NBA: Los Angeles Lakers News and Commentary

2008-11-25T12:34:00.000-08:00

I'm getting ready for a night of bball! We're on a 4-game winning streak, with the Nets up tonight. Let's kick some butt so we have even more to be thankful for on Thursday!

2008-10-30T11:27:00.001-07:00

Let's vote next Tuesday, November 4th, Laker fans!

2008-10-20T08:43:00.000-07:00

Would you Rather with Bynum and Farmer. Warning: some of their comments will make you feel old, especially when Bynum categorizes himself as "too young for Saved by the Bell."

Shaq on the Prowl?

2008-09-03T17:24:00.000-07:00

Shaq’s old girlfriend is taking him to court September 16th because she says he’s been stalking him, sending threatening emails, etc. since they broke up. Who knows whether it’s true or not, but can you imagine having a stalker like Shaq? On the one hand, it’d be hard for him to hide in the shadows. But on the other hand…he’s Shaq! He’s huge! And scary! They could make a horror movie out of that.

Absence Makes the Heart Grow Fonder..

2008-06-18T11:34:00.000-07:00

...but it doesn't win games, unfortunately. I've been working overseas the past few months, which meant I had to record the playoffs and finals games or watch them at weird times. It wasn't quite as exciting from the other side of the world, but at least I didn't have to worry about anyone blurting out the winners before I'd seen the game. Of course, if anyone had blurted out the last game's outcome, I probably would have saved myself a few hours of watching pain.

Maybe next time, guys!

Halftime woes

2008-03-16T13:54:00.000-07:00

Okay, so we're down 15 points at halftime against the Rockets, and they're hyped up like a bunch of guys about to score ther 22nd win in a row. No big thing, we can pull it out... I'm just waiting for Kobe to turn on the magic.

Mihm has a screw loose as of today!

2008-02-14T08:01:00.000-08:00

So the next time I'm feeling grumpy because my knee hurts, or my wrist aches from being on the computer too much, I'll remember Chris Mihm's surgery to remove a screw from his heel today. I mean, really, how can "darn, my neck hurts" compare to "I have a screw in my foot?" There's always a silver lining.

On an even better note, the surgery went well.

Hell has frozen over!

2007-07-06T13:09:00.000-07:00

A little over a month after griping to several reporters that he wants out of the Lakers (well, technically he said he wanted to be traded, then a few hours later he said he didn't, then a few hours after that he said he did), Kobe has finally apologized to Kupchak for his outburst. The Lakers seem unwilling to trade him regardless of what he wants, and with O'Neal out and no championship since he left, you can understand why. Hard to feel sorry for the guy though - his $136.4 million contract can comfort him.

Kobe makes All-NBA First Team

2007-05-10T15:16:00.000-07:00

The Lakers' Kobe Bryant joins Steve Nash, Amare Stoudemire, Tim Duncan, and Dirk Nowitzki on the All-NBA First Team today. It is the fifth time he has enjoyed the honor, one of the highest in the NBA short of NBA MVP, a title that went to Steve Nash this year.

Pippen pipin' hot or not

2007-03-09T09:58:00.000-08:00

There is no argument that coach Phil Jackson is still one of NBA's best, but what does he really think about Scottie Pippen's comeback talk. Is this the same Pippen Jackson coached while both were with Chicago during the Bulls' five NBA titles? Does the 41-year-old version of Scottie still have it?

Who do the Lakers miss?

2007-01-17T14:46:00.000-08:00

I'm betting the answer is Paula Abdul, former Lakergirl extraordinare.

Kobe on, Odom off

2006-12-16T22:51:00.000-08:00

I feel like we're on a merry-go-round. Kobe gets on, Lamar Odom gets off. But Kobe Bryant seems to be the man once again, considering he's the only reason the Los Angeles Lakers didn't end up totally losing a big fourth quarter lead on Tuesday night. 23 points and a last-minute triumphant save... who needs Odom?

(We do. Get well soon!)

Winner's circle, Bryant or not

2006-12-09T14:11:00.000-08:00

From the San Diego Union-Tribune:

"Luke Walton scored a career-high 25 points and Lamar Odom had 15 rebounds for the Pacific Division-leading Lakers, who muddled through without their injured eight-time All-Star and beat the Atlanta Hawks 106-95 on Friday night."

Looks like we don't need Kobe Bryant to win, at least. How's that to make you proud to be a Los Angeles Lakers ticket holder? (Kobe Bryant, come back soon anyway!)

Welcome back again!

2006-12-02T12:13:00.000-08:00

I said last time I was glad to have Lamar Odom and Kobe Bryant back; apparently I wasn't kidding! With 21 points from Lamar Odom and 19 from Kobe Bryant in addition to 10 assists on Sunday night against the New Jersey Nets (99-93!), the Los Angeles Lakers, are looking good!

Lakers Hold Off Seattle

2006-11-04T18:46:00.000-08:00

First, Kobe, glad to have you back! Second, Larry Odom, glad to have you at the free throw line--five of 'em in the last 36 seconds; see, kids, that's why the coach sez to practice.

Still, Lakers, you don't have to make things quite as dramatic as this one was. We were up by 20 at one point and we let Seattle tie things up in the second half. More fun for the people who buy the tickets, I know, but there are some teams the Lakers need to womp, not toy with.

Phoenix Suns Here for Halloween

2006-10-27T11:34:00.000-07:00

Opening games for the 2006-07 NBA regular season happen in Miami and L.A. on Halloween. The team ringing the Lakers' doorbell will be the Phoenix Suns. Hey, how scary can that be when we have Kobe and the guys to answer the door? I predict tricks for them and treats for Lakers fans.

Hell, Michigan...

2006-10-15T17:18:00.000-07:00

...must be frozen over, because the residents of that city finally have a team to cheer for in the World Series.

Ah well, good luck to you Tigers. You've waited a long time for this.

The Los Angeles WHO????

2006-10-05T12:46:00.000-07:00

The other day I heard a co-ed group of friends talking about basketball the other day. Some of the girls and even one guy said they had no interest in basketball and didn’t know enough about it or any of the teams to be interested. Then someone brought up the Lakers, and to that all but one girl knew who the team was, even the ones who had already said they knew nothing of the sport or teams who play it. Poor girls friends laughed at her! So I got to thinking, if you knew NOTHING about the sport of Basketball, would you still know who the Lakers were? I think you would! Who couldn’t know who the Los Angeles Lakers are? Remember that big guy who used to be on the team and always in the spot light? Yeah the one who TRIED to make it as a rapper too? Yeah him! That would be Shaq (Shaquille O’Neal)! And although Shaq is no longer on the team we all know that’s how he will always be remembered and most known for. Then if you are still saying the Los Angeles WHO???? What about the guy that big ol’ Shaq shared, or even sometimes fought for, the spotlight with? I’ll give you a hint, he also became famous awhile back for being an adulterer, giving his wife the biggest dang apology, er, ring, ever, to make things better….none other than Kobe Bryant. You recognize that name don’t you! And even if you know nothing about the game, you could always buy a ticket to the game just to see all the celebraties who attend, or the hot Laker Girls gyrating their way right into our hearts. See I told you you’d know who the Lakers are!

Jackson to undergo surgery

2006-10-02T16:35:00.000-07:00

Phil Jackson will be having hip-replacement surgery tomorrow – I’m sure he will be in all of our thoughts as he recovers. He is expected to be released from the hospital on Wednesday, and it is not clear right now when he will be able to return to his head coaching duties. It is Jackson’s seventh season as head coach, and he has had a 68% win record with the Lakers, easily the best percentage of any coach in NBA history.

No man is an island but he could be a beach ball.

2006-07-10T11:03:00.000-07:00

Some people may be tempted to support Kobe Bryant with a wholly youthful team. Although as a Los Angeles Lakers fan my favorite kind of Basketball to watch is one of speed, driving to the hoop and fast passing, judging from the results of the NBA finals this year it may be worth thinking about a tall, solid and experienced player that can hold Bryant’s talent and the rookie crop together in such tense situations.

If we can change, where do we start?

2006-05-28T13:47:00.000-07:00

The Los Angeles Lakers season ended in Phoenix. I couldn’t even bring myself to write during the playoffs because I was so nervous I would jinx my team or something. I wrote once and it seemed to have a negative effect so I stopped. It’s not like I think I am responsible for my team losing, but sometimes things just seem connected.

Kobe Bryant led the league in scoring and has now been named to the All-NBA First Team. Hopefully we can acquire some hot young talent in the draft to compliment our Kobe driven offense. What changes do you see in our future?

Lakers Surprise Even Me

2006-04-30T12:20:00.000-07:00

The Los Angeles Lakers are going to try to go 3 and 1 this afternoon against the Phoenix Suns. It is no secret that they have dominated the Suns thus far and things are looking good for the Lakers to win this series. I have to admit I was skeptical at first and didn’t see the Lakers really standing up against the best teams in the league, but they have proven themselves worthy of winning this series and possibly advancing further in the playoffs than I ever imagined.

Bryant Can’t be Stopped

2006-04-04T21:52:00.000-07:00

Kobe Bryant scored over 40 points for the third game in a row in the Los Angeles Lakers win over the Houston Rockets Sunday. The score was a whopping 104-88 and the Rockets never stood a chance. Things are looking good and I am seeing post season play in our future. What do you think?

Who are those other guys?

2006-03-19T11:09:00.000-08:00

I have been a Los Angeles Lakers fan for years. What I see happening to this team pains me greatly. Yes, we are winning. Some would say Kobe Bryant carries this team, but despite our record we are not playing like a winning team. If you look at the numbers, Kobe has been the top scorer in almost every game. Who is our second best player? Do we have one?

What is tearing the Lakers apart?

2006-02-03T20:47:00.000-08:00

The Los Angeles Lakers are floundering and it seems that the efforts of Kobe Bryant are not going to be enough to pull this team out of their slump. We’ve maintained a winning record but this team has no chemistry left. I don’t know if it’s that the players don’t want to play with Kobe or if he won’t let them. Something needs to happen for this team to start playing as a cohesive unit.

Answer This

2005-06-07T17:43:00.000-07:00

Just wondering how many of you Laker fans out there are really Laker fans?

How many of you fans jumped off the band wagon because of a season that was poorly played by the Lakers?

For those of you who followed Los Angles all season, when did you become a Laker Fan?

How did you become Laker fans, and why did you become a Laker fan?

Lakers Will Pick 10th

2005-05-31T14:37:00.000-07:00

- from the official site of the LA Lakers

There were no surprises for the Lakers on Monday. They had the 10th-best chance at selecting No. 1 overall and 10th is where they will pick at the 2005 NBA Draft in New York on June 28. Los Angeles had a 1.4 percent chance of landing the top choice.

Nash's Charity Game

2005-05-24T16:31:00.000-07:00

Grouping together with some of the greats of basketball, Steve Nash announced that his charity game in Toronto will be going on this summer (July 29th, 2005). The group of athletes to participate will be announced in the following weeks.

The Steve Nash Foundation Charity Classic is being put together in order to gain funds for an all-age, all-access basketball centre in Toronto. Athletes, music, and food will be present in this free admittance event.

One Fan's Opinion

2005-05-19T14:31:00.000-07:00

- excerpt from Lakers true fan Vaughn R Perkins

I've taken all that I can take as it relates to people dumping that has happened to the Lakers,on the shoulders of Kobe.I've heard people say how selfish he is and isn't a team player and that's pure crap and you're not very knowledgably when it comes to judging the game of basketball.Maybe if he had a better supporting cast,he would be able to show his true and full value.The Lakers haven't had a good supporting cast since the last championship they won.When you have a supporting cast the likes of Harper,Horry,Shaw,Fisher and Fox,guys you have confidence in to deliver the goods when you give them the ball.Ask MJ when he first started,how difficult it is to play on a team full of guys that you can't count on and you have to try and take things into your own hands.
To say that Kobe is selfish is pure idiotic because a player doesn't finish in the top 15-20 in league assists and from a shooting guard position if he's selfish.I distintly remember games where the game was on the line and rather Kobe take the last shot himself,he passed it to the open guy who was right at the hoop and the guy passes back out to a double teamed Kobe rather than take the open shoot and the Lakers lost a game they could have won.How can you have confidence in your team mates when they don't deliver when you set them up to do so.
When someone says that the Lakers won't be winners for a decade or so because of Kobe,that tells me that that individual has no clue nor knowledge about what it takes to develop a winning team.All Chanpionship teams,regardless of the era,have always had a good supporting cast to go around their star player and that's what the Lakers need to but around Kobe and then maybe he won't feel that he has to do everything and the Lakers will again be a winning team.

Kobe Bryant

2005-05-15T15:00:00.000-07:00

Although the Lakers did not advance as we would have liked, we need to look at some of the highlights of the season and what was good about the team. Kobe Bryant has been for many years one of the most important assets to the Lakers.

Bryant was ranked second in points per game with a 27.6 average. During the 2002-2003 season, he topped this by making 30.0. He’s also ranked second in triple-doubles.

Originally, Bryant was drafted by the Charlotte Hornets in 1996 straight out of High School. Bryant was traded to the Lakers in an agreement over Vlade Divac.

Jerry Buss on Lakers

2005-05-12T16:28:00.000-07:00

- from FOXSports.com

L.A. Lakers owner Jerry Buss discusses Phil Jackson and the next coach of the Lakers, Kobe Bryant and his role in choosing that coach and evaluates Mitch Kupchak's performance as general manager.

Go to http://msn.foxsports.com/nba/team?categoryId=71087 to see more!

Preseason Opener in Honolulu

2005-05-06T13:52:00.000-07:00

The Lakers are beginning preparation for preseason games. Their schedule is set to open these games in Honolulu, Hawaii (can’t get much better on location, right?). On this note, the Lakers are selling tickets to this event, so if you’d like to throw down $1000 to spend some time in Hawaii and watch the Lakers open, check out their website and get the information.

Camp Lakers 2005

2005-05-02T12:42:00.000-07:00

- from the official site of the LA Lakers

Laker Fans, Camp Lakers 2005 returns this July to U C Santa Barbara. 2 sessions beginning July 5th will teach boys 9 – 18 to play like the pros! For details and an application, call the camp hotline at 310 426 6055, e-mail camps2005@la-lakers.com.

Okafor Wins Third Rookie Of The Month Award

2005-04-26T15:09:00.000-07:00

- from the official site of the Charlotte Bobcats

For the third time this season, Bobcats forward Emeka Okafor earned the NBA’s Eastern Conference got Milk? Rookie of the Month award. Okafor, who also captured the honor in November and December, averaged 16.5 points and 12.4 rebounds in April.

Lakers Screwing Up

2005-04-17T17:30:00.000-07:00

It is getting to a point where it is kind of embarrassing to watch the Lakers right now. Even though they continue to fight although their Playoff efforts are long gone, the Lakers just don’t give enough. Kobe and Vlade have watched their extreme games go to waste over and over; Kobe especially. I read somewhere that we have lost 16 out of the last 18 games. Now, that’s just depressing.

Lakers Can't Stop Suns

2005-04-14T11:53:00.000-07:00

- from the official site of the LA Lakers

Caron Butler's dunk with 2:12 to go made it a two-point game, but the Lakers couldn't overcome the deficit and fell 108-97 at home Monday to Phoenix. Kobe Bryant posted 20 points, 10 assists and five rebounds; Butler added 14 points and 11 rebounds.

Camp Lakers 2005

2005-04-10T11:58:00.000-07:00

For all you youthful Lakers’ fans, the team is putting together their annual camp to reach out to the youth. The camp is offered to children between the ages of 9-18 and can be attended for day or night camps. Camp Lakers was started back in 2000 and focuses on improving certain basketball skills in a fun, easy-going environment. It’s a great thing for teams to provide these programs for the youth to be able to get motivated in sports.

Go LAKERS!!!

Lakers/Suns Preview

2005-04-05T17:08:00.000-07:00

- from FOXSports.com

STANDINGS: Lakers - 3rd place, 23 GB, Pacific Division. Suns - 1st place, Pacific Division.

PROBABLE STARTERS: Lakers - F Caron Butler, F Slava Medvedenko, C Brian Grant, G Chucky Atkins, G Bryant or Sasha Vujacic. Suns - F Marion, F Quentin Richardson, C Amare Stoudemire, G Steve Nash, G Joe Johnson.

TEAM LEADERS: Lakers - Bryant, 27.6 ppg and 5.9 apg; Odom, 10.2 rpg. Suns - Stoudemire, 25.7 ppg; Marion, 11.4 rpg; Nash, 11.5 apg.

SEASON SERIES: Suns, 2-0.

LAST MEETING: Dec. 8; Suns, 113-110. At Los Angeles, Richardson made the game-winning 3-pointer with 6.9 seconds left as the Suns rallied to win after trailing 107-94 with under six minutes remaining.

ROAD/HOME RECORDS: Lakers - 11-25 on the road; Suns - 26-9 at home.

INJURIES: Lakers - F Odom (shoulder); C Vlade Divac (back); G Tony Bobbitt (ankle); F Brian Cook (hand); G Bryant (shin); C Mihm (ankle). Suns - None.

Redemption, Finally

2005-03-31T12:00:00.000-08:00

The losing streak has finally ended and in due time. The Lakers topped off the last 10 games with a record of 8-2; not all that saucy for team leader Kobe Bryant. With all his valiant efforts being shot to hell, it’s finally nice to see one pull through.

Kobe Bryant put in 32 points to rally the Lakers to a 117-107 victory against the New York Knicks. This puts down an eight game losing streak.

Stephon Marbury, who put down a record-high 45 points for the Knicks, had his effort go to waste.

"It was a good win for us. Any win was a good win for us at this point."
- Kobe Bryant

The Streak Continues

2005-03-24T13:39:00.000-08:00

In their most recent game, the Lakers put in a valiant effort against the Jazz, but it was not enough to inspire flight. This makes game 6 in a losing streak that just doesn’t seem to falter.

Kobe Bryant put in 43 points and was the point leader for the Lakers. Bryant’s game was completely on fire. He made 9 of his first 11 three-pointers and put down his first 39 points in the first three quarters. His effort was shot in the fourth quarter.

"Nights like this just kind of come. I was really, really tired, exhausted before the game. I actually didn't wake up until about 45 minutes before the game. So, nights like this just happen sometimes."
- Kobe Bryant

Lakers/SuperSonics Preview

2005-03-20T12:20:00.000-08:00

- from FOXSports.com

STANDINGS: SuperSonics - 1st place, Northwest Division. Lakers - 3rd place, 16{ GB, Pacific Division.

PROBABLE STARTERS: SuperSonics - F Reggie Evans, F Lewis, C Nick Collison, G Allen, G Luke Ridnour. Lakers - F Butler, F Slava Medvedenko, C Chris Mihm, G Bryant, G Atkins.

TEAM LEADERS: SuperSonics - Allen, 23.9 ppg; Evans, 9.5 rpg; Ridnour, 5.9 apg. Lakers - Bryant, 27.9 ppg and 6.2 apg; Odom, 10.2 rpg.

SEASON SERIES: SuperSonics, 2-0.

LAST MEETING: Jan. 25; SuperSonics, 104-93. At Los Angeles, Radmanovic hit eight three-pointers and scored 26 points as the Sonics ended a five-game losing streak at the Staples Center.

ROAD/HOME RECORDS: SuperSonics - 22-9 on the road; Lakers - 21-12 at home.

INJURIES: SuperSonics - G Mateen Cleaves (thumb); F Damien Wilkins (knee); F Radmanovic (right leg). Lakers - G Tony Bobbitt (ankle); C Vlade Divac (back); F Devean George (ankle).

Lakers vs. Bobcats

2005-03-13T12:22:00.000-08:00

With only nine-tenths of a second left, Kobe Bryant sealed the deal with a win against the Charlotte Bobcats. Sinking a fade away jumper, Bryant brought up the score to 117-116, barely clutching the victory.

"They may seem impossible to you, but I feel like if I raise up and get a good look, it's a good shot. When you get a rhythm and the pressure comes, I feel like the basket even gets wider. It's just one of those things. It's a lot easier to make a shot when the pressure is on than it is in the first quarter sometimes."
- Kobe Bryant

Not only did Bryant score 32 points, 21 of them were in the fourth quarter. Bryant is one of the best clutch players in the NBA and he proves this on more than one occasion.

"This is the sixth year I've been with (Kobe) and it doesn't surprise me anymore. I was with another very similar guy in Chicago (Michael Jordan)."
- Lakers coach Frank Hamblen

Lakers Victory

2005-03-08T15:31:00.000-08:00

In a 103-94 victory over the Pacers, the Lakers proved that they will not pull out of the race to stay in the playoffs. Five of the starters ended the game in double digits. The Lakers are currently 30-28, making them one-half game ahead of Denver for the last playoff spot.

Kobe Bryant, who is an unbelievable workhorse for Los Angeles, individually scored 37 points and retrieved 10 rebounds.

"I think our execution is getting better. The more we play and get used to the offense, the better we'll get at it."
- Kobe Bryant

The Indiana Pacers, underscoring throughout, starting lobbing too many three-pointers. The Pacers lobbed up 29, but only put 9 of those into the basket.

"It's a system that when you play from behind you end up taking a lot of 3-point shots. But 29 is clearly too many. We're going to have to be a little more selective and we have to find some ways to get the ball inside."
- Pacers coach Rick Carlisle

Lakers vs. Celtics

2005-03-03T11:37:00.000-08:00

In a very close game, the Celtics pulled out a little better in the long run. The final score ended at 104-101. Kobe Bryant was in range to score a 3 at the buzzer, but could not pull it off. This was kind of weird on account of Bryant being able to on the previous game Monday. It just would not go in and Paul Pierce made sure of that.

"If I was a kid back in the day in my backyard, I never would've missed that."
- Kobe Bryant

Kobe Bryant has been suffering with a sprained ankle, but has been fighting to stay in the game. When it gets too sore, he would just benched himself a little bit and come back in. Bryant ended the game with a total of 25 points.

Paul Pierce and Ricky Davis both scored 29 points individually to contribute to the Celtic victory.

"I felt good tonight. I came in ready and focused. It can get better than this, though. This team can be real dangerous. We've got the three-headed monster now. Antoine has been working and learning the plays to try to figure out what we are running."
- Ricky Davis

Lakers vs. Jazz

2005-02-17T11:12:00.000-08:00

I’m pretty sure everyone is glad that Kobe is back from the ankle injury he acquired on January 13th. Not only did he solely score 40 points and had eight assists, but he led the Lakers to a 102-95 victory.

"Yeah, I was gone for a while. So I needed a game under my belt to get my legs back and get my rhythm back. It's back."
- Kobe Bryant

Bryant had been out for a total of 14 games. But, coming back he has been doing pretty well. In the Lakers previous game, Kobe made 26 points. He is ready to keep charging with a fury.

Also, Bryant had no problem making the free-throws, making 15 of 19 from the line. He was pretty much unstoppable.

This cut pretty deep for the Jazz on account of not having two of their starters; Carlos Boozer and Andrei Kirilenko who were both out with sprained ankles. Utah had the lead for most of the game, only allowing the Lakers a charge in the second half. But, that was enough and Bryant took advantage of that.

a Sick Rudy and a Benched Kobe Won't Hold Us Back

2005-01-31T17:45:00.000-08:00

From sports.yahoo.com:

Kobe Bryant took the seat on the bench left vacant by ailing Los Angeles Lakers coach Rudy Tomjanovich.

With Bryant cheerleading and supporting his teammates, Caron Butler and Chucky Atkins each scored 20 points and the Lakers beat the Bobcats 101-90 Sunday night to snap their first three-game losing streak of the season.

``Having Kobe over there was definitely a plus,'' forward Lamar Odom said. ``We needed to win, by any means. It was our longest losing streak of the year, so of course it felt good. Chris Mihm played really well tonight, and we needed a game like that from him. He was all over the boards, blocking shots -- he was everywhere.''

Mihm had 16 points, 12 rebounds and five blocked shots.

Tomjanovich was home with a stomach virus and assistant coach Frank Hamblen, the only holdover from former coach Phil Jackson's staff, guided the team. Hamblen's other experience as a head coach came in 1991-92 when he went 23-42 with Milwaukee when Del Harris was sidelined by stomach problems.

``I'm used to seeing Rudy jumping around and being vocal out there, so it was it was strange not seeing him,'' Mihm said. ``But Frank did a great job. He commanded a presence. He kept guys under control, made subs when he needed to and made sure we didn't panic out there.''

The Lakers are 4-4 since Bryant sprained his right ankle Jan. 13 in a victory over Cleveland. Bryant sat with his teammates for the first time since his injury because it was the first time he didn't need continuous therapy on the ankle.

Primoz Brezec had 15 points and 10 rebounds for the Bobcats, who lost for the 17th time in 19 games and are 1-19 on the road. Rookie Emeka Okafor hurt his left ankle with 2:34 left and ended the game on the bench after scoring seven points and shooting 2-for-10.

``He got some open shots that didn't go down for him tonight, but I think it was a collective effort in terms of not making plays in certain situations,'' coach Bernie Bickerstaff said.

Kareem Rush, whose 21 points Saturday night against Toronto helped the Bobcats end a season-worst 10-game losing streak, scored 13 against the Lakers. It was his first game against his former team since being traded to Charlotte on Dec. 6.

I have nothing but great things to say about that organization,'' Rush said. ``I made a lot of friends here who I still talk to. I have only been gone two months, but it was fun.''

Rush, who received a warm reception from the crowd of 18,532 when he was introduced with the rest of Charlotte's starters, scored 10 points in the first quarter -- but didn't get another basket until his 3-pointer that trimmed the Lakers' lead to 63-56 with 4:38 left in the third.

``Kareem's a talented player. I know he's happy about being out there and getting a chance to show what he can do,'' Mihm said. ``I know he got some more playing time under Phil than Rudy, but that's kind of the way it goes in this league. Things happen, like injuries, then other guys step up and start playing well, and you can have your minutes taken away pretty quickly.''

Brevin Knight came off the bench for the first time in 30 games with the Bobcats and had eight points and five assists in 23 minutes, after missing the previous five games because of a sprained left ankle.

``He looked like a guy would look when he's been out for five games,'' Bickerstaff said.

The Bobcats, whose only previous visit to Staples Center resulted in a double-overtime loss to the Clippers, trailed the Lakers by as many as 18 early in the third quarter before closing to 65-58 with a 15-4 run capped by Knight's 14-footer with 3:35 left in the period.

``This team never surrenders,'' Bickerstaff said. ``We've been in all of our games, and this team deserves more respect. They've played well all year. Our record's not that good, but we're not a bad basketball team when it comes to competing.''

The Lakers restored their biggest margin of the game with a three-point play by Tierre Brown and an 8-footer by Brian Cook that gave them an 84-66 cushion with 9:54 to play. Charlotte responded with a 17-5 burst that included a 3-pointer and two free throws by Steve Smith -- his first points of the contest.

Okafor's free throw capped the rally and narrowed the gap to 89-83 with 3:54 left, but Atkins answered with a 16-footer and a pair of free throws that restored their double-digit lead with 3:25 left, and Butler finished it off with four points in the final 2:14.

Atkins stepped up again, when we needed it the most. There is no question that he will be playing a bigger role, even after Kobe's return. He has definatley proved his worthiness, but I fear that he will again go forgotten in the midst of Kobe's return. Lets hope that when Kobe does return it will help us, more than hurt us.

Bad news from Kobe...

2005-01-30T13:42:00.000-08:00

From sports.yahoo.com:

The Los Angeles Lakers apparently will have to wait a little longer for Kobe Bryant's return.

The Los Angeles Times reported Friday that Bryant could miss 10 more games with a severely sprained right ankle.

Bryant originally suffered the injury in the first quarter of a January 13 game against the Cleveland Cavaliers. He underwent an MRI which confirmed a severe ankle sprain.

The Lakers have split six games in the absence of Bryant, who is second in the league in scoring, averaging 27.5 points to go with 6.7 assists per contest.

Bryant is second in All-Star voting among Western Conference guards. He could opt to skip the All-Star game if his ankle is not healed, but the league may expect him to play if he returns to the lineup before the February 20 contest in Denver.

Following a four-game homestand which starts with Friday's game against New Jersey, the Lakers have a five-game road trip, then one home contest before the All-Star break.

Los Angeles (22-18) is in seventh place in the Western Conference.

This and the rescent 3 losses without him comes with much disappointment. Lets hope Chucky Atkins can do his magic against the league newcomers, the Charlotte Bobcats today. Pick it up Lakers, we dont need Kobe to keep winning!

Kobe injured, Chucky Atkins steps in.

2005-01-22T13:03:00.000-08:00

From sports.yahoo.com:

Chucky Atkins has been doing a pretty good Kobe Bryant imitation lately.

With Bryant sidelined by a sprained right ankle, Atkins scored 26 points and had 10 assists Friday night to lead the Los Angeles Lakers to a 105-101 victory over Golden State.

He's almost doubled his scoring and assists in the four games since Bryant went out, averaging 22.2 points and 7.8 assists to help the Lakers go 3-1.

``I don't have an explanation for it. I have constantly been in attack mode,'' said Atkins, who has been on four teams in six NBA seasons and is in his first year with Los Angeles.

``Every team I've been on, I have pretty much done the same things. I am just getting more minutes now.''

Atkins, who was 4-of-11 from 3-point range, has impressed Los Angeles coach Rudy Tomjanovich.``Chucky again was just tremendous,'' Tomjanovich said. ``He's just become a great, great penetrator and finisher to set up his outside game.

``His outside game has been fantastic.''

Atkins recently won over another ``fan.'' During the Lakers' 93-90 win over Minnesota, referee Ron Garretson told the Los Angeles guard that he knew he was good, but not that good. Atkins had 25 points and 11 assists that night.

``I didn't even know he was miked up (by ESPN),'' Atkins said. ``I got phone calls about it. It was funny. It's nice to have a general conversation with a ref without them screaming at you or you screaming at them.''

Two of Los Angeles' wins since Bryant was hurt have come against the Warriors, last in the Pacific Division and 3-17 on the road. The Lakers beat them 104-102 six days earlier in Oakland on Lamar Odom's driving layup with 1.3 seconds left.

This time, Los Angeles lost most of an 11-point lead in the fourth quarter, with the Warriors closing to 101-99 on Jason Richardson's 3-pointer with 19 seconds left. But the Lakers put the game away on a free throw apiece by Atkins and Odom, and a pair by Caron Butler.

Odom added 25 points for the Lakers.Richardson scored 26 for the Warriors. Derek Fisher had 23 points against his former Los Angeles teammates.

``We are scoring enough to beat anybody, but defensively, we aren't making enough plays,'' Fisher said. ``We are letting people score too easily and too consistently, so that's where our focus has to be.''

Fisher got his eighth start of the season because Speedy Claxton was scratched because of a bruised right thigh. Clifford Robinson also sat out the game with stiffness in his lower back.

Golden State led 69-62 midway through the third quarter, but the Lakers rallied to an 81-77 lead and never trailed in the fourth.

Atkins scored nine points in the final 2:25 of the first half as the Lakers reeled off a 13-5 string to come back from a 46-39 deficit and take a 52-51 lead into halftime.

With Kobe out, Atkins really stepped in. It seems as if Kobe being out, is not affecting the rest of the team. It is not exactly known when he will be back in. But in our performces lately, I don't think it will matter. Keep up the good work Lakers!

Starting too see a Kobe without Shaq

2004-12-29T09:03:00.000-08:00

For a while, it appeared as though Kobe Bryant wouldn't make it out of the first quarter -- let alone come up with his most productive game of the season.

Bryant scored 48 points in 46 minutes after spraining his left shoulder, and the Los Angeles Lakers recorded a season high in points Tuesday night with a 117-99 victory over the Toronto Raptors.

``It couldn't have been that bad, because he scored 48,'' teammate Lamar Odom said. ``Kobe doesn't show signs of hurt. He won't let you know. And that's probably a weakness.''

Los Angeles got 18 points and nine rebounds from Caron Butler, who returned from a one-game suspension. Odom had 15 points and 13 rebounds despite early foul trouble.

Bryant's non-shooting shoulder took a beating in the first 5 1/2 minutes. First, he hit the deck after missing a spinning layup and falling over Eric Williams. He staggered off the court wincing again after driving the lane and getting the ball slapped out of his hands by rookie center Rafael Araujo.

Bryant, coming off a 42-point effort against Miami on Saturday, went to the dressing room after the second incident. But only seven seconds ticked off the clock before he reported back in -- the only time Bryant wasn't on the floor until the fourth quarter, when he spent the first two minutes on the bench.

``There were certain things that I could not do with it, but I could still raise my arm up and still move it from side to side,'' said Bryant, who was 14-for-26 from the field and 16-for-18 on free throws. ``Some of the movements I couldn't do -- like tying my shoe -- were not really important.''

The Lakers, primed for an emotional letdown following their 104-102 overtime loss to the Heat in Shaquille O'Neal's celebrity-studded return to Staples Center, beat Toronto for the sixth straight time. They were 13-for-25 from 3-point range after attempting a franchise-record 36 shots from 3-point range against Miami and making 14.

``We've got a confident group of guys when it comes to shooting the ball,'' Odom said. ``We've got guys 6-11 like Brian Cook who can step out and hit 3s. Jumaine Jones can really let it fly, and Kobe can hit shots from anywhere. But it can definitely come back and bite you. ... With the 3-pointer, you either live by it or die by it.''

Donyell Marshall made a 3-pointer and a dunk 21 seconds apart to give Toronto a six-point lead with 8:15 to play. But Bryant fueled a game-ending 32-8 run with 17 points, and the Lakers held the Raptors to just one field goal over the final 6:45.

``We're a team that doesn't give up, no matter what, and we just keep gnawing at you. But we've just got to protect the paint,'' Butler said.

``We'd be so great if we could do that, because then we could get into our running game more often. We've got guys like Lamar, Kobe, Chucky Atkins, and myself who look great on the break. But in order to get into our fast-break offense, we've got to stop people.''

It was the first time in 10 tries this season that the Lakers won a game they trailed after three quarters, and dropped the Raptors to 0-15 when they give up at least 100 points.

``We've got to play hard from beginning to end,'' Marshall said. ``We can't start off well and then try to come back. We have to play a good solid 48 minutes.''

The Lakers improved to 15-12 and finished their December schedule 6-6. It's their first month without a winning record since last January, when O'Neal missed 12 games with a strained right calf and they were 6-9.

Rafer Alston had 13 points and 11 assists for the Raptors, who had seven players in double digits while losing for the 11th time in 14 games and the ninth straight time on the road. Williams, making his third start since Jalen Rose was dropped from the starting lineup last Wednesday, had 12 points.

Toronto is 2-4 since trading Vince Carter to New Jersey for Williams, Alonzo Mourning, Aaron Williams and two first-round draft picks on Dec. 17. Mourning has yet to play for the Raptors because of injuries that landed him on the injured list Monday.

Araujo, who replaced Mourning on the active roster, had eight points in 19 minutes after missing five games with a lower back strain.

Although Kobe had a slow start, he really got things going in the 2nd quarter. He is really starting to show his leadership position that was given more of a load without Shaq. Lets hope the shoulder injury doesn't hold him back too much.

Lakers Outlastted by Heat

2004-12-28T16:10:00.000-08:00

from NBA.com

Shaquille O'Neal received the loudest ovation before the game. Kobe Bryant came up short in his bid to earn the final cheers.

Bryant scored a season-high 42 points but missed a potential game-winning 3-pointer at the buzzer in overtime as the Los Angeles Lakers fell to the Miami Heat, 104-102, in a highly anticipated reunion with former teammate O'Neal.

It was Miami's 11th straight victory, tying a franchise record set from January 27-February 20, 1997.

O'Neal, who was greeted with a standing ovation during pregame introductions, collected 24 points, 11 rebounds and three blocks in his first game against the Lakers -- whom he helped lead to three NBA titles and last season's Finals -- since being traded in the offseason.

Before the game, O'Neal and Bryant had a cold greeting at mid-court. O'Neal patted Bryant on the back and both players acknowledged each other with a nod.

O'Neal, who lobbied for a trade after he felt Bryant forced coach Phil Jackson's departure after losing to the Detroit Pistons in the Finals, said in the buildup to the game that he was "a brick wall" and Bryant "a Corvette," and that everybody knows what happens when a Corvette collides with a brick wall.

During the game, Bryant made a handful of drives to the basket but never was the recipient of an especially hard foul by O'Neal.

"I know there is a lot to talk about, the brick wall and all of that," Bryant said. "But I think that was just to hype the game. Ultimately (Shaq) is just going to come out here and play good basketball and that is what he did. The fans were treated to a good ballgame."

"I wanted to come in and get my team a win," O'Neal said. "I wasn't worried about doing anything crazy or out of my team's character. I would rather get a win every time."

With O'Neal having fouled out late in the fourth quarter, Dwyane Wade took over down the stretch for the Heat, scoring four of his 29 points in overtime, including a leaner in the paint with 2:08 left that opened a 104-99 cushion.

"We played just like every game when we had Shaq," Wade said. "And that's what this team does. We've all got each other's back. I just tried to be aggressive and make good passes and just try to make plays."

Los Angeles pulled within 104-102 on a 3-pointer by Lamar Odom, who contributed 24 points and 11 rebounds, with 1:11 to play in the extra session, but did not score again.

With 27 seconds to play, Lakers guard Chucky Atkins was called for charging, but Miami did not get a shot off before the 24-second clock expired, giving Los Angeles the ball back with 3.4 seconds to play.

The ball was worked to Bryant, who got a clean look at a 3-pointer from near the left hash mark but only could hit the front of the rim.

"I had a pretty good look," Bryant said of the final shot. "I did not get the balance that I would have liked to on the shot and as a consequence the shot went left."

The Lakers had trouble scoring in the fourth quarter, too, failing to make a basket after a banked jumper by Bryant gave them an 86-82 edge with 5:42 remaining.

"We dug in defensively and got some stops," Wade said. "We constantly talked about making them take tough shots because they were shooting the ball unbelievable in the first quarter. At the end we had to make them take tough shots, and I think we did a good job of that."

O'Neal fouled out with 2:15 left in regulation after bumping Bryant on a drive down the lane. Bryant sank the pair of free throws to give the Lakers a 93-91 lead but did not score thereafter.

"Shaq said to me to just go ahead and get this one for me," Wade said of O'Neal's departure. "And I said, 'I got you.'"

The game was tied, 94-94, when Wade missed a jumper with 23 seconds left. Heat forward Christian Laettner tapped the rebound back to his teammates, but Wade front-rimmed a jumper just before the buzzer, sending the game into overtime.

Despite the loss, the Lakers set a franchise record with 14 3-pointers, attempting 36.

"It was disappointing but it is a good learning experience for us," Bryant said. "We have been in so many of these games, about three or four of them against the top teams in the league, but have not been able to close them down. The more the season goes on, in January and February, you are going to see us winning these games. We are close."

Lewis scores 37 as Seattle improves to 18-4

2004-12-15T15:08:00.000-08:00

from ESPN.com

This was supposed to be a battle between Ray Allen and Kobe Bryant, meeting on the court for the first time since trading preseason barbs in the press.

Nobody told Rashard Lewis he wasn't invited to the show.

Lewis scored a season-high 37 points and had seven rebounds as the Seattle SuperSonics improved to 18-4 with a 108-93 win over the Los Angeles Lakers on Tuesday night.

Lewis made 13 of 22 shots, including seven 3-pointers.

"We know what kind of threat Rashard is. He is extremely versatile," Bryant said. "He just hurt us tonight from all over the court."

When guarded by a smaller player, Lewis went inside and used his height advantage. When a bigger player tried to slow down Seattle's small forward, Lewis stepped out and drained 3-pointers.

"Too much focus was on Ray Allen tonight and I got a lot of open shots and I took advantage," Lewis said. "Even though it was Ray and Kobe ... I felt like Kobe was talking to us as a team. We're a team and we're going to back each other up."

It's Seattle's best start since beginning the 1993-94 season 20-2 on the way to 63 wins. The SuperSonics have the second-best record in the NBA and will host league-leading Phoenix on Friday night.

Bryant led the Lakers with 35 points and Allen scored 26 points for Seattle, in a matchup anticipated since the preseason.

On Oct. 13, the day after the Lakers and SuperSonics met to open the preseason, Allen questioned Bryant's ability to lead the Lakers, wondering if the superstar's attitude would allow him to take a backseat some nights and let his teammates develop their games.

Bryant responded, telling a reporter not to put Allen's name in the same breath with his. During a later preseason game which Allen sat out, Bryant told Allen he would see him again.

Before Tuesday's game, Bryant said he took Allen's words as an attack on his team and he hoped they would respond.

Bryant's supporting cast did little to back him up.

Caron Butler added 16 points for Los Angeles, but aside from Bryant's 12-for-23 shooting performance, the Lakers made just 20-of-58 shots.

"We ran into a team that has been playing great basketball," Lakers coach Rudy Tomjanovich said. "They shot the ball so well. We tried three different methods of trying to play them and they had answers for everything."

Lewis scored 17 points in the first quarter and had 22 in the first half as Seattle built a 10-point lead at the break.

Seattle was also unselfish with the ball, with 28 assists on 42 field goals. Luke Ridnour tied a season-high with 11 assists.

"Rashard was the guy at the other end of the floor for us that kept us in the game and allowed us to take control," Allen said. "I don't know if teams have respected him yet to where they have to take him out of the offense."

Seattle took control in the second quarter as the Lakers struggled to make a shot. The SuperSonics went on a 17-5 run, highlighted by fast break dunks from Lewis and Jerome James, to take a 51-33 lead.

Los Angeles missed 13 of 14 shots during the nearly seven-minute span as they struggled against a zone defense by Seattle. The Lakers' only points were a long jumper from Bryant and free throws from Bryant and Chris Mihm.

The Lakers got no closer than eight in the second half.

"I thought our zone did a good job of getting them out of their comfort zone and forcing them to play against a defense that you don't see a lot of in the NBA," Seattle coach Nate McMillan said. "I thought that slowed them down just enough for us to get some stops and create some offense for ourselves."

Los Angeles fell to 8-9 on the season when Bryant leads the Lakers in scoring.

A come back

2004-11-29T16:37:00.000-08:00

After a 5-5 start, it looks like we are ready to turn it around. We have 3-1 in the last 4 games and our one loss was hard fought to the end...
From sports.yahoo.com:

The Lakers are 0-6 in games when they give up 100 or more points and 7-0 when they hold the opposition under 100.

``Our nemesis is the 100-point mark,'' Bryant said. ``One of these days we're going to win a game when the other team scores over 100.

Lets hope thats one streak we won't have to deal with again but if it does happen, lets end it. Although they made a run at the end, we played great otherwise. Kobe seems to be adjusting to the game without Shaq. In some ways the trade has improved out team, but lets hope we can keep up the wins with Kobe leading the way. GO Lakers!

Home=good, away is another story.

2004-11-18T17:24:00.000-08:00

From sports.yahoo.com:

The Lakers still rule Los Angeles -- at least for now.

Kobe Bryant had 23 points, six rebounds and a season-high 11 assists, Chucky Atkins scored 12 of his 17 points in the first 6 1/2 minutes of the fourth quarter, and the Lakers beat the Los Angeles Clippers 103-89 Wednesday night.

With Shaquille O'Neal gone and Bryant surrounded by a whole new team, the crosstown rivalry appears a lot more even than in past years. But the Lakers remained on top in the first meeting this season.

``For me, it's old hat,'' Bryant said.

The Lakers are 18-3 against the Clippers at Staples Center since the arena opened five years ago, and have a 27-3 record in the last 30 games between the teams.

The Lakers took command by outscoring the Clippers 24-7 for a 95-78 lead with 5:43 left. Bryant highlighted the run with a soaring dunk after an alley-oop pass from Atkins with 6:50 to play, bringing the Staples Center fans to their feet.

Corey Maggette scored seven points in a row for the Clippers to make it interesting, but Bryant got the next four to make it 99-85.

Chris Mihm scored 15 points, Caron Butler added 14, Brian Cook had 12, and Lamar Odom 11 for the Lakers (5-4).

``We knew they wanted to come out and get us,'' said Cook, a second-year player who mostly sat on the bench as a rookie. ``We've got a big target on our back. We came out and showed them what's up.''

There are nine newcomers on the Lakers' roster this season. Cook is one of six returnees.

``With everybody we had last year, there was only one ball to go around,'' Cook said. ``Everybody had their egos. Everybody gets along this year. We know that we have to work every day to get better.''

Asked about Bryant, Cook said: ``I think he's more involved with the players, talking to them, even hanging out with them a little bit. You can tell he wants to be the leader of this team.''

Maggette finished with 24 points. Bobby Simmons had 23 points and eight rebounds, Elton Brand added 14 points and 11 rebounds, and Chris Wilcox had 14 points and nine rebounds for the Clippers (5-4).

Photo
AP - Nov 18, 1:07 am EST
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``We weren't as sharp tonight defensively,'' Clippers coach Mike Dunleavy said. ``We let Mihm catch the ball way too deep a lot of times. We had some miscues on our coverages on some of the pick-and-roll stuff and let their guys get to our rim, which we hadn't been doing. There's no excuses for it. We just didn't play well.''

Bryant didn't appear bothered by a sore left foot diagnosed last week as plantar fasciitis. He sat out practice Monday and Tuesday, but wound up playing 45 minutes, including all 24 in the second half.

``Sometimes it hurts and sometimes it doesn't. It's pretty sore right now,'' he acknowledged afterward.

Simmons scored 12 points in the first eight minutes of the third quarter, making six shots without a miss, to spark a 20-12 run that put the Clippers up 66-65.

The Lakers went ahead for good by scoring nine straight points to finish the third period and start the fourth for an 80-71 lead.

``We felt we could win this game and we let it get away,'' Maggette said. ``If you look at the stats, it looks pretty even all the way around except for the free throws. We attacked the rim, but we didn't get the calls.''

The Lakers shot 20-of-24 from the foul line to 9-of-11 for the Clippers.

Bryant had seven points and eight assists in the first half, which ended with the Lakers leading 53-46. He assisted on 3-pointers from the left corner in the final seconds of the first and second quarters -- the first by Luke Walton, the second by Butler.

The Lakers led 29-24 after the opening period despite allowing the Clippers to grab 11 offensive rebounds while getting just one themselves. Mihm had 12 points in the quarter, but got only three after that -- all late in the third period.

Although we are having a descent season so far, we need to start winning those important away games. We won't make it back to another NBA final without winning the crucial away games that have plagued every team one time or another. we are 3-1 at home while we are 2-3 on the road. If we don't tackle the problem early, it will get us for the whole season. Lets get up at the top Lakers!

Lakers even for the season openers, Kobe is here to stay.

2004-11-08T15:24:00.000-08:00

From sports.yahoo.com:

BRISTOL, Connecticut (Ticker) - A lot has changed for Kobe Bryant and the Los Angeles Lakers since they walked off the court at the Palace at Auburn Hills in June after being thoroughly dominated by the Detroit Pistons in the NBA Finals.

Superstar Shaquille
O'Neal was traded to Miami, supercoach Phil Jackson retired to his Montana
hideaway and Bryant signed the largest contract in franchise history - seven
years, $134 million - giving him the keys to one of the glitziest teams in sports.

And of course, Bryant avoided going to jail for 20 years.

Well Kobe Bryant is here to stay for now, but so far, we havn't looked like a more than mediocre team so far. Without the presence of Shaq, it will be hard for us to have as large of an offensive push. So far this season, we have seen some new comers in terms of powerhouse teams in the NBA. During the Spurs games, we really lacked a large presence in the center of the court and it really showed with the lose. Only time can tell how much better or worse we will do this season without Shaq. So keep the cheering up, because we got our load on the new guys!

Lakers Victorious in Preseason Finale

2004-11-01T10:12:00.000-08:00

From NBA.com

OKLAHOMA CITY, Oct. 28 (Ticker) -- Kobe Bryant scored 19 points and Lamar Odom collected 16 and nine rebounds as Los Angeles Lakers posted a 97-87 victory over the Washington Wizards in the preseason finale for both teams.

Despite shooting just 4-of-14 from the floor, Bryant was 11-of-12 from the line. Odom scored five points in the final 1:46 of the first half, including a follow dunk of his own missed free throw.

Washington took a 73-72 lead with 8:14 left on a free throw by Brendan Haywood before Jumaine Jones scored six points in a 1:34 span and Kareem Rush buried two 3-pointers to put the game out of reach.

Lakers guard Tierre Brown added six of his 12 points in the final period, including four free throws down the stretch.

Larry Hughes scored 10 of his 15 points in the first quarter, helping the Wizards to a 23-20 lead.

After winning their last four preseason games, the Lakers (6-2) will open the season with a nationally televised home game against Denver on Tuesday.

The Wizards went 3-5 in preseason and will travel to Memphis for their season opener. They will be without Gilbert Arenas, Anthony Peeler, Hughes and Haywood, all of whom will be serving suspensions

hello

2004-09-14T09:56:00.000-07:00

come back later for a Lakers blog!