Sixers 94, Lakers 93: This one's gonna bruise
Breakdown below...
Three Good:
- Pau Gasol: I'm almost tempted to stick Gasol in the
"bad" section. I obviously can't, because El Spaniard shot 75% (9-12)
for 25 points, snagged eight boards, flung around six assists, swatted
a trio and logged a yeoman's forty-four minutes of burn. Dude clearly
deserves his spot here. But there's still definite negativity attached
to this performance, in that it could have been even more prolific
(beyond just the stats), but for whatever reason, the team stopped
looking for him after the first half.
Granted, I don't know everything about basketball, so perhaps there was a treacherous downside attached to his 6-7 clip pre-Gatorade and orange wedges. I'm open to suggestions. But it better have been just this side of "Defcon 1," because otherwise, there's no reason Pau should have seen the ball so little that he'd only put up five more shots. It's very "deja vu all over again" after the Dallas game (10-10, followed by three more shots) and a trend that needs to kinda, well, stop. Like, now. Gasol is among the more mild mannered athletes I've come across, so his standards for "demanding the ball" fall pretty short of "feed the big dog so he guards the porch" gibberish. But when BK asked if anything was happening on the court to spark this recurrance, Gasol came as close as he does to screaming "Just gimme the damn ball, people!"
"Obviously, (the defenders) come and they try to double. Things are going my way and I'm being effective. But let them keep coming. Somebody else is open and somebody is going to get a wide open shot. I think you should try to exploit that a little more, especially in the second half, and not get away from what's working and being effective. But again, it's not all in my hands and we gotta all recognize that."
Like I said, fairly tame as far as NBA rants go, but still, the frustration was obvious. And not that I think we're nearing to this point, but just the same, BK and I joked with a Spanish reporter buddy that we need his help if things don't change and Gasol decides to go ballistic on Marc.com
while hoping the venting flies under the Stateside radar. AK and BK: We bridge the gap for our readers. - Lamar Odom: Odom established the foundation for a quality effort on back-to-back plays early in the first quarter. First, he tipped a Philly miss off the backboard to himself to secure a rebound. Then came a block of Andre Miller's layup (again making use of the glass), which set up a new Laker possession and an eventual Derek Fisher and one layup. That activity felt like a good sign of things to come, an omen that proved true. Fourteen boards and five dimes, plus a team leading eleven boards, five coming while windexing the offensive glass. In particular, LO was big during a third quarter where a lead was built after foul trouble pinned Kobe Bryant to the bench. Of the six baskets that helped bump an advantage from one to eleven, LO either sank or set up four of them. That's a guy stepping up for a team in need.
- Trevor Ariza (until the last play of the game): Ironic that he'd commit a defense lapse at the end of the game that proved deadly, because up until then, he actually did a great job on that end of the floor. Andre Iguodala wrapped up three quarters with a 4-15 mark by his name and many of those misses came with TA shadowing. Even more indicative of that success was Iggy's success once Ariza took a fourth quarter breather. The "Other A.I." hit four of his next five shots, the only miss coming from behind the arc. Throw in Trevor's 16 points (6-10 overall, 3 triples) and eight boards, and it's really a shame that final play sours what was otherwise a terrific effort.
HONORABLE MENTION "GOOD":
- Building a third quarter lead with Kobe on the pine: This should have made it in there, but given how it was wasted by the loss, I can only grant "bridesmaid" status. But props to Gasol, LO, Ariza, Fish and Luke Walton for seven minutes of terrific ball. Should have gone towards a better cause.
AK
Three Bad:
- Kobe Bryant: Rare is the game where 24 is a -9 (especially when the next lowest starter is a +7), rare is the night when his assists equal his turnovers (five apiece). He doesn't often miss time with foul trouble, and while 33% shooting nights (5-15) aren't unheard of, they're not the norm, either. In short, Kobe had a bad game. Matched up much of the night against Iguodala, Kobe had trouble finding clean looks, and good D combined with foul trouble made it tough to get to the rack... to the point that he didn't shoot a free throw all night. Kobe's shot selection, especially given LA's success down low and the fact they were facing a team that thrives on long boards and run outs, wasn't constructive. He recovered a little at the end, setting up two baskets in the fourth quarter via the pass out of double teams, and certainly his jumper to put the Lakers up by two before Iguodala's deciding triple was big, but overall it was a bad night for Kobe. PJ said after it was over (see the vid) that he felt Kobe's shooting was often outside the context of the offense, especially when he returned in the fourth. Can't say I disagree.
- Turnovers and second chances: 18 giveaways, good for 21 points for Philadelphia, plus 12 second chancers. That's 33 points, for the math impaired. For comparison's sake, LA had 20. Philadelphia isn't afraid to press the ball, but while Jackson pointed to that as one reason for LA's handle problems, much of the blame has to go to carelessness and sloppy play. Forcing things where they shouldn't go. There is no reason the Lakers should lose the turnover margin by nine on their home floor against a fringe Eastern Conference playoff team. None. Of course, there's also
no reason to let the opposition shoot 65% over the final quarter to overcome an 11 point deficit, and that happened, too. - The final play: To his credit, Ariza manned up and admitted his mistake on the decisive triple. "(Jackson) put on the board that we had a foul to give. I didn't foul. It's my fault," he said. "I should have fouled him before he started dribbling, but I didn't do it... I thought he was gonna try to go the rim, so I figured I'd foul him on his way. I didn't expect him to pull up." Ariza should have pushed Iguodala deeper beyond the three point line as well, so if he pulled up for a trey (which AI said after the game he had decided to do) it would have come from another three or four feet out. But while that'll be the SportsCenter highlight everyone sees, it wasn't the play that lost the game. As AK mentioned above, Ariza had played solidly to that point. It was, however, indicative of the kind of lapses that cost the Lakers.
One Big Number:
- -70, the combined +/- figure for LA reserves Sasha Vujacic, Jordan Farmar, Luke Walton, DJ Mbenga, Josh Powell, and Shannon Brown: I realize this is somewhat of a misuse of the statistic, but it does drive home the point of how ineffective the reserves were on the floor tonight (things would have been worse, but the -8 Walton "built" during his second quarter run was erased when he joined the starters in the third when Kobe had foul trouble). As a group, the reserves are still struggling to find clean looks offensively, which is having a negative affect on their play at the other end, as well. Sometimes it's because guys stand still, other times because they're forcing shots out of rhythm. No matter how you slice it, things need to improve. Walton was effective in Texas, but hasn't provided any lift over the last two nights. Farmar and Vujacic are struggling. Josh Powell works hard, but shouldn't be expected to carry a unit. I think Mbenga needs to get a few more minutes a night, but less because he's very effective, more because Gasol could use some rest.
Bottom line, with Andrew Bynum out and Lamar Odom in the starting lineup, the Lakers' bench simply doesn't have as many chances to run. Teams are forcing them into half court play, and as a group, no matter what starters might be on the floor with them, they have to pick it up. There can't be a fire sale every time starters hit the bench.
BK
Video:
Pau Gasol, discussing his lack of touches late, and LA's tendency to go away from post play as games go on. Pau is an unfailingly polite fellow and won't toss anyone under the bus, but tonight's video, especially viewed in tandem with Sunday's, shows that frustration is building. Again, I can't say I blame him. Path of least Resistance, people:
Jackson, on the team's play, including the final sequence, problems with the bench, Kobe's performance, and LA's inability to put teams down:
Kobe Bryant, on home court and the loss:
BK
So phil did say foul to give. ariza did kind of have a good excuse but 6 six is not that long specially when he is taking his time that was when to foul sorry but not good enough excuse.
Im more concerned with are road trip than this game. we have to be almost perfect on the 7 game road trip to make us feel better that we can win on the road alot.
But i think the most important game of the season now is ROSEGARDEN hands down we cant afford to loose that game at all.
Posted by: omega | March 18, 2009 at 12:53 AM
One last thought (and a bit of a silver lining).
IMHO, a big problem with the bench mob is that MBenga and
Powell are not good passers and are not as fluid in the triangle.
And on some nights (like tonight), they contribute almost nothing.
When Bynum comes back, the PF/C rotation will be much more
solid at both ends of the court. In the playoffs, I can see Gasol,
Odom and Bynum playing ALL of the minutes unless it's
absolute garbage time.
Posted by: LongTimeLakerFan | March 18, 2009 at 12:58 AM
Kobe tends to struggle against long and athletic defenders like Igoudala and Prince. They do a great job of keeping Kobe in front of them and forcing tough shots. I'm not sure but Kobe's first step doesn't seem as good as it once was. It seems that he's having a harder time driving by defenders.
Kobe needs perimeter help. Badly. Fish, Farmar, Sasha, Luke and Trevor just don't cut it. We have no one else outside of Kobe who can create their own shots from the perimeter. That puts tremendous pressure on Kobe and causes the ill-advised shots we saw tonight. A better balanced team would have two perimeter stars and one dominant inside force. Hopefully Mitch will address this in the future.
Posted by: EJK | March 18, 2009 at 12:59 AM
um, i don't want to discount anybody's loyalty, or judgement, or dedication to the pure ideal that is laker fandom...
but everybody who is panicking over a game against the sixers that nobody on the team (obviously) took seriously needs to get the heck of this blog and never come back. it's one game, against the sixers.
sheesh.
and yes, i'm a bit perturbed, and no, i'm not surprised at the (over)reaction. it's just my7calm, collected judgement.
Posted by: phred | March 18, 2009 at 01:26 AM
and no, i didn't mean to include those of you who included sane, concise and articulate commentary about the team or the game.
IT'S ALL ABOUT THE LOVE, AND THE LOVE DOESN'T GIVE A DANG ABOUT THIS GAME
THE LOVE WOULD LIKE A PERIMETER DEFENDER WHO COULD SHOOT THE THREE, BUT THE LOVE KNOWS YOU CAN'T HAVE EVERYTHING YOU WANT BUT IF YOU TRY SOMETIMES YOU CAN GET WHAT YOU NEED
Posted by: phred | March 18, 2009 at 01:30 AM
BK/AK
What differences are there between Farmar and Smush Parker? I don't see any.
Smush pouts. Farmar pouts more.
Smush is athletic but settles for jumpers. Farmar is less athletic and settles for jumpers.
Smush throws stupid passes. Farmar throws stupid passes.
Smush plays inadequate defense. Farmar plays inadequate defense.
Smush is quiet. Farmar is a cocky a**h*le no one likes.
Posted by: Tom | March 18, 2009 at 02:11 AM
Farmar is worse than Smush Parker. This is how bad our back up point guard is. We all saw how Farmar wilted in the playoffs last year. Shrunk to a non contributing player.
Posted by: Tom | March 18, 2009 at 02:12 AM
phred,
I guess you mean besides Kobe, Ariza, and Fish?
Bummer of a game. I missed it because I went to a St. Paddy's Day shindig. We lost the last game I missed too.
So, I'm sorry, even though it's really not my fault and it's incredibly egocentric of me to even suggest otherwise. :P
I'm not too worried. Now Cleveland has a game on us, but if we tie them with our record, we get home court in the playoffs.
You know what? Let em have home court. Seriously.
No team, not even Orlando, can handle us in a 7 game series, even if we're not at home for the Finals (and we will have home court for the West playoffs).
So, bring it. I'm just not concerned.
I still don't see the Cavs getting past the Celtics as long as KG comes back healthy.
Posted by: Benjamin | March 18, 2009 at 02:21 AM
blech.
i'm over it.
Posted by: mud | March 18, 2009 at 02:31 AM
"I thought he was gonna try to go the rim, so I figured I'd foul him on his way. I didn't expect him to pull up."
Ironically, it was almost like a role reversal of that game-ending situation in the first SAS game. TA received the ball from KB but, instead of taking a perimeter shot TA decided to drive to the basket. So TA was probably expecting Iggy to go to the rim because that is what TA would have done...
Posted by: The Snake | March 18, 2009 at 02:47 AM
Except for Kobe & Pau the rest of the Laker Team lacks the overall basket ball IQ of teams like the Spurs, Celtics, & Cavaliers. This Laker Team has a weaker bench than the Celtics or the Spurs with Ginobli back. Shasha, Jordon, & Luke are not championship material. They cannot compete with the Celtic bench that provides instant and sustained defense, attack the basket, rebound well, make good decisions, move the ball, limit turn overs, play with confidence & hit open shots consistently. A championship team like the Celtics knows what to do leading by 2 points,with a foul to give & only 6 secs left in the game. A championship team has a killer instinct, would not lose a 14 point lead in the 4th Q, much less allow a 3 point shot with a foul to give and only 6 secs. left in the game! Except for Kobe, Gasol, Ariza & Fisher, the Lakers lack the heart, basket ball IQ, a 48 minute defensive focus & killer instinct this late in the season (compared to the Celtics, Cavaliers & Spurs) to win it all. Lakers have frittered away home court advantage against the Cavaliers, who would defend home court better than the Lakers, in a championship series!
Posted by: RAF | March 18, 2009 at 02:51 AM
who is the dumbest of them all
LUKE: i did not know that there were only 8 sec. (last year after holding the ball in his hands)
ARIZA: a foul to give with 6 sec. left and waiting for the penetration (who told him that iggy will penetrate-all teams in the NBA go for the winning shot, in this case a 3?)
"I thought he was going to go to the rim,'' Ariza said, "and I was going to foul him before he got there. He hit a tough shot.'' (actually he did not even defend the shot. he was FROZEN in concrete)
i will say ariza. it is more difficult to count to 8 than 6 ....
oh noooooo. ARiZA was man enough to TO RECOGNIZE his mistake.
MAN enough: don't u love the jock mentality?! (i know many expressed how it's OK because he acknowledged his mistake)
let's just call it plain STUPID.
i always felt that ariza is a step slow mentally, and has no bb IQ. ooooopppps
makes me PUKE
NOT defending LUKE
left lukewarm
Posted by: ouchhhhhhhhh | March 18, 2009 at 03:04 AM
by the way, philly is one of the worst 3 pt. shooting team in the NBA. obviously there were maybe 2 players who will attend the final shot: miller or Iggy.
so why was not kobe on iggy? or maybe this was like one of those learning games and instilling confidence in the final moment with the scrubs
orlando: sasha with the 3 pointer
orlando-home: ariza with the walk
and maybe others: can't remember
Posted by: ouchhhhhhhhh | March 18, 2009 at 03:08 AM
kobe's MVP chances went down the drain with this game. and especially he can thank his team (this game he laid an egg-but hey, even in his worst game he can have the winning clutch shot)
he had many clutch shots and the lakers gave up in the last 10 sec. and they lost
SA-fish with the foul
pjilly-ariza with the …
yes, for MVP some players "have to make their teams better"(i really hate this mantra)
how about the team following their captain till the final buzzer sound. isn't it a 2 way highway?!
Posted by: ouchhhhhhhhh | March 18, 2009 at 03:32 AM
Because we do not extend leads people say we do not have a "killer instinct." Its not that subtle.
When we get a lead we send in the second unit and the lead disappears. We lack a second unit.
That starts with Luke and Farmar's rurnovers and poor shooting. It has nothing to do with "instincts." Its the opposite, the inability of the bench to maintain a lead.
I remember when they earned the title "bench mob." I have hope that this play might return. But, it is getting late in the season. The starters cannot all always play 48 minutes. Kobe cannot always make up for their errors in the last 4 minutes.
GOOoooOOOOO LAKERS!!!!!
Posted by: JohnnyP | March 18, 2009 at 04:44 AM
Well here we go again same players same errors but this time different ending. defeat.
If this situation is going to happen again and again, we better play with gasol the first half and then let him rest the entire second. At least he´ll only play 24 min a game and he´ll be rested for playoffs.
And then we´ll discuss not who is the mvp of this team that I think is Bryant, although he, by far, have a lot more bad games than Pau. But who is the most important player to look to pass the ball in the second half. You know the name of the soft, skinny, 3# scoring option, not american player, eurosoft, flopper and all that nosense guy that never complains... He should talk to Shaq and learn how to scream at his teammates... including Kobe Bryant.
Now you can burn me to my nuts. It won´t change the truth.
No number one seed... no problem.
No Gasol rested for playoffs.. we´re scr wed.
No pass to Gasol during second halves... same as before.
Yes Bynum for the playoffs... It doesn´t matter if he´s, as five, going to recieve the same amount of passes gasol is getting as five.
This is a team game, with very few basics, you can´t win if you ignore one of them on a nightly basis.
Go Pau! Give´em a primal scream. Give me that basketball NOW!
Go Lakers!
Posted by: HugoSpain | March 18, 2009 at 04:45 AM
GREEN SHOELASES? WTF?
GREEN SHOELASES? WTF?
THEY SHOULD HAVE LOST!
Posted by: MAMBA24 | March 18, 2009 at 05:47 AM
LongTimeLakerFan....
Are you serious?
Don't try to lump Kobe and Fish into the "who sucks" bandwagon.
It's time to admit your boy Sasha and your boy Farmar kill us game after game.
Kobe can mess up because last time I checked he plays 90% of the games well.
Trying to make the argument, "Sasha sucked, Farmar sucked, but Kobe did too" really doesnt hold weight.
Your better than that. Seriously.
Posted by: Korey | March 18, 2009 at 05:55 AM
Good morning Morning Crew. We lost so who gives a Frak.
Cleveland has two tough games remaining, Boston and San Antonio but both are at
Cleveland so it is possible that Cleveland will run the table in the remaining games.
In which case it will have the best record. LA has 3 tough games remaining: Houston,
Utah and Denver, they are all at LA, So the best record appears to be Clevelands.
With the 2-3-2 Fornat I would rather have the second best record as LA has proved
it can win in Cleveland this year, but Cleveland has not won in LA.
We also proved we can sweep Cleveland so fear not Laker Nation, we got them just
Where we want them. Of course if we meet boston in the Finals we will have the
Best record, but since we also swept Boston, no problem there.
I SMELL CHAMPIONSHIP IN THE AIR!!!!!
Posted by: mamba24 | March 18, 2009 at 06:23 AM
Frankly laker fans shouldn't be too troubled with today's game.yes we lost, but sometimes things like AI's buzzer beater happens, instead of finding the faults and pointing fingers, the lakers should just improve by closing in games.
we had the lead, we lost it and let them back into the game.
Posted by: Kai | March 18, 2009 at 06:28 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...
Posted by: Ted Best | March 18, 2009 at 06:31 AM
***SO WE LOST – SUCK IT UP- BANDWAGON *****
*
*(01) FAITH – OWNER - So Lakers lost. Boo hoo. Time to tighten up our shoe
strings and never ever let this happen again. Don't make me go all Mike T on you!
(02) utzworld THE BANNER HOLDER - Let those who have a spirit of a CHAMPION
to ride on through last night and beyond.
(03) RICHTOWN - Damn- one loss and the blog goes to snot
(04)MD - ! the loss hurts suck it up.
(05) TROY - It's all about the finals, baby.
(06) LONG-TIME-LAKER-FAN - The 73-9 Bulls team lost one of their games by 32 points.
(07) THE LAKE SHOW - Man whats a matter the Lakers lose one game to a lousy
team and the losers come on again to talk crap about the Lakers
(08) BADFINGER - OK ladies, unbunch your panties and listen up...
This is an 82 game season and even great teams are gonna lose 15-20 games.
Calm down, I'd hate to be in a foxhole with any of you drama queens.
We are off to a fine start, much better than many expected.
Last season we came out of the gate 9-8, and look where we went. We've got best team,
the best player, the most depth, the best coach, and, usually, the best blog. Suck it up, men.
(09) MUD - the Lakers aren't soft. their fans are.
(10) EDWIN GUECO - it is just a game, a deviation from frustrations during hard times.
(11) VMAN - In the end, a 65 win season would be good and maybe best.
(12) LAKERHOLIC - Enjoy yalls night of .Pissin and Moaning..oh that’s until we win a
game then were the most dominate again right? That ‘s how it works round here right?
(13) T-MELT - , I'm looking forward to the next opponent they'll shred to pieces
(14) LETS GO L”’S” - Just take care of business on DEFENSE lakeshow the rest of the way!
(15) TOMIE THE COMIC GUY - we lost because we didn't play hard. that's all
(16) 15TH COMING !!! - This loss means NOTHING!
(17) XANDOPO - Hoprfully this makes us stronger
(18) “PIG” MILLER - It's not about now. It's about June.
(19) LONG TIME LAKER FAN - I pity our next opponent.
(20) LAKERGurl - . LEARN YOUR LESSON WELL boys.
(21) KOREY - This is embarassing, but hopefully teaches them a lesson.
(22) LAKERSRYDEORDIE - I would like to see a more determined attitude from the jump
(23) JON K - Lakers Today... Lakers Tomorrow... Lakers Forever.
(23) ALLAN-BRAZIL -The blog was getting kind of boring with only positive comments.
Now we have the Trolls, the Non-believers, The Appocalipse Announcers, all that nonsense
back. That's the kind of stuff that makes me laught out loud & cheer me up after a bad game.
(24) RL "The Lakers aren't soft. their fans are." Yeah, some of you need to start kicking it with Nellie!
(25) CHUAHUGO - WE JUST LOST FOCUS AND BECAME OVERCONFIDEN
(26) KIWI - woah I'm staying out of here for a few days this is gonna get rough.
May the force be with you.
(27) GUIILLERMO - Can't we just fast forward to the playoffs??
(28) JUSTANOTHERMAMBAFAN - It's time for vengeance, for payback, for putting on your big
boy pants, buckling up and getting 'er done!!
(29) XODUS – Vengence is mine said Xodus
(30) OTIS - That's what the regular season is for - getting overconfident, looking like shit against a
bad team, not letting it happen again. That's what it takes. The Lakes had this moment coming for a
couple of weeks now - they deserve it and the Lakes will learn - or they won't be in the finals.
Bird & Magic lost a lot of games. Keep the faith, but do something special for yourselves today
(31) CANIBUS HOG - It's pure genius and it's been working to perfection luntil last night
Posted by: mamba24 | March 18, 2009 at 06:40 AM
It’s something about Tuesday’s just look at the records, Lakers have most of their losses on Tuesday and Friday. I think Farmar is just about done here his confidence is gone, Vujacic cant make a shot anymore, and we all know about Luke. Should have kept Vlad and Ronny and gave away those guys, but you know Phil didn’t like Vlad and Sasha fooled everyone.
Posted by: Rich | March 18, 2009 at 06:48 AM
LongTimeLakerFan,
I kinda agree and disagree. While both are poor passers I concur I still think that Powell could have contributed more if he was sorely used more as a pick and pop for Jordan.
fact is though that the backup point slot is just terrible. Shannon Brown is athletic but there is a reason why Cleveland dumped him and Charlotte didn't play him as much. Sasha can't run the point well.
I just can't wait for the playoffs since 1) Bynum will be back to help with Pau's minutes and at least alleviate the minutes at center for Pau even if he doesn't play like he was before his injury and 2) The playoff rotation becomes tighter.so Fish will be playing more minutes than most of the season so less dependent on the bench who just finds ways to give up leads even with Kobe and Pau on the floor.
-KB blitz
Posted by: Kobeblitz | March 18, 2009 at 06:57 AM
Ok, I can understand the arguments that we "didn't take this game seriously" but come on...that totally SUCKED!!!
These are the games we should be winning by 20+. The game never should've been that close.
I know it's only one game but how many have we lost by less than 3 this season...we could eb running away with the best record in the league right now instead of down by 1.
I'm upset and I'm not posting anymore today in protest. The Lakers need to man up and start taking every damn team seriously.
Posted by: EastCoastJessie | March 18, 2009 at 06:58 AM
Thinking it over, I'm less perturbed over TA's boneheaded play than the fact that it should come down to 3 points in the first place.
Kobe isn't superman. If this team needs for him to be at the top of his game every night, the Lakers are in trouble.
Fact is, they had a double-digit lead into the 4th despite a poor game from him. If they had won 93-87 everybody would be label it as a great defensive showing by the Lakers.
Same as the Mavs game-can't hold a lead. This is what
needs to be addressed before it becomes a trend.
Posted by: Scott | March 18, 2009 at 07:27 AM
Super-Urgh.
Where is my lucky barstool when I need it?
Nicely done summary, Kamenetsky Brothers.
By the way, I think it is primarily a lighting thing, but in the video BK looks great, but AK looks sickly. You guys need to bring Ben out to be your lighting crew.
Lakers Today... Lakers Tomorrow... Lakers Forever.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | March 18, 2009 at 07:28 AM
Man, I got to admit I am ready for the playoffs to start already. But at least Drew will have more time to heal and work into playing shape. (And Sacha to get his shot back.)
But I just looked at the Lakers remaining schedule for March. What a snooze fest!!!
Thu 3/19 vs Golden State
Sat 3/21 @ Chicago
Tue 3/24 @ OKC
Thu 3/26 @ Detroit
Fri 3/27 @ New Jersey
Sun 3/29 @ Atlanta
Tue 3/31 @ Charlotte
Thankfully the eastern games start early or they might put us to sleep. I hope the Lakers keep their focus and not lose more than one or two (or none) of these "barnburners".
At least April has games against western playoff teams - Houston, Denver, Portland & Utah.
GO LAKERS!!!
And please try to stay awake.
Posted by: olf | March 18, 2009 at 07:47 AM
phred, normally, i'd agree with you, but it is a bit troubling that in the last 9 games, the Lakers are 5-4. i don't like that winning percentage. and they did drop to 2nd (record in NBA).
yeah, one can say it's just one meaningless loss to Philly in March, but we do want the best record and homecourt advantage throughout the entire playoffs, don't we? i guess if we keep dropping games like this, we can always hope that Boston eliminates Cleveland in the playoffs, and then Lakers get homecourt over Boston.
i also hope that Bynum or Odom gives support to the bench. (after AB returns)
tomorrow night, i wanna see LA crush Golden State! we gotta come out strong, as it's a nationally televised game, and our last home game before a 7 game roadie. (i hope to be in the stands for the Lakers/Nets game)
Posted by: leonardbast | March 18, 2009 at 07:50 AM
Well, ^&%$#!
Time to dust off and get back to Laker basketball.
Posted by: The D | March 18, 2009 at 07:56 AM
phred,
>>> everybody who is panicking over a game against the sixers that nobody on the team (obviously) took seriously needs to get the heck of this blog and never come back.
With all due respect, your pizza-making might have distracted you from recognizing just how ugly this game was. Except for Pau and Lamar -- yes, Lamar, too -- the Lakers were out of sync for far too much of the game.
It is impossible to discount the combined -70 in BK's +/- analysis of the reserves.
All of us expected that when the starters returned for the last six minutes of the game that they could put the Sixers away for good. They didn't.
Every player who poo-poo'd Phil's criticism of the team's lack of killer instinct needs to recant and be humbled. It's one thing to lose a game. It's another thing to lose a game that should have been a W.
Let's invite the players to join two of our blog band wagons: (1) First Team to 60 Wins; and (2) Bench Mob Breakout.
It's disheartening to see the blog members more focused than the players. Let's go, Lakers!
Posted by: Rick Friedman | March 18, 2009 at 08:06 AM
REPOST
They needed this loss.
Losses like this are a wake up call.
Losses like this reveal character.
Losses like this are just the kick in the n u t s necessary to make the kids realize just how Real this is.
All that talk from Phil & Kobe about lacking killer instinct and LO and the youngin's just brushed their shoulders off like it's no big deal.
They needed this loss.
The difference between the O'Brien residing at the Garden and why it doesn't reside at Staples? Hate 'em or love 'em, at least the Celtics play ball for 48 intense and focused minutes every night.
We play focused & intent for only 36 minutes...unless it's one of the elite teams.
That's how Sacto beat us. That's how Portland beat us. That's how Trevor didn't use the foul we had to give when Iguodala was plotting that last second shotgun blast to the heart of Laker Nation.
We were not focused. We got bored. Complacent. And tonight we paid the price.
Can you imagine paying the ultimate price come June?
Don't get it twisted, this is not a THE SKY IS FALLING MESSAGE. I will not waste our time with trade proposals and yakking about who needs to be benched and who needs to sent to the D League.
This is the truth. Unless the Los Angeles Lakers can discipline themselves enough to play 48 MINUTES OF FOCUSED & INTENSE BASKETBALL EVERY SINGLE NIGHT, we will not win the Championship. Plain and simple.
Anyone who can't cosign on that, I wonder if you're truly a Laker fan at all.
Posted by: utzworld - THE BANNER HOLDER | March 18, 2009 at 08:07 AM
Jon K,
Yes, I think it was a lighting thing and yes, I know exactly what you meant. I did look a little "off."
AK
Posted by: kambrothers | March 18, 2009 at 08:08 AM
"kobe's MVP chances went down the drain with this game"
Who gives a flying fig about MVP's? Why does ANYONE give a care if Kobe gets another MVP this year or not? Last time I checked, we don't play for MVP's!
Jon K, tell 'em 1 mo time!
Posted by: utzworld - THE BANNER HOLDER | March 18, 2009 at 08:12 AM
Mamba24
Please add me sir to the suck it up bandwagon.
Posted by: Charles | March 18, 2009 at 08:27 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..."
Posted by: Ted Best | March 18, 2009 at 06:31 AM
Link please. Thanks
Scott. Excellent post on:
Posted by: Scott | March 18, 2009 at 07:27 AM
Posted by: Charles | March 18, 2009 at 08:30 AM
utzworld,
We don't play for MVPs.
We play for rings.
Give the media darling, The Crab King, the MVP.
And then spit in his face as we sweep the Crabs in the Finals.
I don't give a damn about MVPs. I care about Championships. Recently (with the exception of last year) MVPs are a David Stern-manipulated joke.
What matters is winning from today until we beat down whoever the Eastern Conference throws at us. The Lakers better get that in their heads. Like it or not, developing a "killer instinct" includes embracing a certain streak of cruelty. You beat down whoever gets in your way and you enjoy the hell out of it. You can be a nice guy off the court and to your teammates, but on the court you become a psychotically focused mean-spirited competitive nutjob.
Lakers better figure that out NOW!
We should not be losing to Philadelphia (Philadelphia? CLEVELANDERS look down on Philadelphia! Jeez!) on our home court. Not last night, not today, never.
Time for focus.
What do we play for? RINGS!!!!
Lakers Today... Lakers Tomorrow... Lakers Forever.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | March 18, 2009 at 08:30 AM
Put aside MVP talk, home court advantage, etc. Let's just keep our eyes on the prize. Living and dying by each of these late-season games will send most of us into the ICU. This was a "good loss" if there was ever was one. They still have time to adjust and find that "eye of the tiger"... and perhaps claim that coveted home court advantage. No need for the panic button.
Posted by: T-MELT | March 18, 2009 at 08:33 AM
WOE UNTO YOU UNBELIEVERS, FOR YOU SHALL INHERIT THE WIND. IT WOULD BE
EASIER FOR A CAMEL TO FIT THROUGH THE EYE OF A NEEDLE THAN FOR THE
FAITHLESS LAKER FAN TO ATTEND THE VICTORY PARADE. YET THOSE WHO HAVE
FAITH SHALL REACH THE MOUNTAIN TOP. CAN WE WIN THE TITLE THIS YEAR?
YES WE CAN!!! YES WE CAN!!!
YES WE CAN!!! YES WE CAN!!!
YES WE CAN!!! YES WE CAN!!!
YES WE CAN!!! YES WE CAN!!!
Posted by: MAMBA24 | March 18, 2009 at 08:36 AM
utzworld THE BANNER HOLDER that was nothing less than a tour de force.
BRAVO!!!! You are no longer the Chaplain of Laker Nation sir, you are now
POPE utzworld THE BANNER HOLDER OF LAKER NATION!
Posted by: MAMBA24 | March 18, 2009 at 08:45 AM
The Lakers and the Cavs are not playing like a championship caliber team. The only difference with these two teams is that the Cavs most of the times rallied and find a way to win the game at the end, while the pathetic Lakers build a big lead and always find a way to lose it and just being lucky to win most of those close games. Who do you think will win it all? Whose got the "killer instinct" between the two teams? Is it the team who keep on losing big lead or the one who always find a way to win at the end no matter how big the lead of the opposing team was?
Now I truly believe who is the M.V.P. this year. He is the one who always contribute night in and night out, no matter who their playing with. He is the one who can score a bunch and yet produce a ton of assist at the same time. His jersey number is one less than the one who hog the ball most of the time and M.I.A. when they are playing a not so elite team. I know you know who's the real M.V.P. this year.
Posted by: RUDY | March 18, 2009 at 08:51 AM
"Good" Kobe, and "Bad" Kobe.
"Good" Kobe for the last half of the fourth quarter - he would initiate action, and when the defense adjusted to him, he would find a teammate. He was also concentrating on defense.
"Bad" Kobe - first part of the third quarter. He made it a personal issue; I assume because of missing most of the first half with foul trouble. (I missed the first 45 seconds, so don't know about the very beginning of the second half) Four possessions in a row, Kobe gets the ball, and it's all Kobe. He scores on the first two, on the third gets the ball knocked away for a TO; on the fourth gets an offensive foul, because he is pissed off. Pau, who is in the middle of a last two games, 20-25 shooting, 60% since Bynum went down, + a bunch of assists, hot streak, never touches the ball.
With "Good" Kobe, this team in unstoppable, even without Bynum. No one can stop the "Good" Kobe - Gasol pairing.
With a combination of "Good" Kobe and "Bad" Kobe, + Gasol, and a reasonably healthy Bynum, probably unstoppable.
Without Bynum, and a "Good" Kobe/"Bad" Kobe mixture, it's a crap shoot, as last night showed. The rest of the team (other than Gasol) is too inconsistent at this point to feel especially confident.
Posted by: exhelodrvr | March 18, 2009 at 08:55 AM
Not the time to panic people let's not freak out about one game. We have more than enough time to make a run for homecourt, and more than enough talent to take us deep into the playoffs. I have faith in my Lakers to come out on top and be crowned this year. The guys are just fatigued mentally and with some R&R, we'll be back to championship form. One thing that does piss me off is the bench. They need to realize how important they are and stop slacking off. Overall we still can kick butt. Go Lakers!
Posted by: Joshintha310 | March 18, 2009 at 08:56 AM
Let's face it, the bench is horrible. Phil needs to stop playing the all-scrub lineup as he is prone to do. Farmar and Farmar should never be on the floor together, unless three other starters are in the game as well. Every lead the Lakers have had in the past few games has been blown by the bench.
Blueprint for beating the lakers is simply to stay within single digits when the starters are in, and then blow out the 2nd unit, and try to steal it at the end - a blueprint followed to the tee by philadelphia last night.
Posted by: PC | March 18, 2009 at 09:00 AM
3 Masterpieces in one day. JON K. I salute you sir.
T-Melt I salute you sir. POPE utworld OUTFREAKING STANDING. DAGGGGGGGGGG! LAKER NATION
You are some talented righteous posting people.
I salute you!!!!
Posted by: MAMBA24 | March 18, 2009 at 09:01 AM
The MVP was Lebron's to lose It's a forgone conclusion this mornin'.
But it's about rings, as someone said, and that's still the Lakers to lose.
Posted by: VMan | March 18, 2009 at 09:02 AM
DAMNIT A 4TH MASTERPIECE, & by EXHELODRVR the
master of the one liner. I am indeed uplifted and feeled
with a surety that this is indeed THE LAKER'S year.
Posted by: mamba24 | March 18, 2009 at 09:05 AM
This lost not only cost Kobe his MVP, but it costs the Lakers home court in the finals, and ultimately winning the NBA Championships. I'd hate to see Lebron win it before Kobe (without Shaq), but this seems to be what will occur.
As for Bynum, he's done for the year.
Posted by: troy | March 18, 2009 at 09:08 AM
I remember getting jumped all over earlier in December about harping on the Lakers blowing leads specifically because it happened repeatedly in the Finals. There was something about the psychological make-up of the squad that made them let-up and lose focus whenever they are up on the opposition. It was as broad as being the media favorite going into the series and as specific enough as blowing the 24 point lead in game 4.
To be fair, they don't do it every time. Kobe has sat the entire 4th quarter I think 10 times this season? I think it's a byproduct of a coaching philosophy that instills playing with a controlled confident temperament rather than with a sense of urgency, playing for an organization that is high profile with a rich history of being successful (like they'll just win games because they're the lakers) and having Kobe to lean on if they need to be bailed out (which he does the majority of the time but we have to then accept those times when he can't).
Posted by: lakers_sth | March 18, 2009 at 09:11 AM
Ok guys not a time to panic.. We are the freaking LAKERS with the best darn player in the world, KOBE BEAN BRYANT!! We worrying about the lakers is almost as bad as Marko Jaric assaulting(alleged) a woman with Adriana Lima as his wife!!
LAKER GURU FROM
Posted by: laker guru from india | March 18, 2009 at 09:14 AM
AK/BK, great work above. After losses I tend to read less Lakers related news, but I don't mind pulling up your guys' blog.
When I was watching the game, I didn't really notice any thing drastically different with Gasols' touches. But after going through some of the images in my mind, and seeing the results for myself, I do feel that the 76ers were forcing the ball out of Gasols hands more by packing their defense just a little closer and aggressively harassing Gasol in certain situations. Gasol would make the appropriate pass, but the ball didn't go back in. The offense looked rushed, as if they were trying to go for the home-run play (Kobe, among others leading the way).
I am glad Phil got on Kobe this time in particular because Kobe has been often been settling for some poor shots, trying to get those home-run plays. Regardless of trying to get momentum or not, the offensive system probably provides enough of it if run properly.
Lately, I've been thinking I've been hard on Farmar, not wrong about him, but maybe too hard on him. He's got that me-first, I-can-do-it-all attitude that young Kobe had. And Kobe today, still exhibits that attitude-- today's game being a point in the case. But, if I was Farmar, I'd tried to emulate my leader too. That being said, I'm glad this was brought into the light, so hopefully they can improve on it now.
Lately, I've also read and seen better out of Sasha. Phil's praised him for being able to pass now. And I think we can all see it. His problem is in the offensive, he has been too slow (or maybe directly told not to go there) to get into spots where they give him a better opportunity to get the ball back and a shot within the offense. Even if he doesn't figure it out (or is allowed to), I hope his passing will give him some good karma for his shot!
Aggressive triangle offense and affordable home-run plays combined with consistent defense makes me happy inside. Let's hope we can get there.
JUST A RANT.......:
KOBE STOP BEING SO NICE! CRACK THE WHIP!!! GO MJ ON YOUR TEAMMATES!. MJ experienced 3 first round exits, a conference semi exit, and 2 conference final exists before winning his first title. By the time he did win, he was expecting more out of his mates and wasn't afraid to tell them and expect real action from 'em! CRACK CRACK CRACK!
Posted by: LakersWorld | March 18, 2009 at 09:18 AM
who cares about mvps?!?! we play for rings, banners, parades, and legacies.
btw if anyones our mvp its pau effin gasol. you. heard. that. right.
im a bigger kobe/laker fan than you and even i can admit that.
Posted by: tp | March 18, 2009 at 09:19 AM
Jon K,
Wait, so the MVP is a joke with the exception of the season where Kobe Bryant wins it? I'm not sure how unbiased a claim that is...
Posted by: Xodus | March 18, 2009 at 09:20 AM
Best post so far today:
blech.
i'm over it.
Posted by: mud | March 18, 2009 at 02:31 AM
Posted by: olf | March 18, 2009 at 09:24 AM
SORRY FOLKS THIS IS A LONG ROLL CALL BUT IT IS NEEDED
Thur.Mar. 12, 2009 Lakers(53-14)
The Force is oft kilter and laker Nation is shaky.
Good Morning: Sir Charles(The Soul of Laker Nation)
Good Morning: Mom Kamenetzky(Mother of Laker Nation)
Good Morning: JustAnotherMambaFan, LakerTom, Jon K., KBlitz, David Whang
Good Morning: Morning Crew( The Heart & Soul of Laker Nation)
Good Morning SBPimp and the SBPimp Twins., The Outlaw & Baby Outlaw
Good Morning Laker Nation (Rulers of the NBA!)
Welcome: VA_LakerGirl
Kudos to :The Double Trophy Award Winning KamBrothers(gods of the Blog World)
*
They needed this loss. Losses like this are a wake up call.
Losses like this reveal character. Losses like this are just the kick in the n u t s necessary
to make the kids realize just how Real this is. All that talk from Phil & Kobe about lacking
killer instinct and LO and the youngin's just brushed their shoulders off like it's no big deal.
They needed this loss.The difference between the O'Brien residing at the Garden and why
it doesn't reside at Staples? Hate 'em or love 'em, at least the Celtics play ball for 48 intense
and focused minutes every night.We play focused & intent for only 36 minutes...unless it's
one of the elite teams. That's how Sacto beat us. That's how Portland beat us. That's how
Trevor didn't use the foul we had to give when Iguodala was plotting that last second shotgun
blast to the heart of Laker Nation. We were not focused. We got bored. Complacent. And
tonight we paid the price. Can you imagine paying the ultimate price come June?
Don't get it twisted, this is not a THE SKY IS FALLING MESSAGE. I will not waste
our time with trade proposals and yakking about who needs to be benched and who needs to
sent to the D League. This is the truth. Unless the Los Angeles Lakers can discipline themselves
enough to play 48 MINUTES OF FOCUSED & INTENSE BASKETBALL EVERY SINGLE NIGHT,
we will not win the Championship. Plain and simple. Anyone who can't cosign on that,
I wonder if you're truly a Laker fan at all. "kobe's MVP chances went down the drain with
this game" Who gives a flying fig about MVP's? Why does ANYONE give a care if Kobe gets
another MVP this year or not? Last time I checked, we don't play for MVP's! Jon K, tell 'em 1 mo time!
Posted by: utzworld - THE BANNER HOLDER | March 18, 2009 at 08:07 AM
utzworld, We don't play for MVPs. We play for rings. Give the media darling, The Crab King, the MVP.
And then spit in his face as we sweep the Crabs in the Finals. I don't give a damn about MVPs.
I care about Championships. Recently (with the exception of last year) MVPs are a
David Stern-manipulated joke. What matters is winning from today until we beat down whoever
the Eastern Conference throws at us. The Lakers better get that in their heads. Like it or not,
developing a "killer instinct" includes embracing a certain streak of cruelty. You beat down
whoever gets in your way and you enjoy the hell out of it. You can be a nice guy off the
court and to your teammates, but on the court you become a psychotically focused mean-spirited
competitive nutjob. Lakers better figure that out NOW! We should not be losing to Philadelphia
(Philadelphia? CLEVELANDERS look down on Philadelphia! Jeez!) on our home court. Not last night,
not today, never. Time for focus. What do we play for? RINGS!!!!
Lakers Today... Lakers Tomorrow... Lakers Forever.
Posted by: Jon K. | March 18, 2009 at 08:30 AM
"Good" Kobe, and "Bad" Kobe.
"Good" Kobe for the last half of the fourth quarter - he would initiate action, and when the defense
adjusted to him, he would find a teammate. He was also concentrating on defense.
"Bad" Kobe - first part of the third quarter. He made it a personal issue; I assume because of missing
most of the first half with foul trouble. (I missed the first 45 seconds, so don't know about the very
beginning of the second half) Four possessions in a row, Kobe gets the ball, and it's all Kobe.
He scores on the first two, on the third gets the ball knocked away for a TO; on the fourth
gets an offensive foul, because he is pissed off. Pau, who is in the middle of a last two games,
20-25 shooting, 60% since Bynum went down, + a bunch of assists, hot streak, never touches the ball.
With "Good" Kobe, this team in unstoppable, even without Bynum. No one can stop
the "Good" Kobe - Gasol pairing. With a combination of "Good" Kobe and "Bad" Kobe, + Gasol,
and a reasonably healthy Bynum, probably unstoppable. Without Bynum, and a "Good" Kobe/"Bad"
Kobe mixture, it's a crap shoot, as last night showed. The rest of the team (other than Gasol) is
too inconsistent at this point to feel especially confident.
Posted by: exhelodrvr | March 18, 2009 at 08:55 AM
ROLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL
CALL:
*
FAITH, LakerTom, Keifo, Charles, Edwin Gueco, Fatty, TP, Jon K., BD, #4, Taliq, Pig Miller
WesJoeNixon, Xodus, SBPimp_&Twins, EastCoastJessie, Dice8Up, RDLee, VMan,BD, JJ
utzworld_THEBANNERHOLDER, AmazingHappens, SixOneZero, THE_D. FEARLess, EJK
The-OUTLAW, Baby-OUTLAW, Christopher-Blake, EXHELODRVR, JustAnotherMambaFan
phred, Korey, Never, Troy, LakerMan420, ZEN, TOAD, BOZZ, Ken, OTIS, Leonard_BAST
ThaSHOW, Tim-4SHow, TheLakeShow, LakerBANDIT, KobeBLITZ, JESTER_GURU, MUD
FKILLAH, RickFRIEDMAN, KIWI, HrmHed, GENERIC-ONE, MIKE-T. ERIC-M, LAKERGurl
BOB, STARGAZIN, LOLO, LAKER_STH, PS-LAKER-Fan, YOU-EVER-Notice, TSPHERE,
JamieSweet, ZAKEE, Floyd, ELLE, JOHNNYP, P-ANG, MAGICMAN, HAPPY_Gilmore, KAT
Comptons_FINEST CaliPHILOSOPHER, CHRIS_H, Justin, CBUCK, TWoody, WEAVEMAN
AngryLAKER, LakerJUSTICE, LakerTRUTH, PFUNK36, LakersRydeOrDie, DAVE-M, WOLF
SFLAKERGirl, PsychedLAKERrGirl, SimiLAKERGirl, BocaLakerGirl, MrBARNEY_Dangles
LAKERGirl1980, Houston_LAKERGirl, LAKERLass, VA-Laker_Girl, GRAIL, CARLOSDeeP
PURPLE&GOLD-Rein, PURPLE&GOLD-Forever, LAKER-In-BC, SAMLL, David_Whang
Baywood MAGIA32, Adrian-Palomar, Puddle, COMPLEX-BROTHA, NAJA aka BONUS
HELLRAISER(certifiedmambafan), Complex_BROTha, COACH-D, SHE_KOBE, ISSANG
LONGTime-LAKERFAN, MAYOR-Of-KOBE-Town,,TSIRY,JANAYA, HARIYAHU, DT, LG
RICO_of_ NY_ Loves_ LALakers, BLUE-SKY, DXTER, MIKE&Mike, New_Sc2, BRUZER
Sleepless-In-Vegas, HOBBITMAGE, ANNA-in-BONDI,.JANDRO, WILL in Seattle, RK
Hugo-BOSS, Hugo-SPAIN, Allan-BRAZIL,DARK-AngelSK,, CAMERON, PAUL LEE
Brown_Mamba24, White_Mamba24, Black_Mamba24, FanOfMamba, MIKE, MCC
MAMBA24_FAN_4LIFE, JUSTALAKERFan, T-MELT, MrNANO, Bobie, CHINA_Lake
LONGTIime_LAKERLOVER, BENJAMIN, MD, LAKER-FAZE, WOLF, EPIC-MESS
CUTUREIST, NEMIA_FALETOGO, LAKER_GURU_FROM_INDIA, ROLLO, TOM-K
HYACINTH, CONER_J, MCGARNAGLE, SHARPER, RESPECT-MY-AUTHORITH
LAKER-DAWG, In-The-ZEN-MASTER-We-TRUST, GINO, BZAR, DAVID-In-SPAIN
WOLF-DOGG, ROLLO, DION, WARREN with(those) Butter Knives, 15th-Comming
LakerLEGACY, CHUCK23, TEEJ, Adrian PALOMAR, LakerHOLIC, TIKI, RAFANICO
DUB0512, Rhon SALMON, TRU_LAKER_FAN, VIOLATER,, BONEZ, TINIDOR$
PASSIONATE_LAKER_Fan, LAKER-Hopeful, LakerBAKE, XTRO, TOMY, VOR, MEL
LAKERFAN 24/7 CACTUS_BERRY, LETS_GO_L’S, SEAN_P, LONE_Star_Laker_Fan
SLO_GAL , High-CHEESE, ERIC YIP, MIGUEL, TITEJT, FOURTYTWO, RUDY, ZEE
46TH-ST-BALLER, COACH-D, BIJOU, SNAKE, S_TAN, BRANDON,GERCAT,CINZ
MICHIGAN_Laker, T, HAROLD, DION, Bad-FINGER, STEVENV., OUTSIDER_GUA
STAPLES24, DAN_THE _MAN, The 5% Nation(canibus hog) , OUCHHHHH, BROID
JONINin_JAPAN(InCanada), BEN, THIRTY2, CHUAHUGO, HTP, HAWAIID, LUKE
JAX_ONUS, MACE08, KEEN_Observer, OMEGA, DARA, ZLAKEShow, Steel_Mohawk
DESILKY, TODD, GUARDIOLA, MARTY, MITCHELL, Stay_THIRSTY_MY_FRIENDS,
CHI_TOWN_LAKER, Big_LAKER_FAN3408, XTRO, ALEXHIN017, ECAT124, GDCHILD
Vi_Laker_Fan, 1978, LAKER_North, , LAKER_FAN24, Jason-GRAVES, DEBBIE_M.
LEBANESE_MIKE, DK, IN_THE_ZEN_MASTER_WE_TRUST, LAKER_PHIL
BYNUM_Believer, , FRANCESCO, BIG_Fence_Defense, Bronx_Laker_Fan, CHAD
Lakers_4_REALZ, 130, EHOMP, Greek_Dude, LAKER_LARRY, JMAN, JCC79
CHI_LAKER_FAN, LAKER_FAN_FROM_NY, EVIL_CARTman, OOKBOY24
DARLEEN MCCUTCHEON, THI, BIG_DAWG, S01285, CANNIBUS-HOG, BMAC
DAVE ROSENZWEIG, CALI_KING, ,MACHIAVELLY, QS, GIANT-SQUID, OLF
Dan_the_Man, HUBBIT, DORKIS, KENE_SLOW, LAKAFOO, BILLY IN SLO
Loi_Reyes_LANDICHO, LAKERS_World, Marky_The_ARKY, LAKERS#1, KT
DrewPauKobe, KobesBad, JCOOL, LAKALOVER, AFRO_JOE, LAKERS-WORLD
SmoothD, BLAZE1BX, EAST_NYBOER, S01285, ChickN Stu
MASTUDA, ATL_LAKER_FAN, FRANK FRIZZO, PEDRO-BRAZILLIAN-LAKER
DOC4daLakeShow, SEAD94, KARYNANAR, BRAD, BLKTHGHT06, SEAN714
StrangerInTheNight, BYNUMITE, USC_LAKER, GO_LAKE_SHOW, Purple_Heart
T_SENSEI, BerkleyLaker, CHICK_4Ever, Long_LIive_CHICK, LAKERS WORLD
HEAD-MBENGA, LAL_FAN, Look_LONELY, LOTECH8, KIKOS_DAD, HEN1040
SALTLAKER, LAKER_DAWG, EAGLE_BOY, PK-IN-the-MESSA, DYMANDAVE
RYAN_DUNLAP, VALLEY_LAKER, JOREMA, JHLANNERY, MR_in_Cupertino
WondahBap,Cyrus(Ventrilquist), LINDA_PINEDA, NESTROS_BISTROS, SIMON
CriticalBeatDown, RealityBites, AALOOS, RICO_TICO, MIKE-FLOSS, MOBSTA
TELLitLIKEitIS , Lakers4Lyfe, He_Who_HOOPS, B4_HOOPS, JOHNNY_BOY
Stockton_SHOWTIME, Reality_CHECK, Mob_Wagoneer, A-TRAIN, BOPPER
Houston_Laker_Fan, BrazillianLaker, Texas-LAKER, Laker_FAN_CANADA
SKY-TIME-JONES, BUDDY-MONK, PHIL-IS-THE-LORD-OF- THE RINGS
(YOU_EVER_NOTICE.…>Holding The Line Against CHAOS) MAMBA24
*
* ALL TOGETHER NOW
WE ARE THE FREAKIN LA LAKERS, WINNERS OF 14 NBA TITLES
Beginning Our 4th Dynasty - 2 More Than Any Other Team
The Team With The Best Winning Percentage In NBA History.
The Only Team with 2 HOF Coaches, The Team With The Most Players
On The “50 Greatest Players of All Time List(9)” The Home of the reinging
& Future MVP – Kobe Bryant. The Home of Wilt, Kareem, George Mikan
SHAQ, MAGIC, Elgin Baylor, The Logo(Jerry West), Pat Riley James Worthy,
Bob McAdoo, Gail Goodrich, The Mailman, The Glove, Big Shot Rob Horry
Sportscaster Chick Hearn -The Legend. Coached by 9 time Title Winner
Phil (9RINGS)Jackson & Owned, By The Winningest & Best Owner In
Sports Dr. Jerry Buss & The Only One who Can Ever Defeat or Divide Us Is Us
WE ARE THE FREAKIN LA LAKERS, WHO THE HELL ARE YOU
Posted by: MAMBA24 | March 18, 2009 at 09:25 AM
The Lakers got pwned in stupendous fashion. Cry some moar. MUAHAHAHAHAHAHA.
Posted by: Captain | March 18, 2009 at 09:27 AM
Xodus,
great rib on Jon K.
I honestly think LeBron deserves MVP this year.
A lot of Kobe not winning is partly PJ's fault for not letting him finish the job early in the 4th quarters. (more in next post)
Posted by: Korey | March 18, 2009 at 09:29 AM
I HAVE BEEN REMISSED. KAMBROTHERS YOUR WRITTING AS USUAL IS OUTSTANDING. THANK
YOU FOR KEEPING LAKER NATION FOCUSED. THE KAMBROTHERS ARE ONE OF THE PILLARS
ON WHICH LAKER NATION STANDS; THANK YOU BOTH
Posted by: MAMBA24 | March 18, 2009 at 09:31 AM
JUST A RANT.......:
KOBE STOP BEING SO NICE! CRACK THE WHIP!!! GO MJ ON YOUR TEAMMATES!.
CRACK CRACK CRACK! Posted by: LakersWorld | March 18, 2009 at 09:18 AM
NOW THAT'S WHAT I'M TALKING ABOUT!!!!!
Posted by: MAMBA24 | March 18, 2009 at 09:34 AM
AK/BK,
Is there a chance that some of our losses is stategic in that PJ's strategy gets exploited.
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?
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.
Posted by: Korey | March 18, 2009 at 09:35 AM
Wait, so the MVP is a joke with the exception of the season where Kobe Bryant wins it?
I'm not sure how unbiased a claim that is... Posted by: Xodus | March 18, 2009 at 09:20 AM
ROFLMAO!!! TOUCHE!!!
Posted by: MAMBA24 | March 18, 2009 at 09:35 AM
Xodus,
great rib on Jon K. I honestly think LeBron deserves MVP this year.
A lot of Kobe not winning is partly PJ's fault for not letting him finish the job early in the 4th quarters. (more in next post)
Posted by: Korey | March 18, 2009 at 09:29 AM
KOREY, OUT FREAKING STANDING
Posted by: | March 18, 2009 at 09:38 AM
Thanks, Mamba.
Posted by: exhelodrvr | March 18, 2009 at 09:46 AM
"Farmar and Farmar should never be on the floor together"
PC, If we could have Kobe-Kobe-Kobe-Pau-Pau; that would be fantastic.
Best,
Charles
Posted by: Charles | March 18, 2009 at 09:46 AM
Absolutely disgusted. Kobe still doesn't understand how to not force the issue, and to just go with the offensive flow. When Shaq was around, his touches always seemed to get diminished in the second half of games and the same thing is happening to Pau. What is the point in having an All-Star low post scorer who demands a double and is a great passer if you're not going to give him the ball. That's not to say all the blame is on Kobe, as his teammates need to make an effort to actually run the offense instead of just giving the ball to Kobe and standing there. Everyone needs to recognize that Pau is just as capable of scoring late in the game as Kobe is, and to be honest I'd rather have a guy taking high percentage shots from 7 feet in, than Kobe taking contested fadeaways from the outside. Sure Kobe probably makes a lot of those shots, but Pau can make buckets too, and Kobe going iso every time down the court in the 4th quarter of games makes for a predictable offense with no movement. As Pau said, let them double team him, it will create open looks for everyone else including Kobe, and if they don't double there is a high probability that Pau will make the shot or get fouled.
Posted by: ChiTownLaker | March 18, 2009 at 09:49 AM
The MVP was Lebron's to lose It's a forgone conclusion this mornin'.
But it's about rings, as someone said, and that's still the Lakers to lose.
Posted by: VMan | March 18, 2009 at 09:02 AM
OUT FREAKING STANDING VMAN!!!
Posted by: MAMBA24 | March 18, 2009 at 09:52 AM
Mamba24, That is what I like with you, you can still remember the quote I said in the past threads, it seems history repeats itself with our Lakers, dunno whether to embrace them, praise them or just let them go. We know they can make it all the way but refuse to prove their worth, create their own problems, no killer instincts, nobody able to hold the lead, no passion, no pride, it's easy going life and thinking of good time being a Laker. These players don't have any idea of hardwork, they don't even know that we're in recession, all they do is have fun, fun, fun. What can we say, bloggers are not players, we could exhude all kinds of passion here, but it doesn't change the dynamics when you're addressing to happy go lucky bunch. Do you know what they think of these games? They don't mean a thing...that has been the mojo of overconfident people brag, brag, brag and less work, work, work while we here on blog do our best whine, whine, whine. Can we change it to white wine instead? Because we are all drunk of LakerTom's wine of half glass full.
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | March 18, 2009 at 09:55 AM
I don't really care about the MVP (though this is the night Kobe put himself out of the running). What I care about is home court against the Cavs in the Finals. Couple this loss with the Cavs heavy home schedule and you can bank on them having home court throughout the playoffs (or as far as they get).
Posted by: ZLakeShow | March 18, 2009 at 09:58 AM
PC, If we could have Kobe-Kobe-Kobe-Pau-Pau; that would be fantastic.
Posted by: Charles | March 18, 2009 at 09:46 AM
CHARLES YOU THE MAN!!
Posted by: MAMBA24 | March 18, 2009 at 09:59 AM
Do you know what they think of these games? They don't mean a thing...that has been
the mojo of overconfident people brag, brag, brag and less work, work, work while we here
on blog do our best whine, whine, whine. . Posted by: Edwin Gueco |
Edwin my friend and mentor that's what i like about you, you always place things in
context. The world is financial world is crashing down around us but we are
reduced to whimpering children by one Laker Loss. Come on laker Nation
you are better than that!!! Edwin thanks for your clear thinking post
Posted by: MAMBA24 | March 18, 2009 at 10:06 AM
HEARTBREAKER INDEED.
LEDZEPPLIN SAID BEST "COMMUNICATION BREAKDOWN"
I GUARANTEE THIS WILL NOT HAPPEN IN THE PLAYOFFS!
LESSON LEARNED.
GO LAKERS
Posted by: ChicNstu | March 18, 2009 at 10:10 AM
I don't really care about the MVP (though this is the night Kobe put himself out of the running).
Posted by: ZLakeShow | March 18, 2009 at 09:58 AM
I don't really care about the MVP either, but 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.
Posted by: Mamba24 | March 18, 2009 at 10:15 AM
HEARTBREAKER INDEED. LEDZEPPLIN SAID BEST "COMMUNICATION BREAKDOWN"
I GUARANTEE THIS WILL NOT HAPPEN IN THE PLAYOFFS! LESSON LEARNED.
Posted by: ChicNstu | March 18, 2009 at 10:10
OUT FREAKING STANDING!!! THAT'S WHAT I'M TALKING ABOUT!!!!
Posted by: Mamba24 | March 18, 2009 at 10:17 AM
mamba24,
"ROFLMAO!!! TOUCHE!!! "
Better be careful there - is that a good touche or a bad touche?
Posted by: exhelodrvr | March 18, 2009 at 10:37 AM
mamba24,
"ROFLMAO!!! TOUCHE!!! "
Better be careful there - is that a good touche or a bad touche?
Posted by: exhelodrvr | March 18, 2009 at 10:37 AM
STOP IT! STOP IT NOW EX!!! ROFLMAOF again!!!!!
I bow before a master. Ex. you are the best hands down.
Posted by: MAMBA24 | March 18, 2009 at 10:51 AM
How did this team managed to lose 3 times in one game?
Posted by: GameFaceON | March 18, 2009 at 11:12 AM
Korey,
I agree with that. I'm all for letting the second unit do their thing and having them extend leads but once in a while it would be OK if Kobe (and the starters) starts the fourth quarter to put the game away then rest for the final 6 minutes.
Posted by: Xodus | March 18, 2009 at 11:43 AM
JohnnyP
>>>That starts with Luke and Farmar's rurnovers and poor shooting.
I'll repeat this since you obviously didn't comprehend the last
time I said it.
In last night's game, Farmar's shooting was just as good as Kobe's
and Fish's (33% for the lot), and Luke's shooting was more effective
than any of the three (40%). And Kobe and Fish committed
8 turnovers compared to 2 for Farmar and Walton.
If Kobe and Fish had taken care of the ball, or shot anywhere
near their averages, this would have been a win.
Posted by: LongTimeLakerFan | March 18, 2009 at 12:17 PM
Korey,
>>>Trying to make the argument, "Sasha sucked, Farmar
>>>sucked, but Kobe did too" really doesnt hold weight.
What part of this don't you understand.
Sasha hit 50% of his shots last night
Luke hit 40% of his shots and was on the floor while the
Lakers built that 14 point lead that Kobe & the bench
gave up in the 4th.
Kobe missed 10 shots and turned the ball over 5 times.
Sasha missed 2 shots and turned the ball over once.
Farmar missed 2 shots and turned the ball over once.
When the Lakers win, Kobe gets more credit for it than the
bench mob, and deservedly so. If Kobe had shot 47% and
the bench mob had given the game away, that would be
one
thing. But Kobe shot 33%. So did Fisher. When those two
guys take 24 shots and miss 16 of them, you have to give them
some of the blame for the loss. And in fact, they deserve MORE
blame than the guys who took 7 shots and missed 4 of them.
It doesn't mean that Kobe sucks or Fish sucks or that the Lakers
should panic, but it means they both had a bad game, and they
are as culpable for the loss than Farmar or Vujacic or Walton.
Posted by: LongTimeLakerFan | March 18, 2009 at 12:25 PM
"Had no business winning in the first place"???
They were up by 14 in the 4th quarter!
Posted by: Mick | March 19, 2009 at 09:15 AM