Was that another three-pointer?
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I can only assume that the Lakers went to sleep last night dreaming of things in threes. After all, they saw enough triples in Tuesday night's 118-104 loss to New Orleans at Staples. A historic amount, actually, at least as far as the Hornets are concerned. Peja Stojakovic's 10 treys set a franchise record. Not to be outdone, Chris Paul had 21 assists (many to Stojakovic), setting another Charlotte/New Orleans/Oklahoma City/New Orleans (again) record. The facilitation of such accomplishments is generally an indication of leaky D. No argument here. The Lakers were unable to keep Paul out of the lane, especially in the fourth, and couldn't consistently (or inconsistently) put a body on Peja, whether in transition or in NO's halfcourt O. No doubt the Lakers were hurt by the absence of Kwame Brown and Mo Evans, two of their best defenders.
The box score shows a tough offensive night for Andrew Bynum, but the kid did a good job on the glass, both in grabbing boards of his own (13) and shutting out notorious glass eater Tyson Chandler on the offensive boards. All part of the growth process -- an encouraging one in the eyes of the Captain.
Fueled by courtside ducats that cost $2,300 each -- seriously -- the Lakers have the highest average ticket prices in the NBA. Bully for them.
Likely everyone has seen this one by now ... but it's worth posting just in case. Like it or not, Chad Ford makes some interesting points, and at the very least gets into some reasons why taking on Kobe isn't necessarily a slam dunk for teams around the league. Meanwhile, others are calling for Dr. Buss to take control of this situation, because it's easier to build around Kobe than find his replacement.
Despite the team's decent start, TJ Simers wonders if Kobe's attention is elsewhere.
SImers promoting the Lakers staying as they are? Simers saying there isnt equal value for the subject of his derision?
It's a bizarro world and a long season. Settle in, stay healthy, it will get better from here.
Posted by: Vman | November 07, 2007 at 09:50 AM
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WELCOME BACK OLD TIMERS: GENERIC_ONE, LAKER_TOM, TIM-4-SHOW, THA_SHOW, FKILLA, SBPIMP
WELCOME TO:: TSIRY, Q WUOR, LAKERAHOLIC, NESTRO’S_BISTRO, BZAR, WHITE MAMBA24, Blkthght06
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ALL RIGHT LAKER FANS I DON’T WANT TO HEAR ANY OF THAT TAKE ME OFF THE 55 WIN BANDWAGON
YOU ARE ON FOR THE DURATION! LOL! YOU CAN’T WIN EVERY ONE AND THE HORNETS ARE A GOOD
TEAM. BESIDES A LITTLE REALITY IS GOOD FOR EVERYBODY
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55 WIN BANDWAGON MEMBERS:
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1) LAKERTOM………………………..…(21) TALIQ VIOLATER………………………………(41) PURPLE AND GOLD
(2) MAMBA24…………………………....(22) SLO GAL ……………………………………….(42)
(3) LONG_TIME_LAKER_FAN……..…(23) DEREK
(4) JUNO………………………………..(24) NIK KANAN
(5) GENERIC_ONE……………………(25 BOB
(6) HOBBITMAGE………………….…..(26) FAITH
(7) MARTY……………………………....(27) LAKERLOVER
(8) DAVID WHANG………………….…(28) COMPLEX_BROTHA
(9) ROKY…..……….…………………..(29) ISSANG
(10) KEIFO……………………………..(30) WHITE MAMBA24
(11) VIOLATER…………………...……(31) LAKALOVA
(12) DICE8UP………………………....(32) EASTCOASTJESSIE
(13) HUBBIT……………….…………..(33) Q WUOR
(14) BD…………………………………(34) LAKERAHOLIC –> GUNNING FOR 60
(15) JONNIN IN JAPAN………………(35) TSIRY
(16) ALEXINHO17…………………….(36) DREW
(17) TWOODY…………………………(37) Nestro’s Bistro
(18) KIWI……………………………….(38) BLAZE1BX
(19) FEARLESS WHACK JOB………(39) BZAR
(20) DAN DAN THE LAKER FAN…...(40) CHRIS H.
READY TO JUMP ON THE BANDEAGON BUT:
(42) RICK FRIEDMAN - NEEDS APOLOGIES FROM KOBE, FO AND ALL CONCERNED FIRST
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* 60 WIN BANDWAGON
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(1) LAKERAHOLIC
(2) BOB
(3) MAMBA24
(4) WHITE MAMBA24
(5) JOE
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* KOBE FOR MVP BANDWAGON
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(1) NIK KANNAN
(2) MAMBA24
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ROLL CALL
(1) FAITH, MIKE T. TALIQ, Edwin Gueco,, KEIFO, Mamba24Fan4Life, Fan of Mamba, Wolf, Q WUOR
KIWI, WOW, PEACE, J_COOL, DAVID WHANG, ADAM KILEY, LAKERSRYDEORDIE, CLEON
FISH_GUY,TIM-4-SHOW, THA_ SHOW, WESJOENIXON, BAYWOOD, THE_D, SBPIMP, DAXMDD
utzworld THE BANNER HOLDER, CALI KING, RICK FRIEDMAN,THIRTY2, EXHELODRVR,
GENERIC_ONE, TWOODY, JJ, AJAX, MITCHELL., LAKERTOM, LAKERFAN, CHARLES,
KHANG VMAN, KOREY, XTRO, MCGARNAGLE, GUGY, GDChild,Laker4Life, Laker Sth
KL BEAST, Jorema, FearlessWhackJob, MARTY, JANDRO, LAKERFAZE, PhxLkrFAN,
TexasLaker, BOB, TreacherousBalloons, EagleBoy, JR., EASTCOASTJESSIE, Zakee, Man
Tully Moxness, KobeRocks, David Peterson, centralk, 244Life, SamII, vi lakerfan, Adamax
Swettual, Utzworld, Andrew Z, LAL Fan, BRANDON C., Kinglakernidas, BlackMamba24,
FKILLAH, CYRUS(VENTRILIQUIST), RespectMyAuthorith, Waterboy, Hariyahu, HUBBIT
ZEN, SARCOCOP,Staples24, Bobby, COMPTONS FINEST, MIGUELINHO, Greek Dude,
TUKLAW, CDUB0512, MRBARNEYDANGLES,BENJAMIN,MJCMAN32, KobeFromManilas
SOCALIFE, HAL9000, Greekdude, Michael J, Michael H, Michael A., Rick Friedman, Ray Ray
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PAUL LEE, Jay EL, SocalSpider , WEAVE MAN, JON KAVULIC, Tajluck, Alexinho17
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JR, Dascilla, tellitlikeitisNik Kannan, GABE, SEAN P., HanSoulFood, HollywoodJack,
RICO TICO, BZAR, TSIRY, DREW, NESTROSSBISTRO, LAKERAHOLIC, laKOBEr
PURPLE AND GOLD, DREW , Q WUOR, WHITE MAMBA24, GiantSquid, DEREK
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wiZo, MagicShaq, HugoBoss, OSCAR, RDLEE, RealityBites, LakerLarry, Bucky, LEELO,
Juno, LakerLifer, C.S. JOVA, BLAZE1BX, Tripgame3, TSPHERE, SIXONEZERO, Ryan
Mfeige, Reggie, Hollywood Jack, Reality Check Time, Jack In Hollywood, SLO Gal, Thi
JONINJAPAN(INCANADA), VIOLATER, LT Laker Fan, , KATE, TROY, Mainor, Caesar
JEFF, ANDY B., SWANWORLD, PUPLE&GOLD_4EVA, BENNY BLANCA,CS in Virg
EMMA, TIM IN SYDNEY RISING STAR, LakerBake, JuanMan888,Blkthght06, Man,
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Kwame Brown, Andrew Bynum, Coby Karl, Chris H., Mihm, Sasha Vujacic
Jordan Farmar, Jarvis Critterton, JERMAINE ONEAL???, Larry Fulcher
ALL TOGETHER NOW:
WE ARE THE FREAKIN LA LAKERS THE WINNERS OF 14 NBA TITLES
THE HOME OF WILT, KAREEM, GEORGE MIKAN, SHAQ, MAGIC, KOBE,
ELGIN BAYLOR, JERRY WEST, PAT RILEY, JAMES WORTHY, SILK
COACHED BY THE 9 TIME TITLE WINNER PHIL (9RINGS) JACKSON AND
NO ONE WILL EVER CONQUER OR DIVIDE US
LAKERS TODAY LAKERS TOMORROW LAKERS FOREVER
Posted by: KOBE | November 07, 2007 at 09:54 AM
LOL! Pat Riley is already frustrated with Smush. Welcome to the party, PAL! Everybody was shocked you signed him in the first place!
###
Parker, the free agent signee who had designs on being the starting point guard, is further than ever from that job. Riley now is viewing him as primarily a shooting guard - the third-team shooting guard behind newcomer Ricky Davis and rookie Daequan Cook. And when Dwyane Wade returns to the team, Parker will be behind him, too.
But Parker didn't complain Tuesday.
"I had a meeting with coach this morning and he said that he doesn't like the way I'm running the point or I'm running the offense," Parker said. "So I just have to put a better effort in knowing my position out there."
Parker said that when he is a point guard he has to "run the offense, get the ball to the right player and throw all the passes. And when I'm the (shooting guard) then look to be aggressive."
Posted by: TaosHum | November 07, 2007 at 10:03 AM
Is "Kobe" Mamba24? If he is, then yay Mamba24. You're "back." Where's Beyonce? lol.
There are games when the saying, "you live by the 3, you die by the 3" makes so much sense. They lived on it, we died partly because of it. The other part, defense. Others are correct, you can't expect flawless or even good D on the part of non-defense playing people. For example, Chris Mihm sucked. He plainly sucked. He sucked the life out of the first unit, especially in the 1st quarter. But his offense was pretty good. Still a step slow on timing, but good. The problem is we gave up 118 points, that's purely on defense. On any given night, if you score 100+ you should win, that is of course if you played defense which we did not.
Rotations were awful. We collapsed far more than we should have, and at odd times. You do collapse on Chris Paul...but you have to look at who you're covering first. Peja? Don't. Everyone else, maybe.
I think one of our biggest problems is having Fish in foul trouble. This game summed up to me the biggest difference between this year and last. We had Fish to hold down the PG position. We have him to slow down the guards, and we have his O to get them off theirs. Last night, Da Fish was in foul trouble. Good strategy by the Hornets...and it got us out of the game from the get go. You add our defense, and we got ourselves a lost.
But I have faith we'll pick it up again. Go Lakers!
Posted by: Faith | November 07, 2007 at 10:08 AM
Kwame would have helped on D. His activity on pick and rolls generally stops penetration. Stop penetration in this game and you limit the need for the 3rd defender to leave his perimeter player. No more (easy) 3s. Voila....no career night for Peja.
Posted by: #4 | November 07, 2007 at 10:13 AM
The STH Report - 11/7 1st game against NO
Before a game against NO last year, I watched an injured Peja start on the baseline behind the 3 point line, make a 3 and take one small step to his left - shoot another 3 and take another small step to his left - and so on until he had made his way all the way around the arc without missing a shot.
Last night we all watched Vlad consistently leave Peja open in transition and sag off him in half court sets so he could drain dagger after uncontested dagger. You could see it coming a mile away from the 300s section. I was screaming PEJA every time he was open and then buried my head in my hands. Stay home on your man was not a part of the game plan that stuck, with him at least. When Luke was on him it didn't matter because Peja could just shoot right over him.
The first half was marked by unforced turnovers - errant passes (two from Vlad alone) and a some carrying the ball violations (Kobe and Fisher).
The Scouting Report on NO was on the nose. David West has a great overall game and was tough for Ronny to stop - but he did an admirable job on him. The guys next to me didn't know who David West was. He was NOs franchise player before CP - kind of like their version of Michael Finley when he was in Dallas. Chandler took himself out of the game with dumb fouls but even when he was in, Chris and Bynum did a good job of keeping him from getting o-boards.
On the perimeter, some gambling by Kobe on defense led to easy scores for Butler and Peterson. NO took advantage of mismatches in transition (like Fisher on Peja) and the "drag" play where CP hit a trailer and set a quick screen for him for an open shot. Most screens are lateral and the Lakers do a decent job defending those. But NO really likes those vertical screens where the passer blocks the defender from getting OUT to the shooter by putting himself between the shooter and the basket. Lakers didn't have an effective gameplan to defend that.
So now the Lakers rollercoaster hits a low. It'll be a hard couple of days of practicing and questions from the media until the team has a shot to redeem themselves against Minnesota and provide a smooth transition for LO to come back. If they don't beat the TWolves then the rollercoaster gets even lower and the criticisms of this team not being able to get it up for opponents they should beat will creep back in. They need to win that game and have a solid showing against SAN, HOU and DET in order for the rollercoaster to keep from going off the tracks. Let's see what happens.
One last note: At half-time warm-ups Byron Scott and Kobe had a lengthy conversation marked by hugs and Byron's hand on Kobe's shoulder. Byron did most of the talking.
Posted by: lakers_sth | November 07, 2007 at 10:17 AM
last night was hard. gotta give it to the hornets, they played really well. as for peja, one good regular season game against us doesnt even compare to the damage we did to that slick haircut shooter when he was in sacramento. anyways, i think we played ok. kobe has to quit turning the ball over, as do the lakers. less turnover=less than 118 points for the hornets.
i like jordan farmars game but he has to slow down just a little, i like how he pushes the ball in transition but i dont like how he has the ball at the end of the shot clock. he screwed up twice last night in that department. first was at the end of the half when he dribbled around forever then finally decided to give it to cook with a second left. luckily cook got fouled the farmar made an amazing shot. the other time came in the third quarter when he dribbled until there was no time left then shot an airball three. if jordan sticks to penetration and fast breaks he will be very good because he is so quick and can get to the rim easily, also a good finisher. i also dont mind him taking jumpers as long as they are not forced.
as for the lakers art 2-2. im not worried. we have a really hard schedule in the start of the season. i think the goal is to be decent by the time january roll around. in that month the schedule gets really easy against eastern conference teams even though most are away. i think a win against the twolves is a must then a split between the the spurs and the rockets would be nice. anyways...
GO LAKERS
Posted by: mrbarneydangles | November 07, 2007 at 10:18 AM
FAITH;,
"Is "Kobe" Mamba24? If he is, then yay Mamba24. You're "back." Where's Beyonce? lol.'
Sorry Faith but this is to good a line to let go.
I'LL BE KOBE MAMBA24 OR WHATEVER YOU WANT IF YOU'LL BE BEYONCE! LOL
And in other News................................................................................
Posted by: KOBE | November 07, 2007 at 10:25 AM
Bad games happen. It sucks it came at home but with the sorry T-Wolves up next its time to get it going again heading into hopefully getting healthy for the back to backs in Texas.
Posted by: LALAKERLOVER | November 07, 2007 at 10:28 AM
Laker Lover,
>>>Kwame would not have made much if any difference because the lakers were not getting killed inside it was all the 3s. There was a concerted effort to clog the paint and leave the shooters open.
I am no fan of Kwame, but he is our best interior defender at this point. If he was playing, there would have been less of a need for the rest of the team to leave perimeter shooters open. I'd guess that Phil instructed the team to give an extra effort to help out in the paint because "Kwame is out". Thus, we get burned on the perimeter.
The fact that they kept getting burned over and over, is the coaching staff's fault for not adjusting in time, as it was already pointed out here by some.
Posted by: HAB | November 07, 2007 at 10:29 AM
Aloha
2 and 2 after a tough opening schedule without Lamar? I will take it. Lamar would have been the big difference last night if he had played. He would have taken Peja right out of the game. There is no way that Peja could have done anything to stop Lamar. All we would have to do is clear a side and let him take him. If help comes, Lamar passes like a PG. If it doesnt he scores over him until Scott has to take him out.
Lamar at the 3 will be our big advantage this year. There are very few small forwards in the league that will match up with him. And Lamar is quick enough, with his length to keep up on defense. I am really looking forward to his return.
MH
MH
Posted by: michael h | November 07, 2007 at 10:31 AM
Where's Rick Fox when you need him? Peja stunk when Rick guarded him in old Sac days. This is where Devean George is missed as well. And I think our weakness. Also, Kwame would have helped in defense as well.
If Kobe stays, I really think we should trade for a strong forward that can defend ala Artest, Battier, AK or hell even Devean George. Get rid of Cookie.
Posted by: Laker Phil | November 07, 2007 at 10:45 AM
Im not really dissapointed about last nights game. Even though we loose, I think there were positives of that game. Man, I'll tell you, if we keep getting that production from the "Bench Mob", we will be alright. The more I see "Lionheart" play the PF position, the more I am convince he is our starting PF for the seaon and future. One of the positive of last night game was that Ronnie managed to stay out of foul trouble. Socks did have his issues ofensively, but was a monster crashing the boards, and he too stayed out of foul trouble, YAY!!. The Rad man is hitting his 3's. Farmar was a bit too aggresive last night, but you gotta like that if you are a Laker fan, is just a matter of teaching the kid not to get carried away, Im sure D-Fish is on it as we speak. Kobe, well, like always, was marvelous. I know he is trying to get everyone involved, but he has to be a bit more careful and cut his TOs. One thing about last nights game that really bugged me was Phil's rotations and his inability to shutdown Peja. I know, I know, seems that it was one of those nights where the guy (Peja) was locked on, but I would had put Kobe on him and taken my chances with Mo' Peterson. And why did Phil had to wait to put Kobe in until the 6 minute mark of the fourth quater? WOW! Lakers trimmed the Hornets lead to 4 and i thought it was the perfect time to put Kobe in. Didnt happened, then couple of turn overs later and the hornets lead increased to 10. I really dont get it.
Seems that we really missed our Mo' (Evans) to keep Peja from draining all those 3s. I know what with Mo' and Lamar in the lineup, he wont be having another night like that with us.
All in all, i thought the bench played extremely well, the energy was there and with Lamar just a few days away from joining the lineup, I think we are looking preatty good. Too many gamble's on the D, too many TO's and no dribble penetration, which prevented us from getting to the free throw line. Gotta work on that.
With Lamer joining the lineup, now we can play him on the SF position and we will cause mismatches everywhere. Now we gotta play some D! We know that this team can put the ball in the basket. How about emphasize and focus the team practices on D-E-F-E-N-S-E?? At least some of them. Would be nice for a change.
Well, lets see how things turn out. I'll be watching.
Posted by: Watch74 | November 07, 2007 at 10:57 AM
Join me to Kobe for MVP!
Posted by: Alexinho17 | November 07, 2007 at 10:57 AM
TAOSHUM; "LOL! Pat Riley is already frustrated with Smush. Welcome to the party, PAL! Everybody was shocked you signed him in the first place!"
TAOS I'LL HAVE YOU KNOW I WILL BE SELECTED TO THE ALLSTAR GAME BY THE FANS. I GOT GAME BABY SEE MY SMUSHCALADE!
Posted by: SMUSH PARKER | November 07, 2007 at 11:00 AM
I JUST DON'T THINK ANYBODY WAS GONNA STOP NEW ORLEANS, NOT US, NOT NOBODY.. THEY ARE OFF TO A HOT START REALLY MORE THEN ANYTHING, THATS THAT SIMPLE... SO DON'T DISCREDIT THEM, AND DON'T WORRY ABOUT US.
Kwame.... can't live with him, can't live without him..
he could've possibly made a big difference defensively..
Stojakovic was stroking it, NOBODY attempted to harass him on D
Kobe should have been more involved offensively from the jump
D Fish didn't have his best game, aslo Bynum
We still don't have Lamar and we were also without Mo
add that to the fact that we gave cook minutes and there you go..
oh well you win some and you lose some.. can't win em all
i'll start worrying if we lose to minny on friday
Posted by: Violator | November 07, 2007 at 11:05 AM
Michael H,
That's a postivie look to not having Lamar...
I am going to Hilo (spelling) to train with BJ Penn for a jiu-jitsu seminar next year. How are the Lakers received in Hawaii?
Thanks
Charles
Posted by: Charles | November 07, 2007 at 11:07 AM
"Where's Rick Fox when you need him? Peja stunk when Rick guarded him in old Sac days. This is where Devean George is missed as well. And I think our weakness. Also, Kwame would have helped in defense as well.
If Kobe stays, I really think we should trade for a strong forward that can defend ala Artest, Battier, AK or hell even Devean George. Get rid of Cookie."
Laker Phil with Lamar returning and pussy cat Kwame as well... Your going to see Cookie'ss, Vrad's as well as Mimm's minutes reduced significantly to a point that besides Vrad those two along with Sasha may not even crack the rotation.... Remember our starting line-up will be
Kobe
Fish
Lamar
Turiaf
Kwame
backed up by
Mo
Farmar
Luke
Vrad
Bynum
Junk time players
Cookie, Sasha, Critt and Mimm
But I were sure like to see us get rid of Kwame, Cookie as well some young good prospects like Critt for a solid FC type player... Someone like Anderson Varejao.
Posted by: Gino | November 07, 2007 at 11:23 AM
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* KOBE FOR MVP BANDWAGON
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(1) NIK KANNAN
(2) MAMBA24
(3) ALEXINH017
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Posted by: MAMBA24 | November 07, 2007 at 11:37 AM
Faith
"There are games when the saying, "you live by the 3, you die by the 3" makes so much sense."
YESTERDAY I POSTED MY "RANDOM THOUGHT OF THE GAME" :
STOJAKOVIC+RADMANOVIC+VUJACIC= 3 POINT MARATHON
(STOJAKOVIC WON)
Posted by: Violator | November 07, 2007 at 11:46 AM
Aloha Charles
The Lakers are as well recieved as any pro team but Hawaii is all about collage and local sports. UH football is huge. Even the womens volleyball team sell out every game and is televised through out the islands. I have heard little league and pee wee football discussed on local sports talk radio.
MH
Posted by: michael h | November 07, 2007 at 11:48 AM
MAMBA24,
"KOBE FOR MVP BANDWAGON"
(PLEASE)
Posted by: Violator | November 07, 2007 at 11:56 AM
I remember good old days when Fox practically shut down Peja. It was superior defense. I would think Lamar would've done a better job than combo Luke/Vlade. Lamar would put Peja in foul trouble, meaning on the bench because we'll know, Peja can not guard a thing. However, he is one of best 3pt shooters in the league and this why HE SHOULD NEVER BE LEFT OPEN in the first place for God Sake!!! They sign him 60M contract to deliver just that – perimeter shooting after Chris Paul done his thing, penetration and dish. I was looking yesterday like all 3-4 people trying to stop Chris leaving all entire perimeter wide open. Ridiculous!!!
Posted by: LAL_Fan | November 07, 2007 at 12:01 PM
Violater,
"MAMBA24, "KOBE FOR MVP BANDWAGON"(PLEASE)
Sir, I just drive the bus that's all. Please deposit your fare and step to the rear LOL!
Posted by: Mamba24 | November 07, 2007 at 12:03 PM
Mamba24, please sign me up for the 55 win and Kobe for MVP Bandwagons.
Posted by: Thi | November 07, 2007 at 01:09 PM
I think there were 2 breakdowns last night by the Lakers and they were both faults of Phil Jackson. He should have called a timeout and talked to his players about staying home on Peja and then pulling the point gaurd back towards the key to stop the penetration and let him shoot from outside. Second he should have left the guys who were scoring in at the end of the game like Vlad instead of Ronnie or Luke and Fish didnt have his best game. The in game decisions on the rotations were off. Afterall isnt the reason we got Vlad to open up the floor for Kobe, even if he doesnt shoot his guys cant drop off to help out or he gets the open 3 and the way he's shooting that's money.
Posted by: Ken | November 07, 2007 at 01:43 PM
I agree with others regarding the Lakers lack of D on Peja. Hey, I'm no pro basketball player and I sure as hell don't make the money they do either. But is it so hard to figure out that when a guy is draining 3 after 3 that you just don't leave him...no matter what? Put a guy in front of Peja and he goes from a 60% shooter to a 30% shooter. Make the guy dribble once or twice and he's useless. But hey, what do I know? I'm just a working stiff.
Posted by: LM | November 07, 2007 at 02:01 PM
You folks watched that game? Chewing gum would be much more rewarding.
Posted by: Paulie | November 07, 2007 at 02:02 PM
The Lakers will finish with 55 wins this year if we stay injury free.....Lamar? K.brown?Walton? Evans?...can they stay healthy,wait and see this is the key to laker season on the oxymoron their past does not speak well they either have fragile bodies or they are just accident prone (Lamar) and (k.brown).
Posted by: WHITE MAMBA 24 | November 07, 2007 at 02:15 PM
Hey guys,
Im just thinking. the second unit is a pretty good defensive squad. Therefore, wont LUKE joining them kinda mess up their defensive flow?
SHAKA
Posted by: SHAKA | November 07, 2007 at 11:50 PM
In 3 days,mark my words, Kobe will be a Chicago Bull!
A trade will happen or finalized than.
Posted by: JER HENNEN | November 08, 2007 at 02:18 AM
This plan of the Lakers brass having Kobe playing without his heart in to the team is going to backfire sooner or later.
Buss, the father, is the one who can resolve this matter.
If Kobe is so important for this franchise popularity, why then, they don't negotiate a honorable accord.
Jack Nicholson said better: Bring on Jerry West. Leadership is needed or in Magic words: just one voice only, please.
I don't enjoy the Lakers immerse in this "ego-driven- drama". Nobody can concentrate in basketball with this unresolved issue hanging around as a ghost. Chicago is proof of that. This team would be carried away too to oblivion or pluto.
Buss is called to take prompt action, to take the ship and do what is best for the franchise, while is possible..
Kobe won't back down. He is accustomed to this war with Phil, Shaq, LA Times and all the USA media pounding in him. Kobe will stand still. Believe me, he will. He is good in this type of situation.
Buss is the one losing here. Losing leverage in the league. Gaining bad rep with possible future superstars coming to play here. Putting the fans in the preposterous position of be divided: hate Kobe, love the Lakers. In Chicago the fans already claim and chant for Kobe. The final is coming, the more is prolonged, the more the press will put the burden in Buss.
Can Jerry Buss still smart and assertive enough to act for his business and not turn this in a battle of ego (I will teach Kob who is the boss, even if my business suffer).
Well if he wants to drains his franchise spontaneously, so be it.
Posted by: jorema | November 08, 2007 at 04:12 PM
Why TJ Simers?
Why you refuse to use Kobe Bryant name and instead you use a derivative name? Kobester?
Isn't this, indeed, a proof of your disregard for professionalism and respect to others?
Had you called Phil....Phillester?
Shaq -- Shakester?
The Busses - Bussesters.
This is beyond hate. Is gutless, cowardy, low level journalism.
Why the LA Times editor won't act in this out of hand issue?
If he doesn''t like Kobe...so be it.
But using derivative names isn't a proper posture of a respected newspaper.
You can do that one day. But... Always?
r
Refusing to cite his proper name is discrimination. Is beyond that: Is proof of why
this newspaper sports edition is a travesty.
Posted by: jorema | November 08, 2007 at 04:27 PM