H.A.G.S. (Have A Great Summer)

• dEDGE Post Scriptum •

The streamers have all fallen to earth, the confetti swept aside, and the accolades and proclamations distributed and doled out. Yet, the Los Angeles Lakers remain permanently fixed in the news. Whether it’s the looming free agency market or the breaking news that Phil Jackson is leaning towards retirement, we cannot get enough of our Lakers. We want instant access to the latest Laker news be it by Twitter, iChat or any number of other social media platforms. But the news will surely begin to slow as the long summer nights give way to Vin Scully and the Boys in Blue. But even though this chapter is officially over, we look forward to what appears to be an already busy off-season. In a society enamored with instant gratification, take it from me, “enjoy this one.” Do as Kobe does and take some time off. Follow Pau’s and Drew’s footsteps and get some rest and relaxation. The training grind will surely come soon, so take the time to smell the roses before they all disappear. Ron-Ron is making the most of it now, very aware of the hard regimen that will surely follow in the days and weeks to come.

Phil Jackson will make up his mind when he is good and ready, no sooner. To speculate what he will do is just that, pure speculation. There’s no telling what PJ will do and based on his past history, there’s no way of determining his intentions until he is good and ready. We’ve all been down this road before, and we know all too well that he can suddenly and instantly blurt out his decision. Think about what Jeanie Buss goes through on a daily basis. Uhhhm, Phil-honey, do you think you can give my daddy an idea of your intentions? I mean, no pressure or anything like that, but he would like to know if you are playing me like one of his poker hands… Phil plays by his own set of rules, or in other words, he makes them up as he goes along. To press him for an answer is to only further push him away. We know this, Jeanie knows this, and the Lakers know this.

Thank you Jordan Farmar. We wish you well. Many have ventured out in search of greener pastures, only to find that what they had left behind was never to be replaced. Need to make a name for yourself? Feel under-appreciated? Looking to be the Man? Ask Spencer Haywood, Billy Thompson, Elden Campbell, Doug Christie, Nick Van Exel, Cedric Ceballos, Ruben Patterson, Tyronn Lue, Glen Rice, Isaiah Rider, Kareem Rush, Smush Parker or Trevor Ariza for some advice. Shannon Brown, take note and don’t add your name to this list. Count your blessings, bide your time, improve your game, and follow in the footsteps of these former sidekicks: Michael Cooper, Kurt Rambis, Mike McGee, Mitch Kupchak, AC Green, Ronnie Lester, Robert Horry, Rick Fox, Ron Harper and Brian Shaw.

Thank you Derek Fisher. And we expect you to be back. Sure, he’s lost some speed, he can’t put it all together through an entire season, but his value to this team goes beyond numbers and stats. Big-Shot-Bob, make room for Fish-the-Finisher, Mr. .04, and The Fish that saved Phil. Start him or bring him off the bench, it really doesn’t matter as long as D-Fish is back wearing the purple and gold. But do get him some help so that he’ll be ready when it matters most. Raja Bell’s name has recently been rumored and amongst his staunchest supporters is none other than Kobe Bryant himself. Bell, 33-yrs. old and coming off surgery on his left wrist in which he missed practically the entire ‘09-’10 season, is a premiere defender and corner 3-point threat. The 10-year veteran could provide just the type of player that Phil Jackson and Mitch Kupchak covet. And the defensive rotations would be highly interesting to say the least, allowing the Lakers a multitude of options to throw at any given team.

This Summer may prove to be a highly busy and interesting one, considering all of the items on the Lakers checklist that need to be addressed. One thing for certain, change will be forthcoming. And while we whittle away the days until after July 1st and beyond, take the time to enjoy this one. Savor the flavor and let it all soak in. Pour yourself a glass, because you’ve earned it. Recline your chair, put your feet up and crack a smile. Pat yourself on the back and go ahead and puff out your chest a little, because it doesn’t get any better than this.