<div align="center"> </div> <div align="center"><font color="Blue">Golden State Warriors </font> (36-44) @ <font color="Purple">Los Angeles Lakers </font> (54-26) </div> <div align="center">Time: 7:30 p.m. PT Location: Staples Center TV: FSN, NBALP</div> Season Series: Lakers 2, Warriors 1 11/02/03 Lakers 87 Warriors 72 12/23/03 Warriors 107 Lakers 98 02/18/04 Lakers 100 Warriors 99 Previous Games: Mavericks @ Warriors 108-107 W Lakers @ Kings 102-85 L Last 10 Games: Warriors 6-4 (Won 1) Lakers 7-3 (Lost 1) Head Coaches: Eric Musselman/Phil Jackson Probable Starters: Jason Richardson/Gary Payton Mickael Pietrus/Kobe Bryant Mike Dunleavy/Devean George Clifford Robinson/Karl Malone Adonal Foyle/Shaquille O'Neal Sixth Men Mike Dunleavy/Derek Fisher Injury Report Warriors Erick Dampier Evan Eschmeyer Nick Van Exel Lakers Kareem Rush Jamal Sampson Horace Grant Rick Fox <div align="center">Players To Watch </div> <div align="center">Jason Richardson & Kobe Bryant</div> <div align="center">Richardson: 18.7 pts, 6.70 rebs, 2.9 assists, 1.07 steals Bryant: 23.7 pts, 5.50 rebs, 5.0 assists, 1.73 steals </div> Keys To The Game <u>Warriors</u> In order for the Warriors to end their season on a strong note, they'll have to do the following: The Warriors have to shoot a high field goal percentage from the field. Which means their starting backcourt which consists of Jason Richardson and Mike Dunleavy Jr. have to shoot better than 50% to get the Lakers on their toes a bit. The Warriors realize they are coming off a terrible loss, so if this backcourt can come out and shoot the lights out early, it could discourage and drain the Lakers confidence. Golden State has to take schemes from the Kings' playbook and find a way to contain Shaq. Clifford Robinson and Adonal Foyle will have to maintain a defensive strategy to keep Shaq away from the basket at all times. If they can double team him for huge portions of the game, disrupt his game, close all the passing lanes for his options to pass to cutting teammates, then the Warriors should be alright. Also, it'll be important for Golden State to win the rebounding categories. The Lakers will not likely come to play at 100% with the fatigue they'll be facing coming home from an awful Sacramento loss, so as long as the Warriors can give their team second chance opportunities, it can tire the Lakers out on every new Warrior possession. <u>Lakers</u> If the Lakers want to start to win this game and prepare mentally in their minds for the playoffs, they'll have to do the following keys: First things first, get Shaq the ball. He was so ignored during the Kings game, that he was like a total stranger. Shaq would need to touch the ball no more than 40 times, and when he receives these number of touches, he'll really need to help not only himself but his team. When Shaq scores 30 plus points and grabs 20 plus boards, the Lakers have a golden opportunity to win. So Shaq has to stop sleeping behind the wheel, and get his 300 pound body on the court and perform like the Diesel he's made himself out to be and attempt to take complete advantage of small Warrior frontcourt. Kobe Bryant will have to put his childish, arrogant ego inside and start playing team basketball. Previously, he only took one shot in the first half and finished 3/13 with eight points. The Lakers cannot have this kind of performance from him again if they want to have some kind of confidence as they prepare for the playoffs. Kobe has been in a shooting slump in this losing streak in which we have lost three out of four games, so I'd look for him to hit shots to put himself in a rhythm, but if the shot's not falling, it's not a crime to PASS!! And also, cutting down on turnovers would be absolutely perfect too. Malone has been doing an excellent job of crashing the boards, and his offensive and defensive contributions will be very much needed and appreciated. His shot hasnt been falling of late, but he's lucky he has three other guys that can pick up the slack for him. I look for Gary payton to run Phil Jackson's triangle offense with some sort of ease and relaxation. And whenever necessary, he should be able to penetrate to the basket, use the remaining quickness in his legs to draw contact and get to the line, and jumpstart our transitional offense. Laker Fever's Prediction I am very disgusted with how this team is playing. Especially Kobe Bryant. But with the Warriors coming to town, and the Lakers returning home to Staples Center where they've played comfortably all season, it shouldn't be a problem for the Lakers. The Warriors will definitely come out with a lot of pride in this one however. As they try to make a statement for themselves that they will be back and make another run for the postseason next year. Lakers by 6.
Very nice preview Laker_fever. I'm not too sure what the Warriors starting line up will be but I can garauntee you Dunleavy will not be guarding Bryant. If Pietrus starts, he was guard Kobe. That should be a fun match up to watch, if Kobe comes to play. I can't wait to see Claxton go at Payton again. Claxton owned that first match up and than Payton got frustrated and got them both ejected which changed that game around. This should be a good game but I'll give the edge to the Lakers as they are home and are playing for position in the playoffs. The Warriors have played the spoiler role and have done a great job at it...watch out.
^ Yeah, perhaps my lineups are wrong Rudeezy. I was just going with their lineups from last night's game. But since Claxton is back, maybe I should switch Claxton to the point, change Richardson to the two guard, and Dunleavy to come off the bench.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting Laker_Fever_834:</div><div class="quote_post">^ Yeah, perhaps my lineups are wrong Rudeezy. I was just going with their lineups from last night's game. But since Claxton is back, maybe I should switch Claxton to the point, change Richardson to the two guard, and Dunleavy to come off the bench. </div>I think you had the correct line up, sorry to confuse you. Dunleavy will start on George, Pietrus on Kobe, and J-Rich on Payton. Claxton will be the first guy off the bench for Pietrus unless Musselman decides to change his line up for this game.
I have a feeling that this game will go down to the wire. The Lakers tend to play to their opponents level and get in trouble. I got Lakers by 4. I hope they prove me wrong and have an easy win.
I heard some reports today on KNBR that Shaq might not play tonight because the league might suspend him for cursing on live television. Any word on this?
@ lakerfever.. How the hell can u hate on kobe man.. the things u say in this preview doesn't make sence at all..srry but c'mon... WHO gave us the 11 game winning streak? WHO won the game practically by himself against the magic? EVERY SINGLE TIME u say shaq should get more touches..NO what he NEEDS to do is <u>CREATE </u> touches..and CREATE GAME..it looks like he doesn't care about games..i don't see the look he has when he had 40/20 games...man there are even FORWARDS in this League getting more points and boards than shaq..what the <font size="3">BIG LAZY </font> needs to do is approach the game A LOT different..<u>instead of always pointing the finger on KOBE.. </u>THE ONLY ONE IN THE TEAM WILLING TO WIN..and able to perfom (Malone wants to win but sucks in D as we've seen last few games) Look in the mirror for a while..look at how crappy he's been playing..(not just the past games but even in the 11 game winning streak and before) all he does is brick his freethrows (.49 something ) and get offensive and defensive(unnesecary fouls) :thumbsdow Don't give shaq touches..get KOBE in the game..KOBE passes way 2 much..instead of shooting..and ALL YOU HATERS OUT THERE.. The shots kobe takes aren't forced..they're shots u and i would take if we were there..not 360 3's or fall-away 20 foot jumpers.. What lakers need to do is put Derek Fisher on starting point..and Move kobe to 3 and bring in GP on 2. we all saw how fisher is when he is the Go-to-man if i can remember correctly..he scored like the last 9 points (consecutive of the lakers) the only one with poise on the hardwood. Only Lakers are gonna win..get KOBE in the game.. BENCH SHAQ unless he's willing to play like he SHOULD (35/20) and FIsher should get A LOT MORE PT ! also LUKE WALTON, i thought he sucked..but he had 2 important 3's for us against the kings..and played great D..so he should get more PT also
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting kobe0826:</div><div class="quote_post">How the hell can u hate on kobe man.. </div>Who are you talking to? Nobody is hating on Kobe.
yes he is..cuz he doesnt give KOBE love in the preview..and i TOTALLY DOnt agree with the fact EVERY SINGLE PREVIEW : give the ball to shaq.. What the ***** has he been doing LATELY(past season) with the million touches he gets..and every time he says shaq gets ignored..whatever man..the whole offense rotates around him..how can he be ignored??? that;s what i mean
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting kobe0826:</div><div class="quote_post">yes he is..cuz he doesnt give KOBE love in the preview..and i TOTALLY DOnt agree with the fact EVERY SINGLE PREVIEW : give the ball to shaq.. What the ***** has he been doing LATELY(past season) with the million touches he gets..and every time he says shaq gets ignored..whatever man..the whole offense rotates around him..how can he be ignored??? that;s what i mean</div>Did you even watch the Kings game? Did you not see Kobe give that game away while trying to prove a point like a little kid? He could have cost the Lakers the Pacific title and the #2 seed in the playoffs. It is a fact that the Lakers need to get the ball to Shaq in order to be sucessful. Everytime he gets the ball he is double and triple teamed. It is not his fault that his teamates can't hit open jumpers.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting kobe0826:</div><div class="quote_post">@ lakerfever.. How the hell can u hate on kobe man.. the things u say in this preview doesn't make sence at all..srry but c'mon...</div> I don't see yourself taking quality time out to make previews. At least other respected individuals on this board like them. I guess you can figure out why my title is different than yours. <div class="quote_poster">Quoting kobe0826:</div><div class="quote_post">WHO gave us the 11 game winning streak? WHO won the game practically by himself against the magic? </div> Who gave us the 11 game winning streak? Kobe Bryant and four other people you should be able to recognize. <div class="quote_poster">Quoting kobe0826:</div><div class="quote_post">EVERY SINGLE TIME u say shaq should get more touches..NO what he NEEDS to do is <u>CREATE </u> touches..and CREATE GAME..it looks like he doesn't care about games..i don't see the look he has when he had 40/20 games...man there are even FORWARDS in this League getting more points and boards than shaq..what the <font size="3">BIG LAZY </font> needs to do is approach the game A LOT different..<u>instead of always pointing the finger on KOBE.. </u>THE ONLY ONE IN THE TEAM WILLING TO WIN..and able to perfom (Malone wants to win but sucks in D as we've seen last few games)</div> Why wouldn't Shaq get touches? Shaq is priority #1, the bread and butter of our offense. If Shaq doesn't get a significant number of touches, he can't find a consistent rhythm for his game, he wouldn't be able to control the glass and contribute second chance opportunities, and most importantly, he'd get into a tirade with Phil Jackson. I'm sure you saw what happened at Sacramento when Shaq doesn't get his touches. <div class="quote_poster">Quoting kobe0826:</div><div class="quote_post">get KOBE in the game..KOBE passes way 2 much..instead of shooting..and ALL YOU HATERS OUT THERE.. The shots kobe takes aren't forced..they're shots u and i would take if we were there..not 360 3's or fall-away 20 foot jumpers.. What lakers need to do is put Derek Fisher on starting point..and Move kobe to 3 and bring in GP on 2.</div> Hmmmmm.....get Kobe in the game?? Kobe in our losing streak, DOES SHOOT THE BALL! The problem is, he really has a problem with his shot selections, and if he shoots, it's either a clank off the rim than the sweet sound of a swish, or turnovers galore. Pick your poison. Put Derek Fisher as our point guard? You are the funniest, dellusional Laker fan with that statement. BTW, how are you a Laker fan when you have an avatar of Kobe Bryant admitting to the media he committed adultery?
@ rudeezy Yea i watched the game.. Shaq was Nowhere with his stupid fouls..late in the game he had the same stupid foul hes been making every game! you saw him reach in on someone i dont remember who..but he could've easily swatted that one away.. and maybe the point kobe made was easy..in the run he basically took over..he had like 7 straight points or something..but he stopped..and showed..he can take over whenever he wants.. unless shaq proves that he can do it again..i will still believe hes way overrated.. man..the last time these 2 teams met..Dampier outrebounded Shaq 22 to a lot less (dont remember 9 or 8) Kobe is the X-factor ..and has been all season long.. if shaq is that good...why did he miss that shot (instead off passing to kobe who was WAY OPEN) over 3 people..in the spurs when he could've brought it down to 2 point deficit..
<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">I don't see yourself taking quality time out to make previews. At least other respected individuals on this board like them. I guess you can figure out why my title is different than yours. </div> don't get me wrong..i LOVE your previews..and i do respect the time put in them..but what i mean is KObe isn't the main problem in my opinion.. the team IS..or u can say SHAQ is. <div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">Who gave us the 11 game winning streak? Kobe Bryant and four other people you should be able to recognize. Why wouldn't Shaq get touches? Shaq is priority #1, the bread and butter of our offense. If Shaq doesn't get a significant number of touches, he can't find a consistent rhythm for his game, he wouldn't be able to control the glass and contribute second chance opportunities, and most importantly, he'd get into a tirade with Phil Jackson. I'm sure you saw what happened at Sacramento when Shaq doesn't get his touches. </div> and YOU saw what happend vs Spurs right? He got a lot of touches..what did he do..jackshit..(kobe sucked also i admit..he missed tons of open shots) <div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">Hmmmmm.....get Kobe in the game?? Kobe in our losing streak, DOES SHOOT THE BALL! The problem is, he really has a problem with his shot selections, and if he shoots, it's either a clank off the rim than the sweet sound of a swish, or turnovers galore. Pick your poison. Put Derek Fisher as our point guard? You are the funniest, dellusional Laker fan with that statement.</div> Whell take a closer look..in the Kings and Spurs games (the other 2 i didnt watch) he took open shots..mostly created by himself..In the Spurs game he missed almost all of them..maybe he had a off-night but @kings he made almost all shots..and if not he got to the line! BTW.. Why not?/Fisher has a lot better D than GP (i thought GP was mr. D but lately he's dissapointed me alot) and GP is more of a penetrator..DF has a much better range..so I don't think it's that ridiculous.
Everyone Knows That If The Media And Sports Analysts Didn't Say Anything About Kobe Trying To Prove A Point By Not Shooting, This Whole Topic Would Have Never Occurred. I Could Almost Swear On My Life That None Of You Guys Would Have Thought That, If It Wasn't For Them. The Media Always Tries To Say Stupid Things Just So It Could Cause More Controversy. Quit Letting The Media Influence You On These Stupid Speculations.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting JLee348:</div><div class="quote_post">Everyone Knows That If The Media And Sports Analysts Didn't Say Anything About Kobe Trying To Prove A Point By Not Shooting, This Whole Topic Would Have Never Occurred. I Could Almost Swear On My Life That None Of You Guys Would Have Thought That, If It Wasn't For Them. The Media Always Tries To Say Stupid Things Just So It Could Cause More Controversy. Quit Letting The Media Influence You On These Stupid Speculations.</div>Are you kidding me? It was obvious. Even his teamates know that was the case. When is the last time Kobe shot once in a half? He wasn't even trying to get his shot. Give me a break.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting kobe0826:</div><div class="quote_post">don't get me wrong..i LOVE your previews..and i do respect the time put in them..</div> But you say I don't make sense in 'em? <div class="quote_poster">Quoting kobe0826:</div><div class="quote_post">BTW.. Why not?/Fisher has a lot better D than GP (i thought GP was mr. D but lately he's dissapointed me alot) and GP is more of a penetrator..DF has a much better range..so I don't think it's that ridiculous.</div> Fisher himself has trouble guarding the faster, quicker guards in this league. You are really overhyping his defense. We picked up Payton because of his offensive skills, and what we thought still had that defensive spark in his legs. Unfortunately we were wrong with that. Fisher may have "range," but I'm sure you've watched in recent Laker games, everytime he comes off the bench, he's not consistent with his shooting, and he's really been struggling adjusting to his role as a sixth man.
Hey remember the magic's game? How many pts did Kobe have in the first half? I remember numerous amount of times when Kobe was trying to be a facilitator in the first half then dominate in the second.
^ This is a preview thread, not about an outdated game in which how many pts he scored against Orlando. Give me some predictions and scores..or don't post in this thread at all.
