The memorial service yesterday for Jerry Buss was exceptional. You can tell how loved the man was and the impact he had on the lives of some of the NBA’s greatest players. Kobe’s speech was rather wonderful; you can listen to it here.
Most of us were not able to attend the ceremony. But, Lakers Nation has a gallery of the program for you to see. It is filled with photos of the life of Mr. Buss, as well as some kind words. Jerry Buss was laid to rest this morning in front of family and close friends.
The Lakers played amazingly against the Celtics the other day, and have the opportunity to bring Dr. Buss inspiration tonight against the Trail Blazers. Nobody was traded by the deadline, which means that this Lakers team is what fans will see the rest of the season. As of right now, the Los Angeles Lakers are currently three and a half games out of the final spot of the Western Conference playoff standings. Portland is only a half game behind the Lakers in the standings, and are an outside contender for the coveted eighth playoff spot.
Despite a bumpy first start to the season, there still is the chance L.A. can pull off something splendid and show Jerry Buss what a true championship team is like. I know Kobe wants it:
It’s not a question of if we make the playoffs. We will. And when we get there, I have no fear of anyone — Oklahoma City, San Antonio, Denver … whoever. I have zero nervousness about that.
For more on the pregame report, click here.
Portland Trail Blazers (25-29) at Los Angeles Lakers (26-29)
7:30 PM PST, February 22, 2013
Staples Center, Los Angeles, CA
TV: Time Warner Sports Network
Radio: 710 ESPN (English) / 1330 ESPN (Spanish)
Trail Blazers Projected Starting Line-up
PG: Damian Lillard
SG: Wesley Matthews
SF: Nicolas Batum
PF: LaMarcus Aldridge
C: J.J. Hickson
Key Reserves: FC: Meyers Leonard GF: Victor Claver
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Lakers Nation News
Lakers News: Dr. Jerry Buss Laid to Rest Friday Morning
Photo Gallery: Dr. Jerry Buss Memorial Service Program
The Advice of Dr. Buss Lives On Through The Words of Laker Greats
Kobe Bryant Explains Differences Between Past and Present Offensive Systems
Kobe Bryant Expresses Supreme Confidence in Lakers’ Playoff Chances
Jerry Buss’ Final Vision Remains Intact With These Lakers, Kobe Bryant
Lakers vs. Trail Blazers Pre-Game Report: Lakers Hope to Lengthen Blazers’ Six-Game Skid
If Facing Ultimatum, Lakers Must Choose Dwight Howard Over Kobe
Lakers News: Dwight Howard Acknowledges Pick & Roll Improvements
Lakers News
Can the Los Angeles Lakers Hold on to the Magic of Dr. Buss’ Farewell? [Silver Screen and Roll]
Lakers Rumors: L.A. Interested in Raja Bell if Jazz Buy Out Contract [Silver Screen and Roll]
Lakers Stand Still at Deadline and Now Must Stand Together [Silver Screen and Roll]
From Tragedy, the Lakers Responded and Have to Keep on Doing So [Silver Screen and Roll]
Cuban Says Lakers Should Consider Amnestying Kobe [Silver Screen and Roll]
The NBA Trade Deadline Comes and Goes With No Megadeal [Forum Blue and Gold]
Jerry Buss Memorial Service [LA Times]
No Trade at the Deadline [Land O’Lakers]
What Would Jerry Buss Do With Dwight Howard [OC Register]
Kobe Bryant Confident Lakers Will Make Playoffs, According to Report [ESPN LA]
Jerry Buss Memorial: Former Lakers Talk About Owner [LA Times]
Lakers Owner Buss Remembered at Memorial [NBA.com]
Some Metta World Peace Hijinks for Old Times’ Sake [The Basketball Jones]
Lakers Honor Late Owner Dr. Jerry Buss in Pregame Ceremony Before Beating Rival Celtics [Yahoo Sports]
Kobe’s Confident in Lakers: ‘We will make the playoffs’ [Sports Illustrated]
About That Pick and Roll [Basketblog]
Blazers Face Tough Road Against Lakers [Blazers Edge]
Kobe Bryant’s Confidence and the Team Direction [LA Times]
Antawn Jamison’s Candid Remarks About the Lakers’ Bad Habit of Excuses [Land O’Lakers]
NBA News
Orlando Magic Trade J.J. Redick to Milwaukee Bucks in Six-Player Deal [ESPN]
Hawks Hang Onto Smith, Deal Morrow to Mavs [NBA.com]
Why No Blockbusters at NBA Trade Deadline? Here are Three Reasons [ProBasketballTalk]
Robert Swift is Refusing to Abandon his Bullet-Ridden, Beer Can-Strewn Foreclosed House [SB Nation]
Rose Says He Believes Bulls Trying to Win Title [NBA.com]
A Look Worth Taking: Evaluating Some of Today’s Minor Trades [The Basketball Jones]
Bucks Acquire J.J. Redick from Magic [Yahoo! Sports]
Heat Notch Ninth Straight Victory with Easy Beating of the Bulls [ProBasketballTalk]
The Dot is a Sports Taboo [HoopSpeak.com]
Derrick Rose’s Brother Rips the Bulls [Eye On Basketball]
Essay: Thomas Robinson Finds A New Home [Shaky Ankles]
Video: A Child Rapping About Steve Novak [The Basketball Jones]
Winners and Losers from the Trade Deadline [ProBasketballTalk]
Bill Simmons and Zach Lowe on the Trade Deadline Part 2 [Grantland]
LeBron James Guides Heat to Season-High 9th Straight Win [ESPN]
Thunder Acquire Ronnie Brewer, Trade Eric Maynor in Separate Deals [Yahoo! Sports]