Looking out for number one
Where the Lakers will finish in the Western Conference standings remains a mystery, with the oodles of pretzel logic tie-breaker scenarios still hanging over a multitude of squads. But however the chips may fall, credit the Lakers for getting their personal mission done to help events shake out in their favor. After going into the locker room at the half staring down a 53-squared score, the Lakers delivered a third and fourth quarter knockout punch, fueling a 106-85 crush job on the Spurs. Over the second half, San Antonio was held to 30% shooting (rounded up), with Tony Parker scrounging up a measly bucket and Tim Duncan nabbing a quintet of points on a lousy 1-9 clip. Meanwhile, the Lakers outboarded the Spurs by a baker's dozen (the same number of assists they logged), and apparently even did a good job guarding the free throw line, as the visitors managed a crummy 57% performance at a stripe not nearly charitable enough.
Six Lakers finished in double figures, with Lamar Odom and Pau Gasol racking double-doubles. Ball movement was also at a premium, as every Laker logged at least one assist (save Ira Newble, who only played four minutes). If you're ultimately destined to wind up a three seed (through, as I said, rather convoluted means), heads can at least be held high if this is the box score behind such a conclusion.
The breakdown is below, courtesy of BK
AK
- The Good: Lots of praise to go around today, as from top to bottom, just about everyone who made it on to the court pitched in with some solid contributions. Gold stars all around, especially for the work the Lakers did on the defensive end. Aside from a second quarter in which the Spurs found a little space and shot 13-20 from the floor, the Lakers were very effective, holding San Antonio to 41% in the first, 40% in the fourth, and a stupendous 17% in the decisive third quarter. The Lakers were all over San Antonio, coming out hard on the pick and rolls, and forcing the Spurs out of their comfort zone. Would the street-clothed Manu Ginobili have helped San Antonio? Of course, but either way, you have to like how the Lakers played today.
By the way, those of you trying to figure out the tiebreaker scenarios as they stand at 4:20 Sunday afternoon? Stop. The heads of at least six writers have exploded over the last half hour under the pressure of trying to explain it in a way that makes even the slightest bit of sense. They can still finish anywhere from first to third. One thing that is certain? If Houston loses one of their remaining games and the Lakers win Tuesday against the Kings, LA is the one seed. Anything more complicated than that might require a team of NASA scientists.
- Kobe Bryant: 20 points, five boards, five dimes, two steals in just under 32 minutes of play. Kobe was controlled throughout, moved the ball, passed out of double teams, and led without dominating. His three to end the third was something of a dagger, squeezing out whatever last vestiges of momentum the Spurs might have been able to generate heading into fourth... a quarter through which Kobe got to sit. 32 minutes? That's like Christmas in April.
- Ronny Turiaf: Since he was sent back to the bench following Pau Gasol's return from his ankle injury, Turiaf's play, as well as his PT, has been spotty. Today, however, he did great work in his 17:37 minutes of burn, making his presence felt on both ends. Like Gasol, he held his own when matched up against Duncan, if nothing else by being able to step out and make jumpers in TD's face to compensate for any buckets on the other end. He was on the glass, contesting shots, and active offensively. The best work Turiaf has done over the last ten days or so.
- Pau Gasol: On both ends. In his 28+ minutes, Pau made positive contributions offensively (14 points on 7-15 from the floor), on the glass (11 boards), and moving the ball (three dimes), and helped hold Tim Duncan to 6-19 from the floor. Without Manu Ginobili available, for the Lakers to make TD a non-factor was huge. Gasol played a huge role in making that happen.
- Lamar Odom: 17/14/4, and like most of his work of late, Odom did the majority of his damage when attacking the hoop. Even when the ball didn't go in, when Odom got the ball close to the rack, the Lakers were able to do a lot of good things. Defensively, Odom was a major factor in the Lakers' excellent performance on that end. That's been an underrated aspect of Odom's elevated play since Gasol came on board. He's been a force on both ends, combining his typical strong work on the boards with a high degree of activity, despite having to face up against a lot of talented players at a variety of different positions.
- Jordan Farmar and Luke Walton: The second unit as a whole was very strong (I mentioned Ronny, and Sasha made some nice plays as well), but Farmar and Walton were particularly active. JF as 4-5 from the floor, including 1-2 from three point land. He was aggressive driving to the hoop and moved the ball well. Walton finished with seven points, five boards, and a pair of assists, but added to the game in other ways- tracking down loose balls, keeping plays alive under the basket. That sort of thing. He also made 1-2 from downtown, continuing a slow uptrend in his shooting.
- Derek Fisher: He came alive in the third quarter, going 4-5 from the floor and 2-2 from downtown as the Lakers pushed out to a 12 point lead after being tied at the half. Fish also pitched in with two assists, including a great feed to Gasol cutting to the hoop for an easy dunk. In one of the bigger quarters the Lakers have played this season, Fish stepped up and made a major impact. Overall, he finished with 14 points on 6-9 shooting, with four dimes.
The Bad: They just beat the Spurs by 21. I'm exercising my right to leave this category blank.
AUDIO:
- Phil Jackson: Download phil_jackson_4.13 postSAS.mp3
- Pau Gasol (The first half is in Spanish! Enjoy!): Download pau_gasol_4.13 postSAS.mp3
- Bruce Bowen: Download bruce_bowen_postgame_4.13.mp3
- Derek Fisher, Part I: Download d.Fish postgame 4.13.mp3
- Derek Fisher, Part II: Download d.Fish postame2 4.13.mp3
- Kobe Bryant (whose young daughter was on his lap during the session. Girl was a pretty good trooper, too. The average toddler might get a little more frightened with a bunch of reporters and microphones surrounding her. Only towards the end did it seem to bug her.)
Download kobe_postgame_4.13.mp3
The Spike Lee crew kept filming Kobe and his family on their way out of the game. I followed from a distance, trying to see if anything interesting happened, but also not really wanting to end up on camera. Thus, when the final product is released, if you happen to see a guy trailing while very obviously trying his best not to ever end up in frame, it's probably me.
AK
THEY ARE UNSTOPPABLE!
It is such a load of fun watching the Lakers play like they did in the 2nd half of the game. If they continue with this kind of intensity throughout the playoffs, it doesn't matter what everyone else says. The Lakes are going to be the 2008 NBA World Champions!
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Happy Gilmore | April 13, 2008 at 04:55 PM
Great game! Constant pressure from every direction on Duncan caused him to be very ineffective. At the same time, they were able to run the Spur's three point shooters of the arc. Gasol was very effective on both side of the court. Now let's get the same effort against the Kings.
Posted by: bruzer | April 13, 2008 at 04:57 PM
Actually, tie-breakers are not that complicated.
If LA wins against Sacramento, they can't be lower than 2nd, and that would be if Houston wins its last three games, including a back-to-back on the road against Denver and Utah.
If LA loses, it depends on NO and Houston. If Houston wins 2 out of 3, they're above us. If NO wins its last 2 games, they're above us.
And, Houston beating Denver tonight, AND Utah tomorrow, in Salt Lake City ? That's beating a team fighting for the playoffs and a dominant team at home in the span of 2 days. It's possible, but I don't see it happening.
Anyway, just one thing to say : LET'S BEAT THE QUEENS !!!
Posted by: Saga | April 13, 2008 at 04:58 PM
I actually felt sorry for the Spurs by the end of the game ... boy, did they ever get steamrolled!
If we could play consistently near that level I'd be making championship plans.
Posted by: Glenn | April 13, 2008 at 05:09 PM
http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/dailydime?page=dime-LALPreview0708
Posted by: | April 13, 2008 at 05:13 PM
When would Spike Lee's doc about Kobe come out?
Posted by: Hansoulfood | April 13, 2008 at 05:14 PM
No Manu so we shoulda won anyways. But 21 points!!! That's what I'm talking about!!
GO LAKERS!!
Posted by: The Head-Mbenga | April 13, 2008 at 05:14 PM
I've got something to add on the "Bad" side BK..
PJ should consider playing Mihm more during garbage time instead of DJ or Ira. If healthy, Mihm is already on the same page with the offense and understands the "key" players sweet spots better than the other two. Heading into the playoffs, we'll need all the manpower we've got however, I feel at this point in the season, if Chris is able to go, lets get him some run ASAP and take more pressure off the "When will Drew return" frenzy
EXCELLENT B-Ball weekend if you're a Laker Fan!!!!! Its been a long time since Mondays didnt bother me. Feels good in advance knowing I'm gonna have a good Monday regardless, Thanks to the Purp n Gold!!!
Posted by: complex brotha | April 13, 2008 at 05:15 PM
Best 21st Birthday weekend EVER! LAKERS #1, Kobe for MVP! I love it.
Posted by: Peanut Butter Spread | April 13, 2008 at 05:15 PM
Does this bother anybody else?
ESPN reports "Lakers rout short-handed Spurs"
How is not having Ginobli bigger than not having Bynum, Ariza, with our warriors KOBE and Fish playing hurt??
I hate the media and how they try and manipulate things.
LAKERS #1 people!!
KOBE MVP!
Posted by: Earth Wind & Fire | April 13, 2008 at 05:17 PM
A Denver win tonight pretty much cements a LAKER-NUGGET first round. Denver would just need to beat Memphis (not as easy as it sounds, right Lakers?) and the Lake show would need to beat the Queens...Also don't overlook that one. But the Nugget win tonight would essentially knock out Houston.
I'm giving this scenario a 73% possiblity.
I like this because Lakers play and match up with Denver very well. We take that in 5 games.
Go LAKERS!!
Posted by: Earth Wind & Fire | April 13, 2008 at 05:27 PM
Wow, what a satisfying win. Just the way to send me off to my new job that starts tomorrom. Thank you Lakers! Great game!
Posted by: Laker Kev | April 13, 2008 at 05:29 PM
AK/BK,
please consider NORMALIZING the files before posting audio clips. the Bowen clip, for example is too low to hear in many places....
not a demand, just a humble request....if you contact me privately, i'd be happy to explain...
Posted by: man | April 13, 2008 at 05:32 PM
yes yes yes.....
thats how good this team is even without bynum & ariza!
purple & gold baby!!!
Posted by: juanman888 | April 13, 2008 at 05:34 PM
LAKERS CHAMPIONS 2008!!
and if baby bynum comes back... why even play? just give us the trophy!!j
KOBE 4 MVP!!
http://www.respectkobe.com/?p=29
that's truth right there!!!
Posted by: WWKBD? | April 13, 2008 at 05:34 PM
A Houston loss and Laker win Tuesday = #1 seed
Go Nuggets!!!!!
Go Nuggets!!!!
Maximus great game today vs Timmy!!!
Go Lakers and snatch that #1 seed.
BD
Posted by: BD | April 13, 2008 at 05:36 PM
Lakers have exceeded all preseason expectations. -- except the real bloggers who knew the team had potential. Farmar, Sasha, Turiaf and Bynum when healthy are the reasons. Lakers have the deepest team in the league. Getting Pau was a great move. Wish we could have kept Critter!
Posted by: Todd | April 13, 2008 at 05:36 PM
LOL.. spike lee!!!
GO LAKERS..
GO MR.MVP!!!
Go for GOLD>>>
Posted by: lakersgameboi | April 13, 2008 at 05:36 PM
Great win! Go Lakers.....I have a question for AK, BK and PJ. Why don't the Lakers play a front court of Odom, Gasol and Turiaf. Turiaf does most things well, defend, rebound and he makes his shots, as a metter of fact he has a very sweet jump shot. The guys playing small forward just don't bring it often enough. Turiaf always leaves it out on the court and with more minutes he would do even better. Go Lakers....All together now HOME COURT!!!!
Posted by: Jimi Joe Bob | April 13, 2008 at 05:41 PM
So according to ESPN, if the Lakers, Hornets, and Rockets all finish with the same record, the Rockets would get first while the Lakers would get third. How is that possible if the Lakers have the statistical edge over the Hornets?
Posted by: fkillah | April 13, 2008 at 05:44 PM
Great game for The Lake Show!! They wore down a short handed Spur team and seperated themselves in the second half. The 4th Q served notice that the Lakers have a bench that has to be accounted for. Ronny T. kept Duncan honest with his outside shooting. I thought that Sasha and Jordan played very well in the 4th. Jordan ran the offense and Sasha showed restraint in shooting the three. He looked for a better shot unless he was wide open. The Machine even made a turnaround jumpshot. Thank you, Lakers...for a great game and a great season.
GO LAKERS!!! THE BEST IS YET TO COME!!!
Posted by: bronxlakerfan | April 13, 2008 at 05:44 PM
BK,
I would've put Rad in the bad category, LOL. On second thought, nah, the win was just too sweet to post anything bad. Thanks for the breakdown. Quick question. Towards the end of the game, they showed highlights of Andrew Bynum working out. Did he workout on the court at all this weekend?
Go Lakers!!!!
Posted by: Nemaia Faletogo | April 13, 2008 at 05:50 PM
AK
The BAD should be reserved until we know whether or not the Lakers will win the west. As we know, they need to beat the Kings on Tuesday night. The Kings are going to try to play the spoilers and will be up for the game. I hope playing at the staples center is the difference and the fans also help them over the hump. We also have to pay attention the Rockets/Nuggets game tonight. We need a Rockets loss and a Lakers win. Finally, I know I mentioned this before in my first ever post the other day but it bears repeating. I am excited about the LA Sparks landing Candace Parker and hope this helps to secure another title for our LA Sparks. Let's support coach Michael Cooper and his Sparks. He has always been a loyal supporter of the Lakers.
Go Lakers #1 in the Western Conference.
I almost forgot. Did anyone see the Daddy for MVP sign that the Bryant family was holding up? I would have loved to see it. Send it to the blog for my please.
Thx
Posted by: lalakersnsparksfan | April 13, 2008 at 05:51 PM
The Bad: They just beat the Spurs by 21. I'm exercising my right to leave this category blank.
*applauds*
Posted by: Linda | April 13, 2008 at 06:13 PM
#!One, Baby
Posted by: Baywood | April 13, 2008 at 06:14 PM
Who ever said we can't beat the SPURS?
EAt your words....
GO Lakers!
Posted by: dice8up | April 13, 2008 at 06:18 PM
Following the Rockets game online - and they're up 9-8 early - but McGrady already has two fouls. If they survive the Nuggets, they also have road games against the Jazz and Spurs, so they will have to really earn it to win the #1 seed.
Posted by: akrasian | April 13, 2008 at 06:27 PM
Very happy.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | April 13, 2008 at 06:31 PM
LAKERS ROUT SUNS IN STATEMENT GAME…NOW #1 SEED IN WEST!
Stand proud, Lakers! That was a great statement game and grand display of championship caliber play by the Lakers in routing the San Antonio Spurs 106-85 this afternoon. After a 1st half tie, the Lakers came out in the 3rd quarter and put the clamps on the Spurs defensively, turning a close game at the half into a true blow-out that allowed MVP Kobe Bryant to take off the entire 4th quarter to rest and cheer his teammates.
This game reminded me a lot of the recent big win in Utah, where the Lakers adjusted and dominated the Jazz after almost blowing a big lead to the Mavs in the previous game. Today, the Lakers repeated the double header win against elite teams by again adjusting and dominating after almost blowing a 30-point lead in their victory over the Hornets on Friday. The team just keeps getting better and better.
Now in control of their own destiny (as far as I can tell), the Lakers need to close out the regular season against the Kings on Tuesday with their 58th win. That win coupled with any loss by Houston would give the Lakers the Western Conference regular season title and home court until the NBA Finals, where either Boston or Detroit would probably get home court advantage due to a better record than the Lakers.
To defeat the Spurs, the Lakers followed the same formula that has resulted in success all season: running offense efficiently, aggressively attacking the basket, controlling the boards, and playing tough defense.
Offensively, the Lakers ran their triangle offense and inside-outside game to perfection, shooting 50% from the field and 53% from behind the 3-point line while posting 26 dimes on their 33 baskets. They attacked the basket earning 38 points in the paint, controlled the boards 51 to 36, and played great defense, holding the Spurs to 42% overall shooting including just 29% from beyond the arc and just 32 points in the 2nd half.
Led by Kobe’s 20 points in 3 quarters, the Lakers had 6 players in double digit scoring including Lamar with 17, Pau and Fish with 14 each, Farmar with 11, and Ronny with 10. Pau and Lamar also both had double-doubles with 14 and 11 rebounds respectively. Kobe’s 5 assists were team-high. Sasha and Luke also played well, scoring 8 and 7 points respectively. The only real no-show again was Vlade, who had his 2nd disappointing game in a row. Hopefully, he will do better Tuesday against the Kings. No way that Vlade remains our starting small forward, despite his 3-point shooting prowess, unless he can show up every day. That is why Lamar must be the starter, even though he is not as good a 3-point threat, because he is a far better scorer, defender, and rebounder.
This game should have sewn up the MVP vote for Kobe IMO. His cheering his teammates from the bench in the 4th quarter will have sealed the deal. I predict that Kobe will win his 1st NBA MVP award and he will express his gratitude on having such great teammates that he was able to win the award, which is really a team award in its truest sense. Congratulations, KB24. And those “Daddy for MVP” awards that Kobe’s little girls were holding up were priceless. The competition is over and Kobe has finally won MVP.
Had the Lakers lost this game, they would have probably ended up having to face Shaq and the Suns in the first round without Andrew Bynum. Now, if they cinch the #1 seed by beating the Kings while the Rockets lose 1 of their last 3 games, the Lakers will be in the opposite bracket from the Hornets, Spurs, Suns, and Mavs and will face the Nuggets, then the winner of the Jazz and Rockets series, which is a cakewalk compared to finishing with the #2 or #3 seed. The Nuggets, Jazz, and Rockets are the 3 easiest teams for the Lakers to beat in the playoffs.
Aside from home court advantage and the karma and confidence of winning the Western Conference, finishing as the #1 seed also means that the Lakers will not meet the Spurs, Suns, Mavs, or Hornets until the conference finals, which means that we will have approximately 5 weeks (each series lasts around 2 weeks) to fully recover from his knee injury and get healthy and ready to play. I actually think that Andrew should be ready to go by the time the 2nd round of the playoffs begin in 3 weeks. The Lakers should be able to defeat the Nuggets and then either the Jazz (my pick) or Rockets without Andrew Bynum. By the time we have to face the winner among the Hornets, Spurs, Suns, and Mavs, Andrew Bynum will surely be rolling.
Tom
Posted by: LakerTom | April 13, 2008 at 06:40 PM
Keeping in mind that we have won nothing...
the playoffs is when the big boys are made...
Today's game certainly made me a happy fan. For once my team met up to my expectations. Crisp, stifling D...Pau getting TD out, a combination of Fish/Kobe making TP somewhat irrelevant...and their shooters were challenged.
All you can ask for. We came out with championship team effort...the kind of effort that makes a fan like me proud. Icing on the cake? The 2nd unit came in and closed it out. Ronny particularly had major minutes in which he too took out TD.
This team is growing right in front of our eyes. They're not there yet, but the promise is amazing.
My faith is paying off (lol, so is yours). Go Lakers!
Posted by: Faith | April 13, 2008 at 06:41 PM
TIME FOR THE NBA TO CONSIDER SEEDING THE BEST 16 TEAMS REGARDLESS OF CONFERENCE…
It’s going to be a real shame that the Warriors will likely win 50 games but be left out of the playoffs for several terrible east coast teams that don’t deserve to be in the playoffs. Screw the left coast. It’s time the NBA seriously considering seeding the best 16 teams regardless of conference or division. It would be a mega version of March madness. It would also be better in the long run for the losing Eastern Conference teams as they would then be in the lottery with a chance to get an impact player to help them improve the team. If the NBA seeded the top 16 teams right now, here is who the playoff teams would be:
01. E - Celtics
02. E - Pistons
03. W - Lakers
04. W - Hornets
05. W - Spurs
06. W - Jazz
07. W – Rockets
08. W - Suns
09. W - Mavs
10. W - Nuggets
11. W - Warriors
12. E - Magic
13. E – Cavs
14. E - Wizards
15. E - Raptors
16. T – Blazers or 76ers
As you can see, the net effect other than reseeding everybody is that the 50-win Warriors make the playoffs from the west in lieu of the Hawks with their losing record in the east and the Blazers tie the 76ers with a .500 record for the 16th and last spot in the reseeded playoffs. The Hawks would not be in playoffs but would have a shot at a lottery pick, which would be better for them than another first round loss.
Reseeding would give us a far better and more competitive and interesting playoffs.
Tom
Posted by: LakerTom | April 13, 2008 at 06:41 PM
AK
I have a new level of respect for your pursuit for the inside story as it relates to the Kobster!!! P.S Hope we get a head shot of you trailing for the scoop!!!
Posted by: chuck23 | April 13, 2008 at 06:47 PM
I watched a game that was delayed for a whole quarter and the screen was snowy :)
Posted by: Gilly | April 13, 2008 at 07:00 PM
Nuggets up by 14, 5 min before halftime.
Go Lakers.
Wes
Posted by: | April 13, 2008 at 07:03 PM
I hope the Nuggets can hang on to their lead against the Rockets tonight. Lakers need to take care of business against the pesky Kings. I hate listening to Jon Barry and Michael Wilbon analyze the Lakers because they always seem to play down anything that the Lakers have accomplished so far this year and don't seem happy at all about the Lakers possibly finishing first in the WC. I know Jon Barry says he picks the Lakers to finish first and Kobe as the MVP, but he sounds as if he's resigned to saying it. I can't wait to hear what the biggest Spurs a$$ ki$$er Skip Bayless has to say tomorrow morning on 1st and 10 on ESPNFirsttake about the Spurs/Lakers. I would kill Skip Bayless in a debate, LOL.
Posted by: Nemaia Faletogo | April 13, 2008 at 07:07 PM
DAMN, Denver's taking Houston to town.
KICK MCGRADY'S ARSE, NUGS
Posted by: Jeff | April 13, 2008 at 07:10 PM
Denver leading Houston by 17 at the half.
Mcrady has 4 fouls
GO NUGGETS for tonight
GO LAKERS today tonight and everynight
Posted by: LAKERDAWG | April 13, 2008 at 07:17 PM
LakerTom,
I wouldn't call playing Utah a cakewalk, they, along with the Lakers are playing the best basketball in the Western Conference right now.
Posted by: Xodus | April 13, 2008 at 07:19 PM
Mamba24 We're @ 56 & Counting!
57 or Bust!
Keep the Faith
Baywood
Posted by: Baywood | April 13, 2008 at 07:21 PM
Keeping in mind that we have won nothing...
the playoffs is when the big boys are made...
Today's game certainly made me a happy fan. For once my team met up to my expectations. Crisp, stifling D...Pau getting TD out, a combination of Fish/Kobe making TP somewhat irrelevant...and their shooters were challenged.
All you can ask for. We came out with championship team effort...the kind of effort that makes a fan like me proud. Icing on the cake? The 2nd unit came in and closed it out. Ronny particularly had major minutes in which he too took out TD.
This team is growing right in front of our eyes. They're not there yet, but the promise is amazing.
My faith is paying off (lol, so is yours). Go Lakers!
Posted by: Faith | April 13, 2008 at 06:41 PM
Faith,
Excellent post. I agree and am very happy especially with the way our team defended particularly in the second half. That was championship caliber defense today. Even in games where our offense isn't clicking, if we play defense the way we did today we could still keep the game close and win. TD was suffocated and TP was held in check in the second half after running through us in the first half. Very encouraging to see as we head into the postseason. These past two games were a serious gut check and I think we'll be better prepared for the road ahead. Go Lakers!!!
Posted by: Nemaia Faletogo | April 13, 2008 at 07:25 PM
Well if the ESPN daily dime doesn't prove that all those talking heads don't really have a clue, I don't know what will. That was a great laugh reading all the preseason predictions. No wonder everyone has such a hard time picking Kobe for MVP. It would make their preseason predictions even that much more of a joke. Eat crow guys and suck it up. You were all wrong, now give Kobe his due. He's nothing less than this years MVP. Accept it, and give him your votes
Posted by: Joe | April 13, 2008 at 07:29 PM
The Nuggets are beating the hell out of the Rockets, so we don't have to worry about any crazy tiebreakers.
Posted by: Xodus | April 13, 2008 at 07:36 PM
Xodus,
Hey, being in the bracket with the Nuggets, Rockets, and Jazz is a cakewalk compared to being in the same overloaded bracket as the Spurs, Suns, Hornets, and Mavs.
If we end up 3rd, we may have to play Shaq and the Suns in the 1st round without Andrew Bynum. That is a very dangerous situation for the Lakers that we must avoid at all costs. As I understand the tie-breakers, if we win versus the Kings on Tuesday, then we cinch at least the #2 seed and avoid the Suns in the first round but still run the risk of facing them in the second round possibly without Andrew Bynum.
Beating the Kings and winning 1st seed assures us of avoiding the players that we need Andrew Bynum in the lineup to handle - Shaq, Duncan, Chandler, and Dampier. It allows Andrew up to 5 more weeks to fully recover and be ready to play.
#2 seed gives Drew 3 more weeks. And #3 seed, which can only happen if we lose to the Kings, only gives Drew a week, which we already know is not enough time.
We need the "cakewalk." LOL.
Tom
Posted by: LakerTom | April 13, 2008 at 07:41 PM
yeah Nuggets up by 21 in 3rd... I guess the #1 is OURS..
Can't wait for the PLAYOFF..
GO LAKERS..
KOBE MVP
Posted by: kobe24 | April 13, 2008 at 07:41 PM
LakerTom,
I wouldn't call playing Utah a cakewalk, they, along with the Lakers are playing the best basketball in the Western Conference right now.
Posted by: Xodus | April 13, 2008 at 07:19 PM
Xodus,
I have to agree with your post. Although I think the Lakers can beat anyone in the West when they're executing offensively and committed as they were today to playing defense, every team will be a tough out including the Nuggets if we face them in the first round. I really believe we can beat the Nuggets if we face them in round 1, but they're still a scary team with AI and Melo. Melo has always been a difficult matchup for the Lakers and JR Smith is instant offense off the bench. We have the edge when it comes to defense because the Nuggets don't play any and we're nigh unbeatable when we run our offensive sets efficiently. I think that it will also come down to our bench and how effective they can be. I really don't see any cakewalks or easy series out West come playoff time.
Posted by: Nemaia Faletogo | April 13, 2008 at 07:42 PM
Does anyone have a link to the Denver/Houston game?
Posted by: passionate Lakers fan | April 13, 2008 at 07:46 PM
"a guy trailing while very obviously trying his best not to ever end up in frame, it's probably me. "
Stalker! haha, jk.
Nemaia, I agree. I think these last two games is us arming ourselves for an extended run (if not chip). Our defense is the crispest I've seen outside of having Bynum in there shot blocking. We're just making the effort to get back, to rotate...defense likes this not only wins games...it wins championship. Exactly what we need when our O is inconsistent. And although our O was not inconsistent today...it started out rough with the tough, tough Spurs D.
We're focused like we've never been...granted the latter part of the hornets game wasn't that great...but the first half focus was absolutely amazing. We go into games thinking and playing with effort and intensity.
Like Kobe said in the huddle today,,,,"this is our time, our year."
I hope so. GO Lakers!
Posted by: Faith | April 13, 2008 at 07:55 PM
Win Tuesday and #1 is OURS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Iverson will not let them lose tonight Houston can't stop him.
Posted by: BD | April 13, 2008 at 07:57 PM
the 8 teams in the west r in SHUFFLE mode
congrats. go lakers.
kobe deserves the MVP just how he played in the 3rd. and the exclamation point at the end. after this roller coster season, please pinch me.
will ron ron audition in the last game?!!!!
Posted by: Zin Master | April 13, 2008 at 08:01 PM
Hornets lost yesterday against the Kings, and now the Rockets are about to lose against the Nuggets. Everyone is helping the Lakers out, if the Lakers don't get the first seed, they have only themselves to blame. Keep it up Nuggets, and go Lakers on Tuesday!
Posted by: Ben Goldberg | April 13, 2008 at 08:02 PM