Buzz kill?
March 14, 2008 | 2:28
pm
Some thoughts on tonight's game, which ought to be a good one:
- I love watching Chris Paul, but I can understand why the Lakers wouldn't. In the first meeting of the
season between these two teams, Paul just destroyed LA with a combination of penetration and effective passing off the pick and roll. But it's not just Paul's ability to make plays off the dribble that makes him so special. His midrange game is fantastic, so he doesn't have to make it all the way to the hole to be effective offensively. It also forces opposing PGs to play him tighter, because they have to respect his shot. That's no easy proposition, since as you've heard, Chris Paul is kinda quick.
The Lakers aren't just going to have to be aggressive on the screens they'll see tonight- and they'll see a lot- but also eliminate the confusion they've shown in making decisions to switch, and where help is coming from. Any seam, and Paul will find it. One solution, which the Lakers employed the last time they were in town, is to let Paul go nuts points wise, but try to limit his distribution. Hence the 32/5 CP3 had on Jan. 10 (a 109-80 LAL win), as opposed to the 19/21 he had when NO visited Staples (a 118-104 LAL loss).
- The Hornets, despite the additions of Bonzi Wells, Mike James, and Chris Anderson, are still a very starter-oriented team. Anderson is yet to play in his return to the NBA, and neither Wells nor James has had a lot of burn. Outside of Jannero Pargo, New Orleans hasn't received consistent production from anyone on the bench. The Lakers bench will have a chance to shine against their second unit.
- Close out on shooters. We all remember what Peja Stojakovic did back at Staples. Unless, of course, you Eternal Sunshined it from your spotted mind, in which case I'll re-spot it. 10-13 from downtown, many taken with enough time to order a sandwich and ogle the Laker Girls before shooting. But it's not just Peja. David West has a great shot, and Mo Peterson can also drain a triple.
- One big difference between the game the Lakers won and the one they lost? No surprise, turnovers. 15 in the first game, eight in the second. The former translated to 22 Hornets points. Giving Paul and the Gang easy shots against the disjointed D that generally follows TOs is a very poor blueprint for winning.
- One advantage to having Gasol in the lineup is his ability to pull Tyson Chandler away from the basket. Pau's face up game makes him a threat there, and his passing out of the high post to moving- hint, hint- teammates could be a very effective weapon and counter to Chandler's shot blocking and rebounding ability.
Kurt over at Forum Blue and Gold has some more insight to the game, via the Hornets247.com blog. Worth a read, too.
BK
charles, respect for hollarin. this blog is mos def a good place. i hated the marion swap and you know what, like what lakerlegacy said we addin some of your offence coz shaq palyed best on that style
Posted by: blingbling | March 14, 2008 at 02:42 PM
Ideally, the Lakers take away Paul's passing by staying home on the shooters. That puts the bulk of the scoring on the shoulders of Paul and West (the only other player aggressive about creating his own shot). LO will have his hands full.
I don't see Pau being able to impose his will on Chandler but you never know. Maybe his slipperiness can get Tyson in foul trouble which would open up the lane a lot.
Let's hope the Lakers take care of the ball, i.e. don't make lazy passes or try and force the issue so much that NO has a parade of turnovers to convert into easy points. And let's hope the bench mob is hitting their shots tonight. That'll be a big boost.
Posted by: lakers_sth | March 14, 2008 at 02:44 PM
Go Lakeshow!!!
Posted by: DK | March 14, 2008 at 02:47 PM
If Paul is CP3, which sounds a lot like C-3PO, I'm all for DJ "Mboba Fett" Mbenga shutting him up with the basketball equivalent of a grapping hook rifle.
This doesn't require any actual violence, (Mbenga's about the last guy to engage in brutality - get a look at his bio), just a physical warning to not bring that cutesy crap in the lane. I recommend a hard two handed block with some extra meat on the follow-through. Not enough to hurt the little guy - just enough to make him think twice about his durability.
Posted by: The D | March 14, 2008 at 02:51 PM
I watched the Lakers - Hornets game from Jan 10th last night, and there are a few other things that we are going to have to contend with.
One of the major factors in that win was Andrew Bynum, who totally dominated Tyson Chandler, and almost entirely negated his strongest suit - offensive rebounds.
You mentioned Gasol's ability to pass out of the post, which will definitely be a factor, while his mid-range game will definitely draw Chandler away from the basket. Pau's efficiency on the offensive end should be a real advantage (and I"m sure that his baby hook will be useful too (as a shot that is almost impossible to block), but I think the Lakers will have greater concerns to deal with than their offense (which was relatively strong in both the win and loss).
The thing that really concerns me about tonight's game is...
Our swiss-cheese defense in recent games.
One thing that has really suffered with Bynum out of the game has been our help defense. I've watched too many opponents slashing to the basket and picking up relatively easy layups. Having Bynum's presence in the paint has been about more than blocking shots - his ability to change shots is significant, and contributes more to the scoreboard than you would think. Gasol lacks the imposing presence that Bynum offers, and our defense has suffered in this respect as a result. With an opposing PG like Chris Paul, this becomes an even greater issue. His speed and ability to cut to the basket either to score or make assists by dishing to the open man could be a real issue tonight.
Granted, we've had stretches lately where our team defense has been excellent - but we'll need to sustain that all night against a team like the Hornets.
Posted by: Benjamin | March 14, 2008 at 02:52 PM
Reason I'm not down with the Luke bashing:
He's probably the 9th or 10th man on our team, but he's OUR 9th or 10th man. Is there another 10th man you'd trade him for?
Also, I think he's more valuable to the Lakers than any other team. Other teams want present thuggishness or future upside near the end of their benches; we need glue, grit and decent passing. Luke provides this. This is a good reason to keep him.
Posted by: The D | March 14, 2008 at 03:14 PM
Let's go Lake Show!! Defense, defense, defense. No turnovers. Let's see Kobe drop 50 tonight because...he can. Or not. It's entirely up to him. Honestly, I'd like to see about 30 team dimes coming from anyone, that will pick this Hornets team apart, some nice, crisp ball movement. That's why my man Luke Walton will also have a great game tonight. Watch as he helps shut down Peja, slide across on the many pick 'n' rolls and generally keep the ship floating towards a winning port. All aboard the S.S. Showtime, aye-aye Cap'n Luke. Heh, it's been a wierd day, therefore it is a wierd post. Go Lakers!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: Jamie Sweet | March 14, 2008 at 03:20 PM
Less than 2 hours to game time!
I came across this article while waiting for the game:
Will Bynum's return help or hurt the Lakers?
http://tinyurl.com/28yf4h
We all know the answer to that one... we'd rather have AB than not. 15-20 mins. coming off the bench would be big for the Lakeshow if Baby Bynum is ready to go.
Posted by: SamII | March 14, 2008 at 03:24 PM
BK-
You forgot something about Chris Paul...
That he looks like CARLTON!!
Posted by: ajax | March 14, 2008 at 03:26 PM
TURN CHRIS PAUL INTO A SCORER…
The key to the Lakers winning tonight’s contest is their ability to turn Chris Paul into a scorer rather than a playmaker who gets his teammates involved. The Lakers perimeter defenders need to stick to Peja like white on rice and the Lakers big men need to stay tight on Chandler and West, even when Paul beats the Lakers perimeter defenders. The Hornets cannot defeat the Lakers unless Paul is able to involve his teammates.
That brings us to the need for the Lakers perimeter defenders to stop Chris Paul from getting into the lane. We saw a mini-preview of how the Lakers will try to play Paul in their defense against Ford in the Raptors game. While T.J. was able to score against the Lakers, he was not able to get his teammates involved in the game and eventually was unable to single-handedly keep up with the Lakers.
That said, the Lakers point guards need to do a far better job of containing Paul tonight. I will be interested to see what Phil has in mind. I would look to Derek Fisher and Jordan Farmar being very aggressive offensively against Paul, even posting him up on occasion. The idea, of course, is to put constant pressure on Paul to tire him out.
I suspect that our point guards will try to be very physical with Paul on defense for the same reason. It will also be very important that Fisher and Farmar not give up when Paul beats them off the dribble and gets into the paint. If they stick with the play, there will be some opportunities to block Paul’s jump shots or layups from behind.
Defending Paul when the Hornets run a pick and roll will, of course, be the consummate test of the Lakers defense. I am wary of trying to double and trap Paul because he is such a great ball handler and passer. Depending on how Paul is shooting, I would either have the defender try to fight through or go under the screen. And we need to be wary of a slip screen and back door by Chandler off the pick and roll.
Finally, the Lakers need to be extremely efficient on offense, minimizing turnovers and situations where bad offense puts their defense at a disadvantage. As always, we need to run our offense inside out, giving Pau and Lamar touches down low, before casting off from the 3-point line. We also need to be sure when we take a 3-pointer that we get back quickly on defense in case of a long rebound.
As predicted earlier, Lakers win 110-95.
Tom
Posted by: LakerTom | March 14, 2008 at 03:29 PM
Looking forward to the game tonight!!! Go Lakers!!!
Posted by: Nemaia Faletogo | March 14, 2008 at 03:32 PM
This is not basketball related, but for everybody in the L.A. area or from L.A I really want you guys to read this. I dont post links ever (other than trade machine) but please take some time to read this. I usually cant stand Bill Simmons but this was great.
http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/page2/story?page=simmons/080312
Posted by: The Lake Show | March 14, 2008 at 03:32 PM
In case anyon'e missed it, former LA times scribe and noted douchebag JA Adande makes a compelling argument for watching the NBA's playoff push over the NCAA Tourney.
http://tinyurl.com/25mcmg
Posted by: The D | March 14, 2008 at 03:33 PM
http://sports.espn.go.com/broadband/video/videopage?
videoId=&categoryId=2459788
Beware, Adande sings.
I think accepting salary cap implications for Gasol has kept Kobe in LA for the near future.
Posted by: mel | March 14, 2008 at 03:46 PM
I almost forgot it was a road game, tip in a little over an hour. Does anyone have any news on Ariza progress. More on bynum. Thanks.
We have got to shut down penetration tonight, if we win points in the paint, we win the game.
Posted by: nik kannan | March 14, 2008 at 03:51 PM
Ajax,
"That he (Chris Paul) looks like CARLTON!!"
Haha, never noticed, but now that you mention it, you're absolutely right. The Hornets should sign Horry (Will Smith look-alike) and create a reality show.
Here are some other NBA players and their look-alikes:
Bynum - Tracy Morgan (courtesy of Generic One)
Chris Kayman - Yeti
Lebron - Samuel Jackson's character from Black Snake Moan
Dan Dickau - The dude from 40 Year Old Virgin that couldn't get over his ex-girlfriend
Posted by: LAKER TRUTH | March 14, 2008 at 03:54 PM
FEED THE TROLLS
SO STRONG NOW
after tonights game I shall be all-powerful
Posted by: Troll Man | March 14, 2008 at 04:01 PM
i predict the lakers to lose today.
Posted by: never | March 14, 2008 at 04:04 PM
I wanna see some Coby action.
Posted by: Tsiry | March 14, 2008 at 04:07 PM
I hope we dont have a sequel to brokeback mountain tonight.
Posted by: TrueLakerFan | March 14, 2008 at 04:10 PM
blingbling,
thanks for your reply
Posted by: Charles | March 14, 2008 at 04:26 PM
Charles
wut up man, to tell you the truth I haven't had a chance to check in on the SUNS blog since their win streak. I'm sure theres a lot of happy campers though, as a matter a fact I'm sure of it, I can't believe some people get so blinded by wins that they don't even realize, Phoenix needs to start playing D.
I have a question regarding Odom, but I'll wait to ask it after the laker game or tomorrow.
Posted by: Fire32 | March 14, 2008 at 04:43 PM
4 fo' 4 starting in 15 minutes
GO Lakers
Posted by: Vman | March 14, 2008 at 04:47 PM
Actor-Player comparisons?
PAGING TAOSHUM!!
Posted by: hariyahu | March 14, 2008 at 04:49 PM
Fire32
Thanks for your reply.
Posted by: Charles | March 14, 2008 at 04:51 PM
i AM NEW TO THIS SITE. I AM FROM SOUTHFLORIDA BY WAY OF ALABAMA! GO !LAKERS
Posted by: Wayne | March 14, 2008 at 04:51 PM
Caliphilosopher in the building!!!
Posted by: Charles | March 14, 2008 at 04:53 PM
Wayne!
Welcome to the fam!
Posted by: Charles | March 14, 2008 at 04:54 PM
Less than 2 hours to game time!
I came across this article while waiting for the game:
Will Bynum's return help or hurt the Lakers?
http://tinyurl.com/28yf4h
We all know the answer to that one... we'd rather have AB than not. 15-20 mins. coming off the bench would be big for the Lakeshow if Baby Bynum is ready to go.
Posted by: SamII | March 14, 2008 at 03:24 PM
I disagree because the purpose of his return being delayed is so that he can come back 100%. Less than that would be time coming off the bench. If he is 100% then he just needs a couple of games to get his game stamina or condition back. Then at 100% he should be ready to start.
As to the playing with Gasol I don't think the transition will be that hard but instead much easier. Since Gasol is an experienced player and picked up the offense so quickly it should be easy to adjust again.
Bynum with 3 seasons of the triangle will just have to come back to his game and Gasol as the experienced Vet will adjust to him. In other words let Bynum do his thing as usual and let Gasol create off of him. With Lamar, Kobe Fish as vets will help and rest also will find their nichce as everyone will benefit from those bigs in there.
Posted by: JustaLakerFan | March 14, 2008 at 09:03 PM