At this point, everyone could probably use a fresh game to discuss
Our good friend Ross Siler, who used to cover the Lakers for the Daily News and now is on the Jazz beat (very John Coltrane) once said covering the Lakers is like experiencing 82 Super Bowls a year, where rationality occasionally goes the way of these technologies. With the deservedly high expectations for the '08-'09 purple and gold, this year won't be any different, but since our local hardwood heroes had to attend a mandatory Player's Association meeting after practice Monday afternoon in El Segundo, there wasn't a whole lot of fresh dish served this afternoon. That meant more talk of Detroit. How can the Lakers bounce back from the loss? What they can learn? What went wrong? Where do they go from here?
I get the impression that the team finds this "What now?" breathlessness a little silly. "That's what you guys do," Kobe said with a smile, referencing the assembled talking/writing heads. "That's what makes the season exciting. You have these runs where it looks like you're unbeatable, you might go 82-0, then you lose one and you're fighting for the eighth seed."
As for the Lakers, they take it Bonnie Franklin style.
Not that there isn't work to be done. Kobe mentioned more than once the challenges LA will face defensively against teams (like Detroit) with bigs who can step away from the basket and spread the floor, a sentiment echoed by Phil Jackson: "We really have to stay in front of the penetration. That's our big key, and we worked on that a little today. About not getting spread out, not getting the penetration that teams want. Recovering back the players that we have to man-cover. This has been a perennial problem for us as a team, and we're going to have two guards who do that very well in (Derrick) Rose and (Steve) Nash here in the next two games."
Most strategies in sports are a series of trade offs, and defense in basketball is no exception. No scheme is free of weaknesses. The goal for the Lakers is to keep the other team as far away from the bucket as possible, even if that means conceding more shots from outside.
"The biggest thing is to stop penetration. That's the key in this game as it is in most sports game. You're trying to get to a goal, and the closer that ball gets to the goal the worse you are defensively," he said, presumably lumping in hockey's puck with other ball/goal sports. "So if you can keep that ball out and make guys shoot (from distance), that's always a positive," Jackson said.
Meanwhile, in reaction to the Q and A with Shaq posted a few days back on the Sacramento Bee Kings Blog, a particularly zealous young newsie peppered the available personnel about their reaction to the news that Shaq wouldn't rule out a return to LA in 2010, Kobe just smiled, and said nothing. Pressed, he kept smiling and saying nothing. "I'm going Tiger Woods, totally vanilla." No way he was going to say anything that might feed the tabloids, so to speak.
Phil's reaction was equally whimsical. "He's keeping his options open, huh?" As for the notion that all the drama was fun, as Shaq proposed, PJ didn't disagree... though I doubt he'd choose today to be totally candid and forthcoming with the media on this issue (i.e. "fun" may not totally be the right word to describe what was going on in the Threepeat era). "We were having a lot of fun as a team. I think that was just a laugh and a goof. That part of it was fun. 2004 got a little tense. That was a tighter time for us."
For his part, Fish LOL'd and used the question as a way to hustle into the training room ahead of the meeting.
OTHER NOTES:
- Vlad Rad, who suffered a thigh contusion Sunday, practiced today and should be good for tomorrow.
- On PT: PJ said LO understands there will be nights, such as Friday's game, where he won't get what seems to be his standard 30-ish minutes of run. "Ballplayers understand. When teams are going well, they want to be part of it, but they know that you don't want to slow down something that's positive. For Luke Walton, who has essentially vanished from the rotation, Jackson acknowledged that it's been a tough adjustment for him. "I think he understands mentally, but emotionally I think it's real tough. You want to be out there on the floor. That's the hard part."
- Pete Newell, legendary educator of bigs and former Lakers GM, passed away today. Dr. Buss released the following statement:
“We are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Pete Newell earlier today,” said Lakers owner Dr. Jerry Buss. “Pete was one of the most brilliant teachers and coaches the game has ever known, and was also an exceptional front office man as the Lakers General Manager from 1972-76. He was a great help to me when I first purchased the Lakers and he was very generous with his time and counsel. In addition to his great contributions to the basketball world, Pete was also one of the finest gentlemen we’ve known. Our deepest condolences, thoughts and prayers go out to the Newell family.”
Audio and video to follow later (UPDATE: The video is below).
BK
"Thank god for us we won't lose tomorrow..."
That's easy to say when the Lakers play weak teams.
mike t.
Posted by: Michael C. Teniente | November 17, 2008 at 08:12 PM
Everyone,
Let's keep the debates civil. The name calling and personal attacks aren't necessaryl. Please don't make BK and I referee.
AK
Posted by: Andrew Kamenetzky | November 17, 2008 at 08:14 PM
I didn't know head coaches were the people responsible for signing players.
I always thought that was the GM and that the owner signed off on it.
What do I know, though?
Posted by: Xodus | November 17, 2008 at 07:02 PM
============================
Actually there is input from all of FO which includes Jim Buss, Ronny Lester, Owner, GM, coaches, scouts etc. not in that order.
That is why PJ was on phone with Kobe to lure Radman to Lakers.
Posted by: JustaLakerFan | November 17, 2008 at 08:16 PM
LOL!
People take these sarcastic tones to anyone who disagrees with them and cry foul when someone tells them, in not so pleasant words, to hush up!
AK...are you watching! Come protect me from the big bad mike t.
LOL!
mike t.
Posted by: Michael C. Teniente | November 17, 2008 at 08:17 PM
[You fools. Don't you know any better than to argue with Mike T.]
"Michael T. has lost all credibility on this blog." - Jon K
LOL!
I AM THE BLOG!
mike
Posted by: Michael Teniente | October 08, 2007 at 09:53 AM
Posted by: Fatty | November 17, 2008 at 08:18 PM
Thanks AK,
Here's the URL:
http://tinyurl.com/5bdp6f
Posted by: T_MELT | November 17, 2008 at 08:19 PM
THE RE-MAKING OF A BEAST…
What Andrew Bynum needs to do is watch The Making of a Beast. Last year before he got hurt, Drew dominated on offense, displaying a beautiful blend of power and finesse. Not only was he throwing down dunks in crowds off lobs and rebounds but he was also showing off his great footwork and positioning with deft drop steps and soft jump hooks. And he was beating other centers down the court instead of loping into the picture late. Seriously, watching the Making of a Beast would be a great wake-up call for Drew.
Part of the problem is that Drew is probably playing tentatively due to his injury and maybe getting used his still-growing body but I also wonder whether Phil’s efforts to downplay Drew’s offense have left him uncertain as to what to do on offense. It seems as if he is always looking to pass and that is not how you want your center to play in my opinion. Inside-out basketball is usually the formula to win championships. As good as Pau is, the Lakers need Drew to be an offense beast to dominate tougher teams.
I have never understood why Phil and so many fans don’t see how important Drew’s offensive fire-power is to the team. It is like they want tough but only on the defensive end. Bottom line, there is nothing more intimidating than getting posterized by a Beast throwing the ball down in your face and flattening you. Shaq knew that domination was not something you turned out at one of the court and off on the other. You need to feed the beast at both ends. Tougher offense will lead to tougher defense and on and on.
At any rate, I think Andrew understands very clearly that he was the one who was going to make the Lakers tougher and the results different this year. It’s obvious that he knows he did not do that Friday night. I fully expect to see him come out very aggressive and determined, especially against Shaq on Thursday night. I also think that Phil and the Lakers realize that one of the problems with their low shooting percentage is not playing inside-out basketball. It will still take Drew some time to get fully back but feeding him the ball may be the fastest way to speed up the process and make a Beast.
The other guy who needs to watch The Making of a Beast is our own venerable Mike T. It is obvious from his comments that he didn’t watch what Bynum was doing last year before he got injured. I mean, why would he since Kwame was on the bench. In fact, I doubt that Mike even watched the first seven games of the year. Friday night was surely the first Lakers game he watched since Kwame was traded. While most of his points last year came from dunks, Drew’s also showed that he had some great moves in the post. Soft jump hooks from deeper in the paint than this year and great drop step layups again from better position in the paint. We have not yet seen the real Drew this year.
With all respect to Mike, what is stupid is viewing everything through a tunnel vision that filters out discordant facts or contradictory opinions so that the only viable conclusion you can come to and reality you can see are those which you pre-conceived in the first place. It works! Or at least it looks that way for one game. Mike better make hay now because it may be sometime in December before he has the opportunity of another loss to justify making his esteemed presence again on the blog. LOL. That’s even better than tacos.
Here’s to Andrew unchaining the Beast. Make them obey.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9efsJwJxYEk
Like love and politics, everything in this post is merely my personal usually biased opinion based on my over-zealous purple and gold view of Lakers basketball. ;)
Tom
Posted by: LakerTom | November 17, 2008 at 08:21 PM
Correct me if I'm wrong but didn't I win the one and only Fatty award for blog MVP?
I think I did. I think I did.
mike t.
Posted by: Michael C. Teniente | November 17, 2008 at 08:34 PM
Well everyone, the Jazz are stomping on the Suns tonight. Shaq(the physical force that many were clamoring about last night)has ONE rebound tonight against Okur and Boozer!!! I won't accept that he's tired tonight because he got ejected in the first half last night against Detroit which means he got plenty of rest. So what happened tonight? Are the Jazz the more physical team and better defensively than the Suns? Or did the Suns have an off night after beating Detroit last night after Detroit beat the Lakers on Friday night? Hmmmm....funny how no one seems to be talking about it tonight, I wonder why? Oh well, so much for the "physical presence" crap. Sometimes teams just have off nights and sometimes teams get hot, some more than others.
Posted by: Nemaia Faletogo | November 17, 2008 at 08:36 PM
Here's to a nice win tomorrow against the Bulls.
Go Lakers!
Posted by: "Pig" Miller | November 17, 2008 at 08:39 PM
blitz,
>>>>>To be honest with you, if Trevor learns how to run the point
>>>>>I want him to start. I would really recommend PJ to teach him
>>>>>how to run the point and to let Derek and Kobe focus more on offense.
No long debate, blitz, but I disagree with you about Trevor, who in my opinion is great and extremely valuable to the team and may start at some point, but is not anywhere near the player with the ball that he is without it. He is a so-so ball handler and at this point in his career a mediocre passer at best. Where he excels with the ball is a quick fake and one dribble drive to a dunk. When he has to throw the ball inbounds, I tend to cringe like when a pass was thrown to Kwame.
If Trevor starts, it won’t be to handle the ball and run the offense. It will be because of his defense and movement without the ball on offense. That is where his value is. There is no need to try and make him into something he may not be. Defense and slashing offense may well be enough. He is a dynamic force that is a thrill to watch for sure.
Anyway, just my opinion. No need to respond as I know what you think.
As for Drew, I think he is going to come out very confident and aggressive the next two games. We might even see him demand the ball a couple of times. And play tough. Time to unchain the Beast.
Tom
Posted by: LakerTom | November 17, 2008 at 08:40 PM
Oh yeah, that comes from a guy who said the Lakers will average 120 points a game.
LOL!
Hey wasn't Bynum supposed to average 20 points a game this season?
Well, he needs to do a lot of scoring to catch up.
mike t.
Posted by: Michael C. Teniente | November 17, 2008 at 08:41 PM
Jazz 109.....Suns 97.......Maybe Ronnie price and his 200 pound frame kept Shaq and Amare out of the paint.....With no center they still won on the game....And Williams did not play........Porter does not have control of this team.....
Posted by: Thirty2 | November 17, 2008 at 08:43 PM
JustaLakerFan,
The point I'm making is that PJ isn't the sole reason this happened and it's foolish to say that he is. PJ may have wanted Luke re-signed but he's not the reason they signed him to a 6-year deal.
The reason Luke's deal is terrible is the length, not the dollars and PJ I'm sure had nothing to do with that.
Posted by: Xodus | November 17, 2008 at 08:44 PM
I don't think anyone has said Bynum is scoring on his own post moves.
You're arguing with yourself. Which isn't surprising considering the source.
Posted by: Xodus | November 17, 2008 at 07:43 PM
==================
If that is a reference to my post then maybe you need to read the previous posts.
But I too will consider the source.
Posted by: JustaLakerFan | November 17, 2008 at 08:45 PM
8 games into the season and Drew is still a little tentative about playing aggressively?
I think that should be expected. Especially coming off his injury and contract talks.
Rotating from high to low, who sets high screens, etc...will take some time for Drew, and as the rest of the team gains confidence back in AB.
Even Amare, when coming back from his injury was playing tentative. And this is the guy who calls himself the Black Jesus.
Now if Drew wants to be an allstar this year, he better get moving.
Please everyone, do your Patriotic Lakers duty and vote. Be sure to write in Luke. Shame on you NBA for not putting Luke on the ballot.
Posted by: Fatty | November 17, 2008 at 08:49 PM
Pig,
From Bynum himself:
""I haven't really been attacking, so I'm going to start attacking on the block," Bynum, a 7-foot center, explained after the Lakers' practice Sunday. "I haven't scored much off the block. ... I'm just not being aggressive. I need to assert myself on the block. I haven't done anything like that.
"I don't think I've scored on a post move this season. I think everything's been off screen-and-rolls and catching it high and finishing high (off lob passes), so I'm going to be more aggressive."
Are you so stupid that you can't hear what he's saying?
He's saying he has scored one basket off of set play. Everything he's scored is coming from the other team's weak defense.
Don't believe me...believe your own eyes. Or better yet, quit being stupid and believe Bynum himself.
mike t.
Posted by: Michael C. Teniente | November 17, 2008 at 07:26 PM
========================
Mike T
Now if that was Kobe you would probably complain he was ignoring coach and being stubborn and a ballhog.
But since AB said it its ok.
That is illogical.
Posted by: JustaLakerFan | November 17, 2008 at 08:50 PM
JustaLakerFan,
Nope, I wasn't talking about you.
Posted by: Xodus | November 17, 2008 at 08:51 PM
My bad AK. I noticed you posted the Sacto Bee story on Shaq earlier in this blog. I guess you were all over that story way before ESPN reported it just a couple hours ago.
Boy was I late.
Posted by: T_MELT | November 17, 2008 at 08:52 PM
Laker Tom
There are the two faces of Andrew Bynum.
One says:
"Please pass me the ball, if you may."
or........
"PASS ME THE &*($%$5 BALL !!"
Which one would you like to see?
Posted by: Fatty | November 17, 2008 at 08:55 PM
Everyone,
Let's keep the debates civil. The name calling and personal attacks aren't necessaryl. Please don't make BK and I referee.
AK
Posted by: Andrew Kamenetzky | November 17, 2008 at 08:14 PM
Thank you, AK for the above post.
Posted by: passionate Lakers fan | November 17, 2008 at 08:55 PM
That's Bynum talking about what I've been saying since last year.
All Bynum does is score off of is lobs, screen-and-rolls and offensive rebound put backs.
I said it last year and said he was fools gold.
The only time he showed some post moves was against the Hornets last season. Other than that...nothing as far as post moves go after an entry pass from the set offense.
Bynum is speaking the truth.
It's all good as long as we don't play strong physical defensive teams.
mike t.
Posted by: Michael C. Teniente | November 17, 2008 at 08:57 PM
lol T_MELT,
Don't worry you'll get your chance to report things b4 the K bros do. I manage to have done some of that this summer hehe.
But since it is the season, I'll leave it up to the K Bros.
-blitz
Posted by: kobeblitz | November 17, 2008 at 08:58 PM
JustaLakerFan,
The point I'm making is that PJ isn't the sole reason this happened and it's foolish to say that he is. PJ may have wanted Luke re-signed but he's not the reason they signed him to a 6-year deal.
The reason Luke's deal is terrible is the length, not the dollars and PJ I'm sure had nothing to do with that.
Posted by: Xodus | November 17, 2008 at 08:44 PM
==================
Xodus,
I think as head coach and responsible for players roles he is very responsible for what happened.
I don't disagree about Luke as signing him but in over using him when he was injured and not performing. He should have played other bench players and let Luke heal both mentally and physically.
No offense intended but just my opininion and I stick by it.
Posted by: JustaLakerFan | November 17, 2008 at 08:59 PM
JustALakerFan said:
"As for AB progress or lack of it I put that on PJ's shoulders. PJ told AB to forget about his offense and to concentrate on defense primarily shot blocking and rebounding. He said any points out of AB would just be a bonus.
That is were PJ is wrong. He needs to integrate AB into the offense and let him unleash his dominence in the paint without sacrificing his defensive intensity.
People complain AB is not being agressive and not making post moves. Well that is what he was told to do by PJ. He needs to play agressive on both ends of floor.
Otherwise his heart is not going to be in it. Just think when Stu always said you reward your bigs for running hard and being aggresive. If rest of team is not going to reward you for hustle you tend not to hustle."
I agree 100% fellow Laker fan. Last year the Lakers were utilizing Andrew more in the post while this year PJ has elected to utilize Pau Gasol more offensively and limiting Andrew thus the drop in his production offensively. Let's face it people, PJ is in love with Pau and nary says a word of praise when it comes to Andrew. Other than saying that Andrew grabbed a couple of "man sized rebounds" the other night, he's basically said little except criticisms of Drew's game. I didn't read anything in any articles that I've read where PJ praised Bynum for his play against Yao Ming in the Lakers win. PJ mentioned that after Drew did a good job of grabbing offensive boards in the 1st quarter against the Pistons, he did little after that. Well, he didn't do much because PJ replaced him with LO towards the end of the 1st quarter and didn't reinsert him until there was 4 minutes left in the 2nd quarter(Bynum didn't even have a foul when he as taken out). Why replace him when he's not in foul trouble and he was grabbing offensive boards giving our team second chances???
Posted by: Nemaia Faletogo | November 17, 2008 at 08:59 PM
Newell will missed by so many... it's hard to quantify what he meant to the game, he really was at the very top.
Posted by: dave m | November 17, 2008 at 09:02 PM
JustaLakerFan,
Nope, I wasn't talking about you.
Posted by: Xodus | November 17, 2008 at 08:51 PM
==========================
Then in that case please accept my humble apologies for being wrong and too defensive. Sorry.
Posted by: JustaLakerFan | November 17, 2008 at 09:02 PM
Hello, everyone.
You'll hear from me after the Boston game.
We can win the next 20 games and face Boston at 27-1.
However, the Boston game is my measuring stick.
You'll hear from me after we play the Celtics.
Until then: jhappy holidays!
Posted by: passionate Lakers fan | November 17, 2008 at 09:03 PM
Mike T.
This is true, you won a coveted Fatty. But it was the 'Mad Genius' award not the MVP.
It was interpreted as you being Mad and Genius at the same time, as in Dr Jekyl and Mr. Hide.
I just have this picture of you typing your post, while madly laughing aloud. (see 'Phantom of the Opera')
There is a fine line between sanity and madness, and it seems to me, that you sometimes cross the line back and forth several times a day. (see Dr. Evil of Austin Powers fame)
Use your genius for the good of the Lakers world. Its not too late Mike.
Peace and respect.
Fatty
Posted by: Fatty | November 17, 2008 at 09:09 PM
Nemaia,
Apparently Okur is more physical than Shaq. And Gasol outplayed Okur last spring, so he must be more physical than him. So apparently Gasol is more physical than Shaq.
Posted by: exhelodrvr | November 17, 2008 at 09:10 PM
JustaLakerFan,
No problem, Iknew it was just a misunderstanding.
As for Luke, I don't disagree. He's been brutal at times when he's been battling his ankle problems.
Posted by: Xodus | November 17, 2008 at 09:10 PM
Lakerbake,
>>>>>8 game scouting report:
>>>>>Can the Lakers continue to extend their pressure defense?
>>>>>Can the Lakers utilize Andrew Bynum and Pau Gasol as the offensive focal
>>>>>points by dumping the ball down to them at least 2 of 3 trips down the court?
>>>>>Can the Lakers use Kobe Bryant as a counter puncher and closer exclusively
>>>>>as they try to get Bynum and Gasol off as a primary option?
I agree wholeheartedly. We need to play inside-out basketball. It’s how you avoid living and dying by the jump shot. How you shoot a higher percentage. How you play better transition defense. How you draw fouls and get free throws. How you show how tough you are. How you win championships.
Tom
Posted by: LakerTom | November 17, 2008 at 09:10 PM
Starve the troll.
sth, thanks for the intelligent analysis that started off this thread. The blog needs more posters like you.
For those who have said that we might lose to Phoenix, I have been watching them on the Pass and they look HORRIBLE. Shaq needs to do the skippy thing with his arms every time he starts running in order to get up momentum. Nash looks like a 2nd round draft pick in his first NBA game. Stoudemire is disappearing late in games. We have nothing to fear from this team.
As for Detroit, I for one was shocked at how seamlessly AI fit in with those cats.. not that he's not a great player, but completely different style than Billups. I would have thought there would have been more of an adjustment period. I think the Lakers might have thought the same thing. My wife was watching the game with me and she kept saying, "how come the ball keeps going in when they shoot?" It was pretty ridiculous. Just goes to show - when your perimeter shots go down, you win. Pistons could have easily lost that game. I think we take what we need to take and move on.
Oh, and anyone who thinks Phil is being fired after this year is completely out of touch with reality. The only way Phil doesn't come back next year is if we win the O'Brien and he decides his legacy is secure enough to chill in a jacuzzi with naked Jeannie next winter.
Posted by: SBPimp | November 17, 2008 at 09:13 PM
Ex,
"Apparently Okur is more physical than Shaq. And Gasol outplayed Okur last spring, so he must be more physical than him. So apparently Gasol is more physical than Shaq."
But NONE of those guys are more physical than the great Kwame Brown. I'm actually deciding where I should rank him among the greatest centers in NBA history.
I'm thinking just behind the very physical Wilt and the "marshmellow" Kareem. Kareem isn't corn-fed.
Posted by: Xodus | November 17, 2008 at 09:16 PM
Xodus/Pig,
Michael Teniente isn't even a worthy adversary.
Don't be upset by him.
As Fatty quoted me "Michael T. has lost all credibility on this blog."
Which he has.
He thinks he's a threat to the natural order, when he is not.
Take his blows with equanimity and have faith that we will win... because we will.
Lakers Today... Lakers Tomorrow... Lakers Forever.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | November 17, 2008 at 09:18 PM
Ex check the facts man,
It wasn't Okur that as there tonight but Jason Collins. Boozer also played time at center.
And second, it wasn't Gasol we had on Okur it was Lamar Odom. (Gasol on Boozer and his defense on Boozer was just phenomenal).
In either case though, playing against Jason Collins and a Deron Williams less Jazz is just embarrassing for the Suns who got beaten by a small lineup.
I saw the game myself it was on NBA League Pass.
Something BUTLER, will NEVER get.
-blitz
Posted by: kobeblitz | November 17, 2008 at 09:18 PM
This blog is a block feature away from being the best sports blog around.
Get on it, LA Times!
Posted by: Xodus | November 17, 2008 at 09:20 PM
Fatty,
>>>>>There are the two faces of Andrew Bynum.
>>>>>One says:
>>>>>"Please pass me the ball, if you may."
>>>>>or........
>>>>>"PASS ME THE &*($%$5 BALL !!"
>>>>>Which one would you like to see?
Exactly! What is interesting in watching the Making of a Beast is that Drew is really aggressive and scowling much of the time. While he looks more like a boy, he was acting more like a man. Against the Pistons, I think he played like the boy, smiling and happy to see his old buddy Kwame and almost reluctant to play hard against him like the Williams sisters in the Wimbledon Final.
I like how Drew responded to the loss, though. And I expect to see him come out ready to fight like hell for position, rebounds, and respect. These next two games may tell us a lot about how soon it will be until we get our first Beast sighting of the young season. Personally, I think tomorrow night would be a perfect time to start.
Tom
Posted by: LakerTom | November 17, 2008 at 09:22 PM
SBPimp,
Steve Nash is no longer playing on a system that is 1) centered around him and 2) Suited to his strengths.
When he played in Dallas, sure the system was Run and Gun (Don Nelson) but he wasn't the center of the Mavericks (it was the trio of Nowitzki, Finley, and Nash).
When he came to Phoenix with D'Antoni, D'Antoni's system was not only perfect for Steve Nash but also was the center of the team.
Now while age is a factor he isn't the center of the team. Porter wants Stoudemire and Shaq to be the center of the team.
Not a bad combination but less suited to the strengths of the Phoenix Suns. Nash himself was complaining about the new system where he couldn't run and throw it out to 3 point shooters and set themselves up to a pick and rolls to get Stoudemire open dunks.
To be honest, Sasha or Derek would be a great fit for the current Suns instead of Nash. Why? Stoudemire and Shaq are the center so they will be doing most of the scoring. A spot up shooter at the PG position would spread the floor even more and have Stoudemire open and Shaq as well.
Not to advise the hated Suns but heck, the system that Porter has isn't suited to Steve Nash anymore.
I still think their best chance of getting a title was under :07 seconds or less.
-blitz
Posted by: kobeblitz | November 17, 2008 at 09:26 PM
Time is crawling.... is it Tuesday there yet?
Anna
Posted by: Anna in Bondi | November 17, 2008 at 09:27 PM
The Laker's should never lose and when they do, there is hell to pay and no one is given immunity.
PJ's apparent philosophy is interesting.
Last year before AB went down he was the second option and as we all saw the Lakers had the look of a championship team. Drew's court presense was beginning to demoralize teams ala Shack.
This year PJ comes out and says he wants Bynum to concentrate mainly on defense. As everyone can see, AB has lost his offensive mojo, he doesn't have the moves of last year and he hasn't finished very strongly when he has established great post position. Heck, even Greg Oden knows how to take advantage down low.
That being said, it must 1 or 2 things in PJ's master plan...
1. to bring AB along slowy and then unleash the beast.
2. Nine Rings will continue to use Andrew in the same manner for the rest of the season.
If # 2 is the plan, we are in trouble, because in the playoffs you can't expect AB to dominate if he hasn't been molded to do so. He will have no moves perfected, no frame of reference to start.
If # 1 is the plan (and it works) the team might have to take some losses as AB and the team learn how to play together during this progressive development.
If # 1 plan fails, it will leave the pundits to debate whether or not we failed to integrate Bynum into what was suppose to be a force to be reckoned with in the NBA.
PHIL JACKSON IS A CYLON AND HE HAS A PLAN
Posted by: You Ever Notice | November 17, 2008 at 09:28 PM
utah won tonights game in typical jazz fashion. phx may have nash but utah converted 9 more assists than phx did. both teams shot a similar percentage but utah nabbed 12 more offensive boards which led to 9 more fg attempts. lastly utah was more aggressive down the stretch which put phx in foul trouble and made them tentative and frustrated. there are a number of things the lakers can draw from for their game this thursday in phx. the jazz are a statistician's dream. that's why hollinger loves them so much. can't wait until they play the lakers.
oh, and okur was back but didn't play.
Posted by: lakers_sth | November 17, 2008 at 09:30 PM
kobeblitz,
Ex was speaking tongue in cheek. Making fun of the whole "physical" thing in general. It could have been anyone in there.
Posted by: Xodus | November 17, 2008 at 09:30 PM
I still haven't figured out who this magical "true" power forward is that troy, passionate Laker fan, et al. have been referring to. If you want to get rid of the "soft" Gasol, there must be someone in mind to replace him. Who is this "true" power forward and how can we get him?
Posted by: EJK | November 17, 2008 at 09:31 PM
Anna 22 hours, 24 minutes b4 tip off tomorrow.
-blitz
Posted by: kobeblitz | November 17, 2008 at 09:33 PM
kobeblitz,
You need to read the blog bylaws.
"1) b. Facts have no place whatsoever in discussions of the value of physicality in the NBA and/or the relative physicality of teams or individual components of said teams."
Posted by: exhelodrvr | November 17, 2008 at 09:39 PM
We have known all along that finding out the best combinations/rotation and play selection with Pau, Bynum, and Odom on the roster was not going to be easy. Why are some fans surprised that 8 games into the season it is still an issue?
Posted by: exhelodrvr | November 17, 2008 at 09:44 PM
Xodus,
Wilt didn't win his first title until his eighth season; this is Kwame's eighth season. Wilt averaged a double-double that year. Kwame has averaged a double-double for the last 1 games.
Coincidence? I think not.
Posted by: exhelodrvr | November 17, 2008 at 09:49 PM
blitz,
Thanks! In case you couldn't tell, I'm eager for these long stretches between games to be a thing of the past... its waaayy too long to sit on a loss..
Anna
Posted by: Anna in Bondi | November 17, 2008 at 09:59 PM
Ex,
"Why are some fans surprised that 8 games into the season it is still an issue?"
Do you want a serious answer or a sarcastic one? Actually, it's quite similar either way. Lakers fans are nuts because they're used to winning titles every year.
And we're also concerned about the aggregate calf size of the team, the Lakers are lacking in that area.
Posted by: Xodus | November 17, 2008 at 10:01 PM