| 47 Brand Snapback finally showed signs of life, using a 16-6 run to tie the score at 65-65 by the end of the third quarter. NOTES: Coach Tom Thibodeau described Hinrich's status as day-to-day with a knee injury. Charlotte rookie Michael Kidd-Gilchrist missed the first game of his NBA career because of a scratched cornea. Bobcats center Byron Mullens missed his fourth game with a sprained left ankle. On Sunday, Thibodeau said injured guard Derrick Rose is participating in the non-contact portions of practice, but is "not anywhere close to playing." The best-case scenario for Rose to play again figures to be Jan. 28, which would be the nine-month anniversary of tearing the ACL in his left knee."We're in a funk right now, we've been up and down this season," said Taj Gibson, who had eight points and nine rebounds. "Tonight, we let down a lot on defense and we just have to find our way out of it."DC Shoes Hats was ruled out before the game due to "a compilation of things," according to coach Tom Thibodeau. He is considered day-to-day. Thibodeau said he was "sad" to hear about the firing of Chicago Bears head coach Lovie Smith. "You hate to see anyone lose their job, but that's the nature of the beast," he said. Bobcats F Michael Kidd-Gilchrist (scratched right cornea) did not play after being poked in the eye during a 98-95 loss to New Orleans on Saturday.
The game in question was the Lakers' 113-99 rout of the Boston Celtics on Feb. 21, an emotional night at Staples Center in their first game since the death of Dr. Buss.Though the Lakers looked good in nearly every facet of the game, they were as motivated as ever to win while Boston was coming off a game the night before at altitude at the Pepsi Center vs. the Denver Nuggets.Those circumstances aside, the Lakers can absolutely use this as a rallying cry.Diamond Supply Co. Snapback're fully capable of playing this way given their talent level it wasn't long ago that many considered them a lock to go deep in the playoffs. So, given their talent and the fact that they have everything to play for, it's reasonable to believe that they could surprise the basketball world and make the playoffs.Do they have enough to win their 17th title? Probably not given their inconsistency, age and lack of depth. The NBA's elite teams are too strong.But they could play some inspiring ball to end the year. Unfortunately, it won't be good enough in L.A., where the mantra is championship-or-bust. There are no moral victories in Hollywood.Michael C. Jones covers the Los Angeles Lakers and the NBA.The Lakers have a coach who is probably the wrong fit for the team and an aging superstar in Bryant who may not want to hang it up after his contract expires at the end of next season.Pau Gasol is signed through 2013-14 as well. Can the Lakers afford to waste his talent under the wrong scheme for another season? If the Lakers trade him, what kind of value could they expect back?There are many questions to be answered in Laker-land going into 2013-14, and none of them should have anything to do with Howard if he re-signs with the team as he should.Howard is the kind of player teams can build around. Who wouldn't want someone that's a potential lock for the Hall of Fame and can put up the numbers he does on a a consistent basis? There's a reason teams will pursue him in free agency in the offseason.Again, who wouldn't want this guy on their team for the foreseeable future?Apparently, enough Lakers fans to even make this a subject. Monster Energy Hats covers the Los Angeles Lakers and the NBA. He writes regularly for SB Nation and Examiner.com. He is also the Editor of Sports Out West. |
