Quick impressions
February 5, 2008 | 8:17
pm
I wrote earlier today (in the Question of the Day) that I wouldn't read too much into the result of tonight's game- a strong 105-90 win over the Nets in Joyzey, nor the performance of Pau Gasol in his purple and gold debut. I didn't say that I wouldn't make some observations, though. We'll get into more of this in tomorrow's broadcast of Purple, Gold, and Blue, at 11:00 am (Kurt Helin from Forum Blue and Gold will be our guest). Just a few, off the cuff thoughts (i.e., don't get on me for not mentioning certain things...)
- This has the potential to be very, very good.
- The spacing offensively was outstanding, which is particularly impressive given Gasol's very shallow knowledge of the offense. The Lakers recorded 27 assists on 38 buckets, a very nice number, particularly on the road, where dimes are a little harder to come by. With Gasol in the lineup, they have a ton of guys who move the ball well, and any extra room on the court will improve the work of the weaker passers, too.
- Pau's face up game should mesh very nicely with a healthy Bynum, a hi-lo thing that could be awful constructive.
- If the ball movement can stay effective, guys on the perimeter are going to get a TON of clean looks. If I'm Rad, Sasha, and Farmar, I'm a very happy camper.
- Once Drew returns, the Lakers have the potential to be monsters on the glass. And along those lines, personally I found LO's performance tonight to be very encouraging. If this is what they'll get out of him going forward, it'll be great. He influenced the game in a big way, but didn't have to score. 14/15/5, off 13 FTs. Anytime he gets to the line 13 times, that's good.
- By the way, the Lakers won by 15, and Kobe scored six points. Yeah, the Nets suck- really, they suck- but still, how often does that happen?
Plenty more tomorrow.
BK
NETZ FOCUS ON KOBE BIG TIME.... IT'S GOOD POW WOW SAVE THE GAME... HE HAS AWFUL SHOOTING NITE BUT MADE SOME BIG PLAYS AND GOOD DEFENSE... THAT WAS A TYPICAL KOBE ALL ABOUT... MEAN HE CANT DO EVERYTHING ( OFFENSE OR DEFENSE PLEASE CHOICE ONE)......
Posted by: joetoronto | February 05, 2008 at 08:24 PM
Faith's impressions (to piggyback on BK's)
- earlier in the year I said we would need a rebounder. LO is becoming that man. While he has always played well in the rebounding aspect of the game...he's owning it now with confidence. He's shooting well, he's attacking aggressively and every ball is his. Way to bounce back LO!
-All this talk about the triangle, and on this night at least, triangle, shmagle! Pau played it really well, and went after every single thing he could We had a drought, and he delivered.
-The greatest learning curve will be how to play D with Pau. Earlier in the game, there was a bit of a learning on demand when he would lag off the picks, and prefer to look for the block opening but we needed him to meet the picks and double instead, Towards the end of the game, that was fixed, and their (nets) high shooting lagged off. Good recognition on our part.
This was a great game all around. Lots of turnovers (esp on part of Kobe), but we won, and we never really lost control of the game.
Go Lakers!
Posted by: Faith | February 05, 2008 at 08:26 PM
pa pa pa pa pa pa pa
ooh ma Pau Pau
pa pa ooh Pau Pau
pa pa pa
ooh ma Pau Pau
pa pa ooh Pau Pau
This could be the start of something very, very, very good.
Gasol has a polished post-up game, he can shoot out to about 15 feet,
his passes are smooth as silk, he's a rebounding machine, and
he even makes his free throws. He can play center until baby B
comes back, and then slide on over to PF and dominate there too.
And he makes Lamar soooooooo much better. Seriously,
when Lamar doesn't have to focus on scoring, he's a much better
scorer (as odd as that sounds).
I take back all the trade Lamar ideas. Derek, Kobe, Lamar,
Pau, and Andrew are going to be a force to be reckoned
with in this league for years.
I will now revise my predictions for this road trip -- before
it started I had it at either 6-3 or 5-4. I'm raising that up to a
MINIMUM of 7-2, and pretty good odds of 8-1.
Phoenix is going to be so sad next time we face them.
They'll get beat down the way they got beat down when
Bynum was playing.
I gotta go put on my shades now, I'm getting blinded by the
Lakers bright future.
Posted by: Long Time Laker Fan | February 05, 2008 at 08:30 PM
Lakers only real competition in the West will be San Antonio and Utah. Dallas and Phx won't have enough size and depth. N.O. doesn't have the experience. Denver and GS not solid enough, too inconsistent.
I think the WCF will finish
1. Phx
2. Dallas
3. S.A.
4. Utah
5. LA
6. N.O.
7. Denver
8. GS
The most likely opponents of LA in the 1st round will be San Antonio or Utah. And therein is the problem.
If Bynum does not come back soon enough to get reintegrated into the new lineup w/Gasol, we could have a big challenge to even get past the 1st round.
Utah matches up w/the Lakers better than any team in the NBA. Okur/Boozer vs. Bynum/Gasol. Kirilenko vs Odom. Korver vs Kobe. Deron W. vs D Fish. They just don't have our bench.
Utah's core unit has played longer than LAs and was in the WCF last year.
San Antonio is the second best team at matching up to the Lakers man-for-man. And of course, they have the best teamwork and best D in the NBA, and their core unit is the most battle tested and successful.
If we get past Utah or San Anton in the 1st round, then we face either one in the WCF.
It is really important for Bynum to come back to his former level before the injury and for the new lineup to gel with enough time before the playoffs.
Posted by: LakerinBC | February 05, 2008 at 08:34 PM
my impressions:
SI ME GUSTA!!!!!!!
Posted by: tp | February 05, 2008 at 08:34 PM
So, how long til the cockaroaches come out and say Gasol is better than Kobe.
Don't you see how much Kobe makes a decent center look? Even with a bum pinkie. Hate to pick on Lebronze, but if Lebronze suffered that injury, he'd be out for a week. Kobe was right back in it.
Kobe makes his teammates better.
MVP.
Oh yeah, go Lakers.
Posted by: Amazing_Happens | February 05, 2008 at 08:35 PM
yea please squash ANY trade lamar ideas.. you guys are getting trade happy... lamar is a HANDFUL for opposing teams.. i mean really, he's a rebounding machine against 6-6, 6-8 forwards. it only gets better when socks gets back...
yes yes very bright indeed, i guess i'll put my shades on as well
Posted by: tp | February 05, 2008 at 08:36 PM
BK:
Excellent job on your quick impressions. Man, I can’t think of a better fit as power forward/center for the Lakers than Pau. I loved the way that he never brought the ball down on backdoor lobs and how he finished rebounds with quick dunks. And the over-the-head no-look pass to Fish was beautiful. He was a little nervous and hesitant in the first half but really made up for it in the second half. I also loved his midrange game and roll to the basket moves. This is going to be a really exciting Lakers team.
I also agree with you that Lamar played great. Did you see him travel that time behind the 3-point line. It was almost as if he pulled the ball down after jumping to take the 3 saying wait a minute, that’s not my shot. I really think that is what happened on that play, which is good news. 14 points on 3 shot attempts, And a terrific job fighting on the boards. If Lamar plays like this, the Lakers truly do have a Fabulous Four.
AK/BK: Thanks for the KBros Blog (not the LA Times Blog). It gave the Lakers community a place to party and enjoy the great things happening in Lakersville. You guys are the best. Did you also notice how the GHE and GHF fans have sort of all banded together with realistic and optimistic views on our Lakers bright future. Wow, respect the power of the KBros Lakers Blog.
Tom
Posted by: LakerTom | February 05, 2008 at 08:36 PM
repost:
By the way all the thanks in the world for the K bros. I know we all hate the tape delays but you guys make it all better with the duo blogs.
Muchos gracias sirs.
P.S. You guys should really set up a paypal account, that way we can show our appreciation monetarily wise lol.
Posted by: Faith | February 05, 2008 at 08:43 PM
MITCH A BIG THANK YOU FOR GASOL!!!
Although i was upset when Shaq left it's truly rewarding to see another inside post threat carry this team.
Kobe is finish. he'll never lead us to a finals.
But we're very promising to see Gasol/Bynum.
Hey Kobe, you can ride on their coat tails if you like. I aint mad atcha man!
Posted by: Eighties Lakers | February 05, 2008 at 08:45 PM
LakerinBC,
Lakers will finish in the top three and should finish first place in the West.
It's about time.
Thank God.
Destiny has been released.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | February 05, 2008 at 08:46 PM
ok, well gasol didnt quite have the 25 poiint 47 rebound game that I predicted, but he got pretty damn close in the point department. but he needs to learn to rebound
Posted by: greek dude | February 05, 2008 at 08:47 PM
What is GHE and GHF?
Posted by: rdlee | February 05, 2008 at 08:47 PM
Kobe and Pau. It's almost UNFAIR.
Posted by: egghead | February 05, 2008 at 08:48 PM
I got a chance to listen to the game, and I must say that I'm impressed. LO with 15 on the boards, PG16 with 11, VladRad hitting, D-Fish on fire, and just think when we get Trev and Socks back!
One thing that was brought up near the end of the game - I think that Mychal Thompson said that Phil could go with a big lineup like this:
LO - PG
KB24 - SG
Trev - SF
PG16 - PF
Socks - C
Think of all the havoc that team could bring to the defensive glass at the end of games!
I'm not putting on my Stunna Shades yet; I kinda like the brightness from the sunrise...
Posted by: Caliphilosopher | February 05, 2008 at 08:48 PM
@Eighties Lakers -
Nice try, but Kobe is the MVP of this team.
GO LAKERS.
Posted by: Amazing_Happens | February 05, 2008 at 08:51 PM
rd.
GHE = Glass Half Empty
GHF = Glass Half Full
This was a split in optimism between Laker fans in the wake of the Shaq trade. It has been become an obselete phrase as all Laker fans are now GOF = Glass Over Flowing. LOL.
Tom
Posted by: LakerTom | February 05, 2008 at 08:52 PM
on hindsight, bynum's injury was a blessing in a way. without it, i don't think the gasol deal would have been pursued. Indeed, when God closes a door (Bynum's injury), He opens a window (Gasol deal). Yes, Kobe, there is a God.
Posted by: Levy | February 05, 2008 at 08:53 PM
No more trades. We're done talking! We're walking the walk! We're ready. We're here, there and everywhere! We're America's Lakers!
Kobe MVP!
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: james | February 05, 2008 at 08:55 PM
Good way to think about it Levy. Props.
It's definitely exciting to be a laker fan nowadays.
Suns fan? Not so much lol.
Posted by: Faith | February 05, 2008 at 08:58 PM
Thanks, just gotta have Faith :)
Posted by: Levy | February 05, 2008 at 09:01 PM
Great win for the Pau and the Lakers. It's been a great year so far...
First I was able to locate a swingman Smush Parker jersey and now I'm waiting for the swingman Pau Gasol jersey.
Colorado loves the Lakers!
Posted by: Hugo Boss | February 05, 2008 at 09:03 PM
Nice job Pau, welcome to the Lakers. Definitely seems like the Lakers will have incredible depth, flexibility and the ability to beat teams in many different ways going forward. Plus, it seems to me that these guys really like one another and are generally selfless. Good combination for success.
My only concern tonight after the game (besides Kobe's shooting hand) is the lack of playing time Turiaf received. This guy remains very under rated and has been an impact player for the Lakers both as a starter and as a reserve. Sure, doesn't have the extreme offensive skill sets as Gasol, but his rebounding, defense and especially shot blocking have shown me he deserves a major role with this team..and I don't mean ML Carr towel waver. I would be very disappointed to see Turiaf's role reduced to the minutes he played tonight. Even with Bynum's return, there should be 20 - 25 minutes a game allocated for this kid.
Posted by: Darryll White | February 05, 2008 at 09:03 PM
@Eighties Lakers -
Nice try, but Kobe is the MVP of this team.
GO LAKERS.
Posted by: Amazing_Happens | February 05, 2008 at 08:51 PM
yeah, please cut the crap.
Posted by: tp | February 05, 2008 at 09:05 PM
"I think if you would tell us that going into the game, we'd have a pretty good chance of winning," Nets guard Jason Kidd said. "But that just shows the player that Kobe is, if his shot's not going he found Gasol or whoever else. Because he gets so much attention, he found the open guys and he's got a nice addition of Pau to the team, which he can help take care of that load. And if you pay attention to those two guys, then Derek knocks down 3s."
Posted by: Lakerfan | February 05, 2008 at 09:06 PM
LTLF,
>>> I gotta go put on my shades now, I'm getting blinded by the Lakers bright future.
Amen, my friend.
Posted by: Rick Friedman | February 05, 2008 at 09:10 PM
I like how the SUNFLOWERS are trying to scare us with trade talk for Shaq. Shaq is like an ex from high school. Fun time a long time ago, but now they're fat and over the hill!
My how desperate. Shaq will never be the man ever again.
Posted by: #4 | February 05, 2008 at 09:13 PM
Korey,
Dude, this isn't the same Shaq. There are times he looks like he doesn't belong in the league. Especially on D. He just can't move his feet or get up for boards anymore. He just grabs whatever falls into his lap.
And the thing is Shaq IS in shape this season. When he was playing he was in the best shape he'd been in since the 2004-05 season. The thing with him now is that he's just lost all of his athleticism.
This is a very bad trade for the Suns on both sides of the ball.
Posted by: Xodus | February 05, 2008 at 09:14 PM
Radmanovic has really stepped up lately, I wonder if this changes his situation or not? Probably not, Phil just has too much of a soft spot for Walton...
The Kobe "there is a God" video link:
http://web.yesnetwork.com/media/index.jsp
right now it's on the left side near the bottom.
Oh yeah, KCAL sucks! It's just barely above college tv, the sound is always screwed up, they still haven't figured out how to get enough crowd noise into the mix to give you a real game feel and now this blackout at the end... sad...
Posted by: TaosHum | February 05, 2008 at 09:15 PM
Lakers now 3-0 on AK(After Kwame) era
Lets go for 4-0 tomorrow!!!
Go lakers!
Posted by: look lonely | February 05, 2008 at 09:17 PM
Darryll,
I could not agree more on Ronnie. The lack of his passion, aggressiveness, and hustle on the floor tonight was (I think) the reason that it was so close for so long.
The lakers were just a little flat throughout most of the game.
Posted by: Eric M | February 05, 2008 at 09:19 PM
Am I the only one that thinks LO is gonna do a lot worse when Bynum comes back? Sure, he has turned into a rebounding machine, but can he be that if he gets pulled over to the SF slot? For reference, remember back earlier in the season when he was playing SF... and was QUICKLY switched back to PF. That, in combination with the tendency for the league to play small ball nowadays (and with quick small forwards that can go past LO when he's on the D), might be a problem.
I say give the LO/PG/AB trio front court a try, but I'm not sure how effective it will be... I think it actually might be best if LO played a 6th man role. It would make our second team scary as hell...
1st Team
PG: D-Fish
SG: Kobe
SF: Ariza/Walton (depending on matchup)
PF: Pa-pa-pau Gasol
C: Drew
2nd Team:
PG: Farmar
SG: Sasha
SF: Ariza/Walton (depending on matchup)
PF: Odom
C: Turiaf
Backups/Garbage Time Guys:
G: Coby Karl
F: Vlad-Rad
C: Chris Mihm
Posted by: mastertard | February 05, 2008 at 09:23 PM
Repost
ARE THESE PERSONAL ATTACKS?
HUBBIT,
"Please don't tell me to ignore /scroll over his constant, idiotic rants..."
Complex Brotha,
"He who types in ALL CAPS, must've learned internet communications in Special Ed"
LakerLarry,
""it's impossible to argue with an idiot, first the bring you down to their level, then they beat you with experience."
Agent 24
"Are you sure Gunner is not mentally ill and just jerking us around cause i dont honestly think anyone can be that stupid, please Gunner take your pills and get off the BLOG "
Phat Gurl,
"Yeah, keep on regurgitating your trash. Sooner or later you will get the boot again."
I RECALL KL GOT BANNED FOR LANGUAGE. NOT PERSONAL ATTACKS. BUT IF I'M GOING TO GET BANNED FOR PERSONAL ATTACKS, WHAT DO YOU CALL ALL THESE STATEMENTS?
YOU DON'T LIKE TO HEAR THE TRUTH ABOUT KOBIATCH, THEN JUST SCROLL. TAKE ALEXANDER TROY'S ADVICE.
KOBIATCH IS A LOSER PERIOD AND NOW THIS SHAM OF A SO-CALLED ATHLETE WILL BE EXPOSE WHEN YOU SURROUND HIM WITH PLAYERS THAT HE WILL HAVE TO RIDE ON THEIR COAT TAILS TO WIN A CHAMPIONSHIP.
I'M TIRED OF THE MEDIOCRE OF OUR SO-CALLED LEADER. IF HE CAN'T DO THE JOB HE'S PAID TO DO, THEN BRING IN SOMEONE THAT CAN. CLEARLY 3-13 SHOOTING 7 TURNOVERS TODAY AND THE PISTONS GAME 5 ASSISTS 11 TURNOVERS ISN'T WORTH PAYING HIM THE 22 MILLION OR SO WE ARE PAYING HIM.
TAKE THAT MONEY AND PUT IT INTO GASOL, BYNUM, AND LEBRONZE IN 2 YEARS!
Posted by: Gunner | February 05, 2008 at 09:23 PM
Tonight we learned three things. 1.Kobe is a Leader,2.Lakers are good and will get much better, 3.Gunner is a CLOWN!
Posted by: chuckjr | February 05, 2008 at 09:23 PM
luke walton
why was he in there for so long in the 4th. 3 stupid stupid fouls in the first 5-6 min of the fourth. and it was still a close game then. i didnt believe it before, but i see it now. he insists on leaving walton in there. WHYYYYYY??
but man is it fun to watch whats going on with the lakers.
Posted by: prince | February 05, 2008 at 09:24 PM
Holy crap!
ESPN is reporting that Shaq is flying to Phoenix to take a
physical tomorrow and if he passes it, it's a done deal.
Shaq for Marion and Marcus Banks.
It's funny how Nash complains about Memphis giving up a
good player for a center who plays like crap and then his
team does the same thing. What a gift... to Miami.
Posted by: Long Time Laker Fan | February 05, 2008 at 09:26 PM
FAST FOOD CHAIN CANCELS PROMOTION WITH LAKERS
Fast food restaurant chain Jack In the Box has terminated its "Free Tacos" promotion with the Lakers, effective after the next Lakers home game at Staples Center.
Jack in the Box spokesperson Jack Box cited financial reasons for ending the promotion, which offered free tacos for Lakers ticket holders if the Lakers held their opponents to under 100 points en route to a home victory.
"We took a look at the current team and found that we just couldn't justify giving out free tacos 30-40 times a season. Even the free advertising we get from it doesn't make up for all the free tacos we would be giving away. We might as well just say, 'Hey free tacos after every Lakers home game.", Mr. Box stated in a phone interview. "Just to be fair, we plan to give the fans one last chance when the Lakers return from their home trip. We'll probably be giving away free tacos then, too. After that, we'll be offering coupons for 50 cents on anything at Jack in the Box, not just tacos, for all fans in attendance whenever the Lakers win and keep the opponent to under 100 points."
"We regret having to end this popular promotion, but the Lakers' success left us no choice. Hopefully those chants of 'We want tacos' will soon be replaced by chants of 'We want coupons'. "
Lakers representatives did not return phone calls regarding Jack in the Box's decision.
Posted by: Amazing_Happens | February 05, 2008 at 09:27 PM
Any updates on Andrew Bynum? How well is he healing?
Posted by: AL | February 05, 2008 at 09:27 PM
Thank you Laker Tom,
I have been trying to figure out the GHE and GHF for two days now, without asking of course (like a real man) LOL
Man I wish I could afford to use all of my Laker Playoff Tix and not sell any of them. Oh well, not the worst predicament.
Posted by: pslakerfan | February 05, 2008 at 09:31 PM
Who is talking about trading LO? The man is a nightmare matchup for any 3 in the league due to his length. Don't fix what ain't broke. Also, anyone picking PHX to come out of the West #1 should pass go & head straight to rehab. This could turn out to be a historic roadtrip for the Lakers. Nice win. Welcome to LA PG!!
Posted by: Fastball | February 05, 2008 at 09:33 PM
Hey Tom - I'm with u on that.. GOF ..haha nice.
GO LAKERS!!!!!
Posted by: Chris H. | February 05, 2008 at 09:36 PM
I would be heavily amused if Shaq got trade to Phoenix and then we met them in the playoffs. LOL
Posted by: mastertard | February 05, 2008 at 09:38 PM
WOw when Bynum gets back now Kobe has 2 pick and roll partners. I dont think anyone realizes how good Kobe makes Bynum and Gasol. Once we are in the Playoffs our Twin Towers will return the favor becuase they will be playing at such a high level, teams will have to play Kobe honestly. We have all seen how easily Kobe destroys one on one coverage. Lamar looks great when he doesnt have to be the secondary option, fisher was getting wide open looks again. Heck even Radmonovich looked like an all star tonight. Los Angeles Lakers 2007-2008 NBA Champions.
Posted by: Tony G. | February 05, 2008 at 09:39 PM
One great thing with Shaq going to Phoenix: The ratings against the Lakers in the playoffs! That will be fun to watch!
Posted by: zen | February 05, 2008 at 09:41 PM
WOW it looks like the Shaq trade is going to happen the Suns panicked and made a horrible trade shaq will give them 15 and 8 but tthey want him to play deffense how is he going to do it? the Jazz with their pick and roll will sweep them the worriors will outrun them the rockets will beat them as Yao is better than shaw at this point
WOW what a bad trade the heat must be super excited they get out of this mess with marrion and a high fraft pick next yeat how can the suns make this trade?
Posted by: shneurson | February 05, 2008 at 09:42 PM
Repost
SORRY JASON KIDD, THE LAKERS DON'T WANT YOU! SO, NO NEED TO TRY AND GET BROWNY POINTS FROM KOBIATCH. HE'S AS WORST OF A LEADER AS YOU!
"I think if you would tell us that going into the game, we'd have a pretty good chance of winning," Nets guard Jason Kidd said. "But that just shows the player that Kobe is, if his shot's not going he found Gasol or whoever else.
TELL ME JASON KIDD GOING 3 FOR 13 SHOOTING WITH 7 TURNOVERS. DOES THAT LOOK LIKE HE'S TRYING TO FIND SOMEONE ELSE TO SCORE?
I CAN SEE WHY THE NETS SUCK NOW! MAYBE YOU SHOULD ASK THORN TO BRING A PLAYER OR TWO OVER TO NEW JERSEY SO, YOU CAN RIDE THEIR COAT TAILS LIKE KOBE IS DOING NOW!
Posted by: Gunner | February 05, 2008 at 09:42 PM
turiaf's minutes went down because he had 4 fouls in 8 minutes. dont worry.. even when bynum comes back, he should still get 20 minutes or so as a backup to both bynum and gasol.
Posted by: lakeryan | February 05, 2008 at 09:42 PM
turiaf has a physical problem and they are limiting his minutes so they dont aggravate it. this win was workmanlike. The defense was subpar in the first half and good enough to win it in the second half. By the way, if this game had come BEFORE the Gasol trade everybody would be questioning whether Kobe's heart was in it. ...The truth i he competes every night. He always has and he always will.
Posted by: jeffgrotke | February 05, 2008 at 09:43 PM
Now that would be amusing, Shaq coming to Phoenix and killing their financial flexibility -- which pretty much goes against most of the moves they've done in the past few years... I ain't buyin' it until it happens.
Although I admit, having Shaq in Phoenix and then having the Lakers meet them in the playoffs would be interesting :). Obviously we know that that has no possibility of happening while Shaq is still in Miami
Posted by: mastertard | February 05, 2008 at 09:44 PM
LTLF,
I PRAY the Suns get Shaq. He should be good for hmmmmmm......15-20 minutes a game max.
I can't think of anything funnier than watching Fat Daddy trying to run up and down the floor with Nash and Barbosa.
I don't think it would help the Suns AT ALL.
Posted by: Eric M | February 05, 2008 at 09:47 PM