Live From Staples - Lakers vs. Celtics
The Lakers have never lost a game after Vladimir Radmanovic gives a press conference to come clean about a snowboarding injury. Let's see if the streak can remain intact.
AK
First Quarter
AK here. And let me tell you, the natives are a might restless with a six game losing streak and 17-8 Boston lead after 5 minutes. I've never heard the boo birds out this early into a game.
5:39 - Kobe hits his third consecutive trey to bring the team within 2. You get the sense that #24 plans on doing whatever it takes to get this team off the schneid, even if it means taking the game over from start to finish. Normally, I'm not a proponent of such strategies, as the involvement of his teammates is key for this squad's bigger picture success. But given where this Laker team is at right now, I'm fine with whatever it takes to stop the bleeding.
4:11 - Having just thrown a sick dunk all over Delonte West, Kobe follows up with a triple to put the Lakers up 26-21. 18 points in the first quarter. For most players, that's already a full evening. They could just punch their time cards, yell "Good night everybody," and walk out of the building.
2:16 - Time out Lakers. The Kobe show's been fun and all, but it doesn't erase the fact that at 28-23, they're on pace to allow about 110 green points. Clearly, that's not a good thing.
Coming out of the time out, Phil inserts Shammond Williams into the game. That is not a typo. I don't know if Phil's looking to shake things up in search of a win, thinks Shammond's former days as an '03 Celt might add some "local knowledge" to combat these guys, or Williams is being rewarded for making a promise never to snowboard on company time, but it's certainly an unusual sight.
1:07 - Shammond hits the 17 footer. You somehow had a feeling he wasn't gonna let his first shot attempt since February 3rd (and only his second since December 5th) go to waste. The man is determined.
The quarter ends with Shammond missing a 57 foot prayer (yeah, he's determined, but a joke's a joke) and the Lakers up 34-30. 22 of those purple and gold points belong to Kobe. BK will narrate his scoring jag in the second quarter.
SECOND QUARTER
10:11- I'm finding it hard to type with this Williams/McKie backcourt the Lakers are running with right now. It's sort of like making sure to take notes in the face of the Loch Ness Monster. You're so surprised to see the thing, it's hard to remember to do your job. Meanwhile, the Lakers are up by 10. Which is good, because I'm pretty much dumbfounded... I think Farmar and Sasha must have slashed Phil's tires in the parking lot bfore the game.
8:36- 44-34 Lakers. The D has tightened up a little, or the Celtics are missing more. Either way, the greens are not quite putting the ball in the hole with the same frequency they did at the beginning of the game when they (literally) couldn't miss. Granted, there's no scouting report on how to attack Aaron McKie on the perimeter, since the dude hasn't played in a year and a half. Not much ink available on Shammond, too.
Farmar into the game. I think Sasha went home. Maybe Phil is just intent on benching anyone from a former Soviet Republic. Slovenia is close enough to Serbia to make this work. What is this, geography class?
6:59- Aaron McKie has himself an assist tonight, which means he's in the book for more than a turnover this year. That was his lone stat through 50 something games.
5:49- The Celtics have scored nine points more than midway through the quarter, but it's hard to tell if it's becuase the Lakers are tightening up the D or just that the Celtics sort of blow.
4:13- Gerald Green hits a pullup jumper, but didn't actually jump over anyone to do it. I think he should lose points for that. The minute he leaps over a player, even a little guy like Nate Robinson, in a game? Dude's a legend! The Lakers, meanwhile, seem to be doing a better job of trying to get the ball inside from time to time, rather than just staying content to keep the ball on the perimeter.
Bynum has the ball poked away from him, and literally within three seconds, Ronny was up off the bench to take him out. I think Phil would like to impart some wisdom. Or at the very least, sit Drew down and let him think about what's going on.
2:22- The Lakers lead has been cut to five. Even with the first unit back in the game, it seems like the Lakers just don't have the ability to put the gas on and keep it on right now. They stretched the lead to 10, and had a chance to put some distance in between them and a very bad team. Send them to the locker room down by a bunch and thinking it's over before at the half. Instead, it's now a two point game after a West layup (a nice reverse one, too) and a Pierce FT.
HALFTIME-
There it is. The Lakers turned up the defensive heat in the last minute, forcing a couple turnovers and going on a mini-run (7-0) at the end of the half to push the lead to eleven. 65-54. Much better. They really could use the boost of having a positive stretch before the break. Had the game stayed closer, the mood in the locker room would have been very different, I'm sure.
See you guys after the half. AK will have the third.
Third Quarter
11:20 - For those who think the Lakers never talk on D (and BK and I call those people "correct"), tangible proof exists that they do indeed chat every once in a while. We sit very close to the action. And because of that, we managed to hear a Laker actually yell, "screen and roll" as Boston was setting up their offensive scheme. Granted, the play concluded with Delonte West (whom a colleague of ours just noted is a dead ringer for Mandy Patinkin's character in "Alien Nation" ) hitting a 20 footer. But hey, it's a start.
5:52 - Mo Evans hits the trampoline for a ridiculously serious dunk.
2:45 - Shammond enters the game for a second time in a single game. In related news, the Earth just spun backwards on its axis and Britney Spears managed to go a day without leaving a rehab center.
1:54 - Kobe turns the ball over on consecutive possessions but the Celts are too inept to make anything of it. Well, they do manage to enter the "T" column after Delonte and LO get whistled for excess jawing. I guess Celtic Pride can claim a tiny victory.
I've questioned Sasha Vujacic's talent many times on this blog, but I'll always give the kid one thing. He ain't soft. And he just proved it yet again after remaining on his feet after absorbing a vicious pick from Kendrick Perkins.
33.4 - Shammond with the pretty up and under layup. Dude's making the most of his run this evening.
Mo Evans cans a trey with 5.6 on the clock, making it a 98-74 Laker lead heading into the final 12 minutes. Lord help us if they can't sustain this bad boy. Take it, BK.
FOURTH QUARTER
I'll say it now: If the Lakers lose this one, it's time to pack it in for the season. Fold up the tents, pack up the media guides, and cancel them all. Deflate the basketballs, sell all the jerseys. Not that I'm worried it'll happen, but I'm just saying...
9:17- "Three pointer, Sasha Vujacic, from Shammond Williams." That's never, ever been said at Staples. It may never be said again. I'm surprised Laurence Tanter didn't trip over the words. But the guy's a pro. And in case you're keeping score at home, Shammond is only four points, eight boards, and eight dimes away from a triple double. C'mon, Shammond! Push it!
8:09- It's nice to be in a game when you don't really have to worry about what's happening. The Lakers have earned that. Or at least we have, for having to watch them over the last few games. Hopefully, too, Kobe can spend the next eight minutes on the bench. I can tell you if he has to come back in, dude's gonna shoot daggers at his teammates.
7:30- "Three pointer, Sasha Vujacic, from Shammond Williams!" There it is again! This is like finding two totally identical snowflakes in a snowstorm, or having lightning strike the same place twice, or finding a fiddy on the ground, then a hundoo on the next block. This sort of thing never happens.
6:11- Shammond Trip-Doub Watch: Only four points, eight boards, seven assists short, now. Keep it up!
4:49- Farmar was announced to come in for Shammond, which would have put Shammond Trip Doub Watch in serious jeopardy, but instead Phil pulled L.O. We now have a lineup of Drew, Shammond, Sasha, McKie, and Farmar. Fair to say they've gone small at this point. I believe Sasha is playing power forward right now.
4:05- AARON MCKIE HITS A JUMPER! Although he now cuts his season per-point average from over $2.3 mil to just over a mil-and-a half. Things are really coming up Lakers tonight! By the way, the dime went to Shammond, meaning he's now only 4/8/6 away from tonight's goal of a trip-doub.
2:10- Shammond back in as Brian Cook fouls out. Trip Doub Watch still has life! Ronny's sitting on five. If he fouls out, who's going to play center? Will PJ bring back Bynum, or will he put Smush back on the floor and give McKie the post?
Aaron McKie with the layup. They're undefeated when he plays (AK pointed that out). Small sample size, but still...
Turiaf fouls out with 3.3 seconds left... SMUSH goes in! Awesome. It's the rarely seen five-guard lineup. It's a shame it's only for such a short time. I wanted to see him post up Kendrick Perkins.
Game Over! The streak is history! Lakers
This just in, Boston is a terrible, terrible basketball team. I mean, they're awful. Reduce grown men to tears bad. But the Lakers did what they had to do, which was beat the snot out of them. When McKie, Sasha, and Shammond get this much run, you know either very good things or very bad things are happening. Tonight, it was the former... thank god. Everyone can sleep easy for a couple nights.
More on the game to come. Thanks for following along.
BK
GO LAKERS!
TEACH THEM SOME MANNERS!
mike
Posted by: Michael Teniente | February 23, 2007 at 07:45 PM
Boston's 6/6. That's 100%!!!
Posted by: mel | February 23, 2007 at 07:46 PM
The Lakers/Celtics Rivalry Will Never Die!
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon Kavulic | February 23, 2007 at 07:47 PM
The Bynum-Kobe Connection is in force
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon Kavulic | February 23, 2007 at 07:48 PM
Umm, 7-2 Celtics? What the heck? We just HAD to get them after DJ died, right? :(
Posted by: fakerz | February 23, 2007 at 07:48 PM
Oh, and I just want to say to those who were asking me about it being "Bynum's Team" and not Kobe's anymore, I will respond to your questions, but not right now, if you don't mind. Tired and want to follow the game. :)
Posted by: fakerz | February 23, 2007 at 07:49 PM
So far the score says it all..the Lakers aren't playing D and they aren't making their shots...If the Lakers lose tonight..then I just don't know what to think anymore..I'm losing hope in this team..ya they have missing players..but they need to try harder and want to win..until I see this game over with the Lakers ending it with a W..I'll remain skeptical. :-/
Posted by: Drew | February 23, 2007 at 07:49 PM
Kobe's trying to win back the Laker faithful...
Posted by: mel | February 23, 2007 at 07:50 PM
Mighty Mo is our man!
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon Kavulic | February 23, 2007 at 07:51 PM
The Man Whose Team It No Longer Is is on fire! Sweet!
Posted by: fakerz | February 23, 2007 at 07:52 PM
Mike T,
"Teach them some manners."
Are you going for a new slogan to shake things up and hopefully stop the bleeding? Very outside the box thinking. haha
AK
Posted by: Andrew Kamenetzky | February 23, 2007 at 07:53 PM
fakerz,
You're an idiot. A total idiot. I hope you choke to death on your own vomit. By the way "fakers" is spelled with an "s" idiot.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon Kavulic | February 23, 2007 at 07:54 PM
Its obvious that Mike T is right.
Bynum is our problem.
He used to be GREAT at 20 minutes a night and blocking and altering shots.
But he has burned out a bit man. To be expected too.
We need Kwame back. Our defense is INFINITELY better with Brown in there.
Our pick and roll defense.
Our rotations.
Our quickness inside.
Our boxing out
etc.
Posted by: Alex | February 23, 2007 at 07:54 PM
Kobe has to keep tabs of PIERCE all game.
He keeps getting screened!
Posted by: Alex | February 23, 2007 at 07:56 PM
Put lamar on Pierce and let Kobe guard Scalabrine for a bit.
Scalabrine is useless in the post.
Posted by: Alex | February 23, 2007 at 07:58 PM
Evans is much better than Rad
Posted by: Baywood | February 23, 2007 at 07:58 PM
Ok. Lakers D improving a little, finally. But they are still not going after def rebounds - it's as much about hustle as positioning, and they are simply not chasing after the ball as hard as the Celtics
Posted by: DTC | February 23, 2007 at 07:59 PM
Is this an 80+ pts night????
Posted by: Baywood | February 23, 2007 at 08:00 PM
Kobe already has 20 points! I take it this will be a night which he'll score over 30..maybe he'll break the record of 81? hehe perhaps not but it'd be cool if he did :-O
Posted by: Drew | February 23, 2007 at 08:00 PM
Okay, Kobe's scoring 90 tonight. Praise God.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon Kavulic | February 23, 2007 at 08:01 PM
Yeah, you see....its clear as day now.
The other team knows....they just simply exploit the matchups.
They isolate against our weak defenders.
They dont isolate Kobe
They dont isolate Lamar too much
They wouldnt isolate Kwame as much.
But Bynum, Walton, Smush, etc....we just have some really really weak individual defenders.
And you cant keep doubling over and over and over expecting that you can rotate over.....
ESPECIALLY if the other team is moving the ball well and not settling for outside shots.
They keep driving through the open lanes created by the need to double team and it ends up costing us huge.
Posted by: Alex | February 23, 2007 at 08:01 PM
AK,
With this 6 game losing streak I thought MAKE THEM OBEY might no be appropriate. LOL! So I toned it down some. TEACH THEM SOME MANNERS! That's not so harsh. The next step is: ASK THEM IF THEY'LL COOPERATE!
mike
Posted by: Michael Teniente | February 23, 2007 at 08:01 PM
Kobe THE SCORER IS BACK!!!! looks like another 80 pts hahahaha
GO LAKERS
Posted by: kobe24 | February 23, 2007 at 08:02 PM
Kobe will pass 62 tonite....mark my word, he's tired of losing. Go Lakers
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | February 23, 2007 at 08:02 PM
When do The Lakers expect Walton back?
Posted by: JLO | February 23, 2007 at 08:02 PM
Hasn't anyone fricken noticed that Kobe has scored 20 in a quarter!
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon Kavulic | February 23, 2007 at 08:03 PM
Shammond is good...swak!
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | February 23, 2007 at 08:04 PM
Shammond will prove his worth tonite...Shammond where have you been hiding?
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | February 23, 2007 at 08:05 PM
Never thought I would say this, but KOBE GET 100!!!!
Posted by: Jon F. | February 23, 2007 at 08:05 PM
When Kobe comes out and plays like this.....and THEN starts to find teammates....the defense is screwed.
Just come out and look for your shot early....thats key!
Posted by: Alex | February 23, 2007 at 08:06 PM
God, please bless Kobe Bryant tonight. Please guide is play. Please let this be a historic night in which he is able to reveal his complete talents to the world. Please Lord let this night be an inspiration to all those who love athleticism and love competition.
Please God guide Kobe Bryant on this night.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon Kavulic | February 23, 2007 at 08:06 PM
Kavulic - Being called an idiot by you
is an honor. Thanks, Man Who
Is Living In The Past.
Posted by: fakerz | February 23, 2007 at 08:07 PM
Hey AK do you think the Coaches should give Williams a chance tonight? I hardly ever see him play and I think if he was to play a good amount of minutes he could do something for this team..he is always sitting on the bench!
Posted by: Drew | February 23, 2007 at 08:07 PM
Kobe 22 for 1st q multiply by 4 that's 88 man...Watch out NBA be ready with your cell phones.
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | February 23, 2007 at 08:07 PM
Whats unfortunate about that quarter:
We had a chance to be up by 9 34-25 had Lamar found Williams earlier.
And then score and set our defense NOT allowing Pierce to get that open 3 from the transition created by Rondo's steal.
Realistically, we coudl have been up by 10-12 in that sequence.
And of course Kobe's RARE technical miss....but oh well!
Posted by: Alex | February 23, 2007 at 08:09 PM
Mckie is playing in the 2nd Q. I'm turning nuts...we almost traded these guys now they are the guys we'll rely on. Go Mckie!
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | February 23, 2007 at 08:09 PM
Not that I'm compaining, but why is Shannon Williams playing?
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon Kavulic | February 23, 2007 at 08:10 PM
McKie & Shammond! Now that's how you send a message to your starters!!!
Posted by: mel | February 23, 2007 at 08:10 PM
Fakerz & Kavaulic PEACE man...Jon K is only joking, Lakers will win tonite.
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | February 23, 2007 at 08:10 PM
Drew,
You got Shammond into the game almost on cue. Nicely done. Now leave a comment about me winning the lottery. haha
AK
Posted by: Andrew Kamenetzky | February 23, 2007 at 08:11 PM
haha, Rivers is not prepared for Shammond, Who is the Shammond? Mckie, where did he come from? They were expecting Farmar, Sasha, Cookie, MO and Lying Vlad haha! (just j/k vlad be good and get well soon.
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | February 23, 2007 at 08:13 PM
SEE THE DIFFERENCE IN SMUSH PARKER AND SHAMMOND WILLIAMS. MAN HOW LONG HAVE I BEEN SAYING ITS SMUSH THATS BEEN HURTING THIS TEAM.
KOBE THANK YOU FOR DOING WHAT YOU DO BEST DEMORTALIZING TEAMS.
Posted by: Paul Lee | February 23, 2007 at 08:15 PM
Shammond is playing like a veteran....making excellent decisions with the all initiating the offense...Excellent.
Im surprised we dont see more of him. Why has it taken this long.
And Mckie is a better defender than anyone on our bench at the guard position. Hes a veteran too.
Anyone notice how its the vets that do well.
Posted by: Alex | February 23, 2007 at 08:15 PM
Hey Kavulic I liked the prayer...and since kobe has 20 already..I'm waiting for him to just explode..lets see kobe go for 91!
Posted by: Drew | February 23, 2007 at 08:15 PM
Doc Rivers want to go back to history books and looke for the name Aaron Mckie...he forgot what kind of player is he? Go Shammond, Go Aaron!
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | February 23, 2007 at 08:15 PM
shamond can play??? nice game... why Kobe stop scoring?? I WANT 80 PTS.. come on KOBE!!!1
GO LAKERS
Posted by: kobe24 | February 23, 2007 at 08:16 PM
Don't let Kobe stay too long on the bench, he might turn cold...keep those hands. He has a mission tonight.
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | February 23, 2007 at 08:16 PM
I'd love a Laker victory tonight.
Colorado loves the LAKERS!
Posted by: Hugo Boss | February 23, 2007 at 08:19 PM
I was gonna say Kobe should drive, but the refs NEVER call a foul when Kobe gets hit
Posted by: DTC | February 23, 2007 at 08:19 PM
oh-oh Paul Pierce is hitting threes. Ok Bynum is back. Good job Mckie. Show them the defense you learn with AI.
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | February 23, 2007 at 08:19 PM
Lakerfans
It is becoming increasingly apparent that the main problem with the Lakers is Phil Jackson!
His huge ego and his maniacal dependence on that damn triangle to the point it nullifies the games greatest scorer is ridiculous.
KOBE SHOULD ALWAYS LOOK FOR HIS SHOT AND BE AGGRESSIVE! LET THE DEFENSE AGAINST KOBE DICTATE WHO GETS AN OPEN SHOT!
IF PHIL DOESN'T CHANGE HE SHOULD BE FIRED!
Posted by: pfunk36 | February 23, 2007 at 08:20 PM
I told ya that pressure is off everyone knows they wont be traded,time to shine!
Posted by: Rizzo | February 23, 2007 at 08:20 PM
Ya AK..you and a million other lottery players! I'd say you have a 1 in 5,000,000 chance of winning :-P..now if only the Lakers could keep Pierce under control and not let him shoot 3 pointers!
Posted by: Drew | February 23, 2007 at 08:20 PM
Cooks is hot too...we call "so you want to trade me huh?"
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | February 23, 2007 at 08:20 PM
2nd Q.. Brian Cook Time... nice SHOTS!!!
Our Bench is working again after missing for about 20 games..
GO LAKERS
Posted by: kobe24 | February 23, 2007 at 08:22 PM
I hope we win tonight. Kobe seems to be on fire. I guess he is just trying to fire up his teammates. It's good to see Mckie and Williams play. We need some veteran presence to stabilize our play.
Posted by: lakersfan the "wolf" | February 23, 2007 at 08:22 PM
I'm in this bootch.
Lets go Lake Show.
A Shammond sighting hey, what's the world coming to.
Posted by: Najja aka Bonus | February 23, 2007 at 08:23 PM
I know it's against the Celtics but Aaron McKie looks pretty good on the D. He cut off the baseline on a Pierce spin that was excellent. Smush Parker doesn't think like that.
mike
Posted by: Michael Teniente | February 23, 2007 at 08:23 PM
Mike T,
" The next step is: ASK THEM IF THEY'LL COOPERATE!"
BK and I both cracked up just now reading that. BK thinks you're bringing your A-material this evening. haha
AK
Posted by: Andrew Kamenetzky | February 23, 2007 at 08:23 PM
If kobe is going to drive into the paint...
he either has to rise up and shoot the jumper in the paint OR dish it off to an open shooter as everyone is sagging off!
Posted by: Alex | February 23, 2007 at 08:25 PM
I actually shudder when Odom comes into the game. Cooks also only takes jumpers, but at least he can hit them
Posted by: DTC | February 23, 2007 at 08:25 PM
AK
WHY DOES IT TAKE A 6 GAME LOSING STREAK FOR YOU TO SEE THAT KOBE SHOULD ALWAYS COME OUT LOOKING TO SCORE?
Posted by: pfunk36 | February 23, 2007 at 08:25 PM
When Kobe goes back to the role facilitator, there is t/o...better a shooter kobeeeeeeee. Finish this Celtic job first, stretch the lead to 25 then be a facilitator.
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | February 23, 2007 at 08:25 PM
Mike T.,
Does Smush think at all?
Posted by: Najja aka Bonus | February 23, 2007 at 08:25 PM
Just watch the Celtics, not a particularly good ft shooting team, make 90% against us
Posted by: DTC | February 23, 2007 at 08:27 PM
We are playing sluggish. Again, unable to pull away from this losing team even with Kobe's offensive outburst.
Posted by: lakersfan the "wolf" | February 23, 2007 at 08:27 PM
Mike T is right
Mike T is right
Mike T is right
Mike T is right
Mike T is right
Mike T is right
Kwame is the key on defense....
AND
Smush is the most complete and utter garbage out there.....bring in shammond back PLEASE!
Posted by: Alex | February 23, 2007 at 08:27 PM
Kobe's pissed he's getting no calls
Posted by: DTC | February 23, 2007 at 08:28 PM
Kobe keeps going into the paint and getting smacked around.
When will this guy realize that his UPS are not what they used to be ....pass it off man!
Posted by: Alex | February 23, 2007 at 08:28 PM
Tell me, is Smush Parker looking like the play of Williams and McKie affecting him?
mike
Posted by: Michael Teniente | February 23, 2007 at 08:28 PM
is it by coincidence the Lakers lead is reduced to 4 when Smush is on the floor, too many fouls, t/o's are back. Lamarrrrrr the sleeping giant should wake up tonite.
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | February 23, 2007 at 08:28 PM
At the same time, the refs are calling some of the WEAKEST foul calls on the Lakers
Posted by: DTC | February 23, 2007 at 08:30 PM
Mike T is right
Mike T is right
Mike T is right
Mike T is right
Mike T is right
Kwame is the key.
Smush is garbage by the way....every time he comes on the floor we lose our lead!
Posted by: Alex | February 23, 2007 at 08:30 PM
MIKE T
Excellent point about Aaron McKie's defense......but answer this........why didn't Phil use Aaron McKie in place of Smush Parker against Phoenix in game 6 last year in the playoffs?
Posted by: pfunk36 | February 23, 2007 at 08:31 PM
Smush on the reverse, that's his specialty...no smuscalade there.
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | February 23, 2007 at 08:31 PM
WOW DO YOU SEE DELONTE WEST BLOWING BY SMUSH ON EVERY PLAY REDICULIOUS
Posted by: PAUL LEE | February 23, 2007 at 08:31 PM
Smush Parker really is terrible on the defensive end. I just saw a Celtic player do a spin move on him and get to the basket. The guy missed but that wasn't the point. The point is how easy he used Parker.
mike
Posted by: Michael Teniente | February 23, 2007 at 08:31 PM
Pfunk36,
I don't have a problem with Kobe looking to score. And given that he averaged 35 ppg last season and almost 29 ppg this season, he clearly is looking to score. It's hard to make an argument that he's not. You don't put up those numbers as an afterthought.
My point was that I don't think the team will be successful on a regular basis if Kobe is dominating the ball and not looking to involve his teammates. If you look at the team's success and growth over the last season and a half, I think the subsequent wins and losses back my opinion. But in a case like tonight, where they just need to break a losing streak no matter what, I don't think it really matters how this one singular win comes about. Thus, breaking from what I think is the best formula for success is acceptable on this occasion, in my mind.
AK
Posted by: Andrew Kamenetzky | February 23, 2007 at 08:32 PM
Mike T.
I think the last resort is "bribe them into submission." They'll bite. They have visions of Durant & Oden.
Posted by: mel | February 23, 2007 at 08:33 PM
All I can say is that if I was seven foot two inches tall I'd have 15 rebounds EVERY game. Period.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon Kavulic | February 23, 2007 at 08:33 PM
I propose bring back Shammond and Mckie in the 3rd with Kobe and LO I think they will finish the job. They are on a mission tonite.
The Lakers will win tonite. You know why? Well, we are playing the most bottom team of all the bottoms.
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | February 23, 2007 at 08:34 PM
smioasdfjnqwiregfqerqewgniwogefc
thanx smush
Posted by: PAUL LEE | February 23, 2007 at 08:34 PM
Yank Parker's *** now!
Posted by: mel | February 23, 2007 at 08:35 PM
He cant be thinking Mike.
This total lack of D is now itch I cant scratch.
Posted by: Najja aka Bonus | February 23, 2007 at 08:35 PM
The Job that KOBE SHOULD DO IS PLAY SOME SHUT DOWN DEFENSE AND SCORE!!!! No Other Than That.. Passing mode is not cool at all...
GO LAKERS
Posted by: kobe24 | February 23, 2007 at 08:36 PM
From now on call Smush for the reverse. Sasha too soft. We're leading by hairline now. Bring back the energy.
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | February 23, 2007 at 08:37 PM
I haven't seen the Lakers play D like this in.... I can't remember the last time I saw this kind of energy
Posted by: DTC | February 23, 2007 at 08:38 PM
Roony, Smush, that looks Showtime. Pierce got pierced by Smush haha!
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | February 23, 2007 at 08:38 PM
I'll give Paul Pierce credit. If you're gonna get called for setting a moving pick, get your money's worth. Smush is probably seeing birds chirp around his head. haha
AK
Posted by: Andrew Kamenetzky | February 23, 2007 at 08:40 PM
DTC,
Your comment scares me, I think they look trash on D. Being helped by horrible play by the Celts.
I hate Cookie.
Posted by: Najja aka Bonus | February 23, 2007 at 08:40 PM
Good job Lakers, now can you duplicate that feat in the 2nd half. I think you can. Kobe made only 3 in 2nd Q. So he reduces the forecast to 63.
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | February 23, 2007 at 08:41 PM
AK
SHOULD IT EVER MATTER HOW THEY WIN.....AS LONG AS YOU WIN?
MEDIOCRITY ALWAYS ATTACKS EXCELLENCE
I think the real reason people (not you) do not like to see Kobe explode is ENVY.
Is the Lakers record any better this year than it was last year this time? Where is the growth?
Bottom line: GIVE KOBE THE DAMN BALL!
Posted by: pfunk36 | February 23, 2007 at 08:42 PM
Pfunk,
How they win does matter if you want those wins to come on a consistent basis. And like I said, I think one way (involving everyone) will bring about continual wins and the other way (Kobe dominating) won't.
And yeah, I do think the team has grown, all in all, since the beginning of last season. Are they elite yet? No, but they don't have the talent for that right now, anyway. But the graph is moving upward. The record is in a rought stretch right now, but they also haven't been entirely healthy since around mid-November and it's gotten worse with time. That has to be taken into account.
AK
Posted by: Andrew Kamenetzky | February 23, 2007 at 08:46 PM
Is it possible that since Williams is playing well and mckie that perhaps smush might lose playing time ? And not start anymore but rather Williams go in for smush while smush is benched?
Posted by: Drew | February 23, 2007 at 08:47 PM
you must remember Mckie has playoffs experience. He played with AI and Eric Snow over at Philly when we beat them in the finals.
They had a pretty good defensive team.
Posted by: eighties lakers | February 23, 2007 at 08:48 PM
Smush rocks!if he plays good hate, if he plays bad hate, sorry you guys didnt get your 35 year old {back aching point} but this is what we got to work with, so deal with it!Or cheer for the Clips,FAKE FANS!!!!!
Posted by: Rizzo | February 23, 2007 at 08:49 PM
AK,
Kobe should dominate to show this team the direction to W. He has to attract three guards so these guys could find their way in the post. ?They have been shooting too much threes, afraid to go inside. Kobe should attack first before becoming a facilitator. Whether you're facilitator or slasher both the same, what is important is W. At present, the Lakers are like a ship without a rudder, no radar, they are just a sail boat going with the wind. Somebody has to step up and grab that steering wheel. Lakers will win tonite because Kobe has a mission.
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | February 23, 2007 at 08:52 PM
Najja, I reread my comment and it scared me too, but the Celtics are shooting 46%, quite an improvement from 60% last game. I was more commenting on the particular stretch where they, for a first time in WEEKS, actually rotated on time and swarmed aggressively. Still too many outside shots though
Posted by: DTC | February 23, 2007 at 08:56 PM
AK,
with all due respect here, the issue is that if Kobe comes out looking to score instead of looking for teammates....he will be trying to score on single coverage....then when the defense NEEDS to double him...he can begin to find teammates.
At taht point, the other team wont know what to do:
Double Kobe and risk him finding open teammates
OR
Single cover him knowing he is aggressive and in rhythm.
And the other thing is, Kobe coming out aggressive to start gives the team a boost of energy.
THEN he can settle down like he did in the 2nd quarter and let his teammates do damage.
Posted by: Alex | February 23, 2007 at 08:56 PM
Mckie may have faded ability and slower in pace but the good ball he used to do at Sixers will never disappear. In the case of Smush, he never had a formal training in basketball, never played in the finals, I think Mckie can give Smush a little seminar on how to play the game.
Hey, did you hear that Lakers were shooting 62%? Because they were hitting ball on the post. Here is the rule on FG % the shorter the distance the higher the percentage...and the farther you are the lower the percentage.
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | February 23, 2007 at 08:56 PM