Division owned
Few, if any, Laker fans or media pundits predicted the Pacific division belonging to the Lakers for the calender year 2008. Especially not after the chaos leading into a season looking equal parts doom and gloom. But after last night's 117-114 win over the Hornets. The night kicked off appearing like a walk in the park, with Vlad Radmanovic's technical foul-inducing shove of Tyson Chandler feeling almost representative of the Lakers' bullying of New Orleans. The Laker lead swelled up to 30 at one point in the second quarter, and even after a bit of a swoon remained at a comfortable 20. But the Hornets didn't end up the Western Conference's first place squad by accident. It also didn't happen because they give up after 24 minutes. New Orleans shifted the momentum decidedly in their direction during the second half, going on a few runs and capitalizing on a Laker penchant for chucking (and missing) three balls. By the time the fourth quarter elapsed, the contest had grown a little too close for comfort and as Phil Jackson pointed out, another two minutes and the outcome could have been reversed. But the game did conclude after the standard 48, which amounted to a Laker victory in the box score, a victory with enough drama stuffed within to nearly burst the seams. A reminder that this conference remains wild and woolly.
For many an MVP voter, this game was used as bellwether material to help determine a vote between Kobe Bryant and Chris Paul (broken down to the serious nitty gritty here). While one can question the validity of putting so much weight into one game for a decision that reflects an entire season's worth of ball (CP3 would say the same thing), when it comes to the Kobe Bryant's credentials, his performance and the "W" only help his case (already made in stone to ESPN's Marc Stein). The ballots will already be counted by the time the playoffs commence, but were it a June election, Kobe might end up proving his worth through his postseason luck without the services of Andrew Bynum. Drew's return remains up in the air, his knee still lacking the stability required to compete at a high (or even medium) level. The mindset is one that eschews rushing him, a call supported by everyone to management to Bynum to The Mamba. The amount of credit given to "Kobe the motivational speaker" is up for debate, but it's hard to argue he didn't come through as promised.
The world will have to wait before learning what's Italian for "Starbury."
The Bucks have a GM!
have you bought your "Stephen Jackson Day" card yet?
Is D-Wade too caught up in raising his profile?
michael h,
It's awesome you can be so charitable about the 3rd, but please remember, the starters sat out the 4th quarter in the Clippers blow-out.
Most of the mistakes in the collapse against the Hornets were mental. The Lakers got outside their game. A season of sloppy play can't be corrected in one night, unfortunately.
San Antonio won't be easy. They may be old, but they play a consistent game. The Lakers must also on Sunday. There's no excuse for a let down after winning the Division. It needs to be motivation to achieve the next plateau.
My chips, dip, and brewskies are already set aside for the game. Aloha!
Posted by: Rick Friedman | April 12, 2008 at 07:30 PM
Im not forgetting the 55 win bandwagon!!! Congrats to all who thought we would get to 55.. I took the more conservative approach, and quite frankly we are very lucky to win 55 games this year.. I counted on injuries and I was right. Fortunately, the Lakers got Lucky and got rid of Kwame Brown.
Posted by: zen | April 12, 2008 at 07:58 PM
Ken,
Fortunately, the Lakers should have Andrew Bynum back by the time we play the Spurs in the playoffs, would be in the second round if we lose to them tomorrow. The Spurs would be #2 seeds and we would drop to third, which would be a disaster as we would then have to face the Suns and Shaq in the 1st round without Drew. That is why we need to win tomorrow desperately. It is suddenly the GAME OF THE YEAR.
As for match-ups, here is where we really miss Drew. I am thinking Fish on Parker, Kobe on Finley (Ginobli), Vlade on Bowen, Lamar on Duncan, and Pau on Oberto, although the Spurs will switch Duncan and Pau which might lead the Lakers to do the same. But I think Lamar is by far our best 1-on-1 defender down low. I’ve been real impressed with his effort and performance defensively, although he has also been shining offensively and on the boards. He is the warrior I would put on Duncan if no Andrew. I think that the Lakers and Spurs are pretty evenly matched up without Andrew Bynum in the mix.
Note when Andrew comes back, how the matchups change and the Lakers get a huge advantage, not only in Andrew but also in the domino effect as Pau and Lamar draw easier matchups. Drew takes Duncan, Pau takes Oberto, and Lamar takes Bowen but will end up being guarded by Finley and you can believe that the Lakers will post Lamar all night long until the Spurs bring in somebody bigger. Make them obey! That is why the Triple Towers lineup is so powerful and why Lamar Odom is the key to making it really work.
All we need to do tomorrow is to come out and play 2 halves like the first half last night. We played the best defense I have ever seen this team play. Every shot was contested, rotations were superb, and we totally dominated the boards, not allowing a single offensive rebound by the Hornets. I think we will see the Lakers respond much as they did in the Utah game after almost blowing that big lead against the Mavs. I think we will see a real statement game. You know that Kobe respects that the Spurs are the champions. And that he will want to beat them for the psychological advantage and confidence of beating them.
We need run efficient offense, attack the rim, control the boards, and play tough defense. That’s what we have come to know as Lakers basketball.
Tom
Posted by: LakerTom | April 12, 2008 at 08:16 PM
LakerTom,
I also consider this a MUST WIN GAME tomorrow.
We must avoid the 3 spot at all cost.
I hope to see 48 minutes of classic Laker Ball and Maximus, Kobe and Lamar leading the way again.
Cheers to you and I for being #1 and #14 on the 55 win bandwagon. We should did take a lot of smack for being so GHF at the start of the season.
Go Lakers!
BD
Posted by: BD | April 12, 2008 at 08:33 PM
TO ALL LAKERS FANS. THAT WAS A BAD POST ON MY PART AND I TAKE IT BACK. Anthony Johnson:
You don't sound racist. You are being racist and should stop. BROTHERS I AGREE WITH THIS POST AND SORRY THAT I MADE THE POST IN THE FIRST PLACE. GO LAKERS
Posted by: ANTHONY JOHNSON | April 12, 2008 at 08:43 PM
Kings are playing the Hornets tough tonight so far as the first half comes to an end. Hopefully the Kings can pull out a win. Hornets are kinda lucky that Kevin Martin isn't playing tonight due to injury.
If Andrew Bynum hadn't gotten injured, he would've led the league in alley-oop dunks not Tyson Chandler. Bynum was second behind Superman in dunks before he got injured. Tyson Chandler also has difficulty against Andrew because Andrew is bigger and just as athletic. In their matchup Chandler couldn't stop Andrew. Can't wait for the Beast to return, be it this year or next. Go Lakers!!!!
Posted by: Nemaia Faletogo | April 12, 2008 at 08:45 PM
Xodus
LO for 7-8 million? He'd be hard to hate at that price though some here would find a way.
He has to be judged in light of the14 million. That chunk of an already inflated salary cap should dominate on a nightly basis. That's not LO's game. I seriously doubt his agent will want to knock 6 mil off the top.
If we don't win it all this year, and that would be a very tall order without AB, Lamar just may be faced with a very tough decision. I think it would be a mistake to offer him 4 more years at the same money with contracts coming up, including Andrew's.
Posted by: Vman | April 12, 2008 at 08:53 PM
Ron Artest is blowing it against the Hornets with his dumb shots. For all the talk about him being a good player and outstanding defender, he hasn't shown me anything this year. He takes ill advised shots and makes dumb decisions with the ball. I'm glad we didn't pick him up. Hopefully the Kings can still pull this one out. Man, it sucks to root for the Kings to help us out, but oh well. LOL
Posted by: Nemaia Faletogo | April 12, 2008 at 08:58 PM
Might be just me...but I get the feeling LO will be playing for Miami once his contract is up.
Unless of course we win the chip.
Posted by: Faith | April 12, 2008 at 09:05 PM
Go Sacramento!
Posted by: laker hopeful | April 12, 2008 at 09:10 PM
Come on Kings, hang on.
Posted by: pslakerfan | April 12, 2008 at 09:14 PM
KINGS up by 4 weee!
CP3 : 3-11 shooting 10tps and 12 assists
shotting slumps continues
Posted by: vincey | April 12, 2008 at 09:15 PM
Yo, not only are the Kings (in this game at least) teaching us how to play defense...they are up by 7 on NO....you know what a Kings win and a NO loss means....ok, I'll be quiet now and return to sitting on pins and needles.
Posted by: Rhon Salmon | April 12, 2008 at 09:18 PM
LakerTom,
Man, that was a great post and breakdown of matchups against the Spurs. I agree that the Lakers must execute their offense and play defense the way they did in the first quarter and final 2 minutes against the Hornets last night. The Spurs have also struggled mightily offensively in their past few games. The Lakers must be patient in their offensive sets and just move the ball and execute because the Spurs will kill them if they just hoist jump shots and settle for threes. It's all about exploiting matchups and attacking the basket. You also make a very valid point about AB changing the dynamics of our team and creating headaches for opposing teams and coaches when it comes to matchups. The Lakers are playing well since acquiring Pau, but in my opinion we were playing our best basketball on both ends of the floor when AB was beginning to dominate and his numbers were climbing from month to month. It was obvious that Bynum's confidence was growing with each game and that he was operating at very high, efficient level. That's what makes the combination of AB and Pau so fearsome is that they're both unselfish players that I believe will complement each other well. Just think of the great interior passing of our Triple Tower frontline once AB comes back. I can already picture Pau finding Drew for easy layups and dunks and vice versa. No wonder why Kobe is excited. Go Lakers!!!!
Posted by: Nemaia Faletogo | April 12, 2008 at 09:21 PM
Kings by 6 with 49 seconds left. Hornets time out. Go, Kings.
Tom
Posted by: LakerTom | April 12, 2008 at 09:23 PM
my jaw dropped when I just saw Sac leading Hornets...
but honestly, can our Lakers win the rest of the games? sigh
Posted by: tim | April 12, 2008 at 09:24 PM
YES KINGS!
Posted by: Chung | April 12, 2008 at 09:25 PM
Artest huge 3!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: BD | April 12, 2008 at 09:26 PM
Thank you! Sacamento Thank you! LoL I'm cheering Sactown
Posted by: rare | April 12, 2008 at 09:28 PM
GAH KINGS!!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: Chung | April 12, 2008 at 09:32 PM
Sac up 6 with 23 seconds to go.
Lakers wake up tomorrow in first place assuming the Kings can hold on to the lead.
I can live with that.
Lakers
Posted by: akr_68 | April 12, 2008 at 09:32 PM
I can't believe how badly Sacramento is botching this game. Geez. Who the hell is Francisco Garcia and how can he single handedly let NO back in.......
Posted by: pslakerfan | April 12, 2008 at 09:33 PM
dang! peja hit a big three
Posted by: EKO | April 12, 2008 at 09:35 PM
Colorado loves the Kings!
What the hell was that, ok well maybe likes only tonight.
Let's win tomorrow against the Furs!
COLORADO LOVES THE LAKERS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: Hugo Boss | April 12, 2008 at 09:35 PM
HORNETS LOST!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
LAKERS IN 1ST PLACE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: BD | April 12, 2008 at 09:35 PM
Sacramento 94 New Orleans 91
Posted by: giantsquid | April 12, 2008 at 09:36 PM
KINGGGGGGGGGGGGS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: Chung | April 12, 2008 at 09:36 PM
BD,
Wow. Kings beat Hornets, Utah stomped Denver, and Blazers edged the Mavs. What an NBA season.
Lakers take over #1 seed and control their own destiny. Win out and they are the #1 seed.
Tom
Posted by: LakerTom | April 12, 2008 at 09:36 PM
NOH lost
GO LAKERS
THANKS KINGS
Posted by: LAKERDAWG | April 12, 2008 at 09:36 PM
Hi Five, Sonny B and the Sactown Kings of B Ball!
Win out and the west is ours.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Vman | April 12, 2008 at 09:36 PM
Were back on top #1
Posted by: EKO | April 12, 2008 at 09:36 PM
There's a new sheriff in town baby. His name is the friggin LA Lakers. ..NO loses, LA in first..........Yeah baby, do I make you horny?????
sorry, got a little excited.....
Posted by: pslakerfan | April 12, 2008 at 09:37 PM
ARTEST PLAYER OF THE GAME
THANK YOU KINGS!!!!!!
Posted by: BD | April 12, 2008 at 09:37 PM
Thank you Sonny! We're number 1 (for the moment).
Posted by: Tsphere | April 12, 2008 at 09:37 PM
Sacramento won!!! Lakers gotta win tomorrow...
Posted by: lent | April 12, 2008 at 09:37 PM
Question for the Flying Kamenetzki brothers:
What happens if the Lakers, Spurs and Hornets all tie for first place? Best record in conference still the first tie breaker?
Just curious.
Posted by: akr_68 | April 12, 2008 at 09:37 PM
We are # 1...... Lakers own the West... Let's take care the game tomorrow.. Go Lakers!
Posted by: trio | April 12, 2008 at 09:38 PM
Looks like we're tied for first in the west with sac taken out CP3 and his Hornets.
Posted by: lakerfaze | April 12, 2008 at 09:38 PM
Sacramento wins and now we're sitting on top and control our destiny. Lakers must come out and play like they want to keep the top spot and with a sense of urgency. Just like last night, the Lakers must come out with intensity because the stakes are high and winning the WC is the next step after wrapping up the division. Man, I am stoked and pumped up for tomorrow. Go Lakers!!!!
Posted by: Nemaia Faletogo | April 12, 2008 at 09:39 PM
Queens win, Queens win! OOOOOOOOOOOOOh! Queens Win!
Posted by: Dingle Berry | April 12, 2008 at 09:39 PM
Hornets lose,Lakers in the driver seat for the W.C. lead yeehaw
Posted by: WHITE MAMBA24 | April 12, 2008 at 09:39 PM
This is what Chris Paul got. He's thinking that they can win the remaining 3 games.. Now Kings help Lakers to be the West leader..
Posted by: trio | April 12, 2008 at 09:39 PM
Yes!
We are the number one see!
And the hat'n sports media will have to give KB24 is MVP!
Man: it must be horrible to hate and still have to honor!
And Kobe loves it!
Yes!
Posted by: passionate Lakers fan | April 12, 2008 at 09:40 PM
Thank you Kings! Come on Lakers, this is your opportunity!!!!! Gifts aren't sent twice.
Posted by: | April 12, 2008 at 09:40 PM
game over! Lakers control their destiny! Let's beat the Spurs and the Queens and take home #1!
Posted by: Troy S. | April 12, 2008 at 09:40 PM
NO loses.
First Place!
Have to beat Dallas.
cp3 stunk it up tonight.
MVP?
Not ready for prime time yet.
NO will have a first round exit.
Posted by: STLlakersfan | April 12, 2008 at 09:42 PM
Lakers in 1st for now. They need to win out and hope Houston loses one more along the way....
Posted by: Pat | April 12, 2008 at 09:44 PM
Lakers win out along with Houston means we get the 2 seed. Ohhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh the humanity. Houston must go down!
Posted by: Dingle Berry | April 12, 2008 at 09:45 PM
Sacramento 94....Hornets....91....!!!!!!
enough said.....
nestro's bistro
Posted by: nestro's bistro | April 12, 2008 at 09:45 PM
Oh. My. God.
New Orleans lost. Now there's 4 teams within .5 of each other with 2-3 games to go.
Posted by: Teej | April 12, 2008 at 09:46 PM