via api.ning.com

Kobe will win/lead a team to back to back titles.  He is already one of the greatest of all time but this will cement his career with a unique distinction which separates players like Olajuwon who was a great center but that back to back added the "one of the greatest" title to his name.  Although Kobe already has that to his name winning back to back will elevate his status even more.    

Kobe will be responsible for bringing the city of LA the same amount of titles that only one other man has ever done. 

Artest’s career will be redeemed.  Winning without Shaq gave Kobe the type of redemption that he needed to get that monkey off his back.  The same will happen with Artest. 

I believe Pau helping this team win back to back titles will almost guarantee his jersey being retired. 

Finally, you get to Boston.  This point is not for the occasional fan.  By occasional I mean the type of Laker fan who, if the Lakers lose, are only emotionally attached to the loss for about 5mins and then could go on with their life.  Nothing wrong with being that type of fan.  But then there is us who have an emotional attachment to this team in a way that only a true sports fan can relate to.  Simply put, you feel like your life is not the same unless you wake up in the morning knowing that the Lakers are champions.  You feel that if the Lakers lost to the Celtics again it would be the worst day of your life and it is something I cannot even bring myself to imagine.  That is why this year it MUST be different.  I love this team with a passion.

As far as the rest of you I’m wondering if this title means anything more special than just another title and why?

First off I know how important these next two weeks are and we are on the verge of going back to back.  But we can't ignore how important the free agency period (starting June 1st)  is to the Lakers as well.  This team, just like the Spurs, have a history of building championship teams via free agency and huge blockbuster trades. 

But the most important thing that I want to point out is that if you look at all the regular and post season games two things stand out.  The Lakers need a traditional point guard to at least come off the bench and they need to strengthen their bench.   If you think of the worst aspect of the Lakers as a team they are in bigger need of a better bench rather than a starting Point Guard.  Fisher has time and time again proven his worth as a point guard.  Especially in the playoffs.  Quite honestly the Lakers have done impressingly well against Westbrook, D. Will and Nash.  But the bench has consistently let teams back into games. 

Which is why I think the Lakers should start by signing a player like Rudy Fernandez.  Not to mention he knows Pau personally.  Recently he had the following to say:

"I've always asked for more responsibility on the team but this season they didn't give any chance," Fernandez said on his playing time. "Something like that makes you lose all focus, because you don't know what is going to happen next year."

He even went to go so far as to agree he should push for a trade.

"Yes. I'll say it again: I want to be happy and play basketball. I'm comfortable in Portland but I'm sure I could provide experience and talent to another team."

 
Even more surprising is what he is currently making and will continue to make from now until the 2012-2013 season.

$1.1 mil     $1.2 mil    $2.2 mil   $ 3.2 mil

I really want to apologize for posting this because we are on the point where this team and Kobe will make history.  I swear this story will never die.  As before, this rumor has caused two sides to a debate which has become heated at times.  That is not the point of this post.  But since this isn't Peter V. and its ESPN I put more interest into it.  Even Bill Simmons has made comments about the possibility of the Lakers landing Bosh. 

The most intriguing part of this is the mention that Toronto would prefer to do a sign and trade and would prefer a big man in return.  Peace out Bynum..lol   just kidding. 

CHICAGO -- Chris Bosh's agent has told the Toronto Raptors that he's narrowed his list of preferred teams to five, two sources told ESPN.com's Chad Ford at the NBA draft camp.

 

Bosh

 

The list of five teams -- Toronto plus the Chicago Bulls, Los Angeles Lakers, Miami Heat and New York Knicks, sources said -- were given to Toronto management in case the Raptors want to construct a sign-and-trade deal (assuming he doesn't re-sign with Toronto).

Bosh likes that option, sources told Ford, because he'd get one more year on his contract and could make more money.

Sources said the Raptors prefer a sign-and-trade if Bosh is intent on leaving as well. They likely would want a big man to replace the 6-10, 230-pound Bosh in the lineup.

One source said Bosh's decision hinges on where LeBron James signs.

"If LeBron decides to go to either New York or Chicago, I think that's where you'll see Chris land," the source told Ford. "If LeBron stays in Cleveland, I think the process is more wide open."

Bosh, 26, is an unrestricted free agent. He averaged 24 points per game last season and has averaged 20.2 points per game for his career.

http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=5208043

Although the season is still going on one can deny that one of the biggest topics of this season or maybe even the previous two season is the Lakers' Point Guard position.  This issue has been debated about  and disected in so many different ways.  So, that is why I decided to post this list.  We have until Monday for the 1st game so we might as well keep ourselves entertained somehow.  Either way, the question will still remain as to who our next Mr. Intangible will be.  Here you go: 

Point Guards:
Raymond Felton (Unrestricted)
Luke Ridnour (Unrestricted)
Steve Blake (Unrestricted)
Chris Duhon (Unrestricted)
Kyle Lowry (Restricted)
T.J. Ford (player option for '10-'11 - owed 8.5 million)
J.J. Barea (Team Option - $1.8 million)
Nate Robinson (Unrestricted)
Mario Chalmers (Team Option)
Shaun Livingston (Unrestricted)
Sergio Rodriquez (Knicks can make QO – likely Unrestricted)
Earl Watson (Unrestricted)
Keyon Dooling (Team Option)
Jordan Farmar (Restricted)
Will Bynum (Restricted)
Derek Fisher (Unrestricted)
Mardy Collins (Restricted)
Sebastian Telfair (Player Option)
Marcus Williams (Restricted)
Speedy Claxton (Unrestricted)
Anthony Carter (Unrestricted)
Rafer Alston (Unrestricted)
Antonio Daniels (Unrestricted)
Acie Law (Unrestricted)
Travis Diener (Unrestricted)
Jannero Pargo (Unrestricted)
Chris Quinn (Unrestricted)
Mike James (Unrestricted)
Kevin Ollie (Unrestricted)
Jason Hart (Unrestricted)
Javaris Crittenton (Unrestricted)
Jason Williams (Unrestricted)
Sundiata Gaines (Unrestricted)
Carlos Arroyo (Unrestricted)
Bobby Brown (Unrestricted)
Jamaal Tinsley (Unrestricted)
Lester Hudson (Unrestricted)
Royal Ivey (Unrestricted)
Earl Boykins (Unrestricted)
Patrick Mills (Restricted)
Anthony Johnson (Unrestricted)
Chucky Atkins (Unrestricted)

Just a couple of notes:

I love Magic Johnson. he is still my favorite player but Kobe is 1b.  Seeing Kobe and Shaq makes me miss that bastard.  Mark my words, Shaq will come back to LA and Kobe will win him another ring.  Finally, I hate how everyone discounts Kobe's career with Shaq as if he didn't have a huge part in those titles.  Oh and one more thing, the song for the Shaq Kobe tribute is cheesy but fitting but the other two soundtracks are awesome.  
 

The tone from the media and Laker fans has changed over the past several weeks.  But considering all the obstacles they are facing I could understand why many are jumping off the bandwagon. 

Personally I think that there are two sides to being a fan.  For one, you can be the type to root for the Lakers and hope and wish they could win and at times criticize them.  On the other hand you have those fans that are so passionate that if the Lakers lose they swear to never watch a game again.  You seen that a lot when many fans were so upset that Shaq left that they went out and showed their disapproval by buying Miami Heat Jerseys (I could never do that). 

Nothing wrong with any of that we all express our fandom in our own way. 

But my biggest issue this season is one of the most contradicting point of views from Laker fans that I have been hearing lately.

On one hand we (Laker fans) criticize how much love the Cavs get by the media and at the same time we turn around and say and believe that if Lakers and Cavs played in the Finals the Cavs would win.  I have been on SSR long enough and I don’t need a poll to know that there has been a shift in belief and confidence in the Lakers.    

But are we not contributing to that same hype by admitting such a thing?  Even more important, shouldn’t the Cavs have at least a history of dominating and winning at least one title before we can consider them the champions?  Should a team earn that right of being feared by winning and showing more success than the Cavs have shown the last two seasons?  Even more, shouldn’t they prove they can beat the Lakers before we admit they are the champs?

A Celtics fan once started to give it to me about the 08 Finals and I told him that the better team won and that the win gave him bragging rights because they beat up on my Lakers.  The point is that they have earned the right to be feared and respected in that way just like the Spurs have done.  The Cavs?  NO!

Magic once said that MJ “took” the title (torch) from him.  If Lebron wants to earn my respect and he wants me to say “I think the Cavs can beat the Lakers in the Finals” he is going to have to prove it to me by taking it from Kobe.  No one gives you respect because you feel you deserve it.  You get it by winning rings until then I will never fear the sword. 

In terms of health I would prefer to have Kobe and Bynum back until the playoffs.  Kobe needs to rest and Bynum needs to make sure he is as close to 100% healthy as possible.  Besides, the role players need much more experience playing without Kobe and Bynum because if anyone needs the practice it is the role/bench players.  Luke needs to get back into shape as well.  I do know one thing and I truly believe this, when the Lakers make it to the Finals regardless of who it is they will defenitely need Bynum.  I still believe they can make it to the Finals without him but Gasol is not dominant enough to handle the paint against the bigs for any of the top three contenders in the East.  Not to mention that it makes it harder to guard the newly added size that the Mavs now have.  The ability to put Pau on Dirk as opposed to LO is a big plus and Bynums presence allows that because Dirk will kill LO.

"I'm going to play the first game of the playoffs," he said before the Lakers played Denver, staying back in the locker room with Kobe Bryant, who sat out because of swelling in his right knee.

http://www.latimes.com/sports/la-sp-lakers-fyi-20100409,0,7054702.story

I have to point out that this post is by no means an attempt to defend Lebron.  I am merely curious at the increase in shots taken at Lebron as of late. 

My favorite subjects in college were Sociology and Psychology because I was interested in the subconscious and group-think mentality.  I guess that is why I am so curious about the Lebron-hate in particular by Laker fans.

The NBA is full of egos and Kobe is amongst one of them.  I actually believe that having an enlarged ego is almost a prerequisite to being able to lead a team to a title.  Personally I cannot hate on Lebron for being a prima donna or having a large ego because I cheer for a player who has a history of showing similar characteristics. 

In other words, everything that we (including myself) get on Lebron for is nothing new.  We have seen players like Stoudemire, Marbury, S. Marion, Shaq, and the list could go and on.  But it seems that when Lebron does something that can be interpreted as negative we (Laker Fans) jump all over it.  Why is that?  Why do we put more emphasis on his actions as compared to other players like Gilbert Arenas?  Why don’t we jump over his actions in similar fashion?  I think I know why.

Let’s be honest, prior to Kobe’s court case, he was the media darling that Lebron is today.  But now, it seems that Lebron is on his way or is already there in terms of replacing Kobe.  The only thing keeping Kobe’s popularity and endorsements intact is his and the Lakers’ fan base.  So could it be that Lebron is inching closer to taking the torch from Kobe and that deep down we can all sense that?  Could Lebron represent to Kobe’s Laker team what MJ represented to Magic’s Lakers?  Now before you all misinterpret this last comment I have to say that I am NOT calling Lebron MJ.  I am simply stating the similarities in both situations.  In others words, could all these be the reasons why we deep down hate Lebron but won’t admit it?

Please keep in mind that I am not referring to a list of accomplishments or legacy because in that sense Lebron has a long way to go.  I’m only referring to popularity.

From my own point of view, I cannot generate any negative feelings towards Lebron.  He hasn’t done anything that I have not seen from any other NBA player and he definitely hasn’t directed any ill will towards Kobe and the Lakers.  But I can admit that I take shots at him because I’m just being a hater.   

Many sports writers felt that after Kobe won his first title without Shaq that he no longer had to worry about being compared to MJ because other players were going to start being compared to him.  That is a true sign of greatness.  Well, I ran accross an article that asks if Durant is the next Kobe.  I thought it was somewhat interesting so I thought I would share it with all of you.  Keep in mind that by me posting this it doesn't mean I support this idea.  The purpose of this is so that all of you read it and form your own opinion on what you think. 


Here are some qutoes but I will include the link in case any of you want to read the whole article:

Durant goes into tonight's game averaging 29.7 points and is coming off games of 25 points in a victory Wednesday over the Houston Rockets and 45 points in a loss Monday to the San Antonio Spurs.

Bryant is averaging 27.5 points and coming off back-to-back games in which he scored 24 points and led the Lakers to victories Sunday over the Washington Wizards and Wednesday over the Spurs, part of a seven-game winning streak.

Taibbi believes Durant is on the rise because he is "suddenly poster-izing the whole league." That is to say, Durant has supplied a number of superb highlights to ESPN over the course of the 2009-10 season.

http://www.dailynews.com/sports/ci_14761461

I'm not sure if anyone has heard or read about this or if it was even in The Credits but I think it's good news.  Personally, I was 50/50 on his injury in terms of how serious is was.  His history of injuries was a concern but it was also a concern that this was a new type of injury.  What kept me at ease was the way in which he walked off the court which was with no help at all.  I would rather see him rest and take time off rather than have him aggrevate it and make it worse.  Honestly, I feel they could make it to the Finals without Bynum because they have done it before.  No matter how much in love the media is with Dallas Dirk isn't the type of player that strikes fear. 

KevinDing: MRI results show no rupture in Bynum’s Achilles’ and he will be re-evaluated in one week.

BA_Turner: Andrew MRI results confirmed a strained left Achilles tendon. He will be reevaluated in 1 week. Drew will miss at least 4 games

latmedina: MRI confirmed he had the left achilles tendon. With being evaluated next week, that means Bynum will miss at least 4 games

http://thelakersnation.com/blog/2010/03/20/breaking-news-bynum-mri-shows-no-rupture-in-bynums-achilles-out-at-least-1-week/

Highlighst For Today:

• Letters from Lakers fans focus on point guards-latimes.com
• Larry Bird-Magic Johnson rivalry unfolds on big screen - SI.com
• Lakers/Bobcats: Mama Said There’d Be Days Like This - Forum Blue & Gold
• Stuckey taken to hospital after appearing to have a seizure at- cleveland.com

Much More After The Jump....

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Highlights For Today:

• Lakers Don't Anticipate Adding Depth To Wing - Real GM
• Kobe Bryant to Appear on ABC\'s \'Modern Family\' - Sporting News
• Gameday Preview Charlotte Bobcats vs. Los Angeles Lakers - Rufus on Fire
• Why Ron Artest is warning everybody: “Beware” - OC Register
• Finley To The Celtics - NBA.com

Much More After The Jump.....

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This premiers this Saturday at 8PM on HBO.  There is no way that I am missing this.  I already cleared up space on my dvr.  I just wanted to post this up in case any of you were interested in watching it. 

http://www.hbo.com/sports/magic-and-bird-a-courtship-of-rivals/synopsis.html#/sports/magic-and-bird-a-courtship-of-rivals/synopsis.html/

At This point my biggest concern is not defense or the PG position.  It is the teams reliance on Kobe's outside shot or pretty much for everything else.  With Sasha and Fisher not shooting well, this makes it easier for other teams to clog the paint to make sure no one drives becase the Lakers don't have any other outside shooting threat.  Finley might be too old and I don't know anything about Devin Brown but at this point I will take anyone else coming off the bench who can actually shot the ball.  I know Finley can shot from the outside.  I would not be dissapointed if the Lakers signed either one of these players. 

Bulls Could Reach Buy-Out with Devin Brown

Spurs Waive Michael Finley

Highlights for Today:

• Gasol, Bynum help Lakers beat 76ers 99-90 - - NBA - Sporting News
• Lakers' Ron Artest retools diet and activity to increase speed - latimes.com
• Lakers vs. Sixers – Could Have Been | The Lakers Nation

Continue reading this post »

Highlights for Today:

• 76ers-Lakers Preview - NBA - Yahoo! Sports
• How Jerry West kept New Jersey from drafting Kobe - ESPN
• Has Lebron, Carmelo & Durant passed Kobe Bryant? | Dime Magazine
• Kobe Bryant is the ultimate cleanup hitter for the Lakers - latimes.com
• Nuggets Pursue Ilgauskas - Denver Post

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Zydrunas Ilgauskas and the Washington Wizards agreed to a buyout Wednesday evening, according to a league source.

The buyout will save the Wizards just over $1M, according to Michael Lee's report.

Ilgauskas is expected to sign with the Cavaliers 30 days after the date he was traded, but he will also receive offers from Atlanta, Denver and Dallas, according to Lee.

Brian Windhorst reports that he'll especially listen to offers from the Nuggets and Mavericks

Personally, it really does not bother me what the Cavs do.  I am more concerned with the Lakers back-court and bench.  They need a reliable shooter besides Kobe.  Either way, the biggest joke out of all of this is the claim that Ilgauskas will listen to other offers.  Are you kidding me?  If any of you have read his comments after the trade you can tell that he is almost depressed at not being back on the Cavs. 

http://www.realgm.com/src_wiretap_archives/64981/20100224/ilgauskas_wizards_agree_to_buyout/#

SACRAMENTO, CA, February 23, 2010 ---- The Sacramento Kings today waived guard Larry Hughes. Hughes was acquired from the New York Knicks as part of a three-team trade on February 18, 2010, and did not appear in any contests with Sacramento.

The Kings roster now stands at 14.

Since the Lakers didn't trade Adam M.  I am seriously keeping an eye open for any players that are waived.  Which is why I'm posting this.  I would like to know how many of you think this would or wouldn't be a good idea.  Personally, I don't know much about him but with Luke out and Ammo pretty much just taking up space I think he would be a huge upgrade.  It all comes down to his attitude as far as taking a pay cut to play for a chance at a title.

Does he deserve a look or should the Lakers try and see if a better player is waived?

http://basketball.realgm.com/src_wiretap_archives/64963/20100223/kings_waive_hughes/#

Highlights for today:

• Lakers & Celtics fearing Big Z return to Cavs
• Fisher can live with miss - Inside the Lakers

NOT so much more after the jump...

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 Highlights for Today:

• Lakers lose to Celtics
• Video: Game Analysis
• Did Gasol Need to Man-Up Vs the Celtics?
• PJ & Mitch on the trade deadline

Much More after the Jump

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Highlights for Today:

• Lakers Might Not Make Any Trades
• Now it's Kobe's Tendon
• Preview: Lakers Vs. Celtics
  

Much More After the Jump....

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It's rare that you hear a new name pop up on the trade front this late in the game, but two sources have told ESPN.com that the Grizzlies have let teams know Mike Conley can be had in exchange for cap relief and a good first-round pick.

The Grizzlies have had an on-again, off-again relationship with Conley since his rookie season. And with Jamaal Tinsley in place, and O.J. Mayo capable of swinging to the point, it sounds like they're ready to cut bait if the right deal comes along.

Although one source stressed that it's unlikely Conley is moved before the trade deadline, it's interesting that his name is even out there.



http://espn.go.com/blog/truehoop/post/_/id/13395/new-name-in-trade-talks-mike-conley

During the first half of the season most of our conversations and FanPosts concentrated on the type of changes we all feel the Lakers organization needs to make in order to improve their chances of winning another title.  These discussions have ranged from Bynum’s lack of effort, Fisher’s age and whether Kobe is or isn’t a selfish player.  But these discussions go deeper than loyalty.  It’s about truly expressing what you feel without fear of upsetting the herd.  Personally, I don’t apologize for my point of views and I don’t sensor myself in fear that it might bother someone else or that my faith in the Lakers is questioned because I point out something negative.  But, there have been some topics that have caused a devide amongst us, and the only questions that remain now is not only if you are willing to voice your opinion but if you can take a stance on these difficult topics. 

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Nate Robinson has reportedly been traded to the Boston Celtics, according to a report from Alan Hahn of Newsday.

The Lakers had also been in talks with New York in regards to Robinson.

Details of the trade are forthcoming.

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Highlights for Today:

• Shannon has a big game as starter
• Lakers win 4th straight without Kobe
• Celtics After Nate Robinson

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If the Los Angeles Lakers are going to make a play for Chicago Bulls guard Kirk Hinrich, they will have to find another team to facilitate the deal for the versatile defender.

The Portland Trailblazers have decided against taking on the contract of guard Sasha Vujacic and reportedly have dropped negotiations.

Despite strong efforts by the Lakers front office to obtain Kirk Hinrich by sending out players Adam Morrison and Sasha Vujacic, the Lakers could not persuade neither the Bulls nor the Trailblazers to take on additional salary in Vujacic's contract, who will make $5.5 million throughout 2011.

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/346344-nba-trade-rumors-lakers-blazers-bulls-deal-collapses-minnesota-in-play?utm_campaign=marketing&utm_source=twitter&utm_medium=br_nba

 Highlights for Today:

Kobe Returns to Line Up

Will Lakers lose Focus With Kobe Back?

Talking Laker Trades

Amare Doesn't Want to Play for Cavs.

As all of you may already know the Lakers haven't played in a while and of course most of the news in today's articles is mostly focused on trade rumors.  Since I know that the majority of you are Laker fans but also follow the NBA closely I have included news/rumors about trade rumors for other teams around the NBA.  Unfortunately, anything Lakers related is mainly focused on Kobe coming back and the same Hinrich trade rumors.   So other than that there isn't much to link in todays version of The Credits.  Thank you  - Carlos

Continue reading this post »

Highlights for today:

• Dud dunk contest sets back Saturday
• All-Star Sunday: Wrapping Up the Weekend
• Cleveland reportedly close to trade for Amare Stoudemire

Much More after the jump....

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The Wizards and Mavericks have announced that they've completed a trade sending Caron Butler, Brendan Haywood and DeShawn Stevenson to Dallas in exchange for Josh Howard, Drew Gooden, James Singleton and Quinton Ross.

http://www.hoopsworld.com/Story.asp?story_id=15296

It doesn't really matter to me what any team in the West or East does.  This new trade seems to be a huge push for Cuban to give new life to his team.  Josh Howard was and still is a great player.  But Caron Butler brings a new dynamic to this team.  Not to add the fact the Brendan Haywood adds height.  Maybe it's just me but it seems that many teams are copying the same template that the Lakers have by adding height to their team.  It's not enough to have one dominant big man anymore.  Just look at the Cavs and their refusal to trade Illgauskas.  The only time they gave the line up of Shaq and Ilgauskas heavy minutes this year has been against the Lakers. 

Usually trades of this magnitude seem to spark other trades.  The Lakers are the only team in the league, in my opinion who don't have to do anything.  The pressure is on everyone else.  Even with Fisher being the weak spot on the Lakers, there is no other team in the league that can match up with the Lakers top 4 starters..  PERIOD!