
60. Ninth in club history with 420 blocks
LIFE OFF THE COURT
61. Wife: Vanessa
62. Estimated value of wife's wedding ring: $100,000
63. Daughter: Natalia, who turned 3 last month
64. Expecting another daughter in May
65. Resides in Newport Beach, Calif.
66. Guest-rapped on Brian McKnight's Hold Me remix
67. Favorite movie: Star Wars
THIS SEASON TO DATE
68. In second year of seven-year deal topping $136 million
69. Elected Western Conference starter for eighth straight All-Star Game
70. Leads NBA with 35.7 points per game
71. Became youngest player in NBA history with 15,000 points
72. Has reached 40 points 14 times
73. Became third player to score 45 in four straight games
74. Became second player to average 40 points in a month twice (40.6 in February 2003 and 43.4 in January)
75. Scored 62 before sitting out fourth quarter at Dallas on Dec. 20, briefly a career high
76. Scored Lakers-record 30 in quarter at Dallas on Dec. 20
77. Tied NBA record by making 14 free throws in quarter at Dallas on Dec. 20
78. Scored 50 vs. Clippers on Jan. 7
79. Scored 51 at Sacramento on Jan. 19
80. Scored 55 in second half vs. Raptors on Jan. 22
81. Total of 81 points vs. Raptors on Jan. 22 second-highest in NBA history
In honor of his scoring outburst last month and the Lakers' visit to Toyota Center tonight, we present:
COMPILED BY STEVE SCHAEFFER
FORMATIVE YEARS
1. Birthday: Aug. 23, 1978
2. Birthplace: Philadelphia
3. Named after a steak his parents saw on a menu
4. Middle name: Bean
5. Parents: Joe, who played eight NBA seasons, and Pam
6. Two older sisters: Sharia and Shaya
7. Spent eight years in Italy, where father finished playing career
8. Played soccer in addition to basketball
HIGH SCHOOL HERO
9. Attended Lower Merion High in Ardmore, Pa.
10. Wore No. 33
11. Top scorer in Southeastern Pennsylvania prep history with 2,883 points
12. Single-game best: 50 points
13. Got early taste of NBA by working out with 76ers
14. McDonald's All-American
15. Parade's National Player of the Year as a senior
16. Took R&B singer Brandy to his senior prom
17. Became 27th player to jump from high school to NBA
ENTER THE YOUNG GUN
18. Drafted 13th by Hornets in 1996
19. Traded by Charlotte to Lakers for Vlade Divac on July 11, 1996
20. Chose No. 8 in NBA because number at adidas ABCD camp was 143 (1+4+3)
21. Youngest player to start an NBA game at 18 years, 5 months, 5 days
22. Second-team All-Rookie selection in 1996-97
23. Won 1997 Slam Dunk title during All-Star Weekend
24. At 19, was youngest All-Star in NBA history in 1998
SIGNS OF GREATNESS
25. MVP of 2002 All-Star Game in Philadelphia (31 points, five rebounds, five assists)
26. In 2003, became third player to post nine straight 40-point games
27. Set NBA mark with 12 3-pointers vs. Sonics on Jan. 7, 2003
28. Tied NBA record with eight 3s in half vs. Wizards on March 28, 2003
29. Has 21 game-winning shots in career
30. Has 14 career triple doubles
31. Three-time pick on All-NBA first team
32. Three-time pick on NBA's All-Defensive first team
ROUGH ON THE ROCKETS
33. Averaging 24 points in 29 games vs. Houston
34. Scored 27, all in 12:47 span during third and fourth quarters, on Dec. 12, 1997
35. Scored 52 in career-high 54 minutes on Feb. 18, 2003
SCORING MACHINE
36. Scored career playoff-high 48 at Sacramento on May 13, 2001
37. Averaged 33.3 points in four-game sweep of Spurs in 2001 Western Conference finals
38. Scored 56 vs. Grizzlies on Jan. 14, 2002, his career high before this season
39. Averaged career-best 30.0 points in 2002-03
40. Scored 42 (of 55) in one half on March 28, 2003, vs. Wizards
41. Among NBA's top six in scoring average in each of previous five seasons
42. Is 17th all-time with 23.3 points per NBA game
43. Has scored 22.6 points per game in playoffs
44. Is 23rd all-time with 2,694 playoff points
45. Fourth all-time with average of 20.1 points in All-Star Games
MORE TO HIM THAN POINTS
46. Career high in assists: 15
47. Career high in rebounds: 15
48. Career high in steals: six
49. Career high in blocks: five
LAKERS LANDMARKS
50. Part of three straight NBA title teams from 2000-02
51. Made team-record 43 straight free throws in March 2005
52. Sank team-record 23 free throws on Jan. 30, 2001, at Cleveland
53. Led team in scoring in each of last three seasons
54. Led team in assists in five of last six seasons
55. Led team in steals in five of last six seasons
56. Second in club history with 709 3-pointers
57. Sixth in club history with 15,641 points
58. Sixth in club history with 977 steals
59. Seventh in club history with 2,981 assists
60. Ninth in club history with 420 blocks
LIFE OFF THE COURT
61. Wife: Vanessa
62. Estimated value of wife's wedding ring: $100,000
63. Daughter: Natalia, who turned 3 last month
64. Expecting another daughter in May
65. Resides in Newport Beach, Calif.
66. Guest-rapped on Brian McKnight's Hold Me remix
67. Favorite movie: Star Wars
THIS SEASON TO DATE
68. In second year of seven-year deal topping $136 million
69. Elected Western Conference starter for eighth straight All-Star Game
70. Leads NBA with 35.7 points per game
71. Became youngest player in NBA history with 15,000 points
72. Has reached 40 points 14 times
73. Became third player to score 45 in four straight games
74. Became second player to average 40 points in a month twice (40.6 in February 2003 and 43.4 in January)
75. Scored 62 before sitting out fourth quarter at Dallas on Dec. 20, briefly a career high
76. Scored Lakers-record 30 in quarter at Dallas on Dec. 20
77. Tied NBA record by making 14 free throws in quarter at Dallas on Dec. 20
78. Scored 50 vs. Clippers on Jan. 7
79. Scored 51 at Sacramento on Jan. 19
80. Scored 55 in second half vs. Raptors on Jan. 22
81. Total of 81 points vs. Raptors on Jan. 22 second-highest in NBA history
More Media Inaccuracies
USATODAY.com - Like it or not, Kobe Bryant shines
So I guess last season's first meeting wasn't counted as far as Bryant making attempts to mend relationships. It's weird how the media can conveniently leave things out. The statement above once again lends credence to the 'arrogance' and self-centered statements that plague Kobe's image.
Oddly enough, watching the Hawks game the other night, my waitress started off with the 'I hate Kobe' conversation that inevitably occurs any time someone discovers you're a Lakers fan. So inquisitive as beer makes me I asked her why did she hate a guy in a sport that she watched rarely at best? Her response was 'Because he's arrogant, and selfish, and he thinks he's all that'.
My beer inquisition continued, 'What has he done outside of his adultery that makes you think he's any of the things you say he is?'
Her answer, 'He acts all whatever and then look at the stuff he started with Shaq!'
This is where my beer inquisition halted, and my innebriation lessons began. 'One, he didn't run Shaquille out of town. In fact, name one piece of proof, solid tangible proof that Kobe ran Shaquille out of town. The media created a frenzy on something unproven and should receive a large bit of the blame for it's part in destroying Kobe's reputation. THere is not a single conversation, memo, email, or voice mail that has been recovered to indicate Shaq's departure was anything more than a Jerry Buss decision. Two, outside of his adultery, his off the court actions are spotless. No DUI's, no fan altercations, no offensive statements or behaviour. IN fact, almost every time he did say something about Shaquille it was in response to something Shaq had already made public. So again I ask you, why do you hate him again?' Suddenly she had some tables to attend to.....Oddly enough silence is often what my innebriation lessons result in.
It's funny because everybody gets on players for living like babies and acting entitled. Kobe is for the most part the exact opposite of that......and still criticized. You don't see him going clubbing. Before he was married, you didn't hear stories of him running the streets. In fact, he was probably one of the quietest superstars you can think of off the court. People just need something or someone to hate....and with the media providing fuel (although it's often opinionated fuel instead of factual fuel), Kobe has become the main target.
Bryant's relationships with Jackson and O'Neal have caused most detractors to side against him and blame him for the breakup of the Lakers, which resulted in the team not making the playoffs last season. But both relationships have been mended. Bryant and O'Neal made up at the Lakers-Heat game on the Martin Luther King holiday. O'Neal made the first gesture; Bryant reciprocated.
So I guess last season's first meeting wasn't counted as far as Bryant making attempts to mend relationships. It's weird how the media can conveniently leave things out. The statement above once again lends credence to the 'arrogance' and self-centered statements that plague Kobe's image.
Oddly enough, watching the Hawks game the other night, my waitress started off with the 'I hate Kobe' conversation that inevitably occurs any time someone discovers you're a Lakers fan. So inquisitive as beer makes me I asked her why did she hate a guy in a sport that she watched rarely at best? Her response was 'Because he's arrogant, and selfish, and he thinks he's all that'.
My beer inquisition continued, 'What has he done outside of his adultery that makes you think he's any of the things you say he is?'
Her answer, 'He acts all whatever and then look at the stuff he started with Shaq!'
This is where my beer inquisition halted, and my innebriation lessons began. 'One, he didn't run Shaquille out of town. In fact, name one piece of proof, solid tangible proof that Kobe ran Shaquille out of town. The media created a frenzy on something unproven and should receive a large bit of the blame for it's part in destroying Kobe's reputation. THere is not a single conversation, memo, email, or voice mail that has been recovered to indicate Shaq's departure was anything more than a Jerry Buss decision. Two, outside of his adultery, his off the court actions are spotless. No DUI's, no fan altercations, no offensive statements or behaviour. IN fact, almost every time he did say something about Shaquille it was in response to something Shaq had already made public. So again I ask you, why do you hate him again?' Suddenly she had some tables to attend to.....Oddly enough silence is often what my innebriation lessons result in.
It's funny because everybody gets on players for living like babies and acting entitled. Kobe is for the most part the exact opposite of that......and still criticized. You don't see him going clubbing. Before he was married, you didn't hear stories of him running the streets. In fact, he was probably one of the quietest superstars you can think of off the court. People just need something or someone to hate....and with the media providing fuel (although it's often opinionated fuel instead of factual fuel), Kobe has become the main target.
Embarassing way to go on vacation
The Hawks managed to keep the streak (splitting the season series for the past 6 years) alive against the Lakers Wednesday night bouncing back from an early 15 point deficit to humble (not that they have a reason to be arrogant) the Lake Show 114-110.
The story of this game, blown opportunities. Blown layups, dunks, free throws, no points on turnovers. Oh, and the inability to get a rebound to save our lives. And oh again, the 200 three pointers (actually 11 for 32) we jacked up as if we were down by 20 at some point.
So we go into the All-Star break the same way we started the season: .500. 30 games left, 12 on the road and 18 at home. This indeed bodes well but we have got to start winning the close games. I think we have been in 25 games now that were decided by less than 6 points, and I don't think we're above .500 (haven't done the stat work on this) in those games. Those are games that will determine our vacation plans come mid-April.
The story of this game, blown opportunities. Blown layups, dunks, free throws, no points on turnovers. Oh, and the inability to get a rebound to save our lives. And oh again, the 200 three pointers (actually 11 for 32) we jacked up as if we were down by 20 at some point.
So we go into the All-Star break the same way we started the season: .500. 30 games left, 12 on the road and 18 at home. This indeed bodes well but we have got to start winning the close games. I think we have been in 25 games now that were decided by less than 6 points, and I don't think we're above .500 (haven't done the stat work on this) in those games. Those are games that will determine our vacation plans come mid-April.
Tuesday, February 14, 2006
Utah, Turiaf and other tidbits
Last night's effort was fun to watch. Smush catching pretty dimes from Kobe and putting 'em down (take notice Lamar) with reverse authoritie. Kobe getting his six steals...in the first half. Turiaf making his second appearance of the season. Brian Cook showing more consistency. Double digits in scoring for at least four Lakers (haven't studied the box score). And though I swear every time I looked up last night Lamar was turning the ball over, Lamar was named player of the game for his near triple double effort with 17 points, 8 assists, and 9 boards (once again estimate, from what I recall before my last sip of beer).
Interesting fact: Lakers have been in a league high 24 games decided by 6 or less points.
Interesting fact: Lakers have been in a league high 24 games decided by 6 or less points.
Friday, February 10, 2006
Kobe Bryant, in his own words
FOXSports.com - NBA- Kobe Bryant, in his own words
Great read and take advantage of Dime Magazine's offer of $.81 subscriptions in honor of Kobe's 81 point game. See the offer in the article up above.
Great read and take advantage of Dime Magazine's offer of $.81 subscriptions in honor of Kobe's 81 point game. See the offer in the article up above.
Thursday, February 09, 2006
Cuban is an ass
FOXSports.com - NBA- Jackson shrugs off Cuban's comments
Mark Cuban is an ass. See, he's the reason owners should have nothing to do with the team. He's the reason the owners should be up in some executive suite, sipping a latte, trying to figure out why his team are the Indianapolis Colts of the NBA. Real good, always a threat, never a championship!
How do you figure you own Phil Jackson? I mean, I haven't been a Phil fan after some things he said that are mentioned in other parts of this blog. But, how do you as an owner, never a player, never a coach, own someone who has one championships outside of the executive's booth? In fact, with that aside, how do you own someone when your team has the best record in the conference but a 1 - 2 record against the team you would play if the playoffs started today? He's an abuse of power, Cuban is. It's funny how when players are outspoken and say ridiculous things, it's never considered 'tongue in cheek'. Their arrogant, overpaid, blah blah blah. But an owner can come out and say he 'owns' a hall of fame coach and then say 'I was just joking' and that's that. Do you think the lack of media reaction would be the same if Ron Artest came out and said 'I own Larry Bird'?
Mark Cuban is an ass. See, he's the reason owners should have nothing to do with the team. He's the reason the owners should be up in some executive suite, sipping a latte, trying to figure out why his team are the Indianapolis Colts of the NBA. Real good, always a threat, never a championship!
How do you figure you own Phil Jackson? I mean, I haven't been a Phil fan after some things he said that are mentioned in other parts of this blog. But, how do you as an owner, never a player, never a coach, own someone who has one championships outside of the executive's booth? In fact, with that aside, how do you own someone when your team has the best record in the conference but a 1 - 2 record against the team you would play if the playoffs started today? He's an abuse of power, Cuban is. It's funny how when players are outspoken and say ridiculous things, it's never considered 'tongue in cheek'. Their arrogant, overpaid, blah blah blah. But an owner can come out and say he 'owns' a hall of fame coach and then say 'I was just joking' and that's that. Do you think the lack of media reaction would be the same if Ron Artest came out and said 'I own Larry Bird'?
Saturday, February 04, 2006
NBA- Kobe Bryant ... in his own words
FOXSports.com - NBA- Kobe Bryant ... in his own words: "I HATE being scored on, even by players who some say are 'un-guardable.' I don't believe it when they say 'Oh, that player is just hot today.' F--- that! Cool his ass off then."
