Crown of thorns
For the season as a whole, there will be no coronation for the Kings of Sacramento. But for one night, they managed to come off as royalty, as least in terms of what it took to hand the Lakers a 114-113 loss. A little ironic, considering the Lakers were sporting a roost ruling attitude. The unfortunate outcome appeared in the works for the Lakers from the start, with any defensive measures taken against their opponents. 71 first half points were surrendered, many of which were the result of transition laxity and back cuts gone uncovered. The second half featured more promising lockdown and frames scored in favor of the Lakers, but also a lot of purple and gold tempers flaring. Technicals were issued to Kobe Bryant and Pau Gasol, representative of a squad capable of struggling to get over the hump. Thus, it wasn't a shock to see the Lakers finally recapture a one-point lead off a Gasol lay-up with fifteen seconds to play, only to quickly lose it again.
The bizarre sequence featuring Sasha Vujacic fouling Beno Udrih while camping out on his wallet? That was actually kind of shock. At any rate, Kobe went iso (none too shocking, in his estimation) for the final shot. Front rim and no good. Everyone always tries to figure out how much like Mike Kobe is. But after coming out on the right side of a box score, Ron Artest made it clear he wanted to be like Kobe.
That the Lakers possess the requisite talent to beat anybody is pretty much isn't much of a question. Do they possess the requisite mentality to beat down anybody when possible? Not in their coach's eyes. Especially since they're arguably more tall than tough. In particular, Pau Gasol's affinity for physical play has been questioned.
Many a Laker fan claims this team is life or death for them. With all due respect for their passion, the overwhelming majority are lucky to not understand what that truly means.
A victory over the Spurs represents a weight removed from Phoenix's shoulders, but don't mistake it for a rose-covered pathway towards the postseason, says ESPN's Marc Stein.
The Chicago Bulls brass hates Duke University. Or they hate when their Blue Devil players attend the Duke-UNC game, oversleep the next day and fail to get to Detroit in time for the morning shootaround, as was the case with Chris Duhon.
When it comes to league MVP, LeBron might cast a vote for Kobe, but Detroit's Tayshaun Prince (who guards everyone's best perimeter player) says LBJ offers the bigger challenge to cover.
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Mornin' Laker's, this is your March 10th wake up call!
The Kings were on, we were off.
Props to 'em. Congrats, Sonny Belfast.
Onward!
Go Lakers!
Posted by: Vman | March 10, 2008 at 09:17 AM
Hey guys, my brother and I made this illustration of the best baller on the planet! Just wanted to share it with the Lakers family.
http://andotsiry.deviantart.com/art/Kobe-Bryant-Purple-and-Gold-79618317
Posted by: Tsiry | March 10, 2008 at 09:18 AM
Good morning, Charles, AK/BK, Mamba24, and the rest of the Lakers Family.
Yes, it was a tough loss. But it was an important learning lesson, one that I hope the team takes to heart. They've got to play tough defense right from the tip; I think that sometimes this team feels like it can rely on its outstanding ability to create offense and momentum at will. That won't get it done in the playoffs. But, hey, some losses are good losses, because they remind a team of the importance of team D, good rotations, and playing hard for the full 48.
These Lakers will be okay. Toronto, unfortunately, might have to bear the brunt of an angry Lakers squad, which is just fine with me.
Go Lakers!
Posted by: The Outlaw | March 10, 2008 at 09:24 AM
Good Morning,
What do I love about the regular season? The ability to move on to the next game and move on from the mistakes! With the article written about Phil Jackson taking it easy with the team on LA Times, http://tinyurl.com/24atll
I hope it doesn't correlate with the teams lackadaisical effort on defense.
Happy Monday and have a good one fam...
Posted by: Charles | March 10, 2008 at 09:30 AM
last nights loss is not a big deal. lakers will be focused in practice today in practice and phil will let the team know that last nights performance is unacceptable. I look for the lakers to come out on fire tomorrow night and beat down the raptors. a loss tomorrow would be a little scary...
GO LAKERS
Posted by: mrbarneydangles | March 10, 2008 at 09:31 AM
Tsiry,
Awesome Work!!!
Posted by: Charles | March 10, 2008 at 09:31 AM
Cood morning Mamba24, Good morning Charles, Good morninng Laker Nation.
I have only two things to say after the debacle last night:
Defense Wins Champoinships
Gamers are 48 minutes long
WAKE UP CALL!
Posted by: toad | March 10, 2008 at 09:33 AM
Wade is now out for the remainder of the season.
Posted by: Tim-4-Show | March 10, 2008 at 09:38 AM
I don't understand how our team could come out on the floor and play such a horrible game!
Tons of un-contested shots and missed free throws... again!!
Another "Matador" defensive night!
We needed this wake-up call for sure.
Tough 4 game roadie on the way, and... if we play like this... it we'll drop in the standings!!
Posted by: keifo | March 10, 2008 at 09:45 AM
"71" - fighting words and mantra for the week!
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: PsychedLakerGirl | March 10, 2008 at 09:48 AM
REPOST:
MVP thoughts:
I submit that the two critical components of an MVP are individual greatness and team success. Greatness is consistency and clutchness. Team success (reg season) is winning more games by more points.
Everyone seems to like this thing reduced to numbers: Here's my take using Stats from 82games.com.
Formula
(Roland Rating + .1(4Q Points)) * (Win % + .001(Point Diff))
Some key competitors:
Player Roland 4Q Pts Team Win% PointDiff MVP
Bryant 14.3 57.4 LAL 0.698 7.5 15.49092
Garnett 13.4 23 BOS 0.803 10.3 14.2242
James 18.1 61.5 CLE 0.571 -0.4 13.74975
Ginobli 12.6 43.4 SAS 0.694 5 12.60336
Paul 13 39.5 NOH 0.677 5 12.32265
Duncan 10 26.8 SAS 0.694 5 9.43392
Posted by: The D | March 10, 2008 at 09:51 AM
Bulls also hate Duke because of Elton Brand and "Jay" Williams.
Posted by: MC Welk | March 10, 2008 at 09:51 AM
Hey, if I was there, I would've gotten a technical too.
Who was that officiating crew? And were they aware they were supposed to be calling a basketball game and not hockey?
Terrible terrible refs. For both sides, for the whole game. Last night was one of those products the NBA should be ashamed to put on TV, someone watching for the first time would certainly be extremely confused about what the rules of the game were after last night, heck even I'm not sure what sort of contact is illegal anymore.
Posted by: J. Walter Weatherman | March 10, 2008 at 09:52 AM
"Slippage' is the term that PJ uses for the the current performance of this team.
The honeymoon period is officially over for Pau Gasol.
The Lakers have to find a motivation for each of the remaining games, as if the standings weren' enough. Use bulletin board material, set goals, whatever. We see that when the Lakers play with energy, like they did when Pau first came, they are hard to beat.
You can't coast in the NBA.
Posted by: Amazing_Happens | March 10, 2008 at 09:54 AM
Goodd"what if" column by Bill Simmons. Sorry if someone already posted it.
http://tinyurl.com/2ccxaj
Posted by: exhelodrvr | March 10, 2008 at 09:54 AM
YOU EVER NOTICE
If Jeff VanGundy was coach of the Lakers you would never see such poor defense.
SIGN UP FOR THE JEFF VANGUNDY BANDWAGON
How many more years do we have to put up with this defensive philosophy?
I'm not fond of Luke, but he is the only player that consistently blocks out a man when going for a rebound. Something he probably learned from Lute Olsen
All others, use their height or athleticism.
What kind of a lame coaching staff can't adjust to Beno Urih looking All-World?
If anyone ever notices, good defensive teams, always try to switch back to their orginal man after the first switch, the Lakers never do, and that is why Lamar is always stuck trying to guard someone twice as quick as he is. Also, if our guys could just once in a while try to fight through a screen I would be more sympathetic but they always take the easy way out and go underneath.
Just poor coaching, its been this way for years, and everyone still gives the coaching staff a free ride.
SIGN-UP FOR THE JVG BANDWAGON
I'm mad as hell, and not going to take it anymore
Posted by: YOU EVER NOTICE | March 10, 2008 at 09:58 AM
Kambrothers,
Great articles, but wanted to let you know your "arguably more tall than tough" link isn't working.
Posted by: DK | March 10, 2008 at 10:09 AM
I had no intention of re-posting, but only Helene Elliott in everything I've read since, comes close to addressing the huge elephant in the locker room: The Lakers did not show up on Sunday prepared to play anything close to Championship basketball. The players' lame post-game comments like "this was a wake-up call," do not excuse anything, nor satisfactorily explain it.
PJ's comment that he doesn't think he needs an enforcer suggests why he doesn't bring in Mbenga for two minutes here, three minutes there, to upset the opponent's flow. He's wrong. And he hasn't sufficiently taken himself to task for the disaster. But enough. Here's the original, with apologies to those who waded through it in the other thread:
Good morning everyone,
A good night's sleep hasn't changed my perspective on a game that ranks as an atrocity. An atrocity? Yes, just a shameful effort by a team capable of so much better. K-Brothers --- the fact that you found anything to rank "The Good" is the ultimate GHF. Only Sasha gets a pass from me.
* Gasol -- lackidasical shooting (not determined to "finish"), soft defense
* Lamar -- Puh-leeze. If the game has two halves, you've got to play both to get in my "good" category.
* Kobe -- Like I said Sunday night, he needs an anger management class. He is no longer entitled to revert to the immature Kobe of old.
Maybe they didn't make themselves available to you after the game, but I wanted to hear from the worst culprits.
* Lamar -- Why did you not take a single shot until you got that easy pass from Jordan? How can you be AWOL in the first half?
* Jordan -- WTF? Did you have a fight with your girlfriend before the game? Did you spend the afternoon reading your press clippings? Get your head out of your a** and get back to playing smart basketball. And spend more time watching D-Fish defend.
* Luke -- I've had to endure two b***s*** episodes of FSN's "Life with Luke." If you want to be a Hollywood star, ask Mitch to release you from your Laker contract. Otherwise, work on your game and stop preening.
* Vlad -- Stop dreaming of snowboarding and play some smart defense.
* PJ -- How can a coach with nine rings excuse letting his team go onto the floor so unprepared to play?
The Lakers should have known the Kings would come out ready to play, after letting the game get away in Sacramento. They should have been prepared for a team determined to avenge their late collapse on Tuesday.
Yeh, yeh, yeh. Say it was only one game all you want. It was a statement that this team still hasn't committed to Championship basketball. I'm angry because I know they are capable of so much better.
Posted by: Rick Friedman | March 10, 2008 at 10:19 AM
Jeff Van Gundy bandwagon? Hahahahahahahahaha! Um, no.
Posted by: dave m | March 10, 2008 at 10:28 AM
I know the game before with Sac Kobe pulled his jersey and such but I wonder what was said between Kobe and Artest during the game. I saw Kobe kinda smile and say something to Artest but Artest said something back and Kobe quit smiling.
In last nights game Kobe got angry at Artest for poking the ball but I saw a sly smile from Artest knowing he pissed Kobe off.
Then he does the jersey pull at end of game.
Would really like to know what the real deal is between the two. I think Artest will never be seen in a Lakers uniform and he kows it. Any Thoughts?
Any inside to this new bad blood between them AK/BK or insiders?
Posted by: JustaLakerFan | March 10, 2008 at 10:29 AM
Wow. You would never see this from Kobe Bean. Taking time off from his team to get ready for the Olympics. Will a real MVP please stand up?
http://msn.foxsports.com/nba/story/7895204?MSNHPHMA
Posted by: Maleke | March 10, 2008 at 10:30 AM
You ever notice: sorry not supporting that bandwagon.... JVG = no rings. Sounds like a great guy, defensive coaching is great but -0- rings.
Posted by: PsychedLakerGirl | March 10, 2008 at 10:31 AM
"71"
Good morning LAL friends!
Rick: I agree with your opinion b-4 the re-post.
We have enough bigs now to use up some fouls. Let's show some muscle with some of these guys to let them know layups won't be so easy.
Posted by: PsychedLakerGirl | March 10, 2008 at 10:34 AM
"71"
Hey Ronny: no chartering planes/trains or automobiles to SD tonight to see your Zags. Its no use anyhow...those Toreros have upset on their minds!
Posted by: PsychedLakerGirl | March 10, 2008 at 10:37 AM
Guys, What was wrong with KObe? Double, Triple teams have never stopped him before. He could of taken over this game with his eyes closed. It was only a 2 point affair and he could not impose his will. Very Strange !!!! I've seen him play better with the Flu. What was wrong. He looked slow and Lathargic like he was not trying kind of like in the Clipper game. He didn't even get off the last shot in time. I thought he was rejuvenated with Pau. ANY THOUGHTS, This 4 Game roadie coming up scares me. And what about Houston are they ever going to loose , Are they for real? Who do they have besides TMac. I hope the Suns don't go on a winning streak. And Last THe schedule makers sure screwed the Lakers this year.
CrazyFan
Posted by: CrzyFan | March 10, 2008 at 10:51 AM
Where's Mbenga?
Lay-up after lay-up and still Mbenga sits the pine. sorry to say but opposing teams have no fear going to the rack against the Lakers. Who's going to stop them, Gasol? LMFAO
Everyone better stop saying "when we get Bynum and Ariza back the defense will be fine"
Newsflash, they aint coming back. We've only barely beaten 2 teams (Suns, Mavs) who will be in WC playoffs and that was with some herculean efforts by Kobe.
Open your eyes, we are about to go 2-6, and as Amazing_Happens said, The honeymoon is over for Gasol , and I say it over with the team.
ODUMB- can't guard anyone quick and disappeared once again on offense
SASHA- becoming a hog, should have passed to Kobe last night on the breakaway, that would have brought down the house with a Kobe slam but noooo
LUKE - well is Luke
GASOL - can't play against anyone who bodies him, and you think he can play power forward when (if) Bynum comes back- please. the only thing he has done lately is dunk when he's open and cry when his lame layup attempts get blocked. He is taller version of Luke
FISHER- for all the praise given him, he plays out of the offense more than Kobe and he can't keep anyone in front of him on the defensive end
KOBE- How stupid can you be, do you really think crying all the time to the officials is going to get you calls. Leader my arse
FAMAR- the great pretender, what did he do last night, come in and turn the ball over 4 out of 5 plays, also plays no defense. Yeah thats all I want, a short point guard who can't pass, penetrate, or defend.
Posted by: Mr. Opposite | March 10, 2008 at 11:07 AM
JustaLakerfan - I don't think there's any bad blood between Artest and Kobe, just friendly competition. This is based on listening to the Kobe postgame audio posted by the KBros. Kobe's comments that "Ron knows he can't guard me" and other such stuff is said in a playful manner, not an angry one.
I'm a huge fan of Kobe's but I think my gripe with him is that he claims to want to be DPOY, but he seems to take that challenge on only when he is sufficiently motivated. I understand that team USA is different, but he never took a defensive play off when he played for the US this summer. If you spotlight him in the regular season though, you will see him not respecting his assignment, getting backdoored, losing his man, and generally being lazy until he decides enough is enough. It was beautiful to see him smother Dwade earlier this season, but he seems to save that type of defense for players he deems worthy of it. I want him to crush all comers. The offense will be fine.
That said, KOBE FOR MVP.
Posted by: Amazing_Happens | March 10, 2008 at 11:09 AM
PsychedLakerGirl,
I've been meaning to tell you, you're a great addition to the blog. Keep on telling it like it is.
Posted by: Rick Friedman | March 10, 2008 at 11:11 AM
Good morning, Laker Nation.
I wasn't able to see last night's game. I just followed it on Yahoo, so I won't have any brilliant observations on why the hell we lost to the hated Kings.
I really thought we were going to win that one.
So, since I was blind last night, I'd appreciate any observations of those who had an an opportunity to watch us stumble yesterday.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | March 10, 2008 at 11:11 AM
The artwork looks great Tsiry!
Posted by: Amazing_Happens | March 10, 2008 at 11:15 AM
I don't recall the last time the Lakers set multiple screens to free up Kobe for a last seconds shot. It always seem to be isos that depend on Kobe getting by multiple defenders on his own. I can remember when Indiana always found ways to free up Reggie Miller in these similar situations. These type of situations will happen often in the playoffs and sometimes in the 7th game.
Posted by: LakerinBC | March 10, 2008 at 11:16 AM
I remember JVG's comment on TV that PJ has been running the same end game play since the MJ days. Sometimes, when you've been successful for a long time, you need an outsider to call you, that you've been a bit slack. I wonder if any of the assistant coaches in the coaching team have enough balls to call PJ on certain things.
Posted by: LakerinBC | March 10, 2008 at 11:22 AM
Thanks Rick F. Much appreciated.
Posted by: PsychedLakerGirl | March 10, 2008 at 11:40 AM
Prince thinks he can cover Kobe - hilarious.
This guy cant cover my grand mama with out ben and sheed.
Posted by: ookboy24 | March 10, 2008 at 11:44 AM
What a depressing game. No heart, no hustle, no intestinal fortitude, no defense. Fish getting schooled by Beno, Kobe gagging the 4th Q, too much bad news to report. Contrast that effort to the Los Suns effort against Los Spurs with Shaq Diving into the stands and Nash willing them to victory and my Sunday was ruined (even though the Spurs lost, I hate the Suns) Let's hope this was an abberation because if we play like this in the playoffs we'll be the next Dallas getting upset in the 1st round.
Posted by: HawaiiD | March 10, 2008 at 12:22 PM
Good morning Vman, Charles and all Laker fans!
Great job on the artwork Tsiry, would like to see any more Laker stuff you got!
Bad game yesterday, hopefully it will be out of their system before Toronto. DEFENSE!!! DEFENSE!!
Posted by: Lakers Legacy | March 10, 2008 at 12:31 PM
The NBA has become like the WWF! Phony! I cannot help but think, Scripted. Maybe its all about money as apposed to legit competition. I think the NBA scripts things mostly via the refs, but I wouldn't put them beyond occational quiet conversations between commissioner, owner, and coach. I imagine the conversation as such, "Phil, you're gonna lose five more games this season." Phil responds, "Kobe, you guys keep it low key. Win if you can, in the final five minutes, but we're going to lose five more games, so let's avoid injury."
I enjoy NBA as entertainment, but I have always hated the scripted nature of professional wrestling. I hope the NBA fixes its integrity, both administratively and in its reffing.
Posted by: poptop | March 10, 2008 at 01:06 PM
Agreed, this was a huge wake-up call for the Lakers.
They had a premium opportunity at creating some separation between themselves and the rest of the West & let it slip away. Games are 48 minutes long... you can't just play hard for a portion of that time & eXPect to consistently win in the NBA-
especially if you're the Lakers cos EVERYBODY shows up ready to play against the Purple & Gold (well, maybe not the Clippers =).
The positive spin here is, as a few insightful bloggers have pointed out, the Lakers will play the Kings (and Blazers) twice more before the season is over. Both teams have given the Lakers a run for their money so far so this should serve as a sort of mini-prep for the playoffs. Lets see if our guys (coaching staff included) learn form last nite, respond by making the appropriate adjustments & shut the Kings down the next time they meet... cos that's what successful playoff teams must do in a 7 game series to get to the promise land!
also, did you ever notice that J.V.G. has 0 (count 'em) rings. thats cos, although he may be a defensive mastermind, his offensive game plans were some of the most stale, predictable & uninspiring schemes ever put on an NBA floor. as a coach, no thanks... he is remarkably entertaining as an analyst tho.
Riding the Championship Wagon 'till the wheels fall off!!
-Fowl Out
Posted by: Flagrant Fowl | March 10, 2008 at 01:11 PM
One game does not make the season or 2 or 3. While it was good to see a win at home specially with the queens a loss is not bad to have. It just shows more improvement is needed. We'll be fine and go to the finals.
I wonder how hard the boys partied Saturday night for Sasha's birthday?
Go Lakers!
Posted by: Laker_Phil | March 10, 2008 at 02:14 PM
Charles, Amazing Happens, Lakers Legacy, thanks a lot. We appreciate. And thanks to everyone who visited our gallery from the Lakersblog.
Posted by: Tsiry | March 10, 2008 at 02:35 PM
Based Upon Last Game..
IS THIS THE TEAM THAT CAN CONTEND FOR A TITLE?
WHY ARE WE COMPLAINING TOO MUCH?
TOO MUCH OF WHINING WITH OFFICIALS INSTEAD OF PLAYING.
IF LAMAR DON"T WANT TO SCORE THEN AT LEAST HE SHOULD EAT THE GLASS
ITS A HUGE SETBACK..NOT GOOD AT ALL WHEN WE HAVE TO PLAY HOUSTON AND OTHER BIGS NEXT
Posted by: Disgruntled,Frustrated Laker Fan | March 10, 2008 at 03:14 PM
Last night game should be a wake up call, if they keep on playing without defense, it is more likely they will not pass the first round with the tough western conference, they could have the Suns or Dallas the first round..
Posted by: LakerFanInIrvine | March 10, 2008 at 03:17 PM
JustaLakerfan - I don't think there's any bad blood between Artest and Kobe, just friendly competition. This is based on listening to the Kobe postgame audio posted by the KBros. Kobe's comments that "Ron knows he can't guard me" and other such stuff is said in a playful manner, not an angry one.
I'm a huge fan of Kobe's but I think my gripe with him is that he claims to want to be DPOY, but he seems to take that challenge on only when he is sufficiently motivated. I understand that team USA is different, but he never took a defensive play off when he played for the US this summer. If you spotlight him in the regular season though, you will see him not respecting his assignment, getting backdoored, losing his man, and generally being lazy until he decides enough is enough. It was beautiful to see him smother Dwade earlier this season, but he seems to save that type of defense for players he deems worthy of it. I want him to crush all comers. The offense will be fine.
That said, KOBE FOR MVP.
Posted by: Amazing_Happens | March 10, 2008 at 11:09 AM
Amazing_Happens
Thanks for the reply. I think there is more to it than friendly rivalry based on Kobes expression.
I appreciate your input and I guess either time will tell or we will never know.
Posted by: JustaLakerFan | March 10, 2008 at 03:21 PM
I can't share the game disappointments of some of you guys. I only saw the last 3 minutes... for reasons I can't control, but i'm glad I couldn't! I'm disappointed only about Sasha being called for a foul! I can't see the logic on that! At any rate, it's only one game. The guys will learn from it! Let's move on. GO LAKERS!
Posted by: jamesol | March 10, 2008 at 04:09 PM
Lakers its tiime to start playing great DeFense,because yall have sum tough road games ahead and its time to start playing like u already in the PlayOffs,,an please stop fouling when the game is on the line unless u have to becuz yall is really committing bad fouls an Ronny Tariaf plz quit tryna block every shot comes up cuz u jus making silly fouls, i undastand u tryna protect the basket but sumtimes u jus act like u have to do it everytime an u kno it put la in the penalty..so lakers start making good shots,play good D,and stop tryna foul so much ok!....Kobe the best ever! Go Lakkkkkkkkkkeerrrrrrrzzzzzzzzz! its time to shine
Posted by: lyn91 | March 10, 2008 at 04:21 PM
Disappointing loss last night. I have read on here people saying this should be a wake up call for the Lakers..how many wake up calls do they need to have? This team hasn't figured out how to play defense well...I don't know how many "WAKE UP CALLS" this team needs to play team basketball.
Posted by: drew | March 10, 2008 at 05:05 PM
AK/BK,
Who's PAY Gasol?
Posted by: Benjamin | March 10, 2008 at 05:41 PM
Wow. You would never see this from Kobe Bean. Taking time off from his team to get ready for the Olympics. Will a real MVP please stand up?
http://msn.foxsports.com/nba/story/7895204?MSNHPHMA
Posted by: Maleke | March 10, 2008 at 10:30 AM
The team shut him down. He didn't shut himself down. His focus in the last olympics trial was his team.
And his team sucks so there's no point in him playing. Might as well get the surgery now.
Kobe and Wade. Apples and oranges.
Posted by: Benjamin | March 10, 2008 at 05:54 PM
Wow, one loss and everyone talking shit about kobe and questioning the lakers. Let them play another game, see if they can turn things around, then you can judge. Kobe did a good thing in the 4th quarter, his teammates were playing good, they were coming back, and he kept feeding them the ball when he got tripled and double teamed. They will make adjustments for the next game. They ill come out strong tonight.
Posted by: stoned_raider | March 11, 2008 at 09:28 AM
The Sasha foul was a joke considering the Kings put him there just moments before. Its too bad close games are decided on bad calls such as these. I would have liked to see the Kings deservedly win rather than have a tainted what if? scenario.
Posted by: seasick1 | March 11, 2008 at 10:21 AM