View previous topic :: View next topic |
Author |
Message |
Cha*n Star Player
Joined: 20 Jul 2009 Posts: 7233
|
Posted: Fri Jan 31, 2014 10:12 am Post subject: Lakers in the News 1/31/14: Lakers vs Bobcats Recap & NBA Rumors: Lakers, among others make offers for Taj Gibson |
|
|
Quote: | Magic Johnson declares cease-fire on Jim Buss, Mike D'Antoni, Lakers
Magic Johnson told Jay Leno on "The Tonight Show" that the Lakers made a "critical mistake" in not hiring Phil Jackson. (Francine Orr / Los Angeles Times / January 15, 2014)
By Eric Pincus
January 31, 2014, 6:00 a.m.
Magic Johnson has declared a cease-fire on the Lakers, executive/owner Jim Buss and Coach Mike D'Antoni.
The Hall of Fame point guard has recently been very publicly lambasting the Lakers concerning their leadership, on-court play and decision to hire D'Antoni over Phil Jackson in 2012.
Via Twitter on Thursday, Johnson vowed to stop criticizing his former franchise.
D'Antoni declined to comment on any of Johnson's statements, although he did acknowledge they were hurtful.
The Lakers have been absolutely decimated by injuries this season. According to Lakers.com, through games played Tuesday, the Lakers (16-30) have lost more players to injury than any other team in the league, at 153. |
http://www.latimes.com/sports/lakersnow/la-sp-ln-lakers-magic-johnson-jim-buss-mike-dantoni-20140131,0,1276784.story#ixzz2s0H7BlPB
Last edited by Cha*n on Fri Jan 31, 2014 9:23 pm; edited 5 times in total |
|
Back to top |
|
|
Cha*n Star Player
Joined: 20 Jul 2009 Posts: 7233
|
Posted: Fri Jan 31, 2014 10:15 am Post subject: |
|
|
Magic Johnson apologizes to Laker Nation for recent outburst
FOX Sports West staff
FOX Sports West
JAN 31, 2014 12:20p ET
Note: Couldn't get to the body of the article.
http://msn.foxsports.com/west/story/magic-johnson-apologizes-to-laker-nation-for-recent-outburst-013114
Last edited by Cha*n on Fri Jan 31, 2014 10:32 am; edited 1 time in total |
|
Back to top |
|
|
Cha*n Star Player
Joined: 20 Jul 2009 Posts: 7233
|
Posted: Fri Jan 31, 2014 10:18 am Post subject: |
|
|
Quote: | Bobcats-Lakers Preview
While the Charlotte Bobcats haven't defeated the Los Angeles Lakers in almost three years, Al Jefferson may be able to get them over the hump Friday night.
Not having to face Kobe Bryant should also help their cause.
The Bobcats try to snap a five-game losing streak against the Lakers, who are on the verge of yet another six-game skid.
Jefferson has been on a tear of late, averaging 26.9 points and 11.9 rebounds while shooting 55.7 percent over the last 10 games. He scored 11 of his season high-tying 35 points in the fourth quarter and added 11 boards as Charlotte (20-27) opened a four-game trip Wednesday with a 101-98 win at Denver.
"I'm getting healthy, I'm getting there. I'm probably at about 85-90 percent right now," said Jefferson, who missed nine of the first 12 games with a sprained ankle. "I'm working towards to get to 100 percent. I have to be able to do it both on both ends. That's the only way this team is going to have a chance at success is if I play at a high level."
Jefferson has scored 22 or more points in nine straight contests. The Bobcats are 11-5 when he reaches that mark compared to 4-18 when he doesn't.
"He is scoring and then we are also scoring off him," coach Steve Clifford said. "His effect on his teammates is good." |
http://espn.go.com/los-angeles/nba/preview?id=400489568 |
|
Back to top |
|
|
Cha*n Star Player
Joined: 20 Jul 2009 Posts: 7233
|
Posted: Fri Jan 31, 2014 10:23 am Post subject: |
|
|
Quote: | Preview: Lakers vs. Charlotte Bobcats
Bobcats center Al Jefferson, right, shoots over Clippers center DeAndre Jordan during a game in Charlotte, N.C. (Chuck Burton / Associated Press / January 22, 2014)
By Eric Pincus
January 31, 2014, 10:00 a.m.
The Lakers (16-30) look to end a five-game losing streak on Friday night when they host the Charlotte Bobcats (20-27) at Staples Center.
Charlotte is currently in eighth place in the Eastern Conference, but barely. The New York Knicks (19-27) have won four straight. The Bobcats are still waiting to get point guard Kemba Walker back from an ankle injury.
The Lakers won in Charlotte earlier in the season during Kobe Bryant's brief six-game run after recovering from his Achilles injury but before he fractured his knee.
Once again, the Lakers will play without Steve Nash (back) and Steve Blake (elbow), Jordan Farmar (hamstring), Xavier Henry (knee) and Bryant.
Henry and Bryant are still weeks away, but the three point guards could return when the Lakers play next week.
Key matchup |
http://www.latimes.com/sports/lakersnow/la-sp-ln-lakers-charlotte-bobcats-20140131,0,389791.story#ixzz2s0KeEdBB |
|
Back to top |
|
|
Cha*n Star Player
Joined: 20 Jul 2009 Posts: 7233
|
Posted: Fri Jan 31, 2014 10:25 am Post subject: |
|
|
Quote: | Charlotte continues road swing against Lakers
Sports Network
9:33 a.m. CST, January 31, 2014
Sports.com — The Charlotte Bobcats started their four-game western trip with a win and they'll try to keep the momentum going Friday night when they head to the Staples Center to visit the Los Angeles Lakers.
The Bobcats opened their trek with a 101-98 victory over the Denver Nuggets Wednesday night.
Al Jefferson was dominant with 35 points and 11 rebounds. Gerald Henderson added 16 points, eight rebounds and five assists and Ramon Sessions scored 16 and dished out seven assists for the Bobcats, who snapped a two-game slide.
"One of the keys to the game was we got off to a good start. We struggled defensively in the second half with the high pick-and-roll defense. I thought in the last three or four minutes we played well defensively," said Bobcats coach Steve Clifford.
It will be a return of sorts for Clifford as he was a Lakers assistant last season.
The Bobcats may get a huge piece back on Friday night as Kemba Walker is close to a return. He's missed the last five games with a sprained left ankle, but practiced Thursday and could be a go for either Friday or Saturday against the Phoenix Suns. |
http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/sns-tsn-acn-preview-cha-lal-20140131,0,2050092.story |
|
Back to top |
|
|
Cha*n Star Player
Joined: 20 Jul 2009 Posts: 7233
|
Posted: Fri Jan 31, 2014 10:27 am Post subject: |
|
|
Quote: | Charlotte Bobcats at Los Angeles Lakers game preview
By twarner50 @twarner50 on Jan 31 2014, 10:00a 13
Sam Sharpe-USA TODAY Sports
Coming off a close win against the Denver Nuggets, the Bobcats continue their west coast road trip at the Staples Center against the struggling Lakers.
The game tips off at 10:30 p.m. tonight.
Some good news tonight: Although his status is still questionable, Kemba Walker may be healthy enough to return from injury tonight. Also, the Bobcats are playing the Lakers, who sit 14th in the Western Conference and happen to be carrying a four-game losing streak.
Given the terrific play of Al Jefferson as of late, it seems the Bobcats might be considered the favorites in this game. This might be the first time in franchise history they're favored against the Lakers in Los Angeles. It's a good feeling. Cherish this feeling.
That being said, it should be noted that the Lakers are playing this poorly because of long-term injuries to both Kobe Bryant and Steve Nash. The health issues surrounding Steve Blake and Jordan Farmar probably don't help either. The Lakers still boast Pau Gasol and Jordan Hill -- a very solid starting frontcourt -- though they don't have much in terms of perimeter play. Thanks to the recent success of Kendall Marshall as their starting point guard, the Lakers' ball movement has gotten better. However, it hasn't resulted in any substantial upswing in the production of Nick Young, Jodie Meeks, or Wesley Johnson. |
http://www.rufusonfire.com/2014/1/31/5363664/charlotte-bobcats-at-los-angeles-lakers-game-preview |
|
Back to top |
|
|
Will2Win Star Player
Joined: 12 Nov 2012 Posts: 1124
|
Posted: Fri Jan 31, 2014 11:36 am Post subject: |
|
|
at first when i read the bobcats-lakers part i thought it meant that the Lakers were the new bobcats of the NBA |
|
Back to top |
|
|
gumby Star Player
Joined: 24 Jun 2005 Posts: 2500 Location: Inland Empire
|
Posted: Fri Jan 31, 2014 12:44 pm Post subject: |
|
|
Now he wants to apologize? At least I understood where you were with the badmouthing, now you want to stop? More flip-flopping. SMH
Bye. _________________ "This trophy removes the most odious sentence in the English Language. It can never be said again that 'the Lakers have never beaten the Celtics.'" -Dr. Jerry Buss (1985) R.I.P., 33 x M.V.O. |
|
Back to top |
|
|
Cha*n Star Player
Joined: 20 Jul 2009 Posts: 7233
|
Posted: Fri Jan 31, 2014 3:32 pm Post subject: |
|
|
Quote: | Lakers getting healthy, but is it too late?
Lakers teammates Manny Harris, left, and Pau Gasol, middle, battle Indiana Pacers center Roy Hibbert for a rebound during the Lakers' 104-92 loss Tuesday at Staples Center. (Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times / January 28, 2014)
By Eric Pincus
January 31, 2014, 12:22 p.m.
At 16-30, the Lakers are currently tied with the Cleveland Cavaliers in 24th-25th place.
That's a difficult place to be with 36 games left to play during the 2013-14 NBA season.
"The great group of guys that we have, guys that are not willing to quit," said Gasol after practice on Thursday.
On Thursday, the Lakers saw Steve Nash (back), Steve Blake (elbow) and Jordan Farmar (hamstring) return from injury. None will play Friday but all three could suit up next week.
Eventually Kobe Bryant and Xavier Henry should both be back from knee injuries.
Unfortunately for the team, the season is already lost.
At 9 1/2 games behind the eighth-place Dallas Mavericks (26-21), the playoffs are all but out of the picture.
The worse the Lakers do this season, the better their chances at a top prospect in the 2014 NBA draft.
"If we play well -- if we get some good wins and some winning streaks -- whether at the end if we make it or not," said Gasol. "At least the games we play from this point on ... it's been a more positive result."
Perhaps a more positive result to the players currently on the team, but not long-term when it comes down to the NBA draft lottery. |
http://www.latimes.com/sports/lakersnow/la-sp-ln-lakers-getting-healthy-too-late-20140131,0,5837118.story#ixzz2s1aHB9dS |
|
Back to top |
|
|
Cha*n Star Player
Joined: 20 Jul 2009 Posts: 7233
|
Posted: Fri Jan 31, 2014 3:37 pm Post subject: |
|
|
Quote: | D'Antoni not surprised to see Gasol left off All-Star team
Lakers center Pau Gasol goes for a rebound on Jan. 28. (Mark J. Terrill / Associated Press)
By Mike Bresnahan
January 31, 2014, 1:08 p.m.
Of all the surprises this season, this wasn't one of them: Pau Gasol was left off the All-Star team.
Lakers Coach Mike D'Antoni thinks he knows why. The Lakers (16-30) are 14th in the Western Conference.
"When you’re not in the top eight, top nine, I’m a firm believer that, you know what, numbers don’t mean a whole lot if you’re not winning," D'Antoni said Friday. "So you’ve got to be very careful about putting somebody on the All-Star team that doesn’t have [victories]… unless you’re in the East, probably. If you don’t have a winning record, it’s really tough to get in there."
Gasol, 33, has played better this month, averaging 20.6 points and 12.1 rebounds. The Lakers, though, have lost 17 of their last 20 games.
"He’s had All-Star numbers but he didn’t have them all year. He had them the last couple of months," D'Antoni said. "To be fair to everybody else, it makes it tough."
Gasol, a four-time All-Star, hasn't made the team since 2011 | .
http://www.latimes.com/sports/lakersnow/la-sp-ln-dantoni-gasol-all-star-team-20140131,0,7030680.story#ixzz2s1bddh9F |
|
Back to top |
|
|
Cha*n Star Player
Joined: 20 Jul 2009 Posts: 7233
|
Posted: Fri Jan 31, 2014 3:40 pm Post subject: |
|
|
Quote: | Pau Gasol Responding To Tough Questions About Losing
As the Lakers have continued to falter, Pau Gasol has stepped forward to be a leader inside and outside the locker room.
By Shahan Ahmed | Friday, Jan 31, 2014 | Updated 2:32 PM PSTView
Pau Gasol answers a tough question about the Lakers' attitude going forward for the remainder of the season.
Always one to thoughtfully answer any question, Pau Gasol has been asked some tough ones this season and responded with grace. Whether he was questioned about team’s struggles or his own personal injury battles, the Spanish giant has stood tall and answered with thoughtful intelligence.
With the Lakers’ latest downturn, the veteran center has been bombarded with questions about the season being over, how to go forward with seemingly no chance at the post season and subjects usually not welcomed by players in the middle of a failing season.
Without missing a beat, the thoughtful 7-footer has continued to answered questions of doubt with transparent honesty and restrained respect.
After Tuesday’s loss to the Indiana Pacers, the Lakers had lost 17 of the last 20 games, and Gasol was asked a tough question about where the team sat in the standing: in a virtual tie for last place.
“I don’t really like to think about our record too much,” Gasol responded. “Kind of rather stay positive and work every single day to make it better and help the team win.” |
http://www.nbclosangeles.com/blogs/triple-threat/Pau-Gasol-answers-Lakers-losing-242991071.html |
|
Back to top |
|
|
Cha*n Star Player
Joined: 20 Jul 2009 Posts: 7233
|
Posted: Fri Jan 31, 2014 9:14 pm Post subject: |
|
|
Quote: | NBA Rumors: Lakers, Wizards, Bobcats make trade offers for Taj Gibson
BY BRYAN ROSE - JAN 31ST, 2014 AT 4:17 PM
PREVIOUS
NEXT
With the Chicago Bulls in the midst of a re-tool, teams have been calling in preparation for the upcoming February trade deadline.
The Bulls have been relatively quiet in regards to who in on the market, but teams appear to have interest in big man Taj Gibson.
According to Joe Cowley of the Chicago Sun Times, the Los Angeles Lakers, Washington Wizards and Charlotte Bobcats have all made trade inquiries for Gibson in recent weeks.
According to a source, the Lakers, Wizards and Bobcats have each inquired about Gibson, but they were preliminary talks in which the Bulls did not like the return.
Gibson inked a $33 million dollar extension on October 31st of 2012 which could be considered relatively team friendly – at least in regards to contracts often handed out to power forwards and centers.
His deal runs through the 2016-17 season. It’s currently not known what type of offers the Bulls turned down in exchange for Gibson.
The fifth year veteran is averaging 12 points and 6 rebounds a game for the Bulls. |
http://fansided.com/2014/01/31/nba-rumors-lakers-wizards-bobcats-make-trade-offers-taj-gibson/#!t7gkc |
|
Back to top |
|
|
Cha*n Star Player
Joined: 20 Jul 2009 Posts: 7233
|
Posted: Fri Jan 31, 2014 9:18 pm Post subject: |
|
|
Quote: | Lakers Trade Rumors: Lakers targeting forward Taj Gibson before trade deadline?
See alsoNBA Los Angeles Lakers Chicago Bulls NBA Trade Deadline Taj Gibson Pau Gasol
Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images
January 31, 2014
With the NBA trade deadline rapidly approaching on Feb. 20, the Los Angeles Lakers are starting to get active in pursuing players. One player that has emerged as a potential trade target for the Lakers is Taj Gibson of the Chicago Bulls according to Joe Cowley of the Chicago Suns-Times on Jan. 31:
According to a source, the Lakers, Wizards and Bobcats have each inquired about Gibson, but they were preliminary talks in which the Bulls did not like the return.
Over the past few years, Pau Gasol has been constantly rumored to be dealt by the Lakers, but no deal has come to fruition. Despite the Lakers being unable to trade Gasol, the team may finally pull the trigger on a trade to send him elsewhere before the deadline.
Although Gibson is having a career year with the Bulls this season, the Lakers sending Gasol to Chicago in exchange for Gibson doesn't really make much sense. Gibson is set to make $8 million or more every season for the next three years. |
http://www.examiner.com/article/lakers-trade-rumors-lakers-targeting-forward-taj-gibson-before-trade-deadline |
|
Back to top |
|
|
Cha*n Star Player
Joined: 20 Jul 2009 Posts: 7233
|
Posted: Fri Jan 31, 2014 9:21 pm Post subject: |
|
|
Quote: | Lakers can't handle Al Jefferson and the Bobcats in 110-100 loss
Lakers power forward Pau Gasol tries to score inside against Bobcats guard Gerald Henderson in the first half Friday night at Staples Center. (Mark J. Terrill / Associated Press / January 31, 2014)
By Eric Pincus
January 31, 2014, 9:55 p.m.
Al Jefferson simply dominated the Lakers on Friday night, scoring 40 points while taking 18 rebounds to lead the Charlotte Bobcats to a 110-100 victory at Staples Center.
The 6-foot-10 center shot 18 of 32 from the field in 38 minutes, scoring only four of his points at the free-throw line.
Guard Gerald Henderson added 20 points for the Bobcats, who shot 52.3% from the field.
The Lakers were led by Pau Gasol with 24 points and nine rebounds. Guard Nick Young contributed 21 off the bench but struggled from the field, hitting eight of 22 shots.
As a team, the Lakers shot only 38.7% from the field.
Guard Jodie Meeks chipped in 19 points while point guard Kendall Marshall notched another double-double in defeat with 10 points and 12 assists. Rookie forward Ryan Kelly scored 13.
The Bobcats played with four former Lakers: Josh McRoberts, Ramon Sessions, Chris Douglas-Roberts and Jannero Pargo. Sessions, starting at point guard for Kemba Walker (ankle), scored nine points and had 13 assists.
With their sixth straight loss, the Lakers fall to 16-31. The team will rest over the weekend before visiting the Minnesota Timberwolves (23-23) on Tuesday.
The Bobcats (21-27) travel to Phoenix to play the Suns (28-18) on Saturday.
Bobcats 86, Lakers 74 (end of third quarter) |
http://www.latimes.com/sports/lakersnow/la-sp-sn-lakers-charlotte-bobcats-game-updates-20140131,0,1163233.story#ixzz2s30DM4bE |
|
Back to top |
|
|
Cha*n Star Player
Joined: 20 Jul 2009 Posts: 7233
|
Posted: Fri Jan 31, 2014 9:50 pm Post subject: |
|
|
Quote: | Bobcats Hand Lakers 6th Straight Loss, 110-100
LOS ANGELES February 1, 2014 (AP)
By JOE RESNICK Associated Press
Al Jefferson tied a career high with 40 points, 16 of them in the fourth quarter, and grabbed 18 rebounds to help the Charlotte Bobcats send the floundering Los Angeles Lakers to their sixth straight defeat with a 110-100 victory Friday night.
Jefferson set a franchise record with his 11th straight game of 20 or more points, eclipsing the previous mark set by Jason Richardson in 2007-08. It was the 13th game this season in which an opposing player scored at least 30 against the Lakers, something that happened in 18 games last season — and there are still 35 games remaining.
Gerald Henderson added 20 points for the Bobcats. Starting point guard Kemba Walker missed his sixth straight game since a sprained left ankle ended his career-opening consecutive game streak of 190. Ramon Sessions, who has started every game at the point during Walker's absence, had 13 assists and nine points.
Sessions, along with starting power forward Josh McRoberts and reserve guard Jannero Pargo — all former Lakers — combined for 26 points and the Bobcats snapped a string of five straight defeats against Los Angeles.
Charlotte shot 52.3 percent from the field, improving to 5-0 when shooting at least 50 percent. The victory was the Bobcats' ninth on the road, four more than all of last season.
Still missing Kobe Bryant, Steve Nash, Steve Blake, Jordan Farmar and Xavier Henry because of injuries, the Lakers lost for the 18th time in 21 games and remain only a half-game ahead of last-place Sacramento in the Western Conference standings just four seasons after winning their 16th NBA title. Pau Gasol had 24 points for Los Angeles and Nick Young added 21 off the bench.
The snake-bitten Lakers have given up 100 or more points in 14 consecutive games, matching the club's longest such streak since a 17-game stretch in 1986-87. |
http://abcnews.go.com/Sports/wireStory/bobcats-hand-lakers-6th-straight-loss-110-100-22325973 |
|
Back to top |
|
|
|
|
You cannot post new topics in this forum You cannot reply to topics in this forum You cannot edit your posts in this forum You cannot delete your posts in this forum You cannot vote in polls in this forum
|
|