Calling this game wild doesn’t really do it justice. Three Lakers and two Mavericks were ejected. Seven technicals were handed out to seven different players. The teams combined to shoot 62 FT’s. A first half of offensive fireworks turned into a defensive, foul heavy slug fest in the second half. And after it was all […]
Preview and Chat: The Dallas Mavericks
Records: Lakers 53-20 (2nd in West), Mavericks 53-21 (3rd in West) Offensive ratings: Lakers 111.8 (2nd in NBA), Mavericks 110.0 (8th in NBA) Defensive ratings: Lakers 104.6 (7th in NBA), Mavericks 105.2 (10th in NBA) Projected Starting Lineups: Lakers: Derek Fisher, Kobe Bryant, Ron Artest, Pau Gasol, Andrew Bynum Mavericks: Jason Kidd, Rodrigue Beaubois, Shawn […]
Dictating On Defense
Matt Scribbins provides insight and analysis throughout ESPN’s TrueHoop Network, including at HoopData and Magic Basketball. He graduated with distinction from Iowa State University last spring, where he was also a member of the Cyclone football team. In the fall, Matt is part of Football Outsiders’ Game Charting Project. You can also find him on twitter: @mattscribbins […]
Ron Artest: My Choice For 1st Team All-Defense
With the post season rapidly approaching, we’re nearing the point where the regular season awards will be voted on. Over a series of posts, I’ll make my argument for a specific Laker to win an award or be included on one of the All-NBA or Defensive teams. Today, my take on why Ron Artest should be named […]
Fast Break Thoughts
There’s a lot of different topics cluttering my brain today, so no better way to address them all than with an installment of Fast Break Thoughts… *Most fans have a player (or more) that they look at more critically than others. For years, the guy that I’d often judge a bit more harshly than others […]
Preview and Chat: The New Orleans Hornets
Records: Lakers 52-20 (2nd in West), Hornets 42-31 (7th in West) Offensive ratings: Lakers 111.7 (2nd in NBA), Hornets 106.2 (20th in NBA) Defensive ratings: Lakers 104.7 (7th in NBA), Hornets 104.2 (6th in NBA) Projected Starting Lineups: Lakers: Derek Fisher, Kobe Bryant, Ron Artest, Pau Gasol, Andrew Bynum Hornets: Chris Paul, Marco Belinelli, Trevor […]
Lakers/Clippers: Ron’s D, Kobe & Pau’s O Lead The Way
The wins just keep coming. The Lakers were able to improve their post ASG record to a sparkling 14-1 with a 112-104 victory over the Clippers. However, I’d be lying if I said that the Lakers played their best game or that this win was some sort of dominant performance indicative of how the Lakers […]
Preview and Chat: The Los Angeles Clippers
Records: Lakers 51-20 (2nd in West), Clippers 28-44 (13th in West) Offensive ratings: Lakers 111.7 (2nd in NBA), Clippers 105.8 (22nd in NBA) Defensive ratings: Lakers 104.7 (7th in NBA), Clippers 108.9 (19th in NBA) Projected Starting Lineups: Lakers: Derek Fisher, Kobe Bryant, Ron Artest, Pau Gasol, Andrew Bynum Clippers: Mo Williams, Eric Gordon, Ryan […]
Kobe Bryant: My Choice For 1st Team All-NBA
With the post season rapidly approaching, we’re nearing the point where the regular season awards will be voted on. Over a series of posts, I’ll make my argument for a specific Laker to win an award or be included on one of the All-NBA or Defensive teams. Today, my take on why Kobe Bryant should be selected […]
Andrew Bynum Shows Value Even When He Doesn’t Play
As we’re all aware, Andrew Bynum has missed the last two Laker games due to suspension. He leveled an airborne player, that player crashed to the ground, Bynum was ejected and suspended two additional games as extra punishment. There are various ways to look at the foul and subsequent suspension but I’m not here to […]