Mental note, the Spurs can hit open jumpers
PROGRAMMING NOTE: Remember to tune into "Purple, Gold and Blue" at noon today. Click the show icon on the side of the page. UPDATE: 2:23- the Podcast is up. Pretty lively discussion. Also, some of PJ's postgame comments have landed him in a touch of hot water. I'm sure there will be more questions about it later tonight before the Houston game.
Good to know. That information should be deeply imprinted on the brains of every Laker after Tuesday night's 107-92 loss in San Antonio. The big problem? A soft and gooey middle, not unlike the creamy center of an Oreo or Three Musketeers bar. And the protective layer of chocolate (or cookie, should you prefer) didn't do much to prevent infil---
OK, enough of that. We like sweets as much as the next guy, but it's basically this simple: The Lakers couldn't stop penetration (see photo), and they did a wretched job of both helping and recovering to mark shooters on the perimeter. Worse, they made things easier for San Antonio, turning the ball over a whopping 15 times in the first half to help the champs build up a 16-point halftime lead. Help is not something San Antonio needs (can't say the same for L.A., though, or anyone else trying to figure out what they were doing defensively). Kobe didn't freak out when it was over, perhaps reflective of an improving sense of leadership for this year's bunch. (Though not, perhaps, reflective of a desire to stay in L.A.)
Perhaps he can lead Lamar Odom to some Advil after the oft-injured forward tore a tendon in his right pinkie during the first quarter. LO won't miss any time, but that doesn't mean it doesn't hurt. Less painful were the performances of Andrew Bynum and Jordan Farmar, about the only nice things to look at in the box score.
The Rockets have a couple shooters of their own, so maybe the purple and gold will keep that in mind as they head to Houston for the second half of their Texas back-to-back (6 p.m., KCAL, ESPN). The Rockets also played last night, and also lost, in their case to Memphis. So somebody is going to leave the arena very disappointed tonight.
Kobe says he's not buying MJ's house, but given all the locations he's been connected to, there will likely be more stories of real estate shopping in his future.
Jermaine O'Neal's name keeps getting thrown around, though not so much with the Lakers anymore.
Turns out .4 didn't just inspire the Lakers and their fans. San Antonio found some motivation, too, and L.A. has paid for it since.
lakers sth-
hey, to answer the question you asked earlier, I think the Lakers pay attention to what's written about them, including on this site. If we do an interview, make some controversial post, or whatever, the organization knows. Kobe's people, from what I understand, read everything. It wouldn't surprise me, too, if they- again, I mean people in the organization without pointing to anyone specifically b/c I don't know for certain- looked at boards like ours to get a temperature reading from time to time on what die-hard fans are thinking on certain issues.
I would, however, question whether they come to the site looking for ideas on trades, what they should be doing in terms of personnel moves, etc. Or at the very least, I would wonder if they should. Not to undermine what we're doing here, but if Mitch Kupchak has to turn to us or our readers to figure out his next move, there's probably trouble in LakerLand.
BK
Posted by: Brian Kamenetzky | November 14, 2007 at 02:36 PM
re: last night's game.
From Phil Jackson: "We call this a 'Brokeback Mountain' game, because there's so much penetration and kickouts," Jackson said. "It was one of those games."
That has got to be the best line I've ever heard from him!
Posted by: hobbitmage | November 14, 2007 at 02:42 PM
Lakers played poorly on Tuesday but fine, i don't think there are many guys can stop Parker with his penetration skill and mid-jumper, Fisher and Farmar did ok, atleast Turiaf and Bynum shot down Duncan, thats a good sign. However, one thing the Lakers should look into is making Bynum or Mihm a consistant starter. With Brown on the court is like dragging a statue, the guy is not versatile, cannot finish, or run the court like Turiaf and Bynum, can't catch the ball or shoot the ball, worst brick shots in the paint ever seen, and not a consistant free throw shooter. Besides, why do they need 3 centers to rotate, how is Bynum is gonna grow with this kind of rotation. Sometimes i even questioning what the hell the "Zen Master" was doing. When the Lakers were down by 3 he called the time out. Then when Lakers started losing their grid on the Spurs he let the players play on. I've seen a lot of good games from the Lakers this year, but this one is the worst, not to say atleast, when Brown is starting.
Posted by: GL | November 14, 2007 at 02:42 PM
BK,
There was someone over the summer who posted under the handle of Jeanie. It seriously looked like a legit post other than the time of day it was made (I believe it was a Sat night).
If Kobe's people read EVERYTHING, then wouldn't it be someone fair to say that when all of those posts came on here in the springtime saying we should trade Kobe, that maybe it influenced the tirade? I personally don't, but if what you're saying is true, then a case could be argued that way.
Posted by: Tim-4-Show | November 14, 2007 at 02:42 PM
Tim-4-Show-
Any arguments you'd like to make promoting the power and influence of the site, I will make no effort to refute them (haha).
BK
Posted by: Brian Kamenetzky | November 14, 2007 at 02:47 PM
Xodus,
Oops, I missed your post to me..
>>>>I agree the Spurs aren't the most talented team in the league, but you're selling them short.
>>>>Most importantly, the Spurs are smart. Intelligence never gets mentioned as a talent
>>>>>because it's harder to see it on the court. Why do you think J-Kidd and Nash are still great
>>>>despite their age? Because they're smart.
>>>>The Spurs are the smartest team in the league and in that sense, they are the most talente.
That's much of my point Xodus. I am glad you said it and not me. Whew..
Spurs are not the most athletic, quickest, strongest, biggest, best shooters, dunkers, one-on-one break-em-downers. Not even average in any of those.
They are smart, consistent, disciplined and unified in their quest.
Posted by: HAB | November 14, 2007 at 02:49 PM
Xodus,
In response to your 10:52 AM post (sorry, I've been in meetings), I definitely think they are correctable mistakes, but how long do we keep saying that and when do we realize that this team is what it is, and that's a team that makes poor defensive decisions and turns the ball over too much? We will show flashes of brilliance, see Phoenix game, but over the course of a season or large sample size, we're a middle of the pack, .500 ballclub.
Until they prove otherwise over a long period of time, that's what I have to believe they are (their potential is another discussion).
Posted by: Andrew Z | November 14, 2007 at 02:50 PM
So if you guys get 70,000 unique visitors every month, that's pretty good. However, I would have expected a lot more posts! That's amazing that we have 69,000 people who just read and don't say a word on a blog. How can you not respond to KL? or Mike T? Their comments are so outrageous sometimes you would think we would get more entries!!
Of course if everyone responded, the blog would be pretty hard to manage.
Posted by: zen | November 14, 2007 at 02:51 PM
Damn, if ESPN is jumping on PJ. Here's a question: Are they really disgusted by PJ's comments? Or are they disgusted by what PJ is doing with the intergrity of the basketball game?
mike
Posted by: Michael Teniente | November 14, 2007 at 02:54 PM
In fact you guys should cut a check for Mamba24,KL, and Mike T for their increased hit value.
Posted by: zen | November 14, 2007 at 02:55 PM
BK - Thanks for the reply. I imagine it's the same way celebrity publicists work. The day to day tediousness of their jobs is monitoring any and all press on their clients. I wonder if John Black or someone in his office handle that - or is he strictly a granting-of-access guy? I suppose for players, coaching staff and front office - it's an individual thing. Whether or not they're curious about what the daily talking points are about the team. Not that they wouldn't already know.
I suppose if anyone wanted to get a message through to PJ, they'd have to post over at the NY Times since he said just the other day that he doesn't read any papers besides that.
Posted by: lakers_sth | November 14, 2007 at 03:01 PM
YO MAMBA,
Please take me OFF the 55 WIN BANDWAGON -- you misread one of my posts. What I said was that you 55 win wagoners are crazy but I still love you guys.
Please put me on the Bynum breakout bandwagon......WHEN ARE WE GOING TO START THIS GUY WHAT IS THE PROBLEM P.J? KWAME SUCKS AND MIHM CAN'T EVEN WALK....BYNUM IS PRODUCING START HIM ALREADY.
Mike T - My friends and I play a drinking game at Lakers home game and it goes like this:
EVERTIME KWAME:
1) Misses a pass or displays his stone hands
2) Bricks or airballs a free throw
3) Plays defense with his hands down
4) Misses a rotation
5) Makes an offensive move (which always makes me wince in horror)
6) Forgets to jump at the opening tip
7) Throws a cake
WE TAKE A SIP OF BEER. NEEDLESS TO SAY BY THE END OF EVERY GAME (AND SOMETIMES BY HALFTIME) WE ARE THOROUGHLY DRUNK. IT WORKS EVERY TIME. YOU SHOULD GIVE IT A TRY. IF YOU PLAY THIS GAME I GUARANTEE YOU WILL SEE THE LIGHT B/C YOU WON'T BE ABLE TO WALK WHEN THE GAME IS OVER.
Posted by: SHAQ FAN | November 14, 2007 at 03:04 PM
I am a unique visitor.
Posted by: Kobe's T | November 14, 2007 at 03:13 PM
Ya Know, I was kinda bummed today at work thinking about last nights loss but my gut feeling tells me we'll get Houston tonight based on basic human revenge instinct and my emotional "bail out" mantra for this season( worst case scenario) will be..... Ok, but all in all, at least I'm NOT a Knick Fan !
Posted by: complex brotha | November 14, 2007 at 03:14 PM
Spurs game is history, Rockets will be tonite and Pistons will be on Friday. Lakers draw the first blood on their triple decker, there are still two to go. IMO, here are my hiearchy of shooters:
First Rank: Bynum's Dunk, Kobe long or post play and LO's post play
Second Rank: Radman, Fisher, Turiaf, Farmar (rookies - Crittenton & Karl)
Third Rank: Sasha, MO, Mihm, Cook, Walton, Kwame,
If you all agree to this ranking, let us give the ball to the players that make the highest shooting percentage rather than waste or turnover a possession. We maybe playing teamwork with Walton but he wastes a lot of time in looking for the open man and could hardly connect his turn around shots, he's not threat at all. Let's take our chances on players with the highest shooting percentage and if we lose at least that's the best Lakers can do. Let the 3rd rank perform a yeoman's job as a role and utility men therefore not expected to spend many minutes or playing time. Let's get to the rookies, they are yound, enthusiastic, energetic and the time spent on them today will reap rewards come playoffs.
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | November 14, 2007 at 03:15 PM
HAB - I don't know how to tell you this, but you're using a logical fallacy for your example. Saying that Team Greece doesn't have outstanding players but can beat Team USA which does, doesn't prove the Spurs don't have outstanding players. That's not as strong as some of the other arguments you've used (which I still disagreed with).
And if those guys are smart enough to play that well, maybe thee NBA is missing out on something...Lord knows we see enough stupid play in a typical game.
Posted by: Michael A | November 14, 2007 at 03:19 PM
With regards to Lakers blogs hits, eversince we had the blog, the popularity of the Lakers sports columnists in the LA Times has been reduced. There was a time why subscribers or times customers buy newspapers because of sports. Read something about Shaq & Kobe or during the time of Magic what the athletes were saying. Today, nowspapers are history. Sometimes, what was being discussed in the article of Plaschke, Simers and Heisler are personal contacts with the Laker personnel and make a summary of the news during the week. Mike Bresnahan is one day late from the synopsis of the game given by AK/BK. The blog has provided a comprehensive information about the Lakers by sharing all links available in the net. The analysis may not be organized but it also has covered all the facets that can be covered from players point of view. If you read the Jackson Journal, you get blog jester's opinion on the comedy of the day. (j/k only) Here is my question, if you are Luke Walton or Kwame Brown, your friends, relatives and probably assistants or secretaries relay to you: "Hey I read your name on the Lakers Blog and this is what they are saying...." Will they not be interested to read it? but then it comes from the jester's point of view so they too are being entertained. haha! j/k again Even actors in Hollywood read entertainment reviews about their movies, the live opera in NY Broadway wants to know what they are saying about their performance? tabloid half truths and innuendos are also interesting so they let their publicists do the summary, so why will not a Laker player or a coach be interested what fans are saying about them? Of course, nobody with an ego as big as PJ or Kobe will admit that they read Lakers Blog, but based on human needs of curiosity (about him), they would always be interested what is being discussed about themselves. Have you noticed eversince the firstorms on Kobe's trade and insider drame, Jimbo and Cupcake stayed in the background, never got interviewed on the blog, never visited the loose cannons. Don't you think they don't read the pulse of the fan base?
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | November 14, 2007 at 03:38 PM
from the Miami Herald:
"With Smush Parker's point guard play disappointing the Heat ( Pat Riley believes he's better at shooting guard), people inside the team are wondering if he will be traded when he becomes eligible Dec. 15.
Even at shooting guard, Parker (shooting 30 percent entering Tuesday) has limitations, with one NBA personnel director noting that even though he can shoot from long range and finish at the rim, he's hurt by his lack of an ''in-between game,'' which Parker admits.
The Heat tracks plus/minus ratios, and although it's a small sample size, consider: Per every 48 minutes, Miami entered Tuesday's game outscoring teams by 1.5 points with Parker on the bench, but it is being outscored by 16 with him in the game."
http://www.miamiherald.com/sports/colleges/um/story/306890.html
We wasted two years with this fool.
Posted by: TheFaze | November 14, 2007 at 03:47 PM
exholdvr,
Your wrote:
By the way, notice how Ginobili comes off the bench for the Spurs? Very effective.
And yet many of you complain that PJ does that with Bynum.
My response: That's because Ginobli is good to great and Bynum is *going* to be
good, possibly great. Bynum is soft and squishy.
Posted by: hobbitmage | November 14, 2007 at 03:52 PM
lakers sth-
If I had to guess, JB probably delegates most of the reading work to other people in the department, but I guarantee he's very aware of what's written. The organization wants to know what's being written and said for sure. Player to player it varies. Some are obvious in their sensitivity to what's said about them, some genuinely couldn't care less. But my general feeling is that more care more than they let on. I've seen plenty of players, coaches, managers, etc. take a beat guy aside b/c they didn't like how something was characterized.
The blog world adds an interesting wrinkle, for sure. It gives access to teams into what their fans are thinking, where they are as a group, etc. They can tap into that, if they're smart. I don't mean in terms of going to the sites for "advice," so to speak. And we may not be the best example of what I'm about to talk about, since we're granted the same access as anyone at the Times. But the next big adjustment for teams will come with how they deal with the independent, non-affiliated sites. No doubt, there's a lot of chaff in that wheat, but there are also some outstanding, thoughtful, well written, well researched websites out there, and teams would be smart to do some quality control, then find ways to get the best of those sites access.
It's a great way to tap into the most devoted fans. I know in baseball, the A's are outstanding with this, granting interviews, etc. to one of the better independent sites out there. I think quality control is part of the reason teams hesitate, but so is the ever more difficult quest to control the message. One of the great ironies about sports media (and news, entertainment, etc. media as well) in the internet age is that we as a society have so much more access to information, analysis, etc. We can go on trips into a player's house, hang out with him on the set of a commercial, or whatever. But for all the extra "access," fans actually learn far less about players and teams now than they did 30 years ago. Players, coaches, etc. are much more protective about opening up to the media. Yes, we now know about flaws in an athlete that would have been protected before, but we also don't get nearly as much candid talk from athletes, because too often they're punished for it.
So you have to take the good with the bad.
BK
Posted by: Brian Kamenetzky | November 14, 2007 at 03:57 PM
AK/BK/Faith- All the talk about lack of recovering to the shooters I understand but what would you prefer- parker shooting a wide open layup or someone taking a open 3 point shot.
Sure we can look at the game and say the lakers did a terrible job but most nba and college teams do the exact same thing game after game. Players instinctively help with a player drives into the lane. Its not always the smart play, but all teams do it.
Kobe needs to be pointed out, as BK correctly did, is one of the main perpetrators of leaving his man and helping out, which has created some amazing blocks and steals while leaving his man open for shots and offensive rebounds. He taketh and he giveth away.
Quick point guads have given the lakers fits for years even when Shaq was in LA. From a defensively philosohy stand point, can you think of a good reason to not play a zone and make the quick guards shoot over the top?
Posted by: Laker Lover | November 14, 2007 at 04:03 PM
HAB - Tim Duncan was on the 1994 Bronze Dream Team. FYI.
Posted by: Kobe's T | November 14, 2007 at 04:05 PM
hobbit,
"Bynum is soft and squishy.
Not when compared to backup centers on other teams.
Posted by: exhelodrvr | November 14, 2007 at 04:12 PM
HAB,
My dad is from Greece, I go to Greece every summer, and i speek greek.
Also, the reason greece beat team usa, was a combination of defense, chemistry, excellent coaching, and the greeks knew the international game better(whatever that means). Oh, and the greeks could hit 3s.
Posted by: greek dude | November 14, 2007 at 04:17 PM
BK - Taking the good with the bad is all we do here on the blog and as Lakers fans.
You make a good point about the illusion of greater access because of the proliferation of information. PJ would talk about his Knick days and how they used to go to dinner with the beat reporters and hang out. There was a lot more candidness because there was a lot more discretion.
Last week or so, someone came on this blog and questioned it's blog-ness because it wasn't being published by folks who truly had inside information. I think, at best, what you get is folks like Lazenby who write articles based on an insiders perspective because of his relationship with Tex. Players blogs published by major outlets are pretty much a joke. This isn't like politics where people are trying to change policy and have the power to do so with one well-placed and well-timed article. Any time there's a big mystery like Kobe-gate, I think fans really would like someone to break a story that just lays all the truth out there. But, short of that, this blog serves a great purpose in creating a nice community of fans.
Posted by: lakers_sth | November 14, 2007 at 04:23 PM
Does anyone know where to find out how many touches Bynum is getting per game?
Posted by: Laker Lover | November 14, 2007 at 04:23 PM
Kobe may Taketh and Giveth..but he's smart about his play..or else he would never even be considered for the all nba defensive team. Anyhow...Kobe's doing his job..PJ on the other hand is really making me wonder! I know im just a blogger..nd on the outside looking in..but dang PJ..your killing me. If it aint bad enuff my Raiders are being ran through the mud every single dang sunday..and my neighbors cat Meow's all night freaking lnight long for no apparent reason..then I gotta listen to Sports Center talk up the Celtics as being the best thing since Phunomonotrapiconiosis..on top of then defending the Cavs 20sumthin point throttling by the Nuggets..but I gotta watch you manipulate the roster..and I want some cotton pickin victories
Posted by: Lakeraholic | November 14, 2007 at 04:27 PM
From the Lakers website scouting report for tonight's game:
"We lost game one to Houston so we know there is room for improvement. If we want to become an elite team in this league our defense and rebounding must improve. We cannot allow teams to have extra possessions over the course of the game whether due to our turnovers, defensive lapses, or giving up offensive rebounds. Another obvious area that we need to improve from our first game against Houston is the free throw shooting. Free Throws are a great time to put points on the board to extend a lead or cut into a lead.
Houston likes to play from the elbow areas offensively so we must fight them for that position and when they do catch the ball apply some pressure to make their passes difficult. We did this some of the time in the opener but some of the time against one of the better teams in this league gets you beat. We must out hustle them on every play. Hayes, Battier, Wells, and Scola are aware of the offensive threats that Yao and McGrady are so when the shots go up these guys like to crash the offensive boards and they hurt us like that in game one. We can fix that.
We need to limit our turnovers, in the first game we had twelve. However, some of our shots were like turnovers. We either shot too quick, or it was not the right shot at the right time. We need to execute our offense. If we simply make sure to get the ball from one side to the other against this team we will greatly improve our chances for success."
Posted by: lakers_sth | November 14, 2007 at 05:05 PM
Greek Dude,
Remember during the Free Agents signings, I kept on posting the names of three good players of Team Greece who were outstanding at the Euro League. Coincidentally at that time, Theo Papaloukas considered moving to the NBA but changed his mindset and re-signed with CSKA Moscow. Well, with the huge difference of Euro from Dollar, why not??? That's how weak also our F/O in recruiting foreign players, the Lakers are one of the first teams in NBA to recognize the Euro players when they chose Vlade Divac afterwards there was long lull, the next player they got Medvenko. To europeans, that is something. They liked to be identified with known brands like Lakers, Bulls and Celtics. Unfortunately, we don't capitalize that under PJ regime and Cupcake's reign. They were satisfied with recruits like Vujacic and Shammond in the Euro League. To this day, I don't know what's going on with our scouts or probably again the cost of dollar is just too low that foreign players preferred t the Euro League than NBA, but in terms of ability, there are a ton of players out there better than our present roster. This is the complaint of Kobe, the complaint of long timed fans, WHY NOT LISTEN? Euro players are mostly good shooters, they just have to be taught how to D cuz' their defense there is ruggedly body contact. Why don't we avail the services of Michael Cooper or Coach Howland and train these rookies and euro players, I'm sure lakers will be more competitive with them in two years' time. Today, there is no sign of relief, this are really the Dark Ages in Lakerville. We have seen the scrubs played for two consecutive years, we shipped the leader out to Miami, we thought that was enough, it's over until last night, we found out, the scrubs are still here. LOL!!! When are we going to learn?
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | November 14, 2007 at 05:09 PM
complex brotha-
That's good writing.
LO the problem?
The PROS of the TRIANGLE offense are known to all NBA fans. making passing a part of the game plan as the way to execute, Spacing players with different skills in the most effective areas, inavoidable availability of an open shot on each offensinve position, great rebounding opportonities an so on, backed up by a strong TEAM work philosophy TRIANGLE is one that has won 9 rings within the last 15 years. Despit all the mentioned fact, TRIANGLE cripples when the passing lanes are CLOSED. Closing the lane on the pass in triangle is closing the way of blood to the brain in human body. There are no PENETnKICKs or PICKnROLLS. There are no high posts or PUL ups, there is triangle passes open shots and rebounds.
To FIGHT the team that is PLAYING the passing lanes of the TRIANGLE, passes not only need to be done more and more percise but MUCH MUCH MUCH more in a timely manner. You can't HOLD the ball, Can't waste time and can't play INDECISIVE. LAMAR is doing ALL that right now. Between dribbling inside, passing out, or side, LO is LOST. COMPLETELY. Hey I can't put all the blame on LO why we LOST but without LO playing "CRISP" we don't STAND a chance. NO CHANCE what so ever. Either just being back from the injury or changing position, playing weight, LAMAR better get it together that we need him in a BAD way.
Posted by: rayray | November 14, 2007 at 05:11 PM
Laker Lover,
Whenever you're going against a good point guard, you're always going to want to turn them into scorers, and cut down what they really like to do...which is drive and kick.
Like how we should/did play Nash.
That's not to say we should make it easy for him, easy points or whatnot. We still need to prevent layups, that's the job of the last line of the defense. But everyone else should recognize who they have and not to collapse when they aren't supposed to.
Posted by: Faith | November 14, 2007 at 05:20 PM
edwin,
I do remember you talking about getting Theo papaloukas quite a bit. The thing is that I'm pretty sure he got a bigger contract in europe than in the nba. i'm sure the mvp also liked europe a lot better, although i'm pretty sure he re-upped with moscow.
http://lakers.topbuzz.com/PNphpBB2-viewtopic-p-41207.html
actually we offered him our whole midlevel, so i don't know what else we could have done. Plus, we never would know how well he would be in the nba. he would have been worth the whole midlevel, but at least he didn't go to the heat. Fish isn't bad, he knows the offense in and out, and plays good D.
Posted by: greek dude | November 14, 2007 at 05:27 PM
"Whenever you're going against a good point guard, you're always going to want to turn them into scorers, and cut down what they really like to do...which is drive and kick"
-faith
copy that
Posted by: greek dude | November 14, 2007 at 05:28 PM
The Brokeback line was classic. I was rolling when I heard it.
In regard to Phil's interview on ESPN, ESPN are the ones taking Phil's words and turning them into "Kobe's gone". No one can really assess what Phil meant by what he said, so let's not assume unless he decides to clarify.
Posted by: ATL Laker fan | November 14, 2007 at 05:44 PM
If PJ starts Mihm tonight that should be enough proof that Phil has gone senile.
Posted by: BD | November 14, 2007 at 05:46 PM
Depends who the point guard is some are passers first like Nash others are scorers but generally if a guy is a pass first yes make him shoot.
Parker can do both so its pick your poison to some degree.
Posted by: lakerlover | November 14, 2007 at 05:49 PM