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Five things to take away from Lakers' 109-99 loss to Houston Rockets

1. The Lakers should feel embarrassed for losing 109-99 on Wednesday to the Houston Rockets

There are so many reasons and just so no stone is left unturned, I'll list them all: The Lakers (13-6) lost their fourth consecutive game for the first time since the team acquired Pau Gasol in February 2008, the last time was in April 2007. They had trouble putting a game away against the undermanned Rockets (6-12), who have been without their premier players in Yao Ming (bruised left ankle) and Aaron Brooks (sprained left ankle). And the same issues involving the Lakers' offensive chemistry, poor defense and complacency have remained mostly the same for an entire week.

While it's healthy to point out this is the first month of the season, there's a reason why Phil Jackson's previous teams have only lost four or more consecutive games 11 times in eight different seasons, none of which were part of his 11 championship runs, six with the Chicago Bulls and five with the Lakers. The Lakers' 8-0 mark to start the season wasn't necessarily misleading as the team had showed good habits. But it seems like it gave them false comfort into thinking those outcomes would simply become automatic.

The Lakers shouldn't be happy about their recent struggles one bit, but they should use this as a teachable moment. But it's up to them on how they handle this adversity.

2. The Lakers folded in the final moments

The Lakers could've secured either of these four losses had they executed late in the game. It may have only masked all the fundamental offensive and defensive lapses they've showcased, but at least the Lakers would be able to work on improvements while piling up the wins. Instead, the Lakers set themselves up to have to grind out a win, but they failed miserably. Pau Gasol and Lamar Odom were scoreless in the fourth quarter. The Lakers went scoreless in the final 2:15 because it featured all of their shots coming from long distance, including three from Kobe Bryant, and others from Odom, Derek Fisher and Matt Barnes.

Meanwhile, the Rockets went on a 15-2 run and stole a game they had no business winning. On one play, Houston forward Luis Scola kicked the ball out of a double team to Kyle Lowry. Because Bryant was consumed with manning the free-safety position to deny Lowry penertration inside, Rockets forward Shane Battier remained open on the near-side corner. That resulted in Battier converting on an uncontested three-pointer, tying the score at 97-97 with 2:52 remaining in the game. The Rockets nearly duplicated the same sequence on the next possession. After grabbing the rebound off Bryant's missed jumper, Lowry pushed the ball up the floor and the Lakers had no speed to match him. With Lowry about to drive past Derek Fisher toward the rack, Barnes remained just outside the paint along the baseline in case he needed to help defend the driving Lowry. But that left Battier open again for another corner three-pointer, this one giving Houston a 100-97 lead with 2:27 left. Battier secured the win on the next possession, when he forced Bryant to fall and lose his balance before sinking a jumper for a 102-99 lead with 1:54 remaining. And then there was Fisher's foul on Battier that ballooned the Houston lead to six points.

On paper, it would seem the Lakers would easily have time to close the gap, but the team's faulty execution prevented that from happening.

3. The Lakers' defense is a deeply rooted problem that must be fixed soon

The coaching staff became so frustrated with the Lakers' poor defense that KCAL's John Ireland reported the tone in the locker room at halftime sounded the most contentious he's heard all season. Surely, the coaching staff' felt frustrated that the Lakers held a 56-53 halftime lead and wondered whether the team would finally halt its losing streak. But the most significant source that fueled the frustration, Ireland reported, entailed the Lakers' effort on defense.

But it apparently didn't register. The Lakers allowed the Rockets to cash in on 17 fast-break points, allowed five players to score in double figures in Kevin Martin (22 points on six of 17 shooting and 10 of 10 mark from the free-throw line), Battier (17 points on five of 17 shooting), Scola (14 points on six of 11 shooting) and reserves Chase Budinger and Courtney Lee (10 points each).

I've noted before that the problems on defense partly points to effort and the team's overall attitude that their high-octane offense can offset the opposition's sharp shooting. That still remained prevalent against Houston, and it's an attitude the Lakers need to change fast. But here's the other scary thing: lots of the defensive miscues pointed to lapses on rotation where players either didn't communicate or remained confused where they should go. That's simply unacceptable that would remain an issue 19 games into the season.

4. The Lakers offensive production only came in spurts

It's comforting to see that Odom elevated his game (more on that later). It's also comforting that the bench reserves in Matt Barnes, Shannon Brown and Steve Blake combined for 28 points. But those efforts simply showcased snapshots of individual brilliance. The reality shows that the Lakers' offense hinges on Bryant's and Gasol's success. What they displayed wasn't pretty. Bryant's 27 points on 10-of-24 shooting and seven-of-seven mark from the free-throw line showcased for better and worse of his typical scoring mentality. His ability to make difficult shots left fans once again amazed, but his tendency to keep firing away even when they missed likely frustrated even the most ardent Bryant supporters. Gasol's eight points on two-of-eight shooting revealed continual fatigue is taxing him, the Lakers' failure to get the ball inside to him, the Rockets' aggressiveness on him and his hamstrings are acting up.

The Lakers maintained a well-oiled offense at the beginning of the season because it featured strong ball movement and promoted any player to have a quality showing. But with the Lakers' lackluster hustle and execution, they're showing neither.

5. Odom's increased presence could prove critical in helping Gasol have rest

In possibly the only sliver of good news to come out of this game, Odom's season-high 25 points on 11-of-16 shooting and 11 rebounds showed he responded to the call in relieving Gasol's burden. The strategy seems to be the equivalent of robbing Peter to pay Paul, considering both Gasol and Odom have led the team in minutes this season, while Andrew Bynum has undergone rehab to repair his surgically repaired right knee. But it seems to be the only practical short-term solution until Bynum expectedly returns at some point during the team's long trip in mid-December.

While commanding the offense with balanced pull-up jumpers, sharp cuts to the basket and even an impressive baseline drive after Bryant's behind-the-back pass, Odom showed he's capable of even increasing his presence. The result: Odom logged 45 minutes, while Gasol dropped to 39. The fatigue has gotten so bad for Gasol that he left the game in the third quarter because of concerns surrounding his hamstrings. If Odom can establish this type of role for the next few games, it very well may prove enough to help re-energize Gasol.

--Mark Medina

Twitter.com/latmedina

E-mail the Lakers blog at mgmedin@gmail.com

Photos: (Top) Lakers guard Kobe Bryant has the ball knocked from his grasp by Rockets forward Shane Battier in the second half Wednesday night. (Middle) Rockets forward Chase Budinger drives past Lakers forward Matt Barnes in the second half Wednesday night. (Bottom) Lakers forward Lamar Odom scores against Houston's Shane Battier in the first half Wednesday night. Credits: Pat Sullivan / Associated Press

Twitter: @latmedina

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waiting inmpatiently for the 5 things the Lakers take from the 109-99 loss to the Rockets.

IS THERE ANYTHING TO TAKE?????????????

5????????????

way too many!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Posted by: ouchhhhhhhhhhhhhhh | December 01, 2010 at 10:42 PM

Posted by: ouchhhhhhhhhhhhhhh | December 01, 2010 at 10:43 PM

Fisher and Artest should retire. Both STINK !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Posted by: S Perkins | December 01, 2010 at 10:55 PM

Fish hitting a lot of clutch shots again this year. He has hit 9 clutch shots of his last 36 attempts. And one hige 3 pointer of his last 9 attempts. Glad they signed this always clutch performer !!!!!!!!!!!

Posted by: S Perkins | December 01, 2010 at 11:04 PM

POST GAME POST MORTEM !!!
………………………………….

What’s ironic is that one of the main reasons why the Lakers are enduring their first 4-game losing streak since acquiring Pau Gasol has been the overall uninspired, tepid, and soft play of Pau Gasol. You almost do have to ask yourself what is wrong. Pau is actually only playing 2 minutes per game more than last year and we are only one fifth of the way into the regular season. Yet, even after taking off the summer from playing to be fresher this year, Pau looks and is playing like he’s completely beat.
…

That’s not to say that Pau’s poor play is the only reason we are losing. Obviously, the inflated shooting from beyond the arc is starting to come back to earth. But other than a couple of good stretches by the bench led by Matt Barnes, the Lakers offense once again generally stagnated into a series of isolations. And even though many of the plays tonight were for Lamar or Pau or even Ron, we ended up playing o1-on-1 with the other four guys standing around. The great ball and player movement we loved early in the season seem to have disappeared along with our winning ways. And we’re not finishing.
…

My biggest gripe tonight, however, were the stupid plays – the fouling of 3-point shooters, the repeat of the end of the game breakdown, and the complete lack of effort at protecting the rim. While Drew will solve some of the problems, the critics who say we need more are right. Bottom line, we all know that there is still a very long way to go and this team has too much talent, character, and experience not to right the ship and be right there in the hunt for their 3rd consecutive NBA championship.

The 76-6 Championship Bandwagon is still rolling strong even though the road and ride are a little bumpy and crunchy as the wheels roll over the rats, trolls, and fairweather fans who’ve jumped ship.
……………………………..

TOM

Posted by: LakerTom | December 01, 2010 at 11:06 PM

Five things to take away from Lakers' 109-99 loss to Houston Rockets

in the past year, the Silver Screen and Roll Blog, that Mark Medina mentions everyday as a LINK/reference to GOOD articles came up mwith 2 abreviations

PUJIT - pull up jumper in transition

this abr. was refereing to Derek Fisher making a bad shot in the first few seconds of the shot clock and not making a play. DID I MENTION. HE WAS MISSING.

the second abreviation was WAKI.

that refered to UPS's last season plays when he tried UN_SUCCESSFULLY to mimic Kobe "BEAN" Bryant - worst all around kobe impersonation.

well, lets add PUJIT and WAKI together:

we get 5 Things to take away (follow me????????????????????)

1. first or second quarter - Fishy tries a turn-around jumper - missedx - WAKI

2. Fishy tries to penetrate, blocked - no call - didn't he learn by now that no refreee will give him a call??????????????? he can't finish while penetrating - yes, yes, i know u will point out the Game 3 of the 2010 Finals but those shots were LUCKYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY - they went INNNNNNNNNN

3. now that was a real WAKIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII - Fish trying to sell a 3 point shot, getting out of balance - this type of play makes me call Fishy - ANTI-BASKETBALL - please look at the re-play and see the contortionist shape of Fishy's body

THAT WAS THE WORST SHAPE/SHOT I EVER SEEN IN MY LIFE (yes i know some of you watched the NBA starting in the mediaeval ages)

4. Fish banging SCOLA again, called for the foul and looking at the ref - i'm EL PRESIDENTE, how cn U cal, that against a scrub from Argentina, a country that is bankrupt?????????

5. Fish ytrying to create a buzzer beater with seconds on the shot clock and being nailed by the defender. DID U have a flash back of the BOSTON game when Kobe did not play last season and Fish had to CREATE the last shot of the GAME??????????????

if U did not have THAT, u r not watching BB!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

and as a bonus, obviously FISHYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY tried to take a CHARGE AND IT WAS CALLED A BLOCKKKKKKKKKK

2-9???????????????????????

1 ASSIST??????????????????

and a missed FTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTT

and yes,

as bonus

the rockets did not have YAOOOOOOOOOO

they did not have BROOKKKKKKKKKKKKKssssssssssssssssss

but any SCRUBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBB

will do it

they r small, they r quick they can BEAT FISHYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY

Posted by: ouchhhhhhhhhhhhhhh | December 01, 2010 at 11:10 PM

forgot, an extra bonus if YOU POST in the next 30 m minutes

Fishyyyyyyyyyyyyyy fouled a 3 point SHOOTERRRRRRRRRRRRRR

now that is veteran play

and how KobeMVP888 will say,

i will defer to EL PRESIDENTEEEEEEEEEEE

Posted by: ouchhhhhhhhhhhhhhh | December 01, 2010 at 11:16 PM

sorry to the STELLAR defense of EL PRESIDENTEEEEEEEEEE

Posted by: ouchhhhhhhhhhhhhhh | December 01, 2010 at 11:17 PM

How does dfish defense go completely unnoticed by MM???? Instead he decides to focus much of the blame on kobe yet again.. Wake up and smell the coffee MM!!
Posted by: yellofever | December 01, 2010 at 11:35 AM

Posted by: ouchhhhhhhhhhhhhhh | December 01, 2010 at 11:18 PM

Now that we are listening about him possibly having hamstring issues I think it's downright irresponsible what Buss and the rest of the Lakers ownership is doing with Gasol. He's an old 30 year old player who has played every year in international competitions along the long and grinding NBA season. He's also a 7 footer, who might not be as durable and resistant as a smaller guard (see Oden, Bynum, Yao, Perkins, Prizbilla, Duncan). It's remarkable how reliable Gasol has been all these years with the lakers playing so much and at such a high level. BUT THIS IS GETTING RIDICULOUS, if they messed it up with lazy, immature Bynum and not putting him in his place and hold him accountable, and that bad contract for a player that has no business playing in the NBA anymore in Rattliff, then at least don't make this situation much worst by risking your MOST IMPORTANT PLAYER'S health.

Not only the Bynum thing, but that Ratliff hiring was just downright horrible, the guy looks like he needs a wheelchair, it was absurd to think that he was going to replace injury prone Bynum sufficiently not to run Gasol into the ground

Posted by: David | December 01, 2010 at 11:18 PM

Wake up and smell the coffee MM!!
Posted by: yellofever | December 01, 2010 at 11:35 AM

Posted by: ouchhhhhhhhhhhhhhh | December 01, 2010 at 11:19 PM

Laker Tom,
-
You are awesome.
-
What do we play for? RINGS!!!
-
Lakers Today... Lakers Tomorrow... Lakers Forever.
-
GO LAKERS!!!

Posted by: Jon K. | December 01, 2010 at 11:21 PM

I'm not worried. Just pissed off.
-
What do we play for? RINGS!!!
-
Lakers Today... Lakers Tomorrrow... Lakers Forever.
-
GO LAKERS!!!

Posted by: Jon K. | December 01, 2010 at 11:26 PM

I didn't ignore Derek Fisher's defense. But I connected it to a larger picture in that it is a team collective problem

Posted by: Mark Medina | December 01, 2010 at 11:26 PM

Now that we are listening about him possibly having hamstring issues …
Posted by: David | December 01, 2010 at 11:18 PM

[please stop buying the EXCUSESSSSSSSSSS

last year after 2 different ham - string issues, he started to scream about TOUCHES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

remembe, Memphis, 2009?????????????????

Posted by: ouchhhhhhhhhhhhhhh | December 01, 2010 at 11:28 PM

Mark Medina

waht did u say yesterday on the Live Chat against the Grizzzz?

"Fisher having a quiet 4-5 for 8 points"

what did i respond

Conley having a quiet 18 points (at that moment)!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

---------------------

what did yellow asked u TODAYYYYYYYYY????????????

---------------------

------------------------------------

enoughhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh

did u respond?

who ate Fish for dinner, with extra fries??????????????????????????????

Posted by: ouchhhhhhhhhhhhhhh | December 01, 2010 at 11:41 PM

Everything would be fine if they just gave me the rock.

I'm a peacock you've gotta let me fly Phil!!!

-L. Walton

Posted by: Luuuuuuuke | December 02, 2010 at 12:00 AM

ouchhhhhhhhhhhhhhh, you are an F'in MORONnnnnnnnnnn.

Posted by: LakersSuck | December 02, 2010 at 12:23 AM

Lol. 4 losses in a row and Mike T is back to trolling. He'll probably be asking to trade Pau for Kwame brown any day now.

Okay, so I'll throw in a troll just for fun.

People keep saying how much better this year's bench squad is than last year's squad. Mostly the same Laker squad, but without Blake and Barnes, and with Farmar and with Luke and Sasha playing more minutes NEVER lost 4 consecutive games in the last two seasons. And that's with Pau out sometimes, Kobe out sometimes, Bynum out a lot. NEVER four losses in a row.

So what was Farmar doing tonight while Fish was shooting 2 for 9, Blake was hitting 1 for 3 with 4 turnovers, and the Lakers were letting a Houston team without it's two biggest stars shoot 50%?

Devin Harris was injured, so Farmar started, had 28 points, hitting 57% of his shots and 50% of his 3-pointers, along with 9 assists and two steals. Oklahoma City did win, but they had to go to DOUBLE OVERTIME to do it. Oklahoma City is a MUCH more talented team than Jersey. And New Jersey held Oklahoma City, including Russell Westbrook, one of the best point guards in the league to 42% shooting (43% for Westbrook).

And what were Luke and Sasha (who contributed to the last two years benches to some extent) doing? Languishing on the bench. And DJ MBenga is gone.

They're still gelling as a team, same as Miami. And by June, this Lakers squad might be firing on all cylinders.

But in their current state, the Lakers defense isn't nearly as good as last year's squad or the year before's.

Posted by: LongTimeLakerFan | December 02, 2010 at 12:24 AM

Well, you can’t say I didn’t warn you...ad nauseam...for months.
Andrew isn’t coming back, or if he does, it won’t be for long.
The boys are 10, 12, 12, 15 and 15 years in the league. That’s old.
How old you ask?
Old. But they had a good run.

(Even the few viable members on your bench are old).

At this point, any team with better than average athleticism, skill,
and youth needs only play decent defense, but more importantly,
intelligently push the ball hard for 48 minutes, and they’ll be in the game
against the former champs (woops...jumped the gun just a bit).

If this happens (and it will), the Hollywood Troupe (AKA Hollywood Lakers)
will continue to fester and deteriorate like a rabbit in a Roman Polanski flick.
Almost Repulsive, isn’t it.
(Thought I’d use a Hollywood metaphor so you could all relate).

If the Sacramento Kings of Basketball so much as give you a game,
you are in even more trouble than you think, because right now, they suck.

Oh, almost forgot. Go Kings!!!

By the way, do you guys have parades for Division Championships?

Woops!

Better not count our Kobes before they are hatched on that one either.
Just remember, it’s all about the love.

Go Niners! (Gotta win out, and need help)
Go Ducks! (Best team by far in the Pac 10, or is it the Pack 30 now)
Go Manny, go! (Show some nads little boy Mayweather)

Sonnybelfast

Posted by: Sonny Belfast | December 02, 2010 at 12:29 AM

But in their current state, the Lakers defense isn't nearly as good as last year's squad or the year before's.

Posted by: LongTimeLakerFan | December 02, 2010 at 12:24 AM

i'm sure Farmy made the last year defense much better.

funny that u r mentioning Mike T being back as a troll and u r not looking into the mirroe to come back and praise farmy and luke.

YES, if one plays 58 minutes i'm sure that they can have Farmy's number

did WESTBROOK win the game??????????

YES!!!!!!!!

did U watch?????????

I DID!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

or U just like box score!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

too BAD, the NYETS waisted Farmy's best performance in the NBA Historyyyyyyy

go back to your stats!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

NYETSSSSSSSSSSSSS

maybe you should mention that little guy fro Rockets who burned Fishyyyyyyy all the time. both the starter and the replacement. and Brooks was on the BENCHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH

please!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Posted by: ouchhhhhhhhhhhhhhh | December 02, 2010 at 12:32 AM

The Lakers game is so predicted and anticipated by opposing teams. Phil is applying the same personnel, the same rotation, the same substitution pattern. They know how dictate the tempo for the 1st unit, it's slow break and for offense they attack the paint through pick and roll, off the dribble penetration by the point guards. They know the lakers big men will not a put a challenge, they know our point guard is slow to react on pick and roll and off the dribble penetration. When the 3B's come in they know these guys will speed up the game. Shannon is being challenge when he shoots, he is a marked guy and it's good we have Barnes that can cut to the middle for a pass, hustles for rebound and put back, they know Kobe will take charge in the last minutes of the game, they know Fish will come in and finish the game and they will attack his defense. It's time for the coaching staff to use some personnel and add them to the mix w/o hampering the 3Bs game, they could put Luke instead of Odom with Pau to help Blake creating plays. Sasha should take some minutes from Fish even for 6-8 minutes to play defense and who knows he can get back his shooting prowess, try to mix him with the 1st unit and let Blake finish the game instead of Fish and allow him to run the offense in the end game and let Kobe post himself or let Artest and Odom give Kobe some screens in order for him to have better look at the rim and Blake can play pick and roll with Pau....it seems the lakers have 1 option in offense during the last minutes and the players are just watching Kobe to play his thing, they need to help, not all times he can bail them out....Go Lakers!!!!!3 peat and beyond...

Posted by: appolo c. vermont | December 02, 2010 at 01:00 AM

But in their current state, the Lakers defense isn't nearly as good as last year's squad or the year before's.

Posted by: LongTimeLakerFan | December 02, 2010 at 12:24 AM

LTLT

u r a total hypocrite

u r praising Farmy to make your point and u r saying "And New Jersey held Oklahoma City, including Russell Westbrook, one of the best point guards in the league to 42% shooting (43% for Westbrook)."

did u EVER mentinod RW's STATS?????????

or u r not very good at STATS. except when FITS YOUR VOICE????????????

47:41 MINUTES, 38 POINTS, 15 REBS AND 9 ASSISTS????????????

and DURANT did not play

did u mentioned THAT?????????????

DO U THINK THAT MAYBE PLAYING 48 minutes in a 3 x OT will have the FG percentage go down???????

so RW has almost a 3x2 and OKC wins the game

and u mention Farmy?

to make your point about the Lakers bench????????? Luke and Farmy? really?????????

did u defended kobe just today, regardless of his FG percentage?

do u know that with Durant missing in the last 4 out of 5 RW won the games for them???????

or that he has a better season than DURANT

and he is the best product of UCLA in the NBA??????????????????

TRY AGAINNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN

Posted by: ouchhhhhhhhhhhhhhh | December 02, 2010 at 01:00 AM

ohhhhhhhhhhhhhhh Sonny Belfast

u r the easiest -TARGET

and u r trying Polanski???????????

whowww

thanks for giving me a field day!!!!!!!!

"REPULSION"????????? indeed, the TERMINATOR, Kevin Johnson and Sacto r a Repulsion.

i'm sure you still feel that. how can we forget the Queensssssssssss?

but let me start out with the

"The Fat and the Lean": translation 4 YOU - Lakers have 16???????? and the Queens have 0, zero, zilch

or the "God of Carnage", that's what Kobe inflicted on the Queens over and over again!

"Oliver Twist" - what U think that Stern and NBA plotted against SacTOOOOOO

"the Pianist"? - the Lakers r still Marching ON (like March when the Queens r looking for the draft pick that will NEVER win)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pMAtL7n_-rc&feature=related played

during the Lakers Parade in JUNE. i don't think June exists in the Queens calendar

"The Ninth Gate" ? - yes, the queens were 3-1 at start but now r 1-999999999999

"Bitter Moon" - bitter like in the Maloofs (spl. ) brothers

"Frantic" - that's your selfportrait

"Pirates" it's how Lakers steal games from the Queens

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j6nBQQ5LC88

"What?" - is that What U asked 4????????????

"Knife in the Water"??????? - i know Sacto is in the Desert????? also Casspi is from the Desert. but that shot in the above clip was blooded!!!!!!!!!

actually this fits U better

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UeTy30qnfP0&NR=1

Polanski is not one of my favorite directors. but i LIKE on of his shorts. actually is the one he graduated from the Polish Film Institute

i'm not sure how is called in English

Two man and a Screen

or two man and coffin

that last image of the movie is 2 men carrying a screen out of the sea.

they look like DeMarcus Cousins and Tyreke Evans, carrying westphal in a coffin

but enhanced in HD

they r carrying Sonny Belfast's coffin!!!!!!!!!!!!!

don't forget to walk the dog!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Posted by: ouchhhhhhhhhhhhhhh | December 02, 2010 at 01:58 AM

POLANSKI

because u r a KOBE hater, Sonny Belfast

and i REALLY, REALLY feel BADDDDDDDDD to use this, but U deserve it

indeed, Kobe is a rapist: ONLY when it is about the Queensssssssssss (and some other teams)

he rapes their hearts OUTTTTTTTTTTTTT
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j6nBQQ5LC88

look at Westphal's face at 0:20!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Posted by: ouchhhhhhhhhhhhhhh | December 02, 2010 at 02:26 AM

It is UNFORGIVABLE

for Kupcake to have signed a GEEZER in Ratcliff to backup the injury prone Bynum!

UNFORGIVABLE!

UNCONSCIONABLE!

GROSSLY NEGLIGENT!

DERELICTION OF DUTY!

For all the good that Kupcake has done in the last 3 years, this act of gross negligence almost erases much of it!

If Jackson will not play Sasha, then for Chrissakes, trade his ass and his expiring contract, and get a young big body in here to backup Gasol!

THIS IS BUSH LEAGUE!

Frankly, I love Sasha, but that fiend won't play him -- in fact, his coaching style, playing only 8 players, is why so many of the Lakers seem gassed and tired at the end of the game, SPECIALLY IN BACK TO BACK FREAKING GAMES!

Why doesn't this fiend play Ebanks a few minutes, Sasha a few minutes (to give Kobe a little more rest -- whenever Kobe's shots are short, it means he's tired and has no legs), even that patsy boy Walton -- PLAY THESE FREAKING GUYS MORE, YOU FIEND!!!!! They're on the team too!!! This was a 5-12 Rockets team, if you don't play Ebanks and Walton against the Rockets, when will you play them, against the freaking Celtics???

This was a back-to-back game for Chrissake --, you could tell that the usual cast of characters were dead tired and gassed by the fourth quarter (which is why they imploded in the last 3 minutes), why couldn't the zen fiend go deeper into his bench in the first three quarters and save his starter's energy for the fourth quarter???

THIS IS BUSH LEAGUE!!!

Posted by: Ludgwig | December 02, 2010 at 02:44 AM

Last night's game was on Kobe. He missed shots at key moments in the game and committed fouls that led to the Rockets catching up or going ahead. The laker's game is not predicated on getting easy baskets and so if they can't make their low percentage fade away jump shots or three pointers they lose in close games. Their post play doesn't generate fouls to get other key players in foul trouble. The also are not grabbing offensive rebounds. Unless they change these habits they will not repeat. Spoken by a longtime laker fan and observer

Posted by: p-mac | December 02, 2010 at 02:53 AM

Oh Ouchhhhhhhh!

Don't feel bad, because I wasn't talking about the Kings.
They do indeed need to find themselves. Sactown is pathetic right now.
Maybe a move will be good for them.
I'm a Kings fan, whether they remain in Sac or not,
although I think they probably will.

But this is a Laker Blog, Oooweee.

I was talking about the Hollywood Troupe; your boys; the old ones.

The rest of the league has got ya figured out.

You know that, don't ya?

All they have to do is play decent ball, and make you work a full 48 minutes.

You've begun to see what happens when that happens.

And guess what? It's only going to get worse.

There are truly a lot of nice people on this board.
My best advice as the rabbit spoils is to be about the love.
It's all about the love.

Especially you, Owee.

Go Kings!

Sonnybelfast

Posted by: Sonny Belfast | December 02, 2010 at 02:54 AM

Sonny Belfast | December 02, 2010 at 02:54 AM

if it is a lakers Blog

none of your business

go shine some cow bells!!!!!!!!!

and don't forget to walk the DOG. u pathetic Kobe hater!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

and dream in anticipation about Friday's game. i'm sure after that we won't see u for like 4 weeks ( i do not have the schedule in front of me)

actually before January 28th

and don't forget to eat your potatoes. or is it patetoes????????????

Posted by: ouchhhhhhhhhhhhhhh | December 02, 2010 at 03:11 AM

So you've already got the parade planned huh?

Owee!

It's gonna be fun watching karma make its round this season.

Young fans attention:

To those who truly appreciate the game,
and a fair and balanced playing field, Watch and Listen Closely.

If you are a Laker fan,
then this is a peek at how your franchise wins some of its championships,
and here's a peek at some of your fellow fans.

You see, almost everyone doesn't hate you because they ain't you...

They hate you because you are you.

If that's who you want to be...

Watch and enjoy.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wVfZ-CU-

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MpPCKn9ZX3w&feature=related

If the Kings can even put up a battle...you are finished for the season.

Go Kings!

Sonnybelfast

Posted by: Sonny Belfast | December 02, 2010 at 03:14 AM

Young fans:

The first link above was my foul up.
Try this one out.
You may not be aware of exactly what did happen.
It's significant not only for the Kings, but even more so for all
fair minded NBA fans.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wVfZ-CU-bx0&feature=related

Sonnybelfast

Posted by: Sonnybelfast | December 02, 2010 at 03:29 AM

Sonny Belfast

the Sacto Mayor is a choker, the Scato coach is a choker and while u r at it

call up Barkley who is a choker. r u proud???????

now that's a TRIANGLE!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Posted by: ouchhhhhhhhhhhhhhh | December 02, 2010 at 03:33 AM

Sonny Belfast-
If the Lakers continue to play how they have been playing in their current 4-game losing streak, then yes your Queens do have a chance to lose by a point on Friday.

Posted by: Joe_Corad | December 02, 2010 at 03:33 AM

LOL. lokking forward to Casspi's face!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Posted by: ouchhhhhhhhhhhhhhh | December 02, 2010 at 03:41 AM

It's time for some changes,not saying a trade but at least the rotation.Without looking at the box score I can bet the usual suspects are involved(Artest and Fisher). Do these starters even average 20 10 and 5 combined???They are starters for pete's sake. Yes Kobe shot 10-20someting but that in it self is not a reason to lose.wade, bronze, melo all shoot that at times but there teams find ways to win.Pau not scoring in double digits cannot be overlooked mainly cause this was such a small team. Odom's big game was wasted.Anyone saying this wouldn't happen if we had Bynum is crazy.This is the reg season this team as is should be blowing teams apart.Guys just need to play to their potential.Fish should be coming off the bench and dusted off for the playoffs.Ron should be playing better this is his second year("we only need him for defense")that's bull.(See Bruce Bowen0 he was known for his d but still deadly from the three.......Ratliff,Luke,sasha oh yeah and BYnum wasted money9give me some free money will ya??? From that b.Grant trade.mckie,radman snowboarding,luke,sasha,ratliff,and Bynum(too much/always injured)Lakers are looking more and more like the most charitable team in the league. oh yeah and phil 2 earn your pays guys WTF????????????

Posted by: VI Lakerfan | December 02, 2010 at 03:43 AM

BTW... B4 someone nitpicks my post to death,the comment about wade and bronze having off nights and the teams pull thru was a rough example. It doesn't really refer to the present team as constructed,as we all know they aren't winning to much these days either..lol

Posted by: VI Lakerfan | December 02, 2010 at 03:47 AM

ouch. . .-
I feel for ya.
you have been battling trolls/fair weather fans/ & Haters.

Posted by: Joe_Corad | December 02, 2010 at 03:55 AM

Should us the Laker fans take the same approach that the Lakers are taking now? To play hard and show up for the playoffs?
Maybe we all should start watching Laker games when they are in the playoffs.
They don't care about the regular season, why should we?

Posted by: Joe_Corad | December 02, 2010 at 04:05 AM

I still think Sasha Vujacic has a lot to offer, why have the lakers thrown him out like a open can of tuna that was stuck behind a radiator ?

Posted by: London Laker | December 02, 2010 at 04:06 AM

I posted earlier about PJ,his record does speak for itself(but is it him or the players,or both)??. Anyhow back to the lakers waste of money and what not> i think I got it figured out. Phil and Kupchaks(sp) obsession with luke and kwame in the paast etc. Phil and Mitch were players not great,but players non the less they both won as players to. I guess what they see in luke is a little bit of themselves.As players they did there roles,and could sit back and watch the game more,(that's why like looks so great with a clipboard he can see the future.lol) you cant' deny their success though. a great players does not make a great coach,or gm or so it seems.(see Magic, Jordan, Bird,) Jerry being maybe the only exception. Those guys just maybe didn't have the patience and/or felt they could do better. BTW that whole kwame brown thing with pjil asking Jordan must have been some sick joke by jordan.we all know how that turned out btw...

Seriously though you gotta be great at something dunno if it can be both(playing then coaching or is it the other way around??) Well right now looking at the lakeshow and the heat they seem to need some great something, they got the players so is it the coaching?? i can picture magic or Jordan coaching these teams now, they would coem to work each day dressed like clark kent. Wearing there armani's on top and there jerseys underneath, waiting for there chance to save the day..Damn my Lakeshow,damn the cheat where's a good phone booth when you need one.......

Posted by: VI Lakerfan | December 02, 2010 at 04:17 AM

The first shoe to drop from disrespecting the game was Bynum not being
ready for the season.

The second shoe to drop from disrespecting the game is that Pau has
injured his hamstring again.

How is #2 an affect of disrespecting the game?

Resting vs. working out.

Let's look at this from a different p.o.v. When is the last time you saw d-fish
have a pulled hamstring? Why has he logged so many games over so many
years and continued to play?

2 reasons:

Genetics.
Work ethic.

clarification?

D-Fish may not have played basketball this summer, but you know he was
hitting the weights like a fiend. Same for Kobe.

Does anyone want to say that about Pau?

so no rigorous work outs + extended playing time equals injury for slightly
built Pau, who is marvelously skilled. & voila. injury.

which will now mean more playing time for the inconsistent LO ... and aren't
we looking a lot like 2007?

for a refresher, I said, in 2007/2008 that the rotation of Bynum, Gasol, LO
will determine how far the Lakers go regardless of the inconsistent shooting
of the bench. The reason why?

Because the defense hinges upon the play of the 4/5 position. Now, our two
best 5's are either not playing or are injured.

You may argue that we're getting beat from downtown. And people aren't
covering the 3-pt shot because they're shading to the middle to help out,
right?

Posted by: hobbitmage | December 02, 2010 at 04:55 AM

It appears, from what I've read here, the rats think the ship is sinking and are abandoning it quick!

Faker nation in a panic!!!!

Note: a PJ coached team that has lost 4 games in a row has never won the NBA championship! Time to buy a new team. SEASON OVER!!!!!!

Posted by: BB JAZZ | December 02, 2010 at 05:35 AM

Good Morning Laker Fam,

Some days you just have to boost your spirits by singing a song. This would be one of those days....Earth Wind & Fire...seems appropriate...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RFLC8XzO6Yg

Posted by: LRob | December 02, 2010 at 05:57 AM

*_____________________________________________________________________*

ARISE MIGHTY LA LAKERS NATION. SHAKE IT OFF !! SHAKE IT UP !! WE STILL GOT THIS
*_________________________________________________________________________*
http://tinyurl.com/2c3uutk - It’s Time For War * http://tinyurl.com/26p8aet Lets’ Get Dirty
*_________________________________________________________________________*
Good Morning Fabulous JustaAnotherMambaFan(Head of Mamba Clan) & the Fabulous Morning
CRUE!!! : DJ, LROB, LEWSTRS, NewMexicoLL, Fan Of The Mamba, PsychedLakerGirl, LakerLass
Faith, Wes, Rick Friedman, KB Blitz, Ouchhhhhh, DBDH, Caliphilosopher, LakerMike, HobbitMage
KobeMVP888, 63 Footer, 2Phatt, MagicPhil, JohnnyP, JohnnyV, Noah, Complex_Brotha, Phred,
Jolly Rancher, Nemaia Faletogo, Jamie Sweet, CHICNSTU, Wallace, ZairaAmaterasu(Goddess)
PFUNK36, STAPLES24, LakerFanInCowTown, OCIsMambaCounty, Joe Corrad, TroyB, Troy
Edwin Gueco, LakerTom, GinDC, I hearned that, Wilson24, FRMKT, J24(LadyJem24), Fearless
Art-Fl-Laker-Fan, McLyne, CornerJ, Jefe101, Mud, CyberCosmix, Vman, Seely-Iggy, McLyne,
Tom Daniels, LakerTom, Edwin Gueco, The OutLaw & Baby OutLaw, BronxLakerFan, P ang
RAMNEETKB24, Adrian Palomar, Diandra, Noob Tuber, Ricky, D(erek) J(eter), London Laker
*_________________________________________________________________________*
http://tinyurl.com/ylp3qqc _ I Love LA http://tinyurl.com/2c9afer - Here comes Lakers
*_________________________________________________________________________*

Miami. And by June, this Lakers squad might be firing on all cylinders. But in their current
state, the Lakers defense isn't nearly as good as last year's squad or the year before's.
(09) APPOLO C. VERMONT – SECURITY - ..Go Lakers!!!!!3 peat and beyond...
(10) HUGO BOSS - Get the losing streak over with now rather than later.
(11) CYBERCOSMIX - The Lakers gotta snap outta the funk they're in. They look a step
slow and not in sync.
(12) ISLAND PRIEST - This may be a blessing in disguise because I was wary of my fellow Laker
fans who were proclaiming an automatic 3 peat. Maybe now we can concentrate in getting
through the regular season. Phil should not make excuse for Gasol/Odom. They are getting paid
millions of dollars and when duty calls you gats to MAN the %^*( UP!! I personally work 9 hours
a day and spend couple hours in the gym 4 times a week. So playing 40 minutes a game is no big
deal. Gasoft get your ass in that game and perform man.
(13) VMAN"support your team" doesn't mean shrug off the worst losing streak since Pau landed as
a "we got this". This is frustratin' stuff and if ya can't vent here, where can ya vent? isay screeeaaaam.
Let it out or before it boils over! arrrrrrrrrrgh! Miami won, San Antonio won, Boston won, and we're
on 4 Ls and counting??????? NOOOOOOOOOOOOO! yEah it's early, yeah, Andrew will help, but
this sucks, period. If you're not at least bothered, check your pulse, you may be legally dead.
(14) MUD - i hated that game and the team certainly has issues right now, but i'm not ready to
give up on them yet...
(15) LROB - Okay this is the first loss that got my blood boiling a little. Pau must be hurting.
There's no way he can play that lifeless, right? Kobe and Fish fouling 3pt shooters with the game
on the line. Kobe and Fish giving away the nice double digit cushion right before halftime.
Okay I just had to vent a little. Just a hiccup in the road. Carry on!
(16) THE TRIANGULATOR - The Sky is Falling! The Sky is Falling! Hey Chicken Littles, this is
the best thng that could happen to this team. Flat-Footed D & Stonehenge Offense, but still
winning games early in the season, leads to the complacency we're experiencing. You've heard
the football saying "On Any Given Sunday", well with the NBA it's "On Any Given Night, Any
Team Can Win in the NBA!" Now, add to that that every team from 2 to 30 wants a piece of the
NBA Back-to-Back Champs ( Not to Mention the 2nd Winningist NBA Championship Franchise
in History), and even undersized, injury depleted teams are going to bring it against the Lakers.
The media may have the Lakers flying under the radar, but all of these teams have placed a target
on the backs of the Lakers. They are salivating for the tipoff each and every time they play the
Lakers. Flat-footed D & No Continuity on Offense Gives Each of these Sub-500 Teams a Window
of Opportunity that Translates into 4 Straight Losses! Good! Embarrassment Early for this Team
will payoff dividends. Tired or Not, They are Playing Down to the Opposition. Eating A little
Humble Pie is good for the egos that believe they can turn it on and off as needed. If I Were PJ,
I Would Have "Los Losers" sweatshirts made up for the entire team and make it mandatory attire
at each practice for every losing streak of 2 or more games... Go Lakers! Right the Ship!
(17) LAKESHOWINPHX - Here come all of the trolls beating up on L.A.! ha ha you all make me laugh!
no doubt the Lakers are in a funk, but it doesn't mean they're not going ng to right the ship!
(18) LAKERS4REALZ - I love this....mainly because it is early...yes I too scream at the tv hoping that
the lakers play SOME defense. He ll...I could have probably beat them single handedly tonight.
Again, another poor game down the stretch..it frustrates me , mainly because I dont see the grit and heart....point is it is EARLY folks. Dont trade anyone, dont go crazy, it is funny if we had won these
4 games, people would be annointing us the next quadruple peat team.......Anyway, take it in stride
....AS long as we are back in business come JUNE...this will ALL be a long memory. Remember last
year how we lost about 7 out of 10 games towards the END of the season..and people were writing
us off......Yes 4 in a row to lose is bad...especially the way we lose games this year (we basically
HAND it over to the other team, dont play defense.....etc etc) however, we will be standing with
Larry Obrien in the end..mark my words. Take it easy people.

Posted by: mamba24 | December 02, 2010 at 06:00 AM

Good Morning LRob! NIce song, my spirits are raising by the minute! I got to go find something apropriate to continue the theme! Carry on Sir!!!!!!!

Posted by: mamba24 | December 02, 2010 at 06:03 AM

Is the basketball mileage finally catching up with the Lakers?
Three consecutive years they have played through to June. That's a lot of games, a lot of minutes, a lot of intensity, a lot of mental pressure and a lot of basketball mileage.

If the Lakers hadn't gone to the Finals last year Bynum would have had his operation sooner and may have been back by the first week of the season.
Perhaps Pau, having more time off, would have been more motivated and worked out.
Perhaps Kobe would be further along with his knee.
Perhaps mentally they would be hungrier.

Winning takes it's toll. Winning consecutive years takes a bigger toll.
If the Lakers troubles are physical, if they are wearing down due to age and BB mileage, or if it's a case of burnout, well, it happens and they are ripe for a fall.

Barnes and Blake may help to contribute, but they are not going to lead the Lakers to a championship.

All the talk of 70+ wins and a 3-peat, 4-peat, whatever, has gotten ahead of itself.

This is why they play the games. This is why the regular season games are meaningful and important. You can't just coast through with a sense of entitlement and expect to accomplish something great.

It's going to take the same mental tenacity and commitment to excellence this year as years past.

I think the Lakers can do it, I think they may do it, I am not at all sure they will do it.

Let's hope Bynums return infuses them with a new energy and focus. I can see a nice winning streak pop out of nowhere and they go off and running through the rest of the season.

I can also see a season of disappointment and frustration happening.

Let's hope this 4 game losing streak serves as a wake up call.
Still lots of BB to be played.
Slumps happen.
Plenty of time to right the ship. Soon would be a good time to start.

Is it time for a team meeting yet?
With Krispee Kreme Hot N Now donuts.
Mmmm, that's the ticket.

Posted by: Art - FL Lakers Fan | December 02, 2010 at 06:08 AM

OK Freakin LA Lakers and Laker Nation I think this is kind of appropriate for now
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RhXQAAPALPA RELIGHT MY FIRE – Dan Hartman

Posted by: mamba24 | December 02, 2010 at 06:08 AM

Posted by: mamba24 | December 02, 2010 at 06:12 AM

I am NOT worried. I stand tall as a proud Laker fan.

However, I am still thinking start Luke! Give Pau some rest by having LO move over to C during big stretches of the game. They need to split time there.

Cheers - PLG

Posted by: PsychedLakerGirl | December 02, 2010 at 06:13 AM

Posted by: mamba24 | December 02, 2010 at 06:22 AM

That game was basketball diarrhea.

Messy.

Stinky.

Unwanted.

Temporary.

Peace out, trolls!

DBDH!

Posted by: Don't Blame Del Harris! | December 02, 2010 at 06:24 AM

@ART-FL LAKERS FAN & PSYCHEDLAKERGIRL, Yes I have to say it to both of you...OUT FREAKIN STANDING FOLKS!!!!!

Posted by: mamba24 | December 02, 2010 at 06:24 AM

That game was basketball diarrhea. Messy. Stinky.
Unwanted. Temporary. Peace out, trolls! DBDH!
Posted by: Don't Blame Del Harris! | December 02, 2010 at 06:24 AM
*
LMAO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Posted by: mamba24 | December 02, 2010 at 06:26 AM

GOD##@%^^%#@@@!!!! PHIL, KOBE, PAU, FISH, RON RON, UPS, LO, BARNES...ETC. YOU ARE THE 16 TIME NBA BACK TO BACK CHAMPIONS, 4 DYNASTY FREAKIN LA LAKERS!!!! STOP THIS ISH!! STOP IT NOW!!! IT'S TIME FOR WAR!!!!!!!!http://tinyurl.com/2c3uutk

Posted by: mamba24 | December 02, 2010 at 06:30 AM

CORRECTION*** IT'S TIME FOR WAR: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ormRD10ptUQ&feature=related

Posted by: mamba24 | December 02, 2010 at 06:35 AM

Phil wanted another big man and didn't get one.

Pau is lethargic. He feels he is playing too many minutes. I don't think he liked Phil calling him out for not being aggressive enough. Since then he has lost his mojo - except for the perfect game of course. He probably wanted another big man as well. He didn't get one. He needs more sleep or vitamins or something. He had the summer off? It is early in the season... ?

Drew. We need you. They held on pretty well until the Thanksgiving - when they thought you would be back.

I have never seen Kobe act this way. There is no fire. He is smiling and congratulating the guys that beat him. Where is the scowl? Where is the game face? Where is the Black Mamba? The last bunch of games, when it comes down to "winning time", I haven't seen the Lakers that I am use to. I haven't seen the Kobe that I am use to.

DEFENSE

We get beat by small gaurds. This has been going on for several seasons. Fish can't keep up with him, and there is no help. I like the idea of using Sasha with the first team. Let the B's be the B's. Sasha plays D and gives other gaurds fits. Let him play, get his confidence back, and he'll start nailing 3's for us. Gaurds I have never heard of are dropping 30 on us. We need to stop the flow. If in the first five minutes of a game Fish is getting burned by a small gaurd, call a time out and put in Sasha. He is frantic on defense and it takes players off of their game.

DEFENSE

It was nice to see Lamar wake up for a while. He is always the X factor. too bad he didn't score in the fourth.

DEFENSE

The glaring difference between the wins and losses is ball movement - guys creating easy shots for other guys. I think Kobe has to go into Magic mode. He is feeling he has to take on the scoring load with Pau playing like crap, but we always play better when he is the facilitator. Guys feel honored that he passed them the ball and they want to do well. He draws a double team, so there is always an open guy.

DEFENSE

I am a Lakorholic.

Posted by: Lakerholic | December 02, 2010 at 06:40 AM

*___________________________________________________________________*
I’M NOT WORRIED JUST PISSED OFF – BANDWAGON
*___________________________________________________________________*
(01) JON K – OWNER - I'm not worried. Just pissed off.
(02) LAKERTOM – DRIVER1 -we all know that there is still a very long way to go and this team has
too much talent, character, and experience not to right the ship and be right there in the hunt for
their 3rd consecutive NBA championship. The 76-6 Championship Bandwagon is still rolling strong
even though the road and ride are a little bumpy and crunchy as the wheels roll over the rats,
trolls, and fairweather fans who’ve jumped ship..
”
“
(20) PSYCHEDLAKERGIRL – I am NOT worried. I stand tall as a proud Laker fan. However, I am
still thinking start Luke! Give Pau some rest by having LO move over to C during big stretches of
the game. They need to split time there.
(21) LAKERHOLIC - I have never seen Kobe act this way. There is no fire. He is smiling and congratulating the guys that beat him. Where is the scowl? Where is the game face? Where is the Black Mamba? The last bunch of games, when it comes down to "winning time", I haven't seen the Lakers that I am use to. I haven't seen the Kobe that I am use to. Pau is lethargic. He feels he is playing too many minutes. I don't think he liked Phil calling him out for not being aggressive enough. Since then he has lost his mojo - except for the perfect game of course. He probably wanted another big man as well. He didn't get one. He needs more sleep or vitamins or something. He had the summer off? It is early in the season... ? Drew. We need you. They held on pretty well until the Thanksgiving - when they thought you would be back. The glaring difference between the wins and losses is ball movement - guys creating easy shots for other guys. I think Kobe has to go into Magic mode. He is feeling he has to take on the scoring load with Pau playing like crap, but we always play better when he is the facilitator. Guys feel honored that he passed them the ball and they want to do well. He draws a double team, so there is always an open guy. I am a Lakorholic.

Posted by: mamba24 | December 02, 2010 at 06:50 AM

Laker fan-

Please dont let us down and not show up in June!

I dont want to hear that you dont have Farmer!

Posted by: 131-92 | December 02, 2010 at 06:52 AM

The talk about farmy is justified, but it truly is LAST year's issue. It is what I saw coming that has pretty much developed and now that the choice was carved in stone by the end of December 2009, we have to deal with it.

The Lakers need 4 solid starters on their A game to cover for the guy that gets crushed night in and night out (but WILL knock down open looks)

I think it's a problem and I think it will be a problem until Mitch gets someone in here that's a legit starter in the NBA - probably won't happen for a season or two.

I also disagreed with forgoing Mbenga because the showed he could produce (especially defensively) at a high level and makes a great insurance policy. Our current discount insurance provider went bankrupt and cannot pay out the claim in our desperate time of need.

It's not that losing 4 in a row equates to impossible to win a title. It's only 4 games in the SECOND (MM?) month of the season and has no bearing on playoff outcomes. However, championship caliber teams just don't go on thse sorts of slides and especially don't go on them against sub .500 teams. It doesn't determine anything in of itself, but also does not bode well.

Thankfully, the eastern teams do not look insurmountable and the Lakers are a different team with Bynum in the line-up.

Posted by: Tim-4-Show | December 02, 2010 at 07:02 AM

Mamba-

Good morning!

Could it be that those old guys in green took too much out of the young purple and gold guys?

Seems like the guys in green got younger and the pg got older quick!

Posted by: 131-92 | December 02, 2010 at 07:04 AM

Dear Lakers:

Just do whatever PLG says.

Posted by: Rick Friedman | December 02, 2010 at 07:06 AM

Fish can't stop the good PG's?

Isn't OKC's Westbrook one of the leagues best PG's?

Did Jordan Farmar really go for 28 points against Westbrook?

Guess Fish isn't the only PG who has troubles stopping others.

Posted by: Art - FL Lakers Fan | December 02, 2010 at 07:09 AM

Please dont let us down and not show up in June! I dont want to hear that you dont have Farmer! Posted by: 131-92 | December 02, 2010 at 06:52 AM
*
LMAO!! Now that was some funny ISH 131!! How are you this morning? Yes, yes we deserve that! But fear not fateful Celtic fan! We will honor our end of the deal. I just know the celtics are waiting with baited breath to meet the Lakers in the Finals...NOT!!! but as I said before, your team looks nice right now and I congratulate them. They are performing like the 17 time NBA champion that they are. The Lakers however hit a lil slump but come June they will be performing like the 17 time NBA champion that they will be. So 131 Laker Nation thanks you for your concern sir. It is truly touching. When June arrives and The Lakers have defeated the Celtics for the title be assured we will show the same concern for your team sir! Have a great day 131.

Posted by: mamba24 | December 02, 2010 at 07:11 AM

Rick F. - very funny. We just need to mix it up.

I had a dream last night that I met KB24 somewhere and got to share a few moments with him to chat bball. It was very cool. As we were leaving I said - have you ever read the LAT Lakers blog - those are your real fans. We are the one who offer great, passionate insight. He laughed with that big laugh of his and said he would check it out and nice to meet you. I said, I'm PLG in case you do.

Then my alarm went off at 4:30 and the dream ended. It was funny.

Cheers - PLG

Posted by: PsychedLakerGirl | December 02, 2010 at 07:12 AM

@ 131-Seems like the guys in green got younger and the pg got older quick!
==================

A Celtic slump is on it's way to an arena near you.
Wait for it, it's just a matter of time.

Posted by: Art - FL Lakers Fan | December 02, 2010 at 07:13 AM

Fish can't stop the good PG's? Isn't OKC's Westbrook one of the leagues best PG's? Did Jordan Farmar really go for 28 points against Westbrook? Guess Fish isn't the only PG who has troubles stopping others. Posted by: Art - FL Lakers Fan | December 02, 2010 at 07:09 AM
*
Preach Art, Preach!!!!

Posted by: mamba24 | December 02, 2010 at 07:14 AM

PLG- "Then my alarm went off at 4:30 and the dream ended."
=====

4:30 am?

No one should have to get up at 4:30 am, it that even legal?

Posted by: Art - FL Lakers Fan | December 02, 2010 at 07:17 AM

Kobe DID shut down Westbrook.

So it can be done

Posted by: Tim-4-Show | December 02, 2010 at 07:20 AM

A Celtic slump is on it's way to an arena near you.
Wait for it, it's just a matter of time.

Posted by: Art - FL Lakers Fan | December 02, 2010 at 07:13 AM

Just be consistant.

Posted by: 131-92 | December 02, 2010 at 07:20 AM

*___________________________________________________________________*
I’M NOT WORRIED JUST PISSED OFF – BANDWAGON
*___________________________________________________________________*
(01) JON K – OWNER - I'm not worried. Just pissed off.
(02) LAKERTOM – DRIVER1 -we all know that there is still a very long way to go and this team has
too much talent, character, and experience not to right the ship and be right there in the hunt for
their 3rd consecutive NBA championship. The 76-6 Championship Bandwagon is still rolling strong
even though the road and ride are a little bumpy and crunchy as the wheels roll over the rats,
trolls, and fairweather fans who’ve jumped ship..
”
“
(20) PSYCHEDLAKERGIRL – I am NOT worried. I stand tall as a proud Laker fan. However, I am
still thinking start Luke! Give Pau some rest by having LO move over to C during big stretches of
the game. They need to split time there.
(21) RICK FRIEDMAN - Dear Lakers: Just do whatever PLG says.
(22) LAKERHOLIC - I have never seen Kobe act this way. There is no fire. He is smiling and congratulating the guys that beat him. Where is the scowl? Where is the game face? Where is the Black Mamba? The last bunch of games, when it comes down to "winning time", I haven't seen the Lakers that I am use to. I haven't seen the Kobe that I am use to. Pau is lethargic. He feels he is playing too many minutes. I don't think he liked Phil calling him out for not being aggressive enough. Since then he has lost his mojo - except for the perfect game of course. He probably wanted another big man as well. He didn't get one. He needs more sleep or vitamins or something. He had the summer off? It is early in the season... ? Drew. We need you. They held on pretty well until the Thanksgiving - when they thought you would be back. The glaring difference between the wins and losses is ball movement - guys creating easy shots for other guys. I think Kobe has to go into Magic mode. He is feeling he has to take on the scoring load with Pau playing like crap, but we always play better when he is the facilitator. Guys feel honored that he passed them the ball and they want to do well. He draws a double team, so there is always an open guy. I am a Lakorholic.
(23) TIM-4-SHOW - It's not that losing 4 in a row equates to impossible to win a title. It's only 4 games in the SECOND (MM?) month of the season and has no bearing on playoff outcomes. However, championship caliber teams just don't go on thse sorts of slides and especially don't go on them against sub .500 teams. It doesn't determine anything in of itself, but also does not bode well. Thankfully, the eastern teams do not look insurmountable and the Lakers are a different team with Bynum in the line-up.

Posted by: mamba24 | December 02, 2010 at 07:22 AM

Mamba - excellent selection...we def need to relight the fire.

Posted by: LRob | December 02, 2010 at 07:23 AM

Maybe so,it happens to every team. I understand that. But when it happens to the Celtics, Laker fan says its because they are old. When it happens to the Laker its because they are bored and are waiting for June! Just be consistant. Posted by: 131-92 | December 02, 2010 at 07:20 AM
*
Very valid complaint 131. And since you insist on consistants then we will once again beat the celtics this year to remain consistant with Last year sir.

Posted by: mamba24 | December 02, 2010 at 07:25 AM

@LRob, Thank you sir!...Carry on!

Posted by: mamba24 | December 02, 2010 at 07:26 AM

Very valid complaint 131. And since you insist on consistants then we will once again beat the celtics this year to remain consistant with Last year sir.

Posted by: mamba24 | December 02, 2010 at 07:25 AM

LOL ... Not that consistant!

Posted by: 131-92 | December 02, 2010 at 07:27 AM

PLG- "Then my alarm went off at 4:30 and the dream ended."
=====
4:30 am? No one should have to get up at 4:30 am, it that even legal? Posted by: Art - FL Lakers Fan | December 02, 2010 at 07:17 AM
*
ROTFLMAO!!!!!!!!!!!

Posted by: mamba24 | December 02, 2010 at 07:28 AM

This is nauseating. The Lakers are aging and it is showing. I know it's early, but the sooner Bynum comes back, the better. We will need him healthy from the time he returns to end this season. Fortunately, this is happening now so there's plenty of time to right the ship, but it is concerning.

Out of curiosity, who would trade Artest for any of the following players: Jameer Nelson, Mike Conley, Kyle Lowry or Raymond Felton? For the record, I wouldn't, but I'm just curious.

1-2-3 RING! #17 coming up STRONG!!

Posted by: KobeMVP888 | December 02, 2010 at 07:30 AM

Out of curiosity, who would trade Artest for any of the following players: Jameer Nelson, Mike Conley, Kyle Lowry or Raymond Felton? For the record, I wouldn't, but I'm just curious. Posted by: KobeMVP888 | December 02, 2010 at 07:30 AM
*
LMAO!!! Sir I would not trade Artest for the entire lot of them!

Posted by: mamba24 | December 02, 2010 at 07:33 AM

Sux. Sux hard. Maybe the sky is falling after all? The horror...

--FEARless

Posted by: FEARless | December 02, 2010 at 07:35 AM

Sux. Sux hard. Maybe the sky is falling after all? The horror...Posted by: FEARless | December 02, 2010 at 07:35 AM
*
The Horror?...TRULY!!! ROTFLMAO!!!

Posted by: mamba24 | December 02, 2010 at 07:37 AM

Well, for a little perspective, at least the Clippers beat the Spurs.

Posted by: KobeMVP888 | December 02, 2010 at 07:38 AM

@ KobeMVP- "Out of curiosity, who would trade Artest for any of the following players: Jameer Nelson, Mike Conley, Kyle Lowry or Raymond Felton? For the record, I wouldn't, but I'm just curious."
==============

Probably not for any of them, but I consider him a role player and I would trade him for the right deal. Haven't thought about it though so I don't have a realistic option to present.
Do we miss Ariza yet?

Posted by: Art - FL Lakers Fan | December 02, 2010 at 07:51 AM

OK, so the fun is over for this season. Last season it at least lasted until X-mas, but the Lakers have already turned to their familiar brand of knucklehead and frustrato ball. "Hopefully we'll learn from this" Odom says. Do you REALLY think so? At this stage in your career???

This shouldn't be happening. I don't care that we have a couple of centers injured. That's no reason to give up defense and blow leads. Just before the door is about to be slammed shut on the opposing team there's a big foot in the way - a LAKER foot! How many layups and open shots did we give that inferior Houston team? Yes, inferior in talent but with a bigger heart! Our lazy pros should be ashamed getting beat by a Houston team with the biggest Laker killer on the bench. Yeah, I'm talking Brooks.

Here's a nice little gloom an' doom thought: What if we lost the championship right here? Squandering homecourt advantage this early in the season...

So Gasol is half injured aswell? Great. That explains his utter suckiness these last bunch of games. I really like Pau and think he's been MVP caliber at times but boy has he been bad for a while now. Especially on D and he's the anchor right now.

Ron Ron keeps stinking up the joint offensively and at times (more like all the time...) during last season's playoffs I thought that his offense hurt us more than his defense helped us and it's beginning to look the same this season. Too bad, Da-Doo-Ron-Ron is such a loveable character. I don't buy into the psycho talk surrounding him. Sure, he's an odd dude but the one on the team I think would be the first to smash a bottle in someone's face is Barnes. I'm glad he's OUR psycho, 'cause he's not just a thug but a pretty good ball player too. :-)

PS. Yeah it's the ol' frustration talking... After a gazillion half hearted games we'll be right there in the playoffs again tearing it up. But must it be so gawd damned hard every time??? I don't enjoy close games against crap teams. It only makes me annoyed, even if we end up winning. This is why these Lakers will never be considered an all time great team.

Posted by: Andy L | December 02, 2010 at 07:53 AM

Posted by: Art - FL Lakers Fan | December 02, 2010 at 07:51 AM
=====

Nah. We'll be fine. It's still very early. All those guys have comarable salaries, so I just wanted to put things in perspective given all the "concern" about Fish, to put it mildly.

Posted by: KobeMVP888 | December 02, 2010 at 07:54 AM

Laker fan-

If it means anything ... I do think you guys are still good enough to beat Sacramento.

But in the meantime ... continue to enjoy that big slice of humble pie served to you after Shaqsgiving!

Posted by: 131-92 | December 02, 2010 at 07:57 AM

I've been a Laker fan since 1967, suffered through quite a bit as you can imagine.

and am still amazed at the Genius label put on Phil Jackson. I don't care if the Lakers win

13 more championships, I have never observed him making a creative move during a game or in preparation for a game. It's always been up the the talent on the floor to figure things out.

Who didn't know 6 weeks ago that Pao and maybe eventually Lamar would start breaking down

as a result of the Bunum situaton. He didn't coach them to a championship last year. Everyone knows it. Some great talent surfaced to save the day time and time again. The man is a bumbling , Mumbling fool who has had an unbelieveable run of good fortune his entire career

Posted by: RONMBO | December 02, 2010 at 07:59 AM

The problam ast coach Brain Shaw, is not doing a good job as a defensive coach!!! That has been the problem for a while.

Posted by: R | December 02, 2010 at 08:02 AM

If it means anything ... I do think you guys are still good enough to beat Sacramento. But in the meantime ... continue to enjoy that big slice of humble pie served to you after Shaqsgiving! Posted by: 131-92 | December 02, 2010 at 07:57 AM
*
Awww! Such nice sentiments. Just remember...I'm taking notes!! Lol! Have a good day sir!

Posted by: mamba24 | December 02, 2010 at 08:03 AM

I can't stand to watch the Lakers when Fish is on the court. Fish sucks, start Blake!!!! The Times need to realize Fish is done and write something about it, stop giving this guy a pass...

Posted by: E | December 02, 2010 at 08:08 AM

It shows from their body language it's FATIGUE can't run faster, can't jump higher and lazy to be attentive on their guards. They are all going in motion. Well, Phil insist on playing only 8 and cameo minutes for Caracter who has porous defense too. On the 2nd month, they are dead tired. Lakers are always thinking of their own lackadaisical switch that they can turn it ON when it matters, unfortunately they are falling consecutive in a close games.

I still believe on the killer bees can win games if they are on the line up at the end of the quarter. Artest and Fisher should be on sub rather than start, they need rest. Lakers are indeed getting old and Phil kept on playing the old reliables when there are young ones eager to play like the killer bees.

Management and Buss owners have been spoiled like some of us here in the blog on winning with less participation of marquee or Centers. They did not beef the line up with another help to rest Gasol, now it may have caught their attention. I think Phil and Kobe are doing these losses intentionally to address the deaf ears. I can't believe in my eyes Kobe suddenly became old and weary. He could not execute his offensive tricks nor defend a nimble guard. The headline on MSN states maybe the Lakers this year are not really good to make a threepeat. It all started with Bynum who procrastinated medical procedures resulting to delays in rehab and followed by Ratcliff arthroscopic surgery. Plus of course, Walton and Sasha did not improve their games so Phil was handicapped in playing guys with long minutes. The next games will be Kings and Washington, they'll win these two games to appease the restive fans at home. Clippers and Bulls could again derail the Lakers with their young players.

Posted by: Edwin Gueco | December 02, 2010 at 08:10 AM

Four game losing streak? Already?

Cushy schedule and all? Wow!

I knew it would happen, and said as much,
but even I didn't think the old boys would wear down this early.

Here's a little something to make you feel better...
go ahead, it's OK, snuggle a little.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s1ZKIX0ICZo

I guess the other teams figured you out sooner than I thought they would.

Hey...how about them Spurs, huh?
Even as old as they are, they aren't nearly as old as the Lakers,
and they've actually got some youth in that starting rotation.

Indeed the Spurs...now that's a class outfit.

Can't imagine them even needing, much less getting favored treatment...
respect yes...but favored treatment no. I'm sure you agree.

Besides, I doubt that Spurs fans would stand for it.
They've got some class too.

Go Kings!
Go Niners!
Go Ducks!
Go Manny, go!

Sonnybelfast

Posted by: Sonny Belfast | December 02, 2010 at 08:13 AM

Awww! Such nice sentiments. Just remember...I'm taking notes!! Lol! Have a good day sir!

Posted by: mamba24 | December 02, 2010 at 08:03 AM

Just trying to keep everyones spirits up!

After all ... Shaqa Claus is coming!

Posted by: 131-92 | December 02, 2010 at 08:13 AM

Kobe missed three more layups last night. This Super Sux.

BTW, MM, if you would agree with me that Kobe missing Bunnies is anomalous and not really indicative of any other systemic problem, then 10-24 shouldn't really be characterized as "only" 10-24, or that he was unnecessarily jacking up shots. He hits just those three layups, and he's 13-24. The Lakers might still have lost, but your article would be saying, "...wasted an efficient offensive night by Kobe..." or something similar.

MM, you have to be fair and point out that Kobe is getting to the rim. He's breaking down apponents' defenses. He's dishing the rock. The problem is that team-wide, shots are not falling. That means, his (and everyone else's) shooting % are falling, and everyone's assists numbers are falling as well.

Just because you miss a shot doesn't make the shot irresponsible. Just because you make a shot doesn't make it a good shot. Kobe is playing the style which his critics have always bemoaned him not playing enough of.

His shot just isn't falling.

Every team goes through this, though. Sometimes for extended periods of time. Offense comes and goes. Kobe is right that if they had righted their defensive ship, they could be riding out this storm while still piling up victories.

You can't depend of offense, but you should be able to depend on your defense.

One thing that people have appeared to be overlooking, is that Kobe stops playing defense in the fourth quarters for about a week now. I'm telling you his knee isn't holding up for the full 48 minutes. He's trying desperately to choose his spots, but he hasn't found that balance, yet.

Still, his late game shots are hitting the front of the rim. Even those that go in, are either grazing the front of the rim, or hitting it and tumbling in anyway.

Give him another 2 weeks or so, and we'll get the REAL Kobe back. Mark my words.

--FEARless

Posted by: FEARless | December 02, 2010 at 08:17 AM

And since you insist on consistants then we will once again beat the celtics this year to remain consistant with Last year sir.

Posted by: mamba24 | December 02, 2010 at 07:25 AM

Well played, Mamba. Well played.

--FEARless

Posted by: FEARless | December 02, 2010 at 08:18 AM

As much as I hate this losing streak, but more how low-energy/inefficient we've played lately (win or lose), as a sports fan, I'm fascinated by what will happen next. Will this rouse the Lakers to strap on their armor, sharpen their swords and become the warriors we know they can be? Or will they break into little pieces forcing Kobe to go all stellar to try to bootstrap them back into greatness?

Will Phil stand up for a whole game to prove a point?
Will Dr. Buss ban Drew from all Playmates and Ferrari's, making a similar vow himself to show camaraderie?
Will Luke be seen haunting Pauley Pavilion late at night practicing his fundamentals with the ghost of Coach Wooden?
And what about the bunnies?

This is going to be a season to remember, but it will all get back to basics. Back to back championships mean nothing now; it's all about good old fashion do-your-job basketball from here on out.

In that light, I give you a man who knew the basics, and sits in this video with nothing but an out-of-tune guitar and a mic, and totally knows how to do the work:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z1zsRRt1FWE&feature=related

Posted by: 63 Footer | December 02, 2010 at 08:20 AM

@FEARLESS, Thank you sir! Carry on!! lol!

Posted by: mamba24 | December 02, 2010 at 08:22 AM

Just trying to keep everyones spirits up! After all ... Shaqa Claus is coming! Posted by: 131-92 | December 02, 2010 at 08:13 AM
*
LMAO!!! THE HORROR!!!

Posted by: mamba24 | December 02, 2010 at 08:23 AM

@63 Footer, That's what I've been trying to tell people! 4 game losing streaks...Nothing! No team defense...Nothing!
It's THE BUNNIES People!! SWEET JESUS who will save THE BUNNIES!!

Posted by: mamba24 | December 02, 2010 at 08:26 AM

Here's a little something to make you feel better...go ahead, it's OK, snuggle a little.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s1ZKIX0ICZo
*
ROTFLMAO!!! That is so sweet Sonny! I knew you cared!!!
And after Friday we will reciprocate with a couple of songs for you sir! So Sonny how the heck are you my brother? Hope the families well. I just hope you won't feel any different about us after The Lakers destroy The Kings Friday. Well take care and be safe my brother.

Posted by: mamba24 | December 02, 2010 at 08:30 AM

Blake Griffin is special....He straight owned the Spurs last night.

http://hoopstopia.com/youve-been-owned-blake-griffin-on-the-spurs/

This guy is dominant!

Posted by: jang | December 02, 2010 at 10:19 AM

i will not coment about fish in the future because coach
pj is not going to acknowledge that fish is the problem.howeverer i would not pay to see the lakers
play as long AS FISH IS STARTING.you can bet on it
as long as fish is on the team the lakers are going to
strugle,because he cant shoot or guard anybody,his reflex
is like my granddaddy's.the best thing that the lakers
can do is have him work with blake and fish.i would have more respect for him if he let the coach know that he just
dont have it anymore.because loyalty works both ways.
'

Posted by: Bob T | December 02, 2010 at 07:15 PM

OH GREAT ZEN MASTER 5 THINGS THAT NEED TO BE DONE!!
1) CENTER- LAMAR ODOM-PHYSICAL, STRONGER, PROVEN HIMSELF
AT THE POSITION ALL SUMMER LONG.
2) POWER FORWARD- PAU GASOL- HIS NATURAL POSTION-NUFF SAID.
3) MATT BARNES-SMALL FORWARD- GOOD B-BALL IQ! NUFF SAID
SORRY RON -RON.
4) POINT GUARD- KOBE BRYANT- NUFF SAID.
5) TWO GUARD-SASHA- YEP! MORE DEFENSE=MORE TRANSITION
POINTS. ALSO WITH TIME HIS TOUCH WILL COME AND IGNITE
OUTSIDE ATTACK WHICH IN TURN FORCE THE INSIDE TO LOSSEN.

FISHER, BLAKE, RON-RON, LUKE ON THE BENCH BUT ALL CAPABLE OF PLAYING WITH THE BIG BOYS.

Posted by: a rod | December 02, 2010 at 09:54 PM

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