Caught in the Web: Lakers rest up
--The Times' Mike Bresnahan examines the Lakers' struggles in playing small ball against Denver.
--Ball Don't Lie's Dan Devine has a funny photo caption contest featuring Kobe Bryant.
--ESPN Los Angeles' Andy and Brian Kamenetzky talk with ESPN The Magazine's Chris Palmer about all things Lakers.
--Sports Illustrated's Zach Lowe sizes up the Lakers' off-season moves.
--The Daily Breeze's Elliott Teaford also looks at the Lakers' potential problems in facing a small lineup.
--Lakers.com's Mike Trudell asks Lakers guard Steve Blake some entertaining questions in a "Would You Rather" segment.
--Fox Sports' Billy Witz wonders if Denver figured out how to combat the Lakers' size.
--Forum Blue and Gold's Darius Soriano argues the Lakers' loss to Denver doesn't mean much.
--Silver Screen and Roll's DexterFishmore criticizes the Lakers' interior defense.
Tweet of the Day: "I just heard Scotty Brooks yell, "C'mon guys! Move w/o the ball!" I wish he'd been coaching the Lakers last night." -- ESPNLandOLakers (ESPN Los Angeles' Andy Kamenetzky)
Reader Comment of the Day: "How about for Laker owners Hall of Fame? Two names come to light immediately: Jack Kent Cooke and Jerry Buss. How about for the Greatest Fan? Jack Nicholson." -- rridge
Photo: Lakers guard Kobe Bryant, right, is called for goaltending while trying to block a shot from Denver forward Carmelo Anthony during the third quarter of the Lakers' 118-112 loss Thursday. Credit: Rick Giase / EPA
Interesting tidbit from NYT Off the Dribble blog: Apparently the Heat have to do a marketing campaign to encourage fans to show up for games.
I noticed this when briefly watching the Heat-Magic game--lots of empty seats. Same with the Celtics game.
Can't imagine this happening in NY or the Bay Area, much less LA and Boston.
Posted by: Scott | November 13, 2010 at 10:13 AM
No one said 82-0. No one wants 73-9. No ONE can stop 17; for those that try.
DOOM On You.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dvgXZv-9nmI
Posted by: heh8meN1 | November 13, 2010 at 10:30 AM
Kobe has to stop taking 30 shots. On this team there is no reason to take 30 shots unless you are selfish. He ought to be ashamed of himself and i wish someone stands up to his bullying tactics.
Posted by: keen observer | November 13, 2010 at 10:30 AM
Also a quick shout-out to Love and Westbrook for doing UCLA proud last night. The Bruins may not sniff a championship soon, but with those two plus Collison, Ariza, Barnes etc they're being represented well in the NBA.
Posted by: Scott | November 13, 2010 at 10:35 AM
LRob, Justa, Zaira...
Excellent affirmations. Lucky for us we have no editor barking for a certain number of column inches on an angle that isn't really there.
Posted by: Rick Friedman | November 13, 2010 at 10:47 AM
I like our offseason more than any previous we've had. I think our lakers are going to suffer growing pains, just like everyone else.....cept we are 8-1 going through ours. We are missing alot without Bynum, a whole lot with Bynum up to form....my hope is that he exceeds all previous play, which is as possible as anything else.
I think Miami is suffering from the peter principle, the wad was shot during the preseason hype....now they are really a LaGone team. Kink James shoulda done Chicago...Noah might be the best Robin out there for role playing.
I bet Labron wishes he could do a randy moss right now, and exit for another.
Posted by: I hearned that | November 13, 2010 at 11:01 AM
rridge - congrats! Works for me.
Posted by: 63 Footer | November 13, 2010 at 01:02 PM
Keen observer,
"Kobe has to stop taking 30 shots. On this team there is no reason to take 30 shots unless you are selfish. He ought to be ashamed of himself and i wish someone stands up to his bullying tactics."
He actually took 32 shots and missed 21 of them. Kobe only made 11.
21 shots that is also the euivalent total shots put up by three Lakers, Artest 7-11, Barnes 3-7 and Blake 1-3.
Even with the Lakers not playing well in defense, Lakers still could have easily won the game if Kobe was only a bit efficient. Lie what I said in earlier threads when Kobe goes likes this, Gasol and Odom are the first to disappear (disinterested). The timing is also ridiculous, just as GASOL AND ODOM are both playing so well for the first 7 games, Kobe in Toronto, Minnesota and Denver started trying to take over, when he did not need to.
This is Kobe's team, so why stand up to him? Gasol and Odom surely won't. but they are definitely affected by it.
Posted by: Staples 24 | November 13, 2010 at 01:32 PM
rridge - congrats on RCOTD.
Posted by: LRob | November 13, 2010 at 01:41 PM
Besides Kobe being inefficient unnecessarily I do not believe he needs to drible into congestion. Like MJ did he should elevaste for the 15'jump shot before he is triple teemed! Prevent injuries, reduce TOs and avoid injury by doing that. Also catch up with the one area MJ has an advantage over KB i.e. MJ never got himself trapped! SB & Blake combined do not approach the stat line of Rondo for assists, rebounds & steals for same combined minutes. They have the combined talents to attack the rim just like Rondo. SB can block shots, rebound,stop foolish passes & quick 3 pt. shots. Beyond allowing the Nuggets to penetrate into the lane early & often,Lakers did not rotate, help out, block shots & avoid poor passes. SB, LO & Blake can attack the basket more often without charging!
Posted by: ross | November 13, 2010 at 03:17 PM
He has taken 60 shots in the last two games. We can't win with this kind of mentality.
Posted by: keen observer | November 13, 2010 at 03:22 PM
I just wanted to give my opinion on the biggest bust in SoCal sports.With all the hype before he came I think the biggest bust was Dave Dameshek!!
Posted by: george sands | November 14, 2010 at 08:19 AM
I don't know if it went through the first time but I just wanted to give my opinion of the biggest bust in SoCal sports.Given the hype before he came I think the biggest bust was Dave Dameshek!!
Posted by: george sands | November 14, 2010 at 08:23 AM