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Tarzan · 04-03-2003, 12:57 PM

Here is the perspective from LA

Thursday, April 3, 2003

Opponents' criticism doesn't faze Lakers
It does provide some motivation, however, as they enter the homestretch.
By JANIS CARR
The Orange County Register

EL SEGUNDO – Eight games remain before the playoffs and the Lakers have yet to find their stride.

But they are receiving plenty of motivation from others who question their ability and desire.

Dallas reserve Nick Van Exel is the latest to offer his opinion on how the defending champions will fare in the playoffs. He suggested recently the Lakers would not make it out of the first round, where they will likely play either Sacramento or San Antonio.

"Considering his extensive experience in playoff games, his in-depth knowledge of Finals experience, I take his comments to heart," Kobe Bryant said sarcastically after Wednesday's practice.

Rick Fox likened Van Exel's comments to something found in supermarket tabloid - sensational and without basis in fact.

"I think that everybody has felt, at some point in the season, that they have to step up and make a prediction about our team, our goal and how we will finish," Fox said. "Nick's only the latest. He isn't the first and won't be the last.

"It's interesting to debate opinion, but we have our own opinions, too. It's just hot air right now."

The Lakers could quiet critics by beating Dallas and Sacramento down the stretch. San Antonio swept the four-game season series, while Dallas and the Lakers have split their first two games and Sacramento has won two of three.

"(Beating them) it might shut them up right now, but keeping them quiet for the whole summer is our game plan," Fox said.

Game plan

The Lakers play at Dallas tonight. Coach Phil Jackson said his team can't get caught up in the Mavericks' transition game. Dallas is averaging a league-high 103.4 points and the Lakers' aging legs have difficulty keeping pace.

"We have to try and keep it a half-court game for three or 31/2 quarters," Jackson said.

Said Fox: "We can't try and match their style of play run up and down for 48 minutes and try to outscore somebody."

The last time the teams met, the Lakers staged one of the largest comebacks in franchise history when they overcame a 27-point fourth-quarter deficit. In that game, the Lakers hit 16 of 18 field goals in the final period to win, 105-103.

"Today we talked about trying to reach 50 wins, we talked about trying to get to the fifth or fourth place in the standings," Jackson said. "But all of those things are inherent upon beating some of these good teams and Dallas is one of them."

CUBAN'S PRANK

The April Fool's gag Mavericks owner Mark Cuban pulled Tuesday night - staging a mock fight with a fake referee - didn't surprise Jackson.

"Sounds like Mark," Jackson said. "He's an entertainer, a show-getter."

Cuban, fined heavily last season for his complaints about officiating, went onto the court during a timeout and began arguing with a man dressed as a game official.

NOTES

Bryant, a career 33.3 percent shooter from the three-point range, is shooting 39.2 this season, tied for 19th in the league. ... Robert Horry is expected to start against the Mavericks instead of Mark Madsen. ... Bryant will join Los Angeles community leaders Monday for ground-breaking ceremonies for the 52-room expansion of the Ronald McDonald Hose in Los Angeles. The Ronald McDonald House provides support for families of sick children.

KEY FACTS
Lakers Tonight
Lakers (43-31)
vs. Dallas (58-18)

Time: 6:30 p.m.
Site: American Airlines Center
TV/radio: KCAL/9, TNT; KLAC/570, KWKW/1330

How they match up

Lakers
Mavs

99.3
Points (avg.)
103.4

97.5
Points against (avg.)
94.8

44.8%
Field-goal pct.
45.5%

73.4%
Free-throw pct.
82.6%

Outlook

The Mavericks are expected to be without Michael Finley for a seventh consecutive game. The team's second-leading scorer has been out because of a strained left hamstring. In their last game, Nick Van Exel came off the bench to score 19 points and collect nine assists against Minnesota. Dirk Nowitzki is averaging 24.6 points. He has scored 20 or more points in 28 of his past 30 games. The Lakers play Dallas twice in their final eight games. They meet again at Staples Center next Tuesday.

04-03-2003, 12:57 PM	#30
Tarzan Member Join Date: Mar 2001 Posts: 254	Here is the perspective from LA Thursday, April 3, 2003 Opponents' criticism doesn't faze Lakers It does provide some motivation, however, as they enter the homestretch. By JANIS CARR The Orange County Register EL SEGUNDO – Eight games remain before the playoffs and the Lakers have yet to find their stride. But they are receiving plenty of motivation from others who question their ability and desire. Dallas reserve Nick Van Exel is the latest to offer his opinion on how the defending champions will fare in the playoffs. He suggested recently the Lakers would not make it out of the first round, where they will likely play either Sacramento or San Antonio. "Considering his extensive experience in playoff games, his in-depth knowledge of Finals experience, I take his comments to heart," Kobe Bryant said sarcastically after Wednesday's practice. Rick Fox likened Van Exel's comments to something found in supermarket tabloid - sensational and without basis in fact. "I think that everybody has felt, at some point in the season, that they have to step up and make a prediction about our team, our goal and how we will finish," Fox said. "Nick's only the latest. He isn't the first and won't be the last. "It's interesting to debate opinion, but we have our own opinions, too. It's just hot air right now." The Lakers could quiet critics by beating Dallas and Sacramento down the stretch. San Antonio swept the four-game season series, while Dallas and the Lakers have split their first two games and Sacramento has won two of three. "(Beating them) it might shut them up right now, but keeping them quiet for the whole summer is our game plan," Fox said. Game plan The Lakers play at Dallas tonight. Coach Phil Jackson said his team can't get caught up in the Mavericks' transition game. Dallas is averaging a league-high 103.4 points and the Lakers' aging legs have difficulty keeping pace. "We have to try and keep it a half-court game for three or 31/2 quarters," Jackson said. Said Fox: "We can't try and match their style of play run up and down for 48 minutes and try to outscore somebody." The last time the teams met, the Lakers staged one of the largest comebacks in franchise history when they overcame a 27-point fourth-quarter deficit. In that game, the Lakers hit 16 of 18 field goals in the final period to win, 105-103. "Today we talked about trying to reach 50 wins, we talked about trying to get to the fifth or fourth place in the standings," Jackson said. "But all of those things are inherent upon beating some of these good teams and Dallas is one of them." CUBAN'S PRANK The April Fool's gag Mavericks owner Mark Cuban pulled Tuesday night - staging a mock fight with a fake referee - didn't surprise Jackson. "Sounds like Mark," Jackson said. "He's an entertainer, a show-getter." Cuban, fined heavily last season for his complaints about officiating, went onto the court during a timeout and began arguing with a man dressed as a game official. NOTES Bryant, a career 33.3 percent shooter from the three-point range, is shooting 39.2 this season, tied for 19th in the league. ... Robert Horry is expected to start against the Mavericks instead of Mark Madsen. ... Bryant will join Los Angeles community leaders Monday for ground-breaking ceremonies for the 52-room expansion of the Ronald McDonald Hose in Los Angeles. The Ronald McDonald House provides support for families of sick children. KEY FACTS Lakers Tonight Lakers (43-31) vs. Dallas (58-18) Time: 6:30 p.m. Site: American Airlines Center TV/radio: KCAL/9, TNT; KLAC/570, KWKW/1330 How they match up Lakers Mavs 99.3 Points (avg.) 103.4 97.5 Points against (avg.) 94.8 44.8% Field-goal pct. 45.5% 73.4% Free-throw pct. 82.6% Outlook The Mavericks are expected to be without Michael Finley for a seventh consecutive game. The team's second-leading scorer has been out because of a strained left hamstring. In their last game, Nick Van Exel came off the bench to score 19 points and collect nine assists against Minnesota. Dirk Nowitzki is averaging 24.6 points. He has scored 20 or more points in 28 of his past 30 games. The Lakers play Dallas twice in their final eight games. They meet again at Staples Center next Tuesday. __________________ Go, Mavs!!!