Live from Sacramento- Lakers at Kings

Like I mentioned in the pregame, it's not exactly a home game for the purplea dn gold, but there are plenty of Lakers fans in the crowd. If I remember correctly, AK had trouble with his setup here. I got to my seat, and there wasn't a chair (AK's problem, I believe), nor an outlet. ARCO hates the Lakers Blog.

Fish, Kobe, Gasol, Rad, LO start for LA, Anthony Johnson, Kevin Martin, Spencer Hawes, Ron Ron, and Mikki Moore get the call for Sacto.

With Phoenix's loss today- kinda shocking, given how the game looked when I got on the plane- a win here gives the Lakers a huge advantage in the race to secure the Pacific. I'm sure they don't want to let the Suns off the hook.

FIRST QUARTER:

One tricky thing- until the Lakers score, the bench stands. Unfortunately, they stand right in front of me, so I can't really see what's happening. Those guys are tall.

10:50- LO picks up where he left off on Friday, slicing to the hole for a layup. Not with the right hand, though. Can't have everything (haha). 3-2 Sacto.

9:43- Hawes gets down low, posting on Kobe in the mismatch, and dumps the ball into the basket. PJ quickly calls timeout. he didn't like that.

9:31- Kings are zoning up early, but you can see the difference in how the Lakers can attack it with Gasol in the lineup. They're able to get the ball inside, Gasol to LO, and Odom draws the foul on Moore, then goes to the line and makes both. 5-4 Sacramento.

8:20- Gasol gets a great feed by the hoop from Kobe, but doesn't go up strong enough and Hawes blocks him from behind. It ends up a run out for sacto, and Martin gets the foul call on the other end.

Kobe goes inside for a spinning layup. Thus far, the Lakers have attacked the basket, just as they did on Friday. I'm not sure they've taken anything more than a mid-range jumper at this point.

5:34- Timout on the floor, 16-12 Sacramento. The Lakers are doing what they want to do offensively, getting the ball inside and not relying on shots from outside. Unfortunately, they're also a little sloppy (as evidenced by the Fisher turnover on the last play, looking for Pau and missing. By a lot. Three TOs already, and other loose plays that have let the Kings get out and run. A few stops, and they'll be able to take some control of this one.

Vlad triple makes it 17-16 LAL.

4:20- Lo picks up his second, and PJ chooses to leave him in. A calculated risk, certainly.

2:56- Lakers down 20-17 coming out of the TO, and the seconds will get some burn. Sasha, Ronny, and Farmar in for Fish, LO, and Vlad. And they kick things off with a TO leading to a Kings bucket. Faboo.

1:56- Great block by Ronny on Artest, coming over from the weak side to swat the attempt away. That's when Ronny is best defensively, when he can roam and come across to help on other shooters.

END OF THE FIRST: The Kings turn the ball over with 2.1 left in the half, and PJ (about 15 feet away from me) barks "Vladdy!" to put him back in the game. Good call. He gets the inbound and drills the three at the buzzer. Before that, Kobe had made a great play to Gasol, drawing the double then lobbing the ball over the top to Gasol, who out reached the Kings defenders for a layup. That's a five point swing at the end of the quarter, turning what might have been a ten point lead (or so) for the Kings into a 27-23 ballgame.

Overall, the Lakers didn't play particularly well in the first. On offense, they actually were overpassing a little, making things more complicated than they needed to be. That's where a lot of the six TOs came from. Six TOs means easy points for any team, let alone one that runs like the Kings.

They'll need to shore things up on both ends.

SECOND QUARTER:

Vlad makes another three, and the Lakers are tied at 28. When he's knocking down shots, Vladdy can really change games.

9:35- Brief scare for the Lakers, as the officials whistled Lamar for his third foul, on Hawes under the basket, loose ball style. Except he wasn't within contact distance of him. It was Ronny. Fortunately for the Lakers, the officials conferred and got it right.

8:47- Pau in the post to Sasha at midrange- he buries it, and the Lakers are up 32-28.

8:32- Damn! I was planning on writing something about the game, but during the timeout they played this tick tac toe game on the court for cash. Not just $50 bucks or something, but the winner was handed 10 $100 bills. A grand! For making some layups. They don't eff around in this building when it comes to giveaways, I guess.

Out of the break, Kobe gets a breather. Vlad, LO, Farmar, Gasol, and Sasha in for the Lakers.

6:21- Kobe back in, LA up by three. Great play by Farmar in the last sequence. He had a chance to put up a triple with Hawes relatively close, adn you could see he thought about it... but then backed off, set the offense back up, and the Lakers were able to get the ball inside to LO. Last week, he'd have shot that ball.

Newble in, and guards Artest.

Apropos to nothing in particular, if you get a chance to watch a Kings broadcast, their sideline reporter is hot. Just thought I'd put that out there.

4:47- Newble called for a foul away from the ball, and Artest goes to the line. Phantom call, it seemed, and I can tell you Ronny didn't like the call. I can't tell you what he said, but trust me, he ddin't like the call.

3:05- LO picks up his third, as Martin comes down on him after taking the jumper. Not sure where the foul was, and it was certainly long after the shot came. That's thre on LO, and he'll have to sit the reast of th ehalf. 45-39, LAL. Important minutes for the Lakers.

First trip, Kobe drives and lobs to Gasol as the double comes. Pau again can't explode up to the hoop, but still has enough on it to draw the foul. I don't think he's got the lift yet to make those powerful moves to the basket. Either way, he'll go to the line with a chance to put the Lakers up by seven.

2:15- Another three from Radmanovic. That makes him 3-5 on the night, and he's tossed in eight boards to boot. This box score is being sent home to momma, I would think.

1:27- Kobe sinks two FTs, and the Lakers are up by ten, 51-41. They're geting it done on both ends in the second quarter, erasing a four point deficit and taking control of the game.

:50- Ticky tack call on Newble, who might have nudged Martin on a moving screen, but it didn't seem like a lot of harm.

END OF THE HALF:

Well, that wasn't very smart. Fish tries to body up Anthony Johnson with 1.7 left, for reasons I don't quite understand. They call the foul, and instead of a desperation three, Anthony Johnson goes to the line for two FTs, which he makes. That takes the Lakers lead down to six, and puts a little damper on what was otherwise a good Q2 for LAL. They outscored the Kings 28-18, and continue to be aggressive and go to the hole. 17 FTs in the first half, a great number on the other team's floor.

They didn't start th egame wel (what else is new?) but made some progress over the second 12. 13 points for Vladdy in the first half. How about that?

More to come.

THIRD QUARTER:

10:40- The Lakers score the first seven points of the quarter, and Reggie Theus has to use a quick TO before this one gets totally out of hand. As is, the Lakers have taken what theoretically could have been a close game adn blown it up a little.

9:47- Kobe to the line, after the Lakers force a TO from the Kings. He makes one of two, and now the Lakers have outscored the Kings 11-2 coming out of the locker room. They've really dropped the hammer on them. 15 point lead. All they need to do now is sustain the pressure for a few more minutes, and they'll have a handle on it.

Kobe drills a three, and the lead is up to 16. Great ball movement in the half from the Lakers, excellent defense as well.

8:30- Artest hits a three, and the Kings get a little momentum, but the Lakers come right back as Vlad gets inside, then feeds LO for an easy layup. On the next trip, Kobe hits Gasol cutting along the left baseline for a bucket.

6:31- LO hits Gasol on the break, and the Lakers are up by 20. They're 9-9 in the quarter with nine dimes. Hard to do much better than that. Nobody stopped LO down the floor, and it was a simple feed to Gasol by the basket.

5:50- 10 of 10, as Kobe hits the jumper coming off the screen. The Lakers did a great job cutting Artest off, and blocking him as Kobe came around. Great play off the ball.

Vlad misses, ending the perfect streak. Bench him! (haha).

76-60 LAL.

3:07- Lakers up 17, off a Vladdy triple. (I guess he redeemed himself). They've done everything they needed to do and more in this quarter, basically coming out and ending any hope of a comeback for Sacramento. Kobe with 14 in the quarter.

Out of the TO, Sasha and Farmar in, Vlad and Fish out.

2:34- Farmar drilled by Garcia, who had turned his ankle on the previous trip up and needed a whistle. I doubt he was trying to hit him in the face, but he needed to get off the court.

:53- Great pas from Sasha to LO as the shot clock was running down. I thought he was going to take the off balance leaner, but instead Sasha made an aggressive bounce pass to a cutting LO for a layup right as the clock expired. Great awareness.

END OF THE THIRD:

Vlad caps off a great quarter with one more jumper off the inbound. That puts a final stamp on what was a totally dominating Q3 for the Lakers. They hit their first 10 shots, each with an assist, kept the pressure on when the Kings tried to fight their way back, and more or less put the game away, giving themselves an 18 point lead going into the fourth.

FOURTH QUARTER:

Newble, Farmar, LO, Ronny, and JF on the floor.

Ronny picks the foul, and you hear PJ say immediately, "No fouls, Ronny." They don't want the Lakers giving anything back easily for the Kings. Make them make shots.

Farmar then forces a steal, and goes the other way for the and-one. Lakers up by 22.

The Kings, killed early by penetration and inside play are now trying to pack in (the Lakers are still getting inside) but now the Lakers are killing them with open looks from midrange, too. This one is firmly in hand, so hopefully Kobe and Pau, already on the bench, can stay there for the rest of the night. Another five minutes and LO can sit down, too.

Less, if the Lakers continue to hit shots, as Sasha just did from the corner.

9:15- Lakers up 96-73.

7:25- Lakers give up 10 unanswered, and Kobe has to come back in. Not what the Lakers wanted.

6:35- Turiaf picks up the foul, chopping down on Sheldon Williams, who makes the three point play, and suddenly the Lakers are up only by 12. Pau back in.

6:03- Timeout on the floor. Lakers up 98-86. Still in control, but it looks like they'll need to play this one to its conclusion, and that means minutes for the starters it would have been nice to save. Hopefully they can push it back up to 15 or more in the next couple minutes, and sit people down again.

3:15- Fish drills a three in the corner, and that's probably the game. Lakers up by 19, 107-88.

2:40- If that wasn't the dagger, Kobe's triple on the next trip down certainly was. Lakers by 22. That'll likely get the starters out of the game for the night. The Lakers got away with shoddy player movement in pushing the lead back up, but hey, why argue? When the shots go down, I guess it's okay.

Kobe's putting the sweats on.

1:15- Some crazy ass woman wearing- literally wearing- a "Kobe for MVP" sign just got shooed out of the aisle by the ushers as she was screaming "Kobe, we love you!" and trying to take a picture.

Wow.

1:00- Lakers up 114-90, but that's okay by the kid behind me, who is a huge Kings fan (he chastised me for being a Lakers writer: "This is ARCO Arena where the Kings play. You should cheer for them.") but is too little to be into the nuances of scoreboard watching.

He's chanting "Lakers out, Lakers out." totally oblivious to the scoreboard.

FINAL SCORE: Lakers 114-92. Not a great start, but the Lakers managed to kick it into gear from Q2 on.

More to come!

Comments

Let's go Lakers! Don't let K-Mart go off!

Posted by: Bzar | April 06, 2008 at 06:12 PM

Any Links Tonight??????? Please?

Posted by: Ron | April 06, 2008 at 06:14 PM

Let's go Lakers. Got to keep pace. Anybody with a link to the game?

Posted by: Andrew | April 06, 2008 at 06:15 PM

As critical as I sometimes have been of Phil, I have to speak out and say how much I like the aggressive call of a time-out. The Lakers got off to a lethargic start. Can't afford to get behind. Go Lakers!

Posted by: Rick Friedman | April 06, 2008 at 06:16 PM

Lamar definitely needs to stay aggressive in taking the ball to the hole
and making dives when the ball goes into the post.

Posted by: Bzar | April 06, 2008 at 06:17 PM

Hello Laker Fans

Let's go beat the Queens.

What is Artest doing out there? He's supposed to be out tonight.

Anyways, they played last night so they shouldn't be able to hang today.

Let's go Lakers

Posted by: Bynumite | April 06, 2008 at 06:17 PM

http://www.justin.tv/jayrntv

Posted by: andand | April 06, 2008 at 06:17 PM

All eyes should be on Lamar in tonight's game to see if the last game was a one-hit wonder and Lamar goes back to his tenative wanna be point guard passing up shots under the basket ways or does he finally get the fact that he will have the mismatch on a smaller player every night and punish them down in the low block and take advantage of scoring situations. We will see...Go lakeshow....

Posted by: 70slakerfan | April 06, 2008 at 06:19 PM

The Kings are coming out determined to be spoilers. They have that LOOK in their eyes that the Lakers are lacking at the moment. Phil's early time-out isn't reaping dividends yet.

Posted by: Rick Friedman | April 06, 2008 at 06:21 PM

Open letter to Phunk36
to chucky33

Because you both have the same URL address and your visceral and incredulous attacks towards Phil Jackson and Luke Walton(let me not forget the BK brothers)have become very incendiary and mean beyond the depths of human dignity. I have come to the conclusion that phunk and chucky are the same person(troll) You seem to be the most hideous of all trolls a person that masquerades as a Laker fan.This investigation and spotlight will be enhanced on you tonite b/c your covers will be pulled for the monstrous troll that exists within the realms of your being.

Posted by: Troll Patrol | April 06, 2008 at 01:41 PM

Posted by: Troll Patrol | April 06, 2008 at 06:21 PM

Any links? Channelsurfing and justintv not working. Thanks.

Posted by: Laker/KobeFan | April 06, 2008 at 06:22 PM

Mikki Moore is a clown!

Posted by: chuck23 | April 06, 2008 at 06:23 PM

I guess with no Luke tonight, everyone will have to find someone else
to complain about it. At least we should see what Ira can do for us
when given some minutes. Looking forward to that.

Posted by: Bzar | April 06, 2008 at 06:23 PM

Lamar's been averaging 15 points on 58% shooting since All-Star, that's all I need. Games like Friday's are nice but not required.

Dunk that Pau, Vlad.

Let's go Lakers.

Posted by: Bynumite | April 06, 2008 at 06:24 PM

When you allow a team like the kings that are going nowhere to play with you early, it is hard to put them away. The lakers didn't come out with energy so it will be a tough game.

Posted by: 70slakerfan | April 06, 2008 at 06:24 PM

Wow mikki moore has his 5 minutes

Posted by: playa | April 06, 2008 at 06:25 PM

we can't afford to give in to the kings tonight. we need to be aggressive and toss up "jumpers" all night, as they will end up as EASY transition buckets for the kings.

Posted by: monk one | April 06, 2008 at 06:25 PM

Did the Lakers not see the Hornets dominate? Did they not see Phoenix fade against the Mav's comeback? Just comatose out there. Let's clean it up. Let's go Lakers.

Posted by: Rick Friedman | April 06, 2008 at 06:25 PM

Go Rudy Pudy! That guy needs to root for a champion ship team!

Posted by: chuck23 | April 06, 2008 at 06:26 PM

I'd personally like to encourage Spencer Hawes to shoot as many 3s as he likes. Hilarious. Fire away, Spence.

Posted by: JJ | April 06, 2008 at 06:27 PM

We need Rad to turn the corner starting tonight! His shooting could make our quest for the prize one to remember. Go Rad!

Posted by: chuck23 | April 06, 2008 at 06:30 PM

Can't let Mikki Moore of all people beat you.

Posted by: Bynumite | April 06, 2008 at 06:31 PM

Is there a link that works?

Wes

Posted by: wesjoenixon | April 06, 2008 at 06:32 PM

hey Fellow LAker Bros.

we are going to win tonight!!!

yessss sir.

Colorado ..second home of the LAKERS!

Posted by: Lakers4Realz | April 06, 2008 at 06:32 PM

JJ!

Great to have you back, brother! We've missed you!

GO LAKERS!

Posted by: Jon K. | April 06, 2008 at 06:33 PM

Hahah, those Kings fans behind Stu and Joel are pretty loud

"He carried the Ball"

"That's BS"

Posted by: Bynumite | April 06, 2008 at 06:34 PM

one-hit wonder

and like farmar, after a few great reviews for the personal archive becomes the same old self

by the time i was typing this, farmar TO in first touch. the future

Posted by: ZIn Master | April 06, 2008 at 06:35 PM

Ugh - these slow Laker starts are just rough on a fan to watch.

Posted by: AimlessDriver | April 06, 2008 at 06:35 PM

Wassup Lakerville!

Good day to beat the Queens.

Let's go Lakers! clap clap clap clap clap...

Posted by: SamII | April 06, 2008 at 06:36 PM

Every game is difficult when we start in the hole 5-10 points. We need more scoring from Kobe at the start.

Posted by: Jman449 | April 06, 2008 at 06:36 PM

justin tv link is working fine

Posted by: monk one | April 06, 2008 at 06:36 PM

I hope Ira gets more run than just end of quarters.

Posted by: Bzar | April 06, 2008 at 06:36 PM

we 're playing really poor, at least ronny sends the message ;)

Posted by: playa | April 06, 2008 at 06:37 PM

The Lakers need to stop jumping in the air and passing the ball, the kings aren't fooled. Shoot the ball when you are that close to the rim lamar and kobe...

Posted by: 70slakerfan | April 06, 2008 at 06:38 PM

I GET IT NOW
NOT COACHING
IS COACHING
GO GO PHILIBUSTER

Posted by: Troll Man | April 06, 2008 at 06:38 PM

why haven't we seen Mihm in the last few games? Is he injured again?

Posted by: tim | April 06, 2008 at 06:38 PM

nice 3 VLAD!

Posted by: monk one | April 06, 2008 at 06:38 PM

Oh, yeah. That's why we hired Rad Vlad.

Posted by: Jon K. | April 06, 2008 at 06:39 PM

Pretty nice work by the Lakers to end a horrible quarter.

Posted by: Bynumite | April 06, 2008 at 06:39 PM

Gotta love it... like Stu said, Vlad Rad made Phil look like a genius with that
last second substitution!

Hopefully Vlad continues to hit everything he throws up there.

Posted by: Bzar | April 06, 2008 at 06:40 PM

HELL YEAH!!! PHIL JUST MADE A PERFECT DECISION WITH LAST ACTION VLAD SUB,WHAT A THREEEEEE!!!!!

Posted by: playa | April 06, 2008 at 06:40 PM

The Kings won the opening quarter by playing aggressive DEFENSE. Only Ronny distinguished himself on Defense with those blocks. From here on out, it must be D_E_F_E_N_S_E as the Lakers mantra. Go Lakers!

Posted by: Rick Friedman | April 06, 2008 at 06:41 PM

I like Ronny's energy. 2 blocks already.

They need to limit their turnovers though... and tighten up on D. They're making Mikki Moore look like an All Star.

Go Lakers!

Posted by: SamII | April 06, 2008 at 06:42 PM

agressive jordan ,i like it

Posted by: playa | April 06, 2008 at 06:43 PM

do you know the janeironation link? can you post it here?

Posted by: allansy8 | April 06, 2008 at 06:43 PM

That's the RAD VLAD we've been waiting for!

First Lamar Odom comes into maturity!

Rad Vlad is the next in the line of succession!

Let's do this!

Posted by: Jon K. | April 06, 2008 at 06:45 PM

Stop the dumb a s s passing the ball in close, all it does is create turn overs Lamar!!...Damm

Posted by: 70slakerfan | April 06, 2008 at 06:48 PM

Troll Patrol
You obviously must be Luke and PJ towel boy and who knows what else?

My suggestion to you is to pull the covers off your blinded misguided infactuation for PJ and Luke and try to figure out who Troll Patrol really is?

P.S Enjoy the game! Go Lakers!!!!

Posted by: chuck23 | April 06, 2008 at 06:50 PM

god damn, martin is really ANNOYING with those attemps to get a call which are 99% of the time sucessfull

Posted by: playa | April 06, 2008 at 06:50 PM

Kobe really needs to stop waiting for his offense. He gets paid to score points. He should decide to shoot or pass the ball but he must be aggressive all the time, he can handle it...

Posted by: 70slakerfan | April 06, 2008 at 06:55 PM

Vladdy is BALLINNNNNN

Posted by: playa | April 06, 2008 at 06:57 PM

Sactown announcers marvelling that Kobe has never won an MVP.

Posted by: HappyCamper | April 06, 2008 at 07:02 PM

Good D by Ira!

Posted by: chuck23 | April 06, 2008 at 07:03 PM

That's why I like Newble... he's good around the boards. Looks like he can match Artest's strength. Go Ira!

Posted by: SamII | April 06, 2008 at 07:03 PM

i've got to say i really like the way is ira playing

Posted by: playa | April 06, 2008 at 07:04 PM

I'm surprised Ira Newble is in.

Posted by: Jon K. | April 06, 2008 at 07:05 PM

HEYYYYYYYY

KEVIN MARTIN IS ONE OF THE BIGGEST OFFENSIVE FLOPPERS EVER IN NBA HISTORY.

Newble's Defense is awesome

Posted by: Paul Lee | April 06, 2008 at 07:06 PM

chuck23

I couldn't have said it better myself!

Posted by: pfunk36 | April 06, 2008 at 07:06 PM

With Lamar and Braveheart in foul trouble, why not put in The Banger or Chris Mihm and move Pau Gasol to power forward?

Posted by: Jon K. | April 06, 2008 at 07:06 PM

and martin is such a faker.... its PATHETIC

Posted by: playa | April 06, 2008 at 07:06 PM

When contesting a shot, you are taught to jump straight up in the air, not foward into the shooter Lamar.. The lakers give up too many silly fouls and smart elite playoff teams just don"t do things like that this time of year.....

Posted by: 70slakerfan | April 06, 2008 at 07:09 PM

Are there any working links for the game? Channelsurfing.net is not working. I need my Lakers fix.

GO LAKERS!!!

Posted by: Stephen W. | April 06, 2008 at 07:10 PM

sup with the sac fan talking hella trash on the kcal feed?

Posted by: monk one | April 06, 2008 at 07:10 PM

It is so nice to have a small forward (Ira) who can put a body on Ron (cough, cough, Luke).

Posted by: passionate Lakers fan | April 06, 2008 at 07:12 PM

Hey Everybody

There is one loud king Fan that is really talking alot of BS. Can anyone else hear this guy?

Posted by: Paul Lee | April 06, 2008 at 07:12 PM

andand,

I just saw the link. Thanks.

Posted by: Stephen W. | April 06, 2008 at 07:14 PM

Man, Vlad shows absolutely no effort on defense.
And that's why Newble stays so much on the bench, he blows on the offensive end.

Posted by: Brazilian Laker | April 06, 2008 at 07:16 PM

And oh my god, what the hell is wrong with Fisher? He must be smoking something..that's not normal.

Posted by: Brazilian Laker | April 06, 2008 at 07:17 PM

great offensive 1 half by vlade, good deffensive 1 half by ira

Posted by: playa | April 06, 2008 at 07:17 PM

Not a bad first half. Rad Vlad looks great. The foul trouble does concern me a bit.

Posted by: Jon K. | April 06, 2008 at 07:17 PM

Did BK's laptop die or what?? Updates are very slow tonight? Where's
the mothership when you need them?

Posted by: Bzar | April 06, 2008 at 07:18 PM

All fish did was hold his hands up and move his feet. Terrible call by the official. Fish doesn't have to move back and let Johnson shoot the ball. Fish did nothing wrong on the play..Bad call!! and it won't be the last...The officials have been consistently bad all year for all teams...

Posted by: 70slakerfan | April 06, 2008 at 07:18 PM

Please get your head in the game.

Irony is Vlad Rad seems to have his in the game for once lol.

Posted by: Faith | April 06, 2008 at 07:19 PM

They should get that shouting Kings fan out of Stu and Joel's area, or get him to shut up.

Posted by: LakerAnyDay | April 06, 2008 at 07:21 PM

guess with no Luke tonight, everyone will have to find someone else
to complain about it. At least we should see what Ira can do for us
when given some minutes. Looking forward to that.

Ira has shown me more in just a few minutes (moves his feet on defense, puts his body on a muscular Artest, looked Artest in the eyes to suggest, "you can't punk me in the post the way you would Luke", several offensive rebounds) than Puke "30 million" Walton has shown all season.

Posted by: passionate Lakers fan | April 06, 2008 at 07:23 PM

So many bad calls.. No worries... We will be more aggressived in the 3rd quarter.. and in the 4th they'll know who owns the throne and crown.

Go Kobe! GO Lakers!

Posted by: trio | April 06, 2008 at 07:25 PM

Posted by: trio | April 06, 2008 at 07:26 PM

Jimmy Clark #6 = Worst official in NBA?

Posted by: Jman449 | April 06, 2008 at 07:31 PM

Hey Brazilian Laker,

Where are you from?

Just thinking that if you are in SP we could get together (not in a gay sense) to watch some playoff games.

Posted by: Allan - Brazil | April 06, 2008 at 07:34 PM

2nd half...
Excellent way to begin...

Posted by: monk one | April 06, 2008 at 07:34 PM

wow vlad rad playing the game of his life

Posted by: David Whang | April 06, 2008 at 07:34 PM

Good steal by Vladdy and nice dunk by Pau!

Vladdy for 3!!! He's ballin!

Posted by: SamII | April 06, 2008 at 07:34 PM

Well, that run shut up that noisy Kings fan in the background. GO LAKERS!

Posted by: LakerAnyDay | April 06, 2008 at 07:36 PM

One good pass deserves another... Pau passing to Radman for a 3 after Rad made a nice pass to Pau on the dunk.

Posted by: SamII | April 06, 2008 at 07:36 PM

Man, I wish Vlad Rad would play like this more often.

Posted by: passionate Lakers fan | April 06, 2008 at 07:36 PM

Our defense is taking the wind out of their sales!

Posted by: Faith | April 06, 2008 at 07:40 PM

KOBE!!!! is lightin up the 3ball..

Posted by: monk one | April 06, 2008 at 07:42 PM

Kobe to Pau is a beautiful thing.

Posted by: HappyCamper | April 06, 2008 at 07:42 PM

Kobe needs to keep it going...He can't be stopped...Kobe is leading his team...

Posted by: 70slakerfan | April 06, 2008 at 07:42 PM

Killin em.

Killin em softly!

Posted by: Faith | April 06, 2008 at 07:42 PM

Tsk tsk... Hawes on the offensive rebound. They need to box out on rebounds and not allow the Queens to get second chance points. It's been a problem for them most of the year.

Posted by: SamII | April 06, 2008 at 07:43 PM

i guess Kobe thinks its time haha

Posted by: playa | April 06, 2008 at 07:43 PM

PJ looks really involved this second half! Good to see that he cares!

Posted by: chuck23 | April 06, 2008 at 07:43 PM

Kobe wants to pull the plug on the Kings... take them off of life support (as Stu
likes to say).

Posted by: Bzar | April 06, 2008 at 07:43 PM

The Lakers could use a time-out. Defense is slipping in the final minutes of the third.

Posted by: Rick Friedman | April 06, 2008 at 07:45 PM

fish is terrible at fast break. and lobs

Posted by: ZIn Master | April 06, 2008 at 07:46 PM

6 unanswered since the TO... let's regain this... close out the qtr.

Posted by: monk one | April 06, 2008 at 07:47 PM

MARTIN IS THE SECOND COMING OF D.WADE!!!!! DISGUSTING!!!!

Posted by: playa | April 06, 2008 at 07:48 PM

*sails lol.

Posted by: Faith | April 06, 2008 at 07:48 PM

Vladdy all over tha place... rebounds... passes... 3 balls! He's really on tonight! If he could only play like this every game... or at least in most games. Go Radman!

Posted by: SamII | April 06, 2008 at 07:50 PM

the more i see Vlad playing in this fashion, the less i want to see of Luke. not to bash on the kid (injuries aside), but what exactly were the reasons that compelled Mitch to drop $30mil on him?

Posted by: monk one | April 06, 2008 at 07:51 PM

Just back from playing drums and I am sooo glad to see the Lakers kickin butt. Shall I drink beer or congnac? My wife is no help at all. Lemme know.

Posted by: JohnnyP | April 06, 2008 at 07:51 PM

we'll be fine,just hold the 15 point lead to the forth

Posted by: playa | April 06, 2008 at 07:51 PM

Guys I need an answer fast!!! Cognac or beer?

Posted by: JohnnyP | April 06, 2008 at 07:55 PM

and artest is a master in hittin luckiest 3s

Posted by: playa | April 06, 2008 at 07:56 PM

I read something today that said that AB was DEFINITELY not coming back before the playoffs. Anyone hear or see anything like that from LA management?

Posted by: JJ | April 06, 2008 at 07:56 PM

Is there ever a game when Sasha doesn't get punched/slapped/elbowed in the face? I think not.

GO Lakers!

Posted by: HappyCamper | April 06, 2008 at 07:57 PM

I like that.

Designated shooter lol.

Go Rad!

Posted by: Faith | April 06, 2008 at 07:58 PM

VLAD to close it out, again....

Posted by: monk one | April 06, 2008 at 07:59 PM

Lamar played his best game as a Laker Friday.
VladRad is playing his best game as a Laker tonite.
Luke: take note.

Posted by: passionate Lakers fan | April 06, 2008 at 07:59 PM

wooo hooo! keep it up Vlade! My only hope is that we can get VladRad and LO fired up in the same game. Who could stop that 1-2 punch?

Posted by: AimlessDriver | April 06, 2008 at 07:59 PM

Beer. This is a relaxing beer game.

If this was against the bobcats, I'd say Cognac lol.

Posted by: Faith | April 06, 2008 at 07:59 PM

Very nice to see Vlad bounce back...and bounce back in a BIG WAY!

Posted by: Hansoulfood | April 06, 2008 at 08:00 PM

just cant believe it, VLADDY IS PHENOMENAL TONIGHT!!!

Posted by: playa | April 06, 2008 at 08:00 PM

I really hope to see Chris Mihm and Pau Gasol in at the same time in the fourth quarter.

Posted by: Jon K. | April 06, 2008 at 08:00 PM

monk one
My guess is that Mitch and PJ are grooming him to be Lakers next GM! Which again makes me ask the question why 30 mill and 6yrs?

Posted by: chuck23 | April 06, 2008 at 08:01 PM

I love Braveheart.

But he needs to learn how to play without fouling.

He's using up all our fouls.

Posted by: Faith | April 06, 2008 at 08:02 PM

Season highs in points AND rebounds for Vlad Rad...and with one more quarter to go. Knew he was capable, but it would be huge to add him to the list of gamebreakers if he makes the turn at this point in the season. Awesome.

Posted by: JJ | April 06, 2008 at 08:02 PM

83% shooting in that quarter. That'll get 'er done.

Posted by: HappyCamper | April 06, 2008 at 08:02 PM

only cognac

Posted by: ZIn Master | April 06, 2008 at 08:03 PM

Could not have said it better.

Posted by: passionate Lakers fan | April 06, 2008 at 08:03 PM

Vlad must have read this blog from Friday night...he knew he had to show up tonite or else...

Posted by: LakerGurl | April 06, 2008 at 08:03 PM

It's good to see Farmar passing to Sasha for an assist!

You guys want Rad to play like this everyday? Don't try Puke!!

Posted by: Robyn | April 06, 2008 at 08:03 PM

Thanks Faith!!!! I'll go get one now : )

Posted by: JohnnyP | April 06, 2008 at 08:03 PM

"The game is in the refrigerator, the door is closed, the lights are out, the eggs are cooling, the butter's getting hard, and the jello's jiggling!"

Lakers got it done!

Yes, I'm calling it 10 minutes into the 4th lol.

Posted by: Faith | April 06, 2008 at 08:04 PM

well done jordan, well done, boy you are quick are you

Posted by: playa | April 06, 2008 at 08:04 PM

I am so happy to see Lamar being aggressive...I hope he takes that concept straight into the playoffs.

Posted by: LakerGurl | April 06, 2008 at 08:06 PM

Got the feeling Sasha is going bombs away this quarter...he'll throw them up until Phil sits him, which might not be a bad idea if he wants the other guys to get some work on the offensive end.

Posted by: JJ | April 06, 2008 at 08:07 PM

Does anyone know what kind of gum Frank Hamlein is chewing? Lakers Blowout!!!

Posted by: chuck23 | April 06, 2008 at 08:08 PM

Put in Mihm!

Posted by: Jon K. | April 06, 2008 at 08:08 PM

This reminds me of the last game. Few people said great things about them, but we held and extended our lead when our second string was out there THE BENCH MOB!!!

We are clicking on all cylinders. We were wondering if LO would be a third option. We now we know he is. We also know that Rad is a fourth, Farmer is a great guard, Sasha great skills at fifth. In other words, we've got options.

Gasol and Kobe rest and lets GO LAKERS!!!!!

Posted by: JohnnyP | April 06, 2008 at 08:08 PM

How great is it to see a blowout for a change??

Posted by: HappyCamper | April 06, 2008 at 08:10 PM

Faith you live up to your name, But I believe. If you say its refrigerated with ten to go, I believe you.

TIME OUT NOW!!!! Lets not put our faith to the test.

Posted by: JohnnyP | April 06, 2008 at 08:10 PM

Fun Q3 numbers:

Lakers shoot 83% from the floor, 83% from beyond the arc. They had 15 buckets, with 15 dimes.

That's pretty good.

Posted by: Brian Kamenetzky | April 06, 2008 at 08:11 PM

Houston really screwed the pooch by giving up Rick Adelman as their coach. Just stupid.

Posted by: Jon K. | April 06, 2008 at 08:12 PM

few moronic plays and they ruin kobe's rest... damn

Posted by: playa | April 06, 2008 at 08:12 PM

Farmar is really becoming annoying at times...

Posted by: LakerGurl | April 06, 2008 at 08:13 PM

Does Farmar have any basketball sense? Take the ball back out and reset your offense!! Idiot!!

Posted by: Simone | April 06, 2008 at 08:13 PM

I know they are making a little run, but . . .

I live in NYC. I park my bike at the Christopher street stop in the gay area. THere are some queens there. They are tough. You bloggers in Brazil know exactly what I'm talking about.

Here's my point. I think calling the Kings the Queens is giving them too much credit. THey are not that macho. THey are like retarded little cripple sissies, not big strapping Queens.

COME ON LAKERS!!! STOP THE BLEEDING!!!

Posted by: JohnnyP | April 06, 2008 at 08:14 PM

JohnnyP

u jinxed the lakers w your beer

cognac is for celebration

Posted by: ZIn Master | April 06, 2008 at 08:14 PM

Well, that sequence got Ira a seat on the bench!

Posted by: HappyCamper | April 06, 2008 at 08:14 PM

and now shelden "the elbow" williams... what a looser

Posted by: playa | April 06, 2008 at 08:15 PM

lol. I do indeed have Faith on the lakers.

But even with this drama. It's all academic. The Lakers has won.

Posted by: Faith | April 06, 2008 at 08:15 PM

So much for resting the whole 4th quarter... just need to play solid defense
and use clock by running the offense and stop jacking up so many early shots!

Posted by: Bzar | April 06, 2008 at 08:15 PM

farmar is "only" about farmar

Posted by: ZIn Master | April 06, 2008 at 08:16 PM

Phil took out the starters way too soon. Should have waited until the 6 minute mark.

Posted by: Robyn | April 06, 2008 at 08:16 PM

i just turned on the game...where is the blowout everyone here is talking about?

Posted by: tim | April 06, 2008 at 08:17 PM

I've been very disappointed with Farmar lately. At this point, I personally won't be looking forward to seeing him in the playoffs at any time of any game. Anyone out there want to try and give me some faith in the kid?

Posted by: JJ | April 06, 2008 at 08:18 PM

I'm shocked that Luke Walton hasn't played tonight.

Posted by: Jon K. | April 06, 2008 at 08:18 PM

Kobe's just playing with them now.

Posted by: Faith | April 06, 2008 at 08:19 PM

damn, sorry guys..I was watching the Clippers game by accident. Turned to channel 9 and found the blowout game people were talking about

Posted by: tim | April 06, 2008 at 08:22 PM

OHHHH... that hurt... Nasty 3 by KOBE... just like that and it's back to a 22 points lead... 110 - 88 Lakers

Posted by: | April 06, 2008 at 08:22 PM

Nice composure during that Sac run.

MVP!

Posted by: HappyCamper | April 06, 2008 at 08:22 PM

Kobe bails PJ out again!! Can U hear the cow bells?

Posted by: chuck23 | April 06, 2008 at 08:23 PM

Stu said that Luke is injured!! How badly?? Does anyone know how many games he'll miss??

Posted by: JohnnyP | April 06, 2008 at 08:23 PM

and kobe just came in and took completely control of the game , that's what mvps do i think :)

Posted by: playa | April 06, 2008 at 08:23 PM

I've been hard on VladRad.
However, with an inside presence (i.e. Drew or Pau), he can (and will) drill the outside 3.
I've been hard on Lamar.
However, he is finally playing like an all-star.
I've been hard on Luke.
And I will continue to be hard on Luke.

Posted by: passionate Lakers fan | April 06, 2008 at 08:23 PM

JJ,

I too have been disappointed in Jordan. I think having Java traded really got him off his groove.

That said, I think he'll show his stuff come playoffs. Farmar is nothing but a winner. He was a winner in HS, college (and in fact was the only one of the UCLA players playing in the finals, metaphorically). He just needs to make the adjustment from being a PG and being aggressive.

I know one thing, having Bynum back on the court with him will transform him 360. Remember their chemistry? That's partly why I think he's going to be huge, and why Bynum has to come off the bench at least for awhile come last few games of the season/playoffs (early).

Posted by: Faith | April 06, 2008 at 08:23 PM

Jon K, Luke is out with a hammy. Probably just this game.

Posted by: JJ | April 06, 2008 at 08:24 PM

Mbenga TIME!!!

Posted by: chuck23 | April 06, 2008 at 08:24 PM

Luke has been missing all season.

Posted by: passionate Lakers fan | April 06, 2008 at 08:25 PM

Sasha with the dipsy do!!

Posted by: chuck23 | April 06, 2008 at 08:25 PM

If Luke is injured, it might be a blessing.

Posted by: "Pig" Miller | April 06, 2008 at 08:26 PM

Sasha might actually be the real deal and not just some strange experiment.

Posted by: Jon K. | April 06, 2008 at 08:26 PM

i feel the same

Posted by: ZIn Master | April 06, 2008 at 08:26 PM

There's still a blowout game... thanks to KOBE...

Posted by: | April 06, 2008 at 08:26 PM

I'm not really worried though. If Luke is hurt, PJ can still play him. Its not like Rad can really replace him, right?

Posted by: JohnnyP | April 06, 2008 at 08:26 PM

Sasha!!
Ugly, yet effective!

Posted by: HappyCamper | April 06, 2008 at 08:27 PM

What happend to Mbenga?

Posted by: chuck23 | April 06, 2008 at 08:29 PM

Can Sasha play defense? SOrry I was mean to Luke . . .

NOT!!!

Passionate Laker Fan, pick up the Luke bashing for me, I feel so guilty doing it.

That was a great game and a good beer!! Good Night!!!

Posted by: JohnnyP | April 06, 2008 at 08:30 PM

Thanks, Faith. That provided me with some reassurance. I'm not as scared of the thought of seeing Jordan in the postseason now. Good points about he and AB, too.

Has anyone else heard the report that Bynum will DEFINITELY not get into a game before the playoffs start??? I was really hoping for, at the very least, a 10/15 minute stint in each of the last 2 games.

Posted by: JJ | April 06, 2008 at 08:30 PM

114-92 ... what can I ask for more...

Just the way I like it...

I love this game... if you don't love Lakers basketball you don't know basketball at all...

I'm out!

Posted by: dice8up | April 06, 2008 at 08:30 PM

Lets's see, No Luke means Vlade doesn't have to look over his shoulder every second to see if PJ is going to replace him every time he makes a mistake.

Results:
Superior all around game!

Without Luke, Nine Rings can't play his favorite experiment ala Kwame.

Posted by: Notes on a Scorecard | April 06, 2008 at 08:31 PM

JohnnyP,
Luke Walton "sat" himself out for this game (baby) with a strained hamstring lol.

Posted by: Faith | April 06, 2008 at 08:32 PM

MIGHT is truly an understatement, how about "it is a blessing"

Posted by: LakerGurl | April 06, 2008 at 08:32 PM

VladRad stated he played a bad game Friday.
See what happens when one admits the truth?
You have a monster game the following game.
Congrats Vlad.
Now if we could Luke-and his supporters-to admit the truth about his game.

Posted by: passionate Lakers fan | April 06, 2008 at 08:32 PM

I think tonight's box score should show: Luke Walton, minus 22.

Luke probably shouldn't have been playing injured in previous games, because his natural slowness, which was tolerable, became a liability.

Posted by: Amazing_Happens | April 06, 2008 at 08:33 PM

Bloggers

Never underestimate the negative effect that Phil Jackson has had on Vlad's game! You can play a lot better if you do not have to look over your shoulder for Phil to holla "LUKE GET VLADDY". If Ariza returns with his athleticism and Ira contributes with his spot on defense plus Vladdy to spread the floor.........should Luke Walton play? Hell.........should he even be on this team??
Should he even be in the NBA?

Luke being out was a blessing because it handcuffs Phil to limit his rotations and stops him from "coaching" us right out of games by trying to make Luke relevant.

Now we don't have to listen to him come up with these strange explanations of why Luke was in the game.

Go Lakers

Posted by: pfunk36 | April 06, 2008 at 08:33 PM

Great win. 5 left boys. Win them all, and we're more than likely the champs of the West. Still got SA and NO once each, and would own a tiebreak with each if we win. It's starting to get fun.

Posted by: JJ | April 06, 2008 at 08:35 PM

Don't worry I'll make sure Luke stays injured for the rest of the year and the playoffs.

Posted by: Gary Vitti | April 06, 2008 at 08:36 PM

Good night, Laker fans around the world. We can all bask in a feel-good start to this week. A nice win, with pretty much all cylinders firing.

Thank God for League Pass!

Posted by: HappyCamper | April 06, 2008 at 08:38 PM

What a great post-game interview with VladRad! He owned up to a very bad game on Friday night. He revealed that PJ gave him a very hard time in the locker-room (apparently before the game). All very insightful.

The Lakers overcame a lethargic start, and from the 2nd quarter on, really took control of the game. Heading down the stretch, that's definitely the kind of play everyone's looking for.

It was also a game that showed how unimportant Luke has become, this season.

Now it's on to Portland, where the Lakers must continue to play as well as they did tonight. The Conference championship is in sight. Go Lakers!

Posted by: Rick Friedman | April 06, 2008 at 08:38 PM

Common now... no bashing on our players...

Luke has in many circumstances, have given the Lakers some memorable moments, albiet too few... but still memorable...

Luke is only good for 10-15 minutes of playing time... everybody can get a hold of that...

but no bashing now... and let's just celebrate what's passing before our very eyes...

GO KOBE! 2008 MVP...

Posted by: dice8up | April 06, 2008 at 08:38 PM

Faith,

Wonderful to see you standing up for Farmar. While he wasn't shooting that well tonight, he was very aggressive. Hardly a great night for the Bench Mob, so we're likely to see them come back strong on Tuesday.

Posted by: Rick Friedman | April 06, 2008 at 08:43 PM

I NEED LUKE

WITHOUT LUKE... THE LAKERS ARE A GREAT
WITHOUT LUKE... PHIL IS GREAT
WITHOUT LUKE... VLADE IS GREAT

COME BACK SOON LUKE

Posted by: Troll Man | April 06, 2008 at 08:44 PM

iNCREDIBLE GAME FROM VLAD.... JUST INCREDIBLE...

21 POINTS AND 14 REBOUNDS.... WAIT A MINUTE... 14 CAROMS... I HAVE NEVER SEEN HIM GOOBLE UP THOSE REBOUND BEFORE...

LAKERS IN THE FINALS....

Posted by: dice8up | April 06, 2008 at 08:44 PM

The Lakers seems to play better defense on the road than at staples center. Can anyone explain why?

Posted by: A A Los | April 06, 2008 at 08:46 PM

This Luke bashing is why us sane Laker fans avoid this blog for weeks at a time.

"If Ira contributes with his spot on defense"??? What are you talking about??? Prior to tonight, Newble had played 2:39 since March 21st!!! Tonight, he played 10 mins, had zero points, 2 rebounds, 2 turnovers, and 4 fouls!!! Yeah, who needs Walton with numbers like that!!!

If you are going to complain about someone, at least check yourself and make sure you do it rationally. Some of you are hopeless.

Luke has plenty of bad stretches, but he probably won us that Wizards game last week...that alone is 1 more game than Newble has ever won anyone. The Lakers bench is VEEERY short right now, and along with Newble, Turiaf, Vujacic, and Farmar, Luke is the only other backup that gets playing time. With the way those other 4 are all playing lately (NOT GOOD), then if you can't understand why he gets minutes with those guys to choose from, then I'm sorry, you'll never understand the game of basketball.

Posted by: JJ | April 06, 2008 at 08:46 PM

Just to be fair, I did not see how Ira was much better than Luke today. Granted, it does not cost us 5M per year...

Posted by: LAL_Fan | April 06, 2008 at 08:47 PM

PJ should send Puke to the D League instead. I want my other Coby!!!

Posted by: Robyn | April 06, 2008 at 08:49 PM

look who's in the #6 slot right now....the suns. we finish #3 and guess who we play in rd. 1? i will love watching LA destroy Phoenix this year.

Posted by: here we go | April 06, 2008 at 08:49 PM

We all think Kobe is the MVP but the harsh reality is, until the MVP voting is put in the hands of players and coaches and not in the hands of sports writers that dislike kobe and only wish they had talent to do their jobs like Kobe does his, then Kobe will go down as a finals MVP and the best player in the NBA to not win a regular season MVP and everyone in basketball will take the award as a joke and know just how bogus it is....

Posted by: 70slakerfan | April 06, 2008 at 08:52 PM

The ARROGANT SUNS JUST LOST TO THE MAVS...

THE BIG WHINER DISAPPEARED IN THE FOURTH... SO WITH THE 2 TIMES MVP... THE GREAT STEVE NASH...

I CAN'T BELIEVE THESE PHX TEAM PLAYS LIKE THAT...

3 ALL STARS ... 2 MVP WINNERS ... SIXTH MAN OF THE YEAR... ALL-DEFENSE TEAM.... THEY SHOULD BE DOMINATING... THAT LINEUP THEY HAVE O NLY HAS BOSTON TO COMPARE TO...

OUR LAKERS:

2 ALL STARS ... 2 LEGITIMATE STARTER, AND NOTHING ELSE...

GO LAKERS... SHOW THIS ARROGANT SUNS WHERE THEY BELONG...

Posted by: dice8up | April 06, 2008 at 08:56 PM

The lakers may have to package Luke, mihm and newble for a player to backup kobe. The lakers have a log jam at that position and everyone out plays Luke....

Posted by: 70slakerfan | April 06, 2008 at 09:00 PM

BLOG CRUE
Spent the weekend in Albuquerque, not back home. Great win tonight. It's good to be back.

Colorado loves the Lakers!

Posted by: Hugo Boss | April 06, 2008 at 09:00 PM

Posted by: JJ | April 06, 2008 at 08:46 PM
==========================================

cOULDN'TBE MORE TRUE..

I HOPE EVERYBODY CAN JUST APPRECIATE TRUE BASKETBALL ...

Posted by: dice8up | April 06, 2008 at 09:11 PM

JJ is right.

Guys. We won. If you want to rag on Luke Walton, in my mind it just makes you a hateful moron.

Celebrate. Don't hate. Haters suck.

Posted by: Jon K. | April 06, 2008 at 09:11 PM

LAKERS PLAYOFF ROTATION:

First Unit:
F - Odom
F - Radmanovic
C - Gasol
G - Bryant
G - Fisher

Second Unit:
F - Turiaf
F - Walton
C - Bynum
G - Vujacic
G - Farmar

Awesome... real awesome.

Posted by: Raymond42n | April 06, 2008 at 09:15 PM

By the way, the "Puke" moniker is so terribly lame. Whoever uses it is a complete moron, as far as I'm concerned.

Luke is a good player who's been having a moderately rough year.

I simply do not understand all the hate in the face of this remarkable season. Some people are seriously screwed up.

I mean, first there was Kwame (who deserved most of the criticism he received). He left.

And then it seemed like the haters had no one to focus their hate upon. So Luke became the sacrificial lamb.

No one ripped on Luke when we had Kwame, and Luke wasn't playing much worse then.

Now, a quarter of Laker Nation (the jerks) want Luke lead out of town on a rail.

Morons and haters. I'm so tired of this crap.

Support your damn team!

Posted by: Jon K. | April 06, 2008 at 09:20 PM

The Lakers put a nice, professional beatdown on a lesser team tonight. It was definitely nice to see. Vlad Rad made the game easy with his contributions. Kobe, LO and Pau were on cruise control and they all played very efficiently. It's great to see the ball being shared so well.

GO LAKERS!!!!

Posted by: bronxlakerfan | April 06, 2008 at 09:21 PM

If guys maybe want to express the fact that they don't like Luke Walton's game, and are glad he's not playing, so be it.

Oh well if they don't.

I don't.

Posted by: "Pig" Miller | April 06, 2008 at 09:21 PM

Kobe = "the price of admission"

Posted by: jandro | April 06, 2008 at 09:21 PM

this was Ira's first significant minutes of the year and obviously he was pressing.
We have all seen what Puke (TS JonK) can do with chance after chance after chance.
given time, Ira will bring a heck of a lot more than
Puke
Puke
Puke
Puke
Puke

Posted by: Notes on a Scorecard | April 06, 2008 at 09:30 PM

Listen to Jon K. (the blog Nazi) lecture us on being haters. That is the funniest freakin thing I have read on the blog in months.

Every other word off his keyboard is hate: He's a tool. He's a troll. USC sucks. Your in idiot. The KBros are .....F...ing Jerks. Numerous posts deleted for unknown hate.

You are the worst kind of hypocrite.

You are the biggest hater on the blog. Well maybe second behind GUNNER. You just can't stand that everyone sees how terrible Luke is, cause for whatever reason......Luke is your boy.

Posted by: Eric M | April 06, 2008 at 09:31 PM

VLADRAD
WOW, what a performance.
If Vlad can have just one of these games in each playoff series, we will be set (I'm hoping for more).

JJ,
You wrote" Luke has plenty of bad stretches, but he probably won us that Wizards game last week...that alone is 1 more game than Newble has ever won anyone."

But Newble has NEVER lost us a game. Luke has lost plenty of games for this team.

GO VLAD!
GO LAKERS!

Posted by: LAKER TRUTH | April 06, 2008 at 09:38 PM

So much for sanity!!

Posted by: chuck23 | April 06, 2008 at 09:38 PM

Hey everyone, was Andrew in uniform on the bench tonight? I was so caught up in the game that I didn't check to see if he was on the bench and if he was in uniform. Great win by our Lakers tonight. Onward and upward!!! Go Lakers!!!

Posted by: Nemaia Faletogo | April 06, 2008 at 09:42 PM

By the way, the "Puke" moniker is so terribly lame. Whoever uses it is a complete moron, as far as I'm concerned.
Posted by: Jon K.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Sir, you pride yourself on an ability in which any ignorant barbarian is your equal and any jackass immeasurably your superior.

Posted by: Who are You | April 06, 2008 at 09:42 PM

sorry, but i am not a fan of luke's game. i will not resort to calling him out of his name, but in all honesty, aside from being a "fresh body" who knows the triangle, what does he really bring to the table? his shooting is more than sporadic, which gives our opponents an option to "not respect him" offensively. he forces shots in the paint (has no lift due to injury) which leads to blocks or directly to turnovers. his decision making is questionable (although he shows moments, and i stress "moments" of brilliance with his passing) and he can't play a lick of defense. granted, i know ariza is injured, but really, once our squad is healthy, where exactly would luke be on the depth chart? now, with all that, consider we are committed to him for 5yrs and $30mil. i never complained about smush parker's ability at the pg last year, because he was only making $900k and what could you really expect for that price (however, i was pissed that he was a starter). but 5yrs. and $30 mil, for the 3rd SF off of the bench? get healthy, relocate that 3pt shot you miraculously found last year and show us why mitch is paying that money.
just my 2 cents..

Posted by: monk one | April 06, 2008 at 09:42 PM

I don't think we need either Luke or Ira. When Trevor is ready to go he'll be the perfect back-up to Vlad, and besides both Kobe and Lamar (after Bynum returns) will log minutes at the 3.

I like Luke as a person and as a team player but his skills just aren't up to the level of the New Look Lakers after we get 100% healthy. At least we don't have to eat 5 years of Ira's contract.

Posted by: Jay Jay | April 06, 2008 at 09:46 PM

What gets me about the Luke bashing is that the criticism is of Luke personally and not of his game. I can understand calling him out when he plays poorly, but he gets criticized for his lifestyle and for his contract.

When Luke is bashed in a game where he didn't play due to injury, then it has moved way beyond constructive criticism.

Posted by: bronxlakerfan | April 06, 2008 at 09:47 PM

Jon K,

>>> No one ripped on Luke when we had Kwame

Not so. For the record, Luke was receiving nearly as much criticism as Kwame, before Kwame got traded.

I think it is fair to ask the question, would Luke ever have gotten the playing time he has, were it not for the injuries to other players?

Luke, himself, has been playing hurt for much of the season, which has limited his effectiveness and his confidence. But, all in all, he is simply not that talented. He is a role player who can sometimes be counted on to be effective.

Ira Newble did not have a great game, but he has only been with the team for a heartbeat, and until tonight had played only about 4 minutes in a Laker uniform. But he is likely to give the team effective minutes down the stretch, which was why he was brought in.

Calling your fellow bloggers "morons" and "haters" accomplishes nothing, except to reflect poorly on you. You've established yourself here as a loyal fan, but you hurt yourself needlessly by some of your foolish out-of-control rants. Why do it? It doesn't make you a better fan.

Posted by: Rick Friedman | April 06, 2008 at 09:48 PM

Quote of the night.

"I guess Kobe didn't eat the Cheeseburger I sent him before the game."

- Sac announcer Reynolds after the 3rd quarter

Posted by: Fairweather Fatty | April 06, 2008 at 09:56 PM

BK/AK,

Was Andrew on the bench in uniform tonight? Did he participate in the shootaround today? I apologize if I missed anything in your threads that mentioned him. Thanks for the information and the great work you guys do. Go Lakers!!!!

Posted by: Nemaia Faletogo | April 06, 2008 at 10:04 PM

This has been a real treat to have BK reporting in Sacramento.

Awesome job Kambros.

And thanks LATimes for sending the blog on the road.

Posted by: Fairweather Fatty | April 06, 2008 at 10:04 PM

Let's look at Ira objectively:

Tonight was really his first game with some minutes. Of course he is going to be a little bit rattled. But I like his defense-- at least he was staying in front of his opponent. I do not consider his fouls anything unusual--he was just trying a bit too hard to contribute, which is a good thing. I love his aggressiveness which will rub off to the other players.

As far as Luke, everytime a play involves him, he just makes me nervous-- his mistakes alway cost us in some ways!!!

Posted by: Robyn | April 06, 2008 at 10:16 PM

Luke Walton has stunk it up offensively, defensively and overall this season. The frustration mounts and as a fan you can't help but let out some of that.

We have lost plenty of games on the shoulders of Luke Walton alone (maybe not completely), but as far as I'm concerned he has done more bad than good this whole season. The fact of the matter is he got a 30 million extension even when he really brings very little to the table (please don't bring up stats). The guy can't play defense (apart from some adequate team D), is streaky at best offensively and is usually (apart from this year) a good ball handler.

He himself will tell you the atrocity at which he has played this season. That's not a lie, that's a fact.

That said he didn't play tonight, and has shown better play of late. For that I'm willing to remain "ci-vil" and let this lie.

Posted by: Faith | April 06, 2008 at 10:17 PM

Finally Lakers win in Sacramento. Did you hear those chants from the fans of Kobe? Not in our wildest dream that Laker fans invaded the cowbells territory and laid a claim at Arco Arena. haha!

On the side of GHFers like Jon K, LakerTom and JJ, they don't want to hear any kind of criticisms to any Lakers good or bad, it homerism and fanaticism to the brand Lakers. So when there are criticism on Luke, they are like the teutonic knights of the Middle Ages ready to defend Luke who is injured and was not in the game.

On the other side of the spectrum, the critics just call what they see in the past games. It is a call of frustration. The criticism appears to be hate, but NO, their hearts bleed as well for every turnover or no-confidence shots coming from Luke. Perhaps, we should listen to PassionateLakerFan who was accused as a 'troll' for his merciless criticisms on Laker players like: Vlad, LO,