LAKERHOLICS PODCASTS

I do, just that there need be limits.

Good podcast as our fearless leader Gerald drives us right off the rails from the get go. Lots of excellent discussion and controversy. Give it a listen. Lots of fun stuff. And it’s always good to see the Lakers win and hoist up 40 threes for a change. Can’t make them if you don’t take them.

@Magicman: I too am a big believer in redemption but I don’t consider weak CYA apologies as a meaningful step in that direction. Action and future behavior privately and in public are the only things that move the needle for me.

I thought Kobe was a perfect example of a man who made some serious mistakes as a young man but proved through his actions and behavior that he understood what he did and said and changed for the better. As for KD, he’s have to show me that he’s honestly interested in becoming a better person rather than just redeeming his public image. That’s not something that happens overnight.

As for cancel culture, that’s just another phrase invented by the racists and misogynists to push back on institutions and corporations exhibiting social conscience over prejudice and injustice. They clapped when the NFL forbid players from kneeling but can’t handle it when MLB ojbects to Jim Crow voting restrictions in Georgia. Instead, turn to their go-to strategyu and try to invoke a culuture war where Freedom of speech allows Freedom of Hate and terms like ‘woke’ become 4-letter words.

When your team gets blown out like the Lakers today, showing up scared and beaten from the get go, there’s nothing you can do other than ridicule the lack of effort and belief you can win.

I’m seriously thinking of starting a series of sites like the Locked On network only calling it the Dumped On network. Dumped On Lakers. Dumped on Celtics, Dumped on Bucks, It could be a big money maker and the only way to enjoy talking about this Lakers team without LeBron and AD. Dumped On Chokers.

Great podcast, guys. And a breath of fresh air after the whipping by the Bucks and disappointing debut by Drummond on Wednesday. As Gerald pointed out, always good to see another NBA team fall into Admiral Ackbar’s ‘trap game’ black hole.

Lots to love about this game including Kyle Kuzma stepping up and showing he could be the Lakers ‘Next Man Up.’ What was impressive about Kyle’s performance is he was great at both ends, pouring 30 points in on offense and shutting down Buddy Hield on defense. I’ve long lobbied for Kuz to be our starter at shooting guard and this just adds fuel to that fire.

But speaking of shooting guards, it was great to see KCP break out and have a great first half although he seemed to lose it again in the second half. Nice to hear him talk about it being on him to be aggressive. We need Playoff KCP if we’re going to stay in the top 6 and avoid the Play-In Tournament.

Caruso had a good bounce back game and an impressive one handed dunk but still is getting beaten way too many times on defense. But can’t complain about Lakers raining threes. 17 of 35 is the kind of performance from deep that can keep the Lakers afloat until LeBron and AD return.

I put out my theory that other than LeBron and AD the Lakers don’t have any players who would start for more than half the teams in the NBA. Still think that’s true. I also think missing LeBron and AD undermines their confidence. Just like a pick up game at the gym on Saturday, everybody plays with more zeal and confidence when you know you have the best player on the court on your side.

When we played the Bucks, our guys felt like the other team had the best player and played like it. Last night, against a team w/o a superstar, the Lakers came out confident they could compete and they did. I think we can win games w/o LBJ and AD against teams like the Kings, Raptor, Hornets, and Knicks but will struggle against teams with real superstars like the Clippers, Heat, and Nets. Chance to go 4-3 on this roadie.

Thanks, Buba. Always a big plus to have the best player on the court on your team. Bron makes everybody better.

In contrast I thought Wesley and Caruso played to their roles. They’re bench players and aren’t loafing on either end. They missed shots, yes, but to me that’s less of a crime than KCP’s loafing and Schroder’s lack of leadership. I don’t think I’d be so ornery about Dennis’ recent play save for all the extension drama. Wish he had just said he was focusing on the season and leaving summer stuff until the summer. C’est la vie.

I don’t see Drummond’s fit on this team. I applaud those who have high hopes but he and Gasol are mirrors, Drummond being the younger and theoretically better mirror but physically they’re a little too similar. 2 Earth-bound centers, one more of a defender/rebounder and the other more a playmaker and theoretical floor spacer. Don’t see big playoff roles for them.

Love how LT is finally coming around to the notion AD and the Lakers don’t want him to play center much. Been saying that since before he got here. At any rate I think everyone here knows I’m a huge Boogie fan and have wanted him on the team since the preseason. At least he can score the rock and isn’t any les Earthbound than Gasol. Slower afoot and not as solid defensively as Dre.

Great podcast and well worth the listen. Lakers are in a tight spot.

Man, Gerald just cannot handle success by the Bruins and failure by the Trojans. Talk about poor losers. UCLA will have to show Gerald how to beat a juggernaut like the Zags. Bruins are a team of destiny. Only team left in March Madness to win a championship. In fact, 11 championships with #12 coming up.

Good discussion about how all the Lakers free agents are going to play considering they’re playing to win a championship and to get paid. Jamie pushing Gasol as the backup center who will get time in the playoffs instead of Trezz. LOL. I may have to stay up late to prevent all of this misinformation from being distributed.

The guys then talked about the MVP and gave their personal opinions on which leftover candidate should win it this year instead of LeBron. Then they talked about whom the Lakers were going to draft, with Jamie thinking we were going to keep the pick when it’s obvious it will get traded like this year. Lakers going to need a starting center this offseason, which means KCP, Kuzma, and the 2021 and 2027 picks will be their main assets to pursue Myles Turner or Karl Anthony Towns.

Back to the draft, Gerald, of course, is pimping all the guys from USC. Then, Gerald and Jamie spend a bunch of time talking about former Lakers’ draft picks they would like to get back (Svi, etc.) none of whom we want. And Jamie thinking Marc Gasol is going to still be on the roster next year.

Finally, correcting the talk about the trade exception talk, the discussion I had was with Sam Quinn and the rule is a team is hard capped only they acquire a player in a sign-and-trade. So if Lakers got a second round pick for Schroder, they would not be hard capped.

LOL. Aha! A Michigan State supporter! I would have thought you would have supported the Big 10. Must have some strong feelings about your arch rivals, Lee. I always have that problem with the Red Sox or USC being a Yankees and Bruins fan.