Records: Lakers 43-18 (2 seed); Clippers 20-39 (12 seed)
Offensive ratings: Lakers 113.5 (4th); Clippers 102.7 (28th)
Defensive ratings: Lakers 105.9 (6th); Clippers 108.3 (14th)
Projected Starting Lineups: Lakers: Derek Fisher, Kobe Bryant, Luke Walton, Lamar Odom, Pau Gasol
Clippers: Brevin Knight, Cutino Mobley, Corey Maggette, Josh Powell, Chris Kaman
Lakers Notes: In case you haven’t seen it, not great news reports on the injury front. Trevor Ariza still has his boot on and apparently will not be back until into the playoffs. Which, frankly, means we may not see much of him the rest of the season (coming back for the second-round of the Western Conference this season would be a very tough spot to walk into).
Bynum is still just training in a pool, he may start running on a treadmill next week. Reports now are early April. Yes, it all makes me a little nervous, I’ve said before I don’t think the Lakers can win it all this year without Bynum’s defense in the paint.
That said, he is expected to be back. And I don’t think the adjustment period will be that long, it’s more a matter of conditioning.
The Clippers Coming In: Let’s go with the positives for the Clips tonight. First, Al Thorton is a beast. Great get, he’s really developing into something. Second, Tim Thomas likely won’t play tonight, that should help the Clips on defense. Finally, Corey Maggette continues to be playing well, scoring 23 a game the last 10 and driving the Clippers offense.
Two other bright spots: ClipperBlog and ClipsNation.
Last Time They Met: Back on Feb. 23 Kobe was having an off-shooting night (and was doubled constantly), Fisher was off early and in foul trouble, and the result was a fairly even first half. In the second half the Lakers turned up the offense, Kobe was more decoy than shooter and the Lakers pulled away big by midway through the third and coasted the rest of the way.
Odom had 20 and 10, Gasol was high scorer with 23 and was able to get those points almost however he wanted.
One difference tonight, Kaman should play
Keys To The Game: Having Kaman back and on Gasol should make this an interesting contest — while playing with a sore back now Kaman is still having a breakout year and is the style of big who can get inside on Gasol and give him issues.
Lamar Odom had a big game last time with the defensively-useless Tim Thomas on him and should be able to do so against Josh Powell again. Also, the Clippers last time doubled Kobe nearly every time he touched the ball (especially on the pick-and-roll) and the Lakers spaced the floor well to make them pay for that. The Lakers should get buckets tonight.
The Clips are just not just much of an offensive team, put the clamps on early and this game is much simpler. Good defense = more Son of George. And we all want that.
Where you can watch: The game is at 7:30 (Pacific) on Fox Sports in Los Angeles and League Pass nationally.
chris h says
yeah Kurt, good point about Kaman and Pau. I know that kaman is going to “rough him up” which is something Pau is going to see more of as we get closer to the post-season. he’s going to have to learn to deal with it because it is not going to go away.
hertagnism says
Kurt, I think the game is also on KTLA if I’m not mistaken.
To the game: the player people should keep an eye out for is Al Thornton. I believe he’s going to be a solid player and contributor, sort of like a Varejao for Cleveland but without the flopping. Kaman should be able to beat down Gasol with his strength but other than that, the only thing keeping the Lakers from a win is themselves. They’ve been playing with a lack of fire that was shown in Sacramento. Maybe the day off helped? Maybe it didn’t? The bench needs to produce and get some rhythm as the league goes down the home stretch.
On Kobe: As I read through more and more, I’m beginning to think that writers are resorting back to the likability factor to determine MVPs.
Case in point: http://www.nysun.com/article/72508?page_no=3
Although the article is about the league’s best player, you can already see that the media is trying to take the crown away from Kobe and hand it to Lebron, who has yet to earn it (he will in the future, but now?). This makes me think that Kobe won’t win the MVP this year or ever, which backs up the point that some contributors to this forum have said: the MVP award has lost all prestige.
T34 says
Shame about Ariza, I’ll be at this game tonight. Great site, by the way…found it on Monday thanks to True Hoop on Espn.com.
Laker Glory says
Yeah…..we most likely will not see much of Ariza. That’s a defensive blow. And Bynum…..man, like you said Kurt….it’s kind of becoming nervous time. He is also very very young and i dont think he played much the past two times this Laker team was inthe playoffs. I hope he can get back in the groove quick because he is the key to going deep.
Prediction:
Lakers 112
Clips 98
Darius says
Kurt,
Bill Simmons actually touched on Bynum and his injury status in his last mailbag. Basically saying that the Lakers can’t win without Bynum. No shock there, I think we all see it the same way. But, and don’t kill me here guys, I’m not really concerned about this year.
Here me out. I think that our stellar play since we got Gasol has made most of us eager to win now. We see a championship caliber team and we want them to live up to that. But, we are not Phoenix or Dallas or even San Antoino (though the Spurs are in better shape for the rest of the decade with Manu and Parker) where the window to get this done is closing. I liken our championship window to one of those big bay windows overlooking the ocean…a really nice view. Those other teams, are looking through a peephole right now…they have to get really close and kinda squint to see their chances.
Ultimately, we are not just built for now, we are built for 4 years from now too. This lessens the urgency for me, as a fan. Now don’t get me wrong, I would love for the Lakers to win the title…I think we have the team for it and I’m ready for another parade. But, if we don’t win it this year, we will continue to contend in the future. Plus, we have legit reasons to not win, namely injuries to players that we really need. Bynum and Ariza are 2 of our better defenders and Bynum specifically has the ability to control the paint and make interior scoring difficult for the opposition (a must in the playoffs).
Anyways, that’s how I see it. I’d love to win, but I will not be heartbroken if it doesn’t get done. That is a dangerous way to think, I know, but right now it’s reality. Even though we are a really hot team and pundits are preaching our virtues, I am a realist…we need our entire team + they need to be playing great + they need to have that confidence and experience to win the whole thing. Based off all those factors, our chances are much less than the favorite status we have in the media.
jodial says
I just enjoy looking at the Pacific Division standings and seeing the Lakers on top and the Clippers on the bottom. It’s nice to see the natural order of things restored.
T34 says
I’m with Darius. I think as long as we work hard, win some series this post-season (with or without Bynum) the season (obviously) isn’t lost without a championship. Young teams like this need to have something to play for, they need to get a taste of the big stage and while we’ve gotten tossed out the last 2 years, I think a loss this year would really push this team to another level. Now, I am of the belief that with the team we have right now we could make it to the big dance, but if it all doesn’t work out I see this group of players coming back hungrier then ever and really making a run in 2008-2009.
Shane K says
Kurt,
We will definitely miss Ariza’s D, which is suspect now at the 3 hole. Luke and Vladmanovic (you love it) aren’t really defenders, and Trevor’s athleticism is important for a number of reasons:
1) Combine his speed with his length and his defense, and you have a guy that helps so much if we meet a team like Golden State (or even Utah) in the playoffs. Moreover, his quickness is exactly the kind of play that gives the Spurs and Mavs fits.
2) Ariza is one of the better wing players in the league, displaying such promise earlier this season as a guy who drives to the basket so well without the ball. He and Jordan were doing very well running the backdoor, resulting in easy, open lay-ins.
I think getting Bynum back would allow Trevor to rest the whole season, but if we can bring Trevor back for the second round and o, why wouldnt we take that chance? not much of a risk.
Kurt says
5. Darius, I totally agree that we don’t rush him back for just that reason — I’m pretty much always big picture. If what I wrote came off as suggesting Bynum had to come back at all costs, well, that’s not what I meant. But I don’t see this year happening without him.
8. I’m not saying Ariza shouldn’t get a chance. I’m saying that when a player returns from an injury, particularly one where he can’t run and stay in condition as well, there is a “break in” period upon his return. And, when Ariza appears to be ready, Phil will not have the luxury of playing him back into shape and game sharpness.
Darius says
Kurt,
That’s not how I took your post at all. You brought the injury status of the guys up and mentioned how we won’t win with out Bynum. Which I completely agree with. My point was really all about our chances this year not being as pressing due to our potential for success in future seasons. I did not think you were implying that we should be going all out to win this year. I was just bringing up what I think about this year. I actually thought I might get more of a negative response from my post because, I mean, we all want the team to win.
burningjoe says
@ 2…I think its Fox Sports West with Joel and Stew and KTLA with Lawler and the other guy.
I dont know guys…I really think they can do this…go all the way…without Andrew and Ariza…I would really like to see them both in the lineup of course and it would make things easier…but…they are playing so good right now…over all…even when down…they find a way…
Kobe or LeBron…I am already sick of it…but…here is 2more cents for it…Kobe willed the team past Portland the other night…depite Lebron 39…he could not get the team to play any better and win against the Chicago last night.
That article that 2 posted…nonsense…if its about single game performances….how about this one…
January 22nd 2006 against Toronto
6 Rebounds
2 Assists
3 Steals
1 Block
and 81 POINTS!!!!!
Raptors were 14-27 at this point in the season (they went 27-55 that season)
or even better…
December 20th 2005 against Dallas
8 Rebounds
3 Steals
62 Points (in 3 quaters)
Dallas was 18-7 at the time (Dallas went 60-22 and to the NBA finals…and Kobe had 1 more point than the entire Dallas team had @ the end of the 3rd if I remember right)
The Knicks are 18-43…and really how many more are the really going to win? So…does it really say much about how much better LeBron is? If this sort of thing gives LeBron the MVP then…Kobe certainly should have gotten it for the 81 against Toronto…but really his better game was against the Mavs I think.
and they have been chanting MVP for Kobe at MSG for a few years now. But I think the true pointer is the MVP chants for Kobe at Arco the other night….a divisional rival with a lot of bad blood…well…you know what I mean.
reed says
Unless it was a matter of risking Bynum’s permanent health or career, I’d go for it this year and push him back. You just never know when you’ll get another chance at a title, so when you have one, you need to pull out all the stops. Just as a team can blossom unexpectedly (as we did), they fall apart equally as fast. As great as our young talent is, our title hopes are still tied to Kobe and he only has so many years left. Who knows what injuries could be in his future. I want the team to be wise with Drew, but I would be disappointed if over-caution costs us a title. If bringing Bynum back for the playoffs means he’s not quite 100% and will have a longer recovery, but no real long term threat to his health, I’d have him play and go for it. I’m sure people will misconstrue this as saying we should risk his long term health. Oh well.
exhelodrvr says
Darius,
I agree that the future looks extremely bright (assuming Bynum, and to a very much lesser extent Ariza) return to their previous level of health. At the same time, though, you always want to “grab the brass ring” when you have a chance, because that chance might not come again. Counting on “next year” always makes me a little nervous.
Had both Bynum and Ariza returned at that initial “8 week point”, I think the Lakers would be the favorites. As it stands now, I would go with San Antonio, but it wouldn’t be a shock if the Lakers got hot and went all the way. The Farmar/Fisher/Vlad/Walton/Turiaf /Sasha group is going to have to produce, though, to get far in the playoffs.
kwame a. says
Title race is wide open. I don’t think it’s impossible to do it without Bynum, but it would take Pau and LO really stepping up and cleaning up our interior D. Also, our guards are gonna have to get back to playing consistent pressure D. I think the team should move forward thinking Bynum isn’t coming back this year, and make the necessary defensive adjustments to account for him (potentially) not coming back. Like Exhelodvr said, Spurs are the faves, I think even if we got Bynum back they are the faves, they’re the 1 seed and the returning champs.
Craig W. says
Without Bynum and Ariza we are much like the Suns in the last several years – we have some defense, but are primarily based on offense. It is for this reason, rather than inexperience, that I would put us behind the Spurs and Utah and on a par with Houston this year, without Andrew and Trevor.
Craig W. says
I forgot – The Hornets are also on our present level.
Darius says
Reed amd Exelhodvr:
Yeah, I definitely see that side of it. No matter how strong our future looks, nothing is a guarantee.
I’m all for going for it now, too. It’s just that if it doesn’t work out because of our injuries or another problem that arises later, I would be okay in the end. I think our future prospects are strong….maybe the strongest in the league if you’re talking about the next 4-5 years.
And Reed, I agree with you on your premise about Bynum. We need him back, and I would welcome him back at less than 100% if he would be guaranteed to not make his injury worse. This will be the balance that exists with Bynum. I’m sure he’ll feel some pressure to return; he has to see the quality of the team and feel he can help us get over the hump. Along those same lines, he is young, may not be as in tune with his body as an older more experienced player, and he may want to come back sooner and not be ready. (I think when players come back early from injury it’s normally their idea, ala Arenas earlier this year). So the staff needs to know that he is good enough to go while before he comes back, but also pushing him to get back in a manner that does not hinder his overall recovery. In the end, I honestly think he’ll be okay, and we’ll be a force in the playoffs. But we are not complete yet, and until we are, my expectations for this year are lowered some…and with lowered expectations, any *disapointment* will also be lessened.
Sports Tsar says
Kurt:
Agreed that championship hopes require the defensive presence of #17. However, even though he may be slow coming back, I think that will affect his offense more than his defense, so in this regard all may still play out well…
Reed says
I agree with that Darius.
I think there is zero chance we win a title without Andrew playing 24+ fairly effective minutes a game. Our defense just won’t be good enough against the best teams.
I also won’t be disappointed if it doesn’t work out this year, but more because of where we came from than what’s in front of us. I’m just so ecstatic to be relevant after the last few years of death — to still have Kobe, to have a dynamic young big man, to have Gasol and great young depth. Over the summer, I honestly thought it was over — that the front office was clueless and fractured, that Kobe was gone and we’d get 30 cents on the dollar, that our young talent was okay at best, that we were facing a slow rebuilding period. Then, almost out of nowhere, EVERYTHING miraculously broke right and we are now better positioned for the present and future than any team in the league. I just couldn’t have conceived of any best case scenario last August where we would be the standard bearer of the league as the season wound down. I know Mitch/Buss made a lot of good decisions, but we have also just been remarkably lucky. (Contrast our luck with Phoenix’s: Joe Johnson getting hurt in the playoffs 3 years ago, Amare blowing out his knee 2 years ago, the amare suspension last year, etc.).
Scarecrow says
Regarding the MVP race: Looking at the Cav’s record of 35-27, should t hey finish the season playing .500 ball the rest of the way they would compile 45 wins and 37 losses in a HIGHLY diluted eastern conference. If memory, serves, that’s the exact same record the Lakers had in 05-06 when Kobe had his most ridiculous season ever and dragged the Lakers into the 7th spot in a heavily stacked western conference.
I think the knock on his candidacy then was that A) His team overall wasn’t good enough and B) He was too selfishly looking to score points rather than “make his teammates better” ala Steve Nash, who consequently, won the MVP that year. Just seems to me that if folks were apt to penalize Kobe then for those reasons, they ought to be doing the same now with Lebron.
My prediction, Kobe wins it in the one of the closest MVP races ever. Although, have to agree with a previous commentor, I think the award itself has lost a lot of it’s luster.
kwame a. says
19-I think zero chance is going too far. If we were to get the right matchups, say Houston first round, Phoenix second round, Utah conference finals, Cavs/Pistons finals, I think our team as of now could win it. I mean is it likely, no, but its not out of the realm of possibility.
Darius says
Reed,
Yeah over the summer, I oscillated between anger and despair like a teenager after a bad breakup. And now it’s all “Annie” and the sun has come up…
And coming from a Laker fan, this may sound strange, but it’s great to be lucky again (besides Bynum’m knee, of course). It’s great to have things break our way. Outsiders don’t even remember Rudy T, or Kobe’s shoulder, or Odom’s shoulder, or all the injuries last year, even.
Reed says
Okay. Not zero chance. The matchups could work in our favor (I think we’d have a 50/50 or better chance against anyone in the West but San Antonio) and there is the chance Kobe gets on one of his hot spells. But I honestly don’t think the West is as close as everyone makes out. The only team that can beat the Spurs is us, when healthy. Otherwise, they are locks for the finals. When they turn it totally on, they are flawless (remember what they did to a very good Utah team in the WCF last year?).
kwame a. says
I think New Orleans presents the Spurs some matchup problems. Peja and Peterson create space by camping out in the corners and the Paul screen and roll with West or Chandler is the most consistent weapon in the league. They play tough D and can stick Chandler on Duncan. I hope they are both on the otherside of the bracket, I’d rather deal with Utah/Phoenix/Dallas
Samy says
Ill be switching between the Spurs and Lakers games tonight. For once in a long time I will praying the AI’s answer to solve 11 minus 1 or in alegbraic terms: a 43-18 record.
Please, kick out Pop, whose team will probably do the following:
1. Kick AI in the nuts…. three times.
2. Pull Carmelo’s leg down on the way to a dunk … 6 times.
3. Grab Atkins and try to hide him under Duncan’s massive foot… 2 times.
and will result in:
1. Spur technical.
2. 5 Spur favored calls against Denver.
3. AI fouling out.
4. Carmelo getting fouled on the game winning shot but it being counted as a no call.
Love you guys.
Samy says
will be praying ^ my b.
91601guy says
It’s becoming clear Bynum won’t be back soon enough to play major minutes before the playoffs. Hopefully he can at least anchor the 2nd unit the way he did earlier this year and be available to play 20 minutes of tough defense against Duncan, Shaq, and Dampier. Fortunately with Pau, Bynum need not carry a heavy offensive load.
I also believe that when you have a chance for a title, you have to go for it. Who knows what injuries you might have next year, look at Phoenix.
Sean P. says
Fellas,
The NBA playoffs take place over an extended period of time (the Finals aren’t until June). Even if Bynum and Ariza aren’t in game shape by the beginning of the playoffs that doesn’t mean that we have to win the championship without them.
Yes, it’s not ideal to reincorporate players into your line-up during the playoffs, but some of that has to take place anyway as different series require different match-ups and thus different substitution patterns at least and sometimes different line-ups entirely.
Travis Y. says
A) Kobe’s not going to the playoffs to lose, as great as SA’s defense is, Kobe is still able to do what he wants when he’s ON. Can we keep him healthy and fresh.
B) Ronny/ Lamar are capable at matching up w/ Kurt Thomas. Pau is a smart defender and if he keeps Duncan to 25 we’ll be ok.
C) Always comes down to Ginobili and Parker…these guys are the ones that start those crazy 10-0 runs that put us out of the ball games. Can we tigthen up the rotation and not get killed on the 3? That is the question that will answer whether or not we contend for a championship, with or without Bynum.
D) There may not be a next year…with this current group. Who’s to say Buss will be able to come to terms w/ Odom, Turiaf, and Vujacic? Odom is the one likely to go if Buss doesn’t want to pay and hope for a cheaper alternative. I LOVE the team as constructed and hope it doesn’t change but it all comes down to money. Like the plain and boring saying, “it’s a business.”
Nik says
A little bit off topic but I found this particurly funny:
29. Grizzlies (30). Let’s pick on Kwame Brown (it’s so easy). He has scored a total of 17 points since joining the Grizzlies, or about the same number his successor in L.A., Pau Gasol, scored in one half at Sacramento.
I guess Kwame is not going to develop…
laughing hard says
30: I’ve actually felt kind of bad for Kwame–I’ve been following Griz box scores since the trade, and he has a lot of DNP-Coach’s Decision’s under his belt.
I know he can’t play offense to save his life, but you would think that the Grizzlies would have some room for a center who periodically plays good defense…
Stephen says
I don’t think the Lakers would need Bynum in the First Rd unless they run into NO.
This yr is kind of a freebie for the Lakers-no real pressure and while the Conf is strong,nobody’s shown they are better than the rest.
Non-Laker fans should really be afraid of the Lakers next yr. Because Phil and the coaching staff will know what Gasol can-and cannot-do and will have an entire summer to think up wrinkles in the Triangle just for Pau and an entire training camp to immerse Gasol in the whole Triangle offense and to tweak the defense to use Gasol and Bynum to best advantage.
Warren Wee Lim says
Kurt has it in the rules: “Do not talk Politics” and yet y’all are talking about the MVP race?! Kobe vs. LeBron? Seriously. We know who wins here… The one that passed to Donyell Marshall and not the one that won it for the team.
So here we are, battered and bruised, and at the wrong end of the political spectrum. Individually, LeBron will always win against Kobe. U Kiddin’? He’s got around 10+ years to endorse Nike while Kobe has around 7. Team-wise, we were supposed to have robbed someone’s lollipop and sucked it for our own. So therefore, sentimentally, Boston is a “politically-correct pick” to win because they play defense and they have KG. And ultimately, fundamentally, as nice as the triangle has run for a looooOooong while, the Spurs are simply the defending champs that play the right way.
So No. Kobe won’t be MVP and we won’t win anything…
TCO says
When was the last time Luke hit an outside shot? I kinda feel bad for him. I remember back when he was shooting 35%+ on three’s and was one of the league leaders a couple of years ago.
kwame a. says
Suns gave up 126 points and lost at home again. Neither the Jazz nor the Suns played much D, Jazz gave up 118.
Cary D says
Great 3rd quarter. Wow!
Close to another ‘W’ here. Tough stretch coming up this month, gotta pound these sorry teams when we can.
Great step for us here. Get Kobe some rest for a change.
A-Hole Carolla says
Holy Jesus, Kareem must’ve gotten so bored waiting around for Bynum that he turned Mbenga into his side project.
nbahaterade.blogspot.com says
I love seeing these guys to be so happy playing with each other. These guys have the chemistry on point right now.
Something that’s been lost in the shuffle of all of this is the main man himself–that’s right, Mitch Kupchak.
I find myself wondering if he walks the hallway with that swagger. I imagine he combs through the halls with a goblet in his hand and a t-shirt that says “Real recognize Real” on the front and “Bitches” on the back. And that he punks Kobe from time to time, hanging Kupchak 24 jerseys in Kobe’s locker. And pictures of him and Bynum spending time on Santa Monica pier tacked onto Kobe’s chair.
Cary D says
Man, I just can’t stop staring at the Western Conference standings. I don’t know why, don’t know what else i expect to see, i just keep staring.
Lakers — #1
22-7 home, 22-11 road +7.8 point differential.
It’s pretty, it’s so pretty….
Adam Kiley says
Steve Kerr is a man for tommorrow!
drrayeye says
The superstar myth took hits on several fronts over the last several weeks. It started with Yao Ming, who’s loss seems to have inspired Houston to do even better.
Let’s review the latest from Cleveland (yesterday). Superstar Lebron James got 39 points, 2 (yes, I said 2) rebounds, and 1 (can you believe it?) assist and his Cav’s lost? Would you like to be one of his slavies to grab the rebounds, play defense, and set him up so he could either take a 50/50 outside shot (which you’d have to rebound and kick back to him), or get out of the way so that he could drive almost from backcourt and make a layup or get fouled?
Tonite, superstar Kobe Bryant was just teammate Kobe Bryant, and every player on the Lakers scored points–and they won by almost 40. Kobe was 16-6-3, and his teammates loved him for it.
The Lakers are in first in the west, one game behind Detroit in W-L.
Some bloggers are spending their time speculating on the future. I just enjoyed watching the present last night a great deal.
I can only think ahead to the Sacramento game on Sunday. Can we replicate our success with the Clippers on Sunday? Can we win as a team that doesn’t need a savior?
I sure hope so.
harold says
how can we beat the clips by 40 with Kobe just scoring 16? mind boggling. then again Coby … wait, different Coby… hit both his treys…
61% from 3pt land. wow, if your teammates fire away at such a clip, absolutely no way we can lose with Bynum clogging, Pau working, Lamar sneaking, and Kobe slashing.
mike says
I dont see how so many of you think we cant win the championship without Drew. We have chemistry, we have offense and our defense isn’t so bad. If you compare our defense to the Suns D the past couple years its not so different, Gasol isn’t far from Amare and the our offense is at least as good if not better (we have 3pt threats and MVP candidate Kobe). And the Suns did give the Spurs more than a little trouble.
I would say the Spurs MAY still be the favorites (they just keep on winning) but they are old and they will have to push themselves from here on out and its not a given for them against some younger hungrier teams. Duncan isn’t as dominant as he was, Manu is playing better than ever, and Parker we’ll wait and see if he can replicate his past playoff perfomances, he was injured this year as was many other Spurs.
And as for the people who say it would be great to win this year but the furture is even brighter, as TRUE as that is come on, we CAN win this year AND in the future, but neither are going to be easy. We are young but look at NO, they have Paul, West, and Tyson younger than Kobe, Pau, and Bynum. What about Portland, Roy, Oden?, Aldridge, Outlaw, ’08 lottery pick with a deep class. Utah isn’t slowing down at all either. It will just be a transition of power teams from SA Dallas Pho, to Port NO Utah
We have a chance this year and like some said its not worth risking the future to bring back Bynum and i really think we shouldn’t if he’s not ready, he’s young and he will need confidence, as well as fitness and cohesion with Pau (and over compensating for his injury even if fully healed could put too much stress on his other knee and just cause more problems). So rushing him or even throwing him in the mix in the playoffs without enough prep might hurt us more than help us offensively and defensivly (with rust and slow rotations etc…)
JodeteIgnorante says
again Gasol showing he’s an awful rebounder, like mr. reed said.
Keep up the good work!
lmao
Bill Bridges says
41. Bill Simmons calls this the “Ewing Theory”. Somehow I’d still rather face the Rockets without Yao than with.
Kurt says
45. Exactly. They are doing fine now but how many minutes can Mutumbo play in the playoffs, and when teams stop McGrady where will the other offense come from?
43. The Suns have zero titles to go with their average defense. The Lakers will still be very good, I just think it will be hard to go through four tough series in a row, when the play will be very physical, without Bynum protecting the paint and being the big body. I’ll be rooting for wins, I’m just not sure we don’t wear down.
Stephen says
The Rockets Achilles heel-even w/Yao-is rebounding. They don’t have that big who gets the key rebound to close out a game. Rebounding killed them in Game 7 last yr and it will prob do so again. That said,the team is really playing well,extremely strong on D,and,like the very good teams,have the ability to make a run that just blows a game open and they ride that lead to victory.
46)The Rockets are moving the ball as a team and when McGrady gets doubled they quickly swing to open shooter.If the shots fall,they are tough to beat. If they don’t,ugh. Scola has a nice low post game-he uses the backboard more than any player I’ve ever seen-and Landry has learned that if he cuts hard he’s often going to get open dunks. Scola and Landry fight for every loose ball in their vicinity and they are very good at turning that hustle in scoring chances. Against teams that aren’t committed to stopping the Rockets movement,the Rockets will score fairly easily. Teams that will body them,get in their way,lean on them will disrupt their game and make the Rockets look bad. Fortunately for the Rockets only Spurs and Jazz do that,unfortunately for Rockets those are the two teams they are most likely to face in First Rd.
My 2 cents on Bynum is the Lakers prob won’t really need him until the Second Rd,and depending on matchups maybe not until WCF. Because of injuries,style,whatever,there are only three teams that could really hurt the Lakers w/out Bynum. Suns,if they get their act together,NO and Spurs. GS,Mavs,Rockets and Denver don’t have an inside presence that Gasol,Turaif and Lamar couldn’t handle.Jazz are quirky in that their Center sets up outside and their PF inside and I don’t seee why Lakers bigs can’t rotate covering them. If,as seems likely,the Spurs and Lakers end up 1,2-in whatever order-the Lakers wouldn’t face the Spurs til WCF,giving Bynum almost another month to get in game shape.
Elyse says
I think it’s unfair to say kobe was “team kobe” last night.
I think he plays how he is necessitated. When no one can hit a shot to save their life (last few games) Kobe provided support. When people are hitting, that production wasn’t necessary.
nbahaterade.blogspot.com says
No, we definitely still need Bynum. Gasol’s rebounds are hardly ever the result of active boxing-out or out-muscling the opposition. In the playoffs, this will be crucially lacking. We can’t just expect balls to bounce above Gasol’s airspace.
anoni says
A bit off topic, but I still can’t believe Kobe is not getting enough credit. Some writers are wetting themselves over LeBron’s 50 against the KNICKS…c’mon Kobe does this daily against BETTER teams. Others are saying they won’t vote for Kobe 4 MVP because of the summer drama. For once, I wish the fans could vote for this honor.
Craig W. says
Our rebounding is a strong point for Lamar, who seems to have a nose for the ball. I am not so enamored with his offensive rebounding because is often means he leaves his man open if he is a 3pt shooter, but his defensive rebounding is strong and he is our big body at the moment. This is why Bynum is probably less necessary in the 1st round.
Travis Y. says
Very interesting tidbit in Bill Simmons’ latest podcast, with guest…. exhale… Ric Bucher who as we all know is currently reporting that Kobe is playing on Pluto. Bucher said he likes the Lakers chances against San Antonio b/c he talked w/ a Memphis executive who said that for some reason Gasol plays really well against Duncan, but not Stoudemire or Nowitzki. So we’ll see what happens… again I don’t trust this fully but it is something to analyze at a later time.
kwame a. says
I saw Phil say that he will not break up the starting front-court (Pau,Vlad,LO), bringing Drew off the bench whenever he is ready. I agree with that move, I think the chemistry and floor spacing is great with those 3 front-court guys and Kobe and Fish. Our playoff bench will feature Farmar/Sasha/Luke/Ronny/Drew. I like our chances and I’m glad Phil made it clear that it will be too late in the season for Drew to come back and start, Drew can now focus on dominating 2nd units like he did early this season.
Jimmy says
#50 I agree with you totally. They’re still drooling over Lebron’s 50 against Knicks, when Kobe had 50 against the Mavs.
50 points good team…. 50 points against bad team…. Hmm…
Brian P. says
I normally would never link to a Lakersground.net post, but this poster made a well thought out post about the Kobe vs. Lebron MVP debate. I highly recommend everybody take a look at it.
http://forums.lakersground.net/viewtopic.php?t=57461
He backs up his words with numbers makes valid points. Give it a look.
Craig W. says
Brian P.,
That is a really, really good article. Bring a sandwich to read it though. A lot of work and detail went into that article and I agree with one comment that the article should be required reading for all people able to vote for MVP.
The comments, however, show why this blog is one of the best of the NBA blogs. The back and forth got so personal it was off-putting.
Brian P. says
Craig W.,
I agree about the quality of comments there and I really appreciate this site that Kurt has built for us. But I do check Lakersground periodically for the random insightful post like the one I linked to above.
Anyways I’m glad you checked it out and hope others get a chance to read it as well.
hertagnism says
Brian P.,
Thanks for the link. The article was so well written that I really hope that those voters will take a look at it. It really makes a strong case for Kobe, but who knows what the voting panel will decide on.
Does J.C. Smith, the writer of that argument, post here as well?
Elyse says
I know this is a laker forum, but everyone should watch the last 20 seconds of today’s UCLA game. WOW.
Kurt says
59. Absolute circus shot by Ship, all game he’d been missing open looks then hits that. And, for the second game in a row, the Bruins get the call late. Great game to watch.
Goo says
that call was horrific
carter blanchard says
Just got a chance to catch up with last night’s game on the tivo. I love these blowouts. Who knew Mbenga had those kind of moves? He’s usually so awkward looking out there. And gotta give up for Son of George’s crowd-pleasing 3s, but I gotta ask, what exactly is the point of Karl minutes? It’s not like he’s a prospect that will ever be able to contribute valuable minutes (in my eyes at least). So outside of making the (subconciously racist — keeding! sorta..) fans happy and providing the VERY occassional 2-4 minutes rest for a rotation player, what’s the point? A secret handshake agreement with Father of Coby to hand us a game? Very fun win, and as Stu commented on, I’m continuing to love how LO’s moving without the ball.
Very excited to be coming down to Staples next week for the Tourney. Should be a wild one as I really think any of the 9 teams can win on a given night.
anoni says
Yep, that was some shot. I thought it was going to hit the backboard but…swoosh.
—
BTW, BSPN must have something against Kobe. Even the best writers (Hollinger/Abbott) deny his greatness.
Kurt says
62. Carter, every team has one of these long shot prospects at the end of the bench. Well, the Bobcats start them, but you see what I mean. Coby can shoot the three, we know that, and with some other development maybe he becomes useful as a role player. So, you run him in practice, tell him to work on certain skills and give him minutes in blowouts. 9 times out of 10, nothing happens, but sometimes you see something worthwhile gel out of that.
81 Witness says
Bring on the Kings!! Will they be gimpy tomorrow or good to go?
Samy says
I know we’ve kind of discussed the Rockets in terms of their lack of rebounding and the uncertainty of where their offense comes if Tmac can’t score for a game, but what happens if the win-streak continues till the 16th when the Lakers match-up against them?
Does the swagger and confidence of 20+ win streak for a really sub-Laker par team (in terms of talent) present an issue for a Laker bench who up until yesterday looked dead?
phineas says
Ric Bucher is Ric Bucher, but I’ll admit, that podcast was mighty entertaining. If nothing else, those guys watch a lot of basketball.
AM says
Too bad for Cal. Can’t take away from Love hitting the three after getting the ball knocked loose, and Shipp hitting the H-O-R-S-E shot to win it, but the non-call on the strip of Anderson and the Pac-10 head of officials saying that shooting over the backboard is actually an out-of-bounds violation (but that the “judgement call” by the ref as to whether that happened is non-reviewable) is a tough, TOUGH way to lose such a well-fought game. A bit of “Pauley magic”, as Steve Lavin would say … 🙂
Renato Afonso says
62. 64.
I actually think that Coby can develop into one of those role players a la Jud Buechler as he gots more savvy. He’ll never be athletic or fast, but he has really strong fundamentals and he can hit the open three. You can pencil him for 6-10 mins per game and he probably get you a couple of 3-pointers, keeping up the scoring. And since there are others that will be demanding a double team when on floor (Kobe, Pau, Drew) he’ll get those open looks.
About the game, I absolutely loved the ball movement when the bench mob was in. They missed some shots, but everyone is willing to do the extra pass. Everyone is saying that the bench is giving a lesser contribution nowadays, but I actually disagree… We’re without 2 core members of our rotation (3 when Radman was out) and that takes its toll when it comes to scoring. However, the extra pass and the ball movement allows everyone to be less tired (dribbling is more exausting than passing) and you force the opposing defense to float more. Once you get the defense giving the 2nd and 3rd help, everyone is running from sideline to sideline, and therefore more tired.
Things are indeed good, at least for the regular season…
Samy says
How long would our bench be in the game in a play-off game, against any team?
I mean, would they ever be in there as a second unit?
kwame a. says
70-Usually teams dont go to there bench in the playoffs, but Phil has a long history of going deep into his bench. I remember in the ’93 Finals he went 11-12 deep, in ’96 9-10 deep. If he has the talent and feels the players are ready he will use them, thats why he never calls those timeouts when you want him to in the regular season, he’s gettin ready
Misareaux says
Shaq just filled the space as Ginobli drove to the basket and took a charge. When did you EVER see him do that in LA…?
JONESONTHENBA says
I’m telling y’all, don’t count out the Suns yet. I’m one of the few that thought this was a good trade. Obviously, I look like an idiot at this point. But I still think it is going to work out for them.
Derek Banducci says
Count me among those who like the Shaq trade from Phx’s perspective. And I’ve never even been a Shaq fan. I always sided with Kobe b/c Shaq’s power game makes for ugly basketball and Shaq has always been a lazy oaf, imho.
The thing is, though, in the playoffs Phx needs a bigger presence at Center, they need to play Amare at PF, and they weren’t going to win a championship with their run-and-gun style. The Shaq/Marion move reminds me of Mark Cuban’s change in philosophy a few years ago when he let Steve Nash leave via FA and instead focussed on getting bigger in the middle with guys like Dampier and Diop.
Therefore, even if the Shaq trade has made Phx less impressive in the regular season it does improve their chances of ultimately winning a championship b/c it signals a change in organizational philosophy away from a style of basketball that simply is not successful in the playoffs.
drrayeye says
(73) Well, Jones,
you went from moron to only slightly retarded.
Phoenix got the job done–and they did it with defense in the fourth quarter. Shaq was clearly one of the heroes (14, 16).
It puts the Lakers one full game ahead of San Antonio. Gives the Lakers a chance to have a true lead if they beat Sacto.
Wouldn’t it be nice for the Lakers to have home court advantage all the way through the playoffs?
I’ll be hopin’ and watchin’ tonight.
kwame a. says
I dont have any new opinion of the Suns. They better pray they dont see us again.
anoni says
Spurs didn’t execute. Suns played good defense…not great..they played as good defense as we do in the fourth quarter.
The one guy that has benefitted most from the Shaq trade has been Amare. If he can develop a better post game…watch out.