Lakers Blow Lead, Now 2 Games Under .500

The Lakers expecially Kobe was scorching in the first half, but I guess they thought it was college and didn't show up for the 3rd and 4th. Overall the Lakers shot better, except from free throws, outrebounded and outblocked the young Rockets, held the league's 2nd leader scorer to 3/19 shooting and somehow even when holding a 13 point lead with 10 minutes to go with their starter resting, the Lakers walked off the floor with a second straight loss, this one just by a deuce. While they deffinately looked better than Sunday's embarrasment, it is just baffling this experienced group cannot seem to gel and keep executing the games most basic plays such as rebounding. In a sport of runs no lead is safe if they're is time and the clock keeps stopping. While most haters will blame Howard for his free throw woes and yes that hurt, the problem goes back to the Mike Brown start, turnovers and defense, and poor bench play, you can also add second opportunities for the oppenent, Houston had 21 offensive boards to the Lakers 14, that's not gonna get it done. Still now missing another starter with the ailing Gasol, joing future Hall of Famer Nash, and reserve guard Blake, the Lake Show played well up until the last 10 minutes where they picked up 6 of their 18 turnover in that span and could not even get a shot thanks to Howard costly freebies. But these are the Lakers, they're not measured by morale or almost wins. If they lose they're garbage, embarrasing, or dissapointing, while any other team going through the same is "moving in the right direction", so with now a 3-5 record under D'Antoni, the Lakers are pretty much done with some even counting them out of the playoffs, seriously? Sure it's been disspointing, but have they really been getting their ass kicked? Considering they haven't played their full core once this season and their point man who happens to be one of the best ever has only played what 5 quarters? Blake was playing well and now is out, and Gasol has been playing hurt and yet several of those losses could have gone the other way, are they really this bad? Of the 10 losses, 4 have been by double digits, with 16 being the worst loss vs. the Kings. 3 Have been by 2 points, 2 of those games against quality teams, they could have easily been 11-7, and they have really made runs on all games, they just have come short, mostly to turnovers and missed assignments, both correctable. So haters have your fill, have your laughs, as long as the Lakes stay on the playoff hunt and click at the right time, we'll see who's laughing at the end.

 

The basketball night was not a total loss, as the Wizards surprised the reigning Chumps to double their win total, that was funny.

Player of the Game: Reserve Tony Douglas with Linsanity struggling tallied 22 points on 8/17 shooting 3 dimes, and 2 steals in 28 minutes.

X-Factor: Greg Smith contributed nicely off the bench 21 points 9 rebounds in just 24 minutes.

Should Have Been Benched: They already were, the whole Lakers bench, who got out scored as unit by two reserve Rockets off the bench, Douglas and Smith.

Laker Hater: Greg Smith totaled in this game 1 more rebound and 1 less point than the last 3 games combined. Ha!

Overtime. Mamba is not only 13 points away from scoring 30,000 points, grounded Jamison had a season high 3 blocks.

Lakers Hit the Road With Yet Another No Show

The Lake Show is hated doesn't matter who's wearing the purple and gold. They're even hated more when they're good, and haters fill out numerous posts after a win but especially a loss, even more when they yet fail to show up and embarrass themselves against a lesser opponent. For as much as this particular group is criticized, this is not a new thing for the Lake Show, this frustrating see saw act happens more often than not. I can think only of the 2000 Lakers and the '09-'10 Lakers that actually played consistently trhough out the season. This is a very frustrating to see as a fan, but nothing new to fans who have followed the Lakers the last 15 years. So the season is now 17 games old and the Lakers have yet to go over .500 this season, I can't believe I'm actually writing that. Following their season high 3 game win streak, they stunk up horribly at Sacramento, played decent against league leading Memphis, pummeled Dallas to avoid a 3 game slump to gain face then stunk up it again even worse at home vs. one of this years disappointments Indiana only to look outstanding vs. high expectations Denver, to probably the most disappointing showing today vs. the sub .500 Dwight's former team Orlando. This was just pathetic, I actually only watched in spurts as the zombies in mid season finale of "Walking Dead" showed more life than the Lakers. This could not been the team we saw on Friday, and didn't Orlando played yesterday? My God, this is turning out to be a painful season that only the return of Steve Nash is giving me some hope of at least some consistency. And what about Pau? What's his future? Should the Lakers maybe just give him a break the next couple of games? Or should he get axed? Giving his production I don't think I'd miss him, but who would take him really? NY? Swap him for A'mare? See if he can get back to his All-Star Form with his former Coach and quarterback. What about just keep getting Suns and get struggling Jared Dudley and Channing Frye, of course Frye is out so that doesn't work out too well. It's just been a very disappointing start even without Nash a team featuring Mamba, Pau, and Howard, with former All-Stars Artest and Jamison should be enough to win especially against sub .500 teams. But no, instead of a nice blow out win stating their greatness the Lake Show put up another frustrating clunker in this long early season.

Player of the Game: Aaron Aflalo lit it up with 11/18 shooting for 30 pts and found time to dish out 5 dimes and grab 5 boards.

X-Factor: The Orlando big men combined for 40 pts, 24 boards and 6 blocked shots, the Laker's big? 32 Points, 22 boards, and 1 blk, Big Baby had more blocks than Pau and Howard combined.

Should Have Been Benched: Where do I start? 3 players had decent games, the ever energetic Ron Ron, 6th man Jamison, and of course Mamba, everyone else should have just called in sick.

Laker Hater: No one, everyone that played for the Magic flat out out played the Lakers more energy and bigger effort.

Overtime. You know it's funny that the Lakers big guns continue to play heavy minutes even against what is supposed to be lesser opponents yet last Thursday controversial Spurs/Heat game had the scrubs and baseline bums from the Spurs almost steal one from the title favorite super team Heat. Is it the team system? The Coach? The City? I don't know, but as a fan you sure appreciate effort from the superstar to the water boy, Lakers really need no get their head out of their ass or you can kiss Dwight goodbye next year and send Kobe into a less than deserve send off.

Lakers Miscues Cost Them Chance to be .500

The fundamental Spurs shot less 40%, their big 3 went 18/45, in part to their back court going 9/26, Manu and Tony combined has as many baskets as Timmy. The Lakers out rebounded them, blocked more shots, shot better, attempted twice the free throws, oh an they were at home and still lost! Let me repeat that the Spurs played their age and somehow still found a way to beat the drama filled Lake Show. Elsewhere the other LA team is actually playing ball and just took down another elite team slowly becoming the show to watch in La La Land, real fans will still follow the purple and gold, but to see the Clips actually balling better than the Lakers is just depressing. Well, back to the game, the Lakers missed an opportunity to beat a good team by still turning the ball too much, and even though they won the rebound battle, failing to secure the critical ones. Superman knotted another double double 13/15/3 but also added 6 mishaps, SIX are you kidding? Between Dwight and Meeks they had half the Lakers miscues, I really don't remember Dwight being so sloppy in Orlando, and I saw him play plenty as he was one of the players I followed. Most infuriating was the fact that one occasion Tony the smallest guy on the floor snuck in a tip in with Mamba, and the bigs just watching, BOX OUT, go to the ball, don't let the ball come to you, my God, you learn this shit in pee wee. Then there was the bizarre last play where one of the best closers in history failed to even look at the ball and ended with big man Gasol shooting a 3, WTF? As a result the Lakers, are not at the bottom overall, but still looking up in the West, can't wait to see D'Antoni at the bench already, surely should look better, 3 more home games to go on this bounce back stint.

Player of the Game: The ageless wonder Tim Duncan led the Spurs with 18 points, 9 board, 4 dimes, and 4 rejections, can't help but appreciate a player like the old fundamental.

X-Factor: The ever reliable role players the Spurs have had over the years, not stars, but still find a way to help out, Danny Green while only shooting 4/12 still had the sac to take the game winning 3 over Mamba without a flinch.

Should Have Been Benched: Don't understand why a proven player as Duhon didn't start, but the kid who did couldn't the big light and in 21 minutes contributed 1 point, 2 rebounds 1 assist, 1/4 freebies and a donut from 5 attempts, eesh.

Laker Hater: Splitter tied or had season high in points, assists, rebounds, blocks, steals, and field goals. Either the sight of the Lakers bring out the best or these Lakers team really sucks so far.

Overtime: The snubbing of Zen Master Phil Jackson still dominates everything Lakers, luckily this team is no stranger to drama, no matter how good other teams are doing, the Lakers are always top news love 'em or hate 'em. Even after 25 years I still find it funny how much people hate them and the base of how they are measured. Funny how haters always say they suck and they are dead, even in their title years, but the only thing they can base it on is that they exited early or didn't win it all. While other teams if they make the post season is an accomplishment, if they go to the second round it's a step in the right direction, but the Lakers do that and they suck. It's true what Chick said, "The Lakers do not hang division banners, they hang Championship banners". Wouldn't the Clippers possible division banner just look odd against the dozen banner representing the 16 titles of the Lakers? And over time, how would that look? Other teams highlight involve how close they got, the Lakers are measured whether they won it or not. Peace out haters.

7 Seconds or Less Coming to Hollywood

In the 25 years I have followed the Lakers, one thing they have been consistent about is not doing the expected. From wining every year to questionable signings and game time decisions and performance, it can be pretty frustrating to cheer for the purple and gold. One thing for sure, "dull" the Lakers are not. With anyone knowing a thing about NBA, Phil Jackson return to Hollywood was already written it was just a matter of when he'd be starting and who was he bringing along. Then the Laker surprised everyone, really at this point can the Lakers really surprise anymore?, anyway they shocked the basketball world by passing on the Zen Master owner of more rings than fingers, to sign the run and gun style of Nash's best years front man, Mike D'Antoni. The "experts" are appalled with many predicting a blown chance to get another trophy for the Buss family, since according to sources the job was for PJ to turn down. Nothing is ever set in stone for the Lakers. Pros and Cons point out the hardware, 11-2 Finals record in the last 21 years, including a trio of three-peats and a one back to back against a someone who has never gone to the big dance. Well when you put it that way, then the Lakes screwed up, but's let's rewind a sec, to Phil's last hurrah almost 2 1/2 years ago when the title run Mavs put a hurting on them in a most embarrassing way emphasized by the cheap shots of Bynum and Odom. Anyone remember the lifeless Lakers of that year with an "improved" roster that failed to finish off a team that until then was know for choking the playoffs? All was not well then, it seemed the Zen Master stayed one season too long, but can you blame him, the Lakers had a chance to give him another triple crown, but the effort was not there of past championship teams. So the Lakers moved on with life without Phil, something that didn't work out too well the last time they tried to cut ties the triangle, for those with a short memory, the Lakers missed the playoffs that year and also did not finish with their start of the season coach. PJ was rehired, Lakers become significant again ant 3 straight Finals appearances with 2 titles followed, it's a no brainer the Lakers can't win with out Phil right? Not entirely, while his second stint was successful, c'mon anytime you can bring consecutive titles to your tenure how could it be viewed as anything but success, his start did not succeed from the get go, it took 3 years and arrival of the Spaniard to get them back to the Finals only to again get spanked in historic fashion by the hated Leprechauns. The interest and fun of the title years was gone in Phil's last year, maybe it was the new additions or the need to change from a proven system that had gotten to familiar and boring whatever it was Phil's last year was disappointing. So why not now? You would think the Lakers would admit his system works and they need him to be successful and may awaken that interest again in the quest for another ring. But no, the Lakers decided to go with another coach stating Phil price was a little high. If it's pricing, then we as fans don't feel the Lakers want to win then, as they're shouldn't be a price to high for guaranteed success. So that can't be it, what about control? Apparently Phil wanted a little more control, in other words not have to deal with Junior Buss who from what is said is not his BFF. If one thing the Lakers have made clear in recent years, it's that no one but Magic and Kareem were bigger than the franchise. Shaq learned it and now so has Phil, sure they could have won, there is no denying what the return of Phil would have done to the Lakers, but the Big Bad Lakers are not gonna succumb to a coach even at the expense of winning. So now what? Are we stuck with sloppy seconds? Well if you feel that way, then you don't know basketball, new head man D'Antoni is more than capable of guiding the Lakers to the promise land if the players are willing to bust their ass for him. While I find it hard to believe the 7 seconds offense will be instilled on this aging Laker squad, the fact that D'Antoni trusts Nash will make his adjusting easier. Yes the Lakers are slow compared to blurs the west poing guards are, but it's not like they're glued to the floors. His Suns teams fastest player was Barbosa, Matrix was the versatile one, and A'mare was the freak athletic big man. In 2005 future Atlanta millionaire Joe Johnson was the perfect Nash running mate who stretched the floor along with streaky Q Richardson. The Suns had a balanced attack relieved by the Brazilian Blur and sometimes Jim Jackson. Nash would get MVP and Suns the best record. Then Joe took a stumble and the Suns lost a huge piece of the offense. No one seems to remember that, he was not the same again for the rest of the post season, missing 6 games, it's good to point out that the sole victory against the Spurs he netted 26 points. No game was won by more than 9 points, so you'd figure a player with his shooting ability would have made a difference. While Spurs still may have won, things sure were looking up for the Suns, then bad luck hit again, and A'mare was sidelined for season, the roster now included more gunners, Tim Thomas, Boris Diaw, Eddie House, James Jones and Defensive Specialist Raja Bell. Even without their All-NBA big man Nash would get another MVP and they made a second trip to the West Finals only to lose to the Mavs, can you imagine if he had been healthy? A'mare would return in '07 and the Suns would continue to be contenders, in probably the most painful of their runs, first with famous game when the great medical staff of Phoenix could not get Nash and his gash into the game again and then the Suns would get absolutely robbed when Laker favorite almost tarnished his legacy with a cheap leveling of Steve Nash into the scorers table. The suspensions sealed this series and I didn't see anymore of the playoffs that year, what for? The title had been given to the Spurs already. That Suns team would have gone to the Finals and won it, giving Nash his well deserved ring and D'Antoni a place along the few coaches to win during the Phil Jackson, Gregg Popovich era. The D'Antoni era would end next year when the Shaq experiment failed in Phoenix exiting early once again against the hated Spurs. So what would some good luck in their way have meant? They easily could have had 3 straight Final appearances if not for bad luck, D'Antoni reputation would have been quite different. While I don't expect the same barrage of 3s the Suns had I do think D'Antoni is going to bring back a fun style to the Lakers, will it work? As good as the Suns were in his tenure, D'Antoni's never had a hall of famer scorer like Bryant, or a defensive big man like Howard, add a skilled big man in Gasol and the defensive mentality of Ron Ron with the IQ of Steve Nash and the possibilities are actually quite scary. I'm looking forward to this change and hope both D'Antoni and Nash can finally get their ring.

Next Coach Drama Over Shadows Game, Lakers on First Win Streak

With the Lakers dominating the last game and the lotto bound short handed divisin nemesis Kings coming into town, an easy victory was penned leaving just one unanswered question? "When is Phil Jackson coming?" With more chants saying "We Want Phil" being heard more than "Defense", the game came and went with the outcome really never in question, although closer than expected. With two of their big men missing mainly DaMarcus Cousins, the Laker bigs should've had their way with the Kings, and while they did combine for 45 points, 23 boards, and 5 blocks and that's only Howard and Pau, I think an ass whupping like they gave the Warriors was expected. Mamba finished with a quiet 20/6/6, while Ron Ron shot well and finished with 18 points. Nash replament Blake ended up missing part of the game with an abdominal strain and besided 4 dimes, was non existent. Morris and Duhon combined little but still some. Speaking of which after having a pretty decent game from the reserves against the Kings they again retorted to their awful ways even in extended garbage time. The high point was Jordan Hill who in 19 minutes tallyed 8 points and 7 boards, off season key free agents Meeks and Jamison combined for 1/8 shooting and just 2 points, eesh! All in all, the Lake Show are on their first win streak, a win is a win right?

Player of the Game: Mamba was +18 for the game, the Lakers just seemed more in control when he was on the floor. Now if only he can get some help from the shooters, they'll be rollin'

X-Factor: The Artest formally known as Ron may be a bit slower these days, but hey how bout that alley oop? Even in his young days I never seen Ron Ron finsish up like that, anywho, you know what you're getting from Ron Ron solid, annoying, right on your grill, old fashioned physical D. And while most of us cringe at the thought of him shooting, you gotta admit, when he's on, he really give the Lakers another dimension, cuz no matter how hot he gets, teams just let him keep shooting, in this case it worked out pretty well for the Lake Show, he finished 6/11 for 18 points.

Should Have Been Benched: He already is, Jamison just cannot find his groove, this time he only attempted 2 shots, missing both in just 11 minutes, this is supposed to be the 6th man? Oy! He at least got 1 blk and 1 steal, not much but hey for someone not know for defense, it's a start.

Laker Hater: While in extreme garbage time Jimmer Fredette still shot a ridiculous 78% on 7/9 including 3/5 from downtown, an early season high I may add.

Overtime: Soon after the game finished we learned that Lakers decided on Mike D'antoni and not zen master Phil Jackson, much to the dismay of many fans. Either way a change of pace was needed, D'Antoni is a very capable coach it's gonna be interesting how it works out, if for some reason it doesn't, it's not gonna be very fun for us fans who had high expectations this year.

Lakers Start Post Mike Brown Era On High Note

Mike Brown is out as is the Princeton experiment, even though Kobe said after the game they did use a few times, I sure didn't see it. The top news in the league and still going is Brown is out, who's in? The Lake show were by no means distracted though, they played loose, energetic and put a pounding on the short handed Warriors. This was not the same team I saw vs. the Jazz, the team looked alive, interested vs. the Warriors and no surprise their best over all game so far. It was not perfect but it was great to see a defensive effort like the one they put out, even if it was against a lotto bound team like the Warriors, this was the same team that beat the new LA Kings I remind you. Across the board the Lakers had decent games, the bench even saw extended minutes and beat their counterparts convincingly. Forgotten man Jodie Meeks had his best games tallying 7 points, Jordan Hill added 14 on a perfect 5/5, Jamison while only shooting 2/7 still contributed with 6 boards and a superb defensive play vs. former high flyer Richard Jefferson, and lastly Darius Morris earned extended play with his great play finishing with 10 points 5 dimes and 5 boards several small steps that can be the start of gret things to come. World Peace while shooting terrible also pulled 7 boards, and kept his usual defense and had some plays that excited the fans with his antics. All in all, doesn't seem anyone misses Coach Brown, not it's just how long they will have to wait for the next coach, doubt it'll take more than a week, I just hope they can sustain the emotional level and use this home stand as a launching board. Only negative was still too many turnover, 16.

Player of the Game: Mamba flirting with a triple double and shot over 50% from the field overall. Looks like that foot is healing well.

X-Factor: The Spaniard followed his abyssmal game in Utah with 14 points, a season high 16 boards, and 2 rejections and dimes. Nice bounce back game.

Should Have Been Benched: On this emotional night, can't think of anyone that belongs here, sure some had poor games, but the intensity and effort was team wide.

Laker Hater: No one for the Warriors had a stand out game, I think that's a first.

Panic Button Hit, Lakers Part Ways With Coach Brown

One day after reading that both Kobe and the Buss family supported Mike Brown and that his job was I was shocked to see that the Breaking News was that Coach Brown had just been fired. Even though I actually expected it if they continued to struggle I'd figure it would come depending on the results of the upcoming home stand. Instead as if the Lakers did not have enough drama now they have gone back to drawing boards after just 5 games. Good move, bad move? I gotta the Lakers have not looked good for the most part, sure they have had some positive moments and it's unfair to rate them when still not at full strength but these are the Lakers, there is no room for error when it comes to the franchise. Mike Brown was in a tough spot from day one, but really how many candidates could actually follow up a legend? Last year was not great, but it was not the disappointment that has been this young season. The worst part was the body language and disinterest by the players, they clearly are not in the same page, will a new direction help, well that depends on who's calling the shots. The Lakers need somebody that it's not intimidated by their history and can handle the bright lights of Hollywood. Mike Brown while an excellent assistant coach, didn't see him as a man in charge. Not for lack of effort, he said plenty, was a good teacher, but didn't seem like stars gave him his place. So now what? Give the reigns to Bickerstaff? No likely, the one coach who can come in demand hard work and attention is of course the Zen Master, but is he willing to give it another try? There actually a few candidates available if the LA savior declines a chance to get a dirty dozen of rings, Mike D'antoni, who when teamed with Nash had great success and Kobe respects would surely bring a "Showtime" like rebirth that would soon erase this terrible start, but defense is not his forte. There's Nate McMillan, a superb coach with a defensive mentality and one who I think would be a nice breath of fresh air, but with this roster needing to win now, don't know if the team is willing to give him a shot at this time. While still an assistant in Indiana, Brian Shaw should have been their first choice, but to get him even if he was available would be an admission that they were wrong, so I don't see that happening. Then there's the one I would love to see, Utah legend Jerry Sloan, here's someone who could deal with egos and would not expect anything less that 120% and doesn't have time for bullshit, but that's asking too much.

Back to Brown, judging from the first five games, the players did not seem to adapt to the new offense. Everyone looked out of position and unfocused, the high turnovers are proof of that. The main problem I saw that it didn't seem the players were doing what they were brought in to do. I mean the only player that seem comfortable was Bryant who was shooting almost 60% through the first 4 games, then the Utah game came and the whole team looked lost. You know it's not rocket science you have some great individual talent in each position, my God use it. You don't want to see Nash playing off the ball, Howard and Pau at high elbow, Artest playing two guard, WTF?, and what about Meeks not even getting a chance to play, with four possible post threats shooters like him will get open shots, shooters need to shoot, sure he's in a funk, but at least use him for what he was brought in for, don't replace him with Artest, damn. The walking the ball and getting the offense set up was also ridiculous, what is this High School? You employ a floor general like Nash, you let him loose, if nothing's available you call a play, but Coach Brown clearly was not using the players like most expected, but hey what do hell do I know, he's the pro Head Coach right? Finally, wasn't Brown supposed to be a defensive minded coach? It sure didn't seem like it, the effort was awful, and that starts with the respect and trust of the coach, no effort was given the last game, the players focused more on frustration than getting over the hump, so I feel this move was good, a change was needed.
Best wishes to Coach Brown though, it was an unfortunate situation, and he was done before he could even start.

Let's hope the Buss family doesn't settle and gets a good candidate. Go Lakers!