Laker Nation

Just incase you guys thought otherwise… L.A. Times: “You’re all trying to see if I’m going to do Mitch’s job for him this summer,” Bryant said, smiling. “I’m not. I leave it up to him. He’s done a great job of building this team.”

We won’t forget too, Pau. Will be their rooting for our beloved Lakers, stronger then ever! Inside the Lakers: The normally reserved, thoughtful Pau Gasol was downright feisty when asked about the emotions he’ll carry with him from the recently concluded NBA Finals against the Celtics. Gasol said that the pain from the loss will linger for a long time, [...]

The Voice of the Nation Podcast with Andrew Rafner (varsityoptimism) and David Brickley (DBricks) will guide you through the capillaries and ventricles of the Lakers Nation. Andrew and D mourn the big big loss to the C’s and are joined by HZM, Shane Bien, LD2k and the Nugget for the first TLN Roundtable! Playlist - Voxtrot – Soft & Warm [...]

Return of Bynum could mean that Lakers want to move Odom and his $14 million salary. L.A. Times: The issue now is making the pieces fit with one problem position, small forward . . . where Odom would have to go with Bynum at center and Gasol at power forward. Jackson wants a shooter there badly enough to start his [...]

Kid has potential. Sound off in the comments. Can’t believe were already discussing the draft… What is it, weeks away? Draft Express: Look for the Los Angeles Lakers to try and land an early second round pick (possibly from Seattle) in order to draft IUPUI’s George Hill. He worked out in Los Angeles and reportedly was very impressive. His college [...]

L.A.’s loss in the NBA Finals may hurt, but the team has a lot going for it. On the off-season to-do list: Look for experienced help up front and in the backcourt. L.A. Times: Once the sting from losing to Boston in this year’s NBA Finals fades, the Lakers will appreciate the success they had over the 2007-08 season. For [...]

L.A. Times: Those of you planning on heading to Staples Center to watch Game 6 with a few thousand of your friends will need to find another plan. The Lakers, in consultation with local law enforcement, have canceled the viewing party. From Lakers PR… After meeting with law enforcement and city representatives, we have agreed to not open STAPLES Center [...]

ESPN: The Celtics expect Ray Allen to play when they try for a second time to win the NBA championship. Allen rushed from Staples Center after the Los Angeles Lakers’ 103-98 win Sunday night that forced a sixth game Tuesday night in Boston. The reason: “health issues” involving one of his three children. As the Celtics waited at LA International [...]

Washington Post: Only a complete fool would keep giving Kobe Bryant chances. It’s like pitching to Babe Ruth with the bases loaded, like sticking your naked chin in the face of Joe Louis . . . or giving Tiger Woods one last chance to make a 12-foot putt on No. 18. You keep giving Kobe Bryant chances and he’s going [...]

He murdered us in Game 4 and if I remember he had a critical shot against us when he was with the Miami Heat. What are your thoughts in seeing him Purple & Gold? Sound-off in the comments and tell us what you think. Boston.com: “Everyone in the league will go after him,” an NBA executive said. “The Lakers probably [...]

CBS2: Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa met with Prime Minister Ehud Olmert and handed him a jersey of L.A. Lakers basketball star Kobe Bryant. Villaraigosa, on a seven-day trip to the Israel, said he is a longtime friend of the prime minister, and the two discussed ways to promote peace in the region. The mayor said his gift Sunday reflects [...]

The Voice of the Nation Podcast with Andrew Rafner (varsityoptimism) and David Brickley (DBricks) will guide you through the capillaries and ventricles of the Lakers Nation. Andrew and David breathe a sigh of relief after the Lakers hang on to win Game 5! Andrew says “feh” to Eddie House’s three pointers and D questions Andrew’s faith on Episode Three of [...]

Sporting News: Of course, the Lakers can bounce back. Don’t be silly. The sun, after all, will come up today. Maybe not in L.A. but somewhere. Probably in Boston. If you don’t want to take my word on the Lakers’ ability to rally, check these reasons. They could be legit. 1. The Celtics are banged up. Three starters are considerably [...]

Boston.com: The bejeweled guy sitting in a high-priced front-row seat had a Lakers gold jacket. On the back it read “THANK GOD FOR KOBE.” Oh, the burden of being Kobe. Sometimes it’s nice being Kobe Bryant. You’re scoring in the 30s and 40s, your team is comfortably ahead, and the adoring crowd is chanting “M-V-P!” as you take some pressure-less [...]