How would the Lakers match up with San Antonio in the playoffs?
This is the last thing the Lakers should be reading or discussing.
They're in the midst of a five-game losing streak. They aren't even sure whether they'll finish as a No. 2 seed or drop down to No. 4. And they've demonstrated such a riddling amount of inconsistency, that it's plausible they wouldn't even advance this far in the postseason to see such an outcome.
So why on Earth am I analyzing how the Lakers and San Antonio Spurs would match up in the playoffs? Give me a break. The Lakers will turn things around. They just have to prove that they will. As Kobe Bryant said, "Everybody wants to put the nail in the coffin, but we've been there before and it doesn't bother us."
That's why it's plausible that the Lakers and Spurs matchup Tuesday at Staples Center won't be the last time they meet this season. The Lakers can take care of their responsibilities, secure the No. 2 seed and meet the Spurs in the Western Conference Finals. Or they may end the season on a seven-game losing streak, drop down to No. 4 and face a tougher road by playing the Spurs in the West semifinals. Either way, it would be one great series.
"I love those guys, but at the same time, I want to beat the hell out of them," Bryant said of the Spurs. "But I have a lot of a lot of respect for what they do and how they do it."
After the jump, I size up how each team could win.
Why the Lakers would beat the Spurs in the playoffs: The Lakers and Spurs have shared similar success, with the Lakers winning five NBA championships in the last decade and San Antonio three. The Lakers have often mentioned that the preparation for a playoff series is easier when they're familiar with the opponent. Obviously that history also applies to San Antonio, but here's where the Lakers have the edge: The Lakers have met the Spurs in the postseason this decade five times, and the Lakers have won four of those series.
This season, the Lakers have shown how that familiarity can pay off. There's no doubt that future Hall of Famer Tim Duncan has taken a backseat this season, willing to sacrifice his offensive production so he can facilitate a more up-tempo offense that runs through Tony Parker and Manu Ginobili. But the Lakers have taken Duncan out of his comfort zone this season, with Andrew Bynum and Pau Gasol helping to limit Duncan to 12 points on five-of-26 shooting in three meetings.
The Lakers' stiff defense hasn't applied only to Duncan. In their 1-2 regular season series with the Spurs, the Lakers have held San Antonio to an average of 89.66 points a game. That included poor shooting nights for Ginobili (three of 12) and Richard Jefferson (six of 14) in the Lakers' 97-82 loss Dec. 28, for Ginobili (five of 17) in the Lakers' 89-88 loss Feb. 3 and for Ginobili (three of 10), Parker (six of 14) and Jefferson (zero of three) in the Lakers' 99-83 victory March 6. The Lakers' defensive presence was a large reason they went 17-1 after the All-Star break and it could be a huge if they were to overcome San Antonio's homecourt advantage and sixth-best offense, averaging 103.83 points a game.
Why the Lakers would lose to the Spurs in the playoffs: The Lakers' effort in stifling Duncan has had little correlation to actual victories. For example, Duncan finished with a one-of-seven clip in two games this season, but one came in the Lakers' 97-82 loss Dec. 28 and the other came in the Lakers' 99-83 victory March 6. Their defense in general also did very little to stop San Antonio. That's because the Lakers performed abysmally on the offensive end. The Lakers' 35.4% clip in their double-digit loss to September mostly pointed to Bryant shooting eight of 27, but only Bynum and Matt Barnes shot above 50%. Bryant also shot only five of 18 in the Lakers' one-point loss in February. Surely, two of the Lakers' games against the Spurs came when L.A.'s chemistry wasn't as sharp as it was after the All-Star break, showing why the Lakers blew out the Spurs so drastically. But the Spurs are quite familiar with the Lakers and could disrupt them enough offensively at least to cost them a game in the series. Considering that the Spurs would have homecourt advantage and own a two-game winning streak at Staples Center indicates they're capable of stealing a road game, that would be a lethal combination.
But here's more. The Spurs' bench has proven vastly superior to the Lakers'. San Antonio boasts George Hill (17.3 points on 56% shooting in his last seven games) and three-point specialists in Matt Bonner and Gary Neal, who have been instrumental to the team's league-leading 39.9% shooting from three-point range. The Lakers can count on only Lamar Odom off the bench, which also features a cold-shooting Shannon Brown, a tentative Steve Blake and a previously aggressive Matt Barnes, who hasn't looked the same since returning last month from surgery on his right knee. That's why it comes as no surprise that Jackson removed his reserves in the Lakers' win in March after they allowed San Antonio to creep back into contention.
-- Mark Medina
Email the Lakers blog at mgmedin@gmail.com
Photo: Tim Duncan of the San Antonio Spurs faces off against Lakers players Lamar Odom (left) and Pau Gasol on April 6, 2010. Credit: Luis Sinco / Los Angeles Times
So the Lakers after 80 games can end up being a 2, 3, or 4 seed.
How many games have we lost this year due to...
1. injuries
2. complacency
3. lack of effort
4. players outside interests
5. Phil Jackson
6. Kobe
7. Fisher
8. Gasol
9 The bench
10. Execution
How many?
1 game, 2 games, 3, 4, 5, 6, ...10? Does it even matter?
This season concerns me more than past years because the bench has not established itself. Kobe looks mortal, and Fisher looks very old.
Phil Jackson has coached less this year than in any previous year that I can remember or does that mean he has coached more?
Oh well, different year, same result? Just hope that Phil & Co. know what their doing this time around.
Posted by: Troll Man | April 12, 2011 at 02:06 PM
Man, so many new threads that maybe I should change my wish from Brown getting chicken pox instead of Blake and switch to MM getting chicken pox. JK, Mark. But man, I can’t keep up with all the new threads, especially since you have people caught in the void posting on ghost threads.
.............................................
TOM
Posted by: LakerTom | April 12, 2011 at 02:06 PM
@MM ... Man, so many new threads that maybe I should change my wish from Brown getting chicken pox instead of Blake and switch to MM getting chicken pox. JK, Mark. But man, I can’t keep up with all the new threads, especially since you have people caught in the void posting on ghost threads.
.............................................
@PSYCORP ... Wow, I was almost going to come to your defense after MVP attacked you but after that last post I think I’m going to cheer his post and boo yours. You’ve definitely gone over the edge on your opinion of the team. What happened last year when you had the same opinion? LOL.
............................................
TOM
Posted by: LakerTom | April 12, 2011 at 02:10 PM
LakerTom
Join the club; the PSP has begged and pleaded with MM for less threads but it has fallen on deaf ears, as has my application for the authority to ban and unban. Anyways, its all about clicks and views and dollars so can't really blame him.
The PSP is not concerned about the spurs; we should be able to take care of them handily. Now OKC and Blazers are the ones that will give us the most trouble in the west for sure.
Thanks
PSP Officer
Posted by: Practice Season Police | April 12, 2011 at 02:12 PM
Psycorp
Phil Jackson is in a win-win proposition, Lose in the Playoffs and he has the ultimate scapegoat in Kobe, Win and he's the greatest of all time.
Remember,
PHIL JACKSON IS A CYLON, AND HE HAS A PLAN
Posted by: Troll Man | April 12, 2011 at 02:15 PM
Yep I agree that this comparison between LA vs. SA is really, really silly.
First off it is WAY too early and given the amount of competition out West it is NOWHERE a lock that LA and SA will advance far enough to face each other.
Not to mention the possibility of injuries during the early rounds that can affect both teams before they even meet each other.
What he said about too many threads...
Posted by: Psycorp | April 12, 2011 at 02:17 PM
"... While there was some lack of motivation and energy in the losses, the main reason for the 0-5 streak was more how we played than the effort we put out"
Sorry but that is pure nonsensical bull.
Here's what a "real" expert said: "Turnovers are the signs. They're not the reason. The reason is lack of urgency"
Who might this expert be? none other than Phil Jackson himself.
Why not just accept the 100% cold, hard reality that the Lakers, perhaps with the exception of Kobe, are a bunch of lazy, complacent and unmotivated players who do not care about winning as much as we all thought they do.
Two words people: Championship Fatigue!
Somehow the team has picked up some very BAD, BAD HABBITs and they will be the reasons if somehow the playoff run ends in a SOUR note.
AND... you all heard it here first: the blame will be where it should be, where the buck stops.
Shouldn't be a surprise if the team picks up on its coach who treats it as a lame-duck season and does not care enough to put on the pressure and discipline to ride the team to plays HARD and instead accepts the mentality of laissez-faire touchy-feely spiritual Zen crap!!!
PS: So much for "greatest" coach who in the end totally losts control of the team and has his players all tune him out. Can't use the excuse that this team does NOT know how to play the right way or that it is INCAPABLE of playing the right way... Yep it's time to ride into the sunset and retire alright!
Posted by: Psycorp | April 12, 2011 at 02:17 PM
@PSYCORP ... “Why not just accept the 100% cold, hard reality that the Lakers, perhaps with the exception of Kobe, are a bunch of lazy, complacent and unmotivated players who do not care about winning as much as we all thought they do.”
...
ROFLMAO. That is one of the most ridiculous and laughable comments ever made on this blog. To a man, the Lakers players care a whole lot more than you or I do whether they win or not. You just showed everybody on the blog why they should just scroll by your posts in the future. ROFLMAO.
............................................
TOM
Posted by: LakerTom | April 12, 2011 at 02:24 PM
Laker Tom, PSP, Psycorp,
What you said about TOO MANY THREADS.
Geesh MM, do you have a Thread Quota or something?
I mean, look, there are a number of regular posters who have the time to try and keep up, and even that can be a struggle. Most people who work full time and have other obligations don't have a prayer of trying to keep up with the threads and the posts and enter into a conversation because it's soon buried beneath 3-4 new threads, so why should they bother.
Being on the east coast makes it even worse. I stop reading in the evening east coast time and when I come back in the morning there have been as many as 6+ new threads. That's not even counting the one's from the day time.
It is unpleasant and takes some of the fun out of the blog and I'm sure there must be people who don't bother posting because of it.
You should really consider alternatives.
There are always other options and ways of doing things.
Posted by: Art | April 12, 2011 at 02:31 PM
Two words - Championship Fatigue! Psycorp has it dead right.
Phil's way is to help a team to find it's way to being a championship team. This year's team, after 3 trips to the Finals, is less hungry, more complacent, more confident that this whole regular season is not all that important. Remember, both times MJ went to the Finals 3 times in a row, he retired. And he eventually came back. He still loved the game. But it is draining and, in the end, de-motivating to win so much.
PJ has given his veteran team a lot of rope. But they aren't as hungry as the Spurs, who haven't won in a while. Or the Bulls or Thunder, young teams trying to establish themselves. He has to hope that hunger comes with the playoffs, and that the fact they have done it before and know how to play together will kick in.
I hope so. This otherwise would be an uninspired finale for Phil, his talented team seeming to have as little respect for the "practice season" as Shaq. Not much Phil can do really, besides sit guys and play Caracter and Walton.
Posted by: Tom Daniels | April 12, 2011 at 02:31 PM
San Antonio is a scary team. They have yet to shoot well on 3 pointers against the Lakers this year even though they are #1 in the league at 40%. In contrast, the Lakers don't even have a single player shooting 40%.
If they have a couple games where they catch fire from out there, that could be a rough series.
Posted by: Bay to LA | April 12, 2011 at 02:36 PM
Shotgun threads again. I forgot to do the Ctrl-F5 refresh or I wouldn't have posted so many threads ago! lol
"@NC ... LOL. Here are the recommended ranges:
...
Class Systolic Diastolic
Normal 115 mmHg or lower 75 mmHg or lower
Prehypertension 120-139 mmHg 80-89 mmHg
Stage 1 hypertension 140-159 mmHg 90-99 mmHg
Stage 2 hypertension 160 mmHg or over 100 mmHg or over
...
Maybe you shouldn’t watch any of the playoffs live. LOL.
..............................................
TOM
Posted by: LakerTom | April 12, 2011 at 12:55 PM
"
I am sure you're right, but at least my wife will be able to say at my funeral that 'he was doing what he loved best - basketball! Watching Lakers these days instead of playing back-in-the-60s-70s, but still basketball'.
Posted by: NuggetsCountry | April 12, 2011 at 02:57 PM
I think this is probably one of the hardest seasons to predict in recent memory. Other than New Orleans, I think all of the lower seeds in the west have a fairly realistic chance to upset their opponent so it's hard to predict who the Lakers might face each round as they advance. It's also hard to tell if they're going to be the 2, 3, or 4 seed right now.
Best case scenario for them would be to get New Orleans, beat them quickly, and rest up for the next opponent. If that happens, I think their chances increase dramatically. As it stands, neither a 1st round loss nor a championship would really surprise me with this team.
Posted by: Bay to LA | April 12, 2011 at 02:14 PM
---------------------
Bay to LA,
I believe you're too knowledgeable to not have a more definitive prediction. I'm hoping you can give me something more substantial once the seeds are determined in a couple of days.
I'll start off with a few things I'm almost certain of....
1. NO will not make it out of the first rd. (no firepower)
2. OKC will beat Denver. (no one to slow down KD)
3. LA will beat whoever in the first rd.
4. SA won't beat LA. (SA just don't have the size)
Posted by: LRob | April 12, 2011 at 03:01 PM
Maybe i'm the only one that finds this funny, but I'll repost it anyway, hoping this is the last stable thread for a while:
"OR:
Maybe this is just a sinister Laker plot to make us look so improbable to play all the way to a ring that it will be legendary!?
Bad season finish. check
Kobe washed up and ballhogging. check
No backup guards worth a s _ _ t. check
No backup bigs. check
DFish washed up. check
PJ in Montana mentally already. check
Haven't played backups enough to play in postseason. check
etc. etc.
Posted by: NuggetsCountry | April 12, 2011 at 02:54 PM
"
Posted by: NuggetsCountry | April 12, 2011 at 03:09 PM
which Lakers team will show up tonight? the team that went 17 - 1 after the all-star break OR the team that looked disinterested and went 0 - 5? ok L.A., it's time to stop being schizophrenic and return tonight to being the "real" Lakers. it doesn't matter if the spurs play their starters the whole game or half the game. what matters is: 1. that you care 2. bring some energy 3. lose the arrogance 4. play like a team 5. take nothing for granted 6. play all for 48 minutes! if you follow these things, i guarantee you'll win! freakinoutinphx
Posted by: Lakeshowinphx | April 12, 2011 at 03:18 PM
@LRob
"eatin the bear!" LOL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
gonna continue on that theme:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9ogQ0uge06o
Posted by: mclyne | April 12, 2011 at 03:26 PM
@NC... “I am sure you're right, but at least my wife will be able to say at my funeral that 'he was doing what he loved best - basketball! Watching Lakers these days instead of playing back-in-the-60s-70s, but still basketball'” LOL. My dentist who was our age just died of a heart attack riding his mountain bike. When I go, I hope it’s quick and fast and doing something I love so I get the Lakers game thing. Just ask God to wait until we had won the Finals before pulling the plug. LOL.
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@ART, PSP, et al.... It is a hopeless and futile task to lobby for more posts. The best we have ever been able to do is to stop the LAT from issuing game update posts after each quarter. Unfortunately, it’s the 1,000 hits for every post the fuel the Lakers Blog and the suits surely don’t understand how important the bloggers within the blog are to why there are so many hits. All you have to do is just keep threads open until people stop posting on them. Today, NuggetsCountry and I have had a great conversation on a two-times removed ghost thread. It’s a pain but really no biggie. Say what you want to say on any thread that day and the regulars will find it and respond if merited.
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@TOM DANIELS... You’re right that Psycorp had those two words right - championship fatigue – but if you read the content of his post, he pretty much claims the Lakers players other than Kobe don’t really have as great a desire to win as he does and that Phil Jackson is a loser who is responsible for the team playing so poorly. Hitting the nail on two words backed by illogical arguments and facts does not a good post make. His arguments were the same last year by the way but we still won.
...........................................
TOM
Posted by: LakerTom | April 12, 2011 at 03:28 PM
Maybe i'm the only one that finds this funny, but I'll repost it anyway, hoping this is the last stable thread for a while:
Posted by: NuggetsCountry
=======
NuggetsCountry,
I found it funny!
Posted by: Art | April 12, 2011 at 03:30 PM
"Bay to LA,
I believe you're too knowledgeable to not have a more definitive prediction. I'm hoping you can give me something more substantial once the seeds are determined in a couple of days.
I'll start off with a few things I'm almost certain of....
1. NO will not make it out of the first rd. (no firepower)
2. OKC will beat Denver. (no one to slow down KD)
3. LA will beat whoever in the first rd.
4. SA won't beat LA. (SA just don't have the size)
Posted by: LRob | April 12, 2011 at 03:01 PM"
Thanks, I'll provide some predictions after the 1st round is set. For now I do think the Lakers will pass the first round but if they go to the 2nd round without HCA, I think their chances of advancing are a coin flip at best. Especially if they don't get New Orleans in the 1st round and have to play 6 games against Portland or Memphis.
Dallas and San Antonio are getting written off but if they make it far enough to play the Lakers, those are going to be tough teams to get past.
Posted by: Bay to LA | April 12, 2011 at 03:37 PM
NuggetsCountry,
I found it funny!
Posted by: Art | April 12, 2011 at 03:30 PM
------------
Ditto
Posted by: LRob | April 12, 2011 at 03:57 PM
although L.A. has stunk it up these past 5 games. i'll say it again, along with brett barry and dennis scott from nbatv. if the Lakers play like the Lakers, they'll win their 3rd nba title in a row. the key for L.A.'s 3peat is 'drew bynum. if he remains healthy and does the things he's been doing since the all-star break, the Lakers are in the drivers seat once again. but, first things first! let's kick some san antonio ass tonight!
Posted by: Lakeshowinphx | April 12, 2011 at 04:01 PM
Hahaha funny a lot of doubters in here.Im really certain that this team will demolish all playoff teams in the west thats for sure.I can't predict the final outcome yet.Il have my prediction before the final start.Go go Lakers...Shut up haters...
Posted by: Adrian Palomar | April 12, 2011 at 04:14 PM
@mclyne - haha...The Oscar nominated, "Bare Necessities" is the one song I remember from Jungle Book....good one.
@Lakeshowinphx - hmmm, Brent Barry doesn't usually pick the Lakers. Maybe he's finally got over that playoff non-call the refs blew between him and DFish...nah, probably not. He just realizes the Lakers are the team to beat!
Posted by: LRob | April 12, 2011 at 04:16 PM
LRob, just saw the show today on the nba channel.....you're right, he usually is against the Lakers, like his hater brother jon, who used to play for L.A.! brent and dennis showed no hesitation in picking L.A. when asked. let's have a beatdown tonight against the spurs, you hear me kobe and company?
Posted by: Lakeshowinphx | April 12, 2011 at 04:26 PM
NO NO NO
The best song from the "Jungle Book" is
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r8R4p6t9250
Posted by: Troll Man | April 12, 2011 at 04:27 PM
Let's just win this game, SA will probably play his bench a lot, they have nothing to play for.
LRob, a masterpiece for you:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SFz5-g5xH9M
Cheers.
Posted by: Magic Phil | April 12, 2011 at 04:54 PM
LRob, I do agree that match-ups are important to consider:
Memphis: Mike Conley--I'd go under the screen until he proves to me that his 3 point shot is on that night.
Portland: Miller--can be deadly from 3, has a strong mid-range game, but not as quick a penetrator anymore. Kobe typically guards him to disrupt his rhythm. Need to fight over the screens on most nights.
New Orleans: Paul--Deadly both penetrating and shooting the three. Kobe's length disrupts him, but still need to fight over the 3 at times to keep him from finding his 3 point range.
Denver: Ty Lawson--seems to be pretty strong at times with the 3 and definitely can penetrate. Fight over screen while a big drops back to protect the lane. Mid-range game seems pretty strong too. But Drew's length can disrupt that.
OKC: Westbrook--Excellent penetrator and quality 3 point threat. If they set the screen with Turtlehead Perkins, then fight over while one of the bigs drops back to protect the lane. Problem with Sunday's game was that they were giving Turtlehead a clear path to the basket on the pick-and-roll. Matador D. Ole!
Dallas: Kidd--Actually, he's become a much more consistent 3 shooter, especially at clutch moments. Fight over the screen while Pau, LO or Drew immediately dropping back to protect the middle penetration (unless it's Dirk setting the screen for a pick and pop).
San Antonio: Parker--not a great 3 point shooter. Go under the screen to stop penetration.
Boston: Rondo--not a 3 point threat (although getting better at the corner 3). Go under the screen.
Miami: Bibby--too good of a 3 point threat and not a speedster. Fight over the screen.
Chicago: Rose--starting to shoot the 3 well, but stopping penetration with his speed might require going under the screen.
Orlando: Jameer "Pap-smear" Nelson--shoots the 3 too well, need to force him to his weak side and into defenders. Fight over the screen.
KOBE BEAN BRYANT IS STILL "THE LOGO OF PROFESSIONALISM!"
LAMAR ODOM IS "THE SWISS ARMY KNIFE!"
"AND THE BEAST GOES ON..."
Posted by: The Triangulator | April 12, 2011 at 05:04 PM
Hey guys. There is no thread quota and I apologize for not spacing out the last two threads accordingly. I wrote the latest thread in the morning and then sent out a note for it to be edited. Meanwhile, breaking news happened w/ Blake so we got that up there. Normally I would've spaced out the last thread about an hour long but just bad timing. Anyway, the grievances don't just apply to here but in general. Laker Tom noted we changed having the quarter updates just in one post. But I've given posts a 2:30-three hour threshold before another thread thinking that would be sufficient shelf life for conversations. Breaking news is non negotiable of course because this is a blog after all, but the other threads I've mostly approached in making sure they're comprehensive and substantive. My mindset has never been to just throw up a blog item because one needs to get up. Instead I've tried thinking of different topics to talk about so that you guys have things to read about. As you may notice, most of the threads are up in the morning/early afternoon and I do that intentionally because most Internet users read from work/etc. I don't plan on having a thread until Phil's pre-game interview so that people who may have missed it can catch up on the items earlier in the day. That being said, I have an obligation to provide the most comprehensive information on the blog and when the playoffs start there will be plenty of things happening from each practice. It's bad journalism practice just to sit on material but I will make sure I'll space them out 2-3 hours. I hope that helps clear up the issue and I'll be happy to discuss it further.
Posted by: Mark Medina | April 12, 2011 at 05:08 PM
Magic Phil: "Let's just win this game, SA will probably play his bench a lot, they have nothing to play for."
I must respectfully disagree. The Spurs are 61-19 and Chicago is 60-20. If the Spurs win out, they are assured home court throughout. If they tie with Chicago, the tiebreaker is a random drawing. I expect that they will come out to play.
KOBE BEAN BRYANT IS STILL "THE LOGO OF PROFESSIONALISM!"
LAMAR ODOM IS "THE SWISS ARMY KNIFE!"
"AND THE BEAST GOES ON..."
Posted by: The Triangulator | April 12, 2011 at 05:09 PM
MM
Your responsible journalism is much more important than anything we have to say anyway, so thank you for staying on top of all things Lakers.
Posted by: KobeMVP888 | April 12, 2011 at 05:22 PM
The Triangulator
If the Spurs and Bulls wind up with identical records, the Spurs own the tie breaker, so tonight is not a "must win" for San Antonio.
Posted by: KobeMVP888 | April 12, 2011 at 05:24 PM
@KobeMVP888: "If the Spurs and Bulls wind up with identical records, the Spurs own the tie breaker, so tonight is not a "must win" for San Antonio."
I beg to differ. On Nov 17th, 2010, the Spurs beat the Bulls. On Feb. 17th, 2011, the Bulls beat the Spurs. They split the season series. If the Spurs and Bulls finish with identical records, the Spurs do NOT own the tiebreaker. It comes down to a random drawing.
KOBE BEAN BRYANT IS STILL "THE LOGO OF PROFESSIONALISM!"
LAMAR ODOM IS "THE SWISS ARMY KNIFE!"
"AND THE BEAST GOES ON..."
Posted by: The Triangulator | April 12, 2011 at 05:34 PM
The Triangulator
The first tie breaker is head to head. The second tie breaker is who has a better record against the opposing conference. The Spurs have a better record against the East than the Bulls have against the West. I knew this already, but I also heard it on Mason & Ireland today after they researched it because a caller had the same question. I could be wrong and they could be wrong, but that's my understanding.
Posted by: KobeMVP888 | April 12, 2011 at 05:47 PM
@TRIANGULATOR … Excellent post on defending ball handlers on pick and rolls. You also have to remember that what the Lakers want teams to do is take midrange jumpers, non-paint 2-point shots. Their defensive philosophy backed by the stats show that these are the lowest percentage shots for almost every player in the league. Think about it: the 3-point shot has made midrange obsolete.
…
That’s why Phil is so intent on defenders challenging shots and chasing shooters off the 3-point line and funneling them into Drew. We’re trying to eliminate 3’s and points in the paint. That’s why I never worry when some player lights it up from mid-range. You can win an occasional game that way but not a 7-game series. Live by the jumper and you will surely die by the jumper in the playoffs.
…
So in all these defensive scenarios, it’s really very simple. Unless it’s a guy who can’t shoot a lick like Rondo, you always fight through or go over the screen to prevent the 3-point shot. You don’t even give a guy a chance to prove he is hot. That’s what you want to prevent. Shut down their 3’s. If you do that and Drew limits opposing points in the paint, then you’re usually going to win the game.
…
Which brings me to my biggest complaint about the Lakers perimeter defense, which is not their inability to stop fast quick point guards (because nobody can) but their stupid efforts to help out on players penetrating that results in their leaving their men wide open for easy 3’s. Those are the shots you just don’t let a team take. You make them have to attack Drew or settle for midrange jumpers..
…………………………………………
TOM
Posted by: LakerTom | April 12, 2011 at 05:56 PM
Objectively speaking: this team will merely attempt to match SA's energy tonight and if they see daylight in the score, then they'll try to win the game, otherwise, it's another loss. This team has their minds in the playoffs already. They are not going to sacrifice themselves any further - 2 games left in the season. It's like PJ said, there's no "urgency" but that urgency becomes present in the playoffs and that's when this team is at it's best.
That being said, the team is definitely "limping" into the playoffs but they're in and right now, given the circumstances, that's all that matters. We will see a mentally rejuvenated team that will likely win the 1st game of each of their series and make the back and forth adjustments as necessary to move closer to the Finals.
If I'm not mistaken, every PJ coached team that has won the 1st game eventually goes on to win the series. The Lakers are that good and talented of a team to take the 1st game. This will be the Lakers' toughest championship yet because they've been beaten by just about everyone so they "appear" vulnerable but as we all know, it's a different mindset and game in the playoffs. No room for mistakes and we've seen this team execute some pretty gnarly games during the regular season. They will have no choice but to do so in the post season and do so they will. Believe That!! That's what they do. They've proven that for the last 3 years and this year is no different. They're back in the playoffs where anything can happen.
"Everything about the Lakers is geared toward winning playoff games. It's what they do." J.A. Adande
"Even when we didn’t make the playoffs, I thought we'd win the championship." Dr. Buss
"...they're shaking like virgins on prom night... Faithdalakerfan
Go Lakers & In Buss We Trust!!
Posted by: frmkt | April 12, 2011 at 05:58 PM
Watching the Knicks and Bulls...........I sure miss Ronny Turiaf.
Posted by: NuggetsCountry | April 12, 2011 at 06:09 PM
@FRMKT … Very well said. We all get caught up in the moment at times and lose perspective, which is what likely happened collectively both during the 17-1 win streak and the 5-0 losing streak. Reality is obviously somewhere in between, right? Maybe. On the other hand, after all the games and wins and banners, you’re right: these guys minds are already in the playoffs. So maybe the 17-1 team is the Lakers team that IS going to show up in the playoffs. Wouldn’t that play with everybody’s minds.
…………………………………………
TOM
Posted by: LakerTom | April 12, 2011 at 06:09 PM
Funny thing is the Lakers as a team don’t seem to very worried about their recent play. It’s a pretty confidence bunch to believe all they really need is a couple of good practices to solve their problems. It tells me that the 17-1 team we saw after the all-star break is going to be the Lakers team we see in the playoffs. Basketball is about confidence and clutch is about being able not to lose your confidence. The Lakers aren’t worried because they know they’re the best team and know they’ll show it. That’s why we as fans shouldn’t be worried. If you’ve followed this team, you know what kind of heart they have. You should be a little abashed and embarrassed at doubting the hearts of these champions.
…………………………………………
TOM
Posted by: LakerTom | April 12, 2011 at 06:19 PM
@KobeMVP888, My Bad! Considering I posted the opposing conference record rule multiple times over the last few weeks.
BRAIN FART!!!!!! LOL
KOBE BEAN BRYANT IS STILL "THE LOGO OF PROFESSIONALISM!"
LAMAR ODOM IS "THE SWISS ARMY KNIFE!"
"AND THE BEAST GOES ON..."
Posted by: The Triangulator | April 12, 2011 at 06:38 PM
LakerTom, I agree. It's like they don't trust Drew completely yet. Just funnel the point guard into Drew, stay on your perimeter guys and trust the Beast to alter or block the shot.
Another thing that bugs the ISH outta me is when Drew is guarding the player with the ball in the post. He's got the advantage of size and most times quickness. And yet, here comes the double team and there goes the wide open 3 ball.
TRUST THE BEAST!!!!!!
KOBE BEAN BRYANT IS STILL "THE LOGO OF PROFESSIONALISM!"
LAMAR ODOM IS "THE SWISS ARMY KNIFE!"
"AND THE BEAST GOES ON..."
Posted by: The Triangulator | April 12, 2011 at 06:46 PM
LakerTom, PSP, Art and others,
Finally, I'm no longer alone is saying that there are just too many thread and conversations are discrupted because of preponderance of thread while the contents are almost the same. We started this blog with Extra, Extra that last for two days and our conversation changes based on the whims of the great basketball mind, Mike T. KBros changes the thread after the blog fight is over. lmao! I think there were so many clicks because there are so many sports played on the blog, basketball, gunfight without the guns, soap opera, Readers Digest. I say the latter because JJ alone could put up a post good for two pages plus Jackson Journal and so forth. Now we have those kind of posters but we have an active moderator fidgety on producing multiple threads. In fact, avoid conversation and unsavory topic by changing the threads, as soon as you reached the 4th thread, the topic or issue becomes stale and history. I also noticed every time we post something, the big brother is watching and transferring all data to ping.chartbeat.net. Whoaaa privacy is more a dream in this day and age.
After gathering all the data, I wish chartbeat.net could tell us who won the game?
Another way of circumventing the multiple threads is to post like what LRob did, just put ****ditto**** on the succeeding posts and copy the time of the original post. I think it will also produce a lot of clicks rather than going for repost. The blog is turned into a huge maze. lol!
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | April 12, 2011 at 06:51 PM
Time for a lil' Flyin' Home compliments of the Tonight Show:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EqkOsosy6rc&feature=youtube_gdata_player
FLY HOME LAKERS!!!!!! FLY HOME!!!!!!
KOBE BEAN BRYANT IS STILL "THE LOGO OF PROFESSIONALISM!"
LAMAR ODOM IS "THE SWISS ARMY KNIFE!"
"AND THE BEAST GOES ON..."
Posted by: The Triangulator | April 12, 2011 at 07:05 PM
@Troll Man – Oh yeah that one is swinging…can’t argue with King Louie.
@Magic Phil – I haven’t heard that one by EWF in a while…still sounds as good as ever. Thanks for posting it. (I hope Shannon picks up his game so lil Magic Phil won’t be disappointed).
Posted by: LRob | April 12, 2011 at 07:05 PM
Tri,
I would definitely go under on Miller because he's only a 20% 3pt shooter and just 11% for the years. But even more importantly he doesn't want to shoot the 3. He wants to get into the lane and dish it. So why play into his hand? Nope go under on him and let him shoot until his hearts content...just like Rondo.
On JKidd - you're right, probably need to go over on him and chase him off the 3pt line and not give him any open looks. Although it takes so long to for him to get his shot off you can probably go under and recover...lol.
I wouldn't go under on Parker, not anymore. He's deadly on the long 2's...especially without a hand in his face.
Posted by: LRob | April 12, 2011 at 07:15 PM
First the Lakers need to take care of the Hornets. Then they need to get through the 2nd round. Then if we are lucky we'll see how they match up against the Spurs. But, the Thunder could upset the spurs and we'd have a completely different situation. 3 Peat. Lets hope.
Posted by: headshots | April 14, 2011 at 04:43 PM