June 28, 2021
This time the Clippers look like they are in trouble. After an ugly game 4, the Clippers are down 3-1 in their best-of-seven series against the Suns. That game was so ugly, if we were going by Lawler’s Law, the game might still be going on. It’s also apparent that the crime rate in LA goes way up during Clipper playoff games because PG-13 is stealing Steve Ballmer’s money. Ok fine….PG has had some good playoff games this season, but he’s also had numerous chances to help the Clippers take hold of this series. Saturday night was also the 11th playoff game of his career where he shot 25% or worse. Only Bob Cousy and Tommy Heinson have more. I also can’t understand why Patrick Beverly and Luke Kennard can’t combine for more than a couple of baskets when making almost $30 mill combined this year. With all that being said though, it’s still an admirable run for the Clippers, who have had their share of injuries to deal with. Steve Ballmer isn’t exactly thrilled with Playoff P though.
Meanwhile the off-season is starting off rough for the Lakers. Alex Caruso got caught with some pot at an airport, and KCP got robbed at gun point. Hopefully this isn’t a sign of things to come for the remainder of the summer. You also shouldn’t be surprised if the Lakers make a call to the 76ers about Ben Simmons. It makes too much sense since he’s a Klutch Client. I doubt the Lakers have the pieces to make it happen, but I think the Sixers are going to be very disappointed when they learn that Simmons trade value is about the same as a Happy Meal from McDonald’s at this point.
This Dodgers took 3 of 4 from the Cubs over the weekend, but the season is becoming frustrating to watch. The Giants and even the Padres don’t seem to be letting up. However, here’s some perspective: the Dodgers are 47-31. That still gives them the 2nd best record in the NL, and 3rd best record in baseball with 84 games left. They’ve also done that with only 7 home runs combined from Cody Bellinger and Corey Seager. The last week has been especially annoying after getting swept by the Padres, with the Giants continuing to pile up wins. Still, there’s time, and lots of head-to-head games against both the Giants and Padres. They are only 3.5 games back of the Giants, and their hated rivals are coming to town next. There’s also no glaring trade deadline need. They just need to play better and they have the pieces to do that. I’m usually the one bitching about the Dodgers, but I’m in rare form being positive. I’m even optimistic that Andrew Friedman’s computer will get a nice software refresh for the 2nd half of the season, so you won’t have to keep bitching about Dave Robert’s decision making.
As for the Angels, so much for thinking they were turning things around. Despite salvaging a win yesterday, they got thrashed by the Giants and Rays last week, reminding us that they just can’t hang with good teams with or without Mike Trout. Speaking of those Giants, It’s pretty incredible that a team like that and the Red Sox can go from trash to elite in 1 year, yet the Angels stay consistently trash every single season. It would be also be nice if Angels media actually asked questions and tried to get answers on questionable moves by the team. I’d like to learn actual insight about some decision making in the organization, not what song Joe Maddon listened to on the ride to the stadium. This type of media coddling would never happen in the Laker or Dodger locker rooms.
Finally, The Bachelorette is back on ABC tonight. Last week’s episode had it all: gossip, drama, betrayal, unionization, group therapy, and discussions about consent. The faces that Justin makes are priceless. It’s like he’s experiencing his own personal episode of “The Office”. This episode was also a reminder that Pluto isn’t considered a planet anymore, which is upsetting considering most of us were told it was in school. I could tell Karl was going to be annoying just by his face and the fact his name is Karl. I think Thomas is a good guy, but dudes in the house are just salty. At this point I think Greg is either going to win, or be the next Bachelor. Nick Viall showing up was actually pretty funny. If I were the bachelor or the bachelorette, the first people I would eliminate are anybody with duplicate names. I’m not going to sit there for 13 episodes calling somebody “Mark C”. I never really thought Nick Viall’s run on the The Bachelor franchise would would outlast Chris Harrison’s. Also, since when is Nick a licensed therapist? Also, Katie what’s with the suit jacket you showed up with at dinner? Looking forward to next week’s episode.
