Eight is enough, until Tuesday when they go for nine
If the Western Conference was a Monopoly board, the Lakers would live in prime Boardwalk real estate while the Sonics slum it down around Baltic Avenue. Maybe Oriental, if you want to be generous. Either way, it's a team in desperate need of a Get Out of Jail Free card. So when the Lakers took the court Sunday night in Space Needle City, it was with the expectation that they'd beat the snot out of the Sonics.
They didn't disappoint.
LA jumped out to a big early lead, outscoring Seattle 34-18 in the first quarter and never looked back, winning their eighth straight, 111-91. As has been their custom this year, the Lakers had production up and down the roster, with seven players in double figures led by Pau Gasol with 22 points. Kobe had 21 with 10 dimes in an ejection-shortened evening of work, and L.O. logged yet another double-double with 19/11. Once again, the Lakers took better care of the ball (11 TOs), and did plenty of passing (28 assists on 45 FGs). With the victory, the Lakers take the lead in the ever-crowded W.C. Enjoy this one, Laker fans, because unless AK and I have a hole in our collective pop culture knowledge, a ninth straight win Tuesday night against Portland, sweet as it might be, will not provide as seamless an opportunity to dip into the classic TV vault.
More on the game tomorrow.
BK
They don't have 40 wins yet. Don't jump the gun BK :)
Posted by: me | February 24, 2008 at 08:35 PM
I hope Kobe understands that his team is sub par with lower caliber teams when he is gone.
Good game nonetheless.
Posted by: never | February 24, 2008 at 08:37 PM
Is Gasol this good?? or is Kwame just that bad?? It seems like Gasol is getting the same looks that Kwame got except that Kwame couldnt a) hold onto the ball AND b) couldnt really find a good looking shot anymore than Mbenga can.. I guess the answer to the questions above is YES..
Heres to 9-1 with Gasol AND without Kwame!!
Posted by: dpk | February 24, 2008 at 08:37 PM
8 down, 26 to go!
Posted by: 805LakerLove | February 24, 2008 at 08:37 PM
Jumping the gun a bit there.
That was win #39
Posted by: HTP | February 24, 2008 at 08:39 PM
Thanks, me. Got my Positive Laker Statistics confused with a too-quick glance at the postgame standings.
BK
Posted by: Brian Kamenetzky | February 24, 2008 at 08:39 PM
BK
We got 39 wins, not 40 (yet). Tuesday should do the trick for that one.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Tushar 24/7 | February 24, 2008 at 08:39 PM
Who needs copy editors, when we have you guys (haha)?
BK
Posted by: Brian Kamenetzky | February 24, 2008 at 08:40 PM
Lakers are an ELITE TEAM finally. Every game you expect the Lakers to win and they do. It's starting to be boring watching the Lakers blow out every opponent night in and night out. It took four long years and finally we are back on top.
Posted by: Staples 24 | February 24, 2008 at 08:44 PM
AK/BK,
Great job with everything you do on this site.
Question for you guys: PJ always says that elite teams win 40 before losing 20 - any stats on how many of his teams hit that mark and won it all?
Posted by: Grifter | February 24, 2008 at 08:51 PM
I fully expect us to be atop anybody's Power Rankings next week with the way we've been playing and the way the rest of the top 5 has.
Posted by: Justin N | February 24, 2008 at 08:51 PM
I wish I was at the Key Arena, so I could yell something at that dumbass ref....Man if he was officiating Soccer in Colombia...that sorry SOB would've had his house blown to smitherens better yet, I wish he was in the Army so he good get a classic blanket party (soap bars in a sock used to beat someone). Be lucky this country is not that passionate, even my 7 year old niece saw that Kobe was fouled!
Posted by: Rhon Salmon | February 24, 2008 at 08:53 PM
Staples 24 -
I know what you mean and the band waggoners are starting to trickle in unfortunately.
Posted by: bobie | February 24, 2008 at 08:56 PM
BK or AK....2 questions.
Is Brian Forte the son of NBA ref Joe Forte? And do you guys think that Kobe's ejection will warrant some sort of suspension?
Posted by: bronxlakerfan | February 24, 2008 at 08:57 PM
Time for the dvr-ed Oscars.
But very happy for the win! Go lakers!
Posted by: Faith | February 24, 2008 at 08:58 PM
Hey I have never ever clowned Kwame But did you see his recent line against the Cavs! LoL; 1 point 3 rebs.1 assists and 2 personal fouls in 20 minutes! ARE YOU KIDDING ME!! LOL! and Smush they won't even let him in the building in Miami, WOW. 1 point LOL!!
Posted by: The Original Ken | February 24, 2008 at 08:59 PM
I haven't had much time to peruse the blog lately but I wanted to thank y'all for making me laugh really hard with the "It's obvious Kobe was talking about [insert random player name]" comments in this thread:
http://lakersblog.latimes.com/lakersblog/2008/02/a-rather-quick.html
My favorite? The Aaron McKie one.
E
Posted by: Emma | February 24, 2008 at 09:07 PM
I was first, just remember that ;)
Posted by: me | February 24, 2008 at 09:07 PM
Kobe was being slaughtered out there..no doubt.
If someone told you guys hey..lakers will be 39-17..during the summer..you would have said
please sell me some of the stuff you are on!
win 40 coming up next.
Posted by: Lakers4Realz | February 24, 2008 at 09:08 PM
Wow wow wow Salmon, all he did was blow a few calls, not anything that deserved physical abuse, just verbal.
Posted by: Ben Goldberg | February 24, 2008 at 09:08 PM
CONGRATULATIONS LAKERS!
Longest winning streak in four long years!! NOW, KEEP BREAKING the record and beat Celtics and Pistons to home court advantage!
Next year can we trade Lamar Odom's expiring contract for Javaris Crittenton and (Darko Milicic-salary match ups) to our closest friends in Memphis. Memphis probably wants to get rid of Darko's bad contract. When Fisher retires, Lakers will still need the Critter.
Posted by: Staples 24 | February 24, 2008 at 09:10 PM
Anybody else think Pau looked a little off today? He had a couple missed buckets that he usually makes.
He was only 10 of 18 from the floor. Very disappointed to see him dip below 60%.
What a standard he's set!
We have 2 Big 3's:
1. Kobe, Pau, & Lamar
2. 3 point wizards: Sasha, Fish, Farmar (or Radmanovic?)
Posted by: 805LakerLove | February 24, 2008 at 09:14 PM
Grifter,
Every one of his 9 championship teams have hit 40 b4 20.
Not sure how many have hit that mark without winning though....
Posted by: 805LakerLove | February 24, 2008 at 09:15 PM
i think Kobe should have understood the refs weren't calling many fouls because the game was a laugher and the sooner they got out of there, the better. That being said, the ref should have just ruled it was off one of the Sonics as it was a clear foul, or two, or three. Not like him to lose his cool, but maybe its good he did it now so he can remind himself before the playoffs how to control his thinking.
Posted by: jeffgrotke | February 24, 2008 at 09:18 PM
BK sometimes you can be a real BOZO! get the facts straight I don't like misinformation. Consider this a polite warning!!!hahaha.
Posted by: chuck23 | February 24, 2008 at 09:22 PM
WE are pretty much unstoppable believe that, but we shouldn't get 2 big headed. The west is loaded, but we are tha lakers. lol
LETS GET BRENT BARRY TO SEAL THE DEAL!
Posted by: Larry | February 24, 2008 at 09:24 PM
WE are pretty much unstoppable believe that, but we shouldn't get 2 big headed. The west is loaded, but we are tha lakers. lol
LETS GET BRENT BARRY TO SEAL THE DEAL!
Posted by: Larry | February 24, 2008 at 09:24 PM
Lakers should have 40 now ... they should have beaten the Hawks in Atlanta, but Kobe just had a crap game because his finger was not taped like it is now ...
Posted by: Amazing_Happens | February 24, 2008 at 09:28 PM
AK or BK
Just one last question for you tonight..
Just watching Kcal videos.
IS JOHN IRELAND AS MUCH OF A DORK/NERD (some other synonym) in person as he is during his interviews???
he makes me laugh all the time..but he is a nerd!
Posted by: Lakers4Realz | February 24, 2008 at 09:33 PM
Glad Kobe found a way to get some rest in a fourth-quarter blowout.
Posted by: Jesterguru | February 24, 2008 at 09:34 PM
21.7% chance of winning the championship... according to Hollinger - that's the highest in the league!
http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/hollinger/playoffodds
Posted by: 805LakerLove | February 24, 2008 at 09:39 PM
And No. 1 in the latest Hollinger Power Rankings. Nice.
Why did I have to include ejections in my fantasy league scoring system?
Posted by: Jesterguru | February 24, 2008 at 09:44 PM
I don't care much for Hollinger - he's the type who will come out with some kind of statistical analysis saying that Pau is more valuable to the Lakers than Kobe!
Posted by: Amazing_Happens | February 24, 2008 at 09:45 PM
Brent Barry has to make a decision by Tuesday and he wants to join a Championship calibre team. Jon played here in LA, eversince he was traded to the Kings, our team never got any fairness from press reporting. Indeed, LA will be a longshot of Brent Barry but if he's thinking a long career, then he should consider Lakers than Spurs or Celtics. I don't think Spurs could repeat this year. The Celtics might not even capture the Eastern Conference.
Anyway, he is being invited, but if his heart is the Alamo team that traded him to Sonics, our efforts might futile at this time like Webber who rolled his dice and made the wrong team again.
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | February 24, 2008 at 09:49 PM
Lakers4Realz
Ireland's dorkiness definitely makes him more interesting.
I think his career peaked, when Kobe gave him the "We're a championship team with him (Bynum)" quote - I believe that was the last time the Lake show was in Seattle.
He must have been on cloud 9 (no KCAL pun intended) ha ha
Posted by: 805LakerLove | February 24, 2008 at 09:56 PM
Great Game. Way to put the foot down and not let up. Nice to see some real rythymn and a positive rythymn a that Sasha (the machine) is really confident. Whoa. I don't thin he ants Trevor taking up his minutes. The "dives", that Lamar is getting will become more rare once Andrew come back and clogs things up, but something else ill definitely open up,...and that's the beauty.
Kobesbaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaad (and he is)
Posted by: Kobesbad | February 24, 2008 at 09:57 PM
I don' care about Hollinger's stats either. I just want to be # 1 on every power ranking and tocontinue to be the team on the tips of everyone's tongues and the dark spot in the back of their minds.
Posted by: Kobesbad | February 24, 2008 at 09:58 PM
Another thing - I wouldn't be surprised if the league suspends Kobe one game for his little outburst. They see to overreact to these kinds of things, especially where Kobe is involved.
Posted by: Amazing_Happens | February 24, 2008 at 10:01 PM
Good night fellow Laker fans, good win for us tonight. Can't wait for Tuesday's game against the Blazers. I'm out!!!
Posted by: Nemaia Faletogo | February 24, 2008 at 10:06 PM
We've kept our opponents under 100 ppg on average over the past 9 with Gasol...would be way under if it weren't for the phoenix game.
I honestly think he provides more intangibles for defense than people give him credit for. He's also not as weak as people say. He pulled a blocking foul on shaq that sent shaq flying over backwards on the floor.
Posted by: Justin N | February 24, 2008 at 10:11 PM
LAKERS BUILD 1-GAME LEAD FOR TOP SEED IN WEST…
It’s hard to stop from feeling all giddy and happy over the Lakers right now. So why even try. This team is getting better every game. And they’re good enough to overcome the injuries and still dominate. Eight in a row with a flock of easy ducks lining up in a row. Maybe 34 is not out of reach. All I know is If we can keep up the streak until Drew comes back, watch out, NBA. LOL. Phil will have these guys peaking when we hit the playoffs.
Kobe was magnificent. Hope he enjoyed the Oscars. Pau continued to play like a superstar. His quick dunks are catching other team’s by surprise. And Lamar’s strong dives and drives to the hoop get better and better. He is going to have NO problem adjusting as our small forward when Drew returns. He will wreak havoc on other teams the strong way he is finishing his touches. You got to love how Lamar is playing now.
Throw in some fine shooting by the Fisher, Farmar, and Vujacic and improved play from Luke and the Lakers post another blowout. No more of this playing down to the level of your opponents for these Lakers. They prefer to crush their opponents with relentless offense and defense and waves of players performing smoothly and efficiently. Like Phil said, this team is focused on getting better and better and will not be satisfied until they win it all. This is now without a doubt Kobe Bean Bryant’s team in every respect.
Tom
Posted by: LakerTom | February 24, 2008 at 10:13 PM
Another nice recap from LakerTom!
Posted by: 805LakerLove | February 24, 2008 at 10:17 PM
I think you guys got it all wrong. Kobe intentionally got himself ejected tonight to see how the boys will respond without him in the game.
Hey guys, the Lakers are for real!!
Posted by: Robyn | February 24, 2008 at 10:27 PM
Just back home from work trip, watched Sat and Sun night games back to back...wow! These are pretty bad teams we beat, but taking care of business in such an efficient way is really exciting.
I don't even want to bother thinking or examining...it's like a work of art. Whatever the flaws, they are part of the overall picture, which we are really fortunate to get to watch this team right now.
And what an interview with Sasha afterwards...how's that for growing up and becoming a man right before our eyes. Confidence!!! It's the key!!!
GO LAKESHOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: DrewPauKobe | February 24, 2008 at 10:38 PM
Next year can we trade Lamar Odom's expiring contract for Javaris Crittenton and (Darko Milicic-salary match ups) to our closest friends in Memphis. Memphis probably wants to get rid of Darko's bad contract. When Fisher retires, Lakers will still need the Critter.
Posted by: Staples 24 | February 24, 2008 at 09:10 PM
Huh?
Have you lost your mind?
Wes
Posted by: wesjoenixon | February 24, 2008 at 10:39 PM
Laker Tom,
We love your positive vibes on this blog, please keep it up. I must say I am always very thrilled anytime I read your posts.
Posted by: A A LOS | February 24, 2008 at 10:47 PM
MAKING OTHER PLAYERS BETTER…
Anybody think it’s just a coincidence that Pau Gasol is shooting close to 65% since becoming a Laker? Or that Andrew Bynum was leading the league in field goal percentage before getting injured also around 65%?
I think it’s another example of how much Kobe Bryant is impacting the play of his teammates. Sure there are lots of other factors at work here such as the Triangle Offense, excellent play by Lamar Odom, hot outside shooting by Fisher, Farmar, Radmanovich, and Vujacic, and even improved play by Luke Walton.
But the one key connection between both players great field goal percentage is Kobe Bryant, who has personally made it a campaign to make first Drew and now Pau into offensive forces for the Lakers. No doubt both Drew and Pau deserve our hurrahs for how they have responded and worked to perfection with Kobe. When Kobe has both of these guys back besides him, the Lakers will truly be unstoppable.
Kobe has willed this team to join him in his crusade for a championship. He challenged them to respond in Phoenix and then icily led them to a stunning victory. Make no doubt about it: this team believes in itself because of Kobe Bryant’s leadership.
MVP. MVP. MVP. MVP. MVP. MVP. MVP. MVP. MVP. MVP. MVP. MVP.
Kobe Bryant has molded the Lakers into his image with his heart, swagger, and ice.
Tom
Posted by: LakerTom | February 24, 2008 at 10:49 PM
Staples 24,
Lamar ain't going anywhere and Critter has a long way to go before you can even compare him to Jordan Farmar and what he has accomplished this year.
Both Lamar and Jordan will be Lakers for Life.
I think I'm going to copyright Quin-peat. lol.
Tom
Posted by: LakerTom | February 24, 2008 at 10:53 PM
I think this team is just starting to show us what they can do---this is just the tip of the old iceberg Captain Smith.
I dig how the team responded with Kobe getting tossed--this team has the swagger and is gaining experience and momentum with each quarter.
Nobody need worry about Farmar---he is going to be a great PG for us--he is the real deal--remember this is only his 2nd year and didn't play that much last year---he is a player and his game will continue to improve.
I am glad to see Sasha become the player I thought he would. It's also great to see Lamar playing really well---I had all but given up on him and before Pau came I wanted him traded desperately, but he has now got over the hump after 3 and half years as a Laker--I really don't think he wil regress--he seems to be what we've all hoped he would be, Yee Fricken Haw!.
Puke is now gaining real ground on threatning Wilt's playing record for a season (50 minutes a game or so one season--one year Wilt never went out of a game and played in all the overtimes etc.) One of my suspicions that Puke actually plays more than Kobe was varified, not even counting the fact that Kobe left at the invitation of some 15 year old tin god with a whistle.
Puke played the entire 1st half, the entire 3rd quarter, and all but about 3 minutes of the 4th. Not that he totally stunk--but he can't shoot any better than my 7th grade daughter--
Puke needs to take that B-Ball high I.Q. (similar to brain surgery I.Q. no doubt) and figure out HE NEEDS TO PRACTICE SHOOTING OPEN 12 FOOT JUMPERS.
The scouting report on Puke is going to be leave him more open than we already do--that may let teams do some triple teaming without having to pay the price.
Puke did do some good things out there tonight (his defense was surprisingly not completely horrible for a change and he had some good passes and even some lay ups!) and even though it's sometimes painful to watch, I am rooting for him to get better, even just a little bit--PRACTICE YOUR MID RANGE JUMP SHOT PUKE PLEASE...
I would make a comment about about that alley oop attempt but somebody already took the Keystone Cop reference....
Anyway I still would like to see Ronny get some more time--especially along side of Pau.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Floyd | February 24, 2008 at 10:59 PM
As Seattle game turned out to be another exhibition game, Lakers coaching staff should look at the Pistons: Suns game from Sunday and add several more lines to the list of Suns weaknesses and exploit them in the playoffs. I think that Shaq's escape from the Heat would rather turn out as a "Final Destination" kind of escape, and he would have to face the inevitable, embarrassment in the playoffs, hopefully from the Lakers!
Posted by: sead94 | February 24, 2008 at 11:01 PM