The Mental Toughness...A Huge Step for the Lakers
posted by R.G. | 2:18 AM
Hoops Talk 101
The game of basketball has become a global phenomenon. A multi-million dollar business. A star-studded entertainment industry. A vehicle for social experession. A lifestyle. You name it. "Hoops Talk 101" is a blog that delves into this fascinating world of hoops from many different perspectives including the technical, social, financial and psychological elements of the game. So, let's dive in.
About Me
- Name: R.G.
- Location: Los Angeles, CA
Writer, Filmmaker, Editorial Cartoonist & NBA Historian
In the pivotal game 4 of the 2008 Western Conference Finals, the single biggest improvement of the Lakers, including Kobe's, has been their individual mental toughness and resiliency. Here's some examples from last night's game against the Spurs:
- Kobe doesn't get any free throws at all but he still keeps his cool and plays a great game. In years past, or maybe even a few months ago, he would complain vehemently to the refs and most likely get T'd up. But I don't remember Kobe even complaining all that much, let alone show any kind of anger or frustration.
- Lamar was constantly tagged with ticky tack fouls but he plays through it and comes up clutch in the 4th quarter. Numerous times in this season and in seasons past, I have seen LO taking himself out of games mentally once he sees that he's just not getting the calls or worse yet, he's getting called for silly fouls. This was a landmark game for Lamar as far as his growth (especially mentally) is concerned in the NBA.
- Luke started off poorly and even heard an earful from Kobe at point. In the past, this would certainly take him out of his rhythm but this game he bounces back beautifully with hustle plays and solid defensive rotations.
- Pau gets banged around by Duncan, gets scored on by Duncan and gets outrebounded by Duncan -- but still manages to contribute with hustle, timely blocks, decent help defense, 10 boards, six assists and overall good passing in the triangle. The Pau of old (the one with Memphis) would have crumbled in a playoff situation like this but this time he came through by doing all the little intangible things on the court. Pau should really try to learn a few things from Kareem who was also not the most strongest guy on the court but really used his length and quickness very well to deal with bigger centers and forwards in the league.
- Sasha, Farmar & Vlad...they all contributed in their own ways even when their shots weren't falling or they weren't getting the right calls from the refs.
All I'm gonna say...it's a giant step forward for this young Lakers team. Who would have guessed it would happen this fast?
That's the beauty of the NBA.