UPDATE: The Pre-ordered TLN Shirts will be shipped this Friday. Enjoy. If you haven't pre-ordered yet, what are you waitin' for? Do it now!

Author Archive for Andrew Rafner

Team U.S.A. Pre-Game Report: U.S.A. vs. Spain

Published by Andrew Rafner on August 15, 2008 in USA Basketball and Varsity Shootaround. 14 Comments

Disclaimer #1: I had a wonderful vacation, and although I missed the Angola and Greece games, I still feel the spirit and ferocity of the Screaming Eagles pulsating through my body.

Disclaimer #2: America. Apple Pie. Fifty States. Eagles. Money. Amber waves of grain. Abe Lincoln. Declaration of Independence. Guns. Mickey Mouse. Baseball.

As much as I love the United States of America and their National basketball team, I have room in my heart for another darling.

I love the Spanish National basketball team.

Not in the same way I love the ol’ Screaming Eagles, but the kind of way you love this year’s Tampa Bay Rays.

Continue reading ‘Team U.S.A. Pre-Game Report: U.S.A. vs. Spain’

Team U.S.A. Pre-Game Report: U.S.A. vs. China

Published by Andrew Rafner on August 9, 2008 in USA Basketball and Varsity Shootaround. 19 Comments

Hey kids, it’s your old friend Varsityoptimism here, and no it is not October and no you are not hallucinating. I am here to dust off the old Pre-Game pen to breakdown the U.S.A. Screaming Eagles first Olympic match up against Host nation China. And after the stunning Opening Ceremonies that aired last night, if you do not have full-blown Olympic Fever, then you are not a member of the human race.

From the 2,008 light-up drums, to the kite flying Chinese Pop Star, to the spectacular and unforgettable torch lighting, I for one was stunned by the imagination, perfection and beauty that the Chinese were able to accomplish in what will be remembered as one of the proudest moments in Modern Chinese history.

Unfortunately for China, Sunday’s game with the Screaming Eagles will not be as triumphant. Yao Ming will finally put down Sichuan earthquake hero Lin Hao and suit up for the Chinese National team’s first contest.

Continue reading ‘Team U.S.A. Pre-Game Report: U.S.A. vs. China’

Stay Cool, I’ll See You in the Summer League

Published by Andrew Rafner on July 24, 2008 in 2008 Summer League and Varsity's Take. 18 Comments

It happened so fast. As quickly as it began, it was over.

No, I am not talking about the magical 2007-08 Lakers season; I’m talking about the 2008 NBA Summer League.

Somehow, the big wigs over at the NBA offices thought it would be a novel idea to collect nearly every Rookie and dude gunning for a roster spot in Las Vegas for a week of footloose and fancy free playing glorified pickup games. The rosters are amalgamations of marginally talented players, most of whom will never see the fourth quarter of a blowout game, let alone a NBA preseason contest.

The Lakers delegation to the Las Vegas Summer League was no exception. With the exception of Coby Karl and former San Antonio Spur James White, no other member of the roster has had any NBA experience. That fact alone could make any Laker fan cringe at the thought of sitting through 40 minute Summer League contest.

Continue reading ‘Stay Cool, I’ll See You in the Summer League’

The Ron-Ron (Bill-Bill?) Question

Published by Andrew Rafner on July 13, 2008 in Varsity's Take. 125 Comments

There are few names in Professional Sports that inflict fear and general clamor into the hearts of all who speak their names. Were they not ridiculously gifted with physical prowess, they would be just another undiagnosed sociopath or schizophrenic.

By now we all know the names of these loose cannons whose off court/field antics are as notorious as the Unabomber or Tom Cruise: Chad Johnson, Mike Tyson, Dennis Rodman and Terrell Owens to name a few.

And then there is Sacramento Kings Forward Ron Artest. The de rigueur trade commodity supposedly coveted by Laker fans citywide. The 28- year old Artest has, over the course of his award-winning career, played for three teams and has been seemingly banished from his last two.

Continue reading ‘The Ron-Ron (Bill-Bill?) Question’

Fool Proof Summer Kit for SUCCESS!

Published by Andrew Rafner on June 24, 2008 in Varsity's Take. 25 Comments

It is currently 112° outside. I’ve had nine Otter Pops in the last two hours and there is not a lick of NBA basketball on.

Yup.

That sounds like summer.

I have long since buried the 2007-08 season in a shallow and easily accessible grave and have been pining for some sort of respite from beach days and staying up all night.

If I may, I would like to humbly submit the Varsityoptimism’s Fool Proof Summer Kit for SUCCESS! These are things you can do to save yourself from Summer sorrow and certain heat exhaustion, use them as necessary and as often as you can…

Continue reading ‘Fool Proof Summer Kit for SUCCESS!’

TLN’s Finals Preview: Lakers vs. Celtics [Game 5]

Published by Andrew Rafner on June 15, 2008 in Varsity Shootaround. 52 Comments

When you see the words “Varsity Shootaround” above a pregame article you have come to expect a certain tone: Light, airy, and irreverent.

I’ll probably make some joke about how Rajon Rondo looks like a kitty cat or how Doc Rivers’ face looks like it is made of a Fruit Roll-Up.

I will most likely write about Kobe and Phil. I’ll express my hope that Lamar Odom decides to play basketball on that given night. I will give you storylines. I’ll offer a silly prize for the winner of the trivia challenge.

I usually have a structure. A formula that I try to follow to provide the Lakers Nation with a pregame primer that may or may not provide some gem of wisdom that has not been spouted off about already. I try to convey hope and optimism to the people (I do not do this as well as Vic the Brick, but hell, I try).

Not tonight.

Continue reading ‘TLN’s Finals Preview: Lakers vs. Celtics [Game 5]‘

Referees for Game 3

Published by Andrew Rafner on June 10, 2008 in 2008 Playoffs. 11 Comments

Here they are for the curious… Joey Crawford, Bennett Salvatore, and Mark Wunderlich.

Thoughts?

TLN’s Finals Preview: Lakers vs. Celtics [Game 3]

Published by Andrew Rafner on June 9, 2008 in Varsity Shootaround. 72 Comments

I have never been punched in the face.

I would imagine that it feels somewhat similar to this.

I cannot quite breathe correctly; I am having a difficult time seeing straight and the only thing on my mind is revenge.

The Lakers fell down 2-0 in their series with the Boston Celtics Sunday evening after a dizzying rally that included an NBA Finals (written in cursive) record 7 three-pointers in the Fourth Quarter, yet they ultimately fell short, losing 108-102.

Luckily, falling behind 24 points to the Celtics barely fazed these resilient Lakers, whose 41-25 Fourth Quarter brought them to within 2, going into the final minute of play.

Unfortunately, the elements going against the Lakers, namely the Bill Simmons “Aberration Guy” of the century, Leon Powe and an inept officiating crew, prevailed.

Continue reading ‘TLN’s Finals Preview: Lakers vs. Celtics [Game 3]‘