We all need some cheering up after the depressing results of the last two Laker games. So let me share this list of Robert Jaworski "facts", just for some fun. Actually, you need to be a Filipino to fully appreciate it, but, I think, you’ll still think they're funny even if you’re not.

Anyway, for those who aren’t Filipinos, let me first give you a brief background to the Philippines’ very own Robert Jaworski.

Robert Salazar Jaworski, or "Jawo" as he is more affectionately known, is probably the most popular basketball player in the history of the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) – the Filipino version of the NBA league. Though he is part of PBA’s 25 Greatest Players of All Time, he’s not really the undisputed G.O.A.T like what MJ is in the NBA (there could be three to four names in the debate). Nonetheless, he’s the most legendary basketball player in the Philippines.

Jaworski is 6’1 and played point guard during his career. He was a very competitive player. He played fiery basketball (some said, he was even dirty) and always had the "never say ‘die!’" spirit in him. He actually only won one MVP and had four All-Star appearances during his entire career. But what makes him stand out was his tenure in the league. He played in the league for a total of… get ready for this… 23 years (1975-1998)! Note: each PBA season/year usually have 3 conferences or tournaments, so we can say that Jawo played for around 69 "seasons". He became a playing coach at the second half of his career and even had the experience of playing with his son in one team. This longevity is what made him a legend. In fact, his nickname was "The Living Legend." He retired at age 52.

Oh, he only retired from basketball because he won after running for the Philippine Senate during the 1998 elections as an independent candidate. He served one term (6 years) and lost when he ran for re-election. If not for venturing in politics, there was a rumor that Jawo would never retire and would have continued on playing basketball until he’s on a wheelchair.

For a more detailed bio of Jawo, visit his Wikipedia page.

So, now that you know who Robert Jaworski is, let’s have some fun with some Robert Jaworski "facts". I found this in somebody’s deviantart page (thus, the grammar errors are not mine. lol)

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It has been a long time since I made a fanpost here. Let me check… my last fanpost was 15 months ago!

Anyway, I decided to make this post to… make myself feel better. This lockout makes me sick. Literally. I mean whenever I let the fact that there is no NBA season soak on me, I feel nausea. As if I’ve been emotionally betrayed or screwed or something. Seriously.

Since one of the reasons I believe writing is for is for therapy, I decided to write…

So I write this fan post. A fan post on my basketball hero Kobe Bryant. I already wrote "Why I Look Up To Kobe Bryant" on my blog. In fact, if you have time, I suggest you read it. It’s a good intro or appetizer for this fanpost… or I’m just shamelessly plugging my blog again. Nonetheless, there are still plenty of things to say about Kobe.

Here are some:

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No.  It was never my intention to use SoCalGal’s name to ride on her popularity.  Never crossed my mind... mmm, maybe just a flash – but no longer than that.

Anyway, Bluexfalcon can brag of at least one brilliant idea in his lifetime the Rough Cut concept is a brilliant idea – a random thread of any kind of topic, usually non-basketball related.   Marty Mart and SoCalGal, in my opinion, wrote the best Rough Cuts so far, about gaming and tattoos, respectively.  

I admit it, that though I love the Lakers and basketball, I have other hobbies and interests which I am more involved on.  And maybe, you are like me.  Or if not, at least, you have other hobbies and interests aside from the Lakers.  I learned from Rough Cut (and other threads) that SSR people are a diverse bunch.  Sophisticated and interesting.  Lots of other knowledge and interests.  Sensible when talking about a topic.  Yup, lots of humor and kidding, but still intelligent.  You see, I like learning new stuff and discussions on these stuff.  And lots of these are found in SSR threads.  Still, most would be centered on or "offshooted" from the Lakers (which is only appropriate since this is a Laker blog after all).  Since I like discussions on other things as well, I would go out of SSR to other sites’ threads and forums, to point out that UK’s SAS is the most badass special forces in the world, or that Stephen King is great but would never hold a candle against Edgar Allan Poe, or the Moon Hoax Conspiracy Theory is not that ridiculous at all, or that Isaac Asimov is the King of Sci-Fi and not Bob Heinlein or Arthur Clarke, or Krav Maga is the best martial art in the world, or Beethoven and Moza- you get the picture.   I find it fun to find out what other people think and what new idea or fact I could learn from them.      

I’m not saying that SSR is incomplete since it is only limited to everything Laker.  Again, it is only appropriate that it should be Laker-centered because this is a Laker blog – and the best in the Net, as I’ve said in my first fan post.    However, SSR is evolving into more than a Laker community!  Several of you already said it’s a second home.  Several of you have SSR as your homepage.   Thus, Rough Cut would minimize the need to go to other sites for the purpose of interaction on different topics or interests.  The point is Rough Cut makes sense because it allows the SSR people’s wit, knowledge and writing skills that are being utilized on discussions about the Lakers to be applied on non-Laker topics.  Rough Cut is healthy for the SSR community, as we can get to know more about each other’s interests and stuff, aside from the Lakers.  It’s not that we’ll ever get tired of talking about our beloved Lakers, but it is advantageous talking about the stuff we like to the people we know we have something in common with: love of the Lakers.  And people who love the Lakers (especially those in the SSR community) are good and sensible people to discourse with.  I think this is what the Rough Cut is for. 

I’m with BXF, hoping Rough Cut becomes an important SSR tradition.  Maybe, in the future, even the Beat writers, C.A., Dex, and perhaps even Josh will write some Rough Cuts themselves.  That makes me excited.   

So, here is my first Rough Cut try, after the jump…

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Before my high school sweetheart broke up with me, my heartbreaks are limited to seeing the Lakers get beaten. 

Well, not necessarily the Lakers getting beaten in a game.  Though, a Laker game loss is always a downer, the real heartbreaks happens when the Lakers loses in the playoffs.  The nearest feeling of frustration and sadness to a Laker series loss I experienced back then was when I lose an important PC game match.  But at least, in PC games I can get back at it, to avenge my loss, a few days later at most.  But if the Lakers lose in the playoffs, I would have to wait several months till the next season to see them again go for another attempt for the championship.    

My early years as a Laker fan were good times.  Those were the Kobe-Shaq threepeat years.  Then came the 2002-03 season where I experienced my first Laker heartbreak.  I remember that I was eating brunch (Live NBA games are daytime in the Philippine timezone) in a café during Game 5 of the Lakers’ series against the (eventual champions) Spurs in the second round of the playoffs.   In the last seconds of the game, Kobe makes a pass to an open Robert Horry.  Horry shoots a three for the win.  It seemed liked it was going to be one of those legendary Horry shots again.  The ball flirted with the ring… and coughed it out.  David Robinson (my most favorite non-Laker player of all time) got the rebound as the final milliseconds runs out.  My mouth went dry, I became pale, and I lost my appetite.  I also watched the Game 6, but turned off the TV during the 4th quarter, when the Spurs had a comfortable lead.  It was too painful to watch.  Back then I was not yet “tough enough” to watch a Laker last stand to the end.  Later, I would read the paper and see the picture of Kobe and Fisher crying.  I feel like crying myself, after getting used to successes, it was hard to take on my first taste of Laker heartbreak.

The next season, Kobe had the Colorado scandal going, but I was optimistic since the Lakers signed Payton and Malone, creating a powerhouse team with four future Hall of Famers.  They were the favorites to win.  And though injuries limited them, they were still able to go back to the Finals.  But the Detroit Pistons crushed them.  I absented myself from school for one day after the Lakers lost in the decisive Game 5 just to get over the bad feeling of the Lakers being upset by the Pistons.  Dexter Fishmore actually pointed out that this defeat was a good thing.  And he does have good points.  That defeat was a major factor of the Laker success we enjoy now.  But still, back then, without knowing the future, it was painful.

With no Shaq, Kobe led the Lakers in the first year of rebuilding.  Lakers did not make the playoffs, and I suffered the ridicule of my Lakers-hating friends, as they especially mock Kobe, saying he can’t lead the Lakers and can’t win without Shaq.  

2005-06 season was a monster scoring year for Kobe.  Phil came back and the Lakers returned to the playoffs.  I was delighted when the Lakers took a 3-1 lead in their series with the Phoenix Suns.  But the Suns came back to win the next three games.  From that point, that would be the most painful Laker loss I had experienced.  The emotional crash from an extreme positive feeling (3-1 lead) to an extreme negative feeling (losing 4-3) was just too much.  Add that level of disappointment to the fact that people around me continue to hate and criticize Kobe and the Lakers, and you understand why it was my lowest Laker moment for some time. 

Suns eliminated the Lakers, of a mediocre 42-40 record, again the next season.  But I was not really expecting much.  Still a disappointing loss but not that painful.  I was actually hoping that the series was going to be fast and painless – like a euthanasia. 

Then, comes the dramatic 2007-08 season of the Lakers.  Kobe got the MVP.  The Lakers got Pau Gasol.  And the Lakers became elite again, getting the West’s coveted top seed, and coming back to the Finals stage versus the Boston Celtics.  But the Lakers would fail to win the championship.  So close yet so far.  This time I was “tough enough” to watch the Lakers’ embarrassing Game 6 loss, though it was so soul-crushing.  But I continue to watch, as a stubborn Laker fan giving support down to the last second.  This NBA Finals 2008 loss would replace the 2006 Phoenix series as my most heartbreaking Laker moment.  The previous heartbreaks seemed to be small in comparison compared to this loss to the Celtics in the Finals.  Why?  First, they’re the Celtics – and as I experience my first taste of the Lakers-Celtics rivalry, I appreciate the romance in all its epic proportions, and understood how bad it is to lose to the Celtics.  Second, a Laker loss in June would be the most painful of all.  In the past where the Lakers got eliminated in the playoffs, it would happen in April or May (except in 2004).  Thus by the time June (NBA Finals) comes, I would have gotten over the hurt of the Lakers’ defeat earlier in the playoffs, and as an NBA fan, I would be able to enjoy the Finals, without caring who would win.  But if this heartbreak would happen in June, it would ruin the entire month for me.  What’s so special with June, then?  It’s my birthday month.  Thus, a 39-point loss in an elimination game – which is so humiliating – in the NBA Finals – the time which the championship is closest in sight – from the Celtics – the Lakers most hated rival – in the month of June – my birthday month – is, hands down, my most painful Laker heartbreak ever.   

But, of course, Lakers finally came back on top.  So in 2009 and 2010 – two successive birthdays – I am in high spirits, and as I look back to those heartbreaks of the past, I see that they make the success the Lakers are enjoying now much, much… much sweeter. 

This community could surely empathize with the ups and lows I experienced as a Laker fan.  So, I am just curious.  How about you? What or when was your most painful Laker heartbreak ever?

(this is a repost from my blog)

Part 1: Reaction to LeBron's Decision

It cannot be denied that LeBron James’ basketball talent is out of this world.   He is fun to watch.  He has a lot of potential.   I always think that if LeBron adds Kobe Bryant’s intelligence, arsenal, and attitude to his God-given physical gift and already marvelous raw skills, I would yield of LeBron as being the best, maybe even the G.O.A.T. 

However, whatever achievements he has, for me, he’s incomplete and definitely below Kobe Bryant.  Sure, LeBron statistically dominates Kobe, but we all know that stats are unfair and not compatible with Kobe’s game.  Statistics can’t measure Kobe’s greatness.  What makes Kobe better is not only because of his deadlier (deadliest in the NBA) wide-range of offensive weapons and smarter defensive mentality than LeBron, but the attitude that led Kobe to have those.

And why does Kobe have such versatile game?  Again we come back to the attitude Kobe has and LeBron lacks.  The awesome focus that even Chris Rock can’t crack… the fiery competitive “take-no-prisoners” gunslinger spirit… the mindset that ignores the box score and treat wins as the most important statistic… all these things drove him on continually improving his skills and knowledge.  LeBron does not have Kobe’s attitude of continually adding something to his arsenal.  Probably because since his powers are already enough to dominate almost everyone in the league, he probably did not see any reason or need to develop them further.  Which is a pity, such a waste of potential. 

I’m not saying LeBron is lazy.  Kobe himself respects LeBron and commends his work ethic.  Definitely, it took a lot of work for LeBron to get what he has now.  However, Kobe’s attitude is the kind of attitude champions have.  Magic, Bird, and MJ have it.  Always being up to the challenge.  And this kind of attitude is what sets Kobe apart from LeBron.  LeBron does not have this “champion’s attitude.”  And LeBron’s decision to join Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh to form a “Three Kings” in Miami, seems to me, proves the point. 

Plenty of people had already addressed LeBron’s ego going on an overdrive, his douchebaggery for screwing Cleveland, “If he wanted to raise money for the Boys/Girls Clubs, he could have donated the dollars and saved Cleveland the embarrassment”, and all that.  So, I will not go there.  Probably, they are right.  But what I would talk of is what is more important to me.  LeBron James being a rightful rival for Kobe Bryant.  The Bird to Kobe’s Magic.  Which would not really happen anymore.  Sure, the Lakers and the Heat would probably have a rivalry, LeBron would probably win a championship or two in Miami, but it’s not going to be the same.

Personally, I wanted LeBron to leave Cleveland (though not in the classless manner he did).  For the sake of an epic rivalry with Kobe.  LeBron should have a class city and fanbase.  And that is New York.   I was rooting for the Knicks to get LeBron.  Kobe vs. LeBron.  LA vs. NY.  That would be a classy rivalry for years.  It will make history.       

Or if not NY, I might settle with the second best.  Maybe Chicago.  Chicago would do.  Or the Nets.  Heck, I would even prefer the Clippers over the Heat.  As long as LeBron be the main man and would have a supporting cast that could rival Kobe’s.  NY could build that (probably) in a year or two.  Chicago already has such cast with Boozer, Noah, and Rose.  Clippers will never do, so forget what I said about preferring the Clippers over the Heat.        

The main point is LeBron would be the Man on that team.  The General.  That would mean that LeBron is up for the challenge to take Kobe on.  I would root for Kobe and the Lakers, but would respect LeBron and his team and would even congratulate them if they win over Kobe and the Lakers.  Thus, LeBron would show me that he has the “champion's attitude”, a worthy rival for Kobe Bryant, and has the right to join Kobe’s page in history. 

Unfortunately, he is not up for that challenge of taking on Kobe “The Greatest Player in the Planet” Bryant.  "We don't have the pressure of going out and scoring 30 every night or shooting a high percentage."  The way LeBron said it shows this.  No “champion's attitude” at all.  Creating a powerhouse (or potential powerhouse as we still don’t know who are the guys that would fill the rest of the Heat’s lineup) with Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh tells us that LeBron believes that he can’t beat Kobe without riding on with two other superstars.     

I am disappointed.  No, not disappointed, I am frustrated.  I am mad, I am rapid, I am foaming in the mouth (not really, just an exaggeration.  I borrowed  that line from a senator's outburst here in the Philippines).  LeBron’s decision destroyed my fantasy.  And for that, I am almost as angry as a Cavs fan right now.

In my attempt on trying to make sense of it all, I can only think of two probable reasons why LeBron chose Miami.  First, which I already mentioned, he does not have the “champion’s attitude” and is desperate on winning a title since he believes it is impossible to beat Kobe on his own.   

Or, maybe this decision is another attempt to feed his ego and desire to be more popular than Kobe.  Wondahbap wrote: “Staying on LeBron, I'm finding him increasingly more annoying everyday to the point of dislike. I try to like him. I watch him often. I admire his game, and don't want to make this seem like a Kobe over Lebron hatefest, but he's just so corny sometimes. And arrogant. Probably insecure. At times phony. Defintely a frontrunner. Some people accuse Kobe of all of these things, and they probably have valid points. It just proves how corny LeBron can be, because he straight-up copycats everything Kobe does. Kobe takes a book from MJ's page and relishes games in Madison Square Garden? Here comes LeBron tagging along. It's so special to him all of a sudden. Kobe changes his number? LeBron wants to change his. Kobe has a penchant for sometimes taking ill advised three-point shots? LeBron takes stupid threes more and more. Kobe puts on the serious face and steely demeanor during the playoffs? Now dancing, air camera, picture taking LeBron decides it's time to play no games and get all stone faced. Now the elbow? Seriously, I don't believe his elbow hurts for a minute. He watches Kobe get this praise for being a tough-as-nails warrior, so he has to overdramatize an elbow injury enough to make Paul Pierce want to sue for infringement. So LeBron's elbow hurts so bad, he has to shoot a free throw left handed. Right. Pun intended. He sure seemed like he was having a hard time keeping a straight face filling us with his crap. Boo frickety hoo."

If Wondahbap is right in this assessment, then LeBron’s decision on joining the Miami Heat is another attempt of his to steal Kobe’s thunder.  We all know that though Kobe is much loved by many, there are also those who hate him deeply.  This level of animosity Kobe receives from his haters is probably unrivaled in the history of the NBA.  Thus, LeBron wants to steal that from Kobe, too.  He wants to have the same level of animosity – maybe even to surpass it – which Kobe gets from haters.  And LeBron probably succeeded since most of the hate on Kobe shifted to him.  

If it’s true, then it’s disappointing that LeBron wants to surpass Kobe’s popularity rather than his greatness.                

Part 2: The Threat of the Miami Heat

I read somewhere that Miami has a terrible fanbase and does not deserve a championship.  But they would probably win at least one (maybe two or three) in the next six years with Dwyane Wade, LeBron James, and Chris Bosh – the so-called “Three Kings” – with them.  Just give them a good supporting cast, some luck that would give them good health throughout the season, and a system that would give the perfect chemistry and, voila, instant championship.      

Oh, the Miami Heat is now a threat to my beloved Lakers’ goal of multi-championships in the next years all right.  Some fans are much worried.  And I can’t blame them.  Heat has the potential to overthrow the Lakers.  But I think as real Laker fans, we have a responsibility to not worry.  To not doubt.  Phil Jackson might now be already thinking of ways on how to defeat them.  Kobe is probably smiling in delight on having the chance to destroy them with one blow.  Steve Blake is impatiently waiting for that time he can prove his worth to the Lakers.  Pau Gasol is itching on proving that he’s the best big man right now.  Sasha Vujacic is raring for the chance on redeeming himself by reviving the Machine.  Andrew Bynum is counting the ways he would embarrass the Heat’s center whoever he is.  Ron Artest is reminiscing every day the high he got when he won his first championship and that he is hungry for more.  Heck, even Derek Fisher, already planning ahead, might have just pretended he was interested on playing for the Heat to obtain an invitation to visit them, but was actually doing reconnaissance for the Lakers.  

Dexter Fishmore made a poll in Silver Screen and Roll on how worried we are about the Miami Heat.  It is heartening to know that the majority (me included) voted “not worried” though there are still some who said that that they are very nervous about it.  Well, let me encourage you brothers and sisters of Lakerdom.  We should have faith on our beloved Los Angeles Lakers.  They are the best.  They are champions.  And they will fight as champions. 

Also take note that LeBron, D-Wade, and Bosh had been able to play together already in the past (in the international tournaments) and they did not win any gold at all until Kobe came along.  And in the previous World Championship where the “Three Kings” were playing together, without Kobe, they only ended up bronze.  Remember who won the gold?  Yup.  Espanya!  And we got the MVP of the tournament, Pau Gasol, on our team.  So, please don’t be frightened of these “Three Kings” and the Miami Heat.

Even when the time comes that the Lakers will become the underdogs and the Heat would ultimately win it all, don’t expect the Lakers to quit at all.  Kobe Bryant, leading his Lakers, will go down with guns blazing.  Lakers will take a last stand a la Alamo.  And when defeated, they would be focused and ready to take back the championship the next season.  And that is if the Heat can beat the Lakers at all.  As fans, we should have the mentality to presume that the Heat can’t beat the Lakers.

Again, as fans, we have the responsibility to show no fear.  No panic.  No worry.  And to maintain faith on this team that we love.  And love comes with trust.  Thus, we should trust the Lakers to the fullest.  We should have the attitude the crowd in Staple showed in Game 7 of the 2010 NBA Finals.  I love that attitude.  Down by 13 and never giving up, thus energizing the Lakers.  Well, not all of us can cheer for the Lakers in Staples, but we should nonetheless have that kind of attitude of support for the Lakers.  Worrying or being pessimistic will never help, thus we should be always positive on our attitude.  Sure, we may point out the flaws that we see them make, but we should not doubt that they can’t make the adjustment to fix it.  

Not all of us will have the chance to watch and support the Lakers in Staples (me included) but our attitude and support still matters and may affect the Lakers, as much as the cheers (or jeers) of the home crowd, in a butterfly-effect kind of way.  So, if my attitude can affect the Lakers in a butterfly-effect kind of way, I will not take any chances. I would be optimistic and cheer and encourage, that maybe in a butterfly-effect kind of way, it would contribute to the Lakers’ success.  Therefore, I write this to maybe start a small ripple of optimistic feeling for all Laker fans. 

As for the Miami Heat and their fans and the so-called “fans” that jumped into the Miami Heat bandwagon, in behalf of all Lakerdom, I would like to convey the message that we are not afraid of you.  As a dare to you, let me borrow the catchphrase of a once Miami resident, who is now a Hollywood actor and, I think, is a Laker fan: 

JUST BRING IT!!!

The Lakers’ll bring the whuppin’ to your candy asses!

A good morning to my SSR family (well, it's morning in my time zone anyway).

With all this seriousness on hot topics like LeBron's douchebaggery, Miami Heat's threat to the Lakers' championships in the next 6 years, the summer league, and Fish and other free agency related topics, let's take a break from all of that.  Let me start talking about a laid back trivial topic unrelated to the current relevant NBA buzzes.

I recently mused in my blog some movies I want Hollywood to make.  Among them is a sequel to Space Jam.

I was in my first year of grade school when Space Jam came out. And I really loved it.  Loved it so much that when it came out in HBO two years later, I would watch it every time it is shown.  Over and over again.  I mean I never got tired of watching it.   It seemed every time Bugs Bunny made his no-look "special delivery" alley-oop pass to Michael Jordan, it gave me the same excitement as the first time I saw it.

So, I thought it would be fun if they make another Space Jam movie.  And since the star of Space Jam was the greatest player of that era (MJ), it is only right that the star of a Space Jam sequel should be the greatest player of this era. None other than Kobe Bryant.

I think it would be so cool to see Kobe Bryant in a Space Jam sequel.  But what does the SSR community think?

Years ago, when I was still in high school, cutting classes and hanging around Internet Cafes to play PC and PS2 games, like NBA Live, a best bud and I were in constant debate on who is better: Kobe or T-Mac?  It was the time when T-Mac and AI (and sometimes, Carter) were being pitted against Kobe on the "who's the best in the NBA?" debate.  My friend would boast of T-Mac's scoring championships (this was before Kobe got his first scoring championship).  I would point out Kobe's three rings (which I argue is more important).  He will then say that those championships were because of Shaq.  I would counter that Shaq can't win championships without Kobe either.  He will then argue that T-Mac is a better offensive player (again, using the scoring championships as basis).  I would then point out how Kobe's defense (even when he's injured) can lockdown T-Mac (the Lakers home game against the Magic during 03-04 season).  And so on... you know how this kind of debates goes (I presume you have been part of lots of them, too).  We even sometimes settle these debates by playing one-on- one basketball, pretending that he's T-Mac and I am Kobe, and whoever wins makes the player he is representing the best.  I won almost all of those games, proving that Kobe is better. 

Of course, as time went on, Kobe had already left the T-Mac-AI-Carter rivals biting the dust, and is now pitted against a younger generation of Lebrons, Wades, and Durants.  Now, my friend doesn't have any good points anymore to argue that T-Mac is better than Kobe (now that Kobe has his own scoring championships, plus a couple of MVPs and more rings).  He is left with bitching about how T-Mac's injuries limited him and that without those injuries, he could have defeated Kobe - though we both know that this is bullshit.  Moreover, even T-Mac himself said that Kobe is the best player in the planet.  He can't argue with that.    Thus, he shifted to the LeBron bandwagon (that's how Kobe and Laker haters work, support any player as long he's pitted against Kobe, and support any team as long as that team has a game or series against the Lakers.).  

Back to T-Mac.  In this free agency buzz, the only team that is somehow being connected to T-Mac is the Lakers.  So does it mean that other teams are not interested in him?   If so, then the Lakers have some leverage to use to sign him cheap if other teams don't want him.  It is already reported that Raja Bell does not think much of joining the Lakers.  So knowing Mitch and the Laker management, they would just shrug, say, "To hell with Bell," and move on to the next option on the list.  No big deal.  Instead of Bell, there's T-Mac.  

I think T-Mac could make some significant contribution for the Laker bench.  Sure, being injury prone makes him a risk.  But what if he's healthy and can still play in his demi-Kobe level?  Wouldn't that make the Lakers so dangerous that all wins are potential overkills?  They should sign him with the money the Lakers has left.  In my opinion, the Lakers would be benefited by T-Mac's presence.  Anything that would benefit the Lakers would make me happy.

Plus, it would really give me much pleasure to write this on my friend's Facebook wall: "It's official, T-Mac is now Kobe's bitch!"  With an accompanying link to the news of his acquisition, of course.  

Just some random bullets:

• This is my first fan post. So, uh, treat me kindly please :P
• I had been a Laker fan half my life, and I appreciate how SSR serves as a "haven" for all Laker fans. As all Laker fans know, an "environment of animosity" goes with being a fan. I am always surrounded by Laker (and Kobe) haters. And it seems the haters I know outnumber the "likers" I know. The Lakers, I think, is the most hated team in the NBA ever since. Probably out of jealousy of the fans of other teams. The Lakers just inspire so much hate or so much love. The apathetic middle ground almost do not exist. So, the SSR's friendly environment is really very refreshing to me. A haven - no exaggeration - indeed.
• I had also wrote some pieces about the Lakers in my blog. They might not be that excellent (compared to the excellent writers of SSR), but it all came from the heart of a true fan. Check them out in my site. (shameless plug!)
• This is the best Laker blog I encountered in the Net since Flea (bassist of Red Hot Chili Peppers) wrote a blog for NBA.com.
• Laker is definitely the best blog in SB Nation. Have you ever checked the blogs of the other NBA teams in SB Nation? If not, check them out. They are inferior compared to SSR. It just shows how Laker fans love the Lakers (the best fans in the world). The writers have talent. They are witty. They can argue smartly. They are not naive statheads. And most of all, it shows how they greatly love writing about the Lakers by the effort they insert on each article they make. They take time to insert supporting videos, photos, tables, etc. to make their articles better. And I am greatly grateful to them for their patience for providing the best Laker links in the Net (again, other SB Nation NBA blogs rarely do a "The Credits"-style).
• SSR serves as my main source for Laker news and data and arguments I can use to defend Kobe and the Lakers.
• Josh Tucker is one of the best blog writers in the Net.
• Oh, Clark, Dex, wondahwap, Das, and Meriken are great, too. As well as some other fans who write Fan Posts.
• The community here is the best.
• SSR is the best.
• I expect SSR to continue being the best.
• Hopefully, this would not be my last Fan Post.
• I am proud of Silver Screen and Roll, and I just wrote this to show some love.