Sixers 94, Lakers 93: Iggy Pops 'em
As we said after Tuesday's wreckage, Ouch-ke City! But give the Lakers this much. In dropping a potentially "home court" costing loss to the Sixers, they managed to disturb fans in a variety of ways. So many annoying aspects on display (fitting, considering the victors in question).
For starters, there the the last play of the game, the one securing Philly's triumph. Having just witnessed Kobe Bryant perhaps redeem an otherwise brutal game with a potential game-winner from twenty-three feet, the Lakers regrouped in a time out, and Phil Jackson made it perfectly there was a foul to give during the Sixers' final possession. And by all means, use the freakin' thing. But for whatever reason, Trevor Ariza, guarding ball possessor Andre Iguodala, opted to let a shot fly from behind the arc. Nothing but net... and serious frustration.
But beyond just the brain cramps, there were other problem areas of the recurrent variety. The second consecutive game where Pau Gasol's touches dropped dramatically after a white hot first half (6-7, 15 points). He added just five shots to the box score during the second half, and wasn't shy about suggesting this could be team-wide habit worth snapping.
Then again, maybe Gasol was just cranky after playing a team-high forty-four minutes, a trend also worth snapping, but tougher to pull off in Andrew Bynum's absence.
Safe to say, the Lakers have officially reached "We miss the Big lug!"
status. Tex Winter, who's watched a lot of ball in his day, thinks Drew could end up one of the all-time studs if health allows. And until April rolls around, Phil ain't takin' questions about how close we are to health allowing.
But really, the deepest worry lines were created by the continuing subpar play from the second unit. After a couple of promising efforts in Texas upon Luke Walton's addition to the crew, the Bench Mob has reverted back to "lousy" form, and with a vengeance. The play of Jordan Farmar and Sasha Vujacic continues to be horribly ineffective. For whatever comfort it provides, the Lakers aren't the only Western Conference playoff team dealing with backup guard issues. But since most purple and gold loyalist only really care about their squad, I doubt that tidbit serves as inedible comfort food for fans (much less a perfectionist Magic Johnson). PJ hinted that the rotation could see some notable changes come Thursday against Golden State. Tune in and see.
OTHER NOTES
- Ira Newble update: Israeli roundball league.
- Worthy or not, Dwyane Wade has an uphill battle to win MVP.
- Rook Danillo Gallinari's back problems are troubling on levels present and future.
- Sean Williams' recent arrest might allow the Nets to waive him without his salary counting against the cap.
- Warriors talk with Nellie and Baron.
- The Rockets are very grateful Carl Landry is okay. Some thoughts from Rockets GM Daryl Morey on the incident.
- A profile of late Pistons owner Bill Davidson.
- When he played baseball, Lenny Dykstra was one of those dudes you hated unless he was on your team (and even sometimes if he was). But Hawks VP of Public Relations Arthur Trische has a different bone to pick.
Why should Pau play 44 minutes in a game where he doesn't get many second-half touches? Waste of his effort and time at this point. I don't think of this as the game where Kobe made the MVP a one-man race (Lebron). I think of this as the game where the Lakers lost "home court advantage throughout"--that is, assuming a Cavs-Lakers Finals.
Posted by: ZLakeShow | March 18, 2009 at 10:08 AM
Mamba24
Nah. You the man.
Posted by: Charles | March 18, 2009 at 10:11 AM
I'd love to see Luke completely out of the rotation and Farmar's minutes reduced as well ...
Whether that happens or not though, I'm very happy with our current first unit and I think that's all we'll need to get it done provided PJ is willing to burden them with heavy minutes during the playoffs ...
As for last nights loss ... 1 point victory ... sh*t happens ... next game pls
Posted by: Taliq | March 18, 2009 at 10:12 AM
Hey guys, cheer up!!
Who cares that we lost?! I don't care, as long as I get to keep on watching Luke miss those ugly fadeaway J's, or Farmar throw those crazy passes, or people blowing by Farmar like he's not even there, or Sasha jacking up shots from everywhere on the court and NOT making them... seriously, who cares?! WE HAVE TO APPRECIATE THIS BIZAR... I MEAN GREAT TEAM FOR AS LONG AS WE CAN!!
Posted by: Brazilian Laker | March 18, 2009 at 10:17 AM
"It's time to admit your boy Sasha and your boy Farmar kill us game after game."
Damn straight Korey. You got my backing on that one!
And thank goodness Phil has began to think beyond the "Hobbitmage" way of thinking and begin to think about rotational changes rather than the idea of developing scrub players. Shannon Brown could get more minutes at the point (than Farmar and his 2 fouls which led to 6 points and while was on a fastbreak he should have known well not to foul) and Trevor could play more minutes at the 2. Don't get me wrong though Shannon Brown while very athletic still is largely unproven being castoff from Cleveland and his little use by Larry Brown so Shannon Brown isn't an instant fix.
When Jordan and Sasha similarly played pathetic back in the 2006-2007 season Jackson used Shammond Williams and Aaron McKie. If Jackson will do the same then it would be interesting to see how Shannon Brown at the point and/or Trevor at the 2 (which he played in the 3rd quarter due to Kobe's foul situation) can do against Golden State.
For those Bandwagon Laker fans: GO TO CLIPPER LAND AND RE-LEARN TO APPRECIATE A WIN AND THAT A LOSE ISN'T AN END OF THE WORLD SEQUENCE. Just like the bandwagon says: SUCK IT UP!
-KB Blitz
Posted by: Kobeblitz | March 18, 2009 at 10:22 AM
THANK YOU BRAZILLIAN LAKER!!
Posted by: MAMBA24 | March 18, 2009 at 10:24 AM
So is Bynum done for the season again?
Posted by: Magia32 | March 18, 2009 at 10:24 AM
What a stinker. I hate when we go away from what makes us successful. It's not hard to work the ball inside out. Our PGs have to realize when Kobe switches from the preferred 'Team First' mode to 'I've been sitting on the pine and now I'm going to ROCK IT' mode. Sometimes he can rock it, often times he ends up with a sub 40% shooting night.
It's a hard thing, sometimes, to have a player like Kobe. He's so good at getting his shot off and making the impossible look mundane, but other times he ends up making easy shots hard or shooting too early in the shot clock from 35' out.
I think the bench is trying to make up for all the lousy press in one single game. I'm not sure where the friction and lack of cohesion is coming from, but it MUST be addressed before the Playoffs. Bench someone, issue a couple of DNP-coaches decision, hell place someone on the inactive list and go to Shannon Brown or Adam Morrsion for a game. Something to get the second unit out of it's current mental state. Too muc thinking amongst atheletes generally only leads to one big headache.
I do think this is a more than salvagable situation. I'm not sure if the bench isn't feeling the pressure to step up because there isn't anyone to compete with PT, or if they just are playing badly and will play their way out of it, but it is the most distressing aspect of the team, right now.
Owning the tie-breaker with Boston and Cleveland is looming larger and larger. Just like Leon.
Posted by: Jamie Sweet | March 18, 2009 at 10:29 AM
I second those who've posted about running more through Pau. The man is having a career year.
It's only the bright light on Kobe that blinds the more of the media from noticing.
Posted by: VMan | March 18, 2009 at 10:30 AM
don't think of this as the game where Kobe made the MVP a one-man race (Lebron).
I think of this as the game where the Lakers lost "home court advantage
throughout"--that is, assuming a Cavs-Lakers Finals.
Posted by: ZLakeShow | March 18, 2009 at 10:08 AM
ONE-MAN RACE? As long as your name is Kobe Bean Bryant you are
never out of the running for MVP. You know why? BECAUSE FOR THE LAST 6 YEARS AND
FOR THE FORESEABLE FUTURE KOBE BRYANT WAS IS AND WILL BE THE GREATEST
BASKETBALL PLAYER ON THE PLANET!!!!!!! I guess MVP's aren't allowed to stink now and then huh?
Everybody stinks now and then that's why they have bathrooms son. As for home court advantage
this is the 2-3-2 Format remember? I would rather have the second best record.
win one at Cleveland and sweep them in LA. Just as we swept them this season.
Posted by: MAMBA24 | March 18, 2009 at 10:31 AM
The Lakers aren't going to win every game, folks. That's just the way it is. And some nights they're going to lose in ugly fashion, which is how it was last night.
Remember what happened last time they lost at home right before a long road trip? Oh, right. They went 6-0.
I expect a 10 game win streak to begin tomorrow night.
Go Lake Show!
Posted by: The Outlaw | March 18, 2009 at 10:31 AM
There is always a bright side to everything if you look hard enough!
Think about the finals. "If" the Lakers do end up playing the Cav's and "if" the Cav's manage to hold the home court advantage for that series, the Lakers will have an excellent opportunity to close out the championship here at home rather than on the road.
With the 2-3-2 playoff format I like the Lakers in 5, winning right here at Staples Center.
Posted by: Laker Larry | March 18, 2009 at 10:32 AM
Once Bynum comes back, these are the only players that should be allowed to play:
Kobe, Fisher, Ariza, Odom, Bynum, Gasol, Powell.
Kobe, Fisher, Ariza, and Odom should share the PG, SG, and SF positions averaging 36 minutes a game and Bynum, Gasol, and Powell should share the PF and C positions with Gasol playing 38 minutes, Bynum playing 36, and Powell playing 22. I would only play Walton every other game for 5-10 minutes. Kobe can share PF duties with Fisher. I would leave Farmar and Sasha out of the line up completely. Sasha is shooting 35%!!! Atrocious!!!!!
Posted by: DT | March 18, 2009 at 10:42 AM
Kobeblitz,
Wasn't Ariza a unproven cast away from a couple of teams himself before landing with the Lakers?
Posted by: Magia32 | March 18, 2009 at 10:44 AM
ESPN reports that Andrew Bynum status has been pushed back.....(season could be cut short with possible surgery) Jerry Buss`s temper is flaring b/c of incompetence in Laker training staff.....ESPN...
By Ted Best
Ted Best,
Don't you post something that is "sensitive" that does not have any truth to it. I checked the ESPN website for today 03-18-09 and nothing was mentioned about Bynum's injury update. If you want to hallucinate just keep it to yourself inside your freaking room. We have to much NEGATIVITY in our world already, don't add some more.
Posted by: RUDY | March 18, 2009 at 10:45 AM
I expect a 10 game win streak to begin tomorrow night.
Go Lake Show! Posted by: The Outlaw | March 18, 2009 at 10:31 AM
You know I suspect you are right sir! Thanks Bro for
keeping things in perspective.
The Lakers will have an excellent opportunity to close out the championship here at
home rather than on the road. ith the 2-3-2 playoff format I like the Lakers in 5,
winning right here at Staples Center."
Posted by: Laker Larry | March 18, 2009 at 10:32 AM
Laker Larry you know, You and I think a like. I wrote
a simiiliar post to your's on the other thread. Now Please
tell me you are not from Chicago.
Larry(Mamba24)
Posted by: Mamba24 | March 18, 2009 at 10:46 AM
Nice sentiments, Mamba24, but you know I'm right. Lebron has been lights-out this year. And his team, which is much better than the sum of its parts (thanks largely to him), has the best record in the league. He's got more points, rebounds and assists than Kobe and shoots a higher percentage. With the exception of John Hollinger, everyone in the league thinks the Lakers have the better team. So Lebron is doing more with less.
Believe me, I'd like nothing more than for Kobe to win the MVP every year, and I do think he got jobbed a couple times. But I'm not going to stick my head in the sand and yell "Kobe 4 MVP!" "Kobe 4 MVP!" That race is over. Time to focus on the more important one, which hasn't even started yet...
Posted by: ZLakeShow | March 18, 2009 at 10:47 AM
This loss isn't the end of the world. It just means they'll have to win 2 in Cleveland.
I know you guys think the Lakers will sweep their home games, but in the finals this is rare. Only the 04 Pistons have done it at home, all other teams have lost at least one of the three.
So, if the Lakers can win games 1 & 2, they can win it on their home court... if they come to LA tied 1-1, then they'll leave up 3-2 at least and will have to win game 6 or 7 in Cleveland.
Bottom line, it's not the end of the world, but it will be if the Lakers don't win 2 games in Cleveland.
Posted by: Tim-4-Show | March 18, 2009 at 10:55 AM
"I checked the ESPN website for today 03-18-09 and nothing was mentioned about Bynum's injury update."
Ted (Troll) Best, along with every other team not named the Los Angeles Lakers, and (most of) the non LA-based sports media are WISHING and HOPING Drew doesn't come back. Why? Because they know what we know: that NO. OTHER. TEAM. IN. THE. LEAGUE. CAN. BEAT. THE. LAKERS. WITH. DREW. ON. THE. COURT.
PERIOD.
Not Boston.
Not Cleveland.
Not Portland.
Not ANYBODY!
Never fear, Laker Nation. We have already made our plea to the Almighty Healer for Drew's return this season. It's ALREADY DONE.
Larry, please repost the Get Well Drew Bandwagon to rally the troops today.
Posted by: utzworld - THE BANNER HOLDER | March 18, 2009 at 10:57 AM
Great roll call today mamba24. Better than ever. Yeah we lost, it happens. Time to move on.
Let's learn from all the things we have had a tendency to do...and let's make sure it never happens in the PLAYOFFS.
That said, I must admit I was disheartened last night. Total lack of effort, focus and intensity hurts me like there are no other. I'm always proud of my team, but last night even I felt the twinge of embarrassment. No it wasn't the last second shot by Iggy. It wasn't even the fourth quarter to be honest...it was the game. The game in which we had leads and blew it. The whole game in which we made them to shoot 35% and then not finish the play by giving them offensive boards. It's the whole game in which the bench mob (Sasha included) did not awaken from their slumber. They ALL need to be addressed and they all need to be re-examined today. Not tomorrow, not when the playoffs come. Today.
But since we aren't certain kind of fans (cough Boston cough)...we root for our team through thick and thin...the badwagon lives on...
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
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
Because really this is when they need us the most (well not us, the positive energy we give that is) lol. Go Lakers!
Posted by: Faith | March 18, 2009 at 10:57 AM
Some random thoughts..
The CAVS arent going to the finals anyway..It will be Boston so we will have home court.
Hey I'm glad Landry is OK, but is anyone else concerned he was driving in downtown Houston at 4am?
I'm not worried about the bench mob at all..Wait until 10 games left in the season and then give me a report on their play..The Lakers will turn it up.
2 more weeks before Bynum returns!
Posted by: zen | March 18, 2009 at 11:05 AM
Believe me, I'd like nothing more than for Kobe to win the MVP every year, and I do think
he got jobbed a couple times. But I'm not going to stick my head in the sand and
yell "Kobe 4 MVP!" "Kobe 4 MVP!" That race is over. Time to focus on the more i
mportant one, which hasn't even started yet...Posted by: ZLakeShow | March 18, 2009 at 10:47 AM
Good Post ZLakeSow. But I say this once again, common wisdom is that Lebron will win the MVP this year.
Common wisdom is wrong. DWade and Lebron will split the anti Kobe MVP vote and Kobe will win for a second
time. You can bank on it. but I won't deny Lebron has had one hell of a season. and i'm glad to
see you have your eye on the real prize.
Good
Posted by: mamba24 | March 18, 2009 at 11:05 AM
Bottom line, it's not the end of the world, but it will be if the Lakers don't win 2 games in Cleveland.
Posted by: Tim-4-Show | March 18, 2009 at 10:55 AM
Make it plain Tim-4-Show, Make it Plain! Right on Bro!
Posted by: mamba24 | March 18, 2009 at 11:08 AM
MORE NEWS ABOUT SPIKE LEE'S KOBE PROJECT
http://tinyurl.com/cj5bjo
Enjoy fam-bam...
Posted by: Charles | March 18, 2009 at 11:10 AM
FAITH THAT WAS OUT FREAKING STANDING!!!!
Posted by: MAMBA24 | March 18, 2009 at 11:10 AM
BUT FAITH, NO MAMBA24?
Posted by: MAMBA24 | March 18, 2009 at 11:12 AM
In defense of Jon K. against all the folks who dissed him over the "Who Cares If Kobe Gets The MVP" debate: Jon, myself, and others aren't implying that the MVP is an insignificant award. We just have our target set on the biggest award of them all: The Larry O'Brien Trophy.
We all celebrated when Kobe got his MVP. But after Game 6, NOBODY was celebrating!
This year, it's all about the Ring. The MVP race is not important this year. Let LeBron, D Wade or whomever have it. We'd rather have something greater!
Jon K., once more - with FEELING!
Posted by: utzworld - THE BANNER HOLDER | March 18, 2009 at 11:12 AM
Let's look a bit closer at last nights loss. We all want to blame the loss on the bench or on Trevor's last defensive play, but I find that hard to do!
First, we all knew, as did the coaching staff, that our bench play absolutely sucks of late. Nothing new there! So why don't we do something about it? Why not change the rotation up and bring players in one at a time rather than wholesale substitutions? That one is on the coaches!
Second, the final play. Okay, Trevor, in retrospect, would have been better advised to use the foul to give prior to that final shot, but in reality what would everyone be saying today if he had fouled and Iggy managed to squeeze off a 3 pt. shot, (just a throw up towards the basket). Iggy would likely have been awarded 3 free throws. That would have sucked big time and Trevor would have been a goat again. All-in-all, I thought Trevor played a very solid game. The game should not have come down to that last play.
Third, look back at the first quarter and even later. How many times did we try stupid home run passes the length of the court that resulted in TO's? Why not dribble the ball down the court and run the offense? Most of these TO's were by the 1st team unit and not the bench blob. It was also one of these plays that sent Kobe to the bench because of a push off.
Last, but not the least, Kobe. His play was horrible! It looked like his legs were gone in the 1st quarter as he had no lift in his shots. He seemed out of sorts for the entire game, but still forced shots that weren't there. He stumbled on several plays while attacking the rim and his passing was not very sharp. None the less, Kobe still insisted on running the same old iso plays at the end of the 4th. Everyone knows he's going to do this and more times than not he's going to shoot the ball. Sure he makes some of the shots, but come on, can't we add something else to the offense every now and then? We do have other options on the floor. I'm not saying I wouldn't want Kobe to take the "last" shot, it's just the last 5 or 6 in a row that bother me.
There's plenty of blame to go around. This was a team loss, so let's not try to blame one player.
Posted by: Laker Larry | March 18, 2009 at 11:15 AM
Spike Lee's 'Kobe' to debut in N.Y.
ESPN, Tribeca fests partner on NBA telepic
By DADE HAYES
Kobe Bryant
Bryant
More Articles:
National Geographic nabs 'Amreeka'
Spike Lee's 'Kobe' to debut in N.Y.
Queer Fest takes trip back to 1980s
San Sebastian pays tribute to Brooks
Far East Fest offers producer forum
NEW YORK -- Spike Lee's "Kobe Doin' Work," a telepic capturing a day in the life of NBA star Kobe Bryant, will preem during the Tribeca Film Festival before its May debut on ESPN.
The April 25 bow is part of the ESPN Sports Film Festival, a co-venture with Tribeca. Eight sports-themed pics will screen between April 22 and May 3.
Lee, a famously visible and vocal fan of the New York Knicks, and his d.p. Matthew Libatique spent time with the Los Angeles Lakers' Bryant last spring before, during and after a playoff game against the San Antonio Spurs.
"Kobe Doin' Work" will bow May 16 on ESPN.
Posted by: Charles | March 18, 2009 at 11:19 AM
I'd like to reserve a sleeping car on the SASHA BREAKOUT BANDWAGON. A few more well-timed threes from him and we'd be 58-9.
Posted by: ZLakeShow | March 18, 2009 at 11:19 AM
The Lakers played with a total lacjk of intensity and desire, but they still had a chance to win at the end..Shows you how good they are.
Posted by: zen | March 18, 2009 at 11:22 AM
Mamba24
Naw, not from Chi town. Been here in LA for the last 20 years by way of KC, Reno and Dallas.
Posted by: Laker Larry | March 18, 2009 at 11:31 AM
AFTER I READ MAGIC JHONSON'S COMMENT:
1. There is no need to panic
2. Lakers can still win with or without Bynum
3. No pressure on Bynum to return 60-70% healed
4. I respect Magic's insight and trust him when it comes to basbetball
5. Magic knows what he is talking about, unlike some psuedo experts we have on Laker's blog
6. So homeboys, homeys, gangstas, brothas, sistas, mammas, pappas, mobsters just chillax.
WE BE FINE
Posted by: On Parole | March 18, 2009 at 11:46 AM
THANK YOU SIR CHARLES!
Posted by: MAMBA24 | March 18, 2009 at 11:50 AM
The Lakers played with a total lacjk of intensity and desire, but they still had
a chance to win at the end..Shows you how good they are.
Posted by: zen | March 18, 2009 at 11:22 AM
Say it again Zen! Thanks Bro!
Posted by: Mamba24 | March 18, 2009 at 11:52 AM
AREN'T YOU ALL SICK OF HEARING THIS?
ISN'T THIS THE MOST USED SENTENCE IN LAKER LAND?
"once bynum comes back"
geeeeeeeeeeez louis!!
For crying out loud
For Christ's sake
For the love of God
And most of all STOP abusing this sentence..
YA'ALL sound like broken record, and the person responsible for this is LakerTom, MR. Bynum fixiated.
WE CAN WIN WITHOUT BYNUM AND FOCUS ON WHAT WE HAVE NOW, THERE IS NO TOMORROW!!
Posted by: COULDA WOULDA SHOULDA | March 18, 2009 at 11:52 AM
6. So homeboys, homeys, gangstas, brothas, sistas, mammas, pappas, mobsters just chillax.
WE BE FINE Posted by: On Parole | March 18, 2009 at 11:46 AM
THANKS, NOW I BE HAPPY!! Your sentence is commuted. GO AND SIN NO MORE! LOL!
Posted by: Mamba24 | March 18, 2009 at 11:56 AM
Your welcome sir Mamba24!
Posted by: Charles | March 18, 2009 at 11:56 AM
LeBron surely didn't look "lights out" in either game against the Lakers this year.
Posted by: bruzer | March 18, 2009 at 12:00 PM
Is PJ strategically flawed?
====
Is there a chance that some of our losses is stategic in that PJ's strategy gets exploited.
Is he maybe so rigid, that these young buck coaches like "Doc Rivers" know him so well, they take advantage?
I hate to go to the xtreme with "pfunk36" and "hate" on PJ, but consider this:
Every coach knows the starters go out at the beginning of the 4th quarter till the 8 minute mark.
So if you are down in the game, why not put YOUR starters in to play against our bench guys for 5 minutes or so and get back in the game?
In football, if I know you will run a HB dive on the 4th down every time, I Might just substitute 3 300lb guys in for that play since I KNOW you aren't going to change your play call.
I'm not sure this was the exact case last game, but still I've seen it happen where the "Bench" is just overmatched.
That's just strategic in my opinion.
IF we are up 15 in a game going into the 4th, why not let our STARTERS kill their BENCH or match their starters in the 4th. Effectively, we can put teams away if we allow the actual "good" players to play.
Letting the bench guys come in is basically changing the momentum and then asking the starters to stave off a hot-shooting team.
Kinda like Kobe's approach to guarding DWade and LeBron. "I dont want go guard them when they are hot, let me start off on them and keep the flame from burning early" (paraphrased).
Again, That's just strategic in my opinion.
Posted by: Korey | March 18, 2009 at 12:01 PM
Ok...Lets take a really deep breath....maybe 2 or 3...
Taliq...I also would like to see Farmar and Sasha play a little less...I think it may be time to allow the ring ins a chance to play...Could the play of Farmar and Sasha be affected by the pressure being applied by Morrison and Brown during practice?....What if Farmar is getting shown up in practice and he's taken a mental hit?....
Faith....Im having a really hard long think about my position on the Sasha breakout bandwagon.....
The chemistry of this team seems a little different than last season(after Pau arrived)....Go to dinner or do Yoga together guys ....SOUGHT IT OUT....
Posted by: Thirty2 | March 18, 2009 at 12:03 PM
Does anyone know if Butler got crushed or hurt at the Next top Model auditions riot in New York...I hope he's ok..
Posted by: Thirty2 | March 18, 2009 at 12:05 PM
LeBron surely didn't look "lights out" in either game against the Lakers this year. Posted by: bruzer | March 18, 2009 at 12:00 PM
THANK YOU SIR!
Posted by: MAMBA24 | March 18, 2009 at 12:12 PM
Your welcome sir Mamba24! Posted by: Charles | March 18, 2009 at 11:56 AM
Lol! charles you know there can be but 1. And so sir CHARLES it is you.
I bow before your brilliance. Lol!
Posted by: MAMBA | March 18, 2009 at 12:15 PM
POST OF THE DAY
Does anyone know if Butler got crushed or hurt at the Next top Model auditions riot in
New York...I hope he's ok..Posted by: Thirty2 | March 18, 2009 at 12:05 PM
HAHHHAHAHAH
ROFLMFAO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: MAMBA | March 18, 2009 at 12:18 PM
I think Gasol does not get enough touches for 5 reasons:
1. The young players like Farmar and Sasha are afraid they are going to lose their chance to shoot. They both have the shooter's mentality so shooting is their game. They're afraid that once they give it to Pau (or to each other), they won't get the rock back.
2. There are very few big men in the game of basketball that are really good passers. Pau is one of those rare ones. Most basketball players have to make a mental adjustment and trust that the big guy will find them when they're open.
3. Kobe, when he is not shooting well, tries to shoot himself out of the funk. Like the gambling addict, who thinks one more time and the winning streak will begin.
4. Lakers don't have that many players that can dribble penetrate. Dribble penetration will draw a crowd but since there is so little of it by the Lakers, Gasol is always easily crowded down low by the other team. As KB gets older, his ability to dribble penetrate has noticeably decreased. Farmar s/d be able to do it but he is afraid of physical contact w/the big guys in the paint.
5. Since Gasol is playing too many minutes with Drew out, there are times within the game that he needs to conserve his energy, so he doesn't move without the ball as good as he can all the time.
Posted by: LakerinBC | March 18, 2009 at 12:33 PM
LOL Stick with it Thirty2. We'll have the last hurrah (hopefully).
Mamba24, I'll add you in the AM.
Zen, lol. Either way, the playoffs get a tad tougher (just a tad), so we can't just coast on our talents...at some point intensity and all that good stuff's going to have to come to play. And it will imo. I have faith :-)
Posted by: Faith | March 18, 2009 at 12:45 PM
BROWN NOSER LAKER FAN OF THE DAY:
HAHHHAHAHAH
ROFLMFAO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: MAMBA
Posted by: hahaha | March 18, 2009 at 12:47 PM
Thirty2
Does anyone know if Butler got crushed or hurt at the Next top Model auditions riot in New York...I hope he's ok..
Posted by: Thirty2 | March 18, 2009 at 12:05 PM
I heard it was Butler who started the riot, when he pulled out the chicken wing. LOL
Posted by: ChicNstu | March 18, 2009 at 12:48 PM
Korey,
I hear what you're saying, and in and of itself, there's nothing necessarily wrong with that strategy.
Unfortunately, whether or not Phil does what you're suggesting, it doesn't change or fix the larger issue: The bench has grown horribly unreliable. In particular, Farmar and Sasha, who are theoretically responsible for helping things run. It's very difficult for a unit to function with neither guard playing well, and while the problems aren't entirely on those two (we've seen everyone struggle from time to time), they've also emerged as common factors of sorts.
Case in point. Ariza's drastic uptick since joining the starting unit. For that matter, look at the dramatic difference between Walton's play last night with the second unit (miserable) and with the starters when Kobe had foul trouble (very good). Yes, it helps to play with better players, but when Luke goes struggling to avoid a turnover to easily setting up (and being set up for) buckets, something is obviously afoot.
It also says quite a bit that PJ elected to use Luke and play either him or TA out of position rather than just use Sasha, the more natural choice. Not a prayer that would have happened this time last year. But I can't say I blame Phil if he's lacking confidence in Sasha right now, either.
Unfortunately, whether you think the problems lie more with Jordan and Sasha or with the second unit as a whole, there's no way around the fact that Phil needs to play these guys at some point. If he takes them out when you're suggesting, it means either more time at other points in the game or Phil boosting Kobe's PT to an unfavorable level, ala Pau. Even taking into account Phil's postgame statement that he plans to further tinker with the rotation, the central issue remains the same.
Bottom line,these guys just need to pick it up individually and as a unit. It's absolutely imperative. The only way it's gonna happen (assuming it does) is through them playing. Your classic double edged sword dilemma.
AK
Posted by: kambrothers | March 18, 2009 at 01:01 PM
LeBron surely didn't look "lights out" in either game against the Lakers this year. Posted by: bruzer | March 18, 2009 at 12:00 PM
No he didn't. The fact that the Lakers can corral LeBron like that is a good omen if Cleveland makes it to the Finals (because I know L.A. will be there), but it doesn't matter much where the MVP race is concerned.
Anyway, I'm done talking about the MVP. The Lakers need to start playing like the Most Valuable Team. It starts with passing to El Manchego more. If Gasol's going to play 44 minutes, the other Lakers need to make sure he's more than a figurehead out there on the offensive end.
Posted by: ZLakeShow | March 18, 2009 at 01:18 PM
The board sentiments before last night game --> "They should cut down the starters minutes so they have fresh legs come playoff time."
The board sentiments after ONE regular season game lost -> “They should not be playing those bench scrubs anymore minutes than they should have!"
Dudes, make up your mind!
The most important responsibility for these coaches is to get their players in top notch condition come playoff time. The pattern of substitutions is not a concern. The PT minutes are not a concern. The strategy is very efficient (53-14) with 15 more games.
This team will be in the playoff. This team will have the home court advantage through out the western conference finals. This team has the best road record in the league, so winning on the road and even in a tougher environment is not a problem. The concern right now is the mindset of the team. This team has to figure out what everyone's role is in terms of who’s on the floor. They need to figure out how to attack the basket base on the opponent defense (definitely zone defense). They need to learn how to make that extra pass to make a better play. Learn to take advantage where the obvious advantage is.
The last 15 games will be the final stretch. It will dictate if this team will harness the killer instinct attitude or the screw-up instinct that they showcase once in every while. I just hope it will be the former. Maybe it’s time to dust-off those 2008 Finals video again to remind them once more of what Jon K. has been preaching all season long…. What do we really play for?
Posted by: GameFaceON | March 18, 2009 at 01:39 PM
The difference between the Cavs and Lakers is you have to literally beat the Cavs for them to lose they aren't going to beat themselves, whereas time and time again the Lakers beat themselves. Teams aren't beating the Lakers, Lakers for many reasons during games they have lost just don't take care of business and it really is sad to watch, I would hate to be a coach in these situations, you can give the team the tools but they have to use it.
Posted by: Brittney | March 18, 2009 at 01:45 PM
DO YOUR KNOW WHY THE LAKERS LOST AGAINST THE SIXERS? Not in order of importance or lack of it.
1. The bench
2. The coaching of Phil Jackson
3. The horrible play of Kobe (those wasted forced shots he made that should have been given to Pau)
DO YOU KNOW WHY KOBE HAD A BAD GAME?
There are only two legitimate N.B.A. players who can guard Kobe with success..... BATTIER AND IGUODOLA.
Posted by: rafanico | March 18, 2009 at 02:00 PM
Are you kidding me!
This is what the Lakers deserve! They let these "Who are they again" teams stay in the game and last night, the Lakers were bit in the butt by the "Iggy" bug. Now I would say that hopefully, the Lakers have learned there lesson, but can you say Sacramento Kings or Charlotte Bobcats. The Philidelphia 76ers is the third team to embarrass this Laker team and I have lost the number of times other "Who are they again" teams have stayed close to the Lakers. Maybe a third time is a charm and hopefully, the Lakers will take it strong from here on out.
Posted by: Eatin_by_a_leprechan | March 18, 2009 at 02:40 PM
Faith,
"SASHA BREAKOUT BANDWAGON"
"Bench Mob Breakout Bandwagon"
I am with you on supporting our team through thick and thin
so please add my name to the the evergrowing list of LOYALS 'till the END!!!
GOOOOOOLAKERS!!!!!!!
Posted by: Carlos DeeP | March 18, 2009 at 05:22 PM