On the Strength of Six Points From Andrew Bynum, the Losing Streak is Over!!!
The six from Bynum, combined with the 65 from Kobe, of course. To say that Kobe hoisted the Lakers on his back and carried them through Friday's 116-111 OT win over Portland would be like saying John Lennon carried the Plastic Ono Band. A mighty understatement. He outscored his teammates by 14, and poured in 56% of L.A.'s points, hitting just about ever big shot a guy can hit over the course of a game. 23-39, including 8-12 from downtown. But clearly, Kobe's teammates needed every ounce of what he gave. He just had to do it. Losers of seven in a row, it really didn't matter how the Lakers won, just that they won. But how Kobe wasn't the Carl's Jr. Star of the Game, I'll never understand.
Just kidding. He was. More on the game to come. NOW ADDED AFTER THE JUMP.
BK
So tonight's official Kobe Team Hoisting Stat of the Game: He scored 24 of the Lakers 30 fourth quarter points, on 9-11 from the field, including a perfect 4-4 from downtown. Those are video game numbers. Not surprisingly, the postgame chatter centered around 24. Unlike last season's 81 pointer against Toronto, during which Sam Mitchell never seemed to think Kobe was worthy of a double team, Nate McMillan did what he could (especially late) to deny Kobe the ball and contest his shots. Not that it mattered. "You just got to tip your hat to Kobe. Just an unbelievable performance," he said. "We had a chance to win this game, but he made some tough shots. Probably over half his shots were with a hand in his face, and we tried to double team- he made those, too."
P.J. must have been tired from yesterday's travel ordeal, because his postgame press conference was about seven seconds long. He was pretty happy with how they played after a slow start, and was obviously impressed with Kobe's performance. Here you go. Download phil_jackson_3.16 post Portland.mp3
Kobe said this game was, in his mind, up there with some of his best, especially when you consider how badly the Lakers needed to win. As for the ridiculous twisty three from the corner he buried in OT, "I just tried to create some space. I knew the shot clock was winding down, and I was able to create a little space with my body," Bryant said. "I was able to elevate and felt like I got a good look at it."
Download kobe_bryant_3.16 on big Portland game.mp3
He was pleased the Lakers showed some fire, pushing and shoving a little with the Blazers. They needed a chippy game. It's nice, too, to have something other than ElbowGate to discuss.
Download kobe_bryant_3.16 on team showing fire, getting over bad week.mp3
It was pretty clear when he hit the bank shot from beyond half court that it was going to be a big night. For the team, it was a game they needed, "for morale's sake." Download kobe_bryant_3.16 on getting hot, morale.mp3
On the need to take over this game. It was something he felt needed to be done from the beginning.
Download kobe_bryant_3.16 on taking over game.mp3
Plenty more to come tomorrow. But finally, Laker fans can get some sound sleep not induced by heavy drinking.
BK
It was interesting to hear Lamar Odom talk about Kobe's performance. You don't often see players borderline tongue-tied describing the work of a teammate. LO was. "Another story to tell my kids and my family. To see someone get 65 points is special. Especially in that kind of atmosphere, at this time of year." And as he fielded more questions about the effort, Lamar found himself having an increasingly tougher time translating his thoughts into words. "It's hard to even talk about it. It leaves you speechless as far as his game, his ability, his focus, his will. He's got all the tools it takes to be arguably the best ever. The greatest of his generation. I've never seen a guy get 81 points at any level, let alone on a professional level."
I asked Mo Evans what he thought this win could mean for the team psychologically, with the cloud of a losing streak no longer hanging over their heads. "Psychologically, it stopped the bleeding and gave us some momentum. Even as small as it is, it's positive momentum to go into these next few games. If we can string some games together, we can really turn it around, because one game makes a huge difference right now. If Denver loses and we win, if Sacramento loses and we win, etc." In addition to the efforts of Kobe ("To have the kind of poise and concentration to make those kind of shots on a consistent basis, it's just a great talent."), Evans also pointed out the impact of a victory delivered by a team playing under less than ideal circumstances. "Nothing's coming easy for this Laker team right now. We got guys out there, Kwame's on one leg. I was on one leg tonight. Ronny's back is spasming. Lamar's shoulder is out. Luke couldn't go because his ankle is still messed up." Sadly enough, Evans' laundry list didn't even include Vlad Radmanovic or Chris Mihm, nor did it need to for his point to be proved. "We're fighting through a lot of adversity right now, so a little sunshine comes in every once in a while."
No need to check tomorrow's forecast. Your Laker weatherman already told you to bust out the shades.
AK
ANYBODY KNOW WHY WALTON DID NOT PLAY!??!
Posted by: lakerfaninTX | March 16, 2007 at 10:34 PM
Kobe Bean Bryant has some mighty mighty shoulders. And he carried us, like he always seem to carry us.
Tonight it meant 2nd highest scoring of his career...a lil D...a couple of stops, and YAY!
Go Lakers! Love my team! Kobe's a god!
Posted by: Faith | March 16, 2007 at 10:37 PM
I used my inhaler twice when listening to this game...oh my..Kobe was determined..and he sure proved it to the Portland trailblazers..whew what a win!
Posted by: Drew | March 16, 2007 at 10:37 PM
Its been awhile, had to do it
Hate New York City
It's cold and it's damp
And all the people dressed like monkeys
Let's leave Chicago to the Eskimos
That town's a little bit too rugged
For you and me you bad girl
Rollin' down the Imperial Highway
With a big nasty redhead at my side
Santa Ana winds blowin' hot from the north
And we as born to ride
Roll down the window put down the top
Crank up the Beach Boys baby
Don't let the music stop
We're gonna ride it till we just can't ride it no more
>From the South Bay to the Valley
>From the West Side to the East Side
Everybody's very happy
'Cause the sun is shining all the time
Looks like another perfect day
I love L.A. (We love it)
I love L.A. (We love it)
Look at that mountain
Look at those trees
Look at that bum over there, man
He's down on his knees
Look at these women
There ain't nothin' like 'em nowhere
Century Boulevard (We love it)
Victory Boulevard (We love it)
Santa Monica Boulevard (We love it)
Sixth Street (We love it, we love it)
I love L.A.
I love L.A.
(We love it)
Posted by: Andrew Z | March 16, 2007 at 10:38 PM
No matter where we are in the standings, we are priviliged to see Kobe play. Phil said it "incredible"
Posted by: Baywood | March 16, 2007 at 10:41 PM
I would pay the entire world to have seen this performance by Kobe...Did i miss so much. I mean the guy was only 5 points away from 70 points again. But I remember writing a post talking about the year Kobe hit the three point tying shot and three point game winning shot in portland to give us the pacific division. Kobe is hot again, even in Denver he was hot, this boy is hot again like on fire hot, this is the kind of game that will open the fall up for his teammate, but we have to work on our defense...I pray a revelation come through for that part.
Posted by: wow | March 16, 2007 at 10:45 PM
Just watched an interview with smush in the locker room, it's no wonder he sucks - HE'S AN IDIOT!
Posted by: Adam | March 16, 2007 at 10:45 PM
Kobe is just amazing... It is just too unfair the way he is treated...
He is simply the best, and he will never get the MVP. It's just too sad.
Kobe, you are truly the MVP in my book.
Posted by: mvp kobe | March 16, 2007 at 10:51 PM
Just got home and expected to find that the Lakers had won. Or lost. Really didn't know. At first I was angry that they had to win in overtime against Portland. But then I was grateful that they actually did win. Besides Portland's a good team thanks to their lottery picks. I'm so happy I could cry! Just kidding. Sort of.
Posted by: mel | March 16, 2007 at 10:53 PM
that 3 in ot was nuts, thank god for kobe, just happy that the losing streak is over. gotta beat the twolves and the grizzlies.
why didnt luke play?
GO LAKERS
Posted by: mrbarneydangles | March 16, 2007 at 10:56 PM
Andrew Z
Perfect.
Posted by: Vman | March 16, 2007 at 11:01 PM
Beautiful Performance Kobe!
This guy is outrageous, a spectacular one man show and we are blessed to have seen the passion and determination of one of the greatest players ever. The fall-away 3 was an instant ESPN classic moment. He might get penalized by Stu Jackson for his flailing arms and that offense foul that he got away with on Brandon Roy, so be careful before you celebrate. I think that had to be Kobe's best shooting performance since that come from behind on Dallas where he brought us back from 29.
Phil makes a decent move by resting Kobe just enough between the 3rd and 4th quarters- whew, I truly thought this was going to be a game he needed to play every minute for us to win. I keep hoping Farmar will shine and gain some confidence and respect so Smush can be forgotten and we can get past his mental roller coaster we continue to enable him to ride. This game was so crucial and with how the Blazers Roy and Randolph play with such efficiency, we had to shoot very well to win. I just checked the box score and both teams shot near 50% and on 3's as well. Now that is efficient! I do believe our free throws had me scared early and when you miss 2 free throws under 2 minutes left (LO) I always think-well, you don't deserve to win. Smart play by the team tonight, get the ball to Kobe and get out of the way!
This game needs to flow into a streak and the defense has to become the focus. Kobe and Phil have obviously come to the conclusion that Kobe might need to carry these bums on his back until the confidence comes back to the guys like Smush and Kwame. We squeaked a game out and had a great attitude in overtime. One of the most important and impressive things I enjoyed about the team was that Kobe never got to high on himself or began to celebrate during the game. A true champion with class and focus. It hurts to have to rely on one man but we can only hope this inspires the others to believe in their chances. This can set the stage for a sense of urgency. Hard to take the Walton ankle injury or lack of healing that we were hoping for, please get well soon Luke! This team needs you brother! Our mojo is back, lets roll Lakers!
Thank you Jesus- wow, we needed that!
Posted by: Pete Maguire | March 16, 2007 at 11:03 PM
omg...kobe's shot from the corner in ot...i think i'm in love.
Posted by: Lucy | March 16, 2007 at 11:08 PM
THE JACKSON JOURNAL: 66th Game – Portland Trailblazers (34-32)
By Michael C. Teniente
A thumb’s up for Phil Jackson!
KEY OBSERVATION
Kobe said it best in the post game interview. It doesn’t matter how much he scores if the Lakers don’t get the stops. And the Lakers got the stops tonight. That’s been the problem all along. No stops.
The Lakers got the stops deep in the 4th quarter but Kobe and Lamar missed a combined 3 free throws. We should of won the game in regulation.
One thing that Jack Haley mentioned, which I saw and is true. The Lakers start the game playing off the man and it gets the opposing players going. I saw Kwame Brown do this. Then in the 2nd quarter Kwame was coming out to his man and causing turnovers. We have got to start the game that way. Whenever Kwame comes out to the man it makes the opposing player have to think. When a player has to think it causes them to make mistakes. When Kwame cuts off the player off of a screen it make that player turn around. That’s excellent defense. But he has to do that from the start of the game and not only when PJ gets on his ass about it.
Yeah, I know his ankle is bothering him but he gutted it out tonight. He played like a man. What people don’t seem to understand is how important it is when Kwame does the small stuff on defense. Turning the guard around off of a screen is huge. It impacts the defensive set. The rotations on the baseline. The one on one defense. But the most important, to me, is when he comes out and meets the guard off of a screen. I’m telling you, I’m watching how it affects the defensive set and it’s amazing. The only question is why he doesn’t do it from the beginning of the game.
Kwame has got to understand that his part on this team is cutting off the guard off of the high screen. It’s playing close to his man instead of off his man. It’s late in the season and we need Kwame to do these small things. If he does these things I’ll guarantee you that the Lakers will start winning games again. These small things impact each defensive set in a way that just amazing.
If you want to learn how to evaluate a game, watch how these small things impact the game. Watch when Kwame comes out to his man. Watch when he turns the guard around off of a screen. Watch how it impacts the defensive set. Then watch how the defense set breaks down when he doesn’t do these things. These are the small things that lead to stops. When the Lakers don’t do these things it doesn’t matter how much Kobe Bryant scores. It’s about stops.
The key to the Lakers winning is in these small things. I’ll guarantee victories if the Lakers do these small things.
NOTES:
I wasn’t feeling too good about the game at all. I was about to throw in the towel. My reasoning was because of the injuries. My thinking was that the injuries have taken their toll. Even now we have Lamar, Mo, Kwame, Walton, Rad, and Evans either playing hurt or out. That’s a lot! Players lose a second of timing in their ability to make cuts and it shows up in the long run, especially when it’s a combined 3 players on the floor who are playing at less than 100 percent.
Say what you will but the Lakers played with heart tonight. Kobe got them off and the other players fed off of that.
mike
Posted by: Michael Teniente | March 16, 2007 at 11:08 PM
HERE ARE SAMPLE POSTS LAST NIGHT WHO WERE TRASHING KOBE...
I think you may be right. Kobe is getting dirty, his shot is off, his leadership is non existent, he really isn't clutch anymore, and I think he may BE the cancer here, as much as it pains me to say that. I think it is time to at least get him under control so the other players can flourish as a team. If not, let's get him out of here and get someone in who is a true leader for these guys!!!
Posted by: judith | March 15, 2007 at 11:00 PM
Ok I'm officially fed up. What is UP with this team? I think we need to get rid of Kobe. He is our leader, but not a good one really anymore. With him gone, that frees up the other players to fully develop and not be held back by Kobe. As well, it allows someone else to step up as leader. The thing is, I think we could get a lot for Kobe now, maybe even a better leader. I think his time with us is cursed and we need to part ways. It will let the other players develop better as well.
Posted by: Bob | March 15, 2007 at 10:55 PM
I’m just voicing frustration (because in a way I have become a Laker fan-not hard to do given how much the Sonics suck) because from my perspective (I don’t have years of history here) Kobe IS the problem.
Posted by: SeattleDavid | March 15, 2007 at 11:04 PM
Posted by: SeattleDavid | March 15, 2007 at 11:04 PM
P;LEASE APOLOGIZE TO THE LAKERS BLOG AND TO KOBE.
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | March 16, 2007 at 11:11 PM
Who cares about Bynum??
Its all about Kobe... I love him so much.
Kwame should be placed on reserved now. He should never never be allowed in an arena where the lakers is playing. He should watch the games on TV. He is a JINX!!! Lakers will go nowhere without him.
Kobe should revert back to his ball hogging ways.
Being a "facilitator" only works if you have teamates who actually knows how to play basketball and not audiences like Kwame.
Posted by: Kit Sevilla | March 16, 2007 at 11:12 PM
Kobe will get penalized for scoring 65... Scoring 65 is the same as taunting your opponents according to Stu's logic.
Posted by: Kit Sevilla | March 16, 2007 at 11:13 PM
@lakerfaninTX
Walton did not play because he did not feel like it...
If he does not want to play, he wont. He is that kind of Superstar.
Posted by: Kit Sevilla | March 16, 2007 at 11:15 PM
No matter how hard the Lakers supporting cast tried to LOSE this game, Kobe would not accept defeat. What a win. I said to myself if they lose tonight, their season is over. PHEW!! Kobe's cast was horrific once again. Like I've said all along, let Kobe loose. He cant be a facilitator in this offense without any playmakers. Finally, there is a little light at the end of the tunnel.
KG for 2007!!!
Posted by: Mitchell | March 16, 2007 at 11:16 PM
guys...
stu jack*ss will be very pissed off...
do you think kobe will get suspended for raising his elbow before his 2nd to last 3 point shot in the OT ?
i'm worried.....
Posted by: DaxxMD | March 16, 2007 at 11:17 PM
Mike T,
despite the crap you get from a lot of the bloggers. I think you have a great eye for the game, and most of the time your insights are right on. Especially tonight with kwame rotating to the guard on the perimeter. Keep this stuff coming, OK cool!
thanks,
adam
Posted by: adam kiley | March 16, 2007 at 11:23 PM
Kit Sevilla
now kobe is in trouble again with stu jack*ss
let's just hope nothing happens..
Posted by: DaxxMD | March 16, 2007 at 11:25 PM
When you are getting ready to shoot the game winning shot and big Kwame comes charging at you, trust me you will pee in your pants and pass the ball with no confidence left in your game. Kwame's awkward speed is intimidating. Imagine a Goofy fast Kwame charging at you with full speed. You will have nightmares tonight. He deserves his 9 mil. That move at the end of the 4th quarter was awesome, took Brandon Roy out of his senses. Tim Thomas last year made that shot because he was already set. But if he handn't been set I think he would have shot a friggin air ball with Kwame bugging him. Kwame is very important to this team and don't none of you haters forget it.
Posted by: :) | March 16, 2007 at 11:25 PM
"Kobe will get penalized for scoring 65... Scoring 65 is the same as taunting your opponents according to Stu's logic."
hahaha good one, Kit
i sound like a broken record here, but ... I LOVE ME SOME HIM.
i'm naming my first born kobe
Posted by: CBuck | March 16, 2007 at 11:27 PM
Edwin Gueco,
Brilliant. Those fans should be permanently blocked from this blog- or maybe not- we need comedy.
Posted by: Gabe | March 16, 2007 at 11:30 PM
I'm going to sleep well because of the Laker win and heavy drinking.
Posted by: Andrew Z | March 16, 2007 at 11:31 PM
CBuck, I'll go one up you...I'm making my future husband change his name to Kobe haha, jk.
Luke didn't play because he's still not healed...they felt it prudent to be cautious. So they RESTED him for tonight.
Posted by: Faith | March 16, 2007 at 11:33 PM
KOBE is the LAKERS. 'Nuff said!
Can't anybody do something about our supporting cast. I mean, really!
Posted by: Shadi | March 16, 2007 at 11:40 PM
who said kobe is the problem? just because we're in a bit of a losing streak doesn't mean kobe is the problem. you are not there in the locker room. you are not down on the court. you are not on the airplane rides. you are not a basketball expert. your opinion is not correct. kobe has three championship rings and is the best player in the game if anyone remembers at all. try putting blame somewhere else, like injuries and a lack of effort on the defensive end. at least you won't look completely ignorant.
if you honestly think kobe is the "cancer" in LA, you have more problems than just your favorite basketball team's record. (like perhaps your poor intellect.)
just wondering, why's everyone so excited? it's like you guys have just discovered fire, shocked and amazed. similar to fire though, kobe has been here for quite some time. this is what he does, get used to it.
Posted by: Alvin | March 16, 2007 at 11:49 PM
CBuck -
Agreed, I to shall name my first born, boy or girl, KOBE
Posted by: bobie | March 17, 2007 at 12:07 AM
hey guys,
Don't get too excited. Its only a win. We still have a problem in the mix. However, give Kobe some credit, he was brilliant. If Luke does not come back soon, it might be costly though.
The reason I am cautiously optimistic is because we have reverted back to the old ways, Kobe putting up huge numbers for us to win. I guess its going to be a one of thing. But a win is a win. I will take this anytime.
For those who feel Kwame Brown is the weakest link on this team, think twice, I believe if we are going to make the post season, we need him to keeping going the way he did tonight. He was brilliant, he gives the lakers what we've all talked about, that post defense. Forget about scoring huge numbers, but think about how he switched on penetrating guards, even on one leg. My hero of the night KB24 won this for us. Kudos to the lakers, they needed this win.
Posted by: AA LOS | March 17, 2007 at 12:07 AM
AA Los -
Way to bring a house down....why dont you just let us absorb the first Laker win in more than 2 weeks before you set reality back in!!!
Posted by: bobie | March 17, 2007 at 12:36 AM
Mike-
Kwame's D was something we mentioned in the live blog. You're right, there was a distinct difference between how aggressive he was on the perimeter on Randolph the second go round as opposed to the first. I think his lack of aggressiveness had a little to do with Andrew getting in a little earlier. Plus, I think the ankle also played a role. I'm sure because he doesn't have total confidence in it, he's worried that if he steps out too far on a guy he'll get beat off the dribble. But he was far more assertive after re-entering the game and generally stayed that way throughout.
It was an interesting defensive night for the Lakers. Way too many open jumpers and easy layups allowed, but on the whole Portland didn't shoot at a particularly high percentage. Where the Lakers had a ton of trouble was on the glass. Portland killed them with offensive rebounds and second chance points. I remember at one point looking at the box in the fourth, and while the Lakers were shooting at a much higher percentage than the Blazers, the game was tied b/c Portland had taken 10-11 more shots from the field than L.A., despite having more TOs. Mostly because of offensive rebounds.
But there is no complaining about a win, no matter how it comes, on the heels of a seven game losing streak. Take it, be thankful, and hope it leads to a win streak, I would say.
BK
Posted by: Brian Kamenetzky | March 17, 2007 at 12:40 AM
Edwin Gueco and your like.
talk about righteous. seems a frustrated fan isn't allow to vent when you're around. what's with the taunting when the tide turns? forgive and forget. and you apologize for straining our necks looking up your high horse.
Posted by: reality bites | March 17, 2007 at 12:46 AM
I love how when Kobe accomplishes something magnificent he gives it up to the Most High. Yeah, he acknowledges there is a lot of work behind it as well ... but he gives it up. *That* is the Source of the magic - of his transcendent play.
Give it up, yo.
Posted by: p0s1t1v3 | March 17, 2007 at 01:14 AM
Hahaaha i thought u guys might like to enjoy a good laugh...
and we though Kobe's rap career was bad
Tony Parker "The French Rapper"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WThvlKMIZeU
Posted by: bobie | March 17, 2007 at 01:21 AM
Lakerfans
Will someone please give Phil Jackson a shot of adrenaline.......Did anyone see this guy at the press conference? Where is the enthusiasm.....the passion after being a witness to ANOTHER amazing feat by perhaps the greatest basketball player to ever live.
If Kobe had missed some of those clutch shots in this game would Phil had said "Kobe tried to do too much and he has to trust his teammates more"?......I know that may sound ridiculous.....but that is exactly what he said after the Lakers loss to Dallas on Sunday.
Phil Jackson is an ego maniac and constantly needs his ego stroked and massaged.........even when praising Kobe's feat he had to sneak in some credit for himself.......Did anyone hear him?
"Kobe looked a little tired there at the end of the third quarter so we gave him a little rest so he could get his legs under him in the fourth.
So I guess it was phil's strategy for Kobe to go out and score 35 points in the fourth and overtime........If Phil could, he would try to take credit for that.
Phil is so terribly insecure that he doesn't even appear happy about THE WAY the Lakers won tonight. REMEMBER THIS IS THE SAME GUY THAT CALLED A LAST SHOT FOR LAMAR ODOM WHILE KOBE WAS IN THE GAME.
I don't want to be negative but Phil's lack of enthusiasm, passion, and intensity bothers me.........He reminds me of Bill Parcells last year in Dallas.......A GREAT COACH THAT HAS STAYED AROUND TOO LONG!
I hope our Jerry recognizes this like the Cowboys' Jerry recognized it.
Posted by: pfunk36 | March 17, 2007 at 01:27 AM
Don't know why this isn't getting more attention, but with all the evidence around the role genes play in our overall health, why doesn't anyone draw the obvious link between Luke and his dad, Bill Walton?
Bill Walton had a lot of problems with his wheels, particularly his feet. I would wager that there were structural problems that were enhanced by all the wear and tear that came with his size and the sport of basketball. I would bet that Luke, in addition to his dad's height, inherited some of these same problems and the susceptibility to injury that comes with them.
That's why he will never be a cornerstone starter at the SF position. The Lakers should think about this when they start throwing numbers around this summer when he is a free agent.
Posted by: psw | March 17, 2007 at 01:29 AM
i'd be curious to hear a little more about the (potential) scuffles that occured on the court. it wasn't clear to me what was being said, by whom, or to who.
Posted by: logan | March 17, 2007 at 01:33 AM
BK,
I didn't catch the interactions of why PJ pulled Kwame so early in the 1st quarter but I think you're right about Kwame not being assertive enough.
This game was a little wierd anyway because the Lakers defense wasn't bad. They kept the Blazers under a hundred in regulation. But if it wasn't for Kobe 56 in regulation the Lakers would have lost anyway.
Smush Parker seems to have lost all confidence. He's passing on a lot of open shots.
No way does he come back next year. I think we have a pretty good squad. I would try for Billups in the off-season.
mike
Posted by: Michael Teniente | March 17, 2007 at 01:34 AM
Wow I missed a great game by Kobe. Anyone know why Shammond didn't play?
Posted by: Laker Lover | March 17, 2007 at 03:11 AM
good to see Kb24 come out agressive. I hope this turns into a 7 or 8 game winning steak. after this season is over some retooling definately has to be done anyone except KB 24 of course. The rest guys on this team just don't bring it, imagine one player scored 65 and we only win by 5 in ot at that. It's still a win though. if you look at other teams right now miami as much as we all hate it are on a 9 game win streak with no D-wade. Even detroit blew out the suns without billups finishing the game(Webber had 17 by the way) When the last time anyone other than Kobe even score 17 points. the pieces just aren't there on this team injuries aside. I hope management doesn't keep everyone on this team next year thinking they would have been real better if it wer'nt for injuries. truth be told aside frome KB24 no one else on this team brings it consistantly. You can't teach guys to play with heart or to be agressive you either have it or you don't.
On this team you have centers and pf who don't want to dunk the damn ball,instead they try for fancy layups and are getting blocked by pg's. these guys are right under the rim at times and can't even buy a basket.CHANGES ARE DEFINATELY NEEDED. Some of these guys may flourish in a different system contrary to some that said trade KB24 and that he may be keeping some of the other players back.(lol)
Posted by: VI Lakerfan | March 17, 2007 at 03:13 AM
Did i miss anything?????
:)
God I was surpirsed to see ^% pts from kobe in the headlines... awesome... First thing that came to mind, the guys who has been beshing kobe the past few days. TRADE KOBE bandwagon... now what??? huh??? speak!!!! hahahaha
Would you trade kobe for nash? dirk? mcgrady? lebron?? no way man... kobe is kobe...
Another thing... its really disheartening when i was viewing ESPN game video on the game. The lakers bench in the background while they were showing the shots from kobe... NO REACTION... they were like ok kobe hit the shot big deal... AK/BK whats going on with the bench??? yeah kobe's back to his hoisting up a million shot, but who cares? WE WON... The teammates on the bench, other than i think its Farmar, were all so DEAD...
You have got to see it to know what im talking about... if that was another team, and you saw your teammate score a three on a fadeaway, the bench would probably erupt!
check it out let me know if its just me...
Posted by: jaworski | March 17, 2007 at 03:20 AM
Kobe Bryant's the nba world's GREATEST!
Posted by: Tsiry R | March 17, 2007 at 03:21 AM
In the end... its not important wo scores... if farmar one day makes 70pts, as long as its a win then I will gladly accept it!
Sometimes i dont get the people who put so much effort in talking about kobe being a ballhog... and not looking at th end product....
Kobe has no choice but to do what he does... he;s too good a player to keep losing man.... ITS NOT HIS FAULT THAT HIS TEAMMATES SUCK.... if youre on the laker bench an all you do is complain about kobe taking too many shots, then pick up your act and start contributing!!!
That message goes out to the pathetic teammates kobe has....
Posted by: jaworski | March 17, 2007 at 03:24 AM
psw
good point, it's not only luke odom as well these guys have been injured practically every season in an LA uniform. I mentioned this earlier on another thread and someone mentioned that Shaq never played an 82 game season in LA. True but the teams were differnt and Shaq is Shaq nor did the teams back then have so much losing steaks or such a bad record. However like I said if your paying a guy and he's a good worker but he's out 2 to 3 times a week what do u do????
injuries are not the main or only problem with this team. Heart ,detemination, pride these things are seriously lacking in other players not named Kobe. Even the second option on this team is not legit,and that has nothing to do with injuries, Lo has been up and down all season. He looked good early on but he reverted back to his old ways long b4 he got injured.All those games that were lost and people were saying the team played down to their opponents level. Then the losing came to any team out there.
Anyhow hopefully this win wakes eveyone else up, and it's a push in the right direction for the team.finish off the season on a good note, see how far they get in the playoffs, and retool next season. Go KB24(at least u can still get the scoring title out of this season) LOL
Posted by: VI Lakerfan | March 17, 2007 at 03:26 AM
for those who is getting kwame triger happy...
give the guy a break... we all know that Kwame has a LOW self confidence level... give him an injury that lasted like a month, then you have another monster playing in kwame's head...
give him time...
Posted by: jaworski | March 17, 2007 at 03:27 AM
AK,
got any news on Walton's possible injury?
Posted by: jaworski | March 17, 2007 at 03:28 AM
To all of you morons that suggested that we trade Kobe, do all of the knowledgeable fans on this blog a favor and stop posting here. Your ignorance is staggering. Kobe is the only consistent positive on this underachieving team. If he had any help on a regular basis he might finally win an MVP award. His assists and scoring would be off the charts because teams could not double and triple team him. The Lakers would have a much better record and Kobe might finally get his well deserved honor. It will never happen with these inconsistent and often times heartless pretenders that he has to carry every night. You rocket scientists that say he is not a leader and blame him for this teams problems have the IQ of a rock. You are fortunate enough to witness one of the truly greatest players this game has ever seen play, a first ballot hall of fame warrior and you are too clueless to recognize and appreciate it. Stay off this blog. You do not deserve to post here.
Posted by: Mitch R | March 17, 2007 at 03:36 AM
In Staples Center on Friday night to coach his Thunderbirds, 95-89 winners over the L.A. D-Fenders, Cooper was asked to name the best defender on the Lakers.
"Luke Walton is very good," Cooper said. "Smush Parker is decent."
What is it Mike Cooper sees that we don't?
Posted by: Kristoffer | March 17, 2007 at 04:34 AM
This win means nothing. I hate to say it, but that's how I feel. I posted on a previous blog that Kobe would need to have an offensive explosion against the Blazers for the Lakers to win. Kobe had a great game, but the rest of his team was pathetic. Kobe can't keep bailing his team out. They struggled against one of the league's crappiest teams and barely pulled it off. Look for another string of losses to appear.
Posted by: Never | March 17, 2007 at 04:59 AM
After this performance by Kobe last night, I wonder where are those bloggers who after the loss to Denver said that "we should trade Kobe"....hahaha. They're probably eating crow right now...lol!
I think this ranks way up there together with MJ's shooting performance in the Finals vs. Portland where he drained all those 3's. Just shows what Stephon Marbury's been saying all along, "Let the truth be known - Kobe is the best player out there, without a doubt!"
After the Denver loss, I was wondering myself how Kobe could not stop that freakin' Linas Kleiza from shooting all those ridiculous 3's, but if you just stop & think for a minute, here's what everybody's expecting from Kobe:
a.) be a facilitator and distribute the ball
b.) be the best offensive threat and keep scoring
c.) be a leader and always be positive with his teammates
d.) be a good defensive player and shut his man down
I mean, common now, isn't that asking too much? Also, we never hear it if he's probably dinged up too, he never uses injuries as excuses, so let's all give the guy a break. When they were winning with Shaq around, Kobe could exert a lot of effort on the defensive end 'coz he could lay back on the offense as he had a lot of veteran help on that part of the game. But with his supporting cast right now, he can't "D" up as much 'coz that would greatly take away from his offense and we all know how the team fares when Kobe doesn't score.
For this season, we should simply be thankful we have the best player on the planet playing for our side, and then in the offseason management should step up to the plate and give Kobe the cast that he deserves if they're serious about winning it all. Anything less, would be disrespectful to Kobe and the fans and that he should think about demanding a trade if they don't man up for him! The Lakers should move heaven & earth to get KG &/or Billups (one or the other or both) and that would make an unbeatable trio!
Thank God for this victory! Whew! We all needed this bad!
Posted by: Arnie | March 17, 2007 at 05:07 AM
Kobe's corner 3 shot was probably one of the sickest I've ever seen. Here's why:
1.) It was a 3 ball so it's never a gimme
2.) It was a fall away 3, so that's special
3.) It was from the corner, the hardest shot of all as there's no lucky bounce off the board
4.) It was shot with 2 guys (I think) hot on his trail
That was just out of this world! And the way he threw that Udoka guy off balance with the jab step was just so funny!
In my opinion, the reason the Lakers were not playing well as of late was this: In watching the Prime Ticket (PT) version, I noticed that they all don't talk much to each other on the court. I didn't see the funny bantering or camaraderie that I saw on the 2000-2002 Lakers squad. When someone gets beat on the "D", I don't hear them screaming for help from the other guys to rotate. It was just way too silent for me that's why I was shifting back & forth to the coverage with Stu & Joel. It was just dead silent.
I was also wondering how some of the these lowly teams (& obscure players) seem to be playing out of their minds with their incredible shooting prowess whenever they play the Lakers (e.g. Kleiza, Povlovic, Charlie Villanueva, Varejao, etc.) and I believe the reason is the Lakers trademark token defense. I noticed that the Lakers defenders just raise up their arms but not really try to go for the blocks or hassle and get in the faces of the offensive players. So what happens, after a couple of minutes into the game, the opposing players get a feel of that modus operandi and that boosts their confidence knowing that they can shoot jumpers all night long and not fear getting blocked or stripped. They suddenly get this feeling like they're all alone in the gym shooting jumpers with no one guarding them.
And before you know it, these guys are in the zone playing like they were some freakin' all stars! Also, it's about time the Lakers be more physical and start pushing and shoving people (without being obviously dirty) just to let the other teams know they're tired of getting shoved around and that they're fighting back!
It's time to get nasty and start putting fear into the other teams that if you come into the lane for a layup, it won't be pretty and you'll feel the taste of the hardwood. Enough of those silly touch fouls and "AND 1's"! Start making those fouls worth their while - fouls that sting their hands and wrists afterwards, no girly hand slaps!
Go Lakers!
Posted by: Arnie | March 17, 2007 at 05:38 AM
I think we should all commend some of the guys who are trying their best while playing hurt. Kwame was limping around and we can't really say he wasn't agressive enough because he was playing off one leg. Mo Evans was gutting out despite those fluids in his knees. I for one would like to take back what I said about Mo after that Denver game as now I realize that he is hampered by that knee which is why he's been struggling of late. That alley oop dunk that Kobe fed him was spectacular as Mo caught the ball from his waist while in midair and slammed it right home - that was special! Lamar playing hard with that shoulder is really admirable and noteworthy.
Smush played ok in the 2nd half, but his play in the 1st half was just horrendous that I swore so much at this guy that if words could kill he probably wouldn't be breathing anymore. lol! And I won't praise him for that dive on the ball he made late in the game because he almost lost it to start with so that was just expected of him. Nothing special. D Fish did that always when he was here and we didn't say "that was really something" every time he did it. And with the amount of minutes he played, scoring only 8 points is nothing special.
I surely wasn't laughing when he joked in the postgame that he was "impressed with Kobe's corner fall away 3, but other than that in his 2 yrs playing here, everything that Kobe does I can do too!" Yeah right, how about working on those free throws and how about not pouting and throwing your headband (like a spoiled kid) when taken out of the game and instead high fiving your teammate coming in for you??? This isn't the 1st time he downplayed Kobe's feat, if I remember correctly, after Kobe's 81 point performance, he said something to the effect that it was a team effort when obviously Kobe carried the team singlehandedly and pulled them out of a big deficit! In my mind, this only shows how this guy's so into himself that he probably sees Kobe as a ballhog who's taking away shots from his game and that his averages would be a lot more without Kobe around. If I remember right, when Kobe was out due to suspension, MR. PARKER didn't do much and we still lost, so get a grip of yourself, man! NEWS FLASH FOR SMUSH: Go find another team next year that has no Kobe, punk! Do us all a huge favor, PLEEEAAASSSEEE! If you listened to Lamar, you'd see that he truly respects Kobe's game and even said that he feels "blessed to be playing alongside one of the greatest players of his time". Lamar also said similar things after the 81 point performance.
ADAM - you were right, Smush is an idiot - a self-absorbed one at that!
KOBE IS THE TRUE MVP! NO MATTER WHAT STERN OR STU JACKSON THINKS! I don't think Lebron or D-Wade even comes close, no matter how the league markets them as the best.
To get home at 7 ++ a.m. in the morning from the Denver flight and have time for a wife and 2 kids at home, which I'm sure he did not neglect, then come back that same day and drop 65 on a must-win desperation game, I don't think the so-called "King James" or "loudmouth Wade" can do that given the same circumstances! No chance!
Kobe is God's gift to basketball fans, Lakers fans, and true fans of the game all around the world! The world will see in the coming Olympic qualifiers how team USA will be a much better team with Kobe leading than what they had with Melo, James & Wade leading last year!
Posted by: Arnei | March 17, 2007 at 06:17 AM
From my vantage point here in Paris I didn't see the game (no Internet boradcast) and missed the 55 foot bank shot on the clear path foul. But that left me wondering. If a player makes a long three on a clear path foul, do they count the three and still give him two free throws + possessionl. It could be the equivalent of a seven point play or at least a straight seven or even eight point sequence (5 + 2 or 3).
Does anyone know the rule on this?
Posted by: Tsphere | March 17, 2007 at 06:35 AM
Edwin Gueco,
Good post.
I was frustrated too, but I'm not about to say let's fire PJ, let's trade Kobe... that's idiotic! It might feel like we have to do something drastic, but take a step back and look objectively. Why isn't Kobe averaging 35 again this year? He doesn't want to! It's not that he can't, geez... he knows we will win as a team, lose as a team, and the simple fact is, he does NOT have enough around him, the poor guy cannot do everything all on his own! And PJ is the greatest... this has just been a very sour patch. In my mind, this off season, you have two untouchables, Kobe & PJ (and then maybe Bynum), that's IT. I love all the players, but you can't expect Kobe to pull 24 every quarter just to keep the Lakers competitive...
So Gueco, great post to illustrate just how crazy things got the other day!
Posted by: Tim | March 17, 2007 at 07:08 AM
Mike T,
I would try for Chauncy Billups or even a Mo Evans type of guard. Good on the ball defending guards. Were getting killed when Smush man beats him then Kobe is forced to come over and help then Kobe man is open for those threes. We gotta get our act together 4 the playoffs. I just come to the understanding Phil isnt gonna play Shammond any significant minutes. Why? We will never know but Smush is just gonna have to wake up and step up for the playoff push.
Posted by: Paul Lee | March 17, 2007 at 09:05 AM
LOL it's good to see that I'm not the only one who will name her first born Kobe.
Posted by: Elle | March 17, 2007 at 09:28 AM
Jaworski-
Walton went through the pregame layup line, but couldn't do it without pain in the ankle, so they pulled him. He'll hopefully play Sunday.
BK
Posted by: Brian Kamenetzky | March 17, 2007 at 09:35 AM
It doesn't seem like these are the kinds of injuries that will be back at full strength in a couple of weeks. Having to get super human performances from Kobe to win home games doesn't bode well for the immediate future but it sure will be entertaining.
If you're a basketball player you want to win everytime you walk on the court. I'm sure the staff has determined that the players playing can't do serious long term damage by playing. Still, it's hard to see the sense of grinding this one out injured. There ain't no prize for a 1st or second round out but there is for not makin' the playoffs. There's your NBA.
Portland has some great lookin' kids playin' for them. If they wind up with a low lottery pick, they could make a serious jump up the ladder... like the Lakers.
Posted by: Vman | March 17, 2007 at 09:50 AM
Never Shut Up And Quit Being Negative For The Team
Posted by: Jeremy | March 17, 2007 at 09:50 AM
Good to see that Coop hasn't lost his sense of humor.
From the Times this morning:
-In Staples Center on Friday night to coach his Thunderbirds, 95-89 winners over the L.A. D-Fenders, Cooper was asked to name the best defender on the Lakers.
"Luke Walton is very good," Cooper said. "Smush Parker is decent."-
lol
Posted by: dan the man aka anyone want to buy a used smushcalade?? | March 17, 2007 at 10:01 AM
This fan said it best
"Anyone who saw the game when they lost to Denver, you could see it in Kobe eyes that he is going to be on tilt the rest of the season. People question his leadership. As a leader can you continue to sit by while teams know that your team is out of whack defensively and offensively? Can you continue to sit by and make it easier on defenders because they know you're going to look to teammates that aren't as confident in their shots as they were at the beginning of the season? NO. You do what real leaders do. You take control. Carry your team."
Wes
Posted by: wesjoenixon | March 17, 2007 at 10:02 AM
Tsphere, how funny, I'm currently located in Paris also. I've been here the last two weeks actually. I'm usually sleeping during the games, so when I wake up I go check out the lakers web site. Every game I hope that I'll wake up to a Laker victory, but every time I just wake up to the Lakers being blown out. Games I thought they would win for sure also, like the game when Kobe came back from his suspension.
I woke up this morning hoping for a Laker victory but expecting another blowout. I mean, the Lakers never play well against Portland. But yes, I woke up to headlines of Kobe scoring 65, so I'm happy once again. Hopefully my Laker happiness won't be short lived.
Posted by: Ben Goldberg | March 17, 2007 at 10:18 AM
First of all, let me greet everyone, Happy St. Patricks Day, a great feast for the smiling bloggers celebrating the feast of Kobe in preventing the 8th consecutive loss.
A day later, my anger has subsident as "Reality Bites" has noticed that I was hiding on a high horse venting on my frustration. The truth is, I was riding a longshot horse trying to manufacture a win by using the outside track. Finally, a win has been realized but Kobe has to make another miracle of making 65 points to accomplish it. Can he do that in every game? Impossible, Smush has to contribute and so with Kwame, Sasha and Farmar to cover the slack of the injured and immovable Lakers.
Thank you Tim, Gabe and BayAreaLakerfan for your props, actually I am a mild mannered blogger who do not throw weight around. In fact, I dislike posts that insult one another. I always mediate if I can do so. However when our Lakers territory is being invaded by outsiders and throw their rotten ideas in this blog masked by opinions then I don't hesitate to throw punches in reciprocating their rubbish ideas nor think of righteousness that I might hurt the sensitive bloggers out there like Reality Bites. You see, we are all anonymous here but the anonymities do not mean that we don't have our sensitivities with various degrees of passion. In the Lakers Blog, there is commonality of spirit that brings us together that is our love for the team and the people that propels the Lakers. If that passion is diluted, attacked and besmirched by sinisters, then it our right to protect our turf that breeds that passion.
A day later in the midst of your celebration of Kobe and the long sought W, I would like to apologize to the very people with uncanny opinions that I have exposed. If they don't have the courage to apologize I will. You know who they are for their names & opinions appear in the thread of Lakers-Nuggets. As Reality Bites, let us forgive and forget. Undoubtedly, that is a warning shot that at times fair weather laker fans are just unpredictable like their big city, not that timid nor pushovers as you thought they are.
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | March 17, 2007 at 10:28 AM
Personally, I rank this game above the one where Kobe scored 81 last year. I don't recall a game in recent memory where a player made so many clutch shots down the stretch, most of which were not easy. I thought it would all be for naught when Kobe and Lamar missed 3 of 4 free throws down the stretch, but the clutch 3s made up for it.
I had to make a choice last night. My wife wanted to watch a movie on tv last night, so I had to make a choice between recording the Lakers or the USC game in the tournament. Let's see.....Lakers on a 7 game losing streak vs USC in the midst of March madness. Seems like a no brainer - I chose the Lakers, and man am I ever glad. I did catch UCLA the day before, however. And since USC won, I'll have another chance to see them play.
Watching the tournament, I am amazed at how many outstanding athletes are out there. Why can't the Lakers get some of them? Watching the Lakers against Portland, I fully realize just how un-athletic the Lakers really are - especially when you see their players skying above the rim for put back dunks. It may be a little early to think about the next draft, but I'd like to see us go for some athletic talent, even if they are not necessarily all-american caliber. We have too many players who are slow, lack quickness, and can't jump.
Roger
Posted by: Roger B | March 17, 2007 at 10:38 AM
Oh yeah...
HAPPY ST. PATTY'S DAY!!
Posted by: dan the man aka anyone want to buy a used smushcalade?? | March 17, 2007 at 10:45 AM
Roger B,
"Athletic" doesn't translate into NBA stars. It takes a lot more. Look at Smush, Evans, and Kwame as perfect examples of that.
Posted by: exhelodrvr | March 17, 2007 at 11:25 AM
It has been proved that this coach couldn't and can't develop young players; history tells that good players under his umbrella will retreat into mediocre and mediocre ones would diminish into disappearing. For young players, the Lakers is a hell, not a heaven.
For a coach who talks about bringing back a 41-year old basketball player, he has lost all respects he deserved.
This coach always places the blame of loss on players and never on himself. But hack, this is a coach that would tell tale of player's backroom secret and took side of a self-centered crying baby Shaq and now see what he had said about him.
When the team constantly gives away career scoring to some unknown players in the opposite team, it's a coach problem and it's the coach's system problem, a problem far exceeding individual's shortcoming. Apparently, his triangle offense system has broken and his TRIANGLE DEFENSE was, if that's what it's called, not worth a penny.
Well indeed, this is a person getting paid 10mil to watch games from the best seat while some players had to sweat 48 mins x 82 games to earn some 600k. So yes, he should be treated like god.
Posted by: Terry Lou | March 17, 2007 at 11:31 AM
People should not take this coach's loss streak like a freak accident and automatically assumed this coach has a magic finger to turn around misfortune whenever he wants to. I'm so surprised with the fans' incredible calmness and acceptance of this porus defense and ineffective offense without laying any blame on the coach.
He has 9 rings, so he had earned his space free of critics, ridicules, and scorns? Don't forget, he was fired by Chicago Bulls and he was fired by Lakers once too.
Posted by: Terry Lou | March 17, 2007 at 11:40 AM
Terry Lou,
Phil doesn't develop young players? Ever hear of some players named Scottie Pippen? Horace Grant? Andrew Bynum is listed on si.com this morning as the 5th most improved player this season.
Posted by: exhelodrvr | March 17, 2007 at 12:02 PM
exhelodrvr
Normally, I would agree with you 100%. All I am saying is that the Lakers are the least gifted athletically in the league - and it shows. Sure, I would like to get a player who can do it all, but it doesn't seem likely unless they completely fall apart. What I am saying is that I have seen dozens of players in the tournament that would be better than what we have got. Even the players you mentioned, while ok in some areas they are weak in others. Smush isn't quick enough to stay between the man he is guarding and the basket. Kwame, although strong, can't jump ( even before his sprained ankle ) and has lousy hands. Evans is probably the best athlete on the team, but is undersized. I am not saying that the Lakers don't have talent - just that they need an infusion of a couple of good, physically talented players.
Roger
Posted by: Roger B | March 17, 2007 at 12:18 PM
exhelodrvr
Ya right, Byrum averaged 18 points and 13 rebounds in the 8 games before Phil's return from hip surgery and now he has been keeping the bench warm while constantly been criticized about his unproductiveness. Get the fact straight, his improvement came from Jabbar, Rambus, and his strength and capability.
A good coach develops players by giving them time and room to grow and explore and accomodate their mistakes by letting them play. Chicago Bulls now are a typical example and Utah Jazz has been great with a bunch of unknown players, and this coach played who? McGee, Harper?
Zen stops here.
Posted by: Terry Lou | March 17, 2007 at 01:34 PM
exhelodrvr
Ya right, Byrum averaged 18 points and 13 rebounds in the 8 games before Phil's return from hip surgery and now he has been keeping the bench warm while constantly been criticized about his unproductiveness. Get the fact straight, his improvement came from Jabbar, Rambus, and his strength and capability.
A good coach develops players by giving them time and room to grow and explore and accomodate their mistakes by letting them play. Chicago Bulls now are a typical example and Utah Jazz has been great with a bunch of unknown players, and this coach played who? McGee, Harper?
Zen stops here.
Posted by: Terry Lou | March 17, 2007 at 01:44 PM
Jeremy, I'm not being negative, I'm just being realistic. As great Kobe's performance was, that game still presented the cohesion that the team lacks. His 65 point output still does not take away from the fact, we have only won 4 of the past 17 games. Granted, the next 5 games are against the lowest tier of competition. I wouldn't be surprised if they only won 2 of the next 5.
Posted by: Never | March 17, 2007 at 01:49 PM
Kobe, please dump your wife and marry my sister!!! What a show he put on!!
I read an article on ESPN with Portland fans commenting on the game. They were whining about how Kobe is a ballhog, that he fouled Roy on the fadeaway three, and that he gets too much respect from the refs. Very funny stuff. They also complained about Lamar sneaking his way into the Portland team huddle during overtime trying to listen in. They are demanding a suspension, and calling Lamar a dirty player. After Portland's game 7 choke job against the Lakers, Kobe's threes at the end of regulation and OT against Portland to win the Pacific, and last night's amazing performance, I sympathize with these tortured souls. No matter how much the Lakers are struggling, always look on the bright side. We could be Blazer fans folks.
Posted by: Mitchell | March 17, 2007 at 02:13 PM
Terry,
"Byrum averaged 18 points and 13 rebounds in the 8 games before Phil's return from hip surgery "
WHich 8 games would those be? Bynum has had 5 games ALL SEASON where he got 13 or more rebounds, and 3 games all season where he has had 18 or more points. He hasn't come anywhere close to doing what you have claimed. You need to learn how to read a box score/stat sheet!!!
Secondly, the head coach gets the credit for what his coaching staff does. Phil obviously has put a good coaching staff in place, and given them the latitude to work with the players. You're claiming that PJ needs to be the one out on the floor teaching Bynum how to do a hook shot? Good one!
Giving them "room to grow"? That is EXACTLY what Phil has done with Bynum. The worst thing would be to out too much pressure on him by playing him too much. You really don't understand, do you?
And again, you ignored it when I pointed out just two of the young players that developed into stars under PJ in Chicago.
Posted by: exhelodrvr | March 17, 2007 at 02:33 PM
Rober B,
Dozens of players in the tournament better than what the Lakers have? I suppose, there might be three dozen who fall into that category, but you need to remember that the Lakers are competing with 29 other teams for those three dozen players, meaning that only 1, possibly 2 will be available for the Lakers to pick.
One of the worst things GMs/coaches can do is fall in love with a players "athleticism". I pointed out several Lakers who are tremnedous athletes, and (at least to this point) mediocre players at best. FAR more important is a players ability to handle pressure, improve his skills, willingness to work on his game, fit into the type of team that the coach/GM have/are trying to put together. Clearly a certain amount of athleticism is necessary. And if you can fins a player with the above qualities, and also a superior athlete, you have aKobe or an MJ.
But the great majority of the players you are referring to aren't good enough; don't have enough of the assets I noted above to make it in the league. Think - 30 teams, 15 players per team. 450 total players. Let's say that first round picks average 12 seasons in a career. (That is just a guess on my part.) That means that on the average, there are 90 second round picks/non-drafted players TOTAL playing in the league. Say each of them has an 8 year career, on the average. (Again, just a guess on my part.) That means that, on the average, 11-12 second round picks/non-drafted players make a roster each year. So of the players you are looking at in the tournament, only 40 or so are going to be in the league next year. (Of course, this is ignoring players from outside the U.S. There might be a dozen or so of them who would be available and of a sufficient talent level.)
Posted by: exhelodrvr | March 17, 2007 at 02:48 PM
Roger,
One other point - it's not worth bringing in someone who is only marginally better than someone you already have, unless there is a big age difference, because they need to learn the system, etc.
Posted by: exhelodrvr | March 17, 2007 at 02:52 PM
exhelodrvr
I am not disagreeing with what you are saying, or your analysis of the situation, but every team needs role players. Not every body on the team has to be a star. One of the key reasons that the Lakers are so poor on defense, other than lacking in basic fundamentals, is the lack of ability. Portland had players skying over Laker players who had defensive position, but no real leaping ability. In the same way, the Lakers have problems getting back on defense, because of slow footed players. They have problems with defensive rotations because of a lack of quickness. They will continue to be a poor defensive team with the personnel that they now have. What I am saying, is these are the qualities that they need to look at when drafting. Try to find a Ben Wallace, a Dennis Rodman, etc. Somebody who can fill a need on the Lakers. I am not saying to draft someone who can't walk and chew gum at the same time. But maybe find a specialist who can help the over all team balance. I don't think we need a major overhaul, just a little tweaking here and there. You use a lot of statistics, which sound good, but think of this - all of the other teams in the league can find players of this type, why can't we?
Roger
Posted by: Roger B | March 17, 2007 at 03:57 PM
Talking About The Defense Never and What Player Do You Want In The Offseason
Posted by: Jeremy | March 17, 2007 at 04:21 PM
Roger,
ALl the other teams can't find that many good players. A few can; those are the ones at the top. The Lakers are in the middle somewhere. They are a very young team, still getting past the salary cap/Shaq trade issues. They are still a player or two away from being a contender. Get those one or two players, and some more experience for the current group, and they will do well.
Posted by: exhelodrvr | March 17, 2007 at 08:04 PM
exhelodrvr
Really? With your saying, those bench warmers should feel very LUCKY to sit there learning? I don't understand the game, so go ahead and tell Farmar and Byrum to smile for not being overused.
I'm not saying that you should take the youth over experiences and maturity, you should take whatever works to win the games. But this coach doesn't win games, he loses close games, he loses overtime games, he loses games in big margin, he loses games even when we were leading big, and for Christ sake, he just accomplished a 7 games losing streak.
So, if you can't avoid losing, you might as well lose in style. Look to the future and give the playing time to the potentials. At least, run-and-gun is more fun than slowing death in this triangle.
Posted by: Terry Lou | March 17, 2007 at 11:30 PM
TRADE BYNUM TRADE BYNUM TRADE BYNUM TRADE BYNUM TRADE BYNUM TRADE BYNUM TRADE BYNUM TRADE BYNUM TRADE BYNUM TRADE BYNUM TRADE BYNUM TRADE BYNUM TRADE BYNUM TRADE BYNUM TRADE BYNUM TRADE BYNUM TRADE BYNUM TRADE BYNUM TRADE BYNUM TRADE BYNUM
Posted by: Justin | March 18, 2007 at 07:32 AM
exhelodrvr
Apparently, there is some confusion here. We don't seem to be communicating, and maybe that's my fault. You seem to be talking about players of super star status - but I am not. What you are saying is right if you are talking about elite players. What I am talking about is our overall lack of athleticism. It is pathetic. Every team in the league has players who can fun faster, leap higher and are quicker than those on the Lakers. I am not saying that the players we have are not good players, just that we need a little bit of tweaking. Even one player can make a difference, if he is a defensive stopper, a quick harrassing defender, or a tiger on the boards it would greatly enhance our team. Just looking back to the Portland game, if we had even one solid rebounder, Kobe would not have needed those heroics. We would have won going away. All I am saying, is that most teams in the draft are looking for the elite player and maybe there are some very good role players that could be overlooked. We got Ronny in the second round of the draft, so it is possible. And, by the way, I still hold out hopes that Ronny wil continue to develop and be that kind of player. Bynum, is another who is still growing into his body, and I expect him to be bigger and stronger next year, after another summer of working out.
Roger
Posted by: Roger B | March 18, 2007 at 09:07 AM
Terry,
"But this coach doesn't win games, he loses close games, he loses overtime games, he loses games in big margin, he loses games even when we were leading big, and for Christ sake, he just accomplished a 7 games losing streak."
Apparently you aren't watching the Lakers. Look at their record. More wins than losses. Or do you blame the coach for the losses and give the players credit for the wins?
With a mediocre roster, and an extreme amount of injuries, PJ has the Lakers in the 7th seed, in the tough western conference. One of the top, if not the top, coaching jobs in the league this season. Even better than last year, when he nearly pulled off a huge upset in the playoffs, against a team far superior to the Lakers.
If you are criticizing PJ for the record of the team this season, you clearly don't understand.
"Take whatever works to win games" you say.
What exaactly would that be with this team? When Odom, Brown, and Walton are out? With Kobe recovering from knee surgery? Your center, who barely played high school ball, and no college, just in his second season. Phil has done an exceptional job this year!
Posted by: exhelodrvr | March 18, 2007 at 11:32 AM
exhelodrvr
Lol, top coaching, at 33-31? For 2M, maybe! But he is absolutely lousy and incapable for 10M. Everything is relative and we expect him to win every SINGLE game with that pay. If he is a top coach, then how much would you pay Sun's or Maverick's? Ouch! Apparently, you are a hardcore Phil lover. I respect that, but you just don't have to diminish others to raise your status.
People like you always tend to blame on players for lack of talent, lack of defense, ineffective offense, can't jump, can't shoot, too slow, can't block, can't rebound, unmotivated, etc. But you know what? These all are the problems of coach, his staffing, and organization's. Not players. Because you know what? Coach can fire a player but a player cannot fire the coach, is that simple!
We, as the fans, pay big and expect big in return. You draft them, you use them. Don't come cry and lay blames on players for the coach's and organization's mismanagement and ineptitude.
Posted by: Terry Lou | March 18, 2007 at 01:32 PM
Terry,
"we expect him to win every SINGLE game with that pay"
That explains your understanding of the game, then. No further discussion necessary.
Posted by: exhelodrvr | March 18, 2007 at 04:30 PM