Laker Blues…
As a quasi-Laker fan I'm happy to celebrate the dominance that LA has enjoyed over the past couple of seasons. I enjoy watching Kobe Bryant reaching even higher than we thought the top of his game reached. I enjoy watching Phil Jackson play the NBA the same way a cat plays with a mouse before she eats it. Always seemingly in control and never panicked.
Whether you follow the Lakers the way I do, you're a die-hard fan or anything in between, you have to be more than a little concerned with the current Laker funk. I know it's only two games but this current Laker stew that's being cooked stinks of failure and complacency. The only player excelling since Gasol's hamstring injury is Lamar Odom. This is great for Lamar but seemingly horrendous for the Lakers as no one else seems willing to step up from the bench crew.
Jordan Farmar had a nice scoring night against an average Dallas squad but apart from that there's no spark from the bench at all. Sasha Vujacic, Derek Fisher and Josh Powell are just horrible to watch. (With the exception of Fisher's defense... I can handle that!)
They make me cringe when they shoot the ball these days and they make it look like they've been sitting out of Basketball for a year.
Sasha and Derek putting their heads together is like watching two hippos try to walk a tight rope. It's going to end badly...
There's no underestimating the value of Pau Gasol in this equation. Now I'm not saying he's the "hardest" guy in the League but I certainly think the inside-outside game that he is a catalyst of, certainly holds the Lakers in better stead.
As for Kobe, well it's easy to consider the finger injury, the knee injury, the elbow injury etc. The only trouble is, Kobe still continues to shoot tough fall-away jump shots during the 4th quarter of close games. Surely his brain isn't injured too?
It's the Milwaukee Bucks that visit the Lakers tonight in LA and after only emerging victorious by one point in overtime last meeting, the Lakers are vulnerable at best. It kicks off an interesting week for the Lake Show with a visit to San Antonio, Dallas and then back home to attempt to avenge their latest loss to the Clippers.
Milwaukee present a definitive challenge to LA. The Bucks have a good presence inside and the Bogut vs Bynum match-up will be great to watch. I'm most excited to see if Phil will give Shannon Brown significant minutes guarding Brandon Jennings. I think Brown's mixture of speed and strength will provide the perfect counter. Either way it will be entertaining! I'm predicting a triple double for Lamar Odom also... I see 14p, 16r and 10a for the lanky number 7.
Jennings could destroy the Lakers... or provide the perfect opportunity for Shannon Brown to arrive.
Buckle up no matter who you are, as when the Lakers experience the Blues, it seems everyone has a lot more to talk about.
Mambalous!
As predicted, Kobe Bryant has been on a tear over the past two games. His game winner against Milwaukee last night was a beauty to watch. Charlie Bell played some really good defense at the end of that game, and especially on Kobe's attempted game winner at the end of regulation. Even his defense on the actual game-winning shot was good, but the shot was just better.
Kobe Bryant was very lucky to have that opportunity.
The foul that was called on Andrew Bogut in the late stages was just a horrible decision by the officials. Bogut was completely set in place and outside the restricted area. Not only did Kobe travel on the play, but he also committed a charge. In reality however, it became the three-point play that kept the Lakers in with a chance.
The Bucks to their credit played very hard and got great contributions from Bogut, Ilyasova, Ridnour and a rather fresh looking Michael Redd. In fact Redd put up nearly as many shots (24) as Roko Ukic has all season! (30)
(Can you say "trade bait"?)
What a difference 4 days make...
We see with superstars all the time, and while it's not right, these calls sometimes don't go the way they technically should.
Regardless of that one play, Kobe has been simply amazing over the course of the past two games against Milwaukee and Chicago.
I know it's only two games but Bryant was horrible against the Jazz whilst battling a broken finger and a stomach virus. He's certainly bounced back with the following averages:
- 40.5 points
- 14-27 shooting @ .518
- 23-27 from the line @ .851
- 4.5 rebounds
- 3.5 assists
- 2 steals
- 7.5 turnovers
I mention the turnovers too because it's fact and I don't want to look like a "Mamba" fanboi. But no one can say that Kobe hasn't made a statement in his last two games.
Needless to say, Courtney Lee will likely feel worse than June '09 this Saturday night in East Rutherford.
Roadshow…?
The Los Angeles Lakers are easily the best team in the Western Conference at the quarter-mark of the NBA season. They have compiled an 18-4 record which includes the 8 point loss they suffered tonight in Utah. Of the next 7 teams in the West, I don't believe any of them could beat LA in a 7-game series. And for that reason as well as any, the bookmakers have the Lake Show as a commanding favorite to win the Western Conference.
Some would say the Lakers are running away with the lead but let's not forget that the Lakers have enjoyed the home court advantage for 17 of their first 22 games. Incredible really when you think about it.
Considering the talented Lakers' recent years of dominance, isn't 18-4 exactly where they should be?
The big test comes now as they embark on a 10-game stretch that includes 7 games on the road. They have already failed the first test in Utah with a stomach virused and finger-broken Kobe Bryant trying to shoot his way into good health. You'd think a guy with a stomach virus and broken finger would shoot less?
Not Kobe.
He took 24 shots to get his 16 points, and as disappointing as that is, I would be feeling a little nervous if I'm a Shooting Guard for the Chicago Bulls right now. United Center might be the perfect venue to not only kick-start the Lakers Roadshow but also for Kobe to make a nicer statement.
Kobe may have been down in Utah, but I'd doubt he'll be out in Chicago.
I see the most dangerous games for the Lakers throughout this run to be the matchups in Detroit, Milwaukee and Phoenix. The small guard matchups are what kill the Lakers and these teams not only have good guards, but they're playing well right now.
If LA can take care of this stretch with solid play from their bench and opportunities to rest their starters for the big games, I think coach Phil Jackson will be satisfied. If the Lakers come out the other side of this stretch with a 25-6 record, that will be a great result.
Minnesota Bad Boys!
I have devised a way to fix the struggling 3-17 Minnesota Timberwolves. It involves a coaching change, a culture change, shorter shorts, a pair of goggles, some bad mustaches and some long tube socks. I have the remedy!
First move is to fire Kurt Rambis. I'm not saying he's doing a bad job, it's just that this plan of mine does not require the services of a filthy LA Laker in any capacity. The next move is quite obviously to promote Bill Laimbeer to Head Coach. This not only fills the Minneapolis air with a stench of brilliant arrogance but also reminds us that anything with Bill Laimbeer in it is better than without.
Next on the list is jersey number changes. Kevin Love will immediately be switched to Laimbeer's famous #40, Al Jefferson will sport goggles and a switch down to John Salley's #22 and Jonny Flynn will be bumped up a notch to the famous #11 of Isiah Thomas. (Like Sasha Pavlovic has a leg to stand on!) Finally, as all transitions take time, the Wolves will switch Damien Wilkins from his current #3 to Vinnie Johnson's number 15. He will only be referred to as the "Human Microwave" from this day forward.
Introducing the "Human Microwave" and the new "Zeke"!
Some other roles will develop as the season progresses of course. There's room for a stingy defender and tireless scorer to wear Joe Dumars' #4, a rebounding bruiser to wear James Edwards' #53 and if the cards fall right for the Wolves they can perhaps acquire a recently re-vitalized Ben Wallace from Detroit to wear Dennis Rodman's infamous #10. Hell, I'd even give Nathan Jawai the #44 jersey made famous by Rick Mahorn and tell him to just "smash people and rebound". It's the least I could do seeing as I just gave the heavy-set Australian's number away to a guy I've nicknamed the "Human Microwave".
All games will be played in the retro uniforms such as those worn at the Wolves last home game against Utah. Tube socks will be compulsory and shorts will need to be shorter.. not necessarily "80's short" however. Thanks for the memories Derek Fisher. The most important thing is the physical presence. The Wolves need to beat people up. They need to hurt people. Now before you write hate mail I do not mean in a broken leg or ruptured knee ligament kind of way, but just in that "aches and pains" way where teams will not want to come to Minnesota.
The style will be fresh, different and a pleasure to watch as no one has really adopted this style since the Knicks of the late 90's. It's time a team took the hard nosed approach again in this era of re-inventing things and calling them your own.
The time is now Minnesota. You can finally break away from the Minneapolis Laker ties from your past and forge yourself a new future under the guidance of a former Detroit Bad Boy.
1, 2, 3 times a Laker…
The Los Angeles Lakers are currently buried in a 14 of 16 home stretch and their next three games are tantalizing. The Lake Show's next potential scalp is the much improved and co-division leading Phoenix Suns. A three day rest should enable Andrew Bynum to return and possibly Pau Gasol, although the latter is unlikely. The Lakers then travel to Colorado to face the "home dominant" Nuggets. A great test for the Lakers and potentially a great opportunity for Denver to springboard out of their current mini-funk. The following game is back at the Staples Center against those pesky Houston Rockets.
Will Trevor Ariza bring a special surprise back to L.A. to trade for his Championship ring?
All of these games are intriguing match-ups and all will provide ample entertainment in Los Angeles and Colorado respectively.
Prodigal son returns
Lakers at Rockets has to be the game of the day (on a day with many interesting games too) due to the off season free agent 'swap' of Trevor Ariza for Ron Artest and the fantastic series between these clubs in last years playoffs after Yao Ming went down for the count.
Will Ariza continue to score for the Rockets to a level he never achieved when wearing gold and purple? Will Ron Artest play a team game or try to make todays matchup all about him? Will the Rockets unorthodox lineup (and Aaron Brooks) give the Lakers problems yet again?
Will Ron Artest play nice or go psycho?
The Lakers should win easily, but then they should have won easily in last years playoffs too. I really have no idea what will happen, and that's why I'll be watching.
Tuesday Predictions…
There's 9 games on the books today in the NBA and I'm in the mood for some predictions. So here's my take on the games for November 3rd. Now you might raise your eyebrows at a couple of my suggestions, but I'll explain my reasons as we go.
Washington @ Cleveland: There's a big rivalry between these two teams and this game will be no exception. The Wiz are on their way upwards while the Cavs are finding their feet. Prediction: Cavs by 4. Result: Cavs by 12.
Denver @ Indiana: These two teams played each other in China during the pre-season. I think if Indiana get to within 10 points, they can consider it a win. Prediction: Nuggets by 14. Result: Nuggets by 18.
Boston @ Philadelphia: The Celtics aren't going to lose this... there is no way. Philly have some nice emerging talent but the Celtics are WAY too deep and will win easily. Prediction: Celtics by 18. (Side bet: Rondo to have a triple double by 3/4 time to celebrate his contract heist!) Result: Celtics by 31.
This is Rajon showing you how many millions he's going to be earning per year from now on. Also, how many points, rebounds and assists he's likely to get tonight.
Orlando @ Detroit: The Pistons have had an indifferent start and the Orlando Magic are trying to look as deep as Boston. They're not doing a bad job thanks to Ryan Anderson and JJ Redick. I think Ben Gordon will be the only thing that keeps this close for three quarters. Prediction: Orlando by 14. Result: Pistons by 5.
Phoenix @ Miami: A hard one to pick in my opinion. Both teams have a perfect 3-0 record and I really wouldn't have said either of them would be 4-0 to start the season. One of these teams has to be however and I'll have to go for the Heat but only because they are at home. Prediction: Miami by 3. Result: Suns by 8.
Milwaukee @ Chicago: United Center. Where Derrick Rose will happen. Prediction: Bulls by 10. Result: Bulls by 2.
The Bulls need a BIG night from Derrick Rose tonight...
LA Lakers @ Oklahoma City: The Thunder do look exciting and there's a few reasons to predict an OKC victory here but I'm sticking with the Lakers in a close one. Russell Westbrook has the opportunity to score 25 on Fisher and Farmar. I'm most interested to see if Artest guards Durant, and if so... the results. Prediction: Lakers by 8. Result: Lakers by 3.
Utah @ Dallas: I couldn't care less about this game but in the spirit of equality and objective journalism, I will predict a 15 point win to the Mavericks. Mainly because of Okur's gimpy foot. Result: Mavericks by 11.
Atlanta @ Portland: In my opinion the most exciting game of the night. I definitely predict a shoot out. If Oden and Aldridge can have a large impact, I see the Blazers doing it fairly comfortably. However, that is not a certainty. This one is ultimately a flip of the coin for me and I think it'll go overtime. Prediction: Portland by 4 in OT. Result: Atlanta by 6.
Here's to another entertaining day in the NBA!
Paul Pierce kills Bulls on Halloween
The Celtics rolled to a 28 point victory over the Bulls at home today as their hot start to season 09/10 continues. In scenes reminiscent of the C's strong start last season, the Celtics dominated throughout the game, with Paul Pierce scoring 20 points in the third quarter to completely ensure victory.
Paul Pierce, 3rd quarter killer
The Lakers are also looking strong with Bynum especially active on both ends, which adds significantly to their defensive ability over last year. Orlando too look to have taken a leap with the additions of Brandon Bass, Vince Carter and Jason Williams. Let's hope Cleveland and San Antonio sort themselves out after their rocky offensive starts to the season so we have some real depth to that upper crust, because at the moment it's looking thinner than the paper skeleton hanging on my wall.
Lakers & Celtics… 16-0?
In the midst of everyone foolishly losing their collective minds regarding Cleveland's shaky start, plus the fact I'm not a big fan of Orlando, I thought I'd do some day-dreaming...
The Los Angeles Lakers and the Boston Celtics are potentially poised to break a 15 year old record this year. The record is for the best undefeated start to a season. The record is 15-0 and it is co-held by the Washington Capitols in 1948–49 and the Houston Rockets in the 1993–94 season.
When you look at both teams' schedules for the first 16 games, there are a couple of danger games but nothing that would suggest it's impossible for Boston and/or LA to claim the prize.
First we have the Celtics, who are playing some great Basketball already this season and look extremely deep and talented. Of the first 16 games, the Celtics have already taken care of the Cavaliers quite brutally in Cleveland and have quite a favorable run. Currently sitting at a perfect 2-0, lets take a look at their schedule for the next 14 games:
- Chicago
- New Orleans
- @ Philadelphia
- @ Minnesota
- Phoenix
- @ New Jersey
- Utah
- Atlanta
- @ Indiana
- Golden State
- Orlando
- @ New York
- Philadelphia
- Toronto
Of the games shown here, there are obvious danger games. For example the Toronto, Orlando, New Orleans & Chicago games will be tough. But they're all home games! There is a genuine chance for Boston to go 16-0 to start the season.
Now let's take a look at the Lakers schedule for the next 15 games:
- Dallas
- Atlanta
- @ Oklahoma City
- @ Houston
- Memphis
- New Orleans
- Phoenix
- @ Denver
- Houston
- Detroit
- Chicago
- Oklahoma City
- New York
- @ Golden State
- New Jersey
Again, as with the Celtics, the Lakers have some danger games such as Dallas, Atlanta and a road trip to Denver but these match-ups certainly aren't lop-sided against them. It's safe to say the chances of going 16-0 are higher for the Celtics and in fear of sounding like a Laker fanboy I'm happy to admit that. But imagine the hoopla around the League if both of these teams managed to make it to that magical mark?
It certainly wouldn't do Cleveland, Orlando and San Antonio any harm to be shoved under the radar.
Good times ahead...
Morrison Underrated?
Having watched a few Laker preseason games last week, I've come to a disturbing conclusion...
Adam Morrison may in fact be underrated.
He has been ridiculed mercilessly for being a Jack Haley-type on the sidelines since arriving in Los Angeles last year. The only thing wrong with that accusation is that Haley always looked hyperactive albeit out of place, whereas Morrison has looked borderline retarded on most occasions.
In the games I have watched this week, Morrison's spacing, passing and overall awareness is seemingly far greater than a lot of his fellow Lakers. Even Phil Jackson was quoted as saying that he'd noticed that Morrison had been "the Lakers best shooter during pre-season".
Now I know pre-season can never be given too much credit, we've all seen plenty of false heroes in October. But I can't help but think Morrison may just have something to offer this season for the Lake Show. Along with the emergence of Shannon Brown, the Lakers could end up being hailed as geniuses for the Radmanovic deal last year.
It's still in the balance of course, but hey, so is the Ron Artest deal.
Bring on the season-openers already!!!