OC Register HONOLULU ? One reason Lakers owner Jerry Buss gave for hiring Rudy Tomjanovich a year ago to replace Phil Jackson was the allure of a fan-friendly, up-tempo style of play to replace Jackson's systemized, Shaquille O'Neal-heavy formula. Although Jackson has brought his triangle offense back, he expects these Lakers to be livelier. These Lakers, who take the court tonight against the Golden State Warriors in the exhibition opener, will try to press on defense and run on offense whenever is reasonable. Jackson's theme for training camp has been overcoming inexperience by expending the additional energy afforded with youth. "I love the tempo we're playing at," Lakers forward Lamar Odom said. "I think it's going to complement our agility and our athleticism." Odom said he prefers a more free-flowing offense. "I'm a better shooter when I'm in a rhythm rather than coming off a screen or spot shooting," he said. Asked if people will be surprised to see the Lakers more up-tempo, Kobe Bryant said: "Probably. They haven't seen us do that, really, ever, as far as getting after teams and trying to dog 'em for a length of time." NBA TV is playing hero to the Southern California market, which was going to be shut out of Jackson's return game after the Lakers couldn't forge an agreement with KCAL/9 or Fox Sports Net to televise the exhibition opener. Using the Warriors' FSN Bay Area feed, the NBA is making the game available for free to viewers who have DirecTV, Dish Network or cable systems affiliated with InDemand. The Lakers' second exhibition Wednesday night and third exhibition Oct.18 will not be televised locally. Source
I saw the first preseason game; it was great for what it was... I was a little scared because of the 14 point lead the warriors had in the first half... But the Lakers were able to bring the lead down to 1 point by half time... After that, it was all over... I have to say that their defense is WAY BETTER. They still need to tweak out a few more things but overall; MUCH BETTER... Not only that, it's nice to see some organized offense, its nice to see organized basket ball--period!!! for a change... The important thing was, they came back from a double digit deficit and was able to win the game... The Warriors however, are looking pretty good themselves.. Barron Davis is a monster, and together with Richardson; they are a duo to reckon with... Derrick Fisher has slimed down alot; he's looking good these days. Taking the ball strong to basket way more than usual; making sure he goes to the charity stripe... I can see that he's been learning from the the two--Davis/Richardson... Anyways, I have to say, even though this is preseason; the Lakers are on a good start...
<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">The important thing was, they came back from a double digit deficit and was able to win the game...</div> No,the important thing is its a preseason game.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting GiantMidget:</div><div class="quote_post">No,the important thing is its a preseason game.</div> Why the negativity? Is there an actual point to your post? I'm pretty sure that once the players get on the court, they treat it like any other game.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting Laker_fan:</div><div class="quote_post">Why the negativity? Is there an actual point to your post? I'm pretty sure that once the players get on the court, they treat it like any other game.</div> Thank you Laker_Fan !!!!!!! My thoughts exactly..... I don't care that it's a preseason game... In my mind ALL games count...
