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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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Chris Michaels
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January 6th, 2013
 Pau Gasol to trade or not to trade Much buzz has been circling the former four-time all- star Pau Gasol about a possible trade this season. The Lakers have been thinking about trading him since the 2011-2012, when our team targeted Chris Paul, but the trade was called off. After that, he stated that this behavior from the team wouldn’t affect his way of play, after all it’s all professional. But he didn’t keep his promise. Where is the Gasol that would win us Championships? He is a 7 footer skilled big man with a firm jump shot and is, or rather was, almost unbeatable close to the rim. And now, he has become a role player that, ok, starts the game but then again he rarely finishes it. How can we have a player of that class not contributing for us? We can’t afford leaving such players at the bench in crunch time.
It may be wiser for teams’ officials to start thinking about trading him. Not only could we acquire one or two valuable members for Pau, but it may also be better for him to start over in a new uniform. What could we get back in a possible trade? Well, half of the teams in the NBA might be willing a lot to get a player like Gasol. Just imagine we get a player like Gasol in return, but this time he also plays like Gasol and not like Valanciunas. Because, unfortunately Pau is playing like him right now. For example imagine we get the young and promising Cousins plus 1-2 other role players. Or Millsap together with Marvin Williams and Raja. Or even Amare (ok this one might not work well neither). But really the possibilities are endless. Even Boston could make a deal with us or the Bulls with Boozer, anyone.
Maybe Pau himself is thinking about the way out, although his press statements moved in the opposite direction. “No, oh, that’s radical. I still believe. I still have faith in what we have. I still have faith that I can be a big part in helping this team succeed. Right now, I’m not being able to do that very often.” Those were his words after our loss against the Clips. I really want to believe in Gasol and even Kobe made comments about him, stating that the he should get more involved on offense. I mean, you can‘t go to Kobe or Dwight on almost every possession and wait for others to get open. Our opponents know that we always do and they lock us down on defense. But if distribute the ball more and more guys contribute on offense, that will not only boost their mentality, but will also break the defense apart, providing help and opening more lanes for Kobe. It’s really basketball fundamentals which coach D’Antoni should inhale to our offensive system.
Whether we trade Pau or not, this situation can’t continue any longer. We simply can’t continue to struggle and fight to sustain a 0.500 record. Either trade him or utilize him better. We have to make radical steps forward. Look towards the future dear Lakers’ managers.
By: Mike Rollings on the Lakers beat for Barrys Ticket Service.
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Chris Cabrera
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January 3rd, 2013
 Staples Center LA Lakers For the LA Lakers, it has been a frustrating and controversial season up to this point. They were the big story during the off-season past, after making the huge acquisitions of All-Star center Dwight Howard and also veteran point guard Steve Nash. They also added some great role players like Jodie Meeks and Antawn Jamison and even Jordan Hill while in the meantime they retained their core players, Kobe Bryant, Pau Gasol and Metta World Piece. Every media, newspaper and TV show stated that the Lakers looked unbeatable in paper. They were supposed to be one of the few teams in the entire NBA that could contend for a title against the Champions Miami Heat. They, together with the Oklahoma City Thunder looked to have all the pieces set to chase a ring. However, the reality was vastly different for the team.
The beginning of the season was disappointing and the Lakers lost 4 out of their 5 first games. That led to the immediate firing of Coach Mike Brown, who was to blame for the team’s ineffective way of play. On top of this, the injury of Steve Nash after appearing in just 2 games was devastating for the Lakers. In addition, Dwight Howard came back to action after a serious back injury. Things continued to go south for LA, as they lost also backup point guard who torn an abdominal muscle and had to undergo surgery. The sophomore Darius Morris suddenly stepped into the power rotation, but the difference between him and Nash or Blake was obvious in the game play. The team continued to struggle on both ends of the floor, committing many turnovers and not finding its offensive rhythm, even after the new Coach Mike D’Antoni took over. Despite the winning record being slightly improved, the Lakers continued to struggle and hover over and under 0.500. It is very unusual to see the LA Lakers lying under the 8th seed at the Conference Standings. Pau Gasol was injured with a tendonitis and remained sidelined for eight games. His performance this season did not match the great expectations every Lakers fan had, but that was just another drawback to the team’s general appearance.
The end of 2012 found the Lakers on the verge of 0.500 with a 15-15 record. Of course things got better for them after both Nash and Gasol got back from the injuries. The Lakers won a tough derby against the New York Knicks, at a game that marked Nash’s return. It was a momentum victory for them.
Of course it’s normal for a team with so many new roster acquisitions to be in a bonding stage for a short period of time. However, the Lakers have to rush this stage and balance their way of play as we approach the Playoffs. Steve Nash is almost 39 years old, Kobe turned 34 this summer and also Gasol is 32. With this aging roster and 1-2 years possibly this team stays together, the Lakers are in a win-now situation. That’s why in 2013 they have to fight their way back and re-enter their way of chasing a championship.
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Tags: 2012, Dwight Howard, Lakers Kobe Bryant, Los Angeles Lakers, Pau Gasol, staples center, Steve Nash
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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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March 3rd, 2012
Game Preview: Miami Heat vs. Los Angeles Lakers
Staples Center March 04, 2012 12:30pm
On Sunday, March 4 2012, the Miami Heat are scheduled to travel to the Staples Center to take on the LA Lakers. Of course, the first thing that comes to the minds of fans is the fact that LeBron and Bryant will be playing against each other.
LA Lakers felt that way when they had the pleasure of meeting Kobe Bryant, and fans of the Miami Heat felt that way when the team acquired Dwayne Wade. Any time these two teams meet on the court, there is electricity in the air and sparks around the basket.
That leads to an argument that will go on for a long time: Kobe or LeBron? This past weekend, Kobe Bryant took a hit to the face from Dwayne Wade as he went in for a layup. Bryant somehow was able to finish the game and break Michael Jordan’s record for the all-time all-star scoring title. Unfortunately, because of Dwayne Wade, he broke his nose as well. The team doctors are being very careful with Bryant’s status, and have him listed as day-to-day. On top of sustaining nasal fractures, he suffered from a concussion as well. Bryant will undoubtedly be ready to play against the Miami Heat on Sunday. Will the other members of the Lakers be prepared to step up and teach Miami a lesson?
When the Lakers have Kobe Bryant in the lineup, they are automatically considered a dangerous team. Which is why the team should do everything they can to back the all-star up and protect him from hard fouls. Wade said that he apologized for the foul he had on Bryant, but it is still unacceptable to foul someone so hard in a game that means nothing. As a result of Wade’s thoughtless action, Bryant now has to go through a long process of check-ups and examinations in order to get back on the court. As the PTI crew said earlier today, it should be expected that the Lakers will not be welcoming to the Heat on Sunday.
How will the “big three” of the Miami Heat respond to the scrutiny that they are now under? Will Kobe or LeBron have the better game? Will aggressive personalities like Ron Artest retaliate against Wade? Is this the beginning of a more heated rivalry between the two teams? Perhaps this is the surge or spark the Lakers need in order to start winning.
Any game against Dwyane Wade, LeBron James and the Heat is meaningful for the Lakers. This one took on added significance after Wade mugged Kobe Bryant on a drive to the basket during the All-Star Game, causing some serious damage to his noggin.
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Tags: Andrew Bynum, Dwayne Wade, Kobe Bryant, Lakers Vs Heat, Lebron James, Los Angeles Lakers, Miami Heat, Pau Gasol, staples center
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February 23rd, 2012
Los Angeles Lakers vs. Oklahoma City Thunder
NBA / Western Conference
Chesapeake Energy Arena, Oklahoma City, OK
Thursday, February 23rd, 2012. 9:30 PM EST
Analysis of the Los Angeles Lakers
Following a difficult stretch where PF Pau Gasol was slumping and the Lakers looked like they might be in a tough situation, star SG Kobe Bryant called a players-only meeting to correct the issues the Lakers were facing and set the tone for the rest of the season. The 20-13 squad listened and won their next two games, including a win on the road over the defending champion Mavericks. The Lakers, perhaps now the hottest team in the land, will have a tough test on the road in OKC however.
Analysis of the Oklahoma City Thunder
The Thunder are what the NBA is all about. Through keen drafting (getting the entire core of their team during the 2007, 2008, and 2009 drafts), and other smart roster moves the Thunder have built a championship-caliber team from the ground up and with little trade help. They’re a small-market team with team-first players (including two time scoring champion SF Kevin Durant) and a win-or-go-home philosophy. There is little doubt that this team, with the NBA’s best record at 26-7, will be a tough team to knock out in May and will at least be difficult to handle during the 2nd half of the year.
Key Players
Los Angeles Lakers: C Andrew Bynum
The 24-year-old sensation is a first-time All-Star this year and probably the 2nd best center in the league (behind Dwight Howard of the Orlando Magic). He has played out of his mind so far in 2012, but will have a difficult test against the stingy defense of centers Serge Ibaka and Kendrick Perkins. A night where he can put up his normal numbers against those two is definitely needed for the Lakers to win away from home.
Oklahoma City Thunder: PG Russell Westbrook
Westbrook is the unsung hero of the Thunder. Just 23, Westbrook is a 2-time All-Star and one of the top-5 point guards in the league. He’s often overshadowed by Durant though and is given a lot of flak from fans for losses when, frankly, he doesn’t deserve it. The star is averaging 23 points and a game where he puts up somewhere around 30 against a PG-weak Lakers squad would almost guarantee a Thunder victory.
Key Statistics
Blocks:
The Lakers are a decent shot-blocking team (with the combo of Bynum and Gasol you’d expect nothing less), but the Thunder are the best in the country. Averaging a ludicrous 8 blocks each night, the Thunder count on Ibaka to get the majority of these rejections. The Lakers only average 5 blocks, and that 3-block differential could mean a 6-9 point difference in the game favoring the Thunder. With two elite teams like this, those points could mean the game.
Prediction
The Lakers, while hot, haven’t yet gone up against the Thunder in Oklahoma City yet. There the Thunder have only lost 1 game and the crowd will be there to make sure they don’t make it 2. This matchup is difficult to analyze in that both teams are playing extremely well and both teams are very similar. They have their respective superstars as well as their invaluable role players and the 1 supporting All-Star (Westbrook and Gasol respectively). Ultimately I think this is a coin flip, and I’ll give the edge to the home team.
Prediction = Oklahoma City Thunder: 99 – Los Angeles Lakers: 97
The Lakers return home on February 29th to the Staples Center to face the Minnesota Timberwolves. You can purchase Lakers Vs Timberwolves Tickets now.
Tags: Kevin Durant, Kobe Bryant, Los Angeles Lakers, Oklahoma Thunder, Pau Gasol
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February 23rd, 2012
Dallas Mavericks 91 Los Angeles Lakers 96
Wednesday, February 22, 2012 9:30 PM
Location - American Airlines Center, Dallas, Texas
Officials - #24 Mike Callahan, #30 John Goble, #60 James Williams
Attendance - 20577
Mavericks Vs Lakers Tickets averaged from $40.00 to $500 a ticket. We stock Lakers Tickets for all home and away games.
LAKERS 96, MAVERICKS 91: Pau Gasol had 24 points and nine rebounds Andrew Bynum had 19 points and 14 rebounds as visiting Los Angeles got past Dallas in the start of a difficult back-to-back trip.
Kobe Bryant had 15 points, but was just 4 of 15 from the field for the Lakers, who are just 6-11 on the road and travel to face the Oklahoma City Thunder on Thursday. The Thunder are an NBA-best 14-1 at home.
Gasol had 16 in the first half for the Lakers, making their first trip to Dallas since the Mavericks eliminated them in the Western Conference semifinals in 2011.
Derek Fisher came up big for the Lakers late in the fourth quarter and scored 15 points. Matt Barnes had nine points and nine rebounds.
Dirk Nowitzki had 25 points and 12 rebounds to lead the Mavericks (21-13).
Vince Carter appeared to be on his way to a monster game with 18 first-half points, but he scored just two in the second half. Jason Terry scored 16. Brendan Haywood grabbed 11 rebounds.
The Lakers went on a 12-0 run for a 42-28 lead in the second quarter, but the Mavericks stormed back with a 20-6 run to tie the score at 48 at halftime.
The teams stayed even throughout the third quarter and deep until the fourth before Fisher’s 25-foot 3-pointer and drive to the lane gave the Lakers an 89-82 lead. Bynum made it 93-86 but Terry made a deep 3-pointer and Nowitzki tipped in a shot with 27.1 seconds remaining. Matt Barnes made two free throws and Fisher added one for a 96-91 lead.
GAME NOTEBOOK: Former Laker Lamar Odom missed the game with what coach Rick Carlisle said was an excused absence to attend to a family matter in Los Angeles. Carlisle said Odom would rejoin the Mavericks after the All-Star break. … Dallas owner Mark Cuban has no sympathy for the Lakers, but said he does miss Phil Jackson. “Phil was smart,” Cuban told the Los Angeles Times. “He was fun to mess with, knowing that he’d come right back, return volley, and I’d return volleys like a good tennis match. The volleys went on and on. They got more intense. I really miss that. … You don’t often find the perfect bucket boy.” … Dallas was just 8 of 32 on 3-pointers.
Lakers Vs Thunder Tickets for their February 23rd matchup at the Chesapeake Energy Arena are still available.
Tags: American Airlines Center, Andrew Bynum, Brendan Haywood, Dallas Mavericks, Derick Fisher, Dirk Nowitzki, Jason Terry, Lamar Odom, Los Angeles Lakers, Mark Cuban, Matt Barnes, Oklahoma Thunder, Pau Gasol, Rick Carlisle, Vince Carter
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February 21st, 2012
Los Angeles Lakers vs. Dallas Mavericks
NBA / Western Conference
American Airlines Center, Dallas TX
Wednesday, February 22nd, 2012. 9:30 PM EST
Analysis of the Los Angeles Lakers
The Lakers, currently 19-13 and trailing the Clippers in their division, were a tough team to read in the first half of the season. They started out well, winning 9 of their first 13, before dropping 4 of their next 5. The emergence of C Andrew Bynum has been offset in many respects by the slumping play of PF Pau Gasol. Star SG Kobe Bryant helped set up a players-only meeting this past Monday with the intention of making the 2nd half of the season a much more consistent (and better) effort than the 1st half, and they showed what they were capable of with a convincing win over the Trailblazers later that night.
Analysis of the Dallas Mavericks
The Mavericks are a hot team right now, winning 7 of their last 8 with the only loss at an even hotter Knicks team. During that time they’ve taken down the Clippers, 76ers, and Celtics and, following a questionable start to the season, have established themselves as one of the elite squads out West. The Mavs (21-12, second in their division behind the Spurs) have a tough 2nd half of the season to look forward to however and must keep their winning ways going if they want a favorable seed in the playoffs. We stock Dallas Mavericks Tickets for all American Airlines Center games.
Key Players
Los Angeles Lakers: PF Pau Gasol
The Lakers live and die by Kobe Bryant each night, but without a steady effort from Gasol and Bynum they’d be on the outside looking in playoffs-wise. Gasol will have an especially important game here as he’ll be matched up against Dallas’s star PF Dirk Nowitski. Gasol is averaging a double-double now with 17 points and 11 boards each night, and he’ll have to both match those numbers as well as limit Dirk’s if the Lakers are going to win.
Dallas Mavericks: SG Jason Terry
Terry is a fantastic scorer and is a threat every night to put up 20 or more points if left unguarded. When he’s on the floor he’ll have to try and slow down Kobe, something that is a whole lot easier said than done. A couple big 3-pointers from Terry and a couple big defensive stops on Kobe will be crucial for the Mavs to win on Wednesday.
Key Statistics
Rebounds:
The Lakers two big men, Gasol and Bynum, anchor the best rebounding team in the league (averaging almost 46 rebounds every night). While the Mavericks are also a decent rebounding squad (pulling down 43, 7th in the league), the Lakers will try and crash the boards as much as they can knowing it’s one of the few areas where the have an advantage. If the Mavs can limit the Lakers’ rebounds they’ll easily secure a win at home.
Prediction
Kobe Bryant created a few shockwaves this past weekend with some remarks about the rumors the Lakers were considering trading Bynum away. While controversial they also let the aforementioned slumping Gasol know that Bryant had his back, and their play on Monday showed that the Lakers of the past few seasons might be emerging again. While the Mavericks on the road will be an extremely tough test for the Lakers, I think they win it with their newfound team confidence.
Prediction = Los Angeles Lakers: 92 – Dallas Mavericks: 86
The Lakers will play the Mavericks at the Los Angeles Staples Center on April 15th, you can purchase Lakers Vs Mavericks Tickets for that game now.
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January 17th, 2012
The Lakers lost out on the Chris Paul sweepstakes due to David Stern’s infamous veto. However, the Lakers are a prime player in the Dwight Howard sweepstakes. As a matter of fact, ESPN’ s Ric Bucher has attributed Kobe’s recent barrage of 40 point games as a recruiting measure to convince Dwight Howard that he hasn’t lost his step. However, some questions remain: What will the Laker’s identity be under Mike Brown? Furthermore, can they compensate for the losses of Shannon Brown to free agency and Lamar Odom via trade?
Shannon Brown provided instant offense and depth in the Laker’s backcourt over the past few years. Considering that he did not see the floor when he was originally under Mike Brown in Cleveland,it probably made his decision to seek refuge elsewhere that much easier. Veteran point guard and NBA union representative Derek Fisher continue to share the backcourt with Kobe. Steve Blake is currently on the shelf for 3-4 weeks with an injury to his ribs. Thus, rookie Darius Morris will have a chance to earn his stripe as a fixture in the Lakers backcourt. As it stands, the Lakers have more questions than answers at the PG position.
The loss of Lamar Odom will be far more difficult for the Lakers to replace. Lamar Odom brought size, versatility and weak-side rebounding and could play both the small and power-forward position. There is some upside to the versatility of Josh Mcroberts. However, Jason Kapono and Troy Murphy certainly will not fill that void.
There is a shortage of World Peace. Metta World Peace, that is. Up to this point, Ron Artest has averaged less than 6 points and 2 rebounds. The former Dancing in the Stars contestant needs a pep talk from Carrie Ann Inaba, Len Goodman and Bruno Tonioli.
The major strength of this team continues to be the imposing frontcourt duo of Andrew Bynum and Pau Gasol. Of course, one has to wonder about the morale and the motivation of Andrew Bynum with the ongoing trade rumors concerning Dwight Howard. Dwight Howard is facing those same questions in Orlando. Considering that Andrew Bynum is injury-prone and that Pau Gasol isn’t getting any younger, I would trade Dwight Howard for both Bynum and Gasol. After all, one rarely hears Dwight Howard’s name on the injured list.
Finally, there’s head coach Mike Brown. Mike Brown is a great defensive mind, but is no offensive genius. In Cleveland, he was not able to set up a potent offensive system around Lebron James. To his defense, he was not given much help by Cavs GM Danny Ferry and Cavs owner Dan Gilbert. One can easily have doubts that the Lakers offense will operate with the same efficiency under his tutelage then it did under the Zen-Master.
The common denominator is Kobe Bryant. As long as he continues to play at a high-level and provides the leadership on and off the court, the Lakers will always be considered a contender. There is no question about that.
But there are many questions: The issues at the PG position, the motivation of Bynum, new pieces such as Kapono, Murphy, Mcroberts and new head coach Mike Brown and his effectiveness on the offensive end. I can safely assume he’ll shore up the Lakers D.
Of course, the biggest question is this.
Will Superman land in LA?
Tags: basketball, Kobe Bryant, los angeles, Los Angeles Clippers, Los Angeles Clippers Tickets, nba, Pau Gasol, Shannon Brown, staples center
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