The Gold Standard: The Ronnie Gold Story

[trekfan]

Re: The Gold Standard: The Ronnie Gold Story

Rapid Reaction: Lakers 102, Bobcats 95


By Rachael Hansen |ESPNLosAngeles.com


December 12, 2014



CHARLOTTE -- The Lakers (12-9) met the Bobcats (11-8) and the game was not what the Bobcats were expecting. A team that was built by current Lakers GM Ronnie Gold, the Bobcats have surged into a three way tie atop their division with the Heat and Wizards. Younger, faster, and built to win in the long-term, the Bobcats looked to have every conceivable advantage in the game.


But the Lakers showed up in a big way this game, jumping out to a 27-19 lead after the end of the first quarter behind the play of Bryant, Parker, and Gasol. Gasol especially, after disappearing against the Heat, needed a big game and had one, going for 18 points and seven boards.


Bryant and Parker were also far better, scoring consistently throughout the game and bothering the Bobcats defense with their superb outside shooting. Kobe finished with 21 points n 7-of-15 shooting while Parker finished with 24 points on 9-of-17 shooting.


This game got close in the fourth quarter however thanks to the outstanding play of Tyreke Evans, who finished with 31 points and came away with three crucial steals in the fourth quarter to help close the lead to only six. But Kobe wasn’t going to have any comebacks and brought the ball up the court, hitting a clutch three with two minutes left in the game.



The arena was deflated after that and Parker, Gasol, and Bogut scored on the next three Lakers possessions to help seal the game.


Here are three takewaways from the game:

Spider-Man Flies Again


Jabari Parker has had a rough stretch of games lately, as any rookie is expected to do, but had another big night for the Lakers tonight, playing above the rim and finding his shot early. “I just went out there and played … the coaches were telling me to stop thinking so much about my form and such, and they were right. I felt like I did good tonight,” said Parker after the game.

Turnover Woes


Despite the Lakers winning the game, the also committed three straight atrocious turnovers in the fourth that led to seven points for the Bobcats and trimmed their lead to only six. “It’s an issue and one we have to correct as the season goes on,” said Coach Gentry. “I don’t expect it to be one that derails us as things progress but we need to nip it in the bud and we will.”

Bench Beatdown


The Bobcats bench was thoroughly destroyed by the Lakers bench, 25-10, and that was behind the scoring of Gerald Wallace, Trey Thompkins, and Anderson Varejo. Each had seven points and helped the Lakers rest their starters while providing good minutes on the floor. The Lakers bench is quickly becoming one of the deadlier benches in the league and could play a huge role in the playoffs, if the Lakers can make it there.

[trekfan]

Re: The Gold Standard: The Ronnie Gold Story


12-22-14

The morning had come.


So had the headache.


Ronnie rolled off his bed, hitting the floor with a dull thud, and suppressed the urge to vomit. Too much Jack Daniels had done him in last night.


It had been a terrible night. The Kings had come into Staples and drummed the Lakers, much to Ronnie’s chagrin as he was sitting with Jeanie Buss and Phil Jackson at the time. He was sure that they would win, confident that Gasol had finally shaken himself from his funk.


He was wrong. Oh, was he wrong.


Gasol had barely shown up and the Kings thrashed the Lakers. It got to the point where Ronnie swore he heard boos from the crowd, but he knew that had to be his imagination. Lakers fans were known for a lot of things, but booing the team wasn’t one of them.


Still, the very thought that they could do something like that made Ronnie all the more sure that Gasol had to go.


He made some calls as soon as he got back, checking up on some old offers. When those calls were made, he then opened up his old friend Jack and drank away.


He held his hand up to the sunlight streaming through the window and groaned. “Damn it,” he muttered as he stood from the floor, his movements unsteady, the contents of his stomach sloshing around. Lord, how he never should have drank that bottle.


His iPhone vibrated on his dresser, causing the car keys and change to rattle.


Causing his headache to get worse.


He picked it up, seeing a new email.


He opened it with his thumb as he made his way to the bathroom, the contents of his stomach making him fall to his knees.


He set it aside as he vomited, profusely.


“I hate myself,” he mumbled as he watched the stuff leak out of his nose. God, it burned.


If Liz was here, she would be furious at him.

Liz.


The name made his heart ache.


She was still unresponsive. Still dead to the world around her.


He was beginning to lose hope.

Can’t do that. Focus on the work, he reminded himself as he convulsed and vomited again.


After ten more minutes of this, he was finally done.


He looked at his phone with tired, bleary eyes, and read the email.


He jumped up, but had to hold onto the doorframe to stay standing.


The Gasol trade … he had it.


He had takers.


He quickly swiped through the phone, getting to the web app, and

researching the news.


It was true.


He moved over, turned on the shower, and began to strip.


He had to get to the office.





Nearly an hour and a half later, he was back in Lakerland. Not a theme park, more a destination, his office was nice.


Though the looks he was getting certainly weren’t.


That was to be expected with all the shaving cuts on his face. He wasn’t going to be meeting with Jack Daniels again for a long time.


When he arrived at his office and had made sure the doors were shut, he turned on his PC, and called back the buyer … or seller, in this case.


There was some waiting.


He was nervous.


The line picked up. “Gold, glad to hear from you. Did you get what I sent?”


He nodded then shook his head. He needed to actually speak. “Yes, I got it … I like it just fine. It’s a good deal for both of us.”


“It seems that way … well, I’ll go ahead and inform the league office.” There was a pause. “Gold, don’t see this as a favor. I don’t do favors. Got it?”


“Absolutely, Mr. Riley,” Ronnie said hurriedly. He was going to thank him but that seemed out of the question.


“Good. And call me Pat.” The call ended.


Ronnie sat back in his chair.


Gasol was gone.


It had been a mistake to re-sign him. He should have let him walk.


Now, the question was, what to do with the free cap space?


Ronnie brought up a file on his computer and began scanning through the names. He knew two possible guys ...

[Nox_Caelum]

Re: The Gold Standard: The Ronnie Gold Story

Great again, and worth the wait. Can't wait for more

[trekfan]

Re: The Gold Standard: The Ronnie Gold Story

Rapid Reaction: Lakers 102, Thunder 91
By Rachael Hansen |ESPNLosAngeles.com
December 26, 2014

OKLAHOMA CITY -- The Lakers (17-11) traveled to OKC to face the Thunder (20-9) in a game with early season implications. Both teams are excelling of late but have suffered disappointing losses in their last games. The Thunder lost in embarrassing fashion to the Magic while the Lakers were soundly drummed by the Kings.


In the days since that drumming, where Pau Gasol played his last game, the Lakers traded Gasol to the Heat for Udonis Haslem and two second round picks. The move allowed the Lakers to sign David West and West was immediately named the starter.


In West’s first game as a Laker, things couldn’t have gone better. West was given the ball early and often in the first quarter, scoring four points and keeping Serge Ibaka away from the rim with his shooting. Bryant and Parker both got inside and played the low post game, frustrating the Thunder players with their repertoire of post moves that hasn’t had much chance to be displayed in this early season.


The Thunder did not go quietly however, trimming the Lakers early nine point lead to only four by halftime. The Lakers would come out in the third quarter firing on all cylinders, behind six quick points by Bryant and some deft passing from the savvy veteran.


The Lakers would open up a big 15 point lead by the end of the third behind the outstanding play of the bench, who scored 23 points compared to the Thunder’s 15.


The Lakers would hold on for the win in a tightly contested fourth. Bryant finished with 24 points, eight rebounds, and seven assists. Parker would finish with 21 points, nine rebounds, and two assists. West scored 15 points and grabbed eight boards while Bogut scored 17 points and grabbed six boards.


Durant led the Thunder with 30 points with Westbrook scoring 25 points.


Here are three takeaways from the game:

No Three for You


The Lakers won this game despite only hitting two 3-pointers the entire game. Though Parker and Bryant were open from deep at certain points, the ball would not fall and the Lakers abandoned the deep shot by the time the fourth quarter started.

Turned Down Turnovers


The Lakers only gave the ball up seven times tonight, allowing the defense to set up and play with cohesion for what feels like the first time all season. “Yeah, we kept control of the ball and that’s what we need to do,” said Kobe Bryant after the game. “No team can win when you give the ball away for free. We kept it down tonight and we won … that’s all that matters.”

Efficiency Wins the Day


The Lakers shot 49 percent from the field and kept the bad shots to a minimum. The biggest offender in recent games, Jabari Parker, shot 8-of-18 from the field and gave up trying to hit the deep ball after missing all his shots. “He didn’t try to force it and that’s an important lesson for a young player to learn,” said Coach Gentry. “He needs to carry that into future games and I have faith he will.”

[trekfan]

Re: The Gold Standard: The Ronnie Gold Story

Guys, you haven't been forgotten about. I had to work this weekend (insert various curses here) but never fear. I got major vacation time coming July the 3rd through the 11th, so I'll be getting up tons of posts and finishing up this season (hopefully) then. Thanks for keeping the faith.

[trekfan]

Re: The Gold Standard: The Ronnie Gold Story

Tomorrow, gentlemen, tomorrow. Man, the real-life NBA offseason has been insane (Why take Zeller over Noel, Bobcats? WHY?!) but mine is just a touch crazier.

Prepare for the beginnings of a flood tomorrow ... though probably not till the afternoon cause I'm gonna sleep in like a dog, lol. Thanks for keeping the faith guys.

[Nox_Caelum]

Re: The Gold Standard: The Ronnie Gold Story

Tomorrow, gentlemen, tomorrow. Man, the real-life NBA offseason has been insane (Why take Zeller over Noel, Bobcats? WHY?!) but mine is just a touch crazier.

Prepare for the beginnings of a flood tomorrow ... though probably not till the afternoon cause I'm gonna sleep in like a dog, lol. Thanks for keeping the faith guys.

Can't Wait!!!

[trekfan]

Re: The Gold Standard: The Ronnie Gold Story


12-27-14

Her hair wasn’t as soft as he remembered. But he took to brushing his hand through it anyway. Her strawberry blonde hair had lost its luster. It didn’t shine like it did before. But she hadn’t set foot outside in many months.

She hadn’t walked in that long. Hadn’t spoken. Hadn’t really done much.

“Liz,” he whispered softly, her name just as much a word as a feeling on his lips. It felt … painful. Sorrowful. He wanted to cry it out but she’d hate that. She always teased him about being a drama queen. “Please wake up.”

Her eyes just stared up at the ceiling. He forced himself not to look at them, to dive into the emptiness of them. “I need you.” He stroked her hair with his hand as gently as he could. “I can’t do this without you.”

The only response he got was her heart monitor, just beeping. That was the only other sound in this room.

The door opened and Ronnie saw Dr. Chang enter. The diminutive doctor was in charge of Liz’s treatment. He softly closed the door and smiled at him, but the smile was clearly forced. “Mr. Gold, I have the results from our recent tests.”

Ronnie leaned back in his chair and folded his hands across his lap. He took a deep breath. “And?”

“They’re promising.”

Promising. If there was ever a word associated with a lost cause, it was that word. Ronnie had seen that word used plenty of times with potential pros who looked ‘promising’ and yet turned out to be busts. Time and money was wasted on ‘promising’.

“I want the truth.”

“She’s making—”

“The truth,” Ronnie growled. He stood from his chair, his chest welling up in anger. “Damn it, she’s been here for months now … what have we to show for it? She’s just sitting here as her body slowly degrades!”

Chang placed his hands, and the file folder in them, behind his back. “Realistically … the best we can hope for at this point is her regaining some higher cognitive function.”

Some higher cognitive function.

His legs grew weak and he sat back down in the chair, shoulders slumping. Bad news. He had expected bad news. But why did it hurt so much?

“Mr. Gold, we’ve done everything we can for her,” Chang continued, his voice gentler. “There isn’t anything more medically we can do. We can keep her alive and in good health … but the rest of the healing is up to her. It will take time.”

Time. How much time had he wasted? How much had he abused in his pursuit of being more than just some scout?

“You can go now,” he muttered.

Chang nodded and exited the room.

Ronnie covered his mouth with his hand.

He had tasted many kinds of loss in his life. The loss of his father. The loss of his childhood. The loss of jobs and dreams. The loss of big games and bigger deals.

But this … this was the foulest taste ever.

He hadn’t just lost some contest. He hadn’t just lost a piece of his life.

He’d lost his future with Liz.

Some higher cognitive function.

The phrase echoed in his brain, pinging around his head. Just … she was so brilliant before.

He slammed his fist into the side of the chair. “God damn it!” He kept slamming it into the side, over and over. She was still brilliant. A wonderful mind. She was still there. Still breathing. Still alive.

She would come back. She had to.

He fought back the tears and choked back a sob. He had to stay strong. Stay focused.

For her.

For him.

He stood and faced the window, staring out into the L.A. city lights. It was beautiful here … if she could really see it, she’d insist on taking him everywhere. Show him all the spots. She grew up in this area, knew where to go, how to get there, and what to do.

He was just some punk kid when he met her. He had a dream. She had the brains.

And a really, really great looking body.

He smiled as the image of her flashed through his mind … the first image he had ever seen of her.

It was the summer. She was wearing a pair of really tight denim jeans and a low cut blue top. Her hair draped over her shoulders … she was wearing it long then. She had gotten it trimmed a few years back and had kept the style.

He missed the long hair.

The door behind him open and closed again.

He sighed and turned, about to tell Chang to go away, but didn’t find Chang there.

A very tall black man was standing there … easily the same height as Kobe. He was wearing a dark suit, a simple red tie, and he looked like a professional.

The question was, what kind of professional was he?

“Who are you?”

The man’s eyes flashed. “I had to see it for myself.” He glanced at Liz. “Such a shame. She’s quite beautiful.”

Ronnie moved quickly across the room and stood between the man and Liz, fists clenched. “Get the hell out of here!”

The man waved his hands dismissively. “I’m not here to harm her. Or you … though I was going to be paid quite handsomely to do both.” He walked across the room coolly and sat in the empty chair. He crossed his long legs. “Mr. Gold, I have a proposition for you.”

“I’m not interested.” Ronnie had enough of deals. He had enough of playing games. “Whatever you have to offer, I don’t want any part of it.”

“I can offer the elimination of Jim Buss from your life … at least professionally.”

Ronnie’s eyebrow shot up. Jim Buss had been fuming since the Gasol trade. Ronnie had done his best to avoid him before and he’d done a decent job of it, but after the Gasol trade Buss had been sticking his nose into everything. Every transaction. Every scouting report.

Ronnie didn’t mind that … he appreciated a second set of eyes. He minded the fact that Buss constantly was insulting and criticizing his work. He offered no constructive advice … it was just one shot after another. Jeannie Buss had told him to ignore it and he had, but Jim Buss was getting more annoying by the day.

And eventually he was going to push Ronnie the wrong way and the two would collide. The resulting consequences of that were unknown. But likely bad.

“My name is Greg Ngami.” He took out a small notebook and pencil from his pocket. “I work numbers.”

Despite wanting to throw his tail out of the room, Ronnie decided to listen. “Work them how?”

“I make them say certain things. In your case, Jim Buss hired me to manipulate them so it appeared you were stealing significant sums of money from the team and investing them in unproven medical treatments.” He nodded towards Liz. “Considering her state, the charges would have been damning.”

Ronnie bit his lip. “And how do I know you’re telling the truth?”

“You don’t,” Ngami said with a smirk. “But even if I’m not, the fiction is quite entertaining. All I ask is that you listen.”

Ronnie leaned back against the door, the cool touch of it sending shivers up his spine. “You have five minutes.”

“I’ll be brief then.” He jotted down something on his notebook. “Buss is very displeased at the way he’s being left out in the cold. He wants credit. He wants glory. He’s been spoiled all his life so this want isn’t unusual.” He stood from the chair. “But the Lakers are winning.”

Ronnie stared at him. “Yes, we are.”

“I’ve been a Lakers fan all my life, Mr. Gold. I was, in fact, conceived during halftime at a Lakers game.”

Ronnie couldn’t help but smirk at that. “Purple and gold baby booties and all, right?”

“Right. I like to see this team win. I like money. I would like to have both … but I’ve weighed the choices. I’ve watched you work. I done the math.” He approached Ronnie and held out the slip of paper. “In my opinion, you’re very good for this team and Jim Buss isn’t.”

Ronnie took the slip of paper and looked at it. A number was written on it. He looked at Ngami questioningly. “What’s this supposed to mean?”

“That’s what Buss was going to pay me.”

Ronnie’s eyes widened. He did a double-take on the number. “He … what?”

“Yes, he did make a very lucrative offer … but I love my team more. I’m going to get Buss out of the way. He’ll no longer be part of the team ownership by the end of this season.”

Ronnie’s eyes shot up to Ngami. His face was absolutely relaxed. The man was speaking about dethroning one of the NBA’s most well known figures. “Why?”

“He’s a threat to the Lakers winning. All I need you to do is remain quiet.” He placed a hand on Ronnie’s shoulder and with a firm grip moved him away from the door. He didn’t make much an effort at all. “It’ll be up to you, Mr. Gold. Think about Liz.” He took one last glance at Ronnie and then exited.

Ronnie stood there, looking between the door and Liz.

If Buss wanted him gone he’d lose Liz’s medical care.

But he couldn’t sit by and let Buss take the fall for something he didn’t do, could he?

Could he?

[GoldenJet]

Re: The Gold Standard: The Ronnie Gold Story

A beautiful, long story update. Great job Trek and good to see you back updating.

[trekfan]

Re: The Gold Standard: The Ronnie Gold Story

A beautiful, long story update. Great job Trek and good to see you back updating.

Thanks man . We got lots of catching up to do ... moving on, here's what the Lakers are up to.

*********

Rapid Reaction: Lakers 84, Celtics 76
By Rachael Hansen |ESPNLosAngeles.com
December 29, 2014



LOS ANGELES -- The Lakers (19-11) welcomed their old foes the Celtics (14-14) into Staples Monday night in a contest that featured new blood entering the rivalry. This was the first match up in the NBA between Andrew Wiggins, the Celtics first overall pick, and Jabari Parker, the Lakers second overall pick. Parker has been carrying around a chip on his shoulder all season about being passed over for first overall, going so far as taking on jersey number 2 as a constant reminder of that fact.


Parker’s quiet intensity has been something that has yet to simmer over into a full blown emotional outburst. That was until this game.


Jabari Parker came out mad and the Boston Celtics could not cope. The Lakers launched an assault on the Celtics early in the first quarter, jumping out to a 15 point lead at one point before Boston found itself and trimmed the lead down to only seven. The fireworks were led by Parker, who scored eight of his 18 points in the first.


In the second the Celtics and Lakers both went to their benches for support. Both found help. The second was a battle of the benches. For the Lakers, Gerald Wallace and Anderson Varejo both played big roles in keeping the lead in the second as the starters grabbed some rest. The Celtics went to Jason Terry for an offensive punch, which he provided, helping close the lead to only six by halftime.


In the third, the game became a defensive battle between Wiggins and Parker. Wiggins had been quiet up to that point but got hot out of halftime, scoring on three straight buckets and helping tie the game. Parker answered with an emphatic dunk and one on the other end over Jeff Green, sending the Staples Center into a frenzy.


In the fourth quarter though the old veterans took over. Kobe came alive, scoring 13 of his 21 points in that quarter, helping close out the game. The Celtics struggled to contain him despite the outstanding play of Avery Bradley, who finished with 22 points.


Wiggins and Parker both finished with 18 points and five rebounds each. Parker shot more efficiently but Wiggins came up with more steals. The difference in the game was Andrew Bogut, who dominated the Celtics frontcourt with 17 points and eight boards, also hitting 5-of-6 free throws in the course of the game.


Here are three takeaways from the game:

Round One to Parker


Jabari Parker has carried around being passed up by the Celtics all season long and tonight came out playing angry. He was efficient, he was exciting, and he made sure the Celtics knew Andrew Wiggins was good, but not on the same level. Parker and Wiggins are both battling for rookie of the year honors, playing for the NBA’s two flagship franchises, and neither appears to have an advantage over the other statistically. Parker’s won tonight’s bout however and that’s going to help his case later in the year for rookie of the year honors.

Vintage Kobe


Kobe Bryant was having a quiet game until the fourth quarter tonight. Scoring only eight points in three quarters of play, it looked as if Kobe was content to let Parker have all the spotlight. Then the fourth hit and Kobe turned it on. He played much of the fourth in the low post, frustrating the shorter Celtics guards with his variety of post moves. Kobe again used his veteran savvy to outwit his opponents, something that he’s having to rely on more as his age continues to climb.

3-0


The Lakers are now 3-0 since the trade of Pau Gasol and the signing of David West. West played poorly against Celtics, scoring only three points but bringing in nine boards. Yet it’s the other things West brings to the table, his ability to spread the floor with his shooting, that’s allowing the Lakers to dominate the paint. It’s too early to call the trade a win for L.A. but things are looking better, especially since the Heat are 1-2 since Gasol arrived in Miami.

[trekfan]

Re: The Gold Standard: The Ronnie Gold Story

Rapid Reaction: Lakers 89, Spurs 79
By Rachael Hansen |ESPNLosAngeles.com
January 9, 2015



LOS ANGELES -- The Lakers (22-11) met the Spurs (15-17) in a battle of old foes. These two teams have a long history together and one that is filled with tense moments, but both franchises are in the middle of a transition. For the Spurs, Tony Parker, Manu Ginolbli, and Tim Duncan are another year older. They’ve tried to bring in new blood to help propel the team back into the playoffs but once again the Spurs are finding the West a far more rugged placed than they remember.


The Lakers, having suffered through one of the most embarrassing two season stretches in franchise history, have been revived thanks to the arrival of Jabari Parker and the new GM Ronnie Gold. Both have worked magic for a team that was left for dead at the end of last season.


This game was a statement game for the Lakers and Parker, and boy what a statement it was.


Parker came out hot from deep, hitting two 3-pointers in the first minute of play, helping give the Lakers an early lead. The Spurs and Lakers would battle it out the rest of the first half, the Spurs turning the game into a grind and narrowing the Lakers lead to three by halftime.


In the third, Tony Parker came alive. Parker, as he frequently does, ran all over the Lakers’ point guards and started scoring in bunches. The Lakers struggled to contain him while trying to get their own offense going. Once again halftime chilled the Lakers momentum and they came out struggling in the third quarter.


Early in the fourth the Spurs finally took the lead again and that’s when Kobe Bryant stepped up. Kobe scored 13 of his 24 points in the fourth quarter, helping the Lakers regain the lead. The Spurs began double-teaming Kobe and Kobe began passing out. David West was left open often and West often knocked down the mid-range shot.


The Spurs adjusted and closed off that option. Kobe then found Parker, who began raining down threes again on the Spurs. Parker was too fast for the Spurs defense and he consistently nailed his shot, while also finishing with some fabulous dunks. Parker would finish the game with 25 points, 10 rebounds, and five assists, coming as close to a triple-double as he ever has.


Tony Parker would finish with 34 points while Kawhi Leonard would finish with 15 points.


Here are three takeaways from the game:

Old Rivals Fall


The Spurs become the latest of the Lakers old rivals to suffer a defeat at their hands. The list is growing longer as the season progresses. Teams such as the Celtics, Clippers, and Spurs each have been defeated by the Lakers new blood and the rest of the NBA is taking notice. L.A. currently sits atop the conference, leading the Thunder by half a game.

End of an Era?


Could this really be it for the Spurs as we know it? Tim Duncan may retire at year’s end and Tony Parker has been publicly unhappy about San Antonio’s losing ways. With the Spurs trading for Aaron Afflao and continuing to wonder whether signing Paul Millsap was the right move, it may be that this Spurs team might end up on the chop block come trade deadline time, which fast approaches.

Assisting Each Other


The Lakers dished out 20 assists in the game, allowing their players to get better shots. The ball whipped around the floor quickly and allowed the Lakers to find the open man. They shot 55 percent from the field, 57 percent from deep.

[BraedenG33]

Re: The Gold Standard: The Ronnie Gold Story

Im glad the updates are coming frequently again. I really have enjoyed this series. Good job hittin the 250 mark for posts. Im excited for Jabari and i hope he blossoms into a legitimate superstar for your team. Seems like a good
Passing of the torch from Kobe Bryant.
Cant wait for more

[trekfan]

Re: The Gold Standard: The Ronnie Gold Story

Im glad the updates are coming frequently again. I really have enjoyed this series. Good job hittin the 250 mark for posts. Im excited for Jabari and i hope he blossoms into a legitimate superstar for your team. Seems like a good
Passing of the torch from Kobe Bryant.
Cant wait for more

Thanks man, glad to be back. More you say? Well, let's check in on our disgruntled (and plotting) Buss family member, shall we?

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



1-11-15


He twisted the newspaper in his hand and grimaced. “Damn him!” He tossed it to the floor and stepped on it, repeatedly, imagining Gold’s face under his shoe.

The Lakers won. Again.

Gold was getting the credit. Again.

This wasn’t right. This wasn’t fair. He was getting frozen out … Gold was ignoring him. He was ignoring him and he owned the team! He was part owner, he had control, and yet Gold was so sure he was right. He was so sure he was so good at his job.

He took off his ballcap and wiped the sweat from his brow. A morning of mediation and running, gone to waste. He was just as pissed off as he was when he woke up.

He stood from his chair and went to the bar, pouring himself a glass of bourbon. It was early in the morning but it was never too early for something good; especially in California.

He drank deeply from the glass and set it down on the bar. He needed Gold gone, sooner rather than later, but Ngami was taking his time. He claimed it was ‘necessary’ to make sure all the arrangements were right but he assured Jim that by the time of the All-Star break, it’d all be ready.

Until then, Jim had to sit here and take this.

“Early in the morning for booze.”

His neck hairs bristled. Jeanie was here. “Don’t you knock?”

“I was let in by one of your many pretty maids,” she said. He could hear her insinuating something.

“I like to be surrounded by beauty,” he said with a smirk as he turned to face her.

She didn’t even look close to her age and here he was losing his hair.

Life owned him. More than the Lakers but he’d accept that. Once Gold was gone she’d have no choice but to put him back and when he was back he’d never take it for granted again. He’d never let it go. He forced a smile. “What brings you here, sister?”

She put her hands behind her back. “Phil wanted me to ask you how your meditations were going. Your teacher is … concerned. He called.”

“Running errands for your husband is beneath you,” he snarled. He grabbed his drink and finished it in one swift gulp. He’d no doubt regret it by lunch but he didn’t care. He just needed to take the edge off. “Do you have any respect for yourself?”

She frowned. “This isn’t about that. Your mediation teacher is worried. He says your stress levels have been unusually high. I don’t know why, you’re not as involved anymore.”

Her words stung a wound that was still fresh. “I know damn well I’m not involved!”

She stepped back a little at his outburst. “I didn’t mean it like that,” she said softly. “Your responsibilities are lighter now … take advantage of this. Get healthier. Find love, Jim.”

He swatted her words out of the air with gusto. “You removed me from any real input in this organization when you gave Gold the power. I’m just a name with a title. You made your reasons clear.”

She rolled her eyes. “I made some of them clear. I was hoping … I was hoping you’d take the time to better yourself. The last few years have been tough for you.”

“No thanks to you,” he spat back bitterly. He poured himself another glass, more than last, and drank deeply from it. “Don’t you get it? The team is my life, Jeannie. My. Life.”

“I know.”

“Do you?” He shook his head and pointed out the door. “Just get the hell out of my sight. And tell your husband I’m quitting his damned mediation idea … it was stupid. Inform my former teacher I’m out. I’ll find my peace somewhere else.”

Her eyes showed hurt. “At the bottom of a bottle? That won’t solve anything.”

“Not there,” he growled. He had other methods of coping.

He had pretty maids.

He pointed at the door again.

She sighed, shook her head, and left.

He walked over to the newspaper and stomped on it again, once more, for good measure. Then, the glass of bourbon still in his hand, he proceeded back upstairs to his room. He was going to drink his glass and then go to bed.

When he woke up, he’d feel a bit better.

And he’d be in better shape for screwing one of the maids or maybe all of them.

He didn’t remember right now which ones were the sluts.

“Hell,” he mumbled as he climbed up the stairs, “everyone’s a slut to someone.”

[trekfan]

Re: The Gold Standard: The Ronnie Gold Story

Rapid Reaction: Lakers 91, Trail Blazers 78
By Rachael Hansen |ESPNLosAngeles.com
January 13, 2015


PORTLAND -- The Lakers (23-12) took on the Trail Blazers (22-16) in Portland and the first quarter looked more of the same for L.A. in the Rose Garden. The Lakers have historically struggled in the home of the Trail Blazers and that held true in the first quarter. Jabari Parker struggled to score on Nicolas Batum as the Lakers trailed 18-17.

Then Gerald Wallace came into the game and showed his old team what they were missing. Wallace came in and hit two straight 3-pointers, giving the Lakers life and starting a barrage of deep balls from the Lakers. Kobe began dominating in the second and when Jabari Parker came back in, the two began playing off one another well.

The Blazers could not mount a comeback and Jabari Parker took over the game, scoring 30 points, hitting 11 free throws, and going 9-of-15 from the field. Kobe scored 24 points, had five rebounds, and dished out eight assists.

Damian Lillard led the Blazers with 22 points and six assists, while Lamarcus Aldridge had 15 points and six boards.

Here are three takeaways from the game:

Threes Rain

The Lakers shot 40 percent from deep and thoroughly destroyed the Blazers from behind the arc. The Blazers had no answer and Coach Terry Stotts was not happy. “We came out and were slow footed on our rotations … I guarantee that we won’t be that way next game.”

Lakers Lose Stats, Win Game

The Lakers had less steals, less rebounds, and less blocks than the Blazers, yet they still won. “It’s a testament to our mental toughness,” said Gerald Wallace, former Blazer. “I’ve played on teams that got concerned about stats but this team don’t care. We play to win and win in whatever way we have to.”

Keeping Control

The Lakers only turned the ball over three times compared to 12 of the Blazers. “We preach accountability, we executed today,” said Coach Alvin Gentry. “If we keep the turnovers down and set our defense, we can win any game we play.”

[trekfan]

Re: The Gold Standard: The Ronnie Gold Story

Rapid Reaction: Lakers 95, Rockets 80
By Rachael Hansen |ESPNLosAngeles.com
January 19, 2015



HOUSTON -- The Lakers (26-12) took on the Rockets (19-20) in a potential playoff matchup. The Rockets have been dealing with injury issues all year and this game were without their starting power forward, Royce White, who suffered a sprained ankle and is projected to be out for 2-4 weeks. The loss of White shifted the Rockets lineup and the Lakers took early advantage.


Kobe Bryant played one of his most efficient games of the year, scoring 21 points, shooting 8-of-14 from the field and hitting all six of his free throws. He played stifling defense James Harden, who only managed 17 points.


The Rockets got off to a slow start due to the poor shooting of Al Jefferson. The Rockets tried to dump it into the post early in the first but that strategy helped the Lakers jump to a 24-16 lead. They would never trail in this game.


By the time the second quarter began the Rockets went away from Jefferson and went to Lin. Jeremy Lin had 19 points, six assists, and six boards, showing why he was so highly regarded out of New York. Josh Smith had 18 points and 15 rebounds, but got little help from Jefferson and the bench.


Here are three takeaways from the game:


Parker Struggles


Jabari Parker scored 20 points, nabbing five rebounds, and dishing out two assists but shot 7-of-24 from the field. Josh Smith played hard defense on Parker all night and it clearly frustrated the rookie. “I played poorly tonight and I’m just lucky it didn’t cost us,” said a visibly upset Parker. “I’ll be better next time I see these guys. Trust me.”


Rockets Grounded


The Houston Rockets are struggling to find consistency as players are drifting in and out of their lineup with injuries. The big move to acquire Al Jefferson at the beginning of the season has so far not paid off and Coach Kevin McHale knows the perception is poor. “We have a lot of faith in our guys but we haven’t quite gotten them all together yet. When we do, we’ll be a force, but right not it’s about taking it one game at a time.”


Bench Destruction


The Lakers bench dominated the Rockets, outscoring them 29-14. Anderson Varejo had a big game, scoring 10 points and pulling in six boards.