Lakers suffering through growing pains

[Jackal]

THIS ARTICLE ORIGINALLY POSTED ON MARCH 21:

So let's be honest. How many of you so-called Lakers fans started to channel surf when the Lakeshow got down 24.

Well hopefully you were like the Jackal. Disgusted, shocked, dismayed and just plain p.o.'d. But hopefully you hung in there and like a TRUE fan went down with the ship (just like Bressler and I on Friday at Cheers, baby).

I decided to keep watching I mean its never over until .... whatever. That fat lady was humming until the Lakers decided to play some freaking defense.

I'm tired of the inconsistency. Lose to Sacramento, Cleveland, lose to Philly. This would have marked a three-game losing streak. But to their credit, the Lakers demonstrated that they have nad. They stepped up and layed the smack down on those Orlando jabronies.

I prefer 48 minutes of intensity but hte 24 minutes in the second half was a thing of beauty. I have not seen a second half performance like the one Kobe showed since "His Airness." 33 POINTS in a half! Remember he's only 20. Boy the future looks bright.

Let's remind everyone the Magic are one of the top teams in the East and they had the best record in the NBA at home yet the Lakers still wacked them in their own crib.

Now this doesn't absolve the Lakers of 10 quarters of crappy backetball. Should I be happy that they lose to teams they should beat and then only respond when they're getting embarrassed on national televison? No. The Lakers still lack the killer instinct -- an attitude of playing at their level no matter who the opponent. The Duke Blue Devils are a prime example of what I'm talking about.

Instead too often they play DOWN to the level of their opponent (Kings, Cavs, Sixers) or like today don't show up to play from the beginning or don't finish a team in the fourth. It's all about playing hard for 4 QUARTERS.

So what will happen when the play the mighty Dallas Mavs on Monday? Unfortunaetly I don't know.

On the upside the Lakers have shown they can beat the league's elite teams on the road. The Jazz and Magic have bowed down to Shaq Diesel and the Lakeshow. But this inconsistency, lack of commitment to defense and inability to play 48 hard minutes of focused hoops is driving me nuts.

Are expectations high? Yes. Should they be? Yes. But let's give the Lakeshow a break. They have a lot of new faces. Meanwhile teams like Indiana and Utah have line-ups that have been in tact for 4-5 years. You don't just through players together that are talented and expect them to win -- well not championships anyway. Chemistry takes time. And the last time I checked the Lakeshow was not only one of the youngest teams but one that has undergone significant personnel changes.

Now on to Dennis. He's back -- the Lakers are undefeated with the Worm and all is good in LaLa land -- for now. I don't think the Lakers can handle another disappearing act. But if he stays through the playoffs my prediction of a championship may come to fruition albeit a year early.

I said it the day the Lakers signed Shaq in the summer of '96 and I'll say it again. I EXPECT a parade celebrating a Lakers title when Kobe's 21. Last time I checked he was 20. So lets enjoy the journey. Enjoy the maturing process even it sometimes drives us Lakers fans a bit crazy.

sports.latimes.com/news/19990321/bko/lal/990321.0179.html (http://sports.latimes.com/news/19990321/bko/lal/990321.0179.html)

[Favetti]

You know Jackal, there are two types of fans: True Blue and Fairweather. For all of your misgivings, you being a Laker and Cowboy fan and all, you're ok in my book.
Further, you are dead on with Kobe. Hell of a show........

....today.

If you would have asked me the other day after Allen Iverson used him like a wet mop, well, my opinion would be a wee bit different.

He'll be good if he maintains a blue collar ethic. However, the moment he starts whinning like Van XL, he'll fade into the wind and join Garrett (or whatever the hell his name is in Toronto).

[Jackal]

Thanks -- just trying to tell it like it is.
By the way there are four types of fans. You covered two of them -- True blue and fair weather.

But let's not forget those that are myopic (see Raider/Broncos fans) and bandwangoners (You know all those people that are wearing their brand new Duke, Yankee, Red Wing and Broncos hats.)

But the minute they have to rebuild, then off come the hats. The Jackal abhores these so-called fans. I've noticed there's a lot more room on the Dallas bandwagon since their last Super Bowl in 96. But whatever, I was with America's team since '81. I suffered through "The Catch", I suffered through 1-15 in '89 so their recent trip through mediocrity is just part of being loyal. Indeed, that's what makes the championships that much sweeter. Just ask true Broncos fans like the Andersens.

As for the Lakeshow, well its been 10 long years since a title but I can smell the sweet aroma of champagne in the air. I guess that's why there's not a lot of room on the bandwagon right about now -- one I've been on since '82. By the way that thunderous thud you heard two months ago were all those Bulls "fans" reacting to Jordan's departure by jumping of the Chicago bandwagon. Whatever happened to all of them. I guess right about now they're being fit with some purple and gold gear -- makes me sick.

It may be a year or so away but once again I'm enjoying their journey back to prominence. Unfortunately, once Kobe and Shaq hoist the trophy I'll have to deal with a legion of "NEW" fans. Whatever.

[The Chise]

Props to the Jackal for acknowledging my status as a True Fan. I've been a Bronco fan for as long as I can remember, and I've been an Avalanche fan since the very beginning.
As for the comment, "As for the Lakeshow, well its been 10 long years since a title but I can smell the sweet aroma of champagne in the air."

What you are actually smelling is sweat of Rodman's jock-strap.

What was it Rodman just said in seperate interviews, "You don't have to enjoy your job, you just have to do it." and "People have to understand 'You can't control Dennis Rodman'."

Does that sound like someone gearing up for a title? Hardly. Does it even sound like someone who cares about the team?

You know, as individual players, the Lakers boast enormous talent, but they are plagued by immaturity and hubris. These two liabilities combine to disrupt their game. They bicker on the court, make stupid mistakes and shift blame. They have a long way to go before becoming a championship TEAM!

The Chise

[Jackal]

RIF -Reading is Fundamental

Hey Chise are you ignoring my previous postings or just restating the obvious?

I have elaborated on the Lakeshow's shortcomings etc. If you need a reminder of my previous take on this topic then check out my posting "suffering through growing pains"

And here I thought you were going to have a fresh take or at least provide some solid examples for your comment "They bicker on the court, make stupid mistakes and shift the blame."

I know about the first two but "Shift the blame?"

Whatever

At least you refrained from talking about the Broncos.
You know I don't ask for much. Again let me remind you Jim Rome's saying "Have a take and don't suck"

Hey Chise if the bar is ... well you know the rest

Late