Lakers in the News 2/4/14: Lakers Suffer Seventh Straight Loss

 
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Cha*n
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PostPosted: Tue Feb 04, 2014 10:38 am    Post subject: Lakers in the News 2/4/14: Lakers Suffer Seventh Straight Loss

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Steve Nash, Steve Blake to start tonight for Lakers


Steve Nash, left, and Steve Blake wait to rejoin the action during a Lakers preseason game against the Utah Jazz at Staples Center back in October. Both have been out for weeks with injuries. (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times / February 4, 2014)
By Mike Bresnahan
February 4, 2014, 9:45 a.m.

MINNEAPOLIS -- Steve Nash and Steve Blake will start for the Lakers on Tuesday night against the Minnesota Timberwolves, ending lengthy injury absences for the Lakers' point guards.

Don't expect Nash, who turns 40 on Friday, to play 48 minutes. He'll play the first five to eight minutes and then sit until the third quarter starts, Lakers Coach Mike D'Antoni said. Then he'll play another five to eight minutes before likely being done for the night.

That's fine with Nash, who has been sidelined since Nov. 10 because of nerve damage in his back.

"I'm open. I don't know what the best plan is," Nash said after the team's shoot-around. "I'm kind of just letting Gary [Vitti] and Mike piece together what they think might be the best opportunity. We'll see how it goes."

Blake will be the shooting guard when on the floor with Nash.

Vitti is the Lakers' longtime trainer. Nash will not play Wednesday against Cleveland because it is a back-to-back situation.

Blake has been out since Dec. 10 because of a torn elbow ligament. He says there is still pain when he snaps his right arm while shooting but he will not need surgery after this season.

Kendall Marshall will go to the bench after starting at point guard for 15 games. He has averaged 10.5 points and 9.6 assists since being signed by the Lakers in late December.


http://www.latimes.com/sports/lakersnow/la-sp-ln-lakers-nash-blake-20140204,0,6684747.story#ixzz2sNmJJYPK


Last edited by Cha*n on Tue Feb 04, 2014 8:08 pm; edited 5 times in total
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PostPosted: Tue Feb 04, 2014 10:40 am    Post subject:

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Lakers News: Steve Nash, Steve Blake set to start against Minnesota Timberwolves
See alsoNBA Los Angeles Lakers Minnesota Timberwolves Steve Nash Steve Blake Kendall Marshall

February 4, 2014
After months of watching from the bench with injuries, Steve Nash and Steve Blake will be back in the starting lineup for the Los Angeles Lakers on Tues. Feb. 4 according to Mike Bresnahan of the L.A. Times:

Steve Nash and Steve Blake will start for the Lakers tonight vs. Minnesota.
All season long the Lakers have dealt with injuries to their best players with Nash, Blake and Kobe Bryant out for an extended period. Even though Bryant will still be out of the lineup for a little while longer with his knee injury, the Lakers will finally have some stability in the backcourt with Blake and Nash back on the floor.

Nash has missed all but six games this season with numerous injuries. The latest injury setback for Nash was root irritation in his back suffered against the Timberwolves back in early November. Nash seemed to be headed toward retirement after the back injury, but was reluctant to call it a career and as a result will continue to battle through with his 40th birthday right around the corner on Feb. 7.

With Nash and Blake back on the floor against Minnesota, the Lakers will go with the starting of Jodie Meeks, Ryan Kelly and Robert Sacre along with the two veteran guards in the backcourt.


http://www.examiner.com/article/lakers-news-steve-nash-steve-blake-set-to-start-against-minnesota-timberwolves
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PostPosted: Tue Feb 04, 2014 10:42 am    Post subject:

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Nash, Blake to Start at Minnesota

Published by Trevor Wong on February 4, 2014 10:05 am in Pre-Game, Steve Blake and Steve Nash.
Both Steve Nash and Steve Blake will return to the lineup and start at Minnesota, according to Los Angeles Times Lakers beat writer Mike Bresnahan.

Nash, who has been sidelined since Nov. 10 with nerve root irritation, has appeared in just six games this year and will be on a minutes restriction tonight, according to ESPNLA’s Dave McMenamin.


He spent the duration of the Grammy road trip in Vancouver working with his personal trainer and physical therapist and acknowledged he made significant progress during that time.

“I can withstand more demands – more contact, more unpredictable factors, change of direction – playing against somebody,” Nash explained on Thursday post practice. “That was something the nerve and spine couldn’t handle two weeks ago.”


- See more at: http://blog.lakers.com/lakers/2014/02/04/nash-blake-to-start-at-minnesota/#sthash.p1KQT14f.dpuf
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PostPosted: Tue Feb 04, 2014 10:44 am    Post subject:

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Shootaround Access: Wolves vs. Lakers | Feb. 4, 2014

Timberwolves vs. Lakers | 7:00 PM — Target Center
Where to Watch: Fox Sports North Plus
Where to Listen: 830 WCCO-AM


The injury bug has hit the Los Angeles Lakers hard this season, but Tuesday night at the Target Center, they’ll be getting at least two of their starters back on the court.

Lakers head coach Mike D’Antoni told media members at shootaround that LA will have both Steve Nash and Steve Blake available for the game against the Timberwolves and both players are expected to start.

D’Antoni said he expects Nash, who has played in just six games this season trying to fight off s back and hamstring injury, to play the first 5-8 minutes of each half. Blake, who is recovering from a torn elbow ligament, has no minute restriction.

“You know, I have no idea,” Nash said on his playing time. “You know, I’m just happy to get the chance to play again and hopefully get a little bit of conditioning and rhythm and game application.”

D'Antoni said Nash, Blake, Jodie Meeks, Ryan Kelly and Robert Sacre will start tonight for the Lakers


http://www.nba.com/timberwolves/news/shootaround-access-wolves-vs-lakers-feb-4-2014
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PostPosted: Tue Feb 04, 2014 10:46 am    Post subject:

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Preview: Lakers at Minnesota Timberwolves


Timberwolves point guard Ricky Rubio flips a pass between Lakers forward Wesley Johnson (11) and guard jodie Meeks during a game at Staples Center. (Robyn Beck / AFP/Getty Images / December 20, 2013)
By Eric Pincus
February 4, 2014, 6:45 a.m.

The Lakers (16-31) will finally get some players back on Tuesday night, after struggling through much of the season with their top three point guards on the mend.

Steve Nash (back), Steve Blake (elbow) and Jordan Farmar (hamstring) might all be available when the Lakers visit the Minnesota Timberwolves (23-24).

The Wolves have had their own injury issues, most notably losing center Nikola Pekovic to an ankle injury.

Of course, the Lakers will be at a disadvantage with Pau Gasol (groin) and Kobe Bryant (knee) sidelined, along with Xavier Henry (knee).

Any game the Lakers win over their final 35 contests could only hurt their 2014 NBA draft lottery position.

Key matchup

Kevin Love is having a tremendous season, averaging 25.5 points, 13.1 rebounds and 4.0 assists a game.



http://www.latimes.com/sports/lakersnow/la-sp-ln-lakers-minnesota-timberwolves-20140203,0,6316783.story#ixzz2sNoTFwF3
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PostPosted: Tue Feb 04, 2014 10:48 am    Post subject:

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Sources: Suns careful over Pau Gasol
Updated: February 4, 2014, 9:35 AM ET By Ramona Shelburne and Marc Stein | ESPN.com


Sources: Suns Eye Pau Gasol

Marc Stein breaks down why the Suns are exploring a trade for Pau Gasol.
Tags: Pau Gasol, Lakers, Suns, Marc Stein
NEXT VIDEO
Nash, Farmar And Blake Set To Return
LOS ANGELES -- The Lakers and Phoenix Suns engaged in a fresh round of trade discussions Monday focused on four-time All-Star center Pau Gasol as both sides continued to assess their options in advance of the Feb. 20 trade deadline, according to sources with knowledge of the situation.

Sources told ESPN.com that, while there is substantive interest on both sides, it's believed Suns officials want to see how Gasol recovers from a strained groin before deciding whether to take talks to the next level.

Gasol noted on his Instagram page that he'd received a PRP injection on his groin on Monday.

"Today I got a PRP shot to help the healing of my groin injury," Gasol wrote on Instagram. "I will work hard to be back with the team as soon as possible."


AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack
Suns officials want to see how Pau Gasol recovers from a strained groin before deciding whether to take talks with the Lakers to the next level, sources say.
After averaging a robust 20.8 points and 11.9 rebounds in January, Gasol is expected to miss the next three games with the groin injury, which the Lakers do not regard as serious.

ESPN reported on Sunday the Suns were strongly considering trading for Gasol as part of their well-chronicled desire to acquire an established player as they make a playoff push this season.



http://espn.go.com/los-angeles/nba/story/_/id/10401249/phoenix-suns-heed-caution-injury-los-angeles-lakers-pau-gasol
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PostPosted: Tue Feb 04, 2014 10:49 am    Post subject:

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Suns want to see Pau Gasol back from injury before escalating trade talks with Lakers
Brett Pollakoff Feb 4, 2014, 10:14 AM EST
7 Comments

AP
The Suns and Lakers engaged in preliminary trade talks on a deal centered around Pau Gasol over the weekend, and continued those discussions again on Monday.

The primary holdup at this point (at least on the Suns’ side) appears to be the health of Gasol, who is expected to miss at least a week with a strained groin injury.

Phoenix has a surplus of draft picks and an insurance-paid expiring contract of Emeka Okafor to deal, both of which are enticing to teams looking to rebuild or simply cut salary.

The Lakers fall into the latter category, and while this deal would seem to make some sense for both teams, each is likely to have additional options to consider as the trade deadline approaches.

From Ramona Shelburne and Marc Stein of ESPN.com:

Sources told ESPN.com that, while there is substantive interest on both sides, it’s believed Suns officials want to see how Gasol recovers from a strained groin before deciding whether to take talks to the next level. …

One option for the Suns, by virtue of their $5.6 million in available salary-cap space, is swapping the expiring contract of injured big man Emeka Okafor for Gasol, even though Okafor’s $14.5 million salary this season falls well shy of Gasol’s $19.3 million. A trade for Okafor’s expiring deal would save the Lakers $4.8 million, taking them less than $3 million away from the league’s luxury-tax threshold, meaning one more smaller deal before the trade deadline could conceivably be enough to take them out of tax territory completely.

Because the trade would not bring the Lakers all the way under the luxury tax, sources said L.A. remains insistent on getting back draft picks or young players in addition to salary cap savings for the 33-year-old Gasol.


http://probasketballtalk.nbcsports.com/2014/02/04/suns-want-to-see-pau-gasol-back-from-injury-before-escalating-trade-talks-with-lakers/
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dirka dirka
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PostPosted: Tue Feb 04, 2014 10:49 am    Post subject:

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With Nash and Blake back on the floor against Minnesota, the Lakers will go with the starting of Jodie Meeks, Ryan Kelly and Robert Sacre along with the two veteran guards in the backcourt.




Sorry dude that's 2nd in the league in assists and 3pt shooting percentage, we're gonna play these old broken down guys instead.

Blake at SG, Meeks at SF?




You can't even make this up. This may be the worst defensive lineup OF ALL TIME.
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PostPosted: Tue Feb 04, 2014 10:50 am    Post subject:

way to screw Lakers out of medical cap relief Nash
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PostPosted: Tue Feb 04, 2014 10:51 am    Post subject:

MDA needs to earn his today by play Nash 48 minutes
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PostPosted: Tue Feb 04, 2014 10:54 am    Post subject:

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Pau Gasol has platelet therapy to speed healing of groin injury

By Eric Pincus
February 4, 2014, 10:00 a.m.

The Lakers have hit the road for a three-game trip, but Pau Gasol remains in Los Angeles trying to recover from a groin injury.

Gasol was declared out at least a week on Saturday after aggravating the injury in a Friday night loss to the Charlotte Bobcats.

On Monday night, Gasol posted a photo on Instagram, revealing he underwent platelet-rich plasma therapy to help accelerate the healing process.

The treatment involves drawing some of Gasol's own blood. The platelets, which promote healing, are then filtered to concentrate them, then injected directly into the problem area.

Gasol has played in 44 games for the Lakers this season, averaging 17.0 points and 10.2 rebounds a game.



http://www.latimes.com/sports/lakersnow/la-sp-ln-pau-gasol-platelet-rich-plasma-therapy-groin-20140203,0,5084720.story#ixzz2sNqPgsJH
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PostPosted: Tue Feb 04, 2014 10:55 am    Post subject:

SGV-Laker fan wrote:
MDA needs to earn his today by play Nash 48 minutes


Nash won't last 48 minutes.
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PostPosted: Tue Feb 04, 2014 10:56 am    Post subject:

Super tanking lineup assemble!
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PostPosted: Tue Feb 04, 2014 10:58 am    Post subject:

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Never say Pau Gasol didn’t learn a few things from Kobe Bryant. Such as if you are injured it’s fine to post photos of you getting an injection. Kobe did it earlier this season, then late Monday night Gasol posted this:



http://probasketballtalk.nbcsports.com/2014/02/04/pau-gasol-gets-prp-injection-in-groin-posts-photo/
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PostPosted: Tue Feb 04, 2014 11:03 am    Post subject:

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Dante Exum plans to speak with Kobe Bryant, wants to start
By Matt Moore | NBA writer
February 3, 2014 4:43 pm ET



Australian point guard phenom Dante Exum told the Canberra Times this week that he plans to sit down with Lakers star Kobe Bryant about making the leap from high shool to the NBA without attending college.

''A reason why I signed with the agent I'm with is he has Kobe Bryant, and he's been through this when he came into the NBA,'' Exum said.

''I guess having him as a mentor who can guide me through what he did and how he became successful is something which is pretty good. I haven't chatted to him yet, but the agent said Kobe knows who I am and he said he'd definitely have a chat to me.''

via Dante's peak - Canberra teenager joins Team Kobe.

Nice of Kobe to be willing to chat with the kid. Exum declared for the draft last week and is expected to go in the top 10 of a loaded draft. With his athleticsm and raw scoring ability, Bryant's not a bad guy to talk to on that front.


http://www.cbssports.com/nba/eye-on-basketball/24428773/dante-exum-plans-to-speak-with-kobe-bryant-wants-to-start
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PostPosted: Tue Feb 04, 2014 11:11 am    Post subject:

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Lakers Rumors: Dante Exum Says Lakers 'Best Option', Wants To Learn from Kobe Bryant: Trade and Free Agency News and Speculation
Article

Reuters
Kobe Bryant needs more help to win another title

Exum, the 6-foot-6 crafty guard from the Land Down Under, said in a recent interview with Bleacher Report that playing with the purple-and-gold is definitely one of his options heading into this year's NBA Draft.

"Definitely L.A. is one option," Exum told Bleacher Report. "I've been to L.A. many times and I love the city, and it is a great city. If I get the opportunity to go to L.A. and play for the Lakers, I know I'll have love for the city. And their fans are loyal and they have the rivalry with the Clippers," he added.

Exum said the primary reason why he wants to play with the 16-time NBA champion is because of the opportunity to play and learn alongside his childhood basketball idol in Bryant.

"But just to be in an environment where you have a great player like Kobe, where you have a mentor in a way as a rookie, I think that would be the best option," the Aussie playmaker added.


http://au.ibtimes.com/articles/537191/20140204/dante-exum-kobe-bryant.htm#.UvFERSqF9F8
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PostPosted: Tue Feb 04, 2014 12:20 pm    Post subject:

Nash Future w/ Lakers?

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1947690-steve-nash-wants-to-play-through-next-year-will-lakers-waive-him-first?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=newsletter&utm_campaign=los-angeles-lakers
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PostPosted: Tue Feb 04, 2014 12:22 pm    Post subject:

Great idea Mike, throw them right into the starting lineup and run them right into the ground.

WTF?!
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PostPosted: Tue Feb 04, 2014 12:44 pm    Post subject:

Bye Kendall Marshall?
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PostPosted: Tue Feb 04, 2014 1:46 pm    Post subject:

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Bill and Luke Walton provide philosophical take on Kobe Bryant, Lakers' future

PUBLISHED 1 hour and 29 minutes ago LAST UPDATED 1 hour and 29 minutes ago
Sean Deveney Sporting News Follow on Twitter Archive Email RSS
Text size A A A
Kobe Bryant is ailing and the Lakers are flailing at 16-31, while the Clippers—even with star guard Chris Paul, out with a separated shoulder—are still going strong at 34-17.

Things might be upside-down in LA, and no one knows that better than the father-son combo of Bill and Luke Walton—Bill Walton played for the Clippers and was their broadcast analyst for years, while Luke Walton spent eight-plus seasons playing for the Lakers, helping them to two championships.

MORE: Nash, Blake to start | Gasol in trade rumors | Chris Paul return? | Look at David Stern's career

Luke Walton is currently on the staff of the Los Angeles D-Fenders of the D-League, and has chatted with Bryant as he comes back from his leg injury.

“It’s very tough,” Luke Walton told Sporting News. “I have seen Kobe, I have talked with Kobe at the practice site. It is hard for him. He’s competitive, he wants to be on the floor, he has rehabbed and trained so hard, only to come back and get hurt again. That is tough.

"But I also know that Kobe is the most mentally tough player I ever played with, so this is a speed bump and he will be back on track soon.”


http://www.sportingnews.com/nba/story/2014-02-04/bill-walton-luke-walton-los-angeles-lakers-rebuilding-kobe-bryant-injury-clippers-nba-valentines-day
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PostPosted: Tue Feb 04, 2014 3:09 pm    Post subject:

dirka dirka wrote:
Quote:
With Nash and Blake back on the floor against Minnesota, the Lakers will go with the starting of Jodie Meeks, Ryan Kelly and Robert Sacre along with the two veteran guards in the backcourt.




Sorry dude that's 2nd in the league in assists and 3pt shooting percentage, we're gonna play these old broken down guys instead.

Blake at SG, Meeks at SF?




You can't even make this up. This may be the worst defensive lineup OF ALL TIME.


Hey, if you guys are concerned about the returning players resulting in wins...
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PostPosted: Tue Feb 04, 2014 4:16 pm    Post subject:

SDLakersFan wrote:
Great idea Mike, throw them right into the starting lineup and run them right into the ground.

what the heck?!


Starting Blake is about showcasing him to the league. Blake is trade bait for sure. I don't know why they are starting Nash though. No one wants a broken down Steve Nash.
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PostPosted: Tue Feb 04, 2014 8:06 pm    Post subject:

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Nash, Lakers Suffer Seventh Straight Loss
Steven Nash scored seven points and dished out nine assists in his return but Kevin Love's double-double of 31 points and 17 rebounds led the Wolves to a 109-99 win over the Lakers.
Tags: Kevin Love, Steve Nash
VIDEO PLAYLIST

Nash, Lakers Suffer Seventh Straight Loss
Source: Magic Johnson To Save Sparks
The Minnesota Timberwolves remain without their starting center, and now the Los Angeles Lakers don't have theirs. While that's had quite a negative impact on the Timberwolves, the banged-up Lakers can't do any worse.

Los Angeles has added Pau Gasol to its injury list but could get some backcourt depth following a weekend break. The possible return of Steve Nash and Steve Blake -- along with the Timberwolves missing Nikola Pekovic -- might help the Lakers avoid their worst losing streak and first defeat in Minnesota in nearly seven years Tuesday night.

Idle since a 110-100 loss to Charlotte on Friday, Los Angeles (16-31) took a day off before practicing Sunday with Nash, Blake and fellow point guard Jordan Farmar participating.

"They looked good. I think they came through it OK," coach Mike D'Antoni said. "... They're all hoping to play."

While Farmar (hamstring) is unlikely to play Tuesday, Nash (back) could return to the court three days shy of his 40th birthday and Blake (elbow) may be back, too. Nash hasn't played since Nov. 10, Blake since Dec. 10 and Farmar since New Year's Eve. Kobe Bryant and Xavier Henry remain sidelined by knee problems.


http://espn.go.com/los-angeles/nba/preview?id=400489595
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