This is even more overt than past years. It seems the Lakers often get a lot of early home games. It helps them build up that record and gets all the sports stations and websites buzzing about them. Then they have to hit the road a little later and things start to even out a little, but the team is strong enough where the dip isn't too severe (barring injuries and such). It was kinda how I felt about Cleveland last year. When Orlando ran roughshod over them in the playoffs I wasn't surprised. Their regular season record at home was, oh, given a little help now and again. Yao was taken out of the at-Cleveland game pretty quickly with some tickytack fouls (at best), and Washington had Cleveland beat at home on Christmas until the whistles got really, really friendly in the last few minutes. If I may quote Mel Brooks, "It's good to be da king." Speaking of "King", if I may also quote that character from Platoon: "Rich man's always [screwed] over the poor man. Always has, always will." Okay, so that's a little much, but you get the idea.
Except the Lakers play 43 games at home(Staples Center) and travel for only 39 road games. It doesn't count as traveling if they are sleeping in their own homes.
Yes, the clippers play 43 games at home also and 39 games on the road. It wasn't that hard to figure out after I did the math for you.
Yeah but at the Clippers Home games versus the Lakers, the crowd is a majority Lakers crowd. Also all of the Lakers Banners are still in the rafters. No Home court advantage at all. KD
I expect the Lakers to start the season with a 18-3 or 17-4 record. This would propel them to gain confidence as they embark on the road trip. Having a lot of home games would also help them build chemistry with their new players especially Ron. Looks like the league is setting up the Lakers for another title.
I pray they don't repeat. If anyone here is pn facebook, all the laker fans are now on Artest's page saying back to back already. I can't stand the team, and the fans are just as horrible. Lets hope the Rockets pull the ultimate upset and win a title w/o a "superstar"
i think some people are missing the point that good head start is very important building confidence can help in the long run, like building up the players mentality.
I don't think that team needs any confidence builders. They were going to get off to a great start anyway, wanting to defend their championship and coming off the high of the beginning of the season. It normally takes a couple of month for complacency to settle in. So many home games at the beginning might hurt more than it helps.
Mm Mm I love me some stereotypes. Anywho. I don't know what this will ultimately mean for the Lakers. I DO think the whole Clippers/Lakers thing is a little weird, because really...it's pretty much two more home games for the Lakers.
Not so sure about that, in 05 Lakers did well before all star. And once Kobe was injured, they became a lottery team in no time.
Lakersforever, this is a rocket board, and no matter what, I support the rockets, as for lakers fan, everytime I've encountered one, they are rude and act superior to others, so thats why I dislike them so much. I was kicked in the chair the whole game at last season game against the lakers by a laker fan, and all I did is cheer on my team, so whatever you say about a stereotype, every laker fan fits one too. Being at Toyota Center, I have the right to cheer on my Rockets.
Agree but another form of favoritism would be to have a very (whats the word) dispersed(?) schedule. As in... I'd rather have 2 games home, 2 games away, 2 games home, 2 games away.. Rather than 1 home 1 away 1 home 1 away and so on... You end up with the same number but more travelling time. Personally I think there may be some benefit in having lots of home games early on when you KNOW chemistry will be an issue. Reason simply being that for some odd reason, human basketball players feel that there is less pressure on them to win at home than on the road. That reduced pressure will mean a smoother chemistry-building process. But those things IMO are coincidence. You can't make it absolutely perfect for everyone just how they like it. The only measurable and adjustable factor I think is # of hours you will travel.
True but Kobe seems to be injury free most of the time. He would miss a game or two but would be back right away. Injuries do happen but not that much to Kobe.
I checked out the Rockets' schedule,no appearances on ESPN/TNT cept NBATV?What the hell?Only because Yao's definitely out for the season?
Also, regarding the Lakers; haven't looked this year, but they usually have pretty slick away scheduling; play NY, Philly, DC - and other East Coast teams on the SAME trip; then go back West - they spend fewer miles in the air than many other teams - despite being on a far coast; which SHOULD mean they have more travel. Often other teams will have games in Minnesotta one night, then have a home game in Texas the next, then back to Milwaukee two nights later. Along with the whole Road Game as a Home Game deal the Lakers get every season; their scheduling is (apparent) sublime manipulation.
The Clippers have 15 of their first 23 at home. There must be something at Staples later in the year. I don't think travel is one of the advantages the Lakers get. Not compared to the East Coast teams who get to go home the night of many road games. The long East coast swings are necessary or the travel would be unbearable. I think you'd find similar road trips for other West Coasters. And I'm OK with the Lakers facing more adversity later in the year.
Of course they get a huge home court start. Its like giving your golden goose a 1 mile lead on the field so you can call them the best when surprisingly you give them all of the hom games in the early part of the saeson of course they should have the best record. It insures no matter what happens any fall off in the latter part doesnt have enough momentum to not take them out of the first place rankings or into the lower playoff rungs. This league is rigged and proven every single year over the past years.
