Hornets 116, Lakers 105: (Insert your "sting" metaphor here)
This one hurt on a few levels. Click below for the breakdown.
Three Good:
- Kobe Bryant: On a night where the Lakers had a very tough time organizing things offensively, Kobe was outstanding, particularly in a third quarter in which he was 8-9 from the floor- including 4-4 from beyond the arc- for 20 points. Even more impressive were his three assists in the frame, meaning he played a direct hand in 11 of LA's 13 field goals. Not bad work, I'd say. Heading into the fourth, Kobe was a scorching 13-16, and even with a 1-6 fourth, Kobe still added three more dimes for a final line of 39/4/7 on 14-22 from the floor. We saw Kobe's ability to shoot from the perimeter, get inside for twisty layups, and perhaps the best play he made all night was a fourth quarter block of Rasual Butler. Despite his team being down by nine with only 44 ticks to go, Kobe refused to give up on what looked like a clean breakaway layup for Butler. I'm sure he thought he was home free. That's the sort of competitive drive that makes Bryant special.
- Lamar Odom: Ironic he should get hurt on a night where he was playing so well. In the first half, Odom aggressively attacked the rack, providing for much of LA's inside game. His 12 points in only 12:39 of burn helped compensate for a slow half from Pau Gasol and Andrew Bynum, and Odom's three dimes greased the wheels of an otherwise sputtering attack. The hope is Odom's injury- a hyperextension of the right knee for which he'll get an MRI Wednesday- isn't serious. It's likely not a coincidence that the bulk of LA's 34 triple attempts (see below), 22 came after the half with Odom on ice. Without him, the Lakers struggled to get the ball near the rack.
- Josh Powell: He didn't play much, just over six minutes, but managed to rip down four rebounds, including three on the offensive end. With the Lakers shorthanded, there's a good chance Powell, at least in the near term, could get a little more burn. He's played well in the short minutes available to him this season in a crowded front court, but now the Lakers could need a little more. This is why you have guys like Powell around.
BK
Three Bad:
- Three point shooting: On the surface, you'd figure a 47%
success rate reflects a positive element. But like the poster for
"American Beauty " advised us, look closer (and in the case of the actual movie, I wish
I hadn't). The Lakers put up a whopping 34 shots from
downtown, sixteen beyond their seasonal average. Derek Fisher took thirteen alone. Trevor Ariza, who'd only taken 103 in his entire career before tonight,
bombed away seven times, with only a pair connecting. If these absurd figures don't make perfectly clear how deeply in love the Lakers
fell with the far line, consider this: In the fourth quarter, Pau Gasol
and Andrew Bynum combined for ONE shot. Sorry, but that's
just ridiculous. Yes, there were moments when the treys came in handy,
like during a spectacular third quarter where Kobe Bryant enjoyed a 4-4
clip during a comeback run. And obviously that number got jacked up to
some degree because of LO's absence, which hurts the ability to attack
the paint. But more than anything, it was due to a lack of focus and
execution.
- Refs: I don't bitch much about officiating, particularly in a "The refs hate my team and players" kinda
way. Sure, bad calls happen, but these guys are human, calling a game
of the NBA's speed is beyond difficult and I firmly believe mistakes
even out in the wash. But I do get annoyed when the refs make their
presence too big a factor. And with that in mind... Man alive, did
Tommy Nunez, Jim Clark and the always willing-to-make-the-show-about-him Joey Crawford wear their whistles down to the nub this evening!
47 personals on the night, which created a pace that often felt drenched in mud. Beyond that, these fouls were typically called without an iota of consistency. One minute it's an infraction to breathe heavily on the guy you're shadowing. Another minute you can practically suplex somebody without fear of getting penalized. Both teams suffered as Crawford and Co. managed to both muck up a game otherwise chock full of highlight moments and create an atmosphere very difficult to develop a rhythm for the rules. "I don't think we knew what the criteria was for a foul," admitted Vlad Radmanovic. "They were letting some things happen and they were calling some ticky tack stuff. It was very hard to figure out their criteria."
Rad went on to stress, like I said, that these guys are human and that the refs didn't cost them a win. And he's right. The Lakers have themselves to blame on that end. But their ability to get into a flow to play better was certainly affected by one seriously whistle happy crew.
- Vlad Radmanovic's return to the starting lineup: When Phil Jackson informed us before the game that he planned to start Vlad Rad ahead of Sunday's Trevor Ariza option, the general consensus could be described as "surprise," despite the Serbian Sharpshooter's strong second half against Utah. Then again, Phil's always a maverick to read. Unfortunately, the chance to make his coach look like a genius went uncashed by Vlad. It wasn't just him going 1-7 from the field (although that certainly played a role). It was the way he went 1-7. Missing a point blank layup. Clanging an uncontested dunk hard off the iron. A bricked jumper followed by a weak contest of a more successful attempt by James Posey. Throw in a tendency to leave Peja Stojakovic wide open at the arc- His fellow marksman's lack of success was pure luck- and this wasn't a night where Vlad demonstrated why a demotion in favor of Luke Walton was a mistake by Phil. Or why he even flip flopped Sunday's lineup call.
Fortunately for Radmanovic, there will be opportunity for redemption, starting in Oakland less than 24 hours from now. And with Walton and LO both down (not to mention Jordan Farmar), a bounce back can't come any sooner.
AK
One Big Issue:
- The story today, beyond the loss, is obviously Odom. While his play hasn't been a model of consistency this season, most of the metrics used to measure a player's effectiveness on the floor show the positive impact Odom has had for the Lakers this season. If he was to miss time, the Lakers would suffer on both ends of the court, in addition to taking another hit to the team's depth. Perhaps most importantly, the three players LA has lost over the last couple weeks in Jordan Farmar, Luke Walton, and now Odom (though hopefully not for long) all help facilitate the offense. One great strength of this team is ball movement. It's vital that, no matter who ends up with more minutes in the near term, that the Lakers not lose it.
BK
VIDEO:
Kobe on the play of CP3 and David West, and how the Lakers might have to adjust without LO:
Sasha Vujacic, who is very clearly not concerned with drawing a fine for criticizing the officiating:
Pau Gasol, discussing the Lakers' difficulty getting the ball inside, and how he struggled to get in a flow offensively:
Subscribe to this Blog What is RSS?
Allright answer me this...if all we needed from andrew bynum was a 5-10 pts and 10-12 rebs per match why did we pay him so money???
If andrew showed as much hustle as josh powell he would really have been a BEAST!!
Posted by: Touchmetallic | January 07, 2009 at 01:03 AM
AK/BK
I see you guys talked about everything but the coaching. Phil Jackson it appeared made no adjjustments in how CP3 was being guarded it appeared the Lakers had no game plan coming in on how they would play pick and roll defense.
Also, Phil Jackson's decision to replace Kobe in that fourth was crucial and it shifted the momentum at that point.
If you decide to leave Kobe in at the beginning of the fourth quarter it is almost suicide to remove Kobe down the stretch...........unless Phil believes it is his "system" that generates points for the Lakers.
I am really starting to believe Phil Jackson is brain-dead
Posted by: pfunk36 | January 07, 2009 at 01:04 AM
Pfunk,
It's interesting you bring Phil up (well, more predictable than interesting, haha), because BK and I were just talking about the decision to sit Kobe in the fourth. While we both understand why Phil wanted to get Kobe some rest for the stretch run and neither of us believe that decision "cost" the Lakers the game (We're talking about 70 seconds off the court and plenty of time afterward to regroup or continue failing.), I actually wouldn't have pulled Kobe, either.
Given that LO was hurt and nobody else offered much of anything, I probably would have called another time out on top of the official's time out to cheat Kobe a little extra rest. Granted, there's a risk involved there (You might need the time out down the stretch.), but I'd have rather gambled there instead of playing without Kobe. Again, I don't think Phil made a "bad" call, because I think it's too easily justified. But it's not the one I personally would have made, for what it's worth.
As for his handling of Paul, I'm wondering what you would have done instead. As it is, Phil kept throwing different looks at him (Sasha, Ariza, Fish), none of whom were all that successful. Keeping Kobe on him all night isn't ideal when you need him to carry such a big load as it is. And Paul's too good to leave guys open and try to force the ball out of his hands, particularly on a night where he could get it to West, who was beyond hot. And Paul isn't exactly chopped liver to begin with. Every team struggles to contain him. After the game, Kobe basically said you just have to tip your hat to Paul, (and West, for that matter). I tend to agree, but like I said, I'm open to what you'd have done differently.
The one mistake I thought Phil made with Paul was not taking Sasha off him after Vujacic's second quick foul in the second quarter. Sasha was obviously frustrated- I'm not sure he ever broke out of it- and wasn't helping himself or the team. And by the time I finished typing on the live blog that I'd immediately put Ariza on Paul, Sasha picked up a third whistle. In the grand scheme of things, I don't think this "changed" the outcome, but it was an oversight by Phil, in my opinion.
AK
Posted by: kambrothers | January 07, 2009 at 01:19 AM
pfunk-
I didn't have a problem with it. PJ piggybacked the 70 seconds Kobe was on the bench to an official TO, extending the break, and while the five point lead went away, there was still a lot of game left when Kobe came back in. More than enough to win or lose the thing. LA's problems in the fourth went a lot deeper than the minute-ten Kobe was sitting.
Given the heavy lifting he did in the third and would need to do in the fourth, to try nad get Kobe a breather made sense to me, and the timing didn't bother me. That's why, though AK wrote the "three bad" section tonight, had I been given that duty I'd have left that decision out.
As for CP3, they threw a bunch of looks at him, and with West on fire as well as an injury shortened bench, I'm not sure what else "should" have been done. They were certainly aware and anticipaing the P and R, but don't forget, CP3 is an MVP caliber player, and West is an All Star. These are very good players, playing very well.
BK
Posted by: kambrothers | January 07, 2009 at 01:31 AM
oh, I see AK responded as well... well, now you have the full breadth of K Bros. opinion on the issues, I guess.
BK
Posted by: kambrothers | January 07, 2009 at 01:32 AM
Would someone PLEASE tell Drew to stop playing like a little bitch and grab some boards, block some shots, and PLAY SOME DAMN DEFENSE?!!! The kid is starting to wear on me. He gets paid, and now he decides he doesn't want to play hard anymore. He decides he wants to score instead of rebound. I would love it if Kobe went back on youtube and called Drew out again. Light a fire under his bitch ass. He says he wants to make the all-star team and play on the next olympic squad. Someone needs to tell him scoring 18-20 pts and grabbing 5-7 rebounds and blocking or 2 shots a game is not gonna get him anywhere. I would love it if Kobe were to slap him and tell him if he were to average 2-4 pts 15-16 rebs and 4 blks, he would make the all star team, hands down.
I hate how he walks around out there like hes supposed to be some kinda future all star in the making or the next great big withou having to earn it. I'm afraid we gave the kid his money too soon. Im gonna go out on a limb here and assume hes not the hardest worker in practice. He looks so "unmotivated". I guess if hes lucky he can be the next Erick Dampier.
Posted by: Lefty | January 07, 2009 at 01:49 AM
A couple of the Hornets had exceptional games; the Lakers bigs (Gasol, Bynum, Rad) got off to a really slow start with their shooting, and then couldn't get into the flow offensively.
Bynum had an OK game; too often he doesn't make a good decision with what weapon to choose when he gets the ball, though. Still figuring things out.
Why start Vlad? I think Ariza started the other night, because 1) PJ wanted to give him a chance at starting and see how it worked and 2) less pressure on Vlad for his first game in a while with meaningful minutes. The Ariza start didn't seem to go especially well, and Vlad had a great game. So it made sense to start Vlad last night. Of course, we saw the "F" Vlad, after seeing the "A" Vlad on Sunday; that inconsistency is one of the reasons why Walton was starting. And Ariza doesn't have a consistent outside shot, and doesn't have nearly the feel for the offense that Walton does. Until one of them addresses those areas, it makes sense for Walton to start when healthy.
Posted by: exhelodrvr | January 07, 2009 at 05:13 AM
The Lakers had a bad night.
They were sliced up by Chris Paul, offering a very weak defensive effort.
Their offense was innefective, no points in the paint, either from their big men or from penetration (except Odom). They only were in contention because of Kobe drilling 3's that would have been considered bad shots if he had missed. Far too much perimiter shooting.
Odom goes down with an injury.
So they lost to a good team which had a great night, really New Orleans looked great on both ends. Chris Paul is a great player, and he did what great players do, he played with passion and led his team against an opponent they are are measuring themelves against. David West was unconscious, had the shooting game of his life. They played tough D.
The Lakers, with a target on thir backs every night now, came out uninspired. The big men - well the Lakers starting front line was outrebounded by the Hornets and scored only 20 points while giving up 40 to David West alone. Vlade looked lost, Pau was invisible and Bynum, who played pretty good D, was soft on the boards and settled for little hooks too far from the rim.
So what does it all mean? Not much. Teams, even great ones, lose over the course of an NBA season (see: Celtics). This is what losses look like, they never look pretty. At least it was to a quality opponent.
The Lakers will have to pull together from here to the all star break and weather these injuries and bring some defensive effort.
Posted by: Tom Daniels | January 07, 2009 at 06:31 AM
Bottom line, Andrew Bynum is a bust. He has regressed in his development, and I still question his work ethic. He has no reliable go to shot, his defense is only moderately effective, and his rebounding is not dominant. He misses very easy point blank shots, and he is constantly in foul trouble.
We lost last night because of Vlad Rad and Bynum, and Pau's inability to discover a defensive technique that works.
Posted by: troy | January 07, 2009 at 06:48 AM
blitz,
I tell you what. From time to time on the Lakers' losses
I'll post the stats of Bynum/Gasol/Odom and let's track
how their play correlates to a loss.
My over-arching statement is *the play of the C/PF
position will determine how far the Lakers go towards
a championship." A sub-statement goes: The Lakers
are good enough to win a lot of games with spotty
play at the C/PF position.
You,of course, will talk about the bone headed plays of
the malcontent Farmar, when he returns. The spotty
shooting of ALL of our SF's. Kobe not functioning
within the triangle offense. Kobe's shot selection. No
one on the team stepping up. Phil's suit. etc. At the end
of the season, let's see who's been more consistent.
Gasol 3/8 10 pts. 5 fouls
Bynum 2/7 7 pts. 4 fouls
Odom 4/7 12 pts. 3 fouls.
17 rebounds total
West 40 pts. 11 rebounds
Chandler 12 pts. 8 rebounds.
Laker loss.
Posted by: hobbitmage | January 07, 2009 at 07:15 AM
Good morning all:
I actually don't feel so bad about this loss even through my vodka hangover. I think it was a great game between two good western conference teams. The past two times we played NOH, they had significant injuries - their guys are back and now we know how they can play as a team. I am sure the next game at Staples will be much different and with a more preferred outcome.
Overall, as AK/BK said - West and CP3 were on fire and since we never established post presence, they scorched us. The all-stars shined. And Byron went away smiling. Oh one day - I would love to get him as the Lakers coach - but back to today.
I am really bummed about LO and praying its not an hyper-extended leave of absence. However, as I search for an early morning silver lining - I think its a really good time for PJ to stress ball movement with those left standing. We certainly need it with this group as the team now has more shooters than ... (you witty guys fill in the blank). And it will serve us better in June. If Vlad, Sasha, Trevor and whoever else comes off the bench to help move the ball and stay within our offense - we will be that much stronger come playoffs.
And now for my morning rant since I am totally awake! AB17 - UGLY. I am really concerned here with his performance to date but especially last night. Hey AB - if you are reading this - HELLO??? Where are you???
And I would really like LakerTom's insight on this subject and not just a response that he will come out of it in time. We really needed AB last night and he didn't show up. He could see that Pau was having an off night. And it was the perfect opp for him to take over, stand up and have a statement game. Pau is smart enough to know and KB/D-Fish have enough (Shaq) experience to feed the monster when he demands it and making his presence felt.
NOH is a playoff team with 2-all-stars and an MVP candidate - what more motivation does he need? Something is amiss there and I just don't get it. My suggestion if he wants to get it together - check out Shaq video circa 1999-2001. AB17 - Take over the paint or there will be no ring. Even Pau's new pecs and biceps won't help us against LBJ or KG.
GO LAKERS!!!!!
Posted by: PsychedLakerGirl | January 07, 2009 at 08:07 AM
Good morning all:
I actually don't feel so bad about this loss even through my vodka hangover. I think it was a great game between two good western conference teams. The past two times we played NOH, they had significant injuries - their guys are back and now we know how they can play as a team. I am sure the next game at Staples will be much different and with a more preferred outcome.
Overall, as AK/BK said - West and CP3 were on fire and since we never established post presence, they scorched us. The all-stars shined. And Byron went away smiling. Oh one day - I would love to get him as the Lakers coach - but back to today.
I am really bummed about LO and praying its not an hyper-extended leave of absence. However, as I search for an early morning silver lining - I think its a really good time for PJ to stress ball movement with those left standing. We certainly need it with this group as the team now has more shooters than ... (you witty guys fill in the blank). And it will serve us better in June. If Vlad, Sasha, Trevor and whoever else comes off the bench to help move the ball and stay within our offense - we will be that much stronger come playoffs.
And now for my morning rant since I am totally awake! AB17 - UGLY. I am really concerned here with his performance to date but especially last night. Hey AB - if you are reading this - HELLO??? Where are you???
And I would really like LakerTom's insight on this subject and not just a response that he will come out of it in time. We really needed AB last night and he didn't show up. He could see that Pau was having an off night. And it was the perfect opp for him to take over, stand up and have a statement game. Pau is smart enough to know and KB/D-Fish have enough (Shaq) experience to feed the monster when he demands it and making his presence felt.
NOH is a playoff team with 2-all-stars and an MVP candidate - what more motivation does he need? Something is amiss there and I just don't get it. My suggestion if he wants to get it together - check out Shaq video circa 1999-2001. AB17 - Take over the paint or there will be no ring. Even Pau's new pecs and biceps won't help us against LBJ or KG.
GO LAKERS!!!!!
Posted by: PsychedLakerGirl | January 07, 2009 at 08:09 AM
Good morning Mamba24 & the fabulous Laker morning CRUE!!
Well - a couple words spring to mind: ugly, stupid, pitiful, punk-ass hornets, idiot refs........!! Oh well - a loss is not going to make or break our season at this point. We need to use it to motivate & move on to kick some ass against GS tonight, right??!!!
CP has lost every shred of respect I may have ever had for him. He's a punk turd in teal. He needs to meet Mr. Floor VERY hard next time he sashays into our paint. He needs to be looking over his shoulders EVERY SINGLE TIME he's anywhere near the rim. NOT TO MENTION - he's a fricken little girl - whining & crying every time anyone even breathes on him. For crying out loud - someone should take him to the hood & show him what a foul looks like. He is now officially on my list of people who seriously need to be punked along with gold teeth garnett. Urgh....
At least my remote didn't make a test flight toward the screen last night......although I did seriously consider it for a few minutes.
ONWARD TO GS tonight - BUCKLE UP & GET 'ER DONE!
GO LAKERS!!
Jon K - sorry about your Clips, man......
Posted by: justanothermambafan | January 07, 2009 at 08:11 AM
Two comments from FB&G on coaching:
********* Kurt ********
Teams are figuring out how to play the Celtics better — there is a great video linked on TrueHoop today. Essentially, teams are daring Rondo to be a jumpshooter, because he still sucks at that. The Lakers certainly did that, but I’m not sure they really created a blueprint that didn’t exist before, every team knew it.
Also, simply, the Celtics are slumping. Here’s the thing (and this may be the post for tomorrow, so help me flesh it out): When the Lakers played like crap in December, Phil Jackson was coaching for May. There is no other coach in the league that has his eye on the big picture all season long like Phil (well, maybe Pop). I’m not sure Doc Rivers can do that. I don’t know if Kevin Garnett is capable of looking past winning the game tonight. It could lead to interesting moves on the part of the Celtics that are not smart long term.
************ Darius ******
As for Kurt’s talk about Boston and coaching, here’s my take. Just like Kurt mentioned, Phil and Pop (and Riles and maybe Larry Brown, basically the best coaches) are the only coaches in the league that, by my estimation, are real *teachers* as coaches. They let their team struggle, they mix up line ups, they’ll do the unconventional thing in order to get their guys ready to win when it counts. They really are big picture coaches. I think Doc (and this worked masterfully last season with a hungry group that had never reached the highest level) coaches to win every game and to maximize effort and production for every game. This goes hand in hand with KG, so for last year’s Celtics, I think this was exactly what was needed for them to win the title. It worked, so good on them. But now, this season, the Celtics are not as good, not as deep, and are coming off a 100+ game season where they played intense ball (or strived for it) every single night….and ultimately that same strategy is not going to work this season. Doc has to make adjustments, but with the makeup of his team (led by KG) I’m not sure if that’s even possible. They’re going to go hard every night, and that’s a tough thing to do when they’re in year two after a Finals win. Not because they don’t *want* to, but because it’s just a hard thing to do coming off the grind of a championship season. Think back to the Lakers threepeat years earlier this decade. In those second and third title years, how truly impressive of a regular season team were we? How hard did we push for regular season dominance? The fact is we weren’t impressive or dominant in the regular season. In fact it was quite the opposite, we *flipped the switch* (as the pundits say) and dominated the playoffs (at least the majority of the series we played) and won multiple titles. Boston (and really Doc’s) goal should be to win the title. But he’s going to have to realize (and never being in this position before is going to hamper his ability to do so) that you can’t have a team play with maximized effort and energy for two straight seasons and 200+ games. Either he’ll learn or they’ll lose. This is why I love our coach. People can complain about his style and the fact that he just sits there, but he wants his team to peak at the right time and he wants them to find their own path. How often does the General of the Army really go and give orders on the front line anyway? The soldiers, when in the heat of battle, need to know what to do on their own. He knows what he’s doing.
Posted by: exhelodrvr | January 07, 2009 at 08:32 AM
ALL I’M GOING TO SAY…
If it takes a spectacular career game by David West, Hornets poster boy Chris Paul being gifted with the full Dwayne Wade touch-me-and-it’s-a-foul treatment, an unfair 17-point differential at the charity stripe for the visiting team, and Phil Jackson stupidly benching a scorching-hot Kobe Bryant at the critical point in the 4th quarter for the Hornets to beat us, then I am not really worried at all. It will be the last time New Orleans beats us this year, including the playoffs – if they are unfortunate enough to play us.
If Kobe got the same treatment that Wade and Paul get, he would have shot 15 free-throws tonight instead of just 6. And that bump foul not called on Fisher against CP3 was an exact replay of every foul call Paul received all night long. You know, basketball is supposed to be fun but I did not see Paul smile once all night long. I know he is a great player and I should root for him being a former point guard, but the little crapper just sets my teeth gritting with his cheap fouls and scowling demeanor. And falling down on every single play to try and draw a foul should have gotten the little creep a technical foul.
Won’t happen again, so enjoy the win, Hornets. You did and did not deserve it.
JMNSHB and mad opinion.
Tom
Posted by: LakerTom | January 07, 2009 at 08:35 AM
Bad execution!
Painful 4th
Posted by: Baywood | January 07, 2009 at 08:39 AM
Lefty & others,
If you want to get technical, Bynum hasn't gotten "paid" yet... His pay doesn't start until next year.
However, like I said before, Bynum is afraid to be aggressive because of his knee. I don't think physically it's giving him trouble, it's all mental. When the lane is congested, he is not being aggressive to the ball. Last year when he was aggressive with others in the lane, he landed on Odoms foot. I think he is worried about coming down on it again.. He needs to get over the mental block, which may be a slow process.
Amare Studamire got over his "mental" and "physical" issues, but it took him a while. It took Amare playing for almost a year to get over the mental part.
Posted by: zen | January 07, 2009 at 08:56 AM
AK/BK,
Thanks for your comments on Phil’s decision to rest Kobe in the middle of his hot streak. While I would describe myself as a strong Phil supporter, his inane habit of pulling the hot shooter and cooling him off on the bench is one aspect of his coaching that has always pissed me off. That and the weak weenie plays he draws up for end-of-game situations. Glad to see that at least one KamBros would NOT have subbed for Kobe. Kobe never was really a factor in the game after returning. In my opinion, that move by Phil not only cost the Lakers a 5-point lead but also cooled off Kobe and changed momentum.;
While the Lakers performed poorly enough to lose, I would classify this game as one that the zebras “gave” to the Hornets. If Kobe and Pau would have gotten the same calls that these three incompetent officials kept giving Chris Paul and David West, this game would have been like every other Hornets game – with the Lakers spanking the insects. I also thought the failure to call Paul for that bump foul on Fisher’s drive that led to the technical foul was the perfect example of the inconsistent and biased refereeing that led many fans to feel that the NBA was choreographing the outcomes of games to create interest.
The other thing that clarified itself in this game is what an irritating and annoying a-hole Chris Paul has become. I wanted to turn off the Lakers announcers who were falling all over themselves to praise this little foul-faced, Grinch-like curmudgeon. Yeah, the guy is a talent but he also gets away with constant palming of the ball, hesitation dribbling that is really double dribbling, changing direction to jump into defensive players to force contact, and falling down and flopping on “every” shot to try and draw a foul, and never ever smiling, even when he gets the Dwayne Wade blessings of the three idiots in stripes.
Anyway, the Hornets do deserve credit for playing over their heads. This was a desperate game by them to show that they deserve to be considered a contender. Of course, it took a 17-point differential at the free throw line, a career-best game by David West, and the help of a stupid move by Phil Jackson for them to win the game. If they think that they gained anything resembling respect in the minds of the Lakers, they will find out that they were sorely mistaken. This was the only win the Hornets will manage all year against the Lakers, even if they are unlucky enough to have to meet us in the playoffs. New Orleans sucks, Chris Paul is a real a-hole, and Byron Scott will never coach the Lakers.
Screw New Orleans. Of course, this is all JMNSHBO!
Tom
Posted by: LakerTom | January 07, 2009 at 08:59 AM
From "Inside the Lakers":
When asked about Gasol's lack of shots in Tuesday's game, Lakers guard Kobe Bryant offered another theory ... and some advice to the lanky Spaniard.
``He feels uncomfortable just catching and shooting,'' Bryant said. ``I tell him: `You can shoot the ball 25 times. You catch the ball and a guy's hands are down, just shoot it.'
``It's an adjustment to make, and that's what we need him to do. If he's got the ball and a guy's hands are down, just shoot it right in his face.''
Posted by: Amazing_Happens | January 07, 2009 at 09:13 AM
It was not a bad decision to give Kobe a break. He had cooled off a bit, and the Lakers were up by 5 at the time. Gasol was back inthe flow of the offense, having just finished scoring 10 points in the third quarter. Fisher was coming in fresh (4 minute rest plus the quarter break). It made sense to give Kobe a break at that point, so that he would be fresh for the final few minutes.
Posted by: exhelodrvr | January 07, 2009 at 09:18 AM
AK/BK
Well, I guess I have to at least give you guys credit for "talking" about Phil's decisions............Maybe soon you will actually apply those decisions and how it affects the game to your otherwise keen analysis (but I doubt it because to the extent I call out Phil it is to that same extent that you defend it...........but THAT'S predictable......haha)
When I write that Phil made no adjustments with Chris Paul or had a game plan I mean that the Laker defense did not take anything away from him after they saw him on the attack. At some point it seems you could have made hard traps on Paul on the pick and rolls and force the ball out of his hands and allow for rotations.........like being on a string..........and force someone else to beat you.
Does that sound difficult to you? Well then check out this "exact" strategy that Byron Scott employed on Kobe in the fourth quarter after he exploded in the third. This is really simple basketball........to say that Oh well CP3 is an all-star is ridiculous.
PHIL JACKSON'S IN-GAME ADJUSTMENTS ARE HORRIBLE!
The other thing is both of you say that you have no problem with Phil removing Kobe from the game in the fourth quarter..........If that is your conclusion then I must say that your assessment is unfortunate because THAT DECISION was the ball game.
I don't know if either of you have ever been involved in a heated and back and forth contest but at some point it ceases to be a basketball game per se and it becomes A WAR OF ATTRITION............Who is willing to pay the most for the victory?
Let me ask you guys a question............Did Byron Scott remove Chris Paul or David West in the fourth? Think about that before you answer it........it may require some research..............And while you are checking that out riddle me this.........Did Byron Scott take out Chris Paul or David West.........in the third quarter??
What did Byron Scott understand that Phil and you two seem to not understand?
Phil Jackson in my opinion just doesn't consistantly have his finger on the pulse of a game........he just doesn't seem to "feel" what's going on out there.
If I am applying a tourniquet with pressure to a bleeding patient with wounds to a major artery I immediately understand that I can't stop applying pressure FOR ONE SECOND.......let alone 70 SECONDS! If I do it may mean the demise of my patient because I will no longer be able to stop the bleeding WHEN I RE-APPLY that pressure.
Kobe staying in the game gave the Lakers the BEST CHANCE of winning that game.......why? Because if nothing else Kobe could have rested by becoming a decoy by attracting the two and three defenders to allow someone else to score............Kobe was creating ALL of the offense. When Kobe checked out the Lakers began to bleed and when Kobe checked back in............we couldn't stop the bleeding
THAT'S BAD COACHING.............in my humble opinion
Posted by: pfunk36 | January 07, 2009 at 09:22 AM
Hats off to NO. CP3 and David West showed up big time and the Lakers didn't have an answer.
Bynum's offensive game was horrible last night. How many little bunnies or jump hooks did he miss? Now I know we're supposed to be looking at his impact defensively and on the boards, BUT, if he is going to be shooting, he needs to finish. Especially considering he's not there to get the rebound. Those can't be wasted opportunities for the sake of the team. It was a momentum killer last night.
In the category of bizarre trends, what's up with the Lakers on the FIRST night of back-to-backs? 4 out of the last 5 losses have come that way.
Here's hoping the news on LO is good. I like Powell's energy and work on the boards, but his comfort level (and his teammates' comfort level) out there isn't the same as when LO is on the floor.
Posted by: lakers_sth | January 07, 2009 at 09:24 AM
when are we going to trade Vladimir Radmanovic?
for a good defensive player
Posted by: olivier | January 07, 2009 at 09:33 AM
Laker Tom-
Really, it depends on what you consider part of his "hot streak." At the point he sat down, Kobe had missed three of his last four jumpers. Was he getting a little fatigued, or just missing a couple after a huge Q3? Even Kobe can get tired, especially given all the heavy lifting he did in the third, in front of his typical role in the fourth of engineering the offense. To give him a quick breather makes sense, and the timing of it was good for me. It was extended by using the TO, and at a point wher ethe Lakers had a little cushion. But beyond that, I think it's a little simplistic to think that Kobe Bryant can't take a quick break without having all his mojo taken away.
BK
Posted by: kambrothers | January 07, 2009 at 09:37 AM
Amazing happens
Thanks for that post. We've all probably screamed "SHOOT" at Pau a thousand times since he arrived. He has a 10-15 free throw every time he faces up. Surveying the floor gives the D time. Making the open look early changes the game.
I hope he hears Kobe on this one. Might not have mattered last night, but it will down the road.
Posted by: VMan | January 07, 2009 at 09:46 AM
LakerTom,
We're in lot of trouble if sitting Kobe for 2 minutes should change the face of the game. Biggest problem was total lack of any production from our BIGS. I'm not going to complain a lot about Pau, he has an off game, and besides this and maybe another game or two, there is not too much to complain about Pau this season. But what is going on with Drew???? It's like watching he is going backwards, like last season play was from someone else??? Where are his moves that he learned under Kareem??? Or Kobe needs to go on video again with another message ".. ship his sorry ass"? I just don't get, certainly Lakers looking like and idiots now to give him this contract, he not worth as of now even 1/3 of it.
Posted by: LAL_Fan | January 07, 2009 at 09:48 AM
I'm all good with a 6(W):1(L) ratio, baby!
Save some burn for the stretch run... it took Paul & West playing over their heads last nite + losing Lammy the Lion for the Hornets to beat us... I can live with that!
We'll get 'em next time.
Hope LamChops gonna be alright... no matter wut the skeptics/cynics may say, his intangibles are integral to this teams success!
-Fowl Out
Posted by: Flagrant Fowl | January 07, 2009 at 09:51 AM
Too much CP 3, too much David West. They came in determined to put it to our boys and I would say that, in the 4th quarter we obliged.
Can someone please explain why Derek Fisher jacked up 13...13?!...friggin' 3s? Anyone? Follow up question: Is Ariza trying to get a spot in the All-Star 3-Point Shooting Competition? His accuracy needs improving if that is his ardent desire.
An amazing 3rd quarter was steam rolled by a horrendous 4th quarter. The Lakers seem to be the only team that doesn't guard the inbound the ball Full Court to a streaking opponent for an easy score. Were the ref's bad? Yes, Joey Crawford is a Laker Hater Extraordinaire. But every guy, except Sun Yue, should know that by now. Button it up and play. Too many stupid Technical fouls, especially the one near the end of the game.
If you are going to go to the trouble and the cost of getting a tech for complaining calls to the refs, don't minimalize it's impact on the officiating by jacking up 3s. Drive to the hoop, after you complain to refs and they T you up, it often results in a make-up call or two...but not if you're jacking up 3s.
In regards to "cooling Kobe off", I don't know if that was the case last night. I thought Fisher consistently started going away from Kobe in the 4th. Fisher and Ariza took waaaaaaaaaaaay too many early shot clock corner 3s in the 4th. Josh Powell took a questionable fade-away 15 footer, Vladdi missed a dunk. That was when we went from up 5 to down 8. Dribble penetration was the difference in the 4th, not the personnel on the court, CP 3 made it happen, noone on our team did. I also think Byron Scott lulled us into those 3s with his switch to a Zone in the 4th, a Zone that focused on doubling Kobe whenever he touched the ball.
Overall, as big a bummer as this was (tied for best record with the Cavs), I'd say this was as big a game and win for the Hornets as beating Boston X-mas was for us. They needed to feel like they could win. However, if we lose to them again on our home court, that will be really bad. Why? Chances are we will have home court advantage throughout the WC playoffs, and the Hornets will feel very confident coming into our building and thinking they can win. the next game is key for us to keep our edge over them, I should say our mental edge because these teams stack up well against each other physically, except at the PG position, they have the edge there.
Get it back tonight, get healthy Lamar and keep on rockin'.
GO LAKERS!!!!
Posted by: Jamie Sweet | January 07, 2009 at 09:53 AM
LTLF,
"Well let's see... the last two time the Lakers played the Hornets WITH LUKE, they blew them out."
Hate to break it to you but the first time they played this year, Luke got a DNP-Coaches decision; and we won big. I know it seems impossible, but that's what the game summary said. lol
How did we get off to that great start with Luke riding the pine game after game? Curious minds want to know.
Posted by: Eric M. | January 07, 2009 at 09:56 AM
In cleveland when lebron steps up to do something amazing on the court he is followed by mo williams and the others are all motivated to try and do the same.
In LA when kobe does something amazing on the court, the other four players stop playing and expect kobe to continue to play the same way the rest of the game.
there is a motivation problem with gasol, bynum, fisher and yes ariza too. their attitude is so negative and defeatist on the court.
Posted by: che | January 07, 2009 at 10:24 AM
Olivier,
when are we going to trade Vladimir Radmanovic?
for a good defensive player
~~ What part of the game did Vlad make a blunder in D lst night? Peja was not making his shot, that was his assignment, Then, he got Posey, he also guarded him tight. Afterwards, he was benched. OK, trade him with what? How about the rest of bench who are not doing anything like Mihm, Mbenga, do Lakers pay for cobwebs? What about Walton in the trading block, which team want the contract of Walton.
Why trade, why not fill up the 15th slot with a defensive PG? Vlade Divac's job is not being cute doing promotional interviews for his TV spots. He should be working his BUTT as a scout in Europe and talking to Pargo and others. That's the job of a scout not having fun in USA. I remembered Lakers paid Vlade Divac a sum of money two years ago as a concession on his back injury. What has he done lately as a Laker scout in Europe?
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | January 07, 2009 at 10:24 AM
BK,
>>>>>Really, it depends on what you consider part of his "hot streak." At the point
>>>>>he sat down, Kobe had missed three of his last four jumpers.
>>>>>Was he getting a little fatigued, or just missing a couple after a huge Q3?
>>>>>Even Kobe can get tired, especially given all the heavy lifting he did in the third,
>>>>>in front of his typical role in the fourth of engineering the offense. To give him
>>>>>a quick breather makes sense, and the timing of it was good for me. It was
>>>>>extended by using the TO, and at a point where the Lakers had a little cushion.
>>>>>But beyond that, I think it's a little simplistic to think that Kobe Bryant can't take
>>>>>a quick break without having all his mojo taken away.
You are probably right, Brian. I was in a pretty pissed off mood all night long because of the refs and then because I thought Phil made a big mistake taking out Drew in early in the second quarter just after he got going. In the space of a minute, Drew hit a 12-foot jumper and then threw down one of his best dunks of the game over Armstrong. One minute later, Byron puts Chandler back in the game and Phil pulls Drew and puts in Pau, which I thought was really stupid. We need to get Drew playing back at the level he was before he got injured. What? He cannot handle Tyson Chandler? Stupid move in my opinion! Phil has always had the bad habit of pulling the hot shooter.
As for Kobe, I would never have rested him with 8:19 left in the 4th quarter and the Lakers just pulling out for a 5-point lead 99-94. Kobe in fact had made his last basket. So Phil pulls him and inserts Fish, who had a terrible shooting night. Meanwhile, West torches Powell, who played with energy but should have been on the bench in favor of Drew, for 4 points in the next minute and Butler drains a 3-pointer while Sasha and Pau miss jumpers. Result, by the time Kobe returns, our 5-point lead has turned into a 2-point deficit. Why don’t you ask Kobe if he wanted to come out at that time? Hell, we know the answer.
Anyway, screw the over-rated Hornets and their over-rated coach and players.
JMNSHB(and Pissed)O!
Tom
Posted by: LakerTom | January 07, 2009 at 10:26 AM
Good Morning Charles....Good Morning Everyone....
Wel that was an entertaining game right up to the 99-94 score--then Mr. Walton was interviewed (my daughter blamed him for the loss ha ha) and everything went to hell in a basket with a big teal bow on it....
Lawlers Law proved true once again--with us stuck on 99 and giving up a 15-0 run---really could have used a time out less than a third of the way through that debacle...
It seemed all night, and glaringly so at the end, that we went away from our advantages inside and went jump shot happy---even though the 3 point percentage was good, the amount of three's taken was ludicris...
Luckily, Kobe was making everything in the third quater---conversely, unfortunately David West could not miss the entire game, he was definitly in the zone...when he had three fouls, we did not go at him like we should have, which is one way to defend a player that hot, he didn't get his 4th foul until late--and that was due in part to us settling for jump shots and 3 point attempts..
besides West all the Hornets seemed to have was Chris Paul (which was more than enough apparently)--he practically does the same thing, dribbles around in circles and shoots a short shot when the defender gets too dizzy or so...some studious game film reveiw should reveal some team defending methods it would seem...
Why in the name of Gilligan is Ariza thinking he is The Machine and camped out at the three point line--hardly any movement without the ball or going to the rim--I don't know what his 3 point percentage for that game or the year is, but I would be willing to be a pile of monkey turds that it's not very good...spacing the floor is one thing but you better make those shots...and again playing to your strengths is a good thing I think...
speaking of needing to make your shots department, Rad couldn't buy a basket (not even a dunk), there's that old consistency thing rearing it's ugly head once again...
I guess we will see just how valuable Lamar is...hopefully our depth (which is getting thinner with injuries) will be tested sucessfully...
" I'm taking the time for things that weren't important yesterday"
"what with a gamey leg?"
AS ALWAYS, AS EVER, YET ANOTHER GREAT DAY (AND SEASON) TO BE A LAKER FAN !!!
GO LAKERS !!!
Posted by: Floyd | January 07, 2009 at 10:34 AM
Between Lamar getting injured and CP3 getting the golden-boy treatment from the refs (why does Kobe NEVER get that kind of love from the officials?) it was a game the Lakers couldn't win.
Lakers still own the Hornets, and while the NO fans may be happy that their team finally beat us, they also know they're still a distant second when it comes to the best in the west.
Posted by: Mayor of Kobe Town | January 07, 2009 at 10:36 AM
Jon K,
Continuing our conversation yesterday with regards to broadcasting style in the Lakers today, did you notice there are so much promotional aspects done while the game was on play? That is a No-No during Chick's time, or when Susan Stratton was the producer. They SERVED the TV fans first by broadcasting the game b/c that is the very reason why fans paid for cables to watch a game and not the side show? They are not enamored by the presence of Hollywood stars, other sports celebrities but the game itself. The only people who struck by celebrity stars are people from East Coast or Midwest or Southern states, it is usual and customary here in Los Angeles especially in a Laker game. What made Chick popular? Well, nobody controls Chick, not even the sponsors or the networks on what is the standard set by competition? He sets the standards, others follow him Have you seen that kind of professionalism from Fox Group, KCAL or from Joel & Stu. While Lakers are rallying, why would the audience be interested on the inflamed TOE of Luke Walton? It is all rubbish symbolism by Lakers broadcaster's hooplah!
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | January 07, 2009 at 10:38 AM
Jon K.'s Early Thoughts That He Has Not Put Too Much Thought Into Yet:
1. I hate losing.
2. I think we would have won if Luke would have started.
3. My gut tells me that Lamar is out for almost a month. I've had hyperextension before.
4. Looks like Josh Powell is going to get more minutes now. I think that he'll surprise a lot of people.
5. Is it just me or does it seem like most injuries happen in December and January, for all teams?
6. Clippers, once again, can't close out a game and lose via heartbreak. Totally sucks. At least Eric Gordon is proving to be one bad fothermucker.
7. Vlad and Andrew's play concerns me. I think these issues were created by the coaching staff, but, recently it seems like the coaching staff is doing everything right to rectify the matter and Vlad and Andrew aren't responding as quickly as I hoped.
8. Hornets played well last night. We shouldn't be too concerned by this loss.
9. Here's another concern. I think Fish will be able to handle the additional minutes while Farmar is out, but once Farmar is back, he won't be able to go full strength at first. So that will keep Fisher's minutes up. In summary, there's a risk that at the end of the season Fisher may be worn out a bit, which would have to be compensated by significantly increasing Farmar's minutes, which I'm not sure is a good thing considering how The Zohan plays defense. Defense wins Championships.
10. Maybe we should start Josh Powell now.
What do we play for? RINGS!!!
Lakers Today... Lakers Tomorrow... Lakers Forever.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | January 07, 2009 at 10:46 AM
mjore worhtless thoughts, as it were, seemingly:
good news last night? another loss for the frickin's Celtics against the lowly Bobcats---that made last night Laker loss a little easier to swallow, seemingly, as it were, fab, gear etc....
another loss by Houston ain't bad neither...
Byron Scott still wants to coach the Lakers....
why oh why don't we run the pick and roll until the other team bleeds out of the majority of their collective orifices? we have such an advantage over most teams with a lot of different combination of pickers and rollers and passers etc. it almost makes me want to disembowel myself to think how under-utilized that aspect of our game is...
our free throwing sucked again it seemed, but then again I want to make them all...
dunk practice may be in order..
Chris Paul sense of entiltlement is really annoying, he would be a great fit alongside of Garnet and Wade...
at least there is another game tonight to hopefully help us forget last night's fecal stain...
GO LAKERS !!!
Posted by: Floyd | January 07, 2009 at 10:46 AM
LAL_Fan,
>>>>>We're in lot of trouble if sitting Kobe for 2 minutes should change the face of the
>>>>>game. Biggest problem was total lack of any production from our BIGS. I'm not
>>>>>going to complain a lot about Pau, he has an off game, and besides this and
>>>>>maybe another game or two, there is not too much to complain about Pau this
>>>>>season. But what is going on with Drew???? It's like watching he is going
>>>>>backwards, like last season play was from someone else??? Where are his
>>>>>moves that he learned under Kareem??? Or Kobe needs to go on video again
>>>>>with another message ".. ship his sorry ass"? I just don't get, certainly Lakers
>>>>>looking like and idiots now to give him this contract, he not worth as of now
>>>>>even 1/3 of it.
Thanks for your comments. I agree that it is extremely frustrating watching Drew play so poorly compared to last year. While part of the problem is that he has to share playing time in the post with Pau and teams know they have to account for him, I still contend that Drew has not fully recovered his confidence and physicality lost due to the injury. You can see the hesitation on his part, especially jumping in heavy traffic. Last night I thought Drew had some excellent plays, especially right before Phil yanked him early in the second quarter after he threw down an awesome dunk off a pass from Lamar.
Overall, we just have to be patient. Even with Drew playing a 50% to 75% of last year, we are still the best team. We just need to play inside-out basketball, especially with teams that we have shown we can dominate inside like the Hornets. The problem with our “bigs” was really our “smalls” not working the ball inside. There were several times when Drew dove into the lane and was wide open but got no pass. Instead, we cast off a record number of 3-point shots, especially by Derek Fisher. Inside-out keeps everybody in the game. If you do not reward your bigs, then why are they going to keep working hard?
Anyway, we will probably not see the Beast until next year. Especially if we never allow him to get going on the floor and do not invest some time and effort to get him back on track. This was a game where Pau was not enough and we needed the Beast to overcome the refs and outstanding play by the Hornets. Anyway, that’s JMNSHBO!
Tom
Posted by: LakerTom | January 07, 2009 at 10:51 AM
AK/BK,
I am very disappointed that there were no Laker girls featured in your video summary and that neither of you attempted to even feign an accent. How droll.
Well, at least AK is looking into the camera now.
Lakers Today... Lakers Tomorrow... Lakers Forever.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | January 07, 2009 at 10:56 AM
Edwin Gueco,
Good points, man.
I wonder who is pushing this rubbish. We need to find him or her and pepper spray them.
What do we play for? RINGS!!!
Lakers Today... Lakers Tomorrow... Lakers Forever.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | January 07, 2009 at 10:58 AM
Eric M,
>>>Hate to break it to you but the first time they played this
>>>year, Luke got a DNP-Coaches decision; and we won
>>>big. I know it seems impossible, but that's what the game
>>> summary said. lol
Ironic that your post about Luke starts with the word "Hate"?
Yeah, I realized that after I made the post. I was wrong about
that game. But some of the comments I made WRT Luke,
also apply wrt Jordan and Lamar.
Jordan played 19 minutes and Lamar played 27 minutes.
That means that Fisher only had to play 29 minutes, so he
shot 7 for 11 for the game. He didn't get tired and start bricking
shots in the fourth quarter.
Kobe was bricking his outside shots that game, but he was passing
in to the post more (6 assists for Kobe, 12 and 10 shots for Gasol and
Bynum), and driving to the hole and getting fouled more (9 for 9
on free throws).
The point was that Luke realizes (and this is the whole "basketball IQ"
thing) that getting the ball inside wins games more often than
jacking up a ton of three pointers. Luke makes it his FIRST
priority to get the ball into one of the bigs in the post, which is
the best way to initiate the offense.
Lamar and Jordan and Kobe (and to a lesser extent Fisher)
are all capable of getting the ball to the bigs, but they don't
always make it their first option.
And Drew is just like Shaq or any other big. When you get them
touches, they tend to be more active and more effective on defense.
If Drew hustles down the floor five times in a row and never
sees the ball, then the next time maybe he jogs down the floor
instead, and maybe the opposing team starts getting fast breaks.
Same thing with Pau.
Posted by: Long Time Laker Fan | January 07, 2009 at 11:09 AM
LTLF and LakerTom: agreed if the bigs get touches, they tend to be more active. However - the #2 Laker option (and this season's most consistent player) was clearly having an off night.
I would argue that AB needs to be a little more demanding in that type of situation and when he does get the touches - score. He was 2/7. And he certainly hasn't shown the ability to make good decisions with consistently high foul counts.
I think you are being too nice/lenient on AB. Yes, he's young, so I will discount the poor decision making w/r/t fouls. However, he certainly has played enough basketball over his entire life to have built up some bball IQ. Maybe not NBA IQ but after 3+ years in NBA come on - no more excuses.
I think he is not mentally limited because of his injury - I am beginning to believe he just doesn't have the bball IQ to be an elite (lakers) center. Every night he can look up to the rafters and see the jersey's of the greatest big men in the "history" of the NBA (ode to Bill Walton). That should be motivation enough.
Additionally, AB's had PRIVATE lessons from arguably the greatest center of all-time who has these stats:
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar
When Kareem Abdul-Jabbar left the game in 1989 at age 42, no NBA player had ever scored more points, blocked more shots, won more MVP awards, played in more All-Star Games, or logged more seasons. His list of personal and team accomplishments is perhaps the most awesome in league history: Rookie of the Year, member of six NBA championship teams, six-time NBA MVP, two-time NBA Finals MVP, 19-time All-Star, two-time scoring champ, and a member of the NBA 35th and 50th Anniversary All-Time Teams.
AB's been able to sit though many games and study the moves of EVERY current NBA center during his various injuries. Granted his new extension doesn't kick in until next year - but why should he be given a pass until next year to overcome his mental injury limitations? He should be investing everything he can into making the Lakers a better/championship team now (hire a shrink for gosh sakes) since he was supposedly the "missing link".
I am getting a little agitated by all this because clearly Trevor read all the criticism, expectations and IMHO - has stepped up to the plate from his injury (which if I recall) was from D-Fish landing on him in the paint. That certainly hasn't stopped or impeded TA's ability to take it to the hoop (ex. last night) or go the extra step to take on additional floor responsibilities.
I don't see the same mentality in AB17 and this is of great concern! Yes, he has a job this year (rebound and defend the post) but even last night's game was WAY below average in both respects in addition to scoring.
The Lakers have invested in him in multiple ways and "given his family financial security", yet there has been little ROI.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: PsychedLakerGirl | January 07, 2009 at 01:07 PM
Andrew Bynum is spoiled and pampered Center of all Laker centers. Mikan, Wilt, Kareem, Shaq, Vlade and on never got a special tutoring that AB is getting. At a very young age, he got a rich contract with lots of expectations on him but he has not proven his mantle of leadership and performance as a Laker Center. This needs a little discipline and whacking to be more blunt from his protector, Jim Buss. If Jerry West or Bill Sharman, will Drew enjoy those privileges.
Well, if you are reading this blog - Lakers has been good to you, provided you a private tutor, a good contract and dedicated long time fans. They believe you can do wonders so do your part and reciprocate those kindness, stop pouting on every ref's call.
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | January 07, 2009 at 01:27 PM
Kobe extraordinaire??
How come Kobe hyperextends a Knee (albeit preseason) and doesn't miss a beat???
Cmon' Lamar, suck up that bone bruise after tonite, and let's get back to ballin'...
Posted by: lakersrydeordie | January 07, 2009 at 02:56 PM
Amazing_Happens, "If he's got the ball and a guy's hands are down, just shoot it right in his face.''
Classic words of an assassin...'Nuff respect, Kobe.
Posted by: lakersrydeordie | January 07, 2009 at 03:07 PM