The Lakers’ win against the Warriors on Tuesday night was both surprising and fun. The team played with energy, played together, and had one of those nights where their shots were falling at a very nice clip. This allowed the fans to get into the game which only perpetuated the good feelings in the building. The fact that Warriors were playing sloppily, came in on the second night of a back to back, and could have had their guard down a bit due to Kobe being out and a look forward to facing the Clippers on Christmas day didn’t hurt things either.
In any event, most of the talking points today fall squarely at the feet of Kobe with the notion that it is him who is holding this team back. Taking a strong-line position on that topic is as silly as saying that it is completely off-base. As with most things, the truth of the matter isn’t on the outskirts of the black and white, but in the gray area. I’m all for Kobe making adjustments to his game and for the coaches to reinforce that by preaching team play and holding every player accountable to that standard. But in the win against the Dubs the Lakers shot nearly 52% from the field and made 12 of their 26 three point attempts with Ronnie Price falling only two points off his career high by shooting 6 of 10 from the floor for 17 points while chipping in 8 assists. In other words, some of what we saw was definitely the result of better team play and some of it was just flukey.
It’s probably best to not jump to too many conclusions, enjoy the win, and take some of what we saw as a what to build towards while understanding that some of it is simply not sustainable. I know the #hottakes will supersede that in some corners of the internet, but this is not one of those corners.
With that, I just want to wish a Happy Holidays to you and yours. This site would not be what it is without those who take the time to visit, read, and comment on the posts. I truly am grateful for the support you all show me here and in the other parts of social media that I am active on. We may not always agree, but that is part of the fun and what makes being a part of this community rooting for this team so engaging. So, enjoy some time with your friends and families and get back with us before game time against the Bulls on Christmas Day.
Robert says
Happy Holidays everyone
We still have the Lakers, we still have this board, and we still have Kobe.
Much to be thankful for.
Ko says
Anyway have s good one tomorrow all and thanks for a great year of posts and comments.
KenOak says
Happy Holidays guys! It’s always fun to come and read the posts here on FB&G even if the Lakers are lousy…
Everclear says
Here’s hoping Kobe slides effortlessly into the Lakers new system tomorrow! Merry Christmas!
T Rogers says
Merry Christmas to the FB&G family! Family and friends are the greatest gifts. Enjoy the games tomorrow. Yell at the TV. High five. Drink a little something and enjoy the company of your loved ones. That’s whats its all about. And let’s hope for a win.
Craig W. says
Road games and Holiday games are when stars shine and role players sometime fade. Here’s hoping the last game gave our role players – practically the entire team – enough confidence to push through that old basketball rule. I would love a competitive game, with Kobe facilitating when necessary, not only when triple teamed.
Happy Holidays to you all!
the other Stephen says
Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays, FB&G..you horde of insufferable wise guys! ;D I hope you’re all having a safe and blessed time.
TheNumberOfFlopsIsTooDamnHigh says
Dear Santa,
I’ve been good all year.
Here is my list (in no particular order, also,
I won’t mind if it will take more than just one christmas to put it together.)
1. Russel Westbrook
2. Giannis Antetokounmpo
3. Anthony Davis
4. and a great coach
Please, Santa, I know you can do this.
These gifts would go so well with what we already have in the toy box
(Randle and Clarkson)
Thank you so much, I promise,
I will stay a good boy and always appreciate it!
Merry, Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
Chearn says
Merry Christmas, Darius and all the FB&G posters! Happy birthday, Jesus!
Craig W-Road games and Holiday games are when stars shine and role players sometime fade.
Shots fall when you’re not supposed to win. It is far more problematic making a shot when under pressure. Let’s see if this team has grown with their new found confidence. Role players and journey men are defined thusly for a reason. Here’s to hoping the team gets a win!
Chearn says
Sadly, Pau is going to have a huge game against us! And Rose is reverting to All-Star form. Noah is back so there’s that but hey, Booz should have a nice revenge game.
btoy says
Merry Christmas and A Happy New Year…..To Kobe; please don’t underestimate your teammates, they still have a lot to learn from you, I know you are a very good player, experienced and a Hall of Famer and I respect you for your accomplishment…please be humble enough to adjust yourself to their level(teammates)… if they commit a mistake.. don’t frown or disapproval… as what I have said earlier they still have a lot to learn from you….it is easier for you to go down to their level because it is impossible for them to be at par with you…do not put to much pressure on you… let everyone feel the pressure on them… the pressure of winning a game…and someday you will be a well respected player in the NBA…..Good luck… let everyone feel the pressure of winning….
BigCitySid says
Merry Christmas Darius to you & family and everyone who takes the time to read & post on the best Laker board around. Truly love all the differences of opinion. A board full of Yes Men or all like minded view points would be very boooring. Here’s hoping all enjoy family, friends, food & games today.
Lil Pau says
Merry Xmas to all here. Let us take comfort in the story of Santa Claus, for whom everything worked out all right in the end despite trying to tank by running the offense through Rudolph.
This despite all the metrics.
tankyou says
Today’s game should be very interesting. How does Kobe re-engage with the team, more of what we saw the previous games? More Kobe still dominating the ball but focuing more on passing? Or something new altogether? Also, did the extra rest help Kobe physically recover enough to show some marked improvements in his defense/shooting?
Always liked Gasol, seems like a good guy and he’s one of the more skillful big men I’ve seen. Thought Noah and Gasol would be dominating more than they have thus far though. Rose is looking better, especially at going to the hole again–his bread and butter. Rose’s defense looks much worse though, Lin especially could get past him at will. IF I had an XMAS player wish list, the Bulls Jimmy Butler who is a free agent this coming year would be my top choice. He’s still young, he is a great 2 way player and can play the 1 or the 2 guard. I would get him with the idea of him taking over at the 2 after Kobe retires, and play him at the 1 & 2 for us next year. He would be a good guy to have for a longterm contract. Bulls seem cheap, so not sure how they are going to hang onto him.
Calvin Chang says
Merry Christmas to all! Longaniza, egg and rice = very good breakfast
Oldtimer says
Merry Christmas to everyone in FB&G. Christmas started early with the Lakers, hope they keep on going throughout 2015.
Simonoid says
According to Kevin Ding, Kobe will again sit out this game.
Definitely didn’t see that coming.
Tankyou says
Yeah, likely Kobe sits again vs. Dallas as well they said. I think this is more the reality of the situation. Kobe’s body can’t handle the NBA beatings anymore, and he has been forcing it and probably playing through lots of pain for weeks now. Even young guys that play 30mins struggle physically with this type of schedule, sometimes playing 4-5 games in 7 days. You really can’t stop the inflammation cycle, 48hours is pretty much bare minimum and it gets a lot worse as you age. That’s why I keep saying, I don’t see how Kobe plays next year, unless its 20min with some games off on a regular basis.
Beating the Bulls is going to be perhaps rougher, given the Bulls have really good bigs. But let’s go Lakers give us an Xmas present and shock the NBA with another win!