The Los Angeles Lakers: Mired in a severe slump
Well, by recent standards, at least. When you've gone 13-2 for the month of February and entered the Rose Garden on a ten-game roll, a 119-111 loss to Portland feels like a funk deeper than the combined efforts of James Brown, George Clinton and The Ohio Players. Brandon Roy's return to the Blazer lineup made an immediate night and day difference, with his 20 points/12 assists setting a tone for an aggressive squad looking looking to score at will. Of course, that mission becomes considerably easier when you're being allowed it. As a collective, the exhausted Laker D could barely lock down an exercise bike, with most of the scrappy limited to ill will between Kobe Bryant and Joel Przybilla. Throw in the ice cold mark from downtown (only 5-27, but they kept on firing) and it's actually impressive in its own right that things went down to the wire. But as the saying (and the box score) goes, they can't all be winners, nor does the loss detract from the overriding positives coming as a whole.
For example, Jordan Farmar's night, whether judged by his 0-3 showing from behind the arc or his struggles contain Jarrett Jack, wouldn't rank among his finest efforts. But all in all, the quality of his play remains high (and improved) as ever.
In Marc Stein's four-way MVP race, Kobe's ahead by Cyrano-sized nose.
The Smushcalade may be closer to pulling out of South Beach.
Colorado loves the 76ers!
Posted by: Hugo Boss | March 01, 2008 at 08:38 PM
Oh, and Tom, I dig the idea of special pennalties for leaving Blake open. And more generally your mix of humor and good basketball insight.
And now I feel like a bumkisser (see me working within the parameters?).
Speaking of the parameters, I like to curse. But I think one of the reasons we all gravitated HERE is because, for the most part, the conversation stays on point and respectful. And we're allowed to talk trade (Kurt). That said, I do appreciate a good, thick skin. It's an expression. Get your mind out of the gutter.
It is sometimes entertaining and occasionally apalling to see how easily words get misconstrued in the blog-o-sphere (with apologies to those of the non-sherical school of belief) without the dreaded emoticon and it makes me wish I could shrug my shoulders and you would see it.
Posted by: Jesterguru | March 01, 2008 at 08:47 PM
P. Ang,
"the Laker wins or of just Smush not being a Laker anymore"
It is a combination of both, the humor is always there, I belonged to the first LakerTom's bandwagon and his campaign against smushcalade...sometimes, it is just comouflaged within those perceived anxieties and make-believe. Frankly, I want you to be my friend and forgive me if I irritated you with my attic wit posts. haha!
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | March 01, 2008 at 08:47 PM
The Suns just lost to Philly tonight. That's 2-4 with Shaq in the lineup.
Posted by: Xodus | March 01, 2008 at 08:56 PM
Shaqs line
8 pts 7 rebs 4 TO's
Those are Kwame like numbers and they gave up an all star for him?
And to add insult to injury, they are paying him $20,000,000 a year for this?
Posted by: AN 1 | March 01, 2008 at 09:05 PM
Fricken Bucks, I can't believe the Spurs eeked that one out...
I was hoping for both Spurs and Suns losses, damn...oh well.
Last night's game was a little too much on the ulcer man, our defense (For lack of a better term) was horrific. Portland's got some tough match ups against us and we should have adjusted better...and damn if we didn't fall in love with the long ball late in the game...
Looking forward to the bounce back game tomorrow, time to start another streak...I wouldn't mind seeing Jordan start one of these next games...Fish has been off the mark lately.
I can't wait to get everyone back and healthy for the playoffs...
There is NO fear in THIS dojo!!! -Joe Swanson (Family Guy)
Peace Laker Nation,
AC
Posted by: acjunglist702 | March 01, 2008 at 09:09 PM
Exhelid...
"Lance,
Bottom line is that there is no real rivalry until you win something.
"
Thats my point, too. There is no rivaly when LA comes to Portland because they are 4-18 in our building, even though Portland hasn't but vied for a championship but 2 times in that time.
Also, to say Portland and LA has not indeed butt heads in several meaningful playoff games is just false. The ball bounces one time, in a different direction, of if a foul is called, Portland pulls off the cou and takes game 7.
If you cannot see this Portland team as a potential hinderance to LA championship aspirations in the future, then you're looking throw purple and yellow shaded glasses.
Posted by: lance | March 01, 2008 at 09:09 PM
jesterguru-
Actually, as it's considered kosher for network television, "asskisser" or its kissin' cousin "kiss ass" are okay (haha).
But thanks for being aware of our decorum guidelines!
BK
Posted by: Brian Kamenetzky | March 01, 2008 at 09:34 PM
Lance,
Even without Oden, your team is good, only they are not successful in winning road games with 9-20 record. Perhaps, the point being driven by Man in his post, why did the fans there cheering: "Beat LA" not, Beat Lakers.
I want to ask you, when you say LA, what comprises LA? I asked this because when I go out of town, people from Ventura County, LA County, Orange County, San Bernardino County and Riverside-Corona.... they all claim coming from LA. When we were in Hongkong, nobody knows where Riverside is, but they know where LA is?
So when Rodney King was beaten at Lake View Terrace, that's still LA. The Simi Valley courts rendered the verdict, it was blamed to City of LA. When OJ escaped on his Bronco along 405 in Costa Mesa and ended up in Brentwood, they summarized all these places as it happened in LA.
Poor LA, it embraces the good, the bad and the ugly where freeways meet....so rightfully, it deserves the incessant cheer...beat LA!
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | March 01, 2008 at 09:36 PM
lance,
Yes, there is a lot of potential for a bright future in Portland. But a lot of teams have said that, and it hasn't materialized. Again, potential rivalries are not rivalries. Yes, if the ball had bounced a different way ... Sacramento says that, Portland says that ...
Of course, so do we. It hurts to think how many titles the Lakers could have had, if not for a few bad breaks. Don Nelson's shot, Magic and Byron both hurting their hamstrings against Detroit ...
Posted by: exhelodrvr | March 01, 2008 at 09:46 PM
Tomorrow's guest/s on this blog - Mavericks fan/s. Actually, I think one made an appearance earlier today already. It's all good.
Go, Lakers!
Posted by: hoping | March 01, 2008 at 09:55 PM
lance,
Thanks for the great posts and for being a great fan of the Portland Trailblazers. It's great to get different perspectives, views and opinions from fans of other teams. The Trailblazers are an exciting up and coming team that should be good for years to come. I look forward to great basketball and battles between our teams for years to come. Thanks and have a great night.
Posted by: Nemaia Faletogo | March 01, 2008 at 10:10 PM
bunny
Posted by: judu | March 01, 2008 at 10:14 PM
No problem, BK. It's your world, fellas, so it don't pay to be subversive if you wanna post.
Which, for some unknown reason, I can accept.
Posted by: Jesterguru | March 01, 2008 at 10:15 PM
I KNOW YOU GUYS CARE LESS ABOUT THE PHOENIX:
But someone just tell me... what is it that is more funny:
Is it to watch 'em coming down badly...losing badly or...
Having a memory of Shaq pointing his finger when he was introduced to Phoenix??
LOL I mean I just can't help myself... I am wondering if he still saying that the SUNS is the best team he ever played for...
The BIG MOUTH has been quiet lately! eheheh
Posted by: classic | March 01, 2008 at 10:30 PM
Edwin,
It has honestly never crossed my mind that people of LA would think the Blazer fans meant something against LA the city when they chant beat LA, and I believe that is because Blazer fans actually mean beat LA Lakers and not the city. Isnt that the more obvious and logical conclusion? Much easier to say beat LA than beat Lakers, or beat The Lakers.
I know LA and its various counties almost as well as Portland. I have been to every place you listed in your post and know how to get to each of them without directions from LAX.
Posted by: lance | March 01, 2008 at 10:40 PM
If I was Shaq, I would fake an injury......... after a couple of seconds of thought... yes thats what I would do... I would fake an injury like that of Yao... and retire!
The question is: How when I have already opened my mouth to say that Phoenix have one of the greatest medical staff I ever seen
Holy momma! What am I gonna do?? PLEASE SOMEONE JUST GIVE ME A SUGGESTION
Posted by: classic | March 01, 2008 at 10:49 PM
Poor perimeter defense that resulted in too many Blazer layups and kick outs for open shots....Way too many 3 point attempts....A short bench due to injury and the resultant fatigue....A highly motivated Blazer crowd and team....all reasons for the Laker loss last night.
Hopefully, as the Laker team regains its health and gets players like Drew, Rad and Ariza back, more time can be found for Ronny T. at PF. I realize that with the present set of circumstances, Ronny is basically the only backup center the team has. I love Beng Diddy, but he's like the fire extinguisher that many of us keep in our kitchens...for emergencies only. I thought that Phil could have found some time for Ronny in the late 4th quarter, when the threat of foul trouble to Pau was no longer such a big issue. Ronny's big body and toughness could have been used to better advantage last night IMO.
Still it's only one loss. GO LAKERS!!!
Posted by: bronxlakerfan | March 01, 2008 at 11:10 PM
The suns have a big chance to loose the next 4 games at portland at denver and at home agains utah and san antonio by next sunday phoenix could be looking at a 9 seed, and it only gets worse for them with games againt golden statet boston and detroit i see them going 3and 9 in the next 12 games and out of the playoffs.
Out of golden state houston and denver they are playing the worst basketball
Posted by: shneurson | March 01, 2008 at 11:20 PM
the suns are who we thought they were now it's important to not let them of the hook
Posted by: shneurson | March 01, 2008 at 11:30 PM
We don't really want the Suns to be out of playoffs, because there is always a chance for them to get the #1 pick. They also have Atlanta's pick this year, which is not lottery protected. The chances are minute, but we really don't want them end up with 2 lottery picks for next year.
Posted by: CJ | March 01, 2008 at 11:44 PM
Man, I just got PUMPED watching NBATV. They had the inside scoop on the Lakers-Phoenix game, and it showed the Lakers' huddle in the hallway, and here is what Kobe had to say as everyone raised an arm into the center of the circle:
"We're the best. We know that. Don't think it, KNOW It. This is OUR turn, OUR championship, OUR season. Go out here and make a statement. It's gonna be OUR turn now!"
Posted by: Amazing_Happens | March 02, 2008 at 12:02 AM
You mean "Beat LA" isn't "Beat Louisiana?"
Posted by: Mob Wagoneer | March 02, 2008 at 12:02 AM
lol
lance don't feel bad.
i know both cities are the same. i was just letting you know that i've been to your fair city....
you have a nice team and they have a bright future(as usual), just not tooooo bright....
Posted by: man | March 02, 2008 at 12:41 AM
oh and lance, a parting shot, in the spirit of rival cities, not rival human beings, i know all about your city's attitudes about californians, which was my point about the "beat LA" chant. you had said you don't get up for games against the Lakers, but your california comment belies your true feelings. i know that oregonians(pronounce it right!) feel that they're better than other people. it's ok, as i said LA is just as bad, but don't deny it. beating the Lakers will make it all worthwhile even if you don't make the playoffs next year....
i lived on 10th and burnside for a while over in the ole north east and rode my bike past the rose garden every day to and from work downtown..... :^)
Posted by: man | March 02, 2008 at 12:50 AM
Why did we fall so heavily in love with the threes against Portland? Was it because we were afraid to drive? I, without tv, have heard we are not pick and rolling anymore with Kobe Gasol. Why wouldn't Odom slash?
It always irks me when threes are bricking and the coach doesn't say STOP!!! Why did we continue?
Go Lakers!!
Posted by: johnnyP | March 02, 2008 at 05:29 AM
Lance,
I happen to love the city of roses. I lived there for many years. I do have to tell you, it does pretty much "always" rain there... ha ha ha. Californians think it's literally always, but actually it's just mostly cloudy on the majority of days. My first few months in Seattle (when I left portland), it rained literally for 90 straight days... it was a new meaning to always raining. So I get it, there's a difference between cloudy and rain.
I said in my first post of the thread, thank you portland... they ALWAYS bring their "A" game against the Lakers. Always. If the team doesn't treat it "special" as you think, then I promise to my dying day that the fans do. I'm glad that some of the other Lakers fans here had some positive experiences Friday... after my phone call with my brother, I was beginning to wonder. He asked me if it was always that bad. I had never experienced people swearing in my face or harrassing me at the games. BUT, I do know the fans are bitter, envious, jealous, spiteful, and conspiracy freaks... and a lot of that comes from the paid announcers.
But enough about that. You said, "The good news is, almost all of these young stud Blazers are very high character guys who genuninely enjoy playing together."
I concur completely. I love Brandon Roy. Many of us wanted a draft day trade to get him (but we got Farmar instead). I love Nate McMillan, he's a class act... people should have known there was a problem in Seattle when Nate left. He would have never left, and he won't leave Portland either. I know some of the fans were questioning him last season... I hope he has put those questions to rest. I have no reason at all not to sort of root for the Blazers here or there... except for the fans. I cheered for them in 1990 against Detroit and then regretted it ever since. I'd rather see 10 back to backs by Detroit than to see 1 more banner in PDX. But that's me and my own torment at the hands of Blazer fans. Perhaps some of my view is just a matter of perception, and I'm happy that the fans backlashed against the jailblazers and that now you have a good team that you can honestly root for. Interesting how I did not have anything remotely close to this level of experience in Seattle... and it's not as though we didn't have a Lake Show rivalry with Seattle either... Van Exel owned Seattle and we had some hard fought battles with them, but surprisingly, the bitterness, the pettitness, the conspiracies... they did not exist.
Neither here nor there my friend. Welcome to the blog! It's great to have you here.
I too, do not want to see Phoenix in the lottery. It's bad enough Portland gets yet another lottery selection...
And BTW, speaking of Portland and the lottery.
Do sportswriters realize that the Cavs are only 2 games up on Portland... and that Portland plays a much harder strength of schedule than the Cavs... and that Brandon Roy just put up 20 pts and 12 ast... those type of numbers got Nash TWO MVPs... if LeBron is the leading candidate for MVP, then why is it that Brandon Roy is not mentioned????
No, SERIOUSLY... why? Brandon Roy should be the MVP before LeBron.
And if you say "Well the Cavs can't win without him" then neither can Portland win without Roy. That's proven.
The guy is an all-star... he's without his center. They're playing in a loaded West, and they basically have the same record as the Cavs. But all I hear about is LeBron.
Ugh.
There was an actual point to my comparison, so don't flame... just read what I said and ponder it for a moment.
Posted by: Tim-4-Show | March 02, 2008 at 06:00 AM
There is no answer for Steve Blake. The reason he is always wide open is because he is so "Butt ugly" no self- rspecting defender want to come close to defending him" The only one who even defended him lately was his momma! Blake is one homely son of a gun!
(does Alabama inbred child ring a bell) hey just saw Coby Karl run past my window carrying a crow bar and I live in Alaske! "GO LAKERS"
Posted by: Big Chris | March 02, 2008 at 09:03 AM
Kobe just said it.
"we ain't losing today."
Posted by: man | March 02, 2008 at 03:36 PM
all i have to say is that if kobe is the greatest player in the world then why after twelve years in the nba he only has three rings. and then i look at tony parker and manu ginobli who have only been in the league for five and already have three to their names??????
Posted by: laurie si | June 14, 2008 at 08:10 PM