A Look Back at the Lakers' Year

[Scholar]

07/04/12: The Phoenix Suns do a sign & trade of Steve Nash to the Los Angeles Lakers.

The Suns will receive first-round picks in 2013 and 2015 and second-round picks in 2013 and 2014 plus $3 million in cash from the Lakers.
Source: Steve Nash headed to Lakers... (http://content.usatoday.com/communities/gameon/post/2012/07/steve-nash-headed-to-lakers-after-sign-and-trade-with-suns/1#.UXAQQrXry48)

07/14/12: Fans give Steve Nash a beer.
Source: Video (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IgSq1q-XWnI)

08/10/12: Dwight Howard is traded to the Lakers in a 4-team deal, which also sees Lakers' All-Star center Andrew Bynum head to the Philly 76ers. Dwight had back surgery just a few months earlier.

http://imageftw.com/uploads/20130418/Capture.PNG

09/14/12: Metta World Peace: 'I don't see anybody getting past us.'
MWP interview on ESPN LA 710 (http://espn.go.com/espnradio/losangeles/play?id=8379316)

09/16/12: Dwight discusses his leaving Orlando with Lakers' reporters.

"It was a tug of war between my feelings and the fans and everybody else and their feelings and what happened to LeBron. And I saw him -- everybody hated him for leaving Cleveland and what he did," Howard said of LeBron James' free-agent move from the Cleveland Cavaliers to the Miami Heat in 2010. "I never wanted anybody to hate me, you know. I wanted everybody to love me, you know, like me, for sticking around and doing what they wanted me to do. And making everybody else happy. And that was a valuable lesson for me, you know.
I can't make everybody happy."
Source: Conversation with Dwight Howard (http://espn.go.com/blog/los-angeles/lakers/post/_/id/32966/sunday-conversation-dwight-howard)

09/18/12: Metta World Peace predicts the Lakers go 73-9 in the 2012-13 regular season, beating the 1995-96 Bulls

[Scholar]

12/04/12: Lakers medical staff confirm Pau Gasol suffers knee tendinitis; out indefinitely.
Source: Pau Gasol to sit out due to knee tendinitis (http://www.slamonline.com/online/nba/2012/12/pau-gasol-to-sit-out-due-to-knee-tendinitis/)

12/05/12: Kobe Bryant becomes one of only 5 NBA players to score at least 30,000 career points. Lakers 103, Hornets 87.
Source: Kobe joins 30k club (http://www.foxsportswest.com/12/05/12/Kobe-Bryant-30000-point-club/landing_lakers.html?blockID=831019&feedID=3707)

12/07/12: The Lakers’ players attend Steve Spielberg’s “Lincoln” movie in Oklahoma City. Is team chemistry the issue?

"I don’t know what kids are studying in history class nowadays," Bryant said. "I don’t know. I know we studied Lincoln. I don’t know how many guys on the team actually knew who he was (laughing). So, I think it lent some good historical perspective."
Source: Lakers go to the movies (http://espn.go.com/blog/los-angeles/lakers/post/_/id/34913/the-lakers-go-to-the-movies)

12/11/12: Laker legend Magic Johnson speaks on frustrations with 2012-13 Lakers squad.

This team has time, now I’m not giving up on the season, we’ve got time to improve. We started off the same way in ’90, not quite this bad, but we were there. So this team has time to turn it around, I think they’re gonna have to look each other in the eye and say, 'Look man, I’m committed to whatever, but I’m gonna commit to the defensive end first.' And then whatever happens on the offensive end, let it happen, but they gotta commit to each other on the defensive end.
Source: Magic still frustrated by the Lakers (http://espn.go.com/blog/los-angeles/lakers/post/_/id/34989/magic-still-frustrated-by-the-lakers)

12/11/12: Despite Kobe scoring 42 points, the Lakers drop an L in Cleveland, 94-100. Regular season record: 9-13.
Source: Cavaliers 100, Lakers 94 (http://espn.go.com/blog/los-angeles/lakers/post/_/id/34997/rapid-reaction-cavaliers-100-lakers-94)

12/18/12: Steve Nash attempts to explain the Lakers’ struggles with D’Antoni’s system.

"We got in a rut there where we lost our confidence and we weren't playing with any fire or spirit or energy," Nash said Tuesday morning. "We weren't a proactive team defensively and our defense slipped. But when you're going through this transition with a new coach and new players and no training camp, we get a little down when we didn't play well and I think we lost our energy defensively."
Source: Nash explains Lakers struggles in D’Antoni’s system. (http://espn.go.com/blog/los-angeles/lakers/post/_/id/35095/nash-explains-the-lakers-struggles-in-dantonis-system)

12/18/12: Pau Gasol returns to the Lakers’ rotation after missing 8 games with knee tendinitis. Lakers 101, Bobcats 100.
Source: Pau Gasol to return v. Bobcats (http://articles.latimes.com/2012/dec/18/sports/la-sp-ln-pau-gasol-to-return-tuesday-20121218)

12/22/12: Steve Nash returns to the Lakers’ line-up. Lakers win in OT vs. GS Warriors, 118-115.
Source: Nash returns in OT win (http://articles.latimes.com/2012/dec/23/sports/la-sp-ln-nash-return-lakers-win-golden-state-20121223)

12/25/12: Lakers beat the New York Knicks, 100-94. Kobe scores 34 pts, Dwight grabs 12 boards, and Nash dishes out 11 assists. Pau Gasol scores the game winning basket off a dunk. Lakers reach .500 for the first time since 11/30/12.
Source: Lakers 100, Knicks 94 game highlights (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MC58m5573Wo)

12/26/12: Kobe Bryant scores 40 points in a loss to the Denver Nuggets, 114-126. Lakers record when Kobe scores 40+: 0-4. Nuggets drop 23 three-pointers on the Lakers.
Source: Nuggets’ 23 three-pointers too much for the Lakers (http://www.sbnation.com/nba/2012/12/26/3806996/lakers-nuggets-final-score)

12/28/12: Jamaal Wilkes’ #52 is raised to the Lakers’ rafters; hangs among West, Chamberlain and several other NBA/Laker greats.
Source: Lakers retire Jamaal Wilkes’ jersey at Staples Center. (http://losangeles.cbslocal.com/2012/12/28/lakers-retire-jamaal-wilkes-no-52-jersey-at-staples/)

12/29/12: Antawn Jamison publicly reveals frustrations with lack of playing time.

“Fifteen years. My only thing is let me know why. I don’t think you go from starting and 30-something minutes to not in the rotation whatsoever. And not explaining to me what exactly happened, that’s the toughest thing. There’s nothing you can do but be positive and support your teammates. The only reason I came here was they said I was going to play and to win a championship.”
Source: The Curious Case of Antawn Jamison (http://www.faniq.com/blog/Antawn-Jamison-Has-No-Idea-Why-Mike-DAntoni-Isnt-Playing-Him-Blog-59766)

Month of December: 7-7 record for Lakers in Dec. Overall season record: 15-15.

[Scholar]

January 2013: Lakers start 2013 with 6 losses in a row to Philadelphia 76ers, LA Clippers, Denver Nuggets, Houston Rockets, San Antonio Spurs, and OKC Thunder. In all 6 games, every team scored in triple digit figures.

01/03/13: John Hollinger

[Scholar]

02/03/13: Metta World Peace is suspended after a scuffle with Detroit’s Brandon Knight.
Video of incident: Click me (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J8tRnrlYXlY)

The play needs to be reviewed because he definitely threw a punch. It felt like he threw a punch. That’s why I reacted the way I did.
The play was over and he grabbed me around the neck. If someone grabs you around the neck, you’re not just going to let that happen. You do what you need to get that person off you.
Source: World Peace started World War (http://espn.go.com/blog/los-angeles/lakers/post/_/id/35676/pistons-knight-world-peace-threw-punch)

02/06/13: Pau Gasol suffers torn fascia in his right foot.
Source: Pau Gasol out indefinitely with foot injury (http://espn.go.com/blog/los-angeles/lakers/post/_/id/35702/hits-keep-on-coming-for-lakers)

02/12/13: Former Laker Rick Fox blasts Dwight Howard on Lakers’ radio station ESPN LA 710.

I’d like to see a lot more of the actions that tell me that winning is the most important thing to him, as well as being a Laker, and I don’t get that yet.
Source: Rick Fox goes in on Dwight Howard (http://espn.go.com/blog/los-angeles/lakers/post/_/id/35748/rick-fox-blasts-dwight-howard-on-espnla-710)

02/15/13: Dwight Howard refuses to guarantee a commitment to the Lakers organization.

The only thing that matters is the present, and right now," Howard said. "There's no need to talk about what's going to happen at the end of the season. No reason to go back and forth about it. I just feel like at the end of the year, I should have my opportunity to make my own decision. I shouldn't be criticized for waiting for the end of the year.
Source: Lakers won’t trade Howard, but will Howard commit long-term? (http://espn.go.com/blog/los-angeles/lakers/post/_/id/35786/despite-vow-from-lakers-howard-still-not-ready-to-commit)

02/18/13: Lakers owner Jerry Buss dies of cancer.
Source: Jerry Buss Dies in L.A Hospital (http://www.tmz.com/2013/02/18/lakers-owner-jerry-buss-dead/)

02/18/13: It’s reported by the New York Times that Dwight Howard mocked Kobe Bryant in front of the Western All-Stars.
Source: Dwight mocked Kobe behind back at All-Star Weekend (http://www.nypost.com/p/pagesix/lakers_still_in_deep_freeze_NdeeieATpo9PUCtdPsNdEO )

02/19/13: D’Antoni: Lakers need 45 wins to make the Playoffs

I think everybody can do the math. We got to get in the 20s -- 20 or up. You're not going to make the playoffs, I don't think, with less than 45 wins. You kind of count it off from there. You might need more, you might need a little bit less, but it's got to be in that area somewhere.
Source: D’Antoni: Lakers need 45 wins to make the Playoffs. (http://espn.go.com/blog/los-angeles/lakers/post/_/id/35829/dantoni-lakers-need-at-least-45-wins-to-make-the-playoffs)

02/20/13: Lakers defeat the Boston Celtics in honor of Dr. Jerry Buss.
Source: Lakers 113, Celtics 99 (http://espn.go.com/blog/los-angeles/lakers/post/_/id/35856/rapid-reaction-lakers-113-celtics-99)

02/22/13: Funeral services are held for Lakers owner Jerry Buss, who died of cancer at 80-years-old in a Los Angeles hospital. He is survived by his six children.
Source: Shaquille O’Neal on Lakers Owner Dr. Jerry Buss (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sqe-vgp-BVY)

02/22/13: Kobe scores 40 points in a win over the Portland Trailblazers. Lakers are 1-4 in the season when Kobe scores 40 or more points.
Source: Lakers 111, Blazers 107 (http://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/201302220LAL.html)

Month of February: Lakers go 9-4 in February, with a home record of 4-1 and a road record of 5-3. Overall season record: 29-30.

[Scholar]

03/03/13: Lakers finally hit .500 again for the first time since being 15-15 on 12/30/12. Lakers defeat the Atlanta Hawks, 99-98. Kobe scores the go ahead bucket to seal the 1-pt victory.
Source: Lakers 99, Hawks 98 box score (http://www.nba.com/games/20130228/ATLLAL/gameinfo.html#nbaGIboxscore)

03/05/13: Kobe, Metta & Dwight each suffer some minor injury in a loss to OKC Thunder, 122-105. Kobe suffered an ulnar nerve contusion; Howard aggravated his torn labrum; and World Peace rolled his right ankle. Lakers allowed OKC to score 71 points in the 1st half.
Source: 3 Lakers starters hurt in OKC loss; expected to play v. NOH (http://espn.go.com/blog/los-angeles/lakers/post/_/id/36009/lakers-expect-three-injured-starters-to-play-in-n-o)

03/06/13: Kobe scored 42 points & dished 12 assists in a 108-102 come-from-behind victory over the Hornets. Lakers were down by as many as 25 points in the game. The Lakers outscored the Hornets 33-9 in the 4th quarter en route to an epic win. Lakers are 2-4 in games where Kobe scores 40+ points this season.
Source: Lakers 108, Hornets 102; Lakers come back from 25 down (VIDEO) (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7_W9VKdH7TI)

03/08/13: Kobe Bryant scores 41 points and dishes out 12 assists in an OT victory over the Toronto Raptors, 118-116. Lakers are 3-4 in games where Kobe scores at least 40 points. Lakers finally hit above .500 for the first time since being 6-5 on 11/20/12.
Lakers 118, Raptors 116 (OT) box score (http://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/201303080LAL.html)

03/12/13: Dwight Howard’s first game back in Orlando ends with him hit 25-for-39 from the freethrow line in a victory, 106-97. Dwight ties his own NBA record of most free throws taken in a single game with 39.
Source: Lakers 106, Magic 97 (http://espn.go.com/blog/los-angeles/lakers/post/_/id/36072/rapid-reaction-lakers-106-orlando-magic-97)

03/13/13: Kobe is injured in a loss to the Hawks, 96-92. It is assumed Dahntay Jones, who has previous history with Kobe, intentionally injured Bryant.
Source: Video of the injury (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M2kRFYW3k-M)

03/21/13: Jerry West says the Lakers ‘have a chance against anyone.’

I definitely wouldn't want to play them, I know that. I think they'd have a chance against anyone [in the playoffs].
Source: Jerry West on Lakers (http://espn.go.com/blog/los-angeles/lakers/post/_/id/36164/jerry-west-says-lakers-have-a-chance-against-anyone)

03/22/13: Lakers blow a 16 pt lead vs the Wizards, losing the game 103-100. Lakers overall record: 36-34.
Source: Lakers 100, Wizards 103 (http://espn.go.com/blog/los-angeles/lakers/post/_/id/36167/rapid-reaction-wizards-103-lakers-100)

03/25/13: Metta World Peace injures his left knee in 103-109 loss @ Golden State Warriors.
Source: Metta World Peace injury update (http://www.nba.com/lakers/releases/130327_metta_injury)

03/28/13: Metta World Peace undergoes successful surgery for a torn meniscus. He is expected to miss up to 6 weeks to heal.
MWP Undergoes Successful Knee Surgery (http://www.nba.com/lakers/releases/130328mwp_surgery)

03/30/13: Kobe passes Wilt Chamberlain on the all-time scoring list in a win over the Kings, 103-98.
Source: Lakers 103, Kings 98 box score (http://espn.go.com/blog/los-angeles/lakers/post/_/id/36244/rapid-reaction-lakers-103-kings-98)

Month of March: Lakers end March with a 9-6 record. They went .500 on the road. Overall season record: 38-36.

[Scholar]

04/02/13: Shaq’s jersey is retired. The Lakers beat the Mavericks at home, 101-81. Kobe ended the night with his 19th career triple-double (23 pts, 11 reb, 11 ast).
http://imageftw.com/uploads/20130418/21Capture.PNG
Source: Shaq’s jersey retired at Staples Center (http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1590977-watch-la-lakers-honor-icon-with-shaqs-jersey-retirement)

04/07/13: Lakers get blown out by the Clippers at Staples Center (Clippers’ home game). Clippers sweep the Lakers and clinch their first ever Pacific division title in their franchise history.
Source: Clippers 109, Lakers 95 (http://www.latimes.com/sports/lakersnow/la-sp-sn-lakers-vs-clippers-game-updates-20130407,0,3023685.story)

04/09/13: Metta World Peace returns after less than 2 weeks following his surgery. Lakers defeat the New Orleans Hornets at home, 104-96.
Source: Lakers 104, Hornets 96 box score (http://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/201304090LAL.html)

04/10/13: Lakers win first back-to-back game of the season off of Kobe’s 47 pts, 8 reb, 5 asts, 3 stls & 4 blks. The Lakers are 4-4 when Kobe scores at least 40 pts in the 2012-13 season.
Source: Kobe’s highlights from Blazers game (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sp0WGDGcOLM)

04/12/13: Kobe suffers a season ending injury. Kobe had 7 games in row with 41+ minutes. Lakers won the game, despite Stephen Curry’s 47 pts, 6 reb & 9 asts. Pau Gasol ended the night with 26 pts, 11 reb & 10 asts.
Source: Kobe Bryant meets with the media after suffering torn Achilles injury (http://probasketballtalk.nbcsports.com/2013/04/13/kobe-bryant-meets-the-media-after-suffering-likely-torn-achilles-injury-video/)
http://a.espncdn.com/photo/2013/0412/la_a_kbryant6_sy_300.jpg

04/14/13: Kobe tweets the following:

http://imageftw.com/uploads/20130418/7Capture.PNG

04/14/13: Despite losing Kobe for up to 9 months, the Lakers defeated the Spurs in a possible playoff match-up, 91-86. Pau & Dwight combined for 33 of the Lakers’ 58 total rebounds. The starting line-up of the Spurs combined for 34 total rebounds.
Source: Lakers 91, Spurs 86 (http://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/201304140LAL.html)

04/17/13: Lakers win their final game of the season, not only guaranteeing a spot in the playoffs, but also clinching the 7th seed. The win came in a very close game, which saw Chandler Parsons hitting a 3 at the end of regulation to send it into OT.
Source: Lakers hold off Rockets, clinch 7th seed (http://www.nba.com/lakers/gameday/130417_gameday_rockets)

Month of April (Regular Season): Lakers end the regular season 7-1, only losing 1 game on the road in April, which came against home town rivals, Los Angeles Clippers.

End of the Season: Overall season record: 45-37
Lakers were expected to contend for a championship. They are now the 7th seed, waiting to face off against the San Antonio Spurs on Sunday, 04/21/2013. Here’s to hoping the season doesn’t end until a title in June. If this season is any indication of anything, that’s a very tall and very unlikely order.
We’ll find out soon enough.

[PickernRoller]

Lucky to have made the playoffs. Great thread.

[theBIGjabroni]

why does this board ignore all the injuries this team had to go thrpugh?****en season was a roller coaster ride

[WayOfWade]

One of the craziest seasons I've ever seen from a team. Mad props to them for fighting through all the injuries and adversity to even make it this far.

[imnew09]

Tears and joy from this thread. Thank you. Well, mostly tears but thank you!!!!
What a season for the Lakers and the fans :applause:

[DaSeba5]

Props to them for making the playoffs. A lot of effort went into this thread. Amazing! I'll rep you as soon as the rep system comes back.

[LLK21]

Even after everything that's happened, the lakers still make the playoffs.
:applause:

[uber]

why does this board ignore all the injuries this team had to go thrpugh?****en season was a roller coaster ride

Because every team has to battle with injuries so why should it be different with the Lakers?

[DMV2]

That was a good summary. Good job, Scholar! :applause:

[King Boozer]

Amazing thread, nice job. :applause:

[BasedTom]

Admirable effort making this thread. It was a real circus of a season, but who knows where they'll be in the future.

It's really has been a HUGE disappointment though considering the expectations and media hype now that I look back at it.

[Graviton]

Should add all the championship cruise threads all the Laker "fans" made in the offseason. :oldlol:

http://www.insidehoops.com/forum/showthread.php?t=274100

http://www.insidehoops.com/forum/showthread.php?t=281924&page=2

http://www.insidehoops.com/forum/showthread.php?t=276628

http://www.insidehoops.com/forum/showthread.php?t=276859&page=13

http://www.insidehoops.com/forum/showthread.php?t=275514&page=6

[krazymofo]

Nice try Laker fans, enjoy your 1st round exit by the grandpa spurs. There alot of things to do during this summer.

[AlphaWolf24]

Drama....LA style.:cheers:

[Scholar]

Nice try Laker fans, enjoy your 1st round exit by the grandpa spurs. There alot of things to do during this summer.

Ok, thanks for the well wishes.


Anyway, this season truly has been a roller coaster, and I made this thread to detail the ups and downs. If you're a Lakers fan, and even if you're not, I hope this thread allows you to appreciate where we started and where we ended. It may be disappointing to know a team with 4 future HOFers ended up just barely making the Playoffs, but the drama sure was enticing, am I right?

Gotta love the Lakers!

[The-Legend-24]

Fvcking crazy season. :oldlol: Even crazier, is that we finished as the 7th seed after all this shit.

[Scholar]

Bump? Just in case others want to read this. I'll bump it again a few more times until the Playoffs start.

[Myth]

Fvcking crazy season. :oldlol: Even crazier, is that we finished as the 7th seed after all this shit.

I know, they totally should have been better than 7th seed given their all-star roster.

[red1]

future repped

[talkingconch]

Nice try Laker fans, enjoy your 1st round exit by the grandpa spurs. There alot of things to do during this summer.
thanks stan, if everyone was 100% healthy you wouldnt of entered the thread lol

[Mr. Jabbar]

Grade A+++ thread. :bowdown:

[TheBrewer]

Can't really expect them to win with such a season... i mean when the heat blew up, even they fell short and that was just with player changes nevermind the owners passing, coach firing and total change in offense plus injuries

[Scholar]

Bump

[russwest0]

A look back at the Lakers year:

First half of season: Shit

Second half of season: Refs

[AndOn3]

Fantastic thread. When you look at it,you realize it's almost an accomplishment for them to get into the playoffs.

Here's a number for you: 7.
That's the number of games the projected starting lineup of Nash, Kobe, MWP, Gasol, and Howard started. Mind you, the Lakers were 0-7 in those games, but there simply wasn't enough time for them to click. That five man lineup is only the third most used lineup the Lakers have, and it's 28th in the league. 0 continuity and chemistry due to injuries and their timings is what killed the Lakers, not that they suck, etc.

[ZeN]

Bump? Just in case others want to read this. I'll bump it again a few more times until the Playoffs start.
Nice compilation Scho

[TOUCH MY BODY]

Lakers are too powerful.

[Scholar]

Nice compilation Scho
Thank you, thank you.

Thanks to everyone who commented and especially to those who actually read it all the way through. I put a lot of time into this Lakers 2012-13 compilation.

[Scholar]

Bump. If anyone cares, I'll bump it just a few more times in the following few days. If I realize people don't care about this any more, I'll let it have its eventual death sooner than later.

[secund2nun]

LOL nice try Lakers. The Lakers squeaking in the playoffs as a 7th seed in a likely first round loss is the biggest underachievement and failure in NBA history.

[jcsrplumply]

Great thread :bowdown:

[SpecialQue]

This must be the most drama-filled Laker year since '04.

[Flagrant 2]

http://25.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_me98fjdnin1ri63dso5_500.gif

[Scholar]

Let me get my rep now at least.

[AirFederer]

:applause:

[PickernRoller]

LOL nice try Lakers. The Lakers squeaking in the playoffs as a 7th seed in a likely first round loss is the biggest underachievement and failure in NBA history.

I say throwing a party, claiming to win 8 rings, then choking in the finals is way worse.

[zass]

good job
what a season

[Harison]

Thats one hell of an extensive thread :applause:

[Scholar]

Thats one hell of an extensive thread :applause:

Thank you.

I'm just waiting for all the people who said "future rep" either in this thread or via PM to actually follow through now. :oldlol:

[Andrei89]

You forgot to add:

"Kobe goes down. All the "Laker" fans now hope they lose the playoffs so Kobe does not look bad"

[Scholar]

Bump. Figured it's the dog days of summer, so since there isn't much going on, why not?

[BBallZen83]

Shovel dirt on last year rather than look back. That's what I would do.

[Goldrush25]

You forgot the interview where D'Antoni said they practiced defense for 30 minutes.:oldlol:

[Graviton]

I already covered the Laker's season after every game in this thread...

http://www.insidehoops.com/forum/showthread.php?t=274100&page=28

[Horde of Temujin]

Houston is going to regret signing Dwight.

[Jameerthefear]

Houston is going to regret signing Dwight.
if he's healthy, no.

[WayOfWade]

Houston is going to regret signing Dwight.
They're gonna regret not having signed him sooner.

[Flush]

Was a really interesting thread to read, I mean, to remember all the season Lakers had. Repped.