Extra! Extra! (3.11)/Know Thy Enemy: Dallas Mavericks
Hopefully the Lakers remembered to spring forward before bedtime last night (Lakers Blog didn't). Because with the Mavericks in town for a Sunday evening tussle, the Lakers need to advance their collective game- by a lot- if they want a chance to win. Dallas has won 16 straight, 51 overall, score like Scott Baio and actually play some defense under Avery Johnson. They are, in a word (or three), really, really good. How's that for a scouting report? They will be playing without ol' friend Devean George, though. So there's an opening. And it's possible that a lineup change could propel the Lakers back to the winning ways of '06, starting with Kwame Brown for Andrew Bynum and perhaps extending to Shammond for Smush.
Not that the Mavs are unbeatable, as the Lakers already showed on January 7th, in a 101-98 win. And as the box shows, they were shorthanded for that one, too. What they got was 16 points from Sasha Vujacic, always an unlikely source. And it'll take a big game from someone unexpected (granted, from that standpoint, everyone not named Kobe who will play fits the bill) to do the same today. Defensively, they held Dallas to 42.7% from the field, and while Dirk Nowitzki had 29 points, he needed 24 shots to get there. That's a livable ratio. So keep your fingers crossed.
The Ron Ron speculation is still out there. And we're not sure how often the folks at Gambling911.com update their photo gallery, but a refreshing is very much in order.
AK/BK
DO you have any word on what the lakers plan to do with the exception that the league gave us to sign a player to a 10 day contract?
Posted by: ose | March 11, 2007 at 12:07 PM
I like the Ron Artest idea. It would certainly take the focus off Kobe as a so-called "dirty player." Any new blood would certainly help the Lakers stagnant chemistry at this point in the season. Other than Kobe, Lamar, Kwame and Bynum -- everyone else is expendible based on their performance this dreary season.
Posted by: Rick Friedman | March 11, 2007 at 12:23 PM
Ose-
My guess is nothing, since the exception comes with strings attached that would likely put the Lakers in a position of having to release a player to use it. It's a little complicated, so I attached a link here from yesterday's Extra post that helps explain.
BK
http://www.pe.com/sports/basketball/lakers/stories/PE_Sports_Local_D_lakers_notes_10.41ce5bc.html
Posted by: Brian Kamenetzky | March 11, 2007 at 12:31 PM
Although I enjoy what Shammond brings to the game, I'd like to see he or someone else start in place of Smush, but only to shutup all the people who constantly whine about Smush's D.
Yes, Smush could do better with his anticipation and side to side movement, but it's not really his fault that opposing guards score on him so much. It's an offensive guard's league in today's NBA. From big men setting picks to the current NBA rules, everything favors the offensive guard. It's not just Smush who's getting toasted. Kobe, Nash, Dwayne when he was playing...all the guards are getting beaten. That's why 7 of top 10 top scorers in the NBA are guards, and those guys made their high scoring averages off of every other NBA guard in the league...NOT just Smush.
So lay off Smush. He's no worse than the average NBA guard on defense. Are there better defensive guards out there, yep. But they're rare. People need to stop scapegoating Smush for every single bad thing that happens to the Lakers.
Posted by: troy | March 11, 2007 at 12:32 PM
Troy-
I agree that Smush gets scapegoated for a lot of what happens with the Lakers, and that he's not as horrible as some think. And your point about how just about everyone gets torched on the perimeter now is also good. My biggest problem with Smush- and it's a big one- is that I think he tends to give up on plays too quickly. If he gets picked off on a screen, he'll too often concede the shot, rather than try to close. Things like that, which are, in the end, based on drive and effort.
BK
Posted by: Brian Kamenetzky | March 11, 2007 at 12:35 PM
Haha, stop scapegoating the baller...that's what happened when you become the Karma. Finally, they recognized the Tar Heel against that Fordham U. baller.
I have feeling they are going to win today eventhough it is Sunday.
Kobe loves Dallas I witnessed him pour 62 pts and beat the whole team for 3 qtrs. alone Early this season, he and Sasha rallied in the closing minutes. Just give the ball to Kobe, stay out of the way and be ready for rebound or follow-up. And when Kobe gives the ball back to you, be prepared to do your part!
I think we need both Kwame & Socks to be effective against Dampier/Howard and Stackhouse. Socks should get double-double that's the formula of winning.
Finally, the letters from the real Lakers fans are being published, those with season tickets who have been maimed for many years going with the bluff of the Front Office. Time to wake up laker fans, Los Angeles is not a sleepy hollow and dumping ground of losers. Get up, stop dreaming of championship when you don't have the necessary pieces, fight back and force the issue that we need the right personnel to bring Championship in this city. Stop believing in dreams, just make it happen.
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | March 11, 2007 at 01:15 PM
Ron Ron
In the last year the police have visited his home 6 times for domestic abuse calls.
The humane society 5 times for animal cruelty.
How many times have the police visited your home in the last 12 months?
This guy has Trouble written all over him. And thats Trouble with a capital "T" and that rymes with See, and that's right there in River City, SacramenTee.
Posted by: Fatty | March 11, 2007 at 01:19 PM
121-102, Lakers
Kobe 67pts, 3 qtrs
sits 4th
Will happen tonight.
Posted by: two0one7 | March 11, 2007 at 01:26 PM
It's good to know the Lakers can beat the best team in the league.
I wish we could go against Dallas in the first round. No joke. That would be amazing, taking out the best team in the first round. Cuban would go bananas!
Posted by: ajax | March 11, 2007 at 01:39 PM
Jon Kavulic,
You wrote, regarding Andrew Bynum, "He needs to have something terrible happen to him."
I certainly hope it doesn't, or else the authorities might come knocking on your door. When we look at the history of NBA underachievers, it seems to me that pride and passion is not something you can just beat into them. Believe me, all kind of coaches tried to implant some heart into the Benoit Benjamins and Joe Barry (Just Barely Cares) Carrolls of this world.
I agree that Bynum most likely is a bust. He was nicknamed "Big Baby" - by Smush, of all people!
But it all comes back to Mitch. I mean, come on, the great teams have players named "Amare" and "Leandro" and "Raja" and "Steve". We have players named "Mo" and "Smush" and "Kwame" and "Brian." See where I am going with this?
I am not going to watch the game against Dallas tonight. Don't kid yourself, we're gonna get creamed. Who wants to rubberneck at a terrible accident scene? Not me. I will TIVO it and then watch it later if we win. If not, DELETE!
The Lakers, since trading Shaq three years ago, have a losing record. In Phil Jackson's book, "The Last Season," he says that Mitch and he had an exit interivew with Kobe after the loss to Detroit in the 2004 NBA finals. And that they tried to suss out Kobe's response to Phil or Shaq coming back. When Mitch asked about Phil, Kobe said (in Phil's presence), "You can do whatever you want, it doesn't matter to me one way or the other." When asked about Shaq he said, "I don't want to be his sidekick any more."
I'm sorry to say it, but Kobe's ego has us in this mess, and I know he would do it differently if he could turn back time.
Meanwhile, the continued employment of Mitch Kupchak is a joke. We need KG. And LeBron. And Yao. Why not? Back in '04, we had four Hall-of-Famers, because that's what it took to win the title (almost).
I will still support my Lakers, but this is starting to remind me of the 2005 season after we traded Shaquille. Lamar got injured, and we finished that season 2-19.
Sound familiar?
Posted by: Richie | March 11, 2007 at 01:40 PM
I believe the Lakers will play hard tonight but they would have to play at their absolute best and Dallas poorly for us to have a chance to win.
Welcome to 2 games over .500.
Look for Kupchek to make finding a FA point guard the priority for next season. The Lakers will never get to the next level with Smush as a starter. I wish they could resign him but I don't think he will adjust to bench. At least not on this team. He will have to get used to the bench if he plans to stay in the league though.
How many teams will sign him as a free agent to start?
Posted by: Andy B | March 11, 2007 at 01:43 PM
Rick Friedman,
You wrote, "I like the Ron Artest idea. It would certainly take the focus off Kobe as a so-called 'dirty player'."
Have we really sunk this low? Ron Artest is a sociopath, in case you haven't noticed. For crying out loud, why not just sign O.J.? That will really make Kobe look like a choirboy.
Look, I am as amazed at Kobe's spectacular offensive skills as anyone. But when his opponent runs wild, as happens nearly every game (just recently, Kevin Martin, Rickey Davis, Andre Igoudala, it is not giving us a big enough advantage.
And the rest of the Lakers just stand around and watch Kobe do his thing. They are in awe of him, they fear him, and they resent him for the way he very publicly yellls at them on the court. There is a problem here, and I don't think Dr. Buss cares because we will all buy tickets to watch the Kobe show.
But it is looking more and more like a circus.
And the clown is always left with a sad face.
Posted by: Richie | March 11, 2007 at 01:55 PM
AK/BK
I think the Lakers should ride this season out and hope to end up with a decent playoffs seed and a healthy roster. However, the organization must abandon its philosophy of waiting for mediocre players to develop into a championship caliber group. I can't picture the likes of Kwame or Sasha ever hoisting a championship trophy as key players.
How long can we afford to wait for Smush to learn to play defense, Kwame to hold on to the basketball, Cook to develop a low-post game, or Sasha to drive to the hoop? Next season is Phil Jackson's last, and Kobe has, at most, 5 more seasons in him before he runs out of gas against younger, faster, and more athletic defenders.
The must keeps are: Kobe, Lamar, Luke, and Bynum. EVERYONE else is fair game.
The Lakers should unload the dead weight either through trades or waivers. They should build a roster of marques players (Garnett and Kid come to mind), veteran players, and a group of athletic defensive minded role players with good work ethics. The Lakers did not win their last three championships by waiting for Van Exel, E. Jones, or Ceballos to get to the next level. Instead, they signed a proven big man, a young phenom, a group of tested veterans, and a coaching staff capable of bringing the best out of them.
It may seem like this drastic approach to the current roster will put us back to square one, and will take a long time to give the desired results...
Just remeber, Miami followed this exact approach, and won their championship after one season.
Posted by: Big AL | March 11, 2007 at 02:05 PM
Lakers is lucky at number 6 in the west, because Denver, Clippers, Sac had new coach, new players, injuries. Lakers have 2 problems, first you have to find good players, second are these players can play right away in trial angle offense ? or we have to wait for 2,3 years. Phil should retire, next Lakers head coach needs to run half-court offense, play defense, cut down turn over, take good shot selections, Lakers will be good, Jim Buss and Mitch should continue to add good players around Kobe. Chris Webber went to Detroi and play right away, he did not need to sit on the bench and learn the Detroit's offense. If you are good coach, you know your's player strength and weakness, you put your player in the best situation to win, you don't put your player on the bench and let them figure the offense by themself.
Posted by: bluesky | March 11, 2007 at 02:08 PM
Richie, about the name thing.. what are you talking about? Seriously dude, what were you trying to say there?
Posted by: Michael A | March 11, 2007 at 02:12 PM
two0one7
67 points? Lakers win by 20?
What are you smoking dude?
Whatever it is and it makes you feel that optimistic, I want some.
In fact, can you send some to the entire Laker blog? lol haha
Posted by: Fatty | March 11, 2007 at 02:23 PM
Yes Fatty, it will happen. And come back to LakersFanatics.
Posted by: two0one7 | March 11, 2007 at 02:50 PM
Remember all the 'The Heat might miss the playoffs' talk when Wade got hurt?
Yeah, me either.
Now they're angling for a top-4 finish in the East.
I have to go over the schedules again, but my gut feeling says Denver will overtake us for the 6th seed, and we'll end up taking on Phoenix in the first round. Although San Antonio could catch the Suns for 2nd seed. Denver won today and is now 30-31. Unless a miracle happens, we'll be 33-31 after tonight, so like 1.5 games up on them or so. I know there schedule is tougher down the stretch than ours, but we're not trending well (lost 17/24). We'll see.
I saw that Kobe said that he might not play beyond his current contract, that his body might not hold up.
Please, it's time to move on. We're not going anywhere right now. Get a couple of players for him while there is still a high trade value. Before the value declines and we get into Butler for Kwame territory. Kobe could still bring at least two very, very good players to surround Andrew 'The Future' Bynum with. Garnett's not coming, no one's coming over the hill to save us. Would you, given the franchise's current state?
It's time to cut ties with #24. It was a hell of a run - 3 championships, 81 points - but it's time to make sound decisions for the future. We are not winning anything in the near future; stop the delusions. But I DO want to be able to win in 3 years or so.
There's only one way that's going to happen.
Kobe, good luck on catching Shaq in rings. We'll always remember you.
Posted by: fakerz | March 11, 2007 at 03:02 PM
Well tonights game is going to be an ULTIMATE test for the Lakers..and since I can't watch it on T.V. it's probably a good thing..I was thinking about listening to the radio..but then I probably don't wanna hear the bad news..I'm hoping for good..but the last thing I need is to be upset..I'll stick with the live stats online..and if it looks good I'll check the radio..but man it's hard to not listen..you want to hope and hope..and believe something good can come out of this game..but it's tough..My prediction..kobe gets over 35 tonight..and Smush gets 16..while Cook gets 22..GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Drew | March 11, 2007 at 03:13 PM
BK,
Here's my take on Smush's attitude: It seems that when Smush gets beaten, he rightfully assumes that his big men will take over, and when they don't, he externally expresses his dissatisfaction with their lack of effort. If you notice, Kobe does the same thing. I've often seen Kobe get beaten and then just stop, as if to say, "okay, I've done my part, now bigs, it's your turn". In fact, I'd bet that Smush learned some of this behavior from Kobe. It kind of reminds me of when a NFL cornerback gets beaten and he shows his anger toward the safety who didn't rotate over fast enough. Ever notice that?
I also suspect Smush is a little tired of people, including Laker broadcasters, criticizing and scape goating him when he's the lowest paid starter on the Lakers, yet playing the 4th highest amount of minutes. I wouldn't exactly be smiling out there too if I were in his position.
Posted by: troy | March 11, 2007 at 03:15 PM
Richie,
talk about OFF TOPIC....
Whats your point?
Posted by: jaworski | March 11, 2007 at 03:30 PM
For those of you praying for a win, it will take a miracle for the lakers to win tonight against the best team in the NBA. The reasons are pretty straight forward.
1. There is no LO to slow down Dirk. If you're banking on Brian Cook, please stop. Even Turiaf, if healthy will pick up quick fouls.
2. The dallas confidence is so high, that they believe they can't lose to any team, especially to a struggling team like the lakers.
3. The lakers are completely depleted in terms of personeel. Please tell me how? No LO, Luke, Turiaf, Radman
4. The lakers confidence is currently deflated due to devastating injuries. They will need to get at least one body back, maybe, that will reenergize them.
5. The lakers have stopped playing Defense. This is the only way we can beat the Dallas team. Forget about executing on the offense, but make stops, get deflections,rebound, etc. Then we stand a chance. We can't keep the Dallas M under 100 points.
6. Nobody, to stop Jason Terry and Josh Howard. If you're all waiting for Smush or Maurice Evans to do the job, please stop day dreaming.
7. The Lakers have not played well on National TV this year or have they played well at home in the last couple of games.The home games were normally a W for them, but times have changed.
8. In my honest but sad opinion, the Lakers are not on the same league as the Dallas team even at full strength. The lakers do not have the mental strength, to compete at that level yet. Until the lakers address their Point guard and Center spots, we will continue to have to rely on Kobe, and this by itself, will not get it done. Until we take the pressure off kobe, which was seen at the first half of the season with lamar playing at an All star level , the lakers will continue to struggle both on the offense and their defense as well.
9.The Dallas team have waited all this time to build an impressive team. Give credit to Mark Cuban and Avery Johnson. It is time for Mr Kupckek to do the same. My understanding is that the Lakers organization believe that with KB24 they can always win or will have a chance to win, but the other teams have adjusted well enough, to stop or curtail him this season. I think the sooner they understand that he needs a better supporting cast, the better. The compositions of most NBA teams have changed. You have to have at least two All-star calibre player on a team but the lakers do not. Even the Sonics, have Rashad lewis and Ray Allen. The lakers organization keep deceiving themselves, thinking Lamar is an All-star calibre type, but in my honest opinion, he does not have the swagger of an All-star. Kupchek should cut his loses and make the right moves this season or we will continue to suffer in mediocrity.The Lakers organization are too arrogant and believe in some stupid strict rules. 1. They dont like to tinker. 2. They think the triangle offense is so hard to pick up mid-season. Guys, this is not going to space. What is so difficult about a glorified offense that has not work to perfection 3. I hate the waiting game by the GM. He is not proactive enough to take drastic measures and stick to it.
10. For those of you thinking we will be able to lure KG next season, you better think again. We couldn't get J-kidd, why do you think we can get KG. I doubt it if other teams are willing to help the lakers. We do not have tradable personeel. Kupckek in my opinion is not a respectable GM in the League. I think he needs to go to a management school to polish he's negotiating and decision making skills.
Posted by: AA LOS | March 11, 2007 at 03:31 PM
this is a huge game for us. I feel like this game could possibly make or break the season. We cannot leave with another moral victory, like last sunday. If we lose, we will probably keep losing, and have a bad streak, and maybe even drop out of the playoffs. If we win, it will build confidence, and get us back on track. We need this win tonight, c'mon Lakers!
Posted by: Gabe | March 11, 2007 at 03:37 PM
Fakerz,
dont you think youre going too far?
Kobe is one of the best things that ever happened to LA... why would I give him up? Did they ever thought of that when Jabbar, Worthy, copper or the others? when they were in the twilight of their careers?
kobe wont leave LA... he had a good chance two years ago... why now?
What youre saying of trading him is just plain STUPID... Why build around Bynum? He hasnt even proven himself yet... we all know thats about 4-5 years more, dont you think its a bit EARLY for that?
Posted by: jaworski | March 11, 2007 at 03:37 PM
"Kobe's ego has us in this mess"
Three guys' ego has the lakers in this mess. It's funny how Kobe is always blamed for the whole situation. Even Shaq has said that he learned from his mistakes on how to treat the other half of the duo and that's why he has a better relationship with Wade..
Anyway, even if Shaq and Kobe had stayed together, the aging supporting cast couldn't get us to the championship. It simply wasn't possible to do more than adding "aged veterans" to try and fill in.. but couldn't keep with teams with younger cast. The only way for the lakers to maintain the roster was through the draft, which Mitch and co. haven't been good at. The lakers' scouting leaves a lot to be desired when you see the Spurs picking up great athletic talents with their late picks just like the lakers had at the time.
I don't trust Mitch to get the lakers back to the top. I've seen nothing to prove otherwise, draft, trades, whatever. If the lakers have no intention to contend in the next three years, they might as well trade Kobe and get some younger talents to grow with our young team. Kobe doesn't deserve this considering he signed back thinking the management would do what's needed to win in the next couple years. But, whatever. It's business. He'll be upset for a while.. he'll move on, the lakers will move on and so will the fans.
Posted by: Lakerfan | March 11, 2007 at 03:38 PM
Thats why were called fans AA LOS...
he always hope for W's eventhough its L's written in their foreheads...
Lets hope for the best. if we lose, then thats self explanatory... lets hope for a WIN!
Posted by: jaworski | March 11, 2007 at 03:40 PM
Nowadays, I wish Kobe would just erupt for 60 or 70....
one game kobe.. just one game...Just to bring that spark back..
I do admire him playing thru injury... you can see that explosion gone form his legs this season.. Fatigue and injury is getting to him. you have to give credit to his heart...
Posted by: jaworski | March 11, 2007 at 03:43 PM
Two0one7, really think you are underestimating the great one(kobe). i say 89 points in 3 quarters with 17 steals and 18 assists with only one rebound. lakers win 191-45.
but seriously, i think lakers keep it close the whole way, but lose the 4th quarter medium-big just cause we don't have enough players left.
Posted by: greek dude | March 11, 2007 at 04:21 PM
Also, just cause this season seems bleak, doenst mean next year isn't.
kobe, at least win the scoring title this year.
Posted by: greek dude | March 11, 2007 at 04:22 PM
fatty:
"How many times have the police visited your home in the last 12 months?"
That really puts it into perspective, fatty. Way to make your point. But still....Ron Ron can play and we were ready to embrace Jason Kidd no problem AND would actully probably even consider Charles Manson if he could make us a better team. lol.
Tom
Posted by: LakerTom | March 11, 2007 at 04:27 PM
BK,
I agree with your take on Smush. The problem is the attitude. You don't act like a prima donna when you haven't proven anything yet. And I don't agree with one of the comments that he has the right to act that way because he is too underpaid for a starter. He signed that contract and considering where he was before that, he should be thankful the Lakers, of all teams, took a chance on him. Let's not forget he was bouncing around the league on 10-day contracts and couldn't get a team to sign him long term. There's a reason for that and uinfortunately, now we see why.
The NBA pay structure is based on contracts, it's not like office work where you get an annual salary review and you get a pay raise every year based on last year's performance. Players have to honor their contracts. just like the team owners need to. That is exactly why he should step up his game even more and show that he is worthy of a bigger contract on his next one (I hope and pray it's not with the Lakers...hahaha). Whining, pouting and showing a sh_tty attitude won't win anyone points if you hope to be rewarded with a bigger contract next year! It's always about "what have you done for me lately" or "show me the money". He doesn't have to score a ton of points, all he needs to worry is really limiting the oppsing guards' effectiveness (like Fisher did) and that's more than anyone can really ask from him.
I agree that it's not always his (or the 2-guards') fault getting beat by opposing guards but likewise you can't always expect the bigs to cover for the guards mistakes - that's the reason the bigs are called "the last line of defense" (not the first!). Once the guards have penetrated, the guards are at no man's land because the guards can just draw the "D" and dish to the oppsing bigs and that's as easy a basket as you can give up.
Smush is not the 1 & only reason the Lakers "D" sucks, but he is without a doubt one of the biggest reasons why it does. If only he'd stop gambling on the steals and just stay in front of his man and make it harder for the opposing point to set up their offense, that's half the battle won already.
Even Matt "money" Smith on radio last Friday acknowledged that they get a lot of fans' negative reactions toward Smush. Don't tell me all those people are just unfairly picking on Smush...........
We definitely need a new starting guard next year. For the sake of Lakers fans' sanity........
Posted by: Arnie | March 11, 2007 at 04:48 PM
JAWORSKI,
THE FACT THAT WE'RE FANS DOES NOT IN ITSELF SUPPORT DEVIATION FROM REALITIES. AS FANS WE ALL NEED TO SEE THINGS IN A MORE OBJECTIVE PERSPECTIVE AND STOP DAY DREAMING.
WE ARE A NO MATCH TO THIS DALLAS TEAM EVEN AT FULL STRENGTH.
Posted by: AA LOS | March 11, 2007 at 04:55 PM
The lakers should look into aquiring Antonio Daniels from the Wizards in the off season. This guy can create shots, he can dribble penetrate as well as find the open player. Didn't we attempt to lure him with the MLE two seasons ago. Mr kupchek wasnt ready to sign a 3year deal with him. There goes another good PG. Thats why we keep questioning the decision making abilities of our GM. This guy happens to be the dumbest Gm in the history of basketball. Why sign a long contract with radman, a guy that can't be the 3rd scoring option on this team. This guy does not play well in the triangle offense. A guy like Antonio Daniels would have been a nice compliment to Kobe at the point guard position.
Posted by: AA LOS | March 11, 2007 at 05:29 PM
NEWS!!!
Luke & Ronny are in uniform tonight....
EVEN BIGGER NEWS!!!
LAMAR LOOKS GOOD, MIGHT PLAY BY THE END OF THE WEEK!
Posted by: bobie | March 11, 2007 at 05:36 PM
Laker Tom
Touche !
Posted by: Fatty | March 11, 2007 at 06:04 PM
would you agree that the way the are playing right now..that at this point this game was over before it began? It's 56-35..I mean it's not looking good..perhaps it wasn't the Lakers night of beating Dallas for a second time :-(
Posted by: Drew | March 11, 2007 at 07:15 PM