Records: Lakers 59-16 (1st in the West) Rockets 48-27 (4th in the West)
Offensive ratings: Lakers 112.8 (3rd in league) Rockets 108.2 (14th in league)
Defensive ratings: Lakers 105.0 (6th in league) Rockets 104.0 (4th in league)
Projected Starting Lineups: Lakers: Derek Fisher, Kobe Bryant, Trevor Ariza, Lamar Odom, Pau Gasol
Rockets Aaron Brooks, Ron Artest, Moneyball Battier, Luis Scola, Yao Ming
The Lakers coming in: If you believe that Kobe is greater than LeBron, why not wear it on your chest with pride? (You have to love Free Darko. Just have to.)
We’ve talked a lot about it in the comments, but if you haven’t seen al the news that Bynum is likely going to be back a couple games before the playoffs, here is your link.
The Lakers have had the Rockets number this year, winning all three games, the last one in Houston to stop the Rockets 12-game winning streak, and the Lakers did it without Odom (who was suspended). The Rockets, as they should be, are a team that the Lakers see as a potential threat and they have been focused for their meetings with them this season. And the focused Lakers can beat anybody anywhere.
In the fourth quarter of the three games against the Rockets, Kobe is 12 of 19 with 37 points.
Finally if you want to think about something else for a while, what would it look like if the Lakers played baseball? Sure, Kobe is your closer. The only question is, what song does he enter the game to?
The Rockets Coming In: Just some fun trivia to start — when was the last time the Rockets won a first round series, and who did they beat?
If the Rockets want to win another first-round series, they need to get focused now — they currently would face a very tough out in Portland in the first round, and they are just half-a-game ahead of them in the standings. If Portland had home court it would be a brutal first round for the Rockets. The problem for the Rockets is, look at some of their closing games: Lakers, Blazers, Magic, Hornets and Mavericks. For the Rockets, the playoffs start now.
Tonight we’re going to get a heavy dose of “will Artest taunt Kobe again” talk, but we know Artest is smart enough not to piss in Kobe’s Wheaties again. This blog’s resident Rockets fan Stephen has thoughts on that and more:
For the Rockets Coach Adelman has been downplaying Artest/Kobe, going so far as to claim Artest is going to be defending Lamar.
The Rockets are making an increased effort to get Yao the ball. Yao is very good when he makes a quick move, when he starts crouching and dribbling, a turnover invariably follows.
The team just finished a stretch where they played 1 game in 7 days and they had several days of intense practice so expect some crisper cuts and more attempted passes. The Rockets are still at the see-think-act stage, instead of the react automatically stage that teams that have been together all year reach.
The Rockets biggest weaknesses are the lack of a rebounding monster, a closer and mental discipline. Against good teams these too often lead to losses.
Their PGs are very young and can get blistering hot and then do the dumbest things.
Ron will bull-rush into the lane w/no idea of what he’s doing, hoping for a bail-out foul. Then he can nail a 3 just when the team needs it-and he is deadly from the 3 when his feet are set.
Scola is vastly underutilized and will hustle and pound you all game long.
Wafer has started to regain his confidence.
Barry is getting more minutes and settles the second unit down. Landry being out has really hurt Rockets’ depth.
Keys To The Game: In the last meeting, the Lakers forced 23 Houston turnovers (and had just 12) and that was a big key to the win. The Rocket young guards can make poor decisions, as can Yao if you get him to hesitate and think.
Pau Gasol had a great game on Yao last meeting, particularly doing well on the defensive end in the second half. The Rockets offense flows through Yao, to disrupt it you need to both pressure the ball and make the entry pass hard, and not let Yao get deep position. The Lakers did those things in the second half of the last meeting.
A few more thoughts from Stephen:
This time around Battier will probably stay on Kobe the whole game, with Artest guarding him when Shane’s out. One side effect will be Artest will be guarding Ariza/Walton, limiting their open looks, but leaving them the opportunity for quick drives as Ron has lost a step.
For the Rockets, Yao needs to be fed often and he has to be decisive. The second unit needs to run, and run some more, and in half-court attack the basket. If the Rocket second unit outplays the Lakers’, the Laker starters will see alot of time and hopefully-for Rocket fans-this will result in dead legs in crunch time.
The Lakers need to harass Yao and stay in the passing lanes. Stay focused, run the offense. The starting 5 should run every chance they get as there is a speed advantage everywhere except PG. The bench has to be competitive.
Where you can watch: 7:30 start on ESPN and Fox Sports West. For those wanting to watch online, follow this link when the game starts to the ESPN 360 broadcast.
Kurt says
I’ll be at the game tonight, so expect some updates and tweets from me, I won’t be 30 minutes behind on the DVR like normal.
Also, if you want to pop over to the other side, Rockets-Buzz is doing a live chat tonight. We’ll be having another soon.
http://www.rockets-buzz.com/
Kurt says
And this blog is showing up everywhere now:
http://blog.picapp.com/2009/03/31/our-star-publishers/
Maes says
Let’s win this thing!
E-ROC says
Home sweet home!
coffee is for closers says
Hoping to see a renewed commitment to team defense these last couple weeks. The offense will be fine, but whether or not another banner gets hung at staples is entirely dependent on how they play D. If Bynum can come back and give them close to what he was pre-injury, that will be a huge help.
Gatinho says
Theme music from “24”?
I think tonight the Lakers need to look to get some fire back. The play of late has been uninspired , and I think that’s a combination of factors: tired legs on a long roadie, pining for the dog days of the season to end to start the “Redemption Tour”, and some obvious mental fatigue causing some to lose their proverbial swag.
Recipe for success tonight and in ensuing games: Toss it into the lanky Spanish kid early and often.
Shaww says
Hopefully by the end of the night we are only one game back of Cleveland!
81 Witness says
24’s theme music? “Sureshot” by the Beastie Boys:
“You can’t, you won’t, and you don’t stop!!!…”
Really would like to see the Lakers sub out LO early in the first and have him run with the 2nd unit. The 2nd unit desperately needs a cutter.
wondahbap says
I’m surprised AI is dumb enough to take the bait.
The NBA is secretly happy about this. They couldn’t put the Iverson braids, bling, and tattoos “Era” behind them fast enough, and he’s helping them by seeming to be the selfish superstar not able to cope with his declining abilities. Is he still a starter in this League? Sure, but right now, it’s about perception and he is guaranteeing that he ends his career as a role player, or star on a crap team. He took the bait. Dumars and the Pistons wanted this to happen.
In the post game interview Wednesday night, Kobe was asked if the Lakers should rest him and Pau to prepare for the Play-offs, and he responded, “These people pay their hard earned money to watch us play, I’ma play.”
AI should learn a thing or two from Kobe. It’s about the fans, not just yourself, and from the practice rant to sitting out because he’s not starting, AI (like T-Mac) just doesn’t get what it means to be a professional.
kwame a. says
As is usually the case, I agree 100% with Gatinho. This team has to start looking and playing the part of a great basketball team. Step one should be to focus on a team effort. one thing we can do is varying our defenses on Yao. A nice mix of a. doubling on the catch, b. doubling on the dribble, and c. single coverage should keep things varied and not allow the deadly Hou. shooters to camp out comfortably.
Also, if Artest is on LO and Battier is on Kobe, who guards Trevor? Scola? We should try to attack this speed mismatch.
KurkPeterman says
9. I’d lay off the guy. He is one of the greatest players of all time, and definitely the greatest player 6′ and under.
How would you feel if you had the 5th highest career scoring average and were asked to come off the bench? As Lakers fans we were talking about how it difficult it must be for Lamar to come off the bench (something he hadn’t done since he was a pre-teen) earlier this season. This is Allen Iverson, former MVP. I’d be pissed too. You don’t see Shaq or Nash coming off the bench.
Yes Man says
Kobe must be feeling some pressure right now. The playoffs are his time to shine and he’s got a lot to prove.
His legacy will definitely be damaged if he never wins another championship and this year is the best chance he’s got.
wondahbap says
Kurk,
Yes, he has every right to be pissed. I don’t disagree with that. It’s normal and completely understandable to be upset. He’s a competitor and one of the best scorers this game has seen, BUT he is a professional getting paid 20 million this season. I don’t give a flying f if it makes him upset. He gets paid to play, and whether it’s coming off the bench for 17-8 minutes a game or starting at 40 minutes per, it’s his job. Cry me a river.
If was going to be upset about it, then he should’ve kept his mouth shut, because now he’s just showing himself to be spoiled, selfish and sensitive.
coffee is for closers says
Gatinho: “Recipe for success tonight and in ensuing games: Toss it into the lanky Spanish kid early and often.”
No doubt. Amazing how much the flow of the offense works when Pau is getting the ball on the block. Guys cut to the basket because they he’s looking to pass. Defenses collapse to help out, creating open shots for fish and kobe. Oh ya, and he’s a damn proficient scorer down low.
Joe says
I think the team is going to put together a great game tonight, they are overdue for one. And go Orlando!
coffee is for closers says
Ya, AI has been an amazing talent, fearless, and tough competitor, but a team guy, not so much. I seem to recall him saying it was all about winning a championship when he came to detroit. Let me interpret: “its all about winning, but only so long as I’m starting and getting my touches”. All ego and entitlement. Makes me respect rip hamilton even more – this is really his team, and i haven’t heard anything negative from him about AI, god knows he has a right. It will be interesting to see who offers AI a deal this off-season. Couldn’t you see the clips bringing him in?
E-ROC says
Oh, the Pistons were winning before Iverson returned. Yeah right, the Pistons were a .500 team. When he returned, the Pistons won the first game but lost the next two. Its Allen Iverson’s fault folks. His aura just oozes losing. Lol, this is joke and so was Bill Ingram’s column at HOOPSWORLD.
KurkPeterman says
wondahbap – I totally agree that there isn’t much room for complaint when you’re making such a ridiculous amount of money. At the same time, that’s exactly the reason that I feel he has a right to speak his mind. If he feels like he can play a full game (keeping in mind that he has an even more impressive 41.44 minutes per game for #4 all-time), 18 minutes off the bench is an insult. Play who you pay, if they’re healthy.
If I were Iverson, I’d retire too. This is a joke. I’m a 49ers fan and it killed me to see what Rice did at the end of his career.
Joel says
As talented and competitive as Iverson is, the fact is that he can’t function unless he is able to shoot at will, dribble the air out of the ball, and gamble for steals whenever he wants. He was never forced to develop the type of skills which are needed to fit into a normal team structure. The only time he’s ever been a winner is when Larry Brown surrounded him with a bunch of defensive-minded players who were happy to watch him ballhog his way to 35 points on 12/31 shooting every night. Unfortunately, he and Philly caught lightning in a bottle that year, mainly because of how bad the East. You can’t expect to have long-term success with a formula like that.
Now that he isn’t explosive or marketable enough to justify the type of carte blanche he needs to be successful, he doesn’t know how to make the transition. I think he’d be a great 6th man if he embraced the role, but after years of being overpaid, overhyped, and overindulged, what are the odds of him accepting that kind of demotion?
KurkPeterman says
Sorry for the double post…but
Wow, weird foul for all those watching the competition on the four-letter right now. Varejao gets loose-ball fouled while LeBron is shooting his 2nd free-throw. One shot foul. Don’t see that often.
Yusuf says
Baron & Ivy.. that would definitely have to be the most selfish backcourt of alltime. Throw them in with Randolph and you have 3 headcases on one team but hey that would definitely sell tickets
Joel says
20
Imagine this team:
PG – Starbury
SG – AI
SF – Artest
PF – Randolph
C – Stoudemire
I can just see the 5 of them now, fighting to the death for the ball while the other team looks on bemused.
magic says
Orlando is on a 12-2 run and they are killing the Cavs at the moment and making them look bad.
Ryan says
AI has always said that when he wasn’t able to play at the level of the other stars in the league he would retire. I think he is just being honest. He is a volume scorer, so he is not going to be effective (especially when he is not 100%) coming off the bench.
penston says
Many teams look tired right now. Maybe we should return to the 50 game season?
magic says
I would not want to face Orlando when they are on and playing like they are tonight. Great d and great play making. Half way through the 3rd and they are keeping the Cavs to 42 with a 34 pt lead. Amazingly scary. And they beat us in both games. I’m glad we’re not going to have to play them in the playoffs.
jac says
OMG…ORLANDO UP BY 40 aT THIS POINT WOWWWWWWW
gnahtoad says
Cavs looks tired, but losing by 40 at this point, only end of 3rd quarter, is just ridiculous.
hansoulfood says
Who else is watching the spanking by Orlando?
I really think Dwight deserves more consideration for MVP this year.
I mean seriously, Magic is the only team that beat the Lakers twice out of the big three in the East. And without Jameer Nelson, a big focal point, Dwight is still leading his team in the East.
james says
boy the cavs are getting murdered, if there was one reason why i would vote kobe for mvp its his team and peronall record against good teams is better than lebrons
Texas Rob says
song – Simply the best
Yes agreed.. they do look tired. But maybe 66 would be better 66+ 16 playoff wins + playoff loses = 82 + They’d be right. But lets not hold our breath.. got to pay these guys.
KurkPeterman says
I switched from the LeBrons vs. Superman to the Mavs game. Gotta love league pass. Go Mavs!!!!
magic says
Orlando is intimidating the Cavs into mediocrity. It’s a constant stream of great d, blocks, turnovers, and 1 or 3’s. Playing with confidence and to near perfection.
Don W says
What bothers me about the AI situation is not that he doesn’t want to come off the bench or that he gets paid to play (both of which are understandable) – but the fact that he is only 3 games back FROM INJURY. The biggest stars, better players than AI at this stage of his career come off the bench after injury. If he isn’t feeling good, even as he says he is, he should at least try to get back into full playing shape before being upset at coming off the bench. Obviously, his reasoning is unjustified and saying it’s his injury is just damage control. I wouldn’t expect professionalism from AI, just selfishness. Selfishness to do the PR this way, to not want to come off the bench, and to not want to try and help his team.
penston says
When does Brown sit the MVP? The eggs are coolin’.
magic says
the jello is jiggling
Kurt says
Just got done watching Bynum work up a good sweat during pre-game warmups. He was wearing a brace on his knee. He was doing a little running, some pick-and-pop stuff out of the offense (and hitting the 17-foot baseline jumper out of that wing pick), and he took one big ally-oop. He was moving pretty well, I would not say explosive by any means but also was not seeming hindered by the knee. These were some no-contact drills, but it made me a little more optimistic.
Also, he cannot shoot the corner three to save his life.
drrayeye says
What a difference in perspective two games can make!
The Lakers suddenly have almost as much at stake as the Rockets.
hansoulfood says
Houston games are always exciting. I’m jealous Kurt.
Kurt says
If you want to see a photo of Bynum’s brace:
http://twitpic.com/2sh50
Joe says
You know, with Nelson, I think Orlando might be the best team in the league.
PalaNi says
seems mavs is destined to be #8
Jesse says
I’m really hoping the cleveland loss and seeing bynum in the pregame will really REALLY focus this team tonight. It’s been said on this site before…the lakers (and probably now cavs) are a little tired, but also very bored. They’re ready for the playoffs.
The lakers for sure had that cavs game on in the locker room, and are looking at trimming another game off that lead.
BCR says
The sad thing about Iverson is that at this stage of his career, there’s a ton of teams that would like him for scoring and energy off the bench, where he can dominate the ball all he likes. Maybe Larry Brown takes him down to Charlotte along with Rasheed Wallace so they can all have their nostalgia moment.
And man, Cleveland got steamrolled. Let’s hope San Antonio gathers its mojo back and Cleveland is still in a funk by Sunday.
Wild says
holy crap. the ‘stache is gone!
Goo says
What are those shirts the Lakers and Rockets are wearing?
Kurt says
I like the idea of posting up Fisher, he just better be very aware of the help defense.
The Lakers are taking kwame a.’s advice and having Trevor attack Scola with quickness.
BCR says
Goo,
It’s the NBA’s green week. It’s why the Nuggets were wearing green jerseys last night.
I like our execution. The day of rest is having a clear effect on our play.
Kurt says
By the way, how many teams besides the Rockets have their center shoot a technical?
Kurt says
I’m not sure how wearing a T-shirt makes the NBA more green? Or green uniforms, for that matter.
Emma says
Anyone have a link besides ESPN360? It’s running really slow for me.
BCR says
Kurt,
Okur shoots the technicals for Utah when Korver is not on the floor off the top of my head.
Goo says
another link for the game: http://atdhe.net/live-tv-5871.html
are they using the synthetic ball from a few years ago for green week as well?
lakergirl says
http://myespn.go.com/blogs/truehoop/0-39-22/That-Green-NBA.html
For everyone wondering about the tshirts the players are wearing
BCR says
Powell can’t guard Scola period. Odom needs to come back on the floor.
Joel says
49
Big Z used to take them for Cleveland if I recall correctly, but I doubt he still does with Mo Williams there.
Kurt says
If Scola is creating off the dribble, that is a good thing.
james says
good team houston but they wont be able to ride scola all night, they need artest to show up
Emma says
Thanks, Goo.
Kurt says
The pace is too slow, the Lakers need to get out and run, get some easy transition baskets.
Emma says
“Fighting.” That’s a riveting movie name.
Jaybird says
I’m not concerned about the score right now. Our guys are getting good looks – mostly Pau going one-on-one or Odom driving to the hoop – and several of our shots were in and outs. I like what I’m seeing.
bob says
kurt: kinda like they did in the first 3 minutes or so when they went up 10-2
The Dude Abides says
Stan Van Gundy had a perfect game plan for the Crabs. Stay home on the three-point shooters, and double up on Lebron with a big man when he gets in the lane. Perfect recipe for the half-court defense, and since CLE was taking the ball out of the basket all night, they couldn’t get Lebron going in transition. On defense, CLE couldn’t keep Hedo and Alston out of the paint, which led to wide-open jumpers when ORL kicked out to the shooters then reversed the ball.
Kurt says
Sasha’s last two shots were off the dribble (one going left, he got fouled, and the pujit). The catch-and-shoot guy just seems gone. He was good at that.
Mohan says
I hate complaining about the refs, but this is terribly inconsistent officiating.
On a positive note, beautiful drive and pass by Sasha.
magic says
The machine is broken.
Kurt says
Dude, do you think Orlando could take them in a seven game series?
Lakers shooting just 40% eFG% so far. You have to think that will improve.
BCR says
DJ’s attempt to make a hook shot is painful.
Kurt says
Before the game, DJ spent a lot of time shooting from two spots on the court, that one he just made from 15 and the spot for the high pick-and-pop.
The Dude Abides says
Not the jump hook DJ! Nooooo!!!
magic says
That was a terrible hook by Mbenga. Not his game.
Joel says
Did Mbenga just airball a jump-hook?
Kurt says
There’s a shot DJ can make.
magic says
That’s more like it DJ.
BCR says
DJ just made up for those bad shots.
james says
defence is wining this game
The Dude Abides says
68. Kurt, I believe if ORL keeps that same game plan for an entire series against the Crabs, they can beat them.
If DJ would stick to shooting face-up jumpers and catching and dunking, he would be a credible backup center on offense. Lose that hook during the games…
BCR says
DJ! That’s his shot.
Joel says
Mbenga is taking over!!!!!
Kurt says
Are we saying Mbenga Time?
J-man says
Yao’s stamina (or lackthereof) will be a key tonight. As great as Yao is, his (comparably) weak edurance will cut down time which he could use to hurt other teams.
And lol Mbenga, just shoot it as a jumpshot, please, even if it’s a 8 footer. Love his effort and production so far.
The Dude Abides says
Good defense of the rim by DJ. Just stick to the jumper, no running floaters.
wiseolgoat says
Luke keeps on catching the ball while wide open, hesitating, then putting up the J. no wonder he’s missing…
james says
powell and dj think they are robinson and duncan all of sudden, stick to the basics guys
magic says
Dj getting back to basics of his game, doing what he does well, dunks, jumpers and blocks. DJ is not broken.
The Dude Abides says
That Quiznos commercial is disturbing.
Jesse says
kurt, we should call it: Mbenga MTime.
Also, asked you this on twitter but, “what’s with the complaining tonight? are the calls really bad, or we just being whiners so far? give us the in-person opinion.
Mohan says
Feels good to see Kobe making 3s again.
Mason says
@87
It used to be more disturbing. They edited it significantly.
BCR says
Will this ignite Kobe? Threes like that usually do.
Kurt says
Fisher with the good decision in transition. Things are looking up!
The Dude Abides says
Awesome three by Kobe with Battier’s hand right in his face. And Fish with the transition decision!
lakergirl says
Perfect pass by Fisher…thats what he needs to be doing off a fast break. He just needs to remain a jump shooter and stay away from driving to the lane.
Kurt says
Jesse, ask me again in the second half on the refs. I have been banished to the upper press area at Staples and am too far away to give any good insight on that. I’m trying to steal an ESPN seat down lower for the second half.
Mohan says
Pau is really struggling with the face up game tonight…though to his credit, he’s been stuck in bad clock situations a few times.
BCR says
Yao’s length is bothering Pau. He needs to take him out closer to the arc with the P&R or his midrange shot.
Kurt says
If Yao hits that shot, more power to him.
Mohan says
How many straight games have we given up a 3 to end a quarter?
wiseolgoat says
i’m fine giving artest that shot – the more time spends thinking he’s hot from outside, the better.
chibi says
the homoeroticism of those quiznos commercials is hilarious.
Jesse says
haha. good luck kurt. theres no way that j a adande fella needs his seat…
The Dude Abides says
The Suns are still alive! DAL lost in MEM, and the Jazz? lost at home to Minny.
Kurt says
Shirt of the night: “Mbanging with Mbenga.” A few people have them.
wiseolgoat says
the refs are KILLING us
BCR says
Houston is obliging us by choking at the line.
Kurt says
This is the kind of ugly, shirt grabbing, slow it down, game that the Rockets want. The fact the Lakers are still in it without their big banging center makes me confident if we meet them again.
Still, have to win tonight if you’re serious about HCA.
The Dude Abides says
The “Why Squirrel Hate Me” commercial is much more enjoyable, OTOH.
If LO picks up his fourth, this is where PJ could try DJ on Yao, and Pau switching to the four. I don’t think that will happen, though.
Kurt says
Come the playoffs, that skip strong to weak pass for the corner three is something everyone is going to run on us. A lot.
BCR says
Beautiful block by Ariza. Great effort play.
The Dude Abides says
That dweeb sitting next to Jack missed Kobe’s dunk. Serves you right, dweeb for sitting courtside and texting.
Kurt says
Run the floor, good things happen.
Mohan says
This is the type of run I love to see. Creating chaos on the defensive end and moving the ball & attacking the rim on the offensive end.
kwame a. says
Great run. Kobe dunk, good defensive stand, Kobe kick to Trevor for 3, good defensive stand, Trevor to a streaking beating Yao up the court Pau.
wiseolgoat says
kobe is playing the type of measured, controlled game that makes him the best player in the league. Not forcing anything, but exploiting whatever the defense gives him.
E-ROC says
The passing has been fantastic. There is nothing like being home from a 7-game road trip.
Jesse says
Ariza’s one of those guys who when they make a good play on the defensive end, it energizes them on offense…I feel like most of our guys are the opposite. I like it.
Joel says
Pau Gasol catches and finishes EVERYTHING. Amazing. It stands out even more after years of watching a certain #1 overall pick fumble passes out of bounds.
BCR says
Fish PUJIT. Wah.
The Dude Abides says
Worst call ever.
Mohan says
Horrendous. Officiating. Again.
BCR says
Wow, horrible call.
E-ROC says
Joe Forte needs to puff-puff pass. Seriously, that is just awful.
wiseolgoat says
HOLY CRAP these refs are awful. GARBAGE
Joel says
Wow. Is that Aaron Brooks or Dwyane Wade out there? Gimme a break.
Mason says
Wow. Just… Wow.
kwame a. says
WORST CALL EVER. Cheated us too cause we had a GREAT defensive stand. ARRRRRRRGH
lakeshow says
usually im not one to resort to saying this ….but the officiating has been piss poor
kwame a. says
D Fish and Kobe, they both look into it! Fish, maybe a little to into it.
Joel says
Speaking of Brooks, these last few sequences are making it obvious that he is NOT a point guard.
harold says
Funny turnover…
BCR says
Good lord, don’t watch Battier shoot, run out on him.
The Dude Abides says
Great hustle Luke.
lakergirl says
Dont worry about the officiating. The league just wants to make sure the golden child’s team has the best record…lol
J-man says
Kobe with a steal, followed by an assist to Fisher for the 3.
Then Kobe with the turnover, and tries to distract Battier from hitting a wide open 3 by staring at him.
The Dude Abides says
Seriously, off that jump ball, there was no excuse for Luke to dog it like that and let Artest beat him down the floor.
james says
terrible luke
Kurt says
Dude, Phil was actually angry after that play. A rare real show of emotion from him in a game.
BCR says
Farmar is getting burned in transition.
The Dude Abides says
Phil was mad at Jordan, too, for letting Lowry beat him to possession of the jump ball.
Luke is having one of his shooting funks…and now our second unit is playing lousy.
wiseolgoat says
I like this – hopefully we can get in the penalty really early in the 4th and continually attack the hoop.
BCR says
And again (because it needs to be said):
Josh Powell needs dunking practice.
Joel says
Why the hell is Pau being used at the top of the key to set screens and hand the ball off? Run the offense through him in the post!!!! It’s not rocket science.
E-ROC says
Alas, the real Farmar has shown up. Yikes!
magic says
Does Powell practice dunking?
Mohan says
What is the bench’s worst shooting performance this season? They’re at 2-16 thus far.
Mohan says
Except for Mbenga, of course.
wiseolgoat says
THERE’S the dunk by powell!
lakergirl says
OMG Josh dunked!…
E-ROC says
Powell’s energy and effort is a sight to see.
Kurt says
I think you guys are too hard on Powell, he’s like a 50% dunker. Look at that one.
Joel says
Congrats to Powell on finally completing a dunk.
BCR says
And Powell appropriately jams it down on the break.
J-man says
Oh, haven’t seen the bench squander a lead. I’m absolutely shocked.
The Dude Abides says
Good fighting by Josh Powell and Luke today on the boards.
james says
we can say good things about all of our bench, they all have strenghts, not sure what farmar does well though i have to say
Kurt says
Farmar runs the break well. I think he can be solid in another system. Right now he is second guessing everything he does and it is killing his game.
lakergirl says
Who is the clown with Marc Jackson out there? Are the commentators required to know something about the teams they are calling. Gee!
The Dude Abides says
Ugh. Pau had a wide open jump shot from the FT line that he turned down.
Kurt says
Mbenga is a huge crowd favorite.
BCR says
Farmar can’t hit an open shot to save his life.
wiseolgoat says
Luke is really good at rebounding given his relative lack of size and athleticism.
BCR says
Mbenga with great defense on Yao.
Mohan says
Nice physical D by Mbenga.
magic says
Yao is Mbanging with Mbenga.
The Dude Abides says
Stop! Kobe time!
Joel says
Luke is missing shots but I think he’s had a solid floor game.
J-man says
I can’t even honestly tell myself that my defense of Jordan a few days ago was justified.
sT says
Our bench is 8 of 29 so far tonight.
Kurt says
Yao, because of his size and strength, may set some of the best picks in the Association.
Ryan says
Good D by DJ on Yao. He is having a great game off the bench.
wiseolgoat says
look – all those who are bemoaning our bench’s shooting %, what is the Rockets’ bench’s %? We are outscoring them and that’s what counts.
Joel says
It’s already been said, but that Quizno’s commercial is not one of my favourites…
The Dude Abides says
168. Jordan’s compounding his recent poor play with a sudden loss of confidence. He actually had a decent first half.
I like how Phil is trusting DJ in a close game in the fourth quarter. He’s really making Yao work and has thrown off HOU’s offensive rhythm.
Ryan says
I for one am really glad that Scola is on the Rockets and not on the Spurs. Because the Spurs would be really good with him in the line up/
Kurt says
Just like the end of the moneyball story, Kobe with the three in Battier’s face. Net.
wiseolgoat says
MVP
Joel says
Hey Kurt, when are you rolling out the “Stop! Kobe time!” T-shirts?
BCR says
Kobe with the double daggers!
magic says
Stop! Kobe time!
Ryan says
I think Kobe has found his shot again. I just think that he likes hitting daggers in Battiers and Artests face.
Mohan says
Funny thing is that Kobe has dominated the Rockets in the two games since the Moneyball article. Apparently the Rockets aren’t able to account for Kobe’s vengeance in their formulas.
lakeshow says
battier is killin us behind the ar….thank you kobe!
Kurt says
Joel, not a bad idea.
Mason says
@178
That won’t be a shirt. That will be on a pair of Hammer Pants.
bob says
thank you wiseolgoat, they’re shooting 23% and have fewer points so i’d say our bench did they’re job. Granted it may not have been the most effficient night for them but they did they’re job
jac says
did von wafer used to be on the lakers?
Joel says
Solid minutes from Mbenga tonight, allowing Phil to keep Gasol’s minutes under 40.
magic says
Pau needs to dunk more.
wiseolgoat says
wow…zero tolerance for artest these days, huh?
E-ROC says
Has there ever been a fringy horrible player like Mbenga improve immensely the way he has? He is three times the player he was in previous years. The coaching staff has done a great job with him.
BCR says
Remember that Houston really misses Landry coming off the bench. That’s one explanation for their poor performance.
Also, Pau, Pau, jam it down when you’re that open please. You’ve missed a two-and-one twice because of that.
Kurt says
Notice Yao is out with the game on the line. Mbenga wore him down, and Yao’s conditioning is not great.
That leaves Scola on Pau, and that’s a great matchup for us.
james says
bit of a harsh T, i guess thats what happaens when your reputation precedes you
Archon says
That way Gasol had to gather himself for that dunk (Kwame Brown style) convinced me that he has tired legs
The Dude Abides says
How can HOU object to either of those two fouls on Pau? Artest raked him across the face, and on the second one it was an obvious bump.
lakergirl says
I like what Phil is doing….punishing Scola and forcing the Rockets to make a change if they so please…nice! *Avery’s voice*
kwame a. says
Joel-Everytime Kobe hits those kind of shots I say in my head “stop…kobe time”. I guess everyone does.
I love Pau, just wish he’d dunk everything around the hoop.
Does MVP debate shift back towards Kobe?
Joel says
191
Co-sign. Does anybody remember him knocking down elbow jumpers with regularity last season? Not to mention he is shooting 87.5% (!!!) from the free-throw line.
E-ROC says
Jac – Wafer was drafted by the Lakers many moons ago and got a cup of tea before he was gone.
Gatinho says
All hail the re-post.
BCR says
Pau is absolutely abusing Scola.
wiseolgoat says
I second props to Phil – use the kobe / pau P&R to drive Yao out of the game, then use pau to abuse scola on the block. Perfect.
Ryan says
kwame a. The MVP was always Lebrons this year as long was good. He is the golden child.
The Dude Abides says
Stop! Ron-Ron meltdown!
Archon says
Six weeks ago I would have said Mbenga was the least skilled basketball player in the league. Boy was I wrong, the man has legitimate basketball skills
E-ROC says
I guess Yao’s height is a gift and a curse. The curse lies with his conditioning. Maybe they can build a ginormous elliptical for him.
lakergirl says
Its nice to see a smile on the face of the players…that 13 day road trip was brutal.
BCR says
Adelman throwing in the towel.
wiseolgoat says
How good has our defense been tonight? Our energy has been great and our rotations have been very crisp.
lakergirl says
And that completes the sweep of the H-town boys….
magic says
Yao can’t handle Mbanging with Mbenga. Scola can’t Pbang with Pau either. Phil is a genius.
Good win.
Anonymous says
kobe just did absolutely everything tonight, he did a lot that wont come up on the box score. he was just amazing tonight playing in the offense initiating the triangle. feeding pau and LO, setting screens for fish. wow.
The Dude Abides says
206. Just as long as DJ refrains from the dreaded jump hook. The guy has a decent face-up jump shot, and a pretty good turnaround bank shot using his jump shot. He can also catch and dunk, bang on his man while defending the post, and block or intimidate shots while defending the rim. And one more thing, the guy sets a tough screen without fouling. Kobe and Fish hit three straight jumpers off DJ’s screens during our 4th quarter run.
Also, props to Luke and Josh tonight. Luke’s shot was off but he rebounded and passed pretty well. Powell didn’t try to do too much on offense, and he fought hard on the boards all night.
wondahbap says
How do the Rockets ever expect to be for real when Adelman sits Yao in crunch time EVERY game? Isn’t bad enough that Aaron Brooks is their PG and Artest becomes the man down the stretch? Yet, time after time, Yao, the 7’6″ guy with a turn around no one in the NBA can block, is sitting in a 5 pt. game. Silly.
The Dude Abides says
Adelman didn’t sit Yao until the score was 87-76 with about four minutes left. I would say that Yao was fatigued, and Adelman didn’t think they could come back in the game with a tired Yao and a scrambling defense.
wondahbap says
kwame,
Pau should have dunked at least 3 balls tonight that he tried laying up.
The MVP is going to LBJ, but the Cavs record against the top teams is pedestrian. Hardly MVP worthy.
Our boy? Puts it on ’em. Let LBJ rack up W’s and stats against the inferior teams. Kobe’s gotten it done in every big game this year, and at the end of it all, it’s going to add up.
wondahbap says
Dude,
You do have a point, and I would buy it, if it didn’t happen all of the time. Four minutes is plenty of time to try to make a run. Instead Adelman would rather Artest bull his way to the hole. Great for us. I wasn’t scared of the Rockets in the beginning of the season, the middle of the season, and I’m officially not worried about them. They can’t beat us.
BCR says
Adelman sat Yao because 1) he was fatigued 2) Phil was starting to use Kobe and Gasol on the P&R to torch the Rockets’ defense. That said, without Yao, they generate zero offense and Artest starts to go into “hero mode” and make horrible decisions. Also, Scola was simply abused on the block by Gasol time and time again. If we have Bynum back in the playoffs and face Houston, we’re going to pound them into oblivion the moment Yao leaves the game.
Kurt says
Post game, Adelman said he pulled Yao because he was tired and didn’t put him back in because it was the end of the road trip with Portland and Orlando up next for them at home, and he needs Yao fresh.
But you’re right, w/o him nobody can generate offense.
Also, the shirts are “banging with Mbenga” but I think it’s a huge oversite not to have it mbanging.
wondahbap says
Kurt,
Yeah. All those people wearing the shirts, one of them should have caught that.
The Dude Abides says
220. Hmmm…sounds unintentionally dirty. Or maybe it really is intentional 😀
1331 says
now we’re one win away from HCA.
and i believe we can get it, just like last year
in the last game.
why?
cause i think cavs will lose to spurs on sunday.
spurs needed the win because they have a tough battle for 2nd place in the west with denver and houston.
secondly, ginobili is back and anyone would agree that he’s the missing link for the spurs.
although, this ginobili factor should also raise an heighten awareness for us.
1331 says
oh and i just realize, this win is our 60th
awesome.
1331 says
sorry for the triple post, but this is really huge news.
http://www.nba.com/lakers/news/090401bynumcontinuestoprogress.html
Thanks for the early news from Kurt
and now this is the video evidence of Bynum pre-game workout.
i would say he’s really getting better.
and i think his shoulder and hands is bigger than before his injury.
can any1 confirm this?
again sorry for the triple post.
drrayeye says
This was a great game to watch and think about. With outstanding play by Yao and great defense, the Rockets were in it until Yao wore down. Ron Artest brought his A game, and Shane Battier did due diligence with Kobe, making key baskets as well.
Still–Kobe was rested and sharp, and Gasol got precious minutes on the bench watching Mbrilliant Mbenga manhandle and tame Yao. By the time Gasol reappeared, exhausted Yao watched from the bench: Pau, Pau, Pau.
Even Ron Artest was beaten into submission in the end. Shane Battier was probably remembering happier days–when Pau Gasol was HIS teammate!
Stephen says
wondabop,
Yao normally plays in crunch time. At the end of close games Adelman will do the offense/defense thing w/Yao and Hayes,as Hayes is best Rockets low post defender and is agile enough to switch to a SG/SF and guard them.
The Rockets problem w/Yao in crunch time is they rarely get him the ball.
Tonite the Lakers did an excellent job of choking off the lane. The Rocket guards just weren’t tall enough to penetrate and kick-out.
Anyone still wishing the Lakers had trade for Artest this past summer?
Cleveland sure has problems against good teams when they’re on the road. I just don’t think they’re going to go 12-0 at home,so I have my doubts about them making it to the Finals.
Finally,as to Lakers and rest,so long as they take care of Dallas in 5 games-or less-they should get a couple of extra days waitng for the 4-5 winner.
Stephen says
BTW,sorry for the spelling errors. Hard to type when you’re po’d at your team 🙂
BCR says
Stephen,
I concur that the Odom for Artest and Kenny Thomas trade would have been a bad idea, but to be fair to Artest, he’s basically asked to generate all the offense for this team when Yao is off the court. Their role players can’t create their own shot, and Artest is often forced into hero mode, as we saw during the closing stages of tonight’s game, in these situations. Put McGrady and Yao on the floor, and suddenly the floor is spaced more, Artest can cut to the rim with his strength and act as a catch-and-shoot guy, which he’s great at when his feet are set. Similar situation with our team — he can play the two-man game with Gasol, act as a cutter like Ariza does except with strength rather than quickness, and can benefit from Kobe’s drives by acting as a catch-and-shoot guy.
Now, again, trading for him would have been a bad idea — we would have been saddled with Kenny Thomas’ awful contract and lost Odom — but don’t discount the situation Artest is forced into right now. It will be interesting to see who wants him this summer. He’s basically cleaned up his act, but Detroit doesn’t have much reason to offer him a contract, and OKC and Memphis don’t want him around their young players. It will probably come down to a MLE bidding war among playoff teams. As for us joining it, it’s doubtful and depends a lot on whether we can resign Odom and Ariza and for how much.
Travis Y. says
Just got back from the game and ESPN Zone, which btw has excellent food.
Some notes from the game,
First thing I saw was Bynum hitting shots on the floor, I smiled.
Josh did practice dunking in practice, cut him some slack, b/c he’s not the best finisher in the league, but he was very effective in the game with his jumper. Excellent complementary piece in the triangle.
Sasha and Farmar practice half court shots for kicks and giggles. This is how their shots resulted: Sasha, airball, airball, and backboard rim. For Farmar: airball airball, backboard. C’mon globetrotters hit that shot with ease!
The guy at half time was hard left, but did at least get the backboard, missed out on $60,000.
Pau was definitely having a hard time shooting over Yao, but then again who wouldn’t? Most of the time, he was reluctant to put the ball on the floor and relied on pull up jumpers, not very effective over Yao.
In warmups Farmar doesn’t miss very often, his stroke is confident and finds the net with regularity. Once the lights come on, you noticed hesitation in his movements. He had those two wide open jumpers and just flinched for a second and then took it. There was one time he worked the pick and pop, and pulled with the confidence of a new man and drained the shot. He was ripped by Phil on that blown jump ball situation, and I would assume gets lectured a lot b/c of his age. It looks like the repeated shortcomings have finally started to get to him. I hope Farmar finds a way to get his mojo back. As a player his offense dictates his game, and if his shots don’t fall, he loses focus and becomes an inept player.
Kobe Bean Bryant. I am so glad he didn’t make it a point to go mano a mano against Artest or Battier the whole game. He was feeling out the defense and was playing the initiator role for almost the entire game. He reads the floor so quickly and it makes me think of him as a genius the way he plays. The knowledge of where guys are, and the passes he’s able to make. Watching him play definitely tells me he’s thinking out there, his basketball IQ was transparent.
Like many others have said, our defensive rotations were very solid tonight, except for the corner threes that we continue to allow, but it is allowed b/c of the principles we follow on D. So if that’s the way they draw up and accept, I guess it’s the poison we’re willing to take.
Playoff atmosphere, can’t wait for the real deal.
Yusuf says
Mbenga really surprised me tonight. What you saw tonight was Kobe in playoff mode. When he wants to set ppl up he is scary.
nomuskles says
Absolutely thrilled with the Lakers’ defense tonight. They were hustling on their rotations and challenging shots. Very very satisfying. I’m going to have to believe that the troubles on the road trip had more to do with boredom than inability. (I’m going to pretend that I did not notice the hiccup with the 2nd unit in their in the second half.)
harold says
I think the “Andrew Bynum?” soundclip of Kobe still holds.
drrayeye says
The Hollinger rankings have changed rather dramatically. The Magic are now #1, the Lakers #2–then Cleveland and Boston. Another surprise is that the rankings have Portland ranked the next highest of the Western Conference (at #5). http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/hollinger/powerranking
It makes a lot of sense to me. Both Orlando and Portland may give the Lakers all they can handle in the playoffs–if they get that far.
Craig W. says
I really don’t see Phil trying to develop any of the shorter PGs – he already has two – so that really leaves only two possibilities…
1) Trade for a taller PG that is under 30 and has defensive and passing skills.
2) Develop Shannon Brown.
While we may like Darren Collison, his size and status as a rookie really don’t make him a good fit for the Lakers next year.
Kurt says
Travis Y. hit on a point I noticed during the game and was going to/will bring up in the next game post — the Lakers second unit is hesitating in games. There were multiple times where Luke an Farmar in particular had an open shot but thought about it looking for the pass or putting the ball on the floor, then took one dribble and went up after all but by then the defense had closed. It’s in their heads. He’s right that before the game they don’t have this issue (although, to be fair, all NBA pregames are kind of like that — unguarded in practice you’d be shocked how little these guys, all of them, miss).
If they could just get back in the flow, if Sasha could just catch and shoot and not shoot so much off the dribble now, I think they will bounce back, but they have to get that confidence back, somehow.
Kurt says
Also, out of instinctual habit, I deleted a few comments and edited other posts talking about Mark Stein listing Jason Kidd as a possibility for LA.
Upon further review: I should not have. My bad. I cannot, however, undo that decision and repost those. So, if you want to put up those posts again, something along the lines of what we’re thinking, go ahead.
For those that missed it, Mark Stein said that the Lakers would be one of three teams in the bidding for Kidd this summer, but could only offer the MLE. The others that might want him also were MLE only teams (I think).
First, the now-gone commenters are right that we only go after Kidd if Odom or Ariza cannot be resigned, and I’d rather have those two and one more year of Fish and Farmar than Kidd. If we do go after Kidd, no more than a two-year deal. He is better than what we have right now, but he is old.
Which brings us to the real problem — Farmar is not the guy. So we need a new PG heir from somewhere. This draft is the deepest one with PGs in years, but I’m not sure if the ones I would want would be left when the Lakers will pick 29/30. This is where the scouting comes in. Guys I like such as Maynor are not going to fall that far, but is there a project sleeper that could? Someone who with a year of heavy D-Fenders rotation could come in a couple years an be a help? Kidd would be a stop gap, but does not solve the problem long term.
So, please pick up the Kidd discussion in the comments today, and I’m sorry for cutting them. This comment thread can deal with it on a Saturday. But come gametime Sunday we should move on.
Kurt says
Lamar Odom postgame quote:
““I think it might be a good idea, for Andrew to start (when he returns) because our first unit is so strong, especially with shot making, having Kobe and Pau out there.”
Gerrit says
Kurt @ 237.
Some Point Guards that might be available later in the draft are Sergio Llul from Spain, Aaron Jackson from Duquesne, Nick Calathes from Florida and maybe Darren Collison from UCLA.
I’m not a scout so I won’t pretend to be one here, but Calathes seems like he might be a great fit in the Triangle Offense.
emh101 says
Odom brings up a good point. Being the main option for the second unit might be putting too much pressure on Bynum when he returns.
But I think it really signals Odom’s willingness to return to the bench if it is asked of him.
chris h says
1331, I understand why you picked the Spurs Cavs game this Sunday for another possible upset, but don’t they play the Hawks tonight? (I don’t have access to their sched) and that would be bak to back to back, so I’m not sure.
but my point is, the Cavs have a pretty tough overall sched to finish out I guess, the Hawks are nothing to overlook, (as we know too well).
and the Lakers have to be very careful not to overlook the Clips and the Kings, our next 2 games.
time to sharpen the FOCUS!
luubi says
nice to see the team playing with some energy and joy. good to be home. very effective game by Kobe. they finally got the message to “feed feed feed the Pau”.
I think we still have a tremendous uphill battle for HCA. @Sac and @Porty will be brutal. I think we have to count on losing at least one more. Will the Cavs lose at least 2 more? And the minutes Pau is racking up is crazy. don’t big men need more rest than others?
Craig W. says
I think the HCA discussion is much to intense for the impact it could have on us. If last night was any indication – with Kobe in transcendent mode – I think the Cavs will have a tough time with us, if they get that far.
Jason Kidd: My earlier, erased comments, about him was that having both he and Fish as the PGs next year eliminates any ability for us to give minutes to a younger guard we are trying to bring along – say Shannon Brown here. That is the reason I don’t think Mitch will bring in Kidd. The talking heads don’t seem to see the development problem in bringing in Kidd. Our team is really a younger team and having one position dominated by two, at the end of their careers, players is very poor planning. The Lakers are not poor planners.
Joel says
It looks like my comment was one of those deleted.
I think Kidd would be a good fit for the right price ($5M for 2 years) if he could maintain his current level of play. He has the size, versatility, and basketball IQ that Phil would want from a guard in the triangle, and he has become a very good spot-up shooter, hitting over 40% from 3 since being traded to Dallas. Of course he struggles with the smaller, quicker guards but he can still defend bigger PGs and swingmen pretty well (as opposed to Farmar, who as far as we can tell can’t guard anyone).
This would of course leave the Lakers with 2 senior citizens – Fisher and Kidd – at PG, but the Lakers could conceivably draft a younger player to be groomed by the 2 vets for a couple years and then take over.
As Kurt points out though, retaining Odom and Ariza is the priority, and if they are re-signed I don’t the Lakers will shell out for Kidd on top of that.
That being said, it would be pretty funny to see Bynum catching lobs from the guy who Kobe wanted to “Ship his a$$ out” for… 😛
wondahbap says
I figured out what’s wrong with Farmar. He’s the only player on the team who wears Adidas. Everyone else rocks Nike’s. then he can stop hesitating and “Just do it.”
I know. That was corny.
Chris H,
The NBA never schedules back to back to back.
We have to take care of business, but the Cavs also have another game against the Celtics. It’s in Cleveland, but Boston beat them last time, and it should be a great game with or without KG, because the C’s will want to prove they can go into Cleveland and win.
chris h says
remember, we can use LO as a PG in the tri…
Ron Harper was the best though, in my opinion.
who out there can be a ‘harp’?
what’s the situation with Jamal Crawford? if the W’s buy him out, can another team get him on ‘the cheap’?
(kind of like the way we had DJ Mbenga, and the Mavs were paying his salary?)
Crawford can really shoot, and can play imho.
drrayeye says
Kurt,
I think your initial instincts were correct. There is no doubt that a veteran like Jason Kidd, talked about as a potential Laker for years, would merit consideration at the right price for next year. However, speculation seems premature to me. We first need to see how far the Lakers advance into the playoffs. It will make a huge difference if the Lakers win the NBA championship.
I think that it is likewise premature to dismiss Jordan Farmar from consideration. His fate will also ride on the Lakers success in the playoffs as well as his performance.
Kurt says
One other thought on the draft and PGs: When you pick at the end of the first round, you take the highest player on your board regardless of position. The guys drafted there do not come in and make an immediate impact and often do not even stick long term. You need a guy that contribute anywhere at that point.
The last few guys taken 29th (for example): DJ White, Alando Tucker, Mardy Collins, Wayne Simien, Beno Udrih, Leandro Barbosa.
Some decent guys there, but a mixed bag.
1331 says
@ chris h
I don’t think cavs will play atlanta anymore this season, so I will assume u’re referring to the spurs.
As for other cavs games, I think they potentially lose are boston game and one of the philly game.
Because these two teams is fighting for playoff seeding. (Boston vs Orl and philly vs miami)
As for the wiz game at cavs home court, I think cavs will definitely rebound from the last game.
And it would be hard for wiz to maintain their energy level in road games.
Ok, I will have to talk about lakers now.
I think we have potentially lose game with portland. Utah n denver game should be interesting.
But as long as we don’t play like hell-bad, we should be ok.
Utah is known as teams who plays worse in road games. Denver is still trying to find stability.
So I really think HCA is a probable scenario.
Lastly, I don’t think jamal crawford is the guy we’re looking for.
PG in triangle shouldn’t be volume shooter.
The guy I like the most is ramon sessions. He will be great pg in our system.
chris h says
1331, you’re right, my bad, it’s Orlando who plays the Hawks tonight. got the Cavs and magic mixed up in my head.
so are you saying Crawford is not a ‘volume shooter’? I don’t know if I agree on that.
Yohim says
What would the Lakers do without Pau…
I think Phil it’s abusing of Pau’s minutes a bit… he needs to rest more for the playoffs… plus he is not using him enough on offence right now in my opinion…
Just… MORE BALLS TO GASOLUTION!!!!
wondahbap says
Harper is a good example why Kidd’s age could work. They are both big guards who could defend decently, and Harp was rolling around with one good knee. Kidd is fairly healthy. But I still don’t think it’s a route we should go, especially if we win it all.
No way we’d get Ramon Sessions. Milwaukee traded Mo Williams because they knew what they had.
I’m waiting for OJ Mayo to become our PG one day. Wishful thinking?
Ryan says
Most mock drafts have the Lakers taking Wayne Ellington. He has a nice mid range and pull up jump shot (don’t know about long range) but he is not a PG and he is not strong/big enough to be a good defender.
Nick Calathes might be a good choice for the Lakers, bit of a gamble but most players at that pick are.
Gatinho says
“But he knows he has to step it up and he’s done a terrific job of playing the kind of minutes that are really a compliment to him, to be able to take care of his body and compete at this level.”
This Phil Jackson quote confirms suspicions I have had as to why he’s playing Pau such heavy minutes. I think Phil believes (And we all saw it) that Pau’s conditioning was a factor in the playoffs last year. He ‘s playing him so many minutes to keep him in good condition. I don’t know what kind of worker he is off the court, but a lot of “burn” will put you into a shape that conditioning can’t. So what to us may be perceived as borderline abuse , Jackson sees as a tangible means to toughen/strengthen Pau up for the playoff run, which as Kurt frequently mentions, allows for plenty of rest between games once they begin.
Wild says
man, for this whole 7 game-13 day road trip it’s been obvious to feed it to Pau more consistently, or at least more than only the few touches he would sometimes recieve in the 2nd half. pretty funny we actually kept feeding Pau in a game where we are now facing a 7’6 guy, and who happens to be the best center in the game. rather than versus someone like a dan gadzuric/villanueva(mil), okefor/diaw(cha), horford/pachulia(atl), brook lopez/ryan anderson(nj), kwame/mcdyess(det), kristic/collison(okc), noah/brad miller(chi). you can tell yao’s height and long arms gave gasol trouble on his usually effective 17 footer. but I definitely was glad to see us reverting back to feeding gasol often and making him our focal point of the triangle, no matter who is guarding the most skilled big man in today’s game. we really seemed to stress that last night. maybe some of pau’s touches on the road had to do with fatigue, but whatever it is I am glad that is not the issue anymore. gasol doesn’t need to pound everytime down, I just love it when the ball is in his hands. reads the defense well, can use/finish with either hand, awesome shooter, and can make that hockey assist to an open man.
as for kobe, shades of last yr’s black mamba was unleashed last night. the most efficient I’ve seen him play in a while, especially after horrible shooting nights on the road. and the fact of the tempting battle between artest and morey’s battier looming on a nationally televised stage, and his new millions of china’s kobe-starved fans tuning in to watch yao and kobe go at it. but kobe kept within the triangle, even after hitting his patented back to back long 3’s. just an awesome game to watch. usually is when we face houston. and even sweeter that we completed the 4 game sweep.
ahhh, life is a lot sweeter back at home in sunny california.
1331 says
@ chris h
actually i meant the other way around. i think jamal crawford is a type of player who needs to shoot a lot to be effective.
And i don’t a PG in triangle offense should do, in fact, any positions in triangle offense shouldn’t be a volume shooter, except maybe if you could hit shots from anywhere, like kobe does when he’s on fire.
Triangle offense is really a system where everyone needs to read the defense and share the basketball to increase better FG made opportunity.
@wondahap
yes, i agree. it would be very hard for us to take sessions from bucks. But i am still hopeful since bucks is a small market and the economic recessions might push them to trade sessions for expiring salary cap, which we will have around 6mil (? – morrison and farmar)
@gatinho
i think your point has its merit.
During most of lakers game, gasol is far more productive in the first half compare to the second half.
Apart of that is because we move away from posting him up or just pass the ball inside, but i also think gasol is less assertive in the second half.
i don’t know why, but it is possible that it is due to his conditioning.
A talent like gasol should be assertive, especially when he’s playing with our bench, and sometimes (other than we just don’t give him enough ball inside) gasol actually somehow reluctant to exploit offensive opportunity for himself in the second half.
this is of course, my random observation.
wondahbap says
Great title from David Friedman:
“Kobe’s Complete Skill Set 4, Houston’s “Advanced Stats” 0 ”
http://20secondtimeout.blogspot.com/
Craig W. says
Gatinho,
Man you come up with some great insights.
wondahbap,
…and the rest of you talking about getting Kidd. What exactly does a Fisher & Kidd backcourt give us going into the future beyond next year? How does all this mesh with our 27-31 year old players and our 21-23 year old players? I just think we will be left with absolutely nothing, with regards to a developed triangle PG beyond next year.
BCR says
My previous post was deleted, but I do think Kidd would be a good fit. He ironically operates better in the uptempo style the second unit usually runs because he makes far, far better decisions on the break than Farmar, and we have big men and athletic swingmen who can run on the break. He’s also improved as a spot-up shooter, as he’s shooting 40% from three-point range.
This is naturally after resigning Odom and Ariza, which obviously takes precedence in this situation. If we can get both for a decent amount, then maybe Kupchak will start the search for a point guard in the summer.
Like people have said earlier, with our position in the draft, we take the best talent that is available. That means taking Wayne Ellington, Sam Young, or Chase Budinger over need picks like Darren Collison or Nick Calathes. It’s hard to see us resolving our point guard situation in the draft unless someone like Eric Maynor or Jrue Holiday falls down to us (Maynor is a very remote possibility; Holiday is more plausible, as he had a bad close to the tournament and isn’t going to wow anyone in workouts).
As for free agency, the best point guards available are Miller, Bibby, and Kidd. Miller is probably going to be resigned by Philadelphia unless they find a replacement somewhere. He’s been so essential to their success lately, and I think he would demand slightly over midlevel money. I never really liked Bibby, and while players like Kidd and Fisher have lost a step and can’t guard quicker guards well, Bibby can’t guard anyone. So Kidd is the most plausible choice. As Marc Stein put it, Cleveland, Dallas, and us are the most plausible locations. If Cleveland offers a full midlevel deal for three years or Dallas offers something similar, I don’t think we win that bidding war though. I honestly don’t think he’s worth more than $4-5 million for two years.
BCR says
Also note that Sasha can always move over to the point and work on his ballhandling over the summer. That leaves us open to sign a wing with our draft pick, and for our position in the draft, we’re liable to get some of the better wing options (Ellington, Young, Bundinger).
Gerrit says
Jamal Crawford is going to make something like 10 million dollars next year. No way should the Lakers take on that salary. Just say no.
Winston says
Hi, I’ve been lurking around for a while and really enjoy reading the discussion on this website. This is my first post and I really just wanna use it to ask a question that’s been bugging me for a while: why forum BLUE and gold? Aren’t Laker colors purple and gold?
Kurt says
262. Winston, welcome. And you’re not the first person to ask that.
http://www.forumblueandgold.com/forum-blue/
exhelodrvr says
Craig W,
PG is the weakest spot on the team.
Getting Kidd would address that weak spot for a couple of years – maximize the opportunity to win while Kobe is still at the top of his game.
The disadvantage is that in a couple of years, they are worse off then they are now.
wondahbap says
Craig W,
I agree with you. The last My comment said:
“But I still don’t think it’s a route we should go, especially if we win it all.”
I was simply stating Kidd could do no worse than Harp, who was alright for us.
Zephid says
I’m not so sold on Jason Kidd. If Farmar can’t keep PG’s in front of him, there’s no way Jason Kidd can; he’s older, slower, and way past his prime. Also, last year under Avery Johnson and the Mavs “Iso-Dirk” offense, Jason Kidd really struggled. It was only after Carlisle took over this year that he’s really had success. I don’t think he’d be so good in the Triangle, which requires a lot of off-ball movement on his part in addition a lot of Kobe-Iso and Gasol-Iso, both things he’s proven to not be so good at.
I feel someone like Grant Hill would be way better than Jason Kidd. Plus he’d be much cheaper. He can handle the ball, play point in the triangle, and he’s become a semblance of a good defender, a la Ray Allen.
harold says
Ah, no wonder, i thought i wrote more than that 😉
Anyway, what I said was brought up by others, so i guess it’s all good.
Kidd would be great in the second unit. He could get passes to Pau, Bynum, and even Lamar to boost his confidence. And Kidd giving passes to in-rythm Sasha? I think that would do wonders as well. He’d also be given the kind of freedom Jordan was granted, and I think Kidd’s value will go up as PJ’s retirement becomes more likely.
magiclover says
Here we go again.Not long ago it was”get rid of Odom”,then it was Walton everybody wanted to get rid of.Now,it’s Farmar.I think he’s the guy.The more years he plays and the more playing time he gets,the better he will be.He’s smart and athletic.I don’t think we can do any better at the moment.
Shaww says
The only problem I see with Kidd is defense. We complain about Farmar because he cannot guard ANYONE, well neither can Kidd.
cinz says
257
that was a good article thanks for sharing it 🙂
iggy says
we could do better at the moment for sure. our depth at PG is really suffering (Fisher, then who?) and I’m not sure playing time is the magic elixir Farmar needs. maybe the pressure of being a Los Angeles Laker — and the added pressure of being the “point guard of the Future” — is getting inside his head. on another team where the spotlight isn’t quite so bright, Farmar may be able to flourish.
E-ROC says
Jason Kidd can’t guard anyone? Since when? I know Kidd has lost a step or two but to say he can’t guard anyone is hyperbole. Kidd can still defend. Go ask D. Wade how good of a defender Kidd is. Though its a possibility, I don’t see this happening. I think the Lakers will want to add a young point guard to the backcourt. I think the Lakers will draft a point guard with one of their three picks. I’m hoping that guard is AJ Price or Curtis Jerrells.
Zephid says
from 82games.com
Jason Kidd, Opponent Counterpart Per 48-Minute Production: PER 21.1
Jordan Farmar, Opponent Counterpart Per 48-Minute Production: Per 17.5
I’m not saying Kidd is a bad player, but claiming he’s anything more than a marginal improvement than Farmar at this stage in his career, given our offense and the way we play defense, is hyperbole. He will not function in the triangle, as shown by his experience under “Iso-Dirk” offense in Dallas, and his defense will only get worse with age. I’d much rather try and develop one of our in-house PGs (Farmar or Brown), over bringing in some stop-gap vet.
E-ROC says
Per 48 minute statistic is flawed as only shows Kidd guarding PGs which is not the case. As we’ve seen on many occasions, Kidd also guards some SGs and SFs this season.
lakeshow says
Just a FYI for those who havent already heard… Bynum completed a 5 on 5 scrimmage today. Moves fairly well and is pain-free, but definetl out of shape.
http://www.ocregister.com/articles/bynum-jackson-game-2354759-playing-going
scum says
Assuming we get JKidd, will it be him or Fish coming off the bench?
Snoopy2006 says
273 – Normally I’d completely agree, I’ve been in the anti-Kidd camp for a long time. However I thought someone did make an astute point earlier. Kidd would be awful as a starting PG. But if he were to play with only the 2nd unit, he’d function much better. The 2nd unit already loves to play uptempo, and despite what PER tells you, Kidd is a FAR superior decision maker than Farmar.
Whoever said Kidd should play with the 2nd unit changed my mind. As a low-paid 2nd-unit player, an old Kidd would still be one of the better PGs in the league. In fact, at least in terms of body-type/decision-making, he reminds me of the closest thing we’ve had to Ron Harper.
Ariza/Odom is priority number 1, though.
Snoopy2006 says
Remember the Bench Mob at their best, running like mad and playing with supreme confidence? I’m now trying to imagine how that confidence will look with a player/decision maker like Kidd at the helm. Wow.
I do think that Farmar should not be traded. He’s going through a rough time and may not never be even a solid starter, but I’m not sure we can find a young PG that could do much better. Farmar’s worth keeping, it’s just that our championship window won’t last forever and a veteran decision maker could only help.
Andrew Andrekopoulos says
I am so glad Andrew is almost back to full strength.. We will need him in the playoffs. His absence has given some of the others guys a chance to get some valuable experience that is really going to help this team come Finals time. Something they did not have last year! GO LAKERS!!
chris h says
I like what Kurt said (off handedly) that Flip Murray would look good at PG in the tri, and he is a free agent this summer, and not one of the high priced ones.
what if the choice was Farmer or Flip?
thoughts??
E-ROC says
Chris H – See, I think Flip Murray has played himself into a possible big payday, though there aren’t many teams that are pg needy. As far as the choice goes, I would choose Flip Murray.
Another player that I think would be a good fit in the triangle is Jarrett Jack.
Zephid says
I wouldn’t buy into Flip Murray that much. He’s having a good year, but all of his percentages this year are way above his career averages. He’s also in a contract year, we can safely say he’ll regress back to the mean in the years to come. Overall, unless we can sign him for extremely cheap, ie what Farmar makes now, there’s no reason to go after him. He’s not that much of an improvement over Farmar, so I think taking a chance and trying to develop Farmar or Brown is still a better option.
Snoopy2006 says
Flip Murray? Really? I haven’t seen a ton of him but he always seemed like a solid individual player who had trouble playing within a team concept. He also seemed to have some mental issues; I expect his play to drop dramatically once he gets a new contract. But I could be wrong, I haven’t really studied him or anything.
wondahbap says
E-Roc,
I disagree about Jarrett Jack. I think he’s a terrible decision maker. I loved it when he played with the Blazers because he cost them more than a few possessions.
Flip Murray does hit his shots. I’ll give him that.
E-ROC says
Wondahbap – Thats possible and his per 48 minute stats support your opinion. I think Anthony Parker is another player that would fit well in the triangle. He can play three positions and guard those positions too. Parker did fill in pretty good while Calderon was out.
Kurt says
Clippers preview post up.
The PG of the future discussion stays in this thread.
BCR says
On the subject of Kidd, you get best see his strengths in the Dallas-Phoenix game currently up. If he doesn’t get someone on the break, he just posts up Nash or Barbosa and with his strength, he’s either taking them into the post or finding an open shooter or cutter. He’d be fantastic with the second unit — that much is pretty apparent. As for the defensive numbers, remember that he’s defending both guard positions and for nearly 40 minutes a night. Put him in a bench role, in which Ariza can cross-match against fast point guards and Kidd can guard two guards and Kobe or Sasha can guard the small forward.