Lakers @ 76ers preview: Hometown Philly, Kobe Back Again

February 6, 2012 Leave a comment

After an impressive win in Denver followed up by a sloppy second half in Utah that resulted in an ugly loss, the Lakers travel to Kobe’s hometown of Philadelphia to take on the Atlantic Division leading 76ers. Here are 5 pre-game story lines for tonight’s game:

Lakers in Philly for East Coast Swing

The Lakers are making like Boyz II Men and doing the whole “Motown Philly back again, doing a little east coast swing” thing on this 6-game road trip. 1-1 so far, a signature win against one of the best teams in the NBA this year would set the tone for the rest of their East coast swing through Boston, New York and Toronto.

Coach Collins, Teach Me How to Doug-ie

Coach Doug Collins and how he is able to teach defense effectively is the biggest reason the Sixers are the NBA’s surprise team so far this season. Philadelphia is stacked with athletic, defensive-minded players like Andre Iguodola and Jrue Holiday who have bought into his system, so it’s no surprise that the Sixers lead the league in numerous defensive categories.

Hometown Philly fans, don't hate on Mamba and the Lakers just because he will never sport a #24 Sixers jersey.

UPS – What can (Coach) Brown do for you?

UPS, mail service suspended. Los Angeles Lakers head coach Mike Brown has been suspended for tonight’s game vs. Philadelphia for his actions in Utah in which he bumped a referee accidentally while being ejected. Accident or not Lakers fans, there’s nothing Brown can do for you if he’s not even in the arena.

Injured Elton no Longer a Brand Name

Speaking of being out for tonight’s game, Philadelphia power forward Elton Brand is injured and has been ruled out for tonight’s game meaning the game plan should be to get the ball to Bynum and Gasol early and often tonight. While no longer a NBA brand name and perennial 20 and 10 guy, Elton’s absence from the lineup can only benefit the Lakers.

24 Points needed for #24 Kobe to pass Shaq

Motown Philly is more like Hometown Philly for Kobe Bryant as he visits the place he grew up and played high school ball. Adding drama to his homecoming, Kobe Bryant needs just 24 points to pass Shaquille O’Neal for 5th all-time on the NBA’s scoring list. He should be able to do it tonight against the Sixers.

Lakers fans — do the Lakers get the victory in Philly tonight? Does the Black Mamba surpass Shaq’s scoring record tonight, further bruising O’Neal’s ego?

Filed under SEASON Tagged with , , , , , , , , , , ,

Shaq Up in Beantown – Ex-Laker Shaquille O’Neal opts for Celtics

August 4, 2010 1 Comment

It was only a matter of time before the Big Aristotle became “the Big Shaqrecaun”. Okay maybe that nickname needs work, but the point is Shaquille O’Neal is officially part of the Boston Celtics and it feels weird and kind of creepy if you’re a Lakers fan. Before signing, Shaq had failed to land mid-level exception offers from Atlanta, Dallas and even teams in Europe (can you say desperate?). After the Cavs said thanks but no thanks to re-signing the Big Fella, Shaq realized there weren’t many options left.

Boston Market

Enter Boston, a team in the market for size after the starting center Kendrick Perkins severely injured his knee in the 2010 NBA Finals. Shaq reportedly signed a 2-year deal for the veteran’s minimum totaling $2.8 million. Ouch, major hit to the ego (not to mention the pocket book). The Celtics have now reloaded their frontcourt with the addition of Shaq and Jermaine O’Neal and should give the Miami Heat fits down low come playoff time. NBA fans, are you feeling a Lakers-Heat or Lakers-Celtics 2011 NBA Finals?

Shaq hopes to be a 4 ring clover for the Celtics this year in Beantown. Speaking of beans, that's still 1 ring behind Kobe Bean Bryant.

Shaq Bench Press

The Celtics pressed Shaq to come off the bench before they agreed to sign him. All indications point to Shaq being okay with this, but you just know he’s licking his chops waiting for starting center Jermaine O’Neal to get injured. Yes, a literal Shaq attack! Which brings me to my next point: Boston now has two O’Neals. There are only two O’Neals in the entire NBA and they both play for Boston now. This means Shaq’s jersey is going to have S. O’Neal on the back rather than just O’Neal. Another hit to the ego!

O’Neals are Ol’ Neals

Regardless of who gets more minutes, both O’Neals are old and injury-prone and neither is explosive anymore. Jermaine will begin the year as the starter after averaging 13.6 points and 6.9 rebounds per game last season in Miami. The Celtics can expect similar or slightly better numbers from him while knowing he can get injured at any moment. No stranger to injury himself, the other other O’Neal (that’s right Shaq has fallen that far) will have to prove to the Boston faithful that he still has something left in the tank.

Filed under 2010 Free Agency, Boston Celtics, FREE AGENTS, LAKERS RIVALRY Tagged with , , , , , , , , ,

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