And that's why we don't play the "Warrior way"
Golden State oddball roundball, what with its fast pace and shoot until you drop mentality, can often seduce an opponent to imitate. And in the case of last night's 115-111 loss to the Warriors, imitation may have been a sincere form of flattery, but it wasn't a particularly effective one. The first half of his contest saw the Lakers taking the always tempting bait and the results were rarely pretty. 14 turnovers leading to 25 Warrior points. Fast, loose and typically ill-advised long jumpers. A Laker D constantly positioned on its heels while trying ineffectively to cover in transition. The boo birds let their Purple and Gold hear as they headed into the locker room. Upon commencing the third quarter, however, the Lakers played like... well, the Lakers. Moving the ball inside, outside, and all around before putting it up. Taking advantages of mismatches. Playing something along the lines of defense.
And before you knew it, they were right back in the mix going nose to nose with their opponent. Unfortunately, that poor first half prevented them from ever pulling way ahead, which created a situation where Stephen Jackson's back-to-back three balls in the last minute would keep his boys on top. Another cap in the feather for Jax, who's been a model of stability (believe it or not) this season. As for the Lakers, they'll have an immediate chance to create a more pleasing box score against these same Warriors this evening at 7:30 pm PST.
As evidenced yesterday, the Lakers occasionally struggle attempting to lock a foe down. To some degree, that's the result of Andrew Bynum's absence, him being their best shot blocker, rebounder and general paint monitor. Throw in the fact that Pau Gasol and Chris Mihm, neither necessarily great post defenders but certainly providers of swat, and it's clear the Laker bigs on the mend would be more than welcome back on the court. They've had enough of the whole "injury bug" thing, thank you very much. Let the Mavs see how the other half has often lived.
Shock of all shocks, Brent Barry is a Spur again.
Rajon Rondo: The NBA's Olivia Newton-John?
Currently 81 degrees in Los Angeles and our Lakers are up North preparing for some Golden revenge.
BK ~ I was going to say too bad you can't use that credential in Dallas but, the way things have changed you probably won't be needing it anyway. Cuban's Mavs are done!
Posted by: lakerfaze | March 24, 2008 at 03:23 PM
Like I've said previously, some people on here are never happy... never satisfied.
It always amazes me when people say "Phil is a terrible coach"... excuse me?
How many coaches have won the NBA title over the last 18years?
Uhhh.. my count is five. PJ, Pop, Riles, Saunders, and Rudy T. That's it.
Riles and Flip only have one a piece (in that time period) and it was pretty
obvious that Rudy T. could no longer handle the pressure, so that leaves
PJ and Pop, and I don't think Pop is leaving the Spurs anytime soon. So until
one of these other coaches like B-Scott or Avery Johnson, or (God-forbid)
D'antoni actually win multiple titles, I'll put my money on PJ every time.
Oh and to all the people who are all-negative all-the-time, please find
another passion. Your health will benefit and so will the rest of ours.
I have a hard time comprehending how a so-called fan can actually be
happy when all their negative predictions actually come true just so
they can say that they were right. What kind of fan is that??? Oh, and
by the way, the players can't "hear" what you write when the game is
going on and it's very unlikely they'll ever read what you write after the
fact. So really, who benefits by all this negativity?
Enjoy the journey, people. Stop sweating the small stuff.
Posted by: Bzar | March 24, 2008 at 03:27 PM
anyone know when the farmar turiaf argument went down? i have the game tivo'd but i can't find it. any help? please?
Posted by: logan | March 24, 2008 at 03:28 PM
BK
Given the Bay Area's general tech-savviness, this could be some clever form of "FU" to Mark Cuban. It amounts to a refusal to draw an arbitrary distinction b/w print journalists and bloggers of equal renown.
If so, I'm all for it!
Posted by: The D | March 24, 2008 at 03:28 PM
Pig,
What I love (note sarcasm) is the passion by which Trolls nitpick. It's just nuts. We're on top of the Western Conference, but they want to write a half page to three quarters of a page rant about how PUKE SUCKS!
It's adolescent and ridiculous.
Trolls must make horrible wives and husbands because nothing's good enough for them. Simply self-righteous, negative people who criticize to cover up their own (significant) personal failings.
Trolls sucks.
Now, let's get a win tonight!
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | March 24, 2008 at 03:37 PM
BK,
What is the current ETA for Pau and Chris Mihm? This has been pushed back for two or three games, we don't what the real story? Is that a coaching decision? Are they practicing with the team?
I also think we will win tonight. We cannot afford to lose because Hornets, Suns and Spurs are within the striking distance of demoting us again.
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | March 24, 2008 at 04:03 PM
Bzar...
Not to nitpick, but Larry Brown coached the Pistons in 2004, not Flip Saunders.
Posted by: bronxlakerfan | March 24, 2008 at 04:14 PM
It's all good in LakerLand. Get a win tonight, Gasol and Bynum one day closer to action, its all good. Laker Fans there should only be one concern at this time and place...
AVOID ANYMORE INJURIES!!!!!!
if they are able to accomplish that... IT's ALL GOOD!!!!
This will be a story book ending with Bynum being the Golden Key to the Championship!!!
Lakers World Champions 2008
BD
Posted by: BD | March 24, 2008 at 04:21 PM
BK,
What did you say about the team that the "Lakers Beat Writer"? Did Sasha get the first punch in? lol.
Posted by: p ang | March 24, 2008 at 04:22 PM
AK,
I think you go your revenge against Mark Cuban. As they say: "what goes around, comes around." well, Dirk will be out indefinitely not only two weeks i.e. after paying Jason Kidd in exchange of his young PG and Center, he lost his prized Superstar. He's paying luxury taxes, lost last year after leading the NBA season, now in danger of not even making the playoffs. Surely, Lakers have a better situation than Mark Cuban's team.
I have another question: what's the rule during the playoffs on team 12 players? When the injured joins the team, do our reserves have the chance to join the 12 guys on a rotating basis?
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | March 24, 2008 at 04:23 PM
Have a hunch tonights game is going to be another nail biter. Kobe hits a 3 to win at the buzzer.
Lakers...... 106
Warriors... 105
Go Lakers and Bynum and Gasol Get Well we need you!
BD
Posted by: BD | March 24, 2008 at 04:26 PM
Lakers crush the dreams of the Warriors hopeful tonight.
LA by 17.
Jon,
I agree that there are many true trolls here that refuse to give anything but negativity. I'm all for venting and being upset after a loss, but when that's it, all the time. It gets kind of annoying, hence the nickname for people of that ilk.
I don't mind a little ranting or venting, but let's talk about it.
Until game time.
Don't forget,
WE ARE ALL LAKERS!!!!!!!
Pig
Posted by: "Pig" Miller | March 24, 2008 at 04:36 PM
Tim-4-Show,
i respect your opinion man... but if you allude or say that FArmar dismantles or embarassed or did anything to make Brandon Roy look bad then you're crazy.
Brandon Roy = All-Star
Farmar = Rookie Game.
No comparison.
And onto Farmar, I thnk he let the 3-balls get to his head. His most valuable contribution to the team is on-ball D and unless he understands that we will lose in the playoffs.
When Farmar jacks up 3 after 3 after 3 we lose if he isnt making them because we all know Sasha is doing the same thing.
When Farmar plays smart, takes open jumpers and PLAYS D we can be very formiddable.
Farmar needs to check himself ... or better yet, Ronny and Kobe will...
Posted by: Korey | March 24, 2008 at 04:41 PM
Edwin-
As we mentioned last night, Mihm will likely start practicing this week. He'll start out slow to make sure the foot responds. Pau could in theory play on Wednesday, though I seriously doubt it. If he's back this week, it's more likely Friday, though as I mentioned, if there's any doubt they'll hold him out there, too. The Grizzlies should not require a full lineup. He's not on the floor practicing, though he can shoot a little.
It's important to remember that, especially early in an injury process, everything is a projection, and there's a process.
BK
Posted by: Brian Kamenetzky | March 24, 2008 at 04:43 PM
I had to get this in..Regarding the I Miss MikeT Post, you are kidding me right?? The guy who said he wanted Bynum to get hurt to prove a point and then when Kwame gets traded he states he never liked the Lakers couldn't care less about them, only liked Kwame and reason why he was here. This is the guy you all want back.?? MikeT and KLBeast are the same, people who didn't get the attention they needed when they were younger and you want them to come here?? I guess all I can say is we the Laker fans sure are a nutty group.
Go Lakers..
BD
Posted by: BD | March 24, 2008 at 04:51 PM
Lakers Legacy,
Sorry I missed your post! Thank God we found B!
Posted by: Charles | March 24, 2008 at 04:52 PM
Go Lakers!!! Nuff said.
Posted by: Nemaia Faletogo | March 24, 2008 at 04:58 PM
LakerTom,
I was not impressed by the Warriors victory the last time (when Kobe had that 4th quarter groin injury) and I was not impressed with the warriors last night.
We were down by 26 and I kept telling myself how horrible GSW looked. I knew if the Lakers would just show up, take care of the ball, and play some D, the game could be turned around quickly.
I'm more disappointed with the coaching and the horrible decision making in the closing minutes of that game.
I expect full atonement tonight. These Warriors aren't half the team that Denver is...
Posted by: Tim-4-Show | March 24, 2008 at 05:06 PM
From TrueHoop
Hollinger's Playoff Odds: Celtics, Lakers Most Likely to Make Finals
March 24, 2008 6:23 PM
The Celtics, according to John Hollinger's giant machine, are about 60% likely to make the Finals. The Lakers are second, at about 25%.
You know the NBA is loving that -- a Lakers/Celtics Final? Short of the next Michael Jordan, that's about as good as it could get for marketing the NBA.
Detroit is third most likely to make the Finals, and Utah is fourth.
I find these playoff odds fascinating. In a decade or so, this thing will have a track record, and if it's a good one, Hollinger is going to have some serious bragging to do.
Bring on the lil' green men
Posted by: lakerfaze | March 24, 2008 at 05:07 PM
BK
Have you had a chance to read the "Banned Bloger FAQ" on TrueHoop??? Henry Abbott gives his experience on the hot topic.
Sorry, I must have too much free time on my hands today.
Posted by: lakerfaze | March 24, 2008 at 05:13 PM
Bronx,
Thanks for correcting me... I knew in my head that it wasn't Flip,
but for some reason still wrote it anyways. So basically then only
three of those coaches are active and safe to say Riley's not
getting back to the Finals anytime soon.
Anyways, it's almost game time. Like Nemaia said...
Go Lakers!
Posted by: Bzar | March 24, 2008 at 05:15 PM
BZAR,
It was Larry Brown who won a title while coaching the Pistons not Flip Saunders. Go Lakers!!!
Posted by: Nemaia Faletogo | March 24, 2008 at 05:15 PM
BD,
Do you really believe in everything that Mike T said? In the first place, I don't think he's coming back. Secondly, by this time, you know how to humor his posts. Anybody who believes in his declaration including the best basketball mind or I'm the blog - then you would acknowledge the existence of fairies and the trolls of Norway. It's all entertainment, just take with a grain of salt also with the post being spinned here.
We will win tonight, BD.
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | March 24, 2008 at 05:32 PM
Tim,
I agree with you 100% about the Warriors. It is amazing to see how the local press and talk radio are all abuzz about the W’s latest triumph. It doesn’t matter to them that the Lakers were playing without Gasol or Bynum or that they blew a 26-point lead, the word now is that the Lakers are worried about becoming the Dallas Mavericks if we have to play the Warriors in the first round. LMAO. We will sweep them 4-zip.
Because of family holiday stuff, I didn’t get to watch the game and only caught parts of it on the Warriors radio station when I got sent on an errand to the supermarket. During the part of the second quarter that I heard on the radio, it sounded as if Farmar was the only Laker playing well on offense. I missed the alleged incident with Turiaf. Did you see what happened? Only vague references on the net. It also seemed like the Warriors had two or three different streaks of 8-0 or 10-0 during that period with no timeouts.
Right before the half, the Warriors announcers played an interesting quote from Phil where he said he sometimes preferred to leave the players in the game to hear some boos because they paid more attention to the boos than to him yelling at them. This was, of course, right before the half ends and I hear the Laker fans booing. I wonder if Phil let the players get a last taste of defeat before we embark on our season-ending win streak? After all, he’s the one who was saying to watch out for the easy schedule.
There was also a very interesting article posted by Tim Kawakami for the San Jose Mercury News where he basically argues that Phil Jackson is a championship coach while Don Nelson is not. Kawakami was the only Bay Area journalist or talk show host to even bring up the fact that we were playing without Bynum or Gasol. He recognized that if Phil Jackson “gets Gasol back, it’ll be worse for the Warriors. If he gets Bynum back and draws the Warriors in the playoffs, it’ll be a sweep.”
As for the Lakers late game coaching and player decision-making, I sure would not have had Luke in the lineup and I would have told the players that the guy to watch out for is Stephen Jackson, who is an outstanding clutch shooter and not ever afraid to shoot it. Anyway, the iffy coaching decisions are part of what we have to endure with Phil, sort of like a loved one’s rare bad habit. And the players’ decisions on who to guard, neither Luke nor Lamar are the guys who’ll make that decision correctly. Hopefully, when we get everybody healthy, we won’t have as many close games that need pulling out.
Tom
Posted by: LakerTom | March 24, 2008 at 05:52 PM
LakerLover, i agree with you, life always have good and bad stories, those who just want to hear good things don't know what life is. The game in Houston is the game to show Kobe is MVP , but stupid coaching plan of Phil, the result....lost, where is the experience, tricks of Lakers coach ????
Posted by: Marx | March 24, 2008 at 05:54 PM
Laker Lover simple question
How many assists per game and shots per game should Kobe do not to be called a selfish player by you, self proclaimed basketball expert!!!!
I suppose he should not have taken those 2 3pt shots at the end of the game, that's Kobe being selfish again.
Shame on you Kobe, you are better than that!!!
Angry_Laker
Posted by: Angry_Laker | March 24, 2008 at 06:06 PM