<<Lakeshow>> closed

[newc]

i hope you'll draft young!

[XpLosibo]

KOBE INVADES ASIA

MY PERSONAL PHOTO

Making his promised return trip to Manila, NBA Finals MVP Kobe Bryant will kick off his Nike sponsored 2009 Asia Tour: Philippines. Seeking to inspire young ballers to continue aspiring for their big hoop dreams, the tour will touch six cities in Asia – Manila, Singapore, Taipei, Hong Kong, Shanghai and Chengdu.

“Nike Philippines is proud to welcome Kobe Bryant back to Manila, and we are excited to be the first stop of his Asia tour. Since his last visit, Kobe has further cemented his status as a basketball powerhouse having been awarded NBA’s 2007-2008 MVP. The Lakers’ clinching the NBA Championship and Kobe being named the Finals’ Most Valuable Player in the recently concluded season makes the timing of his visit doubly exciting, and though brief, we know he will again touch many young lives, inspiring them to reach for their hoop dreams,” said Nike Philippines country marketing manager Mae Dichupa.

Kobe Bryant’s one-day Manila visit will kick off with a visit at Nike Park, The Fort at 2:00pm, where he will meet young ballers from select Gawad Kalinga communities. Kobe has made it a point to support deserving institutions in every tour, setting aside quality time to be with children who are interested in basketball to encourage them to keep dreaming big. Activities at the Nike Park, The Fort will be broadcast live over W.N.I.K.E Radio on 89.9 DWTM.
The main event of the basketball superstar’s Manila visit will be a basketball camp at the ULTRA where Kobe will showcase his skills and share his basketball prowess alongside the Nike Elite Campers, a group of up-and-coming young basketball players. The camp will allow Kobe to work with his young fans to help them increase their level of play on the basketball court. The show will start at 4:00pm, gates will be open to the public at 3:00pm.

N.B.A. Teams Devise New Ways to Fill Seats


"THE SPANISH ROCKSTAR"

In an effort to fill seats during difficult economic times, many N.B.A. teams are hoping to lure new fans with incentives. And this Collector’s Edition of a Spanish version of Rolling Stone magazine, is one of the many perks that will be given to all the Lakers ticket buyers, in their inaugural home game. The cover shows Pau Gasol dressed Elvis-like in an open black shirt and gold sunglasses and includes a tagline promising that Pau reveals his "secrets."

In other N.B.A. cities, marketing officials are stretching their imaginations to persuade fans to stretch their entertainment dollars. Miami has a promotion called All You Can Heat, which caters to fans who are interested in buying partial-season ticket plans. Based on what an announcement on the Heat’s Web site calls an “à la carte philosophy,” fans can pick and choose any six games. They can also “customize their fan experience” with one of a handful of activities, like taking a photograph at center court, participating in postgame free-throw shooting or receiving a customized Heat jersey.

*The Nets are offering ticket buyers free "reversible" jerseys, complete with the names of their favorite players — and their favorite opponents.
*In Dallas, anyone who buys “select full-season ticket package” receives a free ticket to the 2010 All-Star Game, which the Mavericks will host.
*In Philadelphia, the 76ers are running a Back 2 School promotion: four tickets to the home opener, two backpacks, two T-shirts and two hats for $75.
*The Detroit Pistons are offering three options: the Big Game Plan, 12 marquee games for the price of 9; the Weekend Plan, 12 weekend games for the price of 9; and the Economy Plan, 16 games for a minimum of $225.
*In Indiana, the Pacers were offering the first 100 fans who buy full- or half-season tickets a chance to meet their Basketball Hero - Danny Granger

Dwyane Wade, the Heat’s star guard, called the concept “totally awesome.”

N.B.A. DRAFT 09: NEW YORK PICKS FIRST

The ping-pong balls have bounced and the lottery teams are looking to draft the next great NBA player. The Knicks beat the Grizzlies and 2 other teams to select first the Best, Talented Rookie in the coming NBA Draft, which will be held, as usual, in New York.

[XpLosibo]

Love these pre-draft scouting reports. Still hoping yo pick Meeks.

i scouted meeks, i was really impressed w/ his scoring prowess esp. when he burned Tennessee w/ 54 points, good choice martti tnx

are you gonna pick an SG?

i want a scoring combo guard, and a forward

i'd take a poor man's Starbury over a normal Joey Graham any day

graham really sucks as a pro, he was unstoppable in college. too bad

i hope you'll draft young!

what can i do, most of u guys requested him tnx

[kibaxx7]

Lol at the Gasol's RS cover Loving the scout reports as well!

[kaiser_kobe]

nice scouting reports! ...that Gasol cover was hilarious, he is like a young Pepe Smith, haha, "rock and roll"...or some kind of hollywood star...btw, are you planning to get both Young and Meeks? with the 30th and 60th pick?

[Bodz]

Hopefully you'll be able to draft Young before some other teams get to him; I'm sure other teams have their eyes on him as well...

[Martti.]

That picture of Gasol sure is funny.

[fumanchu]

so sino ba ang minamataan mo?
who's your no 1 prospect?

[Clutch]

nice write ups; you actually make the Lakers enjoyable for me

WAS will be a force with a healthy Agent Zero and a shot at Griffin or Thabeet!

[XpLosibo]

Lol at the Gasol's RS cover Loving the scout reports as well!

tnx i didnt just laughed at it, i was shocked as well when i first saw that mag.. i thought it was just some photoshop project

nice scouting reports! ...that Gasol cover was hilarious, he is like a young Pepe Smith, haha, "rock and roll"...or some kind of hollywood star...btw, are you planning to get both Young and Meeks? with the 30th and 60th pick?

yeh rakenroll!!! i think only sam young would be my pick, i realized i can't have meeks all the way down to 60.. maybe il work on a trade for meeks

Hopefully you'll be able to draft Young before some other teams get to him; I'm sure other teams have their eyes on him as well...

i hope so.. need to find another backup if i cant snatch him tnx

That picture of Gasol sure is funny.

it is indeed rudy fernandez isn't the only spanish rockstar in the league

so sino ba ang minamataan mo?
who's your no 1 prospect?

is it really necessary for a translation? ..of course blake griffin or rubio is my no.1 prospect, but im picking last in the 1st round, sam young could be my rookie, and jodie meeks if i can get him.. do u have suggestions? tnx

nice write ups; you actually make the Lakers enjoyable for me
WAS will be a force with a healthy Agent Zero and a shot at Griffin or Thabeet!

tnx very much dude, im also enjoying now compared to my 1st season, that's really the whole point here, for us to enjoy yeh, imagine if the wiz could have griffin or thabeet plus mcgee as slamdunking towers

[XpLosibo]

MALONE SHOULD STAY AT HOME

"Karl's just jumping into the LA bandwagon. I don't think he can run back and forth anymore, or even jump for a rebound. Against these high-flying, towering young dogs, you tell me? If Karl can win his ring, Im going to come out of retirement and join the Lakeshow. Or if he can show me his ring, Im going to do a Shaq and wear a Pink Speedo."

THE BARKLEY TOP 15 MOCK DRAFT

1. NEW YORK (19-39)
How they got here: The Knicks had the fourth worst record this season and only a 119% chance of landing the top pick, but nevertheless managed to secure the top overall selection, which should serve as a huge shot in the arm for their disenchanted fanbase.
Who they will take: Although they may momentarily entertain the thought of selecting Ricky Rubio, to lead Mike D’ Antoni’s run n’gun show, Blake Griffin is clearly the obvious choice here. He represents everything the team is currently missing in terms of energy, intensity, passion and character, and should be able to help bring the Knicks back to playoff contention almost immediately.

2. WASHINGTON (20-38)
How they got here: The Wizards had the fifth-worst record and only an 88 percent chance of landing the No. 2 pick. Although they obviously would have preferred to move up just one more spot, they have a chance to add a major building block to their already solid core of prospects.
Who they will take: The draft really starts here, as opinions are clearly split on what the Wiz’ should or will do. Ironically, there doesn’t appear to be an ideal option at this spot just yet. Many think they will take Ricky Rubio, which could play a 1-2 punch to their backcourt alongside Arenas, and with that confession that they may have wasted the No. 1 pick for Kwame Brown. Others are certain that Hasheem Thabeet is the pick here, as he’s exactly the inside presence they’ve been lacking. Truth be told, the Wizards will likely go back and forth on what to do here, and may not make up their minds until they are actually on the clock.

3. MINNESOTA (20-38)
How they got here: The T’Wolves ended the Season with a 5 game losing streak and tied with the Wizards, with only 63% chance, they still sneaked into 3rd spot, which is bound to please their front office and fan base.
Who they will take: Minnesota’s choice seems relatively simple if Washington decides to take Ricky Rubio at No. 2. They’ve been searching for a dominant defensive big man and a true center for years now, as Al Jefferson plays a natural power forward. They wasted multiple top-10 picks in their search efforts back before this new front office was put in place. The trade of KG indicates that this continues to be a priority, so look for them to take Hasheem Thabeet if he’s indeed on the board here. If not, they will likely go for value and take Rubio, despite the fact that they may have problems with his contract buyout to DK Joventut. James Harden may be able to change their mind with a fantastic workout.

4. MEMPHIS (16-42)
How they got here: The worst-case scenario came true in this case, as the Grizzlies beat the odds and fell all the way to No. 4. This is a huge setback for a team that is already reeling on all fronts, suffering through a painful 16-42 season while its owners slowly hemorrhage money from all directions.
Who they will take: Although they are widely viewed as the next two best prospects, neither Jordan Hill nor Harden appears to be very attractive options from a positional standpoint. Considering the Grizzlies’glaring need for a point guard, Brandon Jennings looks like a pretty decent fit here, that could end the Mike Conley Era. This pick could very well be moved, possibly as a way to unload some of their bad contracts.

5. OKLAHOMA CITY (17-41)
How they got here: Just like Memphis, the OKC Thunder came out of this lottery as poorly as they possibly could have, having slipped three spots from No. 2 to No.5.
Who they will take: Oklahoma City seemed to have their hearts set on trading the pick, but it’s not quite clear what kind of value will be offered to them since there appears to be little difference between drafting fifth and drafting ninth for example. Jordan Hill appears to be the most attractive option (w/ the exception of Thabeet’s availability) if he’s indeed on the board, as he’s one of the few big men in this draft with NBA size, athleticism and rebounding ability. Harden could also be a decent consolation prize to solidify their backcourt.

6. CHARLOTTE (17-41)
How they got here: Charlotte also slipped three spots from No. 3 to No. 6 when Minnesota was fortunate enough to draw the top 3 pick.
Who they will take: The Bobcats are extremely shallow on the wing and the best-case scenario would probably be Harden, since he has the size to defend shooting guards, but can also help shoulder a good amount of the playmaking duties, which in turn will free up their shooters or attack down low to Okafor. Gerald Henderson also fits a need from a defensive and athletic standpoint from Larry Brown’s perspective.

7. INDIANA (21-37)
Who they will take: The Pacers don’t seem very set on any of their playmakers, and with the depth of this year’s point-guard crop, a player like Jonny Flynn could have value here.

8. TORONTO (24-34)
Who they will take: The Raptors lack athleticism on the wing and a shot-creating presence, and DeMar Derozan is clearly the most physically gifted player left on the board. He also possesses quite a bit of potential to continue to improve, but if the Raptors are as serious as they say they are about changing their team culture and getting tougher defensively, they will need to make sure that he indeed has the kind of intangibles they’re looking for.

9. PORTLAND (24-34)
Who they will take: Tyler Hansbrough could fill in their need to upgrade the frontcourt. And if Greg Oden continues to be healthy as promised, then Hansbrough could play in his natural position. Earl Clark could also be of big help if Hansbrough is not available.

10. GOLDEN STATE (24-34)
Who they will take: Don Nelson and his good friend Larry Riley will likely have plenty of conversations in the next few weeks about how to find a player who best fits the Warriors’ system and existing roster. Stephen Curry would be another unbelievable scoring weapon who would likely thrive in Nellie’s up-tempo, freestyling offense, but a big point guard who can defend multiple positions like Evans may be a better compliment to Monta Ellis.

11. SACRAMENTO (26-32)
Who they will take: Brandon Jennings looks like a pretty decent fit here, although their first priority will obviously be to hire a Coach, Until they do that, it’s very difficult to make big changes to the roster, since a lot will depend on the style of play they want to implement and the new coach’s thoughts on what they already have on the team.

12. ORLANDO (26-32)
Who they will take: Austin Daye could play a big role in this team as he shows great touch from all spots on the floor, he could also play alongside D12 or relieve Rashard Lewis without sacrificing on both ends considering his length and athleticism.

13. NEW JERSEY (27-31)
Who they will take: The Nets would like to get an ultra-tough big man, but with very little quality size available at this point in the draft, they may look to take a pass-first point guard like Ty Lawson who can play alongside Devin Harris and let him be more of a scorer.

14. UTAH (28-30)
Who they will take: The Jazz need size, some more outside shooting and a backup point guard who can learn the position behind Deron Williams. BJ Mullens, Wayne Ellington or Eric Maynor are the best players available. They could also decide to draft a foreign-born player (Omri Casspi) and keep him overseas for a year or two, while his game matures and their existing salary cap issues are sorted out.

15. MILWAUKEE (27-31)
Who they will take: This club still has a lot of work to do, as their “dream trio” didn’t materialize into their expectations. A solid support in the two guard like a Gerald Henderson, who’s a phenomenal athlete that shoots well and is extremely fluid both in the fast-break and in half-court sets. Or select a tenacious interior player with terrific physical ability like a DeMarre Carroll.

[fumanchu]

nice presentations...well thought of...

[homicide1550]

Nice article! I agree with Chuck.. Malone should stay home.. hehe..

[kibaxx7]

Nice idea with Charles

[Martti.]

I was actually glad that Malone didn't get his ring when he joined the Lakers in 2004.

[XpLosibo]

TNX!
@ homicide, martti - you guys are mean

[XpLosibo]

Sam Young injured in vertical leap test

The fourth-leading scorer in Pittsburgh history, Sam Young, was hesitant when it came time for his vertical leap test. Young was injured on the same test during a workout in Toronto.

"I jumped and smacked the flaps, I came down and the knob from the [vertical leap] pole went in my arm," Young said. "I felt it pinched me or scratched me. When they turned it [the pole] sideways, the knob twisted in my arm and made it a little more difficult to get it out."

Young said the maintenance department was called to bring out a chain saw, which was used to shorten the pole so that Young could get into an ambulance with the knob still stuck in his upper left arm.

"The pole was rattling, the knob was rattling in my arm, it was crazy," Young said. "The ambulance driver had to go over speed bumps to get out of the facility. [At the hospital] they drugged me up, I couldn't feel it and [the doctor] took the thing out of my arm. It took about an hour. It was 3 millimeters away from a blood vessel and another millimeter away from a nerve."

Because of the injury, Young could not perform the bench-press test, but he gave the vertical leap another go.

"I had a phobia and probably didn't do as well as I should have," Young said. "I was just trying to get it over with."

Temple guard Dionte Christmas witnessed Young's mishap.
"That was pretty crazy," Christmas said. "He's a tough guy. I can see that just from seeing him out on the court, but after that, he's definitely got my respect."

Sam Young shows his injury
http://www.nba.com/pacers/news/sam_young_2009.html



How lucky can you get? Lakers GM Mitch Kupchak said. “We get to choose dead last in both rounds, and your best option gets injured.”

A few days before the NBA Draft, News broke out that Pittsburgh Scoring Forward - Sam Young had an accident while doing his vertical leap test in Toronto.

“I saw the video, it’s a really big wound on his left arm.” Lakers Coach Xavier Blake said. “This is a serious situation for us and also for the guy. He can’t even do some bench-press or perform his famous windmill dunk.”

“Im now seriously thinking about picking Jodie Meeks in the 1st Round and the 60th pick goes to a player that we could send overseas and play their for a couple of years.” Kupchak said. “I also got a trade proposal from Minnesota, they offered Al Jefferson and Randy Foye for Andrew Bynum.”

“Really? Did you accept the proposal?”

“I just told them we’re still focused now with our Rookies, and that I’ll decide with their proposal on Draft Day. I’m also cooking a trade with the Blazers, I have high hopes that it will materialize.”

“Think hard Mitch, your decisions will make or break our team. With the rookies and all the trades, that’s a lot of risk to take. Our journey for a 2-peat lies in your hands.” Said The Lakers mentor.

UP NXT: NBA DRAFT 09, MSG NEW YORK

[Bodz]

Ouch! That must've hurt his draft ratings too...

I still see the prospect in Sam Young despite that injury; maybe get 2nd or 3rd opinions from the other Laker members.

As for the trade proposal from Minnesota, it's very tempting but I'll stick with Bynum.

A proposal with the Blazers? Hmmm... LaMarcus Aldridge?

[kaiser_kobe]

go for Demarre Carroll! haha, though he is not on the options...or just DeJuan Blair...he slided way in the second round in real life, can also be possible for ur 30th pick...for the trade? Al Jeff and Randy Foye for Bynum? that would be one sided deal ...go for it ...maybe u should accept it then trade Randy for a higher pick?...also what kind of proposal is that from the Blazers?

[Martti.]

Ouch, that had to hurt. I think you should agree to the deal. You get a lot for Bynum.

[Clutch]

damn that looked nasty eechhhh

also got a trade proposal from Minnesota, they offered Al Jefferson and Randy Foye for Andrew Bynum

i'd snatch that in a minute! you've got Gasshole already

[kibaxx7]

I would stick with Bynum as well. One of my fav players.

[XpLosibo]

CHEEEEERS!!!
The Lakers organization are celebrating the success of the team for this years' rookie draft and off-season transactions. Drafting small forward Sam Young for the 30th pick and selecting 60th for power forward Jonas Jerebko.

"YOU PULLED IT OFF, MITCH" the Lakers Owner Dr. Jerry Buss, screaming and embracing the GM. "We got our rookies, we got Sasha and Darrell back, and a young french sensation. (referring to the newly acquired Nicolas Batum via trade with Jodie Meeks to the Blazers)

Lakers Staff clapping and asking for a speech

"Thanks to everyone. To our boss, Dr. Buss. To all my Lakers Family. This is the team that I envisioned. We may have new players for our rebuilding project, but we still have our championship core to continue with our dreams for a repeat. I'd also like to say that I have rejected the trade proposal for our Big Fella, I believe he's not yet shown his full potential because of all the injuries, and that I'm expecting a breakout year for him." said GM Kupchak. "It's been a stressful week. So let's all celebrate tonight and start working our butts tomorrow!!!"

YEAHHH, LET'S GO LAKERS!!! PARTYYYY!!! said team special assistant coach Dennis Rodman. After a couple of drinks, Rodman asks "Hey Mitch! How bout Malone?"

"We're still checking his ability to play for a full 82 games. I'll try to complete our roster before the season starts. And don't worry Dennis, I'm not going to assign him to you." Kupchak said, laughter filled the whole room.

(After the party, Mitch, Dennis and Coach Blake were left talking while having more beer)

"What a week huh, really stressful." GM Kupchak stressed.

"Yah, Are you alright Mitch?" Coach Blake said. "I haven't talk to Kobe yet, but do you guys think he still likes Karl to play for the Lakers?" he added.

"If he can jump for the rebound, maybe" Rodman sarcastically said.

"Do you really hate Karl, Dennis? Kupchak asks. "I mean, you wrestled on the court. You wrestled in the ring. I felt it was just for entertainment."

The Worm replied "The fight for the NBA ring was real, we get physical but it was fun. Do you think he will let his title quest to be scripted, and let me get away with the ring? Obviously, our match in WCW nitro was scripted, but it was really creative and exciting. The fans went nuts."

Coach Blake said, "A couple more evaluations on his physical test, and we'll get him in our lineup, I hope you work out with him, seriously"

"Whatever you say, Coach" Dennis responds, then asks "What happened to you Mitch, you ain't talking, are you sleepy?"

(Mitch Kupchak didn't respond while his head down to the table)

"Shit, he's not breathing, call for help dennis!" Coach Blake shouted.

[Martti.]

Good decision sticking with Young. Great job getting Batum. Thought about him with my Bucks also, but there were salary cap issues..

[fumanchu]

and you got Batum...that's a good trade....