It is March 7, 2012 and the (23-15) Los Angeles Lakers are in the District of Columbia – the nation’s capital – for the second game of their three-game road trip. L.A. is seeking to bounce back from a disappointing loss and get back on the winning track against the (8-29) Wizards. A word of note,”DMV” stands for the D.C. metro area: the “D” is for D.C., the “M” is for Maryland and the “V” is for Virginia.
The Lakers squandered an excellent effort from their big players in the loss to the Detroit Pistons last night. L.A. center Andrew Bynum and teammate Pau Gasol (forward/center) combined for 50 points, 24 rebounds, 8 assists and 7 blocked shots. The loss snapped the Lakers’ three-game winning streak as well as guard Kobe Bryant’s streak of 30+-point games since donning the mask.
Unfortunately, the lack of production from the point guard, small forward and reserves was on display again as well as the fact that the Lakers are a different team on the road than the one that plays at the Staples Center.
When the Lakers are playing on the road, focus, intensity, execution, a sense of urgency and a contribution from everyone are items that do not make the trip.
The Lakers swept last season’s series (2-0) with the Wizards for the fourth consecutive year and have won nine straight overall. L.A. is 9-1 in their last 10 games against the team. In 26 games (including 24 starts), Kobe Bryant is averaging 25.3 points against Washington.
During their nine-game streak, the purple and gold have had everything go as planned; averaging 111.3 points on a 51.3 shooting percentage. The Lakers have won five straight and have gone 7-3 in their last 10 games at the Verizon Center.
The Wizards are 3-7 in their last 10 games. Point guard John Wall leads Washington in scoring (17.6 points) and assists (7.8 per game). The team has talent on the roster and players that can score, rebound and assist. Guards Nick Young and Jordan Crawford can score; and center JaVale McGee has talent. However, all three need to continue to develop their games to become complete players.
Washington is a young team that has fallen into the trap of relying on one hot shooter. The players are small by NBA standards and their lack of a reliable low post scorer has hurt them.
The Lakers’ defense has to be the determining factor in this game. L.A. needs to play to their strength, establish Andrew Bynum & Pau Gasol in the post and allow them to go to work. They have to do a better job of offensive rebounding, limiting second-chance opportunities and points, playing with a higher energy level and getting back in transition.
It is imperative that the Lakers receive a contribution from their reserves. The bench – outscored 32-7 in Detroit – has to provide more production. This game will be a match-up of a bad team versus a bad road team. It is also match-up of experience, offensive execution and defense versus youth and athleticism.
Lakers: D. Fisher, K. Bryant, M. Peace, P. Gasol, A. Bynum
Wizards: J. Wall, N. Young, C. Singleton, T. Booker, J. McGee
Tip-off: 4:00 PM PST
Television –
- Los Angeles: KCAL 9 (Bill Macdonald & Stu Lantz)
- Washington, DC: Comcast SportsNet (Steve Buckhantz & Phil Chenier)
Radio –
- Los Angeles: 710 ESPN (John Ireland & Mychal Thompson)
- Washington, DC: Sportsradio 106.7 FM (Dave Johnson & Glen Consor)
Injuries –
Lakers:
- Steve Blake (Costochaondral fracture) Probable
- Kobe Bryant (Nasal Fracture) Probable
Wizards:
- Rashard Lewis (Knee) Day-to-Day
- Nick Young (Knee) Day-to-Day