Sasha Vujacic owns Richie Frahm
Just one of the matchups the Lakers won on Sunday night, in their 113-93 win over the Clippers, and perhaps the one that most analysts pointed to heading in as the evening's most pivotal. Well, maybe not, but Sasha still took it to the former Gonzaga star. 14 points to Frahm's five. Two dimes for Vujacic, one for Frahm. A lone rebound for Richie, Sasha explodes on the glass for three. Fair to say Frahm did not come alive tonight, and will likely hit the pillow with images of Euro jumpers infiltrating his dreams. Asked after if he did indeed own Richie Frahm, Sasha laughed and didn't answer. Savvy vet that he's becoming, Vujacic knows better than to provide that sort of bulletin board material to a guy with Frahm's pedigree.
Other good things happened, too. See the breakdown after the jump for the details.
The Good:
- Big Open, Big Close: The Lakers laid the wood on the Clippers in the first and final quarters. They controlled every aspect of play in the opening frame, outscoring LAC 29-15. Later, after Corey Maggette hit a miracle triple at the buzzer to cut the Laker lead to six, they took away any mo for the red, white, and blue with a 17-3 run to open the quarter. Early, the Lakers used great spacing and ball movement to give themselves a ton of clean looks at the hoop. Late the second unit, who had not exactly distinguished themselves earlier in the scrap, did great work to build out the lead.
- Kobe Bryant: 24 took away any doubts about how effective he'd be with an 11 point opening quarter that included a variety of jumpers and fadeaways. Over the course of the game, he did a great job of drawing contact and getting to the line, yet not forcing much. In the end, 24 scored 31 points, grabbed eight boards, had three assists, shot 50% (11-22) from the floor, and the Lakers were a somewhat ridiculous 31 points better than the Clippers while he was on the floor. Healthwise, Kobe said he felt fine during the game as long as he didn't lengthen out his stride too much, and assumes the same crack med staff that got him in shape to play tonight will keep him sound as the Lakers hit the road. Check the audio for more detail.
- Andrew Bynum: 7-9 for 14 points, nine boards, six blocks, and while +/- is obviously a stat that needs to be taken in context, it's hard to come up with one where his +17 isn't indicative of a positive influence on the game. Drew set a nice tone early, forcing Chris Kaman to adjust most of his shots around the rim as the LAC big started off the game 1-8 from the floor. Beyond that, his three first quarter blocks sent the sign that the path to the hoop would not be clear. The influence he had on the game was most clearly felt when he wasn't in it. The Clippers did very little damage to the Lakers' cushion while Drew was on the floor. Great audio below from Drew, where he talks about how working with Kareem has changed his approach defensively, clearly for the better.
- Luke Walton: Haven't had a chance to stick him in this category all that often, but tonight Luke played the sort of game fans have been looking for. Safe to say he's not going to finish every game perfect from the floor as he did tonight (6-6, including 3-3 from downtown for a total of 15 points), but Walton was part of the flow of a very efficient Lakers offense early, and contributed in those "Walton-y" ways throughout. Add a few nice defensive plays and- this is a biggie- nary a turnover, and it was a positive night for Luke. Interesting note, I learned tonight that Walton, up until about three days ago, didn't know how to tie a tie. Asked how he managed to go this long in the league without learning, he replied, "I never wore one.
Touche.
- Sasha: AK and I have never been shy about poking fun at his play, but we also try to make a point to mention when he's successful, and tonight was one of those nights. 14 points, all in the fourth, on 5-7 from the floor. He was a big part of the monster final period that helped the Lakers put the Clippers down for good. Plus, he just flat out owned Frahm. Beat him like a rented mule. Seriously, though, these productive days for Sasha are coming more frequently. Yes, he can still be very erratic defensively, and while I'm happy to see him try I tend to cover my eyes when he attacks the rim, but if Sasha can drill his shots with regularity, he becomes a very valuable member of the rotation.
- Corey Maggette's buzzer beater to end the third: It ended up to be totally meaningless, so it's worth recognizing the one handed, baseball style hoist from his side of half-court. That'll win just about every game of HORSE on the planet.
The Bad: It was, overall, a fairly solid effort tonight, so there's a little nitpicking... but anyway...
- Laissez-Faire Second and Third Quarters: Granted, in the NBA it's hard to blow a team out of the water and to, for all practical purposes, ice a game early. But the Lakers had a chance to do it tonight, and didn't take advantage. After holding the Clips to 30% in the first quarter, the Lakers got a little squishier in the second, where LAC was up over 54%. The second unit didn't do great work, as the Clips whittled down an 18 point lead to eight over a three minute span that prompted the return of the starting unit. Later, after the Lakers built the lead back up to 19 after a Bynum dunk with 4:27 left in the third, the Lakers let the Clippers go on a Corey Maggette-fueled 18-5 run to pull within six heading into the fourth. Overall, the Lakers put the Clips on the line a shocking 17 times in the quarter, as they racked up 11 personals. That ain't good.
- Chris Mihm: He seemed to settle down a little during his second stint on the court- he replaced Bynum with 3:36 left in the third after Drew picked up his fourth foul- but it's clear Mihm remains a work in progress. He struggled with Kaman earlier in the game, and generally is still a step or two behind everything happening on the court. It's going to take time for him to work through it, for sure, and fortunately the Lakers have some to give him, especially after Kwame comes back and Ronny gets healthy. But right now, it's tough to give him the minutes he needs to find a flow on the court, in part because he can't find a flow on the court.
The Turning Point:
- The First Quarter: When you open up a game running out to as much as an 18 point lead, that pretty much puts you in the driver's seat. While the Clips made a couple runs, the excellent offensive spacing combined with solid defensive work the purple and gold put forth early gave them all the cushion they'd need.
Audio: Great stuff from Drew, Fish, and Luke, as well as a little more depth on Kobe's injury. Lots of good sound as well on the upcoming trip. Definitely worth a listen.
- Phil Jackson: Download phil_jackson_12.16
- Andrew Bynum: Again, interesting stuff. Download andrew_bynum_12.16 postLAC.mp3
- Luke Walton: Download luke_walton_12.16 postLAC.mp3
- Derek Fisher: Great insight about the road trip, and his perspective on where the team is right now. Download derek_fisher_12.16 postLAC.mp3
- Kobe Bryant: Lots of good stuff about his groin (injury- again, you have to be specific about these things). Download kobe_bryant_12.16 postLAC.mp3
BK
I talked a bit after the game with Sasha, who had himself one fine fourth quarter of action. 14 points off 5-6 shooting (3-4 from behind the arc). It was a hot enough frame to prompt a reporter to run "The Slovenian Microwave" past Kobe in an effort to coin Vujacic a new nickname. Bryant's verdict? "You gotta come up with something better than that." It would have been tough, however, to come up with a better twelve minutes of action (which also included three rebounds, an assist and two steals). Here's what he had to say.
On making sure a third quarter Clipper run (and one seriously insane buzzer beater by Corey Maggette) didn't unravel them
"Coming into the fourth quarter, it was six point lead for us. We just, as a bench, kind of huddled up and talked about it a little bit. We knew that we had to play good defense. Good defense brought us good success. The shots were going in and we played team basketball."
On how he kept his shooting touch throughout the fourth quarter after sitting for so long
"It wasn't like (usual), where I came in at the beginning of the fourth quarter. (This time), I came in two minutes before the third quarter ended, so I got going a little bit. But it doesn't matter. Coach gave me the confidence. He left me in there to finish the third quarter, to decide the third quarter and that was a great thing. Whenever he does that, I'm more than happy to develop."
On whether it's different trying to get it all going in one quarter as opposed to spreading out your production throughout a game
"The important thing was, whenever I would come in lately, it would be to try to attack, to be aggressive, to see if I'm going to score. To be or not to be, basically. 5 points, 6 points, I'm going to stay in. But now, I can change it up. I just want to execute the offense, do what coach is asking me to do. Sometimes he's going to need points from me. Sometimes he's going to need good defense. Whenever he gives me that confidence that I can let it go and play certain minutes, between 15-20, I'm happy and I like to develop.
On how long it takes to judge feeling "hot"
"It's different from game to game. Today, for example, I started in the third quarter and it helped me out a little bit. But whenever anybody's involved in the offense, whenever we share the basketball, whenever we have some good easy layups, that helps a lot. And today, we did that.
On whether he's looking to set up teammates a little more now as well
"Definitely. My mentality was always a point guard mentality and last year, the coaching staff wanted me to change it completely and go to a scoring mentality more than before. I know what I can do, so whenever I have the opportunity to set somebody up or take the good shots, the game of basketball is basically about making good decisions. Whatever the defense gives you, that's what happens.
On whether it's been hard for him to develop continuity switching back and forth between point guard and shooting guard
"It wasn't easy, but whenever I have good confidence and the minutes I have, it's getting good."
By the way, as Lakersblog devotees know, there's only one nickname for Sasha and it's "The Face." Period.
-AK
I love when the crowd calls for tacos, and gets them.
Posted by: wondahbap | December 16, 2007 at 11:10 PM
I know what nickname we can give Sasha. We can call him Heavy Weapons Guy.
See: http://youtube.com/watch?v=mY5qJHZCz2I for the reference. By the way, that guy also hails from Slovakia and there is a version of it available in Russian.
Posted by: AndrewT | December 16, 2007 at 11:29 PM
BYNUM NEGATES KAMAN AS LAKERS TOP CLIPPERS, 113-92
by Kevin Ding in the OCRegister
http://www.ocregister.com/sports/bynum-lakers-bryant-1943698-kaman-brown
I am really starting to like how Kevin Ding reports on the Lakers. He has a good sense for what is important to the Laker fan and often has quotes other sources don’t. Nice job, Kevin.
Highlight Quotes:
Bynum studied footage of Chris Kaman before the game, then went out Sunday night and personally negated what Lakers coach Phil Jackson called the Clippers' "sole weapon on the interior."
“Bynum was completely destroying us down there," said Corey Maggette,
It was the latest demonstration of Bynum embracing a challenge instead of wilting in the face of it. The Lakers built a 28-11 lead before Kaman made his first field goal.
The Lakers controlled their sixth consecutive game — they have won them all except for their late slip-up at Golden State on Friday — and have marched with such authority that the consensus in their locker room is that they have ascended to a higher class.
"We're a much better team than we were last year," Bryant said. 0022I don't even think it's close."
"We're a better team this year," Walton said, "and we have a lot more potential."
After initially believing Brown might play this week, Jackson said Sunday he won't even bring Kwame Brown with the team on its upcoming four-game trip.
"I want to go," Brown said. "I'm sitting at home all day."
Center Kwame Brown hit the four-week mark since he sprained his left knee and probably will miss another two more weeks.
Tom
Posted by: LakerTom | December 16, 2007 at 11:30 PM
im mad critt wasnt a little more flashy. the whole game i was looking forward to him getting in then i was greatly dissapointed when trigger happy shasha just keep shooting(even though he was shooting the lights out). guess critt had that one sweet pass. hopefully we can blow out some of these eastern conference teams so he can get more playing time.
also, very impressive game from drew. all those blocks were savage. and so much for kobe being hurt.
GO LAKERS
Posted by: mrbarneydangles | December 16, 2007 at 11:41 PM
Trade, we must.
Lawler/Smith for Meyers/Lantz
Go Lakers
Posted by: Yoda Speaks | December 16, 2007 at 11:41 PM
AT 20, LAKERS' BYNUM HAS EDGE AGAINST CLIPPERS' KAMAN
by Harleen Elliott in for the L.A. Times
http://www.latimes.com/sports/la-sp-elliott17dec17,1,1751028.column?page=2&coll=la-headlines-sports
Wow! A pro-Lakers story in the Times. Signs that bandwagons are not far off. Bynum is suddenly waking everybody up.
Highlight Quotes:
But the nod ultimately goes to Bynum in this round because his team won.
Even Kaman acknowledged his adversary's accomplishments.
"He's so long and he's got good timing in blocking shots. He got a couple of mine that I thought he wasn't going to get. He surprised me a little there," Kaman said.
"He does a good job for them. He's going to be very good. I have a good feeling about his potential."
Bynum showed last season that he can dominate games, that he can soar above the rim and be a defensive force and an offensive pillar. But he has also been a kid sometimes, and he must prove he can maintain his fitness and his fire over a full season.
His teammates believe he can.
"Even from the beginning of this season to this point, which is the only way I can judge him, I think he's improved. Vastly, greatly immensely," Derek Fisher said.
"I think he's taking seriously his role of being the protector for us on the defensive end, with shot blocks and really controlling the defensive boards, getting double-figure rebounds just about every night."
Bynum credited Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, one of the Lakers' special assistant coaches, for his progress and his shot-blocking prowess. He has blocked 22 shots in his last six games, including a season-high seven against Orlando on Dec. 2.
"I've just been working with Kareem, backing up and not giving the guards my body, letting them stretch my body," he said. "When they put it up, they still have to come up. I'm 7 feet tall and I have a height advantage. I'm closest to the rim, and they have to put the ball into it, so I back up."
Watching film of Kaman before Sunday's game gave him an idea of how he would play the Clippers' ambidextrous 7-footer.
"I know he likes to go one way and come back the other and I was just timing, putting my hand in the way of his shot and it was working out," Bynum said.
Tom
Posted by: LakerTom | December 16, 2007 at 11:51 PM
Bynum was completely destroying us down there," said Corey Maggette
mikey i don't think C.M. has ever said that about cakeman
Posted by: PK-IN-THE-MESA | December 16, 2007 at 11:59 PM
Here's a question for AK or BK or anyone on the blog that wants to answer.
Why are people taking the Nuggets so much more seriously then the Lakers? To me, it seems pretty clear that the Lakers are a good step or two in front of the Nuggets right now. But if you look at the poll on fox sports' website right now, it asks which team in the west besides the Spurs is the best, and the Lakers aren't even listed as one of the choices, and the Nuggets are. What's up with that?
Posted by: DavyJonze | December 17, 2007 at 12:00 AM
C'mon all you Mitch haters admit ... HE WAS RIGHT ABOUT SASHA. Mitch can now trade Sasha as you all have been advocating. He won't trade Sasha, because he knows that Sasha will get much better than he is now. Bynum, Farmar, Sasha, Critt and Ariza all 23 or less get better with each minute in each game. Mitch has the Lakers poised for a sustained championship run. In 2 years Kobe will be tradeable. Lakers can win games this year with Kobe and LO.
Recognize that the Los Angeles Lakers are becoming Andrew Bynum's team. Watch out because Bynum intends to challenge Dwight Howard for league supremacy. Mitch hit the jackpot.
Posted by: Todd | December 17, 2007 at 12:23 AM
Have to go with the broadcast team on this one. Sasha's nickname has to be the Slovene Machine.
I would also like to give formal blog observance of the return of the Kurt Rambis Porn Stash. I don't think it's a coincidence that we won four championships with the Stash in its original stint with the team, and since its resurgence we're 5-1. If we win it all this year, I hope they vote the Stash Finals MVP.
Posted by: SBPimp | December 17, 2007 at 12:23 AM
Another nice step in the right direction. We need to play well on this trip to keep the momentum going. PJ is right in saying that we have to start off well by winning at Chicago to set the tone for the rest of the trip. Can't overlook any of these teams. Stay focused and hungry. Go Lakers!!!
Posted by: Nemaia Faletogo | December 17, 2007 at 12:25 AM
Personally I would like to see a combo of Lawler Lantz. I'm really not a big Myers fan or Smith fan at all. Myers is extremly irratating at times while Smith is boring and full of it. Lawler however is funny and engaging while Stue Knows the game very well and is quite funny is some of the things he says. Overall I would love to keep Stu Lantz and fine someone else to replace that other annoying guy. Spero alright from what I've herd. One time I herd Lawler on air say "give me another shot of Vodka" when he though he wasn't micked up. Quite funny although embarrising for him.
Posted by: c dubbs | December 17, 2007 at 12:34 AM
DavyJonze,
Crazy, huh? Most of the experts had the usual suspects atop the conference in SA, PHX, Dallas and Utah with Houston and Denver moving up or possibly overtaking one of the top 4. I think it's great that the Lakers are under the radar(if that's ever possible)because it will help them stay focused and just play and prove prognosticators wrong. Right now I think that the Lakers along with New Orleans and recently Portland are the surprises in the West. The Warriors may be there for a while, but I think they'll eventually fade down the stretch. What's in the Lakers favor is that they play a little better defensively for longer stretches than Denver, Golden State, Houston and even Phoenix. I think some of the teams we've faced have been caught off guard by our up tempo offense and the contributions from different players. Even Kobe said that this year's squad is much better than last year's team that started off hot. His very words were "it's not even close." It's still very early in the season, so our Lakers will just need to continue to build upon what they've got going and stay focused. We have a lot to improve upon, but I'm excited about what I see. The major key for us on this up coming trip is for us not to get outhustled and outworked. Go Lakers!!!
Posted by: Nemaia Faletogo | December 17, 2007 at 12:48 AM
The reality is that in terms of seeding, the Lakers wont be in the top 3 because the Suns will be running with the division with 60 wins, and the other top seeds are based on the division winners.
Spurs and Suns will finish 1-2, and while the Jazz are struggling now, they will probably win out the division. Than the Mavs will probably get about 55 wins which would probably squeeze them ahead of the Lakers. So that means the Lakers will be battling between the Nuggets, Rockets for the 5th seed and the Warriors and Hornets will battle for the last spot.
In terms of talent and potential, the Lakers are better than 7 or 8 seed, and are now bunched with the Jazz and Mavs as the middle of the road teams that are looking up at the Spurs and Suns. i thought the Jazz would be better, but it seems as though they lack that mental toughness and leadership, that Ironically Derek Fisher brought to the table. Also Matt Hapring was bringing a better game to the table last year and isnt quite it.
That being said, while the Lakers are in that group, it doesnt matter unless they win. They have a four game road trip against sub.500 teams, but all of those games are dangerous for the Lakers.
Game 1 Bulls: The Lakers won the first meeting thanks to terrible shooting by Heinrich, a weak game by Wallace, and the Laker supporting cast taking it personal to beat the Bulls, the team Kobe supposedly wanted to go to.
The Bulls are still struggling, but theyre coming alive thanks to Joakim Noah's spark and Luol deng finally having a game or two. Heinrich still sucks, but Nocioni is playing better. The Lakers have to pounce on this game early to set a tone for the game and the road trip. I actually expect Kobe to light it up in a statement of "you could have had me". The rest of the team cant get caught up. I want to see Derek Fisher take some early shots, and Bynum get Wallace in foul trouble. The Lakers should win, but it could be in the 90s which plays to the Bulls favor.
Game 2 Cleveland: Its LeBron v Kobe, since LeBron will take it that way. Last year I dont think Kobe wanted to matchup in that sense, but LeBron is young and wants to prove himself. LeBron is coming off injury but its a good chance for the Cavs to get back in it. Here again, Bynum will have to be a factor. Last year he wasnt visible for this game. He goes against Illgauskas who is big and strong, plus he has an outside shot. This may be the toughest matchup for Bynum this year, aside from Duncan. Illgauskas can neutralize Bynum the way Sabonis neutralized Shaq. Drew has to let him beat him with the shot, and hope that Turiaf rotates to guard him outside. Gooden will also be active on the glass and I hope Bynum doesnt draw fouls going for a rebound. Not sure if Varejao is playing, but if Oberto was a pest, than Varejao is a nuclear bomb. Bynum has to stay focused. I think Kobe plays D all over LeBron ala team USA, but the rest of the Lakers must step up, and that means Luke and Odom. Lakers may lose, but they can easily win.
Game 3 Philadelphia: Looks like an easy win, but that team is pretty slick with guys like Iguoadala Louis Williams and the rookie Jason Smith. The Lakers need to play them like they played the clippers today and just show they are better. But this is one of those games that they would have lost last year. This game might get close. They will need a nice game from sasha, farmar and Ariza, because I can see Kobe picking up silly fouls, Bynum struggling in game 3 of the road trip and Odom disappearing. But I believe that this year the Lakers win.
Game 4 New york: This is the most dangerous game. The last game of a road trip is tough and if its still snowing the Lakers will be exhaused. Plus the Knicks have weapons that can cause the Laker fits defensively. Marbury also has a tendency to play decent against Kobe, and Kobe has a tendency to lose it while playing in the Garden. Last year the Lakers choked this game, because of the tiem difference and dumb plays. Isiah hates the Lakers and will probably send a goon to go after Kobe or worse, Bynum. Maybe Malik rose flagrant fouls Bynum or Balkan rakes Kobe across the face. either way, i think the Lakers drop this game.
Best case scenario, the Lakers go 3-1 with wins over Chicago, Cleveland, Philadelphia.
Plausible is that the Lakers go 2-2 with a win over Chicago and Phliadephia and drop to Cleveland and New York.
Posted by: The Lake Show | December 17, 2007 at 12:58 AM
no lawler EVER!
EVER!
thank you.
the clippers announcer will NEVER be the Lakers announcer. i can't stand Joel Myers, but if my choice is Joel or Lawler, i'll take Joel....woe to the Lakers should they ever hire that annoying, self-serving clipper homer..
just my opinion.
i wish all these players took their job as seriously as Kobe to take immediate, aggressive treatment for sprains in order to remain competitive. there seem to be more that are at least serious enough to try and improve, that's a very good start.
Posted by: man | December 17, 2007 at 12:59 AM
Andrew T,
that heavy metal clip was hilarious. love, how the gun is called sasha! classic!
Posted by: andand | December 17, 2007 at 01:29 AM
Good game today, although it would have been a 6 game winning streak had the Lakers won Friday. A win is a win nontheless and I expect the Lakers to win at least 3 of the next 4 games considering they're all against below .500 teams.
I hope Bynum remains a starter when Kwame returns. Although Bynum is performing at a high level, I don't know if his output would last all season. Bynum had a terrific start last year but faded at years' end. A combination of Bynum and Brown and with a little help from Mihm would definitely strenghten the center position. Bynum is taking a bulk of the center's load, and Mihm hasn't been effective. Brown will likely be a much needed asset.
Sasha had an impressive game, but I'd like to see him make those shots when it actually counts. These offensive bursts usually occur when the Lakers have a comfortable lead. Such performances will be valuable during crunch time.
In my opinion, his nickname should be "Voodoo". Sasha "Voodoo" Vujacic. I like the sound of that name.
Posted by: Never | December 17, 2007 at 01:54 AM
One last thing before I sign off for a while (And because I can't sleep)
I knew the Lakers were going to win the game because the Clippers were without:
Elton Brand
Sam Cassell
Shaun Livingston and,
Tim Thomas
That's why I was only interested in how the centers fought for position. Kaman could have had a really big game but the Clippers were still going to lose.
I wasn't really interested in the numbers. I was only interested on the one on one positioning. When they really went at each other. Most of that was when they didn't have the ball. That's what I was watching.
Heck, I didn't even see the other action except for that. I have no idea how Luke, Lamar, and others did. Well, I heard Sasha had a good game.
My eyes were focused on the Bynum/Kaman match-up. Points, rebounds, blocked shots, and fouls aside....Kaman won the battle for position. He didn't convert when he was close to the basket because of Bynum's length. But that doesn't mean he won't adjust and score next time.
I say that because he got his position pretty easy. One thing is clear. Bynum, I'm sure, studied Kaman because he anticipated Kaman's moves and got his blocks.
That's a good thing for Bynum. It means he's studing his opponent. But that didn't stop Kaman from getting the position he wanted near the rim. Yeah, you can see Kareem's influence on Bynum's defense. It's based on anticipation but not strength. It's all he can do because he doesn't have the strength to deny position.
It'll be interesting to see how he does against the Cavs and the Knicks. The Knicks have two low post scorers.
We're 5-2 this month...so that's not a bad thing.
mike
Posted by: Michael Teniente | December 17, 2007 at 02:17 AM
Lakers are starting to get some notice in the media...a few "power rankings" are starting to get the Lakers in the Top5.
If the Lakers survive the road trip and win on Christmas on over Phoenix you can count on it that there will be alot more recognition. Kenny Smith is projecting the Lakers a 5-6 seed and 2nd round exit...it's a start.
Thursday vs Cleveland, it'll be interesting to see the record at that point, the Suns would have had a chance to shoot themselves twice (Dallas, San Antonio) and the Lakers could go into that game tied for #1 in the Pacific.
My prediction, Christmas Day (if not sooner), the Lakers will take over the Pacific Division.
Posted by: Smushcalade | December 17, 2007 at 04:20 AM
Sasha is "The Face".
Anything else is gimmicky and in bad taste.
Posted by: silverlaker | December 17, 2007 at 04:42 AM
FSN must be the cheesiest gametime show around.
Impressive!
I am on the East Coast and I slept at the end of the Third.
Last words I heard in my haze "Clippers down by six . . "
I thought . . . whatever . . . we will win this one, goodnight.
Now. . . I am hating myself for missing "The Face" Show
Damn!
To all the "beautiful people" haters.
Leave him ALONE!!!!!!!
You 're just jealous . .
Posted by: silverlaker | December 17, 2007 at 04:49 AM
HELLO LAKER BLOGGERS. LAST NIGHT WAS YET ANOTHER SHINING EXAMPLE OF THE EMERGENCE OF ONE ANDREW BYNUM AS A DOMINATE BIG MAN IN THE NBA. LAKER FANS SHOULD BE EXCITED ABOUT HOW THIS KID'S HARD WORK IS PAYING OFF. HE IS BECOMING A WARRIOR.
HE WAS DOING THINGS LAST NIGHT THAT WERE JUST UNREAL. YOU HAVE TO WATCH HIM PLAY TO UNDERSTAND.
14 POINTS ON 7/9 SHOOTING
9 REBOUNDS
6 BLOCK SHOTS
3 ASSISTS
1 STEAL TO BOOT
ANOTHER SOLID ALL AROUND PERFORMANCE BY OUR GREAT CENTER, INCLUDING GREAT DEFENSE ON THE CLIPPERS BEST INTERIOR SCORER.
IT IS NO SURPRISE THAT BYNUM'S (+ -) STAT LAST NIGHT WAS +17.
SEASON STATS:
11 POINTS ON 60% SHOOTING
10 REBOUNDS
2 BLOCKS
19.7 PER (33RD IN NBA)
35.5 PER/48 MINUTES (12TH IN THE NBA AND BEST ON OUR TEAM)
107 (+ -) STAT FOR SEASON (highest on our team)
For those that are curious, Kwame Brown (you know, the sissy that is always injured and doesn't work hard to get better and in fact seems to get WORSE each year) has a SEASON (+ -) STAT of
-9 (that's right, that is a negative number--one of the lowest on our team).
KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK ANDREW.
Posted by: BYNUM FAN | December 17, 2007 at 06:33 AM
I've said several times that Sasha does have value for this team. It's being proven now.
Posted by: troy | December 17, 2007 at 06:46 AM
Right now, the only trade I could see helping the Lakers, would be to send Kwame, Vlad, and Mihm to Indiana for Jermaine O'Neal and cash. Kwame has made himself irrelevent, Mihm also, and though Vlad is playing much better, Sasha has shown he can step up to fill that shooter role, and Indy can always use a 3 pt. shooter like Vlad in Jim O'Brien's offense. Meanwile the Lakers bolster their interior, and become full blown contenders. But then the Lakers are on the hook to pay JO 20 million next year, versus having 12 million come off the books at the end of this year in Mihm and Kwame. Larry Bird's leverage is weakening. The Lakers could offer a shooter and 2 big men with expiring contracts and keep both Lamar and Bynum, and stay at the same salry level and still have room to sign 2 players if they felt they needed to. Right now, the Pacers play better without JO, and the Lakers wouldn't lose anything, but gain alot. Would the Lakers want that contract this year and next? Anybody's thoughts?
Posted by: wondahbap | December 17, 2007 at 07:15 AM
DaveyJonze,
You wrote: Why are people taking the Nuggets so much more seriously then the Lakers? To me, it seems pretty clear that the Lakers are a good step or two in front of the Nuggets right now. But if you look at the poll on fox sports' website right now, it asks which team in the west besides the Spurs is the best, and the Lakers aren't even listed as one of the choices, and the Nuggets are. What's up with that?
My response: AI & Carmelo Anthony with some good role players. I would suspect that it's
not going to be often that AI drops 45+ and the nuggets lose.
Posted by: hobbitmage | December 17, 2007 at 07:27 AM
SB Pimp, re: Kurt Rambis Porn Stash
I can't quite recall if Rambis' facial hair has quite regained its former glory. Ca. 1987, it was the poster boy for Porn Stashitude. I have always suspected Kurt was running a side business during this period. We've all seen the classy promotional "Moustache Rides, $1" T-Shirts.
Last time I remember was a week or so ago, and then it was more of a thin, Creepy Stash; the sort of thing that gets one a discount on a panel van. I hope you are correct and that we can all look forward to a profitable future, both for the Lakers and for Kurt personally.
Posted by: The D | December 17, 2007 at 07:55 AM
wonda,
"Kwame has made himself irrelevent, Mihm also,"
The Lakers need a backup center; if the Lakers ger rid of both of them, they will still need to pick someone else up. If Mihm can get back to close to what he was before the injury, he would be very good in that role. Kwame would be acceptable, although his complete lack of offense is a real hindrance when playing with the second unit. (Another reason why Phil has started him rather than Bynum.) But he would need to be quite a bit cheaper than his current salary.
Posted by: exhelodrvr | December 17, 2007 at 07:57 AM
Right now, the only trade I could see helping the Lakers, would be to send Kwame, Vlad, and Mihm to Indiana for Jermaine O'Neal and cash. Kwame has made himself irrelevent, Mihm also, and though Vlad is playing much better, Sasha has shown he can step up to fill that shooter role, and Indy can always use a 3 pt. shooter like Vlad in Jim O'Brien's offense. Meanwile the Lakers bolster their interior, and become full blown contenders. But then the Lakers are on the hook to pay JO 20 million next year, versus having 12 million come off the books at the end of this year in Mihm and Kwame. Larry Bird's leverage is weakening. The Lakers could offer a shooter and 2 big men with expiring contracts and keep both Lamar and Bynum, and stay at the same salry level and still have room to sign 2 players if they felt they needed to. Right now, the Pacers play better without JO, and the Lakers wouldn't lose anything, but gain alot. Would the Lakers want that contract this year and next? Anybody's thoughts?
Posted by: wondahbap | December 17, 2007 at 08:05 AM
I am going to say it again. Give Bynum more touches. He's shooting a ridiculous percentage. How much more dominant would this team be if he touch more?
Posted by: AD | December 17, 2007 at 08:11 AM
Ex,
You said this in the game thread last night:
"At the start of a game, I am expecting a double-double and a couple of blocks from Bynum. That is very pleasant."
I think that's the best point I've heard in a long time. Since 2004 we've all been grasping for something/someone who provides something "consistent" every night (other than Kobe) and we've found it in Bynum. It definitely gives you a slight sense of hope as a fan.
Posted by: Andrew Z | December 17, 2007 at 08:25 AM
Kaman won the battle? You Mike probably on the pipe? Majority of Kaman's points went in with Bynum sitting on the bench. Drew own him all entire game. Kaman shooting 6 of 19 shooting you're calling win? Imagine Drew got 19 touches, we would not be even talking about Kaman. In fact Kaman was going nowhere with his 1 for 8 shooting. Strength or anticipation? Who cares, I and I'm pretty sure wast majority of the fans are result oriented and result is - Drew own Kaman all entire evening. All the analyst from all the newspapers admitted, hell even coach Dunleavy and Corey Maggette own words "Bynum was destroing us over there".
Posted by: LAL_Fan | December 17, 2007 at 08:44 AM
Right now, the only trade I could see helping the Lakers, would be to send Kwame, Vlad, and Mihm to Indiana for Jermaine O'Neal and cash. Kwame has made himself irrelevent, Mihm also, and though Vlad is playing much better, Sasha has shown he can step up to fill that shooter role, and Indy can always use a 3 pt. shooter like Vlad in Jim O'Brien's offense. Meanwile the Lakers bolster their interior, and become full blown contenders. But then the Lakers are on the hook to pay JO 20 million next year, versus having 12 million come off the books at the end of this year in Mihm and Kwame. Larry Bird's leverage is weakening. The Lakers could offer a shooter and 2 big men with expiring contracts and keep both Lamar and Bynum, and stay at the same salry level and still have room to sign 2 players if they felt they needed to. Right now, the Pacers play better without JO, and the Lakers wouldn't lose anything, but gain alot. Would the Lakers want that contract this year and next? Anybody's thoughts?
Posted by: wondahbap | December 17, 2007 at 09:17 AM
ahhhh...stop reposting my comment....
exhelodrvr . . .
Having Jermain O'Neal would negate the need for a back up center. He can play center and PF. That's why that it could be a good trade.
Posted by: wondahbap | December 17, 2007 at 12:11 PM
wonda,
A three for one trade like that would further deplete the bench. I would not do it at this point.
Posted by: exhelodrvr | December 17, 2007 at 12:46 PM
I think I saw Richie Frahm talking to Sasha after the game. I think he was looking to Sasha for
inspiration of how to become an effective player in the league. He said something like "I want
you to show me the way."
Posted by: Long Time Laker Fan | December 17, 2007 at 04:27 PM
BK & AK,
I enjoy the addition of myshow into the blog. Good idea.
Now, if you guys could do something about the spam filter!
BK, my quasi-nemesis, however, you've got to give credit where credit is due. You have a good radio voice. Your phrasing is particularly good.
Nice to see Sasha stepping up.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: JonKavulic | December 19, 2007 at 03:00 PM
I think Sasha is great and i think his contract should be signed for the next 2 years atleast.
Go LAKERS!!!!
Posted by: | April 11, 2008 at 01:27 AM