RANDOM memo Sports: LAKERS

NICK THE QUICK’S GOT A TEAM!
2.22.02

Very quietly, below the radar in stealth mode yesterday, NICK VAN EXEL acquired a playoff contending team, the DALLAS MAVERICKS. In actuality, MARK CUBAN got NICK, along with his starting center, 3-point shooting RAEF La FRENTZ. And he got them without giving up very much in return. DALLAS has the 2nd best record in the league, and is in a dogfight with SACRAMENTO for home-court advantage throughout the playoffs.

The MAVERICKS traded starter JUWAN HOWARD, who was averaging 12 points and 5 rebounds a game, along with subs TIM HARDAWAY and DONNELL HARVEY. DALLAS also got AVERY JOHNSON and TARIQ ABDHUL-WAHAD in the deal. At first glance it would seem the MAVERICKS should be dancing in the streets after this deal, and no doubt they are. There is nothing CUBAN would like more than to beat the LAKERS. There is nothing VAN EXEL would like more than to beat the LAKERS, his old teammates. It’s a little like the Wrath of Kahn. The LAKERS left NICK to waste away on CITY ALPHA 5, but he has found his way back into the jet stream, with a starship cruiser no less, in the guise of the MAVERICKS and superstar DIRK NOWITSKI, just in time for the playoffs.

But there are complications. NICK is joining an already established team, and an already starring guard STEVE NASH. It won’t be easy for him to fit his ball intensive style of play into the MAVERICKS successful chemistry. More interesting is the fact NICK will once again be playing under the tutelage of DEL HARRIS, this time around as assistant coach. VAN EXEL’S departure from Los Angeles was at least in part a result of his differences with HARRIS.

The biggest obstacle, though, is the presence of SHAQUILLE O’NEAL and KOBE BRYANT, who will most likely remain the nemesi of KAHN in their roles as SPOCK and KIRK on their unending mission to go where no other NBA team has gone, to chart a course for NBA dynasty. (Swell music, advance to warp speed.)

It should be a helluva show!

REAL SEASON STARTS AFTER THE ALL-STAR BREAK
By Sashya Waterman
02.13.02

Los Angeles Laker All-Star Most Valuable Player KOBE BRYANT responded to those tacky Philly boos by recording his third career triple-double against the Washington Wizards on February 12. Even though the Lakers and Sixers have split their meetings for this season, Philadelphia fans could not get over the NBA Finals rout of their beloved team. It shows how little class the entire city has when they jeer an invited guest. It’s unfathomable that after hosting a weekend of the most elite basketball in the world that an entire arena can get up the nerve to diminish the accomplishment of the best of that All-Star class. Kobe handled it with honesty and maturity by confessing that the boos hurt him. Then, shook off the pain and went back to business as usual and proved why he is the All-Star MVP and he should eventually win the other two season MVPs.

Last night’s game was billed as a match-up between 6-time MVP MICHAEL JORDAN and Kobe. While Jordan’s team competes for a spot in the first round of the playoffs, Bryant’s team defends their back-to-back world championships. It was a difficult first half as the Lakers shot only 35% from the field and the Wizards built a 13 point half-time lead. Then, things changed for the worst as that deficit grew to 20 points halfway through the third period.

As the Wizards lead grew so did the look of intensity on Bryant’s face and finally his play matched his countenance. The comeback started with a powerful, exciting performance by young Kobe Bryant. His increased determination translated to his teammates. For instance, after a missed jump shot, second year player, SLAVA MEDVEDENKO, grabbed the offensive rebound and instead of passing out of the play he followed it with an unsuccessful lay in and gently tipped in his own miss that tied the game. Slava proudly pumped his fist for his well-earned two points

Kobe finished the game with 23 points, 11 rebounds and a career high 15 assists and everyone wearing a Laker uniform scored thanks to the youngster. All this Laker productivity took place without the big fella, SHAQUILLE O’NEAL, who just watched from the bench while he nurses his toe injury.

LAKERS DO JACKSON A FAVOR
1.28.02

Don’t ever let it be said the LAKERS are not sensitive to the demands of coach PHIL JACKSON. He really didn’t want to coach in the All-Star game in Philadelphia early next month, and a win would have clinched his status as the Western Conference coach. So, they ably lost to last year’s Eastern Conference champs, the 76ers in the city of brotherly love.

The LAKERS looked easily to be the better team, but seemed to have little of the fire that carried them over their real rivals, the SAN ANTONIO SPURS on Saturday. ALLAN IVERSON cried about nearly every call, including one near the end of the half where LYNDSAY HUNTER came from nowhere to block a breakaway lay-in. The replays showed little contact on the block with perhaps some slight incidental contact after the players landed out of bounds, but IVERSON went down like it was a malicious foul and was helped off the court with little time remaining in the half. Poor thing.

IVERSON’S instincts are to fall to the ground whenever he misses a shot, and he took plenty of them, coming out in the first quarter taking 12. He finished the game with 29 shots and 29 points, not great production but it got the job done. The play that seemed to decide the game was late in the 4th with the LAKERS trailing by 3, but with momentum on their side. The sly guard ran into a nearly stationary, and unsuspecting SHAQUILLE O’NEAL, quickly falling to the ground with a whinny grimace after the impact.

The refs took the bait and whistled SHAQ for a foul, where clearly none was warranted save a charge on the obnoxious IVERSON. He made 2 gimmees and the game was over.

The real reason for the loss, as is the case with most of the LAKER losses, was a lack of shooting ability by the supporting cast. SHAQ and KOBE did their parts but the bench couldn’t score. DEREK FISHER had a particularly difficult game, missing some questionably long 3-pointers, and shooting only 2 for 10 for 7 points. Not counting SHAQ and KOBE the team shot only 36%. Come on guys, you’re getting paid for this!

I don’t understand why SHAQUILLE can’t control the defensive end better. He is without question the most dominant player in the game, yet he was only the 3rd best rebounder out there, with 11 boards. DEKEMBE MOTUMBO had 18 boards and DEREK COLEMAN had 12. Likewise he was only 3rd in blocked shots with a single rejection, while MOTUMBO and LYNDSAY HUNTER of all people had 2 apiece. KOBE BRYANT, DEREK FISHER and ROBERT HORRY all blocked as many shots as did the big defender. On numerous occasions the LAKER defender would funnel their player into the post where they appeared to be expecting help from SHAQ. More times than not help was not there, allowing an easy open shot for a 76er.

So the LAKERS have now lost 12 games and the all-star break is not yet upon us. And there are 4 games to go on this trip, which ends in Dallas.

JUST ANOTHER MEDIOCRE CHAMPIONSHIP TEAM
1.25.02

As we said last time, things have really changed. And like we indicated, the LAKERS are looking at possibly 13 losses before the all-star break. They no longer have the best record in the league, and are falling like a rock.

All this, despite a stunningly easy victory over the revenge-minded SAN ANTONIO SPURS. And that was without SHAQUILLE O’NEAL. Since the big fellas return, the LAKERS have lost to the DENVER NUGGETS and the LOS ANGELES CLIPPERS, both at home. Despite the CLIPPERS improvement, neither of those teams will be going anywhere late in the season, which leads one to conclude, this team has a motivational problem.

Not surprising since they were coasting to a 3rd consecutive championship, and the best record of all time. But since opening at 16-1 they are 12 and 10, and an appalling 2-5 in their last 7 games. They are now the 4th best team in the league, 2 games or so behind SACRAMENTO, and a game behind MINNESOTA and DALLAS for home court advantage. Already, not even halfway into the season they have lost 4 games at home. Wednesday’s loss to the CLIPPERS was technically a road game, but it was at home and that makes 5 losses on the Staple floor.

Not good. Particularly with the KINGS, the TIMBERWOLVES and the MAVERICKS hungry, and all playing very well. Complacency has set in, and even with the superior talent, a team that wants it more will take it from LA the way they are playing now. Isn’t this what a good coach is for, motivating a team of bored, underachieving champions?

According to JACKSON: "You grow tremendously as a basketball team when the dust settles and the players figure these things out for themselves."

Not good at all!.

Another JACKSON quote: "We had the great start. Right now, we’re not a great team."

Not great or good. Period!

HOW FAST THINGS CHANGE
1.17.02

One minute the LAKERS are streaking towards what looked like the best record of all time, coasting to home court advantage for the playoffs. The next, they find themselves in second place in their own division, with only the third best record in the league, having lost 3 of their last 4 games.

One night KOBE BRYANT quite capably carries the team minus SHAQUILLE O’NEAL. The next, he is smothered defensively by a team that hadn’t won 10 games.

The LAKERS have the embarrassing distinction of losing to the 4 worst teams in the league, all while they were last in their divisions. Not record breaking play, to be sure.

Imagine, the 1972 LAKERS, who went 69-13, were 33-3 at this point, and they only have the second best record of all time. This LAKER team might lose 13 before the all-star break. And it looked so different early on. Many were talking openly of besting the CHICAGO BULLS 72-10 record.

So much for that dream. They will do well to finish with the best record this season.

TAKE THAT!
1.14.02

The NBA doled out its punishment for SHAQUILLE O’NEALS wolf-like behavior Saturday at Chicago-a 3-game suspension and $15,000 in fines. The real cost is some $800,000 as the center is not to be paid for the games off. The penalty is even more costly as it means SHAQ won’t be in uniform for the highly anticipated meeting of the Western Conference leaders in the hunt for the best record in the league, LOS ANGELES and SAN ANTONIO, Saturday.

As the league was meting out its revenge, KOBE BRYANT was plotting and planning his strategy. He felt it all day, from the 7-am workout he has added to his regimen, through his morning shoot around, and practice in the early afternoon. Just before the game he scrawled number 34 on his sneaks, and proceeded to go out and have the game of his life.

It was the best game in the league this year, better than the 53 points TIM DUNCAN put up, and better than the amazing 51 points that Wizard MICHAEL JORDAN put up. It was nearly as good as the best LAKER half ever, that was 37 points by legend ELGIN BAYLOR in 1960, on his way to 71 points, an all time LAKER record. (WILT CHAMBERLAIN had his 100 as a PHILADELPHIA 76er.) KOBE came up a free throw short of that mark, with 36 through 2 quarters, an even 18 in each.

Then came the third quarter, where KOBE went for 20 to run his tally to 56 points in only 34 minutes. He sat out the 4th quarter as the LAKERS were up by nearly 40 going into the last frame. Clearly, KOBE was sending a message for SHAQ to the league. The message was, go ahead and mess with us, it won’t stop this train, we got your numbers. Through 3 quarters those numbers were 21 for 34, 3 for 6 from 3-point range, 11 for 12 from the free throw line, 5 rebounds, 4 assists, a steal and zero turnovers. The way KOBE was shooting, he may have gone for 30 more in the 4th quarter, but coach JACKSON pulled his smoking gun from the game, to ice the knee, and try and save some of the fire for MIAMI Wednesday night.

The real test will be how KOBE and the rest of the gang do against SAN ANTONIO on Saturday. The best record in the league may very well be at stake, as well as revenge from last year’s sweep of the SPURS in the Western Conference Finals.

Revenge will be sweet, but for whom.

BROTHERHOOD OF THE WOLF
1.10.02

Something scary happened on the way to the LAKERS 5-0 sweep of a semi-difficult road trip on Friday night. It happened in the icy meadows of the American winterlands, Minnesota, home to the TIMBERWOLVES. KEVIN GARNETT and WALLY SZCZERBIACK dismantled the LAKERS and ripped them limb from limb for their worst defeat this season, 120-102. Somehow the TIMBERWOLVES have reassembled a contender around the nucleus of superstar KEVIN GARNETT. After trading STEPHON MARBURY to the NETS, it seemed MINNESOTA was in shambles, but WALLY SZCZERBIAK has grown into a serious player. So serious he outplayed KOBE BRYANT hands down. This on a trip where KOBE was mauling through the likes of VINCE CARTER, JERRY STACKHOUSE and REGGIE MILLER. Along comes WALLY and bam, KOBE is chopped meat for the TIMBERWOLVE SZCZERBIAK who finished with 34 to KOBE’S 23.

In the first half, it was a rabid KEVIN GARNETT who dominated the LAKERS. He scored at will, from behind the arc, to vicious dunks. He passed for a handful of assists, and was the stopper with his offside help defense. He had SHAQ and KOBE flustered. GARNETT had 23 points at halftime, and finished with 32, 9 rebounds, 8 assists, 4 steal, 3 blocks and shot 3 for 5 from 3-point range. Helloooo!

By the way coach, why no MITCH RICHMOND in this game. MITCH had been getting 12-15 minutes a game up until Minnesota, and the LAKERS were winning…

The LAKERS had wolf in their blood as they arrived in Chicago. With less than 3 minutes to go in a game that was closer than it should have been, (the LAKERS leading 85-82), SHAQUILLE did his impersonation of a timber wolf, going off on CHICAGO’S BRAD MILLER and CHARLES OAKLEY. To his credit, O’NEAL was fouled hard by both men on a play in the middle of the key, and he had been taunted by OAKLEY for nearly the entire game.
But he should have restrained himself with less than 3 minutes to go and the game on the line. BRAD MILLER didn’t seem sharp enough to know what he was doing, but he got the attack. SHAQUILLE came out of the mugging swinging for MILLER’S head. Had he connected, we might not have been seeing much more of SHAQ the rest of the season.

As things are, the LAKERS lost to the worst team in the league, and face the prospect of at least 1, probably more games with SHAQUILLE suspended. Is this what SHAQ was referring to the other night when he said the league was "ragged-ass" and needed fixing? Way to press the issue big guy. What will the league do?

The team and coach all came to O’NEILL’S defense after the game, saying he takes a beating every night. They expressed surprise he doesn’t do it more often. As a result of SHAQ’S actions, the team may end up surrendering the league’s best record to SAN ANTONIO, who they play Saturday, or, howl, the TIMBERWOLVES, who started this whole mess on the way to a 5-0 road trip.

Ooooooooooooh.

RIGHT ON PACE
1.10.02

You read it here, but when the coach says it, particularly when that coach has won, what, 45 championships out of the last 48, well, it must be true. After the LAKERS made quick work of once Eastern Conference Champions, the INDIANA PACERS, Coach JACKSON told the press "we have a real good chance of repeating this year."

That, after the LAKERS won their 6th straight game, 3 of them on the road, and this one the tail end of a back to back. The margin of victory last night was close-19 points. KOBE BRYANT led all scorers despite a rough start. After chasing VINCE CARTER and JERRY STACKHOUSE on this trip, KOBE must have been taxed. He had his worst free throw shooting game in a long time going 8 for 14, and missed 2 break-away dunks. The crowd got on him, and that was all the incentive BRYANT needed. He finished with 31, and held REGGIE MILLER to 15.

Again the LAKERS had good production from a number of players. SHAQ was dominant inside with 20 in 24 minutes. He only had 4 rebounds, however, and he will need to be more forceful on the boards in Minnesota Friday. FISHER and MEDVEDENKO had 10 each, MITCH RICHMOND had 8, HUNTER had 7, MADSEN and GEORGE had 6, HORRY and WALKER had 4, and FOX finished with 3. Assists were spread around as well, with FISHER at 6, GEORGE with 5, BRYANT and FOX with 4, HORRY had 3, HUNTER had 2 and O’NEAL MEDVEDENKO and MADSEN each had 1. The even spread of points and assists is, perhaps, the most telling indicator that coach JACKSON is right.

And for good measure, the starters, particularly KOBE and SHAQ are getting plenty of rest.

LAKERS MAKE RAGGEDY-ASSES OUT OF PISTONS
1.9.02

The LAKERS had their most points in a quarter(39), most through 3 quarters(99), and most for a game this season as they continued their domination of the league, beating the DETROIT PISTONS 121-92, in motor city. After the game SHAQUILLE O’NEAL ripped the NBA calling it a raggedy-ass league that has been "drastically going down the last couple years: and they know why, and only they can fix it."

SHAQ, if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. We’ve got 2 in the trophy case, and a third all but wrapped up the way things look right now. Forget that the last 3 wins have been by 32, 20 and 29, or that the team shot better than 50% in each of those, or even that 2 of those games were on the road, far, far away from the comfort of Staples Center.

What’s really impressive is the way PHIL JACKSON has managed to get this team to gel. After all, there is a new starting lineup, there are 3 significant new faces, and there is the KOBE/ SHAQ thing. Last year at this time KOBE was mired in the worst season of his career emotionally, SHAQ was talking of a trade, and the sky was falling. This year, well, SHAQ’S attempt at rage is directed at the "raggedy-ass" league. KOBE calls this, his most enjoyable season, and the team is playing together, as if it were MAY instead of January. Could they be peaking too soon?

On Tuesday, SHAQ led the way with 28 and 10(boards) in just 25 minutes. KOBE followed with 20 and 6(assists). But the rest of the line was more telling. MITCH RICHMOND had 11 in his continually improving game with the LAKERS, SUMAKI WALKER and DEREK FISHER also had 11. HUNTER and GEORGE added 9 each, with SHAW, FOX and MADSEN throwing in 6. MEDVEDENKO brought up the rear with 4, and only ROBERT HORRY failed to score. He’ll be fine.

Even better were the numbers from 3-point range-RICHMOND was 2 for 2, FOX was 2 for 3, SHAW was 2 for 3, FISHER HUNTER and GEORGE were 1 for 2, with only KOBE dragging down the curve at 0 for 1. That’s 60% for those who can’t do the math, and that’ll get it done.

Next up, INDIANA, MINNESOTA and CHICAGO before the team gets another home cooked meal. As if that mattered…

ON A ROLL
1.6.02

SHAQ is back, KOBE is hot, the rest of the team is involved, and the LAKERS are on a roll downhill with the best record in the league and a clear view to championship numero tres.

SHAQ returned strong Friday night after a 5 game stint on the injured list, scoring 24 points and leading the LAKERS to their most points and biggest rout of the season, 118-86 over the visiting PHOENIX SUNS. PHOENIX has one of the six skins that mar the LAKERS record this year, but they could do little against an animated SHAQ on the Staples home court. SHAQ was able to rest the final 16 minutes, which will pay dividends as the LAKERS toil through their first real road test, playing away for 12 of their next 16 games.

A better sign, though, was the balanced scoring, and the new comfort level players are feeling with their place in the offense. FOX is consistently getting his 8-10 points a game along with significant rebounds, assists and steals when he plays. His 3-pointer is even showing signs of life. FISHER seems to be smoothing out his inconsistent shooting abilities, and he always brings energy onto the squad he plays with. SUMAKI WALKER grew tremendously in SHAQ’S absence, carrying the load at the low post, and realizing he can score. WALKER had a double-double, with 11 points and 10 rebounds. KOBE had it easy with 18 points and 6 assists in 30 minutes. DEVEAN GEORGE now has a regular spot in the rotation, and contributed 14 points in 23 minutes on 2 of 3 long range shooting. Even MITCH RICHMOND is finding time in this team’s lineup, getting 14 whole minutes, and adding 6 points, an assist, and a steal. RICHMOND is 25th on the all-time scoring list with over 20,000 points in his NBA career; if he can get some time, he will help carry the load.

Sunday’s performance in Toronto was more of the same. KOBE BRYANT turned it on in the second quarter, after the LAKERS finished the 1st down by 9. BRYANT had 29 after a 14 point 3rd and the LAKERS coasted. Again, it was a team effort, with O’NEAL adding 24 in his second game back, WALKER gaining his 3rd consecutive double-double with 13 points and 10 rebounds, and MITCH RICHMOND getting 8 in 13 minutes. The LAKERS made it look easy, 109-88. KOBE led the way, showing up VINCE CARTER, and making it look easy, with 31 points.

Things were so easy in fact, that KOBE barely playing in the 4th quarter, despite being as hot as any player on the team this year. He single-handedly led the LAKERS on a run in the 3rd quarter with SHAQ resting his big toe, where the team took the life out of the RAPTORS, and extending their 5 point halftime lead to 21. KOBE went for 14 in the quarter, and started the 4th where he left off before PHIL sat him down. How often do you see head coaches bench a player that was painting the field, including crowd favorite CARTER. I suppose with the road schedule ahead, it was the right thing to do, but come on coach, when somebody’s on a tear, let him go. That’s why we watch! Earlier, KOBE paired with SHAQ to lead the LAKERS on a 24-6 run that kick-started the club in the 2nd quarter.

For 2 years the league’s 2 superstars on one team playing in unison for a couple of weeks in June has been good enough to take the prize. The third time around, it seems we are going to have a little extra help. That can’t be good for the rest of the league.

Rolling, rolling, rolling…

LAKERS COAST THROUGH FIRST WEEK OF EXAMS
12.3.01
The WORLD CHAMPION LOS ANGELES LAKERS pretty much coasted through what many thought would be the first real test of the season, with games Tuesday against then 9-1 MILWAUKEE, a road game Friday in always tough Seattle, and a back to back game against then, division-leading Minnesota. After those formidable obstacles, the team finds themselves at 15-1. Not bad, not bad at all.

Tuesday evening things didn’t appear like things would go so well, as the LAKERS fell way behind a very game MILWAUKEE BUCKS team. RAY ALLEN and KOBE BRYANT were on each other tight, with BRYANT anxious to make up for last year’s loss to MILWAUKEE here, when ALLEN went for 50. For a half, it looked like the LAKERS were in for more of the same, but KOBE wouldn’t let it happen. He single-handedly lifted the LAKERS on his back and brought the team back from a 16-point deficit, to an easy win. MILWAUKEE hasn’t won since, losing all 4 games on their West Coast road trip, and going from 9-1 to a now 9-4, falling out of the lead in the Midwest division along the way. So much for that challenge.

On Friday, the LAKERS took on GARY PAYTON and the SEATTLE SUPERSONICS, a team that swept all 4 games from the LAKERS last year. To make matter worse, SHAQUILLE O’NEAL was ejected from the game in the 1st quarter. So, with KOBE BRYANT carrying the load again, this time with 30 points, and LINDSEY HUNTER and DEREK FISHER picking up some slack, HUNTER with 12 points in the 3rd, and FISHER with 10 points in the 4th, the LAKERS won easily, 107-92. Go figure. GARY PAYTON scored a harmless 11 points to go with his 9 assists. His supporting cast wasn’t bad, with VIN BAKER going for 13, RAWSHAD LEWIS scoring 19, BRENT BARRY hitting 12, and ANTHONY MASON adding 21, but the LAKERS coasted.

So it figured the LAKERS would be tired, and unaccustomed, playing a rare Saturday night game, just back from the Pacific Northwest against the surprisingly strong MINNESOTA TIMBERWOLVES. They were so exhausted that they only won by 26 against the poor WOLVES, who also have tumbled out of 1st place in their division. The contenders to the thrown are dropping like flies.

BRYANT took the night off with 18 points, 5 assists and 2 steals. SHAQ decided to play a full game and finished with 23 points, 9 rebounds and 2 blocked shots. HUNTER had another nice 3rd quarter with 11, but the story of the night was probably DEVEAN GEORGE who finished with 12 points, and 4 blocked shots in 24 minutes. GEORGE has been coming on steadily as of late, and if the LAKERS can add another reliable player to the mix, well then what? How much better can they get!

Well, they have won 38 of their last 40 games, and 8 in a row. The 1971-72 team won 33 in a row, on their way to a 36-3 record to start the season. I suppose that’s something to shoot for. That, and the BOSTON CELTICS of the 60’s who won 9 championships in 10 years, or something unheard of like that…

THE FISHER KING
11.26.01

The return of DEREK FISHER capped a perfect 3-0 holiday week for the World Champion LOS ANGELES LAKERS. While it wasn’t nearly as dramatic as last year’s return from foot surgery, it was another amazing debut for FISHER, who swished his first shot, of course a 3-pointer. He went an unbelievable 4 for 4 from 3-point land and finished with 14 points, 3 rebounds and an assist in just 20 minutes. It wasn’t quite the 26 points, 8 assists, 6 steals and 5 rebounds that he had in his first game back last year against the BOSTON CELTICS, but it was impressive nevertheless.

FISHER helped fend off NICK VAN EXEL who led all scorers with 34 points, at one point 13 of them consecutively giving DENVER the lead in the 4th quarter. VAN EXEL is having his best year ever, averaging 28 points and single-handedly carrying the NUGGETS with ANTONIO McDYESS out of the lineup.

Despite not yet exhibiting championship form-RICK FOX and ROBERT HORRY are still apparently climbing back into shape, and LINDSAY HUNTER, MITCH RICHMOND and particularly SUMAKI WALKER are still learning the offense-the LAKERS have matched a franchise best start of 12-1, last achieved in 1997-1998. They have a ways to go to match the 36-3 record of the 1971-1972 club, but this team could best even that team’s great accomplishments.

The first real test will come Tuesday evening when the 9-1 MILWAUKEE BUCKS come to Staples. That challenge will be soon followed Sunday by the 10-2 MINNESOTA TIMBERWOLVES. It will surely help to have a deadeye DEREK FISHER in the line-up. His hustle on defense and his long range shot were a key ingredient in last’s years win, and will no doubt figure prominently in the run for a three-peat. The LAKERS have lost only 2 games since his last triumphant return, March 13, 2001.

LOST WEEKEND SAVED BY FOX
11.19.01

The LAKERS have come back to earth. There was talk of going 73-9 and beating the BULLS best record this season, after the 7-0 start. It might be that this team could accomplish that spectacular feat, but they are a long way from any more such talk. The PHOENIX SUNS had their way with a tired group of champions Friday night in the Valley of the Sun, as SHAQ and KOBE looked completely spent.

It is beyond me how professional basketball players, particularly those in their 20’s can get so weakened by an early morning arrival, and the burden of having to play basketball for 2 hours or so. I can think of more arduous lines of work, but there it was. The champs were whipped in a back to back road game by a decent PHOENIX team.

And so it seemed Sunday would go, as the SACRAMENTO KINGS took the lead 14-13 and never looked back until late in the 4th quarter. The new KINGS are without JASON WILLIAMS who was traded to MEMPHIS, and CHRIS WEBBER, not yet in uniform this season with a hamstring injury. Yet they were the dominant team for all but the closing minutes of the game.

RICK FOX finally got his game together, scoring 14 points in the 2nd half, but more importantly infusing the still sleep walking LAKERS with an energy previously reserved for DEREK FISHER. FOX was everywhere making key rebounds, assists and steals preventing a completely lost weekend, and helping SHAQ and KOBE to get this win over the now key rival in the Pacific Division. PORTLAND and SEATTLE have fallen by the wayside it seems. But when SACRAMENTO gets CHRIS WEBBER back, this is going to be th team to beat for the Division title.

SUMAKI WALKER doesn’t seem to understand the offense, and isn’t ready to do anything with the ball when he gets it. He fumbled away several passes Sunday evening, and JACKSON pulled him in the 4th for SLAVA MEDVEDENKO. SLAVA at least seems to want the ball, and doesn’t look lost when he gets is. He made 2 key baskets in the 4th, before committing a less than Phi Beta Kappa foul in the late going. JACKSON commented after the game that he is thinking about starting MEDVEDENKO, at least until MADSEN is off the injured list and WALKER figures out the offense.

FOX found his energy game just in time and without cutting his hair. He had been really struggling before Sunday. With DEREK FISHER ready to come back any day, things could really get rolling for the team, which is 8-1 despite the lack of any enthusiasm in its last 2 games. Perhaps JACKSON would consider some different looks with the new personnel, like twin towers with SHAQ and MEDVEDENKO, and a speedy lineup with FISHER and HUNTER. Despite the addition of HUNTER, the LAKERS still aren’t playing a fast paced tempo like the showtime era of the 80’s. With SHAQ and MEDVEDENKO clearing the boards and looking for a quick outlet, JACKSON’S got KOBE, HUNTER and FISHER, along with FOX and HORRY to run like gazelles on the break. Run them like platoons and see who can keep up. Now that seems like a tempting game plan, in my humble opinion.

FOX finished with 16 points, 9 rebounds, 7 assists and 3 steals in his best game of the year by far.

IT’S COMING

The LAKERS are 7-0, undefeated and off to the best start since going 11-0 in 1997. But it is coming. Without a doubt it will happen. You can count on it. It’s just a matter of time.

Sure they will lose this year. They almost lost last night, as they let a 15 point lead slip away, and let RICK FOX take 2 open shots down the stretch, and he isn’t ready to contribute yet, apparently. FOX missed 2 gimmees, at a time when we needed to trade baskets with the surging ROCKETS. It nearly cost the team the win. Great defense at the end of regulation saved this one. More than once down the court the LAKERS stymied HOUSTON, when they could have taken the lead.

You got the impression that if the ROCKETS took the lead, the walls would really come down. SHAQ looked tired, FOX was again without his touch, and LINDSAY HUNTER blew 2 free throws with 16 seconds to play. Not good. And all this after SUMAKI WALKER’S coming out party. It was nearly spoiled.

WALKER had averaged 1 shot and 2 points a game, as a starter through 6 games. But he came out possessed, hitting 5 shots in a row after missing his first attempt. He finished with a decent 14 points on 7 for 9 shooting, along with 5 rebounds and an assist. HUNTER, the other new starter this season hasn’t had a slow start, so his let down near the finish of this game was a surprise. He made up for it in overtime with a steal and a breakaway basket to put the LAKERS up by 5. It was HUNTERS 5th steal to go with 7 points and 4 assists. So the LAKERS delayed the inevitable for a day or so.

But rest assured they will not go undefeated this year. What is coming though is far more exciting. The rift, the scandal, the emotional drama, trouble in paradise is coming.

It happened last year between KOBE and SHAQ. Were they ever going to get along? Would one of them be traded? Could they ever play together after the nastiness and resentment? This year we have a new "distraction". It’s been brewing since pre-season, and it is between SHAQ and PHIL JACKSON. PHIL has apparently shifted his riding crop this year from KOBE to SHAQ. Last year it seemed JACKSON was relentlessly down on KOBE. There were times when it appeared BRYANT wasn’t too enamored with it. But all worked out just swell.

This year it is SHAQ who will apparently have to endure the abuse. There will be a high drama blowout, and it is coming. Weeks ago SHAQ vented to ESPN about JACKSON never being satisfied with anything. Two championships and 50% free throw shooting not being funking enough, yada, yada, yada.

Well, after last night, after SHAQ missed some key free throws, and exhibited less than stellar conditioning, JACKSON must have expressed some displeasure. This coming on the heals of SHAQ missing 2 days of practice to help in the birth of his 3rd daughter, and you have the formula for drama and scandal. JACKSON fined SHAQ for missing day 2 of practice, and the big guy replied "And that fine. That (sonofabitchmotherspankinggoshdarn-fill in your favorite expletive) knows what he can do with that fine. You can write that too." Thanks SHAQ

Helllloooo. Isn’t life grand. Just when we were starting to get bored with the constant winning, the undefeated season, the run for a third championship, up springs a little excitement. Isn’t it great to be a LAKER fan?

By the way. SHAQ, the league’s leading scorer averaging over 30 points per game, dominated the overtime, and finished with 30 points, 13 rebounds, 2 assists and a blocked shot. He was 4 for 7 from the line.

STILL UNDEFEATED, SOME CONCERN?

Despite an ugly first half, where the UTAH JAZZ led by as many as 19 points, and a stretch of play by ROBERT HORRY at the end which nearly blew a 5 point lead with little more than a minute to play, the LAKERS remained undefeated opening their run for a third consecutive NBA Championship at 4-0. JOHN STOCKTON and KARL MALONE seemed intent on avenging their loss to the LAKERS from last Thursday, as they cruised to a big lead.

The LAKERS were able to hold the lead to 10 points at halftime, but couldn’t really pull any closer through the 3rd quarter. The 4th was KOBE and SHAQ time, with some critical plays and a crucial 3-pointer by LINDSAY HUNTER. KOBE had 15 points in the quarter, and but for 1 play where he tried to do a 360 on a breakaway rather than feed a trailing SHAQ for a momentum turning dunk, KOBE was flawless. After that mistake, he compounded it by missing the 2 free throws, but he quickly made up for it. He had complete control, sending BRYON RUSSELL to the ground on an amazingly quick turnaround jump shot, which finally put the LAKERS ahead, for the first time, 83-82.

ROBERT HORRY was in his on again off again funk. He played 33 minutes, only mustering 5 points and 3 rebounds. But it was with the LAKERS up 97-92 and less than 2 minutes to play when the HORRY sleepwalk was at its best. He pulled a flop-a-roo with his man JOHN AMAECHI directly under the basket, then committed a silly foul allowing the JAZZ to score 4 quick points and pull within 1. He nearly committed a turnover on the very next out of bounds play, which would really have sealed the deal, but KOBE saved the day with a couple of free throws, and the champs had another victory.

If there is a reason for concern, it would be the slow start SUMAKI WALKER has had. Coach JACKSON is losing faith in him, as evidenced by his declining minutes, and the growing playing time of DEVEAN GEORGE and SLAVA MEDVEDENKO. But with SHAQ and KOBE hitting on all cylinders so early in the season, and LINDSAY HUNTER(16 points, 3 steals and 3-5 from 3-point range) meshing so well, who is really concerned?

Food for thought:

After Sunday’s games the top three scorers in the NBA were NICK VAN EXEL, KOBE BRYANT and SHAQUILLE O’NEAL. Remind me, why did we dish NICK THE QUICK? What a threesome that would have been for the next 10 years!

LAKERS BACK AT IT!

Just minutes after the legendary MICHAEL JORDAN committed a turnover and missed a 3-pointer to tie his team with the NEW YORK KNICKS in the closing seconds of their game, the LAKERS were presented with last year’s championship rings. How sweet it is! The championship banner was hung to the glaring chants of QUEEN’S classic "WE ARE THE CHAMPIONS". Recall Philadelphia bedraped with "BEAT LA" banners and flags. How really sweet it is.

And to ice the cake, the team coasted to an easy win over the once threatening PORTLAND TRAILBLAZERS, rivalry over! They no longer pose much of a threat in the Pacific Division. They are not exactly the same team that took them to a game-seven Western Conference Final in 2000. SCOTTIE PIPPEN was nearly invisible. RASHEED WALLACE, now Blazers team captain in an attempt to get him under control by making him a leader, scored a quiet, 22 points. ARVYDIS SABONIS has retired. STEVE SMITH is in San Antonio. Let’s not forget former Laker head coach MIKE DUNLEAVY, who got the ax after his team got swept by the Lakers in round one of the playoffs. Bye-bye Portland.

It’s back to business as usual for the dominating Los Angeles Lakers. Co-captains, SHAQUILLE and KOBE, each scored 29 points in selfless, solid performances. SHAQ had 18 boards, 5 assists and 5 blocks to go with his points. Not bad for someone considered to be less than ready to go in terms of his conditioning. SHAQ figures he is at 70%. LOOK OUT! KOBE got 7 rebounds, 4 assists, 3 steals and a block for his line.

Once HORRY and FOX and newcomers LINDSAY HUNTER and MITCH RICHMOND get into their rhythms, this team is going to be unstoppable. Second year man SLAVA MEDVEDENKO was the first sub off the bench and showed he can play. It’s no wonder PHIL JACKSON thinks it’s the best team he’s ever had. That is saying something, for certain. Things went so well, even O’NEAL’S free throws were dropping. Here we go…

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