It sure seems like we will see 2 sweeps.. Lakers and Spurs are going to sweep the Nuggets and Suns respectively. Utah already dominated Rockets in Hou. Utah is pretty much going to win that one. I think Hornets Mavericks might be exciting but after seeing Hornets dominating the Mavs the first two game I don't see the Mavs coming back and winning. So much hype went into this playoff that the results is such a disappointment. Even though the records are so close there still seems like a huge disparity in skill.

It seems like the East is more exciting than the West. Philly beating Detroit is inspirational much like Warriors winning. Its nice to see that. Raps and Magics is also a good close series. Not much disparity in skill. Cleveland and Wizards also seem evenly matched. The only sure thing is Celtics over Hawks.

I might also add that I am also secretly happy we didn't have to play the Lakers. Seems like they are running at all cylinder hitting shots and passing really well. Gasol is a absolute monster like a really really scary monster.

I've been thinking of how poorly Matt has been playing. I know he lost his mom this year and it might be a factor for his recent poor play. I only say he is playing poorly because it seems like Nelson is less inclined to play Barnes recently in favor of Croshere, Pietrus, Buke and Wright, and Barnes hasn't shown the ability to be offensively productive or defensively excellent like Pietrus can be.  

So with the impending resigning bonaza this summer. Will Barnes stay? Personally I think its worth keeping Barnes if its a low price like 1-3 mill a year like this year. Barnes brings a lot of heart and he is the only one willing to foul aggressively. We know he can play and he is in my mind one of the best passers on the team and truly a product of Nelson's system. Theres no one else Nelson trusts to throw that inbound pass when the game is on the line and he is a captain so theres gotta be a lotta love for him in the locker room. I've also never heard him complain about playing time or playing out of position. I think he truly appreciates the opportunity to play.

What do you guys think? Cut Barnes to make room for a free agent? or keep him for his passing and potential contributions?

Kobe is questionable for the game..
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2008/basketball/nba/02/14/bryant.allstar.ap/index.html

Our Mr.Snub, Baron Davis has a good chance of getting into the ASG now. Though I am not sure if thats possible since Baron said he's going to disneyland(or world?) instead. Or maybe Kidd will take Kobe's spot?

Either way I wish Baron gets that last spot and then snubs the NBA right back by missing the game and going to disneyland and taking a picture with mickey.  

"We quietly requested a trade prior to the first date on which he could be traded this season, and we've repeated this request many times," McCandless said. "There are several teams who would like to acquire Mike, and several offers have been made.

"We thought he was traded last week, but the trade was nixed at the 11th hour. Three days ago, Mike met with Chris (Mullin), and two days ago, Mike met with coach (Don) Nelson, both times repeating the trade request."

http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2008/02/12/SP46V0BGK.DTL

apparently Air France is keen to move out and the Warriors are nixing any deals that are coming in though I am not sure why. Even though Nellie is playing Petey. He isn't even getting more minutes than Barnes. Pretty much Pietrus is put in when Nelson doesn't know who to put in when everyone is having a bad game. I think shipping out Pietrus will give our youngins a chance to play. I am sure Beli wouldn't mind taking the corner 3. His defense looks better and I am sure 12 minutes a night won't lose our games and he will more than make up for it if he can hit those 3s. Azibuke can also take Pietrus' minutes. I think Azibuke has proven himself to be a better rebounder and shooter and finisher.

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2008/basketball/nba/02/01/gasol.trade/index.html

The Lakers have acquired Pau Gasol in a three-player trade with the Grizzlies, SI.com has confirmed.

The deal, which was first reported by the Memphis Commercial Appeal, sends Gasol to the Lakers for Kwame Brown, Javaris Crittenton and first-round picks in 2008 and 2010.

wtf?!!!! another all-star on lakers team... why in the world does grizzlies want kwame?!!

do other teams want lakers to win?!

I really hope this move screws up team chemistry x_x

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His second 10 day contract expires on the 28th..
Nelson said CJ was the only bright spot against the T-Wolves on Monday, but didn't play him at all on Thursday..weird...

with all these trade rumors swirling I think on Sunday we will either see Payton signed or Watson signed.. I dare not believe that we will get both.

Personally I hope Watson signs with us and Nelson learns to trust Watson like he trusts Buke now. Watson seems to be able to hit his free throws and seems to have very good shot selection. Once he gets more confidence I think he will be a good backup(anything is better than Hudson). I guess the Knicks game will be the final test for Watson.
Lets hope he's not too nervous.

...
Also I hear from some very reliable sources that we are going to trade Kosta for Kobe next season :) (The ridiculous trade scenario needed for every successful dairy)

Los Angeles signed free-agent center DJ Mbenga to a 10-day contract Monday. The 7-footer from the Congo was released by Golden State on Jan. 6.
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2008/basketball/nba/01/21/lakers.ariza.ap/index.html

Wow thats pretty surprising. Mbenga plays exactly like Kwame... a nice defender who can't score. Maybe they signed Mbenga cause Laker fans hate Kwame. Here's me hopinh Mbenga does not become a warrior killer.

Also I think its funny that Bynum will be back mid to late March when the warriors will play them the final 2 times back to back. Hopefully Bynum won't be 100% cause he kills us both time we played.