Real time game thread- Lakers at Hawks
February 6, 2008 | 4:06
pm
It's the second go round for Pau Gasol as a Laker, and a potential trap game for his new team. The Hawks are all bouncy and young, and run around a lot. They've also just capped off a 4-11 January. Still, they've won two straight, and are 14-9 at home. All in all, it's a game the Lakers should win, but they need to pay attention.
Remember, KCAL viewers, stay away from this one. And the Internet in general, until 5:30.
BK
Bummer but this one's on Kobe's hand, working Pau into the flow bla bla bla.
Next.
New streak starts Friday.
Posted by: Vman | February 06, 2008 at 06:33 PM
The sad thing is that we blew 2 games on this trip
we should have been 5-0
just when Kobey gets his fg% up to 46%
2 games 6-27.....
he will be back he just needs the rhytm with Gasol
Posted by: shneurson | February 06, 2008 at 06:35 PM
Lamar should never INBOUND the ball in the last 3 minutes. OR NEVER.
he always EATS UP a TIME OUT
he did last year in the playoff against SUNS
and he did it many times this year
and also today
not only that, when he inbounds the ball he brings a very TALL defender that can cover more space and make LESS opportunities for a good PASS.
every time HE did INBOUND i new hoe the game will end
please go back and review all those plays.
some players, are not prepared for last minute play LIke Odom, Luke and obviously today Sasha
Posted by: Zin Master | February 06, 2008 at 06:35 PM
everyone talks about shaq that is too old for a long game ....same is FISH ...and yesFarmar had 3-4 bad games .... from the moment Java left.
out point gard situation as effort and defense is a big FFFFFF
Posted by: Zin Master | February 06, 2008 at 06:37 PM
The loss is not on Sasha, Kobe is the team leader and should have made sure everyone knew the situation. That is what the leader does. Kobe's behind the back dribble turn over lost it.
Posted by: 70slakerfan | February 06, 2008 at 06:38 PM
Down by 3 and Sasha drives for a lay-up? Someone explain this to me.
(I'm only watching the play-by-play thing on Yahoo.)
E
Posted by: Emma | February 06, 2008 at 06:39 PM
everyone's gonna be saying that the hawks shut down kobe with their defence, but maybe kobe is just shooting less because of his new spanish friend. do NOT credit the hawks for this win. credit careless play by LAL in the final minutes.
Posted by: kareem4prez | February 06, 2008 at 06:39 PM
Five games in seven nights, blame the loss on the scheduling. Remember Detroit's loss to NY 65-89 on the road.
Posted by: CJ | February 06, 2008 at 06:39 PM
stop writing "kobey" already :)
i agree, we need to learn from this loss ! ! !
one game at a time!
i think they started thinking playoffs already..
Posted by: Amar K | February 06, 2008 at 06:40 PM
Have we won any games this year we shouldn't have?
Usually there a couple that the big fella upstairs throws in your lap, but I cant remember any this year.
Oh well...
Wes
Posted by: wesjoenixon | February 06, 2008 at 06:41 PM
This is a terrible loss. I dont want to hear "oh well, back to backs are tough," or other lame excuses like the lakers didnt get into town until 3AM, or that they were waiting for the Hawks to give them the game....
The point is--IF the Lakers were a real legitimate contender, there is NO way they lose this game....getting outscored by 11 in the 4th quarter against a sub-par Hawks team is inexcusable for any team with REAL championship aspirations.....this is very disappointing.
And Im as big of Lakers fan as any.....but we are a 4 seed at best and 2nd round at best....these are games they have no business losing.
Posted by: Chubbs McChubbington | February 06, 2008 at 06:41 PM
This game means nothing
Kobey 4-16
Gasol 5-14
no bench and we still almost won
also
Hawks played as good as they could
Lakers played poor and we lost by 3 on the road
I can live with that
Posted by: shneurson | February 06, 2008 at 06:42 PM
Did Sasha really not know we were down 3?
Wes
Posted by: wesjoenixon | February 06, 2008 at 06:44 PM
Faith,
Great attitude.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | February 06, 2008 at 06:45 PM
Wes-
Currently, they have over 75 mil committed to salaries, and that's without cash for Ronny, etc. Forget the cap. They're in luxury tax territory.
BK
Posted by: Brian Kamenetzky | February 06, 2008 at 06:45 PM
YOU EVER NOTICE
Another poor coaching performance
First, the second unit buids an 8 point lead, which is monumental in this slow paced game. so then he brings in his starters...way to early. If he lets the second uit continue they could have extended the lead, if not, then you bring your starters in.
Second, Tyrone was eating Fish alive...how about a substitution.
Third, how can you not make sure your players know the opponent is up by 3 points.
Also, Kobe needs to be blamed, if you don't get yourself involved how are you gonna have any rhythm. Additionally, he just had to showboat, and it cost us that backcourt turnover. Sometimes just going after it without the juke crap is the best course of action.
Lastly, our interior defense wasn't worth a damn.
We still have a long way to go.
Posted by: YOU EVER NOTICE | February 06, 2008 at 06:46 PM
YOU EVER NOTICE
Another thing about our defense.
why does it always seem somebody on the opposing team is always posting a career high in some category against us.
Posted by: YOU EVER NOTICE | February 06, 2008 at 06:49 PM
Not a good outing. Yeah they were coasting but Phil should've left the bench in while they were playing well w/ the lead. Odom played well, but again, frees just killed us. Everyone looked tired except Odom until the second half. The Lakers need to come out like they did against the Wiz, Toronto, and NJ. Get a big lead and let the bench finish them off. Kobe is really hurt. I hope his hand heals fast.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: drefdeezy | February 06, 2008 at 06:50 PM
Not a good outing. Yeah they were coasting but Phil should've left the bench in while they were playing well w/ the lead. Odom played well, but again, frees just killed us. Everyone looked tired except Odom until the second half. The Lakers need to come out like they did against the Wiz, Toronto, and NJ. Get a big lead and let the bench finish them off. Kobe is really hurt. I hope his hand heals fast.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: drefdeezy | February 06, 2008 at 06:50 PM
Lakers LOST!
Dang, come back Kwame! I need someone to blame.
Posted by: p ang | February 06, 2008 at 06:53 PM
Two nights in a row being outplayed by Vince Carter and Joe Johnson is just not acceptable for someone who is called MVP and The Best In The World.If Kobe was injured he should of sat out.I personally am not so sure Kobe can the lead the Lakers to the championship as the go to guy.His supporting cast is as good as it gets but Kobe's bad shooting can kill any great team's title hopes.If you think I'm wrong go back and look at the Detroit series.
Posted by: jf | February 06, 2008 at 06:55 PM
We shouldn´t have lost to Atlanta, but when two of your best players (Kobe and Bynum) are injured, the other (Gasol) had one practice with his new team, is also injured and just traveled thousands of miles and the team in a back to back in the middle of the longest road trip in decades that just doesn´t sound too bad.
Anyway two things I realised and don´t like:first I think the bench has been affected by the insertion of Gasol and is not playing well, especially Ronnie.Just what happened when we brought Ariza.Hopeffuly we will bounce back when players get acclimated.
Second I think this team, despite the presence of Kobe is not good finishing tight games.When was the last time Kobe hit a buzzer beater?Or any other laker for that matter?
But we´ll be allright.Gasol will settle, Ariza and Bynum will get back, Rad is playing better, so is Lamar.Still optimistic!!!
Posted by: bcb | February 06, 2008 at 07:00 PM
wow calling quits on kobes leadership after one game..
just WOW on ALL conclusions after one single game..
Posted by: Amar K | February 06, 2008 at 07:01 PM
jf
you're stupid. you're faulting a guy who plays thru an injury? kobe with one good hand can outplay 99% of the players in the NBA.
Posted by: The Waterboy | February 06, 2008 at 07:01 PM
Damn it! Terrible loss.
Kobe really looked out-of-sorts. Maybe the pinky finger was bothering him, but he really didn't play well in that 2nd half. Where was his D tonight?
How can the Lakers let T. Lue put 16 points on them? I wonder if the Lakers took the Hawks too lightly.
Yeah, it was a huge mistake by Sasha by not going for the 3, but the Lakers still had a chance in the end. However, they shouldn't have been in that situation to begin with. They shouldn't have let the Hawks put up 30 on them while only scoring 19 points in the final quarter.
Is it me, or does Al Horford play like a thug at times? I mean did you see the "tackle" he made on Odom as he went up for a score? He put T.J. Ford out for almost 2 months with his flagrant foul after all, so he's not new to giving hard fouls. (Maybe I'm still upset about what his Gators did to my Bruins....)
In any case, the Lakers need to shake off this loss & get ready for Dwight Howard & the Magic on Friday.
GO LAKERS!!!
Posted by: Stephen Ward | February 06, 2008 at 07:03 PM
Oh well. Back to back, Kobe has a dislocated finger, and Gasol's 2nd game in an intricate offense. They lost in the end, just when their energy runs out.
Out come the Chicken Littles. You know who you are.
Posted by: #4 | February 06, 2008 at 07:06 PM
The worst thing about a loss is all the pretenders crawling from under the rocks and starting to blame it on kobe like they know anything. . .
If he shoots too much, he's a ball hog, if he passes more, he should get himself involved.
HE HAS A DISLOCATED FINGER IN HIS SHOOTING HAND GOD DAMN IT.
His shot wasnt falling because of his injuries so he started passing and getting everyone else involved. What the hell do you guys want more from him??!!??
Is it his fault that smith posterized the whole front line?
Is it his fault that Horford had 20 rebounds?
OH i get it, it is Kobe's fault that lue torched fisher at the end of the game.
Posted by: LAKERDAWG | February 06, 2008 at 07:16 PM
these guys need some time to gel. kobe's finger will heal. bynum will be back. gasol will get more experience. ariza will arrive. we're gonna be fine.
Posted by: mojorising | February 06, 2008 at 07:16 PM
why do you people keep responding to gunners insane comments?
Posted by: iroc007 | February 06, 2008 at 07:17 PM
Not sure why anyone would blame Kobe for this game. The only big mistake he made was that one turnover and that came when they were already behind. To say that cost us the game seems awfully presumptuous. The real culprits: team rebounding (way too many second chances for Atlanta) and team defense, and there's lots of blame to go around there. For one, I honestly think Vlad Rad forgot he was in the game a few times.
Anyway, the big problems I see are probably due to growing pains with integrating Pau; being tired from the road trip; and Kobe's injury. All of these should work themselves out soon, so I don't see any reason to get worked up. It sucks to lose a winnable game, but not to the point where we need to find scapegoats.
Posted by: dak | February 06, 2008 at 07:18 PM
ignore gunner bandwagon
Posted by: iroc007 | February 06, 2008 at 07:18 PM
I AM BACK!
I TOLD YOU SOOOOOOOOOO..
Posted by: tarugo | February 06, 2008 at 07:21 PM
wesjoenixon,
>>>Someone called this win, citing the Hawks youth and
>>>athleticism. That person was right. Good call.
That would be me. I also pointed out that they're much
better at home than on the road, and that they've beat a
lot of good teams at home.
Well, at least Kobe has tomorrow off to ice his pinkie. Maybe
his shooting will be back in form on Friday. His bad shooting
because of his injured hand really hurt. If he hits even 40% of
his shots tonight, this is a win.
A little blunder by the machine at the end there, but again,
the last play isn't the whole game.
Al Horford is a BEAST on the boards! He outrebounded
Lamar and Pau combined.
It's funny, but it seems like in all the close losses, the
Lakers miss some free throws toward the end of the 4th
quarter. Tonight it was Fish and Lamar.
Hopefully, the Lakers will come out of this with the same
kind of bottled rage they came out of the Detroit loss with,
and they'll take it out on Orlando on Friday. 7-2 is still possible!
Posted by: Long Time Laker Fan | February 06, 2008 at 07:22 PM
This loss is totally on Phil, no rotation, just kill your own team’s moment ion and flow with a second unit when the game is on the line. Then put your starters back in cold and under pressure. Why not put the second unit in at garbage time, BB 101.
Pluke was Pluke he must follow Brown out of town or suffer the consequences. \
Phil and Pluke there is no where to hide now. Phil I hope you are enjoying the game you are playing with Pluke and koby Carl at the expense of team chemistry. Do you really think the other team members are not effected. Do you think the other team members have the energy and focus to over come your B.S. and lop sided head games every game.
Fans want to win NOW.
Posted by: fisheye | February 06, 2008 at 07:24 PM
All I am saying if Kobe wants to be the MVP he has to play alot better than he has this season or even in his entire career.You never know what your gonna get with him.
Posted by: jf | February 06, 2008 at 07:30 PM
I BLAME KOBIATCH FOR THE LOSS! HE WASN'T RIDING ON THE COATTAILS OF GASOL! AND HE SHOULD ALSO RIDE ON THE COATTAILS OF BYNUM!
IT'S ALL ABOUT THE TEAM WITH ME! KOBIATCH SHOULD SCORE NO MORE THAN 10 POINTS! AND EVERYBODY ELSE SHOULD ALSO HAVE 10 POINTS APIECE! AND EACH SHOULD HAVE THE SAME NUMBER OF REBOUNDS, ASSISTS, BLOCKS, TURNOVERS, STEALS, SHOT ATTEMPTS, FREE THROWS, AND +/-!!!!!!
YOU SEE IT'S ALL ABOUT THE TEAM! KOBIATCH SHOULD SCORE NO MORE THAN 10 POINTS! OR HE SHOULDN'T EVEN SCORE AT ALL! HE SHOULD JUST BE RIDING ON THE COATTAILS OF BYNUM AND GASOL! THEN WE WILL BE CHAMPIONS!!!!!!
IT'S ALL ABOUT THE TEAM WITH ME!!!!!! AND WHEN LEBRON COMES TO PLAY FOR US IN 2010, LEBRON SHOULD PUT UP 40 POINTS EVERY NIGHT!!!!! AND EVERYBODY ELSE SCORE 10 POINTS APIECE!!!!!!! AND EVERYBODY ELSE SHOULD ALSO HAVE 10 POINTS APIECE! AND EACH SHOULD HAVE THE SAME NUMBER OF REBOUNDS, ASSISTS, BLOCKS, TURNOVERS, STEALS, SHOT ATTEMPTS, FREE THROWS, AND +/-!!!!!! EXCEPT LEBRON!!!! LEBRON SHOULD HAVE 40 POINTS!!!!!!
AND WADE SHOULD SCORE 40 POINTS FOR THE HEAT!!!!!!! BUT KOBE HAS NO RIGHT TO DO ANYTHING RIGHT!!!!!!! HE'S KOBIATCH!!!!!!
I LOVE THE LAKERS!!!!!!!
Posted by: DUMBER | February 06, 2008 at 07:37 PM
THIS GAME WAS LOSS BECAUSE OF ONE INDIVIDUAL.
KOBIATCH
4 FOR 16 SHOOTING!
I SAID IT THIS MORNING AND I'LL SAY IT AGAIN AS LONG AS KOBE CONTINUES TO SHOOT LIKE THAT, THERE'S NO WAY THE LAKERS ARE GOING TO WIN THE CHAMPIONSHIP.
HE IS CRIPPLING THIS TEAM WITH HIS SELFISHNESS.
Posted by: Gunner | February 06, 2008 at 07:41 PM
i just Love these "Phil needs to coach better" comments
Posted by: Amar K | February 06, 2008 at 07:41 PM
NOW WE GOT SOMEONE ON THE BLOG TALKING SOME SENSE!
jf
"Two nights in a row being outplayed by Vince Carter and Joe Johnson is just not acceptable for someone who is called MVP and The Best In The World.If Kobe was injured he should of sat out.I personally am not so sure Kobe can the lead the Lakers to the championship as the go to guy"
THIS IS WHY GIVEN KOBIATCH THE 1ST TEAM DEFENSE AWARD LAST YEAR WAS SHAM! AND ALL THAT STUFF ABOUT HIM WORKING ON HIS DEFENSE AT THE FIBA TOURNAMENT. HE WAS ONLY LOOKING GOOD BECAUSE HE WAS SURROUNDED BY ALLSTARS WHO HAD HIS BACK.
NOW WITH HIS OWN TEAM TWO NIGHTS IN A ROW THIS LOSER GET TORCHED BY VINCE CARTER AND NOW JOE JOHNSON.
YOU CAN GO AHEAD AND BELIEVE THE HYPE BUT KOBE IS NOTHING BUT A BIG FAT JOKE!
KOBIATCH ARE A LOSER! AND I CAN'T WAIT UNTIL YOU OPT OUT OF YOUR CONTRACT IN 2 YEARS BECAUSE IF IT ISN'T FOR BYNUM'S GROWTH AND GASOL, WE HAVE NO CHANCE WITH YOU GETTING OUT OF THE FIRST ROUND.
MAYBE WE SHOULD JUST SHIP YOU OUT TO MIAMI THEN LET PAT RILEY TRADE YOU OFF TO THE SUNS. JUST MAYBE YOU MIGHT SEE A RING AGAIN BEING NASH STEPCHILD!!!
Posted by: Gunner | February 06, 2008 at 07:49 PM
I don't want to get on Pau in his second game but he was out rebounded 20-7.
Posted by: jf | February 06, 2008 at 07:49 PM
I think we'll be fine.. with a little rest tomorrow I think we will be fine against the next teams that comes around.
I think the fingers are really bothering KOBE..but it is always not an excuse..
Let's move-on to the next GAME!
Posted by: shaggy | February 06, 2008 at 07:52 PM
fisheye,
>>>Pluke was Pluke he must follow Brown out of town or
>>>suffer the consequences. \
Now that's just ig'nant. Luke hit 4 of 8 of his shots, including
a three, and had 6 rebounds and 3 assists in the 21 minutes
he played.
In fact, when they took Luke OUT in the fourth, the Lakers
had an 8 point lead.
If you're going to throw blame at people, at least check if they
actually deserve your blame or not.
Y'know.
Throw some blame at 1-5 Farmar or 0-2 Turiaf or 5-14 Gasol
or 4-16 Kobe. This is one night where Luke doesn't deserve it.
Posted by: Long Time Laker Fan | February 06, 2008 at 07:53 PM
THERE ARE BLOGGERS WHO ACTUALLY WATCH THE GAME WITHOUT THE KOBIATCH BLINDERS ON.
70slakerfan,
"The loss is not on Sasha, Kobe is the team leader and should have made sure everyone knew the situation. That is what the leader does. Kobe's behind the back dribble turn over lost it."
jf,
"Two nights in a row being outplayed by Vince Carter and Joe Johnson is just not acceptable for someone who is called MVP and The Best In The World.If Kobe was injured he should of sat out.I personally am not so sure Kobe can the lead the Lakers to the championship as the go to guy.His supporting cast is as good as it gets but Kobe's bad shooting can kill any great team's title hopes.If you think I'm wrong go back and look at the Detroit series."
THE BIG DIVA
THE BIG FINGA POINTER
THE BIG PINKY EXCUSE
THE BIG IRRELEVANT
THE BIG MALCONTENT
THE BIG OPT OUT IN 2 YEARS.
KOBE YOU'RE NOTHING BUT A LOSER!!!
Posted by: Gunner | February 06, 2008 at 07:55 PM
I think I'll wait until Bynum is back (or god forbid news that he isn't coming back), before I hit the panic button.
It'll be interesting to see how this team plays over the next week though.
Posted by: AndrewT | February 06, 2008 at 07:59 PM
THE BIG FLIP FLOP
"All I am saying if Kobe wants to be the MVP he has to play alot better than he has this season or even in his entire career.You never know what your gonna get with him."
JUST LIKE IN COLORADO, YOU NEVER KNOW WHAT IN THIS GUYS HEAD. JUST LIKE A TIMEBOMB.
MENTALLY, THIS GUY SHOULD HAVE WENT TO COLLEGE FIRST!
Posted by: Gunner | February 06, 2008 at 07:59 PM
jf-
are you crazy or something? did you see how swollen his hand was tonight?
Posted by: Bret | February 06, 2008 at 08:00 PM
jf,
Are you smoking something? Even an injured Kobe can play better than most of the players in the league. Plus, Kobe's a warrior. There are too many players that don't play when they're hurt. It's funny because I've heard Peter Vescey & Gail Goodrich talk about the very same thing on NBA TV several times.
An MVP doesn't have to out-score every opponent every time. Scoring is only one aspect of the game. An MVP helps his team win. This is a team game, so individual stats are meaningless, except for the record books. Only a 'W' or an 'L' matters. As we've seen, being the league's scoring leader doesn't translate into an MVP award, now does it?
Kobe didn't hurt the team by playing. He had 10 assists, so he was doing other things to help the team other than just scoring. He doesn't have to score all the time, especially since we have Pau Gasol now. Besides, any & every player can have an off night in shooting.
You're crazy to think that Kobe can't lead this team to a title because of a couple low scoring games. Kobe has shown that he's a capable go to guy. He's hit numerous game-winning shots, including in the playoffs, so you're comment is way off-base. At the end of the game, I'd rather have the ball in Kobe's hands than anyone else.
Gunner's just a troll, folks!
GO LAKERS!!!
Posted by: Stephen Ward | February 06, 2008 at 08:00 PM
One thing I did like very much: Kobe's reaction after Sasha's brain cramp. Very calm. Very understated. The look on his face was very much "what the #@^% were you thinking, dude?" And I'm sure he asked Sasha something along those lines. But he didn't getting visibly agitated or tear into him. In the past, Kobe might have. Very good leadership on his part. Sasha knew immediately that he effed up and the last thing he needs is to be reminded in harsh terms.
Good showing by 24 under frustrating circumstances.
AK
Posted by: Andrew Kamenetzky | February 06, 2008 at 08:00 PM
KB8TH WONDER,
"Down two with the ball..Kobe time?"
YOU'RE RIGHT! THAT LOSER THROWS IT BEHIND THE BACK FOR A TURNOVER!!!
Posted by: Gunner | February 06, 2008 at 08:01 PM
gunner, goober and dumber... all in one... lol....
all your posts are baseless....
GUYS, ignore them at once...
Posted by: | February 06, 2008 at 08:03 PM