Game Four: What Happened?

I've been watching the Lakers for a long time.  I can count the number of times they've mailed in a playoff game on one hand, but it happens.  Game four in Houston was even worse than usual, because the Rockets were missing their two all-stars, Yao Ming and Tracy McGrady.

They are going to get hammered, deservedly so, in the media until at least game five is over.  Here's part of TJ Simers' column that appeared in Monday's LA Times:

Maybe they will still claim the title when all this is over, but shocking as it might sound, an NBA team failed to show up Sunday for a playoff game -- as embarrassing an indictment as one can levy against a group of so-called professional athletes.

But after the game, Phil Jackson said he wasn't embarrassed.  He credited Houston with playing great, and felt that by winning one of two in Texas, the Lakers had reclaimed home court and taken control of the series  He doesn't appeared worried, and I have to admit, I can't imagine the Rockets winning this series unless Kobe Bryant gets hurt and can't play.

But here's my question:  does anybody think this is still a team on its' way to a title?

Cleveland is playing like a team possessed.  Denver, with Chauncey Billups playing flawlessly, appears to be developing a swagger.  Can any one say that about this Lakers team?   If I told you you had to bet your life on one team to win it all this year, could you seriously pick LA right now?

This isn't to say that they can't get it together in time to make a title run, but they aren't there right now.  Consider the following:

--I've become a big follower of the plus/minus number in the NBA.  Playing against Aaron Brooks, Derek Fisher had a plus/minus number of -26 in game four.  I realize that any one can have one bad game, but Fish struggled against Brooks in game one too.  How is he going to match up against Billups, or if the Lakers make the Finals, Mo Williams?

--Lamar Odom hurt his back in game four--he won't practice tomorrow.  Instead he'll have an MRI and a Cat Scan to determine the state of his back.  If he can't go, can the Lakers really count on Andrew Bynum (who had zero points on Sunday) to make a difference in the playoffs?

--Playing with Chuck Hayes at Center, who stands 6'6" tall, the Lakers were out rebounded both offensively and defensively.  Most notably, they were outplayed, out hustled, and looked lost.

They have less than a month to find themselves, or the Rockets, Nuggets, or Cavs will do it for them.

  

Comments

[rockets balls]

hello in here! anybody read this crap?

[Paul B]

Another year proven...Lakers are soft without Shaq. Stop thinking this is a championship team, its the best group of talent in the league without any real heart. Until they get a real 4 or 5 who plays in the paint with purpose, theyre gonna crumble to tough-minded teams every time it matters.

[Mohammed]

Hi John,
Congrats!! you got your first hater on this blog. Who names himself as rocket balls?lol. Anyways, nothing to worry for Lakers. I am not upset. They will be fine. Did you know what happened between Kenyon Martin's mom and Cuban?
Mohammed