+++++ LAKERS -at- WARRIORS - 11/1/2014 +++++ KEYS TO THE GAME (and GAME THREAD)

Laker Intervention · Star Player Joined: 21 Jan 2013 Posts: 2201

Last night was a step in the right direction. Ball moved more. The team was more aggressive. But the inability to guard Blake without fouling, and J-crossover's heat checks, along with pick n roll lapses, and finally silly offensive fouls made a difference. That being said, we were competing against a team that is far more talented.

We're 0-3 but we have faced teams so far with arguably the best SG and C, a team that is as deep and youthful as they'll come, and a team with arguably the best PG, PF. Tonight we face the best back court. This tough start to the schedule is a good thing in my opinion. On a back to back, tonight can reveal a lot.

1) Defend Without Fouling
Because we'll usually lose the 3point battle, we cannot let the other team have a huge FT disparity. No one on the Warriors will cause the same problems as Blake or Harden, but I'm more concerned about fouling their shooters. When they screen for Klay and Steph, we have to go over the screens and contest straight up. No fouling 3 point shooters.

Honestly, after Harden, Dragic/Bledsoe, CP3 - the best back court won't be such a shock to Kobe and Lin. In fact, they kinda of match up well with them because Klay and Thompson won't kill you athletically. I'm not saying that Lin and Kobe have an easy task. To the contrary, but the pace and talent they've been competing against won't make this matchup tough on them athletically or skillfully.

2) Offense Through Lin / Kobe Make the Right Pass
Warriors are going to want Kobe to take a tough low percentage shot, and rebound and explode the other way. They'll have Klay on him, at times Iggy. They'll give him different looks. He's got to just stay cool like last night. The Clippers didn't have many fast break chances and that's what helped keep us in the game. He also though can't be too passive to where the 4th quarter comes and he's cold. I like him starting quarters with getting to the paint.

3) Hill/Davis/Boozer
Just be aggressive. You've had Howard. You've had Blake. Get physical with Lee, Barnes, Bogut. Hill should shoot with confidence. He should also not give Warriors 2nd chance points. I really want to see Boozer defend without fouling. He was aggressive on Blake letting him go left. if opportunity arises, take it to the hoop. Finally Davis - Didn't have the best game, but he has to keep himself in the game more than the other two. He loves to go for the block but sometimes he swings his arm too hard. In an away game, just don't give the refs a reason to call a foul on you. He needs to be involved with Lin/Kobe as much as possible.

Kobe on Back to Back
Really want to see how he can consistently play these games. I thought last night he had open lanes at times he pulled up. Was great to see that dunk and the athletic layup. For 3 quarters he was fantastic. I think he needs to get to the paint more and put pressure on defense. Again, no Jordan or Howard. Warriors don't have the same shot blockers. Let's see if his legs can do more drive and dish, save for jumper.

Role Players Hitting Shots on Road
Can Hill, Ellington, and Price hit those same shots on the road? X looks like has no confidence at all. Understandable, but he just needs to see a few shots go in the hoop. I know he's not healthy, but the dude is still blessed with so much athleticism, and in this league - that is invaluable.

Stay Healthy / Compete

Let's just compete and give ourselves a chance. Take advantage of playing great teams in the West to start the season. It's just about learning and growing. Two competitive games in a row gives you something to build on when it's this early.
Go Lakers!

What are your keys?

MambaBamba · Sixth Man Joined: 27 Oct 2014 Posts: 45

We have to defend the three well to stand any sort of chance with the Warriors.

If we leave Curry and Thompson as open as Isiah Thomas and Morris it's going to be a long night.

Jeggs · Star Player Joined: 14 Oct 2013 Posts: 1659

OMG I didn't even think we had a game today. NBA is trying to kill the Lakers in the first two weeks apparently.

jlinfan · Starting Rotation Joined: 15 Jul 2014 Posts: 720

We have better chance if Warriors are understaffed.

From yesterday's game:

"Golden State played without power forward David Lee (strained left hamstring) and reserve Brandon Rush (lower back spasms). Center Andrew Bogut also was limited to 18 minutes because of a migraine headache. He said he got on the floor with the help of undisclosed medicine and injections."

K28 · Franchise Player Joined: 29 Nov 2012 Posts: 10038

Not worried about Kobe on the b2b at all. I would like to see more minutes for him. And I'd also like to see more full court pressure against the Warriors backcourt.

cheesysapien · Starting Rotation Joined: 15 Oct 2014 Posts: 357

First win of the season. Let's go Lakers!
_________________
"We have a lot of guys that have been kinda discarded ... Myself with the injury and the age. Jeremy ... a bunch of players who other teams really felt they had no use for. So we have that kind of attitude built into ourselves" -- Kobe Bryant

bws94 · Star Player Joined: 28 Oct 2014 Posts: 1563

Is this the game thread?

Also, i think this is the only Saturday game of the season. And I noticed the op didn't say anything about Wesley. Is he a total non-factor?

Don Draper · Posted: Sat Nov 01, 2014 5:44 pm Post subject:

I don't want to be negative but I wonder what TWC will needlessly hype when we're 0-10

Jonathan1212 · Starting Rotation Joined: 27 Oct 2014 Posts: 183

what? another game already? and against another top team....

i wont even blame them if they get blown out tonight. I don't even lift weight four times in a week cause i get overtraining symptoms n injuries. tough schedule.

rybee · Star Player Joined: 15 Dec 2011 Posts: 9961

This could get ugly.

Curry and Klay never miss against us...

Dave20 · Franchise Player Joined: 15 Jun 2013 Posts: 11333

We're at a disadvantage at every position including SG. This is another loss, 0-4 to start the season.

danzag · Posted: Sat Nov 01, 2014 6:21 pm Post subject:

So we're making this the game thread?
Dark times indeed, no one even wanted to create the official thread

Lakers95 · Posted: Sat Nov 01, 2014 6:22 pm Post subject:

This is the Warriors' home opener too. It's going to get VERY ugly

danzag · Posted: Sat Nov 01, 2014 6:24 pm Post subject:

Whoever is the responsible of creating the NBA schedule screwed the Lakers bigtime

rybee · Star Player Joined: 15 Dec 2011 Posts: 9961

jlinfan · Starting Rotation Joined: 15 Jul 2014 Posts: 720

Treble Clef · Franchise Player Joined: 20 Nov 2012 Posts: 23912

Don Draper · Posted: Sat Nov 01, 2014 6:29 pm Post subject:

Klay's goatee looks funky

danzag · Posted: Sat Nov 01, 2014 6:30 pm Post subject:

He we are for another night of pain, suffering and misery. Good evening, fellow LGers

GasolBynumKobe · Star Player Joined: 15 Aug 2005 Posts: 8193

warriors just have too much offensive power.

and our defense sucks

sooooo...
_________________
Go LA!

craftybeaver · Starting Rotation Joined: 01 Nov 2014 Posts: 126

Is this the game thread then?

K2 · Franchise Player Joined: 25 Dec 2011 Posts: 23529

K2 · Franchise Player Joined: 25 Dec 2011 Posts: 23529

DShotMaker1824 · Star Player Joined: 16 Feb 2012 Posts: 8769

Lakers#1Team · Posted: Sat Nov 01, 2014 6:35 pm Post subject: