The "L" Word
The Lakers arrived in Salt Lake City sporting a perfect 6-0 playoff record. But conventional wisdom states that a playoff series becomes a brand new can of worms upon changing venues for the first time. Even when the now-home team has been thoroughly outplayed in the opening pair of contests, as was the case for the Jazz when they played the Lakers at Staples. Put the basketball in EnergySolutions Arena and Utah became a considerably more effective squad, as evidenced by their 104-99 win. In particular, a previously floundering Carlos Boozer seemed to benefit from a change of scenery. Those struggles in Los Angeles felt about 10 years removed as he put up a 27/20 effort and controlled much of the action whenever he was on the court. His control of the paint was a reflection of Utah's typical physicality that received more whistle-free leeway while in SLC, a style of play that often seemed to irritate the Lakers. In particular, Pau Gasol was thrown for a loop by the lack of referee love and was often reduced to a turnover in waiting. For some, the reaction could be read as a measure of Gasol's "tough get going" nature (or lack thereof). Or perhaps Gasol's subpar play was simply an extension of the tough sledding endured by other mates like Sasha Vujacic and Jordan Farmar (who in particular seemed rhythm-free from the moment he stepped on the court).
But despite having put forward their worst foot, the Lakers can't be accused of not making a game of things. They may have come up short in the box score, but they often kept Utah on its collective heels. Shaking off some first-half cobwebs, Kobe Bryant asserted his presence, racking 26 second half points and helping his squad rediscover some mettle. If nothing else, Mamba-to-Mamba backboard assisted pass reminded even the triumphant squad who's the NBA top dog. The hopeful comeback charge was done in by costly turnovers and errant shots down the stretch, leaving the Lakers a mite short of a victory. But there was no reason to enter the locker room thinking SLC's atmosphere couldn't be overcome.
Utah's fans may not be able to forgive Derek Fisher for leaving, but Utah's players think there's nothing to forgive at all.
Rick Carlisle is the officially confirmed new coach of the Mavs. Mike D'Antoni? The unofficially non-confirmed new coach of the Knicks.
Utah is a very good team and well coached. I just don't like to lose.
Posted by: Fairweather Fatty | May 10, 2008 at 05:28 PM
Trolls:
1. Mean things that say nonsensical useless things just to hear themselves say it.
2. Say it over and over.
3. Disagree just to disagree and get upset that the one they disagree with disagrees with them.
4. Think everybody's a troll except themselves.
5. Think they make sense.
Sort of like Jon K.
Posted by: Occupant - cell 186 | May 10, 2008 at 05:37 PM
Ariza might play after all?
http://www.sltrib.com/jazz/ci_9214508
Posted by: Fairweather Fatty | May 10, 2008 at 06:02 PM
AK,
I didn’t catch up on the blog until today but I want to compliment you for “About as positive a loss as they come.” As usual, you sense the pulse of the blog in perfect sync. Nobody likes to lose but the Lakers as a team just didn’t play well Friday night yet still had several opportunities to steal the game, although turnovers again killed the rally.
Friday night was a game that the Lakers would never had lost had Andrew Bynum been available. It was one of those rare games where the Lakers great versatility and talented roster were not enough to overcome their lack of tough defense and rebounding inside,
where nobody else on the roster stepped up to help Kobe, who almost single-handedly willed the Lakers back into the game. Yet, in the end, we still almost won the game.
The Lakers future looks so bright right now that it is hard to get worried about a loss like Friday night or the Utah Jazz. I do however give the Jazz due credit, especially Boozer, for hitting 3 tough shots at the end to save the victory for Utah. They prevailed where the Nuggets folded. I look for the Lakers to grab back control on Sunday and then finish off the Jazz at Staples next Wednesday to take the series 4-1.
Couple of observations about the game. First, I hope there is no harsh feelings leftover after Kobe sort of screamed at Luke after he made that bonehead turnover after the jump ball. It looked like Kobe sort of lost it right there and really screamed at Luke. While it was another “Puke” moment for Luke, it was not why we lost the game, although it was probably why our comeback faltered. That and some clutch shooting by Boozer.
Second, Pau is going to have to play better and redeem himself on Sunday. It was as if he just could not hold onto the damn ball Friday night. Hell, I thought it was Kwame in there for a minute. And I also hope that Jordan Farmar gets his mojo back because Friday night he looked lost and almost Smush-like. A little Kwame and a little Smush and we lose the game. lol. And Sasha, wow, did we really need him to be hot Friday night. Hopefully, both of these guys can come back strong on Sunday.
At any rate, great job on the articles and directing traffic. Much appreciated as always. It’s what had helped us to enjoy this improbably wondrous season.
Tom
Posted by: LakerTom | May 10, 2008 at 06:11 PM
I put the lol there to show it was a non serious comment. Saying a Mormon can be noisy at a basketball game is not disparaging their religion. At least I didn't mean it that way.
I have a friend who is Mormon and I said the same thing to him. He though it was funny.
If anyone took offense, my apologies.
Posted by: Andy B | May 10, 2008 at 06:25 PM
TIm,
I think that has a lot to do with it. I also think it could help them land a guy like agent zero this offseason . . . oh wait . . . they have no cap space until 2010. They have some good players, but too much repetitiveness on the roster. I think they might be doing some heavy wheeling and dealing around draft time to free up room going forward. Maybe moving Eddy Curry to a team that needs inside scoring, in order to get another pick or two, might be in the cards. I'm glad to see DuhToni move to the big Apple. His vociferousness will fit right in there.
Posted by: "Pig" Miller | May 10, 2008 at 06:37 PM
Jon,
Don't I do that anyway?
Posted by: "Pig" Miller | May 10, 2008 at 06:45 PM
Tom,
Kobe has grilled Luke plenty of times. I think Luke is over with it by now.
Everyone knows Kobe is trying to win and all these guys have to do is play competent and we will be close in every game.
Farmar and Pau are my two main culprits right now.
Pau needs to know this aint the Grizzlies. This aint punk b-ball. On the road, they hate us. So you play through. You go hard. You dont cry. After embarassing himself last nite with the crying I hope he learns.
Farmar, well, you explain it. I see a selfish player who doesnt want to accept his role. He wants to shoot instead of pass AND he wants to not follow the gameplan on D. Almost time for a permanent seat on the bench for him.
Posted by: Korey | May 10, 2008 at 06:55 PM
Rick Friedman,
Glad we can agree, even if it's negative thoughts about negative thinking.
Lakertom,
I guarantee you Luke understood Kobe yelling at him. They have been playing together for a while now. I'm sure Kobe apologized and (hopefully) said Kobe's bad on a few late game decisions too. I don't remember Kobe having bad turnovers, but I do recall a few 3 point attempts that didn't feel like good ones.
I think Kwame actually might have been better in the last game than Pau was. Kwame isn't afraid to get physical, particularly on D. I think that's what's needed. That, or the Lakers really need to leverage their superior length, quickness, and passing/spacing better.
Posted by: Benjamin | May 10, 2008 at 06:55 PM
I won’t call any names since I certainly do not wish to start any of this controversy up again.
Then why did you say it? lol haha
Posted by: Truth, Justice, and the American way | May 10, 2008 at 06:58 PM
Tim-4-Show,
You referred to Crytoni as a big time coach, when I look at him, I see the "cry" referrence, but I do not see a "big time coach" whether it is anyone's reality or dream. I just see a guy who was in the right place at the right time. I went to LMU and watched as they runned and gunned under Paul Westhead, making it into the Final 8 NCAA, Crytoni is just a current day version of that...well that was until Shaq fell into his lap. Let's have a moment of respect for Hank Gathers who left us too soon. (and others like Len Bias)...................ok, back to bashing the current state of the B-Ball world....
Humanomaly .......(I called 4 sweeps, so I've encountered my first disappointment, but the TEAM will overcome all obstacles, and we'll still knock off a few hurdles (9-Rings will get to 10, and as he places the tenth ring on his hand he can hold it to the Heavens's and show Red the finger, oh, and the ring too.)
Posted by: Humanamoly | May 10, 2008 at 06:59 PM
If we are going to discuss crappy road teams, let's talk Celtics basketball. Getting killed at Cleveland. That's 4 road losses assuming no huge comeback here......
Smiling........... :) :) :)
Posted by: pslakerfan | May 10, 2008 at 07:01 PM
Occupant - cell 186,
Yes, I'm kind of like a Troll. One must be a little like a Troll to be a Troll killer.
However the difference between a Troll and a Troll Killer is that a Troll Killer fights for the cause of Laker Righteousness and a Troll fights for the cause of Trollitis.
By the way, Occupant-cell 186? Were you arrested for assisting and abating a Troll?
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | May 10, 2008 at 07:03 PM
Ed,
The question is not whether or not Walton "deserved" to be yelled at, but whether or not that is the optimum way to handle that type of situation. Usually it's not.
Posted by: exhelodrvr | May 10, 2008 at 07:14 PM
K-Bros,
I can't believe you guys missed the most important factor in Friday's loss. The Lakers are now 0-1 in games where David Archuleta sings the National Anthem.
I propose we go "Celtic Pride" on his @$$ and lock him up until the series is over. Who is with me? I got the duct tape......
Posted by: pslakerfan | May 10, 2008 at 07:20 PM
THE PLAYOFFS ARE A MICROCOSM OF THE REGULAR SEASON. GAME 3's LOSS WAS REPRESENATIVE OF OUR WORST PLAY IN THE REGULAR SEASON.
1. KOBE ABANDONING THE TRIANGLE OFFENSE AND GETTING UPSET AT HIS TEAMMATES MISTAKES WHEN IT WAS HIS MISTAKES AND POOR JUDGEMENT THAT WAS JUST AS DAMAGING. HE STILL HAS A LOT OF GROWING UP TO DO.
2. FARMAR'S LACK OF DEFENSE IS A MAJOR LIABILITY, ONE I DOUBT CAN EVER BE OFFSET BY ANY OFFENSIVE PRODUCTION. CAN YOU SAY TRADE BAIT?
3. LAMAR ONCE AGAIN DISAPPEARED ON THE OFFENSIVE END. 3 SHOT ATTEMPTS? YOU'RE 6'10" FOR CRYING OUT LOUD, WHAT, ARE YOU WORRIED ABOUT, YOUR FG PERCENTAGE?
4. GASOL IS A FINESSE PLAYER WHO NEEDS THE BALL IN THE RIGHT PLACE FOR HIM TO BE EFFECTIVE. HE WAS NOT READY FOR THE DEFENSE THAT CAME AT HIM, AND THE COACHING STAFF OBVIOUSLY CAN ONLY ADJUST AFTER SEEING GAME FILM.
5. LUKE, FOR SOMEONE WHO HAS A HIGH BB IQ, IT STILL DOESN'T HELP YOUR CASE WITH ALL THE END GAME BRAIN FARTS.
6. VLADE NEVER GETS THE OPPURTUNITY TO GET IN THE FLOW OF A GAME. REMEMBER HE HAS A LOT OF LENGTH AND THAT IS ALWAYS AN ADVANTAGE AGAINST OUTSIDE SHOOTERS
7. PHIL AS USUAL, DOES NOT MAKE THE NECESSARY ADJUSTMENTS IN REAL TIME. LOOK FOR MBENGA TO PLAY IN THE NEXT GAME IF THE JAZZ CURRENT SCHEME CONTINUES TO WORK. BUT DON'T EXPECT DEFENSIVE SPECIALIST, IRA NEWBLE, TO SEE ANY ACTION, THAT WOULD CUT INTO LUKE'S TIME.
Posted by: YOU CAN'T HANDLE THE TRUTH | May 10, 2008 at 07:22 PM
"Pig" Miller,
Oh, yes, you do! But now it is your cause!
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | May 10, 2008 at 07:22 PM
BK,
hey thanks for backing it up
I had posted about that in one of yesterdays earlier threads.
by the way i've been wondering, what does BK stand for again? Burger King? jk
Posted by: darock | May 10, 2008 at 07:25 PM
Exhelodrvr
I was yelling at Walton, but your right, even in the heat of the moment is not right.
I noticed PJ mentioned Walton blew it in the post game. Still not good.
Lakers had a play, Walton blew it, not good , but it happens. He made a number of good plays in the game to get us back.
The guy is learning, that's the good thing.
Posted by: Truth, Justice, and the American way | May 10, 2008 at 07:29 PM
Frustration mounts.
We get frustrated, why shouldn't he?
If you were playing ball and a teammate blew the biggest play of the game? Wouldn't you express your frustration?
He's human.
Would you rather it accumulates into a stroke?
Posted by: Faith | May 10, 2008 at 07:30 PM
Lakers played about as bad as they could and only lost by 5. I', not overly concerned yet. However, I do think the next game is a test of the Lakers mental toughness. Aside from Kobe and Fish (and maybe Lamar) this team is still young. They can either respond with a monster game or get pulled into their mistakes and referee complaints and lose focus. I tend to think they will respond with renewed focus and intensity, but we'll see.
I have to say though, Pau having an awful game like he did was a long time coming. You could see the signs late in the regular season and in the Denver series. He was starting to show signs of turnovers and too soft/finesse play back then. It's just the Lakers were winning so it was easy/convenient to overlook.
I'm a bit concerned about Pau's mental state b/c of his reactions in and to Game 3. Plus he's got heavy expectations having been a playoff "loser" in Memphis. This is no time to be mentally fragile and Kobe of all people won't stand for that ish. Pau's just got to man up out there and be more aggressive. I know he can do it, but I think mentally he could go either way.
Posted by: KimD | May 10, 2008 at 07:32 PM
LET’S PLAY LAKERS BASKETBALL…
Now that I have put Friday night’s tough loss to bed, I think the Lakers need to return to playing what I consider Lakers Basketball, which means running their offense efficiently, attacking the rim relentless, controlling the boards, and playing tough aggressive defense.
The Lakers have such a versatile and talented team that they can often win even when they don’t play Lakers basketball, as we saw in the first two games at Staples where the Lakers won rather easily despite being heavily outrebounded and outscored in the paint. Now the time has come to return to playing Lakers Basketball.
RUN THE OFFENSE – The Lakers need to do a better job of running their offense more efficiently since high turnovers and missed 3-pointers put them at a huge disadvantage defensively. When the Jazz pressure the ball, the cutters need to go back door to make them play. We had so many turnovers because of guys just trying to face up and take their man off the dribble while everybody else on the team just stood there and watched. It all starts with the Triangle Offense. While there are periods where Kobe has to take over, we need a Lakers style offense with 30+ assists and great inside-outside rhythm.
ATTACK THE RIM – Pau Gasol and Lamar Odom need to take the ball to the rim every time to force the Jazz and the refs to make decisions. Lamar needs to get more shot attempts and Pau needs to get to the line. The fact that he had zero free throw attempts tells you all you need to know about his night. Kobe was the only Laker player who did the right thing when his shot was not falling; he took it to the rack. More of the same is need from every player on the team. Good things happen when you attack the rim.
CONTROL THE BOARDS – No more leaking out trying to pick up easy transition baskets. We need to get the boards back. During the regular season, we controlled the boards on the Jazz as well as most other teams, even without Andrew Bynum. We need Kobe especially to help on the boards. There were a lot of long rebounds that the Jazz kept beating the Lakers to on Friday night. Let’s start tonight taking back control of the boards with 5 guys crashing the defensive glass after every shot.
PLAY TOUGH DEFENSE – While the Lakers played some inspired defense at times on Friday night, they need to do it for a full 48 minutes tomorrow. I especially worry when Fish is not on the floor to guard Williams. This is where it would be terrific to have Ariza to come in and harass Williams. Farmar and Sasha both need to pick up their defense. Pau needs to stop allowing Okur to shoot open 3-pointers. Mainly, we need to play controlled and smart on offense so we can setup our defense accordingly.
The problem with not winning on Friday night is that now we have given the Jazz and Williams and Boozer reason to be confident. Game 4 is critical, pivotal, and essential for the Lakers to continue to control the series. It is also an important game for Kobe’s teammates to stop up and show everybody what they are made of and that they are worthy of playing with the games best and most valuable player. I am sure they will.
Tom
Posted by: LakerTom | May 10, 2008 at 07:32 PM
Ozomatli .
Ozomatli . YouTube, here I come.
Mothers Day puts the lid on the game for me tomorrow. Up to someone else to find links.
But,
http://www.mogulus.com/andromedanet
was a very stable link for Friday's game, plus, it was a wild feed and had no commercials.
Rock on!
Posted by: MiloRambaldi | May 10, 2008 at 07:41 PM
KOREY,
I think you’re right about Luke but he definitely seemed in a hurry to get rid of the ball. As I said earlier, that “Puke” moment didn’t cost us the game but it killed the comeback. Luke did nail a key 3 and make a great steal that led to 2 free throws so overall he is playing well and I am sure he will makeup for Friday night’s goof.
While I may jokingly have referred to Pau’s play last Friday night as Kwame-like and Farmar’s play as Smush-like, I still like both guys a lot and think Phil realizes they both just had a bad game and still has confidence in them. Pau is not Drew and cannot handle the physicality the way Drew would be able to. On the other hand, Pau needs to be aggressive and take the ball to the hoop and force the Jazz and refs to make a decision. Shooting zero free throws tells you how he played.
As for Farmar, I don’t see Jordan as being a selfish player at all. I think his problem is just a lack of confidence after having a couple of poor shooting games and expect him to play better the rest of this series. He still has a long way to go before he becomes the team’s point guard of the future but he has a shot. Third year is always the big year for young players so it will be interesting to see how he progresses before we banish him to the bench. After all, his overall play this year has been outstanding.
Tom
Posted by: LakerTom | May 10, 2008 at 07:45 PM
The Lakers need to come out with fire. Everybody needs to be on top of their game. I predict the Lakers to lose tomorrow. I'm just typing this long post so nobody could see how I really feel about tomorrow's game. Anyway, I won't be able to see the game tomorrow. If the Lakers lose, I at least won't be there to witness the sorrow. If they win then it would be my own loss that I would love to have.
This link should give inspiration to the Lakers as they will be going to a very hostile environment.
http://youtube.com/watch?v=-6XTHK8NnXM
(I couldn't find the english version, but Chezch (sp?) was also nice)
Posted by: never | May 10, 2008 at 07:58 PM
Pau was pushed around like a pinball everytime he tried to dribble in the post. Which led to his impromptu kwame impersonation.
Lakers need to realize he doesn't have the mass to ball handle in the post. When he dribbles, they muscle him, and then because of his height he's having troubles just handling the ball. They need to get the ball to him when he's in a better position, and then he needs to grab and shoot. NO DRIBBLING.
Posted by: Listening to Kobe on ABC | May 10, 2008 at 08:19 PM
Jon K,
See items 1 to 5. You're not kinda a troll, you are one. Somewhere in whatever h3llhole you inhabit you got infected and became like the things you were hunting.
Occupied cell 186 just to keep my friend Strange in the Night have a Kwame Calves' viewing party.
Lakers in 5.
Posted by: Occupant- Cell 186 | May 10, 2008 at 08:46 PM
Pslakerfan,
"K-Bros, I can't believe you guys missed the most important factor in Friday's loss. The Lakers are now 0-1 in games where David Archuleta sings the National Anthem."
I didn't even realize that's who the singer was until you told me. I guess I'm not hip. haha
AK
Posted by: Andrew Kamenetzky | May 10, 2008 at 08:46 PM
I can't wait for the game tomorrow & get a little payback. Friday's game was UGLY, most of the guys played like CRAP, and we still almost won it. The Jazz cannot play much better, and we obviously can and will.
I am another Laker fan who is not worried - these Jazz are going down. It's a done deal.
GO LAKERS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: justanothermambafan | May 10, 2008 at 08:54 PM
Laker Tom,
I appreciate the nice words. And don't get me wrong. I wasn't "que sera sera" about the Lakers losing by any stretch. But I'm also looking at this realistically. Even taking into the account their 6-0 record (before last night) and emergence as (in my opinion) the team to beat in these playoffs, the odds of running the table were basically nil. At some point, the inevtiable was gonna happen.
Plus, Utah's not exactly chopped liver. They're a well coached team, extremely good at home and were playing for their lives, as going down 3-0 basically eliminates them. I kind of saw the loss coming, even if I was rooting for the opposite. But like I said in the summary, Utah played considerably better than the Lakers, but still couldn't put them away in decisive fashion. I actually think the Jazz walk away from last night's game with more worries than the Lakers, because they know L.A. isn't likely to play that badly in four more games. Can Utah crank up their game that much more?
AK
Posted by: Andrew Kamenetzky | May 10, 2008 at 08:54 PM
Everybodys getting agitated by this loss coz we all were hoping for a sweep. But with high expectation comes great dissapointment. We just need to trust our team to succeed the next time. All is forgiven when they reach the next round. Gooo Lakers!
Posted by: justin LA | May 10, 2008 at 08:56 PM
Occupant cell 186 - you need to ease up on JonK. If anyone's a troll it's you. You should go back to your cell & cry over the Funs or the Thugs or whatever pitiful so-called team you root for.
Posted by: justanothermambafan | May 10, 2008 at 09:05 PM
Hopefully I'm feeling as anxious as the Lakers about redemption.
Go lakers!
Posted by: Faith | May 10, 2008 at 09:11 PM
Pau has to stop looking at the face up shot and take the shot. After making a few he can fake the shot and drive around Okur to score. Its simple basketball not rocket science. He let Okur off the hook by not driving the ball and putting pressure on him. Lamar needs to man up too. 13 ponts from him and Pau just won't cut it, the bench players could've done that.....
Posted by: 70'slakerfan | May 10, 2008 at 09:14 PM
Laker Tom,
What would this blog be without your level-headed, analytical posts? Great stuff tonight. Go Lakers!
Posted by: Rick Friedman | May 10, 2008 at 09:18 PM
" THE MAILMAN ALWAYS DELIVERS ON SUNDAY"
Posted by: KARL MALONE | May 10, 2008 at 09:25 PM
Andrew needs to buy a cheap knee brace at Longs Drug store and get out there before it's to late.
Posted by: ChrisMihm | May 10, 2008 at 09:42 PM
LakerTom - I second Rick's sentiment. I really appreciate your posts - very insightful and also extremely good at building up our confidence in this team's abilities. I am psyched for tomorrow's game! T minus 14 (or so) hours and counting.....
GO LAKERS!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: justanothermambafan | May 10, 2008 at 09:44 PM
Pig,
Mission accomplished.
Its official. We have destroyed the Suns. They are a ruined organization.
Posted by: Fairweather Fatty | May 10, 2008 at 09:46 PM
Pig,
Mission accomplished.
Its official. We have destroyed the Suns. They are a ruined organization.
Posted by: Fairweather Fatty | May 10, 2008 at 09:46 PM
Do you mean indirectly via Shaq?
Posted by: Benjamin | May 10, 2008 at 10:06 PM
Wow - it's kind of crazy how other organizations are now falling apart and/or are being dismantled all because of how they responded to a Laker's organization move. Are we the NBA trend-setters, or what? Has there ever been a time where the Lakers made some bone-head moves in response to what other NBA teams were doing? Just curious.....inquiring minds want to know.....(well ok - bored minds wating for the next game want to know!)
Posted by: justanothermambafan | May 10, 2008 at 10:33 PM
Throwing D'Antoni into Starbury's asylum seems morbidly entertaining to me. I can't wait.
Posted by: dave m | May 10, 2008 at 10:57 PM
HEY LAKER FANS,
That lost last Friday only means one thing, a game 5 in Staples Center, additional millions for Lakers management to use to further upgrade the team personnel in order for us to be the "SCARIEST TEAM' for the next five years according to Barkley. The game was a gimme, and yet we almost won. I did not even bother watch the game, because I know they will lose, instead be with my kids watching Cartoon Network.
dacsila
Posted by: dacsila | May 10, 2008 at 11:32 PM
HEY BUTLER,
Now that your Master D'Antonni (an arrogant coach who can't show even one Championship ring and yet acts like he have more than Phil and Red)is a New York coach (they deserve each other BOTH LOSERS) why don't you follow his ass there and get away from this blog.
Are you a relative of KLBeast?
dacsila
Posted by: dacsila | May 10, 2008 at 11:45 PM
j. d. hastings
That was really hilarious and great!
Man, you should be one of those special assistant coaches for Lakers.
Posted by: coolhair | May 11, 2008 at 12:20 AM
justanothermambafan,
Never said I wasn't one. Obviously you recognize your kind. You Jon K's older den brother or just a tribe member? Didn't realize he needed your protection. Trolls don't like being treated like babies. You might upset him.
Posted by: Occupant Cell 186 | May 11, 2008 at 12:59 AM
Seriously, the loss isnt something to be worried...
a few things everyone should notice...
1. Gasol had a really BAD offensive game... he actually disappeared in the 4th. other than the shot blocks, nothing notable else.
2. Turnovers... hey, its the first game in the hostile area. These happened when fisher sat down. inexperience kicked in.
3. REFS... i dont want to be a cry baby but an, have you seen the mis-calls last night? incredible. I cant blame them, its homecourt....
4. BOOZER... you have to give him credit, hes really good last night... specially the last 4 shots he made. great defense on the last plays but he made it possible. incredible game.
5. Kobe too passive during the first. Well you cant blame him, we were running the offense really great. But i think he took too long to take over...
I cant beleve how much of you are yapping at kobe;s play last night!! He was brilliant!
We just got beat when we made the move to come close a bit late... if we made th run a bit earlier we could have won it.
Posted by: jawo | May 11, 2008 at 01:08 AM
Man... 1 lost and a lot of you guys are talking about stupid things...
bringing bak bynum...
kobe being crap...
are you serious??
Posted by: jawo | May 11, 2008 at 01:10 AM
Finished catching up on reading. Can't wait for game time.
Posted by: JustaLakerFan | May 11, 2008 at 02:02 AM
u was pushed around like a pinball everytime he tried to dribble in the post. Which led to his impromptu kwame impersonation.
Lakers need to realize he doesn't have the mass to ball handle in the post. When he dribbles, they muscle him, and then because of his height he's having troubles just handling the ball. They need to get the ball to him when he's in a better position, and then he needs to grab and shoot. NO DRIBBLING.
Posted by: Listening to Kobe on ABC | May 10, 2008 at 08:19 PM
Excellent observation. I totally agree. I also expect him to get to the line later today. He should have been the line a few times on Friday, but you still have to play if they don't call the fouls. Playoff fouls are a little different and Pau needs to get acclimated. Playoff fouls at ESA are a little extra different still.
Truth Justice American Way,
I agree with you about Luke. His head got out of the game at a crucial moment. While Kobe made a few questionable plays in those 3s, he didn't get his head out of the game. I'm okay with Luke too. The team lost that game, not Luke. It wasn't like a few of Odom's late game gaffes which eliminated our chances with +/- 1 possession.
Posted by: Benjamin | May 11, 2008 at 02:27 AM