Archive for the 'Pre-Game' Category

Thunder on the Horizon

Published
by
Mike Trudell
on November 3, 2009
in Pre-Game and Preview
. Closed

Westbrook - LakersThe forecast in Oklahoma City calls for clear skies and sun all week, but Kevin Durant and Co. are hoping for some thunder and lightning - at least inside the Ford Center.

The Thunder have opened their season with two wins in three games, beating the Kings and Pistons before falling to the Trail Blazers, led by 22 points a game from Durant heading into Tuesday’s showdown with the Lakers.

We spent several minutes getting the inside perspective on OKC with their radio play-by-play man Matt Pinto last week (CLICK HERE TO LISTEN) and have added a few numbers breaking down the former SuperSonics:

THUNDER BY THE NUMBERS:
4 Thunder players to bypass college. Three are international players (Serbia’s Nenad Krstic, Switzerland’s Thabo Sefolosha and Congo’s Serge Ibaka), while Shaun Livingston came out of Peoria Central HS in Illinois.
Note: The Lakers have five players with no college experience: Kobe Bryant and Andrew Bynum (high school); Pau Gasol (Spain), Sasha Vujacic (Slovenia) and D.J. Mbenga (Belgium).

5 NBA players to score at least 20 points a game in their second NBA season: Kevin Durant (25.3, 2008-09); LeBron James (27.2, 2004-05); Vince Carter (29.3, 1993-94); Shaquille O’Neal (29.3, 1993-94); David Robinson (25.6, 1990-91).

5 Rookies averaging at least 15 points, four rebounds and four assists since 2000-01: OKC’s Russell Westbrook (2008-09), Brandon Roy (2006-07), Chris Paul (2005-06), LeBron James (2003-04) and Dwyane Wade (2003-04).

11 Technical fouls whistled on the Thunder last season, the fewest in the NBA. This season, they’ve yet to receive a tech.

12 Thunder rank in rebounding through three games, though the Lakers are tied for seventh (Portland).

14.3 Shooting percentage by Kevin Durant in a horrid third game of the season (83-74 loss to Portland), in which he made only 3-of-21 field goals. Durant, a career 45 percent shooter, said he had never, ever shot that poorly in a game.

19 Games out of their 23 wins last season in which the Thunder outrebounded their opponent.

25 years, 130 days The average age of the Thunder, making them the 2nd youngest team in the NBA (Golden State). OKC’s starters are even younger (23 years, 179 days), while the league average is 26 years and 329 days. San Antonio is the league’s oldest team with an average of 29 years and 73 days.

27 Thunder rank in steals, nearly as far away as you can get from the league-leading Lakers.

28 Thunder rank in scoring through three games. The Lakers are 16th.

90 Through three games, the Thunder are the only team in the NBA yet to allow 90 points. While the Lakers scored just 80 points in their lone loss to Dallas, they put up 99 against the Clippers and 118 versus Atlanta.

Lakers - Hawks Pregame

Published
by
Mike Trudell
on November 1, 2009
in Phil Jackson and Pre-Game
. Closed

After shootaround on Sunday morning, assistant coach Brian Shaw joined us to talk about the Atlanta Hawks (2-0), in Los Angeles for the only time this season. Here’s what he had to say:

Phil Jackson Pregame
As has become customary, one of the first questions addressed to L.A.’s head coach was about the health of All-Star Pau Gasol, set to miss his third straight game to open the season. The latest news is that Gasol will accompany his teammates on a two-game road trip through Oklahoma City and Houston, but his playing status has yet to be determined.

“We’re close enough (with his injury) that he’ll do some work on the trip (if he doesn’t play),” said Jackson. “You can’t be 100 percent on this unless you take forever to let it heal … He has to have some security that he’s not going to go out there and hurt himself.”

One of the primary areas that L.A. is missing Gasol, according to Jackson, is on pick-and-roll defense, where he says Gasol is among the league’s best. The skilled Spaniard’s offensive contributions go without saying.

Jackson added that he and his staff weren’t happy with L.A.’s effort level in Friday’s loss to Dallas, but that it wasn’t entirely unexpected after the emotional high of Ring Night. He also briefly addressed what the Lakers want to focus on against Atlanta, such as cutting out easy baskets and contesting perimeter shots.

Video Scouting Report: Mavericks

Published
by
Mike Trudell
on October 30, 2009
in Pre-Game and Preview
. Closed

Prior to every home game, we sit down with whichever Lakers assistant coach prepares the scouting report for that night’s opponent, which in this case is the Dallas Mavericks.

Jim Cleamons joined us after practice yesterday to talk about the addition of Shawn Marion, what to do defensively with Dirk Nowitzki in Pau Gasol’s absence and how the improvement in Jason Kidd’s outside shooting makes him a different player.

You can also listen to our Mavericks Season Preview with Dallas play-by-play voice Mark Followill by clicking here.

Lawrence Tanter Remembers…

Published
by
Mike Trudell
on October 23, 2009
in Podcast and Pre-Game
. Closed

Prior to L.A.’s final preseason game at the San Diego Sports Arena, I was having a chat with longtime Lakers PA announcer Lawrence Tanter (he of the golden voice).

LT quickly brought up a memory of Magic Johnson’s first game right here in this arena back in 1979, and we turned on the audio recorder as Tanter reflected.

You can listen by clicking below:

 
icon for podpress  Lawrence Tanter Remembers [3:14m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

Lakers & Nuggets in San Diego

Published
by
Mike Trudell
on October 23, 2009
in Pre-Game
. Closed

DJ MbengaGenerally, the only time NBA teams would see one anther in consecutive games is in the midst of a playoff series, and not without a day off in between.

Yet this is the preseason, and the Lakers are set to face off against their Western Conference Finals opponent on back-to-back nights, the second taking place Friday night in San Diego at 7:30 p.m. on the heels of a 106-89 Lakers victory over Denver on Thursday in Anaheim.

Perhaps the most interesting element of preseason basketball for a team that already has its ducks in order (i.e. returning nearly an entire championship team with one change) comes on the medical report, which has been a bit more detailed than most would like to see.

After all, a large part of L.A.’s success comes thanks to its trio of skilled big men - Andrew Bynum, Pau Gasol and Lamar Odom - all of whom have missed at least a game in the preseason. Bynum and Gasol both were absent from Thursday night’s game, and Gasol will miss the San Diego affair as well while Bynum is a game-time decision*. Odom, however, not only returned from a two-game absence caused by a bruised shin, but nailed five three-pointers … in the first half … in Anaheim.
*For details, click here.

Although Odom’s career high in a regular season game is four threes, Kobe Bryant wasn’t surprised.

“He’s improved his shooting, it’s something he’s worked on diligently to become a more consistent shooter,” said Bryant after the game. “It’s not something that surprises me, because he was a big shooter for us in the playoffs last year and I have no doubt he’ll continue to get better.”

So while Odom appears good to go, the questions remain about Bynum and Gasol … But the Lakers certainly don’t seem worried.

“Oh they’ll be fine,” said Bryant. “I’m sure. I don’t think it’s something that’s going to linger or anything like that, I think they’ll be fine.”

Phil Jackson said more than once that he’s “not worried,” while the third center on L.A.’s depth chart, D.J. Mbenga, also said that he expects both Bynum and Gasol to be there when it counts. That, of course, didn’t keep Mbenga from swatting seven shots in an impressive 26 minutes of playing time that also produced eight points, two rebounds and two assists against Denver.

While Jackson said that Denver’s return trip from China - where the played two preseason games - probably threw off their rhythm, it was impressive nonetheless that the Lakers handled the Nuggets so handily despite the absence of 14-feet of talent. Another reason? The play of Ron Artest, who has found ways to contribute despite not taking many shots (2-for-7), throwing five assists, grabbing three boards, snatching a steal and blocking a shot while - most importantly - playing tough defense on Carmelo Anthony, something Bryant had to do often in the playoffs.

Bryant, in turn, is very pleased about how well Artest has fit in with the champs.

“It’s been effortless,” said the Finals MVP. “He’s really blended in extremely well. It’s been a seamless transition.”

The other element about which Bryant and Jackson can be happy is the solid play of a hungry bench throughout the preseason. Jordan Farmar, Josh Powell, Adam Morrison, Shannon Brown, Sasha Vujacic and a newly-returned Luke Walton (back) have each contributed in a notable way, combining for 49 points, 19 rebounds and 15 assists on Thursday evening. In fact, even undrafted rookie Tony Gaffney has found ways to be productive in his limited minutes.

It’s all added up to a 6-1 preseason record for the Lakers, who you can watch on ESPN at 7:30 P.M. or listen to on L.A.’s new radio partner, 710 ESPN.

SEASON PREVIEW
Finally, to make sure you’re prepared for the regular season opener on Tuesday just as the team is, spend some time going through our player-by-player Season Preview, which feature a summary of last season, commentary on each Laker from assistant coach Jim Cleamons and a look at outstanding numberes and statistics.

CLICK HERE to check it out.

Lakers 106, Nuggets 89: Postgame

Published
by
Mike Trudell
on October 22, 2009
in In-Game and Pre-Game
. Closed

58715395The biggest piece of news coming out of Anaheim actually occurred before the game, when Phil Jackson said that starting forward Pau Gasol and center Andrew Bynum would miss the Thursday evening contest against the Denver Nuggets.

The rematch of the Western Conference Finals would go on, of course, with L.A. managing to beat the Nuggets by _ despite the absence of 14 collective feet. Every player getting minutes contributed to a nice win, yet the story remained whether or not the Lakers would be healthy for Tuesday evening’s regular season opener against the Clippers, particularly when Jackson confirmed that Gasol would miss Friday night’s game as well.

Jackson explained that his All-Star forward had some questions about how his hamstring felt after Wednesday’s practice, and to alleviate those feelings, the staff thought it was best to keep him out of the final two preseason games.

“I’m not worried,” said Jackson before the game. “Whether he makes it (for the season opener on Tuesday) or not I’m not worried.”

Bynum, however, is a game-time decision for the Friday contest in San Diego, but since he didn’t go Thursday, fans got to hear this in the starting lineup call:

“Starting at center, a 7-foot center from the Republic of the Congo … D.J. Mbenga!!!!!!”

“Congo Cash,” as he’s called by his teammates, began the game with two early blocks of Denver center Nene, and finished the evening with an impressive seven blocks. Starting in place of Gasol was Lamar Odom - a major luxury off the bench - and the lanky lefty could barely miss in the early goings, nailing three consecutive three-pointers in the first quarter and two more in the second.

Odom’s previous career high from three in his 10-year career? Four. Too bad preseason stats don’t count. Nonetheless, his 15 points helped the Lakers to a 52-46 halftime lead, and Kobe Bryant’s 11 third quarter points spurred the Lakers to lead by 10 near the close of the period.

With the starters resting on the bench in the fourth quarter, the smallish fivesome of Shannon Brown, Sasha Vujacic, Adam Morrison, Luke Walton and Josh Powell did well to preserve L.A.’s lead, even pushing it to 90-78 halfway through the quarter when Vujacic’s three bounced high off the front rim before sinking through. Powell, playing strong as the team’s center, guarded Nene and scored consecutive points at the other end before finishing with 15 points and six rebounds for the night.

Jordan Farmar and rookie Tony Gaffney joined the fray moments later, helping the Lakers close out with a 17-point victory to push L.A.’s preseason record to 6-1 as the team awaits more news about the minor injuries of Gasol and Bynum.

POSTGAME NUMBERS
4 Odom’s career high for three-pointers made in a regular season game.

5 Three-pointers hit by Odom in the first half on Thursday night.

7 Blocks for center D.J. Mbenga in 26 minutes of work.

11 Third quarter points for Kobe Bryant, who finished with a team-high 23.

26 Nuggets turnovers, compared to just 13 from the Lakers, a major factor in L.A.’s win.

Pregame Injury Update: Gasol, Bynum & Walton

Published
by
Mike Trudell
on October 22, 2009
in Andrew Bynum, Injury News, Luke Walton, Pau Gasol and Pre-Game
. Closed

D067369021.JPGLakers forward Pau Gasol and center Andrew Bynum will miss Thursday evening’s preseason game in Anaheim against Denver, though forward Luke Walton will dress and be a coaches’ decision to play.

Gasol, who strained his right hamstring earlier in training camp, will also miss Friday night’s game in San Diego and await re-evaluation early next week.

Jackson explained that his All-Star forward had some questions about how (the hamstring) felt after Wednesday’s practice, during which Gasol ran and went through some drills. The head coach said it might be more of a fatigue issue, but to “alleviate” Gasol’s response, the team felt it was best to keep him out of the final two preseason games as there was nothing to gain by playing him.

“I’m not worried,” said Phil Jackson. “Whether he makes it (for the season opener on Tuesday) or not I’m not worried.”

Bynum, who strained his rotator cuff and suffered a contusion of the left knee this week, will not play Thursday evening but will be re-evaluated on Friday morning. He’s listed as day-to-day.

Walton (back), meanwhile, practiced for the first time in over a week on Wednesday and will dress against the Nuggets, though his participation will be up to Phil Jackson.

Lakers - Warriors, Take 3

Published
by
Mike Trudell
on October 20, 2009
in Pre-Game
. Closed

Lakers WarriorsFor the third time in 14 days, the Lakers will face off against the Golden State Warriors in preseason action.

L.A. took Game 1 (118-101), and the Warriors emerged victorious in Game 2 (110-90), with both teams learning a few things in the process. Here’s a look across some of the more notable story lines between the two teams:

1) No One Can Guard Andrew Bynum
L.A.’s young center did whatever he wanted against Andris Biedrins and Anthony Randolph in the first two matchups, making a combined 15-of-24 (62.5 percent) of his shots for 43 total points. He played roughly 31 minutes per game, grabbed 11 rebounds and blocked two shots. Low post defense is not Golden State’s forte in general, but the task was even harder without Ronny Turiaf, out with a sprained left knee. Of course, no one else has stopped Bynum either, who ranks third among preseason scorers with a 20.4 average, and 17th on the glass at 7.4 per night.

2) Young Talent’s Fun to Watch
They’re not old, they’re full of athleticism, and they like to push tempo. A snap shot at the precocious Warriors:

- Anthony Randolph, 20: The league’s youngest player last season, Randolph closed out his rookie year by averaging 13.5 points, 10.5 boards and 1.59 blocks in 32 minutes over the final 12 games.
- Stephen Curry, 21: The 7th pick in the 2009 NBA Draft, Curry busted onto the national hoops scene by shooting Davidson deep into the NCAA Tournament during his junior season, and is ninth in the NBA in preseason assists (5.8).
- Andris Biedrins, 23: The lengthy Latvian put together 17 straight double-doubles last season.
- Monta Ellis, 23: The explosive guard averaged 25.5 points, 5.0 rebounds and 4.6 assists in last season’s final 11 games.
- Anthony Morrow, 24: As an undrafted rookie last season, Morrow ranked first in the NBA in three-point percentage, nailing 46.7 percent of his shots, becoming the first player in franchise history to lead the league from distance.

3) The Lakers are Long
Sure, the Warriors (and every other team) already knew this from last season, but that doesn’t mean they have an answer. Bynum, Pau Gasol and Lamar Odom give not just the Warriors but every team in the NBA fits, but when your starting power forward is a super-talented but lean 6-10, 210-pounder (Randolph)and your center (Biedrins) is quick but also quite movable at 240 pounds, it’s going to be a particularly long night in the paint. And while Gasol (hamstring) could miss the game, Lamar Odom (shin) is expected to play. Furthermore, wings Ron Artest and Kobe Bryant can be just as devastating on the low block as Gasol, Bynum and Odom, so there’s no break defensively when you’re playing the Lakers.

4) MASH Unit
Last season, the Lakers suffered their share of injuries, most notably Andrew Bynum’s MCL tear and minor injuries to Jordan Farmar, Sasha Vujacic and Luke Walton, but the Warriors combined to miss the third most games of any team in the NBA. Ellis missed 57, Brandan Wright 41, Corey Maggette 31, Stephen Jackson 21 and Biedrins 20. Wright, injured in training camp, is out for the season; the rest are healthy.

5) They’ve Got Shooters
Seven Lakers have hit at least one three-pointer in the preseason, in part because of item No. 3 - since so many Lakers require a double-team, there are going to be open three-point shooters. Period. Enter Derek Fisher, Sasha Vujacic, Artest, Adam Morrison, Jordan Farmar, Luke Walton (when playing) and also Bryant. Yet it’s actually the Warriors that have shot the ball better from deep in the preseason, ranking 7th in three-point percentage, while the Lakers are sitting at 20th. Leading the way for the Warriors is Morrow, who’s made a preseason high 19 threes in 37 attempts (51.4 percent).

Walton/Gasol Out, Odom Game Time Decision

Published
by
Ty Nowell
on October 17, 2009
in Pre-Game
. Closed

During his pregame meeting with the media Phil Jackson officially ruled forwards Luke Walton and Pau Gasol out of tonight’s contest against the Charlotte Bobcats.

Walton has been battling a slight hamstring strain, while Gasol has been experiencing minor back pain since early in the week.

Forward Lamar Odom will be a game time decision after suffering shin contusion in Thursday’s win over the Sacramento Kings.

Lakers Prepare for Shootout

Published
by
Ty Nowell
on October 16, 2009
in Pre-Game
. Closed

Staples CenterAfter preseason games at their homes away from home (Anaheim, Inglewood & Las Vegas), the Lakers return to the friendly confines of STAPLES Center in downtown Los Angeles for games this Saturday and Sunday.

The Charlotte Bobcats, Utah Jazz and fellow STAPLES Center tenant Los Angeles Clippers will join the Lakers for the two day shootout event.

The Clippers and Jazz kick off the action at 4:30pm on Saturday with the Lakers hosting the Bobcats at 7:30pm (FS West/710ESPN).

Sunday’s slate features winners playing winners and losers playing losers with the Lakers locked into the 7:30pm start time against either the Clippers or Jazz.

Your ticket for each day is good for both games on the corresponding day.

If you don’t have tickets yet, visit Ticketmaster. SATURDAY | SUNDAY