The Bay Area streak, she is no more
The Lakers entered Oracle Arena with nine consecutive wins over their Pacific Division rivals, the Golden State Warriors. And after a 108-106 loss, they'll have to be content to begin a new multi-game rally (and with their playoff-steady pace). The Lakers could have left Oakland with a positive result in their pockets, having owned the entire first half and regained control of the match down the stretch. This in spite of an off-shooting night from Kobe, who sustained a fourth quarter quad injury that felt like he was a victim of a shooting. Said ailment took him off the court during the last 90 or so seconds, when the Warriors seized a four-point advantage off a huge trey ball from kissing bandit Baron Davis. The knockout punch was administered after Lamar Odom missed a wild 11-footer on the heels of some handle issues. LO managed to cut the deficit in half with a last minute layup, but missed his and-one opportunity (and the rebound to Monta Ellis), which iced a box score in Golden State's favor.
Some fans have hoped for a little more "fire" from the oft mellow appearing Andrew Bynum. Thursday night, they got their wish after Drew got himself tossed for excessive jawing about a rough housing Obero Fabricio. Vigor is good, but only when coupled with an actual court appearance, which Bynum recognizes. Thus, the kid regrets his reaction.
For those without a calender, it's December 15th, the day free agents inked during the off-season can be traded. This could mark the beginning of a swap flurry, perhaps even big enough to include one Mamba of a player. With all due respect to Otis Smith, Lakersblog would advise its readers not to bet the farm on that one. We do agree, however, that should any takers emerge, this ex-Laker would be wise to price moving companies.
Steve Nash's take on some point guards that could cause the Lakers fits for years to come.
sixonzero
"stop harping on luke getting playing time. it's only been a quarter of the season. this is a good time to experiment on rotations. "
BULL! How stupid are you really? If you want to experiment with Golden State Warriors, you do it with ariza and crittenton. NOT WALTON? How many times have we seen Luke get beat by Suns and Warriors. Everyone including a 7 year old knows what Luke brings to the table and PHIL and YOURSELF does not know that? How stupid does that sound?
Admit it. hahahha!
Posted by: Staples 24 | December 15, 2007 at 08:48 PM
Corner J:
You made some excellent points about letting Phil implement his vision. I’m just not sure that trading Kwame and/or Luke is not part of that vision. With Bynum and Farmar elevating their games, Fisher returning and playing great, Aziza and Crittenton providing crazy athleticism, and Bryant demonstrating great leadership and restraint, the Lakers are beginning to see the core and makeup of their next championship team. Management believes this team is just one more player away from being an elite team. Unlike before, I think they are now ready to pull the trigger on any deal that does not involve Bryant, Bynum, or Farmar, if it can bring us a strong defensive oriented power forward.
The problem, of course, is that I just don’t see any deals out there that make sense for us right now. While Kidd would help, he has some new baggage and we are doing fine at point guard with Fish and Farm. JO is over the hill and done. The Kings will never trade Artest to us. So bottom line, I think what we got is what we are going to go to battle with. Like you, I love this team and think they will continue to get better as the year goes on, unlike last year’s team, provided they are not decimated with injuries. I will remain full GHF that last year was an anomaly although certain guys always seem to be hurt and unavailable.
What I am hoping for is for us to see the normal progress of the team throughout the year as the guys learn how to play with each other and Phil solidifies the rotations and guys begin to play their roles to perfection. We have a lot of weapons and can match up with any team in the league. We are starting to show some real consistency from game to game, especially with our effort at the defensive end. Don’t forget that injuries were what derailed this team initially last year. But the year before, they peaked at just the right time, as most of Phil’s 9 championship teams did. What I am looking forward to is watching Phil pull his magic and seeing this team grow into a dynamo by the time the playoffs come around. I predict we will win 55 games, get a 4 or 5 seed, and be the team that nobody wants to face in the playoffs.
Tom
Posted by: LakerTom | December 15, 2007 at 08:48 PM
Don't hate on Kwame.
I went to HS with him and he was the man on campus. I swear everyone thought he was going to be the next big thing. Maybe if he had gone to Florida. It is sad really.
Posted by: jasonmills | December 15, 2007 at 08:50 PM
Ex
"A number of you sound like you think there is an All-Star SF sitting on the bench because Walton is getting all the playing time. Vlad is still inconsistent; Lamar is having problems (possibly due to playing more at SF and not being able to adjust); Ariza is new to the team and also has significant gaps in his game, particularly on offense. Kobe would be an option, but there isn't a decent shooting guard to replace him at that position."
Sounds like a useless explanation. Again, it's Golden State Warriors, match-ups? Hello!
Posted by: Staples 24 | December 15, 2007 at 08:51 PM
"Kwame is not nor will ever be in the top 20 centers in the league when it comes to defense. Since Mike T likes to bash Drew, I'll just come on here to bash Kwame the weakest starting center in the history of the Lakers"
First: The Lakers ONLY have a winning record with Kwame Brown as the center over the last 3 years. So you're statement is nowhere near true.
Second: I don't give a damn how many points Bynum gets. I don't give a damn how many rebounds Bynum gets. I don't give a damn how many blocked shots Bynum gets if the Lakers are barely a bubble team with him as the starting center.
Third: When Kwame Brown took over the starting center position at the end of the season 2 years ago the Lakers finished 11-3 to end the regular season. And that was with Ronny Turiaf as the back-up center. And that was also with Luke Walton and Smush Parker as starters.
Forth: The Lakers are at least between 15-20 games over 5 hundred when Kwame Brown is the starting center.
Fifth: Nothing you post is going to change that.
mike
Posted by: Michael Teniente | December 15, 2007 at 08:53 PM
three...actually four things led to that loss last night and they are correctable.
1. Lakers stopped pounding the ball inside. Kobe seems to be the best at feeding the post on the team. Where is Brian Shaw when you need him? oh yeah, in a suit on the sidline.
2. Biedrins played really well in the second half and prevented the Lakers from rebounding like they did in the first half. He is a thin athletic player: if you box him out with a body, he will not rebound very well. His rebounding helped my fantasy team, but not the Lakers cause.
3. Loss of intensity on the defensive end. They lost defensive intensity, but surprisingly, they did not lose much composure. The crowd sounded pretty loud on TV, but they seemed to no appear confused, but just stopped doing what got them the lead.
4. Golden State starting hitting 3 pointers. San Antonio did this the other night too in the second half. Lakers need to defend the three point line better especially San Antonio w/out Parker and Duncan and G State. That is a big weapon for them. The Lakers are so much bigger than Golden State, there is no reason for the defense to collapse when they pound it into Harrington.
Posted by: richard | December 15, 2007 at 09:50 PM
Kobe is cool.
Posted by: Amazing_Happens | December 15, 2007 at 09:53 PM
does anybody know if matt barnes has recieved any type of punishment for the flagarant that was assessed to him yesterday? usually the league will review that and decide whether extra punishment is necessary. they only gave him a flagarant one, i feel that the league should suspend him for a game to compensate for the bad call and the excessive aggresiveness with no play at the ball. any word yet?
Posted by: andand | December 15, 2007 at 11:11 PM
Mike T
2 years ago when Kwame started at the end of the season we had a healthy squad and almost all home games down the stretch.
Last year when Kwame got the bulk of his starts we had a healthy squad and another home friendly schedule.
This year Andrew has had Mihm or more recently Ronny an undersized power forward backing him up. When we lost to Boston we were a minus 1 with Andrew and a minus 19 when Cris was on the floor. we also were without Ronny for several of these games. When Kwame was starting he had Andrew backing him up. Not only backing him up but getting crunch time minutes. I would say that is quite an advantage.
Now Kwame will come back right around the time our schedule turns soft and finally get some easy teams. Ronny will be able to go back to PF and we will have a normal center rotation back. Yet when we win it will be all about Kwame.
I have never said we were not better with Kwame in the rotation, because we are. But its not all about him. Drew has a lot to do with that as well.
Oh by the way if you dont get points, rebounds and blocks, you tend to lose. Just thought you should know.
MH
Posted by: michael h | December 16, 2007 at 01:08 AM
MR, T IF YOUR MAN CAKE TROWER IS SO GREAT WHY IS NOBOBY KNOCKEN ON THE FAKERS DOOR TO GET HIM ON A TRADE?
OH I WILL GIVE YOU A FULL REPORT IN ABOUT A MONTH
PaUl
Posted by: PK-IN-THE-MESA | December 16, 2007 at 01:39 AM
Trade Proposal to Laker Front Office:
Sasha VujaSuck for Earl Boykins
Sasha VujaSuck for Earl Boykins
Sasha VujaSuck for Earl Boykins
Sasha VujaSuck for Earl Boykins
Sasha VujaSuck for Earl Boykins
Kwame Brown for a Tree (save $10mil)
Kwame Brown for a Tree (save $10mil)
Kwame Brown for a Tree (save $10mil)
Kwame Brown for a Tree (save $10mil)
Kwame Brown for a Tree (save $10mil)
Kwame Brown for a Tree (save $10mil)
Lamar Odom for Lisa Leslie
Lamar Odom for Lisa Leslie
Lamar Odom for Lisa Leslie
Lamar Odom for Lisa Leslie
Lamar Odom for Lisa Leslie
Luke Walton for Sherly Swoopes
Luke Walton for Sherly Swoopes
Luke Walton for Sherly Swoopes
Luke Walton for Sherly Swoopes
Luke Walton for Sherly Swoopes
Posted by: Trade Sasha, Lamar,Luke and Kwame | December 16, 2007 at 01:57 AM
Trade Proposal to Laker Front Office:
Sasha VujaSuck for Earl Boykins
Sasha VujaSuck for Earl Boykins
Sasha VujaSuck for Earl Boykins
Sasha VujaSuck for Earl Boykins
Sasha VujaSuck for Earl Boykins
Kwame Brown for a Tree (save $10mil)
Kwame Brown for a Tree (save $10mil)
Kwame Brown for a Tree (save $10mil)
Kwame Brown for a Tree (save $10mil)
Kwame Brown for a Tree (save $10mil)
Kwame Brown for a Tree (save $10mil)
Lamar Odom for Lisa Leslie
Lamar Odom for Lisa Leslie
Lamar Odom for Lisa Leslie
Lamar Odom for Lisa Leslie
Lamar Odom for Lisa Leslie
Luke Walton for Sherly Swoopes
Luke Walton for Sherly Swoopes
Luke Walton for Sherly Swoopes
Luke Walton for Sherly Swoopes
Luke Walton for Sherly Swoopes
Posted by: TradeSashaLamarLuke&Kwame | December 16, 2007 at 01:59 AM
On the question of Walton, my reading is that he does have glaring weaknesses, but he brings something valuable to the team when he's used in the right way.He'is clearly more effective on the second unit and I think that's where he'll soon be, as Phil Jackson seemed to hint when he said that Ariza won't be coming off the bench in the future. I think this is a transitional period in which Phil is trying to get Ariza to learn the good things Walton does in the triangle before making him a starter... as well as observing the mistakes Walton makes so that as a starter Ariza will do a better job.
The bench mob actually needs what Walton brings on offense. Teamed with Farmar (penetrating, passing, threatening with treys), Walton plays a key role passing and triangulating in general; including sneak moves inside. If he ever found his 3-point shot again (which he had early last season), the second unit would be absolutely dominating. They can create chaos for the opponent's second unit defense, against which Luke's weakness on the defensive end isn't so disastrous.
Posted by: Tsphere | December 16, 2007 at 02:15 AM
Mike T,
What do you think of L.O.?
i think LOL needs to step it up, he has no energy and no emotion, he has no competitive fire, he has no right hand, he has no ability to penetrate.
L.eft O.nly was brought here in 2004 because of his extrodinary potential. It turned out there was not much potential after all.
Here are some comparisons from LOL's first year with LA to his current year, to see just how well that potential played out.
From 2004 to 2007 Lamar has had:
..decrease in points per game
..decrease in assists per game
..decrease in rebounds per game
..decrease in free throw percentage (currently at a skyhigh of 64%)
..increase in turnovers
..both seasons averaging 36 per game
Not to mention things that just dont show up on the stat sheets...his remarkable ability to make bad decisions
I always hear how he creates such a mismatch with opposing players but LO will take advantage of it MAYBE once a game
He brings the energy down when he's out there ...i don't see the effort and passion from LO as i see from many of the other Lakers. He is also very indecisive.
Connor
Posted by: Connor | December 16, 2007 at 03:07 AM
With Kwame at center, the Lakers are 1-7 in their last 8 playoff games. And that's in the first round. With Kwame as the main center, the Lakers will always be a first round team. The bottom line is that he is too limited.
Posted by: exhelodrvr | December 16, 2007 at 07:30 AM
Staples,
The other SFs haven't shown enough yet to make that a clear choice. Against a team like the Warriors, a smoothly flowing offense is even more important than against other teams. Clearly Walton is better in that aspect than the other options. Give Jackson the benefit of the doubt. His performance over the past two years with a very mdiocre roster has earned him that.
Posted by: exhelodrvr | December 16, 2007 at 07:34 AM
Petros,
"Devean George (two championships, great defender, clutch shooter, great cutter, great knowledge of triangle)"
LOL! Good one.
Posted by: exhelodrvr | December 16, 2007 at 07:35 AM
Mike,
Earlier this year when Kwame was starting, the starting 5 usually trailed the opponent after the first quarter. It shows that with him at center, they weren't getting it done. The second uinit with Bynum was what helped alot.
Lakers Fan
Posted by: | December 16, 2007 at 07:57 AM
I think I have heard enough of all this talk about Kwame vs. Drew and Mike T. pushing for Kwame like he is his agent...
Its plain and simple, its about potential. Kwame might have been a bit more effective, but he has probably peaked, there's really no expectations that he will improve...as opposed to Bynum, who with continued playing time and experience, will only get better. We already see a difference this year compared to last year...the test is whether he will maintain this or whether he will hit the wall like last year. I also think he should be given the ball in the post more often. I lot of times I find him posting up waiting for the ball and I think: pass him the ball! but it gets rotated on the perimeter for a failed contested 3 point shot. He has a good shooting percentage and is not bad as a passer as well.
Posted by: Chad Tabba | December 16, 2007 at 08:05 AM
is this another game tonight that Phil will force me to watch Luke play, regardless if he's a defensive liability, or too slow to be a real impact against the more athletic small forwards or wherthere they exploit him has a mismatch.
How does he start over ariza.........i've seen only a little of ariza, in the past couple of games, and I've already seen enough to know that his impact makes luke Traid bait.
Thank goodness kwame is still injured......i've seen enough from a soft player like kwame to know that he can't start on any team in this league, especially a legit championship contenter. He can't give you what Bynum gives you on a good day, he's a poor rebounder, poor shot blocker, no offensive threat ........and he's not getting any better sorry.
Coaching.......Phil has no consistency with his rotations, doesn't make good in game adjustments, never impressed me as a defensive minded coach......i mean i could go on and on. La has a coaching problem more than any other issue.
Posted by: Dion | December 16, 2007 at 08:08 AM
IF KWAME "I SUCK ALWAYS HAVE ALWAYS WILL" BROWN HAD SUCH A POSITIVE IMPACT ON THE TEAM THEN.................................................................................................................................................
HE WOULDN'T HAVE ONE OF THE WORST (+ -) STATS ON THE ROSTER AT NEGATIVE 9.
IF ANDREW "I POST DOUBLE DOUBLES IN MY SLEEP" BYNUM MADE NO IMPACT THEN...........................................................................
HE WOULDN'T HAVE THE HIGHEST (+ -) STAT ON THE ROSTER AT WELL OVER 100.
THE PROOF IS IN THE PUDDING. THE LAKERS ARE MUCH BETTER OFF WHEN BYNUM IS ON THE FLOOR. UNFORTUNATELY, WITH KWAME HURT WE HAVE TO RELY ON CHRIS "I CAN'T EVEN WALK AT THIS POINT" MIHM AND AN INJURED TURIAF.
KEEP IGNORING THE POSTS MIKE. AFTER READING THIS THREAD IT IS NOT OBVIOUS TO EVERYONE YOUR KWAME ARGUEMENTS ARE A JOKE.
I AM GOING TO TRACK KWAME AND BYNUM'S (+ -) STAT FOR THE SEASON AND POST AFTER EVERY GAME.
Posted by: SHAQ FAN | December 16, 2007 at 08:09 AM
Going nowhere as long as you have selfish Kobe. With Suns, Spurs, Dallas and Utah in their annual holiday funks it make the Lakers look better than they really are. When it's all said and done Lakers are a 7th or 8th seed at best and will once again exit in the 1st round. Enjoy it while it last you simple Laker fans......
Posted by: Santa Barbara | December 16, 2007 at 08:13 AM
On the question of Walton, my reading is that he does have glaring weaknesses, but he brings something valuable to the team when he's used in the right way.He'is clearly more effective on the second unit and I think that's where he'll soon be, as Phil Jackson seemed to hint when he said that Ariza won't be coming off the bench in the future. I think this is a transitional period in which Phil is trying to get Ariza to learn the good things Walton does in the triangle before making him a starter... as well as observing the mistakes Walton makes so that as a starter Ariza will do a better job.
The bench mob actually needs what Walton brings on offense. Teamed with Farmar (penetrating, passing, threatening with treys), Walton plays a key role passing and triangulating in general; including sneak moves inside. If he ever found his 3-point shot again (which he had early last season), the second unit would be absolutely dominating. They can create chaos for the opponent's second unit defense, against which Luke's weakness on the defensive end isn't so disastrous.
Posted by: Tsphere | December 16, 2007 at 08:28 AM
I think I've figured out the problem some bloggers are having (after having it myself). When the program said I've been blocked because of being suspected of sending spam it was because I hadn't authorized the javascript in the page. In Firefox there's a yellow band at the bottom of the screen that prompts you to authorize the site. Once that's done your PC remembers it. I think it's similar in Internet Explorer. In any case, this is because I have security software that blocks unauthorized javascript until I decide to authorize it.
Still the systematic retyping of coded characters is annoying.
Posted by: Tsphere | December 16, 2007 at 08:33 AM
Mike T,
You must be a used car salesman, right? You're trying to sell everyone on this "Kwame Clunker" when it's obvious to everyone who watches the Lakers that Andrew Bynum is our Cadillac.
You keep posting silly stats about how great Kwame is on defense, but you completely ignore the liability he presents when he's on the floor. Kwame is a human turn over machine when the ball goes in to him. Most teams completely ignore his offensive threat and simply allow his defender to sag off and patrol the lane. That's like playing 4 on 5 on the offensive end when Kwame's in the game. Kwame is a terrible rebounder and seldom blocks a shot. When was the last time we saw Kwame hustle down the floor in transition?
If Kwame was as great as you make him out to be, we should have no problem trading him to someone, however, the truth is no other team in the NBA wants to give up anything for Kwame. Everyone knows he's a dud. You're going to have to try harder to find a sucker to by your clunker.
Posted by: LakerLarry | December 16, 2007 at 08:58 AM
What do Senator Michell and Mike T. have in common ?
They both have reports that everyone already knows.
Posted by: PK-IN-THE-MESA | December 16, 2007 at 09:09 AM
Now that December 15th has come and gone, it is time for the Lakers to put Walton and Mihm on the block for a true power forward. Let's crank up the trade machines.
Posted by: Rick Friedman | December 16, 2007 at 09:26 AM
I have to say, I really enjoy reading the comments on this blog. Obviously there are a good number of people here who watch the games and know their stuff. We may not always agree, but that's to be expected.
However, when it becomes the "Mike T's Man Crush on Kwame Blog" it's unreadable. I have an easier time reading the juvenile ALL CAPS posts than I do with the back and forth between Mike T and everyone else. Just a hint guys: All the arguments you're making to him have already been made to him ad infinitum. He just ignores them and continues to post about cake boy's enormous calves. Just let it go.
Anyways, I think Friday's game showed two things about this team. First, we really need a consistent second scorer who can get his own shot (Caron Butler anyone). That lack was exposed in spades after Kobe was hobbled. Lamar's a good player, but he's not the sort who can generate his own shot in the clutch. So IMO, in order for this team to take that next step and become a really good team (we're good now, but not really good) we either need to acquire a second scorer or develop Bynum as one (IOW, start to get him some touches).
The second thing I wonder about is PJ. DId he call any timeouts in the 4th quarter? Once GS started to grab momentum and we needed a score, call me crazy but I think a timeout would have helped. We could have set up a play and gotten things calmed down a little.
Now, let's see if I can get this post past the robot guard dogs! ;-)
Posted by: Jason F. | December 16, 2007 at 09:33 AM
Mike T,
"Second: I don't give a damn how many points Bynum gets. I don't give a damn how many rebounds Bynum gets. I don't give a damn how many blocked shots Bynum gets if the Lakers are barely a bubble team with him as the starting center."
LOLLOLLOLLOLLOLLOLLOL!!! I don't need to wait a month to explain what's been obvious for 7 years. Kwame is a sorry and weak player and is a waste of time and money. Hey everyone, looks like we struck a nerve!!! Mike T is finally fessin' up to how he really feels about Drew which means he's not a true Laker fan, but a Kwame lover. I DON'T GIVE A DAMN HOW BIG KWAME'S CALVES ARE, HOW MANY REBOUNDS HE DOESN'T GET, HOW MANY SHOTS HE DOESN'T BLOCK, HOW MANY SHOTS HE CAN'T MAKE, HE'S THE WORST CENTER IN THE ENTIRE LEAGUE AND HE SUCKS!!! NOTHING YOU POST CAN CHANGE THAT!!! LOLLOLLOLLOLLOLLOLLOL, WHAT A JOKE!!!
Posted by: Nemaia Faletogo | December 16, 2007 at 10:30 AM
Jason i agree in all points made, and no i don't think he called timeout .That was what i was wondering as GS was taking over in forth, that is the second time this year that he didn't call time late in game on a back to back that we could of won with some coaching down the stretch. I mean this cat gets 12 million a season, i don't get it.
Posted by: PK-IN-THE-MESA | December 16, 2007 at 10:36 AM
staples 24
wow. really? i suggest before you enlighten us with your extensive basketball knowledge that you read the whole post. i understand you get excited to respond to some of our posts because you NEED to make a name for yourself on this blog, but it would really help if you knew what you are even responding to.
Posted by: sixonezero | December 16, 2007 at 01:17 PM
A couple things...first, I can't understand why Barnes didn't get suspended by the league for the flagrant-1 on Turiaf. It was easily the dirtiest play of the NBA season to this point, far dirtier than Horford's flagrant-2 on Ford. Second, a trade revolving around Kwame, Odom, etc. is unlikely to happen in the middle of the season. I imagine the Lakers will re-sign Kwame at a lower salary in the off-season. The Laker brass likes his post defense too much. However, Odom and/or Walton can be used in a sign-and-trade deal after the season to acquire.....Elton Brand, who will likely opt out of his contract and become an unrestricted free agent. I have seen very little discussion on the web, print, or TV about this possibility, but it seems so obvious to me.
Posted by: The Dude Abides | December 16, 2007 at 04:25 PM
Man, are these Mike T posts about Kwame vs Bynum annoying or what?
Since a lot of guys already answered why EVERYBODY but him thinks that Bynum is a way better player than Kwame, I'd like to adress this FACT:
Considering this and the last season, Kwame Brown has been available for less than 50% of the games.
So, even if one believe that he is that good as Mike T says, resign him for about 10 million as Mike T defends would be a REALLY DUMB move.
We would better spend that money next season in a PF/C that can actually play. It doesn't need to be an all star like Kwame. He just needs to give us some minutes of decent effort ON THE COURT.
Posted by: Allan | December 16, 2007 at 05:38 PM
Boy those are some REALLY stupid trades proposed in this blog ...one of two reasons.
1. Proposed by people who only knowledge of basketball is that the ball is round (also true of soccer, baseball and even bowling)
2. Proposed by people who really are fans of another team, i.e. Knicks, Heat, SUCKramento.
I like the balance and personnel on this team and would like where they could develop... clearly Crit, Farmer, Ariza, Vujacic and Bynum are young and improving so we still don't know how good this bunch can be.
actually thinking back it must be both reasons, stupidity and shaq fans .... they do seem to run together and in packs.
Posted by: george | December 17, 2007 at 08:26 AM