+++ LAKERS -at- THUNDER 3/5/13 GAME THREAD +++

[rebs]

I haven't posted much lately because I've had to work a lot (and therefore I've had to record a lot of games).

I'm impressed with some of the strides we've made lately. However, I'm still frustrated with some of the bonehead mistakes with a supposedly veteran (or to quote Barkley "Old") team.

1. This team needs serious work on defense. 71 pts at the half? Seriously?! This team relies TOO much on team defense.

...I know that seems counter-intuitive, but team defense is great when you have some good individual defenders. We have too many players that are too easily beat and everyone is constantly rotating trying to recover (and then there are complaints about helping the helper or the next helper).

...D'Antoni continues to struggle with defense. I've seen nothing innovative from him in the defensive arena. If he isn't going to seriously focus on defense (and yes he has made some minor improvements but focuses mostly on energy and forcing the opposition to Howard) then I would like to at least see him utilize some serious zone defense to at least mix things up.

2. Team Intelligence (especially in the 4th quarter).

...How is MWP forcing a 1 on 2 situation a good play? MWP makes some amazing plays, but he's not always a + in every game. His mental lapses where he thinks he's a PG or forces random shots when he's not set, drives me bonkers. I know that he made some bonehead decisions under Phil Jackson, but overall I feel like he's off the reservation more under D'Antoni.

...Kobe is sometimes guilty of engaging in hero ball (but overall his play has been spectacular, so it's really a very isolated incident tonight). My point is that we need to run the offense and move the ball from side to side. However, that's not all on Kobe. There were times when Nash pass the ball out with under 10 seconds remaining and Kobe had to force the action. We need smarter offense and I'd like to see Kobe post up more in situations where we need offense specifically from Kobe.

3. D12.

His offensive moves make me sick (and not in a good way). I'm hoping he's still hurting and will improve. Regardless, I'm not convinced the effort is there especially against elite competition. I'm also not convinced he re-signs with the Lakers in the offseason. With all the draft picks we've given up for D12, Nash, etc. is this the beginning of the end? I'm not sure, but if D12 leaves it's going to be difficult to rebuild or reload in time to get Bryant another ring.

[Thisismyusername]

Is Pau usually this talkative with players after a game? He wasn't even playing, but I guess it was classy of em when the rest left.

I can't stand Fisher when I see him in OKC uniform, for some reason.

[DrWolf]

i thought we had them when we were down 5, i mean poor offense combined with poor defense ends in a 17 point loss

Lakers should have gotten Fisher at somepoint before he rejoined OKC

[BlackMamba007]

Man, DWIGHT WAS INSANE, He had 6 HUGE POINTS TONIGHT. and 1 MASSIVE basket. This dudes a starrrrrr

[LakersMDGurl]

[Gui]

[deadman8586]