Piling up W's
It's a measure of the success the Lakers have had this season- and at 21-11, there's been plenty- that when they, at least as defined by the final score, spank a team as they did Indiana in Sunday night's 112-96 win over Indiana, folks will still linger over the stuff that went wrong along the way. After all, fans of a garbage squad are just happy to have the win, no matter how it comes. Success means higher standards, higher standards means a more critical eye. Suffice to say the performance will offer PJ and his staff highlights and lowlights when the break down the film. Highlights? Start with Andrew Bynum's strong first half, in which he scored 21 points and beat up the Pacers on the offensive end (with a couple blocks on the other end, for funsies). Then there was a full-court press effectively deployed by the purple and gold, which forced some easy Indy TOs. Strong second halves from Kobe and D-Fish certainly came in handy. On the other side, there was the slow start for the starters, who allowed the Pacers to race out to a 9-0 lead, and the slow play of the reserves, who weren't good in either one of their stints, starting the second and fourth quarters.
But overall, it's important to remember that the end result was good (as is a box with five starters in double figures) and with their string of success, the Lakers are starting to climb up the lists of contenders in the NBA, not just the W.C. and some Power Rankings, as well. (These, too... LA has looked good here all season.)
Lamar Odom was back in the lineup with a solid 13/13/3 after a one game suspension for football related activities against the Celtics last weekend, and Phil Jackson hopes that the long, versatile forward can learn to keep his emotions more in check. Not that PJ wants Odom to become a different guy completely- he said he likes LO's general makeup on the court- but learning to let go of the bad stuff as it happens would be a nice step in the right direction.
Speaking of leaving the bad behind, Kobe has been much more forgiving towards the refs this year, a change that has served him and the team well.
Vlad Rad won't make the trip to Memphis and New Orleans, as his ankle is still too banged up.
Apparently, the Sonics' rebuilding plan doesn't include Smush Parker. And Suns practice on Sunday didn't include Amare Stoudamire.
Kevin G,
>>>LAKER FANS BE HAPPY WE HAVE 2 GOOD YOUNG CENTERS
Wellllllll. Technically they haven't signed Marc Gasol yet, but at least they have the rights to two good centers.
Posted by: Long Time Laker Fan | January 07, 2008 at 03:05 PM
re: Lakers announcers, Myers is terrible, he takes everything so personally, bad play by the Lakers offends him, even if it's a couple possesions; and he drops homer comments in there all the time, rooting for the team; LA is a smart enough market to have a pro-laker commentator who doesn't root for the team like a fan does; Lantz is fine and basically objective ----but if you have league pass, by far the best play by play team I think I've ever heard is Marv Albert and laker lover Mark Jackson as the lead guys on the NJ Nets games (they sometimes have replacements, because of those guys national duties); that's the quality of announcers the Lakers should have, litearly makes the game more enjoyable.
Posted by: 10milliondollarzen | January 07, 2008 at 03:11 PM
Charles,
I like your line up. I've been thinking Lamar would be better on the 2nd unit.
Posted by: Laker Kev | January 07, 2008 at 03:14 PM
unfortunately, with Joel Meyers in the lead seat calling the game puts Stu Lantz in the mode of the "expert" providing insights which... I don't recall anything insightful from Stu...
I like Stu but more in the mode of "that's right, Chick" than what is currently going on. I think Joel Meyers is a likeable enough guy, seems to be a professional "hit his mark" type guy, cranking out the commercial plugs, etc. but... he seems to miss big plays. Maybe it's me but I really don't know when Joel is excited about something. You KNOW when Bob Miller is excited about something! You say "Kings" you say Bob Miller! Joel Meyer on the other hand... I mean... I hate the celebrity interviews/PLUGS! did I say COMMERCIAL PLUGS? as much as the next guy though I doubt Joel has much input on that. But they sure do miss a lot of game and great plays doing that. I'd almost rather they give some up and coming college kid a shot. Surely there's someone who has been doing college basketball games for a little while who would jump up and down for this job? Maybe a Laker fan, perhaps? Somebody who would stand up and taunt on an Ariza slam? I'd LOVE that! I want a homer! I don't care what wonderful human beings are on the other team! I want them to hoot and ooooooh and ahhhhhh on the replays! Can I get an, Amen? Thank you...
Posted by: TaosHum | January 07, 2008 at 03:16 PM
I have been out of town and only got to read the posts on the Celtics game. Mike T and I must have been watching different games. What I saw was the Celtic's double teaming Bynum with KG and Perkins. This cut off the passes to Drew and hindered him getting to the boards. At the same time it opened up the lane from about 6 feet from the basket to the free throw line. If I remember correctly in the early part of the game we had up to 15 lay up's and short jumpers which we couldn't make. Give us 50% of those short shots which any respectable NBA player should make 80% of the time, and you have a totally different game and the Celtics probably have to change their defense.
Posted by: Jack | January 07, 2008 at 03:18 PM
I have been out of town and only got to read the posts on the Celtics game. Mike T and I must have been watching different games. What I saw was the Celtic's double teaming Bynum with KG and Perkins. This cut off the passes to Drew and hindered him getting to the boards. At the same time it opened up the lane from about 6 feet from the basket to the free throw line. If I remember correctly in the early part of the game we had up to 15 lay up's and short jumpers which we couldn't make. Give us 50% of those short shots which any respectable NBA player should make 80% of the time, and you have a totally different game and the Celtics probably have to change their defense.
Posted by: Jack | January 07, 2008 at 03:19 PM
LTLF
how do you know Marc Gasol is as good as you think he is?
Posted by: sixonezero | January 07, 2008 at 03:19 PM
Joel Myers is phooey.
Standing behind the shadow of Chick is tough...but that's not why I don't like Joel. He's just so annoying, and wrong. And a a jinx!
Wish we would have hired Spero instead. He's good.
Posted by: Faith | January 07, 2008 at 03:35 PM
I don't dislike Joel Myers or Stu Lantz. Both (and especially Stu) seem like good guys. But in a town that grew up on Chick Hearn and Vin Scully, and for the wealthiest team in the NBA, we sure ought to be able to do better. The sad truth is that Jerry Buss is a tightwad who would rather spend his funny money on 21-year-old babes than on a quality crew of announcers.
I mean how hard would it be to find the best young announcers around and put them in a position to follow in Chick's immortal footsteps? I mean, come onnnn! The announcers should build the fan base AND the excitement level of the city as the momentum of our team's victories builds. THIS announcing team is so freakin bland that except for this BLOG (yeah, AK/BK...THIS is the real center of Laker Nation!!!), you might fall asleep listening to them, or even be ready to painlessly absorb a Texas Chainsaw Vasectomy. At the very least, you shouldn't operate heavy machinery while listening to them.
Dr. Buss...dump the babes and hire some decent announcers!
Posted by: CornerJ | January 07, 2008 at 03:43 PM
I've got nothing against Stu and Joel, they're not great but they're not bad. I grew up in Miami so I didn't grow up listening to Chick. I prefer the radio guys, Spiro Dides and the color guy do a good job.
Posted by: Xodus | January 07, 2008 at 04:00 PM
Come on, do we really need all this hate? When our team is doing good and you guys have no player to pick on, you have to pick on the announcer? Can we all act more like a TEAM!
Posted by: Ed | January 07, 2008 at 04:00 PM
Long Time Laker Fan and Laker Kev,
Thank you both for your response. I adjusted the line up without Vlad or Sasha due to their day to day injuries.
I agree PJ will insert Sasha as soon as he is ready. But how many times have we seen Sasha go up and down with his performance. Take example this season.
I appreciate both your open mind's in having LO with Walton on the Bench.
Peace and have a great year Long Time Laker Fan and Laker Kev!
Posted by: Charles | January 07, 2008 at 04:02 PM
BD,
LOL... I'll give you some attention. I know neither of us are sincerely down on Kwame other than what's been mentioned here. He has never, repeat, NEVER worked on his game. Those kind of players need to leave the team because they are not what will get us there. Second, he has potential. I thought the same thing of Smush, he had potential too. In fact, these guys have so much athletic talent, they could be superstars if they had the other ingredients to go with it. I think the reason I'm harsh on Kwame is because I know he can be so much better than he is. That and what you pointed out yourself... we have a blogger who makes outrageous statements that tend to draw a lot of responses from us.
Was I the only one crying last night when Caron scored 33 pts on 57% shooting, grabbed 4 boards, 5 assists, and 4 steals?
Then, I glance over at Kwame.... I'm completely in tears. I need a hug too! Maybe that's why he makes those posts... maybe he's hurting inside seeing what we all must see. That trade makes me cry every time I see him play.
Posted by: Tim-4-Show | January 07, 2008 at 04:15 PM
Stu would be okay if I could just figure out if he's saying still or steal
Posted by: toad | January 07, 2008 at 04:17 PM
I think both Drew,and Kwame are talented I must say Drew is out shining Kwame,because of his confidence and work ethics.
In his defense he is getting back from injuries it will take him a little time to pick up his game hopefully Drew will inspire him.
Posted by: LakerFan | January 07, 2008 at 04:27 PM
My two cents on the announcers: I like Stu well enough - he is better than most of the guys for the other NBA teams. Joel I just don't like him. He sounds phony and obnoxious. I didn't like him when he was with the Spurs back a few years ago when I first got the NBA league pass. That being said as much as I don't like him, he isn't as bad as the guys for the Warriors, Kings, and Spurs. among others. I hope the Lakers can Myers and bring Spero or someone else in.
No matter what I am a Lakers fan and will still watch as many games as I can regardless of the announcers.
Eagleboy.
Posted by: Eagleboy | January 07, 2008 at 04:30 PM
sixonezero,
>>>how do you know Marc Gasol is as good as you think he is?
Well, I don't. But when he said "good young centers", I knew he couldn't be referring to Kwame. And Gasol
is the MVP of the league he's in, so he can't be all bad.
Posted by: Long Time Laker Fan | January 07, 2008 at 04:35 PM
Joel has the same voice as Wink Martindale. And he's picked up the annoying habit of saying that certain things WILL happen. If Kobe has 10 points, 5 rebounds and 6 assists in the first half he'll say, "Kobe's going to have a triple double tonight" as though its already assured. Or "Get ready because Andrew Bynum is going to be a 20-10 guy soon..." Or that Drew will have a new career high because he scored a bunch in the first half. Isn't that a cardinal rule of broadcasting? Don't predict, just call the game. He's wrong almost every time he makes one of these predictions. Bugs the crap out of me.
Posted by: James Hastings | January 07, 2008 at 04:38 PM
It's very difficult for me to lampoon JM, especially after he put me on his morning Laker show a couple of times a couple of years back, while I was sitting on the 5 parking lot. Anyone out there remember that show on KLAC-- that was pretty sweet!
Having said that, the dude does make a few mistakes per game. My favorite is the game a few weeks back when the Lakers were honoring the 87-88 champs. JM referred to them as the 86-87 champs -- and I thought OK it was just a slip, but then he did it -- oh -- half-a-dozen more times.
This is especially annoying because that was the year RS made me cry. You would think JM would be sensitive to that!
Please put me on the 3 mistakes per game bandwagon.
Later ...
Posted by: HmrHed | January 07, 2008 at 04:42 PM
Dont count on Bynum yet. Ha has not developed a midrange jump shot and any moves. He still need time to develop , but he will be there in 3-4 years. Good teams will be able to control him in the playoffs.
This mini road trip will be a good indication of what to expect from a big road trip , which will define a season.
Posted by: albert | January 07, 2008 at 04:50 PM
Watch out Joel Myers. Faith don't like you and that's a problem. (lol)
Posted by: rayray | January 07, 2008 at 04:52 PM
The thing I LOVE about going to Staples , besides obvious advantages of watching the live basketball , is NOT having to listen to any commentators , I dont care who , Chick (will all due respect) or anybody else for this matter.
Posted by: albert | January 07, 2008 at 04:58 PM
Well, at the end of the survey we have a resounding NO on the Joel Meyer / Laker legend question. I particularly liked The D's description of his "likeability" factor.
I like Stu as he is a connection to the legend himself, but if you'll recall, when he came on board, he was the youngster beside Chick. It appears the blog thinks it might be time for a similar change. With the present youth movement in the Laker Org, KCAL might want to consider movin' Spero up to the big booth or continuing the search.
Unlike roster moves and coaching strategies, a blog vote on this subject might actually swing some weight in the real world.
Posted by: Vman | January 07, 2008 at 05:04 PM
LOL Rayray.
Can't help it.
Youth movement would dictate a Spero opening? All right!
RE: Stu, to be honest the fact that he came from the Spurs org does not help. He might as well have been a Suns announcer.
Posted by: Faith | January 07, 2008 at 05:08 PM
But I agree with you Faith-
I think the Lakers gorup of game callers are all way under average. I think Joel Myers is the best of the group just not for LA TV. Spero is too young and inexperienced to call it for the home team. Thompson is just taking the pay checks and waiting for the gmaes to finish although I like him because he is a LAKER. But I think STU LANTZ SUX. I hate the way he wants to show off the education he really does not have. Can't we have Big game James or somebody call the Laker games?
I have the league pass and watch almost every game
STU LANTZ is among the WORST analyzers that there are. He is real good at just trying to rub the information on the listeners face. The worst part is, the information that he is giving out is complete BS. I mean other than the fundamentals of the game, he does NOT know CRAPPP.
Example:
Stu: "For some reason the BIG men (foul) when they get picked by a smaller man."
Hey Stu that reason you seem to be looking for, for years now, is the small men are faster so get to the position faster and they are smaller and first it's hard to recognize or even see them (becasue they're smaller) and second the littlest contact puts the small man on the floor and that calls for a call. OK Stu? And you're calling game for which team the Timberwolves oh no that's the LA LAKERS.
Just like Mitch Kupchak getting praises for the success of this team, Stu calling the games STINKS.
Posted by: rayray | January 07, 2008 at 05:08 PM
Joel has the same voice as Wink Martindale. And he's picked up the annoying habit of saying that certain things WILL happen. If Kobe has 10 points, 5 rebounds and 6 assists in the first half he'll say, "Kobe's going to have a triple double tonight" as though its already assured. Or "Get ready because Andrew Bynum is going to be a 20-10 guy soon..." Or that Drew will have a new career high because he scored a bunch in the first half. Isn't that a cardinal rule of broadcasting? Don't predict, just call the game. He's wrong almost every time he makes one of these predictions. Bugs the crap out of me.
Posted by: James Hastings | January 07, 2008 at 05:09 PM
Tim-4-Show,
That trade still giving you nightmares? Just imagine if they traded Odom and Bynum for JO. I think both of us look at Drew knowing that the Lakers hit the Jackpot. My only thought of Kwame is what can he and filler get the Lakers in a trade to fill out the PF/C position. Do you agree that we are still missing 1 more special player to really contend this year? I still think we need a bruiser who will have Bynum's back come playoff time but what do I know.
Tk Care.
BD
Posted by: BD | January 07, 2008 at 05:16 PM
Jon K,
"Most of us want Kwame to succeed and, for me, the path is clear: Drive and Confidence."
Jon K, you hit the nail on the problem of Kwame that his carefree attitude that everything is OK. (As if he is saying, just listen to Mike T. you will know the importance of Kwame.) He never took advantage of Kareem's presence. I saw Kareem's old games with Bruins, Bucks and Showtime Lakers, this is what Andrew except the hook shots. If he learns the hook shots, he will be stoppable and will be competing for the MVP too. On Kwame's case, It just occurs to me when I saw the game of Moses Malone on ESPN Classic when they beat the Lakers 4-0 in 1983. He was just fantastic on what he could do w/ his height and never became an impediment. Like last night, the kids Jordan, JC, Trevor were following the triangle, unfortunately, it is dismantled as soon it gets to Center, either he did not free himself, not so aggressive in manufacturing his shots or outright T/O upon catching the ball. The great Centers like Moses, Elvin Hayes, or even PF, Charles Barkley, they would flatten u or carry u with their strenght. Kwame could have done that but the ball was no longer in his possession so his strenght was wasted.
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | January 07, 2008 at 05:46 PM
Edwin Gueco,
I agree. Every player who is a Laker needs to held to a higher standard. They are not Milwaukee Bucks or Memphis Grizzlies. They are Lakers. Being a Laker is literally the best a player can hope for. We don't have a professional football team. All we have is professional basketball and the best NBA program in its history... the Lakers.
That doesn't come without effort, intelligence, and sacrifice.
For all his issues, Kobe is a true Laker... without a doubt.
Being a Laker is not about a paycheck, it's about a spirit.
Shaq (though I admire him) was less a Laker than ANY other Laker Great. His work ethic was too stiffled.
Kwame Brown, man, you are a Laker now. No more Cakegate, no more crap. Time to scribe your name in Laker history.
Otherwise you are just another Smush Parker. I hope you enjoy Charlotte.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | January 07, 2008 at 09:10 PM
Too bad most of the comments are about the announcers. Team must be playing good for little talk regarding them. Hopethat continues. I didn't know Gausol was MVP in his league but good to hear. As a b/u here he just needs to provide wide body to block out and get rebounds and play D. With Kwames huge pay gone we can allow for more cap space for FA. Take Kwame back if he shows change of attitude and give him contract with 50% paycut and put in incentives to make him play harder as another blogger noted.
Posted by: justalakerfan | January 08, 2008 at 12:08 AM
Andrew Bynum is becoming the dunkadelic-beast of the west coast. AB is becoming a man in the low-post. If he stays in Kobe type shape and adds 20 pounds of muscle to his frame in the next 3-4 years your looking at a rival to Greg Oden for who's the second best center in the West.
Posted by: Dunkadelic Kobe | January 08, 2008 at 01:17 AM
Hey guys,
Think this is the PF we need.
Shows great touch
http://acbtv.acb.com/video/267
Posted by: purplehaemoglobin | January 08, 2008 at 07:02 AM
joel myers is terribly annoying. his voice sounds disingenuous and he is very obnoxious. there are also rumors abound that he back-stabbed paul sunderland. moreover, he doesnt call an objective game and he constantly bemoans his opinion on bad plays. hes so freaking annoying. lakers please get rid of him so we can have an appropriate voice for the new era dynasty.
Posted by: showtime eternal | February 09, 2008 at 10:40 PM
MR. BUSS..... HELP!!!,
The ONLY thing I disliked about the Lakers play-off win over the Nugs the other night was having to listen to Joel Myers. Please Please Please can we get someone else to annouce?????? I thought I was the only one besides several of my neighbors that dislike him, too. He sounds like he shoud be annoucing at a horse race, not an NBA game. His voice sounds just like old Earl Sheib the car painting guy.....R i i i i i i ght!!!! Stu would be better if Joel wasn't always taking over him and mostly dissing our team. Please MR. BUSS, BUZZ him out! ! ! ! ! ! ! I'm so glad I got satellite TV now so I can listen to TNT....And NO JOEL>>>>>yeahhhhh!!!!! If there's more of you out there who want to help make a change. Start this with MR. BUSS....HELP!!!
Posted by: Josh in Palm Springs | April 30, 2008 at 05:21 PM
If you want to really make an impression about getting Joel Myers fired. He's the place to contact Dr. Buss. feedback@la-lakers.com I just sent a complaint re Joel. You can, too!! Come on you guys lets get it done.
Posted by: Josh in Palm Springs | April 30, 2008 at 08:12 PM
To complain about JOEL MYERS contact DR. BUSS at:
Feedback@LA-LAKERS.COM
Posted by: Josh in Palm Springs | May 01, 2008 at 10:35 AM
Counters are to count hits and hits to count is to count hits for free so free hit counterz for you to have free hits.
Posted by: Hit Counter | March 17, 2009 at 10:17 PM