Like I really was going to talk about anything else tonight.
That was a fun game to watch. Back and forth, runs and droughts, cursing, screaming, and praising. You've got to love playoff basketball.
So, the Lakers find themselves one win away from another Championship which is absolutely awesome... duh.
The game was sloppy at times and got a little chippy at points [about time!] but that didn't make it any less entertaining. A second OT game? Amazing. Derek Fisher with the 3 Pointer Of Absolute Redemption? Incredible. Pau looking like he wanted to throw down with a foo'? Priceless.
Oh, and don't forget that Kobe guy. The best player walkin'.
One more win. One more. The question now becomes do they get too lazy and blow it in Game Five or does the young Magic team fold house like the Nuggets did?
Showing posts with label Kobe Bryant. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Kobe Bryant. Show all posts
2009-06-11
2009-06-04
Laker Game Recap
Worked late tonight and I just finishing watching the game. I open tomorrow so I'll make this short...
Complete and total domination was awesome to see. In all of the interviews all week, you could FEEL that Kobe was... pick an adjective... focused, determined, centered, motivated, etc. And he certainly shot right out of the gate tonight to show it.
But the real good sign was the defensive intensity that our boys put out there.
If they can keep it up, things will be looking good. Game 2's are always tough though for the winner of Game 1 - especially in a game like this. It's important to not get cocky and to come out with the same level of intensity.
Sunday should be a lot of fun.
Complete and total domination was awesome to see. In all of the interviews all week, you could FEEL that Kobe was... pick an adjective... focused, determined, centered, motivated, etc. And he certainly shot right out of the gate tonight to show it.
But the real good sign was the defensive intensity that our boys put out there.
If they can keep it up, things will be looking good. Game 2's are always tough though for the winner of Game 1 - especially in a game like this. It's important to not get cocky and to come out with the same level of intensity.
Sunday should be a lot of fun.
2009-05-06
Now THAT'S More Like It
Now THAT was fun, right?
Okay, sure - it wasn't the prettiest game at times.
Okay, sure - we may have a slight problem if Fish gets suspended.
Okay, sure - we may have a MAJOR problem if Kobe gets suspended for the elbow.
But damn, that was fun.
One of my favorite fouls EVER...
I couldn't find any footage of Artest losing his mind but I'm sure it'll be up soon enough. And I will continue to swear he made a Arn Anderson-ish throat slashing gesture in Kobe's direction.
Okay, sure - it wasn't the prettiest game at times.
Okay, sure - we may have a slight problem if Fish gets suspended.
Okay, sure - we may have a MAJOR problem if Kobe gets suspended for the elbow.
But damn, that was fun.
One of my favorite fouls EVER...
I couldn't find any footage of Artest losing his mind but I'm sure it'll be up soon enough. And I will continue to swear he made a Arn Anderson-ish throat slashing gesture in Kobe's direction.
2009-05-04
Lakers Lose, Dodgers Win
I don't know 'bout y'all but I don't think I'm alone in being shocked that the Dodgers would be the ones making big headlines in LA Sports in May while the Lakers are simply limping towards the finish line.
Now, as we all know, "it's still early" so there's plenty of time for both of those situations to change but right now, this is how it looks...
The Lakers aren't sharp. They didn't look sharp against Utah when they were coughing up lead after lead after lead. They won the series but didn't impress anyone while they did it. In fact, the talk of basketball since then was just about anything but the Lakers. Not exactly a ringing endorsement for the co-favorite for the NBA Title. Of course, there was still some drama to be had today with the announcement that Kobe has the flu [my mother thinks he might have swine flu... now THAT'S drama.] That'll certainly be one of the excuses used tonight after they coughed up the home court edge they "worked" all season for. But the fact is, I saw the same team I saw against Utah. Flashes of brilliance mired in lots of... eh. I still expect they'll manage to beat the Rockets but when they run into the Nuggets? The Celtics? The Magic? The Cavs?
Well, that may be another story.
And speaking of another story, down the road at Chavez Ravine, the Dodgers were putting the finishing touches on another impressive victory. Yes, so far it's only been at home but a record-setting 11-0 to start the season at home still has to impress even if they're only playing .500 on the road. Yes, the pitching is still leaving a little to be desired and the bullpen is likely going to be "nervous time" instead of "game over" for most of the year.
But the offense...
Dear, dear me... the offense.
I have NEVER seen a Dodger team have an offense like this. This is an AL-style offense. Pure offensive production that is just... well, too much fun to watch.
No winning streak lasts forever and this one is no different. It'll end soon enough and that'll be the real test for this team.
But until then, I hope the Dodgers enjoy their moment in the sun of LA sports.
Now, as we all know, "it's still early" so there's plenty of time for both of those situations to change but right now, this is how it looks...
The Lakers aren't sharp. They didn't look sharp against Utah when they were coughing up lead after lead after lead. They won the series but didn't impress anyone while they did it. In fact, the talk of basketball since then was just about anything but the Lakers. Not exactly a ringing endorsement for the co-favorite for the NBA Title. Of course, there was still some drama to be had today with the announcement that Kobe has the flu [my mother thinks he might have swine flu... now THAT'S drama.] That'll certainly be one of the excuses used tonight after they coughed up the home court edge they "worked" all season for. But the fact is, I saw the same team I saw against Utah. Flashes of brilliance mired in lots of... eh. I still expect they'll manage to beat the Rockets but when they run into the Nuggets? The Celtics? The Magic? The Cavs?
Well, that may be another story.
And speaking of another story, down the road at Chavez Ravine, the Dodgers were putting the finishing touches on another impressive victory. Yes, so far it's only been at home but a record-setting 11-0 to start the season at home still has to impress even if they're only playing .500 on the road. Yes, the pitching is still leaving a little to be desired and the bullpen is likely going to be "nervous time" instead of "game over" for most of the year.
But the offense...
Dear, dear me... the offense.
I have NEVER seen a Dodger team have an offense like this. This is an AL-style offense. Pure offensive production that is just... well, too much fun to watch.
No winning streak lasts forever and this one is no different. It'll end soon enough and that'll be the real test for this team.
But until then, I hope the Dodgers enjoy their moment in the sun of LA sports.
2009-04-19
Ohhhh, Laker Fans!
I didn't get to see the bulk of the game but what I saw was glorious.
Okay, maybe not glorious but I was happy that I was able to see the end of the game during my lunch break - even if I did have to clock in a couple minutes late so that I could catch those waning seconds of action.
And yes, it would have been cooler if there wasn't a nutball about five feet away who was talking to himself the whole time. "Take 'im to the hole, Kobe!" "Ohh yeah! Make 'im your bitch!" and other assorted quips. Scary.
From the stuff I've read since I got home, it sounds like it was a bit of a weird game with the Lakers piling on in the first half but slacking off a bit in the second half. They got the "W" so that's all that's important... for now. But soon enough, they need to show the kind of killer instinct that they'll need to finish teams off later on.
Now, as for the other LA sports team. How 'bout them Dodgers?
Oh, and I have a really distasteful joke about the Just-Swept-By-The-Twins California Angels...
...but I shan't make it because I think it's even too distasteful for me.
So, for now... I'll simply enjoy what was an awesome day for LA sports fans.
Okay, maybe not glorious but I was happy that I was able to see the end of the game during my lunch break - even if I did have to clock in a couple minutes late so that I could catch those waning seconds of action.
And yes, it would have been cooler if there wasn't a nutball about five feet away who was talking to himself the whole time. "Take 'im to the hole, Kobe!" "Ohh yeah! Make 'im your bitch!" and other assorted quips. Scary.
From the stuff I've read since I got home, it sounds like it was a bit of a weird game with the Lakers piling on in the first half but slacking off a bit in the second half. They got the "W" so that's all that's important... for now. But soon enough, they need to show the kind of killer instinct that they'll need to finish teams off later on.
Now, as for the other LA sports team. How 'bout them Dodgers?
Oh, and I have a really distasteful joke about the Just-Swept-By-The-Twins California Angels...
...but I shan't make it because I think it's even too distasteful for me.
So, for now... I'll simply enjoy what was an awesome day for LA sports fans.
2008-06-13
Top Five Friday: The "Well, That Sucked" Edition
Well, that sucked.
What else can I say? Maybe I shouldn't have worn the Madsen jersey. But I'm really no that superstitious.
So, uhh... yeah, I don't want to talk about it really. 3-1 is tough but I'll hold out hope. I still believe, dammit. It's hard - but I still believe.
Even though I really don't want to talk about it - well, if I'm gonna plead that I still believe, I have to, right? And here we go...
The Top Five Reasons I Still Believe
5. The Bench
It's been a tough series for the Laker bench. They came into the Finals on top of the world, getting love from all the sportswriters. But they've struggled to get on track during this series - falling off at key times. But I still believe the Lakers' bench is better than the Celtics bench and I believe before this series is over, they're going to come together and prove it.
4. Derek Fisher
Fish was the glue that held the team together all season long. The stabilizing force that kept the kids going in the right direction and kept Kobe from losing his focus to play the offense the way they wanted it played. But Fish has yet to have a standout game in this series as well. I expect that to change before it's over as well.
3. Pau Gasol
I know, I know. Pau has proven himself to be as soft as a fluffy pillow in this series so far. But did the guy really go all those years without getting out of the first round to come so close to winning it all and fall short. I gotta think a big game is still in his body. Something approaching 30/15. It's gotta happen.
2. Phil Jackson
The greatest coach in the history of the game has had two chances to break the record for most championships. You're trying to tell me he'll be denied twice? He's the ultimate motivator - no rah rah speeches like Doc Rivers - but knowing the right buttons to push to make things happen. 0 for 2 in chances to break Red's record? I don't think so.
And the Number One reason...
1. Kobe Bryant
It's easy to say that no team has ever come back from a 3-1 deficit to win the NBA Finals - but none of those teams had Kobe Bryant. It's just something about the man - I refuse to believe he'll go down without the fight of his life. He's the best player in the game who just got embarrassed in Game 4. I don't think he's going out like that. If the Celtics want the title, they may have to kill Kobe to get it.
The experts say it can't be done. No team has ever come back from a 3-1 deficit to win the Finals.
Again, I say...
Ain't no thang, bitches.
The Lakers have had a team come back from a 3-1 on them in the playoffs before. They know what it takes to do it. And the experts will say that was totally different because the Suns had two home games to win three while the Lakers only have one left.
Again, I say...
Ain't no thang, bitches.
Is it gonna be tough to win three in a row, two on the road? Hell yes it will.
But you gotta believe, baby. You gotta believe.
A three-game winning streak at any other time of the season would be treated like nothing. In the Finals, it becomes historic.
One game at a time. One win at a time.
It still only takes three wins.
Three more wins.
You gotta believe.
2008-05-22
Kobe vs Indy - YOU MAKE THE CALL!
Just got back from seeing the Indy flick. I'll do a full review of it in a couple days but I want to let it sink in a little bit before I do. For now, I will say that if you're a fan of the Indy movies, you'll probably dig it - if you have realistic expectations. It's not Raiders, it's probably not even Temple. It's closest in "feel" and quality to Last Crusade [although the Missus says LC is her favorite of the series.] The thing that will bring most people down on either side of the love/hate line will be how you feel about the main plotline. It's... different... than the others. If you're okay with what it is, you'll probably dig the movie. If you're not okay with what it is, you'll probably not like it - or you'll fall into the "Eh... it's okay" category.
Anyways... how 'bout them Lakers?
What a game, huh?
It was odd. The wife and I were both discussing last night after the game that even when the Lakers were down big, there wasn't a freaked out feeling. It was almost like... you could feel that Kobe was going to turn it on at some point and get them close. It was just a matter of how close they could get.
Turns out, they got pretty damn close.
It was an amazing game, an amazing comeback, and an amazing win.
Seven more, people. Keep the countdown going.
Anyways... how 'bout them Lakers?
What a game, huh?
It was odd. The wife and I were both discussing last night after the game that even when the Lakers were down big, there wasn't a freaked out feeling. It was almost like... you could feel that Kobe was going to turn it on at some point and get them close. It was just a matter of how close they could get.
Turns out, they got pretty damn close.
It was an amazing game, an amazing comeback, and an amazing win.
Seven more, people. Keep the countdown going.
2008-05-20
Hello Darkness, My Old Friend
And no, that's not a Charlie Murphy reference.
You always knew it would end up this way - it just had to. With all the talk about the Jazz giving the Lakers a hard series. With all the mumbo jumbo about homecourt advantage in the playoffs. With all the hype about Chris Paul and the Hornets being the future of the league.
In the end, you knew it would have to come down to the Lakers vs Spurs. It's the equivalent of basketball destiny at its' best. The road to the NBA Finals leads through the defending champ - could it really have happened any other way?
And so, here we go again, Laker fans.
Let's break it down...
Point Guard - Derek Fisher vs Tony Parker
As much as I adore D-Fish, I have to give the edge to Parker. That being said, there definitely are games where Fish will go on a hot streak and give the team a huge lift but in the average game, he's going to have a very tough time defending Parker. And without Bynum in the back as a stopper, I look for a lot of drive and dish in the Lakers' immediate future. However, seeing how rattled got at a picture of his wife, maybe the Lakers can line up every man she's ever nailed in the front row behind the Spurs bench during home games. It's all about the in-game strategy, baby.
EDGE: SPURS
Shooting Guard - Kobe Bryant vs Manu Ginobli
Let's call a spade a spade and admit that Manu is the real starting SG for the Spurs and not Michael Finlay - although Finlay is a tough opponent as well. Manu's the master of the wild driving, weaving, throw something at the glass, crash to the floor and cry about a foul move. Kobe is... well, he's Kobe. He's the best player in the game, period.
EDGE: LAKERS
Small Forward - Vladimir Radmonovic vs Bruce Bowen
This one is a bit of a tossup. Vlad-Rad is a better offensive player than Bowen but he's still prone to the type of mental mistakes that made Phil Jackson label him a "space cadet." He can have a big impact on a game - or he can simply disappear. You just never know which Vlad will show up. Bruce Bowen won't add much on the offensive end for the Spurs but he's one of the few players in the league not afraid to play one-on-one defense against Kobe and be effective at it. That skill alone gives the Spurs the edge here.
EDGE: SPURS
Power Forward - Lamar Odom vs Tim Duncan
A month ago, I would have said this was a slam dunk category for the Spurs but Lamar has played a masterful game in these playoffs. Being slotted into the third option for scoring as helped worlds with his defense, his rebounding, and his hustle. He does a lot of the little things that don't show up on the stat sheet. Tim Duncan is... well, he's Tim Duncan. He's one of the best players in the league. As good as Odom has been, I have to give the edge to Duncan and the Spurs.
EDGE: SPURS
Center - Pau Gasol vs Fabricio Oberto
This is an easy win for the Lakers. Of course, if you're a pessimist, you look at how Bynum's injury affects this entire series. Bynum would still take this category against Oberto, Pau sliding down into the PF spot gives Duncan more trouble defensively and makes that a closer matchup, Lamar sliding into the SF spot against Bowen gives an easy win to the Lakers in that matchup. Instead of a 3-2 edge for the Spurs in the starting lineup, you have a 4-1 Laker lead. Ahhh, but it's not to be... this year at least.
EDGE: LAKERS
Bench
The sign of great Laker teams has always been a really strong bench. Whether it was the Showtime days with Byron and AC or the Shaq/Kobe Lakers with Horry and B-Shaw, when the bench was deep, the team was successful. This year is no different with the bench performing extremely well most of the year and giving the feeling that it's not so bad when Kobe goes to the bench to rest [briefly.] So, while the Lakers' bench is thriving with Walton, Farmar, Sasha, and Ronny among others - the Spurs' bench is pretty much limited to Finley and an aging [but always dangerous] Robert Horry.
EDGE: LAKERS
Coach - Phil Jackson vs Gregg Popovich
Pop is a tough, good coach - but he's no Zenmaster. Phil will have the team coached, prepared, and ready to rock for this series. It's going to be a tough series and in a tough series, I'd rather have Phil Jackson using his brain to get us an edge than Popovich.
EDGE: LAKERS
So, to wrap it up...
Lakers have an edge in Coaching, Bench, Center, and Shooting Guard.
Spure have an edge in Power Forward, Small Forward, and Point Guard.
Lakers with a 5-3 lead... but I expect this series will be even tighter than that.
My prediction?
Lakers in 6, winning on the road to close it out again.
You always knew it would end up this way - it just had to. With all the talk about the Jazz giving the Lakers a hard series. With all the mumbo jumbo about homecourt advantage in the playoffs. With all the hype about Chris Paul and the Hornets being the future of the league.
In the end, you knew it would have to come down to the Lakers vs Spurs. It's the equivalent of basketball destiny at its' best. The road to the NBA Finals leads through the defending champ - could it really have happened any other way?
And so, here we go again, Laker fans.
Let's break it down...
Point Guard - Derek Fisher vs Tony Parker
As much as I adore D-Fish, I have to give the edge to Parker. That being said, there definitely are games where Fish will go on a hot streak and give the team a huge lift but in the average game, he's going to have a very tough time defending Parker. And without Bynum in the back as a stopper, I look for a lot of drive and dish in the Lakers' immediate future. However, seeing how rattled got at a picture of his wife, maybe the Lakers can line up every man she's ever nailed in the front row behind the Spurs bench during home games. It's all about the in-game strategy, baby.
EDGE: SPURS
Shooting Guard - Kobe Bryant vs Manu Ginobli
Let's call a spade a spade and admit that Manu is the real starting SG for the Spurs and not Michael Finlay - although Finlay is a tough opponent as well. Manu's the master of the wild driving, weaving, throw something at the glass, crash to the floor and cry about a foul move. Kobe is... well, he's Kobe. He's the best player in the game, period.
EDGE: LAKERS
Small Forward - Vladimir Radmonovic vs Bruce Bowen
This one is a bit of a tossup. Vlad-Rad is a better offensive player than Bowen but he's still prone to the type of mental mistakes that made Phil Jackson label him a "space cadet." He can have a big impact on a game - or he can simply disappear. You just never know which Vlad will show up. Bruce Bowen won't add much on the offensive end for the Spurs but he's one of the few players in the league not afraid to play one-on-one defense against Kobe and be effective at it. That skill alone gives the Spurs the edge here.
EDGE: SPURS
Power Forward - Lamar Odom vs Tim Duncan
A month ago, I would have said this was a slam dunk category for the Spurs but Lamar has played a masterful game in these playoffs. Being slotted into the third option for scoring as helped worlds with his defense, his rebounding, and his hustle. He does a lot of the little things that don't show up on the stat sheet. Tim Duncan is... well, he's Tim Duncan. He's one of the best players in the league. As good as Odom has been, I have to give the edge to Duncan and the Spurs.
EDGE: SPURS
Center - Pau Gasol vs Fabricio Oberto
This is an easy win for the Lakers. Of course, if you're a pessimist, you look at how Bynum's injury affects this entire series. Bynum would still take this category against Oberto, Pau sliding down into the PF spot gives Duncan more trouble defensively and makes that a closer matchup, Lamar sliding into the SF spot against Bowen gives an easy win to the Lakers in that matchup. Instead of a 3-2 edge for the Spurs in the starting lineup, you have a 4-1 Laker lead. Ahhh, but it's not to be... this year at least.
EDGE: LAKERS
Bench
The sign of great Laker teams has always been a really strong bench. Whether it was the Showtime days with Byron and AC or the Shaq/Kobe Lakers with Horry and B-Shaw, when the bench was deep, the team was successful. This year is no different with the bench performing extremely well most of the year and giving the feeling that it's not so bad when Kobe goes to the bench to rest [briefly.] So, while the Lakers' bench is thriving with Walton, Farmar, Sasha, and Ronny among others - the Spurs' bench is pretty much limited to Finley and an aging [but always dangerous] Robert Horry.
EDGE: LAKERS
Coach - Phil Jackson vs Gregg Popovich
Pop is a tough, good coach - but he's no Zenmaster. Phil will have the team coached, prepared, and ready to rock for this series. It's going to be a tough series and in a tough series, I'd rather have Phil Jackson using his brain to get us an edge than Popovich.
EDGE: LAKERS
So, to wrap it up...
Lakers have an edge in Coaching, Bench, Center, and Shooting Guard.
Spure have an edge in Power Forward, Small Forward, and Point Guard.
Lakers with a 5-3 lead... but I expect this series will be even tighter than that.
My prediction?
Lakers in 6, winning on the road to close it out again.
2008-05-14
Doubie Posting Wednesday
Just thought I'd drop some more verbage on you before heading out for the Kate Nash show in Hollywood tonight.
In case you haven't noticed, somewhere on the right side of the page, there is now a section where I can leave behind some newsbits that I think you all might enjoy. And I have done so!
To help promote that cool little feature, I thought I'd take a few of those newsbits and give you some thought patterns on them.
NEWS: KCRW Launches Guest DJ Project
THOUGHT PATTERN: That's pretty fucking sick. I don't get to listen to KCRW very much except for their killer Today's Top Tune podcast that you really should be listening to but I do appreciate their efforts to introduce new music to this desolate wasteland of good musical taste that we call the United States. One of the things that I first dug about Indie 103 and that got me listening to them was their efforts to use DJs that were "unusual." Henry Rollins, the Camp Freddy boys, Dicky from the Bosstones, etc. So, the idea of someone like Danny Devito hosting a show on KCRW is pretty boss. Good idea, KCRW! Keep the morning eclectic!
NEWS: Dodgers' Blake DeWitt for ROY?
THOUGHT PATTERN: With his numbers climbing, he's gotta be getting some consideration but the concern remains true - what happens when Nomar comes back? It just seems unbelievable to me that someone doing so well and who is the future of the team will be shoved aside for someone who definitely is the past of the team. I really like Nomar but he needs to be used in a utility/supersub position now. His days as an everyday starter seem to be behind him. Of course, the one monkey in this particular wrench... what about Andy LaRoche? Did LaRoche gets Wally Pipped or does he still stand a shot at grabbing the position that he was the heir apparent to for so very long? Like sands through the hourglass...
NEWS: EliteXC expects sellout for May 31st show
THOUGHT PATTERN: You gotta be shittin' me. They think they're going to fill a 15,000+ seat arena based off Kimbo Slice's name alone? If they manage to pull that off without papering the crowd, I will swallow crow and admit that Kimbo's a hell of a bigger draw than I gave him credit for. For me, the lineup just doesn't look very good. It's another freak show lineup with EXC praying the public will tune in because a] it's free and b] it's got Kimbo and Gina Carano on the show. While that's good enough for me and for the majority of MMA fans, I'm sure, you have to wonder if that's enough for the "general public." And you DEFINITELY have to wonder if it's enough to sell out that building.
NEWS: Charter Communications to share web histories with advertisers
THOUGHT PATTERN: Remember that time you Googled "Miley Cyrus topless photos" looking for those Vanity Fair pics that everyone was talking about? No? LIAR! Well, thanks to the good folks at Charter Communications, soon everyone will know that you performed that search and just what porn sites you ventured to blindly looking for said photos. And as a result? You're probably going to get some very targeted porn ads sent your way. Awesome! Ain't the lethal combination of American business practices and intrusive technology grand?
NEWS: Bryant skips practice again but says he will play
THOUGHT PATTERN: Oh god. Just reading the headline makes me queasy. But there's really no way around it. You don't want him to NOT play because injured or not, I bet the Lakers stand a better chance of winning if he plays than they do if he sits. At the same time, the haunting memories of badly shot jumpers in the 4th quarter from Sunday will not leave my mind until we're out of this round... and probably not even then. A lot of people say that a series really doesn't start until someone wins on the road... that puts the Lakers in a must-win scenario tonight as they haven't proved they can win in Utah this post-season yet. MUST WIN. Phil better write that on the board tonight. Game 6 is going to be a bitch... and having the pressure of being an elimination game is something the Lakers DO NOT need. Game on, Laker fans... game on.
In case you haven't noticed, somewhere on the right side of the page, there is now a section where I can leave behind some newsbits that I think you all might enjoy. And I have done so!
To help promote that cool little feature, I thought I'd take a few of those newsbits and give you some thought patterns on them.
NEWS: KCRW Launches Guest DJ Project
THOUGHT PATTERN: That's pretty fucking sick. I don't get to listen to KCRW very much except for their killer Today's Top Tune podcast that you really should be listening to but I do appreciate their efforts to introduce new music to this desolate wasteland of good musical taste that we call the United States. One of the things that I first dug about Indie 103 and that got me listening to them was their efforts to use DJs that were "unusual." Henry Rollins, the Camp Freddy boys, Dicky from the Bosstones, etc. So, the idea of someone like Danny Devito hosting a show on KCRW is pretty boss. Good idea, KCRW! Keep the morning eclectic!
NEWS: Dodgers' Blake DeWitt for ROY?
THOUGHT PATTERN: With his numbers climbing, he's gotta be getting some consideration but the concern remains true - what happens when Nomar comes back? It just seems unbelievable to me that someone doing so well and who is the future of the team will be shoved aside for someone who definitely is the past of the team. I really like Nomar but he needs to be used in a utility/supersub position now. His days as an everyday starter seem to be behind him. Of course, the one monkey in this particular wrench... what about Andy LaRoche? Did LaRoche gets Wally Pipped or does he still stand a shot at grabbing the position that he was the heir apparent to for so very long? Like sands through the hourglass...
NEWS: EliteXC expects sellout for May 31st show
THOUGHT PATTERN: You gotta be shittin' me. They think they're going to fill a 15,000+ seat arena based off Kimbo Slice's name alone? If they manage to pull that off without papering the crowd, I will swallow crow and admit that Kimbo's a hell of a bigger draw than I gave him credit for. For me, the lineup just doesn't look very good. It's another freak show lineup with EXC praying the public will tune in because a] it's free and b] it's got Kimbo and Gina Carano on the show. While that's good enough for me and for the majority of MMA fans, I'm sure, you have to wonder if that's enough for the "general public." And you DEFINITELY have to wonder if it's enough to sell out that building.
NEWS: Charter Communications to share web histories with advertisers
THOUGHT PATTERN: Remember that time you Googled "Miley Cyrus topless photos" looking for those Vanity Fair pics that everyone was talking about? No? LIAR! Well, thanks to the good folks at Charter Communications, soon everyone will know that you performed that search and just what porn sites you ventured to blindly looking for said photos. And as a result? You're probably going to get some very targeted porn ads sent your way. Awesome! Ain't the lethal combination of American business practices and intrusive technology grand?
NEWS: Bryant skips practice again but says he will play
THOUGHT PATTERN: Oh god. Just reading the headline makes me queasy. But there's really no way around it. You don't want him to NOT play because injured or not, I bet the Lakers stand a better chance of winning if he plays than they do if he sits. At the same time, the haunting memories of badly shot jumpers in the 4th quarter from Sunday will not leave my mind until we're out of this round... and probably not even then. A lot of people say that a series really doesn't start until someone wins on the road... that puts the Lakers in a must-win scenario tonight as they haven't proved they can win in Utah this post-season yet. MUST WIN. Phil better write that on the board tonight. Game 6 is going to be a bitch... and having the pressure of being an elimination game is something the Lakers DO NOT need. Game on, Laker fans... game on.
2008-05-12
Game Five
Soooo... yeah.
Obviously I wasn't in the mood to discuss the Lakers after yesterday's game. That was without a doubt one of the most frustrating games I've ever seen. Going to OT means they were a point away from winning [obviously.]
So, so, so many missed opportunities. Gasol's blown dunk. Kobe forcing jumpers with an injured back. And of course, "Lazy As Fuck" Luke Walton getting a breakway layup stuffed down his damn throat.
Not to mention all the missed free throws.
Like I said yesterday... ugh.
I still have faith they can find a way to manage to win the series - well, as long as Kobe's not too badly hurt to play the rest of the games effectively. Both games in Utah were just hard to watch. Uneven performances by guys who should have been playing better. Bad decisions. Horrid rebounding.
Again... ugh.
Game Five will be good. I expect the Lakers to take it pretty easily... and again, due to some bad planning on our part, the wife and I will be at the Kate Nash concert in Hollywood so we won't get to see it.
Game Six back in Utah? That's the tough one. I can't wait for Friday.
Game Seven? We shall see if it gets that far.
2008-05-06
A great day in LA sports
I sit here writing this post with the biggest fucking grin on my face.
Watching Kobe Bryant accept his long-deserved, long-denied, long-awaited NBA MVP award is one of the greatest moments in LA sports history to me. Obviously, it doesn't rank up there with the Gibson homerun or the Kobe-to-Shaq alley-oop or... well, so many others. But this is so great to see after the season [and summer] that this team went through.
It's almost impossible to imagine that when this season started, we all were faced with the very real possibility that Kobe would be dealt somewhere else and the Lakers would probably be a low seed or a lottery team. Very few ever envisioned this season ending with the Lakers in the second round of the playoffs, with Kobe accepting the MVP Award, and with a very real possibility that the Lakers will move on in the post-season.
Amazing.
But it is reality. As I sit here to listen to Luke Walton jokingly ask if Kobe will be buying his teammates a gift. As I sit here to listen to Tex Winter ask if Kobe likes the triangle offense. As I sit here to listen to Kobe struggle to answer a question in Spanish in a J-Lo-as-Selena fashion while looking at Pau Gasol for help. And maybe most importantly, as I sit here to listen to Kobe Bryant tell the world he wants to be a Laker for life. It's real, you know? In an unbelievable season... you've gotta believe your eyes and ears from time to time.
It has been an honor and pleasure to watch Kobe Bryant mature as a player from the kid throwing up airballs in the playoffs against Utah that made me want to put my foot through the TV screen to the greatest player in the game collecting his first MVP award and trying to push his team to another championship. Oh, and if that's not enough, instead of resting over the summer, he's going to carry his country to a gold medal.
Repeat: He's _going_ to carry his country to a gold medal - there's not a doubt in my mind about that.
And as the details trickle in, we find out that it wasn't even close. As much talk as there was about Chris Paul being right there with him, Kobe has 82 first place votes while Chris Paul had 28. After all the debate, after all the talk - it wasn't even close.
Kobe Bryant is your MVP. Kobe Bryant is _our_ MVP.
Kobe Bryant is the greatest basketball player that I have had the pleasure to see in my life. Now, that statement comes from behind purple-and-gold colored glasses and from someone who didn't get to see Magic, Kareem, Jordan at their primes. But Kobe will be the player that my kids and grandkids will someday ask if I saw. His golden #24 [or #8... or both!] will be hanging from the rafters the first time my kids and grandkids walk into a Laker game.
"Did you ever see him play?"
The question will come, surely enough. And I'll stop and look up at the rafters of the Staples Center [or whatever building the Lakers have moved into by then.] I'll look at the jerseys of Kareem, of Magic, of Wilt, of Chick, of West, of Shaq. I'll turn my head slightly to look at the wall of banners - more than a few more added at that point.
I'll think back and remember it all - all the moments that are unforgettable, all the shots that are unbelievable, all the plays that are unimaginable.
And I'll smile.
"Yeah, I saw him play."
"What was it like?"
"You know that movie I make you watch every March? With the baseball player who breaks the lights with a home run?"
"Yeah."
"Kobe Bryant was just like him - the best there ever was."
Congrats, Kobe... and thanks.
2008-04-25
Top 5 Friday: Laker Love
In keeping with this week's theme of Laker Love and in anticipation of Game 3 tomorrow in Denver, I thought I'd toss in a Top 5 Friday with a bit of a twist. A couple days ago, another blog posted their "Top 10 Reasons I Hate Laker Fans." So, in response to that BITCH ASS SUCKA Nuggets Fan, I will give his post a little free pub and respond to each accusation:
The Top 10 Reasons Some BITCH ASS SUCKA Nuggets Fan Hates Laker Fans And Why He's Wrong [On Most Of Them!]
DISCLAIMER: I will make distinctions between "types" of Laker fans throughout this post and you should to!
10. Half The Courtside Seats Are Empty In The First And Third Quarters Of Every Game
So, right off the bat, I draw the distinction. The lower bowl of Staples Center can not be considered your average Laker fan. These are mostly people who pay astronomical ticket prices to see [sometimes] and be seen. You should not consider their actions to be standard for "real" Laker fans. Take a look at the upper bowl of Staples and the rabid fans up there before you blast Laker fans as a whole for this. By the way, the Nuggets had 90.9% attendance for the year, ranking 17th in the league. The Lakers had 98.5% ranking 11th. Suck it, monkeys!
9. They're Incapable Of Acknowledging A Bad Trade When It Happens
Are you fucking serious? Go check out Lakerground.net when a trade is about to go down or right after it happens. Mitch Kupchak was nearly hanged by his testicles from the banners at Staples until this year. Again, the distinction. I'm not talking about your typical Laker "fan" who breaks out their car flag as soon as the playoffs start. I'm talking about your "real" Laker fan who follows the team from buzzer to buzzer.
8. They Act Like The Entire League Is Obligated To Ensure The Lakers Success, And Thus Every Team Should Be Trading Their Best Players To The Lakers For Pennies On The Dollar
And to "prove" his point, he brings up some completely inane example of Laker fans being upset when Minnesota wouldn't accept an offer of Odom, Turiaf, and a 1st for Garnett. I don't recall that, sucka. However, I _do_ recall Laker fans being upset when an offer of Odom, Bynum, Kwame, and change got rejected for the Celtics offer by ETERNAL Laker hater Kevin McHale. To the original "point," I bring up the fact that "real" Laker fans knew that the Lakers didn't have much to deal with and were dealing from a weak hand. And "real" Laker fans also know that most teams playa hate the Lakers and wouldn't piss on them if they were on fire to help them. Which is what makes the Gasol deal even more amazingly cool. I'm not sure how Nugs Fan got this so wrong... although I'll guess crazed psychotic madness at having to drink some weak-ass near beer might be a factor.
7. LA Radio "Personality" Vic "The Brick" Jacobs
I have no defense. Point given.
6. Seats That Should Go To Real Basketball Fans Are Instead Occupied By Wives, Girlfriends, and Escorts
Really? This is why you hate Laker fans? Shouldn't this be why you hate Laker management? Or society in general? Isn't it the case through most of sports that the true fans are stuck in the nosebleeds while the rich fat cats enjoy the sweat zone in their designer suits while trying to look cool? To counter, I suggest that the reason I hate Nuggets Fans is because the seats on the bench that should go to real basketball fans are instead occupied by gang-bangers, thugs, and crybabies. That sound fair?
5. They're The Biggest Bandwagon Fans In The Country And Only Support The Lakers When The Team Is Really, Really, Really Good."
To this, I counter with two points. Firstly, I openly admit that the Lakers do tend to draw a large number of bandwagon fans. What winning team doesn't though? The true fans stay win or lose, thick or thin, No-Kwame or Kwame. Secondly?
Nuggets Attendance For The Past Five Years
***
2007-8: 90.9%
2006-7: 90.2%
2005-6: 89.7%
2004-5: 92.5%
2003-4: 92.1%
Lakers Attendance For The Past Five Years
***
2007-8: 98.5%
2006-7: 99.6%
2005-5: 99.1%
2004-5: 98.6%
2003-4: 99.5%
More fans - no matter what the record. Hrmm.
4. 85% Of Them Aren't From Los Angeles And, Like Newcomers To Scientology, These Non-Native Lakers "Fan" Converts Are Young, Impressionable, And Gullible.
...
And that's your number four?
Can't wait for number three!
3. Now That He's Out Of Town, They Pretend Like They Never Liked Shaquille O'Neal In The First Place.
Riiiiiight. You must have missed the period of time where everyone lamented Shaq being gone even through his scorched earth campaign. There's not a soul among true Laker fans who don't appreciate what Shaq did while he was here... they just don't like the way he left town. But you can bet when he finally retires and that jersey goes up in the rafters, there won't be a dry eye in the house.
2. They Unmercifully Defend Kobe Bryant
Again, are you fucking serious? What fan doesn't defend the centerpiece of their favorite team? What are you complaining about us defending him for?
"Whether he’s throwing his teammates like Shaq or Andrew Bynum under the bus..."
Shaq did plenty of backing that bus all over Kobe before he left town. The one time Kobe replied gets him crucified by the uninformed. The Bynum thing was out of line but everyone makes mistakes. He got his heat for it during the offseason and early in the year but we can't all root for perfect angels like "Thug Life" Allen Iverson.
"...clobbering white defenders after jump shots"
I had to read this a few times to see if I saw it right. White defenders? He doesn't clobber any other defenders? Just the white ones. Damn that Kobe Bryant. He is one racist son of a bitch.
"regularly spouting profanity-laced tirades at the referees for all the six year olds within earshot to hear"
Oh... my... god. Someone is reaching now. Well, he was reaching before... but now he looks like Reed Richards.
"(allegedly) forcing himself sexually onto a female hotel worker in Colorado and subsequently paying her -- and his wife -- off"
Mr. Richards, can you touch the top of the backboard with that reach? I do like the insertion of "allegedly" in there though. It's almost as if you believe in the American legal process!
"Throwing public hissy fits to get himself traded"
Really? Did you miss a very large majority of Laker fans giving him grief for those very trade demands? Did you somehow witness us all falling over each other to point out how right he was?
The rest of that "point" reveals this is really just a smokescreen for someone pissed about the "DUI" chants from last Sunday. I already stated that I didn't think they were needed so I'm not going to argue against that... but man, you get ugly when trying to make that point. You would have thought Kobe (allegedly) bent your mother over a hotel room chair.
1. They're In Myopic Denial Of The Favoritsm The Lakers Receive From The NBA.
God, I wish I had an emoticon for me rolling around laughing my ass off at you poor, poor soul. But I guess in a way, this "point" is almost a good thing. It means that the world is almost back to normal because opposing teams fans are starting to call favortism and invoking the Roman emperor David Stern's thumb down at playoff time once more.
Hey, if it makes you feel better about being down 2-0, rock on with yo' bad self.
Let's look at some of this favoritism the Lakers are getting from the league, shall we?
"Since the Lakers can’t be bothered to play on Saturdays, they never have to play a back-to-back at the end of week…typically the most grueling games on the schedule."
Good lord, you're right! The Lakers should be forced to forfeit immediately!
Oooh, the next one is about refereeing. Of course it is. The Lakers always get all the calls in "supremely important games." Yawn.
And you cry about Stern wishing the Finals were the Lakers vs the Lakers? I wonder why he would say that.
Oh, I guess it's because the Lakers draw the ratings. Or to make it more simple for you... Purple And Gold = Green!
But it's okay. I'm sure some day the Commish would love to see a team make the finals whose two star players manage to:
A] Get busted for a DUI on the eve of the playoffs. Awesome!
B] Get kicked out of a close playoff game for two consecutive techs for arguing a play he wasn't even involved in.
I can't imagine why the world's not waiting for the Denver Nuggets to make the Finals.
Good luck tomorrow, good sir.
I'll be waiting to see what kind of wicked favortism Chancellor Stern invokes to secure the sweep for the league's [purple and] golden children.
The Top 10 Reasons Some BITCH ASS SUCKA Nuggets Fan Hates Laker Fans And Why He's Wrong [On Most Of Them!]
DISCLAIMER: I will make distinctions between "types" of Laker fans throughout this post and you should to!
10. Half The Courtside Seats Are Empty In The First And Third Quarters Of Every Game
So, right off the bat, I draw the distinction. The lower bowl of Staples Center can not be considered your average Laker fan. These are mostly people who pay astronomical ticket prices to see [sometimes] and be seen. You should not consider their actions to be standard for "real" Laker fans. Take a look at the upper bowl of Staples and the rabid fans up there before you blast Laker fans as a whole for this. By the way, the Nuggets had 90.9% attendance for the year, ranking 17th in the league. The Lakers had 98.5% ranking 11th. Suck it, monkeys!
9. They're Incapable Of Acknowledging A Bad Trade When It Happens
Are you fucking serious? Go check out Lakerground.net when a trade is about to go down or right after it happens. Mitch Kupchak was nearly hanged by his testicles from the banners at Staples until this year. Again, the distinction. I'm not talking about your typical Laker "fan" who breaks out their car flag as soon as the playoffs start. I'm talking about your "real" Laker fan who follows the team from buzzer to buzzer.
8. They Act Like The Entire League Is Obligated To Ensure The Lakers Success, And Thus Every Team Should Be Trading Their Best Players To The Lakers For Pennies On The Dollar
And to "prove" his point, he brings up some completely inane example of Laker fans being upset when Minnesota wouldn't accept an offer of Odom, Turiaf, and a 1st for Garnett. I don't recall that, sucka. However, I _do_ recall Laker fans being upset when an offer of Odom, Bynum, Kwame, and change got rejected for the Celtics offer by ETERNAL Laker hater Kevin McHale. To the original "point," I bring up the fact that "real" Laker fans knew that the Lakers didn't have much to deal with and were dealing from a weak hand. And "real" Laker fans also know that most teams playa hate the Lakers and wouldn't piss on them if they were on fire to help them. Which is what makes the Gasol deal even more amazingly cool. I'm not sure how Nugs Fan got this so wrong... although I'll guess crazed psychotic madness at having to drink some weak-ass near beer might be a factor.
7. LA Radio "Personality" Vic "The Brick" Jacobs
I have no defense. Point given.
6. Seats That Should Go To Real Basketball Fans Are Instead Occupied By Wives, Girlfriends, and Escorts
Really? This is why you hate Laker fans? Shouldn't this be why you hate Laker management? Or society in general? Isn't it the case through most of sports that the true fans are stuck in the nosebleeds while the rich fat cats enjoy the sweat zone in their designer suits while trying to look cool? To counter, I suggest that the reason I hate Nuggets Fans is because the seats on the bench that should go to real basketball fans are instead occupied by gang-bangers, thugs, and crybabies. That sound fair?
5. They're The Biggest Bandwagon Fans In The Country And Only Support The Lakers When The Team Is Really, Really, Really Good."
To this, I counter with two points. Firstly, I openly admit that the Lakers do tend to draw a large number of bandwagon fans. What winning team doesn't though? The true fans stay win or lose, thick or thin, No-Kwame or Kwame. Secondly?
Nuggets Attendance For The Past Five Years
***
2007-8: 90.9%
2006-7: 90.2%
2005-6: 89.7%
2004-5: 92.5%
2003-4: 92.1%
Lakers Attendance For The Past Five Years
***
2007-8: 98.5%
2006-7: 99.6%
2005-5: 99.1%
2004-5: 98.6%
2003-4: 99.5%
More fans - no matter what the record. Hrmm.
4. 85% Of Them Aren't From Los Angeles And, Like Newcomers To Scientology, These Non-Native Lakers "Fan" Converts Are Young, Impressionable, And Gullible.
...
And that's your number four?
Can't wait for number three!
3. Now That He's Out Of Town, They Pretend Like They Never Liked Shaquille O'Neal In The First Place.
Riiiiiight. You must have missed the period of time where everyone lamented Shaq being gone even through his scorched earth campaign. There's not a soul among true Laker fans who don't appreciate what Shaq did while he was here... they just don't like the way he left town. But you can bet when he finally retires and that jersey goes up in the rafters, there won't be a dry eye in the house.
2. They Unmercifully Defend Kobe Bryant
Again, are you fucking serious? What fan doesn't defend the centerpiece of their favorite team? What are you complaining about us defending him for?
"Whether he’s throwing his teammates like Shaq or Andrew Bynum under the bus..."
Shaq did plenty of backing that bus all over Kobe before he left town. The one time Kobe replied gets him crucified by the uninformed. The Bynum thing was out of line but everyone makes mistakes. He got his heat for it during the offseason and early in the year but we can't all root for perfect angels like "Thug Life" Allen Iverson.
"...clobbering white defenders after jump shots"
I had to read this a few times to see if I saw it right. White defenders? He doesn't clobber any other defenders? Just the white ones. Damn that Kobe Bryant. He is one racist son of a bitch.
"regularly spouting profanity-laced tirades at the referees for all the six year olds within earshot to hear"
Oh... my... god. Someone is reaching now. Well, he was reaching before... but now he looks like Reed Richards.
"(allegedly) forcing himself sexually onto a female hotel worker in Colorado and subsequently paying her -- and his wife -- off"
Mr. Richards, can you touch the top of the backboard with that reach? I do like the insertion of "allegedly" in there though. It's almost as if you believe in the American legal process!
"Throwing public hissy fits to get himself traded"
Really? Did you miss a very large majority of Laker fans giving him grief for those very trade demands? Did you somehow witness us all falling over each other to point out how right he was?
The rest of that "point" reveals this is really just a smokescreen for someone pissed about the "DUI" chants from last Sunday. I already stated that I didn't think they were needed so I'm not going to argue against that... but man, you get ugly when trying to make that point. You would have thought Kobe (allegedly) bent your mother over a hotel room chair.
1. They're In Myopic Denial Of The Favoritsm The Lakers Receive From The NBA.
God, I wish I had an emoticon for me rolling around laughing my ass off at you poor, poor soul. But I guess in a way, this "point" is almost a good thing. It means that the world is almost back to normal because opposing teams fans are starting to call favortism and invoking the Roman emperor David Stern's thumb down at playoff time once more.
Hey, if it makes you feel better about being down 2-0, rock on with yo' bad self.
Let's look at some of this favoritism the Lakers are getting from the league, shall we?
"Since the Lakers can’t be bothered to play on Saturdays, they never have to play a back-to-back at the end of week…typically the most grueling games on the schedule."
Good lord, you're right! The Lakers should be forced to forfeit immediately!
Oooh, the next one is about refereeing. Of course it is. The Lakers always get all the calls in "supremely important games." Yawn.
And you cry about Stern wishing the Finals were the Lakers vs the Lakers? I wonder why he would say that.
Oh, I guess it's because the Lakers draw the ratings. Or to make it more simple for you... Purple And Gold = Green!
But it's okay. I'm sure some day the Commish would love to see a team make the finals whose two star players manage to:
A] Get busted for a DUI on the eve of the playoffs. Awesome!
B] Get kicked out of a close playoff game for two consecutive techs for arguing a play he wasn't even involved in.
I can't imagine why the world's not waiting for the Denver Nuggets to make the Finals.
Good luck tomorrow, good sir.
I'll be waiting to see what kind of wicked favortism Chancellor Stern invokes to secure the sweep for the league's [purple and] golden children.
2008-04-24
Conflict of Loyalties
It's always a difficult time of year for me in April/May. The Dodgers are off to the start of another season... as ugly as of a start as it's been so far. The Lakers are starting their [hopefully] lengthy playoff run. Sometimes it creates quite the conflict of loyalties.
And so was the situation last night.
A few weeks ago, one of the sis-in-laws gifted a pair of tickets to last night's Dodgers game. They were Field level and looked to be pretty good seats so we were pretty stoked about making the mid-week trek up to Chavez Ravine...
...until Sunday when I realized that Laker Playoff Game 2 fell on the same night.
There was no question we were going to the Dodger game but it still stung. I DVRd the Lakers in hopes that I could avoid a final score before getting home. Tiiiiiiiime was on my side it appeared as the Dodger game started a half hour before the Lakers, meaning if the Dodgers wrapped things up in about three hours, I should be able to avoid a final score before leaving the stadium.
When I heard someone on the phone say, "No shit? Kobe has twenty in the first quarter?" I smiled... but cringed that I was getting details that I didn't want. I stopped checking my text messages because my friends are all evil sumbitches who would like nothing more than to spoil the Laker game inadvertently or no for me.
A while later, the Diamondvision lit up with, "NBA Playoffs: Down The Road At Staples!" I covered my ears and closed my eyes... but it didn't drown out the massive cheer, the chants of "SWEEP!" and "M-V-P!" I assumed the Lakers were winning but didn't pursue any details, still hopeful that time would ultimately be my ally.
But as the game went on, I got nervous. The game was simply taking too long. I kept checking the clock. Somewhere in the eighth, I told the Missus that they would show a final score before the Top of the 9th... I knew it.
And sure enough, they did. And no amount of eye-closing or ear-covering could drown out the roar of the Dodger Stadium crowd. I knew the Lakers had won... but it was just a question of by how much and how they played.
When we got home, we watched the first quarter with interest... then took turns falling asleep and missing most of the second. I watched the second half this morning.
Good offense. Bad Defense. Great Kobe. That about sums it up.
14 more. Purple and gold, baby.
Alright. That's enough for ya. I'm watching the Dodgers before Lost starts.
And so was the situation last night.
A few weeks ago, one of the sis-in-laws gifted a pair of tickets to last night's Dodgers game. They were Field level and looked to be pretty good seats so we were pretty stoked about making the mid-week trek up to Chavez Ravine...
...until Sunday when I realized that Laker Playoff Game 2 fell on the same night.
There was no question we were going to the Dodger game but it still stung. I DVRd the Lakers in hopes that I could avoid a final score before getting home. Tiiiiiiiime was on my side it appeared as the Dodger game started a half hour before the Lakers, meaning if the Dodgers wrapped things up in about three hours, I should be able to avoid a final score before leaving the stadium.
When I heard someone on the phone say, "No shit? Kobe has twenty in the first quarter?" I smiled... but cringed that I was getting details that I didn't want. I stopped checking my text messages because my friends are all evil sumbitches who would like nothing more than to spoil the Laker game inadvertently or no for me.
A while later, the Diamondvision lit up with, "NBA Playoffs: Down The Road At Staples!" I covered my ears and closed my eyes... but it didn't drown out the massive cheer, the chants of "SWEEP!" and "M-V-P!" I assumed the Lakers were winning but didn't pursue any details, still hopeful that time would ultimately be my ally.
But as the game went on, I got nervous. The game was simply taking too long. I kept checking the clock. Somewhere in the eighth, I told the Missus that they would show a final score before the Top of the 9th... I knew it.
And sure enough, they did. And no amount of eye-closing or ear-covering could drown out the roar of the Dodger Stadium crowd. I knew the Lakers had won... but it was just a question of by how much and how they played.
When we got home, we watched the first quarter with interest... then took turns falling asleep and missing most of the second. I watched the second half this morning.
Good offense. Bad Defense. Great Kobe. That about sums it up.
14 more. Purple and gold, baby.
Alright. That's enough for ya. I'm watching the Dodgers before Lost starts.
2008-04-22
OHHHH LAKER FANS!
Game One was an amazing afternoon at Staples. We got downtown early as we haven't been to a game in a year or two and wanted some time to check out the Team LA store and just enjoy the day.
The downtown area is rapidly changing with new buildings being put up [our old parking lot was gone!] and old buildings being renovated to look damn spiffy. They still have a long way to go to get the area to a place where your average person would be cool walking down the street when there's not a game going on but... it's progress.
Staples looked awesome with purple and gold balloons by the entrance way. People were gathering around the Magic Johnson statue to take photos before the game including yours truly. After making our way inside, we stopped at the Team LA Store to check out the latest merch... along with every other member of Laker Nation it seemed. The place was PACKED to the roof with Laker fans already decked out in Laker gear looking to scoop up more. I saw a few things that I wanted but they were sold out in my size. The Missus did pick up a new Laker shirt though.
We made our way towards the escalators to get up to our seats. Upstairs, they had decorated the pillars along the walkway so I stopped to get a word of advice from the Zenmaster. Or maybe I was giving him some sound advice on taking advantage of the Nuggets' porous defense? You will never know!
We made our way through the concourse where they were offering free purple and gold hair dye and facepaint to anyone interested - a table that was JAMMED by the way. I chose not to partake as I had a funeral to attend yesterday and couldn't afford to have purple and gold hair dye not come out... yeah, that's why... not because I'm not a face painter. Let's go with that.
Inside the arena, the place was looking awesome. As mentioned previously, our seats were
literally in the last row of the building right next to the retired jerseys and the banners. But Staples was designed to go up and not out so really, I've never had a bad seat for a game there. For $12 a seat, this was a perfect seat for me. The place slowly filled through the morning as the Lakers ran various hype videos on the big screen. One thing to note that I love about Staples is the out-of-town scoreboard also shows scores from other sports so I could keep an eye on the Dodger game during timeouts and the like. The Dodgers should take a cue on their boards because there are a ton of Laker fans in LA who would like to be able to keep an eye on the team during the Dodger games.
Couple shots from shootaround...
You already know most of my in-game thoughts from the Live Blog. Pau was amazing, Kobe did his part but for me, the real MVP of that game was Lamar Odom. He was absolutely everywhere in that game. He was dishing assists, he was scoring for himself, he was pulling down boards, he was playing D, he was hustling for loose balls. The team looked great for most of the game except for a few stints where they got sloppy.
The big controversy of the night I guess was the "DUI" chant. For the record, I didn't participate in it but I found it slightly amusing. The first time it happened, I thought it was funny. The other times? It got less and less amusing. By the end, I felt pretty bad for him though. Laker fans hated it when Kobe drew chants like that during his legal trouble so I would think they would feel some empathy for another player getting heat for his off-the-court actions. And if that's not enough, personally I wouldn't want to piss Carmelo off since he's perfectly capable of dropping a big game on us if he gets motivated. There's already talk on the Laker boards that the Nuggets fans are considering a chant in reply to point out Kobe's past problem... something that I think will end very badly for them but hey, you gotta do what you gotta do.
Most of the in-game photos aren't worth posting since they're from so far away but I did catch some nice videos that I might put up later. They're big files so I don't feel like waiting right now.
After the game, we made our way out to Chick Hearn Drive where the post-game showing of Lakers Live was taking place with a ton of screaming Laker fans. We joined in, possibly getting on camera a couple of times as the camera panned the crowd. James Worthy came out on the outside deck above the crowd and waved a few times to a big cheer. And after a few more photos, we called it a day.
Big first win for the Lakers. Fifteen more to go, Laker fans!
The downtown area is rapidly changing with new buildings being put up [our old parking lot was gone!] and old buildings being renovated to look damn spiffy. They still have a long way to go to get the area to a place where your average person would be cool walking down the street when there's not a game going on but... it's progress.
Staples looked awesome with purple and gold balloons by the entrance way. People were gathering around the Magic Johnson statue to take photos before the game including yours truly. After making our way inside, we stopped at the Team LA Store to check out the latest merch... along with every other member of Laker Nation it seemed. The place was PACKED to the roof with Laker fans already decked out in Laker gear looking to scoop up more. I saw a few things that I wanted but they were sold out in my size. The Missus did pick up a new Laker shirt though.
We made our way towards the escalators to get up to our seats. Upstairs, they had decorated the pillars along the walkway so I stopped to get a word of advice from the Zenmaster. Or maybe I was giving him some sound advice on taking advantage of the Nuggets' porous defense? You will never know!We made our way through the concourse where they were offering free purple and gold hair dye and facepaint to anyone interested - a table that was JAMMED by the way. I chose not to partake as I had a funeral to attend yesterday and couldn't afford to have purple and gold hair dye not come out... yeah, that's why... not because I'm not a face painter. Let's go with that.
Inside the arena, the place was looking awesome. As mentioned previously, our seats were
literally in the last row of the building right next to the retired jerseys and the banners. But Staples was designed to go up and not out so really, I've never had a bad seat for a game there. For $12 a seat, this was a perfect seat for me. The place slowly filled through the morning as the Lakers ran various hype videos on the big screen. One thing to note that I love about Staples is the out-of-town scoreboard also shows scores from other sports so I could keep an eye on the Dodger game during timeouts and the like. The Dodgers should take a cue on their boards because there are a ton of Laker fans in LA who would like to be able to keep an eye on the team during the Dodger games.Couple shots from shootaround...
You already know most of my in-game thoughts from the Live Blog. Pau was amazing, Kobe did his part but for me, the real MVP of that game was Lamar Odom. He was absolutely everywhere in that game. He was dishing assists, he was scoring for himself, he was pulling down boards, he was playing D, he was hustling for loose balls. The team looked great for most of the game except for a few stints where they got sloppy.
The big controversy of the night I guess was the "DUI" chant. For the record, I didn't participate in it but I found it slightly amusing. The first time it happened, I thought it was funny. The other times? It got less and less amusing. By the end, I felt pretty bad for him though. Laker fans hated it when Kobe drew chants like that during his legal trouble so I would think they would feel some empathy for another player getting heat for his off-the-court actions. And if that's not enough, personally I wouldn't want to piss Carmelo off since he's perfectly capable of dropping a big game on us if he gets motivated. There's already talk on the Laker boards that the Nuggets fans are considering a chant in reply to point out Kobe's past problem... something that I think will end very badly for them but hey, you gotta do what you gotta do.
Most of the in-game photos aren't worth posting since they're from so far away but I did catch some nice videos that I might put up later. They're big files so I don't feel like waiting right now.
After the game, we made our way out to Chick Hearn Drive where the post-game showing of Lakers Live was taking place with a ton of screaming Laker fans. We joined in, possibly getting on camera a couple of times as the camera panned the crowd. James Worthy came out on the outside deck above the crowd and waved a few times to a big cheer. And after a few more photos, we called it a day.Big first win for the Lakers. Fifteen more to go, Laker fans!
2008-04-18
Top Five Friday: The Second Season Begins
Oh yeah, baby!
Starting tomorrow, the NBA Playoffs are underway and for a basketball fan [a _true_ basketball fan, not this NCAA nonsense,] it's one of the most exciting times of the year.
And for a Laker fan, such as myself, it's DEFINITELY an exciting time of year as the Lakers look to be one of the top teams in the playoffs this year and absolutely have a chance of going the distance. But you gotta play 'em one game at a time, give it a hundred and ten percent, and the good Lord willing... things will work out. Thanks, Crash.
I was lucky enough to score a pair of tickets to Game 1 on Sunday against Denver so I will likely attempt some moderate form of liveblogging [similar to the Dodger game from last week] during the game. Look for that!
But for today, it's time for a Top Five Friday and with the buzz of NBA playoff action in the air, what better topic than...
TOP FIVE LAKER PLAYOFF MOMENTS
NOTE: Please be aware that I really didn't start watch the Lakers regularly til the mid-90s which'll eliminate a lot of the postseason moments you would ordinarily see on this kind of list as I really only want to list stuff that I actually saw as it happened.
5. Eternal Hangtime
This one probably only makes the list because I was actually at the game. In typical Laker fashion, they had managed to work themselves [either up or down] into a close finish in Game 2 of the 2000 Western Conference Semifinals. The timeout right before the end had everyone on their feet, going nutty at the possibility of a game-winner. Kobe had the ball at the top of the arc, slowly, slowly, then moving in. Near the corner at the top of the key, he elevated with Jason Kidd in his face, hung in the air for what seemed like an eternity, and double-pumped his way to a 97-96 win and a 2-0 lead in the series. It was the loudest I've ever heard the Staples Center crowd when I was in the building.
4. I Got This One
Game 4 of the 2000 NBA Finals saw the Lakers and Pacers heading to Overtime. The Lakers were up 2-1 in the series and a win by the Pacers would have put the Purple And Gold on their heels with Game 5 in Indiana as well. Things looked dire for the Los Angeles Five that day as Shaq managed to foul out shortly into the overtime period and Kobe was playing on a sprained ankle. What followed was nothing short of a masterful performance by Kobe flying solo capped off by this:
3. .4 seconds
Like this one really needs explained. Game 5 of the 2004 Playoffs had the Lakers and the defending champion San Antonio Spurs meeting in the Western Conference Semifinals. The series was even with the winner of this game gaining a huge edge. The Spurs got a big basket with Tim Duncan making an incredible fadeaway jumper over Shaq leaving just .4 seconds on the clock and giving the Spurs a 73-72 lead. No one thought it could be done. Everyone knew that the entire Spurs team would blanket Kobe to prevent him from getting the ball. The Spurs got a big shot... the Lakers got a bigger one.
2. The Unbelievable Game 7
The 2000 Western Conference Finals saw Portland versus the Lakers in a breathtaking showdown. When all the dust had settled, it came down to a huge Game 7 in Los Angeles that I think every person in Southern California was watching. It was an epic struggle and somehow the Lakers found themselves down going into the fourth quarter... down big. Down 15 points against a team who had taken them to the limit, it had poor Laker fans like my beloved wife [future wife at that point] muttering to herself, "I'll be okay if they lose. It's going to be alright if they lose." But fortunately, we never had to find that out as the Lakers erased the 15 point lead and went beyond to take the victory. This insane fourth quarter also features one of the greatest baskets in Laker history... one of the most iconic moments in Los Angeles sports history with the Kobe to Shaq ally-oop dunk.
And the undisputed #1...
1. BIG...SHOT...BOB!
I... I just can't do it justice. Just watch.
Thank you, Vlade Divac, for the greatest assist of your career.
Starting tomorrow, the NBA Playoffs are underway and for a basketball fan [a _true_ basketball fan, not this NCAA nonsense,] it's one of the most exciting times of the year.
And for a Laker fan, such as myself, it's DEFINITELY an exciting time of year as the Lakers look to be one of the top teams in the playoffs this year and absolutely have a chance of going the distance. But you gotta play 'em one game at a time, give it a hundred and ten percent, and the good Lord willing... things will work out. Thanks, Crash.
I was lucky enough to score a pair of tickets to Game 1 on Sunday against Denver so I will likely attempt some moderate form of liveblogging [similar to the Dodger game from last week] during the game. Look for that!
But for today, it's time for a Top Five Friday and with the buzz of NBA playoff action in the air, what better topic than...
TOP FIVE LAKER PLAYOFF MOMENTS
NOTE: Please be aware that I really didn't start watch the Lakers regularly til the mid-90s which'll eliminate a lot of the postseason moments you would ordinarily see on this kind of list as I really only want to list stuff that I actually saw as it happened.
5. Eternal Hangtime
This one probably only makes the list because I was actually at the game. In typical Laker fashion, they had managed to work themselves [either up or down] into a close finish in Game 2 of the 2000 Western Conference Semifinals. The timeout right before the end had everyone on their feet, going nutty at the possibility of a game-winner. Kobe had the ball at the top of the arc, slowly, slowly, then moving in. Near the corner at the top of the key, he elevated with Jason Kidd in his face, hung in the air for what seemed like an eternity, and double-pumped his way to a 97-96 win and a 2-0 lead in the series. It was the loudest I've ever heard the Staples Center crowd when I was in the building.
4. I Got This One
Game 4 of the 2000 NBA Finals saw the Lakers and Pacers heading to Overtime. The Lakers were up 2-1 in the series and a win by the Pacers would have put the Purple And Gold on their heels with Game 5 in Indiana as well. Things looked dire for the Los Angeles Five that day as Shaq managed to foul out shortly into the overtime period and Kobe was playing on a sprained ankle. What followed was nothing short of a masterful performance by Kobe flying solo capped off by this:
3. .4 seconds
Like this one really needs explained. Game 5 of the 2004 Playoffs had the Lakers and the defending champion San Antonio Spurs meeting in the Western Conference Semifinals. The series was even with the winner of this game gaining a huge edge. The Spurs got a big basket with Tim Duncan making an incredible fadeaway jumper over Shaq leaving just .4 seconds on the clock and giving the Spurs a 73-72 lead. No one thought it could be done. Everyone knew that the entire Spurs team would blanket Kobe to prevent him from getting the ball. The Spurs got a big shot... the Lakers got a bigger one.
2. The Unbelievable Game 7
The 2000 Western Conference Finals saw Portland versus the Lakers in a breathtaking showdown. When all the dust had settled, it came down to a huge Game 7 in Los Angeles that I think every person in Southern California was watching. It was an epic struggle and somehow the Lakers found themselves down going into the fourth quarter... down big. Down 15 points against a team who had taken them to the limit, it had poor Laker fans like my beloved wife [future wife at that point] muttering to herself, "I'll be okay if they lose. It's going to be alright if they lose." But fortunately, we never had to find that out as the Lakers erased the 15 point lead and went beyond to take the victory. This insane fourth quarter also features one of the greatest baskets in Laker history... one of the most iconic moments in Los Angeles sports history with the Kobe to Shaq ally-oop dunk.
And the undisputed #1...
1. BIG...SHOT...BOB!
I... I just can't do it justice. Just watch.
Thank you, Vlade Divac, for the greatest assist of your career.
2008-04-12
Believe It... Or Not!
Where the hell is John Davidson when you need him?
We just got home and I'm wiped out. So this is all you get tonight...
Like I said before I saw it, it can't be real...
...right?
We just got home and I'm wiped out. So this is all you get tonight...
Like I said before I saw it, it can't be real...
...right?
2008-04-04
Top Five Friday
Ok, ok... time is ticking.
By suggestion...
Top Five NBA MVP Candidates!
5. Tim Duncan
How do you not have Tim Duncan listed on any listing of MVP candidates? You can list your Dwight Howards for taking Orlando to the division title or your Tracy McGradys for that incredible winning streak or your Steve Nashs for keeping Phoenix near the top again but in the end, it's still Tim Duncan... the Spurs are still one of the best teams in the league... and he's still one of the best players in the game. He automatically makes this list for me easily.
4. Lebron James
Honestly, I'm not all that impressed with Cleveland. They made the playoffs, sure, but they're squeaking in as a four seed in an absolutely abysmal Eastern Conference. You can't deny that he's a great player and that Cleveland would be horrific without him but... come on, they're not _that_ good to bestow the MVP on him.
3. Kevin Garnett
You gotta give someone credit for the Celtics being so great this year and I guess KG is a better choice than Ray Allen, right? It's hard to really gush all over him though considering he did join Allen and Paul Pierce. Put those three on any team and I gotta think they're very competitive. I don't think KG's done enough individually to lift that team up to be worthy of the MVP nor is he the best player in the game.
2. Chris Paul
Where you run into an issue here is when you determine what makes an MVP to you. Is it the best player in the game or is it the player that if you took him off his team, his team is a low lottery team? Chris Paul has done an absolutely incredible job with the Hornets and if they managed to finish the season in the top spot of the Conference, I would have absolutely no issues with him as the MVP. I can't really make an argument against him other than he's not the best player in the game.
1. Kobe Bryant
Now, _he_ is the best player in the game. You can argue that he lifted the Lakers into the top spot in the West [with the help of a rapidly developing Andrew Bynum]. Those two things together should be enough to win the MVP for him unless the Lakers bottom out before the season's end. Kobe and Chris Paul are #1/2 in my mind and are almost interchangeable. It's hard to pick one over the other... extremely hard but with my heart wearing purple and gold, I'm picking Kobe as the MVP.
By suggestion...
Top Five NBA MVP Candidates!
5. Tim Duncan
How do you not have Tim Duncan listed on any listing of MVP candidates? You can list your Dwight Howards for taking Orlando to the division title or your Tracy McGradys for that incredible winning streak or your Steve Nashs for keeping Phoenix near the top again but in the end, it's still Tim Duncan... the Spurs are still one of the best teams in the league... and he's still one of the best players in the game. He automatically makes this list for me easily.
4. Lebron James
Honestly, I'm not all that impressed with Cleveland. They made the playoffs, sure, but they're squeaking in as a four seed in an absolutely abysmal Eastern Conference. You can't deny that he's a great player and that Cleveland would be horrific without him but... come on, they're not _that_ good to bestow the MVP on him.
3. Kevin Garnett
You gotta give someone credit for the Celtics being so great this year and I guess KG is a better choice than Ray Allen, right? It's hard to really gush all over him though considering he did join Allen and Paul Pierce. Put those three on any team and I gotta think they're very competitive. I don't think KG's done enough individually to lift that team up to be worthy of the MVP nor is he the best player in the game.
2. Chris Paul
Where you run into an issue here is when you determine what makes an MVP to you. Is it the best player in the game or is it the player that if you took him off his team, his team is a low lottery team? Chris Paul has done an absolutely incredible job with the Hornets and if they managed to finish the season in the top spot of the Conference, I would have absolutely no issues with him as the MVP. I can't really make an argument against him other than he's not the best player in the game.
1. Kobe Bryant
Now, _he_ is the best player in the game. You can argue that he lifted the Lakers into the top spot in the West [with the help of a rapidly developing Andrew Bynum]. Those two things together should be enough to win the MVP for him unless the Lakers bottom out before the season's end. Kobe and Chris Paul are #1/2 in my mind and are almost interchangeable. It's hard to pick one over the other... extremely hard but with my heart wearing purple and gold, I'm picking Kobe as the MVP.
2008-03-26
108-95
What can you say?
The Lakers have their own fate in their hands. They went into tonight leading the Western Conference - albeit barely. The Conference is in the tightest race of all time where one or two wins or losses can move you drastically in either direction.
It is a crazy race and one where you can not afford to lose to the teams you should be beating.
Tonight, the Spurs beat the Clippers... like they're supposed to. Houston beat Minnesota... like they're supposed to. New Orleans beat Cleveland... which you can debate all you want but they were probably supposed to.
And Phoenix lost to the Celtics... like they were supposed to!
The Lakers? The Lakers fell 108-95 to the Charlotte Bobcats - the same Bobcats that are in 12th place in the horrid Eastern Conference. The same Bobcats who were 6-28 on the road going in to tonight. The same- you get the point.
I realize they're undermanned right now with Pau and Bynum... and Ariza... and Mihm... and... good lord. But, it's the Bobcats. You gotta beat teams like that. You just don't have a choice. You can't put it in neutral until your big men come back.
So, if the Lakers manage to win the Conference, tonight's loss is just a memory. But if they don't, it's one of those games you can look back on and cringe as to the reason they're facing a better team in the first round than they should.
Only about a month left, boys. Don't take your foot off the gas now.
Oh, and just to add a little more cloud to your silver lining, Kobe scored two technicials in the fourth quarter to earn himself an ejection. Not a problem on the surface but #24 leads the league in technicials with 15. One more technical in the regular season earns him a one game suspension.
Is there any chance in hell that that won't happen in the next month? I doubt it.
2008-03-12
By Popular Demand...
As you know, I occasionally take requests for blog topics. And when such a request comes from the Best Man at my wedding, I pretty much am required by Man Law to discuss.
So, he asked three questions... and I shall answer.
1) Houston Rockets are attempting to go 20-0 tonight
Absolutely incredible. An amazing team running off a streak like that is impressive enough and the Rockets just aren't an amazing team. Three-quarters of this streak was run off while Yao Ming was still active on the team which makes it slightly less impressive since he made them much closer to an elite team. But nonetheless, a T-Mac [and T-Mac alone] led team winning 5 or 6 in a row is impressive. I can't imagine the streak will last much longer but if it does, Lebron and Kobe better make room for a third man in the MVP race. The interesting thing will be if they're still on the streak when they play the Lakers on Sunday. That will be a wild one especially since...
2] The Lakers are 1/2 game ahead of the Western Conference and playing cocky going 15 for 32 of the 3-point line last night
The Lakers are at a crossroads right now. While they're still winning, they're not winning impressively at the moment. Their defense is bad... real bad... very bad... shitty bad. You just can't let teams like Toronto and Sacramento run you up for over 100 points. I understand they're playing a faster pace offense at the moment and putting up big numbers too but come playoff time, you gotta be able to play tough D when it counts. If they think they can play the high octane offense and run San Antonio, Boston, or Detroit off the floor, they're sadly mistaken. This is the time to tighten the screws, get the defense in order, stop fucking falling in love with the three pointers, and play solid basketball for the next couple months until the playoffs. I don't like seeing Kobe say "We played well" after letting Toronto get a near win and losing to Sacramento at friggin' home. I hope they get their heads on straight... and quickly.
3] "F'n City Slicker Billy Crystal is going to play for the N.Y. Yankees tomorrow against the Pirates."
Seriously, man? This is what you want to use your last question on? Really? Alright, fine. Why do I care about this story at all? He's a has-been actor who hasn't been in anything of interest in well over a decade. It's the Evil Empire of baseball making headlines again for what really isn't a baseball story. Next you'll tell me that the Yankees will be producing a new reality game show series called "Pitching With The Stars" where 16 celebrities train with Roger Clemens in an effort to become the next Yankees starting pitcher.
Hey... I think I might watch that.
Somebody call my agent!
So, he asked three questions... and I shall answer.
1) Houston Rockets are attempting to go 20-0 tonight
Absolutely incredible. An amazing team running off a streak like that is impressive enough and the Rockets just aren't an amazing team. Three-quarters of this streak was run off while Yao Ming was still active on the team which makes it slightly less impressive since he made them much closer to an elite team. But nonetheless, a T-Mac [and T-Mac alone] led team winning 5 or 6 in a row is impressive. I can't imagine the streak will last much longer but if it does, Lebron and Kobe better make room for a third man in the MVP race. The interesting thing will be if they're still on the streak when they play the Lakers on Sunday. That will be a wild one especially since...
2] The Lakers are 1/2 game ahead of the Western Conference and playing cocky going 15 for 32 of the 3-point line last night
The Lakers are at a crossroads right now. While they're still winning, they're not winning impressively at the moment. Their defense is bad... real bad... very bad... shitty bad. You just can't let teams like Toronto and Sacramento run you up for over 100 points. I understand they're playing a faster pace offense at the moment and putting up big numbers too but come playoff time, you gotta be able to play tough D when it counts. If they think they can play the high octane offense and run San Antonio, Boston, or Detroit off the floor, they're sadly mistaken. This is the time to tighten the screws, get the defense in order, stop fucking falling in love with the three pointers, and play solid basketball for the next couple months until the playoffs. I don't like seeing Kobe say "We played well" after letting Toronto get a near win and losing to Sacramento at friggin' home. I hope they get their heads on straight... and quickly.
3] "F'n City Slicker Billy Crystal is going to play for the N.Y. Yankees tomorrow against the Pirates."
Seriously, man? This is what you want to use your last question on? Really? Alright, fine. Why do I care about this story at all? He's a has-been actor who hasn't been in anything of interest in well over a decade. It's the Evil Empire of baseball making headlines again for what really isn't a baseball story. Next you'll tell me that the Yankees will be producing a new reality game show series called "Pitching With The Stars" where 16 celebrities train with Roger Clemens in an effort to become the next Yankees starting pitcher.
Hey... I think I might watch that.
Somebody call my agent!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
