Give and Go.

  • Boycotting the Lakers for 2012-2013.

    • 8 Nov 2012
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    • Basketball Lakers Los Angeles NBA
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    UPDATE * * * * * * * * * * 

    So less than 1 week after I posted this, DirecTV came through and worked out a deal with TWC to broadcast the new TWC station.  I'm still bitter that it came to this.. only because everything is based on money, money, money.  I guess, it is what it is.  I tried to turn the other cheek but I couldn't..  this is still my heart&soul team so for what it's worth I do support them.  But I was hurt and that pain won't be forgotten and I am glad I have an avenue to share how I felt.

    * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

    The Laker statement released today is nothing more than a disappointment.  After my father's loyalty for over 40 years to this franchise, and my own loyalty, we regret to inform you Lakers, we will be boycotting you for the NBA 2012-13 season.  As a DirecTV subscriber, what choice do we have?  To SWITCH our network provider? 

    Directvlakerstwc
    Your apology is merely a slap in the face.  And your "reminder" that there are other providers we can go to, is even more salt to the wound.

    I will not have a multi-billion dollar sports organization dictate what cable provider we use.  This is the next worst thing next to watching your favorite team move to another city.  We've stuck by you through the good, the bad, the glorious, and the ugly, and my pride in my city's team has never faltered until recently.  I was there for you when we went through Del Harris, Dunleavy, Kurt Rambis, etc!  No matter the lowest droughts (pre-Kobe and post-Magic), I've been there through thick and thin!  I understand the 'business' behind the sport, but it still does not justify the genuine hurt I feel as a fan.  Frustration, is an understatement. 

    How can I truly support a team, if I cannot see them with my own eyes?  If I cannot root them on from home, how do I stay dedicated to them as my home team? For those of you who are unaware of the situation, some background info to catch you up to speed.  If you already know what is going on, then feel free to skip ahead.

    Facts I've collected from various articles regarding the Laker-TWC deal, which has frustrated us fans aplenty >>

    The Lakers have a league-high $99.2-million payroll, which will cost them an additional $28.9 million in luxury taxes. Starting next season, that burden becomes greater. NBA teams must pay a $1.50-to-$1 ratio for the first $4.99 million they are over the luxury-tax threshold, a $1.75-to-$1 ratio for being $5 million to $9.99 million above the threshold, a $2.50 ratio for $10 million to $14.99 million over, and a $3.25 ratio for $15 million to $19.99 million beyond the threshold. The Lakers will also have to shell out more money in revenue-sharing.
    If not for the Lakers' cable deal with Time Warner, the deals with Dwight Howard and Steve Nash might not have happened. (via LA Times)

    Currently only Time Warner Cable and Bright House Networks offer both Time Warner Cable SportsNet and Time Warner Cable Deportes. With the $3.95 per subscriber cost for cable and satellite providers, the best case scenario is an agreement to be done hours within the second game of the season on Oct. 31 against the Blazers. (via LAist)  (Update:  Now Verizon FiOs, AT&T, Charter, and several others also have worked a deal with TWC to offer their station.  DirecTV and Dish have not reached an agreement)

    Lakers fans who do not subscribe to Time Warner Cable systems have made known their displeasure over their inability to see the games, since the team’s new *20-year, $3 billion* contract with the company has essentially removed the NBA team from view for large swaths of Southern California. (via Press Enterprise)

    For those who DO get TWC, there will be far more extensive pregame and postgame shows – especially compared to when the road games were on KCAL/9 – plus nightly Lakers news and features. There will be 24-hour programming with no infomercials. Some Galaxy soccer, Sparks women's basketball, CIF high school action and Mountain West football and basketball ... yet mostly a lot of Lakers, such as an entire reality series covering the recent Laker Girls tryouts or the specific moment of Nash being welcomed by Jeanie Buss in her office. (via OC Register)

    <<<<<<

    In summary, the Lakers get $$$ from TWC over the next 20 years, to help pay for the acquisition of high profile players and a hefty luxury tax.  And all the other cable providers have to pay TWC $$$ to be able to provide it in their channel lineup. 

    Perhaps someone can enlighten me on what is going on between DirecTV, TWC, and the Lakers right now?  I wanted to be able to point the finger at someone but sadly the only one I can point at right now is the Laker organization.  For not thinking in advance that this would upset their biggest fan market in Los Angeles.  I refuse to give in and sell out by jumping ship to a different cable provider.  I'm waiting for something to be worked out... until then, farewell Lakers, it was a life-long passion - and don't get me wrong, I'm sure I will hear about you through my social media networks, and catch brief highlights on ESPN..  but you are no longer a part of this devoted household.  I will no longer yell at the top of my lungs when the ball is in your hands.  I will no longer jump up and down when we secure a win.  I will no longer discuss Laker talk at the dinner table with my family.  I will no longer purchase any forum blue and gold parepharnalia.  I will have to fold up all my Laker tees and retire them in my drawer.  I will no longer boast about you through the internet.  Today is a sad day. 

    Even if I submit my information on IWANTMYLAKERS.com 1 billion times, will it matter?  Will it make a difference?  Perhaps it is KARMA that you are not winning any games right now.  Logical people will say nonsense, that's a crapload of voodoocraft, but I'm telling you as a fan, there are things we believe in.  Anytime I'd miss a game, I had a bad feeling we'd be cursed to lose, so that's why I would fight so hard to catch every game possible.  So now what Lakers?  What do you intend to do about it?  Just send out a "sucks to be you" letter?  I want to be part of an organization that genuinely cares about the fans - and if you can only "know how frustrated we are" yet choose to idly stand by and not do anything about it, that to me indicates you've turned your back on me. 

    Before anyone comments, just switch to something else, this is the PRINCIPLE.  Do what you have to do for your fans, because without us, what do you have? So NO, you do NOT have my continued support.  Until you fix this, you have lost me, and surely, plenty others.

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  • The Next Step for the Lakers

    • 12 May 2011
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    • Lakers
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    While my fellow Laker fans and I lick our wounds.. we'll get through this, things get better.

    In the meanwhile, we celebrate the legacy led under Phil Jackson and we are left to wonder who next to fill Phil's shoes?

    I don't know the answer but I do know Brian Shaw is a viable candidate.  I've always liked his demeanor, and he's always been an integral part of the Laker family.

    I recently read a very touching article on Brian Shaw, shedding some light on some of his own personal devestation.  For someone to lose their family in such a tragedy, I find it overwhelmingly heartbreaking, but at the same time inspiring because he was able to move on from it and still be a leader.  It teaches me not to take anyone we have in our lives for granted.   Our time here is always short and unexpected, so let's make the most of it together and be here for one another even through the worst and best of times.

    (via alpha)

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  • Kobe, Ni Hao Ma?

    • 16 Jan 2009
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    • Basketball Kobe Bryant Lakers
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    Kb

    Wo Hen Hao, Ni Nuh? 

    Loose translation..in China, Kobe is God.  OK, maybe not God, but they sure do treat him like royalty over there.   Basketball has gained so many fans in China, and now Kobe fans can rejoice.  Their superstar Kobe Bryant has agreed to write a blog for the Chinese website at SINA.com.    Why is Kobe so popular in China?  Because he is a martial arts master on his spare time.  Well, no, but we've all seen him on the court.  Anyone know how to say Mamba in Mandarin?

    Read more:  http://kb24.com/news/295

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  • Loving my Lakers!

    • 28 Dec 2008
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    • Basketball Lakers Trevor Ariza
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    Best hustle play of the year. 

    (You have to click on the video and watch it in HD to do it justice)

    Trevor Ariza, will you marry me?  (hee.)

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  • Trevor THE Sixth man

    • 25 Nov 2008
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    • Basketball Lakers Trevor Ariza
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    Favorite play tonight. Stop, pivot, turn around fadeaway jumper over two defenders. If you watch the replay (wish I had video to share), the rest of the floor stops for those split few seconds. They all stand there just staring at what Trev's about to pull off. My man. Making contributions where it counts. Lakers with another win destroy the Nets tonight.

    Photo

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  • Lakers..Unstoppable!

    • 12 Nov 2008
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    • Basketball Lakers Trevor Ariza
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    Player of the game: Trevor Ariza, slasher, ghost, shadow, mr. energy deserves more press time!  Watch out now!  He's Arizin'!  I should really TM that.  =)   

    I think tonight's game is going to be a little tough, since Lakers are traveling and playing back to back.  Man, I still get more excited when the second unit comes out to play, yeah probably because I'm biased to root on Trev.  Go Lakers!

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  • Game time!

    • 28 Oct 2008
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    • Basketball Lakers
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  • Define: Posterize

    • 25 Oct 2008
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    • Basketball Lakers Trevor Ariza
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    a Basketball term meaning to embarrass some one usually while slamming the ball over them. It refers to the guy whos being dunked on in basketball posters.

    For example, watch as super-Ariza flies by the opponents.  Up, up, and away! 

    Forget thunder, they just got reign/"rained" on! 

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  • He's Got Ups, too!

    • 21 Oct 2008
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    • Basketball Lakers Trevor Ariza
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    Did I mention I absolutely love Trevor Ariza?  Well if that wasn't clear... now you know!  Only half the battle.

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  • Crossing Oceans for Children

    • 20 Oct 2008
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    • Heal the World Lakers
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    Vladimir Radmanovic, on behalf of the Vladimir Radmanovic Children's Foundation, invite you to join Vlad and Laker players and others for an evening of live music and gourmet dining to benefit displaced children in L.A., Serbia, and Montenegro.  Purchase tickets to the event (starting at $150/individual), and proceeds go towards childrens' school supplies, health kits, and more.

    The dinner and auction takes place Thursday November 6, 2008 at the Hidden Restaurant in Santa Monica, CA.  More details and registration can be found here: http://www.vladiradmanovic.com/crossingoceans/

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  • About

    My heart skips a beat to:
    That really good song that you can put on repeat without getting tired of it, the perfect swish from nothing but net, bright colors that scream attention which I don't like to bask in, cars that remind me of cartoons, the right sneakers for every occasion, the honest "I've-missed-you" look my dog gives me when I come home, a quick run in the dark imagining someone is chasing me, anything kawaiiiiii, frozen desserts of many fulfilling kinds, heroes or arch-nemeses, life ambitions and carpe diem actions, exercising brain power, exploring So Cal, and eating food that is yummy-yummy, in my tummy. Did I mention I'm a web-junkie? Long live internet!

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