| 10 April 2010
The Lakers head to Minnesota, and it's questionable whether Kobe will even suit up. Honestly? As I said in my Denver/LA recap, I wouldn't be upset if he didn't. Kobe's dinged up, and LA need a fully-healthy-caped-crusader Kobe for any chance of winning the ring this season.
The Lakers need one more win to wrap up home court advantage throughout the Western Conference side of the playoffs.
Which leads us to Minnesota. I have a very simple game plan for the Lakers:
Note to LA: you're the dog - Bristle, not Lambsy.
After the jump, an interview with TWolves Blog's Mike...
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Behind Enemy Lines
Don (With Malice): Why the hate for Kobe?
Mike (TWolves Blog): Aside from small-market tiny-man syndrome, it's more Laker hate in general. I just get sick of seeing Pau Gasol wander around with his mouth hanging open like a Neanderathal every single Thursday on national TV, and his shooting form reminds me of a WNBA role-player. It just isn't fair, really, that a franchise can be so entitled and achieve so much success constantly. Like, is there a reason to even watch the NBA this year?
No. The Lakers are going to win it all. Kobe is going to hit every game winning shot attempt when the rest of the nation chews on their fingers with some hope the Lakers will lose.
It's gut wrenching and nauseating. I usually respect a dynasty well after it happened (MJ era Bulls, hated them at the time, would LOVE to watch them now), and i just think the NBA needs a new era.
We have been watching the Lakers dominate for nearly 10 years in the Kobe era.Time for teams like the Thunder, Magic, Nuggets and maybe even the Wolves have their turn. Alas, A Lakers-Cavs matchup will be outstanding TV. Especially the Shaq/Kobe implications...
WM: Let's say the Finals play out as everyone expected, and it's LA vs Cleveland. Who are you supporting, and why?
TWB: Good question. Pretty sure that will be the Finals matchup and it will be fun to watch.
TWB: Good question. Pretty sure that will be the Finals matchup and it will be fun to watch.
I think LA wins it, but I'd love to see LeBron win a title for 2 reasons:
1. I want to see him stay in Cleveland and
2. I don't want him to go to New York.
Seeing Kobe lose/whine is a distant 3rd.
I suppose a distant 4th is an unexplainable respect for LeBron. He sure has his ego, but appears to be a good teammate and has made few complaints about his lack of supporting cast. Just a much more likable guy than Kobe.
WM: LA has had more than a few hiccups of late. Any thoughts as to why?
TWB: Your guess is as good as mine. They obviously have a lot of talent, but no doubt an absurd amount of testerone and ego to manage (Adam Morrison anyone? I actually own an authentic Adam Morrison Bobcats jersey. Don't ask).
TWB: Your guess is as good as mine. They obviously have a lot of talent, but no doubt an absurd amount of testerone and ego to manage (Adam Morrison anyone? I actually own an authentic Adam Morrison Bobcats jersey. Don't ask).
Back to the topic: I have read this season that Bynum has concerns about his role. Artest is obviously insane. Probably has more to do with the season winding down and guys wanting to rest up for the true test. I don't anticipate much difficulty for the Lakers in the playoffs.
But if I had to pick a true reason, it is because Kurt Rambis left and took a job with the Wolves. Just kidding.
WM: What does the off-season hold for Minnesota?
TWB: Well that is going to be predicated on the night of the lottery. That night will either make our offseason or cause a lot of anguish.
TWB: Well that is going to be predicated on the night of the lottery. That night will either make our offseason or cause a lot of anguish.
In the draft I'd love the Wolves to pick up Evan Turner if possible. And if we aren't in a position to draft him, you do whatever you can to trade for the pick. He just makes too much sense as an acquisition.
We have 2 other first rounders as well (would love Henry/Whiteside/Warren here), which to be honest is kind of a drag in terms of salary cap holds for our cap space. Posters out there have suggested packaging 2 picks to trade up, but I'm not sure the salary implications to the other team are worth an added mid-level rookie given the free agent class.
Trading those picks could be tougher than normal this offseason.
I would also expect Love and/or Jefferson to be moved. I'm not sure who I would rather see go at this point, but if the return is a talented, young athletic swingman to pair with Turner in the backcourt, count me in.
The interesting story to follow will be free agency.
I would also expect Love and/or Jefferson to be moved. I'm not sure who I would rather see go at this point, but if the return is a talented, young athletic swingman to pair with Turner in the backcourt, count me in.
The interesting story to follow will be free agency.
I think New York is going to feel pretty dumb if LeBron resigns with Cleveland, Wade resigns with Miami and they end up with maybe Amare' Stoudemire or Chris Bosh.
It's tough to see anyone leave their teams to go play with a team completely worn to the studs but maybe they will make something happen.
They will be the team to watch.
As for the Wolves' free agents, Darko has really played well for us, but I'm not sure he is worth using much cap space on if better players are available.
We also have the rights to Nikola Pekovic who is also a great European talent. While we won't be signing a star, we have tons of assets we could use (picks, Rubio, Love, Jefferson package anyone? Who couldn't that get aside from LeBron and Kobe?) and can absorb salary that way.
A lot could happen. Our new GM David Kahn works hard and seems to have a decent basketball mind and ability to lure free agents here. He seems to enjoy being here and wants to make basketball a priority in our city, which is really good to see.
A lot could happen. Our new GM David Kahn works hard and seems to have a decent basketball mind and ability to lure free agents here. He seems to enjoy being here and wants to make basketball a priority in our city, which is really good to see.
But I worry about his ability to maximize the value of his assets in trade. He didn't get anything done at the trade deadline (Darko has been a surprise I suppose) and has made 1 or 2 real head scratching trades since he arrived. Draft night should be interesting.
Too bad I will be deep in the Canadian wilderness, unable to see what happens. A trade off I guess.
WM: Game prediction: what happens?
TWB: Lakers should win by at least 15. If I had to put my life on it, I'd say that the Wolves stay tough for 3 quarters and the Lakers will put us away in the 1st 5 minutes of the 4th quarter.
TWB: Lakers should win by at least 15. If I had to put my life on it, I'd say that the Wolves stay tough for 3 quarters and the Lakers will put us away in the 1st 5 minutes of the 4th quarter.
Head over to TWB to see what they asked me, and how I responded!
