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A Lakers Blog. Thoughts, reflections, and the odd rant on the Los Angeles Lakers and the NBA (even the Clippers).

Preview and Chat: The Milwaukee Bucks

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Records: Lakers 11-8 (8th in West), Bucks 7-11 (9th in East)
Offensive ratings: Lakers 102.3 (16th in NBA), Bucks 100.6 (21st in NBA)
Defensive ratings: Lakers 100.1 (10th in NBA), Bucks 102.9 (17th in NBA)
Projected Starting Lineups: Lakers: Derek Fisher, Kobe Bryant, Matt Barnes, Pau Gasol, Andrew Bynum
Bucks: Brandon Jennings, Shaun Livingston, Carlos Delfino, Luc Mbah a Moute, Drew Gooden
Injuries: Lakers: Steve Blake (out), Derrick Caracter (out); Bucks: Andrew Bogut (out)

The Lakers Coming in: The Lakers may be coming off a big win but the question is if they know how to keep that momentum going. The key to the last game was a balanced Laker attack in which Pau Gasol’s aggressive play was the fulcrum. When Pau attacks off the dribble, finds a way to the post, and doesn’t settle for his jumper on two out of every three possessions, the Lakers are a better team. The rest of the team can play off of him because he’s still their best non-Kobe facilitator of offense which also means that Kobe can work off Gasol to get easier shots for himself.

Also key, though, is playing with energy. The Lakers had two days off before that Clipper game and have had another two days off before tonight’s contest (though they did travel yesterday). That rest (and subsequent practice time) led to fresher legs and more consistent, determined effort. It showed on defense and it showed in how they moved around the court on offense. It also seemed to help their outside shooting (especially Fisher’s) as they had more lift on their J’s which led to a better success rate. Throw in a little bench help and voila, a formula for winning games is spawned. Here’s hoping they can keep it going tonight.

The Bucks Coming in: The Bucks have won three of their last five games and sit right outside the playoffs in the East. After their run two years ago where “Fear the Deer” was a common phrase all over the internet but a disappointing follow up last season, this team was hoping to get back to their winning ways this campaign.

But so far, they’ve been very up and down. A shake up to their roster – they traded Corey Maggette for Stephen Jackson and John Salmons for Beno Udrih – has taken time to come together as Jackson (a noted malcontent when things don’t line up for him the way he’d like) at first complained about his contract and then a move to the bench. Injuries have also greatly affected the Bucks, first to their combo forward and defensive stopper Mbah a Moute and more recently – and more importantly – to Andrew Bogut.

The injury to Bogut is huge and for obvious reasons. First because he’s a fantastic defensive big man that plays the pick and roll well, protects the paint, and can control the defensive glass. And while his offense has been wanting since his horrid elbow injury two years ago, he’d been making strides this year, showing a willingness to attack more using that bad arm. Now though, with a fractured ankle and questionable return this season, the Bucks miss all that he brings to the table while also pushing players up their depth chart that are ill-fit to replace what Bogut provides.

Not all is awful for this team, though. Brandon Jennings has taken a big step forward from his first two seasons, improving his efficiency on offense by finishing better at the rim and consistently hitting his mid range jumper. Jackson, after the aforementioned issues, has found that a reserve role isn’t so bad – especially when he’s closing games out as a compliment to Jennings on the wing. Shaun Livingston has also, finally, found a role with a team as a secondary ball handler and playmaker that allows Jennings to work off the ball in some of their half court sets.

How this will all come together with Bogut out remains to be seen. They’re a fringe playoff team at best but do have a scrappy coach that will surely find ways to compensate on the defensive side of the ball. Whether they can score enough points – long a problem for this team – will likely decide if they see the second season or not.

Bucks Blogs: Buckstetball provides very good insight and analysis on this team. Check them out.

Keys to game: With Bogut out, the game plan couldn’t be simpler on offense – attack the interior. Drew Gooden (who did come into the season in very good shape) will likely get the nod in the pivot and will have to contend with Andrew Bynum. Gasol, meanwhile, will likely see a heavy dose of the Bucks’ best defender (Mbah a Moute) but the Spaniard still has an advantage with his height and length. L.A.’s bigs should get a heavy dose of the ball throughout the game to make the Bucks either double team or give up shots in the paint. If they do see the 2nd defender, the Lakers must take advantage by hitting some shots but they must also look to move the ball quickly and change sides of the floor so they can get the ball back into the paint via penetration or another post up on the weak side so they’re not so reliant on hitting jumpers to make the Bucks pay. To accomplish this though, the Lakers must get into their offensive sets quickly so that they have time to move the ball in and out of the post. It’s hard to work the ball around if a set isn’t initiated until there’s under 15 seconds on the shot clock.

Defensively, the Lakers must make their size advantage a strength and not a liability. The Bucks will run a variety of small ball lineups out on the floor and the Lakers must make that group attack the teeth of the defense and finish over their size. The outstretched arms of Pau and Bynum can make the Buck’s lives hard, but the Lakers’ perimeter D must force them into spots on the floor where the bigs can affect those shots. If the Lakers’ rotations are late or they don’t contest outside jumpers with the tenacity that’s needed, open jumpers will result and Jackson, Jennings, Ilyasova, Delfino, Dunleavy, and rookie Jon Leuer can hit those shots. So, the Lakers must close out hard, make these guys put the ball on the floor and funnel them to their help where shots can be better contested and altered. If the Lakers can then close down the lane on the weak side and rebound, they’ll be able to control this game on that side of the floor.

The individual match up that will need the most attention is Jennings against the Lakers’ PG’s. As mentioned earlier, the Compton native is having his best season as a pro by breaking his man down off the dribble and using the P&R to get into the lane to finish. He’s doing a lot of damage 15 feet and in so the Lakers must be quick to react to him and close down his space once he’s below the foul line. If the Lakers can keep him to his right hand and make him take long two pointers off the dribble, that’s their best bet for success but that will take a team effort and for Fisher/Goudelock/Morris to play smart and show discipline when Jennings gets into attack mode.

Ultimately, this is a game the Lakers should win. The Bucks are missing their best big man and also played last night in Chicago. Meanwhile the Lakers have been in Milwaukee since yesterday afternoon and haven’t played since Wednesday. L.A. should be rested and be looking to carry their momentum from the Clipper game over to this contest. That said, the Lakers have been horrid on the road and will need some role players to play well which is always a dicey proposition on the road. The Bucks have given the Lakers problems for the past several seasons and if the Lakers think that this will be a walk, they’ll be wrong. They must keep their energy high and play smart basketball. In a season like this, there are no nights off. Here’s hoping the Lakers understand that tonight.

Where you can watch: 5:30 start time on KCAL. Also listen on ESPN Radio 710am.


Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Robert says

    Darius: Great write up. I totally agree with the part about getting into the O sets quickly (this is a constant issue). One minor correction; Bucks are #8 in the East according to the NBA, which happens to be the same as us in the West : )

  3. Kevin says

    If the Lakers do sign him how much firepower will Arenas bring to LA? *pun intended

    I’m calling it easy win vs Bucks 102-85 . Bynum has big game and the bench explodes for 30 points.

  4. Darius Soriano says

    Robert,
    Technically, I guess, they’re tied for 8th with the Cavs. ESPN has them in 9th – for whatever reason – and I typically use their conference standings for my previews.

  5. Craig W. says

    Darius,
    Wasn’t it ESPN who picked the 2008 Lakers to finish – at best – in 10th place in the West?

    Maybe you should always have a 2nd or 3rd backup for your information.

  6. Darius Soriano says

    UPDATE: Stephen Jackson has been ruled out of tonight’s game due to a suspension by the NBA for “verbal abuse of officials”. That further limits the Bucks’ offense tonight while also removing a late game defensive option against Kobe.

  9. Robert says

    Game: With the latest DS update, this is not only a must W, it must be early to rest KB + co. due to b2b tomorrow.
    PG: I think Nash may creep back into the convo. Little interest cept from Cuban and if he has eyes on DW – no need. We could get him post season in a S+T for the TPE (he will be a FA). He then signs through 14 just like KB (just wanted to show u guys I could think about something else : )

  10. Tra says

    Had us winning this game off the top, but now that we’re catching a break with the absence of Bogut & now Captain Jack, we SHOULD get this over with early. It’ll allow us to get our BIG 3 some valuable ‘game-time’ rest. Especially with a much improved Wolves team waiting for us 2morrow night. Just hope that, due to the circumstance, we don’t let our guard down. We’re not that good of a team to take anything/one for granted.

  11. Muddywood says

    Hopefully Goudelock will bring it again tonight.
    Just limit the turnovers, get the ball to the scorers and take what the defense gives you when you get the ball back.

  12. Chris J says

    @ Craig W — SI picked the Lakers to finish 9th in the west in 2007-08, which proved to be off by a long stretch given that they won the West that season.

  13. Dave M says

    The rest of the Bucks should write SJ on their sneakers for tonight. I much look forward to Stern and Silver taking the stage at the next draft. They better put up some kind of net to block the debris.

  16. Ken says

    What’s happened to Barnes? Leaving guys open for 3’s, bad passing, missed shots. That starting position is a curse.

  20. VoR says

    No idea what to say. I am watching the game and can’t explain it. The talent gap (with the two injuries to the Bucks) is huge. You can see it on the court and the Lakers can’t seem to get out of their own way. Weird stuff.

    Hoping they settle down.

  21. robinred says

    Lakers aren’t good enough to simply show up and win against anyone
    ___

    Correct. Again, personnel.

  23. robinred says

    Goudelock can shoot–but he is not really a 1. He may be kind of like Eddie House, which the Lakers can use.

  24. Ken says

    Look at the way they play as a team. That’s what happens when you have a coach who understands offense . Mike Brown is clueless. Two days rest so he can’t use that excuse.

  27. Robert says

    robinred @21: Come on man, please let them play 47 more games before you draw such a conclusion : )

  29. Ken says

    This is the worst coached team in tbe league, they have no idea what they are doing out there.

    Nice hire Jimmy?

    Shameful.

  30. Lesha says

    world peace is actively looking for our rook to shoot the three every time he drives to the hoop… nice job by metta.

    pau is not agressive enough considering the defenders guarding him.

    kobe playing a great game so far. very controlledc and trying to get everyone involved

  32. Ken says

    Yea Lakers 43 points against a bad team with two starters out.

    FIRE BROWN before it’s to late.

  33. Robert says

    Watching this half I am remembering earlier in the season, when many of this board’s posters were screaming that the only thing wrong with the Lakers was KB shooting too much. And here we are.

  34. VoR says

    Robert,

    I’ve been reading this board all season and don’t recall anyone saying that the ONLY thing wrong was KB shooting too much. Yes, some of us thought he was shooting too much. 🙂

  35. Ken says

    Robert the reason that makes more sense is because it the only offensive Brown ever ran. Ball in James’s hand and he runs the offense.

    Am I they only one who see’s this? 92 points a game is tbe worse in 12 years.

  36. Tra says

    Kobe doing a great job facilitating. Tryin’ to get everyone involved. One thing you can’t ever say about G-Lock is that he’s shy .. Looks as if we played last night and they’re coming off 2 days rest. Our Defense is AWOL. If this is the performance that Ebanks is going to give us when his number is called, he might as well be relegated to the pine. He got abused by Jr. & looked lost out there … Fortunate to be only down by 8.

  37. Robert says

    Ken: I agree that the offense is a joke. However, do not focus on that. It provides another excuse to not focus on the core issue: Roster

  38. Glove says

    Turnovers, Bucks bench play and the Lakers inexplicably going away from what they were doing successfully in the first 5 minutes of the game is the story of the first half. Kobe will probably look to shoot more in the second half in an attempt to ignite the Lakers offense. He is 3-4 so far. Gasol 3-10 and Bynum 3-6.

  39. Ken says

    Sorry but it’s not enjoyable to watch this team. Confused, unsure, clueless! As a 40 year fan I have seldom felt this way.

  40. Robert says

    Ken: You are, like me, a spoiled, entitled, Laker fan. You do not have “patience” for what you are watching. You are not alone : )

  41. Ken says

    Is there a playoffs for 2nd division teams! Let’s hope they find someone to beat on the trip. Are the Washington Generals on our schedule.

  45. McJoberts says

    According to Dan Gilbert, the Washington Generals would have been on the schedule had Stern allowed the Paul to Lakers trade.

  46. Ken says

    What a well coached under manned team.

    I am jealous.

    Also not pleased with that remark Keith. Not cool dude!

  54. McJoberts says

    I guess karma saw fit to allow 2 more titles and an MVP award first. Whatever happened to comment moderation? I’ve been deleted in the past for much less.

  56. Warren Wee Lim says

    This game is so painful to watch. The Lakers are not a championship team. I wish they lost last game and get embarassed like this so they realize that the team is just closer to the #1 pick than the championship.

  58. Ken says

    If Metta claims he is bored then he should go to a basketball school and learn how to shoot.

    What a waste of money and a uniform.

  59. Robert says

    Darius: Clearly all the pre-season optimists have either stopped posting entirely, or are posting under different names. robinred and I are the most positive posters on here now : )

  60. Anonymous says

    Well, after this loss we’ll be closer to that record that’s indicative of this team….a .500 ball club.

  61. KenOak says

    Drew Gooden has played like a friggen All Star tonight. Is that on Laker defenders or is he just that good?

    This whole twin towers thing isn’t all that it’s cracked up to be.

  62. Lakers8884 says

    God Pau shooting 6-18, HORRIBLE for a big man (if that’s what you’d like to call him now)

  65. Anonymous says

    My Goudelock/Eddie House comp is looking a little better–undersized guard who can shoot the triple.

    Kobe shot a couple he shouldn’t have, but he is 10/20 and Pau is 6/18 while Gooden is 9/14. Kobe needs to work down low more.

    I am ready to try Arenas if he is in game shape–flame away if you like.

  66. AusPhil says

    KenOak – it’s a gift LA has. Somehow the Lakers can make average NBA players look like stars. Sadly it’s only when they’re playing AGAINST us! Oh well, we’d better man up for the Wolves tomorrow.

  70. Cdog says

    Pretty terrible performance. The Bucks were getting wide open jumpers all night. Lakers were doing a terrible job closing out on shooters and rotating on the P&R.

    Sigh…

    I don’t care how good a teams defense is… if you can’t score 90 you aren’t going to win a lot of ballgames.

    Changes need to be made.

  72. Spartacus says

    And this is the Mike Brown defense that was supposed to hold opponents down. It is frustrating for perimeter defenders when your back up big man fails to show up when you get beat off the dribble.

  73. Glove says

    Tale of two benches, Lakers bench was severely outplayed tonight. Four of the Lakers starters had positive +/-. Gasol had a great rebounding game with 15 (7 ORB) just was not his night on the offensive end. Lakers still have not shown to be a good road team.

  75. Ken says

    Where is the guy yesterday who said a 6and 2 road trip.

    Laker fans this is a .500 team with bad players like Metta and a coach who should be running a vidio tape machine.

    Thanks for caring about the fans who supported you Dr. Buss. Shame!

  76. Lakers8884 says

    I don’t know about you all but I’d rather live by Kobe and die by Kobe.

    Fire away Mamba

  77. Warren Wee Lim says

    Think about it:

    1. you had 2 days rest so you can’t really complain about being tired.

    2. this is the 1st game of a back to back so you aren’t really tired.

    3. tomorrow is against the Wolves, so you aren’t really hyping that and taking this for granted.

    4. the bucks are w/o starting center Andrew Bogut.

    5. the bucks are w/o starting SF Stephen Jackson.

    Please.

  80. Anonymous says

    Come on stu, stop making excuses for the lakers. They’re 20 games in and u think they still can’t learn this system yet? Come on, please.

  81. Aaron says

    80)
    Agreed. This isn’t a system issue as much as it is a talent issue. Although I will say the last shortened season provided similar results with older teams not playing well in the regular season but doing much better in the post season. I think with a average starting PG the Lakers could easily be the team that loses to the Heat in the finals.

  82. Kevin says

    Did you see the looks on Lakers faces tonight? They know they aren’t going anywhere..

    That’s the problem with Pau he’ll call for the ball have one good game then POOP!! 6-18. Drew Gooden was the best big on the floor today.

    How much can you ask Kobe to do he’s killing himself out there and NOBODY else other than him produces nightly.

    I had HOPE now that’s all gone. LAKERS ARE DONE!!
    and might not make the playoffs this team has serious issues

  83. Andy says

    When there is a problem, one has to look for the source. In this case, the Lakers problem is coach MB. He is incapable of inspiring players to play creatively with instincts. Brown has to go, but the management won’t do it. So the Lakers will suffer for at least two years. This may sound depressing, but I am afraid this is a reality.

    I don’t think the team will improve much even if we get Howard. The coach is no good. I still can’t believe the Lakers picked Brown. This is insane.

  84. Ken says

    Well Warren you should wait for Mike Brown’s post game and listen to his list of new excuses.

    The ones you listed above are his standard ones.

    Brown should run for President since he is so full of excuses.

    Fire Brown, release Artest, amnesty Luke and bring up guys on D-league as we can at least understand losing then.

    Back to 10th place and what they are, a lottery team right now

  85. Warren Wee Lim says

    Why is Mike Brown getting all the heat? We are a top defensive team in the league. He can only do so much and his big body can only box out so much. The Lakers are a broken team. We had our moments, but the team dynamic is no longer there.

    Time for change. And its not Mike Brown.

  87. Robert says

    Kevin @85: Yesterday you predicted 7-2 on the trip and a 20+ point victory tonight. Did this one game change all that?

    We do agree on Kobe – the man is awesome.

  89. Kevin says

    @90 I expected way more than this. This team looked DEAD on the bench in some of those closeup shots. The talent on this roster is.. Oh wait there is none.. Mike Brown hasn’t reached this team yet they haven’t bought in.

    Our inability to score is affecting our defense. WTH is Mike brown doing to this team. Lakers were better off with B. Shaw.

    At this point EVERYBODY except Kobe and Goudelock should be on the block..

  90. Robert says

    robinred/Ken: Don’t you wish you could go back in time, to the pre-season discussions, and be able to show everyone what is happening now?

  91. Robert says

    Hey Kevin: I commend you, as many others only post when they are correct, or during good times. BTW: Everybody not named Kobe is on the block. Some of us have been waiting quite some time for Mitch to pull the trigger.

  92. Kevin says

    Lakers are a disgrace this year. Nobody on this team can ball except for Kobe and Goudelock. 2 days rest and we lay an egg.

    Now that teams know Lakers are making wholesale changes they are going to try and low ball us. Lakers may have waited 1 year too long to make changes.

  93. Lakers8884 says

    Guys its not so bad, as basketball fans we get to watch something special tomorrow: Kevin Love and Ricky Rubio. It’s safe to say I have a special admiration for the things those 2 guys are doing in Minny

  95. Lakerlord says

    This theory that the Lakers have to get the ball “inside” to the BIGS is flawed! Watching Gasol and Bynum force up ugly shots is sometimes very painful to watch! Just because your closer to the basket doesn’t always make it a higher percentage shot. I see too much standing around wasting clock and trying to force it inside. NOT ENOUGH BALL MOVEMENT!!!! Gasol & Bynum will always be complimentary pieces and never more, the sooner Lakers management finally understands this once and for all the sooner they can stop living in denial and start to build a winner again.

  96. Robert says

    Keith and LakerLord: So u mean if u were the Magic, you would not give us D12 for Pau and AB? Do u realize there are people on this board who stated they would not give AB for D12 straight up?

  97. Kevin says

    Another thing Pau 15 Reb. Drew 9 Reb. Pau is a true C Bynum has no impact on the game he was invisible tonight. If we had to chose between who goes and who stays I pick Pau over Drew everytime

    11-9 10th in West. SMH

  98. Robert says

    Darius: I could be your last optimist. I still think we can fix this via trades. Many others are now going straight to “blow it up”. Go figure : )

  99. Chris J says

    @ Robert — I hear you, man. I remember people ripping my remarks and others prior to the season when we pointed out some very reasonable causes for concern. Wish we’d been proven wrong, but it’s not been pretty and won’t be for a while. Cycles come and go, and the Lakers are on a downward slide.

  100. Lakerlord says

    Pau is definitely better the Bynum, just as the Lakers were always better when they went with Odom/Gasol… But stupid Jim Buss has a mancrush on Bynum, so he gives him a fat contract and hates on the only coach who won us any rings since the Pat Riley days, Good job BUss! The only players I enjoy watching on this team are Kobe, goudelock & sometimes Gasol… Lakers have gone from Showtime to SLOWTIME!

  101. Robert says

    Chris J

    : ) I am with u, but don’t give up yet. We need Mitch to really come through for us, else the “Nightmare” I posted yesterday will be upon us.

  102. robinred says

    Chris J,

    Heck, I;ve gotten ripped during the season. 😉

    Looking for positives, it does appear that Goudelock may be a 15 MPG guy who can stretch the D by shooting the 3, as I and others hoped when they chose him. It’s a small thing, but worth noting.

  103. Robert says

    Keith: I agree. U obviously haven’t been reading my posts. I have been pounding the table relentlessly all year for D12, and cautioning that the value of our assets would drop as time passed. I was told by many to be patient and let them play the games. And here we are.

  104. Rubenowski says

    Something’s going on in that locker room. They’re just not there mentally. Mike Brown constantly yelling may have something to do with it. At some point you just tune people out. These guys aren’t used to it. PJ was the opposite. Even I’m sick of seeing Mike Brown standing up and yelling ALL THE TIME!

  105. drrayeye says

    To disagree with almost everyone about something:

    1) It’s not a talent issue
    2) It’s not a pg or sg issue
    3) It’s not a Kobe issue
    4) It’s not a Gasol issue
    5) It’s not a Bynum issue
    6) It’s not Ron or MWP–whoever shows up
    7) Fisher and Walton don’t need to retire
    8) The new rooks are doing OK
    9) McRambis is an energy bunny
    10)Troy can still play
    11) Kopono can still shoot

    This team lacks balance and chemistry.

    If the team needs an example, they just need to view tonite’s tape from a Buck’s point of view.

    The Bucks were a great reminder that team balance and chemistry can make up for almost anything.

    Still, we can’t let either the FO or Coach Brown off the hook. They’ve become part of the problem.

    The Cleveland offense didn’t even make Labron happy–and it was designed for him–and now adapted for Kobe.

    The uncertainty generated by trade rumors and undefined roles make it difficult for players to stay focused on either end of the court.

    Before they do anything else, this team somehow needs to get it’s Mojo back.

  106. Lakers8884 says

    Rubenowski, many of these players desire to have a fire lit under their butts by a coach.

    All year last year Phil didn’t and it bit them in the butt in the playoffs, blaming a coach for yelling is like blaming a firefighter for putting out a fire.

  107. Snoopy2006 says

    So glad I chose to watch the X-Games instead of this. Their wipeouts were nothing compared to what happened in Milwaukee tonight.

  109. Rudy says

    Lakerlord –
    You are absolutely RIGHT! You’ve made the most intelligent post on this forum in a while. I am so tired of people saying we don’t get the ball to our bigs in the post enough. They are flat out overrated. Drew Gooden punked our bigs. When you’re playing against defenders shorter and smaller than you, it shouldn’t be that hard to score.

    As for the rest of this season I have absolutely no more confidence in this team as currently constructed. We have no chance to beat good teams on the road. And judging how this game was, any team with a big man that can shoot is going to give us major problems. Our bigs flat out cannot move their feet well enough.

    I think this Minnesota game is going to be similar to the Detroit game in 2007 when after we lost we ended up getting Gasol the next day. I can only hope.

  110. robinred says

    dr rayeye,

    The Bucks are now 8-11. Derrick Rose torched this exact same team for 34 on 14/24 shooting last night, constantly breaking down Jennings and exploiting their lack of size inside. The Lakers, lacking a perimeter player who can consistently break down the D and get to the rim, were unable to do that. Also, without Jackson and Bogut, the Bucks, on this night, were quicker and moved the ball better than usual, and the Lakers, a slow team, got burned repeatedly on D.

    Chemistry matters in basketball. Talent matters more.

  111. drrayeye says

    116) robinred,

    To you it’s talent, to me it’s Mojo.

    I don’t know anyone better than Milwaukee’s Scott Skiles to make my case.

  112. Ken says

    Dreyeye

    Brown only knows one offense. Give the val to James and he goesvto the rack ir passes to a wide open shooter who could shoot. Brown is trying to force a offense on a team that it will not work on.

    He can’t adjust and the team has lost confidence in him. Dump the guy now or gut the team. Adding slow offensive challenged guys like Murphy, McRoberts and Kopono to go along with worthless Metta and slow Fisher made no sense when your coach announces at the beginning he is going to have the team run and shoot faster.

    Bad coach with bad players equals lottery.

  113. Ken says

    Sorry Robert

    Mitch gave us long term contracts for Metta Mess, Luke and kept resigning Fisher. He had no use for Farmer, Brown or LO. West made the Pau trade.

    What makes you think he can change this mess?

    This team is in big trouble for the next 3 years as the Clippers get better and better.

  114. Anonymous says

    dr rayeye,

    Skiles’ team went 35-47 last year.

    Phil Jackson, at his exit interview, when asked about his success, said,”I’ve coached some of the greatest talent ever to play this game.”