Trevor Ariza

Speaking of great play, how about Trevor Ariza. Amazing. He posted a double double (11 points and 11 rebounds) and tossed in 5 assists and 3 steals with only a single turnover. Plus, he got ban

Continue reading "Now That's More Like it..."

Well, so much for that supposed "test" last night. The Lakers steamrolled the Houston Rockets in the second half holding them to a measely  34 points. 82 for the game and 37.8 percent s

Continue reading "Defensive Force--Kobe for DPY?"

But watch as the season goes on for him to become much more efficient. Trevor Ariza and Jordan Farmar are playing amazing as well. And Andrew Bynum pulled down 17 boards Wednesday night. Ever

Continue reading "How Does Kobe be Better than MJ?"

This here blogger mentioned last year that Vlad Rad looked like he was learning from the Trevor Ariza school of basketball hustle: diving and cutting and looking for offensive rebounds or tip-ins. Last season? He might have graded out as a C-. This year, he’s shooting for an A and is currently sitting at a B. It’s been a pleasant surprise so far, and if he continues to progress and continues to keep his head in the game even if he doesn't get shots, than he’ll be a valuable commodity as a starter. Speaking of taking his shots, Joel Meyers is an idiot. As the third quarter was winding down, Odom got off the bench to come in and Vlad Rad took what Meyers said was an ill-advised 3-pointer (the one that Pau rebounded and put back in). Here’s why that play wasn’t a bad play. It ended with a Lakers score. Here’s why that shot wasn’t a bad shot. Andrew Bynum had Andrea freaking Bargnani on him and Pau (who had initiated the break in the first place) was hustling back down the court with Jermaine O’Neal trailing him. That’s the two biggest players on the Lakers underneath or moving towards the rim with JO behind and Bargnani “on” Bynum. I’d take those match-ups every which way including loose. Which means Vlad Rad, who, I think is supposed to be known for his 3-point prowess (right Joel?) should take that shot every single time in that situation. You’ve got your two best rebounders on isos against weaker rebounders and a wide open look at your bread and butter shot. Vlad’s gotta take that shot. Period. Exclamation! 

Continue reading "Lakers Notes on Preseason game against Toronto"

I’m tired of all the flashbacks and reminiscing going on in the NBA due to the Celtics/Lakers matchup set for tomorrow evening. All the montages and interviews and whatnot are making me noxious (thanks NBA for giving us a whole week before game 1).

Continue reading "85-86 Celtics? 08 Lakers Win IMO..."

Andrew Bynum has reportedly been working out with Chris Mihm and could run through full practice as early as this week. This is great news. Also great news is the recent play of Lamar Odom. As discussed last week in this blog, Odom has finally started to play with a fire and confidence that has been sorely lacking from his all-around game. He’s shooting 86 percent in his last two games. He’s found a great rhythm playing with both Kobe and especially Gasol and has become deadly efficient.

Continue reading "Bringing Bynum Off the Bench"