The idea is interesting, but he lacks charisma. His ESPN commercial where his coworker steals his thrown is bettter.

I love that postscript to your remarks on that issue. That’s why I keep reading this blog . . . it’s about BASKETBALL, god forbid, rather than all the soap opera garbage that has passed for Laker coverage over the last several years. I love the analysis and discussion of the game, plays, on-court patterns and games. And thanks for this approach !

Re #8 – One of my favorite callers on the
Lakers postgame show suggested that
the Kobe-Wade-James-Jordan comparisons
need to stop.

I would add that the word “selfish”
( in a nod the the master ) be knocked
into the popcorn machine as well.

The connotation goes beyond forcing shots
and shot percentages, suggesting personal
glorification regardless of outcome.

Some commentators use it as an easy pop word
and I think it’s as grating as Dedes calling every
shot “strong” or “short.”

I would expect the TV talking heads and columnists
to sniff for drama when I know they don’t watch
every Laker game, but when the home folks start
doing it again, it’s distressing.

Many players in the NBA may know
but don’t seem to play inspired by the fact
that they are the few selected from the many.

I appreciate that a player like Lamar
knows what his strengths are but doesn’t seem
to be self-motivated enough to broaden them,
especially when he is so close to another level of ablity,
but I see that in all the teams I’ve watched this season
and before.

On the other hand, I can see Chris Mihm
trying to contribute more than just the big body
inside, and Brian Cook trying to be more
than the perimeter sniper, and they had standout
perfomances recently.

Another phrase for the popcorn machine,
“Making other players better,” is meant to mean
one players level of expertise inspires other
teammates to follow suit , but the way I hear it used
seems to mean taking a role from a teammate
and freeing them to do what they do better,
which is what Steve Nash did for Phoenix last season,
and they blasted out of the gate.

This season, the Suns’ record only slightly better
than the LA teams.

Did the other players on the Suns squad
learn how to win from last year,
or did they fall back to relying on the skills that
make them stars?

Lord I can’t stand Manu Ginobili,
but I’ll give him credit that he’s always
looking for the “what else” to do,
and his jitterbug style of play keeps opponents
on their toes.

The Lakers are trying to fulfill the letter of the offense
while overlooking the opportunities the opposition
offers them playing in real time defense, like
beating the defense down the court rather than strolling
after a rebound, and there are others besides.

It’s a mental corner ( rather than a block )
that they are not far from turning but haven’t yet
with a consistency that shows progress and achievement , and that surely is frustrating
to players other than Kobe, and has us as fans
alternately cheering and biting towels.

I like all these guys.
I want them to stay together and get to the peak,
but they need to commit to increasing stamina
beyond halftime, making the frees rather than
the threes, claiming the ##@@!! offensive paint
and acting like they have as much right to be
on the court as Kobe or any of the other marquee
players.

Be like Mike– Cooper, that is.

Happy New Year, gang.

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