Random Thoughts

[King Glorious]

I understand about injuries. They can really disrupt a team. But I have seen Houston play through the injuries to McGrady and Ming. Miami lost Wade and won nine straight. Granted, it's the East but still. Maybe no team has been hit harder by injuries than the New Orleans Hornets yet even though they won't make the playoffs, they never once stopped playing hard and fighting every night with whatever they can put out there. U don't see that from the Lakers. Defense is something that any superstar or replacement for an injured superstar can play. But the Lakers don't put forth the effort on that end of the court.

The thing is, YOU know Kobe isn't Superman. I know Kobe isn't Superman. We both know he's a tremendously talented offensive player, the most unstoppable scorer in the league. But living here in Southern California, listening to the media and fans here, u would swear that Kobe IS Superman. They think of Phil as some kind of genius. They win five straight against non-playoff teams and Kobe goes off on a scoring binge and everyone thinks all is right in the world. They didn't see that the same problems still existed, even in the streak. The past four games have proven that. All this talk about Kobe being in the running for MVP is silly to me. They need an award for most outstanding player. I wouldn't have a problem with him getting that. But an MVP has to take their team not just to higher levels than they would without him, but to high levels period. As far as being most valuable to his team, I can't see how Kobe is moreso to the Lakers than:

Elton Brand, Clippers
Chris Paul, Hornets
Gilbert Arenas, Wizards
Paul Pierce, Celtics
Kevin Garnett, Wolves
LeBron James, Cavs
Pau Gasol, Grizzlies
Carlos Boozer, Jazz
Michael Redd, Bucks

To me, the MVP, the way it is decided, has to be a combination of best player and most influential to team success. In my opinion, guys like James, Nash, and Nowitzki are far ahead of Bryant.

I don't blame management for their problems as much as most people do. There just simply isn't that much they could do in most instances.

[timmgirvan]

I watched Stevie Nash the other night....and am continuing to be amazed at the flow of the game he conducts. He's my MVP!

[timmgirvan]

Laker mgt. seems to be "on a Sunday drive " at the Indy Speedway!! You'll get nothing from the Zen Master, and Mitch is layin low...and Doc plays Poker now! As long as a beer is 12.50 a cup at Staples...they won't be pressed to do much. Their product sells no matter what happens.

[saucon17]

I've given up on the Fightin Phils after 2 games

Phils bullpen go GFY

[Scav]

Originally Posted by saucon17

I've given up on the Fightin Phils after 2 games

Phils bullpen go GFY

oh wow...great use right there

[saucon17]

Originally Posted by Scav

oh wow...great use right there

The starting pitching does great job and Elmer Fudd (Charlie Manuel)
pulls the starting pitcher an you know whats going to happen when
they bring in the relievers. Choke city. I forgot to give Ryan Madsen
a personal go GFY for blowing the two games. Their going to dig
themselves into deep hole early in the season like last year. They say
Philly fans are harsh on their teams. They deserve to be after watching
this crap every year.

[Cannon Shell]

Originally Posted by saucon17

The starting pitching does great job and Elmer Fudd (Charlie Manuel)
pulls the starting pitcher an you know whats going to happen when
they bring in the relievers. Choke city. I forgot to give Ryan Madsen
a personal go GFY for blowing the two games. Their going to dig
themselves into deep hole early in the season like last year. They say
Philly fans are harsh on their teams. They deserve to be after watching
this crap every year.

You may want to put some of the blame on the Phils so far non-existant offense. They better be able to get more than 6 hits in 11 innings against Atlanta's pitching staff.