King me
For the first twelve minutes or so, it looked like the Lakers were in for a long night, and might even squander the golden opportunity to stretch their lead in the Pacific after Phoenix folded in the fourth like a hold 'em player dealt an off suited two-seven. But after knocking out the kinks, LA dominated the rest of the way, cranking up the D, shoring up some sloppiness offensively, and outscoring Sacramento by 10 in the second quarter, 12 in the third, and four in the fourth on their way to a 114-92 win. As I've mentioned before in situations like this, when the Lakers beat another NBA team by 22 points, there's generally not much to complain about, so you'll see a lot of "Good" in the breakdown below. Big games from the starters, especially Vlad Radmanovic, who poured in 21 points and a career high 14 boards. Kobe had 29, LO a strong 16, Pau Gasol 20/9.
Read more about it below.
The Good:
- Vlad Radmanovic: Likely the line of his professional career- 21 points, including 5-8 from downtown. A career high 14 rebounds, three dimes, two steals, and not a single turnover. Vladdy, gently prodded (in the safe for work version) by PJ before the game to play with effort and consistency throughout. Guess something clicked, because Radmanovic was on from the get go. He had six points in the first, including a catch-and-shoot triple at the buzzer to pull the Lakers within four, closer than they deserved to be after the first 12 minutes. In the second quarter, Radmanovic continued to be productive, pouring in seven more points and finding his way to five boards. Eight more in the decisive third quarter, including another shot to beat the buzzer off another inbound play.
After the game, Vlad wasn't particularly quotable, though he did toss out a great line comparing his pregame talk to the film Anger Management, with PJ playing the Jack Nicholson role. Generally speaking, Vlad is only a good quote for things you can't possibly print (he's actually excellent for that). When I asked Radmanovic if he was happier about the shooting performance or the rebounds, he caught some flak from LO. "Shooting," Odom declared over his shoulder and answering the question for him. It's also worth checking out PJ's postgame, where despite the good game he takes the opportunity to tweak his forward. "We have a guy that's the team psychologist who comes in, and Vladdy turns him down all the time. I tell him, you really need someone to get in there and work with your head," he said. And so on. "Brian Shaw says you have to slap him upside the face to get him to play hard," Jackson said, "but I think he was serious about the game tonight."
But while the consistency might not be there for Radmanovic over the course of his Lakers career, for tonight at least he was excellent, and showed what kind of contribution he can make when he brings his best effort. When he's shooting well, Vlad gives the Lakers offense a great deal of space, keeping teams from packing the middle and giving guys like Odom, Kobe, and Pau lanes in which to operate. Hopefully tonight was the start of a trend.
- Kobe Bryant: Another very solid night. 29/5/5, with a pair of steals. Quiet early (two points in the first quarter, six in the second), Kobe came alive in the third, with 14 points on 5-6 from the floor, including 3-4 from beyond the arc. More importantly, just like he did in Friday's game against the Mavs and for most of the season, Kobe didn't force anything into the game. He picked his spots well, passed up available jumpers to feed players with better position closer to the basket, and was able to put a stamp on the game without having to dominate it in every way. That's the sort of performance he's been hanging on the opposition all year, and when it happens the Lakers are very tough to beat.
- Pau Gasol: 20/9/3, and yet another example of how his mere presence opens up the game for everyone else. The Lakers did a great job of establishing him early on, feeding him in the post for a lot of looks. The further away he got from the basket, the less effective Gasol was, and it was pretty clear from watching him operate near the rim that he doesn't have his normal lift back, but he's so smooth and is such a good passer around the basket and in the post, he can still hurt teams without being at 100%. And he's efficient. 7-11 from the floor, and 6-8 from the line.
- Lamar Odom: By making 7-8 tonight, LO is now 19-22 over the last two games. That's a great free throw percentage, let alone a mark from the field. Part of the reason why? Once again, everything he did tonight was close to the basket. When there was a lane, Odom took it, getting to the basket off the dribble, posting up, or crashing the boards for putbacks. The worry when Gasol arrived was that it might turn Odom into a jumpshooter from the three spot. Instead, he's used the freedom and space Pau creates to move his game closer to the rim. Good stuff.
- The Third Quarter: You will not see this happen often. The Lakers made their first ten shots and dropped 15 overall. Each bucket had an assist. For the quarter, the Lakers shot 83% from the field (15-18), and 83% from downtown (5-6). I mean, seriously. 83%? It was hard to do that in a quarter of Double Dribble, and I was AWESOME at that game. The Lakers started things off with an 14-4 run to turn a six point halftime lead into a more cushy 16 point margin at the 9:03 mark, and a couple minutes later had pushed the margin out to 20. The Kings made a mini run in the second six minutes of the frame, but the Lakers steadied the ship and left the quarter with a 17 point lead. That was basically the ballgame.
- Sasha Vujacic and Jordan Farmar: Farmar didn't light things up, but managed to keep the aggressive, attack the basket mentality he showed on Friday against the Mavs. Sasha put in 14 points on 5-11 from the floor, had a couple dimes, and most importantly, only turned the ball over once in 20+ minutes of PT.
The Bad:
- The First Quarter: The Lakers scored five points in the final five seconds of the quarter to turn a nine point deficit into a much more manageable four point margin. But they clearly didn't deserve to be that close, not after turning the ball over six times, overpassing, and generally looking sloppier than my freshman dorm room (I can show you the pictures, if you don't get the comparison), or at least my half of it. The Lakers have fallen into a very bad habit of falling behind early in games (so bad, I used two forms of "fall," just to drive home the point). That's fine against teams like Sacramento, but won't fly vs. the big guns in the W.C., both in wrapping up the season and heading into the playoffs.
- Ronny Turiaf: It's been a tough adjustment for Ronny to once again get used to shorter minutes, but while he had some big blocks, including two on Ron Artest in the first half, Ronny needs to do a better job playing without picking up fouls. Five in only 13:04 of run, including a couple bad ones when the Lakers were trying to tend to the lead they had built up. Sometimes discretion is the better part of valor, and there were a couple times Ronny put teams on the line when he didn't need to.
- The Second Unit, Fourth Quarter Version: The goal for the Lakers as they entered the fourth with a 17 point lead, was to let Kobe and Gasol sit for the entire period, and likely to get Odom out ASAP. Didn't happen. After pushing the lead to 23 at the 9:29 mark, Sacramento went on a 7-0 run that brought Kobe back into the game with 8:15 left. A 5-2 mini-run then brought Pau back in. Things stabilized from there, but it was unfortunate that the starters had to get that much burn.
AUDIO:
- Phil Jackson: Download phil_jackson_4.6 postSAC.mp3
- Lamar Odom: Download lamar_odom_4.6 postSAC.mp3
- Vlad Radmanovic: Download vlad_radmanovic_4.6 postSAC.mp3
- Kobe Bryant: Download kobe_bryant_4.6 postSAC.mp3
BK
LAKERS BASKETBALL SCORECARD…KINGS GAME: GRADE A
The Lakers get a grade of A as far as playing what has become Lakers Basketball tonight. Game balls to Kobe Bryant, Vlade Radmanovich, Pau Gasol, and Lamar Odom. They were the players who made the difference tonight.
With a 114-92 drubbing of the Kings in Sacramento, the Lakers at 53-24 are tied with the Spurs for the #2 seed, 2 full games ahead of the Suns for the division, and just 1½ games behind the Hornets for the #1 seed, who are one of the five opponents left this season.
Best of all, the Lakers played Lakers Basketball, (1) running their offense efficiently, (2) attacking the rim, (3) controlling the boards, and (4) playing tough defense.
Here is how I graded their performance in each key component of Lakers Basketball:
(1) Running the Offense: Grade A - Offensively, the Lakers posted 26 assists on 41 field goals and shot 52.6% from the field and 54.5% behind the 3-point line. Lamar was 7 for 8 for 16 points, Pau 7 for 11 for 20 points, Kobe 9 for 15 (incl 4 of 7 on 3’s) for 29 points, and Vlade 7 for 14 (incl 5 of 8 on 3’s) for 21 points. It was the triangle offense run perfectly with 7 players with 2 or more assists and 6 with 3 or more. The only blemish were the 19 turnovers, including 5 from Lamar and 4 from Kobe.
(2) Attacking the Rim: Grade A - Like the Mavs game, Lamar Odom led the way driving with 7 of 8 from the field and a fine 16/7/7 game line as the Lakers consistently attacked the rim all night long, allowing them to play great inside-outside basketball, shooting a high percentage both in the paint and from beyond the arc. Kobe and Lamar penetrated the paint at will against the Kings. As a result, the Lakers scored 44 of their 114 points in the paint and another 36 from successful 3-point shots taken in rhythm.
(3) Controlling the Boards: Grade A – The Lakers really dominated the boards against the Kings, out-rebounding the Kings 46 to 33, including 12 offensive boards. The big surprise was that the team-high 14 boards belonged to Vlade and not Lamar. 21/14/3 and 2 steals were by far Vlade’s best game as a Laker. It was also a good team effort on the boards as 9 players grabbed at least 1 rebound with 7 having 2 or more boards. The only blemish is that we allowed the Kings to grab 8 offense rebounds.
(4) Playing Tough Defense: Grade B – The Lakers did a good job defensively, holding the Kings to just 92 points on 41.8% shooting from the field and 27.8% from the 3-point line. They had 11 steals and 6 blocked shots, including 3 from Ronny Turiaf, who with Lamar did an great job guarding Ron Artest, who ended up only hitting 7 for 20 for 19 points, most of them coming after the game was decided. Holding down the grade were the 23 personal fouls leading to 25 free throws and 42 points allowed in the paint.
The win streak is now at 4 games with 5 more win out the regular season: Trailblazers on Tues, Clippers on Thurs, Hornets on Fri, Spurs on Sun, and Kings next Wed.
Let’s finish with a 9-game winning streak and the #1 seed in the West.
Unleash the Beast! Looking forward to more LAKERS BASKETBALL.
Tom
Posted by: LakerTom | April 06, 2008 at 10:50 PM
Lakers need another effort like this tuesday. Kings coming off game last night were tired. Vlad Rad is the key. When he scores we win. Vlad is doing a lot of good things. Maybe Luke will stay hurt a few more games.
Lakers really miss Ariza. He provides much defensive pressure and court speed.
Posted by: Todd | April 06, 2008 at 11:03 PM
What a great Daily Double.
The Lakers silly-slapping* the Kings and the Suns being totally eclipsed.
I didn't watch the Suns game, but the fourth quarter collapse makes me wonder if the hackaShaq strategy was involved. Man, I hope so. An easy recipe that hasn't been used in quite awhile for any and all other teams to get Shaq off the floor during crunch time.
*politically correct version
Posted by: MiloRambaldi | April 06, 2008 at 11:03 PM
Great game. A few nitpicky things, like the 4th quarter let-up and the 1st period lethargy were the most striking examples. Additionally, the last second fouls at the end of halves and quarters the last few games between Fish, Farmar and I believe Ronny. Sheesh. Let them shoot that 65 foot J to end the period.
Great balance again and nice to see LO continue to pour it on.
Vlad Rad was great. PERIOD
Sasha was serviceable, as was Jordan except for that turnover 10 seconds into his first stint into the game.
Ira played some strong D and showed some tenacity going after loose rebounds.
DFish rained some 3s near the end that help punctuate the demise of the Kings.
Paul looked slow, but he was enough of a presence defencsively to help change some shots and did enough on the offensive end to score and to open it up for others.
A bit of over passing a few times, but I can't fault unselfishness on this Laker team.
Overall, we have a 4 game win streak and a great chance at the two slot and a shot at the #1 with a little help from our friends (beatles reference).
Thank you Sac town for continuing the Kobe MVP million man march. It's obviously still very much alive.
If they sleight Kobe from the MVP, we win the championship.
Cant wait to see Drew soon. Just want to see Socks goofy a$$ on the floor again.
Great Game, Keep It Going,
Kobesbaaaaaaaaaad (and he is)
Posted by: Kobesbad | April 06, 2008 at 11:13 PM
Double Dribble? That sucks.
Lakers Vs Celtics and the NBA Playoffs for the win!
Time to contact ECA (EA actually) to get an update going!
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lakers_versus_Celtics
http://www.juegomania.org/Lakers+vs.+Celtics+and+
the+NBA+Playoffs/fotos/pc/5/5895_t/Foto+Lakers+v
s.+Celtics+and+the+NBA+Playoffs.jpg
Posted by: Teej | April 06, 2008 at 11:19 PM
BK/AK,
Did Andrew participate at the shootaround? How did he look? Was he on the bench in uniform tonight? I was so caught up in the game that I didn't see him or I missed him. Thanks for the info and the breakdown. Go Lakers!!!!
Posted by: Nemaia Faletogo | April 06, 2008 at 11:21 PM
Long Time Laker Fan,
I don't know you or what your stance is on most Laker issues, but I just want to give you a little advice. Your posts are just too damn long. Seriously. I am not trying to be an a$$hole, but I start reading and reading and I just scroll. I don't know if anyone else feels this way, but I just thought I would mention it....
Posted by: pslakerfan | April 06, 2008 at 11:25 PM
We have a guy that's the team psychologist who comes in, and Vladdy turns him down all the time. I tell him, you really need someone to get in there and work with your head," - quote from Phil Jackson.
~~He sounds joking and motivating to an American ears but to a Euro that's really rude and an insult. I have lots of Euro friends and come to know their sensitivities, they're not enamored with that brand of braggadocio from Americans who would disrespect them. Like what other bloggers said in the previous thread, does Phil treat Luke or everyone in this manner? If he does, then that's just being fair.
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | April 06, 2008 at 11:25 PM
I was in Davis visiting an old college buddy of mine this weekend and took the opportunity to go to the Kings game and represent for the Lake Show. It was awesome. No joke, I 'd guess that 25% of the people there were Lakers fans. It was crazy. I saw almost as many Laker jerseys as I did Kings and we were making the Kings fans hear us. It was especially sweet since the guy in front of me was talking mad smack the whole first quarter about how this was going to be a blowout. Turns out he was right... and wrong. Oops.
Great win, great 3rd quarter, great defensive effort after the first 12. I gotta ask though - what happened to Farmar's shot? Can anyone help him find it?
5 left fellas. The Pac Division crown - mmmm, I can smell it and it smells good.
~puddle
Posted by: puddle | April 06, 2008 at 11:27 PM
What, no "M-V-P" chants for Vlad tonight?
Good win in Sacto, BUT ...
Once the Lakers decide to play some defense in the first quarter, then I will feel a little more comfortable about their postseason chances.
Here's a recap of their opponent's scoring in the first quarter for the past 8 games:
Kings 27, Lakers 23
Dallas 31, Lakers 31
Portland 31, Lakers 26
Washington 25, Lakers 27
Memphis 32, Lakers 30
Charlotte 27, Lakers 24
GSW 28, Lakers 20
GSW 34, Lakers 30
Avg first quarter over past 8 games: Opponent 29.4, Lakers 26.4
Posted by: Amazing_Happens | April 06, 2008 at 11:31 PM
Point of the night goes to the poster on the game thread who said "Luke or Ira, doesn't matter because when Trevor gets back they will both be garbage time players" I am paraphrasing by the way.
Fact: Luke is not very good. Period. Get over it already. I agree don't call him Puke, but really people everyone down deep knows that he is mediocre to bad.
And for the record when he makes $30 million for 6 years, it is my business to complain. Where the hell do you think that money comes from. Ticket sales, jerseys, beer, etc....
As a fan and a STH you are damn right I can complain about the way my money is being spent. Period.
And no he is not nearly as bad as Kwame, but let's not go around hanging our hat on that one.....
Posted by: pslakerfan | April 06, 2008 at 11:31 PM
YAY! GO LAKERS!!
I love this bit from two posts down:
"Funny moment: As Sasha and Pau were walking out of the locker room, they stopped to look at the game film of Sacramento's last visit to Staples. Vujacic happened to have the ball in the game film, and Pau looked at the screen and said, "Pass it, pass it, pass it," while TV Sasha held onto the ball. Maybe you had to be there."
Love the camaraderie between the two fellas.
WHOOO! Lakers gotta keep this up against Blazers :D Great game tonight!!
Posted by: Peanut Butter Spread | April 06, 2008 at 11:38 PM
On Tuesday at Portland, there will be no Prysbilla and Brandon Roy
http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=3333022
This game with Blazers is ours, unless we give it to them due to carelessness and over confidence. Finish them early as a momentum for Friday and Sunday's game against the big 2 in Western Conference.
Create Fear in the West. The gunslingers are on rampage.
And in the words of Mike T. in '06: "Make Them Obey"
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | April 06, 2008 at 11:40 PM
53 DOWN, 2 MORE TO GOOOOOOO!
happy times, kids, happy times
i was at the game tonight (my annual lakers road trip landed us in sactown this year) ... and it's A-MAZ-ING how vlad ended up with 14 rebounds b/c we SURE didn't know he had that many
i guess two spectacular buzzer beaters can make everything else u do pale in comparison.
lastly, it was so good to see bynum back on the court. he got a crazy loud ovation from laker fans when he appeared during shootaround. he looked mighty good, of course he was posting b. shaw... but his movement looked fluid and his steps seemed effortlessly. bynum even dunked! take that, ankle!
Posted by: CBuck | April 06, 2008 at 11:40 PM
Edwin Gueco,
Brandon Roy played tonight, so I'm guessing he'll play on Tuesday too.
Posted by: gokobego | April 06, 2008 at 11:46 PM
BK
"Likely the line of his professional career"
Concerning Vlad Rad obviously you haven't done your research (but that figures) I can remember I think in January or February of 2005 season Vladdy dropped something like 8 threes against the Lakers......a couple came from the hash mark..........it was an incredible shooting exhibition he put on that night.......it even surpassed this performance tonight. I bet you Kobe remembers it...........Game recognizes Game
So don't limit what Vlad can do given the chance with your limited thinking. I have always said that Vladdy is capable of these types of games .........and more depending upon the circumstance and especially if Phil's ego could be reigned in.
Make sure you tell Phil that the night Vladdy dropped all those threes on the Lakers I am pretty sure he didn't have a pre-game psychologist chat.
The only person in that locker Room that needs to see a psychologist is Phil Jackson........and everybody who doesn't think he should see one.
Phil Jackson greatly suffers from a narcissistic syndrome not to mention cognitive dissident (look it up)
His whole world revolves around the triangle (Chief Triangle) and even when circles and squares are presented to him instead of utilyzing them as they are............his ego forces him to try and fit squares and circles into "Triangles"............an exercise in futility.
When questioned on this madness he speaks to the media in a series of metaphors, and vagueness as if he is pontificating to a bunch of 8th graders..........who subsequently marvel at his supposed brilliance.
Phil........you need help!
I am not the only one who understands that because June Jackson....Phil's former wife of 24 years summed this guy up brilliantly when she said.
"My answer to why he's so frequently misunderstood is that he's unclear … it's even unclear to him," she said. "He learned early on to dodge, because people don't want to be pinned down publicly in their statements. So you just become kind of a master of obscurity, which people misinterpret as aloofness. What appears to be his standoffishness is just obscurity and opaqueness. And then people say, 'Oh my God, it's brilliance.' "
nuff said
We win not because of Phil Jackson.......we win inspite of him
Go Lakers
Posted by: pfunk36 | April 06, 2008 at 11:54 PM
AK/BK,
Do you guys remember the Lakers mascot for Double Dribble? It looked like a giant pickle!
Posted by: never | April 07, 2008 at 12:02 AM
Gokobego,
Yes, Brandon Roy played tonight and made 18 pts.
Here is the report on his groin injury:
"There's still some pain there,'' Roy said of his groin. "But there probably will be for the rest of the season. I want to give it a go.'' After receiving the results of his magnetic resonance imaging on Wednesday afternoon, which revealed no tears or structural damage.
It is a day-to-day, we'll know on Tuesday morning whether he could play. Hopefully, he will so that competition will be complete and no excuses. They have no Pryzybilla, Lakers don't have Walton. Is that equal?
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | April 07, 2008 at 12:09 AM
Good Morning Charles---Good Morning Everyone.....
Very satisfying victory to say the least......
Can the Lakers continue to play this well together, incorporate Bynum with a minimum of rust, and peak at the right time in the play offs ? We could end up being even better than most of us think....
Great to see Rad not only hit his shots, but play an all around excellent game---can we have this Rad for the rest of the season and play offs, as well as for the rest of his stay as a Laker please....
As someone else has stated numerous times, if Rad is on and scoring at least 15 points the Lakers almost always win--whatever you did or ate to prepare for this game Rad....wait for it.....do it for every game....
Positives For Puke: he looked great in his suit---only 14 years left on his contract....
Ira could help us in spots, especially if Ariza does not return....weird to see a # 14 on the court for us for some reason....
I, for one, am really glad Doug Christie and Mike Bibby and Scott Pollard are not on the Kings anymore---there should be a league rule prohibiting having 3 or more extremely ugly dudes on the same team--those guys were poster children for the attributes of wearing Nixon masks.....
Again, the Kings announcers were very gracious and fairly accurate in their reporting...
Hearing the amount of MVP chants was pretty cool Batman....
Keep going to the basket Lamar (and Farmar)...Lamar had yet another steller performance...
Here is hoping we can break the "I never promised you a " Rose Garden curse---also hope we don't have to listen to their "announcers" on the league pass--they make me want to shove screwdrivers in my ear orifices....
YET ANOTHER GREAT DAY TO BE ALAKER FAN !!!
GO LAKERS !!!
Posted by: Floyd | April 07, 2008 at 12:29 AM
what's all this talk about luke? have you seen him make those fancy passes? and what about life with luke? he's a glue that keeps the bench mob together.
Posted by: hello | April 07, 2008 at 12:49 AM
I hate to get ahead of myself, but I'm a fan, so I'm allowed to: if healthy, this team is going to be super super scary next season. I'm talking Freddy Krueger, Lon Chaney, Boris Karloff, Bela Lugosi, 72 wins shattering, scurry.
Posted by: Amazing_Happens | April 07, 2008 at 12:58 AM
Nemaia-
He dressed and shot a little before the game, I believe (I was writing, gathering pregame info), but won't practice fully and certainly won't play on the trip.
He still needs to jump some hurdles before they'll let him back on the court in a game.
BK
Posted by: Brian Kamenetzky | April 07, 2008 at 02:12 AM
im spanish and a lakers fan, and what really makes me proud is the fact that the lakers seem to win more and better with pau playing. i believe the lakers snatched the deal of this year getting gasol for peanuts!!!!
VIVA GASOL!!!!!!
Posted by: diego castile | April 07, 2008 at 03:10 AM
I believe the key to Radmanovic is having Gasol in there. Gasol & Radman have a ticket going on the offensive end and getting some layups on Gasol passes usually gets Radman hitting some threes and he can even start making some sneaky plays on D.
As I remember, we played great when Gasol got here until Radman sprained his ankle. We struggled but mostly won with Gasol in there and no Radman. With no Gasol and Radman back, we really struggled. This is the first time since the early part of March that we have had them both in at the same time healthy and this is the best we've looked in a while.
Probably not a coincedence.
Posted by: Jman449 | April 07, 2008 at 03:36 AM
Isnt it interesting that you never see posts from Gunner the weasel when Kobe plays a great game and the Lakers win. The good news is that the majority of the time Kobe plays MVP ball and we are not subjected to that douche bags redundant rambling. You can bet the farm that if Kobe has an off game, he will be back like a treatment resistant rash. Great win, lets get another one in Portland which has been far from easy for us.
Posted by: Mitch R | April 07, 2008 at 04:07 AM
HEY GUYS....
DID YOU KNOW THAT OUR LAKERS HAVE THE MOST WINS AGAINST WESTERN CONFERENCE TEAMS...
WE ARE 33-14....
HOPE THAT THIS ATTITUDE WILL CONTINUE TO THE PLAYOFFS....
PURPLE & GOLD BABY!!!
Posted by: juanman888 | April 07, 2008 at 04:39 AM
Washington Post: Coach Phil Jackson said Bryant has recently been “playing under wraps” because another tantrum is “going to cost the team. It’s going to cost him.”
Bryant has held his tongue, walked the other way or used another, more confusing means to voice his frustrations to officials. “I just cuss them out really bad in Serbian,” Bryant joked.
Bryant said he has learned how to swear in the native languages of teammates Vladimir Radmanovic (Serbia), Sasha Vujacic (Slovenia) and Ronny Turiaf (France). “I’ve been cursing in French. French is really cool, because everything sounds good in French.” . .
Posted by: juanman888 | April 07, 2008 at 05:08 AM
VLAD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! DONT FU****NG SLEEP TONYT!!!!!!!!!!!!!! WE NEED YOU LIKE THAT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: juanman888 | April 07, 2008 at 05:11 AM
Wow it is great to see different players lead this team, finally the talents are coming together.
Lakes all the way to the finals
go Lakers
Posted by: pk-in-the-mesa | April 07, 2008 at 05:17 AM
GOOD MORNING CHARLES
GOOD MORNING LAKERS NATION
WE ARE QUALIFIED FOR THE PLAYOFFS OH YE OF LITTLE FAITH.
ALL PRAISES TO TSPHERE THE SUPERDELEGATE, WHO PUT US OVER
THE TOP AND INTO THE PLAYOFFS.
*_____________________________*
55 WIN BANDWAGON MEMBERS:
*_____________________________*
(01) LAKERTOM______________(31) ISSANG
(02) MAMBA24_______________(32) WHITE_MAMBA24 _
(03) LONG_TIME_LAKER_FAN__(33) PURPLE&GOLDDEREK
(04) JUNO___________________(34) THIRTY
(05) GENERIC_ONE___________(35) BLACK_MAMBA24
(06) HOBBITMAGE____________(36) JUSTIN
(07) MARTY__________________37) VIOLATER
(08) DAVID WHANG___________(38) SHAQ_FAN
(09) ROKY___________________(39) ISSANG
(10) KEIFO___________________(40) WHITE MAMBA24
(11) VIOLATER________________(41) LAKALOV
(12) DICE8UP_________________(42) EASTCOASTJESSIE
(13) HUBBIT__________________(43) Q WUOR
(14) BD______________________(44) LAKERAHOLI
(15) JONNIN IN JAPAN__________(45) TSIRY
(16) ALEXINHO17______________(46) DREW
(17) TWOODY_________________(47) Nestro’s Bistro
(18) KIWI_____________________(48) BLAZE1B
(19) FEARLESS WHACK JOB_____(49) BZAR
(20) DAN DAN THE LAKER FAN___(50) CHRIS
(21) LAKERSRYDORDIE________(51) OUTSIDERGUA
(22) GIANT SQUID_____________(52) HOUSTON_LAKER
(23) TALIQ___________________(53) JEFF
(24) SLO GAL_________________(54) JOE_DUB
(25) DEREK__________________(55) CBUCK
(26) NIK KANNAN_____________(56) utzworld THE BANNER HOLDER
(27) BOB____________________(57) THE_CAT
(28) FAITH___________________58) CHUCKY.L.OHNIO
(29) LAKER_LOVER___________(59) RIPSYCHEDLAKER
(30) COMPLEX_BROTHA_______(60) RICK FRIEDMAN
(61) LAKERSRYDORDIE _________(62) GIANT SQUID
(63) JUSTANOTHERMAMBAFAN___(64) LAKERSRYDEORDIE
(65) HMRHED__________________(66) MARKYTHEARKY
(67) MILO RAMBALDI____________(68) SIMILAKERGIRL –
(69) TSPHERE – SuperDelegate – When a need is near call Tsphere
Posted by: Mamba24 | April 07, 2008 at 05:44 AM
*_____________________________________*
UNLEASH THE BEAST – IT’S BYNUM TIME
BANDWAGON
*_____________________________________*
(01) PIG MILLER – Owner
(02) JON K. Driver
(03) DELILAH – Riding shotgun
(04) MAMBA – Johnny come Lately
(03) JUSTANOTHERMAMBAFAN – Director of liquid sea minerals & dit da jow
(04) SAMLL – Director of Enforcement
(05) TOAD – Director of Security
(10) THA SHOW - Just keeping us real
(11) MARKYTHEARKY – Director of Mirrors and reflections
(12) MILO RAMBALDI- --Team Prophet. – predicts greatness for Bynum
Posted by: Mamba24 | April 07, 2008 at 05:50 AM
Good morning Laker Nation,
It is a joy to face the world on a Monday morning following a decisive win over the Kings. Laker Tom has already contributed a thorough and elegant analysis of what happened on the court to make it so.
I would like to comment on the coaching, which I believe was a major factor in the game. If Phil can coach consistently as he did on Sunday night, the Lakers can go all the way.
1. We must all applaud the way he got into VladRad's head before the game. Apparently it went down in a way that would create a great five minute scene in any movie. Joel and Stu noted early on that VladRad's determination showed during practice before the game, and as we saw, continued throughout. Proof positive that much of the game of basketball is mental.
2. The quick time-out 2 minutes into the game, when it became noticeable the Lakers starting five didn't come out focused as a unit. It took a while to reap dividends, but it was an aggressive statement by a coach frequently more zen than engaged.
3. In the 4th quarter, when the lead started to shrink, Phil was decisive in returning the entire starting unit to the floor to stop the bleeding. Once order was restored, the bench was sent back in to close out the game.
This kind of active and proactive leadership is what the Lakers need to achieve their goals this season and post-season. I've been critical here of Phil in the past, but this morning, all I can say is "kudos!" Go Lakers.
Posted by: Rick Friedman | April 07, 2008 at 06:05 AM
Oh, yeah, the team is winning in spite of PJ!!
Just think - if someone else had been coach, they would have won titles the first two years Kobe and Shaq played together!!
And any other coach would have created a dynasty out of the Kobe-Kwame-Smush teams.
Posted by: exhelodrvr | April 07, 2008 at 06:17 AM
Pfunk36,
You said:
BK
"Likely the line of his professional career"
Concerning Vlad Rad obviously you haven't done your research (but that figures) I can remember I think in January or February of 2005 season Vladdy dropped something like 8 threes against the Lakers......a couple came from the hash mark..........it was an incredible shooting exhibition he put on that night.......it even surpassed this performance tonight. I bet you Kobe remembers it...........Game recognizes Game
So don't limit what Vlad can do given the chance with your limited thinking. I have always said that Vladdy is capable of these types of games .........and more depending upon the circumstance and especially if Phil's ego could be reigned in.
******
No need to be this agressive.
BK said likely.
It is his opinion. You might not agree but it does not mean that you are right (i, for one, couldn't disagree more with you)
It is easy to defend Vlad after ONE good game. How about those SEVERAL awful games he had all season?
Vlad is our worst cost/benefit player in the roster.
I'd gladly get Luke (who I don´t like) at 4million/yr or Ariza at 3 million/yr over Vladdy at 6/million/yr.
Posted by: Allan - Brazil | April 07, 2008 at 07:08 AM
*_____________________________________*
72 WINS IN 2008 – 2009 SEASON
BANDWAGON
*_____________________________________*
(01) AMAZING HAPPENS - Owner & Driver
(02) MAMBA24 – Along for thew ride
(03) TSPHERE – SuperDelegate – Have no fear Tsphere is here
(04) MARKYTHEARKY – Director of Mirrors and reflections
(05) MILO RAMBALDI- --Team Prophet. – Predicts Bynum greatness
Posted by: | April 07, 2008 at 07:27 AM
*_____________________________________*
UNLEASH THE BEAST – IT’S BYNUM TIME
BANDWAGON
*_____________________________________*
(01) PIG MILLER – Owner
(02) JON K. Driver
(03) DELILAH – Riding shotgun
(04) MAMBA – Johnny come Lately
(03) JUSTANOTHERMAMBAFAN – Director of liquid sea minerals & dit da jow
(04) SAMLL – Director of Enforcement
(05) TOAD – Director of Security
(10) THA SHOW - Just keeping us real
(03) TSPHERE – SuperDelegate – Have no fear Tsphere is here
(11) MARKYTHEARKY – Director of Mirrors and reflections
(12) MILO RAMBALDI- --Team Prophet. – Predicts Bynum greatness
Posted by: Mamab24 | April 07, 2008 at 07:29 AM
Good game by the Lakers last night, but they have to fix that bench. What is happening to your bench mobs? giving away big leads like that. instead of giving the starters their rests, they had to bail them out when they 20 something pt lead went down to 10.
with a NO win last night, i'm beginning to root for chris paul as the MVP (he is the front runner) I sure do hope Amare was posting these numbers from the start of the season, that way, we have yet another MVP on our team.
don't forget guys, Lebron or Wade 2010 as a sun. hahaha
Posted by: FIRE1 | April 07, 2008 at 08:03 AM
I think it's great that the team has a sports psychologist travelling with them. Now, time to get Luke Walton and Rad Vlad on the couch!
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | April 07, 2008 at 08:04 AM
Edwin Gueco,
Then insult him! I've watched Rad Vlad for sometime(since I'm also a Clippers fan) now. Here's the thing... Rad Vlad plays consistently better when he plays angry. Remember when Reggie Miller used to get pissed off and then would shoot the lights out? Same thing with Rad Vlad.
Maybe Phil "Hannibal" Jackson understands this. Rad Vlad's ego needs to be proded for him to play at his best. He seems to do best when he's playing like he has something to prove.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | April 07, 2008 at 08:09 AM
Laker Tom,
Your analyses have been on a role recently! Keep it up, buddy!
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | April 07, 2008 at 08:12 AM
__________________________________________*
DAVID STERN IF KOBE BRYANT DOES NOT
WIN THE MVP THEN JAIL 2 U BANDWAGON
*_____________________________*
(1) NIK KANNAN –Owner & Driver__(20) EASTCOASTJESSIE
(2) CBUCK____________________(21) BROWNMAMBA24
(3) VIOLATER_________________(22) WHITEMAMBA24
(4) OUTSIDERGUA_____________(23) BLACKMAMBA24
(5) LAKERTRUTH ______________(24) TIM-4-SHOW
(6) ALEXINH017________________(25) CHUCK.L.OHNIO
(7) DREREK___________________(26) TSIRY
(8) SHAQFAN__________________(27) JUSTANOTHERMAMBAFAN
(9) JANAYA____________________(28) PSYCHEDLAKERGIRL
(10) JON K_____________________(29) SBPIMP
(11) IVI8KRS___________________(30) JEFF
(12) JOE DUBB_________________(31) JESTER GURU
(13) FEARLESS WHACK JOB______(32) DOC4daLakeShow
(14) TSPHERE__________________(33) HMRHED
(15) ANDO_____________________(34) RICK FRIEDMAN
(16) HAPPY GILMORE____________(35) KEIFO
(17) CHRIS H.___________________(36) MILO RAMBALDI- --Team Prophet.
(18) DREW PAU KOBE____________(37) SIMI_LAKER_GIRL
(19) LAKERLARRY_______________(38) TSPHERE
(20) MAMBA24 __________________(39) Marky the Arky
Posted by: | April 07, 2008 at 08:12 AM
Its all about x,y, and z (and no, its not a Dr. Suess book I'm talking about)
x - Clinched playoff berth.
y - Clinched division title.
z - Clinched conference title.
"You can do it"
- From the Waterboy
Posted by: Fairweather Fatty | April 07, 2008 at 08:15 AM
Great victory last night! Hopefully we can continue on the road kicking some butt in Portland... How about Dirk and Co's dismantling of Suns in the 4th? This German is a real tough cookie. Can't help but applaud; the guy has serious game. Right up there with Kobe, CP3, LeBron, etc.
Posted by: ASM | April 07, 2008 at 08:22 AM
Good Morning All!
Great game and win. Blog-sync-think. Can't wait for the game tomorrow.
Dave M, Thanks for your reply about the senior blogger response!
Posted by: Charles | April 07, 2008 at 08:36 AM
pfunk36:
"We win not because of Phil Jackson.......we win inspite of him"
but we do win right? good.. now sit down and pay attention
Posted by: machiavelly | April 07, 2008 at 08:37 AM
Morning Floyd, Mamba24
Posted by: Charles | April 07, 2008 at 08:41 AM
Rick Friedman
"but it was an aggressive statement by a coach frequently more zen than engaged."
ok I'm getting a bit tired of this people: you need to look things up before you talk as if you have. zen IS engagement. it ain't yelling and screaming and making a fool of yourself, in fact it isn't anything BUT being engaged.
Posted by: machiavelly | April 07, 2008 at 08:43 AM
Good Morning Mamba24, Good Morinng Charles< GOod Morning Laker Naiotn!
Another win on the way to winning out! And, Looking better each time out..........still need to bring the focus and intensoity form the opening tip, but getting closer to the full 48 minute game we need to play to win in the playoffs.
It is a beautiful day in Laker Nation!
TIME TO WIN OUT!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: toad | April 07, 2008 at 08:57 AM
By the way, Sonny...............
That's the way the Lakers/Queens games should have been all season long. Hope you enjoyed the game last night!
Posted by: toad | April 07, 2008 at 09:01 AM
"Phil Jackson greatly suffers from a narcissistic syndrome not to mention cognitive dissident (look it up)"
hmmm, when we diagram that sentence we find:
Phil can't "suffer" from "cognitive dissident", but he could be one.
He'd probably agree with being called one.
Posted by: Vman | April 07, 2008 at 09:04 AM