The Los Angeles Lakers host the defending Western Conference Champion San Antonio Spurs tonight at the Staples Center. The Lakers and their fans were brought back to reality after the team was taken apart by the Golden State Warriors in Oakland, CA this past Wednesday. Coming into this season though, seeing two playoff teams at the top of their schedule, any supporter of the purple and gold would gladly accept a 1-1 record at this point.
The Spurs swept the Lakers out of the 2012-13 NBA Playoffs. It should be noted however, that L.A. had beaten San Antonio a few days before the playoff series. Unfortunately, their center at that time was not even playing… it was as if he was either suffering from GERD (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease) or as if there was some food lodged in his throat.
The Spurs are a well coached team that present a lot of problems. They perform on the court like a well-oiled machine. It is a work in progress, but the Lakers’ success or failure this season will depend solely on their defense. They can not allow teams in this league to shoot over 50-percent from the field against them and still expect success.
L.A. has to pay close attention to detail and step up their game defensively to have any chance of competing against the Spurs tonight. This means keeping San Antonio’s point guard, Tony Parker, out of the paint, communicating on defense, getting back in transition, stopping the dribble penetration, defending the pick and roll play, rebounding and staying at home with the shooters. The Spurs are not a fast break team, but Parker is a fast player… the epitome of a one-man fast break. The Lakers need to play aggressively with the same energy and enthusiasm displayed in the season opener.
L.A. head coach Mike D’Antoni looks as if he is still solidifying his rotation although he now has three guards that can run his system. The Lakers need to increase power forward Pau Gasol’s shot attempts… he has taken only 22 shots in two games.
The purple and gold do a good job of executing the head coach’s dribble pitch, which is one of his versions of the pick and roll. It is highly effective in getting ball handlers wide open shots behind the arc. The Lakers’ reserves are averaging 64 points per game and need to continue to contribute. They need solid ball movement and excellent player movement while executing the offense to find a high percentage shot.
Starters
Lakers: S. Nash, S.Blake, N. Young, S. Williams, P.Gasol
Spurs: T. Parker, D. Green, K. Leonard, T. Duncan, T. Splitter
Tip-off: 10:30 PM EST
Television –
• Los Angeles: TWC Sportsnet (Bill Macdonald & Stu Lantz)
• San Antonio: Fox Sports Southwest (Bill Land & Sean Elliott)
Radio –
• Los Angeles: 710 ESPN (Spero Dedes & Mychal Thompson)
• San Antonio: WOAI-AM 1200 (Bill Schoening)
Injuries –
Lakers: Kobe Bryant (Torn Achilles) – Out
Spurs: Tim Duncan (Chest Contusion) – Doubtful