L.A. Lakers

[jod23]

What is your take on the 3 time world champions. Another home loss to the New Orleans Hornets has them at 6 - 6 after Shaq's return.

Im not fooled. They will turn it around and be very dangerous come playoff time but I said that a week ago and the turnaround never seems to come.

I thought for sure that the fire had been lit after there amazing 30 point comeback over the Mavericks...the Mavs just get on with business and the Lakers just keep losing?

At 9 - 15 they are 6 games under .500 nevermind how many games back from the Kings and Mavs. Home court advantage is gone. The Kings and Mavs will maybe lose 20 or so games this season...The Lakers have already lost 15 before Christmas.

Are they really gone? Is the mini dynasty over?

Personally I think they will turn it around and win enough games to make the 5th or 6th seed in the West. But with there bench and role playing starters it just wont be enough to win 4 in a row.

Take out the Mavericks stars and they still have Griffin and LaFrentz in the starting lineup with NVE, Williams, Najera, Bradley, Jones, Johnson etc...

Take out the Kings stars and you still have Divac, Christie, Bibby, Jackson, Clark, Pollard, Jackson, Hedo etc....

These teams are deep and talented. The Lakers are not.

Now to end this post....I am in no way, shape or from, writing off the 3 time defending champs. They are a very good basketball team but right now and this will please Devo, the Lakers are not the favourite for the 02/03 NBA Title.

 

[Dingster]

Originally posted by jod23
What is your take on the 3 time world champions. Another home loss to the New Orleans Hornets has them at 6 - 6 after Shaq's return.

Im not fooled. They will turn it around and be very dangerous come playoff time...

Now to end this post....I am in no way, shape or from, writing off the 3 time defending champs. They are a very good basketball team but right now and this will please Devo, the Lakers are not the favourite for the 02/03 NBA Title.

I think that you summed it up well. It`s taking a while for them to click, but the real surprise would be if they aren`t thereabouts come playoff time.

The Lakers aren`t deep, but the supporting cast (read anybody outside of Shaq and Kobe) all have roles that work fine if the stars are doing their thing. It`s just taking time to get them going, but they are still definitely the sleeping giants at the moment.

It does make it more wide open though and I might have to check out the latest championship odds. There`s bound to be some good value.

 

[X_box_X]

They Lakers are good. There is absolutely no doubt about it.
However, they lost to a better team yesterday

 

[coxon]

hmmm... yes, dont be fooled...

its just another little game...
when will a new internal feud start?

as long as there is shaq and his supporting cast... i'd never write them off in a series !!! beating the lakers 4 times...

f*ckin tough !!
f*ckin dangerous !!

 

[CURVE]

Originally posted by jod23
Now to end this post....I am in no way, shape or from, writing off the 3 time defending champs. They are a very good basketball team but right now and this will please Devo, the Lakers are not the favourite for the 02/03 NBA Title.

I've said from the start that we are not the favourites, and should not have been listed as favourites. Sacremento deserves that title.

Funny thing is, all of our players except Fisher and Shaq have improved their numbers on last season. Scoring, rebounds and assists, yet we are struggling to win games, and I think our big problem is our defence. The intensity isn't their on the defensive end, although I'm sure it'll surface shortly. I hope.

If you look at the last few seasons, the Lakers never really clocked on until after the All-Star weekend, and I would expect the same to happen. Although because of such a poor start I hope they begin a little earlier this time. I expect the Lakers to finish 5th or 6th at the end of the regular season, although a top 4 spot is still a possibility, but to win the championship without home court advantage at any stage will be a tough ask. If they do it, there is no doubt, this is one of the all-time great teams.

The Lakers problems are making the Celtics run in the 60's looking all the more impressive. To win 8 championships in a row is an unbelievable acheivement, especially with the class of players on the opposition teams. Baylor, West, Pettit, Lovellette, Robinson, Hayes, Barry, Goodrich and Chamberlain to name a few.

 

[Squeak]

The desire probably wanes a bit after a 3-peat, and every other team gets sick of you winning so try extra hard to beat ya. They'll go close though.

 

[mattyc2422]

The thing that made the Lakers so hard to beat was that ever player knew their role. Now that the losses start piling up, the teams cohesion seems to be breaking up, even if it's just a tad.

 

[CURVE]

Their not looking too bad at the moment, leading Orlando 65-49 4 minutes into the third. Shaq has 20pts & 11rebs, Fisher 15pts and Bryant 17pts, 6reb & 6ass.

I think the Lakers major problem is Shaq's fitness, and maybe Fisher's as well. Once Shaq gets back to his dominating self then hopefully the Lakers will begin to look like the team of the last three seasons.

 

[jod23]

Originally posted by DEVO
Their not looking too bad at the moment, leading Orlando 65-49 4 minutes into the third. Shaq has 20pts & 11rebs, Fisher 15pts and Bryant 17pts, 6reb & 6ass.

I think the Lakers major problem is Shaq's fitness, and maybe Fisher's as well. Once Shaq gets back to his dominating self then hopefully the Lakers will begin to look like the team of the last three seasons.

The Lakers got lucky today with T-Mac going down.

 

[jod23]

Re: Re: L.A. Lakers

Originally posted by DEVO
I've said from the start that we are not the favourites, and should not have been listed as favourites. Sacremento deserves that title.

Devo....give it up. At the start of the season the Lakers were the favourites. They were still the favourites when they were 3-9 because Shaq was still to come back. But now that Shaq is back and they have gone 7-6 in his return. I think they have lost favourtism to the Kings and maybe even Dallas. But up until maybe a week ago...the 3 time reigning champs were favourites.

Originally posted by DEVO
Funny thing is, all of our players except Fisher and Shaq have improved their numbers on last season. Scoring, rebounds and assists, yet we are struggling to win games, and I think our big problem is our defence. The intensity isn't their on the defensive end, although I'm sure it'll surface shortly. I hope.

I think you will find that everyones numbers are up due to Shaq being out. With Shaq back, he take minutes from all your bigmen so there numbers will all slowly drop back down. The D is non existent.

Originally posted by DEVO
The Lakers problems are making the Celtics run in the 60's looking all the more impressive. To win 8 championships in a row is an unbelievable acheivement, especially with the class of players on the opposition teams. Baylor, West, Pettit, Lovellette, Robinson, Hayes, Barry, Goodrich and Chamberlain to name a few.

Makes MJ's Bulls even more impressive, as they could have won 8 straight!

 

[CURVE]

Re: Re: Re: L.A. Lakers

Originally posted by jod23
Devo....give it up. At the start of the season the Lakers were the favourites. They were still the favourites when they were 3-9 because Shaq was still to come back. But now that Shaq is back and they have gone 7-6 in his return. I think they have lost favourtism to the Kings and maybe even Dallas. But up until maybe a week ago...the 3 time reigning champs were favourites.

In your opinion, most "experts" in America had Sacremento as favourites at the start of the season.

Originally posted by jod23
I think you will find that everyones numbers are up due to Shaq being out. With Shaq back, he take minutes from all your bigmen so there numbers will all slowly drop back down. The D is non existent.

True, but the fact that they have stayed steady over the last 10 games is worrying.

Originally posted by jod23
Makes MJ's Bulls even more impressive, as they could have won 8 straight!

But the Bulls didn't and the Celtics did.

 

[Booze Hound]

Assuming Shaq stays healthy and bothers to get fit:

The Lakers will struggle to get home advantage in the 1st round of the play-offs. I suspect they will get jumped by someone in the West.

The Kings should have done it last year. They are stronger, when fit, this year and Dallas have taken a major step forward (NBA Champs in 2 years time I suspect). There are other teams in the West who could do it in a 5 game series too.

Shaq then decides to retire (I've never been totally convinced about his motivation - he's always struck me as a bit of a bully, and a deflated bully has nowhere to go). The Lakers quickly become quite an ordinary team unless they trade Bryant and get lucky.

If Shaq gets injured, or doesn't bother getting fit, all bets are off.

 

[jod23]

Re: Re: Re: Re: L.A. Lakers

Originally posted by DEVO
In your opinion, most "experts" in America had Sacremento as favourites at the start of the season.

Crap.

No "expert" in their right mind at the start of a season would not list the 3 time defending champs as their favourite.

 

[jod23]

Another loss today against the T-Wolves. They just looked uninterested. Kobe wasnt aggressive when he needed to be and had I think 4 points to half time. They didnt go enough to Shaq in the low block, he hardly got involved in the game. Nobody could guard KG. Gill did a fantastic job defensively on Bryant.

10-16 now. ESPN brought up a stat through the games saying the last 3 times the Lakers had been under .500 through 25 games they missed the playoffs 2 out of 3.

Bad for the Lakers fans but all good for me. Wizards are now sole owners of the 8th spot in the East after back to back wins. And the Bulls are actually winning games!!

 

[CURVE]

Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: L.A. Lakers

Originally posted by jod23
Crap.

No "expert" in their right mind at the start of a season would not list the 3 time defending champs as their favourite.

Why Not. The Lakers did nothing over the off season to improve their roster, while the Kings improved theirs (can't remember who they bought in), and they have the WCF as motivation. It was always going to be the Kings season.

 

[jod23]

Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: L.A. Lakers

Originally posted by DEVO
Why Not. The Lakers did nothing over the off season to improve their roster, while the Kings improved theirs (can't remember who they bought in), and they have the WCF as motivation. It was always going to be the Kings season.

The Kings brought in Keon Clark. But that still doesnt change the fact that the Lakers would be the favourites heading into the season. The Lakers have the exact same team that won it all last year? Why wouldnt they be the favourites?

 

[jod23]

Oh and I think I have figured out what the Lakers are doing. They figure that with the Kings looking ominous and still winning with Christie, Bibby, C-Webb, Stoja, Divac all missing games and with Dallas' very impressive start.....they cant win.

So tank the season and get James in the draft. Then win another 3 in a row with Kobe, Bron and Shaq.

 

[CURVE]

The Lakers lost again, 98-71 to New Jersey. We are now 5.5 games outside the 8 (yet only 7 games outside the 4), and I'd say in real trouble. If they leave their run until after the All-Star game, like in previous season, it maybe too late.

 

[jod23]

Originally posted by DEVO
The Lakers lost again, 98-71 to New Jersey. We are now 5.5 games outside the 8 (yet only 7 games outside the 4), and I'd say in real trouble. If they leave their run until after the All-Star game, like in previous season, it maybe too late.

I wouldnt call that a loss. It was more of a rout!

Shaquille O'Neal had 17 points and 4 rebounds...and he questions his teammates. Kobe FG% was horrid. Just not good enough. I started to wonder if they actually have a run in them.

 

[jod23]

Another loss today to drop them to 10-18! Philly were too good in OT. But the Lakers at least looked interested. When Shaq sat the offence went through Kobe. When Kobe sat the offence went through Shaq. Fisher helped out, Walker had some energy and Fox played alright.

Horry and Fox had a chance to at least put them 1 point in front with 2 seconds remaining but a bad pass from Horry left Fox's open layup into a turnover.

Positive signs but at 10-18...is it all to late? With the Raptors twice, the Nuggets and the Kings for there next four games. They would be extremely happy going 3-1. Let's hope they lose all 4.

 

[jod23]

Well as you can see above. My last post had them at 10-18, easily there lowest point of the season. But since then they have gone 5-2 and back at 15-20. Not bad but still 5 games below .500 and still outside a playoff spot.

Things are looking better though for the Champs. They have friendly schedule in January too so look for a bit of a run.

 

[jerry springer]

Lakers will still be dangerous,there is a bit of mail coming out that tim hardaway may join them.even though he is geting on in age his experience and enthuisaism will be good for them.However thekings are the team to beat as they are hungry.Dallas still have defence problems and i cant see them winning the whole thing

 

[CURVE]

Yesterday's win against Pheonix has them three games behind eighth placed Minnesota, and with a relatively easy month ahead should see themselves move into the eight in the next week or so.

They are also only 7.5 games behind fourth placed San Antonio, and if I was Jackson that is what I would be aiming for. It would mean the Lakers would need a decent winning streak heading towards the All-Star Game, but there are signs that the Lakers are waking from their Pre-Christmas slumber. Shaq is showing signs that he is getting close to his dominant best, Fox, Horry and Fisher are looking a little more comfortable, and the defensive end is looking a little tighter, but they is still work to be done there. And then there is Kobe. His on a another planet at the moment. I think he has scored 30+ points in nine of his last ten games, and is averaging around 9 rebounds in that period as well. His still averaging over 7 assists a game and getting close to three steals a game in that period. He has to be favourite for the MVp at the moment, even though the Lakers have struggled.

 

[jod23]

Originally posted by DEVO
Yesterday's win against Pheonix has them three games behind eighth placed Minnesota, and with a relatively easy month ahead should see themselves move into the eight in the next week or so.

You say it so confidently....do you really think the T-Wolves are just gonna step aside and let the Lakers take a playoff spot. KG aint that kinda guy. Minnesota got back on track with a win today, they wont go away, plus there playing without Wally. Although I dont think he is an All Star, he is certainly a handy player and gives them another option.

Originally posted by DEVO
They are also only 7.5 games behind fourth placed San Antonio, and if I was Jackson that is what I would be aiming for. It would mean the Lakers would need a decent winning streak heading towards the All-Star Game, but there are signs that the Lakers are waking from their Pre-Christmas slumber. Shaq is showing signs that he is getting close to his dominant best, Fox, Horry and Fisher are looking a little more comfortable, and the defensive end is looking a little tighter, but they is still work to be done there. And then there is Kobe. His on a another planet at the moment. I think he has scored 30+ points in nine of his last ten games, and is averaging around 9 rebounds in that period as well. His still averaging over 7 assists a game and getting close to three steals a game in that period. He has to be favourite for the MVp at the moment, even though the Lakers have struggled.

Top four will be very tough. Dallas and Sacramento wont be caught, San Antonio will be tough to catch also and with Phoenix suddenly playing some great ball and Portland finding there feet I think the Lakers will be hard pressed to crack the top 4. On Kobe...I think he has moved up to the second line of betting with Duncan and T-Mac. Kidd leads them all though.

 

[CURVE]

Originally posted by jod23
You say it so confidently....do you really think the T-Wolves are just gonna step aside and let the Lakers take a playoff spot. KG aint that kinda guy. Minnesota got back on track with a win today, they wont go away, plus there playing without Wally. Although I dont think he is an All Star, he is certainly a handy player and gives them another option.

I don't think Minnesota are going to have a say in the matter. If the Lakers can get a run going, there isn't much Minnesota or Houston (or are also within range) can do. Even though Minnesota and Houston are playing pretty good ball at the moment, they both have tougher schedules for January than the Lakers. It will take a very good team to keep the Lakers out of the eight, especially if the Laker problems have been overcome.

Originally posted by jod23
Top four will be very tough. Dallas and Sacramento wont be caught, San Antonio will be tough to catch also and with Phoenix suddenly playing some great ball and Portland finding there feet I think the Lakers will be hard pressed to crack the top 4. On Kobe...I think he has moved up to the second line of betting with Duncan and T-Mac. Kidd leads them all though.

It will be extremely tough, but they have about 45 games to make up the difference. To say they can't do it is to doubt the credentials of the three times World Champions, and nobody is stupid enough to do that. Aren't they Jod???

You're probably right about Kidd, although I reckon Kobe's numbers are more impressive, Kidd's leadership of Nets is probably what puts him in front.

Kidd: 20.5ppg, 5.9rpg, 8.8apg, 2.3spg, 0.4bpg 3.5topg.
Kobe: 27.6ppg, 7.6rpg, 7.1apg, 2.1spg, 0.9bpg, 3.8topg.