Look Whose Back - Lakers, The Next Dynasty

[meh]

Re: Look Whose Back - Lakers, The Next Dynasty

Game 34: January 9th 2008

@ New Orleans Hornets

Hornets Buzz’er Beater!
Paul sinks a risky 3 to win it!

Chris Paul orchestrated the Hornets comeback, before putting the icing on the cake by draining a 3 point buzzer beater, as he gets crowded out by a desperate Lakers defense.

Paul who ended up with 29 points, managed to make 18 of them in a rampant 2nd half display, that also saw him tag 7 assists (9 total). The Hornets had good back up with Stojakovic and West both also hitting the 20 point barrier; whilst Chandler handled a team high 12 rebounds.

For the Lakers, it was a case of disappointment to let slip a game they could have easily won themselves. Gary Payton came back to form with 20 points, whilst Artest continued his improvement with 16pts / 9reb and Bynum standing in for a fatigued O’Neal grabbed 13 boards.

Phil Jackson couldn’t quite believe what he saw in the loss, slamming his clipboard to the ground as Paul sunk the game winner. Once again the Lakers see their winning streak halted just before they could get into their swing.

Los Angeles 97 New Orleans 100


Post Game Cuts:

Phil Jackson: “Frustrating, as a game you love it, as a coach you can hate it. We did everything right out there until we needed to, Kobe going 1 from 5 in his last shots, Ron dropping a rebound right into Stojakovic’s hands and then Gary putting up 3s that he had no right to shoot. We can learn a lot tonight, that’s the positive I will take away from here”

Chris Paul: “L.A. are always a tough game, we knew that if we kept up with them, that our younger guys can make the difference. Taking shots like that to win the game though, its not what coach planned for us, but I had to make it or I wouldn’t of gone back to the locker”


Stats:

Laker Notables:
K. Bryant – 30pts / 5R / 5A
G. Payton – 20pts / 4A
R. Artest – 16pts / 9R
A. Bynum – 4pts / 13R

Hornet Notables:
C. Paul – 29pts / 9A
P. Stojakovic - 23pts / 5R
D. West – 20pts / 6R
T. Chandler – 7pts / 12R

[meh]

Re: Look Whose Back - Lakers, The Next Dynasty

Game 35: January 11th 2008

vs Milwaukee Bucks

The Buck Stops Here!
Milwaukee outscore the Lakers throughout to grab 13 point win!

The Lakers slipped to their 4th defeat from 5 as the Bucks shoot their way past the hosts on route to a 95-82 win, which saw Redd and Bell both hit the 20s.

Kobe, Shaq and the recent revival of Ron Artest all attempted to get the Lakers close enough to have a run at the Bucks, but they could not cut the Bucks lead under double digits throughout the 3rd and 4th quarters.

Another winnable game has drifted by the Lakers, whilst the Bucks can get their season moving again, especially if the likes of Williams can contine in the vein of form that saw him rack up a 10pt/13ast double-double.

Milwaukee 95 Los Angeles 82


Post Game Cuts:

Phil Jackson: "We looked off the pace there and that is a concern for me. The Bucks always seemed a step ahead of us, so we had to play a guessing game and you can't win at this level if you are not prepared to go toe to toe"

Shaq: "Every team have their problems, we have had streaks both positive and negative this year. I've been playing hurt alot recently, so my responsibility is falling o other shoulders. Not many players in the NBA can play like Shaq, so you know, things should be getting better as i get healthy"


Stats:

Laker Notables:
K. Bryant - 23pts / 5R
S. O'Neal - 19pts / 7R
R. Artest - 11pts / 6R / 4A
A. Bynum - 7pts / 6R / 4A

Buck Notables:
M. Redd - 21pts
C. Bell - 20pts / 4R / 5A
A. Bogut - 12pts / 5R
M. Williams - 10pts / 13A

[meh]

Re: Look Whose Back - Lakers, The Next Dynasty

Game 36: January 13th 2008

vs Memphis Grizzlies

Grizzlies Find Bite!
Kobe Bryant bruises his ankle as the Grizzlies play hard for the win!

Bryant went down hard in the 4th quarter and had sit out the remaining 5 minutes as the Grizzlies fought hard to swing around a 8 point deficit to take the victory with ease.

Kobe's injury left him at 44 points, a figure that dwarfed his team-mates returns and was the underlying factor in the run that Memphis put together to steal the win. However, the Lakers had their chance to put the game to bed, but allowed Rudy Gay and Pau Gasol to stack up the points in a one-sided 4th.

The Lakers later confirmed that Kobe had suffered just minor bruising around his ankle and will be able to get back to action tomorrow against Seattle, but once again the Lakers will be relying on hurt players to carry them through a difficult patch.

Memphis 113 Los Angeles 102


Post Game Cuts:

Phil Jackson: "Kobe's fall looked worse than it was out there, however we had to keep him off his foot for the remainder of the game just to not risk any further swelling or damage. Little things seem to go against us and when confidence is at a low, those little things become obstacles"

Kobe: "I can play tomorrow, i wanted to put up 50 tonight but i listened to the doctors and stayed on the sideline's for the rest of the game. We are focused to get back to winning ways and i know that we can live up to our expectations again soon"


Stats:

Laker Notables:
K. Bryant - 44pts
R. Artest - 16pts / 7R / 5A
G. Payton - 14pts / 5A
S. O'Neal - 6pts / 8R / 4A

Grizzlie Notables:
M. Miller - 23pts / 4A
R. Gay - 22pts / 5A
P. Gasol - 15pts / 8R
D. Stoudamire - 14pts / 6A

[meh]

Re: Look Whose Back - Lakers, The Next Dynasty

Game 37: January 14th 2008

@ Seattle Supersonics

Super' Sonics!
Seattle outclass a struggling Lakers 'show!

Kevin Durant stole the show tonight as he ended the game 2 assists shy of a triple-double, whilst the opposing Kobe Bryant attempted but failed to cary the Lakers out of their slump on his bad ankle.

Things got rough for the Lakers and Bryant in particular, as although he still top-scored for L.A. he went just 1-8 from beyond the arc, whilst coughing up 6 turnovers as he pushed himself to far.

Seattle in the meantime continued to play safe basketball, taking the shots, making hoops and controlling the clock when they had the rock. In fact the 30 point loss for the Lakers could have been a whole lot worse if the Seattle coach didn't take mercy and use his bench for most of the 4th. 3 straight defeats and 6 from 7 for the Lakers who are scrambling to hold onto a top 8 conference placing.

Los Angelels 77 Seattle 107


Post Game Cuts:

Phil Jackson: "No one is untouchable, i know im under pressure here to get things right. The front office has gambled the future of this team by adding 'stars' to help us immediately, so there is pressure there but i know we can work our way out of this hole we are in"

Kevin Durant: "Its frustrating to not get my first triple-double but im happy with the way im playing and how this team is progressing. We are a young team and we outclassed a impressive Lakers team tonight, i think the fans will leave happier after that performance"


Stats:

Laker Notables:
K. Bryant - 23pts / 4R / 6A
S. O'Neal - 14pts / 7R
R. Artest - 9pts / 5R
G. Payton - 9pts / 6A

Supersonic Notables:
K. Durant - 22pts / 10R / 8A
D. West - 18pts / 5A
W. Szcerbiak - 14pts
N. Collison - 10pts / 7R

[meh]

Re: Look Whose Back - Lakers, The Next Dynasty

Game 38: January 17th 2008

vs Phoenix Suns

A Late Sun's' Rise!
Plucky L.A. lose out after impressive comeback!

Heartbreak for the Lakers as their comeback from 10pts to tie the game with 2 minutes remaining, amounted to nothing as Steve Nash stepped up a gear to sink back to back 'trays' (6 from 8 in the game), to which there was no real answer.

Kobe continuing to play on his bruised ankle once again broke the 40 point barrier, over 15 of them coming in a clutch 4th quarter display. Ron Artest's form also impressed with 15pts backed up by 11 rebounds, 8 of them offensive.

However the Sun's are ranked number 1 in the West and it shows with performers such as Nash, Barbosa, Stoudamire and Marion. All 4 put up game-winning performances, to which there could be no real denying them of the win.

Phoenix 112 Los Angeles 108

Post Game Cuts:

Phil Jackson: "Sometimes you can play 100% basketball but you will come up against a better team who will beat that veryday of the week. Thats the level Phoenix are at right now, they have guys who are in their prime playing with supreme confidence its something we have to strive to achieve"

Steve Nash: "The Lakers always give us a tough game, we knew that although they have slumped that we could not come here and just walk away with a win. Coach worked our gameplan and we put that into action throughout and thats why we could hang on at the end there"


Stats:

Laker Notables:
K. Bryant - 43pts
R. Artest - 15pts / 11R / 7A
S. O'Neal - 13pts / 5R
D. Fisher - 5pts / 6A

Sun Notables:
S. Nash - 33pts / 5R / 12A
L. Barbosa - 28pts
A. Stoudamire - 16pts / 8R / 4A
S. Marion - 13pts / 8R

[meh]

Re: Look Whose Back - Lakers, The Next Dynasty

Game 39: January 21st 2008

vs Denver Nuggets

Los Angeles LOSERS!
Denver inflict more misery onto the Lakers, who now have spun 6 losses!

It appears to be a broken record for the Lakers right now, as they cough up yet another winnable game by giving the Nuggets a 10pt 4th quarter, allowing them to snatch the game 112-107.

Kobe and Ron-Ron appeared energetic and ready to rip the Nuggets apart, as they amassed points at speed and the game appeared to be going to bed. Alas Melo, AI and Chucky Atkins had other ideas for the Nuggets, and they soon strung together enough plays to stay competitive.

The Lakers again rue'd missed opportunities and this time it was the fouling out of Shaq early in the 4th, as he was on course for arguably his best game since his return to Los Angeles. With Shaq sidelined, the Nuggets gained the momentum which took them to a 10 point positive swing in the 4th, as even the return of Antioine Walker to the Laker lineup could not stop them falling to a sixth straight loss.

Denver 112 Los Angeles 107

Post Game Cuts:

Antoine Walker: "Its good to get back out on the court, its hard watching the team out there, when i know i can help make a difference. Tonight was tough, but we have shown we can cope with the best"

Ron Artest: "We just need that lucky shot to fall our way right now, we are getting in the game winning position's, but not coming away with the win"


Stats:

Laker Notables:
K. Bryant - 38pts / 8R / 4A
R. Artest - 30pts
S. O'Neal - 17pts / 8R
A. Walker - 10pts / 5R / 5A

Nugget Notables:
C. Anthony - 28pts / 8A
A. Iverson - 22pts / 9A
C. Atkins - 18pts / 10A
Nene - 8pts / 7R

[meh]

Re: Look Whose Back - Lakers, The Next Dynasty

Game 40: January 23rd 2008

@ San Antonio Spurs

Thats 7!
7 straight defeats, a 7pt defeat!

The Spurs continued their rennaisance with another win, as the Lakers drought intensified with a seventh straight defeat heading their way.

The game itself was close, both teams matching each other shot for shot and neither amassing a lead that could be claimed for victory. That was until the 4th quarter, where tiredness got the better of a battle weary Lakers team as the Spurs shot ahead by 7, thanks to Parker and Duncan.

San Antonio made the Lakers pay for failing to take their shots at the charity stripe, with Artest and Walker being the guilty parties for holding sub 50% free throw numbers. The Spurs led by the injury free Duncan can now see a light ahead of them and will soon overtake the Lakers in a race for a playoff spot should the respective runs continue.

Los Angeles 88 San Antonio 95


Post Game Cuts:

Phil Jackson: "We have to look at this game by game now, we just need a win to get this monkey off our backs. The longer this continues the more we will get nervous in tight situations"

Tim Duncan: "As a team we are getting back to our best, there is a long recovery for us to take though as starting 3-13 leave's you playing alot of catchup. This team won the championship last year, so we will be there to defend what is ours"


Stats:

Laker Notables:
K. Bryant - 28pts / 4R / 8A
S. O'Neal - 18pts / 12R
R. Artest - 13pts / 9R
A. Walker - 7pts / 6R / 4A

Spur Notables:
T. Parker - 26pts / 8A
T. Duncan - 20pts / 11R
M. Ginobli - 12pts / 9R / 6A
B. Barry - 8pts / 5R / 4A

[meh]

Re: Look Whose Back - Lakers, The Next Dynasty

Game 41: January 25th 2008

@ Dallas Mavericks

Lakers Need JR Ewing Style Recovery!
Dallas breakout, surprisingly in the 4th!

Lets look as this with some perspective:
8 straight losses
10.5 games back in the division
11th in the conference

The Lakers are on a slide that would impress the judges at a bobsleigh event, but not those in the NBA. The team is in a decline that could cost Phil Jackson his role as Head Coach, with notable players following.

Take nothing away from Dallas here though, as they ripped through the Lakers in the 4th quarter (how many times have we said that), to take their lead from 3pts to 21 in a matter of minutes. The Mavericks had an answer to everything the Lakers attempted, whilst they countered with Howard and Nowitzki making double-doubles.

Kobe continued his 1-man rush to outscore the league, but without adequate backup from the other starters, the numbers put up by Bryant are becoming irrelevant. The Lakers are heading towards the month of February where they have jut 3 games at home, their season could be done and quick.

Los Angeles 97 Dallas 118


Post Game Cuts:

Phil Jackson: "I keep repeating myself but there is not much else for me to say. How do we get out of this slump? Im not sure right now, i thought we had the answers out there on the court, but maybe we need to take a different approach"

Kobe: "Everyone of us is to blame, there is no individual aspect to our game right now we are in this as a team and have to take the licks as they come, it can only get better i hope that we can get the patience it needs"


Stats:

Laker Notables:
K. Bryant - 37pts / 5A
R. Artest - 16pts / 7R
S. O'Neal - 14pts / 7R
M. Evans - 7pts

Maverick Notables:
J. Howard - 25pts / 10R
J. Terry - 18pts
D. Nowitzki - 18pts / 11R
J. Stackhouse - 16pts

[meh]

Re: Look Whose Back - Lakers, The Next Dynasty

Game 42: January 27th 2008

vs Cleveland Cavaliers

Call in the Cavalry!
Cav's win, Lakers need reinforcements to resurrect their season!

With January coming to a close the Lakers are nearing desperation in their attempt to revitalise a season that is going wildly out of control. Next month the Lakers face a horrendous schedule that see's them on the road for all bar 4 games, compound this with their current road woes' and the Lakers could find themselves on the brink of failure to even make the 2008 playoffs.

Cleveland on the other hand had no remorse in their demolition of the Lakers. A 30 point lead was built up in the 1st half, with only the Cav's bench allowing for a mini revival through the 4th letting the Lakers get within respectability.

Larry Hughes was the main man for the Cav's, as he scored 31, 4 more than Lebron James, who himself controlled the game in the minutes he was given by the coach. For the Lakers, Kobe again put up the most points, whilst Walker continues his return from the broken ankle with a solid 14 point performance.

Cleveland 113 Los Angeles 98


Post Game Cuts:

Phil Jackson: "We looked second best out there in all aspects of the game. We owe it to the fans to at least perform with respect, yet tonight was a low point in a dismal period for this club"

Shaq: "I didn't come here to lose, we can still turn things around and get ourselves back in the shakeup. It takes character to overcome adversity and thats what I and this team have alot of"


Stats:

Laker Notables:
K. Bryant - 26pts / 7A
S. O'Neal - 16pts / 5R
G. Payton - 16pts
A. Walker - 14pts

Cavalier Notables:
L. Hughes - 31pts
L. James - 27pts / 9R / 5A
D. Gibson - 11pts / 10A
Z. Ilgauskas - 11pts / 5R

[meh]

Re: Look Whose Back - Lakers, The Next Dynasty

Game 43: January 29th 2008

vs New York Knicks

KKK?!
Kobe Kills Knicks!

Finally following a 9 game losing skid, Kobe Bryant manages to lead the Lakers past the New York Knicks to snare a win from the jaws of defeat, yet his late heroics could prove costly as he once again jarred the knee that saw him play hurt earlier in the season.

Of Bryants 34 points, 18 came in the 4th quarter as the Lakers surged from a double digit deficit, to overtake the Knicks who had lost Randolph early in the quarter through fouling out. Following his exit, the Knicks lacked power in the paint and soon found themselves making mistakes as they forced plays that should come naturally.

Big Diesel, Shaq continued to restore belief in his ability by racking up 20 points, as it appears he is clear of the niggling injury problems that have plagued him since his return to Los Angeles. Marbury found solid double-double for the Knicks, but failure to make any shots in the final 2 minutes left them on the losing edge of 5 points.

New York 94 Los Angeles 99


Post Game Cuts:

Phil Jackson: "Togetherness, hard work, ability, persistance... I can give you a list of the attributes we showed out there, but i think you could see for yourselves the turnaround shown by my guys was worth the wait"

Kobe: "The knee dosen't feel to great right now, I think i can play on it again, but the doctors will assess that on a daily basis and see what we can do out there"


Stats:

Laker Notables:
K. Bryant - 34pts / 4R
S. O'Neal - 20pts / 4R / 4A
R. Artest - 14pts / 5R
A. Walker - 10pts / 4R

Knick Notables:
J. Crawford - 21pts
S. Marbury - 16pts / 14A
Z. Randolph - 16pts / 7R
E. Curry - 15pts

[meh]

Re: Look Whose Back - Lakers, The Next Dynasty

Game 44: January 31st 2008

@ Detroit Pistons

Lakers ‘Pist’ in Detroit
Billups leads Pistons past Lakers

The Lakers revival came to an abrupt end as Chauncey Billups lead a Detroit comeback in a 90-82 win. Billups who was kept quiet through the 1st half, came through late in the 3rd and through the 4th as he added 16pts and doubled his assist tally, to finish with a 20pt/12ast double-double.

For the Lakers, they played like a team without a leader. Kobe looked tired and feeling the affects of his recent knee problems, so Artest came through with 21pts as the team high. Shaq and Fisher also upped their game, but the Lakers failed to get production from the bench.

Detroit remain on course in the East to clinch the Central Division and another run at the Championship, the Lakers will rely on turning their fortunes around quick, before they get cutoff from the chasing pack.

Los Angeles 82 Detroit 90


Post Game Cuts:

Phil Jackson: “We had some good intensity going out there, we kept them quiet and had time to play our game. They have the players that can hurt you though and that’s what we lost sight of”

Kobe: “I had problems tonight, something didn’t feel right so they told me to play if I could. I should be fine for Toronto, it is a case of resting and not pushing myself to far at this stage”


Stats:

Laker Notables:
R. Artest – 21pts / 6R
S. O’Neal – 17pts / 8R
K. Bryant – 14pts / 5R / 5A
D. Fisher – 13pts / 7A

Piston Notables:
C. Billups – 20pts / 12A
R. Hamilton – 18pts
R. Wallace – 16pts
A. McDyess – 10pts / 11R

[meh]

Re: Look Whose Back - Lakers, The Next Dynasty

Game 45: February 1st 2008

@ Toronto Raptors

Raptors Cut Down
Kobe gets back to best, Lakers punish Raptors

The Toronto Raptors will rue they lax control of the ball, as 22 turnovers gave the Lakers a chance to punish them with the rock and mastermind a convincing victory in Canada.

Kobe Bryant looked sharper again for the Lakers and his 4 steals set the tone for the game, as he put the points in the bucket to total 29 for the game. Fisher, Shaq and Antoine Walker also added double digit points tally’s, whilst all coming just 2 assists or rebounds shy of double-double.

Toronto themselves had some good numbers to build on, but their reluctance to control the ball left them chasing shadows and an insurmountable Laker lead.

Los Angeles 96 Toronto 82


Post Game Cuts:

Phil Jackson: “We forced that game in the right way tonight, made them analyse their style as we took our game to the next level”

Antoine Walker: “I am getting stronger game by game, my numbers are still off where I want them to be, but it is a case of working hard and getting this team winning again at this stage”


Stats:

Laker Notables:
K. Bryant – 29pts / 5R
S. O’Neal – 15pts / 8R
A. Walker – 13pts / 8R
D. Fisher – 11pts / 8A

Raptor Notables:
G. Wallace – 23pts / 7R
A. Bargnani – 15pts / 8R
A. Parker – 14pts / 4R
C. Bosh – 10pts / 8R

[meh]

Re: Look Whose Back - Lakers, The Next Dynasty

Kobe: The Lone Laker!
Bryant is the only Laker currently in the running for the All-Star Game

Kobe Bryant, Ron Artest, Shaq, Antoine Walker, Gary Payton…. There is an All-Star team right there, however with the Lakers underperforming and many of those named above looking past their prime, it is likely that Kobe Bryant will be the sole Laker lining up for the Western Conference in the upcoming All-Star Game in New Orleans.

Bryant’s season has seen him pretty much carry the Lakers to what limited success they have had. His 30ppg average see’s him sit with almost double what Artest has averaged, with only Shaq also hitting double digits.

What Bryant will relish is the opportunity to play alongside some of the games best, current voting has the Western Conference with a Starting five of; Steve Nash (PHO), Kobe Bryant (LAL), Tracy McGrady (HOU), Carlos Boozer (UTA) and Amare Stoudamire (PHO).

That starting five is the dream for all Lakers fans, with the front office promising big things in Los Angeles, the coup of signing the veterans of Walker and O’Neal appears to be failing and a rebuild towards the next generation of NBA premiere’s is in the offing.

Prospective Five’s

Western Conference:
PG Steve Nash – Phoenix Suns
SG Kobe Bryant – Los Angeles Lakers
PF Carlos Boozer – Utah Jazz
SF Tracy McGrady – Houston Rockets
C Amare Stoudamire – Phoenix Suns

Eastern Conference:
PG Jason Kidd – New Jersey Nets
SG Dwayne Wade – Miami Heat
PF Kevin Garnett – Boston Celtics
SF LeBron James – Cleveland Cavaliers
C Dwight Howard – Orlando Magic

[meh]

Re: Look Whose Back - Lakers, The Next Dynasty

Who is the Best?
Award races hot up as players make an impact!

With the halfway point in the season passed, we focus on who is on top of the races to win the coveted player awards in the NBA this year, first up MVP.

Most Valuable Player 2008:

It looked for a long time that this would be a 1 man race, however a challenger has emerged and it’s a case of the big man v the little guy.

LeBron James (CLE): 25.6ppg / 6.8rpg / 6.3apg
Chris Paul (NO): 17.6ppg / 3.8rpg / 11.8apg

Rookie of the Year 2008:

The best in the class, coming up from College Hoops to the big leagues is always a tough ask, yet there are those players who can adapt instantly and that’s why they go on to better things.

Kevin Durant (SEA): 18.7ppg / 5.2rpg / 2.8apg
Al Horford (ATL): 12.3ppg / 9.8rpg / 1.0apg

Sixth Man of the Year 2008:

Every team needs production from the pine; these guys can make their career as a weapon from the bench. Golden State may have picked up the trade of the season, whilst the Clippers will rue their front office move.

Sam Cassell (GSW): 13.8ppg / 3.0rpg / 4.7apg
Drew Gooden (CLE): 11.2ppg / 7.8rpg / 1.2apg

Defensive Player of the Year 2008:

Phoenix are revered for their offensive prowess, yet without sound defense all that counts for very little. Shawn Marion continues to prove his doubters wrong and is at the peak of his game.

Shawn Marion (PHO): 17.7ppg / 11.1rpg / 1.6bpg
Emeka Okafor (CHA): 12.6ppg / 12.3rpg / 2.1bpg

Most Improved Player 2008:

When things are down, they can only get better right? Well these guys prove that hard work and commitment can forge you a career in the NBA even if you choked in previous seasons.

J Singleton (MIA): 6.0ppg / 6.9rpg
Jalen Rose (SAC): 11.6ppg / 2.5rpg