The Lakers have been here before (just last round, in fact), which is both good and bad. On the one hand, they know how to dig themselves out of a 1-0 hole to come back and win a series. On the other hand, consistently losing game 1 is a very much like walking a tightrope without a net. Game 2’s importance becomes magnified and moves the team very close to what we’d call “must win” territory.
The Lakers backs have indeed inched closer to the corner. And the only way I know to get out of a corner is to come out fighting. This is exactly what needs to happen, from the Lakers end, in this game 2.
So, yes, the Lakers need to get back into attack mode and need to do so on both sides of the ball. Offensively, that means getting closer to the basket to take shots. There are two ways to do this and both should be utilized this evening. First is to pass the ball to the big uglies in the paint and let them go to work. In game 1, Andrew Bynum successfully got deep post position only to see his shots not fall or, worse yet, for his work not to be rewarded with an entry pass at all. Bynum needs touches against Chandler and going to him in the early possessions of the game will both get him into an early rhythm and put Tyson Chandler in a position where he has to defend his man (and maybe pick up a foul or two). Getting Bynum activated on offense should also produce better results on the offensive glass; an area that he can really do damage against this Maverick team.
Gasol also needs the ball, in the post, against Dirk. Our big Spaniard knows how to attack Nowitzki but needs the ball to do so. In game 1’s first half, Pau got good post position and was able to get his shot fairly easily. That tactic needs tactic needs to be revisited tonight but, unlike game 1, not abandoned at any point in the game. Dirk is a willing defender, but he needs to be put in a position to make choices on how he will defend. If attacked relentlessly, he’ll either have to allow buckets or will step up his work to defend harder. Either result is a win for the Lakers as one of the things I enjoy seeing as much as two points from one of our guys is making the other team’s best offensive player expend energy on defense to stop it. The Lakers let Dirk off the hook too often in the last game, going to Pau can ensure the same mistake isn’t repeated.
As for Kobe, he needs to attack more. In game 1, Kobe’s job was almost too easy. Facing smallish defenders, Kobe simply rose up and fired his jumper. That shot was falling and it allowed him to expend little energy in scoring his 36 points. This may sound strange, but I’d like for Kobe to work harder on offense this game; to get a good sweat going. I’d like to see #24 drive to the rim and force Dallas to contest his shots in the paint. I want to see more post ups, but ones where he drop steps to get lay ups rather than pivoting to shoot his turnaround jumper. As our friends at Land O’ Lakers explained, it’s not necessarily the volume of shots that Kobe took, it was the location of them. Basketball is like real estate, location matters and Kobe should fight for his space on the court just as we ask Bynum and Gasol to.
All that said, if the Lakers are to win, it will be the defense that needs to be better this evening. Dirty Sanchez said it well in the comments:
The defensive end is where Mr. Bean and his teammates need to step up. Closing out on shooters is a must with this jump shooting happy squad from Dallas. The offensive end will always come and go, but the effort on D has to be consistent for LA to win. The team put forth the effort for 36 minutes on Monday, now they need to do it for 48. Series is not over with by no means, but the time has come to start playing like two time defending champs.
As stated, the rotations to shooters must be better but, beyond that, the discipline in how and when to rotate must also be better executed. The Lakers can not leave shooters on the weak side to needlessly help in the paint. Plus, the Lakers must body their man off the ball to make them earn the space that was too easily given in game one. If Dirk wants to camp at the elbow, the defense should make his get there from the three point line. If he wants the low block, make him take 5 back down dribbles before he arrives there. Just as I’m asking the Lakers to take the space they want on offense, they need to deny that space defensively.
Normally, I’m big on adjustments but I actually don’t see many to make in this game. Sure, the Lakers could gamble by putting Ron on Dirk (which we still may see) or play Dallas’ P&R differently. But, in the end, the adjustment that needs to be made is executing the plan in place from Monday better tonight. There’s plenty of ways to win a basketball game but the one that works most frequently is playing harder and smarter for longer than the other team. In game one, it was the Mavericks that achieved this. Tonight, it should be the Lakers. They know what’s at stake. It’s time to play the game to get it done.
Where you can watch: 7:30pm start time on TNT.
lil' pau says
Warren! Warren! Warren! Warren! Warren! Warren! Warren! Warren! Warren! Warren! Warren! Warren! Warren! Warren! Warren! Warren! Warren! Warren! Warren! Warren! Warren! Warren! Warren! Warren! Warren! Warren! Warren! Warren! Warren! Warren! Warren! Warren! Warren! Warren! Warren!
PJ says
I’m not worried about this game. The Lakers have the power of the lil’ pau Warren chant working for them. 😉
Jacob says
This is a must-win, there is NO way we come back from 2-0 down.
R.J. says
Endgame offense. Diversify our endgame offensive portfolio. Veil our offensive intentions with off ball screens and player movement. Move the ball via the pass and not the bounce. Crash the offensive boards.
Phil openly stated a willingness to play Kobe 40 minutes or more 6 games into the last playoff series. One game into this series, he needs to be willing to do that. Perhaps by putting Kobe in the front end of the 4th quarter, he’ll be able to rest on the back end of said quarter…….
Dirk is their best player. Pencil him in for 30. Kobe will get 30 to cancel that out. After that, it’s Kidd, Marion, Terry, vs. Pau, Drew, and Lamar. Any combination from those three that gets us 45 points or more, and I believe we will win this game. I’ve said it in reference to many other teams. Dallas will not make enough two pointers to win. continue to dominate the defensive boards and defend the three like they usually do, and the Lakers should win.
This Dallas team won’t get flustered or punked, but I don’t care. Play mean and nasty. I don’t need them to be flustered, I want them bruised. They showed mental toughness in the last game, now I want to see their physical toughness hold up for 48 minutes under “The Treatment” from Ron Ron, Drew, Lamar, Barnes, and Fish.
to paraphrase a recent film: “Dallas is the no effing around crew. So pound some offensive boards, and bring me some Championship METTLE, because this not effing around thing needs to start going both ways.”
Gr8 Scott says
This is as close to must win as this team has encountered. No one picked this to be a 4-5 game series and our team is more than capable of winning on the road, but tonight is a message game – “We let you steal one, now we’re laying it down.” And remember that the Mavs are playing with house money tonight, so don’t be surprised if they jump out to an early lead. We have to play smarter, harder, pound them down low and force their shooters off their comfort spots. And for the love of pete, please let our bench either hold or build a lead in the second half. Go Lakers!
T. Rogers says
It would be great to see our bigs draw some fouls. Get Dallas in the penalty early so LA can capitalize at the line. We need at least one dominant performance out of one of the bigs tonight. A 20/20 game from either Pau, Lamar, or Andrew would really do the trick. Also, the defense has to go up a notch. No more 57% second half shooting for Dallas. You can’t win when you let a team shoot that well.
Lastly, I’m with RJ. It’s time to get physical. Dallas’ game is based on precision. An ugly game favors LA. They can’t be allowed to execute with the same kind of precision they had in the second half of game one.
Lou says
defense, defense, defense,defense.
That is all the Lakers have to do.
PJ says
Running the offense as designed leads to better defense
inwit says
They have to close out on those 3 point shooters, Dallas only scored 96 points and made 9 three pointers!
Chris J says
The Lakers need to go inside – a lot – to put more pressure on Dallas’ big men. Fouls on Chandler and Haywood equate to L.A. free throws, plus the increased likelihood that Dallas will have to use smaller, weaker defenders (Marion, Dirk) on Drew, Lamar and Pau.
I’d love to see Dirk be forced to play defense tonight, since that didn’t happen Monday. Go at the guy; he’s not Bill Russell.
And amen to those who called for close outs on the three-point shooters. Those quickly ate up the 16-point lead Monday; L.A. can’t see that again or else this series is done before it hits Texas.
I’d almost be willing to give Dirk the Dwight Howard treatment — play him straight up and let him get his 30 or 40. But stay at home on the other clowns, and the Mavs’ team scoring won’t offset Dirk’s few extra points. He’s going to get his regardless, even if you double him, so why not limit the damage others would do?
jamesec says
It was a sour upset for the Lakers in Tuesdays lost will they make the needed adjustments for the game two must win? Chat with me and tell me what you think at chatmetv.com while watching tonight’s game.
Mace says
#6 it won’t be difficult to get Dallas in the penalty if history repeats itself. I for one will be keeping a close eye on Bennett Salvatore. Lets hope for a fair, well called game tonight. Keep you eyes on Salvatore 🙂
Aaron says
Sometimes things are simple. For this Lakers team that is often the case. When they force feed Bynum in the low post against anybody and Gasol in the high post against PFs the Lakers don’t just mostly win… They always win.
Snoopy2006 says
We better make adjustment on defense. Our rotations and close-outs were awful. This is too good of a shooting team to give that many open looks.
On offense, I couldn’t agree with Darius more. I much prefer the attacking Kobe we saw in the last series. Put pressure on their defense, force them to collapse and kick the ball out. Get their bigs in foul trouble. It could be that with Chandler in there, Kobe feels he won’t finish at the rim nearly as well as against the Hornets. But I’d like to see that aggressiveness and see where it leads us.
Run the offense through our bigs, but I’d rather not see Pau try to back down Chandler again and again. Drew can handle Chandler, and Pau can face up effectively against him, but when Pau tries to back Chandler down, it usually leads to a poor possession. Plus, I’d rather feed the ball to the big Dirk is guarding. Wear him down.
Snoopy2006 says
THAT’s what Pau has to do. Go right at Dirk. We’re getting him the ball but he’s bailing out by taking passive jumpers or passing out too quickly, before the double truly commits. But right there, he attacked Nowitzki and picked up the foul.
sT says
Great lil’ pau, way to start off! Jack gives Artest a low-5 as he walked by, nice block also, in fact, I like the way the Lakers have started this game.
Snoopy2006 says
Why do I feel like they’re scoring way more easily than we are? Seems like we’re grinding for most of our points, but Kidd is breaking down our defense easily and they’re just finding open creases or open spaces on the floor. We can’t win with this level of defense.
just magic says
i hope pau gets a little more aggressive and steps up tonight. all the bigs are going to have to step up for the lakers to win this game. so far bynum came to play. lamar is doing alright. pau looks a little hesitant.
Jane says
News flash: Odom cannot guard Dirk.
Spartacus says
any link guys thanks
just magic says
news flash 2: this is the playoffs. hustle for the ball!
epic fail by pau and shannon to chase down that ball.
is it me or does the whole team, maybe with the exception of bynum and artest, seem as if they are not very into this game.
BH says
How come Artest, Blake, etc. suddenly can’t make 3 point shots? Last series they weren’t bad. Last game and so far in this one, they are horrible. What changed? They are the same open looks.
3ThreeIII says
Odom did better on Dirk than Pau did…
Gasol is being fitted for a big set of horns… He is, for whatever reason, playing poorly this postseason.
We could get by against the Hornets that way, but the Mavericks will destroy us if Pau doesn’t get it together.
noles says
I’m glad that we were so angry and upset about losing game 1 that we just came out with all this energy tonight to jump on them from the start and be up 10 after 1. That’s what good teams do. Oh wait…
Do we ever practice shooting? Here’s a tip. The goal is to put the ball IN the basket! Dallas seems to have no problem doing it.
RJ says
Confidence a zero sum game……Lakers losing it and Dallas gaining it rapidly.
ROBINRED says
3S
DAL 4/7
LAKERS 0/4
Clutch says
Dirk isn’t really killing us right now, its letting Dallas’ plethora of role players and shooters get open looks from the outside, and we need to kill them on the offensive glass which we aren’t doing.
jay says
im officially worried. we’re not active, hungry, driven…we look amateur
Snoopy2006 says
Right now no one can guard Dirk. I’m willing to give Barnes a try (although with the GS series I think Barnes was more successful because of the swarming help than 1-on-1 D).
Here’s where our lack of 3 point shooting kills us. They’re sending 2 and 3 defenders at Bynum without fear.
Dirk’s shot is just so sick right now. 1-leg fadeaways, but the upper body form is so clean.
jay says
somebody foul dirk HARD.
Psiwolf says
Anyone have a link? I’m in South Korea atm. 🙁
Joel says
The lakers have regressed to the point that they can’t/don’t even contest shots any more. This is truly sad.
Clutch says
Can’t let Dirk get that low position and turn around, force him off the spots odom.
also there is no reason for our D to collapse on the driver in this series, this is Paul. Make their guards finish over the top and stay home on your man.
Jane says
Why the hec has Kobe sat so long & why the hec can’t the 2nd unit use the opportunity to feed Bynum????
Kobemobey says
Shannon needs some prozac! Pau needs an upper!
Cdog says
Lakers need to wake up like now. Offense is sloppy, defense is complacent, and noone has any emotional energy.
They need to start playing pissed off, like NOW. Dallas is getting every shot they want, almost all of them uncontested.
just magic says
just give the ball to bynum. he’s playing with more energy and aggression than anyone else on the team. if he can’t score maybe he’ll get all the mav’s bigs in foul trouble.
getting it inside is better than outside jumpshots from pau or anyone else for that matter.
Clutch says
There we go Odom finally taking advantage of his speed and agility against Dirk/Haywood.
sT says
PJ and LO did have words after that last timeout, and now LO is active, taking it to-the-hole.
jay says
shannon’s bball iq equals that of a chairs.
noles says
A fat 4-foot scrub just hit 2 uncontested layups on us. Unbelievable…
At least Phil’s awake this game. He actually called a timeout.
Cdog says
Anyone else tired of the Blake/Shannon/Odom/Barnes/Bynum Lineup – all Dallas does is pack the paint and run on the rebound – they get whatever they want.
Stop playing that lineup – like ever.
RJ says
Laker defense getting whipped and shredded by JJ Barea, below the rim finisher. Awesome.
just magic says
shannon is terrible. it can’t hurt to give trey johnson a try. all we need is some good d. any offense is just bonus.
Cdog says
Don’t just give the ball to Bynum – people need to get over this. He hasn’t been good yet this game. Chandler and Haywood are eating him up.
Dallas is trying to go for the kill right now. I’m tired of this Laker team being the team that has to answer, as opposed to being the team that is the aggressor.
Snoopy2006 says
We have not made Dallas uncomfortable on offense at all.
Edit: That right there was the first play all game where we did make them uncomfortable – Kobe with some great anticipation and hustle right there.
Derek says
NO MORE BROWN. Please.
Chris J says
We need a momentum changer, like Kobe’s dunk versus the Hornets. Otherwise Phil’s off to Montana a week or so from now.
sT says
Yeah, at the beginning of the year I was worried Shannon Brown would opt out of his 2nd year, and the Lakers would have to pay big time to keep him. Now though, I am sure he will not opt out.
Clutch says
The blake at Pg Fish at SG and Kobe at SF has actually been our best lineup this game, spreads the floor and playing better defense. give bynum and Gasol more room to operate and since Dallas is a jump shooting team they can’t take advantage with size.
Spartacus says
can we have a LETSHANNONSIT.COM and have an 8 player rotation with barnes, blake and odom coming from the bench
jay says
did anyone else notice gasol had the ball and position on MARION, and he gave the ball up? Pau is 7 feet, and he gives it up against marion? come on man!
Kobemoney says
Cdog you are right!
Bigs need to be more aggressive if they want the ball! Yeah we need to go inside but if the BIGS are going to be nonchalant then it’s pointless!
Clutch says
Anyone want to explain to me what the technical foul call was.
jay says
another awful call. kidd jumped into gasol, traveled, then got the call.
noles says
Anyone want to explain how that was a foul on Pau? He jumped past Kidd and Kidd jumped sideways into him. I’m so tired of that BS move.
Snoopy2006 says
For all the people calling for us to be more physical, there’s your answer. F****** refs. Can’t breathe the wrong way anymore without getting T’d up.
The mandatory softness of this league sickens me sometimes.
jay says
and again, gasol makes another HUGE error.
Ryan says
I hate those plays where the offensive player jumps into the defender to get the foul. Its a stupid call.
VoR says
Here is my very rudimentary assessment. The Lakers have very little athleticism and are prone to long bouts of cold shooting from the outside. The only advantage they have is size. If they don’t use that both for buckets and boards, they are in trouble.
I hate to say this, but I think Kobe is right in making them pay for them singling him with Kidd.
just magic says
nice move by bynum.
Clutch says
Anyone miss tough playoffs basketball where you could be physical with people.
Kurt Rambis how I miss you.
Ryan says
This is the Andrew Bynum the Lakers need. Now if only Pau would show up for these playoffs.
jay says
offensive rebounding is our only offense…
emh101 says
My bias must be getting to me, but the reffing bothered me in the first half.
Lewis says
How come Gasol wont post Dirk up every time down the court he cannot check him down on the block but Pau keeps shooting jumpers and trying to face up!! WTF The lakers advantage is the post. and Ron on Dirk is a mistake
jspires22 says
The Artest technical + Gasol foul on Kidd for 3 FTs (plus the 3 minute official review) was a real momentum killer. Not just the 3 points, but that fact that Lakers had great movement on offense and then didnt’t touch the ball for several minutes while they sorted out the technical and the 3 FT call.
emh101 says
The Lakers picking up their energy and effort at the end there. It needs to go up another notch in the second half.
just magic says
there’s really no stopping dirk. doesn’t matter who is on him. odom is better than the rest, but dirk is still sinking them. at what point do they double team him or should they continue daring dirk to carry the team and shut everyone else down. i think the dare could work if the lakers were really shutting the rest of the team down, but it’s not happening.
RJ says
Dallas has the Laker defense checkmated….too much emphasis on Dirk. MAKE HIM play D and then have to score 40 or more to win….shut down the chumps I.e. Marion, Barea, Chandler….chumps being a relative term to both Dirk and our bench gomers…..
Derek says
My biggest concern in second half is what happens when second unit enters game at end of 3rd quarter. We better establish a good lead by then…
emh101 says
What it comes down to, unfortunately, is that the bench needs to play better if we want to win a championship.
Paul says
Lakers need a much better effort than that half if they want to have a chance to extend this series. I expected a greater sense of urgency considering it’s essentially a must win but then again it is the lakers…
team play says
why did artest get a technical? I missed that part…
emh101 says
He sneezed near the refs. Ugh. I don’t want to become one of those fans who blame the refs but that first half was grating.
Joel says
For the lakers to win they are just going to have to win on the offensive end. In this series their offensive has to be their strongest defense.
In both the games they beat the Mavericks they discouraged them because the laker took it to them on the offensive end.
The Lakers need to come out aggressive and play smarter on the defensive end and not make costly mistakes.
sT says
Lakers, 0-9 from 3-point territory, ugh…
Edit: There you go Gasol, dunk it down.
Chris J says
It’s over.
Anonymous says
Lakers are going to lose at least to a better team.
Anonymous says
Pau gasoft has made an appearance.
Joel says
I think Kobe has lost all his trust in Gasol.
sT says
A 3 point game with a quarter and a half to go, this one is far from over, but closer than I want.
Ryan says
The Lakers are going to have to hit an outside shot at some point in this game if they are going to win.
jay says
the lakers not playing hard aside, there have been some very very bad calls in this game.
Clutch says
Lakers really starting to pound the ball inside. If we can get some 3s to drop we should be able to start to pull this one away as the inside opens up. Pau is finally starting to really get down low and demand the ball.
And it looks like Dallas is going to go to more of a shooting lineup which means we need to crash the offensive glass as we should be able to really hurt them on that end.
Clutch says
Just when i compliment Gasl, throws up a bad jumper, misses and defensive rebound and doesn’t put his arms up on a dirk 3.
just magic says
rebounds! lakers cannot afford to give mavs extra shots.
gasol needs to play harder down low and make dirk work on the defensive end. hopefully it’ll slow dirk down on the offensive end. he’s 8-12 and hot. if this game is close it is over.
JM says
Wow that play they just ran for Terry was insane. Very nice.
jay says
we can beat the hornets with a pathetic nothing from gasol. but we cant beat the mavs with another pathetic from him…
Everclear says
Yeah, I’m not feelin’ this series.
Dallas seems more amped and excited to be here, and our Lakers seem easily demoralized and tired.
Maybe the road will bring more focus for us – but we’ll still be down 0-2 at that point. Feels like our run ends here.
Paul says
The lakers have quit except for Kobe and Bynum. Very suprising and disappointing to see their run end like this
Cdog says
I seriously can’t believe this – We aren’t getting any rebounds on the defensive glass, and have given up almost 6 open threes to SHOOTERS this quarter.
And for some reason, No Laker other than Kobe decided it would be important to bring their A game today. Every shot we make was a difficult one, and most the shots they are taking and making are just through flow.
There’s gotta be some sort of answer for this….
jay says
even if we do win tonight, we’ve been totally outplayed this entire game.
Jane says
@78…what’s over?! Let’s not be dramatic. This team definitley takes us on a roller coaster, but the ride is far from over.
All these downer comments are ridiculous.
jay says
0 for 97 from three.
Anonymous says
I guarantee lakers are not winning this game. There is nothing they have shown in these first two games that proves they’re a better team than Dallas.
Glove says
Phil Jackson cannot give the starters their normal rest in this game. Kobe needs to play most if not all of the 4th quarter.
Lakers need to make a three, now 0-11
noles says
Championship teams don’t brick WIDE OPEN shot after wide open shot. This is the most pathetic display of shooting from professionals that I’ve ever seen.
Everclear says
Disgusting team play.
Chris J says
Phil’s last game at Staples Center.
Ryan says
Whats the record for a team going 0-? on 3s in a play off game? The Lakers have to be getting close to it.
Anonymous says
Lakers don’t deserve to win this game they way they’re playing
VoR says
I think the negative comments on Gasol are off base. He is getting hammered and no calls. He needs to play through it, but the refs are letting everything go with him.
Dirk is by far the best player out there. If the Lakers can’t start hitting some outside shots this series will be short. I actually think they are playing really hard.
Q says
Lakers don’t get calls at home? WTF is this?
Blizzard says
I trust the results of trading farmar for Blake are now plain to see. Oh well. At least fb&g commenters are happy.
Q says
Lakers need to hammer Dirk HARD
Don says
How come our passes into the post are always a split second too late and the bigs have to step out after the catch to avoid the 3-second, effectively giving up any position they’ve worked to establish?
emh101 says
Wow, Jane, I agree. The boo birds have certainly come out.
Cdog says
Rally Cry, lets go. Lakers need some energy here, they need to cut to the Basket the second they feed the post. Maybe they need to throw an elbow, idk, anything, but its time to go.
emh101 says
And I don’t think the Lakers have been playing hard. They are sluggish and periodically uninvolved. And the bench has killed us.
Anonymous says
Here’s a jeopardy question.
Answer: may 4, 2011
when was Phil Jackson’s last game in staples center?
Haha
dave m says
It was a frustrating quarter but neither team played particularly well. One good run to start the 4th would put us in a good position. I’m a little surprised to see Blake on the floor right now.
kehntangibles says
Think Phil is going to roll with the bench to start the 4th in this game?
Glove says
Both teams 27-63 from field and have made 8FTs. Difference Lakers 0-11 from 3 and Mavs 6-20 after 3 quarters
Kobemoney says
I bet all of you who sing the “Pound the ball on the inside all night” are hiding! We tried it! Bynum can’t carry us to a championship, neither can Gasoline. It’s going to take the true NBA closer Kobe Bryant to do the job!
just magic says
the lakers are outplaying the mavs in almost every category except for 3pt shooting and freethrows. they need to give up on the 3 imo and get the ball inside and get freethrows and make them and step up the d.
nice aggressive move by pau there. just like that. make them call the foul and make the freethrows.
Ryan says
I think the Lakers are playing hard, but the Mavs don’t even have to pretend to guard any outside shots from anyone but Kobe (and they seem to be perfectly happy letting him shoot over Kidd), because they can’t hit a shot. This lets this pack the lane which makes it hard to score inside.
Joel says
Gasol is what he is and thats soft.
Snoopy2006 says
Look, we’re all frustrated. But when your own home crowd starts booing in the middle of a single-digit game, there’s really no home court advantage to speak of. You’re better than that, Staples Center.
We’ve had so many chances to push and take the lead. Usually in a game like this, the other team hits a few shots and puts it away. We’ll have to make one more strong push and snatch the lead away.
I haven’t felt this sick to my stomach since 2008. But we have to keep the faith. Momentum can swing in an instant. Right now it might feel like our run is over, but that’s the frustration talking. We’re still down only six at home with a chance to tie up the series.
And if we can’t make this kind of push at home, then we probably weren’t going to beat the Eastern champion anyway. We’ve responded like champions every time, let’s do it again.
Anonymous says
O v e r
Chris J says
O-V-E-R
just magic says
every time a laker shoots a 3 they should start looking for the rebound and at least try to get a 2nd shot.
Everclear says
They’re 7/22 from the arc.
We haven’t made a single one.
Which means from a straight possessions standpoint, we’ve put ourselves in a 21-point hole versus them.
For a team with three 7-footers (Bynum, Gasol, Odom) inside near the basket, is there a reason this should even be happening?
Snoopy2006 says
Well, we knew our lack of shooters was going to bite us eventually.
kehntangibles says
can we buy a basket??!
RJ says
Kobe sitting while our season is being put to rest…..UNCONSCIONABLE h e plays when Dirk plays. Period.
Joe says
OVER indeed. Unless Phil comes back with the starters fast. This Laker bench has been terrible
Funky Chicken says
I cannot believe there is a person out there who believes that Pau is not soft. This man is an all-star?
Anonymous says
It’s funny how all of you were all confident and casual before the start of the game thinking lakers will win. They struggled against a #7 seed and are up against a much better team. Lakers will be lucky if they win one game on this series. I love it when chuck is right.
Sedale says
Sascha we miss you!
robinred says
129
Take it elsewhere. Trolls not needed here.
Joel says
Funky Chicken
Pau Gasol is a soft all star.
Funky Chicken says
Seriously, the Lakers are in a must win game and they are going with the worst backslide in NBA playoff history with Fisher and Blake.
Q says
Darius needs to shut down this anonymous idiot
robinred says
Gasol is not the issue. 0/13 on treys is.
Game not over, though.
Arhithia says
Dear Phil Jackson,
You should not let your back up point guard lose a game for you.
TheLakeShow says
Fans can boo all they want…this quarter has been nothing but turnovers, blown assignments and poor coaching
KenOak says
I am so confused by what I am seeing on our PnR defense. This is ridiculous. And Wtf is up with the refs? We cannot buy a foul!?
just magic says
it would be nice if they stop chucking 3s. they already passed their quota for tonight.
Blizzard says
Hi,
Would one of blake’s legions of supporters on this board/ detractors of farmar like to have a conversation? anyone?
Kobemoney says
Lakers being outcoached! Please Kobe summon the Black Mamba inside you!
3ThreeIII says
Can we just start calling that play that Dallas is running, “The High Moving Screen and Roll”. Dirk has essentially pass blocked the last three times they have run it. Jerry Jones wants to sign him.
Slappy says
Miracle time
Joe says
In the words of Jigsaw, “Gameover”
SBCinAZ says
Odom has been *horrendous* on the high pnr defense. At least five times this game I’ve seen him literally standing in one spot, while watching the point-guard come around the pick and drive right past him into the lane.
ANONYMOUS! says
don’t blame the refs. for months pau has been playing like he’s super tired. Blake has been one of the worst players in the league this year. Brown is playing terribly. Somehow Artest is not in the game.
Clutch says
This game is over.
johnk348 says
does phil just not care any more? why is blake still in the game?????????
sT says
Yeah, this is bad enough without the anon comments. Lakers 0-15 from 3 point range, ouch.
sean from dc says
What are my eyes seeing right now? Could someone please explain to me please?
just magic says
did i say brown is terrible? why is he in the game?
jay says
we have 69 points. with 5 minutes to go. and brown is chucking up threes. this is a nightmare
Anonymous says
Did Shannon not get the memo? 3 pt shots are closed for business. Geez…
Joe says
What do you arrogant Laker fans have to say now?? Don’t ever underestimate the opponent
Funky Chicken says
This is not a surprise. The Lakers backed into the playoffs, then struggled with a joke of a #7 seed. Our guards are the worst in the league, and our “big” guys play smaller than any other set of bigs in the playoffs. Oh, and our coach has been on cruise control all year.
TR says
Lakers will win this game.
Don says
i’m astounded how nba champions can look like they’ve never seen a pick and roll before. DAL one pass two pass wide open
robinred says
It is over now.
Hope Darius shuts down the trolls; I for one am not in the mood.
sean from dc says
Kobe hasn’t been good either, funky chicken, don’t forget to criticize him.
Funky Chicken says
Staples is a mausoleum.
Craig W. says
This game is over. The Lakers have been outplayed and out-coached.
Kobe and the munchkins. Ok, we have only lost 2 games, but it is how we have lost the games that is so disappointing.
We know what we are, but we neither are playing like it, but we are not coaching like it.
Jane says
LOL @ 157
I need a hug but a laugh is a good sub.
Funky Chicken says
Sean, I would completely agree. Kobe shot the Lakers out of game 1 and plays the worst team defense of any Laker (saying a lot).
just magic says
ok up until dirk’s and 1 i did believe that the lakers could still pull this out, but now it’s not looking so bright.
come on lakers! let’s go lakers!
KenOak says
After all the contact that Kobe, Artest, Gasol, Odom, and Bynum have absorbed all game long…they call that touch foul on Gasol against Dirk.
I’m truly speechless.
Joel says
The question that lakers fans have asked throughout the season was “Is it time to panic?” The answer to that question is, it’s too late.
Matt R. says
What’s the NBA record for worst 3-point shooting by a team in a post-season game? Is it worse than 0-15?
Mavs are +24 from 3-point line in a 13 point game. We’re actually beating them in every other statistical category save free throw shooting, where we’re an abysmal 55%.
Blizzard says
Hey isn’t that fitting? Touch foul for for dirk after our guys have been hacked all game with no call.
sT says
I just feel sick to my stomach now, man, this is awful.
kehntangibles says
Well, we’re not winning this game, so it’s now time to see what this team is made out of. BOTH games are must wins
dave m says
Well…. about the only shot at this point is for Kobe to go into hero mode.
Joel says
Funky Chicken,
I think Shannon Brown is the worst defender the lakers have.
Joe says
This proves my point throughout the whole year. The past does not mean much. It doesnt matter who Dallas was in the past, and it doesnt matter who the Lakers were. This is a different season, a different time. And to me, the Mavs are just the better team. Lets face reality.
Burgundy says
Wow…so this is what the end of the Kobe era looks like?
just magic says
wow kobe!
wow it’s over. too little too late. very sad.
its over. lets not get hurt.
LosFelizLaker says
Will the fans applaud the Lakers? This might be their last home game.
Maxnyc says
Ok……
It’s win game 3&4 in Dallas or season over
kehntangibles says
hustle on Shawn Marion? More like over-the-back being commited on Artest
Funky Chicken says
Joel, SB might be worse. But there’s a much greater gap between Kobe’s reputation and reality.
Jane says
It’s been a long time since I cried.
Vincent says
Don’t ever underestimate the heart of a Champion. Don’t ever guys, please don’t. I have been a laker fan all my life and they do the most surprising things. Don’t underestimate them. Just keep hanging, dallas still needs to beat us 2 more times to eliminate us. Remember the last time Dallas was up 2-0? We can go all mourning and shit when we’re done. We got 2 more to lose and until that happens, We’re still the champs.
3ThreeIII says
Bynum: 8-11 FGs.
Lakers: 2-20 3FGs.
Play to your strengths, or lose.
Our guards are not our strength.
kehntangibles says
Well… technically this wasn’t a must-win, but it makes both games in Dallas this weekend must-wins, so if the lakers were waiting to flip the switch, now is probably a good time.
Maxnyc says
Btw, pau may suck, but Lamar odom is really really mediocre
Funky Chicken says
On the bright side, we might not have to sit through Phil Jackson’s non-coaching in Staples any more.
Nice move by Artest, ensuring that he won’t there to personally witness their upcoming game 3 loss.
just magic says
jeesh, artest is ejected. hopefully there is no suspension. terrible ending to a terrible game.
Q says
lakers back up guards all need to go. Someone please shoot shannon brown
Funky Chicken says
Vincent, “we’re still the champs” is a technicality. We were last year’s champs. It’s been clear for a long time that we aren’t the champs this year. Champs don’t lose to the Cavaliers.
Maxnyc says
Nice going Ron Ron. Maybe suspension in game 3??? A little queens thuggery?
The worst crowd I’ve heard in a while. Sometimes you have to inspire the team and not wait for team to inspire the fans
noles says
For a team that’s supposed to be championship caliber, we are the WORST home team in the league! We sucked at home during the regular season, and we’ve sucked in the playoffs. This is what you get for being arrogant, not playing hard for 48 minutes EVERY game, and thinking that other teams are scared of you, especially at home. News flash: nobody is scared of this team! Especially Dallas because they’re just better, plain and simple. Period.
Darius Soriano says
I’ve been moderating comments and will continue to do so. Keep it clean and civil or the comment will go away.
We’re all upset (understatement). And while the venting is fine, try to keep it constructive. Thanks.
Cdog says
That was pathetic.
I’m tired.
Vincent says
Funcky chicken.
yeah whatever, I’ll start moping when dallas advances. Been a fan too long to stop believing now when the team needs us most. Hate them fans at staples tonight. Bandwagoners
kehntangibles says
At least I can take some solace in knowing that the Celtics probably aren’t winning their series either.
screw this, I’m just so ticked off right now. I’m think I’m gonna watch some porn; at least there I’m assured of a happy ending.
dave m says
Well, we’ve tempted fate too many times this season.
Joe says
Yes, the Laker fans are pathetic, but louder fans or not, it would not have mattered
Don says
Think of it this way, are Mavs fans any more confident than we are? If I were a Mavs fan I’d be scared sh*tless of a collapse by Dallas.
Matt R. says
I’m a big Lamar fan but -17 on the night. Ouch.
Lakers won every significant statistical category that we wanted them to do well in: rebounds, offensive boards, second-chance points, points in the paint, etc. They even dropped Dallas to 32% from the arc.
Doesn’t matter when they go +18 from the arc because you shot 2-20 and also left 9 points at the line.
Glad I didn’t watch the game tonight. Dinner with my parents (visiting from San Antonio) was much more pleasant than that would have been. Blech.
Joe says
LMAO, 194 I am with you!
Cayucos surfer says
You guys.. This is the Dallas Mavericks. If there’s any team in the league that could choke this lead away, it’s them. Remember the ’06 finals? Let’s hope the lakers can make some history.
I was going to buy tickets for this game or game 5. Glad I didn’t tonight, don’t think I will for game 5 either, unless the lakers do some work on the road and prove they are worth the league’s highest payroll and ticket prices. Hope for the best, go lakers!
noles says
Exactly, Joe. Just take care of business at home like good teams do, fans or not. Even the crappiest teams in the league have better records at home. That’s why it’s called an ADVANTAGE!
And 194, as much as I hate Boston, I definitely hate Lebum and the Heat even more! Easily! And now it looks like those 3 tools have the inside track to the title. Damn…
Snoopy2006 says
Wow. Long time since I’ve been sick to my stomach. Well, either we pull off some very gritty wins in Dallas, or this is it.
But for now, I’m with Vincent. We can mourn and have a pity party when it’s over. Until the buzzer rings on that fourth loss, I’ll believe that, despite the long odds, we may still turn this around. It’ll take a monumental change, but that’s why they play the games.
just magic says
that was a truly terrible game all around. that likely suspension coming to artest is going to hurt the lakers chances of winning the next two. they need both if they want a chance at taking the series.
if they don’t even take one, then it would have been the last game at the staples and phil’s last game period. they left the floor to a chorus of boos. nice ending to a great career.
terrible. i surely hope this is not the case. fans need to at least show appreciation to phil and the team, you know like how the other fans do when their season ends at home. though the lakers sometimes make it hard to cheer for them.
Funky Chicken says
Vincent, it isn’t moping, its reality; and the Lakers’ stubborn refusal to face it sooner is what deprived them a title this year. All, year long it has been about “not worrying” and we now see where that has them. By the time they start worrying (and you start moaning) they will be enjoying the lockout.
Shaun says
Big up to 3bythree
Completly agree that we need to play to our strenghts.
It was great to see odom in the post up and bynum was great besides that , no calls fro the refs, pau disappered, and our guads were Terrible!!!!! Were is trey??? At least he has height us Kobe needs to guard his man , tonigt his defense was Terrible , and we need to u deretand when we need to double dirk when he goes iso a la warriorrs back in the day
Joel says
I said this after game 1 and it may not have sense after game 1 but I’m sure it makes sense now…
“I’m sure darius will cover the X’s and O’s and what went wrong. But here’s a more philosophical approach to whats wrong with the lakers. The problem with the Phil jackson’s lakers teams are either that they’ve won the championship or been embarrassed in the playoffs. Not just losing but getting embarrassed.
03? out second round 4-2, 04? lose finals 4-1, 06? lose 3 straight games to lose the series after being up 3-1, 07? out 4-1, 08 lose 4-2 and getting blown out by 39 points in the clinching game. My point is that whenever they’ve faced a team that is equal or more talented opponent since the first 3 peat, Phil Jackson’s teams have folded and Phil was thoroughly out coached and unable make necessary adjustments. There are about 4 teams that are that are at least just as good as the lakers. And by the way they’ve played thus far, it’s shaping up to be a disappointing postseason.
What’s more troubling is that they constantly need a “wake up” call. I remember Phil saying after a loss in the regular season “Is it the playoffs yet?” Well now it is and by the looks of it the lakers havent been ready to start the first 2 series.”
—
it may not have made any sense then but this is the type of mess I was talking about. The lakers will are getting embarrassed once again.
This would’ve never happened with Jordan for two reasons…He would’ve punched Pippen in the face he decided not to show up in the playoffs and
2. he would’ve punched Phil in the face if Phil would’ve just sat back and watched the team whither away.
So the lakers will either whither away or come out with guns blazed and win this series.
Jacob says
Wow. Just horrific. This series has the potential to change Kobe’s legacy. Unreal.
robinred says
I will, I have to say, be interested in how the team responds to this, from Phil on down:
1. Will Phil make some real changes to the rotation? Or will he just smirk and assume they will bounce back?
2. Will Fish and Kobe call a players-only meeting?
3. Will the team go down swinging? The entire NBA is laughing at them right now and will be until tip-off. Will they show some fire on Friday, or have they just had it?
As bad as this has been, if they just hit 25-30% of their 3s, this could be 1-1. So I am not giving up.
But if they lose to Dallas, I want to see Kupchak get called out for these foolishly long contracts to Blake and Fisher. I have been harping on that all year. Blake is signed for THREE MORE YEARS.
Everclear says
You can’t blame this loss on the refs. There were some awful calls, but even if they got every single call correct, all that would change is the margin of loss would be smaller. And it wasn’t the refs that made us go 0-18 from the arc until Kobe made one with 2 minutes left in the 4th quarter.
The Lakers are tired from three consecutive years of battling into the Finals. Not even Michael Jordan got there 4 years in a row. Our ball handling is awful, our shooting is awful, our free throws are awful, our bench doesn’t exist, and our starters are tired from carrying. Even if we win the next three games in a row, making it 3-2, unless they’re in convincing fashion (meaning by more than 10+ point margin), I still don’t feel comfortable.
We didn’t just get beat. Our boys didn’t even play, let alone together.
SBCinAZ says
3pt shooting has been a weakness the last couple of years, but whether it be Odom, Ariza, Kobe, Fish we’ve been able to step up enough in key situations/games to overcome. This series, particularly tonight it really bit us in the butt. (kinda reminds me of the year in which Horry missed nearly 30 in a row, including an in-n-out game winner in SA).
More important than the fact that we nearly went 0-fer for the game on 3-pointers is that Dallas so doesn’t fear us hitting enough outside shots that whenever a Laker gets within 15 feet of the basket Dallas usually drops one or more players down to harrass the guy with the ball thereby negating our interior strengths.
If we’re going to win some games in Dallas we’re gonna have to move the ball fast enough that we can get off our shots in the paint before Dallas can collapse down. Plus it wouldn’t hurt if we could hit a 3 before garbage time!
Burgundy says
I’m bummed…but also wistful. We’ll always have Game 7 of the 2010 NBA Finals.
Unfortunately, tonight was the end of the Kobe era.
He may get back to the Finals later in his career, but not as the Alpha Dog of the team.
He had a good run – 3 straight finals, winning 2 is certainly fantastic…
But there’s a reason no team has gone to the Finals 4 straight times since the Celtics did it in the 80’s (and remember, the Celtics went 2-2 over that stretch).
The Lakers are out of gas.
HOWEVER, I’m not sure what Steve Blake’s excuse is…
sT says
It ain’t over until the fat lady sings, folks.
Poland says
If the Lakers can win game 3, pressure will switch To the Mavs. The Lakers have been a good road team in the playoffs over these past few years. Okay, that’s all the positives I can muster…
Don says
How come Pau doesn’t play back to the basket anymore? It’s like he gives it up before he even tries.
Lewis says
I think the is BS we need to behind the team most of you guys are ready to throw in the towel come on now
Burgundy says
RE: Jacob – This series won’t change Kobe’s legacy, even the Lakers get swept (and I think they will). Kobe cemented his legacy when the Lakers won Game 7 last year. He’s a top 10 player of all time – where he falls on that list is debateable, but he was never going to pass Jordan.
His body is now broken down, and his teammates are sleep-walking out there. When the Lakers get swept by Dallas, it won’t be Kobe’s fault.
But it will be the end of the Kobe era…but it’s still been a great ride.
Remember, all things end badly, or else they wouldn’t end…
Shaun says
Hey Joe I think we have 7 finals appearences In like the past 10 years winning 5 titles, oh how many has Dallas won , oh yeah none that’s what I thought , it will take a hundred yeRs before Dallas reaches our legacy, remember that …..
DieTryin' says
Okay. Now we have Dallas exactly where we want them. Right Phil?
Mohan says
Hmmm, where to start…
1) Fight to keep Dirk off his spots. If he can get himself to the midpost with a single defender, it’s already over.
2) Unless it’s Jason Terry with the ball, go under the screen on the pick and roll. That is especially the case if it’s a high pick and roll, where there’s absolutely no reason to get to the ballhandler early.
3) Pau, be physical and active on both ends. On defense, that means you don’t take even a second off. You challenge every shot. On offense, if you don’t get what you want on the first catch, pass out and get deeper position. No, don’t pass out and get pushed 5 feet farther away from the hoop.
4) Enter Lakers bench: It’s OK to pass the ball to Bynum. No really, it’s OK – and it’s not that hard. Andrew, channel your inner Kobe and demand the ball. Break away from the triangle if you have to.
5) If Barea comes waltzing into the lane, put him on the floor. Period.
6) Lamar was a little more selfish than I’d like, but what most of the team can learn is that you should put pressure on the defense. Get the ball in the paint and force the defense to react and the refs to make a call. If it doesn’t work, at least you’re not firing up a brick from 3, resulting in easy transition points for Dallas.
7) Boxing out is a good thing.
8). Starters, run the offense through Kobe until Pau is ready to fight for position. I want to build confidence in the team, but at this point, we need to go with what works (Kobe) and the possibility of a double team, leading to open looks for others.
9) Take 3s with confidence, just not as a lazy action when you’re too lazy to run the offense.
10) No rest on Friday. No breaks. Just Gatorade during timeouts. It’s time to go all out. I’m really not interested in ending the season yet.
Glove says
Maybe the Lakers are on empty. The core of this team has played 21 playoff games in 07-08, 23 in 08-09 and 23 in 09-10. 67 playoff games over over the last three seasons not counting this years playoff games.
They can still win this series but they might need to change their rotation (play Kobe at least 10 minutes in the 4thQ) and will need to make some outside jumpers. Dallas forced the Lakers to match up with the their small ball. Lets see what adjustments are made and if the Lakers play with any urgency in Game 3. The journey is not over but it’s close.
Funky Chicken says
Forget about coming back in this series. Artest WILL be suspended for at least one game. What does that do to rotations. The bench already sucks and now Barnes will have to start.
This talk of the team being “tired” after three Finals runs is ridiculous. It has nothing to do with being tired. It is about a lack of hunger.
AndresGarcia says
Just looking a step slow. My guess, 3 straight Finals trips has Lakes mentally spent.
Also, that second unit is awful, it is literally difficult for me to watch them sputter on offense. I thought Blake would work out but he seems to overdribble/pass when he should shoot and shoot when he should pass. Brown….no comment. Barnes…plays hard, but I’m not sure he knows what he is doing within the context of the offense yet.
We seemingly don’t get ANY easy buckets anymore, in transition or within the half court offense. Even Kobe seems to need to work so hard to get his shots off these days. I remember Pau/Drew getting a lot of easy buckets off the P n R game with Kobe but that doesn’t happen anymore. The transition easy buckets left with Jordan, and Ariza before him.
They will have to dig deep now. Heart of a Champion. Down with the Ship.
Mace says
Vincent is right. You guys give up on your team to easily. You’ve got to fight to the end. As a long time Mavs fan I am used to going down 0-2 and coming back…Granted they were both 5 game series (Utah, and Houston) but you’ve gotta believe. Most of the fans on this board are similar to the fans at staples in giving up and booooing the team when they need you most. I was actually glad that the first 2 games were here in LA because it takes the pressure off of Dallas and throws it on the home team-especially with Celeb (lame) fans in the lower deck of Staples. I’ve been waiting for this series since 88 ( I was at one of the Dallas Games) and I don’t expect LA to roll over.
Joel says
Funky
What happened with Artest, had to turn the channel
Mace,
Read my comment 206 that pretty much why I’ve given up the lakers. I do still think they can win but I’m not the least bit optimistic.
SBCinAZ says
Since everyone’s so down, let me try to be a bit positive, OK? (I need to, or I might not get to sleep tonight!)
I agree with Darius’ post the other day that Dallas isn’t going to choke, however they are a jump shooting team primarily and those types of teams can go cold.
We’ve all heard about regressing to the mean, but the opposite also occurs. The Lakers are due to make some shots (even lucky ones).
The Lakers can’t be any worse at pnr defense.
Focus has been a problem all year, but lots of championship teams are more focused on the road.
Mark A says
If White Swan can’t turn it around, I don’t think LA can win this. Although winning 4 of 5 remaining games is not impossible, (I know this team is capable of doing it) it’s looking unlikely at this point. LA has no more excuses. They need to man up, or see their dream of a 3peat go away.
Looking at positives out of this otherwise terrible game, Bynum played well. Too bad Pau and Lamar played awful. The Lakers so called “size” advantage is not an advantage at this point of the series.
Also, im being optimistic but i don’t expect LA to shoot 2-20 from 3pt line the rest of the series, but if their going to win this series, they need to take less 3pt shot and find a way to get the bigs rolling again.
Jane says
@197, 200
I wish I could take comfort in those comments, but this is not the same Mavs team that collapsed against the Heat in 06 or was upset by the 8th seeded Warriors in 07. They are MUCH better.
TheLakeShow says
Thank you #221 – I hate the “tired” excuse…if they get beat by a better team, then we admit it. They’re paid athletes – their business is to be in shape and conditioned
Darius Soriano says
Again, the baiting comments from either Dallas fans or Lakers fans will be deleted. If you don’t like it, feel free to go somewhere else. Thanks.
Funky Chicken says
Joel, Artest ran across the floor and delivered a forearm to Barrea’s face. Probably not 100% intentional, but he was immediately ejected and did not complain a whit. Definite suspension for game 3.
robinred says
@ 227
No, they’re not. But it is time to note that this team added Tyson Chandler and Brandan Haywood to match up with the Lakers, and it is working. Without the advantage at the 4/5, the Lakers are vulnerable.
SBCinAZ says
Funky: “This talk of the team being “tired” after three Finals runs is ridiculous. It has nothing to do with being tired. It is about a lack of hunger.”
Even if I were to agree (hypothetically) that the Lakers lack hunger, don’t you think it’s possible that’s just *mental* fatigue/tiredness?
There’s a reason teams very rarely get to four finals in a row, and it’s *not* because the team suddenly loses its hunger for winning.
jedinac says
Lakers will win this series,greetings from Croatia!
Funky Chicken says
SBC, I absolutely think the Lakers are lacking the necessary hunger to win the title. It isn’t either hungry or not hungry; it’s a matter of degree.
Hunger manifests itself in the form of effort, and nowhere is effort more obvious than defense. The Lakers pick and roll defense through 6 playoff games is horrendous. By the middle of the 4th quarter tonight, JJ Barrea looked unguardable. JJ Barea.
nimble says
Well,thanks for the memories..
SBCinAZ says
Funky,
I’d agree that there are degrees of hunger (it’s human nature to not be quite as hungry forever), but the point I was making is that any decrease in hunger that may exist isn’t because they don’t care. Some of it almost *has* to be tiredness from having to play so many meaningful games the last 4 years (including this one).
And even with their supposed lack of hunger, Kobe making that good look of a 3 at the end of game one and this whole series looks *extremely* different. And I can guess we wouldn’t be having this conversation either. 🙂
SBCinAZ says
Funky,
I forgot to reply about the pnr defense you mentioned: yes it was *horrible* tonight. The problem is the Lakers have had games during their championship runs in the Phil era where they were just as bad. PnR defense has been a weakness the entirety of Phil’s run, even during the years we won the Championship. This year, against Dallas, it may unfortunately turn out to be an achillies heel, and not just a weakness.
Funky Chicken says
SBC, I have always been skeptical of the idea that going deep in the playoffs in prior years makes a team fatigued in subsequent years. For one thing, several current Lakers either weren’t on all those prior teams, or didn’t get enough minutes in those title runs to be affected this year. Playoff fatigue should not affect Bynum, Barnes, Blake, Brown, or Artest. As for the others, they all got a lot of rest during the regular season by coasting….
R.J. says
I’m going to resist the urge right now to delve into the aftermath of this season until this season is over, so I’m not going to talk about the End of Kobe’s window, who’s signed for how long, what ridiculous and impossible trades we need to make, etc, etc.
Dallas has the Laker defense checkmated. Period. I don’t pretend to have the answer to , but I’m going to start with this: The thing that has driven me insane for two games now is the neverending alley oop party the Dallas bigs are having right now. I don’t know enough about our weak side rotation schemes to break it down, and I don’t have the stomach to go to the tape, but my goodness, there has been way too much of that.
One thing I will ask is this: Why are any Laker defenders engaging in defense (help or otherwise) beyond the three point line? In other words, why aren’t the guards just anchored to that spot and sagging until the Dallas guards get to that point. Berea and his bigs were initiating screen roll as far as 40-45 feet from the bucket in cases. Why is ANY Laker out there that far to be screened, and why is any Laker big coming out that far to hedge? There’s just too much ground to cover, and I just don’t understand why Kobe, Fisher, Blake, and every other perimeter defender are extending on the ball handlers that far out? Somebody please help me with this because it’s driving me crazy. Dallas has our bigs running all over the court…don’t we want to pack the paint? Again, tacticians out there, HELP?
The next mystery to me is offense. We averaged 102 ppg against Dallas in the regular season. I did not see the home win where we thrashed them. What is Dallas doing differently this series?
A couple more points before I call it a night:
LAY OFF PAU. There has to be more to this story, whether it’s the illness or fatigue from playing so many minutes we did not expect to have to have him play this year. I don’t care if he goes -100 for the rest of this series. The man has delivered two championships and three straight Finals Appearances. He has been mediocre to horrible, but he is giving it all he’s got. Something is obviously wrong with him, and it’s NOT THAT he has no heart or any other body parts required to win championships. He looked as frustrated with himself as anybody out there tonight. A guy doesn’t go from being world class to what he’s been in this series without outside factors playing a part.
At the end of the day, Dallas has been “-er”. Add any adjective you want to that suffix and it describes the Mavs. Tip your cap to them. The most frustrating part to me is that we can’t find a group of 5 guys where at least one of the 5 is not just AWFUL. the Mavs have been clicking for stretches to be sure, but they haven’t really had anybody out there KILLING them, while the Lakers have had somebody in purple and gold shooting his own teammates in the feet either on O or D or both.
Finally, to the fans, ESPECIALLY the ones who fell we are done. Now is the time to watch and support right down to whatever or however bitter the end may be. Don’t be THOSE Laker fans. We need to put as much fight and energy into cheering for them as we want the team to put into coming back. Save the apocalyptic bashing of the most successful and best run franchise in all of sports for the past 30 years for your diaries.
This squad deserves or full throated support, NO MATTER how bleak it looks.
noles says
That’s why I love Coach Dave Miller from LakersLine because he always calls it like it is and if the team deserves it, he calls them out for playing like crap.
And he feels exactly like I have all season long when it comes to this: you can’t just turn it off and on whenever you feel like it!!! There’s no such thing as a switch to flip! This “wake me when the playoffs start because the regular season means nothing” attitude is crap. That’s how you develop bad habits. By not playing hard and not caring about EVERY game during the season, including the preseason! That attitude eventually carries over and manifests itself when it really counts. When was the last time they played a great game? Not for awhile, and now the whole flip the switch isn’t working, is it? This is the price you pay for being arrogant and not locked in for 48 minutes every single game.
Can they get it back? I hope so, but I’m not too optimistic.
T. Rogers says
Anyone who thinks three straight trips to the Finals has no impact on how the team is playing now is living in fantasy land. I know it feels empowering to yell, “suck it up” while the team is reeling. Physical and mental limitations exist no matter how much players get paid. Those same limitations exist no matter how much fans swear otherwise. I don’t think there is anyone on this thread who has played nearly 100 NBA basketball games a year for four years straight. As fans our understanding is somewhat limited.
This series is not over. Dallas still has to win two more. Let’s hope our guys can get it together.
TC says
The Lakers may be out of steam. They may not. We’re gonna see in Game 3. They REALLY need to get it to their bigs though and make Dirk play some D.
Additionally, Funky Chicken, I totally agree with you that the Lakers playing rope a dope with the opposition during the regular season is catching up to the Lakers, but I also agree with T Rogers and others that if you think that not playing so many post-season games over the past four seasons has taken a toll on the Lakers, you must be crazy. All that energy expended at the highest level, in the most stressful situations, wearing bodies out. It definitely takes a toll.
robinred says
240 is a good post.
I don’t think Dallas is doing much differently; I think, like someone said, the Lakers lack of a pure shooter is finally catching up with them.
There have been breakdowns on D, but Dallas has only scored 96 and 93 points.
3s:
DALLAS 17/45
LAKERS 7/39
And I agree we need, while being realistic, to get behind the team.
chearn says
@233-You’re not just right, you’re DARN RIGHT!!! Let’s go Lakers!
Lakers will win 2 games in Dallas and win this series in 6! Homer all the way!
As infuriating as the Lakers have been, I still have faith. If we could only find out what’s wrong with Pau, and we need to give Trey some time. He cannot possibly suck as badly as Blake.
Blake, is a liability on offense and has been for some time. Everyone keeps lauding him for running the offense, but everyone also knows that Blake will not shoot when he penetrates so they play the passing lane. This guy has given us nothing all season. I for one am disappointed because I applauded the Lakers for picking him up.
Some players are good players on bad teams that just do not have the hustpah to be a good player on a good team, and that’s Steve Blake! Unbelievable, how awful this man is, he can’t shoot!
sharky says
It’s really a shame that the crowd tonight was so unenthusiastic and unsupportive. A great many Lakers fans are good ones, and it’s a shame they are often priced out.
That was a horrible performance no doubt, but you don’t boo your 2nd/3rd best player and a guy who has helped bring the team two rings. You don’t boo when you are behind by single digits.
Tonights Staples crowd should be as ashamed as the players.
I’m so weary of the “show me something – I’m bored” nature of the lower levels of the Staples center. Spoiled isn’t a strong enough word.
SBCinAZ says
RJ, I agree with you re: Pau. I think it’s fair to say that he’s had his least effective year this year as a Laker, but even at that he’s been pretty darn good. I thought his effort tonight was entirely fine, but as I mentioned a longs ways up-thread Dallas is packing in the lane it’s making it hard to anyone to finish near the hoop. Pau could be a bit more decisive but all the talk of him be a horrible, soft player is simply unwarranted.
T. Rogers, I agree with you about mental and physical fatigue, as I think the Lakers are suffering from some of both. If you play enough playoff series (and win championships) you make a lot of great plays, even win some games that maybe you shouldn’t have, but some years either the plays/shots go against you or you just run into a better/hotter team. I’m still hoping and rooting for the former, but realistically I know this just may not be our year.
Funky Chicken says
241, I don’t buy it. Fatigue is a copout. An extra 10 to 15 playoff games (1 year ago) beyond what your competition played does not tire a 30 year old professional athlete the next year. It isn’t like they went from the Finals directly into this season. They had three and a half months off. Moreover, how would 2008-2010 playoff runs explain why Barnes, Blake, Artest, or Bynum are playing below their potential?
Funky Chicken says
For all those who claim that prior years’ deep playoff runs have resulted in extra fatigue, where was all that fatigue when the Lakers went 17-1 post all-star break? Did they suddenly get tired? After a year?
SBCinAZ says
Robinred, I’ve focused a lot tonight on the Lakers terrible PnR defense, but I just noticed that the Lakers have scored 39 and 32 points in back-to-back second halves. That’s simply not going to get it done going forward.
Dallas is sagging in their defense in order to minimize our interior advantages. We need to move/pass quicker in order to get our shots off before they can collapse. Plus, we’re simply going to have to make enough outside shots (besides from Kobe) to slow down their collapsing into the paint.
Glove says
The Lakers crowd made Adam Kamenetzky’s lowlights for the game on the Land O Lakers blog At the Buzzer reaction to the game.
R.J. excellent post
TheDane says
Looks to me like this is a two player team right now, Kobe and Bynum.
If Lakers are to have succes, they might want to feature Bynum as if he was the new Shaq. Let him get a shot at 30-35 points, let Kobe go for another 30-35 and see where it takes them
dave m says
Re: the hit on Barea, I only wish it had happened earlier. It might have lit a fire under the Lakers. Seriously, let’s be honest. Barea’s an irritant and a guy who takes chances. And, there’s nothing wrong with that – he gets his team going. And, he threaded a lot of holes tonight and he does so knowing full well the risk. A guy like that’s not going to stop on his own and we don’t have anybody who can stay in front of him. So, you gotta ring his bell a few times, make him think twice about where he’s running. I’m just sayin’.
Ken says
Phil has retired. Why else would he tell jokes after the game? Why else would he leave garbage Blake in the game for 20 minutes. Phil quit and his team followed.
I don’t want to see Artest, Blake, brown or sissy Gasol in a Laker uniform next year.
This is a sweep and this disgusting bench and a lame duck quitting coach is the reason. Sad what this team has become!
SBCinAZ says
Why would Phil joke after the game? Pretty obviously in an attempt to take the pressure/attention off a dejected group of Laker players.
ps: no one is going to be trading for Artest, Blake or Brown, so you’d better get used to them being on the team next year. 🙂 And when Pau has a better season next year you’ll be glad he’s still here!
Darius Soriano says
The game recap is up.
http://www.forumblueandgold.com/2011/05/04/lakersmavs-game-2-the-hole-just-got-deeper/
jae says
Did anybody notice what appeared to me as Lamar intentionally screening his own team mates early in the fourth resulting in what went from laker comeback to maker demise, if u recorded it go back and watch, wow!!!
Q says
I don’t think fatigue is much of a factor as mother time. Kobe, Artest, and to some extent Odom and Gasol are not in their primes. Kobe has become very predictible in that he relies on his jump shot as he lost a step. How many times have we seen teams double team Kobe this year? If Lakers do not win this series, I hope they get Dwight Howard. Dwight Howard being the main guy with Kobe will be darn good. Please lose Shannon Brown. Matt Barnes. Steve Blake.
Ken says
Let me remind you all of my mid season comment. Mitch should be fired. He took a 2 time champ bench and dumped it. We used to have a couple of tough bigs like Benga and Powell which we could use as Pau disappears . This year we have 40 year ok’d Smith and a broken down Ratliff. Last year we has a couple of hustling guards off the bench. This year we have a bad d leager in Blake and a bone head in Brown.
Look at the long term contracts Mitch signed.
Blake-terrible
Walton-worst player in the league .
Brown-lowest BB IQ on the team
Artest-worst offensive small forward in the NBA.
I dare anyone to claim Mitch should not be fired.
jae says
?
sharky says
258- Hindsight is 20/20. Every GM in the league would have made the switch from Farmar to Blake. I always liked Farmar, and it can certainly be argued we miss him at this stage, but you can’t lay this at Mitch’s doorstep. Blake has been solid on defense all year and brings a lot to the table. He had a horrible night and we haven’t seen what his full potential much this season, but he is a good player especially at his salary. Fans will come around to him over the next few years.
Can’t argue with you about Walton, but what’s happening with the Lakers right now does NOT fall even in the neighborhood of Mitch’s doorstep.
Also, Shannon Brown has a reasonable contract. He’s paid like the 9th best player on a good team. He shouldn’t be our 2nd guy off the bench in my opinion – or handle the ball carrying duties AT ALL, but that’s not really Kupchak’s call is it?
Listen, these are the same players (allegedly – lol) that played fantastic to start the season and ran off the best record in the league for a 18 game stretch after the all-star break.
Oh, and most of these guys HAVE gone to 3 straight Finals and won 2 titles, back to back.
bluesky says
Mitch Kupchak wants to save money and win championship in the same year, it will never work that way, if Dr.Buss is still a smart owner, he will find a new GM. Kupchak did not know how to build a team, he was lucky when Jerry West in Memephis and Lakers got Pau Gasol.
The Final year of PJ is always worried me, i wrote few days ago, Kobe and Fisher should understand more than anybody else, remember 2004 the final year of PJ.