Second verse, darn near same as the first
For the second time in two days, the Los Angeles Lakers play the Golden State Warriors and the results of this 123-119 victory sharing many a similarity with the previous day's loss at Staples. For starters, the first half featured the Lakers having apparently learned no lessons from Sunday, since the opening 24 minutes of both contests featured the Lakers seduced by the Warriors' break neck style and jacking up long ball after long ball. Like Sunday, wiser heads prevailed after halftime and the ball began moving around and inside again. Like Sunday, Lamar Odom was Godzilla on the boards, becoming the first Laker in 13 years to snag 20+ in consecutive games. Like Sunday, a few folks played through some pain (most notably Kobe Bryant, who left the Bay Area with gash below the the eye that most boxers would find nasty). But there were a couple unique wrinkles to the follow up go around against these Warriors. For starters, the OT period, one where the Lakers ground their way to the top (and admittedly benefited from a controversial call against Monta Ellis down the stretch). The other notable difference? A winning box score. That's probably worth noting, dontcha think?
Lakersblog readers either haven't noticed or are just shy about pointing it out in the comments, but Luke Walton's season hasn't always been up to snuff. In particular, his outside shot has vanished, an issue Phil Jackson cited as the root of all most issues. For a full description of his assessment, here's the pregame audio from yesterday's win. Of course, just because you've become proficient while bombing doesn't mean you're automatically in the cat bird seat. Sasha Vujacic, for example, has finally found that consistent stroke Laker fans have dreamed about since his rookie season. And if he put that shot on display any more often during Sunday's game, he might have ended up in a morgue.
The case for Kobe-MVP is growing by the game.
In the category of "things that don't earn you much respect in a cell block," we offer "throwing a beer on the Energy Solutions Arena court during the final seconds of a Laker game."
If Freddie Mercury was a Laker fan (and still alive, obviously), this is the ditty he'd have written.
Home court: Important and meaningless, all at once.
Donnie Walsh will soon take over as head of Basketball Operations for the Knicks. Guess that franchise is unfamiliar with the old expression, "If it ain't broke, don't fix it."
Elton Brand is getting closer to a possible return to the court. For Nene, however, the quest remains slow goings.
With Dirk Nowitzki sidelined indefinitely, it's not inconceivable to envision the Mavs' season ending in mid-April.
No word yet as to whether the Oklahoma City "Still-to-be-named" will formally acknowledge the existence of Slick Watts.
bronxlakerfan,
>>>My take on the Monta Ellis foul is that Monta in no way, shape or form tried to get AROUND
>>>Fish...he ran straight through Derek. What was Fish supposed to do? Move?
That's my sentiment exactly. Monta Ellis is frequently out of control and running over players,
and the way the league is ruling it right now, that usually ends up as a blocking foul instead
of a charging foul. Leandro Barbosa is another one. It's like the league has ruled that you're not
allowed to get anywhere near anyone who's running fast, you should just get out of the way and
let them get the layup.
Posted by: Long Time Laker Fan | March 25, 2008 at 05:20 PM
LAL_Fan & Charles,
Wow, thanks, guys.
TaosHum,
To be honest with you, I haven't been taking any immune boosting supplements recently, not have I been taking liquid sea minerals (my joints and bones are in good shape).
Though I will again. Got to get back on track.
Tully Moxness,
I left a response on your blog.
Note to Self,
Get to sleep via Nyquil DM.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | March 25, 2008 at 05:34 PM
Laker Truth,
I've come to realize that every team on the West has at least one Super Human dude starting, if not two or three. Jackson hitting lights out on consecutive nights in two different cities? Super Human.
Baron Davis? 'Nuff said.
Dirk, Paul, Duncan, Genobili, etc., etc., ad nauseum. I mean, geesh! there is a dude who can't miss on every roster every night.
Through all of this, Kobe, PJ, and Fish have managed to keep the Lakers at the top of the West.
--FearlessWhackJob
Posted by: | March 25, 2008 at 05:39 PM
LTLF,
let's just shelve this disagreement.
There's no way you'll get off this notion that Sasha is this *great* player and irreplaceable Laker. Or maybe you are just trying to say "dont talk bad about him" or ??? Whatever you are trying to prove, the point isnt coming across clear and it's unconvincing to me and forever will be.
Agree to disagree.
There's no way I'll stop saying that Sasha is good for the team and bad for the team. His shot selection is unconscious.
All your stats show is that Sasha doesnt suck. OK, that's cool, but Sasha should be shooting 50% from 3 this year. If he would stop forcing so many quick shots he could get there easily. He's that good of a shooter, he's that bad of a decision maker.
Sasha has a choice to make in his career. He can become journeyman 3pt shooter who bounces from team to team but always shoots when he gets the rock (i.e. JR Smith) OR he can be a choice 3pt shooter who takes advantage of defensive rotations and otherwise doesnt hurt his team (ie Bobby Jackson, Brent Barry, etc.).
Actually, Bobby Jackson is pretty unconscious with shot selection too ...but I digress...
It's his choice really. If he keeps making PJ choose between shooting ability and turnovers/quick shots then eventually he's going to be out the game a whole lot when the team gets healthy.
It's almost as if you LIVE with Sasha shooting the ball if he is making it but if he isnt he gets the quick hook because of his shot selection.
And one more thing, his defense isnt all that great either. He is better than last year but he gets blown by routinely. Its more that he can annoy another player than actually play good D. But he is all we have right now so annoying D is better than lackadaisical D (Smush) so we'll take it til we get Ariza back.
Posted by: Korey | March 25, 2008 at 06:06 PM
In the spirit of naming future teams for OK, maybe an alias or two for "The Ladies Man" is in order.
The Ladies Man, a.k.a.:
"God's gift to women"....*snerk*
"Legend in my own mind".....I'll bet this is much closer to the truth.
Yo L.M.----Wy not try to interact with instead of attacking the regular bloggers; especially the ones who generally offer some of the most intellegent comments here? Leave the 'pansies' remark to grow along with the weeds in your backyard garden.
Try acting like the "Man" you want us to think you are instead of acting like a 13 year old pimply faced punk.
EastCoastJessie--Shout out to you. It's tough living in the heart of enemy territory. I'll send you a snowball from a couple hundred miles north of you...We have plenty to spare. Just make sure you hit something Celtic with it.
Mamba24--I think some of those other bandwagons need a team prophet; don't you???
Posted by: MiloRambaldi | March 25, 2008 at 06:12 PM
BTW - PSLAKER: Where in PS are you? We might need to coordinate a Laker cheering section during the playoffs at the Beer Hunter in LQ.
Posted by: PsychedLakerGirl | March 25, 2008 at 03:03 PM
Love the Beer Hunter in LQ. Great place to watch a game. I am in Indio now, just moved from LQ. I need to get out and watch with some real fans, you just name the game and I will be there. Also I have tickets so we can go to one also, whatever.
Posted by: pslakerlover | March 25, 2008 at 06:24 PM
Bravo Long Time Laker Fan! I completely agree with you. This Korey is too funny and just hate Sasha period! He does not know what he is talking about. At least when Sasha is on the floor, i see him play hard and try hard to defend even though he is not our best defender but our best pest out there! I will cheer any Lakers out there because they are the Lakers and i am a true fan, not a hater like some of these bloggers! I'm out!
Posted by: Hyns | March 25, 2008 at 06:31 PM
Good thing Lamar is finally fulfiiling his promise after being drafted 4th in the lottery by the Clips in 99. I can remember in LO's early days, there were Clippers-Lakers games where he was even better than a young Kobe.
Those 2 LO games versus GS were not just All-Star in quality but at Superstar levels. We need LO to be playing at this level all the way in the Finals to make up for the fact that Bynum is not ever going to be back to 100% this season.
I project AB to be at 50% in the first round of the playoffs, 60% by 2nd round, 70% in WC Finals and 80% in the League Finals. We'll have to wait til 08-09 to see The Beast back in full glory. So we'll need LO to take up the difference.
This week's games with Charlotte and Memphis will give a chance to shine for the young Lakers. At this point, Kobe is fit for a Red Cross casualty ward. Look for PJ to rest KB and LO as much as possible, w/c means we'll see Mbenga, Coby Kark and Ira Newbie. As well as more PT for the young uns Sasha, Farmar and Rony. Hope Rony's ankle is OK.
Washington on Sunday will be a good game. Jamison has been playing like an All-Star and his matchup with LO will be something to look forward to. We'll welcome Caron Butler back to LA and Lakers will have to treat this game seriously. Too bad, Agent Zero won't be back because I think having him back on his first game after a long injury layoff will disrupt the Wizard's flow and make them a worse team.
Then after a 2 day break, we s/d have Gasol back in the lineup just in time for Portland. The Blazers match up with the Lakers as well as or better than any other team in the L so it will be a serious game. Will Pau move seamlessly back in the lineup? If it requires some readjustment again, we might be vulnerable to Portland stealing a win.
Then next Dallas without Dirk should be a delight.
Posted by: LakerinBC | March 25, 2008 at 06:55 PM
LTLF,
"Sasha makes a higher percentage of his
shots than ANY of those players this season."
Yep - and I would rather have Sasha take an open three than have Kobe take a double-teamed shot. I think Kobe trusts Fisher at that level, but is still learning to trust Sasha like that. Once he does, it will make the Lakers noticeably tougher.
Posted by: exhelodrvr | March 25, 2008 at 07:02 PM
LTLF,
I was wrong to say that Sasha turns the ball over a lot. It's not that he turns it over, it's just that he makes the plays that really EQUAL TURNOVERS...
QUICK SHOT W/NO REBOUNDERS = TURNOVER
BLOWING FAST BREAKS = TURNOVER
and when you compound that with stuff like getting ripped at half-court by Monta Ellis it looks like he averages 8 TOs a game.
But thats why real fans watch the game and see that Sasha's game is so volatile that he literally goes on streaks where everything he does is negative and then he everything he does is positive.
He needs to fix his attitude/game/style, to eliminate these wild swings in his game that influence the team very negatively...
Is there a reason Phil made this quote:
"Most of the irritation [Sunday] night was created by Sasha's foray into the court and shooting one-on-three," he said. "If we had 15 guns on the bench, there would have been 15 holes in Sasha at the moment. Sasha can do that somewhere else but not here. I didn't have to say anything to him. They all jumped on him collectively."
IF PHIL JACKSON IS SAYING THAT IN THE PRESS, DONT YOU THINK THAT MEANS SOMETHING?
Posted by: Korey | March 25, 2008 at 07:03 PM
Hey Laker Nation!
Mamba 24, you rock for adding me to the band wagons. I need the laker love... so just put me on every wagon and ill show up in my lakers regalia to cheer for the champs.
Anyone want to take a girl to a Laker game?
Thanks for the shoutout Ladies man......but stop baggin on the Lakers man.... so not cool.
Posted by: Simi Laker Girl | March 25, 2008 at 07:16 PM
Hey everyone let's get off of Luke and Vlade's case!! This is a team with the best record in the West, playing with-out their #1, #2 and #3 centers and playing their #2 PForward at center!!
Let's look at the obvious - Luke has been gutting it out with a ankle/leg injury and gives us minutes off of the bench. The obvioius is that he can't guard a quick small forward, but at least he's giving it his all (that's why we traded for Ariza).
Vlade is playing way better defense than he ever has (Jackson even admitted he's not out there for his defense, he's out there to stretch the opposing teams defense). He has shown a way better shot selection and decision making in the triangle offense. (He doesn't just jack up the ball once he touches like he used to).
Kobe is playing out of this world with a torn ligament in his shooting hand!! Lamar is playing out of this world back to back 20 - 20's. Fish's impact on the team is immeasurable and Ronny is an undersized force in the middle. The bench mob is playing way beyond anybody's expectations.
Look with the starting 5 always changing the roles of the bench players constantly changing, its very hard to keep a consistent play, especially on defense. Look at Ronny going from playing 12-15 all out crazy rebounding/blocking shots style of ball to now having to pace himself and play 32 minutes.
We have the best record in the Western Conf.
Posted by: AW | March 25, 2008 at 08:27 PM
It's good that the big men are soon to return, but is going to take a tighter "D" to put rings on fingers for the 15th time.
Time to begin chanting "We want tacos!" from the first quarter on.
Buy the way, when is the last time we won free tacos?
Posted by: Lakerstacofan | March 25, 2008 at 08:46 PM
LTLF,
why do you refuse to answer this question: Why do you think Phil said this:
""Most of the irritation [Sunday] night was created by Sasha's foray into the court and shooting one-on-three," he said. "If we had 15 guns on the bench, there would have been 15 holes in Sasha at the moment. Sasha can do that somewhere else but not here. I didn't have to say anything to him. They all jumped on him collectively."
I am not making up stuff about Sasha. This is the truth and it not an uncommon occurence.
"I just take offense when someone criticizes the play of a player in a particular game when the
truth is that the Lakers would have lost without the contributions of that player in that game.
"
Take offense all you want. The truth is the truth. He helped us win the game and he played a big part in helping us lose the game.
And your post just proved it. Sasha will shoot you in a game and then he will shoot you out a game.
What should i forget about aaaaallll the dumb stuff he did just because he made a shot here or there?
Nobody is hating on Sasha, I just demand he make better decisions when he stay on the court.
There is no reason Sasha cant be a 50% 3 pt shooter (i.e. I AM SAYING HE IS A GOOD SHOOTER), a very low TO player, and a positive influence on the court 90% of the time.
We dont need wild mood swings from our role players. Shooting Quick 3s is contagious, leads to fast breaks for other teams, and puts our team in a bad spot.
Sasha can do better he just needs to concentrate and leave out the dumb mistakes or he will not I REPEAT will not be in the game in crunch time.
Problem is, we do need his 3pt stroke in the game to stretch the court. So it sucks for him to play so volatile...
Posted by: Korey | March 25, 2008 at 08:46 PM
Simi Laker Girl,
I will find out by 9:30 if my buddy and his son can make it to the game. If not wanna roll. These tickets are care of by the oh so kind and generous PSLAKERLOVER.
Posted by: Charles | March 25, 2008 at 09:00 PM
Dammit!
When is this injury crap going to be done with? I'm really starting to get angry with the constant injury updates and being told that players are not coming back. I think that once they do get back, the other guys are going to be so worn out from carrying the load they aren't going to be nearly as effective.
Aaaaahhhhhh . . . Now that the negativity is out of my system.
Good morning Laker Fans.
It's gameday. Are you ready?
Let's get it started Larry!
Oink Oink
Posted by: "Pig" Miller | March 26, 2008 at 08:04 AM
Korey and LTLF: a lot of venom going back and forth. Can't we all just get along?
The Lakers have good chemistry right now and are EXTREMELY shorthanded. You bet the whole team jumped all over Sasha when he made a bad decision. But given the good team chemistry it was collective, positive criticism thereby confidence building for the Machine. It's better than just Kobe yelling and screaming which in the past was a negative - that's part of the reason why we are a much better team this year. And why KB24 is the hopeful MVP.
LTLF is awsome with his factual data - Sasha's numbers can stand up to other team's starters. But like PJ said - Sasha can do that somewhere else but not here. He has a role and knows it but like any other young ambitious person, he wants to shine in the spotlight. Wouldn't you? Or to turn it around - how would you feel playing backup to the franchise player and knowing this was your role day in and day out?
Sasha's young - we have to remember that he is going to make mistakes. Heck - KB24 still does - remember his high turnover nights? Both of you raise good points but you shouldn't be arguing over a necessary role player hoping to make it to the next level. He is one torn pinky ligament from being a starter.
He has great confidence in his abilities and there might come a time very soon when KB24 fouls out and Sasha is left to do something at the end of the game. We will need his confidence.
I hope Sasha has his Laker glory moment just like Fish did. Fish had his .4 play, got his 3 rings, Lakers couldn't pay him what he rightfully deserved and he got the big contract with GSW.
Everyone is expected to do a lot more right now as we need all the "W's" we can get. And you can bet PJ will have a much shorter leash for guys making mistakes over the next couple weeks especially as we get the bigs back from injury. We just don't have that luxury right now.
So, no sense arguing over this stuff. We are shorthanded and everyone's got to contribute no matter what. Check out lakers.com and LO's comments from the practice court yesterday. It pretty much sums up what has to be done and he is very funny about it.
Posted by: PsychedLakerGirl | March 26, 2008 at 08:13 AM
Korey,
>>>If the purpose of a shooting guard was just to shoot, then why do guys like Raja Bell and
>>>Bruce Bowen have jobs in the league? What about Ira Newble, Trevor Ariza? Trenton Hassell
Okay. For starters I never said it was "just to shoot". What I said was that outside shooting is
traditionally a major part of the shooting guard position. Defending is a part of ALL positions.
Some teams have strengths from one position more than another. Some PF's shoot outside as
much as inside (Dirk Nowitzki for example). Some PG's shoot more than they pass (Nate
Robinson, for example).
And thank you for kinda proving my point for me...
Raja Bell - Most of his shots are jump shots, more than HALF of them 3-pointers. 39% 3-point
shooter. Not as good a shooter as Sasha, but a reasonably good 3-point shooting percentage.
He takes 10 shots a game. Sasha takes 6 shots a game. Would you say Raja Bell takes too
many shots?
Bruce Bowen - he's a SF, and not a SG, but still - 42% 3 point shooter and more than half of his
shots are 3-point shots. He is a player whose strength is clearly his defense. So he's not a
traditional small forward, but on a team with Duncan, Ginobili, and Parker, there is less need for
offense at the SF position. Note that the Spurs shooting guards (Ginobili and Finley) both take
more shots than Sasha, though they both shoot a lower % than Sasha. Do they shoot too much?
Newble, Ariza, and Hassell are all SF's, and all defensive specialists. They aspire to be as good
as Bruce Bowen, as that would be their niche in the league, but none of them is quite that good.
Ariza is still young, so he may get there. Hassell and Newble are both older, so they'll likely never
reach that plateau.
Posted by: Long Time Laker Fan | March 26, 2008 at 09:33 AM
>>>QUICK SHOT W/NO REBOUNDERS = TURNOVER
>>>BLOWING FAST BREAKS = TURNOVER
And with these, just as with the turnover stat, you're thinking of a few key examples that you've
seen and assuming that they happen all the time. They don't. I agree that Sasha's not the best
guy to have the ball on a fast break, but he's actually better than Fisher. I can't tell you how many
times I've watched Derek Fisher running ahead on a break, look back to check the defense, rush
his shot and blow a layup. If I had a choice, I'd have either Farmar or Kobe with the ball in their
hands on a fast break. Maybe Lamar as well.
And Farmar and Kobe are both more guilty of the "quick shot with no rebounds" syndrome.
And Kobe and Fisher and Farmar are all more likely than Sasha to try to make a fancy wrap
around pass to the first row of seats than Sasha. We excuse that because when they connect
with those passes, it's very entertaining. Sasha plays within himself more than that, so he's
less likely to try something flashy and throw the ball away.
>>>and when you compound that with stuff like getting ripped at half-court by Monta Ellis it looks
>>>like he averages 8 TOs a game.
And of course the fact that Sasha also stole the ball from Ellis in the fourth doesn't come into
your equation.
I get your point though. When you see Kobe or Lamar turn the ball over, you let it slide because
they are the stars of the team and most nights they are carrying the team. But any little transgression
by a role player becomes magnified in your eyes. So if Kobe were to shoot 20% some night and
turn the ball over 5 times while Sasha were to shoot 60% the same night and turn the ball over
once, then there are some people who are going to see that one turnover by Sasha and make a
big stink about it and complain how Sasha shouldn't shoot so much and he's always turning the
ball over.
All I'm saying is, it's good to recognize when a role player is contributing a LOT to a win, and to
cut them some slack on their one or two mistakes in the game the same way you would Kobe or
Lamar. Give credit where credit is due and give blame in proportion to how much it's deserved.
And while this whole discussion has been about Sasha, note that I've defended Kobe, Farmar,
Odom, and a couple of other Lakers similarly this season after I felt they were being over-harshly
criticized by bloggers here. The most blatant example of course is Gunner, who wants to
demonize Kobe. Most of us here have enough respect for Kobe to ignore the flaws and see
how much he contributes to the team. Personally, I give that same respect to all the players on
the team. I still hold a tiny thread of hope that Luke will get his groove back by the playoffs, but
I'm getting more doubtful daily.
Posted by: Long Time Laker Fan | March 26, 2008 at 09:55 AM
So much criticism for Sasha. Every player has a role on the team and Sasha's is to stretch the defense, so other players can roam/get lay-ups. Sure he has lapses of judgement of when to shoot or not to. It always looks bad when you don't hit the shot, do we ever question KB24's judgement when he shoots a questionable shot. Can't make them, if you don't shoot.
As far as his defense against GS, let's start talking about every team in the league's defense then. GS is Phoenix on Steroids (KB24 quote) so don't be so quick to criticize so quickly. Now if he was constantly getting beat by Miami or Minn. then he might deserve the crit. I don't exactly see very many teams stopping Monta, Baron, Stephon (20 pts/game avg.).
Let's give him props for hitting a clutch 3 in OT. So who would you rather have shooting that 3 in O/T? Monta Ellis? Give me a break!!
AW
Posted by: AW | March 26, 2008 at 09:59 AM
Charles,
That sounds so good. I have never been to a Laker game so yea! lol Just let me know :)
Posted by: Simi Laker Girl | March 26, 2008 at 10:08 AM
Justa,
I am sure Phil played Kobe more minutes then he wanted to but did he have any other option they are already thin and we saw what some of the other guys did in crunch time. Terrible turnovers by Luke and Ronnie that essentially should have lost us the game. Vlad is not real secure with the ball so who do you want in there instead?
Hey Jon,
[Sorry for delay getting back to you.
Yes Kobe saw extended minutes but Coby Karl and Sasha could spell him especialy at end of quarters/halftime. Let him then catch a few minutes either side or both especially half so he can get extended breather.
Vlade brings more to the table than Luke so yes play Vlade more. PJ has screwed with his mind so much that Vlade is looking back at PJ after each play to say see I did good. So in effect he is breaking Vlades concentration when Vlade needs to play without mind games].
I am sure Phil saw the weak two home games coming hope and assumed he needed the win is GS and hopefully can get some blowouts wed fri and rest the starters 4th quarter.
Posted by: jon | March 25, 2008 at 11:46 AM
Jon
I don't buy that as any team can beat any other team on a given night.
We overplayed our starters for 2 straight games and every team wants to be a spoiler and put their best game forward just to spoil the Lakers chances. We have a bullseye target on us so we can't let down and say we have weak teams coming up. We have already done that and paid the price and we need to learn from that and not take the weak team mentality for letting up.
==============================================
If he could erase that stuff from his game he would be an amazing role player. For now, he is a guy that is an enigma game to game and a big reason the Lakers get 3 point happy in games we lose or get down big in.
After that, LTLF will have had enough and will ignore your astute observations ....
BONGOS...
Posted by: Korey | March 25, 2008 at 01:46 PM
Korey
[This post was in reference to Vlade but he is full of energy and needs to stay calmer instead of mad rushing the ball upcourt.
The Lakers use a modified triangle to run and get quick points in fast break if available. If the easy transition points are there take advantage but if not don't force shots creating miss and fastbreak back. But all our guards are doing that with Kobe doing it at a lesser
If the chance is not there to score bring the ball out and set up the triangle. That is not what is happening].
JLF
=============================================
One thing to consider for those of you upset Newble didn't get more run, beyond the fact he hasn't practiced with the team, doesn't really know the offense nor have any cohesion with his teammates on D, he's also not really in basketball shape. Talking to him last night, he said he did as much cardio, etc. while he was in his layoff (which was around 40 days, I believe), but that's not even close to the same thing. To stick a guy who doesn't know his teammates, isn't in shape, and can't run the offense in tight games against a good running team is a recipe for disaster.
People need to understand that, right now at least, the Lakers are shorthanded. They go about eight deep, and it's a rotation of imperfect players. Everyone's minutes go up, and the options for mixing and matching go down.
BK
Posted by: Brian Kamenetzky | March 25, 2008 at 11:46 AM
BK
[Don't buy that either. Pau came in sat the first game and then had one practice and took off. He fit perfectly well and he too came off about a week with bad back and played through it when he played. He also did not know his team mates or the offense. We know the results of that run.
As a defense specialist he is not expected to run the offense. He could have played D on Jackson in the Warrior series and not just at the end of close games. spread a few minutes here and there to play D and rest our starters. Heck I can't see him doing much less than Luke, but probably better in short spurts. Is he going to get in condition sitting on bench? Or shall we wait for the 10 day contract to expire and let him go because he was not in shape? Sounds like a Catch 22 to me.
JLF
=============================================
marx,
"I agree with you, Phil picked on Luc Longley, Tony Kukoc, and now Vlad, what's the hell is he thinking? You signed European player and ask them to be good defenders?"
First of all, Luc Longley is Australian, not European.
Secondly, this is Vlad's seventh season in the league. Being "European" is only an excuse for the first three seasons.
Thirdly, Rony Turiaf is European. He's a pretty good defender. I guess that's just a bonus, right?
Posted by: exhelodrvr | March 25, 2008 at 12:54 PM
My 2 cents.
PJ also picked on US players like Horace Grant and Andrew Bynum. He drove HG away from Bulls as Grant said he did not want to be PJs whipping boy.
How would you all feel if he drives AB away? Would he be your genius then.
He made AB cry when he needed coaching not calling him out for pass AB tried to make and tried to get back but it slipped.
Dam like saying I don't care about your rebounds, blocks and all around effort to improve. Heck you suck for that turnover and need to sit you stupid rookie.
JLF
=============================================
-When Phil picks on Vlad, Phil's goal is to motivate him, not to embarass him. Phil knows what he's doing.
-Phil does not pick on Luke because Phil knows how emotionally fragile Luke is. Any criticism to Luke, and what little confidence he has will be completely gone. This is the same reason why Phil rarely picked on Smush and Kwame the last couple years. Phil knows what he is doing.
Posted by: LAKER TRUTH | March 25, 2008 at 01:39 PM
Laker Truth
Repeat from above
Vlade brings more to the table than Luke so yes play Vlade more. PJ has screwed with his mind so much that Vlade is looking back at PJ after each play to say see I did good. So in effect he is breaking Vlades concentration when Vlade needs to play without mind games.
I don't think he knows what he is doing when he does this to his players].
JLF
Posted by: JustaLakerFan | March 26, 2008 at 02:37 PM
Is there a reason Phil made this quote:
"Most of the irritation [Sunday] night was created by Sasha's foray into the court and shooting one-on-three," he said. "If we had 15 guns on the bench, there would have been 15 holes in Sasha at the moment. Sasha can do that somewhere else but not here. I didn't have to say anything to him. They all jumped on him collectively."
IF PHIL JACKSON IS SAYING THAT IN THE PRESS, DONT YOU THINK THAT MEANS SOMETHING?
Posted by: Korey | March 25, 2008 at 07:03 PM
Yes!
It means PJ is calling out his players in the media. That is why Jim Buss called PJ out on that. PJ needs the locker room comments in the locker room. Not more of his mind games.
Posted by: JustaLakerFan | March 26, 2008 at 02:51 PM
Lets not forget Ellie on our Lakers girls.
and Ellie any word on a Laker night in Sherman Oaks or elsewhere?
Posted by: JustaLakerFan | March 26, 2008 at 02:53 PM
All I'm saying is, it's good to recognize when a role player is contributing a LOT to a win, and to
cut them some slack on their one or two mistakes in the game the same way you would Kobe or
Lamar. Give credit where credit is due and give blame in proportion to how much it's deserved.
And while this whole discussion has been about Sasha, note that I've defended Kobe, Farmar,
Odom, and a couple of other Lakers similarly this season after I felt they were being over-harshly
criticized by bloggers here. The most blatant example of course is Gunner, who wants to
demonize Kobe. Most of us here have enough respect for Kobe to ignore the flaws and see
how much he contributes to the team. Personally, I give that same respect to all the players on
the team. I still hold a tiny thread of hope that Luke will get his groove back by the playoffs, but
I'm getting more doubtful daily.
Posted by: Long Time Laker Fan | March 26, 2008 at 09:55 AM
Good post and I agree with you LTLF.
Give credit where its due and blame (constructively) when dererved. The whole point of posting IMO from fans is to see how the team can get better. We may disagree on the path but we all want to win.
Posted by: JustaLakerFan | March 26, 2008 at 03:07 PM
OOOPPPS
Korey
[This post was in reference to Vlade but he is full of energy and needs to stay calmer instead of mad rushing the ball upcourt.
The Lakers use a modified triangle to run and get quick points in fast break if available. If the easy transition points are there take advantage but if not don't force shots creating miss and fastbreak back. But all our guards are doing that with Kobe doing it at a lesser
If the chance is not there to score bring the ball out and set up the triangle. That is not what is happening].
JLF
this post was actually about Sasha. My bad.
Posted by: JustaLakerFan | March 26, 2008 at 03:32 PM