Not bad for an old fella

Line of the day goes to Phil Jackson in his pregame interview, responding to a question I asked him about how the Rockets manage to be so solid defensively, which he attributed to the play of Dikembe Mutombo:

"His ability to patrol the lane is unparalleled in this league. He's been Defensive Player of the league maybe 20 times in his career? In his 30 year career? So at age 55, he can still patrol the lane pretty good."

That's good stuff. But in all seriousness (game faces, people!), this is a rough test for the Lakers, who will have to adjust on the fly to Life Without Pau against arguably the best defensive squad in the league, or at the very least, the Western Conference. Second in the NBA in Opp FG% at 42.9 (for all the talk of bad Lakers D, they're fourth at 44.3%), fourth in points against at 91.7. At +4.4 boards a night, they have the NBA's best rebounding differential, and are fifth in the NBA in blocks, at 5.4 per game.

Stout.

Still, the Lakers will try to get the ball inside, using their other available post options. Lamar, Kobe, and Walton were three PJ mentioned by name. Ronny Turiaf will likely try to draw Deke out of the post with some mid-range jumpers, a shot Turiaf is certainly capable of making.

NOTES:

You may have heard the Rockets have been playing some good ball lately? It's not just defense. Guys like Rafer Alston and Luis Scola have stepped up big in Yao's absence, and the Rockets are sharing the ball in credibly well. Their assist numbers have gone way up during the 21 game winstravaganza, and they're very active off the ball. The Lakers will catch a break since Carl Landry, who has been great over the last month, will miss the game with a knee injury. He's been very active finishing around the rim and hitting the glass.
Pau talked about his ankle before the game (audio below) and said he's happy that the MRI didn't show more damage. When he'll return is still up in the air, but it could have been worse. They'll know more in next 48 hours or so. Meanwhile, he's getting a lot of treatment on it. In a mild sign of improvement, Gasol said he was able to sleep better last night than he did Friday in New Orleans. Less pain. But in looking at the ankle (wrapped in tape), it's still pretty swollen. He's definitely not a faker.
PJ said they're keeping him with the team because travel is far more comfortable for him with the Lakers than it would otherwise be on commercial travel. "You ever seen a 7'1" guy on crutches? I don't know how commercially, they'd even figure out how to get him comfortable." For his part, Gasol said he'd much rather be with his teammates, providing whatever support he can, rather than go back to LA.
Big discovery in the Houston media room? Outstanding croutons, and Diet Dr. Pepper. I'm a happy camper. Also, walking to Toyota Center from my hotel, I passed the Lakers team hotel, and saw a huge mob of people outside, waiting for Kobe/the team with pens and pics. The Lakers are a circus everywhere they go.
DJ Mbenga will definitely get some run today.

AUDIO: