The Best Lakers Squad I've Ever Seen

No one wants to see you fall more than when you're on the top.

That's what the 2000-2001 Lakers had to deal with. The newly-crowned champions had to deal with something the squad hadn't dealt with before: having a bulls-eye on their back every single time on the hardwood floor.

The team didn't know how to deal with the responsibilities and maturity that went along with being a champion. Just because the team won a championship didn't mean they were automatically more mature. What needed to be learned through experience was how to handle the newly acquired power and allure.

This was very well documented in the sudden emergence of the Shaquille O'Neal - Kobe Bryant feud. Both had something they never had and each wanted more, but both had different ideas on how to get it.

I hate to admit this, but I get bored with the regular season (I'm already bored with this season). Give me the playoffs, when and where the Lakers are supposed to be every season. But the regular season was what the fresh-off-a-championship team needed; time to figure out how champions were supposed to prepare and compose themselves on the court on a nightly basis.

This was the greatest Lakers team I saw play. Not because of the regular season, but for what they did in the playoffs. They ended that season on an 8-game winning streak and were the second-seed to the Spurs.

The 2000-2001 Lakers had a great mix of young and old. Horace Grant and Ron Harper, mixed with Derek Fisher and Robert Horry. A defensive-minded role player like Rick Fox, with always savvy Brian Shaw waiting for Phil Jackson's call.

LA didn't have an easy road ahead of themselves either. They faced the Portland Blazers, one year removed from a 7-game series against the same exact squad. After that, they were up against the division rival and upstart Sacramento Kings.

What was beautiful about this Lakers squad was the dominance the team could turn to... Shaq's in foul trouble? Kobe's ready to crossover Doug Christie then posterize Vlade Divac. Kobe missing his shots? Feed the Diesel and run them over.

This team was hungry. They were out for blood.

Then came my favorite series of all-time: the number one-seeded San Antonio Spurs versus the Lakers who were embarrassed in 1999 against them. Let me start on game 2, when any other team would have given up. They were down by double digits, lost their coach, and were away from home. LA had already stolen one, so it would have been understandable to pack it up and go home with a win in the pocket.

Nope, not this squad. This game shows why they are different than others. Resiliency. Bend, do not break. One basket at a time, determination. This team had learned all they needed from Phil during the season, they could take it from there: "we got you coach, take a shower." On the way home with a 2-0 lead.

Yes, home to the embarrassment party. Fisher dropping 3's, Shaq dropping no-look passes, and Foxy fastbreak dunks. These Lakers embarrassed the #1 seeded Spurs by 39 and 29 back at Staples.

After an Allen Iverson step-over, the Lakers dream of a perfect playoff was killed (*dead* when Chick said "good luck Tyronne, I'll send you a card" in regards to guarding Iverson).

But they went back on track to sweep them after the initial loss. 15-1. Four straight sweeps. Yes, I say four straight sweeps because they swept the Sixers after losing game 1.

Los Angeles repeating with an emphatic response to the regular season. Think about it, their 8 straight wins to end the season coupled with the 11-0 start to the playoffs gave them 19 straight in the most important time of the year. 19 straight!

When today's Lakers lose today I lose myself for a second... then I remember this 2000-2001 squad. A regular season to determine how to handle yourself as a champion, then rediscover why you have that feeling: Larry O'Brien was in Staples Center at the end.

Today's Lakers will not go 16-1 this year, but here's hoping they discover what the 2001 champions did: there's a reason why you're a champion, remind the rest of the league.

Ron Artest = a more skilled Rick Fox
Andrew Bynum & Pau Gasol = together might match Shaq's dominance, emphasis on might
Josh Powell = Ho Grant waiting on the bench for his call
Derek Fisher = Ron Harper
Kobe Bryant = an older, wiser, and better, well, Kobe Bryant
Lamar Odom = more skillful Robert Horry, one day he'll appear all of a sudden and win you a game or two.
Shannon Brown = Devean George
Luke Walton = Slava Medvedenko (sorry had to throw my man out like that)

All-Snooze Fest

At some point in time, all-star games turned from celebrating the accomplishments of athletes in the particular year, to a popularity contest. Reputation matters more than what has been done in the current year of play.

When did all the commissioners of the professional sports leagues come together and determine that the all-star games of their respective sports would all turn to crap? And was there ever a time when all-star games actually worked?

There are flaws in all the systems.

NBA: fan voting has too much influence. NFL: no one wants to play in it. MLB: again, fan voting messes with starting lineups. NHL: fan voting, but I am not going to pretend that I know what I am talking about in regards to hockey.

As we approach the Pro Bowl for the NFL and the NBA's all-star game I try to remember when I really cared about an all-star game. For me, I care more about the preceding events than the actual exhibition games.

David Stern has gone wrong with the NBA in that the fan voting system doesn't work, especially with worldwide voting. Tracy "First Round" McGrady almost got the starting nod for the Western Conference this year, due largely to Chinese fans voting him in because of his allegiance to Yao Ming's Rockets.

But fans aren't the only ones to blame on this one, coaches are guilty too. The reserves are determined by them, and are the coaches are being influenced by reputation more than looking at players' success for the year. I grew up a Lakers fan and I am all for seeing more purple & gold laced sneakers on the hardwood. However, I have to disagree with the selection of Pau Gasol this year. That was purely a reputation call by the coaches.

Chris Kaman is having a solid year and should have been selected. Gasol's reputation coupled with the name of the team on the front of Kaman's jersey didn't allow Caveman to be on this year's squad.

Look, I understand that this happens; there are only a certain amount of roster spots and for the most part coaches and fans get it right. And I don't want to go into a rant about every sport and have a post that takes you 20 minutes to read, but on a quick note about MLB...

Why have a requirement that every team needs a representative? If a team doesn't have a player deserving of an all-star nod than why have them there. Most of the time that particular player given the sympathy bid doesn't even get into the game.

And the fan voting totally messes with this one in that Red Sox and Yankees players are always voted to start due to their huge following (also see: Yankees and Red Sox nations need a life... I kid, but not really).

I don't have the solution nor do I believe that anyone does, each sport is different and the leagues want to sell tickets, jerseys, and TV rights. It gives us something to discuss allowing more attention to be paid to the all-star selections and games.

As a beginning point to a fix, give the votes for the starting rosters to the players in the leagues. Who knows the players better than those that are actually competing against them? Next, give the rights to the reserves voting to the coaches.

Where do the fans come in? This is the fun part: allow us fans to vote for a lineup that plays for a quarter, period or couple innings together. Create our own dream team to play together based on the rosters created by the players & coaches of the leagues, and ensure that the coaches stick with the lineup the whole predetermined time. Finding the most common lineup selected by fans would be tricky for a human, but plug it into a computer system and let it do the work. Hell, the BCS determines the college championship game, it can determine the most wanted lineup to play together.

Cry, cry all we want, we'll still tune in.

Oh, and Allen Iverson for all-star game MVP honors.

Tonight's post was created while listening to Dam Funk's "Toeachizown" album. Go get it.

Maybe You Shouldn't Have Opened Your Mouth

Remember Paul Pierce's claim that he was a better player than Kobe over the past summer?

Can the NBA and Boston Celtics (perhaps it's possible in Beantown?) fans see through the BS that was coming out of Pierce's mouth over the summer?

In a time that the Celtics needed more production, Pierce didn't step up his game. For the long stretch that Kevin Garnett was out, Feb. 22 through March 18, Pierce averaged 22.8 points per contest. Think Kobe would let his average dip to that low if Pau Gasol went out?

Kobe Bryant is averaging 27.2PPG to Pierce's 20.3, and doing so at a higher percentage, .465 (compared to Pierce's .453). Maybe Pierce started to taste the double and sometimes triple-team coverage that Bryant faces every game on the hardwood.

Or maybe Pierce was still not fully recovered from his wheelchair-inducing "injury." Or perhaps, we blame it on the media for holding in Pierce in such high regard after his NBA Finals performance. (We've seen that before with Dwayne Wade, although, Flash has risen back to that Finals form).

It's just becoming extremely quiet from the Pierce camp after trying to convince the world he is the best player in the world. Sad thing for Pierce is that he isn't even the third best player in his conference.

Kevin Garnett: Overrated?

The past couple of days the idea has been kicked around on whether to put this post up or not.

But it was decided to post it after seeing a glorified picture of Kevin Garnett up on ESPN following the Boston Celtics game 5 victory over the Atlanta Hawks.

How was Garnett allowed to even participate in that game? More on that later...

Garnett is in his thirteenth year in the NBA and has treated NBA fans, specifically Minnesota and now Boston with nothing but passion for the game. His heart and talent is unquestioned in that sense.

What is being questioned is his ability to win when the odds are against him ... when the fire is ablaze.

Why does he get a pass? Because he plays like a warrior?
The media rips, and holds other stars accountable for never winning a championship, yet turn their cheek when talking about Garnett.

And really, I do not think he has what it takes to take a team to that "next level."
A great talent he truly is, but he has never taken a team as far as his heart would like ... granted, he only had two opportunities in Minnesota to do so due to the lack of talent around him.

But what has to be recognized is that he shies away when presented with pressure and gets too emotional on the floor, losing his focus in the process.

Garnett is hiding behind something when he does a primal scream on the court. He is making us try to forget that he has not won a ring when he pumps his chest repeatedly with a snarl on his face.

Some superstars keep their calm in a storm. Others fight, claw and lose their cool. Garnett chooses the latter.

Take for example the incident in game 4 of this year's first round:


He does know that he is fighting with Zach Pachulia, right? Why would he throw an elbow after the play was dead? And Garnett started to get "crazy" after being pulled away from the ruckus. For what? To pump up his teammates?

All that did was encourage his actions. And speaking of his actions, how he did not get suspended is beyond me.

Well, I do know how he did not get suspended: his name and reputation.

No way does Ron Artest, Rasheed Wallace, or even Kobe Bryant get away with pushing a referee away that is trying to calm them down.

When he had Sam Cassell and Latrell Sprewell on the Timberwolves he was the third option when it came to fourth quarter shots. Instead of banging in the paint Garnett was, and is, taking jump shots.

Garnett is not on the level of Bryant, LeBron James, or Karl Malone. And I mentioned Malone for a specific reason, he never won a ring as the model power forward. But Malone could blame #23 from preventing him from getting that ring (and the Detroit Pistons and a bum knee in 2004).

What Malone did do was hit his jumpers and bang in the paint ... along with carrying the team. He was the first option, John Stockton being the second.

Unless Garnett checks his emotions, he will always be a player considered a superstar and with numbers to back it, but one that let his feelings spill too much onto the hardwood - killing the chance for him, and those around him, to get that elusive ring.

And by the way ... it will not be happening with Boston anytime soon.

Dwight Howard Left One Out...

Patrick Ewing Jr. had an impressive dunk in last night's State Farm College Slam Dunk Championships.


Dwight Howard better step up his game if Ewing Jr. gets to the NBA.

Just kidding, Howard had the best contest I have seen in years ... perhaps better than Vince Carter, the year that catapulted his career defined his career.

Advertising On NBA Backboards?

The NBA and Spalding plan to test advertising on backboards during NBA Development League play next year.

Initial plans have the system being tested in the NBA Development League next year. The screens would be used before games and during timeouts, and likely be given to teams to sell as incremental ad inventory. During games, they could be used for enhancements, like showing the last ticks of an expiring 24-second clock or quarter. When not in use, the technology is invisible to players.

I like it. Why not? I especially like the part about the expiring 24-second clock on the backboard. That would allow the player shooting to focus his sight more towards the rim than above the backboard where the clock resides now.

The technology can also be used for the benefit of all levels of basketball.

There are some fascinating applications. Imagine a coach showing the previous night’s game film, or some other scouting footage on the backboard while putting his team through its paces. Home hoopsters could participate in clinics, play their favorite video or mount a small video camera on the backboard, or could play H-O-R-S-E across thousands of miles via Internet hookup.

That backboard would have been sick to have around when Derek Fisher sunk the San Antonio Spurs with his famous 0.4 shot heard around the world. The picture from that shot is already awesome with the lights around the backboard, but imagine it with "0.0" in big red lights on the backboard with the ball in the air.

Back To The Orlando Magic Days

Tracy McGrady is real happy today after news that his all-star starting center, Yao Ming, will be out for the rest of the season.

McGrady will be taken back to his days with the Orlando Magic and will try to keep the Houston Rockets afloat in the tough Western Conference. I emphasize try because I doubt wonk eye will be able to do that, not like Yao did with McGrady out.

McGrady has shown in the past that he is not the type of player to carry a team, whether it be in the regular season, or if he is talking about the second round of the playoffs before he gets out of the first round.

The Denver Nuggets and Golden State Warriors both thank you Yao... the Rockets will slip out of the playoffs and open up a spot, allowing both of them to enter the playoffs.

How do you say Mr. Glass in Chinese?

Shaquille O'Neal To The Suns

Shaq back to the West on a team other than the Los Angeles Lakers? No, you are kidding me right?

And to the Lakers' fans most hated team in the West right now, the Phoenix Suns.

Many question this trade, as do I. But you never know what is going to happen when you have a motivated Shaq (see Miami Heat title in his second season with them).

What the Suns have essentially done with this trade is give themselves two-and-a-half years to raise a banner in the US Airways Center. Steve Nash is getting older, they traded a young player in Shawn Marion, Amare Stoudemire cannot do it on his own, Grant is almost over-the-Hill, and O'Neal is running on fumes.

If Shaq can stay healthy then this move is brilliant for the towers of the West, an area that the Suns struggle in (see Suns v. Lakers). Stoudemire and O'Neal on the frontline is a pretty formidable combination.

Of course, this move was made as a reaction to the Lakers acquisition of Pau Gasol in last week's trade. The Suns already struggled against the Lakers this year with big man Andrew Bynum, and now have to worry about covering two seven-footers.

I was hurt when Shaq was traded to Miami following the Lakers 2004 NBA Finals exit at the hands of the Detroit Pistons, and swore that I would support him as a Heat player until he won a championship. But there is NO way that I will be supporting him in a Suns uniform.

If the Lakers and Suns meet in the playoffs look for a very heated matchup between the two squads.

Phil Jackson has already taken a shot at Shaq and his age saying to reporters, "“There are deteriorating returns for a guy who’s 7-foot-1, 300-whatever-he-is.” He did later say that he would be a force again if he could get his playing legs back.

Shaq I am your biggest fan, but seeing you in a Suns uniform is going to make me puke.

Larry O'Brien Trophy, Say Hello To The Lakers

I hope the San Antonio Spurs are getting in their last kisses with the Larry O'Brien trophy, because they are not going to see it for a long time after the moves made by Mitch KupfakeGM and the Lakers.

The Lakers traded Mr. Stone Hands himself, Kwame Brown, along with Javaris Crittenton and two first round picks to Memphis for Pau Gasol and a second round pick.

When I first read this all I could think about was Marv Albert. Why Mr. Albert? One word. Sodomy. Sure, Memphis probably made this move to clear cap space for next season and to add young talent, but the Lakers bent the Grizzlies over.

I was embarrassed for Kupchak (for the hundredth time) when he traded away Caron Butler for Stone Hands, but now "Cupcake" has redeemed himself by finding a foolish suitor for Brown.

The head scratching continued with Crittenton's name attached involved. Yes, it made sense for the Lakers with the emergence of Jordan Farmar and solid veteran player in Derek Fisher, but why for the Grizzlies?

They have a rookie point guard in Mike Conley Jr. and young guard Kyle Lowry. Hmm, seems like the same situation in LA for Javaris.

Now to the Lakers smile. Lakers fans around the nation are smiling ear-to-ear today. One, because Kwame is a bum. Two, the Lakers have a starting five that may be better than the Pistons.

Look at the starting five that the Lakers will throw on the floor every night (once Andrew Bynum comes back):
PG - Derek Fisher
SG - Kobe Bryant
SF - Lamar Odom
PF - Pau Gasol
C - Andrew Bynum

And they have one of the league's top bench squads to fall back on. Kobe is not going anywhere. The championship banner will be raised in Los Angeles once again.

Gasol works well with a mid-range jumper and will let Bynum control the paint. Those two will be the LA's version of the "twin towers" that we saw in San Antonio with Tim Duncan and David "I ain't signing an autograph for Shaq" Robinson.

The West's elite and how they match up:

Phoenix - The Suns had problems in the past with the Lakers size, and now the Lakers have added another 7-footer to go along with "beast-in-the-making" Bynum. Lakers sweep the series in the playoffs if they face the Suns.

Dallas - Dirk Nowitzki and any other big man they throw out on the court will not be able to handle the Lakers front line. Oh, the Lakers also have Kobe and LO on their squad? Another sweep in the making.

New Orleans - Young, athletic, and have size. That can explain both the Lakers and Hornets, and the reason why I could see a series with the Hornets going six games. Chris Paul gives teams headaches and would will his team to a couple wins. Tyson Chandler and David West would put up good fights against the new "LA Skyscrapers" (copyright: First To Third), but cannot do it all. Oh, there still is a player named Kobe playing.

San Antonio - Tim Duncan, look into your mirror of the past and see Bynum and Gasol proving to be a younger and better dual big man threat compared to your "twin towers." The Lakers bench along with their starting five would make this series a five-gamer.

---

One thing that the Lakers may think about doing is moving Lamar Odom. One, because he struggles when he does not get the ball enough. Two, they may look to add a defensive-minded player to help make up for Gasol's average defensive game. Once Bynum comes back Odom may not get the shots he needs in the offense and could defer to Kobe on a full-time basis.

But it might be hard for Kupchak to pull that trigger since we will not see the Lakers with Bynum in the lineup until after the trade deadline.

The Grizzlies just gave the Lakers another "best" for their squad. They now have the best team to go along with best player in the league.

Do you smell that? Yes, it is what you think, the league collectively defecated themselves and David Stern shot a load thinking about the Lakers being back in the NBA Finals.

Dwight Howard Is A Father

The fact that Dwight Howard had a baby in November is not the big news I want to write about. Why should I care if he had a child with a former Orlando Magic dancer?

What I like about this story is that she is hot, and makes wacky videos on YouTube such as this one:

I found that video when I searched for her picture on the Interweb. It is eight minutes long, but you can tell she is a freak that Howard could not resist.

Here is the link to her Myspace.

Leandro Barbosa = Crying Game

Leandro Barbosa got emotional the other day ago while he was in town to play the Los Angeles Lakers.

Barbosa was coaxed into thinking that he had been traded to the New York Knicks before the game.

For those of you who missed the LA/Phoenix game, a funny story about Barbosa. Apparently he received a phone call to his hotel room asking him to come to the front desk and he received “word” from Kerr that he was traded to the Knicks. He immediately went and found assistant coach and mentor Dan D’Antoni who saw how upset Barbosa was and asked him what was wrong. Barbosa responds by saying, “I thought you guys liked me”, and then tells him about the “news”. Dan tells him there is absolutely no truth to the rumor and that the next time he checks into a hotel he should use an alias rather than his real name

Of course the thought of being traded to an Isiah Thomas-led New York Knickerbockers team is no laughing matter. But anytime a Phoenix Sun is seen, or heard whining is indeed a laughing matter.

It is like when I was in eighth grade and I found a beautiful vixen to "date" at the time. After couple weeks of heavy hand-holding, I found out that she liked another guy. My reaction was similar to Barbosa's: "What did I do wrong? How could this have happened?"

Anyway, if you happen to find out a Suns' players alias on the road be sure to tell him Mike D'Antoni hates his guts.

A Year To Do What I Would Like

"This is the most beautiful sight these eyes have ever seen!" - Daniel Ruettiger in the movie Rudy.

Rudy's father said that upon entering Notre Dame Stadium in the movie.

The following is a list of what I would do in a year to make me say that (keep in mind I am leaving off events such as the World Cup, Olympics, other events that come around every few years, and events in other countries because the list would be too deep):

The Super Bowl: Easy pick. The mecca of all sporting events in the United States of America. Tickets are at absurd prices for the event and offers you a big party to partake in. And not just one party, but a week full of parties. Celebrities and former athletes would be all over town for the best sporting event of the year in America. What better way than to celebrate the biggest event for the most popular sport in America with celebrities, beers, and the best tailgating foods ever?

NCAA Basketball Final Four: March Madness. The biggest, and most exciting tournament of the year. America's basketball amateurs playing for the pride of their school, instead of a contract like the professional basketball players, in a 65-team tournament. Buzzer-beaters, upsets, cinderella stories, side-stories... the tournament has it all. Hell, even businesses suffer in work efficiency during that time of year because of the time spent on office brackets for the tournament.

Baseball stadiums: The World Series is an easy choice, but who knows if I would pick the championship-deciding game. So instead I am going to pick the stadiums I would want to attend.

Yankee Stadium: Of course I would have to do it by the end of this upcoming baseball season because their stadium is being torn down for a new facility. But I would love nothing better than to walk into the old and legendary Yankee Stadium. Monument park would be a must see on the day, and I would prefer to sit in the bleacher seats with the "bleacher creatures" with an opposing teams' jersey on.

So much history is in the stadium, and my life would not be complete without visiting the "house that Ruth built." I am saving up to go this year.

Wrigley Field: Ah Chicago. Anytime you think of Chicago you automatically think of Wrigley Field if you are a sports fan. Crazy wind patterns, the ivy laced outfield walls, Chicago dogs, bleacher babes, etc. One of the world's most recognizable stadiums is a definite must see for me. It was built in 1914 and the Cubs started playing there in 1916. Not only that, but it is surrounded by bars and restaurants to fatten me up before and after the game.

Fenway Park: Oldest stadium in Major League Baseball. The Green Monster. Chowda Heads and the possibility of punching them in their own house. I have a strong displeasure for the Boston Red Sox, but the stadium is legendary and would love to attend a game. Then leave immediately to have myself disinfected.

I could name a lot more MLB stadiums that I would like to attend, but those are the top three. Really though, the ultimate would be for a road trip with a stop at every MLB stadium.

The Masters: I have never attended a PGA Tour event, but know about the Green Jacket, and Tiger Woods. Plus I heard people get hammered all day long following the players. Oh, and I guess Augusta National is a great golf course.

The Kentucky Derby: Big hats, lots of celebrities, horse betting, and mint juleps.

Who cares about those things when you have the infield to party at? People getting drunk, women lowering themselves, mud fights, and of course port-a-potty racing.


Outdoor NHL Game: The first outdoor NHL game in the United States was played on New Years Day this year between the Pittsburgh Penguins and Buffalo Sabres, and it looked like a damn good time. The game was a success ratings-wise and we will most definitely see it again in the near future.

Basketball Arenas: I would love to attend a Los Angeles Lakers NBA Finals game, but here is a short list of the arenas I would want to see a game at...

Madison Square Garden: New York. Spike Lee. "Fire Thomas" chants. MSG is the arena that every player gets pumped up to play at. It brings out the best in all the players, well, except for the Knicks. But New York is considered to be one of the top basketball cities in the world. This is the first arena I would visit.

Boston Garden: Another choice for historical reasons. And I would prefer to see a game there when the Lakers were in town to face their old rival.

And that is about it. NBA arenas do not really carry the mystique of say, a football stadium carries.

Football stadiums (college and pro):
Texas A&M - Kyle Field: Many rank this stadium as having the best atmosphere in all of college football. Not based on the stadium alone, but for the whole atmosphere leading up to game day.

Notre Dame Stadium: Again an easy choice based on tradition, but would love to see an USC game there.

I also would have put the home of USC, the L.A. Coliseum, but have already been there and done that. Tailgating was great, the stadium legendary, and the after-parties bountiful. Plus, you can never go wrong by downing ghetto-dogs on the SC campus while carrying your drunk friend proclaiming, "this is what happens when SC fans drink!" all with UCLA apparel on.

Green Bay Packers - Lambeau Field: With Favre starting the game... and with snow coming down. The legendary field was voted number one in game day atmosphere and fan experience by a Sports Illustrated online poll.

Pittsburgh Steelers - Heinz Field: $4 16-oz beers. Enough said. What the hell. I thought the Angels Stadium beer prices were cheap. Mustard-colored seats and Terrible Towels waving all game long.

Indianapolis Colts - RCA Dome: Rest in peace. I would have loved to attend a game at the loud RCA Dome, but the last game was played in it after the early exit from the playoffs this year by the Colts. That just means I have to attend a game at their new home, the Lucas Oil Stadium.

Dropping F Bombs

You may know this already, but First To Third is a huge fan of profanity during live sports broadcasts.

The following video is of Dallas Mavericks announcer, Brad Davis, dropping an F-bomb during the December 28 telecast of the Mavericks-Atlanta Hawks game.



Two guys just chilling watching the game, speaking aloud.

When he has to full court press and grab and hold and everything else. And it gets to a point sometimes where the referees just get tired of f—ing calling fouls on them.

Yeah, once you get that moniker as a good defensive team, you get away with a lot of stuff.

I say no harm done, Davis was probably a couple Jack and Cokes in and was tired of watching some boring basketball.

He Is Still There

And that is a good thing if you are a Lakers fan.

I must admit, I thought for sure that KB24 would have been traded from the Lakers this NBA season. But, after watching the Lakers move to 19-10, I think Kobe may be thinking of a permanent stay with the purple and gold.



Andrew Bynum has blossomed into the big man that the Lakers brass envisioned and have solid leadership in veteran Derek Fisher. Kareem Abdul Jabbar needs to be considered for coach of the year award, or at least assistant coach of the year based on his work he has done with Bynum.

Like I said before the season started: Bynum for most improved player of the year.

Mitch Kupchak has to be sporting a small smile because he did not trade Bynum, even though Lakers fans were calling for it when word came out that Jason Kidd was available at the cost of the young center.

The Lakers have beaten some of the Western Conference's top teams: San Antonio, Denver (twice), Golden State, and Phoenix (twice).

Lets not get ahead of ourselves though. The Lakers started last season at a 27-13 mark through the first 40 games, before stumbling to a 42-40 record due to injuries/motivation. But this squad will not fall down like last year.

Not with the tough bulldog that is Fisher in the locker room, or with Bynum becoming an elite NBA center.

Ask the Lakers if the regular season victories over the Western Conference elites mean anything, and you will get an answer Belichick-like: "It does not mean anything unless we can do it in the playoffs." Even the opposing coaches that get beat by the Lakers will agree.

But do not be fooled, the mental strength that is being built during the season with their big wins will make this Laker squad dangerous come playoff time. Western Conference champions dangerous.

Brokeback Mountain Defense

Phil Jackson took some heat from the NBA after his postgame remarks compared the Lakers defense to Brokeback Mountain.

"We call this a 'Brokeback Mountain' game, because there's so much penetration and kickouts," Jackson said. "It was one of those games."

The reporters, including John "Peanut-Head" Ireland who asked the question that prompted the remark, immediately started laughing at statement.

I would have made the same comment had my team let Cal State Fullerton alum Bruce Bowen hit six 3-pointers against them. How does that guy outscore Kobe Bryant?

The league did not fine Jackson over the comments, but issued a statement that the Lakers assured them that further remarks like that would not happen.

Of course, the Gay & Lesbian Against Defamation immediately released a statement:

"Phil Jackson's been coaching long enough that he should be able to talk about the Lakers' performance without resorting to cheap gay jokes," the statement read.

Jackson is probably the only coach in the NBA that can get away with a comment like that with just a slap on the hand. He plays mind games with all of the league, and just sits back and smiles at the results.

I would be intimidated to sit down to dinner with the dude. He could probably get me to think that I am a hyena and belong in the Carbon Canyon hills.

*UPDATE: The fact that ESPN blew this out of proportion prompted Phil Jackson to issue a video apology. The best part was that Jackson was pretty much sarcastic, basically saying "Eff you ESPN for even making this a story." He did not apologize to homosexuals directly, but to "Texas, cowboys, or anyone this has affected."

Jackson is classic. He just made fun of all of Texas in that apology. Genius.

Goodbye Street Cred

Brooklyn-raised Stephon Marbury went AWOL from the New York Knicks for Tuesday's game against the Phoenix and it is unclear whether he will be at the game in Los Angeles against the Clippers today.

Not only that, but Marbury said that he would dish out secrets about coach Isiah Thomas if he did not start against the Suns.

"Isiah has to start me," Marbury fumed, according to the source. "I've got so much (stuff) on Isiah and he knows it. He thinks he can (get) me. But I'll (get) him first. You have no idea what I know."

Well Marbury, dish. You did not show up for the game, meaning you did not start. So dish, because thats the last thing you do on the basketball court. Oh snap!

Marbury better watch himself, because this will not only ruin his career on the court, but his street cred will go out the door. The Brooklyn kid would be looked at as a rat, not good. Remember when Kobe Bryant snitched on Shaquille O'Neal about paying off women? That raised a lot of eyebrows of NBA players.

It ruins any trust you have in a locker room, and all trust outside.

The Knicks organization needs to get rid of Marbury and Thomas. And Spike Lee needs to buy the team from James Dolan. Marbury, Thomas, and Dolan have killed this team, and are the other three-headed monster in the Eastern Conference, literally.

Marbury is supposedly in Los Angeles for the game tonight and has said it is up to Thomas whether he plays.

Exactly how does Isiah still have a job in the NBA? Everywhere he has gone he has done a horrible job. He should stick to being Karl Malone's elbow target. (Sorry, no video evidence of that blow in 1991, but if you are a NBA fan then you know what I am talking about.)

What about this idea? Bring back Patrick Ewing to coach the Knicks, get Latrell Sprewell out of retirement, and sign Earl Boykins. Bada bing, you got yourself new life in the Madison Square Garden.

Dallas Got Their Revenge

For one night. I guess. The Dallas Mavericks beat the Golden State Warriors 120-115 at the Oracle Arena. The Warriors are winless this year, but are still fun to watch, especially against the Mavs.

The Mavs had to play the role of "this win does not mean anything," but you know they wanted to go in there and jam the Warriors. It was in their body language. The Mavs players were jawing with the Warriors and fouling a little harder than normal. All I know is that Baron Davis is a baller. Too bad he had the "injury-plagued" reputation a couple of years ago or else he would be playing in Los Angeles (or not, because Mitch Kupchak is an idiot).

Highlights from last night's games (Davis is #1):


Washington Wizards are winless after losing to the New Jersey Nets. Gilbert Arenas assists/turnovers on the year: 18:21, pass the ball dude.

The Chicago Bulls located their pulse with their first win coming against a good Detroit Pistons team. Hours before someone picks up Tyrus Thomas in my fantasy league after his double-double: 5.

New Orleans will find out tomorrow if they can hang with the big dogs when they face San Antonio. And Kobe Bryant will have someone on the floor who can score, sometimes, with the return of Lamar Odom.

Kobe Buying Michael Jordan's House?

Last week a Kobe Bryant fan told me that Kobe is sad because John Paxson said the Chicago Bulls would not trade for Bryant.

I told the fan that Paxson said that to keep his players from tanking in the beginning of the season. All may be quiet regarding Bryant-trade rumors, but Kobe of all people may have a better outlook on things.

Especially if he is looking to buy a new house, outside of California during the season.

Bryant is reportedly in the market to buy Michael Jordan's home in Highland Park , which is about 26 miles from Chicago.

Sneed hears Bryant may be purchasing basketball legend Michael Jordan's massive home in Highland Park. The real estate rumor mill is grinding out grist that could add more credence to the word the L.A. Lakers superstar may wind up playing in Chicago.

The Bulls poor play to begin the season shows that the Bulls players have the possible Bryant trade on their minds. If Paxson wants to deal for Bryant he better do it before his players blow the season for him.

Perhaps Bryant is just getting prepared to opt-out of his contract with the Lakers prior to the 2009-2010 season, or maybe he is going to become a part-owner of the Chicago Cubs.

The rumor of him buying the house may not mean much is what I am saying, but I like to stir the pot.

Flip "Flop" Hooray

Ho! Flopping in sports can be funny. I hated when Vlade Divac did it against the Lakers. I despise it when Manu "Big Nose" Ginobili does it against any team. I love it when a soccer player goes over the top with their acting skills. I hate it when that same soccer player gets carried off on a stretcher, then jumps back onto his feet when they are about to leave the field.

This is my boy Baron Davis. Ex-UCLA Bruin, current baller, Los Angeles loved. He can dunk in Andre Kirilenko's face, but for some reason, cannot take a touch from Mehmet Okur.

Hollywood represent. Seems like his actor and actress friends have rubbed off on him.

Mark my words, next time I am in a soccer/basketball league, I am going to flop like crazy.

Mike D'Antoni Likes To Whine

Throughout the NBA season you will see Mike D'Antoni crying up and down the court. I do not think there is anything worse then seeing that dude whine. Google him, 90% of the images that come up are like the one to the left.

Last night, D'Antoni did not take kindly to Phil Jackson and his timing of calling a timeout. Jackson called a timeout immediately after D'Antoni had, with the Los Angeles Lakers blowing out the Phoenix Suns. D'Antoni went nuts immediately after he called the timeout, and looked like a hyena excited about seeing a lion.

You can read Jacksons lips in the following video, "what the f**k is wrong with you? Go sit down!":

D'Antoni had this to say after the game:

"Yeah, I was pretty upset," D'Antoni said. "I thought he disrespected our players. But he likes to play the mind games and that's fine. He might want to try to do it in playoff time when we bust them every year."

You got some balls D'Antoni... little as they are, you have no room to make such a comment. Every year? I guess two years in a row constitutes "every year". Just how many championships have you won? What is that I hear? Oh that is right, nothing, meaning zero.

If Jackson had the talent you had on your squad he would have already won back-to-back titles. Your players underachieve in the playoffs, and take on the persona of their head coach: whiners. This Lakers team took your team to the brink of elimination, and would have easily defeated you had Kobe Bryant possessed a teammate better than your average gym basketball player.

D'Antoni would not be able to take this Lakers team to the playoffs like Jackson has the past two years.

Jackson had this to say about D'Antoni flipping out:

"He wasn't thinking straight. That's all," Jackson said of D'Antoni. "He'd understand that if he thought about it for a second. I think he thought I was trying to showboat or grandstand. But when you have a mandatory timeout coming in a minute and a half or something like that, just get it out of the way."

You know Jackson was smiling when he said that.

Memo to D'Antoni: you do know you are Mike D'Antoni right? Win something, and then talk.

I think I am going to take back my prediction that the Suns are winning it all this year.

(Side note: I just noticed Lakers assistant coach Frank Hamblem smiling after Jackson tells D'Antoni to sit down. Classic.)