Lakers 90, Jazz 87: Kobe Explodes Again, Defense Supports Him
by Ben R on Jan 11, 2012 10:45 PM PST
in Game Recaps
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PrintThe gunning. It will have to stop. It is not sustainable. It is not a strategy for winning basketball. Well, Kobe Bryant seems determined to disprove this notion, and for two glorious nights, Laker fans have been treated to an epic show of his scoring brilliance. Scoring 40 points on 14-31 shooting, largely from midrange and off the pick-and-roll, Kobe obliterated everything the Jazz threw at him for three quarters until the weight of the minutes on a back-to-back seemingly caught up to him. We perhaps should be thankful that Raja Bell elected to leave Kobe hanging during the summer of 2010, during which Bell turned down an opportunity to come to the Lakers, because Bell was one of the primary defensive culprits for the Jazz, eventually fouling out against Kobe in overtime. As Kobe finally sputtered down the stretch and some of the worse instances of hero ball came to the fore, however, the Lakers were saved by perhaps the most heartening thing they could take from a game like this: a rock solid defense.
If there was any reason for Mike Brown to be hired, it was to implement a soul-crushing, championship-caliber defense, and for tonight, it carried the Lakers through an otherwise brutal offensive performance outside of Kobe. The Jazz shot 38.7% from the field, and it would have been a much, much worse 31.8% had Paul Millsap not put the team on his back and put up 29 points on 14-24 shooting, largely by outworking Pau Gasol, Luke Walton, and Metta World Peace on the perimeter, in the post, and for rebounds. Outside of Millsap though? The Lakers defense exacted its will on the Jazz, and one person we can thank for that is Andrew Bynum.
This isn't just recognition for his clutch play down the stretch, in which Bynum swatted an Al Jefferson shot with a second left in regulation and got a putback on a missed Kobe jumper a sequence beforehand, but the fact that like last season, he is putting the effort in on defense when his shots aren't falling on the other end. Bynum limited Jefferson, Bynum's likely primary competitor for a spot at the All-Star Game in Orlando who had been averaging 22.6 points in the last five games to a line of 11 points on 5-17 shooting. He also had five blocks, continuing his ownership of the interior, and while his rebounding wasn't the superlative numbers we have seen in past games, he did a decent job cleaning up the glass.
We also saw a few defensive wrinkles from Brown, as when Kobe checked out with 2:39 left in the third quarter, the Lakers bench unit trotted out a 3-2 zone that had some mixed success. Given the deplorable state of the offense, it's fairly clear what Brown is focusing on in the limited practices the Lakers have had so far, and overall, the defense delivered. The easiest buckets for the Jazz on the night game in transition off turnovers, in which the Lakers' bigs tiredness or simple lack of caring was exposed in what has become a familiar theme this season, but in the halfcourt, the Lakers were good.
As for the offense, Kobe's performance was a thing of necessity as much as it was a show of his dominance. Both Laker bigs looked miserable near the basket, whether it was Bynum rushing on shots or Gasol missing easy hooks over the much shorter Millsap. In the third quarter, both bigs scored only one basket and both came off a Derek Fisher alley-oop attempt. When the two other pillars of the Lakers' offense weren't performing well and Kobe was inexplicably left wide open off the pick-and-roll time and time again until Utah finally decided to double him in the fourth, it's hard to blame him for assuming the grand majority of the offensive responsibilities. We can perhaps blame tired legs for both Bynum and Gasol on a back-to-back, but needless to say, the Lakers' offense is going to have problems if both can't perform well.
Both bigs in particular had trouble establishing deep post position, with the few exceptions being a pair of nice hook shots from Gasol in the second quarter, in which he was able to seal his man in deep position because Kobe set a cross screen to give him room to set up in the deep post. Why the Lakers continue to try to let both bigs jostle for position far from the basket when an option like a cross screen, taken out of the playbook of Ettore Messina, is available is baffling, but hopefully it will become an item of emphasis once the Lakers' schedule slows down the next two weeks. Gasol hitting a clutch corner three in overtime was nice, but that's not where we want to see him work. Besides Kobe, the only starter who was producing on offense was Matt Barnes, who put up 11 points on 5-6 shooting, but was limited by foul trouble throughout the night.
Kobe was also needed to offset a terrible performance by the Lakers' bench, as without Josh McRoberts (toe), Troy Murphy (stomach flu), and Jason Kapono (kids!) -- alright, maybe not Kapono -- the Laker bench was outscored 35 to 11 by their Utah counterparts. Metta World Peace continues to bizarrely chuck up long jumpers instead of operating in the post, Luke Walton proved that last night's comeback performance was a fairly big fluke, and no one offered much to the Lakers offensively. Walton and MWP also took their turns getting abused by Millsap on the block, and as we saw last season, a lack of quality depth in the frontcourt doesn't work wonders for the performance of your starters in the long-term, especially in a truncated season. Hopefully McBobs and Murphy can find their way back to the court quickly.
Today also saw Darius Morris' first real minutes in an NBA game, as he checked in at the end of the first quarter, giving Metta World Peace a nice dish in transition for a dunk. He scored a pair of buckets off the pick-and-roll, using the space off the pick to take his man all the way to the basket for a layup. We also saw a few rookie mistakes, as he got yanked in the fourth quarter after turning the ball over twice. As Steve Blake left the game with a rib contusion and might be questionable in the near future, he will at least have opportunities to show whether he belongs in the rotation or not the next few games.
Altogether, as Chris noted in the preview, this was a classic trap game for the Lakers -- a back-to-back after a superlative Kobe performance against a surging Utah team on the road -- and if someone told you before the game that Kobe would shoot the ball 31 times, Bynum and Gasol would combine for 26 points on 10-27 shooting, and that the bench would put up 11 points, I would have wagered that the Lakers lost badly. One way or another, the Lakers are learning how to win ugly, and in a season like this one, you take wins where you can find them. The Lakers have now won eight of their last ten, and if the defense Mike Brown preaches is becoming this team's identity, you can ask for a lot worse this season.
Follow this author on Twitter @brosales12.
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uhmm
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xwohf_5ofvc&feature=endscreen&NR=1
THE POWER OF SHAW COMPELS YOU.. THE POWER OF SHAW COMPELS YOU.....
Lebron choking is an huge understatement
The guy couldn’t hit free throws to save his life. Him, Wade, and Bosh choked hard (team effort). I’m so glad we have Kobe who knows his strengths and has an offense besides going to the rim and hoping for a foul. Wade doesn’t look healthy at all.
LeBrick Anderson
"If at this stage of our careers we're the boring team, then we're the boring team. As long as we get results." - Kobe Bryant
"I like jewelry. ... I like winning," - Kobe Bryant
Well, I mean
it is a better matchup. no one could call the Jazz exciting
"These things happened. They were glorious and they changed the world... and then we fucked up the end game." - Charlie Wilson
"I think that all the silence is worse than all the violence." -Lupe Fiasco
Yeah, but 2 exciting versus 1 exciting...
"These things happened. They were glorious and they changed the world... and then we fucked up the end game." - Charlie Wilson
"I think that all the silence is worse than all the violence." -Lupe Fiasco
Junior varsity team of LA crushed the Heat during crunch time
it’s nice two have 2 competitive teams in LA
"If at this stage of our careers we're the boring team, then we're the boring team. As long as we get results." - Kobe Bryant
"I like jewelry. ... I like winning," - Kobe Bryant
It seems the Lakers are always playing to the other team's level and not their own.
I know there were players missing tonight but it feels like most games are ending too close for comfort.
Ugly wins still count
Phoenix always plays us tough at least once a year, and Utah is never an easy place to win especially after a long. If we need Kobe to score 40 to beat the Wizards then i’ll worry
by Fin Fan Forever on Jan 11, 2012 10:51 PM PST up reply actions
Yeah, I'll give you that Utah was on latter of a back to back.
Especially since they’ve played the most games (I think). I’ll really worry if they don’t fair well over the next few weeks.
Well, our bigs don't shoot 10-27 very often
"These things happened. They were glorious and they changed the world... and then we fucked up the end game." - Charlie Wilson
"I think that all the silence is worse than all the violence." -Lupe Fiasco
The lakers are an incredibly skilled team
They have arguably the top two offensive big men in the game in Bynum and Gasol, and they’re both top 5 defense. They also have kobe. Too much skill, too much Hubris.
by Lakers fan here on Jan 11, 2012 10:53 PM PST reply actions
Utah couldn't handle the defense in the first meeting
Same story today, especially with Bynum back.
"If you have a debate with a scholar, you can win. If you have a debate with an ignorant person, you will definitely lose."
Lamar Odom - "Half Swiss-Army knife, half Pez-dispenser" Meriones
And Mike Brown sporting some cool black and gold Nike's.
#winning
"If you have a debate with a scholar, you can win. If you have a debate with an ignorant person, you will definitely lose."
Lamar Odom - "Half Swiss-Army knife, half Pez-dispenser" Meriones
will google for a pic
Are you free tomorrow?
"No. I'm friggin' expensive."
by crushmybones on Jan 11, 2012 10:57 PM PST up reply actions
We've been trying to find video of that. Have a link you can share?
Harpring was like "whaaaa….. whaaaa???
"If you have a debate with a scholar, you can win. If you have a debate with an ignorant person, you will definitely lose."
Lamar Odom - "Half Swiss-Army knife, half Pez-dispenser" Meriones
League Pass
Had the Utah stream tonight – they were like and Kobe passes to Pau? for 3? What? Nooo that’s not supposed to happen. Your 7’ center doesn’t shoot threes…
They literally stopped announcing for about 20 seconds and just had this awkward whining silence. I laughed, a lot.
Yeah, I heard it too, I was watching a feed
I just wanted a link so I could watch it again
"If you have a debate with a scholar, you can win. If you have a debate with an ignorant person, you will definitely lose."
Lamar Odom - "Half Swiss-Army knife, half Pez-dispenser" Meriones
Nice.
"You have to figure out a way to get it done. There's no time to make excuses. If I play bad or have one bad game like I did in Denver, everybody cries for a change, or cries for the fact I'm too old ... I make adjustments and go from there."
-- Bryant on his performance against the Suns
by BoneCruncher24 on Jan 11, 2012 10:59 PM PST up reply actions
lol that last block by Kobe.
He looked like he was already on his way out and just happened to block.
"Oh look what I found!.... GTFO!"
"If you have a debate with a scholar, you can win. If you have a debate with an ignorant person, you will definitely lose."
Lamar Odom - "Half Swiss-Army knife, half Pez-dispenser" Meriones
Fairly sure when he walked over to Brown he was like
“not on my watch”. Brown just lol’d.
"SCORES 81 POINTS AND AVERAGE 35 A GAME
...Media chooses ball distributor as mvp
TAKES A HIT IN POINTS/STATS TO HELP TEAM WIN 2 STRAIGHT CHAMPIONSHIPS
...Media gives mvp to ball-dominant guard" - theshmoes, on Kobe Bryant.
by Saurav A. Das on Jan 12, 2012 3:32 AM PST up reply actions
as soon as I read your comments I knew exactly who you were talking about
that guy is the best. AND its in HD. JD2K is a bad boy.
I don't consider myself a hoarder just a person who loves to save things
Vegas line: Lakers by 2.5
Man those guys are good.
by Actuarially Sound on Jan 11, 2012 10:58 PM PST reply actions
do they have odds for us getting players
like a starting PG or DH12?
"Fuck, don’t you care about the people reading this shit? Some of them might be fucking offended by your rant. Think of the fucking children!" -SoCalGal
"If you're not making mistakes, then you're not doing anything. I'm positive that a doer makes mistakes." - John Wooden
Great win for the Lakers!
The team should really move/cut to the basket whenever Kobe got the ball. In the 4th quarter they’re just standing and watching Kobe.
"You have to figure out a way to get it done. There's no time to make excuses. If I play bad or have one bad game like I did in Denver, everybody cries for a change, or cries for the fact I'm too old ... I make adjustments and go from there."
-- Bryant on his performance against the Suns
by BoneCruncher24 on Jan 11, 2012 10:58 PM PST reply actions
the only cutters we have is barnes and mcbobs who is out
sila lang talaga maasahan natin sa ganon, masisipag kasi., we’ll get better when he comes back. and also. 3POINTSHOOTING????
THE POWER OF SHAW COMPELS YOU.. THE POWER OF SHAW COMPELS YOU.....
Yup
Also Ebanks is also a slasher. And the team needs to find their 3pt shooting. It seem like it only appears every other game or two.
"You have to figure out a way to get it done. There's no time to make excuses. If I play bad or have one bad game like I did in Denver, everybody cries for a change, or cries for the fact I'm too old ... I make adjustments and go from there."
-- Bryant on his performance against the Suns
by BoneCruncher24 on Jan 11, 2012 11:12 PM PST up reply actions
the problem with ebanks is he is a bit lost on defense, especially with the rotations.
but I like his offensive game
THE POWER OF SHAW COMPELS YOU.. THE POWER OF SHAW COMPELS YOU.....
looking forward to the game vs. clippers on saturday
- it’ll be interesting to see whose crowd shows up
- looking forward to shutting up blake griffin who now spends as much time bitching, flopping and being overdramatic as he does dunking
- we’ll show them who really owns LA
Slava.
http://www.twitter.com/hobojarpen
THANK YOU!
and i thought i was the only one who noticed that. hes a helluva player, but im quickly disliking his demeanor.
by Mark Jaramillo on Jan 12, 2012 10:49 AM PST up reply actions
i think he's considered day-to-day for the time being. but yeah, mcbob is the perfect irritant defender to get inside blake's head
Slava.
http://www.twitter.com/hobojarpen
That wrist isn't getting any better from all the shots he's jacking up
Not saying that’s a bad thing though…
When the rich wage war, it's the poor who die.
I only see clearly what I remember.
LOL!
Reminds me of the classic Onion article:
“Kobe Bryant Proves He Can Win Championship With Luke Walton On Team”
http://www.onionsportsnetwork.com/articles/kobe-bryant-proves-he-can-win-championship-with-lu,2751/
by Sonic8 on Jan 11, 2012 11:11 PM PST up reply actions 1 recs
Glad to have that road victory, and good to see the Lakers prevail.
They (read: Kobe) pulled through and prevailed in the end. Another trap game awaits us on Friday, hosting the Cavaliers.
how you doin'
Twitter: @bluefalcon916
Time to take it out on his team
you know…. for basketball reasons
"The true athlete should have character, not be a character."- John Wooden
"I never met a person from whom I did not learn something."- John Wooden
Main twitter
SBN twitter
I really despise that guy.......
With a passion unknown to man!
I have a bad headache, and its for BASKETBALL REASONS
Follow me on Twitter @FRESHPRINCE526
I hope Blake's injury isn't too severe and he only has to sit out a few games.
If he is out, I’d like Brown to give Morris some more minutes. The kid tried to do too much out there, but playing at home, and with some of the vets — Mike had the rookies playing with the 2nd/3rd unit, no bueno — he should be alright.
how you doin'
Twitter: @bluefalcon916
THIS
"You have to figure out a way to get it done. There's no time to make excuses. If I play bad or have one bad game like I did in Denver, everybody cries for a change, or cries for the fact I'm too old ... I make adjustments and go from there."
-- Bryant on his performance against the Suns
by BoneCruncher24 on Jan 11, 2012 11:18 PM PST up reply actions
Yeah, but the 2nd unit desperately needs a shot creator.
Offense is ugly without one.
Taking way too long to get into their sets.
Need to get it to where they wanna go with 10 secs left…they aren’t even started alot of the times right now. This is where the lack of practice time is hurting.
They put one of the big men out there with them to go through the post
and it still doesn’t work. Even though we continually talk about it being the best option
"These things happened. They were glorious and they changed the world... and then we fucked up the end game." - Charlie Wilson
"I think that all the silence is worse than all the violence." -Lupe Fiasco
same goes for the first unit.
Kobe’s currently playing PG and SG while Fisher tries, but can’t get much done
"Fuck, don’t you care about the people reading this shit? Some of them might be fucking offended by your rant. Think of the fucking children!" -SoCalGal
"If you're not making mistakes, then you're not doing anything. I'm positive that a doer makes mistakes." - John Wooden
I agree
No way he does too much with Kobe starring him down
Faith is remaining certain in the face of doubt. You’re not sure how it’s going to end, but you’re constantly of the belief that it will end the way you want it to and the way you always believed it to end, and that’s on top - Derek Fisher
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how you doin'
Twitter: @bluefalcon916
dang
LG ran away with it tonight
"The true athlete should have character, not be a character."- John Wooden
"I never met a person from whom I did not learn something."- John Wooden
Main twitter
SBN twitter
LOL, 'cuz of that shit she was posting with one letter per comment.
Two things are infinite: the universe and human stupidity; and I'm not sure about the universe. - Albert Einstein
Tweetness
by SoCalGal on Jan 12, 2012 6:41 AM PST up reply actions 1 recs
Sorry meant to rec, not flag
Not sure how to take it off
by yesu_ni_mungu on Jan 12, 2012 7:01 AM PST up reply actions
No worries.
Two things are infinite: the universe and human stupidity; and I'm not sure about the universe. - Albert Einstein
Tweetness
nah you meant to flag it. its ok
Faith is remaining certain in the face of doubt. You’re not sure how it’s going to end, but you’re constantly of the belief that it will end the way you want it to and the way you always believed it to end, and that’s on top - Derek Fisher
LOL
I’ll give back 94 of my posts of those…
Faith is remaining certain in the face of doubt. You’re not sure how it’s going to end, but you’re constantly of the belief that it will end the way you want it to and the way you always believed it to end, and that’s on top - Derek Fisher
LG on a roll.
"You have to figure out a way to get it done. There's no time to make excuses. If I play bad or have one bad game like I did in Denver, everybody cries for a change, or cries for the fact I'm too old ... I make adjustments and go from there."
-- Bryant on his performance against the Suns
by BoneCruncher24 on Jan 11, 2012 11:19 PM PST up reply actions
Call me butter
Faith is remaining certain in the face of doubt. You’re not sure how it’s going to end, but you’re constantly of the belief that it will end the way you want it to and the way you always believed it to end, and that’s on top - Derek Fisher
...finger
"If you’re afraid to fail, then you’re probably going to fail. You know what I mean? Fuck it." -- Kobe "Black Mamba" Bryant
erm
Faith is remaining certain in the face of doubt. You’re not sure how it’s going to end, but you’re constantly of the belief that it will end the way you want it to and the way you always believed it to end, and that’s on top - Derek Fisher
da great one has finally made it to the top 10 once again
well it won’t last
lol
"These things happened. They were glorious and they changed the world... and then we fucked up the end game." - Charlie Wilson
"I think that all the silence is worse than all the violence." -Lupe Fiasco
damn it, seems 2 ppl need a visit from maxxx for typing too much
"One thing LeBron James has won that Kobe Bryant never has, and never will: A bronze medal."- Josh Tucker
"Fisher's defense is called escort service in my country, just accompany" -Ibou
42-1 on Barebones TDM classic ... BEAT THAT XBOXERS
Kobe on Pau's 3 point shot
“You think Tebow prays? When that ball left his hand, I must have said 30 Hail Mary’s."
Kobe: "Listen, if you told me at the beginning of the year that we’ve got two games at home to win a championship, yeah, I’ll take that shit"
Vintage kobe answers
"If at this stage of our careers we're the boring team, then we're the boring team. As long as we get results." - Kobe Bryant
"I like jewelry. ... I like winning," - Kobe Bryant
Good news?
@Kevin Ding
Kobe told me his wrist is actually healing while he plays. Says he’ll be fine way before the playoffs. More in column later.
He is Wolverine.
how you doin'
Twitter: @bluefalcon916
by bluexfalcon on Jan 11, 2012 11:22 PM PST up reply actions
impossible
If Kobe were Wolverine, he would also have superhuman physical attributes: heightened stamina, enhanced reflexes, abnormal reflexes, resistance to mind games…wait, what the hell is going on
"They should go into a box and one--put the box on Kobe and the one on everyone else" - Jeff Van Gundy
by Mister Larry on Jan 11, 2012 11:30 PM PST up reply actions 6 recs
Ahem...
Mike Brown: “He just, I don’t know. If you open him up, he might be a machine.”
"If you have a debate with a scholar, you can win. If you have a debate with an ignorant person, you will definitely lose."
Lamar Odom - "Half Swiss-Army knife, half Pez-dispenser" Meriones
by LakerAce on Jan 11, 2012 11:35 PM PST up reply actions 5 recs
NICE!
"You have to figure out a way to get it done. There's no time to make excuses. If I play bad or have one bad game like I did in Denver, everybody cries for a change, or cries for the fact I'm too old ... I make adjustments and go from there."
-- Bryant on his performance against the Suns
by BoneCruncher24 on Jan 11, 2012 11:36 PM PST up reply actions
rec'd
Faith is remaining certain in the face of doubt. You’re not sure how it’s going to end, but you’re constantly of the belief that it will end the way you want it to and the way you always believed it to end, and that’s on top - Derek Fisher
Kobe is more of a wolverine or batman.
Wolverine for his defiance towards aging and ruthless nature to charge thru things in rage. Batman cuz he may not be as naturally gifted, but his intelligence and IQ are 2nd to none. Also, like the bat, he always comes back with a new arsenal of moves and weapons right when you think you’ve got him.
"If you’re afraid to fail, then you’re probably going to fail. You know what I mean? Fuck it." -- Kobe "Black Mamba" Bryant
not to mention
Wayne kicked ass even when he was old as hell and needed a cane to walk (as shown in batman beyond)
"If you’re afraid to fail, then you’re probably going to fail. You know what I mean? Fuck it." -- Kobe "Black Mamba" Bryant
okay J. okay.
Are you free tomorrow?
"No. I'm friggin' expensive."
by crushmybones on Jan 12, 2012 1:40 AM PST up reply actions
No clue...maybe Ze Germans figured out how to magically grown lunotriquetral ligaments?
But I trust Kevin Ding and his ability to tease a column.
that he did
how you doin'
Twitter: @bluefalcon916
by bluexfalcon on Jan 11, 2012 11:24 PM PST up reply actions
Injuries will always heal naturally, even if that part of the body is being used.
Usually, the pain itself prevents the player from using it, but that obviously doesn’t bother Kobe.
The other main issue is the possibility of aggravating it, which is very real considering how much usage his wrist gets.
"If you have a debate with a scholar, you can win. If you have a debate with an ignorant person, you will definitely lose."
Lamar Odom - "Half Swiss-Army knife, half Pez-dispenser" Meriones
I agree that Kobe can't average 30 shots a game for the season
but if there’s any night the Lakers NEED him to go for 40 its @Utah on the second of a back-to-back
Good on ya, Kobz.
The greatest trick the devil ever pulled was convincing the world he didn't exist.
LeBron Clutch again in Crunch Time as He Delivers the Clippers an OT Victory
by KB_24 on Jan 11, 2012 11:28 PM PST reply actions 3 recs
ROFL, much amazing than Copperfield's disappearing act
"If at this stage of our careers we're the boring team, then we're the boring team. As long as we get results." - Kobe Bryant
"I like jewelry. ... I like winning," - Kobe Bryant
Lakers now 2-0 when Kobe takes 30 or more shots
"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
Lakers are also now 1 - 0 when Pau makes a 3 pointer
I think we have a winning formula! Kobe gets 30 shots + Pau is now a spot up 3 point shooter.
Lakers are 1-0 playing in Utah
think NBA will let us play there every night?
The greatest trick the devil ever pulled was convincing the world he didn't exist.
2-0 against Utah so far.
2 more games this season.
"If you have a debate with a scholar, you can win. If you have a debate with an ignorant person, you will definitely lose."
Lamar Odom - "Half Swiss-Army knife, half Pez-dispenser" Meriones
I’ve always been confused by detractors who say Kobe shoots the Lakers out of games. Generally the dude goes off because his supporting cast is sucking/having an off night. Gasol and Bynum weren’t doing incredible tonight, so he shoots a ton, it makes sense. I don’t have the numbers here, but the 4 straight 50 point games had some nasty performances from Smush and Lamar iirc. Even by Smush’s standards.
Incredibly long way of saying it, but I love when Kobe is like this, as long as he does it in the right games.
Only a couple games I've watched where Kobe didn't do that and that was 6-28 and 6-24 and even then in the end
of game 7 he went back to the team concept
"These things happened. They were glorious and they changed the world... and then we fucked up the end game." - Charlie Wilson
"I think that all the silence is worse than all the violence." -Lupe Fiasco
HE GRABBED 15 REBOUNDS IN GAME 7!!!!!!111111ONE!!!!!!!!!ELEVEN
Two things are infinite: the universe and human stupidity; and I'm not sure about the universe. - Albert Einstein
Tweetness
lol
"These things happened. They were glorious and they changed the world... and then we fucked up the end game." - Charlie Wilson
"I think that all the silence is worse than all the violence." -Lupe Fiasco
Yee, basically this.
I’m sure there are other games where his shot hasn’t been there and it was bad for the team, but it’s really not much of anything.
Right?
the whole shot count thing is terrible analysis at this point to say some elementary counting is the answer
"These things happened. They were glorious and they changed the world... and then we fucked up the end game." - Charlie Wilson
"I think that all the silence is worse than all the violence." -Lupe Fiasco
Missed another game...sigh
Nice recap Ben. It’s been a thrill to see Kobe klose the door on Father Time b2b but the guy needs a break out there, so that means those reserves need to get back asap. The defense was stellar and our bigs did a stellar job of remaining patient and stepping up and embracing the challenge when it was most crucial. Kudos for Pau for having the cajones to take the 3; had he missed there would’ve been quite some bashing thrown his way tonight. Bynum kept his head up and flexed his defensive muscle with a nice swat at the end not to overlook the great positioning on that put-back prior. One of the biggest stats tonight was the Lakes limiting their 3 pointers to 9 attempts and connecting on 4. They’re a sharper team when they’re not trey-happy, which limits the long rebounds and outlets for the opposition. MB displayed great defense even if it was against a rather languid Jazz team. Like you said, ugly win but on the schedule a W looks just that, a W.
Though can’t expect Kobe for another 40+ outing on Friday if the team rests up and the bigs bring their offense back to the flow of things. If MB is establishing a defensive identity for this team, then hopefully Lakers won’t be caught sleeping against the Cavs.
and oh yea…FWIW…The mamba is ephemerally the lg’s leading scorer at 30.3 to Lebron’s (the humble king does not accept charity going 9-17 at the line) 29.
Let’s go Lakes and I hope i can finally catch the game for once in what seems forever.
"If you’re afraid to fail, then you’re probably going to fail. You know what I mean? Fuck it." -- Kobe "Black Mamba" Bryant
LOL at the photo used
LFE could probably put it up as his next create humor caption contest
"If you’re afraid to fail, then you’re probably going to fail. You know what I mean? Fuck it." -- Kobe "Black Mamba" Bryant
Ive already got one lined up.
should be a good one.
the new post should be up on monday.
"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
Simply amazing to have it come out of the repertoire lol
He says he wanted Kobe to pass it to him, but I mean how many times would you pass to the PF not named Love or Dirk for knockdown 3s
"These things happened. They were glorious and they changed the world... and then we fucked up the end game." - Charlie Wilson
"I think that all the silence is worse than all the violence." -Lupe Fiasco
Talk about redemption.
Two things are infinite: the universe and human stupidity; and I'm not sure about the universe. - Albert Einstein
Tweetness
Exactly
Cos he was off to a HORRIBLE start to say the least
Faith is remaining certain in the face of doubt. You’re not sure how it’s going to end, but you’re constantly of the belief that it will end the way you want it to and the way you always believed it to end, and that’s on top - Derek Fisher
Gasol ehhhhhh
Please do not encourage him. He needs to be more aggressive in the paint and dunk it occasionally. A reason it was his 1st 3 this season.
gsdfgdfgd
Faith is remaining certain in the face of doubt. You’re not sure how it’s going to end, but you’re constantly of the belief that it will end the way you want it to and the way you always believed it to end, and that’s on top - Derek Fisher
so thats how you get up to 394 comments in the game thread......
"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
What?
That wasn’t even me…read the name again. Its a bootleg version of me
Faith is remaining certain in the face of doubt. You’re not sure how it’s going to end, but you’re constantly of the belief that it will end the way you want it to and the way you always believed it to end, and that’s on top - Derek Fisher
no doubt it's that same ISO person from yesterday..
"If you have a debate with a scholar, you can win. If you have a debate with an ignorant person, you will definitely lose."
Lamar Odom - "Half Swiss-Army knife, half Pez-dispenser" Meriones
I feel popular...like i am the greatest or something
Faith is remaining certain in the face of doubt. You’re not sure how it’s going to end, but you’re constantly of the belief that it will end the way you want it to and the way you always believed it to end, and that’s on top - Derek Fisher
the greatest game-thread commentator?
maybe..
"If you have a debate with a scholar, you can win. If you have a debate with an ignorant person, you will definitely lose."
Lamar Odom - "Half Swiss-Army knife, half Pez-dispenser" Meriones
LOL...nah that title still belongs to jXn
I am just enjoying the game.
Faith is remaining certain in the face of doubt. You’re not sure how it’s going to end, but you’re constantly of the belief that it will end the way you want it to and the way you always believed it to end, and that’s on top - Derek Fisher
no need to be humble
it’s all you gurl
how you doin'
Twitter: @bluefalcon916
by bluexfalcon on Jan 12, 2012 10:15 AM PST up reply actions
smh
Faith is remaining certain in the face of doubt. You’re not sure how it’s going to end, but you’re constantly of the belief that it will end the way you want it to and the way you always believed it to end, and that’s on top - Derek Fisher
damn,
it is a bootleg.
they so you ridin’, they hatin’….
"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
by LakersFoEva on Jan 12, 2012 10:34 AM PST up reply actions
The team had been playing a very good D while learning on the fly.
The Lakers have held seven of their first 12 opponents to 90 points or fewer. … It was the Lakers’ first road win of the season after starting 0-3.
"You have to figure out a way to get it done. There's no time to make excuses. If I play bad or have one bad game like I did in Denver, everybody cries for a change, or cries for the fact I'm too old ... I make adjustments and go from there."
-- Bryant on his performance against the Suns
Well hopefully we can get another "Road" win on Saturday......
It will difficult though going at them on the tail end of a back to back, and them having 2 DAYS REST!!!!
I have a bad headache, and its for BASKETBALL REASONS
Follow me on Twitter @FRESHPRINCE526
We can perhaps, but Kobe is in the same situation, on top of being injured, so, man the fuck up, boys.
We can perhaps blame tired legs for both Bynum and Gasol on a back-to-back,
Two things are infinite: the universe and human stupidity; and I'm not sure about the universe. - Albert Einstein
Tweetness
by SoCalGal on Jan 12, 2012 6:44 AM PST reply actions 1 recs
Good recap, Ben.
Two things are infinite: the universe and human stupidity; and I'm not sure about the universe. - Albert Einstein
Tweetness
Go away. Waking me up last night, SMH.
Two things are infinite: the universe and human stupidity; and I'm not sure about the universe. - Albert Einstein
Tweetness
Erm...
Faith is remaining certain in the face of doubt. You’re not sure how it’s going to end, but you’re constantly of the belief that it will end the way you want it to and the way you always believed it to end, and that’s on top - Derek Fisher
squeaky doors at your place c'mon now
how you doin'
Twitter: @bluefalcon916
by bluexfalcon on Jan 12, 2012 10:25 AM PST up reply actions
LOL, next time you use your key, put some WD40 on that hinge!
Two things are infinite: the universe and human stupidity; and I'm not sure about the universe. - Albert Einstein
Tweetness
O.o
how you doin'
Twitter: @bluefalcon916
by bluexfalcon on Jan 12, 2012 10:34 AM PST up reply actions
why do you think he went cold late in the 4th?
i think the legs got to him.
"One thing LeBron James has won that Kobe Bryant never has, and never will: A bronze medal."- Josh Tucker
"Fisher's defense is called escort service in my country, just accompany" -Ibou
42-1 on Barebones TDM classic ... BEAT THAT XBOXERS
Mitch should do something about this awful bench.
Outside of the decent Blake, Murphy, and McRoberts and rookie Darius Morris, the Lakers have nothing on the wings. MWP is terrible in and outside of the post. Caracter should just be waived for another player. Ebanks just isn’t ready contribute in a major way. Kapono scores just as much he gives up. Even the decent players don’t offer much. Mitch has to add something of value to that bench. A scorer would work. The bench is just pathetic right now with no improvement in sight.
Good win on a back to back.
by E-ROC on Jan 12, 2012 6:56 AM PST via Android app reply actions
I agree butt..
I dont think we can fully evaluate Ebanks just yet. Dude has the size, altheticism and some of the skills to be a solid wing in the league but clearly MB has him and all the other rookies on a short leash. If this is gonna be the case then Mitch needs to make a move ASAP cuz although it would be nice to see this performance from Kobe every night, it just aint gonna happen and dude needs some help.
LOL, why you calling E-ROC "butt"?
Two things are infinite: the universe and human stupidity; and I'm not sure about the universe. - Albert Einstein
Tweetness
Ummmmm...
Read the rest of the post before you make ridiculous and outlandish comments like that..Thanks in advance :)
Um, get a grip and realize it's a joke. Thanks in advance.
Two things are infinite: the universe and human stupidity; and I'm not sure about the universe. - Albert Einstein
Tweetness
Sorry I wasn't the least bit amused at your "joke"
and neither was my 9 year old daughter who was able to fully comprehend what I posted..guess we’ll try to lighten up a lil lol
dude...
chill out man she was joking with you. dont take things soo literal. you new here?
by Mark Jaramillo on Jan 12, 2012 11:39 AM PST up reply actions
LOL.
Wow dude…it was just a joke
Faith is remaining certain in the face of doubt. You’re not sure how it’s going to end, but you’re constantly of the belief that it will end the way you want it to and the way you always believed it to end, and that’s on top - Derek Fisher
chill.
"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
LMAOO
Yall must be trying to hit or something or maybe chivalry does still exist.. smh
LOL, does your 9-year-old fully comprehend that comment as well?
“Trying to hit”? SMH
Two things are infinite: the universe and human stupidity; and I'm not sure about the universe. - Albert Einstein
Tweetness
I'm Over This
sorry im not as infactuated with you as all these other members are for whatever reason cuz it def isn’t because of what you tend to post lol (sorry)..I’ll just refrain from entertaining your “jokes” in order to prevent these debacles in the future :)
As I'm not looking for your infatuation, or anyone else's, it's all good. Thanks.
Two things are infinite: the universe and human stupidity; and I'm not sure about the universe. - Albert Einstein
Tweetness
...or everybody here just likes scg (and not in a "trying to hit" way)
"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
The only thing you need to focus on is getting a better screen name homie
..im sure you had no shot at hitting as it is lol
O_o i'll let it slide (this time), but i hope you quit being a jerk if you plan to say at ssr
btw, that’s my real name.
sorry, if it’s not good enough for you.
"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
t_breezy
for some reason this comes to mind with your screen name
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OMkROxwtLQ0&feature=related
foward to about 27 seconds
by Mark Jaramillo on Jan 13, 2012 6:19 PM PST up reply actions
Seventh?
I heard there was some poll done and Kobe was ranked the 7th best player in the league? Really? There are six guys better than Kobe? Six?
I wonder what its like for Mike Brown to go from coaching LeBron who has a history of not being agressive late in games to Kobe who is agressive just getting off the team bus before the game.
Two things are infinite: the universe and human stupidity; and I'm not sure about the universe. - Albert Einstein
Tweetness
I couldnt even get to #1
I saw Kevin Durant ranked 6th and then I clicked on #5 and saw Dirk Nowitzki’s face and I just shut down my computer and walked away.
Proves polls are just an opinion by who ever runs them....
I think its quite obvious that Kobe should be ranked in the top 3 ATLEAST. Last time i checked he is the leading scorer in the NBA. Which is an argument winner right there.
Raja Bell looks like the homeless guy who used to beg me for a quarter every morning on my way to work.
“Kobe, gimme a quarter. Come on man, you gotta quarter? Kobe, I know you got at least one. Just a quarter. Come on, Kobe, give it here. All I’m askin’ for is a quarter. Kobe. Gimme a quarter. Kobe. Kobe. KOBE!”
Two things are infinite: the universe and human stupidity; and I'm not sure about the universe. - Albert Einstein
Tweetness
by SoCalGal on Jan 12, 2012 8:55 AM PST reply actions 1 recs
that coincidentally also sounds like Lil Dez
"Fuck, don’t you care about the people reading this shit? Some of them might be fucking offended by your rant. Think of the fucking children!" -SoCalGal
"If you're not making mistakes, then you're not doing anything. I'm positive that a doer makes mistakes." - John Wooden
Great points Ben
Pau needs to do more…more in terms of holding onto the ball, more in terms of less flailing – if i am a ref i dont call that crap. Just be more assertive. I know this is who he is, but he can squeeze out a little more.
And Kobe, we need to clone him. I have honestly never seen Kobe check out of a game cos he is tired. Or because its a second night of a back to back. He will do everything he can to will us to victory, even though it sometimes results in a loss. He brings it every night. For this i am grateful.
Faith is remaining certain in the face of doubt. You’re not sure how it’s going to end, but you’re constantly of the belief that it will end the way you want it to and the way you always believed it to end, and that’s on top - Derek Fisher
in other news LA times Medina just said
Lakers trying to trade Pau for Love.
what ya think guys?
"If at this stage of our careers we're the boring team, then we're the boring team. As long as we get results." - Kobe Bryant
"I like jewelry. ... I like winning," - Kobe Bryant
*tried*
how you doin'
Twitter: @bluefalcon916
by bluexfalcon on Jan 12, 2012 10:28 AM PST up reply actions
story is old, Medina looking for some chat subjects lol
how you doin'
Twitter: @bluefalcon916
by bluexfalcon on Jan 12, 2012 10:31 AM PST up reply actions
Great way to pull that one off last night
I was glad to see D.Morris get some burn although he got a lil out of hand right before getting put right back on the bench. Hopefully wit Blake going down and Fish still being weakie Fish then he’ll def start getting some more burn. I think MB needs to trust his rookies (and Ebanks) a lil bit more so they dont play so nervous out there. You start to overthink situations when youre wondering if your next pass that gets stolen or the next shot you miss will get you wind up getting you benched. Once they get a solid rotation going I think we’ll start to see more production out of our young guys cuz they’ll have way less pressure on them which usually translates to more production. I would love to see D.Morris get some time with the starting 5 to see how he operates next to Mr.KB24. He def wont be gettting to out of control thats for damn sure lol
Kobe is still Kobe
After these last three games, bum wrist and all, this proves that kobe is still one of the top threats in the nba hands down.
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