The second half
So much went wrong for the Lakers in the second half of Thursday's shocking loss, no surprise given the size of the lead L.A. squandered. One big topic of conversation when it was over centered on a Lakers offense that scored only 33 points in the second half, on 33% from the floor. Obviously it was a terrible performance from the Lakers on that end of the floor. But how bad, and what went wrong? Some, like Roland Lazenby, suggest that the Lakers stuck with the triangle too long, abandoning the full floor game that served them so well in the first half. I don't agree, mostly because the combination of effective Celtics offense and terrible Lakers D basically quashed any chance the Lakers had to run (more on that below). But clearly plenty went wrong for the purple and gold.
What follows is a possession-by-possession rundown of the Lakers' second half, um, attack, with a running count of how many points they had during the quarter, and an approximate time of when each possession began. It can be tough from the press box to see the whole floor on every possession, so I wanted to go back and see, with the benefit of the pause and rewind buttons, what happened.
THIRD QUARTER:
1. (11:51) Fish takes the ball from the left side, back to the top of the arc. Hard bounce pass to Gasol in the lane, who feeds Odom on the left block. LO misses the layup (could have been some contact).
2. (11:10) LO on right wing passes to Radmanovic at the top of the arc, hits Kobe on the wing. One dribble right, then elevates over Pierce for the jumper. Good. (Kobe's first FG of the game.) TWO POINTS IN THE QUARTER.
3. (10:40) LO on the wing drops the bounce pass to Kobe, playing with his back to Pierce outside the post. One dribble left, sees the double, and hits Pau with a bounce pass as Gasol flashes to the elbow. Pau misses the open jumper.
4. (9:50) Lakers work the ball effectively. Kobe on the left wing to LO at the top of the key. Odom drives right, kicks to Fish behind the arc. Back to Kobe at the top of the arc, who drives, dishes to Odom deep along the right baseline. Odom drives to the hoop and is fouled by Perkins, who hurts his shoulder on the play.
Odom makes one of two. THREE POINTS.
5. (9:19) Lakers run off Garnett miss underneath. Gasol outlets to Vlad, who hits Odom on the wing, back to Vlad cutting through the lane. Layup. FIVE POINTS. (At this point, L.A. is still up by 16.)
6. (8:50) LO brings the ball up, at the top of the arc dishes to Vlad, who drops it off to Kobe on the wing. He elevates against Pierce from just inside the arc and hits. SEVEN POINTS. (Garnett turns the ball over on the other end. Things look ducky -- Posey enters for PJ Brown).
7. (8:25) Kobe tries to set up against Pierce off the dribble on the right wing. Nothing there, passes off to Odom, who throws a bad pass to the corner to Radmanovic for an L.A. turnover.
8. (7:40) Kobe has the ball on the right wing, lobs to Gasol in the post, who kicks to Radmanovic in the right corner. Vlad nearly turns the ball over trying to get the ball back to Pau, who recovers and passes to Kobe. Bryant dribbles right, elevates over Pierce and the help defender for the long jumper, with about seven ticks left on the 24. Miss.
LO with the offensive board.
9. (7:25) Fish deep behind the arc on the left side dishes to Kobe at the top of the key, who sets up the pick and roll up top with Gasol. Kobe draws the double, finds Gasol on the roll, who kicks back to Fish behind the arc. One dribble on the ball fake, and Fish elevates for the jumper. NINE POINTS. Lakers up 20.
10. (6:50) Kobe to Vlad, who gives it right back to Kobe. Bryant looks for space on Pierce, doesn't find it, dishes to LO in the high post. LO sees a double and backs it out. Back to Kobe, who drives and pulls up on Allen. Jumper misses. Under 10 on the clock.
11. (6:15) Gasol outlets Posey miss to Kobe, who dribbles up court, passes to Vlad on the left wing behind the arc, inside to Pau, who gives it right back as Radmanovic cuts to the basket on Posey. Nice give and go. Radmanovic fouled by Posey. Vlad makes ONE, then TWO. ELEVEN POINTS (Lakers up 20.)
12. (5:45) Kobe brings the ball up the left side. Swings to Fish, who swings to Rad in the right corner, who badly bricks a three. (On the other end, House hits a three, and the Celts are on a 5-0 run ... it gets worse.)
13. (5:22) Kobe walks the ball up, flips to Rad on the left wing, and the ball comes back around to Odom. Rad flashes to the high post, Odom hits him and Vlad immediately drops the ball off to Kobe. He tries to back Pierce down, then goes for the turnaround J. Pierce blocks it.
14. (4:50) The ball goes around the perimeter before Radmanovic gets it in the high post. He tries to dribble drive - never a good idea - and the Lakers nearly turn the ball over. Eventually, and luckily, the ball squirts out to Kobe, who finds Gasol underneath for an easy dunk. 13 POINTS.
15. (4:10) Kobe brings the ball up the right side, hits Odom in the high post, Posey pokes it out of bounds. Posey pokes Radmanovic's inbound away. Take two. Ball to Fish, who dumps into Odom on Posey, who is called for the foul on the floor. Again, the Lakers have to reset, deep in the 24. Gasol feeds Odom in the post, who kicks to Fish, who has to take the long three from the right side. Miss.
16. (3:25) Radmanovic dumps into Gasol on the left block. Baby hook goes in and out.
17. (3:22) Radmanovic again on the left side lobs into Gasol on the left block. Same move, same in and out result. Radmanovic gets the rebound, kicks to Fish at the top of the arc. Dribble penetration, then a tough pass to Odom on the right block results in a turnover. Allen comes back in transition for an easy layup (in part because Radmanovic made absolutely no attempt to defend the play). Celtics down by 11, PJ calls time out.
18. (2:55) Ariza, Farmar in off the TO. Farmar brings up left side, and the ball ends up in Kobe's hands at the top of the arc. He drives right on Pierce and misses a tough runner along the right baseline.
19. (2:29) Kobe on the left wing lobs to Gasol on the left block. Pau makes his move into the lane and is fouled by Posey, who rotated over on the double. Gasol to the line. MAKE, MISS. 14 POINTS. (Lakers up by 12. On the other end, Pierce beats Ariza off the dribble, Gasol gets the foul helping, for the one and one ...)
20. (2:00) Farmar to Sasha near halfcourt. He passes left wing to Ariza, who nearly turns it over. Kobe ends up with the ball in the left corner, draws the double and makes a great pass to Gasol in the lane, who misses the dunk. Ouch.
House hits a three in the left corner, as Farmar has to come off House momentarily to try and guard Garnett, who swings it back to the shooter, who sticks the triple. Penetration and ball movement hurts L.A. there, but JF needs to realize they're better off letting KG take the long jumper than leaving House open: 17-3 Boston run.
21. (1:20) Kobe moves on Pierce at the top of the arc, steps in, misses jumper.
22. (:41.2) Farmar brings it up, passes to Pau in the post, who feeds Kobe on the left wing. Dribbles out, comes off the screen and feeds Sasha in the right corner. Vujacic passes out to Farmar at the top of the arc. He has to heave an awkward three to beat the shot clock.
On the other end, Pierce makes a great pass out of the double team to a shockingly open PJ Brown underneath. Easy dunk. 21-3 run ends the quarter. Boston down two.
SUMMARY: In scoring a grand total of three points in the final six minutes or so, the Lakers certainly went cold offensively and made a lot of bad decisions with the ball that forced them into too many long jumpers or shots deep in the clock, or simply robbed them of shots because of turnovers. Very little high screen action, something that has worked through the series. That said, the Lakers also had some good looks. The two shots from Gasol on the low block were excellent looks, and that missed dunk was a killer. Kobe seemed uncomfortable against an aggressive Pierce and was limited to very tough looks, and Boston did a nice job as well at keeping the ball out of his hands.
They needed other guys to make some buckets to loosen the Celtics up.
But where the real collapse came was on the other end. Trip after trip, Boston had a seemingly endless series of clean looks, most of which they converted. L.A. was flat-out awful on that end, which made it tough for the Lakers to run. When Boston can take shots in rhythm, a) they'll often go in, and b) even if they don't, the defense can set against transition.
FOURTH QUARTER:
Sasha, Kobe, LO, Farmar, Turiaf on the floor. Kobe back on Pierce.
1. (12:00) Odom at the top of the arc feeds to Kobe on the wing, as he was pushed out of the post by Pierce. Kobe dribbles, trying to find some space, passes a screen from Odom, and as the defense comes to him, late in the clock he passes from the top of the arc to Ronny underneath, who is fouled by Garnett. Miss, miss. ouch.
2. (11:15) LO dribbles right at the top of the arc and hands to Kobe coming the other way. Long two, off the mark, fading away from Pierce defending. Sasha gets the rebound in the corner, feeds back to JF, who gives to Odom at the top of the arc. LO back to the left wing for Sasha, who misses a three.
Powe, on the second-chance opportunity, hits over Odom in the lane and the game is tied at 73.
3. (10:10) LO on the right wing lobs to Kobe on the block, who posts agaisnt Pierce. He makes his move into the lane, takes a tough runner fading away. Miss.
4. (9:40) Off a Powe miss, Kobe takes the ball up the floor, and from the left wing uses a quick screen from Turiaf to drive right, through the lane, layup. TWO POINTS.
Lakers up by two, then Pierce hits a tough jumper over Kobe, game tied again at 75.
5. (8:53) JF walks the ball up the right side, feeds Turiaf, who gives to Kobe on the right wing. He makes a move on Pierce, who is called for a block. On the floor. Lakers reset. LO to JF at the top of the arc. Farmar penetrates, has to kick back to Odom at the top of the arc. LO looks for Kobe, who is denied by Pierce. Odom is forced to take a three late in the clock. Miss.
6. (8:13) Odom on the right wing feeds Sasha in the post, who dumps it to a cutting Kobe on the left wing. Kobe isos on Pierce, elevates, and hits a jumper over him. FOUR POINTS.
7. (7:40) Farmar outlets a House miss to Kobe, who sets up on the right wing, drives left into the lane on Pierce, then misses the up and under.
Garnett hits a very tough shot over Ronny, coming left and shooting with his right hand, moving away from the basket. Well defended, but a better shot. Game tied at 77.
8. (7:10) Kobe has the ball on the right wing against Pierce. Turiaf sets the screen, Kobe hits him rolling to the bucket. KG cuts him off. Ronny kicks back to the top of the arc to Sasha, who drives, then kicks to Ronny on the right baseline for the wide open jumper. Miss.
9. (6:33) Turiaf denies Brown, Sahsa rebounds, Lakers run. Kobe fades to the left wing and hits Odom in the lane. Kobe hits him, LO finishes. 79-77 LAL. SIX POINTS.
Gasol in for Turiaf.
10. (5:51) Pierce misses long jumper, JF rebounds, pushes upcourt to Kobe, who breaks down Kobe attacking the rim for an easy jam. EIGHT POINTS. LA up by four.
Until Posey hits a three in the left corner, as LO helps on Allen's penetration, and can't recover in time.
11. (5:18) Farmar at the top of the key feeds Gasol at the top of the circle, who hands the ball to Kobe coming around the screen. Kobe misses the runner going left, but the Lakers get the ball back as the ball goes off Boston out of bounds. Six on the clock. Kobe inbounds to Gasol, who drives right and makes a very tough shot on Garnett. 10 POINTS. Lakers by three.
KG drives on Gasol, draws a foul on the other end. Makes both, Lakers up by one.
12. (4:42) Kobe at the top of the key can't use a Gasol screen. He swings to Sasha on the right wing, who bounces the ball into Odom on the right block. Nice move to his right hand, but he misses the layup over Posey, who pulls the chair out. That needs to go down.
The Celtics respond with a House jumper, and the Celtics have the lead.
13. (4:00) Kobe up the left wing, draws the double, feeds Gasol behind him on the left elbow. Gasol tries to force a pass to Odom on the right block, but it results in a turnover. The Celtics aren't letting the Lakers set the sorts of screens that will free Kobe. They're laying off the play entirely.
Lakers force a miss from Pierce from downtown, then give up a horrible rebound to Allen. With the second chance, Boston gets the ball to Allen in the left corner, who drives past Kobe and makes a tough reverse.
14. (3:08) Kobe on the left win swings right to Farmar, who goes to Sasha in the right corner. The ball is knocked away from Sasha, who recovers, but has to take a quick shot at the end of the clock. Miss, but LO gets the offensive board. LO kicks back to Sasha, who gives to Kobe at the top of the arc. Kobe drives, draws a crowd and kicks to Farmar for three on the left wing. Miss.
KG hits over Gasol, and the Boston lead is five. Timeout on the floor.
Vlad in for LO, Fish for Farmar.
15. Coming out of the TO, Kobe drives right through the lane and draws the foul. Makes the first, makes the second. 12 POINTS.
Great patience on the other end from Pierce, who eventually drives around Gasol for a foul. PP makes one of two, Boston by four.
16. (1:40) Kobe brings the ball up, Pierce fouled by Pierce on the floor, as the Celts had a foul to give. Kobe gets the ball at the top of the key off the inbound, the Lakers spread the floor. Kobe drives on Pierce, makes a very tough layup in traffic. 14 POINTS, Lakers down by 2.
Posey hits another three in the right corner, Lakers down by five.
17. (1:13) Kobe comes up the middle of the floor, and again the Lakers spread the floor. Kobe drives, meets resistence, and kicks to Fish, who hits a long two. Foot on the line- gotta make that a three! Lakers down three.
Pierce draws a block on Kobe away from the basket, goes to the line, and makes both. Celtics by five.
18. (:47) Kobe up the floor, drives quickly down the left side of the lane, dishes to Gasol, who dunks it home.
I think you know what hapens here. Allen isolates Sasha, drives by him as if he's standing still, Pau is late in helping, and that's the dagger. With PJ on the sidelines calling for the TO, Pau inbounds the ball, and the Lakers will end up having to burn another TO to advance the ball. Didn't turn out to matter, but it was indicative of the way things were going.
19. (:15.7) Vlad inbounds to Sasha, who takes, and misses, a long two. Offensive board to Pau, who kicks to Sasha. He swings to Kobe, who misses a long two. Scramble underneath, and the Celtics end up with the ball with three ticks to go. Fans head to the exits.
House to the line, makes one, and Boston celebrates. Sasha misses one more heave on the other end, just for good measure.
OBSERVATIONS:
- First, on Kobe. The Celtics deserve a lot of credit for how they defended him in the second half. The move to Pierce made it much tougher for Kobe to post up, and while he didn't hurt Boston shooting from the post early, he distributed the ball well, and created space for other Lakers to thrive. Kobe, for his part, struggled to find good looks, but was also reasonably patient, given the situation. Many of his shots, particularly a group early in the third, came late in the clock, making it tough to create. When he did try to find space on the dribble, there wasn't much. That led to tough runners and jumpers over an aggressive Pierce. It was not a great night for Kobe, but he also didn't get the help he needed in the second half. Too many times he set up a teammate and the Lakers got nothing out of it. Yes, he forced a few shots, but it was hardly a game where you can say Kobe "shot them out of it."
- In the end, while it was impressive to see the Lakers up 18 at halftime while Kobe didn't have an FG, it likely worked against them in the third. Between his teammates trying to get him the ball and Kobe looking to find opportunities, the Lakers offense, which had been crisp and aggressive early, became slow and tentative late. They lost seconds either looking for Kobe, or when Bryant would try to feel out the defense, looking for a hole. Nobody stepped up and forced the Celtics to play 24 more honestly. As the second half went on, the confidence seemed to drain from L.A.'s attack.
- Credit Pierce with some good work on Bryant.
- The Lakers didn't get to the rim enough, and when they did, too often they failed to finish.
- Those responsible for stretching Boston's defense, particularly Farmar and Sasha, weren't able to do it. An 0-8 from downtown over the final 24. There wasn't much incentive for the Celtics to stop packing the paint.
- The Celtics did a nice job playing off the Lakers screen and rolls, staying off the screener and basically flowing around the play. That seemed to throw off the Lakers since there was often no clear decision as to where to go with the ball after the pick was set.
- The Lakers had some good looks near the hoop and made too few, but generally speaking the percentage of good possessions to bad ones was far too lopsided in the wrong direction. It's not that every trip ended in a bad shot, but too many did. Often the Lakers were forced to launch from outside, and generally speaking, nothing came easy. At no point in the second half, did the Lakers dictate the pace of play for any sustained stretch, and at the end of the third, they were totally discombobulated.
- I still don't get why D-Fish wasn't on the floor for more of the fourth quarter. PJ said later that he thought Farmar would be better suited to match up with the quickness of House and provide more ball pressure, but a) Fish could have kept up with House, and b) the Celtics limited the amount of trips he brought the floor up, anyway. It's not like the Lakers were getting all sorts of turnover opportunities because of Farmar's defensive work. Meanwhile, the offense was struggling, and if you're looking for someone to help restore some order and structure, Fisher is a better option than Farmar. Bad move.
- Radmanovic might have helped spread the floor at the end, but he also was a total liability defensively. When the Celtics went small at the end, it seemed like the Lakers could have attacked the post more with Odom and Gasol. The flip side is that putting Vlad on the floor opened things up for Kobe, but I didn't like it at the sacrifice of a better defender, someone who could go inside, dribble and move the ball.
- That said, I don't know if there was a combination that could have saved L.A. at that point. Boston had taken over.
- As effective as Ariza was in the first half, he was that bad in the second, struggling on both ends at the end of the third quarter.
- The Lakers were bad offensively in the second half in part because they were unable to generate any easy points. Not much available in transition - it's hard to run when you're constantly pulling the ball out from the basket - and no ball pressure to force turnovers. In the rare opportunities the Lakers did have to get into the open court, they were generally successful. Throughout the year, the Lakers were generally able find moments where they could supplement the halfcourt sets with chances created by solid defense. Thursday, in the second half, they couldn't.
- The defense was absolutely atrocious.
BK
Getting Bynum back is not the cure-all.
This Laker team hasn't played defense since Phil Jackson got here, fundamental defense I mean. In the Shaq days we had the supreme defensive presence in the paint, but we never, ever, defended well, one-on-one and the perimeter.
I am and always will be, a PJ hater. This piece of garbage hasn't coached a single game this series, but is always the first to blame Kobe either directly or indirectly, and this Pied Piper has Kobe's teammates following his lead, with quotes like "We didn't move the ball", code for Kobe stopped passing the ball to us. Kobe is the ultimate scapegoat. Never mind that all the players are having flashbacks to the Suns playoffs. I get so tired of players missing their shots when the oppurtunity arises and look to blame Kobe. Solution, make your shots and quit crying.
It is so sad, and somewhat hilarious to watch the Celtics leave Walton open and dare him to make a shot. This pretty much goes for the whole squad. Make your shots when you're open and play defense.
I really hated what Sasha had to say about the refs. Just because they call fouls on you doesn't mean you stop playing defense. You do what the Celtics do, keep playing "in your face defense" and dare the refs to call a foul on you every posession.
Lakers in 7
and when they do it, I will still hate PJ.
Posted by: Do You See What I See | June 14, 2008 at 09:24 PM
The LA Fakers were NEVER the REAL top seat in the West. It was GIVEN to them by Mr. Stern.There were other teams who deserved that honor, but didn't have strings pulled by the commissioner to ensure them first place by the end of the regular season. I loath Boston, but I'd rather see them win the championship. At least THEY earned their way to the top.
Posted by: martha watson | June 14, 2008 at 09:41 PM
BLOG CRUE
I took 2 days off from Laker basketball and it was great. I've loved this entire season & watched every game sometimes with Tim-4-Show and Lakers4realz. I am now waiting for the Sunday night game. We should be proud of where we came from and hope that next season is ours. In the meantime, we'll see how things unfold. I LOVE Lakers basketball and hope things continue to get better. Goodnight.
Colorado loves the Lakers!
Posted by: Hugo Boss | June 14, 2008 at 09:52 PM
"Suddenly, no longer could Bryant hang back in the Laker defense to help double-team Paul Pierce and Kevin Garnett" - Roland Lazenby
Win with double teaming and lose with it as well. Why not apply the switching-swarming defense they did to Phoenix Suns in '06, that could be effective in the screen plays of the Celtics. Well, it ends up to fundamentals of boxing out, matching opponent's hustle in pushing and shoving. Vlad is getting all the blame when he is the most effective guard on PP, and Lakers gets a lot of rebounds when Vlad, LO and Pau play together. The small line up philosophy of Phil worked in Game 3 b/c Sasha shots were going in and when shots are brickin' Lakers don't have second chances in the rebounds with a small line up. No "Bench Mob Rule" in the remaining games, go only with experience and the best scorers.
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | June 14, 2008 at 10:13 PM
By no mean this series is over. Yes, it hurted like hell on Thursday, but we can still win it.
I told my Celtics fan co-workers that we blew that game on purpose so that WHEN we win the next 3 games, it will hurt them more.
Of course I was joking, but there are some hope inside of me that we will mae history, the 1st team to come back from a 1-3 deficit in the NBA final.
Even if they can't win this year, the future looks good with the core players. However, we have a few FA to take care of.
Go Lakers!
Lakers4Life
Posted by: Lakers4Life | June 14, 2008 at 10:30 PM
LakerTom,
"I am actually surprised that Hollinger or one of his ilk has not compiled a statistic called "assist opportunities."
Brilliant post. This "assist opportunitues" statistic is one that is very clear cut and could be tracked easily. I'm also extremely surprised that this has never been compiled.
Posted by: BynumBeliever | June 14, 2008 at 10:36 PM
Kobe's analogy about being in the elite eight is a pretty good mindset to be in. If college teams every year can be in the position of having to win 3 straight games or their season is over, why not this team?
Watching some of Tiger's unbelievable shot-making yesterday and today and seeing the new Nike ads talking about his mental toughness just reinforces how that quality is what makes an athlete or team, elite. If the Lakers can muster the mental focus to win this series then they obviously deserve the label of Champion.
Players like Tiger, Gretzky, Jordan, Magic live to be in situations like this. Their greatness gets them there and their greatness is what ultimately makes them winners.
Posted by: lakers_sth | June 14, 2008 at 10:37 PM
G
O
L
A
K
E
R
S
!
Posted by: Laker Fan 24 | June 14, 2008 at 10:40 PM
The current Lakers team is not going to be dismantled or even have any of the core top 10 players traded. All this team needs to be the dominant team in the NBA for the next 10 years is Andrew Bynum and the domino effect he will have on every other player on the team. The Lakers fans that are suddenly or still calling to trade Lamar or Pau or cut Luke or Sasha or fire Phil must be on crack. IF, and that’s still a big IF, we lose, then it only delays the launching of our dynasty until next year when Andrew will be back.
Tom
Posted by: LakerTom | June 14, 2008 at 04:59 PM
LakerTom
I am not on crack and I agree we will keep the core players. But I definetely think PJ has to go. This is a new era and the start of a new dynasty but old fashion PJ thinking will hurt more than help.
We will have a great team but I don't trust PJ to run it right or to the fullest and best advantage.
We had a hella of good team this year but the lack of use of all our players hurt. He needs to adjust rotations by substituting for mismatches instead of substituting his usual rotations. Use the bench to suit particular opponent rather than time for usual players in or out regardless how they are doing on the floor. Too much Luke and too little Rad, Ariza, Ira and Mbenga.
When a player is hot you milk the hot hand but if PJ hits a certain time minutes wise he takes player out even when hot. And leaves player in even if he is hurting team.
Each player has a skill set that helps the team and in the case of Luke he can muscle up bulky players like Harpring. But against athletic types he is too slow.
Problem is PJ sticks with his rotation like a kid trying to force a round peg into a square hole.
Use your players to maximise advantage and that is what is not getting done. No matter how deep we are it don't matter if we don't use that depth.
Posted by: JustaLakerFan | June 14, 2008 at 11:01 PM
I am still very disappointed that the Lakers, our Lakers lost to the Celtics. I still think a conspiracy is going on with the NBA wanting this series to last 7 games. What happened in the Lakers during the second half. We became a one man team? What happened to all the crisp passes,sharp execution that we were doing in the first half that led to a huge lead? As a fan of basketball(Lakers) I hope we will win game 5 and take them in game 7 on their turf. If we don't I am extremely pleased this year with the Lakers.
Extremely pleased. Conspiracy theory at works!
Posted by: Vegas Baby!!! | June 14, 2008 at 11:12 PM
I see no reason why 3 in a row can't happen. you can point to many reasons why its unlikely but absolutely zero reasons that say its impossible and i dont plan on giving up yet. lakers win in game 7.
Posted by: Kelly | June 14, 2008 at 05:52 PM
I think it takes two things for this to happen.
The Lakers are a better and deeper team and if the bets call game evenly and consistently it is Lakers in 4. A little bias Lakers in 5, more bias Lakers in six, way too much bias and Lakers stand no chance.
Also if PJ uses our players and bench to the right matchups we win a how much depends on bet bias.
Play this series fair and we win the next 3 and championship. Otherwise we will not lose but it will be stolen from us.
Go Lakers. Never quit.
Posted by: JustaLakerFan | June 14, 2008 at 11:16 PM
Big Lakers fan, anyone that hates PJ is just stupid. This coach has led the Lakers to 5 FInals appearences, what more do you want...
Lakers are not going to win this series. I am a big Laker fan but am not going to watch any more of the Finals, could you image if they go up by 30 this Sunday and blow it again? THat would be a disastrous to this great franchise... not worth it. Just lose Sunday wire to wire and get it over with, my wish. I'll read about it in the paper on Monday, fine with me.
In the off season, they should trade Walton, Radmonovic, and Odom for someone that can rebound and play good interior defense, a really good power forward. And someone that doesnt fold like cheap lawn furniture in the biggest games of the year...
Posted by: Maxers | June 14, 2008 at 11:33 PM
LakerTom,
I just want us to win. If that means making a few roster changes, then so be it. Remember, we are Laker fans, and we want victory for our team. The individual is not more important than the whole. We learned this last summer with the Kobe fiasco.
We did well, but there is not guarantee we will return to the finals. We could go through another major injury, or maybe Bynum doesn't develop like we want. Regardless, Laker Tom, lets cheer our team, but let us also be open minded to improving our team.
Pau is a nice guy with talent, but there may be better players out there that are more appropriate for our Lakers. Lets at least be open minded to that. That's all I'm saying.
Posted by: troy | June 14, 2008 at 11:58 PM
Michael H,
Would you rather have Pau Gasol or Elton Brand. Pau Gasol or G. Arenas. Pau Gasol or Ron Artest.
Be open minded and give me an honest answer.
Posted by: troy | June 14, 2008 at 11:59 PM
Laker Tom and Michael H.
Don't you agree that there are some free agents out there that would be a better fit for the Lakers than Pau Gasol. Yes, Pau may have some positives, but wouldn't you agree that, say, Elton Brant would be a better fit for us?
Posted by: troy | June 15, 2008 at 12:01 AM
Kobe had a bad game, but people who compare him to Jordan make it completely unfair for him.
1) Jordan during his championship run never had team mates who choked and played scared, he had an assasin side kick in Scotie Pipen
2) Never would Jordan get the foul calls against him that Kobe does, that foul on the drive by Pierce with a minute to play in a finals game would not be called on Jordan in 100 out of 100 times.
Posted by: shneurson | June 15, 2008 at 12:18 AM
Cousin Benjamin,
>>> The team can win without Kobe's points.
Very astute. The Lakers defense got stagnant when every possession put the ball in Kobe's hands. The other four guys on the floor have to make plays. That's why the Lakers kept ending up so deep in the shot clock. If you're open, take the shot. It's easy for the Celtics to smother Kobe when they know he's the only one who will put the ball up in the air. In Game 4, there were too many passes, too many missed opportunities.
Posted by: Rick Friedman | June 15, 2008 at 12:23 AM
I'm a Lakers fan, but I cannot drink the Laker kool-ade like some others. It's absolutely laughable to read myopic comments like "why can't we win three in a row." I'll tell you why - (1) It's NEVER happened in the history of NBA finals! There is a reason for that. (2) Boston has beaten the Lakers 5 out of 6 times this season. There is a reason for that. (3) Boston is 12-1 at home in the playoffs. The Lakers are 4-5 on the road in the playoffs. There is a reason for that.
People want to latch onto injuries for misguided hope - But Rondo and Perkins weren't even on the floor when the C's made their game-winning run in the 4th quarter of Game 4. Blind loyalists also state "the Lakers have the better talent" On what basis can you possibly make that claim? It certainly can't be based on the six games the teams have played against one another, as Boston has dominated us.
Look, I support the Lakers 100% and will be cheering them on Sunday night. But I know the chance of them pulling this off is remote, miniscule, and next-to-none.
Posted by: Realist | June 15, 2008 at 01:00 AM
This article link is for all you Phil Jackson apologists.
http://www.sportsline.com/nba/story/10864601
refute it. lets see your responses
Posted by: Do You See What I See | June 15, 2008 at 01:05 AM
Take out the dinner plates, because LA is going to be SERVED!
Posted by: LakersWillChoke | June 15, 2008 at 01:25 AM
I´m an american living in Spain but up to this point not a big fan of Pau. However, I do think that he can play better and hope that he does. That goes for LO as well. These two and Kobe need to attack the rim!!! If you get stopped so be it but attack the damn rim!!! You´ll then get foul shots which you need to make (thats why they call them FREE throws). When they stack the paint that should give Fish, Sasha, Radman and all our shooters some good looks.
Until they win 4 its not over and only you guys can do it. Not the fans, not the coach, not the Laker girls nobody but you!! I believe you can and I will be up at three in the morning to watch the game live.
Lets go!!! Stick a knife in the hearts of all the Celtics fans and put an end to the ghosts of the past. Just one game at a time.
Posted by: Marcol60 | June 15, 2008 at 02:42 AM
MESSAGE TO KOBE, LAMAR, PAU AND THE REST OF THE LAKERS TEAM.
We have seen how our Lakers team have evolve throughout this year.
We have seen your ups and downs
We have been witnessed to some of the most spectacular games ever seen in the NBA with our Lakers team involved.
An for that we really love this Lakers team.
Pls. do not be disappointed too much with just that single lost. It is just a game and you can still come back.
Pls. do NOT throw the towels just yet.
Just play the game that you really like to play.
Do not give up, Give your best shot, win or loss we will be by your side.
Just do it for your fans now. Yes, you have fans not just hundreds of thousands but millions around the world and we are one of them. DO IT FOR US, YOUR FANS.
WE STILL WANT TO SEE YOU GUYS PLAY.
PLEASE DO NOT END THIS SERIES AS YET.
WE STILL BELIEVE.
Posted by: LakersNZ | June 15, 2008 at 03:28 AM
Lakers should look forward, and being a young team, learn from the game 4 experience. The keys to the bad loss in G4 were: (1) allowing Posey and House to "explode" for 30+ points combined, Lakers managed, more or less, to control Bostons "Big 3", (2) Sub par offensive game from Kobe (17p. on 6/19). After not scoring a FG in first half he took too much on himself, it looked like the team was waiting for him to take control, but the Celtics were waiting for him as well, knowing that he will try to work on his stats, so the beautiful team play went totally one-dimensional in the 2nd half. That is the reason why the Lakers offense disappeared, I think. (3) Coach Jackson had too much trust in KB24 and as he did not deliver so the PJ trust showed to be fruitless. Instead he should have reacted and tried other options, post Pau, bring Kobe from the wing on the move to the basket, whatever. Last 5-6 attacks by LA were absolutely the same, Kobe gets the ball on his half and try to create. Not going to do it, as simple as that, at any point of the game. Finishing second won't be a disappointing, but this things is not over yet, winning three straight games is not a miracle, winning 22 games in a row as rockets did was possible so, play one game at time, even one quarter at the time. Celtics have shown everything they got so they know what to expect, at least.
Posted by: sead94 | June 15, 2008 at 04:10 AM
just believe.
i believe in our lakers. it is not impossible. we are going to
win.
:p
Posted by: isang | June 15, 2008 at 06:29 AM
NEVER SAY DIE.
I have witnessed this type of situation in 1991 in the basketball league in my country. it is the spirit that will lift us back there.
we are going to win this.
BELIEVE. It won't be a miracle. It is destiny!
Posted by: isang | June 15, 2008 at 07:14 AM
Rebuttal:
"the Lakers have superior talent, even if they obviously haven't shown that...."
If they haven't shown it yet, isn't obvious that they celtics have superior talent?
"The Lakers are a better and deeper team and if the bets call game evenly and consistently it is Lakers in 4. A little bias Lakers in 5, more bias Lakers in six, way too much bias and Lakers stand no chance......Play this series fair and we win the next 3 and championship. Otherwise we will not lose but it will be stolen from us."
Great teams rise above bad calls. PJ & Kobe complaining is annoying, but working the refs is accepted strategy.
But a fan posting that something was stolen from you by the refs? Just not true. Why can't you admit that (so far) the Celts have been the better team? Again, so far.
Shouting out to all the LA fans who aren't giving up!
Keep it real! However it turns out, let's take it like fans of the two best teams should....with dignity!
Posted by: RESPECT | June 15, 2008 at 07:52 AM
Lakers are a Big Dissapointment to say the least. Sickening even, blowing a 24 point lead. I doubt any body could think they can win the championship after this. They should be ashame. If it was the showtime era of Magic Johnson they wont blow a big lead like that. Kobe, Pau and Odom you really are Chokers.
Posted by: jus10 | June 15, 2008 at 08:06 AM
martha watson,
Please expand what you mean by "strings pulled" for the Lakers. Please, I'm curious.
Posted by: laker hopeful | June 15, 2008 at 08:16 AM
The Future starts Tonight.
Tonight's win is about making it right, launching into the future with the kind of mental toughness that only comes from responding to adversity.
Tonight is the difference between a hot summer spent healing or one of confident optimism.
It may be most important to Pau and Lamar. They cannot let it end like this, they have things to prove.
For the vets, young guns, and the fans, tonight is a must win even if it's a last win of 08. Next year, tonight will make a difference.
Posted by: Vman | June 15, 2008 at 08:33 AM
Good morning Laker family around the Globe,
The most historic turnaround in the history of the NBA starts tonight. No looking back. Only looking forward to the Lakers' close-out in Game 7 and the return of the O'Brien trophy to Los Angeles.
It all starts with Game 5. Listening to the remarks of Kobe and D-Fish, I like the style of leadership on display. We know actions speak louder than words, so we'll be watching for the responses from Odom, Gasol, VladRad, and the Bench Mob.
There's plenty of motivation beyond just getting a win tonight. No one could stomach the Celtics walking out of our house with the trophy. For some Lakers, their next salary and next uniform are on the line. And for the coach, the thought of being forever tied with Red Auerbach would be endless sleepless nights.
The Lakers know that in the first four games, they've gotten away from all the things that brought them to the Finals. Their DNA as winners has been building since training camp. The return to Championship caliber basketball starts tonight. This is our team. This is our year. Go Lakers!
Posted by: Rick Friedman | June 15, 2008 at 08:35 AM
Reading the post from yesterday, my only comment before The Clostout Game is: KEEP MAKIN EXCUSES.
I only see a handfull of true Laker fans, the rest of you are a bunch of soybean latte, bean sprout burger eating cheap fans.
When the Lakers win, the comments are: Kobe is the best, Lakers own the league. Chest thump.
When the Lakers lose, the comments are: Kobe was robed, the League owns the Lakers. Pacificer cry.
Let's go C's! Pierce named MVP! Kobe hates on Pierce.
Let's go C's! Pierce named MVP! Kobe hates on Pierce.
Let's go C's! Pierce named MVP! Kobe hates on Pierce.
Posted by: Let's go C's! | June 15, 2008 at 08:49 AM
"Lakers have superior talent"
What!?
Whoever wrote that is the typical lame, bandwagon Laker cheap fan.
Lakers have "superior talent"?
Outside wannabe Jordan, who is more talented player by player?
Also, there is an intangible that you Lakergirls can't see because you're blinded by your "superstar's" gigantic ego...........
CELTICS PLAYS FOR EACH OTHER
KOBE PLAYS FOR HIMSELF
The Celt's leaders, Pierce, Garnett and Allen collectively, are playing for the TEAM, not individual greatness.
That's why, sonny and princes, the Celtics are the superior TEAM.
Man, you Laker girs are pathetic.
Posted by: Let's go C's! | June 15, 2008 at 08:58 AM
Dear Lord, we offer a simple prayer for today's game.
Sink or swim...
Win or lose...
Live or die...
May we play like GIANTS for 48 minutes and not like GRASSHOPPERS. You are still on the Throne. And You are still Able.
We praise You and thank You for answered prayer...AMEN!
Posted by: utzworld - THE BANNER HOLDER | June 15, 2008 at 09:13 AM
Today should be a great day on many levels. Let me try and explain to you Kool-aide drinking fans:
1) Celtic - Laker dream matchup for the NBA has been a tremendous success for the league.
2) Classy superstars like Paul Pierce, Kevin Garnett and "Walter" Ray Allen finally wins a championship.
3) Classy career role players like PJ Brown and Scott Pollard finally earn a title.
4) Kobe Jelly Belly Bryant is finally exposed as a career Wannabe Jordan who tries way too hard to be the "best ever" and still can't win a championship as Batman.
5) Celtic and Lakers are relevant in the NBA again.
I say it's a win-win for all who loves the NBA regardless of who we root for unless you're a player hatin' Laker cheap fan.
Posted by: Let's go C's! | June 15, 2008 at 09:15 AM
Troy, stop calling yourself a Laker fan. You are a FAKER - plain and simple!
Your blatant negativity - disguised as B-ball intelligence but truly masking your FEARS - has been a disruptive force on every In Game Blog during these finals.
Trade Pau Gasol? What are you smoking? This is Pau's first major playoff push in his career...and the lesson's he's learning will pay off in dividends as his seasons with the Lakers wear on. Besides, he's a POWER FORWARD forced to play as a CENTER due to AB's injury. Some setbacks in his game are to be expected.
Pau will not be traded - nor SHOULD HE be traded!
Or, have you forgotten, had we stuck with Kwame - Hands of Stone - Brown, WE WOULDN'T EVEN BE BLOGGING ABOUT NBA FINALS GAMES IN THE FIRST PLACE!
Stop hating and stop faking. Cheer your guys on or get the heck off this blog and go spit venom on us with Butler and the rest of the 28 other teams who weren't good enough to get to the Finals this year!
Posted by: utzworld - THE BANNER HOLDER | June 15, 2008 at 09:21 AM
1-28.
Believe it.
Go Lake Show!
Posted by: The Outlaw | June 15, 2008 at 09:22 AM
Respectability.
If they lose the series 4-1 in LA it will be a horrible end to the season and too much like 2004. Not respectable.
If they lose the series 4-2 in Boston it will be better than 4-1, but it will still appear they were beaten handily, losing a game at home and failing to win even one time in Boston. Not respectable.
If they lose the series 4-3 in Boston in game 7 they will have achieved respectability. Losing one in LA but winning one in Boston and taking it to a 7th game only to lose to the home team is completely respectable.
If they win the series 4-3 in Boston they will achieve fame as the team that made the greatest comeback in NBA Finals history. And more than respectable.
John
Posted by: john_in_houston | June 15, 2008 at 09:23 AM
Trade Pau Gasol?
What!?
Another cheap Laker fan.
Pau Gasol is the reason why the Lakers are playing in the finals, otherwise, the Lakers finish as the 6th seed and lose to the Spurs in the first round.
OMG, what a fool.
If you're going to blame anybody on the team, blame your so-called leader Kobeef Bryant.
Let me explain son.
Gasol had a monster game in the first round, simply monster game. 30+ point and 15+ rebounds.
You're leader, Kobeef, started getting insecure about his "legacy" remembering how the other Big Fella stole Kobe's show in 1999-2004, so Kobe imposed his will on Pau.
What has Gasol done since? Typical role player numbers just the way Kobe wants it.
Blame Kobeer, his is the unquestioned leader on the team.
Posted by: Let's go C's! | June 15, 2008 at 09:35 AM
I like this Utzworld fella.
Gotta give credit to a true fan.
Posted by: Let's go C's! | June 15, 2008 at 09:37 AM
Man, Kobe "The Finger Pointer" is being slammed on ESPN.
So much for Kobe's Legacy.
Actually, Kobe's Legacy is being solidified...Wannabe Jordan.
Posted by: Let's go C's! | June 15, 2008 at 09:47 AM
Let's go C's! enough with the name calling...show some class.
Posted by: drew | June 15, 2008 at 09:50 AM
Just reported on ESPN's pundets: So much for Wannabe Jordan's "put me on the best player" crap-o-la.
Why was Kobe guarding Rondo at the end of the game?
Another reason why Kobe IS NOT AND NEVER WILL be Jordan.
Kobe is just like all of the Wannabees in the past. What makes Kobe worst than the other past wannabees is Kobe actually think he's better than Jordan.
hahahaahahahahahahahahaahaha...pathetic. You don't see Pierce/Garnett/Allen even try and make that comparision.
Anybody remember when Kobeef first came in the league, he started the comparision then.
Kobe said "there are only 2 player in the league blah blah" clearly trying to make a comparison between Kobeef and Jordan. Man, how pathetic.
Posted by: Let's go C's! | June 15, 2008 at 09:55 AM
Im angry at Kobe and CO. for their poor showing and I know it would take a miracle to win the championship this year. I am only consoled by the fact that they can contend for championship for years to come. So to all you Celtic fans out there, rejoice all you can,while you can. Coz it would be another 2 decades or more before you can taste another championship
Posted by: jus10 | June 15, 2008 at 09:56 AM
Another reason why Lakers lose today.
Your so-called "superstar" called out his teammates as a bunch of "bedwetters".
Geez, that'll instill confidence in the team.
Celtics: 87 Points and wins the finals
Kobe: 50 Points and blames teammates
Posted by: Let's go C's! | June 15, 2008 at 09:58 AM
Tim Donaghy. One game or you would be swept. The whole world is looking at the refs more than the game. Don't worry. If Stern survives he will keep pushing Bryant. Even if all his Jordan projects end up like Penny Hardaway. Keep paying $600,000 for houses and keep waiting for same-sex marriage. Some people gotta believe.
Posted by: BIXTEX77571 | June 15, 2008 at 10:05 AM
I’m sure there will be rampant trade talk this summer but it won’t be by Kobe Bryant or anybody in the Lakers organization. That doesn’t mean that the Lakers won’t be looking for a small tweak in the roster here and there but there really is no pressing reason for the Lakers to panic, even if they fail to comeback and win the Finals this year.
[...]
Let’s keep it real. There is close to zero chance the Lakers will make a major trade.
Tom
Posted by: LakerTom | June 14, 2008 at 07:42 PM
I do agree on that, but there's a couple of things to focus on:
1) being a contender, the Lakers will attract better players than in previous years. Mitch has to wisely use the MLE on a solid defensive player, a veteran if possible.
2) with Drew back next year, I'm concerned about Lamar. He played at his best in the final part of the season, but as a PF. IMO he is suspect as a SF. Remember that couple games early in the season when Phil started Ronny and put Lamar at SF, and he struggled? This may become an issue.
3) get rid of Vlad Rad.
4) Lakers need to improve their defense. Trevor and Drew will help in that, of course. but I think they should go beyond their comebacks. Develop some kind ov a defensive system. Look around for a free agent.
Posted by: | June 15, 2008 at 10:07 AM
Artest or Arenas on the lakers. Are you kidding me? I can't think of any two other players who may be available who would NOT fit with this team.
Posted by: spokanlakerfan | June 15, 2008 at 10:18 AM
utzworld - THE BANNER HOLDER,
Amen.
Faith would be easy if it was never challenged. Faith is precious because it is difficult.
I have faith.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | June 15, 2008 at 10:22 AM
Utzworld,
I respect your optimism and your blog "prayers", although I don't always see them as being pertinent to a sports blog. But still, it's your right to post them, and you have good intentions, so I don't respond negatively to them.
Well, shouldn't it be okay to challenge some of our players if they deserve it, or consider personnel changes if it will improve the team?
Sometimes a great player just isn't the right player. Allen Iverson is a great player that couldn't get Denver or the 76's over the hump. Ray Allen is a great player, so to is Garnett, but neither could get their former teams over the hump. Look, Pau Gasol is a great player, but he couldn't get Memphis a single playoff victory, and it doesn't seem as if he's going to help the Lakers grab the Championship. So it isn't unreasonable to consider that maybe he isn't the right guy for Kobe's Lakers. Who knows, maybe that will change, but it hasn't happened this series, IMO.
Anyway, lets celebrate what you and I do have in common, a true desire to see our Lakers win.
Go Lakers!!!
Posted by: troy | June 15, 2008 at 11:16 AM
Lets all applaud our YOUNG team. Lakers chew up (and spit out) 30 point leads for breakfast. Listen Boston, you hear that thunder. You know what it is, but not where its coming from. Game 4 really wasn’t that big of a deal if you watched this season (Loose to Memphis and Charlotte, beat New Orleans and San Antonio). Once the team learns, I think you will find, they’ll be running up 30 point leads, but not loose’n them. Just put Boston on a higher perch to push them off of. When we are fighting in the NBA Finals for the next decade (add 10 years to all of our players ages, and were still younger than the Spurs), where will these leprocons be? In the retirement home looking up from the cellar. Lets fight for 144, and try to send these gremlins to the Florida lepo colony AHEAD OF SCHEDULE.
Then bring on Lebron, CP3, Dwayne, and some 15 year old kid we’ve never heard of, these will be the REAL opposition AHEAD. For all Boston’s chirping, this is the sad reality for them. This is it for them. Now we win game 5, doubts start settling in. Get it done in Boston leprocons say. Kobe erupts in Game 6, and they hear the pounding footsteps behind them, now they’re thinking, (and they don’t even have Bynum now), gotta get game 7 if I’m EVER going to win. And then . . . it fades away? Now THAT would be devastating. Time to grow Lakers, fight like men for 144, and we’ll see what happens. The future IS BRIGHT. But We’re Los Angeles. We’re greedy. We’re hungry. We want it NOW! Bring the LIGHT ! Fight to the death for every second of 144! Lets GO GET IT DONE. LAKERS to VICTORY!
Posted by: Ben | June 15, 2008 at 12:00 PM