Report Card- Derek Fisher
When the Lakers brought Derek Fisher back to LA, it was with the expectation that he would not only improve them at the point guard position from a talent standpoint- not exactly the tallest of orders, given he was replacing Smush Parker- but help add to and balance the leadership of (a then unhappy) Kobe Bryant in the locker room and on the floor. Fisher wasn't a player still needing to earn Kobe's respect and trust. He already had it.
Mitch Kupchak and Phil Jackson knew they weren't getting the Fisher who could run 30 or 35 minutes a night, as he often did during the Threepeat era, but hoped he could give them good minutes, and that between Jordan Farmar and Javaris Crittenton, the Lakers would be covered.
It's fair to say they got what they were looking for.
During training camp, Fisher told me that he saw his job, in part, as one of teaching the Lakers how to play with Kobe. It can be tough, he said, to run with a star of his drive and high expectations. "Kobe's a dominant basketball player, he's a dominant personality. You have to understand those things and still feel good about who you are as a player, and feel comfortable about going out there and doing the things you need to do," he said. "You still have your space. And that's what he expects from you as a teammate. He doesn't expect you to bend to his pressure. He needs you." Easier said than done, but Fish could lead by example.
Certainly having him around during the three ring media circus that was training camp and the early weeks of the season, with the constant trade talk and endless rumors, was invaluable. As the season went on, Fisher continued to provide leadership on and off the floor, a role that continued into the playoffs.
That Fisher could deliver the intangibles was a given. A larger question heading into the year was how much his play- his actual on-court production- would benefit the team. Remember, Fisher wasn't a top shelf starting point guard during his first stint in LA. Solid, but no superstar. Now three years later and into his 30s, some wondered how much impact have, and whether it would be enough. Again, Fish delivered. While he was no Chris Paul, Fish did what was expected of him, and (depending on your POV) perhaps more, registering career or near career highs in field goal percentage (43.6%), three point shooting (40.6%), free throws (88.3%), and scoring (11.7 ppg).
Defensively, while Fish would sometimes have trouble sticking quicker guards, he certainly constituted an improvement over Parker.
Like many supporting players, night to night Fisher's production would vary. He'd occasionally go cold from the floor (not surprising, since he's never been known as a true knock-down gunner), and suffered through a miserable February shooting slump. But breaking down his splits, it's clear that he was able to provide solid and steady production over all 82 games of the regular season. In the playoffs, Fish shot 45% from the floor, including 44% from downtown, while averaging just over 10 points a game. He struggled against Tony Parker and the Spurs, and like everyone else on the Lakers, wasn't able to exert his will against the Celtics, but overall played reasonably well in the postseason, especially when considering he was playing through a painful injury to his foot.
In the end, what Derek Fisher gave the Lakers this season isn't easily calculated simply by examining the stat sheet. But had his contributions stopped merely with leadership, it's easy to question if the Lakers would have made the run that they did. Relative to the rest of his career, especially, Fisher played well. Whether he's able to sustain it over the rest of his deal remains to be seen, but the Lakers certainly got their money's worth this year.
Grade: B+
BK
Lakers won by 2 pts against T'Wolves with Kevin Love. Well here is the box score:
http://www.nba.com/summerleague2008/games/boxscore.jsp?gameId=1520800027
LTLF, I didn't watch the game, What do you think of Kemp and Mata Real, they played well in this game while Dunston made only 2 pts.
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | July 16, 2008 at 07:23 PM
B+, B+? That is just wrong, it's even worse than killing kittens,taking candy away from children and kicking old folks combined. It's Derek, he is worth an A every day.
*Note, please keep in mind that I love Fish as much as Mike T. loves Kwames calves so I really can’t be objective because in my book Fish can do no wrong.*
Posted by: Elle | July 16, 2008 at 07:24 PM
You may have given Fish a B+ but in my book he's pure A class standard. His intensity and willingness to run, dive, take the drive, etc.. have been invaluable. His reputation and values are excellent.
BOOO to the K brothers on this one. Fish deserves and gets and A.
Posted by: LongtimeLakerLover | July 16, 2008 at 07:26 PM
Fisher is a rock.
Go Lakers!
Posted by: laker Fan 24 | July 16, 2008 at 07:31 PM
What? A B+?... BK... what are you talking about?
It should have been at least an A-...
You said it yourself, the lakers got their money's worth. He was not brought back for his scoring, remember? He was taken for his leadership in the locker room and for teaching/mentoring purposes... and give Kobe someone to share the leadership burden... and with that He has more than exceeded our expectation. Why then give him a B+ just because he was not consistently scoring the whole season? When he was not specifically brought in to fill that role?
He was playing with a foot injury, his presence stabilized the young lakers around Kobe. We wouldn't have been in the Finals without those "intangibles" as you mentioned...
The FISH was an A! Period.
GO Lakers!
Go Kobe!
Posted by: dice8up | July 16, 2008 at 07:34 PM
I thought I could be the first to comment to what AK ridiculous grade of FISH...
Anyway, WHY? What's the issue with fish?
Posted by: dice8up | July 16, 2008 at 07:37 PM
B+? The very fact that having him means we no longer have Smush Parker deserves an A!
Go Fish!
Posted by: Faith | July 16, 2008 at 07:41 PM
I love d fish and the unity he brought to the lakers. But I cant help feeling disappointed with his work in the playoffs,his backup farmar too. Maybe he was playing hurt or logging too much playing time for his old legs. I hope they could bring Sun Yue to the lakers, maybe he's the back up we can count on. Will it happen this season? Can they get Sun for 2008-2009 season?
Posted by: jus10 | July 16, 2008 at 07:50 PM
This is a very fair, if not generous grade. Yeah, his experience and character were invaluable especially during the playoffs, but let's not forget how inconsistent Derek was this year on offense and D. I'd give Derek a B to B+.
Good grade.
Posted by: Long Live Chick | July 16, 2008 at 07:57 PM
By popular demand, the blogmunity has just raised Fish's grade to an A.
He gave everything he had. Every game. When the Lakers get their "money's worth" from a player, that by definition merits an A.
Posted by: Happy Camper | July 16, 2008 at 07:59 PM
Edwin,
>>>LTLF, I didn't watch the game, What do you think of
>>>Kemp and Mata Real, they played well in this game
>>>while Dunston made only 2 pts.
I'm still at work, so I'll watch the PVR recording of the game
when I get home.
Dunston only played 11 minutes, which partly explains the
lack of production by him and more production by the hyphen
twins (Mata-Real and Caner-Medley).
Frankly I'm shocked at that much scoring by Mata-Real.
I've been watching his whole career at UCLA and he's
always been dead weight on the offensive end. But he
is big and strong and works hard on defense. He's like
Kwame Brown junior.
Posted by: Long Time Laker Fan | July 16, 2008 at 08:00 PM
I love D Fish the experience and the unity he brought to the Lakers,but I was disappointed by his work during he play offs. His backup Farmar was no help too. I wonder if Sun Yue could contribute, are the Lakers any close to getting Sun to play for them this coming season?
Posted by: jus10 | July 16, 2008 at 08:03 PM
What they said. Fisher's very presence in the locker room deserves an A in and of itself. Moreover, the Lakers may very well have fallen into the Abyss (traded Kobe) if they hadn't signed Fish.
Re: the summer league game
Kevin Love was one rebound short of having over half his team"s rebounds (17 of 35). That's impressive even for a summer league game
Posted by: giantsquid | July 16, 2008 at 08:05 PM
Wrong. Wrong. Wrong. Wrong. Wrong. Wrong. Wrong. Wrong!
Are you fricken kidding me?
Fisher deserves an "A". Anything less than that is completely inappropriate.
Where are you guys from, Boston?
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | July 16, 2008 at 08:12 PM
Heat sign Kwame for 18 million (4 yrs).
http://tinyurl.com/6m3937
Unbelievable. Really unbelievable. Of course, it is. I'm making it up. Any strokes?
Posted by: giantsquid | July 16, 2008 at 08:15 PM
DEREK FISHER WILL BE THE COACH OF THE LAKERS AFTER EITHER JIM CLEAMONS OR KURT RAMBIS! GOD WILLING, HE WILL HAVE HIS JERSEY RETIRED!|
{I'm serious about that brief tirade, by the way.}
Derek Fisher is a Great Laker. And may God bless him.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | July 16, 2008 at 08:20 PM
Ok, this is why we pay BK the big money, for his grading reports.
I kept reading the report and everything was leading up to an A, except for the actual grade.
My book has him as a solid A. He over achieved in every cat. and was a key reason the Lakers went as far as they did.
He got extra credit from me for his coaching on and off the floor. Plus his D on Deron was exceptional. Bonus points for keeping Kobe under control might even have him at an A+.
Elle - After Ronny, he's my family's favorite player. Even my Mother-in-law who doesn't watch BB, loves Fish for his strength of character. He is special and if God is a Lakers Fan, Fish is the proof. Now, how can you go against God BK? lol
Posted by: Fatty | July 16, 2008 at 08:21 PM
Fish gets an A.
Posted by: spokanlakerfan | July 16, 2008 at 08:56 PM
I don't care much about what grade he got, but I'm convinced that he was the difference maker this season. Plain and simple.
Posted by: dave m | July 16, 2008 at 09:05 PM
I think Elle and Longtime Lakerlover are right, Fisher deserved an A. The tallest order was not only bringing stability of PG but on the head of Kobe. He was able to re-direct towards the team rather than venturing other teams. He is the moral leader of the team and was able to influence the guards of his varied experience. Jimbo and Mitch should thank Fisher for saving the franchise from disillusionment.
In an organization, the most important person is the Keyman which is Kobe but the keyman to Kobe is Fisher. Kobe could not relay his frustrations with young kids whom he suspected as part of the F/O and surreptiously conspiring against him with his one man mission. He could not trust anyone until D' Fish arrived and put back the house the order. Finally, there was unity, camaraderie and tranquility in the team, the backstabbing was replaced by complete trust and confidence despite the existence of fundamental flaws, evident on underachieving or inconsistent players from game to game. For these efforts, Fisher should be accelerated to Graduate School status, not on the level of college drop outs getting good grades due to the generous gratification of KBros.
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | July 16, 2008 at 09:07 PM
I am with Elle and LLL - easily an A. All class, all the time. And given that he started EVERY game the Lakers played - that's minimum a B, everything else, intangibles night after night, leadership, points, etc. - it easily pushes him into A grade category.
I'd say the Lakers got way more than they anticipated with Fish. And I, like Elle believe Fish can do no wrong.
I am looking forward to this season even more because I think we will see how truly valuable Fish is to our bench. His minutes may decrease and he might even come off the bench a few games but he is the glue and heart of this team - IMHumbleO.
GO LAKERS!!!
Posted by: PsychedLakerGirl | July 16, 2008 at 09:07 PM
131-92 131-92 131-92 131-92 131-92 131-92 131-92 131-92 131-92 131-92
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131-92 131-92 131-92 131-92 131-92 131-92 131-92 131-92 131-92 131-92
131-92 131-92 131-92 131-92 131-92 131-92 131-92 131-92 131-92 131-92
131-92 131-92 131-92 131-92 131-92 131-92 131-92 131-92 131-92 131-92
131-92 131-92 131-92 131-92 131-92 131-92 131-92 131-92 131-92 131-92
For those of you J.R.R. Tolkien fans in our midst, I want OUR entire Los Angeles Lakers family (from EVERY person in management, to EVERY coach, to EVERY last player) to have that final score BURNED into their collective consciousness this summer!
Like the Dwarves who gathered from far and wide when Nar told the tale of Thror's humiliating death at the hands of the Orcs...I want our Lakers team to play with a Berserk Mad-Death Energy (nod to VTB) next season. They NEED to go for blood! They NEED to go after the Best Regular Season Record, and march right back to the finals! Hopefully those F-ing Celtics will take care of their business and meet us again next June!
The armies of Dwarves fought with a cold fury to avenge their kinsman Thror. They sacked and pillaged every Orc stronghold until what was left of the evil horde fled to regroup deep within Moria. But, the Dwarves would NOT be deterred or denied. They marched onward with a FIERCE determination, chanting the name of "Azog" (the Orc leader who slew Thror) at every step.
Finally, at the Battle of Azanulbizar, the Dwarves carried the day. Azog was slaughtered, and the cheap bag of coins he gave to Nar as "payment" for telling the rest of the Dwarves that he (Azog) was the one who killed Thror, was stuffed into Azog's bloody severed head and mounted on a stake for everyone to witness!
THIS is the kind of Fierce Determination and Do-or-Die Spirit I want OUR Los Angeles Lakers to show next season. Take no prisoners! Show no mercy to those damn Celtics! Vengeance is mine saith KB24 and crew!
P & G R
Posted by: Purple & Gold Reign | July 16, 2008 at 09:19 PM
Fisher didn't "overachieve"; he played better than some of us anticipated. Two different things. Mediocre on the court, great in the locker room. B or B+ is an appropriate grade.
Posted by: exhelodrvr | July 16, 2008 at 09:29 PM
I've liked your ratings so far. I've liked your criteria. It has seemed to be fair. But here, I feel like you're bringing in comparisons with the rest of the league in order to bring Fish down to B+ (though you made few references outside the Lakers in your post). Sure, Fish is a B+ PG leaguewide, but in the Lakers system, he was a solid A. That was my guess before I got to the bottom of the post.
You placed a lot of weight on the "intangibles." So that makes me think you must have a really poor opinion of his court performance. Well, I best recall Fish sticking *a lot* of clutch jumpers, taking *a lot* of big charges, getting *a lot* of big steals. Certainly, outside of Kobe, you must acknowledge he was the teams best clutch player? A team that went all the way to the Finals.
You've never done it, but I implore you: Make history. Revise Fish's grade. A
Posted by: Duke | July 16, 2008 at 09:33 PM
Time for a reality check!
Been awhile since I posted but just want to give my 2 cents worth to the Celtics fans that visit our blog constantly. Your team and its fans needs to act like this is not the first time they have ever won anything! ....Well, .... wait ... sorry, it IS the first time you have won anything.
While I realize that saying classy Celtics is a oxymoron your team and now the fans are stooping to new lows. Your team won a hard fought series. The first and fourth games could easily have been won by the Lakers, but as Dandy Don Meredith used to say "if ifs and buts were candy and nuts we would all have a merry Christmas".
My issue is with how the Celtics handled the last game. I lost alot of respect for KG and Doc Rivers. Up by thirty, all your starters on the floor and taking three pointers? What the hell is wrong with you? Then even worse KG gives an unnecessary hard foul to Odom (whiole up by thirty) then taunts him. Classless!
Now, I am not angry with the Celtics, just spoiled by the class and dignity that the Spurs have always shown through the years. Just a thought for the Celtics fans before you light your next victory cigar, watch a tape of Pop and the Spurs. They will show you HOW to win, just in case you ever get another chance.
WHAT SAY YOU?
Posted by: reality check time | July 16, 2008 at 09:35 PM
LTLF,
Who is Nick Caner-Meley of Maryland Terrapins? Hereunder you will find his player bio. He is good looking and another high IQ player, a Le Frak Scholar. He made 8 pts against Grizz' and made 19 pts. against Kevin Love and Corey Brewer. A PF 6'8" 240 lbs. qualified for Mike T's physique. Why do we have to import Artest and Thomas multi-million contracts when we have some kids who are excited to play with the team. Try them in the D'League and if they excel give them contracts as banger first and finnese later. lol Bench all the underachieving veterans who pulled down the team.
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | July 16, 2008 at 09:42 PM
Oops forgot to post the Nik Caner-Medley's bio:
http://umterps.cstv.com/sports/m-baskbl/mtt/
canermedley_nik00.html
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | July 16, 2008 at 09:43 PM
I agree with most of the bloggers - I would give D-Fish an A-. Other than the finals, he really exceeded my expectations. His on ball defense was better than when he was younger, and he really was a reliable spot up shooter. He used his savvy to compensate for his lack of quickness. I thought one of the crucial stretches of the finals was when for some odd reason, PJ left D-Fish on the bench during most of the 3rd and 4th quarter of game 4 when Boston dismantled our lead. I will never figure that out. I think his presence during that stretch may have staved off defeat, and who knows what would have happened from there.
I'm having second thoughts on a possible LO trade for Ron Ron and Kenny Thomas. I was listening to Grant Napier filling in for Rome today (he has broadcast Kings games for many years) and he was very positive about Thomas - commenting on his tough low post defense. He essentially said the dude has game, but got in Theuss dog house for some reason. Looking back on his stats, these comments have merit. Up until two years ago, he flirted with double - double averages for several years. While his salary would still be disproportinate to his talent, Ron Ron would give us much improved defense and scoring from the 3 spot, and Thomas just might thrive as a role player coming off the bench. I'm still not completely sold on the deal, but would be rather intrigued if it went down.
Posted by: Lincoln Laker | July 16, 2008 at 09:47 PM
Duke,
"Sure, Fish is a B+ PG leaguewide, "
No, he's not. Compared to other PGs, on the court he is mediocre, at best a C. His locker room presence and steadying influence raise that up somewhat.
Posted by: exhelodrvr | July 16, 2008 at 09:52 PM
reality check time --
My lengthy post (above yours) came from observing the SAME things that YOU did.
The next time I see a Laker knock over a Celtic, I do NOT want to see him help the guy back up (that means YOU Jordan Farmar).
We will learn a lot about the character of the Lakers by how they respond next season, especially the next time they face those damned Celtics.
I believe our Lakers WILL rise to the challenge. I have faith in our guys!
P & G R
Posted by: Purple & Gold Reign | July 16, 2008 at 09:52 PM
Off subject, but I just thought of something. This upcoming season is going to one for the ages.
If the Lakers don't make it back to the championships, I can't see Kobe Bryant staying with the team. In fact, I see this Laker team blowing up.
As such, next year will be the ultimate in pressure b-ball for all the Laker players, as well as Phillip Jackson, and this very blog!
I will give Pau one month to prove his worth. If I see any of the effeminate play I saw from him during the playoffs, this blog will be inundated non-stop with my analysis and campaigning to move Pau in the next off season.
Stay tuned, the upcoming season's gonna be one hell of a ride...
Posted by: troy | July 16, 2008 at 10:01 PM
Giantsquid - haha - that was excellent! You totally had me about Kwame for a sec.
Edwin - I agree about Nik (pride of Maine) Caner-Medley - the guy had a good collegiate career and has bounced around a bit since (euro, etc.). I wouldn't be surprised to see him get a look in training camp. Of course, we don't have much in the way of roster room... he'd be a huge longshot to actually make the team.
Posted by: dave m | July 16, 2008 at 10:03 PM
Faith, I'm ashamed to say this but I began to watch basketball only because my friend told me that Fish played for the Lakers (I first saw him on the Jaime Foxx show), was it a shallow reason? Yes,yes it was. But I learned to love the sport and I was hurt when the Lakers let Fish go, in fact I don't remember much of the season that followed, only that we had this guy with really icky hair.
When the Lakers had drama Fish was the guy that kept his hands clean, you know that he will always do his best and that he will stand by his team win or lose, I even remember him crying after the Lakers lost to the Kings, that's the image I'll always have of Fish. A guy that loves the game and his team enough to cry in public after loosing to the Queens.
Remember how we recalled the governer years ago? I say we do the same with the grade the KBros gave Fish.
RECALL!
Posted by: Elle | July 16, 2008 at 10:04 PM
Holy mother of god, someone GAVE Kwame 18 mil? Holy fudge, some one please tell me this is a joke.
Posted by: Elle | July 16, 2008 at 10:05 PM
PG & R
I was actually thinking about Mordor today, wondering whether it would have been worse being a laker fan if Kobe had been traded than an orc in the armies of mordor.
A close call.
Posted by: giantsquid | July 16, 2008 at 10:05 PM
B+??????????? A- is more like it. kobe shouldn't be the only player on the team that gets As. goodness.
Posted by: fat yellow purse | July 16, 2008 at 10:12 PM
What? A B+?... BK... what are you talking about?
It should have been at least an A-...
You said it yourself, the lakers got their money's worth. He was not brought back for his scoring, remember? He was taken for his leadership in the locker room and for teaching/mentoring purposes... and give Kobe someone to share the leadership burden... and with that He has more than exceeded our expectation. Why then give him a B+ just because he was not consistently scoring the whole season? When he was not specifically brought in to fill that role?
He was playing with a foot injury, his presence stabilized the young lakers around Kobe. We wouldn't have been in the Finals without those "intangibles" as you mentioned...
The FISH was an A! Period.
GO Lakers!
Go Kobe!
Posted by: dice8up | July 16, 2008 at 07:34 PM
I couldn't have put it better myself. My sentiments exactly.
Thanks for coming home D-Fish!
Posted by: Benjamin | July 16, 2008 at 10:12 PM
Elle, no worries lol. We all caught the laker fever some way or another.
Fish is the consummate professional. He deserves an A not just because he brought stability for us in the PG role, or that he gave Kobe a warrior to go to war with...but because of all of it. All that he brings. Introducing Javaris to a ref...taking Jordan Farmar off to the side on a bad play. Sinking down big shots. Defending Deron Williams (in particular). Playing admirably with an ankle injury. Playing the amount of minutes he did at his age. All of it.
The guy is teaching our young ones the right way to go about things...the way to win. And he's helping us win.
To top it off, the guy is just a laker through and through. No one was happier to be back in purple and gold, than him lol.
That gives him an A in my book.
Go Fish! Go Lakers!
Posted by: Faith | July 16, 2008 at 10:15 PM
Edwin Gueco,
re: Medley. I must admit the guy has been impressive. He deserves another consideration imo. Or at the very least an open mind on our part in terms of the last roster spot.
While it most surely will go to Coby Karl...Medley has gotten all the hustle points, a la Ronny (not really coz no one will ever replace Ronny lol). He also seems to be willing to put his body on the line. That's impressive in my book lol. Now if he and the rest of the summer league team could play better D lol.
Go Lakers!
Posted by: Faith | July 16, 2008 at 10:17 PM
the people had't spoken...give them man his due respect...
An A! lol.
Go Lakers!
Posted by: Faith | July 16, 2008 at 10:18 PM
Elle - yeah, it was a joke. giantsquid got you!
Posted by: dave m | July 16, 2008 at 10:20 PM
OK, I read this article about Gilbert going to the Manila, Philippines, the same place that Kobe was at this time last summer. Is it me or those this article try to take some subtle shots at Kobe for no apparent reason?
I don't think there is any doubt that Adidas and Nike are fighting for this market, but why can't a journalist write an article without trying to take shots at Kobe when he has nothing to do with it.
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/07/17/sports/basketball/17arenas.html?hp
Posted by: wow | July 16, 2008 at 10:21 PM
DaveM, that was not a funny joke, I almost had a heart attack which would have been bad when you consider that I'm only 24 :(
Faith, Fish will always be a Laker, he should be like mutombo and play for ever and ever....
Posted by: Elle | July 16, 2008 at 10:49 PM
OK!!!
I CAN'T HELP IT ANY MORE!
for those who are complaining about grades...shut it.
its subjective. and saying " OH MY GOD, I CANT BELIVE FISH GOT A B+, NOT AN A-, or a B" is super lame and annoying.
you are the sort of people who make teachers/professors/peer reviewers hate their jobs.
(Which i am not by the way, but have been on the graded end for many years)
in conclusion, APPRECIATE the fact that the Kbros do this for us. STOP complaining about a grade point or two in either direction. REMEMBER that this is based on a C being the expected average. B+ is pretty damn good. Don't be those parents that you have to explain that to.
This has been going on for a while and i just had to make this point.
drunk rant for the night.
cheers,
Chick Penberthy
Posted by: Chick Penberthy | July 16, 2008 at 11:26 PM
Sorry Chick,
A grave injustice has occurred and we of the blog will not stand for it.
BK's treachery, YES TREACHERY, in giving Fish a B+ and not at least an A- is second only to his pick of Dwayne Wade (a guy that can't even spell his own name properly) as the pick for 05-06 MVP.
He has to answer for his transgressions, as well all must take responsibility for our actions, especially ones as unwholesome as this one.
Posted by: Benjamin | July 17, 2008 at 12:25 AM
Purple and Gold Reign/reality check,
Your posts were certainly a much needed caffeine pill for anyone who appreciates competitive spirit and fire. I too noticed that our Lakers for some reason did not play with a sense of competitive URGENCY, DESIRE, HUNGER and ANIMOSITY in the Finals (other than Kobe). This is exactly why our team has been labeled a SOFTIE by most observers. Shockingly, this was not the case in their playoff run prior to the Finals.
In my opinion, I felt that they tapered off after the Spurs series. Make no mistake about it, it was a rough series from a mental and physical standpoint. Remember, they had to dispatch a somewhat identical team in Utah a series before. That my friends took a lot of ENERGY out of them to finally get the job done! Unfortunately, against the Celtics, the energy standpoint became quite obvious when they could not sustain it for 48 minutes in almost every game (even with BIG leads)! That's why they became NICE guys all of a sudden. They became too tired to be MOODY and EDGY on the court. Their energy had FLATLINED! As the series went on, they turned their cheeks and offered their gestures of good will to Boston players. The game no longer became FUN for the them (Game 6 to be exact). Look no further to the players on the bench during the game and timeouts (gazing, searching, wondering). Puzzling wasn't it? Let's see if Phil uses this as a huge teaching point for next season and beyond. I know this much, you will not see this kind of behavior in our Lakers next year. NO WAY, NO HOW! Killer instict will have to be the primary focus on the court (respect the opponent, but have no mercy competitively) on both sides of the ball.
I usually don't offer excuses for our team's failures, but here were a couple of huge concerns I had when our Lakeshow reached the Finals against Boston taking ENERGY into consideration: Could they score and defend WELL ENOUGH for 48 minutes consistently (both the first and second unit) against the best team recordwise and defensively in the NBA? Could Kobe and Fish continue to overcome their nagging inuries to their shooting hand/knee/back (torn pinkie ligament, tendonitis, back spasms) and foot/back (torn tendon amounting to a worst case of plantar fascitis, back spasms) respectively just enough to seize the Finals? Unfortunately, my worst fears were realized. Kobe really lost a step and was not his usual self shootingwise (mid range jumper somewhat flat throughout when open or guarded) and Fish did not have his usual arc on his shot as well as lateral defensive movement. Fish also did not match up well to Boston's scheme and often was in no mans land in terms of positioning on the floor offensively and defensively. Again, his injuries played right into Boston's hands.
I strongly felt that in order for the Lakers to win it all, both these guys had to be at their best physically and mentally (If you noticed, I did not mention Odom and Gasol as my concerns. I looked at leadership instead). It just didn't work out that way. Overall, HEALTH is always a factor in basketball and always will be. In the end, it beats out talent on any given day.
I have no doubt that the Lakers team learned a great deal this past year. They just have to make sure that the next time they extend a hand on the court of play against an opponent (especially playoffs), pretend it does not EXIST and walk away. Also, NEVER apologize for your actions/game on the court (fouling hard when necessary, playing with a sense of arrogance, confidence in the interest of winning fair and square). Its a part of the game!!!! After all, isn't that what Boston did to us? We'll certainly find out come November.
Laker pride through adversity! Peace!
Posted by: Let's go L's! | July 17, 2008 at 01:06 AM
I'm not happy about not getting Posey. I assume we really didn't want him because we didn't seem too aggressive in going after him. I think he's worth 6 million a year and he could have been one of the sure, permanent fixtures in this second championship run of the Kobe era. Defense is stable. He could have given us that.
This passing had "Luke and Vlad" written all over it. Our Posey money was probably already spent on those two long contracts.
So if we wont give the full mid level to Posey who filled a specific, glaring defensive/veteran need, then who are we going to give it to? I can't think of anyone. Which make me think we're going to match Turiaf, sign Garbablabla with the bi annual and let most of the mid level go.
Hmmm. Maybe Kobe should start talking again. As soon as he plays nice-nice, Mitch's aggression vanishes.
Wes
Posted by: Wes J. Nixon | July 17, 2008 at 01:38 AM
Let's go C's!
Like I said in previous posts, nothing good lasts forever. Just ask your Celtics. The honorable Mr. James Posey himself made sure that no matter what KG, Pierce or anyone had to say to keep him in beantown, it was all about business! BUSINESS!!!! Like KG said, "Anything's possible!" A sad day in Boston ideed.
Let's get something straight in regards to your Kobe rants. Don't think that your beloved Shaq left LA because of Kobe's actions. Shaq's selfish business ways have always got him in trouble and will continue to do so. He is a self promoter in and outside of basketball. He now has developed this itch to bring people down on the basketball court to a higher degree with his comments and questionable antics (especially commenting on Hall of Fame players). Shameful! What has hurt him the most then and now is that he has NEVER had the ability to balance his self promoting ways with his play on the court consistently. He always relied on his rare size, talent and humor to deflect any ill will towards him. If I were the Suns management, I would keep a watchful eye on him. Shaq has disappointed many fans over the years with his careless remarks, especially in LA where he enjoyed winning 3 straight titles with Kobe. Yes, Kobe! Remember, he hid a lot of Shaq's own weaknesses as well (missed FT's, foul trouble) with clutch play of his own. It went BOTH ways on the court!
Furthermore, when times were tough for Shaq basketballwise, he always blamed others for his misfortunes (These actions are well documented in the media and with fans alike. Heck, even nightclubs for god sakes!). He's done it in Orlando, LA and Miami. Soon enough, Phoenix will be the next victim on his selfish list. Like I said, watchful eye for Suns management!
In my opinion, he needs to worry more about fixing his relationship with his family and getting the Suns out of a serious playoff funk while he can. He's aging by the minute. Then again, why should he worry? He's a darn millionaire! BTW, so is our Kobe! Laugh all you want like you always do.
Before I forget, how does POSEY'S Hornets jersey taste now you Celtic fan you? Championship teams NEVER stay the same homey. ONE and DONE in Boston baby!
Sir, your comments from here on out on this blog SHOULD and WILL have NO significant value to anyone, anymore. ZILCH!!! Some people learn the hard way about life and how it quickly changes, especially fans of the Celtics like YOU! Need I say anything further?
Laker pride through ADVERSITY baby! Peace!
P.S.- I noticed you haven't posted for a while. I thought you finally came to your senses and attended a summer class to brush up on your writing skills. I guess some things NEVER change or do they? Start learning!
Posted by: Let's go L's! | July 17, 2008 at 02:41 AM
This from Hoopsworld:
Obviously it's a long shot but the Lakers might consider giving up Jordan Farmar and Chris Mihm with Odom if they could land both Ron Artest and Kirk Hinrich. If Chicago were willing to give up perhaps Tyrus Thomas to the Kings, would Sacramento be willing to make a deal if they also get Farmar and Mihm?
Man oh man. I think I'd have to do that deal. To add 2 very qualified defensiive starters would be a boon for our title hopes.
Wes
Posted by: Wes J. Nixon | July 17, 2008 at 02:55 AM
Dear Chick Penberthy,
Last time I checked we were able to voice our opinions. Freedom of speech and all that. And anyway, isn't that what blogs are for?
GIVE FISH AN A! LAKERS ARE THE BEST! I LOVE TACOS!
This reader duly notes and appreciates all the K bros do for this blog. Thank you very much.
Posted by: LongtimeLakerLover | July 17, 2008 at 06:20 AM