tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-75532461729238891372024-02-07T20:04:19.417-05:00Los Angeles Lakers Videos, News and BlogMy Los Angeles Laker's Blog. You'll find all you need to know about America's favorite NBA Franchise.Joseph Estradahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16731012280953338395noreply@blogger.comBlogger19125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7553246172923889137.post-13486022764076525532008-03-10T00:46:00.002-04:002008-03-10T00:54:21.480-04:00Sacramento Defeats Lakers<div style="text-align: justify;">The Lakers did not come out and play the type of basketball I know they are capable of doing. They really did not get anything going, the Kings were beating them do the loose balls and was just out hustling the Lakers. With that said, the Lakers still had a chance to pull it out in the end but Kobe's buzzer beater fell inches short and the Kings came out on top 114-113.<br />The Lakers gave up a total of 71 points in the first half and was behind by eleven, needless to say they had their work cut out for them. They did however come out in the 3rd quarter and outscored the Kings by 9 points to cut the lead to 3 after 3 quarters. The fourth quarter was a battle back and forth with the Lakers finally taking their first lead of the game with 14 seconds remaining from a Pau Gasol layup. However the Kings were able to convert two free throws on the next possession to take a the lead back with 4.6 seconds remaining. Phil called Kobe's number to take the last shot for the Lakers and he had a real good look at the basket but the shot fell short.<br />No biggie, the Lakers are still on top of the west with San Antonio losing to Phoenix earlier in the day. The Lakers are now 43-19 with the playoffs just around the corner.<br /></div>Joseph Estradahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16731012280953338395noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7553246172923889137.post-57320038584931445742008-03-05T00:38:00.005-05:002008-03-05T18:52:20.291-05:00Lakers Take Down Kings<div style="text-align: justify;">Lakers took down the Kings to improve to 43-18. They were trailing the first 44 minutes of the game but Mr. MVP took over in the 4th and the Lakers prevailed. Kobe finished with 34 points and Pau added a modest 32. So sick to see our 2 best players putting 30+ points each. The game was a struggle for the Lakers for 3 1/2 quarters but when the time came, Mr. MVP just took over first getting to the line with ease and making the free throws, then making dazzling 360 plays.<br />Pau also showed his worth, as if he hasn't already. He played a GREAT game he was there from start to finish.<br />As I said earlier, Sacramento held the lead for the first 44 minutes, they played their hearts out and I give them credit for that. I believe the Sac fans still believe that the LA vs Sac is still a rivalry and that's what gets them going. Well good for them, I felt the energy from the crowd and that made the game exciting to watch. But to me, the better thing to see was how many Laker fans showed up at Arco Arena.. I mean in the final 4 minutes whenever Kobe was shooting free throws, the chant of MVP was apparant. It must be sickening to the Maloofs to hear that since they thought they had this game in hand. Oh well..<br />The Lakers are now 43-18 and with 21 games left. They are tied with San Antonio for the top spot in the west. The next 2 months is really going to be an exciting one to watch. Thank God my wife let me get NBA LP this year. Living away from LA and watching the Lakers play like this makes me want to move back soo bad... Well hopefully soon we will be able to move back.<br />Next up is the Clips on Friday.. Lets make it 3 in a row fellas.. Go LA 08.. KB24MVP<br /></div>Joseph Estradahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16731012280953338395noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7553246172923889137.post-19161631395625988812008-03-03T19:02:00.002-05:002008-03-03T19:04:44.983-05:00Feeling Like Crap<div style="text-align: justify;">Not sure how this happened but I woke up today with a fever of 102, I have chills and migraines and have started to come down with a runny nose and coughing. I was perfectly fine yesterday, maybe because I was so hyped from the LA win but I'm feeling like complete crap today. I hope it's not the flu since I got the flu shot this year and every year as long as I can remember. I just hope I don't get my 4 year old sick.. If you have a 4 year old you know exactly what I'm talking about. So for now I'm gonna just get rest and hopefully I can go back to work by Wednesday.<br /></div>Joseph Estradahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16731012280953338395noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7553246172923889137.post-10225854082021248522008-03-02T21:34:00.005-05:002008-03-02T21:56:25.524-05:00Lakers vs Mavericks 3/2/08, 52 for Kobe<div style="text-align: justify;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdLf_cd5ERKstDtSmytvGltJaJsnPzU_lyehdzvfrB1FqyoIT83V7VgF1BpWN9yWr5N08xB5IQ8tI67VIhaE4xiDIxi9IeswQ_cR_GqxCa_1YWGeUBHuhq5k7DMGF09aVJp7iZf5VQ-u8O/s1600-h/nba_g_bryant_412.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdLf_cd5ERKstDtSmytvGltJaJsnPzU_lyehdzvfrB1FqyoIT83V7VgF1BpWN9yWr5N08xB5IQ8tI67VIhaE4xiDIxi9IeswQ_cR_GqxCa_1YWGeUBHuhq5k7DMGF09aVJp7iZf5VQ-u8O/s320/nba_g_bryant_412.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5173338463057202130" border="0" /></a>This game was a thriller. Although the Los Angeles Lakers did not play their best basketball they were able to escape with a win in overtime behind a 52 point outburst from Mr. Franchise, the Black Mamba otherwise known as Kobe Bryant.<br />The game started off fast for Dallas who took a 7-0 lead after just a couple of minutes into the first quarter. But the Lakers gathered themselves and behind an outstanding first quarter from Pau Gasol and Luke Walton they were able to finish the quarter ahead by 6 with a score of 29-23. Pau had 12 points after the first quarter while Luke made several key hustle plays.<br />The second quarter belonged to the visitors as they outscored LA by 3 to cut the lead to 3. The score at the half was LA 50 and Dallas 47. The Lakers actually came out lucky to be ahead by three as Dallas made a double pump 3 pointer at end the half from half court but the shot was released a split second too late and the basket bas waved off.<br />The 3rd and pivotal quarter belonged to Dallas as well as they continued to chip away at the lead and finally ending the quarter with a 3 point lead. Dallas just wouldn't go away in this one.. they wanted the W and was doing everything in their power to get it. To the point that they were playing like it was a football game (really aggressive). We were in LA and I figured that we had home court advantage.. but I guess I was wrong. There was alot of heated exchanges out there and I really thought that a fight was going to break out. Eric Dampier fouled Kobe on a play that should have been a flagrant but wasn't called as such. But what can you do, the refs will call the game as they see it I guess.. But I hope they get their eyes checked before the next game.<br />The fourth quarter was an exciting one to watch. I was on my feet for the last six minutes of the game. Mr. Bryant took over the game for the Lakers as he scored 30 points in the 4th quarter and overtime. On the other side of the coin, Dirk played like the all star he is. There were several key plays made down the stretch by several key players. With 6 seconds remaining Lamar missed 2 vital free throws but Kobe was able to grab the offensive rebound and get fouled. He made the two free throws which gave the Lakers a 3 point lead with seconds remaining. I was feeling good a the time, but Dallas was able to answer as Dirk quieted the crowd with a 3 pointer well beyond the arc to bring the game to Overtime.<br />In overtime the Lakers got off to a quick start from a 3 pointer by Sasha and never trailed in OT. Dirk did get another chance to bring the game into a 2nd OT but failed to my delight.<br />The final score in this thriller was 108-104. Kobe had a season high 52 points, 11 rebounds and 4 assists, while Pau added 17 points, 14 rebounds, 5 assists, 3 steals and 2 key blocks.<br />The Lakers are on top of the west again @ 42-18 but only 1/2 game above San Antonio. Next up is Sacramento on Tuesday. Lets start another streak guys..<br /></div>Joseph Estradahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16731012280953338395noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7553246172923889137.post-56555353438331080212008-03-02T11:05:00.003-05:002008-03-02T11:17:54.370-05:00Game Preview : Lakers vs Mavericks 3/2/08<div style="text-align: justify;">Both Dallas and Los Angeles were involved in big trades during the NBA frenzy during February. But so far Los Angeles has benefited much more with the Pau trade than Dallas has with Kidd. Let's hope the trend continues today as the Los Angeles Lakers (41-18) face the Dallas Mavericks (39-20) in Los Angeles on National Television. The Lakers are still without Bynum, Ariza, Mihm and Radmanovic, while Dallas has a healthy squad. The Lakers are coming off a disappointing loss to the Portland Trailblazers on Friday. Dallas on the other hand is on the upswing after taking a game over Sacramento on Friday.<br />The Los Angeles Lakers are favored to win this game, but they were favored against Portland as well. I just hope they come out hungry and play with a purpose. After winning 10 games in a row they got complacent and took Portland for granted. Don't get me wrong Portland played a great game, but if LA played all 48 minutes that we all know they are capable of playing then they would have come out with a win. With that said, if LA comes out and plays LA basketball the whole game then we should have the W at the end of the game.<br />I'm gonna get the glasses and beer chilled and the grubb ordered and ready just in time for tip off.<br /></div>Joseph Estradahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16731012280953338395noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7553246172923889137.post-47142637974103604482008-03-01T23:36:00.003-05:002008-03-01T23:53:30.559-05:00Earvin Magic Johnson<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVMDEzK9h1K2fXIYDsgw73PDfPkgcxnh5Uet3ReTG3lH5ZZOQFNQ24Crx93K9b4dL9MujR3sZW1i1WGOAOOn5vVcm9oqnwkiv3DFH6GPodDymXof_c7CjQgHL-IRtBSR_8AOG2Xv1G2-Go/s1600-h/magic_254_jrskyhook.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVMDEzK9h1K2fXIYDsgw73PDfPkgcxnh5Uet3ReTG3lH5ZZOQFNQ24Crx93K9b4dL9MujR3sZW1i1WGOAOOn5vVcm9oqnwkiv3DFH6GPodDymXof_c7CjQgHL-IRtBSR_8AOG2Xv1G2-Go/s200/magic_254_jrskyhook.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5173001883650083778" border="0" /></a>Earvin "Magic" Johnson is one of the greatest Laker of all time. In my humble opinion he is the greatest point guard to ever play the game. He stood at 6 foot 9 inches tall and used his height to his advantage playing the point guard position.<br /><div style="text-align: justify;">He is one of those rare NBA players that was lucky enough to only play for one NBA team their whole career. He was the first overall pick in the 1979 draft. The Lakers were able to draft him when they traded Gail Goodrich to the New Orleans Jazz for the 1st overall draft pick and the rest was history. He played for the Lakers from 1979-1991, the "Showtime" years. During his tenure with the Lakers he helped evolve NBA basketball from a dying sport to what it is today. He also helped the Lakers win 5 championships and spark the long lasting rivalry with the Boston Celtics.<br />As a kid growing up in the 80s, he is one of the main reasons why I will always be a Laker fan. He made the game exciting, entertaining and most of all fun. No one blog can ever cover what Magic has accomplished in his NBA career but one word can describe the man and that word is"legandary".<br />I believe he was and always will be one of a kind. It's been over 15 years since his career with the Lakers and I have not seen another player come close to Magic's skill set and basketball IQ. <br /></div>Joseph Estradahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16731012280953338395noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7553246172923889137.post-39684082647711510052008-03-01T17:09:00.001-05:002008-03-01T17:10:50.353-05:002/28 - Kobe to Luke to LamarThis is from the LA-Miami game back on 2/28/08. Just a normal behind the shoulder, behind the back slam courtesy of the Lake Show...<br /><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><object width="425" height="355"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/UJjUpbTgf2w"></param><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/UJjUpbTgf2w" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="425" height="355"></embed></object><br /></div>Joseph Estradahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16731012280953338395noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7553246172923889137.post-65975567248181192602008-03-01T01:07:00.004-05:002008-03-01T08:30:58.164-05:00The Streak Ends At 10<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX9mZG84UTX9wHkugdnjUQSJ0gzyF4FvPckbUA2ZFwLAMnMNIZJuHRtNz-RcOLka2fYBj2_icV8stcFVN6P2hi-3Qfoi55W9c7wBppwE9EONtBsguuS7S2Wwz-Xs_U4QkpacVuq9jXqo1i/s1600-h/006e9a9a-e343-41de-ab6a-0d89e8abad86.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX9mZG84UTX9wHkugdnjUQSJ0gzyF4FvPckbUA2ZFwLAMnMNIZJuHRtNz-RcOLka2fYBj2_icV8stcFVN6P2hi-3Qfoi55W9c7wBppwE9EONtBsguuS7S2Wwz-Xs_U4QkpacVuq9jXqo1i/s200/006e9a9a-e343-41de-ab6a-0d89e8abad86.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5172765183707433906" border="0" /></a>The Lakers winning ends at ten games at the hands of the Trailblazers and I'm still in complete shock right now. The Lakers played great and shot the ball over 50% but Portland just made the plays down the stretch. The Lakers had a 1 point lead at the end of three quarters but was outscored 33 to 24 in the final quarter with a final score of 119-111. The Lakers are now 41-18 they are still on top of the west but only 1/2 game separates them and San Antonio and they ave 1 1/2 games above Phoenix. Wow, you lose a game in the west and everything changes.<br />Kobe had 33, Lamar and Luke each had 17 while Pau added 15 points, but this wasn't enough as Portland outplayed the Lakers down the stretch. It's only one game and I know we will bounce back and learn from this loss.<br /><br />Next up, Dallas on Sunday on national TV. I look for the Lakers to come out hungry on Sunday and take care of business.Joseph Estradahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16731012280953338395noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7553246172923889137.post-35034049976820155812008-02-27T19:33:00.002-05:002008-02-27T19:42:52.457-05:00Making Teams Quit<div style="text-align: justify;">So the Los Angeles Lakers have the day off today and they had interviewed Kobe Bryant over @ NBA.com regarding how he feels his team is progressing. Throughout the interview he really came off very confident in how his team is playing and how he feels that they have a real shot at winning the title. No duh, right.. He also mentioned that he feels that the bench is the BEST in the league. I would have to agree with that statement, although there are alot of teams out there with great bench players. He was asked how a team like the Miami Heat can fall apart so quickly since he has been on top of the mountain before. He responded be saying that it's tough, you just gotta keep on plugging after you win a championship to stay up there but it's tough. It has been a shock to me personally how Miami just went from a champ to a CBA team in less than two years with all the talent they had on the team. I know it's tough but I figured that with Riley and Dwayne they'll playoff contenders for years to come even with Shaq slowing down. But the league is just that tough.<br />The best part of the interview for me was when he was being asked about the recent "very" successful 9-game road trip and how some teams responded to how well the Lakers were playing. He went on to say that there were times that the Lakers just executed everything perfectly that a couple of teams just QUIT. ROFLMAO..<br /><br />Can't wait for the game tomorrow against Miami.. and it will be on HD on TNT. It will probably be a blow out but I just love watching the Lakers BALL.<br /></div>Joseph Estradahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16731012280953338395noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7553246172923889137.post-13717287663105939482008-02-27T01:03:00.004-05:002008-02-27T01:11:39.012-05:00Lakers vs Trailblazers 2/26/08<div style="text-align: justify;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFxGZFzyvT3SPKWTi-KW8mH14-0vU8TXQJVGXDC32sO9ZGJVmhyphenhyphen0YO8Ii2DiLuw_FoYkscsU_Pbon1V1Q7FkzpjFJJrdiAsRl9SYEFLYl3kzwEJqcoot2OTtZHtMVnCNNMlVXqpmjuAccw/s1600-h/08bb2515-4850-4a5a-96a3-3bf533e55634.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFxGZFzyvT3SPKWTi-KW8mH14-0vU8TXQJVGXDC32sO9ZGJVmhyphenhyphen0YO8Ii2DiLuw_FoYkscsU_Pbon1V1Q7FkzpjFJJrdiAsRl9SYEFLYl3kzwEJqcoot2OTtZHtMVnCNNMlVXqpmjuAccw/s200/08bb2515-4850-4a5a-96a3-3bf533e55634.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5171538576944085218" border="0" /></a>The Los Angeles Lakers have won 9 straight games and have reached 40 games this season. They beat the Portland Trailblazers 96-83, but it didn't come easy. The Lakers fell behind right off the gates and was down by as much as 15 in the first quarter. They rallied back to cut the lead to 10 at the end of the first quarter. The second quarter, the Lakers kept on pushing the tempo behind a spark from Jordan Farmar off the bench who scored a career high of 21 points in 24 minutes. The Lakers were able to the lead to 2 at the half. The 3rd quarter was evenly matched, as Portland kept on battling but the Lakers had a slight edge in the quarter and finishing the quarter with a 2 point lead 67-65. The fourth and final quarter belonged to KB24. He took over the game and that was that, final score Lakers 96 Trailblazers 83. The Lakers win their 9th straight game and are atop the Western Conference.<br /></div>Kobe had 30 points, 9 rebounds and 8 assists, Pau had 15 points, 10 rebounds and 3 block shots, Lamar 6 points and 10 rebounds as he was in foul trouble throughout the game but finished strong, and last but not least a career night for the UCLA sensarion Jordan Farmar. It wasn't pretty but we were able to get it done. Next up, Miami on Thursday.Joseph Estradahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16731012280953338395noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7553246172923889137.post-77946364528175387522008-02-26T17:28:00.003-05:002008-02-26T17:38:32.180-05:00Bynum Rehab On Track<div style="text-align: justify;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhthqvwAU3ND7wss-iqmgtu8NOFhBHaZaqzRtSuVEVT68IL1NRGKfSrEfdF3byjRn2nN4mll8YRXqQtFiwCtqSFTPJPSAs2JdpyIwh9qGYaDb4PPJST-FzFaL9N7d7tWgPTrjIj_IyVI5gM/s1600-h/943620_480_art_R0.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhthqvwAU3ND7wss-iqmgtu8NOFhBHaZaqzRtSuVEVT68IL1NRGKfSrEfdF3byjRn2nN4mll8YRXqQtFiwCtqSFTPJPSAs2JdpyIwh9qGYaDb4PPJST-FzFaL9N7d7tWgPTrjIj_IyVI5gM/s320/943620_480_art_R0.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5171419928472533122" border="0" /></a>Per Curtis Zupke @ the Orange County Register Bynum's Rehab is right on track and should be back by mid to late March. He mentioned that Bynum has started running running in the pool as his latest step towards strengthening training. I can't hardly wait to see how the squad will be playing at full strength. Honestly, I don't think anyone has a chance to beat them when healthy, but we still have to see it to get the answer.<br />We will have a starting five of Fisher, Odom, Pau, Bynum and last but not least the MVP Mr. Bryant. Then coming off the bench, we will have the Machine, Jordan Farmar, Radman and Luke.. Then we still have Coby and Mbenga because you all know they will be getting a bunch of play time the next couple of months since the team will just be blowing everyone out the water. Well at least I hope so.<br />It might take Bynum a couple of games to get acclimated to the new team when he gets back, but he's so young that I believe it won't take that long if any time at all. I still can't get over the fact that Lamar could be our 4th option. That is just sick. This season has sure been a dream come true, I hope we face Phoenix and blow them out.. just a little payback on what's being going on the past two seasons.<br /></div>Joseph Estradahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16731012280953338395noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7553246172923889137.post-83697052210518141412008-02-25T20:31:00.003-05:002008-02-25T20:44:59.867-05:00Nick Van Exel - Former Lakers<div style="text-align: justify;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9RhPdBlIG3BITIaWm4twIoEZa0k8LG0U4bgWm93UPBD51JbpDtfVuLVRA_QDt574SsI-CuSgW1MgzqxO7PCsBEWHh5MRizzWqOGC0W62OLlcCUWcfy8VlmWoI3522sGV26JTKMr70Omft/s1600-h/NickVanExel003.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9RhPdBlIG3BITIaWm4twIoEZa0k8LG0U4bgWm93UPBD51JbpDtfVuLVRA_QDt574SsI-CuSgW1MgzqxO7PCsBEWHh5MRizzWqOGC0W62OLlcCUWcfy8VlmWoI3522sGV26JTKMr70Omft/s320/NickVanExel003.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5171095684211488738" border="0" /></a>The great Nick "The Quick" Van Exel was picked 37th by the Lakers in the 1993 NBA draft. He was a Jerry West special. He had alot of critics due to his "attitude problem", but I believe it was this "attitude problem" that gave him an edge against his "nice" opponents. He was lightning quick and was a top notch clutch player.<br />He had several clutch game winning shots during his career with the Lakers but a couple come to mind whenever I think of Nick The Quick. One shot was the shot in Overtime against San Antonio in the 1995 Western Conference Semis. He made a 3-pointer with the time running out to win the game. The second shot was the last shot ever taken by a Laker in the Boston Garden. A shot in which he made a 3 pointer to win the game against Boston. Just a sick sick shot.. Soo sick that I believe you guys gotta, and I mean gotta see it. Here is the youtube video of it:<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><object width="425" height="355"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/POXL49YzEns&rel=1"></param><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/POXL49YzEns&rel=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="425" height="355"></embed></object><br /></div>Joseph Estradahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16731012280953338395noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7553246172923889137.post-43951016419674467112008-02-25T17:55:00.004-05:002008-02-25T18:01:54.666-05:00The Machine<div align="justify"><a href="http://www.latimes.com/media/photo/2008-02/36047522.jpg"><img style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://www.latimes.com/media/photo/2008-02/36047522.jpg" border="0" /></a> Mike Bresnahan from the Los Angeles Times is giving credit where credit is due. Check out this article on THE MACHINE..<br /><br />SEATTLE -- Sasha Vujacic used to be called an "11 o'clock player" by Coach Phil Jackson, a reference to his habit of shooting well in morning practices but failing to extend it to games.<br />Now he's living up to a different nickname, one he gave himself -- The Machine.<br />Vujacic has become a reliable three-point shooter, giving the Lakers an added piece on an already energetic and efficient bench.<br />He is averaging 11.9 points in 12 games this month and is shooting a remarkable 51% from three-point range over the same span.<br />His stat line Sunday night in the Lakers' 111-91 victory over Seattle was typical, if almost expected -- 13 points, with three three-point baskets in six attempts.<br />"Coming into this season, there was a lot of talk about how it was time to show why I came here to Los Angeles and why they picked me up," said Vujacic, the 27th pick in the 2004 draft. "I'm just having fun and playing consistent minutes."<br />Despite the original nickname he affixed to Vujacic, Jackson said he had been a "promoter of Sasha for a long time."<br />"Now we see that he's got a definite role," Jackson said. "He's influential in ballgames, he's helped us win a couple ballgames this year. He now has a nickname for himself that everybody's kind of kidding him about, but he is looking like he's going to be a deadly three-point shooter."<br />Vujacic, who turns 24 next week, is in the last year of a contract that pays him $1.8 million this season. He will be a restricted free agent in July, but tries not to think that far ahead.<br />"Individual stuff comes after the team stuff," he said. "All I'm thinking about is that goal we all have set up for this season and that's to go as far as we can. I can say loud and proud that we're going to go after the championship. After that, we can talk about" his future.<br />Vladimir Radmanovic traveled with the team but did not play against Seattle after sustaining what was believed to be a strained right calf Saturday against the Clippers.<br />Radmanovic will undergo an MRI exam today in Los Angeles and might be out a week or two.<br />"He just made a move on the defensive end and cramped," Jackson said. "If it's cramps, it's one thing. If it's a torn or pulled calf, it's another."<br />Luke Walton took his place in the starting lineup and had 11 points, seven rebounds and six assists against Seattle.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.latimes.com/media/photo/2008-02/36047522.jpg"></a><br /><br /></div>Joseph Estradahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16731012280953338395noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7553246172923889137.post-70261778032960482552008-02-24T23:13:00.003-05:002008-02-25T18:02:06.547-05:00Lakers vs. Sonics 2/24/2008<div align="justify"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://assets.espn.go.com/media/apphoto/390f8fe2-0329-48d3-b566-18f11af151cf.jpg"><img style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: pointer" alt="" src="http://assets.espn.go.com/media/apphoto/390f8fe2-0329-48d3-b566-18f11af151cf.jpg" border="0" /></a>Lakers win their 8th straight game 111-91 over the Seattle Supersonics. They are now alone @ 1st place in the West with a 39-17 record. Lakers led throughout the game and never trailed.<br />Pau, Odom and Kobe again played great, despite Kobe getting ejected midway through the 3rd quarter. Pau had 20 points, 6 rebounds and 3 assists, Odom had another double-double with 17 points and 10 rebounds and Kobe added 21 points, 10 assists, 4 rebounds and 3 steals in only 26 minutes of play. Our Lakers look awesome and as long as they remain healthy I do believe they will win the title.<br /><br />Next up is Portland on Tuesday.. lets make this 9 straight. LETS GO LA!!!</div>Joseph Estradahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16731012280953338395noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7553246172923889137.post-72555317095619964162008-02-24T16:53:00.001-05:002008-02-25T18:02:21.236-05:00Phoenix vs. Detroit 2/24/08<div align="justify"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn-bSSYeKLepNnVKacqdm7T6jB00D6_BmO0h6mLsYTl52kpNb7WbGzOrGkL_u77byO0HIPxE5eBRr01lJ86L_0Cn9rHp_wnOyabl3gi_ysDiploD3wFs1UxTQyhEnXq9LGobiXzU7iWdNC/s1600-h/shaq22408.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5170670701492516818" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn-bSSYeKLepNnVKacqdm7T6jB00D6_BmO0h6mLsYTl52kpNb7WbGzOrGkL_u77byO0HIPxE5eBRr01lJ86L_0Cn9rHp_wnOyabl3gi_ysDiploD3wFs1UxTQyhEnXq9LGobiXzU7iWdNC/s320/shaq22408.jpg" border="0" /></a>So I figured I'll watch the Suns vs. Pistons game since this game has big implications on the Lakers ranking. I also figured it was going to be a good game, but it wasn't.. it was a complete blow out. The final score was 116-86. I can't believe the Suns got blown out that much on their home court. Being a Laker fan, I felt kinda bad when Shaq got booed by the crowd after missing a lay up. But on the other hand, I figured hey if we get a win tonight against Seattle then we'll be 1 game ahead of Phoenix and will be the #1 team all by ourselves. So I didn't feel THAT bad. Heh...<br /></div>In 4 hours, the Lakers will be playing and I can't wait to see another blow out. Let's do this!!!!<br /><br /><br />Let's extend the win streak to 8 and the longest of the year...Joseph Estradahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16731012280953338395noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7553246172923889137.post-91334282640632035022008-02-24T13:15:00.001-05:002008-02-25T18:02:36.001-05:00Is Kobe The Best? Who Cares...<div align="justify">Well that question is often asked by many several sources and frankly I don't really care. All I'm concerned about is the fact that he is growing up to be an excellent team leader and is actually playing TEAM basketball. Three years ago, if you mentioned Kobe in the same sentence as TEAM I would probably laugh at your face. But I believe the losing years have been a positive reinforcement into this man. He now knows how it feels to lose and since he first felt how it was on the top, that gives him more of a driving force to get back up there.<br />He actually wants the TEAM to win and not for HIM to win and it shows. Watching the lakers vs clippers game last night, Kobe wasn't too concerned about getting shots for himself, he was much more concerned with getting everyone else involved. Of course when it comes down to it, and when his team needs it, he will take over the game and showcase the skills we all know he has.<br />So is he the best player in the NBA right now?? Like I said I don't care.. but in my humble opinion he may not be best individual player but he is the MOST VALUABLE PLAYER of the 2007-2008 season.</div>Joseph Estradahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16731012280953338395noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7553246172923889137.post-52065597354041645942008-02-24T12:35:00.000-05:002008-02-24T12:38:57.274-05:00Pau Trade #1 Ranked Power Move of 08As if Los Angeles Laker Fans don't already know it. But ESPN writer Mark Stein confirms what we already knew. Here is an excerpt from ESPN<br /><br /><p> <b>1. <a href="http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/players/profile?statsId=3513">Pau Gasol</a> to the Lakers</b> </p> <p> Did someone say impact? </p> <p> Getting Gasol influenced the thinking of every team around the Lakers in the West, immediately vaulted L.A. into the league's top tier of teams and, most of all, lifted <a href="http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/players/profile?statsId=3118">Kobe Bryant</a> to new levels of intensity while giving him no reason to even think about forcing his exit any time soon. No matter what happens this season. </p> <p> When you remember that the deal with Memphis -- as we keep saying -- also cost the Lakers <i>none</i> of Phil Jackson's 10 favorite players, you are forced to wonder: Can a trade get any better? </p> <p>The new Lakers have quickly convinced lots of smart folks in this league that they can win the championship on their first attempt, even with <a href="http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/players/profile?statsId=3936">Andrew Bynum</a> still out indefinitely and Kobe allegedly vulnerable with a pinkie injury that didn't seem to be troubling him too much in Phoenix on Wednesday night. If it doesn't happen right away? Bryant doesn't turn 30 until August; Bynum doesn't turn 21 until October; and Gasol is just 27. </p> <p> Either way, I already find myself backing off my <a href="http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/powerranking">Power Rankings premise</a> that the Lakers have too much going on healthwise and newnesswise to get out of the West this June, especially after a serious scolding Friday from a trusted Western Conference scout who said: "They've replaced <a href="http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/players/profile?statsId=3662">Smush Parker</a> with <a href="http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/players/profile?statsId=3125">Derek Fisher</a> at the point, which is a huge upgrade, and nobody's talking about <a href="http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/players/profile?statsId=3327">Lamar Odom</a>. If Lamar is the third-best player on your team, you're really good. And he might be the Lakers' fourth-best player."<br /></p><br />The full article can be found <a href="http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/dailydime?page=dime-080223-24">here</a>Joseph Estradahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16731012280953338395noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7553246172923889137.post-39573058893323936962008-02-24T11:39:00.001-05:002008-02-25T18:02:49.081-05:00Lakers Vs Clippers Feb 23, 2008<div align="justify">Well we did it, we've tied our season high 7-game win streak with the win over the Los Angeles Clipper last night. Pau led the way with 23 points and Kobe added 17. Lakers are rollin and can only get better as we go into the playoffs. Andrew Bynum is still on track on returning at the end of March and hopefully will be at full strength by the time the playoff starts.<br />Also with the win streak the Lakers are now 38-17 which means they are the top team in the Western Conference. That is just a sick sick accomplishment considering where the team was at, at the beginning of the season.<br /><br />A NEW DYNASTY IS BREWING....</div>Joseph Estradahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16731012280953338395noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7553246172923889137.post-26286832562835306002008-02-24T10:49:00.001-05:002008-02-25T18:03:00.948-05:00Stephen Smith on the Pau Gasol Trade<div align="justify">LOL at this guy. Makes alot of sense though.. I can't believe it's almost been a month since the trade.<br /><object height="355" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/8j9nsqv9m6M&rel=1"><param name="wmode" value="transparent"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/8j9nsqv9m6M&rel=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" height="355" width="425"></embed></object></div>Joseph Estradahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16731012280953338395noreply@blogger.com0