Befitting of Kings?
PROGRAMMING NOTE: Don't forget to tune into Purple, Gold, and Blue at 11. AK will have the news from Sacramento.
They say one measure of a great team is the ability to win games it shouldn't. If that's indeed true, the 117-105 win L.A. picked up Tuesday night in Sacramento makes them, because anyone who watched the first 40+ minutes would agree the Lakers looked pretty ugly. The defense in particular was awful, giving the Kings so many free and easy trips to the basket it seemed like they had a police escort. But while the Lakers still had some issues from the perimeter and the bench wasn't providing much, L.A. still managed to stick around and stay within striking distance about halfway through the fourth. Good thing, too, since that's when the fun started. Kobe related fun, really. 17 of his 34 came in the final quarter- the final 6:42 of the final quarter- as the purple and gold quickly erased an eight point Sacramento's lead. On the other end, the Lakers tightened up the D, getting key stops over a four minute stretch and allowing the comeback to gain some traction.
The performance was enough to get L.A. the W, and for Kobe to hear "MVP" chants from a heretofore hostile Sacramento crowd (or, if you prefer, a Sacramento crowd that used to sell tix so fast, Lakers fans couldn't get in the building- either way, it was certainly unexpected). Of course, a quick check of the box shows Kobe wasn't alone. 31/10/4 for Pau Gasol, 19/12/3 from L.O., and 17 points from D. Fish- including a very welcome 4-7 from downtown- also made a difference.
While the reception was different, Kobe's performance looked familiar to Sacto fans,
who have watched
the Lakers rebound while their franchise sits in that
NBA purgatory that comes from not being good enough for the playoffs,
but not sucking enough to get a truly great pick in the draft. But whatever. That's not anything the Lakers need to worry about while pushing for a championship (there are folks who like their chances, for sure). They have important things to consider.
You know, like the MVP.
This will hardly shock, but Kobe's coaches and teammates are all squarely behind 24's candidacy. And certainly voters won't be put off by the Lakers' gaudy record this season- something that's held Bryant back over the last few seasons. (These days, at least according to TJ Simers, it's overall likability that's keeping him down- we're going to assume that the irony of the headline is intentional.)
Along those lines- Dwyer, point. Neiman, counterpoint. Dupree, likes 'em both, gives Kobe the edge.
In other news...
Chris Anderson is set to rejoin the Hornets, and knows he has little wiggle room this time around. And, as expected, the Suns officially inked Gordan Giricek while Dallas did the same with Ty Lue.
DraftExpress.com takes a look at UCLA's Russell Westbrook. Kevin Love says there's no guarantee he's a one-and-done.
Former Suns PG Kevin Johnson is running for mayor of Sacramento. Why not? Meanwhile, Chris Kaman wants to play for the German National Team in Beijing. A little odd... but why not?
Holliinger's PER ratings, which are pretty much rubbish, lead him to think that somehow LeBron is a better player than Kobe. Unfortunately, for Hollinger his PER ratings really don't account for defensive prowess very well. Bruce Bowen would get absolutely no credit for his lock down defense nor would a player lose credit for playing terrible team defense. One of the stats he uses to determine how well someone plays defense is steals, but a player who gets a lot of steals could actually be a poor defender who just gambles a lot.
And not only is Carl Landry ranked above Kevin Durant, he's also ranked ahead of Carlos Boozer, Caron Butler, Pau Gasol, Steve Nash, Dwyane Wade,
Allen Iverson, Michael Redd, Deron Williams, Baron Davis, Carmelo Anthony, Antawn Jamison, Brandon Roy, Tracy McGrady, Tony Parker, David West, Andre Iguodala, Paul Pierce, and Richard Hamilton
It's a joke.
Posted by: giantsquid | March 05, 2008 at 01:50 PM
charles thats what us phoenix fans do, stick it together!
ha!
Posted by: blingbling | March 05, 2008 at 01:54 PM
giantsquid,
Great post!
PER... just a statistic metric, not a measure of how good a guy is.
In addition to defense, it will not tell you intangibles. How well a guy moves without the ball, how well a guy passes (assists don't tell the whole story), how well a guy rallies his team mates in the huddle, who is better facing tougher defense, who requires a double team, etc etc.
For those who are in love with the triple double... Jason Kidd (who should have won at least one MVP instead of Tim Duncan) leads the league in active players with a triple double. The guy is a walking trip dub. He just does not have the scoring ability that LeBron has.
Where was all this outcry when Kidd was getting robbed? In other words, if Kidd didn't get an MVP, then why should LBJ get one now?
Hey, at least the Cavs are now 3 games up on Porltand after they lost to Phoenix. Good thing LeBron has to face New York tonight... whew, that was close, Portland might close in on the Cavs record.
I now sincerely believe that LeBron is not only FOR REAL and a TREMENDOUS player, but that he's way over hyped and over-rated. While he's working on his billion, Kobe and the Lakers will be working on winning basketball games.
Posted by: Tim-4-Show | March 05, 2008 at 02:01 PM
Charles, yeah you could tell that one post was not you. "Sacranmento?"
Happy D-Fish Day All!!
LOS ANGELES (AP) — It's Derek Fisher Day in Los Angeles.
The Lakers' point guard was honored in a Los Angeles City Council ceremony Wednesday morning.
The 11-year NBA veteran has been a member of three Laker championship teams.
Council members have praised Fisher as both a player and a role model.
Fisher had 17 points in Tuesday night's 117-105 win over the Sacramento Kings.
Posted by: Lakers Legacy | March 05, 2008 at 02:03 PM
Good Afternoon Charles---good Afternoon Laker Nation....
All in all a fairly fun game to watch---I was never truely worried though---it just felt like one of those games we were going to come back and win
As usual all of LakerTom's insights are spot on.....
Great to see Pau play a solid game....
Positives for Puke: not as much as the past two games---practice that mid range man.....
I really would like to see our team stop auguing most calls---I think this should come from the coaching staff on down---I hate to see our players and our team become known as a bunch of wine-ers---the Lakers should be classier than that---just a thought.....
GO LAKERS!!!
Posted by: Floyd | March 05, 2008 at 02:06 PM
BigGameJames -
That is a great article, thanks a lot for the link. It deserves to be included in a main post and read by all.
Go Lakers!
Posted by: Cameron | March 05, 2008 at 02:07 PM
Tim-4-Show,
The Sacramento feed last night on NBALP was in HD. While it's not the case in all games, most NBALP games choose the home team's NBA affiliate.
Posted by: Benjamin | March 05, 2008 at 02:11 PM
More NoCal perspective on the game for LaLa Landers to swoon over:
http://www.sacbee.com/100/story/761395.html
http://www.sacbee.com/100/story/761326.html
Arena news:
http://www.sacbee.com/100/story//726718.html
Sonnybelfast
Posted by: sonnybelfast | March 05, 2008 at 02:12 PM
I could've sworn that wasn't you Charles, it just wasn't the same style and substance that we're all used to. Man, things sure seem to be gloomy today, at least that's the sense I get from reading all these comments. Cheer up everyone! We won last night, we're one day closer to being injury-free and the best thing of all: the Funs are still looking up at us in the standings. Please, ease up on the Ron Ron trade talk for LO, it's not going to happen. Financially it's difficult, personality-wise it's a nightmare and we need someone that we know will be ballin on the hardwood, not shooting Js in a prison yard (no offense to Mike T). We just have to support the squad we're fielding now, and not worry about what could be.
Go Lakers!
Posted by: bozz | March 05, 2008 at 02:13 PM
zen:
great point. This blog is far more concerned with MVP than KB is.
The only trophy that counts is the O'Brein and the new banner at Staples saying World Champions 2008.
Posted by: toad | March 05, 2008 at 02:22 PM
@ Charles,
I live in France. And when the Lakers play at home, I have to wake up at 4:30 AM!
Posted by: Tsiry | March 05, 2008 at 02:24 PM
blingbling,
Let me apply the spin and reel you in. If you want, I can take the blog gloves off and let you catch a bad one.
Any topic of debate?
Your infantile post's have been ignored for a bit, but today I'd like to engage. I will be happy to oblige son.... I am warning you in advance.
Posted by: Charles | March 05, 2008 at 02:24 PM
Tim-4-Show
Thanks.
I was curious how Kobe and LeBron would stack up if only PER stats that might be applicable to a player's defense (defensive rebounds, steals, blocks, and personal fouls) were compared.
Not only would Hollinger's PER stats suggest the LeBron is the better defensive player, they would suggest that he is a significantly better defensive player than Kobe.
Posted by: giantsquid | March 05, 2008 at 02:25 PM
Laker Legacy - bozz,
Thanks for your post. Have a great one guys...
Posted by: Charles | March 05, 2008 at 02:26 PM
Attention ALL Bloggers,
Nemaia Faletogo,
Thank you for the compliment, but that was not my post....
There is an IMPOSTOR on this blog.... Or maybe just another Charles. Whoever posted that should use another name or add something aside from "Charles." Please address this issue with diplomacy....
Nacho Libre Tone
(little hug, little keesss, Big Hug, Big Keesss) xo XO
Posted by: Charles | March 05, 2008 at 01:40 PM
Charles,
Thanks for the heads up. I appreciate your posts and views concerning all things Lakers. Have a great day.
Posted by: Nemaia Faletogo | March 05, 2008 at 02:45 PM
LakerTom- If Kobe taking over the game scoring was a good idea, why did the Laker coaching staff tell the team during cruch time they need contributions from everyone to win the game? That doesnt sound like they said its time for Kobe to take all the shots does it?
What we are saying is , as we saw last year in the playoffs, its easier to defend a one man attack ( Kobe) than a 3 headed monster like the Spurs, Pistons and Celtics have.
Thats fundamental basketball, its easier to defend one than 3, which is one of the reasons Kobe could be contained in the playoffs last season even by a team not noted for defense.
I suppose one can imagine Kobe going off for 20 points in crunch time in the playoffs against the Spurs Pistons or Celtcis but I dont see it happening. Those teams will make the other lakers beat them.
Posted by: Laker Lover | March 05, 2008 at 02:49 PM
What is up my Laker Family!!
Two things:
Last night I was YELLING at the TV about to BREAK my FIRST controller of the season. (Let's not discuss my broken remote controls from last season, and the fact that I am known at my cable company).
As I was cranking the remote and hearing it stress, I had a strange feeling come over me. It was when I saw KB24's face at the free throw line. I saw the "Look".
Right there, I knew it was all going to be OK. The Lakers could have "Clobbered" them. Instead, they "toy'ed" around with them at THEIR LEVEL. KB24 is the true assasin that will take over ONLY when needed. What a closeout. Insane!
Two:
SSSSSSSIIIIIIIIMMMMMMMEEEEERRRRRSSSS!!!!!!!
As you all know, I hate SIMERS. His articles ALWAYS go back to Colorado or to the "Rant".
SIMERS: AS I SAID BEFORE - LET IT GO!!!
K Bro's - I EXPECT A FULL BODY CHECK AGAINST SIMERS WHEN YOU SEE HIM IN THE HALLWAY!!! I WANT HIM ON THE GROUND!! TIME FOR HIS NONSENSE TO STOP!!
grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr. SIMERS U SUCK.
GO LAKERS!!
SHOUT OUT AT U ALL LAKERS FAMILY!!!
janaya
Posted by: JANAYA | March 05, 2008 at 02:58 PM
If Kobe shooting less than 40 % for the game is a good game then alot of nba players are having mvp type seasons...First of all,Kobe was gambling and hurting the team on D and missing more than 60%of his shots against a non-playoff team is NOT a good game.10 for 26 in a playoff game will get you ellimanted in the first round..Remember Kobe, play well for ALL 48 minutes....
Posted by: neil | March 05, 2008 at 03:09 PM
If a player is shooting 10 for 26 in a game most coaches would say...PASS the rock!!!!
Posted by: neil | March 05, 2008 at 03:10 PM
So Dirk gets a game.....not bad NBA....not bad
Posted by: Thirty2 | March 05, 2008 at 03:10 PM
lakersrydeordie
"Lebron is focused on OWNING Manhattan"
Even JZ too light to get that done. Or maybe Bron wants a lil somethin' with Beyonce, either way he's gonna need more bank than he got or will ever get.
He's definitely optin' out. Still won't get him in the Big B club that he wants. I bet Nets ownership gave Jay Z a taste with the stipulation that he bring Bron when the time was right. You don't just step into an NBA franchise 'cause you got the down payment.
Posted by: | March 05, 2008 at 03:15 PM
Tsiry,
You are a Laker fan to the bone!!!!
One Love....
Posted by: Charles | March 05, 2008 at 03:18 PM
Floyd,
A Tip of the hat to you sir...
Posted by: Charles | March 05, 2008 at 03:25 PM
Laker Lover,
With all due respect, why did Kobe take over the last two games? When you answer that question correctly, you will realize why we are blessed to have Kobe.
Of course, you want everybody to be able to contribute in every way to every win. LOL. Of course, a four-headed attack is better than a one-headed attack. LOL.
My only question to you is what do you do when nobody else steps up in the fourth quarter? LOL..
Why can't you understand that Kobe only takes over the game when he has to because we need it in order to win?
Because the team overall is better, Kobe doesn't have to take over as often, of course. What I don't understand is why you can't be happy that we have Kobe to save us the last two games. Or would you rather that we lost those games? Seriously, use that brain you obviously have to figure a few basics out. Kobe is an asset not a liability. Jeez.
Tom
Posted by: LakerTom | March 05, 2008 at 04:00 PM
Neil,
"If a player is shooting 10 for 26 in a game most coaches would say...PASS the rock!!!!"
Not if the player is Michael Jordan, LeBron James, or Kobe Bryant. Not if you want to remain a coach in the NBA. Not if you want to continue coaching in the NBA.
This is not little league where everybody gets to hit the same number of times. You want Luke to take those shots? LOL. Get real.
Look at what Kobe did in the 4th quarter. He knew the Kings were in foul trouble so he took every single play but one straight to the hoop to score or get to the line. He single-handedly took over the offense and inspired his team to a great win and you still aren't happy enough.
Man, you ingrate Kobe critics are really pissing me off.
Tom
Posted by: LakerTom | March 05, 2008 at 04:08 PM
Neil,
"If a player is shooting 10 for 26 in a game most coaches would say...PASS the rock!!!!"
Not if the player is Michael Jordan, LeBron James, or Kobe Bryant. Not if you want to remain a coach in the NBA. Not if you want to continue coaching in the NBA.
This is not little league where everybody gets to hit the same number of times. You want Luke to take those shots? LOL. Get real.
Look at what Kobe did in the 4th quarter. He knew the Kings were in foul trouble so he took every single play but one straight to the hoop to score or get to the line. He single-handedly took over the offense and inspired his team to a great win and you still aren't happy enough.
Man, you ingrate Kobe critics are really pissing me off.
Tom
Posted by: LakerTom | March 05, 2008 at 04:08 PM
Well said. The only other Laker coming along for the ride on offense was Gasol, and he was looking to pass to Gasol in the final minutes. So many "experts" are so conditioned to find fault with whatever Kobe does, they lose the forest from the trees.
Posted by: Jman449 | March 05, 2008 at 04:24 PM
LakerTom - I'm with you. The guy can't win (at least with these people) no matter what he does. Good thing he's winning on the court! Maybe some day (probably a long time from now) these people who call themselves Laker fans (but who are really only Kobe bashers) will realize what they are party to witnessing. He is a true artist on the hardwood - a "once in a generation" athlete as has been said before. Unfortunately, they'll all be looking back at the good times when they finally understand. Maybe then the KB24 will finally get the props from them that he really deserves now.
GO LAKERS!
The BEAN for MVP or NO PEACE!
Posted by: justanothermambafan | March 05, 2008 at 04:26 PM
My reply to Mr. Hollinger:
The last three years when Kobe was the "statistically" favored candidate, we were force-fed down our throats that TEAM success and making teammates better was the criteria for MVP and why Kobe did not deserve it. Now that Kobe excels at this criteria (refer to your power rankings - Lakers #1, Cavs #16), Lebron is more worthy bc his stats are "better" than Kobe's. It is clear that your PER does not measure the intangibles necessary to be an MVP. Kobe is head, shoulders, knees and toes above Lebron in this race, with all due respect, Mr. Hollinger.
Posted by: Earth Wind & Fire | March 05, 2008 at 04:28 PM
Please stop with the MVP debate! I can't get myself to be passionate about an award that has been handed out to Steve Nash more than Shaq!!
I forget who it was, but someone once went on record to say that if the MVP award were to have truly meant something, Shaq should have won at least 5 times. No way was ANYONE more valuable than Big Diesel in his glory years.
Posted by: hariyahu | March 05, 2008 at 04:32 PM
The Cavaliers are the 12th best team in the league this year via regular season standings. They will probably finish in that position at the end of 82 games.
There are 9 teams in the West alone that have a better record!
Lakers will probably finish 3rd or 4th, maybe even 2nd or 1st if Boston takes a stumble.
Why is Lebron even in the discussion for MVP awards?
The MVP has never been given to any player in any team lying on the 12th position. Not Wilt Chamberlain, nor Elgin Baylor, nor anyone in their prime in the entire history of the league. The fact that people consider Lebron to be in the discussion for MVP shows extreme East Coast bias in the news media (since all their headquarters are in New York), and favoritism by the league office (based in NY).
Sure, people can talk all they want about who is the better player: Kobe or Lebron. That is not what the MVP is awarded for. The MVP stands for Most Valuable Player among the best teams. Because no matter how good a player is, he is not Most Valuable unless his team is in the elite. Cleveland is clearly, based on their record, NOT one of the elite teams in the league this year.
Most Valuable Player for what? The objective is to win the championship and in the case of the regular season awards, it is to have the best regular season record AS A TEAM. The MVP award is directly related to how well a team is doing and nowhere related to the skills of any one player alone.
If they want an award for best PER or whatever statistics, then they need to create an award for that. It's not MVP.
Posted by: LakerinBC | March 05, 2008 at 04:44 PM
I am growing madd tired of the Lebron Vs Kobe comparisons on this blog. Both are super athletes and flat out stars, different in terms of their individual games. We have Kobe so I am gonna root for him and RYDEorDIE with him, I am just saying, we should find something else that is of Laker significance to discuss. That MVP is causing MADD dissention on here and its so not cool. See how we get when we don't have a game?? It's a damn shame! lol We should be celebrating the team even if it becomes redundant and repetitve (as it sometimes does)!! The MVP is out of our control so on the real it don't matter who we think is deserving. We don't have a VOTE. Feel me?
Posted by: lakersrydeordie | March 05, 2008 at 04:45 PM
BTW, I want to be added to the STOP the MVP CHAT bandwagon,
Do we even have one???
Posted by: lakersrydeordie | March 05, 2008 at 04:59 PM
Laker Tom. I want Luke Walton to be the one who steps up and takes the big shots for our team. This will bring better balance to shot distribution for the triangle in the 4th Qtrs besides who better than Luke Walton the son of HOF Bill Walton to be the one to restore peace in LA? GO LUKE!!!
Posted by: chuck23 | March 05, 2008 at 05:03 PM
enough of the Luke bashing
Lakers are # 1
be happy
Posted by: dr. Bic | March 05, 2008 at 05:13 PM
Neil,
"If a player is shooting 10 for 26 in a game most coaches would say...PASS the rock!!!!"
Not if the player is Michael Jordan, LeBron James, or Kobe Bryant. Not if you want to remain a coach in the NBA. Not if you want to continue coaching in the NBA.
This is not little league where everybody gets to hit the same number of times. You want Luke to take those shots? LOL. Get real.
Look at what Kobe did in the 4th quarter. He knew the Kings were in foul trouble so he took every single play but one straight to the hoop to score or get to the line. He single-handedly took over the offense and inspired his team to a great win and you still aren't happy enough.
Man, you ingrate Kobe critics are really pissing me off.
Tom
Posted by: LakerTom | March 05, 2008 at 04:08 PM
Laker Tom,
Great post and response. It just proves that some people will never be satisfied no matter what Kobe does or doesn't do. Replace Kobe with any other great player(Michael Jordan, LeBron, DWade, etc.)and some people will still find something to complain about. Can't please everyone. Even if Kobe leads the Lakers to a title, there will always be detractors, naysayers and haters. I'm just happy that Kobe is a Laker and hopefully a Laker for the rest of his career. Enjoy and savor this current Laker team because the best is yet to come. Go Lakers!!!
Posted by: Nemaia Faletogo | March 05, 2008 at 05:20 PM
T. J. Stimmers is a hater (and a pig). I just read his article about Kobe not being liked by the public in general. He is crazy. What other player sells out every other areaa? What other player get "MVP" chants in the opposing team's arena? KOBE, that's who. Of course Stimmers had to bring up Kobe's public complaint about the status of the team this summer. Even though the team is doing very very well now (Lead by who else , KOBE). I say Kobe has been vendicated by the fact that Smush isn't even playing in the league, Brown and Cook gets no PT on their new teams. Kobe was compaining because the team looke pretty bad and AB hadn't proven he was willing to live up to his NBA potential.
But now is now and then was then, but nooooo Stimmers want to just casta negative light on our star polayer. For once Kobe is getting his due consideration for MVP, so Stimmers just has to hate. I really believe he wants to put a damper on Kobe for MVP discussion. Some people just don't feel good if they are not hating,. As a LA sports writer, his negative Lakers coverage should not be tolarated.
Fire Stimmers!
Posted by: tellitlikeitis | March 05, 2008 at 05:58 PM
Iam not a Kobe hater but i watch the whole game...Kobe has NEVER led his team to a title..Why hes never been an MVP in either the regular season or playoffs...Hes never even been the best player on his own team except for the last couple of seasons without shaq....IF Kobe is such a great leader why doenst he announce to the fans and his teammates that he is NOT going anyplace when his contract is up...Kobe is having a great year but until he proves it in the playoff he's not to be considered the best ever...Shooting less than 40 % against Sac is not a great game by anymeans...MVP doenst mean anything unless you win a ring...
Posted by: neil | March 05, 2008 at 06:25 PM
Yea the only thing more insuferrable than Simers and all those other ignorant Kobe Haters is that annoying Crispy Fish Tacos commercial that runs about a thousand times during each Laker broadcast. It makes me want Stu Lance to return from commercial. Scary!
Posted by: DK TRUEBLUE | March 05, 2008 at 06:50 PM
I root for Luke because he's a Laker and I've held my tongue/fingers for a long while but:
But some of those missed lay ups are just inexcusable
as are the awful bricks.
he passes the ball like a hot potato, as if he's afraid to take the shot. not that posts like mine help, but the guy has the self confidence of a pre-teen.
he is hurting other Lakers offensively because defenders play him so softly, they have no fear of him burning them.
athletically he is outclassed by usually every player on the floor.
Though he makes a nice pass every now and then, and he does seem to be doing a bit better in the past week, but c'mon, wasn't this guy burying threes last year?
btw,
Artest plays super solid.
Posted by: downtown atty | March 05, 2008 at 07:05 PM
dr. Bic,
I'll say negative things about Luke any time I want. It's not wrong for me to notice poor performance and to want it to improve. We're the Lakers, not Memphis or Atlanta, or some lame team that is happy just to make the playoffs, or even the second round.
I am tough because I love.
Just like the Fremen on Arakis, it is through hard work, adversity, and challenge that strength comes into being.
I do want to point out as I have before and as others have before that Luke is hurt.
He plays worse hurt compared to healthy than any player in the league that I've seen, but it is what it is.
When he is healthy, we can assess where he's at more fairly.
Ideally, our team wouldn't have so many people be unhealthy at the same time. It's only fair. Luke's been playing hurt for a very long time, just like Radmanovich did last season.
Maybe the K brothers can do some voodoo something or other next time one of them is in New Orleans. We need all the help that we can get.
Posted by: Benjamin | March 05, 2008 at 10:35 PM