Guess Who Might Come to Dinner!

There's a story doing the rounds in Lakerland at the moment that has the growing force of a wave. Rumours about the Lakers are more common than the Clippers losing and we've learnt to ignore them but this source is not only visable but also credible. Now here at this little blog we're pretty plugged into everything Purple and Gold but there are a couple, and only a couple, who are slightly more in the loop than us. One of those is the broadcaster/journalist/author Roland Lazenby who recently released a book on Jerry West. He says he has it on good authority that a certain Mr LeBron James Esq wants to become a Laker...
LeBron, a free agent in the summer, is apparantly making overtures to the Lakers' camp about joining them. He wants to win and he knows playing in a PJ team is the closest guarantee he'll be able to get to it. He'll also know that the LeBron brand will be much more marketable from LA but that's a synical little point.

So if this is true, what do you think? Well let's take a couple of points into consideration which make this rumour even more complicated than it already seemed. If LeBron were to sign, the Lakers would almost certainly have to let Kobe leave unless they wanted to pay enough luxury tax to buy up most of the Caribbean. Would Jerry and Jim Buss do that? Or could they play together if the Lakers decided to try and keep Kobe? LeBron would apparantly be up for that, would Kobe? His phone keeps going to voicemail so I can't answer that.
There's also the little matter that Phil isn't definately returning next season and Phil is the main reason LeBron wants to join. Maybe last night's nightmare will come true and he and LeBron will be teaming up in New York next season.

We've all had the Kobe LeBron debate, I mean, argument and could we accept and learn to love James as our new hero? Well, if this story has any traction you'll hear more about it over the coming days and weeks. If it's still floating around come playoff time and the Cavs win the Championship the story will almost certainly die a quick and painful death, if they don't (which they won't) then maybe those overtures will get louder.

Artest Vs...Everyone!

Playoff time looms and there are plenty of teams with their eye on the prize. Many teams have tried to jolt their roster into action and make a real shot for glory. The Lakers, being NBA champions (Yes, I will try to mention that as much as possible) have for the most part stayed the way they were last year except for the swap out of Trevor Ariza for Ron Artest before the season began. This move was done to step up defense and bring some much needed toughness to the champs (there it is again). Many thought the move was unnecessary, why disturb a winning team? Well, I guess it's always good to improve your team even if they have just won the championship (three times in one paragraph, yes!). The important question here, is whether or not the acquisition of Ron really make the Lakers a better team and improve repeat hopes (does that count?).

Ok, so here we go again on the hypothetical conundrum that we all love so much. Ron was brought in to increase the defensive pressure and it has worked. The Lakers defensive rating has improved this year. Excellent, box ticked, job done, that was easy. Oh alright, I suppose there are a few nuances we could talk about. Ron is a better defensive player than Ariza and this has shown as the Lakers have become a better defensive team, but what about the offensive end. The Lakers aren't quite the offensive threat they were last year but it's only a minor dip. The Lakers offense is still running smoothly, except for a few hiccups here and there but that's natural for any team, nothing to worry about there. We are getting the same amount of points from Ron that we got out of Ariza. The biggest difference between the two players are their respective athletic abilities. Ariza is very athletic with an excellent vertical, explosive and quick. Ron on the other hand is strong and powerful with a little less finesse than Trevor. Ron wrestles and muscles his way through the court, which is great asset to have because it's a constant wear upon the opponent. They have to constantly battle their way through and that becomes difficult especially in a seven game series. I think Trevor fits more in the role of a natural offensive player with his soft touch and perfect timing which is something the Lakers are not really missing. There are plenty of offensive personnel gracing the Laker uniform, if one player doesn't pop into mind then there is just no hope for you!

There were worries that Ron, a notably volatile player, would disrupt the Lakers zen and become more trouble than he was worth. Well that doesn't appear to be happening, I think the lure of winning a championship is just too strong, he knows what he has to do and he is doing it. As long as he doesn't drink during half time anymore (well maybe a little sip) and attend Phil's meditation sessions the ill tempered, disruptive Artest is a thing of the past leaving a finely tuned defensive power house, plus he raps too!

The difference is clear, the Ariza-Artest swap makes the Lakers better on paper and it seems like it is becoming a reality. The Lakers sit atop the Western Conference and are expected to return to the NBA finals. So far, so good for Ron Ron. However his real test will come in playoff time when he is going to have to shut down players like Carmelo Anthony or Brandon Roy or even Paul Pierce, yes I still think the Celtics will overcome and wriggle there way back into the finals like the little green snakes they are. If Artest can bring his renowned defensive ability all the way through the playoffs that is when the swap will really come into fruition and that is when Ron Ron will win a special place in our hearts...AWWWWWWW!

Lakers Receive Another Kobe Bailout

Kobe Bryant returned to the starting lineup today against the Memphis Grizzlies. Yes, that's right he's back! Apparently he's feeling like a gazelle, his words not mine. No, seriously he actually said that. This is a good time to look at how the team responded to his return. Now, some of you may argue that the Lakers are a better, more cohesive team without Bryant and reference the four game winning streak that the Lakers produced when Kobe was first left out of the roster. I'm just going to stop you right there and take a few minutes to put this argument to rest so it doesn't creep up later down the line and just get in the way.

Yes, the Lakers rallied together without their superstar comrade and put together a winning streak against quality teams, let's just put it into perspective. First of all, the five games the Lakers played sans Kobe is too small of a cross section to build a sound argument upon. There is no longevity to draw a reliable analysis. Secondly, if you look at the defensive and offensive ratings, (available at hoopdata.com) you will notice an initial spike in the defensive ratings but with each game both ratings declined until they finally lost to Boston. In these two points it's important to notice that yes, the Lakers did really well with out their primary point scorer and enhanced their focus initially but it was just a matter of time before that focus was lost with out their superstar to keep them in check. Also, closing down the stretch became ever more difficult without Kobe, just look at the amount of missed shots in the 4th quarter against Boston, truly terrible. Without Kobe the Lakers don't have that fifth gear to go into and make the difference in close games and no matter who you are you'll eventually miss the 28 points a game and tenacious defense that Kobe delivers. Points to Purple and Gold 1, Points to the unbelieving infidels 0.

To Graceland we travel to deal with those pesky Grizzlies, have they put a hex on the Lakers? They always give us trouble especially when we're in Memphis and tonight was no different. I think it's some sort of curse, however there are others who believe that the Grizzlies are one of the few teams that match up well with the Lakers, weirdos! The Lakers won this game by one point thanks to a certain Mr. Bryant closing the quarter with a couple of threes, a tough fade away and game winning three pointer. The Lakers needed it tonight, with sloppy turnovers, travelling and a lot of missed shots, Kobe kept the blood flowing just enough to eek out a win. Lamar was not the board hungry monster of late, Pau was missing too many shots and Ron couldn't buy a bucket. Is this the result of a Kobe return? Don't start now, we've already been down this road. Personally, I just think it comes down to dealing with a team that really bothers the Lakers. Usually the Lakers have at least one position they can exploit, not so much with the Grizzlies. The Grizzlies obviously aren't as good as the Lakers in the different positions but it's not a run away. The Grizzlies, in my opinion are performing way below what they should be, they've got a good team they just need to show it. The Lakers were a little too relieved to have Kobe back and they were more than happy for him to do their work. They can't play like this and expect to win. Perhaps they deserve a little carrying since they played so well without the mamba? My answer, not in this league and not when they're earning that kind of money. This is a team that should make other teams tremble not just coast by, and they're going to have to prove that more and more since we are edging closer to playoff time. This is the time to get the juices flowing and the momentum on our side.

In conclusion my good friends, the Lakers are a better team with Kobe in it, they just need to play like it. Kobe has adjusted his game to include the team now it's time for the team to play like they deserve it. They need to play with the same urgency they do when they don't have a safety net. That's when we will see the an unbeatable team. We can't afford to have a team that forces Kobe to take on an entire NBA team by himself, he'll do it and more often than not he'll be successful, but it won't win us a championship and that Laker fans, is what it's all about.

Lakerland Coup or Rightful Heir?

Tom here again, I haven’t signed my last couple of posts. Can you tell the difference between Brandon’s and my own (many can’t tell the difference between us let alone our writing style) and do you care? Answers on a postcard. As an eminent blogger it’s important I have my ear to the ground and right now Lakerland is reverberating with chatter about whether Shannon Brown should be starting instead of Fish. The answer is quite plain and simply ‘NO’. I thought about it and even tried to come up with an academic style debate to show both sides of the argument. I’m sure there is one out there but my brain isn’t big enough. Also I don’t believe there is one.

If you don’t know, the Lakers play something called the triangle offense. I don’t quite know what to suggest for you if you didn’t know this. Suicide perhaps, or worse become a Clippers fan? Well anyway. Fish is a master at this. His stats probably won’t ever amaze you but that’s not important. It’s arguable that he’s doing his job better if they’re not headline grabbing. Why get rid of someone so good at doing something so difficult just because there’s a new kid on the block? I think LA is big enough for them both.

Some have also mentioned that Fish just isn't quick enough to stay in front of quicker guards and is therefore a defensive liability. This is true he can't stay in front of them but that is not his job. His job is to funnel the quicker guards into one of two man mountains. A young playboy bunny carrying giant, or a dirty seven foot Spanish hippy, either one is just fine.

There’s a lot this blog likes about Shannon Brown. A lot. But he’s still learning the intricacies of the triangle and hasn’t yet mastered getting the Lakers organised on offense. You don’t need me tell you this is probably not as easy as it seems, but maybe you do if you’re anti old man Fisher. It’s difficult! This will come with time but right now Fish has it down and shouldn’t have to step aside just because there’s a young whippersnapper throwing down some big dunks. Besides, apart from being Captain 0.4, Fish has just played his 1000th career game (one more than a certain Mr Bryant) and made 1000 career 3-pointers. Now those aren’t stats to sniff at are they?

Fish is 35 and out of contract at the end of the season. Will this be his last as a Lakers. I hope not and I don’t think so. Will this be his last as a starter? Quite possibly. If Shannon is his heir apparent then a few more months watching and learning from a past master can only be good for him and us. So to all those chattering away in my ears, give Fish a break and let Shannon learn in peace and good time. Let’s not put any more pressure on either of them than is necessary.

If you're still in Shannon's camp then let me just mention one thing, Phil keeps Fish as a starter and if you disagree with Phil then you're just wrong.

Here a Trade, There a Trade, Everywhere a Trade, Trade

Alas, tis a sad, sad day in Laker land. The sun doesn't seem as bright, the birds are singing off key, and my gaze lingers down towards the floor. What was a roller coaster of emotions that ended in heartbreak has strained me to my limits. The Lakers lost to the Celtics by one point, the irony is truly bitter.

I think it's time to talk about some of the trades (no I'm not going to talk about the game!) that occurred in the league and judge them with a Laker perspective. What? you want non bias analysis about the consequences of the recent trades, well go to espn then! The site is called Purple and Gold! We talk about the Lakers here! Actually wait, please stay, I'm sorry, I'm just in a bad place right now, I didn't mean to snap. What I will do is talk about the main trades and how this impacts the Lakers and their hopes for a repeat of a championship. Fair? Ok, then. Now, as always, let's put on our purple and gold tinted glasses and take a look at what has been going on.

I'm not going to go into all the trades, because it was truly epic, with all stars being flung around all over the place, there's just a couple that I think will have the biggest impact on the Lakers, which happens to be what Boston and Cleveland have done. The first one being Nate Robinson going to Boston. This is a little tricky because Boston lost Eddie House who was a good player, good in the locker room and well liked by his teammates. Rondo seems to be unhappy with the trade and Doc Rivers felt that it was unnecessary. Nate is going to bring a lot of energy to the team off the bench, there is no doubt there. He is young, fast and is a great offensive weapon. He'll have to work to keep up defensively and if he does that then it's a clear cut case of this trade improving the Celtics. Boston fans may not see it yet, but I think they will, actually I don't care what Boston fans do, I hate those leprechaun lovers. A better Boston is never good for the Lakers but it's only a slight adjustment to the team and maybe the trade will also break up some of the cohesion in the Celtic locker room, now that's something to smile about. Oh yeah, before I move on, Phil did say that he hates playing against Eddie House because of what he can do to his defense, that's something to chew on.

Now comes the trade with the largest impact on the entire Eastern Conference and for the Lakers repeat hopes. Antawn Jamison has moved to the Cavs, they initially had to give up Ilgauskas however he might just return. With a potential buyout by the Wizards this would give Big Z an opportunity to return to Cleveland, though he would have to wait 30 days, tragic I know. This has got me really worried. At first I was glad they didn't get Amare, but I'm not too sure that this is any better. It gives Cleveland exactly what they are missing the power and offensive threat that they were missing on the wing, especially against teams like Orlando who have Rashard Lewis. Before they never had anybody that could body up and as a consequence they suffered greatly. A power forward with Jamison's abilities hugely improves the Cavs and this is a move that shows they are serious in their quest for a ring and about keeping Lebron. In my opinion the Cavs are really going to miss Ilgauskas on their team....oh wait....damn! So, let me get this straight, the Cavs got Antawn Jamison for what amounts to nothing more than a draft pick. Mitch, I hope your paying attention and taking notes! This is a direct threat to the Lakers title run, an improved Cavs is not what we want! Mr. Charles Barkley commented that this now makes Cleveland better than Orlando, and closer to Boston. The man may be slightly insane but he is right, Boston, in my opinion, is still better but they should be deeply concerned.

There were plenty of moves in the Western Conference but nothing that really challenges the Lakers so basically what I'm saying is that I just don't care.

I apologize for the apathetic sentiments, I'm just a little wounded at the moment but I will bounce back soon with vitality and vigor.

Keep your heads up Laker fans, Kobe will be back soon to right the wrongs, it's going to be just fine.

Basketball Diaries.....

As I write this the Lakers are engaged in battle with the vile Celtics, I however am not watching it because I will be watching a replay later with my friend who is at work right now (yes, apparently there are some Celtic fans with jobs!). So, I feel I must do something to refrain from looking at the score. We will see how long that lasts.

I thought I would begin today with a little anecdote of my adventures last night. I went to a bar where my friend was working and he introduced me to some of his friends. The drink flowed, the merriment was all around but then the basketball talk reared its head. First of all let me get this off my chest. I am sick of talking to people about basketball who have little knowledge yet claim that Lebron is by far the best basketball player and nobody even comes close. Well, it's just not true, and it's a frustrating argument because even if you are the biggest Lebron fan, you have to admit that Kobe is just as good if not better. In fact he is better, that's right I said it and so do sport writers and sports analysts everywhere. Yes, there are some who argue differently and it's an argument that will keep going because these are two amazing players. You can not however just discount either one because they are both legitimate superstars. Now back to the story, the main guy I was chatting with was adamant that Lebron was untouchable and I gently reminded him of the fact that so too was Mr. Bryant. We argued back and forth for a little while when he finally cam to the crux of his argument. His point was if you switch Lebron and Kobe, Kobe would not be able to carry the Cavs like Lebron is doing. Let's just take a minute and soak that in...wait just a little bit longer...ok now it's time to take this apart. This was my chance to teach a little Lakers history. Think back a few years during the dark ages where Kobe was single handedly making the Lakers a playoff team and he scored eighty one points in one game. Kobe has done what Lebron is doing with even less talent around him then Lebron has at the moment. The other guard on the Lakers during this time was Smush Parker, and our starting center was Chris Mihm, enough said. But here is where I come to the point of proving that his statement was just plain naive at best. He had basically asked me if I thought Kobe could do as well as Lebron on a team that has Shaq. I don't know Laker fans, do you think Kobe and Shaq could make a run for the championship?

If you're going to demean the player of the decade, you have that right, but please if you do it to me, come up with something better than that. I do admit that my bias shines through on more than one occasion but I try not to make points that are completely invalid, I may just ignore points that are anti-Lakers but I will not make arguments that I don't back up with valid points. Oh what am I saying? Lakers rule and everyone else sucks, WHOOOO!

Nervous? Who Me.....?

Two posts in one day, I know, I know, I'm getting carried away, going mental but I feel that I must air out some feelings about the upcoming events. That is the reason I created this blog in the first place.

The Lakers are playing the Celtics for the second time this season and the last time unless we meet them in the finals, which by the way I think we will, you heard it here first, oh wait, maybe somebody else mentioned it before me, that's not important. What is important is the fact that Kobe will probably not be playing, gasp, shock, horror!! That ankle must really hurt. That is not the worst part however, I'm watching the game with a friend from Boston. Yes, there are people out there who actually like the Celtics, well calling them human is a rather kind euphemism. Oooooh the jabs are starting early! Take that Boston, I've been watching Frasier a lot recently and it seems to be rubbing off on me. Anyways I'm a little nervous because what are we to do without Kobe?

I'm not saying we can't do it, I know we can. I'm just a little bit nervous. I hate the Celtics, I want us to win, I want to gloat and mock my friend. I truly believe the Celtics exist for the Lakers to beat them, apparently the Celtics have other ideas but I'm not asking them. On the other hand it's going to be good to see the Lakers play against yet another quality team shorthanded. I want to see if LO is serious about his commitment to entering amongst the league's elite players. Will Pau continue to disprove the claim that he's too soft? Will Artest try to fight the Garden? My money is on Artest! I am also curious if Phil is going to shorten the rotation this game or continue the way he has been the past few games by getting everyone involved. Well to answer these question, we are just going to have to wait and see.


Oh God, the wait is killing me......