The Official Los Angeles Lakers thread

[GangstaBoogy]

aww fuck opening night is gonne ruin my trick-or-treating!

[Now_Im_Not_Banned]

aww fuck opening night is gonne ruin my trick-or-treating!

LOL...Ain't you a lil too old for that shit?

[Now_Im_Not_Banned]

Bryant called 'questionable to doubtful' for the opener

By Mike Bresnahan, Times Staff Writer
October 27, 2006

The exhibition season has ended for the Lakers. Now the Kobe Bryant watch begins.

He did not suit up for the exhibition finale Thursday against Denver and was called "questionable to doubtful" by a team official for Tuesday's season opener against Phoenix.

Bryant worked out individually on the court before the exhibition in Anaheim but watched the game, a 126-108 Lakers loss, from behind the team bench.

He has said he wants to play, but whether his knee will be fully recovered from off-season surgery is another question.

"I don't know. We'll see," Bryant said Thursday. "I worked out really, really hard [Thursday]. We'll see how it feels in the morning. This is the hardest workout I had. I ran about an hour straight, just doing line drills and things like that. Then I went and shot the ball. It was a little sore afterwards, a little sore now, but nothing major. The big thing is always the next day."

The Lakers aren't pressing him to play in the opener, or the next day against Golden State, keeping in mind the 82-game season.

"We as an organization, we're not going to gamble and try to bring him back too early," assistant coach Kurt Rambis said. "If he feels like that's all the time that he needs and it responds well, and he goes out there and stresses it the way that it needs to be stressed to handle the rigors of playing an NBA game, and it doesn't bother him the following day, he can make that decision."

Bryant is entering his 11th NBA season. He has played 126 playoff games, the equivalent of another season and a half.

He has been known to be a quick healer in the past, although he is behind schedule in returning from mid-July arthroscopic surgery. He was expected to be back in eight to 12 weeks. Saturday marks the beginning of the 16th week.

Thus, the Lakers have been preparing for life without Bryant, just in case.

"In a lot of respects, without knowing it, that's what we've been doing the entire training camp and preseason," Rambis said. "We've been saying all along that we want the guys to learn how to play together. It's going to be the easiest thing for Kobe to come in and assimilate himself."

Maurice Evans has been starting at shooting guard in Bryant's absence.

-

Andrew Bynum continued to play well in the exhibition season, scoring 14 of his 23 points in the first quarter against Denver.

Bynum, who turns 19 today, showed polished moves in the post and made nine of 12 shots. He also had seven rebounds and five assists in 34 minutes.

"I think when [Bryant] gets back, we'll be that much better," Bynum said. "Up until then, I think we'll start off pretty well. We've got a lot of home games to start with. We should go, like, 15-5, at the least."

The Lakers finished 4-4 in exhibition play.

-

The Lakers waived Von Wafer and rookie J.R. Pinnock, trimming their roster to 16. They need to be at 15 by Monday afternoon. Devin Green is the only other player with a non-guaranteed contract.

Wafer, a second-round pick last year, averaged 1.3 points in 17 games last season. He played only one exhibition game this month before being sidelined by a bruised heel.

Pinnock, a second-round selection out of George Washington, averaged 1.8 points in six exhibition games.

[I Am The Anton]

aww fuck opening night is gonne ruin my trick-or-treating!

LOL...Ain't you a lil too old for that shit?

Hes gonna dress up as Amare

[LAKERS_FAN89]

LOL..OR RAJA BELL BITCH ASS

[GangstaBoogy]

aww fuck opening night is gonne ruin my trick-or-treating!

LOL...Ain't you a lil too old for that shit?

too old for free candy? HELLO!

[wcsoldier]

According to Phil, Kobe gonna play the opener

[Now_Im_Not_Banned]

Bryant plans to play despite pain in knee

By Ross Siler Staff Writer

LOS ANGELES - The questions about his availability for the Lakers' season opener have grown so inevitable, Kobe Bryant joked Saturday about talking to reporters while wearing a shirt with a daily update on his right knee.

There has been no decision made about whether or not Bryant will play Tuesday against Phoenix at Staples Center, although there were clues on both sides with a little more than 72 hours to go until tipoff.

Described as the "irreplaceable part" by coach Phil Jackson, Bryant went through the first 90 minutes of practice, reported soreness in the knee, and watched from the sidelines as his teammates finished without him.

"We'll just take it day by day," Bryant said. "It's kind of frustrating because every day it kind of varies."

Not soon after, Jackson revealed that Bryant has told him he intends to play Tuesday. And Jackson said he would defer to Bryant in making that decision after talking with the training staff.

"He felt like he could get that done," Jackson said. "I just feel I have to let him have his (say) on this."

The Lakers have listed Bryant as questionable to doubtful, though Jackson described that as being a "disclaimer."

Jackson has targeted the third week of November, when the Lakers have a four-day break in games, for welcoming back centers Kwame Brown and Chris Mihm from injuries and moving forward with a core unit the rest of the season.
Jackson said he will be able to coach in Tuesday's opener, although he did not sound optimistic about making the trip for Wednesday's game at Golden State.

"I don't know about that," said Jackson, who underwent hip-replacement surgery Oct. 3 and continues to walk with a cane.

"I'm still having a little bit of trouble getting a shoe on and a sock on that one leg.

"But my therapy's coming along great. The last week I've made giant strides. So in three days, I could be in a position where I feel much more comfortable."

Assistant coach Kurt Rambis would fill in if Jackson did not feel comfortable enough to travel.

The Lakers practiced Saturday at Staples Center to get used to a special lighting system they will debut Tuesday. The lighting is designed to draw more attention to the floor and bring a feel to the game like the old Forum.

"It puts the focus on the court," Bryant said. "It gives it more of a magical feel, more energy, more intensity."

Tim Harris, the Lakers' senior vice president for business operations, said owner Jerry Buss has wanted the change for years.

Jackson added that he liked the "stage presence" the lights helped create.

The Lakers would consider making a permanent change if fan feedback supports the new lights.

Vladimir Radmanovic said his injured shooting hand has forced him to change his entire game.

"I'm just trying to pretend like I was never a shooter, and it's really hard," Radmanovic said. "Your muscles have a memory. You don't even think when you get on the court.."

[Now_Im_Not_Banned]

Fear of not winning another ring drives Lakers' Bryant

Larry Stewart:
TV-Radio
October 27, 2006

With the start of the NBA season just around the corner, Kobe Bryant is the interview subject on "CMI: The Chris Myers Interview" on FSN West on Sunday at 3:30 p.m.

Bryant talks about his career being closer to the end than to the beginning.

 "The thing that I'm afraid of is not winning another championship," he says. "That is the thing that really drives me."

On how he wants to be perceived, he says that people "have the impression I'm distant or quiet. I'm not. I'm really not, and that's just been something that's been misunderstood about me. As we go on, hopefully they'll get a chance to see who I am."

[Now_Im_Not_Banned]

Radmanovic to play injured

BY ROSS SILER, Staff Writer
Article Last Updated:10/27/2006 12:04:54 AM PDT

ANAHEIM - For his career, Lakers forward Vladimir Radmanovic has taken an average of 300 3-pointers a season and established himself as one of the NBA's most dangerous long-distance shooters.

When Radmanovic fires away this season, however, it could come with a piece of foam taped between the ring finger and pinky on his shooting hand.

Radmanovic has a torn ligament in his shooting hand that likely will require surgery this summer. In the meantime, he will try to find a way to play through the injury, which is not expected to get any better.

"It's frustrating, especially as a shooter," Radmanovic said. "Your right hand is your biggest weapon and you've got it messed up. I'll just have to find different ways to score and help this team win."
After missing the past three exhibition games, Radmanovic returned Thursday night in the Lakers' 126-108 loss to Denver. He finished with seven points on 3 for 9 shooting and fouled out in 21 minutes.

Radmanovic's shot was alarmingly off all game. He barely grazed the rim on a catch- and-shoot jumper in the first quarter and missed everything on a baseline jumper and 3-pointer in the second half.

There also was the sight of Radmanovic extending his left hand - instead of his right - to high five Luke Walton coming off the court in the first quarter.
Radmanovic said there was no guarantee his hand would heal on its own with rest, which could have taken as long as four weeks.

"It feels good until somebody hits you," Radmanovic said. "I just have to find a way to play through it."

The kid: A day before his 19th birthday, Andrew Bynum had 18 points in the first half - more than in any NBA game in his career - and produced several highlight plays. He finished with 23 points. In the first quarter, Bynum blocked Kenyon Martin at one end of the court and connected on a hook shot over Martin at the other end.

Bynum later used an up- and-under move in dunking on Nene in the second quarter.

Bynum also made a bold prediction about how the Lakers should do playing 15 of their first 20games at home this season.

"We should go 15-5, at least," Bynum said.

Roster moves: The Lakers waived guards Von Wafer and J.R. Pinnock, leaving them with 16 players on the roster, one more than the NBA maximum. Wafer played in 16 games last season, Pinnock was a second-round draft pick.

With a Monday deadline to finalize rosters, the Lakers have to make one more move. The last roster spot is expected to come down to either Devin Green or Aaron McKie.

McKie has a guaranteed $2.5million contract for this season but missed the past fourexhibition games with a back injury.

[Now_Im_Not_Banned]

Interesting article about the original Lakers head coach of the Showtime era, Jack McKinney:

http://www.latimes.com/sports/basketball/nba/lakers/la-sp-mckinney27oct27,1,5891700.story?coll=la-headlines-sports-nba-lakers

[Now_Im_Not_Banned]

Doug Collins on Vladimir Radmanovic:
“(Vladimir Radmanovic) has shown flashes of greatness – he can rebound the ball, drive, he’s got size and he can penetrate, but he falls in love with that three (point shot) too much. There’s no need for Roddy Roman to be a specialist, he’s got too much talent. (When I used to work him out) I loved him, but I used to tell him, ‘Don’t just be a homerun hitter, be a player.’”

Andrew Bynum on his 23 point/7 rebound/5 assist performance:
“Kareem (Abdul-Jabaar) would tell me I played good in the post tonight, but on defense I wasn’t anchoring the paint, I let my team down, (the Nuggets) got a bunch of lay-ups that I shouldn’t have let go in the middle. I think (head coach Phil Jackson) would have said the same thing. What they really need me to do is rebound and block shots, we’ve got Kobe (Bryant) that will shoot the shots and score, and we’ve got Lamar Odom, so that’s about 80% of the shots right here. We’re going to go far when Kobe gets back.”

http://www.dailynews.com/sports/ci_4558354

[Now_Im_Not_Banned]

Bynum gets cupcake and then some-
Bynum, Vujacic get options

By Ross Siler, Staff writer
Article Launched:10/27/2006 11:05:05 PM PDT

LOS ANGELES - The timing was too perfect for Lakers general manager Mitch Kupchak not to surprise center Andrew Bynum on his 19th birthday Friday with the news that the team would exercise the option in Bynum's contract for the 2007-08 season.

Even though the Lakers took the day off, Kupchak had Bynum stop by his office at the team's practice facility, where he presented the contract paperwork along with a cupcake as a group gathered for the singing of "Happy Birthday."

"It's a good birthday present," Kupchak said, "and definitely something he earned."

The Lakers normally would have waited until Tuesday's deadline to exercise the option, but Kupchak said the decision was made weeks ago. The Lakers also exercised the 2007-08 option in guard Sasha Vujacic's contract Friday.

Bynum was part of the NBA's first draft class to have only the first two years of their rookie contracts guaranteed. He will make $2.17 million next season, with the Lakers holding another option for the 2008-09 season.

For his part, Vujacic saw his hard work over the summer rewarded.

Instead of playing for Slovenia in the world championships, Vujacic opted to work out at the Lakers' facility and stay in close contact with the team.
He reported to training camp with a more muscular build and was one of the Lakers' best guards during the preseason, averaging 10.8 points in five games.

"I'm going to continue working hard, do what I am asked to do, follow the coaches' instructions and try to get better," Vujacic said.

Vujacic, who won't turn 23 until March 7, will make $1.75 million next season. If the Lakers don't sign him to a contract extension after this season, Vujacic would become a restricted free agent in July 2008.

Bynum had more turnovers (four) than points (two) in the Lakers' first exhibition game Oct. 10 in Fresno but finished the preseason by totaling 23 points, seven rebounds and five assists Thursday against Denver.

"My opinion about Andrew has not wavered at all," Lakers assistant coach Kurt Rambis said after the game. "I think Andrew is going to be a terrific ballplayer in this league.

"It still may take a couple, three years, but I think down the road, the Lakers have a real fine player on their hands because he likes to play at both ends of the court."

[Now_Im_Not_Banned]

Sunny forecast for Jackson
Happy in California and buoyed by a new hip, the Lakers' coach can even see extending his career

PLAYA DEL RAY, Calif. -- Phil Jackson had that bemused look again, his eyes a little mischievous as he shaded them from a warm afternoon sun. We've seen the look many times, the one too often mistaken for arrogance when it is more a mixture of curiosity and certainty.

"Sometimes when we sit and watch tape, Tex [Winter] will look at me and say, 'I think the game has passed me by, and I never thought I'd say that,'" Jackson said, a smile curling out from under his mustache and the latest swatch of facial hair beneath it. "Then he'll look at me and say, 'I think the game has passed you by, too, Phil.'"

 
Phil Jackson wondered about that himself the last few months. Not basketball so much as the game of life. "I still believe you need a system, you need the ability to penetrate, you've got to have an interior game. That hasn't changed," Jackson said. "Big men and post play still win the day and championships."

After more than 40 years of playing and coaching basketball, Jackson, 61, is quite confident he knows how it works best. He's headed for the Basketball Hall of Fame in the next few years as one of the most accomplished coaches ever. He has the best-ever winning percentage in the playoffs and the regular season and is closing in on 1,000 career wins as he begins his seventh season of coaching the Lakers and his 16th overall as an NBA coach.

What's maybe most sweet to him, his win total should surpass Red Auerbach's before he finishes his contract with the Lakers after next season. And he might go longer than that.

Knicks next? No

There always has been speculation and a couple of teasers that Jackson would complete the ultimate pro coaching trifecta and finish his pro career where he started it as a player in 1967, with the New York Knicks.

No chance, Jackson said, though he indicated he might extend his Lakers tenure beyond next season.

"There's been some talk that way," Jackson said. "I haven't heard anything officially, but feelers are out there. Things could change so dramatically for me this season that I'll feel so good I'll want to do that.

"The other side of the coin is I may feel so good I'll want to use this opportunity to do the things I've put off, go live half a year in Montana, go 'round the world, hike the Himalayas."

Phil Jackson had his own mountain to climb this summer, one almost too steep with doubt and dread.

Growing up in rural Montana in a family of Pentecostal ministers, Jackson never fully accepted modern medicine. His Eastern religion preferences and Native American interests offered various alternatives until his heart condition required a surgical procedure.

And now, as with many athletes, his body was failing. Jackson had known he needed hip replacement surgery for years but always sought alternatives.

"Am I hardheaded, more determined than the average person? I probably am," he acknowledged.

But there was another, more humanizing factor: fear.

Jackson thought of an old media acquaintance, Dick Schaap, who died after complications from similar surgery. Jackson's mother had done fine after her surgery, but a friend with similar heart issues had died during surgery.

Hey, what's a little limp? And a little pain? Except it wasn't little anymore.

"There was a time this summer I was thinking, 'I don't know if I can coach anymore,'" Jackson said. "The discomfort I was in, the inability to move the way I wanted … It got to the point where I said I've got to make some changes if I'm going to make this lifestyle work for me."

And it seems to be working just fine.

Jackson leans forward in a reclining chair on his porch, which overlooks a long stretch of quiet beach and the Pacific Ocean. It's mid-October, but the Santa Anas have driven in the heat, about 80 degrees. A lone jogger lopes along on the beach while a shirtless man sets up a volleyball net. Jackson's shiny metal cane stands by his seat. He doesn't need it anymore to get around the house, but he'll probably have it with him for the Lakers' home opener Tuesday against the Suns.

He sees something jump, and it's not a basketball player. Fine with him. A school of dolphins has come in close to shore where the waves are breaking. Stuffed animals are lying around on the gleaming wood floor near Jackson's meditation den. His new grandchild had just been over.

Grandpa Phil.

Kobe Bryant is still recovering from knee surgery and might not be ready to start the season. Kwame Brown and Chris Mihm also are out, recovering from injuries. Free-agent signee Vladimir Radmanovic has problems with his shooting hand. Lamar Odom had a nightmare summer with family problems. Just making the playoffs would be a good season for Jackson's Lakers.

Yes, a lot has changed for Phil Jackson, and it seems to keep getting better.

"I don't see myself going on and coaching anywhere after this," he said. "This is like a final spot, like the second coming. My kids and grandkid are living in California. It's like this is becoming retirement for me while working."

Jackson's Lakers aren't a championship contender. They could be better than their 45 wins of last season, and they play 16 of their first 20 in Los Angeles, but the injuries could keep them from getting off to a fast start in an improved and more competitive Western Conference.

"Before we'd measure a season, 'OK, this is a marathon race. Get our stride going.' We'd say, 'Build momentum and let's get five in a row or 10 in a row.' Now a big streak for us is two or three wins," Jackson said. "That's a big difference for me. It's more immediate and I think it's good and I enjoy it.

"I certainly will feel like I've had an exceptional career, an unbelievable ride in this league regardless of whether I win another championship. But I'd like to see Kobe have a chance to win a championship and get the credit he deserves for the kind of ballplayer he is, just like Shaq had another chance."

And so the goals are more narrow, but the effort is as intense. Jackson's work with the Lakers last season was as impressive as any he'd done.

"You play against his team and you realize, 'Wow, this guy can really coach,'" Suns coach Mike D'Antoni said. "Forget all the talk about the triangle. His guys really learn how to play."

Raising the bar

And so it begins again for Jackson, whose friends joke that he's now a 7-footer after being hunched over in pain all those years. At one time the sight of Jackson set off championship celebrations. Now it sets off airport metal detectors.

"Last year the goal for this team was, 'Let's challenge. Let's be a team that has to be reckoned with and make some noise in the playoffs.' I think we did that," Jackson said.

But they went out in the first round of the playoffs, blowing a 3-1 lead in their series with the Suns.

"We didn't win that first series, but we sent a statement that if you're not prepared to play us we'll take something from you," Jackson said. "This year we want to take that step into the playoffs. My belief is once you're in the playoffs, anything can happen.

"Instead of thinking long-term championship, we're setting up for, 'Let's get ready for Game 1 and win all the games we have a chance to win and have a chance to do something in the playoffs.'"

Sort of the basketball version of a new hip and a new lease on life.

[Now_Im_Not_Banned]

Lights Out For Lakers

By Mike Bresnahan, Times Staff Writer
October 29, 2006

The "Lights Out" promotional billboards are to be taken somewhat literally.

For Tuesday's opener, the Lakers will dim the lights above all Staples Center seats and will physically lower lighting trusses above the court to flood the playing area with extra light.

"Think Madison Square Garden, think boxing," said Tim Harris, Lakers senior vice president of business operations. "We wanted to make the focus of coming to a Laker game the players, the floor. We think it's something the fans will like."

The lighting will be used only for Lakers games. It has not been determined how many games it will be used. The team will have practiced Saturday and today at Staples Center in an effort to adjust to the new look.

"I love it," Bryant said. "It's old school. It puts the focus on the court. It gives it more of a magical feel, more energy, more intensity.

"This differentiates our game from the Clippers' per se, or any other place. This is kind of our thing here, our statement."