When you're having trouble finding your game, playing defense, or even shooting free throws, it's nice to play a bad team. Just what you need. Although the Lakers don't always have an easy time with such opponents, they did what they were supposed to do tonight.
First of all, they moved the ball much better on offense as shown by their 31 assists. They shot 52% from the field, hit almost 80% of their freethrows, and took only 15 3-pointers, making 33% of them. Defensively, they kept the Magic under 90 points, but did allow them to shoot 52.7%.
Breaking their new rule of late, the Lakers had a strong 3rd quarter. A 22-4 run gave them a 20-point lead. In the period, Smush Parker scored 10 with 4 assists and 3 steals, Lamar Odom had 6 points and 7 rebounds, and Brian Cook scored 8.
But in the 4th they had a lull. This resulted in a 17-6 Orlando run, reducing the lead to 9. Kobe took over in the period with 14 points to protect the lead.
As you can see, it was an unusual night of distributed production for the Lakers. Kobe did finish with 28 points, 4 rebounds, 8 assists, and 3 steals. But their were 5 others in double figures. Among the starters, Smush totalled 17 points, 7 assists, and 3 steals. Brian Cook scored 12 with 5 assists. Chris Mihm had 12 points and 7 rebounds in 21:11. And Lamar grabbed 12 rebounds.
Off the bench, Kwame Brown surprised with 11 points and 4 rebounds. And Ronny Turiaf continuing to show improvement with 10 points and 4 rebounds in just 13:16.
Again, it's all very nice. But will they keep it up? And against better teams?
Feb. 26, 2006
Sinking Lower
Boston 112 LA Lakers 111
Defense and freethrows. That's what was missing, again, tonight for the Lakers. It's getting kind of old, but there you are. Same old problems.
After a fairly even first half, after which the Lakers had a 4 point lead, the Celtics opened the 2nd half with a 25-7 run. Down by 14, the Lakers, slowly, very slowly, too slowly, fought their way back. It wasnt' until 15 seconds left in regulation that they tied the game. But one free throw by Boston was the rest of the scoring, giving them the win
As bad as they played all around, the Lakers still win this game if they could hit free throws. They shot 30 of 42 (71.4%) from the line for the game, but only 10 of 17 in the 4th quarter (58.8%). That's when they needed them the most.
Of course, once again, Kobe Bryant did his thing; 40 points, 8 rebounds, 6 assists. And he did get some help on offense. Brian Cook scored 19, Lamar Odom 14 with 10 rebounds and 7 assists, and Smush Parker with 13 points. As a team they shot 47% from the field and 33% from beyond the arc. When you score 111 points and lose, offense isn't your problem
So allowing 112 on 52.6% shooting to the Boston Celtics must indicate bad defense. It's not rocket science.
Feb. 24, 2006
Big Step Backwards
LA Lakers 83 LA Clippers 102
Feb. 23, 2006
Just when it looked like they had figured things out and were on the right track, the Lakers played like they have a good portion of the season. Returning to their tentative, non-ball moving, non-defending ways, they stunk up the joint and lost to the Clippers.
After starting the game by spotting the oppenent a 12-1 lead, the Lakers trailed the whole first half. They did get a very brief 1 point lead in the 3rd quarter, but then saw the wheels come off with a 16-0 Clippers run. No miracle comeback as they couldn't get any stops, and restorted to shooting threes.
As a team, the Lakers shot just 36.4%. Kobe Bryant scored 39 on 12 of 29 shots, with 4 rebounds and 8 assits. That means the rest of the team shot 33%. The only other Laker to reach double figures was Chris Mihm, who had 11 points and grabbed 7 rebounds.
Looking Like A Team
Sacramento 85 LA Lakers 106
For the second game in a row, the Lakers were clicking on all cylinders. Playing with confidence on offence and defense, they lacked the tentativeness they have shown so often this season. It's one thing when you do that against the Portland Trailblazers. It's another when you do it again against the Sacramento Kings.
From about the mid-1st quarter until the mid-2nd, the Lakers went on a 41-19 run and lead by 15. It was nice to see Lamar Odom and Kobe Bryant share the load in the first, and then Devean George come off the bench in the 2nd to help them continue the run.
An 11-1 run late in the 3rd quarter got the Kings to within 5 of the lead going into the 4th. But Kobe returned to the lineup and the Lakers went on a prolonged 26-7 run to put the game away. Devean George once again was particularly effective, scoring 9 in the period with 4 rebounds and 3 steals.
Kobe finished with 36 points, 6 rebounds, and 10 assists. Lamar Odom, looking as comfortable as he ever has as a Laker, had 19, 6, and 9. A non-sparkling yet even game from Smush Parker with 7, 5, and 7. And Brian Cook didn't shoot a lot, but hit 4 of 6 for a handy 12 points. The bench, of course, was lead by Devean with his 15 points and 9 rebounds.
As far as team stats go, the only thing that stands out is the differential in scoring. The Kings socred 85 points on 41.5% shooting, and 24% from 3-point range. That means the Lakers played some defense. Meanwhile, the Lakers shot 52.6%, and hit 10 of 16 3-pointers for 62.5%. It was nice to see them not overdo it from long range for a change, and actually drive to the hoop. I hope they remember how well it worked.
Feb. 21, 2006
Not Much Trouble
Portland 82 LA Lakers 99
Last time the Lakers met the Blazers in Portland, they played little defense and allowed them 113 points. This time, the Lakers played well at both ends of the court and held a team averaging just 88.7 to 82 on 39% shooting.
They also corrected one of their major flaws from last game and outrebounded Portland 50 to 37. And as a team shot a very nice 50% from the field, even though making just 7 of 22 3-pointers (still too many).
Holding the lead for most of the game, the Lakers broke the game open in the 3rd quarter when they stretched their lead to 12 with a 11-2 run. They were lead in the period by Lamar Odom and Smush Parker. Kobe Bryant then took over with 15 in the 4th, helping to keep the lead at 12 or more the whole period.
Some very impressive numbers for some Lakers tonight. One of the best games by Lamar this season with 20 points, 17 rebounds, 6 assists, and 2 blocks. Kobe had 27 points, 6 rebounds, and 4 assists. And Smush had 13 points, 7 rebounds, and 9 assists. Although it must be remembered that these numbers come at the expense of a not very good team.
Feb. 15, 2006
Not This Time
Atlanta 114 LA Lakers 110
The Lakers new tactic; go on a big run, then relax and just hope we a win.
Tonight, they executed this tactic, and were executed by the lowly Atlanta Hawks at home. After the a 16-2 run in the 1st quarter, they promptly fell asleep. It seemed as if they thought they had done enough, and would summon up the energy to get the win when they needed too. But that didn't happen.
This game started out very nicely. In the 1st quarter, the Lakers got 10 points from Kobe Bryant, 8 from Lamar Odom, and 8 from a very active Kwame Brown. They lead by as much as 15. Time to take it easy...
But it was all down hill from there. A 20-8 Hawks run started the 2nd period. Gone was the defense, as Atlanta got layup after layup. Gone was the desire to go inside; We can just shoot threes. It'll be OK.
The Lakers managed a 6-point lead at the half, then started the 3rd quarter with a 12-2 run by Atlanta. Again they fought back just enough to lead by 1 going into the 4th, then allowed a 11-1 run and never saw the lead again. They did get with 1 of the lead with 2 minutes to play, but didn't get enough stops.
Now to the ugly numbers:
Atlanta scored 114 points on 55% shooting.
Lakers out-rebounded 25 to 42.
Lakers shoot just 56% from the free throw line.
Lakers hit just 11 of 32 three points (34%).
The Lakers shot 50% from the field. That means they shot 60% inside the arc. All things being even, they would have scored 5 more points shooting those 32 from closer in. And that's besides the fact that it's just better basketball to drive to the hoop. You get more free throws and make the opponent work on defense.
But the Lakers didn't work on defense, so why would the expect their other guys to? And they can't make free throws either, so what's the difference? aaarrrggghhh...
Feb. 13, 2006
Hanging On, This Time
Utah 88 LA Lakers 94
Like last game, the Lakers followed up a big surge with some very flat play. A 33 to 8 run that spanned the 1st and 2nd quarters, giving them a 26-point lead, seemed to take the air out of them. This allowed the Jazz to get as close as 7 points a few times in the second half. But unlike last game, the Lakers did just enough this time to keep the lead.
Kobe Bryant, scoring a mere 23 points, lead the first half surge on the defensive end with 6 steals. He then scored 10 in the 3rd period to help protect the lead. Lamar Odom had his usual near tripple-double with 17 points, 9 rebounds, and 8 assists. Brian Cook, able to avoid foul trouble, returned to his hot shooting and scored 15. And Smush Parker added 16.
Off the bench, Devean George scored 12 points, ans Sasha Vujacic had 7 points, 5 rebounds, and 6 assits in 19 minutes of play. They both stood out in +/- with 15 and 16 respectively.
Feb. 11, 2006
Home Heartbreak
Memphis 100 LA Lakers 99
Tonight the Lakers let a game they seemed to have in control slip away. They lead by as much as 9 in the final period, and b6 4 with 1:07 left in the game. But they gave up the final 5 points to lose by one, wasting a very nice comeback effort.
Their defense was missing early. They allowed the Grizzlies 34 points in the 1st quarter and trailed 52-39 with three minutes to play in the 2nd. That's when they found their D and went on a 13-0 run to finish the half tied. After Memphis' 9-0 run in the 3rd regained them the lead, the Lakers got going again. They went on a 22-7 run that started in the mid-3rd and lasted into the 4th quarter.
Unfortunately, that was the end of their runs. The Grizzlies' two short spurts in the 4th got them the win. Wasted was a 12-point 4th quarter by Kobe Bryant. Wasted was a 20-point game by Smush Parker. Wasted was 8 points, 7 rebounds, and 7 assists by Lamar Odom. Wasted was 14 points and 7 rebounds by Devean George.
But more than anything, wasted was a very encouraging game from Kwame Brown; 18 points, 8 rebounds, and a block, on 6 of 6 shooting, and 6 of 6 from the line.
Feb. 8, 2006
You Tell Me
LA Lakers 89 Houston 78
What was the difference tonight?
Brian Cook shooting lights out for the second night in a row?
Kobe Bryant doing a little bit of everything?
Lamar Odom continuing to play hurt to lead the way rebounding?
Kwame Brown showing aggressiveness inside?
More team ball movement?
Ronny Turiaf rooting them on from the bench?
Alignment of the planets?
Whatever it was, things went right for the Lakers tonight in Houston. After playing the Rockets even in the 1st quarter, they went on a 15-5 run in the 2nd that unanswered. In that period Kobe had 6 points, 5 assists, and 2 steals to lead the way. Kwame more than held his own against Yao Ming, and scored 5 points in the paint in that 2nd quarter. Brian Cook had 19 at the half and the Lakers lead by 11.
The Rockets held their response to the second half, starting the 3rd quarter with a 24 to 10 edge. Things looked like they were slipping away as they did last night. But the Lakers regained their composure and had a response of their own, going on a 16-3 run to regain a 8-point lead going into the 4th. Kobe now focused on scoring and got 12 in the period.
An 8-0 run early in the 4th was all they then needed to put the game out of reach, leading by as much as 18. Kobe scored another 12, and finished with 32 points, 9 assists, and 6 steals. After scoring 28 last night, Brian finished with 27 tonight, hitting 11 of 18 and grabbing 10 rebounds. Most impressive was his desire to drive to the hoop when given the opportunity. And Devean George grabbed 9 rebounds, 7 offensive.
As a team, the Lakers shot much better and it seemed to be contagious. But more than that, they held Houston to just 78 points. Better defense than we have seen in a while.
Oh, and Ronny Turiaf, after cheering on his team, finally got into the first NBA game of his career. He missed his only shot in 1 minute of play at the end of the game.
Feb. 7, 2006
Lamar and Brian
LA Lakers 87 Dallas 102
Lamar Odom and Brian Cook stepped up to help the Lakers make a game of it. In 39 minutes of play, in obvious pain, Lamar returned to the court and scored 14 points, grabbed 6 rebounds (5 offenive), and dish 7 assists. With Chris Mihm still out, it would have been no contest at all without him. Brian scored a career high 28 points on 12 of 16 shots.
After a disasterous 1st quarter, that was one big 27-10 run for the Mavericks, the Lakers once again found themselves with an uphill climb. And so they did; with a 18-9 run the finsh the first half, and a 21-8 combined run in the 3rd quarter. For a moment, they actually had a 2-point lead! Brian scored 12 in the 2nd quarter and Kobe Bryant scored 12 of his 24 in the 3rd.
Once the moment was over, Dallas went on a 19-2 run that spanned into the 4th quarter. In the final period, they could get enough stops and shot badly; just 30% and 39% for the game.
Feb. 4, 2006
Nothing Inside
LA Lakers 90 New Orleans OKC 106
Playing for the second night without Lamar Odom, and now without Chris Mihm, the Lakers looked very undermanned against the Hornets tonight. Unable to get anything going insided, they settled for long range shots. You see how well that worked.
While shooting 37% from beyond the arc is very respectable, taking 35 of them is too many in one game. As a result of not taking the ball to the hoop, the Lakers only shot 12 free throws and only made 7 of those (58%).
The only bright spot was a 13-2 run in the 2nd quarter. Keyed by some presure defense, they got to within one point of the lead. Sasha Vujacic was particulary effective during this surge. But it was all down hill from there.
Of course Kobe Bryant did his thing; 35 points, 6 rebounds, 5 assists. But he also had 7 turnovers for the second night in a row. Devean George scored a season high 21 points, and made half of his 10 3-pointers. Brian Cook, the only other Laker in double figures, scored 13 and grabbed 7 rebounds.
Feb. 3, 2006
Bad Start, Bad Finish
LA Lakers 102 Charlotte 112
First they allowed 40 points in the 1st quarter to the Bobcats, then they scored just 18 points on 24% shooting in the 4th quarter. The middle part was kind of encouraging as they mounted a comeback, but the uphill climb apparently took too much out of them.
Charlotte shot 62% in the 1st, and 48% for the game. They also hit 8 of 15 3-pointers (53%). Clearly the Lakers did not focus on defense, and trailed by as many as 18. They did tighten things up enough to make a push; a 19-8 run in the 2nd and a 11-5 run late in the 3rd, after which they only trailed by 2. But the Lakers couldn't get any close than that. The Bobcats sealed the win with a 13-4 near the end of the game.
Kobe Bryant had 35 points on 12 of 18 shots, grabbed 9 rebounds, dished 5 assists, and snagged 4 steals. If not for his 7 turnovers, you could say he had a very nice game. Smush Parker also had a nice offensive game with 19 points, but he also had another 8 turnovers. The Lakers had 23 as a team, which was one of the major problems tonight.
Another steady game from Chris Mihm with 15 points and 9 rebounds. Devean George, starting for Lamar Odom, added 12 points and 5 rebounds.
Feb. 1, 2006
And On The Next Day They Were Eaten
LA Lakers 79 Indiana 105
In a disturbing reversal of fortune, the Indiana Pacers did to the Lakers what the Lakers had done to the Knicks the night before. This time the Lakers trailed in almost all statistical categories, and were never closer than 15 points of the lead the whole second half. They were outrebounded 55 to 43, and out assisted 26 to 11. But it's hard to get any assists when you are hitting just 30.6% of your shots.
This time the Lakers had very little run in them after their 11-2 spurt in the 1st quarter. To go along with their horrible offensive display was some equally bad defense. The only bright note was their keeping turnovers to just 10.
Kobe hit 8 of his 24 shots for 26 points, with 5 rebounds and 4 steals. Lamar Odom shot equally bad at 4 of 12, and finished with 10 points and 7 rebounds. Chris Mihm had 10 points and 6 boards, and Biran Cook scored 12. Last nights shinning star, Andrew Bymun, only hit one of 4 shots but did grab 6 rebounds in 8 minutes.