Live Blog - Lakers AT Spurs

Still trying to find my seats (never been here before), but don't let that stop y'all from gabbing.

-AK

First Quarter

Okay, figured it out. And speaking of figuring things out, any question as to whether Ronny would be willing to give close buddy Tony Parker a hard foul was pretty much answered at the 8:57 mark. Put his boy right on the floor.

6:36 - Kobe blocks a Duncan floater... and may have gotten away with a goaltend. But I'll take it.

5:50 - After going sky high to corral a board, Kobe goes into "head down" mode, which results in Bryant coughing the ball up out of bounds and a Spurs time out. Not the greatest of possessions. In the meantime, the jumbotron shows on of those "race" animation dealies with marble looking objects going through a maze. I'm glad wasn't Vlad didn't enter the game, because he was watching the hell outta that thing. Out of the time out, Ronny and Mihm exit, Luke and Bynum enter.

2:34 - Beautiful spin move by LO around the rack for the layup, giving the Lakers a 15-14 lead. This one's changing hands back and forth. The Lakers are doing a nice job keeping TD from going nutty (1-6 from the field and no boards), but Mr. Eva Longoria already has 8 points. A pick one's poison team, for sure.

2:13 - During a timeout, it's announced that the Spurs Coyote has been inducted into the mascot Hall of Fame, eliciting big cheers from the home crowd. He gets a tiny banner next to Sean Elliot's retired jersey. Good for him.

1:49 - Nice job by Bynum using his length to force Manu into taking a circus shot around the rack. While Ginobli's been known to make some of those througout the years, this one bounced off the rim.

.48 - Bynum zigs when Jordan Farmar expects a zag. Or Bynum zags upon receiving a zig. However you wanna phrase it, Farmar tossed the ball into the stands.

Walton attempts a hail Mary to Kobe to beat the buzzer, but time elapses while Bryant runs it down. Spurs 21, Lakers 15. Like I said, the Lakers doing a nice job making Duncan a non-factor and are outrebounding San Antonio by a large margin. Unfortunately, they've already turned the ball, as Principal Roony would say, nine times. Can't have that and expect to come out on top.

SECOND QUARTER

10:23 - Manu sinks a long deuce to put the Spurs up by five. I can't quite figure out the correlation between the Argentian star and "Juke Box Hero," which may be his scoring music. But hey, who doesn't love a Lou Gramm vocal?

10:15 - Bynum with the board, the dunk, the and one. That's pretty much how you wanna see a 20-year old go strong.

8:32 - Bynum taps the ball out of the Spurs paint to Luke, who sprints halfway up court and tries Hail Mary #2, this time to Farmar. This time, successful with a captial "S." Or make that a capital "T," considering the throwdown Farmar administered for those two points. Kid got way the hell up there.

Time out Spurs. By the way, wanna know a difference between the AT&T Center and Staples? Fans at Staples don't EVER clang cowbells. AT&T folks occasionally do. I prefer the Staples approach.

8:13 - Fantastic job by Andrew using his length to force a posting Duncan into a wild miss. I've heard a few analysts talk about how Duncan is actually bothered more by wingspan defense than physical players. Frankly, I'm not sure how much Duncan is truly "bothered" by anybody, but I've seen Bynum have some luck against Timmy using those arms in the past. Not that Kwame's muscle doesn't come in handy, too. But there can definitely be more than one way to skin a proverbial future Hall of Famer, so to speak.

6:16 - Kwame enters the game for the first time and immediately gets the gift of an alley oop from his good buddy Kobe. But while Kobe giveth, he oft take away, too. Take away from the Spurs that is, after blocking TD's shot. That's block #3 for Kobe this HALF. If he's gunning for DPOY, this is all some very nice resume fodder.

I'm curious to see how the center minutes get divided up in the second half. I know all three want as much PT as possible, but if they're all playing well, there are worse things in the world than a trio of guys you wouldn't mind seeing on the floor.

3:09 - Duncan takes Kwame off the dribble, but Ronny's there for the... goal tend. The block party only has so many kegs on hand, but with 6 (and counting) so far, it's turning into quite the shindig.

2:50 - Fish turns the ball over in the paint. Chalk up the 15th. Too much dribbling, not enough passing it off. The Lakers would be much closer in this bad boy if they'd take better care of the rock.

1:36 - That goofy looking Matt Bonner hits a trey, increasing the San Antonio lead to 15. LO quickly hits a deuce to make it a baker's dozen, but it's bumped up to 16 on the next possession after Bowen hits from downtown. Spurs are shooting 55% from behind the arc. I don't know everything about roundball, but me thinks that line needs to be better guarded.

LO misses a triple of his own to close things out. 54-38 Spurs. Some better D (particularly from distance) and some stick-em would be in order. The Lakers can definitely make this a game again, but only if the sloppiness stops. We'll see if they come out better in the third. See y'all in a bit.

THIRD QUARTER

Kwame starts the half in place of Mihm. Dunno if this means Mihm will pull a vice versa and close out the last five minutes of the game, but at any rate, the switch didn't prevent the Spurs from getting a quick four points on the board (although Kwame did do a very nice job bodying up Duncan on San Antonio's third possession, causing another miss for TD, having a tough night).

&:03 - The Lakers catch a huge break when a masked Francisco Elson can't hang onto a Tony Parker bounce pass, leading to a considerably less frequent Spurs turnover. But had Elson snatched the ball, it would have been an easy bucket. Weren't nobody within three feet of the painted area.

6:33 - Fantastic job by Kwame of putting the ball on the floor, knifing between two defenders and going strong to the rack for an uncontested dunk. When he can do stuff like that and make the defense reguarly account for him, whether he makes every basket or not, it will open up big worlds for himself and his team. Perhaps he's taking my advice, since he soon ended up at the line to shoot a pair after drawing the foul against Elson. One sank. Lakers down by 15... Make that 17, after Parker gets inside for the easy layup. That's 24 points already for the 2007 Finals MVP. Dude is killing them.

5:13 - Ronny blocks Duncan. it's been a tough night for Turiaf (he's got 6 of them turnovers by his damn self), but he's extending the Lakers' stinginess on Timmy. Unfortunately, nobody seems to wanna do the same for Parker or Ginobli, who just hit a bomb.

2:42 - Terrific defensive stand by the Lakers, in particular on a switch that left Bynum on Manu around the arc. Bynum kept with Manu until Kobe could provide the calvary and force Manu to give the ball up. More sticky D, eventually leading to Bonner putting one up to avoid the 24 second violation. Miss. The lakers need MUCH more of that, and quick, since this one's about to hit "ain't getting back" territory.

1:10 - Vlad takes a couple dribbles, pulls up, then sinks the mid-ranger. I just wanted to type that, otherwise I could have easily gone all night without typing his name. Quiet night for the Artist formerly known as Cat Stevens.

33.6 - Mo clangs one off the side of the rim. Not what he had in mind, I'm imagining. Thankfully, Bynum is there to clean up for the lay up.

9.9 - Instead of scoring against the Lakers, Manu instead sets up Darius Washington for the triple. Do you like that any better?

Third ends. 79-62 Spurs. Lakers need to make some headway and fast. I'd reccomend some D. We'll see what happens.

FOURTH QUARTER

7:19 - Bynum draws Duncan's third foul, then heads to the line for two. Sad thing is that Duncan's having such a bad game, the Spurs might prefer he foul out.

6:31 - Some nice bobbing and weaving by Kobe around a few Spurs defenders, with #24 eventually in the air for a fancy dunk. Unfortunately, it's only Kobe's 14th point, part of the quiet night he and all his laker homies are having.

5:15 - Bowen hits a three. I might as well just start cutting and pasting the phrase "hits a three," then entering the specific Spur connecting.

3:33 - Vlad misses a gimme layup. It's just been that kinda night for everyone.

1:03 - it's officially beyond garbage time, but Bynum is digging around for a loose ball, getting himself to the line for the And One attempt. That's some effort his coach will surely like.

And there you have it. 107-92 Spurs. On the plus side, the Lakers certainly (or hopefully) didn't use up their best stuff before heading to Houston. On the minus, when they played this poorly, I don't know if I even want them to take on the Rockets to begin with. Yikes. A lot ugly in that one. But like the Lakers, y'all will be back to fight another day. So will I. Thanks for dropping by. More to come later.

Comments

Sorry fellas, this is a repost from a previous thread.

Complex brotha, I hope you're right. Spurs look good so far in the season. They usually have a slow start, then turn it on. I'd hate to see what happens if they play well the entire season.

Anybody notice the Heat-Bobcat score? Bobcats by 25 POINTS! Yikes! Can somebody stick a fork in Shaq, cuz the MDE is well done right about now. Man, when was the last time a team went from Champ to Chump this quickly? Come to think of it, it might have been our beloved Lakers from 2002 to 2005.

Posted by: Larry | November 13, 2007 at 05:49 PM

Kobe's rebounding well. That increases our chances of winning tonight (at least according to the BYU guys) :-)

Posted by: RDaneel | November 13, 2007 at 05:53 PM

Go Lakers! Finally, I can sit and watch a laker game

Posted by: Ron | November 13, 2007 at 05:53 PM

Great defensive energy, too many turnovers.

At least they're consistent.

Posted by: Brian Kamenetzky | November 13, 2007 at 05:54 PM

Would like to see how Bynum plays Duncan tonight

Posted by: Ron | November 13, 2007 at 05:54 PM

LO has to dominate that matchup.

Posted by: Vman | November 13, 2007 at 05:55 PM

Larry,

Shaq is actually doing alright. 17 and 6, 50% shooting. It's the rest of the team that's stinking it up.

On another note, Orlando is leading Seattle 85-56 after three. That Durant kid needs to improve his shooting percentage.

Posted by: RDaneel | November 13, 2007 at 05:56 PM

Niiiicee KOBE!

Posted by: Ron | November 13, 2007 at 05:56 PM

I've only watched this game for about.....since the beginning and I'm already very confused about why......MIHM is starting and he offers nooooo shot blocking or Rebounding edge next to Turiaf. last year it sas PARKER.....he can't even buy playing time in miami now. This year Phil......please don't push Mihm and Walton down my throat.

Posted by: Dion | November 13, 2007 at 05:56 PM

This is so much better D than the last 2 years

KOOOObeeeee

trade him? uh huh

Posted by: Vman | November 13, 2007 at 05:56 PM

How about the Bulls? From 62 wins in 98 to 13 in (lockout shortened) 99.

Posted by: Xodus | November 13, 2007 at 05:56 PM

Kobe's playing great defense. That's his second really good steal.

Posted by: RDaneel | November 13, 2007 at 05:58 PM

I think I've got a man crush on Kobe's defense.

Kobe for DPOY!

Vote Mamba in 08!

Posted by: Xodus | November 13, 2007 at 05:58 PM

Fish says "I'm gonna get mine"

Posted by: Ron | November 13, 2007 at 05:58 PM

Kobe's got hops tonight.

Posted by: Vman | November 13, 2007 at 06:00 PM

Timeout Analysis:

A lot of turnovers for the Lakers. Not a good sign when playing the defending champions, however, I do like the energy. Kobe is playing sharp and the rest of the team is playing along. I like the intimidation that Andrew Bynum is causing out their. Nice job so far Lakes. Score: 15-14 (SA)

Posted by: Ron | November 13, 2007 at 06:01 PM

We're seeing a lot more of the running game tonight. Especially with the ball in Lamar's hands. That's great. We need to wear out the old fogeys on the Spurs.

Posted by: RDaneel | November 13, 2007 at 06:01 PM

guys where can I watch this game in the internet? boxscore won't work for me in this kind of game...

thanks!

Posted by: kobelovesjuan | November 13, 2007 at 06:02 PM

Kobe is finally playing with all the intangibles he is capable of, ( a la JKIDD) and unlike KIDD he can score @ will, this type of play makes a former baller smile knowing hes living up to all of his talent...Keep this up Kobster and SEE what happens to this team player!, keep up your intensity man...TODDYTEE...

Posted by: Todd Battles | November 13, 2007 at 06:03 PM

This just isn't Luke's season.

Posted by: Vman | November 13, 2007 at 06:03 PM

they doing well tonight. kobes d is nice

Posted by: wow | November 13, 2007 at 06:04 PM

Please bench Luke.
PLEEEEEEEEESE.

Posted by: LAKER TRUTH | November 13, 2007 at 06:04 PM

Luke needs to pull it together. He needs to strengthen the offense if he's going to help us. Otherwise, he's just a liability.

Posted by: Xodus | November 13, 2007 at 06:04 PM

Uh-oh, Luke's not having a very good game so far.

Posted by: RDaneel | November 13, 2007 at 06:06 PM

First Quarter Analyisis:

Ending in a 7-0 run in San Antonio's favor, the Lakers since their last time out got a bit passive than turned into sloppyness. San Antonio plays their best when keeping their opponents under 90 points. So far, they are doing their job. Lakers need to come out with the same energy in the 2nd quarter, but better ball handling.

Posted by: Ron | November 13, 2007 at 06:06 PM

It might be time for Kobe Ball if the supporting cast continues to play like this.

Posted by: LAKER TRUTH | November 13, 2007 at 06:07 PM

And just like that, we're down by 6. We need to play within ourselves a little. I think we're trying to do a little too much right now, and that's leading to too many turnovers.

Posted by: RDaneel | November 13, 2007 at 06:07 PM

Somebody besides Kobe needs to step up and DO SOMETHING.

Posted by: Vman | November 13, 2007 at 06:07 PM

what da effin is wrong with luke?

Posted by: wow | November 13, 2007 at 06:07 PM

Nine TOs in the quarter, only down by six after shooting under 40% and allowing the Spurs to take 27 shots (nine TOs will do that...).

All in all, I'd say they're pretty lucky to be where they are.

Posted by: Brian Kamenetzky | November 13, 2007 at 06:08 PM

With how bad the Heats look, maybe we can pry Wade away from Miami in the future?

Xodus, I forgot about the post-Jordan Bulls. That was pretty terrible.

RDaneel, Kid Durant is just that a "kid". That's a lot of pressure for a 19 year old dude. I do have to admit that the "kid" looks for real. If I were the Laker organization, I'd do everything I can to get Durant to play in LA especially with the turmoil in the Sonics' franchise at the moment.

Enjoy the game everybody.

Posted by: Larry | November 13, 2007 at 06:08 PM

I don't like having all five bench players out there against a team like the Spurs.

Posted by: Xodus | November 13, 2007 at 06:09 PM

kobelovesjuan,

Check out this link: http://www.myp2p.eu/index.php?part=sports
You'll need the right software. You can download that from this website also.

Posted by: RDaneel | November 13, 2007 at 06:09 PM

http://myp2p.eu/broadcast.php?matchid=2034&part=sports

thats the website, and download sopcast to watch it

Posted by: wow | November 13, 2007 at 06:09 PM

Finally i get to see Lakers in action for the first time this season. I live in Scotland and for numerous reasons am unable to get Satalites and so must put up with whatever Five can offer us.

Anyway i am really impressed with Turiaf, his defensive play is immense. But why are we unable to halt our turnovers, it is frustrating to watch.

C'mon lakers!

Posted by: crazydrunkenorcadian | November 13, 2007 at 06:10 PM

Luke looks completely useless out there, making bad decisions and not making wide open shots. And why can't we defend on Parker??? shh!

Posted by: Tsiry | November 13, 2007 at 06:11 PM

Andrew Bynum showing toughness!!

Posted by: Xodus | November 13, 2007 at 06:11 PM

Easy, dude. I am not bagging on Durant. I think he's really talented and will do very well in the league. Meanwhile, I think he is finding out how much harder the NBA game is versus college. In college he could just about do whatever he wanted. It'll take a lot of work to get to that level versus NBA-level talent. That's all.

Posted by: RDaneel | November 13, 2007 at 06:11 PM

Damn!

Great play by Drew, both sucking up the ball on the glass, then going up strong with two hands. Kid is loooooong.

Posted by: Brian Kamenetzky | November 13, 2007 at 06:12 PM

Vload can take Manu anytime he wants

Posted by: Vman | November 13, 2007 at 06:12 PM

RDaneel and WOW...Thanks so much...GO LAKERS!

Posted by: kobelovesjuan | November 13, 2007 at 06:12 PM

We definitely can roll out five bench guys with the way Ginobili's been playing to start the season.

Posted by: Xodus | November 13, 2007 at 06:13 PM

I don't know what you think, but Bynum gave me "SHAQ" memories for a moment. Not surprised to see how the Lakers play the start of the 2nd quarter with Kobe on the bench. By the way, I like the Laker Warm up Uni's. So far, a better pace of game for L.A.

Posted by: Ron | November 13, 2007 at 06:14 PM

Farmar showing the HOPS!!

Posted by: Xodus | November 13, 2007 at 06:15 PM

Wow! I didn't know Farmar can dunk...like that. Immediate timeout by San Antonio to get Farmar's foot out their butts!

Posted by: Ron | November 13, 2007 at 06:16 PM

Lakers got back the lead. Bynum, Farmar and Luke bailed out their errors and scored consecutively.

Posted by: Edwin Gueco | November 13, 2007 at 06:17 PM

Oh no he didn't! Farmar's got hops!

Posted by: RDaneel | November 13, 2007 at 06:17 PM

swwweeet Farm

nice look from Luke,

bench mob rules this year

Posted by: Vman | November 13, 2007 at 06:17 PM

Ron

I swear I had shaq flashback too. And for I moment I said Bynum will be better than Shaq. And he makes his free throws

Posted by: wow | November 13, 2007 at 06:17 PM

Sweeet dunk by Farmar!!

Posted by: LAKER TRUTH | November 13, 2007 at 06:18 PM

If Luke hits mid range he's a ompletely different player on offense

Posted by: Vman | November 13, 2007 at 06:19 PM

Great D on Duncan by Bynum!

Posted by: Xodus | November 13, 2007 at 06:19 PM

Lamar turnover again.....

Posted by: Edwin Gueco | November 13, 2007 at 06:19 PM

LO forgot the rules of this game over the summer

Posted by: Vman | November 13, 2007 at 06:20 PM

Bynum did well holding his position there against Duncan

Posted by: RDaneel | November 13, 2007 at 06:20 PM

Nice sequence from Luke, the trey then the long pass to Farmar for a one handed dunk. The 2nd squad's doing a pretty good job.

Posted by: Tsiry | November 13, 2007 at 06:20 PM

Time Out Analysis:

Luke is playing very well. Nice to see Lamar back in after a finger injury reported earlier in the game. Nice ally-oop attempt between Farmar and Kobe. Still seeing a turnover problem with the Lakers. Right now, I count 13. Score: 30-33 (SA) Favor

Posted by: Ron | November 13, 2007 at 06:22 PM

You guys cant tell me kobe is not into this team. He was shouting from the bench

Posted by: wow | November 13, 2007 at 06:22 PM

Nice help D by Luke

Posted by: RDaneel | November 13, 2007 at 06:22 PM

Vman,

Agreed. It seems like Luke is finally settling down after an ugly start.

Posted by: Xodus | November 13, 2007 at 06:22 PM

Wonder how Kobe got all those bruises on his arms?

Posted by: Vman | November 13, 2007 at 06:23 PM

SA up again by 3 after T/o by Kobe. Lakers are super anxious by thevibes are great, no big lead is unsurmountable. i wish Vlad is here to get those 3's set up.

Posted by: Edwin Gueco | November 13, 2007 at 06:23 PM

12 TOs...we could have been up by 5-10 at this time...

Posted by: kobelovesjuan | November 13, 2007 at 06:25 PM

put Turiaf back in the game to stop Parker! He's playing with the D.

Posted by: Tsiry | November 13, 2007 at 06:26 PM

finally a trade finalized after this game
Bye bye Kobe welcome back MJ

http://www.serioussportsnewsnetwork.com/2007/11/kobe-agrees-to-bulls-trade-only-if-he-gets-to-be-renamed-michael-jordan.html

Posted by: ogurat | November 13, 2007 at 06:26 PM

I know Mike T. says Kwame protects the rim, but may it's Kobe. Three first half blocks by Kobe. And the last one was just nasty!

Posted by: Xodus | November 13, 2007 at 06:26 PM

Great execution out of the timeout. That's the sort of thing they can do with Kwame until teams decide to guard him. On the other end, I wonder when San Antonio is going to try to force Kobe to play man-on D, because allowing him to work in space certainly isn't working for them.

Posted by: Brian Kamenetzky | November 13, 2007 at 06:26 PM

Is this game online anywhere? Anyone??

Posted by: McGarnagle | November 13, 2007 at 06:26 PM

LO is killin' us tonight

Posted by: Vman | November 13, 2007 at 06:27 PM

Huge block by Kobe! He's on fire!

Posted by: RDaneel | November 13, 2007 at 06:27 PM

Oh wow...

Posted by: Brian Kamenetzky | November 13, 2007 at 06:28 PM

we really are dominating them so far.
turnovers are keeping SA in the game....

Posted by: man | November 13, 2007 at 06:29 PM

SA back to three due to Lamar T/O. Lamar is out of sync. Ronnie on F/T Sa is still leading 39-36

Posted by: Edwin Gueco | November 13, 2007 at 06:29 PM

McGarnagle

http://www.myp2p.eu/index.php?part=sports
Try this link. You'll have to install the right software (Sopcast, e.g.).

Posted by: RDaneel | November 13, 2007 at 06:29 PM

BRYANT 3 BLK!!!

Posted by: Tsiry | November 13, 2007 at 06:30 PM

OMG! Kobe and his blocks tonight. Now that's playing with heart. Nice three by Fish. If someone can explain how Fish flew out of bounds without contact and no foul was called...Hmmm! 14 turnovers up to this point and the Lakers are only down by five...not so bad. That is being down only by five. Again, I really like Ronny's energy out their. Lets see how L.A. finishes this quarter. Right now we need Kobe's energy and passion, Bynums toughness and sticky fingers for Kwame.

Comment to: Wow

I agree. We will see in the near future.

Posted by: Ron | November 13, 2007 at 06:31 PM

Noooo that was a clean block by Ronny!

Posted by: RDaneel | November 13, 2007 at 06:32 PM

i cant watch the game because it doesnt work but i m just curious to ask this question. Is kobe wearing a sleeve?

Posted by: kobebryant | November 13, 2007 at 06:32 PM

lamar Odom injured his pinky,wow what a surprise , like most of his ca-rear injury plague

Posted by: WHITE MAMBA 24 | November 13, 2007 at 06:32 PM

Lamar has to make Ginobli guard him in the post,

Posted by: Vman | November 13, 2007 at 06:32 PM

The deficit is creeping upward. We need to do something different.

Posted by: RDaneel | November 13, 2007 at 06:33 PM

Turiaf's block was nullified. I think we have a mixed group here. There are players like Kobe, Fisher and Lo on fast mode while Turiaf and Kwame on slow motion, they could not synchronize their moves leading to hurried shots, T/O. Gotta clean it up and presence of mind.

Posted by: Edwin Gueco | November 13, 2007 at 06:33 PM

This is surgery

Posted by: Vman | November 13, 2007 at 06:34 PM

The defense continues to be reasonably good, but they can't keep giving the Spurs extra opportunities and expect to get away with it.

And as I type that, they turn the ball over again.

Posted by: Brian Kamenetzky | November 13, 2007 at 06:34 PM

I don't know about these refs. That's two traveling calls I don't agree with.

Posted by: RDaneel | November 13, 2007 at 06:34 PM

AK I believe these refs stink..what is your take? I know the T/Os are killing the Lakers..but still...this game is making me sick..but I will still watch!

Posted by: drew | November 13, 2007 at 06:35 PM

Great. Matt Bonner is going to have a career night against us. Why do we let these no-names kill us every time?

Posted by: RDaneel | November 13, 2007 at 06:36 PM

18-2 run for San Antonio with Kwame in there. What does this do to Mike T's stats?

Posted by: TaosHum | November 13, 2007 at 06:37 PM

wrong time to defend kwame, mike

Posted by: greek dude | November 13, 2007 at 06:37 PM

I might have to reconsider that most recent comment about the d....

Posted by: Brian Kamenetzky | November 13, 2007 at 06:37 PM

2nd Quarter Analysis:

Lakers are falling deeper in debt, much like the U.S. deficit. Ok, now the 14 turnovers are showing the difference in the score...however, it isn't the reason. The Lakers during the last five minutes have played sloppy. We need to come out stronger in the 2nd half. Way too many mistakes and turnovers by the Lakers.

Posted by: Ron | November 13, 2007 at 06:37 PM

The pack-it-in defense isn't working. We're getting killed on three-pointers.

Posted by: RDaneel | November 13, 2007 at 06:37 PM

That time Kobe got caught trying to go for the block, and he left Bowen wide open. Eventually, they were going to make him pay for not guarding his man.

Posted by: Brian Kamenetzky | November 13, 2007 at 06:38 PM

well that game got away from the lakers fairly quickly.

Posted by: sixonezero | November 13, 2007 at 06:39 PM

Refs took the sails out of our game.

We added to it by sloppy play and crapola D.

Go Lakers!

Posted by: Faith | November 13, 2007 at 06:39 PM

What happened????????!!!!!!!!! I need ball hog Kobe

Posted by: wow | November 13, 2007 at 06:39 PM

i have to work now,
my wife still doesn't have dinner and these guys are p*ss*ng me off....

pull it together, boys...

Posted by: man | November 13, 2007 at 06:40 PM

Are you kidding me? This guy, PJ, doesn't let anyone get into a rhythm.

We're supposed to start with a line-up that's going to get the majority of the minutes. This guy is throwing some many rotations out there that no one is getting into any type of rhythm.

I'm stunned that PJ would do this.

mike

Posted by: Michael Teniente | November 13, 2007 at 06:41 PM

The supporting cast does not have it tonight. It's time for Kobe Ball in the second half. That's our only chance tonight.

Posted by: LAKER TRUTH | November 13, 2007 at 06:41 PM

Kwame is completely useless. he has ONE move on the offensive end, cant catch, and sleeps on defense allowing his man to do whatever he wants. earl boykins would be a better pickup at center. another 9 mil well spent by the buss boys.

Posted by: golal | November 13, 2007 at 06:41 PM

Drew,

You can say whatever you want about the refs, but when you turn the ball over 15 times in ONE HALF, the only way they're gonna help if is if they're paid off. The Lakers are putting themselves in this boat, not the officials.

Posted by: Andrew Kamenetzky | November 13, 2007 at 06:41 PM

Lakers down by 16 First half......As James Worthy just said, SA is experienced team, Lakers cannot afford to rest w/in the 48 minutess time frame. PJ prefers the veterans but they could not connect. I love the chances of our rookies who are unknown than the known who are not efficient and predictable.

Posted by: Edwin Gueco | November 13, 2007 at 06:42 PM

I did not see any smart ass comments by Mike T about how great Kwame is vs. how bad Luke is. Why Phil playing Kwame anyway? Bynum has hands better than Mihm, Kwame has no hands whatsever. Nobody is passing him because they know he is going to either drop or miss one - WHY BOTHER

Posted by: LAL_Fan | November 13, 2007 at 06:42 PM

That's a lot of basketball millionaires not earning their money.

LO is understandably rusty.

If we don't make a major move in te 3rd better to rest for tomorrow night. Sun Su, Art of War

Posted by: Vman | November 13, 2007 at 06:43 PM

Yeah! Yeah! Yeah! KWAME IS THE MAN!!!

Kwame made me puke.

From a tight game to blown out all beacuse of KWAME!

HOW MANY TIMES DO I HAVE TO SAY IT?

KWAME'S nervousness and lack of confidence creates confidence for the other team and destroys the confidence of his team. STUPID!!!

KWAME SUCKS!

Stop freaking defending KWAME!

I freakin fire Kwame right NOW!!!!

Posted by: Staples 24 | November 13, 2007 at 06:43 PM

Mike T,

Don't even DARE wuss out on this game. I want to see your full analysis where you show how the
team with Kwame fell behind, then the team with Bynum got a lead and then Kwame came back on
and sent the Lakers to a 16 point deficit at halftime. Kwame's defense has been NON-EXISTANT,
and his offense has been pitiful.

KWAME SUCKS. Sit him on the bench and split the rest of the minutes between Bynum and Mihm.
I'll go out on a limb right now and say that BRIAN COOK IS A BETTER PLAYER THAN KWAME.
SASHA VUJACIC IS A BETTER PLAYER THAN KWAME. Why are they sitting Sasha who can hit
shots and also guards someone on the defensive end? Kwame should be a DNP-BHS for the rest
of the season... Does Not Play BECAUSE HE SUCKS.

Period.

End of story.

Posted by: Long Time Laker Fan | November 13, 2007 at 06:44 PM

down by 16..the world is ending!!!!

Posted by: drew | November 13, 2007 at 06:44 PM

Bowen didn't get hot with Kobe not covering him. He got hot when Luke started to cover him.

Again, the recognition is missing. Do your homework, who do you have and who should be collapsing.

While you're at it, know who's refereeing coz then you'll know not to get out of the bus at all. Dang refs.

Posted by: Faith | November 13, 2007 at 06:44 PM

This game is still winnable. The Lakers just have to get their act together. Start closing that deficit from the get-go of the third period.

Posted by: Rick Friedman | November 13, 2007 at 06:45 PM

"DNP-BCS"

That's funny.

Posted by: Brian Kamenetzky | November 13, 2007 at 06:45 PM

Mike T. - no comments re: kwame?

Posted by: golal | November 13, 2007 at 06:46 PM

There's no way a team can win with this crazy rotation. The guy takes Turiaf out of the game with 6 minutes left to go in the half and replaced him with Walton. He did the same thing with Mihm and Turiaf.

He's playing guys for 6 minutes stretches? That's insane!

Then he puts Kwame in for the last 5 minutes?

Oh yeah, come on Kwame, set the rhythm of the game for us in the last 5 minutes of the half.

That's ridiculous!

The 5 guys as a unit can't get into any rhythm that way.

This guy is just plain stupid!

Posted by: Michael Teniente | November 13, 2007 at 06:47 PM

Anybody whp protects KWAME is gonna get it from me BIG TIME!

KWAME SUCKS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

LOOSER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Posted by: Staples 24 | November 13, 2007 at 06:47 PM

Kwame needs to put some glue on those hands of his to grab a pass....

Posted by: drew | November 13, 2007 at 06:48 PM

I said it before on this bloq. Kwame sucks and is useless offensively!!! Mihm did nothing so far and the other players are not getting the ball to Andrew enough. Andrew hit his ONLY shot so far and is grabbing boards. PJ needs to stop messing around and start Andrew and yell at the others to get him the damn ball!!! Way too many turnovers. The Lakers can beat the Spurs because they match up well with them. The Spurs are also getting all the calls from the refs. Spurs aren't as good as people make them out to be. The Lakers are just in a giving mood tonight.

Posted by: Nemaia Faletogo | November 13, 2007 at 06:49 PM

You complained about continuity? Jackson left the same 5 players on the floor INCLUDING Kwame and not including
Walton for the last half of the second quarter and look what it got them. Face up to facts, Mike T. Kwame is a bust.
His value in the NBA is marginal at best.

Posted by: Long Time Laker Fan | November 13, 2007 at 06:50 PM

Kobe needs to get his offense going. Cant remember him making a basket

Posted by: wow | November 13, 2007 at 06:50 PM

Mike T,
You can't blame the first half on PJ. PJ didn't commit 15 turnovers. The players did.
As long as you continue to blame floods, tornadoes, brush fires, and global warming on Phil, your credibility just goes up in smoke. Focus more on the Jackie Johnson updates and you'll feel better.

Posted by: Rick Friedman | November 13, 2007 at 06:52 PM

I take that back, i did not know Kobe was 3 of 7

Posted by: wow | November 13, 2007 at 06:52 PM

I WISH LAMAR ODOM WOULD STOP SMILING AND GIGGLING AND GET SERIOUS ABOUT BASKETBALL.

HE WAS NOT READY TO PLAY AND NO EXCUSES ABOUT HE JUST GOT BACK.

HIS APPROACH LOOKS SIMILAR TO LAST YR.

Nice guys finish last but go head and keep loving him.

Posted by: LakerBake | November 13, 2007 at 06:52 PM

KWAME is not already beyond freakin FUNNY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Posted by: Staples 24 | November 13, 2007 at 06:52 PM

This guy played Turiaf and Mihm for 6 minutes in the first quarter. Then he played Walton for 12 straight minutes. Then he brings in Kwame and Turiaf with Fisher at the 6 minute mark in the 2nd quarter.

How in the hell does that make sense? How in the hell do the Lakers set any type of rhythm that way?

The starters only get 6 minutes to start the game? That's nuts!

Posted by: Michael Teniente | November 13, 2007 at 06:53 PM

ok..new game lets go lakers

Posted by: Bonez | November 13, 2007 at 06:53 PM

And now he start Kwame in the 2nd half?

This is nuts! Not because Kwame isn't the best option but because this is how he should have started the game.

Posted by: Michael Teniente | November 13, 2007 at 06:54 PM

Is our defense this bad or are the spurs that good!!

Posted by: hen1040 | November 13, 2007 at 06:55 PM

THEN I CAN ALSO SAY THIS, YOU SUCKS STAPLES 24, PRETTY SUCKS.. GO TO HELL IF YOU WANT

Posted by: BAD ASS | November 13, 2007 at 06:55 PM

Mike - i get it, its Phil's fault that Kwame cant catch, cant defend, and makes teh same offensive move over and over again (with the grand finale being a one handed layup during which he loses control of the ball). the only thing i blame phil for is putting him in the game at all. he shoudl be on teh inactive list. i'd rather see sasha play center.

Posted by: golal | November 13, 2007 at 06:55 PM

Faith,

Found my Smush replacement. Big minutes by PJ and nobody knows why. Well almost nobody. Kwame. You agree?

Posted by: p ang | November 13, 2007 at 06:56 PM

Nice recognition from Kwame. If nobody is going to guard you, make them pay.

Posted by: Brian Kamenetzky | November 13, 2007 at 07:02 PM

Nothing like the comedy duo of Joel and Stu during a blowout.

this is brutal

Posted by: Vman | November 13, 2007 at 07:03 PM

How in da world do you guard parker if he keeps making those shots?

Posted by: wow | November 13, 2007 at 07:03 PM

P ang, not quite yet.

But this defense is Smush Parker like. Dang it.

Posted by: Faith | November 13, 2007 at 07:04 PM

I'm mean really...Kwame didn't look to good in the 2nd quarter but niether did any of the other Lakers. And if Kwame was the problem then why did PJ start him in the 2nd half?

This guy knows what he did doesn't make any basketball sense. The only teams that plays a guy for 6 minutes in the 1st quarter are the Spurs and the Suns with Gionobli and Barbosa.

Posted by: Michael Teniente | November 13, 2007 at 07:05 PM

"Then he brings in Kwame and Turiaf with Fisher at the 6 minute mark in the 2nd quarter.

How in the hell does that make sense?"

It doesn't; he should have left Kwame on the bench.

Posted by: exhelodrvr | November 13, 2007 at 07:06 PM

In 2005 (the good season), we went on a trip.

That trip I believe we went 4-1. How did we do that? Well we started by outplaying the Spurs. That gave us enough confidence to roll.

We need this game, far more than just "a game."

Come on Lakers!

Posted by: Faith | November 13, 2007 at 07:06 PM

SA by 19, Turif on free throw made 2.

Posted by: Edwin Gueco | November 13, 2007 at 07:06 PM

Excuse my french but **** JERRY BUSS, i have been a die hard fan of Lakers but this is it for me. Looking at lakers getting their A** whopped by Spurs shows me how committed BUSS is.

Kobe is right, they just want to sit and make money out of him. Bye bye Lakers, I am following Kobe where ever he goes. Kobe please leave lakers so that your fans can see you win championships and go to a REAL owner who wants to win ALL THE TIME. Buss no Boss....

Posted by: Deepak | November 13, 2007 at 07:07 PM

damn...we need the bench mob...

Posted by: Bonez | November 13, 2007 at 07:08 PM

Good play by Ronny. Nothing easy.

The man is a stud, he should never sit. Especially not for Luke.

Posted by: Faith | November 13, 2007 at 07:09 PM

The Spurs are so much faster on their rotations, and recognition of where the ball is going. Of course, the Lakers aren't penetrating at all, which gives them no reason to overplay the lane, or feel like they have to hang around to help. The Lakers, on the other hand, are drawn to penetration like moths to a flame. Unfortunately, tonight, at least, they seem both unable to prevent the penetration or recover on the kick out.

Not a good combo. But you can see the difference with Farmar getting into the lane a little.

Posted by: Brian Kamenetzky | November 13, 2007 at 07:11 PM

AK or BK or anybody

Why don't the lakers play simple one on one defense. Everybody stay with your man. Besides tim duncan who needs to be doubled!! This defense is awful.

Posted by: hen1040 | November 13, 2007 at 07:12 PM

golal,

Details, details. Look, it's pretty simple. When we win it's because of Kwame. When we lose it's because of Luke and Phil. It's that simple.

:-)

Posted by: RDaneel | November 13, 2007 at 07:13 PM

Kwame did a brick hook shot. SA by 18 and Bowen on F/T line. I don't like our chances. Lakers make 2, SA answers with 3 so we're down by 19. Where are our three point shooters like Vlad and Cook. on the other hand if they are a defensive liability they give back what they make. This is klike watching the UCLA vs. Youngstown last night NO MATCH!

Posted by: Edwin Gueco | November 13, 2007 at 07:14 PM

Hen-

There's no such thing in the NBA, really. Teams screen and switch too much to make that possible, and with the Spurs, who penetrate as well as they do, you have to rotate and help and recover. Defense has to be played as a team, and right now the Spurs are picking the Lakers apart.

Posted by: Brian Kamenetzky | November 13, 2007 at 07:14 PM

yes, they need to force parker to make his layups.. they dont need 3 guys to collapse every damn time.

Posted by: tp | November 13, 2007 at 07:14 PM

Too bad Critt isn't suited. This would be a great game to get a run in.

At least the starters should get a good rest.

Posted by: Vman | November 13, 2007 at 07:16 PM

.Thanks BK

I agree and know that but we have been watching bad defense for the last few years with the lakers. How do we get better? It just doesn't make since to me that we are leaving so many people wide open!!!

Posted by: hen1040 | November 13, 2007 at 07:19 PM

wow the spurs defensive rotations look good. meanwhile the lakers on def looks like they are playing for the first time.

Posted by: the WOLF | November 13, 2007 at 07:19 PM

Hey Vman, c'mon it ain't over yet!

Posted by: RDaneel | November 13, 2007 at 07:19 PM

Luke is pissing me off. Other than the sequence where he hit two consecutive jumpers he's been a complete liability on both ends. He HAS to pull it together.

Posted by: Xodus | November 13, 2007 at 07:20 PM

kobe - 8 pts?
I know he's doing a good job on defence but we need his offense right now..

Posted by: darkhangelsk | November 13, 2007 at 07:21 PM

THE GAME WAS OVER AS SOON AS KWAME PASSSSSSSSSSS THE MOMENTUM TO SPURS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Posted by: Staples 24 | November 13, 2007 at 07:21 PM

are they running ANY plays for Bynum? I don't understand this at all. The offense is very effective when they pass the ball in down low to Bynum. This game I can't recall him even getting the ball more than 3 times. What was with playing Kwame most of the 3rd quarter? They were down 18, they needed scoring. Weird game...

Posted by: TaosHum | November 13, 2007 at 07:21 PM

it's not over yet, go Lakers!!!!!!!!!!!!

Posted by: Tsiry | November 13, 2007 at 07:21 PM

Get better players with a better conception of team D. (haha, sort of)

Posted by: Brian Kamenetzky | November 13, 2007 at 07:21 PM

Mo Evans wears eyeliner.

Well, this game isn't that fun to talk about, might as well make colorful observations.

Posted by: Faith | November 13, 2007 at 07:21 PM

oh yeah, coaches bringing in guys off the bench in the 1st 6 minutes are terrible coaches. Too bad Avery johnson (jason terry) and popovich (ginobili) do that every game.

Posted by: greek dude | November 13, 2007 at 07:22 PM

Taos-

Are they running any plays, period?

Posted by: Brian Kamenetzky | November 13, 2007 at 07:22 PM

Good job on the boards by Kwame. I'm glad he's taking any the middle too, otherwise who knows how badly Parker would be carving us up?

Wow, we are not even in the same area code as these guys tonight, and Duncan's done nothing.

Posted by: Michael A | November 13, 2007 at 07:24 PM

what the hell!!!
everytime we score 2 points they score 3 points...
my goodness!!!

Posted by: darkhangelsk | November 13, 2007 at 07:25 PM

what the hell is Phil tellin these guys about doubling down?

Posted by: Vman | November 13, 2007 at 07:25 PM

mo evans and luke need to stop trying to be kobe on offense.

Posted by: tp | November 13, 2007 at 07:25 PM

We need to get it down to single digits by about the 6 minute mark.

Posted by: RDaneel | November 13, 2007 at 07:26 PM

Same thing against NO. Lakers collapsing on D to focus on penetration and allowing the kick.

Not sure why the Lakers keep doing it. Against the Suns, the Lakers let Nash do whatever but kept the ball movement to a minimum. Same thing against Deron Williams.

Against Chris Paul he dished to Peja, and now Parker/anybody else is finding Bonner, Bowen Ginobili.

Posted by: The Lake Show | November 13, 2007 at 07:26 PM

BK, LOL! Not with Radmanovic in there. Wait til Cook checks in. I bet he chucks up a 3 as soon as he touches the ball. Mo Evans looks terrible btw.

Posted by: TaosHum | November 13, 2007 at 07:26 PM

What was Farmar doing there on that Washington triple? Literally turned his back on his man in the lane to double a guy who didn't need doubling, leaving his man wiiiiiiiide open.

Posted by: Brian Kamenetzky | November 13, 2007 at 07:27 PM

this game is over...

Posted by: kobelovesjuan | November 13, 2007 at 07:27 PM

Sasha is wearing a pink undershirt with his suit.

Posted by: Faith | November 13, 2007 at 07:29 PM

RDaneel

Just would hate to see an injury with a game tomorrow night and the kids could use the playing time.

Posted by: Vman | November 13, 2007 at 07:29 PM

what's up wit all the help d in the paint? that is allowing all the spurs open looks. then when the lakers shoot, no one but the center and three spurs are there to recover the rebounds. they are limiting the laker off. rebounds to one and done. bad coaching by the lakers, great coaching by the spurs.

is it me but if kobe doesn't hit the j's, no laker scores? pathetic.

Posted by: the WOLF | November 13, 2007 at 07:30 PM

The team is lucky, with a game tomorrow night they won't have to watch film on this one.

Posted by: Vman | November 13, 2007 at 07:30 PM

we cannot win this game...
let the starting line up get rest and be ready for tomorrow against houston...
we need some energy..

Posted by: darkhangelsk | November 13, 2007 at 07:30 PM

Finley is OLD.

Posted by: Faith | November 13, 2007 at 07:31 PM

I dont remember the last time I switched off TV when Lakers game was coming. Too sad that i have to see this day. Kuptack wil go down as the worst GM and BUSS you are making sure that lakers fan like me start questioning your will to WIN and support league super star

Posted by: Deepak | November 13, 2007 at 07:31 PM

Vman, that's true. Meanwhile, Farmar dunks again!

Posted by: RDaneel | November 13, 2007 at 07:33 PM

so much for the Lamar Odom allstar tour, he's on pace to put up 12 or 14...

Posted by: TaosHum | November 13, 2007 at 07:34 PM

Well the good news is, Duncan can't handle Andrew.

Posted by: Vman | November 13, 2007 at 07:35 PM

Some of you will jump on me, but this is where Id like to see Kobe pull Farmar and Bynum aside and teach them not to give up. Bynum fell asleep on the one play...should not have allowe Finley to get behind him. Also, Farmar is an energizer bunny, but also the type of personality that would want to take over a game. He has a killer instinct. Kobe needs to pull them aside in a timeout and say "look you guys need to take over, try to inspire the rest of the team

Posted by: The Lake Show | November 13, 2007 at 07:36 PM

kobe leaves bowen open again... seriously guys.. let parker earn his points over bynum or whoevers manning the paint... wide open 3's is too easy.

Posted by: tp | November 13, 2007 at 07:36 PM

Kwame has all of one rebound in the entire game? Can this be right?

Posted by: RDaneel | November 13, 2007 at 07:36 PM

spurs look very beatable tonight against any good team. if the lakers played like they cared, they would have been beating the spurs.

Posted by: the WOLF | November 13, 2007 at 07:38 PM

Kobe needs to get aggressive now.

Posted by: RDaneel | November 13, 2007 at 07:38 PM

hahahahahah!!! i Can't really believe this!!! We score 2 and they will score 3...
Grrrrr!!

Posted by: darkhangelsk | November 13, 2007 at 07:39 PM

Stu said the next minute and a half is crucial for the Lakers. Why? Are they going to miss their plane?

Posted by: Vman | November 13, 2007 at 07:39 PM

im sorry kobe and lamar.. too little too late.. why werent u guys attacking the paint the first 3 quarters?!

Posted by: tp | November 13, 2007 at 07:39 PM

ok... it's garbage time!!!!

let the players get rest Phil!!!!

Posted by: darkhangelsk | November 13, 2007 at 07:40 PM

WALTON SUCK BALLZ! He is the reason we lost...

Posted by: tard | November 13, 2007 at 07:40 PM

too much collapsing in the middle...

Posted by: kobelovesjuan | November 13, 2007 at 07:40 PM

Man, it's raining three pointers on us.

Posted by: RDaneel | November 13, 2007 at 07:41 PM

SA is shooting 50% from the three point line... they made 13 of 26...
ooops now 13 of 27..

Posted by: darkhangelsk | November 13, 2007 at 07:42 PM

is that peja with a tan? oh no its bowen. how pathetic.

explain to me how a 6'10 vlad on a fast break don't dunk it in and misses a freakin layup?

wow the lakers are still in LA...

Posted by: the WOLF | November 13, 2007 at 07:44 PM

How many 3pts SA needs to rain on our idiots before they will know do not leave open shooter on perimeter. Bowen 6 out of 6!!! For God sake

Posted by: LAL_Fan | November 13, 2007 at 07:44 PM

>>>

Thanks Faith, I was looking for a bright spot and a bright pink spot is even better.

Nice of us to give Bowen a near career high.

Posted by: Vman | November 13, 2007 at 07:45 PM

Bynum is going to get crap for his stats this game but he never had a chance. I don't understand what the gameplan was but I think they forgot... Andrew... Friggin Mo Evans should NEVER dribble on the offensive end.

Posted by: TaosHum | November 13, 2007 at 07:46 PM

ugly ugly game so far

Posted by: drew | November 13, 2007 at 07:46 PM

Officially, this is now garbage time. LO and Kobe took the bench for good, prepare for the rockets. There is no excuse with this game, Lakers are plainly no match, out of sync, too many mistakes from everyone. Win against Houston, we redeem the loss on this game.

Posted by: Edwin Gueco | November 13, 2007 at 07:46 PM

the spurs are way too experienced. that push at the end of the 2nd really spelled our doom.

PJ should've had Farmar in there to put some energy on the floor to give the Lakers at least a little bit of a chance. From the 3rd quarter till Farmar came in, these guys looked really stagnant. 2-15 form the 3-point line is NOT going to cut it.

Too many mistakes, not enough execution. I'm not sure they can get it together on the defensive end to stop the Rockets tomorrow. Didn't they learn anything against the Hornets?

Posted by: socalife | November 13, 2007 at 07:48 PM

They need to Vman.

Coz it looks like they missed the tape of the NO game. Same mistakes. Tougher opponent.

No lie, Luke Walton poses during the game.

Posted by: Faith | November 13, 2007 at 07:48 PM

bynum has a double-double and old man PJ doesn't start him? I'm starting to think he's senile

Posted by: the WOLF | November 13, 2007 at 07:50 PM

I'm surprised we scored 92.

How? Who knows.

Posted by: Faith | November 13, 2007 at 07:50 PM

this was clearly Cook's fault.

Posted by: Vman | November 13, 2007 at 07:53 PM

Andddd we're done. Well, that wasn't quite what I expected. I wouldn't have thought they could blow us out with TD having such a quiet game.

Posted by: Michael A | November 13, 2007 at 07:55 PM

We had a total of 15 assists in the entire game, and Lamar and Kobe combined for zero trips to the FT line. The offense was just as stagnant as the defense tonight.

Posted by: RDaneel | November 13, 2007 at 07:55 PM

Vman, that was pretty funny. First laugh I had tonight.

Posted by: Michael A | November 13, 2007 at 07:56 PM

Get Kobe some help. He is wasting his prime years on this group of pretenders. This team needs help if they want to contend. He is playing like the Defensive Player of the Year, but it's all for nothing because his teamates are pathetic on defense. This team cannot stop anybody. Their only chance is to outscore the opposition, yet the fans and the media want Kobe to pass, and stop shooting so much. Does this make any sense considering the makeup of this roster? A trade needs to be made before the trade deadline in February. IT MUST BE MADE.

Posted by: LAKER TRUTH | November 13, 2007 at 07:57 PM

Last observation of the night.

I mean not defensive related, because really, I saw none. At least outside of the first 3 minutes.

AK is in San Antonio.

Posted by: Faith | November 13, 2007 at 07:57 PM

the WOLF,

I don't think it is about who starts, but about the distribution of minutes. Andrew ended up playing 27 minutes, which is about right for him. Mihm, who started, played only 6. Kwame was stinking it up, and so Phil restricted him to only 15 minutes.

I think the minutes worked out right. The problem was primarily that our big guns couldn't get untracked (Kobe and Lamar) on offense, and we were moving in slow motion on defense.

Posted by: RDaneel | November 13, 2007 at 07:58 PM

I don't see why Phil Jackson doesn't throw Critter into the mix when the game gets decided so early. This team played without any energy today.

When you see Ronny Turiaf sitting on his laurels on the bench with his hands covering his face, you know it's going to be a long night.

Posted by: AndrewT | November 13, 2007 at 07:59 PM

I think this might have been Sasha's night Phil had put him in.

That pink under shirt could have started a trend on his breakthrough night!

Posted by: Vman | November 13, 2007 at 08:00 PM

Kobe Ball was our only chance tonight.
Unfortunately, he tried to be a fascillitator and the defensive stopper.
At least the Kobe haters are happy that Kobe didn't force many shots tonight.
The Kobe haters are happy that Kobe passed the ball to Luke and Kwame all night long.
The outcome doesn't matter, they played team ball. That's all that matters.

Posted by: LAKER TRUTH | November 13, 2007 at 08:01 PM

No loss is as bad as it appears. And no win is as good you would have believe. Sure, they roasted us from the perimeter (6/6 for Bowen??), and we couldn't hit water in the ocean ourselves. Reverse that, and take into account the fact that it was on the Spurs' floor, it wasn't that bad.

Though not as simple, this is the second game where we have left the perimeter to pack the middle. Hopefully we learn from that.

Good news is that Bynum had another good game. Hopefully that gives him momentum going into the next game. Hope Phil was saving Kwame for Yao :)

Posted by: hariyahu | November 13, 2007 at 08:08 PM

Point differential. It's all point differential. How many times do I have to tell you?

Posted by: exhelodrvr | November 13, 2007 at 08:09 PM

15 guys strong? Why didn't sasha suit up?

Posted by: zen | November 13, 2007 at 08:10 PM

Lakersville, INTERNATIONAL…
By Michael C. Teniente

The San Antonio Spurs: Half-Court Offense: Elite Team

Are you kidding me? What the hell was that? Phil Jackson starts the game with Chris Mihm at center. Then he pulls him with 6 minutes left in the 1st quarter and replaces him with Bynum. He also pulls Turiaf and replaces him with Walton.

Then he plays Walton and Bynum for 12 straight minutes.

It’s not that the Lakers were doing bad during this time it’s that the players are getting the chance to establish any type of rhythm to the game.

Than at around the 6-minute mark of the 2nd quarter he replaces Bynum with Kwame Brown. The Spurs extended the lead during this time. The Lakers also committed a lot of turnovers in this stretch.

Kwame didn’t look good but neither did any of the other Lakers during the last 6-minutes of the 2nd quarter.

Now if you believe what the fans are saying on the blog…then why did PJ go with Kwame to start the 2nd half?

It was too late, man. The rhythm of the game is established at the start of the game and not with 6 minutes to go in the 2nd quarter. The rhythm of the game is established at the start of the game and not at the start of the 2nd half.

PJ is just incredibly stupid. He acts like he doesn’t understand the game. He acts like he doesn’t understand the concept of rhythm.

What are the Lakers going to do with this guy?

The rhythm of the defensive game revolves around the center.

The rotations of the center go like this:

Starter: 8-9 minutes
Back-up: 6-7 minutes
Starter: End the half with the rest of the minutes

Then you repeat that in the 2nd half.

What PJ did was absolutely insane. The game needs ONE rhythm! It would have been better to go with Mihm with the starting center rotations. This guy is trying to please too many people with his rotations. He’s not doing what is best for the team.

I mean here we are down by 19-points with 6-minutes left in the game. Both Bryant and Bynum are still in the game. If Bynum is the supposed starting center then why is he still in the game?

Now here’s what happened at the end of the 2nd quarter when Kwame entered the game.

Kwame enters the game with 6:22 left in the quarter and the score is Spurs 33-30.

http://scores.espn.go.com/nba/playbyplay?gameId=271113024&period=2

We actually took the lead in less than a minute to make the score 34-33 with 5:31 left in the game.

Here’s how the Spurs separated themselves from the Lakers the rest of the way.

Parker makes a 7-footer to get the Spurs the lead 35-34 with 5:13 left in the quarter.

4:47: Turiaf turned the ball over.

4:43: Ginobili makes 2 free throws off of the turnover. The score is 37-34 Spurs.

4:35: Turiaf turns the ball over.

4:20: Bonner makes 2-points off that turnover. The score is 39-34 Spurs.

4:09: Turiaf makes 2 free throws. The score is 39-36 Spurs.

3:42: Bonner makes a 3-pointer. The score is 42-36 Spurs.

3:19: Bonner blocks a Turiaf shot.

3:09: Tim Duncan scores 2-points off that blocked shot. The score is 44-36 Spurs.

2:49: Derek Fisher travels and turns the ball over.

2:33: Bonner scores 2-points off that turnover. The score is 46-36 Spurs.

2:19: Kobe misses a 3-pointer.

2:00: Parker makes a 2-pointer. The score is 48-36 Spurs.

1:39: Kwame misses a shot.

1:29: Bonner makes a 3-pointer. The score is 51-36 Spurs.

1:15: Odom makes a 2-pointer. The score is 51-38 Spurs.

0:38: Bonner makes a 3-pointer. The score is 54-38 Spurs.

No more scoring for the rest of the quarter.

Now how is that Kwame’s fault?

The game was over right there! I’m stunned by the rotations. And if Kwame was at fault then why did PJ start him in the 2nd half? What happened to Mihm?

Those rotations were insane! The game had zero rhythm. Or the rhythm started by the Mihm unit wasn’t allowed to develop.

What is management going to do about this guy?

p.s. The only good thing about this night is Jackie Johnson's style.

Posted by: Michael Teniente | November 13, 2007 at 08:12 PM

The intensity was good, execution was terrible.

It was a team loss, to the world champions.

If we keep playing with that intensity and as a team, good things will start to happen.

Posted by: Rocky | November 13, 2007 at 08:16 PM

What's frustrating about games like this is that the Lakers as constituted have the ABILITY to win, they just get scattered and out of rhythm. Mo Evans is completely over-rated. I'd rather see J-Crit get those minutes as a backup shooting guard. Sure, he'll get burned defensively a lot, but it would be an investment. Giving Evans minutes is just a waste.

Posted by: Rick Friedman | November 13, 2007 at 08:17 PM

Who sucks more; Luke Walton or Kwame Brown?

Posted by: troy |