Let's get big
George Karl is going big. In an effort to limit mismatches on the floor, he announced today that Anthony Carter will be replaced in the lineup by Linus Kleiza. The move isn't unexpected, given the way LA dominated the post on Sunday. From the Denver Post:
While that offensive production was welcome, Karl seemed more concerned with taking measures to stop a Lakers attack that scored 29 of its 46 field goals in the paint.
"I think it's a matchup thing," Karl said. "I just don't think I want to give (Lakers coach) Phil (Jackson) as many postups and mismatch situations as he has in the lineup at the beginning of the game. I think I can make one or two changes and get that taken care of pretty quickly."
In their understandable haste to find a way to prevent NBA most valuable player candidate Kobe Bryant from blowing up, the Nuggets gave power forward Kenyon Martin the task of defending him. While that ploy was largely successful — Bryant shot just 9-of-26 from the field — it left the Nuggets vulnerable on the inside.
Whenever a Laker penetrated to the basket, that left center Marcus Camby to try to pick up the man with the basketball. That, in turn, left a bigger Laker open for easy baskets. More often than not, that man was Pau Gasol, a 7-footer who scored 36 points, mostly on easy layins.
"I don't think he took more than two shots from outside the lane," Martin said.
The report also indicates that Karl will keep Kenyon Martin on Kobe. Honestly, I don't think the change will hurt LA that much offensively- I can't believe Karl would have let Waltmanovic exploit the Carter mismatch on the post for very long in Game 2, and despite the added length, when the Lakers move the ball, they can score on anyone- but it'll force them to pay more attention defensively, as Kleiza is a far more potent scorer than Carter. BK
figured this would happen.
Posted by: ajax | April 22, 2008 at 04:16 PM
The report also indicates that Karl will keep Kenyon Martin on Kobe. Honestly, I don't think the change will hurt LA that much offensively- I can't believe Karl would have let Waltmanovic exploit the Carter mismatch on the post for very long in Game 2, and despite the added length, when the Lakers move the ball, they can score on anyone- but it'll force them to pay more attention defensively, as Kleiza is a far more potent scorer than Carter.
True it may give them a more potent scorer..but you lose a man that can create his own shot in the process. Kleiza aint posting nobody up..that aint his game..and though it may help them offensively..it still hurts them at the same time. Question..who is he suppose to be guarding if he starts??
Posted by: lakeraholic | April 22, 2008 at 04:22 PM
They pretty much have to, as they were getting so beat up inside by Pau Gasol.
Now Im awaiting to see if the question of zone defense pops up on this blog...
Posted by: DS | April 22, 2008 at 04:22 PM
charles
how's it feel to kill the mob boss?
also you guys are gonna be crowned the west champs. a lot of people are getting crazy at the suns blog.
Posted by: blingbling | April 22, 2008 at 04:28 PM
I think my favorite development this season is how Luke and Vlade have become the same person on the blog.
Lukomir Waltmanovic!
haha that's priceless.
Posted by: Xodus | April 22, 2008 at 04:30 PM
Know what's funny about this?
They act as if they figured out how to stop Kobe and now all they have to do is stop Pau and they'll be fine...
ahahahahahahahah...
I'll bet $100 that Kobe cans all those open jumpers he missed in game 1.
It's not like Kobe was blanketed, he missed a lot of open jumpers.
Once those fall, then the Nuggets will have to rethink their D.... again!!!
Posted by: Korey | April 22, 2008 at 04:31 PM
Anybody watching the Dallas/NO game?
Two observations:
1) This duo of announcers (I think one is Clipper coach Dunleavy) has to
be the worst team I've ever heard.
2) Do you think Dallas is starting to think they chose the wrong opponent?
The Hornets are getting anything they want.
It looks like 3 out of 4 West series could be sweeps.
Posted by: Bzar | April 22, 2008 at 04:36 PM
That's a panic move, but did Karl really have any other choice?
Nope.
Will it work?
Nope.
Posted by: J.W. Weatherman | April 22, 2008 at 04:36 PM
LakerTom,
"Unless they suddenly changed the rules for the award to require the recipient be from an elite team, the selection of KG smacks of more east coast media bias, which has to make you apprehensive that the same result may occur in the MVP vote."
Wait, so are you saying KG DIDN'T deserve the DPOY and only won as a result of East Coast Bias?
Posted by: Xodus | April 22, 2008 at 04:37 PM
lakeraholic
That is indeed the question. First, he can't play "D", and second, who will George put him on?
No one to handle the ball, we go full court press.
They go zone, we let Kobe go off with Fish getting some open looks.
Last ditch effort by a team that's found out that Plan "A" didn't work at all, so let's try Plan "B"
Get out the brooms!
Posted by: toad | April 22, 2008 at 04:37 PM
What Karl doesn't know is that Phil is planning to replace Fisher in the starting lineup with Bynum.
No one outmaneuvers Phil.
No one.
Posted by: akr_68 | April 22, 2008 at 04:38 PM
Hey Pig............time to get that can of Troll-B-Gone out!
Posted by: toad | April 22, 2008 at 04:39 PM
lakeraholic-
I don't think they lose much offensively, at least in the halfcourt, since Carter isn't a shot creator himself. They might lose out in some transition play, since they take away a ball handler. And while Kleiza is reasonably athletic, he's certainly not as quick as Carter.
Kleiza will probably end up on LO, I would think. You could put him on Rad, too, but I think they'd rather keep Melo off Odom if possible.
BK
Posted by: Brian Kamenetzky | April 22, 2008 at 04:41 PM
I PROMISE I WILL STOP IT AFTER THIS POST, I FIND IT SO FUNNY THAT I HAD TO RE POST THIS:
THE WAY POST BELOW IS FROM A TRUE WHINER: lol
First of all, he insulted me. All I asked was a simple question. I guess your not one to defend your post or honor?
Secondly, I did not find it funny. That's a matter of opinion. Personally, I am now suspect of your comedic interpretation.
Thirdly, on this emoticon-less blog, it is hard to tell what tone I am typing in. So if you actually need colors, blush-toons, clown faces and front faced Pac Man type instant messages; here you go:
:)
:(
:P
:-)
:-(
Posted by: Charles | April 22, 2008 at 03:09 PM
I think Charles is a closet Celtic fan or a mamma's boy who can't take the heat.. ACTUALLY REMINDS ME OF NONE OTHER THAN ONE AND ONLY Danny Ainge, the WHINER SUPREME
Kapish!
The Mob Boss
Posted by: The Mob Boss | April 22, 2008 at 04:42 PM
akr_68,
Awesome.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | April 22, 2008 at 04:45 PM
Last post reply for Outsidergua. Repost. I suggest to move on other family bloggers. Sorry guys.
Outsidergua,
In regards to your post about don't spoil the fun, I wholeheartedly agree.
Here's an excerpt from my final post for him "the blog is noticing the idle day and let's keep it basketball. Your refute isn't mature enough and intelligent enough.
If you want to get into a basketball exchange let's do it. Otherwise, thanks for the pre-mature evacuation.
Posted by: Charles | April 22, 2008 at 03:57 PM
Now if your going to call me stupid also? That's takes away the credence behind your harmonious words. I was wishing if you were to lead by being to chill out guy, to be chill yourself and not insult someone.
"are you kidding me? what kind of guy are you that you get insulted if some other dude behind a keyboard finds your comments hilarious."
The irony behind that is you are reacting to someone's post behind another keyboard. With this post of your's, you have reacted twice. And if you were such the blog angel of delight, why not follow your supposed lead.
Some good points, some hypocritical points. Lot's of irony...
Posted by: Charles | April 22, 2008 at 04:46 PM
I'm confused. Why even bother showing your cards to Phil "9 Rings" Jackson? Doesn't seem like a particularly smart move on George's part.
More mind games perhaps?
Posted by: AndrewT | April 22, 2008 at 04:48 PM
LakerTom,
BTW, KG has no chance of winning the MVP. It's going to be Kobe of Paul.
Posted by: Xodus | April 22, 2008 at 04:48 PM
BK,
how could you think it DOESNT hurt their halfcourt?
Anthony Carter is the only guy on the team who looks to pass first and while he isnt a Iverson creator he does create enough for them.
Without him, now you have 5 guys on the floor who just want to shoot.
Who's willing to make the extra pass when Camby, Martin, Melo, Kleiza, and Iverson in the game?
Maybe that helps them by pushing tempo more and/or taking more quick shots, but it certainly doesnt help them in a half-court set now that there is no one who reaaallly wants to pass.
Posted by: Korey | April 22, 2008 at 04:48 PM
So Bill Simmons, a columnist who I enjoy reading despite his biggest flaw (the fact that he's a Celtics fan) is recently really starting to piss me off. I don't mind his homer-ism because if I were in his position, I'd probably be a homer too. But in his latest column on what match ups he'd like to see in the playoffs he really crosses the line with me.
Excerpt:
"6. Hornets-Lakers (West Finals) By the time this took place, we'd know if the 2008 MVP was the enigmatic Laker who bashed his teammates and wanted to flee before "coming around" or the unselfish point who saved basketball in Katrina-scarred New Orleans, redefined the ceiling of his position and took a lottery team to a No. 2 seed. It's always fun when lingering MVP debates can be resolved in seven games or fewer. Unless you're Karl Malone."
What a d-bag. Dude, let it go. Everyone and their dog knows you hate Kobe and sniff Paul's jock. We get it. Kobe acted childish over the summer. He slammed teammates. He slammed the FO. But the MVP isn't decided by off the court verbiage, it's decided by game, and no one in the league has the same game that Kobe displays night in and night out. Paul is a straight up baller, but look at who finished with the better record, who won the most important head-to-head game of the year, who's doing it with nine digits and who lost his center and small forward (two out of the three best defenders on the Lakers). I dare you to look at those factors and tell me that Kobe's not MVP. Simmons needs to check himself, otherwise he'll turn into a punk like Simers.
Posted by: bozz | April 22, 2008 at 04:49 PM
Denver is mentally fragile. If we develop a significant lead in Game Two in the third quarter, they will collapse. They will absolutely collapse.
They might put forth a valliant "let's not turn our home fans completely against us" effort in Game Three, and could win, but it'll be over.
Significant lead in third quarter of Game Two. That's it.
Phil, get it done.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | April 22, 2008 at 04:51 PM
Fellas,
I believe the fact that we are snapping at each other is directly correlated to these long layoffs between games. But at least we can watch the SA/Phx blood bath tonight. That should make us feel better.
Kleiza starting -- hmmm -- George Karl wants less defense. Lakers will score 132 tomorrow.
Posted by: HmrHed | April 22, 2008 at 04:52 PM
the Lakers scored 128 points in the first game with a defensive guard in the Nuggets lineup, what more if they are going to start a non defensive player in the person of Kleiza. Maybe the Lakers will score 168 points tomorrow.
Posted by: Botsoy | April 22, 2008 at 04:54 PM
It's starting to look like the top 8 teams in the W. side was fools gold, with only 4 teams having a true shot to reach the finals. What do you guys think?
So far the Mavs, Rockets, and the Nuggets are looking pretty weak. These were supposed to be some of best and fun matches to watch in these playoffs, but it's not turning out that way.
Tune in to the next game, should be a good one.
Posted by: Fire32 | April 22, 2008 at 04:56 PM
Korey-
I understand what you're getting at, but like I said, I think it hurts Denver more in transition than the halfcourt, because while they lose a ball handler to push the ball up court, once they are in a halfcourt set, the ball usually ends up with Melo or AI anyway. They don't really run a motion/precision offense like LA or Utah.
BK
Posted by: Brian Kamenetzky | April 22, 2008 at 04:58 PM
HmrHed,
When you are right, you are right...
Posted by: Charles | April 22, 2008 at 04:58 PM
Note to Lakers: Please guard Linas Kleiza when the Nuggets are on offense. This guy is like Steve Blake, an unheralded dude who just seems to kill the Lakers everytime they play.
Since I follow the in-crowd, I'll do the hip thing and call him LINASTEVE BLAKEIZA.
Posted by: Amazing_Happens | April 22, 2008 at 05:00 PM
Xodus,
"BTW, KG has no chance of winning the MVP. It's going to be Kobe of Paul."
That's what everybody thinks. I smell a Celtics conspiracy. Karl, think how much Kobe and Lakers info and games you would see if you weren't a Lakers fan. I am assuminng you love in FLA. When I lived in NY for a year, the Lakers were like non-existent. You were lucky to even get day old scores much less a live game. Wait and see how many votes KG gets. It may be enough to upset Kobe, who will split votes between West coast media.
Tom
Posted by: LakerTom | April 22, 2008 at 05:03 PM
Korey-
I agree with you 100%. Theres no way Kobe misses his jumpers tomorrow. Plain and simple, Lakers have more weapons then the Nuggets do. They have no way to stop Kobe, Pau, and Odom. Im expecting another huge offensive game out of the Lakers.
GO LAKERS
Posted by: mrbarneydangles | April 22, 2008 at 05:06 PM
"the Lakers scored 128 points in the first game with a defensive guard in the Nuggets lineup, what more if they are going to start a non defensive player in the person of Kleiza. Maybe the Lakers will score 168 points tomorrow.
Posted by: Botsoy | April 22, 2008 at 04:54 PM"
Yes, but if the Lakers don't play any defense, the Nuggets will score 169 and steal home court advantage!
Of course, if they do score 169, their arms will fall off from scoring so much and they won't be able to play come Saturday.
On a serious note (well, not really), does any other series (oh, I made an unintentional "funny". On a "series" note!) have a chance to be over by the time the Lakers play on Saturday?
I guess not. But several serieses (I know it's not a real word, it's serii. Obviously.) may be over on Sunday.
Dallas has to stop turning the ball over if they have a chance to win tonight's game. Not that I really care. Although if the Suns can beat the Spurs, the Hornets and the Suns should score somewhere close to 300 in a game or 5.
Lakerse
Posted by: akr_68 | April 22, 2008 at 05:10 PM
bozz,
The current "stars" of American sports journalism, generally speaking, totally suck. Eye-rollingly, head-shakingly disappointing.
There are some young writers out there, the next generation, who could be quite good. Personally, if the K Brothers continue to improve their writing, and gain a bit more courage, I believe that they'll be among the next generation's stars. Though I disagree with them at times and feel they "play it safe" a bit too much, I really enjoy their writing style and their insights. I can't say that for many sports writers (Roland Lazenby being a notable exception. That guy's a damn fine writer.)
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | April 22, 2008 at 05:10 PM
LakerTom,
The Lakers play on national TV more than anyone, though. You're right, I wouldn't get nearly as much Lakers info if I didn't go out of my way for it. But the Lakers get as much national coverage as anyone.
Posted by: Xodus | April 22, 2008 at 05:11 PM
I reinterate my previous statement...
If Chris Paul wins the MVP, justanothermambafan, Charles and I are personally going to destroy the levees surrounding the Hornets hometown and turn it into "the swamp formerly known as New Orleans."
Cast your votes wisely!
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | April 22, 2008 at 05:12 PM
Charles,
You are pissed off dood.
Just grab a beer, let it go down and you'll feel better.
Me, on the other hand. You can call me an idiot or you can say that I'm the brightest mind you've ever seen.
Because I don't give a mad phoh-ck about what you or anybody else in the internet thinks about me :)
Which is whyI ALSO DON'T CARE IF YOU THINK I'M INSULTING YOU.
Which BTW I'm not. Not intentionally that is.
And that's what I'm trying to get across.
Why do you take this stuff personal?
hahahaha, the funny part is that I fell into the same game. But I think is just more curiosity than interest on my part.
GO LAKE SHOW!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: Outsidergua | April 22, 2008 at 05:18 PM
Why are the Euros so soft when the two jerks or idiots ( one finger-pointing at Sasha , one finger-slapping Dirk twice on his face ) did those stupid things to them? I would punch Alston on his face and smack on West hard to stand on one's dignity.
Posted by: nowhere | April 22, 2008 at 05:19 PM
Laker(s) Tom
Don't forget, the Celtics have been beating up on teams for years and are not liked back east.
They don't chant MVP when KG is on the line around the league.
Its Kobe, Paul, and KG
No writers except for Boston ones have even talked about him for two months.
Posted by: Fairweather Fatty | April 22, 2008 at 05:22 PM
Xodus,
“Wait, so are you saying KG DIDN'T deserve the DPOY and only won as a result of East Coast Bias?”
Actually, I didn’t see enough of KG or the Celtics this year to really judge, although I was under the perception that Camby was the favorite again to win the award. But I have lived on the right bank and understand how west coast sports just doesn’t exist when you live in the east. And while I don’t know what the percentage breakdown between east and west is among MVP voters, I would bet there are far more voters on the east.
Did KG play any better in Boston than in Minny? That is debatable. I think he is being given too much credit for demanding the rest of the Celtics to play defense like he does. That is pretty much MVP type talk, not defensive player of the year talk. I never thought KG was that great of a defensive player or even a true superstar offensive player. He is too passive as a player and competitor to me, willing to stay in Minny forever, not willing to take a chance to play with Kobe. He shoots too many long jump shots for my taste and rarely overpowers anybody in the post. He is not championship tough. Nor is Pierce. The only guy to fear on the Celtics IMHO is Ray Allen, who is a clutch shooter.
Thank God, we didn’t trade Drew for Garnet or anybody else. I’ll take Kobe Bryant, Andrew Bynum, Pau Gasol, and Lamar Odom over Ray Allen, Kendrick Perkins, Kevin Garnett, and Paul Pierce individually or collectively any day, thank you. And I did mean to say that that includes taking Pau Gasol over Kevin Garnett. Pau is a much better fit on the Lakers than KG and I predict he will outplay KG if we play the Celtics in the Finals.
Tom
Posted by: LakerTom | April 22, 2008 at 05:22 PM
Why did Mr. Carl show his cards? Now that we've bitten on his rumor, I have the perfect solution for him.
He should double team Kobe and Double team Gasol. Then he needs to have some one play off their man to apply extra pressure to Odom. If they do that and play everyone else play really tight single coverage, they may have a chance.
GO LAKERS!!!!!
Posted by: JohnnyP | April 22, 2008 at 05:24 PM
FOR HEAVENS SAKE:
Charles STOP whining. If someone calls you stupid then does that make you stupid? I fear you that you are more of a sensitive type and why do I suspect that you live at home with your parents.. hahaha..
If you do not stop your whining then my paisan Luca wants to have dinner with you followed by a night cap. Kapish.. Luca and Tony both extend thier inivitation for dinner after Laker game tomorrow..STOP WHINING as you are not the sharpest knife in the drawer .
Kapish!!
The Mob Boss
ps: Is Karl trying to intimidate the Lakers by this Linas or is it Linus with a blankey who is going to stop the mighty Lakers..
Posted by: | April 22, 2008 at 05:27 PM
The only worry I have about the game is really....none.
Denvers adjustments sound like a Nellie type experiment move.
Actually one worry. I hear Gasols' hands were hurting and swollen like ballons after the game from all the passes he was catching and needed to ice them down.
Vitti was going to wrap them and apply some Blue Goo, but Kobe hearing that, jumped in and volunteered to do it himself.
Posted by: Fairweather Fatty | April 22, 2008 at 05:30 PM
What kind of kiss ass response is this?
HmrHed,
When you are right, you are right...
Posted by: Charles | April 22, 2008 at 04:58 PM
hehehehe
Posted by: Mamba24 | April 22, 2008 at 05:32 PM
Who the hell is Linas Kleiza?
Dallas is getting blown out. Good. Time to break that team up.
Posted by: "Pig" Miller | April 22, 2008 at 05:33 PM
Kory/BK
I understand were eah of you is coming from. Kory your agreeing with me about taking out a creater and slasher with ANOTHER perimeter shooter..which in a sence we can possibly put Luke or Rad on him to defende without taking any of our core guardians out the paint..But I also agree with BK because from a standpoint of Half court offense. Kleiza (as we all know) will light it up night in and out if left unguarded..but don't expect much else from him.
Rebounding: ?????
Creating: ?????
3Point shooting: Yep
Just another mistake Karl has made by creating a defensive liability hoping to increase offensive production..geezz that sounds alil redundant especially with Carmelo and A.I. on the floor at the same time.
Posted by: lakeraholic | April 22, 2008 at 05:35 PM
LakerTom,
I actually think your West Coast Bias is getting in the way here. LOL! Camby is a greatly overrated defensive big because he's like the AI of big men. AI only goes for steals and Camby only worries about blocks. I don't see how a center who plays for one of the worst and least defensive teams won the DPOY. Look at how much Bynum makes our D, Camby just gets numbers.
KG is a great defensive player. I'd say that Duncan is probably the best defensive big right now, though. And I don't think he gets too much credit for changing the team D in Boston. There were a bunch of guys on that team who never played any D like Pierce, Allen and Eddie House who are now giving great defensive effort.
Posted by: Xodus | April 22, 2008 at 05:48 PM
You wrote:
Why are the Euros so soft when the two jerks or idiots ( one finger-pointing at Sasha , one finger-slapping Dirk twice on his face ) did those stupid things to them? I would punch Alston on his face and smack on West hard to stand on one's dignity.
Posted by: nowhere | April 22, 2008 at 05:19 PM
If you don't know by now David West is a very fine boxer and you had better pack a six shooter pardner before you try to smack, or is it slap? LOL Anyone who thinks of slapping another person is sure very "sensitive" type, LOL.
Talk is cheap in my business we survie on taking care of business. You know what I mean..
Kapish!
The Mob Boss
Posted by: The Mob Boss | April 22, 2008 at 05:48 PM
Holy s***, I DO NOT want to get in the middle of this, but this bickering between Charles and the Mob Boss is getting really old. Come on guys, it's spanned across three threads already, and it looks like there's no end in sight. Both of you are great, contributing posters and many (including myself) look forward to your posts every day. But when the posts turn into bickering it really gets old, really fast. I don't know if it's the wait for the game or if you're just having a bad day, but it's really bogging down this blog and it's spreading to other posters. Like I asked before, can't we all be friends? (Or at the very least civil?) Thanks guys and please know that I don't mean this as a knock on either of you, you're both fine individuals.
-bozz-
p.s. Mob Boss, "kapish" is spelled "capiche." But no biggie.
Posted by: bozz | April 22, 2008 at 05:48 PM
BK/AK
Please fill us in if this is truth or false!
Los Angeles Lakers guard Kobe Bryant has been diagnosed with a complete tear of the radial collateral ligament, an avulsion fracture, and a volar plate injury at the MCP joint of the small finger of this right hand, it was announced today. The damage occurred when Bryant dislocated the finger in the Lakers game at New Jersey on February 5, and was aggravated in Saturday's game against the Nuggets.
Bryant was examined today in Los Angeles by Dr. Steven Shin, a hand specialist with the Kerlan-Jobe Orthopaedic Group.
Dr. Shin has recommended surgery to repair the ligament, which would cause Bryant to miss approximately six weeks. This could spell trouble for the Lakers who are looking to make a playoff run to win it all.
Posted by: lakeraholic | April 22, 2008 at 05:49 PM
I meant to write "worst and least disciplined"
Posted by: Xodus | April 22, 2008 at 05:52 PM
lakerholic-
i think thats the original report when Kobe first injured his pinky.
Posted by: ajax | April 22, 2008 at 05:54 PM
Xodus,
“I actually think your West Coast Bias is getting in the way here.”
LOL, Karl, you are probably right. The day the East reseeded the NCAA playoffs to prevent the Bruins from dominating was the day that I swore to hate Billy Packer, Dick Vitale, and every loser-coach-commentator that denigrated the Bruins for constantly humiliating their weak-ass east-coast ACC/Big East undisciplined street ball pretenders.
Tom
Posted by: LakerTom | April 22, 2008 at 06:00 PM