Nuggets of information
April 23, 2008 | 2:34
pm
Good stuff in anticipation of tonight's Game 2 on this afternoon's Purple, Gold, and Blue podcast, courtesy of Nuggets blogger Jeremy Wagner of Pickaxe and Roll. We talk about Denver's insertion of Linus Kleiza into the starting lineup for Anthony Carter, K-Mart on Kobe, if there's anything the Nuggets can do defensively to stop the Lakers, and more. For those of you allergic to baseball, that talk begins about 40 minutes in.
Some thoughts:
- Nene is a possibility to play limited minutes tonight, which could be a boost to the Nuggets if he's mobile enough to make a difference. Obviously Denver needs all the size and strength they can get, and Nene provides some of that.
- Kleiza in the starting lineup won't hurt Denver in the halfcourt, though it could slow them down a touch on the break. Not all that much, but they do lose a ball handler and some speed with Carter on the bench. Still, Kleiza played 38 minutes in Game 1, so it's not like Denver will look much different with him playing starter's minutes. The move makes George Karl's bunch bigger, and better offensively, but shouldn't fundamentally change what the Lakers do on either end. They just won't be able to post up Carter with whatever small forward is on the floor.
- Martin on Bryant: It wouldn't surprise me to see Kobe coming off more screens than he did Sunday, when he often caught the ball isolated on the perimeter against K-Mart. Still, the Lakers O was so efficient on Sunday that to tinker too much just to get Kobe more clean looks seems a little counterproductive, but the good news is that I don't think they'll have to. Kobe will come with a plan on how to gain more penetration even when he's alone on the wing against the big forward. It won't be easy, but it's hard to stop Kobe in consecutive games, because he's so good at making adjustments. Beyond that, even if Bryant is limited again to jump shots, there's a strong chance more of them will go down. Law of averages. Finally, while it might frustrate Kobe to some extent, making Martin a perimeter defender comes at a big cost for the Nuggets, namely their ability to defend the paint. That's a pretty good trade for LA.
- That same law of averages thing works in favor of Carmelo Anthony tonight, so the Lakers will need to be prepared.
- After Game 1, Karl said he was pleased with how the Nuggets played their zone, but I felt LA did a decent job against it, for the most part. The Lakers were patient, more often than not, and found a way to get the ball into the high post. Once it got there, all bets were off. As long as they can find a way to get the ball inside against the zone, it shouldn't be an issue. It has less to do with what Denver's doing, and more with the Lakers showing some discipline.
- It wouldn't surprise me, or anyone really, to see the Nuggets pack the ball inside to try and stop the Lakers from controlling the paint and the pace. If that's the case, than the Lakers might have to shoot a few more jumpers, and will have to be very conscious about not launching early in the clock and releasing defensively to avoid the easy break. If those jumpers come from penetration (dribble or entry pass) and kicks upon collapse, they should be okay. When the ball works from inside out, the perimeter game tends to be pretty solid.
- The Lakers will probably drop one game in this series, at least. But it won't be tonight, and if they go up 2-0, Denver isn't capable of winning four of five from LA to take the series. 117-109 LAL.
BK
I can't wait for tonight...
Posted by: Charles | April 23, 2008 at 02:38 PM
Charles - you & me both, man.................
Posted by: justanothermambafan | April 23, 2008 at 02:43 PM
Caliphilosopher
Bleacher Stomp for you!!!
Posted by: Charles | April 23, 2008 at 02:54 PM
Look for Sasha, the Machine, to score a career high game tonight.!!!
Posted by: Robyn | April 23, 2008 at 02:55 PM
Same here
Posted by: LAL_Fan | April 23, 2008 at 02:56 PM
Charles, I can't wait for tonight, either!
LET'S GO LAKERS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
DEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEFENSE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
15 TO 15!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
TACOS TONIGHT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: toad | April 23, 2008 at 02:59 PM
LET'S GO LAKER NATION!!!!!!!!!
I love this team.
Posted by: Jamie Sweet | April 23, 2008 at 03:02 PM
More Troll reports.
------
"Bill that pretty much sums it up. Bad trade for the Suns. If they had bad chemistry before...... would do the Suns have now?? Should have kept SM."
I have to agree. SM's ugly jump shot fit right in with your gruesome jerseys, and Steve Nash's ugly grill. You guys will miss him.
Posted by: frank1rizzo | April 23, 2008 at 03:07 PM
Great stuff as always BK, I really like your prediction too, covers my 7.5 spread. I think this series just comes down to the fact that we have more weapons. If they pack it in inside then we are more then capable of hitting outside shots with Vlad, Sasha, Farmar, and even Luke. I also agree that Kobe will have his way with Kmart this time, Kobe usually doesn't have two consecutive bad games. While I do expect Melo to have a way better game and Iverson to have a solid one, there is just no stopping, Kobe, Gasol, Odom, and all our role players. Someone will step up for us.
GO LAKERS
Posted by: mrbarneydangles | April 23, 2008 at 03:09 PM
BK,
didnt Melo get 30 last game?
I dont get your law of averages line...
Are you saying he is due to play better or due to play worse?
Posted by: Korey | April 23, 2008 at 03:10 PM
Pregame speech. A must for all to watch.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O4Lhw4M-GTg
Clap clap! Let's go Lakers!
Posted by: Fairweather Fatty | April 23, 2008 at 03:13 PM
PsLakerFan,
Thanks for the ticket love!!! Looking forward in watching the game with you!!!
My Fam... Time to get hype!!!
http://tinyurl.com/68jfhf
Turn it up!!!
Posted by: Charles | April 23, 2008 at 03:14 PM
As you can see Phoenix Man, Mamba24 is well insulated, and you will have to deal with the protectors of the blog before you can address him. Now go away before we sick Pig on you.
It's laughable for Suns fan to talk about how Stern has it in for them. Was it not the Suns' style that was heralded for a couple of years back as the "savior" of the NBA because of the "run and gun"? Stern would have given up his one of his Benzos to have Phx in the finals --given the ratings of the Spurs/Cavs debacle. Unfortunately, it was Phx that could not close the deal. That's the truth -- and the truth hurts.
Posted by: HmrHed | April 23, 2008 at 03:20 PM
T minus 4 hours (give or take) and counting.......
I'll need a Valium by then.
Posted by: justanothermambafan | April 23, 2008 at 03:21 PM
LA 132 Denv. 118
Posted by: HmrHed | April 23, 2008 at 03:24 PM
Lamar has certainly found his groove, now we gotta get The Machine's groove back. The Machine has not been lighting it up lately, he's been good but NOT The Machine.
There's so much time between games this year...Networks want to pick them up so I guess that's a good thing. But there's only so much "NEWS" you can read before you want the real thing.
I've been waiting for this game since Sunday and with another long wait coming up, this game had better be good :)
Go Lakers!
Posted by: Bynumite | April 23, 2008 at 03:25 PM
It's time for us to put the rest of the conference on notice tonight: The road to the finals should be through Los Angeles!
Let's Go Lake Show!
Posted by: Caliphilosopher | April 23, 2008 at 02:33 PM
Good Afternoon to you Cali...........I agree wholeheartedly..........just one teeny weeny small thing, my friend,
I know I'm being nit-picky, but........................
The road to the finals IS through Los Angeles!
LET'S GO LAKERS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: toad | April 23, 2008 at 03:27 PM
Korey-
You're right, I should have been more specific. He had 30, but was 11-26 from the floor. That's a lot of shots to make it to 30. So like Kobe, it's unlikely that Melo will have consecutive off nights shooting the ball (or at least it's a mistake to bank on it.)
BK
Posted by: Brian Kamenetzky | April 23, 2008 at 03:30 PM
lakers: 112 nuggets:93
gasol: 29 points, 11 rebounds, 9 assists
bryant:34 points, 7 rebounds, 11 assists
odom: 20 points, 15 rebounds, 6 assists
LETS GO LAKESHOW! LAKERS ALL THE WAY BABY :D
Posted by: tim | April 23, 2008 at 03:32 PM
BK,
I hate to be a prick, but Melo shot 11-26 which is 42% for 30 points.
His average is 49% and around 26 points. He would have had to go 13-26 to hit his average. I think LA can deal with him making 2 of those misses. HaHa.
We just need to keep him from going off, which I think we will do.
Go Lakers
Posted by: frank1rizzo | April 23, 2008 at 03:43 PM
A win tonight solidifies a sweep.
If Denver makes adjustments and still losses, there really is nothing else left for them do or try (aside from shot gunning Gasol or KB).
Lakers in 4!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: STEVEN | April 23, 2008 at 03:43 PM
"As you can see Phoenix Man, Mamba24 is well insulated, and you will have to deal with the protectors of the blog before you can address him."
That's right no one messes with the Mamba24. Heart and Soul of the blog.
Posted by: Charles | April 23, 2008 at 03:43 PM
Bynumite....
I agree with you that the NBA drags out the first round series way too long. Teams have a tough time staying in rhythm. Another pet peeve of mine is the extended timeouts during the nationally televised games.
Posted by: bronxlakerfan | April 23, 2008 at 03:44 PM
I have a serious question to all bloggers!!
We all saw how Phx lost last night..and there message board is literally helter skelter right now. My question is this?? I thought Phx played a very decent game last night but cudnt finish..at which point can the Lakers lose and we all feel like we played a good game but cudnt finish it out? Or better yet..what if it was a close game and we lost?? As a Laker fan are we expecting to win every game?? Can our Lakers lose a game without us feeling as if Phil didn't make the right rotations!..or Kobe didn't be aggresive enough..or maybe he was very aggresive and they still countered our attack? Do we have to many weapons to were a anything less than a championship wud be a waste? Just trying to see how volitile (sp?) the blog is or what we expect especially not having Bynum or Ariza!
Thoughts???
Posted by: lakeraholic | April 23, 2008 at 03:47 PM
frankrizzo-
True, but generally speaking, that's true of most bad shooting nights. Add a couple makes to Kobe's night, and obviously his percentage looks much better. The point is that Melo had a tough night, and had to work hard for his points. And keeping him from going off is easier said than done. He's fairly good (haha).
BK
Posted by: Brian Kamenetzky | April 23, 2008 at 03:48 PM
Everybody make sure you go potty before the game starts.
Posted by: exhelodrvr | April 23, 2008 at 03:57 PM
lakeraholic
I do not expect we will go undefeated through the playoffs, as the competition is too great in the west, and the Celts will surely test us. And I expect this blog will hum with critiques of each game, win or lose. there are too many here who have too much insight and knowledge to not have a great discussion after each game.
BUT.........we have the pieces in place to win another ring THIS YEAR, even with Bynum and Ariza sitting it out. All I expect is the kind of focus, intensity and dedicaiton to defense they are capable of bringing every night.
That being said, I expect to sweep the Muggets staring with a big win tonight.
LET'S GO LAKERS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
15 TO 15!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: toad | April 23, 2008 at 03:57 PM
I GOTS ANTS IN MY PANTS!
Ready to watch the Lakers throttle the Nougats tonight!
I expect Fish to make a nice contribution, Lamar will be doing all the little things like he usually does, Pau Pau is gonna rack up assists, and Kobe will be Kobe.
I almost don't want the Lakers to go up big early - they seem to slack off/change their game plan/lose aggressiveness once they get a cushion.
A nice, steady 8-9 point lead the whole way will keep them focused and humming along nicely.
Posted by: Amazing_Happens | April 23, 2008 at 04:03 PM
justanothermambefan,
Omg! You are right. He's about to explode. Everyone. Run for cover!
http://i244.photobucket.com/albums/gg5/AZfatty/DAntoni_Mike_phx-1.jpg
Posted by: Fairweather Fatty | April 23, 2008 at 04:15 PM
Fatty.....Damm speech gave me chicken skin......
Posted by: Thirty2 | April 23, 2008 at 04:18 PM
Happy 420 all
Inhale now as I blow smoke at the screen...
IT'S TIME TO WATCH THE LAKERS AND DRINK SOME BEER,
TOKE A BOWL AND SCREAM AND CHEER!!!!!!!! LAKERS 4 LIFE BABY!!!!!!
CLAP CLAP CLAP CLAP CLAP
IT'S TIME TO WATCH THE LAKERS AND DRINK SOME BEER,
TOKE A BOWL AND SCREAM AND CHEER!!!!!!!! LAKERS 4 LIFE BABY!!!!!!
CLAP CLAP CLAP CLAP CLAP
LakerMan 420
Posted by: LakerMan 420 | April 23, 2008 at 04:20 PM
lakeraholic,
Some thoughts...
It's just the nature of the beast in Laker Nation (especially considering how vast Laker Nation is) that if we lose a game that there will be some people who will run around like a chicken with its head cut off screaming, "THE SKY IS FALLING! THE SKY IS FALLING!" And Trolls will sprout like its raining excrement. But, the heart Laker Nation is strong and generally armed with Troll-B-Gone, and things will be fine.
Do I expect to win everygame? No. Do I expect to reach the NBA Finals? Yes. Do I expect a brief stint of Trollitis if we lose a game to Denver? Yep. Do I expect a weaker case of Trollitis if we lose a game to a heavy hitter like the Spurs? Yep. Trollitis is relative to quality of the opponent.
Do I expect to win the Championship? A qualified "yes", but only if we have Trevor Ariza and Andrew Bynum back playing at the level they were at before their injuries.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | April 23, 2008 at 04:23 PM
Toad -
You're absolutely correct! It IS through L.A.! I just hope the players keep that mentality that they need to reassure everyone that they're for real.
Charles, have fun at the game for me! I'll be thinking about all you laker fans while I'm writing my paper.
Speaking of, are there any links to the game? I'm at a cafe, and there's nary a television in sight.
Let's go Lake Show!
Posted by: Caliphilosopher | April 23, 2008 at 04:30 PM
by the nuggets going with AI at the point it makes him even more of a liability..The pressure of having to score and distribute the ball ...Sasha will be the key to this...Play him more mins at the point and get him to force Ai into the post to defend him...Big mismatch...Kobe defends Ai and switch Sasha onto Kleiza....Sorry for my mumbling it must be the nervous energy.......A couple of seasons ago in Philly Sasha
and Ai had a little run in (i have the game on tape) and Ai took the bait and got a little cranky.......Ai has had Carter to bring the ball up so he and Melo can get set ......I say its a win for the Lakers if he plays point....How many times can you gamble on going for steals....Play D with your feet not your hands.............
BLAHBLAHBLAH.........
Go Lakers.......................................................
Posted by: Thirty2 | April 23, 2008 at 04:31 PM
justanotherfanofthemamba
OMG! He's not ex-ploding. D'antoni is IM-PLODING!!
Everyone! Duck and run for cover!
http://tinyurl.com/6bgppt
Posted by: Fairweather Fatty | April 23, 2008 at 04:36 PM
I will tell you this I am a Spurs fan but the Lakers have a nice squad. I do not think they will get by San Antonio without Bynum and Ariza.
Tonight will show me how mature or immature the lakers are. They should easily beat Denver if they can make a run. Losing tonight will prove they are not ready to play with the big boys.
By the way I think La wins by 15 tonight. 118-103.
I would love to see La and SA get it on in the conference finals. Living in Hawaii I watch fox sports west 1 and 2 and se the lakers all the time. Nice squad
good luck
Posted by: frank in hawaii spurs fan | April 23, 2008 at 04:37 PM
GO LAKERS BEAT DENVER
Posted by: frank in hawaii spurs fan | April 23, 2008 at 04:39 PM
FrankRizzo,
I am personally predicting that Carmelo Anthony will have 16 points going into the fourth quarter on 4-25 shooting and the score Lakers 105 Denver 73.
After two missed shots and two missed freethrows to gleefully vitriolic chants of "DUI! DUI! DUI! DUI!" Carmelo Anthony will lock glaces with a smiling random nachos vendor who was engaging in the chant and Carmelo will freak out.
Next second, a wild-eyed Carmelo Anthony dives into the crowd, sending nachos flying everywhere and begins visciously choking the nacho vendor whilst screeching like a banshee "I HATE YOU DAD!!!"
The day will be saved by a fearless member of Laker Nation who pours scalding hot nacho cheese sauce all over Carmellos corn rolls, causing him to release his grip upon the hapless nacho cheese vendor and run screaming onto the court, his hands and head drenched in steaming nacho cheese sauce.
The madness will cease when Carmelo is tackled to the hardwood by George Karl and two of them are drenched with Gatorade by Kenyon Martin. Suddenly Carmelo comes to and asks disorientatedly, "Wh-what happened?"
To this George Karl replies, "You completely ignored my gameplan, you expletive, expletive!" And then like a frenzied baboon, he begins pummelling Carmelo with his melon-sized fists.
In that brief moment, the team chooses sides, and erupts into a chaotic mellee of epic proportions! Chairs flying! Kung-fu kicks sailing! Kleiza's face bouncing off the floor!
Laker Nation watches in stunned amazement as the fight continues for the next 10 minutes unabated. Eventually, the broken and bleeding exhausted mess that was the Denver Nouguts stumbles in varying directions off the floor and out of Staples Center.
A bruised George Karl, his eyes swollen nearly shut and his lip torn and bloody, stammers out one last sentence to the refs before he limps out of sight, "WE FORFEIT!"
And by that he meant the series.
More practice time for the second round.
That's what I am predicting for this evening.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | April 23, 2008 at 04:47 PM
Lakeraholic,
The main thing wracking the Suns fans/"bloggers" in agony right now, besides being down 2-0 to the teflon-like Spurs, is the constant worry that the trade for Shaq was a mistake; it's been an up and down time for them since they sent SM off for Shaq and his Cap-Room Leeching Contract (reminds me of an EC Comics title). If they get bounced, which seems likely, expect much gnashing of teeth and self-flagellation to occur, followed by an outright cry of, "Bring Me The Head of Steve Kerr" or at least a request for Michael Jordan to come back and punch him in the face again. I'd expect a reappearance of the now-demented Suns Trolls only if the Lakers lose a game during the playoffs.
Try to sympathize with Suns fans; it's tough to get oh so close year after year but never quite get there. Maybe they can form a support group with Sac (and LA) Kings fans.
Posted by: Tully Moxness | April 23, 2008 at 04:48 PM
FISHER LEADS LEAGUE IN FLOPPING...
Per 82games.com, Derek Fisher led the NBA in charges drawn with 54. Next best on Lakers was Odom with 15. Look for Fish to flop alot tonight. Shades of Vlade.
Kobe is 5th in shooting fouls drawn with 379, trailing Howard, Stoudemire, James, and Iverson. Antony of Denver is 10th.
Tom
Posted by: LakerTom | April 23, 2008 at 04:50 PM
Anyone know if Ronny is healthy? Would love to see him get some minutes tonight.
Posted by: Lakers Legacy | April 23, 2008 at 04:53 PM
I think Amanda should've gotten the "Caller Of The Day" award on the PG&B Show. That was a brilliant question she came up with.
Posted by: J.W. Weatherman | April 23, 2008 at 04:55 PM
lakeraholic
My thought is that on any given night, one NBA team can beat another. We've seen the Lakers loose with the lineup they're playing with tonight. That being said, I believe this team has the focus and desire to WIN. They might loose by a bucket in a close game but not in this round.
GO LAKERS ! ! ! !
Posted by: Stockton_Showtime | April 23, 2008 at 05:00 PM
By the way, nene is the Polynesian word for goose (one of the benefits of doing crossword puzzles); so I'm not too worried if he plays tonight.
The Nuggets nene is cooked, one way or the other.
Posted by: exhelodrvr | April 23, 2008 at 05:00 PM
BK,
I def see what your saying. Hopefully he will have to work even harder for those points tonight.
Posted by: frank1rizzo | April 23, 2008 at 05:05 PM
Fairweather Fatty,
I found the article you were referencing where Phil said Bynum went from a 5 to a 2.
Apparently the problem with Bynum's injury is the bone bruise still hasn't completely healed.
http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/news;_ylt=AtLnTH7Z_43wHpQD8H1Jzne8vLYF?slug=bynumthemissingpieceinth&prov=tsn&type=lgns
Posted by: Xodus | April 23, 2008 at 05:06 PM
lakeraholic
That's a good question and one I've been wanting to ask for a long time. As a fan, it's natural to get up when your team wins and down when they lose, but man, sometimes we as Lakers fans and, to an even greater extent, we as Purple and Gold bloggers take it to the extreme. Everything should be taken everything with a grain of salt. These Lakers will not go 16-0 through the playoffs and they're allowed a few losses here and there. I think the expectation needs to be that they play hard, they run the offense, they talk and help on defense and represent themselves well with their attitudes and efforts. We can't, as you astutely pointed out, be criticizing Phil's rotations every time we lose, or be calling for a sweep after one win at home in the first round. Phil is a much better chess player than people give him credit for. His moves are often made thinking of the long term, when many of us are looking at the here and now.
My expectation is that the Lakers make it to round 2 at the minimum and, although I certainly hope they beat the Jazz and then beat the Spurs or Hornets (assuming these two teams advance), I would only be seriously pissed if the Lakers lost in any future rounds in less than 6 games. I feel the Lakers can beat any of those teams but that they're pretty evenly matched, so if they were to bow out in 6 or 7 games in round 2 or the WCF without Andrew and without Trevor, I could still hold my head high as a Lakers fan and be very confident about next year and the years to come.
My gut feeling says the Lakers beat the Jazz in 7 games and the Spurs or Hornets in 7 as well to make it to the finals. I don't think we can beat these Celtics without a healthy Bynum, so I see Boston over the Lakers in 6. But anything can happen and I'm pulling for the Lakers to win it all this year. We'll see how they fare in earlier rounds though. I just want to see some consistent, passionate D before I can jump on the championship bandwagon.
Probably more of an answer than you really wanted, lol! These are my thoughts.
Posted by: puddle | April 23, 2008 at 05:12 PM
IS IT A CRIME- deep thoughts for today:
To ask some to stop using all caps
To point out that their post is incoherent and lacks content
CHARLES:
No one is messing with Mamba24 here and yes he is a great Laker fan and does a great job of rounding up his troop. So don't get your panties in a bunch and stir the pot. You sound like a big cry baby who can't handle adversity or a different view. Step out of your soap box and smell the roses and learn to accept criticism as it will only make you stronger and a better person.
Yes, I saw you rant and rave yesterday with The Mob Boss and as the Boss ponited out to you that you sound like Danny Ainge who was a cry baby. Take a deep breath as one never know it might just be the last one!!
So enjoy blogging, learn to accept adversity and don't be a quick draw mcgraw when things don't go your way.
The Phoenix Fan
Lakers 109 Denver 122 (Final answer)
Posted by: The Phoenix Fan | April 23, 2008 at 05:16 PM
Funny thing, I couldn't stop myself from rooting for the Suns. As much as I hate to admit it, I still have a Shaq hang-over from the historical glory years not so long.
But...it's time to write some new history! This Laker team is more talented than those were; we can do it this year and I think we win this series in 5.
Also, I'd love to have a straight answer on Bynum. Phil did NOT say that his chances of returning this playoffs were remote. He said "it" was remote. "Remote" can also mean "far-off", in other words, AB's return is still a couple of weeks away. It's all very vague and we would all love a straight answer.
Posted by: Laker Kev | April 23, 2008 at 05:17 PM
Hope the bus catches fire again.
Just a reminder you want to see good defense tonight watch Melo. This is one lazy defender and makes Luke Artest like.
Go Lakers and Get Well Bynum!
BD
Posted by: BD | April 23, 2008 at 05:17 PM