The Lakers Who Cried Wolf
by C.A. Clark on May 7, 2011 2:56 PM PDT
in 2011 Playoffs
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There once was a basketball team who spent their days sitting on a perch high atop the NBA. They won games with ease, so much so that one day, they became bored, and decided to cry out "We suck! We suck! Our point guard is too old and slow, we can't deal with small penetrating point guards, we can't shoot, and hard working, athletic teams will beat us even when they shouldn't". Immediately, the team's fans came running to the team's side, panicked, only to find the team defense strong, point guards contained, and three point shots falling as a championship was won in the playoffs. The fans were relieved, and forgot their mild annoyance that the team would raise an alarm so falsely.
Eventually, the team became bored again so once more, they devilishly cried out "We suck! We suck! Our bench play is terrible! Our offensive execution is poor. Our young center is hurt, and our star post player is soft!" Once again, the fans came running, afraid that the team would falter, only to find the offense potent, the bench contributing at just the right times, and a power forward who stood up to the league's biggest bullies on the biggest stage, and the championship was once again theirs. The fans were thankful for victory, but chided the team. "Stop making us think you have problems when you don't!" they said.
Later on, the team cried out again "We suck! We suck! Our point guard is too old and slow, we can't deal with small penetrating guards, we can't shoot, hard working athletic teams will beat us even when they shouldn't, our bench play is terrible, our offensive execution is poor, our star post player is soft, our superstar can no longer dominate, and we can not execute on offense or defense down the stretch of a close game." But this time, the fans ignored the team's cries, believing the team to be pulling the same trick all over again.
Eventually, when the team did not show up, the fans went in search of the team, and found the team weeping atop their perch, their hopes of a championship destroyed. "What happened?!?" cried the fans. "We called out for help, to warn you that we weren't good enough, but nobody came to our aid. Nobody took our cries seriously". To which the leader of the fans, the one they call C.A. responded:
Nobody believes a liar, even when they are telling the truth.
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Lol. Good read Clark.
"These young guys are playing checkers. I'm out there playing chess." - Kobe Bryant
Really well written.
I just think it’s still too soon and I pray this ends up looking silly by next Sunday.
GO LAKERS. Irrational Faith is the only way!
"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
Chris Mortensen: "You know it's the 'Show-Me' State right Sam?"
"Pshh, 'Show Me.' (smirking) Yeah, I've heard that."
-Sam Bradford
Wait what?
I don’t get it… “boy who cried wolf” references aside, that is.
I mean its not like the fans can literally help the team, not like the villagers can help save the boy from the non-existent wolf.
Sorry, I’m confused. :P Was kinda funny though.
I think he meant that the Lakers just aren't as good as they used to be.
We always thought that the regular season troubles were just a result of complacency, which turned out to be untrue.
"If you have a debate with a scholar, you can win. If you have a debate with an ignorant person, you will definitely lose."
"You want to make history you gotta do historic things" - Kobe Bryant.
3 simple steps to a 4-game winning streak
1)Slap Pau in the face until he realizes how bad he has been and how good he can be
2)Stop the help defense on Dirk, they are moving the ball too well and getting open threes every damn time…IMO this falls most on Kobe (and in a close second in game 3 Lamar when he was playing SF)
3)Stop forgetting about Bynum in the 4th quarter
"Some people think they should go to heaven but NOT have to die to get there.
Sorry, but that’s simply not how it works."
Follow me on Twitter: @alexvanroekel
honestly 2 & 3 are enough but if 1 is included then it is almost a guarantee
"Some people think they should go to heaven but NOT have to die to get there.
Sorry, but that’s simply not how it works."
Follow me on Twitter: @alexvanroekel
Agreed. Let Dirk go for 40 for all I care.
We just can’t let the rest of their guys get going. I hope Ron is well rested and ready to go.
"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
Chris Mortensen: "You know it's the 'Show-Me' State right Sam?"
"Pshh, 'Show Me.' (smirking) Yeah, I've heard that."
-Sam Bradford
You DO know that there's only 1 ball to go around, right?
I’ve already said I think the Lakers should just ditch the triangle for the rest of this series, see how it works for them. After all, what’s the worst that could happen? Elimination that’s a statistical certainty anyway?
Ditch the triangle, bench Pau and start Odom, or bench Fisher and slide Pau to PG. Feed the ball to Bynum, and clamp down on Kidd and Barea; let Dirk go.
Sometimes desperation makes crazy things seem not so crazy.
Agreed
matter of fact do not even let Gasol play
"Hardwork beats talent when talent fails to work hard"-Norm Nixon
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 committed 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.
I'm on it so let's tweet: @B_M_Bizness
I'm sad
I hate to see the Lakers lose and i may have been spoiled into thinking they are always going to win it all. I’m not sure but i really hope they at least try, this way i can say they lost trying and not gave up. That’s when it’s the worst, when they don’t try.
by Crisawn_is_a_Lakers_fan on May 7, 2011 4:19 PM PDT reply actions
Yea, you guys are spoiled
Try to imagine being a Kings fan right now. The Kings are 66-180 in the last three seasons. The owners of the Kings, who have been plunging the team into nothingness since 2005 are trying like hell to take the team to Anaheim. And you guys are mad because the Lakers are down 3 games in the second round of the playoffs?
As far as I can tell the Mavericks aren’t any better than the Lakers are. Sure they want it more. Sure they match up really well. But Kobe, I’m going to puke after I say this, is right. The Lakers are still technically in the the series. There’s no reason to give up now. The Lakers are just as good as the Mavericks, so why couldn’t they win four in a row? It’s just four wins in a row. Against the Mavericks. Really unlikely, but not impossible.
It's about having the kind of faith that makes all the "what if's" irrelevant - Jim Harbaugh 2011
Frank Gore has earned his place among the great running backs of the NFL - Pat Willie on NN
Difference in expectations
No Kings fan was expecting the team to do anything other than develop their youngsters the last three years. Every Laker fan expected the team to get to the playoffs and win a title, not show an alarming lack of urgency and heart via lackluster performances that were rarely found in such quantity during the last three runs. For a team that is coached by Phil Jackson, who prides himself on knowing how to motivate a team, the lack of effort going into execution and similar is bizarre to any Laker fan who has watched this team for any period.
To secure ourselves against defeat lies in our own hands, but the opportunity of defeating the enemy is provided by the enemy himself. -- Sun Tzu
Not impossible, but also not likely to happen..
Would I be surprised if they came back and won the next 4.. Not really, because I know they can. But I think Kobe is hurt more than we think and Pau needs to man up. If his GF/fiance left him that easily.. then he should just get over it and focus on his game..
Yea, leave the drama at home
It's about having the kind of faith that makes all the "what if's" irrelevant - Jim Harbaugh 2011
Frank Gore has earned his place among the great running backs of the NFL - Pat Willie on NN
If the rumors are true
Not saying they are, but IF… if it’s true that Bryant’s wife was the reason for Sylvia leaving Gasol… then I understand a lot more.
Also, keep in mind, Gasol has been somewhat inconsistent all season. He’s likely fatigued, his brother is showing him up, and a lot more. There is just a lot on his mind. He doesn’t need fans booing him or just telling him to “man up”.
It’s not as simple as everyone says it is. So I can understand why he’s in the funk he’s in if it’s true.
But on that same note, if all of that IS true, then there is simply no way that Pau stays a Laker next season. With Bynum asserting himself finally despite the threat of another injury, Odom stepping up more and playing with a bit more consistency, the value for Gasol might not never be higher before people realize.
If he rebounds and plays to his best on another team, so be it. We could force a nice trade for a few assets and beef up our bench with some athletic perimeter players and maybe a vet who can play PF/C.
I just don’t see Gasol sticking around with all these factors lingering on him because I don’t see them evaporating at the end of this season just like that. We all remember what happened last time a 7-foot All-Star had a personal problem with Kobe, as well.
Oh the girlfriend left him. Now I get it.
He looks depressed. Hard to care about anything like that. And these rumors are a surprise. I just read them here for the first time.
Defense wins championships.
Yes I'm still hopeful they can pull it together
my thing is GASOL has to play BIG BIG to reel off 4 straight wins, I’m talking about ridiculously attacking Dirk to the tune of 20-25 points each game while everyone else does as they do so I agree with you we are spoiled, can’t watch good talent just beat themselves
"Hardwork beats talent when talent fails to work hard"-Norm Nixon
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 committed 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.
I'm on it so let's tweet: @B_M_Bizness
Yea, tell me about it
There’s still some 49er fans expecting to go 16-0 every season.
It's about having the kind of faith that makes all the "what if's" irrelevant - Jim Harbaugh 2011
Frank Gore has earned his place among the great running backs of the NFL - Pat Willie on NN
Well, difference between fans who are delusional and your mainsteam fan
The former always thinks that your team is going all the way and can’t accept any of the team’s flaws. Latter was firmly in the “Lakers are going to threepeat” camp until after Game 3.
To secure ourselves against defeat lies in our own hands, but the opportunity of defeating the enemy is provided by the enemy himself. -- Sun Tzu
No you got it wrong
They aren’t thinking the 49ers are going to be great, they are just so pissed that the 49ers aren’t they do nothing but complain. Some of these guys complain after wins and after losses.
I mean when you’re rebuilding a team – at least celebrate the wins.
It's about having the kind of faith that makes all the "what if's" irrelevant - Jim Harbaugh 2011
Frank Gore has earned his place among the great running backs of the NFL - Pat Willie on NN
Oh, the constant pessimists
That’s understandable, but not the case here. Fans have had three years to acquire a firm notion of what this team’s ceiling is, and they’re playing like this is their first time in the playoffs. That’s a legitimate reason to complain.
To secure ourselves against defeat lies in our own hands, but the opportunity of defeating the enemy is provided by the enemy himself. -- Sun Tzu
Well I always like to see the Lakers lose
But I like you guys so because of that, and how awesome it would be to see a comeback like that, I hope the Lakers do it.
It's about having the kind of faith that makes all the "what if's" irrelevant - Jim Harbaugh 2011
Frank Gore has earned his place among the great running backs of the NFL - Pat Willie on NN
Sure, I'm not stopping you from doing so
Just noting that claiming that people shouldn’t be complaining and filled with doom and gloom is a bit off base.
To secure ourselves against defeat lies in our own hands, but the opportunity of defeating the enemy is provided by the enemy himself. -- Sun Tzu
Doom and Gloom? The Lakers are basketball. They have been the totality of the NBA for about a decade now. Boston and San Antonio, are the only teams that even come close to the dominance of the Lakers over ten years. The Mavericks aren’t even in that league. Why would there be Doom and Gloom? Your team is the greatest of the decade. No reason to be upset with that. Even if the Lakers get swept, which isn’t likely, no one should hang there head in shame.
The Kings should hang their head in shame, they really should be better by now, not the Lakers.
It's about having the kind of faith that makes all the "what if's" irrelevant - Jim Harbaugh 2011
Frank Gore has earned his place among the great running backs of the NFL - Pat Willie on NN
I did it
I fixed this team without going completely nuclear
A little bit of everything
A young up-and-coming PG, a nice, solid back-up SG who can hit the 3, and of course Dwight.
just don’t let Orlando see that this lowered their win total by 9.
Billy Mac: "Lamar, can you see yourself actually getting in the (boxing) ring"?
Lamar Odom: "No. My face is too pretty."
Find a trade
That works out perfectly for both teams on the court then.
At least unlike some of the crap I’ve seen around here, this trade is not wholly unrealistic. They get a durable, versatile 4x All-Star who can grab rebounds and cut inside, a decent rookie prospect in Carracter (or Ebanks really, though the Lakers should probably hold onto him), and a decent back-up PG who’s more than happy to facilitate and has a high basketball IQ.
I almost included Fisher instead of Blake in this deal, because in all likelihood, after next season, Fish retires. But that woulda jumped the shark.
And I probably would have moved more assets had Trade Machine not locked me out of half the team (Barnes, Brown, etc)
Fish ain't going anywhere
He’s the biggest leader on this team and the Lakers haven’t won a championship without him for a LONG time. With Phil Jackson leaving, it’s more essential that Fisher stays. Even if he doesn’t start and is a backup he’s still a needed leader. The front office knows that. And he’s on a 3 year deal, not a 2 year I think.
"I'll do whatever it takes to win games, whether it's sitting on a bench waving a towel, handing a cup of water to a teammate, or hitting the game-winning shot."- Kobe Bryant
Thanks for the memories Andy
It's time he either comes off the bench or leaves.
Defense wins championships.
by thestuff01 on May 7, 2011 6:06 PM PDT up reply actions 1 recs
I agree he shouldn't be starting anymore
Or that his limits should at the very least be more limited if he does start. But right now he’s the best PG on this team. If he’s going to come off the bench, they need to get a younger, better more athletic PG. Doesn’t need to be a star. He doesn’t even need to start. But he needs to be someone the Lakers can rely on for 25+ minutes a game to be a solid PG option.
I’ll worry about that in the offseason though. Right now Fish is the point guard, and he should be starting tomorrow and hopefully he has a great game, because the Lakers tend to do well when he’s shooting the ball well.
"I'll do whatever it takes to win games, whether it's sitting on a bench waving a towel, handing a cup of water to a teammate, or hitting the game-winning shot."- Kobe Bryant
Thanks for the memories Andy
minutes*
"I'll do whatever it takes to win games, whether it's sitting on a bench waving a towel, handing a cup of water to a teammate, or hitting the game-winning shot."- Kobe Bryant
Thanks for the memories Andy
This
Fish’s role is only going to change when there’s a legitimate alternative. That doesn’t exist right now.
To secure ourselves against defeat lies in our own hands, but the opportunity of defeating the enemy is provided by the enemy himself. -- Sun Tzu
I REC THIS
Yes Fisher it’s time for your ASS to take a seat and I want Gasol GONE, I’m deadass serious
"Hardwork beats talent when talent fails to work hard"-Norm Nixon
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 committed 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.
I'm on it so let's tweet: @B_M_Bizness
That’s exactly why I decided against it. And also, he does have a 3 year deal, but the 3rd is player option, meaning he can retire in 2 and “could” be treated as an expiring contract if that’s what he wants to.
Reading Comprehension goes a long ways.
so does tact.
Billy Mac: "Lamar, can you see yourself actually getting in the (boxing) ring"?
Lamar Odom: "No. My face is too pretty."
Pipe. Dream.
To secure ourselves against defeat lies in our own hands, but the opportunity of defeating the enemy is provided by the enemy himself. -- Sun Tzu
Hey, it only took 2 years for us to agree on something...
progress.
Billy Mac: "Lamar, can you see yourself actually getting in the (boxing) ring"?
Lamar Odom: "No. My face is too pretty."
What so the Hornets are just gonna give us one of their players?
I see that they get no players out of this deal and only some money from Jac’s salary… so why would they agree to this trade again? :P
No Way the Hornets Participate
Jack plays into the Hornets plan in a few ways. First, he backs up Chris, allowing him to play 30 mpg early in the season. Second, he plays SG off the bench, often with Chris, giving two ball handlers on the floors, which is, at times, devastating. Third, he provides an insurance policy in case Chris does leave the team. There is no reason to dump his salary along with those benefits.
As to not just piss in the cornflakes: If you were willing to take Emeka, you could extract some value if you sent us something. Another angle would be to try to pry West away.
Just win, baby. Just win.
U-C-L-A Fight, Fight, Fight! Go Bruins!
Really, Ben Howland? 2 NBA All-Stars,
and you still couldn't get it done?!
Go Lakers! Go Dodgers! Serena, Marry Me!
This isn't easy to watch
but the series isn’t over yet. You need to win 4 games, not three, to advance. The Mavs have only won three. I realize the Lakers are in about as bad a position as they could be in right now with Pau Gasol playing mediocre at best. But I still have faith in this team, and if there is ANY team in the league that could come back from a 3-0 deficit, Phil Jackson and the Lakers can do it.
Is it likely? Probably not. But I’ll be watching tomorrow and rooting my ass off for them as always. They need to take it one game at a time. Just focus on winning tomorrow, and if they do then they have a home game to look forward to in Game 5.
It’s bothering me a little bit that people are giving up on this team and talking about deals for the offseason. If they lose, then we should talk about it. But when the biggest game of the season has yet to be played? I don’t really like that.
"I'll do whatever it takes to win games, whether it's sitting on a bench waving a towel, handing a cup of water to a teammate, or hitting the game-winning shot."- Kobe Bryant
Thanks for the memories Andy
by nyyrocks29 on May 7, 2011 5:55 PM PDT reply actions 1 recs
Yup all of this is premature
There’s a big difference between a 1% chance and a 0% chance. Huge. No sarcasm.
"This is not a game for boys. This is a game for men." - Phil Jackson
"Doubt is not a pleasant condition, but certainty is absurd." - Voltaire
huge difference
I don’t care about 0-98. The Lakers aren’t one of those teams and they have a chance and the talent, the players and the coach to make history.
"I'll do whatever it takes to win games, whether it's sitting on a bench waving a towel, handing a cup of water to a teammate, or hitting the game-winning shot."- Kobe Bryant
Thanks for the memories Andy
I ain't gonna lie, it's really unlikely
But it’s not over until the Fat Guy does the post-series analysis.
"This is not a game for boys. This is a game for men." - Phil Jackson
"Doubt is not a pleasant condition, but certainty is absurd." - Voltaire
Hey, C.A. is not fat…he’s big boned.
Billy Mac: "Lamar, can you see yourself actually getting in the (boxing) ring"?
Lamar Odom: "No. My face is too pretty."
I meant Magic
But that’ll work too.
"This is not a game for boys. This is a game for men." - Phil Jackson
"Doubt is not a pleasant condition, but certainty is absurd." - Voltaire
LOL
Success is a lousy teacher. It seduces smart people into thinking they can't lose. - Bill Gates
To be great is to be misunderstood. - Ralph Waldo Emerson
Tweetness: @SoCalGal64
I'd love to see some fire out of this team.
If they could pull off a comeback, they could ride it to a championship victory. But clearly Gasol doesn’t have the fire right now and it’s infectious.
I’m really hoping to see Kobe play at least a few more games before the season is over, but something looks off with him, as well. Either he’s hurt or the miles have caught up, but he’s not the same as even last year.
Defense wins championships.
I see it too
More in Gasol than in Kobe. It doesn’t matter. Kobe can have a spectacular game, but if he doesn’t get help they aren’t going to win. They need Gasol to step it up. Dirk is dominating him offensively, but he’s doing too well on defense. Pau’s too good of an offensive player and Dirk isn’t a good enough defender to be able to stop Pau like he has. They’ll need him in game 4.
Hopefully having Artest will slow some of those three pointers down, because the perimeter defense was pathetic yesterday.
A comeback would be an amazing story. I’ve already said it’s unlikely, but I just don’t like the idea of completely giving up and focusing on the offseason before it’s actually over.
"I'll do whatever it takes to win games, whether it's sitting on a bench waving a towel, handing a cup of water to a teammate, or hitting the game-winning shot."- Kobe Bryant
Thanks for the memories Andy
REC,
I will not and can’t give Dallas these wins or credit until they have won that game 4, until then I will be rooting hard tomorrow with you
"Hardwork beats talent when talent fails to work hard"-Norm Nixon
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 committed 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.
I'm on it so let's tweet: @B_M_Bizness
I agree with Magic Johnson
The team has been together too long and needs to be dismantled. As many fans on here have written in jest, “TRADE EVERONE”, I actually think that would be a good idea. I also agree that the only guy who is un-trade-able is Kobe. Everyone else should be considered in a possible package for new, younger talent. I like the Dwight Howard idea that some have talked about. Swapping Bynum for him would be good because Kobe is not getting any younger and Dwight is dominant now, while Bynum might be dominant later, but has good trade value now. Whether they come back in this series or not, this team is done once the year is over. In fact, I’m hoping they’re completely dismantled because this team isn’t even entertaining to watch anymore with their lackadaisical play and self described overconfidence. Really, I’m tired of the off the court reality shows, albums, perfumes, etc. This playoffs, for the first time, I’m enjoying watching other teams’ games more than Laker games. For the first time, I actually care about who is wearing the Lakers uniform… and I don’t really like them or enjoy watching them wearing Lakers uniforms because they’re boring me. If they would stop complaining, hustle, and play like they want to win, I’ll change my opinion, but watching uninspired play is uninspiring. I hope they get inspired and come back to be the first team to come back from 3 games down and go on to win the championship. But then once that’s over, trade everyone.
Defense wins championships.
by thestuff01 on May 7, 2011 6:03 PM PDT reply actions 2 recs
yeah
fisher is way too old
artest and his albums
odom and his reality show
they should just retire and focus on their off court stuff full time
so lakers can be lakers again
pau gasol has aged 10 years in the span of a couple years
lol, you understand that magic always does this right?
he picks them to lose like every series that they even have a remote chance of losing also. its his tough love motivation he thinks he is giving to this team. I would bet you anything he honestly doesn’t think this same laker team can’t compete next year or maybe even beat dallas a couple times before the season ends.
Maybe I'll just fade into Bolivian
Not everyone
Not a fan of trading everyone just for the hell of it or based on Magic’s gut feeling, but I do agree some huge (if limited) changes have to be made, whether they miraculously advance and win this year or not.
…Course there will still be naysayers here that will say the Lakers should stand pat.
I'm not a fan of trading everyone just for the hell of it either
but for good reason
Defense wins championships.
We must boldly go where no man has gone before
#trekkers
"This is not a game for boys. This is a game for men." - Phil Jackson
"Doubt is not a pleasant condition, but certainty is absurd." - Voltaire
Call me ignorant or stupid but i think Kobe will have a drink of the fountain of youth and lead us to the seemingly impossible GAME 7 Win
I've missed more than 9,000 shots in my career. I've lost almost 300 games. 26 times, I've been trusted to take the game winning shot and missed. I've failed over and over and over again in my life. And that is why I succeed." - Michael Jordan
hope
quick no thinking allowed. Before the series, what is more likely? A Maverick 3 game winning streak or a Laker 4 game winning streak. this is not over. If the Mavericks can not miss a field goal in the last 4.5 minutes they deserve to win. Go Lakers…
Why was my comment deleted?
Hrm?
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
A Thank You to The Lakers
http://www.hornets247.com/blog/2011/05/06/how-l-a-helped-la/
This went up yesterday, and, as it references silverscreenandroll, I thought I’d go ahead and put the link there for you.
Thanks again, and best to you . . . I hate Dallas . . .
Ha - thanks
I totally didn’t know they posted something about us. Good stuff.
Please remember: it's not my fault your team sucks.
Twitter feed: @dexterfishmore
by DexterFishmore on May 8, 2011 1:26 AM PDT up reply actions
I think the Lakers have to cover Dirk one-on-one.
The strategy of having Kobe double once Dirk puts the ball on the floor doesn’t work, though a clever one. The Lakers should mix it up though to keep him honest. Single coverage is the way to go. This allows the Lakers to stay with the shooters a little better. They can’t double team and leave all those shooters open.
The lineup with Fisher, Kobe, Odom, Pau, and Bynum should receive mucho time on the court in this game. I thought that lineup was quite effective especially offensively, because the lineup gave the Lakers some mismatches that they can exploit.
On the pick and roll, the players guarding the point guards have to go under the screen. UNDER THE SCREEN. While guarding Jason Terry, make him go left. He is virtually ineffective going left while the opposition is crowding his dribble. They must also make sure he doesn’t crossover to get to his right hand especially on pick and rolls, a play where he’s effective.
The Lakers should switch on double screens as well. Their strategy for covering double screens on P&R seems to confused the players. Might as well dummy it down.
Go Lakers! Make History!
yes my overall feeling has been
send a man from Dirk’s blind side once he starts his dribble or back down on whomever is guarding him while Gasol stands to the side of him on his shooting arm forcing him to take that dribble drive to the hoop but since Lakers seem to not understand easy defense, single coverage has got to be the way cause its their shooting 3’ss and trips to the free throw line late that is killing us. Then it’s our lack of knock out 3’ss pointers late, lack of trips to the free throw line late and lack of ball movement late……to me its alot for Lakers to correct and it starts and ends with Gasol’s game
"Hardwork beats talent when talent fails to work hard"-Norm Nixon
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 committed 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.
I'm on it so let's tweet: @B_M_Bizness
Bad Habits
The Lakers are reaping what they have sown.
This year especially, though it has been a characteristic of them during these last four years, they have shown a great ability to lose focus and intensity.
At times it’s for a quarter, a few minutes or games. Lackadasical efforts on Christmas day and other important games have become common. Always with a knowing wink and smile on Phil’s face.
This year it got way worse. 4,5 game losing streaks, losing what, 5,6 games after having double digit leads. Yet they would fool themselves with strong efforts, like the post all-star run. They came to believe they could turn it on and off. Phil coaches like that, and his players bought this fools gold. The habits they developed over time, the lack of consistant effort, defensive intensity, offensive cohesiveness and poor willpower have come now to bite them. These guys have been together for several years. Usually you see a gradual, consistant dominance from talent like the Lakers have. It should have gotten easier to win, not harder.
I believe much of Phil’s coaching, especially this year, has hurt more than helped. It helped cultivate this attitude that will cost the best chance at another ring we may see in awhile.
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