| 28 March 2009
At the end of the game on March 26th against the Detroit Pistons, LA's coach Phil Jackson left the starters in for an elongated period of time. Ostensibly it would appear to be because of the Laker's poor performance during the second quarter (they were outscored 14-30 after winning the 1st 25-12).
And if that's so, he'd be right.
But it isn't something that Laker fans should be overly worried about.
The Lakers do have a tendency to come underprepared to games where they might regard their opponents as 'lesser'. They can take those games too lightly, and on at least a handful of games this season it's been the reason for them losing. Additionally, there have been games where they should've crushed the opposition, and they've just fallen in.
It's a take on LA that can't be denied: they have lost games where they should easily win, they don't always play with heart.
However, the positive swing on this is that whenever the Lakers face a team that is strong, then they bring their 'A-game' - whether it be home or away.This somewhat lethargic attitude was on display (and then some) in microcosm form during the second quarter against Detroit. LA obviously came prepared to play, but with injuries to Wallace, Hamilton and Iverson - it quickly became evident that Detroit were way over-matched.
And that's when LA took the foot off the gas.
Behind a sterling effort from Will Bynum, Detroit pressed hard - and found themselves in front of the ballgame. LA rebounded the next quarter (31-13), and ended up running out winners by 15 points. LA came to the game expecting a tough showing from Detroit, and played accordingly in the first.
When the Pistons appeared to be an easy game - the Lakers faded. It was only when they were looking like they were in trouble that they shifted up a gear. This is a malaise that has faced LA all season (and truth be told: further back than this season!)... but fans of the team should take heart in the fact that when they face a good team, their kung fu is strong.
3 wins in 3 games on a 7 game road trip, LA now face New Jersey. How well LA can do on this road trip will largely determine whether they have a chance to beat Cleveland for the #1 in the NBA.
The Nets are a better team than their record suggests, and Brooke Lopez is a pleasant surprise. He's definitely far more skilled than a lot of critics gave him credit for. But he'll have his hands full tomorrow with Gasol, Odom & even Josh Powell (who I'm really beginning to like!). Even if you're not sure to include DJ Mbenga into the equation, LA have a lot length to throw out there. And whilst Vince Carter's somewhat erratic as to whether he'll be a force or not, you can just about guarantee Kobe will be.
LA should find themselves 4-0 for the road.
The Lakers Nation will be live-blogging the event again - follow the link over and say hello...
