03/10: vs. Brooklyn 104-102 [L] (49-14)
After an impressive weekend, you'd expect a hangover after. Looking at this week, I had this game listed as a "trap game." When you think about it. The Nets made some headlines letting go of head coach Kenny Atkinson and the turmoil that surrounded the Brooklyn locker room. The Lakers are riding high after snatching back-to-back epic wins against the Bucks and the Clippers. The Nets are still fighting for a playoff spot at the back end of the weak East.
As much as the Nets are heavy underdogs here, you have to give them credit. The Lakers started the game off strong, but they became too careless this game. Turnovers and the Nets' offensive rebounding gave the Lakers all kinds of trouble. LeBron and AD filled up the stats sheets, but this was a weird game for them. AD was quiet in the first half going 1-4 from the field and LeBron's bad free throw habits came back to bite as he was 1-4 from the charity stripe. That marred yet another MVP performance from the King. The Lakers had the chance to win it as 'Bron kicked it to AD for a wide-open game-winning three...that went in and out. That last play was a microcosm of the 4th quarter because the Lakers could not buy a bucket until it was too little, too late. I was hoping for win #50 here on a TACO TUUUUUEEEEESSSSDAY! But the Nets did well to steal a game here. After all, this is the same Nets team that pulled out a gutsy win in OT at Boston just a couple of days ago. Can we get Dion Waiters active now?
Well, who would've known that last night's game against the Nets would've been the last game the Lakers would play this season until further notice? For those who have themselves quarantined from the Coronavirus pandemic and have not been keeping up, the NBA has suspended this season indefinitely. It's been a crazy couple of hours as the basketball world found out that Utah Jazz Center, Rudy Gobert, has tested positive for Coronavirus or COVID-19. The Jazz were expected to play tonight against OKC. But, the game has been called off before the game started. Tonight's Pelicans-Kings game was also called off in the wake of this. Other games that were played tonight: 76ers-Pistons, Hawks-Knicks, and Hornets-Heat have gone on as scheduled before this news broke out.
This is a landmark precedent that the NBA is taking. The previous plan was to have all games played with no fans in attendance. But Gobert has taken Defensive Player of the Year so far, he shut down the league indefinitely. The Coronavirus has created mass paranoia. You have public events canceled left and right. With the NBA doing this, this might have a domino effect on the action plans of the NFL, MLB, and NHL. When one major sports league does something, the others will definitely follow. Heck, even WrestleMania 36 in Tampa, FL is facing cancellation! And I don't even watch WWE anymore! The first two paragraphs were pre-written as always, but these next two are definitely not. Who knows when we're going to see LeBron, AD, and the Lakers in action again? It could be a very long time depending on how this situation unfolds. Until then, stay at home and practice good hygiene peeps! Wash your hands and keep sanitized at all times!
Wednesday, March 11, 2020
Monday, March 9, 2020
Lakers Weekly Roundup #17: Hanging with the Elite
The first time I saw this stretch, this was without question the most pivotal week for the Purple and Gold. Three teams that are above .500 and in playoff contention. Two of them that are among the elite teams in the NBA. The Lakers have had an impressive resurgence after nearly six years of turmoil. But many critics have been skeptical that they could beat some of the better teams in the league. Three marquee games with a playoff berth on the line. It's the LakeShow's time to shine!
03/03: vs. Philadelphia 107-120 [W] (47-13)
Philly fans will have their excuses, pointing to the fact that Joel Embiid and Ben Simmons didn't play this game. There shouldn't be any excuses for the Lakers to lose against the 76ers without their top two stars. It certainly almost looked like that with the way this game started. They were losing to an injury-ridden Sixers squad with Shake Milton, Glenn Robinson III, and yes, Furkan Korkmaz of all people as their top players. Even Frank Vogel admitted the team looked sluggish to start that he took a timeout to give the team a pep talk. After that, the Lakers came storming back, especially in that 2nd quarter. I said this before and I'll say this again: Anthony Davis is a man among boys. Yes, no Embiid to matchup against him, but Davis did what he had to do: 37 points, 13 rebounds, 4 steals, 2 blocks, and a couple of razzle dazzle highlights that quarter. The gloves came off in that 2nd quarter for the purple and gold. You had AD and KCP throwing it down like it's a dunk contest. You had LeBron shooting from near half court...again and blocking the final shot in the 2nd quarter almost on the opposite end of the court. The Lakers took care of business against the hapless 76ers who have not won on the road for nine straight games. It would've been more impressive if the Sixers had their full roster. But, a W is a W regardless.
03/06: vs. Milwaukee 103-113 [W] (48-13)
Arguably the NBA's heavyweight fight this season. The last time these two teams met, Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Bucks creamed the Lakers in "Cream City." With playoff implications on the line, the results should be different. The Lakers won this game despite shooting a woeful 20% from three-point land. The defense and trips to the free throw line is what kept them alive this game. From Avery Bradley drawing offensive fouls to Alex Caruso swiping the ball off of a Bucks' player out of bounds. Despite Giannis' big game of 32 points, 11 rebounds, and 6 assists, he got shut down with LeBron and AD taking turns defending him. And that's the way it should be: the best players on the team locking down the opposition's best player. The Lakers drew more fouls by attacking the Bucks' interior defense. From the graphics, Lakers had 19 more free throw attempts than the Bucks did
Defensively, the Toronto Raptors formulated the blueprint: you stop Antetokounmpo, the Bucks offense stops flowing. Jeff Van Gundy brought out an interesting point Friday: Giannis is not accustomed to playing extended minutes in the 4th because Milwaukee had games in the bag before that period. But because the Lakers hung close behind big performances by the King and the Brow this game, that kept the Greek Freak on the floor. This was a statement win from the Lakers and LeBron showed people he deserves MVP consideration with 37 points, 8 rebounds, 8 assists, and 3 steals and shutting down Antetokounmpo in crunch time. AD showed he deserves some Defensive Player of the Year (DOPY) consideration with 30 points, 9 rebounds, and 2 blocks and despite drawing some foul trouble, he played good defense against Giannis down the stretch and came up with a key block on Khris Middleton when the Bucks looked to push. Not only did the Lakers win big, but they clinched a playoff berth for the first time since 2013. The last few postseasons were entertaining, but felt weird without the Lakers involved. The Purple (and Gold) rain returns to the the postseason after a 7-year drought!
03/08: @ LA Clippers 112-103 [W] (49-13)
By the end of last year, we had to put up with Clipper fans as they rightfully have bragging rights when the Clippers beat the Lakers not only once, but twice. It was mortifying indeed. To make matters worse, the Clippers marketing department created a marketing campaign to take a shot at the Lakers once more called: "Real LA." This marketing campaign was targeted to have the Clippers be LA's team of not just for the Hollywood celebrities and personalities (like the Lakers), but also the blue collar demographic of LA. I need Nipsey Hussle's "Last Time I Checc'd" right about now. I get it the Clippers have an identity with a roster who have heart, hustle, and grind. But, you're telling me the Lakers don't appeal to the blue collar people LA? Get out of here with that notion! You'll see people in the gritty parts of LA outside of Hollywood sport Laker gear. The Clippers are trying so hard to integrate themselves into the LA culture and identity. It's laughable.
Which comes to my attention, the Lakers need to get this game to slap the Clippers and their fans back to reality. After an impressive win against the best team in the NBA, the Bucks the other night, they need to get one again to put the league on notice. Round 3 for these two teams was as advertised. Both teams were chippy. Although I don't like the fact that the refs didn't call one tech on the Clippers when they were complaining all game long! But Avery Bradley and Danny Green get techs when they barely complain about the refs. Speaking of Avery Bradley, he had himself a big game with 24 points and connecting on 6 three pointers. He was averaging 20+ points for a couple games some time ago, but he hasn't had a lot of touches since then. And it was good to see him do some damage offensively because he was the X-factor and the reason why the Lakers kept hanging around. Kuzma, KCP, and Markieff Morris didn't quite fill up the stats sheet, but boy did they play well defensively. Kuz lead the team with 10 boards and played some really tough defense.
The 2nd half was when the Lakers took complete control of the game. They said LeBron was scared of PG and moreso Kawhi. Despite 7-17 shooting, LeBron James shredded the stifling Clippers defense by attacking and getting to the foul line. And just like when he drew the assignment of defending Giannis Friday, he did so matching up against Kawhi Leonard. Kawhi was held in check for the most part of the game. The 4th quarter, the Lakers drew fouls early on to put themselves in the bonus early. Even though the Clippers took more free throws, they missed some down the stretch, especially when Montrezl Harrell went to the line. He's a handful, but it's a win when he misses some free throws as he's a 65% FT shooter. Anthony Davis lead all scorers with 30 points. AD and LeBron exorcised some demons against the Clippers. You recall the first game when they were held to two points in the 4th quarter. This game, they took over when it mattered the most and helped the Lakers win a pivotal matchup. Forget all the talk that the Lakers can't beat good teams! They proved themselves this weekend. This is playoff mode!
03/03: vs. Philadelphia 107-120 [W] (47-13)
Philly fans will have their excuses, pointing to the fact that Joel Embiid and Ben Simmons didn't play this game. There shouldn't be any excuses for the Lakers to lose against the 76ers without their top two stars. It certainly almost looked like that with the way this game started. They were losing to an injury-ridden Sixers squad with Shake Milton, Glenn Robinson III, and yes, Furkan Korkmaz of all people as their top players. Even Frank Vogel admitted the team looked sluggish to start that he took a timeout to give the team a pep talk. After that, the Lakers came storming back, especially in that 2nd quarter. I said this before and I'll say this again: Anthony Davis is a man among boys. Yes, no Embiid to matchup against him, but Davis did what he had to do: 37 points, 13 rebounds, 4 steals, 2 blocks, and a couple of razzle dazzle highlights that quarter. The gloves came off in that 2nd quarter for the purple and gold. You had AD and KCP throwing it down like it's a dunk contest. You had LeBron shooting from near half court...again and blocking the final shot in the 2nd quarter almost on the opposite end of the court. The Lakers took care of business against the hapless 76ers who have not won on the road for nine straight games. It would've been more impressive if the Sixers had their full roster. But, a W is a W regardless.
03/06: vs. Milwaukee 103-113 [W] (48-13)
Arguably the NBA's heavyweight fight this season. The last time these two teams met, Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Bucks creamed the Lakers in "Cream City." With playoff implications on the line, the results should be different. The Lakers won this game despite shooting a woeful 20% from three-point land. The defense and trips to the free throw line is what kept them alive this game. From Avery Bradley drawing offensive fouls to Alex Caruso swiping the ball off of a Bucks' player out of bounds. Despite Giannis' big game of 32 points, 11 rebounds, and 6 assists, he got shut down with LeBron and AD taking turns defending him. And that's the way it should be: the best players on the team locking down the opposition's best player. The Lakers drew more fouls by attacking the Bucks' interior defense. From the graphics, Lakers had 19 more free throw attempts than the Bucks did
Defensively, the Toronto Raptors formulated the blueprint: you stop Antetokounmpo, the Bucks offense stops flowing. Jeff Van Gundy brought out an interesting point Friday: Giannis is not accustomed to playing extended minutes in the 4th because Milwaukee had games in the bag before that period. But because the Lakers hung close behind big performances by the King and the Brow this game, that kept the Greek Freak on the floor. This was a statement win from the Lakers and LeBron showed people he deserves MVP consideration with 37 points, 8 rebounds, 8 assists, and 3 steals and shutting down Antetokounmpo in crunch time. AD showed he deserves some Defensive Player of the Year (DOPY) consideration with 30 points, 9 rebounds, and 2 blocks and despite drawing some foul trouble, he played good defense against Giannis down the stretch and came up with a key block on Khris Middleton when the Bucks looked to push. Not only did the Lakers win big, but they clinched a playoff berth for the first time since 2013. The last few postseasons were entertaining, but felt weird without the Lakers involved. The Purple (and Gold) rain returns to the the postseason after a 7-year drought!
03/08: @ LA Clippers 112-103 [W] (49-13)
By the end of last year, we had to put up with Clipper fans as they rightfully have bragging rights when the Clippers beat the Lakers not only once, but twice. It was mortifying indeed. To make matters worse, the Clippers marketing department created a marketing campaign to take a shot at the Lakers once more called: "Real LA." This marketing campaign was targeted to have the Clippers be LA's team of not just for the Hollywood celebrities and personalities (like the Lakers), but also the blue collar demographic of LA. I need Nipsey Hussle's "Last Time I Checc'd" right about now. I get it the Clippers have an identity with a roster who have heart, hustle, and grind. But, you're telling me the Lakers don't appeal to the blue collar people LA? Get out of here with that notion! You'll see people in the gritty parts of LA outside of Hollywood sport Laker gear. The Clippers are trying so hard to integrate themselves into the LA culture and identity. It's laughable.
Which comes to my attention, the Lakers need to get this game to slap the Clippers and their fans back to reality. After an impressive win against the best team in the NBA, the Bucks the other night, they need to get one again to put the league on notice. Round 3 for these two teams was as advertised. Both teams were chippy. Although I don't like the fact that the refs didn't call one tech on the Clippers when they were complaining all game long! But Avery Bradley and Danny Green get techs when they barely complain about the refs. Speaking of Avery Bradley, he had himself a big game with 24 points and connecting on 6 three pointers. He was averaging 20+ points for a couple games some time ago, but he hasn't had a lot of touches since then. And it was good to see him do some damage offensively because he was the X-factor and the reason why the Lakers kept hanging around. Kuzma, KCP, and Markieff Morris didn't quite fill up the stats sheet, but boy did they play well defensively. Kuz lead the team with 10 boards and played some really tough defense.
The 2nd half was when the Lakers took complete control of the game. They said LeBron was scared of PG and moreso Kawhi. Despite 7-17 shooting, LeBron James shredded the stifling Clippers defense by attacking and getting to the foul line. And just like when he drew the assignment of defending Giannis Friday, he did so matching up against Kawhi Leonard. Kawhi was held in check for the most part of the game. The 4th quarter, the Lakers drew fouls early on to put themselves in the bonus early. Even though the Clippers took more free throws, they missed some down the stretch, especially when Montrezl Harrell went to the line. He's a handful, but it's a win when he misses some free throws as he's a 65% FT shooter. Anthony Davis lead all scorers with 30 points. AD and LeBron exorcised some demons against the Clippers. You recall the first game when they were held to two points in the 4th quarter. This game, they took over when it mattered the most and helped the Lakers win a pivotal matchup. Forget all the talk that the Lakers can't beat good teams! They proved themselves this weekend. This is playoff mode!
Monday, March 2, 2020
Lakers Weekly Roundup #16: Playoffs 1st Round Preview Matchups
Would you look at this week's matchups? We have some possible previews here in the first round of the playoffs. The Lakers are sitting pretty on top of the #1 seed in the West. As for the #8 seed, it's a four-way race and two of them are featured here this week: the New Orleans Pelicans and the Memphis Grizzlies. Both teams are headlined by two standout rookies in Zion Williamson of the Pelicans and Ja Morant of the Grizzlies. Though the Lakers had the upper hand in the regular season series so far, it's highly likely the Lakers will see either one of these teams in the playoffs. The Lakers have rode high in the past month of February. Let's see how they fare heading as March is here and the playoff push gets even more intense.
02/25: vs. New Orleans 109-118 [W] (44-12)
It was long overdue to finally see a 'Bron vs. Zion marquee matchup! The standout rookie from Duke had a solid outing in the preseason before a meniscus injury pushed back his anticipated NBA debut. Since his debut at the beginning of the year, he's been as advertised and found himself back in the R.O.T.Y. (Rookie of the Year) race when it all seemed like Ja Morant from Memphis was running away with it. Zion Williamson's hype compared to that of LeBron James and it was going to be quite the matchup.
But, not once this game was LeBron assigned to defend Zion. However, both put on quite the show. Zion racked up 29 points and "wowed" the Staples Center crowd with his thunderous power dunks. But LeBron shined brighter as he did throughout his 17 years, dropping a season high 40 points. The highlight of the night was when he baptized poor Josh Hart. That was not only the noteworthy highlight of the game. The other one? The Carushow with the vicious block on Lonzo Ball and taking over in the 4th quarter. It was a game of runs from start to finish, but the Lakers came out on top and once again denying Zo, B.I., and Josh Hart sweet revenge. As for AD, the 'Brow had an off night shooting against his former team, but still lead the "SWAT" team with 6 blocks.
02/27: @ Golden State 116-86 [W] (45-12)
https://www.instagram.com/p/B9Hd6nrJnYH/
Would you look at the link that I just put up? I was at this game! This one of the perks if you're working in The City like I am. But luckily, the Lakers had one more trip to SF and I didn't miss out on an opportunity for this beauty of a game. It was my first live NBA game as well.
Now, time to talk about this game. The last time the Lakers and Warriors met at Chase Center, the Dubs gave the LakeShow a run for their money. So, this spelled "trap game" for the Lakers. To further escalate this, LeBron was ruled out with a sore groin and the last time they played without LeBron, the Lakers got blown out. However, this ain't the Denver Nuggets they were playing. The Lakers were playing an injury-riddled Warriors team with a roster consisting of rookies and G-Leaguers.
To give the Warriors credit, they did hang around in the first half sans Draymond Green getting tossed out early in the game. I got that on video and I was laughing my butt off much to the dismay of a couple of Dub Nation fans around me. But, by the 3rd quarter, the onslaught commenced. It's an encouraging sign when Anthony Davis doesn't have to play 30+ mins and carry the team without LeBron. Rajon Rondo came alive in that 3rd quarter and set the tone with his aggressive play. Playoff Rondo was alive this game. Kyle Kuzma stepped up with 18 points. He took over in that 2nd quarter. Kuz attacked the Warriors' defense all game long and they didn't have an answer once he spins his way to the basket. Chase Center turned into North Staples Center this game. It was fun to experience the Purple and Gold takeover in an opposition's building.
02/29: @ Memphis 88-105 [L] (45-13)
Not a way you want to end a spectacular month of February Lakers basketball. However, give credit where credit is due, the Grizzlies punched the Lakers in the mouth this game. LeBron was back in the lineup and Frank Vogel gave Alex Caruso the nod to start to fill in for an injured Danny Green, but the changes weren't enough. The Grizzlies got off to a hot 6-0 start. Based on the highlights, you can tell that they wanted to make a statement. If you look at the Grizzlies out of late, of course Ja Morant has been solid for them. But Dillon Brooks is catching fire in scoring and Jonas Valanciunas is crashing the boards. He almost outrebounded the entire Lakers team with 20 boards. Morant had a nice outing with 27 points and 14 assists and Brooks dropped 24 points. The Lakers looked flat this game. It was a quiet offensive outing as they were held to 88 points, their season low. I do remember Morant's statement that they could knock off the Lakers if they hold on to the 8th seed in the West. Well, the proved they can hang this game. But, it's a whole different ball game to hang with them in a 7-game series. It'll be an interesting finish with the Pelicans, Blazers, and Spurs behind them also vying for that #8 spot.
03/01: @ New Orleans 122-114 [W] (46-13)
The Lakers had an ugly loss last night in Memphis. In New Orleans on back-to-back nights, they locked in and persevered against the adversity. No AD nor Caruso this game and they still pulled off the W against the upstarting Pelicans. It was LeBron-Zion II on this week. In the first meeting, there were not too many one-on-one highlights. But, there was more action here between the two. Zion had a little shake and bake move with LeBron guarding him. And LeBron drained a crowd-silencing three over the rookie in return. As usual, both dropped 30+ points, but LeBron showed why he's still the best player in the world with a 34 pts, 12 rebs, and 13 asts triple-double. Kyle Kuzma drew the start in place of AD with 20 points and JaVale McGee picked it up for the "SWAT team" with 5 blocks this game. With the Lakers sweeping the season series vs. the Pelicans, it's safe to say they won Round 1 of the Anthony Davis trade for Lonzo Ball, Brandon Ingram, and Josh Hart. However, this Pelicans team is on the rise with a lot of good, young pieces that have yet to hit their prime.
02/25: vs. New Orleans 109-118 [W] (44-12)
It was long overdue to finally see a 'Bron vs. Zion marquee matchup! The standout rookie from Duke had a solid outing in the preseason before a meniscus injury pushed back his anticipated NBA debut. Since his debut at the beginning of the year, he's been as advertised and found himself back in the R.O.T.Y. (Rookie of the Year) race when it all seemed like Ja Morant from Memphis was running away with it. Zion Williamson's hype compared to that of LeBron James and it was going to be quite the matchup.
But, not once this game was LeBron assigned to defend Zion. However, both put on quite the show. Zion racked up 29 points and "wowed" the Staples Center crowd with his thunderous power dunks. But LeBron shined brighter as he did throughout his 17 years, dropping a season high 40 points. The highlight of the night was when he baptized poor Josh Hart. That was not only the noteworthy highlight of the game. The other one? The Carushow with the vicious block on Lonzo Ball and taking over in the 4th quarter. It was a game of runs from start to finish, but the Lakers came out on top and once again denying Zo, B.I., and Josh Hart sweet revenge. As for AD, the 'Brow had an off night shooting against his former team, but still lead the "SWAT" team with 6 blocks.
02/27: @ Golden State 116-86 [W] (45-12)
https://www.instagram.com/p/B9Hd6nrJnYH/
Would you look at the link that I just put up? I was at this game! This one of the perks if you're working in The City like I am. But luckily, the Lakers had one more trip to SF and I didn't miss out on an opportunity for this beauty of a game. It was my first live NBA game as well.
Now, time to talk about this game. The last time the Lakers and Warriors met at Chase Center, the Dubs gave the LakeShow a run for their money. So, this spelled "trap game" for the Lakers. To further escalate this, LeBron was ruled out with a sore groin and the last time they played without LeBron, the Lakers got blown out. However, this ain't the Denver Nuggets they were playing. The Lakers were playing an injury-riddled Warriors team with a roster consisting of rookies and G-Leaguers.
To give the Warriors credit, they did hang around in the first half sans Draymond Green getting tossed out early in the game. I got that on video and I was laughing my butt off much to the dismay of a couple of Dub Nation fans around me. But, by the 3rd quarter, the onslaught commenced. It's an encouraging sign when Anthony Davis doesn't have to play 30+ mins and carry the team without LeBron. Rajon Rondo came alive in that 3rd quarter and set the tone with his aggressive play. Playoff Rondo was alive this game. Kyle Kuzma stepped up with 18 points. He took over in that 2nd quarter. Kuz attacked the Warriors' defense all game long and they didn't have an answer once he spins his way to the basket. Chase Center turned into North Staples Center this game. It was fun to experience the Purple and Gold takeover in an opposition's building.
02/29: @ Memphis 88-105 [L] (45-13)
Not a way you want to end a spectacular month of February Lakers basketball. However, give credit where credit is due, the Grizzlies punched the Lakers in the mouth this game. LeBron was back in the lineup and Frank Vogel gave Alex Caruso the nod to start to fill in for an injured Danny Green, but the changes weren't enough. The Grizzlies got off to a hot 6-0 start. Based on the highlights, you can tell that they wanted to make a statement. If you look at the Grizzlies out of late, of course Ja Morant has been solid for them. But Dillon Brooks is catching fire in scoring and Jonas Valanciunas is crashing the boards. He almost outrebounded the entire Lakers team with 20 boards. Morant had a nice outing with 27 points and 14 assists and Brooks dropped 24 points. The Lakers looked flat this game. It was a quiet offensive outing as they were held to 88 points, their season low. I do remember Morant's statement that they could knock off the Lakers if they hold on to the 8th seed in the West. Well, the proved they can hang this game. But, it's a whole different ball game to hang with them in a 7-game series. It'll be an interesting finish with the Pelicans, Blazers, and Spurs behind them also vying for that #8 spot.
03/01: @ New Orleans 122-114 [W] (46-13)
The Lakers had an ugly loss last night in Memphis. In New Orleans on back-to-back nights, they locked in and persevered against the adversity. No AD nor Caruso this game and they still pulled off the W against the upstarting Pelicans. It was LeBron-Zion II on this week. In the first meeting, there were not too many one-on-one highlights. But, there was more action here between the two. Zion had a little shake and bake move with LeBron guarding him. And LeBron drained a crowd-silencing three over the rookie in return. As usual, both dropped 30+ points, but LeBron showed why he's still the best player in the world with a 34 pts, 12 rebs, and 13 asts triple-double. Kyle Kuzma drew the start in place of AD with 20 points and JaVale McGee picked it up for the "SWAT team" with 5 blocks this game. With the Lakers sweeping the season series vs. the Pelicans, it's safe to say they won Round 1 of the Anthony Davis trade for Lonzo Ball, Brandon Ingram, and Josh Hart. However, this Pelicans team is on the rise with a lot of good, young pieces that have yet to hit their prime.
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