Playoffs dimming

It's still pretty early to tell, but if the Lakers continue giving up games like last night's Celtics fiasco and last week's Hawks debacle, the playoff lighthouse that has been guiding the hopes of Lakers fans everywhere will slowly extinguish.

Think about it, if we beat these two teams that we are supposed to beat, as of today we would be in a tie for the 7th seed (at 30 - 26) in the west instead of struggling to grasp the eigth seed (at 28-28).

I don't know what Phil has been telling these guys at halftime but it hasn't worked for two straight games. Both of the losses in our current streak are directly related to scoring explosions midway through the third quarter. The sad part about last night was they were running the same play over and over like a cheesy Madden player who just throws deep every play knowing odds are the computer will give him a catch eventually. Celtics plan for success last night...penetrate and dish to the perimeter player, one in each corner. The perimeter guy who didn't get the ball comes from the weak side to clean up the boards so that even if we did get a stop, we didn't get a rebound....

Maturing

So I had another bachelor weekend with the wife out of town on business. But you know what, these just aren't as much fun as they use to be. They always start off with a bang but in all actuality, I'm pretty much ready for her to get back home after 36 hours or so.

When she leaves, I'm thinking I'll be out four, five nights in a row. Maybe spend the weekend at my local watering hole. And though I usually end up out, it's just not as much fun. It's almost like it's not fun because I didn't have to get permission or something. A lot of time I find myself walking around the house just kind dazed and confused wondering what to do next.

Oh well, I guess that's love.....

Surprise, Looks like no moves

Perhaps this is a bit pre-mature...if you call 11 minutes premature, but it looks like the Lakers are standing pat. Despite the plethora of rumors floating around, it appears our last 30 games are going to be played by the squad we currently have.

I'm only slightly disappointed in that I just knew there was some way we could move Lamar Odom. I know he had a great game against the Blazers but unless he starts to do that on a consistent basis, I think he's hurting the team.

Music to me ears

You know how some people talk just to hear themselves talk....?

I blog just to hear myself type....

Bode - who?

Admittedly, I have not watched much of the Olympics. Just not a winter Olympics fan. But I have seen, repetitively, commercials for this Bode Miller character. Now this is where you guys can comment and tell me who the hell he is. As I understand, he's a medal-less skier....so why the hype and commercials etc?

McSleepy

Ok, I am going to go on record. Partly because I am sleepy, partly because I believe what I'm about to say to be true.

I am a closet. . . . . Desperate Housewives and Grey's Anatomy fan. There, I said it! NBA All-star game this past weekend, yeah only saw what I could during commercials of the aforementioned telecasts. Maybe Mrs. Xpinionated is finally wearing down my masculine rebellion . . . . I shiver at the thought, though not as bad as I once did....

Youthful Exuberance

It's gotten to the point where I don't care if Ronny Turiaf even gets another NBA minute. If we can keep him on the bench showing excitement for every play of the game as he has done, that can only benefit the Lakers who sometimes seem to lack energy. This man cheers every bucket, and not the normal 'I'm on the bench hand clap'. No, he's standing up, leaning this way and that as if his movements affect the very outcome of every shot. He's our biggest fan, first on the court during a timeout, first out of his seat at any opportunity. It's nice to see an NBA'er enjoying their career, not griping about playing time, or money, or any of the other gripes common to the game.

Odom Oddity

Isn't funny how well a player can play when his name becomes part of trade rumors? Lamar Odom showed up last night against the woeful Trailblazers giving us the kind of scoring effort we thought we were getting over a year ago. Granted he's had nights like last night before the Lakers, but last night saw a lot less of the turnover flaw that plagues his good games and highlights his bad.

Kobe had a fairly quiet 27 last night on efficient 11 of 19 shooting. The tone of the game was set at the end of the first/beginning of the second quarter when the Lakers went on an 11-2 run to go up 29 - 21. They would not relinquish that lead though they didn't finally pull away until mid fourth quarter or so.

It's nice to get a win going away considering some of the leads we have given up, including last Thursday's debacle to the Hawks.

More on Black Gold

Apparently, there are some that are angry that Shani Davis decided to pursue individual gold at the Olympic games. I understand those that say he's not a team player. And in some regards, I respect their point of view.

But alas, the man trained for a specific event. The man doesn't train with the National program. So it appears that his so-called snub isn't in fact a snub.

In addition, there are those that are upset because he didn't take part in the team pursuit which the U.S. didn't do well. It's speculated that perhaps they would have won gold giving Chad Hedrick a chance for five medals. So let's get this straight, let's be mad at someone for pursuing their individual glory at the cost of someone else's . . individual . . . glory?

Don't like it, not one bit

Orlando Magic, National Basketball Association - CBS SportsLine.com

The Lakers are "aggressively" pursuing a trade that would send forward Lamar Odom to the Magic for Francis in a multiplayer deal, NBA sources told the Orlando Sentinel on Friday.

Seriously, Steve's game isn't conducive to the triangle nor is it conducive to Kobe's game. I think we need a legitimate big man, a Kevin Garnett type player in the middle.

Thanks Danny!

Washington Redskins, National Football League - CBS SportsLine.com

According to NFLPA figures, the Redskins have $115.4 million committed in salary for their top 51 players in 2006. The cap is expected to be $92 to $95 million. That means they have to trim $20 million or so. And that's not counting the $2 million or so the team will need to sign its rookies (thankfully, they don't have a first-round pick to pay, or that would be higher).

Black gold!

Davis Does It His Way, and Makes History | ajc.com

Shani Davis knew what he was doing. Davis became
the first black to win an individual gold medal in Winter Olympic
history Saturday, capturing the men's 1,000-meter speedskating race.
"I'm one of a kind," Davis said, fully aware of how much he stands out
in the mostly all-white sport.

81 things to know about Kobe | Chron.com - Houston Chronicle

81 things to know about Kobe | Chron.com - Houston Chronicle: 81 things to know about Kobe
In honor of his scoring outburst last month and the Lakers' visit to Toyota Center tonight, we present:

COMPILED BY STEVE SCHAEFFER

FORMATIVE YEARS
1. Birthday: Aug. 23, 1978

2. Birthplace: Philadelphia

3. Named after a steak his parents saw on a menu

4. Middle name: Bean

5. Parents: Joe, who played eight NBA seasons, and Pam

6. Two older sisters: Sharia and Shaya

7. Spent eight years in Italy, where father finished playing career

8. Played soccer in addition to basketball

HIGH SCHOOL HERO
9. Attended Lower Merion High in Ardmore, Pa.

10. Wore No. 33

11. Top scorer in Southeastern Pennsylvania prep history with 2,883 points

12. Single-game best: 50 points

13. Got early taste of NBA by working out with 76ers

14. McDonald's All-American

15. Parade's National Player of the Year as a senior

16. Took R&B singer Brandy to his senior prom

17. Became 27th player to jump from high school to NBA

ENTER THE YOUNG GUN
18. Drafted 13th by Hornets in 1996

19. Traded by Charlotte to Lakers for Vlade Divac on July 11, 1996

20. Chose No. 8 in NBA because number at adidas ABCD camp was 143 (1+4+3)

21. Youngest player to start an NBA game at 18 years, 5 months, 5 days

22. Second-team All-Rookie selection in 1996-97

23. Won 1997 Slam Dunk title during All-Star Weekend

24. At 19, was youngest All-Star in NBA history in 1998

SIGNS OF GREATNESS
25. MVP of 2002 All-Star Game in Philadelphia (31 points, five rebounds, five assists)

26. In 2003, became third player to post nine straight 40-point games

27. Set NBA mark with 12 3-pointers vs. Sonics on Jan. 7, 2003

28. Tied NBA record with eight 3s in half vs. Wizards on March 28, 2003

29. Has 21 game-winning shots in career

30. Has 14 career triple doubles

31. Three-time pick on All-NBA first team

32. Three-time pick on NBA's All-Defensive first team

ROUGH ON THE ROCKETS
33. Averaging 24 points in 29 games vs. Houston

34. Scored 27, all in 12:47 span during third and fourth quarters, on Dec. 12, 1997

35. Scored 52 in career-high 54 minutes on Feb. 18, 2003

SCORING MACHINE
36. Scored career playoff-high 48 at Sacramento on May 13, 2001

37. Averaged 33.3 points in four-game sweep of Spurs in 2001 Western Conference finals

38. Scored 56 vs. Grizzlies on Jan. 14, 2002, his career high before this season

39. Averaged career-best 30.0 points in 2002-03

40. Scored 42 (of 55) in one half on March 28, 2003, vs. Wizards

41. Among NBA's top six in scoring average in each of previous five seasons

42. Is 17th all-time with 23.3 points per NBA game

43. Has scored 22.6 points per game in playoffs

44. Is 23rd all-time with 2,694 playoff points

45. Fourth all-time with average of 20.1 points in All-Star Games

MORE TO HIM THAN POINTS
46. Career high in assists: 15

47. Career high in rebounds: 15

48. Career high in steals: six

49. Career high in blocks: five

LAKERS LANDMARKS
50. Part of three straight NBA title teams from 2000-02

51. Made team-record 43 straight free throws in March 2005

52. Sank team-record 23 free throws on Jan. 30, 2001, at Cleveland

53. Led team in scoring in each of last three seasons

54. Led team in assists in five of last six seasons

55. Led team in steals in five of last six seasons

56. Second in club history with 709 3-pointers

57. Sixth in club history with 15,641 points

58. Sixth in club history with 977 steals

59. Seventh in club history with 2,981 assists

60. Ninth in club history with 420 blocks

LIFE OFF THE COURT
61. Wife: Vanessa

62. Estimated value of wife's wedding ring: $100,000

63. Daughter: Natalia, who turned 3 last month

64. Expecting another daughter in May

65. Resides in Newport Beach, Calif.

66. Guest-rapped on Brian McKnight's Hold Me remix

67. Favorite movie: Star Wars

THIS SEASON TO DATE
68. In second year of seven-year deal topping $136 million

69. Elected Western Conference starter for eighth straight All-Star Game

70. Leads NBA with 35.7 points per game

71. Became youngest player in NBA history with 15,000 points

72. Has reached 40 points 14 times

73. Became third player to score 45 in four straight games

74. Became second player to average 40 points in a month twice (40.6 in February 2003 and 43.4 in January)

75. Scored 62 before sitting out fourth quarter at Dallas on Dec. 20, briefly a career high

76. Scored Lakers-record 30 in quarter at Dallas on Dec. 20

77. Tied NBA record by making 14 free throws in quarter at Dallas on Dec. 20

78. Scored 50 vs. Clippers on Jan. 7

79. Scored 51 at Sacramento on Jan. 19

80. Scored 55 in second half vs. Raptors on Jan. 22

81. Total of 81 points vs. Raptors on Jan. 22 second-highest in NBA history

More Media Inaccuracies

USATODAY.com - Like it or not, Kobe Bryant shines

Bryant's relationships with Jackson and O'Neal have caused most detractors to side against him and blame him for the breakup of the Lakers, which resulted in the team not making the playoffs last season. But both relationships have been mended. Bryant and O'Neal made up at the Lakers-Heat game on the Martin Luther King holiday. O'Neal made the first gesture; Bryant reciprocated.

So I guess last season's first meeting wasn't counted as far as Bryant making attempts to mend relationships. It's weird how the media can conveniently leave things out. The statement above once again lends credence to the 'arrogance' and self-centered statements that plague Kobe's image.

Oddly enough, watching the Hawks game the other night, my waitress started off with the 'I hate Kobe' conversation that inevitably occurs any time someone discovers you're a Lakers fan. So inquisitive as beer makes me I asked her why did she hate a guy in a sport that she watched rarely at best? Her response was 'Because he's arrogant, and selfish, and he thinks he's all that'.

My beer inquisition continued, 'What has he done outside of his adultery that makes you think he's any of the things you say he is?'

Her answer, 'He acts all whatever and then look at the stuff he started with Shaq!'

This is where my beer inquisition halted, and my innebriation lessons began. 'One, he didn't run Shaquille out of town. In fact, name one piece of proof, solid tangible proof that Kobe ran Shaquille out of town. The media created a frenzy on something unproven and should receive a large bit of the blame for it's part in destroying Kobe's reputation. THere is not a single conversation, memo, email, or voice mail that has been recovered to indicate Shaq's departure was anything more than a Jerry Buss decision. Two, outside of his adultery, his off the court actions are spotless. No DUI's, no fan altercations, no offensive statements or behaviour. IN fact, almost every time he did say something about Shaquille it was in response to something Shaq had already made public. So again I ask you, why do you hate him again?' Suddenly she had some tables to attend to.....Oddly enough silence is often what my innebriation lessons result in.

It's funny because everybody gets on players for living like babies and acting entitled. Kobe is for the most part the exact opposite of that......and still criticized. You don't see him going clubbing. Before he was married, you didn't hear stories of him running the streets. In fact, he was probably one of the quietest superstars you can think of off the court. People just need something or someone to hate....and with the media providing fuel (although it's often opinionated fuel instead of factual fuel), Kobe has become the main target.

Embarassing way to go on vacation

The Hawks managed to keep the streak (splitting the season series for the past 6 years) alive against the Lakers Wednesday night bouncing back from an early 15 point deficit to humble (not that they have a reason to be arrogant) the Lake Show 114-110.

The story of this game, blown opportunities. Blown layups, dunks, free throws, no points on turnovers. Oh, and the inability to get a rebound to save our lives. And oh again, the 200 three pointers (actually 11 for 32) we jacked up as if we were down by 20 at some point.

So we go into the All-Star break the same way we started the season: .500. 30 games left, 12 on the road and 18 at home. This indeed bodes well but we have got to start winning the close games. I think we have been in 25 games now that were decided by less than 6 points, and I don't think we're above .500 (haven't done the stat work on this) in those games. Those are games that will determine our vacation plans come mid-April.

Science steps in

A few weeks ago my wife had her annual female doctor checkup thingy. Armed with her temperature charts for the past nine months or more, my wife was told that she hadn't been ovulating most months. Doc recommended Chlomed which we will start after her next period. The doctor also brought up the OV Watch (200 plus bucks with shipping) which was purchased soon after.

Now it's a matter of getting to the next baby making time to see what happens. I'm a bit concerned that the side effects for chlomed (sp?) is twins!?!?! Side effects are diarrhea, upset stomach, skin irritation.....not twins!

And so

It is St. Valentine's Day. Luckily, as I may have hinted 365 days ago, I am not Catholic and thus I am not forced to celebrate.

The Olympics are going on but since it is the winter version, my interest is far from piqued. In fact, only yesterday I learned where the heck Torino is. And today, I can't remember the answer.

I didn't realize until I had the misfortune of watching last night that the Bachelor has had 11 seasons. 11 seasons and what 3 marriages. You know, speaking of ineptitude, am I the only one that finds these reality shows ridiculously racist. Yep, the race card. I'm throwing it out there. Are there no single, rich ethnic folks looking for love in all the wrong places. Do black, asian, or hispanic men not seek to air their courtship of 15 young sexy ethnic women on TV for millions to behold. Or is it the ethnics are good enough to laugh at, dance to, or bet on, but when it comes to watching them fall in love, date, or otherwise live their normal lives, it's just not must-see TV?

Ever notice ABC's flailing attempt at diversity with the Bachelor or Bachelorette? You'll have the caucasion Bachelorette, the 20 dudes she gets to choose from including the one black guy that never, ever gets past the second episode. Indeed, he's lucky if he gets to talk on camera. The Bachelor is like the new Friends--a make believe world where very few ethnicities ever appear....

Utah, Turiaf and other tidbits

Last night's effort was fun to watch. Smush catching pretty dimes from Kobe and putting 'em down (take notice Lamar) with reverse authoritie. Kobe getting his six steals...in the first half. Turiaf making his second appearance of the season. Brian Cook showing more consistency. Double digits in scoring for at least four Lakers (haven't studied the box score). And though I swear every time I looked up last night Lamar was turning the ball over, Lamar was named player of the game for his near triple double effort with 17 points, 8 assists, and 9 boards (once again estimate, from what I recall before my last sip of beer).

Interesting fact: Lakers have been in a league high 24 games decided by 6 or less points.

Wah!

FOXSports.com - NFL- Gay Ex-Giant: NFL discriminated against me
Gay Ex-Giant: NFL discriminated against me

What a crock! My wife (if she reads this) is going to think I think that this is a crock because of his sexuality. Though I do have my share of issues with homosexuality, this rant has other origins. Or maybe not. We'll see....

The reason I think this is a crock is two-fold. This ex-Giant of homosexual tendencies has found his way into the news often in the past couple of weeks. Personally, I think he's run into some financial issues, though I've no proof. But hear me out:
1) He came out of the closet 10 years ago. So his homosexuality is not new.
2) He wasn't a particularly great player so his name wasn't known until his sex pref was.
3) If he only wished to get media access to express views on HIV, why did he request a party media access badge as well?
4) If he truly feels so slighted, why did he go with a celebrity lawyer (especially since he's not a celebrity) who could grab the media's attention much easier than his name alone could?
5) Now that he has the media attention, why hasn't he spread his message about the dangers of HIV?

I'll tell you why. Because his mission was never to spread a message about HIV; it was to get back at the NFL. This Roy fella is bitter. Bitter that his sexuality has barred him from a fraternity that was once so dear to him. I'm not saying that that is right, I'm just calling it like I see it. His sole plan is to tarnish the NFL in any way possible. Just my xpinion.....

Wah!

FOXSports.com - NFL- Gay Ex-Giant: NFL discriminated against me
Gay Ex-Giant: NFL discriminated against meWhat a crock! My wife (if she reads this) is going to think I think that this is a crock because of his sexuality. Though I do have my share of issues with homosexuality, this rant has other origins. Or maybe not. We'll see....

The reason I think this is a crock is two-fold. This ex-Giant of homosexual tendencies has found his way into the news often in the past couple of weeks. Personally, I think he's run into some financial issues, though I've no proof. But hear me out:
1) He came out of the closet 10 years ago. So his homosexuality is not new.
2) He wasn't a particularly great player so his name wasn't known until his sex pref was.
3) If he only wished to get media access to express views on HIV, why did he request a party media access badge as well?
4) If he truly feels so slighted, why did he go with a celebrity lawyer (especially since he's not a celebrity) who could grab the media's attention much easier than his name alone could?
5) Now that he has the media attention, why hasn't he spread his message about the dangers of HIV?

I'll tell you why. Because his mission was never to spread a message about HIV; it was to get back at the NFL. This Roy fella is bitter. Bitter that his sexuality has barred him from a fraternity that was once so dear to him. I'm not saying that that is right, I'm just calling it like I see it. His sole plan is to tarnish the NFL in any way possible. Just my xpinion.....

Kobe Bryant, in his own words

FOXSports.com - NBA- Kobe Bryant, in his own words

Great read and take advantage of Dime Magazine's offer of $.81 subscriptions in honor of Kobe's 81 point game. See the offer in the article up above.

Cuban is an ass

FOXSports.com - NBA- Jackson shrugs off Cuban's comments

Mark Cuban is an ass. See, he's the reason owners should have nothing to do with the team. He's the reason the owners should be up in some executive suite, sipping a latte, trying to figure out why his team are the Indianapolis Colts of the NBA. Real good, always a threat, never a championship!

How do you figure you own Phil Jackson? I mean, I haven't been a Phil fan after some things he said that are mentioned in other parts of this blog. But, how do you as an owner, never a player, never a coach, own someone who has one championships outside of the executive's booth? In fact, with that aside, how do you own someone when your team has the best record in the conference but a 1 - 2 record against the team you would play if the playoffs started today? He's an abuse of power, Cuban is. It's funny how when players are outspoken and say ridiculous things, it's never considered 'tongue in cheek'. Their arrogant, overpaid, blah blah blah. But an owner can come out and say he 'owns' a hall of fame coach and then say 'I was just joking' and that's that. Do you think the lack of media reaction would be the same if Ron Artest came out and said 'I own Larry Bird'?

Being Black

Being black is not a choice
Nor is it a privilege
Living under suspicion is a burden

Being black is not easy
Scanning every room you enter as mere instinct
Living on edge just in case

Being black is a fear
Seeing hatred or fear in unknowing eyes
Living a life in third person

Being black is a judgement
Judgment based on groupthink
Living not as an individual but as a group

Being black is confusion
No leadership, no direction
Bringing truth to despair and stereotype

-Xavier Davis - 2/1/2006 - Written in reference to an old lady's statement that she left a mall in Atlanta because she was scared. 'They have malls in Raleigh but not like that one'. She was in Lenox Mall, one of, if not the most popular mall in Atlanta. What she was scared of as I understood it were the numbers of young black people in the mall.....

Super Bowl Censorship

So in the efforts to appease the Parents Television Council, among other "let's censor the world so we don't have to parent our children" organizations, the NFL and ABC did all they could to make sure the Super Bowl was as family friendly as possible.

Oddly enough, the show following the Super Bowl (and one which I like), Grey's Anatomy, started off with one of the male character's fantasies about his three female coworkers....in the shower...together.....waiting on him. NOw it's probably safe to assume that all the families watching the Super Bowl did not immediately jump into bed. Super bowl parties take time to end, people linger, some may even try to sober up. So while the NFL and ABC are doing their best to tone down GoDaddy.com, they overlook the foursome fantasy in the shower on Grey's anatomy???

Horrible Way to Lose

How frustrating it must be to lose the Super Bowl the way the Seahawks did? To know that you completely outplayed the opposition, even with your mistakes, and still aren't the champion simply because the referees had it in for your team. The number of phantom calls made against the Seahawks was unbelievable. The referees looked to simply have decided that there was no way they were going to let the Super Bowl be decided without their input.It's sickening to think that right now in Pittsburgh, they are 'fans' walking around with pride about the Stealers' Lombardi trophy. Hopefully, if they are truly fans, in the back of their minds, they acknowledge the fact that if the media, refs, and the NFL hadn't fallen in love with the storylines of the Stealers, there's a better than good chance this game would have turned out otherwise. My hat goes off to the Seahawks for playing the better game against the world....and the refs.

NBA- Kobe Bryant ... in his own words

FOXSports.com - NBA- Kobe Bryant ... in his own words: "I HATE being scored on, even by players who some say are 'un-guardable.' I don't believe it when they say 'Oh, that player is just hot today.' F--- that! Cool his ass off then."