Game Thread- Lakers vs. Bulls
March 21, 2009 | 5:32
pm
Game one of seven. As in most games, the Lakers have an advantage in the low post, especially on the boards (Chicago isn't all that good at protecting their glass). Chicago, though, is strong on the wings and in the backcourt. Where Derrick Rose shoots could be the determining factor in tonight's contest.
Chat box below.
BK
Pau looks tired...
Posted by: Charles | March 21, 2009 at 06:15 PM
[Comment From Lakergurl]
That's ordinary for Kobe quazzar
no that's not ordinary. that's a BAD game. LOL
Posted by: quazzar | March 21, 2009 at 08:04 PM
Now that's what I'm talking about.
Da Bench Mob is back, and you're gonna be sorry
[Hey now, hey now, da Bench Mob's back]
Posted by: Long Time Laker Fan | March 21, 2009 at 08:04 PM
great start for this trip. hope the bench will be there for the next 6 and after. they have to develop the ROAD killer instinct
have a great week-end ALL
Posted by: ouchhhhhhhhh | March 21, 2009 at 08:04 PM
AND THE SKY IS ALWAYS FALLING AT THE LAKERS BLOG. NEXT, please
Posted by: omega | March 21, 2009 at 08:04 PM
70slakersfan,
>>>The Bulls will win this one tonight..The Lakers just don't
>>>have it and the Bulls believe they will win...Sorry, WEAK
>>>effort by the Lakers...
Weak.
Posted by: Long Time Laker Fan | March 21, 2009 at 08:05 PM
troy,
>>>i knew farmar was going to screw thing up for us
Weak.
Posted by: Long Time Laker Fan | March 21, 2009 at 08:07 PM
Due to Drew not returning until the 1st round of the playoffs, I'm betting that PJ is going to stick w/the current starting lineup until the end of the season.
The big change in the starting lineup is Ariza instead of VladRad.
I think this year's starting lineup is better than the one that took Boston to 4-2 in the finals last year.
For one, just the improvement in attitude and toughness for Pau and LO due to the losing experience last year makes it a different five.
VladRad has a reputation as a 3 pt shooter w/a high % but the truth is he was very streaky, w/games of good shooting followed by disappearing acts. He also had nights of good fundamental defense but again he was a picture of inconsistency.
Aside from Ariza being a much better defender and a smarter b-baller, he is also more consistent than Vlad on both ends of the floor.
Those changes really address the 2 things that last year's starting 5 was criticized for in the Boston series: defense and toughness.
When VladRad was not producing last year, LA often went to the 3 guard lineup w/Sasha basically taking Vlad's role in the triangle. PJ has not used that combination as much in this year's regular season but this option is always available to him, especially as Sasha finds his groove.
With an additonal year of playing together, Kobe and the coaching staff also seem to have found a tactical solution to the way Boston bottled up Kobe last year.
The bench was basically a non-factor in the last Finals in the away games.
The best cure for this is probably for the Lakers to have home court advantage throughout the playoffs, w/c is almost guaranteed for the WC this year but not for the Finals.
Last year, the bench was basically Turiaf at C, Luke at SF and Jordy/Sasha, w/LO or Kobe spending time w/the bench mob.
This year, its going to be Bynum, Powell, Luke, Jordy and Sasha.
Even a Bynum at 50% is probably an upgrade over Turiaf, whose performance dropped in the playoffs compared to his regular season. A Bynum at 50% is still going to be better than any of the second string centers of Boston, Cleveland, SA, etc.
Luke is probably healthier this year, and Jordy/Sasha have last year's negative experience to build on. Having Powell as a backup PF, w/c LA did not have last year is a net addition. The performance of the bench mob is going to depend a lot on Farmar, and how well he plays as a
real PG instead of a short SG.
Having Bynum down low plus the reliable mid-range J of Powell, s/d give Jordan and Luke enough options. Even a 50% Bynum will be enough of a shot blocking threat to help the bench defense as long as Sasha/Farmar/Luke don't get burned by perimeter 3s.
None of the Laker's rivals, except perhaps for Cleveland, improved this year as much as the Lakers have, and Boston is arguably worse than last year w/losing Posey, Brown and Cassell.
Despite the travails of the regular season, there is nothing on paper that says LA won't take the O'Brien this year.
Posted by: LakerinBC | March 21, 2009 at 08:11 PM
Just because lol.
SASHA BREAKOUT BANDWAGON
1. Faith
2. Isang
3. Anna in Bondi
4. Chad
5. Christopher Blake
6. ChicNstu
7. Mr. Edwin Gueco
8. Kiwi
9. dave m
10. bijou
11. Bruzer
12. Juan
13. Hyacinth
14. titejt
15. Benjamin
16. Jon K
17. Ann
18. Justanothermambafan
19. Thi
20. Xodus
21. Fan of the Mamba
22. ZZ
23. Thirty2
24. Lakertom
25. laker guru from india
26. Jamie Sweet
27. Taliq
28. Jesterguru
29. JohnnyP
30. Mamba24!
Bench Mob Breakout Bandwagon
1. Faith (Driver, left or right side it depends)
2. Rick F (shotgun!)
3. Edwin Gueco (bodyguard)
4. justanothermambafan
5. Xodus
6. Fan of the Mamba
7. ZZ
8. Lakertom
9. laker guru from india
10. Jamie Sweet
11. Jesterguru
12. titejt
13. Mamba24
Posted by: Faith | March 21, 2009 at 08:15 PM
Props to the bench mob this night. Although the deficit had been slashed significantly (8 points removed) by Kobe-Pau-Odom-Ariza (Fish played solid defense in return for not much stats) the bench this time built upon that energy of the 1st unit and added more to it.
It's odd though, the bench seems to play better with deficits?? I'd rather see more them building up leads in the 4th quarter than just erasing deficits completely.
Props to the bench mob this game. Hope they build this effort until JUNE and not some one game or one month or even 2 month rise.
Also wasn't too concerned when the Bulls (especially Derrrick Rose) was hitting so many jump shots. They finally ran cold in the 3rd/4th (if it was still on the 4th then it's then to be concerned). Rule of jump shooting: If you are hot in the beginning you will most likely run cold in the end.
Kobe struggled. Pau at first struggled yet got still 50+% shooting. Just a very good game by the rest of the Lakers.
-KB Blitz
Posted by: Kobeblitz | March 21, 2009 at 08:16 PM
Long Time Laker Fan,
Thanks for calling people out on their naysaying comments. It's ridiculous how bad the attitude is of a lot of the people that read and comment on this blog.
I firmly believed that the Lakers would come out and dominate the second half and win from behind like they have done MANY other times this season.
Everyone seems to overemphasize our blown leads (which often times, still yield wins) and forget about how many times WE'VE caused a team to blow a lead and come back to win ON THE ROAD.
Posted by: Justin N. | March 21, 2009 at 08:19 PM
I'm disappointed I missed this game. I've seen almost every game this year and thought there weren't anymore Saturday games until the playoffs. I didn't see any reminders anywhere. Bummer. At least they won.
Posted by: Bummer | March 21, 2009 at 08:23 PM
Wallace,
>>>Amaxing...We have been waiting for the bench to
>>>contribute for 5 games or so now, They are ghost! They
>>>are there, but nothing to show for..consistently..
weak
---
dacsila,
>>>All this crap and forget about this game. It's a lost one
>>>baby/////
weak
---
LAL_fan,
>>>Sasha - crap, Farmar - even less than crap. ... Our
>>>starters will be dead by the end
weak
---
Rick Friedman,
>>>Let's give our team less loathing more loving this quarter.
true fan
---
LAL_Fan,
>>>Rick, and this supose to help? I though they need to play
more weak
---
Kobefan in Cupertino,
>>>what kinda line-up is this?? super-garbage????
No, it's the super WEAK pseudo-fan lineup... including YOU.
----
Trade Sasha and Farmar,
>>>Walton in. We loose
Super triple weak (the name and the statement)
----
LAL_Fan,
>>>Phil like a big DREAMER, he is stil dreaming Luke,
>>>Sasha and Framr can play, let alone play together
More of the triple weakness... posted right before Luke,
Sasha and Farmar get the Lakers the lead.
---
Faith,
>>>Yeah! Sasha! Redeem yourself!
true fan
---
justanothermambafan,
>>>MACHINE SHOOT MACHINE SCORE!!!!
true fan
----
Lakergurl,
>>>Bench Mob to the rescue. Ha ha ha
true fan
----
chuck23,
>>>Like the energy with the three amigo's!
Chuck actually turning it around and cheering for Luke!!!
True fan
----
omega,
>>>the sky is still falling we didnt win yet
The writing is on the wall that the Lakers are going to win,
but he's still WEAK
----
[Comment From Keep Sasha & Farmer]
>>>Yes. I am back
Wanna be true fan, but still weak.
Posted by: Long Time Laker Fan | March 21, 2009 at 08:23 PM
Hey all - so happy we pulled out the W.
For all the complaining we do, we really are spoiled as Laker fans. Our team is the best in the West, arguably the best in the league and winning almost all the ugly ones.
I like what LO was talking about after the Golden State game - getting out on the road and solidifying the brotherhood - getting the chemistry back. If the 2nd half of this game is any indication, something's working. I'd rather not have to go through another half like the first one, though....lol!
I hope the guys really start to bond tighter over the next couple of days, on into the next few weeks. I'm hoping they tighten up as a group with the attitude of "us against the world". I want to see a 7-0 roadtrip - not unreasonable considering who we are (THE FREAKING LOS ANGELES LAKERS) and who our competition is (WHO THE HELL ARE YOU)!!!!!
Thank god I'm a Laker fan - why would anyone be anything else???!!
ENGLISH BABY!!
GO LAKERS!!!
Posted by: justanothermambafan | March 21, 2009 at 08:24 PM
Justin N,
>>>Everyone seems to overemphasize our blown leads
>>>(which often times, still yield wins) and forget about how
>>>many times WE'VE caused a team to blow a lead and
>>>come back to win ON THE ROAD.
Tru dat.
It just annoys me when the team is 10 or 12 points down in the
middle of the third and so called "fans" are already sure that
the other team is going to win.
It ain't over till the fat machine sings.
Remember that next time.
Posted by: Long Time Laker Fan | March 21, 2009 at 08:26 PM
Still lets not get too excited people. This was a GREAT win (needed for the Lakers reserve) but don't get ahead of ourselves. Two games the bench has played fairly well (this one better than Golden State) but it has to be a SUSTAINED effort all the way to June. Like I said I'd rather have the slump now rather than in the playoffs. I like that the bench are not dead but I want this effort to be sustained till the Larry O'Brien and not be a lets do good now and not do good later.
This one was the Reserves victory. Good job for them.
And I love how Jackson did stay with the bench *cough* PJDoubter. There were only 1 starter (Lamar Odom no less) yet the bench this time got the energy built by the starters and not only retook the lead but also took the double digit lead as well.
Any venom the PJ haters want to say about him sticking with the bench and *only* having 1 starter??
And look no Bynum!
-KB Blitz
Posted by: Kobeblitz | March 21, 2009 at 08:31 PM
Great comeback tonight. The second unit really stepped up. Can't wait for the playoffs! Go Lakers Baby!
Posted by: david brown | March 21, 2009 at 08:31 PM
I always love a win!
Was on the blog but my puter kept crashing. No bueno. Glad we pulled out the win and I'm looking forward to Tuesday!
Posted by: longtimelakerlover | March 21, 2009 at 08:34 PM
"THATS HOW YOU GRAB A BULL BY THE HORNS!"
GO LAKERS!!!!!!!!
Posted by: ChicNstu | March 21, 2009 at 08:36 PM
Missed the first half...took my wife out clothes shopping...got home in time for the second half...put on our Lakers sweat shirts, and...
the rest is history...nice comeback win...
Very nice to see the bench play well...much better ball movement and intensity...
Posted by: christopher blake | March 21, 2009 at 08:37 PM
This road trip is so huge for us, I'm glad the bench came through for the win. IMO, this game was the most important.
If we can blow though this roadie, homecourt should be ours. I checked our schedule against the Cavs schedule(after Feb 1st) and found that the Lakers have 5 home games and 2 road games. The Cavs will have 4 home and 4on the road. But 2 of those home games will be against Boston and San Antonio!!
dan
Posted by: dan the man | March 21, 2009 at 08:42 PM
Crazy stat: Lakers had 16 steals. 16!
Posted by: GG | March 21, 2009 at 08:47 PM
Great comeback by the Lakers tonight!
Posted by: david brown | March 21, 2009 at 08:49 PM
This is why Jackson leaves the bench players in - they have to learn how to respond when they give up a basket or have a sloppy turnover. If you yank them out right away, they end up getting too tentative. A couple more games like this, and they will be back on track, just when they are most needed.
Posted by: exhelodrvr | March 21, 2009 at 08:52 PM
Dont worry about the Cavs schedule and having a better record than them ... worry about the Celtics record and staying in front of them ... cuz thats the only chance you have of beating the Celtics!
Posted by: 131-92 | March 21, 2009 at 09:06 PM
Agree with you Ex.
The bench may not be full time starters or good starters (BJ Armstrong after 2 years as a starter was never an effective role player ever again as he was on the Bulls) but they have to learn to handle pressure/criticism/and to not have their confidence go down.
Game 6 against Portland 1992 NBA Finals the Trailblazers had the lead and Bulls fans were screaming for Jackson to put back Michael but the reserves not only erased the deficit but also gave energy to the starters to win the game and the Finals.
I'm glad Jackson showed PJDoubter and the rest of the PJ haters about his *tactics* shoving their arguments against him BACK IN THE FACE!
-KB Blitz
Posted by: Kobeblitz | March 21, 2009 at 09:06 PM
Long Time laker Fan and Justin M.
You are both living in fantasy land if you believe tonight's win was so great, it wasn't, and all of us should be very concerned because the lakers need to be playing at thier best and getting a good rhythm for the playoffs but instead, they are struggling bad and it showed against a team that should have been blown out tonight, the Bulls. No one has respect for or any fear of the Lakers and it could mean trouble, especially in the playoffs. It is what it is, a weak performance tonight....
Posted by: 70sLakersfan | March 21, 2009 at 09:21 PM
Faith - and my lucky number just happens to be 9! Um, well regardless, good for Sasha, good for Farmar, etc..
And good for LTLF for telling it like it is.
Posted by: dave m | March 21, 2009 at 09:38 PM
131-92,
We Lakers fans are not worried with neither Cav or your Celts. On the contrary, you must be the one worried as the Lakers as we'll get the troph back.
Posted by: 81 | March 21, 2009 at 10:02 PM
Long Time Laker Fan
Ur just one of those fans that try to make them self believe that everything is ok when its really not. U know deep down inside that the lakers have issues and u just wanna keep ignoring it and hide it. and i was just playing around, responding to some one that said " the sky is not falling anymore" and i was just trying to say the game is not over yet dont get happy and if they were to loose every body would go back to the "sky is falling"
every time lakers win a bad game u type of fans wanna always wanna get on our case but when they loose games you agree with us. SO GUESS WHAT UR WEAK
im gonna call you "UNDERCOVER UNHAPPY FAN" from now on.
Posted by: omega | March 21, 2009 at 10:27 PM
I still don't believe that this team is a cinch to go all the way to the BLING BLING world. I still don't have faith that they will destroy every team that will come their way to the championship. Every game is a struggle, either they blow their lead or get blown in the early part of the game. I don't have that kind of feeling (like I had during the Magic,Kareem, James Worthy days) wherein you just relax watching the games because you know that even if they're losing on the early part of the game they will eventually catch up and win that game. Or if they have a big lead you know for sure that the game is over because they rarely give opposing team a chance to recover. With this present team of Kobe, Pau, Lamar and company a 20 points lead is not safe at all because you know that in a matter of 2 minutes that lead will be gone. Or if they are losing big in the early part of the game, they rarely come back at all. You just turn off the t.v. and read the internet the next day and find out how many points
they lost. Watching the Laker team of the 80's is so much fun because they dominate almost all the teams they faced. With the current team all I experienced are countless of stressfull games. A lot of bloggers here are just blind, avid, know-it-all pretenders who thinks this team is unbeatable eventhough the games itself says otherwise. They just think that all is well for the path to the championship even if the recent games of the Lakers will not even hold water against the likes of Utah, Spurs, Cavs or even the hated Celtics. If you put a negative blog against "our" beloved Lakers you will be bombarded by not so good remarks, and will be branded as fair weather or fake Laker fan. But all you want to say is the fact about how our favorite team is underperforming. All these avid fans wants to see are only good things about their team eventhough they are really playing under the level of being a "championship caliber team" So sad being with these kind of fans nowadays. How I miss the Magic days!!!
Posted by: rafanico | March 22, 2009 at 12:08 AM
I can't agree with you more.
This has to be the most over rated Laker team,that there recorded don't make sense.
I been a fan from the early 70's
I been seeing this trend in fans in LA, am also a die hard Dodger fan, I can't believe how fans now days don't let there teams have it, when they suck
This teams don't have heart, must be the new generation,they party to much.
Posted by: Rich | March 22, 2009 at 02:49 AM
131-92, "Dont worry about the Cavs schedule and having a better record than them ... worry about the Celtics record and staying in front of them ... cuz thats the only chance you have of beating the Celtics!"
-if i were you i'd rather worry about if Celtics can even make it to the finals...
Posted by: kb240881 | March 22, 2009 at 08:49 AM
LongTime Laker Fan,
If you think we should be considered a great team, because we had made a big 2nd half-rally, then I pity you.
Currently other teams believe they can beat our Lakers even in our home court - we should not let other teams dream about us, we should let them have nightmares about us.
A fan is NOT one who blindly supports the team - it is one who criticizes the team when it plays bad, and everyone vents their frustration. So, stop all that weak and pseudo-fan talk.
Would you have supported and applauded our team had they lost to Chicago??
Posted by: Kobefan in Cupertino | March 22, 2009 at 01:48 PM