Kobe's Legacy is on the Line vs. the Celtics...Again
Once again, Kobe Bryant and the Los Angeles Lakers have reached the NBA Finals. This accomplishment somewhat slams the door on any argument that Kobe "needed" Shaq. This is now the third straight trip to the Finals, and a chance to repeat, with just what may be the polar opposite of Shaq in a big man - Pau Gasol. Three titles in a row with Shaq, and nearly the same with Pau? This achievement needs to be realized and appreciated properly. The perception of those 3-peat years will change dramatically if Kobe and the Lakers win the Finals. For some people though, the first three rings (and last year's) won't matter if the Lakers don't win this year's Finals. Not for Kobe. Not when he has had to battle the shadow of Shaq. For Kobe Bryant, "perception is reality." His legacy and how some view his Championship pedigree changes dramatically depending on winning or losing these Finals. For the third straight year, Kobe's legacy and perceived greatness is on the line.
In the NBA, we measure a player's greatness by the rings they win. It's different for some players. No one is going to consider Robert Horry's 7 rings greater than (or equal) to Kobe's 4 (and maybe 5) or Shaq's 4. Horry wans't a main guy. Sure, he helped in winning, but no one rode his back. We measure our superstars. The NBA isn't like other sports. Basketball players are directly involved with all aspects of the game. They play both offense and defense. Unlike football, baseball, or even hockey (which a hot goaltender can determine a team's success), we can praise a player like Steve Nash's offensive talents, but also point to his lack of defense being a key reason why his teams have never made the Finals. We hold our NBA stars responsible for the successes or failures of their teams.
How we view Kobe Bryant is directly tied to how much we value his past and recent accomplishments. Also, as a player wishing to challenge Michael Jordan's accomplishments, his merits need to stand apart. He needs to set himself apart from his peers, but most importantly, the rest of the world has to know it. Feel it. With no doubt, or else it's all for naught. His past achievements haven't changed, but how we see them can change.
Perception is Reality. That saying sums up the dilemma Kobe Bryant has faced his whole career. The biggest question being "could Kobe really do it with out Shaquille O'Neal?" No one can dispute the fact that Kobe has won four rings, but what will be disputed is the "value" of those Championships. The view of his first three Rings are still clouded by the presence of Shaq. It cleared up quite a bit when Kobe finally won one without the "Diesel." Now things just got foggier. With the Celtics making it back to the Finals, after missing Kevin Garnett last season, the dynamics of Kobe's legacy have changed. What if KG didn't get hurt? That's the next question being asked. Would the Lakers have won it all if the Celtics were really able to defend 100%? Just like that, the unfair Shaq questions are raised and the value of last year's title is re-examined. Did he really do it without Shaq?
Kobe Bryant has to win this year. Or else his whole legacy, as he wants us to view it (apart from Shaq, and close to Jordan), comes crashing down. The Lakers already lost to Boston in 2008. Then, Kevin Garnett misses the Playoffs in 2009. Now the Celtics have turned it on and made it back to the Finals. It's only natural to wonder what if. A loss puts the Lakers 2009 title in the 94-95 Rockets category, which felt somewhat incomplete due to Michael Jordan's two year lay-off. We Lakers fans know we had the best team in the NBA last season, but will the rest of the NBA world view it our way? Honestly, wanting other fans bases to know our team is the best is a large part of our fandom. It's what we root for. Hell, it's what we blog for.
If Kobe wins Ring #5? He is hands down the Greatest Player of his generation. The Shaq debate is absolutely dead. Kobe has had more success sans Shaq than vice versa. What will people say then? "Yeah, but he had Pau?" Plus, by winning this year, Kobe goes back to back again and does so by revenging an embarrassing loss to a Celtics team that will go down as one of the All-Time great defensive teams. Repeating with a completely different (except Derek Fisher) set of teammates than the Kobe/Shaq teams. Who else has done this? No one. This Finals means everything to Kobe, and winning removes any doubt.
Author's note: The point of this post was to point out some questions about Kobe that will be raised if the Lakers lost. Not whether they are right or wrong, or if I agree. I just wanted to bring up the discussion of how the perception of Kobe's legacy is dramatically changed by winning or losing. Perceptions by others (non-Lakers fans). Keep it mind, it is about the appearance of Kobe's legacy, not the reality of it. Unfortunately, perception is too often considered reality.
Josh Tucker did a wonderful job explaining in this comment. And this one.
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Absolutely...
Shaq’s one of the game’s disappointments for me. He had the chance to become one of the game’s greatest big men, if not THE greatest… but he was simply too lazy.
The half-crazed ramblings of a Lakers fanatic living in Japan...
He IS one of the game's greatest big men...
He had the potential to be THE greatest big man, and very possibly THE greatest player. But he was just way too lazy, and didn’t come close to that.
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Yep.
And I was telling someone today, that LeBron is eerily similar to Shaq’s career right now. Minus the Rings (so far?).
http://twitter.com/wondahbap
Except...
I don’t think I question LBJ’s work ethic. It’s not Kobe-like… but it’s up there.
The half-crazed ramblings of a Lakers fanatic living in Japan...
I'm not calling him as lazy as Shaq.
But I don’t see the desire to perfect his craft. It seems that he’s happy to let it develop naturally.
http://twitter.com/wondahbap
Yeah, I agree.
I wouldn’t go so far as to say he’s lazy. Shaq was just lazy.
No, instead I’d say it’s just not a priority. At the end of the day, he is not a basketball player first. He is a superstar first. He is a media icon first. He is a brand first. That’s what he wants. And that’s fine, everyone has the right to have their own dreams and goals in life. It’s simply that if that’s your priority, it means basketball is not. And I don’t see basketball being a priority. I see him thinking his natural talent and just a moderate amount of work is good enough. And relative to his priorities, it probably is. It’s just going to be a problem when he gets older and the athleticism leaves him.
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by Josh Tucker on May 31, 2010 10:27 PM PDT up reply actions
Absolutely.
If your main goal is to be a billionaire, you’re gonna have to focus on something other than playing basketball to get there.
"Prejudice not founded on reason cannot be removed by argument." - Samuel Johnson
on the line vs the Critics
nice article
www.reverbnation.com/czheckproductions
www.mybeatshop.com/czheckproductions
Great men are never without flaws, but neither are they without magnificent traits that caused them to rise to such heights.
there's no way kobe lets this ring slip away
he will do anything and i mean ANYTHING to get those 4 wins
"When I dunk, I put something on it. I want the ball to hit the floor before I do."
-Darryl Dawkins
a team game dominated by individual performances...
The half-crazed ramblings of a Lakers fanatic living in Japan...
of course it is
i meant if he had to deal 13 assists or score 40 points or close the door late in the game
he’ll get it done
"When I dunk, I put something on it. I want the ball to hit the floor before I do."
-Darryl Dawkins
by njzfinest5013 on May 31, 2010 4:55 PM PDT up reply actions
they're amazingly inconsistent
"When I dunk, I put something on it. I want the ball to hit the floor before I do."
-Darryl Dawkins
by njzfinest5013 on May 31, 2010 4:58 PM PDT up reply actions
Pau's aggression is key
I’m sure he will be more aggressive because he’ll be replaying 2008 over and over again. However, I’m more worried that he might be thinking about it too much. And we all know what happens when Pau thinks too much—he chokes…
I don't think so...
Last finals, both Gasol and Odom had chances at redemption – and they did (redeem).
This finals… full redemption is within reach. I don’t think they’ll let that go – I expect both Gasol and Odom to completely beast it.
The half-crazed ramblings of a Lakers fanatic living in Japan...
I think Pau will shine vs. man to man
He wasn’t allowed in his niche vs. the Suns. The first two games vs. the Suns and their man to man Pau was a monster.
Take him away from his game, IE, away from the post and put him where he has to beat the zone and he’s less effective.
I see him bouncing back and having huge games. He also remembers 2008. You don’t think the Spaniard will be back? And pissed?
Here’s to you Pau… the Spaniard…

For me its the consistent inconsistency that concerns me - PAGFL
It's always AMMO Time, in spirit- DexterFishmore
by 99bc99 on May 31, 2010 5:41 PM PDT up reply actions 1 recs
Oh would he now?
What we do in life echoes in eternity.

For me its the consistent inconsistency that concerns me - PAGFL
It's always AMMO Time, in spirit- DexterFishmore
by 99bc99 on May 31, 2010 6:47 PM PDT up reply actions 7 recs
+1
epic now its my turn to photo shop kobe shooting in there lol
www.reverbnation.com/czheckproductions
www.mybeatshop.com/czheckproductions
Great men are never without flaws, but neither are they without magnificent traits that caused them to rise to such heights.
Yeah I think its really important to beat them this time around
because if we lost to them again, he is going to have another blackmark on his career, which is that he cant beat the celtics. Also he really has not had very strong performances overall in the finals, and in the finals vs the Celtics, he was pretty lackluster as well. If he came out this time around with a great performance and lead them to another title, it would help atone for 2008.
Overall, we cant afford to lose again to the Celtics. It would be like those Utah Jazz teams of the 90s that had opportunities to defeat the bulls, but let them get away. Just really demoralizing.
"Just by the aura of D.J. Mbenga being there, the shot missed."
Not Laker-related... but pretty damn funny.

The half-crazed ramblings of a Lakers fanatic living in Japan...
hes a pretty good bench player
not sure why hes been a journeyman for such a long time in this league. I can imagine the Celtics going after him next year.
"Just by the aura of D.J. Mbenga being there, the shot missed."
great Journeyman: Jamario Moon, Anthony Parker, Rasheed Wallace, Robert Horry
could go on and on, not every scout sees the same player with rose colored glasses.
by rickfox on May 31, 2010 5:29 PM PDT up reply actions
I really, really wanted the Magic to beat the Celtics.
For ONE reason only, that being KB24 vs Matt Barnes for all the marbles. It would have been grand.
Queensbridge.
to be honest, this is it!!!
By winning last year kobe already cemented his legacy as a legend, but by winning this one, besides repeating he is gonna beat the celtics, the lakers “archienemigo”…. by winning this time(which he will by the way) he will kind of like a GOAT status
If we win this year
He will be the Greatest Laker Of All Time.
Cementing his legacy with 5 rings, and a right of passage for any Laker Legend: Defeating the C’s in the Finals.
C’mon now.
Queensbridge.
Even though I like our chances of beating the Celtics
I can’t help but feel a sense of dread. There’s always the “if” that comes into play…and if we lost again, I would be so devastated. it won’t be redeemable even if we meet again next year and beat them.
Of course, I would also be extremely elated if we do beat them.
Dammit…this “high risk-high reward” crap!
im pretty sure everybody around here feels that way too (at least me)
but damn, dot worry, we are keeping the thropie!!!!!!!!!!!!!
it was like game 5 against pheonix
you had no idea who was gonna win
you were filled with dread bout the fact we might lose
but the second we won everything in the world for a couple of minutes was perfect
"When I dunk, I put something on it. I want the ball to hit the floor before I do."
-Darryl Dawkins
by njzfinest5013 on May 31, 2010 5:22 PM PDT up reply actions
I feel your pain
I have been feeling this way for weeks. This high risk, high reward stuff is rough. I like our chances against the Celtics this time around, but I just can’t survive losing the Finals to them again. I just can’t. Is the reward worth the risk? I’m not sure, but it’s not like I have a choice. It is what it is. God, please don’t let us lose…
I don’t think I’ll feel good until we beat them.
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by Josh Tucker on May 31, 2010 8:19 PM PDT up reply actions 1 recs
I already went to costo and bought my tums.....
"They call me the Muffin Man"
by true_lakerfan on Jun 1, 2010 11:17 AM PDT up reply actions
I call bullshit.
His legacy and how we view his Championship pedigree changes dramatically depending on winning or losing these Finals. For the third straight year, Kobe’s legacy and perceived greatness is on the line.
So Kobe’s greatness will only be real, instead of perceived, if the Lakers beat the Celtics? If the Lakers lose, Kobe is shit. Is that what you’re saying?
"Prejudice not founded on reason cannot be removed by argument." - Samuel Johnson
I'm guessing
He means Kobe’s greatness is real already, only it will be perceived as less if the Lakers don’t beat the Celtics.
"This is not a game for boys. This is a game for men." - Phil Jackson
it's a ridiculous premise.
If Kobe is great today, how can he be less great if the Lakers lose to the Celtics?
"Prejudice not founded on reason cannot be removed by argument." - Samuel Johnson
Thank you
Right or wrong (usually wrong), history is written by the winners.
"This is not a game for boys. This is a game for men." - Phil Jackson
Kobe isn't a winner?
Billy Mac: "Lamar, can you see yourself actually getting in the (boxing) ring"?
Lamar Odom: "No. My face is too pretty."
Well if the Celtics win, the basketball history will be re-written from their point of view
"This is not a game for boys. This is a game for men." - Phil Jackson
by Gil Meriken on May 31, 2010 10:03 PM PDT up reply actions
Right.
Then it will be the third time Kobe has been on a Finals team that lost to a great defense. Imagine how that will play…
http://twitter.com/wondahbap
not to well, but history books aren't written before history is made!
by rickfox on May 31, 2010 10:10 PM PDT up reply actions
that would be backwards
"This is not a game for boys. This is a game for men." - Phil Jackson
by Gil Meriken on May 31, 2010 10:27 PM PDT up reply actions
Any student of history knows that history tells us how history will be written, if that is indeed what comes to pass.
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by Josh Tucker on May 31, 2010 10:36 PM PDT up reply actions
I think you're reading it backwards.
Wondah is agreeing with you. Kobe’s REAL legacy does not hinge on this. What he’s saying is that if he loses this, it will change the way the masses PERCEIVE Kobe’s legacy. If that happens, they will be wrong, but that won’t change the fact that that is how they will view it.
Kobe doesn’t need to do this for his legacy. He needs to do this for his legacy to be viewed correctly.
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God...Thank you.
How many times did I have the word “perceive” or “perception” in the post? I thought I made it as clear as I could.
http://twitter.com/wondahbap
Apparently there are a lot of very dense people reading here tonight because I wasn't the only person who read it the way I did.
"Prejudice not founded on reason cannot be removed by argument." - Samuel Johnson
I saw one other.
It made perfect sense to me. Never ever occurred to me to read it the other way until you brought it up.
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by Josh Tucker on May 31, 2010 10:29 PM PDT up reply actions
See my comment about those people at the very bottom of this thread.
"Prejudice not founded on reason cannot be removed by argument." - Samuel Johnson
Yikes a little harsh.
However I agree with you. The whole Kobe legacy thing is Bullshit. Kobe’s legacy was cemented long ago. The only reason that Kobe’s “legacy” is in question is quite simple.
1. He is still compared by many to Michael Jordan and his legacy is supposedly tied to MJ’s.
2. Those people will constantly move the bar and never will allow Kobe to be in the same arguement. In other words there is nothing Kobe could do to measure up to MJ and therefor his legacy is always in question.
Like I said, bullshit.
Billy Mac: "Lamar, can you see yourself actually getting in the (boxing) ring"?
Lamar Odom: "No. My face is too pretty."
I'm not sure why MJ can't be MJ, and Kobe can't just be Kobe.
The comparisons will always be coloured by those doing the comparing… and two fairly dissimilar ages of basketball.
It’s inevitable tho’… but it is a task that’s simply flawed by it’s very undertaking.
The half-crazed ramblings of a Lakers fanatic living in Japan...
I guess that is my point too.
Kobe’s legacy is cemented. If some think he is better or worse than Michael it shouldn’t have any effect on his legacy.
Billy Mac: "Lamar, can you see yourself actually getting in the (boxing) ring"?
Lamar Odom: "No. My face is too pretty."
Except that Kobe wants to go down as the best ever.
When it’s all said and done, that’s how he’s hoping to be remembered. And for that to happen, your on-court legacy must be greater than that of any other player, ever. And that requires comparing different generations, difficult as that is.
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I think we all know it will.
Billy Mac: "Lamar, can you see yourself actually getting in the (boxing) ring"?
Lamar Odom: "No. My face is too pretty."
i know right
as if i didnt dislike jordan before that
www.reverbnation.com/czheckproductions
www.mybeatshop.com/czheckproductions
Great men are never without flaws, but neither are they without magnificent traits that caused them to rise to such heights.
I didn't imply Kobe is shit.
My point is Kobe has a lot to lose. You know how people will feel. Or what they’ll say. Take off the purple lenses and lookat what it means.
Bullshit is not realizing how much the PERCEPTION most definitely changes. Or not seeing that people will most certainly view him differently.
http://twitter.com/wondahbap
by wondahbap on May 31, 2010 5:38 PM PDT via mobile up reply actions
Nice avatar...
I wore the t-shirt to work yesterday.
The half-crazed ramblings of a Lakers fanatic living in Japan...

This was at the Hall of Fame. Some Paul Pierce set-up. I’m not really pissing though.
http://twitter.com/wondahbap
by wondahbap on May 31, 2010 7:34 PM PDT up reply actions 1 recs
wheres the wheelchair in the picture?
and thats funny
www.reverbnation.com/czheckproductions
www.mybeatshop.com/czheckproductions
Great men are never without flaws, but neither are they without magnificent traits that caused them to rise to such heights.
lol it does look like your taking a piss on Pierce's shrine
"Just by the aura of D.J. Mbenga being there, the shot missed."
I hope you're not doing something else.
"This is not a game for boys. This is a game for men." - Phil Jackson
.. that's just blasphemous lmao
"Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure."
http://www.silverscreenandroll.com/ - Visit, and be loved. Troll, and die a painful death. =]]
by Saurav A. Das on Jun 1, 2010 3:14 AM PDT up reply actions
That's what you would like us to believe....
But i dont think that’s lemonade in that bottle…..jus sayin lol
You are a witness to the Black Mamba 2010 revenge tour..Seattle, check, Utah,check, Phoenix and Boston-Fuck your team and their title chances
kobes legacy is already in tact
but if he wins this one it will bring him to another level. especially amongst the casual fans. maybe they will see kobe in a new light if he beats the C’s
by lakers are trouble on May 31, 2010 6:21 PM PDT up reply actions
You actually did imply that Kobe is shit without this Finals win, even though you probably didn't mean to. Careful how you word things.
Kobe’s legacy is cemented, win or lose. I don’t wear purple lenses, I see the Lakers as they really are, warts and all, including Kobe. I just get tired of hearing that Kobe is only great if this and if that, not on his own with everything he’s already accomplished.
As for this
In the NBA, we measure a player’s greatness by the rings they win.I think that is untrue. There are many players we consider great who never won a single ring. Reggie Miller, Karl Malone, John Stockton, Charles Barkley, Steve Nash, Allen Iverson, a whole bunch more. Perhaps it’s the use of the word “great” that’s the sticking point.
"Prejudice not founded on reason cannot be removed by argument." - Samuel Johnson
I didn't imply it, and I worded it just fine.
He needs to set himself apart from his peers, but most importantly, the rest of the world has to know it. Feel it. With no doubt, or else it’s all for naught. His past achievements haven’t changed, but how we see them can change.
or
We Lakers fans know we had the best team in the NBA last season, but will the rest of the NBA world view it our way?
For you to think I’m calling Kobe “shit” just shows me you’re missing the point. My argument us that he will most certainly be viewed differently. Right or wrong. He will. You have to admit that. I didn’t say I agree. The whole point of the post was “Perception is Reality.” It’s not about what IS, but what it appears to be to most people. What good is a player’s supposed legacy if no one appreciates it properly?
You should be familiar enough with my comments or posts to know that when it comes to Kobe defending, I’m on the front lines, and i know his legacy should be set, but let’s face it, there’s a lot riding on these Finals simply because of what OTHERS will think. Don’t say it doesn’t matter either, because it’s why we go through endless and stupid Kobe v. LeBron debates. Because of the KG factor, Kobe’s legacy isn’t truly cemented to some. Pretend it doesn’t matter, but it does, and we will hear about it for the next two weeks.
I know you tend to get ultra sensitive anytime you think Kobe’s getting slighted, but you should realize that it is what it is.
You are damn right we measure greatness by rings. Those players are great, but Rings separate the greats from the All-Time greats. There’s a reason why Kobe, MJ, Magic, Bird, Russell, TD, Shaq are clearly ranked above Reggie, Stockton, Barkley, Nash, Chamberlain, and Iverson.
http://twitter.com/wondahbap
It's the fact that it's the Celtics
Who beat Kobe and the Lakers in 2008, then missed KG, then made it back to the Finals by beating LeBron (whom some prematurely call the Best) and last year’s ECF winners, once KG was back. That changes the scope of everything. Why is this hard to see?
It’s the Celtics that throw the wrench in things. We’re not having this discussion if it was the Magic in the Finals.
http://twitter.com/wondahbap
Well, I think you implied that he's shit unless he beats the Celtics, even going so far as to say his whole legacy comes crashing down without a win. My perception. Perhaps my bad.
He needs to set himself apart from his peers
How much more does he have to do to set himself apart from his peers? The only other player of his era who comes close in terms of rings, besides Derek Fisher, is Tim Duncan. Who does he need to set himself apart from? Shaq? Done. Wade? Not a peer. LeBron? Again, not a peer. Who’s left?
I’m not ultra sensitive, just ultra fucking pissed off and annoyed by articles like this, not by you in particular. And I guess I missed the part of your article where you mentioned All-Time Greats vs. Greats.
"Prejudice not founded on reason cannot be removed by argument." - Samuel Johnson
Once again...
The point of the article was to point out how he will be perceived by others and why it means a lot to his legacy.
I said this:
Honestly, wanting other fans bases to know our team is the best is a large part of our fandom. It’s what we root for. Hell, it’s what we blog for.
I agree with you. What else does he need to do? Didn’t we say that last season? But what did we get, endless LeBron talk. Still. Do you see my point. Kobe still has some hurdles to clear for many fools. This hurdle removes all doubt.
http://twitter.com/wondahbap
Yeah, your perception is incorrect.
He really, really is on your side.
He’s not talking about what Kobe needs to do for his legacy. He’s talking about what Kobe needs to do for people to RECOGNIZE his legacy. His legacy will be greatness either way, but how OTHER people perceive it will depend very much on this series.
He doesn’t need to do anything to BE as great as he is. He needs to do this to be RECOGNIZED BY OTHERS for being as great as he is.
And trust me, Wondah nevah, evah implied that Kobe’s shit unless he beats the Celtics. Or unless he anything.
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Well to be fair...
Perception is Reality
;-)
Look, I’m not trying to bust any balls here, I mentioned that maybe the post wasn’t clear and Wondah said he thought it was perfectly clear and worded properly. However, I now see that he’s added an author’s note because others had the same idea about the post as I did.
"Prejudice not founded on reason cannot be removed by argument." - Samuel Johnson
That's out of context.
The full sentence was, “For Kobe Bryant, perception is reality.” Context matters. Context should inform how we read what we read.
Why is perception reality for Kobe Bryant? Because for Kobe Bryant, the reality is that his legacy is what matters most to him, and he has a specific vision for what he wants that legacy to be. And legacy is based on perception. Thus, perception matters to Kobe because legacy matters to Kobe; therefore, perception is reality to Kobe because perception will determine the legacy that becomes his post-retirement reality.
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by Josh Tucker on May 31, 2010 10:32 PM PDT up reply actions
Haha.
Language matters.
I have a theory that mistakes related to improper use of language (be it reading/understanding or writing/articulating) might just be more common than mistakes related to fallacious reasoning or lack of intelligence.
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by Josh Tucker on May 31, 2010 10:39 PM PDT up reply actions
Actually, where I got it from is not out of context.
Perception is Reality. That saying sums up the dilemma Kobe Bryant has faced his whole career.
This is the start of a paragraph, not a sentence fragment. I just used it to illustrate that my perception was reality, hence the smiley face underneath the quote. In your effort to defend Wondah against some perceived threat from me, you missed that.
Like I said, I’m not busting balls, so it would be nice if you’d stop trying to bust mine.
"Prejudice not founded on reason cannot be removed by argument." - Samuel Johnson
I'm not trying to bust yours. I happen to disagree with you. Welcome to the kitchen.
My point holds, because you missed the greater context. Your point assumes that Wondah never explained why perception is reality in this specific case. In fact, he did just that. He explained why perception is reality for Kobe Bryant — and he explained that it’s because it affects his legacy (i.e., how he remembered).
Thus, the point stands. Perception is reality for Kobe because it will unquestionably dictate his legacy, and that’s what matters to him. That’s what Wondah articulated in the post. You misunderstood him, because you saw “perception is reality” and “Or else his whole legacy … comes crashing down” and jumped to disagree so quickly that you missed the context. And context would have made it clear that he was talking about perception, and about the fact that perception matters to Kobe, and this series will have a huge effect on the public’s perception of him.
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by Josh Tucker on May 31, 2010 10:52 PM PDT up reply actions
Again, that line was a joke, which is why I included the smiley face.
I got no problem in the kitchen, I’ve been in hotter places. As for misunderstanding, I think one of my earlier posts also said my misperception was my bad. So you’re still harping on a conceded point.
Finally, in my opinion, winning this series will have little effect on many people’s perception of Kobe if they already dislike him. I know people for whom this is the case. I guarantee there are many more like them.
"Prejudice not founded on reason cannot be removed by argument." - Samuel Johnson
Here's what I mean when I refer to the greater context.
The context of the entire article should have made it crystal clear that Wondah was not equating perception to actual reality, but that he was saying that perception is reality for Kobe Bryant, because how he is perceived and remembered matters to him. Here are several of the context clues that make that point loudly and clearly, which most of us picked up on. The bold parts are the words that make it clear that this is about how he is perceived, and the fact that how he is perceived matters to him, not about his accomplishments and their inherent value.
The perception of those 3-peat years will change dramatically if Kobe and the Lakers win the Finals
For some people though, the first three rings (and last year’s) won’t matter if the Lakers don’t win this year’s Finals
For Kobe Bryant, “perception is reality.”
His legacy and how some view his Championship pedigree changes dramatically depending on winning or losing these Finals
Kobe’s legacy and perceived greatness is on the line
Also, as a player wishing to challenge Michael Jordan’s accomplishments, his merits need to stand apart. He needs to set himself apart from his peers, but most importantly, the rest of the world has to know it.
His past achievements haven’t changed, but how we see them can change [note: that is a “general” we, very clearly meaning “they”]
Or else his whole legacy, as he wants us to view it (apart from Shaq, and close to Jordan), comes crashing down
That’s, what, nine different context clues that should have made it abundantly clear that we’re talking about perception here, not accomplishments.
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by Josh Tucker on May 31, 2010 11:05 PM PDT up reply actions
I added the author's note
because our site views are breaking any previous bests. There are a lot of visitors coming and I don’t want anyone to confuse the article. Even if I feel I shouldn’t have to. When it comes to Kobe, people get worked up. Especially when they just highlight the title or a few words and sum it up.
http://twitter.com/wondahbap
800 visitors an hour?
During a 4-game break? Not one day after the last game was played, but TWO??
The Finals are going to be nuts around here.
16...15...14...13...12...11...10...9...8...7...6...5...4...
by Josh Tucker on May 31, 2010 10:42 PM PDT up reply actions
Yeah.
Game threads will have to go back to quarter by quarter, or else they might hit 5000+
http://twitter.com/wondahbap
Yeah, probably true.
16...15...14...13...12...11...10...9...8...7...6...5...4...
by Josh Tucker on May 31, 2010 10:44 PM PDT up reply actions
I read the whole article, but I took this to mean you didn't want other people to read it in a way you didn't intend.
Maybe I didn’t make the post clear enough (if so, then I apologize), or maybe people are just reading the title.
"Prejudice not founded on reason cannot be removed by argument." - Samuel Johnson
Precaution.
Kobe’s always a sensitive topic. Especially legacy, Shaq, LeBron, etc. Some people will read the title, then have a preconceived notion. Should they? I don’t think they should. Nor do I think the post isn’t clear. But what does it hurt to make sure?
http://twitter.com/wondahbap
G.L.O.A.T
I think they “still” are Magic and Kareem. They beat C’s twice or three times? But I am not sure about that by the time when Kobe retires as a Laker though
Kobe is the GLOAT. Period.
I love Magic and Kareem, but Kobe is and by the end of his career will easily be the GLOAT.
Nostalgia is nice, but it isn’t gospel.
Billy Mac: "Lamar, can you see yourself actually getting in the (boxing) ring"?
Lamar Odom: "No. My face is too pretty."
you're. welcome.
Billy Mac: "Lamar, can you see yourself actually getting in the (boxing) ring"?
Lamar Odom: "No. My face is too pretty."
conversations good...opinion divided, Magic, Kareem and Kobe are all legends
Hero’s get remembered but legends never die- Babe Ruth
by rickfox on May 31, 2010 5:36 PM PDT up reply actions
who's babe ruth?
"When I dunk, I put something on it. I want the ball to hit the floor before I do."
-Darryl Dawkins
by njzfinest5013 on May 31, 2010 5:38 PM PDT up reply actions
fat white guy.
drank a lot I think.
Billy Mac: "Lamar, can you see yourself actually getting in the (boxing) ring"?
Lamar Odom: "No. My face is too pretty."
lol, you win the BS game.
Billy Mac: "Lamar, can you see yourself actually getting in the (boxing) ring"?
Lamar Odom: "No. My face is too pretty."
lmfao
he’s so good at bs games
"When I dunk, I put something on it. I want the ball to hit the floor before I do."
-Darryl Dawkins
by njzfinest5013 on May 31, 2010 5:41 PM PDT up reply actions
Magic and Kareem--NOSTALGIA? WTF?
Greatest Laker of All time means searching the entire history of the NBA. and just because you weren’t around to watch it, doesn’t mean the work of Magic, Kareem, West, Baylor, Chamberlain, Mikan, et. al. is merely “nostalgia is nice.” Kobe may very well be remembered as the GLOAT, but we’re a long way from that. And SoCalGal is right, this series will not strike Kobe’s name from the lists of possible GLOAT’s if the Lakers go down. Which….they won’t…..
um....
I was around to watch most of it son. And yes, I think he is already the GLOAT. We aren’t a long way from that at all. Kobe has been a Laker longer than all of the others (possibly not quite as long as West) so if he retired now it is still a full career.
I agree we may be a long way from Kobe retiring, but not necessarily calling him the GLOAT.
Billy Mac: "Lamar, can you see yourself actually getting in the (boxing) ring"?
Lamar Odom: "No. My face is too pretty."
Kobe is great...My Fav player of this generation of Lakers
But as of right now Magic is the GLOAT….He was the face of the franchise from his rookie year till he retired and has the titles to back it up. Not to mention a 2-1 record vs Bird and the Celtics…
While i think Kobe’s legacy is cemented, At this point He still HAS to have a Finals win over the C’s b4 I even consider him as the GLOAT. That would tie him with Magic in Chips won and give him a 1-1 record vs the C’s and a real Talk over who is the GLOAT can seriously begin.
You are a witness to the Black Mamba 2010 revenge tour..Seattle, check, Utah,check, Phoenix and Boston-Fuck your team and their title chances
you, or anyone else on this site, calling me "son"
is so fucking ridiculous, it didn’t even make me mad.
pretty sure you said that I.........
“wasn’t around to watch it”……….pot meet kettle.
Billy Mac: "Lamar, can you see yourself actually getting in the (boxing) ring"?
Lamar Odom: "No. My face is too pretty."
pretty sure that your being an older fart than me doesn't make you any more of an expert on the Lakers.
zygote circa 1975
Billy Mac: "Lamar, can you see yourself actually getting in the (boxing) ring"?
Lamar Odom: "No. My face is too pretty."
pretty sure that you implied that I WASN'T qualified to judge the careers of Magic, Kareem, West, etc...
because I wasn’t around to watch all of them. I never said any of us was an expert. I simply said that you being older doesn’t make you any more of an expert than me.
Billy Mac: "Lamar, can you see yourself actually getting in the (boxing) ring"?
Lamar Odom: "No. My face is too pretty."
Gotta wait till careers are over
"This is not a game for boys. This is a game for men." - Phil Jackson
um, not really.
If Kobe retires tomorrow, he is the GLOAT.
Billy Mac: "Lamar, can you see yourself actually getting in the (boxing) ring"?
Lamar Odom: "No. My face is too pretty."
No way
Magic is the GLOAT..
You are a witness to the Black Mamba 2010 revenge tour..Seattle, check, Utah,check, Phoenix and Boston-Fuck your team and their title chances
EmmCee!
….coming through like a mack truck!
I agree, I’m still pushing Magic as the GLOAT. I watched him play since his first game in purple and gold and am still a bit (admittedly) biased— but that stems from seeing his career the whole way through. I cried during his retirement ceremony, it was like a coming of age for me, inocence lost, etc…
it was that heavy for me.
Still, it’s not over till the fat lady sings… & she may be hitting some p-r-e-t-t-y high notes when Mr Bryant is through. ;)
" Get out of my way Saturn! "
by Captain $hugg on Jun 1, 2010 2:39 AM PDT up reply actions
my opinion
1. Magic
2. Kareem
3. Kobe
4. West
5. Shaq
I think if Kobe wins a few more rings he can surpass magic and kareem. Though 3rd or 4th greatest Laker of all time is no dishonor considering all the great names that played in LA.
"Just by the aura of D.J. Mbenga being there, the shot missed."
i would switch west with kareem
"When I dunk, I put something on it. I want the ball to hit the floor before I do."
-Darryl Dawkins
by njzfinest5013 on May 31, 2010 5:41 PM PDT up reply actions
I think shaqfor3 is putting a lot of stock in total championships.
Billy Mac: "Lamar, can you see yourself actually getting in the (boxing) ring"?
Lamar Odom: "No. My face is too pretty."
How can you not?
Fair or Not great players are measured by their titles or lack thereof.
You are a witness to the Black Mamba 2010 revenge tour..Seattle, check, Utah,check, Phoenix and Boston-Fuck your team and their title chances
I do put stock in them....
I was simply explaining why I think shaqfor3 has Kareem ahead of West.
Billy Mac: "Lamar, can you see yourself actually getting in the (boxing) ring"?
Lamar Odom: "No. My face is too pretty."
I gotcha but it can be argued that Kareem is the greatest player ever
His numbers as a whole, Championships included are super impressive to say the least.
You are a witness to the Black Mamba 2010 revenge tour..Seattle, check, Utah,check, Phoenix and Boston-Fuck your team and their title chances
as a whole I would take Kareem
But one championship and a whole lot of points came for the Bucks.
As a Laker I think Kobe has been better.
Billy Mac: "Lamar, can you see yourself actually getting in the (boxing) ring"?
Lamar Odom: "No. My face is too pretty."
BTW in my opinion the only player that can really challenge MJ's resume as GOAT...
is Kareem. I think with 4-5 more years under his belt Kobe will have a resume’ that can challenge MJ as well.
Billy Mac: "Lamar, can you see yourself actually getting in the (boxing) ring"?
Lamar Odom: "No. My face is too pretty."
Kareem, Magic, West
no one else in the conversation
from the point of view of a Celtics fan since the 1960s
by Frank Malzone on May 31, 2010 6:14 PM PDT up reply actions
Oh sorry, you don't count.
;-)
"Prejudice not founded on reason cannot be removed by argument." - Samuel Johnson
one thing about "Greatest Laker of All Time"
and Jerry West: consider also what West did for the Los Angeles Lakers above and beyond his (considerable) achievements as a player. Without #44 in the front office, we would have never seen Shaq, or probably Kobe either, for that matter. Considering that, I would go 1. West 2. Kareem 3. Magic 4. Kobe. I’m old, real old, but I don’t have any emotional connection to #99, George Mikan, but consider that Mikan basically kept the ENTIRE NBA afloat on his back in the early, barnstorming years…maybe no Association at all without that particular Laker.
agreed, but I'm going West, Kareem, Magic
…from a Laker fan since the 1960’s. From my perspecrtive on your guys, Russell and Bird, naturally, but who’s your third? Cousy? Havlichek?
Hondo for me
but I saw Cousy only on highlight reels
McHale 4th
by Frank Malzone on Jun 1, 2010 3:53 AM PDT up reply actions
Havlicek reminded me a lot of West
…their games weren’t very similar, but their intensity was identical.
i say magic comes back from retirement and plays off the bench
"When I dunk, I put something on it. I want the ball to hit the floor before I do."
-Darryl Dawkins
you'll need all the money in world to get 'em, plus a hot tub time machine.
by rickfox on May 31, 2010 5:33 PM PDT up reply actions
i bet he's better then our bench combined even at his current age
"When I dunk, I put something on it. I want the ball to hit the floor before I do."
-Darryl Dawkins
by njzfinest5013 on May 31, 2010 5:37 PM PDT up reply actions
If there are any Celtic fans here they will call me over confident or arrogant, but..........
I was worried in 2008 before the finals. I am not worried at all right now.
I am probably alone here, but I think the Lakers will win this series fairly easily.
Write this down so I can gloat later……………or take a whole lot of shit.
Billy Mac: "Lamar, can you see yourself actually getting in the (boxing) ring"?
Lamar Odom: "No. My face is too pretty."
so glad we arent opening this series up on the road
"Just by the aura of D.J. Mbenga being there, the shot missed."
Especially with the 2-3-2 format
If the Celtics can beat us 3 games in a row then they deserve to win it all. I don’t think they can.
me too.
I just sold my tickets for a small fortune.
Billy Mac: "Lamar, can you see yourself actually getting in the (boxing) ring"?
Lamar Odom: "No. My face is too pretty."
sold them for $800 for the pair.
Paid $340. I know I am greedy capitalist, but as Gordon Gekko says…..greed is good.
Billy Mac: "Lamar, can you see yourself actually getting in the (boxing) ring"?
Lamar Odom: "No. My face is too pretty."
Nice
Man, this reminds me of why I never get down to watch the Lakers. Would be great to have a SSR night next season, get everybody together, go watch the Lakers, then off to strip clubs, only to end up in TJ in the middle of a Cartel gun battle.
YEAH BABY…
Erm, well at least watch the game together?
For me its the consistent inconsistency that concerns me - PAGFL
It's always AMMO Time, in spirit- DexterFishmore
lol.
I would love to have a blog get together. We tried last playoffs and it ended up being just me and Josh. One other guy, but I can’t remember his name, I don’t think he is around anymore.
Tell you one thing fo’ sho’, me and PAGFL are going to the parade if there is one. Afterparty????
Billy Mac: "Lamar, can you see yourself actually getting in the (boxing) ring"?
Lamar Odom: "No. My face is too pretty."
You padawan
Your lightsaber is not ready for you.
are going to the parade if there is one.
There is no if, only victory. Jedi Bryant will show you the way…
For me its the consistent inconsistency that concerns me - PAGFL
It's always AMMO Time, in spirit- DexterFishmore
thank you master....
my faith slipped, but has been restored.
Billy Mac: "Lamar, can you see yourself actually getting in the (boxing) ring"?
Lamar Odom: "No. My face is too pretty."
Heh, I'm a nerd
I’m so confident right now, not sure why, probably because Kobe is freaking on fire, and he’s pissed. Oh that’s a good thing for us! I’d love to go to the parade. Hell, I’d have to drive down the day before, but I’ve got family all around LA/OC.
For me its the consistent inconsistency that concerns me - PAGFL
It's always AMMO Time, in spirit- DexterFishmore
yeah, I live about 2-2.5 hours away myself, but it's worth the drive.
Plus I gotta meet PAGFL, he is my long lost brother from another mother.
Billy Mac: "Lamar, can you see yourself actually getting in the (boxing) ring"?
Lamar Odom: "No. My face is too pretty."
Haha, where you live?
I’m up in San Luis Obispo
For me its the consistent inconsistency that concerns me - PAGFL
It's always AMMO Time, in spirit- DexterFishmore
99bc99 from the mean streets of San Luis Obispo
"Just by the aura of D.J. Mbenga being there, the shot missed."
Wait what? You live in SLO?
For me its the consistent inconsistency that concerns me - PAGFL
It's always AMMO Time, in spirit- DexterFishmore
lol i use to live there
and pismo beach,shell beach,and grover beach
www.reverbnation.com/czheckproductions
www.mybeatshop.com/czheckproductions
Great men are never without flaws, but neither are they without magnificent traits that caused them to rise to such heights.
And you?
This is Blasphemy, this is .. madness?
For me its the consistent inconsistency that concerns me - PAGFL
It's always AMMO Time, in spirit- DexterFishmore
my dad worked at that big hotel the cliffs
and at scotties
www.reverbnation.com/czheckproductions
www.mybeatshop.com/czheckproductions
Great men are never without flaws, but neither are they without magnificent traits that caused them to rise to such heights.
Sweet, now you live in ...
Minnesota?
For me its the consistent inconsistency that concerns me - PAGFL
It's always AMMO Time, in spirit- DexterFishmore
iowa city iowa
pretty close to chicago
www.reverbnation.com/czheckproductions
www.mybeatshop.com/czheckproductions
Great men are never without flaws, but neither are they without magnificent traits that caused them to rise to such heights.
Talk about culture shock
That’s a big change.
For me its the consistent inconsistency that concerns me - PAGFL
It's always AMMO Time, in spirit- DexterFishmore
Queensbridge!

For me its the consistent inconsistency that concerns me - PAGFL
It's always AMMO Time, in spirit- DexterFishmore
queensbridge!
www.reverbnation.com/czheckproductions
www.mybeatshop.com/czheckproductions
Great men are never without flaws, but neither are they without magnificent traits that caused them to rise to such heights.
Wait actually
That’s Iowa City…
For me its the consistent inconsistency that concerns me - PAGFL
It's always AMMO Time, in spirit- DexterFishmore
i think i know where that is
www.reverbnation.com/czheckproductions
www.mybeatshop.com/czheckproductions
Great men are never without flaws, but neither are they without magnificent traits that caused them to rise to such heights.
palm springs....
that’s what the ps means.
Billy Mac: "Lamar, can you see yourself actually getting in the (boxing) ring"?
Lamar Odom: "No. My face is too pretty."
nice
I was thinking of using some of my money to buy a ticket for game 1 but Id probably get grilled since Im supposed to save it for college.
"Just by the aura of D.J. Mbenga being there, the shot missed."
believe me I would rather go to the game myself, but I can almost pay for next seasons tickets with one series.
One whole season vs. one game.
Tough call, but I will take the season.
Billy Mac: "Lamar, can you see yourself actually getting in the (boxing) ring"?
Lamar Odom: "No. My face is too pretty."
wow
I cant blame you for that, sounds alot more worth while in the long run.
"Just by the aura of D.J. Mbenga being there, the shot missed."
when I got my tickets I could afford them and I went to a lot of games, gave some away, etc....
Now with the shitty economy I really can’t afford them, but if I sell most of them I can keep them until the economy turns around.
Billy Mac: "Lamar, can you see yourself actually getting in the (boxing) ring"?
Lamar Odom: "No. My face is too pretty."
totally agree
2008, I really thought the Celtics had the upper hand going in, fo rso many reasons. This year I am totally confident in the Lakers taking care of business (barring injury or several games of ‘official intervention.’
it could go that way, but need not
my favorite series, as a Celtics fan, was a year when the Celtics were huge underdogs, and deserved to be
in Houston, going into the finals in 1984, the only question people wanted to talk about was whether the Showtime Lakers were the greatest team of all time
they might have been. They looked it in the three games that they crushed the Celtics
but what will happen in the close games? who will make the key play while exhausted and stressed?
there are some tough nuts on this Celtics team, and I doubt that they will fold
the thing is — they are old
and banged up
sometimes (like 87) that is too much to overcome
is it this year?
I suspect a tough series
by Frank Malzone on May 31, 2010 6:19 PM PDT up reply actions
I am OK with a tough series, but for some reason I am unusually optimistic.
I say unusually because I am kind of a pessimist.
Billy Mac: "Lamar, can you see yourself actually getting in the (boxing) ring"?
Lamar Odom: "No. My face is too pretty."
And that's the truth
Though not as bad as Timbo was.
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you probably don't know desecrator yet, but.....
he makes me look like the worlds biggest optimist.
Billy Mac: "Lamar, can you see yourself actually getting in the (boxing) ring"?
Lamar Odom: "No. My face is too pretty."
That's a gross understatement
To secure ourselves against defeat lies in our own hands, but the opportunity of defeating the enemy is provided by the enemy himself.
HUGE UNDERSTATEMENT
"I work my ass off every day in practice. How many other guys can say the same thing? Not many. I'm fighting against becoming soft. That's the worse thing you can say to a basketball player." - Dennis Rodman
Im still waiting after game 1 to get a feel for this series
the lakers have the means to easily beat the Cs, but I don’t who else besides kobe will show up.
You can't pick that ball up and run with it
-Phil Jackson
well the one thing that I take comfort in is.........
that the only teams seem to be able to beat us is to bog down the middle and let us beat them from the outside. Since we seem to be hitting our stride from distance, I am not worried.
Billy Mac: "Lamar, can you see yourself actually getting in the (boxing) ring"?
Lamar Odom: "No. My face is too pretty."
geez, grammar fail, sorry.
Billy Mac: "Lamar, can you see yourself actually getting in the (boxing) ring"?
Lamar Odom: "No. My face is too pretty."
well those shots can stop falling at anytime
and that method might work. the question is whether or not every will be in synch defensively. Who’s stopping Rondo? who’s running after ray? whos gonna push garnett and not give him those baseline fadeways? Im worried about our defense if anything.
You can't pick that ball up and run with it
-Phil Jackson
In order...
Kobe
Fisher
Pau
I am only worried about Bynum/Odom. If one of them has a good series we are almost unbeatable.
Billy Mac: "Lamar, can you see yourself actually getting in the (boxing) ring"?
Lamar Odom: "No. My face is too pretty."
Yeah
After chasing quick little PGs, Derek will be fine against Ray Allen. He doesn’t have to worry much about Ray driving. It’s all about fighting over screens, and Fish is the master.
Kobe will take Rondo. He’ll take the challenge, and he’ll get it done. Remember when he REALLY put his mind to defense, back in the summers of 2007 and 2008 (Team USA)? Think Rondo can dominate him?
Pau pwned Dwight last year. He can handle old KG. Defense is not where I’m worried about Pau.
And then you have Ron Ron on Paul Pierce, who was the biggest factor for them last year (see: Radmanovic, Vladimir).
So… where are they going to get their scoring from? I’m believing more and more…
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They're going to have to run Allen off screens like hell
But that causes a problem because Allen needs energy to cover Kobe at the other end. Quite the conundrum.
To secure ourselves against defeat lies in our own hands, but the opportunity of defeating the enemy is provided by the enemy himself.
All while Kobe gets to play his Free Safety defense on Rondo
saving energy the whole game…I really think Phil needs to pattern his substitutions according to when Ray goes out the game..Ray leaves Fish leaves cuz im not comfortable with Brown chasing Ray thru screens…Sasha can do it but no way should Brown guard Ray
You are a witness to the Black Mamba 2010 revenge tour..Seattle, check, Utah,check, Phoenix and Boston-Fuck your team and their title chances
Release The Koberman
I think that will be a great matchup; the intensity and desire and athleticism of both players should be some must see TV in itself. But Kobe is going to have to burn much energy to do a number on Rondo, not just roam at “free safety” and help out. Here’s hoping we get major offensive contributions (hi ya, Pau, what up, Lamar) from other sources while the Koberman goes after Rondo, with his patented vengeance, of course.
Great, fantastic news. Andrew Bynum has his knee drained.
by rickfox on May 31, 2010 5:42 PM PDT reply actions
that should help improve his mobility
after all it did wonders for kobe.
"Just by the aura of D.J. Mbenga being there, the shot missed."
big time, he looked a lot better on saturday, that rest will be huge for game 1
by rickfox on May 31, 2010 5:43 PM PDT up reply actions
This... and Perk's impending suspension.
I call it “impending” because he has 6 techs. #7 is coming during the finals.
I’d like it given in Game 2…
The half-crazed ramblings of a Lakers fanatic living in Japan...
put the machine on his ass
tech #7. yeaaaaa
by lakers are trouble on May 31, 2010 7:12 PM PDT up reply actions
Not a bad idea, actually.
Not as a primary defender. But maybe draw up a handful of defensive schemes wherein Sasha is put in a position to rotate over as a help defender on Perkins. Bring the double, trap him, and just pester him to death. They’ll call fouls occasionally, and when they do, Sasha insults his mother, or “inadvertently” bumps his shoulder. He does what he does. Perk will react, they’ll get offsetting techs…
…and then you bury Sasha on the bench, say, “Thank you, you have served your team well,” and never play him again.
It ain’t dirty; it’s just testing your opponent, to see if he has the necessary composure.
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we'll play him again..
when perk comes back from his 1 game suspension. machine his ass again lol. it’ll drive him nuts!
by lakers are trouble on May 31, 2010 9:31 PM PDT up reply actions
Heh heh...
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by Josh Tucker on May 31, 2010 10:33 PM PDT up reply actions
..and it's a Celtic tradition,
all the way back to Jungle Jim Lusticoff (sp?) Bring in somebody just to hack the shit out of the opposition’s best player, try to get him tossed (Greg Kite was also pretty good at this). How delicious the irony if we can do it to Perkins…
Id like it to happen in game 4, when we steal a win in Boston.
That way he is suspended for game 5, we win and we celebrate on their court.
Revenge Tour -—> complete
"I work my ass off every day in practice. How many other guys can say the same thing? Not many. I'm fighting against becoming soft. That's the worse thing you can say to a basketball player." - Dennis Rodman
lets just watch the globetrotters on espn2
Stu Lantz – For not being Hot Rod Hundley. Grade: A Motherfucking Superplus +.
poll:
should I make a new Brian Shaw thread??
anyone interested???
"Just by the aura of D.J. Mbenga being there, the shot missed."
Brian just made it for you .
Billy Mac: "Lamar, can you see yourself actually getting in the (boxing) ring"?
Lamar Odom: "No. My face is too pretty."
im interested and done
and now i have photo shop so its on
www.reverbnation.com/czheckproductions
www.mybeatshop.com/czheckproductions
Great men are never without flaws, but neither are they without magnificent traits that caused them to rise to such heights.
Chuck Norris isnt scared of the dark,
He is scared of Brian Shaw!
"I work my ass off every day in practice. How many other guys can say the same thing? Not many. I'm fighting against becoming soft. That's the worse thing you can say to a basketball player." - Dennis Rodman
Is that a reply fail?
Or a response to the whole article?
Billy Mac: "Lamar, can you see yourself actually getting in the (boxing) ring"?
Lamar Odom: "No. My face is too pretty."
I'm gonna guess... both? Heh
This is like a slow chat room for Laker fans.
For me its the consistent inconsistency that concerns me - PAGFL
It's always AMMO Time, in spirit- DexterFishmore
Shaq?
Are we still talking about that guy?
Kobe surpassed Shaq last year in every possible regard. This is about JORDAN. He’s trying to catch him because he knows he needs 5 or 6 rings to be in the conversation for Greatest of All Time (even though I already have him at #1 TALENT wise).
But like you said, Kobe is #1 All-Time to most Laker fans, but if the rest of the World is going to buy it at all, he’s got to have 5 or 6. 7 would ICE it.
"I was just letting the shots fly. You know, I don't leave any bullets in the chamber."
"Everything negative- pressure, challenges- is all an opportunity for me to rise."
" 'So what if I hit the wall?"
(Reporter): 'Why?'
'Because I'll run right through it."
-Kobe Bryant
Yes.
And if Kobe doesn’t win this year, Jordan door is shut completely, and Shaq gets brought up again. Losing in 2008 hurt his chances, but this rematch is a chance to erase that and really get serious conversation going. I don’t know if it’s possible for people to ever perceive Kobe on Jordan’s level, but there’s a a slight chance with revenge this year.
http://twitter.com/wondahbap
That I agree with
but Kobe is already top 10 all time so i don’t think its a big slap if he doesn’t pass jordan. He’s in great company
You can't pick that ball up and run with it
-Phil Jackson
But saying that is forgetting the fact
that Kobe want s Jordan level. That’s what this is about. A win removes any doubts what-so-ever. A loss will make some raise questions. I’m not saying they should be raised. Only that they will be raised.
http://twitter.com/wondahbap
If Kobe wins this year
He’ll be in my eyes the GLoAT but his legacy is already cemented as one of the greats of all time anyway. So while winning helps, i don’t think losing hurts his legacy. Anything Kobe does now is just icing on the cake. And the Shaq/Kobe era was also the Kobe/Shaq era. One doesn’t win without the other.
You can't pick that ball up and run with it
-Phil Jackson
Thank you, this is exactly the point I've been trying to make.
"Prejudice not founded on reason cannot be removed by argument." - Samuel Johnson
No one disputed that...
Shaq/Kobe era was also the Kobe/Shaq era
Kobe winning this year is not just icing on the cake, it obliterates any Shaq/Kobe argument. But losing definitely will hurt him. Only because it the Celtics.
http://twitter.com/wondahbap
yes it is icing on the cake
It seems different to you because you are Lakers fan. Losing to the celtics is no different from losing to the pistons. 50 years from now, people will remember Kobe from his highlights, major stats and the number of rings he had, not what team he lost to. Jerry West got his ass handed by the celtics, yet he is Mr Logo, one of the greats and remembered as Mr. Clutch.
In addition, the Kobe/Shaq, Shaq/Kobe thing I mentioned was to point that there is no argument. Each needed the other and anyone trying to make an argument out of it should be ignored because they are grasping for straws
You can't pick that ball up and run with it
-Phil Jackson
Ahhh...
But it’s those Finals losses that separates Kobe from Jerry West. See?
It does matter that it’s the Celtics because they lost in 2008, because KG was out last season, and because the Celtics are back in the Finals. No way does it compare to the Pistons or any other team, because some will feel that the Lakers 2009 Chip was cheapened if the C’s win again. Thus hurting what Kobe is shooting for. An MJ like legacy. Simple concept.
If you want to compare Kobe to Jerry West, good for you. but Kobe’s shooting higher than that. Others will not consider Kobe where he wants to be if he loses. That is the point of the article. Perception.
http://twitter.com/wondahbap
I thought its the fact that
Kobe has been obliterating Jerry’s stats, redefining clutch, and his four championships that made separates him from West.
I see Kobe for what he is. The greatest player since MJ, future hall of famer and someone that the game will miss once he retires until someone else show up (No LeBron is not there yet). What Kobe does from now on will affect how he is ranked in the future. It won’t change how he is perceived. I disagree with your article because 50 years perception won’t have anything to do with it.
His legacy and how we view his Championship pedigree changes dramatically depending on winning or losing these Finals
I find this to be completely false.
As lakers fan, I can understand you wanting to see Kobe like MJ. But Kobe is Kobe. Kobe always says he wants to be the best player he can be and that’s what he does every game. He comes out and goes to work. Win or lose, he is still the Black Mamba, best closer in the game.
Yes winning this year, will bring him closer to an MJ like legacy, and the greatest laker ever but should he lose, Kobe will still be the best player he can be. His current legacy is still intact, he is still great.
West failed to won multiple championships period. He could have have loss to a different team each time. Wilt Chamberlain failed to win enough as well. Their failures changed how they are ranked when talking about all time greats but not the perception.
In summary, its all icing man
You can't pick that ball up and run with it
-Phil Jackson
i HATE kobe!
Here’s video of kobes Cocky Jab…and this is why I DONT LIKE KOBE!
http://www.3n1sports.com/basketball/kobes-cocky-jab-and-this-is-why-i-dont-like-ko
by 3n1sports.com on May 31, 2010 8:23 PM PDT up reply actions
Where's Josh?
The Troll Is Back…………..
"I work my ass off every day in practice. How many other guys can say the same thing? Not many. I'm fighting against becoming soft. That's the worse thing you can say to a basketball player." - Dennis Rodman
Kobe
People like to say the Celts would have won last year and possible 3 in a row had it now been for injuries. Typically looking at it from the east coast, they forget that maybe the injuries the lakers had that year, Ariza and Bynum would have made a difference. And the lakes might be going for 3 in a row
To which they say
Garnett is a much bigger impact than Bynum/Ariza, especially when Ariza wasnt much of a player yet. Just playing devil’s advocate that all :)
Faith.... a fan's biggest downfall
by desecrator09 on May 31, 2010 7:18 PM PDT up reply actions
lol, though they will probably never admit it, its kind of the same
the celtics needed garnett to complete the big 3, while the lakers needed bynum to use at their best their advantage, having 2 seven footers in the lane… and helping getting rebounds, help the defense, blablabal
but we made it to the finals w/o bynum & healthy ariza
while the celtics last year couldn’t squeeze past the magic in the 2nd round
So who knows, eh?
Ariza's per-minute numbers were practically the same
To secure ourselves against defeat lies in our own hands, but the opportunity of defeating the enemy is provided by the enemy himself.
I think the biggest difference between '08 & '10
Is going to be Ron Artest.
The half-crazed ramblings of a Lakers fanatic living in Japan...
definitely
radmanovic was not a good defender. Remember those 3s in game 1 after his so called injury??
bolshevik!
"Just by the aura of D.J. Mbenga being there, the shot missed."
Paul Pierce on Artest
He likes to bang you,grab you, hold you, pull your shorts down. He’s going to try anything.
Hmmm…Anyone think Pierce might be enjoying this matchup?
You can't pick that ball up and run with it
-Phil Jackson
he really did pull his shorts down lol
www.reverbnation.com/czheckproductions
www.mybeatshop.com/czheckproductions
Great men are never without flaws, but neither are they without magnificent traits that caused them to rise to such heights.
i know Ron is a very good defender and all but
Pierce has been farirly good against him back when they were in the East and that was when Ron was in his prime. Still take him over Vlady of course but I think Pierce is gonna average pretty close to what he’s been getting so far and I think alot of it will be from free throws.
Faith.... a fan's biggest downfall
I'm going to go out on a limb and say ...
… Paul Pierce is not going to be the 2010 Finals MVP.
"This is not a game for boys. This is a game for men." - Phil Jackson
yeah and that was a few years ago
he isnt performing at the same level as back then. Rondo is gonna be the central concern in this series and I wouldnt be surprised if we see Kobe and Artest taking turns guarding him along with fisher. If we keep Rondo under control, we slow down the Celtics offense.
"Just by the aura of D.J. Mbenga being there, the shot missed."
From my latest blogpost...

The half-crazed ramblings of a Lakers fanatic living in Japan...
by With Malice on May 31, 2010 8:54 PM PDT up reply actions 5 recs
AWESOME.
16...15...14...13...12...11...10...9...8...7...6...5...4...
by Josh Tucker on May 31, 2010 10:00 PM PDT up reply actions
Ur Best One Yet!
"I work my ass off every day in practice. How many other guys can say the same thing? Not many. I'm fighting against becoming soft. That's the worse thing you can say to a basketball player." - Dennis Rodman
Pierce was garbage for the entire conference semifinals when LeBron was guarding him
And LeBron is a mediocre one-on-one defender. He has no first step anymore to cause LeBron speed problems, and Artest is too disciplined to fall for fakes and similar. Not worried.
To secure ourselves against defeat lies in our own hands, but the opportunity of defeating the enemy is provided by the enemy himself.
to cause Artest*
To secure ourselves against defeat lies in our own hands, but the opportunity of defeating the enemy is provided by the enemy himself.
Umm.
C’s fan here. Pierces only focus in the Cavs series was to contain (as much as possible) the best player in the league. This came at the expense of his offensive #’s. This was the game plan all along. Knowing that the others would pick up the slack in the scoring department. So to say he was “garbage” is pretty inaccurate.
I think you are missing the Lebron James part
Pierce was “garbage” when Lebron was guarding him. He really was. He is not talking about the entire series. So yeah, that was accurate.
"If you want to find the dumbest guy in the room just find the first guy to tell you how smart he is." - JG
"The fact that the Lakers have played to such a high level even through the injuries is a testament to their skill, abilities, and resiliency." - 99bc99
by PURPLE AND GOLD FOR LIFE on Jun 1, 2010 5:27 PM PDT up reply actions
the FT thing is gonna be key
…if Pierce is sent to the line every time Ron puts a body on him, that will be trouble. But if Ron can get into Pierce’s jersey (and his roomy head) without being in foul trouble before the introductions are over, the Truth is gonna be hurtin’
Me and the Dream
Think this article is completely stupid. You don’t show up you don’t win, period.
If Kobe retired tomorrow to go play soccer his legacy would still be intact and his place in the pantheon of basketball unquestioned. Titles are great for players, but titles are awarded to teams. We remember Magic in his playing days as a great player on a great team. His legacy will always be intact.
Part of what makes Kobe Bryant Kobe Bryant is that the guy is just going to keep trying forever to be the best. He is not going to disappear. He’s always going to be going at it 100%. His ability to execute, basketball skills, and toughness have been proven again and again and again, and just case anyone in Phoenix forgot due to Kobe missing a few teammates a few years ago, he showed them again.
These extra titles he’s going to win, just gravy. You can stick Kobe’s legacy in the basketball hall of fame right now if you want, its in the refrigerator.
Okay.
What I wrote is that there will be some questions raised by a loss. We Lakers fans know what his legacy means to us, but there will be some that will wonder “what if?” You don’t agree with that? That some people perceptions will change? Simply because it’s what is involved with it being the Celtics?
If not, then I don’t know what else to say. It’s not me passing judgement. Simply pointing out that he will be raked through the coals if the Lakers lose.
http://twitter.com/wondahbap
Back when I first joined SS&R I posted something about the people who hate Kobe now having always hated him. He can't win.
It’s kind of the same thing here. If people think Kobe’s legacy is tied to the Lakers winning this Finals against the Celtics, then their opinion is not going to change, no matter what. A win is not going to make them suddenly say, “Hey, Kobe really is great. I’ve been wrong all this time.” They will always have some reason as to why his rings don’t matter, just as you said in your article
Yeah, but he had Pau
"Prejudice not founded on reason cannot be removed by argument." - Samuel Johnson
Okay...
So a win makes Kobe’s case air-tight. A loss gives them some bullets. You agree?
The post is about perception of those people. You agree. Yet, you argue me. I’m on YOUR side. Just telling you what is on the line for Kobe in other people’s eyes.
http://twitter.com/wondahbap
A loss or win give them more bullets
Win: He had Pau, Can’t beat celtics without Bynum, had artest to do the dirty work
Loss: 2009 ring don’t count + the usual bla bla bla
Bottom line is those perceptions have nothing to do with Kobe actual legacy.
You can't pick that ball up and run with it
-Phil Jackson
I know...and agree with:
those perceptions have nothing to do with Kobe actual legacy.
http://twitter.com/wondahbap
Not sure what the point of extrapolating what idiots will think is.
Kobe’s legacy is a done deal.
Everyone who doesn’t like that fact can accept reality or whine like a little bitch.
Either way, I just don’t give a fuck about what they think.
If it happened its real.
We gotta write about something
There’s more than 60 hours until the next game!
"This is not a game for boys. This is a game for men." - Phil Jackson
it's getting there, you know. ;-)
"E-Coaches are heavy in here tonight! Take E-Sasha and put him on the E-bench on your fantasy league, that’ll show him!" - Jevon O
Here's why it matters:
A legacy or legacies is what someone or something is remembered for or what they have left behind that is remembered, revered or has impacted current events and the present day.
It matters because “what idiots will think” IS what legacy is.
It matters because legacy isn’t what he has done. Legacy is how he is remembered.
What he has done is his accomplishments. His accomplishments affect his legacy, but they are not his legacy.
And Kobe cares about his legacy. That is, he cares about how he is remembered — not just by us, but by the world. So what the world thinks, and more importantly, what they WILL think when it’s all done, matters. It matters because it matters to Kobe.
Here’s why you guys are arguing in circles: Wondah is arguing legacy, SoCalGirl and Cool Dudes are arguing accomplishments. Wondah is making the point that a loss here would be a black mark on Kobe’s legacy; in this, he is absolutely correct. SoCalGirl and Cool Dudes are making the point that a loss here does nothing to diminish Kobe’s accomplishments; in this, they are also absolutely correct.
But that point doesn’t actually refute Wondah’s point in any way. In fact, Wondah agrees with you regarding Kobe’s accomplishments — that is, that they can never be diminished, regardless of what happens from here on out.
But at the end of the day, legacy does not refer to accomplishments, it refers to memory. And memory, especially as the masses are concerned, is based on perception, not fact. Therefore, the perceptions of the masses, and the way this series will influence those perceptions, matters. It will, whether we like it or not, affect how the general public remembers him.
That’s what legacy is, and it matters to Kobe, and it’s definitely on the line here.
16...15...14...13...12...11...10...9...8...7...6...5...4...
by Josh Tucker on May 31, 2010 10:10 PM PDT up reply actions 1 recs
You blow me away with your argument
I’m sorry but there is an truth. If I jump up, gravity will take me back to earth. That is a truth that can be proven. Kobe Bryant has proven again and again that he is one of the greatest player ever. Falling over yourself trying to cater to subjectivity even when you acknowledge it is ignorant is absurd.
Every player who has ever played has had had failures. Jordan didn’t win a Championship every year he played. It is ridiculous to pretend otherwise.
I'm confused
how you can still miss the point. No one is talking facts. We’re talking how they are perceived, yet you still say things like:
I’m sorry but there is an truth. If I jump up, gravity will take me back to earth. That is a truth that can be proven. Kobe Bryant has proven again and again that he is one of the greatest player ever.
Who is arguing against that? No one. But how others view it matters very much for Kobe’s argument. That is the point. Please keep up. You’re talking black and white and the conversation is gray.
http://twitter.com/wondahbap
Good for you.
But it matters what other thin in order for Kobe’s legacy to be viewed properly. We already know, but why do we have debate or discussion about sports, or even blogs? Because we do care what is thought. If you didn’t then there would be no need or reason to voice an opinion about it.
And NO, his legacy isn’t a done deal, he’s still building and wants more. Kobe wants more. What he wants has to result in a Chip this year. If he loses, it tears down what he wants most. To be considered the greatest of all time, or at least be realistically in the same breath as Mike. That’s the point of extrapolating.
http://twitter.com/wondahbap
Doesn't Kobe want his own mark? He doesn't want comparisons to MJ? Right?
He’s etched his own glory.
by rickfox on May 31, 2010 10:18 PM PDT up reply actions
Any road to GOAT goes through Jordan.
His “own” mark is just PR. Lip service for those whom think it’s blasphemy for him to think he should be mentioned. Others can say it. Not him.
http://twitter.com/wondahbap
Correct
What he wants isn’t to be compared to MJ. What he wants is to be considered the GOAT. It’s simply that being compared to MJ is a necessary step in the process of attaining GOAT status.
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by Josh Tucker on May 31, 2010 10:34 PM PDT up reply actions
i have his email if you want it
www.reverbnation.com/czheckproductions
www.mybeatshop.com/czheckproductions
Great men are never without flaws, but neither are they without magnificent traits that caused them to rise to such heights.
I will send him a text....
hang on.
Billy Mac: "Lamar, can you see yourself actually getting in the (boxing) ring"?
Lamar Odom: "No. My face is too pretty."
i HATE kobe bryant!!
Here’s video of kobes Cocky Jab…and this is why I DONT LIKE KOBE!
http://www.3n1sports.com/basketball/kobes-cocky-jab-and-this-is-why-i-dont-like-kobe
um....
sorry, not gonna click. =-)
Billy Mac: "Lamar, can you see yourself actually getting in the (boxing) ring"?
Lamar Odom: "No. My face is too pretty."
I thought that was so funny. Later on when they asked Gentry about it, he said he's known Kobe since he was 16 and that they have a great relationship.
"Prejudice not founded on reason cannot be removed by argument." - Samuel Johnson
lmao
if you hate Kobe, then why are you coming here to complain about him?? To be an attention whore like our friend from Golden State of Mind?? Besides that whole tap thing was all in good nature, even Gentry was cool with it. I laugh at you haters looking for little petty things like this to whine about.
"Just by the aura of D.J. Mbenga being there, the shot missed."
if you hate kobe for this hate jordan for it
hate equally thats what i say.

www.reverbnation.com/czheckproductions
www.mybeatshop.com/czheckproductions
Great men are never without flaws, but neither are they without magnificent traits that caused them to rise to such heights.
OK You have now posted the exact same thing three times (once on another post ... and maybe others I haven't seen...)
One more time, and I will consider you a spammer.
Consider this a warning.
"This is not a game for boys. This is a game for men." - Phil Jackson
what took you? or any of the mods even...
"E-Coaches are heavy in here tonight! Take E-Sasha and put him on the E-bench on your fantasy league, that’ll show him!" - Jevon O
PP
http://sports.espn.go.com/boston/nba/news/story?id=5236308
“… Paul Pierce says he has bump and bruises and his words quote you dont even wana know about” lol wow the wheel chairs need to be out already
Not a whole lot of talk about Ray Allen here, I've noticed
He’s probably someone the Lakers should be concerned about (well, I’m sure they are, just pointing out for the fans something that is not getting a lot of consideration).
"This is not a game for boys. This is a game for men." - Phil Jackson
There's def concern about Allen, although, Gil, I'm impressed with Fish's resiliency running through screens
by rickfox on May 31, 2010 9:02 PM PDT up reply actions
Agreed
A shooter needs space. Ray Allen becomes deadly if you go under those screens. But he’s too old to be cutting to the hoop regularly, and if there’s one thing Fish is good at defensively, it’s fighting over screens.
16...15...14...13...12...11...10...9...8...7...6...5...4...
by Josh Tucker on May 31, 2010 10:11 PM PDT up reply actions
Yes and No
I’m sure Kobe’s Legacy doesn’t need a win over Boston for me to define it or question it but for the Media yes they believe Kobe needs to because it’s just another story, another way at trying to make Kobe seem less then what he is. Media needs people and they need something interesting for people who dislike Kobe to have another dager to throw at those who support Kobe. Win or lose, I don’t care, Kobe is a masterful basketball player, skills untouchable, has been to the top numerous times, his will untouchable and that is all that matters to me, his legacy will always be complete and great in my eyes, forget those who think otherwise.
There are basic Fundamentals that are needed to move forward in this game. Always keep your guard up at all times to avoid being caught in a trap. Overcome the fouls that will be committed against you REBOUND AND PRESS ON. ADJUST to the Limelight: ALL-STAR PLAYERS ARE ALWAYS THE CENTER OF ATTENTION. Know what your role is and play your position. Find a game plan and execute it. REMEMBER YOU ONLY GET OUT OF THE GAME WHAT YOU PUT INTO IT.
First off Im a Laker fan first and foremost
I dont ride Kobe’s nuts like half the bandwagon riders do and if anything I think the Kobe Shaq era ‘ruined’ the way the public thought of the Lakers in ever wich way possible. If you were aware from 1980 on, you know of what I speak. but I will say this:
I got to see all the greats of my generation play Dr.J, Kareem, Magic, Bird, Jordan etc and ill be gawd damned if Mr. Bryant doesnt have a better all around skill set then ALL of them. ( Im not saying hes the passer Magic was, or the fluidity of Dr J etc.) Every now and then I am just amazed at his game and think to myself, wow. he’s better than Jordan was. Thats no small statement. I have a theory that Kobe will not be truly appreciated untill he is done and then we are all going to sit back and say wtf did we just witness? ( REALLY witness ). 81 points in single game, a non MVP year (?)
and then here’s what I really see happening, a threepeat. that’s right: I said it here.
Kobe and the Lakers will threepeat. not just this year but next. and his legacy will be unquestioned at that point. " the Big Aristotle? " Just call me Nostrashuggamous.
" Get out of my way Saturn! "
by Captain $hugg on May 31, 2010 9:16 PM PDT reply actions 7 recs
I like your style Mr. Nostrahuggamous
I like it a lot.
For me its the consistent inconsistency that concerns me - PAGFL
It's always AMMO Time, in spirit- DexterFishmore
+1 and rec
pure epicness
www.reverbnation.com/czheckproductions
www.mybeatshop.com/czheckproductions
Great men are never without flaws, but neither are they without magnificent traits that caused them to rise to such heights.
i did a photo shop of what i think nostrashuggamous would look like
if you want i will post it
www.reverbnation.com/czheckproductions
www.mybeatshop.com/czheckproductions
Great men are never without flaws, but neither are they without magnificent traits that caused them to rise to such heights.
yes please!
" Get out of my way Saturn! "
by Captain $hugg on May 31, 2010 11:33 PM PDT up reply actions
I Present to you Mr.Nostrashuggamous

www.reverbnation.com/czheckproductions
www.mybeatshop.com/czheckproductions
Great men are never without flaws, but neither are they without magnificent traits that caused them to rise to such heights.
by Czheck on May 31, 2010 11:41 PM PDT up reply actions 1 recs
hahaha
shaqfor3 may be getting a run for his money around here ;)
" Get out of my way Saturn! "
by Captain $hugg on Jun 1, 2010 12:25 AM PDT up reply actions
my thoughts exactly
"E-Coaches are heavy in here tonight! Take E-Sasha and put him on the E-bench on your fantasy league, that’ll show him!" - Jevon O
I just wiped a tear.....
"They call me the Muffin Man"
by true_lakerfan on Jun 1, 2010 11:52 AM PDT up reply actions
I've hear a lot of rancour about Ronnie Turiaf this year, he was a liability in the Finals
As much as we all loved Ronnie, the hustle, the effort he gave, he was a liability on the floor in the finals, he got killed against the starters, Eddie House, P.J. Brown, James Posey, EVEN Leon Powe. He had no speed or quickness.
by rickfox on May 31, 2010 9:17 PM PDT reply actions
Nice, what you get sauced on?
I haven’t been too bent in a long while, but I did go and drink a bunch of these Belgian Beers. They were epic …
For me its the consistent inconsistency that concerns me - PAGFL
It's always AMMO Time, in spirit- DexterFishmore
combination, Corona Extra, Hypnotiq, and lovely French Cherry
by rickfox on May 31, 2010 9:21 PM PDT up reply actions
Oh sweet! You know who the 2007 Hypnotiq spokesman was right?

You think he invited Dragic to that party?
For me its the consistent inconsistency that concerns me - PAGFL
It's always AMMO Time, in spirit- DexterFishmore
lol....
I just puked a little.
Billy Mac: "Lamar, can you see yourself actually getting in the (boxing) ring"?
Lamar Odom: "No. My face is too pretty."
Oh, everybody, shaqfor3 is a Dragic fan!
Heh, sorry, couldn’t resist. It is very ugly now, isn’t it…
For me its the consistent inconsistency that concerns me - PAGFL
It's always AMMO Time, in spirit- DexterFishmore
you're one twisted, demented, sick sense of humor, hell we're family now.
LOL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
by rickfox on May 31, 2010 9:40 PM PDT up reply actions
Hahah
Yeah, I think a bar load of us would be off the hookage… seriously. Next year, SSR game night is going to happen.
For me its the consistent inconsistency that concerns me - PAGFL
It's always AMMO Time, in spirit- DexterFishmore
I'd come down from Canada, if you promised to be this funny.
I swear to God
by rickfox on May 31, 2010 9:42 PM PDT up reply actions
Oh hell yeah
Canadians kick ass, and they drink heavy. We’d end up in TJ with Los Lakers tattooed on our asse… erm… arms…
For me its the consistent inconsistency that concerns me - PAGFL
It's always AMMO Time, in spirit- DexterFishmore
I'm a hold you to that bro, you got the stones?
by rickfox on May 31, 2010 9:45 PM PDT up reply actions
Dude, with enough tequila
I’ve got granite in muh skivvies.
Just make sure you give me a black eye so I can tell my wife a cult of midget gypsies captured us and forced us to get the tattoo.
For me its the consistent inconsistency that concerns me - PAGFL
It's always AMMO Time, in spirit- DexterFishmore
LOL, no kidding, gross!
"Prejudice not founded on reason cannot be removed by argument." - Samuel Johnson
'ohh haaaaaaay!'
" Get out of my way Saturn! "
by Captain $hugg on Jun 1, 2010 12:25 AM PDT up reply actions
We really need to take care of business this time around
Like others here, I would be really pissed and demoralized if we lost to the Celtics again. It would show that Kobe and the Lakers can’t beat Boston. A loss won’t change his legacy because that is totally rediculous. However I would see how the media would look at it that way
I totally agree with Captain $hugg above in that Kobe won’t be truely appreciated til his career is over. If that is the case then there will be people out there that missed the train ride.
Floyd Little: HOF Class of 2010.
2009 NBA Champions L.A Lakers
2009 NBA Finals MVP Kobe Bryant
I wouldn't say pissed or demoralized, shit, we've lost 9 times, I'm not bugging either way,
Look bro, it ain’t gonna be a cakewalk, I think we win in 7 games, 6 [if we go up 2-0]
My view, is relax and enjoy and epic Finals
by rickfox on May 31, 2010 9:25 PM PDT up reply actions
I think 6.
I think we win G1, 2… and take 1 of 3 in Boston.
The half-crazed ramblings of a Lakers fanatic living in Japan...
Like the confidence, like I said, if we split it's 7, I think we can take both games, a lot of effort
by rickfox on May 31, 2010 9:28 PM PDT up reply actions
I think...
That LA winning the first two in LA will be easier than Boston winning all 3 at home.
I like our chances of winning 1 and 2. Then I really like LA’s chances of winning one of their 3 at Boston.
And if the Lakers come back to Staples with a victory in Boston?
Fohgeddabowdit.
The half-crazed ramblings of a Lakers fanatic living in Japan...
This is why HCA is important in the Finals
Doesn’t matter what the names of the two teams are, just which one is home, and which one is away.
"This is not a game for boys. This is a game for men." - Phil Jackson
No cakewalk by any means of course
It is just that losing to them again in the Finals would totally suck.
Floyd Little: HOF Class of 2010.
2009 NBA Champions L.A Lakers
2009 NBA Finals MVP Kobe Bryant
I know, I don't even want to think about puking yet, God, knows I stumbled out of the bar
pissed off, in front of Celtic fans
by rickfox on May 31, 2010 9:29 PM PDT up reply actions
just think about lakers fans in the 60s and you'll feel better
You can't pick that ball up and run with it
-Phil Jackson
Yea, still, I'm not bugging either way, once it's all out of your system, you feel a lot better
Alcohol and a humilating loss, that only alcohol could tame, if that very moment, you weren’t seething with rage that only alcohol could tame.
by rickfox on May 31, 2010 10:05 PM PDT up reply actions
Look at it this way, Ron Artest is not taking shit from anybody out there, along w/Kobe
That’s the kick-ass attitude we need.
No one needs a reminder, that VladRad is a powder puff
by rickfox on May 31, 2010 9:33 PM PDT reply actions
i think this video is highly relevent
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FctyXECwik0&playnext_from=TL&videos=SzHiWEI8Syk
www.reverbnation.com/czheckproductions
www.mybeatshop.com/czheckproductions
Great men are never without flaws, but neither are they without magnificent traits that caused them to rise to such heights.
"cry little bitch"
lol
Billy Mac: "Lamar, can you see yourself actually getting in the (boxing) ring"?
Lamar Odom: "No. My face is too pretty."
Ron might be crazy, crazy like a fox in the finals, he's not getting into foul trouble
Not now, that he’s a gem on the offensive end, if Boston toys, with leaving him open, OMG, It’s the biggest mistake the Celtics would ever make.
by rickfox on May 31, 2010 9:43 PM PDT reply actions
gem on the offensive end
…ron’s been inconsistent with 3’s all season and throughout the playoffs. i think lakers fans still cringe when he takes that skeptical 3.
40% percent his whole career from 3, he's changed his game all over to win a Chip
by rickfox on May 31, 2010 10:20 PM PDT up reply actions
Well, that's incorrect, too.
34% on his career. Quite a few years in the 36-38%. Several long stretches of 40%, including an entire year and a half leading up to this year’s All-Star Game. And a general upward trend throughout his entire career. But not quite 40% his whole career.
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by Josh Tucker on May 31, 2010 10:22 PM PDT up reply actions
"all season" is incorrect.
Prior to the All-Star break he shot 40% from three. No shit. He also shot 40% from three all of last season. That’s a year and a half of shooting 40% from three. I’d say the slump is more likely to be the fluke, than the other way around.
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by Josh Tucker on May 31, 2010 10:20 PM PDT up reply actions
this vid
hahahahahahahahahaha
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=slBNelHnhyk&feature=related
"Just by the aura of D.J. Mbenga being there, the shot missed."
I don't think
you’ll see Kobe high fiving any kids in Celtics jerseys.
Would you high five a kid in a Celtics jersey if you saw him next week?
Come on people, put this shit in perspective
The greatest trick the devil ever pulled was convincing the world he didn't exist.
If i was Kobe, and I'm not!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I'd set those kids on fire!!!!!!!!!!! every Celtics fan can rot
in Basketball Hell!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
by rickfox on May 31, 2010 9:55 PM PDT up reply actions 1 recs
Oh my, everybody has to go here and watch the Sasha video
hahaha
http://www.sashavujacic18.com/
For me its the consistent inconsistency that concerns me - PAGFL
It's always AMMO Time, in spirit- DexterFishmore
lmfao richard branson
www.reverbnation.com/czheckproductions
www.mybeatshop.com/czheckproductions
Great men are never without flaws, but neither are they without magnificent traits that caused them to rise to such heights.
Dragic could probably the first Slovenian, to win an Oscar
by rickfox on May 31, 2010 9:47 PM PDT up reply actions
the should trade dragic to the magic, just for comedic purposes.
"Just by the aura of D.J. Mbenga being there, the shot missed."
oh and thats probably the only time you will see a picture of Michael Jordan and Sasha on the same webpage
"Just by the aura of D.J. Mbenga being there, the shot missed."
Heh, yeah hanes? nice
For me its the consistent inconsistency that concerns me - PAGFL
It's always AMMO Time, in spirit- DexterFishmore
we need to get 1000+ comments on this thread
anyone not doing anything important for the next 65 hours?
"Just by the aura of D.J. Mbenga being there, the shot missed."
last one hit 1k, didn't it?
or one recently (that wasn’t a game thread)?
It’s impossible to keep up with threads anymore. Part of me yearns for “old school” SSnR (like 5 weeks ago).
The greatest trick the devil ever pulled was convincing the world he didn't exist.
yeah
the one Josh and Bkj were chatting on.
"Just by the aura of D.J. Mbenga being there, the shot missed."
Too bad Josh has a life, otherwise, I'd think He'd make it a priority
by rickfox on May 31, 2010 9:58 PM PDT up reply actions
ROFL
Don’t think I don’t miss it.
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by Josh Tucker on May 31, 2010 10:24 PM PDT up reply actions
About that., a note from your friendly moderators
Justin’s right, it is impossible to read all these comments, especially when you spend most of your day in an office that frowns upon blog reading and writing.
So, do me and the other mods a favor. If you want somebody gone for trolling, make sure you make use of the flag feature (under actions). Normally you all don’t use it, and normally it doesn’t matter because not much convo slips through the cracks. But we definitely need it if there is to be any semblance of troll monitoring on our end.
The activity around here is simply awesome (in the true meaning of the word).
ARE YOU FUCKING SERIOUS??
did they just call him one of the NBA’s top marksmen?? have they been watching basketball the last two years?????
"Just by the aura of D.J. Mbenga being there, the shot missed."
Who? Who? I've lost track of the conversation?
by rickfox on May 31, 2010 10:01 PM PDT up reply actions
its at least a year old
www.reverbnation.com/czheckproductions
www.mybeatshop.com/czheckproductions
Great men are never without flaws, but neither are they without magnificent traits that caused them to rise to such heights.
Where the hell is Purple and Gold For Life
This is the ground floor for actin’ stupid, and he isn’t here.
by rickfox on May 31, 2010 10:08 PM PDT reply actions
lol
"If you want to find the dumbest guy in the room just find the first guy to tell you how smart he is." - JG
"The fact that the Lakers have played to such a high level even through the injuries is a testament to their skill, abilities, and resiliency." - 99bc99
by PURPLE AND GOLD FOR LIFE on May 31, 2010 10:25 PM PDT up reply actions
whats up
just finish reading this article.
"If you want to find the dumbest guy in the room just find the first guy to tell you how smart he is." - JG
"The fact that the Lakers have played to such a high level even through the injuries is a testament to their skill, abilities, and resiliency." - 99bc99
by PURPLE AND GOLD FOR LIFE on May 31, 2010 11:04 PM PDT up reply actions
nothing? You're staring at four walls? is that right?
by rickfox on May 31, 2010 10:19 PM PDT up reply actions
Wtf!!!!!!! to do about you, you're alright man, staring at four walls, stop it,
THAT’S BAD FOR YOU!!!!!!
by rickfox on May 31, 2010 10:30 PM PDT up reply actions
This is madness? This is SILVERSCREENANDROLL.COM!!!!!!!!!!!!
Thought I’d break the…well, break.
by rickfox on May 31, 2010 10:39 PM PDT reply actions
We can only talk and write so much
Go make something.
A sandwich, a house of cards, ice sculpture, Luke Walton montage… actually, I have more to talk about right now.
"This is not a game for boys. This is a game for men." - Phil Jackson
by Gil Meriken on May 31, 2010 10:43 PM PDT up reply actions
good write up. i agree. i think kobe has to win this title. he then should be considered the greatest player of his generation. what’s more, he should probably be considered the best laker ever, as well.
"the man who created a legend; the legend who resurrected a franchise."
Some of us already ascribe to both.
Win this, and the perception will be universal. And that’s the point.
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by Josh Tucker on May 31, 2010 11:07 PM PDT up reply actions
Well said.
You sure you’re not trying to ease your way back to the site? :)
Queensbridge.
by bluexfalcon on May 31, 2010 11:08 PM PDT up reply actions
Afraid not.
Just here for a late May/early June visit. It’s kinda like the park — a time comes when you just aren’t able to go play in the park all day every day. But that doesn’t mean you don’t find some time and make a day of it every now and then, when the weather is nice.
Probably will ease back slightly, overall, but not to this degree. Next year, during the regular season, I’m going to shoot for something more moderate. Pop my head up every couple of weeks, that kind of thing. I’m too all or nothing, gotta find some balance.
“Everything in moderation.” For some of us, easier said…
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by Josh Tucker on May 31, 2010 11:13 PM PDT up reply actions
u coming to the parade this year again ?
"the man who created a legend; the legend who resurrected a franchise."
now
this is a good one. i’m gonna shit on you if it doesn’t happen, chaucer
"E-Coaches are heavy in here tonight! Take E-Sasha and put him on the E-bench on your fantasy league, that’ll show him!" - Jevon O
you better come earlier
i like your writing, long or whatever. so…..
"E-Coaches are heavy in here tonight! Take E-Sasha and put him on the E-bench on your fantasy league, that’ll show him!" - Jevon O
Unfortunately whenever Kobe's legacy is discussed
for those who refuse to acknowledge his success they do so more for a dislike for his personality and past actions off the court rather what he has done on it. It isn’t that people dont think he is one of the greatest it is that anyone who doesn’t like him wont admit it because they dislike him as a person. Ever since Kobe’s image took a hit so did his career and he will forever have an up hill battle. The unfortunate part is that those same critics cant seperate his game from their dislike for him.
I was having a discussion with someone who I asked if they thought Kobe was good enough to adjust to the Celtic’s defense. And the response was, “Fuck Kobe! I think he is scum and I have never liked him!” Ok but what about the basketball related question regarding his game? That common every day Kobe hatred. The sad part is that reporters, writers or anyone in the sports world also view him in the same manner.
"If you want to find the dumbest guy in the room just find the first guy to tell you how smart he is." - JG
"The fact that the Lakers have played to such a high level even through the injuries is a testament to their skill, abilities, and resiliency." - 99bc99
by PURPLE AND GOLD FOR LIFE on May 31, 2010 11:33 PM PDT reply actions
Wow
Speaking of flip-floppers, Doyel last year notoriously downplayed Kobe’s role in helping LA win the title. He even went so far as to say that after Game 4 against Magic when Fisher hit those clutch 3’s, that it was because of Fisher and not Bryant that LA was gonna win. Now he’s advocating for Kobe.
Interesting switch.
What is the nature of your thoughts, gentlemen, when you say "fuddle duddle" or something like that?
Years ago after Shaq had left the Lakers
TNT had an unofficial list of their own made up by Kenny, Ernie, Charles and all the staff. They had the question that if they picked at the time 10 additional players who should be added to the NBA’s office 50 greatest players who would they be. Everyone had two unanimous choices Kobe and Duncan except for Barkley. He got roasted for not picking Kobe. He picked Mark Aguire or Vinnie Johnson from the pistons. Hilarious!
"If you want to find the dumbest guy in the room just find the first guy to tell you how smart he is." - JG
"The fact that the Lakers have played to such a high level even through the injuries is a testament to their skill, abilities, and resiliency." - 99bc99
by PURPLE AND GOLD FOR LIFE on Jun 1, 2010 12:00 AM PDT up reply actions
A man after my heart lol
Not because he picked Kobe but because he attacked stats and those who live solely by them.
"If you want to find the dumbest guy in the room just find the first guy to tell you how smart he is." - JG
"The fact that the Lakers have played to such a high level even through the injuries is a testament to their skill, abilities, and resiliency." - 99bc99
by PURPLE AND GOLD FOR LIFE on May 31, 2010 11:47 PM PDT up reply actions
Expect more of them once Kobe destroy the Celtics.
"Love me or hate me; it's one or the other. Always has been. Hate my game, my swagger. Hate my fade-away, my hunger. Hate that I'm a veteran. A champion. Hate that. Hate it with all your heart. And hate that I'm loved for the exact same reasons." - Kobe Bryant
defenitely
"If you want to find the dumbest guy in the room just find the first guy to tell you how smart he is." - JG
"The fact that the Lakers have played to such a high level even through the injuries is a testament to their skill, abilities, and resiliency." - 99bc99
by PURPLE AND GOLD FOR LIFE on May 31, 2010 11:57 PM PDT up reply actions
is he trying to say kobe bryant has intangibles
www.reverbnation.com/czheckproductions
www.mybeatshop.com/czheckproductions
Great men are never without flaws, but neither are they without magnificent traits that caused them to rise to such heights.
lol pretty much
"If you want to find the dumbest guy in the room just find the first guy to tell you how smart he is." - JG
"The fact that the Lakers have played to such a high level even through the injuries is a testament to their skill, abilities, and resiliency." - 99bc99
by PURPLE AND GOLD FOR LIFE on May 31, 2010 11:58 PM PDT up reply actions
No
But maybe you are?
For me its the consistent inconsistency that concerns me - PAGFL
It's always AMMO Time, in spirit- DexterFishmore
did you see captain nostrashuggamous?
above?
www.reverbnation.com/czheckproductions
www.mybeatshop.com/czheckproductions
Great men are never without flaws, but neither are they without magnificent traits that caused them to rise to such heights.
Silly Czheck, I saw that 3 years ago
… it’s the way we Nostradami roll yo.
For me its the consistent inconsistency that concerns me - PAGFL
It's always AMMO Time, in spirit- DexterFishmore
thats taken from
a pic of me destroying myself skating a spot for 3 hours, looking up like " im so damn determined to land this trick ", or in this case: predict Kobe’s threepeat legacy as a future…
" Get out of my way Saturn! "
by Captain $hugg on Jun 1, 2010 12:33 AM PDT up reply actions
So since Im bored
What do you think would happen to Pau if he showed up in Boston like this?

You can't pick that ball up and run with it
-Phil Jackson
they would prob not guard him because they wouldnt know who he was
www.reverbnation.com/czheckproductions
www.mybeatshop.com/czheckproductions
Great men are never without flaws, but neither are they without magnificent traits that caused them to rise to such heights.
I think this picture was taken after game 6 of the finals
"Just by the aura of D.J. Mbenga being there, the shot missed."
Is that Ugly Betty?
For me its the consistent inconsistency that concerns me - PAGFL
It's always AMMO Time, in spirit- DexterFishmore
That is awesome. Sydney Opera House on a sleveless T with seagulls?
Comedy gold.
The half-crazed ramblings of a Lakers fanatic living in Japan...
I went to the opera house once
and I took this picture:

"Just by the aura of D.J. Mbenga being there, the shot missed."
That’s my hometown. :) Great picture!
Hello Laker fans, I was persuaded to come and check this place out by Gil. Looking forward to a great series!!
Aussie Girl, Celtics Fan.
I guess it's up to me to welcome the guest and serve drinks
Sigh…I’m happy y’all beat Orlando. Makes me feel better about our catastrophic defeat. Now, if you dethrone the Lakers, we can go down saying we got our asses handed to us by a team that not even Kobe and the defending champions could stop.
Saying "Hello With Malice" seven times will wake the dead.
Thanks Wave. :)
Can’t lie, I’m super happy that we’re in the Finals again, but I know how much it sucks when your season ends prematurely, so I’ll be respectful and simply say that I’m sorry that you have to watch from that perspective this year.
I’m just glad for the chance to do this all over again. I’ve organised to have time off work in order to sit at home and watch it all unfold live. Perhaps next year I can make it stateside and actually GO to some games.
I’m real interested in the Laker point of view, but forgive me in advance if the C’s bashing gets bad and I make myself scarce. Just that LA Times article joking about PP getting stabbed was enough to really p*ss me off this morning. :)
Aussie Girl, Celtics Fan.
If you think that pisses you off think of what was said about Pierce in one
article trust me we have been hearing worst shit about Kobe for years now. The media will be the media.
By the way C’s bashing here is just normal trash talking but not once will you be unwelcomed here. Welcome.
"If you want to find the dumbest guy in the room just find the first guy to tell you how smart he is." - JG
"The fact that the Lakers have played to such a high level even through the injuries is a testament to their skill, abilities, and resiliency." - 99bc99
by PURPLE AND GOLD FOR LIFE on Jun 1, 2010 2:13 AM PDT up reply actions
definitly welcome.
this is the one time in my whole life I found myself ( and I think others here will mirror my response ) rooting for the Celtics.
I wanted you guys to beat Cleveland. I wanted you guys to beat Orlando, Ive actually come to respect the Celtics for the first time this year as much in the same way Ive come to respect the Spurs— who were mortal enemies to me for so long.
but now I realize, much as I’m sure Larry and Magic did, that you need each other to bring out greatness. This is what we all covet. What we’ve all been waiting for, I for one look forward to a great series and will be rooting for the Lakers on the tip of my toes on each and every play…
Let the games begin!
" Get out of my way Saturn! "
by Captain $hugg on Jun 1, 2010 2:30 AM PDT up reply actions
$hugg – I definitely agree with you on the whole needing each other to bring out greatness thing. Nothing gets me as anxious/nervous/sick to my stomach as playing the Lakers. I am absolutely looking forward to what will be an incredible series.
I really appreciate the kind welcome. I don’t know what I thought I was going to get here, but this definitely wasn’t it, so yeah… Thanks. :)
Aussie Girl, Celtics Fan.
been getting that feeling for a long time
for me, nothing in all of sports is anywhere remotely as exciting as Lakers/Celtics NBA Finals. It’s ON!
Oh no, don’t get me wrong, there’s PLENTY of PP/Celtics bashing in and around the media, I was just using that LA Times article as an example for today. The media is… Well, I’m only new here and I don’t wanna get bounced for swearing too much right away. :)
Thanks so much for the welcome, I really appreciate it. Cheers.
Aussie Girl, Celtics Fan.
well
this is the only place I go but i think you’ll be pleasantly surprised and find its a lot different then most around the way, Im stoked to be on here.
The people here at SSR do a damn good job of being fair and inviting to anyone whose decent and respectful— even if their for the other team!
I’m sure youll get a little bit of rousting, but yeah— your a Celtics fan on a Lakers site, lol! It will be fun man— hang out and be a part of the show here, SSR’s a great place to be!
" Get out of my way Saturn! "
by Captain $hugg on Jun 1, 2010 4:24 AM PDT up reply actions
fuck it
we curse a lot because of the games. btw..on your comment on on expecting to feel welcomed I think that is because fans talk so much shit about our fanbase that they end up actually believing it without taking a chance at coming to talk bball. You could even disagree with our point of view that the Lakers are the best organization in the world which im sure you will : ) and you will still be welcomed.
"If you want to find the dumbest guy in the room just find the first guy to tell you how smart he is." - JG
"The fact that the Lakers have played to such a high level even through the injuries is a testament to their skill, abilities, and resiliency." - 99bc99
by PURPLE AND GOLD FOR LIFE on Jun 1, 2010 10:18 AM PDT up reply actions
*lakers is the best
"If you want to find the dumbest guy in the room just find the first guy to tell you how smart he is." - JG
"The fact that the Lakers have played to such a high level even through the injuries is a testament to their skill, abilities, and resiliency." - 99bc99
by PURPLE AND GOLD FOR LIFE on Jun 1, 2010 10:19 AM PDT up reply actions
Hahaha
I have to admit, the only other interaction I have had with Laker fans has been overwhelmingly negative. I’m really happy to see that there’s respectful, intelligent people on the otherside of the line. Instead of the usual trash-talking, Paul-Pierce-needs-a-wheelchair bullshit. (PP is my boy and I admit he flops, but he draws fouls and really, that’s the whole point.)
Of course I’m going to disagree with you about the Lakers being the best organization in the world, I do bleed green afterall. :) But I can respect your dedication to your franchise and it’s players. Obviously, not being a Lakers fan, I don’t have the connection with them, nor do I know the intricacies of their interaction and play. As a Celtics fan, the thing I love most about our guys is that they play together as team. It’s not about who scores what, it’s about finding the right shot and working together for the greater good. We, not me. :)
What this all comes down to is two incredible teams, with deep histories, trying to assert dominance over each other. That can only mean one thing for all us fans, Laker or Celtic – An AWESOME series. I am so looking forward to it. Just had all my leave approved so I don’t have to be at work while the games are on. Now I’m starting to get excited. :)
Aussie Girl, Celtics Fan.
yeah that wheel chair stuff
has to be taken with a grain of salt. It is part of sports. We hear the same stuff about the Lakers. You just have to laugh at that shit. I been hearing shit about Kobe since 1996. Fucking Suns and Utah fans chanting rape and cancer (at fisher). Sick!
believe me we are all going crazy waiting for this shit to start. The Celtics are in the Finals for a reason and so are the Lakers. You have to be proud of your team as we are of ours. I personally dont mind the trash talking. I think this time around the Lakers attitude has finally changed I really hope to see your around here as much as possible. Who knows we might convert you to a Lakers fan…lol
"If you want to find the dumbest guy in the room just find the first guy to tell you how smart he is." - JG
"The fact that the Lakers have played to such a high level even through the injuries is a testament to their skill, abilities, and resiliency." - 99bc99
by PURPLE AND GOLD FOR LIFE on Jun 1, 2010 5:34 PM PDT up reply actions
Wtf? Yelling ‘cancer’ at Derek Fisher? That’s low. I hate Quentin Richardson like crazy, but I wouldn’t stoop to dissing him about his brothers or mother. Brandy breaking up with him, however? Fair game! :) I try to take everything I read re: C’s with a grain of salt because I know that people are just going to talk for the sake of talking and really, when the only thing someone can say about my boy is that he “needs a wheelchair”, then they obviously can’t find anything else to throw out there. Bit of a cop-out, really.
Trash-talking can be fun, long as people know the boundaries – Which, I’m learning that the Laker fans here already know. I think I’ll definitely be around these parts over the coming week or two. But I reserve the right to disappear if we get our asses whooped. :) I don’t see that happening, I think this is going to be a long, tough fight and while I believe in my boys and think we’ll be bringing home Banner 18, I know that anything can happen.
….except converting me to a Lakers fan. Somethings are just too out of this world to contemplate! :)
Aussie Girl, Celtics Fan.
No lie
Check out the link after fisher left for the Lakers cause his daughter had cancer.
http://i100.photobucket.com/albums/m22/nwobadguy/UtahJazzFans.jpg
Exactly that is the best way to look at it. That is how I feel about Kobe. No matter what anyone says he has 4 rings. Anything else is just laughable.
I think that trash talking is one thing but what changes it between fans is when it gets personal. That shit just ruins it. I think we all reserve the right to leave if either team gets their ass handed to them.
Just come over on the game threads if you like and you will see how great this site is. You dont have to like our team but you hopefully can learn to respect each others’ fandom. If we talk basketball i’m sure you will have fun.
"If you want to find the dumbest guy in the room just find the first guy to tell you how smart he is." - JG
"The fact that the Lakers have played to such a high level even through the injuries is a testament to their skill, abilities, and resiliency." - 99bc99
by PURPLE AND GOLD FOR LIFE on Jun 1, 2010 7:18 PM PDT up reply actions
Wow. That’s just…. Low. :( It’s a little girl, ffs. Just-.. UGH. So wrong!
I refrain from using the ‘R’ word in public when it comes to Kobe. I won’t lie, I call him all kinds of names when I’m sitting in my house, in front of my tv. But that’s in the privacy of my own home. I would never say half those things if I was at a game. Call him an asshole, maybe. Boo him? For sure. But some things have no place on a basketball court and low blow personal attacks definitely fit in that category.
I’ll take you up on the suggestion to drop into the game threads. Celtics Blog in one tab, SSnR in the other. :)
Aussie Girl, Celtics Fan.
I think that we all say some shit when we are away and we say a lot of shit. But its hard not to say or talk shit. You know that KG lives here in LA and I dont think I would say shit to him if I ever seen him.
lol hopefully you do stop by.
"If you want to find the dumbest guy in the room just find the first guy to tell you how smart he is." - JG
"The fact that the Lakers have played to such a high level even through the injuries is a testament to their skill, abilities, and resiliency." - 99bc99
by PURPLE AND GOLD FOR LIFE on Jun 2, 2010 6:04 AM PDT up reply actions
f you wave....
"E-Coaches are heavy in here tonight! Take E-Sasha and put him on the E-bench on your fantasy league, that’ll show him!" - Jevon O
lol
"If you want to find the dumbest guy in the room just find the first guy to tell you how smart he is." - JG
"The fact that the Lakers have played to such a high level even through the injuries is a testament to their skill, abilities, and resiliency." - 99bc99
by PURPLE AND GOLD FOR LIFE on Jun 1, 2010 10:21 AM PDT up reply actions
Come on, altree
I love you guys more than even California Waves does, but what about my pride? What about my morale? It’s not enough that my team completely fell apart in the second round and the entire franchise is in a state of chaos, but now we have to admit that we lost to a team that couldn’t win the championship this year? Meaning that our team really wasn’t all that good? Is that how it has to be?
Saying "Hello With Malice" seven times will wake the dead.
Hey there, how was your graduation?
Must be great to be done.
"Prejudice not founded on reason cannot be removed by argument." - Samuel Johnson
that girls is cute
Kobe: "I'll do whatever it takes to win games, whether it's sitting on a bench waving a towel, handing a cup of water to a teammate, or hitting the game-winning shot."
hmmm... I'll have to kindly disagree
by the looks of pau’s face, he does too
I LOVE IT!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lmj-9-rKWPo
Kobe: "I'll do whatever it takes to win games, whether it's sitting on a bench waving a towel, handing a cup of water to a teammate, or hitting the game-winning shot."
check the 22 second mark
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OxE4ItAtvcA&feature=related
You can't pick that ball up and run with it
-Phil Jackson
If you could make your own "Where (whatever) happens" video, what would you do?
Saying "Hello With Malice" seven times will wake the dead.
derek fisher .4
www.reverbnation.com/czheckproductions
www.mybeatshop.com/czheckproductions
Great men are never without flaws, but neither are they without magnificent traits that caused them to rise to such heights.
on an unrelated note
does anybody understand the term “fakers”? what are we faking?
by malmario on Jun 1, 2010 1:23 AM PDT via mobile reply actions
it's the first negative word they can come up with that rhymes with lakers
I want to call you the LA Bakers and Candlestick Makers, but that takes too long to say and makes no sense.
Saying "Hello With Malice" seven times will wake the dead.
King-makers? Heart-breakers? Soul-takers?
The half-crazed ramblings of a Lakers fanatic living in Japan...
Oh wait, I got it! Flakers! Yeah, that’s what I could call you.
Saying "Hello With Malice" seven times will wake the dead.
Three minutes... and that's what you came up with?
The half-crazed ramblings of a Lakers fanatic living in Japan...
Yep, and the best part is
I didn’t use anything like a rhyming word generator online. You know I get points for being original…you’ve never heard this one before. Am I right?
Saying "Hello With Malice" seven times will wake the dead.
Neither did I (use anything other than my mind to form rhymes)...
Although I did almost end up sounding like a Pat Benetar song…
The half-crazed ramblings of a Lakers fanatic living in Japan...
I think it has greater relevance to the speaker...
…expressing a desire that the Lakers aren’t the “real deal”.
‘Tis a wish that’s been proven false, time and time again.
The half-crazed ramblings of a Lakers fanatic living in Japan...
im watching game 6 again
bynum just got a and one
www.reverbnation.com/czheckproductions
www.mybeatshop.com/czheckproductions
Great men are never without flaws, but neither are they without magnificent traits that caused them to rise to such heights.
He got hacked on another dunk
Didn’t get the call though.
How you watching the games again?
For me its the consistent inconsistency that concerns me - PAGFL
It's always AMMO Time, in spirit- DexterFishmore
there are places online where you can find these games
i DL them and then put them on dvd to watch
www.reverbnation.com/czheckproductions
www.mybeatshop.com/czheckproductions
Great men are never without flaws, but neither are they without magnificent traits that caused them to rise to such heights.
Places online?
Do tell… do tell…
Night sir, only … pleh… 2 more days till our first victory.
For me its the consistent inconsistency that concerns me - PAGFL
It's always AMMO Time, in spirit- DexterFishmore
yea please tell
due to my work schedule(swingshift) i miss just about every game. i do listen to every game on my phone but i’d like to be able to watch it too.
by lakers are trouble on Jun 1, 2010 1:55 AM PDT up reply actions
don't give an obvious link here, SBNation dissaproves...
be subtle about it, somehow
"Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure."
http://www.silverscreenandroll.com/ - Visit, and be loved. Troll, and die a painful death. =]]
by Saurav A. Das on Jun 1, 2010 3:24 AM PDT up reply actions
though, I doubt SBNation will care
if I suggest that Youtube has a penchant for having Lakers-Celtics regular season games in playlists…
"Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure."
http://www.silverscreenandroll.com/ - Visit, and be loved. Troll, and die a painful death. =]]
by Saurav A. Das on Jun 1, 2010 3:25 AM PDT up reply actions
amongst other games, but those are the full games I'm watching
"Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure."
http://www.silverscreenandroll.com/ - Visit, and be loved. Troll, and die a painful death. =]]
by Saurav A. Das on Jun 1, 2010 3:25 AM PDT up reply actions
Try this...
Google the words “where full game downloads happen”… Voila. :)
Aussie Girl, Celtics Fan.
This comment DOES not include a hidden code on how to few games online
[www.] i don’t know how on earth people watch these games online [nbareplays.] i mean i can never find them, i think they are…. non existent!!! [blogspot.] I honestly think they are just rumours, noone could get away with such a chivalrous act!!! [com]
by Pegasus_Floats on Jun 1, 2010 5:50 AM PDT up reply actions 5 recs
lol
ayos! good one pegasus!
"E-Coaches are heavy in here tonight! Take E-Sasha and put him on the E-bench on your fantasy league, that’ll show him!" - Jevon O
woohoo!!!
yeaaahh greeen mee haha =) i havent had one yet, i am yet to be deflowered in the rec department waits in anticipation
by Pegasus_Floats on Jun 1, 2010 9:04 AM PDT up reply actions
awesome
"If you want to find the dumbest guy in the room just find the first guy to tell you how smart he is." - JG
"The fact that the Lakers have played to such a high level even through the injuries is a testament to their skill, abilities, and resiliency." - 99bc99
by PURPLE AND GOLD FOR LIFE on Jun 1, 2010 10:23 AM PDT up reply actions
I hope he plays better this time around...
The half-crazed ramblings of a Lakers fanatic living in Japan...
lol
is it me, or is it Josh? It’s your fault Josh. Since you decided to grace us with your presence, the threads for each post suddenly goes to more than a hundred (at least!) each time.
"E-Coaches are heavy in here tonight! Take E-Sasha and put him on the E-bench on your fantasy league, that’ll show him!" - Jevon O
thats what I told him over the weekend.
"If you want to find the dumbest guy in the room just find the first guy to tell you how smart he is." - JG
"The fact that the Lakers have played to such a high level even through the injuries is a testament to their skill, abilities, and resiliency." - 99bc99
by PURPLE AND GOLD FOR LIFE on Jun 1, 2010 10:23 AM PDT up reply actions
Celtics fan here
I know I should hate Kobe,but I don’t. Surprisingly,I think he’s a pretty decent guy.
That being said, I hate the Lakers as an organization,obviously :D
dido
I don’t really look at whether he is or isnt a decent guy. That is for his close friends and family to decide. I only care about his game and how many rings he brings this city. At least we know it will be five.
"If you want to find the dumbest guy in the room just find the first guy to tell you how smart he is." - JG
"The fact that the Lakers have played to such a high level even through the injuries is a testament to their skill, abilities, and resiliency." - 99bc99
by PURPLE AND GOLD FOR LIFE on Jun 1, 2010 10:25 AM PDT up reply actions
lol
"If you want to find the dumbest guy in the room just find the first guy to tell you how smart he is." - JG
"The fact that the Lakers have played to such a high level even through the injuries is a testament to their skill, abilities, and resiliency." - 99bc99
by PURPLE AND GOLD FOR LIFE on Jun 1, 2010 5:34 PM PDT up reply actions
by the way does that 81 an homage to Kobe's 81 point game....lmao
"If you want to find the dumbest guy in the room just find the first guy to tell you how smart he is." - JG
"The fact that the Lakers have played to such a high level even through the injuries is a testament to their skill, abilities, and resiliency." - 99bc99
by PURPLE AND GOLD FOR LIFE on Jun 1, 2010 5:35 PM PDT up reply actions
lmao
No no. I was born in 1981. And fick, on it’s own, was already taken. But nice try! :)
Aussie Girl, Celtics Fan.
lol..hey I had to try.
"If you want to find the dumbest guy in the room just find the first guy to tell you how smart he is." - JG
"The fact that the Lakers have played to such a high level even through the injuries is a testament to their skill, abilities, and resiliency." - 99bc99
by PURPLE AND GOLD FOR LIFE on Jun 1, 2010 7:20 PM PDT up reply actions
Hehehehe
But that being said, I prefer you guys winning than the Cavs. Quite a few Celtics fans share the same view
Thats silly! I thought Shaqs nursery rhymes would quickly convince you of a Cleveland championship run!
A king for the ring! A sling for the king(for his elbow)! A ding on the king when he slings the bling!
by Jevon O on Jun 1, 2010 8:04 AM PDT up reply actions 1 recs
I defenitely see that I have actually seen Celtic fans side with Kobe over LBJ
simply because they hate Lebron that much. That is crazy and unexpected.
"If you want to find the dumbest guy in the room just find the first guy to tell you how smart he is." - JG
"The fact that the Lakers have played to such a high level even through the injuries is a testament to their skill, abilities, and resiliency." - 99bc99
by PURPLE AND GOLD FOR LIFE on Jun 1, 2010 10:26 AM PDT up reply actions
its mind blowing
www.reverbnation.com/czheckproductions
www.mybeatshop.com/czheckproductions
Great men are never without flaws, but neither are they without magnificent traits that caused them to rise to such heights.
God,how I hate that chant
I feel sad for the Cavs fans and all,but Lebron just annoys the hell out of me. If you see his comments in the GM 5 post game you’ll understand how obnoxious he is
great article
Wondahbap. I agree with you that winning this is like the topsoil needed for the seeds of ultimate legacy flowers to grow and it certainly is annoying that this debate on how good Kobe is happens year in year out even after all of his accomplishments and all of the skills he’s displayed. To say that it even comes to this for the media is sad. The media and the people who hate anyone named Kobe or hate anyone wearing purple and gold are really missing something special. They’ll be almost as overzealous as those who worship the ground Jordan walks on in spite of the ever-closing gap between Jordan and Kobe’s accomplishments and the already surpassed skillset Kobe displays. People hate witnessing change especially at the hands of someone they despise and until they get past it, I think this discussion will be rehashed continually even if he does win but more people will definitely be won over if he wins.

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