Fortunately, the sun rose this morning
The Lakers hit the court this afternoon in El Segundo without any black armbands, dark suits, or other funereal accoutrement, unhappy with both their performance in and the result of last night's 114-113 loss to the Kings at Staples but keeping things in perspective. Kobe disputed the notion that the loss brought the Lakers back to Earth. "We haven't done anything," he said. "Our feet haven't left the ground." Certainly while every team has its good and bad days, I don't think this bunch, while confident, assumes victory the same way that the Threepeat teams did, nor do I think they take games off. There's a difference between not playing well and not really working all that hard to win. The goal is to take every game, but realistically everyone knows that's not going to happen. Phil Jackson categorized the frustration as "mild."
"We've had a real good run, and the fact that things slip a little is not unusual. So it's time to tighten it up a little bit," he said. "I thought we left the lane open a lot last night."
Said tightening would start with defense, specifically pick and roll situations where guys don't seem to be on the same page (the uncontested dunk late that Mikki Moore threw down late in the fourth when neither Kobe nor LO rolled with the lanky King post slip screen would be a prime example). Asked if time was spent on that end of the floor today, Pau Gasol laughed. "Oh yeah." Most of it, he said, focused on eliminating easy points for opponents. Cut back on the freebies, and good stuff happens. Gasol said that the Lakers need to make sure they're coming out sharp from minute one, something they did very well on the road trip when they consistently built early leads. "Offensively and defensively, we want to set the tone from the first second of the game, just to make sure that the other team knows where we stand and how the game is going to be for them."
The Lakers will have plenty of chances to work on screen and roll D, since Toronto, like everyone it seems, will run the hell out of that play. Stay tuned.
In other news...
Physical play was again a topic of conversation, and Jackson believes that the team needs to buck up a little. "Everybody's becoming extremely physical. Every shot's a foul and the only fouls you really get are the ones that are really obvious, and are on a parallel where the referees have to call them. So I think it's a challenge in effect to this team, as to how physical you can play this game and be effective. And I think that's where we have to take note. As things are amped up, guys have been less effective, and guys have to measure themselves to that."
Said Gasol, "We've got to be physical, too. At the same level, or even more."
True enough. For a team like the Lakers, who have thrived when cutting and moving hard and fast, that whole "physical thing" is something they do need to work through. It also emphasizes the need to keep hitting shots from the perimeter, which will help space the floor and give L.A.'s skill guys more room to operate.
I asked both Kobe and Phil about last night's final shot, and again Kobe reiterated that the Lakers might have to find more creative ways to get him some space, something 24 said he'd discussed with PJ this morning. "We'll do something different. We'll figure out how to position people on the floor, or execute something a little different, or throw a little wrinkle in there, so they're not just sitting on the same thing." Bryant said. "It's like football. Teams play a certain way, then you make an adjustment, then you make them change, and you go on from there.
PJ said the play (or at least the variety of it), essentially an iso for Kobe off the inbound, isn't one they've done, but that the plan was scuttled when Sacramento put an extra defender in his zone. "He just didn't have the space to work. Those situations, you can't rely on winning a game on last second shots. You worry about your defense and stopping people on last possessions."
Watching it happen, I thought Kobe was going to pull up closer to the three point line when he had Salmons on the move, and that he was a little surprised when Moore closed as fast as he did, forcing an awkward shot. Given that everyone on the planet expects Kobe to get the ball in final shot situations (and most Laker fans would like him to at least have the ball in his hands to either shoot or draw the defense), freeing him for an uncontested look isn't a snap. Opposing coaches will generally (if they're smart) throw a couple guys at him to either deny him the ball or pressure him once he has it. And obviously time on the clock impacts the situation, too. Eight seconds is a lot different than four.
There's a little bit of a trade in there. With Kobe, who will almost always attract more attention, the odds of a tougher, better defended shot go up when he gets the ball. On the flip side, is there someone else you'd rather see with the rock? Either way, the Lakers, who have struggled at times get any sort of decent shot in last second situations, need to expand the arsenal.
But as PJ mentioned, the ideal choice is to not leave yourself in a situation where you need a bucket with four seconds to go.
Interesting rehab news: The Lakers have leased something called a Alter G Trainer to help guys like Andrew Bynum, Trevor Ariza, and Chris Mihm rehab with greater efficiency. Essentially, the machine is a big (literally, since this particular model is build for hoopsters) treadmill in which the lower half of an athlete is encapsulated, for lack of a better term, inside a bubble. Once strapped in, guys look like they're sticking halfway out of a submarine.
The super fancy treadmill- this isn't something that folds neatly under the bed at night- allows trainers to very specifically control the amount of weight joints and bones, be they hip, knee, ankle, foot, etc., bear as the athlete runs, via manipulating the air pressure inside the bubble. A guy like Bynum, who is about ready to graduate from the pool but isn't ready to run on a conventional treadmill, can get into this thing, run, build up his cardiovascular reserves and hopefully stimulate healing, but without actually subjecting his knee to punishment.
Apparently Baron Davis used one during his recovery from ankle problems. Pretty cool.
AUDIO:
- Kobe Bryant: Download kobe_bryant_3.10.mp3
- Phil Jackson: Download phil_jackson_3.10.mp3
- Pau Gasol: Download pau_gasol_3.10.mp3
BK
Thanks for the practice report!
It's especially nice to be abreast of the injury situation.
Though, you mentioned Socks being ready to graduate from the pool... I've never heard such news. The latest we heard, there was still swelling which would imply NOT graduating from the pool.
Posted by: Tim-4-Show | March 10, 2008 at 05:31 PM
Great news on the rehab front. Glad they are trying things out to speed up recovery faster but safely.
AK/BK is there going to be any weekly progress notes to share with bloggers?
We would like to know!
GO LAKERS
Posted by: JustaLakerFan | March 10, 2008 at 05:35 PM
Bk was too modest to say anything, but we both spend an hour each morning in a G Trainer so we can remain in good blogging shape. Some would say it's not necessary for a job that's mostly sitting, but whatever it takes to give us (and thus, you) that edge, we're all about.
AK
Posted by: Andrew Kamenetzky | March 10, 2008 at 05:39 PM
Just a Laker fan,
I thought this actually WAS the weekly progress report. haha
AK
Posted by: Andrew Kamenetzky | March 10, 2008 at 05:41 PM
Good to see the Lakers are in good spirits and realistic about the challenges ahead of them.
And the Alter G Trainer is pretty impressive. I hope Bynum hits that machine hard (and by "hard" I mean at 20% of his body weight).
Posted by: DK | March 10, 2008 at 05:41 PM
Nothing new in this article, but for some reason I enjoy reading anything I can get my hands on regarding AB's status. Thought there may be other here with the same obsessive tendencies...
When, Exactly, Is Bynum Returning This Season?
by Marcel Mutoni
That’s the question on every Laker fan’s mind these days. And perhaps, the question should be: Should the Lakers bring Andrew Bynum back this season?
For what it’s worth, unless he’s absolutely 100% ready to roll, I’m of the opinion that he should sit out the rest of the year, and return next season with a vengeance.
And don’t get me wrong: As a Laker fan, I want to win a title as badly as anyone, but hopefully the pressure to get a ring this season won’t overshadow what’s really important: Andrew’s long-term health (and the team’s future.)
The reality of the matter, though, is that he’s probably returning to the court sometime next month, and he’ll have very little time to get himself adjusted to a radically different team from the one he left in mid-January.
“That’s still perhaps a month away, maybe, whatever,” Phil Jackson said when asked about the team adapting to Bynum’s return.”
“When we put him on the court, it’s going to be in relief to start with. He’s going to come off the bench and play a secondary role, probably, to start with. And then as he gets a couple games where it looks like he can sustain the effort and his conditioning improves, then we’ll work on how it fits together. Now, if this is in the playoffs, it’s almost impossible to do that because you don’t want to break up the chemistry. It’s going to be handled just the right way.”
Phil is often called the best coach doing it; here’s his chance to remind us again why that is so.
Posted by: DK | March 10, 2008 at 05:57 PM
"On the flip side, is there someone else you'd rather see with the rock? "
Yes - I would rather have Sasha, Pau, or Derek take an open jump shot, or have Lamar (or later Bynum) take a close-in shot than have Kobe take a fall away against a double team. They could use him as a decoy - 4.7 seconds is enough time to make the entry pass, recognize that they are doubling him, and make another pass to someone else for a shot.
Posted by: exhelodrvr | March 10, 2008 at 06:08 PM
I'm actually kind of disappointed by what was said in the sound bites: "a little slippage is normal, "we just didn't win the game." I'd like to see beat reporters get tougher with the questions. Phil and Kobe are like politicians: they are very schooled in what they say. They need to be pressed.
Excuse me. This team did not show up on Sunday night. Period. These sound bites were hardly more informative than the ones from right after the game.
Making adjustments in the 2nd half is nice, but why wait for 24 minutes to elapse? Isn't that one of the things that time outs are for?
Where were the questions to, or about, Jordan Farmar.
That was the worst game he's played all season, maybe ever, in a Laker uniform. Has the guy apologized to his team mates?
Phil's comments on how the refs have changed their calls since the All-Star game seems to prompt the follow-up: "And how many games have you played since the All-Star break that you're just now addressing this?
Sorry. The sense of denial about what a disaster Sunday night's game was is disturbing. These guys are all basketball professionals, but didn't show up. As a Laker fan, I am disappointed, appalled, and angry not just at Sunday night's poor play, but the lack of accountability and contrition exhibited the day after.
Shameful.
Posted by: Rick Friedman | March 10, 2008 at 06:08 PM
AK,
"Bk was too modest to say anything, but we both spend an hour each morning in a G Trainer so we can remain in good blogging shape. Some would say it's not necessary for a job that's mostly sitting, but whatever it takes to give us (and thus, you) that edge, we're all about."
How about if you have a bunch of people throw comments at you rapid fire; 90% of them you have heard time and time again. The other 10% are split between conspiracy theories that would make Rosie O'Donnell blush, and profanity-laced tirades that would get you fired if you post them. You have to be polite about the first category, keep from laughing with the second, and catch all of the third before they seep through.
You're doing that all the time already? Oh. Never mind.
Posted by: exhelodrvr | March 10, 2008 at 06:13 PM
BK,
"It's especially nice to be abreast of the injury situation."
Are we allowed to say that?
Posted by: exhelodrvr | March 10, 2008 at 06:14 PM
seriously.. u guys gotta check w/ ur programmer about where the page jumps after clicking on "read on" on firefox.. it keeps on screwing up for months.. it works fine on IE... it always jumps all the way at the bottom after we click on "read on"
Posted by: Peter | March 10, 2008 at 06:15 PM
Good evening Charles, Mamba24 and true Laker fans here.
But I have to say WOW,
This blog is pretty much unpalatable the night and morning after a loss. I know people overreact to wins and losses in general, but the vitriol spit in all directions by all types of contributors is really amazing.
It was one game people. I got news for you, the Lakers are going to loose another 5 or 6 before the season is over, so get used to the idea.
This team was 42-40 last year. Have you all forgotten how far they have some in a short time? Do you remember how frustrating it was to watch them last season and for the past 3? Have you forgotten that the players are human beings with physical limits and personal ups and downs? Ever have a bad day at work?
And as for those here to bash, otherwise known as trolls, where have you been for the last two months? I imagine you watching each night, hoping for a loss, desperate for something to make you feel better about yourself? Or maybe you are professional a**h***s, with an account at all the best team blogs? Either way, it is truly pathetic. (And by the way, don't bother responding to me. I won't read your reply and certainly wouldn't waste my time replying if I accidentally I did.)
I have always had my doubts about this team's readiness to compete for a championship, largely because NBA champions are rarely built overnight. It is a multi-year process, this climb to the top of the NBA. Unlike the NFL or MLB, teamwork is the most important aspect, not talent. And teamwork takes time, usually a couple of years at least, and this team was not even close a year ago. The progress made so far has been remarkable, especially considering the contributions we expect from very inexperienced players.
Complete rebuilding of a roster as the Celtics have done is the exception, but their window for success is very narrow, this season and next if they can even stay healthy that long, whereas this Laker team is built for 5+ years or even longer.
Does that mean this is not an exciting season, or that there's no chance for a Cinderella ride through the playoffs if everything clicks at the right time? Of course not. The Lakers have shown that they can compete with anyone during the regular season. The most important factor will be their health and PJ's ability to get them focused and ready for when the playoffs start, something only Popovich has demonstrated the ability to accomplish as well over the last 20 years or so.
I will root and root hard for the Lakers, and I expect them to compete at the highest level. I will not close my eyes to their weaknesses, but I will not blow them out of proportion either. Case in point: the Lakers played poorly pretty much the whole game, got a below par (for him) game from their #1 superstar, and had the lead near the end and a chance to win at the buzzer. How bad can it be?
In fact, this team has only lost 6 games by double-digits all season, which means they almost always have a chance to win. They play under .500 teams very well (26-4) and OK against over .500 teams (18-15). They have some trouble in close games, but have improved later in the season. They're learning, and they learn more from close losses than blowout wins.
I have faith they can win a championship, maybe even this year. And I will enjoy the ride no matter what. It is the journey, not the destination, that should be savored.
GO LAKERS!!!
KOBE FOR MVP!!!
KOBE FOR MVP!!!
KOBE FOR MVP!!!
Posted by: DrewPauKobe | March 10, 2008 at 06:19 PM
It's really a no win situation.
Fish takes it, misses. I for one would say Kobe should have shot that.
And really personally I would have preferred (last night only) that Sasha shoot that, having been hot in the fourth.
But hindsight is 20-20.
In any case, like I said, the game was not won or lost in that one instance, it was long before that. Starting with letting them score 71 (again like I said).
Posted by: Faith | March 10, 2008 at 06:25 PM
And one more... again nothing new, but there's a strange satisfaction in simply reading news about our injured guys...
KINGDOM COME
Mar 10, 2008 02:00 AM
THE LAKER REPORT
Is there such a thing as a good loss? Well maybe Sunday’s debacle against the Kings may prove to be one. The Lakers blow it 114-113 behind Beno Udrih’s 25 points. This game was eerily similar to last week’s game against the Kings. The Lakers were just not interested in playing defense during the first half. Giving up 71 points to a non playoff team at home is an embarrassment. Give the Kings credit, they came in and played hard for the entire game, not just a few quarters. The Lakers did fight back and the defense picked up later as the game went on but they can’t continue taking the first half off on the defensive end.
There has been a lot of praise heaped upon the Lakers over the last month or so and perhaps they’ve been reading their press clippings. You start feeling real good about yourself, you’re winning games somewhat easily. Then you start taking shortcuts, playing lackadaisical and you still continue to win games. Then those shortcuts start to develop into bad habits that if unchecked start to erode the foundation of everything you’ve built up to this point. This loss should be a wake up call for the Lakers. The defense has not been strong lately as it was a few weeks ago and its time to get back to basics. The Lakers had been flying high since Pau Gasol arrived but the euphoria of that is wearing off and its time to get back on the grind. Let’s nip this in the bud now.
The Lakers made Udrih look like an All Star but the play that really irritated me was when Beno was going one on one against Lamar Odom at the top of the key. Beno took Lamar off the dribble and into the lane and got off an easy shot and converted. We’re talking a 6-3 guy taking a 6-10 athletic guy to the hole with ease. That’s something Phil should make Lamar watch over and over during the next film session. Just pathetic.
How many technical fouls does Kobe have now? He needs to shut his mouth and stop complaining so damn much. Get back on defense! He can’t allow himself to get a one game suspension over b.s. like mouthing off to the officials. It just sets a tone for the team that I don’t like. You start to see other guys doing it as well. You have to pick and choose your battles with the refs. If you complain on every single gotdamn call you lose credibility. Let Phil handle the refs. It gives him something to do and keeps him from falling asleep over there on the bench.
There was some unexpected news and some not so great news coming out of Lakerland over the last few days. Andrew Bynum’s return has been pushed back at least another month. I think we’ve talked about this several weeks ago that a few more weeks needed to be added to his timetable and it was pretty much confirmed over the weekend. Bynum is still doing work in the pool and has yet to test the knee on the treadmill but that could come later this week. The Lakers are doing the right thing by not rushing him back too soon. It was a blessing that he didn’t need surgery after landing on Lamar Odom’s foot back in early January so lets be thankful for that at least.
Trevor Ariza is still in a walking boot and the bone in his foot just has not healed as fast as the Lakers had hoped. Phil called it “disappointing” and Laker fans would agree with that. The odds of Ariza returning before the end of the regular season are slim but hopefully he’ll be ready to go for the first round of the playoffs.
The unexpected news is regarding Chris Mihm as he’s begun jogging after having a screw removed from his right heel. He’s progressing nicely and could be practicing with the team in two weeks. Getting a healthy Mihm in time for the playoffs will be an added bonus for the Lakers. If anything that’s another seven-footer with 6 fouls we can throw at teams.
Phil is easing back on practices as the playoffs approach in an attempt to keep the legs lively and I think that’s a good strategy but defense needs to be emphasized strongly during practice this week.
Posted by: DK | March 10, 2008 at 06:25 PM
We really got our butts kicked last night. I don't know what to make it, really.
Are they that good or we that bad? I hope our defense isn't really that porous, cause they were driving on us like wheels on gravel.
I'd say to circle this game as the one that keeps us from the Western Conference championship, but I think there might be better candidates coming up.
Again, terrible defense. Awful.
Bynum...please, hurry back buddy. OK?
Wes
Posted by: wesjoenixon | March 10, 2008 at 06:30 PM
There Will Be Blood...
I'm gonna eat some Fire32 for dinner tonight. Since breakfast was burnt, I told the chef, "Blood Raw."
Posted by: ajax | March 10, 2008 at 06:35 PM
Sorry, but a simple point.
I want to take a second and say THANK YOU for Pau Gasol. Can you imagine where we'd be without him? It is possible that the Kings would have had a blow out. Ugly, right?
If so, GIVE THANKS for Pau Gasol.
Posted by: johnnyP | March 10, 2008 at 06:42 PM
One more tech and Kobe can kiss his MVP aspirations goodbye.
Posted by: troy | March 10, 2008 at 06:45 PM
Why is it that when PJ coaches a bad game or a horrible series ie; 04 we tend to point the finger first at the players then the refs and then we blame ourselves because we sat on the wrong side of the couch during the game. The truth of the matter is Phil's play calling and substitutions are plain and simply terrible at times. For instance it appeared that we had a good feel on Sac town in first half then PJ decides to experiment by taking LO and Kobe out of game at same time to see if Luke could develop group coming off bench that is plain bs once Kobe saw that he knew PJ was up to his old maverick tricks again,not to mention PJ determination to make Luke a vital figure on this team. My second observation will be 2nd half Vlad was shooting well had a slight defensive lap but who did'nt so PJ takes him out and puts the sorriest MOFO in the league in the game guess who Luke Walton! Now before everyone says that I have it in for LW, interesting but wrong. This dude plays scared and with no confidence at all. I watched two other players for Sac town who's names I can't remember hit jump shot after jump wide open jump shots! the kind that you should hit when open in this league. Luke can't even do that by himself. Other teams know this and bait PJ into putting this dude in the game and all he does is f#$% up, all I want is for this guy to play like he belongs inthe NBA not the YMCA. Last but not least can PJ add more to our out of bounds plays than the same crap he been running since Chicago every team knows what were doing before we do and Phil won't change up because his zen ego won't allow it. Larry Brown said it best in 04 championship "quote" they will not make any adjustments they will keep throwing down to Shaq don't double him stay at home on your man and double and triple Kobe. On offense the Pistons picked and rolled us to death, to this date beside PHX who from what I saw yesterday showed improvement we are the worst in the league. The Lakers can win it all only when we decide to step up and play strong aggressive D any other thoughts feel free to add.
Posted by: chuck23 | March 10, 2008 at 06:48 PM
In the race for the MVP:
LBJ got a triple double against Portland, T Mac is about to notch #19.
Denver's up on SAS at the half. This is as good a year for NBA plots as ever there was.
Posted by: Vman | March 10, 2008 at 06:50 PM
JUST A SPEEDBUMP ON THE WAY TO A CHAMPIONSHIP…
The Lakers loss last night to the Kings was almost to be expected. Like every team in the NBA, the Kings have some talented players and always rise to the occasion and play their best against the Lakers. The Lakers are still 26-4 against teams with a losing record so it would be foolish to think that a 1-point loss to Kings bodes ill for the future.
Yes, the Lakers were guilty of coming out flat and playing zero defense in the first half. Yes, they became complacent and thought that could just turn in on to win like they did last week against the Kings. And yes, they should have won the game. But bottom line, it was just one disappointing game in an already sweet season of hope and redemption and only the most GHE among us are really worried. This is the Lakers perfect storm season.
I for one was actually glad to hear Kobe complain about the team’s last second shot strategy after another poorly executed game ending play. I am sure I was not the only fan begging Phil to put in a play to get us a quality shot at the end of the game. But no, instead we get the same old tired stack and 1-on-1 isolation for Kobe at the top of the key with everybody else standing and watching. Kobe may be the best closer in the game but it would behoove the Lakers to put him in a better position to succeed.
Since his return as the Lakers head coach, I cannot remember the team successfully executing a game ending play, which is incredible considering we have the best closer in the game. The last two good game ending plays I remember were Fish’s 0.4 second shot and a 3-pointer that Kobe sank that same season after coming off a double screen starting at the baseline and ending up just above the arc straight away. Since then, it’s as if Phil has forgotten that screens are the best way to free players up for open shots.
To start with, lining everybody up in a static row like Phil does is a very ineffective way to initiate a game ending play with just a few seconds remaining. Grouping the players in a row makes it more difficult to inbound the ball to Kobe and easier to double team him. A better strategy would be to spread the floor and get players moving without the ball setting picks. This would give Kobe the room to get open and attack the basket while giving other players the opportunity to be in position for an open shot if Kobe passes.
Finally, I agree with all of the other bloggers that Kobe and all of the Lakers just need to cool it with the refs. Yes, our opponents have all decided to be Hillary to our Barack, but the answer is just to shut up and fight back rather than wasting time and losing focus by arguing and complaining. It is going to get continually more physical as we approach and enter the playoffs. Time to get control of our tempers and just play through the calls. After all, we are the Los Angeles Lakers and we know that God is a Lakers fan.
Tom
Posted by: LakerTom | March 10, 2008 at 06:59 PM
DrewPauKobe,
Excellent post. Needless to say, the blog has a different karma after a loss and a definite tendency to go GHE.
Your well supported stats about the team's performance against teams with losing records and the few times we have lost by double digits should help calm down the GHE wave that washes over the blog after losses.
Thanks for the common sense comments, excellent insights, and calming influence.
Tom
Posted by: LakerTom | March 10, 2008 at 07:07 PM
Did anyone else read the awesome news out of Miami? The Heat have waived Smush Parker. Now our master plan can be revealed: Smush is coming back to the Lakers, on the cheap, while Miami pays his contract! The poor play down the stretch last year, the sulking, even the 'altercation' with the actress playing a valet parking attendant, was all part of PJs master plan to stockpile our roster with great point guards. We're unstoppable now - WE NEED SMUSH!!!
I'm signing up for the first Fan Ride in the Smushcalade. Valets be warned - he's coming back, with a vengeance!!!
Posted by: Tully Moxness | March 10, 2008 at 07:12 PM
i'm gonna save this one and repost it about half time every time the lakers get behind.
Good evening Charles, Mamba24 and true Laker fans here.
But I have to say WOW,
This blog is pretty much unpalatable the night and morning after a loss. I know people overreact to wins and losses in general, but the vitriol spit in all directions by all types of contributors is really amazing.
It was one game people. I got news for you, the Lakers are going to loose another 5 or 6 before the season is over, so get used to the idea.
This team was 42-40 last year. Have you all forgotten how far they have some in a short time? Do you remember how frustrating it was to watch them last season and for the past 3? Have you forgotten that the players are human beings with physical limits and personal ups and downs? Ever have a bad day at work?
And as for those here to bash, otherwise known as trolls, where have you been for the last two months? I imagine you watching each night, hoping for a loss, desperate for something to make you feel better about yourself? Or maybe you are professional a**h***s, with an account at all the best team blogs? Either way, it is truly pathetic. (And by the way, don't bother responding to me. I won't read your reply and certainly wouldn't waste my time replying if I accidentally I did.)
I have always had my doubts about this team's readiness to compete for a championship, largely because NBA champions are rarely built overnight. It is a multi-year process, this climb to the top of the NBA. Unlike the NFL or MLB, teamwork is the most important aspect, not talent. And teamwork takes time, usually a couple of years at least, and this team was not even close a year ago. The progress made so far has been remarkable, especially considering the contributions we expect from very inexperienced players.
Complete rebuilding of a roster as the Celtics have done is the exception, but their window for success is very narrow, this season and next if they can even stay healthy that long, whereas this Laker team is built for 5+ years or even longer.
Does that mean this is not an exciting season, or that there's no chance for a Cinderella ride through the playoffs if everything clicks at the right time? Of course not. The Lakers have shown that they can compete with anyone during the regular season. The most important factor will be their health and PJ's ability to get them focused and ready for when the playoffs start, something only Popovich has demonstrated the ability to accomplish as well over the last 20 years or so.
I will root and root hard for the Lakers, and I expect them to compete at the highest level. I will not close my eyes to their weaknesses, but I will not blow them out of proportion either. Case in point: the Lakers played poorly pretty much the whole game, got a below par (for him) game from their #1 superstar, and had the lead near the end and a chance to win at the buzzer. How bad can it be?
In fact, this team has only lost 6 games by double-digits all season, which means they almost always have a chance to win. They play under .500 teams very well (26-4) and OK against over .500 teams (18-15). They have some trouble in close games, but have improved later in the season. They're learning, and they learn more from close losses than blowout wins.
I have faith they can win a championship, maybe even this year. And I will enjoy the ride no matter what. It is the journey, not the destination, that should be savored.
GO LAKERS!!!
KOBE FOR MVP!!!
KOBE FOR MVP!!!
KOBE FOR MVP!!!
Posted by: DrewPauKobe | March 10, 2008 at 06:19 PM
i wasn't going to waste the time to write what I was thinking, and I probably wouldn't have done it as well, but I'm glad somebody did. coudn't agree more.
Posted by: phred | March 10, 2008 at 07:17 PM
Bloggers banned:
http://www.sportsline.com/nba/story/10700478
Sonnybelfast
Posted by: sonnybelfast | March 10, 2008 at 07:22 PM
There Will Be Blood...
I'm gonna eat some Fire32 for dinner tonight. Since breakfast was burnt, I told the chef, "Blood Raw."
Posted by: ajax
Ok now your scaring me, mainly b/c I don't get it, I don't understand and thats what scares me the most.
Your gonna eat me for dinner?
Posted by: Fire32 | March 10, 2008 at 07:24 PM
ExHelo,
I agree completely about "Who should take the shot".
You know Kobe will be double or triple teamed. I was really hoping Sasha got the shot. It's time he got his first game winner.
Posted by: Eric M | March 10, 2008 at 07:44 PM
Two more games against Sacto queens
They have to prove that they can take these games this time otherwise I dont think they're worth a championship team at this time. This should go to Portland and GS. No point talking of championship if Lakers can not beat .500 teams.
Posted by: ogur | March 10, 2008 at 07:48 PM
No you don't but you use back handed compliments.
Like the Lakers are good but the Suns are better. Like saying to your Lady "You look pretty today" and follow up with why don't you look like that all the time?
Ruined compliment with insult.
Posted by: JustaLakerFan
I didn't insult you guys, never said you guys got pimp slapped by the kings. I said --the reason this bump on the road FEELS like a bitc# slap is---
bump on the road doesn't mean, your team is done, their finished , no it means bump on the road wake up.
It only FELT (felt ) like a slap b/c your team was too high on themselves.
How is that an insult?
but thats cool at least you along with some others hear what I have to say, and you spit right back.
I'm hear in piece remember I put our rivalry on hold till the playoffs.
but theres those who just call me out to bash and insult me, those like rizzo and pig miller but I don't mind them, I just don't respond to them.
Charles
tell me is that the way I was acting when I first came to this blog b/c if it was, I understand why you came at me the way you did.
Posted by: Fire32 | March 10, 2008 at 07:52 PM
NBA PLAYERS WANT A RING, AND TO BE PART OF (OLYMPIC) RINGS
by Kevin Ding for the OCRegister
http://www.ocregister.com/column/gasol-vujacic-nba-1996054-lakers-yao
As usual, another interesting article by Kevin Ding, along with some fun info about new best friends Paul and Sasha, and the excitement building for the 2008 Olympics.
The Lakers are currently tied with Golden State, Phoenix, and San Antonio for the second most foreign players on the roster with 5. Toronto leads with 6 international players but Ding noted that could change next year when the Lakers may get even more global:
“An extremely intriguing Asian representative is en route, too, with 2007 second-round pick Sun Yue – dubbed "the Chinese Magic Johnson" – likely joining the Lakers next season.”
It’s interesting that, other than Toronto, which is modeling itself after Phoenix, the four other teams with more than 5 international players are Western Conference playoff teams.
We have come a long way since Edwin started harping on us not paying attention to the opportunities to add foreign players. Glad they finally started listening to Edwin.
Tom
Posted by: LakerTom | March 10, 2008 at 07:57 PM
The G-Trainer is used by 9 NBA teams with startling success. Check out www.alter-g.com for videos from the Suns and Wizards, testimonials from the Warriors and more.
Using NASA technology the G-Trainer is quickly becoming "the" tool for athletes and individuals everywhere. US Olympic athletes, NFL, MLB, MLS, NCAA and medical/rehab facilities (including Walter Reed Army Hospital for their amputees) all know what an amazing piece of technology this is.
Posted by: Jack Irving | March 10, 2008 at 08:00 PM
Eric M,
Sasha has had game winners before :-)
Posted by: Faith | March 10, 2008 at 08:11 PM
Rick Friedman,
I am a little surprised by your take. You are usually so calm and thoughtful. Seems a little early to punch the panic button.
What do you want them to say? We sucked! LOL
We are 44 -19 with the best record in the west. Not too bad.
Every team loses now and then.
No player plays well all 82 games.
If we don't win 3 or 4 on the next tough road trip then we can push the button.
Posted by: Eric M | March 10, 2008 at 08:16 PM
I am glad to hear that they know they have to be phisical because that's exactly why MR. Bryant has been crying lately for not getting calls on his way and as a result, they (lakers) have been suffering on the defensive end while he stays back complaining with the refs and collecting T's after T's.
One other thing is that when the game is on the line and while everyone is focusing on Mr. Bryant to take the last shot, would be a great ideia for Odom or Gasol to stand under the basket so he (Bryant) can make a pass to them to finalize it in stead of relying on jump shots which in my opion is a high risk shot although he's good at it and have done too many times before.
Las but not least... If they claim they want to protect their home court and have a homecourt advantage throughout the playoffs, then they have to start to play like they deserve that 1st place and play at least good defense knowing that in order to achieve the "great defense status" they need those three pieces(Mihm, Bybum and Ariza) who are out.
Other than that... Its great to be a LAKER!
Posted by: Maxximo | March 10, 2008 at 08:20 PM
This Sunday- Lakers vs. Houston with the Rockets having a 21 game winning streak entering the game (most likely). I am surprised a Aldeman coached team is such a good defensive team.
Posted by: Tom | March 10, 2008 at 08:21 PM
REPOST FOR THE FUNS FAN:
Funny how Fire32 shows up AFTER the three game losing streak is over for the Funs. Trolls only know how to troll while the gettin' is good. At least Sonny comes around all of the time. If you want to be welcome Fire, try giving us something insightful, or maybe even come around and discuss the shortcomings of your team, as we often do about the Lakers and their opponents. The reason you're troll is because of your behavior. If you want come around after Funs wins and talk trash because the Lakers lost, you're a troll. Live with it.
Pig
Posted by: "Pig" Miller | March 10, 2008 at 08:26 PM
The lost to Sac Town was huge.
It was the biggest lost of the season.
Why do I say this?
The Lakers need home court to reach the finals.
They will not beat SA without home court advantage.
The lost to Sac Town cost us home court against SA.
The 4 game road trip will be the toughest of the season.
The 9 game East Coast trip was weak.
The record of the teams for the 4 game trip: 169-85.
4 game trip=Lakers are either soft or battle ready.
The season is on the line with this trip.
Posted by: passionate Lakers fan | March 10, 2008 at 08:30 PM
Laker Tom,
Your post on the game last night was awesome. Thanks for your great insight and keeping things in their proper perspective. There were way to many people on here last night that posted some ridiculous things after ONE game. It's great when we Laker fans can just keep our sanity and realize that we've got just as much a shot as anyone else in the West to win a title this year. Looking forward to the next game against the Raptors. Have a great night and keep up the positive posts. Go Lakers!!!
Posted by: Nemaia Faletogo | March 10, 2008 at 08:35 PM
SB
Nice link about Cuban's blogger ban.
He's holding his finger in the dyke to hold back the tidal wave. Hypocritical from a guy who made his millions in the digital domain. His rationale would have paid blog hosts wandering the hallways begging for scraps of info from the TJ Simers of the working writer world.
Posted by: Vman | March 10, 2008 at 08:36 PM
anybody know if chris bosh is back w/ the raptors?
Posted by: CBuck | March 10, 2008 at 09:03 PM
NEWS ALERT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
AK and BK
have been banned from the Mavericks locker room!
Courtesy of Mark Cuban.
Cuban bans bloggers from Mavs' locker room
Owner, a blogger himself, says behind-the-scenes access isn't needed
http://nbcsports.msnbc.com/id/23566521/
Posted by: Maneasy | March 10, 2008 at 09:03 PM
Last night Sasha showed why I used to call him Sasha Vujawack.
I hope he doesnt revert back to his foolish ways.
When will Sasha learn that flopping isnt defense? And if the game is on the line, we dont have time for you to be flopping around the court like a little punk. You are picking up quite the wack reputation sir.
Then, I've never seen somebody run the fast break quite as poorly as Sasha. IT's like he ignores floorspacing and just runs full speed and ends up missing a layup. The play where he didnt give the ball up to Kobe on the break was embarassing and potentially game-changing.
All he had to do was throw Kobe the alley-oop or drop him off a pass. Kobe would've dunked, the crowd would've went crazy, and the Kings would've been shook... but nooooooooo
Sasha'ism took over...
Frustrating man... Frustrating...
Posted by: Korey | March 10, 2008 at 09:09 PM
I'm starting to worry: the Suns can sign Smush, and the motivated ex-Lakers will kick our butts during the home stretch. Damn you Smush Parker!!!
Posted by: Tully Moxness | March 10, 2008 at 09:12 PM
Just a Laker fan,
I thought this actually WAS the weekly progress report. haha
AK
Posted by: Andrew Kamenetzky | March 10, 2008 at 05:41 PM
AK
HA HA you got me on that but I will take the rib as deserved. Now I mean will this be a weekly update every week not just this week. ;)
Posted by: JustaLakerFan | March 10, 2008 at 09:12 PM
LakerTom,
"The Lakers are currently tied with Golden State, Phoenix, and San Antonio for the second most foreign players on the roster with 5"
Yeah, but your not counting the guy from Pluto and LO who comes from the strangest place of all - New York. lol.
Posted by: p ang | March 10, 2008 at 09:14 PM
Sonnybelfast,
>>> Cuban said his point is that if he allows one blogger in, then out of fairness he would have to allow all of them, even if it's just a suburban teenager who runs a fan site. Instead, he said it's better to keep them all out.
Once again, Cuban proves he's a jerk.
************************************
ajax and others,
Like I said before, lay off Fire32. We're Laker fans. We're better than that.
************************************
Laker Tom,
My comments in the last 24 hours reflect more than a GHE wave. If the Lakers get their butts kicked fair and square, I'm happy to give props to the other team. We've seen three games in a row where the Lakers have failed to give their best for 48 minutes, believing they just have to throw the switch to get it done. Just because they get away with it a few times doesn't mean they have the right commitment to good basketball. They certainly don't have the right commitment to solid defense. The closer it gets to the Playoffs, the better their game should be.
Posted by: Rick Friedman | March 10, 2008 at 09:14 PM
Don't worry AK/BK...your tutelage under TJ Simers and Bill Plaschke will pay off and then someday soon, you'll both graduate to the status of 'real writers' and get to hang out in the exalted corridors of the Mavs locker room.
Cuban's karma has been getting worse every day since the premature gloatfest he engaged in on Letterman during the finals vs. the Heat. How's that empty spot in the trophy case looking these days Mark? I know - EMPTY!!!
Posted by: Tully Moxness | March 10, 2008 at 09:16 PM
PLEASE INTERVIEW GARY VITTI!
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | March 10, 2008 at 09:28 PM
I wonder what he'll do with visiting media who also run blogs. LAT is actually one of the few where the beat guy doesn't maintain a blog as well.
This'll be interesting.
BK
Posted by: Brian Kamenetzky | March 10, 2008 at 09:29 PM
I really wish Mark Cuban had made this announcement before I not only booked a flight to Dallas, but booked a flight to Utah leaving FROM Dallas.
We shall see how this goes.
AK
Posted by: Andrew Kamenetzky | March 10, 2008 at 09:33 PM