Lakers 99, Rockets 109: Please Commence Panicking in an Orderly Fashion
by DexterFishmore on Dec 1, 2010 10:02 PM PST
in Game Recaps
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And to think, this is supposed to be the easy part of the schedule. Indiana, Memphis, Houston... we assumed, not irrationally, that this stretch would be an assembly line of uncomplicated wins for the Lakers before playdates with the league's heavy hitters in late December. If that fantasy wasn't fully dispelled after last night's loss in Memphis, it certainly is now. The gold and purple fell again tonight, this time by a score of 99 to 109 to the injury-ravaged Houston Rockets. It's the fourth straight disheartening loss for the champs. I hope you'll forgive me for being the 37th person to tell you that this is the Lakers' first four-game losing streak in the Pau Gasol era.
So welcome to unfamiliar territory, Laker fans! Last time we sank to these depths, Kwame Brown and Smush Parker were prominently involved in our lives. You know things are serious when I'm invoking those unholiest of names.
Honestly, I don't have it in me to walk through tonight's catastrophe chronologically. I'd rather have a lit cigarette put out on my genitals. Instead, I'll just review the particular failings that contributed to the great big eye-watering cavalcade of FAIL the Lakers staged in Houston. All of these factors have shown up before at one point or another in the losing streak, and most have shown up frequently. Hold your nose and join me after the jump.
1. Horrendo Team Defense. Sure, this is a good place to start. The Rockets entered tonight's game averaging about 1.07 points per possession. Against the Lakers they scored a gaudy 1.22 points per trip. They scored inside and out, in half-court sets and in transition. Shane Battier, who has scored three or fewer points in seven games this year, lit up the Lakers for 17. Nine different Rockets scored at least eight points. The Lakers right now are exerting less than minimal effort at the defensive end of the floor. They're not getting out on shooters, they're not challenging cutters as they scamper through the lane unimpeded, and they're constantly wandering away from their assignments for half-assed double teams that serve no purpose whatsoever.
2. The Incredible Disappearing Pau. Gasol once again was a nonfactor tonight. He took only 10 shots (including free-throw possessions) and scored only eight points. And keep in mind, he wasn't battling Yao Ming. Chuck Hayes and Brad Miller were his adversaries, and though both players have their modest charms, they're bros that Pau, when he's right, should be beasting on. In four of the past five games Pau has been outplayed by opposing centers. Whether the problem is fatigue, health (he left the game briefly tonight to have a hamstring tended to) or something else, he and the Lakers need to get it solved.
(Per Mike Trudell, after the game Pau said of his hamstring, "It's a little sore. It bothered me. It didn't get loose at all. I will rest and hopefully I'll be better.")
3. Another Blown Lead. The Lake Show led the Rockets by 12 in the second period and by seven with about six minutes to play in the fourth. Just like they'd built good leads against the Jazz and Grizzlies. And just as in those games, the Lakers failed to administer a finishing move. The Rockets used a quick run at the end of the first half to make it close again and then outscored the Lakers 25-8 over the final 13 possessions to grab the W.
The following shows points per possession, broken down by quarter, for the Lakers and their opponents during the four-game losing streak:
|
1st Q |
2nd Q |
3rd Q |
4th Q |
Total |
|
|
Lakers |
1.26 |
0.94 |
0.98 |
1.11 |
1.07 |
|
Opponents |
0.98 |
1.21 |
1.15 |
1.19 |
1.13 |
As you can see, the Lakers are coming out of the gates just fine. They're giving themselves cushions, but then they're letting up on both sides of the ball. We remember the endings of games most vividly, but often the outcome is slipping away in the middle quarters.
But speaking of those endings....
4. Bad Late-Game Execution. What is it with this team down the stretch of close games? When the clock ticks down under a few minutes they forget how to run their offense. Everybody looks confused. Nobody seems to know what the plan is, if indeed there is one. Ball movement disappears. Player movement disappears. Everything freezes until someone fires up a nervous-looking jumper. In the last four minutes tonight, the Lakers took eight jumpshots 17 feet or further from the basket. Only one of them went in.
5. Weird Substitutions. The Laker bench came to play tonight. Matt Barnes, Shannon Brown and Steve Blake were all fairly productive. Barnes was especially noice: 14 points and eight boards in 30 minutes. It was his offensive rebound and two made free throws that put the Lakers up seven midway through the fourth. Those were his seventh and eighth points of the quarter.
So why did Phil Jackson remove him from the game 30 seconds later? No idea. I do know that Matt's departure coincided with the start of the Rockets' big run at the end of the game. Correlation doesn't equal causation and all that, but Barnes was the best Laker on the floor in the fourth quarter, and Phil chose an awfully strange time to stick him on the bench.
6. Bad Three-Point Shooting. The Lakers made only five of 16 three-point attempts tonight, continuing an ugly trend. Through the first 15 games of this season they shot 43% from distance. During the losing streak they've connected on only 30%. This is reminiscent of last year, when the offense was constantly fighting a headwind because nobody could hit an outside shot. Their hot streak to begin the year was anomalous, but so this. It'll turn around. They need it to turn around sometime soon.
The Lakers have now sunk to 13-6, tied with Oklahoma City for fifth best record in the West. The next opponent is Sacramento on Friday night. Surely they'll take care of the Kings at Staples, right?
Right??
|
|
Poss. |
TO% |
FTA/ |
FT% |
3FGA/FGA |
2PT% |
3PT% |
EFG |
TS% |
OReb Rate |
DReb Rate |
PPP |
|
L.A |
90 |
12 |
0.28 |
87 |
0.20 |
48 |
31 |
48 |
54 |
29 |
76 |
1.10 |
|
Hou. |
89 |
13 |
0.27 |
90 |
0.28 |
53 |
45 |
57 |
62 |
24 |
71 |
1.22 |
Follow Dex on Twitter @dexterfishmore.
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Thank you for the write-up Dex, but I only have one thing to say tonight
"This is not a game for boys. This is a game for men." - Phil Jackson
by Gil Meriken on Dec 1, 2010 10:07 PM PST reply actions 7 recs
Bieber!
Please remember: it's not my fault your team sucks.
Twitter feed: @dexterfishmore
by DexterFishmore on Dec 1, 2010 10:08 PM PST up reply actions
I just unrec'd this because I saw Justin Bieber in the picture
sorry…
"Pluto’s not even a planet no more, which I’m very disturbed about. I grew up when Pluto was a planet. Now, I’m 25, I turn around and Pluto’s no longer a planet. I’m going to elbow that guy in the nose." -Ron Artest
Lol
The hate he gets, almost feel sorry for him.
"I don't mind being the goat. I don't mind being the villain, hated. I've been that my whole career, so it's not like that's anything new. I don't mind people jumping on the bandwagon or jumping off. I just focus on playing the game." -Ron Artest
He's too rich to feel sorry for.
Jerk was courtside =/
For me its the consistent inconsistency that concerns me - PAGFL
It's always AMMO Time, in spirit- DexterFishmore
lebron should just lock himself away and not talk for the rest of forever-LA32
by 99bc99 on Dec 1, 2010 10:47 PM PST up reply actions 1 recs
oh that kid..
Tim Duncan wins championships. Vince Carters fills the arenas.
Kobe Bryant does both.
The ideal way to win a championship is step by step.
-Phil Jackson
Woulda rec'd it Gil, even with Amish Kobe, 'cuz I love ya, but that Bieber dude made my puke.
Maybe later, just not now.
"There are no "Kobe Lovers", just people who are right." - Gil Meriken
"ANY ONE WNAT SOME OF THIS MONEY, IN IF YOU WANT SOME COME ON IN GET SOME" - the Legendary LEWIS MONROE
Follow me on Twitter: @SoCalGal64
*me
"There are no "Kobe Lovers", just people who are right." - Gil Meriken
"ANY ONE WNAT SOME OF THIS MONEY, IN IF YOU WANT SOME COME ON IN GET SOME" - the Legendary LEWIS MONROE
Follow me on Twitter: @SoCalGal64
this made me feel better
thanks, gil
Visit The Bernel Zone
"No one wins forever. Only thing that matters is how you face it when the cards don't come up your way. I'm not afraid." - Spider-Man (Amazing Spider-Man #475)
"If I find in myself a desire which no experience in this world can satisfy, the most probable explanation is that I was made for another world." - C.S. Lewis
"These young guys are playing checkers. I'm out there playing chess." - Kobe Bryant
kobe bryant=batman
...but no thanks for adding bieber in it
Visit The Bernel Zone
"No one wins forever. Only thing that matters is how you face it when the cards don't come up your way. I'm not afraid." - Spider-Man (Amazing Spider-Man #475)
"If I find in myself a desire which no experience in this world can satisfy, the most probable explanation is that I was made for another world." - C.S. Lewis
"These young guys are playing checkers. I'm out there playing chess." - Kobe Bryant
kobe bryant=batman
im commenting
"What we want to remember—what we will remember—is the indelible vision of Kobe, his arms outstretched, delirious with joy and disbelief, running after and grabbing hold of Lamar Odom’s floating downcourt pass, while all the purple and gold streamers in the world are raining down on the hardwood." - Brian Tung
i would also comment...
but i’m more than two years out of being a teenager already. lol
Visit The Bernel Zone
"No one wins forever. Only thing that matters is how you face it when the cards don't come up your way. I'm not afraid." - Spider-Man (Amazing Spider-Man #475)
"If I find in myself a desire which no experience in this world can satisfy, the most probable explanation is that I was made for another world." - C.S. Lewis
"These young guys are playing checkers. I'm out there playing chess." - Kobe Bryant
kobe bryant=batman
"your" - possessive pronoun
“you’re” – you are
"This is not a game for boys. This is a game for men." - Phil Jackson
Why the hell does Bieber have that?
WHAT A DISGRACE! He’s Canadian but from Georgia. He probably doesn’t know shit about the Lakerrs!
"I kind of stepped my swagger up. You look at the Madden game and the swagger's so low, maybe they'll bump me up. Before it was a meatball flex, so you've got to liven it up a little bit." - Animal Jr.
an despite that
he gets to wear that ring. just makes me sick.
"Pluto’s not even a planet no more, which I’m very disturbed about. I grew up when Pluto was a planet. Now, I’m 25, I turn around and Pluto’s no longer a planet. I’m going to elbow that guy in the nose." -Ron Artest
BIEBER . . . !
That’s . . . what’s . . . different . . . this . . . year.
"Please tell me some of these stories about Los Angeles being the basketball capital of the world." - Red Auerbach
"质量是我们的尊严。服务是我们的电梯。" ("Quality is our dignity. Service is our lift.")
That's a nice picture and all but it doesnt freshen up the stink that is the Lakers right now.
They really look horrible at this point and Phil deserves alot of the blame as well..He has another big body just sittin on the bench and refuses to play him any sort of minutes simply because he’s a rookie, Yet he’s saying they need to monitor Pau’s minutes. Then he says they dont wanna get a veteran big man to help until Drew gets back. Makes no sense at all. Kinda like the team’s basketball IQ completely disappearing in the 4th quarter. Even with the sorry D they’ve had a chance to win each of these games but make some of the dumbest plays on both ends to take themselves out of the game…This is a veteran team right?
Da BEARS
...Guess you didn't see Phil play Caracter to the tune of the Rockets catching back up in the second quarter... did you
Not that Pau is doing Anything in the paint to the opposing defense right now. Not only is he content to continue passing it back out on offense, his defense is Poor.
I'm glad I'm not the only one
who watched the entire game.
These things happened. They were glorious and they changed the world... and then we fucked up the end game. - Charlie Wilson
TRADE KOBY FOR LUTHER HEAD!!!! (it's a movement)
Seems like I find you to be the only one I agree with lately.
I’m not even mad about the game, but I am in quite a disagreement with a lot of posters views on the trends of the game.
GODDAMN STRAIGHT!!!!
Faith.... a fan's biggest downfall
Hilarious that someone flagged this because Bieber is in the pic.
"There are no "Kobe Lovers", just people who are right." - Gil Meriken
"ANY ONE WNAT SOME OF THIS MONEY, IN IF YOU WANT SOME COME ON IN GET SOME" - the Legendary LEWIS MONROE
Follow me on Twitter: @SoCalGal64
Um
AAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHH!!!
/looks at the calendar
Oh…
AAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!
"Before I make a mistake, I don't make that mistake" -Johan Cruijff
The proper title for this post would be
Houston…We Have A Problem
I'm sure one of the majors has that one covered
We strive to make our headlines just a little bit more fresh
I'm sure that was used when Houston was 0-5, maybe even before that.
"There are no "Kobe Lovers", just people who are right." - Gil Meriken
"ANY ONE WNAT SOME OF THIS MONEY, IN IF YOU WANT SOME COME ON IN GET SOME" - the Legendary LEWIS MONROE
Follow me on Twitter: @SoCalGal64
you'd rather
have a lit cigarette put out on your genitals? Wow. That’s some crazy shit right there.
Yeah, well, obviously it’s not all that much fun to be a Laker fan right now. I had a little dinner party tonight and our dinner guests were quite pleased at the outcome of this game (they are not Laker fans. I think I need new friends, ya think?).
I said sort of the same thing in the game thread, but since y’all shut that down so darn quickly I feel quite comfortable saying it again here. To our team I would say, “No where to go but up, fellas”. “Time to show some Laker pride and get shit right”.
by BigSkyCat on Dec 1, 2010 10:16 PM PST reply actions 1 recs
Yes.
I rather enjoy moments like this. It makes me feel much better than when we are skating by teams, not getting the other teams best effort, and our players are getting hurt.
Except for Bynum, we are all healthy. The problem is elsewhere, its in the players execution. If theres one thing this team can fix, its execution. We’ve got a great coach and great captain, and I really enjoy watching us work out of tough spots. I thought tonight would be that night, but when I saw Pau’s play, it made me think theres a few more nights like this coming. He looks rough. Sad but optimistic face over here.
this^^
"Yes in case you are wondering Big John Stud IS Sarge"
Sarge
"What I'm doing right now, I'm chasing perfection."
Kobe Bryant
by Big John Stud on Dec 2, 2010 10:10 AM PST up reply actions
Where's Tex when we need him?
I don’t have a problem saying, ‘Your franchise player sucks.’ - Ron Artest
by _logan_ on Dec 1, 2010 10:18 PM PST via mobile reply actions
Don't think we should panic right now
2.5 games isn’t so far back, and we have an easy 3 games to get us back on track before heading to Chicago. Panic is not needed right now, brethren. Sactown at home, if we lose this one, which i’m confident we won’t, i say we trade everybody, especially bynum.
"I don't mind being the goat. I don't mind being the villain, hated. I've been that my whole career, so it's not like that's anything new. I don't mind people jumping on the bandwagon or jumping off. I just focus on playing the game." -Ron Artest
like I said
too early to be concerned all that much with standings. There’s a ton of games left to be played and at least till after x’mas, we have a pretty easy schedule.
"Pluto’s not even a planet no more, which I’m very disturbed about. I grew up when Pluto was a planet. Now, I’m 25, I turn around and Pluto’s no longer a planet. I’m going to elbow that guy in the nose." -Ron Artest
Heh that's what i thought before we played utah
They were very capable of winning most of those games, and keep them not that close either. I’m just hoping for good health, that’s all i wish for right now. When healthy, i really don’t see us losing to bad teams, playing as shitty as we are right now
"I don't mind being the goat. I don't mind being the villain, hated. I've been that my whole career, so it's not like that's anything new. I don't mind people jumping on the bandwagon or jumping off. I just focus on playing the game." -Ron Artest
I am kind of wondering why we went away from Odom in the 4th
dude was having a great night. sigh….
"Pluto’s not even a planet no more, which I’m very disturbed about. I grew up when Pluto was a planet. Now, I’m 25, I turn around and Pluto’s no longer a planet. I’m going to elbow that guy in the nose." -Ron Artest
We tried to go to him.
He was not getting around his man in iso situations, and then took a few jumpers and they all missed.
Glad someone else saw this
These things happened. They were glorious and they changed the world... and then we fucked up the end game. - Charlie Wilson
TRADE KOBY FOR LUTHER HEAD!!!! (it's a movement)
LOL @ your new sig.
’Tard.
"There are no "Kobe Lovers", just people who are right." - Gil Meriken
"ANY ONE WNAT SOME OF THIS MONEY, IN IF YOU WANT SOME COME ON IN GET SOME" - the Legendary LEWIS MONROE
Follow me on Twitter: @SoCalGal64
I is not a 'tard
I haz a gud undastandin o de sitcheation
These things happened. They were glorious and they changed the world... and then we fucked up the end game. - Charlie Wilson
TRADE KOBY FOR LUTHER HEAD!!!! (it's a movement)
Well, I missed the game tonight and from the looks of things, I didn't miss much.
The worst thing about a Lakers loss is that I stay away from Lakers news the next day. A four-game losing streak means I haven’t read any Lakers stuff since last Thursday. I am going through withdrawals of the “Hello, my name is SoCalGal and I’m addicted to meth” variety. WTF?!
Oh, great recap, Dex. Just getting tired of reading these autopsy reports.
"There are no "Kobe Lovers", just people who are right." - Gil Meriken
"ANY ONE WNAT SOME OF THIS MONEY, IN IF YOU WANT SOME COME ON IN GET SOME" - the Legendary LEWIS MONROE
Follow me on Twitter: @SoCalGal64
LMAO
Same here, I used to go to espn (before i realized their crappy analysis) when the lakers won but was too ashamed to go on the internet/television when they lost. Don’t fret, a home game against the kings should get us back on track :D
"I don't mind being the goat. I don't mind being the villain, hated. I've been that my whole career, so it's not like that's anything new. I don't mind people jumping on the bandwagon or jumping off. I just focus on playing the game." -Ron Artest
its been about 8 days since I lasted posted the "we win" gif
:{
"Pluto’s not even a planet no more, which I’m very disturbed about. I grew up when Pluto was a planet. Now, I’m 25, I turn around and Pluto’s no longer a planet. I’m going to elbow that guy in the nose." -Ron Artest
dawson crying is making me sick :|
Tim Duncan wins championships. Vince Carters fills the arenas.
Kobe Bryant does both.
The ideal way to win a championship is step by step.
-Phil Jackson
Hated that stupid ass show.
"There are no "Kobe Lovers", just people who are right." - Gil Meriken
"ANY ONE WNAT SOME OF THIS MONEY, IN IF YOU WANT SOME COME ON IN GET SOME" - the Legendary LEWIS MONROE
Follow me on Twitter: @SoCalGal64
along with 7th Heaven
"Pluto’s not even a planet no more, which I’m very disturbed about. I grew up when Pluto was a planet. Now, I’m 25, I turn around and Pluto’s no longer a planet. I’m going to elbow that guy in the nose." -Ron Artest
during the Holy Week here, a channel here runs a
Tim Duncan wins championships. Vince Carters fills the arenas.
Kobe Bryant does both.
The ideal way to win a championship is step by step.
-Phil Jackson
7th heaven marathon.
fucking fail
Tim Duncan wins championships. Vince Carters fills the arenas.
Kobe Bryant does both.
The ideal way to win a championship is step by step.
-Phil Jackson
the actual fail here is the network that runs 7th heaven marathons
"Pluto’s not even a planet no more, which I’m very disturbed about. I grew up when Pluto was a planet. Now, I’m 25, I turn around and Pluto’s no longer a planet. I’m going to elbow that guy in the nose." -Ron Artest
true. and my family watches them.
Tim Duncan wins championships. Vince Carters fills the arenas.
Kobe Bryant does both.
The ideal way to win a championship is step by step.
-Phil Jackson
Seriously.
kabiguan
"Please tell me some of these stories about Los Angeles being the basketball capital of the world." - Red Auerbach
"质量是我们的尊严。服务是我们的电梯。" ("Quality is our dignity. Service is our lift.")
kabiguan ng mga kabiguan
Tim Duncan wins championships. Vince Carters fills the arenas.
Kobe Bryant does both.
The ideal way to win a championship is step by step.
-Phil Jackson
I give in
START BARNES!!!!
(p.s. I know I said goodbye, but I just realized I have a short assignment for a class tomorrow)
These things happened. They were glorious and they changed the world... and then we fucked up the end game. - Charlie Wilson
TRADE KOBY FOR LUTHER HEAD!!!! (it's a movement)
And put ron ron on the bench?
"I don't mind being the goat. I don't mind being the villain, hated. I've been that my whole career, so it's not like that's anything new. I don't mind people jumping on the bandwagon or jumping off. I just focus on playing the game." -Ron Artest
No, Kobe's on the bench silly
all our problems start and end with him. Just like Smush said
These things happened. They were glorious and they changed the world... and then we fucked up the end game. - Charlie Wilson
TRADE KOBY FOR LUTHER HEAD!!!! (it's a movement)
Of course!
We must get rid of kobe at once!
"I don't mind being the goat. I don't mind being the villain, hated. I've been that my whole career, so it's not like that's anything new. I don't mind people jumping on the bandwagon or jumping off. I just focus on playing the game." -Ron Artest
Nah, tell Fish he doesn't have to play until the playoffs and fake a calf injury for him
Start Blake, make Brown the primary backup at both guard positions, and give Sasha a 3-5 minute spurt every night.
To secure ourselves against defeat lies in our own hands, but the opportunity of defeating the enemy is provided by the enemy himself.
or just lock him in a broom closet for the next 4 months
"Pluto’s not even a planet no more, which I’m very disturbed about. I grew up when Pluto was a planet. Now, I’m 25, I turn around and Pluto’s no longer a planet. I’m going to elbow that guy in the nose." -Ron Artest
Or just waive Sasha.
I can’t believe you want Sasha on the court.
Oh, LOL, what 4 game losing streaks can make people say!
I don't want him on the court
Play Ebanks or Artest at the two; it doesn’t really matter who fills in the spot minutes there. The greater impact is elsewhere.
To secure ourselves against defeat lies in our own hands, but the opportunity of defeating the enemy is provided by the enemy himself.
I wonder what desecrator is doing right now
Tim Duncan wins championships. Vince Carters fills the arenas.
Kobe Bryant does both.
The ideal way to win a championship is step by step.
-Phil Jackson
I think you missed all of them in the game thread
These things happened. They were glorious and they changed the world... and then we fucked up the end game. - Charlie Wilson
TRADE KOBY FOR LUTHER HEAD!!!! (it's a movement)
Oh. I woke up too late.
Tim Duncan wins championships. Vince Carters fills the arenas.
Kobe Bryant does both.
The ideal way to win a championship is step by step.
-Phil Jackson
[Commence panicking]
Roger that.
"Please tell me some of these stories about Los Angeles being the basketball capital of the world." - Red Auerbach
"质量是我们的尊严。服务是我们的电梯。" ("Quality is our dignity. Service is our lift.")
by Koshu on Dec 1, 2010 10:39 PM PST reply actions 1 recs
One potato, two potato, three potato, four.
"There are no "Kobe Lovers", just people who are right." - Gil Meriken
"ANY ONE WNAT SOME OF THIS MONEY, IN IF YOU WANT SOME COME ON IN GET SOME" - the Legendary LEWIS MONROE
Follow me on Twitter: @SoCalGal64
hope fully it will not be a mash potato when it come playoffs time.
Har har har. they bounce back probably. i think so if they pull their acts togather.
sloppiness is next to laziness
by Jump Dunk Score on Dec 1, 2010 10:47 PM PST up reply actions
The Master of Potatoes
"Please tell me some of these stories about Los Angeles being the basketball capital of the world." - Red Auerbach
"质量是我们的尊严。服务是我们的电梯。" ("Quality is our dignity. Service is our lift.")
by Koshu on Dec 1, 2010 10:53 PM PST up reply actions 5 recs
ahahahahaahaha
"Pluto’s not even a planet no more, which I’m very disturbed about. I grew up when Pluto was a planet. Now, I’m 25, I turn around and Pluto’s no longer a planet. I’m going to elbow that guy in the nose." -Ron Artest
the Onion loves Shaq
Tim Duncan wins championships. Vince Carters fills the arenas.
Kobe Bryant does both.
The ideal way to win a championship is step by step.
-Phil Jackson
oh The Big Clover.
har har har…
sloppiness is next to laziness
by Jump Dunk Score on Dec 1, 2010 10:58 PM PST up reply actions
Shaq's head is fucking huge.
"There are no "Kobe Lovers", just people who are right." - Gil Meriken
"ANY ONE WNAT SOME OF THIS MONEY, IN IF YOU WANT SOME COME ON IN GET SOME" - the Legendary LEWIS MONROE
Follow me on Twitter: @SoCalGal64
MORE THAN 8 POUNDS!
"Please tell me some of these stories about Los Angeles being the basketball capital of the world." - Red Auerbach
"质量是我们的尊严。服务是我们的电梯。" ("Quality is our dignity. Service is our lift.")
. . . five potato, six potato the Lakeshow are a whore . . .
. . . ’able team right now.
"Please tell me some of these stories about Los Angeles being the basketball capital of the world." - Red Auerbach
"质量是我们的尊严。服务是我们的电梯。" ("Quality is our dignity. Service is our lift.")
Not enough potatoes
Oh wait . . . new research says otherwise (so Shaq must be an aberration).
"Please tell me some of these stories about Los Angeles being the basketball capital of the world." - Red Auerbach
"质量是我们的尊严。服务是我们的电梯。" ("Quality is our dignity. Service is our lift.")
Not to pick on Ron Ron (he's a cham-pi-onnnnnn)
but what the fuck has he been up to besides being completely impotent on offense
What do you need a fancy suit for, Charlie, you ain't got no job to wear it to.
Sitting on the bench
Off-balance
"Before I make a mistake, I don't make that mistake" -Johan Cruijff
by angelofdeath on Dec 1, 2010 10:50 PM PST up reply actions
He wasn't exactly a world beater last year
But yeah, the grace period for the maddening indecision spots is over. He does two things well: shoot threes and bullying smaller or weaker defenders under the rim on cuts in which he can seal them under the basket. If he catches the ball on the perimeter and is open, shoot. If not, pass the ball and stay in motion. It’s not horribly difficult.
To secure ourselves against defeat lies in our own hands, but the opportunity of defeating the enemy is provided by the enemy himself.
a Ron Artest decision tree would be nice.
Tim Duncan wins championships. Vince Carters fills the arenas.
Kobe Bryant does both.
The ideal way to win a championship is step by step.
-Phil Jackson
someone should check his locker before and after games
and place a certain beverage inconspicuously. maybe he’ll play better.
Mamba, Mr. Intangible, Candyman, Spainard, Bynumite, Ron-Ron, Luuuuke, Breezy, Blakers, neck-tattoo contributor
Seems to me that the Lakers' 8-0 start got them all psyched about their awesome offense and 3-Point Shooting...
… so now when those admittedly unreliable factors (offense, 3-point shooting) are not happening, they’ve already forgotten that it’s their defense that got them the last 2 championships, and they don’t go back to it. Especially in this loss, where Shane “oldest man on the court” Battier (I don’t actually know if he was the oldest man on the court, it’s just a guess) is able to go on a personal 11-point run… defense is THE problem. I think Kobe already said it, though, at some point during this losing streak. My cousin, who’s a Clipper fan, is ripping on me because “The Lakers can’t beat the Rockets, but the Clippers can beat the Spurs!” Admittedly, that Mr. Griffin is something!
by Laker_Dodger_49 on Dec 1, 2010 10:52 PM PST reply actions
I concur
Do you all concur?
"Stop asking about offense. It’s ignorant. Talk about defense. Defense wins championships." Kobe
Brad Miller was the oldest man on the court
Kobe is technically older than Battier in terms of mileage as well.
These things happened. They were glorious and they changed the world... and then we fucked up the end game. - Charlie Wilson
TRADE KOBY FOR LUTHER HEAD!!!! (it's a movement)
It's not really such a big deal to lose all of these regular season games...
But we do need that HCA. I often wonder if we’d have won our last one without the HCA that we really lucked into with Boston having such a bumpy regular season. I’ll bet their fans are ruing their lack of HCA as well.
by Laker_Dodger_49 on Dec 1, 2010 10:55 PM PST reply actions
I dont think so
it was key to have game 7 at staples, in front of our fans. Lucky for us the Celtics really shit the bed in the regular season. lol
"Pluto’s not even a planet no more, which I’m very disturbed about. I grew up when Pluto was a planet. Now, I’m 25, I turn around and Pluto’s no longer a planet. I’m going to elbow that guy in the nose." -Ron Artest
A Carbon Copy of Previous 2 losses..
and the analysis just about sums it up for the umpteenth time…
Surely we can win on Friday? RIGHT FELLAS?????
CAN WE??
Le us see
If they act as a team. they will especially on defense
sloppiness is next to laziness
by Jump Dunk Score on Dec 1, 2010 11:04 PM PST up reply actions
yes.
I will change my username to Paulpiercefor3 if we lose Friday.
"Pluto’s not even a planet no more, which I’m very disturbed about. I grew up when Pluto was a planet. Now, I’m 25, I turn around and Pluto’s no longer a planet. I’m going to elbow that guy in the nose." -Ron Artest
by shaqfor3 on Dec 1, 2010 11:05 PM PST up reply actions 1 recs
Noted Shaqfor3
ill take a note on that. har har har
sloppiness is next to laziness
by Jump Dunk Score on Dec 1, 2010 11:07 PM PST up reply actions
that shows how much trust I have in this team
lol
"Pluto’s not even a planet no more, which I’m very disturbed about. I grew up when Pluto was a planet. Now, I’m 25, I turn around and Pluto’s no longer a planet. I’m going to elbow that guy in the nose." -Ron Artest
same here bro.. i hate it when we lose..
But I Trust in our guys. they will make some key adjustments.
sloppiness is next to laziness
by Jump Dunk Score on Dec 1, 2010 11:17 PM PST up reply actions
We're gonna lose Friday
because Pau and Odom cannot cover up for this Super Chucker’s mistakes anymore. He’s given Pau a hamstring injury now. Can’t believe we liked this guy. Until we trade him, we will always have problems and never win anything, two championships aside.
These things happened. They were glorious and they changed the world... and then we fucked up the end game. - Charlie Wilson
TRADE KOBY FOR LUTHER HEAD!!!! (it's a movement)
LOL
I didn’t see the username… and I got annoyed… then I read it was you and LOLd
lol
yeah, I’ve gotten a couple people with this. lol
These things happened. They were glorious and they changed the world... and then we fucked up the end game. - Charlie Wilson
TRADE KOBY FOR LUTHER HEAD!!!! (it's a movement)
PANIC!!!!!!!!!!!!!
"Pluto’s not even a planet no more, which I’m very disturbed about. I grew up when Pluto was a planet. Now, I’m 25, I turn around and Pluto’s no longer a planet. I’m going to elbow that guy in the nose." -Ron Artest
by shaqfor3 on Dec 1, 2010 11:13 PM PST up reply actions 5 recs
Straight up or give the points?
(assuming the Lakers are even favored by tip-off, LOL)
"Please tell me some of these stories about Los Angeles being the basketball capital of the world." - Red Auerbach
"质量是我们的尊严。服务是我们的电梯。" ("Quality is our dignity. Service is our lift.")
I would probably use that username for a few days or minutes
and switch back to the old account. lol
"Pluto’s not even a planet no more, which I’m very disturbed about. I grew up when Pluto was a planet. Now, I’m 25, I turn around and Pluto’s no longer a planet. I’m going to elbow that guy in the nose." -Ron Artest
Or you could go split personality and multiple browsers like Wave/waves
. . . then go get in an argument with yourself on Celtics Blog.
"Please tell me some of these stories about Los Angeles being the basketball capital of the world." - Red Auerbach
"质量是我们的尊严。服务是我们的电梯。" ("Quality is our dignity. Service is our lift.")
Unless Pau takes the next two practice days off, we can't!
He looks like he took a 70-pound dump. He’s absolutely spent already!
I bleed purple and wear gold.
I can't tell you how much I appreciate that visual.
"There are no "Kobe Lovers", just people who are right." - Gil Meriken
"ANY ONE WNAT SOME OF THIS MONEY, IN IF YOU WANT SOME COME ON IN GET SOME" - the Legendary LEWIS MONROE
Follow me on Twitter: @SoCalGal64
PANIC! PANIC! PANIC!
hopefully, we’ll get a 20 game winning streak after this…
Visit The Bernel Zone
"No one wins forever. Only thing that matters is how you face it when the cards don't come up your way. I'm not afraid." - Spider-Man (Amazing Spider-Man #475)
"If I find in myself a desire which no experience in this world can satisfy, the most probable explanation is that I was made for another world." - C.S. Lewis
"These young guys are playing checkers. I'm out there playing chess." - Kobe Bryant
kobe bryant=batman
by bernel on Dec 1, 2010 11:07 PM PST reply actions 3 recs
or a 63 game winning streak
"Pluto’s not even a planet no more, which I’m very disturbed about. I grew up when Pluto was a planet. Now, I’m 25, I turn around and Pluto’s no longer a planet. I’m going to elbow that guy in the nose." -Ron Artest
no... she screamed...
Visit The Bernel Zone
"No one wins forever. Only thing that matters is how you face it when the cards don't come up your way. I'm not afraid." - Spider-Man (Amazing Spider-Man #475)
"If I find in myself a desire which no experience in this world can satisfy, the most probable explanation is that I was made for another world." - C.S. Lewis
"These young guys are playing checkers. I'm out there playing chess." - Kobe Bryant
kobe bryant=batman
yup. one game at a time.
Visit The Bernel Zone
"No one wins forever. Only thing that matters is how you face it when the cards don't come up your way. I'm not afraid." - Spider-Man (Amazing Spider-Man #475)
"If I find in myself a desire which no experience in this world can satisfy, the most probable explanation is that I was made for another world." - C.S. Lewis
"These young guys are playing checkers. I'm out there playing chess." - Kobe Bryant
kobe bryant=batman
I hate it when we lose
I can’t watch any highlights of the game because they’re tainted by the loss and leave a bad taste in my mouth.
At least this is happening now. Better now than later; that is to say, of course, that we don’t do this again later.
What is the nature of your thoughts, gentlemen, when you say "fuddle duddle" or something like that?
now this is an interesting:
Hornets can opt out of lease in Nawlins without >14K fans over next 12 games. Drew <11K tonight vs. Cha.
"Pluto’s not even a planet no more, which I’m very disturbed about. I grew up when Pluto was a planet. Now, I’m 25, I turn around and Pluto’s no longer a planet. I’m going to elbow that guy in the nose." -Ron Artest
interesting tweet*
"Pluto’s not even a planet no more, which I’m very disturbed about. I grew up when Pluto was a planet. Now, I’m 25, I turn around and Pluto’s no longer a planet. I’m going to elbow that guy in the nose." -Ron Artest
stop with the panic, please
You Laker fans kill me. And I’m a Laker fan.
Relax, already. Teams go through slumps, even awesome teams. LA knows that the playoffs are where it counts, and everything else is working toward a good seed, getting the team gelled and ready, and staying healthy.
Don’t forget, Bynum’s eventual return to the starting 5 means that we’ll have one of the best benches in the history of the NBA. Blake, Brown, Barnes, Odom (and I guess Caracter at center?) are a pretty awesome second unit. Plus, I agree that Pau is playing at a fraction of what he was in October… but there’s a reason for that. The guy needs fewer minutes, and Bynum’s return helps that in a huge way.
I’m not worried about a losing streak like this when I know how great our team is going to be come playoff time. I want a championship, not an amazing regular season record. Phil, Kobe, Fish, and the other veterans know that this is a marathon, not a 400 yard dash. My bigger worry would be if Bynum remains healthy enough to fully compete during playoffs. If he’s good to go, we can beat anybody. If Bynum (or Pau) sustain injuries that prevent them from playing at or near 100%, then we can kiss our 3-peat dreams goodbye this time.
excuse me
but where’s the panic?
"Pluto’s not even a planet no more, which I’m very disturbed about. I grew up when Pluto was a planet. Now, I’m 25, I turn around and Pluto’s no longer a planet. I’m going to elbow that guy in the nose." -Ron Artest
With all due respect, Sir Curtis
I believe you’re mistaking panic for frustration and disappointment.
LOL, noob.
"There are no "Kobe Lovers", just people who are right." - Gil Meriken
"ANY ONE WNAT SOME OF THIS MONEY, IN IF YOU WANT SOME COME ON IN GET SOME" - the Legendary LEWIS MONROE
Follow me on Twitter: @SoCalGal64
Welcome. Enjoy the flavor here.
"Please tell me some of these stories about Los Angeles being the basketball capital of the world." - Red Auerbach
"质量是我们的尊严。服务是我们的电梯。" ("Quality is our dignity. Service is our lift.")
LOLOMG, that is so gross.
"There are no "Kobe Lovers", just people who are right." - Gil Meriken
"ANY ONE WNAT SOME OF THIS MONEY, IN IF YOU WANT SOME COME ON IN GET SOME" - the Legendary LEWIS MONROE
Follow me on Twitter: @SoCalGal64
Good lord, that's disgusting
We need an anti-rec function.
To secure ourselves against defeat lies in our own hands, but the opportunity of defeating the enemy is provided by the enemy himself.
Stop panicking
. . . dang you people!
"Please tell me some of these stories about Los Angeles being the basketball capital of the world." - Red Auerbach
"质量是我们的尊严。服务是我们的电梯。" ("Quality is our dignity. Service is our lift.")
Dammit I can't even click on the headline and make it disappear.
"There are no "Kobe Lovers", just people who are right." - Gil Meriken
"ANY ONE WNAT SOME OF THIS MONEY, IN IF YOU WANT SOME COME ON IN GET SOME" - the Legendary LEWIS MONROE
Follow me on Twitter: @SoCalGal64
LOL
Feel free to zap it if it’s gonna give people nightmares.
"Please tell me some of these stories about Los Angeles being the basketball capital of the world." - Red Auerbach
"质量是我们的尊严。服务是我们的电梯。" ("Quality is our dignity. Service is our lift.")
No, that's an abuse of "power". No worries!
"There are no "Kobe Lovers", just people who are right." - Gil Meriken
"ANY ONE WNAT SOME OF THIS MONEY, IN IF YOU WANT SOME COME ON IN GET SOME" - the Legendary LEWIS MONROE
Follow me on Twitter: @SoCalGal64
OK. Copy.
The pic kinda captures my (and maybe others’) feelings as a fan right now.
"Please tell me some of these stories about Los Angeles being the basketball capital of the world." - Red Auerbach
"质量是我们的尊严。服务是我们的电梯。" ("Quality is our dignity. Service is our lift.")
ahhhh WTF
"Pluto’s not even a planet no more, which I’m very disturbed about. I grew up when Pluto was a planet. Now, I’m 25, I turn around and Pluto’s no longer a planet. I’m going to elbow that guy in the nose." -Ron Artest
that's disgusting
Education without values, as useful as it is, seems rather to make man a more clever devil.
C. S. Lewis
We need to change to grow, but let us not grow weary in our pursuit to change...
So's the Lakers' play of late
"Please tell me some of these stories about Los Angeles being the basketball capital of the world." - Red Auerbach
"质量是我们的尊严。服务是我们的电梯。" ("Quality is our dignity. Service is our lift.")
hahaha..
our exaggerations of “panic” are all for this site’s brand of humor, my friend. no panic at all.
Visit The Bernel Zone
"No one wins forever. Only thing that matters is how you face it when the cards don't come up your way. I'm not afraid." - Spider-Man (Amazing Spider-Man #475)
"If I find in myself a desire which no experience in this world can satisfy, the most probable explanation is that I was made for another world." - C.S. Lewis
"These young guys are playing checkers. I'm out there playing chess." - Kobe Bryant
kobe bryant=batman
um, I was responding to the title of this article
You know, the one that says “Please Commence Panicking in an Orderly Fashion.”
Also, I was responding to numerous friends who are genuinely panicked.
I’m just saying…. the Lakers need to keep cool heads and get back to form, even if we fans have a tendency to not do that.
A restful weekend after Friday’s game will do the team (and probably us fans) some good!
You haven't been on this site long
There’s no “panic” here, namely because 90% of our problems are solved when Bynum comes back. It’s disappointment at how much the team is underperforming and some mild consternation at the fact that we might lose a bunch of games in a similar manner to tonight before he does return.
To secure ourselves against defeat lies in our own hands, but the opportunity of defeating the enemy is provided by the enemy himself.
no, haven't been aroudn the site long
but clearly, we agree about Bynum.
I’m on your side, chief!
lol
you havent been around long enough to tell the difference from actual panic and jokes. but its all good.
"Pluto’s not even a planet no more, which I’m very disturbed about. I grew up when Pluto was a planet. Now, I’m 25, I turn around and Pluto’s no longer a planet. I’m going to elbow that guy in the nose." -Ron Artest
fair enough
but plenty of people I know are seriously pancking. I’m just frustrated!
we all are
they can play better than this, even without Bynum.
"Pluto’s not even a planet no more, which I’m very disturbed about. I grew up when Pluto was a planet. Now, I’m 25, I turn around and Pluto’s no longer a planet. I’m going to elbow that guy in the nose." -Ron Artest
true, but...
I worry about deteriorating with Pau playing so many minutes. He’s been such a non-factor the past few games, I think he’s really getting worn down. Tonight was the 2nd night of a back to back and you could see it really getting to him.
yep
and it doesnt look like the front office will get another big to eat some of his minutes. The good news though is that the schedule from here on out till x’mas is pretty soft. If we can put teams away when we can and build large leads, then we can get him some much needed rest. That and/or just give Caracter a few more minutes a night.
"Pluto’s not even a planet no more, which I’m very disturbed about. I grew up when Pluto was a planet. Now, I’m 25, I turn around and Pluto’s no longer a planet. I’m going to elbow that guy in the nose." -Ron Artest
How 'bout they treat Pau to a day or two off from practice?
Wonder why Phil hasn’t thought about that.
I bleed purple and wear gold.
He's already doing that
To secure ourselves against defeat lies in our own hands, but the opportunity of defeating the enemy is provided by the enemy himself.
OK . . . Chillax-check time, courtesy of a previous fanshot by Gil Meriken
"Please tell me some of these stories about Los Angeles being the basketball capital of the world." - Red Auerbach
"质量是我们的尊严。服务是我们的电梯。" ("Quality is our dignity. Service is our lift.")
Panic button
Too soon to push the panic button. These losses are annoying but this is all a part of the journey which was never going to be easy. Keep in mind that in order for the Lakers to 3 peat they will have to make it to the Finals for a 4th straight time which hasnt been done since the Celtics during the 60’s. Even as good as this team is that is still a monumental task.
On another note, why is Gasol so tired? He took the summer off. He should be fresh. One month into the season and he claims to be fatigued?
Correct me if I am wrong but didn't Gasol sit out a couple of weeks last season
for hamstring problems? The grind of playing so many minutes migt or might not effect him. Either way, I personally think that the Lakers should get someone, anyone, to help out in the paint.
fGasol said his hamstring was sore Tuesday in the game against Memphis and that in Wednesday’s game against the Rockets, “it didn’t get loose at all, so I couldn’t play the way I wanted to.”
Gasol had just eight points on two-for-eight shooting, leading Lakers Coach Phil Jackson to lament: “He probably had the worst game of the season by far.”
Last season, Gasol missed 11 games with a right hamstring strain and six more with a left hamstring strain.
This time, Gasol said he’s “tired from fatigue.”
He has been averaging 39.9 minutes this season.
Gasol played 38.38 minutes against the Rockets and 44:41 against Memphis.
“What’s my concern? My concern is that it doesn’t get better, or that it gets worse and it becomes a problem,” Gasol said. “Then we’ll really have a problem.”
"That means no more coming into camp fat and out of shape, when your team is relying on your leadership on and off the court. It also means no more blaming others for our team's failure, or blaming staff members for not overdramatizing your injuries so that you avoid blame for your lack of conditioning. " Kobe on Shaq being a leader
If we can get out to early leads as we did
this game and sustain them. We’d be ok. Unfortunately we haven’t maintained any leads throughout this losing streak, partially because of the down to earth nature of the bench. Unfortunately, Caracter still isn’t much of a deterrent in the middle at this point, although he has shown good signs. I do think we should play him more. At least closer to ten minutes than two.
These things happened. They were glorious and they changed the world... and then we fucked up the end game. - Charlie Wilson
TRADE KOBY FOR LUTHER HEAD!!!! (it's a movement)
It seems a non-guaranteed contract to anybody that can run up and down the court is needed at this point.
although, i woudl rather just see caracter get 20 minutes. even though he is undersized, he played pretty well last night (from what i saw).
"What we want to remember—what we will remember—is the indelible vision of Kobe, his arms outstretched, delirious with joy and disbelief, running after and grabbing hold of Lamar Odom’s floating downcourt pass, while all the purple and gold streamers in the world are raining down on the hardwood." - Brian Tung
LOL
Then you didn’t see much. Phil and Kobe were very frustrated with his play. Happened the night before too.
I still think they should leave him in. Signing someone else and playing Gasol until ultimate exhaustion are both bad decisions.
well..... i saw the fourth quarter.
i saw some good help d and a nice block. so, yeah, i didnt see much.
thing is, i dont think im watching another laker game until the win.
i went to the utah game and they lost. i watched only the fourth quarters of the last 3 games, and they lost them in the fourth quarter. hell, last night i tuned in when the lakers went up by 7. they then went on to get destroyed by Battier and lose by 10…..
"What we want to remember—what we will remember—is the indelible vision of Kobe, his arms outstretched, delirious with joy and disbelief, running after and grabbing hold of Lamar Odom’s floating downcourt pass, while all the purple and gold streamers in the world are raining down on the hardwood." - Brian Tung
Ah, but it seems you have happened upon a useful gem of information
When the Lakers went up 5, right before Barnes took the free throw to put them up 6 in the 4th, a timeout was called.
The team out there before the timeout was all bench players; including Caracter.
Coming out of the timeout…. Pau was back. Mind you, it wasn’t 6 or 4 minutes left in the game; it was 8 and some change. The Lakers were on a run without Pau, with Caracter, with the bench and with the starters resting… and in comes Pau.
It was all downhill from there.
Somebody correct me if i'm wrong.
But i remember readingsomewhere that last year, after Rambis left, the Lakers changed their defense. Which was the defense that was top 5 in the league all year long. And then i think i remember someone mentioning that we switched back to the old defense, that Rambis was running, this year.
Is this correct, or am I totally off.
"What we want to remember—what we will remember—is the indelible vision of Kobe, his arms outstretched, delirious with joy and disbelief, running after and grabbing hold of Lamar Odom’s floating downcourt pass, while all the purple and gold streamers in the world are raining down on the hardwood." - Brian Tung
nope you are right
I will try and find the article. I am not sure if you are referring to me but I did mention how I read that they went back to their old defensive scheme.
"That means no more coming into camp fat and out of shape, when your team is relying on your leadership on and off the court. It also means no more blaming others for our team's failure, or blaming staff members for not overdramatizing your injuries so that you avoid blame for your lack of conditioning. " Kobe on Shaq being a leader
we are playing too individual, Kobe is shooting too much, Gasol needs rest, Artest is a black hole in offense and the bench is not producing that much.
The PuertoRican Kid
by Kobe:The Legend on Dec 2, 2010 12:40 PM PST reply actions
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