What I saw in person tonight..

[RMurphy_22]

Let me start by saying that nothing is greater (W's) or as frustrating (L's) as being a Laker fan in a rivals arena, insane. We all witnessed a very flat and uninspired Laker team tonight, and it was the same in person-but what you probably didn't see was the anger Phil and the coaching staff had with the players. I've been to many Lakers games and I have to say the coaching staff (Phil in particular) tried to get the players to understand the importance and need to have this game, unfortunatley it was too little too late by the time they woke up. He went to Ronny T. early in second half for energy, but the refs took him right out the game. **One point on Ronny's defense, it looks so much more aggresive and active than his teammates that I think the refs assume he's fouling, maybe I'm wrong.** The most frustrating part of the game was the inability to finish at the hoop and that was all players tonight including Kobe, everything was falling out.

I feel bad for Kobe because of his catch 22 situation. If he comes out aggresive sometimes his teammates fall asleep, but if he gets them involved early and there not on, they still go to (bleep). Also when he gets them involved early, and if his shot is off we are then in real trouble-very frustrating.

My last concern/opinion is "I love Kobe, BUT" his lateral movement on D, and sometimes on offense is poor (hate saying it). His knees are older than he is and he can't stay on his man (Blake tonight), but his willingness to take on anybody even point guards is starting to hurt the team. He will have to reach a point and move to slower, less speedy players, and he has nothing to be ashamed of, but it's the truth. The Lakers have to pursue defensive minded perimeters players in the summer so Kobe doesn't need to take all the toughest opponents.

We still have a ways to go, and next week will be tough- but we will make the playoffs and will be fine in the future.

Go Lakers

BTW- Laker fans turned out in groves tonight, we are an impressive bunch!

[RMurphy_22]

Also, that last play wasn't Smush's fault as much as it was Phil not calling the timeout. That's the second game this year he tried to let them win or tie and fell short, bad move.

Go Lakers

[KB8LJ23]

Would have been nice to see Artest as one of those perimeter players. Even though he is weird and a headcase. Still a lot better than "Not Caring" Odumb

[RMurphy_22]

I agree, we should have made a more serious play for Artest & Boozer, think of this team with those players. I think this summer will have both those players still available, for a higher price, but available.

[they-perch]

[TEEGUNN]

Kobe's lateral movement is fine. The thing that bugs me about his defense is that he usually does one of three things:

1) Plays free safety leaving his man open for easy J's.

2) Plays overly aggressive defense in cruch time, sometimes leading to stupid fouls.

3) Coasts trying to save himself for crunch time.

Kobe is a great defender - could be the BEST perimeter defender in the game if he applied his talents correctly. Although with the amount of offensive pressure he has on his shoulders that will never happen - and understandibly so. I just want to see more consistency from Kobe with his defensive effort.

But it would certainly help if he had at least one or two good defenders playing next to him (Artest, and a swatting big).
_________________
"Why do you think bad things happen, anyway???" "So we have something good to look forward to."

Jake Speed, 1986

[A Mad Chinaman]

[Addicus]

We need Jim Jackson.

Smush did not recognize Miles in the middle. That is only his fault. He should have moved the ball and he could have got it back.

Although I wouldn't want to depend on him to win a game shooting, Luke was wide open in the corner when Smush got picked.

You are totally correct on the level of intensity that Ronnie has compared to everyone else.
_________________
Stop crying and start doing.

Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/addicusbrown

[RMurphy_22]

You guys all bring up great points, and the frustration in the team is warranted, but as a young team at the end a game I think a timeout is necessary. (young = mistakes)

Kobe is a great defender, but his legs are slowing down considerably. Notice how he can't quite get by his defender on offensive, hence settling for a jumper (or 3). Also when was the last time he dunked or drove the lane like early last season against the Magic & D.Howard, the explosivness and quick step is leaving. Like Jordan, Kobe will make the adjustment and is so smart that offensivly he will still thrive, but his free throw attempts will decline. No doubt the load of BS on the court and off this guys carries is insane, and will tire anybody out. I just think Kobe shouldn't be responsible for the toughest defensive assignments and carry all the offensive load.

Go Lakers

[jmark]

Kobe had the flu! Probably had something to do with his average for him performance.
_________________
"I appreciate all those who have supported me. Thank you for believing in me. My family and I are going to need your support and prayers now more than ever." Kobe

[Agar5]

I was at the game last night and sat 2 rows behind the Lakers Bench. It was a great opportunity to see the players reactions from up close and sitting next to fellow Laker fans.

Some things I noticed at the game was one play in particular when Juan Dixon missed a shot (fourth quarter?) by good help defense and then got his own rebound and everyone left him alone and then made the basket to put the Blazers back up by 9. This is when the Lakers were making a run to cut their lead. Phil called a timeout and just ripped into his players, especially Smush.

There was also a play when Brian Cook was shooting some free throws in the third quarter, and Sasha looked confused as to what he was doing. Phil was just screaming at him as he came over to talk to him. Devean George came over and tried to take the blame off of Sasha almost trying not to ruin his confidence.

I felt bad for Andrew Bynum because he sat at the end of the bench and didn't see much emotion from him. Him and Devin Green were just carrying a small conversation throughout the game, but it looked like A-bomb knew he wasn't going to see any playing time.

Overall, it was another heartbreak loss to one of the league's worst teams and being at two blazer games to witness these losses have really hurt.

[RJBaca]

[lakers2626]

I when I hear these post about Phil chewing on out Smush and Sasha it makes me believe that Phil has a plan. I mean when he first was here there were complaints that he was busy people watching in the stands. Now we actually see him a little animate. I really think it's for a purpose, kind of a building tool for the future. I mean who would you really be right now Slava who I wonder if Phil even knows he's still here from his first go around with the Lakers or Smush where he's constantly on his a$$ about anything he does. My opinion I would rather be Smush just because hey he's concerned with my game. Now does Smuch see it that way or does he see it as coach hates me.

[And 1]

[RMurphy_22]

Thanks for the compliment RJBACA

There is do doubt that Phil and the Lakers have a plan, and yes losing to the Blazers (espicially in person) & other bad teams sucks-this team all the way to the top have a plan.

I don't agree with some fans that believe the Lakers have no interest in getting better, it takes time and as thin as the talent is now, we are still 500 and in the playoff hunt. I do admit this summer will be pivotal to what the next few years bring us.

Go Lakers

BTW-Dr. Buss cares more about the Lakers than his poker, though some posters think different

[Agar5]

sorry double post

[Agar5]

[thumpinghead]

[lakers2626]

[tw-lakbfan]

Tks for sharing all the in-game observations. Can't say that I'm any more positive about this team's playoff chance after reading them.

[THE_SHOES]

[lakers2626]

[THE_SHOES]