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Author Archive for Steve Avery

Team U.S.A. Post-Game Report: U.S.A. vs. China

Published by Steve Avery on August 10, 2008 in Avery's Postgame and USA Basketball. 34 Comments

You would have never been able to tell it was a rainy day in Beijing, China. Inside, it was intense and had a championship atmosphere. On the court, it wasn’t much different. The game started with Yao hitting a three-pointer and the China started out hot. They hit their first four threes and kept pace with Team USA for the first 15 minutes.

Then, Kobe and USA went on a run. Sparked by defensive stops, Team USA seemingly had 5 dunks in a row and opened the game to a 12 point lead going into the half. In the half-court set, Team USA struggled mightily. They had many turnovers and missed just about every three-point attempt. Their offense came on the fast break and off the offensive boards.

First-half notes as I’m watching…

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Nation Discussion: The Bynum Ultimatum

Published by Steve Avery on July 5, 2008 in Nation Discussion. 40 Comments

Recently, I’m sure you all have heard that Bynum’s agent says that Bynum wants the max contract. Let’s take a look at this from both sides — Andrew Bynum and the Lakers.

First the Lakers. The Lakers would have to be crazy to pay Bynum the max with their current roster. First off, Bynum just came off a major injury where he took longer to heal than expected. Second, the Lakers already have Gasol and aren’t desperate. Third, the Lakers would be financially pressed for the next 5 years, meaning no role players and no way to resign current and upcoming Free Agents. Bye bye, Sasha, Ronny, and Farmar.

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Avery’s Free-Agent Preview

Published by Steve Avery on July 3, 2008 in Avery's Take. 35 Comments

Now before you begin reading this, I am not an NBA analyst and do not completely understand how the cap works. I will try to keep it somewhat short as I try to go through the Lakers current situation and possible future plans for the off-season.

Currently, for the next season 2008-9, the Lakers owe the following players as follows -

Kobe Bryant - $21.26 million
Pau Gasol - $15.08 million
Lamar Odom - $14.6 million
Vladimir Radmanovic - $6.05 million
Derek Fisher - $4.7 million
Luke Walton - $4.42 million
Trevor Ariza - $2.91 million
Andrew Bynum - $2.77 million
Chris Mihm - $2.50 million
Jordan Farmar - $1.08 million

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Avery’s Post-Season Special

Published by Steve Avery on June 20, 2008 in Avery's Take. 17 Comments

Instead of my traditional post game report, it’s time for my post-season report.

As a Lakers fan, you have to be happy with what this team accomplished in 2008. The Lakers won arguably the best conference ever, with there being several teams over .500 and out of the playoffs. The Lakers also rolled right through the playoffs until the Finals. And with Gasol in the lineup, including the playoffs, they still only lost 12 games total.

It was definitely a fun season to be apart of as a Lakers fan. From opening night and Bynum’s dominance to Kwame’s departure and the Lakers 14-7 playoff record… it was a fun season.

Lakers Nation represented this year as every day during the Finals I saw at least a dozen Laker car flags on my ten minute route to work. You know life is good and your team is good, when fans are disappointed after losing in the NBA Finals. We have been spoiled by the L.A. greatness.

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TLN’s Finals Report: Lakers vs. Celtics [Game 6]

Published by Steve Avery on June 17, 2008 in Avery's Postgame. 109 Comments

I’m kinda bummed right now and don’t want to write much.

Look at the box score if you want to know what happened. It is pretty self-explanatory. Lakers played without heart and without smarts and lost… big. The better team won the game.

Now, the bests of the night…

Top 3 Laker Performers -

1) Ronny was one of the few Lakers that didn’t turn the ball over or do anything stupid. He also got a rebound for us.

2 )I I dont really have a number 2 or 3 tonight…maybe Ariza? Or maybe Newble.

Lakers Smush of the Day (Note: STD denotes the Laker that played the poorest): Hahaha! This is too hard… Kobe? Pau? Vlad? Luke? Phil? You pick.

Play of the Game: Fisher’s free-throws to give the Lakers a 2-0 lead in the first quarter.

What to Look for Next Game: Look for Bynum to dominate! Lakers will be looking as good as ever with Bynum, Gasol, Lamar, Kobe, and Fisher. And, if we are even luckier, Luke will be elsewhere. Game is a long ways away at 7:30 PM.

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TLN’s Finals Report: Lakers vs. Celtics [Game 5]

Published by Steve Avery on June 15, 2008 in Avery's Postgame. 71 Comments

I still believe!

The Lakers let another big lead slip away, but this time they had the last run and live to see at least another 48 minutes of NBA Finals Basketball.

It was a night where the Lakers didn’t have their ‘A’ game and allowed Pierce to seemingly get to the basket at will. Seems to me that the Celtics live and die by Pierce.

With about four minutes to go, it was all tied up. A couple missed free-throws by Garnett, a missed tip-in, and a huge steal by Kobe capped the Lakers second win in the finals.

The Lakers shot 65% in the first quarter, but only finished shooting 46% for the game. They need to start attacking and making their shots consistently.

Both teams had a ton of turnovers and many fouls were committed.

Another interesting stat, the Lakers shot 8-27 threes. Way too many if you ask me. Statistically, both teams were pretty much even all around except for blocks and steals, which the Lakers dominated.

Now, the bests of the night…

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TLN’s Finals Report: Lakers vs. Celtics [Game 4]

Published by Steve Avery on June 12, 2008 in Avery's Postgame. 129 Comments

I feel like absolute crap. We should be tied 2-2, instead, it looks all but over.

The Lakers played so well for 24 minutes tonight. We looked like one of the best teams ever. Then it all fell apart.

I don’t want to get too much into it, because it hurts too much to talk about.

Now, the bests of the night…

Top 3 Laker Performers -

1) Lamar started out on fire going 7-7 and finished 8-12. He ended with 19 points, 10 boards, 4 assists. Too bad they all basically came in the first-half.

2) Ariza had 6 points on 2-2 shooting and had some big plays. Too bad he only played 8 minutes.

3) Fisher looked good tonight. 4-5 shooting. I wish he had more playing time tonight, especially in the fourth.

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TLN’s Finals Report: Lakers vs. Celtics [Game 3]

Published by Steve Avery on June 10, 2008 in 2008 Playoffs and Avery's Postgame. 61 Comments

In a must win Game 3, what did the Lakers turn to? Defense.

The Lakers played one of their best defensive performances of the season. They held the Celtics to under 35% shooting for the game, including 8-35 shooting from the Pierce/Garnett duo. The Lakers forced 13 turnovers and didn’t foul nearly as much as game two.

Now, the Laker Nation can breathe again — at least until Thursday.

The Laker bench came through tonight with 29 points, but more importantly, they brought consistency and energy. The Lakers hit their open shots today and that made the difference. The Lakers would have covered the 10 point spread if they were able to make their free-throws.

As a Laker game, you have to feel good knowing the Lakers got a W despite poor shooting all around, with only 2 players in double figures.

Now, the bests of the night…

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