Well, That Sucked

26 years I've cheered the Lakers on, from Showtime, rebuilding, Lake Show, Shaq era, the triangle, Fab 4, Post Shaq, Kobe era, 2nd triangle, Post Phil, and now. 11 times I've seen them go to the big dance claiming 7 titles, the most by any team in that span. 12 Final Fours, 6 each of First Round/Semis, and 2 lotto years. When you cheer the Lakers, you expect winning season every year, in my time as a fan, I have been disappointed technically 19 times. In the Lakers world, anything less than a title is a lost season. So where does this rank as worse seasons ever? Already rumbling of this quartet being the biggest flop not only in basketball but all sports are being heard. Personally I was more disappointed with the Fab 4 lineup that ended with the Shaq era ending in LA. Sure they made the finals, but they were manhandled by the Pistons, and sure the Mailman wasn't available, but a prime Shaq and explosive young Kobe were. The current team was missing 3 of their 5 starters, and 2 of their top 9 rotation players, with the other 2 playing with injuries or playing their first minutes since surgery. Even Tony Parker said it was strange, can't see how anyone can compare this crippled hobbling team to the biggest flops who HAD their pieces in place or at least not missing 4 players including their best MVP caliber Hall of Fame bound Superstar, oh yes I do, ... it's the Lakers, they're expected to win if they have to resort to using the ball boys.













Anywho, while it was a nightmare and very frustrating to see the Lakers this year, for me, the '04 version was worse, injuries hurt that group too, but they still had a very dominant Shaq & Kobe duo and Phil, and still they dropped many games they should have won, and didn't have the excuse of injuries like the Lakers did this year. This group never got going, and never had a chance, the projected starting lineup played a total of 7 games, losing all of them. Gasol & Nash missed about 1/3 of the season, Blake barely played over half the season, and rotation hopeful Hill played a few games over 1/3 of the 82. Injuries really kicked their ass this year and when healthy they just could not get in synch. Lack of training camp? Lack of chemistry? Too much Pressure? Who knows, but now the season has come to an end. for the third time in the Kobe era, the Lakers are dismissed in the first round, swept 2 of the last 3 years, 1 win in their last 13 playoff games. So what now? Can this group still win? I sure believe so, I'm sure there is going to be changes, but if it was me, I'd give the guys locked in another run, what the hell, it can't get any worse than this year, a single win in the playoffs next year, would already be an improvement, and these guys need a chance to redeem themselves and I hope they get it. First things first, D12. Signing Howard is priority. The Kobe era is winding down, if not coming to an end, there has to be someone to carry the mantle when he finally laces it up for the last time, Howard has the potential to be the player, but many question if he has the heart, still one of the best big men if not the best has a chance to continue playing for you, you need to make a very strong effort to make sure he resigns. On the plus side, this early exit will allow the Lakers to get healthy, and if Howard decided Hollywood is just too bright, well, then the Lakers will get a small break on their luxury tax, not great, but hey anything helps until Kobe and Pau's salary come off the books. After D12, comes the question as to who do you put around him. The Lakers still have their amnesty option which they can use on either Pau or Ron Ron, unless you're getting an All Star caliber player for Pau in trade or by signing him, just keep him one more year, he still one of the most skilled big men in the league. Ron can still play D and harass players and has become on of my fave Lakers, I would really hate to see him go, but if amnesty comes to play, I expect it will be used on him unless he's the best they can do, which is also probable. The remaining significant free agents are Jamison, Meeks, and Clark. Jamison is likely gone, Clark was good but can't expect to score a huge contract especially with D12 getting maximum if he resigns, Meeks has a team option and guess he may be back unless they can score an athletic wing who can guard other wings. Key available agents that Lakers may actually have a chance in getting might be Jarret Jack, Tony Allen, Kyle Korver, Nate Robinson, Marco Belinelli, J.J. Reddick and Mo Williams. With the exception of Allen all these players can hit from outside and can help stretch the floor. Allen would give them that lock down defender to relieve Kobe of guarding the west guards. Now if D12 doesn't resign, there's quite a few free agents that'll cost to wear the purple and gold but would add star talent to the roster, Josh Smith, David West, Monta Ellis, Kevin Martin, Paul Milsap, and Al Jefferson, and yes I know CP3 is one too, but I doubt he'd ever wear the Lakers uniform, Stern made that pretty clear. I would love Iguoadala, Allen, Robinson, and Jack to be priority, I think they could really help the Lakers with their problems, speed, bench, and harassing D, especially AI and Allen, Robinson would bring energy and fun off the bench and Jack a reliable scorer also off the bench.

 

Well, there my thoughts, great move by the fans to cheer Pau on his effort on their last game. Thank you Lakers for keeping the playoff tradition alive. Hope all recover and get healthy for next season. To those who move on, good luck on your next destination, once a Laker always a Laker. While disappointing, gotta admit, the Lakers are never boring. Good luck in the summer, and see you in October.

Go Lakers.

Overtime: Parting thoughts, the storied most successful franchise in basketball, the Leprechauns were 1 game over .500 are about to be taken out in the 1st round and for the most part had their important players available with the exception of pg Rondo. The Lakers actually had a better record despite their shortcomings. But yet, the Lakers are the biggest disappointing, even though they dealt with multiple injuries to all starters and 6th man and playing in the west where they need to contend with Finals contenders, OKC, Spurs, and good teams such as Clips, Grizzlies, Nuggets, Warriors, Rockets, Jazz, Mavericks, Blazers while the East is still the Least with only Miami being the legit favorite. The two most storied franchises sure don't get judged the same. Just sayin'

Lakers "win", but suffer painful blow that symbolizes this dissapointing season

As I saw Kobe fall the first time as he drove the lane holding his knee, he didn't come back like I've been used to seeing him throughout his career. Then he again drew a foul and this time he limped across mid court, he now looked like someone who's body had finally taken it's toll, and you began to wonder how much more can he give. With the Lake show falling down by 9 and having to deal with a scorching young Golden State backcourt, Mamba like so many times before would hit 2 big 3s and lead a charge yet again. Yet another heavy minutes for the 17 year future hall of famer, yet another come from behind fight when other teams are resting their players, and yet another view of Kobe's face breathing heavy and seeming to run on fumes but refusing to stop until the last ounce of effort is exhausted, then the Great Mamba fell for the third time, and this time he would not just shake it off. For all who have followed Kobe, like I have, which is his whole career and watched him play about 95% of his games since 2000, we all knew if Kobe could not even move, it was bad, very, very bad. With the post season still not decided and the game tied, the old, beat up Lakers had to go against the younger and skilled GS Warriors without their legendary leader.

Thankfully they pulled it out. The Spaniard continued his recent All-Star effort and finished with a triple double, the hopeful franchise future Superman, led them with 28 pts, only 7 boards but did hit 14/22 freebies. But after such an emotional battle, the concern was still the extent of their leader's injury. So now with 2 games left and Mamba done for the year, what then? Can they win without him? Sure they can, and I think they will. But what's the reward? Extending the playoff appearances of this storied franchise? Saving face on this disappointing season? The Lakers regardless of their record or their play, were still a team one did not bet against. Not when they employ a player who can go into myth like scoring runs and can single handedly win games, except he won't be there. The usual #24 will not be there to take the last shot, score a bucket when most needed, or hit multiple difficult shot to tear the momentum from the opponent. No, instead Mamba will be in street clothes yelling instructions and aching to get back on the floor, but will it be enough? Not likely. Let's be honest, even hard core fans understand that who ever the Lakers play will probably dismiss them quickly and now begins the question of the future, where do we go from here? First thing's first, keeping D12. Now when will Mamba come back, cause let's be serious, if anyone really thinks this is the way Kobe is writing his farewell, you're just a hopeful hater. Perhaps Kobe will no longer score 20+ points per game again, but he will score,  and he will have big games, and he will wear #24 for the Lakers once again. Whether the Lakers win a title with Kobe again or not, rest assure that Mamba will leave the game at his own merit. The question is who will his team mates be, and how well or bad will they be holding ship until the captain returns? We Shall see.

As a Laker fan for 26 years, this is second only to Magic announcing he was retiring due to contracting HIV in low points. It is an extremely bad taste but typical finishing in this crappy season. But I have faith in the Lakers and whether they fade into pretenders, they won't be there for long. The Lake Show will always bounce back and I will be here cheering them all the way. My prayers go out to not only one of my favorite Lakers but one of my favorite players in general. I wish you a speedy recovery and look forward to seeing the game when they announce your return to the line up. Outstanding season Mamba, you are truly one of the greats. Go Lakers.