Okay, teach, what else you got? Lakers 111, Houston 82
Had I aced the big tests of my academic life as successfully as the Lakers did Sunday night in their 111-82 win over the Rockets, my walls would be lined with endless graduate degrees and I'd currently be figuring out how best to decorate my array of ivory towers- primary residence plus beach and vacation towers- instead of typing up postgame analysis. Because man alive, the Lakers nailed the hell out of this one. While the Rockets aren't yet working like a well oiled machine, they came into Staples representing the best squad the Lakers had seen, and left like everyone else: Thoroughly defeated.
To get a clearer picture of just how much the purple and gold controlled the action, remember that LA struggled through a first quarter slop fest in which they turned the ball over eight times leading to 17 Houston points, and shot the ball like AK after too many martinis*, going 5-17 from the floor. Maybe it was the light game schedule this week or concern over struggling fantasy football squads. Whatever the problem, after the Lakers fell behind by 16 a minute into the second quarter they found their inner Svengali, putting the Rockets on a string and pulling at will. Over the final 35 minutes, the Lakers outscored Houston by forty five freakin' points.
Click below for the breakdown.
Outside of their Santa act over the first 13 minutes of the game, very little went wrong for the Lakers. Just about everyone chipped in with positive play. Some highlights:
- Kobe Bryant was a very efficient 10-17 en route to 23 points in only 33 minutes of run. As has been his custom, Kobe put his stamp on the game in the third quarter, when he went off for eight points, three dimes, three boards, and a great recovery-and-block on Tracy McGrady, his second impressive swat of the game. The first? A stuff of Yao off in the first quarter.
- Trevor Ariza was all over the floor, filling up the box score with all sorts of goodies. Eight points, eight boards, three assists, three steals. More than that, he contributed in ways that don't show up on the stat sheet- tipping balls off the glass to keep plays alive, cutting off passing lanes, grabbing loose balls. Ariza continues to play some outstanding ball.
- Pau Gasol had 20 points, 15 boards, three dimes and three blocks. Energized after an early run in with Carl Landry, Gasol played up the mismatches he saw all night from the Rockets, controlling the glass and making a push to the rim whenever possible. He's never flashy, but Gasol's influence on a game as a genuine number two option shouldn't be underestimated.
- Jordan Farmar made a few goofy plays leading to TO's, but overall was a very positive force in the game: 16 points on 6-9 from the floor, including three triples. His six assists in only 25:50 of play paced the Lakers, who notched 26 helps on their 42 field goals.
Bad stuff? Well, I mentioned the first quarter already, didn't I?
Other important things to know:
- Matchups: As we went through our preseason previews of Western Conference foes, one of the things that struck me was how no team in particular stood out as an obvious bad matchup for the Lakers. Tough? Challenging? Sure. But no squad that screams Kryptonite for the LAL. Houston is a very good team, and will get better as the season goes along, but on paper, it looked like they didn't have the length to control LA's bigs. Tonight, that's exactly how things played out. Pau had his 20, Andrew Bynum had a solid 13, and the Lakers dominated the boards by a 50-36 margin. Whenever Yao was off the floor, LA was able to play at the rack offensively and prevent Houston from getting easy hoops inside. On the night, LA blocked 10 Houston shots, including seven in the third quarter alone. Overall, the Lakers outscored the Rockets 44-36 in the paint, 40-26 after the opening quarter.
- Shutting Down the Big Guns: T-Mac and Ron Artest were a combined 3-22 from the floor. Yao had to struggle for his 12 points, and was only sent to the line five times. Yes, Carl Landry and Aaron Brooks lit up the Lakers for 32 points on a combined 14-25, but who wouldn't take that trade? If on any given night the Rockets beat you with those two guys, they get a hat tip and a pat on the back. So be it.
- Defense, Defense, Defense: The Lakers have been so strong on their half of the floor that the breakdowns they do have seem incredibly egregious, sticking out like a Twinkie on an organic farm. Sunday night, they forced 19 turnovers, had 13 steals, and held the Rockets to 38% shooting. In the third quarter, that figure was 27%, and when they blew the game open in the fourth, it was 35%. In the second half the Rockets were 12-39 from the floor, and had only five assists as the Lakers closed off their passing lanes and forced Houston to play as individuals. The Lakers continue to build a very strong defensive identity.
- Depth: There will be many games in which the Lakers don't rush out to an early lead... and probably more where they gain separation from the second unit and continue to push as the firsts return to apply more pressure than the other team can bear. The Lakers come in waves, and withstanding that for a full four quarters is no easy task. Think about it: LA's garbage time fivesome was Sasha Vujacic, Jordan Farmar, Chris Mihm, Luke Walton, and Josh Powell. Garbage time. These are mid-to-high rotation players on many teams.
More on the game tomorrow.
BK
*Actually, a few martinis might improve AK's jumper. It's just that awkward.
D-O-M-I-N-A-T-I-O-N-!
I’ll tell you up front if you don’t want to hear any over-the-top comments or optimism, stop reading right now because this is NOT your kind of post. LOL. The Lakers sent the rest of the NBA a message with a dominating 29-point pounding of the Houston Rockets tonight. Spotting the Rockets a 14-point 1st quarter lead, the Laker fought back to a 4-point lead at half-time and then held the Rockets just 34 points in the 2nd half to win going away.
The Lakers dominated the Rockets in every important category. They outscored them 111-82, out-rebounded them 50-36, out-assisted them 26-17, out-stole them 13-10, out-blocked them 10-3, and out-shot them from the field 53% to 38%, 3-pointers 53% to 38%, and free-throws 78% to 68%. Most importantly, the Lakers out-defensed the Rockets, totally shutting down their offense in the second half. Kobe again shut down McGrady, holding him to 3 points on 1-11 shooting; Drew played great against Yao, holding him to just 12 points; and Lamar outplayed Artest, holding him to 8 points on 2-11 shooting.
Meanwhile, Pau abused Scola for 20 points and 15 boards, Kobe was the MVP Kobe, and the bench swarm inundated the Rockets second unit as the Lakers depth carried them to a dominating victory, leaving them as the top offensive and defensive team in the league. Puzzled pundits proclaimed that the Laker could not continue to maintain their 20-point victory spread and they were right. The Lakers actually increase their average margin of victory, showing what happens when they play great defense AND shoot well.
Balance and depth! The Lakers 9-man rotation killed the Rockets, who admittedly were playing shot-handed without Battier. The Lakers second unit outplayed the Rockets subs and even the guys not in the rotation – Mihm, Walton, and Powell – played well. All told, 11 of 12 the Lakers who played scored, 10 got boards, 9 dished out dimes, 7 made steals, and 4 blocked shots. The Lakers incredible depth just jumped out at you throughout the game as one Laker player after another came into the game and played well.
You all may not believe it yet, but we are watching what may become one of the greatest basketball teams ever assembled grow up before out eyes. The defense, especially in the second half was a beauty to behold. The Lakers perimeter trapping discombobulated the Rockets and their fierce shot-blocking in the paint turned back the Rockets time and again. By game end, the Rockets were a thoroughly defeated and discouraged team, having had their hopes for a championship this year harshly crushed by the superior Lakers.
Just how good is this team now and how good will they be by the end of the year is going to be the question du jour for most of the season as I fully expect the Lakers to continue to improve and challenge the NBA record for wins in a season set by Jackson’s 1995-6 Bulls, who won 72 of their 82 games on the way to the NBA Championship. The Lakers now play the kind of defense that will keep them in those games where their offense is not clicking and Phil has them jacked up to post the best record and win home court for the Finals, as he has reduced garbage time now to just 2 or 3 minutes, even in blowouts.
Look for the Lakers to sweep the road back-to-back against the Mavs and Hornets on Tuesday and Wednesday and then finish off Detroit on Friday to boost their record to 8-0 to complete their dominating, statement-making week of championship-level basketball. The Fourth Dynasty has just gotten underway. Resistance is futile.
Like they say, this is solely the personal opinions of one over-the-top Lakers fan. Peace,
Tom
Posted by: LakerTom | November 09, 2008 at 10:58 PM
"They won so let's celebrate."
Well said as usual Mr. Edwin Gueco. I have some qualms about Jordan Farmar's defense (something that led Brooks look like an all-star), but we did win and we should celebrate.
If there was one thing that dominance showed me is how heads and shoulder above we are this year defensively than in years past.
It's not just the 22-9 run, it's the defense. Blocks that show we don't quit on a play (7 in the third), steals that changed the complexity of the game in the fourth, crisp rotations that make me proud to be a laker fan.
This is why we were able to blow this wide open. And that is why for one night, I'm very proud. GO Lakers!
Posted by: Faith | November 09, 2008 at 11:01 PM
Pau was the real key against Houston.
Not to dismiss other players, as a team effort especially on defense we did superb.
But I felt coming in the match up that Pau was the key since who could have guarded him? Scola? In Houston's wet dreams maybe. Landry? He doesn't have the skills to defend against Pau. When Yao went to the bench, Pau shifted to center and he got guys like Scola and Landry and those match ups were no brainers. And he easily dominated against them.
Pau as a PF who can easily switch to Center really makes the Lakers have good mismatches against the rest of the team. In my opinion the only teams that could match this are: A healthy San Antonio (When GINOBILI! and TP are healthy as much as Duncan is) because they can shift the Big Fundamental to Center, Cleveland (Andy Varejao), LA Clippers (Marcus Camby), and possibly Phoenix (Stoudemire though Pau has a natural advantage being 7 feet against Stoudemire's 6'10).
The Lakers are doing all the right things so far in winning. In fact, we could have a better match up against Boston than we did in the finals (when KG sits down and so will Perkins, Glen Davis of LSU will be their center, something Pau can dominate against). Detroit also will probably be a good match up (Sheed against Bynum and Amir Johnson vs Pau? That is funny).
I really like our blow outs since it gives Kobe, Derek, and Pau to rest for the playoffs and more time for the young ones to develop. The bench in my opinion was really almost a non factor in the *entire* playoffs save for Sasha who basically was a 6th man since Radman didn't play much even as a starter. With them consistent in the playoffs this Laker team could be 16-0 in the playoffs (we nearly had it in 2001 playoffs until that overtime lost against Philadelphia).
Next up: Dallas. Expect another win (as long as Josh Howard and especially Dirk are held in check this one we will win).
-blitz
Posted by: kobeblitz | November 09, 2008 at 11:14 PM
NOTES and Observations:
1. Ariza needs to get paid $$$, he was the catalyst that ignited the team after a sloppy start
2. Just curious as to why Kobe played in the 4th?
3. Jack in the Box might go bankrupt if they are giving free tacos for Lakers keeping their opponent under 100 points.
4. In the 3rd quarter when Scola was at the line and Brooks checked in, Kobe looked at Farmar and pointed to his own eyes, and then pointed to Brooks informing Jordan to keep him under control.
5. Kobe got game I dont care how old he is.
6. Poor Luke few min and only Laker not to score tonight. It doesn't help that Farmar clowns on him too:
http://tinyurl.com/5wjwj8
Posted by: Tej | November 09, 2008 at 11:20 PM
it looked easy out there tonite for the lakeshow. Kobe was human highlight reel. Very impressive defensivley and alot of fun to watch offensivley go lakers
Posted by: DPOD | November 09, 2008 at 11:25 PM
In what very well could have been a preview of the Western Conference Finals, the Lakers showed that they're a class above the rest of the competition in the West right now. A thoroughly dominating performance tonight. Pau played at an All-Star level, and should make the All-Star team this year. Kobe was the efficient superstar who should repeat as MVP this year if the Lakers get close to 70 wins this year.
T-Mac looked like he was 40 years old on the court tonight. If Kobe has lost a step, then T-Mac has lost two. He needs to get his body right for the Rockets to be serious championship contenders.
The top 5 shooting guards in the NBA:
1. Kobe
2. D-Wade
3. T-Mac
4. Manu
5. Roy
Honorable mention: Joe Johnson
Posted by: EJK | November 09, 2008 at 11:32 PM
solid play all the way around.
maintaining this level of play will allow Phil to rest the main guys down the stretch.
Looking forward to Tuesday and Wednesday.
Posted by: steven v | November 09, 2008 at 11:33 PM
reposting my question to Mike T:
how do you like the Lakers defense so far?
grail
Posted by: grail | November 09, 2008 at 11:35 PM
FROM PALM BEACH, FLORIDA
HOLA GUYS,
After the first quarter, I went to my room and wear my Shekobe Lakers Jersey #81 and said to the team: it's time to open the fire and they did.
Sorry, for Artest who thinks his team will be at the end: WHICH END? Our Team is the NUMBER 1 until June for the big party.
It's time to dance KARDINAL OFFISHALL with KERI HILSON to send a MESSAGE to the rest of the NBA TEAMS of our commitment for June.
DEFENSE, DEFENSE, DEFENSE=PARTY ON JUNE
Love to our team and to all
SHEKOBE FOREVER
Posted by: SHEKOBE | November 09, 2008 at 11:36 PM
Thanks for the breakdown, BK. Nice postgame video on the sidebar. I haven't seen every possession of every game, so I was wondering if this is early season muck, injuries, or road swings for other teams or are we breaking their spirit? You seemed to answer that question for me in your video. It would seem that the Lakers are indeed breaking the spirit of other teams. That bit from Trevor and Pau was great. But it's one thing to game plan for it and quite another to do it.
I've heard the first 3 teams all say they were stunned by the defensive intensity. Was there such talk from the Houston locker room?
Also gleaned from the box score:
Outrebounded HOU 50-36
Outblocked HOU 10-3
Assists +9
Steals +3
TO +1
Posted by: mel | November 09, 2008 at 11:45 PM
BK,
I can't see AK's jumper being any more akward-looking than Marion's.
blitz,
"With them consistent in the playoffs this Laker team could be 16-0 in the playoffs (we nearly had it in 2001 playoffs until that overtime lost against Philadelphia)."
Ah, the 2001 playoffs was quite a show. I've never seen a team steamroll the competition like those Lakers did. Kobe showed the world that he was the best player in the game. D-Fish and Rick Fox couldn't miss. Horace Grant played great D on all of the West's great power forwards. Shaq dominated in the Finals. That Laker team caught fire at exactly the right time heading into the playoffs. Hopefully this squad will peak at the right time too and roll through the playoffs.
Posted by: EJK | November 09, 2008 at 11:53 PM
Pau got smacked and he didn't wilt.
That right there was the most encouraging development in that romp.
Odom is playing with some passion out there and not just being emotional while having his head up his...
How long can they keep this defensive intensity going and not revert back to launching a bunch of 3's when times get tough....
Posted by: sixonezero | November 10, 2008 at 12:38 AM
...........DESTROYATION................
I like them......Easy on the heart and the blood pressure.....
Posted by: Thirty2 | November 10, 2008 at 12:54 AM
PHil: "Our defense is way more ahead than our offense!"
now that is very very interesting... Watch our NBA....
Posted by: dice8up | November 10, 2008 at 02:15 AM
Loved the win, but want to note the following:
1 - Shane didn't play. He makes a difference
2 - T-Mac is still rounding into form
3 - Strong challenge going to Dallas and then to N.O. coming up.
I really like what I see so far, especially in the heart department!
No Heart, No Championship!
Posted by: Caliphilosopher | November 10, 2008 at 05:20 AM
LAKER TOM IT'A TIME TO REV UP THE ENGINE
*..............82 Win Regular Season BandWagon ......*
(01) JON K. – Owner
(02) LAKER_TOM – Driver
(03) JAMIE SWEET – The Oracle
(04) MAMBA24 - Riding ShotGun
(05) KEIFO - Riding ShotGun
(06) EDWIN GUECO - Judge Jury & Executioner
(07) FAITH - Sasha's Haircut advisor
(08) DAVE M. – Just Kicked back living the dream
FYI Mamba does have his own fanclub, and I'm the president.
Posted by: SBPimp | November 07, 2008 at 02:32 PM
Mamba, LOL. Larry, put me on SBPimp’s Mamba24 Fan Club Bandwagon…
Mannnnnnnnnnnn!! I feel like The Lakers just won the championship. Thanks guys.
I don't know what to say. But my vote still goes CHARLES.
Posted by: Mamba24 | November 10, 2008 at 06:07 AM
Happy Monday everybody!!!
What a game, what a game!!! I thought this was supposed to be a test...what test??? Everybody played well but I have to give it up to Trevor Ariza and Pau today. They ignited this team last night. I agree with a previous post...Trevor needs to get paid. Gotta also give LO some props. His stats weren't out of this world but his hussle was unbelievable. I think this guy was meant to be a sixth man all along. I say 6th Man of the Year definitely.
The Clips got their first vctory against a pathetic Mavs team. Let's go in there and handle our business tomorrow.
GO LAKERS!!!!
Posted by: EastCoastJessie | November 10, 2008 at 06:58 AM
grail,
What you're seeing is fool's gold. The Lakers are WEAK inside. Did you see Yao abuse Socks down low? And those screens he was setting were pathetic. Kobe nor anyone else could do anything off those weak Bynum screens.
Fools gold, everyone. If you want REAL defense, bring back Kwame. Detroit might trade us Kwame for Bynum if we throw in some sweateners... like Bynum + Ariza for Kwame.
This is where you'd expect to see Mike T's name, but I'm just pulling your leg.
Great win.
Tim-4-Show
Posted by: Tim-4-Show | November 10, 2008 at 07:23 AM
*..............82 Win Regular Season BandWagon ......*
(01) JON K. – Owner
(02) LAKER_TOM – Driver
(03) JAMIE SWEET – The Oracle
(04) MAMBA24 - Riding ShotGun
(05) KEIFO - Riding ShotGun
(06) EDWIN GUECO - Judge Jury & Executioner
(07) FAITH - Sasha's Haircut advisor
(08) DAVE M. – Just Kicked back living the dream
Posted by: MAMBA24 | November 10, 2008 at 07:30 AM
What a great team we have this year. It could be an all time great Laker team.
The Boston Celtics still look pretty good.
We must continue to focus our work on DEFENSE. That's the only way we beat the Celtics.
So far, so good.
Go Lakers!
Posted by: Rocky | November 10, 2008 at 07:45 AM
82-0.
Believe it.
Lakers Today... Lakers Tomorrow... Lakers Forever.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | November 10, 2008 at 07:50 AM
It's official.
I have Laker Tom and Do You See What I See's approval.
Jordan Farmar's new nickname is "The Zohan."
The Zohan + The Beast = The Future.
Lakers Today... Lakers Tomorrow... Lakers Forever.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | November 10, 2008 at 07:54 AM
Good Morning Laker Fam -
Loved the win! Great hustle, great defense, no quitters here tonight ladies and gentlemen! It was a beauty to watch! Got up and watched it again this morning.
Read a Houston paper this morning where Yao says they didn't lose because of us, but because of their bad play. Yao must be living in a fantasy world, 'cause it was the Lakers that caused HOU to lose! Ariza, Kobe, Pau, Bynum, Farmar all with good/great defensive moves. So fun to watch.
Cue that music -
I LOVE LA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
WE LOVE IT!
Posted by: longtimelakerlover | November 10, 2008 at 07:57 AM
2 - T-Mac is still rounding into form
Posted by: Caliphilosopher | November 10, 2008 at 05:20 AM
Good Post Cali but.....
ROFLMAO! Tmac rounding in condition, come on
Cali, what condition is that. Bad Back, Bad shoulder
or 1st round fadeitis. On Paper the Rockets are potentially the
best team in the West except Tmac and Yao are as fragile as paper.
No Sweat. The only team that can defeat the Lakers are
THE FREAKIN LA LAKERS.
Posted by: MAMBA2`4 | November 10, 2008 at 08:02 AM
VICTORY ROLL CALL IN 1 HOUR SOUND OFF IF YOU
ARE NOT ON AND WANT TO BE
Posted by: MAMBA24 | November 10, 2008 at 08:06 AM
Good morning Mamba24, Charles & the fabulous Laker morning CRUE!!!!
GREAT win last night! Yup - I'm drinking the kool-aid people - LOL!
This season is going to be one heck of a ride. This team is so deep, I'm seriously thinking we break the 72-10 record this year. I know we'll have challenges - even if it's just us trying not to play like we did in the first (yikes that was ugly) - but this team is so deep and talented, I think it will be very difficult for anyone to overcome.
Resistance is futile.
Bring on Dirt No-win-ski - I want to see Pau and Socks humiliate the Cubanites.
GO LAKERS!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: justanothermambafan | November 10, 2008 at 08:13 AM
Best news of the day?
Dr. Jerry Buss (aka "Best Owner Ever") said he'll pay whatever he has to to keep the Dynasty going.
Thank you, God.
Lakers Today... Lakers Tomorrow... Lakers Forever.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | November 10, 2008 at 08:16 AM
It's amazing how competitive te wstern conference is, but the Lakers seem to be dispatching with Hoston and Portland; The Clippers only hold meaning to the Lakers as perhaps a 'higher level of pratice?' The Lakers have proven before that Phoenix, Dallas and Denver ar no problem, and we seem to handle San Antonio. Now we need to see if they can handle the tough Eastern coonference - how will they respond to Cleveland, Boston and a revamped Detroit Pistons? Well, the Celtics seemd to handle the Pistons okay...
Posted by: Jason Graves | November 10, 2008 at 08:18 AM
Tim-4-Show,
"Fools gold, everyone. If you want REAL defense, bring back Kwame."
You read my mind. Now at least I'm not the only one who sees the TRUTH.
Lakers Today... Lakers Tomorrow... Lakers Forever.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | November 10, 2008 at 08:18 AM
Hmmm...good win. But I still don't see us winning 70+ games. There are teams in the west who can beat us, especially in their house.
That said, we can get better, which is really, really scary, lol. We're still not firing on all cylinders offensively (especially the Pau/Bynum combo) and if and when we get there, wow...Our offensive efficiency will go through the roof and our defense will get even better.
It helps that we have 9, 10, maybe even 11 players that could be starter in this league (Walton and Mimh both started for us, so...) on lower end teams. Wow again. I really want to see Kobe keep up his defense all season. This would rock - he would surely win DPOY and if the Lakers win the west again, could win another MVP. Cap that off with finals MVP and through on last years MVP and the gold medal and you've got yourself a pretty good time.
Anyway, I'm going to wait until next year to declare this team one of the greatest of all time, even if we go 8-0 that's still only 10% of the regular season...
So, while we'll get better so will Huston and other teams and it's a looooong season. I advocate some perspective.
That said,
GO LAKERS! 82-0 16-0 4-0, close it out in Boston and sail down Figueroa!
Posted by: Cameron | November 10, 2008 at 08:18 AM
Also, to maintain their consistency, because beginning of season energy always fizzles, for any team; I think they need to start thinking about putting veterans on their bench, for guidance for the younger player. I think that they should try to sign Juwaan Howard, or Stephon Marbury, and I think that Webber wants to come back in a limited capacity. Wouldn't be great t have players like that, at least to pratcie ad work with Bynam, Walton and Ariza?
Posted by: Jason Graves | November 10, 2008 at 08:20 AM
Tim-4-Show
For a second I thought I had to drive up north and rattle you, but yes...that would have been MT.
Colorado loves the Lakers!
Posted by: Hugo Boss | November 10, 2008 at 08:30 AM
AK/BK
What's with TNT's outdoor broadcast? are they going to come to their senses?
It's distracting when you know they are cold and uncomfortable.
Can you relay the message to the producer of that show?
B
Posted by: Baywood | November 10, 2008 at 08:32 AM
A Great Idea to make the whole nation smile.
We have the 15th spot open. Our Presdent Elect Obama loves basketball.
How about having him suit up and start a game? even for a minute?
Awesome
Baywood
Posted by: Baywood | November 10, 2008 at 08:35 AM
Good Morning Charles....Good Morning Everyone....
What an impressive win---at the end of the game I was basically dumbstruck and in rapture of being a Laker fan--there can be no doubt...THIS IS A TEAM FOR THE AGES !!!
Could a team possibly have more weapons and versitility?
Not to mention the growing character, confidence, and determination they showed when down early--it's safe to say we passed this latest test---the next three games will be very interesting to say the least...
I thought everyone played well with Kobe at his usual sublime, but I thought Pau was the most impressive last night....
I wish that the league pass would include the pre game and post game shows (es[ecially post game)--it's strange that they are not broadcast---you would think the advertisers would want us subjected to more of their brainwashing than less---what gives?
Still haven't seen the reason that assists are venacularly known as "dimes"---please someone enlighten this meager soul...
AS ALWAYS, AS EVER, YET ANOTHER GREAT DAY (AND SEASON) TO BE A LAKER FAN !!!
GO LAKERS !!!
Posted by: Floyd | November 10, 2008 at 08:38 AM
LAKERS' RESERVES MAKE UP FOR SLOW START
By Mark Whicker for the OCRegister.com
http://tinyurl.com/6c7vyq
Superb recap of Lakers dominating win with a plethora of great comments and 1-lilners. Here are some excerpts:
>>>>>
It was 22-9 and then it was 42-29, and the fans began to realize the Lakers can't play the Clippers all season.
Or maybe they can.
>>>>>
And Houston might still be second best in the Western Conference.
>>>>>
Commissioner David Stern urges the 13 other Western teams to evacuate immediately.
>>>>>
“I think the second time around, we'll see other teams make adjustments," Phil Jackson said, craning his neck to find clouds.
>>>>>
Remember when people used to argue whether McGrady or Bryant was better?
>>>>>
What began to happen last season was no mirage.
>>>>>
The top small forwards on the Lakers' schedule will be guarded by Bryant or Ariza every miserable minute.
>>>>>
The whole thing made one wonder if an 82-game schedule is long enough to contain 10 Laker losses. Or five.
>>>>>
Tom
Posted by: LakerTom | November 10, 2008 at 08:41 AM
JERRY BUSS SAYS LAKERS CAN BANK ON HIM
By Mike Bresnahan for the LA Timess
http://tinyurl.com/6ed7nk
GREAT NEWS FROM JERRY BUSS:
>>>>>
Owner says he'll pay what it takes, in salary and luxury taxes, to keep the team in championship contention. Retaining Kobe Bryant and Phil Jackson is a priority.
>>>>>
On the four-year, $57.4-million contract extension he gave Andrew Bynum: "I have to feel it was really fair to both sides . . . especially since we have him now. He could be one of the great ones."
>>>>>
Buss is currently on pace to pay about $10 million in luxury taxes this season and might pay a similar dollar-for-dollar penalty with a commitment of already more than $75 million toward only nine players on next season's payroll.
He shrugged when presented the financial facts on Sunday.
"We have to do what we have to do," he said. "I certainly don't like to pay the luxury tax, but if that's what it takes to win, then we're going to pay it."
>>>>>
Tom
Posted by: LakerTom | November 10, 2008 at 08:52 AM
Hello Faith and LakerTom, my contemporaries since 2006, today we are giddy shouting to the world of domination while during in those dark years, all we got were Jackson Journals an array of analysis of what could have been if Kwame played more minutes than Walton LOL! then Zakee appears unpertubed with repetitious posts: "Smush su*ks w/ Lakertom incessant duet: Farmar is a starter". Well, they are now memories......I hope.
BK, I totally agreee with you, the 3rd shift composed of Sasha, Jordan, Luke, Chris, Josh - this is the 2nd team of most NBA teams or still better. They haven't seen yet played our reserved excutioners imported from Congo and China still at the warehouse at Port of LA, sharpening their skills. Hey this team is deep provided they maintain consistency on the road when they are far from the maddening crowd.. They could spread the fouls, spread the speed, spread the floor and most important is timing, when to go for speed and when to be methodical and go with reliable MVP for bread and butter points.
BK, also I may add as you mentioned in your thread, Forget the lack of A's during your college years or diplomas that accummulate cobwebs over time, most important you acquired knowledge and applying it now. Bloggers like us are motivated to contribute to your thread. What if you were working as a regional manager of blue chip company, you may be lining up in the unemployment office, just read the news today another 8,500 people got laid off by Deutch Post or in short, DHL. Circuit City calling it quits. GM & Ford can't move out their cars from the assembly lines. When will this bleeding stop? Lakers victory is surely a diversion that opens a little window of happiness.
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | November 10, 2008 at 08:55 AM
LakerTom,
"You all may not believe it yet, but we are watching what may become one of the greatest basketball teams ever assembled grow up before out eyes. "
Opening day I posted the following:
Opening day of the best Laker season EVER.
2 future Hall of Famers
6 current and future all stars
7 players average double figures in PPG
Team will be mentioned in the 5 greatest teams ever discussion.
68+ wins
12 players who contribute on any given night.
Doesn't get any better than this folks. Sit back and enjoy the next 98 games.
Posted by: Eric M. | October 28, 2008 at 09:54 AM
Glad you've FINALLY come around. ;)
Posted by: Eric M. | November 10, 2008 at 08:55 AM
LakerNation,
Make no mistake, 3 future hall of famers and a proven championship caliber bench are determined to cement their place in history at our expense.
http://tinyurl.com/57zkfz
"No, the truth is barring injury, you'd be hard-pressed to find a team in the East that will get pass Kevin Garnett's defense in the middle in a seven-game series. Sure, Andrew Bynum will give the Lakers more beef in the middle if the Finals repeat, but unless Pau Gasol undergoes a heart transplant between now and June, Leon Powe, Glen Davis and Kendrick Perkins will once again have their way down low."
Mamba24,
"82 Win Regular Season BandWagon " ... dude I'm torn ... odom calls this team a rock band and I'm with him ... I've even started playing kevin rudolf/lil wayne's "let it rock" as my pregame anthem ... 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) ... a part of me wants to practice what i preach and ask u to take me off the > 72 win bandwaggon ... and i'm thinking maybe i should go with eminems soldier instead ... but F it, some would argue navy seals rock ... so imma bump both songs and just ask that u sign your bandwaggons with "beat boston" as well ... or perharps even "kill boston"
I hate green just as much as I love purple and gold ... and at least for this year, they're the only team I want to face in the finals ... and to the little turd on espn that said Gasol needs a heart transplant, we'll c u in june too
Posted by: Taliq | November 10, 2008 at 09:15 AM
LakerTom,
"We have to do what we have to do," he said. "I certainly don't like to pay the luxury tax, but if that's what it takes to win, then we're going to pay it."
That quote made my day.
Eric M,
I also felt that the Lakers had the potential to be among the best teams of all time.
I predicted 67 wins but the way this team has played has exceeded my expectations thus far. Imagine what's going to happen when they actually find the same fluidity on offense we had last season.
They may have to just cancel the league.
Posted by: Xodus | November 10, 2008 at 09:20 AM
Baywood-
And set him up to face Faith's scathing reports of lack of defensive commitment? That's rougher than the Washington press corps.
Edwin-
I appreciate the pep talk, but clearly you haven't been keeping up with life at Tribune Co lately (haha).
BK
Posted by: Brian Kamenetzky | November 10, 2008 at 09:21 AM
Laker Tom
Great post as usual though I thought you were somewhat skeptical on our potential and our strengths--I might have to add a power of ten to all you said, and indeed risk to incur the wrath of posters who think you are way to optimistic--if you need me to share some of that burden let me know....
The article in the Times with Dr. Buss is so frickin' cool that it's virtually indescribable---I think he might want to have another dynasty or two and will pay to see it---also dug his comments on the Celtics and his pre ownership etc....however I repeat and retate NOBODY HATES THE CELTICS MORE THAN ME, WITH THE POSSIBLE EXCEPTION OF JERRY WEST....not even Dr. Buss...
Can someone figure out exactly what we have eventually and finally received via the Shaq trade....I know some : Odom (straight up), Bynum (via our poor record that next season and 10th pick), Pau (via Butler / Kwame trade), Farmar (via the Heat's second round pick)....
was that second round pick that we traded Cheik Sahlm(SP?) to Detroit for Mo Evans which led to Ariza part of the Shaq trade? Anyone else I forgot about?
All in all I think we made a hell of a trade and got more than market value for Shaq, though we did have to endure some seasons of less than desirable results (though EVERY season as a Laker fan is a great one)...
GO LAKERS !!!
Posted by: Floyd | November 10, 2008 at 09:24 AM
68+ wins Posted by: Eric M. | October 28, 2008 at 09:54
Come on Brother Eric, You can do better than that. Join
LakerTom and I on the 82 win Bandwagon,.
Still haven't seen the reason that assists are venacularly known as "dimes"---please someone enlighten this meager soul...Postedd by: Floyd | November 10, 2008 at 08:38 AM
ME TOO!
BAYWOD How you been my brother. Welcome back.
Posted by: Mamba24 | November 10, 2008 at 09:26 AM
DOESN'T SOMEONE ON HERE HAVE A BET WITH MIKE T. BASED ON KWAME'S STATS THIS SEASON?
I remember someone having a bet with Mike T but I don't remember who and I don't remember what the parameters of the bet were.
I just checked Kwame's stats and I'm thinking Mike T is not going to win that one.
Posted by: Andrew Z | November 10, 2008 at 09:30 AM
LAKER NATION DON'T BE SUPRISED READ ROLL CALL:
THE GREATEST OWNER IN SPORTS DR. JERRY BUSS
i REST MY CASE.
Dr.Buss you are god!
Posted by: Mamba24 | November 10, 2008 at 09:30 AM
LAKER NATION DON'T BE SUPRISED READ ROLL CALL:
THE GREATEST OWNER IN SPORTS DR. JERRY BUSS
i REST MY CASE.
Dr.Buss you are god!
Posted by: Mamba24 | November 10, 2008 at 09:30 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.
*
CLARIFICATION: As FAITH will henceforth and forever more be first in the Roll Call
YoOU_EVER_NOTICE has been appointed The Final line of Defense and will appear last
*
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
*
THIS SEASONS GOALS:
73 WINS, 35 WINS IN A ROW
MVP - KOBE…COY – 9(RINGS)…6THMAN- LAMAR…MIP-BEAST
*
http://tinyurl.com/5f9xj3 Last Chance to see Shaqs farewell tool
http://tinyurl.com/6gkxdp Lakers will break bank for Kobe
*
A ROLL CALL FOR THE ELLE OF IT . ROLL CALL!!
FAITH(01) BOB, KEIFO, CHARLES, EDWIN_ GUECO, FATTY, TP, JON K., BD, #4, TALIQ
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 09:32 AM
Xodus,
""We have to do what we have to do," he said. "I certainly don't like to pay the luxury tax, but if that's what it takes to win, then we're going to pay it."
That quote made my day. "
Probably put a smile on LO and his agents faces as well.
Posted by: Andrew Z | November 10, 2008 at 09:34 AM
I appreciate the pep talk, but clearly you haven't been keeping up with life at Tribune
Co lately (haha). BK Posted by: Brian Kamenetzky | November 10, 2008 at 09:21 AM
FEAR NOT KAMBROTHERS IF THERE IS ONE THING IN THE TRIBUNE EMPIRE
THAT IS NOT IN TROUBLE IT'S THE LAKER BLOG. DID I STEER YOU WRONG
ON THE KOBE MVP NOT BEING CLOSE 2 MONTHS BEFORE IT WAS AWARDED.
YOU'RE SAFE GUYS.
Posted by: MAMBA24 | November 10, 2008 at 09:35 AM