24-7 Lakers

Lakers 92

Boston 83

Sure, it’s only a regular season game, but you can’t tell me that this win was huge for the Lakers and hurt just a little bit for the Celtics.  There is absolutely nobody that will challenge the Lakers in the West and in the east, Boston’s only nemesis will be the Cleveland Cavaliers.  Boston knows if it gets to the Finals, it’ll most likely be against this same Lakers squad.

This most certainly will do miracles for the Laker’s psyche.  They needed a statement game to convince themselves that Boston does not have the mental nor physical edge over them.  Not only convince themselves, but us, their fans as well.  And this game was just that.  Odom staring down the Celtic bench after hitting two critical threes.  Pau becoming a MAN and taking it to KG, not bending over, but dishing it out, even when KG was nearly shooting 90% from the field.  Lakers needed to prove that they weren’t scared of the defending champs, because lets face it: they looked soft and they looked like they could be punked.

But no longer.  I look for the Lakers to go for an unbelievable Jerry West, Gail Goodrich, Elgin Baylor sort of streak from now until February 5, 2009.  There, it’s our turn to get socked in the chin at Boston Garden.  Let’s see if we respond.

But I don’t expect a De La Hoya sort of response.  I see a Pacquiao-like fight from our Lakers.

Until then, lets relish in this win Laker nation.  And remember… the Celtics haven’t beaten us when we have both Pau Gasol AND Andrew Bynum in uniform.

Go LAKERS!!!

J.U.S.

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On the bubble for the “I hate Boston” list

10. I’m not a Red guy.  I’m a Phil guy.

9. “Q: Is Kobe really the best player in the world? Pierce: I don’t think Kobe is the best player. I’m the best player. There’s a line that separates having confidence and being conceited. I don’t cross that line but I have a lot of confidence in myself.” Uh, Paul, you stating that you don’t cross that line into narcissm makes you narcissistic.  And as far as being the best player?  One word: delusion.

8. Thirteen.  What is the number of free throws Leon Powe shoots in Game 2 of the 2008 NBA Finals?

7. “Havlicek steals the ball!”

6. For this…

5. Ray Allen

4. Kevin Garnett

3. Because this was fake…

2. I’m a Laker fan.  And this is a Laker site.

1. And the number one reason why I hate the Celtics:

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J.U.S.

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But not me…

So, the overwhelming feeling in Lakerland is that the Lakers are WAY too soft to challenge Boston, maybe even Cleveland.  Defense, rebounding, and toughness are not Laker strong suits.  And it doesn’t seem as if there is anybody on the current roster that will solve our dilemma.  Bynum was supposed to alleviate that problem after his return from knee surgery.  Unfortunately, it hasn’t been the case.  So far.

And now, with the Lakers splitting their 4 game road trip with tough last second losses at Miami and Orlando, the infamous 0-for-Florida, the rumor mill is now churning.  Fed by the latest loss of Jordan Farmar for 8 weeks due to surgery for a torn meniscus, and we’re primed for ludicrous rumors.  I, myself, will indulge you.

Andrew Bynum for Dwight Howard.

Yes, I know.  Laker fans would probably jump on it in a heart beat.  Magic would never do this deal.  Ok.  Let’s make it interesting.

Bynum and Odom for Dwight Howard.

How’s that?  Bynum, after this year is due $58 mil over 4 years due to the contract extension he just signed this summer.  Howard is due $61 mil over that same 4 years.  Virtually the same.

Howards career stats since he came into the league 17pts 12 reb and 2blks a game.  Bynum?  8 pts 6 reb and 1.4 blks.

Howards progression?  Y1: 12pts and 10reb.  Y2: 16pts and 12reb.  Y3: 17pts and 12reb.  Y4: 21pts and 14reb. Y5: 20pts and 14reb.  Bynum?  Y1:1pt and 1pt.  Y2: 8pts and 6reb.  Y3: 13pts and 10reb.  Y4: 12pts and 8reb.

Howard’s had the better numbers.  But Bynum had the better jump from one year to the next.  Dwight’s greatest increase was from his first year to second and third year to fourth with a +4 in pts and +2 in reb.  Bynum had a +5 in pts and +4 in rebounds from his second to third year.  What this could mean is that Bynum might have more potential.  Dwight may very well be a 20 and 14 guy his entire career.  Bynum could be a 25 and 15 guy while averaging 3 assts.  But this is all speculative.  Besides, is that really better?

The one area where Dwight out paces Bynum is in his defense and overall authoritative stance in the paint.  Howard nearly had 4blks/game last year.  He’s down to 2blk/pg this year.  Dwight is an absolute monster in the paint.  His calling card IS his defense and rebounding, which is exactly what Phil wants from Bynum.  So far, Bynum’s idea of fulfilling and living up to his contract is to score.  Phil made it known that what they need is the opposite.  Anchor the defense and swallow all the rebounds.  There’s enough scoring that Bynum doesn’t have to do that.  Think 2004 Pistons.  Think Ben Wallace in his prime.  Grab me 14 rebounds and block 4 shots a game.  I don’t care about making a sky hook.  I care about finding a way to block it.

Dwight can do that.  Dwight will do that. 

Of course, this is all hypothetical.  Can we really say this trade can be done?  Orlando would probably never go for it.  The kicker would definitely be Odom and his salary.  His $11 mil comes off the books just in time for 2010, the year of LeBron.  Can you picture an Orlando Magic squad of Rashard, Turkoglu, Bynum, and Bron?  What if you exchange Wade for Bron.  Wade, Rashard, Turkoglu, and Bynum?  Will it happen?  Probably not.  That’s why I’m a blogger.  But let’s hope I got your mind thinking.

But if you’re thinking of that Orlando Squad, think of a Laker squad of Kobe, Pau, and Dwight.  Kobe and Shaq were enough to win three titles.  What do you think Kobe could do with the modern day Shaq and the most talented 4 he’s ever had?

But I just thought I’d share.

Enjoy!

ESPN.com

PHOENIX — The irony, of course, is that if Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O’Neal had reached this stage sooner, they wouldn’t have had so many problems and they would have raised another championship banner or two in Staples Center together. You no longer hear O’Neal barking about the need to feed the big dog anymore, and Bryant is perfectly willing to do less if it helps the team do more. Thursday night, the new-look Kobe prevailed over the new-look, older Shaq, as the Lakers outclassed the Suns in their own building, 105-92. Read the rest of this entry »

Am I doing another Denver/LA analysis?  I guess I do.  So let’s make this quick

Front Court: The departure of AI seemingly has helped the production of Nene.  He’s gone from career 10/8 guy to 14/7.  Not too shabby.  He’s scored in double figures since Nov. 5th, a stretch of 9 straight games.  And he’s shooting over 60% from the field.  Regardless, he’s no match for Drew.  Drew’s length will give Nene problems.  Since the trade, Melo has also expanded his game a little bit more than just scoring, dishing out a season high 7 assts against the Spurs last game out.

Back Court: Billups is the type of point guard every NBA team needs.  He doesn’t look for his shot too often, but is still offensively savvy.  He can dish, he can drive, he can drain the outside 3.  The Nuggs now have a floor leader that they never had before (Melo is NOT a leader.)  Fish is still jacking up shots, Jordan is starting to find his stride averaging nearly 12pts a game the last two.  That’s production off the bench for you.

X-Factor: Billups.  He may not score as many points as AI, but he’s good for another 6-9 points, either by addition on offense or defense on the other end.  If Billups can control the game and the tempo, the Lakers may find themselves in a tighter game.  On the Lakers side, Drew and Pau need to stay out of foul trouble and remain on the court.

Outcome: I’m going to try to keep my Laker bias out of these analysis because I can always find reason for them to win.  The Lakers won by 7 points earlier this month.  I expect the outcome to be relatively the same, but the game will be a little more competitive.  Melo is not coming off of a 2 game suspension and therefore won’t shoot 5-15 again.  He’ll score over 24pts.  Billups will run George Karl’s offense and will keep the other players involved.  He’s good for 7 assts.  Either way, the Laker’s weren’t too high or low last night against the hated Suns.  Don’t think the second night of a back to back will affect them much.  Lakers +6.

Fantasy tidbit: Without AI or Camby, there’s more shots to go around, therefore Nene is definitely worth a roster spot.  Dahntay Jones might have been starting, but JR smith will eventually take that spot, if he hasn’t already.  With Billups dishing, JR will have solid value as your 3rd SG.  Billups trade to Denver, though he may not have liked it, is what is best for fantasy owners.  If you have him, enjoy 2 threes and 8 assts a game the rest of the year with 90% FT.

J.U.S.

Welcome back Lake show!  You will be well received after the dismantling of two playoff bound western conference “contenders.”  For those of you at Staples Center, yell until you lose your voice.  We are witnessing the beginning of something very special.  Now, onto what you’ve all been clamoring for.  Pre-game analysis!

Back Court: The best backcourt in the NBA was Chauncey and Rip.  Exit Chauncey, enter Allen.  Still arguably the best backcourt in the game, (although you heard it here first, Portland’s tandem of Roy and Fernandez will soon be reckoned with.  Just wait.)  The Pistons now have two very talented scoring guards at the 1-2 positions.  They both work well off the ball.  Fish and Kobe will be chasing these two around all night.  It shouldn’t be a problem as the Lakers are rested whereas the Pistons just finished their own run and gun game last night against the Warriors.  Rodney Stuckey, the point guard of the Piston future (supposedly), will return from injury tonight.  That’s a tasty side matchup of Stuckey vs Farmar.  Again, the Piston backcourt is far too small to guard KB24.  The only person who can potentially guard KB for an extended period is Prince.  Look for local boy Arron Afflalo to spend some time trying to slow down the Mamba as well.

Front Court: The most frustrating enigma that is Sheed.  He’s long, he’s talented, he can post up, he can hit the three.  However, again, the defense of Pau should help slow him down.  Look for Ariza to spend some time guarding Sheed as well.  The Lakers are deep enough that they can throw Bynum and Odom at him as well.  That’ll give Sheed four different looks.  The Lakers would do well to shake things up against Detroit’s second most talented scorer.  Sheed is also a good defender so look for him to exert some energy trying to stop Gasol, Bynum, and/or Odom.  It’ll be fun to watch, seeing the youth of Bynum, Maxiell, and Amir Johnson go at it underneath the boards.  Bynum will need to step up and be a MAN (shout out to Ray) against Jason and Amir.  Tayshaun Prince has been on a tear recently, averaging double doubles the past two nights at 18ppg and 13.5rpg.  He’s been averaging 19ppg over the last six.  He’s a tricky matchup as he can take full advantage of Vlad Rad on the block.  It would behoove the Lakers to keep Prince on the outside, shooting that beautiful jump shot.  Lastly, rumor has it that Fan Favorite and Prodigal Son Kwame Brown may start tonight!  Let’s cheer him on Laker fans!  Kwaahh-Meeee!  Kwaahhh-Meee!

X-Factor: The Pistons are still in the upper half of the best teams in the NBA.  Again, the backcourt of Rip and AI need to be on point tonight to have any chance against the Lakers.  They are still trying to incorporate AI, but AI needs to stop be so respectful of not stepping on anybody’s toes and deferring to his teammates and do what he does best, score the ball at will.  The rest will take care of itself.  The Laker’s advantage this year has always been their second unit.  It’s no longer been a unit that helps sustain a lead or minimalize the deficit, but has been able to build on leads or recover from holes.  Look for a great slashing/drive to the hole game from Farmar as he and Stuckey give us a show.  The X-Factors on both ends will be the second unit back court: Farmar and Sasha vs Stuckey and Afflalo.  Keep a close eye on that matchup.

Outcome: Plain and simple, the Pistons are talented enough to make some noise, but they’re only gonna whisper in Staples.  They’ll keep it interesting for awhile, but I expect it to be surely in hand without too much doubt by halftime.  Pau gets his double double along with Sheed.  18/11 and 15/12 respectively.  Drew uses this as a mini statement game getting close to 4 blocks and grabbing 12 boards while holding Johnson and Maxiell to combine for only 12 points and 10 boards.  Farmar/Sasha and Stuckey/Afflalo offset one another.  If Prince’s jumper is falling, look for him to push 20pts.  If he’s not, look for horrible shooting %’s with a point ceiling of 14.  Kobe and Fish will hit timely shots to keep the Pistons at bay and Ariza’s energy will keep the crowd in it with some highlights.  Toward the end of the night, the Pistons will run out of gas, despite AI’s will to keep them in it.  He’ll drop 25.  He’s a fighter all the way.  Lakers win.  8-0

Fantasy Tidbit: Farmar will have more consistent value and potentially better value than Fish this season.  For the Pistons, if you want to drop Maxiell, go ahead and do so.  He still hasn’t shown anything after signing his extension.  But only drop him for a sure thing.  Amir Johnson has a little more value since he’s starting.  Stuckey is definitely in a keeper’s league.  I’d hold onto him in deeper leagues.  The Pistons haven’t figured out their lineups and rotations yet since Stuckey’s been out.  Look for Carlisle to tinker with his backcourt.  Aside from the starting lineup, no one else is of much value on Detroit.  Oh, and pick up Kwame.  (No, I’m joking.  Please don’t.)

J.U.S.