After further consideration, Lightning in a Bottle has decided it cannot live in this troubled blogosphere and is committing blogicide. Thanks for reading.
-APT
Saturday, January 1, 2011
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
Ugh!
Although the Phillies are doing their best to ruin my taste for sport as a whole, we still plan to return soon.
Be on the look out...
Be on the look out...
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
Monday, July 26, 2010
I'll Be Back!
THE LEARNING PROCESS
Here at Lightning in a Bottle, we pay attention to those that have come before us and succeeded, and we learn from them, taking everything we can from them and using it to give you the best product possible.
It is with this in mind that I think back to the Seinfeld Episode when Kramer finds the set from the old Merv Griffin Show in the dumpster and transforms his room into the show. This is an absolutely brilliant episode, and also draws some stunning parallels to the Bolt. Kramer recreates the Merv Griffin show really with minimal expectations of it reaching anyone, to present something informative and entertaining to himself and his friends. And, if something were to happen that would enable it to be spread further outward, I'm sure he would have jumped on the opportunity, as it didn't look good for him ending his strike from the bagel place he worked at. After some time doing the show, Kramer realized it was time for a change. Even though there wasn't really much of an audience, doesn't mean he couldn't bring them the best product. When something gets stale, you do what you can to freshen it. He chose to get more edgy, modernize Merv Griffin with a touch of Jerry Springer.
WHAT I'VE LEARNED
Here at the Bolt, we know our audience isn't wide and our chances at success are minimal, but that doesn't mean you don't deserve the best. So it is in the mold of Kramer's Merv Griffin Show that we announce that The Bolt will be shutting down, while we consider its future aspirations. I did greatly enjoy briging my opinion on sports to whoever was willing to read it and I learned a lot about how I feel about sportswriting. Here is a synopsis:
1. I do love writing about sports in general. I would like to continue to try to do it.
2. Writing a blog where you are responsible for constant content daily, where you don't get paid, thus have to work full time at another job is difficult.
3. Along those lines, if you are responsible for constant content, you lose the ability to produce the researched, well-thought out, poignant, intellegent type of commentary that it what you really wish to be able to express. There is not enough time, and you end up getting very, very few articles like that, and a lot of just whatever you can scribble down in time.
4. The Dog Days of Summer provide very little to write about sports-wise. I love baseball, but without strictly becoming a specifically concentrated baseball blog or a team-oriented blog, what are you supposed to write about? (I know the trade-deadline, but that's it)
5. It is very difficult to increase readership.
Those are five observations that I have made. There are more that I can express if I think of them. I'll definitely come back to check on you guys during renovations.
THE NEW AND IMPROVED BOLT
Based on these observations, I've developed the following plan of action.
1. Close down the blog for now. The scheduled reopening will be late August or early September. It will correspond with a fertile time in the baseball season, story-wise, as well as the beginning of the NFL and College Football Seasons, with Hockey and Basketball not too far behind.
2. Look around for more people who would be interested in writing for a sports blog. If I want to put out the kind of product that people deserve to be able to read (see the epic previews to NFL playoff games, articles on crime in college sports or other things like that from the beginning of the blog), then I'm not going to be able to write as much personally.
I greatly enjoyed working with The BOMB and THE-A-TRAIN on this blog, but as I never asked them for any kind of committment to writing consistently coming in, it would have bothered me to require that of them at any point. As I'm sure you enjoyed their work as much as I did, they will be the first two writers on the list to join the staff of the blog upon its return. At that point we will ask every writer for a certain committment of content, either by week or by month or concentrated within a specific sport. The details are yet to be determined.
I will also be looking for new writers to bring on board to help pull the amount of material up to where it has been at times, without sacrificing the quality of the posts. If we can get 5-7 writers putting out a guaranteed 1-2 pieces per week, plus whatever else they want to contribute, and still keep on some of your LITB favorites (Sprites, Hottest Little Potatoes, Everyday Sports with Pierre Escargot, etc.), then we can really put forth a blog to be proud of.
Writers will be able to concentrate on games instead of having to worry about watching every one. We can feel free to attend games and report live, without missing 12 others sporting events we were supposed to write about. If someone needs a week off, there are other writers to fill the void.
I believe that with this kind of shared responsibility, we will be able to produce a blog with the kind of quality that dwarfs that of the first Lightning in a Bottle.
3. Come back with a fire to write again. Get it completely out of head that this blog is a chore. In the new format we can really just focus on our love of sports and sharing opinions. With the lessened committment, that enjoyment can be maintained, and it will certainly be felt within the content.
4. Once we've established a product that we are truly proud of, it will be time to try to step it up as far as readership. With more people on board we will a broader readership to begin with. We will have time to do cooperative work with other blogs, sharing readers, to get our names out there to anyone who will listen, more effectively use social networking: generally do what we can to get better.
THANK YOU
This is the plan and I think if it's done correctly, it can be great. I want to thank everyone that had been reading since January, when this blog was born. Just consider this a rough draft, and be ready for a well-polished masterpiece in the time to come. In return, I ask of you the following:
1. If you know anyone would might be interested in being a writer, get them in touch with me, so we can get the kind of commmitments we need to get this done the right way. Have them visit the blog and email the link, or if you know my contact information, feel free to give that out.
2. If you have any ideas, comments, criticisms that can be used to make the next version of this blog better, please let me know. Comment below or email the blog or tell me when you see me. I can take it, I promise.
3. When we come back with our renewed fervor, come back with yours. No blog is complete without the participation of its readership. Our readership is small for now, but that means we care even more abotu what you think. Fill up the comments section, email the blog. If you give us back a little, we'll give you back a ton.
4. Don't forget about us.....
Ravenously,
-APT
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
ON VACATION
Lightning in a Bottle is on Summer Vacation. Sadly it comes right at the start of Wimbledon and in the middle of the World Cup, but we will surely be back afterward to recap all the action we missed. But first, must make the most of the summer.
See you guys after the Independence Day Weekend.
-APT
Friday, June 18, 2010
NBA Finals Game Seven
In what was a sloppy, off-target, but intensely competitive Game 7, the Los Angeles Lakers emerged to repeat as NBA Champions. The Lakers trailed the entire 2nd half, until 7:29 was remaining in the 4th quarter. Ron Artest, without argument the best player on the court in Game 7, tied the game with a 3-point play. Seconds later Kobe Bryant game the Lakers their first lead since early in the 2nd quarter on a free throw. The teams, who both struggled to shoot, traded big 3-pointers late in the 4th, with the game close, but Pau Gasol's offensive rebound with under 30 seconds left pretty much sealed the deal. Gasol struggled from the line and Bryant struggled from all over the floor, but the two combined for 33 rebounds, as the Lakers won the rebound battle 53-40 (Kevin Garnett had only 3), which has been the key statistic all series. It was especially key this game, as the Lakers struggled greatly to shoot.
Ron Artest was the clear MVP of the game, with 20 pts, 5 reb and 5 stl, and smothered Paul Pierce, though The Truth did put up 18, including 6-6 from the line.
Kobe Bryant however easily took home the finals MVP award with an outstanding performance throughout. Even in this game, when he couldn't find his range, he went 11-15 from the line to help himself to 23 points, to go with his 15 boards.
Congratulations to the Lakers for pulling out a hard, HARD fought series, exactly the kind of series they needed to prove they could win.
-APT
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
NBA Finals Game Six
As I've said, analysis runs pretty shallow at this point in a series. Tonight's game was about energy. The Lakers were able to come home to the Staples Center, in front of what is sometimes an indifferent crowd, and generate the kind of energy to carry them to a huge victory. You could feel the Lakers energy and tenacity in the way their defense played, the way they rebounded, the way their bench played. The Celtics, on the other hand, were pretty complacent. About half way through the 3rd quarter, it became a matter of going through the motions and waiting for Game 7.
Three reasons the Lakers won.
1. Kobe had help: and he got it from a variety of sources. The Laker's bench outscored their Boston counterparts 24-0 during the minutes that mattered. They got scoring from Gasol, from Artest, a big all around contribution from Odom. Kobe came on strong in the first quarter with 11, but was able to cede some of the responsibility to his teammates later on.
2. The Lakers got back to playing inside. Andrew Bynum was much more mobile, Pau Gasol was spectacular early on.
3. Defense, defense, defense. LA held Boston to an NBA Finals low 67 points in the game. The Laker defense must have been on the same plane as that kid that accidentally ended up in Cleveland, because it was non-existent through most of the time in Boston. The Lakers looked revitalized in Game 6.
This was pretty much a throwback to Game 1, except the Lakers didn't need foul trouble to assist them. They were able to take the Celtic stars out of the game simply by playing tight on ball defense, constantly disrupting the rhythm of the offense. Pierce, Allen and Garnett all hit some open shots, but none were ever able to find a flow and it showed on the scoreboard. The Celtics were missing Kendrick Perkins, who sprained his knee fighting for a rebound in the 3rd quarter. It'll be important to track his health going into Game 7. He provides a defensive presence and a physicality inside, not to mention, much needed depth, when dealing with the Laker big men.
Some things to look for as we end this series.:
1. The team that has won the rebound battle has won every game of this series.
2. The team that has won the first quarter has won every game of this series.
3. In each game in this series, there has been a substantial contribution from the bench for the winning team. There is no mistaking the star power in this NBA Final, but it has been that extra push that has made the different game-in and game out. Shannon Brown in Game 1, Nate Robinson and Big Baby in Game 4, Lamar Odom in Game 6. The bench has been key all series.
As always, 3 things the Celtics need to do for Game 7:
1. Establish a 3 point threat. I feel like I've been saying this after every Celtic loss. It is no coincidence that when the Celtics don't hit 3s, the Lakers defense begins to smother them. The Lakers length is tremendously effective when they are able to collapse into the paint. If the Celtics can't show the threat of 3-point shooting, they will be dealing with twice the defensive team that they would have otherwise. They may get a minor blessing with Rasheed in the starting 5 rather than Perkins, as his jump shooting can stretch the Laker D if he shows it early. Ray Allen doesn't have to be what he was in Game 2, but he has to be some kind of a threat. Rajon Rondo is not a 3 point shooter, but he has to show that 2 point jumper that he worked on in the off season. If he can plant a few early, he will have much more room to operate in the paint. He can't allow Kobe to play 10 feet away from him, it creates too much traffic in the paint.
2. Get to the foul line. The fouls called have been mostly even in this series, but the Lakers end up at the line far more often. The Celtics have to be more aggressive on the attack in the lane and get to the line. Paul Pierce has to create. He has been guarded very well for about 2/3 of the series, but he can't let that render him inept. If he can't get a clean shot, he has to create contact.
3. Play with energy. This is not Boston anymore, and the Staples Center was rocking tonight. The Celtics have to come out with the kind of energy they had in Boston. They are a great road team, taking Game 2 of the series already. They have to show that ability to erase a home court advantage, to disrupt the interaction of the home team and crowd. They need to run when given the opportunity, but not be afraid to play the half court, slow the game down, and create impatience among the LA faithful. The Lakers were the better team in Game 6, but they also were the more aggressive, physical, tenacious, working team. These teams can match talent for talent. Finding that energy will bring the championship home.
-APT
Three reasons the Lakers won.
1. Kobe had help: and he got it from a variety of sources. The Laker's bench outscored their Boston counterparts 24-0 during the minutes that mattered. They got scoring from Gasol, from Artest, a big all around contribution from Odom. Kobe came on strong in the first quarter with 11, but was able to cede some of the responsibility to his teammates later on.
2. The Lakers got back to playing inside. Andrew Bynum was much more mobile, Pau Gasol was spectacular early on.
3. Defense, defense, defense. LA held Boston to an NBA Finals low 67 points in the game. The Laker defense must have been on the same plane as that kid that accidentally ended up in Cleveland, because it was non-existent through most of the time in Boston. The Lakers looked revitalized in Game 6.
This was pretty much a throwback to Game 1, except the Lakers didn't need foul trouble to assist them. They were able to take the Celtic stars out of the game simply by playing tight on ball defense, constantly disrupting the rhythm of the offense. Pierce, Allen and Garnett all hit some open shots, but none were ever able to find a flow and it showed on the scoreboard. The Celtics were missing Kendrick Perkins, who sprained his knee fighting for a rebound in the 3rd quarter. It'll be important to track his health going into Game 7. He provides a defensive presence and a physicality inside, not to mention, much needed depth, when dealing with the Laker big men.
Some things to look for as we end this series.:
1. The team that has won the rebound battle has won every game of this series.
2. The team that has won the first quarter has won every game of this series.
3. In each game in this series, there has been a substantial contribution from the bench for the winning team. There is no mistaking the star power in this NBA Final, but it has been that extra push that has made the different game-in and game out. Shannon Brown in Game 1, Nate Robinson and Big Baby in Game 4, Lamar Odom in Game 6. The bench has been key all series.
As always, 3 things the Celtics need to do for Game 7:
1. Establish a 3 point threat. I feel like I've been saying this after every Celtic loss. It is no coincidence that when the Celtics don't hit 3s, the Lakers defense begins to smother them. The Lakers length is tremendously effective when they are able to collapse into the paint. If the Celtics can't show the threat of 3-point shooting, they will be dealing with twice the defensive team that they would have otherwise. They may get a minor blessing with Rasheed in the starting 5 rather than Perkins, as his jump shooting can stretch the Laker D if he shows it early. Ray Allen doesn't have to be what he was in Game 2, but he has to be some kind of a threat. Rajon Rondo is not a 3 point shooter, but he has to show that 2 point jumper that he worked on in the off season. If he can plant a few early, he will have much more room to operate in the paint. He can't allow Kobe to play 10 feet away from him, it creates too much traffic in the paint.
2. Get to the foul line. The fouls called have been mostly even in this series, but the Lakers end up at the line far more often. The Celtics have to be more aggressive on the attack in the lane and get to the line. Paul Pierce has to create. He has been guarded very well for about 2/3 of the series, but he can't let that render him inept. If he can't get a clean shot, he has to create contact.
3. Play with energy. This is not Boston anymore, and the Staples Center was rocking tonight. The Celtics have to come out with the kind of energy they had in Boston. They are a great road team, taking Game 2 of the series already. They have to show that ability to erase a home court advantage, to disrupt the interaction of the home team and crowd. They need to run when given the opportunity, but not be afraid to play the half court, slow the game down, and create impatience among the LA faithful. The Lakers were the better team in Game 6, but they also were the more aggressive, physical, tenacious, working team. These teams can match talent for talent. Finding that energy will bring the championship home.
-APT
Hottest Little Potatoes
HLP BATTERS
Josh Hamilton, Tex: 9/23, 7 R, 2 2B, 4 HR, 12 RBI, 2 BB, 5 K
Brandon Phillips, Cin: 13/22, 6 R, 2B, 3B, HR, 3 RBI, BB, 2 K, 2 SB
Carlos Pena, TB: 8/24, 9 R, 6 HR, 9 RBI, 2 BB, 7 K
HLP PITCHERS
Ted Lilly, ChC: 16.0 IP, 11 K, W, 0.56 ERA, 0.38 WHIP
Colby Lewis, Tex: 15.0 IP, 15 K, 2 W, 1.80 ERA, 0.73 WHIP
Mariano Rivera, NYY: 3.0 IP, 5 K, 2 Sv, 0.00 ERA, 0.00 WHIP
- Brandon Phillips showing the heat in all categories, but it doesn't hurt that he's batting .591
- Carlos Pena batting mere (by HLP standards).333 over the last 7, but we at Lightning in a Bottle understand that chicks dig the long ball, and Carlos Pena has his 6 bombs in the last 6 games.
- Ted Lilly would probably want us to shout out his Chicago counterpart, Gavin Floyd, whose no hit bid lasted just 1.1 innings less than Lilly. However, based on the "HLP Pitchers can't have a loss" precedent, we had to leave Mr. Floyd out this week.
- Mo Rivera was there to capitalize on the rules. A couple solid pitching weeks were contaminated by losses, and Mo only pitched 3 innings, which is less than we like out of our relief pitchers, but he was stellar K'ing 5 and giving up nothing.
- By the way, add up Ted Lilly's ERA and WHIP from this week: STILL UNDER 1.00. Not that it has to be, but that's a new automatic Hot Potato number (over 14+ innings)
-APT
Stat Lines of the Weekend
THE GOOD- Kevin Garnett, Bos; Sunday, June 13 vs. LAL: 6-11, 10 Reb, 3 Ast, 5 Stl, 2 Blk, 18 pts. Garnett's emergence has been the single biggest change in this series. Save one game that the Celtics won upon an ungodly shooting performance by Ray Allen, KG rejuvenation has been the reason the Celtics are able to win games.
THE BAD- Jamie Moyer, Phi; Friday, June 11 vs. Bos: 1.0+ IP, 9 H, 9 ER, BB, SO, HR
THE UGLY- Robert Green, Eng; Saturday, June 12 vs. USA: As we all know by now, the English goalie picked to start over the already notorious "Calamity" James, gave up, what could be, one of th softest goals in World Cup history. Clint Dempsey of the US team did well to separate enough to get a shot on net, but all the credit for the goal goes to Green's ineptitude. Green failed to center himself behind the shot and it bounded off the outside of his right arm and dribbled towards the back of the net, the US's only goal in a 1-1 match.
THE GREAT- Vincent Enyeama, Nig; Saturday, June 12 vs. Arg: The Nigerian goaltender was fantastic, as Argentina was forced to sweat out a 1-0 win, despite dominating the match start to finish. Enyeama made 6 mostly spectacular saves against the likes of Lionel Messi and Carlos Tevez. His performance was the single most stand-out of the World Cup Weekend.
THE PERFECT- Daniel Nava, Bos; Saturday, June 12 vs. Phil: 1 pitch into his Major League Career, Daniel Nava was perfect. He hit the first pitch he ever saw from a Major League hand deep to right center field for a Grand Slam. The 27 year old outfielder, who was cut from the Santa Clara baseball team, but stayed on as an equipment manager, has fought his way from the bottom, through the minor leagues, and made quite a splash in his Major League career, already.
THE BIZARRE- Ted Lilly, ChC/Gavin Floyd, CWS; Sunday, June 13 vs. each other: The two pitchers both took no-hit bids into the 7th innings, Floyd losing his (and the game) after 6 2/3. Lilly continued into the 9th but gave up a single to Juan Pierre before recording an out, and left the came, allowing Carlos Marmol to clean up for the save.
-APT
THE BAD- Jamie Moyer, Phi; Friday, June 11 vs. Bos: 1.0+ IP, 9 H, 9 ER, BB, SO, HR
THE UGLY- Robert Green, Eng; Saturday, June 12 vs. USA: As we all know by now, the English goalie picked to start over the already notorious "Calamity" James, gave up, what could be, one of th softest goals in World Cup history. Clint Dempsey of the US team did well to separate enough to get a shot on net, but all the credit for the goal goes to Green's ineptitude. Green failed to center himself behind the shot and it bounded off the outside of his right arm and dribbled towards the back of the net, the US's only goal in a 1-1 match.
THE GREAT- Vincent Enyeama, Nig; Saturday, June 12 vs. Arg: The Nigerian goaltender was fantastic, as Argentina was forced to sweat out a 1-0 win, despite dominating the match start to finish. Enyeama made 6 mostly spectacular saves against the likes of Lionel Messi and Carlos Tevez. His performance was the single most stand-out of the World Cup Weekend.
THE PERFECT- Daniel Nava, Bos; Saturday, June 12 vs. Phil: 1 pitch into his Major League Career, Daniel Nava was perfect. He hit the first pitch he ever saw from a Major League hand deep to right center field for a Grand Slam. The 27 year old outfielder, who was cut from the Santa Clara baseball team, but stayed on as an equipment manager, has fought his way from the bottom, through the minor leagues, and made quite a splash in his Major League career, already.
THE BIZARRE- Ted Lilly, ChC/Gavin Floyd, CWS; Sunday, June 13 vs. each other: The two pitchers both took no-hit bids into the 7th innings, Floyd losing his (and the game) after 6 2/3. Lilly continued into the 9th but gave up a single to Juan Pierre before recording an out, and left the came, allowing Carlos Marmol to clean up for the save.
-APT
NBA Finals Game 5
There's not a whole lot to analyze as these series go deeper and deeper. The teams know each other and it just becomes a matter of execution. The Celtics dominated Game 5 on both ends of the floor. Did the Lakers have a chance? Sure. Why? Two reasons.
1. Sometimes you cannot stop Kobe regardless of the defense you are playing.
2. Rajon Rondo had a bigger turnover game than he had been this series.
In the third quarter, there was no way to defend Kobe. He hit every shot that was available and several that weren't available. Kobe's mastery was enough to keep the Lakers close, but he can't do this by himself.
The Celtics interior defense has improved every game of this series. They still allow some easy baskets to Bynum, but it usually involves a precise set-up by one of the Laker playmakers. Kevin Garnett has found youthful legs to use in Boston for games 3-5, not only establishing himself as a real scoring threat, but reinventing himself defensively, allowing Doc Rivers to leave him on Pau Gasol. And if the Celtics need to guarantee the inhibition of Gasol, Rasheed Wallace has devoured him.
As has been mentioned, late in the series, it is no longer time for a new game plan, it is a time for execution. The Lakers will have the opportunity to win an NBA Championship by taking care of business at home. Though one slip up and they fall to Boston for the second time in three years. With Game 6 just hours away, three thigns:
1. Ron Artest was sluggish in Game 5. Artest was pretty much the only person unimpressed with his defensive efforts in the first 4 games of this series. He promised to come out with a renewed fervor in Game 5, and play the kind of defense he is used to playing. Artest did exactly the opposite. He was slow getting around screens all night, and Paul Pierce was finally able to use the pick and roll to get himself scoring opporunities, having his best night of series. Ron Artest has to ignore his lack of production offensively and focus on Paul Pierce. If he comes out with rejuvenated, as we expected in game 5, it will go a long way toward a Laker win.
2. Wear down Kevin Garnett. Andrew Bynum needs to be healthy. With Bynum healhty, the Lakers are more physical. That physicality was debilitating to Kevin Garnett in the early games. Back in LA, KG was having little impact. Andrew Bynum needs to be a physical force in the middle, banging around in the paint, putting pressure on the old legs of the Celtics. On that same note, the Lakers need to get the ball inside consistently to Pau Gasol. I know his offensive production has fallen short in the last couple games, but they can't let that shut the idea out of their mind. Forcing KG to play defense every other time down the floor will hamper his abilities on the scoring side. They need to attack him and knock him out of rhythm.
3. Kobe Bryant needs scoring help. Kobe will be Kobe, but he can drop 60 points in this game and the Lakers can still lose. Some say they need that second big threat, but I think the Lakers need that little bit from everyone. I have been a supporter of pushing the ball down to Gasol, but the Laker offense is even more effective if they are getting 8-10 from Odom, Artest, Farmar, Brown and Bynum. Kobe is going to take over parts of this game, but he needs to use that take-over ability to his advantage, as it will free up his teammates. Kobe, in my opinion, is the best player in the NBA, but no one can do it alone.
-APT
1. Sometimes you cannot stop Kobe regardless of the defense you are playing.
2. Rajon Rondo had a bigger turnover game than he had been this series.
In the third quarter, there was no way to defend Kobe. He hit every shot that was available and several that weren't available. Kobe's mastery was enough to keep the Lakers close, but he can't do this by himself.
The Celtics interior defense has improved every game of this series. They still allow some easy baskets to Bynum, but it usually involves a precise set-up by one of the Laker playmakers. Kevin Garnett has found youthful legs to use in Boston for games 3-5, not only establishing himself as a real scoring threat, but reinventing himself defensively, allowing Doc Rivers to leave him on Pau Gasol. And if the Celtics need to guarantee the inhibition of Gasol, Rasheed Wallace has devoured him.
As has been mentioned, late in the series, it is no longer time for a new game plan, it is a time for execution. The Lakers will have the opportunity to win an NBA Championship by taking care of business at home. Though one slip up and they fall to Boston for the second time in three years. With Game 6 just hours away, three thigns:
1. Ron Artest was sluggish in Game 5. Artest was pretty much the only person unimpressed with his defensive efforts in the first 4 games of this series. He promised to come out with a renewed fervor in Game 5, and play the kind of defense he is used to playing. Artest did exactly the opposite. He was slow getting around screens all night, and Paul Pierce was finally able to use the pick and roll to get himself scoring opporunities, having his best night of series. Ron Artest has to ignore his lack of production offensively and focus on Paul Pierce. If he comes out with rejuvenated, as we expected in game 5, it will go a long way toward a Laker win.
2. Wear down Kevin Garnett. Andrew Bynum needs to be healthy. With Bynum healhty, the Lakers are more physical. That physicality was debilitating to Kevin Garnett in the early games. Back in LA, KG was having little impact. Andrew Bynum needs to be a physical force in the middle, banging around in the paint, putting pressure on the old legs of the Celtics. On that same note, the Lakers need to get the ball inside consistently to Pau Gasol. I know his offensive production has fallen short in the last couple games, but they can't let that shut the idea out of their mind. Forcing KG to play defense every other time down the floor will hamper his abilities on the scoring side. They need to attack him and knock him out of rhythm.
3. Kobe Bryant needs scoring help. Kobe will be Kobe, but he can drop 60 points in this game and the Lakers can still lose. Some say they need that second big threat, but I think the Lakers need that little bit from everyone. I have been a supporter of pushing the ball down to Gasol, but the Laker offense is even more effective if they are getting 8-10 from Odom, Artest, Farmar, Brown and Bynum. Kobe is going to take over parts of this game, but he needs to use that take-over ability to his advantage, as it will free up his teammates. Kobe, in my opinion, is the best player in the NBA, but no one can do it alone.
-APT
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