Tag Archives: Steve Nash

Dwight Howard frustrated with Mike D’Antoni

Posted on by
Reply

Dwight HowardDwight Howard frustrated with Mike D’Antoni

The Dwight Howard saga seems to be endless. After many reports that the seven-time All-Star center wants to explore his options during the summer free agency, new reports state that he showed his frustration towards the Head Coach of the Los Angeles Lakers, Mike D’Antoni.

This is yet another addition to the drama season the Lakers had this year, with the constant injuries that loomed over the team and the early Playoff exit.

Many times LA has expressed its strong will to keep Howard in Los Angeles, but with him hitting the free agency this summer things could get tricky for the team.

The problem that Dwight Howard seems to have with the Lakers Head Coach is regarding who is the team’s alpha-dog. As reported, Howard expressed his frustration to the team’s general manager, Mitch Kupchak, saying that D’Antoni turned mostly to Steve Nash and Kobe Bryant when it comes to the leadership of the team. As he has proved in his nine-year NBA career, he always wants to keep the flashing lights on him, regardless of the result.

That was the story during his Orlando Magic days, when Coach Stan Van Gundy was then in the position D’Antoni currently is. Especially now, that the Lakers have lots of star power in their arsenal, Howard’s importance gets divided. Nevertheless, that’s the fact that bothered him. Arriving in LA last summer, Dwight was expected to be the next big thing for the Lakers and put the team on his shoulders, leading the way as they’ll gradually enter the post-Kobe era. Now his future with the Lakers is under question.

After the bad twist in his relationship with the Orlando Magic, everyone believed that the City of Angels would be the ideal destination for him. Apart from the Lakers fans and team officials, the whole NBA world welcomed the movement that was supposed to put an end to the constant talks about Howard’s future. Playing alongside superstars Kobe and Nash and having another quality big man in the team, in Pau Gasol, the Lakers looked unbeatable on paper prior to the start of the season. Nonetheless, reality proved to be drastically different and now the team faces another challenge in regards to its formation.

The Houston Rockets and the Dallas Mavericks are waiting right in the corner for Howard to become available. According to many reports, they are the top contenders for him, of course together with the Lakers.

Under the current circumstances, it won’t be that easy for LA to keep D-12 on their roster. Despite the fact that they can offer a greatly better contract for him than all the other destination teams, Howard’s wills and also his character could stand in the way to him resigning with his current team.

The recent dissatisfaction of Howard with D’Antoni’s choices adds up another headache for the team officials.

Surely, whatever his final choice this summer might be, it will get to the headlines of every NBA media and it will draw much attention from the whole sports world. Which is the right choice for him? That might be an answer only Dwight Howard knows better.

Playoffs Outsiders: What Should The Lakers Do Next?

Posted on by
Reply

LakersPlayoffs Outsiders: What Should The Lakers Do Next?

The Los Angeles Lakers are one of the most popular teams in the NBA, and as such, expectations are always high. That is the reason why the Lakers’ early exit out of the playoffs proved to be very disappointing among fans. It might appear a bit redundant to mention, but the bad injuries absolutely got the Lakers guards dominated at the hands of the San Antonio Spurs. Two of the biggest stars in LA—Nash and Bryant—were both injured; hence, crippling the Lakers scoring and defensive ability. With basketball enthusiasts aiming more at gaining something by indulging in NBA betting through various online websites, LA’s playoffs defeat turned out to be a real blow.

Though an online wager is placed by going through effective NBA wagering strategies available at websites that offer tips on sports betting such as http://www.wageronsports.com/wagering-strategy/nba-basketball, looking at sports odds for this team in the playoffs may have saved bettors from losing money. The lack of teamwork and tenacity during these playoffs made the Lakers taste a bitter defeat at the hands of a far more organized and persistent Spurs team.

With the Los Angeles Lakers’ dreams of getting their hands on this year’s title shattered, one may ask—where exactly should the rebuilding process for next year begin? The Lakers definitely need to address a number of issues this offseason to come out with a bang as next year’s NBA season approaches. People who are planning to come up with NBA wagering strategies or place a wager online for the next season should not rule out the Lakers though. This is a team known for it’s ability to find ways to be on top generation after generation.

1. Perimeter/ Bench Scoring

With the star players going down with injuries every now and then, the Lakers need to work on their bench scoring from the outside. Bench players like Darius Morris, Jodie Meeks and Antawn Jamison need to indulge in more shooting practice, as things cannot rely completely on the star shooters. Steve Nash should also have more help in breaking down the defense and opening up the mid-range jumpers for Pau Gasol and Kobe Bryant.

2. Perimeter Defense

In comparison to the other teams, the Lakers fall short in the defensive end. The team has a lot of work ahead of them in terms of improving their defense. They need to focus on effectively guarding the paint and closing out on shooters aiming to score from the perimeter.

3. Limit Turnovers

The Lakers have long been troubled by issues on taking care of the basketball. The team averaged over 15 turnovers per game during the regular season. This is almost twice the number of turnovers that the Spurs had in their first round playoff clash. The Lakers’ turnover woes is one of the reasons why opposing teams score at their will against LA. This is one serious area that needs improvement if they want to return into a contender’s form for next season.

4. Transition Defense

Transition defense is an area of concern that has bothered the Lakers all throughout the season. This was very evident from the first playoff game where San Antonio was able to score 17 fast break points against the Lakers’ 2. With Bryant’s contract in its final phase in 2013-14, and taking into account his body’s wear and tear, the Lakers management should certainly look for a future franchise player to whom they’ll build the team around. Even though Kobe Bryant remains as motivated and competitive as ever, father time is catching up fast on the Black Mamba. The Lakers need to find a successor to Kobe, a player who will be the heart and soul of this highly-decorated franchise when Bryant retires.

With issues such as Kobe Bryant’s health and Dwight Howard’s free agency, the Lakers need to focus more on coping up with their major flaws and rebuilding the team from within to perform better in the next season. Improving the perimeter scoring and defense, limiting the turnovers and working in the transition defense will help the Lakers become a threat in the West again.

San Antonio Spurs embarrass Lakers on road, go up 3-0 in series

Posted on by
Reply

San Antonio SpursSan Antonio Spurs embarrass Lakers on road, go up 3-0 in series

Tim Duncan led all scorers with 26 points to go along with nine rebounds as the San Antonio Spurs are now on the verge of sweeping the Los Angeles Lakers out of the first round of the NBA playoffs after winning Game 3 by the score of 120-89 Friday night. The loss for the Lakers was their worst during the NBA playoffs at home in franchise history.

Tony Parker added 20 points and dished out seven assists as San Antonio dominated the contest from start to finish, while the Lakers struggled to find any unity with their top four guards sidelined because of various injuries.

Dwight Howard led the way for Los Angeles by scoring 25 points and grabbing 11 boards, while Pau Gasol posted his first career postseason triple-double by scoring 11 points, pulling down 13 rebounds and dishing out 10 assists. Even with those stellar performances, San Antonio proved that they were way too much for a squad that was without both Steve Nash and Kobe Bryant. Darius Morris did score 24 points and Andrew Goudelock put up 20 points, which is a career-high for him, as the Lakers starting back court.

The San Antonio Spurs can complete the sweep in Game 4, which will be played Sunday night.

Steve Blake injury leaves him out indefinitely for Los Angeles Lakers

Posted on by
Reply

Steve Blake InjurySteve Blake injury leaves him out indefinitely for Los Angeles Lakers

Los Angeles Lakers guard Steve Blake injury has him listed on the team’s injury report as being “out indefinitely” after an ultrasound revealed a moderate strain in his hamstring on the right side.

Blake was forced to leave Wednesday’s game during the fourth quarter versus the San Antonio Spurs after suffering the injury while attempting to drive the lane. He was helped by teammates off the court, and did not return.

Before the Steve Blake injury, he was posting averages of 14 points, four rebounds, 2.5 assists, two steals and 1.5 blocked shots during the NBA playoffs, all on top of shooting nearly 42 percent from beyond the arc.

With Steve Nash is also listed as “doubtful” on the Los Angeles Lakers injury report, after receiving one cortisone shot in his right hip and two epidural injections in his back on Thursday, so look for Darius Morris to start at point guard for LA in Game 3, which will be played Friday night.

San Antonio Spurs dominate Lakers from start to finish in Game 1 win

Posted on by
Reply

San Antonio SpursSan Antonio Spurs dominate Lakers from start to finish in Game 1 win

San Antonio Spurs guards Tony Parker and Manu Ginobili put up 18 points each as their team took control during the first quarter and never let up, beating the Los Angeles Lakers by the score of 91-79 at home Sunday to take a 1-0 series lead in their NBA playoffs matchup.

Tim Duncan recorded a double-double with 17 points and 10 boards, Matt Bonner added 10 points and Kawhi Leonard chipped in eight points and grabbed 11 rebounds for the Spurs.

Pau Gasol scored 16 points and pulled down 16 rebounds, Dwight Howard added 20 points and grabbed 15 rebounds and Steve Nash returned to the Lakers lineup to chip-in 16 points for Los Angeles.

Despite double-doubles from both Gasol and Howard, the Los Angeles Lakers could not take advantage of their presence inside, as the San Antonio Spurs showed why they are the more elite team.

Los Angeles Lakers clinch seventh seed with OT win over Rockets

Posted on by
Reply

Los Angeles Lakers ClinchLos Angeles Lakers clinch seventh seed with OT win over Rockets

The Los Angeles Lakers clinch the No. 7 seed in the Western Conference Wednesday night as the eked by the Houston Rockets by the score of 99-95 at home in overtime.

With the crowd going crazy throughout the night, giving the game a playoff atmosphere, things really quieted down when the Rockets’ Chandler Parsons made a three-point shot at the buzzer of regulation to tie the game and send it into OT. But for the Lakers, what’s another five minutes to what’s been a roller-coaster of an NBA regular season from start to finish?

Los Angeles outscored Houston 9-5 in the extra session to seal the win and earn the right to face the San Antonio Spurs in the first round of the NBA playoffs. Pau Gasol posted the seventh triple-double of his career by scoring 17 points, grabbing 20 rebounds and dishing out 11 assists in what was easily his best performance of the year.

Without both Steve Nash and Kobe Bryant on the court for the Lakers, Steve Blake and Dwight Howard stepped up to aid their team to victory. Blake finished with 24 points, seven rebounds and seven assists, while Howard looked like a true leader by scoring 16 points, grabbing 18 rebounds, blocking four shots and recording three steals in the Los Angeles’ win.

It’s been one of the most bizarre season’s we have ever seen from the Los Angeles Lakers organization, however they seem to be clicking at the right time while avoiding embarrassment by sneaking into the NBA playoffs on the final day of the regular season. How far can they go? Only time will tell, and their journey starts Sunday in San Antonio.

Los Angeles Lakers edge out Memphis Grizzlies, remain West’s 8th seed

Posted on by
Reply

Los Angeles LakersLos Angeles Lakers edge out Memphis Grizzlies, remain West’s 8th seed

Kobe Bryant scored 24 points and dished out nine assists while Pau Gasol put up 19 points as the Los Angeles Lakers held on to the final playoff spot in the Western Conference Friday night after beating the Memphis Grizzlies by the score of 86-84 at home.

Dwight Howard made a free throw with four seconds remaining prior to playing good defense on Mike Conley‘s final field goal attempt, and Los Angeles won their third game in a row. The Lakers hold an ever so slight lead of a half a game over the Utah Jazz for the eighth seed.

Howard scored nine points and pulled down 10 rebounds, while Antawn Jamison and Earl Clark put up 13 points each as Los Angeles got the win without injured starters Metta World Peace and Steve Nash. The Los Angeles Lakers also avoided the season sweep of the Memphis Grizzlies, who saw their four game winning streak come to an end.

Kobe Bryant injury of bone spur in foot forcing him to see specialist

Posted on by
Reply

Kobe BryantKobe Bryant injury of bone spur in foot forcing him to see specialist

After the loss to the Milwaukee Bucks by the score of 113-103 Thursday night, Los Angeles Lakers guard Kobe Bryant was seen leaving the arena using crutches because he could not apply pressure on his left foot. He is scheduled to visit with a specialist on Friday when the team flies into Sacramento.

The Lakers announced that they will provide an update on Bryant’s injury after he consults with the specialist. Kobe spent much of the fourth quarter with his left foot wrapped. With just under seven minutes remaining in the game, Los Angeles called a time out while Kobe unwrapped his foot and went back on the court to finish.

Despite Kobe’s bone spur flaring up, he did lead the Lakers by scoring 30 points, however he turned the ball over six times and went 0 of 3 from beyond the arc.

Though Kobe opted for crutches to help him exit the Bradley Center, the Los Angeles Lakers considered having him us a wheelchair instead, according to sources. Bryant did sit out two games in a row earlier this week due to a severe ankle sprain.

The Lakers have been plagued by injuries throughout the NBA season. The most recent being Metta World Peace, who is lost for the remainder of the year due to a torn meniscus in his knee. Steve Nash also was sidelined the entire fourth quarter Thursday night because of an injury to his right hip, however he is expected to play Saturday night when Los Angeles visits the Sacramento Kings.

The Los Angeles Lakers know they need every player down the stretch to hold on to the eighth seed in the Western Conference. The Utah Jazz are only a half-game behind for the final playoff spot, and losing Kobe Bryant would be devastating to the Lakers chances on clinching.

Los Angeles Lakers drop third in a row by losing to Warriors despite Kobe’s 36

Posted on by
Reply

Los Angeles LakersLos Angeles Lakers drop third in a row by losing to Warriors despite Kobe’s 36

Stephen Curry made sure his focus was solely on the Los Angeles Lakers and not on his injured ankle as the Golden State Warriors came out with the win at home by the score of 109-103 Monday night.

Curry scored a team-high 25 points along with dishing out 10 assists and grabbing seven rebounds on a bum ankle to lead his team to victory.

David Lee recorded his fifth straight double-double with 23 points and 12 rebounds, and Klay Thompson added 22 points for a Warriors team that built a 25-point lead during the third quarter in a game that had big playoff implications.

The Golden State Warriors record improved to 41-31 on the NBA season, propelling them to a one game lead over the Houston Rockets and a four and a half game lead over the Los Angeles Lakers for the sixth seed in the Western Conference. The Lakers lead over the Utah Jazz currently sits at only one game for the eighth and final spot.

Kobe Bryant dropped a team-high 36 points and Steve Nash chipped in 21 points, pulled down nine rebounds and dished out seven assists in a lackadaisical performance by LA. Lakers effort. The Los Angeles Lakers have now lost lost three games in a row.

Los Angeles Lakers get crushed by Phoenix Suns with Kobe out again

Posted on by
Reply

Los Angeles LakersLos Angeles Lakers get crushed by Phoenix Suns with Kobe out again

With Kobe Bryant sidelined for the second straight game, the depleted Los Angeles Lakers fell flat on their face during the fourth quarter versus the Phoenix Suns.

Luis Scola put up all 14 points and pulled down eight of his nine total rebounds during the final quarter as Phoenix blew out the Lakers by the score of 99-76 Monday night.

Steve Nash scored a game-high 19 points versus his former squad, but he shot only 6 of 17 from the field as Los Angeles shot a horrific 33 percent for the game.

The Phoenix Suns, who were blown out by the Washington Wizards 127-105 just two nights prior, outscored the Los Angeles Lakers 28-10 in the fourth to snap their losing streak of four games.