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Good News, Bad News - Pacific DivisionRead the article this discussion is about
This archived discussion is "read only".
» thebattwoman - I'm in agreement! Enjoyed reading this, naturally the part about the Kings as well. It is SO frustrating that in spite of all their talents they can't win a championship. Maybe this year??Maybe it's me but I have detected more determination this year. Usually when forced to overtime or their backs are against a wall they seem to crumble from within. However, this year (at least so far), they seem to be fighting to the last. Am I wrong? Peja, has of course been phenomenal! He's really improving his game and becoming a talented all around player. Lakers - mmm. Not sure what to say about them, their egos got way to big in my opinion as if they had the given right to assume victory. When they didn't get it, they brought in Malone et all, are they trying to buy a championship? This seems all the more evident, as with both Malone and Shaq on the bench, they're losing dismally. One more thing - I never really liked Shaq much anyway but his refusal to play for the US Olympic team really showed his true colors in my opinion. There can be no greater honor than playing for your country, in my humble opinion. -- posted by thebattwoman » jprufrock - Re: I'm in agreement! In response to message posted by thebattwoman:Thanks battwoman, I'm glad you enjoyed the article. As for the Kings, I think you're right that they are more focused this year. They've always struck me as a team that has a little too much fun playing, to the point that it affected their intensity. One thing that's bothered me about the Kings is that their bench players were always standing up, clapping and falling all over each other and joking with the players on the court. I mean, it's great that the team gets along so well and enjoys the game so much, but it gives me an NCAA tournament kind of vibe, and I thought they would benefit from a more serious demeanor. They seem to have toned it down this year, which facilitates the determination you noted towards the end of games. The Lakers are a strange team - beyond the big 4, they have only one or two players who would get any playing time for the other Western powers. Like you observed, the Lakers are a horrible team without Shaq, and Malone to a lesser extent, and the prospect of an injury to any of their stars has to scare the Lakers. I can never really decide if I like Shaq - I think overall he's a decent guy, but some of his choices, like his surgery at the beginning of last season and the one you mentioned, are very hard to justify. I really hope the Lakers and Kings meet in the playoffs this year. It's the best matchup in basketball, and it added some levels of animosity with the new arrivals on each team. Malone and Webber have their own rivalry from when the Kings were trying to get past Utah in the playoffs, and Brad Miller annoys Shaq about as much as anyone in the league (remember the famous missed punch). Between Divac and Miller, Shaq is likely to completely lose his mind by the end of a 7-games series. And Shaq's comments about Bibby making the Olympic team hasn't won him any fans in Sacramento. Have you voted for Peja, Bibby or Miller on the All-Star team yet? - Greg -- posted by jprufrock » thebattwoman - Re: Re: I'm in agreement! In response to message posted by jprufrock:Oh yes, I've voted One other Laker I don't like is Rick Fox, that incident between he and Christie last season really churned my stomach. Anybody knows how professional Christie is, when he's wrong, he's quick to admit it. But then a few weeks later, I can't remember if it was Shaq, Fox or both, brought Christie's wife into it and that's just plain wrong - and shows their non-professional side. They get petty. I got quite a kick when Shaq and Kobe went at it in the press. What do you think about the charges against him? I'm waiting until the verdict, I hope he's innocent, it would be a tragedy to see talent like that go to waste, but if he is guilty then he needs to pay the price. He is one Laker that I believe has pure talent, and you can't question his passion (on the court Friday is their first big meeting, can't wait -- posted by thebattwoman » jprufrock - Re: Re: Re: I'm in agreement! In response to message posted by thebattwoman:I understand what you mean about the Kings' camraderie, it's just that I think the team has trouble transitioning from the fun they have throughout the game to the tension of late-game situations. If they were able to adjust their intensity more effectively, I wouldn't have a problem with it at all. I'm totally with you on Rick Fox - I simply can't stand the guy. I thought he was a good player with the Celtics, but in recent years he's taken his crafty veteran act a little too far, so now all he does is draw fouls and get on peoples' nerves, which he is excellent at. I thought this year's version of Shaq vs. Kobe was the funniest and most entertaining yet. I am becoming convinced that Kobe will leave this summer for the Clippers or some other team he can headline. I would love to see Kobe on LA's other team. As for his case, I tend to think he's innocent, and either way I don't think the prosecution has enough to convict him. Enjoy the game Friday! -- posted by jprufrock » thebattwoman - Re: Re: Re: Re: I'm in agreement! In response to message posted by jprufrock:Yes I have to agree, even Miller and Bibby said that when they get these big leads, they get bored and sit back rather than continuing to go at them. I guess LA really are in trouble now with Kobe injured for five games, only one of the big four playing right now, although Shaq might be back in the Denver game tonight - could be a toughie for them. I really hope that Kobe does go elsewhere - he started off as a "glory guy" but he's grown up a lot in my opinion and any team that gets his talent, will be a lucky team indeed. What makes me laugh is that they have all these outbursts and then it's like nothing has happened a few weeks later - I can see Kobe as very disillusioned, maybe enough to welcome a move. -- posted by thebattwoman » thebattwoman - Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: I'm in agreement! In response to message posted by thebattwoman:Good win for the Kings, although they did their "boredom" act again in the second period. Would have been nice to have had the win with the big four heading up the Lakers, but I'm sure that will come -- posted by thebattwoman » jprufrock - Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: I'm in agreement! In response to message posted by thebattwoman:Agreed, nice game for Sacramento, though it didn't take much to overcome the Lakers team they faced last night. Wins are wins, though, and it keeps the Kings in front in the Pacific. -- posted by jprufrock
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I do actually like to see them having fun on the bench, they come across as human, and as a bunch of guys you'd like to spend a night out with. I know they are all extremely close and often spend time together off the court and I think that's what makes them the great passing & unselfish team that they are.