Aloha,
I am amused by the notion that the Lakers went small to win this game. AD, Lebron, Morris and Kuz are not small players. And we beat them up inside like we should have with our size advantage.
But our true advantage is on the defensive end because our big guys can guard their little guys. And when you add in solid defenders like Green, KCP and Alex to the mix, it really takes a small team like the Rockets out of their game. I don’t think the Rockets will ever win a ring until they can add a couple of tall guys that can play in their system. I think size still matters in the NBA and our ability to play small, while staying tall is our advantage here.
Jamie Sweet says
Totally. Clint is an incredible two-way player but with a limited skill set. MDA would kill to have Lamar Odom from 2004-2008 on this squad. His rebounding issues, secondary playmaker and defense would all improve in one fell stroke. But he doesn’t have that player.
Michael H says
You’re absolutely right Jamie. Lamar was ahead of his time. He would be the perfect small ball center. Screw MDA I would love to have Lamar. Can you imagine a front line of Lamar in his prime, Lebron and AD? Totally devastating.
John M. says
They went relatively small. Loved it when Barkley called Houston a bunch of leprechauns.
Jamie Sweet says
They’re full Lilliput man.
LakerTom says
The ‘small ball’ reference really applies to the style of play, meaning having 5 guys on the floor who can shoot from outside. It’s clearly a misnomer for the Lakers because of the size of their five when they go small.
Until the last two games, they basically played the same style of basketball as they did with a traditional center, rarely playing all five behind the 3-point line. The big move in Game 3 and 4 was playing 5-out, which is what is really small ball.
Ironically, going small helped us on the defensive end as much as the offensive end. We couldn’t have made those great rotations and steals in the passing lanes with McGee or Howard on the floor. Markieff was terrific defensively in Games 3 and 4 and a difference maker even when not knocking down 4 of 5 threes like he did in Game 3. Morris for McGee is our version of the Warriors ‘Death Lineup.’