To Close for Comfort, Lakers Squeak by with Victory

The Lakers finished their brief two game home stay on Tuesday night as they were able to get by the young Washington Wizards. Kobe led the team with 32 points on 12 of 23 shooting, the Lakers needed every one of those points as they beat the Wizards 115-108.

This was a game the Lakers should have used to lift up their confidence before they hit the road, and that’s exactly how this one started out. The Lakers began the game hot and led the Wizards by 13 going to the second. Lamar Odom was able to continue his hot play by driving to the rim and being aggressive early. Lamar had two thunderous dunks early on that will definitely be seen on sports center “Top Plays”.

The second quarter was more of the same as the Lakers maintained their large lead, Kobe continued his hot shooting and Pau was a force inside as he was able to rack up not only points, but rebounds by the bunches as well.

To start the third quarter the Lakers looked as if they were on their way to a big blow out win. Pau was hitting everything, Lamar continued his aggressive play, and Kobe was…..well Kobe, making a variety of shots. With about 3 minutes left Phil Jackson decided to go to the bench. During this 3 minute stretch the Lakers allowed an 18 point lead to turn into a 5 point lead going to the fourth. Nick Young and John Wall really ignited this Wizard offense and got them back into the game.

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To start the fourth Phil stuck with the bench who kept the Lakers ahead until the starters returned. When the starters did return to action they were able to go back ahead by double figures, but every time the Lakers made a push, so did the Wizards. The Wizards were able to pull down offensive rebounds and hit all kinds of jumpers from just about everywhere on the floor. With the Lakers up by 4 and only 34 seconds left Pau Gasol won a jump ball giving the Lakers the ball with a fresh 24 second shot clock. With the game just about won Lamar threw up a three pointer to try and seal the deal, this shot rimmed out and gave the Wizards a chance. Luckily this gaff didn’t lose the game for the Lakers as John Wall missed a three and the Lakers were able to make a couple free throws to close it out.

Former USC Trojan Nick Young led the Wizards with 32 points off the bench and 1 st overall pick John Wall added 22 points and 14 assists of his own. Young is known to play the Lakers tough at home as this is not the first time he has went off in his former home town. “When Nick comes to town you can go ahead and chalk up at least 25” Lakers coach Phil Jackson said after the game. I guess the Lakers know that when these young Wizards come to town they will definitely have their hands full.

By: Alec Grigolla
Pro Basketball Fans Staff Writer

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