Like coaches always preach, it's all about executing for five minutes, 56 seconds
More specifically, the final 5:56 minutes, when the Lakers finally came to life and put down Sacramento 117-105. Until then, this game was quite the herky jerky affair, one where the Lakers continually turned the ball over (10 in the first half alone), continually got torched on defense (the opening three quarters were a struggle to keep Sacto below 50%) and continually struggled to get much going. To make matters worse, the numero uno fella, the dude they call "Kobe," was mostly ineffective with the rock, missing 13 of his first 20 shots. Any signs of life was inevitably steamrolled by a counteracting Sacto push. Chippiness reared a head often more frustrated than spirited. Both Phil Jackson and Kobe talked about a lack of familiarity causing a problem (Believe it or not, this is actually the season's first meeting between these two divisional rivals). And given how out of sorts the Lakers looked throughout the majority of the game, that's easy to believe.
But then came the last six minutes of the last quarter. The defense tightened (highlighted by a 24-second violation forced). The Kings went cold (26% from the field). And Kobe did his thing, pouring in 17 final frame points to complement Pau Gasol's 11 and help pull away from the state capital's competitors. When whoever coined the phrase about "style points not counting for much," he probably had prophetic visions of tonight's winning box score. It ain't about winning no beauty contest. It's about flashing a big toothy grin even if half your teeth are missing and the other half are rotting away. For the time being, said smile that launched 1000 ships.
Or at least one barely-squeaked win.
The breakdown is below.
The Good (and keep in mind, most praise includes the caveat of "defense aside," since nobody played much of it until the final stretches, save perhaps Lamar Odom).
Kobe's fourth quarter: 17 points in the final frame on 3-6 shooting. Not a ton of shots, so if you're guessing Bryant's points were the result of some serious aggressiveness, you're not just spitballing. The final frame included a dozen trips to the line, with eleven sinking. Even more amazing? Kobe didn't notch a point until more than seven minutes had expired. Just less than four minutes remained before he was even credited with a field goal. Little time to accrue those kind of numbers, but as they say, when you're hot, you're hot.
Pau Gasol: Folks will be quick to point out a lack of paint security, an area often charged to the care of an NBA center (and if you listen to the postgame chatter, Gasol was no happier about the layup line). But it's hard to outright pooh pooh a 31/10/3 block game, especially when his baskets were a large part of preserving any hope of a win early on. "Pau kept us in the game for three quarters," praised Bryant.
Lamar Odom: Like Gasol, he was among the only sources of consistent scoring for the Lakers during the first three quarters (19 points on 8-10 shooting). Unlike Gasol, (and most of his teammates), he boasted defense that came in spots other than the last six minutes. Ron Artest's opening half point surge often came at LO's expense, but not due to a lack of effort. And as Ron Ron's 1-9 final quarter demonstrates, Odom did a nice job shutting down his old New York buddy when it mattered most. "Lamar has to take a lot of credit himself," noted Bryant. "He did a great job individually on Ron. The shots that he made were tough ones."
Vlad Radmanovic's return: Not that he did much to help the Laker cause, but they could use both his shooting and, more importantly, a lengthened rotation. No doubt "The Bench Mob" has been a major asset all season. But after seeing them lay rare back-to-back collective eggs (11 points Sunday against Dallas, 9 tonight), it's equally hard to doubt the trio of Jordan Farmar, Sasha Vujacic and Ronny Turiaf wouldn't benefit from becoming a foursome ASAP.
The Bad
The bench: See above
The defense: From top to bottom, guard to center, this Laker squad played about 42 minutes of horrendous D. Whether covering in transition (21 fast break points), manning the paint (a honkin' 62 allowed in that spot), keeping track of Kings moving without the ball, or communicating with each other, the Lakers appeared to be doing their best impression of an ABA squad. The Kings' unorthodox style and a lack of familiarity likely accounted for some issues, but at the same time, a lot of teams manage to keep the Kings from running roughshod. The Lakers deserve props for finally buckling down, but at the same time, were this a game against a team more capable of putting an opponent away, Kobe and crew probably would have fallen too far back to recover.
Luke Walton's shooting: Like Kobe, he struggled to make shots over three quarters. From there, however, the similarities cease. Kobe caught serious fire, while Walton's remained as was. 3-13, with three attempts swatted. For all the blooger talk of Walton being a defensive liability, truth be told, I think he's been decent this season on that side of the ball. He's no Ron-Ron, but he also doesn't get torched to nearly the degree often presented. That being said, he's been in a season-long funk on the offensive end and tonight was no exception.
Turnovers: Mercifully, the gaffes decreased as the game went along. But sixteen is anything but sweet.
The Revealing?
It remains to seen whether or not Kobe will be declared the league's most valuable, but tonight's "MVP" chants before, during, and after the game show that were the voting done "People's Choice" style, Bryant wouldn't be premature in dusting off his shelf space. Given the treatment Kobe received here not that long ago, the love raises even more eyebrows. If nothing else, it provides Kobe more culinary freedom while in town. "I don't have to worry about nobody poisoning my burger anymore," laughed Kobe of the infamous 2002 playoff food poisoning incident. "I can eat in peace."
Download phil_postgame_sacto.mp3 (Phil Jackson)
Download lamar_postgame_sacto.mp3 (Lamar Odom)
Download pau_postgame_sacto.mp3 (Pau Gasol)
Download kobe_postgame_sacto.mp3 (Kobe Bryant)
(Note the football analogies from both Kobe and LO. Great minds think alike. Or just really like them some pigskin.)
AK
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Hey family!
As said by other posters, great teams still win when they aren't playing their best. Tonights game was a perfect example of that.
I'm a long time reader of this blog but infrequent poster.
Thought this website would be helpful for those who dont have cable TV. Click on "Other Links Here" to view the available streams of NBA games.
www.raptorsnation.net
Posted by: miker | March 05, 2008 at 12:06 AM
APPRECIATE PAU FOR WHAT HE IS…THE #2 SCORER WE HAVE NEEDED
While it is becoming obvious that the Lakers desperately need Andrew Bynum (and Trevor Ariza) back if they want to be a dominant team in the playoffs, I am disappointed at the criticism being leveled at Pau Gasol for his defense and rebounding.
Laker fans have to remember that we got Pau to be our power forward and #2 scorer and to play along side of Andrew. While Pau isn’t the defensive anchor that Drew was becoming, he has performed his intended role as our #2 scorer superbly, relieving Lamar Odom of the pressure of having to be a scorer, which has revitalized his game.
Pau played tonight, scoring 31 points and grabbing 10 boards to back up Kobe’s 34 points and 10 boards. Yes, he did get physically manhandled by Brad Miller but in the end he completely outplayed Miller (14 points and 12 boards) despite playing out of position. Give the guy some credit for battling and playing tough despite being outmanned.
As the 3rd option, Lamar posted 19 points on 8 out of 10 shooting including a clutch 3 and a team high 12 boards. Derek Fisher, as our 4th option, thankfully got his shot back and logged 17 well-earned points and a team high 6 dimes. Despite a shaky shot, Luke also posted another positive game with 7 points, 4 boards, and 4 dimes.
While our bench mob fizzled with only 9 points and 9 boards combined, our starters played very well and Kobe, Pau, and Lamar performed just as the Lakers front office envisioned. The team continues to win. All we need now is Andrew and Trevor back.
Finally, another MVP performance by Kobe Bryant, who scored 17 of his 34 points in the last six minutes of the game, including 12 points in a Lakers game clinching 14-0 run late in the 4th quarter to bring the Lakers from down 7 to up 7 and seal the victory.
If I am not mistaken, I think that was sonnybelfast himself leading the MVP cheers at Arco Arena tonight. Way to shut down the cow bells, Lakers. Great call, Andy.
GO, LAKERS! The win streak is now at 2 and growing. 3 more cherries to pick.
Tom
Posted by: LakerTom | March 05, 2008 at 12:10 AM
Great stuff AK.. Thanks
i think this is the first time that u posted the Good and the bad Breakdown during a road game... anyway.. thanks and keep it up =)
Go Lakers
No MVP. No Peace (borrowed from jon k)
look lonely
Posted by: look lonely | March 05, 2008 at 12:17 AM
Lamar is putting in good effort on defense and doing a pretty good job of staying in front of his man. It's noticeable improvement. If he continues along this path, he'll be a valuable part of a championship team. Taking on Dirk and Artest as defensive assignments over the course of 3 days is no joke.
Good for him. He may remain a Laker, unless of course we can get Artest or Battier.
Posted by: Benjamin | March 05, 2008 at 12:25 AM
Great win Lakers.
It's great to see that when things get tough the team can pull through. It shows mental toughness, which is something thats great to see as we approach the playoffs.
Once Bynum is in there we will give up a lot fewer points in the paint, which is what killed us tonight, so I'm not to worried.
Let's keep this win streak going. 2 and counting...
Posted by: BynumBeliever | March 05, 2008 at 12:29 AM
Oh yeah,
I'd also like to add...
Luke Walton needs to figure out how not to get blocked on at least one FGA every game. That's just pathetic.
And we did a very nice job of force-feeding Gasol. Obviously, this training will come in handy when we have both Gasol and Bynum to work with near the basket.
Let's keep this up and secure home court advantage throughout the entire playoffs. It may be the one that thing puts us over the edge with the Spurs because right now, it's close. With Bynum uncertain (either for return or for integration upon return), I think it would be a very tough playoff series, even with Ariza, Radman, and Luke fully healthy. I have no idea what to think about Mihm in all this. Okay, I have, if he's healthy enough, he can help too.
Posted by: Benjamin | March 05, 2008 at 12:32 AM
Kobe sagged off on Kevin Martin a lot in the first half, not even respecting him enough to jump out on an open three. He plays that kind of defense on players he doesn't really respect, a la Juan Dixon torching us last year in our first game in Portland.
But he was draped over him in the 4th quarter like he was Barbosa in the FIBA tournament.
-Ant
Posted by: EpicMess | March 05, 2008 at 12:34 AM
Tonight's game was really satisfying, after all of the unsatisfying parts were over, of course.
Nice game summary. I especially like the mention of the "blooger talk". haha
Posted by: HC | March 05, 2008 at 12:34 AM
Sort of off topic, but I think this game, and other games like it, show the difference between the Western Coference and the NBA's JV conference. Obiviously, the Lakers did not play a a great game (except for the afore-mentioned 5:56 to end the game), but I don't think people are giving Sacramento enough credit. Head Coach Reggie Theus really has them playing better than I think anyone expected (including myself). There are really no freebees in the West. Even a team like Sacramento, with a losing record, is good enough to beat any of the playoffs teams on an off night. The West is that tough.
CALI KING
Posted by: CALI KING | March 05, 2008 at 12:40 AM
Best sequence of the night:
Kobe drives towards the basket and gets mauled by Miller. Some mouthbreathing kick yells out, "Remind you of Colorado?" Shortly thereafter Kobe busts out the breakaway 360 dunk and screams directly at the dude, who was sitting behind the basket.
I watched the game on the NBALP, and the Sac feed featured mikes that were totally picking up the audience chatter. You kept hearing people from the sidelines screaming, "3 seconds! 3 seconds!" on every single possession.
All I can say is, the Lakeshow earned this win. I felt like I was watching a man eat a bathtub full of mashed potatoes - you knew he would finish it in the end, but it just wasn't at all pleasant watching him get there.
Posted by: SBPimp | March 05, 2008 at 12:47 AM
Is it me or is Lamar guaranteed to be called for a charge in every game?
Posted by: never | March 05, 2008 at 12:52 AM
SBPimp,
Do you know what time did Kobe receive that Colorado comment? I don't know the correlation between Colorado and that play. I'm assuming it had to do with Kobe's legal problem back in the day?
Posted by: never | March 05, 2008 at 12:54 AM
SBPimp,
"All I can say is, the Lakeshow earned this win. I felt like I was watching a man eat a bathtub full of mashed potatoes - you knew he would finish it in the end, but it just wasn't at all pleasant watching him get there."
I've gotta say, that may be the strangest analogy that I've ever seen.
Posted by: BynumBeliever | March 05, 2008 at 12:56 AM
I was hoping that Memphis would buy out Kwame's contract so the Lakers can resign him. Say what you want about Kwame, but he's a better replacement than Mbenga...
Posted by: never | March 05, 2008 at 01:03 AM
the scariest player in the NBA
http://fannation.com/blogs/post/153977
and it is the players opinion
Posted by: ZIn Master | March 05, 2008 at 01:04 AM
I was at the game tonight, and to be part of an MVP chant for Kobe in Arco Arena was surreal. Even more satisfying than the "mysterious" disappearance of the trash-talking Kings fans directly behind me at 2 minute mark.
One quick ovservation: Is it just me, or do the Lakers players refuse to acknowledge the existence of John Salmons on the fast break? I've noticed this on TV, but it is even more obvious in person. They act as if he's wearing Harry Potter's invisibility cloak every time down the floor, never even attempting to stop the ball.
Posted by: CalLaker | March 05, 2008 at 01:06 AM
"do i remind u of colorado?!"
@ the 4:53 mark in the 4th after he is stopped by artest
Posted by: ZIn Master | March 05, 2008 at 01:08 AM
Please, no injuries to any of the Laker players, especially Kobe, Pau & Lamar, even Sasha & Farmar (Fisher never gets that injured). No injuries, I swear to you, means a Championship - even without Bynum. They will outwill every team, even the Spurs & Pistons. But with injuries to the big 3, K P & L, lucky to get past round 2.
Posted by: Son H. Vo | March 05, 2008 at 01:14 AM
SO, DO YOU STILL LIKE RON ARTEST BETTER THAN LAMAR ODOM?
This game gave Laker fans the opportunity to see how Lamar Odom, our current starting small forward, stacks up against Ron Artest, whom many Laker fans wish was our small forward. The head-to-head result? Odom clearly outplayed Artest and showed why he is a far better player and fit for the Los Angeles Lakers.
First, the stats. Lamar played 40 minutes and scored 19 points on 8 for 10 shooting from the field, including 1 for 1 from 3-point land, pulled down 12 boards, dished out 3 dimes, and made 1 steal and 1 block and 4 turnovers. Ron played 40 minutes also and scored 23 points on 10 of 23 shooting from the field, including 0 for 4 from 3-point land, pulled down 5 boards, dished out 2 dimes, and made 1 steal, 2 blocks, and 1 turnover.
In summary, I think Lamar’s stats were significantly better overall than Ron’s, especially his offensive efficiency, shooting 80% compared to Artest’s 43%. While Ron outscored Lamar 23 to 19 and beat him 2 to 1 in blocks, and 1 to 4 in turnovers, Lamar beat Ron on the boards 12 to 5 and in assists 3 to 2. Not a dominant edge but decisive proof that Lamar contributes to the Lakers success in a multitude of ways more than Artest would.
Aside from the stats, anybody who watched the 4th quarter would have no question as to who had the better game. Lamar picked up his defense and forced Ron into bad shot after forced shot to go 1 for 9 in the 4th quarter. Lamar played a far better defensive game than Artest did. In fact, this was the second straight outstanding defensive game by Lamar as he once again defends the other team’s best player.
I wouldn’t mind adding Ron Artest’s defensive prowess and toughness to the Lakers roster but in no way are we trading Lamar Odom, who is a far better player and fit at small forward for the Lakers, especially the way that Lamar is playing defense.
Tom
Posted by: LakerTom | March 05, 2008 at 01:15 AM
props to LO. dude is bringing his hard hat and lunch pail to work everyday.
i hope Radmanovic doesn't take too long to get in the groove of things. Our bench is running on fumes now.
Posted by: sixonezero | March 05, 2008 at 01:25 AM
WATCHING THE ROOF FALL IN - FROM THE KINGS BLOG:
"4th Quarter
6:30 left and this place is absolutely on fire.
Playoff atmosphere.
OK, Laker fans are more abnoxious than Warrior fans.
I think most Laker fans would sleep with Kobe...if they have not already.
It appears that the Lakers have determined that Kevin Martin will not beat them tonight. Kobe is guarding him and getting lots of help whenever Martin tries to shake him via a screen.
Crap. The good Lakers showed up on the same bus with the bad Kings.
Forced shot by Miller, quick 3 attempt by Artest, shot clock violation, turnover. Quite the four possession sequence. Someone has let the air out of the building.
I think the Lakers have rattled off 14 unanswered. We're done.
With 20 seconds left it is now a 50/50 blend of fans, and Mr. Prostate steps on my foot on his way out. I hope someone spikes your Flomax, pinhead.
Kobe MVP chants > nauseating than watching Anthony Johnson play.
Until Friday, end transmission."
Tom
Posted by: LakerTom | March 05, 2008 at 01:27 AM
Hi guys!
I´m from Spain, and i usually see all comments about Lakers.
I agree with Miker, we aren´t giving to Pau his real worth because he is trying to do his work (#2 scorer) and now because of Bynums injuring he is doing Bynums work also.
Everyone are doing their best effort in order to close the hole Bynum has left near the basket.
We have to wait and be proud of their effort and lakers wins.
GO LAKERS!!
Posted by: Sergio Antonio | March 05, 2008 at 01:36 AM
That fan who with the Colorado remark was none other than TJ Simers. He was trying to draw attention to his latest column where he managed to report the latest news about the Lakers: that Kobe was arrested in Colorado!
Give it to Simers, the ace journalist always on top of the news, to find a way to ignore everything that's happening today and harp on why people didn't like Kobe Bryant in the past ... implying of course that they should all be like him and spend the rest of their lives remembering in public their own emotions of the past that have nothing to do with either the present or, for that matter, even the past (Colorado was a serious mistake from 5 friggin years ago, possibly a gold-digging frame-up, hardly a unique incident among sports personalities and resulted in dropped charges and a formal apology).
It's absolutely lamentable. The best Simers can do to sound contemporary is cite staistics from 2007! How's that for staying ahead of the news!
Zin Master. Thanks for that link. If anyone's looking for a solid criterion for judging who's the real MVP, that seems to me by far the most scientific one. Ask the players on the floor (242 players interviewed! Wow!). Read it through their feelings when in the the thick of the competition. And don't confuse it -- as Simers would clearlly prefer -- with what they think of the personalities, MLP, most likeable player on a winning team.
Gven the gap between 1 and 2 (35% to 12% for Shaq's imposing body!) and the much more significant gap between Kobe and Lebron (35% to 4%), it's clearly time to mail in the trophy.
Here's what I wrote on an earlier thread yesterday:
"Almost all the players and commentators (including Barkley) see Kobe as the man... and without the slightest hesitation. No need to compare statistics. I think their perception is based on the degree of awe felt by opponents when they're on the floor with Kobe. It's a notch higher than Lebron. Everyone knows Lebron CAN use his size to dominate, but they don't expect him to do it every time. With Kobe, it's not size, but will & skill that makes them extremely nervous."
Thanks again, Zin, for providing that statistic I wasn't aware of at the time of writing. But it all seemed so obvious anyway, who could be suprised?
Posted by: Tsphere | March 05, 2008 at 02:08 AM
Hi Mamba24,
Can u please add me on the LAKERS roll call?
Iv'e been a long time reader but seldom comment.
Thanks,
I love the LAKERS!!!!
Go KOBE for MVP 2008!!!!
Posted by: BrownMamba24 | March 05, 2008 at 02:13 AM
the refs also made some sketchy calls against the Lakers tonight, like that horrendous jump ball called against Odom. How in the world was that even close to a jump ball?!
Posted by: PeanutButterSpread | March 05, 2008 at 03:07 AM
Take Battier over Lamar?
Not in this lifetime buddy!
Posted by: KinGofTheRing$ | March 05, 2008 at 04:19 AM
Good tough win. Once Andrew gets back we're the favorites in an ultra tough WC. If we win the Division Kobe has to be finally awarded the MVP if there's any justice. Of course he's judged by different rules that sadly he helped create.
Posted by: NOLIE | March 05, 2008 at 04:32 AM
Go LAKERS..
on towards CHAMpIONSHIP...
improve where you need to improve...
... I have faith!!!
Posted by: lakersgameboi | March 05, 2008 at 04:49 AM
I just read TJ Simers article and I hope he will read the email I'm sending him....
People like TJ Simers are the one of the reasons why other Journalists in places like Russia and China are put in prison or killed...because they (the government) fear they could abuse free speech.
TJ Simers has proven time and time again that he is unable to write an article, if it does not involve Kobe....he must have some serious dirt on latimes which is why he hasn't been fired yet.
Posted by: Rhon Salmon | March 05, 2008 at 06:04 AM
Lamar is on his way back to miami via trade for shawn marion. If you go back to the first game in miami when abc was doing soundbites of the game, D-wade said to lamar love to see you in a heat uni next year, and lamar laughed if D-wade wants lamar Pat will make it happen,and Pat loves lamar also.Marion will thrive in this system and that will be the start of a dynasty for real
Posted by: smooth d | March 05, 2008 at 06:05 AM
Why in the h?ll TJ Simers always mentioning Kobe's liability? about Kobe's tantrums last summer? is he living in the past? i always read TJ Simer's column, he is a BONAFIDE KOBE HATER. KICK HIM OUT OF LA, PLS.
Posted by: Botsoy | March 05, 2008 at 07:03 AM
Quoting Marlowe now, are we? Nice, AK.
Posted by: Big D | March 05, 2008 at 07:08 AM
Can LA times fire this bias columnist, TJ Simers? Yesterday thousands of readers petitioned YAHOO columnist Kelly Dwyer to be fired regarding his article. Its now time time to go TJ. Pls read TJ Simers column today. He is an anti LA
Posted by: Botsoy | March 05, 2008 at 07:09 AM
I agree with Laker Tom on Pau. He is not nearly the defensive presence we want at Center - then again he is supposed to be our power forward. But what Pau does for this team cannot be underestimated. Like this game - he kept the Lakers close enough while Kobe and Co. struggled. Then Kobe had energy to take it over and get the victory. Last year and really since Shaq has been gone, Kobe would have to be amazing just to give the Lakers a remote shot to win games. Now, Kobe doesn't have to carry the load for an entire game and can give the Lakers what they need - he can focus on D and shut down the other teams best player or he can score when needed.
I like the way this team is developing. Even the King announcers seem to be impressed. Sure the Kings can beat the Lakers on a given day, but in a series they would have almost no chance. And remember we are still without the starting center - Bynum. Our starting PF is playing Center, LO should be the starting SF but is playing the power spot. Our top SF reserves Vlad and Ariza are injured or not quite healthy and have missed several games. Even without Bynum back this team can compete with any team in the West. It would be more difficult - as we have seen I think the short bench is taking somewhat of a toll - but they are a top team without a doubt with the guys they threw out on the floor last night. Even if there are initial struggles when Drew comes back, in the long run they will be a better team defensively than they are now and on offense it will be tough to stop the Lakers. All the Lakers need is good luck in the health department and they should have a very good chance to win it all.
Eagleboy.
Posted by: Eagleboy | March 05, 2008 at 07:21 AM
TJ Simer's article is another pathetic joke.
Questioning Kobe's popularity on the heels of a night at Arco where we heard deafening MVP chants? He probably didn't even bother watching the game.
I will start flooding LA Times with complaint mail on Simers. I get stinkface every time I read his crap.
Smooth D - I doubt that trade would happen. I wouldn't trade Marion for Lamar straight up. Lamar has better inside game, Marion has better outside game; they are both about equal on defense imo, but Lamar is a better rebounder. I would be happy if Kobe, Pau, Lamar, all retire in a Lakers uniform!
Posted by: Lakafo0 | March 05, 2008 at 07:21 AM
Brown mamba24
Welcome to the Mamba family, and iam sure the Patriarch Larry Mamba24 will add you to the roll call.
Posted by: WHITE MAMBA 24 | March 05, 2008 at 07:24 AM
last night's game was OFF THE HOOK!!!
and just because the LAKE SHOW has dominated and not needed KB24 doesn't mean he's not the best closer in the game.
http://www.respectkobe.com/?p=21
KOBE is still the best clutch player alive..just ask dallas and sacramento!!
Posted by: WWKBD? | March 05, 2008 at 07:28 AM
A lot of great comments today; this is a cool blog. I used to judge Lakers fans based on the people who called in to the radio show after games and it was a little embarassing. This forum makes me feel a lot better about my fellow fanatics.
CALI KING -- your observation about the Kings being a bellwether for the superior West is exactly what I was thinking about last night during the game: the Kings roster is pretty good and they can't even touch the playoffs. But the more I think about it, the bottom 5 in the East might actually be better than the bottom 5 in the West. The Kings have a surprising number of solid pros on their roster, but so do the Knicks and Pacers and Bulls. In fact, if I was putting together a team from the rosters of the bottom 5 of one conference, I might opt to choose from the Eastern rosters. This assumes, of course, that I couldn't select injured players, in which case the Clippers roster might mess up my whole theory.
LAKERTOM: You are absolutely right: we have to appreciate Pau for what he is. He never has been a good defender. He plays with grit and heart and he's not afraid of contact but he's just not very good on defense. So get over it everyone! This team is soft right now but is in a fantastic position. Ariza (DAMN i miss him!) and Bynum make this team a contender and Mgmt will undoubtedly be able to shore up this roster with other defenders in the offseason. In the meantime, Walton needs to find his inner enforcer so he can truly add value to this team.
Posted by: East Nyboer | March 05, 2008 at 07:29 AM
Good fight to get wins after playing so terrible...
On the side notes:
1. Last night was the first time I got fed up with how EVERY single Lakers complained at every call (or non call). I really think Kobe needs to set an example of just stop complaining all the time. It makes them look like a bunch of whiners.
2. It amazed me how objective the Kings announcers were last night, considering the past rivalry between the two teams.
Compare it to the Blazers announcers who sounded really sour and bitter about the Lakers, while they didnt have any past rivalry (other than that one great comeback by shaq-kobe lakers during their three peat run, unless I'm getting the fact all wrong here).
3. We really need big man so we didnt get pushed around by all other teams with big centers. I watched the Suns @ Blazers game last night, and Blazers didnt stand a chance playing Suns last night. One of the factor i think was the way suns limit the production from Aldrige and Pryzigbilla (sp??). Blazers did miss a lot of jump shot last night (those that were miracleously made by Outlaw, Steve Blake, even Brandon Roy, who just couldnt miss)
Anyway, just my rant. But the Lakers really need to stop complaining all the time though, or they'll lose respect from the officials.
Posted by: moko | March 05, 2008 at 07:30 AM
Botsoy
Iam behind you on this,LA Times needs to do the right thing and fire TJ Simers he is and idiot and jerk shouting his odd peculiarities and vulgarities against are proud sports franchises and athletes for years,iam for free speech but this ingrate has crossed the line.
Posted by: WHITE MAMBA 24 | March 05, 2008 at 07:33 AM
Today's column by TJ Simers will be the straw that breaks the camel's back. Not only the article, but its prominent placement is proof positive that the LA Times sports department is tone deaf.
What's shocking about this is that it comes after new owner Sam Zell's instructions to the paper's management that its editorial needs to get in sync with with the public.
Ultimately, the sports editor, Simers, and Heisler will all get the boot. TJ touts all his industry awards and honors, but they do not matter. The content revolution symbolized by this blog has changed the rules. Consumers rule content, not the journalistic establishment.
Sorry, TJ. You know I think you're a great guy to hang out with. (Disclosure: we used to work together). You're out of touch. You're bashing Kobe in your column today while fans at ARCO Arena, of all places, are chanting MVP. That's not being controversial. That's just being downright wrong.
Posted by: Rick Friedman | March 05, 2008 at 07:35 AM
let tj hater write what he pleases...it gives the board some fodder foe discussion even if its negative..besides the other option is tj simers on the bandwagon (too much bad karma).
stayed up late in atlanta (been doing this for the last three years...yes even when we sucked) to watch the game...trying not to doze off at work.
ps. someone please add me to the roll call and sign me up for the championship train..
Posted by: kwe | March 05, 2008 at 07:35 AM
if i were Kobe, i'd just flat out tell everyone NOT to vote for me for MVP. i'd say, "screw it, i don't want it. give it to LBJ. i'm focused on one thing and one thing only and MVP means jack crap to me. kthxplzdrivethru."
Posted by: d | March 05, 2008 at 07:36 AM
I've got to say that I have never read a dumber article than this one by T.J. Simers. What the heck is wrong with that guy?
What the heck is a Q rating anyway and who the heck are these no name "talent agencies" anyway. Are you kidding me. Doesn't T.J. have any real journalism to report.
What a moron!!!!! I'm all for a petition to get rid of this loser!
Posted by: EastCoastJessie | March 05, 2008 at 07:46 AM
Man, I dare some of last night's posters to go back and re-read their comments from last night's game thread. Seriously embarrassing , dudes.
never...Dude, remind me to bet the opposite of whatever your prediction is. You are truly one of the crappiest predictors EVER.
The Pau belittlers...BWAAAHAHAHAHAHA. I guess you guys were late getting into your clown car for the circus. The guy scores 31 (seriously...31!!!!) and you're yapping about his "soft D". More like your soft head. I suppose you'd be complaining about Jackie Johnson because she's "too short". Well, we know where you guys are too short too.
The Luke haters...are you guys STILL ticked off because you were always picked to play right field in Little League? Get over it. Stop projecting your own inadequacies. The guy was a starter on an NCAA championship team, and the best coach ever in the NBA thinks he can contribute. I'll take that over your opinions any day.
The reality is that even the greatest teams have crappy nights, sometimes against crappy teams. The important thing is that they tough it out and find a way to win. The Lakers did it in style in the last 6 minutes. 14-2 looks great to me.
Posted by: CornerJ | March 05, 2008 at 07:53 AM
Screw TJ Simmers ... did I read right? They were chanting "MVP" for the Kobster in Sac town last night? Who gives two figs what Simmers thinks.
Posted by: Glenn | March 05, 2008 at 07:54 AM
It's just amazing to see the T.J. article. Since the writers of the LA times can't find anything negative to write about the Lakers or Kobe's basketball lately. He has to write an article about how Kobe's marketability isn't as good as Lebron's.
Give me a break, what a waste of column space and time. Isn't this suppose to be a sports page. Maybe T.J. can hire an investigator to start probing into the personal lives of each player and try and dig up some dirt.
Let's start calling Simmers column - the "National Enquirer of Los Angeles Lakers"
Give me a break.
AW
Posted by: AW | March 05, 2008 at 07:55 AM
While I think Kobe is indeed the MVP this year, in the end, I don't care. And I'm pretty sure he doesn't care, either. To be precise, he'd prefer have the championship rather than the MVP, obviously. And you know what would happen if he doesn't get the MVP ?
Simple answer : Hakeem Olajuwon, 1995.
And that's why I really don't care about that MVP trophy. Part of me wants him to get it, obviously. But a bigger - and really selfish - part of me wants to know what would happen if he doesn't get it.
I mean, don't you think Duncan, Nowitzki, Shaq and every team the Lakers will face in the playoffs will be TERRIFIED by an extremely motivated - not to say pissed-off- Kobe ? He would destroy them. Actually, if Lebron gets the trophy, I would be thrilled to see a Lakers-Cavaliers finals. Actually, I might wet my pants. If this is happening, there's a 100% chance that Kobe will play like a madman. I mean MJ-on-Barkley level of madness. He would average at least 40 points, shut down Lebron on the other end, and make Coby Karl look like an All-star, for good measure.
Maybe Lebron knows it. If you see Lebron miss a game-winning dunk with a clear path to the basket in game 7 versus the C's in the Eastern Finals, don't be surprised : he'll be realizing that he will face Kobe in the Finals. And he will back down from the challenge.
Saga
Posted by: Saga | March 05, 2008 at 08:02 AM
i wouldn't mind seeing Ron Artest setting up screens for Kobe than fouling him next season. T.J. is the Anti-Christ. The devil himself.
Posted by: xtro | March 05, 2008 at 08:04 AM
Good morning LAL nation: Just read Simers. Is he grumpy and irreverent, YES. But his ire isn't on KB24's skills. (BTW - KB24 for MVP) It's his marketability. And that's what he's trying to focus on. Is it mis-placed, ill-timed, etc.? YES, but that's Simers - getting folks in Laker nation riled up.
KB24 can do local commercials, get local sponsors and go overseas hawking his shoes to bank the extra cash. But hate to say this, Simers is right that KB24 still has lingering sponsorship issues that won't play well nationally. KB24 could probably get sponsors in NYC but really....how useful is that when he doesn't play for that lame team? And what sponsors would spend the money to advertise in just NYC & LA (even tho they are two biggest markets)? It's not worth it.
Will another ring and/or MVP help KB24 get his sponsorships back? Who knows and frankly, who cares how much extra KB24 banks because he gets to do McDonald's commercials again?
I'd rather enjoy the ride and hope KB24 and the rest of this team can bring another championship to Lakerland.
Posted by: PsychedLakerGirl | March 05, 2008 at 08:05 AM