Since Stu Lantz took care of our Magic scouting report earlier, we’ll add just a few pregame thoughts from Phil Jackson and Pau Gasol.
Phil Jackson Pregame
The first several questions directed at Jackson concerned the absence of Jordan Farmar, whom we earlier learned has a tear of the lateral meniscus in his left knee. Jackson said they need to see what L.A.’s doctors have to say on Monday before the team determines if it needs to add guard depth or if it can make due with players like Sasha Vujacic, Lamar Odom and Trevor Ariza seeing more time in the backcourt. As expected, Jackson didn’t reveal how he’ll rotate the players for tonight’s game, though he did say they’ll go from a four-guard rotation to a three-guard rotation.
On the Magic: “Everything centers around the fact that they’re going to threaten you on the inside with (Dwight) Howard. They have three-point shooters spaced out on the wing, and you’re always conscious of the fact that you have to cover the line.”
Jackson wasn’t buying a Magic writer’s inquiry about comparisons between Howard and Shaq: “They’re not the same at all,” said Jackson. “Dwight’s a big guy, but he’s not Shaq. Shaq is a mountain. I’m not saying Howard’s a molehill, but he’s not a mountain.” Jackson added that the Lakers have had good success against Howard, thanks in part to their offensive game, which forces Howard to play defense throughout the game.
Pau Gasol Pregame
Pau’s not yet feeling 100 percent after missing Tuesday’s game against New York with strep throat, but he said in the pregame locker room that he’s feeling better: “I was a little winded and a little rusty, but I’ll get in there and fight through it as always, and tonight hopefully I’ll feel and play better,” he said. Against the Heat, Gasol managed 13 points, 11 boards, three assists and a block in nearly 35 minutes, but he was noticeably tired particularly in the second half.
Gasol said that the basic game plan when going against a smaller four who sits on the perimeter (like Rashard Lewis) is as follows: “Be aware of him on the perimeter, make sure you find him on the three-point line, don’t give him any open looks and force him to drive. Then contest his shots and try to take advantage of (his lack of size) on the offensive end. It’s hard when you play against small fours if you don’t take advantage of them, punish them and take off them off hook.”
L.A.’s power forward also spoke about Monday’s return to Memphis, where he was drafted and spent his entire career until last February’s trade. We’ll get more into that tomorrow.
FROM LAKERS.com
