SB Nation User Blog: PURPLE AND GOLD FOR LIFE

A Behind the Scenes Description At Kobe's Game Winner vs. Bucks

PURPLE AND GOLD FOR LIFE — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 15:15:58 -0000

One of my favorite things about watching shows like ESPN's SportsCentury or E60 is the behind the scenes insight you get from things that you normally wouldn't see during a game. The following article gives a great behind the scenes look at some of the things that happened right before the play and the interaction between Kobe and Phil while he was drawing up the play. Great Stuff!

Part of the Article:

Bryant turned to appeal to co-star Pau Gasol to bring Jackson to his senses. Jackson stopped drawing and just gave Bryant a dead-eyed look that basically said: “Are you going to let me do what I do or what?”

Link: http://www.ocregister.com/sports/phil-224593-kobe-started.html

By the way, I apologize if this was already posted in The Credits.

Has Kobe Won Bill Simmons' Respect?

PURPLE AND GOLD FOR LIFE — Fri, 11 Dec 2009 06:25:42 -0000

I am not sure if any of you have read this article that was published back in November of this year. Personally, I am not as well versed as some of you are on Bill Simmons. Some swear that you will never read his articles while others respect his writing skills but hate the shots he takes at Kobe and the Lakers. Also, there are some writers whose references are too intelligent for me. That being said I am wondering if he is being sarcastic or if he is being honest with his new found respect for Kobe. You guys tell me.

FYI...This article is not just about Kobe but Bill's "sports-hate" and how that hate is diminishing for those he enjoys taking shots at in the world of sports.

3. Kobe Bryant won a title his way -- by establishing a Kobe and the Kobettes dynamic that actually worked -- becoming one of the ten best NBA players ever and proving he could prevail without Shaq. If that wasn't jarring enough, Shaq's exit from Phoenix marked the fourth time he left a team on bad terms, making everyone re-evaluate the whole "Was Kobe really the bad guy in the Shaqobe Divorce?" saga that had been buried years ago. Maybe Kobe wasn't as much to blame as we thought. Maybe Shaq was the problem. Maybe the hotel clerk lied about him. Maybe he took a ton of flak for no reason. Maybe he's … (gulp) … a good guy and a family man who works his butt off and never seems satisfied and kills himself to get better every summer and maybe … (gulp) … was greater than we thought. Damn it all.

http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/page2/story?page=simmonsnflpicks/091113

Rumor:Is the Lakers #1 Priority Shedding Salary or Improving the Bench?

PURPLE AND GOLD FOR LIFE — Fri, 04 Dec 2009 06:09:50 -0000

For some time now we have all discussed, as all NBA fans do, of supposed players that we Laker fans would like for the Lakers to trade for. Anytime this topic comes up three players come to mind. Sasha, Farmar and Ammo. Those are in my mind the most talked about players that I speak and hear of most. That being said, I never considered that the Lakers priority would be to shed salary 1st and to improve the bench second. Now that was my interpretation when I read the following rumor. It is fairly vague but yet it just indicates one thing, the Lakers are going to do something before the trade deadline. I know it! The only question in my mind is that if all the bench players are on the trade block of course not including Lamar, does that mean that the Lakers are also willing to part ways with Shannon? I hope not. Again, I will leave the following comment up for interpretation. I already gave my Chicken Little point of view of what I think the following means. What do the rest of you think?

Los Angeles Lakers: With a league high payroll of $91 million, the Lakers are looking again to shed salary off their bench, and GM Mitch Kupchak has told teams to take its pick of reserve players – except for Lamar Odom (notes), of course – to relieve the team of some salary.

http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/news;_ylt=AkTkiiMD.252xq_eVFMGIxg5nYcB?slug=aw-tradebuzz120309&prov=yhoo&type=lgns

Lebron Might Back Out of Dunk Contest

PURPLE AND GOLD FOR LIFE — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 14:50:37 -0000

Personally I don't care. That just means that it's a bigger chance for Shannon to win. It would be nice to see Shannon go up against Kryptonate. Little man vs Little man.

Here is part of the quitter's comments:

"I'm like 50-50 right now," he said Wednesday night before a game against Phoenix. "I don't know if you can get it back to the 80s and like in '98 when Vince (Carter) was in it.

http://www.usatoday.com/sports/basketball/nba/2009-12-02-lebron-dunk-contest_N.htm?csp=34&utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+UsatodaycomNba-TopStories+%28Sports+-+NBA+-+Top+Stories%29

Artest says "I used to drink Hennessy … at halftime,"

PURPLE AND GOLD FOR LIFE — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 15:14:11 -0000

Do you ever get the feeling like when someone is saying something you don't really know how to react? You don't know whether to laugh or be serious because the comments are both funny and sad at the same time. A perfect example of that at times is when Charles Barkley speaks. His comments are funny but sometimes so wrong. That is exactly how I feel when Artest speaks. Deep down you think to yourself, "he means well" but at the same time you might think, "dude just be quiet and play ball". But, he is a Laker and I love him for that. Here is a bit of the intro to the article. You can read the rest by clicking on the link.

Ron Artest, the 30-year-old, first-year starter with the Los Angeles Lakers, may yet prove to be a crucial piece of an improved championship puzzle.

But those who are counting on one of the league's most explosive personalities to avoid controversy with his fifth NBA team may want to temper their expectations.

In a lengthy interview for the December 7 issue of Sporting News magazine, Artest—best known as the central figure in the infamous Malice at the Palace in 2004—bared all, including a startling admission that he drank alcohol during games as a member of the Chicago Bulls, for whom he played from 1999-2002.

"I used to drink Hennessy … at halftime," Artest says in the interview, which hits newsstands this week. "I (kept it) in my locker. I'd just walk to the liquor store (near the stadium) and get it."

Artest speaks openly in the interview on many other sensitive topics.

Article: http://www.sportingnews.com/nba/article/2009-12-02/sn-conversation-ron-artest-i-was-head-case

Should Jordan Replace West On the NBA Logo?

PURPLE AND GOLD FOR LIFE — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 15:16:10 -0000

This is a question that was posted on the main NBA page on ESPN.com. This is without a doubt as a result of The King's comments and his decision to not ever wear the Number 23 again. If you ask me, if it is considered disrespectful to MJ for an NBA player to consider himself even in the same leage as MJ than Lebron is the most disrespectful player ever. But, that is for another topic.

As a Lakers fan I am opposed to this idea of course. Mainly because that is my trump card when having a trash talking session with any Laker haters. I point to the fact that no matter what team anyone loves when they buy an NBA product they are marketing one of the best players that ever played the game who just happened to be a Laker. But, taking emotion away, I'm not sure if I would be that opposed by it. I just like to have those braggin rights. I'm glad that most ESPN fans have voted a resounding NO! to the poll. What do the rest of you think?

The Hornets Have Fired B. Scott

PURPLE AND GOLD FOR LIFE — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 19:04:43 -0000

The New Orleans Hornets have responded to their 3-6 start by making the first coaching change of the young NBA season, firing Byron Scott on Thursday, according to NBA coaching sources.

I cannot believe this. A friend of mine just suggested that the Lakers should sign him as an Assistant Coach. I think that is a great idea. Either way, I don't think it is his fault that the Hornets suffered major injuries during his tenure. When the team was healthy he almost lead the team to the WCF. I hope he comes back and join the Lakers family.

Come on Home B. Scott!

http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=4648162

2010 NBA All Star Ballot

PURPLE AND GOLD FOR LIFE — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 22:47:11 -0000

2010 NBA All-Star Ballot

Eastern

Guards
Ray Allen, Celtics
Gilbert Arenas, Wizards
Mike Bibby, Hawks
Jose Calderon, Raptors
Vince Carter, Magic
Jamal Crawford, Hawks
Chris Duhon, Knicks
Raymond Felton, Bobcats
T.J. Ford, Pacers
Ben Gordon, Pistons
Richard Hamilton, Pistons
Devin Harris, Nets
Kirk Hinrich, Bulls
Joe Johnson, Hawks
Courtney Lee, Nets
Jameer Nelson, Magic
Michael Redd, Bucks
Nate Robinson, Knicks
Rajon Rondo, Celtics
Derrick Rose, Bulls
John Salmons, Bulls
Rodney Stucky, Pistons
Dwyane Wade, Heat
Mo Williams, Cavs

Forwards
Michael Beasley, Heat
Chris Bosh, Raptors
Elton Brand, Sixers
Caron Butler, Wizards
Luol Deng, Bulls
Boris Diaw, Bobcats
Kevin Garnett, Celtics
Danny Granger, Pacers
Al Harrington, Knicks
Udonis Haslem, Heat
Andre Iguodala, Sixers
LeBron James, Cavs
Antawn Jamison, Wizards
David Lee, Knicks
Rashard Lewis, Magic
Troy Murphy, Pacers
Paul Pierce, Celtics
Tayshaun Prince, Pistons
Josh Smith, Hawks
Hedo Turkoglu, Raptors
Anderson Varejao, Cavs
Charlie Villanueva, Pistons
Gerald Wallace, Bobcats
Hakim Warrick, Bucks

Centers
Andrea Bargnani, Raptors
Andrew Bogut, Bucks
Tyson Chandler, Bobcats
Samuel Dalembert, Sixers
Al Horford, Hawks
Dwight Howard, Magic
Brook Lopez, Nets
Brad Miller, Bulls
Jermaine O'Neal, Heat
Shaquille O'Neal, Cavs
Kendrick Perkins, Celtics
Rasheed Wallace, Celtics
Western

Guards
Leandro Barbosa, Suns
Chauncey Billups, Nuggets
Aaron Brooks, Rockets
Kobe Bryant, Lakers
Baron Davis, Clippers
Monta Ellis, Warriors
Manu Ginobili, Spurs
Josh Howard, Mavericks
Allen Iverson, Grizzlies
Stephen Jackson, Warriors
Jason Kidd, Mavericks
Kevin Martin, Kings
O.J. Mayo, Grizzlies
Tracy McGrady, Rockets
Andre Miller, Blazers
Steve Nash, Suns
Tony Parker, Spurs
Chris Paul, Hornets
Jason Richardson, Suns
Brandon Roy, Blazers
Ramon Sessions, Wolves
Jason Terry, Mavericks
Russell Westbrook, Thunder
Deron Williams, Jazz

Forwards
LaMarcus Aldridge, Blazers
Carmelo Anthony, Nuggets
Trevor Ariza, Rockets
Ron Artest, Lakers
Carlos Boozer, Jazz
Tim Duncan, Spurs
Kevin Durant, Thunder
Pau Gasol, Lakers
Rudy Gay, Grizzlies
Jeff Green, Thunder
Blake Griffin, Clippers
Grant Hill, Suns
Richard Jefferson, Spurs
Kevin Love, Wolves
Shawn Marion, Mavericks
Kenyon Martin, Nuggets
Paul Millsap, Jazz
Dirk Nowitzki, Mavericks
Lamar Odom, Lakers
Anthony Randolph, Warriors
Luis Scola, Rockets
Jason Thompson, Kings
Al Thornton, Clippers
David West, Hornets

Centers
Andris Biedrins, Warriors
Andrew Bynum, Lakers
Marcus Camby, Clippers
Marc Gasol, Grizzlies
Spencer Hawes, Kings
Al Jefferson, Wolves
Antonio McDyess, Spurs
Nene, Nuggets
Greg Oden, Blazers
Emeka Okafor, Hornets
Mehmet Okur, Jazz
Amar'e Stoudemire, Suns

The Lakers Have Signed Kermit Washington 2.0

PURPLE AND GOLD FOR LIFE — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 05:05:02 -0000

As the season was starting, user PURPLE AND GOLD FOR LIFE put together a FanPost in which he compared Ron Artest to Kermit Washington. He put a lot of effort into it, and we felt like it deserved front page placement. However, the beginning of the season was very busy for us, so we decided to hold onto it, and promote it at a later date. That later date is here.

After the jump, PAGFL explains to us what he sees in Artest, why he sees a parallel with Kermit Washington, and what that means to him for this Lakers' season, and for Artest's tenure as a Laker.

This is one of first attempts to write an article type Fan-Post. I hope you guys read it and give me your thoughts and opinions. Thank you.

On December 9, 1977 a scuffle broke out during a game between the Houston Rockets and the Los Angeles Lakers which involved Lakers’ forward Kermit Washington. As the players were being separated and Rudy Tomjanovich who was a Houston Rocket at the time ran towards Washington to play the role of peace-maker Washington turned around and saw him approaching and hit him with a solid punch to the face. Players describe that moment as “the loudest silence you have ever heard.” That incident changed the lives of the NBA and the players involved forever.

In terms of gruesomeness, “The Punch” felt by Rudy Tomjanovich and the repercussions and downward spiral that Kermit Washington’s career experienced, the Pacers-Pistons brawl, with Ron Artest in the center of it all, doesn’t even compare.

To put things into perspective, Tomjanovich’s face was fractured, his bone structure was detached completely from his skull and he was in serious danger of actually dying on the court that day. On the other hand, Kermit Washington was suspended for 60 days which forced him to miss 26 games and was the longest suspension handed down to an NBA player at the time. Once he retired, in Scarlet Letter type fashion, Kermit was exiled for 19 years from the NBA since no one in the NBA wanted to associate their organization’s name with his.

Although both incidents don’t compare on the level of severity, there are some similarities and some lessons to be learned as well as some questions that need to be asked. At this point, Kermit Washington’s story has reached its climax and the plot has been resolved but the same can’t be said for Artest and his story as well as his journey.

For Artest, the most intriguing questions involve trying to figure out what will it take or how much time must pass before his character and image are no longer measured based on that specific incident? Even more important is to find out who makes that decision?

Until that moment comes, it will be interesting to see the criticism that is thrown in his direction. Especially by those directly associated with the NBA. This year on NBA TV during a discussion about the Lakers, Brent Barry, a retired Spurs player, was asked about the Lakers signing Artest and his immediate response was, “Anger is one letter short of danger”. Although he did mention some positives regarding his game, his main focus was on Artest’s personality.

These hopeful predictions of the Lakers’ demise are all over the sports world. Earlier this month Sports Illustrated published an article in which it polled NBA Scouts asking them for their predictions as far as who was going to win the title. One scout, who picked the Spurs to win it all, stated, “There will be a drop there for the Lakers…Artest is going to screw their stuff up. Putting him in a major media market was not a great idea.” Again, an analysis that sounded more as if he was hoping for this to happen rather than to actually give a basketball related statement.

Realistically, no Laker fan can ever expect an ex Spurs player or a scout who picked the Spurs to win the title to pick the Lakers as favorites for anything. But again, the most important question is, how long will it be before Artest is measured based on his game on the floor instead of having references to his personality and character?

It is impossible to predict the length of time that it will take before Artest and that famous brawl co-exist in the public’s eyes. Anytime the topic of Artest comes up there is either a video clip or photo shown of the brawl. Considering how often it is shown and talked about, it is hard to believe that the whole incident occurred almost 6 years ago (November 19, 2004). Not only is it shown to predict Artest’s future actions but it has also defined his career, personality and the way that he is viewed.

That can also be attributed to the fact that there has been a change from the way that the NBA is now covered. Fans have gone from being entertained by fiction to non-fiction. We are now in the Reality TV era. No longer does entertainment involve creative writing. In a more voyeuristic way, fans are now more intrigued by being shown and told about someone’s personal life, especially when that includes witnessing someone’s demise.

A perfect example of that change is Michael Jordan’s Hall of Fame speech. There was a time when Michael became MJ and no one would ever consider writing something negative about him. That is no longer true. Many were surprised that he received all that criticism about his speech only to find out that Jordan’s personality has always been that way but the media never bothered to introduce the world to that side of him. But even his Airness is no longer off limits.

It is also important to mention that in no way should Artest or Washington be excused for their actions. Regardless of how their stories are covered or how many times each of their incidents is mentioned, they both had choices to make and made them.

Tomjanovich has already made a choice and forgiven Washington and it took longer for others to do so. But, Tomjanovich said it best when he said, “I have to wish the best for him. I don’t like to see people suffer. He made a mistake and everyone deserves another chance.” The only issue is that it took the rest of the NBA 19 years to give him that chance.

It is also possible that Artest doesn’t even care whether he gets a second chance. He said as much when a Lakers’ fan wrote to him pleading him to not sabotage the Lakers upcoming season and went as far as to say (speaking for all Lakers fans), “we’re scared of you” and Artest’s response, “By the way. The guy who wrote the letter emailed me. I cursed him out and he apologized. See, I don’t kiss (butt)…See, I don’t care if someone likes or hates me. I love my fam and fans!” But, that could also be that alpha male, “Tru-Warrior” persona of his talking.

In terms of a second chance, it certainly isn’t the media, fans or anyone else that will decide that. A major part of that responsibility falls on him. He needs to make the right decisions in his professional and personal life and it seems that he is well on his way and heading in the right direction.

A good sign of his attempt to make the right choices and that he is going in the right direction is his current admition to seeing a sports psychologist. To some his decision may seem comical but it isn’t. This is something that he is taking very serious which can be seen in his response when asked about it, “A couple years ago, I was a bad teammate,” he then added, “I’m trying to find the right answer, the logical answer, so my ego’s not taking over and is not bigger than the team.” This just might seem as just another gimmick or a public relations move but deep down inside he just might care.

If he really does care and dedicates himself to winning he will receive the same admiration that Laker fans are known for. Ironically, the whole Artest signing is all too familiar. Especially with the experiences of hearing about a certain Laker player being judged based on his character and past mistakes. Laker fans have heard the negative comments and criticism and yet stood by him. After an 81 point performance, numerous other highlights, buzzer beaters and most of all 4 Championship banners no longer is he measured by what he did in his personal life but what he does on the court. Which makes it clear that the solution to Artest redeeming himself is to win a championship so that he is referred to as winner and as a positive contributor. The only hope that Laker fans have is that Artest does that as a Laker so that his journey has the same fairy tale ending.

I know that most men are not fans of cheesy fairy tales, romantic films or stories where the hero marries the woman of his dreams at the end of the story. But most are fans of any story that involves an underdog and, based on his past mistakes and his effort to erase that image, Artest fits that mold. But, in Artest’s story the woman of his dreams is in the shape of the Larry O’Brien trophy and he is the one that will be wearing the ring at the end.

Twitter: According to MRI Bynum has Strained Elbow

PURPLE AND GOLD FOR LIFE — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 23:07:45 -0000

Twitter: Bynum has a strained right elbow, according to an MRI exam, and is doubftful tomorrow vs. Memphis. Gasol doing some practice work right now.

It doesn't seem to be that serious. But, i'm not going to lie, I did worry about this. I want to see one full season of the team intact. That might be a dilusion but still not impossible. I hope that it is as minor as the above statement indicates because this team is going to need everyone to repeat.