Lakers 108, Miami 105: Orange wedges and Capri Suns for all!
January 11, 2009 | 11:25
pm
Click below for the breakdown.
Three Good
- Vlad Radmanovic: A scant twenty seconds into the game,
Vlad Rad was on the board with a three pointer, a
potential omen of breaking out of a funk deeper than anything James
Brown ever brewed at his peak of his powers. Said omen was not
only confirmed, but beyond the ways we've often come to expect (or even
settle for) when it comes to Half Pipe. As one figures from a
guy who's made his bones as a shooter, the guy's aim was pure.
6-10 from the field (including a quartet from downtown) for 18 points needed equally for the sake of Vlad's team and his confidence. But he
also found success in ways not often associated with his career.
Seven boards, a pair coming on the offensive glass. Two steals. And the
biggest surprise of all, several spots of fairly good defense, whether challenging jumpers or a highlight-worthy moment blocking Chris Quinn's trey attempt from the corner.
Vlad's transition from "starter" to "DNP-CD" to "injury-pressed bench player" to "injury-pressed starter" has been anything but smooth, a period where Radmanovic has admittedly been frustrated with his situation and unhappy with his play. It's been while since he's performed at the level we saw during the first six or seven games. I asked Vlad if he felt tonight was arguably his best game of the season. He took a modest outlook, choosing instead to focus on his three turnovers and a defensive lapse that allowed a late Daequan Cook three. But all in all, he was happy with his time on the court. Him and everybody else, I would imagine.
- Andrew Bynum: To say the least, Miami isn't equipped with interior players capable of handling a seven footer of Drew's skill set. To say the least, the Lakers recognized that and made the Heat pay. Bynum tied his season-high mark with 24 points, along the way reducing overmatched center Joel Anthony into a mere spectator (the starting pivot didn't even play nine full minutes) and taking advantage of the time spent with tough but undersized Udonis Haslem on his back. Aware that he could bust out a full bag of tricks, Drew put the ball on the floor, in the air- that mid-range shot looks more comfortable by the game- and generally dazzled on the offensive end. His six boards didn't exactly set the world on fire, but he managed to pick his spots along those lines. With 18.5 seconds to go, he snagged a Kobe Bryant miss for a putback, giving his team a 104-102 lead. They never trailed again.
- Kobe Bryant's D on Dwyane Wade: Like we mentioned in the
video, this wasn't a game that'll threaten "81" as Kobe's offensive
time capsule moment. But on the other side of the ball, dude more than
made his presence known guarding D-Wade. And by "guarding," I mean "making the dude bust ass to get his." Feverishly working
to deny Wade the ball, Kobe would often stay with #3 all over the court
until the end of possessions like an evil shadow. Even when Sir
Charles' co-pitchman found success, it was rarely without an awful
lot of sweat expended. Take, for example, a second half sequence where
Wade eventually reached the rim for a layup, but only after needing to
shake Kobe twice. 27 points, but on a not terribly economical 22 attempts, with only ten falling. Even more impressively, Flash only took seven tries at the
stripe, indicative of Kobe's ability to find success without fouling. All in all, Wade went 5-17 with Kobe on the floor and 4-5 with him on the bench. That's a pretty remarkable discrepancy.
Phil Jackson talked after the game about the long rest he gave Kobe in the fourth quarter, concerned over (and admiring) his star's zealous effort while guarding his counterpart A-Lister. "I hesitated to play Kobe too many minutes because he was working really hard defensively. I held on as long as possible before putting him back in the fourth so he could finish the game." For his part, Kobe treated this duty as another day at the office. "Part of my responsibilties to this team is to try to do whatever it takes on any given night to ensure victory for out ball club," said Kobe. "That includes chasing him around." A pretty matter of fact way of describing a pretty difficult task. Thankfully, Kobe was up for it.
AK
Three Bad: Not to be a softie, but it's a tough night to fill all three holes. Yes, the defense wasn't outstanding, but as I've written over the last week, it's hard for LA to play like a cohesive unit on that end given all the changes in the rotation. For the time being, success for the opposition should be taken with a grain of salt. And as we mentioned in the vid at the top, just about everyone figured out how to contribute in one form or another. So with that in mind...
- Trevor Ariza: He hasn't been here much, if at all, this year, but Sunday night just wasn't his. 1-4 from the floor for two points, leaving him one short of his turnover total. He played a season low 14 minutes, and probably would like to forget each one of them. Everyone has off nights, and Ariza's does more to reinforce how well he's played this season than anything else.
- Kobe's Mug: It took 24 a few extra minutes to get out of the locker room, because he was busy getting stitches- four in total- over his right eye thanks to a head-to-head collision with Wade as the Flash tried to drive for what could have been a game tying shot with about 10 seconds left. Nothing serious, but there was definitely a little puffiness, and plenty of thread. You can get a good look in the video below.
- Pregame Meal: "Make your own Reuben!" is a better idea in theory than in practice.
BK
AUDIO
VIDEO: Kobe, Part I, on defending Wade, pumping up LA's defense:
Kobe, Part II, on how he got the cut over his eye, and more on playing against Wade:
Vlad Radmanovic, on a big bounce back game:
funny,
orange slices were exactly what i had...
good game.
Posted by: mud | January 12, 2009 at 12:16 AM
Let's not celebrate people. I predict the Lakers to lose the majority of their next 5 games anway. They're due for a loss or a couple losses now.
Anyway, the Lakers are 30-6. Thus they will only need to finish the season 30-16 to end at 60-22. They should be 33-3 nonetheless.
Posted by: never | January 12, 2009 at 12:58 AM
Hey guys,
Check out hoopsworld dot com for all the trade rumors about OKC-Dallas-Charlotte trade rumors. Pargo on NYC radar and Mike Conley to the Bucks.
Feb is about.
Also we should look into our Campee PG try outs for a ten day at least. Joey looked good.
See you in the morning Pacific Standard time.
Also, great match up between Wade and Kobe. I am relishing that duel and hope I don't blink and realize I start talking: Remember that team we had with...
Posted by: Charles | January 12, 2009 at 12:58 AM
I don't think the West is the most undisputed best conference now. The East has been killing it this year. Their overall quality of their top five teams is on par or may be even better than the West's top five teams.
West
Lakers
Hornets
Spurs
Denver
Phoenix
East
Cleveland
Orlando
Boston
Detroit
Atlanta
It's good to see competition.
p.s.
I still think we can get Caron Butler or Chris Bosh for peanuts.
Posted by: never | January 12, 2009 at 01:13 AM
Pau's game tonight was indicative of what I look for in this team to be championship caliber...the shot wasn't falling, but it wasn't because he was taking bad shots...quite the contrary, they were shots he's been knocking down all season, especially since the Hornets game...sometimes, your shot just ain't dropping...the question is, what do you do about it?
What Pau did was to pull down 18 boards...play good "D"...and play hard...that's what makes for championship caliber play...hard work when things aren't going your way...
I believe it was Heisler's column that made the mistake about Wade's scoring on Kobe...glad to see you guys correct it...Kobe did yeoman work on Wade...I loved Wade holding his head, like he was dying after he and Kobe smacked melons...Kobe's the one bleeding, but Wade is milking it...that's the difference between the two, IMHO...Kobe plays through whatever he has to...Wade doesn't...
Glad to see the Vlad-man have a good game...and I liked his post-game comments...give the guy some confidence, and he can be a big help...
By the way, where's Fatty? Still snowed in in Arizona? Miss his comments...
http://tinyurl.com/5br7qj
Posted by: christopher blake | January 12, 2009 at 01:56 AM
Ok I don't like doing this and I don't like it when any Laker truly struggles (Pau may have struggled but was the team's leading rebounder in the game).
Having said that:
Hobbit where are you? Can you please say "Trevor had a bad game blitz fine! GO AWAY!!"? You always seem to appear when Trevor had a good game and was *gloating* when he went into the starting line up (see Jackson knows what he is doing by putting Rad in there instead of Trevor). And gloated whenever Trevor "locked up" other players. Well CP3 and especially D-Wade had other ideas to that. When KB was on Wade he limited Flash greatly. When Trevor was on him, Wade looked like the 2006 Finals Wade. Shows how much difference KB has in skill compared to Trevor "Mitch says he's a lock down defender and I believe 100% of that because Mitch says so and he's never wrong".
Oh please don't say "KB has more experience". When KB was Trevor's age he was earning All-Defensive team honors.
So going to fess/fuss up or going to ignore how Jackson used Vlad (albiet with a few bad mistakes) instead of the "Defensive lockdown defender who shalll shut down Wade, CP3 and LBJ" Trevor Ariza.
(PS: Trevor I really like but I don't go believing the hype).
Btw you seem to be cheering we have a great record....true but aren't you made Lakers are in the middle of the pack of points given up?
Hehe I don't usually like doing it but for this *once* I'll take an exception.
-blitz
Posted by: kobeblitz | January 12, 2009 at 02:43 AM
For those of you on the "I don't like Phil Jackson for some reason I can't explain so I'll grasp at straws" bandwagon, whose latest fad is the "PJ really, really, doesn't like Europeans or young players" line:
They could have voided Rad's contract after the snowboarding incident; considering that he was giving the Lakers little at that point, that would have been a very reasonable approach. So many of you trumpet the "defense wins" line; Vlad has consistently shown a lack of defense, yet Phil continues to give him opportunites.
Sasha had a very poor first couple of years with the team; Phil continued to give him opportunities. It paid off last season.
He gave Slava Medvedenko plenty of opportunities; Slava couldn't take advantage of them.
He relied very heavily on Toni Kukoc in Chicago, note the famous last second shot referenced by another poster.
Hardly the track record of someone who doesn't like European players.
The supposed issue of not developing young players is so ludicrous, and has been disproven so often, it's not worth going into again.
You'll all be a lot better off if you just admit that soul patches on older white men bug you, and haven't been able to get past that. It'll be the first step towards a healthier, happier you.
Posted by: exhelodrvr | January 12, 2009 at 06:27 AM
Nothing but KUDOS for our Purple and Gold for returning the favor turning two previous L's into two amazing W's.
For the unbelievers, it is time to believe in AB17. He's finding his groove as expected and on his way to claiming the paint as his own.
He's got his work cut out for him with Yao and Duncan but he knows how to step up and win!! We may be witnessing the awakening of a Boa Constrictor @ the Paint!!!
The rest of the team is "winning as usual"
Good W's and good luck on the road!
Posted by: Carlos DeeP | January 12, 2009 at 06:45 AM
Good morning everybody!
Good game. I'm soooo relieved Bynum finally showed up and played with some serious heart out there. If the Lakers can get that type of contribution from him every game, we will be extremely hard to beat.
Now let's take care of the Texas two-step. GO LAKERS!
Posted by: EastCoastJessie | January 12, 2009 at 06:52 AM
I liked the energy and intensity with which they played. I couldn't believe though, how Miami refused to die. I mean, we'd get this big lead and then it'd go away and stay away. Of course, we are down several players and the rotations are different, but it was like, wow. I thought for a poor shooting night from our two best it wasn't terrible. Like I said, the energy, the intensity - it was good.
Texas next. Hopefully we can have LO for those games (although when they interviewed him he didn't seem all that sure) and keep up the energy on d. That's what needs to happen. The O will come, just take care of the d. Looking forward to seeing them against the Spurs and I hope they cream both teams but especially HOU. Wonder what JVG will have to say about that?
I LOVE LA!!!!!!!!!
WE LOVE IT!!!!!!!!!!
GO LAKERS!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: longtimelakerlover | January 12, 2009 at 07:09 AM
Back-to-back home wins...by a total margin of 5 points...giving up an average of 112 points in those two wins...against two teams that are a combined 7 games below .500.
Lookin` mighty good, Lakers...as in good & vulnerable!!!!
Danny Granger had 42 last night, 26.4 on the year....Lakers chose not to draft him in 2005.
Posted by: RED`S LOVE CHILD | January 12, 2009 at 07:11 AM
Good morning,
For all of the criticisms spewed on this blog (myself included) towards Lamar, Luke, and Jordan -- we have all seen how important they are to the team.
Whenever Kobe was on the bench -- and even, at times, when he was on the floor -- we saw how disorganized the offensive and defensive play was by the 2nd Unit, both Friday night and Sunday night.
It's great how deep we are. On any given night, Vlad, Trevor, Sasha, and Josh Powell were able to give the team valuable minutes. But they are all role players. None of them can provide the team the on-floor leadership that the Lakers get from Lamar, Luke, and Jordan.
Did I see this before? No. But their absence demonstrated the void that exists when those guys are wearing street clothes instead of purple & gold uniforms. Getting them back and in top playing form will make a big difference in the W-L record as the team plays more road games and more games against the NBA elite. Go Lakers!
Posted by: Rick Friedman | January 12, 2009 at 07:17 AM
Good Morning Laker Fam,
What a game!
I saw two things last night. One, Kobe Bryant can still play one-on-one defense with the best of them, cause D-Wade is a beast. Paraphrasing the K-bros, Kobe kept D-Wade in check which is very difficult do. And two, it was great to see Drew excited about scoring! However, when he finally understands that what will make him dominant is scoring, rebounding and defense then the Lakers will be unstoppable. He's just 21 and learning so it's coming.
Great put back by Drew to put us ahead, but we won because Kobe contained D-Wade.
Whatever it takes, we play for rings!
Go Kobe!
Go Andrew!
Go Lakers!
Posted by: Fan of the Mamba | January 12, 2009 at 07:29 AM
Red's love child (via Roseanne Barr, probably),
"Danny Granger had 42 last night,"
He scored 42 against the Warriors, a team that just beat the Celtics handily. And he scored 28 against the Lakers, and fouled out. Thanks for pointing that out - it really shows how the Lakers and Celtics are headed in opposite directions.
Posted by: exhelodrvr | January 12, 2009 at 07:44 AM
I thought the most telling play of Bynum's last night was when he was pinned against the sideline, and made that great pass to Kobe who was heading through the lane towards the basket.
Against Indiana, he very carefully avoided getting his second foul, after picking one up relatively early in the first quarter.
Those are indications that he is using his brain, paying attention to the game and the context of what is going on. If he keeps doing that, the sky is the limit.
Posted by: exhelodrvr | January 12, 2009 at 07:50 AM
Good Morning Charles....Good Morning Everyone....
well another victory in an entertaining game, and like the Indiana game, it didn't feel too much like a revenge game to me, but a victory is revenge enough I supose...
free throws could have been a little better and would have again eliminated some anxiety down the stretch...
we had some pick and rolls, but most were to set up a jumper from the side---wish more went toward the basket etc...
Powell continues to impress, even though his shots from the side (see above) were not as effective as his ones from the top--I think Powell brings us some toughness that we have been lacking, and it's very cool to see him fight for those offensive rebounds, which can be catching...and his shooting stroke looks extremely fundementally sound, which will lead to even more conversions as he gets even more comfortable with more playing time...I will say it again, as much as I liked Ronny, Powell is an upgrade, well done Mitch...
Bynum had what can hopefully become a breakout game--him and Pau really fought under the basket for some of those rebounds and put backs---that's where our dominace lies and should emerge even more as the season progresses...
Sasha and Rad had good games, while Ariza should have maybe stayed in the locker room and played NBA 2008 on some kind of gaming system---but that is what depth is for---some players being on, some players being off will still garner us a victory...
there were some comedy moments, especially some passes to unsuspecting big men who didn't have a clue why they were being passed too (and I tended to empathize with them), but it's all in an effort to give us more entertainment apparently...
I still think the Miami coach is Eric Estrada's love child, and I still can't stand Wade, I hate even looking at him, and again it seems like he is officiated differently from any one else, he should be called for a lot of offensive fouls with his push off thing...
Chris Quinn looks like a bat according to my daughter, another NBA Fugly All Star...
why is it every other team seems to have a shooter or shooters that simply can't miss---wish we had one...
Tejas here we come....hopefully we play hard and smart...
AS ALWAYS, AS EVER, YET ANOTHER GREAT DAY (AND SEASON) TO BE A LAKER FAN !!!
GO LAKERS !!!
Posted by: Floyd | January 12, 2009 at 07:50 AM
Blitz,
"Until the team gets more passing and more in synch with the Triangle they will be handled by teams who use zones and have bigger men."
We have the #1 offense in the league. How much better can it get?
Posted by: Eric M. | January 12, 2009 at 07:53 AM
Helo,
I'm probably showing my lack of knowledge on the latest hair style or sex toy, but what the heck is a "Sole Patch". lol
Posted by: Eric M. | January 12, 2009 at 07:59 AM
Don't read the Heisler article unless you want to get angry.
It's a trip to negative town for a healthy dose of "The Lakers are in trouble because of blah blah."
30-6 Mark.
30-6.
Posted by: "Pig" Miller | January 12, 2009 at 08:10 AM
AK/BK-
Great videos. Kobe seemed extra happy and excited in those videos which is great. He might be the only guy in the NBA that gets like that from defense. Do you guys have any updates on any of our three injured? Is there any possibility any of them will be able to go by the Magic game?
Also, I was at the game and during one of the timeouts they showed Odom on the jumbotron in this nice suit with white lapels and the crowd actually gave him a nice ovation. I've always been a big Lamar fan but I'm used to going to the games and hearing everyone complain about LOs bonehead plays. Maybe the tide is turning and people are starting to appreciate LO for what he is. What was your guys take on the crowd reaction to LO? Thanks...
GO LAKERS
Posted by: mrbarneydangles | January 12, 2009 at 08:16 AM
Good morning Mamba24 & the fabulous Laker morning CRUE!!!
It shouldn't have been that close to begin with, but who are we to complain about getting W's???!!! I just wish the spread was a lot bigger....!
The Texas 2-step should be very interesting. Duncan & Yao can cause their fair share of problems, but I really think we've got this. Both Socks & El Spaniard are looking fierce, Kobe's Kobe, and Fish is The Bulldog - the guy just keeps pouring it on, kind of like the Energizer Bunny. I see Ariza coming out strong too. Those few travelling calls last night put him off his game, but I don't think he'll let that sit with him too long. BUT - we need LO back!! He didn't seem too sure about it, but being with the team on the flight is hopefully a good sign. I guess we'll find out soon enough.
Can't wait for tomorrow!
GO LAKERS!!!
btw - Kobe deserves mad props for his defense against the TOOL last night. Just another indication as to why he is - no doubt - the best in the game. SOOOOO glad he's on our side!
Posted by: justanothermambafan | January 12, 2009 at 08:20 AM
more thoughts:
watching Bynum developing an arsenal of shots is very gratifying indeed--I have always saw his offensive potential, and not just dunks, his mid range game is becoming a staple, which makes him extremely challanging for the opposition to cover...
I think we will continue to see Kareem's tutoring pay off, and eventually in huge dividends...
we must all keep in mind the value (though maybe it has been an adjustment period for Bynum to learn it) for Bynum having Pau playing along side of him...
this tandem is just starting to learn to play effectively together and nothing short of dominance will be the result as time goes on...
it's almost hard to conceive that the Lakers have these two potential perinial all stars, whose strengths will complement and augment each other for years to come...
" turn off your mind, relax, and float downstream"
" ...brandish that raspberry. Come on be as vicious as you like with it. Come on. "
GOL LAKERS !!!
Posted by: Floyd | January 12, 2009 at 08:28 AM
Christopher - Pau's rebounding really caught my eye as well... lots of talk about Bynum and Vlad and deservedly so, but Pau is bringing it night in and night out and like you say, when his shot wasn't falling he didn't quit on overall play.... the trade that brought us Pau will go down as one of Mitch's finer moments.
Posted by: dave m | January 12, 2009 at 08:31 AM
It's great watching Kobe turn into a master of the game. How may times have we described him "looking to make a statement" against the other most gifted and accomplished players? Now, those issue are mere ingredients in the soup...
Kobe was determined to devote his energy to D on Wade while also recognizing Bynum's advantage in the post. Done and done.
Also, did Horry seem a lot more eloquent than you remember him, or was it just me? I knew everyone liked him, but he always seemed hesitant around media. His talks with the crew were cool.
Posted by: The D | January 12, 2009 at 08:35 AM
Erim M,
I don't know what it is either.
Posted by: Charles | January 12, 2009 at 08:38 AM
I saw someone say that we could get Caron Butler for cheap so I tried to look for a way to get him...Not saying that a trade is needed, just something to think about:
We send Trevor to Washington
Washington sends us Caron
We send New York Vladimir
New York sends Washington Malik Rose
The only reason I see this working is that Washington gets two expiring contracts in Ariza and Rose. New York gets a good spot up shooter to have spread the floor in Dantoni system.
One thing that makes me think this trade wouldn't work is that New York would still have Vladdy on the books until the summer of 2011. If they didn't want to keep him though they have plenty of time to dump him before the summer of Lebron if he doesnt fit in their plans. A reason the Lakers might hesitate is because of cap reasons, but if they get Caron they would be able to let Lamar go and go in another direction if he doesnt take a drastic pay cut after this year.
Just something to think about.
Posted by: Ed | January 12, 2009 at 08:39 AM
Eric M,
It's a shoe repair kit available at WalMart.
Posted by: exhelodrvr | January 12, 2009 at 08:40 AM
Floyd,
So who is the Lakers "16 Tonne Weight"?
Posted by: exhelodrvr | January 12, 2009 at 08:41 AM
"We have the #1 offense in the league. How much better can it get?"
The same kind of offense that blasted through Boston's vaunted defense (before we knocked them out in their minds allowing other teams to beat them) and made Kobe shoot 50%+ while not requiring him to get 6+ assists.
Wins against Golden State, Pacers came from teams who prefer not to defend and instead score. Win against Miami was simply going undersized. In 3 of those games Kobe Bryant had to become the distributor more instead of the attacking more with efficiency like he did against Boston.
When KB is not ball handling as much and attacking and the offense is run more, then the Lakers are at their best and shreds up any kind of defense, especially zone defenses. MIami ran 2-3 zone and the Lakers struggled with it (hence the close score). Kobe was doubled way more in that game than the Boston game.
-blitz
Posted by: kobeblitz | January 12, 2009 at 08:47 AM
Good Morning, Laker Nation!
Here's Jon K.'s Early Thoughts That He Has Not Put Too Much Thought Into Yet:
1. I'll take a win over a kick in the eye any day of the week.
2. We lost to Indiana and Miami before and we beat them at Staples. A win equals a degree of redemption no matter how you slice it.
3. The Kamenetsky Brothers video summaries are improving. The dialogue is becoming smoother; they're integrating a little humorous banter in their analyses (one of their great strengths). Looks like they're on their way to becoming successful talking heads for ESPN.
4. exhelodrvr's analysis of Phil Jackson and bloggers curious antipathy for him is spot on.
5. I enjoyed the Rad Vlad video, not because Rad Vlad is an engaging speaker (HEAVENS, NO!), but because Rad Vlad expressed humility and a strong desire to improve, especially on defense. That means we should expect him to improve in those ways. Good.
6. Shooters are like sine waves. They go through cycles. Cycles of playing below their median potential followed by cycles of playing above their median potential. It looks like Rad Vlad just got over a long sub-median potential and is moving into what I hope will be an even longer pro-median potential cycle.
7. Not to annoy anyone, but these are my thoughts. Clippers lost again in the fourth quarter yesterday. They were up by three with 4:30 left in the game and then the game fell away. Funny, it's not just that the Clippers miss opportunities in the fourth quarter, but the opposition consistently makes the most of their opportunities. I think it's partially a matter of confidence. The Clippers lack confidence and the opposition has greater confidence... because they're playing the Clippers.
8. Isn't it a treat to be having Josh "The Kraken" Powell playing more minutes? Now if we could only get Mihm on the court every now and again.
9. The Beast was unleashed last night! Good to see. He's going to get better. Believe it! He should be an All-Star within two years, maybe next year. Yes, there is reason to believe that Dynasty has once again returned to Laker Nation!
10. Jamaal Wilkes for Hall of Fame!
11. If Jamaal Wilkes does enter the Hall of Fame, I suppose the Lakers should retire his jersey, right?
12. I'm watching this show on the History Channel about the Mayan Calendar and 2012. It's kind of freaking me out. If the end is near, we better win out the rest of the NBA Finals so we can retire with more Championships than the Celtics. It's only just.
13. I think the Kamenetsky Brothers are being a little whiney by complaining that they only got "Make Your Own Ruben!" before the game. The rest of Laker Nation didn't even get Jack In The Box tacos.
14. I'm really looking forward to the Lakers-Cavs game. I hope they win; otherwise I'm going to have to deal with the gutteral mouthbreathing taunts of legions of slackjawed Clevelanders... and I'd rather avoid that.
What do we play for? RINGS!!!!
Lakers Today... Lakers Tomorrow... Lakers Forever.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | January 12, 2009 at 08:59 AM
Eric M: "We have the #1 offense in the league. How much better can it get?"
Actually, the Lakers have the #3 offense behind Cleveland and Portland. The only reason why the Lakers score more ppg is b/c they avg almost 95 possessions per game while the Crabs and Blazers avg 89 and 85 respectively. Lakers scores are higher b/c they play faster.
Lakers also have the 5th ranked D. Who's #1? The Crabs again. Their recent play has put them at the top of both ends of the floor.
Posted by: lakers_sth | January 12, 2009 at 09:02 AM
justanothermambafan,
As a Canadian, perhaps you can explain this to me...
What is up with the Toronto Raptors mascot?
Do Canadians/Ontarians have some deep and meaningful cultural connection with dinosaurs, particularly red, furry velicoraptors?
I really don't get it.
I mean, I'm not even aware of major dinosaur bone finds in Canada. If memory serves correct the best fossil fields are in China, Wyoming and Colorado. Not Canada.
Please explain because my confusion infuriates me.
Lakers Today... Lakers Tomorrow... Lakers Forever.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | January 12, 2009 at 09:05 AM
Red's little buddy,
>>>Lookin` mighty good, Lakers...as in good & vulnerable!!!!
What's that I hear? Is that criticism from a guy whose team just
lost 4 straight (and two of those to loosing teams) and then barely
eeked out a win over the 16-22 Raptors?
Next thing you know, we'll have Oklahoma City fans in here
talking smack because we only beat Houston by 5 or something.
Posted by: Long Time Laker Fan | January 12, 2009 at 09:10 AM
{Regarding Kobe's Video Interviews...}
1. It is so wonderful to watch Kobe smiling and BEING RELAXED in these interviews. I cannot help but to compare these times to the Shaqtime Era when Kobe (and others) were so tense, curt and seething with internalized anger during interviews. I remember watching that and feeling a knot in my stomach, thinking "Why is this happening? Aargh!"
But now things are as they should be. Thank God.
2. Why is it that Rad Vlad and Kobe's interviews look so good and lively while the Kamenetsky Brothers interviews look so dank that they may as well be in black and white? I don't get it.
Andrew! Brian! You guys are getting the dialogue down for these things, now you have to put a bit more energy into the visuals. Remember, we listen with our eyes when it comes to video!
What do we play for? RINGS!!!
Lakers Today... Lakers Tomorrow... Lakers Forever.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | January 12, 2009 at 09:12 AM
BUNCH OF CRAP DEPARTMENT:
I just read the article about Jamall Wilkes and the Hall Of Fame "travesty" as Bill Walton understatedly called it...
I had forgot about the Chickism about Jamall ,,, "20 foot lay up" --very cool....
here's hoping Jamall gets in this year, he more than deserves it....
GO LAKERS (AND FORMER LAKERS ) !!!
Posted by: Floyd | January 12, 2009 at 09:16 AM
BK,
I would have put Vlad in both the Good (for his shooting) and
Bad (for everything else) categories last night.
The guy threw passes to the Heat 3 times and defended like
his man was wearing Vlade-be-gone spray. Seriously, when
Vlade got out defended by 20 feet of open court to give Daequan
Cook a wide open 3 with 4 seconds left, that was just the last of
MANY times that Rad's man was wide open.
Posted by: Long Time Laker Fan | January 12, 2009 at 09:18 AM
exheldovr,
Nice one.
Charles,
It's that patch of hair people have right below the center of their lower lip and above their chin in that little indention there.
It's called a "soul patch" because it was first popularized by Jazz musicians, particularly trumpet and saxophone players.
Lakers Today... Lakers Tomorrow... Lakers Forever.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | January 12, 2009 at 09:19 AM
Exhelodrvr,
ask Mr. Apricot...
and what about point-ed sticks?
GO LAKERS !!!
Posted by: Floyd | January 12, 2009 at 09:24 AM
Next thing you know, we'll have Oklahoma City fans in here talking smack because we only beat Houston by 5 or something.
Posted by: Long Time Laker Fan | January 12, 2009 at 09:16 AM
--------------------------------------------------------------------
Oh GOD NO!! you want to talk about belligerent fans....look no further.
Powell really made an impression on me last night..talk about energy that boy was everywhere when he was on the floor.
Looks like Drew is finnaly rounding into form, which is great for the Lakers.
Pau had an off night on the offensive end but 18 boards makes up for it.
It might have been close at the end but winning ugly beats out losing.
and on a side note - The Griz just resigned D. Miles to 10 day
Posted by: The Infamous El Guapo | January 12, 2009 at 09:25 AM
Jon K
"put a bit more energy into the visuals"
I suggested the same last week. Any kind of lighting, maybe pull back a touch (see the Joel and Stu 2 shot) and a shorter camera guy or stand on something.
I mean that in the most constructive way.
We're all in this together, only they get paid for it.
Posted by: VMan | January 12, 2009 at 09:27 AM
a "soul patch" is the goatee Phil no longer wears.
It too is available at Wal Mart, as everything is.
Posted by: VMan | January 12, 2009 at 09:30 AM
soul patch
noun
a small patch of facial hair just below the lower lip and above the chin
C'mon men. You've got to be kidding.
Posted by: longtimelakerlover | January 12, 2009 at 09:32 AM
Guys,
Thanks for the "Soul Patch" replies.
I was actually in reference to Eric M's "SOLE Patch" inquiry.
NOT "SOUL Patch."
Either way, thanks.
Posted by: Charles | January 12, 2009 at 09:41 AM
Clipper troll sighting #1
Posted by: Eric M. | January 12, 2009 at 09:56 AM
Jon K/Vman,
We'd love to incorporate more lighting into our game summary video. But for now, it's not in anyone's budget, whether you're talking the Times' or the K Brother's personal one. Thus, we gotta make due with what we have. For now, this is as good as it gets, unless we can find a better lit spot that isn't noisy.
The Times has discouraged techniques like pull back shots, because on a smaller screens (like the Real Player), they think it doesn't look good. Maybe we can mess with it, but we've been specifically told not to zoom in and out. We also don't have a camera guy. Our camera is on a tripod. Again, VERY guerilla work.
Jon, to answer your earlier Q, the Laker locker room is better lit than the arena's seating sections (where we shoot the summaries) after a game. There's also additional lighting provided from the network cameras, since they're working with better equipment. Thus, those vid segments are better lit than the postgame segs we do of us. Again, not much we can do about it, but that's the explanation.
AK
Posted by: kambrothers | January 12, 2009 at 10:02 AM
Helo,
Wow...I sensed a little hostility in your reply to my question. Is that because I think PJ is only a GOOD coach and not perfect? Or that I have the nerve to point out Luke's many shortcomings? I'm a little surprised.
Posted by: Eric M. | January 12, 2009 at 10:02 AM
Eric,
Not sure where you could see "hostility." I assumed your "sole" patch was an intentional play on words.
Posted by: exhelodrvr | January 12, 2009 at 10:16 AM
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 10:17 AM
AK - suggestion, bring a tip jar to your player interviews. Tell them you need a couple hundred for a softbox or umbrella light... if they don't cough up they'll be pilloried on the blog. If that doesn't work you could try glow-stick necklaces.
Posted by: dave m | January 12, 2009 at 10:51 AM
AK,
Dude, I'm sure someone from the blog would show up to set up lights for you guys for free. It could be done.
Lakers Today... Lakers Tomorrow... Lakers Forever.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | January 12, 2009 at 11:18 AM