Los Angeles Is Burning: Short preview for this game because: 1) I spent yesterday at the Long Beach Grand Prix, watching races and drinking Tecate, topped off by a Bad Religion concert (and really, one of the better ones I’ve seen, despite the fact it was still light out), so let’s just say this morning, I’m not at my sharpest mentally; 2) Still no home computer after last week’s literal meltdown, something being remedied this week.
About the Clippers: I didn’t catch their loss to Sacramento the other night, but I did catch what had to be one of their best games of the year, the win against Phoenix last week. The Clips create match up issues for the Mihm-less Lakers because you need to defend both Kaman and Brand on the low block – Brown can do a pretty good job on one of them, likely Kaman, but that leaves Odom, Cook and maybe Turiaf to defend the other strong guy on the block. The Clips would love the Lakers to double Brand off the point, because Cassell can still kill you from the outside if he gets a good look. Same goes with Radmanovic.
The one break for the Lakers is Maggette is not expected to play. Look for plenty of Ross on Kobe – he did a great job defensively against the Suns. The Clippers can be given trouble by penetrating point guards, which means some more offensive load may fall to Smush. Also, good interior passing and quick ball movement around the perimeter can get you looks against the Clips.
Laker’s thought: Phil Jackson said in the LA Times this morning he’s rather face Phoenix instead of San Antonio in the first round because the flight is shorter. I can think of a few other reasons too. But with the Lakers tied with the Kings, the way you get the seven seed is win games like this one.
kwame a. says
In a perfect world, the Lakers would get the 8th seed and Dsllas gets the # 1 seed. They are banged up, and we play them better than either Phoenix or San Antonio.
Kurt says
I’d basically given up oon that senario, but there is still a chance.
Goo says
What about the MVP race…I don’t remember the last time a race seemed this wide open…
kwame a. says
four real candidates, i’d say in order Nash, Kobe, Dirk, Lebron
this is a great race, first time its between more than 2 people
Kurt says
I don’t even have a big problem throwing Wade on that list. I’d probably vote Dirk 1, Kobe 1A then LeBron, but I really haven’t made up my mind. And Dirk gets the nod as much for a lifetime body of work and improved D the last couple of years as anything.
notreallyimportant says
I think LeBron is going to have inflated stock, his incredible performances are all coming down the stretch so eveyone will remember them vividly.
If Kobe had scored 81 in April then I think the discussions would be very different right now (I am reffering to the media world in general, not just this website where Kobe gets the recognition he deserves, and isn’t just looked at as a selfish scrorer).
On a complete tangent have there ever been so many games as this year when some one scored 50 in a losing effort. Kobe has twice (Sacto and Phoenix) Lebron did and Paul Pierce did, am forgetting any?
CTDeLude says
Okay, where’s John R. when you actually want him?
Gatinho says
Iverson had 53 in a loss to Atlanta.
I was intrigued listening to Phil’s postgame interview last night.
1) Starting Luke was a temporary adjustment to free up Odom from having to guard Radmanovic and “be plastered” to him all night allowing LO to be the good help defender he can be. I have a feeling that it may have been a match up move, but Luke may have forced the staff to make it more permanent.
2) Letting these young guys play through their mistakes, a Phil jackson staple, is a thing of the past, at least this late in the season. He said that he called quick TO’s “for the group, to bring back their focus”.
It’s all about building momentum and confidence.