Lakers vs Raptors 2/12/12

Well, they better had pulled that one out. Kobe took some tough shots late but he dug us out of the hole and closed the game out. I still would like to see him get Gasol and Bynum more involved late in the game...on the other hand, Gasol and Bynum has to be more aggressive. A win is a win nonetheless though

I only saw the 2nd half and it was ugly. Bynum missing again everytime on his post up moves. I didn't see the second quarter but Lakers got out scored by 7. And the second half LAKERS were out played. What really burned me was in the 4th KOBE was taking every shot. I think at one time he took like 6 shots in a row and missed evey shot badly weren't even good shots. The team couldn't get into any rhythm as a team. That was a major factor why the Raptors had a 4 point lead with less than a minute. But KOBE did come up huge with less than a minute. KOBE hit a long three where if he would of missed game over. Then he stole the ball and fed Metta for a lay up. Then after Caulderon hit a clutch 2 to take a 1 point lead KOBE hits another impossible running jump shot in the deep corner to take the lead for good. KOBE did miss a free throw with 4 seconds left for only a 2 point lead but the Rapters missed a 3 to end the game.

Yeah, Kobe's game winner combined with his clutch steal and feed to Metta FTW was nice to see, in spite of having coughed up the 18 point lead. That first quarter was something to see - I'd like to see the Lakers do more of that - they just need to do a better job of sustaining the pressure while not settling for jump shots. Another opposing point guard has their way with this team...still, all things considered, I'll take the 3-3 split on this Grammy road trip.

Yeah, Kobe's game winner combined with his clutch steal and feed to Metta FTW was nice to see, in spite of having coughed up the 18 point lead.

Yes, Metta did have some great defensive plays.  I was watching him throughout the game and he made some really good missed shot defense on Calderon and DeRozan.  (DeRozan had an awful shooting game.  I notice that Kobe does a little extra schooling when playing him.  Kobe is does a similar thing with O.J. Mayo.  I don't know if that is because they started their relationship with him before they got into the League--O.J. at USC while DeRozan playing at Compton High.)  The Raptor's small forward, Amir Johnson, didn't even make a field goal attempt against Metta.   And Metta going 2-3 from beyond the arc was nice, too.

Still alot of concerns for this team. Maybe Calderon was showing his stuff for a potential trade to the Lakers..Just too much pressure on the top 3 guys...A guy like Calderon would be nice.....does not turn the ball over alot and can hit a shot..I have no confidence in Derek Fisher anymore. He has been great but his time has passed. He should be the 3rd option at point guard...he is not even hitting shots...Even with a trade for a point guard the bench is way too weak for a championship run. Best we could hope for would be to knock off someone they didnt expect us to beat in the playoffs...Murphy and Mcroberts are just god alwful......