From Dan Duangdao, Lakers Nation: This past week, Gary Payton was inducted into the Naismith Hall of Fame. The one-time Laker averaged 16.3 points and 6.7 assists in his career and was the 1996 Defensive Player of the Year. Payton made three Finals appearances, where he eventually won his one and only championship with the Miami […]
Morning Links
The 11th Man
Mike D’Antoni went on the airwaves earlier this summer, theorizing about an 11-man Lakers rotation. On the one hand D’Antoni is as adverse to extended lineups as he is half-court basketball. Further, trying to speculate on what that rotation might look like, weeks before training camp even begins, is a sublimely ridiculous thing to do. […]
Around The World (Wide Web): Buss, Kobe, Losing,
From Kurt Helin, Pro Basketball Talk: Jim Buss has become a caricature to many Lakers fans — the media shy, hard-partying son of a legendary owner who stays in the shadows, doesn’t get the tradition and doesn’t get how to run a franchise like his father. Nepotism at its worst. But like most caricatures that is a […]
Around The World (Wide Web): Kobe, Backcourt, Former Laker, Nick Young
From Phillip Barnett, Lakers Nation: Earlier on Monday, OC Register reporter Janis Carr was at the Lakers training facility in El Segundo and spotted a few Lakers in the building, including Kobe Bryant. Some of the players were working out with ex-Laker Mike Penberthy, and even Derek Fisher showed up to get in a light workout. […]
Around The World (Wide Web): Farmar, Gasol-Olympics, “Vino Club”, T-Mac
From Brett Pollakoff, Pro Basketball Talk: Jordan Farmar was a member of two championship teams in four seasons during his first tour of duty with the Lakers, albeit in a reserve role. He clashed with Phil Jackson at times, and felt constrained by what he was expected to do within the Triangle offense. Farmar always felt like […]
Around The World (Wide Web): Jerry West, Beasley, Henry, Dr. J,
From Corey Hansford, Lakers Nation: Buzzer beaters are some of the most amazing, heart-wrenching shots in the NBA. When those clutch shots take place in the NBA Finals, when all the pressure is on and the bright lights are everywhere, it shows who the brightest stars in the world truly are. When that shot comes from […]
Around The World (Wide Web): Hill, Kobe, Off-Season, The Anti-Laker Fan,
From Phillip Barnett, Lakers Nation: In a time when the culture of NBA philosophies began moving away from highly specialized role players to ball players with more unique skill sets who can fill multiple roles, Mike D’Antoni was on the forefront of an offensive revolution that saw teams — and more specifically — his Phoenix Suns […]
Around The World (Wide Web): Pau, Swaggy, Finals Moments, Olympics
From D.J. Foster, ESPN LA: The Los Angeles Lakers are a team on the rebound. The recovery process after Dwight Howard’s departure may not be brief, and it probably won’t be painless. Time will likely heal all wounds, but it’s hard to imagine the Lakers will be better off in the short-term. But what holds true for the team […]
Around The World (Wide Web): Kobe, Phil, Lamar Odom,
From Eric Pincus, LA Times: Kobe Bryant was voted “favorite player in the league” by 36 rookies in a survey for NBA.com, according to John Schuhmann. Bryant topped the list with 21.2% of the votes. LeBron James came in second (15.2%), followed by a third-place tie between Kevin Durant and Dirk Nowitzki (12.1% apiece). Steve Nash also […]
Around The World (Wide Web): Kobe, Jordan Hill, Swaggy, Blake, Sleeves
From Corey Hansford, Lakers Nation: With Kobe Bryant turning 35 tomorrow, this edition of Throwback Thursday will focus on the Mamba at a younger age. Throughout his career, Kobe has established himself as one of the premier clutch shooters in the history of the NBA. There are very few people who are more than willing to […]