The Lakers Reasons Why Not
by C.A. Clark on Mar 8, 2010 10:00 AM PST
106 comments
Years ago, ABC created a show called Emily's Reasons Why Not, starring Heather Graham, which is generally considered one of the worst shows to ever actually make post-production. After putting the full force of their marketing machine into the show, spending millions and millions of dollars telling everybody about it, ABC canceled it after just one episode. It was a colossal flop for all involved.
The Lakers play of late has them completely worthy of a comparison with such filth. And yet, despite the putridity of what we've seen in recent weeks (because let's be honest, this three game losing streak is only the tip of the iceberg of the Lakers poor play), I want to take things in a different direction. I want to tell you why the Lakers can still win a championship.
I'm not putting on tinted glasses or trying to gloss over some serious deficiencies that we've seen from the boys in purple in gold as of late. I will not allude to "The Switch" very often, because simply saying the Lakers are going to flip a switch and be dominant is irresponsible and incorrect. That said, just because the team has looked quite bad lately does not mean that all hope of success should be abandoned. You ask why? I ask why not.
The Lakers defense doesn't suck
The Lakers have hovered near the top of the defensive rankings all season long. Their defensive rating (102.2) is 2nd only to Boston's. It's true that their defensive performance has slipped considerably at times during the season, but we've also seen them play inspiring defense as well. The offense has been a struggle all year (relatively speaking here, people, it is still nearly top 10), but the defense has been consistently tops. If defense does, in fact, win championships, the Lakers are still in prime position because their defense is top notch.
Shooting comes and goes, and right now, it's gone.
Dex did a great job of breaking down the Lakers shooting woes in yesterday's post, and he's absolutely right. The Lakers do not shoot the ball very well overall, and that's not something that they can control. The team does not own a switch to flip which will fix their shooting problems. But God does. Fate does. The random statistical distribution of individual occurrences does. Whatever you believe in, there is a perfectly valid explanation that says the Lakers shooting will improve over recent weeks, and another one which says that the shooting could be better than the Lakers average performance in the playoffs. The team is not in full control of its shooting improvement, but that doesn't mean improvement will not happen. Right now, the Lakers are in a slump, and it won't last until the playoffs. By the first round, the Lakers will likely have improved their shooting to season average. And, with a little luck, they could even get hot at the right time.
We need no further evidence of this than last year's championship run. In their quest for the Larry O'Brien, the Lakers received virtuoso shooting performances from two key players that shot well above their season or career averages, Lamar Odom and Trevor Ariza. Odom shot above 50% from 3, and Ariza was just a bit under at 48%. Shannon Brown also shot 48% (he wasn't exactly a key player though). None of these guys are known as great shooters. None of them even come close to a career 3 pt % of 40%. For two months, each of these guys got hot, and we might not have a championship without it.
Fatigue will actually be less of an issue in the playoffs
Right now, the Lakers look every bit the team that has played the most basketball over the past few seasons. Combine that with a litany of injuries suffered, causing increased minutes to an already short rotation, and it's easy to see that the Lakers are a tired team right now. However, fatigue should actually improve in the postseason. Games are stretched out more, especially in the early rounds. There's at least a day off between each game. And there's usually less travel as well. Combined with the fact that it's generally easier to get up for playoff games, it's OK for you to expect an increased energy level from the team come late April.
You don't really expect Kobe and Pau to keep playing this poorly, do you?
The Lakers recent struggles start right at the top. Kobe Bryant has not been playing well since his return from injury. He's been lazy (at times) on defense. He's been ineffective (at most times) on offense. His shooting (at just about all times) has been terrible. I told you I wouldn't allude to a switch very often, but this is the one guy that clearly has one. Kobe may not shoot better in the playoffs (though it's a good bet he does), but one can guarantee he'll play with more energy in the playoffs.
Pau Gasol is another, much more mysterious, story. I don't really know what to make of him. He seems to have regressed in regards to being able to deal with tough play. He'll never be a tough player himself, but in last year's playoffs, he showed that he was capable of dealing with it when other teams play him physically. Those attributes have been completely missing during this season. His shooting is far worse this season, compared to last. His turnovers are worse. He doesn't even seem to be able to pass out of the double team as adeptly as we're used to. He looks fatigued from taking on an insane basketball schedule the past couple of years, and he looks frustrated. He's been disgruntled and spoken to the press far too often for my liking, especially because his play does not seem to justify his comments. Does Pau Gasol have a switch? Who knows. He has dealt with physical play in the past, so we know he's capable of it. We've already discussed how fatigue might be less of an issue in the playoffs. The Lakers probably don't win it all unless he steps up and starts performing like the All-Star that he is, but it most certainly could happen.
All the contenders have flaws
I wrote before this season started that the NBA would be top-heavy, and the possibility existed that we'd see 5 60 win teams. I couldn't have been more wrong. Instead, none of the teams that were expected to run away with the NBA have played to their potential. Cleveland's the closest, but even they are below preseason expectations. Instead of 5 60 win teams, there may not be any, with Cleveland the only team with a strong chance to make it. Speaking of which, let's discuss Cleveland, who just lost three straight games under very similar circumstances as the Lakers (Home vs. Denver, @ Charlotte (2nd night of back to back), @ Orlando). They just lost Shaq until the playoffs, which is fine for them in terms of how they'll cope without Shaq. But it raises a lot of red flags regarding what Shaq's conditioning and ability will be in the playoffs. The Cavs traded for Shaq because he makes them better against the big teams, which happen to be most of the contenders the Cavs will face. If Shaq can't provide them what they need, their championship aspirations take a severe hit. Denver has looked fantastic against good teams this year, but still show signs of the lack of mental strength required to be champions. Orlando has never really clicked all season long. You might as well stick a fork in the Celtics. Dallas could be a very tough matchup, due to the trade with the Wizards for Brendan Haywood and Caron Butler, but they too just lost Jason Terry for a bit of time. This season, it's been rough at the top. The Lakers are no exception, but they've also got company in performing below expectations.
Phil Jackson only wins trophies in threes
OK, so this really has no bearing on reality, just like the Lakers lack of a three game losing streak post-Pau. But hey until a new precedent is set, you have to accept the one that exists, right? Three times a Phil Jackson led team has won a championship, and three times that same team has won two more in a row. Until it doesn't happen, you can't say that it won't happen.
The Lakers may not repeat without a few factors coming together, but that doesn't mean it won't happen. Whether you choose to believe in the good or the bad is up to you. But, at a time when the bad seems to be overwhelming, I just thought I'd provide the other side of the coin.
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I voted for they are not the favorites to win
I think they will win, I’m a fan. I think that right now, after the skid, the media will start looking to Denver, Dallas, Cleveland and Orlando as the favorites. Maybe I don’t have much trust in the usual sports writing community but that’s just how I feel.
Personally I feel along the way you’ve just broken everything down. We have yet to see the Lakers play up to their potential (well maybe a little at the start of the season and against Dallas that one time).
The fact that we’ve been good at winning close games, and have the record we do says a lot about the potential of this team.
I did like the attitude and effort yesterday. It was just sloppy. Let’s clean it up and we’ll win it all.
maybe it’s me being too much immersed in conspiracy theories…BUT haven’t you noticed that 2 of the last 3 losses were to teams in contention for the 8th seed in the East? the same 8th seed spot that will play against the Cavs in the 1st round(incidentally the Cats also beat the Cavs twice).
PJ ,being as sly as he is, may have factored this in his equations. Still, I believe the Lakers will come together at the right time and contend for the title this year.
i just noticed something
new jersey has won THREE STRAIGHT road games while we have LOST three straight… hell should be freezing over right about now
I'm not worried at all....
I see us going 15-2 down the stretch and playing our best ball when it matters.
Nobody in the West is going to beat us 4 times in a 7 game series and in my heart I don’t see Cleveland or Orlando doing it either, no matter who has home court.
i still don’t think Cleveland can unless, if they are COMPLETELY healthy. But i really think the Magic can. I mean we matched up pretty bad against them last year and this year. We won the finals because we handeled the pressure better and didn’t choke (I’m looking at you Mr. Lee)
"Champions aren't made in the gym. Champions are made from something they have deep inside them - a desire, a dream, a vision."
- Muhammad Ali
"Words of wisdom is nothing but foolishness to the unwise"
Honestly, thank you sir.
I was getting sick and tired of these “woe are we, we’re only first in the toughest conference” posts. Again, it isn’t ludicrous to think that this team is just disinterested. They know other teams are gunning for them, but they also know that they can only solve it in April-June.
Again, shades of 2001. I really do think this team has the talent to make a similar run. Pound for pound, this might be a better team. I personally can’t wait till the real season starts.
Let’s lock up the west. That’s the main goal the rest of the PREseason. If Cleveland is in range at some point, make that run, but MAKE SURE Denver and Dallas don’t get an edge. They honestly scare me more than Cleveland at this point, particularly Dallas.
See you guys in April. :)
"I was just letting the shots fly. You know, I don't leave any bullets in the chamber."
"Everything negative- pressure, challenges- is all an opportunity for me to rise."
-Kobe Bryant
A mantra for all athletes.
by TrojanRam on Mar 8, 2010 11:46 AM PST via mobile reply actions
+1 Ram man and I think it will be Bradford, he is making the best effort to get better.
LA Sports is what keep me off the streets and out of trouble, thanks to all the teams Rams, Dodgers, Lakers, USC sports and the Love of Tennis.
by so.cal.native1952 on Mar 8, 2010 2:07 PM PST up reply actions
100% Right.
Pau Gasol is another, much more mysterious, story. I don’t really know what to make of him. He seems to have regressed in regards to being able to deal with tough play…. He’s been disgruntled and spoken to the press far too often for my liking, especially because his play does not seem to justify his comments.
Although I would like to see the ball go inside more, even at the expense of a game or two, just so these guys can try to figure out what is wrong, Pau is as much to blame as anyone. He hasn’t been dominant, nor tried to be.
http://twitter.com/wondahbap
by wondahbap on Mar 8, 2010 12:58 PM PST reply actions 1 recs
Yeah, I really want to see a game in which Bynum and Gasol both get 15+ shots apiece
And Kobe gets a lot of his touches off the two-man game, cuts, or open kick-outs from post play. Just for a change of pace.
To secure ourselves against defeat lies in our own hands, but the opportunity of defeating the enemy is provided by the enemy himself.
Yeah, probably
To secure ourselves against defeat lies in our own hands, but the opportunity of defeating the enemy is provided by the enemy himself.
6 peat in progress
why is anybody worried?
YOU CAN PUT IT ON THE BOARD YES!
www.reverbnation.com/czheckproductions
by Czheck on Mar 8, 2010 1:31 PM PST reply actions 1 recs
Until the Lakers get beat in the playoffs, then they are still the team beat.
"It took twenty five years to get there, and they did it in championship style" - Van Miller 1/20/91.
i just dont agree with that
the team that won the title last year is LAST YEARS team. This years Lakers are not as good as last years and there have been teams who have been better this year (cleveland, denver) and they’ve beaten us pretty handily also. I still think this team is capable of winning a title but I think its more likely that they wont, unlike last year.
I don't really know right now
before this road trip, I would have said the Lakers were the favorite. But now I have my doubts. We have already lost more games than last year, yet we have had Bynum healthy (or at least playing) for most of the year. Kobe is starting to show his mileage. He ranks 7th among active NBA players in minutes played . The six players above him have already been declining stats wise. Fisher has been an albatross around this team’s neck all season. With Fish, I think it’s more than age, I wonder if there are personal issues like his daughters illness we aren’t hearing about. Bynum and Gasol still don’t play well together. It seems like one will have a good game and the other sucks. They each seem to play better when the other is not on the floor. Our bench is too thin and very inconsistent, neither Farmar nor UPS can be relied on to play well in any given game. The team doesn’t seem to hustle, play with consistent effort or run Phil’s offense. I will lay the blame for that in Phil’s lap. This team doesn’t seem to listen to their coach. It’s not too late to right the ship, but they need to start soon.
Teams hit slumps all the time
So I’m not understanding why my comrades are hitting the panic button.
Look, they’ve played crappily over the last few days, but u know any NBA teams that played great for 82 games? Hopefully, Ron-ron’s new do will change that.
I really wished we’d trade for a real PG, but there’s nothing much to do except wish this unit the best, and hope that things will come together.
I can't tell if Phil Jackson is playing 3D chess and is 10 moves ahead of us or if he's just goddamn senile...
Its not last season...
I think a lot of people are worried because we expected to play the same way as last season but it hasn’t played out like that we had flaws last year too but overcame…I just feel its a different road to the ship thats all sure there are games thats shouldn’t be as close as they were our offence should be running wild on everyone…but having close games will prep us for the playoffs and or offence will come back…as for Pau i think he’ll be fine, he knows what it takes they all do…
by purplebloodgoldheart on Mar 8, 2010 3:32 PM PST reply actions
unrelated to this story but i thought id share:
Ron’s hair peacefully shaved away sometime between yesterday’s loss in Orlando to today’s team practice in El Segundo. But don’t mourn too much; "defense" still remains on his head (and hopefully still on his mind), in three different languages. None of which are in English.
- Mike Trudell
"Just by the aura of D.J. Mbenga being there, the shot missed."
i know you guys like to be optimistic and say everything is gonna be fine
but this time has some serious flaws and that isnt gonna change. Kobe is just not the same anymore. He really lacks explosiveness and he’s constantly having these bad shooting games. Yeah hes been clutch, but he has to be the MVP level Kobe if we’re gonna win the title. I just dont know if we’ll ever see that Kobe again. Hes at the end of his 14 FUCKING SEASON! And yet PJ keeps playing him these insane fuckin minutes thats just killing him. I mean 40 minutes yesterday??? And Pau just looks completely gassed. I think those miles hes put on the last few years have caught up with him too. If those 2 guys arent up to their potential, we WILL NOT WIN ANY MORE CHAMPIONSHIPS. And I dont think the will get back to that level because you cant beat Father Time.
wow
and you had a problem with me criticizing the team lol
There has got be some changes made or we're gonna be in for a world of disappointment.......
i know lol
i went into deep thought and realized we’re really in trouble. My bad bruh.
by desecrator09 on Mar 9, 2010 11:21 AM PST up reply actions
I feel you mayne lol
Everything that is wrong can be fixed minus Fisher and his getting burned on d lol
There has got be some changes made or we're gonna be in for a world of disappointment.......
you're crazy.
so much to talk about…
Kobe is not in a steep decline as you would have us believe. If anyone is capable of playing 40 minutes it’s him. 14 seasons yes, but he’s 31. Thirty-fucking-one. He’s fine.
you realize that the Lakers are a definite championship threat when Bynum becomes fhe focal point, right?
it’s just a matter of people admitting and adjusting when they are in their decline. as they age kobe and pau SHOULD give way to Bynum. and the team will lose very little if any championship luster. After all, you’re going to be giving more shots to someone who shoots 50+% from the field.
its not about age fool
its about mileage in this league. He’s got the most minutes as anybody in the league over the past few seasons. since you like going by birthday age, hes got the body and milage of like a 35 year old.
by desecrator09 on Mar 9, 2010 11:22 AM PST up reply actions
Im not so sure about the explosiveness thing
The fact is Kobe is getting any shots he want he just isnt making them
There has got be some changes made or we're gonna be in for a world of disappointment.......
Very good post, C.A.
I’m not totally off the ledge, but I’ve back a few inches away from it.
Twitter feed: @dexterfishmore
Perhaps closer to the playoffs we can start with a set of "possible playoff opponents" posts?
Start with the lower seeds and go up. That might back people up from the ledge a few more inches.
To secure ourselves against defeat lies in our own hands, but the opportunity of defeating the enemy is provided by the enemy himself.
i think this team is still a favorite to win the title
we all know the cavs are playing better basketball right now but when this team is in full force, it is extremely difficult for anyone to knock them out in a seven game series. We just have yet to see them play strong on a more consistent basis. Thats the problem.
"Just by the aura of D.J. Mbenga being there, the shot missed."
true but I think
Cleveland is the worst possible matchup for us if they have Shaq and Z. If we meet them, I dont see us beating them, even if we’re all focused and what-not. Ive dissected both of those games and our big men have no chance against theirs when Shaq is in. Thats why i really hope Orlando beats them cuz I know we can take them.
eh. I don’t know about that.
I suppose the Cavs might be LA’s toughest matchup, but if they meet in the finals I still give the Lakers a slight advantage. That aside, I’m dying for the Cavs to face the Magic again in the playoffs, sure their toughest matchup, but I want to see last years demons exorcised.
by johnnyphoenix on Mar 8, 2010 4:11 PM PST up reply actions
I look at it like…let’s take kobe and lebron out of the series. Who wins? I say the Lakers do, and it wouldn’t go 7.
by johnnyphoenix on Mar 8, 2010 4:13 PM PST up reply actions
guys check out this article
it sounds so Denver Stiffs-esque but its actually from bleacher report. The author completely trashes the team, fanbase, city, etc. Ive kinda lost respect for bleacher report for even posting this on the front of the nba page.
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/359081-hollywood-ending-lakers-are-mirror-image-of-la-arrogance
"Just by the aura of D.J. Mbenga being there, the shot missed."
Bleacher Report?
Not credible. I pretty much ignore any links to columns there. There may be some quality in there, but overall, the level of writing is poor.
"This is not a game for boys. This is a game for men." - Phil Jackson
i agree
bleacher report isnt very reliable
the writing though seemed extremely one sided for a “news source”
i never thought it can get that bad.
"Just by the aura of D.J. Mbenga being there, the shot missed."
scratch that
it isnt a credible news source to begin with
just bloggers…all this time I thought it was a news source. (shakes head and walks away)
"Just by the aura of D.J. Mbenga being there, the shot missed."
Until the defending champs either don’t make the postseason, or are knocked out…they’re still the favorites. End of story. I always hate the ’who’s the favorite’ based on regular season. Ask the Cavs last year or the Mavs few years back how that worked out. The ground is littered with the bones of past ‘regular season’ favorites.
Don't ever give up
“We have to keep believing in the ultimate goal,” Derek Fisher said. "That’s what helps you stay focused through adversity is realizing that you’re still on the path to where you want to go.
“When you’re popping that Champagne, these are the times that you remember. This is what brings the tears.”
"This is not a game for boys. This is a game for men." - Phil Jackson
He's certainly right that it's bringing me tears
Twitter feed: @dexterfishmore
by DexterFishmore on Mar 8, 2010 4:27 PM PST up reply actions
I thought the alcohol stinging the eyes brought the tears
"This is not a game for boys. This is a game for men." - Phil Jackson
or the flying piece of cork that strikes you in the eye
or even perhaps the fluorescent lighting inside the locker room…
"Just by the aura of D.J. Mbenga being there, the shot missed."
or thinking about the fact the adam morrison is gonna get another ring.
"I work my ass off every day in practice. How many other guys can say the same thing? Not many. I'm fighting against becoming soft. That's the worse thing you can say to a basketball player." - Dennis Rodman
Last time I checked, Orlando wasn't the "favorite" to come out of the east last year, but they did
" Favorites" is a term that, like johnyphoenix said, is just the team with the best record in the league or the teams that play the best before the playoffs. So to answer the question, No we’re not the “favorites” but I still think we’re the best team, come playoff time
pslakerfan: "Well if you can get in (the Hall of Fame) by being a scorer who doesn't rebound or play defense.....
Then I guess you can get in by being a rebounder and defender who can’t score." referring to Dennis Rodman
Lebron to sit out another game
LeBron James(notes) insists he’s "good." The Cleveland Cavaliers don’t want their superstar to play again until he’s great.
James sat out his second consecutive game on Monday night against the San Antonio Spurs to rest a tender right ankle he twisted on Friday against Detroit. He missed Saturday’s game in Milwaukee and the Cavs, who don’t play again until Friday, are being extra cautious.
Cavaliers coach Mike Brown said in addition to having a bum ankle, James has some soreness in his back. However, it’s nothing he couldn’t play through, Brown said, and if this were the playoffs, James would be on the floor.http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/news;_ylt=AuNWjDoraaTBLe5hsrVUgxS8vLYF?slug=ap-cavaliers-james&prov=ap&type=lgns
"Embrace the battle" -Lamar Odom
Lebron would probably suit up if the Lakers werent slumping
"Just by the aura of D.J. Mbenga being there, the shot missed."
ding ding ding
Twitter feed: @dexterfishmore
by DexterFishmore on Mar 8, 2010 5:10 PM PST up reply actions
No I meant, great in that it will help Cleveland's chances in beating SA tonight
"This is not a game for boys. This is a game for men." - Phil Jackson
So True
What better time to rest a star player or 2 than when your nearest threat is in a 3 game skid…and i think he’ll have had a week off by their next game…Mike Brown actually did something smart for a change wow
There has got be some changes made or we're gonna be in for a world of disappointment.......
if the lakers won every game left in the reg season
they would still be 1 game behind their win total from last year.
which matters exactly zero
if we could make the playoffs with 13 wins i’d be ok with it. this team is nasty when they show up. we can only hope the playoffs makes them show.
I’ve seen the replay. I knew he wasn’t going to do shit, why the fuck should I flinch for?
Kobe on the Matt Barnes inbound play
"Embrace the battle" -Lamar Odom
by intuitive on Mar 8, 2010 6:13 PM PST reply actions 2 recs
The point about the defensive end is key
Namely because despite all of our woes this year, the defense has largely been there the entire time. You don’t put up top three marks in defensive efficiency without some level of consistency game to game. Our problem has been on the other end, but a good portion of the problems has been execution, which is something that has come in the playoffs pretty consistently for this team throughout the years. I’m not saying that there will be a “lightbulb” moment and we’ll start putting up numbers similar to the top five marks we’ve had in seasons past, but the better execution alone should give the offense a boost beyond it’s current morbid state. For practically every game against an elite team or similar, our defense has been there — the question is whether we’ll pick it up at the other end.
To secure ourselves against defeat lies in our own hands, but the opportunity of defeating the enemy is provided by the enemy himself.
I have a message for wayde316
Side with the Spurs? So shall you fall with them.
Cavs ruuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuule
Do you think the Lakers are still the favorites to win the NBA title?
YES, but they need to get there act together and really soon
There are basic Fundamentals that are needed to move forward in this game. Always keep your guard up at all times to avoid being caught in a trap. Overcome the fouls that will be commited against you REBOUND AND PRESS ON. ADJUST to the LimeLight: ALL-STAR PLAYERS ARE ALWAYS THE CENTER OF ATTENTION. Know what your role is and play your position. Find a game plan and execute it. REMEMBER YOU ONLY GET OUT OF THE GAME WHAT YOU PUT INTO IT.
Every team
Every team this year has had their slumps and looked like garbage, and the Lakers are in a slump right now. Lets not forget what kobe was doing earlier this year before his finger fracture, twisted ankle, and back spasms.
the billion dollar question is
will he ever regain that pre injury form?
I've followed what you say
and You are pretty pessimistic man . Being an optimistic It kinda annoys me but I respect your views and I see your point
optimists are annoying as fuck
when they let their optimism blind them from reality
Are you actually a Lakers fan or a troll of some kind?
Absolute pessimism is just as bad and unrealistic. I suppose if you’re hyper critical of everything you’ll always be pleasantly surprised, but man the Lakers are not all that bad.
im not being a pessimist
im being a realist. Everything I said is legit. Just cuz you dont wanna agree with it because its not good news dont mean you gotta shit all over me.
by desecrator09 on Mar 9, 2010 11:24 AM PST up reply actions
yeah but at the same time
you cant let pessimism blind you from reality too…
this team will be fine man, theyve had slumps like this before.
"Just by the aura of D.J. Mbenga being there, the shot missed."
What's better, to be angry all the time, and be able to say you're right if the Lakers don't win the championship,
Or just watch and hope for the best?
We’re just fans.
"This is not a game for boys. This is a game for men." - Phil Jackson
by Gil Meriken on Mar 8, 2010 10:32 PM PST up reply actions 1 recs
of course the latter
but i just dont think it’ll happen this year. Just my opinion but if you wanna trash me for it then shit, whatever son…
by desecrator09 on Mar 9, 2010 11:23 AM PST up reply actions
I'm not trashing you at all
I’m just asking questions. You are completely entitled to your opinion.
Of course, you must still be holding out hope, or you would give up even watching, right?
"This is not a game for boys. This is a game for men." - Phil Jackson
nah, i just watch all NBA and college hoops
lol im playing. I never said that this current team has no chance of repeating because they clearly are capable of it. I just meant that I dont know if this is our year because of all the injuries and all the chemistry problems on offense and because there are other contendors who have gotten much better than last year. And I’m skeptical that they’ll be able to get that crisp offensive flow from 08-09 back before the postseason. If they dont, then I just dont see them being able to beat a fully healthy Cleveland team playing like they have been all year on the offensive end. But thats just my opinion.
by desecrator09 on Mar 9, 2010 11:53 AM PST up reply actions
Uhm, he's extremely athletic
Trains hard, is resilient, and has reached the years where he bulks up and gets stronger. He’s not skinny anymore, and doesn’t dunk as often, but remember this against Memphis like… two weeks ago?
This is vintage Kobe… yeah he’s got big ups.
I don't mind going into the playoffs being considered as the "underdogs" by the media or whatnot
lakers tend to play better when they have something to prove.
IMO, we could finish 3rd or 4th in the west (i dont think it will happen) and still be considered the favorite to win the title by the media,
because we have the best team and the black mamba.
you have to realize that in the playoffs, you will only see 7 or 8 man rotations. and we, by far, have the best starting five + sixth man in the league. farmar and brown will see some minutes to rest some of our players, but i doubt you will see anybody else (baring any foul trouble).
I still think we are the favorites, even if we dont have the best record.
"I work my ass off every day in practice. How many other guys can say the same thing? Not many. I'm fighting against becoming soft. That's the worse thing you can say to a basketball player." - Dennis Rodman
I only voted yes
Cause I couldnt think of anyone else.
Lakers are fine
we need to pick up steam a couple of weeks before the playoffs. We then sweep the first round and we’re off and running. We just can’t have any lackluster games from here on out. I don’t mind if we lose, but we can’t come out and get swamped by lesser teams.
Lamar = Laker for Life...Go Pads...Go Bolts
good
never liked his hair color, though he still has that writing on his head. But what he should really focus on is trying to lose more weight to ease pressure off his foot, and perhaps that might make him more mobile and quick. I know hes already lost 5-10 pounds but losing more certainly couldnt hurt.
"Just by the aura of D.J. Mbenga being there, the shot missed."
I dont think the Lakers are the Favorites now and it really doesnt matter
It looks to me like the Lakers arent overly worried about how things are going….They have shown flashes of brilliance at times this year and the playoffs are a different monster….We do have the best coach that will come up with the best gameplan to beat a team in a 7 game series,But the playoffs arent here yet lol There’s still 19 or so games left for us to either watch in amazement or curse,throw and break stuff….Ive cursed and thrown but i doubt the Lakers will allow me to break stuff and a win vs Toronto will be nice since they beat us the last time we played….Im still concerned but ive backed away from the ledge for now lol
There has got be some changes made or we're gonna be in for a world of disappointment.......
The only favorites I trust are the betting favorites
While not devoid of bias, they are the most objective measure I can find, since people are actually putting their money on the line.
And as far as I can see, the Lakers and Cavs are in a dead heat, either tied or very close to each other in the odds, some with the Cavs ahead, others with the Lakers ahead. Still.
The Magic are usually the third team listed.
So think, if you were forced to put all of your money on the line, who would you place your bet on? It would be tough for me. I might be forced to put it on the Cavs. I don’t know. But I still root for the Lakers, and hope for the best.
"This is not a game for boys. This is a game for men." - Phil Jackson
Thats an interesting question
Even tho ive questioned and criticized their play all season, I would still put my money on the Lakers….I dont think i would physically be able to put my money on any other team…I am a die hard Laker fan, which is why im so critical of them…..If the Lakers dont play then chances are im not watching a game except for the Thunder because Durant is a beast and the heir apparent imo…
With Dallas 2.5 back these last 19 or so games mean something, and if past history tells me anything..it’s these Lakers play better when they actually have something to play for…Dallas and Denver being right on our heels for the home stretch might be just what they need to get everything back in order,at least that’s what im hoping for.
There has got be some changes made or we're gonna be in for a world of disappointment.......
my money would be put on the lakers.
i just dont see kobe letting anyone beat this “stacked” team in a 7 game series.
"I work my ass off every day in practice. How many other guys can say the same thing? Not many. I'm fighting against becoming soft. That's the worse thing you can say to a basketball player." - Dennis Rodman
OK Fine, I will do it
I’ll put it on the Lakers. Fisher, Odom, Artest, and whoever better start knocking down some threes in the playoffs though.
"This is not a game for boys. This is a game for men." - Phil Jackson
Somebody has to get hot.
I just think we got spoiled last playoffs cuz we had Ariza, Odom and Brown shooting outside their minds. Almost all 3 of them were shooting around 50%. Im hoping Artest will get going on a hot streak. Im not to worried about D-Fish’s 3’s in the playoffs. He usually hits the clutch 3 pointer when we need one. I just hope Farmar or Brown can get going again. I dont expect Odom to go through a streak like that again anytime soon. Unless he has some special candy he saves for the playoffs!!!
"I work my ass off every day in practice. How many other guys can say the same thing? Not many. I'm fighting against becoming soft. That's the worse thing you can say to a basketball player." - Dennis Rodman
Sasha's back?
Phil needs to get him some PT and get him ready for the playoffs
There has got be some changes made or we're gonna be in for a world of disappointment.......
The Lakers are certainly not the favorites
especially now, and especially how Cleveland plays recently BUT they are more than capable of winning it all.
"The idea is not to block every shot. The idea is to make your opponent believe that you might block every shot." - Bill Russell
Yes, intimidation is the key to domination.
Look at Cleveland's box score
For their win against the Spurs. They played very well as a team, without Lebron, Shaq, or even Antawn. That’s pretty good.
will lakers win champ? "Have a little faith"
Just an ordinary 9th grade Lakers fan.
quote from Mark Miller from yahoo sports
“Perhaps the return of Sasha Vujacic, out since Feb. 18, will help change things around when he re-appears on the roster Wednesday night when the team takes on Chris Bosh and the Toronto Raptors.”
Goood!!
Phil needs to give him plenty of PT and start getting him ready for the playoffs….we’re gonna need his outside shot and pestering D
There has got be some changes made or we're gonna be in for a world of disappointment.......
Things must be bad
If we are all excited about Sasha’s return.
I kid, it does show the impact of having even a few players out, including Luke.
I just wish we could see the contract year Sasha.
"This is not a game for boys. This is a game for men." - Phil Jackson
isnt next year his contract year?
maybe we’ll see a reincarnation of sorts next year :)
by desecrator09 on Mar 9, 2010 11:50 AM PST up reply actions
maybe we're through with all our injuries this year....
Yeeeah we miss Luke 2…he’s a glue guy out there and he always seems to be in the right place at the right time and when he has the ball in his hands usually make good decisions…Early in the year who would have thought we’d be excited to see Sasha on the court in anything other than garbage time lol
There has got be some changes made or we're gonna be in for a world of disappointment.......
Im not worried about Kobe
He will do his thing when it matters..Im more concerned about Gasol…It looks like he’s letting teams get in his head again and im not so sure the playoffs are the right time try and work through something like that…Give Bynum his touches at least he’s trying to power through and do something and he’s not letting anyone punk him on the offensive or defensive end..It serves the same purpose….With that being said im expecting nothing less than a focused Laker team out to prove a point and Blow the Raptors out tonight
There has got be some changes made or we're gonna be in for a world of disappointment.......
How the Magic f___ed up.
The Magic traded away a commodity that most teams dream of having and are now more like the other teams than ever. Hedo Turkoglu was a white point forward who could shoot the 3s, drive the lane and run the offense. A white Scottie Pippen with considerably less defensive skills. White fans want a white NBS star to cheer and Orlando had one who could only get better with another year’s experience with the offense. And Hedo is a likable guy, a hustler and clutch shooter. But no, no, no. Let’s get another older black star, mind you who never came close to winning a championship. Not only have they put the Orlando fans in a bind, but diminished the overall skill of the team. And, not incidentally, Turgoglu is toiling in obscurity with a team that is going nowhere. Way to go Orlando. You now assure that the finals this year will be LA & Cleveland. I’m sure Hedo is happy and winning over his new teammates and the fans, but he could have been the glue holding a championship team together. That’s got to eat at him a little bit.
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