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Putting the ball in the basket. It’s what this game is about. The last time I checked, the team with the higher score wins the game so being able to perform this simple act is quite important. Yesterday, we looked at the Thunder’s offense and some of the match ups that will play a major role in the outcome of this series. Today, we examine the Lakers offense and how to best attack the Thunder.
First a few numbers – over the course of the season, the Thunder were the 9th ranked defensive team in the league (in terms of points per 100 possessions) and were 7th in opposition turnover rate as well FG% against. They’re a scrappy bunch that relies on solid defensive principles where rotations are ritualistically executed and close outs are almost always performed. However, that defensive fervor died down towards the end of the season and the Thunder started to rely much more heavily on outscoring their opponents to win games. When you have Kevin Durant that’s not necessarily the worst approach but for a team that made its mark for most of the season on stopping the opposition that change is important as the post season begins. Will the Thunder be able to recapture some of that lost defensive focus and intensity? Against a Lakers team that has some definitive match up advantages, they’ll need to.
Offensively, the biggest advantage that the Lakers have is with Pau Gasol. Going inside into the big Spaniard will be imperative if the Lakers look to sustain any offensive success. The return of Andrew Bynum (whether completely healthy or not) means that Pau can slide back to power forward and a match up with Jeff Green (at least at the start of games). Nothing against Green, but he’s not a defender that’s built to battle the diverse attack that Pau possesses. Green is only 6’9″ and isn’t a tremendously long player. He’s got very good quickness, but his lack of height and reach is something that looks very appetizing to a 7’0″ player with arms like a condor’s wings. As Kurt told me simply and succinctly:
(Pau) is going to be covered by the 6’9″ Jeff Green, who can’t handle him in the post and who Gasol can shoot over at the elbow. Not only is Gasol hot lately, not only has the offense always flowed better when he was the focal point, but also he is the Lakers big offensive mismatch. Exploit it.
So, the Lakers need to go inside to Pau, that much is clear. But what is the best way to do this? Typically, Pau operates in the hub of the Triangle where the initial options of this offense begin. We often see the Lakers start their sets with the sideline initiation where the ball handler passes to the player at the extended wing and then cuts to the (Joel Myers sponsored) short corner. These two wing players form the Triangle with the big man that is either already at or flashing to the strong side low post. However, now that Bynum is back, I’d actually prefer that the Lakers set up in a weak side set where after the pass is made to the player on the extended wing the initial passer cuts to the opposite side corner so that the wing man and the post player can play in a two man game. And I want to see Pau sitting at that weak side low block. This will give Pau a chance to operate in isolation earlier in the clock and do so in space. This puts Pau in the advantageous position of not having strong side defenders digging down on him while also allowing him to use his full arsenal against his defender. For example, when Gasol makes the catch at the post in this weak side formation, he can go to a straight post up move and shoot his jump hook with either hand. Or he can turn and face to shoot his jumpshot (which he’s been making consistently for weeks). Or he can turn and face and use an attack dribble to get to the rim. And not only does this open up all these different options, but it also allows Pau to easily see the double team coming from the opposite side of the court while also opening up the lane for all the screen actions that exist when the three players that create the Triangle on the opposite side start their motions. There are just too many good options out of this weak side initiation with all of them exploiting the Lakers natural advantage of Gasol vs. Green.
But obviously, Pau is not the only offensive weapon for the Lakers. There’s that guy that wears #24 as well. The key though, in this series, is for Kobe to recognize that he is being guarded by one of the better wing defenders in the league and to play with his head and not be driven by pride or by ego. Kobe knows he can be successful against this team and it would be easy for him to look at his earlier successes against OKC (look at his point totals in the first three games) and ignore the 11 point stinker he threw up against this team in late March. But, he instead needs to focus on where the biggest advantages lie – on the interior – and play a style that aligns with this reality. This isn’t to say that Kobe can’t look for his own shot or be aggressive. One of the main reasons that the Lakers are as dangerous on offense as they are is because of the threat of Kobe; the opponent’s knowledge of what he’s capable of doing when he has the ball in his hands. That said, his aggression must be selective and his shots (at least the majority of them) need to come within the flow of the Lakers’ sets where he is working off the ball and running Sefolosha off screens and slashing to the basket. This will allow him to be efficient and effective while also still using the principles of the offense to help himself and his mates.
From a team wide perspective there are also some important keys that the Lakers need to be aware of. First is that they need to take care of the ball and limit their turnovers. The Thunder prey on careless offenses and use their athleticism in the open court to get easy baskets when you give away the rock. Second is that the Lakers size advantage exists not only on the low block, but on the offensive glass as well. When Pau and Bynum get deep post position, the help will come and that will open up lanes to crash the offensive boards. I’d love to hear at least three or four references to the Lakers playing ‘volleyball’ on the glass in each game. Third, the Lakers can’t get complacent on offense and go away from what works. That means don’t run the pick and roll just because it’s there and don’t jack up early shots in transition just because that is the shot that is available. Work the Triangle and do the little things; the correct things that win possessions and thus win the game.
In the end, this series can end up being a lot closer than it (probably) should be if the Lakers don’t diligently look to work their favorable match ups. The Lakers size, smarts, and experience can be the difference between a short series or long and hard fought one. As Magic Johnson said so often, it’s winning time. Will the Lakers take the steps necessary to ensure that they come out on top? The roadmap is there, they just need to follow it.
imposibol says
off topic. i havent seen warren lately. hmm
Chownoir says
Darius,
All year long running the triangle has been a problem. Do you think drawing OKC can be a blessing in disguise. It forces the guys to run the triangle and strengthen the right habits just when the playoff intensity kicks in.
The playoff inexperience of OKC might just be the bit of edge Lakers need to still overcome them when they’re faltering because they’re not running the triangle properly and/or Kobe breaks off the offense too much.
Kobe can’t freelance against this team as well because of Thabo. For the offense to run well and Kobe to score easily, he’ll have to run the triangle and same with the rest of the guys. He could break it off and Lakers win close games due to OKC faltering. But it could also drive home the point that he and the rest of the guys can’t get away with standard pick and roll offense. They need to focus on the triangle.
If Lakers had drawn a more seasoned opponent that doesn’t have a defender that bothered Kobe as much, I could see them still winning by not running the triangle but not really building the right mind frame and habits. Or the more experienced foe could even upset Lakers because the offense wasn’t as efficient.
Hopefully this is a series Lakers win and also helps them execute better as they go up against deeper more experienced teams.
Craig W. says
I have always loved your analysis, Darius, and this one is no exception.
There is really no excuse for Artest not knowing the triangle at this point in the year. With Lamar on the bench, this means our starters actually have a decent chance to actually run our offense.
Our bench is more problematic and I hope Luke’s minutes increase because I feel he is the key to our ability to run our offense. Our bench guards (except the missing Sasha) sure haven’t shown they have the discipline to stay within our offense.
This is where Chownoir’s point about OKC is a key.
Taylor says
I don’t know if this was the first time it aired, but ESPN just ran an hour long documentary, The Association: L.A. Lakers. Chronicled most of the season, up to about 20 games left. I felt maybe a little sugar-coated about our struggles, but really uplifting in the end…maybe just the way it’s supposed to be. It got me really excited for tomorrow and reminded me that we have incredible talent. A lot of the year we looked great, really really talented. While we’ve hit some rough patches, when we play, it is fun to watch. Even remembering the Utah game when Kobe was out; that was fun. We can play and when we play the way we want, we will win, and its fun. Seeing the players smile is what drives me. I’m looking for that smile 16 wins from now. That’s when you know it’s good basketball.
KB24ever says
Speaking of that fresh Lakers documentary, does anyone know where I can find the whole thing online? I’m studying in Israel right now and I tried to find the whole thing on youtube and megavideo (there’s only a brief preview of it on ESPN atm) but I couldn’t. So if anyone knows, please tell me here or email me at sgw16@yahoo.com
Thanks, and here’s to an exciting 1st round where we come back to what makes us great humble these upstarts of OKC!
BOO says
That one-hour ESPN special was not that good.
And, goddamn, I hate LeBron James. He’s the best player in the world (not most skilled), but did anyone see that push?
3ThreeIII says
For the Lakers, efficient offence and winning in the playoffs begins and ends with our big men.
It is really as simple as feeding the post.
Gasol, Bynum, Odom. That is an embarrassment of riches. If our frontcourt is not scoring at least 50-60 points a game the Lakers deserve to lose. And they will.
It looks like we are going to get a nice run of opponents where the best way to win, if not the only way to win, is to feed the post.
Maybe this rash of injuries to our guards is a good thing… It might give Farmar, Bryant, and Brown a bit more incentive to pass first, and try to create a shot last.
Tomorrow is going to be a lot of fun.
GO LAKERS!
karlum says
The whole documentary is on lakersmedia.com
3ThreeIII says
The caveat here is that it IS the Bulls, but WOW do the Cavaliers look good.
I have to admit, I hope that the Cavaliers make it to the Finals (and the Lakers, of course) because I am really looking forward to watching Bynum vs Shaq.
I think it is interesting the LeBron will be almost a footnote in that match up, compared to the Kobe vs Shaq, “Who can get the one for the thumb” storyline.
Granted, that is a long way away, and it is unlikely to happen.
(I think Lakers vs Magic again, but we will see…)
Q says
I hope Farmar and Brown will stop taking those ill-advised shots. And why do the Cavs get to play such a lesser opponent? Damn the East is a weak conference. Lakers would have a better record if they were in Eastern Conference.
tsuwm says
I think that’s it’s tres interesting that everyone (here) has completely forgotten the last two months and seems to believe that there really *is* a switch.
well, I hope there is too.. (there’s no place like home [click] .. there’s no place like home [click]…)
Chownoir says
@#3 Craig W. To give Ron the benefit the doubt, it’s been long accepted that it takes most players a year or two to learn the triangle. Now you thrown in the lack of continuity with all the injuries, I can see how it’s even more difficult for Ron to pick it up.
As Fish pointed out earlier in the year, if the other four guys aren’t in the right place, it makes it harder for Ron to know if he’s in the right spot. With the injuries and overall lack of proper triangle operation, I’d bet that Ron hasn’t seen a lot of correct spacing and placing during practice.
@#11 tsuwm, I don’t see where in the comments that people believe there is a switch. I think most posters on *this* board understand that the team has been trying hard the last month or so. But the bad habits they had from most of the year caught up to them. Not to mention the injuries.
I don’t think it’s unrealistic to hope that with a healthier Bynum and Kobe and starting the playoffs, the team will be continue to try and run the triangle more. Especially against a foe that they can’t easily beat by Kobe’s individual brillance nor simple pick and roll offense.
Zephid says
Wow, I love watching Brad Miller “drive” to the lane. It’s like watching a 18 wheeler accelerating onto the highway.
joel says
I agree with post? Pau and Bynum will obviously have a huge advantage all series. I just hope the lakers don’t start forcing the ball inside when its not available and hesitating on wide open(but good shots). This should be an easy series if the lakers play right. But the lakers haven’t played the right way all season. Its a lot of questions going into this series to be over confident. Is kobe and bynum healthy? Will Lamar Odom stop partying and show up to play? Can the guards at least hold Westbrook to his averages? Can anyone on the team make a jumpshot? Will the lakers defend for more than a quarter? I believe they will. Phil actually coaches his ass off in the playoffs so he’ll have these guys in line and get on their asses if they start messing up.
But am I the only one extremely unimpressed by the Cavs? And the bulls are seriously one superstar away (wade) from seriously contending.
karl says
Ok here we go! This is going to be exciting – but i’m just praying that the real lakers come to play. As fans, we don’t want to see those PUJIT in an early clock, fish driving the lane, brown and farmar chucking up shots at will…please feed the post and let bynum and gasol do their thang.
also, i hope that kobe is not in ego mode and has to throw up 30 attempts. just go into mamba mode when/if really necessary. otherwise just facilitate the game.
LO – please show up with your rebounding and three point shooting, great passing, and aggressive play.
Can’t wait to see Artest on kd – the refs better let them play.
Can’t wait for tomorrow!!!
The Dude Abides says
Drew had another full practice today, and says he’s already ready for full minutes in Game 1. Also, here is a gruesome photo of Sasha’s ankle. Having played competitive tennis for most of my life, I know exactly how bad that feels.
http://my.lakers.com/blogs/2010/04/17/sasha-vujacics-ankle-ouch/
jeremyLA24 says
ATL vs. MIL going exactly as I thought. I really wish I put money down on this series.
3ThreeIII says
Milwaukee without Bogut has no chance.
Not their fault, you have to give it up for the Bucks and Jennings on a nice season. A lot to build on there.
pb says
One of the most exciting Laker playoff run was the repeat year of ’88 team.
Although that was a great team, they struggled mightily in the playoffs against Utah and Dallas. It wasn’t so much that the Lakers weren’t focused, but those teams were really talented and we had matchup problems against them. After sweeping the Spurs 3-0, we went to 7th game in the next three series and became the first repeat NBA champions since ’69.
I think the road to this year’s championship will be just as tough if not tougher. We may end up playing the same Jazz and Mavs, and in Cavs or Magic, we have teams that can be contenders for years to come. I hope we can AT LEAST win this year because Kobe’s mileage is catching up to him really FAST!
That said, while sweep is possible (if Kobe and Bynum are healthy and effective), I think our team will have to work their butt off just to reach the Finals. In the Finals (whether they meet Magic or Cavs), whoever had the easiest path getting there may have the upper hand. Hopefully, it’ll be the Lakers, but it will be Cavs most likely.
Finally, as out beloved team begins the title quest tomorrow, I just hope it will not be derailed by injuries or lack of effort. If the other teams are better than our team, so be it. But I still believe our team is the most talented team when they are healthy.
As far as the OKC series is concerned, I think the pace of play and TOs will be the barometer of the series. If we win the TO battle (which we should if we run the triangle) AND limit OKC’s # of transition opportunities (by running the triangle), we should win rather easily. I just hope Pau will be the primary playmaker from the elbow post as many of you said. Kobe could average 15 pt/game, and we could finish this series in 5 or less games.
Go Lakers!
Zephid says
Do you guys not remember last year? Atlanta whomped on Miami by 26 in Game 1, came back and put up 2 consecutive stinkers in Games 2 and 3. Atlanta loses focus very easily, and the Bucks will be working 100% the whole game due to Skiles. Once the Bucks start making shots, they’ll make this competitive. Not saying Milwaukee is going to win the series, but I don’t think Atlanta will sweep.
Don says
@pb an interesting read about pace in this series
http://www.silverscreenandroll.com/2010/4/16/1427072/lakers-thunder-series-preview
ken says
i have my club friends in LA looking for OKC players tonight to buy them lots of drinks.. Just like Phil I try for every possible edge.
If LO and Ron are out they are instructed to drive them home.
Lakers in 6
Snoopy2006 says
I love how scrappy Miami is defensively. Hands in the passing lane, aggressive mentality all-around. They’re undersized but they’re using their quickness.
Jermaine O’Neal may not be a scorer anymore, but I underestimated how much he has left. His defense has been phenomenal. Joel Anthony giving them great gritty minutes off the bench, great interior D.
Wade continually reminds how great he is. He doesn’t have the skills that Kobe has, but in terms of attacking off the dribble, I think he’s as good as Kobe ever was. Maybe better. That lightning speed, ability to split doubles effortlessly, and that unparalleled way he switches direction makes him so difficult to guard.
Carlos Arroyo should have more of an impact than he does, with his skill-set.
Beasley has no pulse. None. At this point he’s nothing more than a jump-shooter, and even Quentin Richardson is far better at that role right now.
The Heat are having an absolute block party tonight.
Neither team really taking care of the ball, a lot of unforced turnovers.
With all that said, I still feel like Boston will take the series. Miami has to play perfect ball, way over their heads, in order to pull a game out. Boston can play at 70-80% and still take the Heat out. The Heat are going to war with a single pistol, there’s limits to how well they do can.
sT says
How does the Lakers chalk board look, ’16’ should be written on it about now. Yeah, I am planning my whole day around the Laker game tomorrow, and it should be a ball (pun intended). Great writeup Darius, as usual, and Kurt is on the money with Gasol as our focal point against the Thunder.
GO LAKERS…
jeremyLA24 says
Wow, I think D Wade is the only player in the league that I would buy their jersey despite not being a Laker. Now if he played on Bos, Phoe, Por, SA, Sac, or Cle, I think I’d be singing a differnt toon. He’s just got that perfect mixture of talent, athleticism and on court personality that makes him a hard guy to root against.
I’m so nervous cuz of tomorrow’s game that I can’t even sleep. I wonder how the guys are handling it. (Hopefully not partying.) Keep em in line Ken. haha
Taylor says
Btw…I’m in with Fish on this one; shaving tomorrow morning and then rockin’ the playoff beard. We can be the furriest blog out there.
Who’s with me?!
13thirtyone says
after reading this two article, i feel a little bit more optimistic about the game:
http://lakers.freedomblogging.com/2010/04/17/lakers-need-to-stay-the-course-on-road-to-title/33721/#more-33721
http://lakers.freedomblogging.com/2010/04/17/lakers-take-practice-seriously/33751/
chris h says
I missed the espn special on the lakers, what was it, ‘the organization’? anybody catch it? anyone know if it’ll be repeated? if so, when?
thanks
chearn says
My wish list for the Lakers this playoff year:
Box Out, and Jump for Rebounds, hit wide open shots; in or out of the offense, play defense, Play like they have never won a championship!
Snoopy2006 says
Wow I feel bad for Wade. This lineup is worse than the one Lebron was forced to play with early on.
Beasley is held back by nothing but his own mental weakness. There was an interview in the Miami Herald where Beasley talked about his mental struggles during a game, how he loses confidence and overthinks things once he misses his first few shots. It’s sad, because the physical talent is there if he ever gets it together.
ken says
I think one of my guys just saw Ron at Sunset Plaza. naaaa wrong it was just Rodman trying to pitch his new reality show called how I played for the Lakers without shoes or socks.
No wait that was from Celb rehab show he was on.
Hope your paying attention to Dennis’s after baskeball life Ron.
Snoopy2006 says
Chris H:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X56G_datoaE
ken says
Quick get the wheelchair out for Pierce.
Zephid says
30, damnit you beat me to it.
ken says
haaaaaaaaaaaaaaa
That’s the first thing O’neal has hit in 3 years.
jeremyLA24 says
Well Travis, you got your fight you asked for a few posts ago. I love it wheelchair boy at it again. Not to be insensitive but I can’t believe that Pierce is the same guy that came out of Inglewood High and had a nasty run in with some gang members. You’d think he’d be one of the toughest guys in the league but…
ken says
i can’ decide who I have disliked more over the years. That old Portland team or these Celtics.
Snoopy2006 says
I was hoping KG didn’t get ejected, so the league would keep him out of Game 2. Now he misses 40 seconds after throwing 2 elbows.
I’m not a violent person, but man, did I want someone to take a swing at Garnett.
Ken – for me, it’s definitely these Celtics. Partly because that Portland team never got the better of us.
Gabriel R says
I will be very happy if the Lakers play more like the smartest team in the league(as they SHOULD be) and not the dumbest team in the league which they can look like at times.
If they play smart, that means all the other things will fall into place!
Bye.
3ThreeIII says
Watching so far, I honestly have no idea who I would prefer the Lakers play: Utah or Denver…
Let’s hope for a bruising seven game series…
WOW. Afflalo looks amazing.
BOO says
That’s easy. I’ll take the Jazz over the Nugs all day. Denver has Carmelo, JR Smith, and Billups, who can all explode and drop big numbers. Also, Nene is one of the quickest big man in the game, if you really watch him. His first step has left Pau and Odom standing looking stupid.
Utah has Deron Williams, sure, but that’s about it. Boozer is good, but Gasol can and has handled him.
Taylor says
Anyone read the ESPN preview for tomorrow’s game, nothing too special, but something I hadn’t heard.
“Lakers reserve center DJ Mbenga got elbowed in the head for the second straight day Saturday — about 3 inches from where he was struck a day earlier — and was due to undergo a CT scan. A team spokesman said Mbenga didn’t sustain a concussion from the first blow.”
Can the man get a break?! Can we? I guess we’re getting all the injuries out before the playoffs start…
Don says
by far Utah battling injuries rather than a motivated rejuvenated den team w Karl back.
Darius says
#42. Taylor,
It gets worse for Mbenga. Apparently, he had to have emergency laser surgery on his eye after some sort of retinal issue was discovered when he underwent his testing. He’s out at least game and maybe more. Per Kevin Ding’s twitter feed.
The Dude Abides says
40. The Lakers OWN Utah, even when the Jazz are at full strength. It’s all about matchups. Denver will be tough for the guys to defeat, as it’s pretty apparent that Utah isn’t healthy enough to defeat Denver in this series. Denver has a number of Laker-killers on its team. Once the Lakers defeat OKC in four or five, which I fully expect to happen now that Drew is healthy, the question against Denver will be how the two teams compare to last season.
Will a healthier Bynum plus a less healthy Kobe plus defensive stopper Artest minus transition blur Ariza plus a healthier Odom be enough to defeat roadrunner Lawson minus “clutch passer” Carter plus more productive Afflalo minus Kobe “stopper” Jones plus less healthy K-Mart minus hot-shooting Kleiza? I think yes, mainly because the presence of a healthy Bynum means Denver has nobody who can match up with Pau.
Snoopy2006 says
Mbenga must have crossed Brian Shaw in practice.
Get well soon, big man.
P. Ami says
re:Mbenge, it’s like G-d doesn’t want the Lakers to repeat. Good thing Kobe is the more powerful being.
Snoopy2006 says
Haha love this bit from Quentin Richardson:
“I was trying to get over there to take the ball out of bounds,” Richardson said. “I said to Jermaine, `He (Pierce) is OK,’ because I knew nobody touched him. Is he taking a break like he does so many times?”
Someone watched the 08 Finals.
BOO says
Wow. That means we have ONE center now. Is Bynum playing tomorrow? He’s practicing without pain, but a playoff game is TOMORROW.
Don says
This Mbenga injury could be a big issue if there’s foul trouble (Shaq) or injury (Bynum). Powell is simply unserviceable with certain matchups.
Simonoid says
Snoops,
I was thinking the exact same thing when I read what Richardson said.
In reference to what Garnett did, I can’t believe the Celtics are still acting as if they’re the playground bullies and thinking that everyone would play along when in fact they’re annoying at best, and plain dirty at worst.
Darius says
The game chat is up. No preview, considering we’ve already covered a lot of ground on that front. It’s time for the games to give us some answers.
http://www.forumblueandgold.com/2010/04/18/lakersthunder-game-1-chat/
Anonymous says
Fisher defense is killing us