As of right now, they'd have to go 31-17 the rest of the way to get to 46. That's a tall order for a team that's currently 4 games under .500 with a handful of injuries. Assuming they lose to the Spurs and OKC, they'd have to go 31-15. I just can't see that happening. On the other hand, the Rockets just need to go 25-22 from here on out to get to 46 wins; barring a major injury, it's hard to imagine them NOT getting in.
Have to agree. But Brown was defensive minded and look where he ended up. I am not sure the Lakers as currently constructed can be coached into form by anyone but the Zen Master.
Yeah, they blew their chance to salvage their season when they didn't cave to his demands. It's all over now.
Gasol needs a franchise's help! <iframe width="420" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/jCNUZnFcycQ" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>
Old team that will be older, highest payroll that will be higher (if Dwight resigns), no 1st rd pick if they miss the playoffs to get quality youth, and a crap load of drama that will only get worse. It's going to be really ugly in Fakerland. :grin:
In a league where most teams don't give their all every night I can see it happening. 66% is the winning percentage for a four seed most years. I'm not saying they will but I can definitely see them playing at that level if they lose the new two games.
If they were healthy then sure maybe they could do 66%. It would be a tall order, but possible. But I suspect Dwight is out for at least a month and maybe more (could be most of the remaining season in the worst case). That's going to severely damage their chances. Can this team minus Dwight Howard win 66% of their upcoming games? No. All but impossible.
The difference is the Lakers players hated Mike Brown. It's hard to work for someone you dislike AND who's competence you question. They seem to like D'Antoni because he's looser. To answer your question, I believe it's possible they could have a worse record if Brown were still the coach because the effort wouldn't be there. Howard isn't done by any stretch. There has been no indication of that.
Teams always seem to underestimate these things. How often have you seen them say it'll be two weeks and then come back with "return delayed another 1-2 weeks..." over and over again?
Brown LOOKS incompetent to fans and probably to players too. Whether he is or not is beside the point. Perception is important. He is not head coach material simply because he doesn't command players' respect. D'Antoni looks more competent but he probably doesn't have more basketball knowledge than Mike Brown.
Oh come on, don't tell me the Lakers are going to win tonight. The Rockets already made me feel miserable, the only thing that will make me feel better is a Lakers lost.
