Lakers

[Surfah]

Ebanks and Caracter are looking really good in Vegas.

[BGRTHNUMEGO]

Ebanks looks like Ariza, only with more basketball ability.

Caracter is clearly boarding for a paycheck...or rather, hitting the glass hard now so he can get a payday that will cover his future large dietary needs.

[Surfah]

Originally Posted by BGRTHNUMEGO

Ebanks looks like Ariza, only with more basketball ability.

Caracter is clearly boarding for a paycheck...or rather, hitting the glass hard now so he can get a payday that will cover his future large dietary needs.

Arnovitz had a nice write up about Caracter (20/10 followed up by 17/12). I thought Ebanks had the best chance to make the team if either did. Tough to say after two summer league games, but they're on their way. If they keep progressing I think they can both find a spot and this means that Powell is as good as gone.

Here's what Arnovitz said about Ebanks after day 1:

At West Virginia, Lakers' draft pick Devin Ebanks established a reputation as a dogged perimeter defender, a versatile small forward who can make plays for teammates and ... an atrocious shooter from distance. On Friday, Ebanks exhibited all those positive attributes. He and Ibrahim Jabeer hooked up on a stellar give-and-go when Ebanks darted a pass across the lane on the break, then finished the play when Ibrahim returned the ball to him at the rim. A few minutes later, Ebanks knocked the ball away from Austin Daye from behind in transition. No surprise there. But Ebanks looked confident -- and competent -- as a shooter on Friday. He converted 9 of his 16 shots en route to 21 points. If Ebanks can give defenses any reason whatsoever to guard him away from the basket, he could be a serviceable NBA player.

David Thorpe on Caracter:

"His nine fouls show how aggressively he moved around the floor. He looked like he was in good shape -- very nimble and agile. He was composed around the basket with both his left and right hand, but he doesn't have a plan in the post yet. Still, he played with great attentiveness and a willingness to share the ball. Botttom line: He looked like a first-rounder."

Saw Farmar signed with Jersey. I don't get that. He's not going to start there and I know he was frustrated with his role and PT in LA. He probably scored himself a bit more dough than the Lakers were willing to give, but for Jersey? Was that enough for rings? I guess he has two. Might as well make that money while you can. Not that I am sad to see him go, but I always have a soft spot for the hometown kids.

[Surfah]

Ugh, Fisher gets a 3 year deal? That is 2 years too long. This was a Lakers familia decision I am afraid and not, lets do what is best for our team. The money hasn't been released yet, but I don't want to know. Funk you wanted to know what I thought was a bad signing and contract? This is one. Unless it's a $3 million deal.

[Color Me Badd Fan]

Originally Posted by Surfah

Ugh, Fisher gets a 3 year deal? That is 2 years too long. This was a Lakers familia decision I am afraid and not, lets do what is best for our team. The money hasn't been released yet, but I don't want to know. Funk you wanted to know what I thought was a bad signing and contract? This is one. Unless it's a $3 million deal.

Fisher gets better with age. You should be happy that you'll see Fisher running up and down the court at the age of 39.

[FN Phat]

You would be hard pressed to find another player that has made more money, and played longer, than Fish with what he is working with. He has conditioned his body well and learn the ins and outs of the game. It also has helped that he is in the back pocket of Dr. Phil. I imagine the "0.4 shot" (sorry cougjunkie) helps as well.

I was surprised to find out that he ranked second for made 3pt in Finals history while maintaining the highest 3pt %.

[Surfah]

Originally Posted by FN Phat

You would be hard pressed to find another player that has made more money, and played longer, than Fish with what he is working with. He has conditioned his body well and learn the ins and outs of the game. It also has helped that he is in the back pocket of Dr. Phil. I imagine the "0.4 shot" (sorry cougjunkie) helps as well.

I was surprised to find out that he ranked second for made 3pt in Finals history while maintaining the highest 3pt %.

With Blake I am less worried than having Farmar back him up. It was interesting that he singled out Kobe as a main reason for coming back. Kobe loves Fish (insert bad pun). And has said that he's the only guy he listens to on the floor. Fish also said that thought this offer wasn't the most lucrative it was the most rewarding. I am anxious to see the numbers. And I also wonder what Miami offered.

[Non Sequitur]

I think a big reason Fisher didn't go with Miami is because of the way the whole Miami thing has played out with the press and with the fans. People are not digging the Miami experiment, so why have that be the last thing you're remembered for?

[Surfah]

Originally Posted by Non Sequitur

I think a big reason Fisher didn't go with Miami is because of the way the whole Miami thing has played out with the press and with the fans. People are not digging the Miami experiment, so why have that be the last thing you're remembered for?

I can't remember which Lakers blogger it was, Kamentzky maybe, but he said the same thing. Fisher is one of the good guys and Fisher even intimated that by signing with Miami would have tarnished his legacy. I also think that his role as Union President played a role. I think it would have looked bad had he too joined the circus.

[FN Phat]

Originally Posted by Surfah

I can't remember which Lakers blogger it was, Kamentzky maybe, but he said the same thing. Fisher is one of the good guys and Fisher even intimated that by signing with Miami would have tarnished his legacy. I also think that his role as Union President played a role. I think it would have looked bad had he too joined the circus.

Ask any resident Jazz fan their opinion.

I think you hit the nail on the head with his role as Union President. I think this would be a deciding factor to stay clear of the move. I am not buying the idea of tarnishing his "legacy".

[Surfah]

The G.O.A.T. puts this debate to bed:



http://lakersblog.latimes.com/lakers...ron-james.html

[New Mexican Disaster]

Originally Posted by Surfah

YouTube- Michael Jordan answers Kobe Bryant vs LeBron James

http://lakersblog.latimes.com/lakers...ron-james.html

For a couple more years. I am a little concerned about the length on some of these contracts, including that 30 mill plus year for Kobe when he is 35. But hey, I should live in the now shouldn't I?

[Blueintheface]

Originally Posted by Non Sequitur

I think a big reason Fisher didn't go with Miami is because of the way the whole Miami thing has played out with the press and with the fans. People are not digging the Miami experiment, so why have that be the last thing you're remembered for?

I agree and applaud his decision.

[mpfunk]

Kobe Bryant pushing to get Raja Bell to sign with the Lakers. Got to hand it to Bryant the guy wants to win and he is willing to go out and convince a guy that he hates to sign with the Lakers.

Sadly, I see myself pulling for the Lakers to get this deal done to hopefully strengthen their roster. I may hate the Lakers, but the enemy of my enemy is my friend.

http://sports.espn.go.com/los-angele...ory?id=5375672

[HBCoug]

The Lakers are quietly having themselves a nice little off-season:

http://sports.espn.go.com/los-angele...ory?id=5403111

http://sports.espn.go.com/los-angele...ory?id=5402710

Those are very subtle signings but both could be really nice pieces in filling out another Championship team--especially Barnes, of course. The bench has been officially upgraded. Count Shannon Brown as the latest fool trying to flex on Dr. Buss only to be hit with reality. It was a lot of fun watching Shannon dunk over the past couple years. I wish him well.

[CJF]

The Lakers just increased the overall intelligence of their team.

"Its official I AM A LOS ANGLES LAKER. I wanna thank u for all ur patients and understanding. This is a dream come true!!! Good lookn Kobe," Barnes posted on his Twitter feed.

Seriously, WTF is the Kobe comment about?

[Surfah]

The Lakers have improved their bench quite a bit, particularly if Caracter and Ebanks continue to progress as they have this summer. They now have a number of guys defensively to throw at the league's best. I am amped for this season to start.

[Surfah]

So the Lakers are shopping Sasha. They're pairing him with a future 1st round pick to move his $5 million salary. Apparently they offered this deal to the Cabs for Delonte West. Thank heavens they said no.

[Surfah]

Originally Posted by HBCoug

The Lakers are quietly having themselves a nice little off-season:

http://sports.espn.go.com/los-angele...ory?id=5403111

http://sports.espn.go.com/los-angele...ory?id=5402710

Those are very subtle signings but both could be really nice pieces in filling out another Championship team--especially Barnes, of course. The bench has been officially upgraded. Count Shannon Brown as the latest fool trying to flex on Dr. Buss only to be hit with reality. It was a lot of fun watching Shannon dunk over the past couple years. I wish him well.

Dude I love your avatar. Rick Caine. Awesome. I am going to have to bring back Turtle as mine.

[HBCoug]

Originally Posted by Surfah

Dude I love your avatar. Rick Caine. Awesome. I am going to have to bring back Turtle as mine.

Eh, you know the guy, Rick Kane ... he gonna stomp your ass! Absolutely bring back Turtle and see if you can convince Gidget to break out Kiani. Maybe BYU71 or one of our elder statesmen can be Chandler. Soul surfers, kook.

[Surfah]

The roster is set. Shannon signed yesterday and Ebanks and Caracter both agreed to terms today. I love this team. This roster is stacked. Let the games begin.

[FN Phat]

Originally Posted by Surfah

The roster is set. Shannon signed yesterday and Ebanks and Caracter both agreed to terms today. I love this team. This roster is stacked. Let the games begin.

I'm not hot on Ebanks. Could be that he played for WVU and Huggins. Derrick Caracter reminds me of another young DC (Derrick Coleman). I think he has the potential to be a big asset for the Lakers but has to let his work ethic take over and make a name for himself as a gym rat.

[Surfah]

Originally Posted by FN Phat

I'm not hot on Ebanks. Could be that he played for WVU and Huggins. Derrick Caracter reminds me of another young DC (Derrick Coleman). I think he has the potential to be a big asset for the Lakers but has to let his work ethic take over and make a name for himself as a gym rat.

I really like both of these rookies. They were the two best players in Vegas this summer not named John Wall.

Ebanks showed some touch on his jumper, but his defense is Ariza like. Caracter was a beast and rebounding machine. I wouldn't be surprised to see one of them traded with Sasha sometime this year. I really think DC can have an impact.

[Surfah]

God bless the best owner in sports.

http://sports.espn.go.com/los-angele...ory?id=5472370

On O'Neal signing with the Celtics: "I think there's a lot of rivalry and a lot of emotions in these things. Shaq and Kobe have a little thing going as to who wins the most rings and so Shaq signing with Boston sets up a potential showdown. I like the drama, I think it's fabulous. You can't help but love Shaq. He's still Shaquille O'Neal. He's still a very funny man, sometimes he gets a little carried away in his analysis of former employers, but outside of that he's quite a guy and we look forward to [playing Boston]."

[aronaldox7]

I don't like Lakers. I just hate them.

[New Mexican Disaster]

Originally Posted by aronaldox7

I don't like Lakers. I just hate them.

What a unique perspective.

[Surfah]

Artest will be wearing #15 this season. Same number he wore when he came into the league with the Bulls if I am not mistaken.

[Surfah]

I thought he was gay. Go ahead Sasha.

http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/blog/bal...urn=nba-264745

[Surfah]

Didn't know where to put this, but it looks like Shaq is going Odom and going to bag himself his own reality star. Rumors out there he is engaged to Hoopz.. I was hoping it'd be Pumpkin.



I'm sorry but I could never hook up with the sloppy seconds of this dude, no matter how hot she is:

[FN Phat]

Hoopz was bangin' back in the day. Her and Flav only made out. He never tapped that.