The Evil Empire Revisited: Lakers General thread

[TroyOLeary]

Does "top 14 protected" mean that Phoenix is protected or that the Lakers are protected?  IMHO ESPN is just wrong.  The usual meaning, when a "protected" pick is traded, is that the team trading the pick keeps it if the protections kick in.  

 
The Lakers are top 14 protected, but that protection only applies to the Cavaliers swap.
 
If the Lakers are outside the top 14 the Cavaliers have the right to swap one of their three first round picks with the Lakers.  If the Lakers are in the top 14 the Cavs can't swap with them.
 
But the Lakers owe Phoenix a pick regardless, and what they owe them is unprotected.  So either the swap happens and the Lakers end up giving Phoenix Miami's pick, or the swap doesn't happen, in which case they will have to give Phoenix their own top 14 pick.
 
Realgm tends to be the best place for draft pick information: http://basketball.realgm.com/nba/draft/future_drafts/detailed

 

[Brickowski]

The Lakers are top 14 protected, but that protection only applies to the Cavaliers swap.
 
If the Lakers are outside the top 14 the Cavaliers have the right to swap one of their three first round picks with the Lakers.  If the Lakers are in the top 14 the Cavs can't swap with them.
 
But the Lakers owe Phoenix a pick regardless, and what they owe them is unprotected.  So either the swap happens and the Lakers end up giving Phoenix Miami's pick, or the swap doesn't happen, in which case they will have to give Phoenix their own top 14 pick.
 
Realgm tends to be the best place for draft pick information: http://basketball.realgm.com/nba/draft/future_drafts/detailed

Thanks.  So if I read this correctly, Phoenix is in a curious position.  If the Lakers miss the playoffs, Phoenix gets a lotto pick.  If the Lakers make the playoffs, Phoenix gets Miami's pick, likely to be number 29 or 30 (since the Cavs will surely swap that pick for the Laker pick, which will be in the teens or low 20s).

 

[DeJesus Built My Hotrod]

Apparently Howard, who to the naked eye played lazily last night, is vowing to get revenge on David Lee for an elbow to the mouth last night that resulted in a bloody lip and some stitches.   We'll see in a few weeks when the Warriors visit LA but this guy ought to be more concerned with the hit his team took in the playoff standings versus a little split lip.   

 

[johnmd20]

Apparently Howard, who to the naked eye played lazily last night, is vowing to get revenge on David Lee for an elbow to the mouth last night that resulted in a bloody lip and some stitches.   We'll see in a few weeks when the Warriors visit LA but this guy ought to be more concerned with the hit his team took in the playoff standings versus a little split lip.   

 
Man, he really is very hard to like. What a whiny baby.

 

[DannyDarwinism]

And now Metta has a lateral meniscus tear.  They're going to miss his toughness, if they even get into the playoffs.  FWIW, he has the best on court/off court net on that team, with a sizable lead over Howard.

 

[Blacken]

@KevinDing: Nash is out for the rest of the game, per Lakers PR. Right hamstring strain.
 
Womp wommmmmmp.

 

[scottyno]

The kings last 3 shots in a tight game vs the lakers were demarcus cousins 3 pointers.  The first he was fouled and it wasn't called, but still, that's just great coaching/on court play.

 

[radsoxfan]

The kings last 3 shots in a tight game vs the lakers were demarcus cousins 3 pointers.  The first he was fouled and it wasn't called, but still, that's just great coaching/on court play.

 
The first of the threes was actually after a pump fake trying to draw the foul, and his foot was on the line so it was a 2 anyway.  I disagree he was fouled... he clumsily tried to get Howard in the air, but Howard easily blocked his shot.  Cousins then miraculously got the ball back, and immediately threw up a 30 footer with 10 seconds left on the clock.  He then proceeded to pout the rest of the game, only stopping for a couple seconds to throw up one more desperation 3 after the Lakers hit 2 free throws.
 
Cousins loafed his way through almost the entire game to be honest, and went long stretches literally walking up the court on both offense and defense. He never once even tried to block out Howard, and he had some of the dumbest turnovers I have ever seen watching NBA basketball. At one point I thought he might be worth the risk in a trade, but I've changed my mind.  Get him as far away from the Celtics as humanly possible.  
 
KG wouldn't help him, he would murder him.

 

[swingin val]

That was most certainly a foul on Howard. That call is made at least 9 times out of 10. Maybe they just missed it, or maybe they just wanted to let them play, but that is a pretty easy call to make.

(null)

 

[radsoxfan]

That was most certainly a foul on Howard. That call is made at least 9 times out of 10. Maybe they just missed it, or maybe they just wanted to let them play, but that is a pretty easy call to make.

(null)

 
Don't think so. Howard barely left his feet, Cousins jumped directly into him (not straight up), and Howard easily blocked the ball.  It was a ridiculous Cousins took the shot, and even more ridiculous he was complaining about a no call.

 

[swingin val]

Don't think so. Howard barely left his feet, Cousins jumped directly into him (not straight up), and Howard easily blocked the ball.  It was a ridiculous Cousins took the shot, and even more ridiculous he was complaining about a no call.

I dont know dude. Howard clearly didnt just barely leave his feet. He did block the shot but that was after a whole bunch of body contact.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oAx4c6aszkk

 

[radsoxfan]

I dont know dude. Howard clearly didnt just barely leave his feet. He did block the shot but that was after a whole bunch of body contact.

 
Perhaps I'm biased by what a lazy crybaby Cousins was all game (and maybe the ref was too).  But I still think Cousins leaned into Howard to draw the foul as much as Howard caused any body contact.  And the block up top was clearly all ball. Funny that Cousins actually stepped on the line, so it wouldn't have been 3 FT anyway.
 
Thats a foul sometimes when Lebron/Kobe do it.  But I don't expect the NBA to be issuing any apologies.  

 

[JohnnyK]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YZatX_6i5WY
 
I am sure there is some cherry-picking involved, but this is a pretty awesome video nonetheless.

 

[Ed Hillel]

I could go either way on that Cousins call, but the one before with Kobe missing by a mile, jumping up and down, and then getting the call, was hysterical.

 

[DannyDarwinism]

That should be a foul on Howard.  He left his feet and went up slightly towards Cousins, rather than vertically.  He tried to twist his body to as not to contact the shooter, but Cousins smartly jumped into him.  Anyone who has watched Paul Pierce over the years should appreciate that move.  Its a call that most shooters get, but that's not Cousins's game.  Dwight was pretty dumb to leave his feet there for a career 19% 3 point shooter.
 
Watching the foul on Kobe is surreal.  I feel like I must be missing something.  He shakes the shit out of Salmons, who jumps back so hard he can't even get close to contest the shot and has to make a half-assed desperation swipe that doesn't come within two feet, Kobe proceeds to watch it brick horribly, then he jumps up and down like he was stabbed.  And then the whistle blows, nearly three seconds after the shot left his hand.  It's hard to watch that in a sport I stupidly remain emotionally invested in.

 

[radsoxfan]

Looking at the replay again, I think it probably could have gone either way.  Watching live, I think my opinion was swayed by just how absurdly stupid it was for Cousins to even think about shooting a 3 there.  It was made even funnier by the fact that Cousin's foot was over the line, so he wouldn't have gotten 3 FT anyway.
 
I agree Pierce, Lebron, Kobe, et al. usually get that call.  I also think its called far too often in general when the contact is created almost entirely by the offensive player jumping into the defender (even if the defender doesn't go perfectly straight up).
 
The Kobe highlight I thought was absurd real time, and even moreso on replay.  That was ridiculous.

 

[JohnnyTheBone]

I could go either way on that Cousins call, but the one before with Kobe missing by a mile, jumping up and down, and then getting the call, was hysterical.

 
Is it really funny, though?  The league has become a joke, and it saddens me as a longtime basketball fan.  I can't even take the games seriously. 
 
That is an excellent compilation of bogus and shady refereeing that is part of a league-ordained push to get the Lakers into the playoffs.  The preferential treatment of Kobe and Co. has been going on for his entire career.  Tim Donaghy has long asserted that the the league essentially mandates that, if the officials can help the Lakers win, then that is a good thing for the league.
 
http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=3436401
 
The story is old, but no less true.  What's happening with Lebron is a continuation of the same.  If you are used to receiving preferential treatment, you feel bulletproof on the court.  That's how Kobe can grin and say "They ain't gonna call that shit!" in the video posted above.  It's how Lebron has the audacity to question the officiating despite the fact that he plays some of the most physical defense in the NBA, yet is called for an average of less than two fouls a game.
 
The 2010 NBA Finals, where the Lakers enjoyed a 37-17 free throw advantage despite the points in the paint being virtual equal, was the final straw.  I still watch the Celtics because I admire KG, Paul, Doc, and most of the other players.  It's a likable team, and a great organization.  Unfortunately, I watch their games with essentially the same suspension of disbelief as I do professional wrestling.
 
R.I.P. NBA.  It was fun while it lasted.

 

[crystalline]

Wow I watched that video and was searching for the foul on the block out -- incredible that was called on Salmons. 
 
JTB: I completely agree, I still enjoy the games and the athletic feats, I just don't get invested in the outcome - it's entertainment like the WWF.
 
I don't feel that much hate for Kobe and the Heat.   But I'm annoyed because superstar treatment means that "team teams" get penalized - it's almost impossible for a great defensive team to win in today's NBA.  Not like the Celtics are a top 3 defensive team any more, but they were in 2010 and 2011.  Watching those teams go down because their style of defense was penalized was frustrating.  Another way to say this: in a league where superstars are favored, if your team doesn't have any superstars it gets discriminated against by default. 
 
About the Howard call - I'm not sure that Pierce gets (used to get) that call more than 50% of the time.  Cousins really jumped forward into him.  If the shooter mostly goes straight up it's usually called, yes, but Cousins didn't make it look plausible.  Maybe we can agree it was a tossup - could have gone either way.

 

[bbc23]

Fun stat of the day, D12 has missed more free throws this year than Nash has in his entire 17 year career

 

[ishmael]

Clippers pretty much blowing out the Lakers right now, but refs doing everything they can to keep the game close. Touch fouls on Kobe and then bogus three point shooting fouls (where he both jumps into the defender and steps on the line).

 

[ishmael]

4 rebounds in 37 mins so far for Howard.

No box out on Griffin who closes this one out with a ridiculous put back dunk and a wide open three pointer!
 
http://www.nba.com/socialvideo/index.html?s=106341

 

[JohnnyTheBone]

No box out on Griffin who closes this one out with a ridiculous put back dunk and a wide open three pointer!
 
http://www.nba.com/socialvideo/index.html?s=106341

why would howard expend effort?  he knows the league will get the lakers in, regardless.

 

[ElUno20]

Have you seen Utah play? The lakers are terrible but they're not Utah bad

 

[swingin val]

No box out on Griffin who closes this one out with a ridiculous put back dunk and a wide open three pointer!
 
http://www.nba.com/socialvideo/index.html?s=106341

That doesnt look like Howard's responsibility there

 

[Al Zarilla]

Have you seen Utah play? The lakers are terrible but they're not Utah bad

Utah beat the Warriors in Oakland just now, and the Lakers slip to 9th in the western conference.
 
Utah's won 7 of 8 too.

 

[deconstruction]

Utah beats GS. Lakers are now 0.5 game back and Utah holds the tiebreaker. Better get to work, David.

 
Not sure he can do anyth...oh...yeah...of course he can. But, seriously, it'll be a hard road:
 
NO
@ Portland
GS
SA
Houston
 
while Utah:
OKC
Minnesota
@Minnesota
@Memphis
 
Utah holds the tiebreaker, and I can't see the Lakers doing better than 3–2 to finish up (as those three playoff teams' seeds are still uncertain, but by the last two games, Spurs and Rockets might be set), which would mean the Jazz have to go 1–3 with two against the T-Wolves.

 

[ElUno20]

As much as I want the lakers to miss the playoffs so I can hear the LA media trash them all summer (same media that was sure they'd dominate the league), I think it be better if they got in and won a game or two.

The lakers front office has a disconnect with reality. They have consistently shown no understanding of what it takes to win in the current NBA. See acquiring Dwight Howard in a league where centers don't mean shit anymore (did Mitch opt for a state of the art tape deck the last time he was at a dealership too?). So I think missing the playoffs might actually wake them up. I'd much rather the disillusion continue for the final years of Kobes career

 

[DreamShake]

When the Lakers signed Howard, the NBA thought they had a money in the bank finals match up between Miami and LA.
 
Unfortunately for the league, the Lakers fucked it up by not being a top contender, and the best the league can do is aid them into the playoffs.

 

[Grin&MartyBarret]

Not sure he can do anyth...oh...yeah...of course he can. But, seriously, it'll be a hard road:
 
NO
@ Portland
GS
SA
Houston
 
while Utah:
OKC
Minnesota
@Minnesota
@Memphis
 
Utah holds the tiebreaker, and I can't see the Lakers doing better than 3–2 to finish up (as those three playoff teams' seeds are still uncertain, but by the last two games, Spurs and Rockets might be set), which would mean the Jazz have to go 1–3 with two against the T-Wolves.

 
It will be really interesting to see what sort of squads SA/Memphis/Houston have on the floor for the last couple of nights of the season. In Houston's case, the West is tight enough that the regular season finale could have seeding implications, while Memphis is locked into the 5 seed. It's very possible that Utah's last 3 includes 2 with Minnesota and a finale against the Memphis bench.

 

[swingin val]

As much as I want the lakers to miss the playoffs so I can hear the LA media trash them all summer (same media that was sure they'd dominate the league), I think it be better if they got in and won a game or two.

The lakers front office has a disconnect with reality. They have consistently shown no understanding of what it takes to win in the current NBA. See acquiring Dwight Howard in a league where centers don't mean shit anymore (did Mitch opt for a state of the art tape deck the last time he was at a dealership too?). So I think missing the playoffs might actually wake them up. I'd much rather the disillusion continue for the final years of Kobes career

Centers don't mean shit when you have Lebron or Durant. Otherwise, getting a center like Howard is a fantastic move. Him being hurt, and Gasol sucking, and Nash being old, the entire team playing terrible defense, and Kobe not meshing with the new guys,  is the reason they are struggling.
 
It;s not about centers or guards or forwards.

 

[jose melendez]

I dont know dude. Howard clearly didnt just barely leave his feet. He did block the shot but that was after a whole bunch of body contact.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oAx4c6aszkk

Holy shit.  I just saw this.  That's literally the worst refereeing I've ever seen.  Like horrendous.

 

[DreamShake]

I dont know dude. Howard clearly didnt just barely leave his feet. He did block the shot but that was after a whole bunch of body contact.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oAx4c6aszkk

 
Whoever calls the Lakers games needs to get that dick out of their mouths. I know it is local coverage but damn!
 
I think the ref might have been surprised by the fact that COUSINS took the three, other than that it's a clearly horrendous call that needs to be made in that situation, no excuses.

 

[Brickowski]

As much as I want the lakers to miss the playoffs so I can hear the LA media trash them all summer (same media that was sure they'd dominate the league), I think it be better if they got in and won a game or two.

The lakers front office has a disconnect with reality. They have consistently shown no understanding of what it takes to win in the current NBA. See acquiring Dwight Howard in a league where centers don't mean shit anymore (did Mitch opt for a state of the art tape deck the last time he was at a dealership too?). So I think missing the playoffs might actually wake them up. I'd much rather the disillusion continue for the final years of Kobes career

I want them to make the playoffs because if they miss, Stern will find a way to get them a top three pick, whether it's via an envelope in the freezer or by other means.
Let them be bantha fodder for the Spurs or the Thunder. 

 

[Grin&MartyBarret]

I want them to make the playoffs because if they miss, Stern will find a way to get them a top three pick, whether it's via an envelope in the freezer or by other means.
Let them be bantha fodder for the Spurs or the Thunder. 

 
If the Lakers ended up with a top 3 pick, it would go to Phoenix. It's ridiculously confusing because there are 3 teams involved, but the Lakers do not get a first round pick this year.
 
In the Sessions trade last year, the Lakers gave the Cavs the right to swap picks on a protected basis. That means if the Lakers pick ends up in the 15-30 range, the Cavs can swap it with whichever of their 3 existing picks (protected #1 from Kings for Hickson, their own #1, and the Heat's pick from LeBron sign and trade) is the worst. Obviously, the Heat picks is the worst of the 3. So if the Lakers pick ends up in the 15-30 range (and right now it'd be 15 based on standings) the Cavs will get to swap it out in exchange for the Heat's first round pick, and that pick would then go to Phoenix to complete the Nash trade. Either way, the Lakers don't have a pick this year. 

 

[Brickowski]

Ah yes, I keep forgetting that Phoenix owns their pick if it's a lotto pick.  So I guess I don't care if the Lakers get the 8th seed or not.

 

[swingin val]

For the umpteenth time their pick goes to the Suns. See footnote.
 
http://espn.go.com/nba/hollinger/playoffodds
 
Or read this
 
http://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nba/2013/03/19/luis-scola-suns-rout-lakers-without-kobe-bryant/1998477/

 

[NYCSox]

Blazers without Matthews, Batum and probably Hickson tonight. Just fucking great.  :barf:

 

[bbc23]

And the Jazz get to play possibly the most injury plagued team in the league twice in a row, I see no problems with how the scheduling turned out.  Lillard will still probably kill us and I will guarantee it will be a close game because the Lakers historically have underwhelmed in Portland.  

 

[bbc23]

Kobe put up an absolute monster line tonight: 47 points, 8 boards, 5 assists, 4 blocks, 3 steals
Pau is starting to look like the "Black Swan" version of a few years ago with a 23 point, 9 assist effort

 

[ElUno20]

So the last two games the lakers play the league's cellar dwellers and squeak out wins...it'll be fun to listen to the clowns in the la media plan the parade again.

 

[ElUno20]

Pau is starting to look like the "Black Swan" version of a few years ago with a 23 point, 9 assist effort

Against one of the worst defensive PFs in the game.

 

[Curtis Pride]

Kobe, Pau, and Dwight combined for 90 points against the Blazers (80% of the team's scoring). They, along with Steve Blake, played 38-39 minutes each, with Kobe playing all 48.  Only 3 bench players got any playing time.  They played a rookie-laden team playing out the string, and won by only 7.  One mitigating factor is that they were also playing without Steve Nash, although I wonder how much difference it made.  
 
In the previous game against the Hornets, their numbers were quite similar: the star trio combined for 71 points (68%), and slightly less playing time. Kobe played "only" 41 minutes, and Howard played 33, but had five fouls. Only 3 bench players played against another lottery team playing out the string, and won by 8.
 
They seem to be playing like a team fighting for a playoff spot, and have decided to junk D'Antoni's system for the triangle.  When Kobe and Pau are racking up the assists instead of the PG, it seems like they're playing the triangle.
 
I'll be okay with them suffering an ignominious sweep in the first round, followed by a maelstrom of petty cat fights.

 

[DreamShake]

Ugh Magic was on ESPN last night claiming that the Lakers would beat the Spurs in a playoff series if they met. Magic claimed that the Spurs "don't have the size to contend with the Lakers in the post." Magic apparently forgot that the Spurs had one of the best post defenders ever playing for them. He also indicated that the Spurs were not quick or athletic enough to give the Lakers trouble like other teams, despite Steve Nash having a better chance of strapping down Tony Parker and giving him a clean shave then he does of stopping him getting into the paint.
 
I don't particularly dislike Magic as a analyst, but I do think he should be barred from talking about the Lakers.

 

[Gunfighter 09]

  Magic apparently forgot that the Spurs had one of the best post defenders ever playing for them.  

 
 
That is a bit like saying the Lakers have one of the best PGs ever playing for them. 
 
I dont think they can win, but the Spurs are by far the best 1st round match up for LA. In fact, I am sure that Stern is finding a way to get the Lakers matched up with San Antonio and then potentially Memphis right now. Those are the only two teams in the top 5 out west that the Lakers have a chance against. They are simply hopeless against OKC, LAC or Denver due to their lack of speed. 

 

[DannyDarwinism]

That is a bit like saying the Lakers have one of the best PGs ever playing for them. 
 
I dont think they can win, but the Spurs are by far the best 1st round match up for LA. In fact, I am sure that Stern is finding a way to get the Lakers matched up with San Antonio and then potentially Memphis right now. Those are the only two teams in the top 5 out west that the Lakers have a chance against. They are simply hopeless against OKC, LAC or Denver due to their lack of speed. 

 
Surprisingly enough, Duncan's numbers this year- pretty much across the board- are slightly better than his career averages.  Maybe he's lost a step defensively, but the guy is a machine.

 

[ElUno20]

The lakers took 34 more free throws than the warriors today. 34. The warriors only took one more three than the lakers.


Kobe may also have given another Oscar performance gimping around trying to get one idiot writer to give him a third place MVP vote

 

[soxhop411]

Arash Markazi ‏@ArashMarkazi1m
Kobe has a probable torn Achilles. MRI tomorrow to confirm.
 
 
 
,,,,

 

[bbc23]

https://twitter.com/EricPincus/status/322945377810673665
He is basically saying it's torn now.  I expect him to be in Germany by the end of the weekend.

 

[cardiacs]

https://twitter.com/EricPincus/status/322945377810673665
He is basically saying it's torn now.  I expect him to be in Germany by the end of the weekend.

What's in Germany? Is date-rape legal there?
 
Edit: Nevermind, I googled Kobe+Germany

 

[KenTremendous]

The shot of D'Antoni staring blankly, arms crossed, after one of the nine different injuries Kobe sustained in that game reminded me of the description of Jordan and Collins from "When Nothing Else Matters," when Collins had talked to Jordan about limiting his minutes. Utterly powerless. Couldn't get Kobe out of the game until he literally tore a tendon.