The Lakers Nation

Lakers #2 in the NBA in FG defense; other defensive stats

Chris Manning — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 18:20:37 +0000

Here are some very interesting facts regarding this year’s defense. Keep in mind Pau Gasol just returned – in result, two major blowouts – and that we’ve only had him for two games.

Now teams have to worry about to 7′ foot shot-blockers. Take a look at some of these stats:

The Lakers are #2 at .424

Only Portland is ahead of us.

Here are some other stats:

#2 in 3pt FG% defense as well 29%
#4 in forced turnovers 16.2
#5 in steals 8.6 spg

Video: Ron Artest on ‘Jimmy Kimmel Live’

Jaime Quintanilla — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 16:44:30 +0000

So, this happened… our current starting Lakers’ Small Forward, Ron-Ron, was a guest on ABC’s “Jimmy Kimmel Live” Monday night… in his suave boxers shorts with a “Jimmy Kimmel Live” shaved into the back of his head.

Here’s part two where he teels a “steamy” between Kobe and himself.

Bynum making All-Star push

Jaime Quintanilla — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 15:37:49 +0000

L.A. Times: Andrew Bynum, forgotten man?

Amid all the attention heaped upon the return of Pau Gasol, the Lakers’ 22-year-old center served notice that, um, he’s still playing too.

Bynum had 25 points on nine-for-11 shooting in the Lakers’ 101-85 victory Sunday over the Oklahoma City Thunder. He also had nine rebounds and made all seven of his free throws in almost 29 minutes.

Toronto forward-center Chris Bosh is the only player in the league averaging more than 20 points and 10 rebounds a game, though Bynum is close to being there too.

He is now averaging 19.9 points and 11.2 rebounds.

Are the All-Star voters paying attention?

“I hope to make it,” Bynum said. “That’s really a goal I had coming into this season. I think I’m playing at the level I need to be playing. All I can do is get votes now. I’ve got to keep it up.”

Continue reading ‘Bynum making All-Star push’

Jim Buss on Ron Artest

Chris Manning — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 09:18:33 +0000

Here is what Jim Buss had to say about Ron Artest!

Inside The Lakers: Jim Buss, the Lakers’ VP in charge of player personnel, had this to say about the signing of Ron Artest as a free agent last summer: “I think Artest is an incredible defender and he’s a perfect fit for this team. I think we improved. He enjoys locking down top, quality players on the other team. He enjoys it. It’s hard to find those kinds of guys. He looks forward to going against Carmelo Anthony. He looks forward to going against LeBron James.

“Not too many people say that. He’s impressive to me when we sat down and talked to him. I know he’s got that reputation, but when you talk to him you can’t see it. He’s been good for years. The circumstances that happened, he’s even asked for his money back. I think he’s a good guy. I think he realizes what he really wants, and that’s a ring.”

Kobe Named Western Conference Player of the Week

Chris Manning — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 07:43:50 +0000

I guess this dude is alright…

NBA.com: The Cleveland Cavaliers’ LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers’ Kobe Bryant today were named the Eastern and Western Conference Players of the Week, respectively, for games played Monday, Nov. 16, through Sunday, Nov. 22.

James averaged a league-best 34.3 points on .583 shooting from the field, 5.8 rebounds and a team-high 9.3 assists, leading the Cavaliers to a 3-1 week. James was the only Eastern Conference player to score 30 or more points in each of his games and recorded his first 40-point game of the season in a 105-95 win over Indiana on Nov. 20.

Bryant led the Lakers to a 3-0 week, averaging 29.8 points (second in the Western Conference), 6.7 rebounds and a team-high 6.7 assists. With his free throw at the 6:07 mark of the third quarter on Nov. 19, Bryant moved past Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (24,176) for second on the Lakers’ all-time franchise scoring list; Bryant trails only Jerry West (25,192). On Nov. 17, Bryant recorded his fourth 40-point game of season in a 106-93 win over Detroit.

Here is a recap of the week for James and Bryant…

Kobe Bryant, Los Angeles Lakers -

Nov. 17 vs. Detroit: Tallied 40 points, five rebounds and five assists in a 106-93 win over the Pistons.
Nov. 19 vs. Chicago: Posted 21 points, nine rebounds and eight assists in a 108-93 win over the Bulls.
Nov. 22 vs. Oklahoma City: Scored 26 points and added six rebounds, seven assists and two steals in a 101-85 win over the Thunder.

Other nominees for the Eastern and Western Conference Players of the Week were Charlotte’s Stephen Jackson, Dallas’ Dirk Nowitzki, Denver’s Carmelo Anthony, Houston’s Luis Scola, Memphis’ Rudy Gay, New Orleans’ Marcus Thornton, New York’s Al Harrington, Orlando’s Vince Carter and Phoenix’s Amar’e Stoudemire.

TLN’s Postgame Report: Lakers vs. Thunder

Steve Avery — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 05:57:48 +0000

Tonight was a night of highlights at Staples Center. First it was Kobe’s over the backboard, then his reverse layup, then we had Shannon Brown’s oop from Farmar and his other dunk on the break.

If that and free tacos weren’t enough for the fans, the Black Eyed Peas were in the house and sang a quick song during the timeout in the fourth and Jay-Z made his way over from the AMA’s across the street to make an appearance.

Kobe really played one of his best games of the season. He was very efficient and really dominated inside the paint. The Lakers were also very efficient throughout the game. 25 assists to only 9 turnovers. The ball really moved well as every Laker played unselfish basketball.

It was also great to see the bench get some playing time. Even Morrrison got some action with the first unit.

Now, the bests of the day…

Top 3 Laker Performers -

1) Kobe had another MVP performance. 26 points, 6 boards, 7 assists, 2 steals and no turnovers.

2) Bynum continues to play amazing shooting 9 of 11 for 25 points and 9 boards.

3) Shannon Brown only had 6, 3 and 3, but he had some amazing dunks! His defense was also pretty solid tonight.

Lakers Smush of the Day (Note: STD denotes the Laker that played the poorest): Powell was 1 for 6 and took terrible shots as usual.

Play of the Night: Kobe’s shot over the backboard or Brown’s oop from Farmar.

What to Look for Next Game: A high scoring game with the Knicks in town Tuesday night.

Ticket Info: Special TLN promotion for Tuesday night’s game. Package includes ticket to the game, all you can eat at the Staples Center Buffet, and reserved seat 200 level. E-Mail me at Steve@AveryTickets.com or call 213-221-7681 for info on how to lock these tickets up today!

Go Lakers!

2nd Look: “Welcome to the Circus!”

Kam Pashai — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 04:25:07 +0000

Enough Kobe highlights to fill up our 2nd look for a good week – unfortunately, we have one per game. Game is still going on, but we’re already calling a winner! Welcome to the Circus, here is your Ringmaster!

TLN’s Game Report: Lakers vs. Thunder

Jeff Little — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 01:59:21 +0000

The Lakers are back in action at the Staples Center hosting the Oklahoma Thunder.

Los Angeles looked more like themselves with the return of All-Star Forward Pau Gasol. Gasol in his season debut put his all around game on display and helped the Lakers thump the Chicago Bulls.

The return of Pau Gasol who scored 10 of the teams first 13 points, brought about the welcome sight of excellent spacing, timing, ball movement and player movement which the Lakers offense is predicated on. The 9 and 3 Lakers can begin to build their team chemistry.

The last time the Lakers faced the talented young Thunder team on 11/3/09 Los Angeles executed down the stretch and won in overtime. Los Angeles faces a talented young Oklahoma team with an average age of 25 years, 130 days making them the second youngest team in the league.

The Lakers are playing at a high level and literally destroying teams with points in the painted area. The size and length of the Lakers, with Andrew Bynum & Pau Gasol in the line up at the same time, are creating several mismatches for opponents.

The 7 and 6 Thunder are winners of four of their last six games, including an impressive 127-108 win over the Wizards; their highest scoring output of the season. The Oklahoma City Thunder team has a talented young nucleus of Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook, Jeff Green and 1st round draft pick James Harden and happens to be one the leagues best defensive teams by allowing 91 points per game.

The team has allowed 108 points in their last two games and will more than likely allow a higher number tonight. The Lakers are playing excellent defense and doing an excellent job of shutting down the screen and roll play.

The Lakers have entirely too much size for the Thunder to defend them in the post. Los Angeles will start their offense on the inside and attack the interior of the defense. Coach Jackson and staff will establish both Andrew Bynum & Pau Gasol in the post. Gasol is an outstanding passer out of the post that will get his teammates involved.

The Lakers need to make sure that the Thunder don’t get in transition and force them to set up their half court offense. The Lakers need to limit the Thunder to one shot per possession. The Lakers are executing their offense very well and the scary thing is that the team is getting better. The Lakers will outwork the Thunder and use their experience, maturity, teamwork and execute down the stretch.

Tip-off: 6:30 PM PST

Television -

Los Angeles: Fox Sports West (Joel Myers & Stu Lantz)
Oklahoma City: Fox Sports Oklahoma (Brian Davis & Grant Long)

Radio -

Los Angeles: 710 ESPN (Spero Dedes & Mychal Thompson)

Oklahoma City: 640 AM & 98.1 FM (Matt Pinto)

Injuries -

Lakers:

Luke Walton (Back) OUT
Andrew Bynum (Ankle) listed as Day to Day

Thunder:

Shaun Livingston (Knee) OUT

Win a copy of Kobe Doin’ Work tonight!

Jaime Quintanilla — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 19:29:22 +0000

Update: Congratulations to both earl and lakers4life2417 for both predicting that Kobe would have 26 points and 6 rebounds! However, they both can’t be winners. And for guessing 6 assists (1 less assist that Kobe had — 7 — earl had 5 assists), lakers4life2417 is tonight’s winner of the DVD! Congratulations! Okay folks, you have another chance to win the DVD Tuesday night when Kobe does work against the Knicks. Thanks for everyone who participated tonight.

Laker Nation, want to win a copy of Kobe Doin’ Work? Of course you do. Well TheLakersNation.com is giving away copies of the DVD to fans who can correctly guess how much work Kobe will be doing exactly.

Tonight through next week, one copy will be given away per game. How do you enter? Couldn’t get easier…

Leave your *comment below predicting the total STAT LINE Kobe will drop tonight. The Lakers fan with the most accurate guess wins a free copy! In case of a tie, we will move onto your rebounds, assists, and +/- prediction — in that order.

Be sure to fill out your e-mail so we can get in contact with your after the game.

Kobe Doin’ Work will be released on DVD November 24th! Spike Lee will be signing autographs at the ESPN Zone across the street from Staples, prior to Lakers/Knicks tipoff.

Lets get in some of your guesses for tonights game against the Thunder!

*Comments will be closed few minutes before tip-off.

Buss regrets Gasol’s Euro play

Chris Manning — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 19:16:42 +0000

Personally, I think Pau deserved it. What do you guys think?

L.A. Times: While approaching the restroom during halftime of a recent USC game, I noticed Jerry Buss standing ahead of me decked out in Trojan gear. The guy in front of me congratulated him on winning the championship. As I walked by I just pointed at him, smiled and said, “You should have never let Pau play in the European championships,” to which he replied, “You know, I think you’re right.”