Supersonic!
With the Lakers hosting the 16 win, down and out Seattle Supersonics- and not even a full strength version, given the absence of Chris Wilcox and Mickael Gelebale- the conventional wisdom was that LA would coast to an easy win Friday night at Staples. Well, score one for the CW, since that's exactly what happened in L.A's 130-105 blowout win. The Lakers jumped out to a 17-5 lead 5:07 in, and controlled throughout. Seattle managed to get within six early in the third... but a couple minutes later the Laker lead was back into that comfortable 10-12 point range.
In the end the Lakers got just about everything they could want out of this one. A victory, good production up and down the roster, and a chance to sit Kobe and LO in the fourth. Everybody's a winner.
Click below for the breakdown, complete with soundtrack:
The Good:
- The Offense: From moment one, the Lakers were crisp, active, and aggressive. They made seven of their first nine shots, many from close proximity to the rim, and finished the first quarter with 34 points on 14-22 from the floor aided by 12 dimes. It doesn't get much more efficient than that. Sure, the Lakers were hitting open looks, but they were getting them, too. Not that the Sonics provided the stiffest of tests (they are, quite possibly, the worst defensive team in the league, even when everyone's healthy), but the Lakers, apart from some occasional apathy, generally maintained that high level of offensive execution all night. 36 assists all told, on 51/84 (60.7%) from the floor. That's not simply a matter of hitting shots, it's getting very high percentage chances.
- Ending the Third Quarter: The Lakers earned the rest for Kobe and an equally overworked Odom with a very strong effort to end the third. Up by nine with 1:58 left, LA was at a bit of a crossroads. As things stood, they were very likely to win, but if the quarter finished with the Lakers ahead by, say, seven, everyone needs to play the fourth. Instead, LA used a 10-4 run to get the lead to 17. Two threes from Jordan Farmar, an 11 footer from DJ Mbenga, and a Kobe layup did the trick, with two dimes from LO helping grease the wheels. Like I said, I'm quite sure they'd have won anyway, but the extra rest the burst provided could be crucial come Sunday and Monday, when the Lakers face Golden State in a home and home.
- The Crowd Booing the Lakers With a 23 Point Lead in the Fourth, Because Seattle Scuttled Tacos with their 101st Point: Fans pay a lot to get into the building. Granted, tacos aren't really that expensive, but there's an important principle at work here.
- The Lakers Bench: Very, very productive. 56 points all told, including 13 from Sasha, 14 from Farmar (including 4-7 from downtown), eight from DJ Mbenga, and 17 from Luke Walton, all in the fourth, on 8/11 from the floor.
- Everyone Else: LO was dominant in the first quarter (10/8), helping fuel the early charge. Kobe exerted his will when necessary (23 points on 8-15 shooting), but generally, and wisely, took the opportunity to distribute and avoid running himself into the ground. Anytime he finishes with under 30 minutes on the floor, it's a good thing. Ronny had 14/4/6, and moved the ball extremely well in the post. Everyone on the active roster had something to contribute. Even Trevor Ariza kicked in with a TV interview during the game.
The Bad: (Nitpicking Version)
- Defense, Sort of: It's not uncommon in games like this, where one team is fully in control and basically able to score at will, for things to break down on defense from time to time. That certainly happened to the Lakers, who gave away a few too many uncontested shots to the Sonics. But when they needed stops, they got them, either by forcing one of Seattle's 16 turnovers or cranking up the intensity. And, importantly, the Lakers came out of the gate effectively, holding the Sonics to 2-12 in the opening moments of the first, allowing them to build a lead.
- Too Many Offensive Boards: Seattle had 19 of 'em, almost seven more than the Lakers usually surrender. The Lakers are definitely shorthanded right now on the defensive glass and Seattle is actually one of the league's best rebounding teams, but that's still not a great stat.
The Oddly Enthralling:
- Vlad Radmanovic: There was a certain joie de vivre to his play tonight, especially in the first half. As I said to Xodus in the comments, he had a kind of bohemian quality to him on his way to a 13/6/5 final line in 38+ minutes. Dropping shots from the outside, flinging no look passes that sometimes found their mark, other times didn't, driving the lane and taking sweeping hook shots or hanging in the air, then deciding what to do. Defense? Occasionally. Tonight, it seemed the game was more about letting his freak flag fly, and not being squashed by the oppressive thumb of The Man. Had he started the second half in a beret, I would not have been surprised. Would some of his looser plays hurt against a better team? Maybe, but the Lakers weren't playing one. It was as if he killed time before the tip watching old Jerry West footage and said, "*@(#& it, I can do that."
Awesome.
Like I said, it was hard to find much to complain about.
BK
Phil Jackson
On the energy of the team despite having played the night before
"We came out with a purpose. Had an idea of what we wanted to do. Moved the ball well, found players that were open, made some defensive stops and extended the lead right away. We did give it up, you know. They got going and played their tempo of the game in the second quarter. The end of the first and the second."
On the team's ability to play hard
"They did play with a lot of determination. What I was concerned about was that Seattle had such a good up tempo game that we might fade. But with the lead that they extended in the first quarter, I was able to rest guys and play them in rotation minutes."
Ronny Turiaf
On the ball movement resulting in 36 assists
"That's what it's all about, man. If we always share the ball, if we all the pass the ball, then we're all going to be successful. It easier for us to score on other teams, because they can't just focus on Kobe or Lamar, you know?"
After being told the injuries to Andrew Bynum and Pau Gasol were a blessing in disguise, because they've led to more PT for him
"You can look at it that way. I don't look at it that way. Those two guys are my friends. I care for their health. Those guys, I get along real well with. I'd rather see those guys out there getting double-doubles, blocking shots and doing a good job. I'm very happy for the opportunity, but I can wait for those two guys to come back."
On getting back-to-back career high assists (6)
"I've played more minutes. I feel like the guys trust me a little bit more. They know that I have the ability to make something happen. Guys know if they give me the ball in the post, 90% of the time, I'm going to make something happen. Kick it back for a three pointer, hand it off to Lamar heading back in the lane. Hopefully, I'll keep on going."
Kobe Bryant
On the team signing Ira Newble
"I think he's a great addition. Obviously, it's going to be a little tough for him off the bat to learn that wing position, which is more complex than the others. But I think his defensive effort is something that's going to help us a lot."
On playing well early in games of late
"I think we've been coming out with a great focus and energy. It's important, especially when you're playing well, to keep the momentum going in the next game right off the bat. It's not something that we are emphasizing in particular. I think it's just the focus that we are coming out with."
On playing an energized game on a back-to-back
"It felt good. Everybody is in great condition. We're young and this morning in shoot around, everybody was energetic and ready to go. I didn't see any effects from last night's ball game."
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Soundtrack. Great idea!
Posted by: Benjamin | March 21, 2008 at 10:52 PM
IN THE ZONE WITH LAKERS BASKETBALL…
It’s almost relaxing watching the Lakers play the Sonics, knowing full well that there is no way in the world that they are going to beat this current Lakers team, no matter how confident or complacent they may be. The Lakers are in the zone playing great Lakers basketball, running their offense to perfection and shooting lights out for the 3rd game in a row, with 36 assists on 51 baskets, playing tough enough defense, battling on the boards, and attacking the rim aggressively. The result: a 130-105 pounding.
When I posted my thoughts on the Lakers’ perfect storm of a season earlier today, I completely forgot to include Lamar Odom’s dramatic improvement, averaging over 15 points @ a 60% clip and 12 boards per game over the last 21 games, Lamar appears to have finally elevated his game and is threatening to live up to his unlimited potential.
Watching Lamar play tonight and the ease with which he is making play after play and totally dominating the back boards, I have to give credit to Mitch and the front office for not trading Lamar. He may end up being only the 4th option on offensively, but the contributions he makes with has all around game make him just as valuable to this team as Andrew or Pau at this time. It’s like we have 3 all-star players besides Kobe.
Anyway, tonight everybody on the team played a part in the big win, including even Luke Walton with his best game in eons. 8 Laker players scored in double figures, including all 5 starters plus Luke, Sasha, and Jordan. The team shot over 60% from the field and 50% from beyond the arc. For the 3rd game in a row, the Lakers also took great care of the ball, logging only 9 turnovers despite a whole lot of garbage time.
Meanwhile, the Lakers next meet the Warriors, their likely opponent in the first round of the playoffs, who lost a close one to the Rockets tonight. The Warriors will be desperate to win at least one of the game with the Lakers to show that they have a chance come the playoffs but I look to the Lakers to bury the Warriors both games. The key is for the Lakers to continue to play Lakers basketball, running their offense efficiently, playing tough defense, controlling the boards, and attacking the rim.
50-21 after Monday. Welcome, Ira Newbie. Good to hear that Ariza believes he will be back for playoffs, too. 1 week until we get Pau and Chris back, 2 weeks for Andrew. On the road to another Lakers’ dynasty. God is surely a Lakers fan. LOL.
Tom
Posted by: LakerTom | March 21, 2008 at 11:19 PM
Space Cadet Sinks Supersonics
Posted by: Amazing_Happens | March 21, 2008 at 11:26 PM
'Starting for LAL: Kobe, Odom, Ronny, Vlad, Fish. BK driving in the first quarter. "
This starting five is still much better than the previous year...
Kwame- Turiaf
Walton- Radman
Smush - Fisher
Posted by: Staples 24 | March 21, 2008 at 11:34 PM
Got to the game early and watched Sasha practice full tilt tonight. There's no loping, laid back, slo mo shoot around ala Luke, and he never misses as advertised.
Vlad rubbed Gary Vitti's head for good luck before the jump. I'm wondering how this could have escaped our blog hosts.
How long has this been going on? If it's recent, is it the homage to the injury bug god that I've been insisting on?
Posted by: Vman | March 21, 2008 at 11:38 PM
does this mean ariza is gone for the year?
Posted by: dave m | March 21, 2008 at 11:38 PM
Now we know Ira Newble has integrity.
From Kevin Ding over at the OC Register (caps mine for emphasis):
“You know what? KOBE'S BETTER, AND IF YOU ASK LEBRON, HE'LL TELL YOU KOBE'S BETTER,” Newble said.
Newble cited Bryant’s “tenacity for the game” and his defense as superior areas when compared to James.
Posted by: Amazing_Happens | March 21, 2008 at 11:39 PM
Good win. It was a blowout as it was supposed to be, plus everyone on the end of the bench got a lot of playing time. Plus, our bench mob types even played against their starters, and acquitted themselves very well.
Firing on all cylinders.
I like.
--FearlessWhackJob
Posted by: FearlessWhackJob | March 21, 2008 at 11:45 PM
blow out.
Posted by: man | March 21, 2008 at 11:50 PM
Now this is what I love watching. Everybody got to play some b-ball! Love it!
Glad to see Ira Newble and Coby and DJ get some time to play AND make it on to the board!
GO LAKERS!
Keep up the good basketball against Warriors this Sunday!!
Posted by: PeanutButterSpread | March 22, 2008 at 12:13 AM
great game!! too bad i missed it on TV.. any chance i can download a recorded version? please let me know. :)
Posted by: allan | March 22, 2008 at 12:32 AM
Radman is getting comfortable in the triangle, Odom has been consisitent for quite awhile, Turiaf showing toughness in the middle. When Bynum , Gasol and Mihm comes back healthy, every NBA team will be so scared of these Lakers!
Anybody who gets assigned to guard a Kobe Bryant in the past, present or future, I have utmost respect for his defensive ability and it is safe to say he can guard any NBA all-star caliber players in the perimeter well. Ira Newble is that guy!
Does anybody remember if Newble was healthy and playing in last year's playoff run by the Cavs? I remember more of James, Varegao, Pavlovic and Boobie playing well, other than those four I do not remember any Cavs doing well in their playoff run.
Posted by: Staples 24 | March 22, 2008 at 12:35 AM
What's great about this Lakers team? Inside offense and defense of Bynum, Gasol, Mihm and Turiaf, then the outside shooting of Radmanovic, Vujacic, Fisher and Farmar. Kobe and Lamar does the rest of the things that needs to get done.
Hopefully, Ariza and Newble can provide the perimeter defense the team needs.
Posted by: Staples 24 | March 22, 2008 at 12:57 AM
Great team victory again by our Lakers, and I'm starting to feel more comfortable now since we pulled out 3 consecutive solid victories, and two on the road against "Contenders".
Keep it up and beat the Warriors back-to-back!!!
Posted by: KB8th Wonder | March 22, 2008 at 01:20 AM
"
Even DJ Mbenga tied a career high with eight points. "
aaaaaahhhahahahahahahahah... thatz funny....
no lets sweep up GSW !
Posted by: Korey | March 22, 2008 at 01:35 AM
Kobe your the best!!!Go Lakers,hope will win in June!!!Kobe the real MVP,Lebron who?dummy?probably another karl malone or charles barkley playing great but no championship.Hope drew,pau,and trevor will comeback soon healthy and ready for playoffs.Did you smeeeeeelllllllllllllllllllllllll what KOBE's cooking????????Larry O'Brien trophy!!!
Posted by: Adrian Palomar | March 22, 2008 at 02:15 AM
SURINAME LOVES THE LA LAKERS!!!
Posted by: Gilly | March 22, 2008 at 02:33 AM
You guys got to watch this video of Freddy Adu a soccer player challenging Kobe to one on one and kobe of course responded like only Kobe can
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8gRlMQm3LzM&NR=1
Posted by: HENRY | March 22, 2008 at 03:22 AM
Ronny Turiaf
After being told the injuries to Andrew Bynum and Pau Gasol were a blessing in disguise, because they've led to more PT for him
"You can look at it that way. I don't look at it that way. Those two guys are my friends. I care for their health. Those guys, I get along real well with. I'd rather see those guys out there getting double-doubles, blocking shots and doing a good job. I'm very happy for the opportunity, but I can wait for those two guys to come back."
Ronny: the quintessential team mate
Posted by: sixonezero | March 22, 2008 at 03:22 AM
Good Morning Laker Fans
Ronny and Vlad really turning it on lately. I like Ronny's comments about appreciating the PT but wanting his buds Bynum and Pau back. Great team player through and through.
One of the funniest things I've read BK about Rad tonight:
" It was as if he killed time before the tip watching old Jerry West footage and said, "*@(#& it, I can do that."
Posted by: Bynumite | March 22, 2008 at 03:29 AM
Loved the game. Keep it rolling on Sunday!
Posted by: JustaLakerFan | March 22, 2008 at 03:29 AM
Oh by the way, Good Morning all.
Posted by: JustaLakerFan | March 22, 2008 at 03:30 AM
GO LAKERS...
good game all throughout!
...
can't wait for ira newbie to play with the team...
lakers roll....
Posted by: lakersgameboi | March 22, 2008 at 04:29 AM
I hope that Luke's fourth quarter was enough for him to begin to turn around an ugly season. Look out Gary Vitti, if Luke does turn it around, they'll be coming after you. Some people always need something to complain about.
Great game. Great season. Until the Fat Lady Sings, I'm still looking for 60.
Posted by: giantsquid | March 22, 2008 at 06:18 AM
Lakers are winning (and numero uno) even WITHOUT Pau Gasol and Andrew Bynum..
I Hope sportswriters took note of that..
Posted by: texwinter | March 22, 2008 at 06:35 AM
Very enjoyable evening with our guys doing exactly wha they are suppose to do against a poor team...jump em early and put them away by the 4th. No acos but then again, no lost sleep or finger nails. Well focusd, well played and ready to move on to a really big challenge on the sunday monday GoldenState express.
Posted by: Lifetime Laker | March 22, 2008 at 07:07 AM
am i the first???
nice pick up of ira...
mitch really do work on mysterious ways...
Posted by: juanman888 | March 22, 2008 at 07:52 AM
atlest if luke or vlad are not playing well we can have a defensive minded sub...
wish it was april so that we can finally see how pau & bynum play together...
my cousins are a big spurs fan but they are really dumb founded on how our lakers can win with a depleted line up...
the're scared to death thinking of a laker full line up... sad things is, they wont bet agianst the lakers now...
Posted by: filipino_laker_fan | March 22, 2008 at 07:59 AM
AK/BK
That Supersonic soundtrack must have been on your mind because of the Warriors and Baron Davis' lovely vid:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fDlaVqVz17g
One great video deserves another. I hope the Warriors perform to the level of the Sonics.
Posted by: markythearky | March 22, 2008 at 08:05 AM
Kam Brothers are hating life!
USC and Vanderbuilt out in the first round!
Whilst UCLA sails into the Finals!
GO BRUINS!
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | March 22, 2008 at 08:40 AM
TROLLS!
Ball Don't Lie!
Luke Walton: 17 points, 4 rebounds, 5 assists on 8 for 11 shooting.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | March 22, 2008 at 08:42 AM
I have never felt so leary of a Laker team in first place as I do of this team. It's wonderful to watch them win - can't help but think the facade will be ungracefully removed by any west team that has had recent playoff success. The only "facts" I can offer is their horrible defense - this is a mindset liablilty, a result of being out of the picture for about four or five years. What say you, K bros.?
Posted by: Paulie | March 22, 2008 at 08:50 AM
Great win last night.....glad to see Luke playing well again. I think Ira Newble will be a nice addition, once he learns the system. What a great time to be a Laker fan!!!!!!!
Posted by: Sean714 | March 22, 2008 at 09:00 AM
The title of the thread is Supersonic.
The thread itself was on snail pace, AK/BK hit the bars got hangover so they call it a day at 10:51pm. You need a 2nd stringers of AK/BK because this blog is round-the-clock especially when the surge of the Lakers this year. Many other Laker fans throughout Europe and Asia as well as Australia are awake while the Southland are asleep. As such they have to wait 6 hours before their comments are posted. One idea, you might want to open a branch in Asia of the Lakers. haha!
The game last night was gimme', not all games are like that. It is just one of the 82 games. Because of that victory, the youth may turn lethargic on the next one, thinking that everything comes out easy and will engage in fancy passing, hot dog shooting, dynasty dreaming till they get another shock from Golden State. Warrior are no gimme' tho' a bunch of inconsistent assasins. If you let them run you off, they could give you headaches throughout the night. Lakers should practice more and continue the good habits attained in the past three games. The only time the Lakers could rest is when they are sitting on double decker bus in front of a cheering multitude along Figueroa.
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | March 22, 2008 at 09:23 AM
Good to see the Lakers put away the Sonics early. Any rest the starters can get at this point of the season with all the minutes they've played covering for all the injures is very welcomed.
Two tough home-and-homes against Golden State coming up. As long as the Lakers play their game in a controlled fashion, I think they can win both.
Kobe for MVP!
Posted by: Abe in Orlando | March 22, 2008 at 09:24 AM
Wow i'm first to post? cool! Hello everyone, i've been a lurker since the blog started. I post once in a while but today i have the urge to post again since i love what the Lakers are doing lately, passing and moving the ball well. It's great to see! Go Ronny, go Sasha! go Lamar, go Kobe and Cobi!! Go Lakers! Thanks KBros!
Posted by: Hyns | March 22, 2008 at 09:36 AM
We Are the front runners, Phil was correct.
Unlike years past, there is no team out there who scares me.
-San Antonio is still the team to beat, but they are showing that they aren't nearly as powerful as before.
-N.O. will scare me more next year once they get a taste of real basketball, aka the playoffs. For now, they haven't done anything. although, if Byron Scott doesn't win COY, I'll be pissed!!
-PHX will be interesting to see in the playoffs, but I can't see them taking us in a series again. That ship has sailed.
-Dallas is soft. Peroid.
-Houston could be a problem if they get hot, but I still don't trust McGrady in the post-season.
-G.S. is the one franchise that I will never be scared of, no matter how many ringers they aquire. I swear they're jinxed.
-Utah is done!! After those classless fans bood Fish, this team made "The List" . Anytime we play them, especially in Salt Lake, look for a beatdown.
Imagine what things are gonna be like once we get Bynum and Gasol back!! That inevietable matchup with Boston is looking better and better every healing day!!
Peace, I'm out...
>_< DTM
Posted by: The Head-Mbenga | March 22, 2008 at 09:38 AM
Laker Tom,
Nice write up.
HENRY,
The video is awesome.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | March 22, 2008 at 10:19 AM
Wow, I can't believed I watched the entire thing taped after I got home from a date at 12:00 last night....coupled with the fact that I actually had to get up for work this morning. THAT'S commitment.
Random Thoughts
-Rad's game may have been....suspect, but it was thourghouly fun to watch.
-When did we last have this many ally oop layups? I swear, can no one throw it down any more?
-Good for Luke, hopefully this gets his confidence back- I like the kid, and I don't think he deserves half the scorn this blog heaps on him.
-Stu Lantz needs to be quiet. Seriously, now that Chick no longer holds him check, he's becoming a nuisance...
-I still can't believe Mbenga scored 8 points, most of which on hook and midrange shots. Dude's shot is pretty gnarly.
-Ronny's back to dancing, hasn't don that in a while. that makes me happy.
-LO's been a BEAST as of late. If he keeps this up, give us the O'brian, NOW.
-Kobe derves the MVP for what he's done this year, no doubt. That being said, Lebron may get it. If he does, The Western Conference has been put on notice. Kobe will bury ANYONE who comes between him and a ring. The leauge has been warned.
-Kevin Durant sure doesn't get to the basket a lot, considering his freakish wingspan.
Bring on da Warriors!
Posted by: Jeff | March 22, 2008 at 10:23 AM
Kambros?
Lost my post last night? Pity, it was by far the most insightful and hysterical ever... haha. Could have been pilot error.
Meanwhile:
Have there been other sightings of Lakers rubbing Gary Vitti's head before the jump? Vlad did it last night and it could be e a long held tradition that should be investigated.
If it's new, cool... homage to the injury bug god. If not, given our injured history, maybe it should cease and desist.
Posted by: Vman | March 22, 2008 at 10:41 AM
Man, this is my least productive part of the year. Watching the tourney in the day, watching the Lakers at night. Eating somewhere in between, when I'm not reading the blog. Still trying to find time to actually play basketball.
I love this part of the year.
Posted by: #4 | March 22, 2008 at 10:46 AM
Tom, I love your enthusiasm! And I eat trolls any time i can. But, . . .
I hope Luke has made a big turn around. But remember his one good game in months was against the Supersonics. What this proves is that he can play NBA level ball. What we need, though, are players who can play play-off level ball.
I pray to God, the Lakers' number one fan, that Luke has just turned the corner. It was part of the trials and tribulations that will make our triumph over darkness just that much sweeter.
AK/BK tell Lakers.com to stop that Jerry West Miller Ad "tribute."
Posted by: JohnnyP | March 22, 2008 at 10:49 AM
Good Morning! I Love this blog!
Thanks AK BK for the JJ Fad Link. Thans markythearky for B-ddidy
Have a great one till tomorrow!
Posted by: Charles | March 22, 2008 at 10:56 AM
Love the "almost cut my hair" reference PEACE!!!!!
Posted by: neil | March 22, 2008 at 11:19 AM
It was great to have a fourth quarter breezer instead of the usual down-to-the-wire squeakers. It was even better to see Kobe and Lamar enjoying the action by the bench from the bench. My props to the second team for their outstanding play, which has for the most part been right there when the Lakers needed it this year. My props especially to Vlad and Rony for their consistent heroics over the past three games.
While the TV guys extended beaucoups props to Luke last night, I'll sit this one out for a couple of games before joining the bandwagon. Let's see if Luke can become as consistent as Vlad and Rony have become.
Speaking of a couple of games, the next two with the Warriors are most likely not going to be breezers. The Warriors are feeling Denver breathing down their backs, especially after that heartbreaking lost to Houston while the Nuggets breezed. Believe me, they will be ready to do battle with mucho passion.
The Warriors play excellent small ball, and they're fast. They sort of remind me of the pre-Shaq Suns. Steals, fast breaks, running both ends of the court, and before you know it, you're caught up in their fast-paced rhythm, which the Lakers cannot afford to let happen. I would feel much better if Gasol and Mihn were available, but then who wouldn't? Rony, Lamar and Vlad have to continue playing with the intensity they have shown over the last three games. They cannot afford any let up. Meanwhile, the Lakers backcourt must keep up their consistent perimeter game on offense and hustle back on defense. The Warriors are going to try and beat you with their transition game. If the Lakers can stiffle the transitions, they will grab the next two.
Nice win. Let's keep it up.
Posted by: lotecq | March 22, 2008 at 11:34 AM
Lotecq,
I think you are right concerning how hungry the Warriors will be. That said we should be just as hungry.
Can you imagine our pride an bravado coming into the playoffs against the Warriors if had just beaten them twice with so many players missing?
If we make these statement games, we can assume they will not stop us from the second round. If we lose, no sweat, we'll see them with more guns later. But I'd love it if we came in determined to send a message.
Posted by: JohnnyP | March 22, 2008 at 12:37 PM
Nice game last night....the Lakers did just what was expected. They beat down a lottery-bound team.
Really like the way Lamar, Ronny and Vlad are playing. They move the ball well and create opportunities for the team out of the offense. Very nice.
I wouldn't trade Didier for Kwame Brown straight up if salary were no factor. Mbenga actually looks like he wants to improve and be part of a winning situation. Anybody still prefer Chris Webber and his contract demands to Beng? At least Diddy can actually get on the court.
On to the GSW two-step. This is a good test for The Show. The Warriors play the Lakers hard and are only 4 games in back of them in the loss column. The Lake Show can't afford any slippage.
GO LAKERS!!!!
Posted by: bronxlakerfan | March 22, 2008 at 02:14 PM
"Ball Don't Lie!
Luke Walton: 17 points, 4 rebounds, 5 assists on 8 for 11 shooting."
Against sonics, 4th qrtr garbage time. That's the truth.
Posted by: Staples 24 | March 22, 2008 at 02:23 PM
Hey I saw JJ Fad in concert in Birmingham, Alabama circa 1988. LOL!
Posted by: The Original Ken | March 22, 2008 at 06:49 PM