Well, first of all, I've got to say that the start of the game was one of the most frustating starts I've experienced. We started off the game cold, and not only that, turned the ball over like ten times in the first quarter. The first half really frustrated me, and at times I felt like I was going to break my remote. Luckily for us, the second half was different. We started the third quarter hot, but allowed the Bulls to get back in. Once again, fortunately for us, a couple of guys really stepped up and gave us a huge lead, and we never looked back from there.</p> First off, I would like to say that this "team" basketball we've been playing thus far has been exciting to watch. Just brilliant. I love how all the guys are getting touches and having fun on the court. But remember, this was the same way we started off last season. Let's just hope we can contain this type of play. Kobe has been sort of quiet lately offensively,but I wouldn't worry about it. He always shows up when it matters, like tonight's crucial stretch in the third, and the crucial fourth quarter last game. While we're at it, let me say thank you to the Bulls for playing horribly tonight. This isn't a shot at the Bulls team or anything, but hopefully this shows Kobe that his best opportunity to win is with the Lakers, not the Bulls.</p> As for other things, let me say how happy I am with the play of our two youngsters, Andrew Bynum and Jordan Farmar. Both have been terrific this season, let's just hope they have what it takes to sustain this type of play in an 82 game season, plus playoffs. Bynum has just been terrific this season. He's really matured as a player and has really stepped up against opposing centers. If you look at his numbers, he is the only player averaging a double double off the bench, and he is playing better than Jermaine O'Neal (stat wise at least). I remember in the offseason I was all for trading Bynum for O'Neal, but now, if this offer came up, I would probably have second thoughts. Bynum is only 20 years old, and has shown incredible improvements since his rookie season. He is a hard worker, and combined with Kareem Abdul Jabar's tutoring, I wouldn't say that an All-Star appearance is too far down the road. Let's just hope he becomes one two seasons from now, when Kobe can decide to opt out.</p> As for Jordan Farmar, this kid is amazing. I did not like him when we picked him up in the draft, but let me say, I was completely wrong. I thought he wouldn't fit into the triangle, and I was completely wrong. This kid has been fantastic coming off the bench, and has sparked us each and every game. It really goes to show how hard of a worker he is. The guy outplayed Kirk Hinrich, and I'm extremely proud of him. Let me say that it is extremely refreshing to hear that our young core of Bynum, Farmar, Turiaf, and Crittenton are all hard workers. It really makes me optimistic about the future.</p> Now, obviously this season is a young one. I'm probably getting to worked up, because things can change fast. But thus far, this team has really impressed me. Their defensive intensity has definitely picked up, and they are just extremely fun to watch. I'm not sure if this team has what it takes to get to the next level, but I am sure that if we continue to play the way we are playing, we will definitely make some damage in the playoffs. Hopefully these youngsters continue to work hard and they continue to improve their games.</p> Also, Kwame Brown is a little pussy. When I first saw his injury, I thought the guy was seriously hurt or something. Turns out it was just a sprain, and he will be traveling with the team. He scared me at first. I thought he was going to be out for the season. Well, at least he didn't get carted off the court in a wheel chair </p> As for the Bulls? Well, I couldn't be any more happier that we refrained from trading Kobe to Chicago. Kobe has been having fun with the players, and he's been all smiles this season. Let's hope Kobe and the front office can mend their relationship and he retires where he was meant to retire. In purple and gold.</p> Btw, I know I've started a lot of trouble on this site in the past. I would like to say that I apologize for what I did, and I'm thankful you guys gave me a second chance. It won't happen again. Promise</p>
Aw... no blocks for kobe tonight... imo an average of 2.5 stls and 1.5 blocks per game COULD get him the DPOY LOL</p> The one thing i dont like about kobe's game is the steady decrease in FG %... from 5 - 18ish last game to 6 - 16 this game... from 50% he's down to 46.3%... this could be a reason why the lakers start with poor fg%...</p> Time to start Mihm again... bynum is sensational off the becnh and should eye the 6th man award LOL</p> </p>
Wow. I'm looking at the box score and what a game for our bench! Bynum with 14/10 and Farmar with 14 points, 4 rebounds, 8 assists and 3 steals. Radman with his usual good shooting from 3 and Luke Walton with another between the legs pass, this is like his 4th one this year!</p>
Our bench has saved our butts the last two games. I didn't get to see the game last night, just caught the highlights, but I'm glad we routed the Bulls and pushed our record to 6-3. Hopefully this allows everyone to move on from the trade rumors surrounding Kobe. He has to be proud of how his teammates have played in the first 9 games, especially the bench guys.</p> In the post game Laker radio show Money made an interesting comment. He said the Lakers will probably have to still get something done so Kobe can save face. He doesn't expect Kobe to come out and say he's happy to be a Laker unless they can do something to make it more stable in the front office. That could include bringing back Jerry West as a consultant or extending Phil Jackson.</p> I still think the roster could use one more big man, who plays with the energy Turiaf brings to the court. I don't like being a position where Brian Cook is in the starting lineup and playing more than 10 minutes per game.</p>
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (shapecity)</div><div class='quotemain'></p> Istill think the roster could use one more big man, who plays with the energy Turiaf brings to the court. I don't like being a position where Brian Cook is in the starting lineup and playing more than 10 minutes per game.</p> </div></p> </p> ...or at all</p>
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Bacon Smeller)</div><div class='quotemain'></p> He's a pretty good outside shooter thats about it.</p> </div></p> </p> but even that shooting is really streaky, and with how flat his shot is I'm surprised it gets in alot of the times. Only reason I can see him shooting that flat is if he is trying to get Bynum more offensive boards for putbacks...</p> </p> (that last part I'm obviously kidding xP)</p>
