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March 21st, 2013
 Is Dwight Howard ready to compete for a championship? Despite the loss to the Phoenix Suns, there’s barely a single Lakers fan that can be disappointed by the team’s performance turnaround after the NBA All-Star break. Apart from Kobe, who has been most consistent player of the team throughout this season, Dwight Howard has also managed to improve his game on both ends of the floor. He has been a huge factor that allowed the LA Lakers to save this season.
It’s no secret that both the fans and the team’s officials in the City of Angels were disappointed by the performance of D-12 during the first half of the season. You can blame his adjustment period or the fact that he was coming off a severe back injury. One thing is for sure: Howard was not the dominant player in the block the Lakers expected him to be.
However, he drastically changed his pace both on the defensive end and of offense. Especially on defense, the impact of the three-time Defensive Player of the Year has been big no matter the opponent. When he is not denying shots he is most likely to change them and that’s of course if the opponents find the courage to even attack the Lakers’ paint. This became more noticeable due to the constant and long lasting injuries of his teammate big man, Pau Gasol. D-12 had to step up and take more responsibilities on both ends of the court.
Offensively, Howard has also improved his performance. He is driving stronger to the basket after the pick-and-rolls and he is more efficient when he catches the ball close to the hoop. During the last 10 games, Howard is averaging 17.4 Points per Game on 48% shooting from the field and meantime grabbing a bit over 15 rebounds. He also has almost 3 blocks per game.
Howard’s performance boost comes along with a general improvement to the Lakers as a whole. LA is now showing that the original purpose of this team was to be successful in the post-season. Of course the Lakers didn’t target to finish 8th in the West when the season started. Nevertheless, when Steve Nash and Howard took their talents to LA to join Kobe and Gasol, there was just to one goal, to win another Championship. This team is in a win-now situation. This was the case even at the very beginning of the season and this continues to be their focus. Judging from the aging roster, one could say that this might actually be the last chance for this team to change a ring.
The Lakers have responded well to their first task, to pick up the pace, find ways to win and enter the Playoffs. Nothing’s 100% certain yet, but the fans can be optimistic. The next challenge for them is to put their names as an eligible Championship Contender. In a way they have achieved that, too. They went from a team scratched off the Championship puzzle, to a strong presence in the West. They will now have to fulfill the fans’ expectations.
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Tags: Dwight Howard, Kobe Bryant, Lakers playoffs, nba, Pau Gasol
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Chris Michaels
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August 10th, 2012
 Dwight Howard Los Angeles Lakers Four years ago at the trade deadline, the Los Angeles Lakers made what was considered a blockbuster move — they traded a package centered around Marc Gasol (although at the time we thought it was Kwame Brown) for Pau Gasol. Pairing him with Kobe Bryant led the Lakers to three straight finals and two NBA titles.
After tonight, Pau Gasol may be offensive option No. 4 on the Lakers.
To what is certainly the frustration and consternation of Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban and other owners (nice competitive balance), the Lakers have had the best offseason they have had since 1996 (getting Shaquille O’Neal and drafting Kobe Bryant). The Lakers were able to work trades for both point guard Steve Nash and the most dominant center on the planet today, Dwight Howard.
The Lakers are now the team best positioned to challenge the Miami Heat for the NBA title, they can match up in raw talent. And with real strengths at point guard and center — the two weakest links of the Heat — Los Angeles may well be the best team in the NBA.
Acquiring Dwight Howard is another bold move for the Lakers, just what we’ve come to expect from a franchise that measures success in championship rings.
So Howard is coming off back surgery and might not even be ready to start the season? So what? The Lakers don’t do Novembers. The Lakers do Junes. This is who they are.
Stay Tuned, this could be an amazing season in Los Angeles.
Tags: Andrew Bynum, Dwight Howard, Kobe Bryant, Los Angeles Lakers, Orlando Magic, Pau Gasol
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Chris Cabrera
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May 17th, 2012
 Staples Center Live and Downtown LA LIVE, STAPLES Center and Downtown Los Angeles will be the center of the sports universe beginning Thursday night. Kings, Lakers, Clippers and the world’s best cyclists will all compete for coveted championship titles during an unprecedented 80 hours in Los Angeles
Fans are encouraged to plan extra travel and parking time if attending any of the events happening in or around STAPLES Center this Sunday, May 20, 2012. In addition to our sold-out playoff games, the streets of downtown will be filled with spectators watching the downtown circuit of the AMGEN TOUR of California cycling race, which finishes on Figueroa Street at Chick Hearn/11th Street at approximately 11:45 AM.
Additionally, the Los Angeles Kings and STAPLES Center have announced to open it’s doors early Sunday morning inviting ticketed fans to enter the arena as early as 9:00 AM. Complimentary coffee and doughnuts will be served until 10:30 AM to ticketholders.
The Los Angeles Convention Center will also be hosting a conference on Saturday and Sunday from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
Road Closures – Sunday, May 20th
Figueroa Street from Pico Blvd. to Olympic Blvd.
Chick Hearn Ct. from Flower Street to Georgia Street
Pico Blvd. from Flower Street to Figueroa Street
Flower Street from Pico Blvd. to 11th Street
Olympic Blvd. from Figueroa Street to Olive Street
Olive Street, North of Olympic Blvd.
11th Street from Flower Street to Hill Street
Hill Street, North of 11th Street
All of the above streets will be re-opened prior to the end of the Kings game. Pedestrian bridges to cross Figueroa Street will be erected at Figueroa Street just north of Chick Hearn Ct. and at Figueroa Street just north of Pico Blvd.
Directions to Lot 1, Lot W and Lot C are attached for your reference.
Weekend Event Schedule & Information
Thursday, May 17th at 6:00 PM Kings vs. Phoenix Coyotes (Round 3, Home Game 1)
Friday, May 18th at 7:30 PM Lakers vs. Oklahoma City Thunder (Series B, Home Game 1)
Saturday, May 19th at 12:30 PM Clippers vs. San Antonio Spurs (Round B, Home Game 1)
Saturday, May 19th at 7:30 PM Lakers vs. Oklahoma City Thunder (Series B, Home Game 2)
Sunday, May 20th at 8:00 AM “Nissan Ride Before the Pros” (Free to the public, register at http://www.amgentourofcalifornia.com/nissan.html)
Sunday, May 20th at 10:30 AM AMGEN TOUR of California downtown circuit (beginning on Rodeo Drive, finishing downtown at approximately 11:45 AM)
Sunday, May 20th at 12:00 PM Kings vs. Phoenix Coyotes (Round 3, Home Game 2)
Sunday, May 20th at 7:30 PM Clippers vs. San Antonio Spurs (Round B, Home Game 2)
Tags: Clippers, Coyotoes, Kings, LA Live, lakers, Spurs, staples center, Thunder, Traffic
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Chris Cabrera
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May 3rd, 2012
Last night the Los Angeles Clippers lost against the Memphis Grizzlies in a grueling 105-98 Memphis win. The result of last nights game placed both teams on an even keel in the playoff series; both the Los Angeles Clippers and the Memphis Grizzlies have won one game each! In their first playoff game the Clippers beat the Grizzlies 99-98. It has been a nail-bitingly close experience for Clippers fans. Game three for the Clippers-Memphis NBA Playoffs series will be back in Los Angeles this Saturday, May 5th.
The Clippers kicked off the playoffs in Game 1 with an explosive momentum, shooting nearly 65% of their shots in the first quarter alone. The second game didn’t fare as well for the Clippers, with the absence of Caron Butler due to a broken metacarpal and also losing their home game advantage. But Butler was replaced by Bobby Simmons in Game 2 and there are high hopes for Clippers fans at this Saturday’s game.
The Lakers are faring much better than their fellow Los Angeles Staples Center team; winning both of their NBA Playoff games thus far against the Denver Nuggets! They will lose their home game advantage for their next game as they head to Denver and the Clippers will switch places, heading to Los Angeles.
It is the first time in NBA history that both Los Angeles teams are in the NBA Playoff’s and it seems no matter who your rooting for, Los Angeles basketball fans have just never been so excited. Don’t miss your chance to see either of our NBA teams live at the Los Angeles Staples Center. Whether it’s Clippers Staples Center tickets or Los Angeles Lakers Playoffs Ticets you want, at www.BarrysTickets.com we stock the best inventory available!
Tags: Clippers, Clippers Playoffs Tickets, LA Playoffs Tickets, lakers, Lakers Playoffs Tickets, Los Angeles Clippers, Los Angeles Clippers NBA Playoffs Tickets, Los Angeles Clippers Tickets, Los Angeles Lakers, Los Angeles Lakers NBA Playoffs Tickets, Los Angeles Lakers Tickets, Los Angeles Staples Center Tickets, NBA Playoffs Tickets, NBA Staples Center Tickets, nba tickets, Staples Center Tickets
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Chris Cabrera
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March 25th, 2012
As the basketball season winds down, the excitement heats up as another NBA Playoff season kicks off for a battle to win the national championship.
The Los Angeles Lakers may undoubtedly be one of the greatest franchises in the history of professional sports. The Lakers have made an astounding 47 playoff appearances, captured the division title 27 times, made 25 NBA Finals appearances and won the NBA championship 11 times throughout their LA Staples Center history.
The team won its first championship in 1972 thanks to the remarkable play of Wilt Chamberlain, Gail Goodrich and Jerry West. The Lakers would later enjoy their most impressive run during the 1980s, when they ascended to dynasty status by capturing the NBA championship in 1980, 1982, 1985, 1987 and 1988.
After a period of rebuilding, the Lakers would return as a top contender with the pairing of All-Stars Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O’Neal to capture five championships in the 2000s. The team capped off their 50th season in Los Angeles with yet another championship win in 2010, laying the groundwork for several more decades of playoff success.
Of course, some of the greatest contributors to the team’s postseason success are the stellar coaches and players who have made their mark in the history of NBA lore. Coaching greats Pat Riley, Bill Sharman and Phil Jackson have led Laker squads to several championship wins, and legends such as Chamberlain, Magic Johnson and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar have sported the yellow and purple in many a playoff game.
The 2012 NBA Playoffs are scheduled to start on April 28th, 2012 with the last possible 2012 NBA Finals date scheduled for June 26th, 2012. They seeding rewards the teams that have the best record. There are some caveats; however, as a divisional winner is guaranteed to be seeded no worse than #4. The other tiebreakers that are used to determine the seeding for the 2012 NBA Playoffs.
There were six coaching changes made prior to the start of the 2011-12 NBA season. Of note is the LA Laker’s coach, Phil Jackson, heading into retirement again after failing to make the NBA finals in his final season.
Just like past years, the 2012 NBA Playoffs will feature 8 teams in each conference. Divisional winners earn automatic playoff spots and the five teams with the best records after the division champs earn the right to play in the post season. The teams are seeded based on record and matched up according to seed. For example, the #1 seed in each conference will play the #8 seed from that same conference. Each round of the playoffs consists of a best of 7 series with a total of four rounds in the tournament culminating with the 2012 NBA Championship.
The Los Angeles Lakers are overall favorite to win the 2012 NBA Championship, beside Miami Heat. These two teams are on a collision course towards meeting in the Finals which will definitely not disappoint.
Now you can order your tickets to see the NBA Playoffs live in 2012 by visiting www.BarrysTickets.com today!
Tags: Lakers Playoffs Tickets, Lakers Staples Center Playoffs Tickets, lakers tickets, Los Angeles Lakers Playoffs Preview, Los Angeles Lakers Playoffs Tickets, Los Angeles Lakers Staples Center Tickets, Los Angeles Lakers Tickets, Staples Center Playoffs Tickets
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Chris Cabrera
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August 15th, 2011
A few weeks ago, on July 25th, the NFL players voted to approve a new deal just a few days after the owners approved a tentative new deal, finally putting an end to the four and a half month lock-0ut that had football fans in a panick. The recent lockout was the longest in league history.
Well, this is wonderful for our fellow football advocates, but where does that leave the NBA? Traditionally the NBA season begins the last week of October. But as we barrel towards September and there is no sign of a pre-season in sight fans and especially season ticket holders are getting worried. Though the lock-out began Friday July 1st, by the second week of the lock-out already 11% of the NBA had lost their jobs. The impact of the NBA lock-out couldn’t be predicted.
As things stand now, the NBA lockout is headed for the courts, and we don’t mean basketball courts. The owners of the NBA went on a strike nearly two weeks ago, filing an unfair labor practice lawsuit against the players in an effort to nip any chance of decertification in the butt. In spite of the bold move on owners part, many predict this will do nothing but prolong the work stoppage and that this is the NBA league’s attemt at gaining bargaining power by strong-arming the players. As for now however the Union has not decided to decertify, though fans believe it would be the best move for the players at this point. The message being sent by the owners is there will be no compromising on a hard salary cap or progress in meeting other union demands.
It seems inevitable that in spite of the owners aggressive and offensive actions, the NBA would eventually come to an agreement. But it may take some missed games (or a missed season, heck!) along with some bad publicity to end the lockout.
The NBA lockout brings up an interesting point of view- what about elderly NBA players who couldn’t dream of making what the NBA players of today are asking. For example, Bob Cousy who is now 83, retired in 1963 as one of the NBA’s highest-paid players; at $35,000 a year! For NBA stars of the past, some held several jobs to make their bills. Of course Basketball has since gained much popularity and the days of an average salary of $10,000 a year with no pension plans are far behind us. Still, some might say that the new NBA model is flawed because the popularity of the NBA has not yet caught up with it’s growth. In other words, unless your the Los Angeles Lakers, the Los Angeles Clippers, the Boston Celtics, or the New York Knicks, you are going to more likely struggle and meeting the new NBA demands would be impossible from an owners perspective. The NBA has expanded to so many cities and the success of the majority of them is nowhere near that of Boston, Los Angeles, or New York.
One thing this lockout is proving; the popularity of Basketball has exploded and reached levels that could never have been predicted in 1963. But it seems we can all agree- let’s get this settled so we can all enjoy the game.
Tags: clippers tickets, lakers tickets, Los Angeles Clippers Tickets, Los Angeles Lakers Tickets, nba basketball tickets, nba lockout
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Chris Cabrera
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