The Draft Picks: Are the Lakers Insane or Playing smart? posted by Ebony Nichole Goins

The draft picks for last week were not only astonishing but the opposite of what the general public expected. The Laker's draft picks were   at the bottom of pile to say the least. Not to mention the only player that was chosen who is unknown to say the least was foreigner name Chinemelu Elonu. I as well as fans were in complete shock when his name was actually mention in the second round of the draft picks. He seems to be a force to be reckoned with because his 235 pounds of strength and height of 6-10' inches. One could make the assumption that he may replace Shaq and be highly correct. Overall the picks this year for the Laker's were not inevitable but unpredictable. Yet, with stars such as Kobe Bryant still on their side they may not need anymore help adding another ring on their fingers. It only goes to show when in Rome do what the Romans do and when it comes to the Lakers recruiting star players isn't their main objective, winning always is.

Shaq's legacy will be decided by season with Cleveland. posted by Robert Karpeles

When Shaquille O’Neal received his first and only Most Valuable Player Award in the 2000 NBA season, he quoted the great Aristotle; “Greatness is not a singular act but a habit, you are what you repeatedly do,” O’Neal had quoted.

Now-a-days it is tough to judge O’Neal’s consistency. While he has helped lead three separate teams to the NBA finals, he took the Phoenix Suns the last two seasons to the bottom cellar, locked the door and threw away the key. Regardless of his numbers with the Suns ( 17.8PPG and 8.4 RPG) this last year, his incapability to run up and down the floor coupled with the Suns inability to play a half court offense ultimately caused the Suns their present demise.  

To say whether or not O’Neal will go down as the greatest center of all time will hinge on his future season, with his new, new, new, new team, the Cleveland Cavaliers. When judging the term the “greatest” we like to think of centers such as Wilt, Kareem and Hakeem, guys that have stayed with their current teams for most or all of their careers, and were always great enough to keep them competitive.

Possibly, though, O’Neal could be doing something even more impressive; Taking an astounding four teams from either obscurity or mediocrity to the promise land.  

 Alarmingly, however, for O’Neal, this season may in fact hinge on a big chunk of his legacy. If he can take the Cav’s to the finals and even win the whole enchilada, he may go down as the center that could take any mediocre team with a hungry superstar, and turn them into a champion. If the Cav’s fail than O’Neal may be remembered as a once great center who ended up burying two teams on his way out of the league.

The Current NBA is at an interesting moment in time...where do you stand? posted by LDC

Right now, the NBA draft just took place. Still, there are more trades to come, free agents to get sign, and much more recession money hustle through teams playing the "business game".

The Los Angeles Lakers, Orlando Magic, Cleveland Cavaliers, and a few other teams are starting the lava flow to making this summer a interesting preview for next year summer off-season.

Personally, I feel that Golden State is going to make an incredible move to get Amare' Staudemire. Rumors have been circulating that he will be apart of deal where Stephen Curry (yes the almighty shooter from davidson) and two other players from that euro-estic team will be join Steve Nash in Phoenix.

But, I am surprized at Portland, New York, Dallas, and many other teams who could pick up T-Mac for a cotton swab and a food stamp (not literally but you should know it would not be that much). Also, Shawn Marion and a list of B-List All Star Players are out there for the taking. I am still on the notion that Mr. Marion will go to the Big Apple since his former suns buddy Q-Rich is banging his double fist on his headband somewhere else in the abyss of Memphis.

If  you want see the list of free agents from every team check out: http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?page=FreeAgents-09-10

Tell me what do you think your favorite NBA team should do.

Trading the Lakers' Enemies? I Don't Think So posted by Greg Archuleta

Shaq can't even proclaim himself "The Big Trade."

The defending Eastern Conference champion Orlando Magic trumped Los Angeles Laker ex Shaquille O'Neal's move from the Phoenix Suns to the Cleveland Cavaliers when they acquired Vince Carter from the New Jersey Nets.

Carter's relocation to Disney World seemingly would keep the Magic in control of the ever-increasing wild, wild east. Although, it is intriguing to imagine what The Big Change of Address (five teams in the career of the most dominant center of our generation? Hard to fathom) might do for King James -- His Royal Poor Sport -- and the Cavs if Shaq is properly motivated.

Yet, the biggest immediate threat to a potential Laker dynasty -- if properly healed -- comes from our Green "friends" in Boston.

If Kevin Garnett can return to 100 percent form from the knee injury that derailed his 2008 season just inches from the start of the playoffs, the hated Celtics remain the most viable candidate to make good on that "Beat L.A." chant.

Remember, Boston was one game away from knocking Orlando from the postseason in the Eastern Conference semis without Garnett, not to mention Leon Powe.

Sure, two of the key figures in the Celtics' 2008 run to the title -- the New Orleans Hornets' James Posey and 77-year old P.J. Brown -- aren't returning anytime soon to help them.

And the Chicago Bulls almost eliminated the C's in the first round.

But the scary thing about the Celtics is their toughness was evident as ever in the playoffs despite their short stay. And that was without Garnett, their toughest player.

NBA MVP posted by john howard

Now that the season is over, who is the NBA's MVP?  There are two clear front runners:  Kobe Bryant and LeBron James.  The numbers put by Lebron this year were staggering.  Over 35 points and over 7 assist a game.  Cleveland had 66 wins while the Lakers had 65. If the MVP goes to who did the most for their team, then it's hands down James.  But how can you be the league's best player if your not in the league's top game?  As good as LeBron was, he wasn't in the finals.  Bryant's number are lower than James.  But, they are still pretty amazing.  Plus, he made it to the finals.  Yet, Bryant has a much better surrounding cast.  James deserves the MVP for the regular season.  However, for the entire season, it's Kobe.

Forget Jordan; Let's Compare Kobe to Jesus posted by Greg Archuleta

Even in victory, Kobe Bryant can't win.

In the days immediately following the Los Angeles Lakers' clinching of the 2008-09 NBA championship, two columnists were all to eager to try to undermine their accomplishments.

One writer said he couldn't be happy for the Lakers because winning does not make unlikable athletes likable. This is the same writer that gets paid to bash the Lakers if he so chooses, and he chooses often enough.

Another writer complained that L.A.'s post-championship celebration didn't appear genuine because he didn't think Bryant's teammates truly like him. This from an admitted Boston Celtics fan.

Yeah, and Kevin Garnett's "Anything Is Possible!" roar in the postgame celebration of last year's Boston title was completely spontaneous and had nothing to do with adidas' slogan, "Impossible Is Nothing."

Purely coincidental.

Ever since the Lakers flamed out in the 2004 Finals against the Detroit Pistons, bringing about the departures of Shaquille O'Neal and coach Phil Jackson, Bryant has been the most scrutinized athlete on the planet.

Let me say that I, too, was none too pleased with Bryant's attitude during that fateful '04 season. That was the same season that Bryant faced rape allegations (the case was dropped when the plaintiff refused to testify and the two parties settled a civil suit with a financial arrangement).

I remember Kobe being asked whether he had apologized to his teammates for causing a distraction during the season, and he replied something to the effect that his teammates had nothing to do with his legal matters and therefore he didn't need to say anything to them.

Whom should the Lakers Keep? posted by Steven Ramirez

The question now rises.......Whom should the Lakers now keep?

Most say having Odom is more essential, on the other hand having Ariza would be much needed for his excellent defense.

According to this piece from the Los Angeles times," Kobe Bryant can terminate the last two years of his contract and become an unrestricted free agent July 1. Forwards Lamar Odom and Trevor Ariza officially become unrestricted free agents that day, as does reserve guard Shannon Brown........The Lakers have already committed $74 million to eight players for next season, a figure that includes $23 million earmarked for Bryant. This season's NBA salary cap was $58.68 million; the luxury-tax threshold was $71.2 million.

Odom, who will be 30 in November, was on the Lakers' books for $14.1 million this season. He would have to take a significant pay cut.

Ariza, who turns 24 in two weeks, made $3.1 million this season and is in line for a substantial raise, probably at least doubling his salary."

This excerpt  tells us the ages these players are and the payroll they are willing to have.

So what do you guys think the Franchise should do???????????

 They got 3 picks in the draft coming up....but cpould they allow such a verstile play such as Odom to leaave or such a quick defender Ariza?

Comment and tell me what!

Thanks 

Lakers--Which one to keep? Ariza or Odom posted by john howard

The LA Lakers are the top team in basketball.  Can they stay that way?  Oh yes!  Both Trevor Ariza and Lamar Odom are free agents this year and both contributed heavily to the team's title run.  Both likely will not be kept.  Odom made over 14million this past year and Ariza made 3mil.  They will have to pay Ariza more to keep him and Odom will be paid about the same.  It makes more sense in the long term to keep Ariza.  He will be a less expensive and is younger.  The energy he brings to the game is refreshing.  Odom can be the go to guy while Kobe is resting and that is what is appealing there.  Whichever one leaves means that either Adam Morrison or Luke Walton will have to step up their games to bring LA back to the title match.Continue reading "Lakers--Which one to keep? Ariza or Odom"

Another Disappointing Finals posted by Charles Bisbee

Almost exactly a year ago I wrote and published my first blog in this here forum of journalistic excellence and opinionated sports debate. I recounted the pitfalls of a thoroughly disappointing Lakers-Celtics Finals, one that should have been steeped in drama, history and haymakers but was instead hampered by flops, bricks, and poor decision-making. I find it fitting to sit here on this most unceremonious of anniversaries (does anyone still read this? if you’re out there, send money) and begrudgingly opine on yet another, equally disappointing Finals. 

The Lakers thoroughly shellacked the Magic the other night to seal their 15th championship and catapult Phil Jackson, that opportunist of opportunists, past Red Auerbach on the all-time, championship list. I’d be remiss not to briefly point out what an insufferable pickle-eater Jackson is. The guy carved a hall of fame career by loitering around the likes of Michael, Shaq and Kobe (a trio you’d have to think a blind donkey could coach to some degree of success) and then he rewards himself with a self-indulgent yellow cap, highlighted with a Roman numeral “X”. God..

Enough Phil-a-bashing, though. Lets break down the Finals, i.e. lets break down the two most glaring examples of Orlando's staggering incompetence in the clutch.

Game 2-Where are the prime-time players? With a chance to steal one on the Laker’s home court and with the game on the line, the ball somehow finds its way into Courtney "Iron Hands" Lee’s sweaty palms. The rookie from Western Kentucky, instead of passing to a teammate with a more considerable pedigree (read: anyone), drives the lane as time expires and hoists a contested floater which clangs off the rim, forcing the game into an overtime period in which the Lakers would dominate for the all-too-easy W. In these situations you'd have to expect a Rashard Lewis or Hedo Turkoglu to get the final shot, right? Granted, neither has built an overwhelming "last-shot resume" but you have to go with what you've got, eh? Courtney Lee? Really? 

Magic had all the questions...Lakers had all the answers. Lakers win series 4-1. posted by Jake Hefelfinger

Congratulations Los Angeles Lakers! When this series started I really thought the Orlando Magic would win their 1st ever NBA title instead it was the Lakers claiming their 15th. I wanted sooooooo badly to hate Kobe Bryant but I couldn't find any reason at all. The guy is the BEST player in the NBA and he is such a professional it almost sickens me. I kept waiting for arrogant Kobe but all I got was a very humble and focused Kobe who said and showed nothing but respect towards his opponents (unlike Queen James). How can you hate a guy that puts that much work and respect into his game? Watching Kobe on TV is like using him in NBA Live, he is just that good. The Lakers were able to do what no other team was able to do, which was slow down and frustrate Dwight Howard using a combo of 7 footers (Pau Gasol & Andrew Bynum). Its easy to argue that the Magic had every opportunity to win this series (which they did) but just could not take advantage when they were presented, ex: poor shooting, turnovers, stupid fouls etc..... At the end of the day it just came down to execution and the Lakers executed damn near every-time they needed too and you have to respect that. Don't be surprised if these 2 teams are right back here next year. Especially if Kobe and Dwight have anything to say about it.Continue reading "Magic had all the questions...Lakers ..."

Source: Rockets meet with Lakers F Ariza (AP)

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Rockets GM Morey woos Gortat at midnight (AP)

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Bryant doesn't opt out of contract (AP)

Kobe Bryant insisted his contract status wouldn't be an issue, and he was right. Now the Los Angeles Lakers can turn their attention to some NBA champion teammates. Bryant chose not to terminate the final two years of his contract and will remain with the Lakers, the team he wanted to leave just two summers ago. [read full article]

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Coach K: I won't leave Duke for Lakers (AP)

Duke coach Mike Krzyzewski made it clear: He's not going to ever be the coach of the Los Angeles Lakers. Krzyzewski held his annual summer meeting with reporters Tuesday, and one of the first topics he covered was talk that had him taking over the Los Angeles Lakers if Phil Jackson retires. Krzyzewski said he is "not going to the Lakers" and that he won't leave Duke "until I... [read full article]

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Bryant plans to stay, Jackson undecided (AP)

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