Buck up, campers!!!
After a rare pair of consecutive losses (the latter one lulu display of ineptitude), the Laker Nation's collective mood was that of anxiety. Gloom. A lack of faith in the "chip" potential once considered limitless. So does a 104-98 win over the Milwaukee Bucks automatically prompt a slew of chest-puffiness?
Probably not. But it's worth a smile, and that's certainly a start.
Besides, there were many positive forward steps observed while the Lakers got back on the good side of a box score. For starters, a considerably more accurate effort from Kobe Bryant, whose shot has been anything but automatic over the last couple of weeks. Mamba drilled the first seven attempts, laying the foundation for a very well rounded and controlled output. Lamar Odom overcame a case of "the whistles" and finished the night with 20/10 to his name. The visibly exhausted Pau Gasol came up big down the stretch with eight crucial points, reminding folks not to sleep on his contributions once Andrew Bynum returns.
And arguably of biggest import, we saw valuable contributions from the back up backcourt.
In particular, the bust out came courtesy of Sasha Vujacic, he of the "22% shooting roadie before tipping off in the Land of Brats and Brew." Vujacic played a solid game on both sides of the ball, his energy and 14 points vital in securing the victory. Jordan Farmar didn't display the same steadiness, but showed enough life that Phil Jackson opted to keep him on the floor during crunch time. All in all, the Lakers allowed themselves the luxury of ending life from a suitcase with eased minds and spirits. That mentality should only snowball with Andrew Bynum slotted for some burn during today's workout.
OTHER NOTES
- Ex-Laker Corie Blount is staring down ten years in prison after pleading guilty to felony marijuana possession. Apparently, it's against the law to own 29 pounds of pot. Who knew? Another ex-player, Cliff Robinson, is on the opposite side of a criminal act.
- After a handful of games, A.I. has decided another season coming off the bench would equal hanging it up for good. Some think his love of the game is fading. Maybe he just can't stomach a world where he's a pine dude and Kwame Brown starts (although the former #54 has been successful during his last few games).
- Cavs owner Dan Gilbert talks all things "Team LeBron." And speaking of LBJ, here's a website most of readers probably won't visit (but would admit has a funny name, if they'd be honest).
- The Sixers could be without Thaddeus Young for the next 2-3 weeks.
- The Rockets' playoff surge has been considerably stronger since T-Mac hit the shelf. Speaking of the postseason, Boston expects KG in uni during bonus roundball. Tony Allen, as well.
- Be happy Derrick Rose is a baller, because he'd have been a brutal teacher. Knicks G.M. Donnie Walsh is another guy that wouldn't give himself one helluva grade.
Home STRetch
And it's Cleveland by a length..
The real season is about to kick in and it promises to be one of the best in years, in the East that is. The West is a for gone conclusion or I'm fore gone.
We've got to work on our defense mainly, stop unsightly penetration. The offense will take care of itself.
And that's just the blog, the Laker players have more work to do. Gotta get the swagger back. Get the bunny's off our shoulders and back in the limo where they belong.
Come home, get healthy, call in sick for the Portland game, get fitted for rings.
No worries. GO Lakers
Posted by: VMan | April 02, 2009 at 10:32 AM
Good Morning Charles....Good Morning Everyone...
well 5-2 on this road trip was what I had a feeling we would do and though it's not as good as it could have been, Captain Obvious, it is not an entirely bad road trip record....
the Bucks announcers were pretty good and even they couldn't figure out why the ball doesn't go into Pau more, especially after a stretch that illustrated how effective that strategium is...maybe in the play offs this will become the focus of our offense to more of a degree than it is now, we can only hope..
Hopefully Sasha will continue to display the effeciency of last night for the rest of the year...
interesting to see Sasha and Farmar out there with Kobe, Lamar, and Pau--maybe that will help them focus their little brains as it were...
this deep into the season and Jackson is apparently still tinkering with line ups--probably just a hobby of his to keep from getting too bored on the bench--he probably knew from day one what his line ups and rotations will be in the play offs and the style of play as well, just wants to surprised the crap out of the other teams and us as well---we can all only hope...
I am getting real anxious for the start of the play offs, but am trying to enjoy these last dog day games of the season as well...
"You tell me that you've heard every sound there is and your bird can swing but you can't hear me"
"German tourists building human pyramids in the hotel lobby drinking bleeding Watneys' bleeding Red Barrel"
AS ALWAYS, AS EVER, YET ANOTHER GREAT DAY (AND SEASON) TO BE A LAKER FAN !!!
GO LAKERS !!!
Posted by: Floyd | April 02, 2009 at 10:55 AM
Return of the Beast(Bynum)will cure many ills, especially defensively. It will also help our rotation to return back to what it was earlier in the season. Go Lakers!!!
Posted by: Nemaia Faletogo | April 02, 2009 at 11:12 AM
FRIDAY MAMBA24 RETURNS WITH A VENGENCE FOR NOW AS ALWAYS FOREVER BROTHER FLOYD WILL CARRY ON
Posted by: MAMBA24 | April 02, 2009 at 11:13 AM
what do you guys make of iverson's statements??now obviously,pistons aren't going to sign him...and since the free agency of 2010 is too huge,i think not many teams will be bidding for his services this summer...
Posted by: Metallic | April 02, 2009 at 11:19 AM
more thoughts seemingly,
forgot to complain ad nauseum about the free throwing last night--Lamar needs to really get better at free throws, especially if he plans on going to the rim a lot (which he should)--gotta make 'em pay for fouling you...
Michael Redd needs to don some Purple and Gold "underwear" as Chick would say..
if the Lakers win in Portland I will eat my hat---lucky for me my hat is made out of a cheeseburger...
not to curse us (curse disclaimer) but I have the feeling that somehow this summer we will get an upgrade at point guard, with Fisher being our back up and Farmar adding "former Laker" to his resume...
I have always liked Farmar and have had a good feeling about him, he could still turn it all around and become what we need him to become, but I will bet an opportunity presents itself and Mitch takes it...
of course after he is traded, Farmar will become the guy we all say "why the hell did we ever trade him" etc.
Cory Blount has an appropriate moniker seemingly....
GO LAKERS !!!
Posted by: Floyd | April 02, 2009 at 11:35 AM
Let's face it. The Lakers let up once they knew they had the West Conf wrapped up. Not worried at all that they look like crap. The only positive yesterday was Sasha was able to make a shot and just maybe the Machine is working again.
But the only thing I care about at this time of the season is
The Magical Key to winning it all:
ANDREW BYNUM!!!
I love Pau and his game but let's be real..he doesn't even scare my grandma when she drives to the hoop. With the PGs unable to keep paperweights out of the paint
Andrew is the KEY to winning it all.
ANDREW GET WELL!!!
BD
Posted by: BD | April 02, 2009 at 11:40 AM
K bros
The last link before "other notes" (Andrew Bynum slotted for some burn during today's workout) makes absolutely no mention of AB getting burn during practice. In fact, I don't think I saw Drews' name once in the whole article.
No biggie.
And regarding Cliff Rob and Corie *ironic last name Blount*...Didn't Robinson get arrested for marijuana charges also? Must have not been nearly as much as Mr. Blounts.
Posted by: Rob | April 02, 2009 at 11:46 AM
Man it is good to be done with that roadie. I would love the Lakers to really pound the Rockets Friday to send a message in case we somehow meet in the postseason. Probably too much to ask given the lack of rest time.
- - -
I've been thinking about Farmar too. I hesitate to pile on because I'm not a Farmar hater nor do I think they should necessarily trade him this summer. (Nobody is gonna give us Deron Williams, CP3 or Devan Harris for Farmar no matter how often we ask.)
And I am not really bothered by his shooting slump or his mistakes running the offense, or even his being tired. Those things happen to anybody (right Kobe). What bothers me most is I don't see his focus & improvement in other areas - those that mostly require effort.
Dude should be showing continued improvement on stopping dribble penetration and on better offensive execution when the good, quick scoring opportunity isn't there. (Getting the ball inside, breaking down the zone, etc.)
I'm not expecting a defensive stopper or a young Magic Johnson but it is disappointing not to see more improvement by now.
For example, I enjoyed watching Drew score 20+ but I REALLY loved seeing him patrol the paint, alter shots, snag some boards and play tough D on guys like Duncan.
So come on Jordan. I know you're smart after a year at UCLA & all but humor the coaches and focus on what they ask you to do.
Go Lakers!!!
Posted by: olf | April 02, 2009 at 11:53 AM
Enough!
Why is everyone hatin` on Farmar?
His free-throw shooting is now all the way up to .588 this season!
He`s averaging only 1 turnover for every 1.67 assists!
Lakers, do the "right" thing....and extend him to a max contract this summer.
Just get it done!
You can thank us later.
Posted by: RED`S LOVE CHILD | April 02, 2009 at 11:55 AM
AK/BK
The arrival of Shannon Brown seems to coincide with Jordan Farmar's recent poor play. Is this how you see it? Have you been to any practices and if so has Brown had an impact on Farmar's play?
Posted by: Laker Fan 24 | April 02, 2009 at 12:04 PM
still more thoughts or so,
we all need to remind ourselves that "home court advantage" in the finals is a misnomer with the finals being in the 2-3-2 format...
I really don't mind that we won't have that "advantage" against the Cavs should they be the team representing the East...
someone else yesterday remarked on Josh Powell's ability to have his shots blocked with regularity and indeed his challanging Mr. Walton in a stuff / reverse Spalding logo face print contest..
I love Josh and his game except for the above mentioned blight...he seems to be a slow jumper upper or something---needs to utilize the head fake (numerous times perhaps) and not be so predictable going up with his often grabed offensive rebounds...
it's alwasy a good day to see the return of Mamba24--roll call coming tomorow !
GO LAKERS !!!
Posted by: Floyd | April 02, 2009 at 12:25 PM
Getting back with Farmar -- isn't it the coaching staff's job to work him out of his slump? i'm pretty sure there are some delta on his routine from the way he plays prior to the last 15+ games. It's obvious the first one is his confidence, I dunno about the rest...
Posted by: GameFaceON | April 02, 2009 at 12:36 PM
Whoever Daniel is, I'd like to congratulate him. That PhotoShop Bynum on the slopes is the funniest thing I've seen this week.
Posted by: Marty | April 02, 2009 at 12:48 PM
One thing I will say in Farmar's defense: On most of the turnvoers he
had in last night's game, he was trying to pass the ball to Pau.
People keep complaining about them not passing the ball to Pau
in the post. Phil probably made the same sorta comment to Jordan
and he was trying to get it in there, but just not doing a good job of it.
Jordan definitely needs a wake up call, though. If he doesn't
steady his play a LOT, he'll find himself riding the pine most
of the time in the finals. I could see PJ giving Sasha all the
backup point guard duties if he felt Jordan couldn't handle
the pressure.
Posted by: LongTimeLakerFan | April 02, 2009 at 12:53 PM
Mark my words, if Kobe can get a week off, whoever our 1st round opponent is will PAY.
If Kobe can even just decrease his minutes to a max 25 per game then he'll be adequately refreshed.
We NEED This man.
Seriously.
Posted by: Korey | April 02, 2009 at 01:02 PM
I reallllllllllllllly think that the Lakers have a few moves up their sleeves that they are saving for the playoffs. Maybe that's why Kobe doesn't drive to the basket more, he is saving up for the playoffs. I expect to see many players going to the basket come playoff time and a much more intense defensive scheme. Also, don't forget that the Lakers don't lose many games in a row, so that can also come in handy because this squad knows how to turn it on after a few disappointing losses.
I can't wait for the playoffs. I hope PJ and the guys go alllll out and leave all the other coaches in awe wondering how to stop them...
Posted by: TRUTH | April 02, 2009 at 01:15 PM
It sounds like Bynum will return. To read the reports there is no pain and no discomfort during his hour to an hour and a half of work (if I read lakers.com right) a day. He has been upbeat about it for a long time.
The team is being extra cautious. Last year they said they wouldn't put him in until he was absolutely needed. Then . . . But does anyone doubt for a second that if it was Kobe he'd already be back?
I blame the Lakers organization. They are being extra cautious wimps. So much so that it cost us a championship last year and may this year. And I blame Bynum. Again, Kobe would just tell them, I AM PLAYING, I don't care what you think.
GOOOooOOO LAKERS!!!!
Posted by: JohnnyP | April 02, 2009 at 01:31 PM
One thing I find ironic is that though the Lakers are kinda slumping
lately (compared to the time of the 6-game-6-win road trip including
wins over the Celtics and the Cavs), they're moving UP in John
Hollinger's stat-based Power Rankings.
For awhile, though the Lakers had the BEST record in the league,
Hollinger's stats had them ranked 4th behind Boston, Cleveland,
and Orlando. Now, despite them losing 2 of their last 3, the Lakers
are ahead of Orlando and Boston and closing on the Cavs.
strange.
Posted by: LongTimeLakerFan | April 02, 2009 at 01:39 PM
ITS UNBELIEVEABLE!
For what I have read all along, everyone in this blog is a genius.
Before the trip, many were saying the lakers would go 7-0 or 6-1 the least. Now many are saying they believed the lakers would go 5-2 uh!
Well I love the Lakers as much as everyone but lets go step by step and not jump saying "we'll beat X and Y team on the Finals" First, we need to worry about who are we going to play in the first round and get ready for them then, the book will flip the pages itself.
Do not worry about getting the best record or Kobe winning the MVP trophy...for now, it is completely unrelevant these two objectives if it ever was an objective.
I might be wrong but I don't see the Lakers ready for the playoffs even with Bynum in the lineup.
So... seven games left, West Conference first place locked up? Do not play heavy minutes on the starters and prepare the bench by switching the lineup (make the staters bench players and vice versa). Maybe the bench will notice that they're no longer the mob but the toilet if I can say that where every team decides to .... (you know the rest).
Lebron James, Dwight Howard, Kevin Garlic (Garnett), Ray Allien (Allen) and Paula Piercing (Paul Pierce) are not of our concern right now...it is for those who will play them... we should worry about the Dallas, New Orleans, Denver, Houston, San Antonio, Portland, Utah or Phoenix if they make it to playoffs.
If we do that...this season will be CLASSIC as that of '01.
Classic
Posted by: Classic | April 02, 2009 at 01:46 PM
BD,
>>> I love Pau and his game but let's be real..he doesn't even scare my
>>> grandma when she drives to the hoop. With the PGs unable to keep
>>> paperweights out of the paint, Andrew is the KEY to winning it all.
Our time is coming, BD. Even Pau predicts that Drew is going to play a huge role in the playoffs. There is an intangible that Drew has that Pau lacks – in addition to a more power focused game – and that Kobe has in spades. As did Michael Jordan. As did Rocky. As does Tiger Woods. It is the Eye of the Tiger.
Kobe and the rest of the Lakers know this, too. Drew knows how to demand the ball. He knows how to seal his man down low and present a big target that the Lakers perimeter players cannot ignore. He knows how to play big, which Pau does not. But mostly, he has that ego that says nobody can stop me. He has the Eye of the Tiger.
JMNSHBO!
DNFTT!
Tom
Posted by: LakerTom | April 02, 2009 at 01:55 PM
LTLF - The answer to the hollinger rankings system is easily explained. He weighs how many home games versus how many away games pretty heavily. Before the road trip, the Lakers were heavy on the home side. Now they're heavy on the away side. That's why they moved up.
Posted by: lakers_sth | April 02, 2009 at 02:23 PM
What is up LakerTom?
I really don't think we are going to get much out of Andrew this year in the playoffs. Maybe a "Moral" boost.
Second knee injury in 2 years. Remember it took 40 games for him to come around from the last one.
Some will expect him to "Be a Man" and be back to normal after 5 or 10 games, (Blitz) but I don't think that is realistic.
Hope I'm wrong.
Posted by: Eric M. | April 02, 2009 at 02:24 PM
Hey, Eric,
>>> Hope I’m wrong. (About Drew returning and being a force in playoffs)
I hope so, too. I think the lack of surgery could be the big difference in how Drew reacts when he returns. Also, Kobe specifically told Drew that he could NOT come back half-hearted this time but must return as the Beast. At any rate, even a 50% Drew would be more intimidating than Pau is at center on defense. Try as I can, the glass still looks half full to me, which will come as no surprise to anybody. LOL.
I’m doing fine. How’s things on the ranch? Did the rescue plan raise the price of cattle for you? LOL.
Tom
Posted by: LakerTom | April 02, 2009 at 02:41 PM
Classic
Had the bench made a cameo appearance at a couple of games, this could have been a 7-0 or a 6-1 roadie.
It was a long roadie, we started out in Chicago and finished it in Milwuakee, which is less than a 100 miles from Chicago. we had a longer trip than necessary!
I think most Laker fans are satisfied with the 5-2, I know i am.
But your right about taking this one step at a time.
GO LAKERS!!
Posted by: ChicNstu | April 02, 2009 at 02:55 PM
I have been remiss and I apologize. Life, work, etc lol.
Anyways an updated list of the bandwagons!
SASHA BREAKOUT BANDWAGON
1. Faith
2. Isang
3. Anna in Bondi
4. Chad
5. Christopher Blake
6. ChicNstu
7. Mr. Edwin Gueco
8. Kiwi
9. dave m
10. bijou
11. Bruzer
12. Juan
13. Hyacinth
14. titejt
15. Benjamin
16. Jon K
17. Ann
18. Justanothermambafan
19. Thi
20. Xodus
21. Fan of the Mamba
22. ZZ
23. Thirty2
24. Lakertom
25. laker guru from india
26. Jamie Sweet
27. Taliq
28. Jesterguru
29. JohnnyP
30. VMAN, blog congressman!
Bench Mob Breakout Bandwagon
1. Faith (Driver, left or right side it depends)
2. Rick F (shotgun!)
3. Edwin Gueco (bodyguard)
4. justanothermambafan
5. Xodus
6. Fan of the Mamba
7. ZZ
8. Lakertom
9. laker guru from india
10. Jamie Sweet
11. Jesterguru
12. titejt
13. VMAN, blog senator!
Go Go Go bandwagoneers and Lakers!
As for the game itself, if for nothing else, let's take comfort in the fact that since Pau Gasol donned purple and gold we have yet to lose 3 in a row. That is an accomplishment in itself.
Posted by: Faith | April 02, 2009 at 02:59 PM
AK or BK, did you guys go to El Segundo for practice today? I hear Bynum looked rusty (per Forum blog).
Any more news?
Posted by: Faith | April 02, 2009 at 03:11 PM
Faith, pls add me to the bandwagons. Have a great day!!! Go Lakers!!!
Posted by: Nemaia Faletogo | April 02, 2009 at 03:31 PM
lakers_sth,
>>> Before the road trip, the Lakers were heavy on the
>>>home side. Now they're heavy on the away side. That's
>>>why they moved up.
I see. So all they'd have to do is lose 6 of the next 10 on the
road and Hollinger would rank them #1 (for all that's worth).
Posted by: LongTimeLakerFan | April 02, 2009 at 03:36 PM
"Just get it done!
You can thank us later."
Red, you have MUCH MUCH MUCH bigger issues on your plate to worry about in the near future - especially since KG can no longer bark on all 4's anymore.
But, then again, should y'all miraculously get past LeBron & the Crabs and face us, we'll have Andrew and KG's knee will still be dead - which will make things even between us since last year we were the ones with dead knee issues.
Then again, y'all ain't getting past Cleveland. Or Orlando.
Posted by: utzworld - THE BANNER HOLDER | April 02, 2009 at 03:38 PM
LakerTom,
>>I’m doing fine. How’s things on the ranch? Did the
>>rescue plan raise the price of cattle for you? LOL
Your're funny LT. Always with the politics.
No effect on my biz...Just like 98% of the country. Just another 10 Trillion wasted and put on the credit card for our kids to payoff someday.
Posted by: Eric M. | April 02, 2009 at 03:49 PM
Been a Bynum fan from his rookie year summer camp but if he doesn't get well for the playoffs I'm starting to hear footsteps. As in Kobe was right all along. Can't help wondering if the Lakers "shipped his ass out" for Kidd, the Lakers would be playing for their 2nd straight championship by now.
Andrew, get well.
Posted by: p ang | April 02, 2009 at 03:49 PM
p ang, seriously have you watched Kidd much the last couple of years? I live in dallas and watch a lot of him and he is waaaaaay past his prime. I doubt very much if he is the answer to the championship. He would be a nice piece to pickup but he is no longer an upper echelon player.
Posted by: Bopper | April 02, 2009 at 05:21 PM
REPOST from Earlier thread,
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
Posted by: JustaLakerFan | April 02, 2009 at 06:04 PM
Pau Gasol want a Championship. Before this, he return to Barcelona. Pau no want to play in L.A. next year.
Posted by: carlespuyol | April 03, 2009 at 10:22 AM
trade farmar. he's not the pg of the future.
Posted by: flyl03 | April 03, 2009 at 01:57 PM