At least Canada has Gretzky: Lakers 112, Raptors 99
Sunday night's 112-99 win over the Toronto Raptors provided a glimpse at what both makes the Lakers arguably the best team in the league, along with their (relative) weaknesses. When it comes to the latter, a trapping D currently in practice can effectively force teams into taking jumpers from distance, 
but those lower-percentage shots gain traction when no rotating defender arrives to close out. For example of this phenomenon, take a look at the third quarter, in which six of eight Toronto three-pointers went down. The Lakers also fall a little too in love at times with the alley oop and Hail Mary passes, which are certainly more fun than dumping the ball inside, but they're also more likely to result in one of the 19 turnovers converted into 17 Dinosaur points.
And specifically on a night like this evening, where the opponent's best interior defender (Jermaine O'Neal) is nursing a sprained ankle, it's basically mandatory that the ball end up in either Andrew Bynum or Pau Gasol's hands on the low block or the mitts of a posting/driving Kobe Bryant for a kick out, because the Raptors were at a distinct disadvantage around the hoop. "We went inside in the first quarter and we kind of forgot about it," admitted Bynum. "At the start of the second quarter, Pau was able to get off. Then in the third quarter, they started finding me inside."
This would be the part where we talk about the Lakers' strengths.
As they got back to basics, L.A. not only began running circles around the Raptors, but showed just how many ways they can beat a team silly -- using their length to out-rebound Toronto, 54-36 (Bynum and Odom both snagged 10), racking a season-high 34 assists (everyone with at least six minutes of playing time had at least one), 51% shooting from the floor, and a bench talented enough to steam roll a nine-point lead at the end of the third quarter to 19 points after just six minutes of play in the fourth with Kobe and Pau on the pine. That, ladies and gents, is a team able to pocket winning box score after winning box score. Whenever up for playing at the top of their collective games, the metaphorical sky is the actual limit.
The breakdown is below.
THE GOOD
As previously mentioned, Toronto sported a major weakness in the paint on both sides of the ball, one that needed heavy exploitation. Case in point A...
- Pau Gasol: While the Kwame Brown-exchanged forward wasn't always fed enough down low for my tastes (more on that later), he did prove that no matter where he decided to put up the ball, the Toronto personnel wasn't equipped to guard him. Whether from just inside 20 feet, mid-range or putting back errant shots, Gasol went 10 for 17 en route to 24 points, chipping in nine rebounds (five offensive) just for the fun of it. Throw in the guy's passing ability and it's easy to understand why good things often happen when he helps set the table.
Case in point B...
- Andrew Bynum: Drew's first half featured just three attempts, a number I found considerably paltry. The kid apparently agreed, because he hoisted another 10 over the next 24 minutes, his seven fourth-quarter points in particular helping to create separation between hosts and visitors. Bynum's offensive display included short jumpers and spin moves down low, but he also did serious damage from point-blank range. Pick-and-roll screens were slipped to receive textbook feeds from Kobe Bryant, misses were put back and sometimes the rock just got flat out slammed. A sweet shovel pass from Sasha Vujacic (who enjoyed one of his best dishing nights of the season) set up the prettiest sequence, but the nastiest (in a good way) came when Jordan Farmar put up an alley that Bynum ooped upside Joey Graham's head. Predictably, the Staples crowd went goony bird.
It's also worth noting the work Drew did defending Chris Bosh, particularly when the All-Star was working his face-up game. Playing away from the bucket isn't necessarily considered Drew's bread and butter, but Bynum more than held his own. Shots from eight to 10 feet were successfully challenged, turnovers forced and drives to the basket were altered when the young center kept pace with his more polished foe. And if you like what you saw, credit the Captain, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, with a big assist. After watching Bosh draw a foul against Drew and can a 21-footer in his face in Toronto's early possessions, he gave Bynum some advice during the first time out. Smiled Bynum, "Kareem was like, 'Make sure that you stay within the arm length of him and play his left hand, before he even makes a move, play him on to he left side.' And it worked." That Bosh finished the night four for 13 for an unimpressive 12 points wasn't entirely the result of Bynum's defensive ability, but Socks certainly had a hand in a lack of star
power witnessed. - Trevor Ariza: Another night of filling up a box score for the super sub. 14/6/5 and a block.
THE BAD
- Sam Mitchell's ability to "game plan" Kobe: Granted, you're talking about a baller most coaches struggle to corral. But dude, 21 points at the half on eight of 11 shooting, 23 in all (bear in mind, Mamba sat the final 13 minutes), and a 51-90 clip from the field for 136 points over the previous four games since "81." Methinks another trip to the ol' drawing board may be warranted. If, however, the plan was to make Kobe a "distributor" (as teams often have in the past), hats off. Kobe's seven dimes represented a season high. Mitchell's been rumored to reside on the hot seat. Assuming the man enjoys being employed, he's lucky the Raptors only play the Lakers twice a year.
- Eyes often anywhere but inside: Judging by the box score alone, a night where Pau Gasol and Drew combined for 42 points would reflect an evening spent feeding the big dogs. But that's why games aren't played on box scores (or whatever the saying is), because truth be told, Gasol was often making hay from outside and both got some cleaning up misses, as opposed to being set up with clean looks on the block and playing "inside-out." Tonight, that was the equivalent of an ace in the hole folded. As time went on, the Lakers began remembering and using this advantage (coincidentally, they began pulling away too), but it should be a credo by this point. Few, if any, teams have an obvious counter to the Lakers front court. Every possession must include a paint touch or two, even if the shot eventually goes up from elsewhere.
- Jordan Farmar: His set-up of Drew's monster dunk provided one of the game's unquestionable highlights, but Farmar was also at the center of more than a few lowlights. Some quick shots off little ball movement (along with a very ill-advised post up fade away) and five turnovers merit mention, but mainly it was the Bruin continually a step behind whoever he was guarding. When that's Jose Calderon, so be it. A lot of fellas can't keep the pace with el PG de Espana. But when it's whoever Roko Ukic is, that's a little discouraging.
THE "HUGE HAND" RECIPIENT
- DJ Mbenga: On a night where the crowd got them some free Mexican food, they applauded mightily the symbolic insertion of a home team's taco embodiment. And where's the best place to serve tacos? At a block party hosted by DJ Mbenga, who notched a pair in just three minutes.
AUDIO
- Andrew Bynum: Download andrew_bynum_11.30.08.mp3
- Trevor Ariza: Download trevor_ariza_11.30.08.mp3
AK
QUOTES:
Pau Gasol, on Kobe Bryant continuing to get fourth quarter rest:
"It's really nice to have a big lead so that we don't need to be out there for the fourth quarter. Other players can step up and our bench players can get some more minutes and some more flow. It's a win-win for us."
On the team's performance of late:
"We expect to win every night, that's how good of a team we are and that's how good of a team we want to be and have to be. Some nights it's not going to happen. We're going to have some off nights and there's going to be some teams on the road that are going to be tough to beat. We have great expectations and great ambitions. We're going out there to win every night."
Chris Bosh, on the Lakers' defensive rotations:
"They come from that bottom spot and take every pass away except the furthest pass, which is in the corner and the backboard is in the way. I have two 7-foot defenders on me. It was very tough."
Raptors coach Sam Mitchell on the Lakers' rebounding:
"I thought our guys were boxing out, but guys like Gasol and Bynum are just strong and were reaching over us and we couldn't come up with that key basket or that key stop when we needed it."
On Kobe Bryant and the improved Lakers:
"He knows that he is on a better basketball team. He understands that he doesn't have to try to score every time down the court, that he has guys he can defer to and get the ball to. But yet, he still knows, being Kobe, he knows the system that he can get his and get opportunities when he wants. But you know the way Gasol and Bynum played tonight, and some of their other guys, it was just tough (for us.)"
Phil Jackson, on the upcoming road trip:
"I think the tempo of the game changes. We have to be more concerned about controlling the game with fewer turnovers, less fouls and (creating) fewer opportunities for our opponents."
I thought someone said we were going to lose?
Instead we got some early first half Luke Walton action, and appearances made by my main man DJ "The Taco Man" Mbenga along with Powell. Who would have thunk it?
Posted by: Tej | November 30, 2008 at 11:32 PM
AK,
I was wondering why no appreciation was shown towards Kobe's efforts tonight under the Good column. I like the way you cleverly managed to point it out under the Bad column instead. His shot selection was pretty good today, ball movement was there, and not to mention he had a really nice arc on this free throws today, they barely made the net move.
Posted by: Tej | November 30, 2008 at 11:41 PM
I'm glad you mentioned Farmar's inability to man up on D... At this point I can't see anyone worst than him in the PG position when it comes to D.... That includes Dragic of the CLIPPERS....
Posted by: GINO | November 30, 2008 at 11:56 PM
Freakin' awesome... and exemplary play from all involved...
Posted by: Shotimluv | December 01, 2008 at 12:03 AM
It's too bad Jermaine O'Neal couldn't play tonight. I was looking forward to seeing how Drew and Pau matched up with JO and Bosh.
Bosh seems to be strictly a face-up player on offense. He plays more like a small forward than a traditional back-to-the-basket power forward. Pau's ability to both face up and play in the post, as well as his passing skills, make him arguably a more valuable big man than Bosh. For the Lakers at least, I'd rather have Pau than Bosh.
Posted by: EJK | December 01, 2008 at 12:05 AM
Let's hope the Lakers don't blow it on this trip. I predict the Lakers tose during one of these trips. Today's game shows why I am not sold on Farmar as our future pg. He is too erratic. Javaris Crittenton anyone? Maybe we can trade Josh Powell or Chris Mihm for him?
Posted by: never | December 01, 2008 at 12:55 AM
This from Preetom Bhattacharya from hoopsworld:
"What do you think about the Lakers game? Do u think they can win more than 65+ games and win the title, wut r they lacking?
Preetom Bhattacharya:
They're really impressing me, man. Coming from behind like that yesterday and beating a Dallas squad that wanted that game really badly is definitely a sign that they're the real deal, not that we didn't know that already.
But the Lakers are seriously winning all these games with pretty minimal point production from Kobe in comparison to other years. It's crazy - people have talked about him deferring and stuff like that in the past, but now Kobe's playing a game where he can play defense with the best of them since his offensive load is less. (If you ask me, I think Kobe wants Defensive Player of the Year this year .. NOT the MVP).
I do think the Lakers will run into some problems with quicker point guards, as Fisher isn't exactly the quickest guy out there and Farmar's defensive abilities are sometimes suspect. Vujacic hasn't been the same so far this season, but I think he'll work his way back into consistency. But guys like Devin Harris can bother the Lakers at the point (as he did on Tuesday), which is going to mean the defensive anchors at the center spot - whether it's Pau or Drew - are going to have to be cognizant of penetration constantly. I don't like that because it'll take away from their weakside awareness (and chances for blocks), but that's just how it's going to have to be if the Lakers' point guards can't keep their opponents in front of them."
Wes
Posted by: wesjoenixon | December 01, 2008 at 01:12 AM
Kobe the best player of all time.Lakers 2009 champion of the world.
Posted by: Adrian Palomar | December 01, 2008 at 02:06 AM
My favorite play of the night was Bynum's 70-foot pass to Lamar. Great combination of court awareness and skill - bodes well for the future.
Posted by: exhelodrvr | December 01, 2008 at 02:07 AM
Seriously, are you guys getting paid every time you link to that taco vid? Haha.
Posted by: Emma | December 01, 2008 at 02:44 AM
The Big 3: Kobe/Pau/Andrew
Kobe played another efficient game and got another under 30 minutes of playing time. Good thing which makes him fresh for times when we need him and especially the playoffs.
Pau took advantage of Andrea Bargnani and had a very nice game. And scouts compared Bargnani to Dirk? Well that's just dandy because Pau not only torched him but also made him struggle as well (5-14, 36% shooting). Pau is a really good defender. Not the defender of KG or Tim but really is good.
Drew's defense on Chris Bosh is nothing but phenomenal. True the Laker team defense always is better compared to an individual's defense but Bosh simply had no effective answer for Drew offensively. Whether it was posting up or even face up he could not simply figure Andrew out. IF Drew can provide the same effort against KG, then Pau will have more energy on the offensive end which makes it all the better. Drew's defense still continues to be impressive (I'm not surprised at his overall defense but against Chris Bosh?? Now that's really awesome). I was also not really surprised at his offensive game either. The Raptors really did not have anybody to match up with him and well he made them pay. Great overall game especially defensively.
So Indiana, Philadelphia, and Washington next. Have to focus one game at a time just like the Lakers themselves said (yes they did say it *Troy*).
-blitz
Posted by: kobeblitz | December 01, 2008 at 02:53 AM
Gooooooooood Morning Laker Nation
Stat of the day:
Since Mike "Nostradamus" T predicted that the Pistons would the East Champs (thanks mostly to Stone Hands) and that the Lakers could not beat the Pistons in a seven game series...
Detroit went 3-4, having lost to Suns, Celtics, Timberwolves (??!!) and Trailblazers.
While Los Angeles is 7-0, having defeated Bulls, Suns, Nuggets, Kings, Netsd, Mavs and Raptors.
Posted by: Allan - Brazil | December 01, 2008 at 03:48 AM
good day laker bloggers!!!
our lakers our showing us every game that what every opponent throw at them they can win with ease pau and kobe didn't even enter the 4th and that's good for our team so in the playoffs kobe can play unlimited minutes without tiring
GO LAKERS!!!
LET HELL BE RAISE LAKERS!!!
Posted by: hellraiser(certified mamba fan) | December 01, 2008 at 04:40 AM
good day laker bloggers!!!
our lakers our showing us every game that what every opponent throw at them they can win with ease pau and kobe didn't even enter the 4th and that's good for our team so in the playoffs kobe can play unlimited minutes without tiring
GO LAKERS!!!
LET HELL BE RAISE LAKERS!!!
Posted by: hellraiser(certified mamba fan) | December 01, 2008 at 04:40 AM
oh yeah!
81-1!
the guys did a masterful job; odom i think deserves some applause too; it is not in box score but if you watch the game closely you'd see it.
Posted by: isang | December 01, 2008 at 04:43 AM
[_I HATE, HATE, HATE REALLY HATE BOSTON BANDWAGON_]
(01) TALIQ - Owner - Until we avenge our loss to Boston, I don't think we
should yearn for any regular season accolades (ala an exaggerated 82 wins) ..
Left to me, I'd have us play them like 30 times during the season just so
we can beat them every week
(02) FLOYD- DRIVER - I hate, despise, loathe, detest, abhor, and abominate the
frickin' Celtics with all my heart, soul and being (to put it extremely lightly) I think this
bandwagon needs to be driven right up Boston's collective anus-buckle in boys and girls....
(03) LAKERTOM - Nobody hates Boston like a Lakers-Yankees fan!
(04) VMAN - Riding ShotGun - KILL BOSTON KILL KILL KILL but nicely.
(05) KEIFO – Hid KG’s headband in the Finals.
(06) MAMBA24 – HATE KG, HATE THE TRUTH, HATE BLACK JESUS, like DOC.
(07) EASTCOASTJESSIE – Will make a Lie out of The Truth, make him lie on the floor
screaming in pain after I finish kicking the stuffings out of him. Then make him push her
in his wheelchair.
(08) LONGTIMELAKERLOVER - Right behind Mamba - "cue the music! I LOVELA!!!!"
as much as I hate the Celtics.
(09) MAGICMAN -Will perform his famous disappearing trick and make the Celts vanish.
(10) Lakersrydeordie - official hater of anyting green team" ....
(11) KOBEBLITZ – Even hates green beans mistook KG for a green bean & snapped him.
(12) JON K.--Will personally beat down Paul Pierce while Jerry Buss
watches--smiling, clapping, and smoking a cigar.
(13) EDWIN GUECO – Judge Jury & Executioner of anything Green
(14) LAKER TOM – Made Tom Heinson change his name to Bill. Kneecapped Bill Walton
(15) JUSTANOTHERMAMBAFAN - Hate The Celtics. I HATE EVERYTHING GREEN.
(16) BADFINGER – Will injure The Tuths good Finger and then take out KG with the
5 fingers of death.
(17) utzworld – THE BANNER HOLDER - AND YE SHALL KNOW MY NAME IS THE
LORD WHEN I LAY MY VENGEANCE UPON THEE!!
(18) JAMIE SWEET - I hate Boston so much that I often wish that when the Yankees
and The Red Sox are playing each other, a large meteorite destroys the stadium,
completely wiping both teams from the face of the earth.
(19) FATTY – Almost Convinced KG to join The Lakers and when he didn’t put
itching powder In his game shorts.
(20) CHRIS H. - You can give me any title you want, I just friggin hate Boston
with a passion (21) #4 – I remember hearing this week that Dr. Buss has been
on that bandwagon since well before he bought the team. Maybe he should be
an honorary passenger?
(22) DR. JERRY BUSS – HONORARY SECURITY – And He will Kick @ss if you mess up!
(23) VMAN - HATE BOSTON, LOATHE BOSTON, KILL BOSTON but do it with a smile.
(24) JEFF - Boston Sports in general (Red sox, Celtics, Patriots) can go suck it.
(25) TIM-4-SHOW - Come on bro, you know better than to leave me off a "beat
the celtics" bandwagon. Take care of this atrocity.
(26) HUGO BOSS - Add me as number Twenty-SiXX to the hate Boston bandwagon
please Because I hate Boston 26 times more than the other 25 bloggers.
(27) LONG_TIMELAKER_LOVER - Stupid Boston. I hate 'em. And I don't hate them
for this Past year as much as I hate them for the Parrish/McHale/ratface years
(28) FEARLESS – RIDING SHOTGUN - I'm like the greatest Celtic Hater on this
whole blog. I've been posting "F the Celtics" for over a year, now.
(29) JOHNNY P. - I think we should finish polluting New England to the gills
and then cede it to Canada to make them take care of it for us.
(30) THE D. - I actually really LOVE BOSTON. Roasted, toasted or skewered!!
(31) MR. NANO - From 6000 miles away, my hate reach the C3ltiks loud & clear!!!
(32) PUDDLE - If forced to either eviscerate my own intestines with a hot poker
OR be forced to root for the Celtics, I'd have to take the self-disemboweling.
(33) LAKER HOPEFUL - I despise Boston's smugness from Paul Pierce, Perkins
& Eddie House. I hate that KG gets away with so much crap. I hate Ray Allen for
that stupid little drive at the end of game 4 last year, & you know the Machine will
Not forget. Rondo is just weird looking, Sam Cassel in an alien, Glen Davis is fat & untalented.
Overall I just can't stand the way they play, it's so aesthetically not pleasing.
Posted by: MAMBA24 | December 01, 2008 at 06:00 AM
Good morning Laker Fam!
Love Pau's game. Love, love, love, love, love it! More and more we're seeing his abilities come to light in a way we couldn't while he was playing the 5. WOW. Drew also came alive and is starting to look way less tentative. That dunk in the 4th where he hit the deck was great! I love the aggression and strength he's showing. Muey Bueno. Kobe is Kobe, 'nuff said. Love that he's getting to sit in the 4th more and more. Fish looks like he's hurt. There's just something not quite right about him. He's moving stiffly sometimes. Dude gives up his body all the time though, so not surprised if he's nursing some soreness. And Trevor is great. I mean, he's just getting it done. LO too - love him off the bench.
I'm really looking forward to the road trip so we can see our guys play in a hostile environment. Like to see how they handle it.
LET'S GO LAKERS!!!!!!!!!!!
I LOVE LA!!!!!!!!!
WE LOVE IT!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: longtimelakerlover | December 01, 2008 at 06:36 AM
Great game. But as Phil said last night, the true test is when they play the Eastern Conference big 3 (Detroit, Boston Cleveland). He said it himself.
Posted by: troy | December 01, 2008 at 06:52 AM
Go Lakers!
Take care of business.
Posted by: Laker Fan 24 | December 01, 2008 at 06:56 AM
Bk and Ak
I don't know if its me but it seems like you two want to put this team in Pau and Andrew's hands. Every game you complain about Pau or Andrew not get enough touches, again they are 14-1, but I sure hope both of them know this is Kobe team and you.
Talent wise those two are not even close, and Kobe is still going to be the focal point on offense. I'm just starting to get real irriatiated of this post touches crap. Everybody got their numbers last night, and the best thing the players compliment eachother well.
I think an LA time article said Kobe has shot 54% in four out of the last five games. That is impressive.
But what bothers me the most is the post touch argument could lead to another Shaq vs. Kobe thing. From what I've seen the three main players (Kobe, Pau and Gasol) are doing well with their averages.
Posted by: wow | December 01, 2008 at 07:24 AM
Another beautiful LAKERS VICTORY.
I agree that the bigs need more touches under the paint. But, they are very uneven now.
Gasol makes a play or at least threatens to do so every time he gets the ball, no matter where on the floor he is.
Andy B looks to pass unless he is under the basket. Blessedly, that started to change in the second half. He made some plays that required more moves than dunking. That was fabulous to see.
If Andy B. wants more touches, he'll have to make something happen when he gets them. He needs to learn from Gasol as well as the Cap. I suspect we'll see more of that.
Do you guys think PJ is working on more coordination between Gasol and Andy B? Are there Olajuwon and Ralph Sampson plays to steal? They currently seem to work independently of each other. What would you like to see in the way of coordination?
GOOooooOOO LAKERS!!!!
Posted by: culturist | December 01, 2008 at 07:33 AM
Jordan is fine.
More domination to continue on Tuesday.
Posted by: "Pig" Miller | December 01, 2008 at 07:57 AM
I love Pau's confidence. He tells it like it is and has a swagger.
"We expect to win every night, that's how good of a team we are and that's how good of a team we want to be and have to be."
I don't remember what game it was but he also came out and said plainly after one game that "we're better than them."
You da man, Pau.
Posted by: Xodus | December 01, 2008 at 08:00 AM
Good morning Mamba24 & the fabulous Laker morning CRUE!!!!!!
Wow - a long week-end and 2 Laker victories!!! What a way to celebrate - lol !!
I'm VERY excited about this upcoming road-trip. Foxy said he see's the old record of 16-1 falling at the end of it and I'm with him! This team is unbelievably good - I just want to see more killer instinct - especially on the road.
Where are the trolls? Where's BUTT-ler boy? Yah - didn't think so....
Where are the LO haters? The "trade him" scenarios? Have you all cashed in your chips to ride the "Jordy can't play D consistently so let's get rid of him" bandwagon???
CHILLAX people - you are witness to the 4th Dynasty in the making - BUCKLE UP and enjoy the ride!!!!!!
GO LAKERS!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: justanothermambafan | December 01, 2008 at 08:09 AM
AK/BK - Gretzky??? Canada has Gretzky??? Last I checked he forsook the Great White North for a piece of American pie too - just like Air Canada aka Vinsanity.
You can do better.....
Posted by: justanothermambafan | December 01, 2008 at 08:12 AM
X - me likey too. I also like the passion Socks is playing with - especially after the monster jam when he hit the floor. He looked like he was thinking "how ya like me now??"
'morning Pig!
Posted by: justanothermambafan | December 01, 2008 at 08:13 AM
Let's not forget to give LAKERTOM his due. He predicted 15-0 before the season started. While we came up 1 game short, still deserves a Clap Clap Clap.
Honorable mention to Jon K. who predicted a 10-0 start.
Lakers go 73-9
Posted by: Eric M. | December 01, 2008 at 08:22 AM
Wow,
"Bk and Ak, I don't know if its me but it seems like you two want to put this team in Pau and Andrew's hands. Every game you complain about Pau or Andrew not get enough touches, again they are 14-1, but I sure hope both of them know this is Kobe team. Talent wise those two are not even close, and Kobe is still going to be the focal point on offense. I'm just starting to get real irriatiated of this post touches crap. Everybody got their numbers last night, and the best thing the players compliment each other well.
I think an LA time article said Kobe has shot 54% in four out of the last five games. That is impressive. But what bothers me the most is the post touch argument could lead to another Shaq vs. Kobe thing. From what I've seen the three main players (Kobe, Pau and Gasol) are doing well with their averages."
You're misinterpreting my point. The amount of touches I'd like to see down low doesn't necessarily equal the amount of shots for Pau and Drew. Pushing the ball inside helps create better outside shots, because of defenses needing collapse. It creates cutting lanes to penetrate. For that matter, the ball doesn't even need to be in either big's hands to move inside. Kobe can (and should) post guys up. This isn't about padding Pau and Bynum's stats. It's about creating higher percentage shots than long jumpers from 20-ish feet out, well contested because the defender had no reason to shade off.
In my opinion, Kobe shooting at such a high clip (54%) will come in part from the offense being run in the fashion I described. If you recall the game against NJ (one of the only poor games Kobe had this season), he spent the first half firing long jumpers off little ball movement, inside or elsewhere. That typically isn't the formula for creating easier and cleaner shots.
Any worries about Shaq/Kobe II with Pau/Bynum is unnecessary. Their personalities couldn't be further from Shaq's and Kobe is in a different place than during the early decade. Everyone knows Kobe is the offense's focal point, but that doesn't mean he's always the first option, nor the one to always set the table. Plus, it's very obvious "whose team it is." It's Kobe's. That's because he's the best player, it's unquestioned leader and the league's best clutch player, not because of a prerequisite for how many points he "should" get or the portion of a game he "needs" to dominate.
AK
Posted by: kambrothers | December 01, 2008 at 08:23 AM
Xodus,
That was against the Rockets. "They have a good team, but our team is just better" or something to that effect.
I like his confidence too, but thought the wording gave a little bit too much motivation to the opponent. "we played better tonight" or something along those lines is honest but doesn't provide locker room posters.
Posted by: Tim-4-Show | December 01, 2008 at 08:25 AM
Hello Troy, I'll collect some Laker props or a little trust & confidence on Gasol's role after winning the game. It was a hard fought victory just like the other games that preceded this one. Gasol is the same Gasol, a weakling euro and mershmellow but effective and dangerous when left open. As always, opposing teams were competitive for two quarters when they still have the stamina to run and exchanged baskets. It was awfully hard to crack the 9-man group of the Lakers and Kobe is equivalent to two players. Any of those players are qualified to be a starter in other teams. Then, the three reserves were also contributing in small way, assists from Luke and defense from Mbenga and Powell that leads to sure Tacos. (It is no longer a good promotion for Taco Bell, the tortilla alone command a hefty price in the next 30 more home games with this wild bunch. That promotion was created during the time of Smush, Cook and Kwame, a sure bet of not winning a single Taco, this one is no longer a promotion but charity.)
Raftors were good shooters but they were all short even if JO was in the lineup compared to the long arms of Bynum, Gasol, Radman, LO and high leapers Kobe, Ariza and Farmar. If you look at the game closely, it is the Lakers vs Lakers hotdog plays that would beat the Laker team, starting from Farmar, Lamar, Ariza, Vladrad, Kobe and Sasha. If you count on their careless T/O's and great assists, they're just having fun out there, it adds fancy to the development of bad or good habits. PJ smiles on the bench as he is being entertained by his pupils on how to win games easily then self-destruct.
Belated happy birthday for Jordan Farmar as 22 years old lad. Some are critical on his game as a daring young player. Ask yourself, what were you doing when you were 22 years of age, at least Jordan is a millionaire, a philantropist and a carefree PG while most of us, were just about to finish college and mastered binged beer drinking. lol!
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | December 01, 2008 at 08:27 AM
Morning Charles,JustAnotherMambaFan, Pig & Morning Crue
Will you be there for 16-1 or 34 -1 or 81-1? The NBA where The Freaking LA Lakers
expecting to win every night is not just a hope but a reality HAPPENS
Posted by: Mamba24 | December 01, 2008 at 08:32 AM
LAKERTOM LAKERTOM, CLAP, CLAP, CLAP, CLAP CLAP
LAKERTOM LAKERTOM, CLAP, CLAP, CLAP, CLAP CLAP
LAKERTOM LAKERTOM, CLAP, CLAP, CLAP, CLAP CLAP
LAKERTOM LAKERTOM, CLAP, CLAP, CLAP, CLAP CLAP
Posted by: MAMBA24 | December 01, 2008 at 08:33 AM
It's so nice to have Bynie in the middle - makes all the difference. Now - we need a point guard who can defend. Whoever suggested Starbury is not at all off-base, and don't give me any crap about attitude or I will have to mention the name Dennis Rodman. Marbury just might = Title.
Next to the I hate Boston thing. Why hate something that is better than you at the game you love? Why hate a team that is necessary for the Lakers improvement? Boston has done it and why hate? Aspire and be inspired by Boston. If no Boston, was Showtime meaningful? One of my students said to me, "Otis, don't hate the man, hate the machine." If you hate Boston, you hate the NBA and the fact that you are not a champion. Do musicians hate Kanye West? Does anyone (besides Billy Crystal and Don Sterling) love the Clippers? Hog doesn't think that the Celtics will reach the finals, so why not start hating whomever we will play, assuming that we get to the finals? Go have a drink.
Posted by: Otis | December 01, 2008 at 08:35 AM
Mamba24,
Can I change my boston bandwagon? Instead of ending it with "anything Green" (because I love AC Green) ....change it to "anything that has the face, traces or DNA of Danny Ainge."
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | December 01, 2008 at 08:35 AM
Everyone knows Kobe is the offense's focal point, but that doesn't mean he's
always the first option, nor the one to always set the table. Plus, it's very obvious
"whose team it is." It's Kobe's. That's because he's the best player, it's unquestioned
leader and the league's best clutch player, not because of a prerequisite for how many
points he "should" get or the portion of a game he "needs" to dominate. AK
Posted by: Andrew and Brian Kamenetzky | December 01, 2008 at 08:23 AM
LET IT BE SAID, LET IT BE WRITTEN, LET IT BE DONE
Posted by: MAMBA24 | December 01, 2008 at 08:36 AM
wow,
The point AK/BK are making is that the team often falls in love with quick jumpers. Pau is one of the best passing big men in the league and Drew is improving in that regard, they can suck the defense in for guys like Ariza and LO to slash, and Fish, Jordan and Sasha to shoot.
And don't forget that Kobe is also the best post up guard since MJ. So he's included in that.
Posted by: Xodus | December 01, 2008 at 08:41 AM
Good Morning Charles...Good Morning Everyone....
Very satisfying victory indeed....
Pau is playing in an exemplary (sorry spelling not one of my fortes) manner to say the least---it would be nice to see him get more touches, especially in the second half as we (and others) have said all season..
Pau's mid range jumper is like money in the plunger (I like the word plunger)...his defense is great as is his passing and inside game ---can't even express how lucky we are to have this guy on our team--
As I said before I would rather have Pau than any other 7 footer in the league (again, we already have Bynum and Karreem)...
Bynum is starting to rise like a one of those Native American bird legends (don't really want to type that name in case there is some confusion and bad association connotations)...
It is staggering to try to imagine what this kid will become this season, let alone his carreer....
As much as I hate dribble penetration (against us and as a contraception method), I am not too worried about Farmar and Fishers' inability to keep the fast guards (sometimes ANY guards) in friont of them...there are few that can...NBA guards are really good and the advantage is always with the offensive player (he that knows which way he is going first etc.)....
Plus a lot of the times the dribble penetration is due to a high screen---most of those Farmar and Fisher (and perhaps the secondary defender) are simply (and annoyingly frustratingly) playing the screen badly with bad decisions....that's what I would like to see improvement on, defense on pick and rolls / high screens...
Speaking of pick and rolls---WHY DON'T WE UTILIZE THE PICK AND ROLL MORE??? we have a multitude of extremely effective players that can be devistating in that play---not only being a thing of absolute sublime beauty, we score on it about 129% of the time....
Has Bargnini ever heard of a comb?...he's kind of an ugly Elvis (aren't we all?)
Bosh's neck (and general appearance) makes it seem like the team was named just for him...
Thanks again Mamba 24 for driver status....
"what about point-ed sticks?"
AS ALWAYS, AS EVER, YET ANOTHER GREAT DAY (AND SEASON) TO BE A LAKER FAN !!!
GO LAKERS !!!
Posted by: Floyd | December 01, 2008 at 08:45 AM
Bynum served it up real nice last night.
That dunk over Graham was exxtra special with a dose of sauce.
'sup justa.
Go Lakers!
Posted by: "Pig" Miller | December 01, 2008 at 08:46 AM
"we played better tonight" or something along those lines is honest but doesn't provide locker room posters.
Posted by: Tim-4-Show | December 01, 2008 at 08:25 AM
Tim, Tim, Tim, come on now bro. Who are we? We are the freaking La Lakers winners of 14 NBA titles
And holders of 3 dynasties. We don’t speak mealy mouth we speak the Truth. And The truth is we are
Better than and can beat any Freakin team in the NBA. All Hail Gasol.
[_I Hate, Hate, Really, HATE! BOSTON – REVENGE BANDWAGON]
(01) TALIQ - Owner - Until we avenge our loss to Boston, I don't think we
should yearn for any regular season accolades (ala an exaggerated 82 wins) ..
Left to me, I'd have us play them like 30 times during the season just so
we can beat them every week.
(02) FLOYD- DRIVER - I hate, despise, loathe, detest, abhor, and abominate the
frickin' Celtics with all my heart, soul and being (to put it extremely lightly) I think this
bandwagon needs to be driven right up Boston's collective anus-buckle in boys and girls....
(03) FEARLESS – RIDING SHOTGUN1 - I'm like the greatest Celtic Hater on this
whole blog. I've been posting "F the Celtics" for over a year, now.
(04) VMAN – RIDING SHOTGUN2 - KILL BOSTON KILL KILL KILL but nicely
(05) LAKERTOM - Nobody hates Boston like a Lakers-Yankees fan!.
(06) KEIFO – Despise, detest, dislike, all things Bostonian.
(07) EASTCOASTJESSIE – Will make a Lie out of The Truth, make him lie on the floor
screaming in pain after I finish kicking the stuffings out of him. Then make him push me
in his wheelchair & swear fealty to the Laker Nation.
(08) MAMBA24 – Hate KG, Hate “The TRUTH”, Hate “BLACK JESUS”, like DOC & not
just cause he’s from Taliq’s favorite city Chi-Town.(Please Sheriff don’t hurt Doc. Lol!)
(09) LONGTIMELAKERLOVER - Right behind Mamba - "cue the music! I LOVELA!!!!"
as much as I hate the Celtics.
(10) MAGICMAN -Will perform his famous disappearing trick and make the Celts vanish.
(11) Lakersrydeordie - official hater of anyting green team" ....
(12) KOBEBLITZ – Even hates green beans mistook KG for a green bean & snapped him.
(13) JON K.--Will personally beat down Paul Pierce while Jerry Buss watches--smiling,
clapping, and smoking a cigar.
(14) EDWIN GUECO – Judge Jury & Executioner of anything anything that has the
face, traces or DNA of Danny Ainge."
(15) LAKER TOM – Made Tom Heinson change his name to Bill. Kneecapped Bill Walton
(16) JUSTANOTHERMAMBAFAN - Hate The Celtics. I HATE EVERYTHING GREEN.
(17) BADFINGER – Will injure The Tuths good Finger and then take out KG with the
5 fingers of death.
(18) utzworld – THE BANNER HOLDER - AND YE SHALL KNOW MY NAME IS THE
LORD WHEN I LAY MY VENGEANCE UPON THEE!!
(19) JAMIE SWEET - I hate Boston so much that I often wish that when the Yankees
and The Red Sox are playing each other, a large meteorite destroys the stadium,
completely wiping both teams from the face of the earth.
(20) FATTY – Almost Convinced KG to join The Lakers and when he didn’t put
itching powder In his game shorts.
(21) CHRIS H. - You can give me any title you want, I just friggin hate Boston
with a passion (21) #4 – I remember hearing this week that Dr. Buss has been
on that bandwagon since well before he bought the team. Maybe he should be
an honorary passenger?
(22) DR. JERRY BUSS – HONORARY SECURITY – And He will Kick @ss if you mess up!
(23) VMAN - HATE BOSTON, LOATHE BOSTON, KILL BOSTON but do it with a smile.
(24) JEFF - Boston Sports in general (Red sox, Celtics, Patriots) can go suck it.
(25) TIM-4-SHOW - Come on bro, you know better than to leave me off a "beat
the celtics" bandwagon. Take care of this atrocity.
(26) HUGO BOSS - Add me as number Twenty-SiXX to the hate Boston bandwagon
please Because I hate Boston 26 times more than the other 25 bloggers.
(27) LONG_TIMELAKER_LOVER - Stupid Boston. I hate 'em. And I don't hate them
for this Past year as much as I hate them for the Parrish/McHale/ratface years
(28) JOHNNY P. - I think we should finish polluting New England to the gills
and then cede it to Canada to make them take care of it for us.
(29) THE D. - I actually really LOVE BOSTON. Roasted, toasted or skewered!!
(30) MR. NANO - From 6000 miles away, my hate reach the C3ltiks loud & clear!!!
(31) PUDDLE - If forced to either eviscerate my own intestines with a hot poker
OR be forced to root for the Celtics, I'd have to take the self-disemboweling.
(32) LAKER HOPEFUL - I despise Boston's smugness from Paul Pierce, Perkins
& Eddie House. I hate that KG gets away with so much crap. I hate Ray Allen for
that stupid little drive at the end of game 4 last year, & you know the Machine will
Not forget. Rondo is just weird looking, Sam Cassel in an alien, Glen Davis is fat &
untalented. I just can't stand the way they play, it's so aesthetically not pleasing.
Posted by: Mamba24 | December 01, 2008 at 08:47 AM
Otis,
Marbury would disrupt the offense. Rodman's problems came with off the court issues and focus not anything on the court. On the court he was a team player and one of the best defenders (and rebounders, of course) the NBA has ever seen. There's no comparison, Starbury is none of these things.
Posted by: Xodus | December 01, 2008 at 08:48 AM
Emma,
"Seriously, are you guys getting paid every time you link to that taco vid? Haha."
I wish.
AK
Posted by: kambrothers | December 01, 2008 at 08:53 AM
Next to the I hate Boston thing. Why hate something that is better than you at the
game you love? Why hate a team that is necessary for the Lakers improvement?
Boston has done it and why hate? Aspire and be inspired by Boston. If no Boston,
was Showtime meaningful? One of my students said to me, "Otis, don't hate the man,
hate the machine." If you hate Boston, you hate the NBA and the fact that you are not a
champion. Do musicians hate Kanye West? Does anyone (besides Billy Crystal and Don Sterling)
love the Clippers? Hog doesn't think that the Celtics will reach the finals, so why not start hating
whomever we will play, assuming that we get to the finals? Go have a drink.
Posted by: Otis | December 01, 2008 at 08:35 AM
OUT FREAKIN STANDING OTIS!! And if you touch that bottle I swear I will tell Aunt Bee on you.
Posted by: Mamba24 | December 01, 2008 at 08:53 AM
Good Morning Fam-Bam!
Busy day ahead of me, but wanted to show some Laker love on a great road trip we have ahead of us.
Mamba24, I'm in there like swim wear.
More pick and roll!
Posted by: Charles | December 01, 2008 at 08:57 AM
The point guards that are burnin Farmar are most likely blowin right by the other pg's in the NBA. Can anyone name a pointguard that is a good one on one defender? I can't.
Posted by: Magia32 | December 01, 2008 at 08:57 AM
AK/BK
Sasha made a "shovel" pass, not a shuttle pass. The ball gets scooped up and the hand resembles a shovel, not a shuttle.
Its fine around us and if you say it really fast it all sounds the same anyways. However, I wouldn't want you guys getting snickered at by your fellow writers/bloggers.
#4
Posted by: #4 | December 01, 2008 at 09:06 AM
Xodus,
"I love Pau's confidence. He tells it like it is and has a swagger. "
I think Pau is the biggest single reason for our DRAMATIC improvement. What are we like 70-10 since he got here or something ridiculous like that.
I think all the "Pau is soft" talk has even made him better and more focused.
Posted by: Eric M. | December 01, 2008 at 09:10 AM
THIS ONE'S FOR YOU PIG & save me some of that sauce.
http://tinyurl.com/6jyxqj
Posted by: MAMBA24 | December 01, 2008 at 09:12 AM
Its fine around us and if you say it really fast it all sounds the same anyways.
However, I wouldn't want you guys getting snickered at by your fellow writers/bloggers.
#4 Posted by: #4 | December 01, 2008 at 09:06 AM
LMAFAO Please #4 don't hurt em. lol!!
Posted by: Mamba24 | December 01, 2008 at 09:14 AM
blitz,
>>>>>Drew's defense on Chris Bosh is nothing but phenomenal. True the Laker
>>>>>team defense always is better compared to an individual's defense but Bosh
>>>>>simply had no effective answer for Drew offensively. Whether it was posting
>>>>>up or even face up he could not simply figure Andrew out. IF Drew can provide
>>>>>the same effort against KG, then Pau will have more energy on the offensive
>>>>>end which makes it all the better. Drew's defense still continues to be impressive
>>>>>(I'm not surprised at his overall defense but against Chris Bosh?? Now that's
>>>>>really awesome). I was also not really surprised at his offensive game either.
>>>>>The Raptors really did not have anybody to match up with him and well he
>>>>>made them pay. Great overall game especially defensively.
I agree with your assessment 100%. While Drew did not block a single shot, this might have been his best defensive effort of the year. He completely shut Chris Bosh down, preventing him from getting to the basket and harassing even his jump shot. While Pau had another excellent game, we continue to allow easy layups when Drew is out of the game. It will be interesting to see if Drew can hit the daily double this year winning both a spot on the West All-Star team as well as the NBA All-Defensive team. If he keeps playing like this, he will be bagging some trophies. It’s good to see Drew stepping up his game so we really do have a Big 3. He’s not yet back to last year’s form but he is getting better every game, which is good news for the Lakers and bad news for the NBA.
Tom
Posted by: LakerTom | December 01, 2008 at 09:21 AM
#4,
Brain cramp. Thanks for the pick up.
AK
Posted by: kambrothers | December 01, 2008 at 09:22 AM