Sweet Jazz like Coltrane
For those concerned that the Lakers might be too full of themselves after Friday's night huge roadie win over Phoenix to pull off another big win over a Western Conference big wig (this time the Utah Jazz), take a deep breath and sigh. The follow-up was another strong effort, more specifically a 119-109 victory. Kobe Bryant led all players with 33 points, and five other Lakers tallied double figures. The Lakers outboarded the Jazz, 40-32, outdimed them, 29-25, outblocked them, 6-3, and even -- shock of all shocks -- did better at the stripe, notching 81% to Utah's 72%. If that doesn't create a box with little statistically to bitch about, not much will. Take a look below the jump for more of a breakdown.
-- AK
The good
Kobe's game, on both ends of the floor. Extremely efficient from the floor and not just in the amount of shots taken (a more-than-reasonable 19 shots for 33 points), but in his selection as well. Rarely did anything feel forced or ill-advised. A wonderfully controlled night racking buckets. And when he wasn't busy scoring, Kobe played his ass off on the defensive end. His stuffing of Kirilenko under the basket brought the house to its feet and helped ratchet the team's already high intensity up yet another notch.
Jordan Farmar: In a night where a collectively strong bench effort took place (41 points), Farmar may very well have been the standout pine performer: 12 points and four assists in just four minutes, with an absolutely sensational coast-to-coast layup that epitomized what Farmar brought in spades -- energy (not to mention results) out the wazoo.
Andrew Bynum: If Farmar wasn't the night's bench king, the title definitely goes to Bynum. From start to finish on the floor, Bynum played among his most confident and aggressive games in a Laker uni, often bullying his way to his 15 points and nine boards. He also remained focused on D, the one area Phil Jackson has consistently cited a need for improvement. If he can make the lockdown efforts can remain this consistent, this could go a long way toward upping his minutes, if not usurping the starter's gig.
The defense: Utah's 109 points will make it sound like the Lakers played a lot of "ole," but that wasn't really the case. All in all, the team played pretty good defense, and even on sequences that went awry, the effort and motivation were pretty much always on display. This was a team looking to hustle and make life tough on the Jazz. I don't know if they're capable of playing that efficiently all the time. But I can't think of a reason they can't try to.
The bad
As I said before, I was willing to overlook Kobe's five turnovers in recognition of how well he played. But I ain't forgiving the 18 committed by the team. That's just too many if you're looking to consistently come out on top.
Brian Cook: His six minutes consisted of one bucket, two turnovers (one which came courtesy of an ugly attempt to put the ball on the floor) and a general lack of energy. To some degree, this might not be an issue, since it's looking like Vlad Radmanovic (and Luke, once he's likely moved to the bench upon LO's return) could bump him out the rotation altogether. But assuming Cook would like to prevent that from happening, he needs to get it together and fast, because I could see his window of opportunity closing increasingly fast.
Jordan Farmar, post-game quotes:
"I never was lacking confidence, but it's just a different understanding of the game, what's expected of me. The coaching staff has a different confidence in me coming into this season, and that helps a lot. It translates to my teammates trusting me, and we're all just playing together. It's definitely not just me."
"We're starting to play together and Kobe Bryant is playing great basketball. He's just letting the offense run. He's making the initiation passes and making his cuts. Just letting everything run smoothly and trusting us. If he doesn't have something good, he's swinging it on and we're making plays. We always come back to him if we need something. He's our man and he's the best player in the game. If he continues to play like that, we're gonna be tough to beat."
"It's not necessarily 'solving' anything, but we're playing the right way. It's not like we're playing and everybody's unhappy and uncomfortable and we're just getting wins, so everything's 'good.' We're playing the right way. We're playing hard defensively. We're sharing the ball. We're running our stuff. We're screening for each other. We're making the extra pass. People are up off the bench, high-fiving and happy for their teammates. It's not just the win. The wins are just a product of the way we're going about our business." -- On whether, as the saying goes, these recent wins "solve everything."
"Our guy. He starts everything. Kobe is playing the right way. I know all you guys can see it. We see it. We feel it. I think he feels it as well. He's really playing good basketball. When he plays like that, he's the best player in the game. By far." -- On where the ability to play this way comes from.
-- AK
Here are your post-game sounds. Obviously, there was a lot of praise for Farmar and Bynum, to go along with complimentary words for all. Well deserved, too.
- Phil Jackson: On the play of the second unit, a big fourth quarter after "purposeless play" going into the half. The quality of shooting, owing to the quality of shots. The significance of the win ("We know people are still getting their legs underneath them in the NBA season ... a good start gives us some daylight we're looking for, some good vibrations for the team, especially with Lamar out, hopefully coming back this next week."). On ball movement and sharing of said ball. Defensive intensity, especially in the fourth. Download phil_jackson_11.4 Utah Postgame.mp3
- Andrew Bynum: On the energy of the second unit, the improvement of his off-ball movement, and the role Derek Fisher has played in helping him get better in that area, his increasing comfort level compared to two years ago and last season. Download andrew_bynum11.4 Utah Postgame.mp3
- Jordan Farmar: On improving, providing a spark for the second unit, the comfort he feels with Drew and the rest of the second unit. "Knowing what everyone can do, and letting them do what they do." Defensive intensity, pushing the pace, trying to create turnovers. Taking ownership of the second unit, and the confidence PJ has to let him push the ball, being given the freedom to try and create. Building an identity as a team, first and second squads. Download jordan_farmar_11.4 Utah Postgame.mp3
- Kobe Bryant: On the offense, spark of the second unit, improvement of Farmar. The happiness that comes with plays like the block he had on Kirilenko's Q4 dunk attempt. Drew's off-ball movement. That last question regarding Kobe's shoes references the white, perhaps snakeskin numbers he was wearing tonight. Download kobe_bryant_11.4 Utah Postgame.mp3
- Derek Fisher: On the help he's given Bynum with his off-ball movement. Download derek_fisher_11.4 Utah Postgame, on Bynum.mp3
-- BK
Great Game, but better Trane shout out...
Posted by: J.D.Hastings | November 04, 2007 at 10:25 PM
Been screaming about Bynum and Farmar since preseason. They have really improved, and if healthy will be much better than they are now. D Fish has been a pleasant surprise. His replacement of Smush makes the Lakers a factor. Don't think Kobe is going to be traded. D. Fish is maybe Kobe's only friend in the NBA. As Buss said, trade if it improves the Lakers. Don't think trading Kobe for anyone improves the team. Keep what we got, play Bynum and Farmar more. Wait until Lamar returns. Sasha is going to have a huge breakout game this season too.
Posted by: Todd | November 04, 2007 at 10:31 PM
The 18 TOs looked bad on paper...but a lot of those came from guys trying to find each other. I think a few of them were questionable calls from the refs, maybe thats just my opinion.
What matttered the most was they tightened up the game come the end of the game. And the team was scrappy.
I still remember that play from Farmar. He wanted to draw the charge from Boozer and fell and left Deron wide open. What was great was that Farmar DID NOT QUIT on the play. He came back and closed on on Deron. That's scrappy. That's hustle.
Posted by: Hansoulfood | November 04, 2007 at 10:39 PM
AK, great post... I totally agree all of it.. Turn-over is need to be addressed. If we minimize the number and if the team play the same intensity(in defense and offense) every game, we will the team to beat.....I Love this Game. .... But only if Lakers win. jk..
No More trades discussion here.. It's no longer fluke, we beaten two very good team in the West.. No more doubts. The Future is now and the Glory is within reach... Witness the Reborn of the Lakers.....
Posted by: trio | November 04, 2007 at 10:39 PM
I know every player's got his pride. Phil is propping Kwame up, but pretty soon he's gonna have to face reality and start Bynum. AB is READY. And what a difference a D Fish makes.
Posted by: JC | November 04, 2007 at 10:44 PM
Andrew "You wanted me traded for who ???" Bynum is DA MAN !!!! Sing me up for a SIGN BYNUM NOW BEFORE HE WALKS BANDWAGON ! HAHA
Posted by: LALAKERLOVER | November 04, 2007 at 10:46 PM
So is it too soon to start a Kobe for MVP and DPOY Bandwagon?
lol j/k
Posted by: Xodus | November 04, 2007 at 10:46 PM
Any word on whether they've been on defensive brainwashing like I've been preaching? lol.
That was some effort out there. Yes there was the ugly turnovers, but the thing about turnovers (at least the way they went about it), is that it shows a willingness to pass, a willingness to get a better shot, and a willingness to move.
Movement and effort was in display, and it was a sight to see.
Go Lakers!
Posted by: Faith | November 04, 2007 at 10:51 PM
Lakers look like they're in mid-season form, whereas the Jazz looked to be near the beginning.
Hopefully, our guys can keep it up and progress even more as the season drags on.
Reminds me of the old Heat teams that would have great regular season records, but kept getting swept out of the 1st round of the playoffs.
Keeping my fingers crossed, GO LAKERS!
Posted by: socalife | November 04, 2007 at 10:53 PM
great game...great win
Posted by: bob | November 04, 2007 at 11:02 PM
I hope I'm the first one to comment again.
Good game.
Posted by: never | November 04, 2007 at 11:04 PM
Post-game video from Farmar and Kobe is up to complement the audio:
http://www.nba.com/lakers/multimedia/0708video.html
Good points from Farmar about the manner in which the team is winning - playing the right way - reinforcing with everyone that this is the key to success - and that it all starts with Kobe setting the example. What this could lead to is everyone from top to bottom, really buying into the system and knowing their role, which oftentimes creates a dangerous form of team chemistry.
Posted by: lakers_sth | November 04, 2007 at 11:08 PM
Very satisfying win! I hate criticizing the refs when we win, but I thought they were awful. Of course, a lot of it has to do with the rule changes that were put in a few years ago. Those rules have a lot to do with Andrew Bynum getting into foul trouble. The only way he is allowed to guard somebody, he has to be outside that silly little circle they put around the basket. If he steps inside, the offensive player changes direction and plows straight into him and he gets called for a foul. In the good old days fouls were called on the player creating the contact not the player backing away from it. This is a major reason that teams are going away from the traditional big man. Unless, you are an established player like Shaq, Dkembe, or Alonzo, you can't make contact in that circle. Oh well....enough of my rant.
Roger
Posted by: Roger B | November 04, 2007 at 11:11 PM
is this really happening? i was preparing to blame a bad start of the season on being without odom! and now this? this will only get my hopes up that we will be title contenders when i know that is a lie!! ..right?
Posted by: nate | November 04, 2007 at 11:12 PM
(hmmm. should i? should i really do it... oh what the heck!)
TWO DOWN, 53 MORE TO GO!
even though i'm not an official member of the 55-win bandwagon and i don't want to buy into any fool's gold like i did last year but i'm very pleased with these wins... how can you not get excited?
can ya'll believe this is the same team that stunk it up in preseason that they were literally kicked out of hawaii and san diego by city councilmembers fearing their suckiness would rub off on local childrenl? wow! whattaturnaround.
very happy tonight. very happy
Posted by: CBuck | November 04, 2007 at 11:22 PM
I am really going to enjoy posting in here after each of the Lakers wins. They keep proving ON THE COURT that several of you were completely wrong in your assessments of their potential this season.
What was that comment about Andrew Bynum needing to prove himself by playing well against a team with bigs before he gets any credit? Well, is Amare considered a big? Is Boozer considered a big? As I stated after the last game, Bynum will be productive every game if the other players get him the basketball. He should never have less than 10 shots a game in my estimation. Why would you not pass to a guy that can finish?
Kwame Brown......The other guys managed to find ways to even make him productive on the offensive end. He still though, can't finish with 1 hand. There is no way he should be getting blocked so much.
Mike T.......I just skimmed your post game article......and noticed something was missing. Where was your stat that shows the point spread for both teams when each of the centers were in the game???? I find it comical that you would leave it out on a night when clearly Bynum had a huge advatange in this department. That's really fair......however, I expect that kind of subjective commentating from you. Keep up the terrible work! LOL! In fact, the more the Lakers win this season, your "article" will become more of comic relief because clearly you don't have a clue.
Kudos to PJ on another well coached game. For those that were upset over Cook and Mihm, don't worry, once Odom comes back, they won't see much action if any.
Where are all those that were screaming that Fisher just wasn't going to be an upgrade....or marginal at best???? Where are you now????? I don't think it's fair for you to come on here all summer and say things that you don't come back to face once they begin to be proven wrong. Fisher just got 19 points and 5 assists tonight.......Was Smush getting those numbers? Was he even close to that type of production? Oh.....and where are the Lakers going to get reliable scoring from? Oh, and Fisher is just too slow......
Farmar isn't ready to be the backup point guard???? I can go on with the ridiculous comments several of you posted on here this summer. I just want you to know that I am taking note of all of you that aren't coming on here now and admitting that you said those things. I at least give Mike T credit for saying that he repents. That isn't enough, but it is a start.
Oh....and Andrew Z.....and Ex......and Edwin......and any others that kept criticizing me this past summer and stated several times that I was unrealistic when saying that this team if healthy could go really far......I am waiting until later in the season once these wins like this become old news. I am waiting to see if you will actually acknowledge that you were wrong towards me.....
Like I said, I am REALLY enjoying this. Don't be surprised or upset by any of my posts. I told you all during the summer that I would be back once the season started, and that I would make you remember everything. If you thought I was just joking.....you were wrong. I will be here all season long just to make your lives ON HERE miserable.
FYI - I am going on vacation this week and won't be back home until Friday night. I will be unable to get to the internet most likely. SO.....I won't be able to repond after the Lakers games this week. SO.....if they happen to lose one this week, don't think that I am hiding, because I don't have to. I will respond once I get back home.....you can count on that!
And you call yourselves Lakers Fans!!!!!
Posted by: JJ | November 04, 2007 at 11:27 PM
K-bros,
Question. Do you guys know what happened to Jack Haley? They replaced him with Nixon on FSN. Just wondering if there's more to the story.
Posted by: two0one7 | November 04, 2007 at 11:36 PM
The Hornets are next and they are off to a great start. Hopefully we will not let up on our intensity. But the game I am really looking forward to is later this week when the T-Wolves come to town. I hope Mchale will be there to watch Jordon and Andrew torch them. Imagine, they could have had Andrew, Jordon, Lamar and the 19th pick that turned into J-Crit. What a moron, taking the Celtics deal. He should be fired after this season.
MH
Posted by: michael h | November 04, 2007 at 11:46 PM
It's early so we shouldn't bet too excited.
But, we should definitely enjoy this because they've strung together 2 games in a row with EVERYTHING we really want to see.
Helluva a block Kobe. Nice to see him trying to block like 5 times a game too. Lots of air Kobe on the D is kinda neat to see.
Posted by: Benjamin | November 04, 2007 at 11:51 PM
When will people realize that Kobey Bryant is one of the best players ever to play this game
Posted by: elvis | November 04, 2007 at 11:58 PM
AK (the no more tears version)
i only caught the second half of the Jazz/Lakers preseason game so they were already down by a lot. can u shed some light on why they got blown out just a few weeks ago?
thanks ahead of time
Posted by: prince | November 05, 2007 at 12:02 AM
I love Ronny on the team, and he's shown good improvement as a starter so far.
But when Lamar gets back Phil should be flexible with lineups. Lamar can play the 4 against smaller teams like Suns or GS, with Luke staying at the 3. Against bigger teams, Luke sits and Ronny starts. Lamar and Luke on the floor makes for good game.
Lakers have some depth and the more players contribute, the better the team plays. Phil can afford to get very creative and try different lineups in different situations.
Posted by: HAB | November 05, 2007 at 12:08 AM
Last season we would have lost this game.
We would have played them close the first half, then come out in the second half, lost focus, let them go on a 12-0 run in the first five minutes, and lost by 15 by the end.
Well, that was last season...
This season there's just such a great commitment to defense going on, and it's there from Kobe down to the 12th man. Everyone is buying into the system. I thinkt he chief difference between this season's start and last season's start is that last season seemed to be about the offense clicking on all cylinders - there was still a lot to complain about on defense, but becase the offense was working so well we ended upo coming out on top. When the shots stopped falling, we started losing, and the whole thing fell apart. This season, it seems like it's starting with defense. We're causing turnovers, and converting on fast breaks because we actually have a PG now who makes good decisions. There were stretches tonight where the offense seemed to stagnate a bit, but we didn't let them get out ahead because the defense was still there. I'm proud of these guys.
I absolutely love looking at the box score and seeing no guy with double-digit assists, but everyone with two or three. That shows the guys are using the triangle, that every position is working interchangably with the others to score. It's a beautiful thing, when they use it correctly.
I think Kwame had a good game - he altered a lot of shots, and had quite a few blocks. I thought it was a bad matchup for him, since Okur plays so much out of the paint, but I thought he still found a way to be effective and contribute to the win. Just about the only rough patch tonight was Cook - he looked terrible out there. I think the difference is that he isn't focused like the rest of the team is, and it shows on the floor. If he keeps this up, Phil should IR him and let Coby Karl have some garbage time minutes next to Critter.
You just gotta think that Kobe's mind is buzzing with possibilities with every game...
Posted by: SBPimp | November 05, 2007 at 12:18 AM
can u see the defensive intensity showned by the LALAKERS tonight???holy god!that was superb basketball! i hope the team will continue chasing W's and make the fans have something to believe in----winning championships! i hope they will continue to play hard and never let confidence up in their head. GO LAKERS!!! Injuries no more please..
Posted by: mike fhenvhaie | November 05, 2007 at 12:24 AM
is it just me or is kobe's off the ball movement better this year? i remember last year when he'd give it up...he had his hand in the air immediately as in "give it back" but i see him working thru screens and making cuts even rubbing people off to open somebody else up.
maybe FISH has set an example..proving to other guys they don't have to give it right back and continue with the offense and it doesn't look like kobe's putting his head down or flailing his arms in disgust. i know its only a couple games but i just thought thats something i noticed
side note..thank god smush is gone.from laker starter to DNP on the heat. i wonder how long before he gives riley attitude
Posted by: prince | November 05, 2007 at 12:26 AM
prince,
>>i only caught the second half of the Jazz/Lakers preseason game so they
>> were already down by a lot. can u shed some light on why they got blown
>> out just a few weeks ago?
It's pretty simple. Jackson was playing kinda random rotations to get a feel
for who played well with who on the floor. For example, the starting lineup
included Mihm and Radmanovic. Plus lots of minutes to Karl, Crittendon,
Vujacic, Evans, and Cook. When it came to the real game, Jackson played
more of a steady rotation with less Cook, Evans, Vujacic, and Mihm,
and no Karl or Crittendon.
Also I think part of it is that the veterans know that preseason doesn't
matter, so they don't play as hard - not just Kobe, but Luke, Kwame,
everyone. They don't want to go out and tear an ACL diving for a ball
in preseason, or something like that. Usually, the ones hustling the most
are players who don't have guaranteed minutes, so they're trying to
impress the coaches that they should be on the roster and get minutes.
With everybody healthy on the team, they're definitely capable of beating
any team in the league on any given night. They'd have a harder time in
a seven game series against the Suns or Jazz, but with the addition of
Fish and the dramatic improvements by Farmar, Bynum, and Turiaf, who
knows?
Posted by: Long Time Laker Fan | November 05, 2007 at 12:26 AM
i agree with you that last year we would have lost this game. after going into the half down. we had those horrible 3rd quarters and then kobe would have felt forced to take over. i think it has to do with point guard play. fish is stable even when hes not hitting shots.and farmar comes in at full blast but with a lot of control there were stretches in this game and you can tell Jordan is one of those players thats hungry to win and i wouldnt be surprised if he turns into a great leader. anyone see that bear hug he got from FISH after coming out.
Posted by: SBPimp | November 05, 2007 at 12:31 AM
SBpimp
i agree with you that last year we would have lost this game. after going into the half down. we had those horrible 3rd quarters and then kobe would have felt forced to take over. i think it has to do with point guard play. fish is stable even when hes not hitting shots.and farmar comes in at full blast but with a lot of control there were stretches in this game and you can tell Jordan is one of those players thats hungry to win and i wouldnt be surprised if he turns into a great leader. anyone see that bear hug he got from FISH after coming out.
Posted by: prince | November 05, 2007 at 12:31 AM
So what's the joke about Coltrane? There must be a pun in there somewhere. OK, nobody associates Trane with "sweet jazz" (although his ballads were as bitter-sweet as they come), but nobody associates jazz with Utah either!
I think Utah should give their name back to New Orleans and change theirs to something like the Utah Hicks.
Posted by: Tsphere | November 05, 2007 at 12:40 AM
JJ,
"Mike T.......I just skimmed your post game article......and noticed something was missing. Where was your stat that shows the point spread for both teams when each of the centers were in the game???? I find it comical that you would leave it out on a night when clearly Bynum had a huge advatange in this department. That's really fair......however, I expect that kind of subjective commentating from you. Keep up the terrible work! LOL! In fact, the more the Lakers win this season, your "article" will become more of comic relief because clearly you don't have a clue."
Why do you always make such a fool of yourself? Andrew Bynum started out this way last year, too. Back then you anointed him all that, too. Look what happened. It's a long season. There are 79 more games to go and in the long run it's about physicallity, legs, and wind.
We have two wins and one loss. Kwame hasn't done anything for us to be losing. As a matter of fact...the game we lost it was Bynum's group that killed us. Bynum has had two good games but there are 79 more to go. Physicallity, legs, and wind is what is going to get the job done in the long run.
I swear, you're such a fool.
mike
Posted by: Michael Teniente | November 05, 2007 at 12:55 AM
JJ,
As a matter of fact: You really don't have anything to say. You're one of the bloggers who was screaming for a trade. I'm the only one who pick this roster to be elite and win 60 games.
And if you look at the defense the Lakers are playing...I think I wrote that in a preseason edition of my writing.
While I was preaching defense you were screaming trade. So you really don't have anything to say. You're what is called a bandwagon fan.
I'm the real deal.
mike
Posted by: Michael Teniente | November 05, 2007 at 01:01 AM
By a show of hands, how many of you thought, without Odom, we'd be 2-1 at this point? I'm always optimistic, and I didn't expect this. Big test coming up (following the first three Big Tests).
The game against Phoenix was one of the best all-around games the Lakers have played with this group. In the Jazz game, we're continuing the pattern of having defensive hustle keeping us in the game. The great thing about that is it doesn't require one person to be hot -- Fish and Vlad were cold this game -- but hustling, harrassing defense will keep you in it.
One win is a happy fluke. Two wins and you've repeated a phenomenon. Three wins and you've started a trend.
Here's hoping for a trend.
The Drive for 55 is Alive!
Posted by: Marty | November 05, 2007 at 01:09 AM
From the two post-game interviews (Farmar and Kobe) I think it's about time everyone started congratulating Kobe on his successful tactics shaking things up. His tirade and threats have proved to be a wake-up call for the team. Jordan says it in his way: that for the first time everyone's gelling around Kobe's leadership (‘our Guy”… not Chicago’s guy). And Kobe revealed that he has been talking to his team mates about “the situation”
It’s also clear that losing Smush was a major step forward, less in terms of skill than in terms of collective commitment. Smush was an obstacle to the group working as a team. And apparently Kobe and Fisher are working together psychologically to make things work (so says Kobe about Fishing cracking the whip and holding guys accountable). And he describes the result, “Every man is coming to practice with a sense of purpose”. That requires inspired leadership, which wasn’t there last year because no one felt any urgency. Remember how Smush said of Jackson, “I don’t understand that man”? Talking about one’s coach as “that man” is a clear sign that the team has no cohesion and no direction. That’s what Kobe rebelled against in May and we’re starting to see the fruits of that rebellion. Kobe has created a situation where everyone can see the urgency and they’re responding. Thank you, Kobe!
But the most interesting was when Kobe referred to “what everyone wants to talk about”. He was beautifully discreet (playing poker like an expert). “I think about the guys in this locker room. They know, because we talk about it. They know we’re I’m coming from. They know what we have to do.”
From Jordan and Kobe’s comments it’s pretty clear: Kobe for the first time has the team lined up behind him with a new attitude, one the FO had no idea how to create and didn’t seem to care about. The guys “know”. Maybe they’re scared Kobe will actually leave. Or maybe they know that Kobe’s bluffing to make sure that the ownership wakes up and takes an interest in the team.
The evidence is in: Kobe’s highly criticized outburst has been the catalyser needed to bring the team together. The best thing about this is that Kobe will have achieved something monumentally important for the Lakers… and for the Buss family. Thanks again, Kobe! (and I hope Jerry and Jim will soon join me in this).
Posted by: Tsphere | November 05, 2007 at 01:27 AM
I mean the 1st unit isn't doing bad right now. And that's with Luke Walton at the 3 spot. Now Luke Walton isn't a bad player but he's no Lamar Odom. When Odom returns and the 1st unit looks like this:
Fisher
Bryant
Odom
Turiaf
Kwame
That unit is going to be better defensively and offensively. The the 2nd unit will look like this
Farmar.....................Farmar
Evan..............or.......Bryant
Odom............or........Walton
Radmanovic.............Radmanovic/maybe Mihm right here.
Bynum......................Bynum
Kobe or Lamar should be on the court at all times.
You see the philosophy goes like this:
The starting line-up of:
Fisher
Bryant
Odom
Turiaf
Kwame
This line-up is a 2nd tier team battling to get to elite.
The second unit of:
Farmar
Evan/Bryant
Walton/Odom
Radmanovic/Mihm
Bynum
That is a bubble team.
This is how it plays out.
Our first unit is 2nd tier fighting to be elite. We fight against all starting line-ups in the league. Elite, 2nd Tier, Bubble teams, and weak teams
Our second unit is bubble team. The rest of league: They're second units are non-playoff teams. Our second unit bubble team should always get the best of every other teams' second unit, which would make the combined efforts of our first (a 2nd tier team) and second unit (a bubble team) = AN ELITE TEAM!
But go ahead and look at the rest of the league and name one team that has a roster that can put a bubble team on the court with their second unit.
Phoenix? Take out Steve Nash and Amare and what do you have?
San Antonio? Take out Tim Duncan, alone, and what do you have?
Dallas? Now that's close but take out Dirk and what do you have?
Who else is there? By having either Bryant or Odom on the court at all times and combine them with Bynum, Farmar, and Walton. That's a bubble team baby! And our second unit bubble team is way better than any second unit in the league.
mike
Posted by: Michael Teniente | November 05, 2007 at 01:30 AM
And that's why I'm mike t. Your friendly neighborhood Lakerologist. And you...well...GO BYNUM!
LOL!
mike ;-)
Posted by: Michael Teniente | November 05, 2007 at 01:34 AM
What did happen to Haley? Mihm is struggling I do not see too many minutes for him this season. I hope Phil can piece together the right lineups when Lamar comes back, because they will have a lot of options and depth when Odom returns.
For the first 10 games I would be very impressed to see the Lakers go 8-2
Next victim Hornets
Posted by: Tej | November 05, 2007 at 02:04 AM
It is really nice to see the young'ns continue to improve. There will be potholes, but they are going to continue to improve throughout the year.
I think Phil has really done a good job with the two units. I also thing Bynum should stay on the 2nd unit until/unless he is consistently better and less foul prone than Kwame over a couple of months. If for no other reason than that with the 2nd unit - led by Farmar - they will look for Drew more. The first unit can deal with Kwame's lower scoring potential, but do need his defense more - remember we always talk defense for 2 seconds, then go back to how many points did they score???
Posted by: Craig W. | November 05, 2007 at 02:39 AM
From Mike D'Antoni himself, about Phil's timeout:
"Hopefully, we'll have the same opportunity to give it back to him. Plus, if he wants to play mind games with us . . . *I don't even have a mind*, so what's the difference? That's not going to work."
Uhhhh .... okay, Mike.
(Source: LAT)
E
Posted by: Emma | November 05, 2007 at 02:55 AM
There is no way in hell the Lakers even listen to offers for Bynum. In last years playoffs Phoenix was the 2nd seed and Utah was the 5th seed and against those 2 teams in 42 minutes Bynum had 29 points and 22 rebounds and throw in 5 assists on 17 for 23 shooting, does that remind you of a former Lakers Center hmmmmmmmm
Plus hes only turned 20 a week or so ago so he will only get better.
Even though I'm not a big Kwame fan he did a good job defensively if I'm the Lakers if they dont trade him at the deadline I'd offer him a 4 million contract for 2-3 years to be the back up center take it or leave it, his role would be to spell bynum about 15 minutes a night
Posted by: Justin | November 05, 2007 at 03:07 AM
all I can say is
Butch "who are those guys"?
..they just keep comin damn their good
Posted by: Pete Maguire | November 05, 2007 at 03:08 AM
Hansoulfood,
Tottaly agree on you. Most of the Turnovers come trying fast points and nice passes, except those of Cook.
Please, I don't understand why PJ makes Cook play. He plays without confidence, it's clear in his face he don't want to play.
Loved the play of Kobe, Bynum and Farmar!
And the best, we are playing on that impressive way and getting this wins...
...WITHOUT LAMAR!!!
Posted by: Alexinho17 | November 05, 2007 at 03:10 AM
I mean, Bynum did very well tonight but he did foul out of the game. Do you know what that means? That means he's still having trouble defending down low. If you would put Bynum in as the starter he would foul out by the third quarter.
I saw Bynum do great on the high pic' 'n roll. That's where the Lakers are beating teams. When the centers are showing on the high pic' 'n roll and it makes the opposing offenses readjust and swing the ball around to set something else up. That takes time from the shot clock. And it also keeps the ball from coming into the paint as often. But once in the paint...well...the kid fouled out where as Kwame Brown had 4 blocked shots.
Now as the season goes on and the game gets more physical, the game will be all about the paint. You do the math. Not the meth. The math.
mike
Posted by: Michael Teniente | November 05, 2007 at 03:31 AM
Now the reason why the kid fouls down low is because he plays with his upper body. The kid is so tall and with his arms really long...he would be dynamite on defense if he played with his legs down low. But he doesn't have real lower body strength so he plays defense with his upper body. HIs arms and chest. As the season goes on and his body tires...it'll get worse. The game, down low on defense, is about the legs.
In other words he's not just going to improve with technique. He has to finish growing into his body. And since he was a chubby kid, naturally, he's also going to have to put in a lot some work with the weights.
That's why guys like Camby and Chandler can grab a lot of rebounds and block shots but they can't guard Tim Duncan. Isolated, their legs betray them. Then their teams have to double team Tim and the Spurs expliot that and win the games.
mike
Posted by: Michael Teniente | November 05, 2007 at 03:49 AM
But in the end it really doesn't matter. I only know two other people besides myself that wanted to keep this squad together without trading Odom, Kwame, or Bynum.
That's Jimmy Buss and Mitch Kupchak. So it's me, Jimmy, and Mitch who are laughing now.
The rest of you are in it with this squad for a bandwagon trip. So when it comes to what's best for the Lakers this season...you're thoughts at this point are irrelevant.
All of you were screaming bloody murder for a trade....
So kick back and be quiet and enjoy my basketball wisdom...of which I share with you.
LOL!
mike
Posted by: Michael Teniente | November 05, 2007 at 03:59 AM
as i said before... and will see this once more... this is PJ's third season with this group... and usually PJ's team has a break out season on the third...
This season... will be our year....
Go Lakers! Go Kobe...
Where are the doubters? KL, Gunner, Taoshun...et al... those who love to see the lakers loose...????
Maybe they are in Miami... joining the losers over there...
Posted by: dice8up | November 05, 2007 at 04:53 AM
Defense, Just Defense. You made me sing "From A Jack to A King". Keep Doing
Go Lakers
Lawrence of Alhambra
Posted by: Lawrence | November 05, 2007 at 06:00 AM
sweet......
Posted by: wondahbap | November 05, 2007 at 06:44 AM
i don't really post here much. Living in NY now i don't get to see a lot of games but i've been a huge Laker fan all my life.
throughout all this kobe trade talk all i could think about was last season.
I mean does anybody remember how this team was playing before they went down with injuries? After they had that stretch when they beat San Antonio at home? they were playing good ball and i guarantee no other team wanted any part of them at that time. I wouldn't say they were a shoe in to win the championship or anything but they were poised to make a lot of noise come playoff time.
If people stay healthy this year, with the younger players getting another year of experience and the upgrade of Fish which is way better then smush. there is no reason way they can’t play better then they did in that stretch from last year. THESE LAKERS CAN BE SCARY TO ANY TEAM THAT TAKES THEM FOR GRANTED!
Posted by: samski | November 05, 2007 at 06:49 AM
Wasn't able to watch the game on the East Coast but from what I've reand and heard, it was a good game. I'm extremely happy to see the improvement in the role players. If Kobe's rant about Bynum forced him to shape up and work on his game then it all worked for the good.
Posted by: EastCoastJessie | November 05, 2007 at 06:59 AM
Bynum was a beast I like him conibg off the bench just like he is. He gets in foul trouble way too easily and he'll have serious trouble playing agressive post players. Boozer scored consistently over him, the turnovers killed the jazz. Not taking anything away from his offensive game the boy is talented for sure but one on one is a defensive liability.
Come on people mehmet okur he should have dominated Okur in the post. He did what he was supposed to and good job. Let's not get carried away, the kid is very talented offensively and is a good shot blocker but if that game was closer Kwame would have been in ther guarding Boozer. What I hope to see soon is a two center lineup with both of them in there now that gets it done.
Posted by: vizardronin | November 05, 2007 at 07:10 AM