This game was already going to be a tough one no matter what for the Lakers since it was a battle of contrasting styles: control vs. speed. Being still without Pau Gasol, playing the game on the road, and having it be the second of a back-to-back spelled disaster for the Lakers. They dropped tonight's contest to the Nuggets 108-119.
The Nuggets essentially ran the Lakers out of the gym. They controlled much of the game by double digits. In the first half the Lakers had 12 turnovers that the Nuggets made them pay for seemingly every time. The Lakers tried to battle back by getting Dwight in position down low. The Nuggets, who aren't short on available big men, simply elected to send Howard to the free throw line. It worked as he shot 3 for 14 from the free throw line.
Defensively the Lakers even had trouble stopping Denver in half court sets due to poor rotations and size mismatches. Whenever Howard would contest the shot of a driving Nugget, no one would rotate over to cover his man, leading to buckets for McGee and Faried. That can't happen. It just can't. Could be due to having no legs after a tough win in Dallas last night, but there's no room for errors like that. Lastly, the Nuggets milked some size mismatches with Wilson Chandler being guarded by Jodie Meeks, and Andre Miller being guarded by the Lakers' point guards.
Notables:
The Good:
- Kobe's second half offense (wound up with 29 points, 6 rebounds, and 9 assists)
- Overall team offense was good. Shot 55% and scored 108 points.
- Didn't quit
The Bad:
- Turnovers in the first half
- Putrid free throw shooting (45%)
- Lack of rim protection when Dwight sits
- Inability to defend the fast break
Kobe, Nash, Dwight, and Jamison all seemed to get to minor tweaks/aggravations to injuries tonight. The Lakers have only 1 game in the next 5 days. It's the perfect time to get healthier, regroup, and then get some more wins in the race to get a playoff spot. They can't look past Minnesota on Thursday though, that will be yet another important game.
Monday, February 25, 2013
Lakers at Mavericks (2/24/13)
In the first game of a back-to-back road trip the Lakers defeated the Mavericks 103-99. It was their 3rd straight win since the All-Star break. Check Dancing Barry's review from Lakersground.net
DancingBarry's Thoughts and Smiley Ratings
Another critical win! This team is putting it together ;)
DancingBarry's Thoughts and Smiley Ratings
Another critical win! This team is putting it together ;)
Lakers vs Blazers (2/22/13)
Only had time to catch the waning moments of the 4th quarter of this one, and unfortunately Dancing Barry also missed the game.
It matters not. Enjoy the Lakers' 111-107 win over the Blazers. Coupled with a Houston loss it put LA only 2 back in the loss column for the 8th playoff spot.
The Blazers made some tough shots, and Nash tweaked his back leading to a poor shooting night, but they toughed it out.
It matters not. Enjoy the Lakers' 111-107 win over the Blazers. Coupled with a Houston loss it put LA only 2 back in the loss column for the 8th playoff spot.
The Blazers made some tough shots, and Nash tweaked his back leading to a poor shooting night, but they toughed it out.
Friday, February 22, 2013
Lakers vs Celtics (2/20/13)
It was an emotional night for the Lakers organization, still mourning the loss of their Hall of Fame owner who passed away earlier in the week, Dr. Jerry Buss. It couldn't have been any more fitting that their next opponent would be none other than the hated Boston Celtics. Regardless of a tumultuous season thus far, the Lakers were not going to lose this game.
They were doing it for Jerry.
The Lakers won, and won big, 113-99 at home. The controlled the game throughout with a balanced attack offensively and communicating defensively. I was only able to catch the 4th quarter, so here's Dancing Barry's review:
DancingBarry's Thoughts and Smiley Ratings
I'm proud of the team for their effort in this game.
The Lakers have won 9 of their last 13 games and they're finally starting to play consistently. They currently reside in 9th place 3.5 games behind Houston. Every win counts, but tonight they'll play the Portland Trail Blazers who are only 0.5 games behind the Lakers. Gotta get this one.
Go Lake Show!!! Rest in peace Dr. Buss!!!
They were doing it for Jerry.
The Lakers won, and won big, 113-99 at home. The controlled the game throughout with a balanced attack offensively and communicating defensively. I was only able to catch the 4th quarter, so here's Dancing Barry's review:
DancingBarry's Thoughts and Smiley Ratings
I'm proud of the team for their effort in this game.
The Lakers have won 9 of their last 13 games and they're finally starting to play consistently. They currently reside in 9th place 3.5 games behind Houston. Every win counts, but tonight they'll play the Portland Trail Blazers who are only 0.5 games behind the Lakers. Gotta get this one.
Go Lake Show!!! Rest in peace Dr. Buss!!!
Thursday, February 14, 2013
Lakers at Clippers (2/14/13)
The Lakers fell to the Clippers 101-125 in their final game before the All-Star break.
There's not much to write in this one. The Lakers fell behind 15-0 to start the game due to a scoring blitz from Blake Griffin. They battled back to cut the lead to 5 in the second, but a few turnovers and a couple bad calls turned the tide back into the Clippers' favor. Then the Clippers began raining bombs from 3 point land, and the Lakers were defenseless against it. They were outscored by 30 points from behind the arc.
The Lakers best chance to win is by beating teams up inside. With Pau out and Dwight looking like a shell of himself that's becoming hard for them to do by the day. It would have been nice to see Pau take advantage of Ryan Hollins off the bench, but he's at home resting with a boot on his foot. *Sigh.
Notables:
The Good:
- Antawn Jamison's second quarter scoring (13 points)
The Bad:
- Crappy slow start
- Poor job contesting jumpers
- Too many strings of turnovers
- Too many offensive rebounds given up
The Lakers got some sad news about their owner Dr. Boss earlier today. It seems he is hospitalized battling cancer, and is on his last legs. One can only pray he had his life in order. He certainly was successful in the world of sports.
Hopefully the Lakers can re-group during the All-Star break then make their final push for a playoff spot.
There's not much to write in this one. The Lakers fell behind 15-0 to start the game due to a scoring blitz from Blake Griffin. They battled back to cut the lead to 5 in the second, but a few turnovers and a couple bad calls turned the tide back into the Clippers' favor. Then the Clippers began raining bombs from 3 point land, and the Lakers were defenseless against it. They were outscored by 30 points from behind the arc.
The Lakers best chance to win is by beating teams up inside. With Pau out and Dwight looking like a shell of himself that's becoming hard for them to do by the day. It would have been nice to see Pau take advantage of Ryan Hollins off the bench, but he's at home resting with a boot on his foot. *Sigh.
Notables:
The Good:
- Antawn Jamison's second quarter scoring (13 points)
The Bad:
- Crappy slow start
- Poor job contesting jumpers
- Too many strings of turnovers
- Too many offensive rebounds given up
The Lakers got some sad news about their owner Dr. Boss earlier today. It seems he is hospitalized battling cancer, and is on his last legs. One can only pray he had his life in order. He certainly was successful in the world of sports.
Hopefully the Lakers can re-group during the All-Star break then make their final push for a playoff spot.
SPECIAL: Visit to the Lakers Practice Facility (2/13/13)
Tonight I got the chance to visit the Lakers' practice facility in El Segundo. Their D-league affiliate the LA D'fenders were playing against the Reno Bighorns. I was interested in seeing the game, but more interested in seeing the practice facility as that is where the D'fenders play their games.
Championship banners and retired jerseys greet you as you walk through the doors. Meanwhile multiple championship trophies shine from above the court through the window in general manager Mitch Kupchak's office. The weight of it all is very intimidating. For a fan like me it was almost surreal.
So there I was standing in the middle of the gym where so many players I've admired honed their craft with blood, sweat, and tears. And the strange thing was in spite of the awesomeness it felt like home. The gym is really no bigger than your standard high school gymnasium. Practice equipment was tucked away neatly into a corner, but still visible. We were greeted by a gentleman who took some time to get to know us, and even walked us over to the court (you have to walk through the LA Kings practice rinks first). They even had a grilled cheese food truck outside with fair food prices. It was a reminder of the fact that no matter how much of a "big deal" the Lakers' organization is, they are still very much a family owned business.
The best part about the night was getting to see the 3-Peat trophies. I have so many fond memories of those teams. Game 7 against the Blazers. Game 7 against the Kings. Horry's 3 off of the Divac tip. Frobe throwing down 360s. Shaq eating the opposing big man alive for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. And last but not least, the greatest playoff run in NBA history: the '00-'01 15-1 run. Those memories are just priceless.
I hope this current Lakers' squad can fight through the adversity, and come away with one of the above when it's all said and done. I believe they can. No matter what, they've got fan for life in me. Go Lakers!!!
BTW the D'fenders won 115-89 ;)
Championship banners and retired jerseys greet you as you walk through the doors. Meanwhile multiple championship trophies shine from above the court through the window in general manager Mitch Kupchak's office. The weight of it all is very intimidating. For a fan like me it was almost surreal.
So there I was standing in the middle of the gym where so many players I've admired honed their craft with blood, sweat, and tears. And the strange thing was in spite of the awesomeness it felt like home. The gym is really no bigger than your standard high school gymnasium. Practice equipment was tucked away neatly into a corner, but still visible. We were greeted by a gentleman who took some time to get to know us, and even walked us over to the court (you have to walk through the LA Kings practice rinks first). They even had a grilled cheese food truck outside with fair food prices. It was a reminder of the fact that no matter how much of a "big deal" the Lakers' organization is, they are still very much a family owned business.
The best part about the night was getting to see the 3-Peat trophies. I have so many fond memories of those teams. Game 7 against the Blazers. Game 7 against the Kings. Horry's 3 off of the Divac tip. Frobe throwing down 360s. Shaq eating the opposing big man alive for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. And last but not least, the greatest playoff run in NBA history: the '00-'01 15-1 run. Those memories are just priceless.
I hope this current Lakers' squad can fight through the adversity, and come away with one of the above when it's all said and done. I believe they can. No matter what, they've got fan for life in me. Go Lakers!!!
BTW the D'fenders won 115-89 ;)
Wednesday, February 13, 2013
Lakers vs Suns (2/12/13)
Missed this one tonight, but the Lakers got the Win! They defeated the Suns 91-85. Check DancingBarry's review:
DancingBarry's Thoughts and Smiley Ratings
It's kind of strange to see Kobe take no shots in the first half. Then again this whole season has been very strange. He's definitely trying to send a message that this team will sacrfice for each other to win ball games.
Big game for the Lakers on Thursday against the Clippers.
P.S. I'll have a special post that should be up late tonight...stay tuned.
DancingBarry's Thoughts and Smiley Ratings
It's kind of strange to see Kobe take no shots in the first half. Then again this whole season has been very strange. He's definitely trying to send a message that this team will sacrfice for each other to win ball games.
Big game for the Lakers on Thursday against the Clippers.
P.S. I'll have a special post that should be up late tonight...stay tuned.
Sunday, February 10, 2013
Lakers at Heat (2/10/13)
The Lakers dropped the final game of their annual Grammy road trip 97-107 to the defending champion Miami Heat.
I missed the first half of the game today, but was able to glean some tidbits by watching the second half. It's a well known fact that the Lakers are built on their size. They're rarely going to beat a team on athleticism, and especially not a team like the Heat. Unfortunately for them most of their size is back in LA recovering from injury (Gasol and Hill). The big man that they do have playing isn't close to 100% and needs surgery himself. Not that anybody will feel sorry for them, it is what it is. The Lakers were heavily out rebounded by the Heat leading to many second chance points.
This game was pretty close to the storyline of the Lakers vs Heat game back in LA earlier in the year. It was close until about the final 3 minutes in the 4th when the Lakers' turnovers got the Heat out in transition for easy scores. And that was the ball game.
They finish up the road trip 4-3 which isn't bad, but it's not great either. And they need great right now. Their next opponent is Phoenix on Tuesday. The Lakers need to put this one behind them and just focus on getting that next win.
I missed the first half of the game today, but was able to glean some tidbits by watching the second half. It's a well known fact that the Lakers are built on their size. They're rarely going to beat a team on athleticism, and especially not a team like the Heat. Unfortunately for them most of their size is back in LA recovering from injury (Gasol and Hill). The big man that they do have playing isn't close to 100% and needs surgery himself. Not that anybody will feel sorry for them, it is what it is. The Lakers were heavily out rebounded by the Heat leading to many second chance points.
This game was pretty close to the storyline of the Lakers vs Heat game back in LA earlier in the year. It was close until about the final 3 minutes in the 4th when the Lakers' turnovers got the Heat out in transition for easy scores. And that was the ball game.
They finish up the road trip 4-3 which isn't bad, but it's not great either. And they need great right now. Their next opponent is Phoenix on Tuesday. The Lakers need to put this one behind them and just focus on getting that next win.
Friday, February 8, 2013
Lakers at Bobcats (2/8/13)
WOW! Talk about a roller coaster of emotions! This game was the epitome of just that, as the Lakers get the come back win 100-93 over the Bobcats.
In the first half they were flat. Dead on arrival. The ball/player movement we've enjoyed for the past 8 games or so was gone. It made the Lakers offense stagnant and predictable. Turnovers were prevalent, and the Lakers found themselves in a 12 deficit at the half. Kobe had only taken 2 shots and had 0 points.
The start of the second half included more of the same. With about 6 min to go in the 3rd the Lakers found themselves on the wrong side of a 20 point hole. Then Earl Clark, Jodie Meeks, and Antawn Jamison went to work. By some hustle and effort, they clawed the Lakers back into the game by scoring 9 straight points. Their energy then carried through to the rest of the team. They kept chipping away and took the lead with about 4 min to go in the 4th.
From there it remained a close game, but the Lakers had too many weapons for the Bobcats. The end of the 4 quarter tonight shows the potential of how good this Lakers team can be when they play within their roles. Kobe Klosed the game offensively, and Dwight closed it defensively. Remember how Kobe had 0 points in the first half? He ended up with 20 for the night with 14 of those coming the 4th. He had a key block on Ramon Sessions down the stretch. Dwight Howard locked up the Bobcats best perimeter shooter (Mullens) in the final minutes. He got beat on a head fake, but gave a second effort and was able to distract him enough to miss. Dwight also had great contests and blocks at the rim when the Laker guards got beat off the dribble.
Notables:
The Good:
- Role players with critical contributions tonight. Jodie had 14 pts. Clark had 17 pts and 10 reb. Antawn had 9 pts.
- Nash was aggressive offensively. Scored 17 pts.
- Dwight woke up. You cant tell he's no where near 100%. But he didn't quit.
- Kobe picked the Bobcats apart in the 4th.
- Critical win
The Bad:
- Falling behind by 20 to the Bobcats is never good. Even if they are our kryptonite.
- Utter garbage first half
I hope this game can be a microcosm for the entire Lakers season. They'll need to put forth even more effort as they will be without the Spaniard for the next 6-8weeks. And they've got the defending champion Heat up next. Talk about another difficult task. The Lakers will have to figure out how to beat the Heat's pressure defense.
The best way to beat pressure?....Attack it.
In the first half they were flat. Dead on arrival. The ball/player movement we've enjoyed for the past 8 games or so was gone. It made the Lakers offense stagnant and predictable. Turnovers were prevalent, and the Lakers found themselves in a 12 deficit at the half. Kobe had only taken 2 shots and had 0 points.
The start of the second half included more of the same. With about 6 min to go in the 3rd the Lakers found themselves on the wrong side of a 20 point hole. Then Earl Clark, Jodie Meeks, and Antawn Jamison went to work. By some hustle and effort, they clawed the Lakers back into the game by scoring 9 straight points. Their energy then carried through to the rest of the team. They kept chipping away and took the lead with about 4 min to go in the 4th.
From there it remained a close game, but the Lakers had too many weapons for the Bobcats. The end of the 4 quarter tonight shows the potential of how good this Lakers team can be when they play within their roles. Kobe Klosed the game offensively, and Dwight closed it defensively. Remember how Kobe had 0 points in the first half? He ended up with 20 for the night with 14 of those coming the 4th. He had a key block on Ramon Sessions down the stretch. Dwight Howard locked up the Bobcats best perimeter shooter (Mullens) in the final minutes. He got beat on a head fake, but gave a second effort and was able to distract him enough to miss. Dwight also had great contests and blocks at the rim when the Laker guards got beat off the dribble.
Notables:
The Good:
- Role players with critical contributions tonight. Jodie had 14 pts. Clark had 17 pts and 10 reb. Antawn had 9 pts.
- Nash was aggressive offensively. Scored 17 pts.
- Dwight woke up. You cant tell he's no where near 100%. But he didn't quit.
- Kobe picked the Bobcats apart in the 4th.
- Critical win
The Bad:
- Falling behind by 20 to the Bobcats is never good. Even if they are our kryptonite.
- Utter garbage first half
I hope this game can be a microcosm for the entire Lakers season. They'll need to put forth even more effort as they will be without the Spaniard for the next 6-8weeks. And they've got the defending champion Heat up next. Talk about another difficult task. The Lakers will have to figure out how to beat the Heat's pressure defense.
The best way to beat pressure?....Attack it.
Lakers at Celtics (2/7/13)
Poor effort from the Lakers in this one. They looked like they were sleep walking through this one. Can't afford those types of games at this point. They got blown out by the Celtics 95-116. Check DancingBarry's review:
DancingBarry's Thoughts and Smiley Ratings
They'll get another chance in Charlotte tonight.
DancingBarry's Thoughts and Smiley Ratings
They'll get another chance in Charlotte tonight.
Tuesday, February 5, 2013
Lakers at Nets (2/5/13)
No Howard. No Peace. No problem. The Lakers get the win tonight over the Nets 92-83. And it was much needed too because the Houston Rockets won as well keeping the Lakers at bay in the standings for the time being.
Earlier in the day the NBA suspended Metta World Peace for "striking" Pistons' player Brandon Knight in their previous outing. It was a bogus suspension basically based on Peace's reputation. The Lakers adjusted by placing Jamison into the starting lineup. They even played Clark at center when Pau twisted his ankle late in the fourth quarter. The versatility of a player like Clark is just invaluable. The guy was everywhere yet again! Can't say enough about his play ( 14 points, 12 rebounds).
The Lakers got this win as a team. Gang rebounding, passing, and communicating defensively. This game had it all. Just watch how the team huddles after a foul call. They look like a college team out there, but in a good way. The undoubted play of the game came with about 2:50 to play in the 4th with the game tied. Kobe had the ball with the shot clock winding down. The old Mamba drove the lane and threw down a nasty one handed poster dunk all over Gerald Wallace and Brooke Lopez (with his injured elbow)! It brought Lakers and Nets fans alike to their feet.
Notables:
The Good:
- Good scrappy team road win
- Clark continues to deliver
- Contributions from everyone who played
- Team confidence continues to grow
The Bad:
- Gave up too many offensive rebounds
- Another injury. SMH.
Hopefully the Lakers can get at least Pau or Dwight back for the game against the Celtics on Sunday. The have definitely found something here...
Earlier in the day the NBA suspended Metta World Peace for "striking" Pistons' player Brandon Knight in their previous outing. It was a bogus suspension basically based on Peace's reputation. The Lakers adjusted by placing Jamison into the starting lineup. They even played Clark at center when Pau twisted his ankle late in the fourth quarter. The versatility of a player like Clark is just invaluable. The guy was everywhere yet again! Can't say enough about his play ( 14 points, 12 rebounds).
The Lakers got this win as a team. Gang rebounding, passing, and communicating defensively. This game had it all. Just watch how the team huddles after a foul call. They look like a college team out there, but in a good way. The undoubted play of the game came with about 2:50 to play in the 4th with the game tied. Kobe had the ball with the shot clock winding down. The old Mamba drove the lane and threw down a nasty one handed poster dunk all over Gerald Wallace and Brooke Lopez (with his injured elbow)! It brought Lakers and Nets fans alike to their feet.
Notables:
The Good:
- Good scrappy team road win
- Clark continues to deliver
- Contributions from everyone who played
- Team confidence continues to grow
The Bad:
- Gave up too many offensive rebounds
- Another injury. SMH.
Hopefully the Lakers can get at least Pau or Dwight back for the game against the Celtics on Sunday. The have definitely found something here...
Monday, February 4, 2013
Lakers at Pistons (2/3/13)
Don't look now, but the Lakers are playing much better basketball lately. They were able to eek out a road win on Super Bowl Sunday against the Detroit Pistons 98-97.
Sure there are still issues they need to correct (blowing double digit leads), but they now know how they want to play. They want a balanced offensive attack through ball movement/player movement, and they want to run when there's an opportunity. They also want to defend through communication and versatility. Even in the absence of Dwight Howard for the last two games, they have been able to do just that.
Earl Clark has been and was phenomenal in the game. He seems to be everywhere and do everything. He grabs rebounds, gets blocks, hits threes, and slashes to the hoop. Pau filled in for Dwight and looked like the Spaniard of 2010. If it weren't for a couple of Clark and Nash (uncharacteristically) misses a the charity strip, this game wouldn't even have been as close as it was.
Notables:
The Good:
- Consistent contribution from Clark
- Pau being the real Pau
- Jamison off the bench
- Synergy between Nash and Magic Mamba
The Bad:
- 4 missed clutch free throws
- Lacking interior defense (no Dwight)
- Don't like the Nash/Blake back court lineup (too small defensively)
- 18 point lead cut to 0 at one point
The Lakers now need to develop a killer instinct. With the adjustments they've made they can now build leads more efficiently. They have to learn to protect them and give teams no hope of coming back.
Sure there are still issues they need to correct (blowing double digit leads), but they now know how they want to play. They want a balanced offensive attack through ball movement/player movement, and they want to run when there's an opportunity. They also want to defend through communication and versatility. Even in the absence of Dwight Howard for the last two games, they have been able to do just that.
Earl Clark has been and was phenomenal in the game. He seems to be everywhere and do everything. He grabs rebounds, gets blocks, hits threes, and slashes to the hoop. Pau filled in for Dwight and looked like the Spaniard of 2010. If it weren't for a couple of Clark and Nash (uncharacteristically) misses a the charity strip, this game wouldn't even have been as close as it was.
Notables:
The Good:
- Consistent contribution from Clark
- Pau being the real Pau
- Jamison off the bench
- Synergy between Nash and Magic Mamba
The Bad:
- 4 missed clutch free throws
- Lacking interior defense (no Dwight)
- Don't like the Nash/Blake back court lineup (too small defensively)
- 18 point lead cut to 0 at one point
The Lakers now need to develop a killer instinct. With the adjustments they've made they can now build leads more efficiently. They have to learn to protect them and give teams no hope of coming back.
Saturday, February 2, 2013
Lakers at Timberwolves (2/1/13)
Could the Lakers make it 20 straight wins over the Timberwolves? Or would their 8 game losing streak on the road prevail? Something had to give, and fortunately they got the road win 111-100. Check DancingBarry's review:
DancingBarry's Thoughts and Smiley Ratings
The Lakers let the Wolves cut a 29 point lead down to 4 by using a zone defense, but the Lakers finally figured it out and won the game. Dwight Howard was back in LA getting PRP performed on his shoulder. Hopefully he will be cleared to play tomorrow against Detroit. He is currently listed as day-to-day.
This new Lakers identity of unselfish play and ball movement is working. Gotta keep it up Lake Show!
DancingBarry's Thoughts and Smiley Ratings
The Lakers let the Wolves cut a 29 point lead down to 4 by using a zone defense, but the Lakers finally figured it out and won the game. Dwight Howard was back in LA getting PRP performed on his shoulder. Hopefully he will be cleared to play tomorrow against Detroit. He is currently listed as day-to-day.
This new Lakers identity of unselfish play and ball movement is working. Gotta keep it up Lake Show!
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