That is the banner that sits under Kobe Bryant’s photo now that the Lakers have been eliminated from the playoffs.
To be honest with you as a lifelong Laker fan, I am so happy that it is finally over. From the hiring of Mike Brown to the lack of offensive imagination, with the indecision of Pau Gasol, the immaturity of Drew Bynum and the instability of Metta World Peace aka Ron Artest, this thing had no chance from day one.
The Lakers have a lot of decisions to make starting at the top, with the owner’s son Jim Buss making one bad decision after another. General Manger Mitch Kupchack’s contract is up and teams are starting to inquire. Head coach Mike Brown has again showed that the Lebron James disappointment in Cleveland now works on the West Coast, and he had more talent in L.A. than he did in Cleveland.
And then there is Kobe. Still one of the premiere scorers with a basketball IQ that is off the chart, he has two seven footers and no point guard. He has an aging team that also features younger players who really cannot play.
And oh by the way Kobe has a lot of basketball miles on his body. While I am not saying the game has passed him by, it is apparent that he needs help.
Yes, the Lakers need an overhaul soon. Like tomorrow, as Laker Nation wants a change. When you think of Cardinal Nation in baseball, think of what the Lakers mean to the NBA and the networks. The money the Lakers mean to the NBA, the networks and Los Angeles is staggering. Yes, changes need to be made.
Laker Haters
As for the Laker Haters out there who are basking in glory today, I will ask a question.
Since Jerry Buss bought the Lakers in 1979, they have been to the NBA finals 16 of the 33 years. They have won it 10 times in that span. No team in team sports can make that claim of success in that time frame.
By the way, for those Celtics fans who bleed green and have all of their championship banners, the Lakers have as many as the Celtics now.
Just a little food for though for all the front runners who now think it’s cool to support the Miami Heat or some other fledgling operation. Yes, it’s hard being humble when all you have is the truth.
The Lakers will be OK, some adjustments need to be made but it won’t be long before they will be back in their traditional top spot. So enjoy, San Antonio.
Yes. San Antonio.
As much as I like the Oklahoma City Thunder, I think The Spurs are the better team for this season. That does not mean that the Thunder will not make this a series, but The Spurs are well coached and well armed for anything the league has for them at this point. Greg Popovich and Tim Duncan are certain Hall of Famers. Tony Parker is not far off the pace. The Spurs just do it the right way and that is what they will continue to do.
Injury bugs biting
It must be spring time. You know, the grass needs cutting, the birds are out and the bugs are starting to bite.
If you are a St. Louis Cardinal, the injury bug has bitten and it bites hard and often. Gone to the disabled list are Jon Jay, Allen Craig, Lance Berkman, Kyle McClellan, Chris Carpenter and Doug Linebrink. The latter two have yet to throw a pitch in competition this season.
Yet there should be no pity party held. Major League Baseball is full of key players who have found themselves on the disabled list before June and yet the games go on. While Mike Matheny is dealing with for the first time as a manager, he knows what the impact can be on team as being a former player. For Matheny, he can only worry about the players he has to manage and hope for a return of others.
Now before you want to go out and make a gaggle of trades to shore up the active duty roster, it may be best to wait and see what is the real need here. The Cardinals need a left-handed relief pitcher for sure. As for pushing the panic button on anything else, the wait and see approach may be better here as no one is going to run away with the division.
The rash of injuries will also be a barometer on how well-stocked the minor league system is for now.
Flag day is still three weeks away, and that is when you really know what your ball club is all about. So until then, take some notes and relax.
