5-0 and feelin' groovy
There were moments early in L.A.'s 111-82 win over Houston on Sunday night at Staples when it looked as if the Lakers might finally be force-fed a healthy dose of reality, foul-tasting and sour like Robitussin. The Rockets, aided by lousy first-quarter shooting (29%) and incredible hospitality from the home team (eight turnovers) raced to 12-point lead after the opening act, then led by 16 a minute into the second. From there, it was all Lakers. Paced by strong games from players up and down the roster, the Lakers outscored Houston by 45 points the rest of the way.
They showed resilience (no folding in the face of a bad start), an increased level of toughness (Pau Gasol responded with a huge game after absorbing some sharp Carl Landry elbows), and finishing power (39-17 LAL in the fourth, so sayeth the box). Most of all, they showed the rest of the Western Conference that, at least in this case, the test they were supposed to face in the Rockets simply wasn't.
While the Lakers began to roll on offense as the game went on, as it was in their first four games, defense ruled the day. They held Houston's Big Three of Ron Artest, Yao Ming and Tracy McGrady to 23 points, with T-Mac and Ron Ron shooting a combined 3-22 from the floor. One big contributor on that end was Trevor Ariza, who Sunday filled up the scorebook like his go-go gadget arms fill up passing lanes. (There is no sneaking out of the locker room unnoticed, for him or any other member of LA's extremely productive bench.) Just another day at the office for the NBA's most efficient, best rebounding squad. It's still very early, but as Mark Heisler notes, right now the big W.C. race looks more lopsided than a 100 meter between Usain Bolt and Ryan Leaf.
Best of all? The blowout win of a quality opponent might not have been the best news of the day.
Jerry Buss, meeting with the media Sunday afternoon, said he'll spend whatever he needs to in an effort to keep a championship caliber squad together. That certainly means keeping Kobe around, should he opt out from his deal this summer, as expected. (What a difference a year makes, you know?) Dr. Buss didn't make any promises on particular players, but still, the language will be encouraging to Lakers fans.
Most of all, the man wants a rematch with the Celtics when the Finals roll around.
All this winning? Not enough to push LA to the top spot on Marc Stein's ESPN.com Power Rankings. Nor do the Lakers get much LA vs. Boston love here, either.
In other news:
- Don't you wish you had a dad who could hook you up with a gig like the one Coby Karl is looking for?
- While the conventional wisdom has Antonio McDyess returning to Detroit, the Celtics won't let him go back without making a run at him.
- Looks like Tony Parker could be down for about a month. Manu Ginobili is making progress, but isn't going to return for a few weeks, either.
- In their second home game, the Thunder didn't sell out the Ford Center. For that, they left Seattle?
My favorite stat of the day:
http://tinyurl.com/6ok4gd
Posted by: Long Time Laker Fan | November 10, 2008 at 10:36 AM
Paul Simon rocks!
Posted by: exhelodrvr | November 10, 2008 at 10:37 AM
BTW,
Did anyone see/hear Pau slip up in the post-game interview and say, "we just have the better team"?
I know the Lakers are trying their best to be PC and give the opposing team all kinds of credit and not really putting anyone down.
But, DANG, that was so pimpin'! I know he just couldn't help it.
--Fearless
=====================================
Seriously, dude. I CRINGED when I heard him say that. Sounded so awkward like he wished he could grab those words and stuff them back in his mouth.
But it's a Euro thing. I hate Roger Federer because at his height of greatness he would drop little nuggets about how good he was. All truth, but but better said by someone else. He wasn't bragging but it just came out wrong. I'm pretty sure that Federer dropped "Superman" once, making me hate him even more.
Posted by: mel | November 10, 2008 at 10:37 AM
MON. NOV. 10 2008 The 82-0 BandWagon is filling up. Come on before Laker Tom pulls off.
The FORCE says: “Call the season off right now and give the Lakers the title. IT’S OVER”
*WITH BK sounding like LAKER TOM 82 wins look more plausible every day folks.
*
Good Morning: Sir CHARLESs
Good Morning: JustAnotherMambaFan ( Head of the Mamba Clan)
Good Morning: MORNING CRUE (The Heart & Soul of Laker Nation)
Good Morning Laker Blog!, Laker Nation(Love Ya All!)
Welcome : QS, JASON GRAVES
*
A ROLL CALL FOR THE ELLE OF IT .
ROLL CALL!!
FAITH01) Bob, Keifo, CHARLES, Edwin_ GUECO, FATTY, TP, JON K., BD, #4, TALIQ, VMAN
WesJoeNixon, AngryLaker, XODUS, DAVE_M, EASTCOAST_JESSIE(Latina princess)
DICE8UP, YOU_EVER_NOTICE, EJK, VMAN, J_J, LAKERMAN_420(Puff), SAMLL, ERIK_M.
ThaSHOW, TIM-4SHOW, TheLakeShOW, LAKER_TOM, PIG_MILLER, JAMIE_SWEET,
KOBEBLITZ,, ZAKEE, SBPIMP, THE_D, BOZZ, HMRHED, GENERIC_ONE, TOAD, ELLE
LAKER_GURU_FROM_INDIA, MIKE_T.,VI_LAKER_FAN, The_OUTLAW, NAJA aka BONUS,
LAKERGurl, SFLAKERGirl, PSYCHEDLAKERrGirl, SIMILAKERGirl, BOCALAKERGIRL, QS
LAKERGIRL_1980, HOUSTONlakerGIRL, LAKERSRydeOrDIE, LAKERLASS, She_KOBE
OutsiderGURA, JOHNNYP. David_WHANG, Benjamin, BD, TRIO, HTP, LEONARD_BAST
LakerLEGACY, EXHELODRVR, LAKERMR, RICK_FRIEDMAN, CALIPHILOSOPHER,,
SIX_ONE_ZERO, MR_BARNEY_DANGLES, LAKER_STH, JANAYA, KIWI, FEARLESS
HELLRAISER(certified Mamba Fan) , THE OUTLAW, JUSTIN_N., CBUCK., MEL
RDLEE, CORNER J, BAYWOOD, LAKER_TRUTH, MUD, MAGIA32, HTJ, MR_NANO
Tsphere, WeaveMan, TOWER_OF_POWER, WOLF, OSEJ, JANDRO, ZEN, CBUCK,
utzworld THE BANNER HOLDER, ALLAN-BRAZIL, HUGO_BOSS, HUGO-SPAIN,
TWOODY, Laker_HOLIC, LAKER_BANDIT, NEVER, MAGIC_MAN, BZAR, P_ANG
JONIN_in_JAPAN(InCanada), HARIYAHUM, , RESPECT_my_AUTHORITH, VIOLATER
STAY_THIRSTY_MY_FRIENDS, COMPLEX_BROTHA, AMAZING_HAPPENS, DPOD
BMAC, BOBIE, MITCHELL, CHI_TOWN_LAKER, PAUL_LEE , STEVEN_V., FLOYD
ADRIAN_PALOMAR, JESTER_GURU, 1978, LAKER_North, JMAN, GRAIL, Laker_FAZE
LAKERPhil, LEBANESE_Mike, DK, IN_The_ZEN_MASTER_We_TRUST, HOBBITMAGE
JUST_Another_MAMBA_FAN BROWN_MAMBA24, White_MAMBA24, Black_MAMBA24
FAN_Of_MAMBA, MAMBA24_FAN4_LIFE_ JustALakerFan, THIRTY2, TSIRY, HAWAII_D
BYNUM_BELIEVER, , FRANCESCO, BIG_FENCE_DEFENCE, NIK_CANAN, FKILLAH
LAKER_Bake, LAKER_Larry, LAKERS_4_REALZ, MARTY,130, THI, Comptons_FINEST
CHI_LAKER_FAN, NEMIA FALETOGO, GREEK_Dude, EHOMP, MUFFIN, CAMERON
EVIL_CARTMAN, DARLEEN MCCUTCHEON, TINIDORS, LAKER_FAN_FROM_NY,
DAVE ROSENZWEIG, CALI_KING, PS_LAKER_FAN, LAKER_KEV, LAKER_IN_BC
DAN_the_MAN, HUBBIT, SEAN714, AJAX, DORKIS, TEEJ, PUDDLE, KENE_SLOW
LOI_REYES_LANDICHO, LAKERS_WORLD, MARKY_THE_ARKY, TROY, ISANG,
PURPLE&GOLD_FOREVER, GD_CHILD, CDUB0512, STAPLES24 , CHRIS H,
DrewPauKobe, KobesBad, JAY_EL, SLO_GAL, DAVID_IN_SPAIN, BennyBlanca
SmoothD, ISSANG, BLAZE1BX, EAST_NYBOER, LAKER_FAN_24, BIG_DAWG
MASTUDA, MAYOR_of_KOBE_TOWN, NEIL, SEAD94, ROOKIE, ATL_LAKER_FAN
Machiavelly, DOC4daLakeShow, Korey, KARYNANAR, BRAD, BLKTHGHT06,
EPICMESS, StrangerInTheNight, BYNUMITE, USC_LAKER, SWETTUAL, JCOOL
T_SENSEI, BerkleyLaker, CHICK_4EVER, LONG_LIVE_CHICK, ALEXHIN017,
HEAD-MBENGA, LAL_FAN, LOOK_LONELY, LOTECH8, KIKOS_DAD, CHUCK23
SALTLAKER, LAKER_DAWG, EAGLE_BOY, PK-IN-the-MESSA, DYMANDAVE
MICHIGANLAKER, XTRO, , RYAN_DUNLAP, Black_RAIDERS, HAPPY_GILMORE
WondahBap,Cyrus(Ventrilquist), JOREMA, VALLEY_LAKER, LAKER_HOPEFUL
CriticalBeatDown, RealityBites, LINDA_PINEDA, NESTROS_Bistro, AALOOS
TELLitLIKEitIS , Lakers4Lyfe, BRETT, He_Who_HOOPS, B4_HOOPS, LAKAFOO
McGARNAGLE, AFRO_Joe, DASCILLA, HEN1040, LAKER_FAN_CANADA,
FRANK FRIZZO, Stockton_SHOWTIME, LADIES_MAN, CANIBUS_HOG
GiantSquid, RICO_TICO, LAKALOVER, MobWagoneer, LAKAFoo, JHLANNERY
Reality_Check, BronxLakerFan HoustonLaker, TexasLaker, BrazillianLaker,
YOU_ EVER_NOTICE----------------------------HOLDING THE LINE
*
ALL TOGETHER NOW
*
WE ARE THE FREAKIN LA LAKERS THE WINNERS OF 14 NBA TITLES.
THE TEAM WITH THE BEST WINNING PERCENTAGE IN NBA HISTORY.
THE ONLY TEAM WITH 2 HOF COACHES. THE TEAM WITH THE MOST
PLAYERS ON THE 50 GREATEST PLAYERS OF ALL TIME LIST(6). THE
HOME OF THE REIGNING AND FUTURE MVP – KOBE BRYANT. THE
HOME OF WILT, KAREEM, GEORGE MIKAN, SHAQ, MAGIC, ELGIN BAYLOR,
THE LOGO(JERRY WEST), PAT RILEY, JAMES WORTHY, BOB MCADOO,
"BIG SHOT ROB HORRY" GAIL GOODRICH THE LEGENDARY SPORTSCASTER
CHICK HEARN COACHED BY 9 TIME TITLE WINNER PHIL (9RINGS) JACKSON
& OWNED BY THE BEST D@MN OWNER IN SPORTS DR. JERRY BUSS
AND THE ONLY ONE WHO CAN EVER DEFEAT OR DIVIDE US IS US
LAKERS TODAY LAKERS TOMORROW LAKERS
Posted by: Mamba24 | November 10, 2008 at 10:38 AM
My second favorite stat of the day:
Kobe Bryant: 23 points
Yao + Artest + McGrady: 23 points
Posted by: Long Time Laker Fan | November 10, 2008 at 10:38 AM
Whoa, at work with a hangover and I'm blaming the Lakers.
Posted by: Magia32 | November 10, 2008 at 10:42 AM
Extremely encouraging words from Buss. I'm now holding out
some small hope that the Lakers CAN keep both Lamar Odom
and Trevor Ariza next summer. Their salaries will reach up where
the Knicks have been the last few years, but if they can stay at or
near their current level, it sounds like Buss would be willing to suffer
the financial lumps to keep it together.
Posted by: Long Time Laker Fan | November 10, 2008 at 10:48 AM
Granderson is a tool.
Nothing good has ever come out of Detroit.
Lakers Today... Lakers Tomorrow... Lakers Forever.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | November 10, 2008 at 10:49 AM
Here's another of my favorite stats for the day:
http://tinyurl.com/5zvo4y
Trevor Ariza is currently the second most efficient SF in the NBA
Posted by: Long Time Laker Fan | November 10, 2008 at 10:51 AM
Mamba24,
Thanks again for the energy you put into the roll call.
In case you forgot, all of Laker Nation appreciates it.
Go Mamba!
Lakers Today... Lakers Tomorrow... Lakers Forever.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | November 10, 2008 at 10:54 AM
"T-Mac and Ron Ron shooting a combined 3-22 from the floor"
How does that happen? Just crazy.
I can't wait to play the Hornets.
Lakers Today... Lakers Tomorrow... Lakers Forever.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | November 10, 2008 at 10:56 AM
You know what's really scary?
When they do get a chance to play, even guys like Mihm and
Powell have looked really good. Mihm has a PER of 37.31 and has
been playing like his peak form before the injury. Powell has a
PER of 21.56, a sweet 15-20 foot jump shot, and a passion for rebounding.
Luke hasn't looked quite as effective, but he's getting his ankle
lots of rest, so if someone did get injured and they needed some
minutes from Luke, I'm sure he could come through.
This team is deep like the Mariana Trench.
Posted by: Long Time Laker Fan | November 10, 2008 at 10:56 AM
It's nice to see the roll call after games too. Especially after such a spanking.
Simply demoralizing for the Rockets. They can make the excuses they want, we were "lucky" (yeah right) to get people into foul trouble, but at the end of the day we outplayed them.
Defensively. Go Lakers!
Posted by: Faith | November 10, 2008 at 11:02 AM
Right on Jerry, pay the luxury taxes to keep this team together. The playoff revenue and merchandise will cover them and having a huge global brand in the LA Lakers (think Manchester United, Real Madrid) will increase the value of the franchise. As for the leprocons, they're toast, I put a hex on them this summer while I was in beantown just to make sure. LONG LIVE THE LA LAKERS!!!!
Posted by: Laker Justice | November 10, 2008 at 11:04 AM
LTLF,
Please god no! lol. I'm happy with the status quo. And the health/rotation.
Posted by: Faith | November 10, 2008 at 11:05 AM
Fearless and mel,
I saw Pau say that and you could he wanted to take it back the moment he said it.
He was absolutely right though, that should be mentioned.
Posted by: Andrew Z | November 10, 2008 at 11:06 AM
Xodus,
"They may have to just cancel the league."
I think you may be right that the ONLY real drama left to be determined is who wins in the finals...The Lakes or the greenies.
The Celts look good too. It's going to be epic like the old days.
Posted by: Eric M. | November 10, 2008 at 11:06 AM
LONGTIME LAKER LOVER YOU WERE ON ROLL CALL SORRY I DON'T KNOW
WHAT HAPPENED.
***BEAT BOSTON BANDWGON****
(01) TALIQ - Owner - but until we avenge our loss to Boston, I don't think we
should yearn for any regular season accolades (ala an exaggerated 82 wins) ..
(02) VMAN - Riding ShotGun - KILL BOSTON
(03) MAMBA24 Kicked back to security by VMAN lol!
(04) LONGTIMELAKERLOVER - Right behind Mamba - "cue the music! I LOVELA!!!!"
Posted by: MAMBA24 | November 10, 2008 at 11:09 AM
Thanks again for the energy you put into the roll call.
In case you forgot, all of Laker Nation appreciates it.
Posted by: Jon K. | November 10, 2008
Jon K. Thanks! But I feed off of you LakerTom and
everyone else on the Blog. Got the Flu right now so
your energy is appreciated.
Posted by: Mamba24 | November 10, 2008 at 11:15 AM
Mamba24,
"Come on Brother Eric, You can do better than that. Join
LakerTom and I on the 82 win Bandwagon"
Can't go quite that far. They're bound to loose eventually. Aren't they? lol
I think Korey might be on to something though.
Korey,
"I really really really want that 73 win season."
As crazy as it sounds to say, I think we got a shot. We have a VERY young team that is 12 deep. We shouldn't wear out over the long season because nobody is playing heavy minutes, and we can handle an injury or two without even noticing it.
Posted by: Eric M. | November 10, 2008 at 11:16 AM
Two road games is our next priority, I'm not worry too much about Mavs, Hornets are going to be next big test, bearing in mind it's 2nd game on the back to back.
Posted by: LAL_Fan | November 10, 2008 at 11:16 AM
LTLF,
"Trevor Ariza is currently the second most efficient SF in the NBA"
Great! We can have the two most efficient SF's on our team in two years!
Posted by: EJK | November 10, 2008 at 11:24 AM
[AK, this IS an official LeBron versus Kobe post. Just to be clear.]
You know, here's the thing...
As Kobe get's older and his physical capabilities become more limited, he's still going to rock as a player because he'll still have his assassin's shot, passion for the game, and genius-level understanding of the game. He'll be able to get more out of his body than probably any other player due to his mental mastery of the game.
LeBron? When his hop begins to lose its freakish ability due to age, what is LeBron going to have? Not enough, methinks.
So, the second half of Kobe's career will still be historic. I don't think the same will be said of LeBron's career.
Lakers Today... Lakers Tomorrow... Lakers Forever.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | November 10, 2008 at 11:27 AM
I don't see what's wrong with saying, "we're just the better team" coz we are. Though I suppose he meant to say...tonight.
Coz again we were.
Boston can you know what. Lakers today, Lakers tomorrow, Lakers forever!
Posted by: Faith | November 10, 2008 at 11:28 AM
Thanks Mamba24 for putting me in the roll call its nice to see my name in.By the looks of it if our Lakers stay healthy,probably its just waiting who will emerge in the east to face them in the final,i hope its the Celtics and this time will kick their ashes really bad.hope Kobe will win his 2nd MVP and cement his status as the greatest player of all time.
Posted by: Adrian Palomar | November 10, 2008 at 11:31 AM
Dec 25 against Boston. We'll see if the hype has any substance.
Posted by: sixonezero | November 10, 2008 at 11:31 AM
Is it just me or is the second unit better than the first? In the Clipper game, and again last night, the Lakers were down after the first quarter and had to rely on the second unit to dig them out.
I think Ariza, Farmar, and LO are just flat out better than Fish and Radmanovic (Fish is still very good and SO valuable to this team). I think the best unit on the floor is one of: Farmar, Kobe, Ariza, LO, Bynum/Gasol. It is the most exciting and we seem to do good as well. That units defense is very intense and they are very quick as well as tall with LO and one of our bigs.
Farmar is already out of the funk that I spoke of last week. He was quick yesterday, didn't try to really force anything and picked his spots. We just need consistency out of Farmar and he will be in line for most improved of the year.
Lamar is doing just what he needs to do. He isn't under performing however he isn't playing out of his mind either, he is kinda consistent. He is solid in rebounds and assists, and even blocks. Most important, he is doing very well with his outside shot. He is hitting 3s, and hitting Js off the dribble in an iso situation. If Lamar can continue to hit the outside shot he should be considered for 6th man of the year.
And the biggest surprise so far, TREVOR FRICKEN ARIZA. Man is he good (glad he's on my fantasy team in the good times league). I was a "doubter" (I thought he needed to prove something before starting over LO) in the offseason, but he has shown his skill and worth to this team. He is the way better version of Luke, he does everything, and he's extremely athletic. He should be right there with Jordan for most improved at the end of the year.
While Ariza has definitely played well enough to crack the starting 5, I believe he works best with the second unit. Phil has done an AMAZING job so far with rotations. I believe that the starting 5 plays best together and that the second unit with Famar, Ariza, and Lamar play best together. I just want to give major props to PJ and the coaching staff and ultimately for Farmar, Ariza, Lamar, Kobe, Bynum, Gasol, and the rest of the team to understanding their role and delivering thus far.
Lamar = 6th man of the year
Jordan/Trevor = most improved of the year
GO LAKERS
Posted by: mrbarneydangles | November 10, 2008 at 11:45 AM
Kobe will win his 2nd MVP and cement his status as the greatest player of all time.
Posted by: Adrian Palomar | November 10, 2008 at 11:31 AM
Glad to Oblige. As for the MVP. Politics intrudes sorry to say it's already been decided
Lebron will win the MVP bet your last dollar.
THIS BLOG IS MAKING ME DIZZY WITH IT'S GIDINESS
WHEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!
Posted by: MAMBA24 | November 10, 2008 at 11:47 AM
Mamba, please get me on that beat Boston bandwagon!!!
Thanks for the roll call my man. Looks like you have a Magic_Man in there, but no magicman. Please add me in podna! Thanks!
Five games in and man oh man we look good. Next "statement game" is on Wednesday night in Nawlins. I'm lookin' for our boys to handle Dallas and put themselves in position to rest everyone and really get after the Hornets. B. Scott, nothin' personal... It's just business man. Winnin' bidness.
Eric M, you hit it right on the head my man. We really can go after 73. This team is so balanced. Kobe's back isn't hurting from carrying his team on it... Dude is just on cruise control right now. When we need him, he'll be there. That's a weapon that nobody out there can stack up against.
Posted by: magicman | November 10, 2008 at 11:48 AM
As Kobe get's older and his physical capabilities become more limited, he's still going to
rock as a player because he'll still have his assassin's shot, passion for the game,
and genius-level understanding of the game. He'll be able to get more out of his body t
han probably any other player due to his mental mastery of the game.
Posted by: Jon K. | November 10, 2008 at 11:27 AM
NOW THAT'S WHAT I'M FEAKING TALKI9NG ABOUT!!! KUDOS MY BROTHER!!!
Posted by: MAMBA24 | November 10, 2008 at 11:49 AM
Nugs waive Mcdyess - ESPN
3rd entry in the comments section:
"lhsgolf19 (11/10/2008 at 1:37 PM)
Dyess We Need You! I am already sick of Kwame."
Posted by: Glenn | November 10, 2008 at 11:49 AM
***BEAT BOSTON BANDWGON****
(01) TALIQ - Owner - but until we avenge our loss to Boston, I don't think we
should yearn for any regular season accolades (ala an exaggerated 82 wins) ..
(02) VMAN - Riding ShotGun - KILL BOSTON
(03) MAMBA24 Kicked back to security by VMAN lol!
(04) LONGTIMELAKERLOVER - Right behind Mamba - "cue the music! I LOVELA!!!!"
(05) MAGICMAN -Will provide the secret that was missing
Posted by: mamba24 | November 10, 2008 at 12:09 PM
The Nuggets waived McDyess. Dang it!!!! I wanted Denver to keep him!!!! Well here goes my hopes of using the name Antonio McNugget.
Mannnnnnn
Posted by: magicman | November 10, 2008 at 12:18 PM
Hey folks. Off to HQ for a couple hours. Expect comments to clear relatively slowly.
Thanks.
BK
Posted by: Brian Kamenetzky | November 10, 2008 at 12:22 PM
Yao after the Boston game:
"Probably one of my worst games of all time," Yao said
Yao after the Laker game:
“I think,” Rockets center Yao Ming said, “it was the worst game we have ever had.”
--------
I'll take the latter. Making things difficult for an entire team rather than just one player.
Funny that after both games, there were comments where they refused to give credit to the opposition. Artest after the game against Boston and Yao after the game against the Lakers. I suppose, this early in the season, that you have to believe that if you're them. Houston's pieces will take time to gel and we'll see what happens when Battier comes back.
Posted by: lakers_sth | November 10, 2008 at 12:41 PM
All morning I've been thinking about how great it is to see Pau get out there and play aggressively; last season that trade seemed like a miracle, but I'm honestly even more happy about it now.
I love this freakin' team.
Posted by: kt | November 10, 2008 at 12:45 PM
Another fun set of stats for the day:
http://tinyurl.com/6xs3qk
Posted by: Long Time Laker Fan | November 10, 2008 at 12:51 PM
Also i think this is as good a time as any to state my opinion from the beginning......
All the Lamar haters can suck my basketballs
Posted by: VIOLATOR | November 10, 2008 at 12:56 PM
Hey Mamba,
Hope you feel better. I just got over it myself. Now I have no voice for other reasons, a certain blowout win against THE TEST! :-)
BTW, you know better than to keep me, the resident Celtics hater, off the BEAT BOSTON BANDWAGON. Get to it brother. That's a no-brainer.
Much Love! GO LAKERS!!!!!!
Posted by: EastCoastJessie | November 10, 2008 at 01:00 PM
Is AK sick? AK we need you! BK can't do this all by himself.
He's not Kobe you know lol.
Posted by: Faith | November 10, 2008 at 01:01 PM
Holy crap, AK BK, I didn't know you did a podcast!
Where have I been?
Posted by: Hunter805 | November 10, 2008 at 01:07 PM
dangles,
>>>>>Is it just me or is the second unit better than the first?
No, they’re just better than every other team’s second unit.
>>>>>While Ariza has definitely played well enough to crack the starting 5,
>>>>>I believe he works best with the second unit. Phil has done an
>>>>>AMAZING job so far with rotations.
I agree with you 100%. I used to laugh whenever somebody suggested that one of the starters might be better on the second unit but the way Phil has setup this 9-man rotation is a thing of beauty. I would not change anything right now. These two units really complement each other and provide a great change of pace.
And Lamar looks great as our 6th man. As many of us pointed out during the summer, having Lamar as our backup power forward has allowed us to always have two of our three great rebounders in the lineup at all times. Drew, Pau, and Lamar are all averaging close to 10 boards per game and are the primary reason we are leading the league in rebounding and in rebounding differential per game. Control the boards and control the game.
Tom
Posted by: LakerTom | November 10, 2008 at 01:11 PM
I was absolutely GLUED to the screen last night.... I felt like hopping on the blog but I just couldn't tear myself away from the game.... awesome game, especially since they fell behind, didn't panic and made the proper corrections.
I'm glad others mentioned Pau's comment... it was definitely apparent but it was so truthful too...
I liked some of the things PJ was saying about Trevor... calling him a shadow, stealth... some good nicknames methinks.
Posted by: dave m | November 10, 2008 at 01:50 PM
thanks for the roll call, Mamba, hope you feel better.
i was happily surprised to read the article on Buss, and his declaration of paying whatever is necessary, as long as LAL is winning. i also hope Odom and Ariza can get resigned. but i simultaneously hope Odom and Bryant can agree to a slight pay-cut, so the payroll and luxury tax won't get outa hand.
oh yeah, i know this isn't relevant, but i was able to attend AI's debut with Detroit, when they played the Nets. surprisingly the Nets won, and foiled AI's night. Detroit's interior defense looked horrible, as Devin Harris hurt them with lay-ups time and time again. they need to play Kwame Brown a little more often, methinks, lol!
looking forward to the next game. but my fellow Lakers Fans, we can't over look the Mavs! they're still a threat (that we need to resoundly beat, and send quivering away). Go Lakers!
Posted by: leonardbast | November 10, 2008 at 01:57 PM
LONGTIME LAKER LOVER YOU WERE ON ROLL CALL SORRY I DON'T KNOW WHAT HAPPENED.
It's cool. Thanks for putting me back, man.
I LOVE LA!
Posted by: longtimelakerlover | November 10, 2008 at 02:13 PM
MAMBA 24,
Please ADD me to the BEAT BOSTON bandwagon!
"official hater of anyting green team" ....rydeordie!
Posted by: lakersrydeordie | November 10, 2008 at 02:18 PM
Mamba,
Add me please to the Beat Boston Bandwagon too!
-blitz
Posted by: kobeblitz | November 10, 2008 at 03:10 PM
is there anyway that i could see yesterday game replay (full game) online??
Posted by: k0be_24 | November 10, 2008 at 03:24 PM
LTLF
Sorry but I could not open your links. Can you check if they can be re posted in a working mode.
Thanks
Posted by: JustaLakerFan | November 10, 2008 at 05:00 PM
I've been reading this blog for a while now, but have never really had anything to post about.
Last night was the first Lakers game I had ever been to, and I thought I couldn't love the lakers anymore, but WOW.
I LOVE THIS TEAM.
LOVE the Lakers. I love all of them Pau, Odom, Kobe and (yes) even walton and DJ.
82-0!!!!
I love LA, I LOVE THE LAKERS!
Posted by: LakerGirl | November 10, 2008 at 05:43 PM