A license to hit cruise control for the next six games!
Okay, that might be a bit of an exaggeration, since there are still consequences a-plenty attached to the purple and gold home stretch. But with their 112-108 win over the Mavs, the Lakers did indeed manage to secure themselves a piece of the postseason action. Kobe and the Gang joined the New Orleans Hornets as the first squads to lock up a spot in the playoffs of an absurdly tight Western Conference. It ain't easy getting an invite to this particular dance, but to beat every challenger to the punch is a real achievement. Thus, it's fairly appropriate that the victory marking this milestone would come in no easy fashion. After falling behind during a first half that concluded with a ten point Dallas advantage, the Lakers didn't regain a lead until the contest's final 2:20. And only during those last forty seconds did they manage to keep it for good. Huge games for the Laker's three-headed monster of Kobe Bryant, Pau Gasol and Lamar Odom. All three hit the 20+ point mark, with Kobe and LO racking double-doubles. Kudos were also in order for Jordan Farmar and Sasha Vujacic, both for hitting some big shots down the stretch, but playing the entire fourth frame where Dallas was held to a paltry 39% shooting.
AK
The breakdown is below, courtesy of BK
The Good: Any conversation on that end has to start with the Big Three of Kobe, LO, and Pau Gasol. The trio contributed 81 of 112 points, 24 of 36 boards, 18 of 26 dimes, four of six blocks, and so on. In the fourth, they showed the sort of matchup problems that will give opposing coaches fits. Avery Johnson spent much of the quarter doubling Kobe hard on the high screen, forcing him to give up the ball. No worries, since it left Gasol and Odom down low against shorthanded defenders. Over and over the Lakers made the Mavs pay. With Gasol back, the Lakers are once again a pick your poison type team. Double Kobe, and get burned somewhere else. Leave him one on one, and he'll beat you.
Nice to have that back. But to look at them individually...
- Lamar Odom: 31/10/5, plus two blocks and four stitches in the noggin when on a drive to the hoop, he absorbed a blow on the noggin from Dirk Nowitzki. All in all, this was probably the best game he's played in a Laker uniform. 12-14 from the field, most of the damage coming at the rack, where he absolutely abused the Mavericks. Ever lane that was available, he took. When the Mavs cut him off, LO found a teammate for an easy deuce. Defensively he was active, and overall managed to control the flow of the game, putting Dallas on their heels all night.
- Kobe Bryant: 25/10/6, with nary a turnover. A great mix of aggressive play, finding his way to the line nine times, with solid shooting in the form of a tidy 3-4 from downtown. But it wasn't his scoring that made his performance so good. As I mentioned, Kobe repeatedly punished the Mavs for overplaying him, particularly late. He scored five points in the fourth, all from the line. Meanwhile, he whipped the ball all around the court and helped the Lakers shoot 56% from the floor in the quarter. There was great balance to 24's game tonight. When the Lakers needed a big play, he helped generate it, without forcing anything. Smooth like the creamiest of creamery butter.
- Pau Gasol: His ability to move the ball in the post was demonstrated by seven dimes, a team high, and his effect on the team's spacing offensively is pretty profound. Defensively, he's not a dominating player on the glass, but used his length to disrupt some Dallas offerings and block a couple more. Down the stretch, when matchups forced Gasol to face up on Dirk, he hung in there okay, rewarding PJ for leaving him on the floor despite defensive mismatches (if he didn't draw Dirk, who by moving Gasol away from the hoop can cause him serious trouble, he'd have Devean George, who could beat him off the dribble), allowing the Lakers to punish the Mavericks on the other end to the point that Avery was forced to bring back Erick Dampier to help cut off the lane.
- Fourth Quarter D/Fourth Quarter Reserves: You could see things start to turn for the Lakers in the third, where they forced a lot of shots deep in the clock, and at least one 24 second violation. Still, Dallas made enough shots to keep the Lakers at arms length and take a seven point lead into the fourth. But then the Lakers camped down, holding Dallas to 39% and forcing four turnovers. It's worth noting the late efforts of Sasha Vujacic, who overcame some raggedy play earlier in the game to hit a big three and knock down a couple FTs to help ice the game. Jordan Farmar had seven points in the final 12 minutes, making a three but also continuing to attack the basket, as he did on Wednesday against Portland. Neither was good for the entire game, but both came up big in the clutch.
- Turnovers: Only 10 all night, below their 14.2 average. Taking care of the ball keeps a team in striking distance even when things aren't going well.
The Bad:
- First Half D: Again the Lakers came out of the blocks without a lot of defensive intensity, and combined with a sharpshooting Dallas squad looking for a big win, it's fair to say the Lakers were lucky to be down by 10 at the break. The Mavs shot 57.4%, grabbed nine offensive boards, and generally took advantage of any and all Laker breakdowns, while creating some opportunities themselves (they are, after all, a pretty talented bunch of offensive players). It is worth mentioning that LA's FT defense was outstanding, as they held Dallas to 54.5% from the stripe.
- Lukomir Waltmanovic: 24 finished the game at the three, and obviously he was, to quote the great Reverend Lovejoy, just super. The other two guys who gave it a crack, Vlad Radmanovic and Luke Walton, were not. In 25 minutes of burn, Vlad Rad managed to miss all four threes he took, miss a bunch of defensive assignments, and generally look pretty bad. He was, at least in the first half, a titan of roundball compared to Luke Walton, who picked up three fouls in his 1:41 of PT. Not exactly the relief PJ was looking for. In the second, Walton was not much more effective, and finished his night playing only 5+ minutes and scoring two points. After a fairly indifferent 7:28 coming out of the half (0-1, two boards, one PF) Vlad found his way to the bench for the rest of the game.
- The Bench, at Least Until the End: Through three quarters, Lakers reserves were a combined 2-7 and had posted all of six points. Six. That's it. Only four more points than turnovers, at that point. Granted, it was a starter heavy game to that point and one of those nights where the stars shined brightest, but still... it wasn't a shining moment for the reserves. Fortunately, Farmar and Vujacic redeemed themselves.
When it was over, the Lakers, normally pretty subdued even in victory, were obviously pretty stoked. They knew they came back to beat a good team and take a game they needed to have. Pau was particularly ebullient, doing his postgame interview for FSN in a wide stanced half squat, as to seem the same height as reporter Michael Eaves. Very goofy sight.
BK
Download phil_postgame_4.4.08.mp3 (Phil Jackson)
Download kobe_bryant_postgame_4.4.08.mp3 (Kobe Bryant)
Download lamar_odom_postgame_4.4.08.mp3 (Lamar Odom)
Download pau_gasol_postgame_4.408.mp3 (Pau Gasol)
THE BEST PASSING TEAM IN THE LEAGUE…
What really jumped out at me in this game was that the Lakers were the best passing team in the NBA. The interior passing between Lamar and Pau was just sensational. Add in the fact that Bynum is also an excellent passer and it is easy to imagine the Lakers triple towers front court playing the kind of championship basketball that Bird, McHale, and Parrish made famous for the hated Boston Celtics.
The Lakers passing was really the difference in the final score of this game as both teams shot lights out and fought to a virtual standstill on the boards. What was exceptional was Kobe’s picking apart the Mavs defense when they tried to double him high off pick and rolls with Pau. Time and time again Kobe forced the double team to stay on him and then hit Pau rolling to the basket with Lamar cutting from high, leading to several great passing exhibitions between Lamar and Pau.
The leader this game was Lamar Odom, who actually made three right-handed layups in this game and was impossible to keep out of the paint. 31/11/5/2 for Lamar. And again, Lamar’s cutting to the hole with a smaller defender on him, which is going to be what he does once he plays small forward, is getting better and better. There is no way that other small forwards are going to be able to handle Lamar down low. The guy is proving every game that the Lakers have four all-star players, not just three.
Kobe was also masterful in forcing the Mavs defense to shift by attacking the rim, making great decisions, and hitting key shots to bring the Lakers back time after time. 12/10/6 and great leadership. Kobe once again proved he is clutch and a true leader. You could see his determination on defense as he shut Jason Kidd down at end of game. Great overall game by KB24, the MVP and world’s greatest player.
Pau Gasol also played great, posting 25/4/7/1 in only his second game back from injury. Most impressively, Pau has started taking and burying that 15 to 17 foot midrange shot that is going to be his bread and butter as the Lakers starting power forward. The great teamwork and coordinated play between Pau and Kobe and Lamar is beautiful to behold. I can’t wait to see Drew on the floor with these guys. Fab4 + Fish will be unstoppable.
Jordan Farmar had his second excellent game in a row, making several great drives to the basket that either ended up in scores, great assists, or free throws. His block of the Mavs last 3-point attempt was also great, as was his tip on the next inbound pass. Good to see Jordan taking the ball to the hoop. Only good things happen when he does that.
And give credit to Sasha, who is truly fearless when it comes to putting up his shot. That 4-point play and last 2 clutch free throws were big plays tonight. All together, the Lakers did what they had to do and again beat an elite team without Andrew Bynum. With the Spurs getting waxed in Utah, the Lakers now move into a tie for the #2 seed with the Spurs. By the way, they also cinched the season series against the Mavs and a guaranteed spot in the Western Conference playoffs for the 55th time in 60 seasons.
Waiting for the return of the Beast. 3 more games to 55. 6 more games to win out.
Go, Lakers.
Tom
Posted by: LakerTom | April 04, 2008 at 11:58 PM
39%? Harumph. Try 18% (rounded up!) for the Spurs who scored 9 points in the 4th.
Lukomir Waltmanovic: lol. You got be careful what you wish for. I wanted Luke to come in for Vlad, but then I wanted him to go out after a couple of possessions.
xk asked why the Lakers clinched but the Spurs had not. Does it have something to do with us holding tiebreakers over the lower seeds who haven't been mathematically eliminated?
Posted by: mel | April 05, 2008 at 12:09 AM
Well done Lakers - it was a bit nerve wracking, but we got there in the end!
Posted by: Penman | April 05, 2008 at 12:09 AM
where did you come up with this one?
LOL
Lukomir Waltmanovic
Posted by: 1331 | April 05, 2008 at 12:22 AM
Lukomir Waltmanovich! That is some classic s**t...I LMAO for a good 3 minutes...or maybe it just seemed that long cuz I'm high...
And what better way to celebrate that high with a LA win over Avery Johnson and the Cubanites. Gotta give some props to Dirk for coming back so quick from that horrendous looking injury and then being able to play some serious ball.
Props to Lamar who was literally THE MAN tonight in every way, shape and form. Hold it, hold it, exhale...that one was for you LO...
Now that we've secured a spot on the postseason let's see if we can secure homecourt for at least the first two rounds. Lot's to be happy about tonight. Peace everyone! I'm out.
Posted by: thedropper | April 05, 2008 at 12:30 AM
Gutsy Win.
Does anyone know why LA has clinched a playoff spot but S.A hasnt? We have the same records and its not like PHX cant catch us for top seed in our devision.
What am i missing?
Nonetheless, Lamar, G-Soul and Kobak are the 3 headed apocalypse monster.
When Bynzie gets back....
Posted by: R-Type | April 05, 2008 at 12:30 AM
dang the lakers are good...
and the way they won tonight was something else...
the bad news is they'll be playing another sub par team that gives them trouble...
hope they wont let up...
PURPLE & GOLD BABY!!!
Posted by: juanman888 | April 05, 2008 at 01:02 AM
San Antonio hasn't clinched yet because GS holds the tiebreaker over them, having won the season series 2-1. Lakers split with them but have a better conference record (I think that's what the next tiebreaker is). Since the Warriors are the team that everyone has to compare themselves to when considering "clinching," that's what's doing it. One more victory and the Spurs should have it...pretty unlikely that they fall out of the playoffs at this point.
Posted by: Luke | April 05, 2008 at 01:06 AM
Is it sick that I came home from the game at Staples Center, then watched the recorded game at home? I didn't think so.
What a fun game to be at. I love being there when the confetti streams down. Those Sasha shots are 20x more impressive live than on TV.
Posted by: Amazing_Happens | April 05, 2008 at 01:11 AM
Spurs have yet to clinch because Golden State owns the tiebreaker between them. Should the Spurs drop every remaining game and the Warriors win all of their regular season games left on the schedule, then Golden State would at worst have the 8th spot leaving the old dudes (Spurs) on the outside looikng in.
If the Lakers drop every game left in the regular season and Golden State does the opposite, then the Lakers would still own the second or third tiebreaker over the Warriors making Golden State a 50 win team without a playoff berth.
That would be a slap in the face for any organization.
By the way, heard during the game that the Spurs are something like 30-4 against sub .500 teams and 20-20 against teams that matter. Now that's something to ponder over.
Posted by: Dingle Berry | April 05, 2008 at 01:16 AM
Luke, lol....
You're probably a numbers guy too. Poor guy you. I figured my post was chopped up or something until I read the post-tee's name.
Posted by: Dingle Berry | April 05, 2008 at 01:23 AM
Luke/Dingle Berry,
Kudos for the clarification. Your responses make perfect sense (I don't know why i couldn't figure it out myself). Good to see my brain is in the same state as Ariza's foot.
Out.
Posted by: R-Type | April 05, 2008 at 01:45 AM
Lamar Odom made a believer out of me. I always thought he'd be the best third option in the league, tonight he said, screw third. I'm the first! lol.
Earlier in the day he made a comment about looking forward to facing Dirk. Well he wasn't kidding. Season high 31, and perhaps the best defense I saw against Dirk tonight.
Some games you shake your head and say, we just don't have it...other games you take it. Tonight we took it. Great to see. Now if we can only start from the get go...and dominate.
Go Lakers! Play D!
Posted by: Faith | April 05, 2008 at 01:59 AM
I've always dislike walton and rad theyre simply undependable too inconsistent you can include farmar and vujacic when they dont show up the team often loss. Maybe theyre candidates to be move.
Posted by: justin A | April 05, 2008 at 02:50 AM
I love how Lamar has matured as a Laker once Pau came to the team. He is much more aggressive in attacking the rim. Beautiful. His passing has improved. His coordination with teammates has improved on offense. Wow! He is becoming much more of a leader on the team. It is fantastic to see. Lamar does so much better when he is the 3rd or 4th option on offense. He is going to terrorize the small forwards that try to guard him. He is nimble enough to keep up with them himself on defense. With a good passing center, and now also power forward, Lamar will greatly improve.
Posted by: James Katt | April 05, 2008 at 02:52 AM
Lamar Odamn! showed up
Posted by: never | April 05, 2008 at 02:54 AM
The Bynum rehab video is impressive... I think he is closer to returning than the Lakers are saying...
Posted by: dice8up | April 05, 2008 at 03:10 AM
GREAT GAME LAKERS....
LAMAR RULZ... KOBE is the MVP
GASOL... te me gusta!!!!
I can smell CHAMPIONSHIP...
btw, juanmann88, Dallas is not a subpar team...
everyone in the playoffs now can win a championship, especially when their luck turns their way.
Posted by: lakersgameboi | April 05, 2008 at 05:03 AM
Wow!!! Could somebody tell me who was that person weaeing that Lamar Odom jersey. dude had a Kobe moment..you know its bad when I was more comfy with Lamar in the post than Kobe on the Perimeter!..and its not as if Kobe forced anything..cuz he didnt...but finally Phil recognized the mismatch and exploited it over and over. Oh..and could somebody explain to me why was Avery doubling Kobe so deep on the perimeter?? Don't they have player reports?? Pao Gasol was already killin Dampier and now u wana double Kobe..leave Dampier all alone on a island with Gasol..and nobody on Lamar! Really dumb Avery! Really Dumb!
Posted by: lakeraholic | April 05, 2008 at 06:07 AM
After watching LO play so well tonight it makes me think that the line-up many Lakers fans are pining over (Bynum-Gasol-Odom) won't work. Odom plays best at the 4 where he can go inside and with Pau and AB in there I don't think he'll have the space to operate. Also, to space the floor the Lakers need a good outside shooter at the three. That's the last thing I want to see Odom doing. Radman or Luke have to be hitting outside or the Lakers have to move Kobe to the three and bring Sasha in like they did vs. the Mavs down the stretch. Anyway you look at it I don't see AB, LO and Pau playing together all that much.
Posted by: rdlee | April 05, 2008 at 06:32 AM
I love Kobe, Gasol and LO. But I want to give credit to the bench mob.
Much of our comeback happened with Pau and Kobe on the bench. Phil sat them down for a long while and Jordan and Sasha were very aggressive. I still don't know where Sasha's been hiding those moving to the left distance three powers all season.
Please people, lets show some love for the lesser stars in our firmament. They too shined brightly last night.
Posted by: JohnnyP | April 05, 2008 at 07:07 AM
What was impressive is Pau's totally seamless integration into the flow of the team. This was true when we acquired him, and still true coming back from injury.
AWESOME to see him in the flow with Leader-Mamba and Wingman-Lamar.
AB hopefully will also integrate back this well.
GO LAKERS
Baywood
Posted by: Baywood | April 05, 2008 at 07:46 AM
Our Average height goes up (12/5) 2.4" with Pau and AB
Not Bad
Baywood
Posted by: Baywood | April 05, 2008 at 07:49 AM
Good Morning Charles---Good Morning Everyone....
Great win last night (no shirt Sherlock)....
Lamar and Pau and the combination of the two were nothing short of magnificient---both played extemely well individually and in tandem---a great thing to behold indeed !!!
DEFENSE DEFENSE DEFENSE gentleman if you please---the Lakers really need to start working hard on the defensive end or the play offs will be short lived indeed.....
Positives for Puke: well he made a lay up...
more later...
GO LAKERS !!!
Posted by: Floyd | April 05, 2008 at 07:53 AM
As usual Laker Tom has some insightful insights....
Props to TheDropper for the Puke/Rad nominclature....
Rad again demonstrated inconsistency--his shots were painfully close but no cigar....he needs to step up or be replaced.....
Luckily, Puke's minutes were mercifully limited---only 27 years left on his contract....
IRA SIGHTING !!! Why only the tease? I would like to see what he can contribute---he can't be worse than Puke can he?
The Cubanites---Yay, The Lakers went forth and slew the Cubanites, and it was good.....
Doesn't get much better than watching Cuban's face as he realized they were done for the night---yee frickin' haw!!!
My son says Avery J should be a jockey....
Famar again made some rookie type mistakes, but I dig his driving to the basket==penetrate and dish--yeah!
I will have the intensity with an extra large side of pick and roll please... and for desert ...wait for it...Kobe Steak.....
YET ANOTHER GREAT DAY TO BE A LAKER FAN !!!
GO LAKERS !!!
Posted by: Floyd | April 05, 2008 at 08:06 AM
Well, that was one hell of a game.
I was watching it with a Dallas fan, and a whole bunch of faithful Phoenix fans at a bar last night while out at a DPHH event. Dallas fan was not all that happy that we won, but he did admit that it was one hell of a game.
Phoenix fans? Oh well, once a hater, always a hater. LOL
The Playoffs will be one hell of an event.
Posted by: Teej | April 05, 2008 at 08:07 AM
Here's a little factual enjoyment for the little Yellow School Bus better known as the PJ is over rated as a coach bandwagon:
Phil Jackson has made the playoffs in all 17 seasons as an NBA head coach— eight with the Lakers and nine with the Chicago Bulls. Jackson, whose nine NBA titles are tied with fellow Hall of Famer Red Auerbach, also holds the all-time mark for postseason victories with 179.
That wagon is going to have to use only Troll roads.
Mark
Posted by: markythearky | April 05, 2008 at 08:11 AM
oh sorry--Mel came up with the Puke/Rad nominclature
PROPS FOR MEL----HUZZAH HUZZAH HUZZAH !!!
GO LAKERS !!!!
Posted by: Floyd | April 05, 2008 at 08:12 AM
Great win, playoff intensity.
ESPN is reporting that Drew and Trevor will not be playing the remaining 6 games of the regular season. Is this bull or the truth. I just hope Drew can play at least 2 games before the season is over.
Go Lakers!
Ludoc Radwaltonovic - our 2 headed monster need to dig deep to get ready for the playoffs. Otherwise, it may be their last season as a Laker. If so, I hope we can trade this 2 for 1 real good SF/PF.
Posted by: Laker Phil | April 05, 2008 at 08:13 AM
sorry again---maybe I should read before I post---BK CAME UP WITH PUKE/RAD 'S NEW NAME
GIANT PROPS TO HIM INDEED---and again sorry for my lame brainedness...
GO LAKERS !!!
Posted by: Floyd | April 05, 2008 at 08:18 AM
OMG, someone needs to make up some "Lukomir Waltmanovic" t-shirts. They can sell them outside Staples Center as people are leaving the game. Funny stuff!!
I didn't sit for the last 4 minutes, just paced and paced, but it was well worth it. Way to go Lakers!
FANTASTIC GAME!!!!!!!!
Posted by: SoCalGal | April 05, 2008 at 08:29 AM
Such an exciting game last night! I can't wait for Socks to get back - this year's playoffs will probably be the best that I've ever seen!
Let's Go Lake Show!
Posted by: Caliphilosopher | April 05, 2008 at 08:40 AM
Laker Tom-
Great analysis. The one thing that jumped out to me was how the Lakers punished the high double team of Kobe. Every time they doubled Kobe late it lead to an easy basket from either Lamar or Pau. When we have Kobe, Pau, Lamar, and Andrew on the court its going to be really hard to double one of them because all those guys will be able to either pass to a more open man or hit the shot.
I am also very impressed with Sasha and Farmar. They seem to be very inconsistent however both dont lack confidence. I notice sometimes Farmar will hesitate to shoot a 3 if hes doing bad, but def. not Sasha. The four point play was huge and we all have to give Sasha credit. Also, I had been talking about a month ago how I would like to see Jordan drive the ball more, well my wish has come true. He is very quick and needs to use his speed more. Do what he did last night every game. I have no problem with him shooting the 3 but he needs to have a balanced attack.
Finally...LAMAR is the man!!! I have to admit there where a few games earlier in the year where I wanted to kill Lamar. Everything is now good my man. He played sensational last night. Last nights game was Lamar reaching his "potential." What really impressed me was that he rarely settled for outside shots. Even though he can make em, I always cringe when he shoots them. I am way more confortable with the game he played yesterday. Hopefully he can keep up the good play into the playoffs.
Great overall game(minus the lack of heart and energy to start the 2nd) and an even better finish.
HERES TO THE #1 SEED
GO LAKERS, GO BRUINS
Posted by: mrbarneydangles | April 05, 2008 at 08:50 AM
When Kobe plays like that the Lakers are a true Basketball team...and can/will beat anyone...stay focused!!!
Posted by: neil | April 05, 2008 at 09:15 AM
OK. Did it seem like you were watching a 'Rocky' movie last night? A lot of hits and no defense. I could hear Mick in the corner "Get up LO!" but I don't remember Lo sayin "Cut me Dirk..cut me!" Oh well. I thought I could hear the Rocky theme playin in the third and boy we came out swingin in the 4th. Dallas wouldnt go down though, they stood strong with Dirk "I fight for me...FOR ME!" Nowitzky lookin a little hobbled. (I think He looks a little like Drago too!)
http://www.bballcity.com/images/2006/dirk-nowitzki-1-med.jpg
http://www.davidpetersenartworks.com/wp-content/uploads/2007/04/ivan-drago.jpg
We almost had the lead and then the Mavs unleashed a Clubber Lang body blow that sent us reeling. I thought we were down for the count but then the the theme music kicked it up a notch as The starters came in (HE'S JUST HUMAN ROCK! YOU'RE A MACHINE!) and delivered the KO punch!!
" YO PHIL!!! WE DID IT!!!! "
WE WERE WATCHIN THEM LAKERS AND DRINKIN SOME BEER, TOKIN A BOWL WHILE WE SCREAMED AND WE CHEERED!!!!!!!!!!!!! LAKERS 4 LIFE BABY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
LakerMan 420
Posted by: LakerMan 420 | April 05, 2008 at 09:16 AM
GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOD MOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOORRRRRRRRRRRRRRR
RRRRRRRNIIIIIIIIIIIIIING LAKER NATION!!!!!!!!!
Almost forgot
Posted by: LakerMan 420 | April 05, 2008 at 09:18 AM
My only comment on the Lakers clintching and the Spurs didn't...I don't know if you can clintch a spot by losing. If they lose out(ya right) they wouldnt make the playoffs, if they win 1 they are in for sure.
Posted by: LakerMan 420 | April 05, 2008 at 09:29 AM
Laker Tom,
Great summary.
BK,
You continue to make the other L.A. Times sportwriters (AK excluded) look like clumsy hacks. Good job.
Personal observations/comments...
Lamar Odom has finally reached the Promised Land! After years of roaming blindly in the basketball desert making bonehead play after bonehead play, he has finally arrived.
Countless debates have occured on this blog over the last three years about Lamar Odom. Frustration, frustration, frustration amidst blind pleas for hope. And, now, finally, he's playing like the player we all knew he could be. Such an amazingly good feeling.
The Lakers looked so good in the fourth quarter yesterday. If they can FINALLY pull off a full game like the one quarter they've been playing to win their last several games, they will be unbeatable.
Phil get it done! If you only need one quarter of excellent play, four quarters will be basketball at it's best.
Regarding Ariza and Bynum...
This crap is getting beyond ridiculous. Bynum was supposed be to back a month ago. He's a crazily-healthy 20 year old super athlete. Something is wrong.
Simply put, Gary Vitti is not doing his job. If we had Dallas's or the Suns' (God, I hate envying these teams!) training staff, everyone would be healthy right now.
I obsess (often self-effacingly) about Dit Da Jow, but quite frankly, I'd practically rather have any other team's training staff right now than the Lakers. Gary Vitti is failing this team right now and it is very disappointing.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | April 05, 2008 at 09:30 AM
Well, doubling Kobe in the 4th doesn't work.
Pau, LO and their layup parade sent a loud message to upcoming opponents.
Wish Pau was a bit tougher underneath, but, that's not his job.
The Drew date keeps movin' back. Hope the latest is the last.
No Drew, no ring.
Posted by: Vman | April 05, 2008 at 09:31 AM
Lukomir Waltmanovic! I am laughing so hard.... ok this is the name the both of them will be known for from now on.
Posted by: Vonislav Waferdenko | April 05, 2008 at 09:46 AM
MIND GAMES............
PJ is playing mind games again. He is now saying that AB probably won't be back till the playoffs.
"Jackson says there's 'a very good possibility' that the center will miss the rest of the regular season."
(http://www.latimes.com/sports/printedition/la-sp-lakerep5apr05,1,2844884.story)
Isn't this fun? I say AB will be back only when PJ really needs him in a game. PJ will continue to use this "card" to play his 'ZEN" with the opponents!!
Posted by: Robyn | April 05, 2008 at 09:47 AM
Is there any doubt who which team will lead the league in field goal percentage next year? Lamar, Pau, and Bynum should all be easily over 50% and Kobe will be able to take less 3's and be open for easier shots (albeit a lot less shots probably). With a decent defense we will be really, really hard to beat................
GHF pslakerfan
Posted by: pslakerfan | April 05, 2008 at 09:48 AM
Tie breakers with 8th seed team is similar to BCS in College football. It doesn't follow that two teams with identical records will not be treated the same. Anyway in the end both will qualify or else those 8 slots will be left open. The real competition here is the 7th, 8th and 9th where they have almost identical records in the next remaining games. Dallas is clinging on a loose vine in a deep ravine wherein a loss and victories of bothe Warriors and Nuggets could dislodge them from the playoffs. Here is the unfairness of the rules whereby 9th seed will not be in the playoffs. That 9th seed now is the equivalent to a 4th seed in the Eastern Conference.
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | April 05, 2008 at 09:49 AM
Where are all you fool asses that kept bagging on Lamar?
He thrives with Pau and and the Kobster and will be even better when the Beast joins them ! Can't wait. And there is no reason to rush AB. He will get enough time to practice with the guys and can start getting back in game shape in the 1st round. Here we come!!!!!!!
East Coast Laker Fan
Posted by: East Coast Laker fan | April 05, 2008 at 09:54 AM
When Pau is on the court and Lamar is aggressive, the Lakers are a very tough team to handle. You can double team and stop Kobe, but when he passes out to Pau or Lamar, both bigs work great together to score.
When Andrew comes back, there will be fireworks. The front line will be even tougher to handle by opponents. Kobe will be free to roam and shoot or it will be the huge three to score.
Posted by: James Katt | April 05, 2008 at 10:08 AM
Go Go Lakers!!!!!
6 games more to go!!!
Bring in Andrew Bynum
Posted by: Botsoy | April 05, 2008 at 10:10 AM
That win took some character.
I liked what I saw as far as character goes.
Our guys kept the "faith"...
Lamar is playing the best ball of his career. Just stick to slashing to the hoop and grabbing boards, his shot is still suspect (tentative).
Gasol isn't even what he was before the ankle, he's still working himself back in.
Lukomir Waltmanovic or whatever you called him... that's funny.
Lakers win, and this board is a nice place, they lose, it's garbage. People have been saying that for years. Now I know why...
Certain guys like myself, LakerTom, don't sift through the comments after disgusting losses...
likewise, trolls only like to come out and play when the Lakers stumble. It's so ridiculous too, because seriously, the regular season means next to nothing! Count the banners, then heckle.
I don't think Ariza is coming back until next year. We could use his D.
Good post again LakerTom. Thanks!
Posted by: Tim-4-Show | April 05, 2008 at 10:12 AM
LakerTom,
I wanted to add one thing.
Not only is Lamar playing the best ball I've ever seen, but Kobe has too.
I've now hit the point where I look at Kobe and say "he has no weaknesses"
That doesn't mean he doesn't make mistakes, it means his game doesn't really have holes.
I still remember the day I said that about MJ. It was the day I conceded that he was the greatest. It took me until about 91 or 92 to admit it.
Kobe has refined his craft. He now looks like a MJ/Magic hybrid. I don't see how LBJ could be a better passer than the guy I've been watching the last few weeks...
WOW. Could it be that we've yet to see the BEST of Kobe the Bean???
Posted by: Tim-4-Show | April 05, 2008 at 10:16 AM
Great Great GAme Lamar...
Lamar Odom at his best is so valuable to the team because he can rebound, start the break, interior pass, and post up. If he's hot he can shoot too...
I think Buss might just have to open up the pocket book cuz you cant let Odom go if he is going to play like this nite nite out.
Gasol aint goin nowhere.
Bynum aint goin nowhere.
Kobe should opt out, take a paycut to create more room for Odom + Bynum to resign and then bask in the next 5 years of Laker basketball.
We should be able to get 2 chips ... at least!
Posted by: Korey | April 05, 2008 at 10:17 AM
If Lamar doesn't take the summer off, he can make the all-star squad next season.
Tall order? Yeah, but he can do it. He just has to carry the momentum through the summer and show up next season playing like this.
Posted by: Tim-4-Show | April 05, 2008 at 10:22 AM