From Brian Kamenetzky, Land O’ Lakers: Defense. Take away the first half problems securing the glass, and the Lakers did a nice job against the Blazers. Portland was limited to 38.6 percent shooting on the night, in three of the four quarters failed to score more than 20 points, and only notched only 32 in […]
Archives for March 2011
Lakers/Blazers: A Veteran Win
This wasn’t a pretty game. Far from it, actually. But the Lakers battled, kept the game close, and made the plays down the stretch to beat the Blazers 84-80. The win clinched the Pacific Division and served as a reminder that the guys with the old legs still have some left in the tank. And […]
Preview and Chat: The Portland Trailblazers
Records: Lakers 49-20 (2nd in West), Trailblazers 40-29 (6th in West) Offensive ratings: Lakers 111.7 (2nd in NBA), Trailblazers 108.6 (11th in NBA) Defensive ratings: Lakers 104.5 (7th in NBA), Trailblazers 107.0 (14th in NBA) Projected Starting Lineups: Lakers: Derek Fisher, Kobe Bryant, Ron Artest, Lamar Odom, Pau Gasol Trailblazers: Andre Miller, Wesley Matthews, Nicolas […]
Sunday Morning Reading
While we all wait for the Portland game this evening and whether or not Andrew Bynum will be available to play or if he’ll be suspended by the league for his foul on Michael Beasley, below are a few links to help you pass the time. Enjoy. *Mitch Kupchak is nothing but a straight shooter […]
Lakers/Timberwolves: Lakers Outlast ‘Wolves, Bynum Thrown Out
Yes, the Lakers beat the Timberwolves. They outlasted visiting ‘Wolves 106-98 to up their post all-star record to 11-1. And when you combine the Lakers’ win with losses by the Mavs, Celtics, and Bulls the Lakers were able to gain ground in the playoff standings taking a full one game lead for sole possession of […]
Preview and Chat: The Minnesota Timberwolves
Records: Lakers 48-20 (tied for 2nd in West), Timberwolves 17-52 (14th in West) Offensive ratings: Lakers 111.6 (2nd in NBA), Timberwolves 104.7 (23rd in NBA) Defensive ratings: Lakers 104.5 (7th in NBA), Timberwolves 110.2 (26th in NBA) Projected Starting Lineups: Lakers: Derek Fisher, Kobe Bryant, Ron Artest, Pau Gasol, Andrew Bynum Timberwolves: Luke Ridnour, Wesley […]
Around the World (Wide Web): Kobe’s Ankle; Lakers Fans
From Brian Kamenetzky, Land O’ Lakers: It’s a testament to the relative health this season of the Lakers- and certainly Kobe Bryant- that 24’s ailing left ankle gets it’s own “watch,” despite playing Monday night against Orlando. As it was Wednesday, Bryant neither practiced nor spoke to the media Thursday afternoon, but another happy report […]
Bigger Is Better
In the past, I’ve consistently argued that the Lakers biggest strength isn’t just that they have Kobe Bryant, it’s that they have Kobe and a group of excellent big men. Big men that allow the team to play a variety of styles to match up with any other team’s bigs and still outplay them. The […]
Around the World (Wide Web): More Bynum Love
From Andy Kamenetzky, Land O’ Lakers: This development isn’t simply a matter of Bynum hitting a defensive groove. He’s acknowledging a specific role and embracing it wholeheartedly. More importantly, he’s truly grasping the importance of a defensive impact. Drew has always understood the crucial nature of clogging the middle and hitting the glass, but that’s […]
Turning Points
When I was younger I was a big fan of those “Choose Your Adventure” books. If you’re not familiar, these were books in which the reader would choose the path of the lead character in order to advance the plot. As a kid, I just loved the fact that I was deciding for the character. […]