Lakers

[Happy Hippo]

I used to be a big Kobe hater, I admit. I have never been a fan of the Lakers. But recently, I have really grown to like Kobe, a lot. Interesting article here about the fighting between Kobe and Howard. Seriously, I don't see how the Lakers don't move him before the trade deadline... he is so obviously bad for this team. I'm not saying they are going to solve all their issues by getting rid of him, but at least they don't have to deal with his undeserved diva attitude.

And I am definitely rooting for the Lakers to make the playoffs. The coolest thing would be if they trade Howard, and THEN make the playoffs. Should be an interesting week with the trade deadline on Thursday.

Sad that the Buss family has to deal with their loss as well this week. Hopefully someone else in the organization can take care of the business aspect, as it is an important week.

 

[Agent 0659]

Addition by subtraction. Get rid of Howard ASAP.

You can't win with a guy like that.

 

[Happy Hippo]

Good stuff from Kobe...

<iframe width="420" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/8VLTMB2KXKw" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

 

[Happy Hippo]

And more from Dwight...

 

[johnny10]

Dwight has replaced Kendrick Perkins as my most hated NBA player...the dude is a joke..its going to be funny when he's 34 years old and realizes that he never accomplished a damn thing in the league and is not respected...I will put money on him never winning a championship

 

[Happy Hippo]

Dwight has replaced Kendrick Perkins as my most hated NBA player...the dude is a joke..its going to be funny when he's 34 years old and realizes that he never accomplished a damn thing in the league and is not respected...I will put money on him never winning a championship

When I heard this last night I laughed for a really really long time...

Kupchak on Howard: "He deserves to have his name on the wall and a statue in front of Staples at some point in time."

 

[Happy Hippo]

Twitter feed - Mike Trudell ‏@LakersReporter

"Kobe is just 1 for 34 from 3 in his last 15 games (he?s focused more on facilitating, but still bizarre). He?ll hit at least 1 tonight."




I would say with his guarantee, he will hit a few tonight.

opcorn2

 

[yanno]

I don't want to debate about Dwight Howard. He is clearly controversial.

But...here is a cool story about him. Told by a Toronto sports reporter on a TV talk show tonite.

He said that Howard is a really friendly and nice person, in person. He was in a locker room before a game with Dwight. He asked him to answer some questions. Dwight said:

"I don't answer questions before a game."

So the reporter was listening in to another conversation in the locker room. There was a tap on his shoulder. It was Dwight Howard. He said:

"Can I ask you a question?"

"Sure".

"Would you go into the Octagon for one minute with a gorilla for five million dollars?"

"Yes."

"But you would be killed."

"Yes, but my family would be taken care of."

Dwight said,

"That's a good answer."

It's just a different story. If there is a moral, maybe it's that we don't always know everything about people that we think we do. We can change our minds about people.

Even Kobe.

P.S. Kobe and Howard high-fived one another last nite. :00hour

 

[Happy Hippo]

Yanno - I completely agree. I'm not trying to say that Howard has a bad personality or is not a nice guy. I actually think he is really funny. Kobe tweeted some really funny things that they were doing earlier in the season. I just think he does not fit in well with this Laker's team. Maybe he will prove me wrong?

I do think he has a bit of a diva attitude though, but maybe that is just my perception. I'm sure a lot of guys in the nba have that, and a little swagger is certainly necessary.

 

[Happy Hippo]

Kobe's looking good since his guarantee

So, who's gonna falter down the stretch?

Rockets, Warriors, or Jazz? I have my pick.

:0corn

 

[ivabign]

I have been a Laker fan since Gail Goodrich and the 33 game win streak in the 70's - back then games were only on the radio - I used to sit in a corner with my headphones and listen to Chick Hearn broadcast the play-by-play. What was funny was that it took a few years for me to realize I hadn't watched those games from my youth as when Chick broadcast, you saw the game in your head. I went to Showtime games at the Forum - followed Shaq and Kobe over to Staples Center and saw some great games there. I went to playoff games when they won - I went to games were they lost in the first round - I bought floor seats from Ticketmaster the day of the game for face price and schmoozed with Denzel and Flea. I understand why people hate the Lakers - I might hate them too if I was elsewhere. I consider myself lucky. The reason there is no NFL in LA is because no one cares - we have the Lakers (and USC/UCLA college ball)

I like Kobe because of his single-minded desire to win at all costs - believe me, you want that kind of guy on your team. There are so many gifted ballplayers on NBA teams who care sometimes, but not all the time - guys who mail it in because they can. It used to be, guys a year past their prime came to LA to squeak out another year or two out of their talent just to get a shot at a title - it still happens.

This might not be their year, but their next year will come again - sooner rather than later. If Dwight Howard wants to be remembered, he will stick around and have fun in LA off the court - but be deadly serious on the court....

These next two years or so with Kobe playing his last games will be fun to watch - whatever the outcome - there isn't another out there right now. There are better players - but not another that gives 110% night in and night out. Enjoy these games - I know I will.

 

[ivabign]

Oh, and Hippo - I think Dallas might squeak in with LA, if Utah and Houston falter....

But the Lakers should make it in by a hair...

Didn't mean to hijack your thread. Sorry.

 

[Happy Hippo]

ivabign - I completely agree on Kobe. He is an unbelievable competitor. I guess sometimes as a fan of other teams, you "hate" what you cannot have, that is so good. Now that I am a more impartial fan, I just appreciate watching talent and smart players/teams. Kobe is the best of the best, and I watch him as much as I can.

I like your view of the Lakers - you mentioned a bunch of things I have never thought about, and it really puts the fans' love in a better perspective.

Cheers

 

[Happy Hippo]

Twitter Feed:

Kobe Bryant ‏@kobebryant

Amnesty THAT


:0008

 

[ivabign]

There will be no amnesty for Kobe - he is a Laker for life - the money lost will be made back in other ways - loyalty is a two way street - Kobe was interviewed recently and told of the day in 2008 that Dr Buss told him he had the trade he demanded done - to Detroit. But Kobe couldn't pull the trigger - he was assured that the Lakers were trying to get better - and the next thing they did was trade for Pau - and two more rings.

No amnesty, even though it makes sense financially.

 

[Happy Hippo]

Enjoying their night off

opcorn2

 

[Happy Hippo]

Here they come! At .500 first time this season.

 

[Happy Hippo]

After the Thunder, Spurs, and Clippers, they are the fourth favorite to win the western conference, according to the posted odds.

:0003

 

[IE]

@ 5Dimes:

NBA Playoffs - Western Conference -

25301 LA Lakers make playoffs -170
25302 LA Lakers won't make playoffs +130

 

[Happy Hippo]

?Just shut up and let us work?

I love the story of the trainer - read that on reddit a few days ago...

:0074