This story is free to read because readers choose to support LAist. If you find value in independent local reporting, make a donation to power our newsroom today.
This is an archival story that predates current editorial management.
This archival content was written, edited, and published prior to LAist's acquisition by its current owner, Southern California Public Radio ("SCPR"). Content, such as language choice and subject matter, in archival articles therefore may not align with SCPR's current editorial standards. To learn more about those standards and why we make this distinction, please click here.
LAst Night's Action: Road Kill
Charlotte Bobcats defeat LA Lakers 109-89. “I just have this to say. I'm very disappointed in our performance tonight. I'm embarrassed about what we did. That's it.”
And with those 21 words the normally gregarious Phil Jackson tersely spoke with reporters and headed back to the locker room. The Lakers looked awful, not like the defending champs, especially as the Bobcats were pulling away in the third quarter. The Bobcats shot 51% with Gerald Wallace leading the team with 20 points. Nazr Mohammed did his best imitation of Patrick Ewing with 16 points while Kwame Brown's eight points and eight rebounds seemed to be very pointed.
So Kobe Bryant came down with flu-like symptoms, yet he led the Lakers with 20 points. The other people? Garbage. Steve Blake in 22 minutes scored 0 points. Lamar Odom in 26 minutes scored 9 points. So what the hell is wrong with them?
And something that is equally unnerving. How is a franchise as unstable as the Bobcats only one of two NBA teams (the Boston Celtics being the other) with a winning record against the Lakers sample size be damned? The Bobcats have now won eight of their last 10 games against the Lakers with a franchise 8-5 record.
Milwaukee Bucks defeat LA Clippers 102-78. Second verse same as the first. And the third. The fourth. And so on. The Clippers keep the game close then collapse in the fourth quarter on the road. Baron Davis scored 22 points with Blake Griffin adding 19 points and 12 rebounds. But the game was all about Carlos Delfino who scored 26 points for the Bucks as he went 9-for-15 from the field and 7-for-10 behind the arc.
TONIGHT'S ACTION
No games scheduled.
You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our connected community. We are free to tell the full truth, to hold power to account without fear or favor, and to follow facts wherever they lead. Our only loyalty is to our audiences and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen our community.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief
