It’s been a strange week for the Lakers. Off court drama + a 48 point loss in Utah + an overtime win vs. the Heat = fans’ heads spinning. But nothing grounds the Lakers or their fans like a game vs. the Celtics. It seems almost any other storyline takes a backseat to a game against Boston and a chance to beat the organization’s most bitter rival.
Kobe’s farewell tour adds an additional layer to this. Against the Heat, Kobe played 9 minutes and was held out of the entire 2nd half after telling Byron Scott he “couldn’t move” on the court. But with multiple days off and the lure of one last game against the hated C’s, there is little doubt Kobe will play in this game. There is no playoff push to make or any seeding implications for the Lakers, but this game means something. It always will.
When it comes to my favorite Kobe moment against the Celtics, I really can’t choose. There is the game winner in the 2009 2010 regular season in Boston. This game brought extra meaning after the C’s had just beat the Lakers in the Finals that previous June just two years earlier. Winning in Boston and with Kobe hitting the key dagger, it was a moment that Lakers’ team needed; a moment that reinforced the idea that year would be different.
Then, of course, there was game 1 of the 2010 NBA Finals. It’s one thing to win a regular season game, but these were the Finals and it was important to set the tone for the series. Kobe did just that scoring 30 points, grabbing 7 rebounds, and dishing 6 assists. Kobe got to the rim and hurt the Celtics’ strong size zone defensive scheme with smart passes and a brilliant in-between game filled with floaters and push jumpers.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rQ9f077Jo4c
And then, of course, there is game 7 of the 2010 Finals. Many jokes were made about Kobe’s 6-24 shooting performance, but I will always remember the 15 rebounds, how he manufactured points by getting to the FT line 15 times, and his key assist to Artest down the stretch. It wasn’t his most aesthetically pleasing game or the game with the most gaudy stats, but it was one where, as much as he struggled, he was still a major force in helping the team win. I’ll also never forget the joy on his face as he sprinted down court after the ball in the closing seconds or how he stood on top of the scorers table soaking in the crowd’s cheers as he held his arms wide as if accepting the embrace of all the fans. What a moment.
Of course, times have changed. The team has hit historic lows in the 6 years since that game 7. But those struggles serve as a reminder of how meaningful those highs were. Especially since they came against the Celtics. Especially since they came against the Celtics.
This game doesn’t offer the same intrigue as those above, but that doesn’t erase the meaning. The Celtics come in on a high, having just beat the Warriors on Friday night, snapping the reigning world champs’ 54 game home winning streak in the process. The C’s are battling for playoff positioning and while that game in Oakland didn’t gain them any ground, a win against the Lakers would bring them into a tie with Atlanta and the 4th seed. Boston will not be lacking in motivation coming into Staples.
The Lakers, then, could play a bit of a spoiler with a win. And they would surely want nothing more than to beat the C’s, hurt their playoff positioning, and get Kobe one last win against the guys in green. I can think of few better moments in Kobe’s last season than pulling it off.
Getting it, though, will not be easy. The teams’ respective records speak to the disparity in team quality. The Celtics are well coached, have a lot of good talent that meshes well together, and play a hard-nosed and gritty style. They have a dynamic scoring PG in Isaiah Thomas, excellent wing defenders in Avery Bradley, Marcus Smart, and Jae Crowder, and big men who can stretch the floor and finish inside. They are just a very good group who give opponents fits every night.
The Lakers will need their best effort, will need their young guys to hit shots and remain aggressive in the face of tough defense, and, yes, will need Kobe to play well too. And even if all those things happen, it still might not be enough. I hope we get the chance to find out if it is, though. Because there’s no better feeling than beating the Celtics.
Where you can watch: 6:30pm start time on TWC Sportsnet. Also listen on ESPN Radio 710AM Los Angeles.
matt says
Boston terds, just ended warriors home game winning streak, but I’m sure we all know that
Hope randle goes out there and rubs it in, remember green terds chose marky smart over him
Remember all our titles came in the modern era
Simonoid says
Sorry and not to nitpick – I think that regular season game with Kobe’s winner was from 2010, after they had already won the previous summer. It did set the tone and help reinforce the idea later that June that we can indeed beat these Celtics in the finals though.
Stats says
Big game. Hope Kobe finishes against the Celts with a win. You know this one matters to him, so I hope the younguns can bring it.
Mostly, tho, I found the videos depressing. Have we really fallen that far that fast? man I miss Pau.
J C says
Stats
I’m with you. In fact I think losing Pau, who helped us win two rings, is possibly the biggest mistake the FO has made in the last few years. He’s had all-star seasons since and continued to compete at an elite level.
I was all about the Lakers vs Celtics in the Magic-Bird era, and beating them in 2010 was sweet.
But those games are on the history channel now.
Celtics are an up-and-coming team with an innovative new Coach Brad Stevens. Ask the Warriors.
The Lakets need to get on that page.
It’s ironic that Jerry Buss used to be the cutting edge guy. Pat Riley had zero coaching experience when the Lakers handed him the reins.
Now, in an effort to respect their father, history and tradition, the Buss kids and the Lakers are stuck in the past.
Darius Soriano says
Simonoid,
Thanks. I fixed the post.
Anon#1 says
Many of us have noticed that fact, JC. The Buss kids are not innovators. They are using their dad’s template which was forward thinking at the time but is visibly out of step now.
pat oslon says
Let’s get dat Celtic ………….!!!!
Dom says
The Lakers were trading Pau and Lamar for CP3 when Stern capitulated to Mark Cuban and Dan Gilbert and vetoed the trade. That was the start of the downward spiral. Dr. Buss was too ill to intervene and the damage was done. I find it interesting that we can pontificate about trust concerning DAR when that failed trade destroyed the trust that had been built up to that point. Pau felt disrespected and so did Lamar. We lament the D12 experiment but remember he wanted Phil and JBuss chose MDA and Howard was on the first buss (pun intended out of town) Everyone wants to point the finger at Kobe for FA’s not wanting to come here but FO failure is the real reason. The Spurs stars trust management. the Clipper starts trust Doc, Clearly the Dubs stars trust management, look at how well received and celebrated Dlee’s return was. If you are an up and coming coach given the Laker roster and the unstable FO would you risk a losing record and termination in a year or 2? Mitch isnt the problem, hes an employee with a meddling boss. I wonder how a FA is going to help given this back drop?
AusPhil says
Darius – I think you mean strong “side” zone rather than strong “size” zone.
Definitely a W we all want today.
TempleOfJamesWorthy says
My three favorite all-time Lakers games are:
1) Game 4 of the 1987 Finals (against the Celtics)
2) Game 4 of the 2009 Finals (vs. Orlando, it was the centerpiece of a very special day)
3) Game 7 of the 2010 Finals (against the Celtics)
That rivalry when both the Lakers and Celtics are championship contenders is special.
Sadly, today will be one of those games where the stakes are low. The Lakers stink and the Celtics, while a promising young team, aren’t anything beyond a threat to win a favorable 1st-round playoff matchup.
But I’ll put away my “Let’s go Tank!” banner for a day and cheer the the Purple & Gold to crush the Celtic Green one more time.
Anonymous says
http://www.cbssports.com/nba/eye-on-basketball/25539395/report-lakers-have-been-trying-to-trade-nick-young-for-two-seasons
Baylor Fan says
The Lakers and Celtics also have a history of pushing each other to get better. Hopefully the visit today will reignite that part of the rivalry.
A Horse With No Name says
Nets and Suns both lost today. If the Lakers get a feel-good win today, the Suns will be an uncomfortably close 2.5 games “behind “, with the Nets 3 games behind. Both of these teams could lose all of their remaining games. Go Celtics! The tank must roll on!
Robert says
Dom: “Dr. Buss was too ill to intervene and the damage was done” Indeed. He was too ill. Someone else was in charge and they did not intervene either. And the damage was done. By the way – this is mostly on the commissioner, but I have always felt that a earlier version of Jerry Buss would have never allowed the league to completely screw him over.
Vasheed says
The Lakers are 4 games behind the Sun in the win column and 5 behind the Nets. THe Lakers have lost 2 games and won 1 game vs the Suns. In order for the Lakers to lose the 2nd position at this point they would have to win 6 of the next 7 and have the Suns lose every single game. We’re not yet at a “lock” but, it is pretty close to it.
Michael h says
It little bit of revised history going on. The Cris Paul trade attempt was a full two years before Dr Buss died. He was fully in charge at the time..
3 things brought the Lakers down
Choosing Mike Brown over a future hall of fame coach in Rick Adleman.
Steve Nash breaking his leg in the 2nd game. The resulting nerve damage ended his career.
Kobe blowing out his Achilles.
With both Nash and Kobe big time question marks nobody was going to come LA. As we have seen the top free agents want to win and not knowing if Kobe or Nash could even play again was too much to over come.
KO says
Russell getting worse and worse. Horrible passes, bad shooting, no defense. Kid need a long rest.
Tim says
Kobe with the steal and a dunk, (likely the last of his career).
LKK says
Kobe wants this one bad!! You can see it on his face.
Fern says
Damn Julius is horrible, i know!! let’s trade him!!!
Fern says
Every once in a while i agree with KO. Russell looks worn out. All that stupidity that he got himself into must be wearing him down. A buddy of mine told me today that this season feels like running a marathon being a smoker of 30 years lol. It sure does…
rr says
Too bad that 3 when it was 105-100 didn’t drop.
Mid-Wilshire says
KO,
They all need a rest.
Kbj says
It’s becoming readily obvious that Jordan and Russell can’t play together. Their defense together is absolutely atrocious. Lakers need to get somebody (DeRozan, Beal, draft player) to start because Jordan should be the 6th man off the bench.
matt says
No one ever mentions nic batum, he would be a great pick up, good team player, just like derozan he can play small forward or shooting guard
Fern says
Matt, i mentioned Batum a while back. He would be a nice adition
Anonymous says
Batam is nice rotation player who will be paid twice what he is worth this summer.
Ryan P says
Thon Maker is declaring for the draft!
Let’s hope the NBA allows it. He will be a top 3 pick.
Good to see a good game by Kobe. I wish it resulted in a win.
matt says
Anon, batum is balling hard, right now. Watch some videos on YouTube, dude is amazing.,, he doesn’t put up derozan numbers, but hes the next best thing,
matt says
Batum last 15 games adverage.
19 pts. 6 reb 7 ast
J C says
Dom
I like your historical perspective on Pau, respect and the Veto.
I’ve always thought that whe the Lakers got New Orleans to agree to the terms of the trade, they should have waited like 48 hours to present it to the league.
That way, all the other teams’ owners and principals would have been back at their jobs, etc and wouldn’t have been able to mount a joint assault on Stern so easily. Instead, the teams hammered out a CBA intended to guarantee parity and the Lakers pulled off a coup before the ink was even dry.
Waiting – timing – might have made the crucial difference. When the Veto went down, I instantly wondered if Jim or Jeannie excitedly presented it to the league too quickly, without considering these consequences.
Pau’s trust in the team was damaged to be sure- but Dantoni, and by extension, management – nailed the coffin shut later when benching him “to win the game.”
Anonymous says
The Lakers have cap space but will burn through it if they spend $12 mill on Clarkson, $15 mil on Batum, $22.5 mil on Whiteside and $22.5 on Barnes. This doesn’t even factor in the raises Randle and Russell will get in a few years.
I hope someone in the FO has a plan because it would be a shame to go on a spending spree and then find out the pieces don’t fit.
Mid-Wilshire says
According to Jonathan Givony of draftexpress.com, Thon Maker, the 7-1 basketball marvel from the Sudan who graduated from high school one year ago and has been playing in Canada for the last year, will declare for the draft.
According to Mychal Thompson, the color commentator for the Lakers’ radio station, Thon Maker could go #1 in the draft (ahead of Simmons and Ingram) if the NBA approves everything. This is a story in the making and things are still fluid.
Here’s the link (hot off the press, so to speak):
http://www.draftexpress.com/article/Thon-Maker-Eschews-College-Basketball–Will-Attempt-to-Enter-NBA-Draft-5415
This could be a major development.
Mid-Wilshire says
Anonymous,
The Lakers won’t bid on both Batum and Harrison Barnes. Maybe one or the other, but not both. I’m sure they’re well aware of how much money they have to spend.
Also, under the Arenas provision, I doubt that Clarkson will cost them $12.5 mill next year.
You might research the Arenas Provision under the following link. This should explain it thoroughly (although Darius has already done that several times):
http://www.hoopsrumors.com/2012/05/gilbert-arenas-provision-2.html
Anonymous says
Clarkson’s deal is artificially low for the Lakers as a cap hit in years one and two. It rises, in years three and four, against the cap. It is anticipated his deal will average $10+ Mil a year.
While I do think someone in the FO will know how much the Lakers gave to spend — I am not as confident they will spend it wisely.
Mid-Wilshire says
As the salary cap rises in coming years (and projections say that it should rise fairly dramatically in coming years), a 4-year deal averaging $10 Million for a rotation player will be seen as extremely reasonable.
The Lakers FO has many flaws but managing the business side of affairs is not one of them. Right now they have carefully positioned themselves so that they have $63 Million in cap space which is the most in the league.
That was probably not an accident.
Shaun says
if anyone needs to come off the bench its russel guys not ready to start and needs to mature …he half asses it way too much and acts like hes a star shooting 20%
got to see my 1st game at staples as i live in Canada and he was the big letdown of the night
guys a bum – hogs the ball, shoots like garbage, and is a lazy ass on defense – was amazed how many times he got caught under the rim on a rotation and thomas or crowder had open 3s or on offense getting caught on a drive and throwing a pass nowhere instead of passing it earlier in the possesion
randle is the best player on the team not named kobe but he just gets frozen out of the offense by russel and clarkson – offense shpuld start runnimg through him but scotts offense is dictated by guards … hes like a new age barkley but just need to get the ball and develop
was great to see kobe go off live … crowd was great
ryan kelly should never be on the court and why he would play over mwp is beyond me
clarkson had a bad shooting night as well
huertas is a guy we should keep
Dom says
MIchael h, Dr. Buss died in 2013 but after the 2010 season he had ceded much of the decision making and day to day operations to Jim due to his cancer diagnosis.
KevTheBold says
Seems to me Russell was trying too hard to serve the team by any means he could. 6 assists 6 TOs, 9 rebounds in a poor shooting night.
He’s clearly not feeling himself, yet understandable.
Renato Afonso says
If that three went in… Loved Kobe’s and Randle’s approach to this game.
And I try not to repeat myself but that Russell/Clarkson pairing is so atrocious defensively that the Lakers may not have a choice.
BigCitySid says
– @ Matt, “Remember all our titles came in the modern era”. Lakers first five titles were in the late ’40’s & early ’50’s.
– Nice piece on Kobe’s top 10 teammates. See if you agree:
http://hoopshype.com/2016/04/03/the-top-kobe-bryant-teammates-ever/
KO says
Renato
Nice to see you agree with me. Guessing you played some ball in your past.
Both spend entire game trailing there man. By far worst starting guards on defense in league.
Hope it changes or they get changed next year.
Anon#1 says
Right now they have carefully positioned themselves so that they have $63 Million in cap space which is the most in the league.
That was probably not an accident.
__
How can you say that when the Lakers were begging Lebron,Melo, LA and Greg Monroe to take their money and no one wanted to come? What short memories we have.
If you mean the FO carefully planned to have thin rosters built around expiring deals and one year contracts — then I agree with you. But the fact they have so much cap space is reflective of the mess the team is and Jim’s ill fated ‘rebuild by signing multiple max free agents’ strategy.
Mid-Wilshire says
Renato and KO,
I, too, share your concerns and frustrations with the defensive intensity of both Russell and Clarkson (although I think Clarkson’s ceiling as a defensive player is higher than that of Russell).
However, before we give up on them — after all, they’re 20 and 23 years old — I’d like to see what a new coach could do with them. That could make a difference.
A Horse With No Name says
Mid-W: Both guards can and should improve defensively. I actually think Russell should develop into a very good team defender with his length, anticipation and smarts. Clarkson has decent length, good lateral movement and quickness. He seems however, to be totally lost when it comes to anticipation and shows poor peripheral awareness. I am more concerned about his defensive issues than I am Russell’s. Better player development/coaching will make a big difference. Both guys have played way too few minutes in their short careers to give up on them.
T. Rogers says
Defense these days is a team concept. It is also very much related to the offensive style of the team. For example, the Spurs sacrifice offensive rebounds so they can get back and prevent quick baskets. So basically I agree with Mid Wilshire. I want to see what this team looks like with a different coach and a coherent team concept. I think both Russell and Clarkson can be adequate defenders in the right scheme. Right now there is no scheme.
Renato Afonso says
Mid,
It’s not about any of them in particular. The team can handle one defensive liability but not two. And while they both show offensive potential, what is their ceiling? Let’s imagine this: if either one of them reaches the offensive prowess of James Harden, said player would’ve been a great draft pick. Now, imagine Harden paired with one of them, even with a slight improvement on defense? Is that a championship backcourt? And would it work on offense? Two ball dominant guards? Would you pair Harden with Russell?
The Lakers need talent but to have a championship level roster, sometimes you need to trade talent (or poetential) for a piece that fits. I still don’t know if Russell and Clarkson fit.
R says
ugh, I could see the Lakers patching together yet another lousy roster and rolling cap space forward yet again this go around.
They need to be smart about who and how they make FA offers this off season. Worrisome last year they apparently thought signing ‘melo was in any way shape or form a step forward. Maybe I just irrationally have no use for the guy. I do get that the Lakers – probably rightfully so – feel they need a name star as the face of the franchise – but ‘melo? Yuck.
A Horse With No Name says
Right off the top the team defense is doomed by the ancient Kobe and the inability of Roy to defend the pick and roll at all. That leaves three inexperienced players to shore up the deficiencies. Won’t happen. The best team defense has been when they play Bass at the five. He plays all out switching from the post to the perimeter and back to challenge shots. But the effort required to play this way and his lack of length limits him to about 20 minutes a night. He’s one vet that should be brought back as a solid role player role model for the youngsters.
Michael h says
I’m not that concerned about defense at this point. It is not uncommon for young players to struggle defensively especially one and done guys. Most played primarily zone in college and NBA team schemes are much more complicated. A few years ago there were big question marks about the Warriors defense. But the young players learned and now they are one of the best. And barring any major free agent signings the Lakers probably won’t be very good defensively next year either. It will take at least another season to know what we have defensively.
LT Mitchell says
Klay, Iggy, Bogut, Draymond, Livingston, Ezeile, Barnes…….. are all good to great defensive players. None of these guys were considered bad defensive players at any point in their careers, even as rookies. Curry was considered a below average to average defender, but he is usually surrounded by 4 solid defensive players in a sound defensive system. Defensively, there isn’t a worse starting backcourt in the league than DAR and Clarkson, and implementing a solid system can only help so much.
Unless Clarkson is willing to accept the 6th man role (something I doubt will happen), I think it would be wise to find a SG who is a better fit with DAR.
matt says
Lt Mitchell
Exactly what I’m thinking, need to be looking for a player who can play sg/sf, and hopefully draft a small forward? And clarkson, and williams play 6th man roles.
An essential part of the offseason would be getting a quality backup center, obviously to go along with whoever they sign as the starting center.
KevTheBold says
LT Mitchell
“Curry was considered a below average to average defender,”
Curry was considered a lousy defender up until recently, when he received training and was motivated to improve that part of his game.
In no way can we put a cap on the Russell’s defensive ceiling this early in his career.
He has already improved quite a bit this season.
matt says
R , i have had similar concerns, about them signing one year free agents, I even made a list of these types of players.
But with so much cap room they have to sign at least one multi year guy, if not 2.
The concern is because, 2017 is said to be a huge free agent year, westbrook, curry, etc
Michael h says
I’m not talking about how good the Warriors defense is today. Here in Hawaii we get the Warriors station and I have watched a lot of Warrior games. Curry , Thompson and Barnes were not good defenders coming in. It was hard for me to tell with Green his first year because he hardly played. I can’t comment on Iggy because I didn’t see him play much when he first came in to the league. Bogut was pretty good from the beginning from what I can remember.
Mid-Wilshire says
Michael h,
I also seem to remember the Warriors being pretty horrid on defense. Obviously, that changed. But for several years, they were atrocious.
There’s a moral to the story. You’ve got to give young players a chance to develop.
Also, good coaching helps. In fact, it can make all the difference in the world.
Any talk about splitting up Russell and Clarkson seems a bit hysteric to my ears. They’re 20 and 23 years old, for crying out loud. We’ve got to see what they can do under a truly outstanding coach. We’ve got to give them a chance to grow.
It’s that simple.