Wow, what a wild way to start off the year. Kobe booed at home, blowing out the Rockets early, getting blown out late, furious comebacks, game winning shots, intentionally missed free throws, controversial calls late, all in the first game. If that was any indication of what's to come, this is going to be an exciting season.
The Lakers got off to a strong start early, with Kobe trying to win the fans back after the less than welcome reception he received from the home crowd. He scored 13 in the first quarter to go along with two assists, and most importantly zero turnovers. Buoyed by Kobe's scoring and strong team defense, the Lakers ended the first quarter leading 25 to 13.
The Lakers defense softened up in the second quarter and allowed the Rockets a chance to get back into the game- an opportunity Houston seized. With Kobe on the bench, the Rockets really began to roll and took a small lead late in the first half. Led by a mini-run by Derek Fisher the Lakers were able to even the score at 43-43 by halftime.
One of the Lakers' old nemeses, allowing opponents to go on runs to open and finish quarters, returned as the Rockets came out hot in the second half. The offense really became stagnant early in the fourth period, and the Rockets lead grew. The Lakers didn't help themselves by playing poor defense and missing free-throw after free-throw.
With about 3 minutes remaining in the game, your faithful columnist began formulating this post game report, safely assuming the game was "in the fridge".
Obviously however, the Lakers were not going to give up without a fight. The Lakers showed that the season may yet have promise, playing frantic defense, executing offensively and basically running a perfect basketball two-minute-drill, as they erased a twelve point lead in the final 1:36.
However, Shane Battier made sure the Rockets didn't leave Los Angeles empty handed. He hit a huge three with Luke Walton in his face, and made the key stop of the game on the next possesion. With the Lakers needing a three pointer to force overtime, Battier fouled Kobe immediately after he received the inbounds pass, right before he could get three free-throws by forcing a shot. Kobe did indeed try to earn the extra and crucial free-throw, but the referees made the right call in saying the foul was on the floor, and awarded Bryant only two free-throws.
Kobe was able to keep the game exciting by intentionally missing the second free-throw and getting the rebound himself, but he couldn't get the tip-in to go. There was a lot of contact on the play, and it looked like the referees could have, and probably should have, blown the whistle. But they did not. Ballgame. Houston 95, Los Angeles 93.
All in all it was a decent first game for the Lakers, here are my final thoughts:
1) Remember, this Laker team was missing Lamar Odom: their second option on offense and leading rebounder. They are going to need him to get healthy, and fast, to really compete. But considering he was inactive tonight, the Lakers looked pretty good.
2) Good performances by Kobe, Luke Walton, Andrew Bynum, Kwame Brown, and my player of the game: Derek Fisher. Fisher went 6-9 from the field for 17 points, to go along with 4 steals, great leadership and some clutch play down the stretch.
3) What cost the Lakers: free-throws, free-throws, free-throws. They got to the line 45 times-which is great, but they could only make 27, a measly 60%. Kobe was perhaps the leading culprit going 18 for 27. I can't remember the last time I have seen him miss so many free throws. Was it just his writst injury? Or has all of the trade speculation gotten into his head and affected him during the most mentally challening aspect of the game? I hope its the former, and I hope he recovers soon.
Another problem was the Lakers over-reliance on Kobe-a re-occurring problem for the post Shaq Laker teams. Kobe had to really carry the load, and had 45 of the team's 93 points- nearly half. That's not going to get it done.
Other random thoughts:
These TNT games go way too long. They start too late and the commercial breaks are too frequent and too long. But speaking of commercials, there were some good ones. Dwyane Wade and Lebron James had competing black and white spots, that were both very good. I think the Wade one is a little better- I love the passion for the game you can see in his face as he introduces himself to the empty stadium. But the best commercial of the evening was the new NBA spot. The classical music and great still photos make for an incredible thirty seconds.
That's all for tonight- hope you enjoyed the game. The Lakers play Phoenix next, Friday at 7:30pm on ESPN. Should be a really great game, it's one of the few true rivalries in today's NBA.
Tuesday, October 30, 2007
Eastern Conference Preview
Some might wonder why I am previewing the East, when is in nearly irrelevant because of the strength of the West's top 3. I think the East has improved, and overall the conference is relatively even to its counterpart, but the champion is undoubtedly coming from the West.
1) Detroit Pistons
They have one of the best starting fives in basketball.
2) Chicago Bulls
If they think the Kobe trade talk is distracting them, imagine what its doing to the Lakers
3) Miami Heat
Yes this team is getting older, but they still have Dywane Wade- one of the top 5 players in the NBA. Many "experts" are predicting they will miss the playoffs- this team will surprise people.
4) Boston Celtics
You can't expect the big three to click overnight.
5) Washington Wizards
They didn't make too many off season moves, but their big three of Arenas, Jamison and Butler is nearly as good as the Celtics big three.
6) Cleveland Cavaliers
Its Lebron and who else? That might work in the playoffs, but he can't carry the team the entire season.
7) New Jersey Nets
If they can stay healthy they might make some noise in the playoffs.
8) Orlando Magic
Dwight Howard is going to emerge as one of the best post players in the NBA
9) Toronto Raptors
No longer a suprise team, they won't be able to live up to higher expectations.
10) Milwauke Bucks
They are going to be a solid team, and might even sneak into the playoffs. Yi, Bogut, Villanueva, Redd and Desmond Mason comprise a solid starting lineup.
11) Atlanta Hawks
They have had so many top 10 lottery picks they have to get better eventually, right? Acie Law looks like the point guard they need.
12) New York Knicks
Zach Randolph should help, but the Knicks are in for another rough year. At least they don't have to send their draft pick to Chicago this year.
13) Charlotte Bobcats
Jason Richardson and Gerald Wallace are good players, but this team still has a few years to go before they can compete.
14) Indiana Pacers
They trade with the Warriors last year was trainwreck. Jermaine O'Neal wants out. It it incredible how fast the Pacers have fallen from a perineal contender to a cellar dweller.
15) Philadelphia 76ers
The rebuilding commenced with the Allen Iverson trade... It will continnue for the next few years. They aren't going to be doing much more than collecting ping-pong balls this season.
1) Detroit Pistons
They have one of the best starting fives in basketball.
2) Chicago Bulls
If they think the Kobe trade talk is distracting them, imagine what its doing to the Lakers
3) Miami Heat
Yes this team is getting older, but they still have Dywane Wade- one of the top 5 players in the NBA. Many "experts" are predicting they will miss the playoffs- this team will surprise people.
4) Boston Celtics
You can't expect the big three to click overnight.
5) Washington Wizards
They didn't make too many off season moves, but their big three of Arenas, Jamison and Butler is nearly as good as the Celtics big three.
6) Cleveland Cavaliers
Its Lebron and who else? That might work in the playoffs, but he can't carry the team the entire season.
7) New Jersey Nets
If they can stay healthy they might make some noise in the playoffs.
8) Orlando Magic
Dwight Howard is going to emerge as one of the best post players in the NBA
9) Toronto Raptors
No longer a suprise team, they won't be able to live up to higher expectations.
10) Milwauke Bucks
They are going to be a solid team, and might even sneak into the playoffs. Yi, Bogut, Villanueva, Redd and Desmond Mason comprise a solid starting lineup.
11) Atlanta Hawks
They have had so many top 10 lottery picks they have to get better eventually, right? Acie Law looks like the point guard they need.
12) New York Knicks
Zach Randolph should help, but the Knicks are in for another rough year. At least they don't have to send their draft pick to Chicago this year.
13) Charlotte Bobcats
Jason Richardson and Gerald Wallace are good players, but this team still has a few years to go before they can compete.
14) Indiana Pacers
They trade with the Warriors last year was trainwreck. Jermaine O'Neal wants out. It it incredible how fast the Pacers have fallen from a perineal contender to a cellar dweller.
15) Philadelphia 76ers
The rebuilding commenced with the Allen Iverson trade... It will continnue for the next few years. They aren't going to be doing much more than collecting ping-pong balls this season.
Monday, October 29, 2007
Western Confence Preview
Here are my predictions for the 2007/2008 season:
1) San Antonio Spurs
Champions until proven otherwise. The Spurs have the best defence in the NBA, and you know how the old saying goes. The Spurs also have an underated coach in Greg Poppovich and an incredibly deep roster. Barring injuries or unforseen circumstances it would be foolish not to expect the Spurs to be serious contenders for a repeat.
2) Dallas Mavericks
You think Dirk has something to prove? The Mavs will come out of the gate hot, looking to put the embarasing loss to Golden State far in the past. Dallas has always been a strong regular season team and this year should be no exception.
3) Phoenix Suns
Will this finally be Phoenix's year? They are one of the best three teams in the NBA, but with the playoff format how it is, I think it is just too hard for them to emerge from the West.
4) Utah Jazz
Remember who was in the Western Conference Finals last year facing the Spurs? Yeah, the Utah Jazz. Although they lost Derek Fisher to the Lakers, Deron Williams will do fine at the point.
5) Denver Nuggets
Expect big things in Carmelo and Iverson's first full year together. This team is also strong upfront with Nene, Marcus Camby, and Kenyon Martin. If they can avoid the injury problems that plauged them last year they will be dangerous in the playoffs.
6) Los Angeles Lakers
Some might call this overly optimistic or even bias, but I assure you, the Lakers are not getting as much credit as they deserve. Of course, this ranking assumes that Kobe Bryant remains a Laker (somthing that is getting harder to assume by the day) becuase if he is traded, rebuilding will immediatly commence, and the playoffs will be an afterthought. However, with Kobe, the Lakers are a very solid team. People forget that they got off to a very strong start last year before injuries set in, and yet they still clinched the seventh playoff spot. They upgraded at the Point Guard drastically by replacing the dissapointing Smush Parker with Derek Fisher. The young players (most notably Bynum) are getting better and better. I guarantee this team will suprise alot of people.
7) Houston Rockets
I don't buy into all the hype surronding the Rockets this offseason. They are overly hyped every single year, becuase on paper they always have a great team. Barring injuries, they could be decent, and maybe even make a run for the top of the Western Conference, however it is to optimistic to assume the oft-injured Mcgrady and somewhat soft Yao can go an entire season without injury.
8) Memphis Grizzlies
They can't be as bad as last year, right? Right??
9) New Orleans Hornets
Solid team, would make the playoffs in the East. The fulltime return to New Orleans will take a toll.
10) Golden State Warriors
Last year was exciting, but it was last year. This is not a playoff team. This is a an exciting, fun to watch, team; but they lack the subsitence of the Suns, an exciting and good team.
11) Sonics
Kevin Durant will win Rookie of The Year, but won't be able to carry this depleted squad into the playoffs on his own.
12) Los Angeles Clippers
This is where the conference drops off. The bottom four teams in the west will be lucky to win 100 games between them. The injury to Elton Brand was a diaster, Cassel and Thomas are too old, and Maggette will finally be traded and then immediatly break out into a Star.
13) Sacramento Kings
As with the Clippers, the injury to their star player- Mike Bibby- was devasting. Although he will not be shelved for as long as Brand, this is a much worse team than the Clippers.
14) Portland Trail Blazers
Who will they get with the #1 pick next year to play alongside Greg Oden? This is a very young and excting team, but probably wouldn't have made the playoffs even with Oden.
15) Minnesota Timberwolves
Look at their roster. Seriously, have a look.
If Corey Brewer, Randy Foye, Gerald Green, and Al Jefferson all have break out years, this team has a chance... to win 25 games. When Antoine Walker is your "veteran leadership" you know you have a serious, serious, problem.
Eastern Confrence Preview coming tommorow.
1) San Antonio Spurs
Champions until proven otherwise. The Spurs have the best defence in the NBA, and you know how the old saying goes. The Spurs also have an underated coach in Greg Poppovich and an incredibly deep roster. Barring injuries or unforseen circumstances it would be foolish not to expect the Spurs to be serious contenders for a repeat.
2) Dallas Mavericks
You think Dirk has something to prove? The Mavs will come out of the gate hot, looking to put the embarasing loss to Golden State far in the past. Dallas has always been a strong regular season team and this year should be no exception.
3) Phoenix Suns
Will this finally be Phoenix's year? They are one of the best three teams in the NBA, but with the playoff format how it is, I think it is just too hard for them to emerge from the West.
4) Utah Jazz
Remember who was in the Western Conference Finals last year facing the Spurs? Yeah, the Utah Jazz. Although they lost Derek Fisher to the Lakers, Deron Williams will do fine at the point.
5) Denver Nuggets
Expect big things in Carmelo and Iverson's first full year together. This team is also strong upfront with Nene, Marcus Camby, and Kenyon Martin. If they can avoid the injury problems that plauged them last year they will be dangerous in the playoffs.
6) Los Angeles Lakers
Some might call this overly optimistic or even bias, but I assure you, the Lakers are not getting as much credit as they deserve. Of course, this ranking assumes that Kobe Bryant remains a Laker (somthing that is getting harder to assume by the day) becuase if he is traded, rebuilding will immediatly commence, and the playoffs will be an afterthought. However, with Kobe, the Lakers are a very solid team. People forget that they got off to a very strong start last year before injuries set in, and yet they still clinched the seventh playoff spot. They upgraded at the Point Guard drastically by replacing the dissapointing Smush Parker with Derek Fisher. The young players (most notably Bynum) are getting better and better. I guarantee this team will suprise alot of people.
7) Houston Rockets
I don't buy into all the hype surronding the Rockets this offseason. They are overly hyped every single year, becuase on paper they always have a great team. Barring injuries, they could be decent, and maybe even make a run for the top of the Western Conference, however it is to optimistic to assume the oft-injured Mcgrady and somewhat soft Yao can go an entire season without injury.
8) Memphis Grizzlies
They can't be as bad as last year, right? Right??
9) New Orleans Hornets
Solid team, would make the playoffs in the East. The fulltime return to New Orleans will take a toll.
10) Golden State Warriors
Last year was exciting, but it was last year. This is not a playoff team. This is a an exciting, fun to watch, team; but they lack the subsitence of the Suns, an exciting and good team.
11) Sonics
Kevin Durant will win Rookie of The Year, but won't be able to carry this depleted squad into the playoffs on his own.
12) Los Angeles Clippers
This is where the conference drops off. The bottom four teams in the west will be lucky to win 100 games between them. The injury to Elton Brand was a diaster, Cassel and Thomas are too old, and Maggette will finally be traded and then immediatly break out into a Star.
13) Sacramento Kings
As with the Clippers, the injury to their star player- Mike Bibby- was devasting. Although he will not be shelved for as long as Brand, this is a much worse team than the Clippers.
14) Portland Trail Blazers
Who will they get with the #1 pick next year to play alongside Greg Oden? This is a very young and excting team, but probably wouldn't have made the playoffs even with Oden.
15) Minnesota Timberwolves
Look at their roster. Seriously, have a look.
If Corey Brewer, Randy Foye, Gerald Green, and Al Jefferson all have break out years, this team has a chance... to win 25 games. When Antoine Walker is your "veteran leadership" you know you have a serious, serious, problem.
Eastern Confrence Preview coming tommorow.
Last Day of the Offseason
Enjoy the relative calm while it lasts, tomorrow the 2007/2008 season finally begins. Will Kobe be traded by then? Highly doubtful. I expect to see number twenty-four suited up and starting tomorrow.
However, it seems like this distraction is not going to end until one of three things happens: Kobe is traded, Kobe definitively expresses his desire to remain a Laker, or the Lakers start winning.
The first is seeming more likely by the day. According to various sources even coach Phil Jackson, who has lately been one of Kobe's only confidants and protectors, is turning on him. Phil questioned Kobe's commitment to the team, saying that Kobe "hasn't thrown his heart and soul into performing on the floor".
Jackson cited a previous conversation he had with Kobe in which he felt that Kobe committed to giving his all as long as he was a Laker. Clearly Jackson doesn't believe that Kobe is living up to his promise.
Kobe shot back at Phil saying "That (should be) the least of his concerns or anybody's concerns, you don't have to worry about that. … I'm ready to play. Period. You don't have to worry about me."
According to ESPN the Lakers are having "daily" conversations with the Bulls-one of Kobe's approved destinations. The Lakers would be incredibly foolish to pull the trigger on any trade with the Bulls that does not involve Luol Deng and Tyrus Thomas as well as either Kirk Hinrich or Ben Gordon.
In retrospect, giving Kobe a no-trade clause is near the top of the list of mistakes the Laker's organization has made (and that's a big list). Its hard to blame them, Kobe and the Lakers were smitten and the front office wanted to do anything to keep their star happy. Who would have imagined a day when they would live to regret that concession? However, it greatly limits the Lakers' ability to pull off a deal, because ironically Kobe has the final say over any potential trade. This means the Lakers cannot just "ship his a** out" to quote Kobe himself, rather, they have to send Kobe to a city he would enjoy playing in, and not take to many of their good players in return.
I want to believe that Kobe is too competitive, and cares too much, about the game to "phone in" the next couple months before an almost inevitable trade, but we will have to wait one more night to see what happens. Remember, this is the same Kobe that took one shot in game 7 two years ago. He is not opposed to making statements. Hopefully tomorrow nights clash with Houston (7:30pm TNT) will answer most of our questions.
However, it seems like this distraction is not going to end until one of three things happens: Kobe is traded, Kobe definitively expresses his desire to remain a Laker, or the Lakers start winning.
The first is seeming more likely by the day. According to various sources even coach Phil Jackson, who has lately been one of Kobe's only confidants and protectors, is turning on him. Phil questioned Kobe's commitment to the team, saying that Kobe "hasn't thrown his heart and soul into performing on the floor".
Jackson cited a previous conversation he had with Kobe in which he felt that Kobe committed to giving his all as long as he was a Laker. Clearly Jackson doesn't believe that Kobe is living up to his promise.
Kobe shot back at Phil saying "That (should be) the least of his concerns or anybody's concerns, you don't have to worry about that. … I'm ready to play. Period. You don't have to worry about me."
According to ESPN the Lakers are having "daily" conversations with the Bulls-one of Kobe's approved destinations. The Lakers would be incredibly foolish to pull the trigger on any trade with the Bulls that does not involve Luol Deng and Tyrus Thomas as well as either Kirk Hinrich or Ben Gordon.
In retrospect, giving Kobe a no-trade clause is near the top of the list of mistakes the Laker's organization has made (and that's a big list). Its hard to blame them, Kobe and the Lakers were smitten and the front office wanted to do anything to keep their star happy. Who would have imagined a day when they would live to regret that concession? However, it greatly limits the Lakers' ability to pull off a deal, because ironically Kobe has the final say over any potential trade. This means the Lakers cannot just "ship his a** out" to quote Kobe himself, rather, they have to send Kobe to a city he would enjoy playing in, and not take to many of their good players in return.
I want to believe that Kobe is too competitive, and cares too much, about the game to "phone in" the next couple months before an almost inevitable trade, but we will have to wait one more night to see what happens. Remember, this is the same Kobe that took one shot in game 7 two years ago. He is not opposed to making statements. Hopefully tomorrow nights clash with Houston (7:30pm TNT) will answer most of our questions.
Tuesday, October 16, 2007
T-Minus Two Weeks
In what is now sadly begining to look like an annual tradition, the Lakers ended the 2006/2007 season falling to the Phoenix (who knew that was so hard to spell?- took me 4 tries) Suns in 5 games. Thus Laker players (and fans) have had an extra long offseason to think about what might have been and what may be next year.
Well, finally 'next year' is almost upon us. Two weeks from tonight, October 30th 2007, at 7:30 PM (PT) the Lakers take on the Houston Rockets and thus begin their 2007/2008 campaign. The only question is whether one Kobe Bean Bryant will be wearing the purple and gold. Okay, I lied. Thats not the only question. Who will back up Fisher at PG? Will Lamar be ready to go? Is Phil really going to start Ronny? Who's starting at center? Mihm? Bynum? Kwame? So far the preseason has created more questions than answers.
Undoubtedly however, the number one topic in Los Angeles right now, and in Sportsnation in general, is Kobe Bryant. Will he play? Will he holdout? Did he really clean out his locker? The speculation is rampant. Who could have seen this coming? Okay don't answer that.
My take on the whole situation: there will be a #24 in purple and gold come opening night. Kobe is too media savvy and image concious to risk a holdout. The front office is too cautious to risk a huge trade in the near future. Everyone is going to wait things out and see how the first month of the season goes. If the Lakers start off well- and people seem to forget, the Lakers were a good first half team last year, before injuries decimated the roster- then who knows what will happen. They say winning solves everything, and I tend to agree. If the season begins badly, things will get ugly, and fast. So for those wondering if they will still see Kobe in a Lakers uni' come March, after the trade deadline, I think the answer really depends on how well the Lakers are doing. Remember, Phil Jackson is a master at coaching these kind of situations. As long as the team is winning he will keep Kobe calm and steady the ship. But if injuries set in, and the loses pile up, the whole team could impode. No pressure or anything though guys.
Thats all for tonight, here are a few links that are sure to interest Laker enthusiasts:
Kobe quickly answers a few questions outside the Lakers training facility today
Interesting Article by Marc Stein
An ESPN "roundtable" on the whole Kobe deal. (note: if you are alergic to the sports media, read ESPN, overblowing and fabricating non-stories, skip this link)
Well, finally 'next year' is almost upon us. Two weeks from tonight, October 30th 2007, at 7:30 PM (PT) the Lakers take on the Houston Rockets and thus begin their 2007/2008 campaign. The only question is whether one Kobe Bean Bryant will be wearing the purple and gold. Okay, I lied. Thats not the only question. Who will back up Fisher at PG? Will Lamar be ready to go? Is Phil really going to start Ronny? Who's starting at center? Mihm? Bynum? Kwame? So far the preseason has created more questions than answers.
Undoubtedly however, the number one topic in Los Angeles right now, and in Sportsnation in general, is Kobe Bryant. Will he play? Will he holdout? Did he really clean out his locker? The speculation is rampant. Who could have seen this coming? Okay don't answer that.
My take on the whole situation: there will be a #24 in purple and gold come opening night. Kobe is too media savvy and image concious to risk a holdout. The front office is too cautious to risk a huge trade in the near future. Everyone is going to wait things out and see how the first month of the season goes. If the Lakers start off well- and people seem to forget, the Lakers were a good first half team last year, before injuries decimated the roster- then who knows what will happen. They say winning solves everything, and I tend to agree. If the season begins badly, things will get ugly, and fast. So for those wondering if they will still see Kobe in a Lakers uni' come March, after the trade deadline, I think the answer really depends on how well the Lakers are doing. Remember, Phil Jackson is a master at coaching these kind of situations. As long as the team is winning he will keep Kobe calm and steady the ship. But if injuries set in, and the loses pile up, the whole team could impode. No pressure or anything though guys.
Thats all for tonight, here are a few links that are sure to interest Laker enthusiasts:
Kobe quickly answers a few questions outside the Lakers training facility today
Interesting Article by Marc Stein
An ESPN "roundtable" on the whole Kobe deal. (note: if you are alergic to the sports media, read ESPN, overblowing and fabricating non-stories, skip this link)
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