| 26 March 2009
March 26th - LA Lakers (25-9) at Detroit Pistons (34-36)
Full circle.
LA's first loss of the season was to the Detroit Pistons, an 11 point loss at the Staples Center. There's definitely an element of revenge when the Lakers head to the Palace on Thursday night. But the most amazing thing is how the two franchises' fortunes have differed post that November 14th loss the Pistons handed out to LA.
The Lakers have gone from strength to strength. And even when their rapidly-improving center, Andrew Bynum, went down with a knee injury, LA kept going.
Actually: unbelievably, they improved.
Because of this percieved improvement, some would argue that LA are better off without Bynum.
I disagree vehemently.
Both Pau Gasol and Lamar Odom found themselves in exactly the same position as they were a year ago. This time, they've played with a determined ferocity - eager to put the 'soft' tag behind them. Thus far, they have. And then some.
Contrast this to the way the Pistons have performed since then. For the first time in many years, they're a sub-.500 team. The Iverson/Billups trade has backfired, Iverson's been pretty nothing much more than a cap-space clearer... and Mr Bigshot has been huge for the Denver Nuggets, helping them step up to being one of the better teams in the West this season. Detroit are sometimes good, sometimes indifferent... and sometimes absolutely awful.
So, the game. LA can get this one. The starters got plenty of rest against OKC, and the bench looked good.
Add to that, with Iverson out, and Hamilton and Wallace questionable, Detroit are lacking serious fire-power against one of the top offensive teams in the league.
If you're interested in chatting about the game - head over to The Lakers Nation, and join in the live blogging event there. I'll be one of the hosts... drop in and say hello!
