Crucifido’s Corner - Lakers vs. Kings

EUREKA!

What a great game! Executed absolutely perfectly, not only in respects to how to play the Kings, but also how this team can be successful more consistently. The game plan coming into the game was exactly what was needed to get this team into some type of positive rhythm.

I don’t think its too tough finding positives in this game. In fact, it’s really difficult finding things that the guys didn’t do correctly. For the first time this year the focus was there. They got themselves a lead and learned how to build with it rather than sit idly by hoping the other team remains cold.

With so many things to go over, I’ll just glance by a few in this terrific performance.

Kobe was fantastic! Not only setting up his teammates (most importantly getting Lamar in rhythm early and often) but also getting out of his hooting funk. The jump passes were at a minimum. The frustration over losing grips on games was replaced by determination to shake that reputation. It was visible in Kobe’s face as well as his game that he wasn’t only out to prove his prowess as a player, but also as a very capable leader.

The game plan to establish the inside/ high post presence early was finally implemented. So many times this year (not only with Mihm but using Lamar at the high post too) I think all of us have hoped that the Lakers would run more plays for the post. It not only opens the outside shooting, but also opening up the inside for everyone to penetrate.

Lamar was brilliant! If you heard the post game interview on the radio, Lamar admitted that he lets bad things on the court get to him a little too much. I suspected this due to his demeanor after a bad foul call or a flubbed play. However, it seemed that last night he shook that tendency to get down on himself by using aggression to counter it. Its something I’ve been dying for Lamar for to do – stay aggressive no matter what. His size, length and unusual power forward game forced Webber to play defense in the post (something Webber is sparsely capable of) and made him play a power forwards’ game on offense. (Considering Webber would rather shoot from the elbow than post up and back down players, it was highly effective) I agree with Rudy’s gut feeling to play Lamar at the power forward use to the amount of mismatches he can cause. I know it is unorthodox, but quite honestly Lamar’s talent and length can seriously pay off at power forward once he decides to keep his head up and play like he can.

Like me and Rudy were both begging for, the Lakers talked on defense. (In fact, if you have surround sound you could hear the talking in the rear speakers) Its so important that this team play defense consistently. The lack of a big inside presence in the middle should force everyone to rotate faster and stronger on every possession. In this game, they did just that – quick rotation and sliding over to help on the baseline. I know these guys can pull that off every game, its just a matter of making tenaciousness a habit. They have the energy, youth and speed to carry this off night in and night out.

Like the point guard situation here or not, the tandem of Chucky and Tierre showed why they can compete. Chucky does a decent job of running the half court offense and making his defender come out on him to free up the lane. His shooting is streaky at best but his concentration has been spot on. Then, when players like Bobby Jackson come in, Tierre can at least keep up with them. Sure, he’ll never be an all-star guard but that’s not necessary. All the Lakers need is a small point that can match speed on defense. It’s something the Lakers have been lacking, but now have (at least a little bit) in Tierre. It was enough to make Bobby Jackson work harder than he’s had to in the past against the Lakers. Having even a hand in his face or staying on his heels rather than getting caught on every screen or cut made a huge difference. It’s not a stat that shows up in the box score, but it’s a highly valuable asset top have.

Brian Cook is really extending defenses out which is beyond great. I love the fact that even after a couple bad misses that Brian’s confidence isn’t easily shaken. He’s stuck with it and is quickly building himself a reputation of a player that can’t be left alone. Once again, without a dominating inside presence, having players that can knock down shots with any kind of consistency and/or be a threat to pays off big when that lane open up for Kobe, Lamar, Butler or anyone else.

It may not show up very obviously but it was fantastic to see Caron stick on Peja and not let him out of his sight. He’s not a hard guy to guard. It’s a matter of sticking on his hip and letting others help out on defense. Caron did an excellent job of doing just that. He never let Peja get into a shooting groove and that spells doom for the Kings no matter who they play.

All in all, just a GREAT, FANTASTIC and ENCOURAGING game to see! These Lakers can pull off these types of games. It’s just a matter of patience and learning. Sometimes there are bumps in the road, sometimes there’s smooth sailing. It’s just a part of growing as a team.

The tools are in place for the Lakers to make a little noise in the playoffs. The team and us as fans have to stay positive and consistent in our support. Good things can and will happen.

Veteran ClubLakers member crucifido writes nightly player analysis for each game of the Laker season.

Sound off in the Lakers Forums!