Trevor Ariza (Photo. Lynette Estair)Popular sentiment following the NBA’s latest batch of Christmas Day games is that the Lakers are now a legit contender. Are they really? For now, we’d have to say so. The Lakers have the best player on the planet in Kobe. They have arguably the best coach in the game in Phil Jackson. And after yesterday’s win over Phoenix, there’s no debating that Andrew Bynum is a certified problem for the rest of the League. (Is anyone questioning Mitch Kupchak for taking the kid #10 in the ‘05 Draft now? And remember the Knicks took Channing Frye 8th that same year.) But one of the X-factors that will make L.A. a tough out come this postseason is Trevor Ariza (14 pts, 7 rebs, 2 stls). His acquisition in the Mo Evans/Brian Cook trade didn’t seem like a big deal at the time, but now it’s looking like a steal for the Lakers. And that dunk on Grant Hill was just brutal … Kobe scored 38 points, 14 coming in the third quarter as L.A. built the lead it would keep throughout the fourth. Right before the end of the quarter, Kobe drove past Raja Bell and threw down a reverse dunk over Boris Diaw. The court mics caught somebody screaming; we couldn’t tell if it was Kobe or Diaw or Dyan Cannon … This was a breakout game for Bynum. He dropped 28 points and 12 boards on Amare Stoudemire (last year’s All-NBA First Team center, a.k.a. arguably the best in the League), catching a few dunks on Amare’s head and simply outplaying STAT (19 pts, 6 rebs) throughout. It’s been said many times, many ways, but Bynum really does have some of the best hands of any big man in the League; he catches everything thrown to him. There was one play where Jordan Farmar pitched a bad lob to Bynum, but he brought it in no problem like he was T.O. and finished the alley oop … Brian Skinner could have given us all a Christmas gift and chopped off that asinine orange part of his beard, but he decided to be a Scrooge and torture us all … It must be frustrating living in Mike D’Antoni’s world: Here you’ve gone and put together a team where no one ever commits a foul on defense, where your players are getting hammered every time down the court when they’re on offense, and where anytime an opposing player scores it’s because he pushed off or traveled — and the refs don’t seem to understand that … Who gave Phil that bowtie? … Going into Heat/Cavs we were a little worried LeBron might do something inhumane to Shaq — the kind of mid-air confrontation everyone wanted to see between Shaq and Kobe in those Christmas Day matchups. And one time in the first half, LeBron cut into the lane and took a pass while Shaq was caught standing there ripe for a YouTube highlight. But LeBron just laid it in and nobody got hurt … Shaq (13 pts, 9 rebs) did have a throwback moment when he almost pulled the basket down on one dunk, and later he elbowed ‘Bron in the mouth just to show he’s still around … One of the Heat’s many problems this year: effort. When LeBron (25 pts, 12 asts) got a steal and swooped in for a breakaway dunk, Ricky Davis stopped moving as soon as ‘Bron poked at the cross-court pass intended for Davis … And internally, the cracks continue to show for Miami. Asked after the game if the Heat’s current roster is the right one to compete, Wade answered, “That’s not my job. My job is to go out there and play. I don’t worry about the mix. That’s Coach’s job. He’s the president.” … As bad as Larry Hughes has been offensively lately, he did play a large part in keeping D-Wade in check in the first half. Wade finished with 22 points, but didn’t get his first field goal until well into the third quarter … The Blazers rolled on the Sonics as expected, for their 11th win in a row. Brandon Roy had a solid game (17 pts, 6 rebs, 7 asts) but not a dominant one — though that drive/dunk on Kevin Durant was nice. Durant scored 23 in the loss … We know it’s in Greg Oden’s nature to be self-deprecating and all, but do you think Blazers fans got a little worried during G.O.’s sideline interview when he said he’s getting tired just traveling with the team even though he’s not playing? … We’re out like Bynum’s “project” status …
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December 26th, 2007 at 6:51 am
Darko says:
Kobe is the man!
December 26th, 2007 at 6:57 am
Dominique says:
What if Kwame turns himself into a good player now that he can play the power forward spot next to AB? The frontcourt with Odom would be huge and mobile.
Dominique, still a Kwame believer…
December 26th, 2007 at 7:07 am
pistola says:
kwame = good player? ain’t gonna happen sir.
December 26th, 2007 at 7:12 am
ian says:
dominique sorry my man
aint happening
December 26th, 2007 at 7:16 am
doc says:
Kwame= MJ’s illegitimate son. Nothing more nothing less.
December 26th, 2007 at 7:18 am
YOUNGFED says:
Kwame’s carreer ended when he entered the league son.
December 26th, 2007 at 8:44 am
Bust Jlaze says:
That Lakers/Suns game was very interesting. Looked like the Lakers were truly the better team throughout. Every time the Suns made a run and tied or took the lead, the Lakers went right back up by like 7 or 8. That happened at least 3 times. So if the Suns are a title contender, and the Lakers handle them pretty easily, then I guess the lakers HAVE to be considered a contender too. I still think they need a solid PF in there.
December 26th, 2007 at 8:55 am
the_don_mega says:
… i guess the Suns are not the “better team” as advertised by their coach…
December 26th, 2007 at 9:01 am
garbageman33 says:
The Suns need to trade Amare for Marcus Camby right now. If they don’t do that or something to toughen their defense in the middle, they’re never going any further than the conference semis. Sure, they’re fun to watch. But so are the Harlem Globetrotters.
December 26th, 2007 at 9:28 am
kowtz says:
@ garbage… I agree, but i would rather trade the matrix for camby, so Stat can play the four again…
Then again I doubt DEN would bite…
When the suns play a running team, with at least a single Low post dominant threat, then they’re in big trouble…
I have got to appologize to the “new kid”… I was one of the people who cussed kupchack for drafting drew and refusing to trade him for kidd…
even cussed him for trading for trevor ariza…
I appologize my man…. GO LAKERS (so lame… I know)
December 26th, 2007 at 9:43 am
MoxWestCoastRep says:
Ah how far we’ve come since that playoff beat down 2 years ago. Lake show is ballin right now and I too was killin Mitch for drafting bynum and for not getting kidd. Guess thats why I’m only a fantasy GM lol! Is there any other C in the L you’d rather have (other than D-Ho)than AB for the long term? Don’t think so. Mox out.
December 26th, 2007 at 9:45 am
Bust Jlaze says:
Nah, Kupchak was STILL wrong for this one thing…they should have thrown everything they had at Minnesota to pull Garnett. But now that that’s out of the way, Bynum’s looking real good and we’re one piece away! Perhaps Ariza will get even better once he gets used to the triangle.
December 26th, 2007 at 10:08 am
Kobeef says:
Nice move by Phil to move Ariza to the starting lineup. It really toughens up the lakers D.
The crazy thing about Bynum is that he is this good and nowhere near mature physically or mentally. After one nice alley-oop from fisher he jumped around like a little girl who just won candy…it was kind of awkward but we’ll forgive him cause he killed the suns front line.
Nash looked pissed at the end of the game - walked off the court without shaking hands with anyone and without any of his team-mates.
What the hell are the Heat gonna do? They really don’t have any cards left to play…and they SUCKED last night. Everyone they traded for or signed is worth less now than before the trade (Shaq included) so I don’t see how they can move up from here. It’s not really Riley’s fault. Could Shaq be traded? Man that would be a sad end to a great career.
December 26th, 2007 at 10:20 am
Kobeef says:
Just did the math - Heat have to win 31 of their next 52 games to finish without a losing record. It is do-able - teams like denver,phoenix and new orleans have won the same % of games so far this season and are far from dominant…but at this point it is highly probable (technically) that the heat miss the playoffs.
December 26th, 2007 at 10:22 am
Kobeef says:
sorry - 32 of their next 52
December 26th, 2007 at 10:30 am
Bust Jlaze says:
Yeah, trade Shaq back to LA as Bynum’s BACKUP, for Kwame and Radmanovic! hahaha…
But seriously folks, the Heat are a certified disaster now(I guess everyone knows that). Shaq’s gotta stop this “gimme the ball more” stuff, and realize they gotta just give DWade the ball and get the heck out the way! That’s their only option, and even then, he ain’t been the same since ‘06.
December 26th, 2007 at 11:10 am
Mark says:
I guess right now the Lakers are overachievin like the bulls last year. I think Bynum has a nice run at this time, he’s gettin the confidence he needs to play at this level. I hope he can keep this up, but at the same time i think his numbers will dip a bit when he is facing tougher defenses not to name NY or PHO..
I don’t think that they will trade anybody right now, there is a good chemistry and they will see how this is playing out. But if they trade someone before the tradedeadline it should be Odom. There are enough Players who fit better like ron ron, t-mac, J.O. for example. I know salaries would not match but with Kwame and some spareparts every deal is possible.
December 26th, 2007 at 11:35 am
smity says:
the suns looked dissapointing. could a starting lineup of skinner at the 5 and amare at the 4 not work? amare needs to give a better effort on not getting shown up on d. bring hill and barbosa off the bench at the same time and let marion slide to the 3. after watching that game yesterday im starting to think that l.a. wont be having any of that “first round loss to pheonix” business this year…
heat and cavs? boring and uninteresting. find some other teams to showcase nba. (but i guess that they couldnt have predicted that the heat would be this bad and that cleveland would be this bad as well when they made the schedule, still give me another game option.) i had very little interest in watching that game after seeing the first quarter…and second and third…
December 26th, 2007 at 12:13 pm
Bust Jlaze says:
I don’t think the Bulls were overacheiving per se…They got a lot of attention after sweeping an underacheiving Miami Heat team. And they won a good amount of regular season games ’cause they were playing a system they believed in. Rest of the league adjusted to it, they got all flustered, and the coach takes the fall for it.
As far as the Lakers, I think Kobe lit a fire with his “antics” this off-season, especially the anti-Bynum comments, and now they’re playing with a chip on their shoulders. Seems like those “antics” were more like “tactics”…well played, Kobe.
December 26th, 2007 at 12:15 pm
Bust Jlaze says:
I spelled “achieving” wrong both times…I before E got-dang it!!
December 26th, 2007 at 12:24 pm
jz_smoove says:
One good game by the Lakers over the Suns, Whoop dee doo dah. Hurry and lets get on the Lake Show BS Bandwagon. A good team thats all they are, not a great one nor a contender even.
December 26th, 2007 at 12:37 pm
Mike C says:
The thing that you have to remember is that the Suns are a team that peaked last year.
Really, last season was the year that they had to win it, but they couldn’t.
They remind me of the Kings after they lost in the Western Finals against the Lakers that went to game 7.
After that window closed, they still won a lot of games the next couple of seasons, but really weren’t true contenders anymore.
On the other hand, the Lakers are on the upswing and should get even better as season progresses.
They really are the most complete offensive squad in the league because they have one of the best half-court offenses (triangle) and one of the better running games. Plus, they have the best crunch time playmaker/scorer alive.
I still think they need another reliable spot-up shooter besides Radmanovic, but they’re the second best team in the west as it stands right now. Period.
December 26th, 2007 at 12:43 pm
bron42 aka Global-4A-Reason says:
everyones actin all suprised about miami. we all knew they weren’t gonna do anything after seeing how the playoffs went. They shortened their bench lettin posey and kapono go(you kno its bad when kapono matters this much),get daquen cook who along with dorrel is years away from helping much, they get ricky davis like he was somebody, and then zo goes down…
The lakers will make the playoffs and lose in the first round again…their just not a complete team yet, so I don’t see them beating most teams in a 7 series. They’ll look hot 1 or 2 games unless kobe goes ballistic.
the bulls did get over hyped…they got credit last year for their end of the season run (remember everyone was worried who would play the heat) and just cuz they swept the heat everyone expected great things. now they came back to earth and all their weaknesses are exposed once gain.
I still think bynum will calm down. Anyone who saw him in high school will tell you hes not consistent BUT gotta give him credit for what hes doin now. really steppin up.
Trade amare or marion for camby? so your gonna give up youth and points (amare) or experince, your only defensive player and basketball IQ (marion) for a guy who doesn’t score and is injured 24/7 just he plays defense? specially wiht nash’s window closeing super fast? and do you REALLY think camby would make that much of a difference? hes never gonna have those 30-40 point games marion and amare can give you, plus duncan rips camby in the playoffs just like he does anyone else…hence suns still wont win.
December 26th, 2007 at 1:04 pm
smity says:
—camby isnt injured 24/7. he’s actually had a bettter track record these last couple of years (playing with injuries and still producing and arguably dominating defensively).
—shawn marion has 30 point games occasionally. 40 point games is a stretch.
—the only problem (right now) i see with with putting camby in pheonix is the fact that he can’t catch passes very well…which will result in missed oppurtunities/turnovers
—Mike C’s point is very interesting. and i agree with it. it hadnt occured to me that the suns could actually be the next sacramento. its kinda messed up cause i like pheonix as a team (never cared too much for a chris webber/chrstie/vlade mix)
—(i still feel like)my chicago’s bulls should have gotten pau. the east would have been theirs (cause for some reason they usually trick detroit into playing down to their level..and as a fan of the game first that frustrates me. i know youngfed and bust can feel that…)
—now that skiles is gone bring chandler back. or convince kobe to believe in what bron said the lakers will do this year…and then trade for him…
December 26th, 2007 at 1:07 pm
BustJlaze says:
JZ Smoove:
really? I think just the fact that you just said “BANDWAGON”, shows how far they’ve come hahaha…what non-contender team do you know of has a BANDWAGON? Last time I heard bandwagon and Lakers in the same sentence was like ‘03-04!
December 26th, 2007 at 1:12 pm
bron42 aka Global-4A-Reason says:
someone tell me that ariza dunk didn’t look just like when nash autographed kobes shorts with his lips…shameful
smity, when i said 30-40 i was talking marion or amare…amare has had 40 point games and marion has had 30 point games, so losin either one for cambys 12 points is a big hit. plus ya, camby has been better these last 3 years but you really think his body would hold up to a up and down game like that where hes the only one playin defense all the time? plus ya, hes a top 5 defender but its not like hes gonna shut down duncan much better than anyone the suns have now, just ask denver last year. plus to shut down duncan AND slow down parker when he beats nash (not a shot, you all have said it yourself thats suddenly teh centers job) camby isnt THAT much of a difference maker.
December 26th, 2007 at 1:19 pm
Joe says:
blah blah blah, lakers, suns, lakers, suns, how about some love for the blazers? league best 11 game winning streak, 4th toughest schedule in the league so far, 3rd youngest team in the history of the NBA, you are getting a chance to see the start of a dynasty….FEAR THE BLAZERS!
December 26th, 2007 at 1:28 pm
bron42 aka Global-4A-Reason says:
how bout some love for greg odens young mike jackson fro and velvet suit jacket…cold blooddedd
December 26th, 2007 at 1:35 pm
Bust Jlaze says:
Yeah yeah yeah, Blazers are nice…
so AAANYWAY, how bout them Lakers and Suns?
December 26th, 2007 at 1:37 pm
Kevin says:
When the Suns played my Raptors they looked unbeatable. Maybe that reflects more on my team than their’s, but I don’t think you can start calling them the Sactown Kings because they lost this one. They still have a better starting five then Detroit when they play even a little D in my opinion.
December 26th, 2007 at 2:03 pm
Bust Jlaze says:
Well it certainly seems that the Suns’ window is shut…how can they beat San Antonio or even Dallas in a series? The Lakers’ game isn’t the end of the world, of course…but it definitely shined some light on the Suns’ deficiencies, like NASH’S (lack of) DEFENSE!! Sure, he was hitting mad 3’s, but Fisher was having his way with him on the other end. The look on his face was like, “This dude can’t guard me!”
December 26th, 2007 at 3:14 pm
Gary Lee says:
The Lakers are back already????? gotta give it up to kupchak . . . he didn’t fold under all the public pressure . . . that will truly be his legacy if the Lakers can make a deep run . . . ariza for cook/evans was the deal of the year . . . don’t think any team’s gonna top that one . . .
December 26th, 2007 at 3:19 pm
Dave says:
“They remind me of the Kings after they lost in the Western Finals against the Lakers that went to game 7.”
You mean, after the refs and D. Stern ripped the series from the Kings, right?
December 26th, 2007 at 3:33 pm
Mike C says:
Yeah that too. The similarities are almost eerie.
December 26th, 2007 at 3:33 pm
Bust Jlaze says:
“…ariza for cook/evans was the deal of the year…don’t think any team’s gonna top that one…”
Ummm…maybe KG to BOSTON!? That was the deal of the year hands down.
But we appreciate your enthusiasm. hahah….
December 26th, 2007 at 3:37 pm
bron42 aka Global-4A-Reason says:
well any team that gets j oneal or gasol or something would easily top that trade. they pretty much traded 2 spare parts for a athletic role player…not really a blockbuster move even though it helped the team.
and i think you mean the sacto queens…flashy and fun to watch..but didn’t play defense and lost all the big games until the window was shut and all their stars were run down. Free Doug Christie…from his wife
December 26th, 2007 at 3:41 pm
weezy f says:
you guys need to be back on the fox ports page..its wack without you
December 26th, 2007 at 3:53 pm
d-nicest says:
does anyone else think brian shaw looks ridiculous on the bench with those sunglasses on? I’ve seen them in multiple games now…. i know it’s LA but really…
December 26th, 2007 at 4:02 pm
Bust Jlaze says:
yeah, what was with that? You’re an ASSISTANT COACH for crying out loud! I hope for his sake there’s something wrong with his eyes and those were prescribed.
December 26th, 2007 at 4:14 pm
Kobeef says:
I really like the Kings - Suns comparison.
I don’t think the Suns are done but if they can’t win it or go to the finals this year they (just like the Kings) are going to have to admit that they are never gonna be a champion with this roster and start trying again with different pieces.
For some reason I think Amare will be the first to go. He is still really young (25)and if he can keep-up his recovery could help a team win. I was bummed when the proposed 3-way trade of amare to the hawks fell through this summer. A front line of Amare, Jsmoove and Marvin W. (Horford would have been shipped as part of the trade) would be fun to watch.
December 26th, 2007 at 6:56 pm
Kenny says:
Don’t forget that the lakers record is almost identical to the record they had about this time last year and how did that work out for them?
December 26th, 2007 at 8:03 pm
bron42 aka Global-4A-Reason says:
if your tryin to rebuild, do you really get rid of your youngest guy with talent already and still potential? i’d trade nash (of course) for a above average pg and some pics or marion for a sg and a young center
December 26th, 2007 at 8:54 pm
kowtz says:
Yep, LA’s record was the same last year… but KObe was jackin up consecutive 40, 50, 60 point games back then…
Trade Marion for Camby because, they need to have an inside D SOON! before Nash’ time runs out…
Come to think of it… Suns offense runs as a pick and role for nash and STAT, then 3 three point kick out options….
They really need to trade Matrix for a 3 point shooting four or five…
maybe Radmanovic, YI, or even OKUR… OKUR would give them the tioughness inside while he can still be a threat in the outside…
December 26th, 2007 at 9:00 pm
Mike C says:
“i’d trade nash (of course) for a above average pg and some pics”
Wow.. that’s just… wow..
December 26th, 2007 at 9:13 pm
new york j says:
chicago messed it up by not giving deng and gordon the contracts they wanted. so that basicly said to them and the rest of the team that management didnt want to reward em for their play n as a sign of not showin some love. n its not like chicago can get near the same value for deng or gordon as they had last year because the league basicly noes da deng n gordon are on their way out
December 26th, 2007 at 9:25 pm
kowtz says:
Agree… And Scott Skiles gets kicked for that…
Portland, yeah… my bad, should be getting tons of love…
But again, Lakeshow is Lakeshow… that’s why they are hyped, even if they are just 1st round material… That’s Hoolywood for you…
December 26th, 2007 at 9:36 pm
kowtz says:
As much as I hate to agree with bron42… yeah… I’d re-evaluate the suns after this year…
If they win a chip, save nash, if don’t trade him… while he has value…
Just like what kupchak did to SHAQ… he saw it coming… SHAQ was good for one-two more runs, then pffft…
Now he’s not even worth Odom and Caron Butler anymore…
And please trade ODom for a legit 4…
December 26th, 2007 at 9:39 pm
BustJlaze says:
LAST!!
December 26th, 2007 at 9:40 pm
Coldchain says:
Trading Marion would be a bad move for Phoenix. People don’t realize how important he is to the way they play ball - because he’s so good they can afford to have an undersized PF and have Amare play C. The only players I could see replacing Marion seamlessly are Kirilenko, Josh Smith, Tayshaun, G-Wallace out of Charlotte and maybe somebody like Danny Granger or David Lee.
December 26th, 2007 at 10:17 pm
jamesinva says:
I TOLD YOU DIME go back and read my posts when u guys were writing smack in the preseason. i said look out for the blazers…but at the same time i was wrong too. i NEVER imagined the blazers could pull off even a 4 game winning streak. im a huge PTB fan but im also realistic. this 11 game winning streak goin on is NOT realistic. its just something AMAZING. seriously barely any love for the blazers in here. but what do you expect, small market team, not much exposure, lived in oregon before so i understand. but seriously look out for the blazers.
im also getting pretty sad at the fact that some of us are getting old. seeing shaq struggling and just isnt no where near dominant is really sad to see. the game is changing for sure and the retirement announcements will start coming out in no time.
anyways go blazers
December 26th, 2007 at 11:03 pm
bron42 aka Global-4A-Reason says:
Mike C: what is wow about that? the guys getting old and hasn’t gotten the team over the hump, so trade high while he still has value. Plus as much as people kiss nash’s ass, dallas has already proven he can be replaced with a above average guard or guard by commity. Neither devin harris or jason terry are pgs like nash yet they replaced him and dallas went farther. an above average pg, a good sg or center, along with marion and amare? trade nash to miami or NY for a #1 pick and get derrick rose? your tellin me thats a bad move?
Coldchain: I agree, I wouldnt want them trading marion either, i think he does too much for them that gets overlooked. But I would trade him before amare.
Kowtz: Everyone hates to agree with me, but they all eventually do it…just go with it and let it fill your lungs lol
December 27th, 2007 at 12:05 am
K-Dizzle says:
bron
please stop it with the dallas went farther shit. Drives me nuts. When a team trades away a guy that becomes the shoulda been 3-time MVP, they don’t improve. Yeah, they got further cuz evrybody knows Dallas is a good team and they were supposed to be in the Western Finals anyways, but how come you ain’t spittin gospel when they get rolled by the Warriors last season? Don’t pick and choose. Say’Yeah, they got further the first year cuz Dirk got better, Howard got better, Jet played good, Damp and Diop make make one good 5 man, and Stackhouse brought it.’ Unfortunately, Cuban’s goal is not to get to the Finals every year, it’s to win the shit. You ever wonder why, when we talk about top points in the league, we never mention Dallas’s duo. They ain’t that special. Cuban fucked up. Nash wanted 4 years; Cuban said ‘Lick nut, cuz you old’ How’s Nash doin now? Always in the convo for top point 4 years runnin and mVP daily. Contract runs out, then you dump his ass to Phoenix. If Dallas kept Nash, they don’t lose that series to Miami and they don’t get swept by GS in the first round last year. I agree with most of your #35 post, but don’t forget what Phoenix was before Nash got there, now they expected to get to the Finals every year.
In closin tho, dude, if they don’t get it this year; send him packin lol
December 27th, 2007 at 12:47 am
K-Dizzle says:
sorry I meant #51 post
December 27th, 2007 at 2:28 am
doc says:
All that what if means nothing. Dallas got farther once, but the Suns aint mad and Nash the shit. I would trade him for the top pick just because he’s old but if it aint that its Marion cause Stat to young to pass off to somebody.
December 27th, 2007 at 3:47 am
K-Dizzle says:
that’s true too, doc
December 27th, 2007 at 6:24 am
kowtz says:
if pho is the next sacto…
then dallas is the next sixers (sorry dime)…
MVP performance by their leader (ai-dirk)…
Draw first blood (game 1 for ai, 1 and 2 for dirk)…
Then get a “back door sweep” (both by shaq)…
and be eventually broken up…
December 27th, 2007 at 6:28 am
kowtz says:
OH btw… have you heard Mike D’ Antoni’s comments on the “UP AND COMING” Andrew Bynum?
He’s up and coming? I thought he was already in there…
Oh Gosh I hope he’s not still up and coming…
December 27th, 2007 at 10:41 am
Bron42 says:
um dizzle, i rip them all the time for losin to the warriors but facts are facts, dallas wasn’t missin nash after he left…you say with nash they don’t lose to miami? with nash they wouldn’t of played miami cuz nash has never been to the finals. EVER. the suns made him a mvp which is why he started havin a tom brady year when he got there but was never even considered a mvp all his years in dallas. so as much as you love nash, if your gonna play like him leavin dallas REALLY hurt the team, then your just a fan boy and ignorin the obvious. Nash in dallas, they burn out and lose, the vERY next year they go to the final when eveyrone swore they would drop off without him. sure they choked both years but that wasn’t my point.
Doc: the suns are mad when every year they loose in the playoffs and are threatenin to break up the teams lol
Kowtz: the mavs are a welllllll better team than AI’s sizers, they just dont have the heart that team had.
December 27th, 2007 at 11:39 am
doc says:
they’re not tryin to break up shit. Marion wants to go because he’s a sourpuss that Amare gets more props and they wont trade him and give up picks and shit like that every year to keep them together. Speak from truth and not what you want brother.
December 27th, 2007 at 12:43 pm
bron42 aka Global-4A-Reason says:
what i want? i could care less what happens either way their not winnin shit. read a paper, they’ve talked about breaking the team up tons of times, dime did a whole article about it. marion makes mad loot, they were worried about amares injury, and nash’s career window is gonna start closing soon.Steve kerr himself said if they don’t win the team is gonna have to make some moves. if your gonna be a fan at least kno whats goin on wiht ur team
December 27th, 2007 at 3:21 pm
K-Dizzle says:
bron
I think it’s crazy to predict what would have happened had Nash stayed in Dallas. Dirk steps up, Howard becomes the best all-around baller on the team, their centers play defense and rebound, the bench is solid - there’s no predicting what happens if they keep Nash so you need to let that go cuz your guess is as good as mine but it’s only a guess and it goes either way. If Cuban thought dude even had a chance of becomin a MVP caliber point after he lets him go, best believe they resign him. 4 years/50 mil. Shit! That’s Jason Terry money and who would you rather have? Nobody actually heard anything about the Suns breakin up the team until this year when Marion opened his mouth bitchin and the Amare-KG trade rumors got out otherwise, there is no story from Dime. It’s not like they were gettin closer and closer every year, then they said,”fuck it! Start over”
I know you hate this shit, but let’s review: First year with Nash: best record in league then JJ breaks his face, they tried to resign him but he wanted to be the man; call it an excuse, but I’ll call it a reason.2nd year - No Amare, I don’t even have to explain that one, but there was no rebuild story cuz it was just the team waiting for Amare the next year.
Last year - Robert Horry’s hip was the MVP of the playoffs cuz I’d rather see both teams full-strength but Stern took care of that.
The problem with teams today is patience, can’t nobody let a team come together.
I don’t know what a ‘fanboy’ is but you need to let that go too. I’m a Lakers fan since 81. I was there when our top dog was Ceballos (2-time all-star). I only defend Nash to balance out your obviously one sided arguments
peace
December 27th, 2007 at 7:35 pm
Mike C says:
Haha yeah.. I remember the Ceballos days too.
No one, I mean no one that came before or since has got garbage buckets like that man.
I remember him calling himself “Chise”, saying that he was the franchise player for the Lakers.
Now we got Kobe Bryant.
Damn, things done changed.
December 27th, 2007 at 7:43 pm
dagwaller says:
Seriously, I don’t know why people want to break up a team like the Suns. Amare’s still growing, Nash isn’t showing any signs of slowing down, Marion’s kind of whiny but still, with that core, it’s just a matter of putting the right pieces around them. If anything, trade Amare high - he’s got a bigger “injury history” than Nash does already, plus he doesn’t do anything a big man’s supposed to do other than score. Or get a big man via FA or trade for Marion, then shift Amare to a position he’d be better at - POWER FORWARD.
December 28th, 2007 at 7:45 pm
BBallFan says:
Re: Brian Shaw and the sunglasses. He had some kind of surgery on his retinas not too long ago, which is why he has to wear the sunglasses.