Lakers

[Dr T]

Los Angeles vs Indiana

 

They had more assistants than us, more 13 more rebounds than us but we squeezed it out by one 88-87.  We had a poor first quarter and played it out.  WTG Boys!  Go LAKERS!

[Guest MormonGator]

My thoughts and prayers go out to the Lakers organization right now. Just awful. You guys have one of the best GMs in sports. His poor daughter. 

[Dr T]

Kobe will sit and not go to Portland for tonights game to rest and Johnson strained his right hip flexor so he will not play either. How much is Kobe getting paid again?  Does the franchise get money back for when he doesn't play? 

[Dr T]

It was a super tight game tonight.  We were winning then they caught up and we were winning then last few seconds they ended up winning 98-94 Blazers.  Even though that is two buckets worth it was a very tight game.  I would have really like tonight's game.  Yes I like all wins and despise any losses but tonight would have given us some hope.  I will take any wins.  

[Guest MormonGator]

Are you surprised the Knicks are playing so badly? 

[Dr T]

I thought they'd do much better.  What about you?

[Dr T]

From Lakers.com

 

Lakers at Clippers: 10 Things to Know (1/7/15)

by Joey Ramirez

Lakers.com Contributor

Posted: Jan 07, 2015                 TWITTER





Here is what you need to know before the Lakers’ “road” game against the Los Angeles Clippers.

1) With Ronnie Price (broken nose, flu) listed as doubtful against the Clippers, Jeremy Lin will likely make his first start since Dec. 5. Lin averaged 11.9 points and 4.9 assists in 20 games as a starter, while managing 9.0 points and 4.1 assists in 15 off the bench. However, Lin has amped his game up in his last three contests, averaging 14.7 points on 53.3 percent shooting with 3.0 assists and 1.7 steals.

2) Both teams employ one of the league’s top free throw shooters, as Jamal Crawford (90.9 percent) ranks fourth, and Nick Young (90.8 percent) is sixth. Crawford has been excellent at the line in his last eight games, going 33-for-35 (94.3 percent). However, Young has been even better recently, knocking down all of his last 18 foul shots and shooting 45-for-46 (97.8 percent) in his last 14 games.

3) The Lakers have struggled lately against their STAPLES Center co-tenants, dropping eight of their last nine matchups against the Clippers, including each of their past four. Most recently, the Lakers fell on Halloween night, 118-111, as Blake Griffin led the Clippers to a fourth-quarter comeback with 39 points.

4) The Lakers (23.6) and Clippers (23.0) rank first and second in the league in pull-up points per game, led by Chris Paul (8.9) and Kobe Bryant (8.5), who are also the NBA’s top two in pull-up scoring. The difference has been efficiency, as the Clippers lead the league in pull-up shooting percentage (40.9), while the Lakers clock in at 11th (37.5).

5) Per usual, Paul has been one of the best passers in the NBA, ranking fourth in assists (9.5), while leading the league in secondary assists (3.0) and assist-to-turnover ratio (4.55). Combined with his 17.6 points per game, Paul’s distributing has him tied with Anthony Davis for the NBA’s most offensive win shares (4.9).

6) When it comes to third-quarter scoring, only James Harden (7.8) has been better than Bryant and Griffin, who both average 7.5 points. Griffin had the hot hand last time the two teams met up, pouring in 13 third-quarter points, while Bryant tallied just three.

7) DeAndre Jordan has been a catalyst for the Clippers’ success on both ends of the floor. The Texas A&M product ranks fourth in the league in offensive rating (129.4) and 10th in defensive rating (99.1), making him the only player in the top 10 for both. The Clippers also score 15.4 more points per 100 possessions with Jordan on the floor, while holding the opponent to 1.9 fewer.

8) No player gets hotter faster than J.J. Redick, whose league-leading 2.9 scoring average in the game’s first three minutes ranks just ahead of Kevin Durant (2.7). Redick has gone off for 10 first-quarter points 10 times, which has resulted in eight victories for the Clippers.

9) The Clippers have found offensive success away from the basket this season, as they rank second-to-last in drives to the hoop (16.9) and close touches (14.5), while scoring the third-fewest points in the paint (35.2). However, the Clippers have been deadly from long distance, where they are making the second-most 3-pointers (10.2) on the second-best 3-point percentage (38.5). However, the Clippers have been solid from wherever the choose to shoot, as they place at or above league-average in just about every area of the court (see below).

10) On the flip side, the Clippers are one of the league’s best teams at locking down the paint. With the 6-foot-11 Jordan — who is second in blocks per game (2.3) — serving as a deterrent, opponents have averaged the fewest shots (19.2) and second-fewest baskets (10.3) at the rim. Meanwhile, the Clippers are also holding their foes to the NBA’s third-fewest points in the paint (39.0).

This will be a sweet win tonight.

[Dr T]

Who did we start tonight? Wow. This sure is a pounding! We r getting mega used . Could I have been any more wrong saying this will be a sweet win? I'm going to bed. . Night all

[Dr T]

114-89 was Clippers stomping of us last game.  It was deciduous!  The Clippers were toying with us.  Laughing at us.  Dunking smashes on us.  It looked like a real NBA team and my boys.  Sad, sad, sad.  They must have had a great time putting it to us.  

========

Tonight we have Orlando.   

[Dr T]

Lakers 101 Magic 84.  Kobe rested today.  We had two double doubles (almost 3) and 6 players in double digits tonight.  

Kelly had a good game with 13 points, 8 boards, and one steal. 

Davis had 10 points3 blocked shots and 10 rebounds  

Hill had 11 points, 9 rebounds 2 assist

Boozer had 12 points, and 14 rebounds

Lin had 18 points 2 blocked shots, 4 steals

Black had 14 points and 9 rebounds 

WTG Lakers

[Guest MormonGator]

I thought they'd do much better.  What about you?

I'm surprised that I am surprised. Melo and Amare are great players...when you want someone to drop 40 points against the Kings in December and choke in the playoffs. For a guy who was so good in college (Carmelo) he simply can't win in the NBA.

[Guest MormonGator]

114-89 was Clippers stomping of us last game.  It was deciduous!  The Clippers were toying with us.  Laughing at us.  Dunking smashes on us.  It looked like a real NBA team and my boys.  Sad, sad, sad.  They must have had a great time putting it to us.  

========

Tonight we have Orlando.   

LOL! Yes, but give them a break! The Clippers were the laughingstock of professional sports for twenty years-it's nice to see them do well. 

[Dr T]

Your right.  I had a boss that kept stats for them and I'd make fun of him. My mother loves her Clippers and they are good now.  Still from Los Angeles but they are NOT my boys.  LA belongs to the Lakers!

Edited January 10, 2015 by Dr T

[Guest MormonGator]

lol. Yup, Los Angeles is Lakers country, hands down. The Dodgers are nice, so are the Kings-but LA is, was, and always will be Laker country. 

[Dr T]

LA vs Portland tonight.  They are a tough group, have mopped the floor with us and need to be first to the ball, tougher, play like we mean it and play to win.  GO LAKERS! 

[Dr T]

Lakers vs. Trail Blazers: 10 Things to Know (1/11/15)

 

by Joey Ramirez

Lakers.com Contributor

Posted: Jan 11, 2015

         FACEBOOK
                 LINK


Here is what you need to know before the Lakers take on the Portland Trail Blazers.

1) Wesley Johnson will return to the starting lineup after missing the last three games due to a strained right hip flexor. Against Orlando on Friday, the Lakers won without Johnson for the first time in his two seasons with the team. Prior to that, L.A. had gone 0-5 when he sat out.

2) The Lakers outrebounded the Magic, 60-36, in Friday’s victory for their largest margin of the season. However, the Lakers will have a much more difficult time on the glass against Portland, which leads the league in rebounds (46.7).

3) The Lakers and Blazers played each other just six days ago in Portland. Led by 39 points from Damian Lillard, the Trail Blazers won, 98-94, and notched their eighth fourth-quarter comeback of the season. Portland is currently the only team in the NBA with a winning record while trailing after three periods (8-5).

4) Lillard, who had 16 points in the fourth quarter against L.A., is known for his late heroics. The Oakland native scores more points in the final frame (6.5) than all but two players. Lillard has been especially devastating in his last three games, averaging 8.7 points in the fourth quarter, while shooting 50.0 percent from the field, 44.4 percent on 3-pointers and 83.3 percent at the free throw line.

5) LaMarcus Aldridge has been on an eight-game rampage since Dec. 19. During this period, he is averaging the third-most points in the league (25.9), while grabbing 11.0 rebounds and picking up five double-doubles. The Trail Blazers have outscored their opponents by 12.4 points with Aldridge on the floor, giving him the second-best plus/minus in the NBA within this stretch.

6) Portland sharpshooter Wesley Matthews has close ties with the Lakers through his father, Wes Sr., who played two seasons with L.A. from 1986 to 1988. Unlike his son — who leads the league in 3-pointers attempted (7.5) and made (3.1) — the elder Matthews was not much of a 3-point shooter, going just 8-for-33 in his time with the Lakers. However, Wes Sr. didn’t need the deep ball to get his rings, as L.A. won the NBA title in both of his seasons as a Laker.

7) The Trail Blazers have been scorching since Dec. 13, winning 12 of their last 14 games. During this stretch, Portland has outscored its opponents by an average score of 106-97, while shooting 44.9 percent from the field and 38.7 percent on 3-pointers.

8) The Trail Blazers rely heavily on their starting five to get the scoreboard going, as Portland’s starters average a league-high 77.2 points per game. With Chris Kaman moved from the bench to the starting lineup due to Robin Lopez’s injury, Portland’s highest scoring reserve is now Meyers Leonard, who is contributing just 4.8 points per contest.

9) Defense has been the Blazers’ calling card this year, as they are holding opponents to a league-low 96.6 points per game and the second-worst field goal percentage (42.9). Portland has been tough to contend with when the defense is clicking, having won 22 times in 24 games when it has held the opponent to less than 100 points

10) Led by Aldridge, the Blazers has arguably been the league’s best team on the boards, averaging an NBA-high 46.7 rebounds per game. Portland has also been able to control the glass regardless of volume, as it is grabbing 63.5 percent of rebounds per chance, which ranks second in the league.

[Guest MormonGator]

Well my friend, the Celtics just traded Jeff Green, the only player left I "trusted" in the clutch (A relative term, he wan't very good). 

 

So they have a bunch of draft picks, but let's face it-unless you are a bad team, the picks don't mean much. 

 

 

Have you always found Blazers fans a bit arrogant? 

[Dr T]

Only when they beat us which is often. Last game was close until the fourth where they dominated. We often have difficulty with them.

[Dr T]

We have the Heat tonight.  

 

Lakers vs. Heat: 10 Things to Know

 

by Joey Ramirez

Lakers.com Contributor

Posted: Jan 13, 2015FACEBOOKGOOGLE PLUSTWITTERLINK

Here is what you need to know before the Lakers take on the Miami Heat.

1) The Lakers are a perfect 4-0 against Eastern Conference teams at home. L.A. has knocked off Charlotte, Toronto, Indiana and Orlando at STAPLES Center by an average score of 106-96, and hopes to make it five straight against Miami.

2) Since the final game of 2014, Nick Young has fallen into a self-describe slump, as he is shooting just 28.4 percent (23-for-81) from the field and 17.6 percent (6-for-34) on 3-pointers over his past seven contests. Young, however, has been stellar from the free throw line, making his last 27 foul shots and boosting his free throw percentage to 91.7, which ranks third in the league behind Kyle Korver (92.9 percent) and Stephen Curry (92.5 percent)

3) The Lakers have been unable to solve the Heat recently, suffering sweeps in both of the past two season series. Miami has won each of its last four games against L.A. by at least six points, and it has knocked off the Lakers in eight of the teams’ last nine meetings dating back to March 4, 2010.

4) Averaging 21.6 points per game, Chris Bosh has been the league’s second-highest scoring center next to DeMarcus Cousins. With an expanded role this year, the nine-time all-star has unleashed four 30-point games so far after recording just two last season. The Heat have won all 16 times that Bosh has poured in at least 30 points in five seasons with them.

5) Dwyane Wade may be in his 12th season, but he is still a huge weapon for Miami, leading the team in points (22.8) and assists (5.6). The Heat have relied heavily on Wade, who owns the league’s third-highest usage rate (32.6) behind only Russell Westbrook (39.6) and Kobe Bryant (33.4). The 2006 NBA Finals MVP has also been one of the league’s best players with the game on the line, as he leads the NBA in fourth-quarter scoring (7.3).

6) Luol Deng is playing his fewest minutes (32.3) since his rookie year in 2004-05, which has led to him averaging career lows in rebounds (4.7) and assists (1.8). However, the South Sudan native has made the most of his playing time, as he leads Miami in field goal percentage (49.7), 2-point percentage (54.6) and offensive rebounds (1.4).

7) Hassan Whiteside has been a revelation for the Heat over their last four games. During this stretch, Whiteside is averaging 14.5 points on 76.5 percent shooting with 10.0 rebounds and 3.3 blocks. Prior to this explosion, Whiteside was largely unknown, playing just 19 games in two years with Sacramento (2010-12) and spending the last two seasons playing in Lebanon and China. The seven-footer even flew under the radar with Miami, as he was signed in November, didn’t play in 11 of his first 15 games with the Heat, and averaged just 3.0 points in 6.2 minutes when he did.

8) Shawne Williams, who spent last season with the Lakers, will be making his return to L.A. as a member of the Heat. The seven-year veteran is shooting a career- and team-high 42.1 percent from 3-point range, which ranks 12th in the league. Williams has seen the floor increasingly less, however, as he has played just four minutes in Miami’s last three games.

9) Rebounds have been a luxury for the Heat as they not only rank last in the league in total boards (36.5), but also offensive (8.4), defensive (28.1), contested (12.0) and uncontested (24.3) rebounds. The only solace for Miami has been that it has allowed its opponents to grab the second-fewest boards (39.9), next to Utah’s (39.0).

10) The biggest difference between this and last year’s Heat has been, of course, the departure of LeBron James. This loss has been a large factor in Miami’s drop in field goal percentage from 50.1 percent to 46.2 percent. No other team has suffered a bigger difference from last season to this one.

[Dr T]

We started off poorly and just couldn't make it happen.  We dropped this one 78-75.  We were pathetic this game.   

[Guest MormonGator]

Sorry my friend. I thought the Lakers could win. The Lakers are in a catch-22. I do not think they are talented enough to win the championship (sorry), but they will make the playoffs.

 

They probably won't go very far in them, so they won't get a high draft pick, which in some ways would be better than barely making it out of the first round! 

[Guest MormonGator]

And it's Kobe vs LeBron tonight! GO LAKERS! 

 

In some ways LeBron is the anti-Kobe. Kobe will do anything to win. He wants it more than any other player alive. Ever since LeBron left Miami, he just doesn't seem to care about winning. I think he'll pull a Kareem and step it up for the playoffs. Kobe, on the other hand brings it every night. 

Edited January 15, 2015 by MormonGator

[Dr T]

_{We will see if Kobe gets less and less time playing in an attempt to keep him healthy and ready for the last year of his contracts  We'll see.}

[Guest MormonGator]

Sorry my friend, the Lakers lost to the Cavs. Both teams looked apathetic and uncaring. Not good. 

[Dr T]

Yeah,  Last night so one good thing and that was Kobe had 19 points, 17 assists 6 rebounds in 32 minutes and that is a record for assists for Kobe but we lost 109-102 Miami over my boys last night. 

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We lost 94 85 Jazz over Lakers today  It is hard to watch