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Trade Bynum – USA Basketball Olympic Hopes

2012-05-26T10:22:00.000-07:00

Kupchak is going to have a busy summer. He will need to convince Jim Buss to let go of Baby Bynum who only plays well when he feels like it. When the filter-less Andrew Bynum stated that “I’ll play anywhere” during the locker room interview after game 5, it proved that Bynum is indifferent towards the Lakers and the fans. He needs to just pause for a second or two before answering questions irrationally.

Jim Buss will likely compel Kupchak to keep Bynum even though he cannot be trained or motivated. We know that Bynum can play well; in game 1 of the 1st round, Bynum had 10 blocks, 10 points and 13 rebounds - an NBA record. We also know that Bynum cannot play well consistently; he dropped off the map after game 1. Bynum was aloof during some of the team huddles by sitting on the bench staring into space.

One may assume that Bynum’s knee prevents him from playing well every night. If he were to play well every night, I believe that his knee would be over-taxed. The Lakers obviously have access to Bynum’s medical records – especially relating to his knees. According to ESPN news, Bynum will be receiving knee treatment in Germany in September (similar to Kobe’s successful treatment). Bynum still needs to be traded. The Lakers do not need another Yao Ming.

One can observe from previous Lakers games that Bynum’s knee is far from 100%. During games, he would fall on the right side as to avoid aggravating his knee.

Bynum lacks respect. You do not blow off a meeting with Management (Mitch Kupchack) when you are requested to attend. In most occupations, when you miss a meeting with management, you are cited for insubordination.

I will leave you with this Bynum quote: "I'll definitely entertain the conversation, but I'm not seeking it." Bynum also said, "I'm not reaching out." – In regards to a contract extension.

2012 USA – Basketball Team

Laker fans need not wait too long to see Kobe in action. Olympic basketball starts on July 29 – USA against France.

The preliminary roster can be viewed here:

http://www.usabasketball.com/mens/national/2012MOLYroster.html

2012 Lakers Exit Interviews

2012-05-24T21:27:00.002-07:00

Photo courtesy of Whittier Daily News

Source: Lakers.com

Following the season, each Laker meets with the GM and Coach to discuss future aspirations. They then meet with the media for their exit interview.

Click below to view and read about each players' exit interview:

2012 Lakers Exit Interviews Central - Courtesy of Lakers.com

LMD is bringing you 24 Special Edition Mamba Prints - 05/28

2012-05-24T21:02:00.000-07:00

The folks over at Land Mind Design - better known as LMD - have designed 24 Special Edition Mamba Prints dedicated to the great city of Los Angeles, and the die-hard Laker fans.

Despite the Lakers recent playoff series loss to OKC, the design team of LMD want to bring recognition to their efforts by designing their winning series of prints.

Rather than sit and mope, let's celebrate the Lakers season and Kobe's gallant performance in game 5.

Expect the prints to be unveiled May 28th.

Follow LMD: facebook, twitter, website

The fat lady singing is imminent

2012-05-20T13:07:00.000-07:00

Lets just face the music Laker fans, the fat lady will be singing tomorrow night and it'll come to the tune of thousands of OKC fans chanting "Beat L.A."

Don't misunderstand what I'm saying here, I am a die-hard fan like everyone else but I have to be levelheaded. Let's just say for whatever reason the Lakers miraculously win three straight to advance to the conference finals, L.A. will most likely be facing a perfect San Antonio team who's yet to lose in the playoffs. Lakers beating the Spurs is not going to happen. This season belongs to someone else.

It's okay though because after having to painfully watch the Lakers gift wrap yet another game to OKC, the reality of the opponent simply being the better team heavily sunk in and accepted. Many fans will have difficulty accepting such a reality as they seek perfection, a silly expectation created by past rosters. Unfortunately the current roster isn't made up of 17th banner material.

We all knew that the Lakers were the underdogs coming into the series so anything given to fans outside of the predetermined is just tortuous hope. The inevitable outcome will only leave new fans in outrage and old fans expecting to see their team fully exposed and blown up in the off season...again.

Pau Gasol has been the usual suspect in trade talks for several seasons now and given how he's performed in these playoffs look for his name to be advertised for a possible two-for deal. The Spaniard didn't help his case either. So far in the playoffs, he's exceeded his 17.4 PPG regular season average just once. The teams usually effective 1-2 punch in Kobe/Pau has been reduced to exhausting jabs by Kobe. Luckily for the Lakers Denver had a weak chin. OKC does not.

Ramon Sessions will most likely opt out of his contract leaving the Lakers organization with the all too familiar void at the one spot. Sessions played great for the Lakers when they acquired him mid season but has shown clear weakness in comparison to a much quicker gunslinging Russell Westbrook. Westbrook's 25-point series average has debunked Sessions who is averaging a mere 6.5 PPG.

With Andrew Bynum's career season high look for Kupchak to pick up his $16.5 million option in the Summer. Things will get really dicey after next season though since both Bynum and Howard can potentially be free agents. Until then, we'll have to deal with Bynum's immaturity and separation from the team.

So the big off season question still remains, will the organization keep Sessions as their #1 option or will they focus on picking up someone else that can help orchestrate and put together this championship caliber team? Kobe offense, whether forced or not, will not lead this team to another championship title. It's no wonder why point distribution is an ongoing issue.

Lakers predicted to beat OKC in six

2012-05-14T17:00:00.000-07:00

Only a few brave NBA analysts have come out to not only predict the Lakers to beat the Thunder to advance to the western conference finals but to beat them in six games.

ESPN's Israel Gutierrez and Yahoo! Sports Mark Hawkins have made such bold predictions.

While these two analysts bet on the Lakers to advance past the semis, others have taken the safe route in predicting favored OKC to Thunder over the underdog Lakers. Its strange to even say that the Lakers are underdogs.

Ben Oliver from CBSSports.com is predicting OKC to win in six

The Guardian Sports Blog is picking OKC in seven

Brian Kamenetzky from ESPN Land O' Lakers is picking the Thunder in six

SportsNation PollCenter (128,000 total votes as of 5/14/2012 6:28PM PST) has OKC winning 71% to 29%

Shaquille O'Neal even favors OKC to win over his former team

Charley Rosen from NBA.com favors OKC to beat L.A.

L.A. Times sports writers Mark Medina, Mike Bresnahan, and Ben Bolch all predict that OKC will take the Lakers

Kevin Ding from O.C. Register.com has predicted the Thunder to pass the Lakers in six

Peter Emerick from BleacherReport.com has OKC winning

Its easy to say at least for myself and I'm sure I speak on behalf of every Laker fan out there that the Lakers are winning the western conference semifinals. I personally have the Lakers winning in seven.

I can only think of one line that will sum up the series quite perfectly. It's a quote from The Avengers movie with a small modification:

Thunder: "We have an army"

Lakers: "We have a Metta [Hulk]"

The difference maker in game seven of the first round was Metta World Peace. His tenacious defense was missed throughout the series and it certainly will be welcomed back in this one. Look for him to put some lock down D on KD.

Some are saying that Denver has done OKC a big favor by exhausting the Lakers in a seven-game series but others think that the Lakers are carrying in fresh momentum versus a little too well rested OKC team.

Game 1 is tonight at OKC.
Time: 6:30PM PST
TV: TNT

Top image credit: Getty Images

Get your 2012 NBA Playoffs Electronic Bracket here!

2012-04-26T22:44:00.000-07:00

It's playoffs time! Get your 2012 NBA Playoffs Electronic Bracket here. Click on the image just above or click on the link below to download your copy.

Download 2012 NBA Playoffs Electronic Bracket Here

You can fill in your bracket manually by printing it out or better yet fill it in electronically. We've designed this year's playoffs bracket as a convenient electronic PDF form.

Once you click on the link or image above click on "File" then "Download".

Its that simple! You will need Adobe Acrobat Reader to view the bracket so if your computer roars when you start it and doesn't have Adobe Acrobat Reader pre-installed click HERE to download the program for free.

We hope you enjoy our NEW 2012 NBA Playoffs Electronic Bracket!

Metta loses a lot of chedda for elbow

2012-04-24T21:50:00.001-07:00

It's official, the league has suspended Metta World Peace's elbow for a total of seven games. This means that he will miss the last game of the regular season [no big deal] and six games of the postseason [really big deal].

The seven-game suspension will cost both MWP's wallet and team greatly. As for Metta's chedda, the NBA is biting off roughly $348,000 from his salary and as for the team, they will be without World Peace for the last game of the season and at least the first round of the playoffs, possibly a couple games to start the 2012-13 regular season assuming they get swept from the first round. One thing's for certain, Metta will only be able to help his team pursue their 17th trophy if L.A. moves past the first round.

All of this because of an uncontrollable energy that Ron Artest (lets call him what he truly is) will never be able to tame. It's in his genetics to snap and go crazy when slightly jolted. Not even the best sports betting sites can predict this type of behavior.

If any opponent is smart enough they would throw in a deep bench warmer to provoke such an Artest reaction to get him suspended for more games. Somewhat like the Hack-a-Shaq defensive strategy, but only this time it would be the Hack-a-crack defensive strategy.

Having Artest on this Lakers squad is a huge liability and knowing very well that his mental state will never allow him to change, I think its time to release Ron Ron to perhaps pursue his rap-rapping career.

Lets take a stroll down memory lane to where it all started for Artest shall we?

2004 - "Malice in the Palace" - Indiana Pacer Artest fights with fans

2008 - Sacramento King Artest loses it against the Jazz

2009 - Houston Rocket Artest loses it against Kobe

2012 - Los Angeles Laker Artest elbows Harden to the back of the head

Source: huffingtonpost.com

Lakers win despite Metta's elbow

2012-04-22T17:21:00.000-07:00

Despite losing Metta World Peace for a possible five game suspension because of his atrocious elbow blow to the back of Harden's head in the midst of his dunk celebration, the Lakers find a way to somehow miraculously comeback from an 18-point deficit to beat a very tough OKC team.

I've said it before and I'll say it again, Metta definitely has a screw loose (hence the recent name change). If a simple Harden bump sets him off just imagine what other awful things Metta can do? The man has some serious mental issues that need to be addressed.

The old Indiana Pacer showed his ugly face today and his cheap shot will not only hurt his under construction image for the better but will cost the team dearly, especially with the playoff's just around the corner. Take a look for yourself.

This hit was no accident like some delusional fans are claiming it was, Metta knew exactly what he was doing and has to face the consequences now.

What bugged me the most about the hit was the fact that MWP was continuously trying to plead his case to the refs that the hit was accidental as Harden laid on the floor. Even the fans were booing at the foul call. Are you serious? That type of behavior should never be tolerated let alone advocated by a home crowd. It was disgusting.

Okay enough of Metta's stupidity. Today's game actually had many highlights with the biggest one of all, a double overtime victory over the visiting OKC Thunder. Today's win makes the Clippers reaching the #3 spot a bit tougher.

Laker Highlights

Kobe Bryant's unbelievable late fourth quarter and double-OT heroics. The Black Mamba slithered away with a team high 26 points. He caught fire and his two clutch three-pointers, one of them one-footed helped take this game to the first of two overtimes.

Lakers Bench: Steve Blake played great while Sessions had an off game. Blake scored 13 and went 3-5 behind the arc. His three's late the in fourth were a BIG reason for the Lakers biggest comeback victory of the season.

Jordan Hill has his biggest game as a Laker thus far. He was given significant playing time (35 min.) due to Bynum's off game. It's almost as if Bynum and Sessions went to the same party last night. Hill's first Laker double-double consists of 14PTS/15REBS. Not bad. His hustle created second shot opportunities and reminded me of the old Laker Ronny Turiaf.

Devin Ebanks played inspired basketball. His stat sheet doesn't reflect his true impact to the game. Every one of his eight points were needed. He also brought down five rebounds and had two steals to end the game.

Pau Gasol did his thing. He got his ninth double-double and almost quietly got his second triple-double of the month. He ended the game with 20PTS/14RREBS/9ASSISTS.

Metta's malicious elbow will surely overshadow these highlights. As a fan I hope the league punishes him harshly. He needs to realize how appalling his actions were. It only hurts the Lakers organization which is just getting over cleaning up Bynum's mess from his elbow to Barea last postseason.

Box Score courtesy of Yahoo! Sports

Top photo credit: Getty Images

Lakers have hidden depth

2012-04-21T10:19:00.000-07:00

When Sessions was acquired by the Lakers he brought in great depth to the bench as the #2 option to Blake but from just a couple of games it became apparent that Blake's quickness compared to Fisher's was no longer inspired compared to Sessions, in fact Ramon's talents quickly became the next hot topic debate.

Should Sessions stay on the bench to serve as the Lakers secret second unit weapon or should he become a starter to match the league's fast pace and help the team build a strong enough lead to where there was enough cushion for the bench to absorb their falls?

Regardless, the outcome is the latter and I personally like the first string Sessions. L.A. needs to start each game strong and there's no other point guard on the team that can match his speed and court vision. He's the perfect candidate for the job.

Going back to the premise of this topic - Lakers have hidden depth - and by hidden I mean Lakers have neglected talent that should be given more playing time outside of late fourth quarter blowouts.

I will start with Andrew Goudelock. After watching last night's second half ass-kicking by the Spurs, I realized, especially after watching San Antonio's tear drops go in, where the hell is Glock? Remember his pretty tear drop shots early on in the season? The man is clutch and played exceptionally well when he had minutes.

In the five games this season where he received 20+ minutes he averaged 12PPG. The current #2 back up to Sessions is Steve Blake who is averaging 23 min. and just 5PPG. Blake has had plenty of opportunity (51 games) to help contribute with notable minutes. Its time for change. Why not give the rookie a chance to shine? Goudelock has already proven that he can be a scoring threat when given some PT.

Didn't the Lakers also just pick up Jordan Hill? With a $2.8 million dollar salary one would think the team would try to get their money's worth. Barnes and Murphy who are making less are getting more minutes. This makes no sense to me.

In games where your star center brings down a total of two rebounds you have to wonder why not dare venture into the bench for some assistance. The Lakers have the talent, they're just not using it wisely. So far this season as a Rocket and when getting 20+ minutes, Hill managed to crash the boards for an average of 9REBS. Those nine rebounds were needed in last night's blowout. Hill also averaged 8 points from those 20+ min. games.

Hill has only played a total of 15 minutes as a Laker whereas Troy Murphy is averaging 16 minutes a game and only contributing 3PPG/3RPG. I can almost guarantee you that if Hill got Murphy's minutes this team would be a lot tougher inside, resulting in more second shot opportunities.

I like Josh McRoberts role off the bench. He brings in that necessary spark with his alley-oops and sweet passes for a big man. I would like MWP to come off the bench and Matt Barnes at the starting 3. In my opinion Barnes is the overall better player but Metta is better defensively. I think coach Brown is doing a good job subbing between the two when their skills call.

The one Laker I particular feel bad about is Devin Ebanks who is a fantastic player. He recently was granted favorable minutes because of Kobe's shin injury but will most likely go back into the burrows of the bench mob now that Kobe is healthy again. Matt Barnes and Metta World Peace are filling in quite well as reserves too.

Top photo credit: Getty Images

Kobe who?

2012-04-15T19:23:00.000-07:00

While team captain/league's leading scorer fashions a designer suit for the fifth straight game, the Lakers have already celebrated clinching the #3 spot in the western conference. Also, with a 4-1 Black Mamba-less record, some are even boldly asking the taboo question, "Are the Lakers better without Kobe?"

Don't be ridiculous, this teams isn't better without Kobe Bryant. To even dare ask such a question is disturbing HOWEVER the Lakers are filling in quite well and playing exceptional team basketball in his absence. You can't ignore the fact that as of recent the Lakers appear to be playing with a new found purpose. Almost teasing the idea of bringing back to life last season's "switch" chatter.

Here's a list of notable players that Kobe's left shin should be thanking for the extended R&R since he was placed on the IL on April 7th (5 games):

Ramon Sessions is averaging 13 PPG and 6 APG
Metta World Peace is averaging 17 PPG and 2 steals per game
Matt Barnes is averaging 12 PPG and 8 RPG
Pau Gasol is averaging 22 PPG and 11 RPG
Andrew Bynum is averaging 22 PPG and 17 RPG

So far this month the Lakers are 7-2 and only look to go 12-2 to end the season. With this kind of success and team chemistry, bring on the rain!

Top photo credit: Getty Images

Laker Girls Carls Jr. Tour Highlights

2012-04-15T09:19:00.003-07:00

Another Look: Metta's flat-footed three

2012-04-13T14:17:00.001-07:00

Please excuse the video quality as this was the only clip we could find. Here's another look at MWP's flat-footed three pointer. This is just craziness. Metta finished the game with a season high 26 points and 5 made three pointers.

If this performance isn't a fluke and put into consideration the usual production from all other starters, this Lakers team will definitely be ready for the playoffs. Bring on OKC!

Sessions is getting it done

2012-04-10T22:39:00.001-07:00

When the dust settled after March 15th it was shockingly clear that the Lakers organization had finally made the bold move in trading Fisher for a quicker point guard. The end result was a backup guard coming in from Cleveland by the name of Ramon Sessions.

At first loyal fans seemed reluctant to welcome in Sessions having just essentially replaced Derek Fisher who spent the better part of his sixteen year NBA career with the purple and gold but the welcome mats started to quickly show as the newly acquired guard wasted no time reminding fans how important quickness and savvy court vision was to their superstar-packed Lakers team. This void in the back court was desperately needing filling for a while now. In fact the fans were not only welcoming Sessions with open arms but were also throwing a fit with coach Brown's slow approach to moving Ramon up in the rotation. Heck Sessions even got the seal of approval from Jack.

That didn't take long as Brown officially made Sessions the team's number one option at the one after just four games of becoming a Laker. Since then Ramon is averaging 14 PPG w/ 8 APG (11 games). Not too shabby for the second string Cavalier who was averaging 11 PPG in the first 42 games of the season.

It is an unfamiliar luxury for the Lakers to have a starting point guard contributing with double digit numbers. Sessions can push the ball up court and create shots not only for himself but more importantly for his teammates. To put it into few words, he simply makes the Lakers a better team. There's more ball movement, better point distribution and a new found balance that allows this team to finally play like one.

Needless to say Sessions has become an instant fan favorite. There's a new #7 in town.

Top photo credit: Getty Images

What a Pau-werful month thus far

2012-04-09T22:42:00.001-07:00

While selfish Andrew Bynum is taking early April showers, Kobe on the bench taxing a left shin with no spring and the Lakers bench acting like April fools, Gasol is not one to passover the opportunity to step up, in fact he's already had 4:20 plus point games.

Just in the month of April the Spaniard is averaging 22 PPG/10 RPG (6 games) and has been a critical part to the teams successful modest 4-2 record so far in this final month of the regular season, despite the aforementioned setbacks.

Since being dunked on by Griffin just a week ago, Gasol is averaging 23 PPG/11 RPG. Wounds still fresh, Pau has definitely moved on in the best way he can, by winning.

Fellow teammate Bynum might've been disrespectfully grinning while Gasol lay on the floor after that vicious dunk but at least Pau didn't bitch down. Next time, instead of running away smirking, try running toward your teammate in his defense.

It's fair to say that Gasol is having one heck of a month thus far and with San Antonio, Dallas and OKC waiting in the wing, any kind of jump start to the Lakers offense and defense is truly going to be needed if the Lakers intend to end the season strong and carry that momentum into the playoffs.

Top photo credit: Getty Images

Bynum Hits a New Low

2012-04-09T20:53:00.001-07:00

Andrew Bynum hit his new low when he got fouled out of the Rockets game on April 6th. Of all of the nights, Bynum gets fouled out of the Laker game where Jerry West received accolades with his former teammates. You know… the game where Jerry West and company won 33 consecutive games.

We all thought that Drew was going through etiquette rehab.

Bynum’s erratic behavior leads to his teammates picking up his slack. His teammates are more likely to get injured when he is ejected from any game.

Many of the sports commentators are missing the point. Bynum is being selfish. He is putting himself before the team. He harms the team and the Lakers franchise with his selfish antics.

Bynum needs to remember that suiting up as a Laker is an honor. One shall not remove the jersey like a rag.

If West or Johnson cannot get through to Bynum, he should stop suiting up as a Laker.

Pau Gasol said it best; "He's a great guy, a great person and has a great heart. He just has to emotionally bring it down a little bit."

-LA Times

Top photo credit: Getty Images

Kobe shooting 3-21 isn't such a bad thing

2012-03-31T23:00:00.000-07:00

Listen Kobe, I'm not going to sit here and pout over you having a [very] bad shooting performance today against the visiting Hornets who by the way were without Ariza, Landry, Okafor, Gordon (sore ankles/knees). A win is a win right?

One particular tweet comes to mind from @WhoCanTopDat:

"I'll take an UGLY win...over a PRETTY loss any day"

When Kobe shoots badly, for instance 3-21 in FG's, his teammates should jump to the opportunity to help save the day. I mean this opportunity doesn't come knocking too often, especially when you play alongside the league's leading scorer.

So, who would be next in the pecking order to help carry the offensive load when team captain is having an off night? Gasol? Bynum? MWP? Sessions? Bench?

It really shouldn't matter who steps up as long as that player can acclimate quickly into the role that Kobe makes look easy. We all know Kobe will [attempt to] get his game in and game out as he's averaging 23 FGA and 28 PPG so teammates should absolutely make the most of their added touches when he fails to do so.

Today's win is perfect example of what I'm talking about. Both big men stepped up and played well in Kobe's scoring absence. Gasol had 21 points w/ 11 rebounds and Bynum had 19 points w/ 10 rebounds, both players ending the game with a double double. Meanwhile Sessions has a quiet double double of his own scoring 10 points and adding 10 assists.

Why does Kobe shoot so much?

Also, I don't care if Kobe goes 1-100, I'm still drawing up a play for him to take the final shot, assuming that the Lakers are lucky enough to be in contention that late in the game with that kind of shooting percentage. Kobe may have not been able to throw the ball in the ocean while in a boat like he said post-game but the ocean was sure kind to him when he splashed in his three-pointer to regain the lead in the closing seconds of the game.

So, when Kobe System isn't working, Team System should. Kobe is arguably the best player in the league but he sometimes plays with no peripheral vision which limits his teammates game, whom two are easily among the top big men of the league. If the remaining players, specifically Gasol and Bynum can step it up like they did today, Kobe's lackluster games shouldn't be as bad in hindsight. In fact teammates should think of this as the light at the end of Kobe's tunnel vision. Divide and conquer!

Sources: BleacherReport.com, Yahoo! Sports

Photo source: Getty Images

Pau Gasol Launches Interactive Storybook for UNICEF

2012-03-29T20:28:00.001-07:00

When Pau Gasol isn't averaging a double double as the Lakers starting power forward, he's spending his time as UNICEF Ambassador. Recently he helped launch the storybook app "Give a Day". Narrated by Gasol himself in three different languages— English, Spanish and Catalonian, this ebook, affiliated with PlayTales, a recognized leader in children’s ebooks, is available on the AppStore and Android Market.

Here is a video clip of Pau working on the release of “Give a Day”:

This project benefits two different UNICEF affiliated initiatives supported by Pau; The Nelson Mandela Foundation and The Hamburg Society. These initiatives have a special focus on orphaned children and especially girls, children in extreme poverty and other extreme at-risk situations. Through these initiatives, Pau has already supported the education of more than 12,000 children in Ethiopia through construction of schools, water and sanitation facilities, specialized teacher training programs and the distribution of much need school supplies and equipment.

Click here for the official press release.

Top photo courtesy of PlayTales

Is Ramon Sessions this seasons savior for the Lakers?

2012-03-23T23:29:00.001-07:00

In a game where all Lakers starters score in double digits, you have to believe that team basketball exists in this Lakers organization once again. The main contributing factor to this new awakening is the recent pick up of Ramon Sessions.

Sessions finally got his start since being acquired to L.A. against the visiting Trailblazers Friday night and he made the most of his 35 minutes earning his first Laker double double scoring 20 points and dishing the rock for 11 assists.

When was the last time the entire first unit scored in double digits? In fact when was the last time a Laker pg recorded a double double? Better yet, when was the last time a Laker pg outscored Kobe?

Sessions is making it awfully easy for Laker fans to forget that they've just lost their veteran co-captain and team mentor of twelve seasons. In just five games Sessions is already averaging 13.6 points and 7 assists.

His game log shows escalating minutes which simply equate to escalating numbers. Keep him in the game coach!

Ramon is quick, I mean quick, and has great court vision. He sets the offensive tempo fast forward, almost reminiscent to D'Antoni's Suns years back. Sessions has quickly learned the system and in recent games you can see him more communicative which is gaining his teammates respect in doing so.

He's making wise choices with his passes and is giving up open shots for inside penetration passes that lead to easy two's. He's made several passes that led to turnovers but I personally think they were right on the money. I just think the players aren't use to passes like his.

Its plain and simple, Ramon Sessions makes this team a lot better and I think Kobe is starting to realize that as he only shot the ball 17 times tonight and seemed to be okay with his newest teammate outscoring him. Kobe was also extra animated in the closing seconds of tonight's win. It was as if he just won his 6th ring. Hopefully he knows something we don't.

The fans have instantly fallen in love with Sessions because he's boosted this once questionable Lakers team into a now championship caliber Lakers team.

You have to give thanks to the organization, specifically Jim Buss and Mitch Kupchak for essentially stealing Ramon Sessions right before the trade deadline. The Lakers sent their own 2012 first-round draft pick and forwards Luke Walton and Jason Kapono for Sessions and Eyenga.

Photo credit: AP 2012-03-23

Sessions will just have to wait for his starting session

2012-03-19T22:10:00.000-07:00

With a shocking trade deadline move like losing Derek Fisher for a quicker pg in Ramon Sessions, one would think that a player big enough to dismiss a twelve and a half Laker season co-captain veteran would at least be getting his starting role right? Wrong.

It appears that coach Brown will start Steve Blake over Sessions because "Its a process".

Dave McMenamin from ESPN.com recently covered this story and wrote this [excerpt]:

Steve Blake started at point guard Friday in the Lakers' 97-92 win over the Minnesota Timberwolves, finishing with zero points, six assists and zero turnovers in 29 minutes, while Sessions had seven points, five assists and three turnovers in 19 minutes.

Last night in 26 minutes against the visiting Utah Jazz Steve Blake mirrored his points total of zero and had two assists with two turnovers while Ramon Sessions with just 22 minutes coming off the wood finished his second game as a Laker with ten points, six assists and zero turnovers.

Now just imagine Sessions with starter-like minutes.

Mr. McMenamin continues...

Sessions, 25, averaged 10.5 points and 5.2 assists in 24.5 minutes per game this season with the Cleveland Cavaliers. Blake, 32, is averaging 5.5 points and 3.6 assists in 24.8 minutes per game this season for the Lakers.

Its clear that Sessions is the bigger contributor so why isn't he replacing Blake at the starting one? The Lakers can't afford to acclimate him coming off the bench while the team suffers as a whole meanwhile. Sessions is getting paid $4.3 million to learn the system as a starter just like any entry position sales person would be paid pennies (in comparison) to meet an unimaginable monthly goal while learning to sell the product out in the field. If he doesn't make anticipated projections then he's simply canned. It's business right? If Sessions doesn't learn the new system as a starter THEN make all the necessary changes.

It's sink or swim time with just 21 games left in the season. The Lakers need Sessions to start so they don't lose to teams like the Utah Jazz who aren't even in playoff contention. Stop this, "It's a process" shit coach. Its going to be a much bigger process if you continue to take the slow and steady route and jeopardize meeting certain expectations especially with a faster back court now.

Wasn't all of the preseason drama with almost losing Gasol and ultimately losing Odom as a residual effect because of the organization wanting to make drastic changes to remain a deep postseason contender?

Why stop now? The organization has done what fans have been debating all along, cut Fisher for a quicker point guard. The bold move has been made. What better way is there to have butt hurt fans quickly forget about Fisher than to have them see how well Sessions plays as a starter?

It all comes down to this and box score stats from the previous two games prove this - A system-knowing Blake is not as good as a system-learning Sessions.

Original top photo: Getty Images

A change of scenery for the Lakers

2012-03-15T22:24:00.001-07:00

...and here I was thinking that the Lakers were going to sit back and watch the storm pass.

The NBA trade deadline was today March 15th at 3 p.m. EST and boy did the Lakers organization meet that deadline. Here's an excerpt from Lakers.com:

A flurry of activity on trade deadline day in the NBA brought a new look to the Lakers heading into the final 23 games of the season, with the acquisition of point guard Ramon Sessions from Cleveland and departure of Derek Fisher to Houston headlining two moves directed by general manager Mitch Kupchak.

Joining Sessions from the Cavs is forward Christian Eyenga, in exchange for Luke Walton, Jason Kapono, a protected 2012 first round draft pick and other considerations. To get Fisher and the 2012 first pick L.A. received from Dallas in the Lamar Odom trade, the Rockets sent big man Jordan Hill to Los Angeles.

The thought of Derek Fisher no longer a Laker seems surreal to me. I fell victim to joining the countless of Laker fans who looked toward his direction as the first unit's weakest link but I would never think that Fish would be the first to go. I thought his role was better suited off the bench and not as a starter but now there's no Derek Fisher at all to argue any point. Fans certainly didn't expect this.

The upside to all of this is that the Lakers gain speed at the 1 in Ramon Sessions but lose the one player Kobe ever listened to as a teammate/coach. This is big since there's doubt in the locker room with how Brown is coaching his mega star. Losing Fisher who has been there with Kobe since both of their rookie years in '96 (w/ exception to seasons '04-'06) is going to be very hard on Kobe. His responsibility to provide leadership as team captain will be more critical than ever.

Laker Girls Lunch Date at Carls Jr.

2012-03-14T20:37:00.000-07:00

Alright Laker fans here's your chance to grab a Famous Star with cheese and meet the world-famous Laker Girls with ease.

From March 19 through April 7, Carl’s Jr. will be hosting an in-restaurant tour featuring the Los Angeles Laker Girls, visiting 20 different Carl’s Jr. locations in Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside and Ventura counties; one stop per day, every day.

Here is the schedule courtesy of Lakers.com:

Click to enlarge

At each stop, two or more Laker Girls will be in-store for one hour to autograph photos, pose for pictures with fans, hand out Carl’s Jr. coupons and give away special Lakers goodies, while supplies last. Some lucky participants will also have the chance to win tickets to an upcoming Lakers home game. Fans sporting purple and gold on Lakers game days will have the chance to receive additional giveaway items.

Photo source: Lakers.com

LakerLiker has no affiliation with this ad. Promotional intent only.

Lakers are top 3 in the Western Conference

2012-03-13T07:43:00.000-07:00

Lets be honest here, how many of you would've guessed that the Lakers would be sitting at the #3 spot in the Western Conference standings this late in the season after all the drama that happened pre-Christmas Day?

Their current record of 25-16 is as shocking as a slow played ace in a poker tournament. In the last 10 games the Lakers are 7-3, having beat the leagues top team Miami Heat (at the time) but also having been beaten by the second worst Washington Wizards. The purple and gold have collectively found a rhythm that seems to be working and more importantly Kobe has finally found trust in his teammates (i.e. Bynum in the closing seconds of Sunday's Boston game).

Its clear that the Lakers are standing the test of time. Dallas, Boston, New York are all having difficulty mirroring last seasons successions while the Lakers are staying in familiar territory among the top 3 in their conference.

So whats the secret? Even after losing their star 6th MOTY and leaving team morale at an all-time low, how does this L.A. team do it year after year? Its simple, teamwork and the will to never give up especially when staring down the eye of adversity.

No matter what league disqualification, bitter Hollywood separation, personal issues, new coaching system, the Los Angeles Lakers always find a way to carry through. It may be tough as hell at times but at the end of the day this team reminds its fans that they will never disappoint. How can you when you have Kobe Bryant still lacing his shoes?

With only 25 games left in the season the Lakers have a solid chance to pass San Antonio and who knows even pass OKC for the top spot in the WC. Here's the reality of all of this, as we all know the Lakers are horrible on road (7-14) and unfortunately they have 12 more away games left in the regular season. However Lakers are a very impressive 18-2 at home. Now if they just play well consistently at home and turn things around when touching ground, their 2011-12 regular season record could be as tremendous as their momentum carrying into the postseason.

Photo credit: Getty Images

The Masked Mamba never to reveal his identity

2012-03-04T19:37:00.000-08:00

To wear or not to wear? Kobe has gone mad since he's devised the Hamilton contraption. In just three games of becoming the fan favorite "Masked Mamba" Kobe has averaged 34 points helping his team begin the second half of the season in a perfect 3-0 fashion.

Kobe has acclimated to his facial sauna with no despair and his shooting game has reaped the benefits. When your superstar guard is shooting 54.3% inside the arc (L3-70 FGA), you have to question if its superstitious to just keep the Masked Mamba's identity concealed.

This begs the cliche, "If it ain't broke don't fix it". Ironically Kobe's fiery start to the latter part of the season is in result to a broken nose that needed fixing.

So does Kobe risk killing his momentum by taking off the plastic or does he just keep that damn thing on? Maybe this is why Rip Hamilton never took his off.

One thing's for certain, Kobe is playing phenomenal basketball since the "freak" accident. The team is playing uniformly now and look post-season strong again.

Photo credit: AP 2012-03-04

Who was that masked man last night?

2012-03-01T19:20:00.000-08:00

Despite having to fashion a Rich Hamilton nose guard (minus the head band) that was later described as a sauna, Kobe still managed to score a game high 31 points (4th 30+ point game in Feb.) versus the Love-less Timberwolves. Kobe also added 7 rebounds and 8 assists.

If I'm not mistaken, this is the first time Kobe has ever worn a nose guard in his entire career. It looked a bit creepy, Hannibal Lecter-like, but it did not stop Kobe nor slow him down. In fact, the new look gave opportunity for a new nickname.

So far I've found these thanks to social media, specifically LakersNation.com who are known to be the driving force behind new Laker nicknames:

Masked Mamba
The Phantom of the Mambora
The Mask
PhantoMamba
The Mamba of the Opera
Darth Mamba
Bat Mamba
Mamba Man

What do you think? Do you have any better nicknames?

Photo credit: AP

Kobe's broken nose and broken foes

2012-02-28T20:47:00.000-08:00

Chris Mullin said it best today on ESPN SportsCenter, "Kobe doesn't feel pain" but if he did the Black Mamba would be as active as an injury prone Andrew Bynum with all the hits he's taken throughout his 15 1/2 year NBA career.

This past weekend during the all-star game Kobe fell victim from yet again another beat defender. Dwayne Wade frustratingly gave a hard foul to a passing Kobe Bryant. This was [in my opinion] a distasteful move by Wade, especially in a game where the chosen elite come out only to please the fans.

Kobe shocked from the hard foul on such a stage nudged it off as if swaying away a pesky fly. His [fractured] nose took the brunt of Wade's weak attempt at the ball and now Kobe is day-to-day, meaning team captain will most likely miss tomorrow's game versus the visiting Timberwolves.

Thanks Wade.

Click on "Read more" just below the share buttons to view our video collage of broken foes (some now teammates) whose motto was, "if you can't beat'em, beat'em".