Look Whose Back - Lakers, The Next Dynasty

[meh]

Re: Look Whose Back - Lakers, The Next Dynasty

Game 25: December 20th 2007

@ Cleveland Cavaliers

Clutch’land Cavs!
Bron’Bron inspires 16pt comeback on Lakers!

Cleveland masterminded by LeBron James and Larry Hughes, fought back from a 16pt Laker lead, to earn a tough win as the Lakers continue to stink it up on the road.

Kobe again put up the most points for the Lakers, but his performance soon dropped in the 2nd half as tiredness is beginning to settle in to the Lakers lineup through this tough stretch. Kobe’s ineffectiveness was again not backed up by the Lakers, which allowed LeBron James to up his game and alongside Hughes the Cavaliers were able to control the rock and play the game they wanted.

James ended up with a 23pt / 12rebound double-double, whilst Hughes top scored with 28 as the Cavaliers outscored the Lakers by 16pts in the 3rd quarter to give them the cushion they needed down the stretch. Clever clock management and good percentage shooting kept their lead, and the Lakers have lost 2 on the spin out East.

Los Angeles 95 Cleveland 101


Post Game Cuts:

Phil Jackson: “Focus, every game I drill in the importance of focus, yet we don’t seem to keep that for the full quarters. Its not a disaster for us, but this type of streak has to end quick”

LeBron: “We are playing some good stuff at times, we want to get back to the Championship again and games like this will build our character for the run-in”


Stats:

Laker Notables:
K. Bryant – 27pts / 6R / 5A
G. Payton – 15pts
R. Artest – 12pts / 9R / 4A
S. O’Neal – 12pts / 6R

Cavalier Notables:
L. Hughes – 28pts / 7R / 5A
L. James – 23pts / 12R / 5A
D. Marshall – 10pts / 4R
Z. Illgauskas – 8pts / 10R

[meh]

Re: Look Whose Back - Lakers, The Next Dynasty

Game 26: December 21st 2007

@ Philadelphia 76ers

The Worst just got Better!
4-21, the 76ers improve on that against a dismal L.A.!

They were the NBAs worst with a 4-21 record and they still remain the NBAs worst, however the 76ers now sit at 5-21 following a win over the lacklustre Lakers, who themselves have dropped to 13-13, trailing the Phoenix Suns by 7 games in the division.

A 3rd straight road loss also sees the Lakers record away from L.A. drop below .500 for the first time, as the players appeared to be in cruise control against the poor, yet hungry 76ers.

Andre Miller top scored for the hosts with 18, whilst Dalembert owned the boards with his 15 rebounds, as a bitty game saw the 76ers hold on by the fingertips at the end, to halt a 12-2 surge by the Lakers and clinch the win by 5pts.

For Los Angeles, the result was another nail in the coffin of ‘signing vet’ stars’, as there is a consensus that the Lakers have sold their future for a half-hearted attempt at getting to the championship. The final game of this road trip comes in New York, two days before Christmas. Phil Jackson best get writing those letters to Santa…..

Los Angeles 81 Philadelphia 86


Post Game Cuts:

Ron Artest: “We are not playing any differently, things just seem to be getting away from us and we just don’t have any answers right now. Everyone’s still together on this, we have no problems off the court to work through”

Andre Miller: “There is still a lot of pride in this team, city and fans. Playing in a rebuilding team is tough for a lot of guys; we just have to stick to our beliefs through the bad spells”


Stats:

Laker Notables:
K. Bryant – 22pts / 8R / 5A
S. O’Neal – 15pts / 6R
R. Artest - 11pts / 7R
J. Salmons – 10pts

76er Notables:
A. Miller – 18pts
J. Smith – 17pts
S. Dalembert – 8pts / 15R
A. Iguodala – 6pts / 6R / 6A

[meh]

Re: Look Whose Back - Lakers, The Next Dynasty

Game 27: December 23rd 2007

@ New York Knicks

K’nicked It!
Road trip ends with a bang!

The Lakers finally got over their recent road record hump, to sneak past a fired up New York team, led by healthy numbers through their starting 5.

However, although both Curry and Marbury notched double-double’s, it was a 43 point haul by Kobe that stole the show, including his 8 point surge with under 2 minutes remaining in the game which clinched the 98-94 win.

The Knicks appeared to be well on their way to adding to the Laker woes, as Randolph, Curry and Marbury all starred in a rush to get to double digits, in a vibrant and energetic 1st two quarters. However, Kobe managed to go up the gears in the 2nd half, adding 30 pts, ably assisted by Crittenton who made a valuable 10pt contribution from the pine.

This result bumps the Lakers back up to 14-13, still 7 games behind the Suns, who are the next opponent for the Lakers as they return to L.A. for a home stand that will see them into 2008.

Los Angeles 98 New York 94


Post Game Cuts:

Phil Jackson: “That’s better from us tonight, we moved the ball and we kept with them when they got hot. Kobe is a catalyst for this team when things come together, there’s no doubting that we need him to be hitting 30 plus points every game”

Javaris Crittenton: “I think the calls against the veterans in this team are wrong. You know we have a great roster here, I know I am learning a lot every day by being with this team, Andrew is picking stuff up too from Shaq all the time. We are 14-13, with a home stand to come, I hope to play my part in getting us back in a winning streak”


Stats:

Laker Notables:
K. Bryant – 43pts / 7R
R. Artest – 13pts / 9R
J. Crittenton – 10pts
J. Salmons – 9pts / 4A

Knick Notables:
Z. Randolph – 24pts / 9R
E. Curry – 17pts / 10R
S. Marbury – 15pts / 10A
J. Crawford – 14pts / 4R

[meh]

Re: Look Whose Back - Lakers, The Next Dynasty

Thanks again for the views everyone… just a note, possibly no more posts this weekend. Games will be played, but I have limited internet access whilst in the midst of our move.


For those touching base, 3 more games and I will be posting up Standings/Stats/League News etc to wrap up 2007!


Cheers

[meh]

Re: Look Whose Back - Lakers, The Next Dynasty

Game 28: December 25th 2007

vs Phoenix Suns

Sun’s Fail to Rise!
Kobe masterminds the Lakers surge past Phoenix!

Steve Nash and the Phoenix Suns came to L.A. riding high with the Western Conference’s best record, with just 7 losses for the season. However the recently struggling Lakers performed on a season high level, to thrill the packed Staples Center and cap a comfortable 13pt win.

Once again Kobe Bryant stood out for the Lakers with 37pts, 9reb and 5ast, however Gary Payton rolled back the years to drain 24pts from the bench, as he clocked 4 from 5 beyond the arc. Artest and O’Neal also had healthy lines, as although the Suns got good production from the starting 5, the lack of contribution from the pine hurt them in the run in.

The Lakers needed this win to begin a 5 game home stand, as they attempt to consolidate their position in the Western Conference as we move towards the halfway mark.

Phoenix 107 Los Angeles 120


Post Game Cuts:

Phil Jackson: “The team are earning their dues out there, we come back from a tough stretch on the road, knowing that these 5 games could be a catalyst for us. 4 or 5 wins and we can get right back in behind Phoenix and push on towards the playoffs”

Ron Artest: “I will still play hard all season for the Lakers, I have an option to extend my deal by a season, but I am happy to test the market, see what’s out there and take it from there. I’m not ruling out L.A., but then I’m not ruling out New York either”


Stats:

Laker Notables:
K. Bryant – 37pts / 9R / 5A
G. Payton – 24pts
R. Artest – 21pts / 7R / 7A
S. O’Neal – 12pts / 9R / 5A

Sun Notables:
S. Nash – 30pts / 13A
A. Stoudemire – 22pts / 10R / 6A
S. Marion – 17pts / 10R
L. Barbosa – 13pts

[meh]

Re: Look Whose Back - Lakers, The Next Dynasty

Game 29: December 28th 2007

vs Utah Jazz

Laker’s Dance to the Jazz!
Utah fold in third, Lakers ride a Kobe 15pt quarter!

The Lakers come through a testing encounter with the Utah Jazz, as they outscore their opponents by 16 points through the 3rd and 4th quarters, to seal a double digit win over the struggling Jazz.

Bryant and Payton again both scored freely for the Lakers, whilst Shaq continued his return to form with another 13 points. For the Jazz, they will rue missed opportunities with Carlos Boozer grabbing 15 boards, 8 of them offensive as their shooting percentage dropped dramatically as the game went on.

With this being their third straight win, the Lakers can now look forward to the clash with the best from the East, as the Boston Celtics bring their ‘Big 3’ to town, looking to add to their impressive W’ column.

Utah 89 Los Angeles 99


Post Game Cuts:

Phil Jackson: “Artest not playing as much has nothing to do with his contract status or comments made to you guys. Ron has a big part to play this year with us as far as im concerned. Contracts, trades and the like are being dealt with by the Front Office, im here to coach the players and get them in a winning frame of mind come game time,
Ron didn’t feel 100% so I let him rest out today”

Andrew Bynum: “I am happy to get my chances out there no matter the circumstance. I would of preferred to be the starting center for the team, but I can fit in around Shaq and in a forward position if coach wants me to”


Stats:

Laker Notables:
K. Bryant – 31pts
G. Payton – 16pts
S. O’Neal – 13pts / 7R
A. Bynum – 12pts / 8R / 4A

Jazz Notables:
C. Boozer – 17pts / 15R
M. Almond – 16pts
M. Okur – 15pts / 6R
D. Williams – 12pts / 4R / 11A

[meh]

Re: Look Whose Back - Lakers, The Next Dynasty

Game 30: December 30th 2007

vs Boston Celtics

Pruitt Outshines Stars!
Celtic’s win, as Pruitt fires up big!

Gabe Pruitt outshone the stars on both teams, as his 32 point haul (12 of which coming in the decisive 4th) helped ease the Celtics past a confident Lakers team, by 98-88 on the back of a 12 point 4th quarter comeback.

The Lakers had been looking for their 4th straight win, 3rd in a row of this home stand, alas there was no significant backup for Kobe Bryant, as he outscored all of the other Laker starters combined with 34 points.

Ron Artest again failed to play any immediate role within the team, coming off the bench to collect minimal minutes, adding to rumours that he could be used as a trading tool come the deadline.

For Boston, with Pruitt top scoring, it was a case of 2nd gear for Garnett, Pierce and Allen, all of whom contributed just enough to ease the Celtic’s to another win to end the year 2007.

Boston 98 Los Angeles 88


Post Game Cuts:

Phil Jackson: “We failed to ignite as a team out there. We had Kobe picking up the pieces and forcing plays that should be shared through the team. The level of performance is disappointing for us to take, especially following a solid 3 game winning stretch”

Shaq: “I’ve been talking to Ron, these rumours they get to the guys back there and Ron is not happy that he is caught up in this through 30 games with the Lakers. He is a top player, who I have helped make better, I know we all want him to get a new contract and stay here for the building of this dynasty, Ron will be back out for you guys to take shots at again, don’t fear that”


Stats:

Laker Notables:
K. Bryant – 34pts / 5A
S. O’Neal – 12pts / 10R
G. Payton – 11pts
D. Fisher – 6pts / 6A

Celtic Notables:
G. Pruitt – 32pts / 7A
K. Garnett – 16pts / 7R
R. Allen – 12pts
P.Pierce – 10pts / 5R

[meh]

Re: Look Whose Back - Lakers, The Next Dynasty

Los Angeles Laker Stat Report (30 game mark):

                    PPG   RPG   APG
K. Bryant          30.4   4.8   3.6
R. Artest          14.3   5.5   2.6
S. O'Neal          13.8   6.6   1.1
A. Walker           7.8   4.8   1.6
G. Payton           7.3   1.6   3.2
D. Fisher           5.8   1.3   4.7
J. Salmons          5.4   1.2   1.2
A. Bynum            5.2   4.8   1.3
R. Balkman          3.4   2.7   0.4
R. Turiaf           3.2   2.8   0.4
M. Evans            1.8   0.5   0.1
J. Crittenton       1.7   0.5   0.5

[meh]

Re: Look Whose Back - Lakers, The Next Dynasty

NBA Standings:


Pacific Division:

                    W  L
Phoenix            23  9
Golden State       20  13
LA Clippers        17  13
LA Lakers          16  14
Sacramento         15  15

Northwest Division:

                    W  L
Minnesota          16  15
Denver             14  17
Portland           13  20
Seattle            11  21
Utah               12  22

Southwest Division:

                    W  L
Dallas             22  10
New Orleans        20  12
Houston            19  13
San Antonio        12  18
Memphis            12  19

Atlantic Division:

                    W  L
Boston             23  7
New Jersey         16  15
Toronto            12  20
New York           12  18
Philadelphia        7  25

Central:

                    W  L
Detroit            17  15
Cleveland          17  15
Indiana            15  18
Chicago            14  17
Milwaukee          11  20

Southeast Division:

                    W  L
Atlanta            19  10
Charlotte          17  13
Miami              17  15
Orlando            17  17
Washington         15  15

[meh]

Re: Look Whose Back - Lakers, The Next Dynasty

NBA League Leaders:


Bryant tops PPG with a massive 30.4

                    PPG
K. Bryant LAL       30.4
D.Wade MIA          25.8
V. Carter NJN       24.9
M. Redd MIL         24.8
L. James CLE        24.7

Okafor leads the way at the boards

                    RPG
E. Okafor CHA       13.0
D. Howard ORL       12.7
K. Garnett BOS      12.3
C. Boozer UTA       12.0
A. Biedrins GSW     11.7

Kidd maintain's a high level of contribution

                    APG
J. Kidd NJN         11.5
C. Paul NO          11.4
S. Nash PHO         11.0
D. Williams UTA     9.3
R. Felton CHA       8.1

[meh]

Re: Look Whose Back - Lakers, The Next Dynasty

Note: Due to the setup of this dynasty and my recaps taking place every 15 games, the following news items trail back to the beginning of the season. This is how the updates will work, in that the news is backdated through the previous 15 games.

NBA Signings & Trade News:

November 3rd 2007
SG Doug Christie signs 1yr $490,000 deal with LA Clippers

November 10th 2007
PF Chris Webber signs 1yr $3,270,000 deal with Memphis

November 17th 2007
PF PJ Brown signs 1yr $1,001,000 deal with Phoenix
SF Jalen Rose signs 1yr $1,870,000 deal with Sacramento

November 24th 2007
Miami trade R. Davis (SG) to Minnesota for R. Foye (PG)
LA Clippers trade S. Cassell (PG) to Golden State for M. Belinelli (SG)
LA Clippers trade T. Thomas (PF) to Milwaukee for D. Mason (SF)

*NEW* December 1st 2007
Toronto trade T. Ford (PG) to Charlotte for G. Wallace (SF)
LA Clippers trade B. Knight (PG) to Miami for S. Parker (PG)

*NEW* December 15th 2007
Chicago trade A. Nocioni (SF) to Golden State for A. Harrington (PF)

NBA Notable Injuries:

Brandon Bass DAL - Torn ACL 42 Weeks
Antoine Walker LAL - Broken Ankle 6 Weeks
Dirk Nowitzki DAL - Broken Ankle 6 Weeks

[meh]

Re: Look Whose Back - Lakers, The Next Dynasty


Above: Artest

Ron-Gone?
Ron Artest has not featured heavily for the Lakers, is that a sign?

(AP) The rumours are rife, the comments pieced together, Ron Artest could well be on his way out of Los Angeles with a bang.

Comments made from inside the Lakers camp suggest that Ron Artest is ready to walk out of the Los Angeles organisation and sit out his contract until the end of the season, to enable him to become a free agent.

Artest who only came to the Lakers in a pre-season trade with the Sacramento Kings, has been renowned for his volatile temper of which could have been ignited in recent weeks. Ron-Ron as he is sometimes affectionately known; has had a slump in form which has coincided with a dramatic cut in his playing time, as well as some comments in the press by Head Coach Phil Jackson.

The player is known to be unhappy with the team heavily favouring Kobe Bryant for its clutch plays, with his starting role now becoming a mere ‘part’ player in the Kobe show. Artest himself has not commented with regards to being unhappy, however his tone towards dropping his player option with the Lakers and testing free agency, suggests that his head is not in their locker room.

With the coming of age of Andrew Bynum, who has flirted with time in the forward role, as well as the production garnered from veteran Gary Payton, some may say cutting Artest’s salary would be of benefit. Then again with Artest currently putting up team 2nd best numbers in PPG (14.3) and RPG (5,5), the Lakers would be shy of one of the better forwards in the league today.

Phil Jackson and Shaquille O’Neal have both backed Artest to come back stronger and play a key part in the Lakers season, whilst the fans will also hope that Artest himself will quash these rumours and commit to the task of bringing back the NBA Championship to L.A.

**Neither party (Los Angeles Lakers or Ron Artest) have commented on this story.

[meh]

Re: Look Whose Back - Lakers, The Next Dynasty

Game 31: January 4th 2008

vs Philadelphia 76ers

L.A. Chew up a Philly!
The Lakers run riot over the 76ers at the Staples Center

Artest came back to the starting five for the Lakers following rumours of his unrest, to put up a solid performance, although overshadowed by the resurgent Gary Payton who shot 5 from 6 downtown, putting up 26 points and almost outscoring Kobe Bryant.

The Lakers controlled the game from tip to buzzer, collecting over 10 offensive rebounds, with Shaq and Artest grabbing 20 in total between them. A 36 point differential collected through the 2nd and 3rd quarters saw the Lakers streak away to an unassailable lead, giving the bench a chance to run in the 4th.

Philly continue to be the whipping boys in the NBA this year, and only Iguodala and Miller managed to shoot double digits for the 76ers, as only a late rally pulled them back within 30 at the finish.

Philadelphia 69 Los Angeles 94


Post Game Cuts:

Phil Jackson: “We bought Ron back as he was physically and mentally ready to play again. You can see the difference he can make to this team out there, we have a 5-piece offense with him in the lineup, that’s the mark of a quality team”

Ron Artest: “A lot has been said about me by other people with regards to my future with the Lakers. I have always maintained I would be happy to finish this season here and then have a look at my options after that. If the front office want me out, then that’s their call”


Stats:

Laker Notables:
K. Bryant – 27pts
G. Payton – 26pts
R. Artest – 12pts / 7R
S. O’Neal – 5pts / 13R

76er Notables:
A. Iguodala – 16pts
A. Miller – 10pts / 4A
S. Dalembert - 8pts
S. Randolph – 4pts / 5R

[meh]

Re: Look Whose Back - Lakers, The Next Dynasty

Game 32: January 6th 2008

vs Indiana Pacers

Lakers Continue to up the Pace’!
Kobe shines again to lead the Lakers to back to back wins!

The Lakers continue their recent run of impressive results at home by racing away with a 21 point win over the Pacers, who failed to get their game going in the face of a Kobe Bryant onslaught.

Bryant again took the lead role for the Lakers, putting up 37pts in a dominant performance that saw him shoot over 60% from the field and fire in 8 from 8 at the charity stripe.

In response the Pacers tried to work things behind Tinsley and O’Neal, however another solid defensive showing by the Lakers, ensured that Indiana failed to gain any real momentum. Once again the Lakers had their rebound total to thank for controlling the game, Artest and Bryant both held 7 each, whilst Bynum who rotated well with Shaq in center, collected 5.

The Lakers home stand is now split, as they travel to Memphis and New Orleans to try and continue the success and push on into the top 8 of the conference.

Indiana 77 Los Angeles 98


Post Game Cuts:

Phil Jackson: “We have played with the right fundamentals again, that’s the key for us. Work hard on defense and then create the space to take our shots”

Kobe Bryant: “I am not focused on the individual awards. If my performances this year don’t get me considered for the MVP, but we can win the Championship then that’s what counts”


Stats:

Laker Notables:
K. Bryant – 37pts / 7R / 4A
S. O’Neal – 11pts
R. Artest – 10pts / 7R / 4A
A. Bynum – 10pts / 5R

Pacer Notables:
J. Tinsley – 15pts / 7A
M. Daniels – 14pts / 5A
D. Granger – 11pts
J. O’Neal – 10pts / 6R / 4A

[meh]

Re: Look Whose Back - Lakers, The Next Dynasty

Game 33: January 8th 2008

@ Memphis Grizzlies

Ain’t Nothing Like a Lake’show!
Lakers unscathed in battle with Grizzlies!

Memphis managed to choke up a lead mid-way through the 4th, to allow the Lakers to stretch away to collect their 3rd straight win, as Ron Artest again underlined his qualities with an impressive all-round display.

The Grizzlies had rode the hard work of Gay and Miller to pull ahead of the Lakers through the 2nd half, Pau Gasol also added a double-double, whilst Stoudamire’s 10 assists would suggest that the Grizzlies had the upper-hand in the tie.

However Ron Artest shone through with some clutch rebounds, before adding 12pts in the 4th quarter, to backup another 30 plus point game by Bryant. Phil Jackson will also be impressed by the performance from his bench, as both Maurice Evans and Javaris Crittenton added 10 points a piece in their limited game time.

Los Angeles 118 Memphis 110


Post Game Cuts:

Phil Jackson: “Those guys put in a lot of hard work. The bench doesn’t get much credit, but they pay their dues in practice and we have a quality on there that can win games”

Javaris Crittenton: “I think for the likes of me and Maurice, its important for us to be able to contribute and have a quick impact on games. Both of us had struggled to get decent PPG returns this year, so this game will give us and coach more confidence as we get into the clutch”


Stats:

Laker Notables:
K. Bryant – 33pts / 5R
R. Artest – 22pts / 8R / 7A
M. Evans – 10pts
J. Crittenton – 10pts

Grizzlie Notables:
R. Gay – 25pts / 6R
M. Miller – 20pts / 5R
P. Gasol – 15pts / 10R
D. Stoudamire – 7pts / 10A