Lakers Shoot Down Warriors, 101-93

Honolulu Advertiser

Kobe Bryant is apparently coachable and capable.

Bryant scored a game-high 28 points to lead the Los Angeles Lakers to a 101-93 victory over the Golden State Warriors in a preseason game last night at the Stan Sheriff Center.

A crowd of 7,307 watched the preseason opener for both teams. The Lakers and Warriors have been training on O'ahu since Oct. 4. They will play another preseason game today at 7 p.m. at the Sheriff Center.

"I think we did a good job keeping our poise," Bryant said. "They didn't rattle us. We just stuck with the game plan and executed."

Bryant scored 16 points in the second quarter, helping the Lakers rally from a 16-point deficit in the first quarter.

"There was a book called 'Helter Skelter' a few years ago," Los Angeles head coach Phil Jackson said. "That's kind of what this game personified. It was pretty difficult to watch for a while. But we collected ourselves and came back and played."

Bryant and Jackson have been the focus of the Lakers' training camp, in part because Jackson is returning after a one-year hiatus, and because he described Bryant as "uncoachable" in a tell-all book that came out last year.

However, Bryant gave credit to Jackson's famed "triangle" offense for allowing the Lakers to rally last night.

"Even though (Golden State) jumped out to a big lead, we had a script," Bryant said. "And we just stayed to it. We got back in the game that way. It's Phil and the system, absolutely."

Los Angeles point guard Smush Parker scored the first basket of the game, but Golden State responded with a 14-0 run.

The Warriors increased the lead to 24-8 behind their dynamic backcourt duo of Baron Davis and Jason Richardson. They each scored seven points in the first quarter, and Davis added five assists.

Davis and Richardson also combined on the play of the game in the second quarter. On a fast break, Davis tossed the ball off the backboard and a trailing Richardson grabbed it in midair and dunked it in the basket to give the Warriors a 43-33 lead.

"We must have given up five or six layups, dunks, spectacular baskets," Jackson said. "And then we had to adjust."

In particular, the Lakers turned to Bryant. As Los Angeles forward Kwame Brown put it: "Kobe got hot. That's always good."

Led by Bryant, the Lakers chipped away at the lead in the second quarter. Los Angeles closed the half with an 11-3 run to cut the Golden State lead to 56-55 at intermission. Bryant scored seven points in the final 1:40 of the half, including a reverse dunk after a drive across the baseline.

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I was really surprised by how well Smush Parker played. I'm guessing that virtually guarantees him a roster spot. Nice win by the Lakers, I think Phil should have let the scrubs finish the game rather than throwing in Odom to guarantee the victory but I guess he wants to state a message this preseason.

 

I was really surprised by how well Smush Parker played. I'm guessing that virtually guarantees him a roster spot. Nice win by the Lakers, I think Phil should have let the scrubs finish the game rather than throwing in Odom to guarantee the victory but I guess he wants to state a message this preseason.

Kwame didnt play well, especially considering he was matched up with Murpy and Cabarkapa most of the night. I think the Lakers need to get someone to give him the ball where all he has to do is dunk to get him going. Kobe has the ability but I dont know how willing he is.

Kobe was unstoppable at the very end of the first half, I believe he got 24 of his 28 points in the first half. Odom also put up some good numbers but he was playing most of the 4th quarter against scrubs.

Lakers need to work on their transition defense. In the first quarter when both teams starters were playing the Warriors ran them out of the gym. Other than that they played well on both sides of the ball.

 

<div class="quote_poster">Quoting $Quan$:</div><div class="quote_post">the warriors suck so everybody know that the lakers can beat them. all they have to use is Bryant. he do all the work in the game</div>
Ok....

 

I read PJax put Odom back in the game, because Walton went out with an injury, and Odom was the only player on the bench capable of initiating the offense. I'm sure PJax also wanted to get Odom more confidence and getting a victory is always a positive even in preseason. Luke is out for 6 weeks.

I also read Kwame Brown left the game and received 7 stitches after he got hit in the face.

The Lakers only shot 1-12 from behind the arc, not a good sign because the Triangle requires a lot of space, and if the Lakers can't hit from the perimeter, teams will just clog up the inside.

Hopefully the Lakers can continue to hold their opponents under the century mark. Good things happen for them when they keep teams under 100 points. 28-7 record and counting, since last season.

 

<div class="quote_poster">Quoting shapecity:</div><div class="quote_post">I read PJax put Odom back in the game, because Walton went out with an injury, and Odom was the only player on the bench capable of initiating the offense. I'm sure PJax also wanted to get Odom more confidence and getting a victory is always a positive even in preseason. Luke is out for 6 weeks.</div>
I knew about the Walton injury but now I understand why he put Odom back in rather than another SF on your roster. It makes sense I guess but Odom is far superior to anyone who was on the court.

By the way if you guys get FSNBA the game is being replayed right now. I believe its half-time.

 

<div class="quote_poster">Quoting Warriorfansnc93:</div><div class="quote_post">Who was guarding Kobe when he got hot in the 2nd quarter?</div>
I think it was Pietrus but almost all of Kobe's points in the last few minutes of the 2nd were off of steals and transition so whoever was closest to Kobe had to guard him unless they could buy some time for Pietrus to get back.