Our BIGs are a bunch of marshmellows!

No toughness...where is the HEART???

I really wish the Captain could travel with the team. Andrew is rushing a little bit. He could use a few words of sound big man advice during timeouts like in the Raptors game in which Cap reminded Drew to play off of Bosh's left hand.

I know logistically it isn't feasible, but I would still like to see the Captain retake his seat on the team plane!!!!!!!!!

hog

Go Lakers!

Can't stop anybody lately..............

feel better?

we won so what?? with this amount of talent on our roster only 6-8 teams in the entire league should be able to be competetive with us!! I don't care that we won tonight beccause we gave up 102 points to the sixers???? ughhh!! the Defense is still terrible!!!!!! this was almost dejavu of last night and once again phil jacskon proved to me that he is a stuupid coach.he doen't make adjustments and substitutions depending on who is hot or cold, he just does the usual take out rad at the 6 minute mark of the first quarter, and take out bynum for most of the 4th quarter every single game!!!! wtf??? vladimir was hott for the first time since the phoenix game and he takes him out??? bynum was dunking on people and showing his potential and he gets taken out in the fourth??? I dont care if you have a rotation you stubborn hippie! when a player is on fire and playing well you leave him in the game!!! but nooo PHil "i want to get runner up again to the Celtics" Jackson is as stubborn as they get!! CAn he at least try 1 minute thats all im asking for is 1 minute of having odom gasol and bynum on the court!!! and let bynum finish off games and play more!!! in the last 2 weeks hes been averaging 18 10 in 29 minutes of PT!!! 29 minutes!!! if he played just 5 more minutes a game thats 21 and 12!!!! he would be the second best center in the nba with those stats!!! and ariza is the lakers 6th man not odom!!! ariza is the lakers fourth best player i dont care what everyone says!! the guy gives 110% but gets less minutes than odom and vlad??? wtff? if you laker fans remember correctly(it is very painful to say) but ariza was the key to the lakers jumping out to a 20 point halftime lead over the celtics in game 4. For some mysterious reason, he played less than 5 minutes in the second half, because phil "im in love with walton" jackson thought it was better to have walton or radmonovic guarding pierce!!! iddiot!!! PHIL JACKSON NEEDS TO GET FIRED FOR FAILING TO MAKE ADJUSTMENTS AND FOR NOT PLAYING HIS BEST PLAYERS IN THE KEY MOMENTS!!!!

Lakers should not be satisfied with this win, they should always be hungry for the prey till Christmas Day, that's the real redemption.
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | December 03, 2008 at 06:37 PM

Im still trying to understand what redemtive value will be served if we win? Maybe some mental thing amongst the players? Will beating them christmas ensure a finals victory or maybe a measuring stick as to were we stand right now?

ok..ok..let me ask you these questions:

1. Is it possible that wether we win or lose on christmas that we can improve and still beat them in a 7game series?

2. Is it possible that wether we win or lose on christmas that we can deminish and still not beat them in a 7 game series?

Lamar and Ariza are in sync. Those two guys seem to synergize each other and give whichever unit they are plying with tremendous defensive energy. Both of them at the SAME TIME seem to be very very difficult for other teams second and first units as well. When you add Bynum to the mix you have your interior and exterior very nicely covered. I want to see these three playing together closing out close road games. I think that Andrew Bynum should start coming back into the game earlier in the fourth quarter, no later than the 3 minute mark. The reason I choose the 3 minute mark is that if Phil waits too long the other team can create momentum during this time and it won't matter by then what kind of defense the Lakers play. The other reason is that Bynum really doesn't need too long a break. The way he runs up and down really conserves energy I think that people might think he's tired when in reality he's young and knows how to conserve energy. Smart kid.

hey ben,

Just read what you had to say about the coach and I agree. You have to admit though that there are people out there who will never know if they could have been championship coaches or not. I believe Phil has the IT factor (duh). Phil uses the regular season to learn from. Most of the time his coaching is excellent. But then there are moments when you think to yourself. "Man Phil you have to trust your gut, and not go by the numbers all the time." Hey we are all human though ben. Ben have you ever made a mistake? Phil can have his mistakes now but please don't do what you did to us last year and not trust in your gut in the playoffs. Just like when you should have used Ariza on Pierce just a little more I think. That would have been a gut move and not a numbers move. That's all I have to say. Thank you.

FIFTEEN AND TWO…

And still people are complaining. It’s a win in a back-to-back on the road. It’s the start of another winning streak. We are still ahead in the West by 4 games in the loss column. We still on a pace to win 72 games, matching the best record ever. We have no major injuries. Kobe is playing like an MVP. Pau is playing like an all-star. Drew is returning to the Beast. Lamar is playing great off the bench. Vlade is shooting over 45% from 3’s. Trevor looks like he is really going to be our defensive stopper. Farmar is playing better than ever. Fish still is playing tough. Our first 9 players could all start somewhere. Our 10th, 11th, and 12th guys have even been starters in the past. We are very young and talented.

Of course, to the complainers, this is all just more GHF BS. Forget that Andre Miller may be the best penetrating guard in the entire NBA or that Andre Iguodala one of the league’s strongest. Or that back-to-backs on the road are not a challenge. Or that any team can beat any other team on a given night. Or that the 76ers had nothing to lose. Or that playing the LA Lakers is the Pacers’ and 76ers’ version of the NBA playoffs.

AK put this entire “the sky is falling” and “Lakers don’t have what it takes” talk in proper perspective. This is just one game out of 82. Just like last night. Just like Friday night. Time to stuff your GHE waggin’ fingers you know where and stop all the silly panicking. How many of you complainers would have taken a 15-2 start with no complaints were it offered to you before the start of the season? The only genuine disappointment I have this season is that there seem to be so many fellow Lakers fans who are functionally unable to enjoy this great Lakers team in what I believe will become our most storied season.

So step back, shut up, take a deep breath, and be thankful that you’re not a Clippers fan. The Lakers are doing just fine. What does it take to make you realize that the glass is not half empty? Seriously, will you only be happy AFTER we win the championship? Will you grouse and complain during the entire journey? And hide out like Mike T. until we lose? If so, I feel sorry that you will miss all the fun and joy that every Lakers win brings to us.

Of course, this is solely my own personal opinion that is shared by most rational fans.

Tom

Tom - I agree with just about everything you said. Everyone here should remember the years of Kobe-Smush-Kwame-Luke-Odom before trashing a 15-2 start.

We still must keep an eye on the East and a possible Finals matchup, though. Boston only lost 15 last year, and may not lose many more than 15 this year. That's what makes a game like the Indiana game so frustrating, burning a loss when we were up 15 going into the fourth. And, the slippage on D over the last 4-5 games has also been alarming.

lakerholic,

Your Q-1, there is no guarantee of winning Championship until it is finally won in June. However, we feel something has to be won on Christmas Day no ifs and buts as an obligation to Laker fans who have been following this team since 69.

Your Q-2 Everything is possible. Your redemption is in June and mine is in December and everytime we are playing against the Celtics.

lakerholic, are you picking on me?

I would like to go to sleep and not wake up until next November. It's too scary having to sit through this season having to worry whether or not the Lakers will lose another game.

I mean - all these young players, who have only been together as a group for 17 games. Why aren't they meshing perfectly like it's late April?

lakerTom you have some good points but you are not entirely right. I have been watching the Lakers since the 1997-1998 and have missed a total of 60 games the last 11 seasons. I have to agree with dd in that its not if you win it's how you win because at the end of the day, the phoenix suns won games like yesterday by scores of 118-117 all the time under d'antoni but didn't do anything come playoff time. I just get frustrated when ariza and bynum, (the two players who would help us the most against the celtics as everyone says) aren't in the game down the stretch in the 4th quarter. The gasol/odom lineup is effective on offense, but any true basketball fan can see that the energy ariza brings and the putback dunks and and 1 plays by bynum are the most important keys to us winning a championship. Do you guys remember BOTH of the games against Dallas?? in the first game ariza had an important block on stackhouse that sealed the game and a few key dunks and layups that began our run against dallas last week in the 3rd quarter. Please pay attention during games to the fact that a pick and roll with kobe/odom/farmar/ariza and Bynum results in either a basket or two freethrows for bynum 90% of the time! If he get's doubled in the post, he can kick out for 3. That should be one of our go-to plays down the stretch. But instead, Phil jackson prefers to go to the good on offense bad on defense lineup( of the 2007-2008 playoffs) with gasol and odom together, while failing to realize the 2 X factors that he has on the floor. For example, last night against Indiana, Phil could have called a timeout and put bynum in the game at the 3minute mark so he would get back in rythm and fed him in the post to get some points/freethrows which most likely would have given us the win. On the last possession of the game, he could have called for a kobe bynum pick and roll that would have either resulted in a kobe slash to the basket (by clearing up space when bynum's man has to come out to guard him uptop) or resulting in an easy dunk for bynum. Phil, however, doesnt understand that he cant take players in and out of game without letting them gain a rythm (Example: Radmonovic in the first quarter was on fire)!
For a man with 9 championships, he has an often lot of bad decision making in key games. So here it is fellow laker's fans. The biggest threat to our future dynasty is our own head coach. thats right.... hopefully phil jackson changes his strategies very very soon.

Lakertom,

You have a philosophical difference with these bloggers. As you said you enjoy a W no matter what? When they lose, you are still a GHF. Well, that's your priviledge. We were with you in the Finals last year when you gave the Lakers 4-0, 4-1, 4-2 until the final result of 2-4.

Fans today wanted to be sure that there is complete enchilada out there both on offense and defense., that's all what they are saying. As you said in your recent post that it is your personal opinion, OK but what irks people is what you said next: "it is shared by rational fans." Who is the judge on the "rational fans"? People who are against you are irrational.

We are all Laker fans here in this blog w/ different point of views but with the similar objective. Once you hurl an insult on someone then it can come back to you as a package of insults too. I think this is one of the complaints of Mike T., he expreseses his own views and people tear him up into pieces, so he retaliates the way he was raised in the past.

It is about time to respect other people's opinions. In the end, no one here knows the right answer until it is done.

VoR,
Odom and Ariza spreading the floor? They are subpar shooters.

Edwin Gueco

Thanks for replying.

1st off: I specifically added an "A" between Laker & Holic..how do I know I did? I suppose cuz I was there when I did it. If u can't fabricate an "A" then my advise for you is to go to canada and get one since most candians offer an "Aye" after every sentence..Aye! *sarcasm*

2nd: No im not picking on you..why would you assume such? From your point of view about the christmas game then ill say I understand wholeheartedly.

Its a shame theres only 20+ comment tonight compared to over 50 after last nights loss! I suppose the Whaaabulance has come and taken these chicken littlin' to the local weenie hut hospital were they can view the game under the guidance of a licensed physician.

LakerTom

Nice seeing your posts again.

The concern we have with our Lakers is that they have somehow "lost" that defensive touch the last several games. They were fantastic the first number of games. No complaining intended, just a VALID concern. We don't have to look far to the Finals result this past June to understand the importance of DEFENSIVE CONSISTENCY every game.

Guard penetration and pick-and-roll issues are starting to rear its ugly head AGAIN! Could it be early season fatigue? an aberration? Just concerned...

In reality, we can't expect Fish to keep up with the younger guards for extended minutes. No way! However, the issue then has become Farmar's continuing growth playing both sides of the ball. He has got to dribble penetrate himself as much as possible, as well as Vujacic. That way, they can get freebies at the charity stripe in crucial game situations without clanking 3pt shots and getting nothing.

Our point guards and shooting guards (besides Kobe) must develop an attitude of applying PRESSURE to the other team's defense, rather than taking long jumpshots that are low percentage in nature. Teams already have recognized the Lakers habit of constant jumpshooting and just pack in their defenses. Applying PRESSURE is the key!

Considering our situation, we might want to take a look at a veteran point guard out there that can help our team with toughness and grit at that position. This may sound crazy, but what about taking on a guy like Stephon Marbury (the heck with the cap)? Phil has a reputation of taming "rebellious" players (Dennis Rodman comes to mind) as a coach.

Like you said, it's all about winning the big PRIZE and not taking it for granted. Time to REFOCUS on DEFENSE. That's all...remember the Boston Massacre in 2008. History should not repeat itself.

Pig,

>>>>>Nice post man. I'll admit that I'm slightly disappointed in the Lakers for their
>>>>>defense at the end of the game, but when the number of possessions is
>>>>>considered, versus other teams, the Lakers still play very efficiently on D.
>>>>>They were likely tired on a back-to-back on the road.

Thanks for the comments, Pig. I also have not been happy with our defense lately and was screaming at Andrew and Pau all night for their lousy post defense, although the 2 Andre’s are a couple of truly wily veteran penetrators that are very tough to stop. I always thought Andre Miller or Iguodala would have been great in purple and gold. Miller is impossible to keep out of the paint. You just have to keep things in perspective otherwise you will never live to enjoy what a great team we have and great season we are enjoying.

At any rate, I agree with the poster who suggested that Kareem accompany the team on the road. Drew was sleep walking on defense all night long. And on the boards. One of the things that every big man who wants to block shots has to realize is he has to protect that one square foot of real estate between the glass and rim where 90% of guard layups go. Just watch Tony Parker or even Miller and Iguodala tonight. Over and over our big men went for fakes out in front that allowed drivers to get to the sweet spot for the layup. Cap would have called Drew out and reminded him to get in position to block the shot before trying and to realize where the penetrating player wanted to do. Stay back and protect the sweet spot and get the block. Drew was in poor position all night. I am sure he will see that when he watches the video and talks to Kareem and the coaches.

Of all of the centers who I have watched block shots, Luke’s dad Bill was one of the very smartest as was Bill Russell. Both did two things that most modern shot blockers do not do. The first is protect the rim, which means positioning yourself so that you can block shots AT the rim, not 5 feet in front of the rim, but AT the rim. Get in position so you really are protecting the rim. That is the goal more than blocking the shot. The second is to not stupidly volley ball the blocked shot into the stands but instead catch or control the ball.

Finally, I agree we should leave Drew in the game at the end, when we need to take the ball to the hoop. I was glad to see Kobe do that at the end of the game instead of settling for jump shots. Layups, dunks, put backs, and free throws are a surer thing than even a Kobe Bryant jumper from the top of the key. If I were the coach, we would never shoot an outside shot when the game was on the line. That is how you always win the close games. Not by lofting up jump shots. By pounding the ball and attacking the rim. I don’t care if it’s Drew or Kobe or Pau or Lamar or Trevor or Jordan. Just don’t settle for a jumper at the end. That’s what I consider playing “soft.” We are doing great but still have a lot to improve upon in order to win the championship and I am confident that we will do so.

As always, JMNSHO.

Tom

A decent win tonight, but a win all the same.

Listen, if we don't play Luke, Powell, and/or Mihm/Mbenga against ANY team which has a record beneath .650, I consider it a marginally respectable win.

Short point: This is the best team in Lakers history with the exception of the 1984 Lakers who beat the Celtics. THE BEST TEAM IN LAKERS HISTORY SO FAR.

This team is not playing like that.

They're not playing up to any of the Showtime Years.

They're not playing up to any of the Shaq-Kobe-Jackson Championship years.

They're not playing up to last year's Laker team post-Gasol trade.

They are lacking the passion. They are lacking the anger. They are lacking the will to victory.

I say this not as a belittlement of this team but as an admonishment to their glory.

(I wish I could be in the locker room with them and speak to them personally, because I have grown to care about these people individually and I want what is best for them. I want them to win. Not only as Lakers, but as human beings.)

Give your all.

Always give your all.

Life is short. All we have is this moment.

No human being looks back upon their deathbed and thinks kindly upon those moments where they did not make the MOST of this gift we have called LIFE.

No one does.

This team is so gifted. Blessed by life, God, circumstances, talent, and fortune.

Embrace that gift.

Embrace it with every fire of Life that you have within you.

Because all else is Death.

And that is true for all of us. Embrace Life. Do what you are called to do.

Lakers Today... Lakers Tomorrow... Lakers Foreverr.

GO LAKERS!

No offense and no sarcasm, I always mispell words or name. My bad in omitting the A.

Laker Tom,

>>> The Lakers are doing just fine.

I'm not sure that I'd go that far. But I totally agree with your point. This is our first real road trip after a fairly easy stretch mostly at home. It is only December.

As angry as we bloggers were about the loss to the Pacers, the good news is that the Lakers were even angrier at themselves. When one listens to the pre- or post-game interviews, there's no inflated self satisfaction, even on a good night. This group of players "gets" it.

What annoys me even more than a loss are the posts trashing any of the players. Hey, I'm not saying they're perfect. They're not. Vlad needs to be more consistent. Farmar needs to greatly accelerate his improvement as a defender. Sasha needs to get his rhythm back on offense and his timing back on defense. Bynum needs to be more aggressive. Each of these players already know where they need to improve, and one has to believe that they're working on it every day.

As I said last night, it is only the beginning of December. The Lakers' record, to date, is none too shabby. I'm one who believes that the best is yet to come. Go Lakers!

Tonight's win is satisfying, but it's no big deal, just like last night's loss was frustrating, but no big deal.

What meant something was our loss to Detroit, and our future games with Boston and Cleveland.

This can't be that difficult to understand.

Jon K.

I'd say the 2001-2002 Laker team, especially during the playoff stretch, was more dominant than the 1984 team.

Hey Mike T.

Peace man. It is time to come home and stop being rude in your posts and others will reciprocate as well. You have been in this blog since '06, it is time to be a Laker fan again.

Yes, the Lakers can play better defense.

Yes, they will lose some more games between now and April.

Yes, they are having issues with guard penetration.

Yes, it's early in the season, and they're still gelling with each other.

Yes, we have the best record in the west, and it doesn't mean anything yet.

Yes, some bloggers will find something to complain about at every turn.

15-2? At the end of the day, I'm happy. And I fully expect the Lakers to continue to grow on both ends of the court as the days and weeks and months move along. And when June comes, universe willing, I expect them to be hoisting that beautiful trophy once again.

Go Lake Show!