Lakers 104, Bucks 98: Six points makes a decent trophy
Before we start, a quick question: Given that it ran from 1976 into 1983, a span of 176 episodes, shouldn't there be more in the "Memorable Quotes" portion of the show's IMDB page?
I digress. There's an old saying in the NBA that goes something like this: "At the end of seven game, 12 day road trips, there are no bad wins, even when they come against sub .500 Eastern Conference lottery teams missing their two best players." It's not a very good saying, mostly because it's way too long and specific to be used very much, but nonetheless is extremely appropriate for the Lakers' 104-98 win over Milwaukee at the Bradley Center Thursday night.
Style points? Not so many. But the Lakers, who fell behind by 10 in the second quarter, and after briefly reclaiming the lead, found themselves six back with just under five minutes left in the third, kept pushing. They fought for rebounds and loose balls, managed to put defensive pressure on a depleted Bucks squad (already down Andrew Bogut and Michael Redd, Milwaukee lost Francisco Elson during the game, and Ramon Sessions nearly joined him after getting popped on the shoulder in the second half), and found some offensive flow in the fourth quarter to pull away.
They just needed to win and get home.
Kobe Bryant, who finished with 30/8/4 with four steals, led the way in the first half, making all seven of his shots. He cooled off in the second half as the jumper that has been an issue over the last eight games again abandoned him, but fortunately the Lakers got production from Pau Gasol, who was quiet early but put down eight points over the last 8:47 of the game, and Lamar Odom, who finished with 20/10 after a terrible opening half (four TOs).
Perhaps most significantly, Sasha Vujacic broke out of his slump, making all three of his shots from the floor (3-3) and adding six freebies for a total of 15 points. He added five boards and three assists, and was (generally speaking) a very positive force on the floor, making good decisions and not forcing that which wasn't there over his 23+ minutes of PT. The extra time came thanks to foul trouble from both Trevor Ariza and Luke Walton, but with a few more positive efforts, Sasha could regain the full confidence of the coaching staff.
Hopefully he keeps it up as the Lakers return home, because Jordan Farmar showed no signs of a similar improvement.
I realize the Bucks aren't very good, but I was impressed by LA's effort Thursday night, the sloppiness of 20 turnovers aside. Given their recent schedule, there was absolutely no way on God's green that tonight's game wasn't going to be a grind. Odom couldn't get anything going in the first half, but stayed aggressive throughout and had an impact over the final 24 minutes. As a team, the Lakers did a great job with ball pressure down the stretch, forcing turnovers and limiting Milwaukee to 17 fourth quarter points.
As a bonus, Orlando's loss at home to Toronto means the Lakers add a game to their cushion over the Magic on the NBA record ladder, something that could help LA get a little more rest for their weary stars over the final eight games of the regular season.
BK
Let's Go Home!!!!
Ugly win, but we'll take it.
5-2, what i was thinking before the trip. Not real excited about the way we played. Milwaukee is a depleted team with no real center and we let them hang around, or I should say they let us hang around till we figured it out in the 4th. Good line from Kobe, however hated some of the shots he took down the stretch.
PJ must have heard me last night, but was nice to see Sasha on the floor with Kobe. As a matter of fact, he was on the floor with him for most of the 4th quarter. He didn't get one pass, but played solid pesky D and kept the floor spaced. I really think we need to go with this lineup a lot more. Sasha at least makes defenses pay attention to him, opens things up, and if Kobe does drive and kick, Sasha will be ready to fire without hesitation. (Side note, Pierce drove and kicked in the corner to Ray Ray for the game winner tonight. uggh) Point being, Sasha gives us more offensive fire power, something we need.
Speaking of offensive, Farmar's play wasn't real good again. He was active, but 4 turnovers and 0 assists getting big minutes is not a good sign. He's not seeing the court real well. Hopefully he gets his game going.
Will be good to get back home. It's all about getting ready for playoffs now. It's all about getting AB back now. We're really missing that enforcer in the paint. Will AB return as the beast? The plot is thickening.
It's never dull in Laker land.
I love this game!!!!!!! :-)
Posted by: mikefloss | April 01, 2009 at 09:36 PM
"One, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight! Schlemiel! Schlimazel! Hasenpfeffer Incorporated!"
By the way where do I get a coupon for my bratz and beer?
Posted by: Faith | April 01, 2009 at 09:43 PM
I've been saying it for the last three months...penetrate and dish.
You notice when we did get our act together tonight in the early 4th qtr we weren't settling for jump shots but taking it to the rim... And getting to the line!!!!
Phil--cut film from those 6 minutes and make them watch it on loop on the 4 hour plane ride back home to LA!!
Posted by: John hearts the Lakers | April 01, 2009 at 09:53 PM
8 games left and all winnable. The biggest challenge will be the away game in Portland April 10 w/c is also the second nite of a back2back.
Seeing how many players all the other teams in the NBA are missing these days gives us some perspective that the Lakers have actually have been pretty lucky on the injury front, even w/Bynum and all.
If we go 6-2 over the last 8 we still beat Boston and Orlando for home court. At 5-3, we beat Boston on the tiebreaker but not Orlando. (And thats only if Celts and Magic win all their remaining games).
I say the Lakers s/d go all out to win the next 5, w/c nicely enough goes to the Portland game, take care of business - then sit Pau, Kobe and Fish the last 3 games. And I mean sit - zero playing time.
Posted by: LakerinBC | April 01, 2009 at 09:57 PM
My bad, 7 games left. So that means we just need to go 4-3 unless Orlando wins all its games, then we need to go 5-2.
Posted by: LakerinBC | April 01, 2009 at 10:00 PM
mikefloss,
It was not surprising to see Sasha on the floor with Kobe. It was simple, Ariza had 4 fouls and so did Luke so Kobe had to move up to the SF slot. Plus Sasha made some good shots and well just like expected Jackson had Sasha stay (play good in short minutes mean more minutes overall).
And I agree and one with Jordan. He simply is not playing good basketball. 4 turnovers with 0 assists??
And the and one is his defense. While I understood Jackson leaving Farmar to probably boost his confidence like I suspected it did not necessarily improve his play. He still go torched by Ramon Sessions.
Posted by: Kobeblitz | April 01, 2009 at 10:21 PM
Watched most of the game but listened to it on the radio on the way home. It occurred to me that Spero doesn't say "strong" to signify missed shots anymore which was probably my biggest pet peeve about him when he first signed on. "Smush pulls up from 15 ft... strong"
7 games left with the ability to lose 2 games and still retain home court over Orlando. Lakers play at least every other night until the regular season is over. They know they can rest and recharge starting with the Memphis game. Would be even better if they could tack on the Portland game as well since it's the only back2back left.
Posted by: lakers_sth | April 01, 2009 at 10:42 PM
It was a win, folks. That was a brutal road trip and I am actually happy with 5-2. Fan in Canada here who didn't get to watch most of the games but appreciate your comments and observations..Its invaluable..so thanks fellow fans.
I get to watch them eventually, of course. But I can;t wait for the playoffs and we find out just what these guys are made of. Farmar is scaring the heck out of me. Sasha is a cypher. Kobe..I don't worry about buy maybe I should. ..nah!! He'll be fine. I don't let myself think about Bynum. Last year cured me of that..if he makes it back and is an effective presence in the paint..cool beyond words.
They never leave you bored and no lead is safe, but they are something when they have it going.
Posted by: Rob D | April 01, 2009 at 10:59 PM
Big Ups to Pau-pa-da-pow-pau. I called him out last night for unclutchness.
he was awesome down the stretch tonight after a slow game for him. Good stuff Pau.
Lakers got it done. Pretty it was not, but a W is a W. Back on the right path.
Posted by: jandro | April 01, 2009 at 11:14 PM
come home lakers take a rest then get back at it on friday night. we got a big game. We must beat rockets give them no mercy.
Posted by: omega | April 01, 2009 at 11:16 PM
THE BIGGEST GAME PORTLAN PORTLAND PORTLAND PORTLAN PORTLAN PORTLAN PORTLAND!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
OTHER BIG GAMES
1.UTAH
2.NUGGETS
3.ROCKETS
Posted by: omega | April 01, 2009 at 11:25 PM
As Spike Lee's character Mars Blackman says: It gotta be the shoes!
Maybe Sasha's good game (not necessarily a break out game) was because he wore Zoom Kobe IV?
Almost the entire Lakers squad wears a Kobe Bryant related shoe. Some wears Zoom Kobe IV (Kobe, Lamar, Josh, Trevor, Shannon). Fish tried them but because of his foot problems has to use different Nike (he did like them though). Luke's history with foot problems instead makes him use a Hyperdunk. Big men such as Pau and Mbenga prefer to use Hyperdunk which Kobe introduced last year. Sun, Jordan, and Adam have contracts with Adidas when they signed their rookie contracts so unfortunately can't wear them Nike. That leaves only Bynum with those out of date kicks not wearing a Hyperdunk or Zoom Kobe IV.
Understandable that he doesn't wear a Zoom Kobe IV low top. He should wear a Hyperdunk though. More mobility and would add more jump in his feet which counts a bunch near the post.
Posted by: Kobeblitz | April 01, 2009 at 11:32 PM
For those bloggers who are wanting so much rest for Kobe and the rest of the starters, guess who is saying he doesn't want to:
http://tinyurl.com/co53qr
#24 Kobe Bryant SG LA Lakers.
That's right Kobe Bryant does *NOT* want to rest.
"Bryant wants the Lakers to recapture even more rhythm and isn't endorsing a rest period anyway.
"People spend their hard-earned money to watch us play, we'll play," Bryant said."
So anyone who whines about how the Lakers aren't resting their players (as in shutting them down until the playoffs), point thy finger to thy Mamba.
And unless you are his coach you will have a *SUPER* hard time convincing him otherwise. You should all know by know how hard headed Kobe is.
If he wants to play, then he will play and nothing you say will convince him otherwise.
Posted by: Kobeblitz | April 01, 2009 at 11:38 PM
Re: To rest or not to rest?
Kobe needs rest. Give him superlight minutes until Portland, and then its full on.
Pau doesn't need big time rest. He's still so young. If Phil can get these guys firing on all cylinders going into the playoffs, God help the competition.
Posted by: Laker Justice | April 01, 2009 at 11:42 PM
Blitz,
Sasha played the 2 and Kobe the 3 in the first half because of foul trouble on Ariza and Walton. But, the 4th quarter was a different story. PJ liked the matchups and was clearly happy with the contributions Sasha was making, even though he didn't get one pass or take a shot. I really think we'll see more of Sasha and Kobe on the floor together with Odom and Pau or hopefully Bynum and Pau as well. It makes our offense more potent by giving the defense a real outside threat to worry about, thus creating more space for Kobe and Pau to operate. Also, Sasha can be pesky guarding 2's when he doesn't foul to much. I would really like to see Kobe draw and kick with Sasha. I would like to see Kobe pass more period, instead of pound the ball or pump fake 6 times as the clock winds down and then force a tough beat the buzzer shot. Good ball movement is contagious, it starts with Mamba.
As for all your science about the different shoes all the players wear. I don't know what to say other than you're an incredible basketball nerd. (I mean that in an enduring way.) I wouldn't know the first thing about all the different shoes everyone wears, but I have bad feet and really like my Hyperdunks, so it was good to know that I'm probably wearing the right shoe. Thanks for breaking that down. lol.
Houston on Friday. Bring on Yao and Kobe vs Ron Ron. Should be entertaining. Houston will be coming hard. First game after a long roadie is always dangerous. Will there be an AB citing? Stay tuned.
Posted by: mikefloss | April 02, 2009 at 01:27 AM
Blitz,
I meant endearing, not enduring. It's late.
ps. Retire #21.
Posted by: mikefloss | April 02, 2009 at 01:29 AM
a win is a win. believe me i would rather take a "bad win" over a "good loss".
pj has finally read the blog put sasha with kobe. i don't know what it is but sasha plays well with his bff. i mean he even plays better defense. i think sasha just likes to impress kobe.
i think kobe should take ariza under his guidance. ariza is great he has talent. he just doesn't have that high of basketball iq. sasha says kobe helping him worked so i think it will help ariza too.
Posted by: laila | April 02, 2009 at 04:02 AM
sasha's breaking out..
faith, the bandwagon is working.
create a new wagon.. go go go!
Posted by: isang | April 02, 2009 at 05:54 AM
Let's go home and get some rest. This road trip was more difficult than I expected.
I'm thinking that resting the starters and giving The Bench Mob A LOT of minutes to work out the cobwebs in their system would probably be a good idea.
I'd LOVE to hit the playoffs with 66 victories, but Gasol and Kobe look a bit tired. And that is a huge concern to me.
What do we play for? RINGS!!!!!
Lakers Today... Lakers Tomorrow... Lakers Forever.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | April 02, 2009 at 07:39 AM
I read the article today about Bynum's progress and it reminded me of why I liked that kid so much.
{Sigh}
I still think the kid should not be out lifting playmates on his shoulders when he's injured AND his teammates are slogging it out on the road...
But...
He is a kid and does seem to generally have a good head on his shoulders.
So, if he gets back before the playoffs, it'll be easy to forgive him for being a bit immature.
He does say he wants his ring and that is all we should be focused upon.
What do we play for? RINGS!!!
Lakers Today... Lakers Tomorrow... Lakers Forever.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | April 02, 2009 at 07:56 AM
BK,AK,
Leave Jordan Farmar alone. He is young, still coming off injury while receiving only 15-18 minutes. He needs a game where he plays 30-35 minutes. He is better than Rajon Rondo. Folks complain about him, but they fail to consider his tremendous upside and work ethic. He has NBA super star potential and seeks to improve every day.
Don't be like the folks who wanted to trade Andrew Bynum for Jason Kidd. Don't say "We need a veteran like .....". And definitely don't compare a good kid like Jordan Farmar to a knucklehead Smush Parker.
Support Jordan when he struggles because he is going
to produce just like he has done at Taft and UCLA!
Posted by: Todd | April 02, 2009 at 08:00 AM
IF we win the next 4 games, we assure the best record in the league...
Then we rest starters for 2 games...
Play hard vs. Utah to prep for PLayoffs...
Sounds like a freakin plan!
Posted by: Korey | April 02, 2009 at 08:20 AM
Andrew Bynum was on the news this morning remorseful and set up an interview to explain his appearance at Playboy Mansion with bunny on his shoulder. Like many of you here, his reasons for going there "I'm just young". "I got to meet Hugh Hefner, who wouldn't want to go meet that dude?" Bynum said: "He talked about how much of a Lakers fan he is and how he is a friend of (Lakers owner) Dr. Jerry Buss."
~~ Bynum REPENT. We are in the midst of Lenten Season and pre NBA playoffs, to utter such remarks shows your character and lack of collegial foundation. Your values are questionable at this young age. How many in the history of the world of responsible 21 year old whether rich young kings or poor slums in pooper have tackled earthly responsibilities in helping their families, their organization or leading their countries in the battlefield. Young man, pls. read, read, read books that will give you more perspective in life than using Jerry Buss and Hugh Hefner characters as your role models. As the saying goes, birds with the same feathers flock together. With that 58 million you just earned, willing to splurge for acquisition of material things but you're definitely a hollow 21 year old at this time. If you want to spend your time productively, study the tapes on the moves of the greatest Centers of all time from Bill Russell, Wilt Chamberlain, Kareem, Moses Malone, Elvin Hayes, Hakeem Olajuwon, Adm. Robinson etc prepare for the playoffs than exhibiting the weakness of your flesh in the midst of competition.
Just my two cents on the subject matter of a 21 year old, given a huge responsibility to represent the Lakers.
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | April 02, 2009 at 08:43 AM
Todd-
I don't think I'm being particularly harsh on Farmar. All I'm doing is pointing out the obvious- he's not playing well. I'm not picking on his work ethic. Both Andy and I have noted that he's a gym rat. I do think there's a gap between how good he is and how good he thinks he is, though.
But overall, I can't ignore when a guy, especially one backing up a 34 year old starting point guard, struggles like Farmar has over the last six weeks or so. And he is absolutely not better than Rondo.
BK
Posted by: Brian Kamenetzky | April 02, 2009 at 08:46 AM
Todd,
Farmar is better at Rajon Rondo at "what," exactly? Because it ain't basketball. Sorry, but there isn't a person on the planet who'd agree with you on that (save perhaps Farmar, but that's actually part of the problem).
As BK said, we're both just being honest. The guy has struggled mightily of late. I've never said he can't turn it around or is a total bust. Nor have I called for Farmar being traded or nicknamed him "Smush." But you can't possibly look at this objectively and say the guy has been fine.
AK
Posted by: Andrew and Brian Kamenetzky | April 02, 2009 at 08:56 AM
Obviously, the Mom Kambros allowed WAY too much TV back when...
Posted by: VMan | April 02, 2009 at 09:09 AM
The issues are all defensive and Andrew will be a BIG piece of that puzzle.
THe sun still shines in Lakerland.
Posted by: VMan | April 02, 2009 at 09:10 AM
BK is right.
FARMAR is struggling.
Jordan Farmar has ability but he isn't making plays in the game and he has nothing in between a dunk and a 3 point shot. That's the number 1 problem with his game.
If he's a gym rat and confident then he should come in the game and attack. He attacked Chicago and had a good game. Other than that, not much from him on the trip. I wish Shannon Brown had an offensive game because he could take Farmar's job. Someone else might take his job this summer.
I feel better about the possibility that Sasha gets his game back in a great rhythm rather than Farmar. This is yr 3 or 4 and he's still trying to find himself. He has no signature plays.
Ramon Sessions is light exponential years beyong Jordan Farmar. As many on this blog stated JAVARIS CRITTENTON is better than FARMAR also.
Von Wafer to an even higher extent is light yrs better also.
Farmar should be humbled and play better defense if he can't impact the offense.
Posted by: LakerBake | April 02, 2009 at 09:14 AM
Oops, not best record in the league... 2nd Best record in the league..
Posted by: Korey | April 02, 2009 at 09:16 AM
Edwin
Are you saying the Buss and Hef might not be the best father figures for young Andrew?
He should have joined the Bucks. There's no way to get in trouble in Milwaukee, ya gotta go somewhere else to do it.
Posted by: VMan | April 02, 2009 at 09:23 AM
LAKERS COACH JACKSON EXPECTING BYNUM TO PARTICIPATE IN WORKOUTS TODAY
By Elliott Teaford for the LA Daily News
http://tinyurl.com/cf5mjo
Latest update on Drew. And here is a great excerpt about Dantoni and Kobe before KB24 dropped 61 at MSG:
>>>
“New York coach Mike D'Antoni told an ESPN reporter he knew the Knicks might be in serious trouble when they faced the Lakers on Feb. 2 at Madison Square Garden. D'Antoni walked past Bryant during pregame warmups.”
"Hey, Kobe, what's going on?" D'Antoni said, recalling the moment just before the national anthem was performed and the player introductions were made. "And he wouldn't look at me. I knew right then we were (bleeped)."
>>>
Tom
Posted by: LakerTom | April 02, 2009 at 09:23 AM
Todd, got to agree with AK/BK, currently Farmar is running like Ford Pinto while Rondo is the latest BMW and if Farmar continues on his ways, he will follow the footsteps of fellow Bruins who are now forgotten in the NBA, the O'Bannon brothers. My son who works at UCLA always sees Farmar practicing last summer almost everyday with other Bruins and sometimes with Magic and yet, this is the best we can get out from him. His decision-making are flawed. There was a time he was a ball hog, shoot first before pass, perhaps the coaches pointed those things to him, this time he follows the Walton style of passing first even when he is wide open. Last night, he copied Lamar by penetrating a crowded group in the post that led to forcing thru. He is now questioning himself what is the best way to get out of this rut!
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | April 02, 2009 at 09:47 AM
VMan,
Well, Hugh and Jerry are good father figure for Drew. Just like listening to a priest's sermon. Follow what they say but don't follow what they do. LOL!
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | April 02, 2009 at 09:52 AM
Edwin - Kbros - Laker Bake - Todd,
Before the trade deadline and during one of the live threads, I mentioned Vlad was going to be traded and possibly Mihm.
Farmar will be traded. He is "cooking" himself a la Brian Cook. Two spats have been reported on the OC register about Farmar and speculation of Farmar being linked for that Nate Robinson trade proposal.
I like Farmar. I want him to be with us, but he is linked with way too many reports and incidents pointing trade-ward. Watch out for a package this summer or next season.
Posted by: Charles | April 02, 2009 at 10:10 AM
Kobe doesn't want a rest?
You don't say.
Of coarse he doesn't want a rest, he is a ferocious machine, and even tired he's better than almost everyone else in the NBA so he can get away with it..
But even Kobe needs rest, and its the coach's job to make sure he is 100% for the playoffs where he will do some serious damage at 100%.
Posted by: Laker Justice | April 02, 2009 at 10:15 AM
I can't wait til Farmar is shipped out. What does he bring to the table? Horrible defense every secondary PG torches him, his offense is gone, court vision awful, turnover machine, poor shot selection, 60% free throw shooter.
Just imagine if we had a capable backup PG...ahh to dream.
Posted by: Shaww | April 02, 2009 at 11:32 AM
The only thing that is keeping Jordan Farmar from being an All-Star is his lack of humility.
He's got everything else.
Nothing ruins a person like arrogance.
What do we play for? RINGS!!!!
Lakers Today... Lakers Tomorrow... Lakers Forever.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | April 02, 2009 at 01:30 PM
So Kobe says he does not need rest. What do you expect him to say. He will never admit to being tired.
So fans pay hard earned money to see him play, well yes, but they also pay hard earned money to see a Kobe style awe inspired performance.
They don't pay to see Kobe bricking shots and getting knocked down on his arse and get no calls.
Note in the same article Pau stated he wanted rest.
As far as Farmar is concerned I think his choice of friend is causing him problems. He hangs out with Luke Walton who has the biggest problem between his ears.
When Luke has no confidence his value is minicule.
Farmar is getting into those lost confidence moods and is having problems between his ears. I think people get down on Farmar so much is because he has a lot of potential to be a very good back up point guard. He has done so much and people know it that when he struggles now it appears as if he does not put out the effort to correct the flaws.
For instance after the bad passing games he has had numerous games to fix the problem but he continues to make the errors and body language shows indifference.
That imo is why he is catching so much heat.
Luke is Luke and he should have gone instead of Vlade.
I again state we need a taller quick point guard who can score from outside and cut to basket to score or dish.
After signing LO and TA we need to make that a priority.
Posted by: JustaLakerFan | April 02, 2009 at 03:56 PM