(Photo by: Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)

It’s February 22, 2012 and the (19-13) Los Angeles Lakers are in the heart of Texas to put the off-the-court turmoil behind them and face the (21-12) defending champion Dallas Mavericks. The Lakers embark on a short, but very important two-game road trip that pits L.A. against the Dallas Mavericks and the Oklahoma City Thunder on back-to-back nights.

The Lakers return to the American Airlines Arena, where their 2010-2011 season came to an abrupt end under an avalanche of three’s, an NBA-record tying 20-three point shots leading to a 36-point defeat nine-months and 14-days ago that completed a four game sweep. The loss was an embarrassing exit for Head Coach Phil Jackson arguably the best coach in NBA history.

The Lakers will have revenge on their minds; Hopefully L.A. bought their ‘A’ game on this road trip. The Lakers, 5-11 away from the Staples Center and have not looked like the same team on the road.  The Lakers have won six of their last 10 games.

The Lakers currently lead their season series with the Mavericks (1-0) after taking last season’s series 2-1. The Lakers have gone 4-6 in their last 10 regular season games at American Airlines Arena. In their first meeting, Derek Fisher knocked down a game winning three-pointer with 3.1 seconds remaining to give L.A. a 73-70 victory.

(Photo by Stephen Dunn/Getty Images)

The Mavericks are playing good basketball, winners of seven of their last eight games. Dallas is a balanced scoring team with several weapons. The Mavericks do an excellent job of sharing the basketball that will challenge your defensive rotations. At times, the Mavericks have frustrated the Lakers with their zone defense the Lakers front line, specifically Andrew Bynum & Pau Gasol have to be factors attacking the zone.

Pau Gasol was not only non-existent in the post season Gasol was a non-factor in the Laker win over the Mavericks on January 16^th scoring eight points on 3-for-11 shooting. Gasol has played well of late averaging 16.6 points and 10.7 rebounds per game. The first quarter of the Blazers game should be the blueprint the Lakers should use as a plan of attack on a nightly basis.

The Lakers need to do a good job of moving the basketball and moving bodies to find a high percentage shot. It is imperative that the Lakers establish both Pau Gasol and Andrew Bynum in the post and give each enough touches to affect the outcome of the game.

The Tonight’s game should have a playoff feel to it seeing as the Lakers rank as the 6^th best in the NBA in points allowed, the Mavericks 4^th best surprisingly these teams are separated by a mere 0.4 difference.

The Lakers need to communicate of defense, play better against the pick-and-roll play, stop the dribble penetration of the guards, control the tempo, control the boards, get back in transition and quickly rotate out to open shooters. Steve Blake’s return has improved the production of the bench, the reserves need to score 35+ and not allow the Mavericks reserves to out-score them. The Lakers need to out-hustle, out-rebound, simply out-work the Mavericks, and as the league’s top rebounding team own the glass on both ends of the court.

Lakers: D. Fisher, K. Bryant, M. Peace, P. Gasol, A. Bynum
Mavericks: J. Kidd, D. West, S. Marion, D. Nowitzki, B. Haywood  

Tip-off: 6:30 PM PST

Television -

• Los Angeles: KCAL 9 (Bill Macdonald & Stu Lantz) & ESPN
• Dallas: FS SW (Mark Followill & Brad Davis) & ESPN

Radio -

• Los Angeles: 710 ESPN (John Ireland & Mychal Thompson)
• Dallas: ESPN 103.3 (Chuck Cooperstein)

Injuries -

Lakers:

• Steve Blake (Costochaondral fracture) Probable

      Mavericks:

• Jason Terry (Quadriceps) Probable
• Delonte West (Right Ring Finger Surgery) Out

Getty Images

Yesterday I wrote an article intimating that Lakers star, Kobe Bryant, was taking a players perspective when expressing his frustrations with the Pau Gasol trade rumors. While I felt it was a great show of leadership for Kobe Bryant to stick up for his teammate, I didn’t think placing public pressure on the organization to make a trade or not make a trade did the team or the organization any good. So on the surface, Kobe’s rant really served no positive purpose outside of showing his support for Gasol, which has been doing all along anyway.

However according to Ken Berger of CBS Sports, Kobe’s rant had less to do with his frustration with the Pau trade rumors, and more to do with the structure of the organization as a whole:

The Lakers’ front office is an uncommunicative, rudderless fiasco, and the unrest and paranoia that have been festering for years threaten to derail the team’s plans to ride Bryant to his sixth NBA title while they still can. And much of it can be traced to the growing influence of executive vice president Jim Buss, the owner’s bon vivant son, who has helped transform a great franchise into a steaming pool of nepotism and nincompoops.

Joey Buss, another son of the owner who runs the team’s D-League franchise, has moved into Jackson’s old office. Jesse Buss, 23, who was arrested for alcohol intoxication in Lexington, Ky., on a “scouting” trip in December, has moved into (Ronnie) Lester’s former office.

For any avid fan of Laker Nation, this should not come as a surprise, as our own Jason Riley predicted this months ago. But I don’t think most Laker fans could have imagined that the changes would be this embarrassingly drastic. According to Berger, of the Lakers 3 college scouts, only one of them has a proven track record, and that’s Ryan West, son of Lakers great Jerry West. The other two? The aforementioned Jesse Buss and a bartender named Chaz who is reportedly an old friend of Jim Buss from his horse-breeding days. I couldn’t make this up if I wanted to people.

Berger also writes that Jim Buss’s “guy” Mike Brown has also been left out of the loop on many matters regarding the team and that frustration is mounting for many in the organization, including Gasol and Bryant:

Brown, hired in May, learned of the team’s decision to trade Lamar Odom to the Mavericks for essentially nothing after the deal already had been completed. Sources with ties to the team say no explanation has been given to Bryant or Brown as to what the Lakers plan to do with the trade exception received in the deal….Odom’s frustration erupted after he was included in the aborted trade to New Orleans that would’ve sent Chris Paul to the Lakers. And now the same lack of communication, indecision and inertia are eroding Gasol’s fragile psyche and pushing Bryant to the point of disgust.

And of course the coup de grace; Laker fans have been hanging their hats on the fact the Purple and Gold will at some point acquire disgruntled Orlando center, Dwight Howard in hopes of re-invigorating the franchise. However, according to what Berger has been told, that move is unlikely to happen.

The other GMs know what’s going on,” said one of the people familiar with the Lakers’ chaos. “Jim has no relationships with other GMs, and they also know they’re going to be able to swoop in there and do things [in trades]. This is a real critical time. The chances of Dwight Howard coming in there are slim and none at this point.”

With all of this reported dysfunction within the organization, one can understand Kobe Bryant’s growing frustration with what has been considered one of the best and more classy organizations in all of pro sports. Lashing out about the trade rumors in the media was likely just an eruption of emotion stemming from these frustrations, and unfortunately for Laker fans, it seems as if things may get a lot worse before they get better.

Getty Images | Harry How

Pau Gasol walked down the regular line of teammates before the game, hugging and bumping chests along the way. Whatever words were uttered by him and Kobe Bryant after yesterday’s loss against the Suns, it didn’t matter much come game time. Trade bait or not, when that ball is tossed up, you can either choose to live in what could be or live in what is. Tonight, Gasol and the Lakers chose to live in what is and found themselves on the receiving end of a victory.

In the first quarter, the Lakers stomped on the Blazers to the tune of 29-7. Seven points – that’s all that Portland managed to score in those first 12 minutes. They opened the game with a three pointer, then scored just four points in the next 11:41, shooting just 18%. The Lakers defended them well, but the Blazers also missed a slew of high percentage shots, not to mention wide open opportunities, and the home team gladly took advantage, with excellent ball movement that had their offense humming.

In the second quarter, the Lakers continued their surge, hiking up the lead to 37-7, and conceded just eight points before going into halftime with a 22-point lead. But as is their M.O., they squandered all but 10 of their once perfectly sound lead, yet still managed to hold on for the win.

HIGH POINTS
Laker First Quarter – Offensively, they shot 12-24 for 50% from the field, assisted on 8 of the 12 made field goals and had just two turnovers. The ball movement was a sight to behold in those first 12 minutes, as was the effort on second chances. First, there was Andrew Bynum passing off to Kobe Bryant, who dribbled to the corner then spotted a cutting Bynum, who received the ball back for a dunk. Then there was Bryant about to attempt a three, then out of the corner of his eye, caught Gasol running to the hoop, so Bryant passed it off to him to finish at the rim, virtually untouched by anyone in a black jersey. Towards the end of the quarter, Bryant missed a jumper, but right there to slap the ball into the hoop was Matt Barnes. The Lakers couldn’t have played a better offensive game, they were moving so well.
Defensively, the Lakers kept the Blazers to 3-17 from the field for 18% and outrebounded Portland 21-5. In the 14 shots that they missed, Portland grabbed just a single offensive rebound. Of the Lakers’ 21 boards, 14 were on the defensive end, not allowing Portland to any second chance points at all (Lakers had 12 second chance points).
Taking care of the ball (first half) – Four turnovers – that is all the Lakers had after the first 24 minutes, all from Portland’s four steals. The ball never stayed in the same hands for more than a few seconds, and the passes were deliberate and crisp.
All A-Board – The Lakers outrebounded Portland 21- in the first quarter alone, and 51-37 for the night, led, of course, by Bynum and Gasol’s 31rebounds.
Steve Blake – Just call him a marksman, because that’s what he was tonight. As if he was making up for lost time, Blake rattled off 14 points before halftime, hitting 5-6 from the field, included 4-4 from behind the arc. In a rare, woh-he-never-does-that moment, Blake even drove in and scored on a one-handed layup. He finished with 17 points on 6-9. Despite collecting just one assist, he created a number of plays by sending the pass before the pass before the shot. He said in the post-game interview that he’s still trying to get into game shape, but if tonight’s performance was any indication of the shape he’s currently in, then we probably haven’t even seen the best of his game.
Walking Double-Doubles – Andrew Bynum, 14 points on 5-7, hit all four of his free throw attempts, grabbed 19 huge rebounds, handed out a pair of assists and a steal. Pau Gasol had 16 points, on an okay 5-13 from the field, hit all of his six free throws, grabbed 12 rebounds, handed out four assists, and blocked on shot. It was the pair’s typical double-double night, but the only problem was that most of their activity happened in the first half.

LOW POINTS
Third Quarter Almost-Collapse – The Lakers allowed the Blazers to score 36 points in the third quarter on 60% shooting, which cut their lead to 14 points going into the fourth. Yes, Portland hit 7-9 from behind the arc, which was a huge help in their catch-up, but a more glaring factor was the fact that Gasol and Bynum combined for just eight points on 2-5 from the field (and Gasol’s four free throws). As has been the case on nights when Gasol and Bynum get such little opportunity with the ball, Kobe Bryant is usually the cause. Fortunately, Bryant shot 50% from the field for his 28 points so his possession of the rock was not in vain.
After the Third Quarter, the Lakers continued to go away from what worked in the first half. In 9:23 minutes of floor time, Bynum attempted one shot that didn’t go, and Gasol scored just four points on 1-2 from the field and a pair of free throws. Portland got the lead down to 10 points with just under eight minutes left in the game. With the way they were hitting the threeball (12-23 for the game), those 10 points could have easily been erased, but then Derek Fisher hit a pull-up jumper, which was followed by back-to-back buckets from Bryant. If not for that gargantuan lead early in the game, Portland might’ve stolen one at Staples.
Not LobCity – It was just a fluke when it was happening merely occasionally, but the Lakers, this season, have gotten into a bad habit of over-calculating their lobs and cross-court passes, which result in nothing but wasted possessions/turnovers. The only successful long pass tonight came late in the game when Andrew Bynum, after securing a defensive rebound, threw a one-handed bullet pass straight across the court to Bryant who scored on the other end.

If we’ve clarified anything tonight, it’s that the Rose Garden up in Portland really is a cursed place for the Lakers and Staples Center has turned into a not-so-happy place for the Trailblazers. Next up are two road games against the Dallas Mavericks and the league-leading Oklahoma City Thunder. If they could play with as much energy and purpose as they did in the first half, that sub-.500 road record could turn a corner.

Box Score

(Photo by Stephen Dunn/Getty Images)

Just when you thought the rumors were going to die down, after a steller Lakers performance, the absolute opposite happens.

According to reports from ESPN’s Chris Broussard, the Lakers have some level of interest in former #2 overall pick and current Minnesota Timberwolve, Michael Beasley.

The Lakers’ front office knows Kobe Bryant is looking for it to improve the roster, and GM Mitch Kupchak has been working the phones. He’s spoken to Minnesota about Michael Beasley, and sources say the Lakers are intrigued by the Timberwolves’ small forward. The Lakers were actually in discussions with Minnesota about a potential trade for Beasley before the season started. If they would have been able to pull off the deal for Chris Paul, there is a good chance that a trade for Beasley would have followed.

It’s not clear what the Lakers would give Minnesota for Beasley (if indeed the talks get that far), but the Lakers could absorb Beasley into their $8.9 million trade exception while giving up a draft pick or cash. I’m told the teams have not spoken about Pau Gasol since the preseason. Minnesota is looking to move Beasley, who they feel has matured very little (if at all) since he’s been there, according to sources. The Lakers believe they can handle a player like Beasley because of their winning culture and the leadership of Bryant.

Beasley’s been averaging 12.4 points and 5.4 rebounds during 26 minutes per game this season in a backup role. He’s definitely talented, but has had a history of attitude issues.

Broussard also mentions that the Lakers are still in a position to land Cleveland’s Ramon Sessions — likely for a first round pick. Sessions has been on a role as of late, with extended minutes due to an injury to Kyrie Irving. Ramon put up 24 points and 13 assists earlier this month against the Clippers.

Photo by Harry How | Getty Images

It’s February 20, 2012 and the (18-13) Los Angeles Lakers return to the Staples Center to face the (17-15) Portland Trailblazers. The Lakers had a disappointing and forgettable performance against the Suns in Phoenix. It appears that the team that beat the Suns easily on Friday at the Staples Center was not the same team that showed up in purple and gold jerseys the following Sunday in the valley of the sun.

The Lakers are a poor road team and what ails them appears to be mental. The Lakers can overcome this issue by playing better defense, playing with more focus, intensity, a higher energy level, execute on offense and play with a sense of urgency.

What was surprising was the fact that the Suns won the game without a phenomenal shooting percentage, Phoenix did not knock down a high percentage of three point shots and the Lakers bench outscored the Suns bench. The difference in the game was the Lakers defense or the lack thereof. L.A. did not get back in transition; the result was 21 fast break points for the Suns.

The Lakers trail their season series against the Blazers 1-0, after winning last season’s series (3-1) against Portland for the first time since the 2005-2006 and overall, just the third since 1989. At Staples Center, the Lakers are 7-5 all-time against the Blazers. L.A. has won seven of their last eight games in Los Angeles.

The key player for the Lakers to slow down is LaMarcus Aldridge who is coming off a career year. Aldridge is an elite low post scorer with an unblockable turnaround jumper. Aldridge runs the floor well, possesses a good mid-range game and excels at spinning out of post for lob passes at the rim.

Gerald Wallace and Nicholas Batum are tough match-up’s that always seem to have stellar performances against the Lakers. The Blazers are a long team, but Portland does not have anyone to match up with Andrew Bynum’s width. Bynum is 285 lbs. and has a significant weight advantage over 37 year old Marcus Camby listed at 235 lbs.; and has more in his back pocket than both Aldridge & veteran reserve Kurt Thomas.

The Lakers defense has had its moments, but there is a lot of room for improvement. It is imperative that the Lakers do a much better job of defending the pick-and-roll play, stop the dribble penetration of the guards, get back in transition, control the tempo and quickly rotate out to open shooters. The Lakers have to use their size advantage to out-rebound, out-hustle and out-work the Blazers.

Andrew Bynum and Pau Gasol have both been averaging 14 shots or less, that number needs to increase. The Lakers need to establish both Bynum and Gasol inside and allow them to go to work. The Lakers have to do a good job of moving the basketball and moving bodies to find high percentage shots going to the basket.

If the Lakers are aggressive and make it a point to use their size and attack the basket their free throw attempts will increase.  The Lakers reserves are producing points, but the second unit has to score 35+ points consistently to be effective.

Starters
Lakers: D. Fisher, K. Bryant, M. Peace, P.Gasol, A. Bynum
Blazers: R. Felton, N. Batum, G. Wallace, L. Aldridge, M. Camby

Tip-off: 7:30 PM PST

Television -

• Los Angeles: TNT
• Portland: TNT

Radio -

• Los Angeles: 710 ESPN (John Ireland & Mychal Thompson)
• Portland: 95.5 FM (Brian Wheeler & Antonio Harvey)

Injuries -

Lakers:

• Steve Blake (Costochaondral fracture) Probable

Suns:

• LaMarcus Aldridge (Sprained Ankle) Probable

Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images

Last week we told you that the Minnesota Timberwolves were were interested in trading for Lakers F Pau Gasol. That report set off a ground-swell of speculation that the Lakers are entertaining offers for the former all-star.

That speculation has not sat well with Kobe Bryant, who feels that Gasol is still a key component to the Lakers championship aspirations. Kobe voiced his displeasure with a group of reporters after the Lakers loss in Phoenix last night:

I wish management would come out and either trade him or not trade him. It’s just tough for a player to give his all when you don’t know if you’re going to be here tomorrow. I’d rather them not trade him at all. If they’re going to do something, I wish they would just (expletive) do it. If they’re not going to do it, come out and say you’re not going to do it. This way he can be comfortable, he can go out, he can play and he can invest all of himself into the game.”

As much as fans and pundits say that the NBA is a business, it is more than understandable how constant trade speculation can weigh on the mind of a player. Pau’s field goal percentage has taken a bit of a dip over the last few games, but his overall production has been consistent throughout. Despite his age and adjusting to playing more outside of the paint, Gasol has scored at least 15 points 19 times and has grabbed at least 10 rebounds 21 times in 31 games, which is still better than most at his position. Bryant, as many should expect, is thinking from a players perspective. If a move is going to be made, then make it as quickly as possible so that the team can move forward and not have to deal with the constant rumors on a day to day basis.

The problem with that notion is that the trade deadline is just barely under a month away. Mitch Kupchak (or more likely, Jim Buss), isn’t going to the pull the trigger on a trade just for the sake of doing it. For every name that we hear linked to potential trades around the NBA, there are dozens of names that we would never imagine being discussed (see the trade that brought Pau to Los Angeles from Memphis). The closer we get to the deadline, the more and more potential names that will come available.

Bryant has been in the NBA long enough to know that trade speculation comes with the territory of being an NBA player, and he is playing the good soldier by vouching for his teammate. But the fact of the matter is that in a perfect world the Lakers wouldn’t want to move Pau Gasol. He’s a double double machine who has helped them win two championships. The problem is that he is the only tradeable asset that other teams would covet (sans Andrew Bynum, but we all know there’s only one place they would trade him to). Bryant needs to understand that any move that the organization would make would be done with the intent to improve his chances of winning a 6th championship this season and if that means taking their time to make a move to place the team in the title hunt, then so be it. Of course, that theory is out of the window should the Lakers consummate a deal like the T-Wolves trade, at which point they’ll be dealing with an even angrier Kobe Bryant who just might ask to be sent to pluto again.

On a side note: I spoke with co-host of the Petros and Money Show on Fox Sports Radio, as well as columnist for foxsportswest.com, Matt “Money” Smith, this past weekend and he laid out multiple trade scenarios for the Purple and Gold. You can hear that interview here

Jeff Gross | Getty Images Sport

After last night’s 102-90 setback loss against the lowly Phoenix Suns, Kobe Bryant was not interested in the standard postgame rhetoric. With a Lakers squad that has seemingly plateaued since the failed Chris Paul trade back in December, Bryant’s attention was pointed directly at Lakers management, who since the trade have failed to acquire any substantial acquisitions while allowing Lamar Odom to dictate his terms into a trade out of Los Angeles.

Futhermore, Bryant’s ire was directed at Lakers management regarding the mishandling of the eventual destination of forward Pau Gasol, who at one time was included in the Chris Paul trade but for the past two months has been mentioned in trade talks with multiple clubs. Bryant’s opinion? Actions speak louder than words (from the OC Register):

I wish management would come out and either trade him or not trade him,” Bryant said after the Lakers’ loss in Phoenix on Sunday night.

Bryant said his preference is the Lakers do not trade Gasol, citing the team’s “foundation” is in place with Bryant, Gasol and “the emergence of Andrew (Bynum).”

“Can’t have one of our pillars not knowing if he’s going to be here….It’s just tough for a player to give his all when you don’t know if you’re going to be here tomorrow.”

Gasol, who had 17 points and 12 rebounds in the loss to Phoenix, responded to Bryant’s words and the trade rumors that night as reporters caught up to him boarding the team bus (from ESPN Los Angeles):

“So, we got March 15th, the (trade) deadline. That’s what I’m thinking (about). Hopefully we get to that day (without a trade). Obviously if something was told to me before, it would be good, but I’m not trying to force things. I’m not trying to force a team, ‘If they want to trade me, trade me tomorrow.’ Because obviously I still believe in our team, I believe in our city and I believe that we can continue to be a special, special team and a successful team.”

Gasol, who missed his first NBA All-Star game since coming to Los Angeles four years ago, is averaging a career-low 16.6 points per game while shooting 49.6% from the field, the second lowest percentage of his career.

Getty Images | Christian Petersen

The latter part of the third quarter had all the makings of a huge comeback for the Lakers – 27 points down, everything going the home team’s way and then suddenly Kobe Bryant stepped in and led a 15-4 run to decrease the deficit to a manageable 15 points. After putting their collective foot on the Lakers’ neck, the Phoenix Suns suddenly went cold in the third, shooting just 38% to the Lakers’ 63%.

After Bryant missed a free throw early in the fourth quarter, he immediate rebounded the ball and tossed it to Troy Murphy who stood at the corner and threw up a three pointer that brought the lead down to an even more manageable 11 points. With just over seven minutes still left in the game, all the Lakers had to do was bear down on the defense, make good choices on offense and this game would be theirs.

Unfortunately, the Lakers brought the Suns’ lead to just 10 points but never got over the double-digit hump. They couldn’t hit a three pointer to save their lives and the turnovers just continued to haunt them. Add all this to a desperate Phoenix Suns team who had already lost to the Lakers twice this season and were just12-19 entering this game, and the end wasn’t all that unpredictable.

HIGH POINTS
Kobe Bryant – He had 12 points on 6-9 for the entire first half, then led the team in the third quarter with 11 points to spark that 15-4 run. Whether he did too much or too little is up for debate. He did everything he could but shoot the threeball well (just 1-8). He scored 32 points on 11-24, grabbed 7 rebounds and handed out five assists. He even had two steals. Bryant was robbed time and again tonight, however, by teammates who couldn’t hit their shots, but he did create plays for them. His worst stat of the night were his 10 turnovers, but no matter how you slice it, Bryant did everything but play the entire 48 minutes. He logged almost 40 tonight.
Andrew Bynum and Pau Gasol – A few more rebounds might’ve been nice, but still, the Lakers’ two starting bigs combined for 33 points, 22 rebounds and eight assists (six belonging to Gasol). There seems to be a disconnect in the Lakers’ game plan when it comes to Bynum, because he flourishes in the first half, but barely gets the ball in the second half. He played just over 19 minutes and scored 12 points in the first two quarters on 5-9, but only played nine minutes and attempted just three shots (made two of them) in the second half. Is he hurt, is he bring punished? Who knows? But the Lakers sure could have used more of this offense in the second half since he only scored six points.
Third and Fourth Quarter Climb – The Lakers may not have gotten the victory tonight, but it wasn’t for naught. They still got to within 10 points after being down by as many as 27. If they had made a more concerted effort to make good plays, they probably would have won this game. (maybe this should be a low-point?)
Paint Points – The Lakers had 26 points in the paid in the first half and added 20 more in the second. 46 points in the paint is excellent, if only they’d use it more off.

LOW POINTS
Turnovers – Like their hands are lathered in butter and oil, the Lakers simply couldn’t secure the ball. Phoenix’s defense (all defenses really), is typically rough on Kobe Bryant and tonight was certainly no exception. Bryant had those 10 turnovers for a reason. The Lakers’ 22 assists to 18 turnovers – not the ideal ratio for this stat comparison. Phoenix had just 11 turnovers for the entire game! They had seven in the first half and managed to only turn the ball over four times in the second half. 25 assists on 34 made field goals – that’s the kind of ratio the Lakers should aspire to.
3-point shooting – The Lakers have had problems shooting from behind the arc all season long. They are, in fact, 27th in the league in 3PT%, but 17% for a game is just so unbelievably abysmal. Troy Murphy was 2-4 and Bryant was 1-8 – those were the only three pointers of the evening for the Lakers in 18 tries. Against a team like Phoenix who, despite the advanced age of some of their players still like to run, the Lakers needed to be conscious of where those missed threes would land. Long shot = long rebound. With the 18 Laker turnovers and 15 missed threes, the Suns managed to score 21 fast break points, while the Lakers had a total of six fast break points. SIX.
Mike Brown’s odd rotations – After scoring 17 points in Friday’s game, Matt Barnes got a total of 11:20 minutes of playing time tonight, all in first quarter. He finished with five points on 2-8, four rebounds, two assists and a steal, not to mention no fouls and no turnovers. Jason Kapono played just under 19 minutes, all in the second half, and he produced just two points on 1-3, two rebounds and four personal fouls. Mike Brown’s questionable rotations continue. Sure, Matt Barnes wasn’t shooting well but defensively, he’s the more viable option when compared to Kapono.

The Phoenix Suns had to beat the Lakers SOME TIME, and tonight was their night. That 17 point deficit to end the first quarter really did the Lakers in and they weren’t able to make-up

Box Score