Extra! Extra! (1.10)
The positive news for the Lakers is they won't meet the likes of Charlotte and Memphis in the playoffs. Good thing, too, because while L.A. has played some serious hoops against the Boardwalks and Park Places of the W.C., the Baltic Avenues of the NBA world have beaten them up. The trend continued in Tuesday night's 128-118 loss to the Grizzlies in Memphis. After taking a five point lead into the half, the Grizzlies came out firing- and running (and running and running), scoring 46 points in the third, part of a statistically noteworthy second half outburst. Having apparently missed the repeal of Congressional order mandating teams attack a zone with endless jumpshots, the Lakers went dry in Q3 while the Grizzlies went nuts. P.J. tried benching his starters, but there was no Superman act for the second unit. Memphis was up by 19, and Kobe had some unwanted R&R on the Lakers bench. The box score shows a lousy shooting night for L.A. starters not named Bryant, and if there were a stat for "really easy shots missed," it would pop off the page.
One positive, at least offensively, was a second consecutive good game from Sasha Vujacic, who is showing signs of breaking out of his early season mega-slump, scoring 18 points against Memphis after dropping 16 on Dallas Sunday night. It wouldn't hurt to have a similar effort tonight in Houston- does "The Sasha Factor," (Joel Meyers, what were you thinking?) counteract the T-Mac Factor?
Having already garnered yet another colorful, decorated basketball to honor his 900th win, Jackson isn't thinking about 1,000. But he'll get there faster if Lamar Odom comes back quickly. Right now, the hope is he'll return by the end of the month.
At $20 million plus, Chris Webber is an albatross. But what about at post-buyout prices? Things just keep getting worse for the Hornets.
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Talk about mailing it in - i guess they thought they for some blues and booze - guys it does count as a game on the record, so atleast show up against these bottom dwellers.
Posted by: siva | January 10, 2007 at 09:24 AM
This was easily the worst game of the year. Watching Wade go off was a big lump of coal on Christmas, but this was even worse. We can't continue to lose gimme games like this. George Karl might want to retract that "best passing team in the league" comment after all the bobbles last night. Oh well, small bump in the championship road. We'll take it out on Houston tonight.
Posted by: Michael | January 10, 2007 at 09:27 AM
Lousy game for the boys last night.....some nights we will miss LO and Kwame a bit more....but still no excuse for the performance last night.
Posted by: canadalaker | January 10, 2007 at 09:27 AM
This is exactly why the Lakers aren't an elite team yet. Playing at a high level night in and night out is not something this team has mastered yet. We can play with any team on any given night, but we are unable to sustain a high level over the course of a season. It's all part of the learning process and I think by next year we should be considered elite.
Posted by: Andrew Z | January 10, 2007 at 09:27 AM
The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly of Last nights game
The Good.
We won't have to play these cellar dwellars in the playoffs.
The Bad.
If we keep playing like this, we might not have to worry about playing anybody in the playoffs.
And the Ugly.
Last nights game was so ugly, I hope it becomes one of those "emotional scars," you know, the type where the past memory is so awful, that we forget it ever happened.
Posted by: Fatty | January 10, 2007 at 09:31 AM
THE JACKSON JOURNAL: *35th Game – Memphis Grizzles (23-12)
By Michael C. Teniente
A thumb’s up for Phil Jackson!
KEY OBSERVATION:
LOL! My boy Sasha scored 18 points and picked up a little handle for his impact on the games from Joel Meyers. The “Sasha Factor!” I wonder how it’ll develop. For example: When he messes up, like when he fouls a guy 30 feet from the basket we can say, with sarcasm…it’s the Sasha factor. And when he hits his 3s it’ll be because of the Sasha factor, too. All we know for sure, at this point, is that the Sasha factor will get you one-way or the other. LOL!
Now this game definitely has an asterisk attached to it. I think, maybe, this is a game where we really missed Lamar Odom. My thinking is that with Odom the game would have had a different dynamic to it. That’s just my opinion.
I’ll tell ya, this game was decided in the 3rd quarter but you know that. It started out promising enough. Memphis went zone and the Lakers we’re finding the creases. I was thinking that this was going to be an easy one, but then for some reason the Lakers started shooting 3s. It was like around 5-7 threes in a row. That dumbfounds me. That was crazy. But what made it worse is that Memphis ran on every miss of those 3s. And still, in the 3rd quarter the Lakers continued with the 3s. That isn’t on PJ. That’s on the players. I think that’s why they sat for the 4th quarter. Kobe sat the whole 4th. Luke Walton would have sat too if Radmanovic had not fouled out.
Man, giving up 128 points in regulation is nuts. For some reason I got the feeling this was a throw away game. PJ was smiling after the game when Johnny Irish interviewed him. I don’t blame him…I was laughing, too.
One thing that was great to watch was Mo Evans hitting mid-range jumpers. I think that’s one thing that this team really needs. Yeah, a consistent mid-range shooter is going to pay off in the long run. And, of course, Sasha is finding his shot. I think we came away with something in this game. A little more experience for both Evans and Sasha is a good thing.
Anyway, what can we say? LOL! When you think about it…that was funny. We’re a good team and we’re going to get better. This game means nothing. Shake it off! We’re still 11 games above 500. Hey, we’re 23-12…remember last year? It’s whole different feeling. We’ll get to playing elite basketball before the season is out.
GO LAKERS!
mike
p.s. I hear that the swelling in Kwame’s ankle has gone down significantly. That’s great news. If he can stand…he should be practicing free throws. Come on kid be aggressive. Don’t wait until your “healed” to deal with this part of your game. If you can stand…stand at the free throw line and shoot until you figure it out. It’s easy. It’s projection, which is the simple part, and releasing with the fingertips. Not the palms like a shot putt. The palms are just for balancing the ball, kind of like a tee for holding a golf ball. The wrists are for the cocking motion, but you loft the ball with the fingertips. Kwame is a smart guy…it’s a simple rhythm.
It’s four things:
1. The palm of the hand for balancing the ball.
2. The mind for projection to the basket.
3. The wrist for cocking the ball back, and
4. The fingertips for releasing when the wrists shot forward.
Posted by: Michael Teniente | January 10, 2007 at 09:36 AM
A lot of people rushed to judge Sasha when he got off to a poor start. You can't tell anything, when a player has limited minutes and limited shots. He is going to have games where he goes 0 for 4, and games where he hits most of his shots. I look at his season averages, and they are becoming very respectable. His 3 point shooting average is 3rd best, behind Walton and Cook.
And speaking of Walton - is it just me, but I thought he played a miserable game last night. He is supposed to be an "intelligent" player, but sometimes, I think he thinks too much. He seemed unable to do anything last night because he kept hesitating. There are times, when he won't take a shot, unless there is no one within 20 feet of him. If someone even takes a step toward him, he panics and dishes the ball to someone else, with the clock running down. When he has nights like last night, my doubts about him start to creep in. Hopefully, this will change over time.
Roger
Posted by: Roger B. | January 10, 2007 at 09:38 AM
Anyone notice how on ESPN.com's matchup of tonight's game, they put "No significant injuries" in the Laker column on their chart?
http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/preview?gameId=270110010
Wack....
Posted by: Mase | January 10, 2007 at 09:38 AM
Its official, Weber is a Free Agent.
He can sign with any team that he wants to, and that wants him.
Now think about this, if Weber has a large contract, with years attached, nobody will take him. But he could sign for the minimum and just thru the end of the year. That makes him very desirable.
Upside: Automatic at 18-20 feet. Rebounds very well, excellant passer, has feel for game. His coaches and players say he has a very good attitude and works hard to win. Strong desire to win a Championship, brings veteran leadership to team.
Downside: Not able to drive to basket and finish well.
Defense. Slow lateral movement, no longer considered quick, can not leap to block shots.
29 Teams will want Weber. He chooses where.
His love for the game and only playing for a ring will determine where he plays.
You can eliminate about 21 teams that are not close to winning. Of the 8 remaining, where does he go?
Just speculating.
Detroit has the big edge, Weber is hometown boy. He loves Detroit and Detroit loves him. Would fit in easily with offense, but limited minutes in the system might keep him from signing with Detroit.
If not Detroit? Then where?
San Antonio. Great fit playing off Duncan. Could make Spurs a winner. Spot up shooter for Parker to pass to.
Phoenix. He would be lost in Phoenix system. Rose, his friend not happy with Phoenix. Feels he made mistake coming to Suns. Suns would only sign Weber as a backup to Amare and to keep him from going to the Lakers.
Dallas. Would be used exactly like Spurs. Dallas would become even more dominant.
Back up for Dirk?
Utah. Wants more veteran leadership. But Sloans defensive demands Weber can't fill. Weber does not like Sloan or Salt Lake City.
Denver. Would score a lot of points. Denver offense could not be stopped, period. But with very little defense would not go far in playoffs and certainly not win a championship. They would be a lot of fun to watch.
Miami. Could fit, but risky because of where Miami is right now. I will bet you, Shaq is taking time off from morning donut break and begging Weber to come. Wade is praying for Weber to sign, because it would get him his MVP (most valuable & popular award) Riley will grovel and promise Weber anything.
Lakers. Would meet Lakers need for rebounding weakness. Spot up shooter Lakers need in triangle. Weber is unselfish and enjoys passing. Learning the triangle should not be a complete roadblock to bringing Weber aboard. We run 60% of time, and Weber is quick learner. Veteran leadership is needed to help us win consistently. Weber would be a fine asset to the Lakers and a key piece to Championship puzzle.
Bringing Weber home?
Kup would have to do his Job. But to get Weber, we would need Kobe and Phil to step up and beg, like they did with Vladimir.
A long shot for sure, but worth trying.
Posted by: Fatty | January 10, 2007 at 09:40 AM
Hey fatty I thought you were taking a blog day off? lol
Well said Andrew Z. Course it didn't help having two of our size-est in Kwame and LO. But point taken...like I said no excuses really for the no effort.
Posted by: Faith | January 10, 2007 at 09:40 AM
On a positive note, read an article that said Kobe's #24 jersey is the best selling in the NBA.
Good to see his him working his way back.
Posted by: Andrew Z | January 10, 2007 at 09:46 AM
Before everyone comes in here and immediately begins passing judgement on the Lakers as not being "ready", "elite", "top tier" or "upper-echelon", can I please reason with your minds for a minute?
When looking at this game on the schedule before the season two word immediately came to mind...letdown game. Sandwiched between two projected powerhouses at the beginning of the season (and even still now), we find a road game against the lowly Grizzlies, who are projected to be heading to the lottery. To make matters worse, this is the first game of a back-to-back against a team we have already beaten 2 times. This is also a game against a team we handled pretty easily in LA earlier this season. I'm sorry, but some things you kind of prepare yourself for in advance. Sure, it would have been great if the Lakers won the game last night. The talk of them "finally getting it" would have been blasted across the blog and possibly most NBA sites. However, as I have stated, everything was stacked against them to lose this game, including the fact that the newly coached Grizzlies are now a running team.
However, in the grand scheme of 82 games, what really does this one loss mean? Does it mean as much as a loss to Dallas would have meant? Would you have preferred that they won last night, only to lose against Dallas in advance? It amazes me how big a deal people make off of each loss by the Lakers, yet I've Spurs lose to both Charlotte and Milwaukee in San Antonio. Not once have they been questioned as no longer being a contender. The Lakers have always had problems with Memphis...in fact, they had problems with Vancouver. Certain teams...that are normally lower, tend to give the Lakers as well as a few other teams fits, no matter what their respective records are.
I actually don't mind the loss, and believe that it will only serve as an additional platform for Phil Jackson to teach. By the end of the season each of these lessons will add up to an impressive resume of both successes and failures, which will provide a solid foundation for the Lakers to make an strong playoff run.
Will they win a title this season? I don't know...but if they do, no one will even be concerned about losses to Charlotte and Memphis then.
Posted by: JJ | January 10, 2007 at 09:49 AM
Man, I hate it when they play like that against an inferior team! Ugh. How bad were they last night? I just couldn't bear to watch it after the 4th started.
It was as bad as can be last night. However, I am sticking with my theory that in games like this Phil just lets them "play through it" more than usual, and against the "elite" teams he preps them better and is more apt to try and manage the game. I could be wrong - and I am sure some of you will point out how wrong I am!
I just can't wait for LO and Kwame to get healthy - get their mojo back and see what happens as we get to the end of the season and playoff time. The Laker's have a very good chance of contending, assuming health holds up of course. Sure the Lakers have flaws - especially on defense of the pick and roll, but if the offense is clicking we might be able to offset it with our scoring.
Is there a team that is so much better than the Lakers that the Lake Show wouldn't have a shot? The boys have proven they can play at the level of Dallas, the Spurs and the rest, but losses like this are just tough to take.
Eagleboy
Posted by: Eagleboy | January 10, 2007 at 09:57 AM
Mase-
it said the same thing yesterday. I wonder how long ago the Lakers let LO and Kwame go.
Posted by: B$ | January 10, 2007 at 09:57 AM
as maddening as last nights loss was- and it was retardedly maddening esp. 3rd qtr when i almost started throwing things at the tv- in hindsight, i'm kind of glad that our boys got waxed..almost like a wake up call for everybody on the team..
Posted by: chucky | January 10, 2007 at 09:58 AM
Faith, I can't remember what happened yesterday, did we play? Did I say that? lol
Its amazing what a good nite of sobbing myself to sleep and Weber becoming a FREE Agent can do to persons' spirit.
Go Lakers! Please Go!
Posted by: Fatty | January 10, 2007 at 10:04 AM
This loss does matter, because in the West it potentially will make a significant difference in playoff seedings.
It also points out (again) weaknesses this team has: inconsistency on offense and generally mediocre-to-poor defense.
Losing this game does not mean the Lakers are not in the elite group. Inconsistency and poor defense is what means the Lakers are not in the elite group.
Posted by: exhelodrvr | January 10, 2007 at 10:07 AM
Wow....what was that? The way I see it, Kobe and crew OWE ME ONE MORE REMOTE CONTROL to replace the one that was smashed by THEIR BRICK-ADE of three pointers!! I fully hold them responsible for my controller flying off the couch (I didn't throw it in disgust or anything) and bouncing off the set in a dozen pieces....
I hope that I get a better effort tonight. I better stop by the cable company to get a new remote (they seem to have them extra close after Laker losses, coincident?).
To all that said that the Lakers would lose last night (choke, uummm, um) I am sorry that I came down on you all....
Now lets move on and start a new streak!
janaya
Posted by: janaya | January 10, 2007 at 10:15 AM
a few people already mentioned this but losing to non playoff teams but beating playoff teams bodes well come playoff time lol
Posted by: joninjapan(incanada) | January 10, 2007 at 10:16 AM
JJ,
I agree that one loss isn't something to go off the deep end about, but when considering the quality of team, you have to take into consideration how they consistently have letdown games. Also, if people in the media and/or the blog are going to laud the Lakers for the game against Dallas, they are entitled to crack down on them for a performance like last night.
As for looking at the schedule and thinking a game against the worst team in the NBA is a letdown game, I disagree completely. The top teams look at those games and think "roadkill". They go in, handle their business, get the W, and leave. To be an elite team or win a ring, you impose your will on teams, having them beat before they even tip it off. I think it's very telling that this team is not mentally at the level of the Suns, Mavs, and Spurs yet, even if our talent is arguably similar.
Here's a stat for you. These are the records of four teams versus sub-.500 ball clubs this year. Tell me which one stands out.
Suns: 19-1
Mavs: 16-1
Spurs: 18-2
Lakers: 10-7
In a conference where one or two games are going to determine being a 4/5 seed or having a place in the lottery, these games are must wins. You can't argue with that.
Posted by: Andrew Z | January 10, 2007 at 10:17 AM
I think everyone is making the same mistake now after the game, that the Lakers made before; Memphis is not a horrible team. You can't just look at their record, since they played without their best player, Gasol, for almost the entire year. They got hit by a couple of other injuries and the loses piled up, but if the season were to start today they would definitely be a playoff contender.
Of course that doesn't excuse the Laker loss, but it does explain the mindset that led to the loss. Lakers simply got killed on the boards. Without Kwame or Lamar, and with an inconsistent Bynum, they have to make a more concerted effort to protect the glass.
Posted by: Jtrincad | January 10, 2007 at 10:21 AM
WHAT went OOOOOON
The CHANGE of the COACH in MEMPHIS has been a big change in the STYLE of ball the GRIZZ are gonna play. They're gonna RUNnGUN at you, not the WAY SUNS do, but the way UTAH would if they decided to RUNnGUN. The complex passing formations and using the INSIDE more than the OUTSIDE shot. But we are seeing MEMPHIS joining the growing group of SUNS, NUGGETS, WIZARDS SONICS, WARRIORS, RAPTORS, BUCKS and hell the MAVS and the LAKERS (when LO plays) and so should BOBCATS and HAWKS. YES they are indeed running and gunning.
BUT,(and a BIG BUT) make no mistake that we LOST becasue the GRIZZ saw we aint getting back at DEFFENSE on time so they USE it against us. Missed SHOTS helped and BEFORE we get the ENERGY guys out they were UP 22 points and LUKE missing a LAY UP that would make it an 11 point game did not help at all.
STU LANTZ-
For the FIRST time in the year, last night STU had an OK (and OK is more than ENOUGH) night on the BOOTH. I can't tell ya how much I think he is MESSING up our GAME VIEWING. NEGATIVE, NEGATIVE, NEGATIVE. "How many time have I said this." or "How many times have I done that..." STU is a REAL SUCKER. How many times CHICK sat him on his seat and SHUT HIM UP. I have a SONICS game that Stu is talking and CHICK just cuts him like a PRO. Now he is getting ANOUNCERS fired one after another. CHANGE the Mo Fo.
Posted by: rayray | January 10, 2007 at 10:22 AM
hey what can you say about last nights game.....
Some guys just can't get it up for the ugly girls...
Posted by: bob | January 10, 2007 at 10:29 AM
Michael Teniente-
I think Sasha's 3 and Kwame's free throw shooting has to do with CONFIDENCE. Nothing else. You know what I think? I think KWAME shout let go of some 10 FOOT jumpers see if he HAS one. Cause I think he DOES.
Picture of the day-
Mike, I put your "picture of the day" one of the "HOT" things for the 06 part of this season. Abandoning it is "NOT". (DON'T complain if the LAKERS stop running their offense at times. haha.)
Posted by: rayray | January 10, 2007 at 10:29 AM
Lakers should go for Weber. We need his middle range shooter, especially with Bynum in the floor. Also in playoffs that most teams plays with restrains.
Also he could be the best passing big, playing a solid 15 or 20 minutes.
Paying him more than 4 or 5 millions isn’t worth it, but in a bargain prize, of course, is good to have that weapon somehow in any part of the game.
Phil is the best motivator in business and he will find a way to motivate Chris, or just alienate him in case he can't perform as expected or required.
Let's go for it, now. I thing he will love to be part of the Lakers. Who doesn't?
Posted by: jorema | January 10, 2007 at 10:33 AM
By the way, Chris Webber is a loser. I hope he ends up playing for the Knicks.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon Kavulic | January 10, 2007 at 10:35 AM
LOL, rayray, the photo of the day is in wins. No photos of the day in losses.
mike
Posted by: Michael Teniente | January 10, 2007 at 10:40 AM
exhelodrvr & Andrew Z,
I disagree with both of you. As important as you say it is how a team performs against the lowly teams, it is more important how they perform against the better teams. Because you can beat up on the chumps, but lose against the teams on your level is a much more telling stat. You can't just look at the under .500 stat.
Obviously, the fact that the Lakers are only 10-7 against sub .500 teams yet they are only 3-4 games out of first place in the league says that we do a better job against the better teams than the supposed better teams do. Do you not believe that is a much better stat to focus on? Sure, I would like it if the Lakers beat everyone. But it is a known thing that young teams tend to lose focus against the weaker teams. Without Brown and Odom, we are an even younger team and it is much easier to lose focus. Plus, all the attention was put on this game as a topic of discussion beforehand, focusing on IF the Lakers would "pass" the proverbial test.
The same inconsistent offense and poor defense, has gotten the Lakers to the 5th best record in the league and a 6-2 record against Dallas, Phoenix, Utah, San Antonio and Houston. How about you run a stat of those teams against each other and see what that stat is.
One other thing, I recall 2001 in which the Lakers were 1-3 against the Sonics. Guess what, the Lakers went on to win the championship and the Sonics went into the lottery.
Posted by: JJ | January 10, 2007 at 10:44 AM
Lakers consistently lost to bottom positioned teams of each division in the past two seasons prove that this team is a mediocre team , no doubt about it , period .
Posted by: tom | January 10, 2007 at 10:48 AM
Last nigh game shorts flashes
--------Memphis is a fast and an athletic team like Phoenix, but not the same talent, so it was good to measure Lakers contra reacting to that.
-------The zone defense continues causing trouble to Lakers, especially if Kobe isn’t at the floor.
------Brian cook shooting touch stinks.
------Farmar player better last night, but sometimes he looks indecisive. He should just forget about UCLA patterns, just relax and follow the triangle and if necessary create for others.
-----Defense still inadequate. Bynum needs to find a way to try to intimidate without making body contact with the attacker.
-----We miss Lamar, but also Kwame. It was evident that a strong and physical presence was needed to intimidate in the paint.
-----Also a good rest, for Kobe and starters, was a plus, since the tonight game is far better important. Houston is playing well lately and if we can just grab the series gives the team a breather space for those last games before playoffs.
-----Now let’s focus in Houston.
Who would guard Mcgrady.?
Posted by: jorema | January 10, 2007 at 10:54 AM
exh-
No it doesn't. The West has at least 7 or 8 good teams this year. No one will advance in the playoffs if they're playing poorly, regardless of their seeding, and vice versa.
Posted by: McGarnagle | January 10, 2007 at 10:54 AM
I don't mind the loss from the standpoint that it keeps the myopics in check (until next game) and it keeps expectations managed.
But I do mind it from the standpoint that it effectively cancels out inspired victories like Sunday night in terms of the win-loss record. A W last night ties them with Utah and puts them only a half game back of SA.
And, if I remember correctly, the kobe-shaq teams did have let-down games like this, only back then the team was undoubtedly elite and the "we won't meet them in the playoffs" and "we're pacing ourselves for the playoffs" arguments made them easily dismissable.
Posted by: lakers_sth | January 10, 2007 at 10:58 AM
Question....Would you rather that the Lakers win against all of the sub-.500 teams and lose more games to the top teams? Is that what you are saying?
I think it would be a little far fetched to think that they are going to win against both consistently. Every team loses games.
Posted by: JJ | January 10, 2007 at 11:03 AM
Andrew Z - you're absolutely right! I hear people say that it's only one game, but they add up!!!
We should be taking care of these games and not letting them slip away, cause in the end, IT WILL COUNT!!
Posted by: keifo | January 10, 2007 at 11:06 AM
Phil use these types of games to
---Practice new sets of offenses,
---Experiment in new players combinations
---And to send wrong signals to other coaches.
Jajajaja.
Posted by: jorema | January 10, 2007 at 11:09 AM
First off, the Lakers are not going to get a top 4 seed. To be honest, I don't even care to get one this year. It is actually better for this team THIS YEAR, to get a 5 seed. In the 5th position, they will most likely face a struggling Utah team which will ease them into the playoffs. People aren't noticing that Utah has no injuries and yet they are struggling to win games. Phoneix and Dallas have no significant injuries and they are winning as expected. San Antonio, the Lakers and Houston have injuries, but are managing to win enough games to stay up in their respective places. Come playoff time, the only thing that will matter is how well you play against the team you are facing at that moment. Seeing as how the Bobcats, Grizzlies, Bucks, Blazers, are not likely to be in the playoffs...I think we can afford to "take it all in stride" right now.
Posted by: JJ | January 10, 2007 at 11:11 AM
JJ,
If we keep blowing games that we should win, we might not get the chance to play the better teams in the playoffs.
Right now, getting wins is the most important thing, and securing what should be the "easy" ones are what the best teams do.
As for the 2001 Laker team, they were 25-5 versus sub-500 teams. 24-2 if you don't count the Sonics. That's what championship teams do.
Contrary to what many believe, its not a foregone conclusion that the Lakers will make the playoffs. Last I checked they hadn't clinched anything yet.
Posted by: Andrew Z | January 10, 2007 at 11:13 AM
REASON FOR LOSS:
We all partied to hard at Sasha Fest. Way too hard. Bad Hangovers led to bad ball playing.
But Sasha did all right.
So....Sasha Fest II? PARTY ON!
Posted by: ajax | January 10, 2007 at 11:14 AM
My head still hurts....
Posted by: Najja aka Bonus | January 10, 2007 at 11:17 AM
JJ,
I would like to be one of the best teams where we wipe the floor with the lesser teams and manage to win most of the games against the better teams, like Dallas and Phoenix.
"I think it would be a little far fetched to think that they are going to win against both consistently. Every team loses games."
It's not far-fetched, the best teams do win against both consistently, that's why they are the best and end up with around 60 wins. I don't think I'm going out on a limb with this one here.
Posted by: Andrew Z | January 10, 2007 at 11:20 AM
My prediction 3 years ago, was that next season would be the season that this league should absolutely fear us again, I seem right. I mean I wanted to just pass out when I saw ESPN's bottom line and us down 16 in the fourth. Cant wait for this team to be full strength again.....
Posted by: Najja aka Bonus | January 10, 2007 at 11:21 AM
In any season, there are games you win, which you probably should lose, and games you lose which you probably should win. The Lakers have had more games which they probably should have lost but won this season, than vice versa.
As I have said before, relax...and enjoy the show.
Posted by: JJ | January 10, 2007 at 11:22 AM
rayray-
While the content of your posts has dramatically improved this year, your Stu bashing is the worst ever.
He is easily the best color commentator in the league. Being on the east coast I have NBA TV and listen to other anouncers quite a lot. When you hear comments from other announcers like "he didn't hit him on the arm THAT hard" instead of "yep, there was some contact there", one really gets a sense for the sour taste of bias.
The only thing that is keeping the Lakers from becoming an elite team is Joel Myers. He straight up sucks, and knows about as much about basketball as my wife (who ususally just asks questions like 'are Kobe and AI friends'). I think I heard once that Chick would let the players have it if they played poorly. Perhaps what the players are missing is having to face a crabby Chick on the flight home. Instead they get a lame muppet (ie Joel).
While Sunderland (sp?) was good but probably not great as an announcer at least he wasn't bad (Joel). I don't know if Joel doesn't do his homework or is just plain old fashioned dumb, but he never seems to know much about opposing players and teams (at least nothing insightful).
Posted by: C.S. | January 10, 2007 at 11:23 AM
FAITH- DIDN'T FATTY SAY HE WOULD NEVER POST ON THE
BLOG EVER AGAIN.LOL. HE WAS WASHING HIS HANDS FOR
GOOD WITH THE LAKERS AND THE BLOG?
Posted by: stargazin | January 10, 2007 at 11:24 AM
OK- THE WORLD REALLY IS COMING TO AN END.
I AGREE WITH MIKE T. - A "THROW AWAY GAME".
I THINK BY THE END OF THE SEASON WE'LL "GET" THESE
GAMES.
Posted by: stargazin | January 10, 2007 at 11:26 AM
WOULD I RATHER HAVE OUR WINS AGAINST QUALITY TEAMS
OR TEAMS WITH LOSING RECORDS? WELL, YOU DON'T LIKE
TO LOSE TO ANYONE BUT THE QUALITY WINS DO PROVE
THAT THE LAKERS ARE A TEAM TO BE RECKONED WITH IN
THE PLAYOFFS.
Posted by: stargazin | January 10, 2007 at 11:28 AM
JJ,
How come when this team takes a turd on the court against the worst team in the league, you come out and say "it's no big deal, just one game" but after the Dallas game (which by the way is just one game) you come out screaming "I told you so! We're great!"?
Just curious if you turn a blind eye to all the shortcomings of this team or you don't feel that consistently having mental lapses is something that should be a concern.
Posted by: Andrew Z | January 10, 2007 at 11:30 AM
AZ,
It's far fethed to think that the LAKERS are going to do what you are saying this season. This is a young team that has already had more than its share of injuries to face this season. Let's keep our eyes on the big picture which is that this is only 1 loss.
The Lakers not Dallas or Phoenix. Can they play with them...yes? Can they beat them in a series...maybe by the end of the season? However, the Lakers are a work in prgress that will take the entire season to see the results of. No team accomplishes everything all at the same time. There are phases and steps. Relax...chill.
Posted by: JJ | January 10, 2007 at 11:32 AM
So, the Lakers are losing the games the aren't supposed to...and...winning the games they aren't supposed to.
Hmmm...sounds like the fix is in. Someone is cleaning up. Now if I just knew who he/she was I could afford to take a vacation.
On a positive note, at least the Lakers are sticking it to the Queens (Maloof's casinos) in a round about way.
Posted by: C.S. | January 10, 2007 at 11:37 AM
JJ,
"In any season, there are games you win, which you probably should lose, and games you lose which you probably should win. The Lakers have had more games which they probably should have lost but won this season, than vice versa."
I disagree. I think you win games you should have won and lose the ones you should have. The record of a team is exactly what that team is. Woulda, shoulda, coulda is a waste of time.
Unless they change their normal play, the Lakers will have more of these "brain fart" games and it will show up in the standings.
Funny how so many people praise Kobe for his "killer instinct" yet they let the team slide for not possessing it. What takes a team from middle of the pack or early exit playoff team to contender and then champion is the ability to elevate their focus and keep it at a heightened level throughout the year, not only for games against big opponents. That is what this team needs to develop more than talent, the Triangle, or getting healthy.
Posted by: Andrew Z | January 10, 2007 at 11:37 AM