The Lakers got another win over the Minnesota Timberwolves 116-94 Thursday night. It marked the Lakers 21st straight victory over Minnesota. Lakers shot lights out from downtown (16 for 32). I was out of town, so check Dancing Barry's review for the game:
DancingBarry's Thoughts and Smiley Ratings
Their next opponent is the Atlanta Hawks, which they will play tonight. The Lakers are currently 2.5 games back of Houston for the 8th playoff spot so every game counts. They've got to get this one tonight.
Sunday, March 3, 2013
Monday, February 25, 2013
Lakers at Nuggets (2/25/13)
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.
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.
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 ;)
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