Nobody said clinching the Pacific would be easy
Which works out great, since the Lakers' 107-104 division snagging win certainly made things interesting. Some would say unnecessarily so, given that the Lakers had jacked their lead up to 30 with a little more less than four minutes remaining in the second quarter. Of course, that's right around when New Orleans made it clear that they weren't going anywhere, cutting the Laker lead to 20 before the halftime Gatorade and orange slices. From there, it was a second half won by the visitors, who outscored the Lakers 59-42 despite the foul troubles of Chris Paul and Tyson Chandler. Thankfully, the aforementioned cushion was enough to withstand the surge from New Orleans, some dry spells and a propensity to launch (and generally miss) from distance. Still, by the time the smoke cleared, the box score read in LA's favor.
Beyond the "Gunning for first place in the West" subplot, the game was also being hyped as the "KB24 v. CP3 MVP voter guide." Paul's 15 points came off 4-13 shooting, but he did rack 17 dimes against a scant three turnovers, plus four steals. All in all, a performance that was nothing to sneeze at. Except it still fell short of Kobe's. The New Jack Bauer went 9-17 from the floor and 8-10 from the line for his 29 points, tossing in 10 boards, eight dimes, and two steals against one lone turnover. Coupled with the win and in my mind, it's "Advantage: Kobe." Does that mean the night clinched the MVP for Bryant? Only in the sense that I'd have voted for him to begin with. But if you're undecided, I personally think it's kind of a cop out to use this game as a final measuring stick. The two players in question weren't truly going head to head and one game doesn't equal an entire season. I say, pick whoever you think had the best season and have the confidence to justify why, as opposed to relying on criteria that strikes me as gimmicky (for lack of a better description). That being said, any voter who does take tonight with more than a grain of salt is likely more inclined to put an "X" next to Bryant's name.
AK
BK's breakdown below.
Keeping in mind that as a Tale of Two Halves, there was very little that was good throughout all 48 minutes of play. Everyone had some high points, everyone had low points. So don't get all nitpicky with me, people!
- Kobe Bryant: After the game, PJ said that neither MVP candidate played his best game of the season, and he was probably right, though overall, Kobe was pretty damn good. His final line- 29/10/8 with two steals and only one TO indicates some solid production, and while there were perhaps a couple ill advised threes and slow closeouts on Peja, hey, nobody's perfect, even MVP candidates. He was effective early, with ten points in the first quarter, but also made the Hornets pay for aggressively doubling him, finding the open man and helping the Lakers get into good scoring position. In the third when the Lakers were struggling, Kobe managed to squeeze out five points between the three and two minute marks to help keep them afloat, then in the fourth, he poured in five more over the 3:30 to help push the lead back to 15. Overall, it was a high quality effort for sure.
- Derek Fisher: Not necessarily a monster night (15/6) but very solid, and when the Lakers needed a bucket, Fish often provided it. He was one of the only guys who could put the ball in the hole during the third quarter, and in the fourth, Fish hit a clutch three to push a three point Laker lead back out to six with 3:08 to play, then forced a New Orleans TO about twenty seconds later. Quiet, clutch work tonight from D-Fish.
- Pau Gasol: 9-12 from the floor, 7-7 from the line, good for 25 points. While he had a little trouble keeping Chandler off the boards at times- really, everyone has trouble with that- Gasol generally was active defensively and did good work away from the basket on the pick and roll (something about which PJ was particularly complimentary). He also had a big block on West in the fourth to preserve a seven point lead with 2:40 left in the game. Fans should be encouraged, too, by a strong finish to a game in which he played over 41 minutes, indicating continuing improvement in the health of his ankle and Gasol's fitness level.
- Lamar Odom: 13/16 on one end, and good work against David West on the other. Odom was one of the catalysts of LA's strong opening quarter, going for 10/6/1 as the Lakers came out red hot and built a 19 point lead after 12. He wasn't strong offensively over the next three quarters, but was still big on the glass, and worked hard defensively against some pretty good Hornets players.
- The First Half, Especially the First Quarter: The first quarter was one of the best 12 minutes of hoop the Lakers have played all season. 62% shooting, nine dimes on 13 field goals. LA had a 14-3 rebound advantage, held New Orleans to 42%, forced four TOs, and generally dominated play. The ball movement, particularly between Pau, Kobe, Fish, and LO, was fantastic. Everything was, really, which is how they ended the frame up by 19. Good thing, too, since they needed all those points going forward. The strong play continued into the second quarter, as the Lakers built up a 30 point lead with just under four to play in Q2. But then the offense became very three happy, another trend that would last through the second half, and went ice cold from the field. Meanwhile, New Orleans was able to find some space and cut the Laker lead to 20 at the break. The second half rally actually began with 3:43 left in the first.
- Fourth Quarter Defense, Late: Again, the Lakers let a lead slip away, but down the stretch, when the Lakers needed stops, they got them. Over the last 2+ minutes, the Lakers forced a couple TOs, and held the Hornets to two points in a critical stretch of nearly three minutes between the four and one minute marks.
The Bad:
- The Third Quarter: As good as the first was, that's about as bad as the third. 31% from the floor, including 0-6 from downtown. Seven TOs helped contribute to a 6-2 advantage for the Hornets in fast break points, and a 20-6 advantage in the paint. Chris Paul ran wild for the first time in the game, racking up seven assists, recording four steals, and scoring six points. LA was sluggish, and seemed to be unable to find ways to get the ball inside against a more aggressive Hornets defense. New Orleans forced a lot of bad shots as the clock was running down and certainly harassed LA, but there's no question that the Lakers lost much of the discipline and activity that had sustained them early.
- Vlad Radmanovic: While it was nice to see him show some fire early, running down the court with a full head of steam to body check Chandler- not exactly subtle- after contact between the two had put Vlad on the floor at the other end. But unfortunately, it seemed to pull him out of his game, and Vlad never found his way back into it. He passed on shots he'd normally take, had trouble defensively, and more or less seemed to check out. The final line- 22:58 of run, 1-7 from the floor, 0-6 from downtown, two boards, two dimes, two TOs.
- The Three Pointer: 36 of them overall, which is just too many. While the Lakers shot from distance early, in the first quarter triples were set up with passes from the interior. As the game went along, the Lakers became frustrated with New Orleans' attempts to keep them out of the lane and concede the open three, becoming more than happy to oblige. When LA becomes a jump shooting team, they're not very good. Beyond that, the lack of offensive flow set up the comeback from New Orleans. There were more broken plays and chances for Paul to work in space due to long rebounds and shots taken out of rhythm. U-G-L-Y, they didn't have no alibi.
AUDIO:
- Phil Jackson- Download phil_jackson_4.11 postNO.mp3
Kobe Bryant - Download kobe_postgame_4.11.mp3
BK
strange thing that no one is really talking about - Houston is tied with the lakers in the loss column - if I'm not mistaken, they own the tie-breaker against the Lakers - they're playing really well again - if they win out and surpass the Hornets and tie the Lakers, I believe they win the west
Posted by: 10milliondollarzen | April 11, 2008 at 11:51 PM
Even with the Lakers winning out, based on NO's schedule, it seems the Lakers will have to settle for 2nd in the Western Conference.
Now to all the so-called basketball pundits who says not to lament early season losses, or even recent home losses to 5 and 6 win road teams, do you now comprehend the importance of game #4 or game #72 of the season?
Every game is worth something. Which takes me to all those close losses the Lakers should have won. Why, you ask?
Because if the Lakers supposedly have the best player in the league, shouldn't that count for something during late game situations?
One game that comes directly to mind is the early season home loss to the Nets with Kidd fouling Bryant on a 3-pt. shot attempt. Had Kobe made all 3 ft's, the game would've gone to overtime. But as the crowd chanted "MVP!! MVP!!!", the result was not the desired outcome.
As a Lakers fan, it pains to me realize that having Kobe on the team doesn't give it's fanbase an aura of invincibility.
Here's an example. A few years back, when Diana Taurasi was with the UConn Huskies, she was just so dominant. Dominant to the point where when Geno Auriemma was asked how the Huskies were able to win, he simply replies, "We have Diana and they don't."
Now, has Kobe ever given anybody that confidence? Because it surely hasn't shown in actuality. When the Lakers were tied with Detroit 1-1 during the Finals, Laker fans were thinking when Kobe would turn the corner and step onto rarefied air. To the point of being truly dominant. Like how LeBron manhandled the Pistons during their EC finals matchup.
Or when the Lakers were up 3-1 against the Suns, people forget that even after Tim Thomas made the game-tying 3, the Lakers still had a chance to win it in regulation after the timeout. Kobe missed.
When will "that" Kobe show up? Even after supposed legendary offseason training regimens throughout his career, has Kobe improved on his weaknesses? Has his basketball IQ increased after becoming a 12 veteran in the league?
Hard to see. Shooting percentage has never gotten better. Rebounding, assists, 3 pt-%, steals, turnovers, have plateaued for quite some time. And worst of all, the most important skill for a player on the court, decision making, is still shotty at best.
Look. I want Kobe to be that player that fans can say, we have Kobe, you don't, so we're going to win. He just doesn't instill the confidence in his fanbase the way Jordan, Woods, Magic, Schumacher, Brady, etc. Of course athletes don't always win. The examples provided have all lost during their lifetime. But it's how they bounced back and reclaimed their glory. That's what separates them.
Kobe's been to the mountaintop before as a duo but have yet to scale it solo. And if history is the best indicator of future actions, it seems Laker fans will have to wait for #15.
-Jeffs Aho
Posted by: Jeffs Aho | April 11, 2008 at 11:57 PM
3 = death
the lakers should learn that.
Posted by: | April 12, 2008 at 12:30 AM
==== DALLAS WILL DECIDE WEST ====
Just like last year, Dallas will decide the West..
However, in a wierd way..
They play NO the last game of the season. Assume the Lakers win out.
That means NO has to win out to win the West.
Dallas has the 7th seed pretty locked. So if they BEAT NOH, then they play NOH the 1st round but if they rest their starters then they play LAL the 1st round.
Are they going to rest their starters like last year, or have they learned their lesson?
You would think they would want to avoid us since we have a habit of kicking their azzes lately!
Interesting Interesting Interesting...
Posted by: Korey | April 12, 2008 at 12:44 AM
"strange thing that no one is really talking about - Houston is tied with the lakers in the loss column - if I'm not mistaken, they own the tie-breaker against the Lakers - they're playing really well again - if they win out and surpass the Hornets and tie the Lakers, I believe they win the west"
Houston's recent run of wins (six in a row) have come against Seattle (twice), Portland, the Clippers, and Phoenix (in Houston). Suns aside, that's not exactly Murderer's Row.
On Sunday and Monday the Rockets will play a back-to-back in Denver (which is fighting for its playoff life), and in Utah (which is 35-4 at home). Obviously, anything could happen, but it seems kinda likely that one or both of those games may end up in Houston's "L" column.
That said, yeah, people haven't much noticed Houston's shot at finishing first in the conference. At least I hadn't noticed it 'til you wrote this just now.
Patrick Meighan
Culver City, CA
Posted by: Patrick Meighan | April 12, 2008 at 12:53 AM
Could someone please tell lamar odom to stop shooting threes? He is a 28.2% 3 point shooter. Every time he hoists one up I have no confidence it is going in. I don't understand why he isn't yelled at every time. He is far more effective taking it to the hole (when he doesn't draw charges).
Posted by: paulieside | April 12, 2008 at 01:00 AM
Could someone please tell lamar odom to stop shooting threes? He is a 28.2% 3 point shooter. Every time he hoists one up I have no confidence it is going in. I don't understand why he isn't yelled at every time. He is far more effective taking it to the hole (when he doesn't draw charges).
Posted by: paulieside | April 12, 2008 at 01:00 AM
The third quarter was an embarrassment, but I have to agree with HORNETSFAN that the reactions on the blog under duress are not always very rational.
Fortunately what happened in the third quarter (and it started with 4 minutes left in the first half) is very exceptional. With a 30 point lead and the ability to upset everything the Hornets tried on offense while scoring at will, the Lakers couldn't help feeling that the game was over. At the same time putting together a strategy mentally to defend a seemingly insurmontable lead over 2 1/3 quarters isn't easy and such situations rarely occur. Don't forget this was a back to back, so when you switch to a mode of pure "conservation" (conserve your lead, conserve your energy), things can get away from you.
Nothing better illustrates this than the seven turnovers in the quarter compared to four in the first half. They were giving the rock away as they were obviously attempting to slow things down thinking that's the best way to protect a big lead. But it was their basketball IQ that slowed things down and they didn't have a clue how to pick it up. They stopped functioning as a team and were surprised by every individual event. In my opinion, NO wasn't playing that much better, it's just that the Lakers stopped playing basketball altogether. They were thinking, "trade baskets on each possession and we're all right", but to do that you have to play for position and score. They didn't.
The positive side: they held on, and this has been more or less the pattern of late. The more positive side: Tyson Chandler -- whom Stu Lantz calls the pogo stick -- is the key to Chris Paul's hig assist numbers, about a third of which are alley-oops. With Andrew in the post that just ain't gonna happen with the same frequency. NO was at full force; we were missing our main force. When Andrew's in Kobe's assist numbers (not bad here at 8) also go up.
In other words, with Andrew in the lineup the matchup between these teams should be a blowout every time for the Lakers... provided they don't build up their lead too quickly.
Posted by: Tsphere | April 12, 2008 at 01:29 AM
10milliondollarzen,
I think you are correct. Lets c what happens Houston play the Nuggets (fighting for their playoff lives) on Sunday and then on Monday against the Jazz.
Two tough games off a back to back if they win those they deserve to be #1 in the west assuming Hornets drop one more.
Another interesting thing is if they do take #1 the criteria for MVP, best player on best team, should allow T-Mac to be in talks for MVP consideration. lol
Posted by: Tej | April 12, 2008 at 01:31 AM
10milliondollarzen - I think the perception is that Houston will not be able to beat both Denver and Utah on the road... but, it's still a possibility that they could, and yes, that would be strange, kind of like a horse coming on at the end that was in the pack and winning by a nose!
Posted by: Amazing_Happens | April 12, 2008 at 01:36 AM
10milliondollarzen,
I think, not sure of it though, that since (if they do) New Orleans holds the more important tiebreaker (it goes 1. head to head 2. division then 3. conference) over Houston than Houston hold over us (#3) (because of the fact that NO and LA are automatically in the top 4), they are the only ones who can compete on a tie breaker standard. What I am trying to say is:
NO > HOU
LA > NO
even though HOU > LA their position in the standings wouldn't (I'm not positive) allow them to use their advantage over the Lakers.
Now that doesn't matter because lets say that we would meet HOU in the playoffs. We'd have the same record and they would hold tiebreaker so wouldn't they get home-court?? That would suck.
AK/BK? Could you help clear this issue?
Posted by: Troy S. | April 12, 2008 at 01:40 AM
Good Game tonight. Way to be tough when it mattered. Back to back games we ran a little out of gas in the 2nd half, but made the plays when they needed them. Kobe outplayed paul, barely, but his team won which is all that matters. LO getting to the line consistently and knocking them down is wonderful. Let's take SA and go from there. DAL nds to beat NO in the final game. Looks like DAl for our 1st round opponent. Force Dirk to shoot 2s and we'll be OK. Phil was frustrating me when the lead was coming down, but after the win I remembered that the guy has forgotten more about basketball than I know. Nice play by Vlad. Don't let them get contentious without a certain amount of retaliation. Pau was really good defensively tonight. If he continues to play like that, we will be OK.
55 Wins. Oh My
PAC Div crown, Oh My
In control of the 2 seed...Oh My
Win the Conference with a NO loss and a winout by us. Oh My
Tomorrow is going to be a great day. Great season.
GO LAKERS
Kobesbaaaaaaaaad (and he is).
Posted by: Kobesbad | April 12, 2008 at 01:57 AM
Nice observation, 10milliondollarzen.
Houston does play on the road versus Denver and then Utah the very next night. Both of these teams are also playing for playoff position. And Utah in particular is a very tough team to beat in their home court.
I think probability is, Houston loses both or at least one of these games.
However, if La loses to SA Sunday, we could still end up with the same record as Houston and yes, we do lose the tiebreaker to them.
But, we could end up fifth and still have home court advantage versus Utah.
To me, I would rather have the Lakers face Utah in the first round than Phoenix. Its a toss-up between facing Utah or Dallas. If we finish ahead of Houston, we could face Phoenx or Dallas in round 1.
So finishing behind Houston might actually be a good thing!
However, I say we beat SA this Sunday. And then Dallas beats NO in Dallas. Which means we end up No. 1 and face Denver in round 1. I think we'll do well versus Denver even without Bynum. Hopefully, in round 2, Bynum can play some minutes and add some help at least in defense.
Posted by: LakerinBC | April 12, 2008 at 02:09 AM
Great win on a back to back, even if it didn't turn out to be the statement game from hell. Having to dig it out at the end is good playoff practice.
And then Norm said Trevor and Andrew won't play in the playoffs. Thanks, Norm.
Bring on TIm and the middle aged wonders.
Go Lakers!
Posted by: Vman | April 12, 2008 at 02:15 AM
10mil
i think they lost their seon series to the hornets tho. . so the hornets would win their division, and by extension, come in third place overll
i might be wrong though
Posted by: joninjapan(incanada) | April 12, 2008 at 02:23 AM
10mil
plus they have to play denver and then utah away, i can't really see them winning out, especially at utah
Posted by: joninjapan(incanada) | April 12, 2008 at 02:25 AM
From all the latest reports, looks like we won't have Bynum until the second round of the playoffs.
I would rather not face Phoenix in Round 1 without AB. Utah, Houston, Dallas, Denver we can take without The Kid. Gasol is getting into playing shape and he can handle Okur, Mutombo, Dampier or Camby without a problem. Camby will probably be his toughest matchup of the four.
LO has had good success versus Boozer, Scola, Dirk N., and Kenyon Martin at the 4.
I think Gasol/LO versus Shaqtus/Amara will be a tougher matchup for the Lakers.
It's good if the Laker players stop thinking of Bynum and Ariza as the cavalry riding in to rescue them. They should be able to go all the way to the Finals without both. That should be the Laker mindset. If AB/TA can contribute whenever/ whatever in the playoffs that will be a welcome bonus. But no one should be depending on them.
Posted by: LakerinBC | April 12, 2008 at 02:27 AM
10millliondollarzen,
What Houston crack have you been smoking? Houston comes out in the West? Seriously, dude. Over San Antonio, LAL, New Orleans, and Utah? Heck, even against Phoenix and Dallas?
AK/BK,
Nice breakdown. Lamar deserves a lot of props for his strong individual defending of late. I think his defense isn't as good as Kobe's, but I think it's been more consistent than Kobe's.
AK,
I especially like your commentary on using this game to determine the MVP. While you simplify it a little instead of looking at this game as a way to break a tie between the two, I think you're right. I believe it's unfair to, gimmicky, and simplistic to focus on this single game as a tie-breaker. There are so many factors to consider in deciding who should be MVP like:
1. Player's individual numbers.
2. Player's help.
3. Team health over the course of the season including player's health.
4. Inconsistency in rosters.
5. Conference player's team plays in (sorry KG, but hey, you already have an MVP).
6. Player's role in helping his team including leadership and defense--stuff that isn't reflected by the numbers or that the numbers can mislead (Kobe's FG percentage deserves to be a little higher due to frequently bailing out his team at the end of 24).
7. External factors that may have helped or hurt player's ability to help his team like crowd size, media exposure, personal issues, etc.
8. Team issues like coaching, management, contract, etc.
9. Team compared to last season's team including differences in teammate health.
This was a good win that helps set us up for the playoffs.
Posted by: Benjamin | April 12, 2008 at 02:41 AM
Just woke up. I'm so glad to see the Lakers won! : ) Had they lost, my mood would be slightly less perky all day long . Ah the perils of being a Lakers fan. Ah the joys of being a Lakers fan.
Sounds like it was, an exciting game. Perhaps too exciting. Still, I'm sorry I missed it.
GO LAKERS!!!!!
Posted by: JohnnyP | April 12, 2008 at 02:46 AM
55 wins -- I called it baby...
55 win bandwagon people......... Holla!!!!!!!!!!
GO LAKERS!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: David Whang | April 12, 2008 at 02:54 AM
Hey, a win is a win.
... nobody can still believe that the lakers can get the lead up to 30pt against a no.1 team?
GO LAKERS!!!
I would love to see lakers in no.1, and then they'll match up against DENVER.. which would be easy. AFTER THAT, they'll beat UTAH on 6 games for the outright western finals show against the SPURS/SUNS.
then, celtics is next on our way the NBA CHAMPIONSHIIP
If that won't work and we stay as no.2 by the eand of regular season. We are going to face the MAVS... we will win this in 6 games.. but it is going to be tough. next is the SA Spurs/SUNS. I would love for the LAL to match up against the team that beat us twice in the playoffs. As a revenge, they should get motivated and energized to beat the SUNS ans mr oneal. BUt again, it is going to be tough. AMARE is the "second half of season" MVP with 28+ points, 10+ rebs, etc. incredible... and finally, against NO in the west finals... which would be easy , now that bynum will be back to cover the penetration and rebound. finally celtics.. on our way to championship.
Posted by: lakersgameboi | April 12, 2008 at 05:29 AM
Great game last night which ended the way I thought it would although it started much better than I expected. For the Lakers to be able to overpower the Hornets in a series it is going to take having Bynum and possibly Ariza. Having both would give the Lakers the defensive pressure needed to bottle up Paul completely. However with just Bynum, they still could possibly do it well enough but would have to rely more on Kobe on the perimeter containing him directly. Notice that the Hornets were successful the most when they went with Paul and Pargo together. It is hard for the Lakers to contain one quick penetrating guard, however with 2 it is that much more difficult. In the end though, the Lakers got the victory.
I tend to look differently at how things transpire than most. I'm not upset that they lost the big lead. Instead I take note of the fact that they were able to even get a big lead. The fact that they lost it just says they did maintain what they did to get it.
"3" more games to go and the Lakers should be in 1st place.........maybe I should explain the "3"...........Games against Spurs and Kings.........Hornets game against the Mavs. That makes 3!
Oh and for the person that is using my moniker....at least let everybody know that you are not the SAME ORIGINAL "JJ". I don't care if you go by that same name, just let it be known that you are not me. This is my first time on here in many months, so the guy that has been on here the past few days isn't me. I tried to send an email to AK and BK to ask them to tell everybody on here that, but they didn't do it. So I am doing it now..........
Like I said at the start of the season, I will be on here once the playoffs start!
Posted by: The Original JJ | April 12, 2008 at 06:42 AM
kobe aint gonna win the mvp, david stern wouldnt approve of it.... he wants only goody goody two shoe players to win that award... especially with kobe's techs.... cp3 fits the bill...
anyways they can have that award as long as we have the rings....
by the way i would personally want us to finish 2nd so that we can face the mavs who are soft & no heart rather than the tuggish nuggets...
Posted by: juanman888 | April 12, 2008 at 07:01 AM
If Kobe still not getting the MVP award then we rather suggest to change the name into MTP - Most Team Player...
Posted by: trio | April 12, 2008 at 07:16 AM
AK/BK,
My cable went down last night during the first minutes of the game...I resorted to radio like the old days...no internet no tv...
Question: Do you guys think that the Mavs will play a tough game against the Hornets in Dallas? Do they own them one for CP3 clownin' them the last time around?
Posted by: Island_Gamer | April 12, 2008 at 07:28 AM
AK
I couldn't agree more. Although the whole "let's play this game and see who the MVP really is" aspect last night gave the game some added intrigue, it really is a cop-out.
That said, it was nice to see the good guys prevail (whew), and nice to see Kobe potentially solidify some wavering voters. He played within the game, didn't try to take over, even when the going got rough, and generally helped everyone remain focused at the end.
If he doesn't win this year, then I can't imagine ever taking the MVP seriously again.
Posted by: HappyCamper | April 12, 2008 at 07:31 AM
strange thing that no one is really talking about - Houston is tied with the lakers in the loss column - if I'm not mistaken, they own the tie-breaker against the Lakers - they're playing really well again - if they win out and surpass the Hornets and tie the Lakers, I believe they win the west
Posted by: 10milliondollarzen | April 11, 2008 at 11:51 PM
Good point. For my part I did not even think about it.
Posted by: JustaLakerFan | April 12, 2008 at 07:33 AM
Awesome win. Phenomenal 1st half. How 'bout the 180 thunder dunk from Kobe? Dang!!! We need to put the hammer down on SA tomorrow.
Posted by: PurpleHeart | April 12, 2008 at 07:36 AM
Faith,
>>> Still a happy camper!
I'm really glad you can take yourself to a happy place on your birthday week.
I'm trying real hard to be happy. After all, Win #55, and winning the Pacific Division are both a long way from where we began the season. Definite achievements considering the injuries to key members of the team.
I still have to question the mental toughness of a team that can lose all but one point of a 30 point lead. Of course, the Hornets were going to come back with a run. They didn't get to the top of the West because they suck. But much of the collapse seemed to come because the Lakers got away from their game.
Settling for 3-pointers when their success came from going to the paint. When they got to the paint, they didn't go for the strong finish, missing easy lay-ups. Getting into foul trouble hurt the Defense and sent the Hornets to the free-throw line too early in the 2nd Half. Yes, it was a delight to see the Lakers start the game strong, determined, and playing Defense. Their inability to sustain it -- not physically, but mentally -- is what I find troubling. Only the cushion of the first 20 minutes allowed the Lakers to survive the onslaught.
Are we to assume the Championship is not within reach without Bynum? I hope not. There's still a lot of talent on this team without him. I suppose there's an argument that we should celebrate getting this far after Andrew's injury. But I'd still like to see a parade in June, and I still believe we can get there. Go Lakers!
Posted by: Rick Friedman | April 12, 2008 at 08:09 AM
Good Morning K-Bros, Charles, Laker Nation and of course our spiritual leader, Mamba24....
CONGRATULATIONS Lakers and EVERY 55 game bandwagon rider that jumped on last summer. WE KNEW!!!!! Yes we did !!!!
Happy Belated B-Day Faith and CONGRATUALTIONS to the KOBE for MVP bandwagon riders last summer as well. It will be very hard NOT to give KB the award this year. It will be IMPOSSIBLE not to give it to him WHEN he goes OFF against the Spurs sunday. There were 2 teams standing in the way of our Conference title. One down, One to go..
CONGRATULATIONS Mitch!!! Just when everyone following this team the last 30 years or so thought you were becoming the West Coast version of Isiah, you pulled out the Jerry West handbook and just like the Logo, trumped the League and turned it on its ear proving you DID learn a thing or two from the man and earning much deserved apologies from we, the fans.
I'm really really happy for not only our team, but for our blog family as well. I dont wanna rehash B.S BUT.... It makes it somewhat sweeter if you're addicted to the Kam blog and have a slight emotional attachment to most of the Laker family that resides here, to look back on all the idiotic posts from last summer and fall, that really wanted the team to fail in some lame attempt to show that Kobe was overrated and folks like Kwame or Smush, were the "real" backbone to the team... HA...YOU LOSE!!!! ITS GLOATIN TIME... WAIT.. not yet, I'll go back in my cave and pop back out once we win the West and KB is MVP...Have a Great Weekend All!!!! Especially Laker fans!!! lol
Posted by: complex brotha | April 12, 2008 at 08:10 AM
From Mark Stein at ESPN on the MVP race:
"Bryant has seen more double- and triple-teams and junk defenses. He's endured a far lower grade of overall team health; Andrew Bynum will end up playing less than half of the season and Pau Gasol has likewise missed 11 games just since his Feb. 1 arrival. Kobe has also played through a hand injury of his own that still requires surgery and is asked by his coach and teammates to be All-NBA at both ends, all while shouldering higher expectations than any player in the league."
-All of these factors are so obvious to us Laker fans, but so seldom talked about my the media. Hmmmm, I wonder why. With all these factors mentioned above, the MVP race should not even be close.
Posted by: LAKER TRUTH | April 12, 2008 at 08:23 AM
Houston's next two are at Denver and at Utah. They may surprise, but its hard to see them winning both of those games.
Posted by: Bohemond | April 12, 2008 at 08:35 AM
Sweet, sweet victory last night. Unfortunately I live away from the City of Quartz so I didn't get to see the game but listened on the web. I agree with BK, we are too in love with the 3. It works when it is in the flow of our offense inside out, but the bail out 3 at the end of the shot clock is when we are at our worst.
Congrads on winning the West! Looking back to Dr. Buss, at the begining of the year he said that this was a 50+ win team. He was right. Must send a message to the Spurs and the Western Conference as we go into the playoffs, strong game this Sunday!
Go Lake Show!
Posted by: Luria | April 12, 2008 at 08:36 AM
GOOD MORNING, LAKER NATION!
Most beautiful sunrise of the year.
Lakers sure knew how to make it "entertaining" last night, if you know what I mean, but we've won the Pacific, stolen it from the wretched claws of the Suns!
What a wonderful day!
The 57 Win Bandwagon Is Steamrolling Down The Court!
I had the best sleep last night of the entire year. It felt so good to win.
I wish I could have bought everyone on this blog a beer last night. Now that it's morning, I wish I could buy you guys a cup of coffee at Abbot's Habit in Venice.
Let's get Bynum and Ariza back and start history!
The Dynasty begins NOW!
NO MVP? NO PEACE!!!!!
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | April 12, 2008 at 08:39 AM
My new in-game ritual worked!!!!!!!!!!! The Lakers are 1-0 when I scream at my TV, Rub the lettering off of my Mini Laker Basketball in frustration, drink too much beer, threaten to kill all Laker players and coaches and piss off my wife for waking the baby. Yeah. Got that ritual down now. 16-0 playoffs here we come..........
Posted by: pslakerfan | April 12, 2008 at 08:49 AM
-I went to the game last night, and my juices are still flowing the morning after. WHAT A GAME with so much on the line! The energy at Staples was unbelievable. What an emotional roller coaster ride. The game went from stress to anger (Vlad's tussle) to euphoria to frustration to stress to anger to horror to hope and finally back to euphoria again. I'm not sure how many of these type of games I can endure during the playoffs, but I can't wait.
-The only negative from the game, aside from giving up a big lead, was Janero Pargo killing the 5 point spread with a meaningless 3 pointer at the end of the game. There were a few fans behind me screaming when Pargo took that shot. lol.
Posted by: LAKER TRUTH | April 12, 2008 at 09:00 AM
what a relief. whewwww.
bring on the spurs!!!
Posted by: Botsoy | April 12, 2008 at 09:00 AM
Observations...
The first 20 minutes and final 4 minutes of last nights 107-104 win for the Purple & Gold showed that when they,
1. Play with HIGH energy and intensity on the defensive end they can dominate anybody.
2. Value & share the ball they can dominate anybody.
3. Attack the rim and work the "inside out" game and not just settle for low percentage 3 point shots, THEY CAN DOMINATE ANYBODY!!
However, sandwiched between their sterling effort was the part that is becoming all to common to the Lakers recent storyline.
1. Low energy with very poor defensive rotation.
2. Unforced turnovers, over dribbling and poor ball movement.
3. Not attacking the rim and being content to jack up 3 point brick after 3 point brick. At one point they were 7 for 33, finishing just 10 for 36.
The Lakers attempted 80 shots last night with over 40% of them coming from beyond the 3 point arc... NOT GOOD!!
In my insignificant opinion, if this continues we'll see more of games like the recent losses to Charlotte, Memphis & Portland.
Poor execution, poor defense and a lack of overall intensity spells a quick exit in the playoffs again this year.
I still believe that when healthy, this Lakers team are the most talented and dangerous team in the NBA, and I'd be so happy to see them win it all this year, but my gut tells me that it won't happen this year.
Teams need to go through the process of losing in the playoffs as a unit to build up the hunger and necessary experience.
Barring major injury the Lakers will win it all next season, and with the continued development of Andrew "Bynumite", Jordan Farmar, Trevor Ariza, Sasha, Ronny and others we have the makings of the next Lakers dynasty.
WIN or LOSE, I've loved the Lakers since the Darryl Imhoff, Elgin Baylor days, and I'll go to my grave loving the Purple & Gold!!
GO LAKERS!!
Posted by: Laker Dodger Die Hard Fan In Upstate NY | April 12, 2008 at 09:04 AM
Good morning LakerWakers!!! Everything is back in order with the Lakers taking their rightful place on top of the Pacific Division. Much more work to be done, but it's another step in the right direction.
Good morning Mamba 24, Charles, Faith, Jon K and the rest of the Lakers gang. Enjoy and savor at least for today the team winning the Pacific and maybe we'll be celebrating tonight should the Hornets lose to the Kings in Sacto which would put us in the top spot of the WC!!! Go Lakers!!!
Posted by: Nemaia Faletogo | April 12, 2008 at 09:10 AM
Congrats to the team for winning the Pacific. However, this team cannot rest on their laurels and cruise into post-season competition with the same kind of up and down display and lack of mental focus and approach like last night and other games where they blew huge leads. In one game they can get away with it but not in the playoff system of best of seven series.
It's a compelling issue that continue to frustrate and confound those who found the team is so mentally ill prepared and unfocused despite having a HOF coach renowned for instilling strong mental focus in his players. Jackson needs to step and get the team in the right frame of mind and competitive spirit for forty-eight minutes, if this team wants to advance to the late rounds in the playoffs.
Posted by: Rollo | April 12, 2008 at 09:15 AM
Hello LAL friends!
Great game and a big "W" for the good guys.
Thought the game insight was totally spot on (not that it isn't always) but it reflected every up and down throughout (EVERY ONE).
The launching of the 3's is a real concern. That isn't going to go away in the playoffs because its a truly bad habit at this point. It looked like Lamar and Pau were roaming the perimeter during that whole 3Q stretch and there wasn't really any attempt to penetrate by anyone or even try to get it in to them. They were already turning it over stupidly, so I wouldn't have minded a couple more TO's while attempting to throw it to our bigs.
I don't know if they were physically tired from the 1st half but they really looked almost lazy in their 3q movement. I am sure some will say the mental lapse as well but it just seemed like laziness to me.
I was really impessed with the composure of NOH and especially Byron in the 1st half. They never seemed desperate, frustrated yes, but not desperate. I thought the Lakers appeared desperate launching all the 3's rather than maintaining composure. I kept hoping to see KB24's or D-Fish's leadership - maybe you guys (AK/BK) saw it but it certainly didn't reflect on tv.
Anyhow - good W. Looking forward to tomorrow - can't get a much better change in style and tempo. The energy is going to be key to watch because Spurs lull you in to their game. I think our youngsters need a little more of the ADD, hectic/frenetic type game. We shall see...
LET's GO LAKERS!!!
Posted by: psychedlakergirl | April 12, 2008 at 09:21 AM
10milliondollarzen:
"if [the Rockets] win out and surpass the Hornets and tie the Lakers, I believe they win the west"
You're right. However, I believe no one is talking about this possibility is because it isn't very likely.
Although the Rockets and Hornets both have three games remaining (Rockets: @Nuggets, @Jazz, Clippers; Hornets:@Kings, Clippers, @Mavs), Houston has the more difficult schedule, especially considering they aren't as good on the road in comparison to NO. In addition, the games against Denver and Utah is a back-to-back set.
Of course anything is possible, including the Lakers winning the No. 1 seed in the West. The difference is the Lakers chances are better than 50-50.
Go Lakers!
Posted by: Trojanpony | April 12, 2008 at 09:23 AM
BTW:
Can anyone remember the sequence of events that left us with Smush but not Pargo?
JP's step back move is lethal.
Posted by: Vman | April 12, 2008 at 09:25 AM
that's because they will most certainly lose at denver and at utah, sufficiently putting them in fourth, if not 5th....
Posted by: johnnyb | April 12, 2008 at 09:31 AM
Phil Jackson is driving me crazy! His refusal to call time-outs is part of the reason Lakers blow leads or get blown out!
I'm sick of him!!!!!!!!
Posted by: | April 12, 2008 at 09:36 AM
no comments about the great win?
how about comments saying "let's close out the season with two more wins and then run the playoffs"....?
i'm ready.
Posted by: man | April 12, 2008 at 10:05 AM
Interesting on Tie Breakers and playoff seeding, on the assumption that the Lakes beat the Spurs and Kings in their final two games:
-The Lakers hold the head on head tie breaker with New Orelans.
- but if Houston is tied with the Lakers and New Orleans - something that's possible, the Lakers would be THIRD in tie breakers, and fall behind New Orleans to third place.
If the Lakers win out and Houston wins out and New Orleans Loses 2 games:
1. Houston 2. Lakers 3. New Orleans
If the the Lakers win out, Houston wins out, and New Orleans loses one game -
Than it would be 1. Houston 2. New Orleans 3. Lakers
If the Lakers win out, New Orleans loses 1 Game, and Houston loses 1 game:
1. Lakers 2. New Orleans. 3. Houston/San Antonio
Posted by: 10milliondollarzen | April 12, 2008 at 10:13 AM
Great win by the Lakers.
KOBE is obviously the MVP.
Quite an electric Laker game, wish I was in the house!!
If we're going to get serious about a Championship whether Bynum and Ariza return or not.
I think we need to do the following in all seriousness
1. Take less 3 point shots, about 22 is a good number. I like our spacing but we take too many 3's.
2. Take the ball to the basket more or post up more. We have to try to go inside first and guys have to try to drive in or turn and go for the high percentage close shots.
3. We need to box out and limit teams to one shot. Gasol and Odom have got to put a body on the Tyson Chandlers and keep them off the rim.
4. We need to keep active feet and stay in front of guards.
5. We need to make a choice of pack in the lane like a zone defense or really close out on shooters like Peja and make them uncomfortable.
Players that need to step it up:
FARMAR needs to show he can play at this time of the yr and push the ball up for us. He is not creating the easy baskets he created in December/January. He is being relegated to just a 3 point bomber.
TURIAF needs to be more aggressive and shoot the ball when close. He plays like a starter when he starts and like a bench player when he comes off the bench.
GASOL, I see why Memphis let him go, he holds the ball and looks to pass like international ball. He needs to make the other team know he's a threat to drive, post up, or shoot his spot up at all times. He's holding the ball and waiting for a passing lane which makes our offense stagnant. He needs to protect the boards and rim a little more too. He gets by with these short comings because of high percentage shooting. However, I see why he has never won because he doesn't always try to kill the opponent and dominate HIS MAN!!
Luke Walton and Radmanovic need Phil Jackson and the staff to CUSS them out DAILY!!!
Posted by: LakerBake | April 12, 2008 at 10:21 AM
Last nights game was perfect for the Lakers. Yes, I know the Hornets made a comeback attempt and got very close to winning, but this was a blessing in disguise for the Lakers.
The comeback forced the Hornets to keep their front line players in the game and didn't allow them to rest those players for their Saturday night B2B game against the Kings. We need NO to lose 1 more game for the Lakers to have a shot at winning the west. What could be better than a tough game against the Lakers, a heart breaking loss for the Hornets, while expending a lot of energy, and then a back to back road game against a team hungry to play a spoiler role?
I predict the Hornets lose tonight in Sac-town and the Lakers prevail in the west.
Posted by: LakerLarry | April 12, 2008 at 10:31 AM
AK/BK: 511 posts last night and a LOT of new folks - that's awesome. The bandwagon is starting - you might hit 1,000 posts for the playoffs - can you handle it?
Rick F. - are you okay this a.m.? I only saw one very late game post, so I figured you were probably reaching for whatever was in the bar and needed a big break. I swear I didn't swipe your vodka, I was drinking beers last night.
And I don't think I can go to the local sports bar to watch games anymore - I was the only girl in the designated Laker game area and yelling more than the men.
I'll stick to my apt. tomorrow and yell/cheer in my own place. I love PSLakerfan's ritual. Keep it up....it's working.
LET's GO LAKERS!!! And a little shout out to the King's tonight to be spoilers. Or do they only spoil the Laker's parties?
Posted by: psychedlakergirl | April 12, 2008 at 10:42 AM