The one big thing that I didn't like about the game was the bench. Besides Barnes, it was a disaster. The bench needs to stay all night in the gym shooting jump shots and working on their switching defense.

Another great thing about last night's game is that Kobe continued the good play that started for him in the 4th quarter vs. Portland. His ankle didn't seem to bother him as he looked quick and was able to elevate and get into the lane.

Saw some comments on Shannon being off. He is a streaky shooter and hopefully he is on a hot streak come playoff time. He definitely had a poor game last evening which contributed to the loss of a big lead.

While his streaky shooting is a concern to me, a bigger concern with him is he doesn't seem to "think" when he is out there. He is constantly gambling on defense, missing attempts at steals that result in a breakdown of the team defense. On offense, he seems to be running at an accelerated speed and is a turnover or ill advised shot waiting to happen.

Last year I had high hopes for Shannon. This year I am on the fence. Great to watch his athletic play - which also provides images of a huge upside - but I am not sure if he gets the game well enough to get to another level on a consistent basis.

Hopefully, it is just time and experience on the floor and he will settle in - but for now, he makes me nervous when he is out there.

The Lakers need a scorer on the second unit and Brown is the guy. If he is playing well, the second unit can hold their own against any bench in the league. When he is off and making poor decisions, their bench loses a key element as Odom and Blake are facilitators and not score first players and Barnes gets much of his offense as a secondary option or through sheer hustle. The Laker bench needs more consistency and smart play by Brown.

DKWSFO

Posted by: dkwsfo | March 23, 2011 at 09:21 AM
====

Superb observations. The way Shannon came out of the blocks this season, he looked like a steal at $2.2 mil. Ever since then, his offense has been streaky as you point out. Last night ranked among his poorer performances for the reasons you set forth.

HAVING SAID THAT, Shannon's play this season has resulted in enough trust from PJ that Kobe's minutes are down about 5 mpg from last season. A lot of that trust comes from the intangibles he brings such as the energy he brings, the fact that he's a strong, physical guard who can defend either guard position and even small forwards on occasion, and his vast improvement on the defensive end.

Interestingly, Shannon has actually averaged more mpg last season (20.7 compared to 19.4 this season), but he's averaging more ppg (9.1 compared to 8.1) and his shooting percentages and 3 pt% have also improved (well as other numbers). I know they don't keep statistics on deflected passes, but he has definitely improved in anticipating the passing lanes, although as last night showed, he gets burned sometimes when he does that.

The recent Magic game made me realize Shannon's importance to this team. While he was out on the floor with likes of high paid players such Jason Richardson, Hedo Turkoglu, Jameer Nelson and/or Gilbert Arenas, the athleticism of Shannon compared to these players was evident to me. Considering that he's really our 9th man in a 9 man rotation (that can be debated), the fact that his presence was THAT noticeable spoke volumes for the Lakers' depth in my view.

My best guess is that Shannon's minutes will be reduced more than any other rotation player the deeper we get into the playoffs. That will simply be a function of Kobe's minutes increasing, the fact that Blake is Fisher's back up and is a more seasoned veteran and the same with Barnes backing up Artest. Our 4-5 rotation of Pau-Bynum-LO speaks for itself. In the final analysis, I am very happy with what Shannon Brown has brought to the team this season notwithstanding your astute observations and I would love to see him come back next season.

Superb observations. The way Shannon came out of the blocks this season, he looked like a steal at $2.2 mil. Ever since then, his offense has been streaky as you point out. Last night ranked among his poorer performances for the reasons you set forth.

HAVING SAID THAT, Shannon's play this season has resulted in enough trust from PJ that Kobe's minutes are down about 5 mpg from last season. A lot of that trust comes from the intangibles he brings such as the energy he brings, the fact that he's a strong, physical guard who can defend either guard position and even small forwards on occasion, and his vast improvement on the defensive end.

Interestingly, Shannon has actually averaged more mpg last season (20.7 compared to 19.4 this season), but he's averaging more ppg (9.1 compared to 8.1) and his shooting percentages and 3 pt% have also improved (well as other numbers). I know they don't keep statistics on deflected passes, but he has definitely improved in anticipating the passing lanes, although as last night showed, he gets burned sometimes when he does that.

The recent Magic game made me realize Shannon's importance to this team. While he was out on the floor with likes of high paid players such Jason Richardson, Hedo Turkoglu, Jameer Nelson and/or Gilbert Arenas, the athleticism of Shannon compared to these players was evident to me. Considering that he's really our 9th man in a 9 man rotation (that can be debated), the fact that his presence was THAT noticeable spoke volumes for the Lakers' depth in my view.

My best guess is that Shannon's minutes will be reduced more than any other rotation player the deeper we get into the playoffs. That will simply be a function of Kobe's minutes increasing, the fact that Blake is Fisher's back up and is a more seasoned veteran and the same with Barnes backing up Artest. Our 4-5 rotation of Pau-Bynum-LO speaks for itself. In the final analysis, I am very happy with what Shannon Brown has brought to the team this season notwithstanding your astute observations and I would love to see him come back next season.

Posted by: KobeMVP888 | March 23, 2011 at 10:43 AM

***

Perfectly stated. While last night was a poor performance, I still think he adds to the team (esp for the what he is paid). He will be back next year...the Lakers def want him back. The same for Matt.

Shannon will be fine. I think he'll benefit from this galvanizing win in spite of his bad play and poor decision making. Phil and Kobe ultimately do trust him and I have no doubt that he'll ultimately prove his worth and come up big in big moments in the coming post season.

It was great surrounded by purple and gold brothers and sisters. I even made it on to the jumbo tron. I'm coming home Colorado but it was great being in my original home.
MYBRF. Posted by: Hugo Boss | March 23, 2011 at 10:03 AM
*
And it was great having you here my brother!!! Sounds to me like your visit was OUT FREAKIN STANDING SIR!!!

*____________________________________________________________________*
SHANNONS TIME IS HERE – MOST IMPROVED PLAYER – BANDWAGON
*____________________________________________________________________*
No one on the Lakers is happier for Brown's emergence then Bryant, who took Brown under
his wing as soon as he was traded to the Lakers two years ago and has mentored him into
the all-around player he has become this season.""He's a worker," said Bryant, who
called Brown his little brother. "He's talented, physically gifted, but he puts the work in.
"@ Arash Markazi
*___________________________________________________________________*
(01) LAKERTRUTH – OWNER - WOW, Shannon Brown was unbelievable. Great to see Phil play him and Blake to close out the game
(02) PSYCHEDLAKERGIRL – CO-OWNER - Shannon's my name and he's got the game! Woohoo!
(03) G in DC(aka GDUB) – DRIVER1| I said it on the Live Chat but, as of t'day, Shannon could very well be the most improved player in the Association.
04) LROB –DRIVER2 - Shannon...Spartan Dawg doing his thang...look out! Good call on Shannon for the NBA's MIP award (Most Improved Player). If he keeps playing like this he'll definitely be in the running. Shannon Brown is doing Chi-town proud. Too bad his fellow Proviso East Alum (Mr. Glenn Rivers) didn't recognize the talent and secure him for the C's. Also Shannon has the physical tools to be a very good defender. That's another area I expect to see an improvement from him.
(05) VMAN – RIDING SHOTGUN - Shannon's a runnin', gunnin', dunkin' example that you can work your way to the top of the shot charts.
(06) KOBEMVP88 – RIDING SHOTGUN2 - Shannon's Brown game has improved exponentially on both ends of the court so far in this young season.
(07) BEDO – Shannon Brown is the MAN !! He is the most improved Laker
(08) FANOFTHEMAMBA -
(09) MAMBA24 - Juts Wow! That’s all just Wow!!
(10) JUSTANOTHERMAMBAFAN - WOW - I enjoyed last night's game so much!! I am officially impressed with Shannon Brown. You can tell how much work he put into his game this summer - true. But you can also see just exactly how Kobe Bryant's work ethic and approach to the game has influenced this young man. Shannon is a sponge. He's soaking in the knowledge and experience he has at his fingertips and is making the most of it, as evidenced by his complete confidence out there on the court. Most improved? I should say so. His progression as a player is a joy to behold, and his maturity as a young man is also on display. Go forth and play Shannon! Do your thang! The Lakers and the Nation love you for it!
(11) LAKERLASS -
(12) JAMIE SWEET - Shannon Brown. When he plays like that he allows Phil to actually give
Kobe a good break
(13) SHANNONFAN12 – SECURITY - When it comes to "most improved", yea- Shannon Brown has done that....in substantial measures. But really, isn't Shannon Brown great this season, because it's his time to do so? He's been with the Lakers for at least two seasons. He's been incubating and learning all this time. Yes, he made some crazy moves in the past, where we weren't sure what the heck he was thinking. But now, I believe that he is becoming the player he was always meant to be. He's matured and doing this by leaps and bounds. Look at all his 3pt shots. He's lethal now. And dare I say it?.... that maybe Shannon Brown will be the 'heir apparent' after Kobe Bryant retires.
GO LAKERS.........GO SHANNON!
(14) TOM DANIELS - Count me among those who did not think Shannon Brown could improve this much. Along with Barnes and Blake, the new, improved Shannon Brown is part of a vastly improved Laker bench. He still has work to do on his floor game, he is scary leading a fast break, but he is now a key part of this team.
(15) 63 FOOTER - Shannon - really love to see a guy work hard and then have something to show for it. So many players never improve their game - hope he continues to play at this level and maybe even better.
(16) RICK FRIEDMAN - Hard not to notice a greatly improved Shannon Brown
(17) CHICNSTU - Shannon Is the most improved player in this early season. Much of it is due his shooting and confidence in his game, which he lacked last season. I've been calling for PJ to play UPS alongside Kobe for a long long time.. and this is why. It builds his confidence and Kobe also keeps a leash on him and releases it when he sees UPS is HOT! hat's what Brown can do for you!
(18) LUV-THOSE-LAKERS - Shannon was definitely the man last nite. His offense is so
improved I now EXPECT him to make every shot, as I used to with Kobe.
(19) LANCE FROM DA BRONX - BUT DON'T JUST LOVE WHAT SHANNON DID TO
IMPROVE HIS GAME, THIS GROWTH OF A PLAYER IS REALLY A JOY TO SEE
(20) CYBERCOSMIX - Shan-WOW! might not only get most improved player, which he seems to be by a longshot - but will press L.O. for 6th man. He has not only improved his shooting, but has done so by leaps and bounds. His decision making is also much better, he's not hesitant on the court at all. He is playing with such confidence that it's a beautiful thing. I love it whenever a talented player/good person bounces around the league, GM's and coaches seemingly too stupid to identify the quality they have in their midst, and they end up coming to the Lakers, finding a home and staying. From B-Shaw to Ron Ron, Rick Fox to Blake and Barnes, the Lakers have frequently brought in these kind of overlooked players and have watched them blossom. ShanWOW! has been a fan-fave from day one so it's been especially sweet to see his game improve so much. Best thing of all, he hasn't lost a bit of his hops! I'd say if he continues his hot shooting he's a shoo-in for most-improved, we can let L.O. take the 6th man since then they'd both be winning something. Another much warranted THANK YOU to Mitch, he has truly learned much from Master West and is showing it! ShanWOW! for Space Cadet VladRad - that wasn't a steal, it's more like robbing the US Mint!
(21) JOLLYRANCHER - Now Shannon needs someone to teach him shot selection and when to act like a journyman and make it look like doing cool stuff is just business as usual.
(22) RAMMNEETKB24 - He is definitely the MIP of the season thus far. He is putting up 10.3 ppg and won us the game last night!
(23) KOBEMVP888 - Back to Shannon Brown. To think that he is probably the ninth man in our playoff rotation is mind boggling, especially when PJ normally goes about 8 deep come the WCF and the NBA Finals.
(24) LAKERFAN32 - know it's too early in the season, but I honestly think Shannon Brown
deserves the "most improved player" of the year award! He just keeps getting better!
(25) DON’T BLAME DELHARRIS - Shannon "Mickey Mouse Hands" Brown for MIP 2011!
(26) TNTLAKERFAN - Shannon is definitely the difference-maker off the bench this year. The person that should be most excited by this should be the great Kobe Bryant. He now has a guy that will allow him to dominate in short stretches during the regular season and finish games fresh. And with Fisher getting ready to retire in the next two, the Lakers could finally have the prototypical shooting guard/point guard in the triangle alongside Kobe for years to come.
(27) MCLYNE - Also, please add me to the ShanWow bandwagon. This guy is single handedly ending Sasha's carrer as a Laker by his spectacular all around game. Go UPS!!!!!!
(28) OCISMAMBACOUNTY - agree that Shannon continues to impress me this season and I can't wait to see how he preforms against Boston, Miami, and Orlando. I think the added motivation will push him even further, especially with Kobe's drive feeding the rest of the team.
(29) FRMKT - No doubt... Another Laker who made me eat my words this year and it sure was tasty! He's definitely a legit MIY candidate and I believe he has the genuine desire to continue improving his game. He just might be able to fill in for Kobe when he retires! Shannon knows that the Laker organization will pay for excellence and I think Shannon has that potential. Ahhh, the power and seduction of money. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OCkLEo-DT1Q
(30) LAKERTOM - I’ve always been a Shannon doubter but I have to give the kid mucho kudos for his great play so far this season. Please add me to his bandwagon and here’s hoping what we have seen so far this season is for real.
(31) LAKER J - Can you add me to the Shannon Brown MIP bandwagon. This kid is good, I mean really good. Go Brown Mamba!
(32) Mark G (Are the Playoffs here yet?) - Is Shannon B. the Most Improved Player? Do they
still have that award in the NBA?

{Jon K.'s Brief Observations On Last Night's Overtime Victory}

1. We BARELY survived the curse of those retarded Spanglish "Los Lakers" uniforms! The ONLY (and I mean, ONLY!!!) reason we were able to pull off a victory was because Phoenix was wearing those even more retarded "Los Suns" uniforms and those uniforms are obviously even more cursed.

2. I noticed that Phoenix's entire offensive strategy was to set up screens to get Derek Fisher off Steve Nash to force the Lakers' defensive assignments to shift and create mismatches. That's it. That was their entire strategy.

3. I'm surprised that Phoenix is fighting to get in the playoffs. Their team has talent.

4. Steals by Derek Fisher and Ron Artest won the game for us.

5. I was completely freaking out as Kobe tried to take over the game instead of using our advantages in terms of team ball at the end(s). However, repeatedly Kobe made ridiculous shots that no non-mutant should ever be able to make.

6. I can't wait for Bynum to return.

7. Kobe and Lamar did a fine job of rebounding.

8. Our guys were exhausted at the end.

9. Blake's game is improving, thank God.

10. The switch has been flipped.

What do we play for? RINGS!!!

Lakers Today... Lakers Tomorrow... Lakers Forever.

GO LAKERS!!!

acb statistics

* LOS ANGELES LAKERS
Ron Artest 18
Lamar Odom 39
Pau Gasol 24
Kobe Bryant 42
Derek Fisher 3
Matt Barnes 14
Steve Blake 7
Luke Walton 2
Shannon Brown -3
Team 146

* PHOENIX SUNS
Grant Hill 11
Channing Frye 29
Robin Lopez 3
Steve Nash B 28
Vince Carter 3
Hakim Warrick 2
Mickael Pietrus 9
Aaron Brooks 15
Jared Dudley 2
Marcin Gortat 33
Team 135

OH OH!

http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/news?slug=aw-wojnarowski_carmelo_anthony_wilts_under_burden_of_carrying_knicks_032111

The comments in the Shannon bandwagon show how much things have changed from then to now.

Posted by: Bay to LA | March 23, 2011 at 11:29 AM
****

It is one game..I am sure he will bounce back and play quite well down the stretch and in the post season. Bandwagons are common with "fans"...I am sure people will be "Blake fans" soon..although he has be VERY mediocre throughout the whole season..until he has another scoreless game.

AB#17 keeping going baby. Your the key.
Steve Blake is a disappointment. I thought he was better, but as long as he goes 1 for 3 from the 3 point line, we'll me ok.
and RON is back. Keep kissing those biceps.

"It is one game..I am sure he will bounce back and play quite well down the stretch and in the post season. Bandwagons are common with "fans"...I am sure people will be "Blake fans" soon..although he has be VERY mediocre throughout the whole season..until he has another scoreless game.

Posted by: Fan0615 | March 23, 2011 at 11:45 AM "

3 point percentages by month for Shannon:
October - 50.0%
November - 45.6%
December - 39.5%
January - 26.3%
February - 23.1%
March - 27.3%

It is more than just one game. His shot has been missing for a while.

3 point percentages by month for Shannon:
October - 50.0%
November - 45.6%
December - 39.5%
January - 26.3%
February - 23.1%
March - 27.3%

It is more than just one game. His shot has been missing for a while.

Posted by: Bay to LA | March 23, 2011 at 11:52 AM

***
Not disagreeing that his 3pt shot has decreased. Needs to get back in the gym and work and/or choose better shot selection. All fixable things. Chill out...he can be a positive/contributing factor and will be. Very few people were ragging on Blake for his 12+ scoreless game this season. Just like everyone said/keeps saying Blake will get better, so will Shannon!

Win or Lose, this is the team we're taking to the playoffs. How about just cheering them on and be happy on the win.

Plenty of time to play armchair-GM over the summer.

Wow!! What a game!!!My husband and I just got back from seeing the LA/MN game, which was great...........but would have loved to have seen this one! Morning to you Mamba and Pls. put me on that SHANWOW band wagon. Wouldn't that be something if Phil won the 3peat against the Bull's?
@LakerTom.......... Congrats on that little Laker!!! Is this your 1st Grandchild? If so , you are going to have so much fun and will he be very spoiled by his Grandpa!! Also, will be very happy to have Bynum back. I really liked the TOUGHNESS he showed to that trash talking BEASLEY! He impressed Kobe and that takes a lot. Go Lakers Beat the Clips.

*____________________________________________________________________*
SHANNONS TIME IS HERE – MOST IMPROVED PLAYER – BANDWAGON
*____________________________________________________________________*
No one on the Lakers is happier for Brown's emergence then Bryant, who took Brown under
his wing as soon as he was traded to the Lakers two years ago and has mentored him into
the all-around player he has become this season.""He's a worker," said Bryant, who
called Brown his little brother. "He's talented, physically gifted, but he puts the work in.
"@ Arash Markazi
*___________________________________________________________________*
(01) LAKERTRUTH – OWNER - WOW, Shannon Brown was unbelievable. Great to see Phil play him and Blake to close out the game
(02) PSYCHEDLAKERGIRL – CO-OWNER - Shannon's my name and he's got the game! Woohoo!
(03) G in DC(aka GDUB) – DRIVER1| I said it on the Live Chat but, as of t'day, Shannon could very well be the most improved player in the Association.
"
(33) NEWMEXICOLL - Pls. put me on that SHANWOW band wagon.
(34) SOSHIBO - bandwagon me please. brown mamba respresentin.. #BICEPKISS

That Lakers win is not good enough.With a 21 point led with Mj,Pippen and Ker on the floor they would have certainly killed of the Suns not going into triple overtime,that why MJ IS THE GOAT.Kobe getting 41 points doesnt say nothing.Its a team effort and they must play better defence.Anyway the Lakers moved on.

Ninja, LA did not lost the 21 point lead when Kobe, PAu, Lamar was on the floor. They lost it when the reserve was in.

One more thing, MJ,PIP, and Kerr did not win all games all the time when they were on the floor. ANd they lost big time many times during thier era, don't come in here as if you were the only one watching games that old. There are other poeple here who watch the NBA way back to the 70's.

Get the dig?