The Freedom to beat Philadelphia
No Lamar Odom, Vlad Radmanovic, Sasha Vujacic or Chris Mihm. No pleasant So-Cal weather. No tacos (at least none served during dinner for us media types). And guess what? No problem, mostly because tonight's 124-93 thrashing offered no resistance from the Philadelphia 76ers. How much "no" we talking?
Try the Sixers trailing from start to finish. Try 68 purple and gold points racked in the enemy paint. Try only one visiting starter (Andre Iguodala) reaching double figures (15), as compared to seven Lakers (every starter except Luke Walton, plus Trevor Ariza, Javaris Crittenton and Jordan Farmar). Try the Lakers winning the battle of the boards, dimes and blocks while shooting a gaudy 66% from the floor. Try an entire fourth quarter with Coby Karl, 12 minutes that bumped his season total to 14.
If that doesn't strike Laker Nation members as the formula for a winning box score, might we recommend joining "Pessimists Anonymous." They teach people to take life one unnecessarily downgraded day at a time. Plenty of donuts and coffee to go around.
The breakdown and audio is below.
-AK
The Good
Andrew Bynum: Kid can't seem to get over the hump when it comes to a rebounding career high. Tonight marked the third time this season he's peaked at 16. Of course, if that's your "beef" with the outing, probably a pretty solid sign of a game gone good. Which would be the case here. 17 points to go with Andrew's surplus of boards, plus four dimes and three blocks. And that dunk from the bottom of the circle is guaranteed to bombard SportsCenter for the next 24 hours.
Ronny Turiaf: I noted near the top of the live blog that Ronny's game was hinting to create the second half of a dominant starting frontcourt performance. Not to pat myself on the back, BUT JUST CALL ME NOSTRA-FREAKIN'-DAMUS, PEOPLE! Turiaf's five blocks represented a career high and don't even include the numerous shots he helped alter in the paint with his continuously energetic play (shock of all shocks, I know). The icing on the cake was the 15 points, a few of which came by way of jumpers stroking nylon from 15-20 feet out. Ronny's ability to remain a starting power forward has as much to do with Kwame Brown's health, Phil's preference for Lamar Odom at the 3 or 4, what to do with Trevor Ariza, etc. But a game like tonight guarantees steady, plentiful minutes at his natural position.
Sixers coach Mo Cheeks tossed the Bynum/Turiaf duo some props after the game: "I thought those two guys set the tone of the game, the way they controlled the interior of the paint. Blocking shots, putting the ball in their hands, particularly Bynum on the offensive end, the way he scored at will. But I thought the defense of the interior was the very factor controlling the paint and them getting out on the open court."
Javaris Crittenton: Sasha Vujacic's ankle injury offered The Critter a rare chance at big minutes and it's safe to say the rookie jumped all over them. What was nice, however, was seeing Crittenton avoid jumping at the chance to "prove he can play," an urge that's often equaled him trying to do too much and turning the rock over like it was slathered in Crisco. Crittenton led ALL scorers with a career high 19 points, converting 7 of 9 shots and all five of his free throws. His three assists were nice, but what I really dug was the solo turnover, a sign of a young fella playing under control (not to mention penetrating at will). When Javaris headed back to the bench after a long floor stint during the opening half, he received a pat on the back from PJ. Can't say I blame The Zen Master.
That I didn't include Kobe Bryant in "The Good:" Not to infer that Kobe didn't play well. Dude played absolutely fine. But to be honest, he didn't really weigh heavily into an utter smackdown's equation. That development meant two things. First, Kobe's teammates were picking up the slack and getting the job done. Second, Kobe didn't even play 30 minutes, despite the absence of Lamar Odom (whose points would theoretically need picking up) and Vujacic (who typically plays the lion's share of backup minutes at the 2 spot). Should be plenty rested for Sunday's game against the Pacers. Good stuff, indeed.
The Heady Fan Who Chanted "MVP" When Coby Karl Shot a Pair of Freebies: And by his lonesome to boot. We live for stuff like that around here.
The Bad (and as one might suspect, a thin column)
The turnovers: Not that they really hurt the Lakers, but 21 blunders kept the performance "dominating," as opposed to "dead ass perfect."
The not necessarily "Bad," but definitely "Careless."
Kwame Brown: #54 busted out a few seriously nice passes (including a sweet no-look to a cutting Trevor Ariza) and snagged a sextet of boards in under 19 minutes, so the night wasn't exactly a disaster. What it also wasn't, though, was "focused." To say the least, Kwame spent plenty of time in "nonchalant" mode, his overly casual play leading to four bad turnovers. Again, Kwame wasn't awful by any stretch. But it wouldn't have killed him to treat the rock like a sparrow protects its eggs (or at least better than Britney Spears protects her offspring).
The Turning Point
The Sixers agreeing to honor the schedule and play this game. From there, it was all pretty much gravy.
-AK
AUDIO: Good stuff from Ronny Turiaf and Javaris Crittenton, who are currently scoring at or above the pace of Kobe Bryant in 2008. I have no reason to believe this trend won't continue. PJ had nice things to say about the Critter and Martinique's Favorite Son, as well as Andrew Bynum. Mostly, he seemed pleased that the team came out with a solid effort after a disappointing one Sunday night against the Celtics.
- Phil Jackson: Download phil_jackson_1.4 postPHI.mp3
- Andrew Bynum: Download andrew_bynum_1.4 postPHI.mp3
- Kobe Bryant: Download kobe_bryant_1.4 postPHI.mp3
- Ronny Turiaf: Download ronny_turiaf_1.4 postPHI.mp3
- Javaris Crittenton: Download javaris_crittenton_1.4 postPHI.mp3
"Pessimistics Anonymous?"
Is Mike the head-honcho of that sorry-ass club?
Posted by: The Hibachi | January 04, 2008 at 11:11 PM
The Lakers are undefeated when Karl plays at least ten minutes.
Seems pretty clear to me, PJ.
Posted by: exhelodrvr | January 04, 2008 at 11:13 PM
I think Mike T's the leader, president, and Dictator for Life of Pessimistic's Anonymous.
Posted by: Jeff | January 04, 2008 at 11:14 PM
Biggest play of the game....PJ subbing Luke out for Trevor Ariza. After that Iguodala was rolling no more. Ariza put the clamps down on Andre.
Sweetess lineup of the night....Kobe, Farmar, Ariza, Turiaf, and Bynum....for no reason other than my fantasy team.
To borrow the words of Limp Bizket, the Lakers were "rolling rolling rolling" tonite!
Posted by: Hansoulfood | January 04, 2008 at 11:16 PM
Who would have thunk that Kobe could be the fifth leading scorer for the
Lakers and they'd still win. Here's to hoping for more games like tonight where
the rest of the team plays so well that the Lakers don't NEED Kobe to play
40 minutes and score 30 points to win.
Posted by: Long Time Laker Fan | January 04, 2008 at 11:40 PM
LO and Walton are still the guys that are struggling to find their roles with this team. Especially Luke, who didn't even appear to be a part of this game. LO gives us solid rebounding and pretty good scoring around the basket, but Luke's not giving us anything. Unfortunately we've got him locked up for the next 5 years.
If Phil decides to move Ronny back to the PF spot and LO to the three I don't see any reason why Luke should be given extended minutes.
Congrats to Critt on the best night of his short career. He'll have plenty more nights like those if he continues to play under control like he did tonight. That's what we've all been looking for. There's no reason to trade either of these guys right now. We've got our starting backcourt of the future. And they'll have an athletic, long running mate in Trevor Ariza and of course Bynum patrolling the paint. This team is going to be scary good next season and especially the year after that.
Get ready for a Lakers-Portland conference finals in the next 5 or so years. These are the teams of the future in the Western Conference.
Posted by: Xodus | January 04, 2008 at 11:56 PM
"No Lamar Odom, Vlad Radmanovic, Sasha Vujacic or Chris Mihm"
That's like saying "No Brian Cook or Maurice Evans".
Can we add the former group to the "Dead Weight Crew"?
Too bad Lamar is making so much money, we might actually have had a better chance to make a team-improving trade if he had a more reasonable salary.
Posted by: Amazing_Happens | January 05, 2008 at 12:13 AM
Is it me or is Mike Dunleavy coming on for the Pacers? I see that both he and Granger are putting up steady points for the Pacers and JO is taking on more of a defensive role.
mike
Posted by: Michael Teniente | January 05, 2008 at 12:21 AM
Great win after that sorry Celtics loss. We needed it.
It looks like the Lakers may have hit the jackpot in three consecutive drafts.
In fact, the Crit, Farmar and Bynum picks look pretty solid compared to other trifectas in Laker history.
What three year runs of first round picks have been better? Eddie Jones, Fisher and Kobe were nice back to back to back picks, but those were over 4 years. The 1958-1960 picks were pretty nice with Elgin Baylor, Tom Hawkins and Jerry West...
Anyways...great win...
From Lakersweb:
L.A. Lakers draft history:
year pos. team player college
1957 3 Minneapolis Lakers Jim Krebs Southern Methodist
1958 1 Minneapolis Lakers Elgin Baylor Seattle
1959 3 Minneapolis Lakers Tom Hawkins Notre Dame
1960 2 Minneapolis Lakers Jerry West West Virginia
1961 5 L.A. Lakers Wayne Yates Memphis State
1962 6 L.A. Lakers Leroy Ellis St. John's
1963 7 L.A. Lakers Roger Strickland Jacksonville
1964 - - - -
1965 - - - -
1966 7 L.A. Lakers Jerry Chambers Utah
1967 - - - -
1968 11 L.A. Lakers Bill Hewitt USC
1969 12 L.A. Lakers Willie McCarter Drake
1969 15 L.A. Lakers Rick Roberson Cincinnati
1970 13 L.A. Lakers Jim McMillian Columbia
1971 13 L.A. Lakers Jim Cleamons Ohio State
1972 13 L.A. Lakers Travis Grant Kentucky State
1973 5 L.A. Lakers Kermit Washington American
1974 12 L.A. Lakers Brian Winters South Carolina
1975 2 L.A. Lakers David Meyers UCLA
1975 8 L.A. Lakers Junior Bridgeman Louisville
1976 - - - -
1977 6 L.A. Lakers Kenny Carr North Carolina State
1977 15 L.A. Lakers Brad Davis Maryland
1977 22 L.A. Lakers Norm Nixon Duquesne
1978 - - - -
1979 1 L.A. Lakers Earvin "Magic" Johnson Michigan State
1979 14 L.A. Lakers Brad Holland UCLA
1980 - - - -
1981 19 L.A. Lakers Mike McGee Michigan
1982 1 L.A. Lakers James Worthy North Carolina
1983 - - - -
1984 23 LA Lakers Earl Jones District of Columbia
1985 23 LA Lakers A.C. Green Oregon State
1986 23 LA Lakers (1) Ken Barlow Notre Dame
1987 - - - -
1988 25 LA Lakers David Rivers Notre Dame
1989 26 LA Lakers Vlade Divac None (Yugoslavia)
1990 27 LA Lakers Elden Campbell Clemson
1991 - - - -
1992 15 LA Lakers Anthony Peeler Missouri
1993 12 LA Lakers George Lynch North Carolina
1994 10 LA Lakers Eddie Jones Temple
1995 - - - -
1996 24 LA Lakers Derek Fisher Arkansas-Little Rock
1996 13 Charlotte (2) Kobe Bryant Lower Merion HS
1997 - - - -
1998 26 LA Lakers Sam Jacobson Minnesota
1998 23 Denver (from Pho.) (3) Tyronn Lue Nebraska
1999 23 L.A. Lakers Devean George Augsburg (Minn.)
2000 29 L.A. Lakers Mark Madsen Stanford
2001 - - - -
2002 20 Toronto (from Seattle via New York, rights traded to Lakers) Kareem Rush G, Missouri
2003 24 (round 1) L.A. Lakers Brian Cook Illinois
2003 32 (round 2) L.A. Lakers Luke Walton Arizona
2004 27 (round 1) L.A. Lakers Sasha Vujacic Italy
2004 56 (round 2) L.A. Lakers Marcus Douthit Providence
2005 10 (round 1) L.A. Lakers Andrew Bynum St. Joseph HS
2005 37 (round 2 from Bobcats) Lakers (4) Ronny Turiaf Gonzaga
2005 39 (round 2) L.A. Lakers Von Wafer Florida State
2006 26 (round 1) L.A. Lakers Jordan Farmar UCLA
2006 51 (round 2) L.A. Lakers (traded to Toronto) Cheick Samb Senegal
2006 58 (round 2) Dallas (traded to Lakers for 2007 2nd round pick) J.R. Pinnock George Washington
2007 19 (round 1) L.A. Lakers Javaris Crittenton Georgia Tech
2007 40 (round 2 from Charlotte) L.A. Lakers Sun Yue China
2007 48 (round 2) L.A. Lakers Marc Gasol Spain
(1) 1986: Atlanta traded draft rights to Billy Thompson and Ron Kellogg to L.A. Lakers for Mike McGee and draft rights to Ken Barlow.
(2) 1996: Draft rights traded by the Hornets to the Lakers for Vlade Divac on July 11, 1996
(3) 1998: LA Lakers traded Nick Van Exel to Denver for Tony Battie and the rights to Tyronn Lue.
(4) in December 2004 the Lakers traded Kareem Rush to the Charlotte Bobcats for 2 future 2nd round picks. This is the first one of them.
Other Laker picks that were traded.
year pos. team player college
1987 23 San Antonio (from LA Lakers) Greg Anderson Houston
1991 25 Golden State (from LA Lakers) Shaun Vandiver Colorado
1995 21 Phoenix (from LA Lakers) Michael Finley Wisconsin
1997 21 New Jersey (from LA Lakers) Anthony Parker Bradley
2001 27 Memphis (from L.A. Lakers via N.Y.) Jamaal Tinsley Iowa State
2002 27 L.A. Lakers (Rights traded to Toronto) Chris Jefferies Fresno State
Wes
Posted by: wesjoenixon | January 05, 2008 at 12:32 AM
remember when kwame's goal was to avg 12 pts and 10 boards? At least drew has those numbers.
Posted by: greek dude | January 05, 2008 at 01:09 AM
I like the Peeler-Lynch-Jones trifecta, personally.
Posted by: Amazing_Happens | January 05, 2008 at 01:10 AM
Aloha
Its great to have an easy game once in a while. You know its going well when you dont even notice Kobe. Andrew had another solid game. If PJ had any lingering thoughts about inserting Kwame back into the starting line up I think that probably ended in the 2nd half. Kwames casual play was really the only real downside to this game. Everyone is out there giving 100% and Kwames like floating along in his own little world. We will need him down the road but I just wish he could stay focused.
Hey Edwin, you got your wish and J-Critt came through for you. I was thinking about his lack of playing time and this thought occurred to me, tell me what you think. Last year Phil had 2 19 year olds that got off to good starts. Jordon played well enough to make the rookie team at the all star game and Andrew played well enough to join the 2nd year guys. But they both hit that wall that young players hit. So I am thinking that PJ is easing J Critt in so he can avoid that this year. I think you will see him get a lot more minutes in the 2nd half of the year. He very well could be our secret weapon for the stretch run.
A lot of people are saying that Jordon and J-crit is the back court of the future. But I am not so sure. Kobe has at leat 5 or 6 good years left and thats a long time for a talented player to wait his turn. I suspect that one of them might be traded in the next couple of years. But it will be fun to watch once J-Crit is up to speed. There isnt to many back courts in the league that could have 2 guys that quick playing together.
The schedule has been hard early, without a very long sting of bad teams. This is our chance to finally put together a substantial winning streak. After watching the guys tonight I have a feeling we will.
MH
Posted by: michael h | January 05, 2008 at 01:11 AM
66% Highest FG% by any team so far this season! Go Lakers!
Posted by: ajax | January 05, 2008 at 01:31 AM
ummm... it seems to me that the Jones-Fisher-Kobe trifecta blows anything else out of the water... although the Nixon-Johnson-Holland is pretty damned good, too...
Posted by: SBPimp | January 05, 2008 at 01:37 AM
Coming soon:
Java will hopefully get some time against Chris Paul, who's the class of the league at the point this year. It'll be an interesting gauge.
Jordan and Java may be the future but that means it will be an undersized one. Ideally, you'd think it would be one or the other but that decision is years away unless Mitch makes a "win now" move.
This team looks good without their higher priced vets. Vlad, Kwame, Luke and C Mihm aren't worth the 22 mil in cap space now but no team's roster balances out very well in that light.
It looks like Trevor time for Luke. The Mihmer may not be back, Vlad is worth the price off the bench but Kwame, well, let's just say it's not goin' the way you'd want a contract year to go.
Posted by: Vman | January 05, 2008 at 01:56 AM
I love it when a plan comes together...[j]ust watch, as I enter your mind,
decorate, and paint my sign
Posted by: Critical Beatdown | January 05, 2008 at 02:04 AM
"Hey Mike, if you've got so much to say and you're so eloquent, why aren't you authoring your own blog?"
I could have sworn this is my blog.
When you listen to KCAL and FSN...listen closely and you'll hear who they're addressing.
Did you catch Philosophy 101 before the Boston game. Did you hear how McDonald asked PJ if what the Lakers were doing up to that point was "FOOL'S GOLD?" Or when Stu Lanz and other reporters started pointing out how Bynum's points were off of alley-oops and easy stuff like that? I wonder who's the one who pointed all that stuff out?
BK? Hell no! He's too stupid to point things like that out. People actually come to this site to read what I have to say about the Lakers. Heck, check out the report out of Phoenix.
No joy in success could be good for Suns
Thursday, Jan 3, 2008 12:20 pm EST
The Phoenix Suns' 22-9 record and virtual tie for first place in the West causes consternation among fans and dissatisfaction in the locker room because it is not at the championship standard. Nobody is having as much fun — and so be it, Suns guard Steve Nash says.
Who's the one who brought up that point the other week? I'm the one who said I had no joy over the Lakers winning against weak teams because it wasn't championship caliber type of play.
Then all of a sudden this guy writes the same thing about the Suns. Gee I wonder where he got that idea from.
I'll tell you. People from all over the country read this blog and it's not because of what BK is saying or what you are saying.
This is my blog.
mike
HOLY SHIZNITZ!
MIKE T has some SERIOUS issues. He needs help!!
Posted by: locknload | January 05, 2008 at 04:09 AM
Great contributions all around! Hope we see some more displays of dominance over the next seven games. Lakers should learn the killer instinct to put those inferior teams away! And some higher ranked teams as well.
Posted by: batman | January 05, 2008 at 05:32 AM
FOR GOD SAKE CAN WE PLEASE GET KWAME BROWN ON THE PAT RILEY DIET/WORKOUT PLAN? HOW FAT ARE GOING TO LET KWAME GET BEFORE WE STARTING CALLING HIM OUT?
HE LOOKS LIKE HE GAINED 25 POUNDS OF FAT IN THE PAST 2 MONTHS.
GO ON A DIET KWAME AND YOU MAY ACTUALLY GET SOME PLAYING TIME YOU BUM.
Posted by: KWAME SUCKS | January 05, 2008 at 06:54 AM
AK & BK....
A little cyber-hug from the east coast. Despite what some bloggers (no names necessary) might think, you guys do a great job of organizing and maintaining the continuity of this site. Visiting other blogs around the web only confirms this. Yours is presented in a far superior manner and makes for an enjoyable online experience especially since it involves my favorite team. Thanks for your efforts.
Posted by: bronxlakerfan | January 05, 2008 at 07:05 AM
For those who are worried that we will fold like last years' team after an awesome 26-13 start, take note that the injuries last year to Kwame, Walton and Odom, even if repeated would not be nearly as devastasting to this year's team due to the play of Bynum, Ariza and Turief (as well as the improved guard play of Fish and Farmar).
This is the deepest Lakers team in recent memory.
Posted by: rdlee | January 05, 2008 at 07:23 AM
great game last night.
and wow...mike t has really lost it.
Posted by: york | January 05, 2008 at 07:40 AM
So, ummm.... guys? Umm.... I was thinking... ummm... that, ummm.... maybe the score wouldn't have been any more in the Lakers favor if Lamar Odom and Rad Vlad played.
I'm just sayin', you know?
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | January 05, 2008 at 07:41 AM
Michael Teniente,
No you're right Mike Dunleavy has been coming on for the Pacers. Bizarre, isn't it?
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | January 05, 2008 at 07:54 AM
AK,
Really appreciate the breakdown and the audio, especially since I'm still stranded in a red, fly-over state with no NBA teams.
Turiaf needs more minutes! I love that guy. Consistent performance from him at the 4 would give us some very versatile lineups, especially come playoff time. Anyone know where to get a Turiaf jersey?
The question is what to do at the 3 with Ariza,Walton +/- LO if Ronny starts at the 4. Guess it's a good problem for us to have.
Now if we could only get some good minutes from our back-up center...
50 wins for KB to get MVP...let's see how Sunday vs. Indiana goes.
Xodus, I agree. In the immortal words of Timbuk 3 "The future's so bright /
I gotta wear shades."
Posted by: sambosola | January 05, 2008 at 08:02 AM
The MikeT/AK/BK debate was pretty funny. Good entertainment there.
Hey, how about that move Kwame made last night on Calvin Booth? That was probably the greatest move I've ever seen. He was so quick, I've never seen a big man make such a quick and fast move with so much power and athleticsm. It was move that made Bynum's moves look like they are in slow motion. It was amazing.
Then Kwame tried to finish and got the shot rejected by Calvin Booth. Then Kwame proceeded to act as if he wasn't trying on the play by putting out a half ass effort for the rest of the game. That was pitiful to say the least.
The way Bynum was dominating Samuel Dalembert was fantastic. The post moves looked just like Kareem without the sky-hook. Fake left, go right; look right, go left; I just had to say, "hell yeah!" because these are things that are unstoppable. Dalembert is a little skinny, but he can play some defense. Did you see the look on Dalembert's face when Bynum was through with him? He looked like a deer in the headlights. He didn't even know what happened to him.
Contrast that with the look on Calvin Booth's face when Kwame was done with him. lol
Another great game. We're being consistent, Kobe's being a leader, Fisher is the glue, the youngsters are developing and we're winning at the same time, we haven't made a stupid trade, we're on schedule to win a championship, and Kwame is probably not going to be around when we do win that championship.
I like Kwame, but like during the Kobe situation, I like the Lakers better. And the only way Kwame will be a part of this team in the future is if we pay him a ludacris amount of money. I'd give that money to Bynum. Kwame is only worth 3-4 million at the most, only for his post defense, nothing else. Maybe Calvin Booth will be available.
Posted by: Rocky | January 05, 2008 at 08:21 AM
Ex,
"The Lakers are undefeated when Karl plays at least ten minutes. Seems pretty clear to me, PJ."
That's because when Coby plays. we have already blown out teams.
Posted by: Charles | January 05, 2008 at 08:57 AM
Now, that's the way you're supposed to play against a below-.500 team. I almost felt bad for Mo Cheeks. It was like his guys quit on him.
I'm happy for Edwin, who got to see J-Crit rack up some positive minutes.
I hope LO, VladRad, Sasha and Mihm recognized the wake-up call that they're not indispensable. Sure, everybody can look good against a team like the Sixers, but the guys who've spent more time on the pine than on the floor all showed a readiness to prove themselves. With a long road trip coming in February, Ronny and J-Crit especially will be tested with increasing minutes.
The Pacers on Sunday are less likely to roll over than the sorry Sixers. Coming out once again with energy, determination, and focus should still get the job done.
Posted by: Rick Friedman | January 05, 2008 at 09:07 AM
Surely, the Lakers must lead the league in sprained ankles. What is going on? Do we need a new trainer? One who knows how to tape ankles? A new conditioning coach? I have never seen a team with such an ongoing problem with their ankles. Yikes!
Roger
Posted by: Roger B | January 05, 2008 at 09:11 AM
Just caught up on last night's game blog and though I should probably just refrain, I can't.
In all seriousness Mike, you're a miserable prick.
Posted by: Laker for Life | January 05, 2008 at 09:44 AM
Michael H.
I wish Kobe goes to 3 in the future which is really his role as SF. It will protect his legs in bringing the ball downcourt and attract double teaming in the post. I hope Fisher will become a Laker assistant coach or player/coach who will ask as mentor of Farmar/J-Critt, they need the wisdom of Da' Fish the creator of 0.4 Money. Very soon, LO will also catch up with fever together with Ariza as slasher in the post. Then you have Ron Turiaff and Bynum holding the fort, find another PF who would provide defensive stop like Turiaff and we'll be in contention. I wish that PF position will be filled up by our frozen draft picks: Gasol and Lue.
The role players will be the sweet shooters like: Vlad, Sasha and Karl. They are the hired assasins, all they do is give productive 10 minutes at least 10 points each playing h-o-r-s-e in the perimeter. They re the equivalent of Peeler, Rice, Penberthy of the Laker yesteryears.
I don't know how the Coaches could improve the injured stocks like: Walton, Kwame and Mihm as players of the future. There are some inherent deficiencies in their games that need to be addressed.
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | January 05, 2008 at 09:46 AM
Mike T,
I just read the Game Thread from last night and honestly, I think you should leave this blog. You're childish rants on the K Bros did nothing to improve this as a Laker Fan Blog. You're lucky that both Brian and Andrew are quality people and respect you're right of freedom of speech, but honestly, banning you would make this blog so much better.
So, since you're so intelligent and such a great person, please do the right thing and never post here again. Thank you.
Posted by: Andrew Z | January 05, 2008 at 09:53 AM
Lakers are now #3 in Hollinger's ranking. It doesn't really mean a thing but just perceptions of naysayers in the past. What is really difficult is keeping up in that position till April. As they go up the ladder, they become the open target of the teams below pulling them down to get to the playoffs. Lakers has to show consistency in kicking, slashing and burning anybody that gets into their way. No mercy, lol!
http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/hollinger/powerranking
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | January 05, 2008 at 09:59 AM
Kupcake: "How do you like me now, bit***s"? The smartest man in the room is Mitch. He who laughs last laughs the loudest. Take that Plashkey, TJ, Adande, ESPN and all you that wanted Mitch's head in the past. Look at his work; Ronny, Farmar, Crit, Fisher, Ariza. By the way where is Marc Gasol?
Posted by: manu | January 05, 2008 at 10:02 AM
Michael H,
I agree that it appears Critt is going have to wait his turn a long time but we may be able to get away with it. Farmar could be starting at point guard as early as next season if he continues his progress, so we likely won't have to worry about him being disgruntled. And we won't have to worry about giving Critt an extension or him leaving the team for another 3 or so years and with his skills he could spell both Farmar and Kobe.
I just don't think there's anyway we can give up either of those guys. We can't make the same mistake the Suns made in trading Joe Johnson. The Suns would be better with him and Joe Johnson wouldn't have spent his last two seasons toiling on a lottery team.
Posted by: Xodus | January 05, 2008 at 10:02 AM
Forgot to mention the biggest pick of all and the one he was not willing to part with Andrew Bynum!
Posted by: manu | January 05, 2008 at 10:05 AM
No pleasant Southern California weather.....
Indeed, we have some rains and danger in the mountains but the rest of the places it was just a wet weather. We are made onions in this part of the world, so we always complaint of misery everytime it rains. It's not over yet, we 're on recess, waiting the final punch before the end of today. This is really nothing compared to freezin' snow and icy roads in Midwest and Northeast. I was travelling in mid-December towards R.I. & got stranded at Midway, Chicago for 10 hours because airports in NE were closed and cars and SUV's are swaying and dancing in holiday-on-ice fashion along I-95. After the pour, people get their shovels to clear their driveway and front door or else they'd be virtual prisoners in their own home. People get sick in doing these where it is too cold outside and too hot inside because the heaters are in full blast while u're wearing multiple clothing like an astronaut ready for take-off. Despite some mudslides in burned areas in the Southland, I think overall, we are more fortunate than fellow Laker fans living in the snow belt areas, I don't hear anyone complaining on the icy roads, they just roll with it and hopefully they reach their destination intact, without any freak accidents. What if you lived in Philadelphia, it could be worst, the Sixers lost miserably and no hope for the Eagles - you are relegated to the promises of Obama, Hillary, Rudy and Huckabee. lol!
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | January 05, 2008 at 10:29 AM
On Kwame: I don't know if anyone noticed this during the game, but with his quick side to side (lateral) movement, he was able to guard the the whole key, i mean the whole key, from the top of the circle to the basket, the Sixers would swing the ball to the top and Kwame moved laterally to guard that Sixer there, they would swing it to the baseline guy and he would move laterally to cut off the baseline. That is one of the reasons why he is a very underrated defender. I thought he had a good game, especially after so much time off and coming off the bench. I mean I love Bynum too, but he had 5 TOs. Everyone was pretty careless with the ball but the Lakers still layed the pipe to them last night.
Posted by: richard | January 05, 2008 at 10:31 AM
Good game by the Purple and Gold I thought. Truly dominant performance.
But it is the Sixers. Let's see them roll on.
Go Lakers!
Posted by: Faith | January 05, 2008 at 10:43 AM
Andrew Z,
I've been thinking the same thing since last night. Unfortunately, AK/BK are too classy to ban him. If this were my blog he'd have been gone the moment he made those stupid comments about BK's marriage.
We've got our own Skip Bayless on our hands. Loud, unlikable, arrogant and never admits he's wrong. And he's delusional to the extent that he believes other people are stealing his ideas! And too many people on this blog feed his ego by praising his "contributions" to the blog and broaching conversations with him. That's why I made sure never to direct any comments towards him for over a year until just recently, and I plan on doing so once again.
They say the empty can rattles the most and it's true in this case.
Posted by: Xodus | January 05, 2008 at 11:06 AM
Mike T.
AZ was right. For all the passion you exhibited in the past, you destroyed it with these uncontrolled rants and obsessions. I do not ask you to leave for I'm just an ordinary member like you but I wish you seek pardon for the sake of camaraderie among Laker fans.
As you always love to say, yesterday was a bad day but today is good day, a good day to patch-up those levies that were broken, a good day to redeem those unfair thoughts that were uttered. Sportmanship is part of basketball as well as in blogging. You are a better man now, a passionate philosopher with a delightful character, however you cannot be a virtual prisoner within yourself, keep it cool and seek peace with the Lakers Blog family and BK.
I am not your everyday enemy but just a concerned friend in the blog. Come on Mike T., you can do it, give it a try.......
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | January 05, 2008 at 11:15 AM
Mike T.......Just let me know if im scratching the right spot behind your ear from here in South Australia...man you are one very bitter person.....Maybe the 29 other Gm,s are missing your point about Kwame.....One last thing ...If Bynum is FOOLS GOLD .....Then Kwame must be Fools cow dung
Posted by: Thirty2 | January 05, 2008 at 11:16 AM
Edwin,
The Lakers were up to #3 just before the Boston game, too. That Boston loss dropped us below Phoenix momentarily. Plus that long layover didn't give the computer anything to evaluate us over.
But, a proper beat down has us back to where we belong.
--FearlessWhackJob
Posted by: FearlessWhackJob | January 05, 2008 at 11:24 AM
Rocky,
Funny that you mention Calvin Booth. Before the game, I was in the Sixer locker room and saw him and kept thinking, "Who is that guy? He looks exactly like Calvin Booth, but that can't be right, because the dude must be out of the league by now." After about 5 minutes of straining my brain, I finally checked a roster and saw it was indeed Booth. You learn something new every day, I guess.
AK
Posted by: Andrew Kamenetzky | January 05, 2008 at 11:42 AM
Xodus-
It's okay. We're both pretty patient people.
BK
Posted by: Brian Kamenetzky | January 05, 2008 at 12:02 PM
I was impressed by the JCritt sound bites ...
dude just seemed to be saying, I know my game is nice and i'm frustrated being on the bench and trust me if the coaches give me minutes y'all will see realise that 2nite ain't even a tip of da iceberg
Nah personally I don't know how good this kid can be, but I'm all for giving him a chance to put his money where his heart is
Posted by: Taliq | January 05, 2008 at 12:19 PM
In defense of LO and Walton,
>>>LO and Walton are still the guys that are struggling to find their roles
>>>with this team. Especially Luke, who didn't even appear to be a part of
>>>this game.
LO and Walton were both on the floor when the Lakers fought their way
back into the Boston game last Sunday. Those two, plus Kobe, Kwame,
and DFish brought the lead all the way down to six points. Shortly there
after, PJ put in Ariza, Farmar, and Vujacic and the Celtics quickly built the
lead back up (including two turnovers by Luke, who was still in with the
scrubs)
In the Cleveland game, the Lakers started the third quarter with LO and
Walton on the floor (with Kobe, Fisher, and Bynum) and a 2 point lead.
at the 2:47 mark, PJ subbed in Ariza for Luke and Farmar for Fisher. At
that point, the team with Luke and Lamar had built the lead up to 9 points.
By the time PJ took Ariza out with 9:18 left in the fourth, Cleveland had
a 4 point lead. Later in the game Luke came back and scored a basket
with 3:57 left to give the Lakers the lead 90-88. After that, Kobe and Fish
and Lamar started jacking up wild 3-pointers and missing them. The Lakers
didn't score another point.
So in two hard-fought losses, it was a lineup with both Luke and Lamar on
the floor that was successful, and a lineup with Ariza and other backups
that didn't build on what the starters had done or at least hold their ground.
Luke and Lamar both contribute to the success of the Lakers. And while
a talented young player like Ariza shows a lot of promise, his contribution
to the offense isn't always great. He is an excellent slasher and against
weak defensive teams like Philly, he gets to the rim and scores a lot, but
against tighter defenses like Cleveland and Boston, they clog up the lane
and he ends up turning the ball over and hurting the offense. In that
Cleveland game, Ariza had 2 turnovers and a charge during that critical
stretch that turned a 9 point Laker lead into a 4 point Cleveland lead.
There's someone here who keeps comparing Ariza to Rick Fox. That's
partially correct Ariza is a good agressive defender like Fox, but he
doesn't really have an outside shot yet. If Ariza could develop a consistent
3 pointer to complement his slashing to the hoop, THEN he'd be like Fox.
But again, I don't want you to think I'm knocking Ariza. I think he can improve
his outside shooting, and I think once he learns more of the nuances of the
triangle and learns more of his teammates tendencies, he'll be less choppy
on offense and thus will contribute at both ends of the floor. The benefit
that Ariza has over Crittendon is that he's not a rookie, so PJ will likely give
Trevor the minutes to improve on the shaky parts of his game.
Posted by: Long Time Laker Fan | January 05, 2008 at 12:26 PM
Xodus,
I'm totally on the same page with you about not trading any of the young
players. Farmar, Crittenton, Ariza, Bynum, and Turiaf are an excellent young
core of players that could be staples for the Lakers long after Kobe retires.
With veterans Kobe, Lamar, Luke, and Fish leading them right now, they have
a few steadying forces. If all 5 of those young players make just a little
improvement to next season, you may see that Lakers-Portland showdown in
the WCF as early as next season.
And there are a couple of other young players who have some potential to
contribute as role players as well - Vujacic (assuming he keeps improving
year to year), Karl (assuming he can calm down and stop playing like he
has to do something impressive every minute on the court), and also Marc
Gasol and Sun Yue.
If Kobe sticks around for the full length of his contract to lead these
youngsters, I feel confident he'll get back to the finals sooner or later.
Posted by: Long Time Laker Fan | January 05, 2008 at 12:34 PM
LTLF,
I'm not saying that Luke and LO DON'T have a role on this team, I'm just saying those are the two key guys who've seemed to have problems fitting in this season. We're going to need steady contributions from both those guys if we're going to make a serious run this season. I wasn't trying to say we don't need them, it just seems like often times when we're playing our best those two seem to be the invisible men, especially Luke lately. LO has given us pretty consistent rebounding and some post scoring.
Posted by: Xodus | January 05, 2008 at 12:40 PM
"Who is that guy? He looks exactly like Calvin Booth, but that can't be right, because the dude must be out of the league by now."-AK
haha He probably should be out of the league. Kwame thought he was going to bash it on Booth's grill and got rejected big time. If I wasn't a Laker fan, I'd be laughing my a** off. But I am a Laker fan and even though it was kind of funny, I think Kwame needs to respect his opponent even if he's playing against the 3rd stringers. He better get used to playing against the 3rd stringers the way Bynum is playing.
Posted by: Rocky | January 05, 2008 at 12:40 PM