Only 9 games left. Nine. The struggle is real. Well, for me it is.
Not just with the losing, either. The Lakers have 15 wins and are unlikely to reach last season’s total of 21. Following a team this bad, for two consecutive seasons, is uncharted territory for Lakers’ fans.
And not just because of Kobe’s pending retirement. Coming to grips with the finality of Kobe’s career isn’t something I’ve been able to truly prepare for. Yes, we’ve known it’s coming for months — even before his announcement, to be honest — but that doesn’t make it any easier.
I don’t write this to ask for pity or sympathy. Rather to simply explain that…well, this is all sort of new and I don’t like it. The losing is one thing. To have it be coupled with Kobe’s final season is something else entirely.
Balancing the emotions of watching the team lose, watching Kobe be unable to do anything about it — and, really, actively contribute to it on some nights — while still having this great sense of appreciation for his career and all he’s done for the franchise is just so strange. All at one time there is this frustration of the current situation, a sense of happiness of seeing him out on the floor playing these final games, and the nostalgia and feelings of reflection which come from looking back on what has been an amazing career.
These are things I, as a Lakers’ fan, have never experienced. As I have written before, Kareem went out on a contending team and Magic’s career ended abruptly due to his contracting of HIV. I’ve never seen a legend go out like this for the team I root for.
In any event, tonight is another chance for fans to say goodbye — specifically fans on the road. The Lakers are in Utah facing the Jazz, a place which has typically offered harsh treatment and so often an opponent who offered a good challenge. It will be interesting to see how things go tonight, with a Jazz team fighting for their spot in the playoffs and a group of fans which will likely include a large swath of Lakers’ supporters.
Kobe, after all, has some real history in Salt Lake. The first game which comes to mind for most is, likely, the infamous airball game from his rookie season. We all remember Kobe, playing in crunch time in the playoffs as an 18 year old, hoisting shot after shot and failing terribly.
That game sticks out to me too, but more because of how that served as a springboard for his career. How he used that game and those failures to come back better. Not just the next year, but year after year after year. I think of this when remembering some of my favorite Kobe games against the Jazz. Especially this gem from the 2009 playoffs:
A few things stand out to me about this video, but none more so than Kobe’s demeanor throughout the clip. He’s just…focused. There’s not a hint of celebration or, really, emotion of any sort. Yes, he seems on the verge of being angry, but that’s more (seemingly) a product of him being dialed it than anything else. Even after some of the crazy shot-making he exhibits, it’s simply a backpedal to the other end of the floor, ready to take on the next play.
It’s this type of singular focus that I will remember as one of Kobe’s most fascinating traits. His ability to block out whatever was going on and live in that moment of that specific game — no, that specific possession — always stood out to me as not something many other players exhibited while on the court.
Beyond a few possessions here or there, we’re unlikely to see that Kobe again this season. As he noted Sunday after being asked about how he’s avoided getting at technical foul called on him all year, this team is not going to make the playoffs so what is there to be mad at? In other words, the stakes are gone. This is also one of the reasons he’s cited for being more cordial — even friendly — on the court this year. If the Lakers were playing for something we might see the same fiercely competitive Kobe who was so dialed in he wouldn’t even flinch if you faked like you were going to throw a ball at his face.
As for tonight, I don’t expect a much better performance than the one the Lakers put up against Nuggets on Friday or the Wizards on Sunday. The Jazz are the superior team, can play high level defense, and have something to play for. Byron Scott commented after Sunday’s loss the Lakers, as a group, don’t seem to be executing what he’s asking of them lately which I see continuing tonight.
Where you can watch: 6:00pm start time on TWC Sportsnet. Also listen on ESPN Radio 710AM Los Angeles.
BigCitySid says
-Is Bates Motel on tonight?
LKK says
Thanks for the vid, Darius. I guess, in context, this performance in a playoff setting ranks right up there. However, my favorite Kobe highlight against the Jazz was on 11.30.2006 when Kobe busted their J-azzes for 52 in 3 quarters. His mastery of offensive basketball was on full display that night, as well. He almost made Andre Kirilenko cry!
Darius Soriano says
LKK,
That was my other choice for a clip, but went with the one above since it was on the road (which is where this game will be) and in the playoffs (which raises the stakes). But, yes, when he busted them for 52 in three quarters (30 in the 3rd!), that was a fantastic showing.
TempleOfJamesWorthy says
His ability to block out whatever was going on and live in that moment of that specific game — no, that specific possession — always stood out to me as not something many other players exhibited while on the court.
Alas, I think that was both a blessing and a curse for Kobe. It was a blessing when the Lakers needed Kobe’s best hero ball efforts (we all have our favorite moments). It was a curse insofar as I can think of many many times in Kobe’s career when the challenge of the moment (“I can beat Team X’s best defender AND the two help defenders they send at me”) overcame Big Picture considerations (“If I get my teammates involved, I won’t HAVE to beat three defenders to get my shot off, and that will save my energy long-term”).
The highlight video is a perfect illustration of this. Of the 20+ Kobe shots in the video, all but 5 (two dribble drives, two in-paint jumpers, one post-up turnaround) are long 2-point shots with defenders right up on Kobe. That was bad basketball. Kobe was just so brilliant he could succeed playing bad basketball.
harold says
Kobe probably has a resting b*ch face 😉
Anyway, I always imagined that this was how Kobe went out. If you think about it, this is the only way. Injury? He’s going to try to prove that he can come back from anything. After a championship? He’s going to try to get one more. Competitive? He’s going to try to get one more. Losing, with no real hope for a winning season? This is how it will end.
LKK says
Darius,
Loved both games. The playoff game was a bounce back game as well. Kobe had gone 5-24 in game 3 of that series, before taking control in game 4. Great memories.
As you mentioned above, this is uncharted territory for Lakers’ fans. Seeing one of our greatest limping to the finish in a historically bad season is certainly hard to take. Great memories help to ease the disappointment in a big way.
Mid-Wilshire says
It may be asking too much, but I’d really like to see the Lakers move the ball better tonight. Against the Wizards, DAR had 22 points but only 2 assists. Meanwhile, John Wall had 22 points and 13 assists. The entire team only had 15 assists (against 18 TOs) while Washington had 23 assists.
In fact, the Lakers are dead last in the NBA in assists (as well as last in FGs made, last in 2-point %, and last in 3-point %). And yet we’ve all seen Russell, Clarkson, and Randle make some splendid passes this year. So, they’re certainly capable of doing it.
Maybe it all comes down to coaching. In any event, I’d really be pleased if suddenly they started whipping the ball around until they found the open man — consistently. I think it would work wonders. Perhaps next year…
LordMo says
Travesty that this guy only has 1 MVP… There r lesser players with more.
KO says
Yes Kobe was great.
Now he is one of least efficent players in NBA.
Another 1 for 6 start as team stands around waiting for next miss. How is this good for any young player. Down by 16 joke of league now.
Sad orginazation.
Fern says
At this point im just limping to the finish line, Kobe is 1-6, I don’t care! he has what? 10 games left on his career? He is finishing the season on his terms. I for one im happy for that and see the end of one of the most amazing NBA careers of all time. At this stage, what’s the point of criying if he’s 1-6? Im just taking Kobe’s last games in knowing we won’t see his kind again. Everything else is praying that we get lucky in the ping pong balls and hopefully start getting the next Laker era going.
Peter says
Utah hired Quin Synder the same summer the Lakers hired Byron. Quin was a former Laker assistant who it was reported had a good relationship with Kobe. And he wasn’t worth an interview?
KO says
Hood sets record.
Kobe zero defense.
1 for 8
Kobe minus 29.
Is this what Laker fans want to see?
Russell 0 points
0 assists
0 rbs
Not me I quit.
Team and tour is a embarrisment to all real Laker fans.
matt says
All lakers starters are -25, -30
matt says
Today is byron scott birthday, had to resist saying a negative comment on Facebook
Mid-Wilshire says
The only Laker starter with any energy is Clarkson: 8 points, 5 rebounds, 1 assist, 2 steals. Everyone else is invisible.
KO says
People can pretend all they want.
Clarkson and Russell are horrible defenders with very little effort. Pops would nail them to the bench as would any good coach.
This team is years away and one draft is not fixing this.
Kobe now 1 for 10.
Team and coach have completely quit.
Mid-Wilshire says
Games like this should seal Byron’s fate. After this, I can’t imagine anyone being on the fence. Clearly, he’s lost the team.
It’s time for a new coach.
TempleOfJamesWorthy says
@Lord Mo
Re:” Travesty that this guy only has 1 MVP… There r lesser players with more.
Here’s the list:
http://www.nba.com/history/nba-mvp-award-winners/
In Kobe Bryan’ts career, Karl Malone (2), Tim Duncan (2), Steve Nash (2), and LeBron James (4) won multiple MVPs.
In Bill Simmons’ basketball book, he analyzes some questional MVP choices including Malone (1997) and Steve Nash (’05 and ’06). However, his analyses suggest Kobe’s 2008 MVP award was based more on perception (the Lakers finally had enough talent to win) than reality (Kobe’s game was about the same as previous seasons).
IIRC, Simmons thinks Kobe should have won in 2005 and 2006 (over Nash), and Garnett should have won over Kobe in 2008 (which is only a little bit of blatant Celtic homerism).
I think there’s an argument to be made that Kobe played at an MVP candidate level for more seasons than anyone (except maybe Bill Russell and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar), but his career was overshadowed by Shaq, then the Nash/Suns-led offensive revolution, then the brilliance of LeBron James. Was that unfair? Maybe.
Re: Lakers/Utah — NBA pundits note that teams playing in Utah or Denver on the second night of a back-to-back tend to play poorly (and lose more than record/talent would indicate). I think the Lakers are demonstrating that principle in extremis.
LKK says
The only thing I can say about this game is that I hope it burns deep in the memory of the so-called young “core”. If they have competitive spirit and pride this should be something that drives them to improve. Happy Birthday, Byron.
Tim says
Lakers are playing like they are ready for the off season. I agree that it is time for a new coach.
KO says
Most losses in history.
Biggest loss in history.
Most money made in Laker history.
2015-16 Year to remember.
Bryon/ Jimmy/ Mitch Get the heck out of our town
DieTryin' says
Now if we can only get utah’s lead below 50 then we’re on to something.
KO says
Congrats to Bryon
He is now 96 games under .500
Breaks all time record and ties 48 point loss as worst.
They should put up a statue of him and sell tomatoes for $100 to throw.
DieTryin' says
Here’s an interesting stat. Tonight’s “performance” tied the Laker’s all time worst point loss differential in history at 48 points also to the Jazz 41 years ago.
Lakafan says
I believe lakers also lost by 48 to flippers a couple of years ago… BS needs to be fired as clock strikes 0:00 after the last game. Nice bday present the kids delivered to him tonight. Obviously they’ve tuned him out when he preaches and since he can’t coach worth crap he has nothing else to offer.
KO says
My error. Bryon 189 under .500 for all time NBA record.
bluehill says
The Lakers surpassed expectations again. I thought the Philly game was the low point for the year, but I was wrong. Can’t see how Byron stays on after this.
Mid-Wilshire says
Tonight Hassan Whiteside had 27 points (12-16 shooting), 8 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 steal, and 1 block in 31:02 as Miami beat Brooklyn 110-99.
Do you think he could he have helped tonight?
DieTryin' says
Count me in on the Whiteside train. Not sure where he ends up this summer. But regardless he’s due for a massive pay increase. We should go after him early and hard. Stop the rainbow chasing of the past 2 years and focus instead on getting a much needed piece. Puhleeease.
DieTryin' says
Mid-W,
I fervently hope you’re right. And I believe his fate was actually sealed some time ago but there have been several times this season when it seemed like he wouldn’t make it to even the All Star game and yet here we are.
And if the intent tonight was for the team to send an unmistakable message to the FO that they were well and truly done with Byron then I’d say mission accomplished. However, I do have a problem with the near zero effort displayed by most everyone on the team (Jordan Clarkson excepted) irrespective of how one views the job Byron has done.
KevTheBold says
I see a combination of factors:
Rookie end of season burn-out.
Too many losses has affected confidence & motivation.
Opposing teams pushing to avoid losing to the 2nd worst record in the NBA.
The smiling Kobe circus taking it’s toll on reality, competition and focus.
Last but not least, a coach who lacks valid battle plans, and stands outside of the group, using the media to communicate insults and slights, has lost his connection, his legitimacy, his control.
J C says
Hard to appreciate Kobe’s historical achievements on nights like these. I’ll give Byron some credit for honoring Kobe this year but losses like this are staggering.
For those who think I’m too negative, I attended 6 games this year, including their amazing win over the Warriors. That was a terrific game.
Personally I find Byron to be responsible for failing to properly prepare and motivate the team, and tonight was a prime example. Tied for the worst loss in franchise history. 48 points.
At this point the only reason they don’t fire Byron now is so Kobe’s farewell tour isn’t sullied. Byron can thank Kobe and a still classy Laker organization for sparing him the dishonor of being discharged prior to season’s end.
Renato Afonso says
Yes Byron lost them long ago and that might be what seals his fate with the Lakers. Look, as long as the players buy into your system (even a one as bad as the Lakers use with Byron) and play hard on both ends, things can be salvaged and the team will at least trend in the right direction. But Byron can’t get them to do anything. Not even defense…
Talking about defense, if they tuned out the coach, there’s no way they will listen to them but there’s one thing that we keep forgetting: these guys are professionals and highly paid at their jobs. It’s their job to listen to their “boss” and comply on court. It’s their job to behave properly and protect their working tools (their body). It’s their job to improve at their trade. It’s their job to have some professional pride and play, at least, proper man defense.
I keep saying that maybe the Russell/Clarkson pair won’t work due to their lack of defense. One of them might have to be traded sooner rather than later.
Fern says
And then this happened, i go sit on the corner…
The Dane says
Maybe Clarkson/Randle + draftpick could land something real. I think having 4-5 very young talents is hard to do. Before yous tart winning, you loose one of them, because they loose patience with the slow growth of the team (Clippers’ curse for many years).
KO says
Renato
Great post. 100% agree.
Wonder where the lame duck GM or FO is. Wish we had a Pat Riley to get in their guys face a Jerry West fuming in the stands about lack of desire or even a Danny Ainge.
Sitting back and watching the Laker world collapse and doing nothing is weak, unprofessional and shows a FO that’s just like many in our government is just collecting paychecks.
Bryon and Mitch must go they are no longer able to command respect.
Anonymous says
I see a combination of factors:
—
The fact is the Lakers aren’t very good — and that’s on the FO.
Anonymous says
Maybe Clarkson/Randle + draftpick could land something real. I think having 4-5 very young talents is hard to do. Before yous tart winning, you loose one of them, because they loose patience with the slow growth of the team (Clippers’ curse for many years).
—-
I disagree that a collection of young talent can’t grow into being truly competitive. The key is that one of the core develop into being a star — too early to know that yet. But you are correct that missing pieces will need to be acquired through trades or free agency.
The curse of the Clippers was due to Sterling — nothing else.
Anonymous says
I keep saying that maybe the Russell/Clarkson pair won’t work due to their lack of defense. One of them might have to be traded sooner rather than later.
—
Russell has the best chance at being the star the Lakers need. Clarkson is likely best as a 6th man off the bench where his combo guard skills would shine. The problem is that as a restricted free agent he can’t be traded this summer and he’s going to soon become a $12 million a year player –which may complicate trading him in the future.
LKK says
As a professional, you work with your coach until he is gone. We can see that Byron needs to go, but that doesn’t excuse the lack of effort from the team, especially from the young “core”. Two wrongs don’t make a right.