avatarLon Shapiro

Summary

The web content is a satirical musical tribute criticizing the management of the Los Angeles Lakers under Jimmy Buss, particularly focusing on poor free-agent signings and the team's decline.

Abstract

The article, titled "You Give Hoops a Bad Name," is a humorous take on the Los Angeles Lakers' struggles, specifically under the ownership of Jimmy Buss. It is framed as an ode and is sung to the tune of Bon Jovi's "You Give Love a Bad Name." The piece reflects the author's frustration with the Lakers' management, citing disappointing free-agent acquisitions like Timofey Mozgov and Luol Deng, and the team's subsequent poor performance. The author suggests that the team's glory days are a distant memory, and the current state of the Lakers is dismal, with the team's future seemingly dependent on the outcome of the NBA draft lottery. The article also invites New York Knicks fans to adapt the song to their own experiences with mismanagement.

Opinions

  • The author expresses deep disappointment with the Lakers' management, particularly with Jimmy Buss's decisions.
  • There is a sense of betrayal and broken promises, as the team's management is accused of selling "free agent smiles" and delivering a subpar product.
  • The signings of Timofey Mozgov and Luol Deng are highlighted as particularly egregious errors, symbolizing the team's missteps.
  • The author implies that the Lakers' current situation is so dire that only a rigged draft lottery could potentially save the team.
  • There is a comparison between the Lakers' current state and their past successes, which underscores the fall from grace.
  • The article takes a jab at the Lakers' local rivals, the Los Angeles Clippers, suggesting they have surpassed the Lakers in competence and performance.
  • The piece is part of a series, with a previous installment titled "Lakers on a Prayer" and a promise of a third part to come, indicating an ongoing commentary on the Lakers' organization.
Jimmy & Mitch in the “good’ old days…

You Give Hoops a Bad Name

An Ode to Jimmy Buss

Part 2 of the Lakers-Bon Jovi trilogy

Sung to the tune of Bon Jovi’s “You Give Love a Bad Name,” I should have done this last year, but was too disgusted with the Lakers in the off season to write about them. But since I have to do a new song with the arrival of Lavar (and Lonzo) Ball, I figured it’s time to remember the end of Jimmy Buss.

To Jason Concepcion and all Knicks fans, please feel free to substitute “Phil,” “Derrick” and “Noah” and make the song your own!

Bricks fill the air And you’re to blame, Jimmy You give hoops a bad name

Free agent smiles is what you sell You promise us heaven, then put us through Hell Banners of old got a hold on me When hard cap’s a prison, you can’t break free

Rocky Widner/Getty Images

Luuu-oool, what an empty gun, yeah Oh, oh, that Mozgov can’t run No one can save us The damage is done

Bricks fill the air And you’re to blame You give hoops a bad name (bad name) Four years with this pair, are you insane? You give hoops a bad name (bad name) You give hoops… a bad name

Paint a smile on this pig All we can hope is the lottery’s rigged A desperate dream, we all ask why Deng’s very first brick was your final goodbye

Luuu-oool, what an empty gun, yeah Oh, oh, that Mozgov can’t run No one can save us The damage is done

Bricks fill the air And you’re to blame You give hoops a bad name (bad name) Mitch doesn’t care, the team is lame You give hoops a bad name (bad name) You give hoops, ahhhhhhhhhhhh!

No!!!!!!!

Bricks fill the air And you’re to blame You give hoops a bad name (bad name) We pay our share, you tank each game You give hoops a bad name (bad name)

Bricks fill the air And you’re to blame You give hoops a bad name (bad name) It’s so hard to bear, the Clipp’s got game You give hoops a bad name (bad name) You give hoops (Luuu-ooo-o-oo-o-ol) You give hoops (bad name) You give hoops (Luuu-ooo-o-oo-o-ol) You give hoops (bad name) You give hoops (Luuu-ooo-o-oo-o-ol) You give hoops (bad name) You give hoops (Luuu-ooo-o-oo-o-ol) You give hoops (bad name)

See Part 1, “Laker’s on a Prayer” here:

Look for Part 3 soon!

NBA
Humor
Bon Jovi
Los Angeles Lakers
Bad Management
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