Game 2: Electric Boogaloo
The big news before the game? Ronny Turiaf is not in the building. He's just that sick. So rather than have him hanging around and germing up the locker room, Ronny's at home. Given that he barely played in Game 1 and the Nuggets don't throw a cavalcade of bigs at the opposition, for Ronny to be unavailable doesn't necessarily mean a fundamental change in how the Lakers do business tonight. But if Pau Gasol finds foul trouble or the Lakers, for whatever reasons, need to go bigger, the backup center roles will be manned by DJ Mbenga and Chris Mihm. LA has enough versatility built into the roster to go with a variety of lineups, but don't be surprised to see either one get a little bit of run.
Beyond that, the goal is to continue doing those things the Lakers felt they did well on Sunday- ball movement and inside play, to name two- while shoring up those things they didn't like, most of which revolved around issues of defensive consistency. Jackson reiterated that they considered the result of Game 1 to be positive, but not necessarily the performance.
Other interesting notes:
- Jackson has chosen to practice at home tomorrow and Friday, then fly out to Denver Friday afternoon. Obviously, with the altitude in Denver, acclimation is always a question.
- With Ronny at home, Coby Karl will be on the active roster tonight, setting up the Karl vs. Karl playoff matchup. George joked that when he saw Coby last night, the kid was decked out from head to toe in Laker gear. Way to rub it in, young man!
AUDIO: Just Phil tonight.
BK
Let's get it on tonight!
LO, D-Fish, Machine - be prepared for some open looks tonight! Just remember to work inside-out (not the other way) so that you get jumpers within rhythm.
Let's Go Lake Show!
Posted by: Caliphilosopher | April 23, 2008 at 07:31 PM
Hopefully lthe Lakers don't come out struggling. Statistically, visiting teams are most likely to win game 2.
Posted by: never | April 23, 2008 at 07:34 PM
Prediction final score
Lakers 125 Denver 108
No tacos big deal,Lakers win.
Posted by: WHITE MAMBA24 | April 23, 2008 at 06:43 PM
Posted by: WHITE MAMBA24 | April 23, 2008 at 07:34 PM
Electric Bugaloo, as in Break Dance 2???
I know I don't have to ask the link posse to start fishing and reporting right?
Get Well Soon Ronnie Turiaf.
GO LAKERS!!!
Posted by: JohnnyP | April 23, 2008 at 07:35 PM
"Jackson reiterated that they considered the result of Game 1 to be positive, but not necessarily the performance. "
Really, so you're saying he was glad to get a win?
Shocking. I would have never guessed.
In other news the sky's blue! :P
Go Lakers!
Posted by: Benjamin | April 23, 2008 at 07:36 PM
It's a great time to be a fan.
A Lakers fan.
Go Lakers!
Posted by: Faith | April 23, 2008 at 07:37 PM
Statistics mean nothing when the Mamba is in the house.
he's the "mamba" for a reason. Never lets up. Strikes!
Posted by: Faith | April 23, 2008 at 07:38 PM
Damnit, why is the Celtics game still on.
And why are they ahead 21 with 3 minutes left and the starters are still in?
They deserve to get hurt doing something so stupid.
Posted by: Benjamin | April 23, 2008 at 07:39 PM
Wouldn't that be a hoot if Ronny showed up on the blog tonight to cheer on his team?!
Feel better soon, Ronny!
Go Chris! Go Mbenga! Go Lakers!
Posted by: Bzar | April 23, 2008 at 07:45 PM
Let's play. Forget Celtics game. Let's get this one started and go for another win.
Posted by: JustaLakerFan | April 23, 2008 at 07:46 PM
get well soon, ronny
Posted by: CBuck | April 23, 2008 at 07:46 PM
JustaLakerFan,
Forget Celtics? But if you cut a Celtic, does he not bleed? NOT PURPLE AND GOLD!!!!!
GOGOGOGOGOGOGOOGOGO Lakers!!!
Posted by: JohnnyP | April 23, 2008 at 07:49 PM
RAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAWRRRRRRRRR!!!
Posted by: Ronny Turiaf | April 23, 2008 at 07:51 PM
Hey, I know why 420man isn't typing, but what about the rest of you???? Where are ya??
Hey, if tempers start flaring, Mr. 420, please blow a little smoke at the screen.
Final prediction? Lakers by more than 20, no tacos, one flagrant, one ejection and 600 posts!!!!
GO TEAM!!!! GO LAKERS!!!!
Posted by: JohnnyP | April 23, 2008 at 07:54 PM
JustaLakerFan,
Forget Celtics? But if you cut a Celtic, does he not bleed? NOT PURPLE AND GOLD!!!!!
GOGOGOGOGOGOGOOGOGO Lakers!!!
Posted by: JohnnyP | April 23, 2008 at 07:49 PM
LOL
Ya but I prefer we cut them later and watch Lakers now!!!!!!!!
Good point though!!!
Posted by: JustaLakerFan | April 23, 2008 at 07:54 PM
Let the Game begin.. Let the Glory be raised. Game 2 is in the House of a Champion. Be surprised every moved by the Mamba.. Let the shooters camouflage and be ready to shoot. The Weapons from Europe are here to explode.
Go Lakers! Go Kobe! Go Pau! Go Odom!
Posted by: trio | April 23, 2008 at 07:58 PM
Is it just me or are the posts low?? No one has shown a link. I think I must go and drink in a bar to be able to see. But then I can't post either. Darn!!!!
GO LAKERS!!!!
Posted by: JohnnyP | April 23, 2008 at 08:00 PM
Lakers 14 Nuggets 20
Posted by: JustaLakerFan | April 23, 2008 at 08:02 PM
http://www.justin.tv/jayrntv
Link for now. Waiting for better.
Posted by: JustaLakerFan | April 23, 2008 at 08:04 PM
Kobe and Fish seem to have hot hands tonight which is good. A little more defense by the team would be good too.
Posted by: KimD | April 23, 2008 at 08:05 PM
score 22 - 20 Denver
Posted by: JustaLakerFan | April 23, 2008 at 08:08 PM
Kobe's on fire! I'm a little concerned that Pau and Lamar haven't gotten into the game offensively yet though. Hopefully him being hot will open up the floor for the other guys.
Posted by: KimD | April 23, 2008 at 08:16 PM
Kobe has 20 pts already. Need more balance as Stu says.
Posted by: JustaLakerFan | April 23, 2008 at 08:17 PM
Kim
Me too. I think Kobe taking what Denver is giving him and Denver will try to adjust openning game for the rest.
Posted by: JustaLakerFan | April 23, 2008 at 08:18 PM
We need to into our tempo and play our offense. Play tougher D.
Posted by: JustaLakerFan | April 23, 2008 at 08:19 PM
Why would Denver double team Walton?
Posted by: KimD | April 23, 2008 at 08:23 PM
I think dumb move. Probably trying to disrupt offense and mess up passing lanes. But Luke?? Opens too many better scoring options for us.
Posted by: JustaLakerFan | April 23, 2008 at 08:28 PM
Denver's hitting all their shots except for their 3's thank goodness. And heeeeere's Kobe. Still on fire!
Posted by: KimD | April 23, 2008 at 08:31 PM
Yes I like this run. Mbenga getting it done. More players stepping up.
Posted by: JustaLakerFan | April 23, 2008 at 08:33 PM
What I don't like is everyone standing around so thank God Kobe is hot. Other guys need to cut and get off ball movement. That would open game up more and we can get blowout.
Posted by: JustaLakerFan | April 23, 2008 at 08:37 PM
Rad needs to learn to keep his hands up on defense. He always seems to have them down. Not good.
Posted by: JustaLakerFan | April 23, 2008 at 08:45 PM
Where is everyone?
Posted by: JustaLakerFan | April 23, 2008 at 09:08 PM
Where is everyone?
Posted by: JustaLakerFan
_____________________________
I knoiw, I can't believe no one is posting during a playoff game!
Posted by: KimD | April 23, 2008 at 09:18 PM
Need to stop taking 3's.
Posted by: JustaLakerFan | April 23, 2008 at 09:20 PM
I can't believe how easily the Lakers get seduced by the 3. It seems like every game we beg them to take it to the basket. Geeeez!
Posted by: KimD | April 23, 2008 at 09:22 PM
I hope they didn't decide to have viewing party and didn't invite us. LOL
Posted by: JustaLakerFan | April 23, 2008 at 09:22 PM
Too many 3's again lets Denver get back in game. PJ lets the lead run down to deficit and then calls time out.
Making blowout into potential loss. Needs to tell players no more 3's unless inside out game but instaed pound ball inside. Fustrating.
Posted by: JustaLakerFan | April 23, 2008 at 09:25 PM
LOL JustaLakerFan
You know, this game should be a blowout. It's disappointing that the Lakers can't seem to keep their focus for an entire game. Be it on the defensive end or staying in the offensive flow. As they move farther into the playoffs, they're gonna have to up the mental intensity.
Posted by: KimD | April 23, 2008 at 09:26 PM
I wish Phil would say: The next person who takes a 3 is gonna get yanked out of the game.
At some pt they're gonna pull this all 3 all the time thing with a Phx or San Antonio and get down, but not be able to come back like they can with weak @ss Denver.
Finally Rad goes inside!
Posted by: KimD | April 23, 2008 at 09:31 PM
oh oh lost my link. Gotta find one.
Posted by: JustaLakerFan | April 23, 2008 at 09:32 PM
Bummer no link but I agree stop shooting 3's or get yanked.
Posted by: JustaLakerFan | April 23, 2008 at 09:39 PM
AK/BK
Posts seem to take long to appear also. Any technical difficulties?
Posted by: JustaLakerFan | April 23, 2008 at 09:41 PM
KimD
Everyone on next thread Live from staples. lOL That's why we are alone!
Posted by: JustaLakerFan | April 23, 2008 at 09:49 PM