How you rooting now?
Ever since May 5th, I've been carefully watching developments around the NBA, scouring the web for late breaking headlines, word of a loophole unveiled, or some kind of newly uncovered rules infraction that turns the world of hoops upside down. But now that every second round playoff series has either begun or is scheduled begin later tonight, I've resigned myself to the following conclusion:
The Lakers are indeed out of the playoffs, that's just not going to change and there you have it.
Now I don't know about every Lakersblog reader, but I always keep watching the playoffs, even after my Purple and Gold have been bounced. It's not always the most entertaining of experiences (Spurs vs. Nets for the 2003 crown, anyone?), but I love me some roundball, so I'm gonna stick around. But like anything with sports, it always helps to have a rooting interest. Thus, here are the top 3 teams I'm now hoping capture the Larry O'Brien.
1) The Phoenix Suns - For those of you who didn't shatter their laptops tossing them across the room, let me explain. I picked the Suns in October to win it all, so I'd like a shot at being able to say, "I'm not really a genius, but I play one in cyberspace." (Although BK picked Dallas, so at least I'm already more correct than him, which is always the most important contest to win). Plus, I'm one of those cats who takes comfort knowing my team got beat by the eventual champs. That's just how I roll. And Pat Burke's simply too good a player to go his entire career without a ring.
2) The San Antonio Spurs - My girlfriend is a huge Spurs fan (and before anyone starts bashing a L.A. woman rooting for the enemy, she's a native Texan, her entire family roots Spurs- I snagged a bunch of the team's media guides the last time they visited Staples, which earned me big points- and she always cheers on the Lakers for me, assuming they're not playing Mr. Eva Longoria's team). This requires something of a balancing act, since my #1 alternate playoff team is playing hers, but we've seemed to arrive at a compromise. I'll be genuinely happy for her if San Antonio wins and she's going to sulk like a brooding, inconsolable teenager who's not allowed to attend a Fall Out Boy concert if Phoenix wins. Problem solved. Besides, anything that keeps Robert Horry flush in bling is fine by me (assuming it doesn't come at the Lakers' expense).
3) The Golden State Warriors - Because it's a great story. Plus, if they don't win it all, one assumes Stephen Jackson will be angry. And as far as I'm concerned, any scenarios that could spark such a reaction should be treated with the words of David Banner from the old "Incredible Hulk" TV show. "Don't make me angry. You wouldn't like me when I'm angry." (Incidentally, when we were little kids, BK LOVED this show!)
Honorable mention: The Utah Jazz. See team #2, then sub "Derek Fisher" for "Robert Horry."
So there you have it. My top 3. But where do your rooting interests lie? And why? Or do you even give a crap now that the Lakers have gone fishin'? Let's hear how you're cheering (or shrugging your shoulders in utter indifference).
-AK
Martin,
I hear you. I've been watching that Pistons team, and they're legit. I think they're the best team left, with the possible exception of San Antonio. No way anyone in the East beats them, but I do think SA is vulnerable in the West.
Pistons have a good coach (who's mastered the art of squatting), a lot of talent, a good system, a smart GM (drafting Darko aside), and a winning swagger. They actually remind me a lot of the Shaq/Kobe Lakers, but without the soap opera going on.
Also, I'm going to throttle the next person who equates this Phoenix squad with "Showtime". A) The Showtime Lakers were one of the greatest teams ever; these Suns haven't even won the West yet; B) Showtime was led by Magic, not just a phenomenal, versatile player, but a charismatic young celebrity that transcended the league (think about it - he was drafted number one and LIVED UP to the hype as no number one pick since has); Phoenix is led by a one-dimensonal player who is good at what he does, but one with ZERO charisma who is still largely unknown outside of those who follow basketball; C) The Showtime Lakers had four, possibly five HOF players and a HOF coach; Nash may make the HOF, but I don't see any other Suns players getting there with the possible exception of Amare, and there's no way D'Antoni is getting in, especially if he keeps playing smallball and running up wins in the regular season, but not winning anything in the playoffs; D) The Showtime Lakers were all about fast breaks; the Suns are all about the three; E) The Showtime Lakers played excellent defense; Phoenix plays okay defense.
They may be fast and fun, but they're NOT Showtime, and they never will be.
Posted by: SBPimp | May 08, 2007 at 12:03 PM
Ex...
Back in the day when I had lakers vs celtics on my computer sometimes I would change the positions around.That game was before kwame's time but Michael Thompson made one hell of a point guard...
or we could put it on double zero and start Smush next season too...
Posted by: Kiwi | May 08, 2007 at 12:09 PM
SB,
I had to cover my mouth to keep from laughing out loud at that post... I'm supposed to be working!!!. I can barely type this post because I'm laughing as I type. That was some some funny @ss sh!t. Oh man. Funniest post I've ever read to date.
Your know what they say "the best jokes always have some form of truth in them".
Posted by: richtown | May 08, 2007 at 12:43 PM
Warriors and Spurs.....
Warriors....Bcos its such a gr8 story.....Them in the finals facing Detroit...Might get sweeped but its still gud for TV....Only other team in our division, Id like to see go all the way....
Spurs....Now that the Mavs are gone, they are the best among the rest and has players and staff that knws how 2 get it done....I hope they finish off the Buns in 4 games.......
Posted by: Saran S | May 08, 2007 at 12:59 PM
Warriors was robbed last night.
Referees gave Utah all the calls.
David Stern won't let Stephen Jackson to steal the spothlight.
It was ok against Dallas because Mark Cuban is his enemy # 1.
Posted by: jorema | May 08, 2007 at 01:27 PM
Jorema...how do you explain Wade exiting the playoffs 4 -0?
Is just to put people off the scent or is Stern just feeling the love for big Ben?
Posted by: Kiwi | May 08, 2007 at 01:41 PM
Edwin,
Thanks. Yeah, good to be back. And yeah, it sucks to be booted from the playoffs so quickly. I'm also not a big fan of Luke's....but I'm afraid he'll get more than 5M...just a feeling as Phil LOVES Luke.
About Mitch's drafts....first I'd like to say to everyone I'm not one of those people that look at every single star from the second round and yells about how we didn't draft them. I don't go to sleep every night wondering why we don't have Arenas, Ginobili, or Redd. But I am critical of the picks that could've been Boozer, Barbosa, etc ....not necessarily because we could've had them...but because we SHOULD'VE had them. They were players that provided great draft value, filled our biggest need at the time, and it seemed at least some in the organization wanted these guys also. As you pointed out though, who knows the politics that goes on behind the scenes and which person is ultimately the driving force behind what. Most times I felt Phil was main force behind our draft picks in our championship years. At the time Phil was just here for the short term to win a few championships, and really had no stake in the long term future of the Lakers...so his influence in terms of drafting has really put us in the situation we're in now. (And if I'm not mistaken, Phil still has this mentality, as he didn't want Bynum, who was a "Jim Buss pick".) Who knows what types of handicaps Mitch has to deal with....I'm sure its not easy...but in the end, the responsibility lies with the GM.
Haha, its funny being back after so long though. The last time I visited the blog, Mike T. was still sane haha.
KL the Beast,
I think your confused, as MVP is an entirely different thing than "best overall player". MVP is nothing more than the "BestPlayerOnOneOfTheBestTeamsButUsuallyTheBestTeamOrTheBestPlayerAsLongAsYouWin50Games" Award. Nash plays in a offense perfectly suited for his skill set and is on a team filled with players that perfectly complement his skill set...so while his production is very high and efficient in that offense, that doesn't make him the best player. (Even writing this, I feel ridiculous having to even argue this, ...I love Nash's game but really, he's not even a top 5 overall player in the NBA.). If Nash is overall the better player, then would you be willing to trade Kobe for Nash straight up? Let me tell you what happens then, we don't make the playoffs while the Suns win the Championship (or heck, at least make it to the finals against those dang Spurs). While the Suns would have to change their offensive style, do you really think a team with Kobe, Amare, Marion, Barbosa, Diaw, Raja won't lead the NBA in scoring? Now while you might lose some efficiency with Nash, they will still score more than enough, but the real difference will be in the defensive side. "Kobe's Suns" can now play lockdown defense with that combination of speed and athletcism. Look how the Warriors manhandled the Mavs on the defensive end...Kobe's Suns is even better defensively than that. On the other hand, Nash is great, he will bring his Lakers some much needed smarts and chemistry. He will score more, and still set up his teamates....cept he'll soon learn that Kwame isn't Amare. Kwame finds he can't even catch most of Nash's quick and tricky passes, and when he does, he is nowhere near the finisher that Amare is. And while I contend that Lamar is a better player than Marion, he is much less suited for Nash....he isn't as explosive and so he doesn't cut or finish like Marion does and he is a worse 3pt shooter. Nash also kicks out for 3s, but soon learns that Smush, Sasha, Mo, and Lamar can't knock them down like Barbosa, Bell, and Marion can. (Not to mention Amare and Diaw both have great 15-18 ft jumpers). Without so many offensive threats out there for Nash to work with, he will have to score more. However, teams also recognize this and can defend Nash much better now that they don't have to worry about Amare and Marion cutting through the middle or on the backside for an alleyoop all the while with Barbosa, Raja, or Marion in the corners spotting up for 3. So defenses lock down on Nash, but he can't create his own shot nearly as well as Kobe can. So by no means are the Lakers an offensive power with Nash, but they actually are very mediocre. At the same time, "Nash's Lakers" find out that with Nash, they are now THE worst defensive team in the NBA. The only good thing about "Nash's Lakers" is that they get a lottery pick. The fact is, Kobe is one of the greatest offensive players of our era and is offensively much better than Nash...now when you factor in defense, the question of who is the better overall player isn't even close.
SB Pimp,
Hilarious post.
Posted by: wiZo | May 08, 2007 at 01:47 PM
Kiwi
--Wade is injured.
---Shaq teammates were sick of him, taking vacations while they keep the boat afloat and take the blame for the failures of the team in the season.
---Shaq calling expletives in the referees after the loss, didn't help.
---Also remember the ugly trash talking betwen Dirk, Wade, Shaq and Cuban , was a bad behavior for the Freaky dictator Stern, the league wanted to give them a lesson, to play and let things go as programmed.
Anyway, don't be surprised if Nash and Phoenix suddenly start playing out of this world basketball , because Phoenix is the brand of basketball that the league wants to implement and promote. One problem will be to shut up D'antoni who wants the league to call everything in favor of Phoenix.
Referees can decide easily who win or not, depending of the NBA agenda.
Now the referees and Stern have pending issues regarding the Joey Crawford suspention and that' explain why this series are taking some wild turn around.
We will see what happen!
Posted by: jorema | May 08, 2007 at 02:32 PM
Spurs are truly a classy ballclub, savvy and they just play the most unselfish ball and the right way. Plus, I think Pop is the best coach in the NBA, barnone! So with that being noted, I am guessing they WIN it all. GS maybe make the semis. Bottom line, I think we'll see Spurs vs Pistons and I see the Spurs winning it in 6.
Dayum, I sure miss my Lakers playing right about now...Cannot wait til next year, and the summer and hopefully we make some SMART, KEY and IMPACTFUL moves that will get us back where we belong...
Posted by: lakersrydeordie | May 08, 2007 at 03:15 PM
If you're a Laker fan, the notion of the Spurs or Pistons winning the title is about as appealing as root canal with nothing to dull the pain, as long as the Celtics are out of the mix it gets no worse.
On the next level are the "Still evil but not nearly as bad" teams such as Utah and Chicago, and to a lesser degree Phoenix (who have never beaten us with when we had any chance to go anywhere, after all).
"Evil on purely historical grounds" would be Golden State.
And finally, who we should want to win it all, the "Never really did anything to piss me off" club, Cleveland and New Jersey.
If you can stomach San Antonio or Detroit winning it, I really have to question your bonafides as a fan of this team...
Posted by: Gary C | May 08, 2007 at 03:23 PM
die Suns die!
Posted by: gugy | May 08, 2007 at 03:26 PM
sb pimp ,
that was real funny, what's funnier is that I noticed Mike T has'n posted since.
wizo,
that piece abou the swap between kobe and nash was intersting, no one has argued about that yet as well.
Posted by: vi lakerfan | May 08, 2007 at 04:36 PM
Jorema thanks for the take...I'll keep an eye out!
Posted by: Kiwi | May 08, 2007 at 04:41 PM
Can we put SBPimp in the blog hall of fame for that? There has to be some kind of recognition for universally well liked and appreciated post...
YOU THE MAN SBPIMP!!!
Posted by: Korey | May 08, 2007 at 04:41 PM
I am rooting for the head of Mitch Kupchak on a platter :)
Posted by: MasterTard | May 09, 2007 at 12:45 AM
LA Guy
1) Cleveland - because Lebron (did you see the 36 and 12 last night!) keeps showing Kobe the real way to play team ball.
2) San Antonio - because they're simply the best team and Duncan's a stud.
3) Detroit - because 'Sheed is the man.
4) Golden State - The story, and I like the Stephen-Jackson-becomes-the-hulk possible plot twist.
Posted by: LA Guy | May 09, 2007 at 07:45 AM
glad the mavs are out of it..especially LIVING amongst these whinny ass fans here.
Warriors would be ok with me...b/c i always say CALI is better than TEXAS..and i live in tx soo ..there!
Spurs would be ok..although i dont like them.
SUNS..Fk em.
did you see how d'antoni always makes stupid comments.."we are better than the spurs..we have more talent..."blablhahlb.
everytime he opens his mouth he comes out as this arrogant blob...whatever.
i hate him and his damn squad.
RAISE YOUR HAND FOR HOW GAY IT WAS THAT STEVE NASH HAD A BANDAID and EVERY FAN HAD A BANDAID?>..please.
steve nash' injuries - cut nose
odom showing heart through all of his injuries...elbow...knee....wrist......what else?.
LAKERS next year.
I am not really rooting for anyone...just AGAINST the suns..period.
but again i am glad MAVS are out of it..b/c i definitely absolutely get tired of hearing mavs fans whinning...and crying and well they are the biggest chokers now..so i am happy!
:)
purple and gold forever.
Posted by: LakersfaninTX | May 09, 2007 at 09:10 AM
Gary C..i whole heartedly agree!.
when people say i wish this team would win..i am rooting for this team.
NO NO NO
I HATE EVERYONE BUT THE LAKERS..period...
a lakers fan is just that a fan above and beyond..you can't stomach seeing ANYONE but the lakers win..period.
i dont care..
amen...but i REALLY dont want the suns to win...and i think they wont.
damn i hate steve nash more everyday..do you always notice how he has this little sly remarks all the time?....like he is so great?..i think this is all going to his head..granted he is GOOD..but fkk.
kobe is MVP..period..fkk nash..fk nowitzski...whatever.
GO LAKERS..and no one else!
spoken like a true laker fan.
Posted by: LakersfaninTX | May 09, 2007 at 09:13 AM
Holy bejeezus. That post by SB was off the charts hilarious - funniest ever. Generic, a very close second. I'm at work and just dying trying to hold in laughter... Now, I'm new to this blog so someone has to tell me ... who is this Mike T clown and why is he such a d*ck? AK, BK - do your thing and ignore this guy's posts. They're ridiculous and arguing with him is like talking to a wall... Actually, that's insulting to walls...
Posted by: PDLakers | May 09, 2007 at 12:49 PM
Honestly? Suns. They play the most interesting Ball of all the teams left. They're fun to watch (except when they're trashing us).
Posted by: Michael A | May 10, 2007 at 08:26 AM
SBPimp, that's some funny s#$%. Great, great post.
I think you captured the tone perfectly.
Posted by: Michael A | May 10, 2007 at 09:20 AM
As I sit here reading all of your comments, all I can say is SHAME ON ALL OF YOU WHO WANT THE SPURS TO WIN! I lived in that crappy Texas city for 3 years and every year all I heard was how the Spurs would kill the Lakers. Thankfully I was there for the threepeat. The Spurs fans are so darn obnoxious that I hoped they would all float away on the Riverwalk.
Let's not forget that the Spurs championship #1 was during the strike season, so put a BIG astericks next to that one. Spurs championship #2 was hand given to them. They played against the Lakers without Rick Fox and Devean George (and if Horry had hit just 1 three pointer, we would have had a 4peat!). They beat Dallas without Dirk, so I don't give them any props for that walk through. And Finally, #3 was won over a Sonics team without Rashard and Radmonovic who had killed them all season. Finally, if Mr. Duncan is such a great player, how come he didn't lead the USA to Olympic Gold with an all star team?
Come on TRUE Lakers fans! If you are a true fan, don't root for the Spurs, Suns, Jazz, or Pistons! What's wrong with you all in LA? Too much sun for you all, it's frying your brains!
Lawrence in New Mexico
Posted by: Lawrence | May 14, 2007 at 02:40 PM