ROCKETS -at- LAKERS - 10/27 - Thoughts and :-)) Ratings

[DancingBarry]

A Team Game...

“Only in achieving a degree of oneness can a group of men truly make the necessary sacrifice to win a championship.” -- Phil Jackson, The Last Season.

One by one during the ring ceremony, each Laker introduced a teammate, starting with Phil and ending with Kobe. It was a special occasion made better by hearing from each Laker and listening to them talk about a fellow purple and gold warrior -- a great display of heartfelt team unity and chemistry.

They didn't forget the man behind it all, Dr. Buss. "None of this is possible without the greatest owner in the history of team sports," Kobe said to the Staples Crowd. Kobe now has a fistful of rings and the banners to match. With that, the 2009-2010 banner was revealed to sounds of "I Love L.A." and "We are the Champions." What a beautiful sight and sound, indeed.

From top to bottom, from front office to the end of the bench, this is a team game...and the road to three-peat will take effort from everyone.

It's often said there is letdown after a ring ceremony, and the Lakers certainly dug themselves into a hole right away against the Houston Rockets. Whatever obstacles they had in front of them, they turned their fate around for a 112-110 victory behind a superb effort from their newly remodeled bench.

The Lakers lose a lot of defensive mobility with Kobe still rehabbing. Phil put Artest on Martin to start the game, not an ideal match up. When you lose your most mobile bigman in Lamar to foul trouble, as they did, the team D is a step or two slow. Brooks and Martin used that to their advantage, scoring a combined 37 points in the first half.

Last season, whenever both Fisher and Artest were off offensively, the team struggled. Tonight, the improved bench was the difference. Blake, Barnes and Brown -- the B Team -- turned the game around starting late in the third quarter. Down the stretch, Phil slid Kobe to the SF spot and ran both Blake and Brown in the backcourt. The two lit it up from beyond the arc.

You can probably count the number of times Jordan Farmar has closed for the Lakers on a single hand. Steve Blake, in his first game of the regular season, not only did that, but came up with the game-winning three and the defensive stop at the buzzer.

Welcome to the Team.


Kobe -- -- As M-V-P chants echoed through Staples, Derek Fisher took his ring and then introduced the Batman to his Robin, Kobe Bryant. "Some kind of way he figures out how to will us to being the best year in and year out," DFish said to the crowd. In his 15th year as a Laker, Kobe will take that lead role again, and the team will follow. The surgery is going to take a while before Kobe returns to himself, but the numbers were certainly there. When the team needed a big hoop or a big pass in the final couple of minutes, Kobe helped orchestrate it. How nice is it to have a couple of guys in Blake and Brown bombing away from three that he can dish to? If the Lakers get some consistent three shooting, the floor opens up for Kobe. He just needs to get to full speed to be able to fully take advantage. Defensively, that's where the injury took its toll. It's difficult to change direction or push off with his usual explosion. As a result, Phil put Kobe on slower offensive players. The game turned around when Kobe, Artest and Fisher were on the bench. The Stats: He scored 27 points on 8-20 shooting (0-3 from three, 11-12 from the line) to go wtih 5 boards, 7 assists, 1 steal, 1 turnover and 1 foul in 37 minutes. He was a -8. The Action: He ball-faked one way, spun the other and swished the 15-footer from the elbow. He missed an elbow jumper. He missed a wing jumper. He missed a long catch and shoot, too short. He missed a turnaround on the baseline. He hit Pau with a bounce pass between defenders for a dunk. He had 2 points on 1-5 shooting in the first quarter. He faked off the three line, attacked and pulled up at the FT line for a jumper. He posted up and swished a baseline turnaround. He pushed up the break, spun and drew FTs, he made one. He was held on a break for FTs, he made both. He found LO sneaking along the baseline for a dunk. He missed an open baseline jumper. He was blocked on a fading jumper. He scored an And-1 bank, getting hit from behind, he then made a tech on Martin and the foul FT (4-point play). He missed a two-for-one three attempt from the wing. He hit rim on a tough running three at the buzzer. He had 13 points on 4-12 shooting and 4 assists in the first half. Second Half: He missed a pull-up 19-footer short. He sank a turnaround in the midpost. He weaved his way through traffic and drew FT on a pull-up jumper, he made both. He drained a wing jumper over Battier on iso. He missed a sideline jumper over Scola. He set up Pau with a bounce pass for a dunk. He swished a step-back jumper on Battier. He made a tech FT. He had 9 points on 3-5 shooting in the third. He kicked out to Shannon for a three. He got tapped on an elbow jumper. He got undercut on a loose ball for FTs, he made both. He was called for a carry with 3 minutes left, ouch (good call, though). With the Lakers struggling, Kobe faced up, attacked Battier and powered in an And-1 layup, he made the FT with 1:45 left. He missed a wing three next time down. He kicked out to Blake for a wing three with 18 seconds left.

Gasol -- -- In the final minute, he and Kobe went to work on the two-man game. Kobe nearly had the ball stripped, Pau scooped it up, took a couple of dribbles and drained the jumper in the lane with 38 seconds left. He gave Kobe a that-was-a-close-one look. Scrappy game from Pau going up against a variety of Rocket bigmen, including Yao, who had just 9 points on 4-11 shooting. Yao is still looking to get into his game. Pau is, too, to some extent, but it didn't look like it tonight. Nice job carrying more of the scoring load on his shoulders. Lamar and Pau won't be able to play as aggressive as the team needs defensively at times because Bynum is out. Pau simply has to stay in the game. Even if he's not getting the ball for post scores in crunch time, he is vital to the two-man sequences Phil goes to at that juncture. So expect the D to be a little soft in the interior early this season. The Stats: He scored 29 points on 11-23 shooting (7-9 from the line) to go with 11 boards (4 offensive), 2 assists, 2 blocks, 3 turnovers and 5 fouls in 40 minutes. He was a +1. The Action: He spotted Lamar under the hoop for a dunk. He sank a face-up 18-footer on the wing next time down. He was hit on a jumphook with no call and missed. He swished a short jumper off the two-man game. He missed a 16-footer. He tipped in a Kobe miss. He dunked off the bounce pass from Kobe in the paint. He blew past Miller for a reverse layup. He didn't draw iron on a face-up jumper. He cut across the lane weak to strong, took the pass from Ron and scored the easy layup with low position on his man. He had 12 points on 6-9 shooting in the first quarter. He was stripped for a dunk. He missed an 18-footer. He missed a short jumper taking contact. Bad interior feed, right into the hands of a defender. He missed an easy layup around Miller in the post. He didn't score in the second quarter. Second Half: He missed a lefty jumphook over Yao. He missed an open 17-footer. He worked a series of moves until deciding to just shoot over Yao in the post. He drew FTs off the interior feed from Ron, he made both. He swung around Yao, drew the contact on the arms like Tim Duncan and scored the And-1 before falling to the ground, he made the FT. He dunked off the two-man sequence with Kobe. He was whistled for a foul and was about to run down court in disbelief but slammed on the breaks to avoid the tech. He scored 9 points in the third. He missed a pull-up jumper. He iso'd on Yao next time down and drew FTs, he made both. He crashed the glass to put back in a Barnes missed reverse. He missed an elbow jumper. Quick first step past Yao and he drew FTs on the reverse and fouled out Yao with 6:30 left, he made one. He back-rimmed a long one-hander. He was fouled on a screen and drew FTs, he made one. He missed a turnaround jumper with a minute left. He sank a pull-up jumper off the dribble with 38 seconds left. Scola scored a layup on him in iso.

Lamar -- -- When you look at the +/- tonight, Lamar has the only real positive among the starters. He got into early foul trouble, and the missing depth from Bynum's absence was quickly an issue as Phil had to go to his deep bench options. When Lamar was in the game, his defensive mobility, rotations and ability to push out on the glass all brought life to the team. Great seeing him play with the kind of energy and locked-in focus this early in the season. He picked his spots well offensively. Even the three he took was a good shot (he got tapped, too). The final minute or so wasn't particularly pretty as he gave up some cheap points on a putback and an offensive foul going after a board. The Stats: He scored 14 points on 7-10 shooting (0-1 from three, 0-1 from the line) to go with 10 boards, 1 assist, 1 steal, 4 turnovers and 3 fouls in 33 minutes. He was a +11. The Action: He couldn't finish a lob dunk to start the game. He dunked next time down when Pau spotted him loose under the hoop. He picked up his second foul after just 3 minutes on a charge and had to sit. He scored a layup off the pass under the hoop. He tipped a bad pass over Hayes, off the board and then he dunked it in. He swiped an offensive rebound right over Hayes and finger rolled in over him. He then grabbed a defensive board, stepped on the gas and powered in an And-1 layup on Hayes in transition, he missed the FT. He couldn't finish a layup off a Kobe feed. He dunked the next one next time down court sneaking behind Scola on the baseline to take a pass. He picked up his third on another charge on a pass off. He had 12 points on on 6-8 shooting and 6 boards. He was a +2 in 12 minutes, despite the Lakers down 11 at the half. Second Half: He forced Budinger to fumble away a pass with some pressure D in transition. Bad foul, pushing a player on the offensive glass (can't afford those when you're in foul trouble). He got tapped on a three straight away. He grabbed a defensive board, pushed it up under control and made the soft layup off the glass while avoiding a potential charge. No box out on Scola to give up a putback layup. Weak foul call going for an offensive board on the other end, and he gave up two FTs and the lead with 54 seconds left.

Artest -- -- "When we were 12 years old, he was really quiet," Lamar explained to the Staples crowd. "Now he takes is clothes off on Jimmy Kimmel and he raps." Huge applause for Artest when he was introduced. "It's an honor to get this ring with you," Artest said to Lamar when he got the mic. Ron made 3-4 to start the game, but then missed 11 straight, including three layups. He took on Martin to start the game defensively. This didn't go well as Martin had 18 first half points. When we got more speed in there, the Lakers were able to contain him. Ron watched the fourth quarter from the bench along with DFish. The Stats: He scored 8 points on 3-15 shooting (2-6 from three) to go with 7 boards (4 offensive), 2 assists, 4 steals, 1 turnovers and 4 fouls. He was a -7. The Action: He swished a sideline three on his first touch. He swiped a pass, pushed out the break and missed a challenged layup. He missed a three on a kickout. He ball-faked and swished a sideline three. He drew a goaltend call in the post. He swiped an offensive board and was blocked a couple of times trying to get it through the Great Wall of China. He missed a long pull-up jumper. He missed a three on the break. He posted up and hit Pau coming weak to strong for a layup. He had 8 points on 3-9 shooting in the first quarter. He swiped a pass from Miller. He missed an open wing three on a kickout. He couldn't finish a layup on the break. Second Half: He missed another breakaway layup, this time taking some contact with no call. He was called for a foul trying to get post position. Working the post, he hit Pau with an interior feed for FTs. Bad three attempt, back pedalling and hoisting before getting fully set. He was blocked on an up and under. He missed an inbounds jumper, badly. He still had 8 points after three quarters.

Fisher -- -- It's a rare thing to see DFish on the bench for the close of the fourth quarter. Last season, it should have happened more, but Jordan Farmar just wasn't up to the task. In the first game this season, DFish watched and cheered as his backups played a sensational game. When one of Artest or Fisher shot well last season, the team cruised. When both struggled, the defense collapsed around the other Lakers and made things tough all around. Phil has options this year, and he was quick to use them with the game on the line in the final quarter. Prior to the game, Shannon Brown got the chance to introduce DFish. "Around here, he's know as El Presidente, He's the president," Brown said. Fish then shook David Stern's hand. DFish, of course, is also the president of the players union. That's probably the only smiling those two will do to each other until the players have a new collective bargaining agreement in place. The Stats: He had 2 points on 1-7 shooting (0-1 from three) to go with 3 boards, 2 assists and 2 fouls in 23 minutes. He was a -8. The Action: He missed a pull-up jumper at the FT line (looked like he took some contact). He missed a wing three. He missed a long pull-up from the wing shortly later. He drew a moving screen on Scola. Second Half: He missed an open elbow jumper. He missed a sideline jumper. He finally scored with under 4 left in the third on a short jumper along the left side of the lane. Next time down, he missed the corner three.

Blake -- -- Kobe Bryant passes you the ball with 18 seconds left. What are you going to do, Steve Blake? Drain the game winning three, of course. He probably couldn't have written a better regular season debut. It wasn't just on the offensive end, either. Blake also got in on the final stop to secure victory as the buzzer went off. It's not who starts the game, but who finishes. Blake has already done what Farmar failed to for several years. The Lakers back-up guards were the difference in this game. Blake and Brown shot 7-9 combined from three. They dug the Lakers out of a big hole, and Phil let the two carry the baton all the way to the finish line. Defensively, Blake helped slow down Brooks, who had already scored 12 points on DFish by the time Blake entered the game in the first quarter. A couple years ago in the playoffs, Brooks gave Blake a tough time in the Portland/Houston series. Blake, however, tightened up his D as that series went along. He knows Brooks well, but just having some better defensive speed on the floor made a big difference. It seemed like the Laker bench was a little tight to start the game. Probably some jitters in front of the home crowd for the first time. Their next stint simply turned the game around. They started to feed off the crowd as benches do on their home court. Got to give this "W" to the bench. The Stats: He scored 10 points on 3-5 shooting (3-4 from three, 1-2 from the line) to go with 3 assists, 1 steal and 2 fouls. The Action: He missed a long baseline jumper. He missed a wing three. Second Half: He sank a wing three behind a Barnes down screen. He drilled a corner three next time down on a similarly developing play. He faked the handoff, attacked and drew FTs, he made one. He drilled a wing three with 18 seconds left to give the Lakers a 2-point lead. On the other end, he and Lamar were able to roof Brooks on the drive at the buzzer to get the clutch stop.

Barnes -- -- A good bench has guys who can bring energy and hustle to the floor. They can spark the team to life with effort. They don't need the ball to make an impact. Barnes had 4 offensive boards in limited time. He was cutting off the ball well, making something out of nothing with his activity. Offensively, those kinds of plays make a second unit extremely effective. There are going to be so many games this season where fans can't wait for the bench to enter the game and take over a game. Reggie Miller brought it up during the game. The kind of activity that Barnes brings will make a big impact come playoff time. That's when possessions are coveted, and extra opportunities are magnified. This team is going to be crazy on the offensive glass when Bynum returns and Pau slides back to the PF. Ron and Matt combined for 8 offensive boards. The Stats: He scored 6 points on 1-4 shooting (0-1 from three, 4-4 from the line) to go with 5 boards (4 offensive), 2 assists, 1 turnover and 3 fouls in 16 minutes. He was a +12. The Action: He scooped up a loose ball in the paint and drew FTs, getting hit on the attempt, he made both FTs. He cut to Ratliff, took the pass and scored a layup over a defender. He missed a three on a kickout. Second Half: He missed a reverse on a handoff, but Pau crashed the glass to put it back in. He missed a putback, got it back and was fouled to the floor, he made both FTs to tie the game 86-86.

Brown -- -- Sensational game from Shannon. He didn't electrify the crowd with a spectular dunk. He did it with a more complete game, draining threes or pushing out the break for scores. The improved shooting and handle were both on display tonight. Shannon picked up where he left off in the preseason and led the bench with 16 points in limited minutes. He's squaring up so well on his shot, looking confident and helping to carry this team at the SG spot as Kobe continues to work back into game shape. Defensively, his speed and athleticism led to a number of steals. Two-way impact ball from the bench is a beautiful sight. The Stats: He scored 16 points on 6-9 shooting (4-5 from three) to go with 1 board, 1 assist, 4 steals and 2 turnovers in 21 minutes. He was a +8. The Action: He drained a jumper with his heels on the three line. Second Half: He missed a pull-up from the FT line on the break. He swished a wing three. Great inside-out dribble in transition to open up a lane and then finish the layup after pushing out a board. He swished a 30-footer on the next trip down with the shotclock going off. He then swiped the ball from Yao in the post on a double team. He was called for a travel on a breakway while trying to get control of the ball. He swished a wing three on a kickout from Kobe next time down. He swished a heat-check three on the break on the next possession to force a timeout. He missed a step-back elbow jumper.

Ratliff -- -- These are the kinds of minutes the team will see from Ratliff. A couple of blocks and some otherwise quiet minutes. Quiet is a good thing for your third string bigman. Last year, you would have known when DJ was out there for 5 minutes let alone the 17 that Ratliff went tonight. The team just functions smoother. We saw a little Pau/Ratliff for the first time. That may be more of what you see when the team is healthy. One of Pau or Bynum will always be out there. Hopefully, they can build some good chemistry. Ratliff was in the game, however, in the second half when Kobe, Pau and Lamar were all resting. That's when the second unit started to make their push. The Stats: He didn't score on 0-2 shooting to go with 2 boards, 1 assist, 2 blocks and 1 foul in 17 minutes. He was a -4. The Action: He drew an offensive foul on Scola in the post. He found Barnes cutting for a layup. Second Half: Nice help D challenge to force a shotclock violation. He missed a turnaround in the post.

Caracter -- -- Just 3 minutes into the season and he got the call. He was thrown into the fire when Lamar got into early foul trouble. That's a tricky spot for a rook to be in and Phil didn't go with him for more than a couple of minutes. Phil definitely likes to be cautious about the confidence factor in rookies. He wants to put them in position to succeed. So, it was no surprise that Caracter didn't stay in too long. The -8 in just 2 minutes was plenty. The Lakers really missed Lamar in this game, no matter who else was filling in at PF. The Stats: He didn't score on 0-1 shooting and had 1 foul in 2 minutes. He was a -8. The Action: He short-armed a rushed shot over Yao in the paint. Second Half: He did not play in the second half.

Phil -- -- Huge applause for Phil tonight as he once again accepted a ring. "This is what we play for," he said to the crowd, holding up the ring. He then recognized the four players not here this year (Powell, Mbenga, Farmar, Morrison)... Early on, Lamar had to sit for Caracter with a couple of fouls just 3 minutes into the game. The Rockets went on an 11-0 run and Phil called a timeout, trailing 15-9... Phil went to a Ratliff/Pau combo.... Down 8, Phil brought in Blake for Fisher... The Rockets hit 5-7 from three in the first quarter and led 33-26... Phil started a Ratliff, Lamar, Barnes, Kobe, Brown unit... Down 10, he sat Brown for Blake and brought back in Pau. A couple minutes later, he sat Blake for Fish... A 9-0 run in 2 minutes and the Lakers cut it to 3... Lamar picked up his third foul on another pass off charge... The Lakers trailed 62-51 at the half. The Lakers shot 39 percent (21-54, 2-11 from three). The Rockets shot 47.9 percent (23-48, 6-11 from three). The Rockets had a 14-5 advantage on the break... Phil went to Blake and Barnes with 3:17 left in the third down 9... Phil close the third with a Ratliff, Artest, Barnes, Brown, Blake unit. No Kobe, Pau or LO. Two three's by Blake to cut the lead to 82-77 heading into the fourth... Phil started a Pau, Lamar, Barnes, Brown, Blake unit to open the fourth. In a couple minutes, they were able to pull even. Well done... They pulled out to a 6-point lead... With 6:44 up by 1, Phil subbed back in Kobe for Barnes... They stretched it out to an 8-point lead with a red hot Shannon Brown... The Rockets pulled the Lakers back in to take a late lead. Scola was able to score a series of layups and easy scores in the paint... Phil kept both Brown and Blake on the floor the whole quarter. They didn't disappoint, and Blake hit the game winning three. Glad to see Phil not reluctant to sit both Fish and Artest when needed... After losing the break in the first half, the Lakers won it 7-3 in the second half. Better transition D... The Lakers had 21 assists... Good job by Phil dialing in the right lineup...

[mhan00]

Great way to start the seasoon

[lounger]

Wohooooo! Wasn't pretty but it was gooooooooood!!!

[LA1969]

Thanks a million times over, Sir DB! Shannon & Blake looking great. 1-0
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"Time wounds all heels". -John Lennon

[DancingBarry]

The Rockets always seem to make for an exciting game. Can't believe how jacked I was every time Shannon or Blake hit a big shot. Seems too early in the season to get so excited about a game!

[City_Dawg]

I love the smell of a DB recap in the morning, smells like...


....victory.
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*sighs*

!...

[circlefong]

Good start and good gain:

1. Kobe is health enough to fight.
2. Gasol is good to step up, be the post trillls in the triangle.
3. Shannon has so much confidence to take up more on his shoulder.
4. Steve, that is what we are waiting so so long, is a very patient and stable 3 pointers go-to guy. No fear to shoot.
5. Matt, coming on, I like your offensive attack and offensive rebounds.
6. Last, Theo, your lovely 2 blocks !!

The first show to me is overall good , except our Ron Ron seems ...

[LakerDynasty6.0]

nicely said DB!! No horsemen like metaphors or similes this year?

I think the whole intro and its theme of "TEAM" spirit was a well place jab on the solar-plexus of the heat! PJ's first pick, Luke was also very well done, so much so that Luke was a bit floored

The bench won this game for us! Period!!

Look forward to more of the same..
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Starting Lakers Dynasty6.0! NOW!!
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....." each year in Lakerland is marked by four seasons: Kobe’s Mad at His Teammates; Kobe’s Shooting Too Much; Kobe Leads the Victory Parade; Kobe Receives His Championship Ring."

[Tanlentueux]

[DancingBarry]

[kobeyashi]

Thanks for recap. Watching Kobe, he looks more and more like 2nd 3peat Jordan. My goodness, his turn around fadeaway jumper is a thing of beauty.

[The Predator]

Man, I haven't been amped like that for an early season game in awhile.
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"Be more concerned with your character than your reputation, because your character is what you really are, while your reputation is merely what others think you are."

John Wooden

[8750]

thanks, DB
have another exciting winning season!

[Mel Rose]

[chopins7]

Thanks DB, what a game to start the season.
Have been a long time reader of yours thought and rating, i am thinking that maybe you could add the player/players of the game section for each game
Tks and cheers, really appreciate your great work!

[MedRomLaker]

Great game and great recap to start the season, thanks db. Seemed like Pau was missing some easy mid-range shots, hopefully that comes back as the season moves on.
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11/9/12 the day the brown was flushed down!!!!!!

4/30/14 the day the ant left the building!!!!!!

[RhodyRay]

Great job DB. Nice way to start new championship season. Very nice win for the Lakers and I kind of figured they were going to get things worked out. It's nice having that confidence in your team. Bench is looking very good. This team has a LOT of potential to only get better.
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Let them HATE so long as they FEAR!

[Rodman28]

Thanx.
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*On Thin Ice*

I guess I am kind of injury prone.- Andrew Bynum

These young guys are playing checkers. I'm out there playing chess.- Kobe Bryant

[Nobody]

Thanks for the writeup. Noice, haven't been this excited for the opener in a long time.

I love the additions... man are Blake and Barnes an upgrade over Farmar and Walton. Can't believe how poised Blake is and how much hustle Barnes brings.

Pau was spectacular as usual, Odom was great also.

Nice to see Kobe shake off the slow start and the passing was also on point. The only thing that is missing is his lift and handles... am I the only one who thinks he handled the ball a bit strangely?

Anyhow, great game and a nice start to the season.

GO Lakers, wohohooo!!

[Lakers#1Team]

Great recap DB!

This game had "loss" written all over it until the last part of the third quarter. Very nice to see the bench bringing us back rather than losing a lead. Great job by Phil to let Blake and Brown close it out for us.

Had the opportunity (in a dorm setting in the eastern time zone) to meet a staunch Laker hater (identified himself as a Spurs fan) who was determined enough to stay up super late in the hopes of seeing the Lakers lose. Upon seeing me walk in with my Lakers cap on he immediately displayed his great bitterness over the Lakers game 7 victory over the Celtics last year. The "lively" conversation made this victory a little sweeter as well! It's gonna be a great year!

Go Lakers!

[Laker7]

DB...Great recap but you are a little off your game my friend. You missed one important observation in your write up. Jeannie was smokin' HOT tonight! She was ON FIRE baby!



Phil is a lucky man!
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Darvin Ham is an idiot!

[prisma8slg]

thanks DB

definitely an exciting finish to the game. It was great to see our bench step up and hit some BIG shots down the stretch.

loved the ring ceremony. the players introducing each other put a personal touch on the ceremony
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"I define success by championships, by winning..." Kobe Bryant

"I've seen it all. Sasha dunked on somebody," Kobe Bryant said. "I'm ready to retire now."

[Fleur-de-Lis]

[the_pharmacist]

Lakers got lucky tonight with the win. Shannon Brown was the reason they were able to get back into the game. Fisher played like (bleep), Brooks schooled the (bleep) outta him. Artest takes too many forced/low % shots. That Ratliff guy is clueless like (bleep) on offense, why the hell did they get this old piece of (bleep). Phil's decision to put Brown in instead of Vujacic allowed them to recover and win.

[angrypuppy]