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Monday, February 28, 2011
Saturday, February 26, 2011
Thursday, February 24, 2011
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
A-Town needs A-Team to beat the Lakers
Fresh off the all-star break, Lakers look to make haste of the visiting Hawks from A-Town...and they did. Right from the start you knew the Hawks had no chance to come out victorious. They were throwing more bricks than woodchucks chucking wood. Atlanta was playing sluggishly and were one step behind defensively all game long. Lakers had a 13 point lead by the end of the 1st quarter.
The only two Hawks that helped keep the Staples Center in attendance were Joe Johnson and Al Horford. They had a joined 27 points. Crawford off the bench gave a pulse-fighting 12 points but both Atlanta starters Bibby and Collins killed their chances with a flat-lining scoreless night. Altogether they had 4 shot attempts. Starting positions may need to be reevaluated after tonight's loss.
When four of the five starters are in double digits and every Laker scores but Barnes who didn't play, you know it's a great night.
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Friday, February 18, 2011
Jerry West is the newest resident to the Staples Center
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| AP Photo/Jae C. Hong |
Congratulations to Mr. Jerry West! The Staples Center unveiled a bronze statue of the Laker legend on February 17th to honor his contribution to the organization. As we all already know, his silhouette is forever recognized in the NBA logo.
ESPN Reports:
Los Angeles Lakers legend Jerry West has long been immortalized as the NBA logo. On Thursday, permanence came in the form of a statue. The basketball icon was honored on a crisp evening with a bronze likeness at Staples Center, joining the likes of Magic Johnson, Chick Hearn, Oscar De La Hoya and Wayne Gretzky.
West gingerly pulled a golden rope, lowering a black curtain to reveal a statue of himself dribbling. In form true to the characteristically spotlight-averse star, West admitted the ceremony was "awkward" for him. Most of the time onstage was spent whirling through a laundry list of thank-yous, particularly for his family, former teammates and even his competitors.
"When I look around, some of the people I've been around as athletes, some of the ones I've competed against, I really want to thank you for coming tonight," West said. "Frankly, it's more meaningful than perhaps this statue."
"To be honored by the people I admire most is just incredible. ... I played for the fans of L.A. and particularly my teammates," West said. "Every time I put on a Laker uniform, I was filled with a tremendous sense of pride."
Thursday, February 17, 2011
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
Cavs give kick ass Sessions to Lakers
Oh boy where to begin. Tomorrow morning the word "upset" will have pressed more ink than bored prisoners and the question "What happened to the Lakers last night" will be asked more times than Randy Jackson saying "dawg" on Idol. So what did happen to the Lakers?
Lets point out the obvious here, Ramon Sessions decided to display a kick ass session off the bench by scoring a season-high 32 points. Thirteen of those points were 10 second breathers. Thank you can I have another. His production alone outscore the Lakers bench by 6. L.A. just had no defensive answer for his surprise visit to the game. Parker and Jamison (why do I want to drink when I say their names) had great games too but the player of the game award went to the sixth man of the night, Sessions.
Fans have a lot to be proud of in Cleveland. Their team may have the worst record in the league with 10 wins and 49 losses but they've definitely proven to all critics that they can beat the league's elite. So far they've beaten Dallas, New York, San Antonio, Boston, and now L.A. Not too shabby for a team who's lost their superstar player this past off season.
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| AP |
As for the champs, they're finally flying back home from a very long 7-game road trip. They still went 4-3 and technically that is a positive outcome right? A 4 is bigger than a 3 last time I checked. My big ass glass is half full baby! The champs deserve the respect that we sometimes forget to give them after losses like these. Um, back to back champions looking for a possible 3-peat is something that should make all of us overlook games like these.
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Monday, February 14, 2011
Bobcats Tame Lakers for the 8th Time
The Charlotte Bobcats still have L.A.'s number. They've won 8 of the past 10 regular season match-ups. Its a fact that the champs struggle when playing Charlotte and this leaves fans scratching their heads. On paper L.A. is as favored to win as Bieber is for the Best New Artist of the Year Grammy. Wait, bad example. Why can't the Lakers figure this team out?
I can tell you that one man isn't happy about L.A.'s performance tonight and no it's not Kobe. During the post game KCAL 9 LTV show John Ireland showed a very angry Phil Jackson who left a 10 second post game interview stating how crappy the team played and left allowing no media questions. Ireland said he hasn't seen Phil this upset since his return as the Lakers coach in 2005.
Lakers did show up tonight but that's pretty much all they did. Their efforts were heavily criticized by the media as being heartless and effortless. Kobe did have the flu coming into tonight's game but this was definitely no excuse as he still scored 20. Gasol had his standard double double scoring 17 w/ 10 rebs. Thats the good news. The bad news is no one else contributed.
The usual 1-2 punch in Kobe and Gasol is nice in all but someone else needs to be the reliable jab. I'm not going to sit here and stab at the champs because they've loss 2 consecutive games like the press often does, I am however going to gripe about a loss to a Charlotte team who sits 9th in the Eastern Conference.
Tonight's victory was pure catnip for the Bobcats. The Lakers bench being outscored 49-27 did not help matters. I wish the triangle would allow for more shot attempts at the 1 spot. There were only 7 shot attempts between Fisher and Blake tonight and that's not going to cut it. We need more contribution besides passing.
In closing, to have to hear over and over again that Charlotte is in the same category as Boston for the only two teams who have winning records over us really hurts my ears. Yuck. Look for the champs to devour the Cavs before coming back home for the All-Star game. Man I really feel bad for Cleveland.
Time Warner Cable & Lakers Sign 20-Year Agreement
If you didn't hear Jim Hill make the announcement during tonight's post game KCAL 9 LTV show, Time Warner and the Lakers have signed a 20-year agreement for rights to distribute all Lakers games starting with the 2012-13 season. Details are below...
Time Warner Cable and the Los Angeles Lakers Sign Long-Term Agreement for Lakers Games, Beginning With 2012-2013 Season
Time Warner Cable Will Launch Two Regional Sports Networks in HD, Including the First
Spanish-Language Regional Sports Network in the United States
New York, NY and El Segundo, CA - February 14, 2011 – Time Warner Cable and the Los Angeles Lakers today entered into a 20-year, wide-ranging agreement for rights to distribute all locally available pre-season, regular season, and post-season Lakers games, beginning with the 2012-2013 season.
To showcase the games, Time Warner Cable will launch two regional sports networks in HD, including the nation’s first Spanish-language regional sports network, with new state-of-the-art facilities in Los Angeles, to bring fans the most compelling Lakers content using the latest technology. The networks will be available to all satellite, cable and telco distributors in the Lakers’ territory, which includes all of Southern California, Nevada and Hawaii.
The networks will include a number of elements custom-designed for Lakers fans, including:
§ A single destination where Lakers fans can find all locally-televised home and away games and a variety of new and original Lakers’ content featuring behind-the-scenes, personality and classic programming.
- All Lakers games will be produced in high definition, with state-of-the-art technology and high production values in English & Spanish. The Spanish-language channel is a stand alone RSN with its own dedicated production of game telecasts and other unique content tailored to Spanish speaking Lakers fans – not a SAP feed.
- All games will feature pre and post-game shows produced separately in both English and Spanish.
- A Lakers news and magazine show throughout the season.
- Joint community relations initiatives.
- New online and on demand multi-platform content featuring the Lakers.
“This long-term agreement represents a huge win for all Lakers fans, providing destination channels, more content and more platforms for the Lakers, one of the premier brands in professional sports today,” said Glenn Britt, Time Warner Cable’s Chairman & CEO. “It allows us to secure great ‘must-have’ content for our customers in an advantageous arrangement that affords us greater control over our own economic destiny for decades to come. We’ll be able to fully leverage our experience in local and regional programming; we have been at the forefront of the industry with 24-hour regional news and 24-hour regional news in Spanish, and now we’re breaking ground with the nation’s first Spanish-language regional sports network, something that’s tailor made for Southern California.”
“The Buss family is thrilled to join forces with Time Warner Cable in building the TV home for Lakers fans," said Dr. Jerry Buss, Lakers Owner. “Time Warner Cable has been producing quality sports programming for over a decade and the Lakers have been producing championship seasons for even longer. I am particularly proud of being part of the first ever Spanish-language RSN in the country. Together I’m confident we will delight our fans.”
Sunday, February 13, 2011
Lakers try for five in Orlando
Regular Season Series: First meeting
Streaks: Lakers W 4, Magic L1
Time: 12:30PM PST - TV: ABC
Lakers have completely turned things around since the Boston and San Antonio losses. This current 7-game road trip has been a thing of beauty having won the first 4 games. Only Orlando, Charlotte and Cleveland stand in their way for a perfect 7 before flying back home to host the 60th NBA All-Star game.
Since the Lakers are playing so well, skeptics and critics have been pleasantly silent. They usually come out of the woodwork when the champs lose in any consecutive order or lose from high profile games.
If L.A. wants to continue this winning streak they're going to have to beat the Orlando Magic on Sunday. Orlando will have to get over their own issues before entering this game. They keep losing at home and against top competitors. L.A. and Orlando have same home records of 19-8.
Dwight Howard has been a monster this season averaging 22 pts w/ 14 rebs but Orlando's Kobe syndrome is not equaling to deserving victories. One man can't win you games. Howard will most likely get his 14th straight double-double but if Orlando continues to play through Dwight then Orlando will play through another loss while helping Howard's personal numbers.
Let's face it Superman's kryptonite is his teammates shooting percentage. He needs help and no one's stepping up. As of lately Jason Richardson is making as many shots as a closed bar, Turkoglu & Nelson are playing inconsistent ball and Brandon Bass is hurt but is expected to play Sunday so this will put a damper in Ryan Anderson's numbers. Maybe the Magic bench can help. Reddick might put up surprising numbers, Arenas might have his "Hey I use to be Agent Zero remember?" game and Earl Clark might continue to shoot well enough to hurt the Lakers coming off the bench.
Okay the reality of all of this is that the Lakers have way too much depth to not come out victorious over the Dwight Howard Magic. Kobe is hot and is coming off a game where he shot 71% (FG), Gasol is increasingly playing stronger and is finishing shots with a vengeance, and Bynum is getting comfortable out on the court and getting more minutes in hopes that his knee can handle them.
Lamar is still being destructive on the court whether he is or isn't a starter. Shannon Brown will always show coach that when given the minutes, he'll give him high octane results. Just give Brown some minutes coach! If this game slips away for Orlando, LO and SB have no problem being the final nails to their coffin.
Saturday, February 12, 2011
Friday, February 11, 2011
NBA HOF Scottie Pippen is pro Melo coming to L.A.
This past Wednesday NBA Hall of Famer Scottie Pippen stopped by ESPN's The Herd with Colin Cowherd show to voice his opinion about the recent trade rumors with Carmelo Anthony possibly becoming the next Laker sensation. Here's what he had to say:
“I think they are both at the stage in their careers when they realize that two superstars need each other to win in this league. I think Kobe realizes that he needs more of a slasher, a scorer, a guy who can penetrate and draw fouls. Carmelo Anthony is that guy.”
Apparently he's not alone. 57 percent of SportsNation viewers believe that Kobe Bryant and Carmelo Anthony can coexist in Los Angeles.
SportsNation co-host Colin Cowherd doesn’t agree, “Carmelo is one of those good from far, far from good guys. He looks great on everybody else’s team but the closer you get to him you realize that he doesn’t play defense.”
What do you think?
Thursday, February 10, 2011
Exclusive Interview with Big Game James Worthy at the T-Mobile Studio City store
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| Joe Scarnici/Getty Images |
Last night at the T-Mobile Studio City store, we were given an exclusive interview with Hall of Famer Big Game James Worthy where he had a scheduled appearance to help promote the upcoming NBA All Star game here in L.A. on Feb. 20th.
On this day we planned an early trip just to observe the pre[Big]game festivities. We saw many fans lined up outside the T-Mobile store anticipating a very Worthy arrival. Several fans in front of the line had shown up six hours prior, not taking any chances.
Before long fans made their way through the front door where they were welcomed by T-Mobile employees and given a tour of the store. Fans were able to participate in a raffle to win cool prizes like a James Worthy autographed NBA basketball and tickets to the first ever T-Mobile Magenta Carpet at NBA All-Star 2011 Los Angeles scheduled right before the All-Star game on Sunday, Feb. 20th. The three-hour show will feature live performances by Bruno Mars and Keri Hilson, hosted by comedian/actor Nick Cannon.
Fans were then directed to the back entrance of the store where they were greeted by a 710 ESPN booth. Past the booth, fans were given a complimentary burger, chips and drink courtesy of a parked Fatburger mobile food truck.
Fans were then directed to the back entrance of the store where they were greeted by a 710 ESPN booth. Past the booth, fans were given a complimentary burger, chips and drink courtesy of a parked Fatburger mobile food truck.
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| Joe Scarnici/Getty Images |
Now stuffed, fans made their way back into the store as James Worthy made his appearance. James would meet the media first. Among the media were (just to name a few) Kam Pashai & David Brickley from TheLakersNation.com/AM 570 KLAC Sports, Max Kellerman from 710 ESPN, and Mark Medina from L.A. Times Lakers Blog. Needless to say, we were excited to be among this group.
The moment arrived. James greeted us with a warm smile and a firm hand shake. Cue the interview. San Diego correspondent John Redhouse and I asked Big Game James about the upcoming road game against the Celtics, Magic Johnson's comments about the team playing "old", and then asked James to share his thoughts about the recent trade rumors that entertained the possibility of bringing Carmelo to L.A. We're happy to hear that he's not for it. We then concluded the interview by asking Worthy who was his toughest match-up as a player. His answer? Hint: As you will hear James tell us, this player (ex-Laker) overall was his toughest match-up well before all of the wedding dresses. Ha ha! Too funny!
The moment arrived. James greeted us with a warm smile and a firm hand shake. Cue the interview. San Diego correspondent John Redhouse and I asked Big Game James about the upcoming road game against the Celtics, Magic Johnson's comments about the team playing "old", and then asked James to share his thoughts about the recent trade rumors that entertained the possibility of bringing Carmelo to L.A. We're happy to hear that he's not for it. We then concluded the interview by asking Worthy who was his toughest match-up as a player. His answer? Hint: As you will hear James tell us, this player (ex-Laker) overall was his toughest match-up well before all of the wedding dresses. Ha ha! Too funny!
James never broke his smile and made time to greet every single fan. He was especially great with the many children in the crowd, the newest generation of NBA fans.
The entire event was planned out smoothly. Kudos to everyone involved who made this event a success. Meeting and interviewing James was an opportunity of a lifetime for us. Thanks S.E.
Sleepy Eyes Sam Perkins meets fans at T-Mobile Huntington Park store
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| Joe Scarnici/Getty Images |
On February 8th, Sleepy Eyes Sam Perkins stopped by the T-Mobile Huntington Park store to meet and greet fans. Several Laker greats both current and retired have been making scheduled appearances at designated T-Mobile store locations in the past weeks to help promote the upcoming NBA All-Star game here in Los Angeles on Feb. 20th. A source told us how the Sam Perkins meet & greet went...
Yesterday, Lakers legend “Big Smooth” Sam Perkins stopped by a Huntington Park area T-Mobile store to meet fans and get the crowd excited for the upcoming NBA All-Star weekend events.
Perkins greeted fans as he entered the store and had a smile on his face during the entire meet & greet. Perkins signed basketballs, T-shirts, and magazines. One loyal Lakers fan even brought his branded Lakers truck [see photos below] and Sam Perkins signed the hood.
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| Joe Scarnici/Getty Images |
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
T-Mobile Magenta Carpet at NBA All-Star 2011 in Los Angeles - Feb. 20th
A source has given us information of the upcoming first ever T-Mobile extravaganza during the 2011 NBA All-Star Pregame Show. Read below:
T-MOBILE USA TO PRESENT FIRST-EVER MAGENTA CARPET
AT NBA ALL-STAR 2011 IN LOS ANGELES
- Special Live Performances by Bruno Mars and Keri Hilson During the 2011 NBA All-Star Pregame Show with Stage Host Nick Cannon -
- NBA All-Stars and Hollywood Celebrities Expected on the T-Mobile Magenta Carpet at the 60th NBA All-Star Game on Sunday, Feb. 20 -
NEW YORK/LOS ANGELES, Feb. 8, 2011 – The 2011 NBA All-Stars will shine alongside an A-list cast of television, film, and music talent when they arrive at the first-ever T-Mobile Magenta Carpet at the 2011 NBA All-Star Game in Los Angeles on Sunday, Feb. 20 which will include special performances by Grammy-nominated artist Bruno Mars and R&B superstar Keri Hilson. The event will feature Access Hollywood’s Maria Menounos conducting interviews for NBA TV’s and TNT’s pregame specials, while actor/comedian Nick Cannon will host the stage show.
While Los Angeles has been home to many red carpet events, the 40,000 square-foot custom magenta carpet – the color synonymous with T-Mobile – will liven up the traditional pregame experience at the 60th NBA All-Star Game.
Live coverage of the T-Mobile Magenta Carpet will begin on NBA TV starting at 5 p.m. ET leading into TNT’s live pregame show from 7 to 8 p.m. During the three-hour T-Mobile Magenta Carpet show, all 24 NBA All-Stars will walk the carpet in the first hour on their way to the arena, followed by a star-studded guest list of NBA players, NBA legends and celebrities from film, television, music, fashion, and other sports.
During TNT’s live broadcast from L.A. Live, Grammy-nominated artist Bruno Mars, a talented singer, songwriter, and producer, will perform his latest hits and R&B star Keri Hilson will perform her current single "Pretty Girl Rock” during NBA TV’s broadcast beginning at 5 p.m. ET.
As part of the T-Mobile Magenta Carpet, T-Mobile will showcase a state-of-the-art lounge area with iconic magenta decor to host NBA players, legends and celebrities on their way to STAPLES Center. The lounge area will feature T-Mobile’s latest 4G devices operating on America’s Largest 4G Network, including the Samsung Galaxy S 4G.
By presenting the first-ever Magenta Carpet, T-Mobile will expand its already significant presence at NBA All-Star 2011. The league's Official Wireless Services Provider will serve as the title partner of T-Mobile Rookie Challenge & Youth Jam, which will be played at STAPLES Center on Friday, Feb. 18 and will feature this year’s top rookies taking on the league’s best second-year players.
T-Mobile will also be an associate partner of both the BBVA NBA All-Star Celebrity Game and NBA All-Star Jam Session presented by adidas, and served as the presenting partner of NBA All-Star Balloting, which determined the starters for the 60th NBA All-Star Game.
TNT will televise the 2011 NBA All-Star Game at 8 p.m. ET live from STAPLES Center in Los Angeles.
Iron Man A.C Green visits the T-Mobile Burbank Store
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| Michael Kovac/WireImage |
Yesterday, Lakers legend “Iron Man” AC Green stopped by a Burbank area T-Mobile store to meet fans and get the crowd excited for the upcoming NBA All-Star weekend events.
AC Green greeted fans as he entered the store and he even played a game of “pop-a-shot” on the mini basketball hoop with a young fan. AC was friendly and chatted with fans. He signed basketballs, T-shirts, and even a Wheaties box commemorating the 1987-1988 Lakers back-to-back championships.
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| Michael Kovac/WireImage |
A.C. looks great! He can still suit up if he wanted to. We need his heart and work ethic back in the sport. If you can recall, Green holds the title for most consecutive games played with 1,192 straight games (hence the Iron Man reference). He also helped the Lakers gain championship status in '87, '88 and in 2000.
With all of this trade talk spreading around for Carmelo Anthony to come to L.A., we should be trying to recruit A.C out of retirement for his dominating defense and board crashing. Wouldn't that be awesome!
Don't forget! You can still meet Laker Legend James Worthy tomorrow night. Details below:
James Worthy - February 9th
Event begins: 6:00pm
Media check-in: 6:30pm
Meet and greet: 7:00pm - 8:00pm
Event ends: 9:00pm
Event begins: 6:00pm
Media check-in: 6:30pm
Meet and greet: 7:00pm - 8:00pm
Event ends: 9:00pm
T-Mobile Store
12166 Ventura Blvd.
Studio City, CA 91604
Sunday, February 6, 2011
Saturday, February 5, 2011
The Black Mamba Movie - By Robert Rodriguez
Okay, I know the movie stars Kobe Bryant, Kanye West, Bruce Willis and Danny Trejo. I didn't have to dig too deep to find this out since the poster showed me that.
What is the true reason for this jam packed high action short film? Is this another Nike promotion for Kobe's latest Zoom collection? Who knows. All I know is that it certainly has my attention.
The trailer below shows Bruce Willis telling Kobe that the Boss (Kanye) wants his shoes. Then Kobe is seen playing on a basketball court of fire against these demonic basketball players. Then Danny Trejo's is seen trying to stop Kobe from scoring. He fails of course. Nobody can stop Kobe from scoring, not even Machete himself.
The movie is set to be released on February 19th on NikeBasketball.com.
Friday, February 4, 2011
Thursday, February 3, 2011
T-Mobile Presents Lamar Odom and Shannon Brown
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| Joe Scarnici/Getty Images |
Yesterday, Lamar Odom and Shannon Brown stopped by LA area T-Mobile stores to meet fans and get the crowd excited for the upcoming NBA All-Star weekend events.
Fans started lining up at 6:30am yesterday morning for the chance to meet Lamar. That afternoon, Lamar stopped by the East LA T-Mobile store (sans Khloe) with his reality TV crew in-hand. He was in great spirits, greeting T-Mobile employees and fans as he entered the store. Lamar was friendly and chatted with fans, and especially bonded with the kids in the crowd. He signed posters, T-shirts, and even one fan’s brand new T-Mobile myTouch phone. To tame his sweet tooth, a fan brought him some Hershey’s Cookies and Crème candy bars.
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| Michael Kovac/WireImage |
Here's the T-Mobile schedule of upcoming appearances from other Laker greats. Don't miss out!
A.C. Green - February 7th
Event begins: 5:00pm
Media check-in: 5:30pm
Meet and greet: 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Event ends: 8:00pm
T-Mobile Store
314 N. San Fernando Blvd
Burbank, CA 91502
Sam Perkins - February 8th
Event begins: 3:00pm
Media check-in: 3:30pm
Meet and greet: 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Event ends: 6:00pm
T-Mobile Store
6900 Pacific Blvd
Huntington Park, CA 90255 James Worthy - February 9th
Event begins: 6:00pm
Media check-in: 6:30pm
Meet and greet: 7:00pm - 8:00pm
Event ends: 9:00pm
T-Mobile Store
12166 Ventura Blvd.
Studio City, CA 91604
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
The Injury Prone Andrew Bynum and the Lakers Recovery Plan
We've analyzed some unflattering numbers. Close your eyes because this ain't pretty. Andrew missed 40 games his rookie year, 67 his 3rd year, 32 games his 4th, 17 in his 5th and 25 games so far this season (including tonight). The man has missed a total of 141 games in his very young and very unstable career. I mean the Loch Ness Monster has been spotted more.
As a fan its not hard to feel for Drew since we all know his reoccurring seasonal bum knee injuries have hindered all hopes to be among one of the best centers to ever play the game. Knowing that Bynum is more fragile than the Unbreakable Samuel L. Jackson, why is he still a starter? I know I sound a bit hypocritical since I was begging Phil to give Andrew more minutes earlier this season. But now, look at what the champs have become? Sure they can beat the lesser opponents (except the Kings) but they play scrimmage ball against the elite. Magic is right when he said today that the Lakers are playing "old". They are playing old. The focus has been on the Lakers lack of defense for blame but really the focus should be in the inception rather than all other subsequent actions. Bynum is unfortunately a big part of the yielding process. He needs to come off the bench and accept the lesser role way before tip-off where all the finger pointing begins.
Screw all of this trade talk, we have the team and players necessary to put us back to championship caliber level. We don't need to look for the nearest exit, we just need to regroup and reevaluate the current roster and positions.
I'm not going to sit hear and type out excuses. I keep hearing that the absence of Matt Barnes is part of the reason why the champs are playing so poorly. No. We have way too much fill in talent off the bench. The Lakers are just lacking the fire power and intensity to match-up against the faster and younger teams.
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