How to beat the Lakers: Lessons from Kings and Suns games

[dantian]

Kings lost to Lakers again, despite leading 20 in the 2nd quarter. The reason they lost? They let someone other than Kobe, Odom, Gasol, and Brown in turns, get hot in the 2nd half. While Kobe was heating up in the 3rd, they focused too much on Kobe and let Odom open to do a lot of damage. And Brown and Gasol in the 4th somehow helped Kobe on the way towards the upset win. Well, Rodriguez getting pushed to ground before Kobe's game winner helped too.

In our losses, we had the same problem. Focusing too much on Kobe, double-teaming Gasol/Bynum too much, these let Odom, Fisher, Farmar etc hot. In our only win, our double teaming was more selective. Nash paid attention to his assignment. Amare, Frye and Lopez stood ground one-on-one to Bynum and Gasol sufficiently well. Without Kobe, Gasol, Odom handing those assists in our losses, we let Kobe get his and won the game.

[hitachi7]

Well, obviously Kobe is a guy we can't double, especially when you consider that we want him taking a lot of shots. As for Gasol/Bynum I agree. We at least need to try to double less. Those wiiiide open threes leading to us only securing the rebound ~50% of the time just aren't going to work. Maybe a lot more selective doubling, maybe double with two bigs on Bynum sometimes. I can see doubling late in the game when we absolutely need stops, but if players like Fisher/Farmar/Odom etc are in rhythm from us letting them get open shots earlier in the game we are done.

[DirtyDez]

Seems like every time Kobe drops 50 on us we end up winning. Raja would frustrate him and Kobe would want to embarrase him and end up taking 35 shots while his teammates are cold. Stick J-Rich on him so Bynum and Gasol don't dominate our 2 defenseless big men.

[BurningHeart]

Yep. Don't double teams with superstars that have great supporting casts.

That said, they lost tonight because they got lucky---again.

[dantian]

Selective doubling would be fine. In our losses, our doubling and defense were way too predictable. And Nash habitually roaming in the paint on defense didn't help. We were much better at both in our win.

[garrick]

If you look at their bench production they're getting very little help from anyone so if a team can have their subs outplay their subs you're going to have a competitive game.

[dantian]

If you look at their bench production they're getting very little help from anyone so if a team can have their subs outplay their subs you're going to have a competitive game.

The more reason you don't let their supporting case, particular bench, get confidence, like we always do to GS by trading baskets with them.

[Alyosha12]

From what i have seen of them this year LA has a big glaring weakness, and thats consistent outside shooting. The only real 3pt threat on that team is Kobe IMO, and the way to beat them is to clog the lane, make it hard to penetrate and score from the low post, have a good defender on Kobe, make him pass to his teammates, who brick the shot, and win.

[Qwigglez]

Um. Did Kobe travel on the last three or am I just being ignorant?

[Gorilla Warfare]

The key to beating the Lakers is outscoring them. That also works when playing any other team in the NBA...

[JohnVancouver]

From what i have seen of them this year LA has a big glaring weakness, and thats consistent outside shooting. The only real 3pt threat on that team is Kobe IMO, and the way to beat them is to clog the lane, make it hard to penetrate and score from the low post, have a good defender on Kobe, make him pass to his teammates, who brick the shot, and win.

I would also drive the lane on offense as much as possible because they have no-one on the bench to replace their bigs if we get them in foul trouble.

[JohnVancouver]

Um. Did Kobe travel on the last three or am I just being ignorant?

Some say he was on the out of bounds line on this last one - haven't seen it myself

[joe.linnen]

The only reason the Lakers had a hard time with the Suns and Kings is because the Lakers don't have Walton and Artest back. Once those two get back the Lakers will be back on track. The front line of Odom, Gasol, and Bynum lacks the proper spacing for the Lakers to run their offence. I will say this tho it isn't wise to double anyone on the Lakers but time and time again they will Double Gasol and Bryant leaving Odom, Bynum, Artest, and/or Fisher open. They won't be beating easly at all....that's jus how I see it

[BurningHeart]

The only reason the Lakers had a hard time with the Suns and Kings is because the Lakers don't have Walton and Artest back. Once those two get back the Lakers will be back on track. The front line of Odom, Gasol, and Bynum lacks the proper spacing for the Lakers to run their offence. I will say this tho it isn't wise to double anyone on the Lakers but time and time again they will Double Gasol and Bryant leaving Odom, Bynum, Artest, and/or Fisher open. They won't be beating easly at all....that's jus how I see it

Poooooor Lakers!!! How could we forget, Walton and Artest are out!!!! God forbid a team plays with ONLY the best player in the world, a top 15 player they got for free, one of the most talented players in the league, and one of the best young bigmen in the league. Oh nooooooooo!!!

[BurningHeart]

Um. Did Kobe travel on the last three or am I just being ignorant?

Nah, he just pushed off and stepped out of bounds---get it straight!

/

[Qwigglez]

It looks like he caught the ball did a two step gather of some sort and shot it. It could just be my bias opinion. Lol.

[joe.linnen]

The only reason the Lakers had a hard time with the Suns and Kings is because the Lakers don't have Walton and Artest back. Once those two get back the Lakers will be back on track. The front line of Odom, Gasol, and Bynum lacks the proper spacing for the Lakers to run their offence. I will say this tho it isn't wise to double anyone on the Lakers but time and time again they will Double Gasol and Bryant leaving Odom, Bynum, Artest, and/or Fisher open. They won't be beating easly at all....that's jus how I see it

Poooooor Lakers!!! How could we forget, Walton and Artest are out!!!! God forbid a team plays with ONLY the best player in the world, a top 15 player they got for free, one of the most talented players in the league, and one of the best young bigmen in the league. Oh nooooooooo!!!

Why on earth are you getting made at FACTS. I just stated thet they were missing one of thier starters and a great rotation guy. I'm guessing that your mad just because the Suns are second to the Lakers hands down. Don't get mad at the Lakers get mad at the Suns FO for not trying to become a title contender. So just stop attacking the Lakers for the Suns short comings.............

[RaisingArizona]

Um. Did Kobe travel on the last three or am I just being ignorant?

Nah, he just pushed off and stepped out of bounds---get it straight!

/

+1. I remember Reggie Miller being infamous for pushing off to get off his own shot, but never getting away with something this blatant off a push and shove.

[joe.linnen]

Um. Did Kobe travel on the last three or am I just being ignorant?

Nah, he just pushed off and stepped out of bounds---get it straight!

/

+1. I remember Reggie Miller being infamous for pushing off to get off his own shot, but never getting away with something this blatant off a push and shove.

OMG you guys hold on to everything even when is doesn't have anything to do with you. In a race with the Lakers for the Western Conference or Pacific Divison title or the whole damn thing the Suns will always come in 3rd

[dantian]

Well, if Lakers have to rely on Artest and Walton to win any game, then they won't win anything.

Rodriguez made the mental error to not hold his ground hoping for a call. It's not like he already had a set position and then got pushed off it.