I'm Back

Sorry for the layoff. But I will be updating weekly, every Saturday, to discuss the Lakers's status. Opening night is on Tuesday!

Brand to the Sixers & More...

Elton Brand just shocked the world by agreeing to terms with the Philadelphia 76ers. Brand turned down a contract from the Clippers, that would include a no-trade clause, for a 5-year $82 million deal from the Sixers. This bombshell leaves many Clipper fans aghast; Clipper fans were dreaming of a 2008-2009 season with Elton Brand playing along side Baron Davis and bringing this team back to relevance. But it isn't about to happen. Sources close to Brand claimed that "Elton wanted to go east". Now Elton Brand will be teaming up with Andre Miller, Samuel Dalembert, Andre Iguodala and many other developing young talents. This move catapults the Sixers into contention in the East. Though I still think the West is superior, the East has some top tier teams that can be very competitive in: Detroit, Orlando, Boston, Cleveland, Washington, Toronto, and now Philly. Now, I don't see this team getting past the semi-final round of the playoffs, but this team will make some noise and in Iguodala they have a future superstar.
Arenas Signs with Wizards
Gilbert Arenas ended all rumors that he was returning to the Warriors, by signing a six-year $111 million deal with the Wizards. This move keeps the Wizards competitive in the East, but I still don't see them getting past the first round (i.e. another loss to LeBron).
Raptors-Pacer Deal Finalized
The deal that sent Jermaine O'Neal to the Raptors and T.J Frod to the Pacers has been finalized. The Raptors now boast a ridiculous front-line of O'Neal, Bargnani, and Bosh. The Raptors will be a force to be reckoned with as long as they stay healthy (cough, cough,O'Neal). As for the Pacers....who cares! They won't make the playoffs anyway.
Rony to the Warriors...Maybe
The Golden State Warriors signed Rony Turiaf to an offer sheet that the Lakers are not expected to match. Well...I don't know what to say. I loved Rony's energy but if he was as skilled as he is energetic, I would be demanded the Lakers match that offer sheet. But since he isn't that good...I say let him go. He'll be missed though.

Davis to the Clippers

Baron Davis has agreed to sign with the Los Angeles Clippers; opting out of the last year of his contract. I really don't know what to say about this move. I don't feel threatened by LA's other team, but this move should make them relevant again. If the Clippers can find a way to coral Elton Brand from free agency, this team should be a team fighting for the 6-8 seed. But then again you never know what to expect in the Western Conference.
This move has opened the door for rumors that Gilbert Arenas will make a return to the Golden State Warriors and fill in the void that Baron Davis has left. Gilbert Arenas is the perfect fit for the Golden State Warriors and "Nellie-ball". Gilbert likes to jack up shots (many ill-advised), and get up and down court. The Washington Wizards did re-sign Antawn Jamison which would presumably keep Gilbert in a Wizards uniform, but the possibility is still out there.

The Lakers Lose

We lost. That's it. No elaboration necessary. We lost to the Celtics.

NBA Finals: In Boston

Game 1: Boston 98, LA 88. Ladies and Gentleman the Oscar goes to Paul Pierce for his performance against the Lakers. I've never seen anyone have to be carried off the court them come out 3 minutes later hopping out of the tunnel, without even a noticeable limp. Paul Pierce is a joke and I lost all respect for him after that performance. But he did come out and drop two critical three-pointers to give his team the lead. The Lakers were in control of the game until that point.
Kevin Garnett opened the game dominating Pau Gasol but it did little to help his teams chances. The Lakers led at the half until Paul Pierce opened the third quarter with 8 points in about a minute. For the rest of the game the Celtics defense and their rebounding decided the game.
Kobe Bryant was a dismal 9-26 from the field. A lot of those shots that either rolled around the rim or hit the back iron. But we still need Kobe to shoot better from the field, no excuses.
The Lakers were badly out rebounded 46-33. The Lakers need to buckle down and show some toughness in the paint and not go up scared and timid. The Lakers lose game 1 because of lack of energy and toughness, not because Paul Pierce is the best actor since Denzel.

Game 2: Paul Pierce is expected to play on his "injured" knee. Paul Pierce came out and had a great game: 28 points, 4 rebounds, and 8 assists. But the game belonged to some bum named Leon Powe. Powe had 21 points on 6-7 shooting. Kevin Garnett contributes 17 points and 14 rebounds but on 7-19 shooting. Kobe Bryant rebounded from game one with 30 points, 4 rebounds, and 8 assists on 11-23 shooting. Kobe was about the only one playing aggressive last night. The Celtics played with more heart and seemed like the more hungrier team. Rajon Rondo had 16 assists and 2 turnovers for goodness sake.
The Lakers were down 24 points in the fourth quarter before cutting that deficit to two. But it was to little to late for the Lakers and are now in a huge 0-2 hole. The Lakers presumably have to win all three games at STAPLES Center to have a chance of winning this title.But the biggest story coming out of this game was not the comeback....it was free-throws.
Leon Powe shot 13 free-throws, the entire Laker team shot 10. It is almost impossible to be "that much more aggressive". The officiating in this game was ridiculous and almost unwatchable. The NBA front office needs to do something about that because that game was ridiculous.

Game 3: I expect the Lakers to come out with fire and win this game rather easily. The role players and the bench will decide to show up and from there the Lakers must win the next two games. My confidence in the Lakers is not rattled. I still expect the Lakers to win this championship.

The Lakers Off To The Finals

Kobe Bryant has taken the Lakers to their 29th championship in their prestigious history. Kobe Bryant will try to deliver Phil Jackson his 10th championship and will try to claim his fourth. I will be covering every game of the Finals....I Promise this time!!!

The Lakers Off To Western Finals

MVP Kobe Bryant led his Los Angeles Lakers to a 108-105win against the Jazz to the series 4-2. The Lakers are off to the Western Conference Finals where I will have analysis after every game.

Lakers Get Ready For Utah

The Los Angeles Lakers completed the sweep against the Denver Nuggets behind Kobe Bryant, who took over with 5 1/2 minutes to go in Game 4. Kobe Bryant ended the series averaging 33.5 points, 6.3 assists, and 5.3 rebounds, all while shooting 50% from the field. Pau Gasol contributed with 22.3 points, 9 rebounds, and 5 assists. The Nuggets had no answer for the Lakers, as they completed their first sweep of a team since the 2002 NBA Finals against the New Jersey Nets.
After defeating the Houston Rockets on Friday, the Utah Jazz advanced to the second round and will faced a well rested Laker team.This a series that will come down to individual matchups. Kobe/Kirilenko, D-Fish/Deron Williams, and Pau Gasol/Carlos Boozer and Mehmet Okur. I do believe the Lakers will win this series in six games. It will be a great series for NBA fans everywhere.

Kobe Dominates Nuggets

The Lakers took a 2-0 lead in the best-of-seven series against the Denver Nuggets, behind a spectacular 49-point 10-assist performance from Kobe Bryant. Kobe had, what I would say, his greatest career playoff game. Kobe dropped 20 points in the first quarter (two shy of franchise record), 5 points in each of the middle quarters and then topped it off with a 19 point fourth quarter. All series long the Denver Nuggets have been jawing with Kobe on the court and it will end up being their downfall. There is absolutely no reason to try to get Kobe riled up for a game. The Lakers have dominated the first two games and now seem as if they are poised for a sweep.

Lakers Get Ready for Game 2

The Lakers won game 1 128-114. Pau Gasol had a monster game scoring 36 and grabbing 16 rebounds and dishing out 8 assists and Kobe contributed with 32 points. The Lakers take on the Nuggets in game 2 tomorrow night.

Lakers Conquer West

The Los Angeles Lakers ended the season a remarkable 57-25. The Lakers ended up the number one seed in the West and are set to take on the Denver Nuggets (50-32). This will be one of the most entertaining series of the first round. Denver posts an unbelievanble one-two punch in Allen Iverson and Carmelo Anthony, while have great role players in Marcus Camby and J.R. Smith. The one achilles heel for the Nuggets is defense. That is why I see the Lakers winning this series in 5 games. This game will also be the first time that Kobe Bryant (this year's MVP) and Allen Iverson meet in the playoffs since the 2001 NBA Finals. Game one will go to the Lakers. 120-105.

One for One

If the Lakers (56-25) beat the Kings (38-43) They will secure the number one seed in the West. This is the ultimate must win.

The Biggest Game of the Season (For Real This Time)

The Lakers (55-25) take on the Spurs (54-25) on ABC Sunday afternoon. If the Lakers were to win this game they could all but guarantee the Spurs will not win the overall top seed in the West. The Lakers defeated the Hornet (55-24) last night 107-104. Despite giving up a 30 point lead the Lakers are satisfied with the big win. The Lakers can't control their own destiny, all they can do is just do their best to win out and hopefully the chips fall into place.

If the Hornets lose tonight against the Kings (37-42), the Lakers take control of the number one seed in the West and would have the pressure of winning tomorrow increase. The Lakers must win the last two games of the season.

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The Biggest Game of the Season.......So Far

The Lakers (54-25) take on the Hornets (55-23) in what will be the biggest game of the season in almost all aspects. If the Hornets win tonight they can pretty much wrap up the overall top spot in the Conference. If the Lakers were to win, they'll then be within a 1/2 game of the Hornets for the top overall spot in the West. Oh, what a game it will be. The game will be at STAPLES, giving the Lakers home-court advantage. This game and Sunday's game against the Spurs (53-25) are both must wins. My Prediction: Kobe will win these games by any means necessary.

This game will probably also determine who this seasons MVP will be. Kobe Bryant v.s. Chris Paul. I believe this game will be epic.

The Comeback Kid

Pau Gasol is expected to start tonight when the Lakers (50-24) take on the Portland Blazers (38-36). The Lakers went 5-4 in the games that Gasol missed. Andrew Bynum is also expect to make a speedy return before the playoffs.

Lakers Reach 50

The Lakers (50-24) reached 50 wins on Sunday in a 126-120 OT win against the Washington Wizards. The Lakers reached 50 wins for the first time since the departure of Shaquille O'Neal. 50 wins is something to celebrate, but how the Lakers got to win no. 50 is something to frown upon. The Lakers lost back-to-back games to two of the worst teams in the NBA. Fridays loss to the Grizzlies was especially disheartening, due to the fact that this was Pau Gasol's former team and the fact that Kobe scored 53 points. Kobe had 47 points with about 8 minutes left in the 3rd quarter, (By the way: Kobe had 47 with about 4 minutes left in the 3rd quarter in the infamous 81-point game) viewers were predicting a 60 or 70-point game. Kobe was quieted for the rest of the game, only scoring six points.

So the Lakers managed to pull of the win against the Wizards despite Kobe shooting 7-24 from the field.

The Lakers are now currently 3rd in the West Conference Standings. According to Phil Jackson, it will probably take a 7-1 finish, for the Lakers to end the season as the number one seed in the West.

Chill Out

Kobe Bryant and the Lakers (49-23) lost to the Bobcats on Wednesday. Kobe Bryant was ejected by picking up two technical fouls. This was Bryant's 15th technical of the season. If Bryant were to pick up one more technical, it would be grounds for an automatic one-game suspension for Kobe. Kobe Bryant needs to learn to keep his composure because the Lakers can not afford for him to miss a game, especially in the wild wild west. The Lakers play the Grizzles (18-53) tonight.

The Showdown

The Los Angeles Lakers (45-20) are now tied with the Houston Rockets (45-20) for the top seed in the Western Conference Standings. The two teams will face off Sunday afternoon to battle for the top seed in the West. Tracy McGrady and crew have 21 consecutive victories and will try to make it 22 on Sunday. The Lakers are coming off of a 108-98 loss to the New Orleans Hornets. The Lakers couldn't overcome 27 points and 17 assists from Chris Paul.

The biggest story coming out of that game is Pau Gasol spraining his ankle. His status is unknown right now and most likely will not play on Sunday. This will now put the onus on Kobe to do more on offense.

Not only will this Sunday be the Lakers v.s. Rockets, but it will be Kobe v.s. T-Mac. Every time these two face off they put on a show.

This is must win for the Lakers and I expect them to win.

Must Win

The Lakers (44-19) are in a must win situation tonight, when they face off against the Toronto Raptors (34-28). After tonight's game the Lakers begin a tough four-game road trip against: New Orleans, Houston, Dallas, and Utah. The Lakers are coming off a 114-113 loss to the Sacramento Kings. The Lakers are now tied for first in the West with the San Antonio. This upcoming two weeks will really tell us Laker fans a lot about the current team we have. We'll have to see how well they execute in hostile situations.

MVP!!!

With a 52 point, 11 rebound effort, in a 108-104 overtime win against the Mavs, Kobe Bryant just wrapped up the MVP trophy. Bryant had an amazing 30 points in the fourth quarter and overtime period. The Lakers win this thriller after having their ten game winning streak broken up in a 111-119 loss to the Portland Trailblazers. Kobe Bryant began the game 3-10 at the free throw line then proceeded to make 17 straight. Kobe Bryant was not to be denied Sunday afternoon and showed why he will be the 2007-2008 NBA Most Valuable Player. The Lakers (42-18) take on Sacramento, at STAPLES, on Tuesday.

The Best in the League

The Los Angeles Lakers (39-17) have now won 8 straight games. The Lakers are the best team in the league. Kobe Bryant ( my pick for MVP) is averaging 27.8 points, 6 boards, and 5.3 assists. Pau Gasol is playing great within the offense, while Lamar Odom emerges as a great third option. Ladies and gentlemen the Lakers are making a case for the championship without Andrew Bynum. I am literally eating my words from the preseason. I predicted this year to be one of the worst in Laker franchise history. I was sure Kobe would be traded. Now...the Lakers are the league favorites. It doesn't get much better than this Laker fans. When Andrew Bynum comes back....be prepared to see a Laker team better than all of the Kobe-Shaq Laker teams. This team will win the championship this year.

Does It Hurt Phoenix?

The Detroit Pistons annihilated the Phoenix Suns, Sunday afternoon, 116-86. The Suns looked dismal on offense and lazy on defense. The Phoenix Suns have lost their ability to score and defend (both, attributes Shawn Marion possessed). Shaq looks as average as ever and picked up a flagrant foul out of frustration. Shaq ended the game with 7 point and 11boards. I know its early but I honestly think this trade will destroy the Phoenix Suns. The Lakers now have sole possession of the best record (38-17) in the West. It was absurd how Rasheed Wallace was scoring at will and Chauncey Billups was ripping apart the offense with his passes and jumpers. Rasheed Wallace ended the game with 22 points ad Billups ended the game with 14 points ad 11 dimes. The Detroit Pistons got an all around team effort. The Detroit Pistons are the best team in the East, better than the Boston Celtics. The Phoenix Suns will steadily move down the Western Conference standings.The Lakers take on the Seattle Supersonics (15-39) tonight in attempt win their eighth straight game. The last time these teams faced off, Kobe Bryant exploded for a season high 48 points on 21-44 shooting. I expect this game to be a blowout, 117-93.

Trade Madness

The NBA is currently in a Golden Age. The NBA hasn't been this talented in ages. The Western Conference has a remarkable nine teams on pace for 50 wins. NINE! The Celtics and Lakers are back. This a great time to be watching the NBA. The player movement this year has been ridiculous. Never has there been so many trades, in a short period of time, alter the NBA to the extent that these trades have.

Trade Grades:

Jason Kidd to the Mavs: The Mavs give up a young talented guard and a starting center for 36-year old Jason Kidd. This trade doesn't help the Mavericks in terms of their future and this trade doesn't elevate them to championship status. Grade: B-Shaq to the Suns: This was probably the riskiest of these blockbuster trades. The Suns give up Shawn Marion, who guards every position, for Shaq who is eons past his prime and doesn't really add anything to this team. Acquiring Shaq was a real setback for this Suns team. Grade: DKyle Korver to the Jazz: With Korver the Jazz bring a lethal shooter that will really spread the offense. The Jazz are aren't championship worthy but they are certainly elite with this trade. Grade: B+Delonte West, Joe Smith, Wally and Ben Wallace to the Cavaliers: The Cavalier lose Larry Hughes and Drew Gooden and acquire Joe Smith, Delonte West, Wally Szczerbiak and Ben Wallace. The addition of Szczerbiak will prove to be brilliant but the addition of Wallace will prove to be unnecessary. Delonte West is a talented young guard and Joe Smith is worthless. Grade: C

Mike Bibby to the Hawks: It's obvious the Hawks are trying to salvage passing on Deron Williams and Chris Paul in the draft. Mike Bibby should elevate this team into the playoffs. This was a good trade for the Hawks. Grade:BPau Gasol to the Lakers: Derek Fisher, Lamar Odom, Andrew Bynum , Pau Gasol and Kobe Bryant. Enough said. Grade: A+The playoffs this year will be one of the best we have ever seen.`

My Formal Apology to Mitch Kupchak

It's about time I do it. Ladies and Gentlemen, it's time I apologize to Mitch Kupchak. I (rightfully) ripped Mitch for the ridiculous moves he has made in the past, but now I am forced to praise him. Mitch pulled off one of the most one-sided trades in NBA history. Acquiring Pau Gasol without giving a core player (Kwame doesn't count), was thought to be impossible before the brilliant Mitch Kupchak got involved. Now the Lakers are the favorites to win the championship. As long as Kobe keeps his pinkie out of trouble, the sky is the limit. I admit that I unfairly blamed Mitch for all of the Lakers problems. As Lakers fans we tend to forget that he is the genius that orchestrated the arrival of Karl Malone and Gary Payton. Now the Lakers are set to contend in the West for the next 3-6 years. Look Mitch.....I'm sorry.

I Love You Mitch

The Lakers (37-17) are coming off of a win against Shaq and his Phoenix Suns. Kobe Bryant dropped 41 points as the Lakers pulled off an impressive road win. The Lakers are now tied with the Phoenix Suns atop the Pacific Division, and won the season series 3-1. The Lakers have yet to play a game with both Pau Gasol and Andrew Bynum, yet they were able to pull off 3 regular season wins against the Suns. Is there any question that Lakers are the best team in the Pacific? Giving up Shawn Marion was one of the biggest mistakes Phoenix could make. Shawn Marion had a better chance stopping Kobe Bryant than Raja Bell. The Lakers will win the Pacific. They have the leagues best coach, player, frontline, starting lineup, and bench.

Correction: The Lakers will win the NBA Championship.

Will Pau Bring a Ring?

The Los Angeles Lakers (29-16) have acquired forward Pau Gasol in a trade with the Memphis Grizzlies, it was announced today by General Manager Mitch Kupchak. The Lakers will also receive the Grizzlies second round draft choice in 2010. In exchange Memphis will receive forward Kwame Brown, guard Javaris Crittenton, guard Aaron McKie , the draft rights to Marc Gasol and first round picks in 2008 and 2010. This blockbuster deal was made because of the absence of Andrew Bynum due to a knee injury. This very well may be the move to put the Lakers over the top. Kobe Bryant, Pau Gasol, Andrew Bynum, Lamar Odom, and Derek Fisher is a deadly lineup. The Lakers already have one of the best benches in the league, this move just solidified the Lakers as championship contenders. Oh yeah, and by the way, Kobe went off for 46 Friday night.

Are They Legit?

The Los Angeles Lakers are now 24-11. Number 3 in the West. One game behind the San Antonio Spurs (26-11) and the Phoenix Suns (26-11). The Lakers have shocked the world with their cohesiveness. " Kobe finally trusts his teammates.""Kobe no longer a ball hog.""Andrew Bynum: The Next Big Thing." Are the Lakers Legit? I know what all Laker fans are thinking. "Well, last year we started the season 26-13. Can we really trust this record?" The answer is: I don't know. The Lakers are playing phenomenal right now , but its hard for us Laker fans to embrace it. Kobe's field goal percentage could be a lot better, but other than that, Kobe is my MVP for this season (KG is playing with two all-stars, Kobe is doing more with less). Andrew Bynum has become a beast and with time can become an elite center in this league. Derek Fisher has proved to be more valuable than Smush Parker (as if we didn't already know that). The bench is playing great as a unit. This Laker team has a bright future. But let's not jump the gun and anoint this team as an elite squad. Even if they did beat the Suns twice.