Silver Screen and Roll - Daily Los Angeles Lakers News: 12/05/12A Blog devoted to Lakers News, Commentary, and Analysishttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/13178/silver-fave.jpg2012-12-05T19:50:49-08:00http://www.silverscreenandroll.com/rss/stream/34973112012-12-05T19:50:49-08:002012-12-05T19:50:49-08:00Final Score: Lakers pluck Hornets, 103-87
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<img alt="Kobe Bryant weaving to his 30,000th point" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/pOgDuD1lz8ZZzSrSZ1w_6rzswt4=/203x130:942x623/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/4502201/uspw_6820750.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Kobe Bryant weaving to his 30,000th point | Derick Hingle</figcaption>
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<p>Kobe Bryant reached the 30,000 point milestone and the Los Angeles Lakers dominated the second half of the game in New Orleans. Congratulations on yet another accolade, Mr. Bryant.</p> <p>A night that began inauspiciously in New Orleans for the Los Angeles Lakers found itself turned around through the second half of the contest. The Lakers dominated the Hornets post halftime and snapped a two game losing streak on a night that <span>Kobe Bryant</span> became the youngest player in NBA history to score 30,000 points. With a strong defensive showing led by <span>Dwight Howard</span> in the third quarter, the Lakers prevailed against the Hornets and even found garbage time for recently recalled <span>Robert Sacre</span>. 103-87, Lakers victory. The Lakers won on a Kobe milestone night, the world may end on December 21st after all.</p>
<p>Going into the half the Lakers trailed by 1 and looked just as troubled as they did against the <a href="https://www.thedreamshake.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Houston Rockets</a> defensively. The Hornets, without #1 overall draft pick <span>Anthony Davis</span>, and highly talented scorer <span>Eric Gordon</span>, outworked the Lakers on the offensive glass. On the night, the Lakers allowed 11 offensive rebounds, with the majority coming in the first portion of the game.</p>
<p>Kobe Bryant started off the night poorly, but once it was all said and done, it was his night to enjoy and bask in. 29 points, 4 assists, 6 rebounds, 3 steals, a handful of dunks (mama' there goes that man), and only 1 turnover on a night that Kobe Bryant joined elite basketball company. The names Wilt Chamberlain, Michael Jordan, Karl Malone, and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar may ring a bell. Now, Kobe Bryant adds his name into the 30,000 points club.</p>
<p>Going 7-11 from the field Dwight Howard ended the night with 18 points and 8 boards, but his work defensively changed the tone of the game in the second half. Recording 5 blocks, that's just a small taste of how dominant he was. Perhaps someday a "shots altered in the paint because of Dwight" stat will exist, but till then, just use your eyes. The Hornets couldn't get anything to fall around the rim and only managed to score 16 points in the third quarter (and 39 total in the second half).</p>
<p>As for the role players, the shots were falling from beyond the arc. <span>Antawn Jamison</span> led the three point barrage, scoring 15 points and going 3-6 from deep. He twisted his ankle and exited the game, but post game said he could have returned and will be ready to play the <a href="https://www.welcometoloudcity.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Oklahoma City Thunder</a>. <span>Metta World Peace</span> reached the 12,000 career points plateau by contributing 11 points on 3-7 from beyond the arc. <span>Jodie Meeks</span> off the bench added in another trio of three point baskets and ended the night with 9 points (all of his points coming from long range). The Lakers as a team ended the game shooting 13-28 good for 46.4% from long distance.</p>
<p>Another good sign for the Lakers?<i><b> Single digit turnovers. </b></i>A night removed from turning the ball over 18 times, the Lakers took care of their possessions, only coughing it up 9 times. <span>Chris Duhon</span> started at point guard for the second time this season and scored only 3 points, but he racked up 10 dimes and had<b> ZERO </b>turnovers. Get your dance on Duhon.</p>
<p>For the Hornets, <span>Ryan Anderson</span> played exactly as billed. He scored 31 points, going 5-8 from deep, and also had 9 rebounds (5 of them being offensive rebounds). The man can spread the floor, but he also took advantage of mismatches and drove to the rim as he carried the offensive load for his team. <span>Greivis Vasquez</span> played a great game at the point, adding in 16 points and 9 assists. And taking advantage early in the game, <span>Robin Lopez</span> exploited the Lakers rotational defense and scored 15 points and blocked 5 shots. Aside from that, it was nickle and dimes from the various players on the Hornets roster.</p>
<p>Congratulations again to Kobe Bryant on becoming the youngest player in NBA history to score 30,000 points. A solid win to break the Lakers out of the funk they were in, right before the hardest game on their schedule thus far Friday against the Oklahoma City Thunder. Full recap in the morning</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/1837365/kobe30kpts.gif" class="photo" alt="Kobe30kpts_medium"></p>
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<th class="td-left"> <span></span> </th> <th>1</th> <th>2</th> <th>3</th> <th>4</th> <th>Total</th>
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<td class="td-name"><span class="undecided"> <a href="https://www.silverscreenandroll.com/">Los Angeles Lakers</a> </span></td>
<td>20</td>
<td>27</td>
<td>30</td>
<td>26</td>
<td class="highlight">103</td>
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<td class="td-name"><span class="undecided"> <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nba/teams/new-orleans-hornets">New Orleans Hornets</a> </span></td>
<td>23</td>
<td>25</td>
<td>16</td>
<td>23</td>
<td class="highlight">87</td>
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<p class="foot clearfix"><span class="link-more"><span>Complete Coverage ></span></span></p>
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<p><i>- Drew</i></p>
<p><i>- Follow this author on Twitter <b><a href="https://twitter.com/BallReasons" target="_blank">@BallReasons</a></b></i></p>
<p><i>- How are they handling the loss and being forever immortalized as the team Kobe Bryant scored his 30,000th against? Check <b><a href="http://www.atthehive.com/">At The Hive</a></b>.<br></i></p>
<p>- <i>Buy Los Angeles Lakers Tickets <b><a href="http://www.lakertickets.com/">click here</a></b></i></p>
https://www.silverscreenandroll.com/2012/12/5/3734260/los-angeles-lakers-pluck-new-orleans-hornets-final-score-103-87Drew Garrison2012-12-05T18:18:33-08:002012-12-05T18:18:33-08:00GIF: Kobe Bryant scores 30,000th point
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<figcaption>USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>A new career milestone for Kobe Bryant: The youngest player in NBA history to reach 30,000 points.</p> <p><span>Kobe Bryant</span> has reached a new milestone, becoming the youngest player in NBA history to reach 30,000 points. Bryant is in the top 5 all time in scoring, currently behind Wilt Chamberlain, Michael Jordan, Karl Malone, and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. A new career milestone for Kobe Bryant to add to his list: The youngest player in league history to reach 30,000 points. Here's the moment in GIF form.</p>
<p><a href="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/1837365/kobe30kpts.gif" target="_blank"><img alt="Kobe30kpts_medium" class="photo" src="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/1837365/kobe30kpts.gif"></a> <br id="1354760134901"><br id="1354760074139"></p>
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https://www.silverscreenandroll.com/2012/12/5/3733964/scoring-milestone-kobe-bryant-reaches-30000-points-youngest-everDrew Garrison2012-12-05T17:00:59-08:002012-12-05T17:00:59-08:00Berger: Toronto is Pau's most likely destination
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<figcaption>Stephen Dunn</figcaption>
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<p>Ken Berger of CBS Sports reports that rival executives believe that if Pau Gasol is traded, the most likely place for him to land is in Toronto in a Andrea Bargnani and Jose Calderon centric deal.</p> <p>The rumors continue to stir while <span>Pau Gasol</span> tries to rest his knees, which both suffer from tendinitis. At this point, talking <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.silverscreenandroll.com/">Lakers</a> is synonymous with talking about what's going to happen next for the Spaniard. Will he be traded? If so, where? Does he fit in the system? What can Mike D'Antoni do to change it? However, if Pau Gasol is in fact traded, rival executives believe the most likely destination is in Toronto in a Andrea Bargnani - <span>Jose Calderon</span> centered deal, <b><a target="_blank" href="http://www.cbssports.com/nba/story/21277348/postups-lakerland-needs-to-chill-d-will-needs-to-snap-back-to-reality">according to CBS Sports' Ken Berger</a></b>.</p>
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<p>Rival executives believe the most likely landing spot for Gasol is Toronto, which could offer <a class="playerLink" href="http://www.cbssports.com/nba/players/playerpage/1113140/andrea-bargnani">Andrea Bargnani</a> in return and bolster the Lakers' point-guard deficiency with <a class="playerLink" href="http://www.cbssports.com/nba/players/playerpage/563176/jose-calderon">Jose Calderon</a>, who is backing up <a class="playerLink" href="http://www.cbssports.com/nba/players/playerpage/1113164/kyle-lowry">Kyle Lowry</a>. Sources say <a href="http://www.cbssports.com/nba/teams/page/TOR/toronto-raptors">Raptors</a> GM Bryan Colangelo has shown no willingness to part with Bargnani, but if pressure mounts for him to bolster the team's youth movement and win now by adding a veteran with All-Star credentials like Gasol, that could change. - <i><a target="_blank" href="http://www.cbssports.com/nba/story/21277348/postups-lakerland-needs-to-chill-d-will-needs-to-snap-back-to-reality">Ken Berger, CBS Sports</a></i></p>
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<p>Bargnani is averaging 17.4 points per game on 40.4% shooting, 34.6% from beyond the arc. He is one year removed from shooting a career low percentage from deep, 29.6%. This is disconcerting, considering the Lakers would want to move Pau Gasol in order to find a true power forward to stretch the floor. With his deficiencies in rebounding and defense on top of this, <span>Andrea Bargnani</span> is a gamble. The net gain, however, may be in Jose Calderon, especially with <span>Steve Blake</span> missing extended time and <span>Steve Nash</span> showing he's every bit over 35. Calderon is playing limited minutes behind newly acquired Kyle Lowry, and still putting up 10.2 points and 7.3 assists. Most notable? He's shooting 47.9% from deep on 3.9 attempts per game.</p>
<p><i>The saga continues. </i></p>
https://www.silverscreenandroll.com/2012/12/5/3733758/executives-believe-toronto-most-likely-trade-for-pau-gasol-andrea-bargnani-jose-calderonDrew Garrison2012-12-05T12:40:40-08:002012-12-05T12:40:40-08:00Report: Nash was promised Pau would stay
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<figcaption>Stephen Dunn</figcaption>
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<p>Stop the presses on the Pau Gasol trade talk. According to Ric Bucher, Steve Nash was promised that the Lakers would not trade him. </p> <p>The annual Pau Gasol trade rumor fest has taken a very interesting turn this season. According to a report by Comcast's Ric Bucher, when the Los Angeles Lakers signed Steve Nash this summer, they promised him that they would not trade Pau Gasol. <a href="http://sulia.com/channel/phoenix-suns/f/b018f200-846a-4f10-b9be-d312aafe3c14/?source=twitter">From his Sulia post</a>:</p>
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<p>Source: Ignore any and all trade talk about Pau Gasol because the Lakers landed Steve Nash by promising him he would get to play with Gasol. Nash made it a prerequisite for passing on offers from Toronto and the Knicks that Pau would be around, the source said.</p>
<p>Such prerequisites from an incoming star aren't that unusual -- Chris Paul made similar personnel demands as part of his agreement to be dealt to the Clippers. (In Paul's case, he wanted assurance that LAC would do whatever was necessary to retain restricted FA DeAndre Jordan.)</p>
<p>Conceivably, once Nash gets back and actually plays with Gasol, the Lakers could continue to struggle and Nash re-thinks his position. But as of right now, one of the enticements that brought Nash to LA was the big Spaniard and the organization would have much bigger problems than they already have if they backtracked on their promise to keep Gasol in the fold.</p>
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<p>Well, this is a little surprising because that seems like an odd promise to make. I think that it is interesting that Nash thinks highly enough of Gasol to make such a request prior to his acquisition. When you consider that and the way Kobe gloats about him (while also making some proper critiques, of course), you get an idea of how respected Gasol is amongst his peers.</p>
<p>That said, it is still entirely possible that the Lakers' don't get back on track even once Gasol and Nash are both healthy again, and at that point the Lakers, as Bucher mentions, may go back to Nash and ask him to reconsider. I'm not entirely sure why the Lakers would need Nash's blessing on such a decision, other than to keep him happy. I mean, he's 39 years old and he's locked in for another season after this, so making a move that may upset Nash shouldn't be too big of a concern if the move benefits the team.</p>
<p>The saga that is the Los Angeles Lakers never seems to have a dull moment. Right now, Dwight Howard is receiving an amount of fan backlash that he's never experienced (even during the final season of his soap opera in Orland), Kobe is lashing out in practice and calling out Gasol in the media, Pau is dealing with tendonitis in his knees, getting benched in the fourth and trade rumors and Nash's return is still not set in stone. All while the team slips out of the Western Conference playoff picture at the end of the first quarter of the season.</p>
<p>Let's all just pray that stability - and as a result, success - comes sometime soon.</p>
https://www.silverscreenandroll.com/2012/12/5/3732606/report-nash-has-been-promised-pau-will-stayMark Travis2012-12-05T12:00:22-08:002012-12-05T12:00:22-08:00Preview: Lakers at Hornets
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<figcaption>Chris Graythen</figcaption>
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<p>Time to move on for the Lakers, who will try to piece together a win after blowing a nearly 20 point lead to the Houston Rockets. Now, they face the stretch four Ryan Anderson and the New Orleans Hornets. </p> <p><u><b>Casting Call</b></u></p>
<p><i><u><b><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.silverscreenandroll.com/">Los Angeles Lakers</a> </b>(8-10, 100.7 ppg, 96.9 ppg allowed)</u></i></p>
<ul>
<li> <span>Dwight Howard</span> (18.7 ppg, 59.9% fg, 1.7 apg, 11.3 rpg)</li>
<li> <span>Antawn Jamison</span> (7.4 ppg, 48% fg, 0.6 apg, 4.6 rpg)</li>
<li> <span>Metta World Peace</span> (13.2 ppg, 40.9% fg, 2.3 apg, 5.4 rpg)</li>
<li> <span>Kobe Bryant</span> (27.3 ppg, 48.9% fg, 5.1 apg, 5.2 rpg)</li>
<li> <span>Chris Duhon</span> (3 ppg, 42.4% fg, 2.8 apg, 1.4 rpg)</li>
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<p><i><u><b><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nba/teams/new-orleans-hornets">New Orleans Hornets</a> </b>(5-11, 93.4 ppg, 98.4 ppg allowed)</u></i></p>
<ul>
<li> <span>Robin Lopez</span> (11.8 ppg, 53.1% fg, 1.1 apg, 5.6 rpg)</li>
<li> <span>Ryan Anderson</span> (17.5 ppg, 47.1% fg, 1.4 apg, 7.9 rpg)</li>
<li> <span>Al-Farouq Aminu</span> (10.1 ppg, 48.6% fg, 2 apg, 7.2 rpg)</li>
<li>Roger Mason (5.7 ppg, 38.5% fg, 1.3 apg, 2.1 rpg)</li>
<li> <span>Greivis Vasquez</span> (13 ppg, 42.3% fg, 8.7 apg, 3.7 rpg)</li>
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<p><u><b>Showtime</b></u></p>
<p>5:00 pm PST</p>
<p><u><b>Plot</b></u></p>
<p>After blowing a 17 point lead to the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.thedreamshake.com/">Houston Rockets</a>, the Lakers continue their three game road trip with a game against the New Orleans Hornets. <span>Anthony Davis</span> and <span>Eric Gordon</span> are both out indefinitely for the Hornets, so it appears that there is another one of those "winnable" games on the table for the Lakers to tack onto their record. The chase for .500 is still on for the purple and gold.</p>
<p>With <span>Pau Gasol</span> resting his knees the Lakers will continue to give Antawn Jamison the starting minutes at the 4 slot. Starting for Gasol last night, Jamison scored 15 points, grabbed 9 boards, and was 3-4 from deep. All respectable from the veteran Tar Heel. He will be matched up against Ryan Anderson, perhaps the best pure stretch power forward playing in the league right now (and by stretch I'm talking about beyond the arc, not just mid-range), and the alleged #1 target on the Lakers wishlist.</p>
<p><u><b>Wishlist</b></u>. As in, <u><b>you wish</b></u>. Why do the Lakers have the former <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.orlandopinstripedpost.com/">Orlando Magic</a> player pinging so fiercely on their radar? Well, that's obvious, he's shooting 42.3% from deep. To further exemplify just how well Anderson has been shooting the ball, I present to you Exhibit A.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Anderson_medium" class="photo" src="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/1832627/anderson_medium.png" height="260" width="278"></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><i>Oooh look at the purdy shot chart.</i></p>
<p>No further explanation necessary. Beyond Anderson, though, the Hornets lack any scoring punch. Their other rookie, <span>Austin Rivers</span>, is having the introductory season from Hell. 6.9 points per game on 29% shooting? Bad, bad, bad. Greivis Vasquez has been playing solid ball for the future Pelicans, however, with 11 points per contest and 8.7 assists.</p>
<p>As you can see, it's a reach to find bright spots on this roster, but the Lakers have become experts at helping teams find light in the darkest of tunnels. Both <span>Toney Douglas</span> and <span>Greg Smith</span> of the Houston Rockets were averaging 5.something points per game and wound up over 20 each, giving the Rockets enough juice to swing back at the Lakers and pry a victory out of their fragile little hands.</p>
<p>Can the Hornets find a hero in Austin Rivers, son of <span>Doc Rivers</span>? Will Xavier Henry have a career game, taking advantage of a Lakers defense that refuses to rotate properly and communicate? How about Robin Lopez? Is he going to abuse the poor help defense of the Lakers and drop 30 on Dwight? Seriously, these are questions to be asked with the inconsistent and poor play of the Lakers over the first 18 games of the season.</p>
<p><i>Woosah... Woosah... ok, I'm better</i></p>
<p>After sitting <span>Jodie Meeks</span> through the majority of the loss Sunday to Orlando, Mike D'Antoni returned to the small lineup featuring Kobe at the small forward in order to unleash the Meeks. Unfortunately Jodie returned the favor by going 1-5 from long range, but nonetheless remains a player that needs to establish himself in a system that thirsts for shooters like Dwight Howard thirsts for a good game of Call of Duty.</p>
<p><span>Jordan Hill</span> played well in the 14 minutes Mike D'Antoni allowed him out on the floor, chipping in 9 points and 9 rebounds. It appears his vision of Hill is utilizing him only as a backup center, which isn't surprising. Hill's inability to spread the floor will leave D'Antoni hesitant to play him as a power forward, even if he is perhaps the best pick and roll defender this side of Dwight Howard on the roster. As D'Antoni continues to turn stones and try new combinations of players, perhaps he'll uncover a few lineups that he finds to be effective. Or, perhaps we'll continue to seen an out of sync offense relying on 31 field goals from Kobe Bryant as he closes in on his 30,000th career point.</p>
<p>Speaking of Kobe, he is only 13 points away from reaching the 30,000 career points milestone, so expect him to reach his goal in New Orleans. With the way he was shooting against the Rockets, expect him to reach this goal in the first 10 minutes of the game, in fact.</p>
<p>This is a game for the Lakers to lose. Unfortunately, we just watched them lose back to back games that were in the same vein. However, it's difficult to envision a path for the Hornets to come out victorious. They have one elite scorer who can't create for himself and no defenders under a 105 defensive rating active for tonight's game. The Lakers should be able to score in any number of ways, which really doesn't mean all that much as we've learned. Quality opponent or not, it'd be nice to watch the Lakers breeze through another easy one. Please?</p>
<p><u><b>On This Soundtrack</b></u></p>
<p><i>Radiohead - Optimistic</i></p>
<div style="margin-left:10px;margin-right:10px;">Flies are buzzing around my head<br> Vultures circling the dead<br> Picking up every last crumb<br> The big fish eat the little ones<br> The big fish eat the little ones<br> Not my problem give me some<br><br> You can try the best you can<br> If you try the best you can<br> The best you can is good enough<br><br> This one's optimistic<br> This one went to market<br> This one just came out of the swamp<br> This one dropped a payload<br> Fodder for the animals<br> Living on an animal farm<br><br> If you try the best you can<br> If you try the best you can<br> The best you can is good enough<br><i></i><br><br> I'd really like to help you man<br> I'd really like to help you man.....<br> Nervous messed up marionette<br> Floating around on a prison ship<br><br> If you try the best you can<br> If you try the best you can<br> The best you can is good enough<br> If you try the best you can<br> If you try the best you can<br> Dinosaurs roaming the earth</div>
<div style="margin-left:10px;margin-right:10px;"><br></div>
<p><i>- Drew</i></p>
<p><i>- Follow this author on Twitter <b><a target="_blank" href="https://twitter.com/BallReasons">@BallReasons</a></b></i></p>
<p><i>- What are the opponents saying about the wonderful 8-10 Lakers after blowing that Rockets game? Check <b><a href="http://www.atthehive.com/">At The Hive</a></b> for the New Orleans perspective. </i></p>
<p>- <i>Buy Los Angeles Lakers Tickets <b><a href="http://www.lakertickets.com/">click here</a></b></i></p>
https://www.silverscreenandroll.com/2012/12/5/3730484/game-preview-los-angeles-lakers-at-new-orleans-hornets-12-05-12Drew Garrison2012-12-05T08:01:27-08:002012-12-05T08:01:27-08:00The Credits: "The Pelican Brief" - Lakers Links
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<img alt="anywhere near 55% would be cool, bro" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/77GFP2fhVa7PZxWy6VDHT_3-xMc=/0x0:2848x1899/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/4444623/20121204_mje_at5_016.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>anywhere near 55% would be cool, bro | Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p><em>Lakers lose to Rockets, face New Orleans Pelicans Hornets tonight in the 2nd of a back-to-back.</em></p> <p><strike></strike></p>
<p><i><b>Headlines</b></i></p>
<ul>
<li><a href="http://www.nba.com/games/20121204/LALHOU/gameinfo.html" target="_blank">Douglas leads Rockets over Lakers 107-105 | NBA.com</a></li>
<li><a target="_blank" href="http://blog.lakers.com/lakers/2012/12/04/lakers-105-rockets-107-dec-4-running-diary/">Lakers 105, Rockets 107: Dec. 4 Running Diary | Lakers Blog</a></li>
<li><a target="_blank" href="http://blog.lakers.com/lakers/2012/12/04/mike-dantoni-postgame-quotes/">Mike D’Antoni Postgame Quotes | Lakers Blog</a></li>
<li><a target="_blank" href="http://hangtime.blogs.nba.com/2012/12/04/report-hornets-set-for-name-change/?ls=iref:nbahpts">Report: Hornets Set For Name Change | NBA.com</a></li>
<li><a target="_blank" href="http://www.latimes.com/sports/lakersnow/la-sp-ln-lakers-rockets-20121204,0,4342739.story?track=rss">Lakers collapse in fourth, fall to Rockets, 107-105 | LA Times</a></li>
<li><a target="_blank" href="http://lakers.ocregister.com/2012/12/04/rockets-107-lakers-105/75011/">Rockets 107, Lakers 105 | OC Register</a></li>
<li><a target="_blank" href="http://www.grantland.com/story/_/id/8707632/the-case-vinsanity-hall-famer-lakers-defensive-mess-nba-loudest-arena-jeremy-lin-doing-right">The case for Vinsanity as a Hall of Famer, the Lakers' defensive mess, the NBA's loudest arena, and what Jeremy Lin is doing right | Grantland</a></li>
<li><a target="_blank" href="http://www.cbssports.com/nba/blog/eye-on-basketball/21263677/report-lakers-have-informed-pau-gasol-hell-be-traded-if-situation-doesnt-improve">Report: Lakers have informed Gasol he'll be traded if situation doesn't improve | Eye On Basketball</a></li>
</ul>
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<p><b><i><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.silverscreenandroll.com/">Lakers</a> News</i></b></p>
<ul>
<li><a href="http://blog.lakers.com/lakers/2012/12/04/gasol-out-with-knee-tendinitis/" target="_blank">Gasol Out with Knee Tendinitis | Lakers Blog</a></li>
<li><a target="_blank" href="http://www.nba.com/2012/news/12/04/lakers-pau-gasol-out.ap/index.html?ls=iref:nbahpts">Lakers forward Gasol out with knee tendinitis | NBA.com</a></li>
<li><a target="_blank" href="http://hangtime.blogs.nba.com/2012/12/04/pau-gasol-puts-himself-on-the-shelf/?ls=iref:nbahpts">Pau Gasol Puts Himself On The Shelf | NBA.com</a></li>
<li><a target="_blank" href="http://espn.go.com/blog/los-angeles/lakers/post/_/id/34855/rapid-reaction-rockets-107-lakers-105">Rapid Reaction: Rockets 107, Lakers 105 | ESPN LA</a></li>
<li><a target="_blank" href="http://espn.go.com/blog/los-angeles/lakers/post/_/id/34840/lakers-at-rockets-what-to-watch">Lakers at Rockets: What to watch | ESPN LA</a></li>
<li><a target="_blank" href="http://espn.go.com/los-angeles/nba/story/_/id/8712002/kobe-bryant-los-angeles-lakers-says-loves-pau-gasol-brother">Kobe Bryant of Los Angeles Lakers says he loves Pau Gasol 'like a brother' | ESPN LA</a></li>
<li><a target="_blank" href="http://www.latimes.com/sports/lakersnow/la-sp-ln-pau-gasol-talks-about-sitting-out20121204,0,2504020.story?track=rss">Pau Gasol says he won't rush return from bothersome knees | LA Times</a></li>
<li><a target="_blank" href="http://www.latimes.com/sports/lakersnow/la-sp-ln-lakers-gasol-rotation-20121204,0,6560552.story?track=rss">What will sitting Gasol do to the Lakers rotation? | LA Times</a></li>
<li><a target="_blank" href="http://www.latimes.com/sports/lakersnow/la-sp-ln-pau-gasol-20121204,0,6052410.story?track=rss">Pau Gasol to sit out Tuesday's game against Houston | LA Times</a></li>
<li><a target="_blank" href="http://www.dailynews.com/lakers/ci_22124219/houston-107-lakers-105-dwight-howard-misses-free">Houston 107, Lakers 105: Howard misses free throws late in defeat | LA Daily News</a></li>
<li><a target="_blank" href="http://www.dailynews.com/lakers/ci_22124199/lakers-forward-pau-gasol-dealing-tendinitis-likely-miss">Pau Gasol dealing with tendinitis, likely to miss rest of week | LA Daily News</a></li>
<li><a target="_blank" href="http://www.ocregister.com/articles/know-379671-don-steve.html">Miller: What D'Antoni really means | OC Register</a></li>
<li><a target="_blank" href="http://lakers.ocregister.com/2012/12/04/pau-gasol-sitting-out-because-of-knee-tendinitis/75005/">Pau Gasol sitting out because of knee tendinitis | OC Register</a></li>
<li><a target="_blank" href="http://www.lakersnation.com/lakers-blow-big-lead-fall-to-rockets-in-houston/2012/12/04/">Lakers Blow Big Lead, Fall to Rockets in Houston | Lakers Nation</a></li>
<li><a target="_blank" href="http://www.forumblueandgold.com/2012/12/04/lakers-v-rockets-collapsed/">Lakers v. Rockets: Collapse’d | Forum Blue And Gold</a></li>
</ul>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p><b><i>Around the League</i></b></p>
<ul>
<li><a href="http://www.nba.com/games/20121204/INDCHI/gameinfo.html?ls=iref:nbahpts" target="_blank">George scores 34 to lead Pacers over Bulls 80-76 | NBA.com</a></li>
<li><a target="_blank" href="http://hangtime.blogs.nba.com/2012/12/04/rose-running-ready-for-early-return/?ls=iref:nbahpts">Rose Running, Ready For Early Return? | NBA.com</a></li>
<li><a target="_blank" href="http://www.nba.com/games/20121204/MINPHI/gameinfo.html?ls=iref:nbahpts">Howard, Shved lead Timberwolves past 76ers 105-88 | NBA.com</a></li>
<li><a target="_blank" href="http://www.nba.com/2012/news/12/04/wizards-wall-timeline.ap/index.html?ls=iref:nbahpts">Wizards coach: No timeline for John Wall return | NBA.com</a></li>
<li><a target="_blank" href="http://hangtime.blogs.nba.com/2012/12/04/ex-clipper-kaman-says-old-team-on-rise/?ls=iref:nbahpts">Ex-Clipper Kaman Says Old Team On Rise | NBA.com</a></li>
<li><a target="_blank" href="http://hangtime.blogs.nba.com/2012/12/03/lebron-named-sports-illustrateds-sportsman-of-the-year/?ls=iref:nbahppt">LeBron Named Sports Illustrated’s Sportsman Of The Year | NBA.com</a></li>
<li><a target="_blank" href="http://scores.espn.go.com/nba/recap?gameId=400277972">Wizards stun Heat for 2nd win despite LeBron James' triple-double | ESPN</a></li>
<li><a target="_blank" href="http://espn.go.com/nba/story/_/id/8711940/new-orleans-hornets-change-nickname-pelicans-according-report">New Orleans Hornets to change nickname to Pelicans, according to report | ESPN</a></li>
<li><a target="_blank" href="http://scores.espn.go.com/nba/recap?gameId=400277973">Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook lead Thunder to 6th straight win | ESPN</a></li>
<li><a target="_blank" href="http://scores.espn.go.com/nba/recap?gameId=400277975">Zach Randolph carries Grizzlies past Suns in overtime | ESPN</a></li>
<li><a target="_blank" href="http://espn.go.com/chicago/nba/story/_/id/8709309/tom-thibodeau-chicago-bulls-says-derrick-rose-long-ways-practicing">Tom Thibodeau says Derrick Rose long ways from practicing | ESPN Chicago</a></li>
<li><a target="_blank" href="http://espn.go.com/nba/story/_/id/8711950/john-wall-washington-wizards-no-timeline-return-according-randy-wittman">John Wall has no timeline for return, according to Randy Wittman | ESPN</a></li>
</ul>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p><b><i>Blogs</i></b></p>
<ul>
<li><a href="http://sports.yahoo.com/news/nba--nba-power-rankings--heat-return-to-no--1-193004970.html;_ylt=AsvE9PknetlWtqag28KsORG8vLYF;_ylu=X3oDMTRrY29ma2toBG1pdANMSVNUUyBNaXhlZCBMaXN0IE5CQSBFeHBlcnRzBHBrZwM0YzhiOWFlZC01NTM5LTNjMTEtOTMyMi0wOWFlNTFiYmFkYzAEcG9zAzEEc2" target="_blank">NBA Power Rankings: Heat return to No. 1 | Yahoo! Sports</a></li>
<li><a target="_blank" href="http://sports.yahoo.com/news/sources--nola-hornets-to-change-nickname-to-pelicans-231227843.html;_ylt=Al02M06HN3P.lHgmqG6XAOC8vLYF;_ylu=X3oDMTN1amp0dm05BG1pdANGRUFUVVJFRCBNZWdhdHJvbiBOQkEEcGtnA2EyMmRhZjBlLWUzNjEtMzEwNS04OWZjLWFkY2E5OTdmOTE4YQRwb3MDMwRzZWM">Hornets expect to change name to Pelicans | Yahoo! Sports</a></li>
<li><a target="_blank" href="http://probasketballtalk.nbcsports.com/2012/12/05/three-stars-of-the-night-welcome-back-z-bo/">Three Stars of the Night: Welcome Back, Z-Bo. | ProBasketballTalk</a></li>
<li><a target="_blank" href="http://probasketballtalk.nbcsports.com/2012/12/04/wizards-beat-heat-because-they-care-while-heat-dont-about-defense/">Wizards beat Heat because they care while Heat don’t (about defense) | ProBasketballTalk</a></li>
<li><a target="_blank" href="http://probasketballtalk.nbcsports.com/2012/12/04/eddy-curry-signs-to-play-in-china-for-rest-of-season/">Eddy Curry signs to play in China for rest of season | ProBasketballTalk</a></li>
<li><a target="_blank" href="http://probasketballtalk.nbcsports.com/2012/12/04/report-new-orleans-to-change-name-from-hornets-to-pelicans/">Report: New Orleans to change name from Hornets to Pelicans | ProBasketballTalk</a></li>
<li><a target="_blank" href="http://probasketballtalk.nbcsports.com/2012/12/04/rockets-plan-to-break-out-the-hack-a-dwight-vs-lakers/">Rockets plan to break out the hack-a-Dwight vs. Lakers | ProBasketballTalk</a></li>
<li><a target="_blank" href="http://probasketballtalk.nbcsports.com/2012/12/04/rondo-went-to-mexico-while-on-suspension-not-exactly-contrite-now/">Rondo went to Mexico while on suspension. Not exactly contrite now. | ProBasketballTalk</a></li>
<li><a target="_blank" href="http://probasketballtalk.nbcsports.com/2012/12/04/wizards-think-they-could-beat-miami-tuesday-sure-they-can/">Wizards think they could beat Miami Tuesday. Sure they can. | ProBasketballTalk</a></li>
<li><a target="_blank" href="http://probasketballtalk.nbcsports.com/2012/12/04/felton-to-play-through-bruised-thumb-kidd-may-return-too/">Felton to play through bruised thumb; Kidd may return, too | ProBasketballTalk</a></li>
<li><a target="_blank" href="http://probasketballtalk.nbcsports.com/2012/12/04/alonzo-mourning-misses-old-school-physical-nba-but-hey-its-marketing/">Alonzo Mourning misses old school, physical NBA. But hey, it’s marketing. | ProBasketballTalk</a></li>
<li><a target="_blank" href="http://probasketballtalk.nbcsports.com/2012/12/04/dirk-nowitzki-doesnt-expect-to-play-eurobasket-2013/">Dirk Nowitzki doesn’t expect to play EuroBasket 2013 | ProBasketballTalk</a></li>
<li><a target="_blank" href="http://probasketballtalk.nbcsports.com/2012/12/04/utahs-favors-officially-diagnosed-with-plantar-fasciitis/">Utah’s Favors officially diagnosed with plantar fasciitis | ProBasketballTalk</a></li>
<li><a target="_blank" href="http://probasketballtalk.nbcsports.com/2012/12/04/dwight-howard-bolted-court-without-shaking-magics-hands/">Dwight Howard bolted court without shaking Magics’ hands | ProBasketballTalk</a></li>
<li><a target="_blank" href="http://20secondtimeout.blogspot.com/2012/12/gasol-and-howard-must-match-bryants.html">Gasol and Howard Must Match Bryant's Aggressiveness | 20 Second Timeout</a></li>
</ul>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p><b><i>Miscellaneous </i></b></p>
<ul>
<li><a href="http://hoopspeak.com/2012/12/ripple-effect-life-with-andrew-bynum-for-the-76ers/" target="_blank">Ripple effect: Life without Andrew Bynum for the 76ers | HoopSpeak.com</a></li>
<li><a target="_blank" href="http://hoopspeak.com/2012/12/hoopspeak-live-80-chris-ballard/">HoopSpeak Live 80: Chris Ballard | HoopSpeak.com</a></li>
<li><a target="_blank" href="http://www.cbssports.com/nba/blog/eye-on-basketball/21267127/nightly-grades-12412-dwight-howard-cannot-shoot-free-throws-well">Nightly Grades 12.4.12: Dwight Howard cannot shoot free throws well | Eye On Basketball</a></li>
<li><a target="_blank" href="http://www.hardwoodparoxysm.com/2012/12/04/jacque-vaughns-tabula-rasa/">Jacque Vaughn’s Tabula Rasa | Hardwood Paroxysm</a></li>
<li><a target="_blank" href="http://www.hardwoodparoxysm.com/2012/12/04/adventures-in-lineup-misadventures/">Adventures in Lineup Misadventures | Hardwood Paroxysm</a></li>
<li><a target="_blank" href="http://shakyankles.com/2012/12/04/essay-the-curious-case-of-kevin-durant/">Essay: The Curious Case Of Kevin Durant | Shaky Ankles</a></li>
<li><a target="_blank" href="http://blogs.thescore.com/tbj/2012/12/04/some-things-about-the-new-air-jordan-xx8/">Some things about the new Air Jordan XX8 | The Basketball Jones</a></li>
<li><a target="_blank" href="http://blogs.thescore.com/tbj/2012/12/04/ep-884-milk-was-a-bad-choice/">Ep. 884: Milk Was A Bad Choice | The Basketball Jones</a></li>
<li><a target="_blank" href="http://blogs.thescore.com/tbj/2012/12/03/ep-883-ball-dont-lie/">Ep. 883: BALL DON’T LIE! | The Basketball Jones</a></li>
</ul>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p><b><i>Multimedia</i></b></p>
<blockquote>
<ul>
<li><a target="_blank" href="http://probasketballtalk.nbcsports.com/2012/12/04/video-kevin-loves-smooth-jazz-to-get-you-to-donate-coats/">Video: Kevin Love’s smooth jazz to get you to donate coats | ProBasketballTalk</a></li>
<li><a target="_blank" href="http://www.cbssports.com/nba/blog/eye-on-basketball/21265387/video-thunders-kevin-durant-puts-joe-johnson-on-spin-cycle">Video: Thunder's Kevin Durant puts Joe Johnson on spin cycle | Eye On Basketball</a></li>
</ul>
</blockquote>
https://www.silverscreenandroll.com/2012/12/5/3730140/the-credits-the-pelican-brief-lakers-linksbluexfalcon2012-12-05T06:24:25-08:002012-12-05T06:24:25-08:00Kobe: More Gasol, please?
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/6XRAZAmFlib5IunECcgFDFgR6ts=/0x0:2665x1777/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/4455697/20121202_kkt_ai4_886.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Kobe Bryant continues to be vocal in his support of the struggling Pau Gasol.</p> <p><a href="https://www.silverscreenandroll.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Los Angeles Lakers</a> guard <a href="http://espn.go.com/los-angeles/nba/story/_/id/8712002/kobe-bryant-los-angeles-lakers-says-loves-pau-gasol-brother">Kobe Bryant spoke up for teammate Pau Gasol</a> more than ever before after the Lakers fell to the <a href="https://www.thedreamshake.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Houston Rockets</a> on Tuesday without Gasol in the lineup.</p>
<p>Trade speculation has surrounded the four-time All-Star power forward as his role in the Lakers' offense has drastically changed under Mike D'Antoni. Bryant thinks that Gasol needs more touches in the post in order to get him back into the flow of things once he returns from sitting out with knee tendinitis in both knees.</p>
<blockquote>
<p>"I want him to dig in and be determined, not discouraged," <a href="http://espn.go.com/los-angeles/nba/story/_/id/8712002/kobe-bryant-los-angeles-lakers-says-loves-pau-gasol-brother">Bryant told ESPNLosAngeles.com on Tuesday</a>. "We should go to him more on the post because he can dominate from there as he has to the tune of two rings. I'm sure he will adjust and figure out a balance when he comes back healthy."</p>
</blockquote>
<p>Gasol's replacement, <span>Antawn Jamison</span>, has flourished in the new system whether he's coming off the bench or starting and it has made Gasol's struggles that much more noticeable. Jamison is more of a tweener, ‘stretch 4' whereas Gasol is comfortable in the high and low posts. But with <span>Dwight Howard</span> on the lowblock in a system that can't really have two post players, Gasol is lost.</p>
<blockquote>
<p>"I know his knees have been hurting and that can be frustrating because you can't do physically what you are used to," <a href="http://espn.go.com/los-angeles/nba/story/_/id/8712002/kobe-bryant-los-angeles-lakers-says-loves-pau-gasol-brother">Bryant said</a>. "I just don't want him to sulk about the change of things."</p>
</blockquote>
<p>Gasol is averaging career-lows in points (12.6) and shooting percentage (42%) while grabbing 8.8 rebounds for the 8-10 Lakers.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><i>This story originally appeared at </i><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nba/2012/12/5/3730902/lakers-kobe-bryant-pau-gasol-quotes">SB Nation</a><i>.</i></p>
https://www.silverscreenandroll.com/2012/12/5/3730934/kobe-bryant-lakers-pau-gasolSB Nation NBA News2012-12-05T05:03:30-08:002012-12-05T05:03:30-08:00Rockets stun Lakers in comeback victory
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/NWHbZEOiwsFCrlVzP0wEtIhV1dY=/0x0:4000x2667/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/4447545/20121204_mje_at5_238.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>The Los Angeles Lakers led by as many as 17 points in the Tuesday night contest, yet still lost to the Houston Rockets. A 34 point fourth quarter pushed the Rockets ahead in the final minutes of the game and sends the Lakers to an 8-10 record.</p> <p>The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.silverscreenandroll.com/">Los Angeles Lakers</a> have found themselves backed into a corner, winning only 8 of the 18 contests they've competed in thus far. <span>Pau Gasol</span> has had a difficult time adjusting to a new offense, with a new coach, with new teammates and is now out indefinitely as he tries to rehabilitate his tendinitis stricken knees. <span>Steve Blake</span> will be missing at least two months, leaving <span>Chris Duhon</span> and <span>Darius Morris</span> as the backup point guard squad. There have been no positive updates in regards to a <span>Steve Nash</span> return; the Lakers stringing everyone along a week at a time. And there's this singular damning stat that tells the story of these last two games: the Lakers have given up a combined 74 points in the 4th quarters alone over the last two games. Both losses.</p>
<p>74 points of offense allowed while they attempt to close out games.</p>
<p>74 points in the most critical juncture of the game.</p>
<p>The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.thedreamshake.com/">Houston Rockets</a> starting lineup failed them. <span>James Harden</span> had a miserable game, shooting only 15% from the field (3-19), and was a ghost overall much like he was in the first meeting of the teams. It wasn't some profound defensive scheme from the Lakers, <span>Kobe Bryant</span> and <span>Metta World Peace</span> weren't breathing in his beard, he simply missed shots. Again, and again, and again. The Rockets' best scorer by far, Harden went into the contest averaging 24.1 points per game, and ended with only 15 points. Despite the abysmal outing, Houston still put up 107 points.</p>
<p>The Rockets second leading scorer, <span>Chandler Parsons</span>? 13 points. Also under his season average. Also shooting a terrible percentage, going 5-16; a pathetic 31%. Their third leading scorer, <span>Patrick Patterson</span>, under his season average by 8 points. He had 6 on the night, and was as present as the Lakers defense overall. <span>Omer Asik</span>, their FOURTH leading scorer, ALSO under his average with only 10 points.</p>
<p>And, here's the kicker, <span>Jeremy Lin</span>, the <i>fifth</i> leading scorer on the Houston Rockets, scored under his season average. Lin had as many points (4) as he did fouls (4) and only 3 assists. And the Lakers lost. They fell flat on their faces as the game's final minutes ticked away.</p>
<p>Kobe Bryant sent off 31 shots on the night, with 14 of them finding the bottom of that silky, sweet, net. He made tough shots to keep the scoreboard in the Lakers favor, ending the night with 39 points. He drove the lane and finished at the rim. He made 9 of 12 from the charity stripe. Hey, he even kept his turnovers down, ending with 3. Yet, that defense of his is a nagging injury to the Lakers in and of itself. With the amount of energy he's burning on the offensive end in this shoot first ask questions last offense, it comes as no surprise. His ball hawking habit may die hard with the teams title hopes at this rate. And, on that same note, singling out Kobe's lackluster defense is a given, but it's more than just Kobe. The Lakers look like a disorganized mess defensively. Rotations are either wrong, late, or non-existent. There's a distinct lack of trust in one another; players attempt to over compensate or mitigate what they project will be a mistake from a teammate.</p>
<p>It's easy to talk about offense. The X's and O's are cut and dry and it's much easier to plan ways to assert dominance when the ball is actually in your possession. But the Lakers need to sit down and have a come to Jesus meeting about this defense. <span>Greg Smith</span> (21 points, 9 rebounds) and <span>Toney Douglas</span> (22 points) pushed the Houston Rockets to a win. If Harden went supernova and burned the Lakers alive, hitting tough, contested, jumpers this loss would be at the very least passable. Maybe an injection of Linsanity after the Lakers lost Pau Gasol for the contest (and until further notice) could have been an acceptable outcome. But losing to a team that dug out of a 17 point lead to the tune of Greg Smith and Toney Douglas?</p>
<p><i>Seriously?</i></p>
<p>It's difficult to project what happens if Pau Gasol is there, even with tendinitis knees attached to his body with rusty screws, but the Lakers suffered on the boards against the Rockets. Having a 7 foot tall giant wing-span of a front court player couldn't have hurt the chances of corralling a few of those misses. In the end, the Lakers gave up 21 offensive boards to the Houston Rockets. When the defense is having a hard enough time sticking to their assignments through a 20 second shot clock but still manages to get a stop, then the Rockets rebound and get a fresh slate to attack a flimsy defense again? That's a problem. And, for a team that's head coach preaches the importance of getting as many possessions as possible, they threw away 18 chances to put points on the board. Between the offensive boards allowed, and the turnovers coughed up, the Lakers swung 39 possession in the favor of the Rockets. This is a two point game we're talking about.</p>
<p>Then there's the Hack-A-Dwight gopher poking it's head out of the hole it was buried in. The Rockets utilized the strategy for five Lakers possessions in the 4th quarter, sending <span>Dwight Howard</span> to the line for 10 total free throws. Out of the 10, Howard made 5, which comes out to 1 point per possession. An expected outcome given the percentages. The issue, however, is giving the Rockets an extra possession to score 2-3 points on the other end without burning time to play defense against the Lakers.</p>
<p>Hack-a-Howard began at the 3:17 mark in the 4th quarter, with the Lakers up, 97-93.</p>
<blockquote>
<p><b>3:17</b> | Dwight Howard fouled. (0-2 FT) <i><b>97-93</b></i></p>
<p><b>3:13</b> | James Harden fouled. (2-2 FT) <i><b>97-95</b></i></p>
<p><b>3:12</b> | Dwight Howard fouled. (1-2 FT) <i><b>98-95</b></i></p>
<p><b>2:59</b> | Greg Smith layup. <i><b>98-97</b></i></p>
<p><b>2:57</b> | Dwight Howard fouled (1-2 FT) <i><b>99-97</b></i></p>
<p><b>2:38</b> | Toney Douglas 3 point field goal <i><b>99-100</b></i></p>
<p><b>2:31</b> | Dwight Howard fouled (1-2 FT) <i><b>100-100</b></i></p>
<p><b>2:09</b> | Dwight Howard fouled. (2-2 FT) <i><b>102-100</b></i></p>
</blockquote>
<p>The Lakers were still up 2 points when the sequence ended, but the Rockets cut the lead down by 2 points despite Dwight accounting for 1 point per possession. The game was decided by two points. This isn't to say that the free throw stretch is what decided the game, nor is it to dismiss the notion that it is in fact a problem. Basketball, as fast-paced it may be in comparison to baseball or football, is still a game of inches when you magnify it. With the defense being as suspect as it has been, settling for 1 point per possession while the opposing team is still reaching for a potential 3 points per possession can be disastrous. And it was. The Rockets survived a Kobe Bryant deep ball, and a few frantic tip-ins as the final buzzer sounded, and managed to pull out a victory that the Lakers had tied up in a neat little bow. 107-106, Rockets. 8-10, Lakers.</p>
<p>Yes, the Lakers are 18 games into the season and they look no more identifiable than they did when they began the preseason without Dwight Howard, a different head coach, and a healthy Steve Nash. Now, they have a .444 winning percentage, and it's deserved. They've had "break through" games, but what is it they've exactly broken through to? More mediocrity? More inconsistency? Mike D'Antoni is still kicking the wheels on this roster, which is understandable for a coach inserted when the season was already up and running. With each change it becomes clear how important a preseason, and training camp, could have been for him with this team. A game removed from letting <span>Devin Ebanks</span> get time out on the floor he was nowhere to be found. Instead, <span>Earl Clark</span> found his number called. <span>Jordan Hill</span> also found the floor and played well in his limited minutes as a pure backup center, registering 9 points and 9 boards in 14 minutes of play. With Pau Gasol out until otherwise announced as he tries to manage his achy breaky knees, <span>Antawn Jamison</span> played well with the starters. 15 points, 9 rebounds, and spreading the floor effectively going 3-4 from deep should be considered about as successful a night as can be anticipated from Jamison. Meanwhile, Jodie Meeks hot hand seems to have been taken by the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.denverstiffs.com/">Denver Nuggets</a>, as he went 1-5 from deep.</p>
<p>Another loss, which at this point we're much more accustomed to than the wins. Next up, the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nba/teams/new-orleans-hornets">New Orleans Hornets</a>, who are without #1 overall draft pick <span>Anthony Davis</span>.</p>
<p><i>- Drew</i></p>
<p><i>- Follow this author on Twitter <b><a target="_blank" href="https://twitter.com/BallReasons">@BallReasons</a></b></i></p>
<p><i>- What's the Houston Rockets take on new heroes Toney Douglas and Greg Smith? Check <b><a href="http://www.thedreamshake.com/">The Dream Shake</a></b>.</i></p>
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https://www.silverscreenandroll.com/2012/12/5/3730324/houston-rockets-stun-los-angeles-lakers-in-comeback-victory-107-105Drew Garrison