Saturday, May 27, 2006
Lazy Laker Surfing Today
So as I am lazily surfing the 'net I come across this:
created by kodeko81
Hell, I wish I could have played this before my Laker Playoff cookout party, it's a bit inspiring.
created by kodeko81
Hell, I wish I could have played this before my Laker Playoff cookout party, it's a bit inspiring.
Wednesday, May 24, 2006
Sam Cassell in Purple and Gold??
Riverside Press Enterprise (registration required): "Cassell made $6.187 million this year and has said he's seeking at least a two-year deal that will garner him the same amount. Cassell has said the Lakers, who could use another point guard, are one team that has shown interest."
This is interesting to say the least. Sam Cassell has been considered the reason for the Clips getting over that hump, that lovely playoff hump. Could he go down the hallway and be the difference maker in LakerLand? Does he want to? Could anything make for a better rivalry if he did?
This is interesting to say the least. Sam Cassell has been considered the reason for the Clips getting over that hump, that lovely playoff hump. Could he go down the hallway and be the difference maker in LakerLand? Does he want to? Could anything make for a better rivalry if he did?
Tuesday, May 23, 2006
Flopping Essay
Excellent essay on the less than ethical flopping style of defense that plagues the NBA.
I'd have to say I'm a firm believer in the Olajuwon-Cowens school of thought when it comes to playing defense.
There are two schools of thought on flopping. The Bradley school –which I would brand ethically challenged – sees such tactics as legitimate and integral to the so-called “game within the game.” There’s the game you play against the opposing team and a simultaneous cat-and-mouse contest with the refs. Painting misleading or even
grotesquely false pictures for the refs to get the whistles to go your way is the heart of this second game.
The Olajuwon-Cowens school – to which I proudly belong – sees basketball as a single game. It doesn’t see a “game within the game,” though it does see some bad apples who cheat. This school is baffled by and disgusted with an NBA hierarchy whose long silence on flopping implicitly condones and encourages cheating.
I'd have to say I'm a firm believer in the Olajuwon-Cowens school of thought when it comes to playing defense.
Monday, May 22, 2006
The Media
The media has long created biased opinions that influence multitudes of folks. The latest example of the media flexing it's "journalistic" muscle occurred yesterday.
Lebron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers, as they have been referred to the last few years, exited the playoffs yesterday evening. After a 21 point first half, James was held to 6 points in the second half of a game seven. The media's spin on this is the Cavs need a better supporting cast.
Kobe Bryant and the Los Angeles Lakers, as they have been referred to the last couple of years, exited the playoffs two weeks ago. After a 23 point first half, Bryant scored a single point in the second half. The media's spin on this is that Kobe quit.
There is no need to mention the anti-Kobe wave that has struck number eight for the past 2 1/2 to 3 years. Nor is it necessary to spit on the love Lebron receives. But one must ask, how can comparable results be so disparately received?
Lebron lovers will say that Lebron was making the effort because he continued to shoot the ball in the second half. Watching that game, I think a lot of those shots were forced. Kobe didn't shoot as much but he also didn't create as well as he could of which is about the only difference between their two efforts. But to say Kobe quit when the gameplan hadn't changed since Game 1 of the series seems more emotional than factual. At the same time, wasn't it just a few days ago we were praising Lebron for his ability to get his teammates involved, meanwhile he's throwing up shots that have no chance of seeing the twine. (I know I'm exaggerating slightly but if paid media folk can lie, surely I can exaggerate).
Lastly, Lebron walked off without the hand shaking routines attributed to good sportsmanship. Kobe did the same thing. But when Kobe does it, suddenly there are reports that he told his teammates to do the same thing. Now this information is what 'reportedly' happened, no confirmation, no eyewitness, no one saying they actually heard Kobe tell his teammates these things. Much like Kobe reportedly broke up the Lakers a couple of years back (no voicemails, memos, conversations, nothing to support that other than media conjecture). Now why hasn't the media made anything of Lebron's sportsmanship?
Lebron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers, as they have been referred to the last few years, exited the playoffs yesterday evening. After a 21 point first half, James was held to 6 points in the second half of a game seven. The media's spin on this is the Cavs need a better supporting cast.
Kobe Bryant and the Los Angeles Lakers, as they have been referred to the last couple of years, exited the playoffs two weeks ago. After a 23 point first half, Bryant scored a single point in the second half. The media's spin on this is that Kobe quit.
There is no need to mention the anti-Kobe wave that has struck number eight for the past 2 1/2 to 3 years. Nor is it necessary to spit on the love Lebron receives. But one must ask, how can comparable results be so disparately received?
Lebron lovers will say that Lebron was making the effort because he continued to shoot the ball in the second half. Watching that game, I think a lot of those shots were forced. Kobe didn't shoot as much but he also didn't create as well as he could of which is about the only difference between their two efforts. But to say Kobe quit when the gameplan hadn't changed since Game 1 of the series seems more emotional than factual. At the same time, wasn't it just a few days ago we were praising Lebron for his ability to get his teammates involved, meanwhile he's throwing up shots that have no chance of seeing the twine. (I know I'm exaggerating slightly but if paid media folk can lie, surely I can exaggerate).
Lastly, Lebron walked off without the hand shaking routines attributed to good sportsmanship. Kobe did the same thing. But when Kobe does it, suddenly there are reports that he told his teammates to do the same thing. Now this information is what 'reportedly' happened, no confirmation, no eyewitness, no one saying they actually heard Kobe tell his teammates these things. Much like Kobe reportedly broke up the Lakers a couple of years back (no voicemails, memos, conversations, nothing to support that other than media conjecture). Now why hasn't the media made anything of Lebron's sportsmanship?
Friday, May 12, 2006
Pardon the redesign
Monday, May 08, 2006
After Thought
For all the talk of a choke, for all the disappointment that Lakers fans must feel, for all the media folks who were on our bandwagon when we were up 3 to 1 and now act as if they expected the come back, I am proud of my Los Angeles Lakers.
They told us we weren't going to be in the playoffs. And even if we did sneak in it would be as an eighth seed. We got in as a seventh and were far from sneaking in missing the sixth seed by just a few games. Not only did we make the playoffs, we took the second seeded team to seven games. And quite possibly could have swept them had a call or two been made at the end of the first game. Not blaming the refs (which is hard for me because I feel they suck), just saying a couple different calls, different bounces and who knows.....and that can actually go both ways.
Kobe Bryant continued his journey to the Hall of Fame, averaging 35.4 points a game and taking home the scoring title. Included in this net barrage were 81 and 62 point efforts, alongside 27 (I think that's the number) 40 + point efforts. Kwame Brown, Luke Walton, and Smush Parker had better than expected seasons (excluding the last couple of playoff games). Lamar Odom showed signs of the impact player he could be when he's comfortable....I'd like to see him maintain a consistent aggression but at least we saw less of the fadeaway layups and more of the confidence.
I would say that we're on schedule right now with our rebuilding. I wonder if Lamar Odom will be used as trade bait for a Kevin Garnett now that Odom's understanding and comfort level in the offense has picked up. Also wonder who else we would have to ship with Odom to get a deal like that done. I can't imagine there's a possibility of keeping Odom and getting Garnett but can you imagine that starting lineup.....Kobe, KG at PF, Lamar at SF, Kwame or Mihm, and Smush at the point. SO much for double and tripling Kobe.....
There's also been some talk of getting help at PG....don't know how that will shake out but I hear Bobby Jackson is gonna be a free agent. Possibility????
They told us we weren't going to be in the playoffs. And even if we did sneak in it would be as an eighth seed. We got in as a seventh and were far from sneaking in missing the sixth seed by just a few games. Not only did we make the playoffs, we took the second seeded team to seven games. And quite possibly could have swept them had a call or two been made at the end of the first game. Not blaming the refs (which is hard for me because I feel they suck), just saying a couple different calls, different bounces and who knows.....and that can actually go both ways.
Kobe Bryant continued his journey to the Hall of Fame, averaging 35.4 points a game and taking home the scoring title. Included in this net barrage were 81 and 62 point efforts, alongside 27 (I think that's the number) 40 + point efforts. Kwame Brown, Luke Walton, and Smush Parker had better than expected seasons (excluding the last couple of playoff games). Lamar Odom showed signs of the impact player he could be when he's comfortable....I'd like to see him maintain a consistent aggression but at least we saw less of the fadeaway layups and more of the confidence.
I would say that we're on schedule right now with our rebuilding. I wonder if Lamar Odom will be used as trade bait for a Kevin Garnett now that Odom's understanding and comfort level in the offense has picked up. Also wonder who else we would have to ship with Odom to get a deal like that done. I can't imagine there's a possibility of keeping Odom and getting Garnett but can you imagine that starting lineup.....Kobe, KG at PF, Lamar at SF, Kwame or Mihm, and Smush at the point. SO much for double and tripling Kobe.....
There's also been some talk of getting help at PG....don't know how that will shake out but I hear Bobby Jackson is gonna be a free agent. Possibility????
Thursday, May 04, 2006
Bitchilistic Bell Continued
His quote justifying clothesline on another player:
He's got a bruised cheek? By cheek, he means arse cheek because he's so busy flopping. And barely open his jaw on one side....er...ummm....as part of the whole human thing, nobody can open their jaw on one side you idiot. Go ahead, try and chew on one side of your mouth without the other side moving, I dare ya.....
"I have no respect for him," Bell said. "I think he's a pompous, arrogant individual."
Bell said he had been repeatedly hit in the face by Bryant during the game.
"I got a bruised cheek here and I can barely open my jaw on this side," he said, indicating the left side of his face, "and that didn't come from nowhere, and I felt like I'd had enough of that."
He's got a bruised cheek? By cheek, he means arse cheek because he's so busy flopping. And barely open his jaw on one side....er...ummm....as part of the whole human thing, nobody can open their jaw on one side you idiot. Go ahead, try and chew on one side of your mouth without the other side moving, I dare ya.....
Wednesday, May 03, 2006
My List of Folks for Whom Respect has Dwindled
Raja Bell - I never realized how bitchilistic this guy is. He's a flopper Nothing ruins the game of basketball as the so-called defenders who just throw themselves to the floor a la Vlade Divac. Get some cajones and play defense! He's dirty How can you not call someone dirty when they clothesline and proceed to throw down a player? People catch beat downs on anything other than an NBA court for that garbage.
Result of Bell's Bitchilistic Ways
Steve Nash - They really call this guy the MVP? Uh moving pick anyone? Does anyone else not see the barage of moving picks whenever Steve Nash is dribbling. If the refs were to call this obvious infraction just 50% of the time, no 'career' numbers for Nash's teammates, dimes drop considerably for the Canadian that could, and definitely no MVP talk. Defending Raja? I expect him to defend his teammate or perhaps not say anything negative. But to imply that Raja may be suspended not because the call was a Flagrant Foul II (which is usually followed with a suspension), but because it was on Kobe is childish banter. He should be ashamed of himself.
Result of Bell's Bitchilistic WaysSteve Nash - They really call this guy the MVP? Uh moving pick anyone? Does anyone else not see the barage of moving picks whenever Steve Nash is dribbling. If the refs were to call this obvious infraction just 50% of the time, no 'career' numbers for Nash's teammates, dimes drop considerably for the Canadian that could, and definitely no MVP talk. Defending Raja? I expect him to defend his teammate or perhaps not say anything negative. But to imply that Raja may be suspended not because the call was a Flagrant Foul II (which is usually followed with a suspension), but because it was on Kobe is childish banter. He should be ashamed of himself.
Tuesday, May 02, 2006
The Nail?
Tonite's game in Phoenix could end what many would have considered an improbable series had you asked them prior to the April 23 start. The seventh seeded Lakers head into Phoenix holding a 3 games to 1 lead over the second seeded Suns. Let's hope that 'one' doesn't come back to haunt us. The first game was within our reach and could have very easily gone our way with a couple of bounces here and there.
So what expectations do I have tonite? I expect a frenetic first quarter, lots of running, almost sloppy play, as the Suns try to jump on the Lakers early and keep the home crowd in it. Despite three straight losses, the last game was ridiculously close; so much so that it may have actually built confidence more than shot it.
The key will still be, no not Nash, he's done everything against and the results haven't changed, the facilitating by Kobe Bryant. This is made infinitely easier when the Lakers are up or at least down no more than six to ten points. After double digit separation, the Kobe heroics may start a bit earlier which could take others out of the game.
I really want to talk about how fun an all- Staples Center second round would be. But let's do what we have to in the first round before we go there.
So what expectations do I have tonite? I expect a frenetic first quarter, lots of running, almost sloppy play, as the Suns try to jump on the Lakers early and keep the home crowd in it. Despite three straight losses, the last game was ridiculously close; so much so that it may have actually built confidence more than shot it.
The key will still be, no not Nash, he's done everything against and the results haven't changed, the facilitating by Kobe Bryant. This is made infinitely easier when the Lakers are up or at least down no more than six to ten points. After double digit separation, the Kobe heroics may start a bit earlier which could take others out of the game.
I really want to talk about how fun an all- Staples Center second round would be. But let's do what we have to in the first round before we go there.
Monday, May 01, 2006
Phil Jackson
As I reread some of my earlier posts from a month or so I ago, I came across a certain post that was filled with the disappointment of losing yet another close game. It was a loss that I blamed almost entirely on Phil Jackson. I still do. However, I would like to retract the statement that he is a mediocre coach. That was more emotion speaking than anything.
For the record, I am not a Phil Jackson fan just because of some things he has said in the media that struck me as . .. . . . .prejudiced. However, the coaching job he has done in April and in these playoffs has been excellent.
For the record, I am not a Phil Jackson fan just because of some things he has said in the media that struck me as . .. . . . .prejudiced. However, the coaching job he has done in April and in these playoffs has been excellent.
Side Note
Anybody notice that the Lakers have scored exactly 99 points in all of our playoff victories...
The Dagger
(Photo: Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE/Getty Images)
The Suns had it working. The high side moving pick and roll was working to perfection and not being called. They were up five points with 40 ticks left on the clock. But the new and improved Lakers squad of the 2006 Playoffs weren't done yet. Smush knocks down a trey. Then pokes away a steal, followed by Devean George's excellent decision to give the ball up and get the hell outta the way, and Kobe's floater/layup/finger roll thing sends us to OT baby.
Of course, at this point I have gone through a series of emotions for the past couple of minutes. Anger, disappointment, a tinge of hope, anxiety, excitement, then pure xtacee as I, watching the game solo, proceed to chest bumping waitresses and ripping off jerseys as I flex purple and gold.
Then comes OT. 98-97. We know the inbound pass is going to the FVP (fake valuable player), Steve Nash. Luke has him tied up, refs don't blow the call, it's a jump ball. Okay, good shape Luke has to be able to out jump Nash. We get the tip and even better no passes necessary, the ball goes to Bean, Bean Bryant. Dribbles to the nearside, elevates......sssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssss (that would be the sound of air coming out of the Phoenix Suns.....
