The LA LAkers Dynasty (14-0)..its over

SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA'S EA SPORTS REPORT



INTERVIEW WITH LAKERS GM MITCH KUPCHAK

After the Lakers win over Phoenix, road analyst JD Cooper, an analyst for the SCEA Report, did an interview with Mitch Kupchak in Phoenix.

JD: Good evening Mitch, and congratulations on the win.

Mitch: Thank you.

JD: So, first off, how is Kobe Bryant at this point?

Mitch: Well, he was reexamined yesterday and team doctors said that he indeed will be out for around 7 weeks, making his return sometime before the New Year, which is a really long time.

JD: I see, now its probably a fortunate thing that this injury came right when Shaquille and Derek returned.

Mitch: Yes, this really did come at a fortunate time for us.

JD: Now, what can you say about the other Lakers stepping up, such as the emergence of Mike James? Was there anything said to him in particular?

Mitch: Coach Rudy T talked to Mike before the game against the LA Clippers during practice and said that since we have one less scorer in the starting lineup, its was up to him (James) to take more shots. He could have more freedom with the ball instead of being a stand still shooter, which is really not what he's known for. He's got to take more shots, create for himself, and for his teammates.

JD: I guess that talk really got his game going. Now how about the others?

Mitch: Well its really great for Chris Mihm doing an excellent job backing up Shaq and starting when he was injured. He has been scoring at ease, blocking and consistently rebounding for us. Keyon Dooling as well is doing a good job backing up Kareem Rush or Mike James when he is called for. Lamar, Shaq, everyone is really stepping up. They know their roles on the team.

JD: How is this team's future, with so many players becoming free agents after this season?


Mitch: Yeah, we are aware of the numerous players becoming free agents at the end of this season. Right now, myself, Jim Buss, Jerry Buss and the whole organization are trying prioritize certain players, but its really hard. Robert Horry will be a free agent, Mike James will be a free agent, Luke Walton will be one, Rick Fox's contract is almost up, you know, its really hard to really decide who to keep at this point. Newly acquired Charles Oakley will also be a free agent.


JD: One last question Mitch, as what everyone is wondering, how long do you think the Lakers can sustain this run with the whole league watching them?

Mitch: I generally think its up to the players if they are up to it. Coach is really urging them on not to relax. Only time will tell.

JD: OK, that's it. Thank you Mitch.

Mitch: Thanks a lot.

LAKERS INDIVIDUAL STATISTICS

---------------------------GP-------PPG-------RPG------APG-------SPG------BPG--
Shaquille O'Neal--------6--------16.3-------7.8-------1.5--------0.5-------4.83
Lamar Odom-----------10-------13.0-------8.5-------2.6--------0.90------0.60--
Devean George--------10-------15.8-------5.4-------1.5--------1.0-------0.80--
Kareem Rush-----------9--------7.4--------1.7-------1.0---------0.0-------0.0--
Mike James-------------10-------10.2-------0.9------2.7---------3.9-------0.0--
Derek Fisher------------4---------9.5--------0.0-------1.5--------2.0-------0.0--
Robert Horry-----------10-------7.5--------4.8-------1.5--------0.60-------0.30--
Keyon Dooling---------10-------5.2--------0.7-------1.7--------1.1---------0.10
Luke Walton------------7--------2.4--------1.0-------1.6---------0.29------0.0--
Jumaine Jones---------7---------4.3-------1.1-------1.0---------0.43------0.43--
Chris Mihm------------10--------5.5-------8.2-------1.7---------0.8--------4.6--
Rick Fox-----------------8----------1.2-------1.1-------0.5---------0.25------0.0--
-------INJURED RESERVES--------
---------------------------GP-------PPG-------RPG------APG-------SPG------BPG--
Kobe Bryant-------------7--------29.6-------3.4-------5.0--------2.71------0.43
Evan Eschmeyer--------2---------3.5--------4.5-------1.5-------0.50-----0.50

SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA'S EA SPORTS REPORT

Fisher's jumper kills Bulls

Derek Fisher drilled a 15-footer with 23.5 seconds to go to seal a 103-94 win for the Los Angeles Lakers, who remain unbeaten at 11-0.

At first, it seemed as if the Bulls would steal this one. The Lakers started out flat as the Bulls took an early 5-1 lead. LA would eventuall take a 10-7 lead behind 5 points from Mike James. However, James committed his 2nd foul and had to sit. Right then and there, the Bulls took the lead with an 18-6 run to end the quarter on top, 25-16. The Lakers shot only 31.6% in the 1st quarter with the Bulls shooting 50%.

The Lakers opened the 2nd quarter with an 8-2 run to cut the lead down to 27-24. THe Bulls extended it it to 6 with Tyson Chandler 3-point play, but Rick Fox scored 4 straight points to ti return the deficit to two. AFter a Kareem Rush 3-pointer cut it down to 34-33, Mike James committed his 3rd foul of the game. Rush then scored two free throws as the Lakers took the lead, 34-33. A Shaq throwdown and a Derek Fisher long 3-pointer extended it to 6, 44-38. However, another 6-0 run by the Bulls made the score 46-44 at halftime with Los Angeles on top.

Eddy Curry was making life hard for the Laker big men, blocking 5 by halftime. In the 2nd half, however, he was reduced to only 2 blocks as the Lakers took control. A 5-0 Lakers run started the 2nd half which included the highlight play wherein it was a 3-on-3 fast break and Shaq gave the ball to Rush on the elbow who passed it off the board to Lamar Odom for the alley-oop which brought the Staples Center crowd to life. James picked up his 4th foul as a 6-1 Chicago run cut LA's lead down to two, 52-50. The Bulls would then regain the lead, 55-54, after Chandler's putback and Kirk Hinrich's 3-pointer. Rick Fox's 3-pointer then gave the Lakers the lead for good, 59-57.

The 4th quarter was all LA. Shaq became the first player to score in double figures for LA (yes, the scoring was THIS balanced) as his layup started the quarter. Then he scored 4 straight points as LA extended the lead to 81-74.

Shaquille O'Neal scored 27 points, grabbed 4 rebounds and blocked 7 to lead 4 Lakers in double figures. Mike James had 13 points, 4 assists and 4 steals, Fisher had 10 points and Keyon Dooling had 12 points and 4 steals. Luke Walton had 7 points and 2 blocks while Fox had 9 points.

Kirk Hinrick led the Bulls with 30 points, Eddy Curry had 8 points, 9 rebounds and 7 blocks. Next up for LA is the Milwaukee Bucks at the Staples Center.

Last edited by Isaiah on Sat Sep 03, 2005 12:33 am, edited 1 time in total.

YET ANOTHER INJURY!!!! (i dont know why this is happening, my injury frequency is only 35)


14.5 ppg
5.0 rpg
1.5 apg

Devean George sprained his ankle while going up for a layup during the 1st quarter in the Lakers game against Chicago. He will be out 10 days.

ive found a way to get pics!!! i finally have a new digicam!!! better presentation soon...

i think my lineup is really injury prone...any suggestions what to do/who to trade, etc? i really train my team with their conditioning but players are still getting injured...

Well the injuries are tough and you're doing your best. Maybe you should make some trades. Great to see you'll be posting pics. Good luck!

Tough injuries...great win...ya i think you should do trades too..good luck next game

Shaq, Lakers, plow through Bucks

Shaquille O'Neal may be returning to his dominating form. He nearly had a triple-double of 22 points, 11 rebounds and 8 blocks to lead the Lakers to a 103-78 win over the Milwaukee Bucks. Mike James also continued his strong play with 21 points and 6 steals. The Lakers also only committed 5 turnovers the whole game as compared to Milwaukee's 15. The Lakers are still unbeaten at 12-0.


(Mike James sizzled shooting 6-of-9 from downtown)


(Shaq was his old self again)


(Mihm had 7 blocks)


(Michael Redd's 27 points were not enough)


(Charles Oakley made his Lakers debut, wearing Kareem Abdul-Jabbar's number[to be changed])


(Bucks stats)


(Lakers stats)

Next game:
vs.
STAPLES CENTER
Los Angeles, CA

{SAC-1}
PostPosted: Sat Sep 03, 2005 1:05 am Post subject:
Tough injuries...great win...ya i think you should do trades too..good luck next game

Sensation
PostPosted: Sat Sep 03, 2005 12:55 am Post subject:
Well the injuries are tough and you're doing your best. Maybe you should make some trades. Great to see you'll be posting pics. Good luck!

im waiting for my roster to return to full health before trading anyone to see who has trade value...as of now im thinking a Jumaine Jones trade or probably Luke Walton, who im sure will be demanding a multiyear contract if i try to resign him (since his rating boosted up to 61 from the default 55 due to team training session as well as training camp) so what do you guys think of my stats for the Bucks game?

What a blowout win...good luck against the Kings...don't win please...

what do you guys think of a Jumaine Jones trade for another guard? i seem logged at the small forward position

Sounds good.^ Nice pics!

Nice game but please post the pictures as links for the 56k-ers

other than that, nice dynasty you have going here

Good job and nice pics!

Bibby, Mobley shine for Kings but Lakers are 13-0

The Sacramento Kings rallied to start the second half, even tying the game at 61-61, but were unable to sustain it as the LA Lakers held them off for a 95-87 win.

Shaquille O'Neal scored 22 points, had 8 rebounds and 6 blocks. Charles Oakley was able to put in 8 points (4-of-4 from the field) and pull down 5 rebounds.


Shaq hammers it against Ostertag
(link-http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y77/isaiahcruz/IMG_0089_01.jpg)


Keyon Dooling flies in for the jam
(link=http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y77/isaiahcruz/IMG_0091_01.jpg)


After cutting through the defense, Mike Bibby throws it down
(link-http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y77/isaiahcruz/IMG_0092_01.jpg)


Miller's turn to stop Shaq...but he doesn't
(link-http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y77/isaiahcruz/IMG_0093_01.jpg)


Lamar Odom soars Jordan style (highlight pic of the game)
(link-http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y77/isaiahcruz/IMG_0094_01.jpg)


Mike Bibby led the Kings with 24 points
(link-http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y77/isaiahcruz/IMG_0095_01.jpg)


Cuttino Mobley scored 22, including this three-pointer over Shaq
(link-http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y77/isaiahcruz/IMG_0097_01.jpg)


Lakers stats
(link-http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y77/isaiahcruz/IMG_0099_01.jpg)


Kings stats
(link-http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y77/isaiahcruz/IMG_0100_01.jpg)

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y77/isaiahcruz/IMG_0101_01.jpg

GM's notice:
Although the Lakers are number one in the overall standings, we have Indiana hot on our tail. Coach Rudy and myself are reminding the players to stay focused. We like the job they're doing, stepping up in Kobe's absence. However, this is not the time to relax or especially become overconfident. Any loss, any crucial mistake can make players lose their focus.

Close game but you beat the Kings anyway. Big win, keep it up.

Oh man...atleast Bibby and Mobley had good games..good luck next game

GM:
We're thinking a Jumaine Jones trade soon. The reason we haven't proposed one yet is because we're waiting to see if he can improve his game. We're giving him just a few more games before Laker management officially decides to trade him.

Kobe Bryant update:

His injury is not a sprained wrist, but rather a broken bone in his wrist. He shows no immediate progress yet.

Other injury updates:
Devean George is almost set to return. He will be out 7 more days.

Backup center Chris Mihm played only 8 minutes during LA's game against Sacramento due to injury. He injured himself while colliding with Kings center Brad Miller. He still continued playing, but he was clearly slowed down. After the game, doctors reported he was fine and will not miss any games.

GM's notes on certain player's status so far this season:

Today on the Southern California EA Sports report, Lakers GM Mitch Kupchak gave his notes on every player on the Los Angeles Lakers:

SHAQUILLE O'NEAL
He has emerged as his old self again these past two games, dominating the court. However, he has been slowed by bad foul shooting and non-consistent rebounding.

LAMAR ODOM
He is still our leading rebounder and provides energy and quickness. He just needs to learn how to develop a consistent jumpshot, and stay off fouls.

LUKE WALTON
He has done a good job filling the starting small forward position, posting 9 points and 5 points in the two games he's started.

KAREEM RUSH
Despite low numbers lately, Kareem is doing the best he can filling the HUGE hole left by Kobe Bryant's injury. He is a great shooter, but needs to learn how to take it to the rim.

MIKE JAMES
His confidence was really boosted when he was given the ball more, scoring in double-figures in all the 6 games since Kobe was injured. He's also been consistent on defense, leading the team in steals.

KEYON DOOLING
We all thought that Keyon Dooling would drop out of the rotation when Derek Fisher returned, but due to the Kobe injury, he was stayed in. He is our 6th man and has been providing energy to our team.

JUMAINE JONES
He has been really struggling with everything. He's missing his shots and not rebounding.

CHRIS MIHM
Showed a lot of promise when starting at center. He has been providing quality minutes and posting good numbers off the bench.

RICK FOX
Though he doesn't play a lot of minutes, Rick Fox makes the most out of it. He has lost his shooting touch, but has been solid of defense.

CHARLES OAKLEY
He's been good so far with the team, providing leadership in the locker room.

im in a real dilemna...as in Laker management really had to go through this, and their decision caused the world to hate the Lakers and Kobe Bryant

what do you guys think?

SHOULD I KEEP SHAQ OR RELY ON KOBE???

Kobe still has the maximum number of years left (7) on his contract while Shaq has 2 more years left, if im not mistaken. When Shaq's contract expires, im sure his rating will be down and he will be old. But Shaq is still Shaq and he will always be a power player, so it makes games easier to win. But when Shaq's contract is up, i can choose to let him go or to keep him. Letting him go would save me a lot of money and to pursue some free agents if possible, but keeping him would give me a better opportunity for championships.

Since the team is also doing really good as of now, should i TRADE Kobe at midseason after he gets back from injury? Mike James, who is doing wonders right now, might return to his old ways since i know his role will be reduced again.

I dont know but the injurys are effecting your team.

Relying on Kobe would be the best move.