Bad night all around
Ordinarily, losing a game to an elite level conference rival in the midst of a tight race for the top seed in the playoffs (or, if you prefer, a tight race not to drop down the ladder) would be enough to prompt a frown or two. That the Lakers took care of with a 108-98 loss to the Hornets Friday night in New Orleans. But in news that will absolutely not rotate that frown in the slightest, the Lakers may have lost Pau Gasol for a while. He went down at the 9:27 mark of the first quarter after stepping on Vlad Radmanovic's foot and rolling his ankle, didn't return, and left the arena after the game on two of the longest freakin' crutches I've ever seen and sporting a walking boot, which apparently the Lakers buy in bulk. He'll be reevaluated in Houston, but short of divine intervention, won't play Sunday against the Rockets, or likely the rest of the trip. (Phil Jackson said he'd be "ecstatic... well, maybe not ecstatic, but, you know, happy" if Gasol was able to suit up before the Lakers return home.)
After the game, Gasol said he'd rolled the same left ankle in training camp with the Grizzlies, and it took about 10 days to heal. He said this one felt "similar," but he didn't look like a guy who thinks he'll be back in a few days. The Lakers, then, will need to prepare for a run without any of their primary bigs in the lineup.
The effects of his absence were felt in the second half, when the Hornets came out strong, crashed the boards and got inside, while the Lakers because almost exclusively a perimeter team. Jackson said they'll get to practice tomorrow in Houston and work on a plan to try and keep the offense moving. Meanwhile, it'll be bigger minutes for Ronny Turiaf, more time for LO down low, and some burn for DJ Mbenga. But no question, this one hurts. A lot.
Click below for the breakdown:
The Good:
- Kobe Bryant: For one night, at least, the MVP chants were for another player, but that doesn't mean Kobe didn't do what he could to keep the Lakers in it. While his shooting percentage was down, prompted in part by a barrage of jumpers late to try and get the Lakers back in the game, overall Kobe played a good game, keeping LA close. he scored 22 points in the second half, 36 overall, and chipped in with nine boards and three dimes. He was also the only Laker who managed to get to the stripe with any frequency, making 12-13. On a night where the Lakers became at once very shorthanded and undersized, Kobe did what he could to keep his team in it.
- Luke Walton: His lack of an outside shot is still a major issue, not simply because he can't make them, but because his lack of confidence in his shot changes how they play offense, but in 20:19 of PT, Walton was pretty effective. He was particularly good in the first half, scoring six points and delivering five dimes. He was a big reason the Lakers were able to take a three point lead into the locker room. In the second half, he opened his run with a big steal and a pair of big offensive rebounds. He's still not where he needs to be, but at least Walton is at a point where his contributions are coming more regularly, and he's having a much more positive effect on play. But with Gasol down, he needs to be able to make a shot.
- Lamar Odom: Better in the first half than the second, but still, LO worked his tail off and made some positive plays. He'd finish with 15/13, of which 12/8 came in the first half, but he also did a great job on David West in the first half. The All Star forward finished the first 24 with only four points on 2-7 from the floor, and found little space to operate against LO's defense. In the second half, West, like everyone else on the Hornets, found momentum (he'd finish with 12/14 before leaving in the fourth with an injury), but that had as much to do with the elevated play of Chris Paul and Byron Scott's decision to really let CP3 push than it did Odom getting beat.
The Bad:
- Sasha Vujacic: I love that Sasha is a confident player these days, but tonight, he was a little too confident. He found himself in a lot of bad spots off the dribble, jacked up threes whether they were open or not (making only 1-5), and was totally unable to contain any of the guards he was on, especially in the second half... though he had plenty of company there. The great thing about Sasha pre-breakout was that he always believed his shot would go down, even if nobody else did. Now we believe... and he believes a little too much. He needs to dial it back, and make sure he's taking quality shots within the offense. He was a little out of control tonight.
- Second half... everything: It's hard to find much to like. The Lakers were outscored 62-49, outrebounded 28-20, outdimed 16-13, outshot 55.3%- 34.0% from the floor, and made fewer triples (six) than NOH (seven) despite taking 11 more tries from downtown. As a whole, the Lakers became extremely perimeter oriented in the second half, and while they had moments of good ball movement and penetration, overall they became a jumpshooting team. Understandable, given the circumstances, but it's something they need to figure out. They're not a good team when they go outside in. It hurts them offensively, and also on the other end where they allow too many easy transition points. If you want an idea of how much more efficient the Hornets were down the stretch, New Orleans outscored the Lakers by 13 in the final 24 minutes, despite taking nine fewer shots.
The Mixed:
- Other guys had some moments- Jordan Farmar made some good plays, and his 5-12 shooting was hurt by some late, more desperate shots. Ronny Turiaf moved the ball well in the post, but didn't shoot the ball well at all (it doesn't get much worse than 0-7), and struggled against Tyson Chandler in the second half. Of Chandler's nine offensive boards, eight came in the second half. Vlad was far more active tonight than he was against the Raptors, not saying much as he was one block short of a bagel in that one, but with Gasol on the bench he'll need to be more than a three point shooter.
Overall, it was a lot of what you'd expect, once Gasol was out of the game. This is a very good team, and the Lakers would have had some trouble winning with a full lineup. Without Pau, the advantage clearly went to New Orleans. Over the course of the second half, they put the ball in Paul's hands, and allowed him to create, get into the lane, and cause some serious havoc. The Lakers had trouble keeping a very good rebounder in Chandler off the boards. Given how tight the Western Conference is, though, they can't afford to suffer a long let down. 0-3 through Houston, Dallas, and Utah could drop them three or four slots in the conference, and that'll be tough to make up.
It's not an easy lot they've drawn, but somehow the Lakers will need to figure it out.
AUDIO: Good stuff from Fish on how they need to adapt in Gasol's absence. PJ talked about how he was disappointed at their effort in the first quarter, when the Lakers failed to take advantage of opportunities to build a lead, then got into what he thinks they'll need to do without Gasol in the middle. It starts with continuing to run the offense without relying too much on jumpers. Ronny talks about his need to step up and play big minutes for however long Gasol is out. He's a confident guy, and while he knows he's not the All Star he has to replace, believes he can do some good. Sound as well from Gasol on his injury, and Walton on most of the stuff the other guys talked about.
- Phil Jackson: Download phil_jackson_3.14 postNO.mp3
- Ronny Turiaf: Download ronny_turiaf_3.14 postNO.mp3
- Luke Walton: Download luke_walton_3.14 postNO.mp3
- Derek Fisher (great answer to a kid who asks if the Lakers have a target on their backs- "How old are you?" They always do, he told him.): Download derek_fisher_3.14 postNO.mp3
- Pau Gasol: Download pau_gasol_3.14 postNO.mp3
BK
K Brothers,
Are your heads throbbing in pain from too many hurricanes last night?
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | March 15, 2008 at 10:27 AM
Lakers were undermanned even more last night, with the injury to Gasol. If the team can get these injury bugs out of its system and return to health prior to the playoff, while sustaining top eight position in the Western Conference, then they can do some damage in the playoffs.
The key is to raise the level of intensity and energy by playing physical team defense and go to the paint on offense more than settling for the lazy route of the three-point shots. In the playoffs it will get physical but will the Lakers have the mental and physical toughness to not only survive but thrive against goons and bruisers like Boozer, Shaq, Bowen, etc.
Posted by: Rollo | March 15, 2008 at 10:33 AM
Jon,
I use the electro stimulation too, but mine's Carmen Electro.
Wes
Posted by: wesjoenixon | March 15, 2008 at 10:33 AM
Posted by: L.A. MENTALITY
hey troll face man.
I think your underestimating the genius of Phil Jackson. I think Phil put the team out there to play without Kobe so that they can be tested and built for playoff atmosphere type games. .......... I think Phil gambled and lost, no doubt, but it may have been a glimpse of Phil's Zen.
TYPICAL RESPONSE OF PHILLIP LOVERS......
IT'S HIS "GENIUS" THAT MAKES HIM DO THE VODOO THAT ONLY HE DO. LOL
IF YOU'RE GOING TO GAMBLE, HOW ABOUT PUTTING MBENGA IN????? AT LEAST THIS GAMBLE MAKES MORE SENSE TO SEE IF HE COULD CHALLENGE TYSON CHANDLER. ESPECIALLY AFTER THE POOR SHOWING OF TURIAF.
CAN'T WAIT FOR THE NEXT GLIMPSE OF ZEN
FEED THE TROLLS
BREAKFAST BURRITO ANYONE?
Posted by: Troll Man | March 15, 2008 at 10:34 AM
That clip of Bynum on the other thread reminded me of what a burgeoning monster he is.
Such great height, length, strength and athleticism. We are very, very lucky to have a player like him about to be added to our team.
We may not get home court--though we may yet, remember, our schedule gets Laker-friendly after this roadie--but when we get are bigs back we're gonna be neigh unstoppable.
We will get Bynum back before it is all over, and teams are going to have a different beast to contend with then.
Wes
Posted by: wesjoenixon | March 15, 2008 at 10:39 AM
Ufff... ughhhh... another injured player. No coments... bad game yesterday but doesn´t matter.
Where is mamba 24??? i think we need his energy now.
Y vamos leakers til the end
Posted by: DC | March 15, 2008 at 10:46 AM
Laker Hopeful-
Unless something changed after I left the arena last night, there isn't a timetable on Pau's injury yet. One week, two weeks, three, etc. They didn't know last night. We'll get, hopefully, a better idea at practice today.
BK
Posted by: Brian Kamenetzky | March 15, 2008 at 10:48 AM
Jon K,
Not many know of Dit Da Jow. [ I'd tell you my chinese
sucks, but that's an outright lie. I have no chinese. ]
To everyone else,
I can't wait for the Rockets game. Kobe vs. T-Mac.
No All-Star centers to worry about. I think if the
Lakers win Kobe gets MVP. This, however, is a
side note. This games is the *perfect* game for the
rest of the Lakers to step up. A win here, would be
HUGE for the Lakers!
What's the timetable on Mihm getting back?
Posted by: hobbitmage | March 15, 2008 at 10:56 AM
IF ROCKETS CAN DO IT WITHOUT THEIR STARS WE CAN DO IT TOO.. THEY GOT T-MAC WE GOT 24. WHAT ELSE WE NEED. THEY GOT SHANE BATTIEWA. WE GOT LAMAR TO PLAY D. THEY GOT RAFER WE GOT FISH AND FARMAR. THEY GOT MUTUMBO WE GOT MBENGA.
COMEONE ITS NOT DIFFICULT TO HOLD ON FOR 2 WEEKS???
IF ROCKETS CAN DO IT WE CAN DO IT TOO..
ITS JUST EVERYONE COMING TOGETHER FOR EACH OTHER IN THIS ADVERSITY AND PROVE THAT WE STILL CAN BEAT THE SHIT OF OUT OUTHER TEAMS.
FOR 2 WEEKS WE CAN BE THE TEAM 2 BEAT.
LETS GIVE MORAL SUPPORT TO OUR TEAM NOW ,
I AM WITH THE TEAM .. THEY GOT MY 100% SUPPORT.
GO LAKERS.....
Posted by: Disgruntled,Frustrated Laker Fan | March 15, 2008 at 11:06 AM
Let's not dwell on Gasol's injury - we have work to do. My college coach always told us - never give yourself permission to lose. Back straight, chin up, cast your gaze straight ahead and go kick some ass on Sunday in H-Town
Posted by: | March 15, 2008 at 11:07 AM
This morning I had a flash of the Lakers as the Black Knight
from Monty Python's Holy Grail...
"It's just a flesh wound."
Posted by: Long Time Laker Fan | March 15, 2008 at 11:13 AM
Now we need to sign Ira Newble for tough D now that Pau's out for a couple of weeks.
Posted by: xtro | March 15, 2008 at 11:14 AM
chris paul is indeed a good player
but i'm starting to view him as a player with a dirty streak ... i can't count the elbows and licks he got in last night, notwithstanding his talent, he threw several blows against derek fisher during their previous two games
...if you don't think he's a sneaky dude, then just ask that maryland player he low-blowed back in college.
Posted by: CBuck | March 15, 2008 at 11:15 AM
"Breaking news. The Suns are running the triangle offense. "They run the triangle offense now a little bit," Golden State coach Don Nelson said. "They get into it a little bit different than the Lakers do. They get in through the flex cuts but it's still the triangle. They're going to O'Neal as a passer. It looked good the last game. I'm sure they'll do more of it." D'Antoni said the Suns have one play that could be deemed the triangle offense. -- Arizona Republic"
Posted by: Disgruntled,Frustrated Laker Fan | March 15, 2008 at 11:27 AM
Hello David In Spain. Welcome aboard. I expect you'll be here at least until Pau is traded or becomes a free agent. Hopefully that won't be for a few years.
Speaking of trades, now that PJ is thinking about next year (He is talking about resting Kobe during training camp), I thought I would mention a few expendables.
First, Sasha will be a free agent and his contract shouldn't be renewed. Too erratic, not consistent. Vlad , Mihm, and Rony (despite his passion) are expendable. Jordan is borderline Fish should become a 10-18 minute role player, who can back up our new starting point guard - no, not Jordan, not seasoned enough, inconsistent, prone to turnovers.
Out of the available free agents, Miser Buss has to loosen the purse strings and either sign or trade for a veteran point guard, a small forward and a reserve center. The only players that are not expendable are Bynum, Ariza, Gasol and Bryant. Odom would be expendable only for a player of equal value.
Posted by: lotecq | March 15, 2008 at 11:37 AM
The Triangle offense is just a natural form of continuity, every team in the NBA with a low post player, runs the triangle offense. If you don't run a version of the Triangle, you probably run a lot of isolation and pick and roll. I saw the Gasol injury over and over, it can not be that bad. I think he could have come back in the game yesterday, but the Lakers are being way to cautious with injuries. Like Kobe said earlier in the season (with the pinkie injury), what would the old timers say if he sat out with a hurt pinkie. Gasol get your behind out their, and if nothing else be Willis Reed. It seems to me that with the surplus of dollars, also came about more of a front butt mentality. You play basketball for a living, injuries are part of that, now get out on the floor and do what you do. it isn't like Gasol is a high riser either, he doesn't really even jump ever, nor does he play defense. Quite frankly he doesn't even need any ankles, tape up the left foot, hobble around, catch some passes, make some passes, and shoot that beautiful Spanish 12 footer. I am not concerned, except that our team maybe soft, which is exactly what Jackson hinted a couple of weeks back.
Posted by: Nik Kannan | March 15, 2008 at 11:49 AM
Vman
New blog law...
From now on, every sentence concerning the fate of the Lakers hereby starts with an implied, "barring injuries".
Posted by: Vman | March 15, 2008 at 10:22 AM
Without a doubt this team is snake bitten,I wonder if Jerry Buss has a hidden terrilbe sin in his past that he has not confessed and the ramifications are harking down on him decimating his team with this horrendous curse.
Posted by: WHITE MAMBA 24 | March 15, 2008 at 11:59 AM
lotecq,
"Miser Buss has to loosen the purse strings and either sign or trade for a veteran point guard, a small forward and a reserve center"
How? Not through free agency - the only money he has to spend is the MLE. You don't think the existing Lakers should stay with the team - how are they going to get someone better?
If Ariza stays, and with Lamar, you don't need a small forward.
If Mihm is healthy (yes, that's a big if) he is a great asset at his price. With Bynum, Gasol's ability to play C, and a healthy Mihm, you are set at that position.
Pretty unlikely you can get a PG who is more than a slight upgrade over Farmar/Fisher with the MLE
Sasha has shown steady improvement each year with the team, and overall has had a solid season. Don't put too much emphasis on a couple of recent bad games.
Vlad still has several years left on his contract. Who would trade for him, based on his performance, except to trade the Lakers an equally bad, or worse, contract?
The current Lakers roster is very likely to improve quite a bit. Farmar, Turiaf, Ariza, Bynum, Vujacic all are young, and still getting better.
See who they can get with the MLE, and then re-sign (for the most part) the current free agents, if they aren't looking for ridiculous contracts.
Posted by: exhelodrvr | March 15, 2008 at 12:11 PM
Nik Kannan,
"Gasol get your behind out their, and if nothing else be Willis Reed."
Can you say 'Chris Mihm'? Sure you can!!
Posted by: exhelodrvr | March 15, 2008 at 12:12 PM
LTLF,
"Come back! I'll bite your legs off!!"
Posted by: exhelodrvr | March 15, 2008 at 12:14 PM
exhelodrvr ,
"Can you say 'Chris Mihm'? Sure you can!!"
True.
Posted by: Nik Kannan | March 15, 2008 at 01:21 PM
exhelodrvr
"Don't put much emphasis on a couple of bad games." Are you kidding me? Sasha has had more than a couple. And if the team expects to contend next year in this conference, they can't have a 3-shooter who has three or four bad games in a row. And on defense, he's had at least six or seven bad games in a row if not more.
Young or not, he has not learned how to play D. Farmar has but needs to pick it up against the really good 3-shooters in the conference.
And is they can get a point guard who is a slight upgrade over Fish/Farmar, they should do it. In the tight Western Conference even a slight upgrade at PG can move a team up a couple of slots in the playoffs, especially with Kobe, Gasol and Bynum in a PG's mix.
Posted by: lotecq | March 15, 2008 at 04:44 PM
lotecq,
You can't have seen many games this season if you haven't seen significant improvement in Sasha on both the defensive and offensive sides of the ball. Since he has improved every year so far, it is reasonable to assume that he will continue to improve, and thus would be good to re-sign.
"Young or not, he has not learned how to play D. Farmar has"
Farmar is mediocre at best on defense.
Posted by: exhelodrvr | March 15, 2008 at 05:11 PM
Again I say we still have the 15th roster spot open.
Jelani McCoy is on our D league team playing center and in the triangle system. Call him up for 10 day contract(s) to temporarily plug the size hole at the 3. So with Jelani, MBenga and Rony we can hold down the 5 until Pau, Mihn and/or Bynum returns. Will help on the current road trip. After that let him go back to the D league and then sign Ira Newble.
Posted by: JustaLakerFan | March 15, 2008 at 10:58 PM