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They played another fantastic 4th quarter against YOA MING and TRACEY McGRADY to take a 3-point lead late in the game, only to lose by a point on a questionable blocking call against LAMAR ODOM. An embarrassing loss to the league’s worst team, the ATLANTA HAWKS could be chalked up to a let down after Sunday’s heartbreaking loss. All of this, coupled with the resignation of their coach, silly talk of PHIL JACKSON’S return, and no finite date for KOBE’S bill of health make a new low for this team. They are 5-7 since KOBE’S injury, and are in danger of falling below .500, midway through the season. Currently they are in the last spot for the playoffs, with MINNESOTA and, gasp, the CLIPPERS nipping at their heals. What’s worse, the LAKERS have a large proportion of their remaining games on the road, where they are a weak 7-12. Things do not look good. Worse still, with the departure of RUDY TOMJONAVICH, the starting lineup is in flux, as is the entire LAKER roster. Will DEVEAN GEORGE be available at all this year? Can VLADE contribute to this team? Does SLAVA MEDVEDENKO have a role? With the anemic offense, one would certainly think so. TIERRE BROWN is coming off a career high 27 points, shouldn’t he get a shot at running this team? What will happen when KOBE returns? There are few answers to these questions, and fewer rays of hope for this team. To add insult to injury KARL MALONE is ready to announce he will be joining the SAN ANTONIO SPURS in search of his championship ring, and SHAQ is leading the MIAMI HEAT to the best record in the East, taking back seat to DWAYNE WADE along the way. Who cares where KARL MALONE goes, or to what lengths he will stoop to get a ring, but if SHAQ were willing to get in shape and play second fiddle for the good of a team, why in the world didn’t he do it here in LA? That really hurts. But like the say, it can only get better from here, right? |
It’s hard to get excited about LAKER victories this year. They have yet to win 3 in a row, an irony for a team that won 3 championships back-to-back-to-back not so long ago. But any win without KOBE BRYANT on the floor is cause for celebration, and 3-1 with their marquee player injured is great news indeed. So, things are again looking up, as the LAKERS, behind CHUCKY ATKINS beat the GOLDEN STATE WARRIORS Friday, 105-101. ATKINS led the team in scoring for the second straight time. He finished with 26 points and 10 assists to go with 4 rebounds and 4 steals. LAMAR ODOM contributed 25 points, while JERMAINE JONES added 16 and 9 rebounds. CARON BUTLER also was in double figures with 14 points and 9 rebounds. Earlier in the week CHUCKY and CARON BUTLER led the team to a win over the struggling MINNESOTA TIMBERWOLVES 93-90. It was a tough fought victory over the WOLVES last week in Minneapolis, with KOBE and LAMAR watching from the bench, which gave rise to the most optimism this season, only to see it dashed with a loss in Denver the following night. Since then KOBE has been put on the inured reserve list, which gave CARON BUTLER his first start at shooting guard. He made the most of it scoring 16 points, including the basket with 35 seconds to go to give the LAKERS the lead. It was a nice finish for CARON who opened the game with 2 straight turnovers. ATKINS had a season high 11 assists to go with 25 points, including 10 in the 4th quarter to help give the LAKERS the win. With the victories, the LAKERS improved their record to 22-16. It’s the first time the team has been 6 games over .500. It seems like it’s been a step forward and 2 steps back all season, but at this moment they are the number 6 seed in the West. Division leader PHOENIX has been in free fall, losing 5 in a row before beating NEW JERSEY. And, even though KOBE is not due back for at least a week, probably two, the LAKERS have a real break in the schedule with their next 6 games at home, 4 of them against weak teams. With any luck, they could be looking at a 26-18 record when KOBE returns. That may not sound so hot, but let’s review. Last year with the “Dream Team”, the LAKERS were 31-19 going into the All-Star break. The year before, they were a dismal 24-23. That’s two years with SHAQ, the most dominant ever, and the new savior of South Beach, and not much better results than this mix-match group of no-name players. And, by the way, we were supposed to have the services of VALDE DIVAC, KARL MALONE and DEVEAN GEORGE this season, each of which are veteran players with significant playoff experience. One or more of them might eventually play a big role on this team. The team, minus KOBE, is beginning to come together as a unit. SASHA VUCACIK is finally getting some playing time, and he is a keeper. LAMAR ODOM might finally be finding his role on offense, and CARON BUTLER is a legitimate star. KOBE calls CHUCKY ATKINS the general on this team, and that is becoming more and more apparent. This could be just what TOMJONAVICH needs to get these guys to come together for the second half of the season. Or they could lose some more. We’ll just have to see. |
MATT LEINART shocked most of the prognosticators with his LEINART on the other hand, would have been a 1st round choice, with perhaps an 8-figure signing bonus. He will have completed the required courses for his degree this spring, and he did red shirt his freshman year as CARSON PALMER ran the team. So, it was a bit of a surprise to see and hear him trumpet his return.
News today sheds some light on that decision, as it was revealed that LEINART is considering surgery on his left elbow. He apparently is suffering from tendonitis, despite his assurances at the press conference that he was physically able to undergo the tryouts for NFL clubs.
If LEINART does elect to have surgery, he could have some trouble getting ready to compete for the starting quarterback job on the USC team, which will go for a record 3rd consecutive national championship. The team has already begun the off-season, 4 day-a-week conditioning program. Waiting in the wings are JOHN DAVID BOOTY, who already has red-shirted one year of eligibility, and a trio of freshman phenomes gunning for stardom.
AARON ROGERS, Cal’S underclassman flame-thrower who nearly beat the Trojans this year, has opted for the NFL, along with ALEX SMITH from Utah and WALTER WASHINGTON from Temple. Whoever assumes the quarterback position for the Trojans will have the added benefit of a receiver squad that is healthy and experienced. STEVE SMITH returned late in the season and starred in the Orange Bowl, but he was unavailable to LEINART for much of last season. He will be a junior next year. DOMINIQUE BYRD, returning as a senior, seemed to be just getting started with his critical, acrobatic catches in the title game. And DWAYNE JARRETT, a true freshman, got better with each game. Look for great things from him next year. In any case, look for the Trojans to bring back the word dynasty to college football next season. |
For twelve minutes it looked like the eulogy for the LAKERS season. KOBE BRYANT was effective hitting 4 of his first shots, but nobody else could throw a pea in the ocean. ( We miss you CHICK!) The LAKERS trailed the struggling MINNESOTA TIMBERWOLVES 27-14 and it looked like the night was done. But LAMAR ODOM hit a 3-pointer, his first points of the half as the buzzer sounded and the LAKERS pulled within 10 at the break 53-44. The 9-point lead held through the end of the 3rd quarter, and that’s when the LAKERS found themselves. With ODOM on the bench with foul trouble, and KOBE taking his regular rest to start the 4th quarter, a makeshift team of CHUCKY ATKINS, CHRIS MIHM, JUMAINE JONES, BRIAN COOK and CARON BUTLER went on a 24-7 run that found the LAKERS with a lead 91-83. It was most unexpected, and it happened with both KOBE and LAMAR ODOM on the bench. JUMAINE JONES had 10 4th quarter points, including 2 3-pointers to help carry the LAKERS. They made 16 of 35 shots from behind the arc. CHUCKY ATKINS finished with 23 points and 4 for 10 from distance after a miserable quarter, where the LAKERS shot 5 for 26. They closed the game with a 38-20 4th quarter in a stunning reversal. KOBE BRYANT did come on in the closing minutes to score 8 crucial points including a 3-pointer to seal the game as the TIMBERWOLVES tried to pull even. BRYANT finished with 31 points,, 4 assists 1 rebound and a blocked shot. CHRIS MIHM had a monster game scoring 14 points, grabbing 17 rebounds, dishing 5 assists and blocking 4 shots. CARON BUTLER was also instrumental with 12 points, 11 rebounds, 2 assists and a steal, as the LAKERS went 4 games above .500 with a 106-96 win. It might have been the defining moment for the LAKERS season, as the win over SACRAMENTO seemed several weeks ago. The team seemed to have a balanced lineup of scorers as they went through pre-season, but KOBE has had a hard time getting steady contributions from any of the starters. Likewise, coach TOMJONAVICH has had difficulty coming up with a rotation pattern that helps everyone get involved. That may have all changed last night as the 2 stars sat on the bench during the 24-7 run that turned the game around. Will this be it? Will the rest of the lineup be able to recreate this effort on a nightly basis? We’ll know soon enough as they go into Denver to play the NUGGETS Wednesday before returning home Thursday to face LE BRON JAMES and the CLEVELAND CAVALIERS. No much time to wallow, is there? |
It was the college football game of the century. Some touted it as the best bowl pairing ever. It featured two of the most evenly matched, and talented teams, each with their own Heisman trophy winning quarterback. Each with their phenom, Heisman trophy finalist runners. Both teams were undefeated at 12-0, and both teams had gone wire to wire as the nation's numbers 1 and 2 in the nation. Each program claimed a storied and decorated history. Each harbored a grudge that they were slighted in the previous season. Each believed their team was the best in the country, 2 years running. One team could prove it with a win. It was the college football game of the century, and by the way, there would be no BCS controversy. Going into the game, USC was slightly favored by the pollsters, but OKLAHOMA seemed to have an edge. After all, they held Rose Bowl winner Texas scoreless, and faced a tougher schedule than the TROJANS. They were embarrassed last year in the SUGAR BOWL by LSU, who leap-frogged over them to stake a claim to the national title, and had plenty to prove. Their quarterback, JASON WHITE, stuck around after winning the Heisman, and had 5 previous years of experience to throw against a sophomore quarterback with the pressure of winning the Heisman just weeks earlier. Funny as it is, Heisman trophy winners don't usually fair well in bowl games. WHITE can certainly vouch for that. And then there was ADRIAN PETERSON, the freshman running back sensation who had rushed for more than 1800 yards this season. He gains 100 yards in his sleep. Nobody does it better, and at 18 years old, the TROJANS had never seen a runner of his ilk. But it was the USC TROJANS that sang and danced their way to one of the most impressive victories in a title game you will ever see. The TROJANS played their best game of the season, and scored more points in the first half than the SOONERS had seen in any bowl game.They embarrassed the OKLAHOMA SOONERS 55-19, and it wasn't even that close. OKLAHOMA stopped USC on it's first possession. After an initial play that saw REGGIE BUSH pick up 24 yards, MATT LEINART looked like a deer in headlights, throwing 2 lame passes for incompletions, and USC had to punt. The SOONERS on the other hand, debuted with an impressive 92-yard drive, punctuated by some nifty scrambling and passing by WHITE. Within minutes of the start USC was down 7-0. That was the highlight of the night for OKLAHOMA, as USC scored on it's next possession, and 5 of their next 6. It was 28-7 before OKLAHOMA would score again, a field goal just before halftime to make it 28-10. USC got the ball back with about a minute to play, and bombed it into the end-zone to make it 35-10 at the half, and extinguished any hope OKLAHOMA had of saving face in this game. It capped a fairy tale season where USC went undefeated, and remained number 1 from pre-season to the end. They currently own the nation's longest winning streak, 22 games. There were moments this season though. Like the very first game against VIRGINIA TECH, where the rookie receivers couldn't catch the ball, and USC trailed late in the game. Then there was the game at Stanford, when the CARDINAL jumped out to an unexpected lead in the first half, only to be shut down the entire second half. Or the game against CAL, at the Coliseum in LA, where the BEARS outplayed the TROJANS, and had several shots at the end zone in the final seconds, from close range, that would have won the game and dashed any championship hopes for TROY. Or the game in the fog at OREGON STATE. USC was in the soup but good, until tight end DOMINIQUE BYRD made an impossible grab in the end zone on a bomb from LEINART which jump started the TROJAN engines and USC squeaked out another victory in a very hostile environment, to preserve the undefeated season. BYRD made a similar play last night to jump start the TROJANS in the Orange Bowl for their first score. LEINART ran out of the pocket, lofted a 50 yard pass towards the end zone, and BYRD snagged the ball at the goal line with one outstretched arm, as he was falling to the turf. Touchdown and that was all she wrote. the score was tied, 7-7, but game over man. USC got it going after that. OKLAHOMA defensive end LARRY BURDINE spent all week telling the press USC was an average offense led by an overrated quarterback who didn't deserve the Heisman. BURDINE got it right, he just had the teams transposed. LEINART finished 18 for 35 with 332 yards, 5 touchdowns and no picks. It was enough for an Orange Bowl record and 1 shy of an all-time bowl record for number of touchdown passes thrown. JASON WHITE went 24 for 36 for 224 yards and 2 tds, but he threw 3 interceptions. OKALHOMA had an embarrassing 5 turnovers which led to 31 USC points. ADRIAN PETERSON was held in check all night, rushing for 82 yards on 25 carries. He was a non-factor while USC's running backs made the difference. LENDALE WHITE, the forgotten man this week, rushed for 118 yards and 2 touchdowns. He averaged 8 yards a carry. REGGIE BUSH did better than that, averaging more than 12 yards per rush, gaining 75 yards on only 6 touches. BUSH added 31 yards on 2 catches and 43 yards on returns for a total of 149 all-purpose yards. The funny thing is, the best is yet to come, and babe won't it be fine. USC is a young team, perhaps a year or two away from realizing it's full potential. That's right. MATT LEINART is a junior, and he has indicated he'll be back. REGGIE BUSH is a true sophomore, and he is ready for his Heisman trophy season. He was 4th in the balloting this year, but without question he is the most exciting player in the game. He can break open a game on 1 play. Imagine when he gets to run the ball 10 times or more a game. USC's weakness, if it had one this year was it's receiving corps. DWAYNE JARRETT turned 18 on the field in game number 2 this year. He got progressively better as the season went along, lead all the receivers last night with 23 yards per catch and 115 receiving yards. STEVE SMITH, who missed much of the season with injuries but caught 3 touchdown passes for 115 yards last night, is a sophomore. DOMINIQUE BYRD is a junior. The bulk of the offensive and defensive lines are sophomores and juniors. And, it is widely regarded that USC has had the best recruiting classes for the last 3 years running. They've got stars on the bench just waiting to get some playing time, not unlike LEINART spent a year on the bench watching Heisman-winner CARSON PALMER before assuming the helm. No wonder the NCAA wouldn't let MIKE WILLIAMS return to this team. They might as well have emailed in the season in if he had been allowed back. Recall he was talked about as a Heisman contender after his remarkable sophomore season with the TROJANS. It was WILLIAMS' acrobatics that must have rubbed off on BYRD. MIKE tried to make the jump to the NFL following a district court ruling for MAURICE CLARRETT of OHIO STATE that seemed to pave the way. But some bogus assurances from the NCAA, and some even more goofy rulings from the courts, left him without the right to go pro and without any remaining college eligibility. It was a bum rap for the young star and for the school, but USC adjusted. No doubt WILLIAMS will do the same. Last year in a ceremony to present the AP Trophy to the students at USC, PETE CARROLL said they were going to enjoy it and "live it up all year long." What now? Word is that coach CARROLL, a god on campus before this feat, will be changing his name to THREEPETE. We are the champions, my friend. |
KOBE BRYANT is on another one of those streaks. He had a remarkable run last year, keeping the LAKERS competitive whilst KARL MALONE and SHAQ nursed nagging injuries. And now he’s at it again, averaging 40-something points over the last 3 games. It started with the Christmas Day fiasco, where KOBE had a personal achievement that was noteworthy, 42 pots. But the LAKERS lost a game they should have won. Then he torched the TORONTO RAPTORS for 48, with a bad shoulder no less, as the LAKERS barely held on to win. And last night KOBE managed another 42 points, along with 5 rebounds, 4 assists, 4 steals and a block. It was another spectacular performance, particularly since he picked up his 3rd foul midway through thee second quarter and didn’t play the last 6 minutes of the half. But KOBE was the entire LAKER offense in the 4th quarter, save 2 free throws from CARON BUTLER and 2 from CHUCKY ATKINS with the game all but decided with 31 seconds to go. That won’t get it done, even if he averages 60-something a game. LAMAR ODOM had 12 points and 15 boards to go with 4 assists and 2 blocked shots. That’s an impressive line no matter how you look at it. But it just seems like he and KOBE are not on the same page in this offense. CARON BUTLER had 13 points and 8 rebounds in a strong supporting effort, but he is averaging 10 points a game below his ability. CHRIS MIHM had 10 points, 8 rebounds and 3 blocked shots. He could easily double those numbers, if they could keep him in the game every quarter, every night. Somehow the LAKERS have to get more people involved in the offense. And they have to run. That doesn’t necessarily mean KOBE bringing the ball up. BRYANT is handling the ball more and more, especially late in the game, and his turnovers are way up. He had 7 last night, 5 against TORONTO and 9 against MIAMI. He’s averaging nearly 5 a game thus far this year. That’s as bad as 40-something points is good. His nearly 44 minutes a game might have something to do with it. Meanwhile, the rest of the team is left to get out of the way and watch in the 4th quarter. That’s a recipe for 40-something losses. KOBE and RUDY know that, don’t they? |
Coach RUDY TOMJANOVICH should be feeling a little heat by now. Oh sure, he was brought in to lure YAO MING here in a year or so. And yeah, we can surely get through a year or two before we demand another real shot at a title. But he's got sufficient talent to be a contender against the better teams in this league this year, and his lack of coaching has gotten the LAKERS off to a so-so start. On Christmas Day, there's no way the LAKERS lose a 2-minute drill against the MIAMI HEAT with SHAQ fouled out on the bench. Having nearly done so in the final 2 and change, there's no way the LAKERS lose a 5-minute overtime with SHAQ gone, I don't care how good DWAYNE WADE is, or is going to be. But that's what they did, and once again it falls squarely on RUDY'S shoulders. LAMAR ODOM and KOBE BRYANT should have been low-posted every possession once SHAQ took his seat. TIERRE BROWN should have been in to insure the ball got near the rim. No one should have been shooting 3-pointers, period. we should have gone inside. JUMAINE JONES, and not KOBE should have taken the last shot. That part was probably on KOBE who elevated and took a difficult 3-pointer with 3 guys harassing him, for the game winner. JUMAINE, who inbounded the ball to BRYANT, was wide open lurking just outside the arc for the winner. If he misses it, the LAKERS still lose. If he makes it, his confidence and integration into the team are enhanced tremendously, as is the development of the entire team. Instead KOBE takes a hit for grandstanding and the team drifts a bit further apart. Nine turnovers were also on KOBE, and that no doubt had an impact on the game, despite KOBE'S season-high 42 points. TOMJANOVICH is one of KOBE'S biggest fans, and while that is a welcome improvement from the "help" defense PHIL JACKSON was throwing onto KOBE'S path, it's not what is needed. KOBE clearly was tired at the end. He didn't score over the last 2 minutes and 15 seconds of regulation, and he did nada in overtime. He played 50 minutes, 42 or so of which were brilliant. KOBE can't be expected or allowed to have the ball 80% of the time, even if he is 5th in the league in assists. And he can't average more than 40 minutes a game and be able to be productive in crunch time when we need him most. Coach has got to get someone else to run the ball up the court, to get the offense started earlier, and to get everyone involved. Run some post plays to LAMAR. How about bringing that pressing defense in during parts of the 2nd and 3rd quarters? The horses are just waiting on the bench. I thought this was going to be a fast break team? ODOM had a great game with 24 points and 11 rebounds. He hit 2 of his last 3 shots from distance. Perhaps a play with him as an option would have been in order on the final play in overtime, but ODOM was left to watch from the off side as an exhausted KOBE BRYANT tried to once again be the hero, and failed. There's no reason why ODOM shouldn't be averaging 20 points a game. His involvement is rarely integral to the LAKER offense. When he scores he usually connects from behind the 3-point line, or takes the ball coast to coast for a lay-up. How about getting KOBE and ODOM to function like MALONE and STOCKTON. Run some 2-man game from the extended free-throw line 20 times a night. Hell, make it 30 or 40. By the way, SHAQ had no chance to cover the pick and roll, and nearly every time the LAKERS ran it KOBE had a wide open 3 or a clear path to the basket. That's part of the reason he hit four 3's in the first 5 minutes alone. Why did TOMJANOVICH decide to abandon it after the 1st quarter? And why do they insist on setting the pick from about 40 feet out? As I recall, STOCKTON used to initiate that play about 20 feet from the basket. Both players are a threat there, whether it be BRYANT and ODOM, or BRYANT and COOK, or BRYANT and MIHM. Speaking of MIHM, why is he only effective in the first halves of games. RUDY needs to sit him down and fix his conditioning issues, or his energy issues, or whatever the issues are. Part of it is that he doesn't get the same minutes in the 2nd half. He has got the skills to be a factor both in the beginnings of games and at the end. In this game, the LAKERS should have been looking to get MIHM up and down the court faster than O'NEAL. BEN WALLACE and coach BROWN exposed that weakness during the Finals last season. TOMJANOVICH must not have been watching. MIHM should have had a field day, but the LAKERS weren't looking to run the ball. MIAMI and WADE were much quicker at it, and got more easy baskets because of it. DWAYNE shot even worse than KOBE, 10 for 26, but he seemed to run the show for MIAMI from start to finish, and he finished with 29 points and 10 assists. He and EDDIE JONES each had 4 points in overtime to carry their team. SHAQ had 26 points, 11 rebounds and 3 blocked shot before he fouled out. The LAKERS haven't played the way they did in pre-season, where they shuttled in players like a track meet. Instead they have struggled in getting the whole team to play together, and relied too much on the three. On Saturday they took a franchise record 35 attempts from distance. They finished 1 basket short. |
Just a day after it looked like the LAKERS had found themselves, not even 24 hours after a ringing performance in Sacramento, the ghosts of Christmas present reappeared to take all of the ring out of their best performance of the year. They lost in overtime 120-116 to the WASHINGTON WIZARDS, and it wasn’t even that close. The WIZARDS had their way pretty much throughout the game, getting easy lay-ins whenever they needed points. I thought the LAKERS were the running team this season. Apparently not. WASHINGTON was the quicker team down the floor, even after made baskets. And they went the entire 1st half without a turnover. That will get it done. Then add LARRY HUGHES with 33 and GILBERT ARENAS with 37, and KOBE’S triple double, 36 points, 14 assists, 10 rebounds, with 2 steals and a block, meant little more than window dressing. And these LAKERS are on the outside looking in. There’ll be no Christmas at Staples this year if this team doesn’t step up and find themselves. They took the floor looking like a team playing back-to-back games. Defense is not this team’s strong point, particularly at the guard position. CHUCKY ATKINS had a good offensive game with 23 points, but he is non-existent on the defensive end. Neither he, nor TIERRE BROWN could do anything to slow ARENAS and HUGHES down. KOBE couldn’t either for that matter. Once again, there seems to be some uneven management by coach TOMJONAVICH of the team and the players that are hot. BRIAN COOK, coming off a good performance Thursday, got 37 minutes. But TIERRE BROWN, who had a great game against SACRAMENTO, only played 12, making both of his shots and dishing off an assist. CHRIS MIHM, who got 2 quick fouls, didn’t score a point. JUMAINE JONES played 20 minutes getting just 6 points. LAMAR ODOM, the star of the previous game, was pretty quiet, despite his 15 points and 10 rebounds. At times it seemed the LAKERS didn’t want to throw the ball in to him in the low post, and there are very few plays designed to get him some touches inside, where he can use some aggression to score easy buckets or get to the foul line. For that matter, most of the LAKERS plays, indeed the offense seems to start out way to high, almost at the half court line. No one is a threat out there, particularly the big man who rolls off the screen, whether it be ODOM, MIHM or even BRIAN COOK. (COKKIE’S shot is improve3d, but he’s not force from 35 feet out.) What is the point? Can’t the pick and roll be setup at the shoulder? Somebody get out the old JAZZ tapes, would you? We don’t need KARL MALONE back in the lineup to run an affective 2-man game! Also, they seem to get started in the offense late, putting whoever ends up getting the ball under an inordinate amount of pressure to get something going before the 24 second clock runs out. It seems to me those are problems that fall squarely on the coach’s shoulders. As is the fact that the team comes out flat as a board to start the second half-at home no less. That is inexcusable. Especially when the team is trying to get some momentum going. With 15 guys on the roster, most of who are interchangeable, get some guys in the lineup with the energy to make something happen. If RUDY is having trouble juggling whom to put in the lineup, maybe he ought to shuttle people in based on how well they are playing defense. No dee, no minutes. Or how about a little trap defense? CHUCKY and TIERRE might be more effective in short pressing spurts, rather than to leave them hung out to dry, one-on-one. Whatever the case, this team had better find an identity, and develop guys who have more consistency in their game, or they really are going to be a 42-42 team. That would be a shame, given the promise and the talent that appeared ready to blossom during pre-season. |
It was the first win by the new LAKERS over a top tier team this year. It was their first victory in 6 games against Western Conference leaders. It was a win on the road, at the cow palace, otherwise known as Arco Arena, Sacramento, 115-99. What it was, was the first time this season that KOBE BRYANT and LAMAR ODOM clicked together on offense, and it might be the bell-ringer that finally gets this team going. Last season with Miami, LAMAR ODOM played point guard. He ran the offense, handled the ball, dished off assists, scored at will and rebounded like a center. He showed for the first time, the promise that was expected of him when he came into the league. So it was with high hopes that LAKER fans anticipated the pairing of KOBE BRYANT with the young and talented ODOM. But the two haven’t really gelled so far this season. ODOM has put up impressive numbers, particularly on the boards. But he hasn’t looked comfortable on offense, and he hasn’t played well with KOBE in tandem. All that may have changed last night, as ODOM had 16 points at the half. He finished with 22, to go with 7 rebounds, 2 assists and a blocked shot. KOBE BRYANT led the way with 31 points, 12 assists, 6 rebounds, 2 blocked shots and 2 steals. Not a bad night. It was one of the easiest games the LAKERS have had against their once arch-rival, SACRAMENTO. And it was one of the worst losses the KINGS have suffered on their home floor. Not since SAN ANTONIO beat them 116-95 had the KINGS played so poorly at home. Who knew? This year’s LAKERS have any number of guys who can bring it on offense. On this night it was BRIAN COOK with 12 points and TIERRE BROWN with 15 to go with 4 assists in 22 minutes. BROWN, who had 13 in the 4th quarter alone, needs more time at point. On other nights it is CHRIS MIHM, or JUMAINE JONES or CARON BUTLER. But the key to this LAKER squad has always been the compatibility of BRYANT’S and ODOM’S games. If they could work more closely together, this team can become a whole lot better. And think about that for a minute. The LAKERS are 13-9, but have given up 13 or more point leads in 8 different games this season. The SEATTLE loss this week is really the only time they have been blown out in a game with a playoff contender. They lost a close game to SAN ANTONIO. They should have beaten PHOENIX twice by now. PHOENIX by the way is 19-3 with the best record in the league. It’s conceivable, with a little luck, or perhaps just a little more time for KOBE and LAMAR to bond, that this team could be one of the best in the league. And that’s without SHAQ! Look for this game to be the turning point, and for Christmas Day to bring confirmation. Santa is coming to town, and the LAKERS may have just rounded the turn. The bells are ringing, baby! |
BRIAN COOK, who hails from the chicago area, said he wanted to make a good showing as he returned home. That moment doesn't actually occur until this evening's game with the BULLS, but no need to waste time. BRIAN was cooking in Milwaukee last night, as he posted career bests in points and rebounds, with 25 and 11. He led the team in both categories, and added a steal for that extra flair. COOK went 5 for 6 from 3-point range, as the LAKERS beat the BUCKS 95-90 to start this 2-game road trip. KOBE BRYANT helped save the win with an unbelievable blocked shot with under a minute remaining, and MICHAEL REDD closing in for a dunk which would have drawn the BUCKS to within 3 points. But KOBE cut off his path, elevated to the rim, and with both hands and all 10 fingers extended, as if to give the zebras plenty of view, he rejected the shot and that was that. It didn't draw iron, and KOBE swooped around the court like a california condor. The refs had blown a key call just minutes earlier, tagging LAMAR ODOM with a foul against MAURICE WILLIAMS, when it was WILLIAMS who clearly pushed off against LAMAR, as he defended the lay-in. Not this time. It was a fitting end to another frustrating evening for REDD, the BUCKS superstar, who average 23 points per game coming into this. KOBE blanketed him, limiting him to 8 points on 3 for 13 shooting in 37 minutes. In Los Angeles last week, as the LAKERS beat the BUCKS 100-96, KOBE stifled REDD again, allowing only 6 points on 1 for 8 shooting in 30 minutes. Do you think REDD is happy the LAKERS are gone for a while. What an amazing defensive effort by BRYANT! KOBE added 20 points, 11 assists, 7 rebounds, a steal, and another blocked shot. This one almost as fantastic, as he came from the week side and blocked a shot with his left hand, sending it flying ala BILL RUSSELL. Coach TOMJONAVICH called the second block the best defensive play he had ever seen in his career. The first wasn't chopped liver. COOK and BRYANT were joined in double figures by ODOM, who had 16 points, 11 rebounds, 5 assists, a block and a steal. Just a typical line for LAMAR, who anchored the offense last night when KOBE was on the bench. I still don't think the LAKERS are utilizing his offensive skills. By the way, can we say now that ODOM is at least as good a rebounder as SHAQ ever was? CARON BUTLER had 10 points and CHUKY ATKINS finished with 13. It seems every night there are 5 LAKERS in double figures and that is a good thing. Another good thing is that it isn't always the same guys. CHRIS MIHM found himself in foul trouble, and was not a factor, scoring just 4 points and getting just 1 rebound in 16 minutes. In games where MIHM has 3 or fewer fouls, the LAKERS are 9-1. Spelling ATKINS, TIERRE BROWN got 15 minutes of playing time and dished out 4 assists. Better yet, he had only 1 turnover in that time. BROWN is the LAKERS best guard at penetrating and finding guys open underneath. He needs more time. As do others. Again VLADE DIVAC, JUMAINE JONES and KAREEM RUSH were not factors, and LUKE WALTON and SLAVA MEDVEDENKO did not play. DEVEAN GEORGE is going to have to find some playing time in this lineup, don't forget. PHIL JACKSON weighed in on the team in an interview with the Chicago Tribune. "They want to run and gun, and up-tempo their game, but I just don't see it happening. They going to end up being pretty much a half-court team...But I think they can win close to 50 games, somewhere in that range." Now RUDY, if that's not incentive... |
On a weekend when the sky fell in on the NBA, the LAKERS split another two games, improved their record to 6-5, and gained some additional confidence and incentive to really make something of this season. They began the weekend by hanging tough with the PHOENIX SUNS, one of the best teams in the league. Led by AMARE STOUDEMIRE, the NBA'S leading scorer, PHOENIX held off the LAKERS 107-102. STOUDEMIRE finished with 33 points, 14 rebounds, 2 blocks and 2 assists. He had a week where he scored more than 30 points in all 3 games. It eclipsed a triple-double performance by KOBE BRYANT, who had 29 points, 11 boards and 10 assists. BRYANT was joined by CARON BUTLER who had 21 points and 6 rebounds, but with CHRIS MIHM on the bench with stomach flu, the LAKERS didn't have enough firepower. LAMAR ODOM still hasn't found a place in the offense. He managed 18 points and an impressive 15 rebounds, but he and KOBE are not a cohesive threat, and that has got to change if this team is going to be anything better than .500. On Sunday, ODOM got 12 big boards, but again didn't make much noise on offense, getting 12 points on 3 for 8 shooting. He got to the free throw line only once, making 1 of 2 attempts. That is not good enough. LAMAR needs to be a 20-point a game man, and he needs to be aggressive, and involved in the offense. It's not happening. Even in his best performances this year, ODOM is an outside threat, more than anything else. He needs to develop a 2-man game with KOBE, and/or with CARON BUTLER, along the lines of MALONE and STOCKTON. There isn't a team in the league that could handle that kind of threat, but RUDY hasn't put it in yet. BUTLER, the most consistent of the newly acquired LAKERS thus far, had another stellar game. He scored 21 with 7 rebounds, 3 assists 2 steals and a block. All 5 of the LAKER starters had double figures, with ATKINS getting 14 points, 4 assists and 4 rebounds. CHRIS MIHM, recovering from the flu had 18 points and 10 rebounds. KOBE nearly had another triple-double, with 29 points, 10 rebounds, 7 assists a steal and a block. But he was unusually poor from the free throw line, making only 8 of 17 attempts. KOBE even tried to bank one, he was so bad. His 9 turnovers didn't help matters, either. And so, the LAKERS struggled with the winless CHICAGO BULLS, pulling away in only the last minute or so. That won't get it done against the better teams in the league. Nor will getting only 8 points and 9 rebounds from the bench in a combined 47 minutes. Ironically, this is the deepest LAKER team in some time. Coach TOMJONAVICH has 12 good options on his squad, and another 3 on the "injured reserve". He seemed to get the most out of the group during pre-season, when the LAKERS had 15-18 guys playing in any number of combinations. But it seems RUDY is having some difficulty working everybody into a rotation where they can contribute. Rookie draft pick SASHA VUJACIC has barely played at all during the regular season, yet he looked like his poise and skills were going to help this team based on his play during exhibition. KAREEM RUSH has been non-existent this year. And BRIAN GRANT, acquired to be a necessary component of the low post game on both offense and defense, has hardly gotten enough time to make a dent. Add to this the return of JUMAINE JONES, who was feeling comfortable on offense, as well as the entry of SLAVA MEDVEDENKO and VLADE DIVAC into the mix, and coach has got his hands full. As does the team. Things could be worse, of course. How about being the INDIANA PACERS and waking up this morning facing the season without their star guard RON ARTEST. He wanted some time off to work on his recording career. Now he's got a whole year to rap it out. Losing JERMAINE O'NEAL and STEPHEN JACKSON for 25 and 30 games respectively isn't so good either. INDIANA, contrary to all expectations, was looking like it had the right stuff. Maybe next year. The DETROIT PISTONS, who are off to an uninspired 5-4 start, are lucky to lose BEN WALLACE for only 6 games. I mean, come on, he wasn't hit that hard to react the way he did. On the other hand, when you're up by 17 points with 45 seconds to play on your opponent's court, and that court is Auburn Hills, near Detroit, and you're man, BEN WALLACE, is open for a dunk, why foul him at all, hard or soft. About the only thing less brilliant than that, might be to go into the stands after being grazed by a plastic cup while chilling horizontally on the scorer's table. Things really could be a lot worse. |
The new look LAKERS are still standing, and still on the run, after a challenging road trip that saw them split 4 tough games, and their first showdown with the team that seeks to take control of their home front, the LOS ANGELES CLIPPERS. The CLIPS were looking good, sitting ahead of the LAKERS in the standings, a rare occurrence, and coming off an impressive win over the TORONTO RAPTORS the night before. But this new squad is not ready to assume the position. They don’t think of themselves as a 40 win team with no big men in the middle. And they consistently come up with runs that put games out of reach, particularly here on their home court. Last night it was an 18-4 run at the start of the 4th quarter, that put a close game in the frig, 103-89. This time it was CHUCKY ATKINS, who is beginning to play with aggression, and is starting to look comfortable as the LAKER starting point guard. There has been some talk KOBE should take over that role, but it appears MAGIC has been getting into CHUCKY’S ear on attacking the basket more, and looking for his 3-point shot along the way. ATKINS finished with 17 points, 7 assists, 3 rebounds and a steal. He was part of an awesome highlight reel play late in the 4th as KOBE took a steal passed to ATKINS on a 2 on 1, who lobbed it up to the rim. The pass wasn’t the best, but KOBE caught it in one hand and somehow brought it back to the basket for a spectacular dunk. KOBE and ATKINS did a high sternum, and the game was over. A few more moments like that and this team will grow leaps and bounds. After the game the bravado from ATKINS was striking. “We’re not like the LAKERS of last year, where you has SHAQ and KOBE scoring almost all of the points. On our team KOBE will still do his scoring, but we have LAMAR ODOM that can score 20 points. CARON BUTLER can score 20. CHRIS MIHM can score 20, and I can score 20. That’s just the way we are.” Well I guess someone is getting settled in. Good for him, because we are going to need his help at point. By the way, ODOM had only 11. BUTLER had 14. MIHM had 15. BRIAN COOK added 12 off the bench. But it was plenty to go along with BRYANT’S 23 points, 11 assists, 6 rebounds, 5 steals and 2 blocked shots. He played all 24 minutes of the second half, and 45 minutes in the game. Do you think KOBE wanted this one? Next up, the division leading PHOENIX SUNS on their court in the valley of the sun. The LAKERS were the only team to beat the SUNS in exhibition. Can they move into the division lead when it counts? We shall see, but if ATKINS has anything to say about it, look out SUNS. |
The fast break was back last night in the quarter, as the LAKERS jumped on the NEW ORLEANS HORNETS last night. They got off to a pretty easy start, when in the 2nd second quarter leading 35-31, they got the runs. They closed the half with a 15-2 flurry, and it continued into the 3rd quarter, as the LAKERS outscored NEW ORLEANS 37-9 to extend their lead to 72-40. Their biggest lead was 33 before the team shut down. They coasted to a scary 106-98 win, but not until the HORNETS had gotten as close as 7 points with KOBE on the bench having fouled out. But a win on the road, particularly the first out of the box on this very difficult trip, is good news anyway you slice it. KOBE led all players with 31 points, though he only made 8 shots on 18 attempts. He has become a master at getting to the free throw line with a nifty up and under move as his defender hand-checks him on defense. It's a ploy KOBE utilizes several times every game, on his way to an average of 15 foul shots a night. Last night he was 14 for 14. In addition to his offense, KOBE had 8 rebounds, 4 assists and 2 blocks for another all around game. But his most valuable contribution might have been his defense on BARON DAVIS, who finished with 23 points when it was all over, but KOBE kept him without a basket in the first half, when the game was decided. CARON BUTLER was not effected by his sprained ankle, as he had another impressive game with 23 points, 9 rebounds, 3 assists and 2 steals. BUTLER is finding his place with this new team. Now if only LAMAR ODOM would join him. ODOM hit a crucial basket to keep the game out of reach by the HORNETS late in the 4th without KOBE in the game. It was an important moment for LAMAR to step up. But he still hasn't found his comfort zone in this offense. KOBE and LAMAR are not playing well together. And yet, the LAKERS ran away with this game. If ODOM gets into the act, this team is really going to be something special. ODOM finished with 12 points, 6 rebounds, 4 assists and 2 steals. It wasn't a bad game, but you get the sense LAMAR is still not there yet. Look out! CHUCKY ATKINS got there last night, having his best game as a LAKER, with 18 points, 6 assists, 3 rebounds and a steal. JUMAINE JONES was having a hell of a game, with 9 points, 3 rebounds and 2 assists in the first half. But he strained his calf during warmups to start the second half and did not play the rest of the night. That would have been 5 players in double figures. That could be an average night for this team. When was the last time we had that many scoring options, that many unselfish players, and that many assists? DEVEAN GEORGE, SLAVA MEDVEDENKO, KAREEM RUSH and VLADE DIVAC are not yet a part of this group. Can you imagine? BRIAN GRANT isn't really a part of this group either. RUDY T got him 15 minutes last night, but he didn't get a single rebound. That's his game, and he isn't really needed yet. The LAKERS for the 3rd straight game out-rebounded their opponents. Who said this team would be weak on the boards. we're resting GRANT for the playoffs, for God's sake. CHRIS MIHM was resting as well last night. He had 6 points and 8 rebounds, without a blocked shot. That's the beauty of this team. On any given night... |
There might be times this season when the new LAKER squad seems adrift on an angry sea. In fact, there were moments Friday night, like the stretch where SAN ANTONIO had 4 or 5 easy dunks or lay-ins as the defense seemed to open up a sinkhole in the middle. But even in that game the LAKERS showed signs of gaining enough ballast to hang with the best teams in the NBA. Surely the SPURS arte in that class, and while they beat the LAKERS Friday, it was not the kind of victory that will dismiss this LAKER team. To the contrary, they got a gauge of where they stand, and they will improve. The loss wasted the first big game from LAMAR ODOM, who broke out with 24 points, 11 rebounds, 4 assists, 3 steals and 2 blocked shots. Ironically, the LAKERS out-rebounded the SPURS 46-41. So Sunday night’s victory over a not as impressive ATLANTA HAWKS was some measure of redemption. More importantly, it evened their record at 2-2 and set a positive launch for their real road test of the season-4 games in 5 nights in New Orleans, Memphis, Orlando and Houston. CARON BUTLER emerged as a scorer against the HAWKS, getting 22 points on 10 of 14 shooting. He was in the gym early with KOBE practicing his shot, and the extra time seemed to pay off. Towards the end of the game he sprained his ankle, but he managed to stay in the game. KOBE led the team with 24 points, 6 assist, 5 rebounds and 2 blocks. But on this night 5 LAKERS managed double figures. Two went as far as double-doubles. LAMAR ODOM had 11 points and 11 rebounds, and CHRIS MIHM finished with 19 points and 10 rebounds. MIHM added 4 blocks and 2 assists to his impressive line. Joining the LAKERS in double figures was backup point guard TIERRE BROWN who was active in his 21 minutes, getting 13 points, 5 assists and a steal. Starting point guard CHUCKY ATKINS by comparison had only 2 points, 5 assists and a rebound in 27 minutes. Could TIERRE BROWN, who didn’t make it into the press guide, end up starting soon? You heard it here first. Perhaps RUDY ought give some consideration to sharing some of ATKINS minutes with rookie SASHA VUJACIC, who can’t seem to get any playing time. He’s not long for the roster, as VLADE, DEVEAN and SLAVA are heading back soon. LUKE WALTON and KAREEM RUSH seem to be the next in line should all three of the injured players become available. Meanwhile, BRIAN GRANT and BRIAN COOK got only 6 minutes each, with neither making much of an impact. It’s hard to do with that little playing time. GRANT clearly needs more minutes, as he is the strongest LAKER post player. And COOK has developed into a bona fide outside shooter who can be a real asset on the break. There just aren’t enough spots on the roster, or minutes in a game, but TOMJANOVICH will have to deal with it if this group is to continue to develop. TOMJANOVICH assessed the difficult days ahead, “There is no strategy for what’s coming up. Double back-to-backs at this time for a young team, isn’t the ideal situation.” Coach needn’t be so worried. It was no less true even with SHAQ in uniform. Set a course for the Big Easy, and full speed ahead. |
It’s never good when an NBA game is delayed 30 minutes for the home team to adjust the height of the basket. There’s something about guys on ladders with measuring tapes tinkering with the rim in a hostile gym that just doesn’t bode well for a visiting team. And then there was ANDREI KIRILENKO. Last year KIRILENKO was second in the league in blocked shots and 4th in steals, and he must have been itching and burning for the new season to begin, as last night in Utah he blocked the first 3 LAKER shot attempts, and had 6 blocks at the half. The LAKERS never recovered, shooting a miserable 29% and making only 20 baskets the entire night. KOBE tried to carry the team, scoring 38 points on 9 for 21 shooting, but it was not to be. In a reversal from last night, the LAKERS trailed from start to finish, and couldn’t get closer than 13 despite KOBE’S efforts. LAMAR ODOM was 3 for 10 from the floor, and mustered 14 points. But LAMAR still hasn’t found a comfort zone in this offense. At some point he and KOBE have got to start blending better, perhaps a little 2-man game, in the house that STOCKTON and MALONE built? BRIAN COOK was 1 for 5. CARON BUTLER was 1 for 8. CHUCKY ATKINS was 0 for 2. TIERRE BROWN was 0 for 3. KAREEM RUSH was 0 for 4. It was ugly. It is clear one of the LAKERS big problems this season will be rebounding. They were out-rebounded again, 43-37. BRIAN GRANT needs more than 10 minutes a game. And it will help to get VLADE and SKLAVA back, a little anyway. Not to worry. This was a back-to-back in which the LAKERS have never done well. Bring on the SAN ANTONIO SPURS. |
Coming into this NBA season, the DENVER NUGGETS were predicted to finish ahead of the LAKERS in the West. They were impressive in pre-season, garnering the best record in the league, winning 7 of their 8 games. So it was pleasantly surprising, as the LAKERS got off to a fast start and never trailed in their opening night win, 89-78, Tuesday. The LAKERS opened fast, leading 6-1, and closed the 1st quarter with an 8-0 run to lead 24-14. CHRIS MIHM was fantastic, maneuvering inside like SHAQ O’NEAL, but with a shooting touch around the basket. He had 13 points in the first quarter, mostly on finesse shots in close range after nifty entry passes from his teammates, led by KOBE BRYANT. Opening the 2nd quarter like they finished the first, the LAKERS extended the lead to 42-25. This was supposed to be a weak LAKER team. They have barely played together a month. But here we were, coasting from the start, and KOBE BRYANT had hardly even shot the ball. At the time he was 1 for 4 from the field. The LAKERS closed the quarter 14-6 to go into the locker room with a remarkable 50-31 advantage. CHICK must be smiling in heaven to see a LAKER team finish quarters strongly. DENVER, behind the evolving skills of 2nd-year man, CARMELLO ANTHONY, made a run late in the game. They chipped away at a LAKER 23-point lead in the 3rd quarter, and got as close as 7 late in the 4th. But this one was never in doubt, from the opening tip, with the LAKERS fully in charge throughout. All this, and KOBE BRYANT was playing under amazing control. BRYANT seems to get the idea that if he is to be successful with this new group of guys, he will need their contributions. And thus far he’s gotten them. BRIAN COOK displayed his vastly improved shooting touch, and confidence, making 5 of 10 shots, most from long range, for 10 points. He added 3 assists and 2 rebounds in 26 minutes. CHRIS MIHM had a career night finishing with 23 points, 12 rebounds, 2 blocks and an assist. Not a bad debut for a 7-footer few in LA knew much about 30 days ago. He shot 70% from the free throw line, and ran the court like a guard. With a bit more experience and aggression, he could have added 3 or 4 dunks to that total, and improved upon his 50% shooting percentage. CARON BUTLER had a nice first game, shooting 5 for 7 for 11 points, 4 rebounds and 2 assists. He was 1 for 2 from 3-point range. LAMAR ODOM is still trying to find his place in this offense. He only had 5 points. But he led the team with 13 rebounds, and he had 4 steals, also a team best. The beauty of this team is that no one player has to have the same game every night. ODOM will go for 30 on some nights. On this one, it didn’t much matter. Perhaps harder than adjusting to the loss of the “dominant” center in the middle, TOMJANOVICH is going to have to manage getting everyone minutes so they’re games continue to develop. BRIAN GRANT, for instance, only played 10 minutes. LUKE WALTON and SASHA VUJACIC didn’t get any time at all. This team has 12 active players, who can all play. And there are 3 more on the injured reserve who are just as capable. It’s going to be a challenge to bring them all around, but what a luxury! KOBE BRYANT led the way, in an unselfish performance that many thought he was incapable of. He had 25 points, 7 assists, 4 rebounds, 3 blocks and 2 steals. He wasn’t exactly shooting well, but he wasn’t looking for his shoot every time, and it worked. KOBE has many options on this team. MIHM is a player. He can catch and shoot with accuracy from all around the basket, and KOBE seems very comfortable getting him the ball. ODOM will find his way on offense, and he will be a lethal option. Likewise with CARON BUTLER, and the rest of the LAKER forwards. JUMAINE JONES, who had a great exhibition season with the team, got 20 good minutes. But his nerves seemed to get in the way of his game last night. He’ll come around, and he’s got a 3-point shot KOBE is looking for out there. KOBE put it this way last night, “Basketball is always fun, and now we’ve got a great group of guys. I’ve haven’t been around a tighter group.” There are still observers who aren’t excited about this team, but from what I can see, the prospects are good. We’ve got speed and skills, with depth unlike we’ve ever had. And we’ve still got the best player in the league, with, somehow, a cast of characters, playing together, who can help carry the load. The prospects are very good. |
The LAKERS have whittled their roster down to 15, sending TONY BOBBITT and keeping TIERRE BROWN. VLADE DIVAC, DEVEAN GEORGE and SLAVA MEDVEDENKO will start the season on the injured reserve list. TIERRE BROWN’S contract is not guaranteed, so that if and when KARL MALONE is ready, and he decides he wants back on this team, the LAKERS could add him to the mix. Don’t count on it. By the time MALONE decides to come back, if he decides to come back, TIERRE BROWN just might be the starting guard. He’s that good. This team, all 15 of them, are quickly gelling as a group. Never in my 40 years as a LAKER fan have I seen a team that is so deep. Coach TOMJANOVICH could interchange any of the 15 players without any significant drop off. What’s more, it seems any of the bunch could play with any of the others. There isn’t a defined, entrenched 1st squad and 2nd squad as in years past. And they are just getting to know each other and the offense. Who needs MALONE? Most of the pundits think this team will have a hard time getting 50 wins and finishing better than 5th in the West. Nonsense! If these guys stay healthy, they will be a whole lot better than what we’ve seen in the exhibition season, and that, by the way, was not that bad. The LAKERS finished 6-2, for a 4th seed if there were to be playoffs now. Only DENVER and PHOENIX did any better out of the 30 teams, and the LAKERS handed PHOENIX it’s only loss. We shall see soon enough just how good the NUGGETS are. Last year’s champs, the DETROIT PISTONS finished 3-5. The SHAQUILLE O’NEAL led MIAMI HEAT were a modest 4-3. By the way, SHAQ missed 3 of the 7 pre-season games for the HEAT, and is questionable for their opener against NEW JERSEY on Wednesday. Coach VAN GUNDY is already perturbed, as SHAQ has been unable to practice with full contact, five on five. “We thought we’d have him back full today, and we didn’t.” Get used to it STAN. We thought a lot of things, ourselves, when SHAQ was here in Los Angeles. |
The LAKERS didn’t go on one run last night; they just ran the SEATTLE SUPERSONICS out of the building in San Diego, 117-91. The SUPERSONICS were without their star RAY ALLEN, who sat out because of a sore back or a growing feud with KOBE BRYANT, or some combination of the two. CARON BUTLER was the one with the hot hand early on this night. Having shed his splint on his sore finger, he scored 18 in the first quarter. He wasn’t needed the rest of the night, as the LAKERS went on runs of 18-7 in the first and 19-8 in the second to put this one away early. It’s an event that may happen regularly with this team. Imagine this-KOBE BRYANT played 9 minutes and scored 2 points. LAMAR ODOM played 9 minutes and scored 3 points. Yet the LAKERS were never tested, and won going away. They led by 23 at the half. That’s insane. BUTLER led all scores with his 18, but 5 other LAKERS, all off the bench, had double figures. LUKE WALTON, in his second outing of the year, got warmed up with 10 points, 4 assists, 3 rebounds and a steal. JUMAINE JONES had 15, to go with 6 rebounds and an assist. KAREEM RUSH in his first run with the team since injuring himself in the first meeting with the SUPERSONICS, had 10 points and 2 rebounds. TONY BOBBITT, trying to make this team, had 14 points and 4 assists. TIERRE BROWN, whose spot is probably locked up, also had 14 points, with 5 assists, 3 rebounds and 2 steals. He can get to the rim just about any time he wants, and he drove and dished for open 3-pointers on more than one occasion. The LAKERS haven’t had a guy with speed and skills like that since NORM NIXON, and BROWN looks like he could be even better. The LAKERS improved their pre-season record to 5-2, insuring themselves their first winning exhibition season since DEL HARRIS and 1998. The best PHIL JACKSON ever did in pre-season was 4-4. Now that doesn’t mean much, I know. But what is important is that this team is playing well together. They have any number of guys that can step up, interchangeably. The defensive intensity is at mid-season level. And think of the combinations. There are 5 guys who can play point, including one who is 6’10”. There are 7 or 8 guys who can fill the lane on the break, and score on dunks, or from the outside. There are 6 or 7 legitimate 3-point shooters. Everyone can pass, and everyone can defend anywhere on the floor. Rebounding might be the only problem, but VLADE, GRANT, COOK, JONES, MIHN and SLAVA will have to work on it. Now if we can get KOBE and LAMAR to score, we’ve got a team! |
The fast break has shown flashes. It isn't the kind of break MAGIC used to lead. He did it almost on his own, creating easy baskets with moves and passes a 6'8 guy just couldn't make in the 80's. KOBE BRYANT might get there someday; he's nowhere near the passer. LAMAR ODOM could get there sooner; his game is more like MAGIC'S, and he's 6'10". But in every game this year, this LAKER team has gone on the run. Let's be clear-it's not Showtime yet. But in every game, the LAKERS get a streak going that usually separates them from their opponent and puts the game out of reach. It starts with defense, followed by 5 guys tearing for the front court. Last night it was CHRIS MIHM, who got his towered frame out on the run for 4 easy dunks in the 1st quarter. He had 11 points in the first 12 minutes, nearly all of which were the result of him getting up the floor. He really is no SHAQ! But the run came to start the second half, as the LAKERS went on an 11-2 spurt and the PHOENIX SUNS, then the only unbeaten team in pre-season, were done. It happens every night with these guys. Usually in the second half, they get a streak going, and it feeds off itself. It doesn't much matter whose in the game, the whole damn team can do the run, and they do it together. Last night BRIAN GRANT joined the fray, getting a team high 22 points and 11 rebounds. Not too shabby for an old guy with bad knees who's not really a scorer, and can't run. Here's something-GRANT with 11 rebounds wasn't the leading rebounder. That honor went to CARON BUTLER, who at 6'7" pulled down 13, 4 of them offensive. All that with a bad finger. He injured it during last Thursday's game against the GOLDEN STATE WARRIORS. LUKE WALTON saw action for the first time, after sitting the first few games because of a sprained ankle. He had a point, a rebound and 3 assists in 14 minutes. Point guard might be a very interesting position this season for the LAKERS. During the summer, we were getting accustomed to the idea of KOBE and LAMAR doing all the ball handling. But the exhibition season has revealed a developing glut of talent amongst a handful of traditional point guards. Who knew? CHUCKY ATKINS has started each of the games thus far, but he hasn't really impressed yet. He may just need time to blossom with this squad, as BRAIN GRANT did. But he'd better do it soon, as TIERRE BROWN, a 3rd year player out of McNEESE STATE, is the real deal. He's listed at 6'2", but he's got speed and quickness like SPUD WEB. In 8 minutes of play, he tallied 10 points, a rebound, a steal and an assist. And what an assist it was. MAGIC didn't do it much better during Showtime. From behind the arc, BROWN sliced through a few SUNS, fumbled the ball for a second, elevated, and then threaded the needle with a 30-foot pass to BRIAN GRANT across the floor under the basket. It was an impossible pass and GRANT nearly dropped the ball, before gathering himself for an easy lay-in. The staff likes TONY BOBBITT, who played for the LAKERS during the summer leagues. They like his pure shot. In 24 minutes he managed 9 points,2 assists and a rebound. But it will be hard to beat out BROWN, who played for RUDY TOMJONAVICH in his rookie season, and is playing like he wants badly to be a part of the run. Meanwhile, first round draft pick SASHA VUJACIC is getting more and more comfortable in a LAKER uniform. The kid is 20, but he plays like a veteran, like a cross between PEJA STOYAKOVIC and PETE MARAVICH. He had 8 assists, 3 points, 2 rebounds and a steal in 23 minutes of play. Look out for this guy, he's a keeper! And so, for the surprise of this young season. KOBE BRYANT will not need to score 40 points every game for these guys to be competitive. He won't even need 30. BRYANT may not even be the team's leading scorer every night. In an impressive LAKER win, over what many consider the best team in the league at this stage, KOBE had 12 points. He took 8 shots. That's right, 8 shots in 24 minutes, and the LAKERS won this one rather easily. No triangle offense. No SHAQ O'NEAL crying for the basketball. No PHIL JACKSON laying into KOBE for hogging the ball. No problem. Imagine what things will be like when LAMAR ODOM finally gets his shot together. |
RUDY TOMJONAVICH has gotten the LAKERS to come together amazingly fast. Consider this: Isn't it a little bit strange to see a second or even third unit pulling away from the SACRAMENTO KINGS? Isn't it stranger still to watch a KINGS-LAKERS game, where the KINGS look like the slower team? (Who cares if they just returned from China?) The LAKERS were the better passing team. CARON BUTLER could make us forget about DEVEAN GEORGE, in a hurry. CARON BUTLER could make DEVEAN GEORGE a great player. (Or he's gone, too.) CARON BUTLER could rival KOBE BRYANT and LAMAR ODOM for shots in this offense, and points, for that matter. No one is crying about it. When was the last time we saw a LAKER squad score consecutive uncontested baskets? SASHA VUJACIC, at 20, plays like he's been in the league for 5 years. (No coincidence, he's been a pro since he was 16.) Down 57-56 in the 3rd quarter, the LAKERS went on a run, sparked by lighting quick team defense, and an aggressive, overpowering fast break, which put the game to bed early. This time the run was only 17-4. Who is BRIAN COOK? Or better to say, where was he last year?(17 points on 7 for 11 shooting, mostly long outside jumpers.) Isn't life a whole lot better with two 7-footers filling the lanes on the break? (Yeah, I know ODOM is only 6'10") How many teams in the league can boast 7 bigs that can run the floor like gazelles? (MIHM, ODOM, COOK, MEDVEDENKO) How does management cut 8 guys from this disparate bunch of talented players? Who knew the problem was going to be too much talent? You tell me, how did the LAKERS win this one by 25 points with KOBE getting only 10 points and SHAQ tanning somewhere in the Carribean? Keep it coming, RUDY! Oh, somebody get word to KARL MALONE, there's no room baby! |
The new LAKERS have only played 8 exhibition quarters together, and there are still 2 players, VLADE DIVAC and DEVEAN GEORGE who have not joined this group on the floor, but you could see glimpses of what might be to come last night, particularly in the 3rd quarter. After falling behind 57-50 to the GOLDEN STATE WARRIORS, DEREK FISHER'S new squad, the LAKERS went on a 23-2 run that included some swarming defense, an emerging fast break offense, and a core unit of 8-10 players that seem like they will fit into an interchangeable platoon unlike any this city has ever seen. The LAKERS won the practice game 94-80. But the real story is the depth of talent, though still congealing, that this team might end up with, once everyone is healthy, and had some time to get to know each other. DIVAC is nursing a herniated disc, and should be ready by the season opener or soon after. DEVEAN GEORGE had ankle surgery in July and may not be ready for another month or so. KAREEM RUSH injured himself early in the first exhibition game, a loser to SEATTLE, but should be fine and may play this week, as the LAKERS have 3 more exhibitions. As for those guys who did suit up, CHRIS MIHM is one heck of a pickup. Acquired from the BOSTON CELTICS along with CHUCKY ATKINS and JUMAIN JONES for RICK FOX and GARY PAYTON, along with a LAKER 1st round pick, this 7-footer can play. In his first time out with the LAKERS last Tuesday, he had 7 rebounds and 6 blocked shots. Last night he was the second leading scorer with 14 points, along with 6 rebounds and 2 more blocks. He can shoot the ball from within 20 feet. He can face up, post up, or even score with a nice running hook. He's a good free throw shooter. He runs the floor like a small forward, and he can defend the pick and roll, anywhere on the floor. Now, this guy is no replacement for SHAQ, but he can play. Something happened to BRIAN COOK in the off-season. Whatever it was, he has emerged a player. Who knew? PHIL JACKSON doesn't like playing rookies, and COOK must have known it last year. But now, he seems comfortable on the floor, a look he never sported last season, despite considerable playing time. He's got an outside shot, which he doesn’t hesitate from taking, and he can clean up on the break. The team will depend on a good chemistry between KOBE and LAMAR ODO. Then, who hangs with them will be the key. CHUCKY ATKINS, a starter at point guard both games thus far, can run with them. CARON BUTLER, playing for the first time as a LAKER showed he's got legs and hops. SASCHA VUJACIC has definitely got the game for a running offense, and the shot as well. Last night, he let go a catch and shoot 3-pointer from 28 feet, a good 2 feet behind the arc, that got nothing but net. JUMAINE JONES has got the skills, both on defense and offense, as we know, does LUKE WALTON who we haven't seen much, as RUDY looks over the rest of the guys. Last night TONY BOBBITT looked like he's got an offensive game that would work; word is the coaching staff likes his outside shooting ability. And TIERRE BROWN showed speed and aggression as a slicing point guard in game 1, the likes of which the LAKERS have rarely seen, much less had on their team. Will SLAVA MEDVEDENO fit into this bunch? Of course he will. His game, which began to show real signs of life last year, is even more improved. BRIAN GRANT got his first minutes last night, and he and VLADE, along with MIHM and ODOM will have to anchor the defense and rebounding so this team can run. It’s not O’NEAL and MALONE, but it could be very adequate. And by the way, what kind of a talent can LAMAR ODOM develop into-he's 6'10", he can shoot the 3, he's a playmaker point guard if he wants to be, and an aggressive defender and rebounder. Once he grabs the board, he's got the option of dribbling it out to start the break, or utilizing his superior passing skills. When he gets settled, no one is going to be moaning the loss of SHAQ, or that boring triangle offense. And if the 3rd quarter last night was any indication, this team could grow into quite an exciting machine. Think about it, they were down 57-50, with a bunch of guys that had never played before as a team. And for 8 minutes, they gelled for a spurt that blew by a WARRIOR team that was undefeated, including a win over SACRAMENTO. They left them in the dust 23-2 and the game was over, in the 3rd quarter. That could happen every night with these guys. Just give them some time. |
 On the day that the LAKERS open their preseason schedule against the SEATTLE SUPERSONICS, a juicy new book by former coach PHIL JACKSON has risen to fill the soap opera culture that is LAKER journalism these days. KOBE and SHAQ will be locked in a media induced feud over what KOBE might have said in a panic to a couple of Colorado investigators “off the record” perhaps for the rest of the year. It’s as if sports writers don’t want to write about the sport.Now comes JACKSON with a tell-all book due on shelves Monday, detailing his final season with the LAKERS. The cover, in high drama mode includes a subtitle, “A TEAM IN SEARCH OF ITS SOUL”. How about a team in search of a coach? JACKSON’S efforts here were never compatible with their young superstar KOBE BRYANT, and now the truth be told. JACKSON went to MITCH KUPCHAK in the 1999-2000 season, his very first with the LAKERS, and demanded KOBE be traded. That’s after, what, 3 months with the kid, who was 21 at the time?
PHIL wanted to trade KOBE to the PHOENIX SUNS for JASON KIDD and SHAWN MARION. In January of this year PHIL threatened to quit if the LAKERS didn't trade KOBE. “I won’t coach this team next year if he is still here. He won’t listen to anyone. I’ve had it with this kid.” This is supposed to be the Zen master? KUPCHAK and BUSS of course did the right thing, dealing JACKSON and SHAQ, after the big guy refused an ungodly amount of money to renew his contract. And the rest, as they say, is history.. If JACKSON is to be believed, KOBE told him in their exit interview after the loss to the DETROIT PISTONS that he was tired of subordinating to SHAQ. “I’ve done that for 8 years with him, but I’m tired of being a sidekick.” That’s a position JACKSON no doubt would have had KOBE assume for the rest of his career, had BUSS not let him go. By contrast, PHIL describes his time coaching SHAQUILLE O’NEAL “an experience I will cherish forever.” I guess PHIL is willing to forgive the lack of coming into camp in shape, the questionable timing of his surgery, the stupid use of profanity in the media, the failure to play defense with his feet, the miserable foul shooting, and the overall lack of leadership SHAQ displayed in his years as a LAKER.
This favoritism was evident throughout the years of PHIL’S reign here. JACKSON would be quick to berate KOBE after a timeout, but rarely raised his voice to SHAQ. The entire offense was geared to keep SHAQ happy, and KOBE in handcuffs. JACKSON seems to admit this fact, saying in his book, after a disagreement between he and KOBE about BRYANT being late for a team bus. It turns out KOBE’S watch was correct, and he was on time, despite the reprimand by JACKSON. “The incident illustrated to me how conditioned I am to find fault with this kid, after everything I’ve gone through with him. I suppose the anger is deeper than I imagined.”  Anger? Are you kidding me? KOBE was and is perhaps the best young talent the game has ever seen. He has an entire career ahead of him,still, and a work ethic SHAQ can barely dream about. Why was PHIL JACKSON here for so long? BUSS should have sent him hunting for grasshoppers a long time ago.Championships or not, it will be refreshing to see what KOBE can do, without the coach working against him. KOBE BRYANT is a sidekick no more.
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TITLE RUN? by: Randy Boyd 10.11.04 |
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Only Devean George and Kobe are back from those easy, breezy title years where the Lakers were never extended beyond six games in three successful trips to the NBA finals. And the young players acquired in the last two non-title years—the guys who were tabbed as Lakers’ future—well, now they’re the Lakers’ present, along with some key off-season acquisitions and a new coach.
play that could end up resembling Showtime, the offense that netted LA five titles in the 80s. But Lakers fans won’t have to worry too much about wearing out their Tivos keeping up with the action, according to Rudy T. “I think we can be a high-energy team, fast breaking, but we’ve also got to understand that even the best running teams, it’s only about 30% of the time you do that. The rest of the time you’ve got to have a good half-court offense. There’s go to be a balance there.”
Grant will have inside help in newcomers Chris Mihm and Vlade Divac, who’s doing his second tour with LA. Mihm, a seven footer, is looking forward to stability. His first five NBA seasons were spent getting to know seven different head coaches in Cleveland and Boston, something that hasn’t helped the former Texas Longhorn reach his potential. “I wanted to pick a place to hopefully come and play out my career and I can’t think of a better place to do that.”
The new-look LAKERS don’t take on the HEATED SHAQ until Christmas day thanks to the devious minds inside the NBA’S scheduling committee, but the holidays came early as SHAQUILLE O’NEAL rumbled through Los Angeles this weekend like so many of the hurricanes he now has to avoid walking naked on South Beach. SHAQ was in Santa Monica on Saturday, hooping it up for Nestle’s and a group of lucky young ballers who had the privilege of going one-on-one with the now, not so big, BIG GUY. Gone is the heft.
SHAQ has never looked leaner. Not once in his 8 years in this town did he come into camp in the shape in which PAT RILEY and MITCH KUPCHAK have motivated him. “PAT wanted me to get down, so I’ve just been working hard like I always do and I just got down. I’m looking to do a lot of damage.” Gone are feeble back-to-back efforts? Gone are the single digit rebound games.?
He even agreed to sit down and do one-on-ones with the media, not a given whenever SHAQ made an appearance. O’NEAL would usually grant a moment or two to a scrum of microphones, do some rope-a-dope rapping and name-dropping(usually references to his various selves), and be on his way. But on this fine morning, SHAQ sat prone, with a grin from ear to ear as he willfully submitted to interview upon interview, each reporter trying to get him to break. None succeeded. Gone are the defensive outbursts and belittled reporters.
The last time he spoke directly to Angelenos, SHAQ said he would see us soon, and so he did. He made it a point to |
