Are the Lakers tanking? Or are they really that bad?

by Dan @ Bright Side Of The Sun on Apr 10, 2007 10:10 AM MDT in Phoenix Suns News

Did anyone see the Lakers/Denver game last night? The final score was 115-111, Lakers. Was that because they were really hyped up for the game? Or was it because they were playing some matador defense? The Nuggets normally allow 105 points per game. The Lakers allow 103 points per game.

I was watching SportsCenter this morning and they agreed that the Lakers and the Nuggets would rather face the Suns than the Spurs. So was this one of those games where the teams acted like they were trying but they really weren't? The Lakers were down early, came back and then kind of fell in the end. I know the Lakers aren't that good to begin with but Kobe looked especially bad - even shooting some air balls.

So what is it? Is it position-tanking? Is it just that the Lakers are really that bad? At this point, it doesn't really matter to me because I think the Suns can beat both the Lakers and the Nuggets. And if the Lakers are going to give up a game against the Suns on Friday, that makes it that much easier to keep the 2nd seed. But if the Lakers really are trying to tank, it seems a little wrong. Let me know your thoughts in the comments.

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Tanking

I think it would be rather dangerous to tank games this close to the end of the season if I were the Lakers. They have been fading and at this point could lose a game against an inferior opponent that they had "planned" on winning. Lakers haven't won a game since Feb. against a team with a winning record. Golden State is 2 games back of the Lakers but with 4 remaining games (Sacramento away, Minn. at home, Dallas at home and Portland away) they could win all 4. The Lakers' remaining games (Clippers, Phx away, Seattle home, Sacramento away). I wouldn't care in the least if Kobe and the Lakers failed to make the post-season and Golden State slipped into the #8 spot and faced Dallas in the first round!

by TwinnerA on Apr 10, 2007 11:44 AM MDT reply actions

I would love it

It sure would make things a lot more interesting with a Golden State/Dallas matchup!

by Dan @ Bright Side Of The Sun on Apr 10, 2007 12:17 PM MDT reply actions

If they are...

if the teams are tanking this early, I hope they will have a rude awakening- either by missing the playoffs (LAL is in danger!) or by losing to the Suns 4-0 in the first round, and watching the other team give the Spurs a run for their money.

Tanking should never be allowed, but it is hard to prove. I could not believe that Kobe had just 23 points against Denver, which is not a team that is famous for a strangling defense.

I am rooting for Golden State to make the playoffs and possibly knock out the Mavs in the 1st round (I am dreaming, but why not? :)). I even registered on their site last night (Golden state of mind).

by Vash01 @ Bright Side Of The Sun on Apr 10, 2007 2:26 PM MDT reply actions

I'm with you

A Dallas / GSW matchup would be an absolute blast to watch. Nelson sure knows how to coach against his former team.

by AZSEAfan @ Bright Side Of The Sun on Apr 10, 2007 4:12 PM MDT up reply actions

Golden State of Mind

Speaking of Golden State of Mind, if there is anyone who hasn't checked out the site, you definitely should. All of the basketball blogs on SB Nation are class acts but I think Golden State of Mind is the class of all of us. I only wish I could run a site as good as they have.

by Dan @ Bright Side Of The Sun on Apr 10, 2007 8:27 PM MDT up reply actions

If GSW plays the Mavs

I think it will be great if the Warriors play the Mavs in the first round. NOt only will the games be entertaining on the court, but there will be off court stories like Don Nelson coaching against his former team. This season at least, GS has had better success than anyone (except may be the Suns) against the Mavs.

Can they beat the Mavs in a 7-game series? I don't think so, but if the miracle did happen, the Suns may have to play GSW next (if the Suns win their first round). That too will have an interesting story line, with Nelson coaching his team to control Nash, who developed into a great player after being coached by Nelson.

The Clippers as #8 seed are relatively boring. Same with the Hornets I think.

by Vash01 @ Bright Side Of The Sun on Apr 12, 2007 1:20 AM MDT up reply actions

Here's hoping for Lakers out of playoffs

Man oh man, the very thought of the Lakers not making the playoffs would make me a very happy man indeed. The funny thing is though is that thhat very thought is indeed possible. Lets be serious boys, this Lakers team has a lot of holes in it now. They arent that dangerous team we faced last playoffs, if anything they're and ok team being help aloft by the god-king Kobe. Hmmm that reminds me of the movie 300. Kobe is King Xerzes who leads a vast horde of only so so soldiers, which explains why they fail at life against winning teams (ie Spartans). Atleast thats how i see it. Another funny thing is people used to think earlier this season that the Lakers were an elite team, LOL.

"Ultimate excellence lies not in winning every battle, but in defeating your enemy without ever fighting." Sun Tzu

by Turambar on Apr 10, 2007 2:32 PM MDT reply actions

"300"

Erm...I've yet to see the movie, but am somewhat familiar with the Battle of Thermopylae. Frankly, I'd rather not compare this year's Suns team to a suicide mission ;)

flim springfield

by DrStrom on Apr 11, 2007 11:01 AM MDT up reply actions

LOL

well I do so hope that they dont have to die to recieve eternal glory. I just hope they get to see the glory that they so yearn for. For all that matters now is that ring, nothing else.

"Ultimate excellence lies not in winning every battle, but in defeating your enemy without ever fighting." Sun Tzu

by Turambar on Apr 11, 2007 4:19 PM MDT up reply actions

I watched the game...

...and neither team tanked it. Both teams fought especially hard in the 4th quarter.

And yes, Kobe did only score 23 points...but his shooting percentage was also in the toilet (something like 9 for 30, if I'm correct)...the spectre of Raja Bell haunts him ;)

flim springfield

by DrStrom on Apr 11, 2007 10:59 AM MDT reply actions

Scary

Kobe's struggles (with 23 points- LOL!) with Denver means the Nuggets have a pretty good defense. The Suns have had some difficulty against the likes of Marcus Camby. Another reason to avoid that mile high team in the playoffs.

by Vash01 @ Bright Side Of The Sun on Apr 11, 2007 12:51 PM MDT reply actions