No longer among the ranks of the winless (it’s all you now, Philly!), the Lakers have the reward of starting a two game, back to back road trip tonight. If that’s not enough, they start in Memphis to face the rugged Grizzlies. If that sounds like not much fun, you are correct. The Grizz are currently tied with the Rockets for the best record in the west, boasting only a single loss in their first seven games.
As usual, the Grizzlies are doing their damage on defense. They have the league’s 2nd best defensive efficiency and, as their “grit and grind” motto suggests, are stifling teams with an physical attack that forces bad shots and turnovers in bunches. So, while the Lakers are playing surprisingly well offensively, tonight they face a real challenge with this team gearing up to slow them down.
It starts on the perimeter with the Mike Conley, Courtney Lee, and Tony Allen trio. All three are more than capable defenders, all combining strength, smarts, and speed to counteract whatever opponents throw at them. It figures to be a long night for Kobe and Jeremy Lin dealing with these guys so both will need to be reasoned, steady, and deliberate in how they try to find creases and get to their preferred spots.
For Kobe, his match ups with Allen have long been some of the best one on one battles in the league and tonight I expect no different. Allen will try to force Kobe into difficult shots and will stay with him relentlessly by contesting everything. Kobe, then, must be economical both in his movement and his shot selection, not forcing too much against one of the players around the league who knows his tendencies best. For Lin, Conley’s craftiness and ability to stay in front of him will pose a particularly tough challenge. Lin would do well to stay aggressive with his dribble, but would help himself a fair amount by starting out the game hitting his jumper consistently enough to force the types of hard closeouts and tight defense that he can take advantage of with quick darts to the rim.
Even if Kobe and Lin get by that first level of defense, however, they must be aware of the ever lurking Marc Gasol. The former defensive player of the year is one of the smartest positional defenders in the game, possessing instincts that sniff out the opposition’s plays like he’s in their film sessions. Kobe and Lin will need to be smart, then, in their shot/pass decisions once they find their way to the paint. What can help in this area is smart movement by the Lakers’ bigs. Gasol is a fantastic defender who can seemingly be in two places at once, but well timed cuts and crafty positioning by Ed Davis and Jordan Hill should free them up for makable shots if Kobe and Lin can occupy Gasol. How this plays out will be a key factor in how close the game is.
As for the Lakers’ defense, the Grizzlies do not offer a dynamic attack, but do well to play to the strengths of their best players. With that, expect to see a fair amount of Zach Randolph posting against Carlos Boozer early in the game, to see if points can be produced from the low block. After that, expect a fair amount of pick and roll between Conley and Gasol, where Conley can offer the threat of scoring off his jumper, getting into the paint for a floater or lay-in, or passing to either a popping Gasol or to a wing shooter to get the Lakers into their rotations. If the Lakers can do a good job of limiting Conley’s scoring chances, it will go a long way in muddying up their offense even further. But if Conley gets it going, expect to see him start to get the rest of his teammates involved and then the floodgates can open. Even though the Grizz are not a particularly strong offensive group, they are at home and playing against the league’s worst defense.
The Lakers surely want to carry over some of their momentum from Sunday into tonight’s game to keep their good feelings going. But in facing one of the early season’s better teams, that seems quite unlikely. The Lakers’ best hope is for Kobe and Lin to start the game hot which will open up good shots for Hill, Davis, Ellington, and Boozer. If that can combine with Conley struggling and the Grizz becoming over-reliant on their bigs to create all the offense, the game may be close for long enough to steal a win. Again, though, this seems like wishful thinking. The Grizz are simply that much better than the Lakers right now.
Where you can watch: 5:00pm start time on TWC Sportsnet. Also listen on ESPN Radio 710AM.
BigCitySid says
Kobe Alert:
Heard this today on NBA radio. Tonight Kobe has an opportunity to set a new All-Time NBA record. If he misses 13 of his fga’s Kobe (13,405 misses) will by-pass Celtic legend John Havlichek (13,417 misses) for first place in All-time field goals missed by one player in the NBA. If he doesn’t accomplish this record tonight vs the Grizz, he’s sure to get it done vs the Pelicans tomorrow.
I’m sure Elias will post this stat soon, if they haven’t already.
As for tonight’s game…I’d be surprised if the Lakers can hang unless they move the ball like last game.
Agree says
Wayne Ellington being out tonight is going to be rough. I hope Clarkson plays well and under control, assuming he’s going to get the playing time.
I think Memphis are a good team, but not as good as their record suggests. As this blog posting points out, they are just tough, defensive and physical. That being said, a bit of early foul trouble by Gasol and they become very mediocre with him off the court. If you can shoot outside against Memphis then they usually go down. But they are a tough team to beat off the dribble and drive game. Hopefully Lin retains his shooting touch from last game and Kobe breaks the 45% mark this game.
BigCitySid says
Thoughts are with Lakers guard Wayne Ellington and his family. Ellington’s father was murdered in Philadelphia on Sunday. Terrible tragedy. Lakers have granted him a leave of absence.
Read more: http://hoopshype.com/social/buzz/team/los-angeles-lakers.html#ixzz3Io3SEyxh
Robert says
Kobe Alert: Another active set of games for KB. He cruised past Robert Parish to move into 12th place for all time minutes. He needs 226 more minutes to have 46k for his career. He also racked up his 421st thirty point game (closing in on KAJ with 429 in 4th all time). Against the Hornets, Kobe’s last FG of the game gave him 11111 for his career. This means that Kobe had 11111 FG’s made on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month (Veteran’s Day for those who do not know the history). Kobes has moved by Sam C. for 32nd all time in dimes. He needs 29 more to catch Mookie B for 31st. Kobe needs 11 made free throws to give him 8,000 for his career, which is a level that has only been achieved by guys who are known by one word names. Kobe needs to hoist up 22 shots to catch MJ for 3rd in this category. Word has it that Byron is designing creative sets that will allow this level to be achieved by halftime. Only 433 points to before Kobe catches MJ in all time points. In his 19th season, KB is second in the league in scoring at a clip of 26.5 per game. We can all talk about reduced minutes, reduced usage, and reduced shots. This guy knows only one gear and that is what makes him Kobe.
AusPhil says
BigCitySid – I was just reading about that myself. Just awful news. Thoughts are with him & his family.
the other Stephen says
Quincy Miller is an interesting case. He’s apparently grown to 6’11”, making him a positional question mark like his ex-teammate Perry Jones. He also exhibited growth between year 1 and 2, but was squeezed from the roster prematurely due to the Nuggets’ particularly deep rotation and glut of wing players.
He’s only 21, which would potentially make him the youngest of the Lakers’ various reclamation projects so far. 2 years of playing experience is probably insufficient to really get a scent of his developmental ceiling, whereas we more or less know what some of our other projects are at this stage in their careers. Given the black hole at small forward, why not bring him in and evaluate him over the course of the season?
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Absolutely wretched what happened to Wayne’s father. My heart goes out to him and his family.
the other Stephen says
Why does Kupchak keep getting chances to take a second shot at players he originally wanted to draft? https://twitter.com/SamAmicoFSO/status/215601186689138688
BigCitySid says
End of 1st, Grizz only up by 4, 25 – 21, but are on pace to score 100. Not good for a team which only averages 93.
PurpleBlood says
May the Ellington family find love and strength through unity –
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Peace to all
Ko says
Lin has a lot of issues. Like defense and passing. Not PG of the future. 2nd team player.
Chearn says
Nice Kobe Alert, Robert!
Prayers are with Ellington and his family.
Ko says
Lin cost them this game
Chearn says
That player ranked 40th in the league is pretty good.
Tra says
More than likely would’ve ended up losing anyway, but what was Jordan Hill thinking shooting that jumper with 30 seconds left, down 3pts. Even if it’s a 2 for 1 situation, he shouldn’t be the individual trying to cut the deficit to 1 pt.
Mid-Wilshire says
The Lakers have a terrible record (1-7) but they do not look like a terrible team. Not any more. They did the first two games. But they look much better now in my estimation. Bear in mind that they are short-handed — no Nick Young, no Wayne Ellington, no Ryan Kelly, and Xavier Henry still woefully out-of-form. But, even short-handed, they put up a helluva fight against the team with the best record in the West (on the road).
When everyone comes back they can’t help but be improved. Is there foom for hope?
ninjagorn says
Quincy Miller is an interesting case. He’s apparently grown to 6’11”, making him a positional question mark like his ex-teammate Perry Jones. He also exhibited growth between year 1 and 2, but was squeezed from the roster prematurely due to the Nuggets’ particularly deep rotation and glut of wing players.
RE: We have 15 guys on the roster, we can only cut Price and Ellington, which i doubt, we need them both ATM, so i dont get what we can do with that exception right now.
Craig W. says
For the stat heads Boozer played a good game. However, for those actually watching he was totally porous on defense – giving up more than he scored – and he simply will not rebound unless the ball comes directly to him. He must be matched up with Davis, because when he is in with Hill and Hill rotates out, Boozer will not go down low and we lose any possible rebound there is to contest. Statswise this may have been his best game, but I noticed he wasn’t in there toward the end of the game – indication of his future on this team anyone??
lakafan says
Wish he wasn’t in there by choice, he actually fouled out!
BBfan says
Ko – Don’t be a hater! Lin shot 50% and cost the game? Must be joke of the year!
Ko says
Perhaps you should pay attention. His 3 TO cost 6 points on lay ups and their guards out scored Lakers PG 39 to 9. In addition he called the wrong play per Scott on the shot by Hill at end of the game.Your response was the joke.
Pay attention please.
Ko says
39 to 12
BBfan says
Ko – Hater is always a hater! What you said makes no sense…..no more response to you.
Ko says
49 year Laker fan. Let me explain so you might understand.
When your starting point guard plays 34 minted and has 3 assists and gets out scored by 11 by his opponent the fact he went 4 for 8 that is called outplayed. The last play was called for Kobe yet Lin tried to go 2 for one hence the 20 footer for Hill. He dribbled twice into double teams and passed to the wrong team which all led to breakwater layups. That was the difference in the game. Simple.
BigCitySid says
Lakers record now stands at 1-6. As horrible as that is five other teams (not counting 0-7 Philly) are w/i a 1/2 of a similar record. Nuggets, Thunder, Magic, Pacers, & Knicks are giving the Lakers & 76ers a run for their money for worst record in the league. Depending on how you feel our Lakers will do this season this could be viewed as good or bad news by some.
Craig W. says
Given the quality of our opponents, I doubt the Lakers will finish in the bottom 5. I think we will get better as the year goes on. Of course having Lin and Boozer on the court at the same time could hand the other team layup after layup.
Sorry about the Boozer comment above. I couldn’t stand watching him and skipped through much of the 3rd qtr – didn’t realize he fouled out. It is obvious Davis should replace CB in the 4th qtr.
PurpleBlood says
Mid,
absolutely! Hope springs eternal! (an essay on the Purple & Gold ;D )
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BBfan,
KO isn´t a `hater´ by any means; he is, like yours truly, a vociferous, `old-school´ fan who tells it like he/she sees it. It´s the team´s ultimate success that´s foremost in true blue fans like KO, & if there´s an occassional performance-related arguement with another fan, then so be it. Jibes may be thrown & egos bruised, but what counts most is what´s happening on the hardwood, &, ultimately, how our (& that may include you as well) squad fares.
(Besides, KO´s comments, especially during games, are some of the funniest on this great site, so enjoy!)
GO LAKERS!!
Oldtimer says
Lakers are improving in every game especially in defense in 2nd and 3rd Q when Scott got upset by being outrebounded by Grizz’ guards. The 2nd unit of Grizz did the damage and Lakers lacked firepower to respond except Kobe. He keeps missing shots too. .
I don’t know what’s going on with the Lakers luck, there is always something bad happening for every twist and turn in every season. This season alone, First, it was Swaggy P hurting his hand during practice sidelined for 6 weeks; Second, Henry’s knee injuries are still bothering him after consulting Kobe’s specialist in Germany; Third, Kelly played only one game, it appears his hamstring injuryis not well yet; Fourth, Nash announced that he’s out for the season after the assurance during the first preseason game that is OK to play, and we believed because he was OK in the soccer field; Fifth, Randle freak accident on the first game sidelined him for the season and finally the unfortunate incident for Wayne, his Dad was killed. (May he rest in peace) Who is the omen that surfaced in the Lakers after winning b2b championships? Do we adhere to luck on things that happened by chance or get into self test by defining the problem – who is the weakest link in the Laker organization today that needs to be weeded out?
Robert says
Craig W: You could be right with regard to the bottom 5 at the end. However it is also important to point out that the Lakers have a tougher Western Conference schedule, than the other bottom tier Eastern teams. They may get some easy wins against each other, and we have few such games in the West.
Purple: Well said. Game threads are for ranting, so trying to have a logical discussion during a game is difficult. Ko is many things but a “hater” is not one of them. PS: Metallica crushed it during the Concert for Valor (the military guys in unis on stage – head banging – were priceless).
Team: We have another tough stretch here and we “could” hit another morale challenge soon if we do not exceed expectations in one of these games.
Ko says
Thanks Purple/Robert
Poor loser yes????
Winer yes????
Horses Butt yes????
Hater never????
Surprise win tonight!????
Darius Soriano says
Robert says that “Game threads are for ranting…”
Uh, no they’re not. In fact, this site, in and of itself, is never really for “ranting”. The fact that some of the heavier commenters have turned it into that doesn’t mean that it is “what they are for”. And, I think I’d know a thing or two about such matters….
Calvin Chang says
I liked Boozer when he was in Cleveland and Utah, but the sad reality is that he’s lost his athleticism and speed on defense. Ed Davis and Jordan Hill should be starting and getting 30+ minutes per game.
A lot of teams in the West employ the high pick and roll play, and it takes very good team help defense and rim protection to contain that. Otherwise, we’ll see opposing PG’s get a layup drill night after night.
Here’s the problem: Lin or Price guards the opposing PG. Opponents big sets a high pick, allowing the PG separation. If Lin or Price goes under the screen, the PG will get an open 3. If Lin or Price goes over the screen, PG penetrates. It’s up to the big to show hard or rotate. Boozer is terrible at this. So oftentimes, he’ll just stay with his man, allowing the opposing PG a wide open 3, or an open lane for a layup.
It takes some lateral quickness and athleticism for the big to disrupt that high pick and roll play. Ed Davis and Jordan Hill are much better at that than Boozer.
Joe Houston says
Jeremy Lin was the reason for the loss. Poor decision making down the stretch.
ninjagorn says
http://www.silverscreenandroll.com/2014/11/11/7198301/la-lakers-quincy-miller-free-agent
We got a roster spot with the exception if this is true. Larry Coon would probably know…
mud says
lack of focus in the 3rd quarter was the reason for the loss….
it’s on the team. no reason to throw blame around. the Lakers did a good job putting themselves into position to steal the game.
gene says
When your shooting guard is missing 16 of 26 shots ….He must take some of the blame….
PurpleBlood says
Metallica crushed it during the Concert for Valor (the military guys in unis on stage – head banging – were priceless).
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must´ve been a gas! & those fellas know how to rock the rock, so how can anyone help themselves from head-banging!? right on man…
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Yes KO, a w tonight on the 2nd of a b2b would be a fine shot in the arm right now…for all of us! –
C´mon Lakers!!!
Calvin Chang says
Quincy Miller’s skills and agility seem to be better than Wesley Johnson’s. I wonder if Quincy can defend opposing wings? If he has good lateral quickness on defense, he can be an upgrade over Wes.