A much better look
Not that there was a lot of question on the issue, but while he was gone, the Lakers learned just how important Pau Gasol is to their title hopes this year. A rim-attacking, hard cutting, fluid offensive team when he's in, the Lakers became a band of triple-shooting warriors in his absence. Clearly they need an effective big in the post, something they got back when Gasol returned to the floor in L.A.'s 104-91 win over the Blazers at Staples. It wasn't a dominating performance from the Spaniard- 10/6/7 in 32 minutes- but it was enough for the Lakers to look more like the team that used a 16-2 post-Pau run to reach the top of the W.C. (Call it a filling of the void.) The Lakers were better on both sides of the ball- did you notice they held a team to under 100 points!- but while Pau was the big news, Kobe was the big story. 36 points, 13 boards, seven helps, three steals, including 14 in the fourth when the Lakers snuffed out Portland hopes of a late rally. News flash: Dude is tough to mark. No wonder PJ says he's the MVP... not that he gets a vote.
The box score also shows a nice game for Jordan Farmar, who has grown in his second year but struggled a little over the last 10 days.
Pau wasn't the only big time player returning to the court Wednesday night. Dirk Nowitzki hit the hardwood in Big D, helping lead the Mavericks to a massive win over the Warriors, one that gives them a two game lead over now ninth place Golden State.
Nice game for the Critter, and Kwame, too!
Chicago's offseason questions create major worries for the British National Team.
Pat Riley is a near mortal lock for HOF induction in '08.
Marty,
"Isn't that really what separates role players from stars? Consistency? "
Kwame Brown was consistent.
Posted by: exhelodrvr | April 03, 2008 at 07:49 PM
GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOD MOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOORRRRRRRRRRRRR
NIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIING LAKER NATION!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
It's Laker time Baby!!!!!!! Wow it feels good to post again! Sorry all, I been sick. (like everyone waits for my posts...anyway) I still hear people cryin out there in Laker Land. FRET NOT!!! For we who are the Nation of the Lakers Shall Overcome!!!!! The Magical golden sphere shall be ours once again! Their will be a glorious parade with song and dance, wine and woman, mutton and men! King Phil will lead the nights of the Hardwood through the very heart of The Laker Nation with Sir Kobe Bryant at his side. Holding the sphere high in the air while screaming a triumphant roar!!! The sky will be filled pieces of gold and purple once again, oh yes, it will be...and all will be good in The Laker Nation!!!
Now inhale slowly as I blow smoke smoke at the screen.
IT'S TIME TO WATCH THE LAKERS AND DRINK SOME BEER, TOKE A BOWL AND SCREAM AND CHEER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
LAKERS 4 LIFE BABY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
LakerMan 420
Posted by: LakerMan 420 | April 04, 2008 at 09:16 AM