Opening Credits: Tuesday

by Josh Tucker on Apr 14, 2009 7:30 AM PDT in Credits Comment 37 comments

As part of an effort to make this your one-stop shop for everything Lakers, I'll be doing my best to bring you any interesting Lakers news from across the WWW. Though not necessarily guaranteed, I'm hoping that most days will feature both a morning and an afternoon/evening post.

I've yet to come up with a name for each of these types of regular posts, and am open to suggestions. ~~For now, I'll be calling both the morning and evening editions "The Daily Gossip."~~

UPDATE: I've settled on namesfor the daily links posts. In keeping with the Silver Screen theme, morning posts will be called "Opening Credits," and afternoon/evening posts will be called "Closing Credits." The name of this post has been updated accordingly.

SI.com's Scott Howard-Cooper questions the decision to start Andrew Bynum going into the playoffs, citing potential chemistry issues. I, for one, like the idea, and think early indications on Bynum's return are promising. More on that to come.

Phil Jackson breaks up with Jordan Farmar, using the classic, "It's not you, it's Shannon Brown" line.

Despite recently ctiricizing the Lakers for coasting through the final weeks of the regular season, Phil Jackson believes his team has an extra gear: "These guys know the difference between regular season and playoff games. They know they have to have an extra gear for the playoffs. We're going to try to get that as we go through this next week. Get a couple of days off, get ourselves going, get ready for the playoffs, get our execution down, and some of our defensive things."

Derek Fisher isn't worried about his recent shooting slump. As long as he's got his stroke back by June, neither am I.

Highlights from Sunday's Grizzlies game. Bynum looked great, Ariza got to the rim at will, Kobe hit virtually everything, and the fans enjoyed some Showtime 2.0 moments. Yawn. Sasha Vujacic dunked!! Do we really care about anything else?

The Lakers have had their share of Amazing.

Want to talk Shannon Brown? Here's a start. Also, looks like Gils_Keloids needs to head over to FB&G with his nickname.

Kobe Bryant, Derek Fisher, and Trevor Ariza all play their 82nd game of the year tonight. What a difference a couple years makes! Also, this is Kobe's second straight season with perfect attendance, on top of playing international basketball in each of the last two summers (FIBA 2007, Olympics 2008).

I remember this moment. Seeing Bynum bent over momentarily was scary. But it may also have been the moment that he gained some real confidence in the knee.

Lakers Blog interviews Shannon Brown.

Ironically, it was exactly this type of classless, disrespectful celebration on the part of the Celtics in Game 6 — before the game was even over — that exponentially increased my distaste for Boston. Can't say I feel sorry for the Celtics, though I hope our guys never act like they and the Cavs have.

Preview of Spike Lee's Kobe Doin' Work. Who else can't wait to see the whole thing?

Kobe Bryant reallyreallyreallyreallyreallyreally doesn't care about the MVP Award. He's looking for more finger jewelry. Sidenote: I don't recall Kobe ever engaging in the kind of blatant self-promotion LeBron does in the quotes of this article.

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I like it

nice rundown – should be an excellent feature

"We few, we happy few, we band of brothers" Henry V

by Jeff Clark on Apr 14, 2009 8:05 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

game 6 celebration

regarding the game 6 celebration, isn’t there some kind of free pass we can get for the fact that it was the winning game of the Finals? I mean, the big complaint with the Cavs is that they’ve won nothing yet. On the other hand, I can see how it would stick in your craw – it probably would for me too if the shoe was on the other foot.

And yeah, the C’s have had their share of showboating and gamesmanship, so I for one can’t get too high and mighty when it comes to the Cavs.

"We few, we happy few, we band of brothers" Henry V

by Jeff Clark on Apr 14, 2009 8:07 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

On the other hand...

The fact that they’ve won nothing kinda works for you. It’s like, at least you’ve got that. I commented earlier this morning about a Lakers fan who was banned for essentially dropping by Celticsblog to pour salt in the wound… after just a regular season game. Can you imagine how the salt in the wound feels after a loss of that magnitude (both in terms of what and how we lost).

Also, I’m a big believer in sportsmanship and respect (see: other blog name). And in my mind, the bigger the victory, the more respect it demands. Similarly, the bigger the victor, the higher the bar for behavior. It just left me with a bad taste that at the very moment when the Celtics were essentially expecting the respect of the entire nation for their victory, they showed none to their opponents.

I’m all for celebration… once the game is over, and in a way that doesn’t demean or insult your opponents, who deserve your respect.

Strength & Honor

by Josh Tucker on Apr 14, 2009 10:01 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Last year's celebration didn't bother me so much

As you said, they were about to win the title, so excessive celebration is to be expected, especially in a game where the outcome was decided long before the final buzzer like that. Cleveland though… what exactly were they celebrating? Personally I’d be annoyed if the Lakers were celebrating a regular season win like that. I would have worries about what their real goal is and how tight their focus was. Honestly I’d be annoyed to see the Lakers celebrate even a fraction as much as the Cavs did if they did so in a game where they clinched winning the Conference Finals. I figure it like this: don’t celebrate till you’ve really got something to celebrate. To me making that big of a deal out of a blowout regular season win is not much better than hanging a Divisional Champs banner.

by WildYams on Apr 14, 2009 11:05 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

In perspective...

The showboating was uncalled for but it’s things like this that really put the playoffs in a higher pedestal. If the C’s and the Cavs were to meet in the ECF, wouldn’t it be better to see both teams play hard with a real disdain for each other?

In some situations, adding fuel to the fire just makes for better entertainment.

by hertagnism on Apr 14, 2009 3:43 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Hello I appreciate all your effort.

Just a small suggestion. . . please put a date in the title of repeating features. That makes it easier to review them once they pile up over time. (Spring Break!)

For example: “AM Daily Gossip 4/14” or something.

Thanks again for the effort!

It's always darkest before the dawn, so leave the light in the bathroom on.

by olf on Apr 14, 2009 8:08 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Good suggestion

I will do something of that nature.

Strength & Honor

by Josh Tucker on Apr 14, 2009 10:01 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Just wondering...

Will there be game threads for the games or some form of Java Chat, Silver?

by hertagnism on Apr 14, 2009 3:53 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Yes!

There will be a game thread. It apparently auto-updates. Coming soon!!

Strength & Honor

by Josh Tucker on Apr 14, 2009 5:59 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

It posts multiple times sometimes at the same second

I imagine that’s going to be real helpful here @ SS&R. You guys are going to have 1500+ game threads in no time. Like in, days at this rate.

Evil Cowtown Inc: Screwin' Suckaz over since Nineteen Eighty-Five.....

No mistakes in the tango, darling. Not like life. Simple. That's what makes the tango so great. If you make a mistake, and get all tangled up, you just tango on.....

by pookeyguru on Apr 14, 2009 6:04 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

And it happens in every thread

So it’s useful on all heavy topics where a lot of comments are being made consistently.

Evil Cowtown Inc: Screwin' Suckaz over since Nineteen Eighty-Five.....

No mistakes in the tango, darling. Not like life. Simple. That's what makes the tango so great. If you make a mistake, and get all tangled up, you just tango on.....

by pookeyguru on Apr 14, 2009 6:06 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Thanks for your efforts

I have been waiting for SBN to have a Lakers Blog – I’m glad someone stepped up to take lead of the site.

Outfielders For Sale! This weeks special...GMJ - see Tony for details!

by gorams77 on Apr 14, 2009 8:36 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

same here

i’m so excited

by Adamas on Apr 14, 2009 9:06 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I'm a little late to the party

But it’s great to finally have a Lakers blog. Welcome to SBN from Bruins Nation.

by Tydides on Apr 14, 2009 8:42 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Great Job Silver

Keep it up. All of us really appreciate it

by Sideout11 on Apr 14, 2009 11:07 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Lakers' extra gear

I really do think the Lakers have an extra gear this year, and it’s one we’ve only seen on rare occasions thus far. The extra gear happens when the Lakers come out focused on playing defense, and that’s something they’ve only done for a full game a few times all year. However, that they were able to do it seemingly at will when they needed to (4-0 against Boston and Cleveland) makes me think that it definitely is there when they want to go to it. Usually they’ve just used it in spurts, like to start the second half of a game after letting the opponent play far too well in the first half. LA’s offense is almost always in that high gear, but the team really takes off when they bring the defensive effort as well.

by WildYams on Apr 14, 2009 11:08 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

I definately agree WildYams. I was at the Laker/Portland game on Friday and even though we did not win you could really tell that the Lakers were trying to win the game defensively but just came up short in the last two minutes on the offensive end. Having Andrew Bynum in the middle definately makes a big difference!

by LAKERJK on Apr 14, 2009 12:55 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Gotta sign on this one

Although I’m a little cautious about it, because I tend to laugh at other teams who claim that they have not tried their best either, so I have to make sure I’m not deluding myself.

But it does really seem that the Lakers have been waiting for the playoffs to begin since, oh, since July 2008, and that they have been biding their time, even though they’ve were ready for their next shot 8 months ago. You don’t get that sense a lot, that losing teams want to go right at it again. Most of the time they want some time to rest and improve, maybe add some pieces, but I did not sense that from this Lakers team at all. They wanted redemption, and they’re finally going to be able to provide in the next two months.

by Gils_Keloids on Apr 14, 2009 1:39 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Going big

One thing that’s stuck with me all year and made me wonder if the Lakers really weren’t holding something back for the playoffs is the lineup we heard so much speculation about in pre-season: Bynum, Gasol & Odom on the floor together. We haven’t seen it this year for even a second, and that includes the loss in San Antonio when LA was so short of backcourt players that Odom saw a few minutes at shooting guard. The only time we saw those guys on the court together was very, very briefly in an exhibition game (maybe two). But I can’t help but wonder if Phil might use that in The Finals, especially against Boston. Now you might wonder what would happen to Trevor Ariza in that instance, but he’s proven he could play the PG in stretches, and the big lineup I’m suggesting I think would only be a possibility at the end of a game. Could we maybe see a Bynum-Gasol-Odom-Kobe-Ariza lineup in there to match up with the Celtics (I don’t see any need for it against Orlando or Cleveland)? Who knows.

Speaking of Ariza at PG, that’s something I definitely think we may see a little bit of in the playoffs, possibly against Deron Williams, Tony Parker, Chris Paul or Rajon Rondo. Phil has used Ariza defensively in stretches on Parker and Paul in the past, and it’s not a stretch to think he might go with him there in the playoffs as well. Something to keep an eye on.

by WildYams on Apr 14, 2009 1:54 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Or

you could use Sasha with Kobe covering the PG.

by wondahbap on Apr 14, 2009 2:28 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Ariza and Odom Outside Shooting

Ariza and Odom will really have to work on their outside shooting to make that lineup effective, as teams will be packing it in if Bynum and Gasol are both on the floor. It could work, as I’ve seen Ariza and even Odom hit a few threes this season, although I still cringe out of habit when Lamar shoots a three.

by Gils_Keloids on Apr 14, 2009 2:45 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

That's why Sasha always seems like the guy to play

if PJ ever went with this lineup. He would spread the floor. As long as he’s not shooting his all of a sudden favorite running 17 footer veering left on the left side of the floor jumper. He’s still dead eye when he’s set.

by wondahbap on Apr 14, 2009 2:55 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

He still gets a pass from me...

…but only because he dunked on the Kings. If that didn’t happen, I would still shake my head when he takes those shots.

One thing I have to agree on and that’s how I think the Lakers still have a couple gears they haven’t used. Like Yams mentioned, I believe we saw a glimpse of it on that huge road trip in February where the Lakers, sans Bynum, finished off with wins at Boston and then at Cleveland. The idea of incorporating Bynum and going up to that gear just makes my mind numb.

by hertagnism on Apr 14, 2009 3:48 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

By the way....

I really like/appreciate the way you are incorporating quotes from commenters in your posts. I think it helps everyone get a sense that this is “our” place we are visiting and not simply “yours”. Thanks.

by pslakerfan on Apr 14, 2009 11:17 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Respect Kobe was created as a place for my work, and a place for you to read — but then, I’ve already said that I don’t consider RK to be a blog. This is quite different — this is a Lakers blog, and a community, and there’s just way too much great insight out there for any one person to think he can dominate it all. I need you guys to bring the goods, that’s what is going to make this awesome!

Strength & Honor

by Josh Tucker on Apr 14, 2009 6:19 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Hey all...

Nice to see a SB Laker Blog. I’ll be here often.

Josh,

I always respected your work. Pun intended.

WildYams,

Your comments, whether it’s on ESPN message boards, HP, FB & G, CelticsBlog, or FD are always on point.

I’m sure I’ll enjoy this blog.

by wondahbap on Apr 14, 2009 12:26 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Thanks, wondahbap

I recognize you from the various blogs across the internets, as well, and am glad you’re here.

Strength & Honor

by Josh Tucker on Apr 14, 2009 6:20 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

To be fair

Kobe does have his own website, so that is some self-promotion, although I wouldn’t describe it as “blatant”.

There are too many “campaigns” these days anyway, with the Blazers sending out “IRoy” Ipods to promote him for All-Star status, and other gimmicky things of that nature.

by Gils_Keloids on Apr 14, 2009 1:35 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

All players...

have their own website. Its important for PR for the sake of charity at the very least with some players. For other more iconic players its important for marketing.

I’ll agree the campaigning stuff is overdone these days, but i love Chris Bosh’s viral videos :).

by Justin N. on Apr 14, 2009 1:39 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Right

Kobe’s site is not for a particular campaign, it’s just his site.

And I don’t mind Chris Bosh’s videos, I think I have more distaste for a team that takes money out its budget to promote its players for specific awards. Chris Bosh’s stuff is more about showing his personality, and seems more grassroots, even though he did ask to be voted an All-Star in his famous video. And I don’t think Toronto paid for it.

by Gils_Keloids on Apr 14, 2009 1:44 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I don’t mind the team promoting their player. It’s their player, that’s what they should do.

And I don’t mind a player having his own website. For Kobe, that’s a general outlet, a way for him to connect with his fans and for his fans to connect with each other. But I’ve never seen him specifically promote himself for the MVP Award, even though he’s been very deserving for quite some time — not in an interview, not in response to very pointed questions, and not on his website. It’s LeBron’s shameless self-promotion for the MVP Award that leaves a sour taste in my mouth.

I’ll admit that Bosh didn’t bother me as much, just a little — but that’s probably because he did it with such genuine humor, I didn’t feel like he took himself too seriously. It was just fun for him. LeBron, it’s pretty clear that he takes himself way too seriously.

Strength & Honor

by Josh Tucker on Apr 14, 2009 6:24 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Oh I can't wait

For these playoffs to begin, for the Lakers game tonight to begin and for Kobe’s Spike Lee Documentary to begin

by BrittneyM on Apr 14, 2009 7:09 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

That preview sucked.......

But you’ll get better I’m sure. Kidding of course. Nice job. PtR does a great preview with graphics etc. Maybe the guy over there will show you how to if you don’t already know. I think his name is Aaronstampler?

by pslakerfan on Apr 14, 2009 7:12 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

actually I suck.......

I thought I was on the preview thread. LOL

by pslakerfan on Apr 14, 2009 7:14 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Let me be honest

Here’s my take on the MVP award because things are so tight and everyone has there own factors for who they choose for the award, I thought whoever gets the best overall record should get MVP and this year the MVP goes to Lebron. The only thing I don’t like is that they always find a way so that Kobe isn’t MVP and this year they(on ESPN.COM) say Kobe has such a great supporting cast and that’s why he isn’t the MVP but other years when it was just Kobe carrying a dead load of players they(on ESPN.com) said Kobe was selfish and his team needed to win more so overall I feel they(on ESPN.com) make up things just to deny Kobe MVP. Which I now feel the award is bogus so I no longer care and I just pray the Lakers win it all.

by BrittneyM on Apr 14, 2009 7:20 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

The thing is though, LeBron has improved a bit from last year, Kobe hasn’t, and although I think Kobe is the better player, LeBron deserves it this year.

by Linix129 on Apr 14, 2009 8:48 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs