Although I'm an East Coaster and a Net (and Knick-Met-Yankee-Ranger) fan, allow me to pay tribute to the Lakers as an OBJECTIVE sports fan. They're simply an awesome team. To do what they did, especially in their road games, and especially against an extremely worthy opponent in the Kings, is incredibly admirable.

Even if a call or two that King fans complained about had been reversed, the Lakers would still have found a way to win. That's what champions do, and after watching them play this year, that's exactly what they are. Bona fida and Certified. To deny that is to show that you do not understand athletic competition and that you're not an objective sports fan. It also serves to discolor all of your future comments with a coating of subjectivity.

One other thing (which should spark a lot of debate): I believe that in sports (especially basketball) you can NOT compare teams of different generations with each other. An average team of today would beat a champion team of a previous generation simply because of superior athleticism (that's why track and field records continually get broken). Athletes do get more athletic (i.e. Jordan and Kobe), and bigger and stronger (i.e. Shaq). For example, almost any current baseball team would probably beat the 1927 Yankees (well, maybe not Tampa Bay).

A Was rooting for the Kings and Nets but did not lose my objectivity kind of guy,

Out-of-Towner

I thought it was supposed to be Bling!, Bling!, Bling!, and we'll add one for next year, Bling!

I still think that the current Champs would have a hard time stopping Magic, Kareem, Worthy, Scott, and Rambis, (did these guys all play at the same time??) Hey, come to think of it where was Kareem during the playoffs this season? Just about all the other Laker greats were involved or at courtside. Even the Celtic greats were in attendence.

Shaq and company doesn't have anyone that could stop the Magic Man and between Magic crashing into him in the lane, and trying to stop Kareem, Shaq would be in serious foul trouble all the time. With Shaq riding the bench you're talking about a serious mismatch.

"To deny that is to show that you do not understand athletic competition and that you're not an objective sports fan. It also serves to discolor all of your future comments with a coating of subjectivity."

Ootie: I totally AGREE. I'm beginning to think that I must've unconsciously borrowed your handle and wrote that myself. But I couldn't possibly have written any of your oh-so-diplomatic posts on the Baseball thread.

Anyway, I've been relishing the Laker's 3-peat since last week. I think that there is a reasonable chance that they'll win again next year.

In the NBA, we are seeing a renewed emphasis on sophisticated, team-oriented offenses (e.g., the Triangle and Princeton offenses). Teams that implemented these offenses were the most successful this year (Lakers, Sacramento, Nets). The Lakers (Triangle) and Kings (Princeton) are the most advanced in implementing their respective offenses, and it takes months and even years to learn them. (The Lakers still aren't up to the level of sophistication the Bulls had...).

I believe that the Lakers, Kings and Nets will continue to improve next year, especially if they do not change their rosters drastically. The fact that young star players like Kobe and Bibby and Kidd are buying into these systems looms large. Expect the quality of play to continue to improve.

When betting on teams next year, take a close look at their offensive schemes.

This year has been a great year for new, sophisticated books on professional basketball. The following three are Dogster-approved:

"More Than A Game" (2002) by Phil Jackson and Charley Rosen

"Ain't No Tomorrow: Kobe, Shaq, and the Making of a Lakers Dynasty" (2002) by Elizabeth Kaye

"Russell Rules" (2002) by Bill Russell, Alan Hilburg and David Falkner

Just a reminder that the Lakers are STILL the defending champions. Hah!

There's about to be an arrest warrant out for Allan Iverson. Another case of the dude goin' rampant with a gun. Well, I guess that's it for the Sixers.

Sounds like Iverson is trying to do an OJ imitation... carrying a gun, lots of domestic violence, threatening to kill his wife and other people, assaulting various people, etc. Is this the end for Iverson? Will law enforcement be more or less lenient given Iverson's status? If the charges are correct, then this dude needs to be put in a cage for a long time.

Sounds like Sam does not have a clue what's going on ... just another loser who gets all his information through the media, who in turn get it from the glory hound public servants.
Iverson will be in the starting lineup for the Sixer's opening game. Guaranteed.

-Superman-

Ah, cripes, Superdum. What in my recent posts set you off this time? I must confess to being mystified by your reaction again, you paranoid whacko nut. You are probably looking for a flame war, as usual. What else is new? Just exactly what is your problem?

"IF the charges are correct, THEN this dude needs to be put in a cage for a long time." Did you read my posts CAREFULLY? I'm not sure why a statement like this should set you off, unless you are pro-assault, pro-terror, and pro-domestic violence... which could fit your profile. It wouldn't suprise me in the least. Time to lay off the steroids?

I was really pulling for Iverson and hoped he had turned the corner. I was even thinking that if he could move to a better environment, he might actually grow toward the light, despite his past pattern of violence. But things are sounding bleak.

You are correct that I don't know the specifics of this situation, beyond the many rather disturbing details I've heard in the media, and Iverson's well-known, pervasive history of violent anger. And although press reports are often distorted, you imply that you know more about the situation than than the evidence presented in the media reports. Your statements are probably based on wishful thinking. Moreover, your doubtful claims are grandiose. Man, you must be miserable.

This passage was longer than 2 sentences. Were you able to make it all the way through?

Good evening guys

I do not think this will even get a court date.
Al Sharpton is gonna have a busy month
So is Johhny Cochran(sp?)
Is OJ pulling for my man over here ?

lets see who this progresses
we are waiting for his lawyer to get back from vacation -lol

take care
Iverson - The Answer

Dogster, do you ever get the feeling nobody likes you? I wonder why ...

-Superman-

I agree with Superman - AI will be in the starting lineup.

This would be the case even if he beat up his wife.

Did Mason miss any games?

Ivermilk: Is Iverson's lawyer in Rio, BA or Thailand? Just a thought.

I'm not sure Iverson will get out of this too easily. Beyond the seriousness of the alleged crimes (multiple felonies), this is very public and politically charged. Domestic violence and aggravated assault aren't exactly in vogue.

With respect to basketball, Iverson had apparently already lost the respect of his team prior to this incident. Remember the quotes after their early exit from the playoffs. It is entirely possible that Iverson will be out on bail and in uniform. But if he's truly uncoachable AND untradeable, the Sixers are probably sunk.

Sam,

I feel there is a good chance that as soon as Iverson's attorney explains the facts of life to Iverson's wife and cousin, the charges will be recanted and Iverson will walk.

The facts of life are of course that if Iverson is in jail, Iverson can't bring home the big bucks. Playing basketball, (I would guess) is his major source of income and the pay is fairly low in the county penal league.

I would also guess his endorsement future is on the decline, unless Smith and Wesson wants him as their poster boy

Obviously just a guess on my part.

As Ben points out the key to this mess is that it was basically just family that was involved. My guess is we're talking about diversion into an anger management program, (you know, the one Jim Brown wouldn't enroll in), and maybe some public service.

The real problem could be if he was still on probation for a prior offense. A probation violation could be an even bigger problem.

I don't see this being that big a problem for AI. Even the early reports say that he was not brandishing the gun. By time this whole story is twisted around by an attorney you'll find out that what was first thought to be a gun might very well just have been a big hard on in IA's pants.

All attorney's not connected to the case who have been interviewed on ESPN have said the case is weak. One said jail time is "completely out of the question" and he questioned the very basis of the police evidence. Even if by some miraculous stretch the case goes to trial, Iverson is not going to be convicted by a jury in Philadelphia.

Obviously being a celebrity is a double edged sword. On the one hand, many get breaks and special treatment. On the other hand, as in this case, it's a chance of a lifetime for the loser prosecutors, police chiefs etc, etc, to gain 15 minutes of fame. Why do they have the Chief of Police and the head prosecutor doing interviews already? Duh ... they want their faces on TV. Some schlub who prosecutes crackheads and pimps all day finally sees a case involving a star athlete, and he knows it's good for some face time on TV, no matter how weak the case.

-Superman-

A poplular celebrity (Iverson) is apparently violent toward his wife and other relatives, and has a pattern of violence. Rather than focusing on the possible offense, and the facts of the case, some people displace their anger onto the investigators (i.e. the press, law enforcement, legal system) and the politicians. The press and the politicians may very well spin this into the dust. Although they are easy scapegoats, they didn't create this story, as the emerging documentation shows. Even some of the really stupid people here can probably grasp that.

If we pursue the parallel to the OJ case (and many popular celebrity d.v. cases), then it is likely that the local press, law enforcement, and politicians have in fact covered for Iverson in the past. I'm simply predicting (guessing) that additional previous episodes of violence will soon come to light in the near future.

It is true that spouses recant or minimize the abuse in about 85% of domestic violence cases. But in many states, it isn't up to the family to decide whether charges are pressed in domestic violence cases. The prosecutor can and often does go forward with the case, and the spouse is rarely even put on the stand. That's certainly true of California (e.g., see Spousal Abuse and Spousal Penal Code Sections). I dunno about PA.

At this point, I don't think the procecutors have decided to proceed with the d.v. stuff. They seem to be going forward with the other stuff. Of course, a plea bargain to lesser charges is always a likely outcome.

Gotta go get laid

A little off this "off topic", but now that you mentioned OJ, I heard there is a new sex video available that shows him having sex with two attractive white girls, (one who is a playboy and penthouse model). The video is set up to depict OJ as an innocent dupe. The girls supposedly, (according to the NY Post, I believe), got paid $10,000.00 each to convince OJ to return to their hotel room where there were 5 hidden cameras.

There's strong speculation however that OJ was in on the whole thing. When he gets to the room he reportedly locates two of the cameras and destroys them, and then proceeds to perform in front of the other three cameras. The destruction of the cameras "proves" OJ's "unawareness" that he is being taped and also shows that he is a really forgiving guy since he goes ahead with the show after the destruction. It was a good thing that there were 5 cameras to begin with and that he left 3 intact or else somebody would have been out 20 big ones.

The speculation is that OJ is getting his cut under the table to beat the civil judgments against him.

Interestingly, the other girl is supposedly a former girlfriend of OJ's who was in the news a while back when her friends had reported her missing and her cat was found abandoned in her apartment for something like 30 days.

I shouldn't be so cynical. OJ was probably investigating the latest leads and searching for Nicole's real killer in those white girl's pussies. Hey, perhaps we don't know the whole story. You know how these black superstar alphabet atheletes are all buddies. Maybe IA is a part of OJ's investigative team and if enough felonies are committed we may yet find the real killer.

There's a good new interview with Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, perhaps the greatest center ever...

http://espn.go.com/page2/s/020702/jabbarinterview.html

The Iverson contract with Reebook($50 million) is viewed by many as not in trouble. Some feel that many kids will be attracted to shoes because Iverson will be viewed as a bad ass. Good for shoe sales.
Being a punk is good.

This according to an analysis on CNBC today. Of course analysis are know for their honesty.

It surprises me that this is really true, but I am really out of touch with the youth of America.

I do try to stay in touch with the 18 and 19 year olds in TJ.

Virtually every charge has been dismissed against Iverson. All that remains is a misdemeanor. Big shock. All the dramatists on the board can go back to fantasy world.

Good solid case and great witnesses the prosecution had:

Under questioning by Iverson's lawyer, Carey said he never actually saw a gun. Jones acknowledged he spoke with a personal injury lawyer before calling police more than 10 hours later. And Bowman, Jones' roommate, testified that Iverson paid rent on the apartment and had permission to enter.

At least they got their faces on TV. I wonder if any of them will run for public office any time soon? LOL.

-Superman-

Steroidman goes ballistic (yawn) and wants to play alpha chimp (again).

Basically, the judge decided that there is enough evidence to prosecute Iverson on 2 counts of making terroristic threats. *IF* the charges are true, then it is a problem. *IF* *IF* *IF*. I'd be thrilled *IF* any and all charges were false, but I dunno, any more than anybody else here.

The legal aspects are just one aspect of the Iverson situation, as it concerns Iverson, his family, the Sixers, the NBA, Philadelphia, and society in general.

----------

The NBA has voted to use a very conservative version of instant reply next year. I think this is a good move on their part. I would've preferred an NFL style system, where coaches could issue a limited number of challenges.

----------

The Lakers remain world champions. Gotta love it.

Why do they call the Lakers the World Champions, when they belong to a league made up solely of US teams?

Dogster, errrr, Bruce Lee has a really odd interpretation of "ballistic."

If the NBA had used instant replay last season, the Lakers would have lost to the Kings 4-1.

I doubt LA wins next year ... the threepeat Lakers have had too much luck already. Only 1 of their 3 championship teams was truly dominant. One benefitted from a colossal Portland 4th quarter choke, the other benefitted from the refs looking the other way.

-Superman-

*If* *if* *if* the remaining misdemeanor charges are true, AI gets a fine. I think he can afford it.

One day I will live to see Jet Li actually admit he was wrong about something. LOL.

OBTW, "terroristic threats" sounds a lot worse than it actually is. Threatening to beat someone's ass can be called a "terroristic threat." It's a nothing charge.

-Superman-

Tough guy kendricks
You doubt that they are world champs ?
you think any team outside the USA has a chance against Tough Guy Shaq and Pretty boy Kobe ?
And Mr. Clutch Horry.
And how bout Mr. Dance-alot Madsen ? -lol

The big question is in Baseball I do not think the World Series champs could beat every team in the world

take care
Sam

I appreciate your sentiment Milk.

Sam I am!

Sam the Milkman:

Whether or not the Lakers theoretically could beat any potential team in the world is not the point. The point is, no teams from outside the US were invited to the tournament, so they are not really world champions. Your baseball example really drives this point home.

BTW milkman if you are going to use multiple handles, you should at least keep the sigs straight.

Superman sez,

"Virtually every charge has been dismissed against Iverson. All that remains is a misdemeanor. Big shock. All the dramatists on the board can go back to fantasy world."

I didn't see the same posts that you did Super.

From the very beginning, most on this board felt nothing much was going to happen to Iverson.

Who are ALL THE DRAMATISTS?

I can't believe it! I'm so happy to see some basketball posts, but then I see that some people still can't get over the Lakers being the Champs again.

I don't know about Dramatists but some people have some major issues...

Superman.... When you look in the mirror do you see a 7'2" guy with a beard. The serbian accent doesn't really come through in your posts but the whining sounds familiar...

I agree the odds are against the Lakers going for a 4peat, just as they were for the 3peat, but that's the beauty of it. Of course LUCK was involved, but a 3peat, or 4peat, or 5peat is really against all the odds and to do it is what marks a true champion. (Of course Luck and circumstances were involved, why does anyone have a problem with that?)

The conspriracy theory diehards are the real Dramatists.

Scarus

Eyes, look your last.
Arms, take your last embrace.
And, lips, O you the doors of breath,
Seal with a righteous kiss
A dateless bargain to engrossing death!

Sorry... Don't know what came over me.

Kendricks:
Aw, c'mon. Where have YOU been? You gotta admit that the Toronto Raptors added TRUE international flare to the tournament. Eh?

At any rate, the Lakers remain the champions of the new millenium. The most likely challenger is also from California, and relies on former Lakers and other southern California talent. I suppose that something has gotta give at some point, in order to include small town markets like Boston and Philadelphia (home of mass-produced cream cheese and cheese-steak sandwiches).

Kendricks
You weren't around for the joke so i guess you do not get it

Sorry to confuse you

Kendricks I am Not

As I write this, Chick Hearn is in critical condition following a fall at his house and 2 brain surgeries. Apparently the prognosis is "not good." Man, this is really sad news.

What an incredible run.

Nice run.

(The game's in the) Refrigerator
(the door's closed, the light's out, the eggs are cooling, the butter's getting hard, and the jello's jiggling)
The game is out of reach. (Sometimes says The game's in the Admiral.)

The worst news possible... I'm gonna miss Chick Hearn.

Like anybody who grew up in L.A., I grew up listening to him call games. My first dose of Chick was in '69, when things were much different than they are now. At that time, many of the games weren't televised, so Chick was the pipeline. Especially then, he truly was the "words-eye-view" because his descriptions were more rapid, animated and witty than any other broadcaster ever. (He got a little slower as the years passed). Sure I'm biased, but if you heard Chick back in the day, I'll bet you'll agree he was the best play-by-play announcer ever -- certainly in basketball. Yes? The national networks kept offering him deals to work for them, but he always stayed put. The players loved talking to Chick after games, so it was a special priviledge to be named player of the game. (Somewhere along the line--the '90s, I think--Chick's postgame interview went out of vogue, but his popularity with NBA players was constant.) One of his strenghts was his sportsmanship. Although he was obviously pro-Lakers, he was always comlimentary to other teams and players. A generation learned sportsmanship from him and Vince Scully.

There's so much more to say... Maybe later. RIP, Chick Hearn

Yeah. It was 1966 and I was just a lil spud growing up in the So. Bay. as a reward for a good report card, my father gave me an old radio he had in the garage to put in my room. That first night I was introduced to NBA basketball, and Chick Hearn. To me Chick Hearn, more than anyone else, represented the LA Lakers.
Night after night I listened to Chick describe Wilts finger roll, little Johnny Egans alley-oop, and Mr Clutch himself: Jerry West, putting the game away with a last second shot. Latter there was Magic, Kareem, Shaq and Kobe. But it all ran as a single thread through Chicky-baby.

Never in the NBA and only a few times in other major league sports has a franchise been so identified with a single announcer.

As I moved around the country and various jobs, girlfreinds and wives came and went, a single constant in my life has been listening to Chick Hearn and the Lakers.

Now that has gone. I don't know how to describe my feelings.

It truly is like losing and Old Friend.

I can onlt think now of a rehashed joke I once heard:

It was about an NBA star who died and went to heaven. St Peter was showing him around and the came to the big Forum-in the Sky and the NBA star saw there was a B-ball game going on.

Playing weer many of the most famous recently and long deceased Basketball stars, with a heavenlt host in attendence.

The NBA star then heard that now famous voice describing how the mustard came off that hot dog.

The NBA star turned to St, Peter and said. "I didn't know Chick Hearn passed away" he exclaimed!!!

St. Peter responded:" Oh, That's not Chick Hearn"...".that's God!!".

"He just thinks he's Chick Hearn."

Rest in Peace. Chick Hearn

OG

A few years ago, when Kobe Bryant was in maybe his second year and Del Harris was the Lakers’ head coach, Chick came down to the court and wanted to talk to a few players before the game. He called to Kobe at exactly the same time that Harris did, and you could see that Kobe had a decision to make about who he was going to respond to.

Kobe started toward Chick, and Chick gave him a quick, little shake of the head that said, "No, no. Go to Del.” And that’s what Kobe did. That really told me the kind of respect he got, that players kind of ranked him above their coach.

//////////////
In one game, he said something like, “Ninety-nine percent of the time, Robert Horry is a great defensive player. Tonight we’re seeing that other one percent.”
////////////////

He was bigger than the game itself.

Great story (but Dull Harris was generally worth ignoring IMHO).

The first time I ever saw CH in person was in '70 at a game at the Forum, and the last time was Game 1 of the 2002 NBA finals. In the old days, he simply sat at a table at courtside. Every now and then players would land on the table while chasing a ball or some such. He always thought it was a hoot. I remember one tabled player saying "Hey, Chickie Baby!" or some such, right into the Mike, as he got back on his feet. Chick just thought it was a riot.

I remember seeing the Showtime Lakers in Denver in maybe 1987. Chick did his typical end-of-the game courtside interview. Plenty of us stayed after the game to watch the interview, and then chat with Chick after the game. I remember at the time thinking that he looked very old and tired, and some of us speculated that he'd probably retire soon. I mean, he was 70 at the time... But once the spotlight was on him and he began the postgame show, he came vibrantly to life. So that remained my image of Chick: tired and worn out before and after the game, but electrifyingly full of energy when he was working.

Chick made a point of being upbeat as much as possible, even during sad times.

When his son died (drug overdose), in '72, he buried himself in additional work, as he hosted a local show called "Bowling for Dollars." Now that show was wild. Yeah, they spent a little time on each show actually bowling for a buck two. But he'd spend most of the time getting to know contestants, their families and friends, and whatever. He mended his broken heart by working and working and working off-season, providing an entertaining and heartful romp through middle America.

Recently, I remember him discussing Wilt's death, and announcing Dale Earnhardt's death at the end of another game. He didn't hesitate to pay tribute, but he wouldn't wallow publicly in his emotions. He worked seamlessly through deaths of his own children (his daughter also died tragically, of an anorexia-related illness, as I recall). Through the worst, he competently provided to his audience the *diversion* of basketball. And I imagine that sums up a key aspect of Chick. His work was not only his passion, but also HIS diversion from all in life that is painful. The show must go on, always... Even when things got rough. ESPECIALLY when things got rough.

Ah, well. I'm gonna really miss Chick Hearn. The show WILL go on, but it will never be the same.

Sickening. The USA loses to Argentina, and act like a bunch of poor sports while doing so. Hopefully the punks can pull it together and win the Gold.

Shaq postpones toe surgery because of some kind of liver problem ... sheesh, what could cause a liver to go bad? Alcohol? Steroids? Advil (see Kenny Easley)? He sure is muscular ...

-Superman-

Superman
Painkillers is the reason for liver problem to Shaq.
I was sick also to watch US getting beat fair and square despite ubiquitous horrible calls.
I believe USA will come back with more concentration and bury Yougoslavia tomorrow for a rematch on sun vs Argentina.
There was enough talent on this US team to bury any team in this tournament.

Bury Yugoslavia?
These guys can't even guard their lunch!
Argentina scored about 8-10 lay-ups when the USA guy walked away from his man while the Argentina player was standing under the basket.
How stupid can you get.
The USA team's passing and ball movement was non-existent. All these guys are stars(?) who only know one thing ... shoot!
Besides, where was the USA low post offense? Every time they got the ball in the paint they were unable to convert.
The other problem is as plain as black & white. At the risk of being flamed for political incorrectness, it's obvious that 2 white coaches (George Karl and Spurs coach Popovich) have little influence motivating/diagramming anything that the 12 black players will respond to.

Rodney
The USA game plan has always been very simple. Play defense to create turnovers and run the ball. They do not have set plays as this is an all star team with no training camp together, like 10 days maybe.
Yesterday they had no breakaway points, key to beating our guys.
First half was atrocious and they never woke up.
They will play hard tonight.
Hey wait you did not mention other college assitant coaches, one was colored I think.

I didn't lose any sleep over the USA loss because the best USA basketball team (the Lakers) would easily beat any other team in the world. So why worry about an inferior USA team losing to another country's elite, especially when it's the NBA off-season?

A Logical kind of guy,

Out-of-Towner

USA is out of the medal round, with the loss to the Yugos tonight... I really hope they can bring the A game in the 2004 olympics.

I am a bit sick to my stomach, the effort was there but stupid missed layups, missed free throws and worse losing 10 pt lead with 6 min to go.
USA now has to go to South America next year to qualify for Olympics. Why didn't they have World Championship in San Diego, I would have gone to the games to show support instead of seeing USA play a road game in the Midwest.
Now they are in a bind like last Olympics. They promised 2000 spots for whoever went to PR in 1999 to earn berth. They cannot do that again or they might lose in Greece.
Kobey might play now or he might be seen as a real traitor. We don't need any f. Lakers on USA team anyway.

Kobe should get his ass on the team, the fucking commie. I guess he's too busy selling sneakers.

Two straight losses. What a joke. The team really needs a floor leader ... Mike Bibby or Jason Kidd come to mind.

Oh well, I hope Yugoslavia wins the Gold now ... at least Peja and Vlade will get a title after they got robbed by the refs in the NBA playoffs.

-Superman-

The loss was predictable.

The USA had the best individual talent in the tournament, obviously, with all those NBA players. But even great individual talent (e.g., Wilt Chamberlain and the many talented individuals who played with him) will lose to teams that work together well as a unit (e.g., the ancient hated Russell-Auerbach Celtics), and to sophisticated, well-executed offenses (e.g., Triangle and Princeton). Most people understand this basic issue, but there is always gonna be a knucklehead who doesn't get it. Now who could I possibly be talking about?

Awww, cripes. Now all those Euro and Global types are gonna get interested in basketball. I wish I could buy stock in the NBA about now.

That was sick (kudos to Rodney for the call).

I believe Raef Lafrenz (sp?) is on the team.

I don't think you can get a group of NBA Americans who care - maybe for the Olympics, but not even now even after this debacle. It wasn't even as huge of a story as it should be. Hell, ESPN first showed the 49er/Giant highlights (of course) but even some MLB before the game.

Mix in a couple AAU players (LeBron James) and some college studs and NBA players who will committ to a camp of sorts in the summer.

I was convinced before but am even more now that if Stoy had been healthy the Kings would have handled the Lakers in five.

WOW, ALL THE LAKERS HATERS ARE OUT TONIGHT!!!!, STOP CRYING!!!! get over it THE KINGS couldn't hit their free throws, Peja MISSING OPEN SHOTS (AIRBALLS), and Vlade spending more time ON THE FLOOR with his mouth open looking for the ref to make a call to HELP HIM OUT, be a man (FLOPPING VLADE), and play the game he did it again tonight he should have BEEN CALL A "T", when he started with his crying to the ref.

If the KINGS were THAT GOOD WHY NOT HAVE THE SECOND PLACE TEAM PLAY IN THE GAMES????, WHY NOT???because YOUR KINGS players are out there playing for the "OWN COUNTRY", Coming here to take the AMERICAN GRINGO $$$$.

DON'T HATE ON KOBE, HOW ABOUT YOU KINGS PLAYERS THAT take your $$$, but then later play for their REAL COUNTRY, now CALL them a (TRAITORS), they come in TAKE THE AMERICAN GRINGO $$$$, AND THEN RUN BACK TO THEIR OWN COUNTRY OH PLEASE, and you want to call KOBE a traitor????

I see why some of these GUYS don't want to play just look up in the stands NO ONE HERE IN THE USA GIVE A DAMN, only when they lose a game do anyone give a damn ,

ALL YOU LAKERS HATERS JUST WANT KOBE TO GET HURT SO YOUR SORRY KINGS COULD HAVE A CHANCE!!!!