Staples Center Gets New 4D Scoreboard

The new Staples scoreboard is made by Panasonic.  I can't wait to see it in person.

NBA 2K11: Ten Teams in Ten Days - Day 3: Los Angeles Lakers

Words can't express how much I'm looking forward to this game.  Today the folks over at 2K Sports released some footage showing off their new extensive playcalling featuring none other than our Los Angeles Lakers.

October 5th!

Matt Barnes Arrested for Alleged Domestic Violence

Come on Matt, this is not the type of attention Lakers fans want to see.  Save that aggression and let it translate positively on the court.  Hopefully these alleged events have been fabricated and this doesn't become a story for the Lakers.

Click Here for full story.  

Derek Fisher Interviews Kobe Bryant

                                                                                                                            
Kobe shares his thoughts on Doc Rivers comments, Lebron James and the Heat, as well as Shaq joining the Celtics.

If anyone is wondering, Fish was filling in for Jim Rome on Rome is Burning.

Despite 2010 Finals, Lakers Still Haven't Beaten Celtics

Seems the Celtics coach still can't let it go.


"They still have not beaten our starting five. Our starting five against the Lakers starting five has a ring. Tell him don't forget that. We will be back strong and Perk (Kendrick Perkins) will be there next year if there's a game seven." - Doc Rivers

Come on Doc, you guys had a double digit lead in game 7 of the Finals and still lost, just let it go. Bynum wasn't there when we lost in 08 either so we're even.

Ron Artest Switching Jersey Number from 37 to 15

Ron is going back to his roots and wearing #15 next season.  It seems like Ron always finds a way to bring attention to himself.  Not complaining though, he's still the most entertaining player off the court the Lakers have ever had. 

Check out the full story here.

Jerry Buss Press Conference

Jerry Buss Enshrined into the Basketball Hall of Fame

If Ron Artest Were President...

Lakers 2010-11 Season (Game by Game Predictions)

Disclaimer: I am a Lakers fan (obviously). With that being said, these are my realistic game by game predictions of how the season will turn out(barring injuries, trades, ect.). Sure, I'd love for the Lakers to go 82-0 or even 70-12, but here's my view of the season with a (somewhat) realistic look at it.


OCTOBER

Tue, Oct 26 Houston 10:30 PM (Win 1-0)
Kobe & Co. get their rings and spoil Yao's first game back. Trevor Ariza holds back his tears as he sees Ron Artest put on his ring.

Fri, Oct 29 @ Phoenix 10:30 PM (Win 2-0)
The new look Suns can't hang with the Lakers in this conference finals "rematch".

Sun, Oct 31 Golden State 9:30 PM (Win 3-0)
The Lakers are still riding on their early season confidence in this easy victory over the Warriors.


NOVEMBER

Tue, Nov 2 Memphis 10:30 PM (Win 4-0)
Another victory as the Lakers take advantage of a favorable early season schedule.

Wed, Nov 3 @ Sacramento 10:30 PM (Win 5-0)
2nd night of a back to back doesn't bother the Lakers much as they take down the Kings.  Tyreke Evans drives the team bus straight to LAX at 150 mph.

Fri, Nov 5 Toronto 10:30 PM (Win 6-0)
Another easy win for the purple and gold.  Lakers fans spend much of the game looking through their programs trying to recognize any Raptors player.

Sun, Nov 7 Portland 9:30 PM (Win 7-0)
Lakers pull out a tight one down the stretch against Brandon Roy and the Trailblazers.  After the game, Greg Oden's knees ask Andrew Bynum's knees for advice.

Tue, Nov 9 Minnesota 10:30 PM (Win 8-0)
Kurt Rambis comes back home...and leaves with a loss.

Thu, Nov 11 @ Denver 10:30 PM (Loss 8-1)
Carmelo has a strong early season performance and the Lakers suffer their first loss of the young season.

Sun, Nov 14 Phoenix 9:30 PM (Win 9-1)
After 2 full days to think about their first loss, the Lakers rebound and run the Suns out of Staples.

Tue, Nov 16 @ Milwaukee 8:00 PM (Loss 10-2)
Sophomore Brandon Jennings and the much improved Bucks go right at the champs and get revenge for Kobe's heartbreaking game winner last season. 

Wed, Nov 17 @ Detroit 7:30 PM (Win 11-2)
The Lakers almost slip in the 2nd night of a back to back but eventually pull it out late in the 4th.  Fans refrain from taunting Ron Artest in fear of being hit with a ring this time.

Fri, Nov 19 @ Minnesota 8:00 PM (Win 12-2)
The purple and gold get their 2nd victory in 10 days over the Wolves and makes Kurt wish he was still sitting next to Phil.

Sun, Nov 21 Golden State 9:30 PM (Win 13-2)
Once again, the Warriors are no match for the Lakers.

Tue, Nov 23 Chicago 10:30 PM (Win 14-2)
Derrick Rose dazzles the Staples Center crowd but can't oull out a victory for his Bulls.

Fri, Nov 26 @ Utah 9:00 PM (Win 15-2)
Kobe has one of his 40+ Kobe games as he punishes Raja Bell for spurning him in the offseason.

Sun, Nov 28 Indiana 9:30 PM (Win 16-2)
Lakers take down Indy in a yawner.

Tue, Nov 30 @ Memphis 8:00 PM (Win 17-2)
OJ Mayo goes right at Kobe while Zach Randolph and Marc Gasol battles Andrew and Pau. Doesn't matter, Kobe is Kobe in the end.


DECEMBER

Wed, Dec 1 @ Houston 8:30 PM (Loss 17-3)
Just one night after battling with the young, strong, athletic Grizzlies, the Lakers don't have much in the tank and fall to the hard working Rockets.

Fri, Dec 3 Sacramento 10:30 PM (Win 18-3)
The Lakers rebound from the loss in Houston by disposing of the Kings at Staples.

Tue, Dec 7 Washington 10:30 PM (Win 19-3)
The Lakers get their first look at rookie John Wall and send him back to D.C. with an L.

Wed, Dec 8 @ LA Clippers 10:30 PM (Win 20-3)
The 2nd night of a back to back is negated by the fact that this Clippers "home" game is actually a neutral site. Lakers win.

Fri, Dec 10 @ Chicago 8:00 PM (Loss 20-4)
Chicago gets payback for last month's loss in L.A.

Sun, Dec 12 @ New Jersey 1:00 PM (Win 21-4)
The Lakers travel to the Meadowlands. Meanwhile, Jordan Farmar has 2nd thoughts.

Tue, Dec 14 @ Washington 7:00 PM (Win 22-4)
The Lakers dispose of the Wizards fresh off of their annual meeting with President Obama.

Wed, Dec 15 @ Indiana 7:00 PM (Win 23-4)
2nd night of a back to back. Lakers pull out a close one.

Fri, Dec 17 @ Philadelphia 7:00 PM (Win 24-4)
Kobe puts on a show and the Lakers-heavy Philly crowd gives him the love he deserves.

Sun, Dec 19 @ Toronto 1:00 PM (Win 25-4)
50% of Lakers fans in Los Angeles turn on the TV to find out that they missed the game that started at 10 AM.

Tue, Dec 21 Milwaukee 10:30 PM (Win 26-4)
The Lakers get payback against Milwaukee as everyone looks ahead to Christmas. 

Sat, Dec 25 Miami 5:00 PM (Loss 26-5)
Lakers start slow, stage a comeback, before falling late in the 4th.  Lakers fans refuse to watch Sportscenter.

Tue, Dec 28 @ San Antonio 8:30 PM (Loss 26-6)
Lakers slip and suffer their first consecutive losses of the season.

Wed, Dec 29 @ New Orleans 8:00 PM (Win 27-6)
Lakers rebound to take care of New Orleans as the Chris Paul trade rumors swirl.

Fri, Dec 31 Philadelphia 10:30 PM (Win 28-6)
The Lakers win hours before Ron Artest parties it up in front of TMZ cameras.


JANUARY

Sun, Jan 2 Memphis 9:30 PM (Win 29-6)
The Lakers start off the new year with a win over Memphis.

Tue, Jan 4 Detroit 10:30 PM (Win 30-6)
The Lakers make it 5 straight in a home win over the Pistons.

Wed, Jan 5 @ Phoenix 10:30 PM (Loss 30-7)
Steve Nash and Hedo Turkoglu finally get a win over the Lakers in their 3rd try. 

Fri, Jan 7 New Orleans 10:30 PM (Win 31-7)
Lakers return home to beat the Hornets for the 2nd time in 10 days.

Sun, Jan 9 NY Knicks 9:30 PM (Win 31-7)
Amare comes to Staples for the first time since the conference finals. Amare loses just like in the conference finals.

Tue, Jan 11 Cleveland 10:30 PM (Win 32-7)
Boy this matchup isn't the same as it was last year.

Wed, Jan 12 @ Golden State 10:30 PM (Win 33-7)
2nd night of a back to back.  Lakers pull out a tight one.

Fri, Jan 14 New Jersey 10:30 PM (Win 34-7)
Jordan Farmar comes home and gets his ring.  That's all he gets as the Lakers get the win.

Sun, Jan 16 @ LA Clippers 3:30 PM (Win 35-7)
Blake Griffin and the Clippers put up a good fight, but not good enough as the Lakers pull it out.

Mon, Jan 17 Oklahoma City 10:30 PM (Loss 35-8)
Kevin Durant and his Thunder take advantage of the Lakers, who are on the 2nd nigth of a back to back on MLK day.

Wed, Jan 19 @ Dallas 9:00 PM (Loss 35-9)
Consecutive losses for the Lakers again as Dirk gets hot at home.

Fri, Jan 21 @ Denver 10:30 PM (Win 36-9)
In what is almost the first 3 game losing streak of the season, Ron Artest and Matt Barnes harass Carmelo Anthony who is dealing with his own trade rumors and the Lakers pull it out.

Tue, Jan 25 Utah 10:30 PM (Win 37-9)
The Lakers benefit from the weekend off as they take care of Deron Williams and the Jazz.

Fri, Jan 28 Sacramento 10:30 PM (Win 38-9)
An easy win for the rested Lakers who are playing only their 2nd game in 7 days.

Sun, Jan 30 Boston 3:30 PM (Win 39-9)
The Lakers show up on the big stage as boos rain down on Shaq from the Staples Center crowd.


FEBRUARY

Tue, Feb 1 Houston 10:30 PM (Win 40-9)
The Lakers win a close one and are still riding their high after the Boston victory.  However, the're only the 2nd team to reach 40 wins.

Thu, Feb 3 San Antonio 10:30 PM (Win 41-9)
The Lakers take care of business in thier final home game before a long road trip. 

Sat, Feb 5 @ New Orleans 8:00 PM (Win 42-9)
The Lakers start the road trip off with a win. Whether or not Chris Paul is here for this game remains to be seen.

Mon, Feb 7 @ Memphis 8:00 PM (Win 43-9)
The Gasol brothers battle it out.  The one with the rings comes out on top.

Thu, Feb 10 @ Boston 8:00 PM (Loss 43-10)
The Lakers slip on the drool Glen Davis left on the floor after game 5 of the Finals. Rajon Rondo runs circles around the Lakers PGs. Kobe has a good game, but the Lakers bigs struggle against the C's who feed off the crowd's energy.

Fri, Feb 11 @ NY Knicks 8:00 PM (Win 44-10)
2nd night of a back to back causes the Lakers to struggle, luckily Kobe is in the Garden and delights the crowd willing the Lakers to a win.

Sun, Feb 13 @ Orlando 3:30 PM (Loss 44-11)
Orlando reminds the Lakers that the Heat aren't the only team in Florida.

Mon, Feb 14 @ Charlotte 7:00 PM (Win 45-11)
Charlotte puts up a fight, but Kobe delivers in the clutch with MJ watching from the sidelines.

Wed, Feb 16 @ Cleveland 7:30 PM (Win 46-11)
The Cleveland fans are suddenly bigger fans of Kobe than they were last season.

Tue, Feb 22 Atlanta 10:30 PM (Win 47-11)
The Lakers win the first game since Kobe's MVP performance at the All Star Game in the same building.

Wed, Feb 23 @ Portland 10:30 PM (Loss 47-12)
2nd night of a back to back + in Portland = trouble for the Lakers.

Fri, Feb 25 LA Clippers 10:30 PM (Win 48-12)
The Clippers are normally injury depleted by this time of year. Even if they aren't this still lose this game.

Sun, Feb 27 @ Oklahoma City 2:30 PM (Win 49-12)
The fans are just as ready as they were in the first round last year, but so are the Lakers who take the W.

MARCH Tue, Mar 1 @ Minnesota 8:00 PM (Win 50-12)
Lakers reach 50 wins at the expense of their old assistant Kurt. Sorry Kurt.

Fri, Mar 4 Charlotte 10:30 PM (Win 51-12)
The focused Lakers avoid a letdown againt the Cats before an important road trip.

Sun, Mar 6 @ San Antonio 3:30 PM (Win 52-12)
The Lakers start the trip off right by taking care of the Spurs in San Antonio.

Tue, Mar 8 @ Atlanta 7:00 PM (Loss 52-13)The Hawks catch the Lakers looking ahead in the schedule and pull one out against the champs.

Thu, Mar 10 @ Miami 8:00 PM (Win 53-13)
The Lakers remember Christmas and everything the critics have said since then as the Lakers win a thriller in South Beach.

Sat, Mar 12 @ Dallas 8:30 PM (Win 54-13)
The Lakers avoid a post Miami letdown and win a close one in Dallas.

Mon, Mar 14 Orlando 10:30 PM (Win 55-13)
Dwight Howard struggles as the demons from 2009 still haunt him at Staples.

Fri, Mar 18 Minnesota 10:30 PM (Win 56-13)
Sorry Kurt.....again.

Sun, Mar 20 Portland 9:30 PM (Win 57-13)
Lakers take care of Brandon Roy and the Blazers at home.

Tue, Mar 22 Phoenix 10:30 PM (Win 58-13)
The Lakers down a Phoenix team that is falling further and further away from that 8th playoff spot.

Fri, Mar 25 LA Clippers 10:30 PM (Loss 58-14)
The Clippers finally steal one from the champs. Ralph Lawler's "BINGOOO" yell can be heard from miles away.  Clippers fans brag about the victory well into the playoffs even after their team is at home.

Sun, Mar 27 New Orleans 9:30 PM (Win 59-14)
The Chris Paul-less Hornets are no match for the Lakers at home.  And yes I said Paul-less.

Thu, Mar 31 Dallas 10:30 PM (Win 60-14)
After 3 days off, the rested Lakers hand the Mavs a late season loss for win # 60.  After the loss, David Stern fines both Mark Cuban and Phil Jackson for possibly having bad thoughts about the officiating.



APRIL

Fri, Apr 1 @ Utah 10:30 PM (Loss 60-15)
Fighting for playoff position and feeding off of a hungry crowd, the Jazz are able to take down the Lakers who struggle down the stretch on the 2nd night of a back to back.  Mormons rejoice!

Sun, Apr 3 Denver 3:30 PM (Win 61-15)
Facing another team fighting for playoff position, the Lakers are able to execute at home against Carmelo & Co.

Tue, Apr 5 Utah 10:30 PM (Win 62-15)
Utah can't make it 2 wins over the champs in 5 days. Lakers win.

Wed, Apr 6 @ Golden State 10:30 PM (Win 63-15)
Lakers get the road win over a Warriors squad who's season was over months ago.  Meanwhile, Stephen Curry continues to get younger and younger.

Fri, Apr 8 @ Portland 10:00 PM (Loss 63-16)
As the Lakers sit comfortably atop the Western standings, Portland is one of the 8 teams fighting for playoff position. That hunger propels them to this home win. 

Sun, Apr 10 Oklahoma City 9:30 PM (Win 64-16)
The Lakers who are still battling Miami for home court in a possible Finals matchup, send a message to the Thunder in a possible playoff preview.

Tue, Apr 12 San Antonio 10:30 PM (Win 65-16)
The Lakers defeat a San Antonio team that is resting all of its important pieces for the playoffs.

Wed, Apr 13 @ Sacramento 10:30 PM (Loss 65-17)
This game is completely meaningless as Miami wrapped up home court a few days earlier. Kings finally take one as Tyreke Evans speeds into sumemr vacation.



There you have it. 65-17. Not bad at all. I see the Miami Heat stealing the best record and home court with the Lakers a close 2nd. 

Look for more previews/predictions as the season approaches.

Lakers Full 2010-11 Schedule

After weeks of speculation, the full NBA schedule has finally been released.  We already knew when Miami was coming to town, and now we know that Shaq and the C's are coming at the end of January.  Check out the entire schedule below.  All times Eastern.


OCTOBER
Tue, Oct 26 Houston 10:30 PM TNT
Fri, Oct 29 @ Phoenix 10:30 PM
Sun, Oct 31 Golden State 9:30 PM

NOVEMBER
Tue, Nov 2 Memphis 10:30 PM
Wed, Nov 3 @ Sacramento 10:30 PM
Fri, Nov 5 Toronto 10:30 PM
Sun, Nov 7 Portland 9:30 PM
Tue, Nov 9 Minnesota 10:30 PM
Thu, Nov 11 @ Denver 10:30 PM
Sun, Nov 14 Phoenix 9:30 PM
Tue, Nov 16 @ Milwaukee 8:00 PM
Wed, Nov 17 @ Detroit 7:30 PM
Fri, Nov 19 @ Minnesota 8:00 PM
Sun, Nov 21 Golden State 9:30 PM
Tue, Nov 23 Chicago 10:30 PM
Fri, Nov 26 @ Utah 9:00 PM
Sun, Nov 28 Indiana 9:30 PM
Tue, Nov 30 @ Memphis 8:00 PM

DECEMBER
Wed, Dec 1 @ Houston 8:30 PM
Fri, Dec 3 Sacramento 10:30 PM
Tue, Dec 7 Washington 10:30 PM
Wed, Dec 8 @ LA Clippers 10:30 PM
Fri, Dec 10 @ Chicago 8:00 PM
Sun, Dec 12 @ New Jersey 1:00 PM
Tue, Dec 14 @ Washington 7:00 PM
Wed, Dec 15 @ Indiana 7:00 PM
Fri, Dec 17 @ Philadelphia 7:00 PM
Sun, Dec 19 @ Toronto 1:00 PM
Tue, Dec 21 Milwaukee 10:30 PM
Sat, Dec 25 Miami 5:00 PM
Tue, Dec 28 @ San Antonio 8:30 PM
Wed, Dec 29 @ New Orleans 8:00 PM
Fri, Dec 31 Philadelphia 10:30 PM

JANUARY
Sun, Jan 2 Memphis 9:30 PM
Tue, Jan 4 Detroit 10:30 PM
Wed, Jan 5 @ Phoenix 10:30 PM
Fri, Jan 7 New Orleans 10:30 PM
Sun, Jan 9 NY Knicks 9:30 PM
Tue, Jan 11 Cleveland 10:30 PM
Wed, Jan 12 @ Golden State 10:30 PM
Fri, Jan 14 New Jersey 10:30 PM
Sun, Jan 16 @ LA Clippers 3:30 PM
Mon, Jan 17 Oklahoma City 10:30 PM TNT
Wed, Jan 19 @ Dallas 9:00 PM
Fri, Jan 21 @ Denver 10:30 PM
Tue, Jan 25 Utah 10:30 PM
Fri, Jan 28 Sacramento 10:30 PM
Sun, Jan 30 Boston 3:30 PM

FEBRUARY
Tue, Feb 1 Houston 10:30 PM
Thu, Feb 3 San Antonio 10:30 PM
Sat, Feb 5 @ New Orleans 8:00 PM
Mon, Feb 7 @ Memphis 8:00 PM
Thu, Feb 10 @ Boston 8:00 PM
Fri, Feb 11 @ NY Knicks 8:00 PM
Sun, Feb 13 @ Orlando 3:30 PM
Mon, Feb 14 @ Charlotte 7:00 PM
Wed, Feb 16 @ Cleveland 7:30 PM
Tue, Feb 22 Atlanta 10:30 PM
Wed, Feb 23 @ Portland 10:30 PM
Fri, Feb 25 LA Clippers 10:30 PM
Sun, Feb 27 @ Oklahoma City 2:30 PM

MARCH
Tue, Mar 1 @ Minnesota 8:00 PM
Fri, Mar 4 Charlotte 10:30 PM
Sun, Mar 6 @ San Antonio 3:30 PM
Tue, Mar 8 @ Atlanta 7:00 PM
Thu, Mar 10 @ Miami 8:00 PM
Sat, Mar 12 @ Dallas 8:30 PM
Mon, Mar 14 Orlando 10:30 PM
Fri, Mar 18 Minnesota 10:30 PM
Sun, Mar 20 Portland 9:30 PM
Tue, Mar 22 Phoenix 10:30 PM
Fri, Mar 25 LA Clippers 10:30 PM
Sun, Mar 27 New Orleans 9:30 PM
Thu, Mar 31 Dallas 10:30 PM

APRIL
Fri, Apr 1 @ Utah 10:30 PM
Sun, Apr 3 Denver 3:30 PM
Tue, Apr 5 Utah 10:30 PM
Wed, Apr 6 @ Golden State 10:30 PM
Fri, Apr 8 @ Portland 10:00 PM
Sun, Apr 10 Oklahoma City 9:30 PM
Tue, Apr 12 San Antonio 10:30 PM
Wed, Apr 13 @ Sacramento 10:30 PM

Sports Illustrated's Lakers Offseason Grade: A

Sports Illustrated has been grading the offseason moves of all the NBA teams by division, and today writer Lee Jenkins did the Pacific Division and of course the Lakers were at the top of the class. Read the Lakers part of the article below or click here to read the entire article. 



WHAT WENT RIGHT
Happy returns


Kobe Bryant wanted Phil Jackson to return as head coach, and after weeks of soul-searching, Jackson did. Bryant wanted Derek Fisher to return as point guard, and after weeks of negotiating, Fisher did. Jackson will make less than he did last year and Fisher will make less than he was offered by other teams, but neither could turn down Bryant.



Ideal additions


After months of speculation that the Lakers would slash payroll, they added to it, finding several bargains to bolster their bench and keep their starters fresh for the playoffs. Steve Blake will split time with Fisher and provide much-needed three-point shooting; Matt Barnes (pictured) will spell Ron Artest and bring the same rugged defense; Theo Ratliff is another big body behind Andrew Bynum. The Lakers even managed to bring back Bryant's understudy, Shannon Brown, making their second unit better than last year's.




Competitive imbalance


The Lakers opponent in the Western Conference finals, the Suns, lost Amar'e Stoudemire. The Lakers opponent in the Western Conference semifinals, the Jazz, lost Carlos Boozer. Despite the emergence of the Thunder, and the staying power of the Mavericks and Spurs, the Western Conference is not the gauntlet it used to be.




WHAT WENT WRONG
Heat is on


Though the Lakers remain the obvious choice to win the West, they are no longer the clear-cut favorite for the championship. Last season, they were more talented than any team they might have faced in the Finals, but that is not the case anymore. If the Lakers meet Miami for the title, they will have the advantage inside. Stopping the Heat's dribble penetration, however, will be problematic.




Bynum's knee, take three


For the third straight season, Bynum suffered a serious knee injury, and surprisingly he waited until the end of July to undergo arthroscopic surgery. The operation was successful and the Lakers insist that Bynum will be ready for training camp, but his knees rank as the biggest areas of concern for the Lakers. As everyone saw in the Finals, when Bynum plays, the Lakers are almost unbeatable. When he does not, they are vulnerable.




BOTTOM LINE
In an organization headlined by Bryant, Jackson and Jerry Buss, Mitch Kupchak does not get a lot of attention. But he showed this summer why he is one of the savviest general managers in the league, negotiating discounted deals for Blake and Barnes.

Shannon Brown Returning to Lakers

According to reports, the Lakers high-flyer Shannon Brown has agreed to return to the team for 2 years and $4.6 million. This is good news since the Lakers are a deep team yet still don't have much backing Kobe off the bench at the SG position other than Sasha Vujacic (whom the Lakers are actively trying to trade). Shannon gives the Lakers youth, excitement, athleticism, and energy on a bench that has already been vastly upgraded this offseason. 

Glad to see winning another ring is more important than playing for some scrub team for more money. Same can be said for Ron Artest, Matt Barnes, Lamar Odom, and to a lesser extent, Phil Jackson. Seems like sacrifice is becoming a common theme for this squad. 

Click Here for full story!

Shaq to the Celtics

Now while this site is all things Lakers, I'm posting this due the obvious relevance. It was announced that Shaquille O'Neal's NBA tour will make its next stop in the city of Boston. This means Shaq will be the first person of relevance to don both the Purple & Gold as well as Green since Rick Fox and Whitney the Laker Girl.

While many Lakers fans have an understandable resentment towards Shaq and feel that he's doing nothing more than chasing rings at this stage in his career, I have no problem with him joing a team that's close if he feels that he can legitimately help push them to the finish line.  However, there is an ongoing debate among Lakers fans about whether the Big Fella should have his number retired in the rafters at Staples next to the Lakers greats (which I think he should). Barring some kind of Wilt Chaimberlain-like season where Shaq leads the Celtics to the title almost singlehandedly and averages 50 points a game in the process, I don't see him getting his number retired in Boston.  And while I think his number should and will eventually be retired at Staples, it doesn't help his case that the tail end of his career was spent wearing the jersey of the Lakers biggest rival.   

All in all, this move only helps the C's who are uncertain of what Kendrick Perkins will be able to give them this season and Rasheed Wallace retiring.  And with the signing of Jermaine O'Neal in the offseason, the Celtics now have 2 lazy O'Neal's in the middle, but that's better than nothing.

NBA Releases Partial Schedule for 2010-11

2010-11 NBA Opening Week Schedule


Tuesday, Oct. 26 Heat vs. Celtics TNT, ESPN Radio 7:30 ET

Tuesday, Oct. 26 Rockets vs. Lakers TNT 10:30 ET

Wednesday, Oct. 27 Bulls vs. Thunder ESPN, ESPN3.com 8 ET

Wednesday, Oct. 27 Blazers vs. Clippers ESPN, ESPN3.com 10:30 ET

Thursday, Oct. 28 Wizards vs. Magic TNT 8 ET

Thursday, Oct. 28 Suns vs. Jazz TNT 10:30 ET

Friday, Oct. 29 Magic vs. Heat ESPN, ESPN3.com 8 ET

Friday, Oct. 29 Lakers vs. Suns ESPN, ESPN3.com 10:30 ET




2010 NBA Christmas Day Schedule

Date Matchup Coverage Time

Saturday, Dec. 25 Bulls vs. Knicks ESPN, ESPN3.com Noon ET

Saturday, Dec. 25 Celtics vs. Magic ABC 2:30 ET

Saturday, Dec. 25 Heat vs. Lakers ABC, ESPN Radio 5 ET

Saturday, Dec. 25 Nuggets vs. Thunder ESPN, ESPN3.com 8 ET

Saturday, Dec. 25 Blazers vs. Warriors ESPN, ESPN3.com 10:30 ET




2011 Martin Luther King Jr. Day Schedule

Date Matchup Coverage Time

Monday, Jan. 17 Bulls vs. Grizzlies ESPN, ESPN3.com 1 ET

Monday, Jan. 17 Magic vs. Celtics TNT 8 ET

Monday, Jan. 17 Thunder vs. Lakers TNT 10:30 ET

Lakers Announce 2010-11 Coaching Staff

The Lakers announced that Frank Hamblen, Jim Cleamons, and Brian Shaw will return to the bench this upcoming season under head coach Phil Jackson.  Joining the trio of assistants will be Chuck Person, who served as a special assistant last season helping players, most notably Kobe Bryant with shooting.  

While it wasn't expected for any big names to leave or join the bench this offseason, the significance of this news is that it ensures that Brian Shaw will again be on the sidelines after serious mutual interest with the Cleveland Cavaliers just days before Lebron-Gate.  Shaw is considered and hoped by many to be the successor to Phil Jackson should he choose to retire at the end of the season as is speculated.  

Click here for the full story.

Kobe Bryant Gets Shown Love in China

Kobe Bryant = Global Icon

Lakers Rumors: 7-31-10

Here's just a few links to some of the Lakers related rumors that are currently floating around the "worldwide internets".

New York Knicks want Shannon Brown.


Lakers trying to trade Sasha Vujacic.


Lakers want Delonte West.


Tracy McGrady to Lakers?

Ron Artest Makes NBA 2K11 Soundtrack

The tracklisting for NBA 2K11 was recently announced, and Lakers fans should be proud to know that our very own Ron Artest will be featured with his single "Champions".  Now being a music lover as well, I can admit that I don't bump "Champions" in the whip regularly, however, I think it has the perfect sound to be featured on the main menu or loading screen of a game.  Check out the tracklisting below.

1. Snoop Dogg – NBA 2K Theme
2. Big Boi – Shutterbug
3. Drake – Over
4. Cassidy – Game Time
5. Ron Artest – Champion
6. Duck-Down All-Stars feat. Buckshot, Skyzoo, Promise, and Sean Price – Better Than You
7. The Alan Parsons Project – Sirius
8. Art vs. Science – Hollywood
9. Big Rock Candy Mountain – Rocketship
10. Brunettes – Red Rollerskates
11. Chicharones – Little By Little
12. Children Collide – Skeleton Dance
13. Constellations feat. Asher Roth- We’re Here To Save The Day
14. Dan Black feat. Kid Cudi – Symphonies (Remix)
15. Delorean – Deli
16. Ev – Home Of The Brave (Instrumental)
17. Failsafe – Hope & Only If We Learn
18. HOGNI – Bow Down
19. Kidz In Space – Downtime
20. Middleman – It’s Not Over Yet
21. Rakaa feat. Aloe Blaac – Crown Of Thorns
22. The Redland – So Far
23. The Russian Futurists – Paul Simon & Precious Metals
24. Sonny Bones – Rise
25. Two Door Cinema Club – I Can Talk
26. Yung Autmatik & Bayroot Productions – Go Hard or Go Home
27. Dux Jones – Pourin’ It On

Kobe Bryant & Andrew Bynum Both Undergo Successful Knee Surgery

Great news for us Lakers fans!

Both Kobe and Andrew should be ready to go by the start of training camp.  No word as of right now on Kobe's finger, but he'll probably just continue to play through it since it's healed as much as it's going to.

Check out the links for the full stories.

Andrew Bynum's knee surgery.

Kobe Bryant's knee surgery.

Kobe Bryant Covers SLAM #141

This has been on the newsstands for sometime now.  However, this site is fairly new.

*Hands in late pass*

Ron Artest Interviews Ron Artest for ESPN

Read the ESPN article here.

Ron Artest Plays Dodgeball

This is a few days old, but nonetheless its just another reason on the list of why Ron Artest is my favorite Laker player off the court of all time!

More after the jump!

A Look at the Lakers Offseason

I think we can all pretty much agree that the headlines this offseason have been dominated by Lebron James, and his decision to take his talents to South Beach. While those moves have been massive and definitely captured the attention of the sports world, Mitch Kupchak and Kobe Bryant have helped the Lakers make moves that pretty much ensure that the purple and gold will be battling opponents into mid-June for a 4th straight season.

Retentions:

• Phil Jackson
• Derek Fisher

The most important offseason moves for the Lakers wasn't who came or went, but rather who stayed. Kobe Bryant is an all time great with 5 rings and not a single one has come without Phil Jackson and Derek Fisher by his side. And while both have returned to the organization, there were points where it seemed that both could very well be gone with Phil Jackson's relatives insisting he was leaning towards retirement, and Derek Fisher's "compelling" offer from the Miami Heat. In the end, both decided to return making Kobe Bryant and many Lakers fans very happy.

Losses:

• Jordan Farmar
• Adam Morrison
• Josh Powell
• DJ Mbenga

It's always sad to see players leave the team, especially those who were we'll liked by fans and teammates, which pretty much all of these guys fit into the category of.  However, the reality of it is, the only one of the departing players who contributed significant minutes was Jordan Farmar, who was rather inconsistent and wasn't satisfied with his role on the team.  Adam Morrison never saw much time and was never anything close to the player he was at Gonzaga.  Josh Powell was serviceable while on the floor, however it was so sparingly that he was hardly a factor, as was DJ Mbenga who did give some solid minutes defensively, but was a complete offensive liability.


Additions:

• Matt Barnes
• Steve Blake
• Theo Ratliff
• Derrick Caracter
• Devin Ebanks

While none of these names are anywhere close to the magnitude of the players that were receiving much of the attention in the 2010 free agency period, they all seem to fill voids and solidify what was already a championship squad.  There can even be an argument made that every single player added to this years squad is better than every player that departed from last year's squad.  The small forward position which was already as strong as Ron Artest is now deeper with the addition of Matt Barnes who brings toughness, defense, and a pretty good outside shot.  At the point guard position, many fans may be skeptical when they see that Steve Blake may not be able to do the types of athletic things that Jordan Farmar did, but what Blake looks to bring is more consistency on the offensive and defensive ends, where Farmar seemed to routinely have mental lapses.  Steve Blake is a better fit for the triangle offense, and Mitch Kupchak realized that when he pursued him.  Theo Ratliff has aged and I don't expect to see him get too many minutes unless we're hit with foul trouble or injury, but what he brings to the squad along with his veteran experience is a defensive presence that can block shots in the middle while Andrew and Pau are taking a breather.  Where the Lakers really lucked up was in the draft.  Based on summer league play, many people think the Lakers stole 2 players who should have been first round selections in the 2nd round. While most 2nd round picks are a long shot to make any squad and practically impossible on a contending squad, Devin Ebanks and Derrick Caracter will be suiting up for the purple and gold in the fall.  And while it is known that Phil Jackson doesn't give much time to rookies, both players bring loads of talent to the Lakers front court that can be extremely helpful if the Lakers are short on players and hopefully will be consistent contributers a few years down the line.



Question Marks:

• Shannon Brown
• Luke Walton

These 2 guys are questions marks, because of right now their status with the team is pretty much in question.  As of the time of this post, Shannon Brown has received an offer from the New York Knicks for an unknown amount, however, it's widely known that Shannon has an offer on the table to return to Los Angeles for what is less than what he hoped for when opting out of his contract earlier this summer.  I as well as most Lakers fans hope to see Shannon and his high-flying acts return to Los Angeles, but right now its simply uncertain.  Luke Walton's status is uncertain for a completely different reason.  Luke's back has been giving him consistent trouble and caused him to sit out the majority of last season where he filled other roles such as assistant coach and color commentator.  Luke continues to be bothered by his back and its assumed that he'll miss a significant amount of time this upcoming season as well and there has even been speculation that he could retire.  

Matt Barnes Introductory Press Conference

Here's the LA Times footage of the newest Laker, Matt Barnes being introduced in his first press conference as a member of the purple and gold. 

1st Post

Welcome to Lakers Lite!

This will be a Los Angeles Lakers themed blog that will also occasionally weigh in on the rest of the NBA. 

While we will be making posts during the offseason, expect them to become more frequent as the season approaches.