The Official Los Angeles Lakers thread

[Now_Im_Not_Banned]

Bryant Slows Down His Pace

By Mike Bresnahan, Times Staff Writer
October 19, 2006

The Lakers, whatever's left of them, carried on with another practice Wednesday before sending three players to doctors and watching Kobe Bryant down-shift from his rehabilitation routine.

Aaron McKie went to a back specialist, Vladimir Radmanovic to a hand doctor and Kwame Brown to a shoulder specialist, all after Bryant, recovering from surgery on his right knee, went from light scrimmages at recent practices to an individual workout at the team training facility.

Bryant then declared himself out for exhibitions tonight and Friday at Staples Center. He seemed more subdued than usual as he spoke to reporters.

"Whenever you have an injury, a knee injury or ankle, whatever it is, it's always a little ginger and tentative to kind of put some weight on it," Bryant said. "I'm just kind of working through that a little bit. I don't see myself playing either one of those games."

Team officials hope Bryant will play at least one exhibition, but they are also preparing for the fact he might not play until the Oct. 31 season opener.

"I wouldn't bet my life on it, but I suspect he is going to play," assistant coach Kurt Rambis said.

Bryant said an exhibition would "help tremendously," acknowledging the need to get up to speed on his conditioning and timing.

Either way, the Lakers aren't yet reaching for the panic button. They went through a similar situation three years ago when Bryant came back from nearly identical off-season arthroscopic surgery on his right knee. He played in the team's final two exhibitions, missed the regular-season opener, then played on from there, helping the team to an 18-3 start.

But those Lakers had Shaquille O'Neal in the middle, while these Lakers can't seem to stay out of harm's way.

Radmanovic, off to a seven-for-27 (25.9%) shooting start, had an MRI test on his sore right hand Wednesday. Brown has had limited motion in his sore right shoulder and had further testing on it. Both players' exam results will be available today.

McKie was diagnosed with disk irritation and inflammation in his back and will continue to be monitored by Lakers medical personnel.

There was one spot of good injury news for the team — Brian Cook practiced despite sustaining a slightly sprained ankle when he came down on a ball during pre-game warmups Tuesday.

It wasn't enough to tilt the rest of the franchise away from talk of injuries and extended recovery periods.

"It certainly puts a damper on things," Rambis said.

-

Coach Phil Jackson arrived at Wednesday's practice and told the Lakers how well they played in Las Vegas, which, it turns out, wasn't very well.

He lit into their mostly non-existent defense, told their guards they handled pressure defense poorly and kept saying they looked disorganized on the court.

Brown could hear the ruckus from the adjacent weight room, where he was getting rehab work on his shoulder.

"I know I heard him yelling about organization," Brown said.

Said Rambis: "I don't think they were kind words."

Jackson is back on part-time duty but still has not addressed the media since undergoing hip-replacement surgery Oct. 3.

[Now_Im_Not_Banned]

Injuries keep Lakers depleted

By Seattle Times news services

EL SEGUNDO, Calif. — The season opener is less than two weeks away, and the Los Angeles Lakers' injury problems are getting worse.

Brian Cook and Aaron McKie were the latest Lakers to be injured, and it's possible neither will play in tonight's exhibition game against the Los Angeles Clippers at Staples Center.

Cook was hurt during warmups before Tuesday night's 96-91 loss to Sacramento in Las Vegas, suffering a mild sprain of his left ankle. He played anyway, getting 12 points and nine rebounds, but is listed as questionable tonight.

McKie left with back spasms in the opening 90 seconds of Tuesday's game and saw a back specialist Wednesday. He was ruled out of tonight's game.

"It certainly puts a damper on things," Lakers assistant coach Kurt Rambis said. "We obviously want everybody back healthy. We want everybody to have as many days as possible, as many games as possible to develop togetherness."

Rambis is filling in for coach Phil Jackson, who had hip-replacement surgery Oct. 3. Jackson is expected to be on the bench Oct. 31 when the Lakers open the season against Phoenix.

Kobe Bryant (offseason knee surgery) and Chris Mihm (offseason ankle surgery) haven't played in the exhibition season.

Kwame Brown (sprained right shoulder), Shammond Williams (abdominal-muscle strain) and Von Wafer (bruised left heel) are also hurting and probably won't play against the Clippers.

Vladimir Radmanovic has played despite a sprained right hand and Lamar Odom despite a bruised right shin. Sasha Vujacic missed two games because of a strained muscle in his left foot before playing Tuesday night. All three are expected to play against the Clippers.

"Guys have to step up and play," Rambis said. "They have to cover the holes that we have in our roster right now. It also gives guys an opportunity to show us what they can do so it can educate us about what their capabilities are. So it's an opportunity for players.

"But realistically, if we don't get everybody back, it does put a little bit of a hole in our growth process."

Bryant said he did what he called more "explosive movements" at practice Wednesday but isn't ready to go quite yet. He has said repeatedly he should be ready when the regular season starts.

[Now_Im_Not_Banned]

Stakes High as Luke Steps In

October 19, 2006

Maybe there's a big-picture message at work here, life reminding us that when you put others first, rewards come to you.

There isn't good news in the Lakerland medical report, but injuries to Kobe Bryant and Vladimir Radmanovic might wind up benefiting Luke Walton.

Bryant describes his surgically repaired knee as "ginger" and Radmanovic has had trouble because of a strained ligament in his shooting hand, developments that Lakers assistant coach Kurt Rambis says put "a damper on things." (Between ginger and damper, the Lakers roster sounds better suited to hauling Santa's sleigh than winning NBA games right now.)

In either case, it probably means an increased role for Walton until both are at full strength. This is an important time in an important season for Walton, who isn't quite sure where he'll fit in this lineup or where he'll be next year.

It's doubtful Radmanovic would have left the Clippers to join the Lakers if he didn't have reason to believe he would start in the small forward spot occupied by Walton late last year.

And it's just as unlikely that Walton would ever make this a divisive issue. Not his style. He can address the same topics we hate to hear from athletes — such as money and status — and it just sounds different. He isn't pushy or bossy. He's not the type to make demands. It's hard to even imagine him giving orders at a restaurant. He probably just looks at the waitress and asks, "What do you recommend?"

But he is a professional basketball player, and they all have two things in common: They want to play as much as possible and get paid as much as possible.

This is a contract year for Walton, who's finishing up a two-year deal that will pay him $1.25 million this season. He might be laid back — he was literally lying back on a chair as we talked — but his pending free agency remains an issue.

"It definitely is," Walton said. "Obviously, you're supposed to play every year as hard as you can. I try to do that. But the thought of knowing that there's a contract year coming up, there's no way that's not going to be in your head.

"It's not like I'm more motivated this year than I was last year. I love playing in the NBA. I make a very good amount of money. Really, I just want to win. That's what I use as my motivation. I figure the rest will take care of itself."

Walton will have more to do with how much the Lakers win than most people think. His understanding of the triangle offense and his ability to create scoring chances for his teammates comes into play when Bryant, the league's top scorer last season, isn't in the game.

When playing with Bryant, Walton's ability to make the open shot will determine how much opponents can double-team Bryant. The jumper has been a weak spot in Walton's game, and the three-point threat posed by Radmanovic is the reason he could claim Walton's starting spot.

Walton started the final five games of the regular season. The Lakers won them all.

"I like to start," Walton said. "I had a great time at the end of last season when I was starting. Now that I've done that and came off the bench, I definitely like that more, in the starting role. But if coach decides to go another way, I'm comfortable coming off the bench. I've been there before too. If it was up to me, I'd start. But I'm not going to sit around and pout if I don't."

He started in the playoff series against the Phoenix Suns — and unlike some other Lakers he didn't appear scared by the moment. Walton went down fighting with 16 points and five rebounds.

If you go back a couple of seasons, Walton was at the heart of the Lakers' last victory in the NBA Finals. Phil Jackson threw him in during Game 2 against the Detroit Pistons, and Walton worked his way to eight assists, somehow keeping the Lakers involved in the game long enough for Shaquille O'Neal to get a late put-back and Bryant to make a last-second three-pointer to send the game into overtime.

To Walton, the NBA postseason is like playing NCAA tournament games when he was at Arizona or state championship games when he went to University High School in San Diego.

"I just always love playing when all the pressure's on, and knowing that it's win-or-go-home type games," Walton said. "Those are the most fun for me to play in."

If you like the team aspect of the game, it's fun to watch Walton as he spins through the lane and zips passes to teammates. It's fun for the other players because he gets them the ball.

But the business side of the NBA is never too far away. And for Walton, this season will be one long job application.

[Now_Im_Not_Banned]

Green fighting for spot

BY ROSS SILER, Staff Writer
Article Last Updated:10/18/2006 10:42:36 PM PDT

EL SEGUNDO - Every time he looks at his right wrist, Lakers forward Devin Green can read the words, "The NBA: It's a privilege, not a right," another reminder that he has to fight again this October for a spot on the 15-man roster.

Green picked up the black wristband at the NBA's rookie transition program last month and said he liked the message. He knows that nothing is guaranteed, even after making the team out of training camp last season.

"I went through it last year, so I'm kind of used to it," Green said. "I kind of know what to look for. I think the hardest thing for me is trying to control my anxiety. You go out there and you're hyped and you want to prove a point to everybody."

After going undrafted out of Hampton, Green won the last spot on the Lakers' roster and played in 27 games as a rookie. He saw only limited action but was active for 69 of 82 regular-season games.

Once again, Green is in training camp without a guaranteed contract.

The final roster spot appears to be a three-way battle between veteran guard Aaron McKie, second-round draft pick J.R. Pinnock and Green.

The Lakers already have invested a season in developing Green, who struggled in the fourth quarter of Tuesday's exhibition loss to Sacramento.
Green made just one of six shots and was beaten by John Salmons on a three-point play with 2:38 left that put the Kings in front for good.

He also was tied up for a jump ball that Salmons won and missed two open jumpers down the stretch.

Although Green has had limited game experience, the Lakers have stressed that he has to shoot better than last season - when he made six of 28 shots - and make his mark as a defender.

"He's quick enough and athletic enough to be able to shut people down," Lakers assistant coach Kurt Rambis said. "That's what we need him to show us, that he can take on a defender one-on-one and we can count on him to control that guy by himself."

The Lakers have to set their roster by 3 p.m. Oct. 30.




Hope he makes it...

[wcsoldier]

All these injuries don't look good at all  , I hope we'll be ready for the start of the season

[Now_Im_Not_Banned]

All these injuries don't look good at all  , I hope we'll be ready for the start of the season

The good thing is that they're all minor and that they're being nursed before the start of the regular season...We should be at about 100% around this time next month.

[Teddy Roosevelt]

All these injuries don't look good at all  , I hope we'll be ready for the start of the season

The good thing is that they're all minor and that they're being nursed before the start of the regular season...We should be at about 100% around this time next month.

If the Lakers win their first game, I wouldn't worry at all. They have so much depth that if they set the tone early, they will be just fine as players are getting healthier. Just look at there front court when healthy. Lamar Odom, Kwame Brown, Vladimir Radmanovic, Chris Mihm, as well as decent back ups Brain Cook and Luke Walton. Now if only the Lakers had that one player to dominate the back court. Plus one of the best coaching staffs in the leauge that can rotate and accomidate for holes in the roster due to injury.

[Now_Im_Not_Banned]

Now if only the Lakers had that one player to dominate the back court.

That's why we drafted Jordan Farmar...

[Teddy Roosevelt]

Now if only the Lakers had that one player to dominate the back court.

That's why we drafted Jordan Farmar...

Actually, I was refering to Kobe. I think Farmar would be great being the first to come off the bench for Smush, but you know Phil Jackson.

[Now_Im_Not_Banned]

Now if only the Lakers had that one player to dominate the back court.

That's why we drafted Jordan Farmar...

Actually, I was refering to Kobe. I think Farmar would be great being the first to come off the bench for Smush, but you know Phil Jackson.

I thought you meant minus Kobe...I think Farmar would be great even as a starter this year, but it's simply not gunna happen.

[Teddy Roosevelt]

Now if only the Lakers had that one player to dominate the back court.

That's why we drafted Jordan Farmar...

Actually, I was refering to Kobe. I think Farmar would be great being the first to come off the bench for Smush, but you know Phil Jackson.

I thought you meant minus Kobe...I think Farmar would be great even as a starter this year, but it's simply not gunna happen.

Well he obviuosly wouldn't start over Smush in the triangle offense, but if he was the first PG off the bench, he'd still light it up.

[Now_Im_Not_Banned]

Now if only the Lakers had that one player to dominate the back court.

That's why we drafted Jordan Farmar...

Actually, I was refering to Kobe. I think Farmar would be great being the first to come off the bench for Smush, but you know Phil Jackson.

I thought you meant minus Kobe...I think Farmar would be great even as a starter this year, but it's simply not gunna happen.

Well he obviuosly wouldn't start over Smush in the triangle offense, but if he was the first PG off the bench, he'd still light it up.

I think he'll start by next season...He can be a terrific point guard in the triangle. the kind of dude who has a well developed basketball mind, which is perfect for the offense...PeACe

[Now_Im_Not_Banned]

L.A. basketball rivalry is headed in a RADical direction

Kevin Modesti, Columnist
Article Last Updated:10/18/2006 10:46:20 PM PDT

If you want to see where L.A. pro basketball goes next, after our teams' dramatic direction switch last season, follow the man who'll be wearing a purple-trimmed No. 10 and a scraggly beard in tonight's Lakers-Clippers exhibition game at Staples Center.

You know times have changed when a free-agent player chooses to move from the Clippers to the Lakers for the promise of a bigger role.

I mean, for a couple of decades, that would have been like quitting as a pizza-maker at Shakey's to go and be the prime minister of Italy.

Yet that's what Vladimir Radmanovic did when, after two months of sharpshooting for the Clippers last spring, failed to guarantee the forward a starting job, he signed with the Lakers for $31 million over five years and a likely spot in the lineup.

"I hope so," Radmanovic said Wednesday after the Lakers' practice in El Segundo. "I think this is a good fit for me. I was with the Clippers for a half-season, and Elton Brand is over there (at power forward), an All-Star player who basically isn't coming out of the game. I thought it would be good for me to go somewhere else and do what I do. I'll do my best to help this team be better than it was last year."

Surprisingly, few players have worn the uniforms of both franchises. Fewer have gone directly from one to the other without a stop in between (most notably, Norm Nixon was traded from the Lakers to the San Diego Clippers before the 1983-84 season, and Jamaal Wilkes signed with the Los Angeles Clippers before 1985-86). And no prominent player had ever gone directly from the Los Angeles Clippers to the Lakers.
And now a guy goes directly from the Clippers to the Lakers for a promotion?

"I don't remember that happening (before)," said Kurt Rambis, the assistant coach who's running Lakers practices while Phil Jackson mends after hip surgery. "But my memory's fuzzy."

Consider this a snapshot of L.A. pro basketball less than two weeks before the NBA season openers, the Lakers' Oct. 31 against Phoenix, the Clippers' Nov. 1 at Phoenix.

Last season, the Clippers (47-35) were competitive with the Lakers (45-37) for the first time in years, and the Clippers won a playoff series for the first time in their L.A. history while the Lakers were bounced in the first round.

Now the Lakers have reached into the Clippers' locker room for help. Some expected the Lakers to go after the Clippers' Sam Cassell, the veteran point guard who would have replaced Smush Parker. Instead they ended up with Radmanovic, the 6-foot-11 25-year-old born in Trebinje, Yugoslavia, with an eye for 3-pointers.

The Clippers replaced Radmanovic, and perhaps then some, with Phoenix's Tim Thomas, who's an inch shorter but has been a yard grittier.

Before we give the Clippers the city again, remember this is only the first snapshot, with more to come.

Although the gold-and-purple's fortunes obviously depend most on Kobe Bryant's health and happiness, Radmanovic has it within his power to determine whether his move is seen as a milestone in the Lakers-Clippers rivalry or a turning point.

The worst-case scenario has Radmanovic continuing to be limited by the worrisome hand injury that has held him to 5.3points and 25.9 percent shooting in exhibition games, and remaining the one-dimensional, long-range shooter he was last season, when more than half his shot attempts for Seattle and the Clippers were 3-point tries.

Best-case has him blossoming as a defender, rebounder and dribble-drive maker and becoming a great example of cherry-picking by Lakers general manager Mitch Kupchak, giving the team something more than the 3-pointers that the GM hopes will "stretch the court."

"I just want to be a versatile player," Radmanovic said. "I can't say I want to be different. I'm 25, going to be 26 (Nov. 19), and you can't teach an old mule to carry a weight. I'm going to try to open my mind and do little things I didn't do in the past."

Said Rambis: "There's obviously some things he can do better, but he's done a good job on defense for us (in exhibition games). And he has a good nose for the ball rebounding. But the injury is keeping him from opening his hand all the way. We think he's capable of doing more things. He's not just an outside shooter."

Radmanovic chose joining the Lakers over re-signing with the Clippers even though the contract offers were identical. Jackson, Bryant and Vlade Divac, the fellow Serbian and former Lakers center, called to tell Radmanovic how much the Lakers wanted him. Hey, maybe the ex-Clipper can teach his new teammates something about winning a playoff series.

Radmanovic brushes off the implications - and the historic irony - of a player being more important to the Lakers than he was to the Clippers.

"Honestly, I don't look at teams that way," Radmanovic said. "Every team is a story by itself. I had a great time with the Clippers last year. They've worked hard to be where they are now, and everybody has to give them credit now. But I'm playing for the Lakers now, and it's a different team."

Where's this going this season?

As Radmanovic goes, so goes the rivalry.

[ecrazy]

So The Clippers Beat the Lakers Again, It was a great game, i gotta give props to NIK's Love Jordan Farmar, He was Really Tearing it up, I guess all those massages nik gave him in the Locker Room in high school Really Helped his game

[GangstaBoogy]

wow Farmar waited till 2 seconds left to start driving in the lane