Eestern Outlook

Alright hoop fans, our favorite time of the year is upon us, opening night. For the fourth straight year, the Miami Thrice are still the team to beat, but I think anyone will agree that the gap has closed quite a bit and there's not one but 3 legit contenders in the east as well as young clubs that may not beat them, but will steal some games in the regular season and will make the opening round a challenge and not a cake walk. For fans and haters alike, it should be a fun season.

After going down the 2013-14 schedule day by day and calculating final win Tally, based on talent, past history (curses?), and emotional games I came up with the following. Let's start in the Least that while improved, still will employ playoff bound team with losing records. From worst to first, here they are:

#15  Orlando Magic.  Last Year: 20-62 missed playoffs for first time in 7 years.
        Projected finish: 18-64, continue rebuilding, lotto bound again, get used to it.

Orlando has some young talent that are exiting to watch along with vets like Afflalo and contender hold up Nelson, but seriously, they're gonna be the kind of team that other teams use to rest some of their players, young core, no bench, long frustrating season again.

#14  Toronto Raptors: Last Year 34-48, 10 in Least, missed playoffs, 5th straight year
        Projected finish: 20-62, miss playoffs for 6th straight year

I challenge any non-Raptor NBA fan to name the Raptors starters plus 6th man. Yeah, not very promising. While not horrible, I just don't think this collection of players will mesh together in time to even dent their conference. They'll contend but will have plenty shortcoming.

#13  Philadelphia 76ers: Last Year 34-48, 9th seed, missed playoffs
        Projected finish: 21-61, miss playoffs

Gone is All-star Holiday and hopeful savior Bynum. Expectations are low for the Sixers, so I think any victory they can get will be cherished. Many questions await this ball club but I still don't believe they're the worst club in the Least, rookie sensation MCW has good size, speed and ability, together with Turner, Hawes, Young, and Anderson they should contend, specially if their Rook is able to play in control and work on turnover prone reputation. Last we heard other Rook Noel will not be available all season, hey, that means more touches for Kwame!

#12 Milwaukee Bucks: Last Year 38-44, 8th seed, swept by Super Friends
        Projected Finish:  25-57, back to lotto

Mayo & Ellis traded places and Gumby will no longer be chucking up shots for the deer. This team can easily go and win in the low 30s, I feel they're gonna be very unpredictable and while they have some established vets, it's just not enough against an improving Least with younger players.

#11  Charlotte Bobcats: Last Year 21-61, missed playoffs
        Projected Finish:    29-53, Not quite there yet, back to lotto

Mr. Jordan's club will play it's last season as the Kittens and go back to their more successful Hornet name, let's see if that transcends to a change in team culture. If healthy, the 'Cats should have a better season but still not really impose fear on anyone contending. Big Al gives them a legit go to big man and Kemba and MKG best years are yet to come. An improved bench led by vets Gordon and Sessions will make this the best 'Cat team since they made the playoffs in '10

#10  Leprechauns: Last Year 41-40, 7th seed, end of new big three era in bean town
        Projected finish: 31-51, miss playoffs for first time since '07

Even without Rondo, Boston has a solid core that will not make things easy for opponents. One thing I find funny though is while the Lakers playoff hopes are questionable, there is no doubt the Leprechauns are headed back to the lotto according to majority opinion, yet, is not hot topic, even though it is the most decorated franchise in history, or so we keep hearing. Again the two most storied franchises, sure don't get judged the same.

#9  Atlanta Hawks: Last Year 44-38, 6th seed, dismissed by Pacers
      Projected Finish: 32-50 could sneak into playoffs and be out again in first round

The Hawks six year post season run may come to an end not because they took a step back but because other teams got better. Still they should be in the playoff battle if only to get swept by one of the real contenders. The Hawks will look good against bottom feeders but fail to hang with the Varsity clubs

#8  Detroit Pistons: Last Year 29-53 missed playoffs for 3rd straight year
      Projected Finish: 33-49, back to post season since '09

Only reason they make playoffs is they play in Least. Still it should be fun for the Motor City to get back to playoffs. The front line of Drummond, Monroe, and Smith is going to be a beast, add streaky shooters like Gumby and Mr. Big Shot you got a team, you're gonna have to take seriously. Improved play from role players will define how much noise Deeeeeeeetroit basketball will make.

#7 Cleveland Cavaliers: Last Year 24-58 curse of 'Bron continues
     Projected Finish: 34-48, curse of 'Bron ends, well at least lotto trips end

Another team benefiting from playing in Least. None the less Kyrie has shown he is a bonafide star in this league and he will now the best collection of players with him in his young career. Jarret Jack brings a fearless attitude off the bench that will help young players, Clark's play last year earned him a chance to start in Cleveland if he can contribute it will turn out to be a good investment. They have the #1 pick Bennet and Waiters continues to improve. Now if former Laker Bynum can come in and use his size even in limited minutes it will open up opportunities. The possibility of a Heat/Cav first round series is now very possible, that would be epic.

#6 Washington Wizards: Last Year 29-53, missed playoffs
      Projected Finish: 43-39, only other Least team with winning record besides top 5

With the newly acquired Polish Hammer in DC, the Wizards now become legit spoilers in Least and the Nation's capital a place with competitive basketball again. Wall & Beal are among the best back court duos and are not even halfway to their ceiling. The arrival of Gortat moves Nene to the 4 spot and gives the Wiz their own set of skilled twin towers. Add a selection of role wing men and you got an possibly exciting team in DC.

#5 New York Knicks: Last Year 54-28, 2nd seed, Atlantic Crown, lost in semis
     Projected Finish: 57-25, tough 4/5 match up, toss up

The Knicks feel this is their year, on paper their state rivals Brooklyn looks better, and they can match the athleticism and speed of the top 3.  Still NY will contend if healthy, they still have many experienced role players that unfortunately have their best years behind them but can just do enough to make a difference. It also feels that if they don't go deep in playoffs, the once perfect of marriage of Melo and NY will end in forgettable fashion. Good ball is back at the mecca, but also in Chicago & Indiana.

#4 Brooklyn Nets: Last Year 49-33, back to playoffs, first round exit
     Projected Finish: 59-23, Atlantic Crown, 4/5 match up, toss up

On paper this team looks legit, but so did last years' Lakers, unlike Lake show though, the big time players DO want to be here. Unfortunately desire can't make you younger and this is an older team. But if healthy and if they find chemistry fast ala Boston '08, this will a team to be reckoned with. The starters are solid and their bench is solid, if as good as advertised the Nets will win the NY battle but fall short against a younger hungry Indy team.

#3 Miami Heat: Last Year 66-16, best in league, repeat champions
     Projected Finish: 59-23, Southeast crown again, see below.

The 2 time defending champions are chasing dynasty status but now face not one by 4 legit threats and 4 more young squads that will make them work for their place in history. With an aging Wade, Allen, and questionable Beasley & Oden additions, other teams now have a chance to sneak up on the Heat and make them work for every W. As if being champions is not enough to put a target on your back, the Heat are hated, and I don't think any team would mind playing a part in their demise. That reason is why I have them not winning 60 games this year, they have played long post season for 3 years, other teams have improved and their target on the back just got bigger. Sure they still employ the best player in the game, but he can't do it all, Indy showed last year what a talented athletic wing can do to the reigning MVP, and they still have not fixed their nagging issues of PG and big man defense. The Heat are still favorites, c'mon it's the Heat, but the gap is closing fast.

#2  Chicago Bulls: Last year 45-37, 5th seed, lost in semis vs. Heat, broke their 27 game win streak
      Projected Finish: 62-20, Final Four

Even without D Rose the Bulls remained competitive and were still a beast defensively. They were able to break the Heat's streak without their big guns and for 4 games give Miami all they had. Now their leader, the only other person to win MVP in the Lebron Heat ear is back, and ever better than before.  Under Thibs the Bulls have been a very good regular season team, no reason why that's gonna change, It's simple the Bulls must play the same type of defense they've played for 3 years and let D Rose be the MVP caliber player he can be on offense. The end of the Finals drought is not far fetched.

#1 Indiana Pacers: Last Year 49-32, central crown, took champs to 7 games.
      Projected Finish: 63-19, Final Four

Like the Pacer teams of Miller time, these team has the talent and attitude to dethrone the reigning champs, let's hope that unlike Reggie's teams, these Pacers don't fall short. The Pacers bring back their core along with an improved bench with the addition of Luis Scola, CJ Watson, but most importantly Danny Granger will return, the once go to player comes in and should be an great combo with rising all star Paul George. If the starters continue playing where they left off last May and the bench can produce as expected, there will be a new Least Champion.

Eastern Playoff Outlook:

IND
DET   IND

BRO  BRO 
NY               IND   IND
                     CHI
CHI
CLE  CHI

MIA  MIA
WAS

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.

Lakers Blow Lead, Now 2 Games Under .500

The Lakers expecially Kobe was scorching in the first half, but I guess they thought it was college and didn't show up for the 3rd and 4th. Overall the Lakers shot better, except from free throws, outrebounded and outblocked the young Rockets, held the league's 2nd leader scorer to 3/19 shooting and somehow even when holding a 13 point lead with 10 minutes to go with their starter resting, the Lakers walked off the floor with a second straight loss, this one just by a deuce. While they deffinately looked better than Sunday's embarrasment, it is just baffling this experienced group cannot seem to gel and keep executing the games most basic plays such as rebounding. In a sport of runs no lead is safe if they're is time and the clock keeps stopping. While most haters will blame Howard for his free throw woes and yes that hurt, the problem goes back to the Mike Brown start, turnovers and defense, and poor bench play, you can also add second opportunities for the oppenent, Houston had 21 offensive boards to the Lakers 14, that's not gonna get it done. Still now missing another starter with the ailing Gasol, joing future Hall of Famer Nash, and reserve guard Blake, the Lake Show played well up until the last 10 minutes where they picked up 6 of their 18 turnover in that span and could not even get a shot thanks to Howard costly freebies. But these are the Lakers, they're not measured by morale or almost wins. If they lose they're garbage, embarrasing, or dissapointing, while any other team going through the same is "moving in the right direction", so with now a 3-5 record under D'Antoni, the Lakers are pretty much done with some even counting them out of the playoffs, seriously? Sure it's been disspointing, but have they really been getting their ass kicked? Considering they haven't played their full core once this season and their point man who happens to be one of the best ever has only played what 5 quarters? Blake was playing well and now is out, and Gasol has been playing hurt and yet several of those losses could have gone the other way, are they really this bad? Of the 10 losses, 4 have been by double digits, with 16 being the worst loss vs. the Kings. 3 Have been by 2 points, 2 of those games against quality teams, they could have easily been 11-7, and they have really made runs on all games, they just have come short, mostly to turnovers and missed assignments, both correctable. So haters have your fill, have your laughs, as long as the Lakes stay on the playoff hunt and click at the right time, we'll see who's laughing at the end.

 

The basketball night was not a total loss, as the Wizards surprised the reigning Chumps to double their win total, that was funny.

Player of the Game: Reserve Tony Douglas with Linsanity struggling tallied 22 points on 8/17 shooting 3 dimes, and 2 steals in 28 minutes.

X-Factor: Greg Smith contributed nicely off the bench 21 points 9 rebounds in just 24 minutes.

Should Have Been Benched: They already were, the whole Lakers bench, who got out scored as unit by two reserve Rockets off the bench, Douglas and Smith.

Laker Hater: Greg Smith totaled in this game 1 more rebound and 1 less point than the last 3 games combined. Ha!

Overtime. Mamba is not only 13 points away from scoring 30,000 points, grounded Jamison had a season high 3 blocks.

Lakers Hit the Road With Yet Another No Show

The Lake Show is hated doesn't matter who's wearing the purple and gold. They're even hated more when they're good, and haters fill out numerous posts after a win but especially a loss, even more when they yet fail to show up and embarrass themselves against a lesser opponent. For as much as this particular group is criticized, this is not a new thing for the Lake Show, this frustrating see saw act happens more often than not. I can think only of the 2000 Lakers and the '09-'10 Lakers that actually played consistently trhough out the season. This is a very frustrating to see as a fan, but nothing new to fans who have followed the Lakers the last 15 years. So the season is now 17 games old and the Lakers have yet to go over .500 this season, I can't believe I'm actually writing that. Following their season high 3 game win streak, they stunk up horribly at Sacramento, played decent against league leading Memphis, pummeled Dallas to avoid a 3 game slump to gain face then stunk up it again even worse at home vs. one of this years disappointments Indiana only to look outstanding vs. high expectations Denver, to probably the most disappointing showing today vs. the sub .500 Dwight's former team Orlando. This was just pathetic, I actually only watched in spurts as the zombies in mid season finale of "Walking Dead" showed more life than the Lakers. This could not been the team we saw on Friday, and didn't Orlando played yesterday? My God, this is turning out to be a painful season that only the return of Steve Nash is giving me some hope of at least some consistency. And what about Pau? What's his future? Should the Lakers maybe just give him a break the next couple of games? Or should he get axed? Giving his production I don't think I'd miss him, but who would take him really? NY? Swap him for A'mare? See if he can get back to his All-Star Form with his former Coach and quarterback. What about just keep getting Suns and get struggling Jared Dudley and Channing Frye, of course Frye is out so that doesn't work out too well. It's just been a very disappointing start even without Nash a team featuring Mamba, Pau, and Howard, with former All-Stars Artest and Jamison should be enough to win especially against sub .500 teams. But no, instead of a nice blow out win stating their greatness the Lake Show put up another frustrating clunker in this long early season.

Player of the Game: Aaron Aflalo lit it up with 11/18 shooting for 30 pts and found time to dish out 5 dimes and grab 5 boards.

X-Factor: The Orlando big men combined for 40 pts, 24 boards and 6 blocked shots, the Laker's big? 32 Points, 22 boards, and 1 blk, Big Baby had more blocks than Pau and Howard combined.

Should Have Been Benched: Where do I start? 3 players had decent games, the ever energetic Ron Ron, 6th man Jamison, and of course Mamba, everyone else should have just called in sick.

Laker Hater: No one, everyone that played for the Magic flat out out played the Lakers more energy and bigger effort.

Overtime. You know it's funny that the Lakers big guns continue to play heavy minutes even against what is supposed to be lesser opponents yet last Thursday controversial Spurs/Heat game had the scrubs and baseline bums from the Spurs almost steal one from the title favorite super team Heat. Is it the team system? The Coach? The City? I don't know, but as a fan you sure appreciate effort from the superstar to the water boy, Lakers really need no get their head out of their ass or you can kiss Dwight goodbye next year and send Kobe into a less than deserve send off.

Lakers Miscues Cost Them Chance to be .500

The fundamental Spurs shot less 40%, their big 3 went 18/45, in part to their back court going 9/26, Manu and Tony combined has as many baskets as Timmy. The Lakers out rebounded them, blocked more shots, shot better, attempted twice the free throws, oh an they were at home and still lost! Let me repeat that the Spurs played their age and somehow still found a way to beat the drama filled Lake Show. Elsewhere the other LA team is actually playing ball and just took down another elite team slowly becoming the show to watch in La La Land, real fans will still follow the purple and gold, but to see the Clips actually balling better than the Lakers is just depressing. Well, back to the game, the Lakers missed an opportunity to beat a good team by still turning the ball too much, and even though they won the rebound battle, failing to secure the critical ones. Superman knotted another double double 13/15/3 but also added 6 mishaps, SIX are you kidding? Between Dwight and Meeks they had half the Lakers miscues, I really don't remember Dwight being so sloppy in Orlando, and I saw him play plenty as he was one of the players I followed. Most infuriating was the fact that one occasion Tony the smallest guy on the floor snuck in a tip in with Mamba, and the bigs just watching, BOX OUT, go to the ball, don't let the ball come to you, my God, you learn this shit in pee wee. Then there was the bizarre last play where one of the best closers in history failed to even look at the ball and ended with big man Gasol shooting a 3, WTF? As a result the Lakers, are not at the bottom overall, but still looking up in the West, can't wait to see D'Antoni at the bench already, surely should look better, 3 more home games to go on this bounce back stint.

Player of the Game: The ageless wonder Tim Duncan led the Spurs with 18 points, 9 board, 4 dimes, and 4 rejections, can't help but appreciate a player like the old fundamental.

X-Factor: The ever reliable role players the Spurs have had over the years, not stars, but still find a way to help out, Danny Green while only shooting 4/12 still had the sac to take the game winning 3 over Mamba without a flinch.

Should Have Been Benched: Don't understand why a proven player as Duhon didn't start, but the kid who did couldn't the big light and in 21 minutes contributed 1 point, 2 rebounds 1 assist, 1/4 freebies and a donut from 5 attempts, eesh.

Laker Hater: Splitter tied or had season high in points, assists, rebounds, blocks, steals, and field goals. Either the sight of the Lakers bring out the best or these Lakers team really sucks so far.

Overtime: The snubbing of Zen Master Phil Jackson still dominates everything Lakers, luckily this team is no stranger to drama, no matter how good other teams are doing, the Lakers are always top news love 'em or hate 'em. Even after 25 years I still find it funny how much people hate them and the base of how they are measured. Funny how haters always say they suck and they are dead, even in their title years, but the only thing they can base it on is that they exited early or didn't win it all. While other teams if they make the post season is an accomplishment, if they go to the second round it's a step in the right direction, but the Lakers do that and they suck. It's true what Chick said, "The Lakers do not hang division banners, they hang Championship banners". Wouldn't the Clippers possible division banner just look odd against the dozen banner representing the 16 titles of the Lakers? And over time, how would that look? Other teams highlight involve how close they got, the Lakers are measured whether they won it or not. Peace out haters.

7 Seconds or Less Coming to Hollywood

In the 25 years I have followed the Lakers, one thing they have been consistent about is not doing the expected. From wining every year to questionable signings and game time decisions and performance, it can be pretty frustrating to cheer for the purple and gold. One thing for sure, "dull" the Lakers are not. With anyone knowing a thing about NBA, Phil Jackson return to Hollywood was already written it was just a matter of when he'd be starting and who was he bringing along. Then the Laker surprised everyone, really at this point can the Lakers really surprise anymore?, anyway they shocked the basketball world by passing on the Zen Master owner of more rings than fingers, to sign the run and gun style of Nash's best years front man, Mike D'Antoni. The "experts" are appalled with many predicting a blown chance to get another trophy for the Buss family, since according to sources the job was for PJ to turn down. Nothing is ever set in stone for the Lakers. Pros and Cons point out the hardware, 11-2 Finals record in the last 21 years, including a trio of three-peats and a one back to back against a someone who has never gone to the big dance. Well when you put it that way, then the Lakes screwed up, but's let's rewind a sec, to Phil's last hurrah almost 2 1/2 years ago when the title run Mavs put a hurting on them in a most embarrassing way emphasized by the cheap shots of Bynum and Odom. Anyone remember the lifeless Lakers of that year with an "improved" roster that failed to finish off a team that until then was know for choking the playoffs? All was not well then, it seemed the Zen Master stayed one season too long, but can you blame him, the Lakers had a chance to give him another triple crown, but the effort was not there of past championship teams. So the Lakers moved on with life without Phil, something that didn't work out too well the last time they tried to cut ties the triangle, for those with a short memory, the Lakers missed the playoffs that year and also did not finish with their start of the season coach. PJ was rehired, Lakers become significant again ant 3 straight Finals appearances with 2 titles followed, it's a no brainer the Lakers can't win with out Phil right? Not entirely, while his second stint was successful, c'mon anytime you can bring consecutive titles to your tenure how could it be viewed as anything but success, his start did not succeed from the get go, it took 3 years and arrival of the Spaniard to get them back to the Finals only to again get spanked in historic fashion by the hated Leprechauns. The interest and fun of the title years was gone in Phil's last year, maybe it was the new additions or the need to change from a proven system that had gotten to familiar and boring whatever it was Phil's last year was disappointing. So why not now? You would think the Lakers would admit his system works and they need him to be successful and may awaken that interest again in the quest for another ring. But no, the Lakers decided to go with another coach stating Phil price was a little high. If it's pricing, then we as fans don't feel the Lakers want to win then, as they're shouldn't be a price to high for guaranteed success. So that can't be it, what about control? Apparently Phil wanted a little more control, in other words not have to deal with Junior Buss who from what is said is not his BFF. If one thing the Lakers have made clear in recent years, it's that no one but Magic and Kareem were bigger than the franchise. Shaq learned it and now so has Phil, sure they could have won, there is no denying what the return of Phil would have done to the Lakers, but the Big Bad Lakers are not gonna succumb to a coach even at the expense of winning. So now what? Are we stuck with sloppy seconds? Well if you feel that way, then you don't know basketball, new head man D'Antoni is more than capable of guiding the Lakers to the promise land if the players are willing to bust their ass for him. While I find it hard to believe the 7 seconds offense will be instilled on this aging Laker squad, the fact that D'Antoni trusts Nash will make his adjusting easier. Yes the Lakers are slow compared to blurs the west poing guards are, but it's not like they're glued to the floors. His Suns teams fastest player was Barbosa, Matrix was the versatile one, and A'mare was the freak athletic big man. In 2005 future Atlanta millionaire Joe Johnson was the perfect Nash running mate who stretched the floor along with streaky Q Richardson. The Suns had a balanced attack relieved by the Brazilian Blur and sometimes Jim Jackson. Nash would get MVP and Suns the best record. Then Joe took a stumble and the Suns lost a huge piece of the offense. No one seems to remember that, he was not the same again for the rest of the post season, missing 6 games, it's good to point out that the sole victory against the Spurs he netted 26 points. No game was won by more than 9 points, so you'd figure a player with his shooting ability would have made a difference. While Spurs still may have won, things sure were looking up for the Suns, then bad luck hit again, and A'mare was sidelined for season, the roster now included more gunners, Tim Thomas, Boris Diaw, Eddie House, James Jones and Defensive Specialist Raja Bell. Even without their All-NBA big man Nash would get another MVP and they made a second trip to the West Finals only to lose to the Mavs, can you imagine if he had been healthy? A'mare would return in '07 and the Suns would continue to be contenders, in probably the most painful of their runs, first with famous game when the great medical staff of Phoenix could not get Nash and his gash into the game again and then the Suns would get absolutely robbed when Laker favorite almost tarnished his legacy with a cheap leveling of Steve Nash into the scorers table. The suspensions sealed this series and I didn't see anymore of the playoffs that year, what for? The title had been given to the Spurs already. That Suns team would have gone to the Finals and won it, giving Nash his well deserved ring and D'Antoni a place along the few coaches to win during the Phil Jackson, Gregg Popovich era. The D'Antoni era would end next year when the Shaq experiment failed in Phoenix exiting early once again against the hated Spurs. So what would some good luck in their way have meant? They easily could have had 3 straight Final appearances if not for bad luck, D'Antoni reputation would have been quite different. While I don't expect the same barrage of 3s the Suns had I do think D'Antoni is going to bring back a fun style to the Lakers, will it work? As good as the Suns were in his tenure, D'Antoni's never had a hall of famer scorer like Bryant, or a defensive big man like Howard, add a skilled big man in Gasol and the defensive mentality of Ron Ron with the IQ of Steve Nash and the possibilities are actually quite scary. I'm looking forward to this change and hope both D'Antoni and Nash can finally get their ring.