The role players REALLY stepped up tonight

shnjb · Franchise Player Joined: 08 Oct 2002 Posts: 13320

I don't usually do this but wow I'm happy with the effort from the role players tonight.
Kwame was great defensively and on the boards on occasion.
Cook was just phenomenal for the second straight game... and I'm one of the most avid Cook haters.

And Devean! What luxury!
Watching David Wesley trying to guard Kobe on the other end while Devean guards Tracy for us got me thinking what a luxury it is to have a great perimeter defender who can defend the other team's best player!

I know so many of us want to give away Devean but unless we get another great defender in return, I don't think it'll be a good idea.
Besides Devean and Kobe, we only have Odom and Walton to guard the premier perimeter players and let's just say that isn't a winning recipe in the NBA.

TACH · Posted: Wed Feb 08, 2006 8:00 pm Post subject:

Wow, completely different team then last night!!!!!

wolfpaclaker · Retired Number Joined: 29 May 2002 Posts: 58344

It was a team effort on O and D.

Even the numbers reflect that.

Bryant 32 points, 9 assists, 6 steals
Cook 27 points, 10 rebounds
Smush 13 points, 7 rebounds, 5 assists, 2 steals
Odom 8 points, 13 rebounds

I was more impressed with the defense than anything. Finally some defense. It had only been 2 weeks since we last saw a defensive game from the Lakers !!!

shnjb · Franchise Player Joined: 08 Oct 2002 Posts: 13320

Yup.
I'm in complete agreement.

Great win tonight.
I almost felt sorry for McGrady, the way he was being man-handled by George while Kobe was dominating.

KobeButler · Franchise Player Joined: 14 Nov 2004 Posts: 10179

only if we can bottle it up and use it every night. 8)
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wolfpaclaker · Retired Number Joined: 29 May 2002 Posts: 58344

^
Yeah, I have to give credit to George too.

I was saying that in the JJ thread. While JJ is a better offensive player and more consistent, George can flat out defend.

I think he showed how important his defensive ability can be.

What I hate about our record right now is that it gives us little chance to advancing in the playoffs. I really hope these guys take advantage of all these home games and finish 6th.

Both Memphis and New Orleans are teams we can finish ahead of.

vism · Starting Rotation Joined: 04 Jul 2001 Posts: 473

It was good to see Philip finally wake up and not play the dynamic scrub duo as much. Really limited Sasha's minutes and kept Smush in there....Walton didn't really play. That alone helped win the game. And Devean and Cook finally got more minutes which they deserve as of late. Cook's hitting it and Devean's hustling....leading to rebounds and good defense.

Laker_Leo · Posted: Wed Feb 08, 2006 8:30 pm Post subject:

As weird as it sounds, this is a learning process for Phil too. I'm really happy he limited sasha's minutes. That boy doesn't deserve to be on an NBA court. They need to drop him off at the local YMCA.

Sasha

LAkers 4 Life · Franchise Player Joined: 12 Apr 2001 Posts: 14629

If Sasha isn't going to attaack te basket on a 2-on-1 and instead pull up for a jumper that bricked, then he really shouldn't be on the court. He just doesn't bring much to the team.

CBaller8 · Posted: Wed Feb 08, 2006 9:22 pm Post subject:

Will they help Kobe on Saturday against Memphis?

bounty · Star Player Joined: 15 Aug 2005 Posts: 3946

Kobe
Cook
DG
thats why we won. DG owned the offensive glass.
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