I don't understand why Phil doesn't start Devean against the T-Wolves. I feel like Lamar starting on KG and George on Wally is a much better than putting Cook in there who is way overmatched against KG. This is game #3 where I feel Phil's matchups were the key mistakes that cost us the game.

On a side note - is it against NBA policy for the media to comment on the refs? Over the past 3 years the officating has just gotten horrible in this league, yet the only things I see written about it are quotes from players and coaches... why doesn't any print or TV media expose how terrible this situation is? It's incredibly frustrating to the fans, but I would be even more horrified if they NBA is actually able to control what independent free press is allowed to say about it. I think we need to go back to 2 refs on the floor, and have the 3rd watching the TV feed, it's obviously much easier to see the correct calls (even without replay) on TV than when you're standing right there - and I'm not basing this on my observations, but the number of times the TV commentators talk about bad, missed or phantom calls. The refs are having far too much of an impact on games, it really takes away from the enjoyment of watching the players.

I thought the Lakers look tired last night, they gave up too many second chance points, too many open shots and Chris Mihm gets no love from the refs. It's ridiculous how they can call phantom fouls on this guy night after night. I also agree with the above post. We should've put Devean George on Wally. I don't think it was Lamars fault that he can't guard Wally. I also would've liked to see the lakers post Odom up on every posession until Wally would've got into foul trouble.

i disagree with jimbo about kwame killin the momentum because for one kwame was the only player who was able to body up agaisnt garnett and actually kept him under control for awhile,also he has been injured for a long time so we can expect him to be 100% his first game back plus the lakers are playin well because their finaly starting to understand how the triangle works, kwame hasnt been playin enough for him to know where his shots are coming from or where he is suppose to be on the court, so before we put him down we should give him more time to prove himself and we cant forget that he is still the best post-defender we got, all he needs is more time to learn the offense then we will become a team who might go deep into the playoffs, either way win or loose we're improving and thats a good sign

hello Laker fans, i am one of you, from senegal!
To tell u the truth, it was not a surprise for me to hear that thelakers lost to the wolves. the team is getting better, but it will take some time! we will be a playoff team this year...(and maybe get a title in the next 3 years, Kobe and Lamar have that potential).
u gotta be crazy to talk about trading kobe! this is the closest player to MJ we have in this league! KOBE IS THE BEST! he takes too many shots because he has to, the team is not ready yet! but once he will realise that PJ's strategy works, then he will do the team work, he can do it and he used to give the ball to shaq even tho the love was not there...kobe is a genius!!!!!!!!!!!
about kwame, well, let us give him some time...he needs to learn, criticizing him too much will only put too much pressure on him!
smush, mihm and sacha are great! GO LAKERS!

Trade Kwame Brown!!!

There were several reasons why the Lakers failed to win on Saturday night. First, they didn't get enough production from key people within the offense. Smush has become a necessary contributor on offense and defense. He offered very little on either end. This was in part due to him not being setup in his sweet spots. He shoots the 3-point shot at almost 50% when setup on the two wings. He had no shots in those spots all night. I believe that his lack of offensive flow, also hurt his defensive intensity. Phil resorted to giving him extended bench time. Sasha and Brian were also less productive than in recent games. Just like Chris Mihm has to get off early for hi to have a solid game, so do these three guys. I felt as though Minnesota noticed this and made it a point to regulate where the Lakers could be effective early. The Lakers were so happpy to have a solid opening by Mihm and Lamar, that they never looked at those others. Kobe will get his anyway. Not much has been said about how he's shooting over 50% in most of the last 5 or 6 games. The second situation involves several areas which all relate to matchups and substitutions. When the Lakers were playing rough earlier this season it was in part due to substitutions and matchups especially dealing with there timing. That was again the case on Saturday. It was clearly obvious that Wally was quiet when Kobe was guarding him. Kobe should have been on him ALL NIGHT LONG. He didn't score with Kobe on him. As for KG, Brian Cook gave him fits in LA. He frustrated him the firtst three quarters of that game. However, on Saturday his minutes were down and his intensity on defense was as well. I think that his offense effects his defense. The Lakers have to make a strong effort to get him off early along with Mihm. Kobe and Lamar should hold their play until later in the game. You have to see what is working and what isn't. It was not a coincidence that the Lakers came back to within 5 when they did, or that they had to come back in the first place. Look at the lineup in the game.

Finally, I have strong issues with Kwame Brown. It is not about him as a player, it is about him fitting into this team at this time. He's not there right now, and it should be noted. It is not a coincidence that the Lakers suffered letdowns during the time he was on the floor. Not only is he a liability on offense, his defense is not strong enough to combat it. I would have played Cook and Bynum together when Mihm went out. Bynum doesn't hurt you when he's in the game. Kwame does. I realize that you will say that he needs time and this was only his first game back. The bottom line is that the Lakers were starting to really click and his re-emergence hurt that. You have to call it like it is.

In closing Chris Mihm showed last night where he is most effective......about 10 feet from the basket with his short jumper or hook. He played a heck of a game. Lamar must continue to work the post against matchups. Watch the Pistons play a game and you will see the beauty of exploiting matchups. Kobe has, is and always will be my number 1 guy in the league. The criticism of him only solidifies the fact that he is held to the highest standard, which means people believe he is capable of the highest accomplishments. Every facet of his game is critiqued every game. No other player is held to that standard, not even Wade. I watched them play last night, by the way, and he was horrible towards the end of the game and overtime. He shot several bad hots and made some really poor decisions. However, nothing negative was said.....people don't expect as much from him.

This is my 5 cents and I'm out!

2006 Lakers Playoff Plan

After closing out the first 20 games of the season, I have to admit that I am rather happy with the Lakers results. They are right where I thought they should be at this time in the season. I projected that they needed a 10-10 start in order to hit the end of the season goals I believe they will need and should fight to reach. I wil admit that the idea of an 11-9 start was a great thought, nonetheless, 10-10 will do nicely.

Here's my equation. They need to go 50% over the first 20 games. They need to go 60% over the next 20 games. That will bring them up to somewhere around the All-Star break with roughly a record of 22-18. That looks a little gloomy, however, it is actually right on course for what they need. The next 20 games, I would like to see them go 60-70% which would be around 12-14 wins. This would put them at about 35 wins on the season with 22 games left. If they can go 50% or better over the next 22 games, at the very least they will have a record of 46 wins....which is right above Phil's "public" goal.

That is very attainable and reachable when looking at their schedule for the season. They are playing a lot of road games the first half of the season and they will be doing the reverse during the second half. By then they should be playing better which coupled with home games, should mean a sizable number of wins.

If they reach 46 or more wins, they will be a playoff team.My hope is that they obtain the 6th or 7th seeds because the 8th. Anything else would mean a collision with the Spurs very early. Plus, i believe that in a 7-game series, the Lakers could matchup pretty well with any of the other potnetial playoff teams. Despite losing to Memphis and Minnesota multiple times thus far, I believe that in a series, they would be able to concentrate on the mtachups.

San Antonio is the only team in the West that the Lakers just can't beat in a series.