Lakers 108, Heat 105: The big 3-0
As in "30," as in the numbers of wins the Lakers are now sitting on, thanks to a 108-105 win over the Miami
Heat. The victory, which tied the Lakers and Celts for the league's biggest win tally, saw several players stepping up to contribute, the (literal) talking point of the the K Brothers game summary. The January 11th in-house scoring title went to Andrew Bynum, who put up 24 points against a Heat frontline helpless to stop him without a step ladder involved. Drew also came through with a key putback and layup off a Kobe miss with 18.5 seconds to play, creating a Laker advantage that never vanished. Nice to see the weightlifting pay off.
As Drew played bucket hero, his buddy Pau Gasol struggled to enter points into el box score. But Gasol was hardly invisible on the night, snagging 18 boards, eight on the offensive glass. However, the most pleasant sight may have been a successful Vlad Radmanovic. The Serbian Sharpshooter has been mired in a rut since being removed from the starting lineup in December, struggling to find success even after injuries put him back with the first five. Thus, an 18-point/four three pointers/moments of solid D night couldn't have come on a better night for the player and his team.
Speaking of the big 3-0, the Lakers' star, one Kobe Bryant, has
recently joined the ranks of the 
30-something generation, but you
wouldn't have known it from watching him race all over the hardwood shadowing Dwyane Wade. Wade finished the night with 27 points, but only connected on 10-22 shots, a considerably better rate of success coming with Bryant taking a breather. , That stark contrast accentuated how, in the end, the night was "Advantage Kobe," even if he needed some stitches for his trouble.
From Ira Winderman of the South Florida Sen-Sentinel
Bryant instead put much of his energy into defending Olympic teammate Wade, who scored 27 on 10-of-22 shooting. "Both guys were just incredible with their energy level," Spoelstra said. "I think the fans probably got their money's worth." Bryant was relentless against Wade, at one time apologizing for an
aggressive bump that left Wade rubbing his hip. At other times, Wade
turned to the referees in anger over Bryant's physical approach. And
the two kept up a constant dialogue the entire game. "We have not seen denials like that all year long," Spoelstra said, with Bryant hounding Wade fullcourt.
Wade expected nothing less. "We knew Phil wasn't going to let me be comfortable," he said of Lakers coach Phil Jackson. Wade said he relished the challenge.
"That's why you love to play," noted Wade after the game. Because of these matchups."
They're also why the Staples faithful is willing to plunk down roughly the equivalent of a mortgage to watch these matchups in person, too. Or, in the case of the courtside types, make a phone call to their agents and demand some tickets.
AK
OTHER NOTES
- Kobe may have come through in slowing down Wade, but the Laker D remains vulnerable at the moment. PJ is maintaining an Alfred E. Neuman outlook.
- Lamar Odom and PJ disagree on LO's roadie availability.
- A three way deal between Charlotte, Dallas and OKC apparently ain't happening. Unless a buyout was coming afterward on his end, lucky Stackhouse. But all three teams may remain in the trade bidness, along with the Bucks, TK
- Chris Duhon hasn't forgotten about his Slidell roots.
- Darius Miles' career has become a circus of late, but he's happy that for once, someone else is wearing the black hat. Said chapeau is instead resting on the melon of Kevin Pritchard.
- Grant Hill finally picks up a flagrant.
- Skip to my Lou thinks Starbury must own up.
- Best... curfew... ever.
Good article on the curfew/sleep patterns - performance is clearly affected by sleep; it will be interesting to see if other teams follow the approach the Trailblazers take.
Posted by: exhelodrvr | January 12, 2009 at 10:14 AM
D Wade's supporting cast is formidable, much more so than Kobe's 2 years back.
If they were to dump Marion and buy Bosh next year, maybe pick up a defending big, they'd be formidable-r.
Posted by: VMan | January 12, 2009 at 10:15 AM
Charles....Thanks for the support. I knew I would be the butt of a few jokes for asking what it was, but I had never heard the term before.
You know the old saying...You can't learn if you don't ask questions.
Posted by: Eric M. | January 12, 2009 at 10:15 AM
Okay, a brief respite from my football immersion and early-season foray onto the blog.
Every time I read the Times about a Laker victory, the coverage is angst-filled. The Lakers are nearly halfway through a grind of a season after playing into June and their 2 most important players playing into September. Along the way, they've won 5/6 of their games and overall are better defensively.
So why so serious?
It's early, every team from 1-32 struggles not only early, but often, in any given game against any given team. The Lakers will falter in spots. But they're positioning themselves for homecourt in the West, at worst. Who'd have thought this possible 15 months ago?
Can they slay their spring demons? Who knows? But Lakerland shouldn't be so subdued, simply because It's Been Hurt Before. It should be cautiously optimistic.
Start worrying about trends in 8 weeks.
Not now.
It's a long season.
Peace
Posted by: Peace | January 12, 2009 at 10:20 AM
K Bros - Alston's alter ego is Skip To My Lou or Skip 2 My Lou.
Posted by: lakers_sth | January 12, 2009 at 10:28 AM
STH -
Thanks.
AK
Posted by: kambrothers | January 12, 2009 at 10:34 AM
I used to work for a doctor of sleep medicine and it's absolutely facinating. That was a great article! Good sleep hygiene is important. Lots of teams are finding that out. Cool find K bros - thanks for that.
GO LAKERS!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: longtimelakerlover | January 12, 2009 at 10:37 AM
Reposted from previous thread
Notes about the Houston game...
I watched a recording of the Houston game at Staples in November this year. Here's a few thoughts.
1. Ron Artest played Kobe tough and the Lakers started slow until Artest was sidelined with foul trouble. Can't count on foul calls on the road.
2. Also, Shane Battier was out that game and he played Kobe tough last season with the "hand in face" approach.
3. Early in the game Drew & Pau were running the floor well and Yao was tired and also got in foul trouble.
4. The Lakers didn't really get rolling until LO, Jordan and Sacha came in and pushed the tempo and rocked Houston back on their heals. I forgot just how much energy they would bring especially early this season.
5. Pau was able to take Scola to school.
I know Houston is banged up and had ups & downs but it is gonna be a tough game.
GO LAKERS!!!
Posted by: olf | January 12, 2009 at 10:50 AM
Great article on sleep. I hope the Lakers also take into account all the things that go in to keeping the players alert, healthy and confident.
Posted by: puddle | January 12, 2009 at 10:52 AM
Strange.... I would have thought that professional players and franchises would already be wary of circadian rhythms.
In my sport, I would train all season at the times when I'd expect to compete at season's end in the NCAA championships.
And this was especially true the week before the championships.... in the NBA it's A LOT tougher to focus on one single time because it varies so much from coast to coast and day to day... but pretty much, late night games are expected. Being on the West, this means to train between 7-10 pretty much everyday, with perhaps a session or two at around noon. These are the common game times.
However, if it's the night before a game, I'm not sure I'd want to short myself thinking that it will help me stay up easier the next night (game night).... just sleep in as long as possible. Neurolocially, it's very important to get that sleep. One day is okay, but two is where neurological drop off would be expected... this is why I had a season where the whole team was addicted to Tylenol PMs... ha ha
Posted by: Tim-4-Show | January 12, 2009 at 10:57 AM
Morning.......The one thing that stood out last night was our shocking perimeter D that allowed Beasly wide open looks...Vlad blocking Quin was nice to see but Beasly started to get hot and had enough time to set up a hot dog stand on the 3point line.....That last 3 from the inbounds pass made dry-reach......Who was on him?
OFF TOPIC..........Lance Armstrong has arrived in town for his first race back...The media has gone CRAZY......I must say he looks in very good shape though..He must have the Mutumbo potion ....You know the one that stops from getting old.
Posted by: Thirty2 | January 12, 2009 at 11:20 AM
Great photos.
Lakers Today... Lakers Tomorrow... Lakers Forever.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | January 12, 2009 at 11:21 AM
Jon K,
Unless they're gonna purchase the actual lighting equipment, that offer may be sweet, but it doesn't really do us much good.
AK
Posted by: kambrothers | January 12, 2009 at 11:24 AM
Tim-4-Show,
Interesting talk of circadian rhythms. Yeah, it makes sense that a lot of players (particularly in the playoffs) would have their circadian rhythms all screwed up.
Screwed up circadian rhythms result in imbalanced hormonal responses which lead to diminished neurological response.
Jon K.'s solution?
Melatonin.
Melatonin supports hypothalamus function and those helps an individual re-establish healthy circadian patterns.
And it's great for jet lag.
What do we play for? RINGS!!!!
Lakers Today... Lakers Tomorrow... Lakers Forever.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | January 12, 2009 at 11:33 AM
AK,
One way to get the equipment for free is to go to a public access television class. Say that you're going to do a public access program on the Lakers or something, take the one-hour class, and they have to rent you the equipment for free.
I've taken the class in Hollywood off LaBrea. It's simple. And I've reviewed the equipment and it is more than sufficient to provide some very nice lighting for you.
Hell, if I was in Los Angeles, I'd be your personal gaffer at a moment's notice, but since I'm not I don't see why some other denizen of Laker Nation wouldn't take that class, rent that equipment and be your gaffer at the drop of a hat.
Heck, you could even shoot some additional interviews (Laker girls!), edit them together and put together your own public access program for Los Angeles. I'm sure people would watch it. I would.
Isn't there some member of Laker Nation out there who has taken audio-visual classes or film classes at UCLA, USC or Claremont who is willing to help out?
What do we play for? RINGS!!!
Lakers Today... Lakers Tomorrow... Lakers Forever.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | January 12, 2009 at 11:39 AM
Glad to see one of the coaches let PJ know that maybe it is a good idea to play Bynum in the 4th qtr.
With Kobe playing like MJ and not just talent wise but in leadership skills his #1 priority should be how do I get Andrew to show some EMOTION!? He must find the right buttons for Andrew. This kid has so much talent oozing out of him and on top of it he is BRIGHT!
This is not Benoit Benjamin material.
Why am I so happy:
1. Bynum is starting to show a pulse. His potential is off the radar and could become a GREAT!
2. Very impressed with KOBE and how he is now controlling the game and never seems to force anything.
The way he has shot the last 10 games or so and how he is directing the court play and the control he is showing is MJ LIKE and nobody will tell me different. As of last year I would not of said that but this year KOBE IS MJ.
His Leadership this year is more impressive than anything. He just seems to be in total control and the forcing shots seems to be a thing of the past.
He is better this year than last year when he won the MVP! Might not win the MVP this year but make no mistake about it...this is his BEST YEAR!
BD
Posted by: BD | January 12, 2009 at 11:49 AM
One of the reasons that Lamar Odom is still so valuable to this Laker team is his defense on the bigger, more mobile forwards in the league. On this next stretch, Lakers will have to face Artest, Orlando's combo of Turkoglu and Rashard Lewis, and LeBrawn. LO will surely be missed if he is unable to play.
exhelodrvr...
Nice take on that Bynum assist to Kobe on the previous thread. One of the things that sets Bynum apart is his passing ability and court awareness. He really threw Kobe a fastball on that play, with pinpoint accuracy. And he didn't hesitate one bit. That was nice.
Posted by: bronxlakerfan | January 12, 2009 at 11:55 AM
Bynum's work in the weight room is paying off...I've even noticed more definition in his calves and we all know that is the ultimate key to success! jk!
Posted by: bronxlakerfan | January 12, 2009 at 12:04 PM
AK,
"public access television class"
K's-World, Party time, excellent!!
Posted by: exhelodrvr | January 12, 2009 at 12:13 PM
Dear Mitch Kupchak:
TRADE ODOM FOR BRAD MILLER and JOHN SALMONS!
Posted by: jcc79 | January 12, 2009 at 12:40 PM
The Lakers are getting better and better as the season progresses. You can actually see both Bynum and Gasol growing muscles they didn't have at the beginning of the season. They should set the Robinson-Duncan duo as their benchmark in terms of both offense and even more important, defense. Two premier 7 foot post players can indeed be on the floor together at the same time as the Spurs proved. Fish and Kobe and everbody else should continue working on feeding our 2 big dogs under the basket. By the playoffs the Lakers will be indefensible as Drew, Pau and Kobe will all demand double teams.
And Kobe continues to improve his game, I have never seen as much of the right balance from him in terms of looking for his shot and setting up the other guys as he has in the last few games. If he gets a career high in FG% this season that will be awesome and prove his maturity once and for all, and get him closer to MJ in terms of basketball IQ. Kobe has more individual skills than MJ but is still working up to his level in terms of knowing how to use his teammates to make himself better, instead of relying just on himself.
The Lakes' big problem continues to be perimeter defense- the 3 point shot, pick and roll, and transition defense in that order. That's why PJ is always on Drew's case about P & R defense because PJ saw Shaq never improve on his P&R defense in his entire career and wants Drew to go on a different path. Drew is learning and will be much better than Shaq in this area. Defending the 3 pt shot is something the Lakers struggle with as long as they don;t recognize 3 pt shooters. No NBA team can put 5 3 pt shooters on the floor at the same time yet Lakers continually leave known 3 pt specialists open on the perimeter, and are easily fooled by screen rolls. That will be less of a problem in the playoffs when the Lakers can make special preparations for the specific characteristics of each playoff opponent. Vlad is the one most guilty of this mental lapses that's why PJ calls him a space cadet.
Posted by: LakerinBC | January 12, 2009 at 12:45 PM
>>>1. Ron Artest played Kobe tough and the Lakers started
>>>slow until Artest was sidelined with foul trouble. Can't
>>>count on foul calls on the road.
Artest will miss Tuesday's game. He has a fractured ankle.
>>>2. Also, Shane Battier was out that game and he played
>>>Kobe tough last season with the "hand in face" approach.
Battier has also had a lot of foot problems lately, and has missed
four of the last 5 Rocket games. He probably will play.
And then you left out the third Kobe stopper on the Rockets...
Von Wafer.
Posted by: Long Time Laker Fan | January 12, 2009 at 01:46 PM
Thanks for the Rockets info Long Time.
I knew T-Mac was out and they have had a bunch of dudes in and out of the lineup but wasn't sure of the details.
I always have trouble seeing Houston as contenders so I don't follow them much.
I feel much better about our chances now.
Go Lakers!!!
Posted by: olf | January 12, 2009 at 02:11 PM
LTLF,
Hopefully von Wafer won't give the rest of the league a blueprint on how to shut down Kobe.
Posted by: exhelodrvr | January 12, 2009 at 02:53 PM
I think the key to the Lakers dominance would be Pau Gasol. If he plays more aggressively, this team is unbeatable.
If he plays like the way he play in their last game against the warriors, they should have routed this Heat team
Please see my take on this at:
http://tinyurl.com/a547yd
Posted by: The Lakers Analyst | January 13, 2009 at 04:53 AM