The Official Site of Jordan Farmar

Tue, Apr 28th 2009, 11:02

Jordan's Playboy.com blog: Five on 5 - April 28, 2009

Guys, what’s up? After closing out Utah last night, we’ve got 12 mo’ to go. Our motto is just play hard. We’re a deep team, one of the most talented in the league, and if play the right way, we’ll be alright.

In the playoffs, the games come at us fast and furious, just like a Vin Diesel action movie. I like Vin. Hey, he’s not doing movies that are going to get him Oscar attention but he does know entertainment. Fast & furious, that’s his thing, what he does. The intensity level goes through the roof on the court and at all the arenas. The crowd in L.A. is like L.A. the city, and not like anywhere else. They’re just laid back, they’ve seen championships, they’ve seen a lot, they want to watch the game like it’s a movie, enjoy it from a distance, lol. That’s until playoff time! We have one of the best facilities in the world, and it lends itself to the excitement and drama of the playoffs. Our fans become that homecourt advantage.

Also, in L.A. during the playoffs, even more of the stars come out. You can see people like Jessica Biel and Justin Timberlake. Did you guys catch Justin and Beyonce’s funny SNL parody of “Single Ladies?”

(Speaking of Beyonce’s own star appeal, her movie Obsessed was #1 big time at the box office on the weekend.) Then there’s Leo and his Entourage pal Kevin Connolly, Flea and Anthony of the Chili Peppers, they’re at our games all the time, the list goes on. Another big Lakers fan is Adam Sandler, whose next movie is the Judd Apatow comedy Funny People, co-starring Seth Rogen, who was on the cover of Playboy recently. The new Seth Rogen flick Observe & Report with Anna Faris is kinda dark and not the typical comedy he plays in, but in movies like Pineapple Express and Knocked Up, he’s hilarious, really funny. I appreciate people like Seth and Justin who can laugh at themselves, have a good time, don’t take it too serious. Rogen does it in his movies. You know, I’m a big fan of comedies. I love to laugh, have a smile on my face, that’s just me. Faris also makes me laugh. I like her, she’s pretty funny especially in The House Bunny and the Scary Movie series.

Back to the game. Losing leads and going on runs is a way of life in NBA. In game 4 against Utah, they were up early but we went on a 20-2 run and never looked back with Kobe leading the way with 38 points. Basically, teams get away from the things that get you the lead. Orlando lost 18-point leads in the first two games against Philly. Even the Cavs had one big 29-point lead cut to 7 against Detroit and LeBron was saying, “We cannot allow ourselves to get content with a lead.”

No lead is safe in the NBA. But getting a good run gives you a little cushion, because you know other teams will get hot, your opponents will go on their own runs. Momentum is what coach Jackson preaches. Catch the momentum and hold it like we did in Game 4. It is a game about points but it’s also a game about momentum. You can be down, but if you grab the momentum, you can gain control back of the game. Defensively, you try to make them uncomfortable, so you can get that momentum, and create easy opportunities for yourselves, and momentum has a way of building on itself. When you’re in your building it builds, but even in other team’s building, when you’re really controlling the momentum of the game, you can hear the crowd getting quiet. It takes your opponents out of their comfort zone and gives you the advantage.

I was a healthy scratch last week, the first time since my rookie year. Coach Jackson has said, “We’re still really counting on him to come out there and give us energy.” Thing is, I want nothing more than to win but not playing is tough, man. It’s one of the toughest things I’ve ever had to do. I am all about the team and I want us to win—we’re winning right now and I’m happy. I want my teammates to be successful, and I’m real proud to wear a Lakers uniform. But it’s hard. I want to play. It’s a competitive job but it’s our livelihood and we want to play, play well and compete. But right now, for me and others not getting many minutes, it’s about being ready for the opportunity when it comes round again. We’re professionals, it’s our job to be ready. And when you get out there, you make the most of it. That’s all you can ask for. Bottom line, I want to play every day. If I could, I would play basketball every single day. I’m still young, 22, I feel good, and playing is what it’s all about.

Thanks again to new Playboy.com readers like Aviana and Thaniia, and my own website (http://www.farmarlive.com) readers, and for your cool questions. After finding out where I get my suits—BTW, I have about 30 of them—readers asked what was up with growing my hair longer. It’s the longest I’ve had it for awhile. When I decided to grow it out, there’s a lot more maintaining to do. But right now with the playoffs, my mind is on a lot of other things besides taking care of my hair. I’m thinking of cutting it all off again—it’s coming soon. I need some low maintenance right now, lol!

Check in next week, find out who the best gamer is on our team and what superstar actor Jack Nicholson has said to me in games from his courtside seat. Speak L8R.

—JFarm