Mavericks vs. Lakers ... the end of the Lakers as we know them

[primetime]

If I wasn't sitting down, I'd be on the floor by now!

Sorry primetime, I just had to quote this for posterity........

Now for the OP:

I haven't been watching postseason this year so until this thread came up I knew nothing about the Lakers out of the playoffs. When my hometown team only wins 15 games all season, I'm in no position to criticize anyone who's team made it into the playoffs.

Here's my take on this thing:

It's the playoffs; someone's gotta win and someone's gotta' lose. The Lakers lost--I'm going to take a long reach and say that at least Kobe Bryant didn't choke and lose focus of his leadership and trash the series only to create a so-called "dynasty" in South Beach becoming a sidekick. So I don't have that much to say about the Lakers being out this year.

I'm not a big fan of the Lakers, nor the Pittsburgh Steelers, but they both have something in common. They are juggernauts in their respective sports genre. They have earned plenty of rings and they show up at the playoffs almost every year. Nothing can take away from those facts.

So if you're hating on the Lakers, enjoy-here's the chance to do it because I don't think you'll get another chance any time soon after this season. I don't doubt that they will be back next year. Maybe they'll win it all, maybe they won't. But I don't doubt in my mind that they will be there.

LOL yes Kis, I DO respect you. Most of the time, I am just yanking your chain when it comes to Cleveland. I will give it to you. You are fiercely loyal to your city.

 

[primetime]

Yes, exactly. Then of course the next day comes the too late apology from Bynum hoping the league goes easier on him with the inevitable suspension he will get. I like Phil Jackson though, hes the one I feel worst about especially if this was his last game coaching. A respected coach like that when his players quit on him in such grand fashion is unacceptable. Hey prime, how about Bynum and maybe others to the Magic for Howard?

Yeah, that was an ugly way for Phil to go out... Us Laker fans are in agreement about the cheapshots. They were uncalled for.

I would love to trade Bynum for Howard. Or at least Bynum, and some bench players for Howard. Personally, I do not want to give up Kobe (obviously...), Odom, Gasol and Artest. Everybody else is free to go in order to get Howard. But I get this feeling, Orlando would want Odom too, but I don't want to give him up. It will depend on what the Lakers run as an offense next year. Imagining D12 in a Lakers uniform..wow... what a rush...

 

[grizzly adams]

Again, there's your problem. First of all, what "name" have I called you? Believe me, I want to call you several names, but the Golden Rule and our wonderful moderators prevent me from really speaking my mind.

What you wrote made no sense at all. Tell me Grizzly, how many Laker fans do you see on this forum talking about the Lakers? The only other Laker fan that I can recall talking about the Lakers is Jaba. Notice he doesn't seem to chime in and debate me.

Fact. I have never said the Lakers were unbeatable. EVER. Find the freakin post where I said they will never lose ever. FIND IT. While you're at it, find where I called them "idiots". Remember, there is a Golden Rule, so I don't specifically call them idiots. In Fact, please find the posts where I said the Lakers were "invincible and unbeatable". Stop making stuff up. Put up or shut up.

You say Kobe has done some embarrassing things? What, the rape accusation? He cheated on his wife, he did not rape that woman. If you think him cheating on his wife was so embarrassing, then how do you feel about Magic Johnson contracting HIV by CHEATING ON HIS WIFE? What about Michael Jordan who ALSO CHEATED ON HIS WIFE? What else did Kobe do that was so embarrassing to the organization? Even if you do not like Kobe, if you are a TRUE Laker fan, you will support him. Remember Karl Malone? I can't stand Karl Malone. I never liked Karl Malone. But when he wore the purple and gold, guess what? I said "Go Karl Malone!!". I am loyal to the organization. If Kobe left, see ya Kobe.

That is just sad that you felt the need to get involved with me because I am defending Kobe Bryant. You claim you're a Lakers fan, yet, you argue with me. Dude, that makes no damn sense. I feel insulted that you even called yourself a Laker fan. Oh, and about Artest. Tell me Grizzly, what AWARD did Ron get this past season? Please tell me all the ills he did while playing for the Lakers the last 2 seasons. You have no clue on what you're talking about. That is why I will never respect you. You are the absolute worse kind of poster there is.

One more thing. Can you please tell me what winning the "right way" is?
Winning is winning. The last two titles were won because the Lakers beat teams with their hard work and skill. What did they do that was NOT the Laker way?

Mr. Bryant was instrumental in running off Shaq cause his ego couldn't stand

being robin to Shaqs batman . Mr. Bryant shows no loyalty to the Lakers

organization when a few years ago he makes it public knowledge he wants

to be traded .

When they won with Ariza they won the right way . Some reason the Lakers

felt the need to bring in Artest who is a thug and cheap shot artist . Heck

we might as well brought in Rodman too .

You can huff anf puff all you like but just because you are loud doesn't mean

you know squat about the Lakers or basketball in general

have a nice night

 

[primetime]

Mr. Bryant was instrumental in running off Shaq cause his ego couldn't stand

being robin to Shaqs batman . Mr. Bryant shows no loyalty to the Lakers

organization when a few years ago he makes it public knowledge he wants

to be traded .

When they won with Ariza they won the right way . Some reason the Lakers

felt the need to bring in Artest who is a thug and cheap shot artist . Heck

we might as well brought in Rodman too .

You can huff anf puff all you like but just because you are loud doesn't mean

you know squat about the Lakers or basketball in general

have a nice night

Thank you. You just proved that you're not a Lakers fan. If you were, then you damn well know Shaq left the Lakers due to MONEY, not Kobe. Jerry Buss has stated so. SHAQUILLE ONEAL has also said he left for MONEY. This has been stated. Where have you been?

When Kobe asked to be traded, he was playing with Kwame Brown and Smush Parker. You would ask to be traded too. Notice, after his tirade the Lakers went to 3 straight Finals. Yeah, you know so much don't you?

You failed to answer the question. What AWARD did Ron "Thug" Artest win this year? Can you tell me? You know the answer. You have absolutely no idea on what you're talking about. I suggest you shut your pie hole...

 

[grizzly adams]

Thank you. You just proved that you're not a Lakers fan. If you were, then you damn well know Shaq left the Lakers due to MONEY, not Kobe. Jerry Buss has stated so. SHAQUILLE ONEAL has also said he left for MONEY. This has been stated. Where have you been?

When Kobe asked to be traded, he was playing with Kwame Brown and Smush Parker. You would ask to be traded too. Notice, after his tirade the Lakers went to 3 straight Finals. Yeah, you know so much don't you?

You failed to answer the question. What AWARD did Ron "Thug" Artest win this year? Can you tell me? You know the answer. You have absolutely no idea on what you're talking about. I suggest you shut your pie hole...

Mr. Seagulls is sure right about one thing , that being you resort to

namecalling and gradeschool barbs when you know your wrong .

Isn`t that Kobe's own fault for getting Shaq a one way ticket out of town 🙂

Mr. Buss certainly wouldn't fib about that would he . oh, wait President Bush

wouldn't fib about weapons of mass destruction would he . wait Apple

wouldn't fib about their being tracking software in their I-phones would they .


I don't care if Artest was sainted by the pope himself because he is a thug

if you can't see that it is you who knows nothing about basketball . Maybe

between Kiss123 , TF4F , MR. Seagulls and myself we can teach you about

sports . Other than that I'm beginning to like you Mr. Primetime .

 

[primetime]

Mr. Seagulls is sure right about one thing , that being you resort to

namecalling and gradeschool barbs when you know your wrong .

Isn`t that Kobe's own fault for getting Shaq a one way ticket out of town 🙂

Mr. Buss certainly wouldn't fib about that would he . oh, wait President Bush

wouldn't fib about weapons of mass destruction would he . wait Apple

wouldn't fib about their being tracking software in their I-phones would they .


I don't care if Artest was sainted by the pope himself because he is a thug

if you can't see that it is you who knows nothing about basketball . Maybe

between Kiss123 , TF4F , MR. Seagulls and myself we can teach you about

sports . Other than that I'm beginning to like you Mr. Primetime .

Again, you're proving that you.. 1) have absolutely no idea about anything and 2) you're not a Lakers fan.

How about this? SHAQUILLE O'NEAL has also said he left because of money. It was the MONEY not about Kobe. This is a known fact.

Ron Artest has won the NBA's "citizenship" award, and you still claim he's a thug. 99% of the time as a Laker, Artest was been a great teammate and player. Why is he still a thug? The man admitted to getting counseling to control his anger management problems AND he speaks to kids about getting help. He auctions of his championship ring, the ring he wanted so badly, so he can donate to charity. Yeah, he's a thug alright......

Dude. You are a joke. You have yet to come with anything of substance. At least the people you mention throw actual stuff at me. I may feel it is completely offbase at times, but at least their doing something. You? Nothing but a bag full of hot air....

 

[FlockOfSeagulls]

Again, you're proving that you.. 1) have absolutely no idea about anything and 2) you're not a Lakers fan.

How about this? SHAQUILLE O'NEAL has also said he left because of money. It was the MONEY not about Kobe. This is a known fact.

Ron Artest has won the NBA's "citizenship" award, and you still claim he's a thug. 99% of the time as a Laker, Artest was been a great teammate and player. Why is he still a thug? The man admitted to getting counseling to control his anger management problems AND he speaks to kids about getting help. He auctions of his championship ring, the ring he wanted so badly, so he can donate to charity. Yeah, he's a thug alright......

Dude. You are a joke. You have yet to come with anything of substance. At least the people you mention throw actual stuff at me. I may feel it is completely offbase at times, but at least their doing something. You? Nothing but a bag full of hot air....

Maybe Artest is improving himself outside the court . If so , them good for him. As far as on the court goes all you have to do is see the Barea clothesline to see the thug from the Pacers . By the way what in the world do the Lakers have against the 5'9'' JJ Barea ??

I doubt Shaq left foe more money .That makes you sound like Buss is cheap . I saw on either ESPN or Fox SW that the Lakers had the largest payroll at over 91 million this season . They were paying the likes of benchwarmers like Walton over 5 million to keep the seat warm . I also believe it was Kobe Steak Bryants ego that ran off Shaq . I saw a video with Rick Fox saying as much

 

[Tickler15]

Maybe Artest is improving himself outside the court . If so , them good for him. As far as on the court goes all you have to do is see the Barea clothesline to see the thug from the Pacers . By the way what in the world do the Lakers have against the 5'9'' JJ Barea ??

I doubt Shaq left foe more money .That makes you sound like Buss is cheap . I saw on either ESPN or Fox SW that the Lakers had the largest payroll at over 91 million this season . They were paying the likes of benchwarmers like Walton over 5 million to keep the seat warm . I also believe it was Kobe Steak Bryants ego that ran off Shaq . I saw a video with Rick Fox saying as much

First off, PrimeTime I don't see the Lakers getting Howard. Second off, Shaq had a huge ego problem of his own....Shaq could of left because of his own ego, its why he left Miami.

 

[smokinj]

Yeah, that was an ugly way for Phil to go out... Us Laker fans are in agreement about the cheapshots. They were uncalled for.

I would love to trade Bynum for Howard. Or at least Bynum, and some bench players for Howard. Personally, I do not want to give up Kobe (obviously...), Odom, Gasol and Artest. Everybody else is free to go in order to get Howard. But I get this feeling, Orlando would want Odom too, but I don't want to give him up. It will depend on what the Lakers run as an offense next year. Imagining D12 in a Lakers uniform..wow... what a rush...

It sure seems like a reasonable scenario. We'll see how much Dwight wants to stay in Orlando. The glitz and glamour of LA might be too much to pass up. Of course, both sides have to come up with a fair trade. I don't see any way Orlando gives up Howard without getting Bynum AND Odom and probably more. Stay tuned.

 

[primetime]

Maybe Artest is improving himself outside the court . If so , them good for him. As far as on the court goes all you have to do is see the Barea clothesline to see the thug from the Pacers . By the way what in the world do the Lakers have against the 5'9'' JJ Barea ??

I doubt Shaq left foe more money .That makes you sound like Buss is cheap . I saw on either ESPN or Fox SW that the Lakers had the largest payroll at over 91 million this season . They were paying the likes of benchwarmers like Walton over 5 million to keep the seat warm . I also believe it was Kobe Steak Bryants ego that ran off Shaq . I saw a video with Rick Fox saying as much

Shaq left due to money. Jerry Buss was not going to pay Shaq 30 million dollars a year with him being out of shape annually, disrespected him ("Pay me!" Shaq screamed at Buss during an exhibition game in front of a large audience), and getting older. It really was that simple. Even at the end of the Pistons championship win, a reporter asked Shaq "Kobe says he can play with you forever, and could you play with Kobe?" Shaq said, "I will always do what is best for me....".

Years later, after Kobe's tirade in 2007, Shaq even said publically that he agrees with Kobe that Buss doesn't want to spend money and that's why he left. It was about the money. Did Kobe and Shaq have issues? Maybe so, but the primary reason was about money. When Shaq got to Miami he even said "Miami can get a lot of rings if they do the right thing...." and that was to pay him.

Ron Artest hit Barea in the head, but at least he tried to apologize for it immediately. Artest is NOT the same guy he was in Indiana. You don't get citizenship awards from the NBA if you're still a thug. Give the man a break. Artest didn't do anything outrageous in Sacramento and Houston either.

 

[primetime]

First off, PrimeTime I don't see the Lakers getting Howard. Second off, Shaq had a huge ego problem of his own....Shaq could of left because of his own ego, its why he left Miami.

Yep, you Miami fans saw what us Laker fans saw when Shaq played for us. I remember Shaq insulting the training staff in Miami when he left. Shaq has this great "persona" on camera, but he is also one of the most egotistical and arrogant player in the NBA.

 

[primetime]

It sure seems like a reasonable scenario. We'll see how much Dwight wants to stay in Orlando. The glitz and glamour of LA might be too much to pass up. Of course, both sides have to come up with a fair trade. I don't see any way Orlando gives up Howard without getting Bynum AND Odom and probably more. Stay tuned.

Yeah, I'm afraid Orlando will ask for Odom too. I hope it works out though, but I really don't want to lose Odom. If the Lakers pull this off, all they would need is a true second scorer to alleviate some of the scoring from Kobe.

 

[FlockOfSeagulls]

Shaq left due to money. Jerry Buss was not going to pay Shaq 30 million dollars a year with him being out of shape annually, disrespected him ("Pay me!" Shaq screamed at Buss during an exhibition game in front of a large audience), and getting older. It really was that simple. Even at the end of the Pistons championship win, a reporter asked Shaq "Kobe says he can play with you forever, and could you play with Kobe?" Shaq said, "I will always do what is best for me....".

Years later, after Kobe's tirade in 2007, Shaq even said publically that he agrees with Kobe that Buss doesn't want to spend money and that's why he left. It was about the money. Did Kobe and Shaq have issues? Maybe so, but the primary reason was about money. When Shaq got to Miami he even said "Miami can get a lot of rings if they do the right thing...." and that was to pay him.

Ron Artest hit Barea in the head, but at least he tried to apologize for it immediately. Artest is NOT the same guy he was in Indiana. You don't get citizenship awards from the NBA if you're still a thug. Give the man a break. Artest didn't do anything outrageous in Sacramento and Houston either.

Maybe he is trying to be a better person . Jason Terry said Carlisle told the guys at the end of the game to watch for Artest doin' something stupid & boom there it is . Carlisle was his coach in Indiana and either sensed or saw somthing in Artest to warn his guys

 

[primetime]

Maybe he is trying to be a better person . Jason Terry said Carlisle told the guys at the end of the game to watch for Artest doin' something stupid & boom there it is . Carlisle was his coach in Indiana and either sensed or saw somthing in Artest to warn his guys

Ron IS trying to be a better person. He has been going around speaking to kids about not being afraid to ask for help. He's admitted to his anger issues and seeks help for it. I can see how people would look at the hit on Barea as a cheapshot (it was..) but, for a cheap shot, Ron did his best to hide it I guess considering he was checking to see if Barea was ok. Bynum walked off the damn court....

 

[FlockOfSeagulls]

Ron IS trying to be a better person. He has been going around speaking to kids about not being afraid to ask for help. He's admitted to his anger issues and seeks help for it. I can see how people would look at the hit on Barea as a cheapshot (it was..) but, for a cheap shot, Ron did his best to hide it I guess considering he was checking to see if Barea was ok. Bynum walked off the damn court....

And Barea being the class-act he is accepted the apology .

Who woulda thunk the big bad Lakers would be so scared of a 5'9'' backup point guard from Puerto Rico

 

[primetime]

And Barea being the class-act he is accepted the apology .

Who woulda thunk the big bad Lakers would be so scared of a 5'9'' backup point guard from Puerto Rico

With the way he played, wouldn't you be scared too?

 

[The Fallen Angel]

All this series did was show the casual fan what the constant fan saw all year, the Lakers got old fast and Kobe is nothing more than a jump shooter now who isn't in the top 5 players in the league anymore and more than likely not in the top 10 by next year. The Lakers have no choice but to blow it up and Bynum will be the first to go since he is their only trade bait

 

[Tickler15]

Yep, you Miami fans saw what us Laker fans saw when Shaq played for us. I remember Shaq insulting the training staff in Miami when he left. Shaq has this great "persona" on camera, but he is also one of the most egotistical and arrogant player in the NBA.

Shaq's ego is second to Kayne West and Dana White......not only did he insult the staff he insulted the players....and even got jealous of Wade...

 

[Heeko]

 

[smokinj]

Yep, you Miami fans saw what us Laker fans saw when Shaq played for us. I remember Shaq insulting the training staff in Miami when he left. Shaq has this great "persona" on camera, but he is also one of the most egotistical and arrogant player in the NBA.

Yeah I never liked him much. Do you remember several years ago when Shaq was in LA, on the sideline he took a big swing at somebody and missed, thankfully. I kept thinking he seriously could have killed that dude. I wish I could remember who it was. Then I was thinking of the Kermit Washington hit on Rudy T years before that. Scary. Big guy, bigger ego.

 

[primetime]

All this series did was show the casual fan what the constant fan saw all year, the Lakers got old fast and Kobe is nothing more than a jump shooter now who isn't in the top 5 players in the league anymore and more than likely not in the top 10 by next year. The Lakers have no choice but to blow it up and Bynum will be the first to go since he is their only trade bait

Are you serious? Kobe isn't in the top 5? Then he won't be in the top 10? Hilarious, freakin hilarious...

Yes, Kobe is 32 going on 33. In NBA years, he's more like 36 because he started as an 18 year old, not a 21 year old. Don't get it twisted, Kobe can still get to the hole. Is he as athletic as a 25 year old? Of course not. But you better damn well believe he is still a top 5 player. Don't forget, he nursed a gang of injuries. Hopefully, since his offseason will be longer than normal, he can get more healthy.

As Kobe said to the media in LA, "In terms of this being the decline of the Lakers, this is nonsense....What I'm thinking about is shutting up those [people] saying that I'm done"

Kobe will be just fine next season. Will he have dunk after dunk? No, but he will still have a great all around game...

 

[primetime]

Funny....

 

[primetime]

Yeah I never liked him much. Do you remember several years ago when Shaq was in LA, on the sideline he took a big swing at somebody and missed, thankfully. I kept thinking he seriously could have killed that dude. I wish I could remember who it was. Then I was thinking of the Kermit Washington hit on Rudy T years before that. Scary. Big guy, bigger ego.

Tickler 15, and smokinj, yeah, Shaq had a HUGE ego. As much as people hate Kobe, Kobe has never said "you got to feed me the ball." in the media...

What Shaq said about the Heat trainers was just foul. They were trying to keep his lazy ass in game shape, and he insults them? I hope people who don't just have a blind hatred of Kobe start to realize that it was Shaq who caused his departure from LA and not Mr. Bryant. Shaq said it was money. Jerry Buss said it was money. Based on Shaq's actions after leaving LA, it was about money, not Kobe... It is too bad because at one time, he was the most unstoppable force in the NBA.

 

[The Fallen Angel]

Are you serious? Kobe isn't in the top 5? Then he won't be in the top 10? Hilarious, freakin hilarious...

Yes, Kobe is 32 going on 33. In NBA years, he's more like 36 because he started as an 18 year old, not a 21 year old. Don't get it twisted, Kobe can still get to the hole. Is he as athletic as a 25 year old? Of course not. But you better damn well believe he is still a top 5 player. Don't forget, he nursed a gang of injuries. Hopefully, since his offseason will be longer than normal, he can get more healthy.

As Kobe said to the media in LA, "In terms of this being the decline of the Lakers, this is nonsense....What I'm thinking about is shutting up those [people] saying that I'm done"

Kobe will be just fine next season. Will he have dunk after dunk? No, but he will still have a great all around game...

Dead serious and i understand that your fandom wont let you say it but he is behind Lebron, Wade,Howard,Durant,Paul and Carmelo right now, hes only going to drop lower as the years go

 

[primetime]

Dead serious and i understand that your fandom wont let you say it but he is behind Lebron, Wade,Howard,Durant,Paul and Carmelo right now, hes only going to drop lower as the years go

Then explain this... What makes a player "great"? Why are those guys in the top 5?