Big name player transactions added to a controversially queer teammate, huge payrolls, a franchise player declared by MJ himself as his Air Apparent, a coaching change four games into the start of the season, an unpredictable management and their own array of celebrity fans, big men getting injured one after the other. These are the major ingredients that led to a cocktail called the Los Angeles Lakers.
On paper, this team has the best starting unit in the basketball universe. In actual play? If the playoffs were to start next week, they’re mere spectators. Even the Golden State Warriors are snickering down at them.
From the moment Mike D’Antoni took steering control, things went from bad to worse, like PNoy’s Daang Matuwid gone confusingly zigzag. D’Antoni insists on his run-and-gun, fast break offense on a definitely slower, older and much taller team than the ones he coached prior to his LA stint.
An injury to Steve Nash that sidelined him for 2 months didn’t help things. Then there’s the physically and mentally troubled Dwight Howard who can’t seem to find a consistent rhythm in his game. As an added attraction, D12’s dad recently blasted D’Antoni for the way he’s handling the team.
The team’s resident diva, KB24, also had a rumored rift with D12, accusing the latter of babying his injury, prompting former Lakers Rick Fox and Gary Payton to join in the D12 bashing, in effect declaring without saying that D12 is faking his injury.
Prior to Pau Gasol’s injury, he and Coach D had personal and playing issues, leading to Gasol’s statement loosely saying that he wants out if coach and D12 are still on the team as they can’t coexist. They can never coexist as long as their roles are not clearly defined and one or the other has to give way if they want to go to the next level.
Jordan Hill is out for the season, Gasol sits for two months, now Earl Clark is looking at the possibility of being sidelined indefinitely with a foot injury. The only big man they have now is rookie center Robert Sacre and he’s just plain too raw. They should use the Disabled Player Exemption and take advantage of the $1.7m allowed by the league to acquire another player and fill up a slot made available by Hill’s injury.
Ah, Kobe. This guy is so more than Hollywood even celebrities score six figure courtside seats just to shake his sweaty palms. How about that game the other day where he had a game-high nine assists, eight turnovers and just four points? Even his coach was not pleased with the extra-generous effort, saying KB passed the ball too much. And did you know that he and his wife Vanessa recently mended fences and cancelled their divorce?
When the Lakers are winning games, trade talks are almost non-existent. Consecutive loses revives the trade rumors and since the trade deadline is only a week away, things could be brewing again. Management, as usual, denies any player movement, but knowing Mitch Kupchak, denials could mean transactions are already in the works.
Laker drama, made in Hollywood.
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As you read this piece, there could be feedbacks already as to the arrival of a legitimate 2-time NBA champion who will be suiting up for our PBA’s Ginebra Gin Kings.
As per reports, negotiations are on the positive side as to the possible signing of former LA Laker reserve center DJ Mbenga. The 7-foot Belgian-Congolese seems interested with Barangay Ginebra as he requested for videotapes of their games and has been inquiring about the like of Rudy Hatfield, LA Tenorio, Mark Caguioa and Chris Ellis.
DJ is interested with the possibility of Ginebra going all the way to the championship with a strong local cast. He was not happy with his stint in the Chinese Basketball Association where he teamed with Tracy McGrady for a mediocre team.
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Driving our daughter to school yesterday, me and my wife Denden were amused seeing the multitude of people, mostly men, buying flowers for their sweethearts. From 50 to more than a thousand pesos, flower vendors had a killing for guys who want to impress or those who want to ask forgiveness. Those without partners longed to have one. Some lighted candles for the heavens to deliver them someone. The more practical lighted katols, to drive away the lamoks intruding their loneliness while they make gakos to their unlan. The amorous and the promiscuous did their thing behind closed doors, all for the unity of two hearts. Come November 14, there could be several broken hearts.
If there is harmony within the family, you’re at peace with your surroundings and you are happy, content and grateful with what the Lord has blessed you, then everyday is Valentine’s Day. So, how was your Valentines spent yesterday?