Houston, do we have a problem?
That's the question heading into this afternoon's showdown with the Rockets (12:30 pm PST, ABC), they of the 21-game winning streak and Western Conference first place co-residence with the Lakers. Their story is, of course, their historical flurry of consecutive victories, nine of which have come after Yao Ming went down with a season-ending ailment. And that gives them something to talk about with the Lakers over coffee, since the purple and gold are dealing with elite big man issues of their own. Pau Gasol has been officially shelved for at least the remainder of the current roadie, which leaves the Lakers with just Ronny Turiaf and DJ Mbenga to keep tabs on the paint. And help bring the Rockets back to zero in the winning column, the goal still intact for this contest. Just don't start throwing out the "Houston's getting by from playing bad teams" excuse as a means of explaining the 21 games netted. For starters, they've attracted the intrigued eyeballs of one Pat Riley (although these days, what team wouldn't he find impressive). Plus, none other than Kobe Bryant himself (who's dealt with similar rationales after "81") will shoot down that theory.
And speaking of The Mamba, dude's having him quite the quality season (LeBron on his heels or not). He's been so good, in fact, that writers will go out on a limb and already put him on their all-NBA first team.
Derek Fisher expects to hear some boos during Thursday's game in Utah. Doesn't mean the razzing won't still bug him.
Chris Anderson's working hard to make his comeback successful.
Bruce Bowen thinks that it's amazing how you can kick a few dozen players over a career and all of a sudden, you're being labeled "dirty."
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Time for DJ "Tacos" Mbenga to shine!!! Are they still going to sign Ira Newble? We sure could need him now.
Posted by: xtro | March 16, 2008 at 10:56 AM
90 minutes and counting.
Gametime, baby!
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | March 16, 2008 at 11:01 AM
MBENGA! MBENGA! MBENGA!
Posted by: phred | March 16, 2008 at 11:02 AM
Bowen is definitely a dirty player. It's hard for most people to say that because he comes off as such a nice guy off the court and he's worked so hard to get where he is today.
Posted by: Xodus | March 16, 2008 at 11:14 AM
Luis Scola, 2007 FIBA Americas MVP.
Let's keep this guy off the boards and keep him out of his offensive flow.
Posted by: Amazing_Happens | March 16, 2008 at 11:53 AM
Hey fellow laker brethren........
I am saying..going out on a limb..we WILL win today.
I know kobe downplays stuff..but there is nothing more he would like than to stop this streak...
I know the 71-72 lakers are pulling for us today more than ever.
Lets get it done!!!!!
Go purple and gold
Colorado..2nd home of the lakers!!!
We ARE getting help from the Pistons right now...then Spurs lost yesterday...and UTAH..just phoenix...didnt cooperate..but thats fine..
Posted by: Lakers4Realz | March 16, 2008 at 12:10 PM
Look for a lot more of Ronny off the high post. This worked really well when Bynum was out, before the arrival of Pau. Ronny can step up his productivity when called upon. I believe he has a lot more offensive capacity than the team normally requires of him.
The Lakers' bench players are going to have to out-hustle the Rockets' bench players to have a shot in this game.
"This is OUR turn, OUR season, OUR championship!" - Kobe Bryant
Posted by: Amazing_Happens | March 16, 2008 at 12:16 PM
Detroit just smashed the Hornets. Wow.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | March 16, 2008 at 12:17 PM
I hope the Lakers come out and play good defense. I don't want to see the normal cheating on defense (KOBE) and leaving the 3 point shooters wide open. Speaking of 3 pointers, do not fall in love with the 3s today fellas, you are shooting the 3 well as a team right now. Houston will contest the lakers shots and rebound but will the lakers bring it and contest the Rockets on defense and rebound. That is the question!!....
Posted by: 70slakerfan | March 16, 2008 at 12:18 PM
Biggest. Game. Of. The. Year.
So big i went for the dramatic effect right there
LET'S GO LAKE SHOW!!!!
Posted by: CBuck | March 16, 2008 at 12:20 PM
This will be a great challenge and a SWEET VICTORY!!!!
GO LAKERS!!!!
Posted by: johnny p | March 16, 2008 at 12:25 PM