L.A. Sports Blog: Ripe for the Picking

By: Jeff Girouard

As Laker nation holds its collective breath for Andrew Bynum and mulls the possible addition of Chris Webber, reality and first place in the Western Conference (the Lakers are currently in sole possession of first) stare them in the face tonight. Phoenix rolls into town, winners of 7 of their last ten, and that glaring hole in the middle of the Laker lineup will certainly be the topic of pre-game chatter.

While Suns fans see this club as ripe for the picking, Laker fans most cope, at least for one game, with the idea that Kwame Brown will be our anchor. He has become a defensive stalwart in the one-on-one game, matching up well with folks like Carlos Boozer and even Yao Ming, but this means very little against one of the best pick and roll center-point guard combinations in the Association. Amare Stoudemire should have a huge game tonight. Also, his offensive prowess (or lack thereof) is considerably inadequate when compared to Bynum’s soft hands and clever footwork. Moreover, Drew’s game makes Amare work on the defensive end and has traditionally gotten him into early foul trouble, especially at Staples. So I suspect Amare should have a huge game tonight.

However, perhaps lost in this panic of the Bynum injury is another key loss: Vladimir Radmanovic. That’s right, the snowboarding space cadet, will be sorely missed in tonight’s game. Though he was a relative no-show in their first meeting in Los Angeles, his shooting was critical to the Laker’s blowout win in Phoenix way back on November 2nd. Without him as an outside shooting threat look for the Suns to pack the middle and focus on limiting LA’s points in the paint. Make no mistake the Suns hate to see the Lakers sitting atop the Pacific Division and their vulnerability is sure to induce maximum effort at both ends.

Check back for a full Laker Report sometime this weekend.

LASportsblogAAA-er

664 days ago

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Jeff,

You wrote this in the tradition of morning business!

NG

PS: I've been commenting a crap load but not writing, I got a half written Johnny Podres tribute I need to finish on my laptop and a piece on the Galaxy and UCLA B-ball, you'll see.

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Manny StilesMajor Leaguer

664 days ago

Score 2

As a Suns fan, the Lakers worry me exactly zero amount. In fact, I hope the Suns sweep the Lakers, Mavs and Spurs in that specific order in the playoffs on their way to beating whatever junk wins the East by default.

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LASportsblogAAA-er

664 days ago

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Manny I respect your confidence, but hubris is damning. I hope (for your own credibility's sake) that you are referring specifically to tonight's match-up. The Suns are a different team from a year ago and the Lakers at full strength are a considerably different team than a season ago. Two words man: Kurt Thomas. JG

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RomiezzoLegend

664 days ago

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I'm sure that's what every Suns fan wants, Manny: to sweep the Lakers, Mavs and Spurs... and I'm sure that everyone wants to see the Suns sweep the Spurs, but it looks like the Spurs have had the Suns' number for quite a long time. I actually picked the Suns to win it all before the season started, but it all depends on how well you do against good teams. For example, the Celtics have the best record in the NBA (and they've lost 2 games in a row). Getting back to the point, they won and lost one very close game (each) against the Pistons. Now, if the Pistons have the Celtics' number, then they might just pull it off and go to the finals once again.

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Napoleon15Red-Shirting

664 days ago

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I want the Nuggets to sweep the Lakers, Spurs, Mavs, and Suns.

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RomiezzoLegend

664 days ago

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Well, too bad! You can only sweep 3 teams in your conference in the playoffs.

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Napoleon15Red-Shirting

664 days ago

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Well, they could at least beat them every time they play them from here on out.

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RomiezzoLegend

664 days ago

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Well, if you are talking about the season, sure, I guess. ;)

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KelsdadAll-Star

664 days ago

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The Suns biggest problem right now isn't on the court, it's in the lockerroom. Until they get those issues straightened out, they ain't goin' anywhere.

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Manny StilesMajor Leaguer

664 days ago

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The Suns will destroy the Lakers tonight. And the "divisive factor" in the clubhouse is out recovering from another attack of the Duke Curse.

Sure Marion and Stoudemire clash. Big whoop. If it ain't about a woman between them, they'll keep it off the court.

Also, if Boris Diaw keeps playing like this.... WHAT PROBLEM????

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Cougar2000All-American

664 days ago

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As good as the Suns are right now, if they don't get their house in order, it's not going to matter a hill of beans!

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KelsdadAll-Star

664 days ago

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The Suns problems have nothing to do with Grant Hill. And if Marion or Diaw are pissed off about their playing time because of Hill, the only solution is to play better. Don't worry, Manny, Diaw will revert to himself soon enough. Like tonite.

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Tyrone BriggsHall of Famer

664 days ago

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The demon informs.....

False Prophet seems very upset with you.

Check Site Scout.

Good night.

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LASportsblogAAA-er

664 days ago

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That a way to perpetuate issues beyond need TB

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KelsdadAll-Star

664 days ago

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Thankyou, Demon. I am aware. And notice my response.

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Napoleon15Red-Shirting

664 days ago

Score -1

You know as well as I do you were just trying to start a fight, and you got one.

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