How are we going to be ready for the playoffs? We got a solid contribution from Lamar...yet we still lose to the Nuggets.... This team doesn't have it, they don't have passion, desire, or the defense to win anything this year.
I'm actually glad Denver won last night, I want them to finish us ahead in the standings so we can match up against Phoenix in Round 1. I want to avenge last year's loss to them and the way the Lakers are playing now, they matchup a lot better against Phoenix than they do against the Spurs. I also think playing Phoenix again gives the Lakers insight into what they need to accomplish during the offseason if they lose to them again. If you look at the direction of the NBA, it's becoming more and more perimeter oriented. Teams with dominant perimeter players are running the league now, and the Suns are Exhibit A on how to take advantage of the rule changes. The Suns and Mavericks are the standard for offensive efficiency. The Lakers need to build their team around competing with these type of explosive offenses. Defensively the Lakers aren't there yet, but offensively we are very close to competing against Phoenix and Dallas. In the Kings game the Lakers scored 50 field goals (season high), by sticking with their offense and picking apart Sacramento's zone. The Lakers don't have the players to compete on the inside right now. Kwame is hampered by his ankle, Bynum still is not ready, Turiaf is only efficient in short bursts, and Mihm is out. Against Phoenix the Lakers don't have to rely on those guys having big games. They can compete against Phoenix with their perimeter players. Odom and Walton will be the key in the series, instead of relying on Kwame and Bynum to deal with Duncan and Parker.
<div class="quote_poster">Mamba Wrote</div><div class="quote_post">How are we going to be ready for the playoffs? We got a solid contribution from Lamar...yet we still lose to the Nuggets.... This team doesn't have it, they don't have passion, desire, or the defense to win anything this year.</div> The fact that Lamar had a good game is always positive. Since he's been back he hasn't performed to his level. I think if he can get a nice streak going before they playoffs begin, they can make a run. We're not out of it yet. I guess I've been a Laker fan for soooooo long, that I always look at the positive side to the team instead of focusing on the negative. We all know this team can beat the elite in the west. Now its just a matter of putting it all together. Odom is the key to a nice playoff push. If he plays well along side Kobe, I think we have a shot against any team.
