On The Real - Lakers vs. Spurs

Los Angeles Lakers (16 - 12) @ San Antonio Spurs (25 - 7)

Date: Tuesday, January 4th
Time: 5:30 PM
TV: KCAL, NBATV

— Projected Starting Lineups —
Lakers

C - Chris Mihm (10.6 PPG, 6.8 RPG, 0.4 APG)
PF - Lamar Odom (14.6 PPG, 10.9 RPG, 2.6 APG)
SF - Caron Butler (13.4 PPG, 5.1 RPG, 1.3 APG)
SG - Kobe Bryant (28.9 PPG, 7.0 RPG, 7.0 APG)
PG - Chucky Atkins (11.4 PPG, 2.6 RPG, 3.8 APG)
Coach - Rudy Tomjanovich

Spurs

C - Rasho Nesterovic (5.7 PPG, 6.6 RPG, 1.1 APG)
PF - Tim Duncan (22.1 PPG, 11.8 RPG, 2.7 APG)
SF - Bruce Bowen (7.8 PPG, 2.8 RPG, 1.9 APG)
SG - Manu Ginobili (14.6 PPG, 4.8 RPG, 4.1 APG)
PG - Tony Parker (15.0 PPG, 3.8 RPG, 5.6 APG)
Coach - Greg Popovich

— Who Dat? —

Lakers
Tierre Brown
Predicted Stats: 8 points, 0 rebounds, 4 assists

Spurs
Brent Barry
Predicted Stats: 12 points, 3/5 3PT, 2 assists

— Who Got Game? —

Lakers
Kobe Bryant
Predicted Stats: 40 points, 8 rebounds, 6 assists

Spurs
Tim Duncan
Predicted Stats: 24 points, 12 rebounds, 2 assists

— Brandon’s Analysis —
The Lakers are going to have to dig deep to find their shot, defense, everything…before going into this game against the Spurs, who are a serious contender for the championship this season. It’s no question that the Spurs are loaded with talent, but unlike the past, the Lakers are not only going to have to stop Tim Duncan and Tony Parker. This time, a third star has busted loose for San Antonio, and that man is GINOBILIIIIII!!!! I’m no Sir Charles, but I do know that Manu has become a threat on both sides of the ball, and he could play a huge role in a Spurs’ victory against the Lakers tonight…that is, if the Spurs get that victory. This game could be as easy for the Spurs as a game of Go Fish…er, maybe not that easy.

Let’s talk credentials. The Lakers bring to the table Kobe Bryant and Lamar Odom, not exactly the perfect duo, but a good combination of scoring and rebounding…mixed with leadership, youth, and heart. Aside from them, a slew of guys who aren’t afraid to take the three…maybe too often. Switch hands, and you’ll find the Spurs…led by Tim Duncan and Tony Parker. With the exception of a previously mentioned Manu, San Antonio suits up a great perimeter defender in Bruce Bowen and a young stud by the name of Beno Udrih, who received the Rookie of the Month award for December. Beno > Sasha? It’s looking that way so far.

Something the Lakers are going to have to put an end to sooner or later are the turnovers. The Spurs won’t let them get away with bad passes, or “butter fingers” either, so now is the time to correct things and get the ball rolling in Lakerland. If the Lakers produce enough turnovers for Parker and Ginobili, they can capitalize on them on the fast break and get some easy buckets…which could ultimately put this game away early. Otherwise, effective passing and good off-the-ball play can break down any defense, so the Lakers need to force Showtime back into their gameplay, and put pressure on Duncan and his troops.

Defensively, the Lakers are in trouble. The Spurs know more plays than a Lenny Wilkens career playbook, so it’s up to the Lakers’ defense to keep them settling for jumpers or feeding the ball to Duncan, instead of easy backdoor plays and wide-open looks to everyone in a white and black jersey. Hopefully, San Antonio lost some sleep over their loss to the Kings in ARCO, and everyone is fatigued…but I doubt it.

Off the bench, Tierre and Barry will play huge factors for their respected teams. Brown’s speed will allow him to slash to the hoop, whether it’s for dropping one off the glass for two, or an attempt to penetrate and dish. Brent Barry is lethal from the arc, and Los Angeles could find it very tough to hold off Duncan’s inside game while keeping an eye out for Barry behind the three. Either way, these two could provide that extra spark off the bench to ignite a fire strong enough to carry these teams to long scoring runs…something neither squad wants to be against, but would welcome with open arms.

— Brandon’s Prediction —
The Lakers are bitter about the last meeting. Remember Kobe’s anger in the fourth? Bruce Bowen may have twice as much trouble this time around, with the way Kobe’s been playing as of late. Earlier in the season, everyone would predict a blowout. However, after the way the Lakers have been hanging with such teams as the Heat and the Suns, the Lakers aren’t looking so bad as of late. This game is in San Antonio…my gut tells me the Spurs will pull away with a victory, but my heart won’t allow that to happen. The Lakers will do the Spurs like they did the Kings, and will once again get revenge on the opposing team’s court, 101-97.