This will not stop the "Kobe!" chants at the United Center
Much was made of the notion that Kobe's two favorite teams were in the building tonight, but if Sunday's 106-75 Lakers romp over Chicago is any indication, 24 is better off staying local. After a slow, grindy, inartistic first half- basically two typical quarters of of Bulls hoop- after which the purple and gold found themselves down 46-45, the Lakers cranked up the energy on both ends, and ripped the Bulls out of their comfort zone in the second. LAL opened up the third with a 15-2 run, keyed by nine points from Bryant and a couple hoops from D-Fish, and by the end of the quarter had turned that one point deficit into a 15 point lead. Considering that the Lakers held Chicago to 14 points over Q3, it's fair to say the lead felt safe heading into the fourth.
The Lakers didn't let up on the gas in the fourth (better safe than sorry), laying the wood on Chicago to the tune of 31-18 over the final 12. That explains how guys like Jo Noah (who has about as well developed an offensive game as I do) and Aaron Gray found their way onto the court for Chicago, and Sasha's six minutes of run, as well.
The evening's only bad news was a first quarter injury to Kwame Brown, who hurt his left knee and ankle after landing on Ben Wallace in a pileup underneath the Chicago basket. Talking to Kwame after the game (scroll down for the audio), he said the knee definitely feels worse than the ankle, which the latter of which might have been helped by the brace he's been wearing. He won't make the trip, because the Lakers don't want the knee to swell on a flight. So at the very least, Kwame's out for the next three games. X-rays were negative, and he'll likely have an MRI once the swelling on both joints goes down.
Click below the jump for the breakdown.
The Good:
Not to sound like a broken record, but once again...
- Jordan Farmar. Coming off the bench, JF kicked in with 14 points and a very impressive eight dimes. And, as has become his custom, Farmar brought energy and aggressiveness to an occasionally lethargic Lakers attack. More and more, he's not only pushing pace but also playing in control, attacking the basket when an opening is available, setting up a teammate when it's not. Of course, his strong game was just one aspect of...
- Incredibly strong production from the bench. Six Lakers finished the game in double figures. Five didn't start the game. All told, the reserves accounted for 73 of L.A.'s 106 points. Even removing Andrew Bynum's 14 from that line- he essentially played starters minutes after entering for Kwame at the 3:32 mark of the first- it's still an amazing night for the bench. Record setting, in fact. Given their success as a unit, it will be interesting to see how PJ divvies up the minutes with Kwame out. I asked him about that after the game, and he indicated that the rhythm they've developed as a group isn't necessarily something he wants to mess with.
- Luke Walton. After a string of subpar efforts, Luke put a good one together Sunday. 10 points, five boards, four dimes, and only one TO. More than that, he had a much better flow to his game, and didn't force much. Granted, it's easy to look comfortable when your team outscores the opponent 61-32 in the second half, but nonetheless it was an encouraging night for him.
The Bad:
- Kwame's injury. This hurts on a few levels. First, they'll obviously miss Kwame's interior D. He's their best one-on-one post defender, and provides a service that can't quite be duplicated by anyone else on the roster. Should he be out for an extended period, the Lakers will likely feel the absence. Not just because of what Kwame brings, but also how losing him changes the rotation. Does PJ move Drew to the first unit and risk changing the chemistry of the second? Does he insert Chris Mihm, who isn't the defender Brown is? And an injured Kwame means more minutes for guys like Cook and Vlad Rad (among others), weaker defenders who can be exposed in longer stretches.
The Bulls are a pretty weak offensive team. And it's not that the guys are guaranteed to fall apart against more potent attacks, but when Kwame's out, it does take away matchup options for PJ.
- Turnovers. The Lakers gave the ball away eight times in the first quarter, on their way to 21 for the game. They've had a very disturbing tendency to start games sloppier than your average 17 year old stoner. It's something they need to shore up.
- D-Fish on quick guards. Not that we should be surprised, but once again Derek Fisher struggled to stay with Ben Gordon on the perimeter. Granted, not a lot of guys can stick Gordon (or Tony Parker, or Chris Paul...) one-on-one, but it's something to watch when the Lakers match up with some of the league's water buggier guards. We've seen what penetration can do to this bunch (and Jackson's postgame interviews).
- Defense. Just kidding. Mostly wanted to see if you read this far.
Turning Point:
- The Third Quarter. L.A. came out hot in the third, and laid the wood on Chicago. A one point deficit quickly morphed into a 12 point lead. From that point on, the game was essentially over.
Potentially Worrisome Things:
- Chris Mihm. He played the "Box of Chocolates" type game. From one possession to the next, nobody was quite sure what they were going to get over his near 13 minutes of play. There were strong moments for sure, but Mihm said after the game that there are situations in which he still feels a step slow. He's not, nor will he ever be, a beast underneath. But if Mihm is going to get more run in the absence of Kwame, he'll need to get right in a hurry. The ankle still seems to be limiting him, especially defensively, and there is obvious rust that needs to be knocked off. Don't expect him to suddenly look 100%, just because he's set to get more minutes. Still, Mihm was good on the glass (seven boards, five offensive) and managed to get to the line eight times.
Audio: Interesting stuff from Phil, discussing how they'll move forward with Kwame on the shelf. Also some discussion from Jackson about how he's adjusted the offense for Farmar, and why. And obviously, a lot of praise for the reserves all around.
- Kwame Brown: Download kwame_brown_11.18 postCHI.mp3
- Phil Jackson: Download phil_jackson_11.18 postCHI.mp3
- Chris Mihm: Download chris_mihm_11.18 postCHI.mp3
- Luke Walton: Download luke_walton_11.18 postCHI.mp3
- Jordan Farmar: Download jordan_farmar_11.18 postCHI.mp3
BK
If tonight's performance by the bench strikes you as rarefied production, you ain't fooling yourself. The 73 bench points were the most racked since April 24th, 1988 vs. Golden State, when the reserves combined for 84. And the last time five pine players (in this case, Andrew Bynum, Jordan Farmar, Chris Mihm, Vlad Radmanovic and Luke Walton) scored in double figures was in March of 1985 against Cleveland. None too shabby, for those who like their assessments presented in understated fashion.
Here's a little copy from Lamar Odom and Vlad Radmanovic after the game.
Lamar Odom
On not probably having Kwame Brown for a while
"Yeah, but we've got guys that can step in and play. I think we showed that tonight. Vlad and Luke coming off the bench and hopefully we'll have Ronny (Turiaf) back. We'll be alright."
On how much it helps the starters on a physical level if the bench can keep playing like this.
"It helps tremendously. It really helps Kobe and myself. Luke, the last couple years played a lot of minutes. Kobe has been playing deep in the playoffs for years now. When these guys can step up, it's hard to cover twelve guys."
On the bench players being more confident this season than last.
"Everyone's confident and ready to play at any given time. These guys know they can play. They got better as well. Everyone's confident. That's the big difference."
On the boost coming from the bench
"They're playing great. We need them to continue it and I think they will. They're confident. If you watch any of their practices, you can tell that. They really try to go at the first unit. And on some days, they've outplayed us. It's very important, especially when you're talking about the log haul of the season. You scout so many teams and they only talk about one or two guys. If you've got the best bench in the NBA, it helps your chances of winning."
Is Odom coming out and declaring the Lakers' bench the best?
"They're definitely one of them. If they keep doing what they did today on a consistent basis, I'm gonna jump off the ledge and say "yeah." Those are my guys and I definitely support them. And one thing. Luke was starting. Jordan's playing big minutes. Brian Cook. All of these guys were in the starting lineup in their career and I think it helps."
On whether the bench's collectively increased confidence comes from more experience or truly realizing how capable they are?
"Both. I think it's a combination."
Vlad Radmanovic
On how rare it is for the bench to outscore the starters by such a sizable margin (73-33).
"It doesn't happen often, but I think we have a pretty good group of guys this year. The starting unit is good and the unit coming off the bench is pretty much as good as the starting unit. So we're just trying to keep an up tempo game when we come in and a lot of guys have done a great job of that.
On the difference between the first and second half of the game.
"I think we got caught in their rhythm in the first half. It was a slow game, a lot of fouling. And in the second half, we just got more up and and down."
I asked Vlad about the difference between last season's bench (a typically erratic group) and the group thus far kicking ass on a consistent basis. "We got a lot tougher this year," said the Former Cat Stevens. "The bench mob is really serious this year." About three seconds passed before Vlad started cracking up. "I have to laugh," fessed up Radmanovic. "You take it seriously." I guess I had my "serious reporter face" on (and I can only imagine what an uptight jackass that probably makes me look like). But all kidding aside, Vlad does see a difference. "Guys improved during the sumer and have a lot more confidence. Jordan (Farmar) is playing great at this point of the year and he's giving us a lot of energy. I asked if Farmar's energy was contagious and got one of the better lines of this still-young season.
"It is. We just like to stay like this. It's a good disease."
-AK
"We've seen what penetration can do to this bunch (and Jackson's postgame interviews)."
WIN!
E
Posted by: Emma | November 18, 2007 at 10:30 PM
Great Win.... 3 in a ROOOOOOOOOWWWWWWWW....
Please let me be the first to post.... PLEAAAAAAAAAAAASSSSS....
Posted by: dice8up | November 18, 2007 at 10:32 PM
What about Kobe for the triple crown--MVP, defensive player OTY, scoring title?
Wes
Posted by: wesjoenixon | November 18, 2007 at 11:11 PM
Post-game video is up to accompany the audio:
http://www.nba.com/lakers/multimedia/0708video.html
Interviews with Vlad, Farmar, LO and Kobe. All this positive bench talk is dangerous. Let's just hope they can stay consistent. When you do your positional match-up going into a game and seeing where you have the advantages, it's nice to be able to pencil in the bench as a definite advantage since you're normally not even looking that far down the roster. However, those players are going to have to stay consistent and, 9 games into the season, we have no idea if they're up to the task. Let's hope the positive buzz keeps them confident rather than makes them lose perspective. If anyone remembers, last year there was a lot of this same talk (although not this much). If they are up to the task then this team should be very good.
AK/BK - Which member of the media is rolling with that 8th grade AV club microphone on the stand to record their audio?
Posted by: lakers_sth | November 18, 2007 at 11:17 PM
kwame's injury means mihm needs to step up defensivly, because defensive intensity is this teams calling card. . for now.. and i've heard its hard to regain defensive intensity once you lose it...
Posted by: joninjapan(incanada) | November 18, 2007 at 11:27 PM
Thanks AK very interesting stuff! Showtime is back!!
Posted by: johnny | November 18, 2007 at 11:30 PM
How in the hell COOK is a starter?????
He is having the same attitude that Smush Parker last year. But what is incredible, is that he is playing nothing, he is having 0 attitude, and he is a starter!!!!
0 points in 14 minutes, why does PJ still playing him and not waiving him?
Posted by: Alexinho17 | November 18, 2007 at 11:36 PM
AK&BK:
What a great game. You have to wonder what is going through the minds of all of the general managers around the league as the Lakers crush their team. Whether they turned down a trade for Kobe or Lamar or Kwame or Bynum or Farmar, there are going to be a lot of disgruntled fans of other teams when the Lakers run over them like we did the Bulls.
Tonight was John Paxton’s night. You know he had to be thinking that maybe he should have pulled off that Kobe Bryant trade when he had the chance because the Bulls for sure have now been crossed off of Kobe’s list after this game. The Kobe Bryant calls will become very loud in the United Center before this season is over.
Tuesday night will be Larry Bird’s night. He will see what he missed with Lamar Odom and Andrew Bynum and Jordan Farmar. And Laker fans will see why it was a blessing that we refused to trade both Lamar and Andrew for Jermaine O’Neal. It is going to be real pleasure watching us dismantle and destroy the terrible squad that Bird has put together.
Too bad about Kwame but not unexpected considering he always seems to be injured. I have a hunch that Drew might be much better prepared to take over now. His play has been superb. We will miss Kwame, especially against the Celtics, but in the end the extra playing time for Bynum may pay real dividends in the playoffs. Andrew is looking stronger and stronger every game. He has definitely gotten some of Kobe’s inner drive and I love the way that he is gobbling up rebounds and taking his time on offense.
I also have to say that I finally buy in to Phil’s starter and finisher tendencies. I don’t really care if he doesn’t start Farmar and Bynum as long as he finishes with them. Jordan Farmar has taken off this year ala Deron Williams of the Jazz last year. Jordan attributes much of his early success to his taking up Yoga in the off-season. At this pace, Farmar is a genuine candidate for both the MIP and 6th man of the year.
By the way, 6-3 is on pace to win 55 games. Lakers have now beaten 5 playoff teams from last year and are showing a dramatic improved defense and a wide open running game in transition that has given Farmar and our other free flowing players the opportunity to get easy points in transition before having to setup in the Triangle offense. For those who remember, it was Tex Winter who finally convinced Phil to open up the offense in transition to let Farmar and Odom and Bryant get some easy points.
More Kobe Bryant for Defensive Player of the Year and MVP. Bring on the Pacers.
Tom
Posted by: LakerTom | November 18, 2007 at 11:46 PM
Well, Cook is an outside threat, even when he doesn't score. I agree he's terrible, but what too many people fail to look at is how the relationship between the threats on the court is what allows the offense to run. The scouting report on Brian Cook is basically "don't worry about him at all but don't leave him open at the 3 point line." So if he stands out there a whole lot of stuff opens up inside. If Vlad gets more consistent Cook will be expendable.
Personally, I think PJ's doing a great job in November. I think it's pretty clear that both Farmar and Bynum are great talents who will win plenty of games for the Lakers. But he's giving them plenty of minutes while keeping them hungry and spreading it around. Everyone clamoring for more minutes for them should remember what happened last season.... it's a long season.
What we do know is that Fish is a real defensive liability these days - he can still get the crafty charge or steal, but he can't stay in front of the quick guards, and is too short to deal with the big guards, and I think Farmar ends up taking more minutes as the season progresses (which will be spun as "saving him for the playoffs").
Kwame's injury is a blessing - good excuse to try other lineups without damaging his confidence (which I think it one of the biggest issues PJ has to deal with).
Posted by: db | November 18, 2007 at 11:56 PM
Great win for our team tonight! Bench was outstanding again. Concerned about the TOs still. The starters are turning it way too much. I still can't understand why PJ is starting Cook. Seriously, Cook is useless out there aside from the occasional three. I know it might have to do with keeping Rad with the second unit, but still we're getting next to nothing from Cook. We'll certainly be tested on this road trip and the bench will need to be consistent. Bynum will definitely have to play smart and stay out of foul trouble. He'll be facing O'Neal, Bogut and Perkins(possibly Garnett). He'll be going up against two guys(O'Neal and Garnett)that he would've been traded for so it will be fun to watch. The starters need to get off to better starts then they have been. Farmar can definitely become a lot like Parker and Devin Harris except with more hops. The best way to play against the likes of Nash, Parker, Paul is to have someone like Farmar go right back at them and attack offensively. I watched Devin Harris do that to Parker this past week and was successful. Hopefully we get Turiaf back this trip. Go Lakers!!!
Posted by: Nemaia Faletogo | November 19, 2007 at 12:04 AM
I know it's still early but again.. i say we need to give the FO some credits for making the right choice.
Posted by: hay | November 19, 2007 at 01:54 AM
These trades all work in the NBA trade machine:
Lamar Odom for Shawn Marion
Lamar Odom for Elton Brand
Lamar Odom for Carlos Boozer
Lamar Odom for Ron Artest and (John Salmons or Kenny Thomas)
Lamar Odom for Stromile Swift and Mike Miller
Lamar Odom for Tyson Chandler and Adam Halasuka
Lamar Odom for Kevin Durant and Kurt Thomas
Posted by: Good_GM | November 19, 2007 at 01:58 AM
Kwame's injury means more minutes for Cook, uh oh!
i love how farmar is doing this year, as well as the whole team chemistry!
the bench-mob is more like a bench-army with 73 points!!
get better ronny t, and kwame! no more people going down, knock on wood.
Kobe is now linked to Chicago in another way: Kobe Beef, the Bulls, cattle, meat, see the connection???
Posted by: ajax | November 19, 2007 at 02:10 AM
Hey Mike T.,
Would you look at that, Kwame is hurt again. WTF. Maybe he just wants to get hurt so much that he can just quietly end his career with an excuse for why he never quite panned out (I'll still blame the Wizards for the lousy choice though, instead of Kwame being a bust).
Posted by: wondahbap | November 19, 2007 at 03:28 AM
The reason i think the lakers are 6-3 is improved defence. On the season the Lakers are shooting 46.8% from the field whilst their opposition is shooting 42.2% and the Lake Show is out rebounding their opponents by an average of 5.6 rebounds a game, 46.8 to 41.2.
I so hope Ronny can play on the road trip so Brian Cook can go back to getting DNPs, Cook is shooting 4 for 21 from the field and 2 for 10 from 3 point range, take a seat brian next to phil you deserve it.
I hope Phil keeps Bynum and Farmer's minutes around 25-28 mins per game as we dont want to have nothing come 70 games into the season and really have nothing left for the playoffs.
If we get Indiana and Milwaukee, Boston will be tough if we go home 8-4 I'll be happy.
Posted by: Justin | November 19, 2007 at 03:30 AM
its good to hear that kwame's injury or injuries (ankle and knee) is on the "mild side of things".
But I would of love it when we have him as we go up against Bogut, JO and KG.
On the silverlining, this might be a blessing in disguise for Drew. And Mihm warm himself up.
Go Lakers! Winning Streak baby!
Posted by: KAPOY NA KAAYO! | November 19, 2007 at 05:02 AM
BD,
Ok, Cook is a threat at 3 point line. Nothing more.
Wasting a starting spot ( ok, what matters is the minutes played ) for a 0 factor is bad.
To be a starter is always a positive thing for a player. Be starter will be better for farmar, vlad, evans, or karl, because they will take it as a prize for the work done. What can they think when they see Cook as a starter?
I'm a soccer coach, and to be a starter is too a mental thing.
Cook does not deserve it, and it's bad for the others.
Well, really, Cook doesn't deserve to be in uniform, nor play basketball.
Posted by: Alexinho17 | November 19, 2007 at 05:51 AM
Just back from a hunting trip in Northern Arizona however.........thanks to Directv and a generator I never missed a game ! Watching the Lakers in 28 degree weather around the campfire with a sky full of stars was nice ! A win tomorrow night and we are right on pace for my predicted 56-26 !! Farmar needs to start ! Get well fast Kwamw and Turiaf !
Posted by: LALAKERLOVER | November 19, 2007 at 06:41 AM
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MONDAY NOVEMBER 19 2007 LAKERS EXPRESS JUST KEEPS ON MOVING
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55 WIN BANDWAGON MEMBERS: 6 DOWN 49 TO GO OH YEAHHHHHHHHH!
THERE’S STILL PLENTY OF ROOM PEOPLE HOP ON BOARD
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Posted by: MAMBA24 | November 19, 2007 at 07:06 AM
Great win last night.
Kobe to the Bulls? Please. I can't believe Kobe wants this. I certainly don't want Gordon and Deng if it means giving up Kobe. Thomas didn't look very good either. They're mediocre. Wallace is terrible, but active. Kobe needs to slap himself in the face for even thinking that. I'd do it for him. That should be a halftime show. Bring Kobe out to midcourt in front of a packed Staples Center crowd, bring a fan out to give him a nice slap in the face for even thinking about backstabbing the Lakers to be a MJ wannabe. That would be an apology enough for me.
Losing Kwame sucks. It's better that it happens early though. Kwame will be needed come time for the playoff run. I think we can get by with Mihm and Bynum, but Kwame, as sucky as he is, can help us get to the next level.
Overall, I'm just a happy Lakerfan right now. All of the BS this summer can wear on a fan. Just seeing some winning basketball played by an inspired Laker team is refreshing to see. Hopefully we can keep it up through the whole season.
Posted by: Rocky | November 19, 2007 at 07:06 AM
Hey, lately, your "after the jump links" have been jumping to the bottom of the page past all the comments. Is there any way to fix this so I don't have to scroll up to keep reading? Keep up the good work. :)
Posted by: Kyle South | November 19, 2007 at 07:54 AM
Lakers demolished probably one of the 5 worst teams in the league right now. Offensively challenged, defensively above par, missing a key player, on the second of a back-to-back, on the road. Blowout a result of superior players in garbage time.
Good for chest thumping. But the win WAS expected.
Let's see you beat down more of those playoff pretenders!
Yeah Lakers !
Posted by: egghead | November 19, 2007 at 08:07 AM
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ALL RIGHT EVERYBODY LET'S STOP ALL THE TRASH TALKING
ABOUT KOBE AND SHAQ.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Kobe and Shaq have made their peace and that should be that.
SHAQ HATERS: Like it or not Shaq was the most dominant center of
his time. One of the 50 greatest NBA players of all time and was in part
responsible for the Lakers 3 titles. When his playing days are over his jersey
will hang in the Rafters with Magic and kareems and I will cheer as will most of you.
KOBE HATERS: Like it or not Kobe is one of the greatest shooting guards of
his time. When the 50 greatest Nba players of all time list is updated Kobe will
be among them. KOBE is the closet thing that most of us will see to MJ in our
lifetime. and was in part responsible for the Lakers 3 titles. When his playing days
are over whether they end as a Lkaer or not his Jersey will hang in the rafters with
Magic, Kareem and Shaq and I will cheer as will most of you.
So lets stop the hate and celebrate the good times that the great SHAQ gave us
during his time as a Laker and celebrate the good times the great MAMBA is giving
us during his time as a Laker. I mean since you are on this Blog I assume if nothing
else you are Laker fans. YOU ARE AREN'T YOU?
OK I'M DONE PREACHING SO BRING ON THE SLINGS AND ARROWS OF
MISFORTUNE.
LAKERS TODAY LAKERS TOMORROW LAKERS FOREVER!
LARRY(MAMBA24)
Larry(MAMBA24)
lifetime.
Posted by: MAMBA24 | November 19, 2007 at 08:24 AM
Time for a reality check.
Just a thought, since Brian Cook is really the only player who does not fit on this team maybe there is way to trade him AND actually get something in return.
Robert Horry, (just turned 52), is not getting any playing time in San Antonio. He is a smart player who could still give us a couple of quality minutes here and there. He already knows the triangle in and out. Learning the triangle is always a problem when acquiring new players. We could avoid that problem with Rob. He would be instantly respected in the locker room just like Fish.
Now, for San Antonio, if they traded for Cook, they would get a young player who would give them another outside threat for Parker to dish to. The salaries are probably very close.
This deal would further show Kobe that we are serious about winning NOW. Having another old friend would be good for Kobe's morale and provide another role model for our bigs.
I say bring back Horry, for the cost of Brian Cok it would be a bargain. WHAT SAY YOU?
Posted by: reality check time | November 19, 2007 at 08:25 AM
Maybe they are starting Cook, so they can make him look good before they "ship his ass out." Wasn't he an ALL-AMERICAN CENTER in college. What the hell happened to that. Post game? Rebounding?
I don't think Kobe ever really wanted to go. Jim Buss forced his hand and Jerry kept it there. Jimmy is the heir and can't go anywhere. I think Kobe's real frustraions as far as the TEAM is having a #2 that is either inconsistent or hurt, and a young center holding up any major trades. But i think he really does like this team, especially now that they SEEM TO BE ABLE TO PLAY IN THE CLUTCH. But, as inconsistent an Lamar can be, and as young as Bynum is, this whole possible trade affair will light a fire under both of them, just as Farmar has shown his mettle by responding to job competition. The Lakers look good right now, but it shouldn't be a surprise. This is year three now. They finished 05-06 strong, started 06-07 great before the injuries, and are just picking up where they left off when healthy. Except they are better and more experienced now. A better Ronny, a MUCH better Farmar, Bynum, and Vlad Rad. Sasha gained confidence. No Smush. Fisher instead....and Mihm back. Kobe is Kobe, and let'shope Lamar can stay on the court, as well as Luke. How can we not be better. Just losing Smush was enough for 5 extra wins. Don;t want tojump the gun, but I can;t wait until after the all star break. This team has an air of confidence now. They KNOW they can win. This is now two straight games without big scoring from Kobe. How sweet it is.
Posted by: wondahbap | November 19, 2007 at 08:27 AM
Reality check time,
I think they are saving Horry. He's up there in age and it's a long year. No point in wearing him out early, when they need him in the spring. Let the young and new guys get their feet wet.
Posted by: wondahbap | November 19, 2007 at 08:30 AM
So far things are definitely looking up.
Questions concerning this team making it to the contending level:
Can Farmar continue at this level? Can he make the move to playing 30-35 minutes per game? Fisher is not a "contending team PG."
Will Mihm be able to come back to something reasonably close to his pre-injury health? (And if he does, will the Lakers re-sign him?)
WIll Turiaf continue to be injury-prone? If so, then the Lakers really need to upgrade at PF, at least the backup spot. (Mihm could possibly fill that slot, but probably not as a long-term solution.)
Will Bynum continue to improve, especially if he moves into the 30-35 minute range?
It still looks like Lamar will not be the consistent #2 that was hoped. If that is the case, do the Lakers keep him or trade him? Can Bynum become a solid offensive threat? Can Farmar's outside shot and Turiaf's mid-range game improve enough?
Can Vlad be a consistent scorer off the bench?
Posted by: exhelodrvr | November 19, 2007 at 08:33 AM
REALITYCHECKTIME,
" I say bring back Horry, for the cost of Brian Cok it would be a bargain. WHAT SAY YOU?"
I SAY IF IT'S DOABLE LET'S DO IT.
Posted by: MAMB24 | November 19, 2007 at 08:37 AM
Defense has been good.
Farmar and Bynum have been great off the bench.
Kobe has been amazing.
While overall the Lakers are still talent deficient -- the talent that they do have is playing hard and having fun, as Shaq would say.
Posted by: b4hoops | November 19, 2007 at 08:40 AM
egghead,
The champions are the teams that win the "expected win" games.
About cook, trade him or waive him, he is as said the only player that doesn't fit on the team chemistry...
...and I still remember the problem of attitude with Phil in a game last year when he was benched just after entering the game. That's not team attitude.
Posted by: Alexinho17 | November 19, 2007 at 08:43 AM
Kwame was actually playing some mposing D, showing some nice moves on offense, and had only a few cake-handed bobbles. On balance, he was playing at a high level until he got injured.
That'll teach him to hustle and strive.
Posted by: The D | November 19, 2007 at 08:50 AM
reality check time,
salaries match cook = $3.5 mill horry = $3.6 mill. Horry's contract ends this year too!
Posted by: Chaarles | November 19, 2007 at 08:53 AM
Reality Check (and others),
Horry's actually been dealing with some family issues, which is why he hasn't been playing. He hasn't even dressed for a game, as opposed to getting "DNP-CD's." So I wouldn't look at the lack of PT as a sign that the Spurs doesn't see a place for him. I imagine they still see him as a valuable asset, especially come playoff time.
AK
Posted by: Andrew Kamenetzky | November 19, 2007 at 08:58 AM
Reality check -
Horry is getting no run because he missed all of training camp for personal/family reasons.
He then injured his hamstring and has been rehabbong it. He will be back soon to help the Spurs.
He isn't going anywhere, except to the Finals...HA!
Man, I wish he would have stayed with the Lakers though!!!!
Posted by: MJCMAN32 | November 19, 2007 at 08:58 AM
* Couple of points, guys and gals:
* I can't celebrate too much 'cause it is the kind of game we are supposed to win, but we blew them out of Staples Center so that evens things a bit ...
* The bench mob is more than an interesting phenomenon - it's for real ...
* Kwame's injury may mean some playing time for the Critter whose size and athleticism can't be denied. Talent is only potential until crafted into skill. The future is less PT for both Cook and Fish. Coby Karl will yet take Sasha's minutes. BTW, I love the idea of Big Shot Rob for Cookie but the chances are like 1 in a million that it would ever happen. Rob would have to want that and he probably thinks he has a far better chance of winning a seventh title with the Spurs than he does with the Lakers.
* It is going to be an interesting road trip. JO and Garnett sandwiched around the Bucks. Indy is on pace for a mediocore season but obviously (at least until last nite), the Celestials were brightest stars in the NBA's constellation.
Posted by: Glenn | November 19, 2007 at 09:03 AM
Just a quick observation:
One of the subtle early differences between this year's team and last year is that Fish & Farmar are consistently denying penetration in the lane from opposing PGs. Smush couldn't keep anyone out of the lane last year which led to constant foul trouble on our Bigs. Fish will keep his man in front of him which makes a huge difference when playing team defense. Good early defensive play and impressive play by Farmar. I think we'll learn a little bit about our team on this 3-game road trip. The burning question will be: Can we beat subpar teams on the road (Boston obviously not included)?
ps. I'm glad we didn't make a deal for Jermaine O'Neal. I think I would rather have Jermaine Jackson (Jackson 5) in his prime.
Posted by: groove69 | November 19, 2007 at 09:09 AM
Should we be worried that our bench outplays the starting unit?
Posted by: fkillah | November 19, 2007 at 09:10 AM
MJCMAN -
Do you know if the personal/family reasons were related to his daughter? I always
remember reading that Times article about his daughter's condition and hoping that she
is doing well. I really doubt that, given her condition, he would leave San Antonio and
be away from his family at this stage of his career . Much better to retire with all of his
rings.
On another note, can we start trade rumors about each team they're about to play
before they play them so they can absolutely bury them the way they did the Bulls???
Let's see we have the Pacers and Celtics covered.... who's after that?
55 here we come!
Bzar
Posted by: Bzar | November 19, 2007 at 09:12 AM
Staples24-
The "Warrior" is injured yet again...
I think subconsciously Kwame wants to be hurt...When things are going well, he seems to either always get injured in an awkward/freaky way or get involved in some type of activity that will distract him.
While I agree he is our best one on one low post defender, I think he just can't handle the limelight and the expectations that come along with being successful.
It appears as though he is afraid of success because of his emotional immaturity.
Posted by: MJCMAN32 | November 19, 2007 at 09:29 AM
Nothing to do with his latest article. But I CAN'T STAND J.A. Adande. He's just another "Around the Horn" bobblehead blowhard. I think ESPN made a bad choice making him their new NBA correspondent/writer and supposed man in the know. So now, we have to deal with Ric Bucher, J.A., fip flopping Marc Stein, and numbers geek John Hollinger. WTF. which reminds me, did they get rid of Tim Legler. He was terrible. Bring back David Aldridge.
Posted by: wondahbap | November 19, 2007 at 09:33 AM
Bzar -
Not sure and I don't want to speculate. Let's hope things are ok and wish for the best. Horry is a classy guy and was my favorite Laker after Magic. I would love to have him back in purple & gold though!
I can't wait to see the Lakers/Celtics game...Kobe is going to have a special night!!!
Posted by: MJCMAN32 | November 19, 2007 at 09:35 AM
Again we should rejoice when Lakers win but don't be too over confident... This is the same scenario in last year outing when Smush was their PG. The first 20 games were great. They have crossed the first hurdle which 10% of the total games and so far their standing 2nd in the West with a 6 - 3 performance. Not bad since they were against the best teams in the West except Dallas & Nuggets and met the former playoffs contender in the East. I have a formula that I borrowed from Utzworld - the have to win 7 consecutive games to spell the word C O N S I S T E N T. They won already three consecutively, they have to follow through with 7 more toobtain the habit of winning.
1. Firstly, let me give props to Luke and Brian for having a good game, it would be great if they could improve their defense, Cook offered his body at one play, Luke joined in stealing the ball in another play. Being forwards, it has to be a stick to your face defense by speed and streght in going against the Gordon & Hinrich of this league.
2. Secondly, Vlade & Sasha showed what they can do with their secret weapons. They just have to be be consistent with it. It Vlad is now very relaxed and he could easily get his 10 in every game with less than 10 attempts. If we want to advance further, Vlad has to improve his defense too. He is a forward, tall and a quick player. try to capitalize those edge against athletic american players.
3. Thirdly, there are times when Fish and MO are lost with their guards, not that intentional but part of the play. The league or every team now has a quick PG similar to Farmar, we need young legs to go after these PG's, again I will lobby for tall 6'5' Javaris Crittenton to do their jobs in some games. Javaris is tall, good shooter, good in post play and proven in past games in College, Summer League, Preseason but not yet in NBA. After this trip, please use Critt as substitute to Fish or MO between 2nd and 3rd quarter.
4. Fourthly, losing Kwame at this stage is a major loss in defense. I thought we are going to lose at the end of the season not this early stage w/o something in exchange. Kwame is good in D but so-so in O while Mihm is semi-good in O but still inadequate in D. That is a see saw effect on these two centers, you need the two to compose a whole. Get well soon Kwame, we need you because you're a specialist.
If Lakers keep on doing what they have achieved on the road, they could surprise the Celtics.
PS. LakerTom, I saw Kevin Love play at Pauley's (compliments of my son who works at UCLA), he's a combination of Bill Walton-Boozer but still a College prototype. As you said, he could be a monster in the future like Larry Bird. For the Lakers to get him, they have to be bottom three by yearend and based on our early showing, we're within the top 6 in the West.
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | November 19, 2007 at 09:56 AM
Odom and Kwame for Jermaine O'Neal. If indy bites does the blog consent?
Posted by: Taliq | November 19, 2007 at 10:00 AM
Alexinho17,
>>>How in the hell COOK is a starter?????
I think it's that Phil doesn't want to split up the bench mob. They play so well together that
he'd rather take a hit starting Cook than take a hit by moving one of the bench mob into the
starting lineup.
And by they way, Cook hasn't been that terrible. He's made some shots and he seems to be
trying a bit more on defense, though he's still not a good defender. Hopefully Turiaf will be
back sooner rather than later.
Posted by: Long Time Laker Fan | November 19, 2007 at 10:33 AM
Taliq,
"Odom and Kwame for Jermaine O'Neal. If indy bites does the blog consent?"
No, no, NO. Lets ride this out with the team we have
Posted by: Mamba24 | November 19, 2007 at 10:47 AM
Justin,
>>>If we get Indiana and Milwaukee, Boston will be tough if we go home 8-4 I'll be happy.
The Lakers will win two of the three games on the road trip, though I'm not saying that
Boston will be the loss.
Posted by: Long Time Laker Fan | November 19, 2007 at 11:17 AM
reality check time,
Perhaps you need to come back to reality a bit. Cook is a base year compensation player.
Thus he can't be traded one-for-one for any player. There have to be at least two Lakers
going out to get rig of Cook.
Posted by: Long Time Laker Fan | November 19, 2007 at 11:21 AM
I'm actually happy that Kwame is out...........rebounding is a key essential to winning games and Kwame and Mihm together wont give you that. Bynum needs as much playing time as possible if he is to continue any positive development........
Waiting for Mihm to step up defensively.....is like asking Duncan to improve his 3point percantage.......when was defense any part of Mihms game........NEVER!!
Posted by: Dion | November 19, 2007 at 11:31 AM
exhelodrvr,
Spoilers follow. Skip this point if you don't like spoilers.
>>>Can Farmar continue at this level? Can he make the move to playing 30-35
>>>minutes per game? Fisher is not a "contending team PG."
Yes he can. He won't be as impressive every night as he was last night, there will be
nights of "youthful mistakes", but by the end of the year, he will at least be in the
discussion for 6th man, though he won't win it.
>>>Will Mihm be able to come back to something reasonably close to his pre-injury
>>>health? (And if he does, will the Lakers re-sign him?)
Yes he will. Mihm will be playing more consistently by December. His offensive game
will be back to fairly consistent and his defense will be back to average. At that point,
the Lakers will trade him to Chicago for Tyrus Thomas.
>>>WIll Turiaf continue to be injury-prone? If so, then the Lakers really need to upgrade
>>>at PF, at least the backup spot. (Mihm could possibly fill that slot, but probably not as
>>>a long-term solution.)
See the previous answer. Thomas and Turiaf will be the high-energy pair at PF, and
will be referred to as T-N-T.
>>>Will Bynum continue to improve, especially if he moves into the 30-35 minute range?
Yes he will. As with Farmar, he will have "growing pain" nights where he doesn't perform
as well, but he will have more 20 & 10 nights than nights with no double figures in
scoring or rebounds. And he will get the lions share of minutes at center, especially
after they trade Mihm in December.
>>>It still looks like Lamar will not be the consistent #2 that was hoped.
Ah, but you're wrong. He will be consistent enough. His offense will come and go, as it
always does, but his defense will be excellent. And between Kobe and Fish and the bench
mob, the Lakers will have no problem scoring enough points.
>>>Can Vlad be a consistent scorer off the bench?
Yes he can. In fact, at some point in the season Lamar will become injured and Vlad will
step in and play very well starting at SF for several games.
55 wins total.
Western Conference Finals, where they will lose to New Orleans
B.Scott will win his first championship as a coach.
Posted by: Long Time Laker Fan | November 19, 2007 at 11:31 AM
The D,
>>>Kwame was actually playing some mposing D, showing some nice moves on offense,
>>>and had only a few cake-handed bobbles.
No, there were a LOT of cake-handed bobbles.
Posted by: Long Time Laker Fan | November 19, 2007 at 11:33 AM