I had been thinking about restarting these post-game ramblings for some time, but something always got in the way. No more excuses: I'm ready to speak my mind.
If you're a return reader, you'll know what to expect. If you're new to the crew, then welcome to the fray. I'm a life-long Lakers fan who watches every single game. I stress and brood when we're down, and I'm happy-go-lucky when we win (as people around me can tell you).
My favorite Laker of all-time is Magic Johnson, and my favorite team was the 86-87 group, (the one that whipped the Celtics for the 2nd time in three years). Hopefully you'll enjoy my personal, but warped spin on the Lake Show's season. Unlike before, I won't be posting after every game (that drove me nuts because back then there were more losses than wins). Instead I'll lay fingers to keyboard when the muse hits me.
My only hope is that you return again and again to find out what comes out of my twisted brain. I'm not sure if I'll move you in anyway, but I'll try! You may agree with my rants, or you may totally disagree, which is not uncommon. Either way I welcome any and all comments and/or critique.
This season, if anything, should be very interesting. To some it's supposed to be a "down" year, but I think it will be entertaining to say the least.
With that said...let's get started shall we? First, a quick trip down memory lane.
We've been here before: the predicted down season. Those of you who've been Lakers fans your whole lives know about the low years. In the 60's there were the losses to the Celtics. After Wilt and Jerry finally broke through, there were the lean years as their careers wound down.
Then came the early Kareem years when it was the Captain without much of a supporting crew.
Then came Showtime! What a decade, my favorite by the way. Five titles and eight Finals appearances in ten seasons spoiled us. Eventually some of the members of Showtime slowly faded, retired, or moved on to other teams. Then the lean 1990's set it. Magic retired, most of the Showtime crew had moved on, and Sam Bowie was our starting center (remember that?). We had a few athletes in the early part of that decade, but nothing could live up to the Showtime era.
(Nice first half by the way. The Lakers are holding their own so far. But back to the lean years story portion of my post.)
Eventually Jerry West snagged a still-young Shaq and a baby Kobe all in one scoop (well two scoops; sorry Kellogg!), and a new era was born. But like all babies, they had to mature. Phil Jackson took care of that a few years later, and we soon returned to the next level with three straight titles.
Then they reverted back to babies, Shaq departed along with Phil, and more down years ensued.
But you can't keep a great franchise down. Phil returned, brought a few good players with him (well Jerry Buss and Mitch Kupchak did, but hey....who wouldn't want to play for Phil?), and before you knew it, we we're back in the mix again.
After an extremely gratifying seven-game Championship series against the hated Celtics in 2010, it's been slow decline into this current state of affairs.
But you know what, it's a new year. We've procured new exciting players, we have a new game plan, and Kobe will be back soon enough. Expectations are low, but I'm optimistic. With D' Antoni's style of small ball, and this running lineup, this has the potential to be a fun season!
So I'll rant and I'll scream, and pine away for the return of Kobe......and maybe even Phil. But in the end, this is my team, as it will always be. Up or down, I'm still wearing my Laker gear. Hopefully you'll be along for the ride during this most curious of seasons.
Now I'm going to sit back and enjoy the 2nd half of this opening game. See ya' soon.
Go Lake Show!!!!!!!!
Post game note: Wow! The Blippers we're given an ass-whipping, excuse my French. What a 2nd half, and what a 2nd squad! This group needs a nickname! This is LA so, how about the Mod Squad? That will do for now.
The Mod Squad walked all over any combo of five Flippers on the floor during that 2nd half. That was exciting (Showtime-like????) basketball. And the team as a whole looked very competitive. The Blipps are no longer bottom-feeders...at least they don't appear to be on paper. That being said, this was a quality win.
Here's a few quick points before I zonk out for the night:
*Gasol looked sharp, and so did Kaman. And the two of them worked well together, unlike last year where Howard and Gasol never really gelled. Ugh...Howard. That will be another post (rant) for another day.
*Steve Blake looked feisty. I like him as a two guard. But what happens when Kobe comes back? Will he fall off the radar? Will the Mod Squad players poop out by then? Where will all the dust settle?
*I like the way the Lakers never backed down to overly-cocky Clippers. Barnes, Paul and Griffin were posing, barking or complaining at every opportunity, but the Lakers kept fighting back.
*I loved the camaraderie going on out there. The first team was thoroughly supportive and excited while the Mod Squad destroyed the Whimppers.
*Young looked good at times, but he'd better learn to pass before Kobe gets back. Johnson and Williams also had "shoot-at-all-costs-itus", but they had their moments.
*Henry was a steal. I hope he can bring it for the whole season.
*I'm not a fan of D'Antoni's style of play, but like I said earlier, it could work with this group. I know it's early, and we've still got 81 games to go....but if tonight's game is any indication of what's to come...this really could be a fun season.
Enjoy it with me won't you?
D
