Smush Parker Thinks Highly of Himself

In today's L.A. Times, Smush Parker vented a bit about his being benched for much of the second half in Wednesday's game against the Los Angeles Clippers. Apparently Smush thought that Phil Jackson had no reason to bench him and was surprised when he didn't play in the fourth. Here's what Smush had to say on the topic

"I was ready to play [Wednesday] night. I wanted to play [Wednesday] night. I didn't appreciate being benched."

"I feel fine. I felt I did everything I need to do to be out there. I gave up trying to read that man a long time ago," he said, referring to Jackson.

Asked if he assumed he'd be in the starting lineup in tonight's game against Seattle Smush had this to say:

"I don't assume anything anymore."

As I've been saying all season, it seems Smush has a poor attitude. I think he resents the fact that he's only being paid $800K this season. But instead of coming in trying to improve his game and make sure that he gets a raise next year, he's come in with a poor attitude and played like the worst starting PG in the entire league. Opposing point guards probably lick their chops when they know they are going to play Smush, because a match up with Smush usually guarantees offensive success. Everyone from Steve Nash on down to Eric Snow and Chucky Atkins has killed Smush this year. ERIC FREAKING SNOW! With that sort of production, Smush doesn't have any room to be carrying a superstar chip on his shoulder. If he's so upset about his playing time, he should get in the gym, work on his game, and improve his attitude. That's what the rookie point guard behind him is doing. But knowing Smush, he'll probably continue to be flaccid and despondent.

Previously at Fanhouse:
Although Jesus Can't Save the Lakers, a Point Guard and a Healthy Roster Probably Could
The Lakers Missing Link: Chris Duhon
The Flaccid, Despondent Smush Parker