This has been a recent topic amongst radio personalities and some other online blogs, but Lamar Odom is playing some of the basketball he's played his entire career. He and Pau are creating a chemistry that are destroying front lines. They're basketball I.Q. is very high and added with unselfishness makes them pretty much deadly. It's ridiculous and unfair (so good to be a Laker fan)

Bynum won't be back until roughly another 3 or 4 weeks, and in that time there are plenty of games for Lamar and Pau to increase the level of chemistry. 

So the question begins, does Phil sit or start Lamar when Drew is back? That formula did bring about 2 championships afterall, and the length of Drew and Pau have always caused problems with almost every team. 

Personally, I'm for whatever Phil decides. I don't really have a preference as it's a rotation amongst those three guys. At least one guy will always be on the court. 

But what do you think?

For anyone who has Dish Network, you knog that there is a disagreement between FOX Sports regional channels and Dish Network. This unfortunately means that we Laker fans cannot watch home games held at Staples Center unless it's nationally televised.

This may be more appropriate for a fanshot, but this is a dire situation and I need suggestions on how to view Laker games when they're not away. I figured a fan post is seen better. 

Anyways, I was considering purchasing All-League pass just so I can watch every game. Also, I informed my good friend that I would be coming over and that he should just leave the front door unlocked. Unfortunately, I'm too busy to just go over to my friends house. 

So if there are any suggestions, shoot. 

So Brett Favre retires. Great. What does this have to do with the Lakers? Absolutely nothing. But sportscenter put together a short piece on great athletes retiring and then un-retiring. They compared Favre to Michael Jordan. MJ retired 3 separate times. So he un-retired twice. They also mentioned Evander Holyfield, who has yet to officially retire (did not know that). 

The reason I bring this subject here is because it got me thinking about Kobe (and it's August and I'm bored). Kobe, in most people's opinions, is the best player in the league and this is definitely his era. I remember when Magic came out of retirement and I was happy to see it, but it didn't result in a championship like I hoped. When Kobe retires, we all hope and pray that it's after a championship, on his own terms, and that he doesn't play for another organization.

Kobe is signed until 2014 and he will be 36. I believe it's safe to say that Kobe has at least 3 years left of high-level play. I personally predict he'll end up with 7 championships. I'm hoping that after his contract is over, he'll have 7 championships and he'll ride into the sunset. Then Staples can put his number in the rafters, put a statue adjacent to Magic's and watch his hall-of-fame speech with the years following. These are my predictions and I hope he doesn't un-retire and sqaubble with the Lakers management about wanting to comeback, and then playing for another team just like Favre.

What are your predictions about Kobe's retirement?

Artest definitely had his ups and downs this season. From appearing shirtless on the Jimmy Kimmel show, to tweeting people to meet him for some touch football, to admitting his "pre-gaming" Hennessey rituals in Chicago, to the mysterious fall around Christmas time, to making a game winning shot game 5 of the WCF, to making the go-ahead three in game 7 of the finals. 

He has most certainly been the character most people anticipated him to be. And by the end of the season, people started viewing him much differently. No longer as the short-fused homie from the hood, but a fun-loving dude who made Craig Sager say "Queensbridge."

As I'm sure most of you have heard by now Ron-Ron was playing dodgeball. Yes, Ron Ron played dodgeball for Team Zankou Chicken. I'm Middle Eastern, so I love the fact that he was wearing the T-Shirt of one of my favorite places to eat, but also, the guy just doesn't care about what anyone thinks. He may be the first two-sport NBA player. MJ doesn't count.  

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XFJJIU-54Sg

First and foremost, I'd like to say a few words regarding my feelings for the United States: "AMERICA! FUCK YEA!"

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Apparently  we're all on our cell phones, going on facebook, and working on a movie when we're at a Laker game. Paul Pierce, when asked about the difference between Boston fans and L.A. fans thinks we don't know as much about basketball as the ugly green fans. 

If there was a "spit-on-the-floor-with-disgust" option on here, I'd use it. I've coached basketball for the last 9 years of my life, and I'm only 25. This past year I received a head varsity coach position and now I run an entire high school basketball program. I've played since I was 10. The offense I run is a fast-paced offense but when we need to slow it down, we run a 3 out 2 in half court set that emphasizes the high post to make the defense collapse and either isolate the low post or get an open shot on the perimeter. 

Being on SS&R for about a little over a year has shown me that fans who bleed the purp and gold know just as much, if not more, about basketball than any team base. 

Don't tell me I don't know as much about basketball. Basketball is actually part of the living I make. We can easily say that Boston fans can just out scream us, yelling louder because they're at a pub watching the game. We can claim that Boston fans are too intense which results in using the heart rather the brain. But I won't. As Steve Mason said on the Mason and Ireland show on 710 ESPN yesterday "there are fans that do know basketball, and fans that don't know anything about basketball for every team. They're everywhere." 

It's not new that Lakers are hated everywhere. When you win, people hate you, i.e., Duke, Cowboys, Yankees, USC (although that might change with NCAA putting the hammer down soon). Also not new, Lakers are the only team that have an anti-chant in every city. "BEAT L.A.!, BEAT L.A.!" And I'm telling you, that is AWESOME. We, as a fan base, hear it all the time when we watch our beloved purp and gold take on another team. There are signs, chants and everyone knows it. Yankees don't have an anti-chant. 

I realize that everyone knows this, especially if you're a Laker fan. But it does bar a reminder of how awesome it is to be a Laker fan, and how truly spoiled we are that we get to root for them. We have our own anti-chant. We are awesome. Simply awesome. I can't remember what year it was, but I remember playing the real OKC when they were the Supersonics (I feel for the Seattle fans, they loved their team), but fans were screaming "BEAT L.A." in the second round of the playoffs. I was in junior high for sure, so 96-97 possibly. It's been around for a while, and it's awesome. Did I say awesome yet? 

Not quite sure who the free agents are. I know that Merriman is one but I have to do more research obviously. But say Merriman, Phillips and Jamal Williams are not here next year. Also throw in LT's age/money situation and whether or not Sproles stays, do the chargers have to start from scratch.

I know drafting a great player like LT happens every once in a while, but AJ's gonna have to spend money. I wanna know what everyone thinks. Should the Chargers go into rebuild mode with hopeful draft gems?

It was hard seeing the raiders win the division in the early 2000s, but if that has to happen again, so be it.

So I've been a Laker fan since about 1989. That was when I was 5 years old and I cried when the Lakers lost to stupid Isaiah Thomas in the Finals. So I still hate Isaiah Thomas. I also hate the Utah Jazz when the Shaq-Kobe Lakers couldn't get over the hump when Stockton-Malone kept beating them. And of course I hate the Boston Celtics. It's in my DNA. However, I don't hate the Sacramento Kings. Yes, there was a bitter rivalry and it was a good rivalry I believe. It was fun to see the players go at it, and it was fun to see a 7 game series, and it was fun to see them play on Christmas. But just like I hate Thomas, the Jazz and the Celtics, I don't have the same hatred for the Kings. To be quite honest, the only person I despise on your squad is Garcia. (I just think he's a douche). But everyone else is pretty cool. Kevin Martin is a scoring stud, Spencer Hawes reeks of basketball I.Q., and Beno Udrih is on my fantasy team, so he's cool.

But my legitimate question is do Kings fans still hate the Lakers? I know that Portland absolutely can't stand us, but they're from Oregon. They have nothing else to do. I also know that most people hate Kobe outside of the southern California. So I'd understand if it's a hatred because of you love to hate us. But is there still any hatred from the early 2000's rivalry? Please tell me. Good day.

Of course it's early! Of course one win doesn't mean anything! Of course Paul Pierce is out! Of course it's a long road trip!

Duh! It's the NBA. Things like this will happen and I'm usually not one to make a mountain out of a mole hill. HOWEVER, it is nice to see our division give our hated rival some trouble. First it was B. Diddy from the Clip show (you will never see me give love the clippers again) putting a dagger in the heart of Rondo after he botched two free throws to win the game. Then Golden State ran up and down the big green machine and turned them off. Then the Suns routed them.

The Lakers have a bit of a struggle right now, losing 2 of their last 4. And especially after that beat down by the Cavs on Christmas, people are starting to get concerned. Not me. I'll press the panic button when they actually are eliminated. Until then, I don't care about home court this, Bynum that, Artest said this, Kobe's finger- blah blah blah. We're the champs. Everyone is going to give their BEST effort against Kobe and co. The Celtics lost three straight, something Pau Gasol has not let happen since arriving. Even when he's not on the court. It doesn't mean anything, but I'd like to give props to the Pacific Division.

And if you can't find anything to comment off of that, I'll give you a topic: Rhode Island is neither a rode nor an island, DISCUSS!

I don't wanna say it, but is it Sam Bowie all over again? I really hope not. As a Laker fan, I was very intrigued by the Blazers. Hoping there would be a good rivalry between Bynum and Oden. They both had the makeup to become dominant true centers. As Laker fans, we know a little bit about how you feel. You feel like there's so much potential for your team, and then it keeps letting you down.

Bynum getting hurt two years in a row is bad, but I can't say it's anything similar to Oden's problems and potential. We feel for you, and we know you guys are dedicated fans who truly love your team and your basketball. From a Laker fan, I'm sorry, and trust me, as much as you guys hate the Lakers and their fans, we do feel terrible. You guys have a solid team, and it hasn't helped that Oden hasn't been on the floor. Truly, I'm sorry.

I won't lie. I do not like Sasha. Never have. I always knew he wasn't a solid player. Here's what I'm thankful for: PJ putting Brown and Farmar in the backcourt. I said it long before we even signed Ron-Ron, Brown is a better option than Sasha for this team. Sasha is over-animated and complains. I've never liked that about a player. If a player makes a foul, accept it and go to the key to rebound.

Shannon Brown is hitting jumpers and has crazy boosties. Jordan is a scoring PG more than anything, but he can damn well pass the ball. Plus, with Lamar in that lineup of the second unit along with two starters (Kobe or Ron at the SF position and Bynum or Pau at the 5) that's a lineup that can take on just about anyone in the league. And don't say "hey, that lineup will get crushed by LeBron and co." or "Boston would kill those 5." I know, but here's the thing, with a shorter rotation, only subbing in 3 guys, we still can keep our starters fresh and have production out on the court. That's how good the Lakers are. Very versatile if not deep.

Thank you PJ, for not playing Sasha. I've never defended him when Laker-haters go on about him. I've always agreed that he was never solid like Breezy and Farmar and LO coming off the bench. I do not like him in the house, I do not like his new spouse (technically girlfriend), I do not like him with green eggs and ham, I do not like and that's who I am. I'm not a girl, so I can't like him. Sorry Sasha, but I don't like you.

Oh yea, um........ Comments?

I posted this subject on the Silver Screen and Roll (Laker SB Nation). I really believe that with all the advances and in-depth analysis of basketball statistics, And 1's should now be included. It came to me last night when I was watching the Lakers vs Suns and at least 5 different Lakers had an And 1. I think it would be an interesting stat as well as say more about the team. It's toughness, it's ability to finish. And also, who gives up the most And 1's. That would be a good look to see if teams aren't focusing.

With the PER, +/- stat, assist to turnover ratio, true shooting percentage, it's not like it would be such a difficult task to do. Of course, there would have to be the follow-up stat which I'd call "And 1's completed," where the freethrow was made or missed. Also, I'm sure it wouldn't be called "And 1." Probably something like "plus fouls" or something similar.

So here's my discussion question, my dear rivals: should And 1's be included in the box score? And if so, which team would be the leader in And 1's?

Go!

With so many advances in statistics in sports, especially basketball, I think And 1's should be considered in the box score. There's the infamous PER, the popular +/- stat, True shooting percentage, assist-to-turnover ratio and many more.

This idea came to me last night when, I believe, 5 different Lakers made a bucket while getting fouled. I think it shows the toughness of the team as well as showing the opposition in another light. It would give the leader in And 1's a right to brag a lot; saying things like "nobody can stop me from scoring."

So here's a discussion: do you think that there should be a solid, concrete And 1 stat? And if so, who do you think would be the leader of this stat?

I'm not being sarcastic, nor am attempting to instigate a brutal and offensive argument. But why do the Blazer fans hate the Lakers so much?

I can see obvious reasons (Kobe, western conference foes, the 2000 WCF). But I have a friend from college who's going to the University of Portland to become a dentist, and he wears his Laker gear proudly. Man, the stuff he tells me about how Portland absolutely hates the Lakers is pretty odd to me. Laker haters in Boston, that I can understand. But he tells me they absolutely loathe when the Lakers come into town, and can't wait for them to stomp on the purple and gold.

I'm honestly curious, as a big time Laker fan, why do you all hate them as much as you do? Of course, I'm going straight off of what my good friend has told me, but I can feel it when I watch the games in Portland. The fans hate the Lakers.

Don't get me wrong. I give mad props to Roy, Aldridge, Outlaw and Pryzbilla. Think those guys are gonna be really good someday. I just don't see why there's so much hate out of Portland. fill me in....

How does everyone feel about the Lions finally winning a game?

This is not a sarcastic question. I asked a question previously about who is the Piston's rival. So I am just curious. Is everyone happy about it, or is there a sense of "it's just one game."

I'm curious to know if there are still loyal Lions fans out there. Because that's mad respect if someone is still rocking the blue.

So, yay or nay on the excitement for winning last weekend against the Redskins?

The Lakers have the Celtics

The Yankees have the Red Sox

The Bears have the Packers

I'm just wondering if the Pistons have a much-hated rival? I live in Orange County and I'm a huge, huge, huge Laker fan, but I very much respect the Detroit Pistons. They're my team in the East. So...... do the Pistons have a rival?

P.S. Please don't bring up 2004. I'm a nice guy with good intentions.

Yahoo! columnist Spears has reported that Pierce has claimed that the Celtics will win the Championship in 2010 barring no major injuries.

http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/news;_ylt=Am_t7P3ZHaNjA5cgxvFXqZC8vLYF?slug=mc-pierceceltics092409&prov=yhoo&type=lgns

Apparently Pierce loves running his mouth. It's hard to take this guy seriously. First he is in pure agony in game 1 of the 2008 finals and comes running out like nothing happened. Then after the 2008 finals he says he's the best player in the world. Then after the 2009 Laker championship he said the Lakers vs Magic was a "german shepherd vs a poodle and the rotwiler celtic will be back." Now this.

I can respect when a player has a lot of confidence in his team and tells journalist that he believes his team is best. But Pierce is not credible due to his antics and previous remarks in the past. I keep seeing on the Celtics blog that their fans have this vision of their team being the ultimate team, the most unselfish team and the team that works the hardest. Also, I keep reading the "KG excuse" for the Lakers 15th championship.

The only advantage the Celtics have over the Lakers is the starting PG position. But we all know that UPS and the farmer can handle Rondo on the defensive side of the court. The Celtics have nobody that can fully stop Kobe, but only hope to contain. Artest will put D on Pierce and make him work harder on when he's guarding the 3 spot (Ariza was a spot up shooter and drove every once in a while). Pau can take on KG now after his experience to two trips to the finals. Bynum can easily guard Perkins and give him trouble on the defensive end (PLEASE NO MORE FREAKISH ACCIDENTS!!!)

ESPN picked teams in a lot of categories: best/worst newcomer, west/east standings, west/east champs, and the eventual champions.

http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?page=OffseasonPredictions09-NBAChamps

Lakers got most of the votes for west champs and NBA champs. Cavs got the most votes for east champs and second most votes for NBA champs.

Ron-Ron tied for second worst newcomer.

I've never really liked John Hollinger, but most of the ESPN panelists make a striking point about the Cavaliers. If you forget the Shaq acquisition, you still have to look at the arrivals for former teammates Jamario Moon and Anthony Parker while still keeping that 66-win team. I think the Cavs are going to be really, really good.

Rasheed Wallace doesn't scare me in Boston nor does Vince Carter scare me in Orlando. We'll see how the Lakers can stack up against the Cavs come Christmas. But I think Laker fans must consider the Cavaliers as big threats to a potential repeat.

So our starting lineup will consist of Fisher, Kobe, Artest, Pau, and Bynum. Then we have the ever-so-versatile Lamar "Candyman" Odom coming off the bench. But after that, is there anyone on the bench that can step up? Farmar didn't really do that much last season. Sasha fell off the face of the earth. Luke is smart, very very very smart, but limited. Shannon Breezy is athletic, but is he a consistent scorer? Mbenga (and don't tell me you don't love saying his name) is basically a big body. Adam Morrison is yet to be proven. Josh Powell is a solid third stringer.

Think about the Cavs bench: Verajo, Gibson, Jamario Moon, Anthony Parker (he might start), Delonte West (might lose his starting job to Parker), and probably Ilgauskus.

Think about the Celtics bench: Rasheed Wallace, Glen Davis, Eddie House, Marquis Daniels, and Leon Powe. (Forget about Tony Allen and Brian Scalabrine, they're nothing scary)

Think about the Spurs bench: George Hill, Roger Mason, Theo Ratliff, Antonio McDyess, and Michael Finley. (Assuming Scalabri- I mean Matt Bonner doesn't start)

Think about the Magic Bench: Mikael Pietrus, Marcin Gortat, Anthony Johnson, Brandon Bass, and Matt Barnes.

Those teams, I believe, are the biggest competition for the Lakers. So my question to you, the Los Angeles Faithful, is the bench too slim for the Lakers? Discuss.

I'm so sick and tired of hearing "we have more tradition" and "KG has more heart than anyone of the Lakers" from ignorant Boston fans who honestly don't know anything about the actual game of basketball.

I understand that Paul Pierce likes to cry and fake injuries, and Kevin Garnett loves to pound his chest at every call that goes towards the Celtics way. And I understand that dumping Gatorade on your coach after winning a championship was all in good fun. I even understand that Glen Davis loves to eat children after hitting game-winning shots. All fair arguments.

Lakers are powered by the Black Mamba. Silent until the job is done. They don't get all "hyphy" after every play because they know there's still 3 more quarters to play. (Ok, maybe Sasha does, but does anyone really like him?). And in all honesty, when they NEED to get animated for a play they do. Take early February for example. When playing in stupid beantown, Lamar Odom tapped Garnett on his bum and Garnett answered with a "don't ever touch my a$$." Lamar fired back with a "I'll tap it anytime I want." Don't tell me that's not heart. And take Kobe's overall philosophy in every game that's close with 10 seconds left: "get me the damn ball!" Don't tell me that's not heart.

And as for tradition:

Lakers didn't have some dude named Bill Russel playing along side some other dude named Bob Cousy in the early 1900s dominating other teams who had, well, probably people like me, reading these blogs. Those 11 championships that Russel almost single handedly won is a bunch of phooey. Please do not call his championships part of the Celtic "tradition." He barely practiced. Red Auerbach, the former to challenge PJ to "best to ever coach the NBA," told the rest of the team that he could do whatever he wants. Don't tell me that's tradition.

Lakers won it in eras. George Mikan. Wilt and the Logo. Magic and Kareem. Kobe and Shaq. And finally Kobe and co. That's tradition. As far as I'm concerned, the Celtics really only have 6 legit championships, subtracting the Russel years.

I'm so sick and tired of hearing that Laker fans aren't real fans, or that the real fans can't attend the games. Erroneous, I say, erroneous. If someone really wanted to go to a Laker game, they could. Lakers ARE tradition, and are the soul and HEART of Los Angeles.