On the heels of a tough game Tuesday, the Lakers get CP3 and Co.  It's a tough test for sure, given Paul's ability to penetrate and the multitude of shooters New Orleans can deploy.  Again, though, the Lakers carry a substantial advantage in roster depth, and ought to be able to use that to their advantage.  Good news for the Hornets: Mo Peterson is in the starting lineup. He had been questionable with a knee problem.

We'll see.  As for the game thread, we're going to use last year's model tonight. 

BK

The Mavs haven't started strong, but are bound to pick it up at some point.  Hopefully not tonight.  First game of a back-to-back for LA, so an early lead wouldn't hurt.

BK

Hey folks.  Feel free to comment away as the Lakers get their first road test of the season. 

BK

Could this be the night DJ Mbenga explodes for 68 points to become a Purple and Gold playoff legend?  You won't know unless you watch.

AK

A visual aid never hurts.

In theory, all the Lakers need to do is exactly what they've been doing for the first three games.  Stay patient, show some discipline, and wait for Denver to freak out.

Sure, it's fun to end a series at home... but why bother with a Game 5 if you don't have to?

BK

And before we kick off, my two cents...

The Nuggets have thrown a wide variety of looks at the Lakers and none have been effective over the course of an entire contest.  We can discuss and analyze every X and/or O, but everything comes back to one central fact.  Denver is a good team, but L.A. is just better.  Not to sound simplistic, but it really is that simple.  And honestly, I think Denver knows that nothing they do can truly "overcome" that.

Thus, I'm expecting to see Denver doing more of what's been (relatively speaking) most effective and trying to make it better.  But were I George Karl, I'd tell my squad to play the Lakers extremely physical.  Nothing dirty, but nothing without some contact involved.  If the Lakers have a teamwide weakness (of sorts), it's that they can get rattled when team bump and grind.  Especially if the refs don't call it (and the odds of no whistle increase at Pepsi), which has often gotten the Lakers out of sorts.  With any luck, the Lakers will concentrate more on the refs than the game, a bad habit that used to rear its ugly head on a very regular basis.  In particular, I'd look to muscle Gasol, who really doesn't like that style of play.  Basically, an approach that hopes to make the Lakers beat themselves to some degree.  If any team knows how self destruction is possible, it's Denver.

Will it work?  We shall see.  This is actually the game I'm picking the Nuggets to win (whether because of my strategy or otherwise), followed by the Lakers closing out the final two.  But if I'm wrong about the outcome (and I hope I am), this is a sweep.  Book it.  Here's to hoping.

AK

This game is so big, fans who swore off the Lakers in February for good will make an exception and tune in.

AK (with the first)

First Quarter

11:00 - Ronny sets up Kobe for a 12-foot jumper in the lane.  Easy enough, but so was the ensuing 20-footer by Hakim Warrick.

Maybe it's just me, but I considered Charlotte's jettisoning of Walter Hermann a clear cut sign that they were in rebuilding mode.

AK (with the first half)

FIRST QUARTER

10:04 - The first four Laker points belong to Ronny Turiaf, the second coming off a mi-range.  Good way to start out, Ronny.  Now let's be on the look out to avoid the unnecessary extra pass.    

9:15 - Just as BK and I are commenting that Gerald Wallace went from being a guy who could do everything but shoot to a guy who's turned into a fairly good shooter, he buries a three. 

Side note: Whenever I see Wallace play, I always end up thinking of a SPL league game I went to about 7 years ago where Wallace and LO were matched up on each other.  I was like, "That could be a fun match up for a long time."

AK's having some net issues (they probably sabotaged his connection... take that, blogger!), but that doesn't mean we can't live blog. 

6-5 Dallas as things kick off...

9:00- LO has come out of the gate aggressively, realizing that while Dirk is a tough matchup for him on the defensive end, Dirk can't guard him.  He's gone strong to the hoop twice.  They need to get Dampier out of the post to give themselves some space at the hole.

7:23- Ronny draws a foul on Dampier off a great feed into the post from LO.  That's his second so he's out of the game.  Even better than out of the post.  Brandon Bass in. 

If Tuesday night's win over the Blazers was a summer music festival, they'd have called it Clutch'N'GrabaPalooza.  No flow, no style, and a whole bunch of technical fouls.  Hopefully tonight the aesthetics improve but the results don't change. 

Keep an eye on LaMarcus Aldridge on Pau Gasol when they find themselves matched up.  PJ mentioned last night that Gasol didn't have the same spring in his step he'd had in previous games, which is why he sat through most of the fourth.  Given his whirlwind schedule of late, fatigue wouldn't shock, but he'll need to bring it tonight.  Aldridge often had his way with Gasol on Tuesday, and crushed Tim Thomas when the Blazers played the Clips on Wednesday.  Granted, most of us could make Thomas look bad defensively. 

Brandon Roy will play for Portland- that's a big boost for them- and L.A. looks to improve on their 9-4 record on the second half of back-to-backs, and run the win streak to 11.

BK

It's Oscar night, but if the Lakers drop this one, they'll be getting a Razzie in the morning.  Hopefully, it'll be a "Best Picture" sort of night, with many purple and gold Best Actors.

BK

There's something strikingly different about Phoenix right now, but I can't quite put my finger on i... wait a second...

Marcus Banks is no longer with the Suns????!!!!! 

Wow, when did that happen?  I'm gonna have to rethink my keys to the game.  In the mean time, is it just me, or has Amare Stoudemire gained weight?

AK

If only these wolves were as entertaining as this wolf.

AK

Not to spoil anything, but DJ Mbenga has 72 at the half.

BK

No delayed feed!  You know AK and I are happy.  Anyway, it's hard to say exactly what dynamic the Heat will have with Shawn Marion, but even if it's a good one, Miami still has, um, issues.  Can't give this game away.

BK

You know the drill, people.  Don't read this if you're waiting for the KCAL feed.  This should be a fun one!

BK

Is anyone else as sick of this roadie purely because of the delayed feeds? 

Oh well.  You know the protocol.

AK

It's the second go round for Pau Gasol as a Laker, and a potential trap game for his new team.  The Hawks are all bouncy and young, and run around a lot.  They've also just capped off a 4-11 January.  Still, they've won two straight, and are 14-9 at home.  All in all, it's a game the Lakers should win, but they need to pay attention. 

Remember, KCAL viewers, stay away from this one.  And the Internet in general, until 5:30.

BK

Remember, don't spoil any surprises for those 90 minutes behind.  Although you can talk about Gasol all you want.  I think everyone knows by now.

AK

Remember kids, if you're planning on watching the KCAL feed, don't read this thread.  My guess is it'll include a spoiler or two.  By the way, Darth Vader?  Totally Luke Skywalker's father. 

BK

Kwame Brown vs. Desagna Diop should cancel out to a wash.  From there, the other high profile scoring  questions are wide open.

AK

If everything is bigger in Texas, so too should be the sweet, sweet spoils of victory, right? First big road test for the depleted purple and gold. Another one of those big games, where the "how" is almost as important as "the result."

BK

The Lakers have never lost a game where Mom co-live blogged.  They've also never won.  Something's gotta give.

-AK (who's doing the whole shmear)

First Quarter

It was nice to hear Kwame get a rousing round of applause during his introduction.  Hopefully, it'll stay the same, even after missing his first shot attempt.

The Hornets have had three days off, so they've had time to relax.  Hopefully, they've used that time to stuff themselves with too much jambalaya. 

Mmmm.  Jambalaya.

-AK

The thread for those an hour and a half behind the real world.

AK

Remember, if you're going to watch the delayed KCAL feed at 5:30, don't read this thread.  It'll spoil all the fun.  In fact, you might just want to stay away from the Internet entirely.  And sports radio.  And television.

Man, these delays really are a pain.

BK

Hey, who are the big stars in this one, again?

BK

Bynum available, but Mihm will get the start.  I hope this works out, because it's actually how I'd prefer Phil keep things until Kwame's return.  And it can eventually be that way with Turiaf at the 4 and LO at the 3, even better.

-AK

UPDATE: Great game for the purple and gold, as they overcame 51 points from Allen Iverson to register a 111-107 win in Denver.  Great fourth quarter from Kobe, a very strong defensive effort from Andrew Bynum, and a killer shooting night from Vlad Rad are just some of the highlights.  More on the game tomorrow.

No Kwame.  No Ronny (concussion).  And apparently no Andrew Bynum (some form of unspecified "bug").

Six more Lakers out and the roster will almost be as unimpressive as Minny's.

-AK

Thus far, no game has passed in the "Phil Jackson-extended era" where a Laker doesn't hit a career high.  It's arguably a small sample size, but let's be optimistic and assume the trend a given.  Who's got next?

-AK

So we're still in the Lou, but that doesn't mean there can't be a game thread.  Lakers look to end their two game mini-skid. 

BK

For those of you watching on the picture box.

BK

The One (Run-On) Sentence Summary of Tonight's 134-114 Win Over Indiana: The first game following Kwame Brown's knee and ankle injuries saw an increased pace, shuffled lineups (made shuffle-ier by the trade of Brian Cook and Mo Evans for Trevor Ariza), blistering shooting by the purple and gold (58% from the floor in combination with 52% beyond the arc will generally do the trick), big nights from Kobe (32/6/4), Andrew Bynum (17/10/4 blocks), and Jordan Farmar (18/4 dimes) among others, all highlights of an evening marked by some ludicrously good offensive execution in both the half court and on the break, though decent defensive marks- LAL held the Pacers to a tidy 40% from the floor- were spoiled by the Lakers' inability to keep the Pacers off the offensive glass, where the Lakers were hammered 18-4 (helping explain Indiana's 22-0 halftime lead in second chance points and the 103 hoists hoisted by Pacers players)... nothing that a little Windex can't fix as they head into Milwaukee Wednesday night.

For those of you planning on watching the game on the tellie, don't read the comments...

BK

All the proverbial marbles.  Do or die.  "Men or boys" time.  And any other cliches you can come up with.

AK

I don't know everything about hoops strate-ma-gizing, but were I Phil Jackson, I'd have spent more time planning for Leandro Barbosa and less planning for Pat Burke heading into this baby.  Of course, he's the Zen Master and I'm just some yutz with a blog, so who I am to tell him what to do?

AK

Mavericks or Suns. You choose. (Technically, of course, the Lakers will, but it's important to feel like part of the process, right?)

BK

If everything goes well, the Lakers will finish the night 2.5 games up on the Clippers and Warriors, sitting pretty (relatively speaking) for the playoffs.  Should things turn sour, the MFE (margin for error) shrinks to a scant half game.  Ahhh, life on the bubble. 

BK

Either the Lakers are intentionally trying to lull the rest of the league into a false sense of security, or they need to pick it up considerably.  I'll let you decide.

BK

It's only been five seasons since the Sonics traded Shammond Williams in a totally under the radar transaction.  I expect some grudge work on display. 

AK

Penny Marshall's in the press room.  She has no idea who to root for.

AK

First Quarter

We're seated considerably higher up than normal (Clippers don't keep as many courtside press seats available), so it's going to be much harder to hear the Lakers not talk on D. 

10:33 - Very nice twirly-whirly move by Smush around Jason Hart to get to the basket.  I'm curious to see if Smush can refocus, regroup, or re-something tonight, because he played an absolutely horrible game last night.  Among his worst of the season.

Kobe has scored 175 points over the last three games.  Let's see if he score 175 in one night. That would be impressive!

BK

It's a little early, but given how long it's been since the Lakers won a roadie, I figured they could 12 extra minutes of positive "game" vibes.

AK

It's official.  The cushion has all but been eaten away.  Lose tonight, and the Lakers will no longer be the lone occupants of SixSeedVille.  Fortunately, since the eighth seed is apparently radioactive and unwanted by anyone, we don't need to have that conversation yet. 

But enough cloudy thoughts.  L.A. has more bodies tonight, and more reason to hope.  Git 'im, boys!

BK

It's not that the Lakers can't afford to lose this game with Dallas coming to Staples... it's just I don't know how to finish that sentence.

BK

Remember, if you're watching the KCAL feed and wanna remain in suspense, no peeking until 5:30.  But I'll give away one secret.  Kobe plays in this game.

AK

Any winnable roadie is one the Lakers need to take.  This would qualify.

BK

Everyone loves a plucky underdog, and the Lakers are, without question, at least one of those things.  Fingers crossed. 

BK

Conventional wisdom dictates that you can't stop Rafael Araujo, you can only hope to contain him.  But if I know my Lakers, they won't be satisfied unless they pull off both.

AK

FYI - Deron Williams will be out tonight, so L.A. needs to capitalize on that timely break.

The key to a Laker victory?  Keeping the ball out of Adonal Foyle's hands. 

Either that, or in his hands at all times and at all costs.  I can never remember which one.

AK

The Lakers have yet to win a game since Von Wafer became a Clipper.  It's time this particularly dark era came to end.

AK

First Quarter

9:35 - Former Laker Ime Udoka hits a little jumper in the paint.  Raise your hands if you remember his cup of coffee with the Lakers.  Now put your hands down, liars.

7:23 - Terrific ball movement around the horn (or for those who prefer their hoops terminology remain non-baseball, around the arc) leads to LO getting a wide open lane straight to the paint for an easy dunk.  And note, I said, "dunk," not "long jumper."  I'd like to see a little more of the former, a little less of the latter.

I can't believe how it's totally gone over the heads of the ABC marketing people that today's game features two young, charismatic, multi-facteted individual talents in Kobe Bryant and LeBron James. Scorers often compared to each other, both of whom have carried the "Next MJ" mantle since arriving in the league.  And you'd think that even if the network cats didn't pick up on this angle, at least the media might.  But not a peep about it from them, either.

We'll see if TNT can pick up the ball during next week's rematch.

AK

Tonight's opponent features the best #1 overall pick in league history with a chick name.  He ain't all that bad a pick without such specifications, either.

AK

Remember, if you're gonna watch the game on KCAL, no peeking, eh?

AK

The Lakers' first match against Detroit was the last game played before Kwame Brown came back from his pre-season shoulder injury.  Tonight's match against Detroit is the first game since it was announced that Kwame will require 4-6 additional weeks to heal up from his current ankle injury. 

What does that mean?  Not a damn thing.  But it's very "Lincoln had a secretary named Kennedy, Kennedy had a secretary named Lincoln," which is always fun.

AK

I'm picturing the following conversation before tonight's game:

Coach Mike Woodson:  Slava, can you do me a favor during the game and keep an eye out for anything you recognize that they're running with the triangle?
Slava Medvedenko: Triangle?
Woodson:  The triangle offense.
(Slava stares blankly at Woodson.)
Woodson:  The triangle, Slava.  The system you ran for five of the six seasons you played with the Lakers.
Slava:  You mean where I was just supposed to launch shots whenever I touched the ball?
(Beat)
Woodson:  Good talk, Slava.

AK

Remember, if you're planning to watch the Lakers play in a half-filled, painfully quiet arena via KCAL, no peeking for 90 minutes.  FYI, still no Luke tonight.

AK

Let's hope the Lakers make BBQ of the Wizards.  Or Stir fry.  Or microwave vittles.  Any style will do, as long as it's nothing prepared with a Hibachi.

AK

Assuming the game itself doesn't feel like a total bore compared to the thrilling rush of a certain pre-game segment, drop on by.

AK

If the Pacers win, it's a good omen for the Colts on Sunday.  So here's rooting for your Super Bowl champion Chicago Bears!

(NOTE: I was so vainly nervous over the LTV segment that I forgot to specify that this was the real time thread.  If you're watching on KCAL, don't read this if you wanna remain in suspense.  Sorry for the mental lapse.)

AK

Not to ruin any surprises, but Kobe plays in this game.  Unfortunately, I just got suspended for inadvertently hitting BK in the face in what was described an "unnatural blogging act."  I think Stu Jackson's starting to really overstep his boundaries.

AK

The quest to end a three-game losing streak begins on this blog.  The quest not to have any secrets revealed if you're waiting for the KCAL feed also begins on this blog, but in a hour.

AK

If I ran KCAL, I would take advantage of the delay and CGI in old footage of Kobe playing throughout the broadcast as a means of protesting #24's suspension.  But I don't run KCAL.  I'm just a dude with basic cable (and League Pass, of course).

AK

Remember, if you're gonna watch the game on the KCAL broadcast later on, don't peek.  Instead, occupy yourself for an hour by continuing to air "Manu-Gate" grievances on the earlier thread. 

AK

I said during the Bobcats game on Friday that I could see Vlad Radmanovic's DNP-CD become a regular thing. Today, he's starting. As usual, I have my finger on the pulse of everything "Lakers."

AK

First Quarter

6:10 - My heart races. I swear I hearing the call of "Manu Girl." Or maybe it's just the winds playing tricks on my fragile psyche. But either way, my head's on a swivel looking around.

5:42 - LO goes coast to coast off a rebound, using his off arm to shy away from Oberto and stretch in the layup. Things that's been missing from the Lakers of late?

It's too cold today to hang out at River Walk, so the Lakers might as well just win a basketball game.  Circular logic, but hard to argue with.

AK

As a pregame note, in the category of "unenthusiastic endorsements," I give you James Worthy's comment during "The Worthy Spin," where one topic was Vujacic's back-to-back scoring efforts:

"For some reason, (Phil Jackson) likes his energy on the defensive end..."

Way to pump a guy up, Big Game!  With "tributes" like these, who needs roasts?  Well, here's hoping Sasha can establish a new career high in a third consecutive game.  And that it comes during a win.

AK

Sorry, y'all.  Technical issues with the site.  But with 5:31 left in the first, the Lakers are up 15-7.  Better the blog have problems than the team blogged about.  Fingers crossed that we're up and running for good.

AK 

I've got a fever and the only cure ISN'T more cowbell.

AK

I don't want to spoil the ending for you, but I've seen what happens and it turns out Darth Vader is in fact Luke Skywalker's father.

BK

You know the dillio by now.  If you wanna remain in suspense for the KCAL feed, kill time for an hour (perhaps by writing the station to let them know you hate these delayed broadcasts).  If you're following the action via alternate means, comment away.

AK

For those who can't watch a Lakers game without Alan Massengale, here's your thread.

AK

If you want to be kept in suspense until the KCAL broadcast starts, don't read this.  Or turn on a television.  Or the radio.  Or the interweb.  In fact, you might just want to sell the car, quit the job, and lose all modern conveniences like that family did on that TV show. 

We'll have another thread once the picture box starts sending signals from Orlando. 

BK

I got so involved watching the action I forgot to get this up and running.  But here we go...

AK

The good news, at least for tonight, is that A.I. ended up in Denver, not Minnesota.  The bad news?  That the Wolves didn't pick him up might tick off Garnett, who might take it out on the purple and gold.  Tough assignment, on the second night of a back to back.  C'mon, gentlemen, prove me wrong.

BK

The Lakers have yet to win a game since Allen Iverson was traded to the Nuggets.  Tonight, they look to change that.

AK

The Lakers have yet to lose a game while playing without Lamar this season.  Here's to keeping the streak alive.

AK

No T-Mac.  Bonzi Wells apparently can't run a wind sprint without throwing up.  Scott Padgett is Scott Padgett. 

I don't know everything about basketball, but I have a feeling Jeff Van Gundy will look to involve Yao Ming.  Or perform an emergency chiropracty on Bob Sura, whichever seems the more practical strategy.

Tune in and see...

AK

In theory, someone at the Mothership is supposed to keep an eye on this... at the very least, your game related comments will be neatly sorted in a game thread (to be updated later).

—BK

Who doesn't enjoy a trip to Blazerland?  Well, none of the actual Blazers, but that's just being nitpicky.

Enjoy.

AK

Hopefully, the team's all jacked up on local java and ready to reach 4-0. We shall see.

Enjoy.

—AK

A little side note:  Talked to Mom today, who watched the second half of last night's game.  Naturally, she was very impressed by LO and also liked "that new guy Farmar."  I did have to explain to her, however, that his name is actually Jordan, not Justin.

Enjoy the game.

AK