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Records: Lakers 56-24 (1st in West, 3rd in NBA), Kings 25-56 (14th in West)
Offensive ratings: Lakers 108.8 (11th in NBA), Kings 105.3 (22nd in NBA)
Defensive ratings: Lakers 103.5 (5th in NBA), Kings 109.8 (20th in NBA)
Projected Starting Lineups: Lakers: Derek Fisher, Shannon Brown, Ron Artest, Lamar Odom, Pau Gasol
Kings: Tyreke Evans, Beno Udrih, Andres Nocioni, Carl Landry, Jason Thompson
The Lakers Coming in: With everyone now looking forward to a match up to OKC, it’s tough to get excited for the remaining games of the regular season. The playoffs looming only coumpounds the lack of emotional investment in these remaining games as Lakers now have nothing to play for in terms of playoff seedings. They are likely locked into the third best record in the NBA (barring horrible losses by Orlando) and the #1 seed out west has been clinched since Friday. It also doesn’t help that the Lakers are playing mediocre teams that are in no way measuring sticks for what they’ll face in the post season. You add all of those factors to Kobe sitting, Bynum sitting, and Phil stating that the starters will not be over extended and what we have are games that define meaningless.
That said, the Lakers should have strong desires to win these last two games. They’ve lost six of their last nine and are really faltering down the stretch. So, while the Kings tonight (and the Clips tomorrow) don’t represent anything more than place holder opponents on the calendar, these games should be taken seriously with the effort given to compete and get some positive results going into the playoffs. Especially for our back up guards. Shannon, Sasha, and Farmar will all be needed at one point or another in the post season and with Kobe sitting they’ll get plenty of run in these last two games. I, for one, would like to see them take advantage and play well.
The Kings Coming in: At this point in the season, the Kings have little to play for besides getting their star rookie some extra accolades in his pursuit of the ROY award. So while the Kings are 1 and 9 in their last 10 games, Tyreke Evans has been playing strong ball and padding his stellar statistics. In last night’s game against the Rockets, Evans clinched season averages of 20 points, 5 assists, and 5 rebounds and joins the elite group of Jordan, the Big O, and Lebron as the only rookies to accomplish this feat. But the Kings still lost. Surely, that probably has less to do with Evans and more to do with the overall talent on the Kings. But it must be said that as impressed as I am with Tyreke (and I am very impressed), these accomplishments (as great as they are) mean less when the Kings lose than they will when his team is racking up the wins in the same way that he carves out driving lanes to the rim.
Kings Blogs: Go read what Zach is putting up at Cowbell Kingdom. Also give a visit to Sactown Royalty for news from CA’s team from the Capital.
Keys to game: Tonight is a game where the Lakers must take advantage of Gasol’s advantage in the post. With Spencer Hawes sidelined, the Kings are starting Jason Thompson (an undersized PF) at Center and backing him up with John Brockman and Sean May. And while these guys are battlers that will try to bang on Gasol to deny him good post position, they are not a true impediment to Pau scoring on the block. The Lakers need to exploit these match ups repeatedly by throwing the ball into the post and letting Gasol go to work – especially when you consider how well he’s been playing of late. Once the ball is Pau’s hands, he can be the main decision maker by looking for cutters and passing out of the inevitable double teams.
Defensively, the Lakers must concern themselves with slowing Tyreke Evans. As I mentioned, he’s an elite rookie and the Lakers saw first hand what type of player he is on offense when these teams last met (Evans just missed a triple double with a line of 25 points, 9 assists, 11 rebounds). As in that last match up, I expect Artest to see a lot of time on Evans and hopefully he can duplicate the disruptive effort that he inflicted on the Kings rookie. We’ll see if Tyreke can do a better job at cracking the code of Artest’s defense tonight.
The other points of emphasis for this game is to just play hard and smart. As mentioned before, this game means little to the Lakers in terms of playoff opponent or seeding but that doesn’t mean that it can’t be a spring board for better play. And while the Lakers are missing key performers, that only opens up opportunities for other players to get minutes and find their comfort level heading into the post season. If the Lakers are intent on playing half heartedly, they can (and likely will) lose this game. However, if they play with purpose and with more than just a casual adherence to the game plan, the should win. So, even though there’s little riding on this one, I’m anxious to see what Lakers team shows up tonight. The match up with OKC can wait, for now it’s the Kings and that is all that should matter.
Where you can watch: 7:30pm start in the west on Fox Sports. Also on ESPN Radio 710am.
flip says
hopefully the the bench uses these two games to develop a little rhythm and consistency, especially on defense. right now, they’re about as fluid as mark madsen on a dance floor. if everyone played like artest on defense, i don’t think the offensive end would be so painful. go lakers.
3ThreeIII says
I would like to see Fisher get a bit of rest here as well. Let him play 10 minutes or so, if that, and rest his legs for the playoffs.
His mileage is nearly identical to Kobe’s (minus Team USA games and so on.)
But again, neither of these two games matter except in that they can HURT you. They cannot help you.
“Chemistry” is another way for pundits and critics to say, “We don’t know why these guys are better/worse than they should be. Must be how they get along away from the court.”
Trust me, at this level, with the literally 1000’s of hours of play and practice, and the 100’s of players these guys have been on various teams with, “Chemistry” has NOTHING to do with how they play.
Chownoir says
I’m still focused on the whole Pau checking for blood correlates to his play angle. I’m setting the over and under at his check for blood at 3.5.
If it’s over, I’m saying he’ll have 25 and 13 with 4 assists and a coupleof blocks on about 60% shooting.
If it’s under, he’ll be around 20 and 10 and 50% shooting
Karl says
Hopefully their heads will be fully on the game tonight, and not on the playoffs already.
DirtySanchez says
Time to pack it up and wait for OKC to come to town Sunday. As LA has displayed during the course of 82 regular season games there are no statement games, momentum building, nothing worth their time trying to please us fans into a false sense of hope. Sunday is what the team has been waiting on since the first game against the Clips in October.
If the theme of “wait until the playoffs” was really the mantra of the team, Im hoping that since it is finally here we will finally see what LA is made of or not made of. No more excuses will do from Sunday on so buckle your seatbelt, I have a feeling we will be experincing a little turbulence along the way.
DonFord says
Would like to see fewer minutes:
— Pau, Fisher
Would like to see some will-imposing:
— Odom, Artest
Would like to see more minutes, and some real efficient, killer-instinct ‘tune-up’ play:
— Farmar / Sasha / Shannon
— Walton, DJ, Powell
— Heck, Adam “Toast” Morrison, too.
Anonymous says
looking for a career high in points for Mbenga :]
ken says
Read several stories out of OK. Even though they lost 3 out of 4 they are convinced their one win in the truth. Their plan is to run and run as they say Kobe is tired, Bynam out of shape and our point guards have no chance of stopping Westbrook. (ok so I might give them that one).
Now i want them to eat the words and sweep them cowboys. Time to show them what the real NBA playoffs are all about.
Q says
Dallas and Denver beat each other up and then Lakers take on the winner of Phoenix/Utah, looks like Lakers will be okay.
lil' pau says
so far, this is the ideal seeding from 1-8. really hoping den and dal stay in the 2/3.
Don says
8. Let’s hope we make it hard for them to run by attacking inside and scoring buckets. Not settling for long jumpers and bad three’s.
BOO says
BREAKING NEWS: Ron Artest was ejected from the game the moment he stepped on the court. The lead official explained, “His hair style is atrocious. I did everyone a favor.”
ken says
Remind me which team is going to the playoffs? Thats about a turnover per minute. Maybe Rons hair is blinding their eyes.
jeremyLA24 says
Stu just said that Shannon is good in transition! LMFAO!!! Good call Stu, he truley is one of the NBA’s elite transition play makers.
khandor says
Any update on the reason Kobe is sitting out tonight’s game, after it was announced earlier that all Lakers’ regulars with the exception of Bynum would be available for their last 2 games of the season?
jeremyLA24 says
Oh my!… DJ missed a point blank uncontested shot. It’s one thing if you are sprinting down court on a fastbreak lay-up; but if you are standing under the basket uncontested… No Bueno.
Khandor: You can see the article on ESPN LA for details but the basic reason is to rest his broken index finger that has been bothering him since December.
Zephid says
Sweet Jesus look at DJ Mbenga’s hair.
Darius says
#15. khandor,
Apparently Kobe called/texted Phil after the Portland game and told him that he would like to sit out the final games. Basically, he had a change of heart because after the Blazers game he too was saying that he felt fine and that he expected to play in the final two games. Though, the official word is that he’s sitting out due to his finger rather than the knee issue caused him to miss the Denver and Minny game.
chearn says
I like Shannon Brown much better as a guy filling the lane or as a catch and shoot player. He is far more effective in these two scenarios than he is when he puts the ball on the floor or attempts to create a shot for himself.
Welcome back Luke Walton! The game is easy to Luke Walton vis-a-vis the triangle. A perfect complimentary player to the stars in Los Angeles.
Josh says
Definitely hope to see more Walton in the playoffs. He does all the little things…sometimes he adds a few bone-headed errors to those little things…but nevertheless–much higher Triangle IQ than Farmar or Brown.
Josh says
Farmar with a strained Hamstring?
khandor says
Thanks for the information update, Darius.
Bobji says
curious to hear what’s up with Farmar… did anybody see when he might have strained his hamstring?
glove32 says
Lakers do not have a good history with playoffs and hamstrings. Hope Farmar is ok and it is not serious
ken says
In case we ever wanted to know what we would be like without Kobe and Andrew.
We would be the Kings.
A lottery team/
Jane says
I wish I could hear what Evans said to the official. Your season is over, rook.
ken says
Evans wanted to get to Hotel to watch American Idol.
And for those who think Lakers are better with Artest>he is shooting 36% the worst on the entire team.
3ThreeIII says
Got to give it up for Sasha there on that last second rebound and touch shot.
Nice!
ken says
The new Mr Big Shot Sasha. Perhaps Phil will run a last second play for him instead of Pau?
Best game in a long while for Brown and Sasha.
Keep it up.
jeremyLA24 says
27 Ken- Trevor Ariza shooting a season 39%FG/ Ron Artest shooting a season 41.9%. He is Also better by 3% from 3pt land. Should I dive into defense? (the other half of Basketball that you can measure a player by.)
ray says
Ken,
With Pau, lamar, and Artest and Phil Jackson, I’m pretty sure we’d be in the playoffs and NOT a lottery team.
Making assumptions based on this game doesn’t make sense.
ken says
I was going off what Joel said about Ron. My fault to listen to him. Sorry I should look things up before typing.
Ray of course I am just breaking the bordom. Nobody posting tonight so I tried to get a noise.
the other stephen says
heheh i just saw a grinning ammo chuck a towel at someone. that’s not something you see everyday.
Zephid says
If we can get this much from Sasha, Shannon, and Luke in the postseason, we will go Fo’, Fo’, Fo’, Fo’ through the playoffs.
Josh says
That’s the thing…”if”. And we certainly don’t want Shannon taking 11+ shots.
Joe says
As much as I have bashed this team the last few games, I do have to say, Gasol has just been incredible.
Don says
hmm looks like with Den loss to Pho we’re going to get Den in the second round? Me no like
Darius says
Zephid with the Moses Malone reference (though with the extra ‘Fo due to the expanded first round). Classic.
Also, Ken’s stat about Ron’s shooting % would be correct if he said it was for his 3 point accuracy. Ron is down to 36% on the year. He now trails both Farmar (37.3%) and Sasha (39.2%) off the strength (or lack thereof) of his 27% March and 30% April from downtown. Ron’s been cold for about six weeks. Not the best timing. Let’s hope he can find his stroke soon. We’ll need him to knock down shots in the playoffs, for sure.
jeremyLA24 says
Just trying to shed some truth Ken. I am certainly disappointed in Ron’s drought as of late but I knew that Trevor regressed after his remarkable playoff performance. So, yes I looked up those numbers but no, I did not have to look it up to know that Ron has been a better all around performer than Trevor. Here’s to Ron catching some Trevor fire in the post season.
Side thought: Lakers have to win and Orlando has to lose tomorrow for us to have home court advantage in the possible finals duo.
ken says
I agree for the year Ron has been better. I tend to just remember how good Ariza was in playoffs. I am a Ron fan if nothing else he is tough. I think he will step it up in playoffs. This is his best chance for a ring.
Joel must have meant 36% 3-pointers as Darius pointed out. Which by the way is still better then Kobe and Fisher.
Denver has crashed and burned. They could go from 2nd to 5th in a week. Jeremy are you sure about Orlando. They have a better conference record then us.
Joel B says
37. Lets just say Denver falls to the 5th seed. I’m not convinced they’ll beat Utah. Denver did beat Utah 3 times this season but the last time Denver beat Utah was in early January and Utah has been a much better team since. Add that to fact Denver’s not that great on the road and Utah is dominant at home. I’m wouldn’t be so sure about Denver making it out of the
1st round.
lil' pau says
ken, we own the tiebreaker w/orl which is (after head to head) record against OPPOSING CONFERENCE.
Darius says
Ken, it’s been confirmed that the tie breaker for a Lakers/Orlando series are the teams’ records against the opposing conference. The Lakers had a better record against the East than Orlando did against the West. But, right now, Orlando has a better win/loss record so the tie breaker will likely be irrelevant. That’s why Joel is talking about needing an Orlando loss.
Aqzi says
Ron: 2 points, 1-7 shooting including 0-3 3 pointers, 5 assists, 3 rebounds, 2 turnovers…and +14 for the game.
Interesting.
jeremyLA24 says
Ken, I heard if we tie that we get the Tie breaker and being that both of our last games are tomorrow it will take a LA win and an OL loss for us to tie in standings. So, being that I get all my sources from ESPN or Laker media someone in the business had to be wrong for me to be wrong.
ken says
Thanks. Too confusing somethimes for my small brain. So we root for Philly tomorrow.
jeremyLA24 says
Can you believe how that works out with a showdown tomorrow deciding the seating of Pheonix and Utah for the #3 spot. I will have to give up a little bit of Laker time tomorrow to watch that Playoff atmosphere game.
Joel B says
Correction to my last post…the Suns are currently in the 4th so they would play denver, not Utah. However, Phoenix and Utah play each other tomorrow for the 3rd seed. If Utah losses Denver will be in the 4th seed and Utah will drop to 5, but if Utah wins Denver will stay in the 4th spot because the suns won the season series against Denver. But I’m not sure that Denver would beat the Suns or Utah without homecourt. I think Denver will need home court to get out of the first round so I’m rooting for Utah tomorrow. So if Denver doesn’t get out of the first round, lakers would play Phoenix in the second round which is more favorable match up. But San Antonio could upset Dallas, Utah or Phoenix and play the lakers in the second round.
lil' pau says
anyone see the phx/den game tonight? is phx that good, or is den that terrible? phx just destroyed them, scoring 70 (!) in the first half…
Darius says
Game recap is up.
http://www.forumblueandgold.com/2010/04/13/lakerskings-shannon-sasha-steal-the-show/
Zephid says
49, Denver is terrible against the zone. Legitimately horrible. And Phoenix going zone tends to protect Steve Nash on defense, and allows them to help each other out, since no one on Phoenix is good at individual defense, at all.