Spurs vs Lakers Previews

[Spurs Brazil]

Game is Tuesday, 7:30 CST


LA Lakers (21-9) at San Antonio (26-4)

By JUSTIN EINHORN, STATS Senior Editor

Tipoff: 8:30 pm EST Tue Dec 28, 2010


As unhappy as Kobe Bryant(notes) sounded on Christmas, he might have a tough time feeling much better after this game.

Coming off a pair of embarrassing losses, the Los Angeles Lakers visit the league-best San Antonio Spurs on Tuesday night for the first time this season.

While no team has a better record than the Spurs (26-4), who already had 11 losses by this point last season, the Lakers (21-9) are off to a disappointing start. They opened 23-4 last season en route to the best record in the Western Conference and a second straight championship, but now they’re at risk of losing 10 games by the end of December for the first time since 2007.

Los Angeles followed a 98-79 home loss to a sub-.500 Milwaukee team with a 96-80 defeat to Miami in a Christmas matchup that didn’t live up to the hype. The Lakers were held to 14 points in the first quarter and trailed by double digits for most of the second half.

“It’s like these games mean more to our opponents than they do to us,” said Bryant, held to 17 points. “I think we need to get that straight - play with more focus, put more (emphasis) on these games. I don’t like it. … We know what we’re capable of doing, and that’s part of the problem.”

Bryant, averaging 16.8 points over the past four games, stressed the team must do a better job of working out its problems in practice - something the Lakers tried to accomplish during two days off between the Heat game and this one.

“Individually, you have to make that decision on what’s important,” Bryant said. “The game has to be the most important thing. … This is serious stuff. You don’t just have two rings and say, ‘That’s enough. We’re satisfied with what we’ve got.’ I’m not going to let that slide.”

The Spurs couldn’t help but look ahead to this matchup even before their most recent game, a 94-80 win over Washington on Sunday.

“We talked about it this morning at shootaround; make sure we respect them and that we use this game to prepare for the Lakers,” point guard Tony Parker(notes) said. “We have a big game against them, obviously, and we’re going to have to match their energy. I’m sure they’re going to come in and look to bounce back from their loss against Miami.”

San Antonio, which had a 10-game win streak snapped in its previous game at Orlando, has won 10 in a row at home but faces a Lakers team which has won five straight road games.

The teams split four meetings last season, with Bryant appearing in three and averaging 20.7 points - his fourth-worst mark against any opponent.

The bigger key to the series was the Tim Duncan(notes)-Lamar Odom matchup. Each veteran forward reached double digits in rebounds in every meeting, but Duncan outscored Odom on average 24.5 to 9.5 in the Spurs’ two wins while Odom had a 17.5-11.0 edge in the Lakers’ two victories.

Duncan has been playing limited minutes lately, averaging 8.7 points in the last three games. Odom has averaged 12.3 in his last three after scoring 19.1 per game through his first nine in December.

Odom has missed 17 of his last 20 3-point attempts, and the Lakers are shooting 27.3 percent from beyond the arc in their last four games.

“We have to go back and figure things out,” Odom said after the Miami loss, “look ourselves in the mirror, understand what’s going on, and fix it.”

http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/preview?gid=2010122824

[Spurs Brazil]

Spurs say Lakers still team to beat
Posted on December 27, 2010 at 2:45 pm by Jeff McDonald

Spurs coach Gregg Popovich finds rumors of the Lakers’ demise to be highly exaggerated — and media-fabricated.

“That’s what you and your (media) colleagues do, right?,” Popovich said after Monday’s practice, when asked about the gloom and doom surrounding L.A. ”Somebody is winning games and they are amazing, and if they are losing there has to be all these problems.

“The Lakers are NBA champions. And that’s a fact. And that all that matters.”



http://blog.mysanantonio.com/spursnation/2010/12/27/spurs-say-lakers-still-team-to-beat/

[Mugen]

both defenses are playing pretty shitty. Spurs by 2 in a shootout:

Spurs 109 - Lakers 107

[jjktkk]

There is usually not a "must win game" so early in the season, but IMO, this is a must win for the Lakers, just for credability sake on their part.

[janetcn12]

It's going to be a closed game but looks like Lakers will win. Spurs 101 Lakers 105. Anyway GoSpursGo

[Dex]

There is usually not a "must win game" so early in the season, but IMO, this is a must win for the Lakers, just for credability sake on their part.

I prefer to only view "must win" games as "must win", but the Lakers are definitely not going to want another losing three-streak on their record. They are going to come in fired up.

In other words, Spurs are definitely going to have their hands full.

[jjktkk]

I prefer to only view "must win" games as "must win", but the Lakers are definitely not going to want another losing three-streak on their record. They are going to come in fired up.

In other words, Spurs are definitely going to have their hands full.

I say this because, the Lakers haven't beaten a quality team yet, and got their ass handed to them by Miami. Throw in the natural Spurs/Lakers rivalry and you just know the Lakers want this game bad.

[DesignatedT]

The Spurs need to win 1 out of the next 2 for sure. Losing both would not be good.

[DesignatedT]

Winning both would make my christmas break from school.

Ditto, that and an Aggie victory in the Cotton Bowl.

[scola4]

Splitter will be especially motivated for playing against Gasol. I remember when he was 15, newcomer in Vitoria, Spain and stay up late to watch Gasol's debut in NBA. They never clashed in the Spanish League but I think they did in some World Championship.

He also could practice his German with Dirk Nowitzki, some trash talking, though he won't guard Dirk.

Go Splitter ! Go Spurs !

[ChuckD]

Spurs 118
LAL 110

It'll be close, but they'll intentionally foul and turn a 4 point game into 8 points.

[angelbelow]

I say this because, the Lakers haven't beaten a quality team yet, and got their ass handed to them by Miami. Throw in the natural Spurs/Lakers rivalry and you just know the Lakers want this game bad.

Yeah, this is an important one.. I think its a must win as well. Especially because I think Phil and Kobe are going to have the Lakers come out with their A game. Would be great to see how we match up and get that win.

[Amuseddaysleeper]

Lakers 106

Spurs 97

[ChuckD]

Yeah, this is an important one.. I think its a must win as well. Especially because I think Phil and Kobe are going to have the Lakers come out with their A game. Would be great to see how we match up and get that win.

Yeah, the rumors were that they were firing up behind closed doors for Miami, too. That didn't work out too well.

There is a toll that is taken on a team after a number of consecutive long playoff runs, mixed with Kobe, Gasol, and Odom playing NT summer ball. They're not a young team, either. I think their best opportunity for the second three-peat already slipped through their fingers in 2008.

[stealthjbravo]

This game is a gimmie

Spurs 124
Lakers 92

[UnWantedTheory]

This is definately going to be a tough game. The Lakers recent playing woes coupled with our rivalry, can equal berry berry bad tangs.

[DMC]

It's going to depend on how the Spurs start. If they come out on fire like they have in a few games, they could put some points on LA early and use that buffer against the impending run, but if they come out lackadaisical and miss 8 of the first 10 shots while giving up everything in the lane to the Lakers, it will be over quick.

I thought I saw Neal being to defer a bit last game, but he later started driving to the basket to get his points. Sure he missed a few, but I, for one, would like to see him take that open shot anytime it's available and nothing is open down low.

[silverblk mystix]

Spurs win this one.

RJ will outplay Odumb....believe it or not--Bonner will manhandle Artest ...and the Spurs will make a statement.

Book it.

[TDMVPDPOY]

neal and hill will need to give us that extra points off the bench

[TampaDude]

Spurs will win a close one.

[TD 21]

It's going to take probably the Spurs best game of the season to beat them. They're going to be up for this one after all the talk about them the last few days.

Pop needs to use his brain, start McDyess, have Blair stapled to the bench and insert Splitter into the rotation. He also needs to not have Hill on a minute limit.

This is the type of game (as well as the one against the Mavs) where they'll be little to no room for error, which means not holding anything back or playing foolish match-ups, if they're serious about winning.

Now before some of you predictably come with the "so play the big three all over 40 minutes?" nonsense, that's not what I'm saying. But he also can't think, for example, he's holding Duncan and Ginobili to about 35 minutes. It may take 38 to win and if that's what it takes, so be it. The same goes for Parker, Jefferson, McDyess and Hill. They may have to play a few more minutes than he's comfortable playing them.

[jjktkk]

Why do you guys sound so concerned with the Fakers?

I know that you have 300 reasons to be concerned with the Spurs.

[TampaDude]

Why do you guys sound so concerned with the Fakers?

Because they're the defending champs, and despite their recent struggles, are still considered the team to beat in the West.

[ChuckD]

Because they're the defending champs, and despite their recent struggles, are still considered the team to beat in the West.

Maybe eventually, but not this week. They're in full on, mid-season Laker drama mode.

[spurs10]

Spurs will have a strong game. Whether they get the win or not will depend on many variables, but will mainly come down to playing 48 minutes. In the Spurs, I think we're going to see a focused team that plays their best basketball of the year. Ditto on Thursday.
Go Spurs!!

[DieHardSpursFan1537]

I'm pumped up for this game! I think it'll be a close one, but it will narrow down in the end, and Spurs will pull up for a victory.
Spurs 109
Lakers 98

[spurtech09]

spurs playing at home....spurs 106 lakers 104

[Capt Bringdown]

Small ball, gimmicky lineups are about to meet their masters: Lakers 109, Spurs 96.

[Dex]

Small ball, gimmicky lineups are about to meet their masters: Lakers 109, Spurs 96.

This is what I'm afraid of.

Basically, tomorrow's game (and games like them) will probably hinge on if Matty can hit his threes or not.

[TD 21]

Small ball, gimmicky lineups are about to meet their masters: Lakers 109, Spurs 96.

Unfortunately, I think you're probably going to be right. Pop will probably not play McDyess enough, not use Splitter until the result is clear and play plenty of Bonner and Jefferson at PF, with three guards.

We're especially likely to see this because Bynum is still working his way back and probably won't play more than 20 minutes, which means we'll see plenty of Gasol-Odom. With Odom at PF mostly, Pop will probably figure (like he often does against mobile, face-up four's) "our bigs can't stay with him anyway, so let's put Bonner/smalls on him".

I wouldn't be surprised if we see Udoka make an appearance (taking a turn on Odom) before Splitter does tomorrow.

[DJ Mbenga]

i have a feeling this will be a fluky win for whoever it is that wins. if the lakers win its because they shoot well from the 3(they are really due, they have shot something like 30% for the last 10 plus games), if the spurs win its because a bench player goes nuts like a neal going for 25.

[maddnezz]

:toast
Why do you guys sound so concerned with the Fakers?Your the Reigning NBA Champions. Respect. Good Luck. Nuff said:toast

[ElNono]

I think it's going to be a shootout, and if we hit 50% or more from downtown, we'll win, and if we don't, we won't. They definitely have the advantage in the paint and on coaching. And the way we've been defending the perimeter, Kobe is going to be a handful.
We're gonna keep running the same rotation. I only expect to see Splitter if one of Tim or Dice are in foul trouble.

To be completely honest, I'm not sure that the Spurs want this game as much as the Lakers. I wouldn't be terribly surprised to see the Spurs tomorrow laying an egg like against Orlando last week.

[Capt Bringdown]

I wouldn't be surprised if we see Udoka make an appearance (taking a turn on Odom) before Splitter does tomorrow.

Ugh, I think you're right. :(

[Fireball]

:toastYour the Reigning NBA Champions. Respect. Good Luck. Nuff said:toast

Agree. You always have to be concerned with the Lakers. Its not often that they will lose three in a row, so they will show up tonight. And of course many Lakers fans will show up in the building which I think disturbs a Spurs player more than having to play on the road. Hopefully this will be a good game and the Spurs come out as the winner ...

:flag: :flag: :flag:

[timtonymanu]

Even though the Spurs are having a better season than the Lakers so far, I'm worried about this. Lakers are on a losing streak. Duncan has to play well tomorrow if we want any chance to compete with their frontline. He cant post up 8 and 6 numbers.

Hopefully Pop wont keep Hill on a leash cause he will help alot. Like ElNono said, this will be a shootout. I expect it to be similar to the game in 09 where RMJ made the game winning shot. Hopefully Spurs just outshoot the Lakers.

[Fireball]

Earlier this season...

Fri 26 @ Utah (http://www.nba.com/jazz/) L 96-102 (http://www.nba.com/games/20101126/LALUTA/boxscore.html)
Sun 28 vs Indiana (http://www.nba.com/pacers/) L 92-95 (http://www.nba.com/games/20101128/INDLAL/boxscore.html)
Tue 30 @ Memphis (http://www.nba.com/grizzlies/) L 96-98 (http://www.nba.com/games/20101130/LALMEM/boxscore.html)
Wed 01 @ Houston (http://www.nba.com/rockets/) L 99-109 (http://www.nba.com/games/20101201/LALHOU/boxscore.html)

I know that they did, but that just tells me the probability for it to happen again is very low ...

[Fireball]

That was the easy part of their schedule that was so favorable for the Lakers that they coasted through and squandered most of. The hard part of it started on Christmas and won't let up through most of the season...

Lets just hope they lose tonight, ok? :toast

[Spurs Brazil]

NOTABLE
Spurs and Lakers split series 2-2 last season, with Spurs winning their two by 19 and 20 points. Lakers won by 11 and nine. … Under Jackson, Lakers are 18-20 vs. Spurs in regular-season but 15-7 in the playoffs. … Jackson (11) and Popovich (four) are only two active NBA coaches with multiple championships. … Spurs are 22-1 this season when holding opponents to less than 50 percent shooting. … Bryant has averaged 24.5 points in 48 career games vs. Spurs.

http://blog.mysanantonio.com/spursnation/2010/12/28/tuesday-lakers-21-9-at-spurs-26-4/

[Spurs Brazil]

Spurs proceed with caution against Lakers
Posted on December 28, 2010 at 12:24 am by Mike Monroe
Bryant, who had arthroscopic surgery on his right knee in July, hasn’t participated in many five-on-five practices this season but was on the court Monday. Though he didn’t bark at his teammates, he scrimmaged with game-like intensity.

“He was aggressive,” Jackson said. “He was playing. He was out on the court. That, in itself, was a little different, but I didn’t hear anything verbal. He just went out and played hard.”

Bryant may still be angry that his teammates haven’t seemed as focused as he believes appropriate, but it is the Spurs who should fear his pique. Few competitors in all of sports are more dangerous than Bryant when he is intent on atoning for personal disappointment and demanding his teammates match his intensity.

“There’s nothing that will get you together as much as a bad stretch,” said Spurs guard Manu Ginobili. “The things you talk about, the practices, there’s no more joking or BS-ing. It’s business.

“I expect that from them. Always. They are one of the most talented teams. They have the potential to get it together really well.”

Jackson admits that he and his assistants have been honing in on tonight’s game for a while. It is the Western Conference race, after all, that matters most.

“(San Antonio) is a team that’s sitting atop our conference,” he said. “They’re managing to beat teams, a lot of it last minute or two minutes of games, and sometimes without playing well for a while and coming up and having good finishes to games.

“They’re doing something special this year, and we have to understand what it is.”

http://blog.mysanantonio.com/spursnation/2010/12/28/spurs-proceed-with-caution-against-lakers/

[Fireball]

and the Mavs too

a win by the Spurs is more likely ... Mavs don't need Nowitzki to beat the Raptors

[TE]

Should be a great game.

[Fireball]

Bryant may still be angry that his teammates haven’t seemed as focused as he believes appropriate, but it is the Spurs who should fear his pique. Few competitors in all of sports are more dangerous than Bryant when he is intent on atoning for personal disappointment and demanding his teammates match his intensity.

I don't like that at all ... let's hope Kobe is putting too much pressure on himself and his teammates ...

[GrandeDavid]

Even though the Spurs are having a better season than the Lakers so far, I'm worried about this. Lakers are on a losing streak. Duncan has to play well tomorrow if we want any chance to compete with their frontline. He cant post up 8 and 6 numbers.

Hopefully Pop wont keep Hill on a leash cause he will help alot. Like ElNono said, this will be a shootout. I expect it to be similar to the game in 09 where RMJ made the game winning shot. Hopefully Spurs just outshoot the Lakers.

I hope the Spurs are ready for the intensity of this game, and the Lakers' size is a concern. I wish Splitter were more up to speed, because he would be really useful. Also hope that Neal and Bonner's long shots are falling. I agree with you about Hill. Its nice he got some run against Washington and I'm assuming a practice under his belt. I expect him to be a big contributors. I have no idea who will win this game. You'd think the Lakers would bring focus and intensity after two poor games, but this is the Spurs' house and the Spurs have shown good balance on their roster.

[Martin R]

this is a BLOW OUT by the SPURS. Book it.
A minimun +15 point differential win.

Manu will hit at least four 3 pointers and will get 3 steals.

[Phenomanul]

The only bad thing about the Lakers losing again (which I absolutely revel in)... is that Mitch K. will likely use it as a springboard to steal another star player from another franchise for peanuts...

Chris Paul in Purple and Gold? :wow
Carmelo?

The thought is sickening... but isn't that how they first landed Gasol back in '08? At the heel of another losing streak? With Kobe mirred in discontent...

[Spursfanfromafar]

Want to know how the Heat beat the Lakers - A nice video breakdown -

Trs0_l_CZzM

[shelshor]

http://www.nba.com/news/referee.html
Referee Assignments
Tue. Dec. 28
L.A. Lakers @ San Antonio: James Capers; Pat Fraher; Olandis Poole

[JustinJDW]

Its pretty simple, if Pop wants to be an idiot and keep Dice and Splitter glued to the Bench while playing Bonner and Blair over 20 minutes each, we will loose. You have to match their bigs and size to beat the Lakers, just like how the Celitcs do. Matching up Blair against Gasol or Bynum, which I'm sure Pop will do, will just be a massacre.

When is the last time anyone has beaten the Lakers using Small Ball?

[ChuckD]

Bryant may still be angry that his teammates haven’t seemed as focused as he believes appropriate, but it is the Spurs who should fear his pique. Few competitors in all of sports are more dangerous than Bryant when he is intent on atoning for personal disappointment and demanding his teammates match his intensity.

I'm so tired of hearing this shit. Kobe was angry against the Heat, and that turned out badly for them.

You play basketball. That's it. The Lakers aren't doing it well this year. If we do, we'll beat them.

[Fireball]

They're on the second game of a back-to-back. Do Jets ever run out of fuel?

In the first round of the playoffs :lol

[Cry Havoc]

Spurs 101
Lakers 95

[Cessation]

Some of you are too paranoid, this is not the same laker team, that you remember from last year. Spurs will take care of business.

[Agloco]

The Spurs need to win 1 out of the next 2 for sure. Losing both would not be good.

This. Preferably we beat Dallas since we already have a loss to them.

[Fireball]

Some of you are too paranoid, this is not the same laker team, that you remember from last year. Spurs will take care of business.

This Laker team is not the same. On paper, they should be even better than last year, but it is not showing yet. It really hurts them that supercoach Phil Jackson plays Pau Gasol for nearly 40 minutes a game. His downslide in the month of December shows that.

But they are still the Champs and a W for the Spurs is not in the books yet ...

:flag:

[Agloco]

http://www.pe.com/imagesdaily/2007/01-18/lakers_spurs_basketball_400.jpg
http://www4.pictures.gi.zimbio.com/San+Antonio+Spurs+v+Los+Angeles+Lakers+Game+3Xkg1q aiaZrl.jpg
http://sportsreport.freedomblogging.com/files/2008/05/odom0522.jpg
http://nbcsportsmedia3.msnbc.com/j/apmegasports/201003242250822499208-pf.standard.jpg
http://assets.nydailynews.com/img/2008/05/26/alg_kobe-bryant.jpg
http://www.sportsorgtfo.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/San-Antonio-Spurs.jpg
http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_J6bFVALZKDs/TASpz671I_I/AAAAAAAADac/1VWSgD1NNOk/s1600/lakers_2Bbig_2Bthree.jpg

[SenorSpur]

I say this because, the Lakers haven't beaten a quality team yet, and got their ass handed to them by Miami. Throw in the natural Spurs/Lakers rivalry and you just know the Lakers want this game bad.

I agree. I don't expect the Fakers to struggle with motivation for this game, as they did their last game versus Miami.

[Agloco]

http://www.pe.com/imagesdaily/2008/05-26/l052608b_400.jpg
http://bolopunchmedia.com/web/kb/cfbae5538c9e48fe467cf0385f412192-getty-80391826ab062_spurs_lakers.jpg
http://www.chicagonow.com/blogs/load-o-bull/assets_c/2010/10/2010%20lakers-thumb-482x337-252817.jpg
http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_EuBu-c7pox0/SDT72fHq_DI/AAAAAAAACTs/DF0qHvZ6VWM/s320/agony,%2Boh%2Bagony.jpg
http://www.pe.com/imagesdaily/2007/12-14/lakers14csf_400.jpg
http://www.cbc.ca/gfx/images/sports/photos/2008/05/23/fisher-derek-ap-080523.jpg
http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/upload/news/071214_p16_spn2.jpg

[ChuckD]

I agree. I don't expect the Fakers to struggle with motivation for this game, as they did their last game versus Miami.

WTF are you talking about? They were firing up behind closed doors for Miami. They were TOTALLY motivated, they just weren't good enough.

[Spurs Brazil]

Kobe Bryant speaks again ... sort of
December 28, 2010 | 11:00 am
Kobe Bryant didn't have a very fun afternoon on Christmas, his anger at a lopsided loss to Miami rolling over into a post-game sermon in which he demanded more fire from his Lakers teammates.

He was more subdued Tuesday, offering clipped phrases when asked what he hoped to see a few hours later against San Antonio.

"Just some more effort," he said.

On offense or defense?

"Everything."

Did he specifically talk with any teammates at Monday's practice?

"Nope."

Did they understand what needed to be done?

"They will."

Bryant eventually opened up as reporters began asking if the Lakers (21-9) could turn it around against the Spurs, who are an NBA-best 26-4.

The Lakers' coaching staff has been pointing toward this game for almost a week, even more so than the Miami game because the Spurs are a Western Conference opponent.

Bryant wanted to see more direction from his teammates.

"We haven't been really pointing at anything. That's been one of the problems," he said. "We don't really get too excited about anything any more. I'm excited about this game. I'm excited about the challenge of it. Hopefully the rest of the guys are too."

Bryant said the Lakers' recent malaise since an 8-0 start reminded him of the 2001-02 season, when the Lakers encountered some regular-season losing streaks on the way to eventually winning their third consecutive championship.

"We had to deal with it when we won a three-peat here last time," he said. "Same type of situation that you deal with."

That championship team went through a 3-6 skid in January 2002 and a three-game losing streak a month later but never lost four consecutive games, which the Lakers did four weeks ago.

-- Mike Bresnahan
http://lakersblog.latimes.com/lakersblog/2010/12/kobe-bryant-speaks-againsort-of.html

[Agloco]

http://a.espncdn.com/photo/2009/1218/nba_g_kobe_duncan1_576.jpg
http://www.goerieblogs.com/sports/giveandgo/wp-content/uploads/2009/04/manu-292x300.jpg
http://www.espnmediazone3.com/us/wp-content/uploads/2009/10/RS14829_20080413_bryant_kobe001-scr.jpg
http://cache.daylife.com/imageserve/072n4l8fnM6ts/340x.jpg
http://www3.pictures.gi.zimbio.com/Los+Angeles+Lakers+v+San+Antonio+Spurs+Game+4WqnNS Oq--jl.jpg
http://www1.pictures.gi.zimbio.com/Derek+Fisher+Tony+Parker+San+Antonio+Spurs+8qfAXEL toJsl.jpg
http://apuestasnba.com.es/wp-content/uploads/2009/03/lakers.jpg

[mytespurs]

I hope Spurs win but I think Lakers will win tonight. Like was previously stated, they rarely lose 3 in a row (though they had a 3 game losing streak recently), they will be motivated after two sub-par performances last week and most important, they are still the Lakers....the team 2 neat & the team ALL WC must go through to get to the championship.

So, spurs fans, if the lakers win tonight, please no whining, no excuses....it's just one game in a long season.

[quentin_compson]

The Lakers will definitely be fired up for this one: an old rivalry, going against one of the best teams in the league right now (record-wise), having lost two in a row. It could very well be that this game is more important to LA than it is to SA.
I would really like to see some 20 or so minutes of Splitter, just for him to get the feel of what going against one of the best frontcourts in the NBA is like. But as others here have already pointed out, I doubt it is going to happen.

[jjktkk]

Unfortunately, I think you're probably going to be right. Pop will probably not play McDyess enough, not use Splitter until the result is clear and play plenty of Bonner and Jefferson at PF, with three guards.

We're especially likely to see this because Bynum is still working his way back and probably won't play more than 20 minutes, which means we'll see plenty of Gasol-Odom. With Odom at PF mostly, Pop will probably figure (like he often does against mobile, face-up four's) "our bigs can't stay with him anyway, so let's put Bonner/smalls on him".

I wouldn't be surprised if we see Udoka make an appearance (taking a turn on Odom) before Splitter does tomorrow.

I like your MO TD 21. If the Lakers win, you can shower us with your "I told you so" comments, but if the Spurs win tongiht, you can come back and say the Spurs won despite Pop's bad lineups and just got lucky. You got it covered, well done. :toast

[Sportcamper]

The Lakers were playing very well two months ago…What has changed? They traded away Sasha…I fear that the heart & soul of this Lakers team is now playing for New Jersey…:depressed

[biba]

The part of the Kobe interview about the Spurs - elogious as usual from Kobe -:

Bryant was very complimentary of the Spurs, calling Manu Ginobili one of his favorite players and crediting Gregg Popovich as a defensive-minded coach.

He marveled the most at this particular Spurs team's ability to shoot the 3. San Antonio is shooting a league-best 40.8 percent on 3-pointers this season.

"I can't remember a team shooting it this well this late into the season," Bryant said. "They're all shooting it lights out."

Jackson said that minding the 3-point line was only part of the Lakers' focus on stopping the Spurs.

"It's the tempo they play the game at, I think, more than anything else," Jackson said. "Their 3-point shooting has gone really well, but their tempo is high."

Bryant allowed a smile to crack through his concentrated glare when informed the Lakers had a slight edge -- 38 wins to 37 wins -- over Tim Duncan and the Spurs in the 75 games the two franchises have played since the start of the 1998-99 season.

"It's good basketball," Bryant said. "It's basketball being played the right way -- guys moving the ball unselfishly, playing defense the right way -- it's been fun to be a part of. We went through a couple down years, they were still rolling, and we got back on top and now the rivalry is here again, so, it's fun."

Dave McMenamin covers the Lakers for ESPNLosAngeles.com. Follow him on Twitter.
http://sports.espn.go.com/los-angeles/nba/news/story?id=5963593

[DMC]

One thing is for certain; Despite their recent bad stretch, the Blakers are still considered a threat, because they still have the pieces to win, and we just hope they don't have the will.

[spursfaninla]

One thing is for certain; Despite their recent bad stretch, the Blakers are still considered a threat, because they still have the pieces to win, and we just hope they don't have the will.

So the most we can hope for is that they don't try hard, otherwise we are lost?

[Capt Bringdown]

Laker guards were 11 for 47, with Kobe taking 27 of those shots.

[EricB]

Laker guards were 11 for 47, with Kobe taking 27 of those shots.

Good defense....

Imagine how good it gets when your players get healthier....

[Martin R]

this is a BLOW OUT by the SPURS. Book it.
A minimun +15 point differential win.


:toast