LO summed it all up in pretty neat fashion
"We got our (butts) whipped tonight."
I paraphrased Lamar Odom's quote to make it a little more PG-13, but I think that version of his capsule review for the Lakers' 112-103 loss to the Trailblazers works just as well. Yet another "L" in the growing pile of defeats going down in the Northwest neck of the woods. After the game, Phil Jackson joked again about negative effects the area's rain causes his squad ("They were raining pretty good out there, I'll tell you that"). Soaked weather may or may not be the true culprit, but it's nonetheless clear that drops of water falling from the sky doesn't bring out the best this purple and gold crew has to offer. The Lakers got behind the eight ball during the first quarter, allowing Portland to shoot a... wait for it... blazing 57%, setting a tone for a night where Brandon Roy, LaMarcus Aldridge and Channing Frye (subbing for an injured Joel Przybilla) scored 20+ each. The second quarter ended with a ten point spread that could have been even bigger. The Lakers came to life some down the stretch, making a game of it during sections of the third and especially the fourth quarters. But by the time any box score became official, the Lakers were looking at the bum end of a decision.
The breakdown is below.
The Good
The fourth quarter (relatively speaking): I wouldn't go so far as to suggest each Laker player order copies of that frame's stat sheet and pin it to their respective fridges. Mistakes were made down the stretch, opportunities missed and momentum went unsustained in more than fitful periods. But this quarter did feature the lowest Blazer FG clip (44%). It was also the only quarter where the Lakers won a board battle (12-5) and the good guys outscored the hosts. A little more from the outset of what we saw down the stretch and the Lakers might have taken this one.
Kobe Bryant's second half: 24's opening twenty-four minutes of 4-12 shooting, one board and no dimes didn't do much for me. But after some halftime Gatorade and orange slices, The Mamba played a little more like what we've come to expect from him. 23 points on 7-14 shooting. 10 trips to the line (reminiscent of more time spent attacking the rim). Five assists. Four rebounds. And a nice job getting between an angry Vlad Rad and the official drawing his ire after the former was called for a foul. Bryant's calm handling of the situation may have left Radmanovic's wallet a little heavier.
Pau Gasol and Vlad Rad's offense: Note, I emphasized "offense," because both were as guilty as anyone on the roster when it came to not locking down their opponent. But points are an essential part of any winning formula and the pair combined for 38. Vlad went 5-9 from downtown, including a couple biggies to make the last quarter interesting. Gasol also deserves props for his 13 boards.
The Bad
Pick a stat, just about any stat: Seriously, just go down the line if you're looking for an explanation for this loss. Portland's FG%: 51. Lakers: 44. Portland's 3P%: 46 (10-22). Lakers: 37. Portland's percentage at the stripe: 83. Lakers: 79. Portland rebounds: 40. Lakers: 37. Blazer dimes: 25. Lakers:21. The steals also came out 6-4 in favor of the home squad. Save two fewer turnovers than the baker's dozen coughed up by Portland, the Lakers pretty much fell short in every major offering. Difficult to win when that happens.
Derek Fisher: 1-4 from the field for just 3 points, a tally that actually tripled his combined assists and rebounds while equaling his foul total. Yikes. His play on the other side of the ball didn't do much to make up for it, either. Fish got subbed out in favor of Farmar with about five minutes left in the third and never reentered the contest. Farmar had his own issues (2-8 shooting and a few bad decisions), but at least racked a "6" in the assist and rebound slots. It may have not have been the Bruin's best outing, but bottom line, he outplayed his starter by a pretty sizable margin.
Lamar Odom: The knock on LO has always been his aggressiveness, a charge that's gone mostly silent over the last few months, especially as Odom's done terrific work stepping up while Pau Gasol went down. Tonight wasn't one of those nights. He's had past games with only eight field goal attempts where I may have wished he hoisted a few more, but I didn't necessarily feel like he wasn't part of the action. Seeing Odom only grab five boards, however, clinches the notion for me.
Energy: Phil Jackson and Odom cited their disappointment in the purple and gold pulse on display throughout the evening. I'm not about to debate them. "We didn't come out and play hard," lamented PJ. "We gave up easy baskets in situations where we didn't have to."
Put it this way. I wish the Lakers showed as much scrap over 48 minutes as they did during the 48 seconds or so when everyone got chesty after Odom's flagrant on Roy.
AK
Download lamar_odom_blazer_postgame.mp3 (Lamar Odom)
Download pau_gasol_blazer_postgame.mp3 (Pau Gasol)
Download phil_jackson_blazer_postgame.mp3 (Phil Jackson)
Hank - I have been saying those things about Kobaby all year and most laker fans and media people constantly fail to mention them
Kobe should not make 1st or 2nd team all defense, it would make the award a joke. Watch how his man constantly beats him off the dribble and he doesnt even bother trying to box out. His help defense is terrible. These are not new developments and I am glad you pointed them out.
But the number one thing is Kobe can play great defense when he wants to. The question is always when and if he will do it.
Posted by: Laker Lover | April 09, 2008 at 10:19 AM
Wes,
It Get I. Around pushed getting stop and guts more with playing start they until balkwards talk will I. Rediculous was that!!
Wow! That last line sounded like Yoda. oops.....character to back.
janaya
Posted by: janaya | April 09, 2008 at 10:23 AM
"i have a pretty sure feeling that kobe wont win the mvp this year. the lakers blew it on this game. it was their chance to get the no.1 spot - but they didn't grab it. the media types (who gets to vote for the mvp) are gonna see these three bad losses to memphis, charlotte, and portland down the stretch. new orleans are gonna be the first seed. and if chris paul beats kobe on friday..that would be the nail in the mvp coffin. chris paul will get it. oh well, cant really say he doesnt deserve it, but would be nice for kobe to get one. but he has to do something really really REALLY special to get the votes from the media."
If one game (or those three bad games) is going to determine whether or not Kobe gets this year's MVP award, then he wasn't going to win it anyway. The season is 82 games long, and he has played stellar ball all season long, doing something "really really REALLY special" throughout the year. One game shouldn't make or break his chances. Shame on the sportswriters if they think like you do.
Posted by: SoCalGal | April 09, 2008 at 10:24 AM
Exhelodrvr,
When Odom made that statement, he was echoing something similar to what PJ said earlier last week, AB will fit in.
I understand what you are saying, but I don't think it will be very difficult for AB to merge into a system he already knows.
Its Pau and Odom that might have the biggest problems. Pau has shown how quickly he learns and Lamars excitment about the new situation shows how little he's concerned.
Just my optimistic thoughts. lol
Posted by: Fairweather Fatty | April 09, 2008 at 10:26 AM
Fire 3,
"The great Laker Legends cant shake a stick at amare and Stevie Nash."
Funny you should mention that since YOUR TEAM NEEDS a FUTURE LAKER LEGEND to get deeper into the playoffs!!!
Too bad you guys did not get him in his prime.
Also, I see he is already missing games. Get used to it. The honeymoon is over in Foolnix!!
janaya
Posted by: janaya | April 09, 2008 at 10:30 AM
I'm beginning to wonder if Kobe holding back on offense in the opening quarter is good formula. It appears that we are having problems starting games. Kobe's repeated several times over the last few games that "It took us a while to see what they were running and adjust" Hello Coaching staff, this is where you earn your pay. Stop play, regroup and send the troops out to battle. This team doesn't have the veteran knowledge from Championships past... Kobe, D-Fish and PJ (staff included) have to clamp down. Get in everyone's face and push the issue. It start now! Lakers give 100% all game or make some travel arrangements
Posted by: lakerfaze | April 09, 2008 at 10:30 AM
J-luv: all we need is for KB24 to read Heisler, post it on his locker and when the lame Suns come to play in the post-season - we will have killer Mamba doing his thing.
While I agree with your post and Heisler's devil advocate attitude - it's all the added incentive to make a great post-season run. Get on the roller coaster folks - this is an "E" ticket (for those that remember what E tickets are)!
Posted by: PsychedLakerGirl | April 09, 2008 at 10:33 AM
Good morning everybody!
Mamba, nice rhymes, man.
That SUCKED!
That one of the more poorly officiated games in recent memory (what flagrant? Even the Blazermaniacs around me had to admit there were a number of bad calls after the replays were shown). Also I had a screaming nutbag behind me all night -- that looked like your grandma -- who must've been watching a different game than me.
Force out of balance.
But why?
At first, after the game, I got paranoid. Maybe it's me.
Maybe The Show just can't win if I'm in the house for a roadie (they're like, oh for five now).
Maybe I put the force out of balance by playfully haranguing SHEKOBE on the blog.
Maybe it was that I forgot to wish Charles a good morning yesterday.
Maybe I should have got a finger on the game ball when they passed it to my bro in the third level before the game.
Then I remembered, the Olympics are being held in China this year. Sports force out of balance? Look no further....
But, really, the Blazers earned it. They hit every open three. The Lakers? Hmmm. Kobe not passing, L.O. not agressive, Fish unable to get going...it was a regression game.
BUT...
(Almost hate to say it, but), Gunner is on the money. Houston is round 1 is the best possible scenario for this team to get healthy and make a long run.
So, I say today, let us count our blessings. And pray for Tibet.
Oh, and since I'm getting political, yo, Fire 3, deal with it. Your neocon and Funs loving ass is about to get two big wakeup calls when we get a playoff victory over you in May and someone who cares back in the White House in November.
Posted by: Jesterguru | April 09, 2008 at 10:34 AM
Having the game on DVR allowed me to look and see just how bad our defense was. I've surmised that our D was about what is always is. Last night, the Blazers were just hitting everything they threw up. More than half of their misses were wide open looks. Most of their makes were on very contested shots. Esp. in the second half. On at least 8 occasions we forced them to take a desperation shot at the end of the shot clock and they still hit nothing but bottom.
On most nights, a team will hit maybe 1 of 8 shots in that situation. The Blazers were 8 of 8, or something equally improbable.
Several of those were 3's, and that's your margin of victory right there. What hurts the most, is that they scored those points during the sequences when the Lakers D was at its best. Normally, the Lakers use those 6-10 possessions of stringent D to turn a game around. It did not work in this game.
It actually was the opposite. Stu even noted during the broadcast that it seemed they were shooting better when they were bumped. Indeed, many of their points in the paint were with copious amounts of contact involved. But, they converted anyway.
Very disheartening.
--FearlessWhackJob
Posted by: FearlessWhackJob | April 09, 2008 at 10:34 AM
AB being on the lineup would be great however, I don't think is fair of our part to think that Andrew will get back to automatically save the Lakers on the defense department.
If we're all expecting Andrew Bynum to come back and automatically play like he was before he got hurt, we're being fool! The guy has been out for about two months now and whenever he gets back, will be a process in which he will have to get the feel of the game etc.
Coming back during the first couple games of the playoffs will make even tougher for him because thats when the game really gets phisical and JUST TO REMEMBER... He never was in the position to be the center of attention before and coming back during that stretch will not even help him because he will be attacked and attacked really hard!
So with all this, I think the Lkers should be committed to play good defense before AB comes back so that when he gets back, he can help this defense become a GREAT defense!
This Lakers squad are relying too much on outscoring opponents and they just play hard for 18 minutes before the game is finally over!
In the playoffs, if they get down by 10 after two quarters, is better to forget about coming back and automatically win it because that competition level demands hard play for 48 straight minutes.
Maxx
Posted by: Maxximo | April 09, 2008 at 10:35 AM
Hank,
"AK,
How come Kobe never gets his share of the blame for frustrating losses? Instead, you actually praise his 2nd half when he played defense just as poorly as he did in the 1st?! Stop drinking his Kool-Aid and kissing his butt. If he wants to be the leader of this team, he should take responsibility for the poor defensive efforts that seem to happen every night nowadays."
Well, that's a little ironic, considering half of our readership accuses me of bashing Kobe on a regular basis out of a personal dislike for him. Guess I truly can't win. haha
To answer your question, however, I didn't think Kobe played particularly good D last night. But when I mentioned Vlad and Pau's offense in the good, I pointed out that they "were as guilty as anyone on the roster when it came to not locking down their opponent." I was including Kobe among the guilty, which I thought was made clear by not specifying that he'd be held exempt. But if that wasn't apparent before, all doubt's now been removed.
I also noted in the eval that I didn't think Kobe's first half was very strong, either. However, his second half was considerably better. He spent a lot of time attacking the basket, distributed the ball better, and hit some big shots. The Lakers wouldn't have been able to make a game of it without his efforts down the stretch, which I thought were enough to merit mention in the "good" section. All in all, not one of Kobe's best games. But that's why I was rather specific about the praise I was giving.
Hopefully, that better explains what I was getting at.
AK
Posted by: Andrew Kamenetzky | April 09, 2008 at 10:35 AM
LTLF and Xodus,
can we agree that LTLF is the Hollinger of the LakerBlog.
- Sure, come up with stats that only support your theory.
- Sure , "act" as if you analyze every possession of the game on TiVo.
- Sure, tell us why Farmar's 6 assists were absolutely the greatest thing. He's an unselfish player! The 6 assists prove it!
- Sure, tell us Farmar shooting 2-8 wasnt all that bad considering he had 6 assists.
- Go on, tell us that 6 assists and 2 TOs mean Farmar played well actually.
And then the rest of us who watched the game without any special "love" for a player will just laugh.
- Laugh at how incomplete Farmar's game was.
- Laugh at how many times the Lakers were on the precipice of gaining complete control of the momentum but Farmar screwed it up on plays a PG is just supposed to make.
--> Giving the ball up on a 2-on-1 fast break to the best finisher in the game. YOu make that play.
--> 3-on-2 fast break, you create an open shot for someone. You make that play.
--> When you get frustrated that the steal and fast break didnt lead to easy points, you dont shoot a deep 3 early in the shot clock. YOU DONT MAKE THAT PLAY.
--> Take the ball full court and get your stuff blocked on a off-balance attempt anyway. YOU DONT MAKE THAT PLAY.
See, LTLF, we know you taking any slight of any Laker player personally for some reason. As if they were your kids.
But the realists see what needs to be seen. I dont understand how you've been such a Long Time Laker Fan, if you can't see that in clutch situations players need to play with poise and at the very least minimize mistakes.
Every team will be in a situation where we are down 7-10 pts and we need to play flawless basketball in the 4th get back in the game.
Can we depend on Farmar to not get selfish, jack up shots, and/or try to do much?
Right now, the obvious answer is no. Sooner or later, The JOrdan "I think I am the MAN" Farmar will come out and make an error that is just inexcusable for someone playing 25-30 mins ....
Posted by: Korey | April 09, 2008 at 10:35 AM
JESTER GURU SAID:"Maybe it was that I forgot to wish Charles a good morning yesterday."
DAMN! DAMN! DAMN JESTERGURU! HOW COULD YOU? That's what did it! LOL!
Posted by: Mamba24 | April 09, 2008 at 10:44 AM
Fairweather Fatty,
"When Odom made that statement, he was echoing something similar to what PJ said earlier last week, AB will fit in."
Players and management very rarely say what they really think, when it can be construed negatively. You really can't give any credence to public statements.
Posted by: exhelodrvr | April 09, 2008 at 10:44 AM
Lakerlover
If you recall the beginning of the season... Kobe came out on on defense like a hawk. Blocking several shot as the second "help defender" time and time again. Without looking at stats I'm sure his steals we up during the first two months as well. Once he injured the pinky (which to me says "Hey don't stick tha hand out to deflict anything) he scaled back the defense and adjusted his shooting. No excuse but, I will issue a pass. Not arguing but this season nothing has been consistant with our team... It's the ups and downs of the NBA and life with injuries and young players.
Posted by: lakerfaze | April 09, 2008 at 10:47 AM
Somebody tell me how KObe did play bad D last nite?
I mean, HELLO, that is Brandon Roy, last time I checked he was all-star.
Just like you can't stop TMAC, Iverson, etc. you arent going to just lock-down Roy.
What you can do is take away something from him and make it tough. Then, with the appropriate help D you can contain him.
That is what Kobe did. How many times was Kobe on Roy's hip and waiting for a BIG to step up and finish the play off by just stepping up?
Roy was just continue on to the lane untouched until he got to the basket.
This is unacceptable by Gasol and Odom and why we came back when they were out the game.
Kobe got Roy dribbling out of control with a full head of steam. If Roy, wanted his patented step back Kobe was laying back waiting for it.
All SOMEONE had to do was step up to cut off penetration and we would be fine.
Oh my bad, 1st team all-defenders are supposed to stop their man from scoring ANY BUCKETs.
Posted by: Korey | April 09, 2008 at 10:48 AM
lakerfaze,
this Laker team needs to mature. Why are we handicapping ourselves and asking KOBE not to score and be aggressive to start the game?
Why do these players need to be "babied" and get some shots up before they start playing D?
"I'm beginning to wonder if Kobe holding back on offense in the opening quarter is good formula. It appears that we are having problems starting games. Kobe's repeated several times over the last few games that "It took us a while to see what they were running and adjust"
That says it all. You have the best scorer in the game. Maybe if the Lakers just concentrated on tough D to start the game and then let Kobe get us off to a good start we would be fine.
But no, the team is showing some immaturity a bit. You dont come out with energy on D, you lose on the road.
That's bottom line.
Posted by: Korey | April 09, 2008 at 10:51 AM
Xodus,
>>>What veiled attack?
something about "slurping Farmar"
Do you understand the difference between a discussion of opinion
or fact and a personal attack?
If you were to say, "LTLF, you are biased in favor of Farmar", then
that's an opinion. If you were to say, "Farmar shot 25% last night,
then that's a fact. When you embellish it, as you did, you turn
it into a personal attack.
Usually, people do that because their argument is weak. Since
they can't actually dispute the actual argument of the person
they are discussing something with, they attack the person
rather than what they are saying.
You followed up the "slurping" comment with an argument which
was invalid and didn't really support your conclusion that Farmar
had an overall bad game, which he didn't.
If you'd have had a real argument, for example if Farmar had
had 1 assist and 3 turnovers to go with his 2-for-8 shooting, then
you probably wouldn't have felt compelled to cheapen your
argument - you just would have stated what Farmar did and
said that it confirms that he didn't play well.
>>>Farmar doesn't LOOK to pass, he passes when he has
>>>no other option.
That is your claim, but it's completely unfounded. Farmar passes
MUCH more than he shoots. If you want to impress me, go review
the video of last night's game and tell me how many times Farmar
handled the ball in last night's game, and compare his ratio of
shooting to passing to other players on the team.
What you'll find if you do that is that Farmar, like a good point guard,
tries to get ALL the players involved in the game. He passes to
everyone. When Congolian Beef is on the floor, Farmar even
passes to him. People see Kobe calling for the ball on one play
and Farmar passes the other way, and suddenly they claim
(incorrectly) that FARMAR NEVER PASSES TO KOBE. Another
play, Sasha will be open, but Farmar passes it to Lamar in the
lane instead, and so the argument becomes FARMAR HATES
SASHA SO HE NEVER PASSES IT TO HIM. But it's all just Hype.
I'm pretty sure you're basing most of your argument (at least with
respect to last night's game) on the one fast break where Farmar
shot instead of passing to Kobe. But if you look at the game overall,
Farmar passes much more frequently than he shoots. And he
passes to everyone. His 6 assists went to 5 Lakers.
Posted by: Long Time Laker Fan | April 09, 2008 at 10:51 AM
JANAYA SAID:"It Get I. Around pushed getting stop and guts more with playing
start they until balkwards talk will I. Rediculous was that!!
THIS IS MADNESS! Janaya stop this immediately. You know better
than to hang around Wes. It took me a month to recover the
last time I did. And some say I still haven't recovered. LOL!
LAKERFAZE SAID: "can you let all the release the beast folk know
who headed the whole BYNUM Bandwagon... before the season started! "
YES I CAN SIR. IT WAS YOU! And may I say the objections to
even having a Bynum Bandwagon were truly frightening. So I
here and now give you Kudo's for recognizing Talent when
the rest of us would have "Shipped his @ss"
Posted by: Mamba24 | April 09, 2008 at 10:54 AM
AK,
so what do you want Kobe to do on D?
Should he lay back and let Brandon Roy shoot open jumpers and then get picked off by screens?
OR should Kobe apply pressure and force him to make a move with help D on the back-end?
You can't just shut down a Brandon Roy.
I believe that Kobe on Roy helped us get back in the game in the 4th. Roy's pts came off mostly fouls and he made like 1 open jumper and 1 tough shot. Other than that, there offense seemed to stall when Roy got hurt and almost trying to over-give it to Roy.
To me, Kobe made it tough on Roy and he made great plays. But the help D in my opinion on a guy who is driving from 20 ft out was abysmal.
Why not note that as well?
Posted by: Korey | April 09, 2008 at 10:55 AM
Xodus,
Odom's game meshes with Gasol's game better than it meshes with Bynum's game. Odom and Bynum do too much of the same thing on offense. Odom has a relatively limited game away from the basket, as does Bynum at this point.
The same concept applies to Stoudamire - he and Marion played similar roles, and "competed" for the same plays. Shaq plays a completely different role, which allows Stoudamire to maximize his skills. Stoudamire is also playing PF, which is a better fit for him than C.
That's just the way it is. Now, you can debate over whether Gasol and O'Neal actually "make their teammate better", or that they just play a more complementary style that frees up their teammate, but the fact is that Odom's and Stoudamires games have blossomed with the change in teammates.
I believe that, given time, Odom and Bynum will be able to adjust their games (particularly as Bynum improves). But that hasn't happened yet.
Posted by: exhelodrvr | April 09, 2008 at 10:56 AM
*______________________________________*
9RINGS ON SUNDAY UNLEASH THE BEAST
& WELCOME BACK BYNUM BANDWAGON
*______________________________________*
(00) LAKER TOM – CEO
(01) PIG MILLER – Owner
(02) JON K. Driver
(03) DELILAH – Riding shotgun
(04) MAMBA – Johnny come Lately
(05) JUSTANOTHERMAMBAFAN – Playmaker
(06) SAMLL – Director of Enforcement
(07) TOAD – Director of Security
(08) THA SHOW - Just keeping us real
(09) TSPHERE – SuperDelegate - Got My vote!
(10) MARKYTHEARKY – Director of Mirrors and reflections of teams behind
(11) MILO RAMBALDI- --Team Prophet. – Predicts Bynum greatness
(12) HMRHED – Director of determining when to unleash
(13) FATTY – Director of P.R.
(14) MRBARNEYDANGLES – Taught the Skyhook to the Beast
(15) LAKERFAZE – Original Owner but Wagon was hijacked
Posted by: Mamba24 | April 09, 2008 at 10:59 AM
Korey,
>>>can we agree that LTLF is the Hollinger of the LakerBlog.
Astute assessment. Except for the fact that I have Kobe winning
the MVP at this point. :-)
Posted by: Long Time Laker Fan | April 09, 2008 at 10:59 AM
Korey,
>>>Sure, tell us Farmar shooting 2-8 wasnt all that bad
>>>considering he had 6 assists.
Your words, not mine. I specifically said that Farmar's shooting was
bad. What I said was that there were some other facets of his game
that were good last night.
Posted by: Long Time Laker Fan | April 09, 2008 at 11:02 AM
Korey,
>>> Giving the ball up on a 2-on-1 fast break to the best finisher
>>>in the game. YOu make that play.
First rule of fast breaks: If the defender doesn't stop you and lets
you go all the way to the rim, you go to the rim and take the shot.
The defender was kinda laying back in the weeds HOPING that
Farmar would pass to Kobe so he could try to steal it. If the defender
had come over and stopped Farmar, I'm sure he would have passed
it to Kobe.
Posted by: Long Time Laker Fan | April 09, 2008 at 11:05 AM
Korey,
Okay, fair enough. We both looked at the same game and I felt
Jordan shot poorly, but mostly played well overall. Yes, he made
a couple of mistakes, but even Kobe makes mistakes (and did in
last night's game).
But let me ask you this. Do you think Fisher played a better game?
Was his decision making good enough for you?
Posted by: Long Time Laker Fan | April 09, 2008 at 11:10 AM
Can we make an award for the dumbest remark made from a visitor section??? VOTE please.
Fire 3, wrote:
"The great Laker Legends cant shake a stick at amare and Stevie Nash."
This is the winner hands down. Outside of NO RING Barkley, is there another ringless member of the Son's in the HOF Mr. Fire 3? That's one comparision you need not draw attention too, along with your teams thirst of a real banner. Western Div. Champs is really no big deal, skit we don't waist space hanging skit like that in LA. Rings and Champinship things SON! Now bow down and kiss the Chuck's..
Posted by: lakerfaze | April 09, 2008 at 11:11 AM
Exhelodrvr,
What we are talking about is probably the most important point of consideration for the Playoff Lakers.
1. How fast can they meld together and jel on both ends of the floor?
They have the tools to compete for a title. But how skilled will they be in using all the talent they have this year?
That first playoff series is the most important for the Lakers. Because they will be trying to put all the pieces back together.
Surviving the first round may be the hardest for this Lakers team.
More on Odoms comments Ex. When asked the question, Odom was genuinely surprised, like that's a silly question. Players usually say it as it is.
PJ, you never really know for sure what he's getting at. There's PJ honest and real honest? That's why I didn't comment last week when he said it.
Posted by: Fairweather Fatty | April 09, 2008 at 11:11 AM
Kory
good point. there's no way any of us can look at the past 5 games a say we're on point. The "D" sucks major, we've played from behind far too much lately. The thing is I don't see the urgency in their eyes... They need something to spark. What will it be?
Posted by: lakerfaze | April 09, 2008 at 11:22 AM
Korey and LTLF - do we really need to start this up again? You guys need to share some brewskis and get over this. Can't we all play nice - the remaining games are all to provide us with fodder, to kill time until the post-season. Let's expend our energy on the good stuff about this team right now instead of ripping on Luke, Farmar, etc.
Our bench helped win a bunch of games that put us in the position we are in today. Now that the rotation is going to tighten up tremendously, we need them all to be confident when they do get the PT. They are our bench, not the starters. Maybe one day but not today.
Jordan will be reviewing the game film and figure out pretty quickly he made some judgment errors last night. Remember when Sasha had 12 guns locked and loaded at him??? These guys aren't dumb and will be living their mistakes in the practice gym as PJ starts pounding on each and every one of them.
Posted by: PsychedLakerGirl | April 09, 2008 at 11:23 AM
Fairweather Fatty,
Look at Phil's public comments about Kwame and Smush, for instance. Did he ever say what he was really thinking about them? I don't think so.
Look at how Kobe was severely criticized last summer when he made his comments about trading Bynum.
That's why they rarely give an honest answer. If it's about the opponent, it will be used by the opponent as "bulletin board material." If it's about the refs, they get fined. If it's about a teammate, they get criticized by the media for not being a team player, and it may cause chemistry issues on the team.
Posted by: exhelodrvr | April 09, 2008 at 11:24 AM
I would throw this out there............AB17 might not be a starter in the first round depending on who the opponent is.
We have done well against the Mavs this year - with the team we have. If Dallas in Rd. 1, AB can certainly come in off the bench and be huge. He can get his legs back.
If Houston in Rd. 1 - I would argue we don't need AB as a starter there either - Pau against Mutumbo s/b fairly obvious......the guy's a 100 years old.
If the Suns.........well, I think we will need him to handle Shaq Deady.
Posted by: PsychedLakerGirl | April 09, 2008 at 11:27 AM
Can we send out some love to the LA Sparks on their WNBA draft picks in Candace Parker and Shannon Bobbitt of the 2008 NCAA Women Champions and back to back I might add.
Go Sparks!!
Can we say WNBA title to go along with the NBA title to the Lakers.
Go Lakers!!!
Posted by: ladyvolsfan | April 09, 2008 at 12:19 PM
LTLF...
Just FYI, I have no beef with you and never will on a personal level.
I actually enjoy a sparring partner to talk about sports with and since we always disagree on things, that's fine with me.
Hey, we both want the Lakers to win really bad, so that makes you OK in my book.
If I didnt think you made some good points I wouldnt go back and forth with you, I would just ignore your comments.
So anway, enough with the lubby dubbyness, and back to Laker basketball talk!!!
Posted by: Korey | April 09, 2008 at 12:43 PM
Fish,
I give him a pass for the most part. I know he's hurt and PJ gave him the quick leash so his play didnt hurt us too bad in the end.
I concentrate on Farmar cuz there is no reason he shouldnt average 6-8 assists a game if he's going to get a bunch of minutes.
He has Kobe, Pau, Odom, Vlad, and Sasha as finishers.
He has shown that he can be a good passer.
But for this team, we cant deal with these growing pains if we are going to win now.
To me, his growing pains are him trying to do waaaay too much.
It's hard,because his role now his switched at the end of the year.
I feel like if we want to christen him as the "next great Laker PG", he really needs to play better and more consistent.
The #1 thing on my list for any PG is shot selection. IF your PG is taking bad shots somehow someway it will screw you.
Posted by: Korey | April 09, 2008 at 12:47 PM
One huge piece of good news for us: No matter where we are seeded in the playoffs, we won't have to face the Trailblazers.
Posted by: Marty | April 09, 2008 at 10:11 AM
****************************************
LOL, this Blazers fan thank you for the flattering comment there, Marty. History has shown that Lakers had made life miserable for Blazers when it counts the most...in the playoffs.
This year is no contest, even though we split the games 2-2. But starting next year, it will be fun to watch these two teams go at it when Portland (and LA) are at full strengths.
Good luck in the playoff this year for your Lakers. I see you facing Boston in June.
Posted by: Odenator | April 09, 2008 at 01:39 PM
JUST WHAT THE DOCTOR ORDERED…
“Jackson didn't rule out a little PT for Andrew Bynum during this weekend's action against New Orleans on Friday or San Antonio on Sunday. He figures Trevor Ariza, however, as a no go.’—Andrew Kamenetzky.
I usually don’t visit the blog after a loss as it usually leads to making overly aggressive posts or trying to start a fight to exorcise the demons from the loss. Tonight, I logged on to post that the loss to the Blazers clearly showed how much we need Andrew Bynum back in the lineup. And lo and behold, what a pleasure to find out that Phil is thinking the same thing. Drew is exactly what the doctor needed to prescribe to heal the Lakers ills. He will protect the rim AND help our perimeter defenders play better defense.
One thing that jumped out during the game was that we are probably going to be playing the Blazers for the West for many years down the road. It’s going to Bynum vs. Oden and the Lakers vs. the Blazers for supremacy of the West, which means we need to find somebody who can keep the Blazer guards from driving straight to the hoop. None of our guards, including Kobe, could stop Roy, Jack, or Blake from penetrating. And none of our big men were able to step up and protect the rim effectively. Drew will help but our guards need to step it up. Our backcourt was seriously outplayed tonight.
With the Hornets loss, the Lakers had their destiny in their hands tonight and blew it. All they had to do was win out, including against the Hornets on Fri, and they would have tied the Hornets and captured the West due to a better conference record. Now, they have to win out and hope that the Mavs can upset the Hornets next Wed in a game that may be meaningless, other than determining whether Mavs play the Lakers or Hornets in the first round of the playoffs. If we keep playing like tonight, the Mavs may decide that they prefer to play us instead of the Hornets.
Time to unleash the Beast. Time to stop the bleeding and start dominating. Go, AB17. We need you to save the day.
Tom
Posted by: LakerTom | April 08, 2008 at 11:41 PM
I agree it is time to unleash the beast but I don't believe a thing PJ says.
He never does what he says. I will believe when I see #17 on the floor.
Posted by: JustaLakerFan | April 09, 2008 at 02:29 PM
While I am disappointed with the loss last night, I am trying to look at the positives. Look at the trend with the Lakers and Sparks in 2000 & 2001 both clubs won championships. This might be the year they follow their past trends. Lakers pull out the steal of the year in Pau Gasol and the Sparks pull the #1 pick in the WNBA draft and land Candace Parker. These are all positives. The lakers cannot run the table the rest of the way with the loss last night but can they take the loss correct mistakes and start another winning streak. I think playing the Clippers next is another positive but only if it ends with a win. Laker fans should get excited about the events of the day and forget the loss to Portland last night and show support the WNBA and the LA Sparks and coach Cooooooooper!!!!
Posted by: ladyvolsfan | April 09, 2008 at 02:34 PM
FearlesswhackJob
Has the best explanation for Portland's improbable win last night. I was at the game. I am a Blazer nutjob, and I fully expected a Blazer loss with Pryzbilla (leading rebounder and defender) out of the game, along with Martell (most 3pt fg completed), as well as Roy coming off an injury. The Lakers had WAY more to play for, but the Blazers got confident early by making a lot of their shots.
When the Blazers won 13 straight they averaged a 50% fg percentage. It was unbelievable to watch. Everyone they put on the court was hitting the open J - and they lived by that - making open Js. Soon the fire cooled and only embers remained - hence the Blazers losing by the J.
Blazers pretty much won last night's game the same way they won 13 in a row. A lot of energy and hustle coupled with unusually good outside shooting.
You of course have to question the Laker's energy, because their lack of is inexcusable for what they were playing for; however, being a former athlete myself, I know how disheartening it can be to play really hard and force a tough shot only to see it go in.
I said before this game that the Lakers will win handidly. I also said if they do not, then they will look like a first round playoff exit team, because this game meant way more to LA than Portland, and Portland was playing without key players.
I look forward to all PDX / LA games. I look forward to a healthy rivalry in the future.
Go Zers!
Posted by: BlazerFan Addict | April 09, 2008 at 03:01 PM
Dear Pig Miller
Oh how i love the fragrance and aroma of PIG meat as i wake up in the Valley of the SUN. Let me state some facts Morons.
1.I dont like Hollywood and its Liberal agenda.
2.The great Laker Legends cant shake a stick at amare and Stevie Nash.
3.The BIG CACTUS will steamroll pau.
4.Laker Bloggers suck.
5.And the SUN train will hang a NBA banner.
Posted by: Fire 3 | April 09, 2008 at 06:04 AM
A troll calling a Laker fan a moron????????????????
Bunch of redneck hillbillies migrated to the desert and are brain fried.
funs are done.
Posted by: JustaLakerFan | April 09, 2008 at 03:22 PM
GUYS,
i've been peeping for some two years now within the confined walls of this blog. although there has been comments of pure negativity i firmly believe that this place connects all lakers by heart and soul.
And win or lose, i am a laker.
I will alwyas be one! :p
Posted by: isang | April 09, 2008 at 04:03 AM
I agree but hope we win.
Posted by: JustaLakerFan | April 09, 2008 at 03:24 PM
Whats up with your 9 ring coach?
3 healthy bodies on the bench, 2 of which are shot blockers and 1 who is all about defense
but phil still sticks to a 8 man rotation.
BTW that technical foul phil got looked so fake.
Question- Who do you want in the second round?
Posted by: Fire32 | April 09, 2008 at 06:35 AM
Assuming you make it to the second round you can bend over so we can give you the boot or whatever else penetrates.
Posted by: JustaLakerFan | April 09, 2008 at 03:28 PM
Interesting facts:
The Blazers made it six-straight wins over the Lakers at the Rose Garden, 12 of the last 14, and 19 of the last 23, when they beat L.A. 112-103. The Lakers all-time record at the Rose Garden falls to 6-19. Among Western Conference teams, only the Clippers have a lower winning percentage on Portland's homecourt.
The teams have now split the season series, 2-2, and that's not unusual. The Blazers won the season series last season, 2-1. The Lakers last won the season series in 04-05, 2 games to 1, but have to go back to 1992-93 for their other series win. They also had a chance to beat the Blazers for the third time in a season for the first time since 92-93. With the loss, Phil Jackson fell to 15-16 all-time versus Portland, as coach of the Lakers.
The Blazers snapped the Lakers four-game winning streak with the win. The last time the teams met in Portland, on February 29th, the Blazers snapped L.A.'s 10-game winning streak.
House of Horrors!
Posted by: lancemick | April 09, 2008 at 03:29 PM
Laker Tom
If I'm reading what you're saying correctly, Andrew would have made the difference last night, (definitely) but the Lakers better win it all this year because next year Portland will counter Bynum with Oden and their guards will still blow by ours at will.
Portland hates LA with an understandable passion. If they played all their games with that intensity, last night's game might have meant something besides bragging rights. They'll have health and salary cap issues like everyone else, but the Blazers future is blazin'.
Posted by: Vman | April 09, 2008 at 09:08 AM
They will be a challenge but Oden has no NBA experience so don't factor him to be a big help especially after season ending surgery. Also Bynum will be in his 4th year.
We still can sign players in the offseason and expect players to want to play for young championship contender.
Posted by: JustaLakerFan | April 09, 2008 at 03:31 PM
I'm pretty sure you're basing most of your argument (at least with
respect to last night's game) on the one fast break where Farmar
shot instead of passing to Kobe. But if you look at the game overall,
Farmar passes much more frequently than he shoots. And he
passes to everyone. His 6 assists went to 5 Lakers.
Posted by: Long Time Laker Fan | April 09, 2008 at 10:51 AM
The sixth assist then went to a Blazer. LOL JK. Couldn't help myself.
Posted by: JustaLakerFan | April 09, 2008 at 04:13 PM
I would throw this out there............AB17 might not be a starter in the first round depending on who the opponent is.
We have done well against the Mavs this year - with the team we have. If Dallas in Rd. 1, AB can certainly come in off the bench and be huge. He can get his legs back.
If Houston in Rd. 1 - I would argue we don't need AB as a starter there either - Pau against Mutumbo s/b fairly obvious......the guy's a 100 years old.
If the Suns.........well, I think we will need him to handle Shaq Deady.
Posted by: PsychedLakerGirl | April 09, 2008 at 11:27 AM
Agree mostly on all except last. Bynum will definutely help but with Pau we can beat them too. Shaq has to be mobile to stop Pau and can't just stand in lane and clog. We just need ball movement to move him side to side and he will tire and Odom will penetrate as well as Kobe.
With AB it will be more leathal.
Posted by: JustaLakerFan | April 09, 2008 at 04:29 PM
My biggest issue isn't the loss altho W's are always great. It bothers me that the mental aspect of this Lakers squad is still not playoff ready. Where is the fire, eye of the tiger, killer instinct, take no prisoners atttitude? All of our championship teams had that no matter who they were playing. At the end of every season there was that glimmer which translated on the court to FOCUS and DEFENSE.
Posted by: PsychedLakerGirl | April 09, 2008 at 07:41 AM
Best post of the day
Posted by: passionate Lakers fan | April 09, 2008 at 04:39 PM
J_Luv, noticed Heisler's anti-Kobe agenda too. He only put in the Nash quote pro Paul, no comments pro Kobe. Heisler is a prick.
Posted by: gdchild | April 09, 2008 at 07:14 PM
AK,
"But after some halftime Gatorade and orange slices..."
Is this for real or is it humour? [...]
Posted by: David in Spain | April 09, 2008 at 06:32 AM
---
David, it's a joke. The pros get whiskey and cigarettes. Unless you are talking about baseball, in which case it's hookers and steroids.
Posted by: The D | April 09, 2008 at 08:15 AM
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Heh heh ... now that's more like it!
Thanks, The D, for answering... even if only to make a wiseguy remark.
Posted by: David in Spain | April 09, 2008 at 10:33 PM
David in Spain,
Hey, sorry I didn't notice you asking that earlier. Yeah, the halftime orange slices is a joke when it comes to the pros. I just find the imagery of them eating treats prepared by "mom" in the Laker locker room a funny visual.
AK
Posted by: Andrew Kamenetzky | April 09, 2008 at 10:37 PM
Not a problem, Andrew. I know that, while clearly dedicated to this blog, you guys very likely have a life outside of cyberspace and are probably not reading each comment word-for-word, 24/7. Seriously, no offence taken because of the "miss".
As for the humourous imagery of mom fixing a halftime snack for the pros, that's kind of what I figured... just wanted to make sure, though. Like I said in my original comment, I thought the whole "Gatorade and orange slices" thing was funny as a kid, so I would have been really surprised if that's what the pros had, too (unless, of course, the orange slices were laced with sea minerals, which might be a good thing...)
Posted by: David in Spain | April 10, 2008 at 02:14 AM