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
JJ,
"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......"
Unfortunately, this team is not going to go far this season. I am as happy as anyone else with these two wins, but the Lakers are not a contender yet. Maybe next year if the team continues to gel.
Posted by: exhelodrvr | November 05, 2007 at 07:16 AM
Can we stick Kobe on Paul for tomorrow's game?
Posted by: hariyahu | November 05, 2007 at 07:32 AM
Were there any boos for Kobelast night during intros?
Posted by: EastCoastJessie | November 05, 2007 at 07:35 AM
JJ,
""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......"
When did the NBA season last 3 games? Did I miss something? I am thrilled with the level of effort the Lakers have shown the last two games, and would be the first to eat crow if they do it all year, but we've played three games. To paraphrase Winston Wolf from Pulp Fiction, "let's not start patting each other on the back just yet".
Posted by: Andrew Z | November 05, 2007 at 07:38 AM
My criticism of Kobe in the past has been based on his holding the ball,jaking it on defense and sneaking downcourt to run up his stats and stabbing teammates in the back. We saw that Kobe in game one. The past two games he has let others play and trhe whole demeanor of the team seems different. Game 2 was not a sterling one for Kobe,but it helped the others prove to themselves that they don't need a major contribution from Kobe to be able to win.
The second unit just as I pointed out in pre-season is working extremely well and showing tons of pride. I think Kobe is starting to believe what many of us said all along,Kobe's best chance to win something is to trust his teammates and to become a part of the team,not try to be the whole team. If he will continue to do that and quit thinking he has a better chance to win with another team(he doesn't by the time the other team is gutted to get him) he may surprise a lot of people and finally by stepping back prove that he is all that many of us knew he could be all along simply by trying to do less and allow his teammates to do more.
Posted by: Umat | November 05, 2007 at 07:41 AM
Mike T,
"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."
"How about this plan: The Lakers keep Bynum on short impact minutes. Say 8 per half. That way he shows his offensive skill with all of his wind. Everyone will be focusing on how good Bynum is on the offensive and by keeping him on 8 minutes stints his defense won't show. Then people will say: Why isn't Bynum starting? He looks so good. Then we can trade him for another Ronny Turiaf type PF so that the Lakers can have enough depth at the 4 spot. Plus we ask for a unprotected 1st rounder, too.
Or we can trade him and, either Walton or Radmanovic for Artest. If Radmanovic contiues to shoot like he does that would make Walton expendable in a package with Bynum.
mike
Posted by: Michael Teniente | November 04, 2007 at 12:56 PM"
Just to clarify. Did you mean you were among three people that didn't want to trade Bynum, November 4th aside?
AK
Posted by: Andrew Kamenetzky | November 05, 2007 at 07:42 AM
Fisher has really expanded his game since his previous stint with the Lakers. I think playing a couple of different systems has helped him become a better player for the Lakers.
I like how Phil is basically splitting starting point guard time between Fisher & Farmar.
Kobe’s block on AK-47 was just sick. Just a really, really big time athletic defensive play. I played it back about 10 times, and t just kept getting better.
AK/BK,
I think this second unit story is going to grow into an amazing one over time. Someone did a sales job on these guys, and I think it was Farmar. They have really bought into the “bench bunch” concept of high energy, play the right way, move the ball, help each other. If you don’t already know, is there any way of finding out how much Farmar is bending these guy’s ears?
Also, Farmar’s comments about “Kobe letting us play with him” was just a classic snow job on Kobe. Whatever it takes, but there is no question Kobe played the right way last night, as the efficiency of his box score indicates. That kind of stat line should be typical of Kobe (w/o the turnovers) rather than the exception.
Great game.
Posted by: OldSchool | November 05, 2007 at 07:50 AM
Ex,
How do you know after 3 games if the Lakers can contend or not? Particularly since they are missing arguably their second best player - Lamar. I thought the NBA played 82 games and the playoffs to determine which teams will contend for the Championship. The Lakers clearly do not have the best/most talented roster from top to bottom. One can argue that Kobe is the greatest player in the game right now, maybe that could be enough if the other players continue to show the focus and energy they have displayed thus far.
After the loss to Houston I commented that it was just one game. And I will post after the two - albeit impressive and somewhat surprising wins - that we are only 3 games into and 82 game season. None of us know how this season is going to turn out. I thought last year before the injuries hit, they would be a good team with an outside chance. I like this squad better - mainly because of NO Smush. Lets not get too carried away with how great or how bad the team is, we should watch and comment on the game at hand. Each year in all sports there are surprise teams. Could it be the Lakers year? Maybe, maybe not. Come on try a little Zen approach and just watch the season unfold......
Eagleboy
Posted by: Eagleboy | November 05, 2007 at 07:55 AM
NOW if management wants to capitalize on this success, they need to recognize the dead weight: Mihm, Evans, Cook, and Odom. Yes, Odom. Use them to get either one or two solid pieces, if anyone is dumb or desparate enough to want their services.
What we're seeing is how the team operates when we send some professionals out there with Kobe. Farmar and Bynum have excuses for last year, as they were rookies, but they're beginning to show that they are pros. Fisher - there was no doubt he was a pro through and through. Turiaf and Walton are proving themselves. Radmanovic is healthy and off the snowboard.
Look, this rest of this team outside of Kobe aren't even All-Stars. All the Kobe supporters here have asked is that management send out solid players on the court with him. And it seems that some of the players are learning to be a little more tough minded in their games, given the example of Fish and Farmar. Peripheral guys like Walton and Brown seem to need that confidence.
Posted by: Kobe's T | November 05, 2007 at 07:59 AM
Mike T,
Again where is your stats regarding how great Lakers with Kwame on the floor? Don’t have them yet? Your wisdom? Please, get real...
Posted by: LAL_Fan | November 05, 2007 at 08:03 AM
I'm no psychotherapist or even a 12 step veteran, but does Kobe appear to have "let go" a bit? In the good way, I mean. I'm just speculating on the basis of watching 3 games on TV, but it looks like he's way more at peace about not being able to control the whole game. This, in turn, creates more opportunities for his teammates, who have been playing well. The net result is Kobe trusting his teammates more.
What's interesting is that I'm not sure that increased trust was his intent. I think he really was disenchanted with the team coming into the season. He cared less about results as a consequence. Paradoxically, now that he and the team are free from the crushing weight of his unflagging intensity, this is helping him. And the Lakers.
Only Kobe could find a way to turn half-heartedness into a weapon.
Posted by: The D | November 05, 2007 at 08:04 AM
between kobe,fish, luke, or lamar, we should always have 2 of those on the floor at one time. In the second quarter, we had none, so thats why the jazz went on a run.
Posted by: greek dude | November 05, 2007 at 08:11 AM
AK,
You did it now. How dare you use his own words against him!
Go Lakers!
Posted by: p ang | November 05, 2007 at 08:14 AM
AK
SCORE! and still undefeated!!
Posted by: Vman | November 05, 2007 at 08:16 AM
Yesterday had the potential to be a dream sports day. The Chargers, Lakers, and the Pats/Colts.
The Charger game was a nightmare. Adrian Peterson is a great back. He would not be denied yeasterday, what a performance. The Chargers were made to look like a bunch of pansy's out there trying to arm tackle this guy. If you get a chance to see Adrian Peterson run, I'd recommend to take advantage of that opportunity. He's an old school runner, a beast. Think Earl Campbell.
Then it was time for the Pats/Colts game. A boring game. I had to change the channel to the Clipper game, which was a very good game. The Clippers this year are going to be a challenge for the Lakers. ET Cassell is back and running the show with Brevin Knight. They play a good brand of basketball. ET is just so smooth and has so much saavy out there. He plays the game like he's on the playground, it's pretty fun to watch.
Then to the Main Event, the Lakers. The Lakers, like the Vikings were playing a team that was expected to win. As the underdogs, the Lakers had nothing to lose and played like it. Again, I didn't see anything to really get excited about. Fisher adds that court saavy that ET provides the Clippers, I can't see Fish contributing 16 points a game through the whole season though. Kobe's turnovers are still very high each game, that should improve as the season rolls along.
It's only a few games and it's early so any assessment of this year's squad is premature. But there is a lot of potential here. The Farmar/Bynum connection brought back memories of summer league a couple years back, we caught a glimpse of what could be expected from the Farmar/Bynum connection in the future. Those two have good chemistry together.
Seeing Bynum leave to a standing O was nice to see. He played very well. Boozer or Okur have no chance against him in the post.
Kobe's seal act, bouncing the ball on his head was funny. I like how he decided to do that right after Bynum got a standing O. It was like he wanted to deflect some of the attention off of Bynum and on to himself. Very childish. But he recieved a few boos for it deservingly. I'm glad that the fans are now going to check Kobe when gets out of line. He played a good game though and the fans gave him his due respect for that when he was removed from the game.
Overall, a good game. Another one to build from. We need to stay consistent with the energy, easier said than done. With Fisher back, I like our chances, but I'm staying humble about this. I don't want the Lakers to pull a Charger and get all bigheaded when we haven't done anything to prove our worth. I don't see that becoming an issue for these Lakers anytime soon, there's still too much to prove. And we're still the underdog.
Posted by: Rocky | November 05, 2007 at 08:17 AM
Eagleboy,
"How do you know after 3 games if the Lakers can contend or not?"
I don't. And I don't know that Dallas or Phoenix will contend, either. Or Boston. Or that Lebron will have a good season. It's an educated guess.
Clearly there has been improvement in some of the players. Equally clearly is that the two Lakers wins were against teams playing the second game of a back-to-back; anyone who says that isn't a significant factor clearly hasn't been paying attention to the record of teams in those games. And in the game against Houston, playing a home game agaist a team with a new coach, new system, who had a horrible first quarter, the Lakers still lost. Other teams will adjust to how the Lakers are playing; they will figure out Bynum and Farmar's weaknesses; Fisher will not continue to play at this level. And this group of players will make some improvement, but not enough to be contenders this season.
The Clippers are 2-0; do you think they will contend?
Posted by: exhelodrvr | November 05, 2007 at 08:25 AM
Smush is gone, Paul Lee is back. Did you bring Zakee with you? I miss those Smush sucks after the game. hahaha. It's all about Fisher is great. Too bad Coby Karl has not played yet, he will have his time. I think this Critt, Karl and Fish are the lucky dudes replacing shammond, aaron and the Smoochie.
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | November 04, 2007 at 09:16 PM
Yeah Edwin Gueco I've been reading the blog always just not commenting. You know I'm a Kobe fan, but I felt that he was getting scrutinized and alot of the blame for things that were out of his hand. I mean if a lie came out from Jim Buss that I said to trade Shaq I would be hot to.
No matter what the media continues to try to get Kobe to the east and out of LA. The last 2 years Smush Parker was our weakest defender and every night we lost at the point guard position. This year D-Fish, Farmer and Critterton play well and make the other teams PG have to stay at home. Example Nash in Phoenix.
BTW WHO THE HELL DOES THE COACH FROM PHOENIX THINK HE IS. YOU BUM TALKING ABOUT WE'LL TOAST THEM IN THE PLAYOFFS AGAIN. FOR SOMEONE WHO HASNT DONE HALF THE THINGS THAT PHIL HAS DONE, STAY IN YOUR PLACE.
Posted by: Paul Lee | November 05, 2007 at 08:26 AM
Andrew Z, EX,
Now that my giddiness from last night's win has subsided I think I can speak objectively on this.
I've got a question for both of you. Do you guys think that if this team stays healthy we can contend for a top 5 seed? I feel like everyone forgets that last season when everyone was healthy we held onto a top 5 spot for about half the year. Right now I'm cautiously optimistic about things. Everything looked bleak after the preseason and the Houston game, but now we've played VERY good basketball against two very good teams.
The more this team keeps winning the less logical it becomes to trade Kobe. And his attitude seems to have greatly improved. He's actually slapping guys on the butt and giving them words of encouragement. I still don't think he wants to stay in LA for the rest of the season but it's a start.
Posted by: Xodus | November 05, 2007 at 08:28 AM
This just in, Kobe had an EKG and his Heartis just fine!
As I have said many times before, Farmar is going to be huge for the Lakers. His spark last night was exactly what I have been predicting for many months now. He is getting better and better. I think that Fisher is going to be a huge boost to him.
Wouldn't it be ironic if Bynum and Bryant become the 1-2 punch that balances out LA and keeps Kobe here? I'm not ready to jump on a Jim Buss is a genius band wagon, but Bynum played well, showed some skill and heart. I loved the emotion after getting pushed on a layup for the And 1.
Mihim is still lucky the Lakers took a chance on him, but it was nice to see an extra 7 footer out there. I like Ronny at the 4. His game is coming along to match his heart. As long as his EKG is fine we are looking pretty good.
I really can't wait to see LO get back in the mix. Things are looking much better that I thought they were going to. But there is still a lot of basketball yet to play. we are only 2 minutes into the 1st quarter as far as I see it right now.
T-Woody
24/7
Posted by: TWoody | November 05, 2007 at 08:33 AM
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
LAKER FANS THIS IS MY APOLOGY TO MITCH KUPCHAK
NOVEMBER 5 2007 GET IT DONE PART 1 AND 2
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
GET IT DONE MITCH REVISON 3.0
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Get it done Mitch, get it done fast
Not signing the Matrix could mean your @ss
Get it done Mitch and not just for us
Get it done Mitch
Youre running out of trust
Get it done Mitch, Im not taking sides
Get it done Mitch
Damn, have you no pride
You had a chance to get Jason the Kid
But Jim Buss said no and you ran and hid
You Once played with legends, Like Kareem and Magic
Now Jim Buss gives you orders
Man thats so damn tragic
I know you wanted to sign the great KG
But couldnt be cause of that addict, yeah you jimmy
Just tell JimMY to say no to drugs
Then sign The Matrix and give him a hug
Take young Bynum and ship his @ss
Send a jet so JO can get here fast
Get it done Mitch, This is our last cry
If you dont get it done Mitch
Not Just Kobe will be saying goodbye
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
MITCH GOT IT DONE
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Mitch got it done, he got it done so fast
The Freaking lakers ended up stomping the Suns @ss
Mitch got it done, He got it done for us
And not for that creep named Jimmy Buss
Mitch got it done, without taking sides
And showed everyone what really is Laker Pride
He had a chance to get Jason the Kidd
But he stuck with Bynum arent you glad he did
Yeah he once played with legends like Kareen and Magic
But he stuck with this roster thats giving us a kick
I know you wanted to sign the great KG
But screw garnett, Well take our chances with AD
Dont worry about Jimmy and whats up with drugs
To hell with the Matrix Thank god LO is still here to hug.
Take young Bynum and Keep his @ss
Send a jet and tell JO, sorry we got to pass
Mitch got it done, You hear me this is the new cry
And because Mitch got it done, season tickets I will buy
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Posted by: Mamba24 | November 05, 2007 at 08:34 AM
Ex,
There's also another way to look at it. Yes, Houston has a new coach they had to adjust to. But I'd contend that having all this Kobe controversy is more inhibiting than that. And Houston played a terrible first quarter, but for the most part we played a terrible game, highlighted by Kobe missing 9 free throws. And let's not forget that LO, who will create matchup problems didn't play either.
I agree that playing on the second nights of a back to back is tough, but everyone has to do that and you just deal with it. And personally, I'd rather play on the second night of a back to back than not have my second best player. I'm not saying we're world beaters, but you have to take the good and the bad into account.
Some fans are only taking the good, others are only taking the bad. Let's look at both and see where the season takes us.
Posted by: Xodus | November 05, 2007 at 08:35 AM
""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......" JJ
"I swear, you're such a fool." Mike T.
__________________________________________
Here is my reply:
Fools rush in, where angels fear to tread
And so I come to you my love
My heart above my head
Though I see the danger there
If there's a chance for me
Then I don't care, oh-oh-oh-oh......
In a nutshell, we don't care whether we made a fool of ourselves on what we said many eons ago, as long as we're winning, baby keep it, keep it on. LOL!
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | November 05, 2007 at 08:37 AM
Cat got your tongue Mike T. ???
Posted by: LALAKERLOVER | November 05, 2007 at 08:41 AM
Here's an observation about Kobe's dramatic turnabout in the last two games, where he has been sensational at both ends of the court and incredibly active every minute.
It's the play of the 2nd unit. For the entire preseason and most of game 1, Kobe was not only dogging it, but almost throwing the game. Dumb passes. One-on-four drives through the middle. In effect, flipping off the FO and the fans.
But once the 2nd unit got rolling and charged up the Staples crowd...it was Showtime II. And Kobe knew it. THEY were getting the standing O's. THEY were getting the high fives and the jacked up bench. And Kobe wasn't.
So now HE wants it too. He's playing with total abandon. Steals. Flying rebounds. Great assists. Swat blocks. Reverse dunks. The whole package. The whole MVP-MVP-MVP package.
Thanks, 2nd unit. Showtime II is here.
Posted by: CornerJ | November 05, 2007 at 08:42 AM
TWoody,
You mentioned Kobe had an EKG at the heading but then you referred to Ronnie's EKG in the middle of the post which is which? I assume you're referring to the latter and put Kobe instead. Kobe is in your mind.....
As far as Jim Buss, let's annoint him as a genius, as long as he shuts up his mouth. Silence is golden in times like this.
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | November 05, 2007 at 08:42 AM
Edwin Gueco,
"Fools rush in, where angels fear to tread
And so I come to you my love
My heart above my head
Though I see the danger there
If there's a chance for me
Then I don't care, oh-oh-oh-oh......
GO EDWIN, GO EDIWN GO, GO, GO HIP HOP EDWIN
Posted by: Mamba24 | November 05, 2007 at 08:45 AM
JJ,
Take it easy on Mike T.. He was probably to busy studying Quantum Physics to add the center stat's. Probably coming up with some new theory or something that only makes sense to him. Like his basketball stories.
Posted by: joedub | November 05, 2007 at 08:46 AM
Xodus,
"Do you guys think that if this team stays healthy we can contend for a top 5 seed?"
Assuming that there are no major injuries to significant players on any of the teams in the West:
I think that Dallas, Phoenix, Houston, and San Antonio are better than the Lakers. I think that Denver and Utah are probably better than the Lakers. New Orleans will be better than they were last season, but I don't think they will be better than the Lakers. (There is the advantage that the Southwest is very strong, so those teams will tend to beat up on each other.) Golden State - who knows? So for the Lakers to be top 5, they will likely have to beat out both Denver and Utah, which I doubt will happen.
What would be a reasonable hope (not expectation, but hope) would be that this team would continue to improve, and by the end of the season be at that "top five" level, even if the record isn't a "top five" record. I'm thinking more in terms of next season; if this team does reasonably well, and looks like it will continue to improve, Kobe will (hopefully) want to stay; a smart midseason trade, looking towards next season ...
Posted by: exhelodrvr | November 05, 2007 at 08:50 AM
Mamba24,
"And because Mitch got it done, season tickets I will buy"
Season tickets just increased 10% across the board to bring the New Yorkers aboard. Now that the Lakers are winning , there is a huge market out there who'd like to see the games wherever they are, even if they are in Asia, in Europe, in Brazil. Can they create a Lakers I-Pod exclusively for Lakers game? A delay of 2 hours is OK. That will be the season tickets for Mamba24. We're now in the 21st century, whatever you think could be converted to reality.
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | November 05, 2007 at 08:54 AM
Xodus,
I think this team, if it remains healthy, can be a top 5 seed. I think the only givens are Phoenix, San Antonio, and Dallas. The second tier is going to be Utah, Houston, and Denver, but I don't see any of those teams leaps and bounds ahead of us. I think they all have a little more wiggle room than us, but we can definitely compete on their level.
I am most impressed with our level of energy for the most part. Bynum, Vlad, Kwame and Ronny sometimes get a little flat-footed and straight-legged when their guy doesn't have the ball or is more than one pass away, but overall they are moving well on defense.
I have to say that I underestimated the Fisher vs. Smush exchange. I don't expect Derek Fisher to average 16 points a game this year, but his veteran presence and hard work on the court make such a difference.
The play of Radmanovic, at least offensively, will be a major lift. He was non-existent more or less last year, so adding a guy like that (especially if he plays with a chip on his shoulder) could be a big plus.
I have also been impressed with Kobe Bryant so far. His movement without the ball has been shocking and defensively he's playing much more intensely than he did last year. I think the guys are feeding off that.
If Bynum, Kwame, and Vlad can keep their concentration and energy high at all times on the defensive end this team can win a lot of ball games.
Of course, I've been knocking on wood the entire time I've been typing this. Don't want to jinx anything.
Posted by: Andrew Z | November 05, 2007 at 08:55 AM
Ex,
I have no idea who will contend, including the Clips. That is my point exactly. You stated that the Lakers will not contend this year. Or did I miss-read your post? My only point is - we are just a few games into the season. That Houston game - the Lakers should have won it. Can't make free-throw at a decent clip and we give Houston the winning margin courtesy of Kwame and Luke.
Sure teams will adjust, but so can the Lakers can't they? I am not ready to proclaim any team the best. The Spurs are likely to be in the Finals - but what if Duncan gets hurt? Can the rest of their players fill that void? We cannot know the unknowable! That is why I like the Zen approach - watch the season unfold and not worry about the future - focus on the now.
A lot of the bloggers have good and/or interesting analysis of the games, but when it gets to someone stating as a matter of fact this or that will or will not happen in the future, I just can't buy that, it is a pet peeve of mine. And if anyone on this blog can tell the future - can I have some winning lotto numbers please. That way I can blog all day and not have to worry about work. Heck maybe it will allow me to do a Mike T. and come up with my own statistical analysis to show how bad Kwame can be or how much good Luke contributes to the team.
Eagleboy
Posted by: Eagleboy | November 05, 2007 at 08:58 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."
Mike,
you suggested trading Bynum as recently as YESTERDAY.
Posted by: akrasian | November 05, 2007 at 09:06 AM
If we are healthy...so far we have a deep bench of 12 players. We're just waiting for Lamar, Chris Mihm and Brian Cook to come aboard. That is 15 all the way down. Don't treat Critt and Karl as everyday rookies, they are the lucky charm that will make Laker Express as super express. Let them get to the flow especially on the next game - Chris Paul. They are also very optimistic about their chances coming in 3-0. The next objective is to tire Paul and Tyson with rugged D of three Centers and three PG's.
If they want to be known as Showtime II, they have to prove it on their 4th game. It is no longer being heathy or trading Bynum or trading Kobe...just keep on winning and there will be only One Voice and One Bandwagon.
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | November 05, 2007 at 09:09 AM
Eagleboy,
Yes, you're right. I should have said "It is very unlikely that the Lakers will contend this year." My bad!
Posted by: exhelodrvr | November 05, 2007 at 09:23 AM
Cook should be stored behind a pane of glass marked "break in case of emergency".
Posted by: McGarnagle | November 05, 2007 at 09:24 AM
Edwin,
In Kobe's EKG, I was referring to PJ comments about Kobe's heart not being in the game/team. In Ronny's EKG, I was referring to his real live heart issues.
I was trying to be funny and I guess it did not work.
T-Woody
24/7
Posted by: TWoody | November 05, 2007 at 09:26 AM
Paul Lee,
Stay aboard and don't disappear, this could be a smooth sailing cruise.
Smoochie is 0-3 and still on the bench & keeps on grumbling..."if Riles will only play me, I will prove to those sorry Laker fans what they are missing. " Unfortunately, he is a mere insurance, a piece of contract to be used in case of PG Williams gets hurt. If you want Shaq go ballistic, play Smush with those clank, clank... threes. Indeed, what a change? last season it's all about Smush's posts, this year it's how wonderful the world could be with .04 Da' Fish.
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | November 05, 2007 at 09:31 AM
Old School,
"Kobe’s block on AK-47 was just sick. Just a really, really big time athletic defensive play. I played it back about 10 times, and t just kept getting better"
I just saw it again on ESPN News .... the block that was heard all over NBA. That was an equivalent of the catch by Randy Moss. From that block, the whole Lakers fans at Staples were heard rockin' aand buzzin' The Jazz never regained their composure as just got the call of the game. "You can't win here tonite." That is Kobe's cry, an enigmatic showboat and treated the matter as though nothing wonderful had happened. The second highlight was the passing of the ball around from Turiaf to finally to Socks for an semi-alley hoop. After that, Bynum made a round house as he landed on the floor with full gusto. That's the re-awakening that he is no longer to be treated as a kid. From thereon the fans were all giddy, Jack Nicholson is smiling again and as they come out as an encore a standing ovation greeted them from an appreciative crowd..
What more criticisms as Laker fans can we add after such splendid performance except to say:............THANK YOU
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | November 05, 2007 at 09:52 AM
Is Kobe "making his teammates better?"
The bench has looked great. Farmar is playing well and Vlad looks confident and like he has something to prove!
Posted by: MJCMAN32 | November 05, 2007 at 09:58 AM
I had to move my car this morning and when I got into it and turned it on, the radio was still tuned to AM570 from driving home from the game - the first words I heard? Dan Patrick saying "Are the Lakers actually a good team? We'll talk to Reggie Miller to see what he thinks" Then I parked the car and went back inside.
The way the Lakers are playing? Unpredictable (not in the inconsistent way but in a way most couldn't predict). The response? Predictable.
You have fans losing their minds with positivity. Asking if this team could be top 5 in the West. You have fans telling people we're only 3 games into the season and to calm down. You have reporters asking Kobe if this team is good enough to contend and you have Kobe telling them that the team can't get too far ahead of themselves. Will Jerry Buss' words of hope that Kobe will change his mind if the team starts to win games come true? Who knows? It is probably better to take the one game at a time approach. If you're a pessimist, you're anticipating a let-down game against either NO (even though they're supposed to be at our level) or MINN because the team is either too busy riding the high of these wins or looking past this week's opponents to the Texas two-step next week. I'm just thankful the team is getting a lot of practice time this early in the season to reinforce all the good habits they're building. Until Kobe is traded (if it's going to happen), if he wants to crack the whip on his teammates about hard work and defense then that's fine with me.
Posted by: lakers_sth | November 05, 2007 at 10:40 AM
MJCMAN32
"Is Kobe "making his teammates better?"
The bench has looked great. Farmar is playing well and Vlad looks confident and like he has something to prove! "
LOOKS LIKE HE'S MAKING THEM BETTER TO ME!
Posted by: Mamba24 | November 05, 2007 at 10:49 AM
i know a lot of people are thinking if we win kobe would change his mind and stay. but if i remember correctly i think kobe wanted ramifications for that "insider" that started his whole tirade. and as far as i can tell the media has made it into kobe hates LA and his team. like jordan said last nite we just let kobe and management work out their issues. as nice as the play has been i dont think anything has been done about the insider situation unless it was behind closed doors. and by insider i mean mullet wearing jimmy b
Posted by: prince | November 05, 2007 at 10:56 AM
AK,
"Just to clarify. Did you mean you were among three people that didn't want to trade Bynum, November 4th aside?"
You're such a fool, too. I do believe I was referring to this summer when everyone, except me, who was crying for a trade. And like I said before...Andrew Bynum did very well last night. But he still fouled out. And Boozer did score on him. And this is only the 3rd game of the season. And this is almost exactly what happened last season, too, with Bynum. So, yeah...I think Andrew Bynum is great trade bait. But I came to that conclusion after the Phoenix game. I realized that Bynum was displaying "fools gold." And so I thought to myself, ummmmm....everyone always cheers offense and pay people big money for that...so I said to myself...we know Bynum's defense is going to be weak as the season goes on...why not feed him the ball right now while he has wind and we're winning and trade him for some help at the 4 spot? Plus with the way this fools gold is glittering right now we can easliy come away with an unprotected first rounder, too.
Throw Walton and Farmar in a package with Bynum and we have a block buster of a trade who's back end will net us an unprotected first rounder. I'm mean we have Radmanovic and Crittenton/Sasha to step in for Walton and Farmar. Once Odom returns Walton is going to less of an impact when the he's put on the 2nd unit. But right now these three players are shining...it's the perfect time to steal some verteran help at the 4 spot and come away with an unprotect first rounder, too.
We're weak at the 4 spot. Turiaf over the long haul is going to need some help. Plus, anyway you cut it...we're too young and immature in certain spots to win it all with this squad this year.
So yes, I still see Bynum as great trade bait.
mike
Posted by: Michael Teniente | November 05, 2007 at 10:58 AM
The D,
Yoiu wrote,
"What's interesting is that I'm not sure that increased trust was his intent. I think he really was disenchanted with the team coming into the season. He cared less about results as a consequence. Paradoxically, now that he and the team are free from the crushing weight of his unflagging intensity, this is helping him. And the Lakers."
You're right, but his beef was with the Front Office and the owners who -- to his mind -- didn't care because so long as they had a full house and ticket prices that increase every year, they move into Alfred E Newman mode, "What, me worry?".
I still think Kobe was challenging everyone to get serious... and it worked! The easy and moralistic take is to say, "what an ego! He feels superior to everyone and doesn't play as a team member". But the fact is NOBODY was playing as a team member because there was no one (including Phil Jackson) motivated enough to push them into playing as a team. Everyone blamed it on Kobe with the mantra "he doesn't make his team mates better." But nobody in the organization showed any concern with making the team better.
The chemistry has changed significantly for the better now, thanks to Kobe striking fear into the hearts and souls of his team mates. And don't tell me it was the same at the beginning of last year. The luck was there (scheduling and some initial enthusiasm) but not the discipline. I would even suspect that the lack of discipline was in itself an indirect cause of injury (and more particularly slow healing... for Kobe as well at the beginning of the season).
I think it's pretty clear that Kobe won't be moving out, or if he does it's because Buss is -- as Kobe suggested in private (and don't we all say this kind of thing in private -- an idiot. So now it's up to them to get together and agree on how EVERYONE needs to make an effort, not just Kobe. Like getting West back, Kobe's original demand. Or finding a way for the organization to speak with one voice, as Magic insists.
This is both an opportunity and a challenge to the Buss clan to clear things up, both privately and publicly. And the fans -- but more particularly the moralizing journalists -- need to understand that some things will remain private, but contending for the championship is everyone's public responsibility.
Posted by: Tsphere | November 05, 2007 at 11:02 AM
SBPimp: "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."
SB Pimp - The Lakers went 2-1 against Utah last season, played them tough in Utah for a loss, killed them at week later at Staples and then beat them in Utah on the second night of a back-to-back in February. I know you're trying to be positive but let's not forget the past like we haven't seen it from them before. NO is next. 6 days after that impressive win against Utah last year, the Lakers let NO waltz in and end their 5-game losing streak by beating them up in the paint. That's the game where Lamar dribbled the ball inbounds instead of passing it for a turnover. NO is on a 3-game winning streak. Maybe the Lakers can help them end that streak on Tuesday.
Posted by: lakers_sth | November 05, 2007 at 11:04 AM
Mike T,
"We're weak at the 4 spot. Turiaf over the long haul is going to need some help. Plus, anyway you cut it...we're too young and immature in certain spots to win it all with this squad this year. So yes, I still see Bynum as great trade bait."
Meaning you still think Bynum should be traded in an effort to fortify and strengthen the team. Which entirely contradicts what you were bragging about. Being "the only person" (besides Mitch and Jim, who actually did try to trade Andrew- and Kwame and Lamar, too- this offseason, for what that's worth) who didn't think they need to make any moves and should just keep the team intact. You can't both advocate trading Bynum and crow about being the "one" who saw the wisdom in keeping him. That's a direct contradiction.
Also, not that it even matters, since the actual months you made these statements are irrelevant, but you in no way specified that you were referring to the summer with your original boasts. You just claimed to be one of three not ever looking to trade Bynum, which is clearly not the case. Go back and read what you wrote. But again, that's totally beside the point.
AK
Posted by: Andrew Kamenetzky | November 05, 2007 at 11:07 AM
AK - Maybe you should reprimand Mike T for his personal attacks. He could've made his argument without starting it with a line like "You're such a fool, too." Or don't approve a post by him that contains something derogatory like that. I'd be willing to follow the same guidelines.
Posted by: lakers_sth | November 05, 2007 at 11:12 AM
You see whiie you people were screaming bloody murder for a trade...I was saying hold the line...in the summer.
Now that the season has starter you people are saying "start Bynum." And now I'm saying trade the fools gold before the glitter wears off and come away with something really good for a championship run this year.
You see that the difference between me and you, AK, my post was on Nov 4. Yesterday! That was based on Bynum's good game in Phoenix...now after thinking about it...yeah...Bynum, down low, isn't going to improve that much...so yeah...from I've seen in the 3 games this season, yeah...trade Bynum.
Right now the system is winning games. But as the season progresses the system will falter a bit and the name of the game will be the paint. We're going to need help in the paint.
I mean who wouldn't trade Bynum, Walton, and Farmar to Minnesota for Al Jefferson straight up right now? Come Dec 15 if Minnesota is doing poorly and the Lakers are winning....you never know. It doesn't have to be Jefferson or Minnesota...there are other teams with similiar talents. Maybe not as much...but they can always throw in an unprotected first rounder to make up the difference.
mike
Posted by: Michael Teniente | November 05, 2007 at 11:17 AM
Mike T,
You can toss around totally arbitrary details like "summer" vs. "after the Phoenix game" all you want, but it doesn't change the fact that you made a big, bragging, chest beating statement that was easy to call out, in large part because you provided the written proof.
AK
Posted by: Andrew Kamenetzky | November 05, 2007 at 11:23 AM
AK,
You and BK have the patience of Job.
Mike T, on the other hand, is a different type of job completely.
Posted by: exhelodrvr | November 05, 2007 at 11:35 AM