There was a few things that I couldn't help noticing lastnight when the Lakers took on the Jazz. Although the Lakers came away with a win, they could have easily lost the game because of a few things.
1. Sasha Shoots way to many three pointers even when he's in a serious slump like lastnight. he was 1-8 on shooting threes, which also begs the question how come he got so many minutes of playing time lastnight?
2. Even though the Lakers forced 18 total turnovers on the Jazz they did turnover the ball a total of 14 times themselves , 4 each by Gasol and Kobe. Now Kobe's T.O. are nothing new but Pau Gasol has turned the ball over numerous times throughout this series.
3. The lakers are geting killed on the boards. Offensive rebounds being the biggest problem. If the Lakers hope to win a championship this can't be a continuing trend.
4. Jordan Farmar continues to struggle when he gets playing time. Lastnight he went 2-5 from the field and 1-2 from three point range but didn't record even 1 assist. He also doesn't have a lick of defensive skill.
5. The Lakers can't continue to miss free throws. Even though as a team they shot 81% from the line, they still missed 8 free throws. 4 of those were missed by Kobe which is not something he does often but has struggled somewhat during this series. This is also something that can't continue if the Lakers make it to the Western Conference Finals or better yet the NBA finals.
Those are just some things that came to my attention. Their are some other things I think are important as well. But maybe not as important as these. Whether you agree or disagree that these things are factors that could affect the team, I look forward to your opinion.
This isn't a new thing for the Lake show; they had a similar MO when they won game one of this series. You're right when you say they can't continue this if they want the title, because the other remaining teams (Detroit, anyone?) will exploit those weaknesses if they continue.
Downs,
I know this has happened most of this series but that's also why they haven't beat the Jazz @ their own home. Sure the Jazz are tough at home but the Lakers are a very good team. They should have won atleast one already and be done with this series waiting on the Hornets/Spurs winner. Yeah a team like the Pistons or Boston will kill them if they continue this type of playing. thx for commenting
Kobe is hurt so whatever he does I'm going to reserve judgement.
Sasha has been a deadly 3 shooter when he's on and that's been most the season. Kobe calls him the machine but I was yelling at the TV last night. STOP SHOOTING. I think he was actually 1-9.
Pau has always been called soft and I think he's trying to play tough but doesn't have the upper body strength. Hint to Pau. Hit the weight machines in the off season.
Last Gambit, Pau is really a PF. It would already be over if Bynum had of come back with his shot blocking and rebounding.
Nique,
While I realize Kobe is hurt and it may affect his shooting and driving in. I will not give him a pass on T.O. he has done that alot his whole career. I'm as huge a Kobe fan as anyone but I call it like I see it.
Yes Sasha is a good 3 point shooter but when you aren't hitting them it doesn't mean you keep jacking them up like crazy. Especially when there is still plenty time on the shot clock. No it was 1-8.
Yes he is somewhat soft but that's only part of the problem. He hasn't been aware of the help defense sneaking in and poking balls out.
Yeah I know he is really a PF and if Bynum was in the game it might be over by now. Thing is he has played C many times throughout his career so it's not a good excuse. thx for commenting mon'ami.
1. Sasha's D is big, and he spreads the floor whether he makes the 3 or not.
2. I credit Utah's D making us hurry passes that are picked off, and hacking D, stealing dribbles away from our ball handlers.
3. Looks like a dent in the armor to me too.
4. True. Trade him.
5. Kobe's back is likely throwing his FT shot off, and they are taking the ball from him. He's not bending over normally....exposing the ball on the dribble.
RelicFace,
First of all thx for commenting.
1. I understand that Sasha spreads the floor and his threes are big. I was just talking about that game exclusively. His D is ok but not big.
2. While Utahs D has been good I think the Lakers still panic when the help D comes thus make mistakes. There D isn't all that.
3. Nice to see we agree
4. Yeah I agree with that as well.
5. While I am sure that may be the case. Kobe does turn the ball over alot every year. I understand that when you are handling the ball as much as him this can happen. Lakers need a real PG who has ball control skills.
1) Sasha is a streak shooter so he will never stop shooting. That's his role and it will continue to be for the rest of his Laker career. It was just one of those nights. He'll bounce back. For the most part, he's done an admirable job in the postseason.
2) As long as the Lakers have less than their opponents, I'm fine with it. Pau did have four turnovers but at the same time he did have 8 assists.
3) Yes they are being outmuscled for rebounding position but I'm sure this will change in the next series should the Lakers advance. You've just got to give credit to Utah.
4) You expect Farmar to be outmatched in the postseason when he has to guard Allen Iverson, Deron Williams, and possibly either Chris Paul or Tony Parker next week. In turn, it's affected his production on the offensive end. Right now, it's all mental with him.
5) As long as the Lakers remain aggressive, they will have more trips to the foul line than their opponents because we know that Kobe will get all the calls. Unlike Shaq, Kobe makes them when it counts. And hopefully, Lamar's six-for-six performance at the line is a sign of things to come.
J-DIZZLE,
1. Yeah Sasha has done well this post season and for the regular season for the most part. However if your shot just isn't falling I think it's a sign to find someone who's shot is. I'm not mad at him though, I like the lil dude.
2. I agree but next series or in the Finals that may not be the case.
3. I do credit Utah but they are smaller than the Lakers so it shouldn't be happening.
4. I expect him to play just as he did the regular season. Many teams have good PG so to me that's no excuse.
5. I agree with you on this I just hope it's not a bad sign or something like that.
How would you account for the fact that the Lakers also are statistically #1 in points per game, field goal percentage, and assists per game when stacked up against the rest in the west conf. semifinals?....Laker freethrows a non issue and Kobe will make them when they need them...he's getting healthy again...u dig?
Lakers cut strong to the hoop tonight (at just the right jazz frustration point) for their make-up flagrant 2 of their own and its lights out at the energy non-solution for Kobe enroute to the next showtime dynasty!
Man oh man I agree with all points. Add to that Vlade nees to become consistant and Farmar needs to do a gut check too. The perimeter defense for the lakers has been lousy at best. But on the positive OH-DAM has been feirce and Fisher has maintain well if he can stay out of foul trouble. The Jazz sag and always send 3-4 guys to the boards the triangle offense does not allow enough bodies that low to post for an offensive rebound and the defensive scheme protects inbetween the perimeter and the glass. Unless you put extra effort in you take a chance on being beat on the glass and way outside. Thats why Boozer has been all but shut down but Korver/Okur have killed the Lakers. The Defense also allows Williams to penetrate and you know how bad he has hurt the Lakers. Folks Defense wins games we have heard that since we first heard of the Game Basketball and it has noth changed. If the Lakers want to win tonight and all the way to the Championship it will be because they expended the extra effort on D
The perfect breakfast as I see it.
You’re sitting at the table and your son is on the cover of Wheaties, your mistress is on the cover of Playboy, and your wife is on the back of the milk carton.
