Lakers defeat Celtics: Postgame quotes and audio
December 26, 2008 | 5:29
pm
Thought y'all might wanna hear some thoughts from various Lakers after the victory. The full audio link is next to the person's name, plus a few pulled quotes. Enjoy.
Phil Jackson (Download phil_jackson_xmas.mp3)
- On the importance of Pau Gasol picking up his game late in the fourth
Especially in the situation where you have a little post up opportunity for him down there. He tried to back up Garnett and Garnett dumped him on his butt, took the ball and went down and scored. They took the lead on that situation. I felt that was a really critical time for him to step up and he did. - On the Lakers' defense
I thought our defense was very good down the stretch. We did some good things. We forced some turnovers uncharacteristically of them. That's something we've always emphasized. We played aggressively and stayed out of foul trouble.
We've really put some emphasis back on it again. I think the players have gotten back into playing with high energy. I think that's always the key. How much you put into it. Offense is easy. Defense is work. Guys have to work twice as hard defensively to stop the other team from scoring, because that's their pleasure. We have to always know that we have to outwork guys. I think we forgot that.
- On the impact of having a healthy Andrew Bynum and Trevor Ariza
I thought Andrew's blocked shots were really helpful for us in the second half, his ability to clog the lane. He didn't have the best offensive game, but he was a threat. They have to notice and register on his rolls. Trevor made two outstanding plays in hustle situations which garnered us the ball. He really helped us defensively.
- On, despite playing well against New Orleans and Boston, it being too soon to know whether the recent team meetings served their intended purpose
You can't come into this game without playing at high energy. It's the teams you might go against, I'm not going to malign Sacramento, but teams that don't have winning records, that you have get yourself a "let's get going" type of attitude. We'll see. We have a Golden State game coming up. This is a team that you have to really focus on and get prepared for. That has to be a matter of concentration and focus for us and apply the energy once we do that.
Andrew Bynum (Download andrew_bynum_xmas.mp3)
- On what they proved about themselves as a team
That we have the ability to lock down and get stops down the stretch. That's something that we didn't show (last year). - On whether he thought he was able to contribute what he hoped, after missing the Finals against Boston last season
Yeah. Control the lane. Protect the basket. Get rebounds. I was up there showing on screen and rolls. Just doing what the team needs.
Trevor Ariza (Download trevor_ariza_xmas.mp3)
- On this win shutting down some of the "soft" talk
I don't think we're soft by no means. I don't care who it was. We have more of a finesse type team, but if we have to play a grind out game, we proved we can do that. We can play with anybody. - On his reverse dunk at the end of the game
I was thinking about just trying to take some more time off the clock, but then I said, "Nah, forget it." (smiles) I'm wide open. I might as well go in there and try to end this game right. This is L.A. Of course, (the crowd) went crazy. - On whether he was showed the impact he could have made if healthy during last season's finals
- I don't really like to talk about last year or stuff in the past, because you can't really do nothing about it now. I guess, if I "proved" something, I guess I did. I don't know.
Luke Walton (Download luke_walton_xmas.mp3)
- On enjoying being a part of this game
It was so much fun. It was a blast. It was the way you hope the game goes. Back and forth. Two teams giving it their all. The Lakers pulling it out at the end. It was a great day for basketball.
- On the wins over Boston and New Orleans serving as a reminder of how well this team can (and should) play
It's how we were playing earlier in the year. When we lock down on defense and focus and are more concerned with that than our offense, we're a very tough team. We might not score as many points, but it's the way we need to play if we want to score a championship. For the most part, we didn't have any lapses. We were all talking out there, switching, making the right rotations. When you're playing a team as good as Boston, they're gonna make you pay occasionally. But you stick with your game plan and keep doing it. And in the end, you hope it works out for us.
Sasha Vujacic (Download sasha_vujacic_xmas.mp3)
- On being called "soft"
It doesn't matter at all. Everybody has their own opinion. We know what we can do. They called us that when (Boston) won the championship. You have to congratulate them in good sportsmanship. But this year,it's our year, and we want to take it all the way. - On these last two wins providing a reminder of how good the Lakers can/should play
We played not very good basketball two weeks ago or a week ago. We just kind of realized that we gotta step up. We gotta play as a team. We kind of found our identity in the last two games. That's what matters in basketball. When you know who you are, how to win and what it takes to win, good things can happen.
Lamar Odom (Download lamar_odom_xmas.mp3)
(AK's note: At the end, LO is describing his wardrobe ensemble; a flurry of golds, tans and browns, complete with a vest and highlighted by a particularly eyebrow raising bow tie. Like many an Odom get up, it's a look only Lamar, Andre 3000 and precious few others can pull off. I am not among the few.)
- On the importance of winning a muddy, grind out game
I think that's huge for us. We've got to be able to play football games. Right? And win them. I guess our depth comes up big in games like this. We have so many different lineups. So many different styles. - On his back-to-back threes at the end of the third quarter
I can shoot it. I can make them. I think people who've seen me hit back to back threes (in practice) probably knew. But it's a shot where if I'm left open, I have no choice to take it and stay focused. - On how long this victory stays with them
It's gone as soon as we walk out of here.
Pau Gasol (Download pau_gasol_xmas.mp3)
- On what this win means for the team
It shows us that we can beat anybody, obviously. We can compete and be successful against this team. We can play defense against a great team. Hopefully, we'll build on it and make sure we keep up this effort against any other team. - On what the win meant for him personally
It felt really good. I was glad I was able to get over that hump of a slow start for me and help my teammates win that ballgame. It feels really good. - On what they learned about themselves in this game
It was a challenge. Boston is a great team. They came here with a long streak going. We stepped up, even though it was a weird time. A two o'clock game. We're not used to it. We're happy about it and we want to continue to win. We can't have those breakdowns like we did against Miami and Orlando. - On being frustrated not playing well over the first three quarters
I was upset at myself. I couldn't believe I wasn't helping my team the way I'm supposed to help my team. I was a little down, but I was able to shake that off, get aggressive and convert. I wasn't getting into any flow. I usually don't miss easy jumpers. I've been pretty effective all year long with my jumper and rebounding. KG was having a pretty good offensive night shooting. Those things, honestly, you feel like your letting your team down a little bit. I was glad I was able to turn it up. - On the confidence built by Kobe continuing to look for him down the stretch
He's got a lot of trust in me and confidence that I'm going to get it done, too. Down the stretch is a clear example. He did an excellent job giving the ball up to the open teammate. As a teammate and a player, I respect that a lot. And appreciate that a lot. That just gave me even more strength to be able to finish off.
Kobe Bryant (Download kobe_bryant_xmas.mp3
- On Lamar Odom's bow tie
Leave him alone. It's L.A. He can wear anything. - On starting out the game playing aggressively
I just wanted to force them to make a decision. If you don't force you to make a decision, they're not going to double you or trap. So I wanted to put them in a position where they had to free my other guys up. Once we established that in the second half, I was able to get some other guys some easier opportunities. - On still looking for Pau late in the game, despite his struggles
I always look for him. That's my guy. Sometimes he gets a little tentative, especially when it comes to outside jumpers when he's open. You just gotta remind him, I don't care if he shoots the ball 25, 30 times. If they're open looks, you gotta take them. As long as he's comfortable shooting the ball, he'll be fine. - On whether too much blame for the Finals loss was put on Gasol
Oh, who cares? It doesn't matter. Whether you blame him, me, Phil, whoever, it doesn't matter. We lost, so we move on to the next one. Just go from there.
AK
If I was Vlad I would have told Phil to go to hell after that game not allowing him to get in any time this was a revenge game and he has to be a big part of this team. Yeah Luke had an OK game but even with that he only had 8 points and this was the best he had played all year. Why can't Vlad get any time in the game, and what is up with putting him for 20 seconds so his averages can get ruined. Phil is a just mean.
Posted by: Ken | December 26, 2008 at 06:00 PM
AK,
Great job highlighting the audio. Even though I download and listen to the files, it’s still better sometimes to see quotes in print, where you can slow your mind down to pause and think. And I must say, you do an excellent job editing which comments to highlight.
Count me among those who believe yesterday’s game was a watershed moment for this team and this franchise. In the heat of the giddiness, this feels like one of those cathartic moments of intellectual and emotional déjà vu where you see the past, present, and future simultaneously, like Jerry West stepping into the passing lane a full second before the guard even made the decision to throw the pass because he has seen it before.
The Lakers rising and the Celtics sinking. That’s what yesterday’s game said to me. Sure, it’s possible that Boston can hang on one more year, that Andrew and Trevor are still too young and inexperienced to swing the pendulum to the Lakers, that the Celtics obviously undersized and unimpressive bench will get that missing shot blocker or defensive stopper, but that would only postpone the inevitable, which is the rise of another Lakers dynasty.
Because once Drew gets back to the level he was playing last year before his injury, there is no way the Celtics will be able to compete with the Lakers. That reality is the scary truth hovering in the background every time a coach, player, reporter, analyst, fan, or blogger comments that all we need from Drew right now is solid post defense and rebounding. We will get enough of that from Drew this year to win the championship. After that, watch out!
The Lakers have an interesting schedule through the end of January. They play 17 games, 10 home and 6 away, 9 against winning teams and 8 against losing teams. The big game, of course, is the home game on Jan 19 versus LeBron and the Cavs. I look for the Lakers to have a 13-game win streak on the line against the Cavs and to win at least 15 of the next 17 games to finish January with a 39-7 record and lead for home court advantage.
Hope you and BK and your families had a Merry Christmas. Did the game have any bearing on whether you went back to St. Louis for the holidays? What a job you’ve got!
Anyway, this is all JMNSHBO!
Tom
Posted by: LakerTom | December 26, 2008 at 06:29 PM
The thing I'm liking now is that:
1) Bynum gives a better effort to stay out of foul trouble
2) Offensively we are doing better and not doing the fastbreak offense off the bench.
The Fastbreak offense led by Jordan Farmar is just like the old Phoenix Suns: Run and Gun. Sure they score points and increase the tempo. And they have an added defender in Trevor Ariza. But what some Laker fans, especially ones who are too much into the youth of the Lakers, fail to see the limits of that kind of play. We want to preach defense but with high octane offense you cannot have a dominating defense as well. And when the high offense fails then where is the defense?
When Jordan was allowed to push it up sure we won games but then they ran out of gasoline sorta say. So they had no gas to bring it up and when they tried they would usually miss. And they would have no energy (since they do not actually have ideas of TEAM defense) to go on the defensive end and is too dependent on steals and blocks to produce a fastbreak.
And now we got some silly stuff like Trevor Ariza shooting threes and Sasha trying to become a dunker. Trevor Ariza no matter how hard he worked on his shot is not going to become a solid option from downtown otherwise the Magic wouldn't have traded him. Sasha is more the shooter and benefited from playing with Kobe Bryant since KB played more SF and opened up opportunities for Sasha. But now Sasha is more bench and isn't with KB much so his stats drop.
With Derek, a true veteran, playing more minutes because of the injury to Jordan we may have less fastbreak but more triangle set half court type plays and better defense. Fish is by no means a lockdown defender but he will make you work for your points most times and loves to draw charges which are arguably more better than steals (though not so much to the person taking the charge). So in essence the fastbreak has to really stop in order for us to become really good at defense. Sure there was a re-adjustment period and the Lakers did not have enough time to adjust for the Orlando game and nearly cost them the Memphis game. But they pulled through with more practice and not only came back with great defense in the 2nd half of the Memphis game but also really limited New Orleans most of the time and prevented a near rally of the Hornets again with better results in the 2nd New Orleans game.
And the Boston game. Sure we never had a big sizable lead over the Celtics but at the very least we never really got lower than 4 at most. We played solid defense and forced them into turnovers rather us creating the turnovers directly which is great too but makes it dangerous when it's not there.
That's why Jordan was frustrated and barged into PJ's office. The coaching staff wanted him to lower down the fastbreaks and he pointed out to PJ that he is a fastbreak player. In the Miami game after trying to force the fastbreak he instead stopped trying to create for himself and let the offense ran and as a result he benefited a bunch before his knee injury. Jordan has what it takes, it just needs him to tone down his ego to play better defense instead of just playing for the steal.
Will it seem boring? Of course, since Los Angeles is an entertainment capital and people expect to be entertained. And we want to see more of a Bynum block or a Trevor Ariza steal or a Jordan Farmar fastbreak and pass it to Trevor for an awesome dunk than a Kobe Bryant lay up or a Pau Gasol jumper from the free throw line. But I'm willing to bet more we want a championship more.
So that's what it will be to succeed. To make sure that we stop doing trying to create fastbreaks (only do fastbreaks if the opportunity is there) and play more at a level that not only allows the Triangle offense to be played in full but allows a more set defense rather than a defense that is more dependent on man to man match ups rather than Team Defense.
Derek playing 40 minutes a game is probably too much and I expect a veteran guard to come, hopefully Pargo to keep Derek some rest for the playoffs. But he again shows that youthful desire to play high octane offense will not win championships. Using the fundamentals and playing set offense and defense wins championships even though it may seem boring.
Golden State on Sunday, they are having a big injury bug so lets take advantage and see if we get some rest for the starters for the New Years eh?
And Pig Miller
DON'T GET TOO MAD BECAUSE I'M LEADING YOU BY 9.5 POINTS. MUWAHAHA!
-blitz
Posted by: kobeblitz | December 26, 2008 at 07:21 PM
Ken, you must be joking. Or is Ken really Vlad in disguise?
Vlad will get playing time when he can prove he can play some defense. I think that he can play in games when the other team has someone the Lakers don't need to guard or if Luke, Fisher, Odom, and Sasha are shooting so badly, they need him to stretch the defense.
Posted by: DT | December 26, 2008 at 07:31 PM
kobeblitz,
"Trevor Ariza no matter how hard he worked on his shot is not going to become a solid option from downtown otherwise the Magic wouldn't have traded him"
No way you can say that yet. Raja Bell and Bruce Bowen are two examples of "defensive specialists" who worked hard on developing their three point shot and got proficient with it after several years.
Posted by: exhelodrvr | December 26, 2008 at 07:38 PM
Ken,
Who gives a rats ass about Vlad's averages? I don't. The W/L record is the only thing that counts. You should keep your concern for an individual's stats in check. We beat Boston and you are worried for Vlad's averages? Was he your "Fantasy" pick or something?
Vlad needs to get mad to be bad. Phil knows best. Yeah he can hit a 3. Great. I want him to play physical defense and learn the frickin offense. Then he might be consistent instead of lost. If he is challenged he might decide to work on other elements of his game.
Keep your concern. It was a good win. It is better than a DNP for Vlad.
Posted by: Mr Yan | December 26, 2008 at 07:38 PM
Well, I'm still on a natural high after yesterday's victory over the hated Celtics.
AK/BK:
One of you questioned the Laker Fans unsportsmanlike conduct when they boo'd Rajon Rondo once he got up from a hard hit. Now I'm sure either one of you understand that was because of the Paul Pierce Stint that took place in the finals. After all, Paul Pierce did pull that stunt when Boston was losing momentum. Maybe, we thought Rajon was pulling the same antics.
Sasha Vujacic:
I applaud you my man for standing up to this Celtic team verbally, then, taking it to the court on them with your physical play. We need players like him, players who take pride in being a Laker.
To the team as a whole:
Great job on playing 48 minutes of hardnose, physical play, and smart basketball. We all have to admit that the Celtics are a tough team, regardless how much we hate them, and they currently hold that crown. It would be disheartening to see the Cavaliers in the Finals this year.
I WANT THE BOSTON CELTICS ON A PLATTER!
Posted by: Razdizzlefoshizzle | December 26, 2008 at 08:07 PM
Don't matter who plays, the win is the way into into the Light.
That game was all about Defensive inspired Offence.
That's Luke's game. I think if Luke had been healthy at the end of the year he would've had an impact.
Vlad isn't a good pressure-cooker defender. At least I don't trust him to cover his assignment as instructed as much as I trust Luke to.
On a team of gamblers, it's important to have a dealer.
Posted by: Jamie Sweet | December 26, 2008 at 08:12 PM
AK
Good stuff!!!
Nonetheless, it's easier said than done!!!!!!!! I say this because IT MAY SEEM LIKE we (the fans-the bloggers- the TruP) are very demanding with our team and expect perfection. However, that is NOT an absolute truth!!!!l...
We know how good our LAKERS team is; THE GUYS know how good they are... and it's OK to have an off game every now and then but let's not be too quick to forget how we got that W...on 12/25/08 WE played with the HEART and PASSION of CHAMPIONS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
LET THIS BE OUR STANDARD; OUR IDENTITY; OUR DESTINY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOLAKERS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: Carlos DeeP | December 26, 2008 at 08:53 PM
i am watching the C's -warriors game ad my god is ronny playing good.. he is playiing GREAT defense on KG and he just knoocked down an 18 ft jump shot..and he swatted piece too!!
Posted by: laker guru from india | December 26, 2008 at 08:53 PM
Razdizzle,
"AK/BK: One of you questioned the Laker Fans unsportsmanlike conduct when they boo'd Rajon Rondo once he got up from a hard hit. Now I'm sure either one of you understand that was because of the Paul Pierce Stint that took place in the finals. After all, Paul Pierce did pull that stunt when Boston was losing momentum. Maybe, we thought Rajon was pulling the same antics."
No, I got why they were doing it. I just don't think it's cool. For starters, I don't buy that Pierce "faked" anything. The notion that he decided- in the heat of the moment, mind you- to play up an injury for the sole purpose of returning and inspiring his team seems a little much to me. Maybe I'm naive, but I think it was one of those incidents that felt excruciating upon impact, but wore off considerably as the initial burst of pain lessened. Anybody who has played sports has experienced this. That's much more believable to me than PP deciding to create a "moment."
But even if Pierce had been faking the whole thing, Rondo still could have been hurt legitimately and worse, so that's irrelevant. I just think it's a matter of class. I have no problem with fans booing the living hell out of them for every second they're playing. That's the way it should be. But when a guy could be hurt, you wish him the best, enemy or not.
AK
Posted by: kambrothers | December 26, 2008 at 08:53 PM
Laker Tom,
Thanks. Appreciate it.
AK
Posted by: kambrothers | December 26, 2008 at 08:54 PM
Can someone please ask the GUY WHO WRITES THE JOURNAL HOW A TEAM THAT PLAYS ZERO D JUST BEAT THE TEAM THAT IS MEANT TO DISMANTLE EVERY OTHER TEAM..?....Thank you ....Since i put this crap filter on i cant click on his link....Its true
Posted by: Thirty2 | December 26, 2008 at 10:27 PM
"But when a guy could be hurt, you wish him the best, enemy or not." ....unless he's a celtic.
lol.
PP may not have faked the injury, but the histrionics, WOW. i can NOT believe that someone who looked like they were in the worst pain of their life, crying, can't walk on their own two feet, can come out of the locker room a couple minutes later with no pain whatsoever.
But that's the past.
12/25/08 is the future, we are watching yet another Laker's dynasty in the making.
As for the finals, I am confident in the lakers getting their. but i sure as hell hope it'll be the celtics we're meeting. NO i am not scared of the cavs and the hype that surrounds them.
I want what every laker fan wants and thats Revenge, revenge that can only be bought in the form of a championship.
I'll take a 2010 kobe-lbj matchup but 2009 is lakers-celtics allllll the way.
btw once again 89-99 the warriors BEAT the celtics.
hahahahahahha go Ronny (he got his too, i guess he was with the lakers in spirit yesterday).
GOOOOOOOOOOO LAKERS!!!!
Posted by: LG | December 26, 2008 at 10:31 PM
Greetings Fellow Lakeshow Fans,
A day after Christmas...and up in Golden State...another Celtics loss...and it feels GREAT! FINAL: GS 99, Boston 89.
Wow! The Lakers game yesterday afternoon REALLY zapped their mojo in the second half, as they were stymied in the 4th Quarter by GS's sheer DETERMINATION and PASSION to win...GS REALLY played some serious D, allowing just 39 after the first half of play.
For sure, they looked at the game tape from yesterday and made some adjustments in the second half. The key was controlling Rondo's constant aggressive style (especially limiting his transition points, which they did) and forcing KG to play at both ends of the floor (this REALLY made him TIRED). Hmmm...didn't see Perkins in the lineup...
Most of all, PROPS to ex-Laker Ronny Turiaf. He layed the wood in the paint, scoring 14 points (10-10 from the FT line), collecting 8 rebounds and 2 blocked shots in a reserve role. That's what I call, BRINGING YOUR LUNCH PAIL TO WORK! His ENERGY was AWESOME, especially on the defensive end.
BTW, Merry belated Christmas to you Ronny! We miss you in LA.
God bless you all, and to all, ANOTHER good night...
Laker pride through ADVERSITY!
Posted by: Let's go L's! | December 26, 2008 at 10:36 PM
whoa!! Celtics lose to Warrior 89-99! Way to go Ronny!!! (last scorer of the game too!)
Posted by: bijou | December 26, 2008 at 10:38 PM
So now a lot of people are dissing on Jordan Farmar and Vlad
Radmanovic as if it's their absence that's responsible for the
victory over the Celtics.
You just don't get it.
That argument is just as weak as the people saying that Luke
shouldn't be in the NBA at the beginning of the year.
What you're failing to fully comprehend is that it isn't just the depth
of the team that makes this such a good team, it's the breadth.
The popular cry now is to criticize Jordan Farmar and say that his
style of play is like the Phoenix Suns and that that type of play can
never win in the NBA. But Jordan doesn't have to win a title by
himself. That's just one style that the Lakers can offer.
The swiss-army-knife set of SF's is a key example: Rad offers
very good 3-point shooting, but you never know if he's going to
play hard that night on defense or always be out of position.
Luke is perhaps the best passer on the team, and he's steady
on defense. He's not great 1-on-1, but he always plays hard and
he's more consistent about staying with his man than Rad. Ariza
is an excellent 1-on-1 defender, but his offense is inconsistent.
It's that very variety of styles that MAKES this team as powerful
as it is. If a team is fixed in one style of play, that makes them
easier to defend (or attack, as the case may be). Having a variety
of weapons that they can throw out there on any particular
night makes the Lakers much more difficult to prepare for.
And people's games will go up and down over the course of
the season. At the start of the year, Jordan was shooting well
and Fisher was shooting poorly. Since then, Fisher has picked
up his 3-point shooting a bunch, and Jordan's shooting has
fallen off a bit. At the start of the season, the Rambis-zone
was disrupting teams and the Lakers were blowing them out.
Then coaches figured out how to attack it and they made Jordan
and Fish look bad for a few games.
ALL of these guys - Jordan, Fisher, Radmanovic, Walton, Vujacic,
and even Powell and Mihm will have a period of time this season
when they are contributing something important to this team.
All of them will earn their rings. And all of them deserve your
respect.
Posted by: Long Time Laker Fan | December 26, 2008 at 10:38 PM
Luke played okay but not great! So please don't embellish his game as though Lazarus was raised from the dead! The truth is Luke is still a fluke and he knows it Phil knows it and those of us who have come down to earth since the Lakers skinned the Celts 92-83 on Christmas Day know and realize that Luke's game will be exposed in a 7 game series to any of our WC elite teams. That means that we still have a major gap to fill
before we start singing Happy days are here again! If Luke can manage to keep hitting open looks great! But the real test will come when he has to score with a defender in his face and he begins to throw the ball away and his little pump fake turnaround jumper is getting
blocked because his speed and predictable moves don't work anymore. The truth can be painful, But I would rather have the pain of truth than the comfort of lies. And Luke is a Basketball fairy tale! Go Lakers!!!!!
Posted by: chuck23 | December 26, 2008 at 10:47 PM
Happy happy all Laker fans - great day after the big W
I see the trade kvetching has subsided on the blog - all is well here in Lakerland. Razzdizz, we got what we wanted for xmas, so I assume Mitch's red hotline phone is not ringing or is it? Does anyone think Mitch can trade Luke or Vlad somewhere and get a guy focused solely on defense for us - is there anyone out there that makes sense to add? I don't think Lamar is going anywhere....
A great win and Laker Tom still showing never-dying support for AB17. Tom - he is a youngster in very big shoes and thankfully he has 50+ more games to work on his post play and strengthen the blockade so to speak. We can't forget the C's (and every other team) have seen our playing deck now and how AB17 fits. AB17 has to build on this game and start getting the "eye of the tiger" mentality the C's bring to EVERY game.
That's what I think our Laker team lacks at this point in the season and I know we have all talked about it before. But they need to start bringing it.
I thought MVP was a great leader on the floor last night in all respects. He pushed everyone's buttons in just the right way.
And while I hate to beat em when down and injuries are never blessings - but I think Jordan's injury is going to be excellent for us. He now has the time to really watch games and think about his decision making. And this should really help the 2nd unit focus on their individual roles within the TEAM structure. Sasha has to focus on ball handling and spreading the wealth - that should serve him very well come playoff time. He has to play within the offense and not always look to shoot.
It will give Jordan time to become a better analyst of the game since he won't be out there competing for time, steals or stats. And I think this injury will allow Lamar to become the true 2nd unit leader that we all want him to be.
Finally, we can take a deep breath and revel in this until Sunday. I look forward to seeing the guys with Ronny.
Cheers friends - we have a special team and I am loving every game!
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: PsychedLakerGirl | December 26, 2008 at 10:49 PM
HAHAHAHAHAHA
Golden State beat Boston. That would be the 9-22 Golden
State
Warriors. And to make matters worse, the Celtics let by 14 at
one point, and led by 8 points to start the fourth and still managed
to lose to one of the worst teams in the league. Boston's glorious
defense managed to give up 35 points in the 4th quarter.
I knew the Celtics record would look a lot less stellar when
they started playing more road games in the West.
Now maybe some of you will calm down about some of the
close games (and losses) the Lakers had. On any night, the
best team in the NBA (or even the second or third best like the Celtics)
can lose to a bad team. It happens.
Posted by: Long Time Laker Fan | December 26, 2008 at 11:00 PM
What a game it was!
And what everyone was saying IS true - a healthy Bynum (and Trevor) made the difference.
Our three-headed monster in the paint is unbeatable! Last year when Pau or Lamar went to the bench Rony was grossly outplayed by KG and Perkins. Today there is NO team in the NBA except the Lakers that has TWO star caliber players at the 4 and 5 for 48 FULL minutes. And since there are 3 of them, none of them needs to log heavy minutes, so they are always well rested to boot.
Lamar may be inconsistent, Pau sometimes too soft, and Bynum inexperienced, but together they form the KEY to our success. The minute the Celts went to Powe and/or Davis they were too short and outplayed in the paint. Oh yes and we do have a shooting guard on the perimeter that's not too bad either.......
Posted by: Jay Jay | December 26, 2008 at 11:12 PM
i think maybe the lakers put the kind of hurt into Boston that they put into Portland and Sacramento and Seattle back in the day. i remember watching games where they beat a rival that thought itself to be BETTER so assuredly, the rival was never the same again, kinda like Phoenix when the Lkaers got Gasol. the Scoreboard never really showed it, but the Lakers had Boston on thier hip the ENTIRE game. when Boston made the push everyone new that they would, the Lakers crushed them, like a big borther crushes a little brother's hopes in a wrestling match. the result? 2 games in a row the Celtics lost their composure.
it's a long season, but confidence is a strange condition, often fragile. i'm glad that the Lakers seem to be pretty resilient, that's always a quality that the great Laker teams have had. a bad loss followed by a loss to a weak team was supposed to be proof that the Lakers weren't as good as the perfect Celtics. now we see that the Celtics are human, and while serious competition, are as beatable as any other team, and, at least today, Lakers fans can enjoy the fact that Boston was hit so hard last night, that they lost to Golden State tonight.
please Lakers, make the rest of the league continue to feel uneasy about you by beating Golden State on Sunday. that way it'll be clear that it was the power of the Christmas Day Punch and not that Golden State got real hot.
winning is fun. may it always continue and may those involved always do the work to see that it's so...
Posted by: mud | December 26, 2008 at 11:27 PM
DT: i don't think it was a matter of Vlad's D, rather his inability to facilitate. I don't think anyone honestly believes that Luke Walton's D is so much better than Vlad's that he was able to take the starting spot.
blitz: that assessment on Ariza is a bit "off" in my opinion. Ariza looks comfortable taking shots and with his improved mechanics, confidence is what is going to transform him from a below average shooter to an average shooter and eventually a better than average shooter. now i'm not suggesting that he should shoot fadeaway 3s, but if he's open and gets the ball in rhythm, I don't see why he shouldn't chuck it up. it's development for him and his game which is something good players do.
as for Sasha, yeah that boy can't jump for crap, but I like seeing him actually getting into the paint and trying to lay it up/dunking it. his game is pretty predictable, camp out and take jump shots so changing it up every once in a while is a good way to keep the defense off balanced. it will be a problem if sasha doesn't stick to his strengths, but so far a couple forays into the paint per game can't hurt.
keep the focus Lakers!
Posted by: socalife | December 27, 2008 at 12:02 AM
The ugly celtics lost again to the warriors,hahaha.Now their beggining to loss composure,i think they really took it hard when they lost to us last night.its so sad because i really feel that ugly celtics will not be in the finals vs Lakers,i think it will be Lakers vs the cavs and Ugly lebron and Lakers will win 4-1.remember you read it here first.Go Kobe,go Lakers!!!
Posted by: Adrian Palomar | December 27, 2008 at 12:46 AM
yeah, i'm the first to post about the Celtics fresh loss to the Golden State friggen' Warriors! woooooohoooo!!!!
i didn't see the game, but was on NBA's website, and saw the headline. this is unbelievable. and aren't they (the warriors) supposed to be "injury depleted" right now? bwahahahaha!
as for the Lakers, i like the idea of Sasha and Lamar's physical play, not backing down to the Celtics. and Sasha's downright hatred of the Celtics. i think they need some of this grittiness to beat them, like the Lakers of the 80s. the present Lakers could use an intimidator like Kurt Rambis or Rick Fox (during those wars with the Kings). (remember when Fox and Christie went at it?!)
oh yeah, and ever notice when a Spurs player falls to the floor, they refuse to let an opponent help them up? at least i noticed this when they play the Lakers, especially Tim Duncan. he'd rather sit on the floor and wait for a teammate to come help him up, than accept the hand of an opponent. i don't think many Lakers have this mentality, lol!
kudos to AK. i don't like the booing to injured players of opposing teams. it's classless. booing a guy for getting back up is just as bad as booing him for being carried off the court or field. it feels like the fan is no longer booing the player or the play, but it's now personal, and the fan is booing the human being.
that's just my two cents.
Posted by: leonardbast | December 27, 2008 at 01:36 AM
By the way, Sasha Vujacic has just catipulted himself to the status as the GREATEST Laker on this team.
Why?
He gets it.
Unions and all that PC correctness be damned! Healthy hate still exists in sports and it damned well should! THAT is the nature of true competition!
The Machine gets it, as do we.
He hates the Celtics, as we do.
God bless Sasha Vujacic. Laker for Life.
What do we play for? RINGS!!!!!
Lakers Today... Lakers Tomorrow... Lakers Forever.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | December 27, 2008 at 02:05 AM
Man, I love this team!
I truly hope they replace my heart for Showtime because I was really a kid when Showtime happened.
I really love this team.
Even though I cannot play with them, I play with them in my heart.
What do we play for? RINGS!!!!!
Lakers Today... Lakers Tomorrow... Lakers Forever.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | December 27, 2008 at 02:05 AM
BOSTON LOST ONCE AGAIN!!!!
I'm loving Ronny Turiaf right now, missing him too. He hit 10 of his 10 free throws (most of them clutch time) and got the lakers...er warriors... the win.
More importantly, its the second loss for Boston!
KG's punk@ss taunting and overall grossness didn't stop the Warriors.
I don't care that we're playing them Sunday, I reaaaaally wanted the Warriors to win this won.
YES! buck foston!!! I LOVE LA!
GOOOOOOOOOOOOOO LAKERS!!!
WARRIORS BEAT CELTICS BY 10!!!!!!! WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!
Posted by: LG | December 27, 2008 at 02:09 AM
Turiaf and the Warriors just took it right at the Celtics. Two losses in a row! Nice. What a great time to be a Laker fan. This could turn out to be one of the best seasons ever. The interesting thing is if Boston doesn't win it again this year it will be a long time before that team is competitive enough to win it again. The Lakers have a nice young core around Kobe Bryant. I am so looking forward to the next Boston LA game in Feb. If we win that one too we will definitely be inside their heads. Although we may have to worry more about Cleveland than Boston come playoff time!
Go Lakers!
We're comin' for you Boston!
Posted by: thedropper | December 27, 2008 at 02:09 AM
WoW...I guess the Celtics are in one of their valley moments huh? Let's see what excuses the media will have for them after this beating from the Warriors...
Posted by: BocaLakerGurl | December 27, 2008 at 02:09 AM
BLöG CRüE
Ronny Turiaf and his CRüE took care of the Cs in OaKtown! How do you like them beans? I LOVE IT.
Does anyone know where I can get a TURIAF LAKERS jersey (swingman-- sewn lettering)?
Now let's bring the down the Warriors back to planet earth on Sunday.
Colorado loves the Lakers!
Posted by: Hugo Boss | December 27, 2008 at 02:09 AM
Warriors beat C's!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: RIZZO | December 27, 2008 at 02:09 AM
May God bless the Los Angeles Lakers.
I love being a fan of this team.
Lakers Today... Lakers Tomorrow... Lakers Forever.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | December 27, 2008 at 02:09 AM
The lesson of the sweet, sweet win over the Celtics must be carried on for the entire season and through the playoffs, all the way to the last game of the Finals: Respect your opponent and respect yourselves.
A let-down on Sunday against the Warriors would mean lesson not learned.
Not every game is of the magnitude of a match-up against the Celtics, Cavaliers, and other elite teams. But the same Laker pride must show up in force, regardless of the opponent.
I'm glad the team could savor the satisfaction of the moment. But it is still December. It is a long way to June. We fans got the present we most wanted on Christmas Day. But it pales to the joy of being in the midst of a parade down Figueroa on a warm Summer day. Now, that's REALLY sweet. Go Lakers!
Posted by: Rick Friedman | December 27, 2008 at 02:09 AM
Want proof the game meant something to the Celtics? They just lost to Golden State. That means they had an emotional letdown. So analyst that say it doesn't mean much to Boston might need to reevaluate that belief.
Now the ball is in the Lakers court to make it MEAN something to them.
Looks like we have a fun season ahead.
peace
tommythecomicguy
Posted by: tommythecomicguy | December 27, 2008 at 02:09 AM
the warriors just beat the celtics.. god the holidays just keep getting better and better!!
LAKER GURU FROM INDIA
Posted by: laker guru from india | December 27, 2008 at 02:09 AM
anyone else watching boston at golden state??!!
Posted by: never | December 27, 2008 at 02:09 AM
Turnovers killed the Celtics again tonight. Maybe their fans will blame the refs again.
Posted by: lakers_sth | December 27, 2008 at 02:09 AM
Of course you know that there are double standards for the Lakers (blame Kobe) and everybody else...but that's ok it just means we have their attention.
Posted by: BocaLakerGurl | December 27, 2008 at 02:09 AM
Yay!!! RONNY still remembers Game 6, too. Go, Ronny! (But not on Sunday.)
Posted by: Emma | December 27, 2008 at 02:09 AM
Ken - the most puzzling thing to me is that Vlad wasn't playing bad at all - he'd started every game, was having a career-high shooting percentage on his threes and was generally acknowleged to have picked up his defense a bit. I'm not saying that Jackson SHOULDN'T have made a switch, only that it was pretty abrupt. Ultimately, this all goes to the point that's been made over and over - deep team, tough choices.
Speaking of depth - a Times article mentions a "minor push" to find a guard, given Farmar's situation. Here's my question, barring any kind of meaningful trade, would a journeyman guard like a Pargo or a Dickau actually get any real rotation time in today's Lakers? Jackson's showing an obvious inclination toward a core group of players and Sasha seems to be picking up some steam. Don't get me wrong - I've always liked Pargo... it's just that I more easily see Farmar's minutes being divied up in-house at this point. Opinions?
Posted by: dave m | December 27, 2008 at 02:09 AM
Thank you Ronny for helping the Warriors to beat the Celtics!
Posted by: ronny_is_the_best | December 27, 2008 at 02:09 AM
"No way you can say that yet. Raja Bell and Bruce Bowen are two examples of "defensive specialists" who worked hard on developing their three point shot and got proficient with it after several years."
It's not that they are "defensive specialist" you missed my point Ex.
Bell and Bowen were shooters since that was the only thing they could do. Defense takes much from you and very few people like Kobe, MJ, Gary Payton, and Tayshaun Prince are able to create offense and at the same time be excellent on defense. Bell and Bowen are shooters because they were trained to be shooters which saved more energy on the defensive end for them.
Trevor Ariza is not like that. Trevor is a slasher and when he can be able to penetrate the pain he can finish. He is NOT a shooter, that would be like saying Andrew Bynum is a legitimate 3 point threat.
In other words,
Bell and Bowen has shown the ability to be more shooter-defenders. Trevor is shown to be more slasher-defender. Sure he could hit a 3 once in a while but I would rather have my money on Luke Walton, Lamar Odom, or even Jordan Farmar to be better off shooting 3 pointers than Trevor. Trevor will not be in the league of Kobe Bryant/Michael Jordan of the mid range game and please don't even try to mention the real good 3 point shooters. There is simply no way you can compare them.
Boston got beaten by the Warriors. I suppose they are soft now?? Forget it. And probably another excuse by the Stoudewhining RED"S LOVE CHILD:
"The refs cheated in that game too!"
Hehe how the mighty has fallen.
And Ex,
Please don't say "We don't know yet" about Trevor Ariza becoming a 3 point shooter that is reliable. I guarantee you he won't be even near Devean George's level from downtown.
-blitz
Posted by: kobeblitz | December 27, 2008 at 02:09 AM
Wow.
The Lakers really did a number on the Celtics.
Golden State took out Boston tonight.
KG was shown once and for all as the punk that he is, adding Marco Bellini to his list of cheap shot victims.
Boston reminds me of the title of that Clive Owen and Jennifer Aniston film: "Derailed".
Posted by: Amazing_Happens | December 27, 2008 at 02:09 AM
*****Repost*****
RANDOM POST-GAME OBSERVATIONS…
* Kobe Bryant showed why he is still the best and MVP player in the NBA.
* Paul Pierce is not even the best player on his team, much less in the NBA.
* The Lakers have Rajon Rondo’s number both on offense and defense.
* If Kevin Garnett hadn’t been red-hot, the Celtics would’ve been blown out.
* If Derek Fisher hadn’t been ice-cold, the Celtics would’ve been blown out.
* Andrew Bynum completely changes the matchups in favor of the Lakers.
* The Lakers bench and overall depth are significantly better than the Celtics.
* Without Posey, the Celtics no longer have a defensive stopper to guard Kobe.
* Without P.J. Brown, the Celtics no longer have a post defender on the bench.
* Andrew Bynum will kill Kendrick Perkins and Glen Davis in a 7-game series.
* The Lakers not only played better but also tougher defense than the Celtics.
* The Lakers blocked 9 shots to the Celtics 3 and forced 17 turnovers to 11.
* Pau Gasol may be a finesse rather than power player but he is sure not soft.
* Luke Walton showed everybody exactly why Phil put him in the starting lineup.
* Lamar Odom showed everybody the huge impact he can have as a 6th man.
*** The Celtics could very easily get ambushed by the Warriors tomorrow night.
* The Lakers now have a 3-game win streak with 11 of the next 17 at home.
* The Lakers may have vanquished the Celtics mojo over them from last year.
* Our 9-man rotation without Luke has become an 8-man rotation with Luke.
* The Lakers have the player talent and mental toughness needed to win it all.
* It will be easy to spot a Laker fan by the silly grin still pasted to their face.
* Joy and glee in the Lakersville and coal in the stockings of all things Celtic.
* Proof positive once again that God is a die-hard purple-and-gold Lakers fan.
Merry Christmas everybody. Nothing can suck the sweetness out of this victory.
Tom
Posted by: LakerTom | December 27, 2008 at 02:09 AM
Here is my reason for optimism. THE BOOGERS are playing their best ball right now. Despite my digs, I still have not given up on Andy B. improving. When, if, Andy B. becomes a beast again, WE WILL BE UNSTOPPABLE!!!!!
And when SUN YUE GETS ROLLING!!! LOooooOOOO OUT!!!
Seriously, we have not yet begun to KILL!! Bynum is key to us completely taking over the league, With him we can dominate at the end of the season and all the way THROUGH THE FINALS!!!!!
GOOOooOOOOooooOOOO LAKERS!!!!!!
Posted by: JohnnyP | December 27, 2008 at 02:09 AM
anyway,
I still hope somehow we can miraculously get Javaris Crittenton. I'm still sticking to my belief that we can get Caron Butler or Chris Bosh for peanuts.
Posted by: never | December 27, 2008 at 02:09 AM
Are any of you tracking the Golden State 4th quarter??? OMG!
Posted by: dave m | December 27, 2008 at 02:10 AM
Dave M,
"Speaking of depth - a Times article mentions a "minor push" to find a guard, given Farmar's situation. Here's my question, barring any kind of meaningful trade, would a journeyman guard like a Pargo or a Dickau actually get any real rotation time in today's Lakers? Jackson's showing an obvious inclination toward a core group of players and Sasha seems to be picking up some steam. Don't get me wrong - I've always liked Pargo... it's just that I more easily see Farmar's minutes being divied up in-house at this point. Opinions?"
If it were a Dickau, Eddie Gill, or someone who'd never played in that system or had much of a distinguished NBA career, I agree that he wouldn't get much PT, unless the need pressed. He'd mostly serve as a fallback. Pargo, however, could be the exception, since he played with the Lakers ('04) and Phil wrote in one of his books that he regretted cutting him instead of Bryon Russell towards the end of the season. He thought Pargo could have been useful tracking guys like Tony Parker, Chauncey Billups, etc. Last year, Pargo was basically as good (arguably better) off the bench for NO as Farmar here and is better as a pure point than Sasha. Therefore, I could see him being an exception.
But otherwise, I tend to agree with you when it comes to a journeyman type PG.
AK
Posted by: kambrothers | December 27, 2008 at 02:31 AM
Mr. Yan,
"The W/L record is the only thing that counts."
your obsession about the great importance with the win loss record is your deal...it factors into playoff positioning.
In terms of basketball, the only thing that counts is who takes home the Larry O'Brien Championship Trophy.
Mr. Yang, "W/L" is not the only thing that counts...it's not whether you win or lose, it's how you play the game....heard that somewhere, don't think it's ever been applied.
The Celtics are yappers probably because they are the bullies of the playground....Going back to McHale's takedown of Rambis, he should have been banned for at least 2 years, I think assault is a little harsher than smoking some Mary Jane, what do you think Tom?
Don't know why but the 2-3-2 format for the championship was always wierd to me....they have their reasons for doing it, probably not having to drag the media coverage entourages an extra trip or 2. I always felt I would not want the better record. I think if you could take one of the 2 on the road, you'd be in great shape. I wonder what the stats are for that since they started (hint hint blitz)
Posted by: humanomaly | December 27, 2008 at 06:01 AM