Lakers 121, Pacers 119: Curiouser and curiouser
To read more about this trip down the basketball rabbit hole, click below for the breakdown.
Three Good:
- Kobe Bryant: He only made three shots in the fourth quarter... but man, did they matter. There was a step back jumper from 20' with a 1:10 to go, giving the Lakers a three point lead. Then there was the dagger- a turnaround J over a somewhat helpless Jarrett Jack (Really, is there ANY reason Jim O'Brien didn't send a little help?) with three ticks to go, putting LA up for good. In between, Kobe also managed to hit three free throws. All told, over the last three minutes Kobe accounted for all but one of LA's points, and over the first three quarters, Bryant was outstanding. Entering the final frame, Kobe had 25 points on an efficient 7-13 from the floor (at one point, he was 6-9), with a season high 13 assists.
The distribution came in all shapes and forms, from a first quarter play when, rather than push up an available shot under the bucket, he kicked it to Vlad Radmanovic in the corner for an open three. Given how poorly Vlad had shot the ball over the last two games coming in, Kobe knew it was important to get him going Friday night. He found the guy who needed the bucket more. Kobe would feed Pau Gasol and Andrew Bynum on screen and rolls, and find available guys on penetration. With the Lakers down three ball movers, Kobe helped ensure the ball didn't go still, and 17 trips to the line say he stayed aggressive most of the night.
- The Bigs: It wasn't a perfect effort (Andrew Bynum should always have more than five boards in 30+ minutes), and no question the Pacers had some easy buckets, but overall Pau Gasol and Bynum had a positive impact on the game. They combined to shoot 17 for 23 from the floor for 41 points, including seven free throws. Gasol grabbed 11 boards and chipped in four dimes. In the fourth, Bynum split a double on the post and made a great feed to Trevor Ariza cutting hard to the bucket for an easy two. Bynum also worked hard early to get good position on Indy's Roy Hibbert in the early going, and showed variety in his offensive game: Some hooks, a couple nice jumpers from around the free throw line, and (thankfully) a smattering of dunks.
- Josh Powell: After the game, Phil Jackson again made it clear that when everyone is healthy, it'll be hard for Josh Powell to earn a lot of meaningful minutes. There just aren't enough to go around. But right now, guys are hurt, Powell has a chance to contribute, and he's taking advantage. He had 10 points in only 19 minutes, making five of the seven shots he took. Toss in a steal and a couple boards- both on the offensive end- and you get a nice run of contributions. As AK said to me earlier in the week when we were talking about him, there isn't a player on the squad who has taken more advantage of whatever opportunities that have come his way than Josh Powell.
BK
One Big Issue:
- Lamar Odom: For those of you looking for an illustration of how LO's absence hurts the team, tonight was a good one. The Lakers struggled mightily to defend Indiana's offensive combinations, especially their variety of screen and rolls. Odom may not be perfect, but he remains an underrated cog in the Lakers' defensive machine, and his combination of length and mobility is well suited to defend teams that use a lot of motion around the floor. Toss in his rebounding ability, and it's clear the Lakers lose a lot when he's out, even if Odom doesn't give fans what they want every night when he's in.
Big picture, the Lakers are going to struggle defensively while Odom is out, especially when you add in the absence of Jordan Farmar and Luke Walton. Yes, the latter are hardly outstanding individual defenders, but a huge part of team defense comes with precision built out of continuity. The Lakers are currently forced to use combinations defensively that haven't had time to coalesce, meaning breakdowns are inevitable no matter how hard guys play. For the time being, there are no simply "bad wins," or teams the Lakers should walk over, even a 13 win Indiana team playing without TJ Ford and Marquis Daniels. And certainly not over the next five games against Miami, Houston, San Antonio, Orlando, and Cleveland.
BK
Three Bad
- Sasha Vujacic: We'll start with the positives. He avoided getting another technical, whining after calls and the general nonsense BK and I spoke about during yesterday's podkast (Maybe hearing Phil Jackson describe him as a guy without a brain who "plays by the seat of his pants" before the game put The Face on his best behavior.) Unfortunately, the decreased demonstrativeness didn't translate into better across the board decisions. It wasn't so much that he went 3-12 from the field that I didn't like- but lest there be any confusion, I was in no way fond of that- but the way many of those misses came about. Sasha spent much of the night rushing shots, putting up the ball early in possessions without a big or two around for a rebound (much less not looking in said bigs' direction to move the ball inside and help create a better outside look). It's been abundantly clear since his rookie season that Sasha is often at his worst when playing at his most frantic. Machine must learn appreciation for time taking before eventual launch from far line.
- Defense: As one might suspect in a game where Indiana scored 15 points above their average and racked a 77% field goal success in the first quarter, this game didn't spotlight the Lakers at their finest when it comes to the whole "lock down" thing. But at least they offered sieve protection in a cornucopia of ways. Forgetting to guard the downtown stripe (Put it this way. A 1-8 third quarter from three took Indiana's overall percentage down to 36%). Letting various Pacers run back door plays like they were performing a basketball tribute to the Doors. Far too many Lakers taken off the dribble on a drive to the basket. It all came to an ugly head when Mike Dunleavy hit a game-tying three late in the fourth after a miscommunication between Vujacic and Vlad Radmanovic (In a nutshell, Vlad picked the wrong time to propose a switch). Thankfully, Kobe had a little somethin' somethin' left in him to put the purple and gold back on top for good. But that disastrous sequence more or less summed up the futility experienced by the Lakers while preventing Indiana points.
- Indiana's final possession: Jeff Foster gets the inbound,
does a couple of circles, then puts up a jumper about three feet short
of the rim. Had I have taken Foster's place, the only difference would
have been everyone expecting a blogger with zero NBA experience (and a
jumper that makes Charles Barkey's golf swing look smooth) to look completely frozen and lost. Otherwise, same result. Even as a Laker fan hoping for a
miss, that's painful to watch.
An odd note to wrap up an odd game: It's one thing keep Jamaal Tinsley away from the team while Pacers brass shops him. If he's that bad an influence, so be it. But the dude isn't even listed in their media guide. All lunacy and exile aside, I'm almost positive that Stephon Marbury is still in the Knicks' media guide. Darius Miles was in Portland's guide last year. It's literally like Tinsley doesn't even exist, even though he's actually on the Pacers. Believe me when I say, even with the most estranged of players and teams, this isn't something you see every day.
AUDIO
- Pau Gasol:Download pau_gasol_1.9.09.mp3
- Vlad Radmanovic: Download vlad_radmanovic_1.9.09.mp3
- Josh Powell:Download josh_powell_1.9.09.mp3
- Kobe Bryant: Download kobe_bryant_1.9.09.mp3
AK
"is not going to match up with the Lakers even if it has Michael Jordan"
I know you are a true die hard Laker fan Laker Tom but don't disrespect Michael Jordan. To be honest, Jordan would average 40ppg+ in today's game (had he scored like he did early in his career).
Analysis:
The defense was simply atrocious especially considering without TJ Ford.
Bynum played a good game offensively but he should have gotten more boards. Pau got 11 compared to his 5.
Sasah tsk tsk tsk Faith. I'm still a big supporter of him but why in the heck is he rushing shots?? He's no Reggie Miller. It wasn't so much that lay brick shots yet again, everyone will have a bad shooting day once in a while but most of his misses are quick shots. The Machine needs to shoot but don't have to play hot potato with the ball. Relax, take a second or two, then shoot and his shots will hit with more consistency. Sometimes I think that contract he gained in the offseason gave him too much voltage for the Machine. Kinda like he's on 220 voltage when the Machine only requires 110 voltage. It's giving him too much energy and launching bricks. Just relax, take a second and shoot. That's why in practice it is so much easier. Then he could convert and not rob Kobe and Pau of at LEAST 6 assists combined.
BATTERY REQUIRES LOWER VOLTAGE HEHE.
Radmanovich made a stupid mistake in coverage. Why help out on Sasha and leave a 3 Point shooter open?! a 12th overall pick doing those mistakes....no wonder why he was sent home in the World Championships.
Trevor was just a little too picky in the cookie jar. No reason to fret.
Kobe Bryant will be one of the legends someday so best appreciate his talents before his time passes on.
D-Wade coming on Sunday. Have to prepare for him.
-blitz
Posted by: kobeblitz | January 10, 2009 at 01:05 AM
good game.
it's a win. all you pantywaists can't handle the pressure...
lol
Posted by: mud | January 10, 2009 at 01:05 AM
Kobe shooting best fg% of his career playing 35 minutes a game and his team has the best record, anyone please explane to me how dwane wade is in the mvp discussion???
he is having a great season and his team is above average but he also has a 6 time all star, a number 2 draft pick and a proven power forward playing with him, if Wade is the MVP how Kobe didn;t win it when he averaged 35 points a game i just don't understand playing with smush, Kwame, Brian Cook, and shamond williams...
It's a 2 horse race between Lebron and Kobe and i know everyone wants Lebron to win but when the lakers end up with the best record and Kobe will average more points, i just want to see the award goes to Lebron... it would just prove that Kobey will never be treated fairly as the top 5 player of all time the way he deserves.
Man when the Cavs come to town i just wish Kobe drops 50 getts 10 assists and 7 rebounds to silence the idiots who have crowned the king who has not a game in the finals yet
Posted by: shneurson | January 10, 2009 at 01:05 AM
Bynum is improving gradually. Last night he did a very good job of NOT picking up his second foul (which means that you may have to let penetrators get un-contested shots). Something that, in general, he has not been good at. Keep working on that, and also doing a better job at defending against perimeter-shooting "bigs."
Posted by: exhelodrvr | January 10, 2009 at 09:07 AM
I know that Sun Yue was sent in the game just to let him feel the play but not to develop him. I think he should start playing in the D-League so he can be develop like what Lakers did to Farmar. Joe Crawford is developing into a good guard.
Posted by: Butchiky | January 10, 2009 at 09:07 AM
blitz,
you wrote:
"i.e. he was playing farther away from the rim?"
No. As much as Pau is better than Lamar KG himself said it wouldn't have made a different on their defensive schemes. He would guard Pau the same way as he would do to Lamar Odom. And for a while he did a good job against Pau in single coverage not to mention on a hot streak on his own offensively (he was hitting jumpers like crazy).
my response: ignore what KG says and look at what
KG does. Bynum and Pau are in the game. KG stays
close to Pau. Pau switches to C and Lamar comes into
the game, KG sags off him. If you like, I'll get you the
minute time from the first quarter on Christmas.
In response to this: "Because they were a team of jump shooters last year."
you wrote: No we are still a team of jump shooters.
my resposne: You do have an involuntary itch to
disagree with whatever I say, don't you.
The facts of last year do not require a "No" before
stating a fact of this year. If you're going to disagree
with a statement about last year replace it with another
statement about last year.
In response to: "Last year Kobe posted up and his teammates couldn't
hit outside shots so the triangle offense didn't work
well vs. Christmas with Pau at PF, the triangle worked
because everyone was hitting their outside shots so
Kobe didn't attempt to post up?"
you wrote: No the triangle offense did not work last year because it relied on Kobe's penetration and kick.
my response: so ... Can you give a clean definition for
"the triangle offense worked" that does not include a
phrase, sentence or metaphor for *players hitting their
outside shot*? It is my understanding that in past
threads of conversation you *CONSISTENTLY* belittle
the defensive capabilities of the Boston Celtics and
*CONSISTENTLY* talk about the triangle offense
either working or not working. [ This does not say that
you haven't paid attention to their defensive stats or
acknowledge them to be good. ]
I ask for the definition because in the finals I saw the
Boston Celtics play great team defense and contest
jumpers. I saw Kobe get double/triple teamed. I saw
C's run back as a unit to build a wall on attempted fast
breaks. Oddly enough, this is what the Lakers say
happened. It's what the sports writers agreed
happened. It's what the announcers agreed happen.
It seems obvious to me that if the C's play defense the
way they did, the triangle offense would not flow
smoothly and thus players would miss shots. You
seem to be making the case that the C's defense
worked because the Lakers didn't run the triangle
offense vs. the triangle offense didn't work because
of the C's defense.
you wrote: By not making him have the ball and having him to set up the offense, the Lakers couldn't get the triangle working. When it is out of his hands into other people like Pau, Derek, and even Luke, KB can execute the triangle more since he does not have to set him up.
my response: What does this sentence mean? Him is
Kobe? If Kobe doesn't have the ball and sets up the
offense, the Lakers couldn't get the triangle working?
Pau, Derek, & Luke are better at setting up the triangle
for Kobe to execute?
In response to: "the triangle worked
because everyone was hitting their outside shots so
Kobe didn't attempt to post up?"
you wrote:
No. Remember it was Kobe who at first was hitting shots.
my response: Kobe hitting his shots first does not
negate the truth of "everyone was hitting their outside
shot." Last time I checked, everyone would mean
all players on the court which would include Kobe.
At the beginning of the season, Kobe often
didn't score until the second or third quarter. The
triangle offense seemed to be working fine. People
hit their shots before Kobe, so why are using
Kobe's play to talk about other people's play?
you wrote: I have a suggestion on a book before you travel Hobbit. Tex Winter's triangle offense book. Sure it is 600+ pages but it isn't all words, some real cool diagrams. Hopefully you can read it and understand that it is more than just having a shooter to spread the floor or having people hitting their shots. It's getting everyone involved to hit the shots that most suites them.
This is a fantastic suggestion. I was thinking about it.
I have a suggestion for you. Why don't you re-read
"English Grammar and Composition" & skim a book on
logic. As I look at all the posts you make, you
argue/disagree with just about everyone. No one's
comment is sufficient. You always add to it and spin it.
and nobody's credentials are sufficient for you if
you disagree with them. Did you actually call Mark
Jackson an IDIOT for something related to basketball?
Posted by: hobbitmage | January 10, 2009 at 09:07 AM
Sasha should be trained to be patient in order to be effective clutch shooter. His stat last season is alway at the back of his head. He get frustrated everytime his play is not within his expectation. I think he should undergo a process in computer maintenance "DEFRAGMENTATATION PROCESS" to increase his capacity to think fast. It's not that he don't use his brain but his muscle i.e. instinct is faster than his brain to think other option. To correct this the "Defragmentation" can be attain in two ways or combination of both
(1) Thru Yoga for mind conditioning
(2) Psychiatric session to realign his mental attitude during play
Golfer even Tiger Woods undergo this process. Tiger even have Psychiatry in his staff to constantly monitor his play throughout the tournament.
Bynum should also undergo the same treatment because he is being controlled by his subconscious of not to do things that may hurt his knee again. This is the reason why he is out of rythim in some of the time.
Posted by: Butchiky | January 10, 2009 at 09:07 AM
phil really doesn't have much choice...they're just forced to play the space cadet...
"Jackson was similarly critical of Radmanovic, who totaled three points on one-for-10 shooting in his first two starts after being demoted for 12 games. He played better Friday in his third start this month, scoring eight points on three-for-five shooting.
"He really hasn't merited starting, there's no doubt about it," Jackson said before the game. "Now with Luke [Walton] and Lamar [Odom] out for that time period, I really think we're almost forced to use him for those early minutes in the ballgame and hoping he can give us something in the process."
Posted by: kobelovesjuan | January 10, 2009 at 09:07 AM
The MVP may very well go down to the last game of the season again. If Kobe leads his team to the best record, he should get it. If LeBron does it, is should be his.
I think, at least. And all the love for Dwane Wade, whom I love, is kind of rude in my eyes, because he's doing what Kobe did--and not nearly as dramatically as Kobe did--when he was starting the likes of Smush, Kwame, Walton and Mihm.
Lets see who wins it all.
Wes
Posted by: wesjoenixon | January 10, 2009 at 09:07 AM
Is there an award for "Most clutch player in games that shouldn't be clutch?"
Because a few game-winning shots against the Thunder and Kobe has it wrapped up!
Posted by: Scott | January 10, 2009 at 09:07 AM
vladi the space cadet almost cost us this game...
check out the 3:42 mark of this vid...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UBTKLdVuOfw
phil becnh this guy forever...
Posted by: kobelovesjuan | January 10, 2009 at 09:07 AM
LO!
sometmes we really take advantage of what a player really brings to the table. Noone should be fussing about our D or lack of..that's 3 starters (countem 3) that's out and were stll above .850 and still have a tying handle on the B.I.NBA
Posted by: lakeraholic | January 10, 2009 at 09:07 AM
LakerTom,
Your boy AB has 38 points and 16 rebounds the last 2 days. Maybe he is FINALLY coming around. He only got 5 rebounds last night, but there wasn't many to be had with the pacers shooting 50%.
Before the season we talked about him needing about 40 games to get back into form, and we are now at 35.
Posted by: Eric M. | January 10, 2009 at 09:07 AM
Repost:
Imagine how good Lamar Odom would be if he had LeBron James' mentality.
Unstoppable.
When the Lakers face the Cavs in the Finals, who will guard LeBron?
Kobe? Too small.
Trevor? Too small.
Only one guy on the Lakers has the agility and size to match LeBron's.
Lamar Odom.
Before you say I'm crazy, just think about it. I'm not implying that Lamar will stop LeBron. I don't even know if he can come close. But in terms of the size and agility of those two players Lamar is the only player on the Lakers that comes close.
LeBron 6'8" 250lbs
Lamar 6'10" 230lbs
Kobe 6'6" 205lbs
Trevor 6'8" 210lbs
Thanks for the reply on the previous thread LakerTom.
OH! Will someone please give the young man named Joe Crawford a call? Dude has got some serious game!
Posted by: "Pig" Miller | January 10, 2009 at 09:07 AM
Blitz...Jordan wouldn't average forty in today NBA.He's the greatest of all time and at this point theres no argument against that based on his dominance in winning and his ability to perform at exactly the right moments but purely as an offensive force Kobe is his equal.
People talk about the less physical game and the rules but fail to take into account that when Jordan came in teams didnt know how to defend such players...they'd never seen anything like it.Successfully stopping or limiting these guys is something that evolved over Jordan's era and beyond and is now more sophisiticated.
Jordan never had to go against defences like the celtics put on Kobe in last years finals.
Posted by: Kiwi | January 10, 2009 at 09:07 AM
Dave M.
"i'm hoping for some extra powell minutes tonight... the guy impresses me when he's out there."
I like JPowell as well. He rebounds and shoots a very high %. Lamar better hurry back.
Posted by: Eric M. | January 10, 2009 at 09:07 AM
That Trevor Ariza has a bad temper.
Posted by: troy | January 10, 2009 at 09:07 AM
Jon K,
"kobeblitz is right. You should consider what he has to say"
About what? We have exchanged half a dozen posts on several different topics just in the last day or so. Can you be a little more specific?
Posted by: Eric M. | January 10, 2009 at 09:08 AM
"To be honest, Jordan would average 40ppg+ in today's game (had he scored like he did early in his career)." -kobeblitz
Right.
You, sir, have bought into the Jordan Myth.
Mike was the best, no doubt, but " the best" does not mean he would be the Lord and Conqueror of All Things Basketball.
"The best" means he would beat Kobe in a head to head matchup maybe 6 times out of 10, not 10 out of 10 or even 9 out of 10.
The best means he did the smaller things with more consistency.
The best does not mean that MJ would score 33% more points than a 30 point scorer today.
You are misled about the advantages Michael Jordan enjoyed over inferior athletes (the top players 15 years ago would still be the best today, but the average player 15 years ago would not hold a candle next to today's average player - and yes, that includes basketball IQ as well as physical abilities).
Michael Jordan was the best, yes, but that only means that he would outplay Lebron Jame, Kobe Bryant and Dwayne Wade. He would not "dominate" them as I presume you think he would, judging by your assertion that MJ would average 40+ points. Maybe over a month, like Kobe did. But over a season? Ludicrous.
If you think it's easier to score against today's defenses, you're wrong. Zone defense allows help to come much sooner and much more effectively on star players. If you think hand checking is gone from the NBA and that more fouls are called, you're wrong. Look at the number of FTs taken today vs 15 years ago, it hasn't changed much. You'd think that the number of FTs would go up significantly if so many touch fouls were being called. Look at the the average player's defense. Show me the average player 15 years ago (not the top tier, I agree, the top tier is going to be great in any era) and compare to the average player's defense today.
And before you point a 40 year old Mike's stats, look at his FG%, as well as his team's winning percentage.
On to the game. To put things in perspective :As mad as Lakers fans are at Vlad for his bone-headedness, imagine how furious Pacers' fans must be with Jeff Foster and Jim O'Brien. Josh Powell is admirable. He should continue to see PT even when Lamar and Jordan Farmar return. Danny Granger can shoooot.
Posted by: Amazing_Happens | January 10, 2009 at 09:08 AM
WARNING! WARNING!
Kobe - 41 min
Pau - 41 min
Dfish - 41 min
This Laker engine will overheat...
WARNING! WARNING!
Posted by: The Snake
Good morning bloggers from Europe; and don´t forget Kobe and Pau play in the Olympics, so their 08-09 season will last almost 11 months since their training camps in July till the Finals. This is a very important thing to take care, they should play less minutes against sub .500 teams
Posted by: dilvish | January 10, 2009 at 09:08 AM
Kobe Blitz,
You always have spot on posts. Good job.
Wes
Posted by: wesjoenixon | January 10, 2009 at 09:08 AM
"anyone please explane to me how dwane wade is in the mvp discussion???"
He is in the same situation as Kobe Bryant was in 2005-2006 except Wade has a better teammates than KB had back then.
-blitz
Posted by: kobeblitz | January 10, 2009 at 09:08 AM
I predict we willl go on a five game losing streak.
p.s.
We can still get Caron.
Posted by: never | January 10, 2009 at 09:08 AM
shneurson,
you wrote:
Kobe shooting best fg% of his career playing 35 minutes a game and his team has the best record, anyone please explane to me how dwane wade is in the mvp discussion???
my response: marketing. David Stern is clearly targeting
the younger audience for monetary purposes. It's
disgusting actually, nobody has even played in the
all-star game and the NBA machine is in overdrive to
have people believe LeBron is the next Michael so they
can rake in BILLIONS.
Posted by: hobbitmage | January 10, 2009 at 09:09 AM
shneurson,
I agree it seems like everybody and their mama is riding LeBron's jock strap...Granted he lit into the Celtics and has been playin ball lately, but now he is not only crowned as King and lead for MVP but also DPOY!!! If they could just hand over the finals championship and Finals MVP to him and Best that ever played the game and Hall of Fame induction, they would do that in a NY minute! Its a bit over the top to say the least but he is just that adored to the point that whatever Kobe does is never going to be as appreciated as the Lebrons and Wades, simply because because love who they love and love to hate who they hate...
Posted by: lakersrydeordie | January 10, 2009 at 09:11 AM
kobeblitz,
I agree on Sasha. His problem on both offense and defense is that he is too hyped up. He needs to calm down a bit.
Posted by: exhelodrvr | January 10, 2009 at 09:15 AM
is anyone else excited about the all-star game?
LBJ, Wade, Howard, kg vs. kobe, cp3, duncan, Yao/shaq
Posted by: hobbitmage | January 10, 2009 at 09:15 AM
Amazing_happens,
Plus, Jordan's what, 45 now? No way he could compete with the younger players.
Posted by: exhelodrvr | January 10, 2009 at 09:39 AM
Good Morning Charles....Good Morning Everyone...
strange game---we can count our defensive stops on one hand almost...
didn't reallly seem like a revenge game to me...
again, as in the last game with the Pacers, if we would have hit free throws (9 misses (?) ) it wouldn't have come down to the last play...
speaking of the last play--how would you like to be Jeff Foster today--he looked like a guy caught in his underwear in the middle of a crowd of mating armadillos...
good thing we don't have to play the Pacers in a seven game series...
I think LTLF's bogus trade announcement for Granger would be a real good idea if it could come to fruition...wishful thinking LTLF ?
Josh Powell is indeed a player--hopefully we see more of him when Lamar returns...Josh looks to have a complete game and could be a very valuable player this year and next and hopefully he remains on the team throught the dynasty...
I guess our team is just not a pick and roll type team--(guess we don't want to totally dominate the league)...Jackson gave us that clue with his quote about not being smart enough to run it etc.---we ran one with Bynum rolling out to the elbow and hitting a jumper...
speaking of Bynum's jumper, it looks to be a pretty consistent weapon he is developing---HUZAH !
Another Boston loss warms my soul right down to my soles...as does a loss by the Fuggets...
"she took me half the way there"
" he doesn't have any excrement* on him"
*polite word inserted for a naughty bit
AS ALWAYS, AS EVER, YET ANOTHER GREAT DAY (AND SEASON) TO BE A LAKER FAN !!!
GO LAKERS !!!
Posted by: Floyd | January 10, 2009 at 09:39 AM
Gotta think second market teams like Indiana tend to play Nellie / D'Antoni ball because it entertains the fan base since a ring is out of reach. It works well in the dog days of the NBA. Come Spring, it never blooms.
Dr Buss made a similar choice in the post Shaq insanity. Didn't take him long to learn from a mistake.
Posted by: VMan | January 10, 2009 at 09:48 AM
Floyd,
"speaking of the last play--how would you like to be Jeff Foster today--he looked like a guy caught in his underwear in the middle of a crowd of mating armadillos..."
seriously thats the best line i have heard in quite some time.. AK/BK looks like ur not the only ppl in the blog with the funy lines..lol
Posted by: laker guru from india | January 10, 2009 at 09:57 AM
Vman-
Good point on the run and guns style. These teams still have to put fans in the seats. D'Antoni had Phoenix crazy about the Suns to never even make it to the finals.
GO LAKERS
Posted by: mrbarneydangles | January 10, 2009 at 10:09 AM
AK and BK
Remember that convo about comedy and Improv yada yada ...i just saw ur youtube skit about indianas last shot..
that was some funny stuff.
Posted by: lakeraholic | January 10, 2009 at 10:11 AM
The Phoenix Pacers love launching up the three-ball with reckless abandon. Glad the Lakers didn't get sucked into that game.
Not a pretty win, but a win nonetheless. At this point, with three guys on the injured list, I'll take it.
I'm looking forward to the upcoming week. The Lakers tend to play their best ball when they're being challenged by legitimate teams, so I'm looking for more discipline on both ends of the court.
Go Lake Show!
Posted by: The Outlaw | January 10, 2009 at 10:12 AM
Vman,
Pacers are spoilers they only play their best against the leading contenders like Celtics, Cavaliers and Lakers but if you look at their records they're 3rd from the last in East. Would you give their Coach and Granger the full credit for that kind of a record? If Lakers are inconsistent, Pacers are lethargic and a waste of money for their fan base. Reason why game was close, Lakers were not playing D for three quarters then turn it on 3rd and back to auto pilot in 4th Q.
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | January 10, 2009 at 10:12 AM
blitz, wes
Wade should be in the discussion - as Kobe was that season.But just as Kobe didnt win - neither will Wade.If he does i'd be the first to blow a head gasket (as well as fall off my chair in surprise)
For the record what Wade is doing is impressive but Kobe had one of the most astounding individual seasons on record.
Secondly...the MVP is clearly a two horse race as was pointed out.You can't argue that there are any individuals better than Kobe and Lebron and if they are the top two teams then one of them will get it...the best record is highly sought after this season (after the way last years playoffs went down) if the lakers or cavs get the best record then then that teams star wins it - its that simple - no different from last year where down the stretch it became clear that Chris Paul or Kobe were always going to win if one of them managed to snag the top spot in the west.To me there would have to be a pretty good reason for Lebron to get it if he lakers get the better record.Its got to be within the context of the season but thats the way this one is turning out.
Posted by: Kiwi | January 10, 2009 at 10:17 AM
"Pig" Miller,
"Imagine how good Lamar Odom would be if he had LeBron James' mentality."
I had that exact thought watching the Cavs-Celtics last night, on one of the drives where LeBron used his "off" hand.
Posted by: exhelodrvr | January 10, 2009 at 10:35 AM
Did u hear dan schulman's play by play yesterday,"oh Lebron what a play ... ah he is the best .. LOOK AT HIS CALVES" well may be not the last one but i seriously think he would sleep with lebronze if he had the chance...
LAKER GURU FROM INDIA
Posted by: laker guru from india | January 10, 2009 at 10:35 AM
Right now, we don't have any supporting cast except Vlad and Sasha. Didn't you notice about the blog, you praise then criticize, bitch and then becomes euphoric, why can't we be consistent in accepting what we have gotten? They have assets and also liabilities and in order to change their attitudes and playing style, you've got to trade them for something better. We all have to learn to love what we have.
Vlad and Sasha made terrible blunder in the end when they were leaving their guards but have to credit Sasha in covering Dunleavy that left Foster into an island. How about Kobe and Fisher, they too have defensive lapses in letting the backdoor open? They are tired and legs are wobbly at times but just keep up with the pace being veterans. How about Gasol, he is like a fortune cookie out there ready to crumble? Don't we wish we have serviceable 7 footers like Mihm and Mbenga who can subbed Gasol and Drew? Don't we wish we have another PG like Joe Crawford or Coby Karl who could lend some few minutes to relieve Fisher? Why not have a side agreement with Sun Yue, cut him off but he still a laker not in the roster but more time in the D'League, in order to open two slots.
Despite all the deficiencies, we are still winning. I'm not worried about the Sunday's game with the Heat, Lakers can continue winning at home. Now the Tuesday with Spurs and Rockets the next day, that's a problem. Lakers' management should provide some solutions to augment the shortage. Forget the complicacies of the triangle, we need an abled body and a dedicated soul out there ready to help!
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | January 10, 2009 at 10:35 AM
Good morning, Laker Nation! It's time for Jon K.'s Early Thoughts Which He Has Not Put Too Much Thought Into:
1. Winning (and sex) is a lot like pizza. When it's good, it's REALLY GOOD! When it's bad, it's still pretty good.
2. I'm glad The Kraken got some minutes and played well, but I would have liked him to get more minutes.
3. Send Sun Yue to the D-League.
4. Sign Darius Miles.
5. Bring Joey Crawford up from the Defenders. That maniac just scored 45 points yesterday! Sure that translates into 20 NBA points, but, still, that's 20 NBA points!
6. Andrew Bynum is resurging after the slump. Just wonderful. With The Beast and The Surgeon as our 1-2 inside punch combination we are the best team in the NBA.
7. Clippers lost again and painfully. We didn't win a single quarter. I can't believe our stars are taking so long to return. I also can't believe we let go of Paul Davis (a really good player) for Samb (who sucks). Ridiculous.
8. Best Kamenetsky video summary ever!
9. I was speaking with a Spurs fan last night. He told me that the Lakers are unique in the Spurs universe. That the Spurs hate the Lakers, but they respect us. I feel the same way towards the Spurs.
10. Kobe Bryant won't win the MVP this year. They're going to give it to the Crab Dribbler (aka "King Crab"), but the Mamba deserves the award.
11. Celtics lost. Lakers won. The bright side of the Force has asserted itself once more.
12. Celtics implosion 2009 is underway! I can't wait until they sign Marbury!
13. We would have won by 10 points if Luke Walton was healthy.
14. Lamar Odom will be out for at least a week, probably two weeks, which is problematic. Did I mention "Sign Darius Miles!"? I think I did.
15. Though Sasha is a whiner and Rad Vlad is a mad swiper, at least they play with emotion and passion. That's never a bad thing.
16. Thank you Jeff Foster!
17. The Kings really pushed the Heat in last night's game. They'll be a bit tired on Sunday, which is good because the Pacers really pushed us.
What do we play for? RINGS!!!!
Lakers Today... Lakers Tomorrow... Lakers Forever.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | January 10, 2009 at 10:46 AM
Eric M.,
kobeblitz is right in that Luke Walton is not a perfect player, but he does have skills and intelligence which he brings to the team which make the Lakers better.
There is more to winning than pure athleticism.
Professional basketball is a team sport. It is not a one-on-one pick-up game.
What do we play for? RINGS!!!!!
Lakers Today... Lakers Tomorrow... Lakers Forever.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | January 10, 2009 at 10:51 AM
The Snake,
"
WARNING! WARNING!
Kobe - 41 min
Pau - 41 min
Dfish - 41 min
This Laker engine will overheat...
WARNING! WARNING!"
Ummm... I know.
Time to sign Darius Miles and bring up Joey Crawford.
Lakers Today... Lakers Tomorrow... Lakers Forever.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | January 10, 2009 at 10:55 AM
Vman...not a criticism here at all just a question...
Isn't Nellie D'Antoni basketball a bit like communism? Does the fact that it failed in a specific instance mean that it 'doesn't work' or at least works any less well than anything else....?
Sure nellie's been round a while but lots of coaches are without winning especially if they hang around with golden state or try to win championships with Dirk Nowitzki.
That suns team had a decent shot to beat the spurs in '07 and had that bad break...whos to say they would have won but just becasue they didn't everyone now remembers it that they COULDN'T have.
clearly D is what seperates great teams - it makes a lot of sense...but if one team has an overwhelming offensive advantage it's possible they could win....just hasn't been done yet.But if you think about all the woulda coulda coaches players and teams that have been very successful p;laying a variety of styles but not won a title and how few teams and players actually do win and is it really that surprising that such teams havent necessarilymanaged it? and does it mean that they emphatially can't...or just that they haven't.Alot of different circumstances have to be right to win a title ...including a big dose of luck
Posted by: Kiwi | January 10, 2009 at 10:56 AM
TO: THE KAMENETSKY BROTHERS
FR: JON K.
RE: YESTERDAY'S QUESTIONS
Yesterday I posed two subject matters which I requested you investigate through your sly insider network of geeks and jerks.
I did not receive a response so I will pose them again.
1) What is the situation with Darius Miles? Are any teams giving him serious consideration for signing?
2) Is Lakers management giving any serious consideration to bringing up player and/or signing players to fill the injury gap we are presently experiencing?
I anxiously await your informed elegant response.
What do we play for? RINGS!!!!!
Lakers Today... Lakers Tomorrow... Lakers Forever.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | January 10, 2009 at 11:00 AM
The Kamenetsky Brothers video summary has a pleasant Abbott and Costello element to it.
Is it panache? No, but it is a viable near-substitute for it.
Lakers Today... Lakers Tomorrow... Lakers Forever.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | January 10, 2009 at 11:02 AM
Edwin Guerco,
"Don't we wish we have another PG like Joe Crawford or Coby Karl who could lend some few minutes to relieve Fisher?"
Well, this denizen of Laker Nation certainly does.
What do we play for? RINGS!!!!
Lakers Today... Lakers Tomorrow... Lakers Forever.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | January 10, 2009 at 11:05 AM
It was one of those games where we allowed the other team to dictate the flow...it almost cost us, especially with the missed FTs, but they held on...I think that it's important for us to dictate the tempo in the upcoming games...Phil still has a tendency to allow the other team to dictate the match-ups, rather than forcing them to match-up to our strengths...
Josh Powell was impressive in his run...lots of hustle at both ends, and a good stroke on his shot...Vlade did miss the rotation on Dunleavy's three, but his "D" on the three or so previous plays was pretty good...not every player responds to being humilated in the press, and you would think that Phil would recognize by now that his doing that to Vlade(read his pre-game quotes) isn't helping...
Pau's shooting has gone up since Kobe told him to shoot if there isn't a hand in his face, IE be more aggressive...
I would really like to see Drew develope a signature move on the block...if I were 18-21, stood 7 foot plus, was long...agile...and had Kareem as my private tutor...I would be shooting the sky hook by now...
http://tinyurl.com/5br7qj
Posted by: christopher blake | January 10, 2009 at 11:05 AM
GOOD MORNING LAKER NATION!!
Well, an interesting, if not mind numbing game...from a smokers point of view. After randomly packing more bowls than I care to think about, I ran outside and tore down the neighbors fence and ran in front of my big screen for the entire third quarter yelling 'D-FENSE!' While it didn't seem to help, it did get my neighbors to shut their front door. I want my tools back! Wait, no, sorry, that was the other neighborhood. Did you know they won't deliver your pizza if they hear you yelling like a lunatic at the top of your lungs for some guy to stop going back door all the time?
Today I pack the virtual bowl for the celtics...HA!!! IT'S OREGANO!!
Inhale now as I blow smoke at the screen...
IT'S TIME TO WATCH THE LAKERS AND DRINK SOME BEER,
TOKE A BOWL AND SCREAM AND CHEER!! LAKERS 4 LIFE BABY!!
CLAP CLAP CLAP CLAP CLAP
IT'S TIME TO WATCH THE LAKERS AND DRINK SOME BEER,
TOKE A BOWL AND SCREAM AND CHEER!! LAKERS 4 LIFE BABY!!
CLAP CLAP CLAP CLAP CLAP...
LakerMan420
Posted by: Lakerman420 | January 10, 2009 at 11:07 AM
AK/BK,
Why not ask a Laker girl to join the video summary?
Seriously, why not?
Lakers Today... Lakers Tomorrow... Lakers Forever.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | January 10, 2009 at 11:07 AM
Jon K.,
" I'm glad The Kraken got some minutes and played well, but I would have liked him to get more minutes."
I think you mean that you would have liked him to get more rebounds.
What do we play for? RINGS!!!!
Lakers Today... Lakers Tomorrow... Lakers Forever.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | January 10, 2009 at 11:12 AM
" DEFENSE AND FLYING ELBOWS WIN CHAMPIONSHIP'S " THIS LAKER'S TEAM HAS NEITHER ! ! !
Posted by: KARL MALONE | January 10, 2009 at 11:22 AM
Jon K,
Darius Miles is signing another 10-Day contract with the Griz. To the best of my understanding, the Lakers don't have any imminent plans to bring someone else in. I think they're waiting to see how quickly it appears that LO will get back on the court. I saw him briefly yesterday and he said he was feeling better (although if I had to guess, he's not playing on Sunday).
Along those lines, Luke Walton doesn't appear to be limping anymore (compared to earlier), so maybe he's on a decent timetable as well.
At any rate, I haven't heard of any roster moves on the horizon.
AK
Posted by: kambrothers | January 10, 2009 at 11:23 AM
Jon K.
"he does have skills and intelligence which he brings to the team which make the Lakers better."
I think that should be the singular "Skill". Since it is pretty well established that passing is the ONLY above average skill he has. Running, jumping, shooting, and playing D, are all things he does poorly.
That is what I thought you were talking about, but I wasn't sure. Mainly because you have posted 3 or 4 times in the last week that you think Luke is a valuable player. And already again today. I knew your opinion, and wasn't sure why you were directing it to me again.
But that is cool, I appreciate your thinking of me.
Congratulations on your promotion to "Elite Blogger". lol
Posted by: Eric M. | January 10, 2009 at 11:34 AM
AK/BK,
Do you guys not like Laker girls or something?
Or, perhaps more importantly, do your wife/girlfriend not like Laker girls?
Lakers Today... Lakers Tomorrow... Lakers Forever.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | January 10, 2009 at 11:36 AM
AK,
Thanks. I appreciate the information.
Lakers Today... Lakers Tomorrow... Lakers Forever.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | January 10, 2009 at 11:38 AM
now that's funny:
"Did you know they won't deliver your pizza if they hear you yelling like a lunatic at the top of your lungs for some guy to stop going back door all the time? "
that bit of sublime posting comes from our friend Lakerman420--(keep 'em coming bro)
I wonder what his inspiration is? (that's sacasm boy)...
GO LAKERS !!!
Posted by: Floyd | January 10, 2009 at 11:40 AM
KARL MALONE,
Ummm... did you ever win a championship?
Lakers Today... Lakers Tomorrow... Lakers Forever.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | January 10, 2009 at 11:46 AM
Love Kevin Ding
"For someone whose shot selection has been a hot-button issue for so long, Bryant deserves some credit for what he’s doing now: He’s busting out, yet not one bit out of control."
Kob's the man!
Posted by: Faith | January 10, 2009 at 11:58 AM
AP News Release, Indiana
The Pacers are making serious efforts to corner the market on strange and bizzare looking white guys, hoping to fill their roster with them according to Pacer GM Larry Bird. " I think leadership and inspiration should be set by example and so I employ a hands on approach. As a former NBA poster child for freaky looking white dudes, I feel it's my duty to give as many of them as I can find an opportunity to play for the Pacers." said Bird from his pearch in French Lick.
The Pacers coach agreed, saying other than his Celtic connection, his only qualification for being hired by Bird was "my strange oblong shaped head and augmenting haircut".
Pacer fans can vote for their favorite Pacer player in the annual Fugly Pacer of the Year contest, the winner of which is imortalized in Conseco Field House's wall of shame located on the arena's outhouse walls.
Current vote getting leaders are Mike Dunlevy, Greg Foster and Troy Murphy.
GO LAKERS !!!
Posted by: Floyd | January 10, 2009 at 12:00 PM
Well the game last night exposed something for me.
I've been down on the "ich" boys for quite a while but last night reminded me that Vlad is just erratic. At least he's worth playing some minutes on a good night - kudos to him for the steal and the three's.
Sasha on the other hand is just plain awful. He used to be able to make three's which redeemed some of his defensive and passing inadequacies, but even that's gone. Not only is Vlad besting him in 3-ball percentage, but so are Derek, Kobe, and even LAMAR! Why oh WHY are we paying 4 mil to a guy who's at best a 10-minute back up for Kobe. Coby Karl could have done that as well - and he's a better 3-ball shooter to boot. And Sasha at the point? A position that involves setting up teammates? Come on, that's like expecting the fox to guard the henhouse.
Can we ship his overpriced machine ass out (along with Vlad's) and get some money to sign a legit backup point guard and resign Trevor and Lamar who we REALLY need???
Posted by: Jay Jay | January 10, 2009 at 12:04 PM
I definately dont want start a Kobe/Jordan debate as i've had my fair share :) but i have to say that its pretty ridiculous to think that Jordan would score 40 ppg today.
1) If you can't see that Kobe is a superior offensive player then you really shouldn't consider yourself objective. Name one shot and tell me kobe does not have it in his arsenal. (as in above average at it)
2)You can say that Jordan played in the more physical defensive era where they allowed handchecking. And although i agree that defensive schemes are far more sophisticated now especially with zone defenses, that's not the point i would like to make. Jordan was possibly the most protected player in history. Touch him and it was a foul and everyone knew it. Get to close on his fadeway and it was a foul. So while his era allowed more physicality jordan NEVER saw it without the fouls called.
Just try to find more than a few clips of jordan being fouled without it being called.
I'm not afraid to admit that i'm one of the people who feels that in time Kobe will be recognized as the greatest ever. At the very least it will be debatable.
Posted by: EJ | January 10, 2009 at 12:20 PM
Why do I have to explain this too many times??
(Yeah it gets frustrating)
"the triangle worked
because everyone was hitting their outside shots so
Kobe didn't attempt to post up?"
Watch the Pacers game and compare that to the Boston game at Christmas. Were the Lakers so reliant on Kobe as much? Did the team require 13 assists from Kobe? No at Christmas they did not rely on Kobe Bryant to create. Even if they weren't hitting their outside shots ie Sasha after hitting his first few, the triangle offense would have worked since it would have given more opportunities INSIDE the arc. So NO the triangle offense worked because everyone was hitting their shots regardless of inside or outside. The Lakers last night did not use that much of the triangle offense because they relied on Kobe to give them 13 assists and him to set up. It doesn't matter if they are hitting inside shots the offense is meant for EVERYONE regardless if it's outside or inside. Man sometimes I feel you choose to ignore and keep belitte's it's importance.
The Triangle works if everyone is getting assists NOT one person like the Pacers game where Kobe racked up 13 assists.
"You seem to be making the case that the C's defense
worked because the Lakers didn't run the triangle
offense vs. the triangle offense didn't work because
of the C's defense."
Last year most of the playoffs it was more Kobe Bryant being relied on playing his MVP game and getting people involved instead of the whole team getting itself involved. Instead of ball movement, the Celtics made Kobe Bryant create opportunities for his teammates. The Spurs did the same thing but since they only brought single coverage against Kobe (Bowen) Kobe torched them for 50%+ shooting on 4 out of the 5 games of the series. The Celtics did the same strat except they used zone and doubled him more. It's not about people hitting outside shots, it's getting people involved and when that achieved who can be doubled??
Phil Jackson does the same damn thing to Tim Duncan so the strategy is not new. If you get Kobe Bryant involved early in scoring, the Lakers tend to be more reliant on him to be the distributor/scorer. And that's what the Celtics did: force him to be that. When he's trying to post up double team immediately. When he gets close to the paint which he did many times immediately double and force him into shooting over 2 defenders. When the Triangle was playing to the fullest ie the Christmas game, Kobe didn't face as much double teams because he did not accept the invitation to the double teams. Had he played the same way as in the Finals regardless of Bynum (offensively), he would have again faced a multitude of green. But no, everyone got involved in passing, when Kobe scored most time it was in better areas and had single coverage since he did not have to handle the ball and thus let him free to attack.
"If Kobe doesn't have the ball and sets up the
offense, the Lakers couldn't get the triangle working? "
Sorry that was a typo. If Kobe is forced to handle the ball he can not get into the positions that he would like to since he has to initiate the offense and run instead of focusing on the proper cuts and passing. In this case, that's where the personnel makes a difference. When Luke is out there (and Phil has hinted Lamar Odom), they are the strong side guard since they are a good passer and know to run the offense. That leaves Kobe to attack more and work without the ball. If Vlad or Trevor is with that team Kobe is forced to become strong side guard since Kobe is the better passer and runs the offense better than either one. So he cannot get into the best positions, he has to run the offense more from that position and not get into his sweet spots since the wing is the hardest position in the offense. So in this effect, for him to score and get his teammates involved he has to penetrate more and post him and that leaves him right into the the Celtics defense which is strongest against those moves.
Kobe not running the offense so much=easier opportunities for him to score and still be a playmaker.
"At the beginning of the season, Kobe often
didn't score until the second or third quarter. The
triangle offense seemed to be working fine."
At the beginning of the season it was the same thing as it is now: Kobe getting his teammates more involved instead of the triangle getting his teammates involved. To sum it, there is less the triangle in this formation and more Lakers reliant on Kobe. Last year especially when Pau came up the Lakers relied on Kobe's ability to create to win. Phil Jackson earlier this year said "we had a good lineup last year" since it suites Kobe's strengths more. Bynum-Gasol-Walton may not look as good as last year offensively but it does give Kobe a chance to score much more efficiently. Notice that at the beginning of the year Kobe's FG% looked very similar to last year since he had to set up his teammates and at the same times core. Now recently since Luke and LO went down that Kobe has to do the same thing and I'm guessing it might lower his FG%. When both were up and Walton in the starting lineup, Kobe only had one game where he did not shoot over 50%: New Orleans since Kobe did not have to set up the offense as much.
"As I look at all the posts you make, you
argue/disagree with just about everyone."
Nope I've agreed with them as well. Like Long Time Laker Fan, Laker Tom when it comes to the Clippers, Jon K. about Luke, and tons of others. It's when I disagree that I post rebuttles it seems like it. And besides are you suggesting that I should withhold my right to debate?
"Did you actually call Mark
Jackson an IDIOT for something related to basketball? "
When Mark Jackson calls Kobe Bryant/Lebron James/Dwyane Wade as better than Michael Jordan (he did that 2006, 2007, 2008) and thereby disrespecting MJ (none of those guys touch Jordan's territory) then he deserves to be an idiot. Or how him AND Rick Carlisle both compared Dirk Nowtizki to Larry Legend. Or Shaq to Russell. Sure Shaq is one of the top 10 players of all time but he did not have the same success as Russell when it comes to 11 rings. Or Manu Ginobili to Elden Campbell. Unlike you Hobbit who believes 100% what they say I don't go around and gobble that garbage that Dirk Nowitzki is in the same grounds as Larry Legend. Bird in his prime before his back injury would have served Dirk to Mark Jackson on a silver platter.
Nothing against Mark Jackson the man and player of course.
-blitz
Posted by: kobeblitz | January 10, 2009 at 12:23 PM
it is funny how some complain of rebounding by Bynum in this game, Pacers shot very well in the first 3 quarters and generally didn't cool off till last quarter, if they don't miss there ain't rebounds to grab and he wasn't in the fourth quarter
Posted by: Haha | January 10, 2009 at 02:34 PM
man i feel like lebron james has the refs david stern and the whole nba
on his side and if lakers meat them in the finals the refs will give the edge
to lebron n the cavs becuase they want him to beat kobe and get his first
championship. Even of kobe out beats him for the mvp they will give it to lebron.
I hope the lakers are playing there best through out the whole playoffs and for
sure in the finals specialy verse the cavs more than the cavs becuase right now
the nba is on lebrons nuts!! you can beat a team but u cant beat the refs
Posted by: omega | January 10, 2009 at 06:00 PM
I really don't understand this sport writer. When Lakers won over the Celtics last Dec, they say you cannot judge the Lakers as the best team because they won on their home ground and is expected of them. They have to win in Boston before they can be consider as the best. In the case of the Cavs, after their win over Celtics (1-1), they are now the Top Team and the best. In fact, they have not won in Boston this season.
Posted by: Butchiky | January 10, 2009 at 09:57 PM