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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 Utah Jazz

by


Records: Lakers 17-25 (12th in the West), Jazz 23-19 (7th in the West)
Offensive ratings: Lakers 105.5 (6th in the NBA), Jazz 103.6 (12th in the NBA)
Defensive ratings: Lakers 103.7 (t-19th in the NBA), Jazz 103.8 (21st in the NBA)
Projected Starting Lineups: Lakers: Steve Nash, Kobe Bryant, Metta World Peace, Earl Clark, Dwight Howard
Jazz: Jamaal Tinsley, Randy Foye, Marvin Williams, Paul Millsap, Al Jefferson
Injuries: Lakers: Jordan Hill (out), Steve Blake (out), Dwight Howard (probable); Jazz: Mo Williams (out), Raja Bell (out)

Our season starts TODAY.

Right?

Or are we like 2-2? Is this the last exhibition game? Maybe we’re already in the playoffs… Who knows? Whatever.

I am, as probably many of you are as well, a huge fan of Dynasty mode in NBA 2K(number). Picking a team – seldom a powerhouse, unless the plan is to tear it down to the studs, accumulate assets (I see ya, Daryl) – and reconstructing a winner in my own image. Assessing the “balance sheet,” identifying needs, wants, targets, potential deals. Embracing the struggle. Bear in mind, this is done with total awareness of the fact that I will sooner find myself flag bearer for the Albanian Olympic contingent than I will 60 games in with the juggernaut/plucky upstart I have so judiciously (like, 45 minutes) crafted (at least not without liberal use of “Simulate Game”).

And therein lies the rub of the real-life NBA. You’ve got to actually play the games. No Reset button. No “Simulate” that proxies the effort that the players should be putting forth. I’ve said it before, I’ll say it again – at some point you simply are what your record says you are.

For the 2012-13 Lakers, that point has long since disappeared in the rearview. We’ve waited. For Mike D’Antoni, for Steve Nash’s leg, for Dwight to regain beast mode, for the team to “get a few games under its belt.” We will continue to wait, because, well, what the hell else is there? The celebratory mood that permeated Lakerland last summer (you sick of those two words yet?), however, is no more. The numbers are the numbers. This is not “the best 17-25 team ever.” This is merely a 17-25 team, and probably not the best one ever. The names are recognizable. The results? Less so.

The statistically efficient offense is inconsistent and uninspiring. At both ends of the floor, turnovers continue to plague this team. Seldom is there both communication and effort on defense, and too often there is neither. The Lakers enter Friday night’s home tilt with the Jazz losers of 10 of 12 – the only wins a pair of triumphs at home over lackluster competition – and a mere three games out of the West cellar. Until further notice, that’s all ye need to know.

Utah Jazz blogs: For some excellent coverage of the Utah Jazz, check out SLC Dunk and Salt City Hoops.

Where You Can Watch: 7:30pm start time on TWC Sportsnet. You can also listen on ESPN Radio 710AM.


Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. rr says

    Good preview. On related note of appropriate tone, I was at a game a couple of weeks ago, and I told my buddy that I wish they would bail on the dramatic projections on the drop cloth and pounding music. The way things are going, it would be better if Lawrence Tanter said, “Tonight’s starters are Clark, World Peace, Howard, Nash, and Bryant. The game will begin momentarily.’

  2. Robert says

    Kobe Alert: KB moved into 25th alone for all time games and is now within 4 games of Shaq. He became the 14th player to log 44 thousand minutes. He needs 13 more FT’s to catch Oscar for 3rd all time. He needs 7 more defensive rebounds to catch Alonzo Mourning for 69th. He needs 8 dimes to pull even with A Iverson for 38th. Wilt is just 707 points away. Much was written today about Kobe’s salary. Throughout his career, KB has earned $307,587,211 (including 2012-2013). This is second all time to Kevin Garnett (Shaq is third). He will not catch Garnett in 2014 either, so this is another reason to sign him to an extension.

  3. Jayz says

    When a grown man challenges you, you can either:
    1. Fight back and show you don’t back down in any challenge,
    2. Or you can just take the heat and be quiet like a little pu$$y.

    Dwight Howard chose to be a pu$$y in that team meeting. I was surprised he was more beta (Pau-like) than alpha (Kobe,Jordan,Shaq like).

    A true alpha male would in fact, fight back at Kobe just like Shaq used to do. D12 is more of a puppy that just wants to be a babied and cuddled.

  4. Lil pau says

    It kills me to see sacre’s best years wasted this way…

    At staples. Losing + rain + Jazz = no ones here. Will be very quiet. I may take the opportunity to coach from my less than courtside seats …

  5. Chearn says

    Lakers get a win. Lakers get a win. Lakers get a win. Lakers get a win. Say it enough and the universe must agree.

    Still cheering for Duke of Earl. And, hope Pau continues to play strong coming in off the bench and in the 4th quarter with Howard.

  6. Gary says

    Watch with low expectations and you won’t be dissappointed. Lets enjoy kobe bryant before he retires as he only has 1 and a half seasons to go.

  8. PurpleBlood says

    @Lil pau – hope you´ll be able to leave Staples smiling tonight!
    of course that´d mean you´d then have to attend every game after 😉

  11. Jayz says

    Looks like MDA has tweaked the offense. Using Nash of the ball and Kobe playing the ball handler role.

  15. Funky Chicken says

    Apparently the moderation of posts is not in effect tonight.

    Dwight is rapidly venturing into Kwame Brown territory for centers with bad hands. If Howard had Kobe’s work ethic and MWP’s hands he’d be the greatest center of all time.

  17. Chearn says

    Lakers at least are putting up a united front. Duhon and Jamison will definitely put a halt to that. Please play Morris more than Duhon at least Morris has an upside. Coach plays Clark too long he loses his effectiveness the longer he’s on the floor because he gets tired.

  19. KOOO says

    Duhon, and Meeks, Jamison are just not NBA players. This is 100% the FO. Lakers lose 10 points every time they take the court. As Dallas keeps picking up new guys.

  23. Glove says

    Lakers have given up the most points on average in the second quarter at 26.7, did a much better job tonight only giving up 18 to take a 10 point lead at the half.

  24. vhanz says

    Kobe just taking care of his advantage. Burks and Foye dont stand a chance against him. Another thing is, Pau going to the post always. Put him in the post MDA.

  27. Tra says

    Solid 1st half defense (particularly MWP). Kobe doing an excellent job of mixing up his attack between Facilitator and Scorer. Catching a break with Mo Williams out of their lineup, so we need to take advantage of it.

  28. Lil pau says

    I love that ‘my’ bathtub comment gets through with no problem, but when the real me tries to post about the lakers defense against the pick and roll, I get moderated every time!

  30. Chearn says

    This team just does not like prosperity. They forget what works for them. When they get a lead they start turning the ball over, slacking off on defense, and jacking up shots.

    Come on Lakers!

  32. KenOak says

    Team is looking like they actually care tonight. I love the way Nash has gotten aggressive with his own shot.

  34. KenO says

    Nash just can’t figure out he can’t no longer dribble into people. slow down Steve you 39 not 19.

  35. Chearn says

    When Nash is tired he turns the ball over and is reluctant to shoot as he knows the shot will be short. He also knows that he has to try to play as long as possible in this game because Duhon is his backup.

    What has Kobe not done this season to try to make the Lakers relevant?

  37. joesmith says

    Some 101Basketball D’Antoni didn t attend.If your PF (Gasol) is suffering because is difficult for him to defend a smaller guy make him post that guy every time on the other end of the court to compensate it.

  39. Kevin_ says

    One of the best games of the year for Kobe. Probably second to the more recent clippers game and couldn’t of come at a better time.

  43. Chearn says

    Pau looks focused! And, a little bit angry, too. I like this Pau!

    Duhon makes me so nervous. I don’t think I’ll make it to the 7-8 minute mark for Kobe and Steve to get back.

    Earl Clark is learning how to play defense against the 2-3 position.

    MWP is playing big tonight, good defense and offense.

  46. Funky Chicken says

    Seriously, why is Devin Ebanks on the roster if he can’t get in any game? You play Dwight, Pau AND Clark at the same time rather than giving Devin some burn at the SF? D’Antoni sucks.

  47. KenOak says

    Love what I am seeing tonight! These guys are cheering for each other, and playing like a real team.

  48. Kevin_ says

    Nash and KObe have already had some good chemistry. Now this game there have been at least 5 high low between Dwight and Pau. D’Antoni is changing his offense some to accomodate the roster.

  49. Jayz says

    R.I.P SevenSeconds or less.

    Hello 17 seconds or less. It’s about damn time the system has been tweaked.

  55. joesmith says

    Pau has given a good performance and only played 25min.Whhy MD don t allow him to play the last 5min.Completely out of line IMO

  56. Zirk says

    It’s so frustrating when this team gives you a glimpse of how well they can play together knowing how little of it we’ve seen all season. Solid game tonight. They actually looked like they were having fun out there. Great scoring balance.

    But we’ve seen this before. One good game followed by multiple games of crap. We need to do this consistently, not just once in a blue moon. Problem is, OKC is coming to town on Sunday. Let’s see how we respond…

  57. Chearn says

    Funny, KenO.

    Who set the Lakers alarms this morning? Whomever it was needs to do it every game.

    Maybe the Chicago team meeting worked. It sure looks like it.

    The Lakers are much better when the Duke of Earl is relegated to a role player rather than a star.

    Devin Ebanks is D’Antoni’s new: Jordan Hill, and Nate Robinson. Man he holds a grudge, whatever it is.

  59. Lewis says

    Great effort tonight play the same way the rest of the way and we will make the playoffs!!! Let’s go LAKERS

  60. Jaybird says

    What a game for the Lakers… led wire to wire, everyone contributing on both ends of the floor… 5 guys with 14 points or more, dominated the boards, shot the 3-ball well… but game ball has to go to Kobe Bean. He orchestrated the offense beautifully! That’s what the Jazz get for letting him operate in the post without double teaming!

  61. PurpleBlood says

    so it looks like Lil pau is gonna have to attend every game now!
    what a line for Mamba tonight!

  62. rr says

    He will not catch Garnett in 2014 either, so this is another reason to sign him to an extension.
    —

    Nicely done.

  63. Kevin_ says

    Best stretch of basketball this year for Pau. Thanks to D’Antoni making him the 6th man. It’s worked and Lakers are better for it. He’s making an effort to put players in position to be successful as well. He deserves credit. Every game it’s an opportunity for KObe to play how he played tonight. It won’t always show up in the assists column but the energy was consistent throughout because everyone was involved. Good Win.

  65. mindcrime says

    All–

    A rare missed game tonight–The bride and I share a birthday weekend again this year, so we were out on the town in the Great Plains and–in media darkeness for the game. Not surprised by the win, but surprised by the margin and the distribution of scoring. What is the scoop on the game tonight? The box score suggests that the game was played at a playoff-game pace instead of MDA’s usual push-the-ball gameplan–is that what the eye-test showed too? How did it shake out?

  67. mindcrime says

    RR

    I know–it’s only the third or fourth one, right?

    Actually, the bride is at least as big a Lakers fan as I am–but we live in South Dakota now-so when we are out and about–there’s no League Pass, and it’s Timberwolves country–so it’s touch and go on seeing the game if it isn’t a national telecast.