I gotta tell ya that your blog blew my mind. No hyperbole there, as a long-time die-hard, this is something that has passed thru my mind, but never lingered long enough to come to the conclusions you have. Its about time that somebody took the time to go through, comment by comment, and point out his ridiculousness… credit also for the wit and humor, but its almost hard not to be given the topic.

As you stated, the situation is clearly a testament to Chick Hearn. That man had such an impact on the city of Los Angeles, basketball, and broadcasting (“simulcasting”) that Stu has, some how, been able to hold onto his legacy as part of the Chick N’ Stu tandem that crossed generational and cultural lines. With Stu as Chick’s partner, he is a link to the glorious purple and gold past that the Laker organization does not want us to forget. On a personal note, Chick is still the only person I have cried for upon learning of his death (I’ve been fortunate, in that regard).

In my opinion, Stu actually did make a good side kick to Chick. Chick ran the show, and left a few peanuts here and there for Stu to pick up, which he was content with and did fairly ably. The dynamic is not nearly as good with Joel.

One side note on Joel: I think he does a fine job, but he should never have been given the opportunity because Paul Sunderland who had to fill the biggest shoes in the industry to follow when Chick was ill and then passed, did so with class, energy, and insight. Why he was let go has never been answered and is a huge disservice to the Laker Nation. Whenever I hear PS working FSN games like Pepperdine basketball or UCLA volleyball, I just shake my head with what could have been.

Back to Stu though, he had better chemistry with Chick, but you also may be right that he just doesn’t try very hard any more. He doesn’t seem to know the opposing players very well and he fills in way too much time harping on the refs (and I could go on and on about that, but I’m not going to). And in regards to actual strategy for the Lakers or opponents, he does not have insight that any person watching the telecast couldn’t point out. I’m tempted to watch some of my old Laker tapes to see if he gave more effort and provided more insight during his Chick days.

These days, when I’m watching the games, I pay attention only subconsciously to the commentary. However, I find myself telling the TV “Thanks Stu” (in sarcastic tone) after his many more-than-obvious comments. And when he makes the non-sensical ones, I kinda just laugh it off as Stu being Stu. But now that you’ve clearly and concisely documented the level of absurdity here, I really don’t know what to say (though I’ve already said quite a bit, so obviously I’m not short on words). I’m actually curious if this has been done before. If not, I thank you for your service… send the link to Mitch, nothing would change, but I’d love to hear his response.