An old fashioned pasting
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It's official: The Lakers got back at Atlanta for the game L.A. gave away on the road trip... and then some. The Lakers built up a lead as large as 41 points en route to a 122-93 win Tuesday night that, and this is going to sound kinda strange, given the final score, may not have been that close. The evening was a success on a lot of levels. The home crowd, itching for something to root for (and we mean that literally, after a nine game roadie and the All Star break) welcomed a GPS needing Pau Gasol with a standing O. Gasol welcomed them with 23 points, six boards, two dimes, a block and a steal. Already out of the game in the fourth because of the lopsided score, Gasol was granted an early exit to try and combat an upper respiratory problem, a stellar debut already in the bag. No worries, though. He's still expected to play tonight in Phoenix (6:00 pm, ESPN). Given the thorough beat down the Lakers produced Tuesday, there was plenty of time to think about the Suns. Forget Shaq vs. Kobe, it's a game the Lakers would like to have for more important reasons. Start with a crack at the Pacific Division lead, then add a clinching of the season series between the two teams- a potentially important tiebreaker down the road. Then there's the ability to take a game away from a competitor in the tightly contested Western Conference. Beat them, that's a game they can't win. Then you can get to all the player vs. player, player vs. coach intrigue.
If they get a box score like they had on Tuesday, Kobe with (a pinkie incident free) 23, L.O. with 17/15, statistical domination in almost every area, and so on, the Lakers will likely love the result. Whether they can depends some on how well Shaq bolsters the Phoenix interior, the purpose of the big trade.
On the injury front, things aren't looking good for Trevor Ariza, who has joined Chris Mihm on the "could be out for the rest of the regular season" list. The SF's right foot hasn't healed up well, and it might be another eight weeks before he's ready to play. In other injury news, Kobe said after the game that he and his pinkie came through it just fine, a good thing since other than a Gary Vitti tape job, there isn't much that can be done for him to protect the finger. And regarding big Andrew Bynum, it's still hard to predict an exact return, but mid-March currently looks possible.
With the trade deadline approaching, W.C. rivals aren't sitting still. The Nuggets aren't likely to get into the Zach Randolph business (although Randolph and Nate Robinson are in the "throwing water" business), but Ron Artest talks are still alive, with Linus Kleiza the sticking point. Houston and San Antonio are reportedly looking at Kurt Thomas (Seattle's phones are ringing a lot, actually).
ESPN.com's Marc Stein takes a closer look at the Jason Kidd deal. The revamped one, after Devean George scuttled the original version. Still, Mark Cuban says he has no bone to pick with the former Laker... the former Laker's agent, however? Bone to pick!
Good morning everyone!
What a game. Great effort.
You know we will see the very best that Phoenix has tonight.
we're on the second half of a back-to-back and they've been preparing for this game since Thursday night. The "odds" are against us, but if we pull this out, it will strike FEAR in the hearts of the Suns.
Viva badfinger! Viva Pau! Viva Lakers!
Posted by: Tim-4-Show | February 20, 2008 at 09:26 AM
Good Morning! Came from the Game and glad it was a blow out! Thanks Lakers Legacy!
Posted by: Charles | February 20, 2008 at 09:28 AM
Time for battle! Let's step into First place tonight LAKERS.
Posted by: lakerfaze | February 20, 2008 at 09:33 AM
Question of the day: What's the over-under on Shaq's fouls tonight?
Call me crazy, but I believe this game is much more important to the Suns. The Suns have their full compliment of players. The Lakers are missing a huge piece.
If the Suns lose this game, the writing may be on the wall for them in the playoffs, with a complete Laker squad.
Posted by: HmrHed | February 20, 2008 at 09:34 AM
I was at the game last night too, and talk about ownage! Wow.. very impressed with our D! Everyone in the crowd was cheering for tacos... in the MIDDLE of the second quarter. I loved some of the creative and witty signs I saw.. such as "PROBLEM GA-SOLVED" haha.. Great win for the Lakers and if we come out with the same intensity tonight against the Funs, I say we rout this team as well.
GO LAKERS!!!!!!!
Posted by: Chris H. | February 20, 2008 at 09:35 AM
i am nervous about this game, people.
without bynum, we've shifted up the lineup, so we have gasol playing center. he can defend a bunch of other centers in the league, but guys like shaq may be much to handle.
if it doesn't work out right away, i would give ronny and DJ some minutes to get some serious size down low.
the good news is that its shaqs first game, hes not yet in the flow and he will likely play limited minutes due to his injury.
hope kobe's finger is as OK as the past few games, and everyone needs to contribute, d-fish's shots need to fall, lamar needs to drive to the basket, pau must score and rebound, guys like farmar, sasha, luke, vladi need to come to play, and DEFENSE. only then will the lakers beat phoenix in a "see you in the playoffs, better bring your A-game" manner.
go lakers!
Posted by: dave | February 20, 2008 at 09:36 AM
Man I wish Bynum was playing tonight!!!!! I can't wait until he posterizes Shaq on an alley from Kobe. I can see it now, Shaq with the post posterization smile of insecurity and helplessness.
Keep working hard "Young Bynum." Your hard work will pay off. Sky is the limit for you if you are willing to put in the time and effort.
Lakers better bring the pain tongight, this is going to be a war.
Damn I'm excited!
DOOOO BEEEEE DOOOOO BEEEE DOOOOOO
Posted by: Stranger in the Night | February 20, 2008 at 09:37 AM
I think it would be fitting to try to put Shaq in the foul trouble early, it will throw away all the plans that "tactitian" D'Antoni can come with. Judging by the past Shaq perfomance this season it should not be a very tall task.
Posted by: LAL_Fan | February 20, 2008 at 09:40 AM
The pinky will strike fear in the heart of the cactus.
We're looking forward to playoff-palooza!
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: justanothermambafan | February 20, 2008 at 09:40 AM
Tim-4-Show,
Stealing my Good Morning Thunder huh?
Posted by: Charles | February 20, 2008 at 09:43 AM
Wow, apparently people make Eddy Curry mixes.
LOL
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BsjgunqyoNc
Posted by: Xodus | February 20, 2008 at 09:45 AM
The amazing thing is the comments on that mix. People are talking about Curry being the best center in the NBA. haha.
Posted by: Xodus | February 20, 2008 at 09:48 AM
Anyone know what Chad Ford's dreaming up in terms of "Knicks, Cavs, Lakers" draft talk?
Who are we thinking of trading and getting back in return?
Posted by: hariyahu | February 20, 2008 at 09:51 AM
Xodus,
Nice... Hippo with a headband man....
Posted by: Charles | February 20, 2008 at 09:52 AM
Anyone see the Jerry West interview last night.. Amazing interview..For the first time, we got to peak into the mind of Jerry West.
Posted by: zen | February 20, 2008 at 09:52 AM
Hariyahu,
"Anyone know what Chad Ford's dreaming up in terms of "Knicks, Cavs, Lakers" draft talk? Who are we thinking of trading and getting back in return?"
REPOST (the same question was asked in the previous thread)
As for Chad Ford item, the link heading was weirdly phrased. I can see why you thought it was about a potential LA-CLE-NY trade, but it's actually an article about every team and happened to list those ones as separate entities (i.e., talk about the Lakers, Cavs and Knicks). And in a nutshell, Ford thinks the Lakers are done dealing. For what it's worth, I agree. I doubt we'll see any moves before Thursday.
AK
Posted by: Andrew Kamenetzky | February 20, 2008 at 09:54 AM
I hope and kinda think Phil has something up his sleeve.
This should be fun. PHX is facing 3 tough games this week and I hope the lose them all!
Posted by: MJCMAN32 | February 20, 2008 at 09:54 AM
ANYONE NOTICE ANYTHING AMUSING ABOUT THIS BOX SCORE:
http://scores.espn.go.com/nba/boxscore?gameId=280219025
Posted by: Stranger in the Night | February 20, 2008 at 09:54 AM
By the way, if Raja Bell hacks at Kobe's finger and injures Kobe I promise you I will charge the court and break Raja Bell's arm in two.
Just a little fyi to Raja.
DOOOO BEEEE DOOOOO BEEEEEE DOOOOOOO
Posted by: Stranger in the Night | February 20, 2008 at 09:56 AM
Stranger in the Night,
The most interesting thing is that MIke T was pumping up a guy that's not even in Darko Milicic's league. haha
Posted by: Xodus | February 20, 2008 at 10:00 AM
Well, it's hard to assess Shaq's performance with a fast team like the Suns. We have to see the game first however, I can say we are now competitive compared to the Lakers they used to toy around in the last three years. We have the equivalents of Bell & Barbosa in the line up i.e. Vlad and Fisher. That if they double on Kobe/LO/Pau, the other two will hurt you with rifle w/ scope shooting approach.
In the interview last night, Gasol's impression of Shaq is that he is a big body in the post. His utilize his power as his offense which was very effective and productive. Unfortunately, Mother time has slowed him down plus the Lakers are very familiar with Shaq. Last night, we saw how Lakers clogged Joe Johnson or Josh Smith in the post and Fisher found ways from those many hands to snatch the ball at the waist level. I think Kobe and Fisher will do this tonight. Speed will dictate the tempo because in a running game, Suns will have only four players among the five on the floor who could run well with the Lakers.
The Suns were very effective in the past with their pick and roll and perimeter shooting. All of us were in quandary, why the lakers couldn't solve this problem, PJ emloyed the swarming defense and it resulted to freeing one guy. Little that we know, that whatever defense employed at that time, if the personnel were weak in implementing it, it would not work. At that time, we have Walton, Smush and Cookie and finally Kwame defending the pick and roll, they were just helpless out there. Now in the front line we have Fisher, Vlad(maybe weak but could sneak in) LO and Pau at the Center, and with the presence of BigShaq in the middle the post is crowded with legs and hands and it's hard for Nash to operate in a limited space. Let's see how they Shaq and Amare could penetrate those defenses.
I like the Lakers chances and it may be difficult to assess because it is a road trip. If they can move in similar fashion they executed last night which was perfect, no team can beat the Lakers. It's the Lakers who will beat themselves because over confidence and carelessness.
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | February 20, 2008 at 10:01 AM
Stranger -
WTF, how come KB and JC are not getting any burn in memphis? Maybe, they are on the move?!?!?!? HAAA!
Posted by: MJCMAN32 | February 20, 2008 at 10:03 AM
AK,
Thanks, and sorry, but I haven't spent much time on the blog recently!
I agree - I don't know if the Lakers can/should do much now - unless we can get Artest for Rdman and a #1 :)
I was just curious to see what Chad was concocting up - kinda disappointed to see he agrees us well.
On another note, I didn't realize the Spurs had close to 15M$ in expiring contracts! Imagine if they ended up with JO!! I'm hoping no blockbusters are come up in the next 48 hours..
Posted by: hariyahu | February 20, 2008 at 10:09 AM
Xodus,
In all fairness, Kwame won't be doing anything for the rest of year because he's been injured. He was much more useful before he got his ankle injury last year. This year, the only advantage he had (athleticism) was taken away due to injuries.
Posted by: zen | February 20, 2008 at 10:09 AM
Stranger in the Night,
That's crazy JC got no playing time. (I understand Kwame.)
I guess he does have a long way to go regarding handling his energy on the court.
It's funny, his friends referred to him as "Hollywood." I would have loved to keep that guy and see what PJ can groom him into...
Posted by: Charles | February 20, 2008 at 10:16 AM
zen,
I agree, but it's much more fun to poke fun at Kwame and Darko. lol
Posted by: Xodus | February 20, 2008 at 10:20 AM
HmrHed,
You aren't crazy. This game is HUGE for Phoenix. That's why we're guaranteed to see their best efforts tonight. They need this win... psychologically and for standings (they have Detroit & Boston next).
You're also onto something:
Can Shaq stay out of foul trouble?
Put it this way, Dwight Howard got into foul trouble against us and Dwight is the "real" superman!
For a guy who has struggled with foul trouble this season, Shaq will need the help of Amare to keep out of trouble. If he's not in foul trouble, then he's probably not having the inside presence that the Suns need. But even considering this, I expect Shaq's best game of the season tonight, easy.
The writing on the wall?
Yes. You'll recall back in 2001 when the Lakers were in a dead heat against the Blazers. The Lakers went to Portland... Phil said whoever wins this game will go all the way. We beat them, and the Blazers self-destructed and we were the top seed. We then pwned them in a crucial fourth quarter that essentailly determined the NBA champion. I see tonight as a flashback to those moments for the Suns. They MUST win this, which is why I'd give them better odds than us... but if we pull this out, it will crush them on many levels.
Charles,
My apologies bro. I didn't mean it like that. I won't be on so early tomorrow, so it's all yours! :-)
Stranger in the Night,
Well Kwame was to be expected. But look at the lousy game Conley put together, and Javaris can't get PT??? What's going on with Memphis, are they trying to lose?
Posted by: Tim-4-Show | February 20, 2008 at 10:20 AM
Lakers wont win tonight. Kobe's finger will prevent him from shooting well and Odom will bow to Amare everytime he gets the ball to give him a free dunk! GO SUNS!!!!
Posted by: NoWinForFakersTonight | February 20, 2008 at 10:21 AM
Good mornin Charles
Impressive win for your team last night. They really looked good, however tonight you guys will be facing a more formidable team.
Anyway GOOD LUCK tonight, oh it's ok if you dont say it back, After all we wont need it....YOU WILL.
Posted by: Fire32 | February 20, 2008 at 10:21 AM
Whats most interesting about KB not playing in Memphis is the Lakers 12 zillion dollar coach began the season starting him over young Bynum, like HELLO wake up booster boy, Kwame cant even play for terrible Memphis.
And lets not forget 9 rings was seriously considering starting Kwame over Bynum when he came back from injury and several posters here said it didnt matter who started.
Posted by: Laker Lover | February 20, 2008 at 10:24 AM
My favorite part of last night's game:
The Hawks hit three straight 3s to close out the half. We almost held them under 30pts for the half...
Well, at the buzzer, (Childress?) hit a three over Pau... Pau walked off the court and I saw a four letter word come yelling out of his mouth as he walked off.
We've got some KILLERS on our team!
Farmar = Killer.
Gasol = Killer.
Kobe = the LORD OF ASSASINS
Posted by: Tim-4-Show | February 20, 2008 at 10:24 AM
Good morning, my Laker Blog family! And what a good morning it is after last night's
blowout.
Last night's game just goes to show how important it is for the Lakers to finish in the
top four of the West and to have home-court-advantage in the playoffs. On the road,
we struggled closing out the Hawks... At home, we were able to jump on them early
and have the crowd behind us and never let them get close.
My predictions for tonight's game:
Shaq either fouls out or has five fouls and hardly plays in the fourth quarter.
Pau draws at least two of the above fouls on charges where Shaq tries to make a
move to the hoop. The others are on reaches.
Kobe goes off for 40. Pau adds a respectable 20.
Fish has a big game of 20+ points.
Sasha will get under some Suns player's skin who either gets ejected or at least a
technical foul
Final score: Lakers 114 Suns 104.... no tacos on the road anyways.
Posted by: Bzar | February 20, 2008 at 10:24 AM
Marc Iavaroni said Kwame won't be playing again until he gets into shape, and learns the offense. So.....that might mean he won't play the rest of the year.
Posted by: wondahbap | February 20, 2008 at 10:26 AM
Shaq is now dissing Kareem and Wilt, saying they never embraced or reached out to him like Hakeem and Russel do. Not saying Kobe isn't to blame for alot of what went down. But Kobe has never dissed/called out any former Laker great. In fact as great as Shaq was my greatest memory of his time as a Laker was not attending Chick's funeral that was when i realized that Shaq was great at playing up to the media but was a bit petty.
Posted by: max | February 20, 2008 at 10:27 AM
tonights game is going to be awesome. i think the lakers have a great chance because of the way we are playing. also, theres no way shaq will be a huge factor tonight in his first game back. i see the lakers winning 114-104.
good to read the article on bynum, hope this thursday goes well in the pool. i think there is no rush to get him back, i just want him 100%. it seems like he's been doing everything right and will be back in the middle of march.
glad farmar got his game back last night. we really need him to step up and play well.
GO LAKERS
Posted by: mrbarneydangles | February 20, 2008 at 10:28 AM
Man...
I hate it when my posts all go to the wrong thread...
Oh Well...I can't really repost them all, can I...?
No, better not...
well...maybe the one trhat hasn't been posted yet:
Suns fans,
I don't buy your optimism at all...
I can feel the Suns shivering right now. Like rain on a sunny day, you're being deceived by your own senses; that shinning sun is just useless, pretty, window dressing today...
Sorry guys...
This one's for you:
http://tinyurl.com/3dyeo4
Yeah.,.
Later...
Wes
Posted by: wesjoenixon | February 20, 2008 at 10:30 AM
With last night's beatdown we have crested Hollinger's Power Rankings. http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/hollinger/powerranking
Doesn't win us any hardware, but it doesn't hurt either.
Posted by: james hastings | February 20, 2008 at 10:33 AM
Kobe is one hard foul to the hand from being sidelined for the rest of the season! Good luck tonight Gasol cant handle Shaq and Odom acts like a little girl when he plays Amare! GO SUNS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: NoWinForFakersTonight1 | February 20, 2008 at 10:34 AM
hariyahu,
It's not 48 hours.... it's 25.5 hours as of this post's time. Tomorrow 3pm EST is the deadline.
I'm going to hold my breath... I can hold it for a long, long time.
Hey, what's with the LA Times coming down on Neuheisel? It's just wrong. He's one of the nicest guys you'll ever meet. He was always talkative, friendly, and sincere when we spoke.. and the Jeramy Stevens thing was a disaster, but the sexual assault charges were bogus... it was his ex-gf who brought the charge after she was at a frat party and someone slipped her a drug and she woke up on the lawn wearing only her underwear. I'm not even sure Stevens was at the party (this was a long time ago) but if he was, he had left early...
The Times needs to back up off the guy, he's had a troubled past as far as coaching, but Stevens wasn't his fault... the guy was like the Spreewell of football.
Posted by: Tim-4-Show | February 20, 2008 at 10:35 AM
Stranger in the night -
Yea that box score is quite amuusing - Kwame not playing, even for one of the worst teams in the league. It really makes me think about how much has been brought to this team by Pau - who is a VERY special player, as well as the addition by subtraction aspect of losing Kwame.
and another positive aspect is that it exposed to everyone (well, many already knew) Mike T's lack of knowledge of the game. It's a bit hilarious that it sent him running from this blog.
This blog doesn't need anymore dumbing down, which is what Mike T did, there is enough already. Occasionally, I read folks comments eluding that they wish he was around - can't believe that. Sure he had passion, but it was misplaced - it was more passion for himself which lead to arrogance and stupidity. The interest I had for his posts can be likened to the same impulse I have to look at a car wreck.
Posted by: Basketball I.Q. | February 20, 2008 at 10:35 AM
"I can feel the Suns shivering right now. " Ha Its always sunny and warm here no shivering at all. Especially not for the Fakers! Gasol is weak sauce and so is Walton!
GO SUNS!!!!!!
Posted by: NoWinForFakersTonight | February 20, 2008 at 10:36 AM
How dumb is Kwame to not be in shape his contract year?
I know he was hurt, but it's very easy to stay trim w/o exercising. It's called chicken, steaks, veggies, fruit and water. I lost 35 pounds and didn't hit a gym once.
Come on Kwame.
Wes
Posted by: wesjoenixon | February 20, 2008 at 10:36 AM
Well AK,Xodus,
Tonight is the first night to see the impact of Shaq. Let's hope you were right!
Posted by: zen | February 20, 2008 at 10:38 AM
Lakers lose by at least 10 tonight!
GO SUNS!!!!
Posted by: NoWinForFakersTonight | February 20, 2008 at 10:39 AM
max,
I can't speak for Kareem, but Wilt gave Shaq the highest compliment he could give someone.
He basically said "Shaq could be as great or maybe even greater than me"
But, sadly, in the end, Shaq was content with only being the greatest of his generation. Wilt is the all-time greatest... it's not even close between the Stilt and Shaq.
Posted by: Tim-4-Show | February 20, 2008 at 10:40 AM
Mrbarneydangles,
Hey that was my prediction! Great minds and all that..
Drive to 55 is alive and well.... Go Lakers!
Posted by: Bzar | February 20, 2008 at 10:42 AM
Tim-4-Show,
Dude your a senior a blogger. I guess I should have put an lol.... It was meant as a joke brotha man...
Respectfully......
Posted by: Charles | February 20, 2008 at 10:43 AM
I just thought of this last night..They normally had Marion on Odom the last couple years. Who is going to guard Odom now? Diaw? I dont think so
Posted by: zen | February 20, 2008 at 10:46 AM
Zen,
I expect Shaq to come out aggressive on the offensive end and play pretty well (18 or so points.) But I also expect him to hurt them defensively as Kobe and Pau and Fish and Pau pick and roll them to death. I see Shaq picking up at least 4 fouls. Heck, I wouldn't be surpised to see him foul out.
Posted by: Xodus | February 20, 2008 at 10:46 AM
To the posters who don't love the lakers but are on this blog.... I'm gonna get a little old school on this one.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sqsM-rhF8Ns
http://tinyurl.com/225nbg
Posted by: Charles | February 20, 2008 at 10:46 AM