Final Score Lakers 94 Grizzlies 79

Don't let the final score fool you.  It wasn't that close.

Let me try and explain to you how bad the Grizzlies looked out there...

They were so bad that they made Kwame Brown look like a serious inside threat.

They were so bad that at one point I actually said, "Wow, look at that great ball movement by the Lakers!"

They were so bad that the only part of the game that wasn't excruciating to watch was garbage time in the fourth.  (You know, when you're down by 21 and all hope is lost, those rookies really loosen up and play a good game.)

For a moment, I thought I might have jinxed the team.  It was like they read my blog, took all of my pre-game points, and did exactly the opposite.   I suggested that they needed to beat LA on the defensive boards.  They beat us 33 to 28 on defensive rebounding and 48 to 38 overall.  I mentioned that Shane needed to contain Kobe, but Shane didn't play because of a sprained finger, and no one else seemed very interested in containing Kobe.  Finally, I wanted Pau to get his agression back, and he absolutely, completely did not.

The Grizzlies' strength is an inside-out game that makes defenders pick their poison.  The problem is that Memphis' inside presence seems to be suffering from low self-esteem.  I don't know if Pau does affirmations or beats up on rookies or what he does to get his confidence back.  However, I do know he needs to find his #### quick, cause the Suns are coming to town on Saturday. 

The last time the Lakers came to Memphis was exactly one month ago.  What a difference a month makes!  These are not the same Lakers. 

In their last meeting, the Lakers had a better free throw and three-point percentage than the Grizz, and nearly matched the Grizz in rebounds, steals and turnovers.  Yet the Grizzlies still came away with a very decisive 85-73 win. 

No way those kinds of numbers will get it done this time.

If Memphis wants to win against a much stronger LA team, they have some work to do.

-The Grizz must hold their own on the boards, especially the defensive boards.  We all know how Kobe likes to take shots.  Although he is improving and sharing the ball more of late, come on, this is still Kobe we're talking about.

-They must contain Kobe.  No one else on the Lakers squad really has the capacity to take the team on their back if Kobe's shots aren't falling.  This defensive task will likely land on the shoulders of Shane Battier who did an outstanding job of harassing Kobe into 7 of 18 shooting in the last meeting. 

-Pau has to really go to rim.  If Pau can draw a double team, the boys can light up the three's.  If the Lakers try to contain Pau with a single defender, he can get it to the hoop every time.  Either way, we are counting on Pau to make it happen.

If they can keep their inside game strong, they'll be fine.

My predictions: The guys know how difficult it would be to overcome a 3-game losing streak .  They've had a couple days to get pumped up, and they need to come out hot.  Pau will lead the team in points and assists.

StaceyMargarita gives advice to some of the NBA's most interesting characters...

Yao Ming: Give some of that money back.  We're onto you.  You are not the tower of terror we all thought you'd be.  So do the right thing and give back the extra $30 million the Rockets are paying you above what you're worth.

Ron Artest:  Definitely go to the Knicks.  Super idea.  You don't like playing for Rick Carlisle because he calls all the plays?  Well, let me tell you... you are going to love Larry Brown.  He can't get enough of players that take initiative and get creative with the playbook.  Another trade possibility looking plausible is with the Heat.  Yet another terrific plan.   Not getting to be the offensive focal point in Indiana has made you so sad .  It breaks my heart.  I'm sure things will get better with Shaq and Flash on your team.  Plenty of touches for everyone.

Kwame Brown: Get out now, while you still have an up-side.  Next time someone fouls you hard, fake a terrible head injury, and take an early retirement.  We will all remember you fondly as the poor guy with a ton of potential that had his career tragically ended.  You will be a hero.  But, if you go ahead and let your career run its course, people will realize that you really can't play. 

Elton Brand:  Enjoy this.  At this very early point in the season, you are often mentioned as a possible MVP candidate.  This will never happen to you again.  Take lots of photos.  Make a scrapbook. 

Coach Nate McMillan: Besides practices and film sessions, institute mandatory therapy sessions.  That should help Ruben Patterson get over his irrational anger issues, Zach Randolph get over his fear of playing hard, and Darius Miles get over himself.  I know a good psycologist if you want the number.

Okay, readers, who do you want to give some advice to?