SPL Game 6 LAL 73 MEM 88

[Mike@LG]

[mirak]

Mike, you mentioned difficulties boxing out and energy as reasons why Bynum rebounded so poorly yesterday. Are you seeing a lack of effort as well? Do you see any correlation between his offensive output and his effort on the glass?

I've only been to one of the SPL games (#2), and that was his best game in terms of rebounding and blocked shots, so I'm curious what you think.

[notWorthy]

69 total fouls!? That's insane.

I thought the Friday night game was bad. I think the refs thought things were getting out of control. I could hear them giving verbal warnings over and over to players on both sides. But, they were still calling fouls with less than 1:30 to go and the game pretty much over. That just makes for bad basketball.

Was that the case for this game too, or were the refs just flexing muscle?

[Mike@LG]

[Phil]

My take, Lakers vs Grizzlies

One of the most boring games I've ever seen. The refs called foul after foul stamping the life out of the play. "Walking" must have been called 10 times alone.

The starters:

Jordan Farmar- He came out limping, walking like he was hurt for the shoot around warmup. He slowly warmed up but didn't get to full speed till the game started. Then there was no sign of injury and slow wasn't any part of his game. He didn't look to score much but ran in the triangle beautifully and made some passes that were awing. He has a strange body alignment and his head rests on his shoulders cocked upright so I'd swear he could not look down. He's going to help the Lakers and I predict even this year.


Von Wafer played like he's been told top forget about shooting and work on other aspects of his game. When he was in the game he brought the ball up the court instead of Farmar. He did that well and though he had 4 turnovers I was impressed with him. I still doubt he'll make the cut.

Devin Green- Had a great game. He ran and ran and moved without the ball superbly. I think he's a lock to make the team and will get some good minutes this year. He and Farmar seemed on the same page the whole game. "18 points, 7 rebounds, 5-7 FG", to bad we didn't have a couple more of him.

Marcus Douthit- Had a decent game on offense but let Alexander Johnson go at it with will. Back to Europe and i doubt he'll ever make it in the Lakers lineup.

Andrew Bynum- Had an awful game and made Andreas Glyniad look like a young Arvydas Sabonis. Andrew is still a project and conditioning a real concern, but he'll make us glad we drafted him someday soon.

The only other player of note for the Lakers was Danilo Pinnock. He had a poor night shooting but played good defense and with energy on both ends of the court.

For the Grizzlies Kyle Lowry and Alexander Johnson added to Andreas' big game and they dominated the Lakers for the win.

Jerry West picked some great players in the 2006 draft. They three above all look to have long careers in the NBA.

The highlight for me was seeing Kareem Abdul Jabbar come from the tunnel onto the court walkway. The pyramid rose with clapping and cheers, many standing to welcome him. He acknowledged the reception with a wave and began signing cards and balls for the kids that had swarmed him. It was great to see tha Captain.

Kurt Rambis, Frank Hamblin and Brian Shaw were also there.

I enjoyed the game in spite of the refs. I had some great company to share it with.

I CAN"T WAIT FOR THE SEASON TO START!

[Mike@LG]

[hoopschick29]

[Kuroro]

[LaxT]

Mike,
In your previous article, "Lakers make a move, plus more", Chris Mihm is not included as "locks to be on the 15 man roster." If the team wants to keep Green or Pinnock, they need to clear a spot. How are they going to do that do you think?

[Thugnomoe]

good stuff Mike...I enjoy these reads..

[notWorthy]

[Mike@LG]

[postandpivot]