Mo Better Closer
For those not housing a permanent vendetta against ESPN, check out the latest issue of the mag, specifically page 110. It's a piece about guys who may not start, but are quite likely to be on the floor during the final minutes, especially with a win in the balance. As writer Elena Bergeron says, "Starter is a job, but 'closer' is a title of respect." Among those spotlighted is the Lakers' very own Mo Evans, praised for his ability to finish and (especially) his D. So kudos to Maurice.
And if you're in the mood for a reading frenzy, flip to page 77 for a piece about the Dallas Cowboys' futuristic new stadium in the works. It's written by a pair of brothers, but that's the only authorship hint I'll provide.
But if you'd prefer instead a debate frenzy, I pose the following query. What quintet do you typically want on the floor to close out a Laker game? Obviously, different crunch time situations may present themselves (up by 3 vs. down by 3, for example), so feel free to throw out offensive and defensive versions, if you find them wildly different. For me, all things being equal (and all players being healthy), I'd probably go with:
Smush - He's experienced a few gaffes down the stretch this season, but has come up with even more clutch steals and shots.
Mo - His ability to shadow a tough cover allows Kobe to preserve that much more energy necessary to take over a game.
Kobe - It was between him and Aaron McKie, but my gut says "#24." I stand by my gut.
LO - Not that Odom's presence really requires justification, but you always want your best rebounder on the floor during crucial moments.
Kwame - In the case of a close contest, defense is often the equivalent of "tie goes to the runner." Kwame is a better overall defender than Andrew Bynum.
Depending on the situation, I could see subbing in Luke or Vlad for Mo (or keep Mo on the floor for Smush), Bynum for Kwame, or throwing Turiaf into the mix. But the above fivesome strikes me as the best "catch-all" lineup. But you may very well not agree. Or agree 100%. Either way, thoughts?
AK
Jon F -
Don't worry, as soon as I wtote that about 'Bron, he clunked a potential game-winner. whoops.
I found myself rooting for Lebron in this one. Funny thing is, I don't dislike Wade. I think he's a great player, with amazing skill and he's improving... but with all the help he gets from the officials, I'm finding it harder and harder to cheer for the guy.
Kobe goes to the line a lot, but the the most part, the fouls he gets - he earns. He works for those whistles and has even developed moves that are designed to get them... (that swing through, the pump-fake...etc.) People may not like it, but he does it out in the open - tries to draw the foul. Wade just throws himself in there and the refs bail him out.
Every Time.
I think I'd be a bigger Wade fan if he didn't get more help than any other basketball star on the friggin' planet.
Posted by: J Mike | February 01, 2007 at 08:34 PM
It's interesting to see that the Spurs still make the Suns look like pretenders. The Spurs simply own these guys.
Posted by: McGarnagle | February 01, 2007 at 08:36 PM
Charles at the half calling out Stu Jackson. haha. He said New York was bummed because they wanted to see some real NBA basketball.
Posted by: mel | February 01, 2007 at 08:45 PM
Every one looking to make sense of some of AK's comments, he said the Lakers "overall lack of talent" was starting to show, i rest my case. I take his comments just as seriously as that Hollinger guy.
Posted by: Rizzo | February 01, 2007 at 08:50 PM
Ak/Bk
I agree with u thier is no conspiracy against Kobe he is to important to the nba....I think he got the suspension because the league wanted to make a statement..but because Kobe is less of a "liked but the media/fans" then Lebron or Wade it was esiar to make an example out of him....I also think the only real problem with Kobe and the league is that the refs no longedr give him calls a superstar deserves(most of the time)...Wade gets a call when someone breathes on him but kobe gets his fouls maybe one outta three times..
but thats just my prespective...
Oh yeah and im also glad we didnt pick up Eddie Jones he coulve been a great addition to the team but were kinda loaded at the sg/sf positions so he wouldnt of had any pt. (think Jim Jackson last season) and that would put E.J. in the same position as he was in at memphis...
LANCE.P
Posted by: Lance P | February 01, 2007 at 08:53 PM
Come on AK, that's what makes it a conspiracy. Just look at the UFO...there isn't logic, or factual evidence, it's just a series of events, and "feelings"...that's what makes it a conspiracy, otherwise it would be called a fact instead.
I fully acknowledge my conspiracies don't make sense, but I believe it, I believe I see it, you don't that's fine lol.
Posted by: Faith in my treo, conspiracy QUEEN | February 01, 2007 at 08:54 PM
Dick Bavetta - in all due respect to him is 1000 years old...
Posted by: jaworski | February 01, 2007 at 08:54 PM
AK,
didnt kobe tell the reporters that he has high respect for Manu, so being a "friend" shouldnt be taken as an excuse between LBJ and "The Flush"
my closing lineup:
-Kobe
-Farmar
-Lamar
-Luke
-Brown
Smush sometimes make use of his gamble on steals which helps in end games specially if were down. but of course, these are intangibles...
Farmar would be better because of his ability to fight screens. I really dont like smush's way of being lax.
I hate radmanovich's pressure anxiety during end games. he makes a winning 3 on the offense then fouls the guy on the defensive end. thats this story this season.
Posted by: jaworski | February 01, 2007 at 08:58 PM
Is Manu's black eye from Kobe??
Posted by: Jon F. | February 01, 2007 at 09:11 PM
Boy that D Wade sure shoots free throws. He's having a great year shooting free throws continuing his record run of shooting free throws in the championship series. 24 free throws more than made up for his record breaking number of turn overs, as it was reported in the Times, so it must be an accomplishment. NBA refs are obviously aware of how prolific a free throw shooter he is and can therefore be anticipatory with their whistles so we the fans never have to miss an opportunity to see him shoot another free throw.
Posted by: Vman | February 01, 2007 at 09:33 PM
Can someone explain why Ginobli shouldn't be suspended for kneeing Stoudemire in the crotch? No way is that a "natural basketball act". Please.
Posted by: McGarnagle | February 01, 2007 at 09:34 PM
AK said: "Unfortunately, the league created such a gray area after Kobe's situation that they don't allow themselves much leeway when it comes to looking fair."
Speaking of "unnatural" moves, how about Ginobili kicking Amare in the Stoudemire, if you know what I mean? The L really painted itself into a corner with that Kobe suspension. I hope that there's at least a discussion about LeBron's foul and Ginobili's play, so that the NBA is forced to explain itself further.
What would suck is if Kobe ends up winning his appeal -- even if #24 gets his money back and is proved right in the end, they can never make up for the game we lost.
Posted by: AM | February 01, 2007 at 10:11 PM
I don't know it depends on who the opponent is. If they are playing the Suns then I would use Bynum to score more because of his size and their inability to match him. And I would put Farmar on Nash because he's quick and has shown to be a neusance to Nash. He plays Nash differently than Smush (stays closer to his body and can adapt quicker with his feet when he's trying to break down defenses thus giving him a harder time creating panteted plays. Smush has to stay farther away and this is beneficial to Nash's style. But Kwame and Bynum both have their strengths and weaknesses. Every opponent is different. Howard of the Mavs is to quick for Luke so I say use Mo more . But coaching staff needs to study their opponents and be prepared with a matching player for player game plan. You have to be consistent but certain teams have certain positions (eg: centers, point guards, forwards) that our starters will suck against. So basically it's a game per game thing.
Posted by: johnny | February 01, 2007 at 10:19 PM
Anybody ever ponder what COULD have been if we had somehow kept Caron Butler.
I loved the style of play from Caron. Like a Mo Evans, but with more polish.
Imagine a lineup featuring Kobe/Butler/Odom/Bynum. Throw in Smush and that's 5 guys who can really finish around the rim. Caron plays good D, and can knock em down from around the horn too.
Posted by: Wasabi | February 01, 2007 at 10:22 PM
Lebron popped Wade in the head and got a flagrant. It looked unintentional, but if the rules state that any hit above the shoulders (intentional or not) warrants a suspension. Intrested to see how the leauge responds.
Posted by: fkillah | February 01, 2007 at 10:25 PM
Actually I would use Smush if we were down by 3 over Farmar. This guys is clutch. But for most of the game I would probably use Farmar. This guy can better exploit Kobe's, Lamar's and Bynums talents in my opinion. Smush can excell in the bench. Luke can be the facilitator for the bench and find the open Smush, Sasha a dunk by Kwame or a three by Cookie. I don't mention Mo much because I think he's a bit too selfish.
Posted by: johnny | February 01, 2007 at 10:26 PM
This was mean. What they did to Kobe. Way to go Stern. You have hate for Kobe who like AK said has come a long way to change peoples perception of him. This is like what they did to the guy who was originally cast to do Full House. The guy had just packed all of his belongings and going across country when his agent called him to tell him that he had been replaced by a guy named Bob Sagat. He described that moment as empty. This was an empty causing act by Stern. Not warrented. I don't want to get a speeding ticket in on a Tuesday in New York when I way enjoying a Sunday afternoon drive in La. on that day. HE BETTER GIVE LEBRON AT LEAST 1 FRIGGING DAY OF SUSPENSION!!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: johnny | February 01, 2007 at 10:35 PM
"Dwyane Wade shoots more free throws than our entire team, or maybe ties," Cavaliers coach Mike Brown said. "I have no idea how we can guard the guy."
Posted by: bluescotch69 | February 01, 2007 at 10:37 PM
new NYC long-time Laker fan/blogger joining the Laker haka (warrior gathering prior to action). This is a test.
Posted by: LakersReign | February 01, 2007 at 10:40 PM
even moron Barkeley said it was a travesty. where's kiwi at? he was talking all that mess about kobe doing it intentionally.
everyone in the LEAGUE knows it wasn't intentional, well, everyone but the office. Manu needs to be suspended one game, LeBron needs to be suspended one game, and everyone else that gets touched should be suspended one game.
Posted by: socalife | February 01, 2007 at 11:01 PM
AK,
Late posting on the debate, the conspiracy may not appear as the way you defined it but it is undeniable that there is an apparent bias on Kobe mostly from all mainstream sportswriters and broadcasters. Somehow Lakers fans are so diappointed by that suspicion so they tie it this mediamen to Kobe personal legal problems and broken relationship with O'Neal that up to now affects his quest for MVP. We may also be biased on Kobe but we think there is a vendetta going on this guy which can be termed as conspiracy just hard to prove. Perhaps, the media don't like his style, his easy escape from that alleged rape trial, and his basketball persona. They ignore his talents but focus more on his perceived character.
Revisiting our argument at the start of the season, what is difficult for your bloggers to understand is that the gurus, AK/BK themselves appears to be very independent observers and yet, the Lakers blog is all about the Lakers. Normally, gurus that knows the subject also believes on the subject matter itself, come hell or high waters.
Looking at it in another perspective, the maturation of Kobe should treat MVP's, All Stars participation and even Olympics as mere side events in his basketball career. What he has accomplished so far brought him already a lot of fame and recognition that no other NBA player could duplicate from being a member of a team with 3 championships where he played a main role, 81 pts. second only to Wilt, 62 pts in three quarters only, from notoriety back to fame to be picked by Nike and last night which is also a minor achievement but a biggie to many oldtimers like me, Mike T., LakerTom and Jon K. and others i.e. to be cheered by Celtic fans yelling MVP, MVP, MVP. Knowing the Celtics-Lakers history, from the late Coach Aeurback, Bird, Mchale, Walton, Don Nelson, KC Jones, Sam Jones, John Havlicek and going back all the way to Russell no way, will the old Celtic fans will ever cheer a Laker while playing on that parque floor. The ghosts are all full-blooded shamrock green and white. Therefore, when it is all said and done, Steve Nash may be in the record books with two MVPs but people of this generation will talk about Kobe as the real heir of MJ, though the former is not finish yet, he may surpass MJ's 6 championships.
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | February 01, 2007 at 11:06 PM
Ak, you're using logic to argue. That doesn't work with most people here. Make an emotional, heart-felt statement that makes no sense, then claim it's proof. That's how it's done.
Posted by: Michael A | February 01, 2007 at 11:08 PM
McGarnagle...I'm guessing you didn't wait until the end of the game.
AK, I like your line-up to cover general situations, but if we're playing a penetrating team, we should play Bynum instead of Kwame. Kwame's help defense really needs some work, at least Bynum can block a shot or two.
Posted by: Michael A | February 01, 2007 at 11:15 PM
Manu also needs to be suspended for hitting Amare, it was an unnatural act, and he was trying to get a foul against Amare andddddddd it hurt Amare andddddddddddd the nba needs to protect its players.
how ironic are the events that took place today?
Charles said it was ridiculous what stu jackson did to Kobe, but kenny said that based on that Lebron and Manu have to be suspended.
I am so glad Charles kept showing the video and explaining how Kobe did nothing wrong.
Posted by: lakofan | February 01, 2007 at 11:16 PM
SHOW ME THE MONEY!
suspend KOBE!
DON'T SUSPEND LEBRON.
because i said so. I own a deli.
Posted by: David Stern | February 01, 2007 at 11:40 PM
jf,
At first I thought it was makeup (or pine tar!), but it looks like he got popped pretty good.
McGarnagle,
Wouldn't that be rich? Manu getting suspended for that unnatural act. Was that a basketball move? The announcers said, "Every man in America felt that one"
The league will look really stupid for suspending Kobe, LeBron,& Manu in less than a week. I predict that LeBron will get one game (a'la Raja Bell on Kobe Bryant) and Manu will get a fine or nothing. Here's the stupid part. Kobe's was semi-intentional, but was generally accepted as unintentional. LeBron's wasn't intentional (so everyone insists), but looked really bad. Every announcer and postgame host said "He (LeBron)didn't mean to do it." Like they're defense attorneys trying a case through the media.
I don't care if Manu's was intentional or not, but I really enjoyed it. Especially after Amare got up to pop Manu, but somehow Amare ends up back on the floor grabbing himself on national t.v.
Posted by: mel | February 01, 2007 at 11:50 PM
LakersReign,
Polynesian? The UH Warriors do the haka before & after every football game. It's kind of fun to watch the haole boys do it, too.
Posted by: mel | February 01, 2007 at 11:52 PM
LakerReign,
Welcome, we come in peace :)
Posted by: bobie1 | February 02, 2007 at 12:04 AM
Here is my closing lineup, if we have a lead:
Kobe
Mo
Lamar
Kwame
Cook
If we're down:
Kobe
Farmar
Vlad
Lamar
Cook
Posted by: dako otin si jawo | February 02, 2007 at 01:21 AM
I really think the only explanation of the "Kobe rule" is that it marginally diminishes Kobe's chances of getting the MVP award. It tarnishes his personal image and hurts the Lakers record of wins, both being key factors in the attributation of MVP. I think the NBA doesn't want to take the "risk" of seeing Kobe get the MVP because of Colorado and Shaq's departure. He's branded as tainted merchandise.
I don't know if anyone pointed out that the suspension not only put the league in a tight spot, as the Lebron incident shows, but it could also be considered as an insult to the refs who didn't even call a foul, let alone a flagrant against Kobe. The NBA spends a lot of energy defending the refs against bias and then decides, after watching some video, that the refs who were on the floor are blind. That's a pretty poor message of support for the refs.
Posted by: Tsphere | February 02, 2007 at 02:07 AM
the aliens have landed....
wes
Posted by: wesjoenixon | February 02, 2007 at 05:16 AM
Faith,
No proof of UFO's? Try this!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OagF67WOsG0
And this!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YcHHl_m8ocg
Explain this!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZMapqeIKabI
Posted by: wesjoenixon | February 02, 2007 at 05:29 AM
AK/BK,
I sent you guys an email with my IP info.
Posted by: LoLo | February 02, 2007 at 07:06 AM
There's something about the Laker uniform that makes all players look potentially dominant. No matter how optimistic about the Laker future the Blog is, this season the Phoenix Suns are on a path of destruction and the path runs through LA.
The big over small tactic that Phil used last year won't fly this time with the way Amare is playing. San Antonio isn't as good as they have been but they were playing well last night and got handled. Easily.
So, when putting your Laker lineups together, arguing Farmar over Smush, BYnum over Kwame, you might consider ref / league conspiracies aside, without home court could they beat Phoenix on their floor this year...next year? Adjust expectations accordingly.
Posted by: Vman | February 02, 2007 at 07:35 AM
After Lebron his Wade I saw the replays and the comments until the freethrows; then I turned the game off - too predictable.
I think the league (Stern) now realizes just how big the corner is that they put themselves in. And within 2 days of the suspension - how ironic. I think they will pull a Richard Nixon: ignore all the noise and hope it goes away.
There may be a silver lining. I suspect Kobe may get a more consistent shake from the refs because I bet they all think he got jobbed.
Posted by: Craig W. | February 02, 2007 at 07:38 AM
I say there isnt a conspiracy against Kobe, Stu Jackson is just a tool, thats why Kobe got suspended but not Manu or anyone else.
But there appears to be a conspiracy among the refs to make Dwade look like a victim on the floor with all the free throws he takes and/or his intentional exploitation of the had checking rule and the refs willingness to ablige him in said exploit.
Proof:
The finals last season. T-macs comment.
Phil Jackson has commented about it. Also Phil alluded to how he walks almost every time he touches the ball.
the regular season this year, look at almost every coach after they play the Heat, including Mike Brown recently.
THe league needs to change that rule ASAP, or stop helping him cheat.
Posted by: BrandonC | February 02, 2007 at 07:50 AM
Couple things-
Part of what I think is so much fun about these sorts of debates is how two people can watch a season's worth of games and leave with totally different impressions. I think, for example, that Farmar struggles far more than Smush on defense, especially against starting caliber PGs, but clearly not everyone agrees. And there's still a lot of Smushimosity out there. Thre are enough times that he plays well that you wonder why he can't do it all the time- well, then he wouldn't be Smush Parker. But right now, he's a better NBA player than Farmar (though not nearly as smooth a pure PG). Or at least I think so.
The second? It's amazing how having a reasonably effective Radmanovic opens things up. While he's still pretty brutal defensively (worse than Walton, for example), if he's able to stand out and bury threes, which is why they got him in the first place, it creates a ton of options. He can start, where his defensive issues can be covered a little by Odom/whoever's playing center (likely Kwame, in the long run). Putting him there adds Walton to a second unit that is now very strong in ball handlers- not a strength of Radmanovic. Or you can keep Walton in the starting lineup, and be able to liberally use Radmanovic for the 25+ minutes a night he's intended to play. This is, by the way, assuming the recent uptick keeps up. But the Lakers can't have the guy who PJ couldn't put on the floor in second halves becuase he was a liability on both ends.
I know we've had this debate before, but to me, it's all about who ends the game (the debate we're having now, really). I'd love to see Mo on the floor more late, especially for defensive purposes. Against the right team, you can have a healthy Luke out there, too. This is the sort of flexibility they were looking for at the beginning of the season. Of course, they're still a little ways away from being able to use it, with Walton and Kwame out.
BK
Posted by: Brian Kamenetzky | February 02, 2007 at 08:18 AM
No action yet from Stu Jackson? Hah! He is now miserably in a quandary as to how to protect Lebronze Jinx while trying to look fair towards Dwhine Weed. I like to imagine his balls are now freezing due to his inability to make a decision. Also, how will he justify Manu Ginobili's "unnatural act" of kneeing Stoudamire's jingles? Who will Stu Jacksin make look bad now? Let him come out as a big......very big joke! A sorry excuse for a VP in any organization, that is what he is.
Posted by: Lakergurl | February 02, 2007 at 08:18 AM
Stu Jackson is my hero.
Posted by: David Stern | February 02, 2007 at 08:35 AM
BK,
Like your analysis.
Farmar really can't meet the defensive requirements at the end of the game - not yet - so Smush has to be our guy. We should stop complaining about this and concentrate on all the trade talk (which won't happen).
Rad really has no conscience about shooting the ball and that is what we need on the first team, not Walton's 'pass first' mentality. We need the other teams to fear our outside shooters so Kobe and Lamar can have the most flexibility.
Posted by: Craig W. | February 02, 2007 at 08:38 AM
i am just waiting for stu jackson to start suspending bloggers for unatural posting acts
Posted by: LO7 | February 02, 2007 at 08:44 AM
Of course when I check out the sports sites there is no mention of Lebron or Manu. I would like to think there is at least one respectable columnist that will at least draw some attention to the lack of disciplinary action. I don't mean to harp on this but come on!
Posted by: ms. luxx | February 02, 2007 at 08:44 AM
Vman,
Much respect to the Suns this year. They are playing dominant basketball, no arguments.
However, championships aren't won in February - last time I checked - they are won in June.
Now does the current Laker roster stack up against the high flying talented Suns? No.
If you were to take BOTH Marion and Amare off that squad with significant injuries - would they still be where they are? I am not so sure.
I'm about to go Dennis Green on the Suns, "You wanna crown em? Then crown their asses!"
Do we have the best squad in the West? Nah.
However, a 7 game series versus the Suns, Mavs, Spurs or Jazz doesn't worry me a bit. The Lakers can and will hang with these squads. They've already proven that this season.
Because with Kobe and Phil, you'll always have a shot.
I do feel the Lakers are a season away from being something special, imo.
C'mon Show! Let's get the win tonight.
Posted by: tha show | February 02, 2007 at 08:45 AM
by the way, if lebron isn't suspended for a game, let the conspiracy posts begin!
stu jackson doesn't realize the can of worms he opened up by suspending kobe.
lebron's clothesline certainly wasn't intentiontal, he shouldn't miss a game.
however, stu set a precedent earlier this week.
let's see if the nba sticks to their guns.
Posted by: tha show | February 02, 2007 at 08:47 AM
by the way, d wade was 23 for 24 from the free throw line.
wow. a heat franchise record.
that's 6 free throws per quarter.
i am surprised the cavs still had 5 players to finish the game. how many of em fouled out?
must be nice.
bs.
Posted by: tha show | February 02, 2007 at 08:49 AM
the show
I concur. Love the the Dennis Green ref, don't want to go there. Wouldn't be surprised if Miami didn't wind up on the same podium and that makes my blood boil. We're the show, damn it, let no show come before us.
Posted by: Vman | February 02, 2007 at 09:15 AM
Vman,
yeah i hate to admit it as well. the heat could very well be the team out of the east.
Posted by: tha show | February 02, 2007 at 09:25 AM
ok. the february deadline is looming and the lake show has not made any trades yet. are they going to get someone before the deadline expires? who else is out there available. seriously, this team needs help inside.
Posted by: xtro | February 02, 2007 at 09:25 AM
The league will not suspend Lebron or Manu. Like AK said by using vague language "unnatural basketball act" the league has created an out for themselves. The NBA lawyers who drafted that explanation really earned their pay.
Rather then continue the insanity and suspend more players I want to see the league see this latest examples as a reason to overturn Kobe's suspension, I know it won't replace the loss suffered, but they would be acknowledging the absurdity of the suspension.
Plus, I also think that everyone from the Spurs was completely two faced about the incident. Pop told the media one thing, but behind close doors I'm sure he told the league something else. He had no problem with the suspension afterwards.
Miami on the other hand will not do the same to Lebron.
As for the final 5, like what other people said it would depend on the situation. The basic line up for me would be:
Kobe
LO
Smush
Kwame
Luke/Evans/Radmonivic
I put Smush and Kwame in because I don't think Farmar or Bynum are ready, but eventually both are going to be in there, especially Bynum who once he understands how to avoid fouls/refs give him a break will be key to protecting the rim.
The Luke/Evans/Radmonivic trio is based on the situation. Evans is obviously there for defense, but I think his outside shot is inconsistent (watching his rainbow three at the end of a game would cause many a heart attack). As for Luke and Rad, whoever has the more consistent shot, lately its actually been Rad.
Posted by: Jtrincad | February 02, 2007 at 09:31 AM
Lakofan,
I'm not "obsessed" with the conspiracy issue. Another reader brought up the topic earlier, specifically calling me out when it came to that topic. Forgive me for responding.
AK
Posted by: Andrew Kamenetzky | February 02, 2007 at 09:46 AM