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Posted by: SPQR on Friday, November 20, 2009 - 11:28 AM
Lakers Blog
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 With Kareem in the news lately with the sad story about his lukemia, it brings to mind his failure to break in as a coach in any real, substantial way. He has made no secrete of his desire to work his way up and be a head coach someday.
The wall seemingly thrown up in his path has a genesis back to his playing days. Apparently back then, Cap took being aloof to the Nth degree. To say he was cold and treated people with disregard I guess is putting it mildly.
I remember a few years ago, when Kareem could not beg, borrow or steal any kind of NBA coaching job, a reporter was asking NBA personages about the issue. The old coach Doug Moe was one of those interviewed. He pretty much was laughing and gloating about Kareems blackball and said in no uncertain terms that Kareem was a total a** when he played and treated people like sh*t. He said he was getting exactly what he deserved and that he would never get a substantial coaching job in the league because he had made too many enemies. I was taken aback by his glee at the situation and realised Kareem really must have been a ball breaker to engender that kind of response.
In Magics (and Birds) new book, Magic also touched on Kareem and his personality. He said Kareem could be just brutal with people and fans. He said that he could be so bad that he actually brought some people to tears.
Magic relayed a story where one day a father and his little boy asked Cap for an autograph and picture. Kareem just blew them off, cold as ice. Magic (it was his second year with the Lakers) then went up to them and offered to have his picture taken with the boy and sign the autograph.
Years later, long after he was retired. Magic was pitching a mulit million dollar investment idea to a big shot CEO of a corporation. That man turned out to be the father of the boy from years earlier. The man said he and his son never forgot how Kareem behaved nor how gracious Magic was in his stead. His son was now a big shot lawyer working for his dad and he still had that picture Magic took with him hanging on his wall. Needless to say, Magics idea was accepted by the father and he invested. As Magic left the office, he thought to himself, "Kareem, that could have been you."
He also related how a few years ago, Kareem came to Earvin, impressed by his business acumen and success and asked him for his secretes in business. Magic flat out told Kareem to forget it. Kareem said, "Why? I can learn to do what you do. Teach me."
Magic said, "Its not just what I do. Its who I am. In order to be successful in this, you have to make people feel special. You have to care about them. You have to treat them right and go that extra mile. You have to smile, shake the hands and put the effort into them as human beings. And that is just not who you are."
For Kareem, it is unfortunate that his past mistakes have come to haunt him in his latter years, in so many different ways. He may have ended up a great coach. His work with Drew was impressive. We will never know what type of coach he could have been. Nor will he ever have the business opportunities he would have had he just been a nicer man when things were going his way. Anyone who has seen him talk on different subjects or read his myriad books can tell he is very intelligent. It is too bad that in one aspect of his life he let the darker angels of his nature take over. Those angels are now swirling around him in a way he never thought they could.
Perhaps it is a lesson for many of us whenver we feel like we just don't care or feel the darker angels of our nature trying to make us do things that are not really right.
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Posted by: SPQR on Wednesday, November 18, 2009 - 01:54 AM
Lakers Blog
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Kobe Bryant once again showed that being human is a physical condition for the rest of us. A constraint put on other athletes. For Mr. Bryant, being human is not an option in his genetics, not a condition acceptable to him. With concerns about his groin injury coupled with the lackluster performance of the team running rampant, he showed up last night against Detroit to remind us once again, when it comes to this Laker, injuries are something that happens to other people.
Somewhere, somehow, when the genetic connection between his father and mother was made, alchemy took place that just is not supposed to happen. In that strange brew of molecules, acids, genes and cells, Kobe was made into something more than flesh and blood. How else to explain it? We could delve into the realm of magic, but in this age of science and technology, who would believe in such explanations? The end result, whatever the cause, is clear. Discarding his groin injury in short order, like normal man throwing off a slight case of heartburn, Kobe Bryant was back in full fettle tonight. For the Detroit Pistons, it was their turn to simply watch and observe a miracle of modern genetics have his every way and whim with them as he ended our two game losing streak.
When Kobe plays like he did tonight, when he is the master of every muscle, nerve and fiber in his magnificent body, he is transformed from flesh and bone to something more akin to vulcanized rubber. A groin injury that should be slowing him down to a crawl is just yesterday’s news, washed away amid one amazing shot, one more body contortion, one more acrobatic move that leaves one thinking, “What the hell else can he do? What is this man made of? Not the material of the rest of the human race.”
One can almost see this man, far in the future, at age 110, still slim and fit, still competing in some form of contest, whether it be chess, or checkers or pool or horseshoes. Still brimming with energy, still looking to win one more contest. When you watch him as we did last night, can you really imagine him succumbing to disease or infirmity like the rest of us? Though you know in your mind it will have to happen, in your heart you think, “No way will this man ever die. He simply is not made like the rest of us. He can’t be and do these things.”
Tonight, Kobe Bryant, this piece of vulcanized rubber with the will of ten men, got his team a much needed win and in the process achieved his 100th career 40 point game. Think about that milestone. He has scored 40 points in 18 games over a full regular season. A groin injury? It’s almost funny to think about. One can almost imagine this man, his car rolling over in the LA freeway doing over 100mph, flipping over ten times. You can picture the reports of him after the accident: A broken arm, busted spleen, torn tendon in his shoulder, and a skull fracture. Then you can imagine him two weeks later coming back to score 40 for the one hundred and first time in his career. And smiling while he does it. You know in your mind that could not happen, in your heart you think, “No way would I bet against it. He is simply not made like the rest of us. He can do this thing.”
In the waning seconds of the game, Kobe threw up the last historic shot that got him his 100th. Across the floor from him, in stark and huge relief, was the sideline billboard in front of the first row. Its words screamed out the title of a new movie- Ninja Assassin. It was fitting and ironic that these words were so visible at the moment of Kobe’s last points, his final shot of the night. The billboard was meant as a noun. A movie name. But in the end, it became an adjective that Kobe stole from its intended purpose and made his own. It was describing the performance of Kobe Bryant on this night. Like the Pistons, the game and everything else in Staples tonight, The Great Man even appropriated this Hollywood promotion for himself. Slashing his way through the whole Detroit team, making shots with either hand, including one of the all time great trick shots at the basket ever seen, putting in jumpers like the basket was ten feet wide, he seemed like a Ninja Assassin suspended on invisible wires coming at his opponents from all angles, from every elevation. All that was missing was the sword in his hand and the blood on the court. But then again, Kobe really doesn't need a sword to kill, does he?
Injuries? Losing steaks?
Ninja Assassin. Kobe Bryant.
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Posted by: SPQR on Monday, November 16, 2009 - 12:29 AM
Lakers Blog
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I didn't really get a bad feeling by the loss to Denver the other night for reasons I stated on here. But watching us get hammered by a mediocre Houston team at home after a loss and days rest certainly leaves a different feeling in my stomache.
The Lakers looked like a bunch of geriatrics: stiff, slow, uninspired and unemotional. Like a bunch of old guys who only can think of sitting in their rockers after a meal and waiting for the laxatives to take effect so they can empty their bowls.
No effort or energy on offense or defense. Just walking out there like last years ring would make Houston fall apart. Perhaps the most shocking sight of all was watching Kobe look just as null and void as the rest. Not a common thing to see for Laker fans.
Some thoughts on the loss: Yes Pau is not here. And yes when he comes back and Lamar moves to the bench we should be stronger. But Drew is putting up Pau like numbers (with the given that he is not the passer nor does he yet have the savy of Gasol) and we still have everyone else so should we look so desultory in losing two games in row, the last one at home? I don't think so. If you think about it, this team really is very close to last years post Drew injury team that won the championship only minus Trevor and plus Artest. Excuses only go so far and we have too much talent even without Pau to keep going back to that.
The team shot 37 percent. That means they had to play some pretty good defense to win this one. No surprise in that they did not. What happened to the better defensive team we were supposed to have with the Artest-Kobe-Bynum combination? I don't see it yet.
Drew shot 8 for 12 tonight. Perhaps with the atrocious shooting of the rest of the crew Drew should have had 20 or 22 shots instead of 12. Once again, one will have to ask his teamates and Coach Jackson about this. I still don't understand that on going situation. Or one can ask Pau about it too. I am sure he still remembers his frustrations from last year.
On the physical side of things, there are concerns. Derek has played a lot of years and has a ton of miles on his body. Right now he is playing like it. He is just aweful. If he goes like this the rest of the year, we have a real problem at that spot. The Lakers have been fooling themselves if they thought Derek could keep going at a high level year after year. You could already see the incipient signs of decline last year in many games. One more year older does not help him any.
The bench is still brutal. Last year they were barely adequate. This year they seem worse. Shannon is the only guy on that squad who brings anything of note or worthwhile with him. There is not one guy there who you can count on game after game. Like with Derek, if this goes on all year, we have a real problem.
One last thought: I know Artest is a terrific and well rounded player, but do any of you think the Lakers miss Trevors speed, athleticism, three point shooting and tons of energy he brought last year to seemingly every game? I do. Do you think he may have helped us tonight keep things together with the things he brought to the floor and the team? It could well be.
Long way to go and we won't be complete till Pau is back. But there are things to ponder, one of which is why should this team have lost this game tonight?
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Posted by: SPQR on Saturday, November 07, 2009 - 01:54 AM
Lakers Blog
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Just want to say the win over the Griz tonight was a very nice game. There was concern because of the absence of Pau and Drew, but a couple things we all know is that they play the game for a reason and that any time Kobe Bryant is your oppenent, you better be worried.
One had the feeling that Kobe would rise to the occasion tonight. The Lakers were at home, someone would have to pick up the slack and guess who volunteered to do it? No surprise there. We have only seem The Great Man pull this feat off about ohh....what a million times now?
I got to catch the Griz announcers on Direct TV and I can tell you that although they did not come out and predict a victory, they spent a looong time in the pre game show talking about the big edge Memphis would have down low. They had the gleam in their eyes and smiles on their faces as they talked about what Memphis would do to a hampered Laker team. You could tell what they were thinking. What they forgot was the edge we had named Kobe Bryant. He can make up for a lot of missing players and then some.
This was one of those games where you just sat back and enjoyed the show. Kobe was so hot, so spectacular that you just never really had a feeling Memphis could over come him or the Lakers. Kobe cast his pyrotechnic spell as only he can and the Grizzlies were just as transfixed as we were at home. The only difference is they got to see it close up live, and they get a loss on the record books while we just got to marvel once again at the best in the biz do what he does so well.
I want to give a shout out to DJ here. You know, this guy will never be a star, will never be feared on the offensive end, but through hard work, determination and maximizing the things he does do well, he has turned himself into a very servicable back up center. He is not some guy you pray does not screw up. He actually brings things with him on the court that help a team win. You really have to admire a guy who has come as far as he has. I am happy he wears the Laker colors. I also don't shudder when he enters a game. I can't say that about all the players on this team.
As I watched The Great Man lay another beating on another team, as he once again made the supremely arduous look sublimly easy, I thought of another player on the floor: Sam Young.
I followed the rookies career at Pitt. I live there. He impressed me as a very versitile, complete player. So good in fact, I hoped the Lakers would get him. He fell further in the draft than predicted and he said he would make teams regret passing him. I believe him. I also love that kind of attitude. He had a great pre season and Memphis has high hopes for him. As Kobe painted his masterpiece, splattering the wood canvas he paints so poetically with a rubber ball, I had to wonder what Young was thinking. No doubt he had seen Kobe many times on tv. Marvelled at his exploits, shook his head at what he saw, just as we all do. But I wonder, what did this talented rookie think, seeing the man in the flesh. Watching his moves in 3D, seeing someone take this game as far as it can go and then...take it even another step further. Seeing the here to for pixels of his telivision set being translated to a living, breathing man and realizing what he saw all those years was true. Not some fiction or mirage. That Kobe Bryant does those things whether you are watching him far removed, or whether you are on the opposing team and he is right in your face. Do you think he was excited as a little kid on Christmas Eve? Do you think chills ran up his spine?
What do you think Sam Young was thinking? What do you think he is saying right now, on his cell phone, talking to his friends and former college teamates who are scattered accross the country? Do you think he is talking about Kobe Bryant as he holds that cell phone to his ear?
Do you think he will ever forget?
Do you think we will?
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Posted by: SPQR on Thursday, November 05, 2009 - 08:56 AM
Lakers Blog
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The year was 1994 and things were not going well. Showtime was now a word, a piece of Laker history and no longer a descriptor of a style of play, a synonym of success and championships.
The Lakers record had dipped well below 500 and as the season wound down Dr. Buss knew he needed to make a change, to start to turn the team around for the coming year, for the future of the proud franchise. What was happening was simply not acceptable.
He decided to fire Riley acolyte and current head coach Randy Pfund. In casting his eye around for a man who could bring back pride, work ethic and an innate understanding and love of the game to his young players he turned to Laker legend and close friend Earvin ‘Magic’ Johnson.
Johnson was stunned by the offer that Buss made him. At first he blanched at the idea. He had never coached before. But as he thought about it, he realized there were only 15 games left in the year. If things didn’t work out-how bad could things get in 15 games? Soon Earvin began to warm to the concept. He felt, like Buss did, that he had lessons he could impart on this new generation of players who wore the proud standard of the Purple and Gold. He felt he could do the team some good. He accepted the offer.
In his first team meeting, Johnson began to tell the players what the culture of winning was about. The work it entailed. The trust of teammates. The hard hours of practice, both with the team and individually in order to reach your plateau as both a player and team. The joys of reaping the rewards of that drive, effort and desire. He gave examples of his Showtime Championship teams and how he wanted to replicate that successful formula with this new, young, eager group. During the talk, Elden Campbell yawned. As the meeting ended and the players adjourned the locker room, he overheard one of the young men mutter, “Who cares about Showtime.”
The next day, Magic came to practice an hour and half before start time. He wanted to get some extra work in with the team. The Showtime players always came in early to hone their skills either alone or with each other before official practice began. Bill Bertka, the long time Laker assistant accompanied him. As the minutes then an hour went by, no players appeared. Magic turned to Bertka and said, “Where are the guys?” Bertka shook his head and replied, “Magic, this is a different era. A different team.” Finally, five minutes before scheduled time, players started to straggle in. Some even came late.
Magic watched George Lynch closely. He had been a first round pick and Johnson had high hopes for him. In his first game under his new coach, Lynch had scored 30 points. In his second, he had scored only four. Magic felt Lynch could be a force if he worked on his outside shot, which was a weakness that was holding him back. After a practice, Magic told Lynch he wanted to work with him one on one the next day. To begin to improve Lynch’s shot. To lay the groundwork for his step up to another level for himself and the team. Lynch agreed. The next day, at the appointed time, Lynch just never showed. This pattern went on for a couple more days. Finally Magic told Lynch, “If you miss that shot in a game, I am going to pull you.”
The Lakers played Seattle. Gary ‘the glove’ Payton hounded Nick Van Exel all over the court. Taking him out of his game and rendering him ineffective. The next day, Coach Johnson asked Van Exel to stay after practice. He told him he wanted to start to teach him about tempo. About how to see the whole floor. To make him able to counter the pressure of players like Payton. Van Exel told Magic that he couldn’t make it that day. He had an appointment. That he would get back with his coach about doing this at another time. He never broached Magic about it again. Never gave him a time to get together and learn.
One day, tired of his teams’ lackadaisical practice and attitude, Johnson got mad. He stopped practice and called over bench players Kurt Rambis and James Worthy. Worthy was in his last year and averaging ten points a game. He also signaled assistant coaches Michael Cooper and Larry Drew over. He told his team, “I am going to take these old men here and prove to you that you guys don’t know how to play basketball the right way.” He and his old timers proceeded to then play the Lakers. In the first game, Magic’s team won 15-11. In the second, 15-8. In the third they won so big that Magic stopped keeping score.
After going 5-1 their first six game, Magic’s team did not win another game the rest of the year. When it was over, he told Dr. Buss he did not want to continue. He felt “relieved” to be finished.
Think of all the players you have watched over the years: The bad ones, the mediocre ones, the good ones, the great ones, then ask yourself, which of these would have taken up Magic’s offer of help?. Which would have been at practice an hour and half early? Which supremely talented, but lazy players would have passed on a chance to improve? Which would have settled? Which supremely talented players would have soaked up every thing Magic wanted to do, in search of greatness? Which less talented but hard working and driven players would have jumped at the chances Magic offered? Make a quick list in your head. Which would have, which wouldn’t have? I would bet all our lists would look alike.
“Who cares about Showtime?” That player didn’t get it. Showtime was not some old player’s sweet reminisce about a by gone era. It was about a mindset. A desire. A work ethic. A love the game and your teammates. An acceptance of nothing less than giving your best in every practice and every game until you and your team had the fundamentals and principles to overcome any opponent, any obstacle, even if is yourself, in order to be the best you can be. To give your self the best chance of winning that every ounce of your talent, heart and sweat will allow.
It is the embracing of his culture, of taking that torture test with a passion that makes champions…and what doesn’t.
Who cares about Showtime?
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Posted by: SPQR on Wednesday, November 04, 2009 - 08:53 AM
Lakers Blog
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I have been reading the new book about the Magic-Bird rivalry: When The Game Was Ours.
One of the interesting things I ran across was that GM Jerry West was enamored of Arkansas guards Sidney Moncrief's all around game and prefered to make him the Lakers pick instead of Magic.
This does not really suprise me. Magic was kind of unknown territory, a six foot nine point guard, something never seen before. Moncrief was a terrific all around player on both ends of the floor, something that would really appeal to fundamentalist player West.
Jerry Buss, who was then in the process of buying the team told current owner Jack Kent Cooke that if he did not take Magic with that pick then the sale would be off. So all us Laker fans owe the estimable and far sighted Dr. Buss a huge thanks for drafting the greatest Laker and best point guard ever and creating Showtime with its nine trips to the final and five rings. We have so many other things to thank him for. He is truly a great, great owner.
West was not alone in his doubts about Johnson translating successfully to the NBA. A Michigan sports writer named Joe Falls wrote an article about why Magic would not excel in the pro game. He said he was too awkward, not good defensivly and did not have a good shot.
This article from a home town reporter incensed Magic and as with all great players, prompted him to redouble his practices and shooting drills. We all know how it ended.
Moncrief by the way went on to have a hall of fame career with the Milwaukee Bucks. He teamed with Bob Lanier and other good players to make them an eastern powerhouse who gave those great Boston and Philly teams fits and hard battles in the decade of the 80's, once knocking Birds Celtics out of the playoffs.
Speaking of Bird, his acerbic wit is well known. Here is a funny line he used back in college. He was getting the lions share of the press and glory while playing for his college team. Apparently some of the other players were jealous of the attention he was getting. He was asked about this. His response was: "I am jealous of those guys too. I am jealous that they get to play with me and I don't." - OUCH! What a classic line by Bird.
Also, we all know about Kobe's harsh work ethic. But that is the one common denominator with all the best of the best, along with talent. When Bird's Celtics were eliminated in the playoffs by Moncrief's Bucks, the next summer his workout regime included running five miles uphill, then riding a bike for another 20 miles. After this, he would go out and shoot 500 jumpers and 500 layups. All in the mid summer heat. Everyday. Sound like someone we know?
The DAY AFTER Boston beat LA in the 84 finals, ML Carr went to Birds house to continue the party they had had that night. No one had gotten any sleep. He arrived at 6am. Bird was not there. Carr waited around and eventually Bird came jogging up after one of his grueling runs. Carr asked him, "What are you doing?" Bird replied, "Getting ready for next year." Sound like someone we know? lol.
All the greats have that common thread running through them, don't they? They just never feel safe, never secure, always worry that someone else is getting an edge on them. It's why they are what they are.
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Posted by: SPQR on Thursday, October 29, 2009 - 11:23 AM
Lakers Blog
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 With a little lull until tomorrow nights game, just wanted to give a few of my observations on the ring ceremony shown on TNT. I am sure almost all of you watched it along with me and enjoyed it just as much.
Always such a thrill to see another banner raised. No matter how many times it happens, just sends chills down my spine to see another piece of championship mortar placed in the foundation of the House of Laker Greatness.
I am sure the Celtic fans loved it too.
The rings looked gorgeous. Well made and classy. I would love to hold one in my hand and just feel that championship heft and gaze at the workmanship. They look mesmerizing as a Kobe Bryant double clutch, ball shift to the left hand, backwards dunk...in traffic. AMAZING!
I loved them strolling out some of our great players from the past. I shows the continuity of Laker tradition, championships, great teams and remarkable players from one generation of winners down through the years to the next. It was like a role call of Laker history and accomplishment. It was great stuff. It was too bad Wilt Chamberlin is still not around to take part in events like this. He was part of our 69 win team and a banner that hangs in Staples. He would have so enjoyed that kind of recognition and ceremony. The only thing I would have changed was to have Kareem as one of those who strolled out the the applause. He is the Los Angles Lakers. I have no doubt we will be seeing a similar ceremony this time next year and hopefully Kareem will be there to take that walk and bow in the limelight.
One last thing that I could not help notice. Jeannie Buss seems to be getting younger every year! I don't know if it is just the good life, plastic surgery or great genes, but man, it's ridiculous. If her trend continues, soon Phil will be looking like he is dating his grand daughter, lol.
All in all a great moment for the franchise and all its fans. Another feather in an already overflowing cap, yet with room for so much more.
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Posted by: SPQR on Wednesday, October 28, 2009 - 09:03 AM
Lakers Blog
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Watching our opening win last night, I saw some things that caused me to speculate on wether over the long haul, it would be better to play Pau with the second team instead of Lamar Odom.
We all saw the hard time the bench had in scoring. Granted, they did not have Lamar with them, do to Pau's injury. Yet is Lamar the best player for this group, and secondly, with Drew's emergence, Pau will be playing less center than in the last two years.
First off, it is obvious from Drew's play the last two years before his injuries, this years preseason and last nights game that he can certainly approximate Pau's effectivness in the pivot. The fact that he is still a work in progress and will get only better means at some point he will actually become a better center than Pau, who is a finished product.
I noticed last year in the short time Drew was healthy and playing, Pau's numbers did drop some when he played forward. Once Drew got hurt and he played the pivot again, his numbers climbed. This is to be expected. Even his mere presence is bad for the opposing team, even if Drew is more involved in the game. Yet wouldn't we want to maximize Pau's effectivness by trying to get him some extra pivot time?
To do this, Phil would have to change the rotation somewhat. There are two ways to do this. One would be to keep Pau on the bench and start Lamar and Artest at the forward spots. When Drew comes out, Pau would enter as the center with the second team. This would be highly effective for him and the team...even more so considering he would be going against the other teams second string players. Lamar has proven he is just as effective over the last two years playing with both Drew or Pau. It is the nature of his game, passing and rebounding, that makes him a perfect match no matter which of the other two are manning the post.
Pau seems to lose some effectivness when playing with Drew. Also, Pau playing with the second team would make them a much more potent offensive force than Lamar playing with them. He would also command the double team and therefor get the second team more open looks. While Lamars passing certainly helps the second team, Pau is a terrific passer as well and a much better scorer than Lamar.
The other way to do this would be to start Pau, and when Drew leaves and the second team comes in, move Pau to the pivot. Pau showed last year that he is an iron man and he could handle the minutes. When Drew comes back in, then Pau would get his breather, probably till the end of the half, if Phil uses Drew as he did last night. This would give Pau an adequate rest and the process and rotation would repeat in the second half.
It seems to me that playing Pau with the second team would accomplish two positive things: It would get Pau some good minutes in the pivot where he could clean up. It would also make the second team a stronger offensive team than it would be with Lamar. Of course, this would not be set in stone. Game conditions and matchups and other considerations would go into each game. Flexibility is certainly not one of our problems.
Remember now, this is just speculation based on what transpired last year and how the second team played last night. Before I did this move, I would play Pau and Drew together for a while and see how well Pau can do at the forward position with Drew at center. I would also want to see how the second team performed with Lamar once Pau is backa and healthy. If, Pau's performance does dip precipitously when playing with Drew, then perhaps try the move of Pau to the second team.
Of course one other factor that has to be considered if one trys this move: how would Pau take it? Would he become upset if removed from the staring slot?
It will be interesting to see this year if the second team improves a lot with the addition of Lamar and how Pau adapts over the long year if Drew stays healthy this year and he is pretty much consigned to the forward spot for the first time in three years.
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Posted by: SPQR on Tuesday, October 27, 2009 - 08:35 AM
Lakers Blog
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On the eve of the new season, expectations are high. I think most of us here believe we will be ending the year with our 16th championship, and some of us in the back of our minds even entertain the thought that this team could challange the Bulls 73 win mark.
Our major competitors-San Antonio, Boston, Orlando and Cleveland all made big off season moves to get better and close the gap with us. It stands to reason that we too want to be better and not just be the same team as last year. It is something that we want to and need to ensure that championship against the improving elite.
This being the case, I would ask all the superb basketball minds that are habitues of this great site: What three things do you want to see from this years Lakers, that would in your mind, ensure the capture of our 16th ring?
I will ask that anyone who replies here leave "staying healthy" off the list. That is a given and most obvious. It is also out of anyones control.
Here are mine in order of importance.
1. My number one wish is that with the addition of a healthy Drew and Artest, the team takes their defensive execution and presence up at least one notch from last year. We won it last year with a defense I would term merely adequate. Nothing more. If this team, already an offensive juggernaut could turn up the defensive screws one more notch, it would really become the terror of the league. They are hard enough to outscore now. How can you beat a team that not only can't you outscore but can't score against period? Pretty tough proposition. This single thing, in my mind would make a repeat fait accompli and bring the chase for 73 into reality.
2. Fast start for Drew. In the last two years, Drew has gotten off to slow starts. Two years ago because he was still learning so much and last year because he was coming off that horrific injury. This year I would love to see him play like the pre injury and pre season Drew right off the get go. This would just be so intimidating to our opponents and ensure a very fast start for the team. It would also do a world of confidence for our young center. If this happens, look out, the Lakers will start putting distance between them and the other Western teams very quickly.
3. The resurection for Adam Morrison and/or Sasha. With the lose of Ariza, I see several problems that Artest, despite all the goods he brings to the table, cannot overcome. First off, we will miss Trevors speed and athleticism. In sports, speed causes problems and speed kills. I just don't see how we are going to replace this aspect of what Trevor brought. It is a deficit that we will just have to live with. We will also miss his three point shooting. If Sasha and/or Morrison regain their stroke it would be a huge thing. With steady three point and clutch shooting, it will make an already potent offensive team just that much harder to contain and control. It would literally overwhelm even the best laid defenses. There are some teams almost impossible to defend. We have all seen them over the years. If we can get steady three point shooting we will become one of them. Even against such defensive stalwarts as the Celtics.
There are of course other things I would like to see. But these are my top three wish lists for the 2009-2010 Lakers.
I am interested to read what are the top three of all the great Laker fans and basketball minds on LTB. Please feel free to give up your own thoughts as we go on the hunt for number 16.
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Posted by: SPQR on Thursday, October 01, 2009 - 04:47 PM
Lakers Blog
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It is the Lakers swank, plush locker room. It has all the accoutrements befitting the 21st century star athletes of a our championship team: TV’s, pool table, sauna and Jacuzzi, large and expansive lockers. A superb sound system. Kobes favorite cd, Lady GaGa is blaring out.
Kobe is lounging on the trainers table. He has the Finals MVP trophy in his hand and stares longingly at it. Also there is Mitch Kupchak, Derek Fisher, Pau Gasol, Ron Artest and Andrew Bynum.
Mitch looks at Kobe. “How you feeling champ?”
Kobe: “Man I feel great! We have a great team. We should repeat. Everything is just the way I wanted it to be! Life can’t be any better. It is cool to be Kobe Bryant! I owe it all to you, Dr. Buss and this great organization. You are the best!”
Mitch: “That’s great! This is going to be some year for us. I can just feel it!”
Kobe: Holding out his trophy to Mitch. “Hey, have you seen my Final MVP Trophy? Isn’t it just the best thing you have every laid eyes on?”
Mitch: Smiles. “Um, yeah I have seen it. It’s fantastic.”
Kobe: Smiling. “Would you like to hold it?”
Mitch: “Sure, let see that bad boy.” He reaches out to get it..
Kobe: Suddenly glaring at Mitch. “Ok, if you have too I will let you. But only for a second!”
Mitch just sits, looking at Kobe with his hand out.
Kobe: “Did you hear me!”
Everyone turns and looks at Kobe.
Mitch nods, looking a bit intimidated. “Yes, ok. I heard you.”
Kobe hands the trophy to Mitch. As Mitch starts to bring it back to his body Kobe snakes out his hand and grabs it back. Mitch blinks and pulls back his head in a nervous reaction.
Kobe smiles again. “It is nice isn’t it? Feels good in your hand doesn’t it? Has real weight to it.”
Mitch forces a smile. “Yeah, yeah, it really does feel nice.”
Kobe: “You know I don’t let just anyone hold it. That is MY trophy. Mine! You are one of the lucky few!”
Mitch: “I can imagine.”
Kobe: "I'll let you in on a little secrete. Want to hear it?"
Mitch: "S..s..sure."
Kobe: "My wife hasn't even touched this baby. Nobody in my house has except me. Not my kids either. Bet you didn't know that did you?"
Mitch: "Um...no..I guess I didn't."
Kobe: "Do you know why I let you touch it?"
Mitch: "No, Kobe, I really don't. Honest."
Kobe smiles: "Cuz I like you Mitch. I like you allot."
Mitch smiles back: "I like you too, Kobe."
Kobe turns away from Mitch and hugs the trophy.
Mitch turns and looks at Drew. He is playing a game on his cell.
Mitch: “Hey big guy! How are you feeling? All ready to kick some serious ass?”
Drew does not look up from his cell. “Hell yeah! I can’t wait to get out there and show people what I can do….long as my knee holds up..” He steals a furtive glance at Kobe then his own knee.
Pau clears his throat then speaks. “Drew, Drew. It will be so cool to have you back now! There are lots of games that you could even spell me for rest!”
Drew smiles. “Yep, I want to make things easier for you, Pau. That’s the idea!”
Pau smiles. “Yes, Drew. Easier for me. I have certain game that you would make good starter at center. Not all game, but some. Then I maybe start at center. You know for experience for you. Good experience! Very good starter.” He glances at Kobe who is rubbing the MVP trophy on his head. “Um.. say you start against Cleveland… yah Cleveland. And maybe good experience you start against Boston too!!. And Houston….um.. no wait! Houston can be me start. But Orlando…yes, most defiantly Orlando!! Drew must start against Orlando all the time!! Yes..Drew will ALWAYS start against Orlando…and Cleveland..yeah them too! The rest I be starter at center maby.. You in good shape now, no?”
Drew looks up from his phone at stares at Pau. “Sure, Pau.” He looks down at his knee and rubs the brace. “Yep, I’m fine. Just fine….just a little pain there is all. I think it’s probably just the brace…ouch!” He grimaces and removes his hand from his knee. Mitch quickly looks away from Drew.
Pau: “Drew must be ready to start against Cleveland, Boston and Orlando!!! Maybe Denver too!!”
Drew: “Chill dude. I will be ready….just wish I didn’t have to wear this damn brace…”
Suddenly the door pops open and Lamar comes strutting in. He does a quick glance around to check out the scene. “What, no freakin camera’s here?? What’s going on with this place? Where are the cameras and reporters? Not even anyone from E or The Insider?”
Derek: “Lamar this is private meeting. We don’t want any cameras or reporters here.”
Lamar flashes a huge grin and takes out a candy bar. He rips off the wrapper and starts to gnaw on it. “Derek my man, don’t you know if you are not on camera, if someone is not looking at your life on TV you are nothing! You don’t exist! Get with the program man. Get with the program!”
Derek just shakes his head. Lamar spins on his heel and heads back out to the door. “Me and my internet and tv star babe have a party at Wolfgang Pucks tonight. Gonna some reporters there, yeah you know it baby! Later losers.” He flips the candy wrapper over his shoulder as he leaves and it hits Fisher on the head. Derek picks it up and puts it in the trash can.
As Lamar leaves Sasha comes in. He looks completely distraught. His hair is a mess, running in tangles and down his face. Fish notices this. “Hey man, what’s wrong?”
Sasha runs over to Derek and grabs him. “Oh my god man. It’s like a nightmare. It is a f*cking nightmare!” Pau keeps staring at Drew and his knee. Drew never looks up from his cell.
Derek lays a comforting hand on Sasha’s shoulder. “Dude, dude, chill. It’s ok. Just calm down and tell me what’s up?”
Sasha shakes his head disconsolately. “Derek, oh my god, Derek! It’s just terrible!”
Derek shakes Sasha. Artest watches them from the shadows. Kobe continues to stroke his trophy. “Dude get a hold of yourself! Tell me what is wrong!”
Sasha is almost in tears. “Dude, I am taking a playboy bunny to Lamar’s party at Wolfgangs and I can’t find my f*cking comb!!! Can you believe this shit!!??”
Derek drops his hand from Sasha’s shoulder.
Sasha shakes his head. “How could that have happened? I NEVER lose my comb. Not in all these years!! Not once!”
Derek shakes his head. “Dude, it’s ok. It has to be here. We will find it.” He looks at the other players. “Lets find it guys.”
Kobe licks his trophy and moans. His eyes are closed. Pau stares at Drew who continues to look at his cell and gently rub his knee brace. Artest looks up at the ceiling.
Sasha starts to cry. “We won’t find it if someone stole it! Someone new!” He looks at Artest who retreats further into the shadowy corner, looks away innocently and starts to whistle. “Screw this!! I’m going to buy another one.” He looks at his Armani watch. “I might still have time to put on the gell and buy a comb. I hope Bambi understands if I am late at her house!!”
Sasha turns and runs for the door at full blast.
Mitch gets up and starts to edge for the door. Derek does too.
Kobe swivels around like panther and looks hard at Mitch. He moves the trophy behind him..then smiles famous smile of his. “Hey boss, just want to tell you thanks. You and Dr. Buss, this whole organization was right. It all worked out just like you said it would. You guys are the best. I want you to know this is where my heart is and always will be! You guys always stood by me and did the right thing all the way around. I just want you to know how I feel. This is from the heart.”
Kobe reaches his hand out and Mitch smiles and takes it. Then they hug. Kobe whispers, “I love you, man.”
Artest comes out from behind shadowy corner. “Hey guys, I just want to say-“
Kobe wheels on him. “You don’t say ANYTHING you god damned f*ck!! Are you tryin to pull some Shaq sh*t on me! Are you trying to take over this team!!! This locker room!! No! No! That sh*t will not happen again on my watch!! Never! Not ever again! No more. This is MY locker room, my team and my trophy!!” Kobe turns to Mitch. “You better do something about this f*cking Shaq sh*t he is trying to pull right the f*ck now!!”
Mitch: "Relax Kobe, nothing is going on here."
Artest looks shocked. “Hey Kobe… I was just gonna say-“
Kobe jumps up and explodes. He pulls Mitch close and starts to scream in his face, bathing him in spit. "Nothing is going on?" He points to Artest, "Look at him. His lips were moving again. Did you see his lips move just now? He was trying to say something!! Do you know what that means!!??"
Mitch looking confused: "No...I..I don't. What does it mean?"
Kobe: "He was trying to talk! He is trying to take over my locker room you idiot! Thats what it means!! This is your fault!! You and that god damn f*ck Dr. Buss!! And this dog sh*t organization I am trapped in!! You guys can’t do nothing right!! You will not let someone pull another Shaq on me, no f*cking way!!! I am not that f*cking dumb.” Mitch closes his eyes in the drenching. Kobe’s spit pours down his face. Kobe shoves him to the floor and backs away from him. “I f*cking told you to do something about this and YOU DIDN’T!! I want f*cking traded right the f*ck NOW!!! I am taking my god damn f*cking finals MVP trophy and moving on to some team that wants and respect me!!! F*ck you! F*ck Buss, F*ck this city, its fake f*ckin fans and all this f*cking shit!! My f*cking agent will be calling you tonight!! F*ck my lousy inadequate teammates I am forced to play with year after f*ckin year!!! And f*ck my god damn maid too!! That useless f*cking ho b*tch!! Maybe I can hook up with Jason Kidd! Yeah he would get me that f*ckin ball! I am out of this dog sh*t operation! Kupchak, you will never touch this trophy again! NEVER!!”
Kobe takes his trophy and storms out.
Artest retreats into the shadow of the corner. Pau stares at Drews knee. Drew plays his cell game and rubs his brace.
Derek walks over to Mitch and picks him up. They exit together and walk up the hall.
Derek looks at Mitch and grins. “So, ready for another Laker season?”
Mitch smiles and throws his arm around Derek's shoulder. “You bet your life I am. No place I would rather be.”
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