OFFICIAL: LA Lakers Thread

[TheGameShutDown]

Here is a topic where you talk about the Los Angeles Lakers, or most importantly, update everyone on what's going on within the organization...

Lakers fall to T-Wolves 97-84:

Box Score (http://www.nba.com/games/20040130/MINLAL/boxscore.html)

[Blackwiz]

man, i can't believe Kobe injures himself again, and this time, not on the court :?

[alcstarheel]

Looks like we have a 7-game road trip coming up in the first half of February.

Toronto, Indiana, Cleveland (ESPN), Philadelphia (TNT), Orlando (ABC), Miami, and Houston (ESPN). Four out of seven games will be on the tele, so we should be able to see how we do with Rick Fox and the Big Aristotle back in the lineup. Hopefully Kobe can get off the Injured list as soon as it's allowed. We need these road wins, badly.

This month alone, we have 15 games, with 12 on the road. Let's see how we duel this out.

ALCS

[og15]

Carter is driving like a maniac on you guys, Im loving it.

[og15]

Ahhhhhh

Raptors lose, I mean Lakers win........one stupid point, nooooo

We killed you guys in the 2nd half though and Bosh was amazing, I love this guy.

Stupid Shaq, I mean he's unstopabble and all, but against the Raptors he's even more unstopabble.....ah well at least this game shows promise, if Jalen would do more than foul and turnover the ball it could help.

This whole game was basically Shaq, and the Lakers bench did pretty good too.

[ut_jazz]

what's the mailman's status.. how much longer?

[og15]

Till mid to late March :( ......sorry man.....do you have him on your fantasy team?

[Blackwiz]

Kobe can return to the lineup on Feb. 8th for the game against the Magic.

[og15]

The Lakers believe Payton will take part in the All-Star skills challenge, to be held Feb. 14, the night before the All-Star game. Payton isn't too sure.

He said Sunday he's considering it but would be less likely to compete if the coaches failed to include him on the Western Conference team.


Luke Walton said he "tweaked" his right ankle on a play at the end of the first half, but did not expect it to be a problem. Walton did not play in the second half after a four-point, two-assist, two-steal first half in which he seemed to click with O'Neal.

O'Neal, of course, appreciated the attention.

"Some of the guys on our team need to learn from Luke," O'Neal said.

[ludacris06]

Kobe's on my fantasy squad and he's messing it up for me. Im thinking about trading him for Vince Carter or someone else who doesn't have issues like Kobe. What did Kobe do this time? I herd he cut somthin off.

[Blackwiz]

Kobe's on my fantasy squad and he's messing it up for me. Im thinking about trading him for Vince Carter or someone else who doesn't have issues like Kobe. What did Kobe do this time? I herd he cut somthin off.

give the kid a break, he was moving some boxes or somthin, he rested his arm or hand on a window or a piece of glass or somethin like that, he didn't realize that he was too strong and the glass gave him a laceration....

[afrodude]

Lakers get killed by the Sixers.

GP gets ejected in 1st quarter.

[ludacris06]

Allen Iverson handed it to the Lakers badly with 39 pts.

[og15]

Too many tech's for the Lakers, Ivy heats them up, and Shaq only scores 17, 3 of 15 from the line was his super stat line for the day.

[Blackwiz]

yea, it was just a bad game, and without GP, that made it worse

[alcstarheel]

Yep. He probably shouldn't have said "bitçh" to the official. We needed him that game.

Gladly, we'll get Kobe back this Saturday. People seem to not realize that it's easier to stop Shaq than Kobe, that's why we need them both.

We need a turn around, badly.

ALCS

[Blackwiz]

Kobe, as stated on ESPN, is really up beat about coming back to play. People don't realize how much luv Kobe has for the game of basketball......I can't wait until the Fantastic Four get back on their feet, or at least the Fantastic Three.

[Blackwiz]

The Lakers win another one, they beat the Heat 98-83.

Recap:
http://www.nba.com/games/20040210/LALMIA/recap.html

Box Score:
http://www.nba.com/games/20040210/LALMIA/boxscore.html

[Blackwiz]

http://www.dailynews.com/Stories/0,1413,200~28541~1953123,00.html


^^source


Hmmm....Kobe, Kobe, Kobe....can you be humble....after reading the articlie, I think, man........Shaq, Shaq, Shaq.......i personally think they both are 2 players who others really can't get along with in a long run, unless they are the men. Kobe obviously wants to be the man, I guess its understandable, he has 3 rings, now he just wants to get noticed a lot more, its also kinda selfish....

then we have Shaq, cocky, he is the man for the Lakers, so if someone takes over a game, he gets jealous and cocky. I think the reason he doesn't mind playin with GP and Malone is cuz they'll do what Shaq says, when he wants the ball, they'll give him the ball.

People say its Kobe, but its really both of them, i really doubt T-Mac or even Paul Pierce would be able to get along with Shaq in a long run....they are superstars and they are the men, so playin with Shaq will change that, and BAM.....there will be problems......

I said once that Kobe should stay with the Lakers cuz he has a chance to play with Shaq who is a good player, but i change that, he needs to leave. Not just to be "the man" on another team, but to get out of the Lakers, they are nasty, but behind the scenes, its just not the right place for him, as far as i know.......he doesn't need to make the playoffs all the time or get outta the first round, but I think he could have a lot more fun with the game without playin with Shaq........


FOR THE RECORD, KOBE IS STILL MY FAVORITE PLAYER IN THE NBA.........to the noobs

[K Bomber]

Not the first time that teammates have not gotten along or actually hated each others guts. Larry Bird and Kevin McHale despised each other off court, although you never would have known it

The Three J's in Dallas, Isiah Thomas and Adrian Dantley in Detroit, Horace Grant and Michael Jordan in Chicago, even Kareem didn't have a great deal of love for Magic Johnson in his rookie year

Even more famous than those, Sam and Dave couldn't even look at each other on stage because they hated each other so much over a woman.

Hard to argue with the success of "Soul Man", and "When Something is Wrong With My Baby" though...........

[Blackwiz]

yea, i know.......but, i really think that the problems between shaq and kobe, especially when they were callin each other out, that will affect their game in a long run if kobe stayed......i mean, if there's a problem fix it......don't walk wit it

[K Bomber]

We're about to find out if Kobe can actually take a team anywhere on his own -- I know where I'll be putting my money on the odds

At the end of the day, Kobe isn't the first ballerina to grab her tutu and go home in a huff -- what a diva he is..............

[Blackwiz]

We're about to find out if Kobe can actually take a team anywhere on his own -- I know where I'll be putting my money on the odds

At the end of the day, Kobe isn't the first ballerina to grab her tutu and go home in a huff -- what a diva he is..............

well, we already know he can't take a team all the way, but then again, what guard can?? Michael Jordan, and others from the past, Iverson and the 76ers went to the Finals, but you have to give Mutumbo a lot of credit, he wasn't the way he is now, he was a killer at the time with his hook shot.......

I know, if Kobe leaves, people will put so much pressure on him expecting him to take his team all the way.....can a man just opt out of his contract??

Kobe needs a good supporting cast to get the job done. If Kobe doesn't have anybody, i can tell you right now, they may not even get to the playoffs, i mean look at T-Mac....last year, he had Armstrong, Millers...u know, guys that helped out, now he is scoring 25-30 ppg, but his team isn't stepping up the way they should.

No one can do it alone.

[Brankles]

Well, in about a year, Kobe's escape plan will be called "Escape From Alcatraz." HAHAHAHAHAHA :roll: Only kidding.



Anyways... I hope dude leaves and has a horrible season on a horrible team, just to bring his ego back into the earth's atmosphere...




Holla

[Blackwiz]

this season will make him look bad......but if anybody knows anything, then they should know the case has a lot to do wit it..........but i really wish he could get back into things..........

just last game, he took like, i think 7 shots, or somethin around that.........when they are losin and its the 4th quarter, they really need to use him.....instead they give it to Shaq, and also, Kobe just doesn't dominate and take that much shots anymore, i know he just came back from an injury, but really...........when the team is losin, start scoring, take the man one on one........not all the time, but when they are losing by a certain amount, Shaq aint goin get the job done, he'll just post up, and get fouled.....and then miss the shots....at least kobe could get to the hole and make the freethrow after gettin fouled

[TheGameShutDown]

That Rumor is FALSE!

Check It Out! (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=1734595)

[Blackwiz]

That Rumor is FALSE!

Check It Out! (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=1734595)


yea, i just seen that a while ago on SportsCenter, to tell you the truth, i think it was just an act, he just did the political thing, that was prolly his last statement about the subject, and we'll just have to see when June comes around

[Blackwiz]

hmmm....okay.. :? ....he wants to stay a Laker, but he wants to test free agency.......please someone help me out here

http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=1734595

[TheGameShutDown]

Okay...why post a link that I already posted?

He (seems) to just want to have the experience of being a free agent. Maybe he'll talk to other teams about the options but when it's all said and done, he'll be a Laker.

[Blackwiz]

Okay...why post a link that I already posted?

He (seems) to just want to have the experience of being a free agent. Maybe he'll talk to other teams about the options but when it's all said and done, he'll be a Laker.

i guess i don't blame him, he has 3 rings with the lakers so why not experience with another team

[og15]

http://www.foxsports.com/content/view?contentId=2146348

Word is that an ever-frustrated Jackson has given up on making Bryant more of a team player and would not be disappointed if Bryant left -- in fact, it could facilitate his return as coach. But Bryant is not the issue with Jackson's contract right now. It is, predictably, money. . . .


Meanwhile, Tracy McGrady, who has an opt-out in his contract after next season, has expressed an interest in the Lakers.

[Blackwiz]

http://www.foxsports.com/content/view?contentId=2146348

Word is that an ever-frustrated Jackson has given up on making Bryant more of a team player and would not be disappointed if Bryant left -- in fact, it could facilitate his return as coach. But Bryant is not the issue with Jackson's contract right now. It is, predictably, money. . . .




its only "word", but it wouldn't be surprising if it was true.......Kobe will be Kobe, Shaq will be Shaq, T-Mac will be T-Mac........but i know there is a place where Kobe can be Kobe.....

[Blackwiz]

Kobe dominated in the win over the Blazers.....he scored 31 points(13-23), dished out 10 assists, grabbed 8 boards and got two steals..... 2 boards shy of a triple double...he scored the game winning layup and got the foul, but he missed the freethrow, but still got fouled later and made a freethrow.....this may be a turnin point for Kobe, he even said, and I quote:

"It is not about my individual performances,"
"I do not really care too much about that ... as long as we get the 'W.'"



Shaq scored 21 points and grabbed 11 boards. GP scored 15 points and dished out 6 assists.

I know it was only one game and a close one, but think, if they could win more games and build their confidence up, think how nasty they'll be win Malone gets back......which should be some time late in March.

Recap
http://www.nba.com/games/20040217/PORLAL/recap.html

Box Score
http://www.nba.com/games/20040217/PORLAL/boxscore.html

[afrodude]

GP and Speedy got ejected im the 3rd.

I don't think they should have gotten ejected, maybe just a double tech.

[Blackwiz]

WOW!! The old Laker duo does it again.......they beat the Warriors 100-99.

I think we may be seeing the Kobe from last year work his way up to this year. Kobe scored 35 points off of 11-16 shooting and 13-15 from the freethrow line. He also added 8 assists and 6 boards and 2 steals. And they say the kid don't pass.....

Shaq, big old Shaq, scored 31 points off of 15-23 shooting, grabbed 16 boards and dished out 7 assists, although he had 7 turnovers also.

With GP bein ejected, it was the old hott Laker duo all over again.......

J.rich scored 25 points for the Warrior along with grabbing 6 boards.

RECAP
http://www.nba.com/games/20040218/LALGSW/recap.html

Box Score
http://www.nba.com/games/20040218/LALGSW/boxscore.html

[alcstarheel]

It seems like Kobe is on his way back to the top, and this is going to help the Lakers in so many ways. It helps his confidence as well, putting the shoulder to a little more work. He's also taking better shots, as seen in the Blazers' game, he only took 1 3-pointer and last night, and in the Warriors' game (last night) he only took 1 3-pointer.

This helps the Lakers because him and Shaq are becoming more and more cohesive as they realize the time is now to go at the league. They're sharing the ball with each other, getting 7+ assists each (last night). Their dominating in the rebounding categories, and when Malone gets back...i'm just rubbing my hands together in excitement.

The Lakers are making their run, the league better watch out.

ALCS

[afrodude]

I watched most of the LAkers - WArriors game and Kobe just was killin the defense. he kept on driving, making layups and he's got a nice bank shot too.

[Blackwiz]

yea, he's a very good defensive player, u could see it in the All Star game, i like how he has so much energy......i still remember when they were playin, i think the Mavs, and they were down by like 10, from the looks of it, the game was pretty much, the Mavs, but Kobe just was so upbeat, he kept tryin to make a run, but everyone wasn't on the same page........

[og15]

Following the quick media session, the East All-stars took to the court for their walk through. Clement Chu now presents his three favorite moments of All-Star Practice:
-- During a three-man weave drill, Sam Cassell had his back turned and Shaq came up behind him and dunked it on him, sending E.T. flying into a row of cameramen...boy, Shaq will do anything to get that Western Conference lead huh?

[Blackwiz]

If you're wondering, the Lakers played in their retros, which are blue, so here.....blue text....

Anywayz, the Laker do it again, it was Kobe and Shaq who just dominated from start while Kobe added some touches at the end....Kobe ended with 28 points off of 10-18 shooting. He also dished out 7 assists, grabbed 5 rebounds and shot 1-2 from 3pt which wasn't bad. If you also watched, Kobe played really good, for the haters.....he didn't force shots, he looked for his players and he was a KILLER on the defensive end. He had 2 blocks and 3 steals.

Shaq, the most dominant player in the league, scored 29 points off of 12-18 shooting. He also grabbed 13 rebounds and had a block. If you watched the game, you would know Shaq just murdered whoeva was sent out to stick him. He was dominating with dunks!!
Final Score: 116-88.....it was MURDER

Meanwhile, GP scored 13 points and dished out 6 assists. Rick Fox scored 11 points and Rush scored 13 points. The Lakers shot 48.4% from the field, 8 points higher than the Sixers.

It just wasn't AI's day with the shoulder and all. He scored 16 points off of 3-18 shooting. It was a terrible shooting night, so he added 9 assists. Kenny Thomas finished with 22 points and 12 rebounds. Glen Robinson added 19 points.

[alcstarheel]

All I have to say is...

Read Wiz's signature.

ALCS

[Blackwiz]

All I have to say is...

Read Wiz's signature.

ALCS

yes, definitely, the Lakers look like they are back and may be "all over again" the team to beat real soon

[Blackwiz]

HAHA....the Lakers do it again, Kobe was on FIRE!!!........CAN YOU SAY.....HE'S BACK 8) .......

The Lakers beat the Suns 104-92

Kobe Bryant scored 40 points and Bryant has scored at least 35 points five times in America West Arena, the most of any visiting player. He shot a GOOD 15-25, 2-5 from 3pt range, and shot 8-8 from the FT line. He also grabbed 7 boards and dished out 5 assists. Can't forget about the defense, he got 3 steals in the game. Kobe had a great game scoring 16 of his 40 points in the 4th quarter.

Shaq scored 19 points while Payton scored 20, 5 & 5 and was 2-4 from 3pt range. Rick Fox added 4 points, 7 boards and 3 steals, along with 5 assists. White had Shaq on lockdown early in the game, but Shaq started attacking later on.

Meanwhile, Amare scored 25 points and grabbed 12 boards. The Matrix scored 22 points and grabbed 13 boards. Joe Johnson scored 11 points and dished out 9 assists.

Box score:
http://www.nba.com/games/20040222/LALPHO/boxscore.html

Recap:
http://www.nba.com/games/20040222/LALPHO/recap.html

again, can you say KOBE IS BACK.....i think...no, im sure

[KB8]

The lakers ain't playin and Kobe is fighting for a ring laker or no laker.Hopefully he will be a laker for life.

[Blackwiz]

THE LAKERS WIN AGAIN......THEY BEAT THE NUGGETS 112-111.....RUSH HITS A 3 WITH 3 SECONDS LEFT TO TAKE A 1 POINT LEAD.....THE LAKERS NOW WIN 5 GAMES IN A ROW....!!!

God, im so happy, of course, i wasn't watchin the game, so i was lookin a play by play at nba.com.....i seen that the Lakers were down most of the game, then they catch up, then they go back down, then its 109-111, the Lakers are down.......i couldn't take it, so i watch Lebrons game on TV, then i turn around and the Lakers won the game by a 3 pointer made by Rush....

Kobe had a monster game with 35 points off of 14-26 shooting.....He was 2-4 from 3pt, dished out 10 assists and grabbed 7 boards....looks to me like he's at the top of his game...oh and his defense also gave him 3 steals.

GP had 14 points and 8 assists and Shaq with 16 points and 8 boards.Oh, and he also had 4 blocks.

The Nuggets lost another one, but Melo surely wasn't the reason. He also scored 35 points off of 14-25 shooting and he was 2-3 from 3pt. Do you realize how close that is to his career high 39 points?? But it seems so easy for Melo to get to 35 points, im sure he'll break 39 in time....

Meanwhile Miller scored 21 points and Camby blocked 4 shots.

I see is high hopes for the Lakers and no doubt, Kobe is the top Shooting Guard in the league right now.

[alcstarheel]

Even thougn it ended in a wierd way, a win is a win. I am currently refereeing Intramural basketball at Iowa State, and I understand how hard it is now. If you ever get the chance, you should try it. They can't make every call correctly, and we have inadvertent whistles all the time. No one's perfect.

But to the point, the Lakers are HOT (another post), and things are looking good for next week. After an always tough one against Sacramento on Thursday, we have a road trip against three Eastern teams on the schedule: Washington, New Jersey (even though they're hot, Minnesota ended the win streak), and Atlanta. If we can blow those teams out, it can give us some more needed momentum going into the playoffs.

And Kobe is dominating. 10 assists? Yeah, he's soooo selfish :roll: . He is picking it up beyond expectations, and this is only fuel to the fire for the Playoffs. Teams better watch out. If they get one of the big doggs of the West in the first round, they're going to take it. I hope it's San An (still some bad blood from last year).

And see what the injuries have done for L.A.? Kareem the Dream comes up big off the bench. Now people have to think about saying the Lakers have a bad bench. This is going to be a great second half.

ALCS

[Blackwiz]

It was a competitive game, but the Lakers finally lost one......the Kings beat them 103-101.......Kobe made a big 3 to make it that score, but he missed that last 3 which he had a good look at......Kobe wasn't passin the ball enought, but i think they weren't call in some calls.......Shaq really didn't help the Lakers with his Freethrows.... :? .........not to mention that the Kings are so hard to beat cuz everyone can shoot, the Lakers play the Kings a couple more times, they have to learn how to beat them cuz if they don't, they'll be in trouble.......

Kobe finished with 35 points off of 12-28 shooting, he also grabbed 11 boards and dished out 6 assists....Shaq, who didn't demand the ball enought, finished with 24 points and 10 boards.

Peja and Bibby combined for 68 points and were 12-21 from 3pt range........man, those two can SHOOT lights out!


AGAIN, SHAQ, U NEED TO DEMAND THE BALL MORE, KOBE, U DIDN'T PLAY LIKE U WERE THE LAST COUPLE OF GAMES...U NEEDA PASS LIKE U DID THE LAST COUPLE OF GAMES, GP, SET THINGS UP........LAKERS, U NEEDA BEAT THE KINGS OR THEY WILL DESTROY YOU IN THE PLAYOFFS.

Let's hear it........bust on the Lakers, bust on Kobe, they didn't get the job done, Shaq with the freethrows and Kobe with.....well, pass more.....and the Lakers needa learn how to defend the pick and rolll better

[alcstarheel]

The pick and roll has been the Achilles' Heel for some time now. Teams just run it with the point and Shaq. Phil needs to find out something to do with that. Malone and Stockton did it all the time, Malone should have some input.

And that last play was set up for Kobe. Shaq went to set the pick for him, so did he want the ball? I don't know, but if he got it in that situation, they would've just fouled him. I didn't watch the whole game, because I had an Intramural game, but it looks like Kobe should've passed the ball more, like the past games.

Shaq will get his, he just has to get it early and often, and then if it's not working, Kobe should take over. That's how it should be, and that's how I want it to be.

ALCS

[og15]

http://www.latimes.com/sports/la-sp-lakers28feb28,1,7160653.story?coll=la-headlines-sports

What Phil Jackson is saving Gary Payton for is not entirely clear, but after another 30-minute game Thursday night, this time in a two-point loss to the Sacramento Kings, Payton spent an hour venting to his agent, then called him again Friday morning.

Payton told Aaron Goodwin he longed to play his trademark aggressive game, but that in 56 games as a Laker he'd been boxed in by Jackson's rigid system, shortened playing time and the organization's unalterable reliance on Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O'Neal.


Goodwin said Friday there are moments when Payton "regrets" his decision to sign last summer with the Lakers, an organization Payton believed would adjust as much to his game as he would to it. Instead, Goodwin said, Payton has become a cog in the system, unable to affect games for long periods, if at all.


"That's just a point guard out there," Goodwin said. "That's not Gary Payton. Phil could use the old Gary Payton. It's frustrating, because he sacrificed to come to the Lakers…. At the end of the day, we've got to get together on this. The commitment that was made to Gary is not being fulfilled.

"Anybody who thinks Gary, at 35, has become an average point guard, they're wrong…. He's not being allowed to play his way and I know it hurts."


In the first nine minutes of the first quarter against the Kings, Payton made three of six shots for six points and took three rebounds. For the rest of the game, playing mostly in five-minutes bursts, he took four shots, missing three. He did not score in the second half, when he took three shots to Bryant's 17.

On Wednesday night in Denver, in the Laker possession that ended with Kareem Rush's game-winning three-pointer, Payton was so surprised Bryant gave up the ball that a pass nearly hit him in the face.

Jackson said he has asked Bryant to leave the ball in Payton's hands, to allow Payton to activate the offense, which occasionally happens.

"He's not happy," Goodwin said. "To be quite honest, he's tired of it. If they're not listening, it's crazy. All L.A. has seen is a shell of Gary Payton. He's gone out of his way to defer, and he's getting nothing back from Phil….

[Blackwiz]

^^good post..interesting

The Lakers do it again, I know they only played the Wizards, but they still came out with the W. The Final Score: 122-110....

Kobe no doubt showed that he can still do wat he's been doin, even after taking 28 shots in the loss against the Kings. He achieve his 6th career TRIPLE DOUBLE in the win over the Wizards. He finished with 25 points off of 8-16 shooting. He went 2-4 from 3pt range. He grabbed 14 boards and dished out 10 assists. (and certain people think he the same Kobe that doesn't pass :roll: ).....His defense also helped him get 2 steals.

Shaq only grabbed 2 BOARDS, but he scored 29 points off of 12-17 shooting. So he got more touches, but he wasn't his usual on the defensive end. GP added 10 points and dished 7 assists. Rush added 14. He's really a great shooter.

Arenas scored 35 points and grabbed 9 boards. Kwame Brown scored 18 points and grabbed 10 boards. Stackhouse scored 20 points.

the Lakers now won 6 out of their last 7 games. Kobe has been doing it offensively and defensively. So has Shaq, they are really startin to look like the great duo we are familar with.

[ludacris06]

Thats why Phil Jackson sucks!!!! I bet if Phil let all ther players play how they play the game instead of his way, they would be more successful. GP, Kobe, and Shaq on the same team....there is no excuse for loosing whatsoever. All fingers point to Phil Jackson...

[Blackwiz]

Thats why Phil Jackson sucks!!!! I bet if Phil let all ther players play how they play the game instead of his way, they would be more successful. GP, Kobe, and Shaq on the same team....there is no excuse for loosing whatsoever. All fingers point to Phil Jackson...

hmm....i have to disagree with that, surely Kobe, Shaq and GP.....on the same team, that's just a GREAT squad right there.......but everyone loses, if they played their game, then they'd be playin so much one on one.....

[og15]

Wow, nice game Kobe, he shot well, and he did everything else. I dunno how Shaq only got 2 boards, but good game Shaq too.

Arenas is back, YEAA!!! I love it, 35 points and 8-11 on three's. He's still turning the ball over a lot, but a very good job, rebounding like a champ too. Kwame, thi is what I've been waiting for from you buddy.

The 2 main reasons I like the Wizards, Arenas and Kwame :D .

[Blackwiz]

yea, Kwame is steppin up, i used to watch him a lot, but he wasn't producing, even when Jordan was with the Wizards, i was gettin ****ed off wit him, he played like a youngin that he is, but finally he's steppin up

[ludacris06]

Kobe Kiled it!!

[alcstarheel]

We only won by 12, but Kobe just dominated once again. HE CAN PASS (for all those still doubting)! We need to blow out these East teams and pick up the defense to regain our much needed confidence.

And about that post with Gary Payton's not-happiness. The reason Kobe handles the ball so much is because he has had to do it for so long (3 years). He was like Scottie playing Point-Forward for the Bulls, bringing the ball up most of the time. Honestly, I don't think Phil has ever liked real Point Guards, because they can't really contribute much to the Triangle system (my opinion).

ALCS

[TheGameShutDown]

What an ugly score. As nice as it was for the Lakers to score 122, allowing 110 is not acceptable. That doesn't get it done against the better defensive teams.

I feel that when you have such a star-studded lineup as the Lakers, the coach should make adjustments to what he has, not the other way around. When you have a player of Gary Payton's caliber, you give him the ball. You don't have Kobe taking it up, and you don't have Payton getting so little touches. He can still light you up on the offensive end like he's done for most of this career.

As old as he is, don't think that he's just average. You saw his stats from last year and you can't expect such a drop off in his capabilities.

The triangle is not meant for three all-stars, and sometimes, the triangle just doesn't do it.

And Wiz, they wouldn't be playing one-on-one. We all know that Payton doesn't have to score to produce. Kobe shouldn't be racking up the assists. Payton should.

[ludacris06]

The East coast has a good amount of defensive teams, so the Lakers better not take any of them easily. Give the ball to SHAQ!!!!!!

Thegameshutdown, Sam looks retarted in that pic..

[Konex]

He achieve his 6th career TRIPLE DOUBLE

It was his ninth...

Also, 2 rebounds for Shaq is absolutelty PATHETIC. Outhustled by Kawame freakin' Brown? Cmon Shaq...

The East coast has a good amount of defensive teams,

No, they just have a lot of bad offensive teams :p

[Lakers4life714]

Actually Luda if Phil let them all play their own way it would be ONE BIGGGG mess and you knwo it.

[Sleepwalkers]

Slowly but surely the East is becoming stronger. Now it still can't face the West yet (I don't think), but give it a couple years and I think it'll be some very exciting basketball going on.

[og15]

http://www.latimes.com/sports/la-sp-lakerep1mar01,1,5180821.story?coll=la-headlines-sports%3F1078128903015


Phil Jackson said Sunday he would have to sit down with Gary Payton in the near future so they could address Payton's displeasure with his first 58 games as a Laker, and Payton suggested today in Atlanta.

If General Manager Mitch Kupchak or owner Jerry Buss had an opinion about how better to handle Payton's situation, Jackson added, he would like to hear it. But all in all, Jackson predicted Payton's feelings and the public nature of them would not injure the team.

As Jackson understands it, it's not the playing time that's bothering Payton, but the confines of the triangle offense. According to Payton, it's shades of both.

"As far as the offense goes," Jackson said, "he's got to find out how to work inside my offense and inside the team offense. That's something that's taken players a long time. It's not unusual that a player's going to find some difficulty. He'll find his way."

Payton, dressed in head-to-toe yellow, cast no new light on his Laker situation, saying he'd had his say.

"We just had to let it be known," Payton said. "I'm not worried about it. It's over now…. I can't keep it on my chest all year long."

[afrodude]

lakers lose to the "allmighty" hawks

[alcstarheel]

It looks like we couldn't make any free throws tonight. We're going to really have to take it to Houston tomorrow night. Kobe's presence will help us a lot.

Payton said: "Since the All-Star break, he's [Kobe Bryant] been pushing us," Payton said. "If he would have been here, he would have given us some energy." I don't think he's too mad at Kobe. Payton doesn't sugarcoat for anyone.

ALCS

[alcstarheel]

We're going to really have to take it to Houston tomorrow night. Kobe's presence will help us a lot.

And he did. The Lakers won in a nail-biter that went back-and-forth to the wire. Shaq couldn't make any free throws, or else we could have blown them out. But Yao took it to us, posting a good 33 points and 8 rebounds. But Shaq took it right back at him with a 28 point, 7 rebound, 5 block night. It was a great game against the Titans of the NBA.

Kobe didn't have too good of a shooting night, but helped bring the Lakers back from down as much as 12 points toward the end of the game and hit a tough go-ahead jumper over 7'5" Ming Yao. But he still found a way to help the team...

13 ASSISTS, HE CAN PASS THE BALL.

But I'm sure the people that don't care too much for Kobe will find something to tear him down.

ALCS

[airlebron23]

Did you post exactly the same thing on another thread? I could swear I just read this same words from you?

[alcstarheel]

The last part about Kobe was in the "Kobe ballhogging" thread.

ALCS

[Blackwiz]

13 ASSISTS, HE CAN PASS THE BALL.

But I'm sure the people that don't care too much for Kobe will find something to tear him down.

ALCS

of course they'll tare him down, hatas always find somethin to put on kobe even though he has been playin GREAT since the all star break

[shotcalla]

Well looks like Kobe jammed his shoulder again in the sonics game. Happened at the start of the game just like last time. He will probably be put on injured list. Sad to see that happen after seein him gettin to game shape. Will we ever get to see the fantastic four united? Only time will tell.

[Lakers4life714]

Agree with shot here, really sucks Kobes been on such a streak and then goes down.

[TheGameShutDown]

Lakers Win (http://www.nba.com/games/20040305/SEALAL/recap.html)

Nice game by the Lakers. Everyone stepped up in Kobe's absence.

[shotcalla]

Yea everyone was able to contribute. I never expected Georges's full court shot to go in though lol. So he can make that shot, but not one thats close to the basket? Go figure.

[K Bomber]

This would be a nice spot for this kind of post......

LA is now 3-1 without Kobe, as they beat New Jersey. Shaq got his shots, and boy did he produce. LA is only 7-7 without Shaq, so the big fella needs to stay healthy for LA to win. You can check the numbers on w-l by going to espn.com and clicking on the player, get a game log, and see the games they didn't play in, and add up wins and losses. The win over NJ isn't counted yet, cuz it just happened, but add that one in.

Also, espn has a thing called pps, which stands for points per shot. It divides the number of points you scored by the number of shots you took, so it counts made free throws in the equation, and is used by experts to determine how efficient a player is, and also includes the fact that getting to the line is valuable as well. Shaq is ahead this year, at 1.56 pps, Kobe's at 1.34. Last year Shaq was at 1.52, vs kobe's 1.28!!!!! Efficiency baby, go to the man that scores most dominantly

[airlebron23]

La wins without Kobe, now 3-1 when kobe don't play, and 7-7 when shaq is out!!!! Shaq finally got the rock, put up 30 or so, played big, and his points per shot is 1.56 , KObe's is only 1.34!!!!! Last year Kobe was 1.28, and Diesel was only 1.52, so they gettin betta, but the ball's gotta go to shaq, he's so much better at scoring then kobe or payton, he should be shooting the most. By the way, LA was 2-12 last year when Shaq was out. Shaq's team, not anybody elses :roll:

[airlebron23]

I hope Tmac joins the Lakers, I guarantee that if Shaq's health holds up, he'll get Tmac a ring or 3!!!!! How bout this, a sign and trade with Kobe and a 1st round pick, to Orlando for Tmac. That way, Orlando makes up for trading a guy with a clean reputation for getting a guy accused of ****. Also, LA is not gonna get a deal better than this. Kobe gets to try and average 40 pts a game, which is what will make him happy, since he ain't happy winning titles as the 2nd banana, now he can prove he's MJ leading Orlando all the way :roll: :lol: :?

Tmac gets to show, that YES, he can do what Kobe did, that is, Kobe is a product of Shaq's greatness when it comes to winning, not that LA's winning is a product of Shaq's greatness, not Kobe. I really think if u put Paul Pierce, Tmac, a healthy Vince, or even Ray Allen, on those 3 title teams, LA still wins 3 titles. This way, we know what the truth really is.

Whaddyall think, could this trade happen, I know it's been tossed around. If Orlando really thinks there's a chance they'll lose McGrady, I think they squeeze the trigger, and pull this off.

[g-unit80744]

I hope Tmac joins the Lakers, I guarantee that if Shaq's health holds up, he'll get Tmac a ring or 3!!!!! How bout this, a sign and trade with Kobe and a 1st round pick, to Orlando for Tmac. That way, Orlando makes up for trading a guy with a clean reputation for getting a guy accused of [***]
. Also, LA is not gonna get a deal better than this. Kobe gets to try and average 40 pts a game, which is what will make him happy, since he ain't happy winning titles as the 2nd banana, now he can prove he's MJ leading Orlando all the way :roll: :lol: :?

Tmac gets to show, that YES, he can do what Kobe did, that is, Kobe is a product of Shaq's greatness when it comes to winning, not that LA's winning is a product of Shaq's greatness, not Kobe. I really think if u put Paul Pierce, Tmac, a healthy Vince, or even Ray Allen, on those 3 title teams, LA still wins 3 titles. This way, we know what the truth really is.

Whaddyall think, could this trade happen, I know it's been tossed around. If Orlando really thinks there's a chance they'll lose McGrady, I think they squeeze the trigger, and pull this off.

If T-Mac joins the Lakers im getting his jersey right away.

[Blackwiz]

AL.........u need medical help......besides, to defend kobe.........the Lakers are scoring less with kobe outta the lineup and haven't won more games with kobe outta the lineup, stay outta the past............oh, Lebron went like 5-18...........at one point of the season :shock: ..................get outta the past...........my got, if kobe scored 50 points per game off of 60% shooting, u'll find some way to hate............just shutup with this kobe/melo stuff............that's all u talk about.............i aint been on in a while, and i come back and u still hatin


pathetic

[airlebron23]

LA would be better with Tmac than Kobe, cuz Tmac just wants to win titles, whereas Kobe's so obsessed with getting his shots, and getting gaudy stats, such as assists, rebounds, etc. That he won't allow GP his turn to direct the game. Tmac don't care, he already realizes that he ain't as good as Shaq, and never will be, yet he's such a stud player, that he and Shaq singlehandedly would rule the NBA, cuz Tmac will get his points of Shaq, Tmac is a better outside shooter than Kobe, as evidenced by his 3 point accuracy, and volume of makes, and Shaq can get Tmac's 3 pointers easy for him. Not only that, Tmac is bigger than Kobe, can u imagine how easily Tmac can get the ball into Shaq, he's so tall and long arms he'll dump the ball in easily. I hope this happens. Cmon John Gabriel, pick up the phone!!!!!

[shotcalla]

Lakers lose to UTAH, but they had no big guy (besides SHAQ). Slava was out (don't kno y), no Grant, no Kobe, no Malone. I heard George rolled his ankle over, but came back in the 3rd. I gotta question those technical fouls on SHAQ. They didn't look intentional, I mean hows his big arm suppose to come down after the dunk. Still when the LA lost Shaq, they lost the energy and had nothing left to give. This was an important game for LA, cause now Dallas is 1 game apart instead of 2 in the playoff ranking.

[Blackwiz]

the technical fouls shouldn't have been called, the refs do it again............make a bad call :roll:

they would have won if Shaq didn't get ejected.............but u could tell he was frustrated.....

[Freddy Foxxx]

That was pretty cheap what he did to AK-47

[Freddy Foxxx]

Besides, that's not what the so called embassador of the league should be doing! When did you ever see MJ or Magic pull some childish shhhh like that? Yeah exactly!

[Blackwiz]

· “T-Mac already realizes he ain’t as good as Shaq” ……wat is ya problem? You always put that quote in everything u say….when did Kobe say he was better than Shaq? When did anybody say that……u are obsessed with Shaq, Kobe, the Lakers and Melo………..u can’t help but diss them………..oh, and u have no idea if Shaq and T-Mac would be better than Shaq and Kobe, who are u, GOD?? Kobe and Shaq have already won 3 rings, so anybody wit sense would have to admit that Shaq and Kobe is the best thing, now if T-Mac was with Shaq and lets say they won 4 rings, aight, then u would give it to T-Mac, but u have no idea wat would be best………..and how old are u, cuz every post u post, I swear I think ur a year younger than the previous age I though u were……

[og15]

@ Boston - W
@ Minnesota - L (away at Minny with no Kobe and Malone don't see it happening)
@ Chicago - W
Orlando - W
@ L.A. Clippers - W
L.A. Clippers - W
Milwaukee - W
Sacramento - L
Minnesota - W
Utah - W
New Orleans - W
Houston - L (maybe Yao will do it again)
@ Seattle - W
San Antonio - L (can't win em all)
Portland - W
Memphis - W
@ Sacramento - L
Golden State - W
@ Portland - W

The Lakers are currently 41-22 have 19 games remaining, how do you think they'll fare out.
With my predicitons, they go 14-5, so they finish the season 55-27.

[shotcalla]

With all the upsets in the league, I don't know about those predictions. I would say that the record is about right though. I expect the lakers to finish with a high 50s win record. Kobe will probably be back on April 1 (houston game) im guessin or maybe earlier. Knowin him hes gonna come back before he should.

[Lakers4life714]

LOL Tmac worries only about winning. Him and Kobe are like twin brothers and dont even lie.

He cares about his shots and points JUST as much as Kobe does.

You guys will say "Well he has no other players", and I gaurrentte put on a good team and not taking as many shots he WILL complain.

[Lakers4life714]

I hope Kobe gets back soon, the Lakers need him, for all you that say he doesn't ask Steven A. Smith.

What are the Lakers without Kobe?

"Done, finished, thats the prognoses without Kobe", that was the opening statement, dont remember the rest but it was saying how they need him.

[shotcalla]

Yep my boy Steven A. Smith said it. NO KOBE = NO CHAMPIONSHIP. Hes the 4th quarter guy on the team. I hope kobe just goes on the injured list for 5 games. Why play with a hurt shoulder when the playoffs are around the corner? Just take a rest Kobe. Miss 8-10 games. Think long term not short.

[Lakers4life714]

HAHA!!!
Score this is my day!!!

Kobe is back after 2 games off, man I knew he was tough ahaha.

They are also about ready to end the Celtics win streak.

[alcstarheel]

Streak ended.

Shaq daddy with 28 on 11 for 15 shooting, but 6 for 13 in free throws (hit 3 or 4 more of those and it's not even close). Kobe came back from his injury way earlier than expected, but didn't shoot well. He went 4 for 16 (the shoulder was obviously bothering him, but I didn't see the game, so I don't really know) from the field, but was an ok 10 out of 14 from the charity stripe (he should have done better, and missed two in the final minute; not his style). But he dished 10 assists to supplement for the poor shooting night. Gary pitched in with a great 20 points, and we got some good bench work from Kareem Rush.

We get Karl back Friday (hopefully). Let's push this Western Conference all the way to the finals!

ALCS

[AirBorn]

Yeah and that's what I like about Kobe, he's really resiliant. He seems to really want to help the team and not want to wait for the month he supposed to especially at this time of the season during the playoff race.

[Lakers4life714]

Well Lakers get Malone back and right now are losing the the Wolves on the road by 3 at the start of the 3rd quarter, which isnt bad. Kobe is shooting horrible at 1-11. (I think until is arm is back he should focus more on passing and rebounding). Malone only has 2 rebounds with 7 points. Shaq is keepin them in the game.

[shotcalla]

Well with 7 min left, the Wolves are up by 10. Unless the lakers make a big run, I think they are gonna lose. Kobe is shootin 5-18 with 13 points. Payon has 8 (3-7) which makes him and Kobe a total of 21 points. Hopefully they can all gel in time for the playoffs cause from the way they are playin, they seem to be out of sync. Which is normal since they only played 18 games together. If Kobe continues to shoot the way he does, Kobe should just be put on the injured list until it gets better. Lakers needed this game to catch up to the Spurs in the rankings.

[afrodude]

lakers lose 96-86

[Lakers4life714]

Lakers just beat the Bulls last night, Malone is still struggling but Kobe put up 35 with a hurt shoulder. Shaq didnt even shoot 50%, so he must have missed half of his dunks lol.

[afrodude]

malone's not struggling...lol

[og15]

Well Kobe showed what it means to be clutch today sparking the comeback and sending the game into overtime. First the block on Tmac, then back to back contested mid range jumpers, then a three pointer, and finally a layup to tie the game.

Kobe scored 24 of the Lakers 29 points in the 4th quarter, and was 8-11 from the field, 6-7 from the line, and 2-3 from long range.


Orlando really stugled in the 4th, and Tmac scored 5 points and shot 2-6 form the field, and 1-1 from the line. Juwan Howard also scored 5 points and shot 2-3 from the field and 1-2 from the line.

Kobe, Malone and Payton all went 1-2 from the field in OT, and Fisher and Shaq were 1-1.

Tmac and Tyronn Lue both went 0-2 form the field in OT, and Stevenson was 1-2 while Howard was 2-2.

The Magic fell to the Lakers and were unable to produce in the 4th quarter and OT. Tmac shot 2-8 in the 4th and OT, and even with his impressive stat line was unable to produce when needed. He was a beast in the first 3, but nowhere to be found in the last 2.

McGrady finsihed with 37 points (13-32) , 7 rebounds, and 10 assists. He was 4-13 from long range and 7-12 from the line, and also collected 2 blocks.

Kobe was the spark for LA and finished the game with 38 points (13-26), 3 rebounds and 4 assists. He was 2-5 from long range, and 10-13 from the line, and had one very crucial block, and a steal.

Shaq was also a beast for the Lakers scoring 27 points (9-17 FG, 9-18 FT), pulling down 23 rebounds, and blocking 5 shots.

Juwan Howard lit it up today scoring 29 points (12-18), and pulling down 9 rebounds, he was hitting big shots in the closing seconds but they were just unable to pull out with the W.

Box Score (http://www.nba.com/games/20040315/ORLLAL/boxscore.html)

[afrodude]

This was a great game to watch,

t-mac in the first half and kobe in the second>

[shotcalla]

Good game indeed. Thought it was over but Lakers make a comeback. Didn't they make a comeback the last time they played the magic as well? I must say though, LA needs to worry more about defense right now then offense. All this talk about tryin to figure out whos gettin shots when theres no defense.

[Freddy Foxxx]

Any debates about who's the better player(Kobe or T-Mac) should be answered after that game!!!!! I know there's different ways of looking at it, but still.........

[Konex]

http://kobebryant888.free.fr/Highlights/kobe4thquarter0315.wmv

[afrodude]

thats pretty cool

[Freddy Foxxx]

That's verry cool!!!!!

[shotcalla]

Lakers beat the Clippers, but only by 3. Lakers had a 11 point lead with 2 min left in the 4th and made careless errors. I believe they had 19 turnovers or something. It looks like they are getting back into the flow of things and Phil is starting to run plays for Gary and Karl. With the Kings losing and twolves strugglin, theres still a chance for LA to get the #1 rank.

[Blackwiz]

This was a great game to watch,

t-mac in the first half and kobe in the second>

yea, it was a great game to watch, but for some reason, i thought just cuz it was T-Mac Kobe was playin against, that he would make a comeback.........the reason why the Lakers would have no chance without Kobe is cuz Kobe is the heart of the team, he's the energy, he starts comebacks, he closes games, and when he gets hott, there's no stoppin him..........Kobe had a hurt shoulder and still dominated the game(along with Shaq).......he really showed why he's a superstar

lol.....and wat is funny is that his trainers and whoever else said kobe should be back in about 4 weeks, but kobe said he wanted to be back in 2 games, and he sure did come back.......cuz he's a fighter

[LakersFreak]

Just to let all you know the Lakers are back to whoopin ***** again just as everyone saw Wednesday night. The kings are a joke. Did you guys see the way the kings started to cry. It was like the western conference finals in 2002 all over again. I love the fact that the Lakers will exchange seeds with the kings by the time the season is over.
LETS JUST HAND THE LAKERS THEIR RINGS ALREADY!

[alcstarheel]

Kobe is the heart of the team, he's the energy, he starts comebacks, he closes games, and when he gets hott, there's no stoppin him

He definitely showed that today. The Lakers BLEW OUT the Kings tonight, leading by as much as 30 points at one point, they ended up finishing the game with a score of 115-91.

Box Score (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/boxscore?gameId=240324013)

The Lakers are playing defense now and the rest of the league should be shaking.

ALCS

[Freddy Foxxx]

That's terrific!! But maybe you should have posted it in B-ball discussions, under the Lakers or Kings thread.

[Freddy Foxxx]

Yeah that was a big win for them and a huge loss for the Kings!

[Blackwiz]

they playin like a Championship team, if they can beat the Kings like they did, anytime they want, they should win the Championship...............

[Blackwiz]

yea, u should have posted this in the Lakers thread......

and u can't just cancel the kings out after that one game, i mean, we won't be seeing the Kings go on a 4 or 5 game losing streak(if they do, then there's no chance for them)..........................I think the lakers will win the ring, but u never know wit the Kings........all i know is that its now or never with the kings......if they don't win it this year, then they won't win it at all.......for a while

[SHADOW]

Actually the kings crying reminded me more of the Lakers during the 2003 semi-finals against the Spurs Kobe:cry: Fisher:cry:

[Leakfan]

Everyone will cry when the Grizzlies take the crown :wink:

[LakersFreak]

True Kobe and DFish did cry, but those tears were tears of sadness. When the kings cry they complain and whine like babies. I dont recall the Lakers complaining when they lost.
Kobe's comments after they lost: I will start practicing ang getting better starting tommorow.
The whole kings team comments after they lost: The nba favors the lakers. We should have won. The refs didnt call enough fouls for us, and the list goes on. SEE THE DIFFERENCE B_ia_tch. kings=SORE LOOSERS!
LAKERS WILL WIN THIS YEAR> FF all those who dont believe.

[TheGameShutDown]

True Kobe and DFish did cry, but those tears were tears of sadness. When the kings cry they complain and whine like babies. I dont recall the Lakers complaining when they lost.
Kobe's comments after they lost: I will start practicing ang getting better starting tommorow.
The whole kings team comments after they lost: The nba favors the lakers. We should have won. The refs didnt call enough fouls for us, and the list goes on. SEE THE DIFFERENCE B_ia_tch. kings=SORE LOOSERS!
LAKERS WILL WIN THIS YEAR> FF all those who dont believe.

Last time I checked, Kobe is only one player on the Lakers. To say that the Lakers' two main components, Shaquille O'Neal and Phil Jackson, complain about the refs is not true.

Kobe might not complain but then again, I'm not hearing anything out Darius Sognalia or Gerald Wallace. They're part of the Kings, but they don't seem to be complaining.

All in all, the Lakers have people who complain, and the Kings have people who complain, yet there's never been a case where the WHOLE team has done. It's not that I disagree with you, but your logic is wrong.


I don't get what all the rave is about the Lakers beating the Kings. There's still some games left and anything can happen. Kobe's still getting too many shots and Shaq's still not getting enough touches.

They're not at 100% and I wouldn't be surprised if there's still some unhappy people on this squad. I mean, Slava Mednevenko's still getting more shots than the Mailman. One game doesn't do much or turn around a whole season.

[Sleepwalkers]

Next time, post this sort of stuff in the Lakers thread. Now, if you'd set the fanboy aside...
One game doesn't mean a whole lot. Yes, the Lakers aren't quite at 100% yet and they did whup the Kings, but who says that means you shove the Kings aside? I'm sure the Lakers have had their share of embarassing moments from this season (I don't pay much attention to them), every team has them. I mean, last season the Cavs took the Pistons to overtime twice. Now, yes, they did win, but that's not the point. It's embarassing.
It doesn't prove anything that the Lakers can beat the Kings in a game at home. Nor would it prove anything if it was vice versa.

[SHADOW]

True Kobe and DFish did cry, but those tears were tears of sadness. When the kings cry they complain and whine like babies. I dont recall the Lakers complaining when they lost.
Kobe's comments after they lost: I will start practicing ang getting better starting tommorow.
The whole kings team comments after they lost: The nba favors the lakers. We should have won. The refs didnt call enough fouls for us, and the list goes on. SEE THE DIFFERENCE B_ia_tch. kings=SORE LOOSERS!
LAKERS WILL WIN THIS YEAR> FF all those who dont believe.

You are truly a blind and deaf Laker zombie if you can't see(in print) or hear (soundbites)the times some of the Lakers (Mainly Shaq and Phil and sometimes Mr. Williams.. errr ..Fox) complained. These guys are just as good as some of the Kings in regards to whining after losses. I guess you haven't heard Payton constantly complaining about minutes and his role within the team virtually all year? How about Malone and Shaq complaining about Kobe's ball dominance? I mean the last time the Kings came in LA's house and beat them this year, Shaq did everything to defer what the Kings' accomplished using every excuse except the easily obvious one- the Kings were the better team.

Also I don't see a difference B_ia_tch between crying(literally) and whining after a loss. Both are immature ways of dealing with the loss of a game. It was only more annoying in Kobe's and D fisher's case because they had just won 3 rings in a row. A collegiate player crying because they got ousted in March Madness is understandable as they suspect they may never get that opportunity again. An NBA player coming off of 3 rings in a row crying because they couldn't get #4 is spoiled brat behavior IMO. That's like if next years Madden gets outsold by ESPN, should I expect to see footage of the development staff crying about the loss? Here is the Madden team sobbing over one year when they have been the number 1 selling football title for over a decade.

I also like how some Laker fans only label the WINS against good teams as "Statement games" and not the losses to these same teams. :shock:

[shotcalla]

Very true. Hopefully they can play like that against the twolves. If they beat the wolves tommorow, then I think that will shut everyone up about them not being able to go all the way.

[LakersFreak]

listen shadow all i have to say is lets wait til playoffs. when the lakers win i will hunt you down and stick the championship in your face. good luck and see u in the playoffs. hopefully the queens, i mean kings, will face the lakers.

[Freddy Foxxx]

O.K so this is turning is turning into the Lakers thread # 2. That's great!!

[Penny]

gota like the lakers now
playin well
so to is kobe

[ut_jazz]

I like the laker's playoff spot right now, they wouldn't have to face san antonio or sacramento until the conference finals.

[Sleepwalkers]

listen shadow all i have to say is lets wait til playoffs. when the lakers win i will hunt you down and stick the championship in your face. good luck and see u in the playoffs. hopefully the queens, i mean kings, will face the lakers.
Why? Really, why would you bother? Because he told you that you were a Laker zombie (Which you pretty much are, honestly)? Because he said that there are Lakers that do complain?
...There's no reason to "stick it in his face".

[alcstarheel]

Since this is becoming Lakers' Thread number 2, I'll post it in both.

The Lakers are still coming. We just thumped the (former) holders of the second best record in the Western Conference with a 90-73 win. Kobe is still killing opposing defenders, going for a 35 point, 9 rebound, 5 assist performance. The ever resilient Shaquille had a great game, posting 22, 18, and 4 assists. And they held the league's best shooting team in the Wolves to just 31% (27-86). They usually shoot 46.5%. And their Big Three was just 15-43 in FGs. That's some good defense.

And guess what, defense wins championships.

ALCS

[alcstarheel]

The Lakers are coming into playoff form. We just thumped the (former) holders of the second best record in the Western Conference with a 90-73 win. Kobe is still killing opposing defenders, going for a 35 point, 9 rebound, 5 assist performance. The ever resilient Shaquille had a great game, posting 22, 18, and 4 assists. And they held the league's best shooting team in the Wolves to just 31% (27-86). They usually shoot 46.5%. And their Big Three was just 15-43 in FGs. That's some good defense.

And guess what, defense wins championships.

ALCS

[alcstarheel]

Looks like Shaq is turning over a new leaf. He wants to be more of a defensive force than offensive. Here's the article:

Shaq likes defense. (http://www.dailynews.com/Stories/0,1413,200~29583~2042128,00.html)

Phil almost fainted when he was asked about Shaq's new defensive minded self. "That's an idea [defense] I've tried to sell Shaquille for the last three years. That makes a huge difference to our team."

Kobe's been getting into the defensive flow as of late as well (he always is, what am I talking about? :D ). He went to Phil Jackson after the Lakers' film session on Minnesota and said he wanted to guard Latrell Sprewell. He did just that, holding him to 5-15 shooting. Defense is so beautiful.

Defense wins championships.

ALCS

[LakersFreak]

so who now still believes the Lakers wont win the western division, let alone the championship? THE LAKERS WILL WIN THIS YEAR. all of you go to vegas and bet. I guarantee you they are going to win. Nobody, I repeat NOBODY can stop the M.V.P. KOBE!!!!!!!!!

[Brankles]

I would just like to bring this up again...


The Lakers' "Fantastic Four" went into overtime with the Magic's "Wonderful One"...


I wouldn't judge one game and say that they're gonna win the championship without trouble...

Kings, Mavericks, Spurs, TWolves, Grizzlies, Rockets, and even the Blazers will give the Lakers a run for their cash...

Heck, if the Lakers make the finals... I bet even the Pacers or Pistons give the Lakeshow some serious competition...





Holla

[TheGameShutDown]

so who now still believes the Lakers wont win the western division, let alone the championship? THE LAKERS WILL WIN THIS YEAR. all of you go to vegas and bet. I guarantee you they are going to win. Nobody, I repeat NOBODY can stop the M.V.P. KOBE!!!!!!!!!

Except MVP Shaq

[og15]

I would just like to bring this up again...


The Lakers' "Fantastic Four" went into overtime with the Magic's "Wonderful One"...

I wouldn't judge one game and say that they're gonna win the championship without trouble...

Kings, Mavericks, Spurs, TWolves, Grizzlies, Rockets, and even the Blazers will give the Lakers a run for their cash...

Heck, if the Lakers make the finals... I bet even the Pacers or Pistons give the Lakeshow some serious competition...





Holla


Common Brankles thats retarded, I know you're not stupid like some people and know that every team has a bad game. Look at how everyone was losing to the Hawks, or Philly beating Dallas, Minnesota and San Antonio (Duncan played 40 mins) without Iverson. They've been doing pretty good without AI though, but if you look at the players on that team, not one star at all.

Snow
McKie
Slamons
Kenny Thomas
Dalmbert
(Amazing!!!)

Stuff like that happens, don't try and make it seem like its such a big deal, they went to OT with the Magic, great they've still won 7 in a row.

[SHADOW]

Nobody, I repeat NOBODY can stop the M.V.P. KOBE!!!!!!!!!

How about 12 jurors and a guilty verdict? :shock:

[Blackwiz]

i agree wit wat og15 said, B, u can't keep bringin that one game up, or even other ones up.............that stuff happens...........

just cuz the Lakers beat the kings doesn't mean the Kings won't give the Lakers trouble in the playoffs.....

Also, Kobe has been dominating, so for people who think kobe gets too many touches.......well.............why not?.........sure, Malone should take more shots, but Kobe is the energy of the team.......they have no energy without him, Kobe deserves to take shots cuz he's makin them

ps.......that's not sayin Shaq shouldn't be touchin the ball more, cuz he should be.............

all i gotta say is THE LAKERS ARE COMIN

[TheGameShutDown]

I still believe that the Lakers will become an even better team if they let Payton make the plays and be the primary ballhandler. Everything would run much more smoothly and the Lakers were pretty lucky that the T-Wolves (and the refs) were off that night.

Kobe would still get his shots, but you won't see him getting 8 or 9 assists anymore, which is how it should be. Kobe won't have to work for his shots as much because he'd have a penetrating Payton to get him open looks.

It's just not fair that three superstars are adjusting and Kobe's not. At the beginning of the year EVERYONE was adjusting and they were playing their best.

The Lakers have still yet to play to their full potential. Kobe thinks he's the man and it's getting in the way of what the Lakers are capable of.

And Wiz, if you're suggesting that Kobe keep playing the same, but Shaq get even more touches, whose touches are you going to take away?

[Blackwiz]

im suggesting that Shaq could get more touches, but im just sayin to say Kobe gets too many touches is kinda crazy, cuz when kobe touches the ball, something great happens......sure he could get less touches, but it isn't the worst thing cuz its not like he's missin shots when he shoots..........


Also, personally, I don't think GP will make an extreme difference if they started letting him play the big Point Guard job......when Kobe was out, GP had a lot of opportunities to show wat he can do......not to say he's not great, but he just doesn't do wat he used to do........a lot of people think the Lakers would be 10 times better if Kobe didn't run the ball up(cuz they hate when kobe gets 35 points AND 10 assists :roll: ).........but kobe can penetrate better and dish out the ball to an open man.........


but sure, letting GP set up more plays could help a lil..................but i don't think it'll change anything dramatically

[TheGameShutDown]

but kobe can penetrate better and dish out the ball to an open man.........

Better than Payton? No he can't.

And Kobe isn't the sould energy of the team. The emotional lift that guys like Payton and Malone bring to the team is undoubtable. They don't need Kobe Bryant on the floor to motivate them.

And when Kobe touches the ball, something great doesn't always happen. Lets not exaggerate. Kobe missed his share of shots last night and even got lit up by Sprewell once or twice.

[alcstarheel]

...and even got lit up by Sprewell once or twice.
Sprewell was 5-15. I think Kobe did a pretty good job.
Kobe missed his share of shots last night...
Kobe was 13-21. Thats 62%. He made more of a percentage than everyone else. If that's not good shooting, then I don't know what is.

ALCS

[Mariners in 2006]

Speaking of the Lakers...They should beat the Jazz tomorrow right? I would think so after what they did to the Kings and T'wolves...

[alcstarheel]

Speaking of the Lakers...They should beat the Jazz tomorrow right? I would think so after what they did to the Kings and T'wolves...
Although that seems to be the case, the Lakers have been plagued this season, and a lot of other times in previous seasons, as they always tend to play DOWN to a competition's level. That's why they always (I think) lose at least one game to the Bulls (I hate that). If they don't think of who's on the other side of the court and just take it to them like they should, they should blow them out.

They better.

ALCS

[Blackwiz]

but kobe can penetrate better and dish out the ball to an open man.........

Better than Payton? No he can't.

And Kobe isn't the sould energy of the team. The emotional lift that guys like Payton and Malone bring to the team is undoubtable. They don't need Kobe Bryant on the floor to motivate them.

And when Kobe touches the ball, something great doesn't always happen. Lets not exaggerate. Kobe missed his share of shots last night and even got lit up by Sprewell once or twice.

well, this season, to me, it seems as though Kobe penetrates better.......and i know something "GREAT" doesn't happen all the time.......u obviously took wat i said farther than it needed to be takin

but no doubt, Kobe is the ENERGY of the team.....whether u like it or not, when Kobe isn't playin, the Lakers don't play with the same energy, Kobe starts runs, Kobe starts comebacks......whether u like it or not, that has been the case this season.....even Payton said it after one game(don't remember which one)....he was like when they lost, that they really missed kobe in that game and talkin about how kobe brings a lot of energy to the floor...........its not even somethin u have to really observe....look at it, kobe is the energy....hes the one that sticks defense the most and makes stops to start runs.......

im not sayin Kobe is GOD, but i think u should feel wat im sayin by now

[ut_jazz]

they should beat the jazz pretty easily tonight @la, we are not good on back to back games especially when the first game was a hard-fought win.

[TheGameShutDown]

well, this season, to me, it seems as though Kobe penetrates better


That's because Kobe's been given much more opportunities to penetrate and is given more free range when he has the ball.

but no doubt, Kobe is the ENERGY of the team.....whether u like it or not, when Kobe isn't playin, the Lakers don't play with the same energy, Kobe starts runs, Kobe starts comebacks......whether u like it or not, that has been the case this season.....even Payton said it after one game(don't remember which one)....he was like when they lost, that they really missed kobe in that game and talkin about how kobe brings a lot of energy to the floor...........its not even somethin u have to really observe....look at it, kobe is the energy....hes the one that sticks defense the most and makes stops to start runs.......

No he isn't. He is not the energy provider for this team. When Karl Malone was out they lacked much more energy than at the beginning when he was in. If Payton were to be out, they would lack a ton of energy. It's not just Kobe who provides motivation.

To say that he is the soul energy for this team is unfair, especially when you've got Payton and Malone on this squad, who are just as competitive, just as vocal, and, like Kobe, put in 110% every night.

You act like he does everything more than his teammates. Payton and Malone bring just as much intensity to both ends of the floor, and Shaq does too when he gets the ball on offense.

[Brankles]

I would just like to bring this up again...


The Lakers' "Fantastic Four" went into overtime with the Magic's "Wonderful One"...

I wouldn't judge one game and say that they're gonna win the championship without trouble...



Holla


Common Brankles thats retarded, I know you're not stupid like some people and know that every team has a bad game.


i agree wit wat og15 said, B, u can't keep bringin that one game up, or even other ones up.............that stuff happens...........

Isn't this thread about how the Kings lost to the Lakers in ONE GAME?

Maybe I'm just an idiot. I might be missing the point. Tell me if I'm wrong.



Also, the Lakers should win every game here on out as long as Shaq gets his touches... GP runs the break... Karl stays healthy and is hittin his midrange J... Kobe plays team ball... and role players like Rick Fox, Devean George, Derek Fisher, Slava Medvedenko, and Horace Grant all do their thing....


Also... why is Payton complaining about the Triangle Offense? Did he realize he signed a contract last summer with the LAKERS?!





Holla

[TheGameShutDown]

Also... why is Payton complaining about the Triangle Offense? Did he realize he signed a contract last summer with the LAKERS?!

Because they play better when they're out of the Triangle. Just like you said, if GP runs the break. That's not the triangle.

The triangle is fine with point guards such as John Paxson, Ron Harper, and Derek Fisher because these guys aren't naturally point guards. They don't penetrate as well as the shooting guard, but it's not the same in Payton's case.

[alcstarheel]

Isn't this thread about how the Kings lost to the Lakers in ONE GAME?
Nope, I think it's more about the way in which they played the West's best team. Then the game against the West's second best team was reassurance that they are starting to play well.

Of course, if it was someone, maybe like the Magic (no pun intended) that the Lakers blew out like that, it wouldn't matter, because they are supposed to beat the league's worst teams in that way.

They weren't supposed to beat Sacramento in that fashion.

ALCS

[og15]

Yea thats why I said I know you'ren ot like that cause whoever made this thread is kinda dumb, who cares (not that we don't care but too much emphasis is laid on it), one game. Atlanta beat Minnesota, maybe the can make the playoffs.

Meh Bobby Jackson wasn't there, he's the heart and soul of it all :P

[Brankles]

They also shouldn't have beat the Magic in that fashion. :lol:

Hey, alls I'm sayin is wait till the playoffs... and the Lakers will get a run for their money...

One game says a lot, but it doesn't say it all...



Holla

[og15]

I love the Lakers (for my predictions at least), them and the Nuggets are keeping my predictions alive.

@ Boston - W :D
@ Minnesota - L (away at Minny with no Kobe and Malone don't see it happening) :D
@ Chicago - W :D
Orlando - W :D
@ L.A. Clippers - W :D
L.A. Clippers - W :D
Milwaukee - W :D
Sacramento - L :(
Minnesota - W :D
Utah - W :D
New Orleans - W :D
Houston - L (maybe Yao will do it again) :(
@ Seattle - W :D
San Antonio - L (can't win em all) :D
Portland - W :(
Memphis - W :D
@ Sacramento - L
Golden State - W
@ Portland - W

April 10: 13-3

[Blackwiz]

They also shouldn't have beat the Magic in that fashion. :lol:

Hey, alls I'm sayin is wait till the playoffs... and the Lakers will get a run for their money...

One game says a lot, but it doesn't say it all...



Holla

Exactly….one game doesn’t say it all, so why u hatin on the lakers after that one game with the Magic??

[Blackwiz]

well, this season, to me, it seems as though Kobe penetrates better


That's because Kobe's been given much more opportunities to penetrate and is given more free range when he has the ball.

but no doubt, Kobe is the ENERGY of the team.....whether u like it or not, when Kobe isn't playin, the Lakers don't play with the same energy, Kobe starts runs, Kobe starts comebacks......whether u like it or not, that has been the case this season.....even Payton said it after one game(don't remember which one)....he was like when they lost, that they really missed kobe in that game and talkin about how kobe brings a lot of energy to the floor...........its not even somethin u have to really observe....look at it, kobe is the energy....hes the one that sticks defense the most and makes stops to start runs.......

No he isn't. He is not the energy provider for this team. When Karl Malone was out they lacked much more energy than at the beginning when he was in. If Payton were to be out, they would lack a ton of energy. It's not just Kobe who provides motivation.

To say that he is the soul energy for this team is unfair, especially when you've got Payton and Malone on this squad, who are just as competitive, just as vocal, and, like Kobe, put in 110% every night.

You act like he does everything more than his teammates. Payton and Malone bring just as much intensity to both ends of the floor, and Shaq does too when he gets the ball on offense.

Im not exactly sayin he’s the soul energy and only energy cuz I know Payton and especially Malone bring a lot of energy….maybe it wasn’t obvious, but im talking for the past few games…..well a lot more than a few, Kobe’s energy is doin a lot……im not even stuttin when Malone was out early in the season cuz u and I know after the All Star break….a new Kobe came out

[Brankles]

Well then why are all y'all bandwagon Lakers fans sayin the Lakers will win it all after they beat the Kings in one game?

That was my point the entire time...

Guess you completely missed my last post^....



Holla

[og15]

He's right, one game doesn't say that much, the playoffs is a whole new game. The Kings were also missing Bobby, and he's important because of the instant O.

[alcstarheel]

Well then why are all y'all bandwagon Lakers fans sayin the Lakers will win it all after they beat the Kings in one game?

That was my point the entire time...
Only LakersFreak (I think that's his name) said that the Lakers should be handed the rings already. Nobody else said that, we just said they are starting to play like they should.

ALCS

[cwebbfan309]

I haven't been around for a while and being a kings freak i jumped all over this topic. most of the lakers fans on this board seem to be missing the fact that the kings are winning the season series 2-1 as of right now. plz note that miller had a hard time extending his elbow on that game because of his elbow injury and no bjackson. so one win means you win against the kings means the lakes are going to win it all. may i remind you that the lakes lost to the hawks twice i think (not sure). i do remember the kings beating the lakes without cwebb, miller, and bjackson. the lakes better watch out cause they will get a run for there money in the playoffs.

[alcstarheel]

so one win means you win against the kings means the lakes are going to win it all.

Like I just said...

Only LakersFreak said that the Lakers should be handed the rings right now. Nobody else said that, we just said they are starting to play like they should.

ALCS

[Blackwiz]

Well then why are all y'all bandwagon Lakers fans sayin the Lakers will win it all after they beat the Kings in one game?

That was my point the entire time...

Guess you completely missed my last post^....



Holla

uhh....who's a bandwagon fan?? cuz u know good and well im not a bandwagon fan......i been reppin the lakers for the longest, even when theyweren't doin too good..............and if u look at my previous posts, u'll see that i said the same thing..............u cant really say anythin after one game cuz overall, the Kings played a better season.............

[LakersFreak]

SInce its bothering people I will repeat. Yes the Lakers will win it all after beating the queens the way they did. I promise you. Just wait and see how they're going to do the same thing in arco arena on april 11. Ill leave til then. When they win that game I will come here and talk more smack on the queens!!!!!!!!

[og15]

SHAQ ATTACKS

During a game in Seattle last week, 7-foot-1, 320-pound Lakers centre Shaquille O'Neal went crashing into a courtside row of media members.

"I could have stopped," Shaq said. "But there were a couple of guys over there I didn't like, so it was my opportunity to take people out."

A Nash-ional Obsession (http://www.canoe.ca/NewsStand/TorontoSun/Sports/2004/04/06/410256.html)

[og15]

Horance Grant Out for Season/Playoffs (http://www.latimes.com/sports/la-sp-lakerep10apr10,1,3791830.story?coll=la-headlines-sports)


Horace Grant will not play the rest of the season or the playoffs, a blow to the Lakers' front-court depth.

Jackson met with Grant before the game and told him to get surgery on the tear in his hip as soon as possible.

A veteran of the triangle offense and of 13 NBA postseasons, Grant had hoped to return for a handful of regular-season games, then use the airy playoff schedule to baby his hip into June.

When the pain did not subside over the past six weeks, Grant was forced to give up on the notion of participating in the postseason

I've been impressed by what Brian Cook has done with his PT, so hopefully he can fill in well for the Lakers in the absence of Grant.

[courtside]

boomshaqalaca :shock:

[LakersFreak]

HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA the QUEENS talked all that smack and for what?????? They beat the Lakers in one game? BIG DEAL!!!! Who's in fourth place again?????? CWEBB_FAN your QUEENS are gone. Analysts predict they're out first round. Although I would love for the Lakers to take them queens out. Too bad we wont meet this year!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[og15]

Is Shaq washed up?

"I thought he looked tired out there," Lakers coach Phil Jackson said, referring to Shaquille O'Neal after the Lakers defeated the Rockets 92-88 in overtime on Sunday and took a 3-1 lead in the first-round series. "I was on him about playing defense the way we wanted him to play. He wasn't active enough. But he pulled it out and got active defensively and got some rebounds. I was pleased the way he rallied at the end."

And, yes, the Rockets did spend all game double-teaming O'Neal. That's one big reason Karl Malone, whose defender usually helped on O'Neal, had 30 points and 13 rebounds. Malone's three-point play with the Lakers down four in overtime fouled out Yao Ming and was the turning point. Malone also picked up a key steal and rebound later after some rough stuff earlier in the game had earned him a technical foul. "It's the kind of game you dream about," said Malone, who became the first NBA player 40 or older to score at least 30 points in a playoff game.

But, still, where was that force of O'Neal?

He's averaging 17.2 points and 11.8 rebounds in this series, and Yao isn't that great a defender. O'Neal never has averaged fewer than 20 points in the playoffs and never fewer than 25 since a three-game cameo in his rookie season. But Kelvin Cato controlled O'Neal when Yao was out with foul trouble, and Yao beat O'Neal for a key rebound in overtime. That should raise questions about O'Neal extending far beyond these playoffs.

O'Neal clearly lacks his old explosiveness and quickness. It may be because of constant foot and knee problems or weight issues. It's going to make a Lakers playoff success almost impossible if he cannot regain that dominance. Where are those familiar 30-point and 20-rebound games?

This may be the last we see of O'Neal in a Lakers uniform. The feeling around the league is that Kobe Bryant will give the Lakers an ultimatum: Shaq or me. Until recently, the Lakers would have stuck with O'Neal. But with Shaq playing fewer regular-season games and having less impact (despite his All-NBA first-team status), they might not, especially with the prospect that Bryant could leave as a free agent this summer and sign with the neighboring Clippers. Lakers owner Jerry Buss is said to prefer Bryant as an attraction. Plus O'Neal is demanding a contract extension exceeding $30 million per year.

So could O'Neal finish his career in Orlando? As sort of the Greg Maddux of the NBA? Would a desperate team like the Bulls take a shot? The Knicks certainly would. Or does he retire a Laker? O'Neal's playoff performance could impact more than just the Lakers' future.


Shaq of old seems absent (http://chicagosports.chicagotribune.com/sports/printedition/cs-0404260207apr26,1,6491575.story?coll=cs-sports-print)

[Sleepwalkers]

HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA the QUEENS talked all that smack and for what?????? They beat the Lakers in one game? BIG DEAL!!!! Who's in fourth place again?????? CWEBB_FAN your QUEENS are gone. Analysts predict they're out first round. Although I would love for the Lakers to take them queens out. Too bad we wont meet this year!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Wow. Do you always have to run your mouth about a "rivalry" that nobody cares what you say about it?

[ut_jazz]

Whoever wrote that doesn't know what they're talking about. O'neal's lack of 30 pt. 20 rebound games is not because he has dropped off a lot offensively. It's because he's got Gary and Karl on his team now.

[Erique]

You're a Karl Malone fan? I'm a Rockets fan. Yes, I hate Karl Malone with a passion. What he did to Nochbar should have been a flagrant. And to think, that Noch came back and REJECTED his ***** on the other end, take that mailman.

Karl owned us, yes, he always does. But make no mistake, he's a dirty dirty player.

[og15]

He's probably saying it figuratively, if you watch the Lakers you can see that Shaq is not the same and its not neccesarily age, but his conditioning, he has also lost a lot of quickness and speed due to injuries.

[IFRIEDRice]

Shaq is not the same and its not neccesarily age, but his conditioning, he has also lost a lot of quickness and speed due to injuries.

I think a lot of it is definitely due to injuries. When he was feeling healthy right before the season ended, he was averaging 16 boards a game for like 2 weeks, and that was the main reason they went on the 11 game winning streak.

However, if you watch what Van Gundy does to Shaq, it's double double double team him every which way possible. Shaq barely gets a chance to catch the ball because there's usually two guys on him before the ball's even passed his way. Smart defense, but Karl made sure that it didn't beat the Lakers.

As for what Karl did to Nachbar, I don't think it really looked all that dirty. He didn't throw his elbow or anything. He actually made a little slide move to try to avoid contact, but it looked more to me like Steve Francis pushed Karl into Nachbar's path. Watch the replay from behind if anyone taped it...

[ut_jazz]

Lakers lose game 1 v. Spurs. It was amazing to see that jackson is 33-0 when his team wins the first game. popovich was also undefeated after winning the first one. L.A. will have to break pop's streak.

They can't sloppy at the end like the did today, if they want to win the series.

[LakersFreak]

Have no fear my dear Lakers fans. The Lakers will win this series and win the championship,
Breakdown of next 6 games
game 2 lakers
game 3 lakers
game 4 spurs
game 5 spurs
game 6 lakers
game 7 lakers.

LAKERS IN 7

[Erique]

Lol, keep dreaming.

Spurs in 6.

[rhume11]

the lakers wont win if it goes to 7.....if the lakers can win the next game..they can win it in six...

[LakersFreak]

I see erique you are from houstan texas and your just mad cause the lakers beat your weak rockets and now your on the spurs band wagon. Beleive me the lakers will win.

[Blackwiz]

I see erique you are from houstan texas and your just mad cause the lakers beat your weak rockets and now your on the spurs band wagon. Beleive me the lakers will win.

i believe u, as a laker fan, i gotta have faith

[Blackwiz]

It’d be a big shame if kobe was convicted, cuz the league would be missin his TALENT!!…the kids got skillz….i been sayin it, he was the reason the Lakers beat the Spurs with his 42 points, 6 boards and 5 assists along with 3 steals……….him and Shaq played the the Dynamic Duo that we used to see………..Kobe’s energy is wat keeps the Lakers in games……….im telling u, the kid has a big future, if everything works out for him

i stayed up all night watchin my Lakers gettin frustrated when they played wit no heart in the first half, but i knew kobe would come through, no doubt about that......even Bowen admitted u can't stop him, u just gotta make it hard for him........i was surprised when Chuck started praisin him too cuz Chuck gotta knack for hatin on Kobe.......but he had only one word today.....AMAZING........in my words....SO JORDAN-LIKE....

[mobiuseinz]

Kobe really showed something yesterday... heart!

[ut_jazz]

This is exactly what happened in last year's series, and then san antonio won the next 2 games to take the series 4-2. This game 5 is HUGE!

[LakersFreak]

Fellow Lakers Fans have no fear! Last year was last year, this year is our year. All we need to do is win game 5 in San Antonio, which we will, and then come back here to finsih it off. This Lakers team will not only be the eighth team to win a series down 0-2, but will also claim the ring for the 4th time in 5 years~!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! ]
HAVE FAITH MY BROTHERS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[mobiuseinz]

I would have to go with San Antonio, do you really expect T.Duncan to go for 10-15 points 3 games in a row?

[LakersFreak]

C'mon now its not Duncan being off, its the Lakers defense. Lakers in 6!!!!!!!!!!

[alcstarheel]

I just got back from home, being there for a week before my summer class. I have very slow internet at home, so I didn't get to read many posts, but I'm back.

I would have to go with San Antonio, do you really expect T.Duncan to go for 10-15 points 3 games in a row?
No one expected him to have those low scoring totals two games in a row either. I think the Lakers have their swagger back. Maybe it isn't a lot, but I think the fear has risen in the Spurs this series. But what it's going to come down to is Duncan-Parker and Kobe-Shaq. Whichever duo is neutralized will be the victim of a tough series.

But I put my money on K.O.B.E. and The Diesel being the duo to come out on top. It's going to be a great game tonight.

ALCS

[og15]

Wow, Fisher has just won another championship for the Lakers lol, I don't see them losing at home, or losing to either Minesotta or Sacramento, and not to talk about losing to an Eastern team. :cry:

For anyone that didn't see it, Duncan hits an impossible shot while fading to the left, and their's 0.4 seconds left, 3 timeouts are taken before the Lakers inbound, and Fisher hits a catch and shoot fadeaway while running towards the left.

[Penny]

that could be what kerr done to the mavs, and helped them get through to the finals....

Cant see lakers losing @ home... but who knows....

and yeah no chnace losing to an eastern team

[ut_jazz]

That's the most joy i've seen out of Karl Malone since stockton's three to get the jazz in the finals.

[alcstarheel]

Man I was so mad when Duncan made that shot over Shaq. I had no faith in it, but for some reason I felt that it was going to go in anyway. So he hit that and I was like, "dámn dámn dámn." I was just thinking that we had the game won and we let them slip back into it. Then Fish makes that fadeway and I'm jumping up and down, screaming until my throat started hurting.

It still hurts.

ALCS

[LakersFreak]

I told you my fellow fans. Where are all those poeple who didn't believe me when I said the Lakers will win this series!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Its all over now.
LAKERS IN 6!!!!!!!!!!1
WE LOVE YOU D-FISH!!!!!!!

[REDSFAN2004]

my brother in law was telling me about that derek fisher shot it sucks that the game wasnt on here that would have been something to see.my bro in law is a big laker fan as for me i dont follow the nba much any more i try to sit and watch games and just cant get into it any more.

[LakersFreak]

what are you talking about brother. The game is on national television.

[REDSFAN2004]

maybe i will check espn next time then i checked tnt first and there wasnt no game on oh well i guess i still havent got use to the games being on espn because it didnt occur to me to check espn first.

[LakersFreak]

just to help u out, game will be on espn at 12 am tonight

[og15]

It was on ABC, anyone could have watched it :P

[TheGameShutDown]

Damn that **** was intense. I was ready to turn the game on to MTV for the end of the Making the Band finale, but I waited for the .4 seconds to go. I was absolutely speechless when Fish hit that.

[Blackwiz]

[***]
that [***]
was intense. I was ready to turn the game on to MTV for the end of the Making the Band finale, but I waited for the .4 seconds to go. I was absolutely speechless when Fish hit that.

yea, i was watchin both MTB and the game, but i stayed on the game cuz that's my team, when Duncan made that shot, i was ****ed, but i still had faith for some reason and i just knew kobe would win it, well he didn't, but Fisher did


so Lakersfreak, im wit ya, we Laker fans gotta stick together... :wink:

[og15]

For those that want to relive the moment

http://lakeshow09lg.zftp.com/Laker%20Videos%20LS09/fisher_wins_game5_ls09.avi

[alcstarheel]

It wouldn't work for me, so for those that are in the same boat, you can also go to: www.lakers.com and click on the video box to the right.

ALCS

[og15]

http://members.dslextreme.com/users/storage/images/08seconds.jpg

A little interesting screen shot, their should've been 0.8 seconds on the clock.

[alcstarheel]

^^^I was going to say exactly that once someone said that the clock didn't start on time. I watched it like 5 times.

ALCS

[Penny]

then did LA have it with 0.4 ...?

did some adjust the clock a little.... how did the clock move down to 0.4...?

[og15]

Common Penny, us your head lol, the timers didn't stop the clock in time.

[Penny]

:lol: :oops:

thought they would :oops:
lets not mention this again please... :oops:

is this game a better finish than the pacers v magic back in 1995 playoffs....
anyone remember that one....??

[ut_jazz]

I loved shaq's interview at the end. he sounded really excited 8)

[LakersFreak]

What did I tell you guys. People were talking smack when the Lakers were down 0-2. We have won the series and on our way to win the rings for GP and the mailman!!!!!!!!!!

[Detroit_balla42]

After Detroit's win on Sunday, a lot of reporters and whatever were eaither defending the Lakers or sucking up to the Pistons. I happend to find this one article that really suprised me. Look at this article right here.

http://www.nba.com/finals2004/detlal_040607.html

[sjla2kology101]

interesting it sounds like the pistons found a wayto beat them.

[Drewbs]

the Pistons won because basically they shut down everyone on the team but Shaq and Kobe and the Lakers, and two players cant beat a team of 5, the Lakers probably didnt expect that seeing as, most teams usually try to just stop those two. I highly doubt that game plan will be as effective in game two.

[starbury3]

That's basically just making too much of one game. Kobe only scored 25 on 27 shots, he played horribly, along with Malone and Payton. Remember the Sixers won game 1 then went on to lose the next 4.

[Detroit_balla42]

Thats not the point....The supporting cast of the Lakers are the majority of the Lakers' points. It's usually around 45% according to the article. So that means when you shut down the supporting cast, your chances are great.


When it comes to mind, it's just a bunch a medicore players surrounded by 2 excellent players that make them look good since those 2 are always double teamed. Detroit didn't double team anyone and look what happend. The bench or the starters excpet for Shaq and Kobe never got anything going.

[Joe_PacoTD#21]

Detroit has the best Xs and Os coach in the L, so the fact that Brown came up with this scheme is no surprise. But, the real issue is will the D stick to their guns and man up L.A. all series. I think they will, because not only are they a great defensive team but also Larry Brown is good friends with the coach who beat LA last year, Gregg Popovich. And as Pop knows the best way to bet the Lakers is to put your best perimeter defender on Kobe and playing Shaq one-on-one. None of those stupid gimmicks San Antonio used this year.

[Blackwiz]

The supporting cast of the Lakers are the majority of the Lakers' points. It's usually around 45% according to the article. So that means when you shut down the supporting cast, your chances are great.




that's a smart thing u said right there.....ur right, superstars can only score a majority of the points, but not all of them

[Detroit_balla42]

This not another Detroit Vs. L.A thread. I'm just pointing out somthing that other teams might pay attention to next season. The Spurs did this, but threw it away because of a misguided offensive squad and sume spurts led by bad defense at times.

[ut_jazz]

All you have do do is look at payton + malone's assist total and from that you know if the lakers won the game or not

[K Bomber]

THat's a very interesting read -- thanks for the linkage............

[The_Great_One]

Bah, how it pains me to see the Lakers lose like that. The Lakers really have gaps the size of Texas and its only due to the sheer talent of Shaq and Kobe that they got this far, but it didnt hold up to a more complete Pistons bench. IMO, next season, if the Zen and Kobe re-signs, the Lakers should focus on:

1. Getting a blue collar hefty big man, because Cook/Walton/Slava are more scorers than bangers. Malone i suspect will stay for 1 more season because he's chasing Kareem's record though the ring is his primary concern but age has caught up with him and Shaq's on his way to decline-my estimate he has 3-5 years of dominance left.

2. Get a true point guard. GP's a disappointment, and Fisher's on his way to decline too. I've noticed no one is restoring order when the Pistons are making their run.

3. Get a third option. The reason that Detroit's defense worked so well is that outside Kobe and Shaq, they know so well the Lakers have no one to go to. George is inconsistent with a capital I and is more a defender than a scoring threat.

I dunno who are the free agents who could fite the bill so feel free to add

[TheGameShutDown]

Shaq: stay conditioned, show up to camp in decent shape

Kobe: get aquitted, work on your game some more, keep watching MJ

Payton: has already said he'll be taking 1,000 shots a day, stay conditioned, come to camp hungry

Malone: work on that knee, maybe have surgery, take your time

Slava: get big

Lakers coach: don't play the triangle

[Pointguard13]

Bah, how it pains me to see the Lakers lose like that. The Lakers really have gaps the size of Texas and its only due to the sheer talent of Shaq and Kobe that they got this far, but it didnt hold up to a more complete Pistons bench. IMO, next season, if the Zen and Kobe re-signs, the Lakers should focus on:

1. Getting a blue collar hefty big man, because Cook/Walton/Slava are more scorers than bangers. Malone i suspect will stay for 1 more season because he's chasing Kareem's record though the ring is his primary concern but age has caught up with him and Shaq's on his way to decline-my estimate he has 3-5 years of dominance left.

2. Get a true point guard. GP's a disappointment, and Fisher's on his way to decline too. I've noticed no one is restoring order when the Pistons are making their run.

3. Get a third option. The reason that Detroit's defense worked so well is that outside Kobe and Shaq, they know so well the Lakers have no one to go to. George is inconsistent with a capital I and is more a defender than a scoring threat.

I dunno who are the free agents who could fite the bill so feel free to add

The great one.....

The lakers don't have 10 million dollars in cap space avaliable to go after FA like that, not do they have many tradable players.

I think Malone will retire, GP off to Portland, and Kobe looks for his own team, but let just say that they all stay except GP.

they will have about 5.0 million for a Mid-Level Exception to sign FA's.

Here are the best avaliable FA's.

K. Bryant (P)
S. Nash (P)
R. Wallace (U)
K. Martin (R)
B. Barry (U)
S. Jackson (U)
M. Okur (R)
Q. Richardson(R)
M. Blount (U)
E. Dampier (U)
J. Crawford (R)
M. Daniels (U)
M. Ginobli (R)
E. Thomas (R)
G. Giricek (R)
M. Peterson (R)
H. Turkoglu (R)
V. Divac (U)
B. Bowen (P)
G. Ostertag (U)
R. Horry (T)
A. Peeler (U)
D. Miles (R)
A. Mcdyess (U)
K. Clark (U)
P. Hardaway (U)
L. Sprewell (P)
T. Hudson (P)
R. Alston (P)
C. Alexander (R)
Nick Van Exel (P)
S. Swift (R)
D. Fisher (P)
K. Malone (P)
G. Payton (P)
Anothony Johnson (P)
A. Foyle (U)
M. Camby (P)
A. Walker (P)
C. Mihm (R)
B. Sura (U)

U= Unrestricted FA
R= Restricted FA
P= Player Option
T= Team Option

Most of those players are gonna want at least 3.0 million the first year.

I'm sorry but I don't think that the Lakers can add:

PG that can lead the team
A third scorer.
A brusier down low at the PF position.

Unless two or three players take big pay cuts, I dont see them getting more thna one suggnificent FA.

[Rashidi]

1. Getting a blue collar hefty big man, because Cook/Walton/Slava are more scorers than bangers.

Walton isn't a scorer. None of these guys can truly be classified as "scorers" either, just mid-range shooters.

2. Get a true point guard. GP's a disappointment, and Fisher's on his way to decline too. I've noticed no one is restoring order when the Pistons are making their run.

They had a true PG, but Phil Jackson doesn't know how to use a PG. All of his previous PGs have been guys who can't do the things Payton does. B.J. Armstrong, John Paxson, Steve Kerr, Ron Harper, Randy Brown, Derek Fisher, Brian Shaw, Tyronn Lue, and Jannero Pargo. Almost every one of these guys is a converted SG, and NONE of them had true PG passing skills. None of these guys were good passers, and none could run an offense. Instead of letting the PG set up Shaq and Kobe, the Lakers instead put the ball in Kobe's hands and let him create shots for himself and the team. When Payton is holding the ball for maybe 5 seconds per possession, if even that, you can't fault him when the team looks lost. The Pistons took away Kobe's creation, and that's why the Lakers lost.

[Detroit_balla42]

Thats what I like to see...conversation about the Lakers offseason. :D

[ehammond56]

As a big Lakers fan it sucks to see them lose like they did. But Detroit was the better team, for ya'll to say the East is back, they better win like 3 titles in a row to get that respect from me.

Now the rebuilding part, I would love to see L.A. get an athletic PG like Ben Gordon, also I would love for L.A. to get Kenyon Martin. But money will be an issue.

I am optimistic that the Lakers can get back to the finals if Kobe stays, and they can get an athletic PF and so more bench help, but with the cap room they got, it could be a long offseason.

I think that if Indiana can get a good PG and SF they can compete with the Pistons.

Everybody is dissing L.A, they have the right too, but name one team in this 2000 decade that has repeated back to back to back, trust me with Kobe and Shaq and some more help they can get back.

But I kind of think this Detroit repeating thing will be a fluke to honest

[Penny]

I am 100% agree with blue collar players... LA got smacked on those D rebs all Finals long...

I like Kareem rush he could be very good off bench, and George needs some consistency!

I read an article about Penny almost going to LA rather than Phoenix... I think he could have done really well behind shaq and Kobe in LA rather than the suns...

anyways... get a new PG also could help... but they beat Spurs, and Minny... so they were doing something right!!

[J Hall]

Q. Richardson would be a nice fit with the Lakers. He plays team ball and can shoot. He basically do everything and would do very well being the 3rd scoring option. With his 3pt ability, throw the ball to Shaq and back to Q, you'd have a Robert Horry and a Hakeem like connection all over again.

Erick Dampier would be a nice fit as well. Shaq has never had a good backup (that I can think of) and this would be a guy that coem in and there wouldn't be a huge drop off. You'd still have a shot blocker, a rebounder, and someone that takes up space. They ought to look for Dampier to sign.

Antonio Mcdyess, if he would take a pay cut, would be the type of PF the Lakers have never had: athletic. Maybe not so much anymore, but he can still jump up there a dunk the ball and wow the crowd. Too bad about all his injuries because he would have been a great player. Next to Shaq though, I think he could flourish. No having a lot of attention focused on him would make it a little easier to score and do things that it's currently a struggle to do. With Amare on the Suns, Mcdyess is defitnitely leaving.

Oh, and Penny. I'm sure he would take a pay cutt and play for the Lakers. He'd be a good bench player and he can do everything. Though he's older and not as good as he used to be, he can still shoot and pass. And anyone that can share the ball would be just what the Lakers need.

These are just a few guys I think the Lakers could get that would help them out. You agree or not?

[TheGameShutDown]

Q-Rich and Dampier wouldn't settle for that money. All they can get is the Mid-Level. DAmpier had a break out season this year because he knew he'd be looking for a big contract this summer. Q-Rich is on the rise and I just don't see him doing it.

[Rashidi]

Q. Richardson would be a nice fit with the Lakers. He plays team ball and can shoot. He basically do everything and would do very well being the 3rd scoring option. With his 3pt ability, throw the ball to Shaq and back to Q, you'd have a Robert Horry and a Hakeem like connection all over again.

Quentin Richardson plays team ball? Is that why he averages 2 assists per 36 minutes, and why he is 17th in the league in FGA per minute? He's a ballhog, the Lakers don't need another one.

Erick Dampier would be a nice fit as well. Shaq has never had a good backup (that I can think of) and this would be a guy that coem in and there wouldn't be a huge drop off. You'd still have a shot blocker, a rebounder, and someone that takes up space. They ought to look for Dampier to sign.

Why would Dampier
A. Take a paycut
B. Be a backup

He's already stated he wants to go east, where he's all-star caliber. He's not going back to the bench after having a career year either. Lakers are a lot more likely to get Vlade Divac as a backup.

Antonio Mcdyess, if he would take a pay cut, would be the type of PF the Lakers have never had: athletic. Maybe not so much anymore, but he can still jump up there a dunk the ball and wow the crowd. Too bad about all his injuries because he would have been a great player. Next to Shaq though, I think he could flourish. No having a lot of attention focused on him would make it a little easier to score and do things that it's currently a struggle to do. With Amare on the Suns, Mcdyess is defitnitely leaving.

Having actually SEEN McDyess post-injury, no, he can't wow the crowd anymore. He's not a good fit on the Lakers. They need a good mid-range shooter at PF, and McDyess is not one. He's not an enforcer on defense. Karl Malone at 41 is definitely a better option than McDyess, and a lot less likely to get hurt too.

Oh, and Penny. I'm sure he would take a pay cutt and play for the Lakers. He'd be a good bench player and he can do everything. Though he's older and not as good as he used to be, he can still shoot and pass. And anyone that can share the ball would be just what the Lakers need.

There goes your credibility, flushed right down the toilet. Penny isn't even a free agent. He is making 12 million dollars per year for the next 2 years. Why the hell would he throw that away? And why the hell would the Lakers trade for him at that price?

Shooting btw, is Penny's weakness, it's the reason he's not good anymore. He got all his points off explosive drives when he was young, and he doesn't have that explosiveness anymore. He is a below average shooter for a SG, definitely a worse shooter than Kareem Rush. He's a glorified Luke Walton. Lakers are better off developing Walton's post skills, thats the only advantage Penny has over Luke.

[Pointguard13]

Some of yall are missing th point.

The Lakers don't have the cap room or the tradable players to get a:

young athlete PG
or a bruiser in the paint.

Who in their right mind would trade atop 10 pick in Gordon for GP, Malone, Rush, Cook, Walton.....No one.

And the Lakers will definately not trade Kobe or Shaq for Gordon.

The Lakers success will depend on what Kobe does.

He stays and they are contenders.
He leaves and they fight for a playoff spot.

If KObe leaves, GP, Fisher, and Malone will all follow.

Getting Dampier to come get less than 20 minutes a game backing up Shaq is ridiculous. He has a career year lasts year and will prob. get over 6 million in his first year on his next contract.

He also wants to go East so he has a legitiment shot at being an All-Star.

Lakers could offer Dampier at the most 5 million. He wont accept less money and a 6th man role with the Lakers.

Que Richardson is a long shot too. I could see why he would want to come to LA b/c he prob. lives in LA after playing with the clips and at least with the lakers, he can win, but if he wentto the nuggets, he could be a 2nd scorer and improve the nuggets to a top 6 team in the West.

[bhl]

lets just put it this way, the lakers are screwed if kobe doesnt come back. last night on sportscenter stephen a. smith said it was likely that kobe would be back, but the zen would retire. i dont see gary payton coming back because hes shellfish and wants more ppg. karl will be lucky to play next year on any team, because the games i watched him play, he didnt show that great 14 ft jumper he had and he still sucks at free throws.

[J Hall]

There goes your credibility, flushed right down the toilet. Penny isn't even a free agent. He is making 12 million dollars per year for the next 2 years. Why the [***]
would he throw that away? And why the [***]
would the Lakers trade for him at that price?

I only thought he was a free agent due to a message in this thread that said he was. I don't spend all my free time checking the status of players' contracts.

Dampier could play PF as well. I never said STRICTLY a back up center.

I haven't really seen Mcdyess since his injuries so I wasn't 100% sure.

Q Richardson does play team ball. Who is he going to pass to on the Clippers? Besides himself, the only offense players are Brand and Miller (sometimes). Andre Miller gets all their assists. I bet hardly anyone on that team gets more than 2 assists a game.

[mobiuseinz]

........Andre plays for the Nuggets....

[J Hall]

........Andre plays for the Nuggets....

oh, so he does....lol. show's how much I keep up with the NBA. One of the reasons I don't like it is due to the fact the teams are so different so often. Hard for me to keep all those moves straight.

[Penny]

Penny isn't even a free agent.

I was referring to after the 99 season... before he went to Suns... almost became a Laker...

anyways... some news on Malone

http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=1823603

[weasel3000]

the lakers need a backup for shaq! the lakers get killed when he sits out because they have no strength up the middle.

Garys best option is to come back, i dont know whats this all about payton wanting to be the main option or the man running the offense but he knew what was going to happen when he came to LA and he still understands that he is not the primary guy or the first offesive focus of the lakers. and again hes not gonna get payed any were else like he is in LA.

Lakers also need a 3 point shooter, nough said

whats this about phil not knowing how to use a point guard who cant pass or a true point guard, the truth is that the triangle offense doesnt require that.

[laidback]

the lakers need a backup for shaq! the lakers get killed when he sits out because they have no strength up the middle.

Garys best option is to come back, i dont know whats this all about payton wanting to be the main option or the man running the offense but he knew what was going to happen when he came to LA and he still understands that he is not the primary guy or the first offesive focus of the lakers. and again hes not gonna get payed any were else like he is in LA.

Lakers also need a 3 point shooter, nough said

whats this about phil not knowing how to use a point guard who cant pass or a true point guard, the truth is that the triangle offense doesnt require that.




http://img44.photobucket.com/albums/v136/Anthonyg788/GP.jpg

[REDSFAN2004]

i just saw this on espnews a few minutes ago and they said its very possible phil jacksons run as lakers coach could be over i also heard on around the horn earlier this week if he coaches any where else he might end up in dallas take that for what you will.

[laidback]

http://www.prisonsportsleague.com/images/pic_psl8-2.jpg

[laidback]

i just saw this on espnews a few minutes ago and they said its very possible phil jacksons run as lakers coach could be over i also heard on around the horn earlier this week if he coaches any where else he might end up in dallas take that for what you will.

He already told Dr Jack Tuesday night that he's done.

[REDSFAN2004]

oh ok my bad then.

[Pointguard13]

Yeah he is gone and I wouldn't mind seeing him in Dallas, but I'd rather have Pat riley than Phil.

Seeing what a defesnive coach can do to make his team better defesnively is very attractive.

Hamilton, billups and rasheed wallace were all known for their shooting rather than defense, but Brown really showed what can happen when a team puts their mind to it.

Riley would demand the Mavs play defense, which would be great.

[Pointguard13]

BTW, how old is Pat Riley?

[Joe_PacoTD#21]

Riley would demand the Mavs play defense, which would be great.

God himself couldn't force defensively-challenged players like Dirk, Walker, Jamison to play D. As far as Phil is concerned it's obvious Jerry Buss is going to side with Kobe and let Phil go.

[Pointguard13]

Riley would demand the Mavs play defense, which would be great.

God himself couldn't force defensively-challenged players like Dirk, Walker, Jamison to play D. As far as Phil is concerned it's obvious Jerry Buss is going to side with Kobe and let Phil go.


LOL your probably right. But Walker and Jamison could have different address a year from now.

[og15]

If you guys want sources since I seem to be source man:

Phil Jackson expects Laker owner Jerry Buss to tell him today that he will not be invited back as coach of the team, according to people close to Jackson, and that ought to make for an interesting meeting.

Because sources within the organization said Buss expected Jackson to notify him that he has decided not to come back.

http://www.latimes.com/sports/la-sp-lakers18jun18,1,6435186.story?coll=la-headlines-sports

[Joe_PacoTD#21]

If you guys want sources since I seem to be source man:

Phil Jackson expects Laker owner Jerry Buss to tell him today that he will not be invited back as coach of the team, according to people close to Jackson, and that ought to make for an interesting meeting.

Because sources within the organization said Buss expected Jackson to notify him that he has decided not to come back.

http://www.latimes.com/sports/la-sp-lakers18jun18,1,6435186.story?coll=la-headlines-sports

Maybe they'll both stand their waiting for the other to start the conversation and Kobe will run in screaming how he wants Phil go, and Phil will say,"To hell with this sh*t, I f**kin' quit!''

[og15]

^ That would be pretty funny, I can see that in the papers tommorow.


I've been told by a reliable Lakers source that Phil Jackson has sought to have his annual salary of $6 million doubled if he were to sign a new contract with the Lakers. It's not surprising that the Lakers' financially prudent owner, Jerry Buss, balked at such a demand. And I don't blame him. …
http://www.presstelegram.com/Stories/0,1413,204~23173~2219374,00.html

[mobiuseinz]

^^^^ OMG that's so messed up!^^^^

[Detroit_balla42]

http://www.prisonsportsleague.com/images/pic_psl8-2.jpg


LOL!!! Dont let Wesel see that.

[TheGameShutDown]

Link Here (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=1824658)

By mutual agreement, Phil Jackson will not return as coach of the Los Angeles Lakers, ESPN has learned.


Jackson has an opportunity to remain with the organization in another position and will decide in the upcoming days. The Lakers are expected to make an official announcement sometime tonight.

Also Friday, Kobe Bryant opted out of his contract. He will become an unrestricted free agent July 1.

[mobiuseinz]

d@mn you, you beat me to it!!!! :x

[Detroit_balla42]

Kobe is wanted in the following teams as of now
-------------------------------------------------------
Suns
Knicks

Hey, if Chicago doesnt resign Crawford, they could chase Kobe. I mean if the Bulls draft Luol Deng, thats a perfect setup for any All-Star gaurd. I know Kobe doesnt want to follow the footsteps of Jordan, but money could change anyone's mind.

G-Kirk Hinrich
G-Kobe Bryant
F-Luol Deng
F-Eddie Curry
C-Jerome Williams

[Penny]

KNICKS !!

Its time to go to the largest East coast city this time....

he gets to play with Penny... :P :wink:

anyways... time to ship Allan out... I really hopes he goes to NY... I know Isiah is going to be drooling at his mouth... I would be to...

he must come to NY, I am sure they can packagae Kurt Thomas along with it...

I doubt it but Sheed does like NY, and Larry Brown has said in the past it would be his dream to coach the Knicks.... so if all works out like I would like and Isiah and every other Knicks fan, unlikely though, this could be a new championship caliber team...

unlikey... but I know Nash says he wants to stay in Dallas, so how could the suns get him, they will go after Kobe like everyone else....

I hope he doesnt go to Clippers, what are the chances he goes to Memphis, and/ or Philly??

[alcstarheel]

And the shifting of the team begins. Too bad it's not starting off on the right foot.

ALCS

[mobiuseinz]

this is going to be one of the BIGGEST off-seasons yet!!!

[TheGameShutDown]

I didn't think that Phil's coaching style worked well with this year's Lakers team.

The triangle was holding them back from their capabilities and Phil was too stubborn to change.

With Phil out, that means that GP and Kobe are more likely to be in.

[Detroit_balla42]

You think the Suns will draft a center?

[alcstarheel]

this is going to be one of the BIGGEST off-seasons yet!!!
Even bigger than last year's, which is pretty amazing.

ALCS