Chauncey didn't play against the Jazz due to a sprained ankle that happened in the game against the Lakers. Both Chauncey and Melo were out due to sprained ankles. Hopefully these two days off will help. Haven't heard when each will be back but Melo has been out for a while so I'm hoping he'll be back Tuesday night. And Chauncey's sprain I don't think is going to keep him out long but again, I haven't heard anything lately.

After a disappointing loss to Denver....Lakers are playing much more active and they actually run the triangle when there is no kobe. Odom has really stepped up as has Gasol, fish, brown, artest...all contributing. The home win over San Antonio also w/o Bynum and Portland at the rosegarden were nice wins. Next up is the surging Jazz which should be quite a battle. Looking forward to a physical game.

Lakers looked solid last night. Spurs looked very flat. I just saw on TV that the Lakers' record since 1996-97 is not much better when Kobe is playing than when he is hurt. No big shocker there.

Well, yeah, if you look back that far. Kobe didn't start coming into his own until '01-'02. Since '03-'04 the Lakers are 55-33 when he isn't playing.

Niggets are looking good right now against Dallas after that loss to the Jazz. Chauncey and Melo are back in the lineup! <img src="http://www.wakeworld.com/MB/Discus/clipart/happy.gif" border=0>

Not a great start.....<img src="http://www.wakeworld.com/MB/Discus/clipart/uhoh.gif" border=0> <BR> <BR>Down 13 at the quarter..... Time for a run...

Ugggg........ Jesus.....have to come with more than that, regardless who is playing.

Yeah, I'm surprised the Jazz really didn't show up to that game. <BR> <BR>Lakers 3-0 since Kobe went out.. fantastic! Hopefully he won't play in the All Star game either and really give himself and his injuries a break.

lakers probably benefited from the jazz' back to back schedule even if nite one was only the LA Clips. Still, lakers controlled the game from the 1st qtr. Other than the 5/6 turnovers to start the 4th were never seriously challenged. Gasol and Odom have been drinking the unstoppables unstoppablness kool-aid.

Gasol may be the most underrated player in the NBA.... Top 10 player, maybe top 5....

"Gasol may be the most underrated player in the NBA.... Top 10 player, maybe top 5" <BR> <BR>Definitely NOT top 5!!!! Going off occassionally does not make someone a top 5 player. Consistentcy is the key.

I wouldn't say Gasol is a top 5 player, but I definitely wouldn't call him inconsistant. His numbers look pretty good to me. <BR> <BR>Season MPG FG% FT% RPG APG PPG <BR>09-10 36.7 0.524 0.809 11.2 3.5 17.2 <BR> <BR>Career 35.7 0.520 0.742 8.9 3.2 18.7

Top 5 may be a stretch, in fact...is a BIG STRETCH......<img src="http://www.wakeworld.com/MB/Discus/clipart/rofl.gif" border=0> He may not be the 5th best player in the NBA....but after the first 2, everything is gray IMO. <BR> <BR>Yes, I take Bryant, James and Howard. Probably Anthony, Roy and Wade....but the next guys Durant, Williams, Chris Paul, Dirk, Gasol, Duncan....are all muddled and maybe year to year could be moved around.... (I am probably missing guys in there) <BR> <BR>Gasol did take <i>Memphis</i> to the playoffs 3 times....

Not even top 10, maybe, maybe top 20...

<blockquote><hr size=0><!-quote-!><font size=1><b>quote:</b></font><p>By Scott (K.B.C.) (sperbet) on Friday, February 12, 2010 - 9:49 am: <BR> <BR>Not even top 10, maybe, maybe top 20... <!-/quote-!><hr size=0></blockquote> <BR> <BR><img src="http://www.wakeworld.com/MB/Discus/clipart/rofl.gif" border=0><img src="http://www.wakeworld.com/MB/Discus/clipart/rofl.gif" border=0><img src="http://www.wakeworld.com/MB/Discus/clipart/rofl.gif" border=0>.....everyone has an opinion, I very much disagree with yours....

Gasol has a pretty complete game. He plays defense. He rebounds. He has an outside shot anywhere inside the 3 point line. Shoots over 50%. He backs down defenders and can go left or right effectively or can spot up and shoot over them. As seen recently the lakers have been going thru him to run the offense, he is a skilled passer. He is a 7 footer who can lead a break. He rarely gets into foul problems and plays big minutes. 80%+ foul shooter. A leader. A finese player. What did i forget?

You know what I love about Gasol? <BR> <BR>He will block a shot at one end of the floor and hustle to the other end and get a slam dunk. <BR> <BR>I have much respect for a big guy that hustles. It makes me insane to see centers trot down the court like they have nowhere to be. HATE IT.

".....everyone has an opinion, I very much disagree with yours...." <BR> <BR>"Yes, I take Bryant, James and Howard. Probably Anthony, Roy and Wade....but the next guys Durant, Williams, Chris Paul, Dirk, Gasol, Duncan....are all muddled and maybe year to year could be moved around.... (I am probably missing guys in there) }" <BR> <BR>Did I miss something here? That would make at least 11 better than Pau by your own admission. That puts him outside the top 10 yes? Don't get me wrong Pau is a real good player, but is not on par with the Durants, Dirks and Chris Pauls of the NBA. The fact that he just beat up on your own team may be clouding your judgement a bit.

Oh, and you forgot Chris Bosh...

I would say he's definitely in the Top 5 <i>centers</i>. Overall, maybe top 15 players.

<b>Scott,</b> I put him in 12 players I listed... Like I said, after the top 2....it is muddled. Though I would be hard pressed to not take Howard over him.....regardless of him be VERY limited offensively and a poor passer. <BR> <BR>After that, you can make arguments.... I may have made an argument after the first 2.... Though again, I agree that it would be hard to get him into the top 5.... <BR> <BR>Like <b>Darrell</b> said, Pau does EVERYTHING well. If he didn't look like such a douche and was American....he'd be treated like Larry Legend. <BR> <BR>Chris Paul gets too much credit IMO.... I think he is great....but not as great as everyone else. That is probably because I see Deron Williams kick his ass regularly.... <BR> <BR>(Message edited by Deuce on February 12, 2010)

I really like Gasol and I love what he's done for the Lakers. That being said, there is no chance I'd ever take him over Wade. D Wade is, in my opinion, under LeBron and Kobe for the best players in the league.

What I really like with how the Lakers are playing is Lamar showing up and getting after it! When Lamar asserts himself he is an absolute terror. It's like every team forgets that he is a lefty.

What the hell, Shannon Brown? Seriously?

That dunk contest was the biggest waste of time ever. No stars and had to listen to Barkley complain and talk bad about the guys who did show up. <BR> <BR>Get Kobe, Lebron, Howard or dont have the contest.

Most disappointing dunk contest i've seen. Boo. Shannon let me down, wtf was that weak ass alley oop, at least reverse it.......

The dunk contest has become a disgrace to the NBA. I didn't even watch it last night. They need to take it back to the years of VC and J Rich. There isn't any need for any of this prop <font color="ff0000">•</font><font color="ff0000">•</font><font color="ff0000">•</font><font color="ff0000">•</font><font color="ff0000">•</font>

The Dunk Contest is WELL PAST its time.... <BR> <BR>Can't remember the last time I had any interest in it or made time to watch.

With Kobe or without him...Lakers V. Celtics on ThursdayNite. Go Lakers!

Darrel, I agree that Staples should be bumping Thursday night. I'll be there wearing my Ray Allen jersey! Go C's!!

"I'll be there wearing my Ray Allen jersey! Go C's!!" <BR> <BR>Jason, that just ain't right!

That's how I feel wearing my Lakers shirt at Arco Arena. Love it. <img src="http://www.wakeworld.com/MB/Discus/clipart/lol.gif" border=0>

jamison to cleveland. does the trade make them stronger?

I don't think so Joe. I think losing Z as a back-up to Shaq is going to come back and bite them. Jamison is not a great threat from the outside, more of a slasher and go to the rack guy, and Cleveleand already has one of the best in the business for that. I really don't think this helps Cleveland, but I may be wrong.

I would like to alter my comment, if Z ends up getting released by Washington, which I now realize is a very good possibility, then this is a steal. Not quite the Pau to LA variety, but pretty damn good.

Big trade. I think Jamison is a much better fit and less risk than Amare. And yeah, Z will probably be back. I cant get my head around how the nba allows a player that was traded to be waived and return to his team aft 30 days.

"I think Jamison is a much better fit and less risk than Amare" <BR> <BR>That's tough, it really is about the fit like you say, but Amare is 5 years younger, same in pts and rebounds, but is a shot blocker and a little taller than Jamison. <BR> <BR>I'm really surprised Cleveland would balk at the trade just because they didn't want to give up Hickson who is still a couple of years away from being really productive. They must see some real potential in that kid and with how cheap they are getting Jamison, felt it was worth it. To me Jamison is too passive to really be what Cleveland wants. Similiar to when they picked up Larry Hughes a couple years back. <BR> <BR>I guess will have to wait and see.

amare can't stretch out the defense like jamison can.

Good point Joe, I guess I was thinking they already had enough guys gunning from the outside, but you are right, with Lebron driving, you need guys who can shoot from the outside.

Risk because, in no particilar order. 1. No JJhickson in the trade, 2. ^^what joe said, 3. Amare can be a head case if he doesnt get his touches. 4. Amare has Steve Nash dishing to him to put those #'s up, Jamison will go get the ball himself. <BR>Nate Robinson to Celtics is good news for Jason, hbguy. Will see if he is in Staples tonight. No Kobe Bryant again.

CANNOT BELIEVE THE JAZZ GAVE AWAY BREWER....<img src="http://www.wakeworld.com/MB/Discus/clipart/angry.gif" border=0>

I doubt we will see Nate Robinson in Staples tonight. <BR> <BR>To me, the big winner in the trades today is Houston. They got alot of young talent and two of the Knicks' number one picks for essentially giving up Carl Landry and eating Jared Jeffries' terrible deal. That team is loaded with talent now.

McGrady being traded didn't surprise me, but Sacramento getting rid of Martin was very unexpected. Looks like they've put all their eggs in Tyreke Evans' basket. It might turn out to be a good move since they've got much more cap space to acquire some talent in the off season.

2 damn good games tonight! i love this time of year!

I agree Joe. Nuggets/Cavs and Lakers/Celtics. Glad to see the Nuggs pull out a win in Cleveland in Overtime. <BR> <BR>Hey Joe, only ten days away..... wager? <img src="http://www.wakeworld.com/MB/Discus/clipart/happy.gif" border=0> <BR> <BR>(Message edited by Kraig on February 18, 2010)

i was actually rooting for the nuggs tonight. i've become a fan of carmelo and to see him go toe-to-toe against lebron was classic. <BR> <BR>no, no wager...kobe's too beat-up. <img src="http://www.wakeworld.com/MB/Discus/clipart/proud.gif" border=0>

Anyone read this article on espn yet? <BR><a href="http://sports.espn.go.com/los-angeles/nba/news/story?id=4926633" target="_blank">http://sports.espn.go.com/los-angeles/nba/news/story?id=4926633</a> <BR> <BR>Funny how both Jackson and Rivers had no problem when they were in the position.

Lebron last night.... wowza.

Quote: "no, no wager...kobe's too beat-up." <BR> <BR>Joe, no faith in the team as a whole? We played the Lakers and won without Melo in the line up. Shows how much faith you have in the Lakers as a team.... <img src="http://www.wakeworld.com/MB/Discus/clipart/wink.gif" border=0> I guess you're a Kobe fan, not a Lakers fan.... <img src="http://www.wakeworld.com/MB/Discus/clipart/lame.gif" border=0> <BR> <BR>(Message edited by Kraig on February 19, 2010)

i didn't see you wanting to bet when carmelo was out, so suck it! <img src="http://www.wakeworld.com/MB/Discus/clipart/lol.gif" border=0>

Don't remember turning down a wager from you as well! <img src="http://www.wakeworld.com/MB/Discus/clipart/kiss.gif" border=0> <BR> <BR>So no wager? However, I will say, the Lakers are due for a win since we've beat you guys TWICE!

Hear Ronnie Brewer was hurt tonight.... Wishing him the best... <BR> <BR>GO JAZZ.....4 minutes to go and GS is making a run....

The team that cannot win on the road, wins its 6 straight....

Kobe hits another game winner?! This guy is too much. 68% shooting in his game back. How many buzzer beaters does he have this season??? how bout Lebron....yaaaaa....

What ever! <BR> <BR> Didnt you see Lebron take over in the 4th qtr vs the Magic the other night?<img src="http://www.wakeworld.com/MB/Discus/clipart/triangle_down.gif" border=0>

Kobe is definitely one of the best at the end of games. And the Lakers clearly missed him IN THOSE SITUATIONS when he was out. The play drawn up for Fisher in the final two seconds against the Celtics was a joke. <BR> <BR>An interesting question is whether the Lakers would have even needed those threes had Kobe not played. The supporting cast of the Lakers just aren't the same with Kobe on the court. Kobe is either hogging the ball or the other players are worried about missing shots followed by Kobe getting that look on his face that says "yep, my teammates suck, I am god, and I should be shooting the ball." <BR> <BR>Kobe obviously makes his teammates worse whereas LeBron makes his teammates better. The only reason Kobe has titles is that he has had ridiculous supporting casts.

Lebron doesn't need a buzzer beaters, he puts up 20 pts early in the 4th and sits <BR> <BR>...except the last few games

<blockquote><hr size=0><!-quote-!><font size=1><b>quote:</b></font><p>The only reason Kobe has titles is that he has had ridiculous supporting casts.<!-/quote-!><hr size=0></blockquote> <BR> <BR>how could you say that when you just got done saying he makes his teammates worse?

The cast is good, but Kobe is better. <BR> <BR>Just as simple as that.

Its becoming clear as the years go by. This Kobe vs Lebron thing isnt even a discussion. Kobe wins games! Lebron is a GREAT player but he just doenst have it like Kobe. I cant even believe its a discussion anymore. Lebron continues to miss big shots, dissapear in big moments, why he throws up threes rather than driving in big moments I'll never understand (obivously cause he doesnt trust the foul line in big moments). I really like Lebron but he is no Kobe.

I disagree with that...a better player is a better player... look at the stats, Lebron is better. <BR>LBJ - average stats: <BR>30 pts 8 assists 7 rebounds <BR>Kobe: <BR>28 pts 5 assists 4 rebounds <BR> <BR>Lbj is better in all the major stats, and Cleveland has more wins than L.A.

l.a. won the title and cleveland couldn't even get past orlando.

Joe, that statement is entirely consistent. Kobe's supporting cast is so good that, even though they play worse with Kobe on the court, they are still better than any other superstar's supporting cast. They are that good. The Lakers' 4-1 record without Kobe speaks volumes. Without Lebron for 5 games, the Cavs would go 1-4.

Hopefully, Lebron will sign with a team that can give him a decent supporting (like Chicago or the Clippers) and the debate can be ended with Lebron and a decent cast rattling off three straight titles while Kobe is still in his prime.

"This Kobe vs Lebron thing isnt even a discussion" ...as are the Kobe V. Jordan discussions. <BR> <BR>Stats have never won a game or a championship. Only assasins like the mamba WIN games. <BR>Would you rather win games and rings or put up big #'s? AI and TMac led the league in scoring often but what is their legacy? no one will remember them as a champions.

i keep telling my friend that the clippers would the ideal place for lebron; big market w/ a team full of talent. all the clippers need is a good coach, like avery johnson. i'm not sure david stern would like it though since it would mean the west would rule for a while. my friend disagrees though...he says it's all about the money and limelight for lebron. uh, along w/ the money and limelight, he wants to win a ring, too. (you knew i had to get the last word in <img src="http://www.wakeworld.com/MB/Discus/clipart/proud.gif" border=0> )

Like I said, its not even a discussion.. Im not even gonna waste my time responding to your stats... Kobe wins games! Big games! Championships! Dont come at me with the stat numbers game.. Espically when they are that close lol

Here, we both win... but you win more <BR><a href="http://bestplayerontheplanet.com/kobe-bryant-vs-lebron-james/" target="_blank">http://bestplayerontheplanet.com/kobe-bryant-vs-lebron-james/</a>

Kobe doesn't win championships by himself. Kobe AND Shaq (in his prime), Fox, Horry, Grant, Rice, Fisher, et al. won titles. Kobe and Pau, Ariza, Fisher, Odom, et al. won a title. Pau is one of the best 20 players in the league (not one of the top 5, of course<img src="http://www.wakeworld.com/MB/Discus/clipart/lol.gif" border=0>) <BR> <BR>Lebron's best sidekicks are Mo "I would be sitting on the Laker's bench" Williams and Shaq "I am five years removed from being a dominant player and would be on the Laker's bench" O'Neal. Yet, Lebron takes his supporting scrubs to the finals. <BR> <BR>When Kobe had a supporting cast equivalent to Lebron's, the Lakers were pure garbage.

^ Or they weren't playing in the JV league

Oh, I see. Now Kobe isn't as good as Lebron because his team is better? This is awesome. Keep going, I need the laugh!

Kobe isn't as good of a PLAYER as Lebron, because he is worse... <BR> <BR>Kobe is considered better because he has rings, which takes a team. <BR> <BR>1 on 1... Lebron all day. <BR>or if you were an owner of lets say the NETS, both guys said, "I'll play for free on your team for 1 year... but you can only have one of us..." <BR>who do you pick? I would pick Lebron

bad arguments nick. <BR>1. lebron is bigger and just as athletic as kobe, so yeah he would probably win 1 on 1. who cares the nba is a team league. <BR>2. of course the nets would take lebron, neither one of them is getting the nets to the playoffs and lebron puts more butts in seats. I would bet they would have a better record with kobe though. <BR> <BR>All these people making a big deal about the lakers being 4-1 without kobe are a joke. if they were 4-1 and kobe was out for the year no one would give them a chance of making the finals, but right now they are far and away the favorite. they had a good run in his absence but he is what puts them over the top.

Jeff, even worse arguments. <BR>1. DUH! Thats a reason he is better. <BR>2. You cannot say my argument is bad and then agree with me... because thats just crazy talk

I just saw this and figured it was perfect: <BR><img src="http://www.wakeworld.com/MB/Discus/messages/4387/776811.jpg" alt="Upload">

Kobe is great, Lebron is great. I would take either one of them on my team. They are totally different players. Kobe is a better shooter, but Lebron is way more dominant. Kind of like Shaq use to say...paraphrased...bro Kobe is the best player in the world, I'm the most dominant. <BR> <BR>No doubt Lebron would have 3 rings by now too if he had Shaq in his prime like Kobe had when he was younger. <BR> <BR>Richard Coop you either are not that bright or just not watching if you think Lebron disappears at big moments in a game. He almost single-handely beat the Celtics in a 7 game series, when Kobe and Lakers were easily handled that same year. <BR> <BR>You are right, there is no comparison. Two totally different situations. A franchise and entire city wasn't put on Kobe's shoulders when he was 18, he had time to grow and develop into the player he is today. Lebron was still in Highschool and his games were ESPN. There is no comparison.

Your right im really not that bright! Thanks for pointing that out. <BR> <BR>Lebron was crowned the King in Highschool! Before he even did anything! Kobe had the pressure of playing for the best franchise in NBA history. Lebron went to a lowely team that could only go up.. No pressure at all...And trust me I watch Prince James plenty.. As I said earlier he is great.. but hes not Kobe or Michael.. I do agree with the best in the world vs. most dominant argument... Hes unstopable when he goes to the hoop. Why doesnt he do that with the game on the line? He's scared thats why! Much easier to shoot a three and miss than drive, get put on the line and miss free throws in front of everyone. He just doesnt win games like Kobe... Nobody does..

sorry nick i assumed you were arguing that lebron was a better NBA PLAYER, where winning counts not ones ability to dominate a single player in a meaningless imaginary 1 on 1 game (again, who cares who would win a 1 on 1 game?) as for the nets, i am pretty sure they would take a monkey that could make balloon animals with its ass over either guy if they could sell tickets. im just saying. <BR> <BR>Im sure there are some amazing 1 on 1 players who are playing in parks across america and im sure that people would fill up an arena a few times to see the monkey make a bicyle out of ass balloons, but neither of them are going to get the nets to the playoffs. <BR>I'm not saying lebron isnt a great player, he is. Lebron just isnt quite there yet. He will take kobes throne, but he needs to figure out how to get his guys to stop watching him play and help him play. <BR> <BR>Kobe had and has a great team and he has and is a pain in the ass, but he wins.

"Lebron just isnt quite there yet." <BR> <BR>Thank you!!!! That's my point that Richard for some reason doesn't understand. <BR> <BR>"Hes unstopable when he goes to the hoop. Why doesnt he do that with the game on the line? He's scared thats why" <BR> <BR>LMFAO!!! Ok man. Whatever. You obviously are not watching then. That's what happens when the other team brings there whole bench and parks it in the lane..you dish out or take the shot. Like I said, Kobe is a better shooter, that's what makes him so "clutch". <BR> <BR>By the way, glad to see you are not arguing this point <img src="http://www.wakeworld.com/MB/Discus/clipart/happy.gif" border=0>

Ummm did you watch the game last night? How many times was Boston packed in the lane and still couldnt stop Lebron??? I'll answer, pretty much the whole game... He drives and scores whenever he wants.... Except when the games on the line for some reason, the Cavs clear out, stand around and Lebron launches a three...