Knotted up
The playoffs are supposed to be a grind, a titanic struggle filled with dramatic highs and lows, and plenty of tension. For six games, the Lakers didn't really have that. Fair to say now, after Utah beat them 123-115 in overtime on Sunday afternoon in Salt Lake City to knot their W.C. semifinal series at two games apiece, that the playoffs have officially arrived. We've got drama (a big comeback late in the fourth followed by a flat OT), concern (Kobe Bryant tweaked his back in the first quarter, and played in obvious pain throughout), and a touch of controversy (did Kobe abandon his teammates as Utah took control in the OT, or was it the other way around?). The Lakers played from behind most of the day on Sunday, both on the scoreboard and from a personnel standpoint, once Ronny Turiaf was lost after a very shaky flagrant two call on a hard foul he delivered to Utah's Ronny Price.
Turiaf's ejection helped contribute to what was a big advantage in bench production for the Jazz, which contributed to the hole LA found themselves in. Only a big push in the last 4:21 of the fourth, when they erased a 12-point Utah lead, got them into the extra frame, but then things unraveled on both ends for the Lakers.
Kobe took seven shots in the extra frame and made one, prompting some to question whether the ball was moving enough. Phil Jackson said the supporting cast was too deferential. The supporting cast
didn't seem to agree. Perhaps the Lakers were simply outplayed by what was, at least for those five minutes, a better team? Either way, the box says Kobe finished with a gritty 33/8/10, supported by a monster game from Lamar Odom (26/13, with three blocks), and good work from Fish and Gasol.
We'll all learn more lessons on Wednesday night, when the series returns to L.A. Kobe says he'll play, which assuming he can make it happen (you gonna bet against it?) would be one monumental bright spot for the Lakers. Unfortunately for them, Deron Williams seems to be back on track for the Jazz. The turnaround that started in the second half of Game 2 continued yesterday, when he blew up for 29/14, and showed he is truly an elite PG (really, was anyone still questioning that?). Derek Fisher did what he could against him and at times even gave Williams trouble, but he's a tough cover on the best day, and with Fish again saddled with foul trouble the Lakers didn't have anything else on the utility belt to defend him.
The focus on Game 5? Back. As in back to L.A., and, more specifically, Kobe's. With the series returning to L.A., it's important to remember that the Lakers still have that home-court advantage, one of a few things still working in their favor. They'll need to return to the dominant inside game, though, if the Lakers want to emerge with the W.
When I watched the game yesterday, my emotions went up and down as the Lakers fell behind and then caught up with the Jazz. I felt that in the 4th quarter, Fisher and Odom had the hot hands which should be continued in the over time. However, it was so disappointing to see Kobe working so hard with pain and hoisted shot after shot. I wish I had a microphone in his ears telling to pass and rely on others. No matter how great a player is, you cann't play one against five ball. Each time the five will come up on top.
Although Kobe always emphasizes high basketball IQ, he himself from time to time doesn't practice what he preaches. On the court, he doesn't adapt to new situations fast enough to avoid disaster. He should realize being great doesn't mean you score all the points. Being great means he needs to bring out the best of his team mates in order to reach the zenith of the basketball world.
Posted by: Jeffrey Feng | May 12, 2008 at 01:49 PM
To everyone freaking out about Farmar and Vlad:
You can't change the line-up just because of a few bad games. If this was the case, we'd have a different line-up every week. Look at Boston. Ray Allen has been terrible, I mean TERRIBLE this entire post-season. The same can be said about Paul Pierce. But that'd be ridiculous to not play them. They've had bad game after bad game after bad game, but they've stuck with them, and I guarantee you, in a game where Boston needs it most, at least one of them will come through and have a great game.
I know how frustrating it is watching Jordan and Vlad play the way they are, but by playing them Phil is showing confidence in them. If he benches them for the rest of the series because they haven't been performing well, then in the next round when the stakes are only higher, and Phil inserts one of them in, they will be unsure of themselves. Clearly they are in a funk, but the solution is not to bench them for life. What Phil is trying to do is help them through their slump so that they can move on and get back to the way they are capable of playing.
Especially with Jordan. He is only in his second year in the league and has contributed so much in the past 2 years. Just because as of late he hasn't been playing so well or making very good decisions doesn't mean that he isn't a good player. Where would we be now if during Kobe's sophmore season, we shunned him for every mistake he made? For example, those air balls in Utah. Every player has bad stretches. Every player makes mistakes.
And to those saying, play Coby Karl...not only would that break up the line up that we've been playing with all season, which is never a good thing (see Dallas, last year vs. GSW), but for one he is a rookie, who has barely played in regular season games, let alone the playoffs, and two, how would Jordan feel about that? You think he'd be happy getting benched while a rookie plays instead? All that would do is break up team chemistry, which is one of the main reasons that we are where we are now.
Chances are Phil will stick with the lineup. Not because he is stubborn, but because he is a smart coach, and he knows that team chemistry is one thing that we have going for us, and he won't be the one to break it up.
Jordan and/or Vlad WILL come through for us. I guarantee it.
GO LAKERS!!!
Posted by: gokobego | May 12, 2008 at 02:00 PM
According to ESPN, "Sasha Vujacic rebounded from his scoreless Game 3 to score 11 points on 4-for-6 shooting, but the rest of the reserves were so ineffective, Lakers coach Phil Jackson had to call them out after the game, when he also criticized Bryant's teammates for becoming too dependent on their ailing star in crunch time.
"I was angry at his teammates for dropping the ball off in his lap," Jackson said. "I thought guys just bailed out on him."
"I know what he means by that," Bryant said. "He wants them to come at me, but come to me later, not right away and just stand around." "
So Phil Jackson does not blame Kobe for taking the shots he took. He blames his teammates for standing there watching.
Posted by: MV | May 12, 2008 at 02:00 PM
Kobe wants everyone to think that he is the only player who is hurting at this time of year....Kobe wants everyone to think that he is the only player who wants to win badly...Kobe wants to think that he is the only reason the Lakers are better this year...Kobe want everyone to think that he is the only one who worksout during the offseason....Kobe is a BIG baby and he is NOT the closer that he wants everyone believe(missed layup at end of last game). You have two groups of fans...those who beleive in his B.S. and those who beieve in the truth!!!
Posted by: neil | May 12, 2008 at 02:06 PM
TheSportProphet, this is LA, man. Nobody actually cares about the game, it's all about how much attention THEY can get. Everybody has an unlimited source of cash - which nobody can ever figure out where that money comes from, they don't work yet they have nice houses and cars and can party on extasy until 4:00 AM on weekdays, their attention spans are worse than a 4 year old's, they're not thinking about the game, they're thinking about rushing over to the store to pick up the lastest cell phone that just came out so they can junk the "old" one they bought almost a month ago... meanwhile they're busy texting each other during the game with such amazing messages as "what's up?" and "what are you doing later?" and then trying to figure out who else they can text or call to find something cooler than what they have lined up already...
Game? What game???
Posted by: TaosHum | May 12, 2008 at 02:16 PM
Many Laker fans still whining about the calls. Once again, through the 4 games, the Lakers have ATTEMPTED 32 more free throws. Yes, attempted.
As far as Kobe is concerned, it is very convenient that the back hurts when he wants it to. How bad did it hurt when he drained the shot before halftime? Not enough to stop him from doing his little twist celebration. But apparently enough to lay on the court writhing in pain in front of the Jazz bench, in what should have been a foul on HIM. Not enough to be a teammate in OT, just force shots.
I am not a fan of EITHER team, just a BASKETBALL fan.
Whoever wins game 5, wins the series, imo. And I'm saying all the finger pointing is a BAD sign.
Jazz in 6.
Posted by: Forrest | May 12, 2008 at 02:32 PM
1997
Game 1 June 1 Chicago Bulls 84 Utah Jazz 82
Game 2 June 4 Chicago Bulls 97 Utah Jazz 85
Game 3 June 6 Utah Jazz 104 Chicago Bulls 93
Game 4 June 8 Utah Jazz 78 Chicago Bulls 73
Game 5 June 11 Utah Jazz 88 Chicago Bulls 90
Game 6 June 13 Chicago Bulls 90 Utah Jazz 86
I have no point.
Posted by: Amazing_Happens | May 12, 2008 at 02:37 PM
"Without MJ, Pippen could not "get it done", in other words lead his team, either."
Actually, the year Jordan left was Pippen's best season, and even that season doesn't stack up to what Kobe has done already in his career.
In 1994 when Jordan left, Pippen finished third in the MVP voting. He won the All Star game MVP award. He led the league in steals, and held an average of 22.0 points, 8.7 rebounds, 5.6 assists, 2.9 steals, while shooting 49.1% from the field and a career-best 32% from three.
As a team that year, the Bulls lost in the Second Round in 7 tough games to the Knicks. I should mention Pippen's infamous "I don't want to go back in if the last play isn't designed for me" of Game 3 against the Knicks.
So, this was Pippen's best season and it happened without Jordan. Kobe has had several seasons without Shaq, but let's just go with this year even though he has had more statistically impressive seasons (I assume you wanted to talk about leadership). Now, we have something to juxtapose Pippen and Kobe's individual team leadership.
Kobe clearly is in a class above Pippen simply based on the fact that in Pippen's best year he only finished third in the MVP voting while taking his team to the 2nd round. Kobe has already trumped Pippen just by finishing first in the MVP and (so far) having carried his team to the 2nd round as well. Not to mention Pippen's infamous Game 3 bail out.
Of course your argument will be completely shattered if/when Kobe can get out of the 2nd round this season without Shaq, unlike Pippen without Jordan.
Also, Kobe's career is still going while Pippen has already given his best shot in the 1994 season, which even that doesn't stack up to what Kobe's done this season.
Posted by: Goose | May 12, 2008 at 02:37 PM
Jon K. ,
Thanks. But isn't NEWBLE was signed for his D? I am not expecting any offense from him. Just play some D and stop those freaky shooters kyle,harping etc
I have been to cleveland once. I made a decision that I will never go there again. I felt my 2 days of life got zapped for nothing. "There is noting there for humans" You need to get out there man. Seriously. I heard many serial killers evolve from Ohio state
Posted by: Disgruntled, Frustrated Laker Fan | May 12, 2008 at 02:39 PM
Forrest and other Jazz trolls: go to http://blogs.sltrib.com/jazz/
That's more your style and you can chat with the two fans on it.
Posted by: PsychedLakerGirl | May 12, 2008 at 02:42 PM
Kobe is All-NBA Defensive First Team, announced today.
http://www.nba.com/news/defensive_team_080512.html
Attached are the results for the 2007-08 NBA All-Defensive Teams:
2007-08 NBA ALL-DEFENSIVE FIRST TEAM
Position Player, Team 1st 2nd Points
Forward Kevin Garnett, Boston 24 4 52
Guard Kobe Bryant, L.A. Lakers 24 4 52
Center Marcus Camby, Denver 14 9 37
Guard/Forward Bruce Bowen, San Antonio 13 10 36
Forward Tim Duncan, San Antonio 12 9 33
2007-08 NBA ALL-DEFENSIVE SECOND TEAM
Position Player, Team 1st 2nd Points
Forward Shane Battier, Houston 9 11 29
Guard Chris Paul, New Orleans 10 6 26
Center Dwight Howard, Orlando 8 9 25
Forward Tayshaun Prince, Detroit 3 14 20
Guard Raja Bell, Phoenix 4 10 18
Other players receiving votes, with point totals (First Team votes in parentheses): Chauncey Billups, Detroit, 14 (5); Jason Kidd, Dallas, 13 (4); Rasheed Wallace, Detroit, 13 (3); Rajon Rondo, Boston, 11 (3); Deron Williams, Utah, 8, (3); Josh Smith, Atlanta, 8, (3); Ron Artest, Sacramento, 8 (2); Tyson Chandler, New Orleans, 8 (1); Andrei Kirilenko, Utah, 6; Derek Fisher, Los Angeles Lakers, 4 (1); LeBron James, Cleveland, 4 (1); Manu Ginobili, San Antonio, 4 (1); Kirk Hinrich, Chicago, 3 (1); Samuel Dalembert, Philadelphia, 3 (1); Andre Iguodala, Philadelphia, 2 (1); Brandon Roy, Portland, 2; Paul Pierce, Boston, 2; Andre Miller, Philadelphia, 1; Andres Nocioni, Chicago, 1; Baron Davis, Golden State, 1; Caron Butler, Washington, 1; Chris Bosh, Toronto, 1; Dikembe Mutombo, Houston, 1; Josh Howard, Dallas, 1; Richard Hamilton, Detroit, 1; Ronnie Brewer, Utah, 1.
Posted by: Benjamin | May 12, 2008 at 02:45 PM
neil:
YOU wrote:
Kobe wants everyone to think that he is the only player who is hurting at this time of year....Kobe wants everyone to think that he is the only player who wants to win badly...Kobe wants to think that he is the only reason the Lakers are better this year...Kobe want everyone to think that he is the only one who worksout during the offseason....Kobe is a BIG baby and he is NOT the closer that he wants everyone believe(missed layup at end of last game). You have two groups of fans...those who beleive in his B.S. and those who beieve in the truth!!!
Posted by: neil
IF You HAD A SORE BACK AND A SORE PINKY THEN I bet would not be able to pick up Kobe's jocks and carry them for him, let alone being silly with your rants about Kobe.. He is a WORLD class athlete and some YAHOO like you hiding behind the keyboard and dissing Kobe.
Don Rickles (Holywood Comedian)
Posted by: Don Rickles | May 12, 2008 at 02:46 PM
TheSportProphet,
You had prophesied that "the Lakers will win the series in 6", yet you are asking others for tips in locating a decent sports bar in L.A.?
I say, "you are a false prophet!!"
Posted by: Robyn
I AGREE A FALSE PROPHET. AND A PHONY MOST LIKELY A CROSS DRESSER PROPHET lol
Posted by: dOn RiCkLeS | May 12, 2008 at 02:50 PM
YOU SOUND VERY BITTER TaosHum : YOU WROTE:
TheSportProphet, this is LA, man. Nobody actually cares about the game, it's all about how much attention THEY can get. Everybody has an unlimited source of cash - which nobody can ever figure out where that money comes from, they don't work yet they have nice houses and cars and can party on extasy until 4:00 AM on weekdays, their attention spans are worse than a 4 year old's, they're not thinking about the game, they're thinking about rushing over to the store to pick up the lastest cell phone that just came out so they can junk the "old" one they bought almost a month ago... meanwhile they're busy texting each other during the game with such amazing messages as "what's up?" and "what are you doing later?" and then trying to figure out who else they can text or call to find something cooler than what they have lined up already...
Game? What game???
Posted by: TaosHum
Posted by: Bitter Man | May 12, 2008 at 02:52 PM
Disgruntled, Frustrated Laker Fan,
Yes. Many serial killers evolve from Ohio. It's the polluted water and lack of sunlight.
Hey, I am DEFINITELY in favor of a wider rotation in the playoffs. Phil Jackson seems not to be. I understand why, but it does risk wearing players out with too many minutes (*cough* *back* *back* *Kobe's back* *cough*) when other players could positively contribute.
Hey what do I know? Phil's got nine rings and I've only rooted for Lakers teams which have won eight rings (under my watch).
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | May 12, 2008 at 02:52 PM
This series is simple. We need to keep Fisher on the floor at all times. No more Jordan Farmar experiments...he has simply hit the wall. It's not a knock on him per say, but he's costing us games right now.
To keep Fisher on the floor, we need to help him more defensively. More traps, less one-on-one. Fish can body up Deron Williams but not in Utah (as we all saw). We also need to stop asking Fish to double off the key, and knock out the ball. I'd rather Kobe do that. Of course I don't know how Kobe is right now...can he run from the hard double to his man? I hope so.
Posted by: Faith | May 12, 2008 at 02:54 PM
Neil,
I am sure that caring about what other people think is Kobe's main concern right now. Not beating the Jazz, not getting to the WCF, not his back...WOW I think you should put the pipe down because it sounds like paranoia to me. From the way it sounds, you are more interested in nit-picking at him instead of actually watching the game. Do the world a favor and go play on the freeway. Love ya!
Goooooo Lakers!!!
Posted by: | May 12, 2008 at 02:58 PM
Not a Jazz fan, sorry. Wake and smell the coffee Laker "bandwagon fans." Kobe will not be playing in June
Posted by: Forrest | May 12, 2008 at 03:04 PM
Did anyone notice this gem from the Lakers Report on the latimes website:
"Bryant, Lamar Odom, Pau Gasol and Lamar Odom did not scrimmage today."
I didn't know there were two Lamars; that should explain why he sometimes disappears during games. He has an EVIL TWIN.
Posted by: laker hopeful | May 12, 2008 at 03:09 PM
I want to honor a vet: laydeebball. Where are you sista?
Hey Laker Bloggers:
I found this on another website and I felt it fit perfectly:
"Looking around the blogosphere just about everyone has either shut down comments or introduced some kind of security screen to deal with troll pollution. It's easily understandable. Why should anyone who isn't a martyr/masochist put up with a foul mood induced by comments designed solely to annoy, contributing nothing whatever to the discussion at stake - or any other?
Essential to the definition of a troll IMHO are:
1) Asymmetry. They use anonymity to ensure they have nothing at all at stake, no reputation to defend, and no reason not to look stupid.
2) Indifference to argument. Any commentator, however infuriating, who is making a serious point with some commitment to persuasion is not a troll. Trolls merely vent (more specifically, harass) - when pressed on any point they either make another irritating one-liner or melt away.
3) Negation. The typical troll is a disillusioned leftist in a state of cognitive dissonance (denial). They have long given up on the attempt to weave a coherent narrative of their own, focusing instead on protestations of negativity. They have no 'position'. For that reason they have no pedagogic value, except perhaps a warped psychological one."
Hey AK & BK can we have an ignore button added to the blog?
Posted by: laydeebball | May 31, 2006 at 09:29 AM
Hey AK & BK can we have an ignore button added to the blog?
Posted by: Charles | May 12, 2008 at 03:12 PM
But I am a Shaq fan.
And I dislike Kobe: who wants to be traded, throws Andrew Bynum under the bus, then loves him, gets the biggest steal of all time in getting Gasol for Kwame, etc.
Kobe has won 1 playoff series since Shaq. ONE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
He's a big BABY, who has Game. Just not when the going gets TOUGH
Posted by: Forrest | May 12, 2008 at 03:16 PM
Hey Forrest
Next post, don't forget to add your last name.........GUMP........even he knows "stupid is as stupid does" and you are doing a fine job of saying stupid stuff to prove the point.
Be proud of your last name, son, you've already shown your IQ.
Posted by: Mother Gump's Ghost | May 12, 2008 at 03:26 PM
Faith,
"This series is simple. We need to keep Fisher on the floor at all times. No more Jordan Farmar experiments...he has simply hit the wall. It's not a knock on him per say, but he's costing us games right now.
To keep Fisher on the floor, we need to help him more defensively. More traps, less one-on-one. Fish can body up Deron Williams but not in Utah (as we all saw). We also need to stop asking Fish to double off the key, and knock out the ball. I'd rather Kobe do that. Of course I don't know how Kobe is right now...can he run from the hard double to his man? I hope so."
Semi-agree on both points. The minutes Farmar has played have definitely hurt the Lakers, because has been largely ineffective on both ends of the floor. I don't think he has hit a wall, it's just a matter of confidence. We know how well Farmar can play, we saw him do it all year. He just has to start to get back into a good rhythm and not doubt and hesitate on making decisions (defensive and offensive alike).
On the Fisher point, I agree that there needs to be a different strategy implanted to help him defend Williams, but not exactly what you are suggesting. The Lakers have been trapping Williams whenever he turns a corner, but the problem with doing that is that it forces another Laker defender out on the perimeter meaning that it becomes more difficult to get defensive boards; or Williams will find a seam to pass the ball to one of his bigs. Maybe when Vujajic plays, they should put Fisher on someone else to avoid him picking up fouls. I don’t really know the answer.
Posted by: laker hopeful | May 12, 2008 at 03:31 PM
I have to agree NEWBLE was signed for his D let him play! If the the Lakers had hit there FT and the bench even gave us 20 points Lakers would have won by at least 8! I am not to worry I think PJ will get them going! Now I am little concern about Trevor Ariza we need him back, his D is very strong! When is Trevor coming back?
Posted by: Tony S. | May 12, 2008 at 03:34 PM
*********************************************
*********************
"But isn't NEWBLE was signed for his D? I am not expecting any offense from him. Just play some D and stop those freaky shooters kyle,harping etc"
(Posted by: Disgruntled, Frustrated Laker Fan | May 12, 2008 at 02:39 PM )
********************************************
**********************
Disgruntled, Frustrated Laker Fan,
PJ does not like to make changes to his line up and rotation unless it is absolutely necessary. It is true that Newble will give us better defense (and that was the reason why we signed him for the playoffs) but will expose us too much on the triangle offense which will involve crisp passing. This is precisely the same reason why Mbenga see limited PT.
My feeling is, at this juncture, PJ does not see the situation to be that bad to major changes which may hurt us even more on the offensive sets.
Since Jordan is so far giving us nothing in this series and PJ is not using Chris Mihm, I agree with Edwin Gueco's opinion that we should put Coby in the active roster and see what he can do. This move might make more sense at this time.
Posted by: Robyn | May 12, 2008 at 03:48 PM
What the hell is a troll anyway?
I'm getting really annoyed with these fundamentalist ideas about what constitutes a troll. There is no set definition.
The definition that's been widely used on other sites is:
1. Not genuine in their comments
2. Has fun getting others riled up
3. Gets people riled up with a minimum of effort
Just because someone disagrees with you doesn't make them a troll. Even if they continually repeat the same idea, it doesn't make them a troll, it just makes them annoying.
That said, the best thing you can do with trolls is ignore them. Real trolls get off on getting people all excited. If they get really bad, AK/BK will deal with them. They thrive on you getting excited, angry, and addressing them. That's what they want. Don't give it to them.
If you just want to address a crazy one-opinion guy or someone with whom you disagree, you're on your own.
I'm not the blog police. I want people to do what they want and I expect they will. I'm just trying to help people be more likely to get what they want by what they do.
Posted by: Benjamin | May 12, 2008 at 03:54 PM
Forrest,
Shaq WAS a great player and a great leader. I remember the days he was motivated enough to get swept from the playoffs in consecutive seasons, the pre-seasons after the first championship when he would come to camp out of shape, especially that gem he pulled in 01-02 when he waited until training camp to get surgery so he could "heal on company time." I know I miss the consistency of his declining free throw percentage, which lead to the game changing "hack a shaq" strategy. Remember his on the court "PAY ME!!" comments directed towards Buss? That's how a true star shows his professionalism!!! I love how he had two "OK, but still sub-par" seasons in Miami, riding D Wade's coattails in the championship series, "when it counted." Who was guarding him again, Dampier? He still managed to get his FT% to 42% last season, and how was he repayed? Undeservedly traded to Phoenix to establish his "Big Cactus" persona and get bounced from the first round. Ahhh memory lane..... I'm sure you can't wait until NEXT SEASON to watch those Suns!! Enjoy the summer!!
Posted by: JSNV | May 12, 2008 at 03:55 PM
TheSportProphet,
You had prophesied that "the Lakers will win the series in 6", yet you are asking others for tips in locating a decent sports bar in L.A.?
I say, "you are a false prophet!!"
Posted by: Robyn | May 12, 2008 at 01:35 PM
LOL!!!!!
Posted by: BocaLakerGurl | May 12, 2008 at 03:56 PM
One offensive stat that really caught my attention was the Lakers assist column. This is usually in the 20s by late 3rd quarter, but at one point the Jazz almost doubled LA up on ast totals. This indicates they've successfully disrupted our passing game, and we are increasingly depending on iso for Kobe or Pau. This is not good, as the Lakers are best when passes are whipping around finding open men.
I noticed one defensive strategy in particular. Because Pau and Lamar are absolutely killer from the middle of the key, they are now sending a guard from the top side immediately - Pau always catches looking to make a move, and the guard, essentially coming from a blind side, surprises him, either stripping the ball or at least disrupting him enough for the defense to recover. For some reason the Lakers have not adjusted to this well.
Basically, Pau especially needs to hold on to the ball tighter and be ready for the little 2nd defender. More than that, he needs to look for the open shooter. Everytime the Jazz sends a guard down, Fish, Farmar or Sasha is wide open. That pass to one of them needs to be fast, and crisp. The guards also need to position themselves better to maximize spacing. But more than that, they need to start hitting their shots, period, or the Jazz will continue the tactic.
The Lakers could also send Lamar to the BACK of the defense close to the baseline when Pau or Kobe is up top with the ball. I've seen them do this a lot, but not in this series.
One of the differences, however, is the Jazz pretty much were allowed to hack at will when they doubled, which is why they were able to double Pau HARD, yet still only give up 2 freethrows to him. I'm not so sure the refs at Staples will let them get away with it
Lastly, the Kobe-Pau pick and roll has mutated. They are now very lethargic in executing this. Whereas Pau always rolled prematurely before, with Kobe splitting the two defenders with the pass, now Pau releases very slowly, only after the 2nd defender is already on Kobe or has taken a position in between to cut off the pass AND cut off Kobe's lane. If Pau releases earlier, he would turn around and find a vast space to work with, in which case the Jazz need to send yet another defender to cut him off, leaving our shooters open or a lane for Lamar to cut to the basket
Posted by: Vonislav Waferdenko | May 12, 2008 at 03:58 PM
Hey AK & BK can we have an ignore button added to the blog?
Posted by: laydeebball | May 31, 2006 at 09:29 AM
Hey AK & BK can we have an ignore button added to the blog?
Posted by: Charles | May 12, 2008 at 03:12 PM
I would also like that. It would probably require logins though. If we did have it, we could have kept JWW's insightful comments that is, of course, unless he found something else that he just couldn't handle.
Posted by: Benjamin | May 12, 2008 at 04:01 PM
Free throw disparity....hey how bout a little context? Jazz are a physical team? The have a quota for fouls.....just to show Sloan that they are playing hard. Its not unheard of to those that actually know basketball.
Hey Forrest, why don't you have some basketball with your stats. You think you can spin it, but it so transparent, it laughable. You are hardly an objective observer.
Posted by: #4 | May 12, 2008 at 04:06 PM
BANNER HOLDER:
I am coming in agreement with you before its actually done...make sure you go deep to pull down some ontime revelation...this is our series...
Kobe is a prophet (that is why he is so misunderstood) and the prophet in him rose up and declared we will be playing in June so that is what I believe...
Posted by: BocaLakerGurl | May 12, 2008 at 04:06 PM
SHAQ won you rings. For the 1st time since the glory days of the 80's!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
as for Kobe(a.k.a. the greatest player in the WORLD?) not just yet
tell me I'm wrong.....As Katt would say "don't worry, I'll wait"
Posted by: Forrest | May 12, 2008 at 04:10 PM
Forrest,
"Kobe has won 1 playoff series since Shaq. ONE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"
Wrong. Kobe's team has won one playoff series without Shaq. Major difference there.
Posted by: Benjamin | May 12, 2008 at 04:14 PM
RUN FOREST RUN....
And next time start your paragraph with "My momma says....."
janaya
Posted by: janaya | May 12, 2008 at 04:22 PM
Real MVP's don't make excuses ... they don't need them. Kobe was healthy enough to strike one of his stuid poses when he did something good. No grimace there. Just when the defense was too good. Kobe is, always has been, and always will be a loser.
Posted by: Kari | May 12, 2008 at 04:22 PM
Just like Kobe's TEAM when he was sharing the rock in OT?
Odom and Fisher were HOT. But KOBE,instead of passing to his teammates, threw up BRICKS, airballs, or his **** got swatted.
LOL
Y'all enjoy 'til Wednesday. Have fun in LA LA land!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: Forrest | May 12, 2008 at 04:25 PM
Bitter Man, do you have something of value to say? You basically reposted what I said. Do you... have thoughts of your own? or ??? Wow... some people just can't understand things unless you say it literally and God forbid if you "refer" to something because then the small minded will demand a reference source. Pfft!
Posted by: TaosHum | May 12, 2008 at 04:26 PM
So what does Shaq have to do with today's Lakers?
Somebody call Doc Brown, Forrest McFly needs the deLorean to get back to the future!!!
Posted by: #4 | May 12, 2008 at 04:31 PM
Thanks Robyn, Toad, Hmrhead for your comments. I also hope they win Game 5 & 6 to finish the Jazz adventure. The longer we play with the sharks, the greater the danger that we will be bitten (or beaten in the case of the Jazz.) Let's get into business, apparently God is not completely a Laker fan as Tom referred to. Here's His advice: "I only help those who pray frequently and fervently, once you regain your faith on yourselves, then you start winning again."
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | May 12, 2008 at 04:33 PM
Oh Forrest!!
Shaq won rings!!! Absolutely Right!!! He won them all by himself? Didn't Kobe win a couple rigns too? I'm pretty sure Fisher and Horry got a couple rings with the Lakers as well!! Am I mistaken? Funny how you tend to point out some of Kobe's flaws, but don't mention anything about Shaq's WORK ETHIC!! I know, those free throws are tough!! What's he supposed to do, spend hours in the gym improving his game? I'm sure nobody has paid him enough to do that!! Why don't you just clutch that good ol' purple and gold #34 until the day his jersey is retired!! It's only a couple years away!! OOOooo.... remember when he got traded to the Suns and pointed to his ring finger so all the fans could cheer at the fact he was recently divorced!! How could I have forgotten that moment!!
Posted by: JSNV | May 12, 2008 at 04:34 PM
Thanks Robyn, Toad, Hmrhead for your comments. I also hope they win Game 5 & 6 to finish the Jazz adventure. The longer we play with the sharks, the greater the danger that we will be bitten (or beaten in the case of the Jazz.) Let's get into business, apparently God is not completely a Laker fan as Tom referred to. Here's His advice: "I only help those who pray frequently and fervently, once you regain your faith on yourselves, then you start winning again."
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | May 12, 2008 at 04:33 PM
Edwin, that's straight up blasphemy!
The Good Lord wants the Lakers mentally tougher so they can win it all!
Posted by: Benjamin | May 12, 2008 at 04:52 PM
Jon K
As a fellow back sufferer, this is my take on Kobe's back issues.
1. Traveling is hard on the back. My bed is perfect at home and no hotel bed can match it.
I always wake up a little stiff, but much worse on the road. You sleep a little stiffly, and it takes more time to loosen up the muscles.
2. It was an early start. 11:30 LA time.
NBA players stay up late, and wake up very late, similar to a AK/BK time frame. (at least they have a legit reason)lol
So, if Kobe woke up a little stiff, he would have very few minutes to really loosen and warm up completely. And might not even have noticed he had an issue, just slightly stiff. Again common for hotel sleeping.** The simple twist in the game, normally no big deal for him, tweaked or pulled a muscle.
Unless he has some nerve damage, he will respond to treatment well in 2-3 days.
This is where a good sports Chiropracter can help. He can use mine. lol ( He treats the Olympic athletes that train in our town.)
Even Tiger actually travels with one on occasion.
We all know, he don't need no stinking practice. The greats like AI, never do. So he will be fine for the Wednesday Feasting of the Jazz.
** I in no way meant to disparage hotels. I am not a hotel-bigot, and apologize for any hotels that may have been offended, even if they have crappy beds.
Posted by: Fairweather Fatty | May 12, 2008 at 05:16 PM
if kobe was that bad to work with how come were not hearing it from the people who really are WITH him...
they could easily throw a jab at him with this loss...
some of you try to "speculate" and try to convert people into believing how bad kobe is...
YOU should be the one who should stop whining....
Posted by: jaworski | May 12, 2008 at 05:23 PM
Hello Laker Nation! True Laker fan of 29 years but only my 2nd day on this blog. I'm glad that their are other knowledgeable true fans of the purple and gold here and for the most part the comments and points made and addressed are fair and accurate. So for what it's worth, here are some of my takes addressed to no one in particular for this blog.
Regarding:
Is Kobe selfish? Answer=YES, of course. ALL NBA superstars HAVE to be at certain times, that's WHY they became a superstar. Now don't blast me on this Laker Nation, as I am a true Laker and NBA fan. Take Michael Jordan for example. Ddoes anyone remember 60 something points in a playoff game against the Celtics which the BULLS still lost? Well it's true. When you have a Kobe or Michael type player on your team you are going to have stretches where they try and take over a game and it doesn' work out to a win. So you just have to live with it and more often than not they'll be on the winning side when they "take over.". That's a fact, not an opinion.
Regarding:
The officiating in game 4 that many fans complained was blantantly "anti-Laker." YES their were some very bad calls and no calls (e.g. Price's hard arm smack foul to the shoulder and back of the head to Luke that Hubie gushed was a "great block" and Deron's blatant travelling on a crucial possesion that was missed). HOWEVER, that's ALWAYS going to happen no matter what team you are playing for and whether it be regular season, pre-season or post season. The bottom line is the team and their coaches need to recognize the tone the ref crew is setting with their calls in the first period and make roster and play calling adjustments accordingly. For example if the refs are calling "touch" fouls in the first quarter then BOTH teams and coaches need to recognize and adjust. Ridiculous and missed or blown calls have been with the NBA for as long as I've been watching and that's not going to change. Because the Lakers are such a young team I feel they were like a "deer caught in the headlights" when they went to Utah and lost games 3 & 4. Though they could have one both games, their immaturity and an unfortunate back injury and ejection of our best defensive big man (outside of Drew of course) shot down their chances. Check the replay of the games if you have them (I highly recommend it for the die hard fan b/c you can slow motion in high density and pinpoint exactly what mistakes were made and what worked against the opponent). You had Gasol, the Machine, etc.. waiting for a call instead of getting back on defense when they missed shots. I could go on and on some more, lol, but I think we know what is meant here.
Regarding:
Fair weather fans and bandwaggoners thinking a sweep of Utah would happen.
If you truly thought and beleived that would happen then you really need not post here because you are not realistic and obviously don't watch or follow the NBA with any consistency. I predicted the Lakers in 6 games. I knew as many of you other true fans out there that a sweep would not happen. Utah was the best home team in the NBA for a reason: They are a very well coached basketball team with 2 players of All Star caliber on any given day (Deron, Boozer) and good role-players around them that excell when they stay within their game which is slow paced physical style defense and rebounding (Kirelenko, Okur, Millsap, Harpring, etc). So let's not be one of "those" stereotypical fairweather Laker fans that don't give credit where credit is due when an opponent wins games against us. Okay, I think I've bored the Laker Nation enough now. Good to be here fellow Lakerfans, now let's get the positive thoughts going for what should be a very interesting game 5 Wednesday!
Posted by: jhnlannery | May 12, 2008 at 05:50 PM
I agree with you Benjamin, we really don't know what the Good Lord would do, we should all be burned on the stakes for using the word of the Lord in the playoffs. haha!
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | May 12, 2008 at 05:55 PM
Re: JSNV's blog response to another Kobe basher/hater:
Right on the money! I also appreciated the sarcastic tone because in this case it's warranted. I get SO sick of these persons who rip Kobe for nearly any reason no matter how ridiculous it is and then praise Shaq and give all credit soley to "The Big-No-Work-Ethic" for the Lakers last 3 Championships. Because every other Championship team throughout history of the NBA had one player who did it all himself against the 12 man rotating opponent. Simply ludicrous and idiotic some persons really are. I appreciated both Shaq AND Kobe when they were peaking and winning together. However I also appreciated in no particular order : "Big Shot" Bob, Derek Fisher, Rick Fox, Brian Shaw,Glen Rice, Horace Grant, John Salley, etc.... Each had a crucial part in helping us during those 3 straight Championship wins.
Posted by: jhnlannery | May 12, 2008 at 06:05 PM
Why aren't they using Newble?
He's good defensively, but not great, and he is bad on offense. Playing him would result in a net loss compared to whoever he would replace.
Posted by: exhelodrvr | May 12, 2008 at 07:32 PM
Disgruntled, Frustrated Laker Fan,
As you probably know I'm stuck in the Dark Limbo that is known as Cleveland, Ohio (affectionately known by locals as "Al-Sadr City on the Lake").
Anyhow, you run in to your fair share of unrealistic Cavalliars fans out here and occasionally the subject of Ira Newble comes up.
Not that I put a lot of stock in the opinions of Cavalliars fans, but the concensus is that Ira Newble, while fairly strong on defense, just overall isn't that good a player.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | May 12, 2008 at 01:14 PM
Jon K
Would you treally think they would say something good about him after he left and they wanted him back? He chose the Lakers so sure they are going to say he is not that good.
Posted by: JustaLakerFan | May 12, 2008 at 10:57 PM
What is the story with C. Mihm BD?
Is he practicing? He's on the roster -- it was pretty damning when he didn't get playing tiime even after Ronny was thrown out.
Speaking of, is the league going to reduce that to a flagrant 1?
Posted by: HmrHed | May 12, 2008 at 11:49 AM
I think it should be reduced to just a foul. No flagrant. He was playing the ball.
Posted by: JustaLakerFan | May 12, 2008 at 10:59 PM