Well, the short handed Lakers threw a little bit of a wrench into equation tonight.
After quite possibly the worst week (in terms of losing players) of the season (or the past few seasons, for that matter), The Lakers, anchored by Derek Fisher are messing with us once again.
Tonight's 116-99 victory over the Nuggets provided proof of the Andrew Bynum Theory. 'When someone other than Kobe is hot (usually Bynum, but tonight, D-Fish) the Lakers will win.' This, (obviously) allows the Lakers to exploit the defense's special attention to Kobe, and... RESULTS. Who would've thought?
Fisher scored one off from his career high tonight, with 28 points. Jordan Farmar stepped things up, contributing to the bench mob's 40+ points, with 19. Kobe did his thing, scoring 17 points and dishing out 11 assists. Lamar put up 15 and 11, and Ronny Turiaf added 11. Oh yeah, Kwame didn't do too bad tonight, posting 7 and 11.
Carmelo Anthony managed to score 13 points before going down hard on Kobe's shoe, on what is most likely going to be an ankle sprain (x-rays were negative). Allen Iverson scored 24, LINAS Kleiza added 21, Marcus Camby put up 18 and 12, and Kenyon Martin contributed with 16 and 11. Odd stat of the night? Anthony Carter: ZERO points and 14 assists.
I don't really know what to say about tonight's game... I think everyone in LakerNation is expecting the worst, especially going into the huge road trip at the end of the month, and tonight we were treated to what can happen. Tonight, we saw the best game of the post-subluxation era... is there more to come? Post-Game Locker Talk [Lakers.com]
Heartwarming picture of the night? Los Angeles Lakers' Coby Karl, left hugs his father, Denver Nuggets
coach George Karl (AP Photo/Gus Ruelas)
Tonight marked the third time in NBA history that a father coached against a son. Yep, and Coby Karl aired out a three and tossed a behind the back pass into the lap of a Denver assistant. Nevertheless, we love Coby Karl.
I have to say, they had a good game last night. Although the Lakers should have blown that game earlier, it wasn't bad. From the start of this season, I've always thought about that theory Timmore. If Kobe doesn't score much and someone steps up to do some scoring, we will win. Denver made a bad mistake last night. They thought that shutting doing Kobe was the way to go. Little did they know Kobe turned into a passing machine. Kobe dropped 11 dimes. Get that, 11 dimes last night. Can I also put in that he didn't take a FG attempt in the first quarter? This is how Kobe should really play. Only stats he's really missing are the Assts. Getting the team involved. Great team play.
It was like Kobe was in the back of the bus while the team was driving him. Then, Kobe does what he does best. Play as a closer. He comes in and goes for the Kill. He still got his 17pts. Great performance by D-Fish last night.
So Kwame got 7 and 11. From my other blog yesterday, I was hoping he'd do 14 12. Close enough. Maybe a few more points and we would be good.
Keep up the good play Lakers. We shoulda done Suns in like this.
Let's not underestimate the impact of Carmelo leaving the game. Like Kobe, Melo kinda hung back a bit, and just when he was asserting himself offensively, he sprained his ankle.
I'm surprised people aren't talking about the difference Ronny Turiaf made in last night's game. The Nuggets actually had the lead in the 4th quarter, then PJ put Ronny in, and the Lakers never looked back. The Lakers were +5 with Fischer in the game, but they were +30 with Turiaf in, and -14 with Kwame in.
Also, while I admire what Coby Karl has overcome to get to where he is, he was awfully whiny in the d-league, and that put me off on him.
@LakersNation - The Lakers couldn't do the Suns like this, in part because the Suns didn't double Kobe the way the Nuggets did. Fischer and Farmar got their open looks because Nuggets were scrambling to recover from the doubles down on Bryant. The Suns feel Raja Bell contains Kobe well enough.
Lakersnation, it's awesome when kobe drops 10+ assists. aweseome.. what's even more awesome was a few times in the first quarter when he had looks at shots that he would normally take guarded, instead he dished it off. It was a really impressive game, especially because of the state that Lakers fans are in right now.And about Kwame, I'm so tired of talking trash on the guy, I'm relieved he had a good game.
And Tom7, You are totally right about Ronny. He's been making a big difference in the past few games without really making noise. What you say is true about Karl as well... It kind of irked me how he was playing flashier than usual because his dad was there. I think he did some stuff (i.e. through the legs pass, and that ugly behind the back pass) that he never would have done otherwise.
The thing that has been lost in all the talk about Kobe becoming more "unselfish" is this: his teammates are hitting shots they've been afforded the past 3 seasons.
Contrary to popular belief, Bryant is a willing and very gifted passer when his teammates produce. The Lakers began last season like this one, with Kobe averaging in the mid twenties and with balanced production. It wasn't until injuries took their toll and the Lakers lost consecutive games that Bryant went on his 50 point scoring spree.
No matter how many Kobe haters say otherwise, this is how he would prefer to play, with everyone contributing and him closing games.
It's downright dumb to believe that Kobe would rather score 35 and lose than score 25 and win.
As long as his teammates continue to produce and the injury bug doesn't hit too hard, this is what we're going to see from the Lakers and they will continue to be a top tier team in the West.
Last edited by Hoffman on January 22nd at 12:00 PM.
Kobe's complaint this summer wasn't that he wanted to go to a team where he could score more points, was it.
If I were to add something else, Kobe's scoring spree wasn't just a scoring spree ... it was a Lakers WINNING streak as well.
And Kobe had the scoring title locked up; he didn't need the points... he "needed" to win. Key players fell injured, it was starting to look like the Lakers were not going to make the playoffs.
Kobe Bryant isn't a selfish player who is out to score, he is a DRIVEN player who is out to do whatever he has to to win.
That's what he did with Shaq as a teammate, that is what he did with Team USA, that is what he did when the Lakers were losing, and that is what he is doing with the Lakers now.
Hoffman is actually right and Lakernation is taking something. "Kobe should only take 7 shots a night?" The best player in the NBA should only take 7 shots night while Odumb is going 4-12? NO ODUMB SHOULD ONLY BE TAKING 7 SHOTS AND WORRY ABOUT REBOUNDS AND ASSISTS.
"kobe in the back of the Bus" NONSENSE. KOBE DRIVES THE LAKER BUS. THAT'S WHY THOSE AROUND HIM ARE DOING THEIR JOBS. YOU DON'T GET 11 ASSISTS FROM THE BACK OF THE BUS. Hate a little more why don't you?
LAKERS OWN THE NUGGETS EVEN WITH CARMELO PLAYING FACE IT, THE NUGGETS THOUGHT IF WE DOUBLE TEAM KOBE WE CAN WIN,WITH THEM DOING THAT LEFT A OPEN PLAYER EVERYTIME THANKS LAKERS FOR THE EZ MONEY, SUNS TONIGHT -8 . DENVER WORRIES ABOUT THERE HAIRDOS, AND HEADBANDS AND TATTOOS, BEFORE THERE GAME.JUST KEEPING IT REAL!!!!
I believe my statement was taken the wrong way. What I meant was that Kobe didn't have to do what he did last year and take it upon his liberty to get points up. I meant back of the bus as in he didn't have to do all the scoring and he has his teamates help out. I do agree, without Kobe, there will be no open shots for his other teamates.
And to clarify on " this is how he should play," I meant on Assists. Instead of throwing up 30 shots a game, he should look for other teamates more and take half the shots. And yes, 7 shots is not enough for Kobe, but last night, did he need to take more shots? No. Trust me that he will take more than 7 shots in the Spurs game.
Last edited by LakersNation on January 22nd at 1:51 PM.
For the first time have I seen people give honor to whom honor is due.
Thanks to Timmoore2, Hoffman, LakersNation, and Tom7 for letting people know that Kobe is not a selfish player, but a player with a type "A" personality who would do anything in his power to win, including droping 60 points a night if his team mates refuse to produce.
People blame Kobe for this summer trade talks and the Bynum factor, but what they do not understand is that if Kobe was not hard on Bynum, we would not have had a much improved Bynum today. Its just like telling your kid, or your younger brother, if you do not step up your game, you'll be grounded, and it worked.
So Kobe should be honored for his hardwork and dedication rather than be called names that does not fit him.
Last edited by olson434 on January 22nd at 3:13 PM.
@sprtsmniac - I couldn't watch that for more than a few seconds before hitting the mute button on my computer. Yuck! Who cut that video, and does he like that better than music? ;-)
Take notice. Everyone who thought the worst when Kobe took 44 shots the game after Drew went down. I tried to tell you all after that game that when the guys that are supposed to contribute actually contribute (Fish, Lamar and Luke went 9 of 31 in Seattle) Kobe won't shoot nearly as much. If they don't, he will. The last two games are how the next month and a half will go.
TIMMMMMMYY!!!! hey dude good stuff... I think that all of us Laker fans need to accept a little of the criticsm some of the Suns FANS throw at us about being to quick to pass judgement, and get angry (except for the in case of Kwame Brown) but we still shouldnt boo are own players especially when our team is in first place... I think this team can be fine till everyone heals up, of course I am extra bummed about Ariza, more then I was about Bynum.
I like the signing of DJ, I think part of the reason he was let go is because his coach doesnt use any centers whatsoever and will be able to replace Kwame by the end of the season.
Back to my point when the Lakers laid an egg against the Celtics we didnt freak, but they lose one game, to Phoenix and they werent outplayed they just didnt show up we assumed the worst because we attributed it all to Bynum being there. That's not the case, we have a lot of good players and when Kobe plays like he did last night they could beat anyone. All teams are gonna have some injuries, its a tough schedule ahead still but the LAkers have always played to their competition so lets be patient even if they only play 500 ball thats still good enough but lets be patient and maybe still a title on the horizon.
GO LAKERS
Last edited by stopbeingdumb on January 22nd at 4:48 PM.
Let's not forget the Lakers were the favorites to win this game considering how badly we've owned Denver this year, even with out Bynum it shoulda been a win and it was a win. Good stuff
If the Lakers sweep this brief Texas Two-Step without Andrew and Trevor, it will give them the much needed confidence and boost they need to hang tough for the next two months.
If they split, it probably means LA will win 55-60% of their games the next two months.
If they go winless, it probably means a fifth or sixth seed in the playoffs.
Of course I'm only guessing. But the next two games may be indicative of things to come in the next two months.
All in all, LA is playing considerably well despite not having defensive stalwarts Ariza and Bynum, long range specialist Radmanovic, and the best third string center in the league Chris Mihm.
I appreciated the eminem soundtrack... he is a gifted artist (though many critics may never understand the Humanities found in his style.) The video clips that portrayed Kobe in a montage dipicting a changing attitude certainly plays to the music, critics aside.
As to Kobe... he can make liars out of fools, and fools out of those same liars. Passing is what makes Kobe VERY dangerous.
Kobe has quite a dilemma.. it's rather unique, but it's all up to him. When he plays like Magic Johnson, Kobe becomes CRITICALLY dangerous (versus when he plays like Michael Jordan -- everyone already knows that he can score with the best of them.) Yet when Kobe passes to his teammates, they HAVE TO make the shots. Otherwise, what credit does he get for making an awesome pass that Lamar or Luke follows up with another pass? Or Kwame fumbles to the opposing team? Success goes hand-in-hand with the perception that Kobe must deal with.
So, we all know this! It is no major secret that Lamar only has a left-handed (lay-up) shot that he can positively rely on. And that Luke can't shoot to save his life if the guy in front of him is more physical than Mini-Me! Or that Kwame is good for a break-away dunk, and not much else.
Okay, we agree. The Denver Nuggets play exactly to the Lakers strengths by doubling on Kobe, which leaves Derek wide open to shot three pointers. And that Kobe will get the opportunity to lay the ball in Kwame's hands once Camby and Martin go to him. The Nuggets should have let Kobe be a shooter, and man up the other bums. This is what the Suns did (and Spurs will do
Last edited by radartechy on January 22nd at 9:38 PM.
Its nice to see that Laker Fans have something to be excited about...Kobe is a killer, sometimes he dishes (when the guys can knock down shots) and sometimes he has to shoot 44 times or more in a game. Really there is only one guy in the L that has those guts. Like him or not he brings something different to the game. I love the Lakers as a whole. I think they have tremendous depth and more confidence than I've seen in years...Its nice to see. Once again, everytime I read these blogs I feel everyone wants to be a GM when all we should do is enjoy the sport and respect the athletes that perform for us on a nightly basis. I think this will let us enjoy the game much more. My team is LAL but I love this Game. PCE.
radar I liked alot of what u had to say, I think Lamar can play really well and do alot of things as long as he doesnt settle for jump shots, hes a beast on the boards when he wants to be. Luke is just Luke a good team mate. The offense from outside comes from farmar, Sasha, Fisher these are the guys that are there to combine for all the outside looks and pretty much have shown this year that there are all good for double digits pretty much every nite, and can explode when kicked out to. Lamar was great last nite cuz he played within himselve, and yes it was the Nuggets but there a top ten squad, and remember the Spurs and Mavs havent played any better than the rest of the teams in the top ten so lets see if the Lakers cant hand em a loss as well.
Its only a matter of time before that pathetic loser GR8UN54 comes out of his hole to muster up some Laker hate.
That imbecile spends more time and energy spewing ignorance and hatred about Kobe and the Lakers than he does commenting on his four equaly liked favorite teams combined.
I'm a realistic observer of the vast world that surrounds the Los Angeles Lakers. You can thank Nick Van Exel, Eddie Jones, Elden Campbell, Cedric Ceballos, and Vlade Divac for making that possible. The greatest person of all time is Francis Dayle "Chick" Hearn. There's no getting around that. Me? I'm eighteen years old and working my way to a journalism degree.
Tonight's 116-99 victory over the Nuggets provided proof of the Andrew Bynum Theory. 'When someone other than Kobe is hot (usually Bynum, but tonight, D-Fish) the Lakers will win.' This, (obviously) allows the Lakers to exploit the defense's special attention to Kobe, and... RESULTS. Who would've thought?
