Game 6 Preview: Los Angeles Lakers vs. Portland Trail Blazers
by Dave on Jan 4, 2012 10:00 PM PST
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PrintGame Time: 7:30 p.m. Pacific TV: TNT
The season hasn't started out exactly as the Los Angeles Lakers would have wanted. They're 4-3 so far. Ask them if they're concerned. They'll flash championship rings at you and tell you important games are played in May and June, not the first month of the season. But their offense has been sputtering, making any defensive lapses (and they've had a few) more critical than usual.
The Lakers' issues have come in two varieties. They've been over-reliant on Kobe Bryant. At first that may seem impossible. He's one of the best players on the planet. He's scored 26 or more points in 5 of the Lakers' 7 outings. He's brilliance on a stick. But the brilliant 33-year-old Kobe is not quite the same as the brilliant 27-year-old Kobe was. He's taking more minutes and more shots to get his production. His shooting percentages are way down. His assists are up but so are his turnovers. He's still capable of carrying this team by himself but that's becoming a less desirable outcome as games and years tick by.
The second big issue has been the lack of production among the supporting cast, a familiar story for L.A. made worse by their loss of talent and depth over the summer. Pau Gasol is still playing well at 17 points and 8.5 rebounds per night. Unlike most of his teammates, his field goal percentage is way up. But overall production is less than the prior year. Nobody else south of Gasol on the roster can hit a shot outside of Josh McRoberts. He doesn't score enough to make a difference. Steve Blake's aim is off, Derek Fisher's worse. Matt Barnes is so-so, awful behind the arc. Ron Artest (Confidential to Metta World Peace: If your new name costs a blogger 32 keystrokes the entire interweb is just going to call you "Ron") continues to prove that his best days are behind him. Nobody on the roster outside of a couple deep bench players can hit a three. Only two people draw any fouls. The Lakers are 24th in the league in fast-break points. Nothing is coming easy for this club.
Except...except...except...in walks the Next Great Hope in the form of Andrew "Look, I Keep My Shirt On Now" Bynum. (Yes, Ron, I know that was 33 keystrokes, but he's relevant.) After serving a four-game suspension Bynum has taken the league by storm, averaging 23 points and 17 rebounds per game. He's shooting 62% from the field, drawing 7 foul shots per game (shooting 57% on them though...foul him!), throwing in a couple blocks, and staying out of foul trouble. He's been a monster. He's also been an inconsistent monster historically. But that doesn't keep him from being declared the Lakers' second best player right now easily.
Bynum is one of the reasons the Lakers rank in the top third of the league in Points in the Paint scored and Offensive Rebounding percentage. Both will be areas of concern for a Portland team that has to scramble to defend the interior and that depends on sure rebounding to fuel the fast break. On the other hand the Lakers allow a bunch of fast break points and are only so-so protecting the ball. Even when the Blazers were a glacially-paced, halfcourt squad they always benefited from energy and tempo when facing the Lakers in the Rose Garden. This year the statistical story matches the emotional one. Portland will want to get busy and run the ball down L.A.'s throat, drawing energy from speed and dunking. The Lakers will want to slow the game and let Bynum's size tell inside while Bryant's talent makes the difference one-on-one from the perimeter. It'll be interesting to see whether the Blazers can generate easy points against a team that rebounds and has an interest in slowing the pace. It'll be interesting to see whether the Lakers are smart enough to figure out the Blazers' weaknesses and to avoid their own in terms of turnovers and transition defense.
When the Blazers have won against L.A. at home--a frequent occurrence--it's been because of hard, opportunistic play. When the Lakers have won it's been because Portland has been forced to scramble so hard against one L.A. star (could be Bryant, could be Gasol, sometimes it was Odom) that the floor opened for all of the other L.A. players. Yes, Kobe Bryant has pasted a couple of last-second, painful memories in Portland's consciousness but more frequently Portland defeats have come at the hands of 22 from Artest, 18 from Fisher, and 16 and 10 from Odom. A single player warping the defense is a definite threat in this game...double-pronged at least with the advent of Bynum's dominance. The Blazers may have multiple defenders to throw at Kobe but they're going to be scraping the bottom of the barrel for a man to watch the middle. On the other hand L.A.'s ancillary players might not be able to perform to the level of their predecessors. The Blazers may want to throw three men at any star defender and watch everybody else try to win the game.
This will be interesting. Portland's home emotion versus L.A.'s experience. Portland's team commitment versus L.A.'s star power. Portland's running versus L.A.'s halfcourt. Both teams have clear paths to win this game. Which team will take better advantage?
Check out the thoughts at SilverScreenandRoll. I hate to say it, but they're some of the nicest folks around. Yuck! Ptooey! I just complimented a Lakers fan. LakersNation.com has a preview up too.
Also this is the first game for the 2011-12 Blazersedge Jersey Contest. Rules are simple:
- Click through the link below and fill out the form.
- MAKE SURE YOU USE YOUR BLAZERSEDGE USER NAME AND THE SAME E-MAIL ADDRESS FOR EACH GAME ENTRY, EVERY TIME. If you do not, your scores will not be added together properly. This cannot be fixed after the fact. Same name, same e-mail address every time.
- One entry per person or household.
- We'll provide links to the scoreboard following each game. Each month's winner will receive a Blazers jersey.
Here is The Link for the First Game! Have fun!
--Dave (blazersub@gmail.com)
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Woooooo!!1
Joisey contest!
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((())) llbdll
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ed: bumped to front page
by Oh. Em. Gee. on Jan 4, 2012 10:03 PM PST via mobile reply actions
this should be a tough game,
LA already knows the Rose Garden is not a happy place for them to play, but put the Blazers in first place, with a better record than them, this could be nasty. On the other hand, the Blazers might be able to bring some nasty of their own, with the added benefit of a distinctly engaged home crowd. Of course, well, there is just no one more fun to beat.
Somewhere Michael Jordan is smiling at Gerald Wallace Blazer highlights.
Lakers have got me worried for this game.
We have owned the lakers the past few years but who guards Bynum if Camby gets in foul trouble? No way McMillan plays Wallace against Gasol, atleast i hope not.
Ruben Boumtje-Boumtje, Vladimir Stepania, Ha(ha you suck) Seung Jin, Travis Diener and Erick Barkley
just a reminder from xavier about defensive intensity.
(sorry, wes, but my, what an image)
by williamswonder on Jan 4, 2012 10:22 PM PST reply actions 1 recs
We should win this. We got good defenders for Kobe. Bynum is good by Camby is well rested and will be energized by the crowd.
He can easily have a big game on the glass. LaMarcus has to have another monster games. Not like that 29 points through 3 quarters and then 0 in the 4th and overtime.
Jarret Jack
"What began as a credible protest against bank bailouts, crony capitalism and the like has, in large measure, been hijacked by crazies and criminals,"
by 92wastheyear on Jan 5, 2012 12:33 PM PST up reply actions
What happened to the asterisk?
It was stupid, but also playful.
blazers should win
i think we can handle bynum/pau/kobe as long as their supporting cast lives up to their unspectacular billing.
the Flakers seem like a diminished squad
Frankly I can’t see us losing even if our stars have an off night. The Flakers are just not very good. McBob? You must be kidding.
This is my signature. Do you like it?
by scaredcow on Jan 4, 2012 10:39 PM PST via mobile reply actions
The Lakers X-Factor
is Bynum with a side of Kobe. Can’t ever count Kobe out… But I am optimistic and anxious to see how this faster, meaner squad plays vs the Lakers.
The Blazers MIGHT be a better squad this year
but anyone can lose to anyone on any given night. We’re not so much better that we can have an off night and win unless the Lakers have a bigger off night I think.
we're a better squad this year than last
but yeah, still gotta show up to beat the Lakers
"If I had a dime for every basket I made today, you'd still suck!" - from the book 'John Dies @ the End'
I think all NBA players are up for the Lakers. It's the Cincinnati's of the NBA that
can sneak up on them.
This is the First game that counts
As an unapologetic Blazers fan, you all already know that I am not falling for some Clipper bandwagon hype (yes I know we lost) and it is well known that I think the okies 15 minutes of fame is over (you will never win anything with Perkins as your main offensive threat in the post). This is the first game against one of the teams that we are going to have to go through to win the championship this year.
I for one was hoping so bad that the fakers would be foolish enough to trade Gasol for bone-on-bone boy (Chrispaul) but David Stern decided that it was a bad basketball decision for the networks to downgrade the fakers. I am still hoping that they will trade Gasol and Bynum for Dwight Howard because that will make it possible for us to beat them in a 7 game series without Big Greg, as it is right now it would be very hard.
As far as the Odom thing goes, its addition by subtraction to me, the Kardashians are such a distraction that the team is better off without him. Not to mention he left his beautiful wife and family to be an extra on a d- minus list reality show!
It will be very interesting to watch this game which I think we will probably win at home.
But regardless of their early season troubles, this is still the team that we are going to have to go through to win the title this year, and in my humble opinion we are going to need the Legendary Greg Oden to do that
La Illaha Illallah Muhamadur Rasulallah
nah, we got this no problem, and for the rest of the season series..
our youth will win the day, in addition to our new additions bringing a fresh look to the Lakers squad.
A displaced Sonics fan that has somehow emerged as a Blazers fan (and loves it).
by anitachampionship on Jan 4, 2012 10:52 PM PST up reply actions
I just dont think that they are a real threat in the big picture, thats what I mean
Of course they all count, and I understand they are in our division
but my opinion is a t the end of the day, Denver is more of a threat because they have a legitimate post game to draw fouls with
La Illaha Illallah Muhamadur Rasulallah
OKC was in the WCF finals last year
Lakers were not
"If I had a dime for every basket I made today, you'd still suck!" - from the book 'John Dies @ the End'
which makes the L@kers all the more pissed off
LA with somethin’ to prove ? Could well be trouble.
Somewhere Michael Jordan is smiling at Gerald Wallace Blazer highlights.
or they could just be old with their hopes resting on an injury prone center to carry them
after giving away Odom for nothing. This is a game we should win. Plus OKC is a division rival, therefore that win is more important in the standings
"If I had a dime for every basket I made today, you'd still suck!" - from the book 'John Dies @ the End'
I understand all of your points about the okiezombies
I just dont believe that a team with perkins as your number 1 post threat is something you need to woorry about
the okiezombies 15 minutes is up
La Illaha Illallah Muhamadur Rasulallah
that's crazy, no offense
the Lakers thrived because of their size. Because they had a 6’ 10’’ SF next to two seven footers with a 6’6’’ shooting guard. It was relentless. Now they are a very vulnerable roster.
As far as OKC goes, they’ve looked like the best in the West outside of the Blazers this season. They won 2 playoff series last season while suffering from the exact issue you say makes them irrelevant. They will only get better as their best players are still in their early 20s. We can argue about rosters all day, but the recent results are contradictory to your claims, both last season and early this season.
"If I had a dime for every basket I made today, you'd still suck!" - from the book 'John Dies @ the End'
Hey we are both Blazer fans so I love you and respect your opinion
Being a NW guy I am probably a little biased against claybennett and his gang of cannibals
Lets enjoy this win as much as we enjoyed tuesday
La Illaha Illallah Muhamadur Rasulallah
by AbuFatimah on Jan 5, 2012 1:03 PM PST up reply actions 1 recs
haha
love you and respect your opinion as well Abu…amen to the last sentence
GO BLAZERS!!!!
"If I had a dime for every basket I made today, you'd still suck!" - from the book 'John Dies @ the End'
i think the L@kers experienced players are wearing
down and the younger ohes are not being consistent enough to matter (with the exception of Bynum). If the Blazers can rotate backcourt players to stay fresh to keep up with Kobe and if we can swap Camby and Aldridge at the 5 for Bynum, maybe get a few extra minutes for Craig Smith and Thomas, we got this! Wooooooooot! Beat the L*kers!
LET'S PLAY SOME DAMN DEFENSE!!!!!!!!!!
by Batum Shakalaka on Jan 4, 2012 10:45 PM PST via mobile reply actions
Tough game
Should be interesting though…especially with Bynum beasting.
Thank God!
No Crawford questions in the jersey form!
Phase 1: Collect underpants
Phase 2: ???
Phase 3: Profit!
if the blazers can defend well the lakers don't really have the speed to defend well in transition
bynum is the real deal this year. when you watch him you’ll see how he is using his strength and size to seize position and then set up his shots with a series of fakes and feints. very nice.
mike brown made an important adjustment the other night against the rockets by making a conscious effort to free kobe up so he can catch the ball in the triple threat position in two areas he likes: the post and the elbow.
gasol is operating almost exclusively from the high post this year.
artest has done a pretty good job of scoring from and passing out of the post. portland needs to either pack the paint or put a big body on him to keep him from hurting them.
lakers have been defending screen-roll very aggressively, with bynum and pau showing hard. This means that a wing defender will sprint into the paint to cover for one of the afforementioned bigs, leaving a man open for the corner 3.
last thing i can think of is that the lakers have a pretty poor transition attack, but will take transition 3s on the secondary break; so, they’re not programmed to grind things out, but they’ll take high percentage shots if the opportunity is there.
"I've hacked into your brain. You're throwing a party and no one's showing up."
Camby needs to stay out of foul trouble
if he does then I think we’ll be fine. And run as much as we can to make Bynum work getting back on D.
Down the road Nate needs to start watching the starters minutes more, especially LA’s. when that happens we’ll need our number 9, 10 and 11 type guys to step up. I hope they get a little run in some blowouts.
put a body on 'em
I think GForce will have a little something extra for bynumbskull,
who by the way should have been ejected from the league after what he has done to JJ, Beasley and G3. Would love to see what would happen if someone did that to kobaby.
"Per John Hollingers twitter - Over the final 12:45 of today's game, Brandon Roy's PER was 84.98" GM 4 vs Mavs
No love lost between LA and Gasol either
Or GW and Metta Whirled Peas.
And Barnes is a cheap chump.
Should be good!
Run Run Run Blazers. The L*kers won’t be able to keep up.
put a body on 'em
Matthews and Kobe had a good playoff series, as well
I don’t know if you could call it beef, though.
And lets not forget that Gasol is still having nightmares of a skinny Frenchman going all “Pardon moi, monsieur. Je viens de DUNKING IN ZE FACE!”
Phase 1: Collect underpants
Phase 2: ???
Phase 3: Profit!
by HailOden! on Jan 5, 2012 12:02 AM PST up reply actions 5 recs
I don't know French...
But that made me chuckle.
Rough translation
“Excuse me, I am to dunk the basket hoop into your brain.” I haven’t spoken French in a while, but that’ll do.
Other loose translation…
Gasol – Uh oh here comes Bat’em, or Baddum
Nicolas- (proceeds to dunk in Gasol’s funny looking face) You mad, bro?
Gasol whines that Batum cheated and is using cheat codes.
It takes a big man to admit when he's wrong. I am NOT a big man.
by SGT Lenny on Jan 5, 2012 1:17 AM PST up reply actions 1 recs
Both translations capture the idea pretty well
Phase 1: Collect underpants
Phase 2: ???
Phase 3: Profit!
It's a TNT game.
Therefore, we will show up.
In theory, theory and practice are the same. In practice they're not.
It's a THURSDAY
Therefore, we will show up.
It takes a big man to admit when he's wrong. I am NOT a big man.
it is the 2011-2012 SEASON
Therefore, we will show up
These are my principles. If you don't like them, I have others. -Groucho Marx
There are chalupas at stake
Therefore, we will show up.
Geriatric swagger!
by Respect_these_years on Jan 5, 2012 10:53 AM PST up reply actions 2 recs
It's a chance to humiliate Kobe!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Therefore, we will show up.
LET THE LAMONSTER ERA BEGIN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Masha Allah!
That is beautiful !
Whats up with the v-neck with all the man cleavage though?
La Illaha Illallah Muhamadur Rasulallah
I think he would actually do this
"What began as a credible protest against bank bailouts, crony capitalism and the like has, in large measure, been hijacked by crazies and criminals,"
by 92wastheyear on Jan 5, 2012 1:26 PM PST up reply actions 1 recs
the photoshop contests are one of my favorite things about deadspin
Tuesday Funbag is pretty solid as well
"If I had a dime for every basket I made today, you'd still suck!" - from the book 'John Dies @ the End'
Dang, can't find the image url
http://www.quickmeme.com/meme/78e4/
Phase 1: Collect underpants
Phase 2: ???
Phase 3: Profit!
my prediction
Regardless of the final score, The TNT gang will have nice things to say about the Blazers but will ultimately dismiss them as a real contender due to lack of front court depth.
Also, Blazers eke it out 97-96, huge game by Felton overcomes bad shooting by Crawford and LMA. Lakers will still be a tough out this spring.
by The Cactus Leaguer on Jan 5, 2012 12:08 AM PST via iPhone app reply actions 2 recs
Care to help a Minnesota fan?
I know this is WAAAAY off topic but I’ve got a quick question for any knowledgeable NBA fan.
I’m a Timberwolves fan. They desperately need a 2 (shooting guard) and have a glut at the 4 with Love, Beasley, and Derrick Williams. Beasley is our Travis Outlaw (on a bad night) only every game. However, Williams doesn’t find much run due to the fact that he’s 3rd man on the totem pole.
What are the odds that they can find a 2 THIS SEASON through a trade of some sort?
PS: Go Blazers! The era of Portland dominance over LA will officially start tonight! Such a fun team to watch and root for. Much love.
by LanceArmstrong_LIVESTRONG on Jan 5, 2012 12:29 AM PST reply actions
the Blazers will gladly trade you Wes Matthews for Kevin Love to solve your 'glut' at the PF spot.
Ruben Boumtje-Boumtje, Vladimir Stepania, Ha(ha you suck) Seung Jin, Travis Diener and Erick Barkley
make that nolan smith because kahn LOVES pg's
Ruben Boumtje-Boumtje, Vladimir Stepania, Ha(ha you suck) Seung Jin, Travis Diener and Erick Barkley
I'm thinking Armon and Babbitt
We’ve already been able to move them slightly your direction (to Idaho). They will be slightly more used to the snow.
Oh heck, let’s go ahead an throw a few 3rd round picks (we’ll tell Kahn he can get some great PG’s if he sticks around long enough to get to rd 3.)
It takes a big man to admit when he's wrong. I am NOT a big man.
you could always just wait till March
and take a run at JR Smith, probably be too late for your season but man would that be fun to watch JR Smith and Beasley on the same team, you should get DMC to complete the tri-fecta of headcases on your team
by Peteyhasnohead on Jan 5, 2012 2:14 AM PST up reply actions
Minnesota should move Michael Beasley to open up minutes for Derrick Williams. Seeing rosters ...
across the league, there’s no team in more need of a high-scoring combo forward like Beasley than the New Jersey Nets. Between the T’wolves and the Nets — along with maybe a third team — something is surely capable of being worked out.
"I Am Mine"
Beasleys stock is so so so low right now.
His biggest asset isn’t his speed. It’s his contract.
by LanceArmstrong_LIVESTRONG on Jan 5, 2012 9:55 AM PST up reply actions
The Timberwolves problem is they need to quit playing PFs out of position at SF
Derrick Williams is more ill-suited to be a PF than Beasley.
Beasley is one more team away from being in his perfect role: high-volume scoring PF off of the bench. Derrick Willams has the size and potential to be a starting PF.
One thing is certain, the T’wolves roster is grossly imbalanced and has been for years.
Why do you say Williams is ill-suited to be a PF then go on to say he has the size and potential to be a starting PF?
6’8" is hardly ‘sizeable’. He could be a small-ball PF like Wallace is occasionally but not a tall PF like LMA/Dirk/Gasol or a beefy PF like a Malone/Barkley…He is more suited at the SF as is Beasley.
#7
I'll give you elliot williams for derrick williams. that's a good trade.
Go to Heaven for the climate, Hell for the company.
Anything you get for Randolph and Beasley will probably suck
Maybe Memphis would take them on if Tony Allen completely implodes, but I don’t think they’ll do that after the Xavier Henry/Speights trade.
Signing Gil might be worth a shot (no pun intended).
Phase 1: Collect underpants
Phase 2: ???
Phase 3: Profit!
Give me the Lakers' hearts on a platter!!!!
BEAT LA!!! BEAT LA!!! BEAT LA!!!
Win this and I will forgive the Blazers of their loss to lottery bound Clippertown.
Proud to be a Republican.
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the clips are not lottery bound not with CP3 on their team
Im NOT buying anything more than a playoff appearance but they are atleast capable of making the playoffs.
Ruben Boumtje-Boumtje, Vladimir Stepania, Ha(ha you suck) Seung Jin, Travis Diener and Erick Barkley
I'd take the last few Blazers first round exits..
Over the Clips going 1 and done. Paul will not stick around after 12-13 season (he picked up his player option to finalize the trade).
Then LA goes right back to the lower half of the NBA with Griffin a few years older and probably a couple injuries due to the way he plays.
It takes a big man to admit when he's wrong. I am NOT a big man.
If Mo Williams opts out after this season, the Los Angeles Clippers will have cap space to add ...
another piece to go with its core of Jordan/Griffin/Paul. I’d say go make a run at Deron Williams, who might bolt New Jersey if it doesn’t land Dwight Howard in a trade this season. Even if Mo doesn’t opt out, he could maybe be packaged early next July with Eric Bledsoe to a team with cap space — such as post-Nash Phoenix — that’s in need of point guard depth. Because the Suns only have about $30 million tied up in salaries for the 2012-2013 season — as Nash and Grant Hill will be free agents — the Clippers may have them also absorb the last year of Ryan Gomes’ contract at the cost of picking up a young point guard in Bledsoe.
And yeah, Deron could play the 2 next to Chris Paul. In fact, I’d argue that Williams is far better suited to defend the 2 due to his size. Offensively, Williams can play off the ball at times; plus, he’s been an efficient long-range shooter in the past, although his numbers have dipped since having left Utah for New Jersey.
"I Am Mine"
You love trades where two point guards are on the same roster
First Nash and Kidd and then this. SMH
#7
It's feasible, but only with the right kind of point guards sharing the ball in the backcourt.
Looking at the Clips, I see no reason why Deron Williams can’t step into Chauncey Billups’ shoes without a hitch next season.
On the other hand, though, I’d never suggest pairing Steve Nash with Chris Paul. Nor would I think up with some absurd combo such as Derrick Rose and Rajon Rondo, who’d clash with each other.
It’s got to be the right mix of guys, with Williams and Paul filling that bill. Heck, it works well in Denver with guys like Andre Miller and Ty Lawson. If they can do it, so can Williams and Paul.
"I Am Mine"
I can't see Derron Williams and CP3 being ok with this either.
Well maybe CP3 but DW is a point guard…
He played like crap off the ball in Turkey
IN TURKEY!
Phase 1: Collect underpants
Phase 2: ???
Phase 3: Profit!
To add to that, I'd still love to see Nash in Dallas.
http://basketball.realgm.com/tradechecker/saved_trade/5969369
Dallas would also have to send Phoenix a conditional future first-round draft pick, as well as cash considerations.
"I Am Mine"
That idea is perfectly plausible
In a world where an all star point guard who considers himself the best pg in the NBA would be willing to no longer play pg.
dinasour type of guys choir boys
by mittsabishy on Jan 5, 2012 10:05 AM PST via mobile up reply actions
I realize the chance of it happening is slim to none, with none being the safe bet.
Still, the point remains Deron Williams could effectively play the 2 in the right situation.
"I Am Mine"
Well here's what I would do if I were the Knicks.
I would go after LeBron in a trade for Stoutemire. Then make LeBron play SG. He could effectively play the 2 in the right situation, and defend pretty much every SG in the league, but might lose some scoring since he’d have less lanes to go to the hole. So I think it’s a good idea. Even though the team would never do it, and the player would never do it.
dinasour type of guys choir boys
Actually it's only 17 key strokes
you counted ‘confidential to’
Most guys block shots with their fingertips. Wallace was blocking them with his armpit.
From an LA Times Preview
“Coach Mike Brown has no idea what awaits him Thursday at the Rose Garden, a misguided arena name if ever there was one for a Lakers opponent.”
Welcome back to Mordor, Lakers.
by ToplessBlazerDancer3000 on Jan 5, 2012 4:25 AM PST reply actions 8 recs
One thing that's interesting is it'll be Los Angeles playing slow-down basketball and the Blazers running.
The last time when the Blazers were a running team and the Lakers were a down-tempo team in a big-time head-to-head battle was Adelman v. Dunleavy, Sr. in the 1991 Western Conference Finals.
"I Am Mine"
we ran all over them selectively in recent history though
there was a game at the RG last year (2 years ago?) where we absolutely boat raced them with the run and gun
"If I had a dime for every basket I made today, you'd still suck!" - from the book 'John Dies @ the End'
We boatraced em in the Rudy game too
"What began as a credible protest against bank bailouts, crony capitalism and the like has, in large measure, been hijacked by crazies and criminals,"
by 92wastheyear on Jan 5, 2012 11:18 AM PST via mobile up reply actions
I think we were up by 30 when Ariza swatted Rudy out of the air
"What began as a credible protest against bank bailouts, crony capitalism and the like has, in large measure, been hijacked by crazies and criminals,"
by 92wastheyear on Jan 5, 2012 12:32 PM PST up reply actions
That was a fun read. Thanks.
We’re in Bynum’s head:
“I think their home crowd just gives them a lot of energy, man,” Bynum said. “They go out and they run up and down and they beat us in transition ever year. That’s our biggest weakness, transition defense. I think we do well with them when they come in here and we do poorly up there. We need to change it around.”
The Lakers are 2-9 in Portland since drafting Bynum in 2005.
“Tell me about it,” he said. “I don’t think I play that well [there]. I’m going in there and really going to be aggressive and try to get started early.”
Poor Bynum!
Doesn’t he realize that Portland is where injury-prone centers go to die.
by 52therim on Jan 5, 2012 9:58 AM PST via mobile up reply actions
I don't want him dead - just incapacitated!
LET THE LAMONSTER ERA BEGIN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I'd pay to see him decapitated
Figuratively speaking…
I read somewhere that only the coaches call him "Metta"
Even his teammates still call him Ron.
Phase 1: Collect underpants
Phase 2: ???
Phase 3: Profit!
Two big keys to have in mind in this game:
1st key) Watch Bynum.
2nd key) Remember the first key.
As long as our bigs work really hard to stop Drew, we have a pretty good chance to take the win. Gasol is a first-class PF, but Aldridge can D him up just fine, while Pau will struggle far more when defending LMA (asumming he’ll have a good game).
As for Kobe… Last game against Houston he was enormous, but he’s been shooting really poorly so far in the season. If Wes can frustrate him a bit, maybe he’ll lose his focus and start hurting his team’s systems… And we also have Nico and Crash to throw some more defensive toughness on the so-called Mamba.
Can’t wait! Whatever happens, such a great game to watch…
Go, Rip City!
Remember the 1st key
more to the point if we are getting the best of Bynum—Watch the elbows. Gerald Wallace in particular.
I really think if Bynum does his elbow thing again, he will be suspended for a long, long period.
hg
Anybody else worried that the Fakers are gonna mail it in again like they always do up until about 3 months before the playoffs start?
"Coach, we got this. We got this." - Frank Gore
REST IN PEACE MAURICE LUCAS 1952-2010 R.I.P #20
"They responded like mighty men." - Jim Harbaugh
by rise_stand_resist on Jan 5, 2012 8:46 AM PST reply actions
if it means we win tonight, then no
"If I had a dime for every basket I made today, you'd still suck!" - from the book 'John Dies @ the End'
Yes, I'm worried
I really hope they try hard all year?
dinasour type of guys choir boys
by mittsabishy on Jan 5, 2012 10:06 AM PST via mobile up reply actions
My concern is they'll mail it in, we'll kill 'em, and then the drum thump comes up:
“Well, the Lakers aren’t concerned about this game because the important games are the playoffs and yada yada”.
Basically dismiss the Blazers as just a practice squad.
"Coach, we got this. We got this." - Frank Gore
REST IN PEACE MAURICE LUCAS 1952-2010 R.I.P #20
"They responded like mighty men." - Jim Harbaugh
by rise_stand_resist on Jan 5, 2012 10:09 AM PST up reply actions
*just swept lol not in the first round
though that would be great and make me feel better about our last few first round exits
What's going to happen?
Blazers on D:
I sense a lot of 2-3 zone to keep the ball out of Bynum’s hands and keep the Camby from having to work so hard, although he’ll still be using his fouls liberally. I suspect we’ll see the Rhino assigned to box out on Bynum so that Camby and LMA can’t scoop the rebounds that don’t go in his direction; and if he does to the O-board, be able to foul quickly.
On offense, we should see a lot of Camby rolling to the hole from above the free-throw line. He’ll be there a lot to force Bynum outside, and when he reluctantly lumbers to match up on Camby, the’ll try to move Camby to the hole and try to pick up a bunch of loose fouls. I’d recommend sending Crash and Felton to the cup a bunch in the first quarter as well, even if Bynum blocks a ton of them.
If the Blazers get to any sort of lead; we’ll see Kurt Thomas come in and try to get under Bynum’s skin and try to remove him from the game mentally.
M, period. Fresh, comma.
The Lakers could easily bust a 2-3 zone by shooting over the top of it.
A match-up zone might be implemented. It’d be used sparingly, though.
"I Am Mine"
apparently
their distance shooting has stunk. so basically it’s a gamble that they’ll miss enough
M, period. Fresh, comma.
Streaky, weakminded shooters who are, aside from Matt Barnes and McBob (who's injured) defensive liabilities
Phase 1: Collect underpants
Phase 2: ???
Phase 3: Profit!
If someone on defense is a "defender"
Why isn’t someone on offense called an “offender”?
I know less than half of you half as well as I should like, and I like less than half of you half as well as you deserve.
The proper term is "offencinator"
Or “offencitist”.
dinasour type of guys choir boys
by mittsabishy on Jan 5, 2012 10:08 AM PST via mobile up reply actions
Introducing....
The OFFENCINATOR! My latest invention to dominate the tri-state area!
Bwahahahaaaaa!!!
Brandon Roy is The Man Your Man Could Smell Like
by Rogue Blazer on Jan 5, 2012 11:31 AM PST up reply actions
A few years back many of the Blazers were called "offenders".
That was usually off the court though.
Who's that tromping across my bedge?
Make sure and be nice to the Lakers fan sitting next to you
Because this is the last time you’ll see them before they become Clippers fans.
by 52therim on Jan 5, 2012 9:48 AM PST via mobile reply actions 8 recs
That was a low blow
no self respecting fakers fan could ever cheer for the clippers
clippers?
that is as low as it gets
La Illaha Illallah Muhamadur Rasulallah
self respecting fakers fan???
no self respecting fakers fan could ever cheer for the clippers
You mean there is such a critter???
:-)
LET THE LAMONSTER ERA BEGIN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
by LaMarvelous on Jan 5, 2012 12:46 PM PST up reply actions 1 recs
No
I am just saying that a fakers fan cheering for the clippers is like trading filet mignon for dog food
La Illaha Illallah Muhamadur Rasulallah
I don't know...
I always want to beat The Lakers. For me? The chance is always a big game. But I’m not sure.
“Portland’s home emotion versus L.A.‘s experience. Portland’s team commitment versus L.A.’s star power.”-Dave
I’m just not sure it’s going to break down like that. Because while Portland obviously does have a great homecourt, Kobe and The Lakers have shown that in the past they thrive on the “negative” energy of our homecourt almost as much as The Blazers from the positive.
And I think the reverse could almost become true. So far this season, Kobes considerable star seems to be in decline, while Aldridges is emerging. This game could be about star power….The Blazers with Aldridge.
Plus LA’s experience? What I saw from LA last year in the playoffs was almost disgusting. For a team that has had as much fantastic success, there performance against Dallas IMO deteriated to a inmature, spoiled tantrum. So my point? I’m not so sure I credit The Lakers as being the more experienced and wise team in this match up. Infact? I would give the experience edge to Portland. Camby, Thomas, Crawford, include Aldridge, I think Portland is the more mature, experienced team.
But ultimately? I admit, evaluation goes out the window. As a fan it comes down to gut emotion. I’m old school, but there is no team I enjoy beating more than The Lakers. I don’t care how it breaks down..I just want to beat them.
"Mother Nature started this fight, I think it's about time we ended it!"
I am confused by this comment
I’m just not sure it’s going to break down like that. Because while Portland obviously does have a great homecourt, Kobe and The Lakers have shown that in the past they thrive on the "negative" energy of our homecourt almost as much as The Blazers from the positive.
The Lakers have won here in the Garden only once or twice is the last 7 years or so
"What began as a credible protest against bank bailouts, crony capitalism and the like has, in large measure, been hijacked by crazies and criminals,"
by 92wastheyear on Jan 5, 2012 10:47 AM PST up reply actions
Cmon Dave.
Show some lovingkindness. Dude wants to make a change and be called Metta, how hard is it to call him Metta?
by Mackal on Jan 5, 2012 10:08 AM PST reply actions 4 recs
maybe Dave thinks he has to prove it
= last month I was sluggin fools who got my goat…Now I’m Happy and nice and everything’s peaceful and good!
It’s like an alcoholic of 20 years going to AA for a few months then changing his name to Drink Water Only
by blazerblaze on Jan 5, 2012 10:57 AM PST up reply actions 1 recs
Not a good analogy
Malice in the Palace happened over 7 years ago. He’s done a lot of positive things since then, and won the NBA Citizenship Award last year. Besides, he wants to be called something else— can’t we respect that?
btw – not a Laker fan, but I respect Metta for working on himself and being a mental health advocate. People can change.
true, have to respect that
and I will. Like anyone else, I’m an advocate of positive change and self improvement.
but if we see him get violent on someone this year on the court isn’t the name on the jersey hypocritical?
Best to Metta and all = hope he can hold it down
haha forgot the quote:
Portland’s had plenty of talent over the years, and this year is no different, but this year, I think Portland has another big thing going for them.
They know who they are. They know what kind of team they will be. They don’t have to worry about re-incorporating a star player that is having to learn how to deal with newfound limitations on the fly. They don’t have to worry about bringing along a center prospect that changes the entire way the team plays. They don’t have to prepare for multiple styles. They run through Aldridge at all times, with a strong, athletic host of perimeter players to surround him with. They have a specific identity, and they have 100% confidence that their identity will not change. They are finally comfortable, despite the tragedy encompassed within that comfort. And it makes them very, very dangerous.
by Z-Bones on Jan 5, 2012 10:58 AM PST up reply actions 4 recs
This season's been a little different for me.
I’m excited, but game-by-game, I worry less.
Tonight, though… this is the Lakers. I want this one badly.
me too
"If I had a dime for every basket I made today, you'd still suck!" - from the book 'John Dies @ the End'
A chance to keep the lead over the WC and send the Lakers back to .500?
on national TV and in the Rose Garden? If the Blazers don’t show up for this one I won’t know what to say.
LMA needs to make his allstar bid official tonight if he wants a chance.
by poorwebguy on Jan 5, 2012 11:24 AM PST reply actions 8 recs
All of your points are excellent ones!!!!!!! rec
LET THE LAMONSTER ERA BEGIN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Paul Westphal just got the ax
WojYahooNBA Adrian Wojnarowski
Paul Westphal is out as Kings coach.
by poorwebguy on Jan 5, 2012 11:37 AM PST reply actions 2 recs
We need the same refs as the OKC game tonight
If they call this game like that one, it may even out inside. Bynum and Gasol are a brutal 1-2 punch with World Peace in the mix too.
I like our bench to put Blazers over the top tonight.
Hmm . . Kind of a strange officiating crew tonight
Monty McCutcheon, Kane Fitzgerald & Josh Tiven. McCutcheon’s been around long enough to have fans from both teams thinking he hates them. Fitzgerald and Tiven, however, are still wet behind the ears — it’s only Fitzgerald’s 2nd year (and he’s the youngest ref in the NBA) and Tiven is a rookie.
In other words, expect mistakes
LET THE LAMONSTER ERA BEGIN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Super excited about tonights game!
Hope we destroy the Lakers, especially at home! Im telling you all right now, January is by far the easiest month in our schedule and we are gonna have a real good record by the end of this month!
Also saw news post that said Kobe is taking pain killer shots in his shooting wrist before every game!
by cavejunctionblazer on Jan 5, 2012 12:19 PM PST reply actions
I hope we run Bynum and Gasol into the ground
Make them work every minute they’re on the court.
Damn. You guys really hate the Lakers. I respect your team but get ready for your biggest challenge yet. Can’t wait!
California OWNS ALL
by California Girly Girl on Jan 5, 2012 12:46 PM PST up reply actions
bring it
"If I had a dime for every basket I made today, you'd still suck!" - from the book 'John Dies @ the End'
Yeah I expect a good game for sure
Tiring Bynum and Gasol out would just be good strategy for us. Bynum gives your team a decisive size advantage. Got to see how well they do running the floor.
Yes! Yes we do really hate the Lakers!!!!
But nobody in thier right mind is expecting a lame game.
It is always a wild night when the Kobe Krew come to town.
LET THE LAMONSTER ERA BEGIN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
LA was already our biggest challenge
Rootin’ for the wrong LA team, aren’t ya Girly?
Phase 1: Collect underpants
Phase 2: ???
Phase 3: Profit!
Since I'm living
in Orange County, I’ll enjoy going somewhere tonight and notice how quiet everyone will be after the game!
Looking forward to a good game tonight!
"If you have a debate with a scholar, you can win. If you have a debate with an ignorant person, you will definitely lose."
Lamar Odom - "Half Swiss-Army knife, half Pez-dispenser" Meriones
What happened to our underdog status?
I was hoping it was too early in the season for us to officially lose it? We beat two decent teams that count us out and suddenly we can’t fly under the radar anymore? Life is so unfair!
Looking for Gerald "the superhero" Wallace
to come out the gates like a man on fire. We all know that playing to win isn’t an issue for the predetor, cause “that s*#@+ is easy”.
WoOoOoOoOoOot WoOoOoOoOooot………. Go Blazers
Hot sauce in my bag.
It's not as good as the recent Baron Davis typo, but this made me smile
Mathews says it’s like a chest match when going up against Kobe because he thinks the game so well and always tries to counter what the opponent is doing.
http://www.csnnw.com/pages/landingblazers?McMillan-plans-to-make-Kobe-work=1&blockID=625516&feedID=5212
(By the way, Chris Haynes gets some good quotes and is worth following on Twitter.)
Sorry LaMarcus, i only say this on Laker days .
BEAT LA !!! BEAT LA !! BEAT LA !! BEAT LA !!
LaMarcus knows the difference.
Go Blazers !!!!
just win baby !
We caught a glimpse the other night versus Perkins
…but we the full-on Evil LaMarcus to make an appearance tonight
"What began as a credible protest against bank bailouts, crony capitalism and the like has, in large measure, been hijacked by crazies and criminals,"
When I first glanced at this, I thought it was Juwan Howard.
"Jumper-free throw-free throw-alley oop-jumper-post move-oh please stop hurting us LaMarcus!" -Dave 2/14/11
5-1
this is going to be a really fun game to watch.
Double Kobe. Foul the crap out of Bynum. Profit.
"You know, when you are in the game, you hear 20,000 people behind you, you don't feel anything."
- Nicolas Batum on playing through his shoulder injury during the 2010 playoffs.
It's not a good game
til someone clotheslines Kobe
Phase 1: Collect underpants
Phase 2: ???
Phase 3: Profit!
by HailOden! on Jan 5, 2012 5:48 PM PST up reply actions 1 recs
Go Blazers!
Been cropped up with a bad back, still gonna stagger in Frankenstein-style to the Rose Garden!
Campaigning to remove "Free-throw Guy" from the Rose Garden.
Gozer, the Traveler
Gozer, the Destructor
Gozer, the Gozarian
Wait for a sign from Gozer the Traveler; he will come in one of the pre-chosen forms.
During the rectification of the Vuldronaii, the Traveler came as a large and moving Torb.
Then, during the third reconciliation of the last of the Meketrex Supplicants, they chose a new form for him — that of a Giant Sloar!
Many Shubs and Zuuls knew what it was to be roasted in the depths of the Sloar that day I can tell you!
Who's that tromping across my bedge?
by Troll Blazer on Jan 5, 2012 2:48 PM PST up reply actions 6 recs
Brilliant
I know less than half of you half as well as I should like, and I like less than half of you half as well as you deserve.
anyone else getting an error
When submitting to the jersey contest? I get an error saying " Fatal error: Cannot break/continue 1 level in /home/reaxion/public_html/blazersedge/gameform.php on line 22." Tried it from different comp and my phone and got the same thing
wish we had
The vanilla gorilla pre injury to get in bynums head, in fact can’t we just cut armon right now bring back pryz for five extremely hard almost flagrant fouls on Bynum and his sixth on giving Kobe a bow to the face as he tries to get through a Gorilla screen? I’ll be there tonight goin crazy sec. 329, whose comin with me? Were goin streaking through the quad afterwards
by trax639 on Jan 5, 2012 3:13 PM PST via mobile reply actions
i miss the days when lakers was an unpermissible swear word around these parts
:(
Oderint Dum Metuant
Bad Knees Bynum
usually has some strong games to start the season but as time goes by he fizzles. His head is not in the game for long, his conditioning is suspect, and injuries plague him. I expect Camby will teach him some new moves tonight, maybe the Rhino will bang on him for 10 minutes or so.
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