Yannis' Lakers Journal

From now on I should be right back on track with my post game analysis for every laker game. I've missed writing about them, so I'm really glad to start back up, and what better way to start than with a victory.

With their recent struggles the Lakers needed to go into the all-star break with some wins. Matching up against Utah and Atlanta in their final two games makes things a bit easier. Tonight the Lakers had the game under control for most of the time, but it was one of the uglier controlled wins I've seen in a long time.

Someone get Craig Hodges on the phone quick, because Smush looks lost at the line, he finished 5-10 for the night, and was 2-6 at one point. The form is off, it's not smooth, and he's getting zero legs in it. Other than the free throw woes, Smush had a very effective night. Broke loose for some highlight reel dunks and played pretty good defense. On the scouting report for the Utah Jazz, it must have mentioned poor ball protection because Kobe was playing the passing lanes harder than he has all season. His previous career best for steals in a game was six, which he tied in the first half, along with tying Jerry West's record for steals in the half. He finished with seven, setting a new career high, in a sub par game for Kobe standards. The six days off will be good for him, because it seems he's tiring a bit. The last two games he's had some issues from the field. Sasha Vujacic did a great job tonight, hitting some big threes, going at the boards hard, and finding the open man.

Very nice game for Lamar Odom, who hasn't faired too well against Andrei Kirilenko in the past. A lot of the time he found Mehmet Okur on him, and he attacked him each time. Too many times we see Lamar avoid a mismatch, but that wasn't the case tonight. Against Andrei he took him right into the post and used his body to void his shotblocking ability. Two rebounds and an assist away from a triple double, Lamar gave the Lakers the type of game he needs to have in order for them to win games. Brian Cook got 15 points off of 11 shots. He continues to hit the outside shot with consistency, which is a great addition for the triangle offense. Unless the Lakers make any trades at the deadline, he's going to have to step into the second scorer role. Devean George continues his good play off the bench, hitting some big shots during laker slumps.

Kwame's had some bad nights as a Laker, but tonight was definitely his worst. Almost everything that touched his hands went right off it, he couldn't buy a bucket, and maybe one or two of his shots actually made it off the rim. It's tough to make a case for a guy who refuses to go to Kareem's workouts. If Kwame doesn't get it together pretty soon, he's going to have to say hello to Phil's doghouse while Andrew gets his chance. Speaking of Andrew, he would have had a great night tonight had the refs not given him a heavy helping of rookie treatment. He had a few three second calls and a ticky tack moving screen call. Didn't get to show much from the low block because for some reason he's avoided like the plague on offense. If they're willing to dump it into Kwame down low, Andrew should at least get SOME touches.

With the trade deadline coming the 23rd, the Lakers need to look to make some moves. Though tonights game was under control by the most part, some glaring holes were evident. They lack a go to scorer down low and someone who can finish off interior feeds. If they Lakers could manage to get someone who can do that at the deadline, a six seed is very attainable. The hard part of their schedule is out of the way. If they can bring in a player or two who can contribute, they're in prime position to climb up the standings with the easy second half schedule they have.

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