So my man over at Prometheus6.org says Karl's the problem. He's only part right, and for the wrong reason. Karl is a problem not because he freezes, but because he's hurt. He can't check Wallace, which diminishes the amount of energy Wallace has to exert on D. And in a game like tonight, where Medvedenko (sp?) gets a lot of minutes, Rasheed will go to WORK.
No. The problem, and I don't really like saying this, is Kobe.
Shaq shoots 16-20. That's .800!!! Now I was doing the radio show thing with Cobb during the second quarter so I could only pay attention on ESPN Gamecast (ah! the joys of DSL! )...but from what I understand there was a 7 or 8 minute stretch where Shaq doesn't even TOUCH the rock but once. This is absurd.
Kobe's stats? He gets 20, BUT HAS TO TAKE 25 SHOTS!
Now if Jackson is right, the problem is that the refs are swallowing the whistle. So maybe some of those shots would've resulted in free throw attempts. But DAMN. If Shaq gets the rock it's a closer game. He should've had 50, easily.
I still say trade Shaq (Kobe's still got an upside, Shaq's got a lot of wear and tear), but if the Pistons pull this out (can Ward Bell verify that I called this at the beginning of the seas?) the blame will lie on Jackson and on Kobe.
LKS,in my opinion the problem the Lakers have had that the Pistons expose ;bball is a team game, so Shaq does not get the touches,but if he does get his touches he can't beat the Piston alone,lets give a salute to Prince.
tootsie
Posted by: tootsie | June 14, 2004 at 07:18 AM