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[Justin_kobe117]

Project Rebirth
AN NBA 2K9 LA LAKERS ASSOCIATION

It has been a while since the Lakers last won an NBA Championship, can the Lakers win again? Is their legacy fading? Can Kobe win without Shaq? Lets find out in this Lakers association!

Association Settings
Team: Los Angeles Lakers
Consule: PC
Season: 29 Games
Quarter Length: 5 Mins
Sim Length: 12 Mins
Playoffs: 7-7-7-7

Team Info
Established: 1946, Joined NBA in 1948
Arena: Staples Center
Owner: Jerry Buss
General Manager: Earvin "Magic" Johnson
Head Coach: Phil Jackson
NBA Championships: 1948, 1949,1950, 1952, 1953, 1954, 1972, 1980, 1982, 1985, 1987, 1988, 2000, 2001, 2002 (15)

Starting Five

PG - #2 Derek Fisher
SG - #24 Kobe Bryant
SF - #3 Trevor Ariza
PF - #16 Pau Gasol
C - #17 Andrew Bynum

Bench

6 - #7 Lamar Odom
7 - #5 Jordan Farmar
9 - #4 Luke Walton
10 - #1 Nick Young
11 - #10 Vladimir Radmanovic
12 - # 21 Josh Powell
13 - #28 DJ Mbenga
14 - #11 Javaris Crittenton
15 - #31 Chris Mihm

Retired Numbers
#13 - Wilt Chamberlin
#22 - Elgin Baylor
#25 - Gail Goodrich
#32 - Earvin "Magic" Johnson
#33 - Kareem Abdul-Jabbar
#42 - James Worthy
#44 - Jerry West

Tasks
- Beat the Celtics
- Home Court Advantage
- Improve the bench
- Get veterans to mentor players

Table of Content
THE JOURNEY
Prologue
http://forums.nba-live.com/viewtopic.php?f=92&t=64848#p1039062

Chapter 1: A Familiar Face
http://forums.nba-live.com/viewtopic.php?f=92&t=64848&p=1039099#p1039099

Chapter 2: I Want Out
http://forums.nba-live.com/viewtopic.php?f=92&t=64848&p=1039099#p1039860

GAME UPDATES

MONTHLY RACAP

RUMOR MILL

TRANSACTIONS

[Justin_kobe117]

Prologue

(Set during the 2008 offseason)
Mitch Kupchak was sweating bullets, he rarely needs to see Jerry Buss during the offseason, the last time this had happened was when Kobe Bryant demanded to be traded last season. "Is he at it again? Or does Jerry want me to bring in another player?" thought Mitch as he was walking down the corridor to reach Jerry's office.

"You wanted to see me?" as Mitch walked into Jerry's office. "Yes, I wanted to talk about the future of our team." replied Jerry. "I know, I'm still trying to bring in Shane Battier or Ron Artest, I know we need a defensive stopper. Just give me...." Mitch quickly replied before Jerry shut him up. "I don't think you get me, due to some other teams financial struggles, David Stern has announced that the season will be cut from 82 games to 29 games. Our organization will have to change some administration stuff in order to accommodate for this." "Oh... I guess we will definately need to change some thing around" replied Mitch. "Yes indeed, to tell you the truth, I dislike this change. We haven't won a championship since 2002 and if we continue to go the way that we are going, it will just be a matter of time before fans like Jack Nicholson stop coming to our games. I'm begging you, please, get us through this year or else your job is at stake! I don't want this to happen but please, screw the long term rebuilding idea, our team needs to win!" begged Jerry. "But thats going to be very hard for me, we still don't know how Bynum is coming along with his knee and afterall, Kobe still has his game on, he can still play for a few more seasons. We can definately win that way when we have a healthy Bynum and a strong bench." Mitch replied. Jerry frowned as he replied "Well in this case, I don't think we have the same idea for the development of this organization. I'm giving you a chance to do as I say but if it is too hard for you, you may resign from this organization." "I'm sorry then, I just can't do it. Thanks for everything but I just can't do as you say, its just way too hard for me." Mitch replied as he headed out of Jerry's office.

Jerry sighed, there has to be someone out there that shares the same vision as he does, he went to his computer and started to search up his contact list "Hm.... Jerry West is retired, I don't think Avery Johnson and Flip Saunders can make it as a GM.... Magic Johnson..... Hm.... why not?"
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[Justin_kobe117]

Chapter 1: A familiar face

"Hey Magic, how are you doing? Just can't keep your hands off the ball can you?" Said Jerry as he embrassed the man who is known as Magic, Magic Johnson that is. "Whats up man! Everythings fine with me and yes, I really want to try help out some prospects out there. Just seeing how my skills are to see if I can teach a little something something." Laughed Magic as he walked off the training court. "So I guess your intrested in working in the basketball arena from what I hear..." Jerry asked in suspicion while he passed Magic's towel to him and took a seat with him on a nearby bench. "I guess you could say that, maybe you could hook me up with something?" Asked Magic as he took a sip of Gatorade. "Thats exactly why I'm here!" Jerry quickly shot back. Magic quickly jumped to his feet, "As an assistant coach or what?" he quickly asked. "How about becoming the General Manager of the Los Angeles Lakers? You could still help some players on our team and to also rebuild showtime?" Jerry suggested. "You serious? In that case its a deffinate yes for me, I'd love to help out around! When do I start?" Magic quickly asked. "If you want, we could start now, I could call in Phil to discuss things?" replied Jerry.

[Fresh8]

I usually do Laker dynastys, so I will be following this one.

[Justin_kobe117]

Kupchak Steps Down, Magic Back In Town



Mitch Kupchak, who was the General Manager of the Los Angeles Lakers, announced yesterday that he had resigned from his post. “It has been great working with the Lakers organization. Even though there were ups and downs in my career with them, I have learnt a lot. I wish to thank the Lakers team owner Jerry Buss, Coach Phil Jackson and his assistant coaches as well as the rest of the Lakers organization.” Kupchak said during a press conference.

When asked why he chose to resign, Kupchak said “The organization and I have a totally different plans for the development of the team, especially during these difficult times. Its not that we’re not in good terms, Jerry and I are still good friends, I’m resigning for the better of the organization.” “We wish the best for Mitch and thank him for all he has done for this organization.” Said Jerry Buss before both of them stood up and shook hands.

Just as reporters were about to leave, Buss asked the reporters to remain seated as he had an announcement to make. “I’d like to introduce you to Earvin “Magic” Johnson, the new General Manager of the Los Angeles.” Earvin Johnson, a one time Laker, who was a key player during the “Showtime” era, walked onto the stage and greeted everyone. “I promise everyone here, I will bring back Showtime to LA, I will bring more championships to this team and I will continue on Lakers’ legacy” stated Johnson as he sat down.

Johnson said he wishes to continue on Mitch’s plan to build the team around Lakers star Kobe Bryant. However, he also said that he wants to develop an even stronger second unit. “I like what I see in the second unit, players like Jordan Farmar and Sasha Vujacic are great players, they just need experience and that, I will bring.” Said Johnson when asked about what he thought of the Lakers bench.

When Kobe Bryant was asked about what he thought of Johnson becoming the General Manager of the team, he said he felt sad that Mitch had to leave but was also happy that Johnson was willing to step in. “Mitch has brought a lot to the team; he brought in Pau (Pau Gasol), he brought back D-Fish (Derek Fisher), he drafted Bynum (Andrew Bynum) and the list goes on and on. Without these guys, this team couldn’t have gotten us that far into the playoffs last season. But its nice that Magic (Earvin Johnson) is stepping in, he is someone everybody trusts and I do believe he will do great as GM (General Manager)”

With Johnson as General Manager and Phil Jackson as Head Coach, the Lakers are expected to do well in the next season.

[Justin_kobe117]

LAKERS @ WARRIORS 125:119 (Final)
Boxscore - Recap

Lakers hang on to beat Warriors



An exhibition game between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Golden State Warriorswas was held at the Oracle Arena yesterday, the Lakers cruised to a 125-119 victory. Kobe Bryant lead the way with 14 points, 13 assists and 7 rebounds. Pau Gasol and Andrew Bynum were dominant in the paint, adding up for 18 rebounds, Pau scored 23 points while Bynum scored 26 points. Jordan Farmar came in huge in the second half and contributed on both ends of the floor, racking up 14 points, 6 assists, 3 steals as well as a block on Monta Ellis, bringing the Lakers bench to their feet.

"I guess we're still not up to our normal standard yet" said Phil Jackson after the game. "We gave up a lot of 3 pointers in the third quarter and that made the score even." The Lakers were up by 14 at the start of the second quarter but the Warriors soon caught up when Stephen Jackson made 4 consecutive 3 point shots, he had 29 points, 4 rebounds and 6 assists. However, Trevor Ariza responded, putting the Lakers back by 8.

"Trevor was terrific, he came in huge in the fourth" said Bryant when asked about Ariza's performance, Ariza had 21 points, 4 rebounds and 2 blocks. "He makes a shot and goes back to play defence, its all natural to him now." continued Kobe. Trevor Ariza was traded last year from Orlando Magic for Maurice Evans and Brian Cook, brought mainly to bring some defense into the team. Ariza responded by working hard on both his offensive and defensive game. "I missed last season because of my foot and that has motivated me to work hard, I want to be a part of Phil's game." says Ariza.

The Lakers sent out their second unit to close out the game in the fourth quarter, which was the toughes quarter in the game. "Both teams can't seem to miss a shot, it was basically a shootout for both teams" said Don Nelson. The score was 122-119 with 26 seconds left when Luke Walton stole the ball off Correy Maggette and passed it to Josh Powell, who made the shot plus a foul, he ended up making the shot and the Lakers held on to win it.

The Lakers and the Warriors will play again next week at the Staples Center. "I hope that our defence will come back next game, we definately need it if we are to make it this year." says Kobe Bryant at the end of the game.

Game notes:
- Sasha Vujacic made only 1-7 field goals and missed all 3 three point attempts.
- Vladimir Radmanovic only played 5 minutes but had 4 costly turnovers.
- Ronny Turiaf's mid-range game has improved a lot, he had 14 points and 7 rebounds.

[Justin_kobe117]

WARRIORS@ LAKERS 117:115 (Final)
Boxscore - Recap

Ariza's Late 3 lifts Lakers over Warriors



In the second exhibition game between the Lakers and Warriors, the Lakers were likely to win the game as they held a 18 point lead at the half, until the Warriors flicked the on switch. "Coach gave us a long lecture last night saying that we weren't focused and that if this goes on, we won't last the season." says Jamal Crawford. He had 28 points, 7 assists and 2 steals. "I think that even though we didn't win this game, we brought back a lot of spirit into the team. Coming back from a 26 point deficit is really big, especially for a young team like us" He continued.

Trevor Ariza, Kobe Bryant and Andrew Bynum were the main key to the Lakers' first half success. Kobe Bryant had 26 points, 14 assists and 3 rebounds. Trevor had 21 points, 6 rebounds and 4 steals while Andrew Bynum had 18 points, 12 rebounds and 4 blocks. "Trevor was great, he really has played hard on both ends of the floor, he is making shots and is playing at a very high level." says Bryant when asked about Ariza's superb performance.

The Lakers started Luke Walton in this game and have played their starters in the first half. "I wanted to find the perfect mix for the starting lineup." says Phil Jackson. "Basically, the triangle offence doesn't work when you have 3 tall players in the paint, that was why I tried experimenting starting Luke." he continued. Luke Walton played well in the game, he had 8 points, 5 assists and 5 rebounds. When Lamar Odom was asked how he felt now that he might not be in the starting lineup for next season, he said "Obviously, I feel a bit bad that I'm not starting no more, I mean I started for most of the teams which I played for in my carear. The thing that keeps me up is that Phil didn't make me a sixth man because I suck at playing the 3, its just that I don't fit into the system." He said, he continued to say that he still wants to remain a Laker until he retires even though he is no longer a starter. "I love this team man, I love Kobe and the crew. If I have the chance, I want to retire a Laker" said Odom. Odom had 9 points, 8 rebounds and 3 assists.

In the second half, the Lakers brought in their bench, the Warriors saw this as an opportunity to come back. Stephon Jackson and Monta Ellis were unstoppable from beyond the arc, hitting 6 straight three-pointers. The Lakers bench could not respond and committed many turnovers, leading to points of fast breaks. Stephon Jackson had 27 points, 6 rebounds and 5 steals while Monta Ellis had 12 points, 7 assists and 3 steals, this brought the Warriors within 6.

In the fourth quarter, both teams subbed in most of their starters. Corey Maggette made 2 early three-pointers to tie the game. Both teams seemed to not be able to take a large lead in this quarter, whenever either side tried to largen the lead, the other team responded. With 12 seconds left and the Warriors down by one, Jamal Crawford drove into the lane and made a basket, getting fouled along the way by Pau Gasol, he made the free throw and the Warriors held a 2 point lead. As the Lakers came out of a late timeout, Gasol inbounded the ball to Bryant. Bryant tried to drive into the lane but was met by Jamal Crawford and Stephon Jackson, he pulled up for the jumper with 5 seconds left and all of a sudden, made a no-look-pass to Ariza who was beyond the arc. Ariza who had an open look bailed the shot in with 2 seconds remaining. The Lakers hung on to win the game.

Game notes:
- Sasha Vujacic still can't get his shooting groove and he even committed 6 turnovers
- Vladimir Radmanovic also played 5 minutes but committed 4 turnovers
- Trevor Ariza is expected to start next season with his superb performance

[Justin_kobe117]

Chapter 2: I Want Out

A few days have past since the exhibition game with the Warriors, Sasha Vujacic was furious. During team practice, Phil Jackson had decided to make some changes in the game plan. With Trevor Ariza performing very well both in the past 2 exhibition games as well as during practices, Ariza was not known to have a good shooting rhythem but he has been working hard to improve and it has all payed off, it is very likely that Ariza will be starting small forward.
His teamates were passing to Ariza to make the shot or drive the lane during scrimages, rarely passing the ball to him and even if Sasha shot the ball, it didn't go in.

As practice ended, Sasha caught Phil as the players walked off the court. "Coach, why can't you play me like how you did last season? I can make shots! I can contribute! Or else why did you insist to resign me if I don't get to contribute more? I could have a better shot with some other teams." Sasha asked. "Sasha, you have to slow down. Basketball is a team sport and you play as a team." Phil replied. "But why does Trevor get all the attention!" Sasha quickly shot back. "Well he earns his attention, he has been playing at a very high level and he is always keen to improve his skills." Phil quickly replied. Sasha was very angry now, he could not contain his anger and said "Come on coach! I practice, everybody on the team knows I'm a gym rat! I can....." he couldn't finish his sentence when Phil quickly shut him up, "Sasha, let me tell you what I think. Ever since we resigned you, you have become more arrogant, you think you deserve the contract, you think that you are playing at a high level when you are not. I remember seeing you all the time shooting around before and after practice, do I see you doing that now? Guys don't pass the ball to you because they don't trust you because of your arogance."

Sasha could no longer hold back his anger, he really wanted to strangle Phil now but he didn't want to be known as the second Latrell Sprewell. He picked up his gear and headed for the exit. "This is just pathetic." He said before leaving the building. "There is no point staying here now, the Lakers don't need me now, I'd probably become a bench warmer. I might as well be traded, I believe other teams will want some like me that has such potential." He picked up his phone and called his agent.

[Justin_kobe117]

Lakers Trade Vujacic For Wizards LA Native Young


Drafted in 2004, Vujacic has been known as the "11 AM shooter" because he always made all his shots during practice but always can't make them during the game. However, Sasha Vujacic had a carear year last season, shooting .437 from beyond the arc, gaining the nickname "The Machine" from Kobe Bryant because of his amazing shooting touch. With such improvments, he was a popular player in the free agent pool, the Lakers however still managed to resign him. Therefore it came by complete surprise that the Lakers traded him.

"During the past 2 exhibition games, Sasha was unhappy with the new game plan and was very unhappy that he didn't have a chance to shine. Therefore he asked to be traded. We wish him the best with the Wizards organization and hope he has a bright future with them." said Earvin "Magic" Johnson in a press conference held this afternoon.

Nick Young, a Los Angeles Native, was drafted in 2007, a shooting guard known for his overall ability and ball IQ. "Kobe Bryant is the most important piece to our team, even though he is at his prime, we will need someone like him step up to fill his part once he retires. We believe Nick Young is that player, he is young and he plays alot like Kobe. Hopefully he can learn some things off Kobe, we believe he will fit well into the Lakers system." said Johnson. Johnson even joked saying "Here is your future replacement Kobe!" when he introduced Nick Young.

The Wizards on the other hand also gain a valuable piece to their roster, Sasha Vujacic can play the 1 to the 3. He can easily fit into the Wizards' offense and he can also bring a 3 point threat to the Wizards, taking off burden from key players like Antwan Jamison, Gilbert Arenas and Caron Butler.

The Lakers will also recieve previous draft pick Javaris Crittenton and the Wizards will recieve Chinese point guard Sun Yue.

Jordan Farmar and Nick Young were close friends back when they were in college even though the attended different colleges, Farmar went to UCLA while Young went to USC. When asked what Farmar thought of this, he said "I love it! I mean even though its sad we lost Vujacic, one of my best friends is on the same team as I am. I look forward to playing with him on the same team." Kobe Bryant thought that the Lakers made a decent trade, "Its just too bad Sasha wants out, I respect that and I do hope him the best in the future. However, I'd be more than happy to mentor Nick Young, he has lots of potential and tools to become an all-star player. I'm looking forward to playing with him."