Nifty fifty
Let's put things in perspective. If we told you in October that before the beginning of April the Lakers would get their 50th win of the season, making them the third seed in the W.C., only a game out of the top spot, would you have complained that said 50th win didn't come in dominating fashion? Doubt it. So in that context, Sunday night's 126-120 overtime win at Staples over a hot Wizards team seems a lot better, right? Coming off two straight brutal losses on their home floor, the Lakers were dying for a victory, and behind a balanced effort including production up and down the lineup, that's what they got. The box score shows a strange night all around. Kobe was outshot by his teammates, and both teams were better from downtown than they were inside the arc, a big time statistical oddity. And against a team with more established stars, the Lakers were burned by local lad Nick Young (27 points, a career high) and DeShawn Stevenson (eight threes).
In terms of triples, the first half belonged to the Lakers, and the second to Washington, especially the twisting, leaning Caron Butler hoist that helped push the game into overtime. But just like the Wizards received a boost from more unlikely sources, the Lakers were goosed by 20 from Sasha Vujacic (a welcome bounce back), 19 from Luke Walton, 18 from Vlad Rad, and some nice contributions from DJ Mbenga (including the block at left) on a night where Phil Jackson said Kobe came out distributing after dominating the ball more against the Grizzlies on Friday.
D-Fish got the start on Sunday, but how his injured foot will cooperate going forward is still something of a guessing game. Pau Gasol worked out on Sunday, and is hoping he can make it back on the court for Wednesday's game against the Blazers... knock on wood. Andrew Bynum continues to work out, and will accompany the team on its next roadie. But for the Lakers to maintain the balance they've shown throughout the season, LA needs the bigs back in the lineup.
So does Kobe deserve an MVP for the same reason Martin Scorsese deserved an Oscar?
The Warriors beat Dallas at home Sunday night, making the W.C. a very tight place not just up top, but at the bottom as well. Golden State, Denver, and the Mavs are all tied up, with two playoff slots available. Someone's gonna be left in the cold...
Brandon Roy isn't likely to play against the Lakers on Wednesday.
One blogger's struggle to decide how to handle Mark Cuban's newly revised policy on bloggers.
Good Morning!
Posted by: Charles | March 31, 2008 at 08:37 AM
Good Morning Lakerfans
I agree with the article, putting things in perspective not of the 60 win bandwagon, the Lakers are doing quite well in spite of all the Doom and Gloom of the Summer and the preseason.
C'mon, how many of you thought the Lakers would be playing this well? How many of you thought Kobe actually looked good in a Bulls jersey?
:)
Enjoy the ride.
Posted by: Bynumite | March 31, 2008 at 08:41 AM
Troy & others,
From the last thread and how Kobe played against
Memphis:
"Phil Jackson felt the need to remind Kobe Bryant of what a good teammate he has been all season, because there was tension between Bryant and his teammates during Friday night's loss. 'I just said, 'Hey, just don't destroy the relationship you've built with the players this year,' ' Jackson said. 'He said, 'Naw, it's not going to affect us, what we do. I just had to get out and vent what was irritating me.' Bryant yelled at Jordan Farmer for not passing to him. He yelled at Luke Walton for not calling a timeout late in the game and instead throwing the ball away. 'He was obviously irritated about the game prior to that,' Jackson said."
That is the complete statement of which heisler left
out the end. Can we stop making comments and
allegations about "BallHog" now?
Posted by: hobbitmage | March 31, 2008 at 08:53 AM
Funny how before the season started everyone was worried if the Lakers would even make the playoffs.....now everyone is worried about being number ONE in the West.
Posted by: Nij | March 31, 2008 at 08:53 AM
Good Morning Mamba24, Good Morning Charles, Good Morninig Lake Nation!!!!!!!!!!!
50 at last! A lillte tonic for what's been ailing Jon K. Shows what can happen when we come out focused and work to move the ball around. Lotsa 3's, but most of them from open looks, not forced or emergency throw 'em ups.
Pau and Drew coming back soon!
Let's run the table and get PJ one better than the 57 he's lloking for!
GO LAKERS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: toad | March 31, 2008 at 08:54 AM
50!!!! 50!!! 50!! 50!
Finally!
Shout out to the Kam Bro's and THE MAMBA!
50!!!!!
GO LAKERS!!
Posted by: janaya | March 31, 2008 at 08:58 AM
It would be so nice if we won by 26 in overtime, but...
dayum, 26 points in 5 minutes!
(You posted 126-100.)
Posted by: Teej | March 31, 2008 at 09:00 AM
What was disturbing about this game is how the Lakers cannot defend against the 3-point shot! I've been saying this all year...IF YOU WANT TO BEAT THE LAKERS MAKE YOUR 3-POINT SHOTS!!!!. I found it ridiculous how they were not quick on rotating defensively and the lack of communication between the players. I need to vent about how horrible Jordan Farmar was last night. Can the kid please stop shooting 3's and focus more on driving the lane and dishing? With his speed he should be able to drive and dish without a problem. Also, can he stop running after the player he's defending and get in front of them? I'm assuming this kid is the heir apparent for the PG position, but with his play of late I'm afraid for the Lakers. I hope he gets whatever is going on in his head fixed before the playoffs because we NEED HIM.
The highlight of this game was how well Luke Walton and D.J. Mbenga played. I hope LW great performance will carryover to the rest of the season. It's great to see Luke play to his capability. I'm also happy to hear that El Capitan (Pau) will be back on Wednesday. Now if AB can get well soon we will be back to full strength.
Posted by: SFLakerGirl | March 31, 2008 at 09:03 AM
You know guys, the more and more I watch NBA games, the more I realize that no team really plays good defense, it's all about scoring a ton of points. Other than boston (and thats b/c they get away with murder, dont believe me, just watch their games), every team out there wants to score more than defend.
So from now on, you guys wont hear me harp on your team about the lack of D. As long as teams are clicking on offense and have spurts of good defense here and there, that should be good enough ( we hope).
Posted by: Fire32 | March 31, 2008 at 09:03 AM
We are what we are without Gasol/Bynum.
3pt shooting misfits who dont play D.
If we were the Rockets, we could kind of weather this storm and still win games.
But until we get our bigs, its live by the 3 die by the 3!!!
Last nite, we made them and we won ... barely!
But when we miss, its down by 15 and hope for the comeback!
This could all be cured by some D first of all.
We had better shot discretion with 3s this game but still, 27 3s?! Yikes!
Posted by: Korey | March 31, 2008 at 09:14 AM
post game flow...
That was some offensive light show.
I had HIGH hopes we could take the target off Kobe this season but, no. Kobe didn't close, Kobe didn't pass, Kobe didn't smile or (word goes here).
I watched he and Luke the whole game on DVR with slow mo and pause. Most of the 3s were on switches. Kobe was late to the line a couple times trying to stop penetration, as were his mates when they were guarding shooters.
The thing that's always a concern with 24 is how he balances a game. It's hard to shoot light's out in the 4th when you don't shoot most of the game. Phil said it, we've said it, and with a complete roster it won't be a problem.
Luke played great. WHy? He's not injured and he made that first 3. Over simplification? Yes. But he gets his head down 'cause he knows teams double team Kobe off of him when he's off, which has pretty much been this season.
We've all played. When the ball goes in it gives you confidence, period. When it just won't fall, it affects you. Hurt or not, Luke needs to make open looks or get over missin' them better.
Mark Cuban isn't havin' a good month in the Maverick Personel Dept. Mr Mbenga evidently missed their radar. The man must be a quick learner if Norm Nixon said he's improved a thousand percent since he saw him in Dallas. Dude got game on the offensive end.
Cap for assistant COY???? There should be one.
Posted by: Vman | March 31, 2008 at 09:14 AM
Phil must have some extra motivation to play Luke because Vlad was having a fantastic game up to the 4th and no matter what anyone else says the stats showed he was playing excellent defense on his Butler who only had like 7 points up to that time. Everyone's saying that he didnt get in because of his D, well it was Butler making some critical shots over top of Walton and others down the stretch that led to the overtime. If Vlad would have been in the game in the 4th I think it would have been his game of the year. I think it's unfortunate that Jackson won't show trust in a player that is playing so well
Posted by: ken | March 31, 2008 at 09:16 AM
Don't know if I'm late to finding this, but this link is amazing.
http://www.lakersmedia.com/
It's a page of the Lakers game highlights in HD that you can watch without any downloads, and the picture is superb! IT LOOKS GREAT.
Posted by: Amazing_Happens | March 31, 2008 at 09:16 AM
NOW FISHER HAS TORN TENDON - GOOD LORD, WTF IS WRONG WITH THIS TEAM.
PJ IS GONNA START PLAYING KB 49 MIN NOW.
THE REST OF THE PUNKS NEED GET U R A$$E$$ BACK ON THE F'IN COURT.
KARMA IS A BITHC!
Posted by: ookboy24 | March 31, 2008 at 09:17 AM
I'd rather see the Lakers lose to the Grizzlies/Bobcats than see them lose against the Spurs/Suns.
Luke played extremely well down the stretch.
He's starting to dunk again which is a good sign...perhaps his bad wheels have contributed to most of his malaise this season. I know Luke is not popular with most of y'all but I think Luke's rounding back into form...a solid player who makes the offense go.
Or maybe, his recent luck conincides with his "Life with Luke" miniseries.
Chris Mihm? Check, Pau and Bynum...very soon.
Posted by: Bynumite | March 31, 2008 at 09:19 AM
Mbenga!!!
Posted by: xtro | March 31, 2008 at 09:21 AM
Good morning Laker Nation!
1. First, the big "50" was great to achieve, even if we had to struggle against Washington to hit that number.
2. Second, for the love of God! Why is our perimeter defense so terrible? This needs fixin' and fixin' pronto!
3. Mihm's back! One down and three to go!
4. I was tremendously impressed by The Banger Mbenga's play last night. Quite honestly, I didn't think he had that capacity. The Banger's been steadily improving and has begun to show that he's more than just a big body to throw onto the court and hope for the best. A truly pleasant surprise.
5. Luke played a real nice game last night. Hopefully he'll keep it up. I'm so tired of reading "PUKE SUCKS!" screamed by Trolls.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | March 31, 2008 at 09:26 AM
>>>ARE YOU KIDDING ME? IF YOU WOULDN'T HAVE BEEN >>>SAGGING OFF YOUR MAN, HE WOULDN'T HAVE HAD
>>>AN ALLSTAR NIGHT!
I can't believe I'm saying this, but I agree with Gunner on this one. Kobe kept leaving Stevenson to help on other players and he got burned time and time again.
Gunner, you often criticize Kobe when he doesn't deserve it, but on this issue for this game, you are correct. Kobe needed to let his teammates handle their own man and stay with his man who had the hot hand.
THANKS LONG TIME. YOU KNOW I GIVE HIM HIS DUE WHEN HE PLAYS LIKE A TEAM PLAYER BUT LAST NIGHT DEFENSE WAS HORRIBLE.
WE'VE SPARRED OVER THE YEARS SO, I RESPECT YOU BECAUSE YOU KNOW THE GAME OF BASKETBALL.
THESE NEW KOBE FANS JUMPING ON HERE IN THE PAST FEW MONTHS LIKE "PSLAKERFAN" CLAIMING HE BEEN A LAKERS FAN FOR AGES KNOWS NOTHING ABOUT BASKETBALL.
Posted by: Gunner | March 31, 2008 at 09:30 AM
Good morning, Laker Nation,
A win is a win... even if it's not particularly pretty. At times, the Lakers looked completely in sync and efficient. When they're firing on all cylinders, they are an incredible team. Just wait till the return of Bynum and Pau. Our undercover secret weapons are about to emerge.
Go Lakers!
Posted by: The Outlaw | March 31, 2008 at 09:32 AM
Good morning Mamba24, good morning Charles & to the rest of this GREAT LAKER NATION a big good morning!!
How's it going? 50 wins you say? Really? C'mon - was there ever any doubt since we saw the emergence of the BEAST and the addition of "El Capitan" (I like that SFLakerGirl)!! As has been said, given the state of the union before the beginning of the season, if we were told that the Lakers would be sitting at 50 games & #3 in the WC with 8 or 9 games to go, we ALL would have taken it - hands down. But now, we have the potential to not only ride the "55 win" bandwagon, but actually hop on board the "Championship" one!! Are you kidding me? After the last few years of sucking, this is GREAT! We have nothing to complain about - so what if we barely squeek out a W last night?? A win is a win is a win.....no one promised us a road without speed bumps & potholes, right? Let's get focused! Let's get ready! I hear the sound of the parade in this distance - and, MAN DOES IT SOUND GOOD! (Smells good too.....can't wait for the next ROLL CALL! Wednesday seems like an eternity away......)
GO LAKERS!
The BEAN for MVP or NO PEACE!
Posted by: justanothermambafan | March 31, 2008 at 09:34 AM
Well, I guess the bloggers riding the 50 win
bandwaggon since October knew something the
rest of us didn't ...
Identify yourselves and take a bow people. And remember the Mamba knows if you're lying.
PJ thinks that 57 wins, wins the west. Going 7-1 over the last 8 would require both a healthy Pau and Bynum. And the one loss has to come to a team below them
in the standings, not to SA or NO.
Looks like a tall order right now -- but we shall see.
Posted by: HmrHed | March 31, 2008 at 09:45 AM
Anybody notice that this Laker team, as composed of healthy players, is the one Kobe wanted out of this summer? Get well soon Pau, Drew and Trevor.
LO as Big Game James? Wakes up when the playoff nears. Luke starting to remind people of why Kobe said he and LO are the ones who played with heart last year. Short on talent but big heart. Better than Kwame and Smush though. Full of talent but no heart.
Posted by: p ang | March 31, 2008 at 09:45 AM
Ronny isn't a center. He just isn't. He's a good center's sidekick. A poor man's Horace Grant (would that make him Harvey Grant then?).
I like what he is doing, but he is much better off the bench with all that energy. Ronny in spurts is better than Ronny as starting center.
That said, I don't like the way they are playing, but its a necessary evil to shoot 3's en masse given what I said about Ronny. That's what they have to work with. Glad they made a good amount of them yesterday.
I don't think they should sell the team or anything given the losses. Unlike the teams that are playing .500 ball the whole year, we have 2 pocket aces up our sleeves.
Posted by: #4 | March 31, 2008 at 09:47 AM
I'm sooo tired, I was full of energy after the game and could not sleep, ugh it is going to be a long day.
Posted by: Elle | March 31, 2008 at 09:49 AM
{Coffee is a wonderful thing...}
More thoughts of the day....
1. I'm very confused by the play over the last three games. I know we're banged up and tired and whatever, but [to quote Kobe Bryant] "THIS IS BASKETBALL, MAN!" It just seems like I've been watching a different team these past three games. It's like the team has been intuitively out of sinc with one another. Strange. Concerning.
2. I think the team needs to have a group barbarque at Kobe's house or something. Some kind of non-offical, non-basketball activity to get everyone thinking on the same page again. Something where the team can relax as a group together.
3. Pau Gasol has been such a boon to this team. If things go right, I'm looking forward to seeing his jersey retired with the other Greats.
4. That's one of the most impressive things about going to the Staples Center (or the Forum, for that matter) and seeing those jerseys hanging from the rafters... Magic, Jerry West, Chamberlein, Chick Hearn... It reminds you how special this organization is.
5. Shaq and Kobe will obviously be the next two jersies retired, but we have four players on this team who COULD have their jersies retired--Gasol, Bynum, Odom, and Fisher. It all depends, of course, but it's nice to see the magic continuing.
6. Somebody needs to get Derek Fisher some Dit Da Jow. If "rest" is the only solution to his injury, then he needs some serious Chinese liniment. It'll lower the inflammation and accelerate the healing.
7. Luke looked strong, agile and confident last night. It was refreshing.
8. Rad Vlad has plateaued over the last week. He's playing his best ball as a Laker, but he was still a better player as a Sonic and a Clipper. We need him to be a better Laker than a Sonic or a Clipper.
9. What's up with Farmar recently? He seems emotionally imbalanced and unfocused. Whatever it is, he needs to snap out of it. Thiis is no time to be pulling a Smush Parker.
10. Speaking of Smush Parker, Smush almostly singlehandedly ruined the Clippers would-be "miracle win" against the Spurs earlier this week, by doing a stupid foul at utterly the wrong time in the fourth quarter. Great job, Smush.
11. Phil, tell these guys that they need to guard the perimeter. It's ridiculous.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | March 31, 2008 at 09:56 AM
morning, everybody
i had to catch up on a lot of threads this morning, but i gotta say, tspere, you nailed it. definitely makes a pretty good point, and much better than some people i won't mention, many of whom may have psychological problems, if the APA allowed us to diagnose based on web postings.
but i digress. tsphere, i enjoyed reading your post, which i hope everyone can go back and read, as it was as bit long to repost here. there are many good comments on this site, but in my mind that one stood out above much of the rabble. props.
everybody else, good morning again, much love
GO LAKERS
etc, etc.
Posted by: phred | March 31, 2008 at 09:59 AM
also, SFLakergirl makes some good points, and adds a vote to the under publicized El Capitan bandwagon. of all the endless bandwagons that seem very obvious, this one needs the love and attention.
PAU = El Capitan
lets hear it, everybody.
Posted by: phred | March 31, 2008 at 10:02 AM
Even Phil Jackson is upset with Gary Vitti!
Jerry Buss! Time to hire a full-time accupuncturist and Chinese herbalist for this team! Gary Vitti ain't getting the job done on his own!
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | March 31, 2008 at 10:03 AM
Responsibility on defense is on Kobe. Is it not obvious that the team is at its best on defense (and offense) when Kobe is TALKING and DIRECTING and not focused on his individual exploits on the other end. communication is key on defense.
You know teams watch their bad games to figure out what went wrong.. but, it would probably be beneficial if the team watches tapes of their good games to see what works.. they'll notice Kobe is pointing, moving and directing people to the right spots on both ends and is ACTIVELY leading. He does that, he'll get his much needed rest in the 4th quarter and not have to go to OT and worsen the situation.
Posted by: Lakerfan | March 31, 2008 at 10:05 AM
It was a good game, even if it was too close, putting things into perspective here. That wasnt the correct final score, though.
Posted by: DS | March 31, 2008 at 10:20 AM
I wish I could submit something written by TJ Simers
to Mark Cuban and see what his reaction would be
Posted by: coolhair | March 31, 2008 at 10:21 AM
Good Morning Charles---Good Morning everyone....
While the 50 win thing feels great, it seems wierd that we played so much better against a better team than we did in either of the two previous games against seemingly inferior foes---from the very begining of the game last night I was really just struck with the thought of if we had only played half as good in the two previous games we would have won them both easily---it just seemed really strange---it's a wonder what motivation can do apparently...
still think we should haved fouled with the three point lead at the end of regulation---does anyone know the percentage of times a team hits that three to tie games in the wanning seconds?
We were first to 100--enough said, that conteracted the other theory, that the first team to score back to back baskets in overtime wins--anyone know that percentage?
Positives For Puke: Puke played a good game, and his positive play definitly out weighed his negative play---another game tape we should send to all the GM's in the league so they will send in a plethora of offers for him---only 9 years left on his contract.....
Mbenga continues to impress me and each of his baskets were nothing short of amazing to me--I kept shouting what is going on---he actually missed his easiest shot, a shot he should have dunked---he should play more---if he is indeed working with Kareem, it is indeed showing....GO MBENGA !!!
Ronny and Sasha both came through with very solid performances--love Ronny's blocking and defensive attitudes, along with his effort, as usual...
As has been often said, all these injuries this season may indeed become a very positve thing in regards to player / team development--when we do get everyone back, we will not only be extremely deep, but have seasoned, developed players sitting deep in the bench rotation---yee frickin' haw!!!
I really want to take the Pacific title and think it is a very crucial first step in our upcoming dynasty --we need a lot of focus down this stretch ...
Why does it seem that we give up so many carreer highs to the opposing players? I realize that most teams and players get up to play the Lakers, but it seemes to be happening with regularity that approaches nausiism--THE LAKERS NEED TO CONCENTRATE ON DEFENSE--call me Captain Obvious once again.....
I really dig Fisher's comments after the game---he should do all the on court post game interviews---accentuate the positive indeed---HUZAH !!
You could see the fire burning in Pau's eyes sitting on the bench---he seems more than ready to come back, hopefully with a vengence.....
YET ANOTHER GREAT DAY TO BE A LAKER FAN !!!
GO LAKERS !!!
Posted by: Floyd | March 31, 2008 at 10:23 AM
"What was disturbing about this game is how the Lakers cannot defend against the 3-point shot! I've been saying this all year...IF YOU WANT TO BEAT THE LAKERS MAKE YOUR 3-POINT SHOTS!!!!. I found it ridiculous how they were not quick on rotating defensively and the lack of communication between the players. I need to vent about how horrible Jordan Farmar was last night. Can the kid please stop shooting 3's and focus more on driving the lane and dishing? With his speed he should be able to drive and dish without a problem. Also, can he stop running after the player he's defending and get in front of them? I'm assuming this kid is the heir apparent for the PG position, but with his play of late I'm afraid for the Lakers. I hope he gets whatever is going on in his head fixed before the playoffs because we NEED HIM."
SFLakerGirl
you need to realize before Bynum went down the Lakers where 3rd in defensive FG% allowed and 2nd in defensive 3pt FG% alllowed... Also Ariza helped this cause even more when he came in(bumped us to a tie in defensive 3pt% with Boston for that period of time)... What I'm trying to say is that without a defensive anchor like Bynum guys play off of their man becuase their worried about dribble penetriation; with no defensive presents down low you are going to get scored on... Turiaf is great but his size is something else (I really think his 6'8 )..
Bottom line I really think PJ will start to use Newble a little bit more in the near future to offset Ariza's loss.... But I really think both Ariza as well as Bynum will get back in time for the playoffs, after that it's all about finding their rythem... As soon as we get these two guys implemeted ( as you see I don't mention Gasol, since I think he will have plenty of time to adjust) we've got as a much a chance as anyone else to win the championship... Again the Key's are Bynum and Ariza ( or Newble if he can take on Ariza's duties)... The way I see it, this current Laker team outside of Kobe and maybe a little Dfish, no one plays premeter D .... And you are abseloutly right about Farmar ( what a joke on the defenesive end)... This guy is becoming the next Smush.....
Posted by: Gino | March 31, 2008 at 10:23 AM
As I have been mentioning for the past 3 weeks, the remaining games for the Lakers will depend on Vlad Rad's scoring performance.
Remember my formula:
In the games w/o Bynum/Gasol, if Vlad Rad scores atleast 15, we win. If not , then we lose.
On Friday night's games against the Griz, he scored 9 and we lost. Last night he dropped 17 or 18, and we won.
Posted by: Adam | March 31, 2008 at 10:26 AM
That 15th technical foul is exactly what Kobe needed to win the MVP award.
I love Kobe but if I had one criticism I am sick and tired of his whining after every shot. He plays so much better when he is not jawing at the refs.
Last nights game was a nail biter but it was a pleasure to watch Kobe just play the game.
I say next year he gets 15 technicals in the first eight games. Then Kobe can just play ball and win the MVP award for sure.
Go Lakers!!!
Posted by: Tiki | March 31, 2008 at 10:29 AM
Wow, a 26 point victory? That's not how I remember it, but if the KamBros tell me so, it must be right... right?
Posted by: J.W. Weatherman | March 31, 2008 at 10:57 AM
Our perimeter defense is just crazy bad. Watch for Steve Blake, Jarrett Jack and/or Travis Outlaw to again push for career highs in points and assists. I'm hoping for a playoff matchup like the Suns or Jazz where we won't get killed by quick guards and three point shooting.
Posted by: McGarnagle | March 31, 2008 at 11:01 AM
Shaq is getting better and playing longer in Phoenix and saying the Heat's medical staffs are old school and only do MRIs.
Is it the same with the Lakers? Is Vitti too old and not cathcing up with these new methods?
Why does it always take so long for Lakers to come back from an injury..?
Dirk might be back ONLY after 4~5 games from his injuries, which were ankle AND knee sprains....
while Pau has missed like what 8~9 games?
Sometimes, these "playing it safe" only seems like the result of "lack of skill"
Posted by: coolhair | March 31, 2008 at 11:02 AM
AK or BK,
>>>So does Kobe deserve an MVP for the same reason
>>>Martin Scorsese deserved an Oscar?
I think Kobe's chances were hurt in the last week. While Kobe's
team was losing to two bottom feeders at home, Chris Paul's
team took over the top spot in the West by beating some good
teams (Cleveland, Toronto) on the road.
Combine that with the fact that a lot of media people don't
like Kobe much and worship any young player (LeBron,
Paul, Deron Williams, etc.), and my guess is that if the
voting were today, Chris Paul would win the MVP. And
I'd be hard pressed to argue that Kobe deserved it more.
But Kobe still has a chance to win it back - The Hornets
still have to face Orlando and the Lakers on the road as
well as Golden State, Utah, and Dallas at home, while
the Lakers only have 3 more games against playoff teams.
If the Lakers could manage to re-gain the lead in the West,
I think Kobe will win it, especially since CP hasn't had to
carry his team through long stretches where several key
players are out, as Kobe has.
But if New Orleans ends up on top of the West around tax
time, then look for Chris Paul to take the MVP prize.
Perhaps the biggest game of the season remaining for
Both the Lakers and the Hornets is Friday, April 11 against
each other. The winner of that game could decide both
the MVP and playoff seeding. And the Lakers play San
Antonio two days later. If the Lakers could hang around
the top, get Gasol &/or Bynum back, and win those two
games, they could win the West, and go into the playoffs
in a position of strength.
50 down, 5 to go. Lakers only have to win 5 more games
to make the 55 win bandwagon happy! I think they'll
win 6-of-8 and go into the playoffs as either a 1 or 2 seed.
Go Lakers!
Posted by: Long Time Laker Fan | March 31, 2008 at 11:04 AM
Holy Moley!
I love that the 7, 8, and 9 spots in the Western Conference is
now a 3-way tie between Golden State, Denver, and Dallas.
I don't love quite so much that there are 5 teams within 1 1/2
game of the top spot in the West (New Orleans, San Antonio,
Lakers, Phoenix, and Houston).
I'd feel more confident if the Lakers would get back Pau
on Wednesday and Drew would get in a few minutes of
play on the next road trip. Those two guys are like the
long poles in the big top. Right now the Lakers are like
a three ring circus with the canvas falling down on their
heads. With Drew and Pau, it's the greatest show in town.
Posted by: Long Time Laker Fan | March 31, 2008 at 11:11 AM
more meaningless thoughts......
actually on a lot of the Wizards 3 point shots, we did have a defender closer than we usually do--in fact on more than several, I thought we played pretty good defense and they just hit a well contested shot....
Stevenson's beard is quite a creative variation on the Goat King beard--does it come with it's own instructions for use and care?....
I couldn't agree more with my fellow sensible and insightful bloggers comments on Rad's playing time and his lack of investement by Phil Jackson verses Puke's.
If indeed, Rad received the playing time that Puke has had, we would be much better off as a team.....
I also agree that Rad's defense is better than Puke's overall and I would much rather see Rad down the stretch than Puke....
Puke did have a great game last night and I hope it continues--he did make some key plays for us last night--but it does seem strange that the leading scorer after 3 quaters sat out most of the 4th---but it worked out in the end....
I do expect that both Puke (especially Puke) and Rad and their ludiris contracts (especially Puke's) will be the focus of trade fodder for Mitch this summer....
Again, for this season to be the building block of the next Laker Dyansty, we need to win both the Pacific division and get out of the second round of the playoffs---we don't have to win it all this year (but that would be quite nice indeed), but those two steps seem necessary to me...
GO LAKERS !!!
Posted by: Floyd | March 31, 2008 at 11:19 AM
Looking forward to having Bynum the "Moses" back so he can lead us to the promise land..
Also, look forward to reading Gunner's astute observation on Kobe, especially when he uses all caps..hehehehe.
Sea Mineral Water anyone? hahaha
Where is the hall monitor mamba24 today?
Have no fear Ladies man is here!!
Posted by: The Ladies Man | March 31, 2008 at 11:20 AM
I have to agree with a blogger from the previous thread:
I think Lamar should have been in the good category. He played good defense, at least statistically. He put up 10/13/7, that is 3 assists from a triple double. And he was still very sick. JMO......
pslakerfan
Posted by: pslakerfan | March 31, 2008 at 11:21 AM
Kobe's stats this March, of which the Lakers are 9-6.
31.5ppg 7.1rpg 6.3ast.
These are Michael Jordan's stats!!
Kobe is the 2008 MVP
Posted by: Botsoy | March 31, 2008 at 11:24 AM
"C'mon, how many of you thought the Lakers would be playing this well? How many of you thought Kobe actually looked good in a Bull's jersey?"
Sonnybelfast did, still does, and he told you so.
Sonnybelfast
Posted by: sonnybelfast | March 31, 2008 at 11:34 AM
kobe is averaging 35 points 9 rebounds and 6.5 assists in the last five games
Posted by: shneurson | March 31, 2008 at 11:36 AM
Good morning all! Tough win yesterday, and we are going through a rough patch right now, but considering where we were last year, isn't it great to be a Laker fan!
Lets go for 55+!!
Check out some shirts some Laker fans are selling (saw it in an ad on my gmail)
http://pautshirt.com/
Have a good one!!
Posted by: Lakers Legacy | March 31, 2008 at 11:41 AM
Turn up the Lights!
I got a theory. You know how some ball parks are hitters parks and others are pitchers parks? And in football some outdoor stadia are good for placekickers and punters while others aren't due to wind patterns.
I think Staples Center under certain lighting conditions (Lakers lighting) is a perimeter arena. Yes, the Laker's defense is lacking at times but not always. Even when they closely contest shots, the shooter seems to get a good look. On Butler's three to tie the game in the 4th, Fish had Caron blanketed. But Caron still had an excellent view of the basket.
Look at Sasha's improvement this year and Vlad. Look at the 3-pt percentage of both teams last night. Was it just a fluke. What about subpar teams like the Grizzlies and Bobcats, hitting more than their share of 3's.
Turn up the lights and add some. Don't give up the home court advantage. Sasha, Vlad and Jordan will get used to it from playing there so often.
Posted by: | March 31, 2008 at 11:54 AM
Fire32,
no team plays good D, but the best, most consistent teams D.
Thats why the Spurs and Pistons are AALLLWAYS in the conferene finals.
They play D, nobody else doesnt.
That simple.
If you want to be a consistent contender, play D.
Posted by: Korey | March 31, 2008 at 11:55 AM
in case the Lakers can't win the top seed in the west, i'm pretty sure they will win the Pacific. but i like this best case playoff scenerio based on the remaining schedules of each playoff bound teams.
Notes: Lakers must win by at least 20 against the Spurs(April 13) to get the top seed if they end up tied(Spurs led 2-1). In case the Lakers and NO are tied, the Lakers will get the tie break(if they win against NO on April 11) because of their 29pt victory against NO last January 9.
1. San Antionio 57-25
2. Lakers 57-25
3 .New Orleans 57-25
4. Utah 53-29
5. Phoenix 56-26
6. Houston 54-28
7. Denver 51-31
8. Dallas 51-31
9. GS 50-32
Posted by: Botsoy | March 31, 2008 at 11:59 AM