Extra! Extra! (3.8)
Professional sports return to New Orleans tonight for the first time since Hurricane Katrina, making the game between the Lakers and Hornets one of the most significant basketball games of the year. It's a game that focuses attention on the future of sports in The Big Easy. But a quick check of the standings show that from a practical, nuts and bolts basketball standpoint, it's an important game for other reasons as well. The Lakers and Hornets are separated a single game in the standings, and a win tonight would basically lock them up in the race for the 7th spot in the West. The flip side? Both Utah and Sacto play tonight. If they win and the Lakers lose, L.A.'s cushion in the 8th spot will be down to a half game.
After severely spraining his right wrist during the Lakers loss to San Antonio on Monday, Devean George could miss tonight's game. Does that mean Jim Jackson will make his Laker debut? Phil Jackson wouldn't say (we're guessing yes). In the long run, the newest Laker just wants a defined role, whatever it may be, something he says he didn't get in Phoenix.
Just for fun: Isiah Thomas is denying it, but sources say he's interested in the coaching gig at Indiana. Apparently, he's not their first choice. Can't say we're not a wee curious as to how he could screw up a college program in the same way he did the CBA and the Knicks, but I'm sure he'll figure it out.
(photo by Larry W. Smith/EPA)
i hope we win
Posted by: griOt | March 08, 2006 at 09:16 AM
Is devean left handed? why else would there be a possibility he would play if his right hand is "severely" sprained?
Posted by: mannie | March 08, 2006 at 09:47 AM
WE should and we will win this game.
or else........
Posted by: dxter | March 08, 2006 at 09:52 AM
All we have to do tonight to win is to stop Paul and Claxton from penetrating in the lane. Our bigs are not that good at help defense, so we need to do a better job of keeping our man in front of us.
It is really that simple. New Orleans is not that good when it comes to knocking down jump shots.
Posted by: Zakee | March 08, 2006 at 10:01 AM
Devean is right handed...but I'm guessing that if they really really want him to play they'll tape it up and put some mumbo padding on it
What role could Jim Jackson play? I think bench energy is taken (Turiaf)...a lil bit of bench scoring is also kinda taken (Cook and George sometimes) so what role?
I guess he can be the defensive/scoring bench player.
Posted by: Faith | March 08, 2006 at 10:04 AM
when did devean get hurt i read the article and the writer didnt know either can you get us some insider info K bros? i also think kobe and smush should take turns guarding the ROY i know he is faster than kobe but so is Tony Parker and kobe did a good job on him. I dont think he should do it the whole game or even most of the game i just think they should switch periodicly to throw them off their game a bit
Posted by: great8 | March 08, 2006 at 10:05 AM
I'll be so disappointed if the Lakers lose this game.
This team scored 16 points in a half, missing like, 25 shots in a row against the Clippers, of course. I'll be happy if we can shut them down to 16 in a quarter (especially the 3rd).
Don't forget guys, it's a early game today, 4:45.
--Scott
Posted by: Scott | March 08, 2006 at 10:14 AM
Zakee,
Thanks for not using all caps when typing.
Go Lakers!
Posted by: Jon Kavulic | March 08, 2006 at 10:22 AM
i dont have kcal but i know its on NBATV but does anyone know if they are showing it in HD
Posted by: great8 | March 08, 2006 at 10:35 AM
I hope Jim Jackson will help our 3rd quarter slumps.
Posted by: nyla238 | March 08, 2006 at 10:41 AM
looks like Profit is still with the lakers....
"Turiaf, along with Andrew Bynum and Laron Profit, did extra conditioning drills following Tuesday's practice. It's a routine he plans to keep the rest of the season."
http://www.latimes.com/sports/basketball/nba/lakers
Hope JJ gets some minutes today.
Go Lakers!
Posted by: befuddled | March 08, 2006 at 10:53 AM
Befuddled,
Profit's not on the roster, for sure. But he's around in the lockerroom occasionally during games, and is probably doing some workouts with Bynum and Turiaf as part of his rehab. I imagine the Lakers are keeping their eye on his progress, because I think they liked him. But I don't think he's "with" them, per say.
AK
Posted by: Andrew Kamenetzky | March 08, 2006 at 10:57 AM
we should win this game... i hope the lakers come out guns blazing... i don't want them to play catch up... the hornets are going to play with alot of energy and emotion and the lakers need to match this and control the tempo... GO LAKERS!!!
Posted by: bUCKY | March 08, 2006 at 10:59 AM
Hey AK/BK
Love the blog, esp. the live courtside posts. I know the Clips aren't your beat, but I was wondering if either of you were at Staples LAST night. Seems like it would give some great insight to see what the Clips did to win on the same floor, against the same team (Spurs), just 24 hours after the Lakers lost to the Spurs. And especially how they managed to outscore the Spurs (27-16) in the third. I didnt see the game (funny how it wasnt on my cable system here in Virginia!); I imagine having the scheduling fortune to have drawn the Spurs on the second night of a back-to-back helped, but I still didn't think the Clips were this good. Thoughts?
Keep up the great coverage...
sno-kid
Posted by: snoqulamie7 | March 08, 2006 at 11:08 AM
Im lost. Is Laron Profit on the team? i was sure he got waived but i read on article in the times that hes practicing with bynum and turiaf. AK said he was waived? im confused and lost. just like some laker players on this roster. hope the laker win in NO tonight. it would definatly help their chances in gaining the 7th seed
Posted by: Marc | March 08, 2006 at 11:11 AM
sno-kid,
(This posted on the "Ode to Slava" thread but since you mentioned it) ....
Take a look at the box score from the Clipper - Spurs Game.
Spurs shot 5-17 from behind the arc. Nearly the same amount of attempts against the Lakers, but they missed 7.
The Clippers on the other hand scored 1 more than the Lakers.
With those extra 21 points from 3's the score would be 106-98, sound familiar....
I just hate the fact that the Lakers get discounted for a good all-around game, but the Clippers are GODS for not being a "hot shot" victim.
--Scott
Posted by: Scott | March 08, 2006 at 11:20 AM
For much of the season, continual collapse in the Lakers backcourt defense has enabled opposing guards to attack the low post, resulting in easy baskets and/or drawn fouls on our Bigs.
But a moment in the Monday's game against the Spurs dispelled that notion, when the Lakers exhibited some toughness with the alleged flagrant foul of Parker. Contrary to the ref's call, Lamar played it cleanly and consequently rattled the psyche of Frenchy, when he missed the two concession free throws.
Going forward, I hope we see more physical toughness like that out of our guys.
Posted by: 12rh Night | March 08, 2006 at 11:20 AM
i just hope that jim jackson can play really just any kind of decent defense tonight or whenever he plays....i would happy just for that a maybe yes a few trays to boot
Posted by: chris | March 08, 2006 at 11:27 AM
They know this game is important, so they should be highly motivated. They also should have lots of confidence after playing toe-to-toe with Pistons/Spurs. Even given their prior inconsistency I believe Lakers should be winning tonight without much problem.
Posted by: Guity | March 08, 2006 at 11:28 AM
Snoqulamie7,
i went to the clippers game last night (my buddy's a big spurs fan)....anyways, honestly, and this is not to reduce the clipper win, but the spurs came out flat-footed, lethargic, and altogether, just tired.
Duncan, Parker, Finley, and Bowen really didn't do much offensively. Finley didn't really hit the same 3s he killed the lakers with.
i honestly believe that fatigue was a factor in the spurs loss. on the other hand, the clips came out on the opposite end -- lots of energy, enthusiasm, and focus.
Posted by: ARGH! | March 08, 2006 at 11:30 AM
Marc,
Again, I think it's Profit simply working out with some of the guys after practice as part of his rehab. To my knowledge, he is in no way officially on the team. He's definitely not on the roster and will be a FA next season. But since the Lakers are still paying him, even though he got waived, maybe that's why he can use facilities, etc. Or the team is just being helpful.
Again, I could be wrong about this, but that's my best guess.
AK
Posted by: Andrew Kamenetzky | March 08, 2006 at 11:31 AM
AK -
Sorry for the confusion. I just meant to inform you guys that Profit still practices with the team, even though, he's not officially on the roster.
So, we may see him as a Laker again next year.
Posted by: befuddled | March 08, 2006 at 11:32 AM
Bad luck for Lakers because Laron Profit out, i like his game. Next season, Lakers should sign Vladimir from clippers, if Lakers can't find power forward, this guy can shoot from outside, and waive Luke Walton. Lakers can't win because they don't have big guy can score around the basket. Lakers in the pressure to win now, because at the season start, Phil did not teach them, he takes easy on them, and now they in trouble with Sac and Utah behind, 10 mil dollars coach ?
Posted by: kevin | March 08, 2006 at 11:33 AM
Anyone know of a place where I can respond to the Barry Bonds scandal. I have something to say about that.
mike
Posted by: Michael Teniente | March 08, 2006 at 11:34 AM
Befuddled,
Yeah, I wouldn't mind them bringing Profit back, either. He's obviously not the difference between winning a title or not. But for a guy who was more or less a salary matcher trade throw-in, he did a nice job and was a very pleasant surprise. Plus, he seems like a nice kid, which is a always a plus.
AK
Posted by: Andrew Kamenetzky | March 08, 2006 at 11:37 AM
AK,
On the subject of bringing back players for next year -- which of the existing Lakers fringe players do you think will become roster survivors and who will become casualties and why? Who will be their replacements and why?
Posted by: 12th Night | March 08, 2006 at 11:46 AM
isn't Laron the guy that looks like Kobe from afar (body type anyways)...I too hope they bring him back...I miss the confusion..lol
Posted by: Faith | March 08, 2006 at 11:51 AM
Anyone remember when Laron went down, the team went with him? He was playing meaningful minutes subbing for Kobe, affording him rest and, in some cases, extending leads. That unit was just starting to gel when he got injured. Agree with AK, he's a steal at his price.
Meanwhile, back in reality, when will the NBA realize that this back to back schedule nonsense simply hands a victory to the rested team? Unless, like the Lakers / Detroit game they both played the night before. It's crazy to put players on the floor the day after a hard fought game, maybe a plane ride with a late arrival. Yeah, all teams have to, but it just makes for an inferior product, and at these prices that's a consideration. I've heard all kinds of analysts talk like it shouldn't matter, but it clearly does. It a might be an aid for a young team to get a couple W's against a stronger, older opponent but generally it just means guys are throwing up short shots come the 2nd half.
Posted by: Vman | March 08, 2006 at 12:03 PM
I think Kobe goes off tonight. I don't see anybody on the Hornets covering him that well.
Unfortunately, I see Chris Paul doing the same, just not for quite the same amount of damage...
Posted by: Michael A | March 08, 2006 at 12:05 PM
Michael Teniente,
Go on J.A. Adande's blog. It sucks but you can talk about non-Lakers stuff there.
Go Lakers!
Posted by: Jon Kavulic | March 08, 2006 at 12:06 PM
I'll tell you this, as soon as I find the outlet, I'm going to present an analyise of the whold Barry Bonds thing that is going to be so cold (precise) that if Barry goes down...you can bet your last dollar Mark Mcguirre is going down.
mike
Posted by: Michael Teniente | March 08, 2006 at 12:07 PM
Faith,
Ditto about Laron. Sometimes it seemed like he's copying Kobe's moves. Won't mind having him back.
Posted by: SamII | March 08, 2006 at 12:07 PM
I remember Kobe mentioning that "we might sign him next year hopefully" when he went down. I've never heard Kobe talk like this about any other Laker player in the last 10 years that he has played in the league.
IMHO I'm pretty sure Ocho has something to do with Profit still practicing with the team, and if the team does what Kobe wants we'll probably have Laron back next year.
Posted by: Revgen | March 08, 2006 at 12:11 PM
[Begin heartless, yet crazily realistic comment here:]
When the Lakers win tonight, we should take it as a sign from God that the Hornets should stay in Oklahoma City and that the majority of New Orleans should be abandonded.
We'll never be able to rebuild those levees in time to address what's happening with global warming.
It was a wonderful, historic city, but you can't ignore nature and you can't ignore reality.
And reality is... the Lakers are going to win tonight.
Consider it a sign.
Posted by: Jon Kavulic | March 08, 2006 at 12:13 PM
Let's rock!
Posted by: Michael Teniente | March 08, 2006 at 12:15 PM
great story by david aldridge...but beautifully detailed and tragic.
now that's perspective.
lets go lake show
Posted by: CBuck | March 08, 2006 at 12:21 PM
CBuck, what are you talking about?
Posted by: Michael Teniente | March 08, 2006 at 12:27 PM
I gotta disagree with the dude who said we should sign Vladamir from the Clips during the offseason. I think we already have a 7 footer who shoots three pointers but can't play defense. His name is Brian Cook.
Don't get me wrong. I LIKE Cook, but what we need now is more DEFENSE and not more offense. The only people we should consider signing in the offseason are those who are lockdown defender type roleplayers. Otherwise, signing anyone for a short term offensive fix that may help us win two more regular season games is counterproductive to having enough cap space to sign a superstar in '07.
Posted by: Jimbo | March 08, 2006 at 12:30 PM
Lakers will win tonite. lol
Posted by: faith, are u cute? | March 08, 2006 at 12:35 PM
is there going to be live blog on tonight during the laker game?.... just wonderin..
Posted by: bUCKY | March 08, 2006 at 12:35 PM
kobe will have a big game tonight. lol
Posted by: jonzcute | March 08, 2006 at 12:43 PM
if she is...she mine.
Posted by: Michael Teniente | March 08, 2006 at 12:47 PM
"Turiaf, along with Andrew Bynum and Laron Profit, did extra conditioning drills following Tuesday's practice. It's a routine he plans to keep the rest of the season."
What Is Laron doing extra conditioning drills for? He should be playing then!
Posted by: Zen | March 08, 2006 at 12:48 PM
I predict a win (it's my first time) so we'll see...but you have to believe that there's going to be so much emotion in the building (and you know how Kobe feeds on those =) Plus we should have confidence from the past 2 well played games. I'm hitching it all on Kwame (when he makes his early shots and have confidence I always get a feeling that we will win so hopefully )
I'm still wondering why JJ didn't play in the spurs game...but I'm sure he will this time (not because of George...but he's had time to practice with the team now)
Posted by: Faith | March 08, 2006 at 12:48 PM
are you kidding I'm HOT! lol
it's interesting though that we all think/believe that Kobe will have a huge night...and everytime we do he gets in his team player/ assists maniac mode (we need a win...to continue with our confidence =)
Posted by: Faith | March 08, 2006 at 12:50 PM
did you catch that faith, some signed on as:
faith,are you cute?
did you see my response?
lol
Posted by: Michael Teniente | March 08, 2006 at 12:54 PM
"Faith" and "faith, are u cute?" ought to get a room.
Go Lakers!
Posted by: Jon Kavulic | March 08, 2006 at 12:55 PM
I'm so angry about this Barry Bonds thing that...KWAME! Go get 20 rebounds to appease my anger.
mike
Posted by: Michael Teniente | March 08, 2006 at 12:56 PM
ok faith... i'll go with your pick and i'll double down with my booky... GO LAKERS!!! will there be a blog on during the game? help me out lakerville...
Posted by: bUCKY | March 08, 2006 at 12:58 PM
boys boys, there's enough woman of me to go around (okay I just made myself sound like a tramp...I'll take it back lol)
no there probably won't be a live blog (they only do that during home games) and tonight's game is in NO (first game there I think)
Posted by: Faith | March 08, 2006 at 01:02 PM