The Los Angeles Lakers are begging Dwight Howard to stay with billboards.

Got to say, it's pretty weird to see one of the biggest and most successful franchises, who has a quite a track record with free agents, beg a player to stay in L.A., because that normally doesn't happen too often. And if this fails, the Lakers will be a huge mess, until the Summer of 2014 that is.

All photos via: @Lakers

Metta World Peace's dunk goes in and out and in again.

When Metta World Peace is left alone in transition, your will experience a full roller coaster of emotions. Ranging from the the joy in hope for an easy bucket, to the fear of seeing him trying to maintain some sort of handle on the basketball while running like a free range chicken. The worst part is in the anticipation of the basketball going through the hoop, which surprisingly, at least for a NBA player doesn't happen often (See MWP's missed layup in a crucial possession against the Spurs, or you can just YouTube other missed lay ups, because there are a lot). But that's who Metta World Peace is, he always keeps you on your toes and you will never know what surprise he has in in store for you next. 

Robert Sacre learned his dance moves from Yosemite Sam.

The Los Angeles Lakers may have the 5th worst bench points in the league, but they have something no other team has. The one and only Robert Sacre, who has inserted himself into every single play by just peer leading on the side lines. In just his first year in the NBA, he has outdone every single veteran hype men in the league, his enthusiasm always shined through even in the toughest L.A. losses (and there's a lot of them).

I know that by now, curiosity must be tingling through out your entire body. Dying to know where Robert Sacre got his dance moves from, so that you can start a new 2013 trend that will rid the magic in his peer leading. Well, the L.A. Times just saved us some trouble.

"I learned a little bit from Yosemite Sam," he said, referring to the cartoon outlaw from "Looney Tunes." "He has those guns shooting up in the air, but other than that, really I just freestyle and go with it and get super excited when they make a great play."

From my dedicated research, his only other move were flailing karate chops. Not much different than his Yosemite Sam impression except for the amount of fingers extended. Personally, I think the finger guns should only be used on court after hitting a shot. Doing it on the bench is kind of pointless. Then again, Yosemite Sam was the not the most accurate gunslingers, so I guess it is kind of fitting in the situation that the Lakers are currently in.

The Round Up - December 30th, 2012.

Stats Rundown:

Not the greatest line up of games on (Football) Sunday nights. Here are some things of note.

Last Big Standing: As the only real offensively skilled center left in the NBA, Al Jefferson proves to us why it worked before. He had 30 points (13 of 22 shooting), 8 rebounds, 2 assists, and 4 blocks to fall as another victim of the best team in the west.

Wade 2.0: After the criticism that Monta Ellis received for putting himself into the same category as Dwyane Wade, he shut everyone up. However, his 30 points (12 of 22), 4 rebounds and 9 assists performance would be for nothing in the 2 point loss to the Detroit Pistons. Poor Monta couldn't have it all.

Career First: DeMarcus Cousins got his first NBA triple double with 12 points (4 of 12), 10 rebounds and 10 assists. He must be auditioning for the Boston Celtics, because he never passes.

Little Man: At 5'9" Isiah Thomas can do a lot of things, especially to a struggling Boston Celtics team. He went for 27 points on 15 shots, 4 rebounds and 5 assists in place of the injured Aaron Brooks, who usually takes the starting position.

Long distance: Caron Butler was a perfect 6 for 6 from behind the arc to add to his total 29 points in another Clippers victory. This extends the winning steak to 17 and makes his team undefeated in the month of December (16-0). Which has only been done by 3 other teams in the entire 67 years of NBA Basketball.

Suggestive: I don't know what they are doing, I just know that Richard Jefferson is too old for whatever this is. (Via: @JazzSMangat)

Highlights

Rejection x2: Thomas Robinson will not allow Jeff Green to have any points.

Lob City: We have seen this a million times. Please excuse me for making do with a highlight-less NBA night. At least DeAndre Jordan is having fun.

Kobe Bryant would force Shaq to present his NBA Jersey retirement.

Despite the 3 Championships (one questionable), we all know Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O'neal were not the best of friends during their time as Lakers and that is why this was hilarious.

Even though, Shaq has repeatedly called Kobe, his "boy," I highly doubt their relationship is on good terms. But knowing Shaq, he will probably do it just for attention. If he does refuse, there is always Smush Parker, because you know Kobe has a long list of "friends" to choose from.

Blake Griffin pulls a prank on the cameraman.

Totally smooth, and unnecessary. I am sure you are not running any secret plays because one, Denver got blown out and two, your coach is Vinny Del Negro. Or there is a 3, which is probably the real reason. Blake is just bored, so he caused some mischief.

The Clippers and their ugly Christmas sweaters.

Via: Beyond the Buzzer

The Los Angeles Clippers got a bunch of Bill Cosby Christmas sweaters and decided to wear them to the game as a joke. Great one, guys. Matt Barnes clearly out dressed all of his teammates, he made due with a normal sweater by just sticking random Christmas theme objects on him. The others did alright, everyone deserves some love for not taking themselves too seriously during the holiday season. The Clippers are pretty cool now.

Via: cp3

CP3 Kid is so embarrassed, he is awkward for his dad.

Frustrated Kobe Bryant don't know why the Lakers are losing.

Defense?

If you are wondering, this is what he said that got censored:

It is still only December, but if they want to get anywhere near .500 (LAL is 9-13 right now), they have a lot of work to do, until then let the Lakers struggle jokes continue.

Mike D'Anotni is pissed off, gets worked up over Lakers' defense.

UHHHHHH, the Lakers are screwed up - Mike D'Antoni.

I love how quick he realized 30 minutes was not the right answer and just explodes to get himself out of it. In all seriousness though, as explained previously, Mike D'Antoni has put himself into a situation where his system can't succeed, Nash is not the answer and things don't look good after this loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers.

I mean, if CJ Miles scores 28 points on you after averaging 8 prior to this game and has not looked anything like himself, you have problems on defense. Just look the D'Antoni struggle faces.

David Richard - USA TODAY Sports

The only thing left for Pringles to do is to get the Phoenix medical staff over to LA to fix Dwight Howard's back and Nash's leg.

If not then,

Bernie Maybe?

Or Play Defense?

Source: SB Nation

Kobe Bryant is Ultimate NBA Villain.

You shall obey me, young one.

Kobe Bryant, professional basketball player and occasional saboteur.

…source says the Black Mamba talked relentless smack during the Olympics that the Thunder stars weren’t going back to the Finals after the Lakers acquired Steve Nash and then added Dwight Howard right before the U.S. played Spain for the gold medal. Kobe also made a point of guarding Westbrook during practices and pumping him up, the theory being that he wanted to incite Russ to bump heads with KD over who the team’s best player is. (If you think that’s too conspiratorial to be real, you don’t know Kobe.) KD, in particular, got tired of hearing him. For what it’s worth: KD and Westbrook’s combined 69 points is the highest single-game total they’ve posted this season.

Can someone call Shaq to confirm please?

Source: PBT

The Man of the Lakers Bench, Robert Sacre is the Greatest Bench Performer Ever.

The guys at Believe the Hype, have just given what everybody wants for Christmas. The total compilation of Robert Sacre cheering for his team. Let me clear this up, the dancing mad man in the video is a Canadian back up center, and no, he is not a reflection of how people dance in Canada. We have way better moves than just furious karate chops, ever heard of the beaver?

Sign the Petition to stop Dwight Howard from wearing his headband.

Via: @cjzero

I may or may not have started this petition, but for those of you who keep up with the blog (Thank you), you would know that I hate all of the accessories Dwight Howard wears, from the newly added headband (which he might be wearing because he is a super immature adult that wasn't allowed to wear one in Orlando. And just like a teenager that rebels everything their parents does, he wears it just to say "Ha-ha, in your face, I am wearing a head band and you can't do anything about it because you decided to trade me away for nothing) to the f--king stupid sleeves.

Thanks to Harry Erickson, we might be able to do something that can change the world. What was his reasoning to start the petition? Well:

It looks ridiculous.

I cannot put it in any other way. So if you believe in this cause, please join us, the 293 supporters to make Laker games a better viewing experience. We only need 207 more people, you help would be much appreciated.

DeAndre Jordan can't stop farting.

DeAndre Jordan went the extra mile, he didn't just pulled the prank, he owned it. The fanning of his shorts takes this over the top. Also I hate people that instantly reacts to the fart as if it smelled bad, there are different types of fart, not all are bad. Stop being so narrow minded people.

The Feed: San Antonio Spurs vs. Los Angeles Lakers [11/13/12]

Recap:

The San Antonio Spurs edged out the Los Angeles Lakers, 84 to 82 in a close battle at the Staples Center. Neither team led by more than 8 points, and stayed within one possession throughout most of the game. There were a total of 11 lead changes and 4 ties in this possible Western Conference Finals match up.

Tony Parker wreaked havoc for the Lakers, scoring 19 points to go with his 7 assists. Tim Duncan added 18 points, 9 rebounds, 4 assists and 4 blocks. The Spurs weren't having an easy time getting their buckets, only shooting 39 percent from the field tonight. The Lakers defense forced them into tough shots and Dwight Howard's presense in the middle did not make it any easier. The Spurs defense would not spare any mercy either, stealing the ball from Los Angeles 13 times to contribute to their opponent's 17 turnovers (Spurs only had 8).

Kobe Bryant led all scorers with 28 points and 8 rebounds. His offense was crucial late in the game. He single handedly brought the Lakers to the brink of victory, however his effort was reduced to waste by Coach Poppovich's brilliance. With less than 16 seconds to play, he drew up a play that led to a Danny Green game winning three pointer that left 9 seconds on the clock. The Lakers would return from their own timeout, without the same success. San Antonio's ball denial on Kobe, forced Pau Gasol to throw up a three point prayer that never found its way to the basket.

I am sure making Dwight Howard set a screen on his own teammate was not part of the plan, it was still executed to perfection.

Offensive End:

The Spurs have an advantage that most people would dismiss. Some people might have criticized the zero changes made to the roster in the summer, but it allowed this team to build a chemistry. You can see it in their play, they react according to tendencies and know where everyone's spots are.

Tony Parker carved up the Lakers, he killed them in transition, in pick and rolls (When Dwight is absent) and in dribble penetration that led to open outside shots for his teammates.

Kobe Bryant was just being his unstoppable self, there was really no way San Antonio could have contained him. Maybe putting Kawhi Leonard on him instead of Danny Green. Metta World Peace is a waste of Kawhi's talent.

Los Angeles has to realize that they have an advantage in size. They can not let the Spurs to outscore them in the paint, which did happen, 38 to 26. When you have the two of the best centers in the league, they need more than 10 shot attempts per game to be of any effect. Even MWP had 14 tonight, about 5 more than the big men.

Dwight Howard needs to learn how to make a quicker move, he takes way too long in the block and with his terrible free throw shooting, he needs to avoid all help defenses at all costs. Just watch some Shaq tapes, he hits his man once and just dunks it right on him, you can easily do the same.

Defensive End:

The Spurs played a good defensive game, besides for Gary Neal. This man was so horrible in rotating, he actually allowed Chris Duhon to score multiple times, let me repeat myself just so you are clear, it's CHRIS DUHON!

The Top heavy Lakers once again suffered from poor bench play, unlike San Antonio, who can make a complete rotation change, they have to make adjustments and leave a starter or two with the second unit. They did not get outscored today, they just played terrible defense. Especially, if Dwight Howard isn't the one anchoring the unit. Without Dwight, Tony Parker is a nightmare. The All Star center does not just reduce the French point guard's attacks, he can also stop the pick and roll game. If he gets beat, he can easily use his length and athleticism to recover, blocking the shot just by pinning the ball against the backboard.

Notes:

• Dwight Howard wearing a head band in addition to his two ridiculous arm sleeves is stupid.
• I am going to lock it in early and call Robert Sacre, the BEST bench perforner in the 2012-13 season. Nobody stands up for every single shot like Sacre, the Canadian enthusiasm hasn't left him yet.
• Kobe Bryant actually drew a charge in this game, not sure if it is the first one. Weird, because I remember him saying that he would never try to draw one, due to injuries that have occurred to his predecessors. You can't sneak one on me Mamba.

The Feed: Los Angeles Clippers vs. Portland Trail Blazers [11/08/12]

Recap:

The Los Angeles Clippers holds off the Portland Trail Blazers 103 to 90, after nearly blowing a 25 point lead they built in the first half. Chris Paul led the way with 21 points, 6 assists and DeAndre Jordan added another 21 (8 for 10 shooting) to go with his 8 rebounds.

After shooting only 35 percent (LA shot 58 percent) from the field in the first 2 quarters, the Blazers rallied a 18 to 4 run in the third. Nicholas Batum sparked the charge with 12 of his 23 points in the quarter, his defense on Chris Paul helped limit their opponent to only 17 points, while Portland went for 32 points on 71 percent shooting.

The Blazers managed to get as close as 4 points behind, but Jamal Crawford came off the bench with a 25 point performance that iced the game. Fatigue settled on the Portland starters in the fourth, with the lowest scoring bench in the league, Terry Stotts was forced to overplay them. Unfortunately the production failed to maintained. The Clippers closed the game with a 14 to 3 run that rendered the Blazer's comeback effort pointless.

Offensive End:

Los Angeles got whatever they wanted in this game. DeAndre Jordan looked great, using his length to score over LaMarcus Aldridge. As always, the Clippers go to the post,  ran Chris Paul pick and rolls that allows him to dissect the floor and utilized ball movement to take advantage of Blazer's rotations.

Portland plays an uptempo style, they space the floor very well but they weren't able to hit shots early and it buried them body-deep in the first half. LaMarcus Aldridge had a lot of opportunities, with DeAndre Jordan on him. The Clippers big man likes to stay in the paint to help, with Lillard's dribble penetration to kick the ball out, the All Star should have knocked the open jumpers down.

Defensive End:

Before they got lazy the Clippers played great defense, they completely stopped Portland in the paint, holding their foe to 30 points, to their 56. With their size, they like to pack the paint, so they are slower to get out to the shooters.

The Blazers only played defense in the third quarter. In the rest of the periods, their rotations were slow, and were just getting blown by every time.

Rookie Watch:

Damian Lillard didn't do bad against Chris Paul, scored 16 points and handed out 4 assists.

Meyer Leonard dunked a lot, got 8 points and 6 rebounds.

Highlight of the Night: Meyers Leonard might have read the instructions to get a NBA highlight.
Step 1: Find Ronny Turiaf.
Step 2: Dunk on him.

The Feed: San Antonio Spurs vs. Los Angeles Clippers [11/07/12]

Note: Of course the two games I decide to watch today were blow outs, I had thirteen games to choose from and picked the two worst ones of the night.

Recap:

The Los Angeles Clippers ended the San Antonio Spurs's 5 game winning streak 106 to 84, handing Tim Duncan and company their first loss of the season. The Clippers terrorized their foes on both ends of the floor with a high octane attack that held their lead through all 4 quarters of play.

Blake Griffin scored a game high 22 points to go with his 10 rebounds (74th time to get 20 points and 10 rebounds, second to Kevin Love), DeAndre Jordan added 20 points, 11 rebounds and 4 blocks, while keeping Tim Duncan (10 points and 6 boards) quiet all night. Seven Clippers scored double digit points to Spur's two.

San Antonio struggled to find an offensive flow (41 FG%) in the smuggling Los Angeles defense. Tony Parker and Manu Ginobili combined for 13 points, only a point more than their leading scorer tonight, Danny Green.

The Clippers completely dominated this game, hitting 55 percent from the field, grabbing 46 rebounds to Spur's 29 and forcing 20 turnovers. Those ridiculous numbers disrupted San Antonio all game. When ever they made a run, the Clips would stop it in the next possession, preventing their opponent from finding any spark for a comeback.

Offensive End:

They both really like to run in transition, Spurs never got going, but the Clippers did and destroyed them. For San Antonio, their two main plays are, Tony Parker, Tim Duncan pick and roll and off ball screens to get shooters in the corner for three pointers. With Manu on the floor, he will create the offense through dribble penetration. The slick ball movement that is usually present in Coach Pop's team was just not there this game.

Los Angeles goes to the post early, to get Blake or DeAndre involved. Chris Paul will find guys by attacking the paint and offense through pick and rolls. Their transition offense was smooth, guys were making good passes and finding the right person for the bucket. Props to Eric Bledsoe, who dropped 15 points in 15 minutes (of his total 22), he brought the crowd the life and gave the Clips an extra offensive push.

Defensive End:

Welp, the score pretty much says everything about Spurs's defense tonight, so I won't really get into that. I am just going to point out that they don't really double on defense, they stick with the man assigned. Boris Diaw did a good job, if Blake didn't hit those 15 footers, it would show. 

I don't know what got into the Clippers, they were playing defense at a high level and actually kept the pressure on the entire game. Their rotations were quick, and was even faster as the game progressed.

The Moments:
Man that were so many GIF worthy moments in this game, I will post them all in the Round Up that will be up later.

• Coach Pop was so much nicer to the lady (Heather Cox) that interviewed him after the 1st quarter and he used the word "HAPPY," what a hypocrite.
• Blake Griffin had absolutely no love for his fellow red head brother, Matt Bonner as he almost jumped over him for a dunk.
• Chris Paul flopped on the Manu Ginobili touch foul and started shit. Got like 3 dudes T'ed up and even gave Spurs a free point on the technical penalty.
• Jamal Crawford "nutmegged" Nando De Colo, by putting the ball through the French's legs.
• To make the above scenario better, DeAndre Jordan's reaction was caught on camera and gave us two solid "WTF's!."

 

The Feed: Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Los Angeles Clippers [11/05/12]

Recap:

The Cleveland Cavaliers wins their first road game of the season, defeating the Clippers 108 to 101. This marks the first time Kyrie Irving faced off against the Point god, Chris Paul, after missing the first match up with an injury. The up and coming guard did not shy away in this contest, getting a double double, scoring 24 points and handed out 10 assists.

Despite shooting terribly from the field (35 percent, 8 of 23), he knocked down 50 percent of his threes, hitting 4 in total. However, the star was neither Kyrie or CP3, it was Dion Waiters, the rookie from Syracuse, who was fire from beyond the arc, draining 7 threes that contributed to his 28 point finish.

The Clippers began the game with a 7 - 0 run that was immediately relinquished in the first quarter, allowing the Cavs to pull a 10 - 3 run, 16 Kyrie points and a lead that they never managed to come back from. They gave away the ball 25 times (to Cleveland's 17) and allowed them 18 offensive rebounds (double of what Clippers have) that resulted in to many points.

Los Angeles made a late push in the fourth, with Jamal Crawford (19 points, 4 threes) and Chris Paul (17 points and 9 assists)  running the show. They tied the game a few times but their costly mistakes on defense gave the game away. With 28 seconds left in the game, the Cavs were up 104 to 101, Kyrie Irving was left uncontested by the Clippers and he made them pay with the dagger that sealed the game.

This photo says it all.

Offensive End:
Cleveland relies on their back court for everything, if either Kyrie or Dion has a bad game, they are likely going to lose. Their best option is to just run and push the ball to the other side as fast as possible, they score lots of point when the defense is unsettled.

If the ball goes through the hoop, it is usually from a jump shot because they just don't have the guys to score in the paint, besides the occasional Kyrie drive and put backs from their big men (from offensive rebounds), everything else comes from mid range and extended.

Their main play was a screen for either Irving or Waiters, who will either shoot/drive right away. Their were some circumstances in this game where the Clippers decide to left Varejao (the screener) open, giving the Cavalier guards an easy pass to MOP head for a shot from 15 out.

Los Angeles likes to get it in to the post, with Blake Griffin, in the low block, attention will be drawn, allowing Blake to kick it out to the open shooters waiting outside. Chris Paul dribble penetration will do the same and if he decides to run a pick and roll, it will come up high, so the point god can find the holes in the defense.

Defensive End:
Both teams played atrocious defense tonight, the Clips did turn the ball over 25 times but it all came from bad passes and carelessness. They both must improve their transition defense, because they give up a lot of easy buckets.

The only adjustments I caught, was the Cavs packing the paint in the second half and the Clippers employing double teams on guards.

The Moments:

• DeAndre Jordan air balled another free throw. Someone needs to do an Over/Under for this. 
• Eric Bledsoe blew a wide open dunk with no one near him.
• The commentators called Bledsoe, Chris Paul multiple times.
• Chris Paul called one of the refs a "MFer" in what seems to be the angriest reaction from the point god. I am super bummed that I am unable to find the GIF for you because it was a glorious moment.

Rookie Watch:

Dion Waiters was monster tonight, showing supreme confidence and hitting shots when his team needed him.

Tyler Zeller left in the middle of the game after taking DeAndre Jordan's elbow to his eye, but in the 24 minutes he played, he grabbed 7 boards to go with his 15 points.

NBA Preseason 2012 - 2013 Bloopers.

The main reason why the NBA has a preseason is because players need to get back in shape, and if they ate a little too much and slacked over the summer, they will embarrass themselves, missed dunks and all.

The Round Up - November 4th, 2012

Stats Rundown:

Dwight Howard did a little bit of everything in his first victory in a Lakers uniform, finishing with 28 points, 7 rebounds and 3 blocks. Honorable mention to Kevin Martin who is not going to let the Beard out do him, scoring 28 points in the loss to the Hawks.

Board Monster: Nikola Vucevic used his magical touch to grab 13 rebounds in a surprise blow out of the Phoenix Suns. Who would have thought they would be on the other end and have a 2 game win streak.

Thief: Steve Blake who usually turns the ball over, got 5 steals today. So that's basically why the Lakers won today.

Butter Fingers: Kevin Durant was 2 assists shy of his first triple double, and was 4 turnovers away from a quadruple double. Jrue Holiday also lost the basketball 6 times today.

Rookie Watch:
Damian Lillard did not play today, therefore no one is deserving of this honor. (Alexey Shved got 8 points, and I know you don't care)

Time Machine User:
I guess Kobe Bryant didn't need his knee to be German treated, because he has been ballin'. In the first Lakers victory of the season, the Black Mamba scored 15 points, dished 8 dimes and grabbed 7 boards in the destruction of the poor Pistons.

Best Hair: Andrew Bynum showing us how to never change and be yourself, no matter how much money you get, you stick to your roots and remain HOBO (get it? I changed it from humble to hobo because he looks like one, haha I am sorry).
From @jemelehill:

Whoops: Dante Cunningham heel kicked J.J. Barea's forehead while going for a rebound. Tests confirmed he gave his own teammate a mild concussion. Two concussions in the last 4 days, when did I start watching football?

My Bad: Russell Westbrook saved the basketball from out of bounds under his own basket for a hustle play, too bad it didn't really work out because Al "weird ears" Horford caught it and dunked it. (Will update with video)

This must have been his reaction:

Who is this Melo person and why is he actually playing defense?

Highlight of the Night: Jeff Teague only knows one dunk and this time he did it properly.

The entire Clippers team dressed as Men in Black for Halloween.

This is the laziest Halloween costume idea ever, these are the ones people come up with when they want free candy, but don't really want to wear a real costume. I know this for a fact, because I tried it myself when I was 15, except I used a broken end of a hockey stick with electric tape as that thing they use to erase people's memory, the neuralyzer thing. It is unacceptable for NBA players who are suppose to wear suits to basketball games and later use them as "costumes."

Pretty sure Snoop Lion is a Lakers fan, maybe he saw the Portland game and realized this 4 all-star on the team is not really working out.

I am guessing, since Matt Barnes was suspended, he didn't get the memo and decided to go with the super original Joker, because no one has done it yet.

Source: Beyond the Buzzer