Kobe Bryant's poor shooting past two games reveal a mixed bag in shot selection
The timing couldn't have been more coincidental. After Lakers guard Kobe Bryant signed a three-year extension, he's followed up the past two games shooting 13 of 47 from the field. Those two games surely don't overshadow Bryant's storied 13-year career, which serves as the main reason why the Lakers wanted to secure him to a long-term deal. But Bryant definitely played along and laughed when a reporter joked that maybe management would reconsider the extension after such a poor shooting night last week against Utah.
After breaking out in laughter, Bryant said stoically, "We're pretty good at negotiating."
Bryant's poor shooting isn't entirely anything new. His aggravated right index finger led to a field-goal percentage of 41.2% in January, a figure that worsened partly because of his tendency to shoot the ball even more when his finger was hurt. He also went through a lapse after returning in late February from his left ankle injury that kept him sidelined for five games. After shooting putting together a dazzling 32 points on 13 of 19 shooting and his fifth game winner against Memphis, he came out the following three games with a 19 of 56 (33%) mark from the field.
Of course, injuries aren't entirely anything new. It's why Lakers Coach Phil Jackson suggested Bryant take the summer off. It's why some suggest Bryant, 31, is seeing his skillset drop off. A look at the film of the past two games against Utah and San Antonio reveals a few interesting things. One, even if Bryant's physical skills aren't quite what you saw during his early years, he's showing more basketball intelligence now by directing his offense based on what's happening out on the floor. Still, even with though most of his attempts have been good shots, there are still instances a better alternative is out there. Below is a breakdown of Bryant's misses against Utah and San Antonio, and what to make of them.
Lakers' 106-92 victory over Utah Jazz
Bryant's stat line: 25 points on five of 23 shooting
Bryant's explanation: "I didn't shoot the ball as well as I wanted to. I missed a lot of easy looks tonight."
The breakdown below: Bear in mind that I wasn't able to review six missed shots that took place late in the first quarter and early in the second quarter as well as four plays in the fourth quarter. Perhaps this is a lesson I should DVR the live game and not the taped version on ESPN, knowing the Mothership likes to skip portions of the taped game to quicken the pace. That even included when the Jazz had cut the Lakers' lead to 75-71 in the fourth quarter. Aapparently cutting back on the commercials never crossed their mind.
First quarter, 11:32 - 11:22
Bryant suffocated Utah guard Wesley Matthews on the far end, and stole the ball from him after he picked up his dribble. Bryant brought the ball up the floor, went one-on-one against Matthews at the top of the key and pulled up for a 10-foot jumper just below the paint. The shot rimmed out. Bryant surely had an open look, but Utah's defense didn't collapse on him once he cut through the lane, meaning Bryant easily could've gotten an easy drive to the basket.
First quarter, 7:18 - 7:13
After Ron Artest grabbed a defensive rebound, he led the break as Derek Fisher cut to the near wing and Bryant ran on the far side. Artest fed a bounce pass to Bryant by the left block, and Matthews immediately caught up. Bryant would've driven to the basket for an easy layup, but C.J. Miles stepped into the paint to cut that option off. Instread, Bryant posted up and then attempted a a fadeaway jumper, which hit off the back rim. Although he would've made his finger more vulnerable, Bryant could've still taken it to the rack to try to draw contract, or kicked it out to Fisher, who was wide open on the near corner.
First quarter, 4:39 - 4:24
After Artest grabbed a rebound and gave the ball to Fisher, he pushed the ball to Bryant on the far end near the timeline. After Matthews picked Bryant up behind the three-point line, Lakers forward Pau Gasol set a screen on Matthews on the far end. Utah forward Carlos Boozer maintained proper spacing near the right block and Jazz forward C.J. Miles stepped in on the free-throw line for help. That's why Bryant dribbled toward the corner to ensure better cutting space, as Gasol continued to motion toward Matthews for the screen. Still, Boozer properly marked Gasol and positioned himself to properly switch on Bryant. That's why he declined to run the pick-and-roll. Instead, Bryant looked for an opening on the baseline. Nothing there, so Gasol cut inside while Bryant posted up on Matthews. Bryant took two dribbles in and turned around for the 14-footer, which rimmed out. Though Artest was wide open at the top of the key behind the perimeter, Bryant smartly took the J because Artest has shown the tendency to shoot despite his poor mark from downtown. From a practical standpoint though, Artest could've taken the clear out and quickly made a pass to Fisher, who was wide open on the near corner behind the three-point line.
Second quarter, 2:31 - 2:17
Artest inbounded a pass from the near corner to Fisher, who quickly passed the ball to Lakers forward Lamar Odom up top. Bryant cut to the far end behind the perimeter asking for the ball, but Odom directed him to go to the corner. That's because Odom eyed Gasol, who cut across the lane. After receiving the entry pass, Gasol quickly turned around to scan the Utah defense. Williams guarded the free-throw line, while Matthews moved inside the paint. After feeding the entry pass, Odom set a down screen on Utah guard Ronnie Price near the corner. Bryant flashed up behind the three-point line and received a pass from Gasol. Bryant, with the open three, took it, but the shot hit off the front rim. Artest failed to box out Matthews and he grabbed the board.
Second quarter, :07 - :00
After Gasol grabbed the rebound following Matthew's missed jumper, Bryant sprinted downcourt to the far end behind the three-point line. When he received the pass with 28 seconds remaining, Bryant quickly squared up and let off a 28-foot shot, which hit off the back iron as time expired.
Third quarter, 11:51 - 11:41
After driving through traffic, Artest kicked the ball out to Fisher at the top of the key. After Fisher directed Gasol to the far corner and Artest to the near post, Odom set a screen on the far post on Matthews. Bryant curled up toward the free-throw line and received a pass from Fisher. Bryant pulled up for the jumper, but his shot hit the front rim. It appears on this shot that Bryant didn't get the proper lift before his release.
Third quarter, 6:56 - 6:39
Utah tried running the high screen and roll, but Gasol switched on Williams up top and swiped a bounce pass. Fisher grabbed the loose ball, fed it to Bryant just behind the three-point line and Bryant threw up an alley oop for Gasol. He mishandled the ball, but Bryant grabbed the loose ball by the right block. After doing so, he quickly posted up on Matthews and then turned around for the bank shot and tried to draw contact on Utah center Mehmet Okur but it was unsuccessful. The referees made the right call, but so did Bryant. Sure, his shot was rushed and led to to a Miles layup on the other end. But Bryant simply tried to take advantage of a scrambling Utah defense out of sorts, and thought a drive to the basket could create some contact. After all, that strategy worked on the following play when Bryant drew a foul on Miles after attempting a three-pointer.
Third quarter, 6:01 - 5:52
After Fisher missed a three-pointer, Gasol swiped the ball away from Miles and the Lakers regained possession. Lakers forward Josh Powell passed the ball to Artest, who quickly dished to Bryant at the top of the key. He had a wide open lane to the basket before Okur cut Bryant off in the paint. Bryant spun around Okur and then took a fadeaway jumper. The shot hit off the backboard, and Bryant appeared to favor his left ankle after he landed. Bryant could've started off with a better angle directly to the basket had he taken one step left. Although this isn't definitive and it's unknown if Bryant would actually admit it, but his reluctance to drive to the basket could've been because of his fear that his right index finger would get whacked.
Third quarter, 5:40 - 5:37
After passing to Gasol on the left block, Bryant cut in paint and cleared a lane for Gasol to drive by cutting inside and bunching up Miles and Okur to think he was setting a screen. With Okur staying below the free-throw line and Miles locking in on Bryant, Gasol had the angle to drive to the right and pull up for a jumper just below the foul line. The shot rimmed out, but Bryant weaved past Miles toward the basket for the tip in. The putback attempt fell short because Bryant mistimed the ball's bounce off the rim.
Bryant's stat line: 22 points on eight of 24 shooting
Bryant's explanation: "I just missed some opportunities. I can live with that. If I get those looks in the playoff series, I'll take my chances."
The breakdown below: I correctly DVRed the live game this time. But feel free to use this to fuel your hatred toward the Cleveland Cavaliers and Boston Celtics. Their matchup ate into most of the first quarter, meaning I couldn't rewatch Bryant's first four missed field-goal attempts in the entire first quarter.
Second quarter, 7:39 - 7:18
This play became an example of the Lakers effectively running the triangle, but San Antonio reacting with precision. After feeding Bryant in the near post. Artest's cut inside drew San Antonio forward Matt Bonner to the paint, creating an opening for Bryant perhaps to go one-on-one against Spurs guard Keith Bogans. As soon as Bryant squared up, San Antonio guard Roger Mason Jr. stepped down from the free-throw line to help. The Spurs' Dejuan Blair, Manu Ginobili and Matt Bonner each flooded the paint, leaving Artest open on the far corner. Bryant kicked the ball out to Artest, who immediately fed Gasol on the far post. Gasol drew a double team from Ginobili and kicked it out at the top of the key to Lakers forward Luke Walton. He made a quick pass to Sasha Vujacic, who found Bryant open in the corner. There was only one second remaining, and Ginobili and Bonner rushed out to contest the shot. Bryant let out a shot, but it hit the side of the backboard.
Second quarter, 2:34 - 2:26
With Bryant manning the point, Gasol set a high screen and roll at the top of the key on Ginobili, but he didn't angle himself properly. Bryant crossed over and pretended to go left so that Gasol has time to switch over the other side and set a screen on Ginoboli's right. Bryant drove off the screen, and forward Tim Duncan gave him the space to shoot an elbow jumper. Bryant took the shot, but it hit off the rim. That wasn't a bad shot selection, though Fisher and Artest were also open on the perimeter.
Second quarter, 1:55 - 1:46
Bryant grabbed the board after Ginobili's missed layup attempt and brought the ball up the floor. Jefferson marked Bryant on the far end as he dribbled between his legs a few times before crossing over and driving baseline. After Jefferson got beat, Bonner stepped up to help, but Bryant still shot a leaner that ultimately hits the side of the basket. The Lakers didn't run the triangle, allowing Bryant to try to create in isolation, but he forced the issue.
Third quarter, 11:33 - 11:27
Fisher passed to Artest as he cut across the free-throw line. He then squared up in triple threat position, while Fisher set a downscreen on Bogans and Bryant flashed toward the nearside perimeter. Artest dumped the ball off to Bryant as he penetrated. After getting the ball, Bryant dribbled toward the top of the key, squared up above the semicircle and settled for a 20-footer. The shot hit off the front rim. It was a good look, but with Bryant's shot not falling , he should've settled. That would've allowed the offense to develop in hopes that there would be an opportunity to feed the post.
Third quarter, 8:10 - 8:00
With eight seconds left on the shot clock, Gasol tried to set a screen on Bogans, but Bryant waved it off for a simple reason. Duncan didn't move out, meaning any separation Gasol could create inside would be very minimal. It also meant Duncan could have cut him along the baseline or in the paint if Bryant decided to drive to the rack. The entire San Antonio defense collapsed in the paint, leaving Artest open at the top of the key. But Bryant took his chances and drove baseline. He beat Bogans off the dribble and Duncan didn't surround Bryant right away so he attempted a 10-footer along the wing. The shot hit off the back rim just before the shot clock expired.
Third quarter, 7:31 - 7:24
With Odom controlling the ball up top, Gasol set a back screen on Bogans and Bryant cut toward the free-throw line. After receiving a pass from Odom, Bryant cut toward the lane, took one dribble and pulled up for a bank shot over Duncan. He stayed in the air for too long presumably in hopes to draw contact. But the shot didn't go in because he didn't get the proper lift. Although Bryant had a good look, a better option would've entailed passing to Gasol backdoor once Duncan tried cutting Bryant off from driving through the lane.
Third quarter, 7:01 - 6:58
Gasol set a pick on Spurs forward Richard Jefferson, and Duncan approached Bryant to deny him a drive to the basket. With enough room to shoot a jumper and little movement among his teammates, Bryant took the 20-footer but the shot doesn't fall in. Duncan grabs the board, fires a cross-court pass to Jefferson and he converts on the easy layup, giving San Antonio a 57-44 lead.Third quarter, 5:15 - 4:56
Odom drove the lane, but was greeted with a double team from Ginobili and Duncan so he kicked the ball out to Artest at the top of the key. He swung the ball to Fisher, who pump faked and then passed to Bryant on the far corner. He pump faked on Spurs forward Antonio McDyess, drove baseline and then kicked the ball out to Artest on the near side behind the perimeter. His three-pointer fell short, but Bryant batted away the loose ball from Jefferson, Gasol dove on the floor and the ball rolled toward Odom at the top of the key. Bryant remained open on the far end behind the three-point line. After Bryant received the pass, he hoisted a three-pointer over McDyess and the shot rimmed out. ESPN analyst Jeff Van Gundy analyzed the aforementioned play perfectly: "In the first sequence right there, great extra passes thrown by all perimeter players on the Lakers. On that last shot, I thought Bryant should've punched it to Fisher, who I think had a better quality look at the three-point shot."
Fourth quarter, 11:31 - 11:19
At the top of the key, Gasol set a screen on Mason Jr. for Lakers guard Jordan Farmar. Though Gasol set the pick on Mason Jr's right, Farmar drove left and dumped it up off to Bryant, who cut up top from the corner. Farmar's decision looked like the right one, with Mason Jr. switching toward Farmar and Gasol setting another screen on Spurs guard Malik Hairston. Bryant took the open three-pointer at the top of the key, but the shot rimmed out. It was a good look, but Bryant could've fed Gasol inside off the pick-and-roll. That attempt marked Bryant's eighth consecutive missed shot.
Fourth quarter, 8:49 - 8:40
Bryant grabbed the rebound after Duncan's missed jumper and ran the floor. Going one-on-one against Jefferson, Bryant dribbled between his legs and then settled for an elbow jumper. This shot fell short and it appeared again that he doesn't get much lift on the shot.
Fourth quarter, 3:55 - 3:51
Bryant brought the ball up the floor and passed the ball to Artest, who immediately dumped it back to Bryant on the far side of the court. Meanwhile, Artest stood near Bryant to create separation on Hairston. Bryant recognized the move, launched a 28-foot three-pointer and the shot hit back iron. Okay, so the Spurs were leading 90-75 in the final minutes of the game. But from a practical standpoint, the Lakers had plenty of time on the shot clock (20 seconds) and the team didn't even have time to set up the offense.
Fourth quarter, 2:00 - 1:52
With Hairston guarding Bryant at the top of the key, Powell set a back screen and Bryant switched his dribble from left to right. To create even more leverage, Powell set a high screen on Hairston, Bryant curled around and then weaved through Duncan and Bogans at the free-throw lone. His learner rimmed out, despite the good look.
--Mark Medina
Follow the L.A. Times Lakers blog on Twitter. E-mail the Lakers blog at mgmedin@gmail.com
Photo: Jazz center Mehmet Okur slows down Lakers guard Kobe Bryant on a drive by fouling him in the second half Friday night. Credit: Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times.
Photo: Lakers guard Kobe Bryant fights for room to shoot over Jazz guard Ronnie Price in the first half Friday night. Credit: Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times.
Photo: Lakers guard Kobe Bryant makes a pass after driving around San Antonio power forward Tim Duncan in the first half Sunday. Credit: Luis Sinco/Los Angeles Times.
I HAVE SAID THIS BEFORE AND SAY IT AGAIN:
1. This current team is just not in sync as a team going into playoffs and blame it on injury.
2. Winning a title is not like turning on a faucet, it requires consistency from day 1 leading into playoffs, unified goal, fire in the belly and "Luck".
3, Injury has derailed consistency factor and taken the wind out of fire in the belly.
And I feel
Like I've been here before
Deja Vu
Posted by: Crosby Stills Nash & Young | April 06, 2010 at 09:23 AM
"His aggravated right index finger led to a field-goal percentage of 41.2% in January, a figure that worsened partly because of his tendency to shoot the ball even more when his finger was hurt. "
~~Whatever analysis we will present as a thread or as a post, we will never really know the true state of Kobe without a healthy index finger on his shooting hand. You will know that there is a problem when he misses free throws consecutively, that not Kobe we knew for the last 13 years. Kobe refused to rest because the Lakers as a team are not a smooth sailing vessel. If Kobe sits down for three months, we might be out of the playoff contention on a highly competitive West. Examples are Hornets, they rested CP3 and went down to 11th, Rockets traded Landry, TMac, injured YaoMing and Battier slid to 10th position. Therefore, if you rest Kobe, while depending on our titanic twins Pau and Drew, do you think we could make the playoffs without Kobe and Drew? there goes the answer why Kobe is still playing. I said it before, Mitch could have grabbed Bosh and Hinrich that fill the void of Kobe's absence. Well, we have to play it out of what we have.
People will always say that this is just an excuse and because of ingrained hate of Kobe, they always find fault that leads to his downfall. That's normal, in every society there are just nuts and criminals. Take for example this LA guy using our city as his name, he comes here to diss Kobe's or his contract. Yes, Kobe gets 83m for the next 3 years plus 24M next season. At what price? Depreciation of one's body and absence of privacy.
It just occurred to me why does he want to play in the Summer Games? Immediately, we jumped on his ego trip which is always associated with Kobe. On the contrary, we don't know the marketing manipulations on the back door with David Stearn and the Nike people, they need to sell their products throughout the world and need the presence of Kobe. He may be Kobe but he's just mortal like any of us with ligaments, muscles and bones that could break through constant pounding. That is what I refer as depreciation of one's body.
Yes, Kobe wanted fame in his legacy as the best player in the world and what is the exchange? his privacy. Can Kobe go to the nearest Denny's Restaurant and eat there alone? Nope. Can Kobe go to the nearest Costco and buy his own groceries, taste those samples, checks out and spend time on a lazy afternoon eating very berry Sundae? Nope. He has to hide and practice his shooting even in pain just to please LA Guy, Curry and many of the haters here.
When you try to balance things, the anonymous haters maybe better of than Kobe. They could express their free speech and still maintain their privacy. They may not be earning 100M money per annum but they have a lazy hazy attitude of life spend time leisurely at their own convenience.
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | April 06, 2010 at 09:34 AM
Edwin - You definitely make a good point, which may complicate the debate even further as far as whether he should rest this summer. After watching tape of the past two games, it's clear that there's been shots where he didn't have the right lift. And there were many shots that were good that just weren't falling. There were no obvious signs that it was because of his finger. I didn't see him wince in pain or anything. It's in Kobe's nature to remain confident and not worry about his shooting stroke. While both games showed he directed the offense, he could've done some even more knowing his shot just wasn't on that night.
MM
Posted by: Mark Medina | April 06, 2010 at 09:44 AM
And I feel
Like I've been here before
Deja Vu Posted by: Crosby Stills Nash & Young | April 06, 2010 at 09:23 AM
You have been here before sir. A Laker team with a record of 56 -26 stumbled into the playoffs on a losing note for their last several games in 2001. Every one said they would be 4 and out instead what happened? As Moses Malone said to Dr. J, they went fo, fo, fo and then screwed up and went 5 and won the title. Their performance was one of the most dominant ever seen in any playoff run. Kobe was on that team in 2001 and Kobe is on this team and my money is on this team and Kobe
Mamba24
Posted by: mamba24 | April 06, 2010 at 09:48 AM
I say they should have made it a part of his contract extension that he not play in the Olympics and rest this summer. You know left to himself he won't do it. Even with
Princess Jimmy & DWade deciding not to go. Knowing Mamba he wwill.
Posted by: mamba24 | April 06, 2010 at 09:50 AM
Hey MM,
Thanks for the great article. The loses get us down but they at least make more sense with these breakdowns/analysis from you and a couple other good blogs I regularly visit.
(Talking about the Ted Greene article) .Some of Mr Greene's points are well made and the insight revealing but didn't Kobe just kill the Spurs in a measured but clinical way in the game before the last one ? He owned Ginobili/Hill. I don't think he has lost much of his ability to dominate the opposition's defense in spite of not being the same physically like he was a couple years ago.
It would be fair to say that there have been a few games where he has to grind it out and couldn't "take over" even when there was an obvious desire/need to and was visibly frustrated as a result but this used to happen earlier too and I feel Kobe will be alright. I at least hope he will be alright.
One problem I see is the lack of guys the team can depend on for production/efficiency/effort (any one of the three will do) on the offense. I mean, there is Kobe who has been a fairly steady scorer but can have both awesome and truly terrible nights. Pau has had bad stretches.Lamar has always been inconsistent. Who else is there really ? Drew ? He has had good games and is a formidable presence down low but is not dependable at times because of lacking effort/synergy with the offense besides his health issues.
Ron is is flaky,to say the least, with his offensive game. Fish ? NOO ! Anyone on the bench ?? Farmar ?He brings some energy but can't get over the "sacrifices" he says he has to make in the form of less minutes on the floor night in and night out.Shannon ?? NO ! Clueless quite often and makes bad decisions. Sasha - He hasn't seen a lot of burn to be able to regain his touch and is upset about the same besides the recent run-in with the coaching staff.So no hope of even a sliver of consistency outside the arc either.
Posted by: LakersRule(Amit) | April 06, 2010 at 09:52 AM
losses*
Posted by: LakersRule(Amit) | April 06, 2010 at 09:53 AM
Mamba24:
"You have been here before sir. A Laker team with a record of 56 -26 stumbled into the playoffs on a losing note for their last several games in 2001. Every one said they would be 4 and out instead what happened? As Moses Malone said to Dr. J, they went fo, fo, fo and then screwed up and went 5 and won the title. Their performance was one of the most dominant ever seen in any playoff run. Kobe was on that team in 2001 and Kobe is on this team and my money is on this team and Kobe."
Yes, yes, yes, yes. My favorite post of the morning, thus far.
You, my friend, are OUTFREAKINGSTANDING.
Go Lake Show!
Posted by: The Outlaw | April 06, 2010 at 10:04 AM
MM, he is getting a lot of assist despite the "brick"manship of his teammates. If Fisher would increase his shooting % to 40%, Gasol makes all the cheapy shots in the post before bending like a wooden chop sticks and Artest would be the Artest we know in Indiana and Sacramento, then Kobe's assist could baloon to 15 per game. He could duplicate what Steve Nash is producing in Phoenix. How can he trust his teammates shooting in every game? Can Fisher maintain that shooting percentage he did against Jazz? Can Artest conect 50% of all those open shots?
Frankly, MM we are not the coach and they may have instructions of what should be the game plan. Perhaps, PJ is also confused what to instruct to his team that's why he keeps on saying that he might want to quit coaching. haha!
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | April 06, 2010 at 10:04 AM
I said it before and I'll say it again. This is a team built for the playoffs. You can't put a Mazerati on a muddy road and expect to see how well it'll perform. I predict these playoffs will be a thing of legend. I predict that they may well repeat their 4,4,4,5 run of 2001. I have faith and I believe. IF IT'S NOT A FINALS BANNER, THROW IT BACK!!
Mamba24(larry)
Posted by: mamba24 | April 06, 2010 at 10:08 AM
Kobe's poor shooting? Please. Three of the five starters scored in single digits on Sunday. It was Luke's first game back. Andrew is still out.
I'll continue to withhold judgment on this team until the playoffs begin. Trying to read tea leaves now is simply not a worthwhile exercise.
Meanwhile, count me among those who still believe. I do. Go Lakers!
Posted by: Rick Friedman | April 06, 2010 at 10:09 AM
On Kobe's shooting problems, "It's the Broken Finger!" I am amazed that he can shoot at all with that situation. Now Andrew is a different sort, out again and taking longer than previously though. Now where have I heard that before. I'm not a Drew hater at all, just frustrated he's the "same old song and dance." I kinda hope that D-Wade or whoever would come to La in a sign and trade. Kinda fill that guard/shooter gap we have. Kobe should NOT play this summer (Olympics in two more years perhaps)! Okay, win one more and REST!
Posted by: D(erek)J(eter) | April 06, 2010 at 10:16 AM
Great game by Butler. For what its worth, I don't hate Duke. Coach K has built a solid, successful program. Why should I hate that? To hate success is to despise the very nature of our society. Winners win, and should win.
But....for this game, I don't think either team loses. Butler honestly looked like a school that would be beat by Cal Poly Pomona (D2 winner). Were there any dunks in that game at all? But they played together, knew their game, and were mere inches from a WIN. Not an upset, a win.
Hopefully the Lakers can take something from the tournament. Duke or Butler weren't preseason favorites, or even season favorites at all. They didn't look like it, they didn't feel like it. But, they made plays when it mattered. The Lakers aren't the favorite in anyone's mind right now (except ours, of course). Its time to play with a little passion, a little pride, and make plays because it matters now....
Posted by: #4 | April 06, 2010 at 10:16 AM
Mamba, you are on fire today....
Posted by: #4 | April 06, 2010 at 10:17 AM
@THE OUTLAW, Thank you big brother. You know, the Lakers know they will catch hell if they disappoint Baby Outlaw! So I'm not worried at all! Lol!
Posted by: mamba24 | April 06, 2010 at 10:19 AM
JUSTANOTHERMAMBAFAN… Hope that your knee is doing well. Mrs. LakerTom just got the results of her MRI on the knee that she injured three weeks ago sledding in the mountains with our two granddaughters. Note that she has been walking around on her injured knee for three weeks and even refused to use a wheel chair, crutches, or cane. Thinking she just had a sprain, she told her doctor that she thought all she needed was some physical therapy. He then told her that she had torn her ACL, MCL, and meniscus and would have to have surgery. Shocked, she then asked if they were going to give her lidocaine. Her doctor laughed and told she’d get general anesthesia. She then asked if she could go back to work the next day. The doctor then told her she would be bedridden for a week, in a cast for six weeks, and then rehabbing for another couple of months.
~
To say the least, Mrs. LakerTom has an incredible tolerance for pain, not unlike Kobe Bryant. This is the lady who twice returned to work three days after having surgery for breast cancer. Daughter of an Irish truck driver who drank like a fish but never was late or missed a day in the 40 years that he worked for the same company, she is in total shock over her knee injury. The operation is set for the end of the month. Hopefully, they will be able to put Mrs. LakerTom back together again so that she can continue to ignore her age. Last week, I was playing basketball with my 8-year old grandson and Mrs. LakerTom actually came out on the court and started playing before I physically grabbed her and dragged her to the bench. Shades of Kobe Bryant. Sad but funny.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
TOM
Posted by: LakerTom | April 06, 2010 at 10:19 AM
MAMBA24, my friend, "Say it ain't so," predicting 4,4,4 and 5? You have amazing faith! I am hoping for whatever, whatever, whatever, and whatever toward our Repeat. I am a Realist or you are a Dreamer, ha, ha. As Jon K says, Lakers today, tomorrow and forever!
Posted by: D(erek)J(eter) | April 06, 2010 at 10:21 AM
I fear the Lakers are going out early this year due to injuries and lack of urgency from coaching and general malaise of the less serious players (everyone except Kobe, Fish). Kobe's and Ron-Ron's lift is gone (Ron) or half(Kobe) what they normally play with. This is eveident when Kobe is shooting free throws recently. No legs = shot is short on free throws and many of his shots. The many broken and dislocated and jammed fingers on this team (6 players and counting) make for additional poor shooting. LO's usual errant dives to the basket for layups slamming off the glass are becoming so regular I almost faint when he actually makes one and does not get an offensive foul called! I am still bewildered at Pau being 7' and rarely dunking! I would never do anything but dunk if I had his height. His weak "finger rolls", as Joel calls them, get mashed regularly or the minor contact takes them just enough off line to miss and mostly get rebounded by the opponents. I always read where the players maintain that good offense motivates them to execute good defense. This is absurd - you can play good defense every play, every night. The shots/offense comes and goes even for MJ, but defense can be maintained every possession of every game. AB is in his usual season ending injury walk. Achilles do not heal easily, as we who have had them know. I suspect he will give very little to the Laker's postseason. The rest of the 'stiffs' seem to have been only motivated to disprove the Celtics dismantling of the Finals in last year's run to the title. They seem to think one season where they got by everyone to win the ring was enough. Kobe does not. Fish does not. But the rest seem to be going through the motions and the refs are becoming more and more deaf to the Lakers whining after every call. Lakers now have to play 8 on 5 a lot of games, but I believe they bring it on themselves many times by not being tough enough and/or just 'let your play do the talking'. Kobe, Pau, Fish, LO, JF all get banged on a lot but the only one who seems to keep his cool most of the time is .....wait.........you'll never believe this..............Ron-Ron!
The switch turning will be in the early off-season when Mitch must get rid of about 6 of this squad. Ever notice how every other teams finds hustle and instant bench help from waivers/feee agency but the Lakers never do!? I do, and think it about time to add a HUNGRY minutes player who will hustle for opportunity and prove he wants to play for a ring!!
Posted by: NuggetsCountry | April 06, 2010 at 10:22 AM
*
I STILL BELIEVE - BANDWAGON
*
(01) RICK FRIEDMAN - OWNER - I'll continue to withhold judgment on this team until the playoffs begin. Trying to read tea leaves now is simply not a worthwhile exercise.
Meanwhile, count me among those who still believe. I do. Go Lakers!
(02) THE OUTLAW - DRIVER - GO LAKE SHOW!
(03) MAMBA24 - RIDING SHOTGUN - yes it is true. I believe in 10 Rings, Mamba, Gasol, The Machine, Luuuuuke. I believe in all of The Lakers
(04)
(05) justanothermamba
Posted by: mamba24 | April 06, 2010 at 10:24 AM
MM.
The signs of his broken finger affecting his stroke don't have to be obvious like wincing in pain.Adjusting his shooting to the splint he has to wear and often tinker with while trying to consistently shoot well is a difficult task. It works really well on some days and just doesn't on others ( exacerbated by Kobe's tendency to not dial back on his frequent dominance of the ball ).Him not worrying about his stroke and trying to shoot his way out of a "cold" night actually hurts the team quite a bit at times.Overall ,though, he has been great and doesn't deserve anything more than a minor share of the blame for the team's issues.Heck if we just count out his game winners, we would find ourselves in a really bad situation
The currently "hot" Manu Ginobili said in an interview this year that he found it really tough himself and couldn't imagine how difficult it must be for Kobe / Bonner ( the latter was wearing something like a glove after coming back from injury )
Posted by: LakersRule(Amit) | April 06, 2010 at 10:25 AM
@ #4 Thank you sir! Care to take a ride on the I still believe Bandwagon? Your seat as always is reserved!
Mamba24
Posted by: mamba24 | April 06, 2010 at 10:27 AM
AND SO IT BEGINS
The time it is a coming, yes it’s growing near, when all of Lakers Nation, Gather around to cheer
Count down the remaining, games of a Season Old, To look in anticipation, for what the Future Holds
Renew our dedication & swear alllegiance too, Our bonds will be so tight, tighter than Super Glue
Strides begin to quicken, the regular season folds, Swear undying Fealty, to the Purple & the Gold
Even the little babies begin to jump & shout, It becomes so plain & clear, No longer is there doubt
The sun is shinning Golden, way up in the sky, It shines upon the Lakers, cause Gods a fan that’s why
Our team is on a mission, 4th Dynasty is here, Our goal to win a title, The way is crystal clear
The road was paved by others, there footprints are still there, We go for Ring 16, Stop us if you dare
Posted by: mamba24 | April 06, 2010 at 10:59 AM
Mark Medina,
You're starting to follow in the footsteps of the Kam Bros...........Lazy journalism!
When all else fails..........just write an article about Kobe
Forget analyzing the ineffectiveness of Luke Walton
To Hell with taking a closer look at the ups and downs of Derek Fisher
Don't mention Phil Jackson's horrible coaching this year and his inability to properly develop young talent.
Who cares about the inconsistancy of Lamar Odom
Mark, hear this and hear this good............KOBE BRYANT IS THE LEAST OF THE LAKER'S CONCERNS..................the shots Kobe has taken the past two games are makeable shots for him and are of no concern...............a better article would be how is Kobe maintaining his greatness and carrying a team to the best record in the NBA despite a broken finger?..............why not research has there EVER been a player to perform at this level with a broken finger?
.................but to write that article may take work not to mention a thought.....................so nevermind
Posted by: pfunk36 | April 06, 2010 at 11:11 AM
Wuttup crue!
Laker Tom - sorry to hear about the Mrs. - that IS funny but sad... I'm sorta like that. I wanted to come back - I tried to come back - but I'm unable to come back. Sad but true. I'm allergic to pain. I still have a lot of it and all they did was scrape out cartilage. Still - I go back on Thursday to see what's up, so I'm praying for the miracle lol! You never know - I could be back in time to start for the Lakers LOL!!!! I'm sure I could do a better job than some of our bench.... HAHAHAHAHA!!
Mamba24 - thank you kind sir for putting me on the I STILL BELIEVE bandwagon. What's with all the chicken littles??? Seriously. If you're gonna call yourself a Laker fan, and you don't believe, you really need to be dragged out back and caned to within an inch of your life, because a TRUE Laker Fan believes in their team. We've seen this before people - act like you've been there.
Posted by: justanothermambafan | April 06, 2010 at 11:27 AM
Can the Lakers win without Drew? Trade to see what we already know.
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/372112-without-andrew-bynum-are-the-lakers-still-favorites-to-win-the-west?utm_source=newsletter
Posted by: JustaLakerFan | April 06, 2010 at 11:30 AM
Mamba24. Please put me on the bandwagon!
It's time to play the game. It's time to come together as a team and as fans. There are too many great players on this Lakers team, i won't give up so easily. Play defense as a team, play offense as a team, come together as a team. DO IT NOW!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-mPt3Zz_xLc
GO LAKERS!!
Posted by: ChicNstu | April 06, 2010 at 11:31 AM
Season games are different from playoff games. What you see during the season on veteran players like Fisher, Kobe and Artest are totally different from what happens during playoffs. For young people are watching NBA games lately, they've tendency to project the season performance as the finale.
Definitely agree that the Lakers are injured this year but two weeks is long enough in NBA to heal wounds and one month of playoffs schedule of play/rest/play-travel/rest against one team is not really as tough as the season games. On the contrary, if the bench do not surface anytime now and our lazy Drew could not get out of his cocoon, then we are back in Smush funk era of going to the playoffs with too many handicaps.
Never underestimate the Lakers if they have Kobe, Artest, Gasol, Odom plus Bynum I hope. These starters could still win it all.
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | April 06, 2010 at 11:38 AM
pfunk36 - i don't see how it's lazy journalism. i dissected every single shot and the article shows there are plenty of shots kobe legitimately took and plenty of shots there was a better option. therefore, it's a mixed bag. in nowhere does it suggest kobe is being a ballhog, just that there have been ups and downs. it's something fans talk about so i figured i'd run through all the plays so i can see all the details.
MM
Posted by: Mark Medina | April 06, 2010 at 11:40 AM
Pfunk,
That's funny on lazy journalism, didn't you notice there was only one thread for the whole day? I wonder how many ticks M/M got with posters alone instead of recycled threads. (j/k only ok.)
Sorry to hear about Mrs. LakerTom injury. I have to blame LakerTom for all these injuries for Mrs. and Drew. He is the lightning rod on injuries. haha!
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | April 06, 2010 at 11:45 AM
*
I STILL BELIEVE - BANDWAGON
*
(01) RICK FRIEDMAN - OWNER - I'll continue to withhold judgment on this team until the playoffs begin. Trying to read tea leaves now is simply not a worthwhile exercise.
Meanwhile, count me among those who still believe. I do. Go Lakers!
(02) THE OUTLAW - DRIVER - GO LAKE SHOW!
(03) MAMBA24 - RIDING SHOTGUN - yes it is true. I believe in 10 Rings, Mamba, Gasol, The Machine, Luuuuuke. I believe in all of The Lakers
(04)
(05) JUSTANOTHERMAMBA - SECURITY - What's with all the chicken littles??? Seriously. If you're gonna call yourself a Laker fan, and you don't believe, you really need to be dragged out back and caned to within an inch of your life, because a TRUE Laker Fan believes in their team. We've seen this before people - act like you've been there.
(06) CHICNSTU - REFEREE - It's time to play the game. It's time to come together as a team and as fans. There are too many great players on this Lakers team, i won't give up so easily. Play defense as a team, play offense as a team, come together as a team. DO IT NOW!
(07) EDWIN GUECO - Never underestimate the Lakers if they have Kobe, Artest, Gasol, Odom plus Bynum I hope. These starters could still win it all.
(08) D(EREK) J(ETER) - I am hoping for whatever, whatever, whatever, and whatever toward our Repeat. I am a Realist or you are a Dreamer, ha, ha. As Jon K says, Lakers today, tomorrow and forever!
Posted by: MAMBA24 | April 06, 2010 at 11:53 AM
Lakers Rule - You're definitely right. The only reason I brought that up is I can't psychoanalyze what Kobe is feeling with his finger unless he shares those feelings. He usually downplays it so while there is no question it's affected his shooting, some of the plays on film don't reveal whether the shot was directly affected by his finger.
MM
Posted by: Mark Medina | April 06, 2010 at 12:29 PM
Edwin - How am I recycling threads?
Posted by: Mark Medina | April 06, 2010 at 12:30 PM
MM:
Very thorough article! No laziness there. I always get a sense watching my NBA League Pass TIVOed games live of what is wrong, but I never break it down possession by possession which is way more difficult than it sounds, for anybody who has not coached and analyzed 'film'. I also hate when the Laker game is the second game after an East coast game (ABC/TNT/ESPN), which means we sometimes miss much of the first quarter. My TIVO doesn't know they switched the Lakers game to ESPN2!!! *%^$&@##*(
Posted by: NuggetsCountry | April 06, 2010 at 12:34 PM
PFUNK - Why so quick to decide that an article such as this is meant to attack Kobe simply because it breaks down some of his shooting woes over the last two games ? While it certainly didn't help, his bad shooting wasn't suggested as the major reason for losses at all.
If nights such as the last two merit an article , it probably is BECAUSE they are something on an anomaly in his fairly consistent and good performance over the season despite his injuries.You shouldn't feel the need to spring to his defense just as soon as you detect something you interpret as "hatred" for Kobe.There have been plenty of articles on the other issues you mentioned and have plagued the team this season.You can find several others about Kobe playing through his injuries and still coming up big for the team on many occasions, some of them on this blog itself.I don't think this was an instance of "lazy journalism".
Your gripes with PJ are well known so I won't argue with you there even though I don't quite agree but you are right about Kobe.
But come on man, were you really expecting Luke to be effective,let alone a factor in deciding the game's outcome, in his first game back after such a long time?? Haven't Fisher's problems and his negative impact on the team been written about and discussed so many times and doing it again would be like beating a dead horse ?? Same goes for Lamar's consistency.
Posted by: LakersRule(Amit) | April 06, 2010 at 01:48 PM
for the team's losses*
something of an anomaly*
Posted by: LakersRule(Amit) | April 06, 2010 at 01:50 PM
kobe need to understand in order for them to win another champion ship, he need to facilitate more than creating impossible shots. be a team player and not a team breaker.
Posted by: apujac | April 06, 2010 at 05:14 PM
madina why won't you post my comments!!!
Posted by: apujac | April 06, 2010 at 05:25 PM