Yardbarker: Los Angeles Lakers

Golden State Warriors schedule not soft around the edges

Thu, 07 Aug 2008 13:00:04 -0500

The Golden State Warriors released their schedule yesterday revealing 8 national broadcasts where all except for one is on ESPN. There were a few interesting notes about the schedule, the biggest being that the schedule ends as it begins, with tough opponents. It's many of the teams in between that the Dubs will find a much easier challenge. So get your checkbooks and credit cards ready so that you can purchase your tickets, and here are a few games you may not want to miss starting October 29th...

BoxScores: statistical measures and graphical displays of value

Thu, 07 Aug 2008 10:10:46 -0500

Over at Hardwood Paroxysm, there's a post detailing the BoxScores player valuation methodology, and offering several new graphical displays of value--most significantly, an interactive graphic with detailed stats for the 2007-08 season, and Google Maps-like timelines of both Celtics and Lakers franchise history! It's really worth checking out--there's a lot to see, and the detail is incredible.

First and Second Team, All-Clutch

Thu, 07 Aug 2008 03:05:54 -0500

A list of most clutch players of all time by position, what is your list?

NBA Releases 2008-2009 NBA Schedule

Thu, 07 Aug 2008 00:26:13 -0500

I don't know about you, but I am all ready for the start of the next NBA season! After an exciting post season capped off by a legendary Boston Celtics Los Angeles Lakers NBA Finals, I am hungry for some NBA action. Well, the NBA season is still a few months away but the Association did release their regular season schedule Wednesday.

LBJ In Boston To Kick Off NBA Season October 28

Thu, 07 Aug 2008 00:22:59 -0500

The NBA released their schedule for the 2008-2009 season on Wednesday, and it will start out with a game that should draw major attention. Opening night which will take place on October 28, will feature LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers in the "New Garden" in Boston watching the Celtics receive their NBA Championship rings. The Cavaliers took the Celtics to a seven game series in the Eastern Conference Semi-Finals, before the "Green Team" won the series. That game will be broadcast as part of a double-header on TNT.

NBA Releases 2008/2009 Season Schedule. Opener Celtics and Cavs

Wed, 06 Aug 2008 15:28:56 -0500

The NBA released the entire 2008/09 season schedule today, including national broadcast schedules for TNT, ABC, and ESPN. As reported on NBA.com, the season will open at 8:00 PM on October 28 in Boston, with the Celtics hosting the Cleveland Cavaliers. Immediately following that game, the Lakers will host Portland at the Staples Center in Los Angeles. ESPN will begin their broadcast schedule the next night with a Western Conference double header featuring the Spurs versus the Suns, and the Lakers taking on the Clippers.The schedule is filled with marketing opportunities for each network. For example, on Christmas day, each of the three broadcast partners will have a televised game. Additionally, ESPN will show 72 regular season games (including 27 double-headers), TNT 53 more (including the All Star Game on February 15), and ABC will have exclusive rights to the NBA Finals in June. The entire schedule is available for viewing and downloading at NBA.com. OTHER NEWS ACROSS THE BUSINESS OF SPORTS NETWORK Ranking the Top 10 Markets for Relocation or Expansion - The Biz of Baseball SEE IT: MLB, Cardinals Release All-Star Game Logo - The Biz of Baseball MLB Net Taps Art Marquez for Sales. Harlem Office Delayed - The Biz of Baseball Skimgate Continues, Yankee Employees Placed on Leave - The Biz of Baseball How Mark Cuban Has Become a Front Runner for Cubs - The Biz of Baseball Fenway Sports Group Signs PGA Tour Pro Brett Quigley - The Biz of Baseball Biz of Baseball Organizational Report - Houston Astros - The Biz of Baseball Sunday MLB on TBS: Comments from Angels/Yankees Game - The Biz of Baseball Dodger Stadium to Host Semis and Finals of WBC - The Biz of Baseball Chicago's Wrigley Field to Host Next Outdoor Classic on New Years Day - The Biz of Hockey NHL Network To Commemorate 20th Anniversary of Gretzky Trade to Kings - The Biz of Hockey NHL Coaching Carousel Slows, Teams Line-Up Coaching Staffs - The Biz of Hockey Canucks Raise Prices, Retain Season Ticket Holders - The Biz of Hockey Chicago's Wrigley Field to Host Next Outdoor Classic on New Years Day - The Biz of Hockey Jaromir Jagr First Major NHL Player to Crossover to Continental Hockey League - The Biz of Hockey Bill Johnson is a staff member of the Business of Sports Network

2008-2009 NBA Schedule Released

Wed, 06 Aug 2008 15:04:31 -0500

The schedule for the upcoming season has been released. Here are a few of the highlights. The Celtics will play 8 pre-season games starting on October 8 and ending up on October 21 against the Sixers, Cavs (twice), Rockets, Nets (twice) and Knicks (twice). The Celtics will open the season at home on Tuesday October 28 against LeBron James and his band of Cavaliers. This will be broadcast on TNT. As has been leaked, the Celtics will play the Lakers in LA on Christmas day in a 5:00 PM game. Just like the good old days, the Celtics and Lakers on National TV on Christmas day. I remember back to when the Celtics played every year on Christmas. The Celtics will meet the Lakers again on February 5. The Celtics will also play on Super Bowl Sunday, February 1, at 12 noon with their opponent being the Minnesota Timberwolves, however it isn't on the national TV schedule. Their first matchup with the Wolves will be on November 21. In October and November, the Celtics will play 10 home games and 8 on the road. Their first Western road trip will begin on Christmas day and include 4 games in 5 days including the Lakers, Warriors, Kings and Blazers. They also have a 6 game Western...

TNT Releases Their Full NBA Slate Of 2008-2009 Games

Wed, 06 Aug 2008 14:03:16 -0500

It must be schedule release day today. I'm pretty sure this is a sign that the slow summer is over and thank goodness for that right? Football is almost back and now we have our first look at the television schedules for the upcoming NBA season in August. Hey why not? October is right around the corner. TNT is up first, but ESPN/ABC's will follow this post.

TNT's got a total of 53 games for you this year including doubleheaders on Thanksgiving and Christmas and a tripleheader on Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. It looks like the winner of the Thursday Night lottery this year are the Cavs, Lakers and Suns with ten appearances each. The Celtics are a close second with a total of nine games on the network including the opener on October 28th which will also include their Championship Ring Ceremony. The biggest surprises in the schedule are Portland getting eight games (not a bad thing though), and the Hornets only receiving a total of three.

Here's the rest and feel free to pick it apart in the comments....

Tuesday, October 28

NBA Tip-Off '08 – Celtics Ring Ceremony (7pm)
Cleveland Cavaliers at Boston Celtics (8pm)
Portland Trailblazers at LA Lakers (10:30pm)

Thursday, October 30

Houston Rockets at Dallas Mavericks (8pm)
New Orleans Hornets at Phoenix Suns (10:30pm)

Thursday, November 6

Philadelphia 76ers at Orlando Magic (8pm)
Houston Rockets at Portland Trail Blazers (10:30pm)

Thursday, November 13

Denver Nuggets at Cleveland Cavaliers (7pm)
Dallas Mavericks at Chicago Bulls (9:30pm)

Thursday, November 20

Detroit Pistons at Boston Celtics (8pm)
L.A. Lakers at Phoenix Suns (10:30pm)

Thursday, November 27

Orlando Magic at Washington Wizards (8pm)
New Orleans Hornets at Denver Nuggets (10:30pm)

Thursday, December 4

Phoenix Suns at Dallas Mavericks (8pm)
San Antonio Spurs at Denver Nuggets (10:30pm)

Thursday, December 11

Boston Celtics at Washington Wizards (8pm)
Portland Trail Blazers at Utah Jazz (10:30pm)

Thursday, December 18

San Antonio Spurs at Orlando Magic (8pm)
Phoenix Suns at Portland Trail Blazers (10:30pm)

Thursday, December 25

Washington Wizards at Cleveland Cavaliers (8pm)
Dallas Mavericks at Portland Trail Blazers (10:30pm)

Thursday, January 15

Cleveland Cavaliers at Chicago Bulls (8pm)
Phoenix Suns at Denver Nuggets (10:30pm)

Monday, January 19

Detroit Pistons at Memphis Grizzlies (5:30pm)
Phoenix Suns at Boston Celtics (8pm)
Cleveland Cavaliers at L.A. Lakers (10:30pm)

Thursday, January 22

Boston Celtics at Orlando Magic (8pm)
Washington Wizards at L.A. Lakers (10:30pm)

Thursday, January 29

Cleveland Cavaliers @ Orlando Magic (8pm)
San Antonio Spurs @ Phoenix Suns (10:30pm)

Thursday, February 5

L.A. Lakers @ Boston Celtics (8pm)
Dallas Mavericks @ Utah Jazz (10:30pm)

Thursday, February 12

Miami Heat @ Chicago Bulls (7pm)
Boston Celtics @ Dallas Mavericks (9:30pm)
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NBA ALL STAR WEEKEND

Friday, February 13

NBA Rookie Challenge

Saturday, February 14

NBA All-Star Saturday (Dunk Contest, 3 Point Shootout, Shooting Stars, Skills)

Sunday, February 15

2009 NBA All-Star Game from Phoenix, Arizona
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Thursday, February 19

San Antonio Spurs at Detroit Pistons (8pm)
Boston Celtics at Utah Jazz (10:30pm)

Thursday, February 26

Cleveland Cavaliers at Houston Rockets (8pm)
Phoenix Suns at L.A. Lakers (10:30pm)

Thursday, March 5

Dallas Mavericks at New Orleans Hornets (8pm)
Portland Trail Blazers at Denver Nuggets (10:30pm)

Thursday, March 12

L.A. Lakers at San Antonio Spurs (8pm)
Cleveland Cavaliers at Phoenix Suns (10:30pm)

Thursday, March 19

Portland Trail Blazers at Cleveland Cavaliers (8pm)
Golden State Warriors at L.A. Lakers (10:30pm)

Tuesday, March 24

Detroit Pistons at Chicago Bulls (8pm)
Houston Rockets at Utah Jazz (10:30pm)

Thursday, March 26

Miami Heat @ Chicago Bulls (8pm)
Phoenix Suns @ Portland Trail Blazers (10:30pm)

Thursday, April 2

Cleveland Cavaliers @ Washington Wizards (8pm)
Utah Jazz @ Denver Nuggets (10:30pm)

Thursday, April 9

Philadelphia 76ers @ Chicago Bulls (8pm)
Denver Nuggets @ L.A. Lakers (10:30pm)

Thursday, April 14

Boston Celtics @ Philadelphia 76ers (8pm)
Utah Jazz @ L.A. Lakers (10:30pm)

(ESPN/ABC's schedule is up next)

ESPN/ABC's 2008-2009 NBA Schedule

Wed, 06 Aug 2008 14:03:15 -0500

ESPN and ABC have a whopping total of 90 games (72- ESPN, 18- ABC) starting on October 29th at 8 pm with the Suns and Spurs. The big winner for the ESPN lottery this year is the Boston Celtics which received the max number of games allowed on both networks with sixteen appearance. The Lakers, Cavs, Suns and Spurs each have fifteen and the Mavs are alone in fifth place with fourteen.

Other highlights include: The Hornets getting 12 games (great decision there), A Christmas Day doubleheader featuring San Antonio at Phoenix and Boston at the L.A. Lakers, A Doubleheader on Friday, Oct. 31 that features the debuts of Derrick Rose and Greg Oden, and a Rose-Michael Beasley matchup on Friday, Dec 26th.

Here's the schedule....all games are on ESPN unless otherwise noted....
_____________________________

Wed., Oct. 29

Phoenix at San Antonio (8pm)
L.A. Lakers at L.A. Clippers (10:30pm)

Fri., Oct. 31

Chicago at Boston (8pm)
San Antonio at Portland (10:30pm)

Wed., Nov. 5

Chicago at Cleveland (8pm)
Denver at Golden State (10:30pm)

Fri., Nov. 7

Miami at San Antonio (8pm)
Dallas at Denver (10:30pm)

Wed., Nov. 12

Utah at Washington (8pm)
Houston at Phoenix (10:30pm)

Fri., Nov. 14

Denver at Boston (8pm)
Detroit at L.A. Lakers (10:30pm)

Wed., Nov. 19

Dallas at Houston (8pm)
Chicago at Portland (10:30pm)

Fri., Nov. 21

Houston at Washington (7pm)
New Orleans at Oklahoma City (9:30pm)

Wed., Nov. 26

Orlando at Philadelphia (7:30pm)

Fri., Nov. 28

Miami at Phoenix (8pm)
Dallas at L.A. Lakers (10:30pm)

Fri., Dec. 5

Portland at Boston (8pm)
Toronto at Utah (10:30pm)

Wed., Dec. 10

Cleveland at Philadelphia (8pm)
Phoenix at L.A. Lakers (10:30pm)

Fri., Dec. 12

New Orleans at Boston (8pm)
Houston at Golden State (10:30pm)

Wed., Dec. 17

Boston at Atlanta (7pm)
San Antonio at New Orleans (9:30pm)

Fri., Dec. 19

L.A. Lakers at Miami (8pm)
Cleveland at Denver (10:30pm)

Thu., Dec. 25

New Orleans at Orlando (Noon)
San Antonio at Phoenix (ABC, 2:30pm)
Boston at L.A. Lakers (ABC, 5:15pm)

Fri., Dec. 26

Chicago at Miami (5pm)

Wed., Jan. 7

Miami at Denver (9pm)

Fri., Jan. 9

Boston at Cleveland (8pm)
Dallas at Phoenix (10:30pm)

Wed., Jan. 14

L.A. Lakers at San Antonio (9pm)

Fri., Jan. 16

New Orleans at Cleveland (8pm)
Orlando at L.A. Lakers (10:30pm)

Fri., Jan. 23

Dallas at Detroit (7pm)

Sun., Jan. 25

Dallas at Boston (ABC, 1pm)
San Antonio at L.A. Lakers (ABC, 3:30pm)
Houston at Detroit (6:30pm)

Wed., Jan. 28

Golden State at Dallas (9pm)

Fri., Jan. 30

Boston at Detroit (7pm)
Golden State at New Orleans (9:30pm)

Sun., Feb. 1

Cleveland at Detroit (ABC, 2:30pm)

Fri., Feb. 6

Denver at Washington (8pm)
Golden State at Phoenix (10:30pm)

Sun., Feb. 8

San Antonio at Boston (ABC, 1pm)
L.A. Lakers at Cleveland (ABC, 3:30pm)
Phoenix at Detroit (8pm)

Wed., Feb. 18

Denver at Philadelphia (8pm)
L.A. Lakers at Golden State (10:30pm)

Fri., Feb. 20

Washington at New Jersey (8pm)
New Orleans at L.A. Lakers (10:30pm)

Sun., Feb. 22

Boston at Phoenix (ABC, 2:30pm)
Miami at Orlando (5:30pm)
Detroit at Cleveland (8pm)

Fri., Feb. 27

Milwaukee at New Orleans (7pm)
Cleveland at San Antonio (9:30pm)

Sun., March 1

Detroit at Boston (ABC, 1pm)
L.A. Lakers at Phoenix (ABC, 3:30pm)
San Antonio at Portland (8pm)

Wed., March 4

San Antonio at Dallas (9pm)

Fri., March 6

Cleveland at Boston (8pm)
Denver at Utah (10:30pm)

Sun., March 8

Phoenix at San Antonio (ABC, 3:30pm)

Sun., March 15

Dallas at L.A. Lakers (ABC, 3:30pm)
Phoenix at Golden State (9pm)

Wed., March 18

Miami at Boston (7pm)
Detroit at Houston (9:30pm)

Sun., March 22

Houston at San Antonio –or– Miami at Detroit [game selection is TBD] (ABC, 1pm)

Wed., March 25

Boston at Orlando (8pm)
Utah at Phoenix (10:30pm)

Sun., March 29

Dallas at Cleveland (ABC, 1pm)
San Antonio at New Orleans (8pm)

Wed., April 1

Houston at Phoenix (10pm)

Fri., April 3

Cleveland at Orlando (8pm)
Houston at L.A. Lakers (10:30pm)

Sat., April 4

Detroit at Philadelphia (3pm)

Sun., April 5

San Antonio at Cleveland (ABC, 1pm)
Phoenix at Dallas (ABC, 3:30pm)

Wed., April 8

Washington at Cleveland (7pm)
Utah at Dallas (9:30pm)

Fri., April 10

Washington at Toronto (ESPN2, 8pm)

Sun., April 12

Dallas at New Orleans (ABC, 1pm)
Boston at Cleveland (ABC, 3:30pm)

Fri., April 15

Houston at Dallas (8pm)
Denver at Portland (10:30pm)

(TNT's 2008-2009 Regular Season Schedule)

USA Redeem Team - Threat Level Report

Wed, 06 Aug 2008 11:58:30 -0500

The story is the same. I thought maybe things had changed, but while doing my homework and research to write this piece, I found out that nothing has changed. It is still talent and athleticism (USA) versus activity level, physicality and cohesion (Spain, Argentina and Greece). On talent alone, the USA will always be favorites, and the chemistry is supposedly better than in years past, but Spain, Argentina and Greece will have something to say about that. The United States is more explosive and athletic, but Spain, Argentina and Greece bring the fight all night long. I was reminded that in the past, Team USA not only got outplayed in the basketball sense, but that they also got their behinds kicked physically. All three threats are capable of turning missed shots and turnovers into easy fast break points, so it will be a treat to see how the competition will turn out in Beijing. ( Full report after the jump )

The Fantasy Cost of a Gold Medal

Wed, 06 Aug 2008 11:55:46 -0500

With the Olympics opening up this weekend, FIO staff writer Dan Rossi discusses the fantasy implications of some fantasy studs playing in Beijing (specifically focusing on injuries).

LeBron would consider European offer of $50M a year or more

Wed, 06 Aug 2008 08:26:56 -0500

Jay-Z and the New Jersey Nets? Mike D'Antoni and the New York Knicks? Heck, the Cleveland Cavaliers' strongest competition for LeBron James' long-term services could be the deep-pocketed new kid on the block -- Europe. A person close to James said Tuesday that the Cavaliers' superstar would strongly consider playing overseas if he was offered a salary of "around $50 million a year." James' current contract expires after the 2009-10 season, and while several NBA teams are working to create salary cap space for his impending free agency, none could offer a contract beginning at even $20 million a year. The Russian team CSKA Moscow and the Greek team Olympiacos, which recently gave Josh Childress a contract approaching $30 million over three years, have already contacted James, according to the person close to him. The person added, however, that no monetary or contractual discussions have taken place. While $50 million a year seems outlandish, it is within the realm of possibility, considering the reported $250 million contract David Beckham received two years ago to join Major League Soccer, the $33 million Michael Jordan was paid by the Chicago Bulls for the 1997-98 season, the strength of the euro in comparison to the dollar, and the fact that European clubs are not bound by a salary cap. While several NBA players have left the league this summer for more lucrative contracts in Europe, no stars have done so -- or even considered it. Joel Litvin, the NBA's president of league and basketball operations, said the league is not concerned about this developing trend. "I don't want to say it's much ado about nothing, but we think it's overblown a bit," Litvin said. "It's not something we're losing sleep over. " But losing a player of James' magnitude would be nothing short of a nightmare for the NBA. "For the most part, the league considers the players to be fungible products," an official from the National Basketball Players Association said. "But LeBron is one of the three or four players the league would definitely hate to lose. If a team lost him or Kobe [Bryant] to Europe, it would lose its mind. It would be devastating." But both Litvin and the NBPA official said they don't foresee anything -- even the loss of a superstar -- leading the NBA to eliminate the salary cap and thereby compete financially with the European teams. "It would be disappointing to lose one of our star players, but I have no concern at all about the best players playing anywhere but in the NBA for a long time to come," Litvin said. "I'd be surprised if one of our top players chose to go to Europe but if it did happen, there are many players who would step up and fill the void." The source close to James said LeBron would play in Europe only for a year or two before returning to the NBA. He said James would view it as an opportunity to popularize the game and himself overseas. He added that James would not consider himself to be playing in the "minor leagues." "Not at all," the person said. "He believes those guys are pros also." The entire scenario falls in line with James' stated goals of becoming a billionaire and "global icon." But the representative from the players' association will have to see James in a European uniform before he believes it. "First of all, we don't know that there's going to be a $50 million offer," the official said. "And secondly, he wouldn't be able to accomplish over there the things that he wants to do over here, which are to win NBA championships, MVP awards, etc." But he could become filthy rich and a global icon.

Film Session: USA 87, Australia 76

Wed, 06 Aug 2008 07:47:43 -0500

Yes, Team USA is mortal. This team can and may lose. Shocked? Don't be. This team has never been unbeatable. That said, it's going to be really fricking hard to beat them. And I say that after watching the half-court offense get completely dismantled in the last two games. Sheridan says that if the Americans play like this against Spain, we'd lose by 20. Though I think we'd probably lose, I say 8-10 would be more realistic. The one thing about Spain that favors the Americans heavily is experienced. I'm sure you've heard about Spain's assortment of NBA-level talent: Calderon, the brothers Gasol, Navarro, Garbajosa, etc. While this definitely means that Spain is the most talented team outside of the US, it also means...[continued]

Parallel Universes Of The NBA

Tue, 05 Aug 2008 20:30:13 -0500

Slam Dunk Central Managing Editor Jeff Sack, is your guide on a tour of Parallel Universes Of The NBA

Team USA Wins UGLY Defeats Australia 87-76

Tue, 05 Aug 2008 15:11:49 -0500

Slam Dunk Central Managing Editor writes about the ugly victory that Team USA had over the Australians on Tuesday.