Circus Over: Spurs Sweep Lakers

No chance, no chance in hell. The Lakers' season came to an end, concluding one of the most frustrating seasons ever in Laker history. Pau Gasol was the Lakers' top performer with 16 points, 8 rebounds, and 5 assists, but regardless, it doesn't matter as the Spurs just picked apart the Lakers again in a 103-82 sweeping in the first round and they were not even trying. Andrew Goudelock finished with 14 points and Chris Duhon and Antawn Jamison lead the bench with 12 points from Jamison and 11 points from Duhon. Only positive, Kobe Bryant, weeks after a successful surgery on his achilles, received a standing ovation from the Staples Center crowd as he joined the team on the bench. The question mark after this game is Dwight Howard. After purposely getting himself ejected and giving Mitch Kupchak an earful of words, has he played his last as a Laker?

Final Score: PLAYOFFS 1st round gm. 4 SA 103 LAL 82 SA Advances 4-0 [E]
Full recap: http://www.nba.com/games/20130426/SASLAL/gameinfo.html

Highlights

Final Word: 9-17, that's our win-loss column in the playoffs since 2011. If there was a sequel to the Lakers 2003-2004 season, it would be this, but with the same people who created the 2011 Philadelphia Eagles writing the script. This season was full of as much drama and tragedy than any other Laker season in history, key injuries, the firing of Mike Brown, ditching Phil Jackson for Mike D'Antoni, the passing of Dr. Jerry Buss, Kobe Bryant not probably being the same player after the achilles injury, Dwight Howard's questionable commitment to the team, and above all lack of chemistry. Looking ahead, the future is looking bleak considering the high payroll and luxury tax the organization is gonna have to pay to the league and the lack of draft picks hmmm... doesn't this sound familiar? This sounds like the Raiders salary cap situation and depleted draft picks in 2012. We gave up a lot of picks to get an aging Steve Nash, then more draft picks down the drain to get Dwight Howard. Very similar to how we gave up a lot to acquire Carson Palmer in 2011 and put ourselves in salary cap hell. Well the Lakers are gonna have to undergo what the Raiders are currently doing now, rebuilding. With absolutely no cap space to sign a free agent and no 1st round picks, the Lakers have screwed themselves over meaning no choice but to do a fire sale, get unproven free agents, amnesty people here and there, and letting people walk. If Dwight doesn't re sign, Kobe and Nash retire, and Gasol gets amnestied, sorry to say my fellow Laker fans, but even the greatest  of franchises has to be under the basement and become the laughing stock of the league until they can become contenders again. Just ask the Celtics, Knicks. Fortunes have changed in LA now that the Clippers are officially the alpha dog in that city. No matter, we must endure and good things happen to those who wait, even if it is for a long time.

Shorthanded Lakers Outmatched

If Dwight Howard leaves, Steve Nash elects to retire, Kobe Bryant is not the same player after the achilles injury, Pau Gasol gets traded or amnestied, this is what's to come for the Lakers in the future. Gasol is the Lakers' top performer, notching a triple-double of 11 points, 13 rebounds, and 10 assists and Dwight Howard chips in a 25 point and 11 rebound performance, but the last two of the big four couldn't save the Lakers from the Spurs lead Tony Parker and Tim Duncan and that deep Spurs bench as they put up one of their worst performance this season at home losing in an embarrassing 120-89 rout. Darius Morris, stepped up his game, finishing with 24 points, but even that wasn't enough and Andrew Goudelock, "Mini Mamba", put up a surprising 20 point performance after receiving the D-League MVP, but even that wasn't enough too. 1 game from elimination to end one of the greatest disappointments in Laker history.

Final Score: PLAYOFFS 1st round gm. 3 SA 120 LAL 89 SA leads series 3-0
Full recap: http://www.nba.com/games/20130426/SASLAL/gameinfo.html

Highlights

Next Game: PLAYOFFS 1st round gm. 4 vs. San Antonio (04/28/13)

Oakland Raiders 2013 NFL Draft

Day 1

Round 1 Pick 12 (From Miami): D.J. Hayden, CB, Houston, Sr.

Day 2

Round 2 Pick 42 (From Miami): Menelik Watson, OT, FSU, Jr.

Round 3 Pick 66: Sio Moore, LB, UConn, Sr.

Day 3

Round 4 Pick 112 (From Tampa Bay): Tyler Wilson, QB, Arkansas, Sr.

Round 6 Pick 172: Nick Kasa, TE, Colorado

Round 6 Pick 181: Latavius Murray, RB, UCF

Round 6 Pick 184: Mychal Rivera, TE, Tennessee

Round 6 Pick 205: Stacy McGee, DT, Oklahoma

Round 7 Pick 209: Brice Butler, WR, SDSU

Round 7 Pick 233: David Bass, DE, MWSU

Lakers Go Down 0-2 After Horrible Performance

Not even telling Kobe Bryant to stop tweeting during the game can make a difference. Just a terrible all-around performance by the Lakers in a game they need to give themselves a chance. You know you're terrible when Darius Morris leads the bench with 10 points. Dwight Howard was the Lakers top performer with 16 points, 9 rebounds, and 2 assists as the Lakers managed to keep it close in the 1st half, but opened the gates for the steamrolling Spurs in the 2nd half leading the Lakers to fall 91-102. Steve Blake chipped in 16 points and Pau Gasol and MWP finished both with 13 points with Gasol grabbing 9 boards. Game 3 at LA can the Lakers bounce back and give themselves a chance?

Final Score: PLAYOFFS 1st Round gm. 2 LAL 91 SA 102 SA leads series 2-0
Full recap: http://www.nba.com/games/20130424/LALSAS/gameinfo.html

Highlights

Next Game: PLAYOFFS 1st Round gm. 3 vs. San Antonio (04/26/13)

Lakers Drop Game 1 to Spurs

The Lakers opened their playoff run in San Antonio and it turned out to be a tough going. Although both teams had a horrible shooting performance, the key difference was pts off turnovers and strong bench play that gave the Spurs the edge. The Lakers pounded in the paint early as Dwight Howard lead the Lakers with 20 points and 15 rebounds and Pau Gasol was the second top performer with 16 points and 16 rebounds but not even the dominant bigs can help the Lakers as again pts off turnovers and strong bench play from the Spurs put the game away 79-91. The two Steves playing in the back court together as starters for the first time all season (I could be wrong) as Steve Nash came back from hamstring and back complications chipping 16 points and Steve Blake only managing 12 points but was active on the defensive side of the ball.

Final Score: PLAYOFFS 1st round gm. 1 @ San Antonio LAL 79 SA 91 SA leads series 1-0

Full recap: http://www.nba.com/games/20130421/LALSAS/gameinfo.html

Highlights

Next Game: PLAYOFFS 1st round gm. 2 @ San Antonio (04/24/13)

Lakers Outlast Rockets, Claim 7th Seed to Face San Antonio

The Lakers didn't need this game to clinch a playoff spot considering Utah lost against Memphis, but there was a bigger prize, taking the 7th seed at the last minute and dodging a major bullet not having to face OKC. It was all thanks to the help of our big men tandem of Pau Gasol and Dwight Howard. Gasol was the Lakers' top performer recording a huge triple double of 17 points, 20 rebounds, and 11 assists and Dwight Howard contributed with 16 points, 18 rebounds, and 4 blocks as they helped the Lakers defeat the Rockets 95-99 in OT despite almost having momentum lost after the tying 3 by Chandler Parsons in regulation. Steve Blake, the Blake Mamba came alive yet again as he was the third man to contribute in a big way finishing with 24 points, 7 rebounds, and 7 assists. MWP chipped in with 12 points, but he didn't play too much of a role but Antawn Jamison did coming off the bench with 16 points.

Final Score: vs. Houston 95-99 (OT) [W]
Full recap: http://www.nba.com/games/20130417/HOULAL/gameinfo.html

Highlights

Final Record: 45-37, .549, 3rd Pacific, 7th in Conference (Qualified for Playoffs)

Next Game: PLAYOFFS: 1st round gm. 1 @ San Antonio (04/21/13)

Lakers Deliver Key Win Against Spurs

As I post this recap, before you read, please take the time (like 5 mins) for a little prayer and a moment of silence for the victims involved in the Boston Marathon tragedy today.










This is Dwight's team now. Since Kobe Bryant went down with the torn achilles, there's nothing more that he wants from his team other than to win and make the playoffs. The Lakers play on without the undisputed leader of the team and turn to his successor, Dwight Howard and Howard delivered. Howard lead the Lakers with 26 points and 17 rebounds and helped give the Lakers a big win against potential playoff opponent, San Antonio Spurs 86-91 and putting them 1 1/2 game ahead of Utah. Steve Blake was the X-factor this game scoring 23 points, and Antawn Jamison came up huge off the bench scoring 15 points and grabbing 6 rebounds. Tonight Minnesota faces off against Utah at home and if the T'Wolves win, the Lakers go up 2 games ahead of Utah and maybe clinching the final playoff spot.

Final Score: vs. San Antonio 86-91 [W]
Full recap: http://www.nba.com/games/20130414/SASLAL/gameinfo.html

Highlights

Next Game: vs. Houston (04/17/13)

Lakers Survive Stephen Curry Onslaught, Kobe Has Fallen

In one of the most bizarre games between these two division rivals, the Lakers were definitely clinging to hold on to the 8th spot and they did in a controversial and costly way. We witnessed the resurrection of Pau Gasol, who lead the Lakers with 26 points, 11 rebounds, and 10 assists, his best all-around game since dating back to opening night against the Mavs. Despite the unbelievable 47 point performance by Steph Curry, no doubt one of the best shooters in the NBA today, the Lakers managed to fend off the Warriors 116-118 as a result of foul trouble from the Warriors and a very lopsided free throw ratio of 50-16 in favor of the Lakers. Dwight Howard finished with 28 points with his last 2 coming off on clutch free throws to seal the game and Steve Blake stepped it up a notch finishing with 14 points.

The big story this game is Kobe Bryant (finished the game with 34 points, 5 rebounds, and 4 assists). Just today, it is confirmed from MRI results that Kobe indeed tear his achilles tendon after doing his patented spin move on Harrison Barnes (I think), fell awkwardly as a result of his leg or his foot giving out. With the achilles tendon injury he is indeed out for the season and quite possibly the playoff aspirations of the Lakers went away with him.

My Thoughts: It's devastating to hear that. Obviously if you remember Chauncey Billups suffered the same fate in the shortened-lockout season last year and now he's not the same player as he used to be. But an injury like this towards one of the all-time greats is an absolute shame and who knows, will Kobe ever be the same player? Will he still play until his contract is up or when he gets his sixth ring? He is so close to tying the GOAT Michael Jordan in rings and surpassing him at #3 on the all-time scoring list. Only 2 games left and Kobe goes down, working his ass off, putting the team on his back to make sure they are put into the playoff picture. Now with 2 games left, Utah is trailing by 1 game, and those 2 games remaining are against San Antonio and Houston, a tough finish to end the season. The question is now what? Who do the Lakers turn to? If Kobe doesn't come back and is not the same player, then it is time to signal an end of an era in Laker history. When a king dies or an emperor dies, the pressure all falls on the heir to the throne, to try and lead that empire, that kingdom, to perennial prosperity. That's like when all control of the Laker organization is handed to the idiotic, incompetent Jim Buss after Dr. Jerry Buss' death, now the lead of the team has prematurely been handed to Dwight Howard after Kobe went down. The Kobe Bryant era is "over", enter the Dwight Howard era.

Final Score: vs. Golden State 116-118 [W]
Full recap: http://www.nba.com/games/20130412/GSWLAL/gameinfo.html

Highlights

Emotional Kobe Post Game Interview After Tearing His Achilles Tendon

Next Game: vs. San Antonio (04/14/13)

Kobe Carries Lakers to Victory in Portland

"Put da team on my back: One's will to carry the team and not let any obstacle come in between, a desire you must achieve. To go ahead get that green if you know what I mean." - Demetry James (YouTube user who uploaded the Greg Jennings Broken Leg and Marshawn Lynch: Determination videos)

And Kobe Bryant did just that. How bitter sweet it is to get back-to-back wins, especially in an arena in which the Lakers have not been playing well at such as the Rose Garden in Portland. The 34 year old Kobe engaged in a really good one-on-one shootout with potential rookie of the year, Damian Lillard, but Kobe, tired legs at all, gave Lillard a lesson that he's been in many shootouts and won some and lost some for his team as his 47 points, 8 rebounds, 5 assists, and 4 blocks performance helped power the Lakers to outshine Lillard's  38 points and 9 assists performance and his Blazers at the Rose Garden 113-106. The bigs also got it done when needed as Pau Gasol finished with 23 points and 9 assists and Dwight Howard chipped in 20 points and 10 rebounds.

Final Score: @ Portland 113-106 [W]
Full recap: http://www.nba.com/games/20130410/LALPOR/gameinfo.html

Highlights

Next Game: vs. Golden State (04/12/13)

Lakers Top Hornets, Reclaim 8th Place

The Lakers and Utah are just playing ping pong with each other as the 8th place has changed between those teams back and forth. Kobe Bryant, playing yet another 40+ min game, lead the Lakers with 30 points, 6 rebounds, 6 assists, and 5 steals to help the Lakers pull away from the stingy Hornets 96-104. Pau Gasol chipped in his great performance of the season scoring 22 points and pulling 11 rebounds. Dwight Howard finished with 19 points and Antawn Jamison lead the bench with 13 points and 8 rebounds. MWP returned 12 days after repairing his torn meniscus, but only managed to score 4 points off the bench. The Lakers play again tonight, hoping to separate themselves from Utah a little more as they face off against the Blazers in Portland.

Final Score: vs. New Orleans 96-104 [W]
Full recap: http://www.nba.com/games/20130409/NOHLAL/gameinfo.html

Highlights

Next Game: @ Portland (Tonight 7:00 PM Pacific)

Swept: Lakers vs. Clippers

It doesn't matter if the Clippers were better this season, it doesn't change the pecking order, the Lakers will always be the oldest son of LA and the Clippers the younger son, but credit where it's due the Clippers were too deep of a team, proved big brother wrong, and they deserved the Pacific division title. Cain swept Abel, let's move on. This loss is the biggest blow to the Lakers (considering Utah won last night) and their playoff hopes. Kobe Bryant fatigued, playing 40+ mins from the last few games is not a good sign. Nevertheless, Vino lead the Lakers with 25 points, 7 rebounds, and 10 assists while playing 47 mins, but like I said the Clippers were too deep of a team as they beat the Lakers 95-109 for their first division crown. Dwight Howard added 25 points, Pau Gasol finished with a near triple-double of 12 points, 13 rebounds, and 8 assists, and Earl Clark lead the bench with 11 points, despite shooting horribly.

Final Score: @ LA Clippers 95-109 [L]
Full recap: http://www.nba.com/games/20130407/LALLAC/gameinfo.html

Highlights

Next Game: vs. New Orleans (04/09/13)

Lakers Squeak By Grizzlies

Against one of the West's most physical and scrappy team, the Lakers pulled off a big, much needed win, considering Utah won the same night, to cling onto the 8th seed. Kobe Bryant lead the Lakers with 24 points, 5 rebounds, and 9 assists, but the story was the final play of the game showing that defense wins all. The Lakers' defensive stand was self-evident as they prevented a game tying layup by Mike Conley, putting the nail in the coffin on the Grizzlies 84-86. Pau Gasol added 19 points and 9 rebounds on 8-14 shooting, filling in solidly since Dwight Howard was nonexistent this game, with exception of shooting a clutch free throw that made the game 84-86 in favor of the Lakers. Double trouble on the bench as Earl Clark and Antawn Jamison came off eerily with identical stats as they both scored 13 points and grabbed 5 boards both shooting 5 field goals with Clark shooting better than Jamison with 8 attempts compared to Jamison's field goal attempts with 11.

Final Score: vs. Memphis 84-86 [W]
Full Recap: http://www.nba.com/games/20130405/MEMLAL/gameinfo.html

Highlights

Next Game: @ LA Clippers (04/07/13)

Lakers Rout Mavs on Shaq's Special Night

CAN YOU DIG IT? On a night where Shaquille O'Neal's #34 jersey was hung on the rafters, the Lakers are starting to build momentum in a month where there's no more room for error, playoffs or go home. Just like the dynamic duo of Shaq and Kobe, the duo of Kobe and Dwight got the job done and did most of the damage against the Mavs 81-101. Kobe Bryant after surpassing Wilt at #4 on the all-time scoring list, recorded his 19th career triple double with 23 points, 11 rebounds, and 11 assists to will the Lakers to victory. Dwight Howard added 24 points and 12 rebounds and made a couple of free throws at the end to spoil the Mavs' strategy of the Hack-a-Dwight. Pau Gasol added 14 points and 10 rebounds and Steve Blake added 11 points. Earl Clark, we did thought Earl lost his touch after being sent back to the bench, had his first breakout game as the sixth man finishing with 17 points, 12 rebounds, and 5 blocks.

Final Score: vs. Dallas 81-101 [W]
Full recap: http://www.nba.com/games/20130402/DALLAL/gameinfo.html

Highlights

Next Game: vs. Memphis (04/05/13)