Ariza was not looking elsewhere – are our memories that short? – his agent asked for more money than the Lakers wanted to pay and Artest’s agent said he was there for the taking. Then there was no more spot for Trevor. That is the entire story.

Later Trevor opted to sign with Houston.

Point is Fish works with the system, he knows it well, runs it well. The best PG La has had for the past 15 years. I loved Nick but Fish is the best PG we’ve had since Magic. Fish is like a game manager QB. He is surrounded by talent, he just pulls it all together – like Ben Roethlisberger, doesn’t have the best stats, pisses you off at times, but is the best man for the team

Let’s see… do you stay with the girl who can’t decide if she wants to dump you or not, or do you go with the one who just told you she wants to be with you and has been waiting for this chance to ask you out?

(Take this post in the spirit it was intended, very tongue-in-cheek.)

Speaking of that, our date is not nearly the hooligan we were led to believe: http://www.silverscreenandroll.com/2009/12/8/1189606/ron-artest-bored-by-on-court?ref=yahoo

http://www.forumblueandgold.com/2009/12/09/just-in-time-for-christmas-a-derek-fisher-backpack/

Listen up Laker fans – Fisher isn’t going anywhere this year. Yes, he is a step older and yes he still jacks up some PUJITs, but… he is still a very heady player who comes to play and is prepared every night. He is like the well seasoned soldier patroling the perimeter at night – always on the watch and always ready, even if he isn’t the most talented. Keep in mind that just because we can get a better or more talented PG doesn’t mean it will help us this season. A big reason why Fish has been around so long and has been so effective is that he doesn’t have to hog the ball or monopolize time to be effective. We have a certain #24 & #16 and even #17 that know what to do with the rock. Fisher is the ultimate glue guy who helps make sure that the team succeeds. He’s been this way his entire career. I don’t take for granted his picks on opposing PGs & SGs, nor do dismiss the fact that he has a knack for drawing a charge in big, crunch-time minutes. He may be 0-5 in a game, but if we need a big shot near the end of a close game, there is no one else outside of Mamba who I would trust more with a perimeter shot. He does what’s needed and does all the little things that our team asks. And this is embedded in his basketball DNA. Think back, if you will, to our 2001 season. The team was in disarray – winning at a decent clip, but by no means dominating. Fisher had broken something in his foot or ankle early that season and had to have his parents move in and help him out while he rehabbed. It’s no coincidence that that year’s team took off when Fish came back and reminded our two battling stars and their teammates what this game is all about. You can see his effect on the other younger players. Farmar can be capable, but we all know he will have ups and downs. ShanWow plays hard regardless of his minutes. Fisher is in the last year and wants to play a few more years, Farmar and Brown can go elsewhere next year if they choose, and yet you haven’t heard any complaints. That is as it should be – we have a great team that is looking at getting better. Leave the PG position alone and enjoy the many wins this team will grab this year.

I get that College games are shorter and that there are less of them, but these guys play just as much, if not more, with practices and pickup games.

Kobe’s first 2 season he averaged 15.5 and 26 minutes per game. That is about equal to a College player I’d think…streched out over 82 games instead of cramming into 32 games. (ok maybe not exactly equal).

But my point is…had he gone to College, especially to Duke like he said he would have, he’d have played about the same amount of time. So the Odometer would still read just about the same wouldn’t it?