Farmer Farmar
Cultivating career games, Jordan Farmar is, while the Lakers harvest win after win.
Farmar, fresh off a 21 point game in Tuesday's win against Portland came back Thursday night with a career high 24, as the Lakers rolled over the Heat 106-88 at Staples. The second year PG's efforts were just part of yet another true group effort for the L.A., who led wire to wire for their tenth straight win. Kobe scored a little, at least by his standards (21 points), and distributed a lot (seven dimes), and his block of a Shawn Marion dunk attempt to end the third was one of the better highlights the Lakers have had this season, which is saying something since times are pretty rosy. But, as the box shows, the Lakers had contributions up and down the lineup. A quiet 13/11 for Pau Gasol. 13/11/6 for L.O. 9/11/4 for Luke Walton, and 12 points off the bench for Sasha. No wonder the Lakers are quickly becoming an aspirational model for the league's downtrodden.
The Lakers have, and continue to, refuse to put a date on Andrew Bynum's return, but that doesn't mean folks can't look ahead to what Gasol's adjustment to taking over the four might look like. While the Lakers aren't doing a lot of formal work to prepare him for the position change, some of their routines will help Gasol make the switch.
The Lakers will look to make it 11 straight tonight in Portland, where things are never easy. L.A. has lost four straight at the Rose Garden, but on the other hand, it's been a while since they brought a team this good into the building. Portland All Star Brandon Roy is likely to miss Friday's game (as he did Tuesday's) with an ankle sprain, thought the Blazers could have sharpshooter James Jones back in the lineup. Here are some handy little numbers to tuck in your pocket regarding the scrap.
Avery Johnson's decision to keep J. Kidd on the bench for the final seconds of Dallas' loss to S.A. last night raised some eyebrows.
Gordon Giricek could soon be a Sun. That likely depends on what Brent Barry decides to do. Phoenix could be fun, but the Spurs are still a strong player.
An interesting story about the power of blogs these days. We give it a month before it's a Law and Order storyline.
lakers by 19.
Posted by: tp | February 29, 2008 at 09:42 AM
Good Morning My Family!
10 teams and guess what? We can make it 11 today. Game day! Oh boy..... Aside from excitement for our team, this has been an amazing season overall. KG, Sam ET Phone home, and Peanutbutter Jelly Brown to the Celtics. Theo Ratliff to the Pistons. J-Kidd to the Mavericks. Marion the Heat. Kurt Thomas and Mighty Mouse to the Spurs. Bibby to the Hawks in a revamp mode for the Kings. Chicago swapping with Cleveland. We shall seize every day, (Carpe Diem and Noctem is what I really mean) and appreciate this remarkable season. With the surprise and action to the Gasol trade, it has sparked a league wide panic. Aside from the aforementioned trades, look at the activity of our blog. We have trolling non-fans and return of old bloggers. I hope we cap this remarkable season with that..... The 2007 - 2008 Season. It hasn't ended, and I love it....
The Triple Lindy: Great Laker Season, Great Trades for the NBA, and the Blog is alive and well! (Rodney Dangerfield "Back to School" reference for you youngsters.)
Posted by: Charles | February 29, 2008 at 09:42 AM
lakers by 19.
Posted by: tp | February 29, 2008 at 09:43 AM
How is there no mention of Kobe's socks after 2 games worth of sporting the pull-ups?
Also, he as great as that block on Marion was, Kobe illegally popped the ball out from inside of the net after the block, that's why it didn't go down.
The over-the-shoulder was sick sick sick though. Nothing illegal there, just darn good basketball.
Posted by: J. Walter Weatherman | February 29, 2008 at 09:45 AM
How is there no mention of Kobe's socks after 2 games worth of sporting the pull-ups?
Also, he as great as that block on Marion was, Kobe illegally popped the ball out from inside of the net after the block, that's why it didn't go down.
The over-the-shoulder was sick sick sick though. Nothing illegal there, just darn good basketball.
Posted by: J. Walter Weatherman | February 29, 2008 at 09:47 AM
Ive been reading this blog for three years and its the first time that I have a first comment woohooo!!!
LAL forever!
Posted by: Capuxx | February 29, 2008 at 09:49 AM
Farmar is improving tremendously and the bench has been great for us. Lakers need to stay focused during this stretch. I prdecit the Laekrs to lsoe tnoghit. Portland plays very resilient at home against this team and will be fired up tonight.
Am I the first to post? I hope so!
WOooooooooooooooooooo
Posted by: never | February 29, 2008 at 09:50 AM
sshhh! mums the word.....kobe actually got a finger tip on the matrix dunk attempt THRU the rim AFTER the block at the top. i'm pretty sure the ball was on it's way to rattling into the net after kb24 smacked it off the matrix's hand........if you see a replay, i think the that is what the matrix is complaining about after.......
Posted by: namotuman | February 29, 2008 at 09:53 AM
The Farm team is the straw that stirs the drink.
ONward!!!!
Beware Portland.
I'm already upset about non calls.
GO Farm
Go Lakers
Posted by: Vman | February 29, 2008 at 09:58 AM
LakerFan,
I really wish you would've have seen the "Kobe behind the back quarter turn pass to - Luke behind the back bounce to - Lamar Finish."
It was awe-mazing. (Yes inappropriate word creation. Miriam Webster is rolling in her grave.)
Have a good one!
Posted by: Charles | February 29, 2008 at 10:00 AM
Don't go tripping over each other, but you can have him back.
http://www.sacbee.com/100/story/750129.html
Sonnybelfast
Posted by: sonnybelfast | February 29, 2008 at 10:02 AM
I'm starting to think bringing Bynum in for the rest of the season and playoffs may be the best option for us. With Bynum's recovery a little behind the original eight week time table that leaves even less time for the Lakers to adjust.
We've definitely got a good thing going right now and Bynum returning to his old role as a bench spark plug could makes us a VERY dangerous team. And we could still keep his minutes around 30 a night (once his conditioning returns) and play him with the starters for long stretches.
Posted by: Xodus | February 29, 2008 at 10:03 AM
Great Win! Great contribution from the bench!
Aside the great future starting five, there will be a great future bench.
PJ will probably throw a bench out there that can compete the entire game with the starting five of teams such as the Heat, Memphis, Seatle and Minesota...
and that could be...
1.Mihm (Turiaf)
2.Turiaf (Vlad)
3.Ariza
4.Sasha
5.Farmar
How do you guys feel about it?
Maxx
Posted by: Maxximo | February 29, 2008 at 10:03 AM
Good Morinig Laker Nation! Good Morning Charles!
10 in a row, now let's get ready to melt the Mavs. As long as they keep Kidd on the bench in crunch time, we'll be fine.
Anybody doubt we'll have to go toe to toe with SA to get the ring? Love to beat the best on our way to more jewelry!
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: toad | February 29, 2008 at 10:03 AM
Capuxx,
Welcome!
Posted by: Charles | February 29, 2008 at 10:06 AM
Jesterguru,
Thank you for the insightful pre-game analysis. I just know you're going to make us all proud as you and our Lakers look to make history. If we can get up by more than 10 pts, the crowd will get out of it and the table will be set for the MVP chants. If you pull that off, you're the greatest fan of the blog. Have the time of your life Jester!!
Edwin Gueco,
Regarding Smush, you said, "He was the benchmark in choosing a Laker."
I think you're right, and I hope to God that you are right (it seems that way). I would hope that Smush taught us all a lesson, that talent alone is not what we should seek. I would hope that Kwame and Brian Cook fortified this lesson. Sometimes you should get the guy who has less "potential" and more HEART. Look at Ronny! Look at Farmar! Bynum had the "potential" but it took Heart & Dedicated work with Kareem to get it out. This lesson spreads across to other teams as well... agent zero is a very hard worker which is the only reason why we know his name. There are countless guys out there that have been overlooked, and because of their ATTITUDE and Determination, they become stars. Edwin, I hope you're right that we're using the Smush/Kwame standard as a benchmark in choosing a Laker.
Posted by: Tim-4-Show | February 29, 2008 at 10:07 AM
Hello All!
Tonight will be a lot tougher. Still, it's a leap-year. We cannot be denied the Championship.
A fun game last night. I wish Coby Karl would have received more minutes. I do worry about the team being tired tonight with should a small rotation.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | February 29, 2008 at 10:08 AM
Farmar's improved play are the results of his dedication, all of the coaches guidance and Kobe having confidence in each and every one on the team!
Jesterguru,
Nice pre-game breakdown from the previous thread! Great analysis of the Trailblazers. They sure are a tough team. The Lakers should stay sharp 'coz they look deadly.
Same goes for you, 'bro. The Laker blog family don't wanna hear the Blazermaniacs say "Yeeha, Jester's dead!", so check your six quite often.
Looking forward to the game and keeping an eye out for your standing o and "MVP" chants.
GOOD MORNING! LAKER FANS!
Raise a cup for our 11th straight tonight!
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Happy Gilmore | February 29, 2008 at 10:11 AM
Twelve blocks last night! I love it!
So, there's been some discussion of HOW MUCH Portland hates the Lakers. I'm going to definitely keep an eye out for loathing from the stands and bias from the refs.
Luke played well last night! Everybody did!
A great time to be a Lakers fan.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | February 29, 2008 at 10:12 AM
==========================
BYNUM OFF THE BENCH!
==========================
"Jackson plans to work Bynum in off the bench for a stretch when he does return, leaving Gasol the starting job at center for a while. Then Gasol will get much more work at power forward — but it's likely the Lakers will often play without Bynum or Gasol because of how many small forwards besides Lamar Odom they have (Luke Walton, Vladimir Radmanovic and Trevor Ariza)."
So I guess the "Bynum off the Bench" faction was right on this one.
Until Bynum gets back to full strength, we will bring him in slowly.
I think Phil also realizes that we can't stunt Odom's growth by changing his position and then all of a sudden depend on a injured player for pre-injury production.
Doesnt make sense! Keep the Lake Show rollin, bring Bynum off the bench, shore up our D and rebounding...
Case Closed!
Posted by: Korey | February 29, 2008 at 10:12 AM
charles
you are an ignorant shaq is going to destroy your team....
Posted by: blingbling | February 29, 2008 at 10:12 AM
Vman -
"I'm already upset about non calls."
Me too. Did you see how Kobe got butchered tonight and didn't get the whistle? And Pau's getting hammered in the middle in about 10 hours and I can't believe they didn't call it.
Posted by: J. Walter Weatherman | February 29, 2008 at 10:12 AM
If Bynum is now OK, he should come back and play. The more he delays, the farther he will adjust to the new speed and tempo. If he is a 60 year old man, then he has to take his time, but for a 20 year old guy the muscles and bones are elastic and easily healed. Are we waiting for old players like: Pau & Fisher and Kobe get exhausted with bad backs and ribs? Don't be misled by victories? What you see are the good outcome, you don't know the pains that are accompanied with it. So to those Lakers in rehab.....don't just sit there, stand up and be counted.
Yeah Farmar, Farmer who cares for the spelling? As long he can dig, then he can also harvest with that speed and precision with the machine. Nobody yet in the Eastcoast except our diehards here have heard of the machine, our rainbow shots specialists like Fish and Vlad and they still refer to Farmar as Farmer.... and call my name, Edwin as Edward. Some Americans are fast in noticing accents but they can't correct their own spelling. Huh!
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | February 29, 2008 at 10:13 AM
I didn't post twice but got a double double!!!!!
Another good omen!!!
Double doubles for all.
Posted by: Vman | February 29, 2008 at 10:14 AM
Repost (with a couple of updates) from late last night. It looks like James Jones is back, which means an even heavier emphasis on three-point shooting for the Blazers.
Good morning, Charles. Good morning, blog family. Great win last night!
I finally get to see the Lakers in person for the first time this season. Suffice to say, I am a wee bit hyped. The team is clearly running on all cylinders, and, seriously, we couldn’t be more due for a win in the Rose Garden. It’s been years, people. The surrounding gleeful needling of Blazermaniacs at the end of each of those painful losses left me with a taste in my mouth not unlike that of spoiled sour cream.
Not tonight.
Keys To The Game From Your Trailblazers Insider
1. Ball Movement: For all those that have been complaining about Luke Walton, I offer you Exhibit A.: The play of the year, the Showtime break from last night’s gorgeous thumping of the Heat in which Kobe’s crazy over the shoulder 40-foot pass is deftly handled and forwarded by Luke to Lamar in stride for the dunk. Sick basketball. Not enough? Exhibit B. His six first-quarter rebounds and the resultant quick outlet passes, which helped us to open a quick double-digit lead. But this is not a polemic on the value of Walton, rather a celebration of the way this team has learned to pass the ball. Even our least talented rotation guy consistently helps the team either to get out and run or to smoothly execute in the half-court. A continuation of this trend is essential if we want to beat a dangerous Blazer team in what I guarantee will be an extremely hostile environment. (I do promise to try my best to initiate an MVP chant for Kobe with Tim’s soda cup bullhorn, whether it gets me killed or not. Unless we badly need the free-throws, in which case I will concentrate on my breathing. See prior posts.)
2. Rebounding: Here’s The Guru’s First Obvious Law of Basketball. If you win the turnover battle and outrebound the opponent, you win. Only a heinous disparity in fouls or incredible three-point shooting by the opponent can possibly do you in. The Blazers will look to slow down the game and limit possessions. Win the possession battle by sending three or four to the boards on every shot. Przybilla’s a beast in there but we can easily win this battle with extra bodies and it’s a good tactic since Portland is incapable of fast breaking -- especially when Jack is playing. The Portland staff keeps statistics on this and, God’s honest truth, they finish less than 10 percent of their breaks when Jarrett Jack is in the game. The emphasis here will be on the half-court, which leads to…
3. Stick to Defensive Assignments: Particularly, the Lake Show must continue the better three-point defense it has been playing of late. They didn’t show it in the last game but Portland is a dangerous three-point shooting team. James Jones will be back tonight, so we better hope it takes him a few quarters to hit his stride. Blake, Jack, and Webster can stretch the defense plenty on their own, which can be particularly harsh when Roy is playing. If he’s not, we need to stay home on the shooters and we should win in a rout, even if LaMarcus Aldridge (or L.A., as they know him locally) goes for 30, which he easily could since we have nobody who can match up with him when he’s hot. Odom is the best we have but, as we saw the other night, LaMarcus can take him to school. In any case, I believe Lamar’s better utilized elsewhere (more on that below).
If Roy plays (which they are saying is highly doubtful up here), you can give him the three-point shot. He’ll burn you occasionally from deep but to let him penetrate is deadly. He’s a wicked clever finisher around the rim and he will complete the play, find the open man or get fouled every time if you collapse.
4. Contain Outlaw: No that’s not the offensively challenged Bo Outlaw wreaking havoc with dunks, glasswork and midrange jumpers, it’s the Blazers super sixth man (and tonight, the starting 3), Travis. This is a guy who would make at least one laughable play literally every time he stepped on the court the past couple years. He’s been the master of the missed layup. He’s gangly. And, frankly, he’s not especially bright. I used to say he would never be a serious NBA pro. I have never been more wrong in my analysis of a young player.
It’s analogous to the belief Mitch and Phil have had in Sasha and his subsequent emergence. Coach Nate and Kevin Pritchard had patience with this very raw talent and he’s become a legit sixth-man candidate, a fourth-quarter closer and a weapon feared enough that they almost turned him into Devin Harris in an early version of those crazy Kidd-trade discussions. Travis has learned to play to his strengths; he’s stopped thinking on the court. His shot is less streaky now and he’s confident and athletic. He presents a terrible matchup problem for our second-unit guys. I think Phil needs to play Lamar on him as much as possible.
5. The Third Quarter: The Blazers are terrible out of the gate after halftime this season, the one mitigating factor that is starting to make me lean toward Byron Scott over Nate for Coach of the Year. We have to take advantage of this sluggishness and build up a nice lead heading to the fourth. If not, it’ll be, in the words of the immortal Chick Hearn, “nervous time at the Rose Garden” because the Blazers are one of the best fourth-quarter teams in the league. Look it up.
I’ve been up close for several of their games this season. They are having a tough run lately but they are going to be pumped for this game and they are very dangerous, especially if Roy is back. Nevertheless, I believe that tonight the celebration continues. I’m e-mailing this breakdown to my people to get the good bro energy going. When the game is over, look for my standing ovation of one as the Blazermaniacs file out dejectedly toward their long Max rides home. Listen for those MVP chants too. I’ll be the guy in the gold 32 with the bullhorn made of paper.
Posted by: Jesterguru | February 29, 2008 at 10:16 AM
Good morning everyone! What a good time to be a Laker fan :) Do you guys realize that last yeat in Feb we actually lost like eight games in a row? What a diffrence a year can make!
Lets go Lakers Lets go!
* Anyone else notice that Kobes left eye is smaller than his right, and that Marion has a weird looking head?*
Posted by: Elle | February 29, 2008 at 10:18 AM
Oops, lots of double posts today. The blog page keeps going to a '404' error after submitting the first time, that's probably why.
Posted by: J. Walter Weatherman | February 29, 2008 at 10:20 AM
And thanks to all for their compliments in the other thread on the big post. It's fun to have an outlet for my writing again. For a more comedic example (and one that had local soccer moms wanting to run me down in their minivans much like the ones chasing the king in that one hilarious Burger King commercial), read this: http://www.ojaivalleynews.com/issues2002/12-13-02/12-13-02sports4.html
Posted by: Jesterguru | February 29, 2008 at 10:20 AM
Looking forward to seeing this linuep:
Bynum
Gasol
Bryant
Sasha
Farmar
The Lakers version of "small ball".
Posted by: hobbitmage | February 29, 2008 at 10:21 AM
AK/BK,
You know, you guys are going to need an assistant when it comes playoff times. I mean, there's going to be probably 1200 posts a game.
I nominate Charles.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | February 29, 2008 at 10:21 AM
Morning Bloggers and Charles,
Anyone know if Roy is playing tonight?
J. Walter Weathermann,
I did notice the socks as well. Ronny was sporting them tonight too along with Kobe's shoes, so maybe its a look they got going with those shoes. Haven't seen Kobe do it on the road with the black ones yet.
Posted by: Lakers Legacy | February 29, 2008 at 10:22 AM
Lakers have lost 4 consecutive games in Portland.
Good for us, we balance the books tonight.
This is a must win. An absolute cannot loose ballgame.
We win--we get home court in the playoffs. This will be true for every remaining Laker game until they loose.
We must win.
Wes
Posted by: wesjoenixon | February 29, 2008 at 10:22 AM
10 in a row...going for 11 tonight and watching it with my crew from Portland; sheesh, I just feel bad for them. Going to training camp for TWO WEEKS and missing all the games :( what a freaking bummer. Ah well, at least I'm back home for the playoffs, so I guess maybe I'll be coming back with Bynum. Have a good one, guys. Let the good times roll.
Go Lakers!
Happydaze
Posted by: Happydaze | February 29, 2008 at 10:23 AM
Capuxx,
Welcome to Laker Nation!
50 BEFORE 20!
T.J. SIMERS? NO! KAREEM? YES!
NO MVP? NO PEACE!
IT'S GO-TIME, BABY!
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | February 29, 2008 at 10:24 AM
Great game last night, but tonight's game is one to worry about. A possibility they might lose if they don't muster the energy for the back to back against a team they just played a few days ago.
Posted by: Laker Seth | February 29, 2008 at 10:30 AM
The PHX trolls are multiplying..........too bad they don't know the Big Shaqtus like we do!
Posted by: toad | February 29, 2008 at 10:37 AM
Base on his capability,
Jordan should be a STARTER for the Lakers!
Fisher has been careless and seems like he wants the opponents to win more. He has made LOTS weired and non-sense plays for the past two months, intentionally losing basketballs, missing lots of jump shots which lots of them could be passed to other teammates.
GO LAKERS!!!!
Posted by: orange | February 29, 2008 at 10:39 AM
Edwin Gueco,
WRONG WRONG WRONG.
Bynum needs to take his time. The biggest concern with this type of injury is the leg muscles are not strong enough, and it just happens again.
We need him to strengthen his legs with the protective exercises they have him doing, and come back 100%. We don't want him going back down again in the playoffs.
Posted by: frank rizzo | February 29, 2008 at 10:42 AM
check out this interesting tidbit:
http://www.latimes.com/sports/basketball/nba/lakers/
la-sp-lakers29feb29,1,6403292.story?ctrack=3&cset=true
Extra time
The Lakers or Phil Jackson have been in the NBA Finals every leap year since 1980:
1980 Lakers
1984 Lakers
1988 Lakers
1992 Bulls
1996 Bulls
2000 Lakers
2004 Lakers
2008???
Posted by: Lakers Legacy | February 29, 2008 at 10:44 AM
Jon K.
Your too funny.
Laker Legacy,
Good morning brotha!
Jesterguru,
Chest pound... Great Evaluation!
Toad,
Finger Point!
Xodus,
Excellent post about Bynum's integration!
Blingbling,
I love you back!
Posted by: Charles | February 29, 2008 at 10:46 AM
Went to middle school and high school with Jordan, my has he grown!!!
Posted by: LA BALL TALK | February 29, 2008 at 10:49 AM
Jeez, guys, back off the Fish hate- dude's going through a rut, he'll get himself out of it. We laker fans sure are fickle, he's still a good player, he just hit a dry spell.
And for all of you wanting Farmar to start- Sweet Jesus, come on, people. We have to have SOMEONE to come off the bench, they can't ALL start. Jordan fits with the bench mob- Manu's starter quality, yet he comes off the bench.
God, we're getting better and people complain more- guess that's the nature of Laker fans.
Posted by: Jeff | February 29, 2008 at 10:49 AM
Orange are you for real? What are you smoking?
Posted by: Elle | February 29, 2008 at 10:51 AM
How is there no mention of Kobe's socks after 2 games worth of sporting the pull-ups?
Also, he as great as that block on Marion was, Kobe illegally popped the ball out from inside of the net after the block, that's why it didn't go down.
The over-the-shoulder was sick sick sick though. Nothing illegal there, just darn good basketball.
Posted by: J. Walter Weatherman | February 29, 2008 at 09:45 AM
OK my take on all 3 topics
The leggings give support to the calves and supposed to give support so legs stay stronger. Kobe has used them before so really no one has commented on them.
I think your right about the knocking the ball out. But one bad call going the Lakers and Kobes way don't excuse hundreds of the bad calls going against the Lakers and Kobe.
Kobes pass to Walton to Odom was awesome and sic. No disagreement here.
Posted by: JustaLakerFan | February 29, 2008 at 10:53 AM
Tyronn Lue is now available. uhmmm...
Posted by: AN 1 | February 29, 2008 at 10:54 AM
I can't even remember how it once felt to wake up to a 10 game winning streak.
It feels GREAT now!
Awesome game (could have been better lol), and great defensive effort for the most part (39%) shooting for most of the game for the Heat...but really I think that's more about how sucky they are than how good our D was lol.
One game at a time.
Posted by: Faith | February 29, 2008 at 10:57 AM
leggings...like support hose?
Kobe's been wearing support hose? What?
Posted by: Faith | February 29, 2008 at 10:59 AM
For those of you with long memories.
Barkley, playing against the Lakers at the Forum, attempted a dunk on a break away. Appearing to clank it off the back of the rim, the crowd roared.
After the game, Charles said he didn't miss it. The ball hit his head and came back out. A replay confirmed Barkley's story.
Another Lakers rim moment.
Posted by: AN 1 | February 29, 2008 at 11:01 AM
Edwin-
Bynum can jog in a swimming pool right now. I don't think he's quite ready for NBA action yet.
BK
Posted by: Brian Kamenetzky | February 29, 2008 at 11:05 AM
Gueco,
I'm of the belief that no matter what Bynum wont be 100% this year. Maybe in the WCF he'll be OK.
100% is not just healthy enough to play.
It's having basketball conditioning in terms of fatigue and in terms of skill set.
Bynum played his best basketball after a full summer and a a full month of constant basketball workouts and working on his skill set.
That was his best basketball to date. To expect him to play exactly like last time his too much.
I'd much rather have him come back and concentrate on his D and rebounding. The Laker team has shown it can score. Play as hard as he can in 5-7 minute spurts.
But it makes no sense to me to throw him in the starting lineup, risk losing the #1 or #2 seed in the playoffs and all the momentum we have built up.
Imagine a bench lineup with Farmar and Bynum? That's a push NO team has.
Then when we play the Spurs in the WCF we can insert Bynum in the starting lineup.
Posted by: Korey | February 29, 2008 at 11:06 AM